by Karen Lynne
Mr. Bathurst cleared his throat rocking on his heels. “Miss Phelips, it would be my honour to escort you to your seat.” He lavishly bowed, much to Abby’s distress. She gave Susan a pleading look as she accepted Mr. Bathurst’s arm.
Susan suppressed a smile of sympathy when a familiar deep voice sent shivers through her. “Miss Hamilton, may I escort you to your seat?” Lord Malmesbury smiled down at her. He’d taken her completely by surprise, and her tongue stopped working as she slowly slipped her hand on the arm he offered.
“I am so delighted to introduce our guest today, Mr. Evans.” Lady Filbert swept her arm toward the grand piano where Mr. Evans stood, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. Lady Filbert beamed as she continued, “Mr. Evans has come to us from London. He will be singing his own composition, which are highly favored in London. Mr. Evans is the director of the Regency's family services at the Chapel Royal in Westminster. Mr. Evans.”
Susan tried to relax, her senses aware of the earl sitting beside her. Mr. Evans stepped forward and the accompaniment started. The prelude strains were soft and beguiling as his strong alto voice picked up on cue. The song progressed and his rich voice worked its magic as the stress receded from her. She soon was caught up in the music, forgetting the scene around her.
James escorted his mother to Lady Filbert’s soiree. While enduring the tediousness of making small talk while making his way through the receiving line, he began to remember why he had withdrawn from social functions.
Chairs had been set up in the west salon for the musicale. Light flooded in through long windows, which opened onto the terrace outside. He was surprised by the light, comfortable feeling.
“I’ll just stay here with Lady Phelips and Lady Sheltham,” the Countess said as she settled on the settee with her friends. “You go mingle with your friends. I’ll be fine, dear.”
He left his mother with her friends and settled himself comfortably against the back wall, observing the guests as they mingled. Footmen offered sweetmeats and sandwiches on trays to the groups of guests.
He heard the familiar booming voice of his cousin, Bathurst, and turned his attention to the group his cousin was regaling with his stories, no doubt. He noticed Miss Phelips and her friend Miss Hamilton listening politely. Miss Hamilton made an attractive figure in her simple yet tasteful gown. He began to stroll over to greet her when he felt a hand on his arm.
He hadn’t noticed his mother approach. “Lord Malmesbury, I would like to introduce Lady Moore and her daughter, Miss Moore.” The countess gave him a sympathetic look.
“Lord Malmesbury, we are so honored to meet a war hero and have you home. I have been telling my daughter about your exploits on the continent.” Miss Moore smiled prettily as she fluttered her lashes.
“Thank you, Lady Moore. It has taken a lot of our country men to defeat the French. I was but one who did his part.”
“My lord, how modest you are.” She laughed, tapping his arm with her fan. He sensed Lady Moore was the type of domineering, gossip-loving woman he most disliked. She continued to talk about things she didn’t have any real knowledge of, prattling on and on. He tuned her out while nodding politely.
Over the top of Lady Moore’s head, he noticed Miss Hamilton watching, an unusual expression in her pretty eyes. His mouth twitched, as a flush rose to her cheeks and she lowered her eyes. He had affected her; the thought evoked a warm feeling in his chest.
Excusing himself from Lady Moore and her daughter, he took a glass of wine from a passing footman downing the glass in one gulp.
“It’s not as bad as that now, is it, Malmesbury?” William Phelips slapped him on the back, a knowing smile crossing his face. He offered his hand and they shook heartily.
“Bathurst told us you were home. It’s good to see you. It has been a long-time, friend. Your cousin has been entertaining us with your war campaigns, boasting of your heroism as if he himself attended the front line.”
“I can believe it. Devon is young and boastful, but he means well. It’s good to be back home. I am working with my steward on some improvements I want to implement but can always use some others’ input. Can you come by? We could ride over the property and I can show you what I have in mind.”
“Sounds good. I’ll ride over in the afternoon. I promised Abby and Miss Hamilton I’d go riding with them in the morning,” William replied.
“Why don’t I join you? We could ride over the property at the same time.” James thought about how enjoyable a ride with Miss Hamilton would be.
“Splendid, I’m sure my sister would enjoy seeing your estate.”
They both turned their attention as Lady Filbert announced the program was about to start and encouraged guests to take their seats. The room was crowded. He and William moved toward his sister, Miss Phelips, and Miss Hamilton. “It’s quite a crush today,” his cousin commented as he joined them. He knew Devon loved the crowds. His cousin had always thrived on attention. He was relieved to see Devon and William leave Miss Hamilton standing and decided to approach her from behind.
“Miss Hamilton may I escort you to your seat?” He maintained an even smile as she turned and looked up into his eyes. Not a sound emanated from her lips as she slowly lifted her hand and settled it lightly on the arm he offered. He waited for her to say something, but she remained quiet as they approached the seating.
As everyone sat, Lady Filbert introduced Mr. Evans. James was contented when the music started. Mr. Evans was accomplished and he soon found himself enjoying the small concert.
Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Miss Hamilton. She seemed to be enjoying the music. She hadn’t tried to make small talk, flutter her eyelashes, or smile coyly while trying to get his attention like Miss Moore. He looked forward to learning more about this intriguing young lady.
The concert ended, and Lady Filbert announced refreshments in the garden with the chance to talk further with Mr. Evans.
James escorted Miss Hamilton while the group filed out of the salon, through the doors opening onto the terrace, gathering the countess and her friends along the way. Devon excused himself as soon as they were outside and wandered off in the direction of the food tables. Lady Filbert had set up a nice luncheon in the yard with canopied groups of tables dispersed through out the garden. Buffets of food lined the terrace.
James and William settled the countess, her friends, and the young ladies among the shade of several mature oaks. “May we bring you ladies some refreshment?” James asked the countess while including the ladies in his offer.
“Yes dear, that would be wonderful.” The countess replied.
James and William left the ladies in search of refreshment when he heard a group of gentlemen involved in a heated discussion on horseflesh interspersed with roars of laughter. It was apparent they were becoming foxed.
“Who are those men there with Bathurst?” James asked.
William turned in the direction James indicated. “Those are members of the hunt club, although they enjoy more than hunting.”
“I didn’t see them in the hall during the concert,” James replied.
“No, they usually show up late. The red-faced gentleman next to Bathurst is Mr. Caldwell. He bought a mansion a few years back after inheriting a good sum of money on his father’s death. His father was a tradesman who invested wisely. They are a hard-drinking, hard-gambling group. He keeps a large stable. Met him at Tattersalls a few times, can’t say that I like the fellow.”
Caldwell, James thought. This must be the Mr. Caldwell Miss Hamilton was avoiding. He could see why as he watched the group. If this was the type of men Bathurst hung with, he could understand his cousin’s outrageous spending. An ominous feeling settled in his gut. He had worked too hard to have the estate ruined in a generation by slothful living. He was afraid his cousin could do just that if he became the next Earl of Malmesbury.
Chapter Six
The following morning, Susan entered the breakfast room to find Abby already sea
ted with Aunt Lucy. “Oh Susan, I think that riding habit looks so much better on you. I never liked the colour. I see Mary was able to alter it.”
Susan smoothed her hands down the front of the soft velvet skirt. Mary had finished letting the bodice out and adjusting the length of the hem. She had two inches on Abby, but there had been plenty of material for the extra length. Mary had steamed the seam line so it was hardly noticeable.
“Are you girls going riding?” Aunt Lucy asked.
“Yes, Aunt Lucy. William promised to ride with us this morning. He said something about riding over to Malmesbury estate,” Abby replied.
Susan looked up from her breakfast. “Lord Malmesbury’s estate?”
“Yes, his estate borders ours. I told you, remember? He wants some advice on some improvements he’s making. I don’t understand it all, but I would like to see Bowood House.”
“It is a beautiful estate, and the countess keeps such nice gardens. Now that James is home, I’m sure Julia will be entertaining,” Aunt Lucy replied.
“I’ll meet you at the stable, Susan.” Abby popped the last bit of scone in her mouth before hurrying out the door.
Susan watched Abby leave. “Aunt Lucy, have you found any positions for a lady’s companion yet?”
Aunt Lucy looked up from her breakfast, studying her before answering. “Now don’t you worry, Susan. I have some very good ladies helping to find just the right position for you.”
“Thank you, Aunt Lucy. I don’t mean to be ungrateful. I appreciate all your family is doing for me.”
Aunt Lucy smiled. “I understand, dear. Now you go and have a nice ride. The fresh air will be good for you.”
She left the room and returned to her bed-chamber to gather her hat before heading to the stables. Mr. Caldwell had shown up at Lady Filbert’s with his rowdy, boisterous friends. She’d been able to avoid his attention’ but it was only a matter of time before he discovered her location.
William was outside the stable talking to Lord Malmesbury when she approached. Dogs were whining around their legs, seeking attention. Self-conscious at seeing him after having been tongue tied yesterday, she felt foolish. He looked good, really good in his sleek-fitting tan riding pants. She blushed at the thought and hurried through the stable doors. The smell of fresh hay filled the air. A groom brought out her favorite ebony mare.
“Have her all ready for you Miss Hamilton.” The groom patted the horse’s neck.
Susan’s hand nuzzled the mare’s nose. “I’ve missed you, girl. We shall have a splendid ride today.” The horse threw its head back, snorting in agreement. Susan followed the groom into the yard where Abby had already mounted her mare, riding in small circles, warming her up.
Susan followed the groom to the mounting block when she felt a hand on her arm. “May I help you mount, Miss Hamilton?” Her heart skipped as she turned, looking up into the earl’s dark eyes. She hadn’t heard him come up behind her.
“Yes, thank you, my lord.”
The groom held the mare’s head as the earl leaned over. She lifted her foot into his cupped hand as he lifted her onto the side saddle, his hand touching her waist to steady her as she adjusted her leg over the pommel. She’d had help mounting many times, so why did the earls touch feel so intimate?
Abby rode up beside her and they watched Lord Malmesbury mount his magnificent stallion. She remembered admiring the animal on the road after the carriage accident. The men rode off while she and Abby followed behind. If felt good to be riding again. It had been a few months since she had been able to ride her favorite horse in Sir Phelips stables.
They headed across the fields toward the countryside, passing fresh cut haystacks and cattle grazing in pastures. William and Lord Malmesbury talked, pointing things out as they rode. After a while Lord Malmesbury turned and, slowed, waiting for them to come aside.
“That line of trees on the hill is where my estate starts.” He pointed to a line of fir trees cresting the top of a hill.
Abby turned to her, a challenge in her eyes “I’ll race you, Susan.” With that, she kicked her horse and took off. Not to be the loser, Susan kicked her mare and was fast upon Abby’s trail leaving the gentlemen behind. She could hear William laughing as she gained on Abby and her mount. They rode to the top of the hill seconds behind each other. She could see the dark fir trees stretching in a long line for nearly two miles, ending where they protected a beautiful mansion against the north winds.
“That felt good.” Abby sighed, reining in her horse, while they both regained their breath.
“That is Bowood House.” Abby pointed to the mansion. “Lord Malmesbury’s home.”
“What do you think?” the earl asked as he rode up beside her.
“The scenery is breath-taking and Bowood House is, well, it’s certainly more than a house, but it is impressive.” Susan turned. He was watching her. She continued to gaze out over the landscape, and a sigh escaped as she took a deep breath, thinking of her home.
“What are you thinking?” Lord Malmesbury asked.
She took another breath before answering. “My home, Fyne Court. It’s only been a week, but I do miss it already.” He looked at her with knit brows.
She smiled. “My father was married a week ago and his new bride, Lady Kensley has convinced him to sell.” Why was she sharing this with him? She did not know him.
He waited, no judgment, just understanding in his eyes.
She continued, somehow trusting him. “My father and Lady Kensley are on their wedding trip in London and will be gone for the month. I couldn’t bear staying in a strange home alone, so I came to visit Miss Phelips. I was on my way to Montacute when you found us off the road.” She blushed, remembering the scene.
“Well, I am glad I was able to help a lady in distress.” His dark eyes twinkled.
She gave him a sharp look and saw he was teasing her. She relaxed. “My lord, I didn’t thank you properly, but I am ever so grateful you came along.”
William and Abby had dismounted and walked toward them. Lord Malmesbury dismounted and raised his hand, an offer to help her down. “May I?”
She nodded as he reached up. His hands encircled her waist and she slid easily to the ground. She closed her eyes, inhaling the smell of sandalwood. Had she just smelled him? She opened her eyes. His clouded eyes met hers then, cleared, and smiling again, he moved away, offering his arm. They strolled along the hill-top.
Lord Malmesbury discussed improvements he wanted to make as William listened and gave his advice every now and then. She flushed whenever he glanced in her direction and, found it difficult to hold her side of the conversation.
Abby came alongside and Susan reluctantly released his arm. She followed Abby though the wild-flowers flowing in the wind and left the men to discuss management business. Her gaze wandered over the softly curving hills and broad green fields, crisscrossed by drystone walls.
Thoughts turned to her home; she missed it so much. A pox on her step-mother and that dreadful Mr. Caldwell for driving her away from her memories and the comfort of her childhood! She didn’t really wish anyone harm, but they had made her life a mess, and she was fearful of the changes ahead.
Abby nudged her. “What has you so deep in thought?”
“Oh, Abby, I am just so frustrated that my father has seen fit to forget me and leave me to the likes of Mr. Caldwell. Did you know Lady Kensley said if I didn’t marry Mr. Caldwell that she would throw me out into the streets to starve?”
Abbie’s eyes widened. “But surely your father would not let that happen?”
She shook her head. “I am afraid Lady Kensley has the power of money on her side and she made it clear my father would have all he wanted. She is right, Abby. My father is not the man I knew when Mother was alive. I am only twenty, and until I reach my majority this fall, my father can dictate whom I marry.”
Abby gave her a hug. “Do not fret so. Aunt Lucy will not throw you to the streets.”
Susan knew
Abby was right, but she could not stay at Montacute forever and when her father returned, she needed to be well out of Mr. Caldwell’s reach, at least until she turned twenty-one. Unless she could produce an acceptable betrothed to replace her father’s choice. She started, betrothal? What made her think of marriage? She needed a position so she could support herself. To be independent.
Lord Malmesbury and William were deep in discussion, over what, she did not know. Her blood warmed as she observed the earl’s easy fashion which suited his powerful frame. She was a fashionable contrast in her neat but homemade dress. Was she thinking to set her cap for the first man she encountered? An earl, no less. She didn’t even know how to set her cap for a gentleman. She wasn’t practiced in the art of flirtation, and she had no mother to guide her in these things. With no dowry she was at a severe disadvantage. No, better to keep to her course and find a position as a lady’s companion.
The morning had been nice. She started to relax on the return to Montacute. The groom helped her dismount and she headed into the house before Lord Malmesbury approached.
Susan swept into the entryway of Montacute Manor, pulling off her hat as she headed toward the stairs when the Dawson butler appeared, addressing her with his cool demeanor. “Miss Hamilton, you have a gentleman to see you. I have left him in the front parlor.”
“Who is it?” Susan was surprised. No one knew she was here.
“He wouldn’t give his name but insisted it was about your father.”
Alarmed, she wondered if he had been hurt. “Thank you, Dawson, I’ll see him.” She quickly entered the parlor. A portly young man turned from inspecting the portrait above the mantle. She stiffened and her heart sank, Mr. Caldwell stood in all his disgusting glory. She couldn’t help compare him to Lord Malmesbury. He may have had some redeeming qualities but she couldn’t think of any at the moment. His gaze, took in the sight of her. An uncomfortable feeling settled in her chest.
