"I can't believe you did it. I'm proud of you. Letting that place haunt you isn't healthy."
"I know, but my stomach gets in a roil when I get near it."
"You know how sorry I am that you went through all that."
"Yes and I appreciate it."
Myles came down the staircase. Cassandra let out a small gasp. "Who is that handsome gentleman?"
"That's Myles Cuthbert. He had his horse pull up lame and will be here for a few days while the animal is tended to. He's the one I took for the walk."
"He's mighty fine, isn't he?"
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
"Don't act so coy. How could you fail to appreciate him? He could be a sculpture. All that brawn and muscle tone? You have to agree those breeches show exactly how fine he is. To say nothing of that black hair falling over his brow in such a romantic way. I think I may swoon."
"You swoon at the least provocation."
"He's pretty provoking. Almost as much so as that blond Adonis, Mr. Hastings."
"Please don't tell me you're attracted to Mr. Hastings."
"Did I hear my name?"
The man had worked his way through the group to stand at Augusta's side. She only hoped he hadn't heard much of the conversation.
"Have you met my friend, The Honorable Cassandra Tew?" She turned to Cassandra. "Miss Tew, may I introduce Mr. Hastings?"
"I cannot say I have had the pleasure." Hastings bowed over Cassandra's hand. She giggled when he kissed her knuckles. "Another lovely lady. The house seems to be full of them."
"Thank you, sir. You are too kind. I've always felt overshadowed by the beauty of my friend Lady Augusta so your compliment is quite appreciated."
Augusta could scarcely believe Cassandra said such a thing. She was one of the great beauties of the season and she knew it. Vowing to address the comment with her later, Augusta turned away from them and glanced around the area.
When she realized she was looking for Myles, Augusta pulled herself up short. What was she doing? The man was a mere acquaintance and one who would be leaving in a day or so. Chances of her ever seeing him again were low and she needed to focus on helping Lance, not getting attached to some man who probably thought of her as a nuisance. Lord knows, she'd given him enough reason to think so at the inn the night before.
Soon, William had Emerson announce the meal was ready and everyone entered the dining room. Sure enough, Margaret had placed Augusta next to Mr. Hastings. If she didn't know better, she would think her sister-in-law wanted to make a match between them. As it was, the woman had never had anything to do with Augusta until this weekend. It was all very odd and disconcerting.
Luckily, there wasn't a chance for Mr. Hastings to pay much more of his endless compliments as he had to also give attention to the person on his other side and Augusta had to do the same. She really didn't like talking to the man but knew it was necessary to get the information she needed to assist Lance.
Before she knew it, the meal was over and it was time for afternoon pursuits. Her normal preference was to spend the time between luncheon and dinner alone either in her room or riding sedately in the hated side-saddle. Today would have to be different since she had to learn why Nigel Hastings was on the estate. She was sure he'd arranged the invitation because he was going to meet with someone invited to either the house party or the ball set for this evening.
The guests began to disburse to various rooms and indulge in either card-playing in the parlor or quoits in the yard for the men, and reading or needlework for the women in the library. Augusta was disgusted that, as a lady, she wouldn't be able to gamble with the men over either game. William was very rigid about those things and would never allow it even though she'd out-played him many times over the years, but that was when only the family was home.
How would she arrange to spend time with Mr. Hastings if the men and women were separated? She searched her brain for an alternative but was rescued by chance by her brother Ambrose.
"I say, Augusta, would you like to ride out with Hastings and me? He wanted to see some of the tenant farms. To see how we run things compared to his own father's lands."
"Your father has an estate?" Augusta asked as she looked up at the large blond man.
"He does. I doubt you'd have heard of it. It's almost to the Scottish border."
"Oh, you don't sound like someone from that far north." She smiled and the expression widened as he turn a shade of red that let her know she'd stumbled upon something he didn't want people to know. He was lying about his background. He had to be, otherwise, he'd have an excuse for his lack of accent.
"Do you have many of your acquaintance from The Borders?"
"A few. They seem to have a distinctive way of speaking." She shrugged. "Or maybe it's my keen ear."
"I assure you, my father's lands are there."
"Surely you don't think I doubt you?" Augusta clenched her teeth and forced herself to place a hand on his arm to show her sincerity.
"Of course not." He patted her hand then didn't let go.
"I should put on my riding habit," she said.
"I think you'll be fine. We're only going for a little while," Ambrose said.
"This is not appropriate riding attire."
"For once, I think you can be inappropriate, dear sister." Ambrose looked down at Augusta and, turning his head so the other man couldn't see him, he winked.
Shocked that he would dare to tease her about her wild ways when he'd become such a stickler about behavior since he'd started working the estate with William, she smiled up at him and stayed silent.
Ambrose led them out of the house and to the stables. They waited in the yard while the groomsmen readied their mounts. When Socrates was brought out, Hastings looked him up and down and addressed Ambrose, "What a magnificent steed you ride, Covington."
"Oh no, that's Lady Augusta's mount. She never lets anyone else ride him."
"I'm amazed your father would allow such a little lady to handle that amount of horse flesh. Isn't that rather dangerous?"
And yet again, men were speaking about her as if she were deaf or not in the area. Nothing made Augusta madder than to be ignored or dehumanized to the point of being talked about over her head. It was all she could do not to respond but a lot was at stake here so she kept quiet.
"You'll see. She and that horse are as one once she's on him. I guarantee you'll be impressed." Ambrose pulled himself up on his own horse that was perfectly fine but nowhere near as beautiful as Socrates.
"If she was my wife, sister or daughter, I'd never let her on such an animal." Hastings boarded his own mount.
Augusta bit down harder on her tongue to keep from saying something she would regret. Waiting patiently for the groomsman who always helped her onto Socrates' back, she stood to the side until he brought the mounting block. As he assisted her onto the sidesaddle, he smiled. She knew what he was thinking. She'd made it clear on many occasions how she felt about that contraption.
When the groomsman moved the block away, Augusta pressed on Socrates' side and took off. She needed to work out some of the frustrations the man made rise up in her.
The escape was only momentary. Before she knew it, hoof-beats pounded behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. Hastings was almost right on top of her. When his mount drew even with Socrates, he reached over and grabbed the reins, pulling them to a stop. Dirt sprayed from under Socrates' feet. The horse threw back his head and snorted.
"What do you think you're doing?" Augusta couldn't hold back. This idiot had almost caused her bodily harm. Being more used to secretly riding astride, she wasn't as stable in the sidesaddle and she almost slid off when he pulled up her horse.
"Your mount ran away with you. I saved your life."
Ambrose rode up at that moment. "I say, Hastings, what was that all about?"
"Your sister's life hung in the balance there for a moment. I've saved her and she seems to be rather ungrateful for the act."
<
br /> "I imagine you've done nothing by your heroic efforts to impress my sister than to make her disdain you." Ambrose wiped his brow though Augusta couldn't fathom why. He'd ridden at such a sedate pace, he couldn't have worked up a sweat.
"May I ask you an impertinent question, sir?" Augusta faced Hastings and barely suppressed her rage.
"What's that?"
"Do you ever listen to what anyone says or do you merely blunder through life ignoring everyone else but yourself and what you want and think?"
Milady and Her Spy: Chapter Five
AS SOON AS MYLES SAW AUGUSTA walk out of the house with her youngest brother and Nigel Hastings, his stomach clenched in nervousness and maybe even a little bit of jealousy. Wondering where they were going, he followed behind and stepped out in time to see the groomsmen bring three horses out of the stables.
Debating whether to ask to join them or try to talk to William's wife to see what information she might have on who Hastings was trying to contact or what he wanted to accomplish here, he stood near the wall.
Augusta pressed her horse's side and galloped out of the yard at a brisk pace. Myles admired her seat even in the sidesaddle. She was a fierce horsewoman and had the steed well in hand. To his shock, Hastings took off after her like the hounds of hell were on his flank.
Before Myles knew it, the three of them were out of sight. He turned back to the house, his decision made. He'd have to talk to Lady Margaret now since the trio was gone too fast for him to invite himself along.
He took no more than three steps in the direction of the door when hoof beats clattering behind him startled him.
Turning in time to see Augusta slide off her horse and toss the reins to the closest stable boy, Myles smiled. The woman was magnificent in her rage. He had no idea what happened out there in such a short time but she was gorgeous with her hair mussed and her face flush with barely suppressed anger. She actually seemed to be quivering.
He stepped forward. "May I assist in some way?"
She whirled around as if she might lash into him but when she took a second to see it wasn't anyone who would judge or be surprised by her behavior, she let out a deep sigh. "Would you like to take a turn around the garden with me so I can calm down before seeing the others?"
"I'd be honored. Do we need a chaperone?"
"I think there are several guests outside so we should be fine." She stalked toward the gardens.
Myles caught up to her and placed a hand lightly on the back of her elbow. "You may want to slow your pace. Remember, you're wearing a gown, not breeches."
She tossed a smile up at him and slowed. "You're right. I was so mad at that man, I forgot."
"Did he act inappropriately?"
"Only in my opinion. He was a perfect gentleman and even thinks I should be grateful that he was there to save my life when my horse ran mad and almost threw me." She snorted. "As if that would ever happen. The only danger I was in was from his inept attempt to stop Socrates. I almost lost my seat when that saddle slid, not when my mount acted in the way I urged him."
"So he had no idea you were in control of the animal?"
"He should have. Ambrose had just that moment told him what a strong horsewoman I am. I've found it typical of the man that he doesn't listen."
"You have already determined that on such short acquaintance?"
"It seems so. He hasn't listened to one word I've said." She shook her head and stopped walking near a statue of Aphrodite. "I am so sorry. I don't think I will be very effective in assisting you and Lance in your mission."
"It's fine. I think it was a long shot anyway." He held his hand up. "Don't look at me like that. I mean no offense."
"Then what did you mean?" She leaned against the statue with her hands behind her back.
"I was never sure of the plan even when it was first devised. I think the man is too clever to be caught out as easily as we want him to be."
"I'm more clever than he."
"You're correct about that but I believe this mission will be a long, drawn out one. Proving him a spy in one weekend was always going to be impossible."
"There's still the ball tonight. Even if I abhor the man, I will try once more to get close to him."
"If he makes you uncomfortable, please don't. Neither Lancelot nor I want you to feel at risk."
"I'm committed to the mission. If I can get that information for you, I will."
"Thank you for trying."
"You're welcome. I think I'll go up and have a rest before the ball." She tilted her head to the left. "If you'll excuse me."
"Certainly, my lady." Myles stepped aside to let her pass and make her way back to the manor.
He watched her all the way back to the door until she disappeared inside. She was working her way into his heart and he had no idea how she'd done so as quickly as she had. His usual preference in women was being turned upside down and he didn't think he minded that at all.
SEATED AT HER DRESSING table for the third time that day, this time readying herself for the ball, Augusta thought over her dealings with Nigel Hastings thus far. It was clear he thought women were good for nothing other than to be looked at and admired. She was sure he didn't believe any woman had a brain to match his and it only made her more eager to foil his plans. Having a feeling that the man could get violent if thwarted, she'd already taken a moment when her maid's back was turned to hide a knife in her evening dress.
She'd chosen a lilac-colored gown for the ball. It had silver threads shot through it that would catch the candlelight perfectly. In her hair, she wore a silver beaded ribbon and wished briefly that she were a married woman because one of the family tiaras—the one with the silver leaves intertwined with diamonds—would be perfect. She shrugged which made Mary say, "Please stay still, milady. I'm having a bit of trouble with the hanging curls."
"I was distracted."
"Almost done, milady." Mary twisted one more tress and placed it on Augusta's neck just so.
Augusta knew that curl wouldn't stay in place for long but she let Mary think it would. Of course the maid knew her so well, she probably held out no hope that it would anyway.
"All set." Mary stepped back.
Augusta took that as her cue to stand and slide her slippers on.
Ready to go down, Augusta took her wrap from the bed and placed it across one shoulder. She waited for the knock on her door which would signify Ambrose was there to walk her down.
When it came, she opened the door and stepped out. Waiting with Ambrose were William and Margaret.
"We're all going down together?" Augusta asked.
"I think since Father isn't here that we should," William said.
"Agreed." Ambrose held his arm out to Augusta and she linked hers with his.
They arrived at the ballroom and stepped inside to stand near the door to greet their guests.
When Nigel Hastings arrived, he lingered over Augusta's hand. "I hope you've saved some dances for me."
"My card is filling fast." She smiled but didn't offer the card for him to sign.
He stood in place, holding up the line staring at her until she had no choice but to hand over the card. He chose a couple of dances, scrawled his name and finally walked away.
Augusta wanted to wipe her hand on her gown to get rid of his touch even through the gloves, but mindful of eyes on her, she restrained herself and pasted on a fake smile.
In a few moments, Myles came in and almost took Augusta's breath away. He'd chosen to wear his uniform and looked quite dashing in it. All eyes seemed to be on him as he greeted William.
Augusta heard him say, "I appreciate your invitation to the ball since I'm staying over. The only thing I had to wear that was suitable was my uniform which I hope is acceptable."
"Of course, of course, my good man. Come in and have a glass of punch. Please enjoy yourself."
Myles made his way down the row of Covingtons and finally made it to Augusta. He bowed over her hand and smile
d. A smile that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
"May I sign your dance card?"
"Of course." Augusta handed it to him and he chose three to sign his name by.
"Is three being too forward?"
"Probably, but I don't mind."
"Perhaps I could choose a fourth?"
She shook her head. "Better not unless you want to announce our betrothal which would be difficult since my father isn't here."
"More's the pity." He quirked an eyebrow.
Augusta's heart raced at his words. Surely the man was merely flirting.
"I must move on. I see the line has backed up for all my talking." He stepped away.
She followed him with her eyes until the next person in the receiving line caught her attention. She greeted the lady with a handshake.
The line eventually abated and it was time for William and Margaret to lead the first dance.
Myles stepped up. "I think this one is mine."
They moved to the dance floor and moved into the dance with ease. Augusta was surprised at how well the man moved. She found herself curious about who he really was and where he came from. This was a new sensation for her. She'd never been one to wonder about any man's past. It scared her but excited her at the same time.
Too soon, the music ended and Hastings came to claim his first dance.
Dreading the moments she'd have to spend in the blond man's company, Augusta stiffened her spine and decided to use the opportunity to see if she could probe him for information.
As they executed the intricate steps of the next dance, each time they made contact with each other, she tried to draw him out on his reasons for coming to visit her sister-in-law.
Once the dance was over, he said, "Would you like a glass of punch?"
Wanting to refuse him but knowing she couldn't, she nodded. "That would be lovely."
She followed him to the refreshment area trying not to notice Myles dancing with Cassandra. Remembering how handsome her friend thought he was, Augusta hoped he wouldn't decide her friend was someone he wanted to court. Then she berated herself. He wasn't her beau. She had no claim on him. He only wanted her to help with the mission and once that was over, she'd never see him again. Chances were, neither would Cassandra.
Once Upon a True Love's Kiss Page 34
