A Midsummer Knight's Kiss (HQR Historical)

by Elisabeth Hobbes

  The features were well defined. Wrinkles were hinted at on the subject, but were softened. This was not Lady Avondale upon serious scrutiny, but the woman a loved one might observe. A true likeness seen through devotion.

  The painting had captured the spirit. It said more than colours on canvas. It spoke of vivacity.

  Emilie sighed.

  Her aunt was beyond great. She was not only an artist, she was a master of the brush.

  ‘A good painting.’ A deep baritone voice resonated in her ear, coming from behind her shoulder.

  Emilie didn’t turn, still gazing. ‘Magnificent.’

  ‘You’ve been staring at it and, while it is beautiful, I cannot but realise that you are used to seeing more loveliness in the mirror each morning.’

  ‘Mmm...’ What nonsense. This was true splendour. Captured for—well, eternity. A legacy. The woman’s visage would remain in the family’s midst for ever. Alive. A child generations in the future would view the image and feel they knew this woman.

  ‘The hands...’ Emilie said. ‘I had no idea you could paint them that way.’

  The voice sounded closer, as he peered over her shoulder. ‘I had not noticed them before.’

  ‘That is the purpose.’ Emilie unclasped her arms and held her fingers near the frame as if she could cup the face on the canvas. ‘And the skin tones...’

  ‘If you say so.’

  Oh, the picture truly was a work of brilliance. Emilie blinked back tears, both of awe for her aunt’s talent and sadness that she herself had not perfected her own skills. She had wasted so many hours on fripperies when she could have been improving.

  ‘Might I share a waltz with you?’ the voice asked, so softly she could barely hear.

  ‘Have we been introduced?’ Emilie gazed at the tints of the painting of the Marchioness, still unable to take her gaze away from it, tears almost blinding her now. It would not do at all for someone to notice her sniffling over a painting. Her mother would be enraged.

  ‘We have.’ The words were clipped.

  ‘Of course. I recall now,’ she said. Her mother had insisted she meet so many people that she’d not remembered most of them. ‘Certainly.’

  ‘A waltz...’

  ‘That would be enchanting.’

  Thankfully, he moved away and she used her glove to wipe the moisture from her face.

  Her mother returned, standing by Emilie, then taking her arm to guide her away from the likeness. ‘You picked the right moment to study the painting—when the Marchioness’s eldest son was viewing it. For once, your fascination with daubs of pigments did you well.

  ‘Avondale’s son,’ her mother continued, leading her closer to the musicians. ‘I overheard the Marquess of Avondale’s eldest son ask you to waltz. The eldest,’ she repeated. ‘The Earl of Grayson.’

  Emilie realised she’d agreed to a dance. She’d not been paying attention to anything but the portrait in front of her. She glanced at her mother and put sincerity into her words. ‘I’m so very thrilled.’

  Her mother frowned. She whispered in Emilie’s ear as the music for a reel started, ‘You were not paying any attention, were you? You were staring at the canvas. Lord Grayson and his brother, Mr Westbrook, are matrimonial prizes—at least, on the surface. Their cousin, Mr Previn, as well, but he’s not here tonight.’

  ‘But you said they were all rakes,’ Emilie responded, remembering the quick whisper of warning her mother had given earlier.

  ‘I know.’ Her mother’s scowl speared Emilie as she spoke. ‘But you can’t be too choosy. You’ve waited a little late for that.’

  Emilie didn’t argue. She knew that was the true reason her mother had brought her to London. Her mother had married out of the peerage, for love, and had raised her children away from society. Then she had decided that, while love was nice enough, love and a title would be much better.

  Actually, the one person Emilie truly wanted to spend time with, her aunt, was surrounded by well-wishers. Her aunt laughed, the sound reverberating in the room, causing others to chuckle along.

  Emilie sighed. There was so little difference in their ages, yet her aunt had succeeded, where Emilie had not.

  Emilie’s deepest dream—the dream which made her spirit live—was to create art which mattered to people. Portrayals which people noticed. She wanted to leave a legacy. James Gillray was gone and still people kept his caricatures of the Prince Regent.

  Her mother snorted, ever so delicately, and Emilie knew she’d best give her mother full attention.

  ‘Do not get your expectations up, Emilie. Avondale’s son is likely to be considering you for a dalliance, nothing sincere. But by dancing with him, the other men in society will notice you. This is indeed beneficial to your marriage prospects.’ Her mother looked at her, then in the direction the man had taken. ‘He’s speaking to his brother now. Perhaps both of them will dance with you tonight.’

  Emilie tilted her head so that her mother might not study her too closely and notice the remaining tears. ‘Very beneficial. Yes, Mama.’

  She compared the two brothers, talking, with drinks in their hands. They were too far above her in every way. She would say one reached almost to the doorframe and the other was taller still. Well, she was tall enough herself. She would not oversize them. The tallest one grinned at her. The other one reminded her of someone she couldn’t place. It was as if she’d seen him in a painting before, yet she was certain she would have remembered a portrait with that image in it.

  She bit the inside of her lip, concentrating.

  The more serious one took a drink from the glass in his hand. His frown changed and she assumed he’d glanced her way, but she wasn’t sure. A tiny crease showed on one side of his mouth. He seemed to be paying attention to his brother, but the tickle inside her told her she’d been viewed—pleasantly. Not as a country miss overstepping her bounds, or as a woman in search of a marriage, but as a person who might be interesting.

  Both men were completely comfortable at the soirée, speaking as if they were alone. She wondered what brothers could find to talk about. But everyone in the room seemed to have plenty of things to discuss with their friends, or to be enjoying the spontaneity of the gathering. Even the other young woman whose mother inserted her directly into the line of marriageable men appeared at ease.

  Marriage wasn’t in Emilie’s future. She knew that. She pretended to be on a husband search because bringing down the wrath of her mother never ended well. Paints could be tossed away. Brushes broken.

  But she rarely had a chance to study features on men near her age and the serious brother was familiar. ‘Do you mind if I stand near the Marquess of Avondale’s sons so I will be ready when the waltz begins?’

  ‘That is a questionable plan, Emilie. You must not talk much, and remember to say pleasantries. You’ve not demonstrated that as a ready quality.’ Her mother paused. ‘But we’ll make the best of it.’

  ‘Which is Lord Grayson and which is Mr Westbrook?’ Emilie asked, realising she didn’t know which brother was the eldest.

  ‘Nature was fair. The younger son, Mr Westbrook, inherited Avondale’s handsome face and immense charm. Lord Grayson inherited the title,’ her mother told her.

  Then Lady Catesby contemplated Emilie and whispered. ‘But don’t remind anyone of our connection to Beatrice. Your aunt Beatrice was a late-in-life baby and our parents doted on her far too much. Father was busy training Wilson to take over the ducal estates and Mother spoiled Beatrice. She married for the wrong reasons and ended up on the worst of terms with her first husband. The worst.’

  ‘I’ve heard of her attacking a carriage.’

  ‘Shush,’ her mother whispered. ‘Fortunately, that husband died and she married someone who calms her. Mostly. But she has excellent conversational skills when she wishes and that has advanced her somewhat. Could
hold a conversation with a teacup and kettle at the same time. Probably has done so and doesn’t care at all how she embarrasses us.’

  ‘She is my favourite aunt.’

  ‘I know. I’ve kept you apart from her for your own good. You have the same leanings as her. It is so obvious. I would not have let you attend tonight had I not known how many marriageable males would be here and received your promise of good behaviour.’

  * * *

  Marcus watched Miss Catesby. He could remember her from many years before, but he was fairly certain she didn’t recollect him.

  The soirée was a crush—the largest one this Season. Sometimes his mother did get her feathers in a swirl and decide to show everyone that she was the Marchioness of Avondale. She stood, talking with Miss Catesby’s mother.

  Miss Catesby had wandered again into his line of vision. He regretted asking her for a waltz. He’d spoken with her to help him recall where he’d seen her before. It wasn’t until after she spoke that he’d remembered she was the hoyden at the wedding.

  If he’d known she was going to keep her attention on the portrait when he’d spoken to her for the dance, he’d not have requested her to partner him. His brother had watched the interchange, and found it amusing.

  She moved closer, and he and his brother, Nathaniel, greeted her.

  ‘You are radiant tonight,’ Marcus said, taking her gloved hand to bring it to his lips for a kiss. The glove smelled of springtime roses.

  ‘Thank you.’ Emilie turned to his brother. ‘I’m so looking forward to our dance.’

  Marcus’s eyes narrowed and he studied her.

  Nathaniel tensed, straightened a bit, but then gave a bow and took her glove to raise it almost to his lips and brush a kiss in the air above it, fighting a grin. He didn’t release her glove as he should. ‘I would indeed love to partner you, Miss Amelia.’

  Marcus waited for Emilie to correct the mispronunciation of her name, but she didn’t. Nor had she, it was obvious, taken notice when Marcus had been the one to ask her to dance.

  ‘It is my good fortune that you accepted. My immense good fortune,’ Nathaniel continued.

  He finally released her fingers. ‘But can you imagine the dilemma that this presents for me? While I asked you to dance, my brother asked Miss Geraldine the same question and she mistook him for me.’ He put a hand over his heart. ‘Happens repeatedly. They are thinking of me when he appears and, well, I suppose it is a purposeful game they play to try to get closer to me. So, I really should waltz with Miss Geraldine as she has been expecting it. You alone can make this faux pas fade into nothingness, Miss Amelia. Please do me the great honour of saving the evening and my brother’s deep embarrassment, and move to the floor with him.’ His lids lowered. ‘Of course, I would be happy to partner you before the night is over.’

  Marcus stared at his brother’s grin and the confused regard of Miss Catesby, whom he now rather disliked.

  Her eyes opened wide.

  ‘It would indeed be fortunate if you saved me grave embarrassment, Miss Catesby.’ Marcus shot a glance at his brother before giving her a bow.

  ‘Oh, how awkward for you.’ She turned to him in sympathy. ‘Of course I will partner you.’

  ‘If you will pardon me, I must fetch Miss Geraldine,’ Nathaniel said, moving away.

  Marcus nodded to Emilie. Her heart-shaped face and delicate lips were beyond ordinary. He regarded her enthusiasm. She could sparkle with radiance when she inspected splatters of colour...or his brother, Nathaniel, or even a particularly good lemon, he recalled.

  The music started and he held out his hand for hers.

  She moved into his arms and the waltz began. Marcus planned this to be his last tête-à-tête ever with Miss Catesby.

  She stared at his cravat and he looked over her, noting that she did feel rather perfect in his arms.

  ‘This must be awkward for you. But I assume it’s the curse of the younger brother,’ she said.

  ‘I have a younger sister, who is married and in Staffordshire. She is a treasure. And I would have to agree with your assessment that it can feel a curse to have a younger brother,’ Marcus said.

  ‘There is one younger male than you in your family?’

  ‘Yes. He is dancing with Miss Geraldine now.’

  She gasped. He felt it. ‘Oh, I thought him the eldest.’

  ‘He just looks older. It’s all the dancing he does. It wears on him.’

  ‘Then it really must chagrin you,’ she spoke as he swirled her around, ‘when people confuse the two of you.’

  ‘They don’t often.’

  ‘And you are a wonderful conversationalist,’ she added. ‘I dare say you could carry on a conversation with...a...a teapot?’ She frowned. ‘That did not come out exactly right, did it?’

  ‘Perhaps you should have said anyone.’

  She shrugged. ‘I’m not very good at speaking with people. It’s I who lack conversational skills.’

  ‘Perhaps you could practise.’

  ‘I prefer to speak through my canvas. I know nothing of the subjects that other people talk about.’

  ‘The trick is to listen and encourage them to speak more.’

  ‘A brilliant theory.’ She paused. ‘And what interests do you have?’

  He firmed his lips, set his jaw, then gazed at her. ‘Beautiful women. Fine refreshments.’ He gave a slight twist to his lips. ‘A night of dancing.’

  She raised one eyebrow. ‘You have your conversational skills honed.’

  ‘I practise.’

  ‘And what interests do you truly have?’

  ‘I gamble, on occasion. Small amounts. Drink. Small amounts again. And then, of course, I prefer an occasional soirée, but not masquerades. I know the object is to pretend to be someone else, but it’s too frivolous for me.’

  Her mouth opened, then her lips turned up. ‘I saw a reproduction of Dressing for a Masquerade once and the event looked exciting.’

  Marcus took a moment before speaking. ‘I’ve witnessed that particular portrayal of Thomas Rowlandson’s and I would advise strongly that you take caution when you see anything with his name on it. He doesn’t consider that a woman might view what he creates.’

  ‘I live for drawings and oils and charcoals. And sometimes the life that is reproduced is not always polite.’

  ‘Miss Catesby, that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be. The world doesn’t begin and end at the end of a paintbrush, and artists should only create to educate.’

  ‘Well...’ she moved within the waltz and the distance between them lessened ‘...the world doesn’t revolve around gambling, women and drink for me.’ She beheld him through her lashes. ‘Please allow me my vice.’

  ‘I would prefer to credit you with only virtues.’

  She laughed. ‘Yet you prefer me to presume only vices for you.’

  ‘Where you are concerned, that is probably for the best.’ He’d so wanted to dislike her, but when she laughed, the sound resonated inside him and made him want to hear it again. ‘And accurate.’

  ‘Shame on you, Lord Grayson. If I may be so straightforward, you have a dashing profile.’

  He bowed in acknowledgement of the compliment.

  ‘What did you think of Lady Avondale’s portrait?’ she asked. ‘I know you said it is good, but...’

  He glanced down. ‘I should like to view a likeness of you.’

  She gasped with pleasure. ‘That is so kind of you. Are you fascinated at all by art?’

  He blinked. ‘No. I don’t see colours the same as other people. I can’t tell the difference between most of them.’

  She closed her eyes for a moment. ‘I am so sorry you have missed out on the beauty of hues.’ She shook her head. ‘I will try not to be bothersome to you, Lord Grayson. I feel for you. I could not live without the colour
s of my paints.’

  ‘I am sorry I have missed out on the beauty as well.’

  When the music ended, they stopped, but didn’t immediately separate. He imagined her in a portrait. On his wall. To gaze at. He swallowed. His conversational skills had evaporated.

  ‘Would you like a stroll in the gardens?’ he asked.

  She studied him. ‘You don’t like art?’

  He firmed his lips. ‘Not usually.’

  ‘Oh...’ She peered beyond his shoulder. ‘If you will pardon me, your brother is beckoning me.’

  Neither spoke as they went in opposite directions.

  * * *

  Emilie walked away from the couples, feeling she’d just stumbled, instead of dancing. And she was certain she’d not missed the steps.

  Mr Westbrook strolled her way and she asked him if he liked watercolours, and he regaled her with a day his father had hosted the caricaturist Gillray, years before, and Mr Westbrook continued on, discussing prints he’d seen, and agreed that he, too, dabbled with paints. The talk of tints and hues should have been more interesting. But it wasn’t really.

  Then he led her into the swarm of dancing people and she beamed in all the right places and feigned all the fascination she could and hid her relief as the music ended.

  When she reached her mother at the refreshment table, she peeked at Lord Grayson. He was observing Lady Elliot and her two daughters.

  Then, another man approached the group. The man glared at Grayson, which was wise of him, and offered his arm to the younger Miss Elliot. She accepted the invitation and they sauntered away.

  Then Grayson turned, an indulgent smile on his lips. He gave Emilie the barest glance before he turned to the elder daughter, spoke and she tucked her hand under his arm and let him lead her to the Roger de Coverly.

  Emilie tapped with her fingertips against the side of her lemonade glass, watching Lord Grayson with Miss Elliot—the woman dancing was obviously revelling in the experience of being so close to him.