Leah smiled. “You have to say that since you’re my dearest friend. You’d not want to hurt my feelings.”
Cecilia laughed. “While it’s true about the friendship, the sentiment remains. You are quite beautiful.”
Knowing Cecilia was sincere, Leah’s cheeks warmed in pleasure. She turned to the maid, thanked her, and waited until she’d left the room, closing the door.
Leah grabbed Cecilia’s hand. “I’m nervous, I’m afraid.”
“Why? You love the Bird Sanctuary.”
“No, it’s not that.”
Cecilia led Leah to the bed and they perched on the edge.
Leah pointed to the door. “Shouldn’t we be—”
“We have a minute. I’m sure the men won’t go without us.”
Leah giggled. “No, I suppose not.”
“So tell me, why are you nervous? Because of being with Mr. Kensington?”
Leah shrugged. “Yes and no.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to be more detailed than that, dear.”
“It’s only that… I’m growing… fond of him, I suppose is the term I would use.”
“That’s good. But… you don’t love him?”
She shook her head.
“You know of course that not every marriage starts out as a love match. But often, the couple grows to love one another. Over time.”
“I know. But I wish…” She blinked and looked into her friend’s eyes.
“You want a love match.”
Leah sighed. “I do. Like you have with Mr. Radcliff.”
Cecilia tapped Leah’s hand with her finger. “And I want that for you, but…”
“I know. Daniel owns my heart, but he’s not the better match, practically speaking. Why must women have to rely on practicality to make their choices?”
“I know not. That’s just the way of it.” She squeezed Leah’s hand. “Give him a chance. Perhaps you will grow to love Mr. Kensington some day.”
“But all of this seems premature. He hasn’t asked for my hand.”
Cecilia lifted one side of her lips. “But the way he looks at you, don’t you think he will?”
Leah knew deep down that it was true. If Felton didn’t ask for her hand, and soon, she’d be terribly surprised. She sighed. There was nothing for it. If Mr. Kensington did ask for her hand, wouldn’t she be a fool not to accept?
Cecilia stood and then reached down for Leah’s hand. “Let’s go meet the gentlemen, shall we? It will be a pleasant day.”
Leah accepted Cecilia’s help to stand and, after smoothing down her own skirts, followed Cecilia into the hall and to the stairs.
As they walked down the steps toward the men standing there, Leah took a good hard look at Felton. He was handsome. Tall and lean, but not so thin as to seem sickly. Dressed impeccably in a dark coat and shiny black boots. He laughed at something Mr. Radcliff said. He seemed to have a sense of humor, as well. And when he’d told Leah about his home, his property, it sounded as if he was certainly very well off.
He would make a fine husband.
She just needed to remember that. Remember how fortunate she was that he’d chosen her to court. He could have asked any number of women, after all.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Felton smiled and took her hand. “Good day, Miss Hunter. You are a vision of loveliness.”
“Thank you. And good day to you, as well.” She gave a light curtsey, though doing any more than that was difficult since he still had possession of her hand.
Cecilia took her husband’s offered arm. “Shall we depart?”
Leah glanced up at Felton, who peered deeply into her eyes for a second or two. “Yes. Let’s go.”
The Radcliff’s carriage had been brought around, and once inside, Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff sat down opposite Leah and Felton. The nervousness Leah had encountered in her room slowly faded as she caught Cecilia’s eye and she gave Leah a wink.
Leah relaxed against the back of the seat and looked out the window. It was a lovely day. Bright sunlight streaming through the leaves of tall trees as the carriage made its way through the long lane. Birds twittered from a nearby bush, sounding cheerful and full of joy.
Leah felt something brush against her thigh, and she glanced down from the corner of her eye. Felton had shifted slightly so he too could look out his window.
It will be a fine day, Leah. Just enjoy it.
When they reached the Sanctuary, Leah grinned. She’d been there before, but she always forgot the loud melody of bird songs that blended together as if they wanted to celebrate the day, flying free, soaring above the high tops of the trees.
“Ready for a stroll?” Felton held out his arm.
She nodded. “Yes.”
They didn’t speak much as their made their way down the path behind Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff. Was this what her life would be like? Spending pleasant days with Felton, going on outings? Enjoying time with friends?
And as mistress of her own home, if they married, Leah would have many responsibilities in the overseeing of things at their house.
It wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Even if she didn’t grow to love Felton, it would be a good life.
But it wasn’t true love. Wasn’t passion. The memory of kissing Daniel only the day prior caught her unawares. How had she let that happen? Daniel had told her to choose Felton. That he was the better choice. Could give her a more secure future.
Was that enough?
The path raised slightly, just enough that when they walked beneath an oak tree they had to avoid a low-hanging branch. Mr. Kensington reached up and grabbed the branch, holding it up so Leah could pass safely through.
She nodded her thanks and smiled. He was polite and well-mannered. That was certainly something to commend him.
They walked past trees with cuckoos, their loud squawks like someone shouting. Several minutes later took them beneath a shady tree, where the soft call of doves cooing came from above.
Mr. Radcliff said something in a whispered voice to Cecilia. She laughed and pressed closer to his side for a moment.
Sudden longing for that, for Daniel and the way he affected her, made her want to weep. Her heart ached.
No. This is better. This is right. Felton can give you a secure future. Can provide for your children. They’ll never have to worry about where their next meal comes from as you did.
A sigh escaped, though she hadn’t intended it.
Felton patted her hand. “Is something wrong?”
She blinked back moisture, forcing away thoughts of Daniel. “I’m fine.”
He stopped for a moment and leaned closer. “Are you certain? You look as if you’re ready to weep.”
She forced a smiled. “No. Truly.” She shrugged. “Probably just some dust in my eyes.” She glanced down at her boots. “From the path.”
“If you’re sure.”
How sweet he was to care. “I am.”
He smiled, and his gaze dropped to her lips. She blinked. Was he thinking to kiss her? Here?
Felton called ahead to the Radcliff’s. “Say, I think we’d like to rest awhile on this nearby bench…” He let the sentence hang there, swinging in the breeze.
Mr. Radcliff looked at Cecilia. One side of her mouth rose in a smile.
“Certainly.” Mr. Radcliff pointed behind them. “We’ll just be over there, looking at the nest of chicks in this tree.”
Leah widened her eyes. They meant to give them some privacy? She watched them to see where they would stop. Several yards away, but still close enough to fulfill their duties as chaperones.
“Shall we take a seat?” Felton’s head was tilted in the direction of the bench.
Leah swallowed past the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. “Of course.”
Once seated, her nervousness from earlier returned. What would he do now? She fluttered her hands in her lap like a pair of mating birds.
Mating? Leah, no. Don’t think of that. Then you’ll think
of Daniel and—
Felton leaned closer. “I’m so pleased to be here with you today, my dear.”
“As… am I.”
He bit his lip. “And also pleased that you’ve agreed to let me court you.”
She nodded, not sure what to say.
He took one of her hands in his. Was he going to propose?
Her heart slammed against her ribs, suddenly unsure if that’s what she wanted. Would she be required to give him an answer right away?
But instead of saying anything, Felton gave a quick look around, smiled, and then after edging nearer placed his finger beneath her chin.
He was going to kiss her.
Her eyes drifted closed as his lips pressed against hers. She waited for the warm sensation. The excitement that raced through her veins. The longing to be held pressed close to his chest.
But it never came.
Felton ended the kiss abruptly and sat back, smiling, looking every bit like Rollo when she had a bit of cream.
Was that it? Would his kisses never delight her? Enthrall her? Make her want to do more than simply kiss him?
Leah gave him a smile, but it was forced.
Give him a chance. It was only one kiss. Perhaps he was reluctant to do more out in public.
Of course he wouldn’t do more right there next to the path where people might happen by and see them.
“Darling,” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I… I’ve been wanting to do that since the first time I saw you.”
She couldn’t meet his eye. “Have you?”
“Very much so. I—”
Footsteps sounded on the path as Cecilia approached them. “Perhaps we should continue our walk now?” She grinned and turned back to her husband.
Relieved, Leah stood with Felton and they continued on down the path.
Chapter Fifteen
As Daniel stood inside Mr. Weston’s tailor shop on Old Bond Street, he tamped down his nervousness while the tailor pinned the hem of his pants. Everything in Daniel felt he should be where the other man was. Serving someone. Helping him dress. Instead he was being fitted for new clothing to rival the finest outfitted gentlemen in London.
Have I gone mad? That I think I can suddenly be a man of means? Live a completely different life?
A vision of Leah, in his arms, pressed against his chest as he held her tight, crossed his mind. That he now would have a fighting chance of winning her hand gave him chills.
It’s for Leah. It’s worth any discomfort I might experience.
“There.” Percy patted Daniel’s shoulder. “You’re going to look quite dapper in your new ensemble.” He paced back and forth across the floor of the shop. “Let’s see… We have the jacket, shirt, trousers, boots, small clothes, socks, hose, hat, waist coat, handkerchiefs, gloves… Oh.” He held up one finger. “A hat.”
He rushed off across the creaky wooden floor.
Something pricked Daniel’s skin at his ankle, and he held very still. Wouldn’t be a good idea to get blood on his new set of clothing.
One of the new sets. Because Percy had assured him that he would need many complete changes of clothing.
Daniel had worked his entire adult life as a valet, so he knew the amount of clothing a gentleman would have in his wardrobe. Still, he’d never given it much thought until now.
Until it was to be for him.
Percy returned with a black hat and handed it to Daniel, who eyed the item, wondering just how much it would cost.
“Go on.” Percy waved his hand. “Don’t keep me in suspense.”
Daniel put on the hat and turned. The tailor, still kneeling at Daniel’s feet, cleared his throat.
“Pardon.” Daniel angled slowly back and then moved only his head in Percy’s direction.
“Splendid. Yes, I was right.”
“Right about…” Though Daniel was almost afraid to ask. Going about town with Percy the last few days had been a whirlwind of window shopping, trying on clothing and perusing boots and gloves. And no matter what item Daniel tried on, Percy had some inane comment to make about it reminding him of some bird.
Might as well get it over with…
He waited as Percy tilted his head this way and that. “Yes, I was right indeed. With that black hat on and your dark eyes, you look exactly like a—”
Here it comes…
“Black-headed gull.”
The tailor glanced up, lifted one eyebrow, and shook his head. But then, he had probably heard something similar before. This was Percy’s favorite shop, after all.
Percy clapped. “It’s as if it was meant to be.”
“What was?”
“You. And the hat. You were made for each other.”
Daniel bit his lip, trying not to laugh. Bless his heart, Percy was quite mad, but Daniel was coming to care for him very much. Gratitude played into it, of course. Without Percy’s generosity, Daniel would never have a chance to live a better life. Be a gentleman of means. Win Leah’s heart.
Aside from that, spending time with Percy had given Daniel a new insight into the man. Though he said the most outrageous things at times, Percy had a big, generous heart. And his childlike, joyful view of the world was teaching Daniel that there was more to life than one’s station. There was taking time to enjoy nature. The blue sky, the blooming roses. And yes, even birds.
There was also love. That Percy recognized his younger self in Daniel, in how he felt about Leah, told Daniel that the older man had a depth to him that most people would never see. Most wouldn’t take the opportunity to know him better because he acted at times so strangely.
Daniel glanced at Percy fondly. “I’m so glad it pleases you.”
“Oh, it does. I’ve just finished my request for more sets of clothes for you. Now that they have your measurements and preferences, they can fill the order.”
Daniel glanced down as the tailor stood and reached out his hand, palm open.
Daniel raised his eyebrows. Surely the man didn’t want to shake his hand.
Percy stepped closer. “He wants your trousers.”
He had no desire to stand about in his small clothes. “But I—”
The tailor sighed. “You can put yours—” He glanced at Daniel’s work attire that lay on the back of a chair. “—back on until I’ve hemmed the pants. It won’t take long.”
“Of course.” What had he been thinking? He needed to watch his words. If he said something out of character for a gentleman to a tailor that was one thing, but what if he uttered it in front of someone of the gentry? He’d look like a fool.
He changed into his old pants, and Percy motioned him to follow. They sat down on a bench that was against one wall.
“My boy,” Percy patted Daniel’s knee. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“You do?” Heat rose up his neck. He didn’t want Percy to think he’d made a mistake by helping Daniel.
Percy nodded. “You’re worrying about how others might receive you?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t concern yourself too much.”
“But I want to be a success. I don’t want others to see me as a valet anymore.”
“They won’t.”
“But how can I be certain?”
“Well, for one thing, you will no longer look the part of a servant.” He waved his hand at Daniel’s coat.
“True.”
“And I will be introducing you to my contemporaries as my heir.”
A chill ran up Daniel’s back. He still couldn’t quite believe it. An heir.
“Plus, you are now a land owner. That in itself speaks volumes in this town. Always has.”
“True, but in my mind I’m still a servant.”
“That will change. In time. When you’re in command of your own home and servants, it won’t take you long to step into your new role of gentleman.”
“I still can’t believe it. Thank you so much.”
“You don’t have to keep thinking me, son. I want to do it
. It brings me great joy. Truly.”
Daniel smiled. “I’m glad.”
Percy held up his finger. “There’s one more thing to consider as far as you worrying about how people will perceive you.”
“What’s that?”
Percy smirked. “If someone like me, a man who most would think of as mad, can hold a place among the wealthy, then I have no doubt you will be fine.”
Daniel laughed and shook his head. Perhaps Percy was right.
“Now, while we’re waiting on the tailor to finish up, tell me how things are going with Leah.”
Daniel slumped against the wall. “I’m afraid at this point there isn’t much to tell.”
“Why not? What have you been doing with yourself?”
He blinked. “Spending time in the shops with you. Learning how to carry myself as a gentleman instead of a servant. Visiting my new home to acquaint myself with the house and surroundings.”
Percy rubbed his chin. “Well, that’s true. But you need to do something to gain her attention. And soon.”
“I know. The trouble is I don’t want to tell her about my new status.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want to know she loves me for me, not what I can provide for her.”
“I see your point. Hmm.” He tapped his chin. “Perhaps I can help.”
Daniel bit his lip. This should be interesting. With Percy, it always was.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Leah is such a sweet girl and would do anything for anyone, correct?”
“Yes, I suppose. Within reason.”
“Well, I’m not going to ask her to climb a tree and hatch an egg, now am I?”
One never knows. “No, I suppose not.”
“I’m thinking more along the lines of having her fetch something for me from someplace where she might get… oh, I don’t know, locked in? Then you could rescue her.”
“I like the sound of that. But if you wanted something from up there, wouldn’t just ask one of the servants?”
Percy blew out a breath. “Yes…” He brightened. “But if I said it was something very delicate I needed, something that perhaps I didn’t trust in the hands of the servants? Leah does seem fond of me. Don’t you think she’d do it?”
Daniel thought it over. “I think she might. It’s definitely worth a try, at any rate.”
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