Miss Radley's Third Dare

by Heather Boyd

  “Oh, the usual fellows, I expect.” Anthony swept his dark locks from his eyes. “Johnson, Gallen, Neal. I’m of a mind to invite Merton. Fellow adventurers.”

  Her stomach dropped at the mention of Valentine Merton. She’d been trying not to think of him, and his ridiculous suggestion that they should marry, all day.

  “No women in your party?” Sir Peter asked, his brow rising to reveal his surprise.

  “Far too dangerous for any woman.” Anthony shook his head, his eyes far away. “But I’m sure we’ll need some help with packing provisions and such. There’s always so much to be done.”

  Sir Peter’s eyes narrowed and he glanced at her with an expression loaded with regret as she struggled with her disappointment. “Yes, women are such expert organizers,” he agreed.

  Imogen rolled her eyes. “Have a care, husband.”

  “You know my views well, darling. There is none more capable than a woman in any endeavor.”

  Imogen was lucky that she’d married a man of sense. Sir Peter had never spoken dismissively of any woman, to Julia’s knowledge. He was unfailingly open-minded about many things and a great deal of fun.

  Anthony turned to Julia, unconcerned by the debate he’d sparked between the Watsons. “If you could write to your friends and give them my particulars, I would be forever in your debt. Damned expensive undertaking. I’d like to discuss the expedition with them and see how they might help us secure lodgings and supplies.”

  Julia winced. Why would Anthony relegate her to the role of helper when she wanted to be intimately involved? She’d thrown out so many suggestions over the past month as he’d shared his dream of conquering the mount. Anthony had lapped them all up and praised her too. “Yes, of course.”

  “Excellent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an expedition to captain.” Anthony took his leave, offering a jaunty wave as he went.

  Julia watched him go, at once envious and savagely disappointed. Being overlooked stung, and she’d been overlooked a lot in her life. If she’d been born a man, her invitation would have been assured. “I will never understand the way the world is run. If I had a say, I’d be captaining that expedition instead of staying behind.”

  “One day, you will go,” Imogen soothed with a quick glance at her husband. “We cannot have everything we want all at once.”

  “I see.” Julia had thought she had already made allowances for Anthony Linden. She’d known he would need time to accept her strength and courage was a match to his. Her ambitions were just as valid and important as anyone’s. Perhaps it was a failing of all men to dismiss what they didn’t understand.

  Valentine Merton might be an exception, although she wasn’t so sure she would ever understand him entirely. He would be excited about the expedition; to see the stars from a closer perspective would be a lure for him too.

  “I wish I had been born a man.”

  “I’m glad you were not.” Sir Peter frowned. “If you were a man, I’d never allow you to be so close a friend to my wife. I’m quite possessive of whom she keeps company with. As all men of romantic persuasions are, I must warn you.”

  Imogen caught her eye. “Is there a particular gentleman responsible for that scowl? Your brother, perhaps?”

  “Linus could not be worse.”

  “Then what? Did that meeting we discussed yesterday occur last night?”

  “Yes.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sir Peter smother a grin. Imogen had warned her that she and her husband kept no secrets from each other. Clearly, she’d told him everything about her intentions to visit Valentine last night. If only the evening had made things easier. Instead, it had been a waste of time. She wished Sir Peter hadn’t known. Last night had been so embarrassing.

  “And?” Imogen almost shook her. “Do I have to drag every small detail out of you? I’ve been waiting nigh on an hour for an accounting.”

  “He proposed and I knocked him down,” she confessed quickly so the humiliation was over as soon as possible. Julia clenched her jaw. She’d been too shocked to think like a lady last night and had defended her own honor in the only way she could. Knocking Valentine to the ground might have been rude, but she’d never suspected he’d consider she’d welcome a proposal, or a kiss.

  If she had even considered her visit would prompt that kind of response, she’d never have bothered. Julia certainly didn’t think of him in that sense…not romantically. She would not even contemplate his ridiculous suggestion that they marry. She was only trying to mend the breach in a friendship. He must be mad or foxed to have uttered the insane proposal.

  “Was that your way of accepting?” Sir Peter asked, eyes twinkling.

  Julia scowled at his amusement. “No, of course I did not accept. He hardly meant it. What sane person goes around daring a lady to marry them?”

  “What woman goes around daring men?” Sir Peter asked, giving her a pointed look to remind her she was that woman. “He was unusually quiet early this morning. I assume he was disappointed with your mode of refusal.”

  Julia hadn’t exactly said she refused but her actions should have proved to him how unwelcome his advances had been. “I am not happy with him either. He tried to kiss me.”

  The baronet grinned. “Why are you angry about that?”

  “Have you lost your mind? I could not ever be Mr. Merton’s wife.”

  “What’s wrong with Val?” Sir Peter appeared confused. “He’s a decent sort, plump in the pocket enough to afford a wife and not entirely bad to look at.”

  None of that was untrue. “Oh, please. Of course you’d list his positive qualities only. You’re his friend.”

  “His best friend,” Sir Peter insisted. “I think he would make a very good husband. Very loyal.”

  “Hounds are loyal.” Julia scowled and met Imogen’s gaze. Behind her, Sir Peter continued to grin broadly. Blasted man. “I won’t marry him. I won’t even speak to him again until he comes to his senses and behaves normally. I may not speak to your husband again, either, if he doesn’t stop smiling.”

  Imogen gave her husband a nudge. “Go away. You’re upsetting her and making things worse.”

  In response, Sir Peter kissed his wife’s cheek and then strolled ahead toward an orange seller’s stall without another word. “I’m sorry. He’s growing worse every day. Always on the lookout for a match to be made. Such a tragic romantic.”

  “You know how I feel on the subject of marriage.”

  “Yes, it is very hard to miss your infatuation with Mr. Linden has not waned.” Imogen resumed a slow walking pace. “To be truthful, and I know you don’t want to hear my opinion again about him, but, I don’t believe he’s possessed of reciprocal feelings for you. Maybe you should consider Mr. Merton’s proposal. He is a good man.”

  “Anthony is wonderful,” Julia insisted. Mr. Linden had been everything she’d ever wanted since she could remember. A skilled athlete himself, he told such fascinating stories of his travels and successes. She couldn’t wait to be part of that world and go away with him. She would insist upon accompanying him everywhere once they were married.

  “But Valentine was the one who accepted your dare when no one else would.” Imogen linked their arms and walked on. “Mr. Linden is just a touch too sure of his appeal, don’t you think?”

  Julia tossed her head. “People are often jealous about another’s success or popularity.”

  “Sometimes.” Imogen shrugged. “I simply wish he’d spend more time listening to you than talking about himself. Anyone could see you wanted to go with him, which reminds me to warn you again about wearing your heart on your sleeve in public.”

  “We will never agree on this,” Julia insisted. “I don’t care who knows how highly I regard Mr. Linden. I love him.”

  Imogen sighed deeply. “One day, perhaps you’ll understand the difference between infatuation and real love.”

  Julia turned away from Imogen without a word as Sir Peter returned juggling three oranges for his
wife’s amusement. Of course she understood what real love felt like. She loved Anthony with her whole heart. When they were together, it was as if nothing else existed but him.

  She was certain she could eventually bring Anthony up to scratch. She just needed to be patient. Some married couples were so sweet together. Take Mr. and Mrs. Faraday, who were approaching, arm in arm. Mr. Faraday tended toward gruff speech but his wife was entirely devoted to him. They’d been married for thirty years and were forever in each other’s pockets. When Mrs. Faraday glanced up at her husband, she saw nothing else.

  Especially not the hurried approach of a rough-looking man who snatched her reticule from her grasp and hurried away with it before the woman could even cry out in protest.

  Julia grabbed two oranges from Sir Peter, sighted her target, and flung the first fruit, catching the man a glancing blow to the shoulder. His stride broke but he didn’t fall, so Julia chased after him a few steps and flung the next. She landed a solid hit to his back and he fell.

  Thankfully the man lost his grip on Mrs. Faraday’s reticule as he regained his feet with a vile curse and then fled the scene empty-handed.

  Sir Peter, who’d also given chase, stopped at the nearest corner crossing and glanced around. “Damn, lost him,” he called back.

  Julia hurried for Mrs. Faraday’s reticule, and after brushing off the lovely silk accessory, quickly returned it to the distraught woman. “Are you all right? I hope nothing of value is damaged, Mrs. Faraday.”

  “Thank you. Oh, that was such a fright.” Mrs. Faraday stared at her as she held her reticule close to her chest. She blinked back tears. “How did you do that?”

  She shrugged. “Practice and good aim. The first shot went wide because I wasn’t concentrating hard enough.”

  Mr. Faraday set his arm about his wife’s shoulders and squinted at her despite his glasses. “Who are you?”

  “Miss Julia Radley, sir. I know you both by reputation, of course. My brother patronizes your shop when our clock needs repair. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  However, her stomach flipped when the man turned away from her immediately. “We should go home.”

  Most of the older set condemned her now, and despite her good deed, it seemed they still would. However, she did not regret her behavior today. She had acted on instinct, even in an unladylike manner, and despite the likely lecture coming from Linus she would do it all again. Her behavior had aided another. “I hope you are unharmed, Mrs. Faraday.”

  Mrs. Faraday glanced at her wrist and rubbed over it. “A little abused but…”

  “May I?” At her nod, Julia carefully peeled back the lady’s glove and inspected the reddened skin around her wrist. “Cloths dipped in a strong violet-leaf tea, after cooling of course, soon and repeated before bed. I would not embroider or sew for several days to allow proper healing if I were you. If it pains you greatly when bumped, perhaps a binding of linen, firmly done, would offer support for the hand and wrist.”

  Faraday peered at her strangely. “You have experience with injuries of this nature.”

  “Only my own. I once tripped and twisted my ankle very badly on a long walk. I was some distance from home and by the time I returned, my ankle had swollen from overuse. I could not walk freely for several days.”

  “I see.” Faraday glanced down at his wife. “I’d better get you home, my dear.”

  “Thank you, Miss Radley.” Mrs. Faraday touched her arm. “I truly appreciate what you did for me today.”

  They turned for home and a small crowd of older residents went with them, asking question and offering aid. She smiled at how Mr. Faraday ushered his wife along with one arm wrapped protectively around her back. Old people were so sweet, even when they didn’t entirely approve of her.

  Imogen clutched her arm. “That was amazing. I had no idea your aim was so true.”

  “It normally isn’t, but I suppose I had the proper incentive. Mr. and Mrs. Faraday looked so happy moments before the thief struck.” She sighed. “I think I was a little angry that their mood would be spoiled.”

  “Well, whatever the reason,” Imogen gave her a quick squeeze, “no one could fault you for thwarting a thief. Not even Miss Merton could complain. She’s an intimate friend of the Faradays, if you remember. So is Mr. Merton.”

  Julia sighed. By nightfall, Valentine would certainly be regretting his rash marriage proposal to someone like her at that news.

  “Val dined with them last night,” Sir Peter added. “I thought he was courting the daughter, but after what you told us of his proposal, I’m not so sure that could be the case. He’s not one to act rashly.”

  “Well, this will prove his mistake.” Julia dusted off her gloves and straightened her shoulders. “I’ll not stand in his way if he wants Miss Faraday. She would undoubtedly be better for him.”

  Imogen nodded slowly. “Perhaps you are wise to be cautious. Reading between the lines from what Teresa Long has confided over the years, Melanie is sure to cause trouble in Valentine’s marriage, especially if she doesn’t approve of the wife.”

  Julia shivered. Melanie presented two faces to the world—a proper lady every matron over forty adored, and the critical schemer, utterly vicious in private. She’d do anything to avoid a confrontation with her. “She certainly would.”

  Four

  “I cannot believe she told you I proposed, and after she turned me down flat.” Valentine dropped into a generously padded chair in his parlor and groaned as pain flared. Being injured was bad enough. Being injured because he’d been an utter dolt and beast in the bargain pained him more. “Does she deliberately want to humiliate me before the whole of Brighton?”

  Sir Peter Watson merely smiled. “Judging by her scowl—a match to your own at this moment, by the way—I think your offer offended her sensibilities.”

  “Offended her? I was trying to do the right thing,” he protested. He’d been watching for her all day, undecided on how to act when he did see her though. Mostly he wanted to ask how she’d knocked him down in the first place. She had the making of a worthy wrestling partner if she’d been born a man. “Infuriating minx. I think I should not have bothered to worry for her reputation. She is more than capable of defending herself should there be a need.”

  “You’ve had three months to do the right thing with regards to the scandal and didn’t. I hardly think a little nighttime visitation called for a marriage proposal, unless you were already considering it.” Sir Peter raised a brow. “The real reason, now. Out with it.”

  Valentine sighed. “We were alone.”

  Sir Peter grinned. “And?”

  “And nothing.” Embarrassment filled him. For one brief moment he’d forgotten he was a gentleman and kissed her. If not for her stunningly swift reflexes, he might have done more. He was not proud of his behavior. “I was attempting to do what is right.”

  “And her response to that was to knock you down?” Peter laughed. “Come now, surely you gave her just cause for that action.”

  Valentine had so hoped Julia had not shared the events of their whole meeting, but it seemed she’d not been discreet with their friends and had told them everything. “I never so much as touched her.”

  “Such fibbery.” Sir Peter shook his head and grinned. “You tried to kiss her.”

  A flush of heat filled his face but he wouldn’t confirm or deny the accusation.

  “She went to see you last night, at Imogen’s suggestion I must add, to mend fences so you and Linus could stop avoiding each other.” Sir Peter seemed to neither need nor wait for his response. In fact, he seemed delighted by how the evening had ended. “I will offer my congratulations. You have changed her opinion of you, my friend. That is very much in your favor for a positive outcome.”

  He shifted in his chair to ease the pain of his bruise. “I don’t see how.”

  “The problem with Julia—and all of our sisters, really—is that we were brother figures to them all their lives. We watch
ed over each other’s sisters without ever noticing they were growing up before our eyes and I assure you, they did the same to us.” He grinned. “You’re no longer a man to dismiss as merely her brother’s friend now, or opponent. You, my friend, are a prospective suitor at last.”

  “I was her brother’s friend. Linus won’t even acknowledge me lately.”

  Sir Peter spread his hands wide. “Marry her and Radley will be reasonable again.”

  “That is the poorest reason to marry Julia, let alone any woman.”

  “Then what other reason could there be to propose? You don’t love her, do you?”

  “I don’t.” His sudden reversal in opinion, to ask for her hand last night, seemed inexplicable even to him in the cold light of day. A marriage would certainly restore Julia’s battered reputation and the company did prefer married men in their ranks. However, neither reason should have been enough to make him blurt out a proposal. He wasn’t that shallow a man. He’d thought he’d known his own mind.

  When he married, Valentine wanted something warmer than his parents’ cold alliance. A woman immune to outside influence would be desirable too. Whether his father approved mattered little if he had his way and went into trade, although he imagined life would be more harmonious if he wed someone the women of his family approved of. Melanie already expected him to marry Julia. She’d railed at him for not seeing the need immediately after the race.

  Sir Peter regarded him with a smile. “Well? Why the offer of marriage?”

  Indeed why? He’d been affected by her energy last night. The excitement in her eyes as they’d tussled. She had the determination of a man beneath her curves, and that strangely appealed to him more than proper women did. “I like her energy.”

  “She never does stay still,” Sir Peter agreed.

  “I don’t mean that exactly. My sister says Julia willfully ignores propriety but I don’t think that’s entirely true.” He thought back over the past weeks and years of their acquaintance. “Julia is different to every other woman I know. Louder, impulsive, but never mean-spirited. When I agreed to race against her, she was so feverishly excited that she would at last discover her physical limits. She does understand what’s expected of her. She just doesn’t want other people’s expectations to hold her back, and neither do I. I don’t take after my family in that regard.”