Mr. Radcliff handed her the game pieces and stood back a few feet. Did he think she would be so terrible at it that he might get struck on the head? With a shrug, Cecilia studied the cup and then the ball. She mimicked Mr. Radcliff’s earlier actions and waited until the ball stopped its back and forth movement.
“Well done.” Mr. Radcliff nodded.
Encouraged, Cecilia pulled the cup down and then up, and waited for the ball to magically land in the cup as it had done for him.
But it didn’t.
Instead, the ball thudded against Cecilia’s thigh and then hung lifelessly below the cup. She’d have a bruise tomorrow from the whack of the ball, but wasn’t about to give voice to the concern. No sense in everyone else knowing how inept she felt at the moment.
Mr. Radcliff stepped forward. “That was a very good first try.”
“You’re just being kind.”
“No, indeed I’m not. It looks easy to do, but in truth takes much practice. Want to try again?”
She glanced at Conrad and Amelia, who had wandered off for the moment toward a bench set beneath an oak tree. Either they were bored or wanted some privacy.
Or… wished to give Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff some. Her cheeks flushed hot.
“Are you feeling unwell, Miss Fleming?”
“No, no. All is well. Let me try this again.”
“As you wish.” He stepped back as he had done before, though if she did no better than her previous try, he needn’t have bothered.
She was determined to make a go of the game but it wouldn’t do for her to make the same mistake. This time, she needed to put some power behind her toss.
With a thrust downward, lower than before, and an equally hard push upward, Cecilia watched in delight as the ball climbed higher on the string than it had previously. Surely this time it wouldn’t—
The thud as the ball smacked her head caused a ringing in her ears and a quick jolt of pain across her temple.
“Miss Fleming!” Mr. Radcliff hurried toward her, hands outstretched as if to offer comfort.
Cecilia’s vision swam, suddenly creating two of Mr. Radcliff. She wasn’t sure which one to watch. A distant thud alerted her to the fact that she’d dropped the ball and cup, one of which landed hard on her toe. Pain shot up her foot.
Somewhere from behind, Conrad and Amelia’s voices floated toward her as Mr. Radcliff’s strong arms wrapped around her before she collapsed. Her knees longed to bend forward, which would allow her to do just that. All of her strength ebbed as she wilted into Mr. Radcliff’s embrace.
He lowered her gently to the grass but didn’t release her. A wonderful scent of pine floated toward her from his chest and she inhaled deeply.
“Wonderful.” How could anyone’s aroma be so intoxicating?
“You feel wonderful?” Conrad knelt beside her and rubbed her hand. “If I had been hit by that wooden ball, that wouldn’t be the adjective I’d choose.”
Amelia sighed. “Dear, you were hit by that ball.”
“Oh. Right.”
Mr. Radcliff stroked Cecilia’s cheek. “Are you in pain, Miss Fleming?”
She swallowed, finally regaining her senses. She was in his arms! With a start, she pulled away. “No, I’m fine. Just clumsy and apparently not good at games.”
“Must run in the family,” muttered Conrad.
Amelia giggled. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Cecilia, I have to go talk to Conrad. Are you going to stay with the horses for a while?”
“Yes, Papa. I’d like a nice long visit with them.”
He laughed. “That’s fine. Just be sure to close the stall when you’re finished. The grooms are outside with the new colt, so you’ll be in here alone for a little while.”
“We’ll be fine.” As the sound of her father’s footsteps subsided Cecilia gave her attention to the largest mare, Sunlight. Her golden coat did indeed shine like the sun when they were outside. “You’re such a beauty.” Cecilia stroked the horse’s nose and then lowered her voice. “You’re my favorite, but don’t tell the others.”
A soft whinny puffed out warm breath on Cecilia’s hand. Oh how she loved these horses. If Conrad hadn’t insisted her family come and live in the cottage, and that their father become the horses’ caretaker, Cecilia would have missed so much. It was amazing that her father even liked the animals considering it was a horse that had been the cause of Papa’s injured hand.
Something shuffled behind her. Had her father come back so soon? With a glance over her shoulder, she frowned. There wasn’t anyone there. Must have been a breeze through the window rustling something about. She gave her attention back to Sunlight, running her fingers up and down her nose, loving the feel of the textured hair next to her skin.
Another noise caught her attention. That time it had sounded like single footstep from somewhere near her. Had one of the grooms come back inside? They usually would have said something so as not to have alarmed her.
“My, my. Wouldn’t I love to be that horse right now?”
She sucked in a breath and whirled around. Mr. Seymour! “What are you doing here?”
“I came to visit you. I stopped by the cottage and your dear mother told me you were helping your father.” He glanced left to right. “Though, lucky for me he doesn’t appear to be about.”
Cecilia’s boot crunched down on some hay as she let go of the horse and took a step back. “My father isn’t here.”
“But I have no wish to talk to him. Only you.” He reached out, his hand barely grazing her shoulder.
The heat from his skin nearly sickened her. She shuddered and leaned away. “I’m not sure why you’d wish to see me.” Papa had already told him she wouldn’t marry him. Thank goodness!
“I think you know.”
“No… I really don’t. So, if you’ll kindly take your leave.” She pointed to the door, hoping he’d take the hint.
“That’s not going to happen.”
“I beg your pardon?” Just go away! Leave me be!
“I’ve decided I’m going to have you, so have you, I shall.”
The man was demented! She shook her head. “But Papa said—”
“Papa isn’t your only parent.”
“What does that mean?”
“Your mother thinks my idea of marrying you is a good one. She’s decided it would be what’s best for you. Of course, I wholeheartedly agree.”
“But it’s not what I want.” Never, never never!
“That matters not.” Horace stroked her cheek with one finger.
Revulsion crawled through her like a scaly reptile waiting to claim its prey. “Wait. What are you doing?” Panic bloomed in her stomach and rose to her throat, longing to release the scream that sat just behind her lips.
“I’m taking what’s mine.”
“No, please—”
“Please? Ah, I like a woman who begs for it.” Horace grasped her upper arms, his fingers holding her tight and digging into her skin.
“Stop! Let me go!” Cecilia strained against him but he was stronger than her.
Sunlight pawed at the straw and snorted. With the gate unlocked, would the horse try to protect Cecilia from the reprehensible reprobate? A sudden memory of her father’s hand being crushed by a horse sent pulses of nausea through her. “You need to leave, Mr. Seymour.”
He released her arms but a slimy smile formed on his thin lips. “I’m not going anywhere, darling.”
Darling? I need to get out of here! Someone help me! Where were the grooms? Where was Papa? She began moving to the side, an inch at a time. Perhaps if she moved stealthily enough, he wouldn’t notice. Because if she screamed, she feared Horace might do more than cause bruises on her arms from grabbing her.
Horace darted out his hand and gripped her by the wrist. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I…”
“We have much to discuss. Our courtship. Wedding.” He lowered his voice suggestively. “Th
e honeymoon.”
Cecilia choked back a gasp. The nerve! “I want nothing to do with you. I’ve told you that. Now please, release me and leave me be!”
His hold tightened and a small jolt of pain ran down her fingers.
Unbidden, moisture formed in her eyes. “Please… let me go.”
“You heard the lady.”
Mr. Radcliff! Cecilia nearly wilted with relief, her knees threatening to buckle.
Horace whipped around. “What are you doing here? I’m spending some time with my betrothed.”
Oh! Cecilia’s mouth dropped open.
Mr. Radcliff glanced at her and back to Horace. “I came to inquire about purchasing another horse from Lord Lofton and was told by him to have a look at them myself.” He edged forward. “I’ll not ask what you’re doing here, as I can plainly see it’s for nefarious reasons.”
“Listen here. You’ve no right to come barging in here. It isn’t as if you own the place.”
“And you do?”
“As I said, I’m here with my betrothed.”
Cecilia yanked her hand away from Horace. “That’s not true and you know it.”
“Darling,” Horace’s sickening smile returned, “please don’t be coy with me.”
Mama’s accusation of Cecilia doing just that crossed her mind. “I’m doing nothing of the sort.”
Horace looked Mr. Radcliff up and down. Was he taking in the other man’s expensive attire compared to his own rather shoddy appearance? “I’m not sure why someone like you would even bother with her.”
“And why would you say that?”
“She’s only a commoner. Nothing you’d be interested in.”
“Rubbish.” Mr. Radcliff’s face darkened and he clenched his fists at his sides. He blinked and darted a glance at Cecilia. “Is this man bothering you?”
“Yes.”
“Do you wish him to leave?”
“Please!”
“I’ll gladly help you with that.” Mr. Radcliff grasped Horace beneath his armpits and hoisted him in the air.
Horace yelped when his feet contacted only air. “Put me down!”
“Certainly.”
Five long strides had the men outside in the bright sunshine. Cecilia hurried to follow them. With a grunt, Mr. Radcliff tossed the dissolute lackwit to the ground. Right in a pile of horse—
Oh my.
“How dare you? Look what you’ve done to my boots. My breeches.” Horace struggled to stand but slipped in the unfortunate substance he found himself mired in. He caught himself before sliding completely down, face first in the muck, but not before much of the smelly ooze permeated his gloves.
Cecilia bit her lip. Once in a while, bad things do happen to bad people.
“Say, what’s going on here?” Papa stormed across the pasture toward them.
It was on Cecilia’s lips to call out his name, but a glance toward Mr. Radcliff sealed her lips. I can’t let on that he is my father. Not in front of Mr. Radcliff.
Mr. Radcliff changed his focus to Papa. “Pardon my actions, Mr. Fletcher, but this man was bothering Miss Fleming.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Papa glared at Horace. “I think it’s time you left. Seems I’ve asked you to remove yourself from the premises before.”
Horace stood and tried to wipe manure off the knees of his soiled breeches but the mess on his gloves only made the situation worse. He stared at Cecilia. “This isn’t over.” With a loud huff, he tromped away.
“You came at a good time Mr. Radcliff,” said Papa. “Thank you for saving my… Miss Fleming.”
Mr. Radcliff gave a single nod before Papa left them. Her father didn’t go far but stood just a few yards away.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue, Mr. Radcliff. Again. You have a talent for knowing right when I have need of you.” Heat filled Cecilia’s cheeks. What did I just say? He must think—
A slow smile spread across his face. “Glad to be of service, my lady. Exceedingly glad.” He moved forward. Just one step. A feather-light touch swept over Cecilia’s hand. When she peered down, her heart nearly melted. He’s holding my hand.
Warmth encased her fingers and spread upward, sending tingles of excitement through her skin — wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Then the strangest sensation overtook her. The warmth intensified, and moved not farther up, but down. All the way to her stomach and lower.
Much lower.
Cecilia swallowed. “I…”
“I’m frightfully glad I entered the stables when I did.”
Her gaze rose to meet his. “As am I, Mr. Radcliff.” She longed to squeeze his hand in return but didn’t want to appear too forward. No sense scaring him away.
“Perhaps I could interest you in an outing?”
Wherever you want. Anyplace. Any moment in time. “Of course.”
“Wonderful. Shall I come for you tomorrow evening, then?”
A smile burst from within. “I’d love nothing better.”
Chapter Twenty
Cecilia was a bundle of nerves the whole day. She’d been unable to eat anything and couldn’t concentrate on getting ready. When she’d attempted to put her stocking on her hand in place of her glove, Amelia had intervened and made her calm down.
Where would Mr. Radcliff take her? He’d sent word, asking if Conrad and Amelia would like to attend as well and they’d gladly accepted. Perhaps Conrad should have asked first their destination, as he didn’t always feel comfortable in every situation. Hopefully it would be someplace that he would find acceptable.
Once Cecilia was a little more relaxed, Leah helped her to dress and fixed her hair in a lovely chignon. Small pieces of hair left free of the pins were curled so when Cecilia moved her head, they bounced.
There was a knock on the door. “Cecilia?” Amelia’s voice. “May I come in?”
Cecilia nodded to Leah who hurried to open the door.
“Ah, sister, don’t you look lovely? I love that style of hair on you.”
“Thank you. Leah does such fine work.”
The maid blushed and curtseyed. “Will there be anything else?”
“No.” Cecilia smiled. “Thank you so much.”
When Leah had left them and closed the door, Amelia took both of Cecilia’s hands in hers and squeezed them once before releasing them. “You’re lovely. Simply splendid.”
“As are you. But then, that’s always true of you.”
“Why, thank you. Are you excited about this evening?”
“I am.”
“Even without knowing the destination? Your brother is quite beside himself. Shortly after he accepted Mr. Radcliff’s invitation and sent off the missive with a servant, it dawned on him that he didn’t know where we would go.”
“I’m hopeful it’s someplace where Conrad will enjoy himself.” She pulled her gaze from Amelia to her own hands twisted at her middle. “I’m certain I will enjoy it.”
“How can you know? It might be someplace of which you’ve no desire to spend time.”
Cecilia gave a one-shouldered shrug.
“Ah…” Amelia placed her finger beneath Cecilia’s chin, causing her to look into Amelia’s green eyes. “I think I know how it is.”
“You do?”
“You’ve a tendre for the man.”
Heat filled Cecilia’s cheeks. Yes, it was true. What good would it do to deny it?
“I think he seems to be a lovely man. You’ve chosen well, Cecilia.”
“Oh, but I haven’t chosen him.”
“You haven’t?”
“Well, perhaps, I’ve chosen him, but…”
“You wonder if he feels the same?”
Cecilia nodded.
“I’d say the fact that he’s calling on you and has saved you on more than one occasion from unscrupulous men puts that in your favor.”
She shivered when she remembered Mr. Wolverton at the dance and Horace in the stables. “I hope you’re right. Did you feel th
e same about Conrad from the first?”
“Not from the first. Our beginning was more complicated.” She blinked. “But we were discussing you.”
A knock sounded on the door. The butler announced that Mr. Radcliff was waiting in the parlor with Lord Lofton.
Cecilia followed Amelia down the stairs.
“Ah, here they are.” Conrad reached out and took his wife’s hand and then kissed her on the cheek.
When Mr. Radcliff smiled at Cecilia, deep dimples formed on his cheeks. “Good evening, Miss Fleming.” His black coat, trousers, and hat appeared to be new, and his white cravat was held in place by a sapphire pin.
“Good evening.”
His gaze roamed over her. Not inappropriately, instead it made her feel beautiful. Desirable. “Ready for an outing?”
“Yes.” She smoothed a crease from her glove. “May I ask where we’re going?”
“Now that would ruin the surprise.”
“A surprise?”
He laughed. “It sounds a bit clandestine when said that way, doesn’t it?”
They climbed into Mr. Radcliff’s carriage. He gave his coachman instructions, but only to a certain address, not the name of the destination. Mr. Radcliff narrowed his eyes but grinned. “Thought you’d catch me unawares, didn’t you? That I’d give myself away by what I said to the coachman.”
“Perhaps.” Cecilia giggled and then covered her mouth with her hand.
“Never fear. I wouldn’t take you anywhere frightening.”
A harrumph came from Conrad across the carriage. Poor man was afraid of so many things, no wonder he was leery of not knowing where they were headed.
The carriage traveled through town, stopping several times to allow another carriage access from a crossroad or for those on foot to cross its path. A light breeze was evident by the fluttering leaves on trees as they passed through a shady area.
Finally, the coachman slowed the carriage behind a long row of others. Was there to be a great crowd at their destination? Cecilia peered out the window, craning her neck to view the top of the building. “Astley’s Amphitheatre?”
Conrad moaned.
Mr. Radcliff leaned forward. “Lord Lofton, are you unwell?”
Amelia grabbed Conrad’s hand. “He’s fine. Just excited to be here, aren’t you darling?”
Love Birds: The Complete Collection Page 47
