The Hawkthorn Ghost Plays Cupid

by Patty Deans

  Her mouth dropped open. Finally she muttered, "Does Robert know?"

  "I wanted to tell you first."

  "How did you find out I taught him?"

  "Robert is proud of his translating and very proud of you. He may not like his new tutor as well as you, but he must get used to male teachers. I expect him to attend Eton and Oxford. He will be a scholar."

  She looked at him and bit her lip.

  Is not this what she wanted? "He is not a baby and soon you will have babies that will need you."

  "Until a man takes them away and puts them in school."

  He got up and squatted on his haunches next to her chair. Gazing straight into her blue eyes, brimming with unshed tears, he found it hard not to reach up and tough her face. The sooner she understood this was for Robert's good, the better off she would be in starting a life of her own.

  "I am not sending Robert to school for years. He will be ready and happy to go. He is a fine young man with good manners. If he doesn't like the tutor I hired, we can find another. At least try to give Robert a chance to be with men. The boy loves you, and will never make you ashamed of him."

  "I suppose you are right." She slowly rose from the chair as he stood. With her head held high, she departed the library.

  ***

  Early the next morning Julia, dressed in her green riding habit, peered through a slit in her bedroom curtain. Glen Sharn was entering the stable. She hastened to the stables to join him for a quick ride. They had become good friends last evening when she coaxed him to waltz a few steps.

  By the time she reached the stables, he was already astride his horse. "Wait for me," she shouted.

  Glen turned his mount toward her. "I'm not good company today."

  "Indeed! I will take your company -- good or bad. What are friends for?" Frank had her horse ready and gave her a hand-up.

  "Race you to the brook." She endeavored to draw him out of the doldrums.

  She took off in a gallop, but slowed to make sure Glen won.

  Shaking his head in wonder, he dismounted and ambled over to help her down from her mount. "Afraid to let me lose?"

  "Hoped it would put you in a better mood to tell me what's got your dander up," Julia wrinkled her nose and smiled.

  "'Tis nothing you've done, Julia. Though you contributed by forcing me to execute the waltz. Rebecca's came up to me after our dance. Would you believe she wanted to take a turn with me on the dance floor."

  "Capital."

  "Wait till you hear her reason for dancing with me. It seems dancing is good exercise for someone with a bad limb. Did you realize that dancing could correct a limp? I must be repulsive to her if she finds it necessary to correct my deformity. I thought her to be a compassionate sort of female, being she is the vicar's daughter. Seems I am wrong. She thinks she can cure every bad-tempered or worthless being she runs into. I have news for her, this worthless being is past curing."

  "I'm sure Becca means no harm." Julia was sure Becca was simply trying to help Glen feel better about himself.

  He shrugged. "She means to make sure I exercise my leg by insisting on long walks and climbing steps several times a day. I cannot cajole her into leaving me be. She will not accept that I'm a cripple. There is no cure."

  "How strange. I never thought of you as a cripple. And your limp has improved. Especially when you forget it. Why would Becca care whether you limp or not?"

  "I don't know. That's what has me all out of shape, Lady Julia. When we used to visit James here and go to town everyone needed her attention if only for a moment. She was always taking care of someone or something, like a baby bird who fell out of a next or a rabbit who lost its way home."

  Glen paid more attention to Becca than Julia realized. "Are you interested in Becca?" she blurted.

  "Like any man could resist such a beauty." He confided in a low voice.

  Julia had not suspected that Becca might be in love with Glen. It could easily be Becca's typical wish to take care of someone she felt in need of a little attention. "I have a plan."

  "Oh, Julia, that frightens me. I heard those words just before you got caught fishing with the stable boys."

  "You were here with James that awful day. La! I should never have called him a dragon, though he certainly deserved it."

  Glen chuckled. "You sound like James. What is your plan?"

  "I want you to pay an exceeding amount of attention to me tonight...escort me to dinner. I'll make sure we are seated next to each other, and we will flirt outrageously. I want to see if Becca is smitten with you."

  "I'd be glad to oblige you, but it is in Rebecca's nature to care for the injured. That doesn't mean she can be smitten with one. I think you will be exceedingly disappointed in her reaction."

  "Don't be a coward. Besides I want James to think everyone is smitten with me."

  "You're wasting your time on James. I doubt he will ever marry."

  "I'm going to marry him."

  Glen threw back his head and roared with laughter. "You might be just the one for James. Tonight I will be devoted to you. Yes, indeed. You might very well be the one that can do it. Lady Julia, you will never find so gallant a suitor as I shall be."

  "I am so happy, but there is one problem. Do you think you might tell me how to be an enchantress? Flirting with a fan doesn't seem to work for me." Julia hoped she hadn't gone too far in confiding with Glen.

  "You just hang on my every word and keep those dancing blue eyes on me. That will work. And now you must promise if Rebecca shows not interest in me, not to let down once on the pretense. In that case, she must believe I don't need her. And furthermore we must convince James I am truly taken with you, as you are taken with me."

  "You've have my word." She doubted Glen's idea of just looking and listening could ever succeed. But what else could she do?

  ***

  Julia brought Robert down for tea. Glen entertained her and Robert, without looking at anyone else in the room. James could not distract Robert from Glen's funny stories about hunting.

  The plan was a simple. Glen and Robert kept her laughing. But not until most of the guests had left the drawing room and gone off to play games, did she notice James' scowl.

  Remembering Glen's words, she ignored James and followed Glen and Robert out of the room. Ellis handed them their wool coats. After bundling up against the brisk breeze, they went for a walk.

  Upon their return, a laughing Robert followed Miss Harper up to the nursery. Glen offered his arm to Julia and led her into the billiards room.

  When Winnie challenged Gabby, everyone gathered around the billiard table, but Glen remained standing next to Julia.

  James with one hand fisted and the other gripping a leather-tipped cue so tight his knuckles were white approached Julia. Leaning close to her, he whispered, "Julia, what are you doing with Glen? You have forgotten your duties to the other guests."

  James' set down left her speechless. Then she glanced up into Glen's twinkling eyes, he said teasingly, "I suggest you watch this match closely if you are to get any pointers on the game."

  Listening to Glen's every word and watching him closely, she was aware of eyes staring through her from behind.

  James in his most formally demanding voice asked, "Julia, Ellis informed me that Milton and his cousins will not be with us tonight but will be here tomorrow night. What are we doing tonight for entertainment?"

  "Aunt Shredda likes to play cards. She plans to arrange two tables." Julia forced herself to giggle and hide her hurt feelings in front of James and the others. "Glen and I want to play chess."

  "Glen is an expert at chess. He needs a more challenging partner. Becca will you be so kind as take Glen into the parlor for a game of chess?"

  Julia's blood boiled at James' audacity to maneuver the situation his way.

  Becca without a moment's hesitation hurried over, and led Glen out of the room.

  Julia watched a rosy tint fill Becca's cheeks. At least it appeared ce
rtain Becca loved Glen, and Glen loved Becca. It would be wonderful if they admit it to each other.

  The billiard game was over, and the other guests followed Aunt Shredda and her friend Clarice to the card room for a game of whist.

  Julia was left standing next to James, who didn't make a move to leave the room. She was moved to say, "Seems we are left out."

  With a scowl on his face, he reached for her wrist. "Come on. I need to talk to you." He practically dragged her down the hall to the library.

  CHAPTER 12

  "Frank told me that you rode with Glen this morning." James tried to calm his voice. "It won't suit. I want you to quit batting your eyes at him."

  "He is a gentleman and very entertaining." It rattled his nerves that she wouldn't look at him. Instead she found the leather bound volumes on the shelves of more interest. "Unless there is something you haven't told me about him."

  "He has no title and not enough money to keep you in the finest clothes."

  "I don't need all these fancy dresses that the London women wear. And Glen has a country home."

  "He won't do!" His hand fisted, and his voice sounded angry even to his own ears. "Julia," it calmed him, when she tried to imitate him by raising an eyebrow. "I'll not let him marry you."

  "He hasn't asked me." Julia wore a smug expression.

  He had the urge to take her in her arms and kiss that look off her face. Instead he said, "You will leave Glen alone, Julia. I insist."

  "I think Becca might be in love with Glen. Would you object to that?"

  "What?" She caught him off guard. Coming to his senses, he answered, "Of course not. Glen is a gentleman and my best friend. I want him to be happy." What was wrong with Julia? She flirts with a man and then wants to marry him to her friend? He would never understand the child. Woman, he quickly amended.

  "I do like him." She batted her lashes at him and added, "But I promise not to fall in love with him."

  He smiled at the little minx. "Come on, I'll play chess with you. Do you know where the chess set is kept in here?"

  "Your father played with me once or twice." She walked over to the shallow closet near the door."

  James laughed reaching over her head to lift out the set. "I forgot how much you liked to organize the library."

  "That's where your father kept it."

  "Indeed. But the Old Earl kept it on a table in this library and that's where I'll keep it. Robert needs to learn chess."

  "He knows the basics. His skill needs developing."

  "I'll see to that. Did you know Glen is a master like Becca? Have you ever played with her?"

  Julia's smile had that mischievous look that played havoc with his heart. "A few times."

  "Then you know. She used to beat all of us when barely nine years old. Her brother, a real master, insisted on her playing chess with him when she could barely walk."

  "That makes me the only outsider?"

  His heart lurched. He couldn't bear for her to be left out. "Has anyone made you feel uncomfortable, Julia?"

  "No."

  With a sigh of relief, he said, "They accept you as one of us. I'm sure they think of you as my little sister."

  "What a shame that I'm not even related."

  "Don't remind me. Come on, play chess with me."

  "Of course."

  James carefully set up the small square table with two chairs set opposite each other. "I've always been the black."

  "That fits."

  "I'm not as bad as you think."

  "I heard there were opera singers and who know what else."

  "Ladies aren't supposed to know about that sort of thing. But if it was Aunt Shredda that told you, then understand that she exaggerates." He quickly changed the subject. "Do you want to go first?"

  She picked up a queen and examined it. "She is beautifully carved."

  "The Old Earl received this set as a Christmas present. I believe it had belonged to a master player. He loved this set and I often wondered if he spent hours rearranging the pieces as I did with my lead soldiers. You are playing with his choice color."

  As the game proceeded he realized she played very well. In fact, he enjoyed her competitive spirit. Perhaps she would make a good wife for him.

  The game ended too soon. "You gave me a good game, Julia. Whoever taught you?"

  "My uncle. He liked the game almost as much as translating Greek poetry into English."

  James chuckled. "You had little to influence you but scholars. No wonder you handled my father and brother so well."

  "Did you not have the same influences?"

  "Yes, but my grandfather thought it necessary to be proficient at sitting a horse, handling a sword, and shooting a pistol. I learned about the estate from him. But he had little success with my older brother, who walked around with a book in his hands, not hearing or seeing anything that might distract him."

  "I had the vicar's sons, who climbed and raced. A neighbor's sons taught me to ride a horse. Later I acquired a swimming instructor."

  He suddenly remembered the time he almost drowned her. "Have you forgiven me?"

  "Long ago. I practiced until I could navigate in water as well as I could run on solid ground. I've taught a few children to also enjoy the pleasure."

  "Stable boys?"

  "They seem to learn automatically. Only girls seem to need teaching."

  "Perhaps we might keep some of your talents hidden while you are looking for an eligible match. We have other marriageable men at our house party."

  "Oh, James, you are even worse than Aunt Shredda. She tries in every manner to hide my bluestocking tendencies."

  James chuckled. "We had better tend to our guests and discuss this later. Promise to leave Glen to Becca?"

  "I promise."

  ***

  While James talked to the guests in the parlor, Julia slipped out and penned two notes. One to be taken to Becca's room and one for the stable. Julia sought out Ellis.

  "Please see that these notes are delivered. Miss Rebecca's should go to her room so she finds it before going to bed. The other must be read before the first horses are saddled."

  With a smug smile, Ellis bowed. "I will personally take care of them, Lady Julia." In a whisper, he added, "I'll not report your matchmaking to Lady Loretta."

  Her heart leaped. The servants might tell the earl. "Becca and Glen need but a small nudge to make them reveal their love. James must not interfere, he doesn't understand romance. Please, don't tell him."

  Ellis looked so proper. "That goes without saying, milady."

  "How did you know about my matchmaking?"

  "Neither you nor Mr. Sharn are flirts. Besides we all know Miss Rebecca has always had her heart set on Mr. Sharn. And you can't help meddling."

  Mayhap the servants have a clue to Ginny's secret love. With a shrug Julia made her way to the card room to play hostess. She stepped into the room and smiled at the couple seated across the room. Obviously, Glen and Becca didn't have a thought for anyone else. Their eyes were intent on each other. Julia wished James would look at her in such a way.

  ***

  Midnight arrived just as Julia slipped into the library. James' heart quickened. At least the minx is not late tonight.

  Sitting in her designated chair, Julia spoke excitedly, "We will have more waltzing tomorrow...I mean tonight. Becca is determined that Glen will waltz. I think she will have him dancing all night."

  "Do you want to make a wager on that?'

  "I own nothing you would want. How can I bet?"

  He was feeling bold. "A lock of your hair for me and a bonnet for you."

  "Why would you want a lock of hair?"

  "To make a fishing lure." He lied.

  Julia laughed. "You might need two locks and I feel generous especially since I'll win."

  "I hope you do." He lied again. He really wanted a lock of her hair.

  Julia's broad smile made him feel a certain stir. Devil a bit! It must be that he had been
too long without a woman.

  ***

  The next morning Julia again sent word to the stables she wouldn't be riding as early as usual, but to be sure to have a horse ready for the vicar's daughter, who in all likelihood will join Mr. Sharn. Then she asked her abigail to discreetly check if Becca left for the stables.

  Once her abigail returned to confirm Becca departed dressed in a riding habit, Julia made plans to tackle her next problem.

  She needed to know Winnie better. She lingered over breakfast. Soon her quarry joined her. He was handsomely attired in a double-breasted blue wool Spencer jacket, yellow waistcoat and beige breeches, down to his black boots. He dressed like the perfect London gentleman taking a gallop through Hyde Park expecting to be seen and adored. Though the viscount professed to love the country, she seldom saw him at church or in town. He nodded before he seated himself across the table from her.

  "What a surprise, Lady Julia, I understood you rode at sunrise. Are you not riding today?"

  "I awoke late. Would you object if I ride with you after breakfast? It's nice to ride with someone."

  "You're welcome. I usually ride over to where my lands join the Hawkthorn land, it is a fair distance."

  "I do not mind a long ride. It sounds delightful." She almost laughed at his glum face.

  He leisurely ate his breakfast then escorted her out to the stables. A stiffer more formal man would be hard to find. How could he and James have been childhood playmates?

  She rode beside him at an easy pace. He acted restrained. "My Lord, I don't mind a good run."

  He nodded then kneed his horse to a gallop. She dashed ahead and looked behind to see him smiling as he urged his mount to full speed. Aunt Shredda certainly had her eyes open when she looked at Viscount Ravenwood. He was every bit as handsome as a fairy tale prince, and certainly more handsome than the stout Prince Regent.

  When he reached the fences he drew over and signaled her to stop. The true gentleman, he came around and helped her to dismount. He led her to two big stone outcroppings and indicated for her to sit on one, and he sat on the other.