by Karen Lynne
Chapter Fourteen
James stopped when he glimpsed Susan. Her shy smile lit up his heart. “Good morning. I see you are ready for our ride.” He couldn’t believe the change since she arrived in London. She was nice to look upon, but now she absolutely glowed. Her hair and gown, done in the latest fashion, accentuated her beauty. He went to greet his mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek before sitting next to Susan.
“I finished with my solicitor early.” James continued to hold Susan’s attention. “We finalized everything with your father. The papers were signed a few days ago.”
He handed her the London Times he’d been holding, reluctantly pointing to the announcement her father had posted. “It seems your father announced our engagement in the paper this morning.” He waited, not sure how she would react.
She read the announcement he pointed to. “We were to wait until the end of the Season. Why would he do it now?” She continued to stare at the paper.
James stood and began pacing the room while gathering his thoughts. His mother watched, a questioning look crossing her face. He couldn’t tell her the truth, that he bought Fyne Court and her father wanted the money now sooner than later. He could wring the man’s neck, but of course, her father had no idea of their pretend engagement. Coming to stand by Susan. “I could not say as to your fathers reasoning, he does not know of our arrangement.”
She squared her shoulders as she let out a soft sigh. “Well.” She gave him a radiant smile that melted his heart. “It is of no consequence. Abby is coming next week. I don’t think we could keep her from talking, or the rest of the family, for that matter.” She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze before drawing away. “It was naïve of us to think we could keep this quiet.” She gave him a half-smile as she looked toward the countess.
“I agree. I wondered how you would pull it off with Lady Moore gracing the Season,” the countess reminded them.
James groaned. “Do not remind me, Mother, but you are right, and we shall make the best of it.” He turned to Susan. “It is time to show you our famous park. Miss Hamilton, shall we?”
Her eyes twinkled as she put on a pretty bonnet. He graciously helped her with her pelisse before she took his arm and accompanied him to his phaeton. He was looking forward to having her by his side.
James had brought his phaeton. Mary had been squeezed on to the seat with James and her, giving them the excuse to sit close. Susan was sure he did it on purpose but found she didn’t mind.
She couldn’t believe all the sights that tickled her senses as they neared the park. Streets crowded with wagons, carriages, and foot traffic in all directions, kept her occupied as James led them through a gate.
“Hyde Park corner will take us to Kings Road,” James said as he maneuvered the phaeton through the crowded lane. “Since you enjoyed my water closets, you might enjoy the lights on Kings Road. It is lighted with three hundred lamps, although it is best seen at night, I wanted to show you Kensington Gardens, which I hope you will enjoy.”
Susan was surprised by the traffic. Carriages as well as horses vied for room as they headed into the park. “I thought it would be quieter before noon,” she said, turning to James.
His chuckle was a deep rich sound to her ears. “This is light traffic compared to this afternoon and, of course, on Sunday.” He smiled down at her.
Mary broke into their conversation, her eyes wide as she looked at the sights. “I would love to see the lights at night.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Pardon, miss, it is all so exciting my tongue got away with me.”
“I am all amazed as well, Mary.” Susan replied, not wanting to dampen her maid’s excitement.
James leaned over and gave Mary his crooked smile. “I think that we can come one evening.” Winking at Susan, her heart warmed at his easy way with her maid.
They continued to move through traffic as Susan watched the crowds mingling. Ladies and gentlemen mixed with the common folk of the city as dogs barked and children played.
A sandy-haired gentleman caught her eye as he reined in his bay mount, riding alongside the carriage. “Miss Hamilton, I assume?” he asked as he lifted his hat.
She could not believe this stranger was addressing her in front of James, no less. Should she cut him? She hesitated, not liking to offend anyone. Turning, James smiled past her.
“Rutley!” James exclaimed as he slowed the carriage to a stop.
Turning the captain reached over Mary and took Susan’s hand in his as if to claim her.
“Rutley, you scoundrel, good to see you out this fine morning.” His face lit up at seeing his friend.
Susan looked at them both waiting for enlightenment as she reclaimed her hand.
“Capt. Rutley, may I present my betrothed Miss Hamilton. The captain and I are fast friends from school. We served together on the Continent,” James explained.
Susan gave him her best smile. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Capt. Rutley.”
“I did not mean to shock you, Miss Hamilton. I am pleased to meet the lady who has captured Balfour’s heart.” Capt. Rutley cocked his head in James’s direction.
James shook the reins and the carriage began to roll. “We are headed to Hyde Park. Rutley, you are welcome to come. I wanted to show Miss Hamilton Kensington Gardens.”
The captain followed relaxing into an easy gait moving over to James side, the two relapsed into familiar banter as Susan listened.
The carriage rolled to a stop along the gate. As James helped her out a scruffy urchin ran up to gather the reins. “Take good care, lad, while we walk the Gardens,” James said tossing the boy a coin.
The boy brightened. “Yes, my lord.”
Flowers were starting to bloom as the park unfolded to Susan’s view. Children ran along the paths enjoying the freedom as their nannies conversed on low benches around the walkways. The mixed aroma of the city and Gardens wafted through the air. It wasn’t like home, but it wasn’t unpleasant either.
A flash of red caught Susan’s view and she stiffened. Lady Moore and her daughter could be seen farther down the path. Wishing to avoid her, Susan took a turn in the walkway her maid following as she hid behind a hedge. James and Capt. Rutley were still in conversation when the shrill voice of Lady Moore rang through the air.
“Lord Malmesbury, so lovely to see you today. We have just arrived this week for the Season.” Lady Moore’s voice carried. “How fortunate to see you here,” she gushed.
James’s face coloured as he looked around before spotting Susan, peeking around the hedge of greenery. He smirked as he turned his attention to Lady Moore. She had continued talking, unheeded by his reaction. She had to admire the way James kept his manners in check as the talkative Lady Moore kept the conversation one-sided.
At a break in her rantings James coughed. “Lady Moore, Miss Moore, may I introduce my friend, Capt. Rutley?”
Lady Moore’s focus shifted to Capt. Rutley, taking him in for the first time. Miss Moore had been absorbed in watching James, which gave Susan an uncomfortable tightness she could not explain.
Miss Moore shifted and gave Capt. Rutley a quick look, her eyes widening before she lifted her chin.
The captain nodded, giving them a slight bow. “Lady Moore, Miss Moore.”
Miss Sophia retuned her attention to James without acknowledgment. She’d given him the cut.
Lady Moore sputtered, once again speechless. “Oh, dear! We must be on our way. Lord Malmesbury, we hope to see you again soon.” She quickly gathered her daughter and the two misses in tow and swept them away, the two misses giggling as the group retreated.
Capt. Rutley watched as the ladies exited down the path.
Susan’s ire rose as they walked away. James approached Susan, shaking his head. “You little minx. Why didn’t you alert me?”
“I am sorry. As soon as I spotted her, my flight instincts engaged and I just barely made my escape behind this shrub.” Susan giggled as she took the arm he offered.
“Yes, well, you are very quick, Miss Hamilton. I will have to keep a closer eye on you in the future.” He tugged her a little closer as he smiled down at her.
Her heart warmed. “Shall we have some secret sign that we can give to alert if danger approaches?” Susan teased. “How about if I put my hand to my cheek?”
He looked at her, hand on cheek. “No, it has to be something verbal so I notice. I might not see you as danger approaches.” He smiled, trying not to laugh.
She stopped, facing him. “Hum… I could kick you in the shin.” She smiled, trying to suppress a giggle. “That would get your attention.”
James laughed outright. The rich sound resonated deep inside her.
“No? Well, I guess we do not want to come to blows. How about a secret word?” Susan thought. “One only we shall know. Then when it is spoken, you will know unwanted company is approaching.”
“Why, Miss Hamilton, I think you have got it. Yes, a secret word. What shall it be?”
“Oh, no, you shall have to pick. After all, I have come up with all the ideas you have rejected.”
“Yes, Miss Hamilton, I see your point. I shall have to think on it.”
Susan enjoyed their comfortable banter. She sobered at the thought of Miss Moore cutting Capt. Rutley. “My lord, it was very rude of Lady and Miss Moore to cut your friend like that.”
“It is of no concern, Miss Hamilton. I am used to it.” The captain spoke from behind.
She turned to face him, having forgotten that he was there.
“It is only because Lady Moore is ignorant of his true worth.” James patted his friend on the back. “Is that not so Rutley?”
The men gave each other knowing smiles as they continued their tour of the park. Susan wondered what James meant. It was apparent they had a close bond. They continued on to Kensington Gardens where some flowers were just beginning to bloom.
To Susan’s delight, Abby and Aunt Lucy came for a visit around tea time. She missed her friend and would enjoy a friendly face for a change.
“Susan, we have been so busy this past week getting my dresses ordered and shopping. It is so exciting,” Abby chattered as Susan invited her to sit.
“We have been visiting all over town. I am so glad you are here. It is hard not knowing anyone,” Susan informed her friend. “Lord Malmesbury has been very attentive and we enjoyed a trip to Hyde Park. I was amazed at the variety of people we encountered.”
Susan thought of Lady Moore and Sophia. “You will never guess what happened. We came upon Lady Moore with Sophia and a group of ladies in the park. I just barely escaped their notice, ducking behind a shrub.”
Abby giggled. “You ducked behind a shrub? In the park?”
“Yes,” Susan replied. “I had no time to warn James, so the poor man was ambushed by Lady Moore. You would think in such a big city, we would not have to be accosted by our local friends.”
“Susan, will you serve tea for our guests?” the countess asked.
Susan was serving tea when James entered the parlor, followed by his friend. “Good day, Mother, ladies.” May I introduce my friend Capt. Rutley?” the captain bowed.
The countess reached out her hand and said. “Captain Rutley, it is good to see you again. May I introduce our friends Lady Phelips and Miss Phelips.”
James’s eyes focused on Susan as he settled on the seat beside her. She handed him a cup of tea.
“Would you care for some tea, captain?” Susan asked.
“Thank you, Miss Hamilton.” Rutley took the offered cup.
The countess and Lady Phelips continued to talk while Capt. Rutley engaged Abby in conversation.
“I have decided on pumpernickel,” James whispered near Susan’s ear.
“Pumpernickel, what-ever for?” Susan stared, wondering if he was mad.
“Why, I rather like pumpernickel,” James teased. “It will be our secret. I like pumpernickel.” His eyes glistened, willing her to understand.
The light dawned as Susan watched James nod. “Yes, my lord, it will do. I like pumpernickel too.” She giggled at their shared secret word.
“What are you two talking about that is so funny?” Abby asked “Please share.”
“James finds he likes pumpernickel and I have told him I like it as well.” Susan smiled.
“Something we find we have in common.” She laughed.
“Pumpernickel?” Abby looked to the captain, who shrugged his shoulders.
“Abby, it is time to go.” Lady Phelips stood. The gentlemen followed, standing as the ladies prepared to take their leave.
“Lady Moore and Miss Moore, my lady,” the butler announced.
Lady Moore swept into the room, her daughter on her heels.
Susan’s heart sank as she moved up behind James. “Pumpernickel,” she whispered so only he could hear. Turning, he caught her eye and appeared as if he were suppressing a smile.
They spent the next fifteen minutes listening to Lady Moore expounding the virtues of her daughter, Miss Moore, and her expected success this Season. It was apparent Lady Moore expected Sophia to catch the eye of the ton, this being her first Season. For her part, Sophia blatantly ignored Capt. Rutley and engaged James in conversation to the exclusion of Susan.
Had she not been sure of James, she would have been put out by Sophia. Still, Susan felt twinges of jealousy, a feeling she didn’t like. It was all she could do to keep up a polite decorum. Capt. Rutley took it in stride and kept up a conversation with Abby.
She was relieved to see them go.
Chapter Fifteen
The following week, she and Abby entered the whirl of the Season in full bloom. Their days were spent traipsing from one party to another. Rounds of visits and a series of pointless expeditions of which the sole purpose was to be seen by their peers in the hopes of attracting an advantageous marriage. She found the excitement of the Season wearing off as she longed to be back in the country. The real balls had not even started. How was she going to keep this up?
Susan was thankful this morning was free of appointments as she found Lady Malmesbury relaxing in the morning room.
“A letter has arrived for Miss Hamilton, my lady,” the butler announced holding a silver tray.
Susan reached for the letter he held. “It is from a Mr. Howton, Esquire.” Curious, she opened it.
“My lady, it seems my grandfather has died. This is from his solicitor, Mr. Howton.” Susan continued to read it again. “He wants me to meet with him. It seems my grandfather mentions me in his will.” She was shocked. What could this mean? She had no feeling for the departure of her grandfather, who was only a byword, a distant shadow which only made her mother sad and her father rant.
“I would think he should have, the way he treated your mother,” the countess replied. “And please call me Julia, Susan. We are practically family, my dear.”
James walked into the room. “Good morning, ladies.”
“James, Susan has received a letter from the Lord Coventry’s solicitor. It seems the earl has died.”
James approached Susan. “Your grandfather?”
Susan held his eyes. “Yes, but I didn’t know him. He cut my mother off when she married my father. I cannot think of a reason he would mention me in his will.” She held the letter out to James.
He took the letter from her hand and sat by her as he started to read. Her body warmed at his closeness. She shifted uncomfortably.
“Well, he wants to meet with you. I can have Reeves my solicitor, make the arrangements.” He handed the letter back.
“James, you have done so much. I can’t keep imposing on you this way.” She snatched the letter from his hands. “I am not so empty-headed that I can’t contact Mr. Howton myself.” Frustration took over as she looked at the letter. When would her life settle down? She knew she shouldn’t take it out on James, but reason was vanishing in the turmoil that had become her life.
He held up his arms in mock surrender a slow smile c
atching the corner of his lips.
“Susan, you know I don’t think that. You have a beautiful head and I will step back if you really want me to.”
She watched him in frustration. Did this man ever get offended? She knew she was just being childish. “Fine.” She sighed “Your solicitor may contact Mr. Howton and make an appointment.” Reluctantly, she handed the letter back to James refusing to meet his eyes.
He stood and swept her a mocking bow, chuckling as he left. Susan smoothed her dress, refusing to watch him leave the room. She noticed his mother out of the corner of her eye, smiling as she worked on her stitching. This is ridiculous, she needed some air and rose to leave. “I will be in the music room.” The countess made no reply as Susan retreated.
The small music room felt warm as Susan entered. A fire was burning in the grate. James had ordered the room to be ready for her when ever she wanted to practice. The thought brought on a new wave of irritation.
Susan pulled out a piece of music she had found amongst the sheet music on the shelves and pulled the harp close, starting to strum. Her heart thawed as she played. She knew her growing feelings for James were the cause of her irritation with him, but feared it was too late. Had she already given her heart to him? As much as she wanted to go home, she could not bear to put an end to their engagement if there was the slightest chance it would end in her favour.
Susan’s appointment to meet with Mr. Howton had been arranged. She had agreed to let James accompany her against her better judgment. The discovery of her feelings for him was still raw in her mind but she feared what her grandfathers will might reveal. She needed the support if it were bad news. Her mother had never talked about him, but the hurt was always there.
Mary helped her take special care with her dress. She was determined to show herself well. She chose a pale peach brocade walking dress with an emerald green velvet jacket. London was still chilly in the mornings and the extra layer of petticoats she wore would help keep her warm.
