Love Birds: The Complete Collection

by Ruth J. Hartman

  “Wonderful.” Percy rubbed his hands together. “It’s all coming together. Very soon you and your little love bird will be in your new home, hatching out chicks of your own.”

  Daniel opened his mouth to reply but snapped it closed when he heard footsteps approaching.

  The tailor stood near them and rolled his eyes at Percy. He turned to Daniel. “Your pants are hemmed, sir.”

  Sir… Daniel smiled. Yes. He liked the sound of that.

  After he changed into his new clothes, he followed Percy from the shop. “What’s next?”

  Percy laid his arm across Daniel’s shoulders. “Next, my dear boy, I think it’s time to introduce you to the wonderful world of theater.”

  Well that would be an adventure. Of course, anything with Percy was bound to be.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Ready for an adventure, my boy?” Percy, having just departed the carriage, waited in front of the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane for Daniel to join him.

  Daniel looked around. Was half of London there? He knew of the theater, of course. The Radcliffs went often. But he’d never had the opportunity. But then, how often did valets do anything besides work?

  “Come along. We mustn’t be late.” Percy barreled through the crowd, sometimes offering an apology, sometimes not, which earned him more than a few glares and a slightly muffled curse.

  Daniel stood tall, as Percy had instructed him, when what he really wanted to do was slump down and slink inside the theater hoping no one would notice him. He tried to keep up with Percy the best he could, but when the older man was on a mission, a person might as well just get out of his way.

  Every few yards, Daniel would bump into Percy’s back when he’d stop and exclaim in a very loud voice that this man or that woman resembled some sort of feathered creature. Of course, the women who actually had reproductions of birds on their hats were given special interest.

  No wonder everyone believed Percy was mad.

  The noise from the giant mass of people was nearly deafening. It was amazing what the upper classes did with their time. Daniel could have blackened a pair of Mr. Radcliff’s boots in the long span of time they waited on the line of people to move forward.

  The progress was even slower once they reached the stairs leading to their seats in one of the balconies. Were patrons ahead of them stopping to have in-depth conversations thus holding up the multitude of people waiting in line? Did they not care that they inconvenienced others?

  When he and Percy reached the end of the steps and entered the area behind the seats, Daniel took a deep breath, feeling as if he’d been deprived of air while trapped on the hot, crowded stairway.

  “This way.” Percy waved his hand to get Daniel’s attention. Their seats weren’t difficult to find, but once there, a very large woman stood in their way. Her opera glasses were pressed against her eyes and whatever she watched must have been quite enthralling. She uttered the word, “Oooohhhh,” several times interspersed with gasps. That is, when her mouth wasn’t gaped open in shock.

  But the play hadn’t even begun yet.

  “I should have known,” the woman said in a loud nasal voice. “She’s wearing my hat.”

  “How can she be wearing your hat?” asked her acquaintance. “She’s way over there.”

  “Not my hat. At least, not the one I’m actually wearing.”

  “Then what are you going on about?”

  “Catherine, that harridan across the way has the exact same hat that I do. How can I show my face in the theater again? Everyone will talk.”

  Daniel tried not to laugh. People wouldn’t be talking about that as much as the fact that hat in question was so ghastly. Did she really think a replica of a scowling common cuckoo in flight, looking as if was ready to leap on the next unsuspecting person who happened by, was attractive?

  Of course, since it was a bird, Percy would—

  Oh no…

  “My dear woman,” Percy said. “That is a lovely hat you’re wearing.”

  “Why thank you, sir.” She blushed. On a young maiden, it might have looked fetching, though on her round face, the effect was more like a ripe apple with a large pointed nose for a stem.

  “Might we—” Percy quickly eyed her ample girth and then glanced away. “—squeeze past?”

  Her smile from the hat compliment faded. “Sir, I’m in the middle of… well…” She flipped her hand in the general direction of the other side of the theater as if that would give him all the explanation he might need. “I don’t suppose I could inconvenience you another moment before you take your seat?” She batted her stubby eyelashes and smiled.

  Percy grinned. “I’ve never been one not to rescue a damsel in need.”

  She curtseyed, smiled, and raised the glasses once more to view the object of her interest. After a minute or so, she gave a sigh. “Thank you, sir.”

  “My pleasure.”

  She looked over her shoulder at her acquaintance and then edged out of the grouping of seats. The way they tittered as they made their way across the aisle to what Daniel supposed were their own seats sounded like the squawks of chattering chiff-chaffs.

  Daniel rubbed his temples with his fingers and mumbled, “Saints have mercy, now even I’m comparing people to birds.”

  “What’s that?” Percy stared at him, unblinking.

  “Nothing.”

  “Thought I heard something about birds?”

  “What? No… Perhaps you were only thinking of them since that woman’s hat was so… interestingly adorned.”

  Percy squinted as he leaned around Daniel to peruse the women. He gave a single nod. “Perhaps.”

  They took their places. Once Daniel was seated, he finally began to relax. How did those of the gentry and ton stand to be a part of such crowds? So much noise? As a valet, Daniel was used to mostly doing his work in quiet. Alone in a room taking care of his master’s clothing and bed chamber or with Mr. Radcliff as Daniel helped him dress.

  Former valet…

  Yes. He had to remind himself of that fact. But even with the loud chattering of theater patrons, the gossiping, gawking at others across the way to see what they wore or who they were with, Daniel would gladly tolerate that and so much more… for Leah. To offer her the secure future she deserved, Daniel had not only to accept the land and house from Percy, he also needed to become a member of the gentry. He hadn’t realized how big of a change that would be.

  In theory, Percy’s idea had sounded wonderful. To be a landowner, have enough financial stability to comfortably support a wife and family. But when they’d gotten to the details of how Daniel spoke to those of the upper classes, how he dressed, where he went, and who he spent time with, the sheer volume of differences between the classes had astounded him. Seeing life from merely an existence of servitude had taught him only so much. Experiencing it from the vantage point of a wealthy landowner was eye- opening.

  Would Percy’s plan work? Would Leah choose Daniel over Mr. Kensington? She had to. Otherwise, Daniel might go mad.

  Mad…

  He turned to his left. Percy was staring intently at two ladies a few seats away who were tittering into their gloves. Their heads were partially turned to each other so that Daniel would see somewhat of their profiles.

  The poor ladies had noses that were long, pointed, and thin.

  Percy leaned toward Daniel. “What magnificent creatures. Look at their noses. Marvelous. Do you know what they look like?”

  Daniel bit his lip, hoping his chuckle didn’t pop out. “I’m going to take a wild guess and say beaks?”

  Percy widened his eyes and his mouth dropped open. “You’re either very smart or you have the ability to read minds.”

  Or I’ve spent quite a lot of time with you.

  Daniel shrugged but didn’t reply. Let Percy draw whatever conclusion he’d like. The man seemed happiest when he did that anyway.

  Percy’s elbow found Daniel’s upper arm. “The play is about to comme
nce. Hamlet is one of my favorite stories. Murder, madness, and forbidden love. I can’t imagine a more heart-warming story.”

  Daniel raised his eyebrows. Heart-warming? Daniel would take playing with Rollo’s kittens as his type of heart-warming any day.

  When the actors appeared on stage, Daniel expected the audience to quiet. But they didn’t. Wasn’t it considered rude to be so noisy when people were performing a drama?

  He whispered to Percy. “Why is everyone still talking so loudly?”

  Percy shook his head. “The main point of going to the theater isn’t to see the drama, my boy.”

  “It… isn’t?”

  “Of course not.”

  How silly of me to think it. “Then…”

  “It’s to see and be seen.”

  Daniel nodded as if this made perfect sense to him and tried to focus on the play. He could make out a few words here and there, but unless the actors were talking quite loudly, it all sounded like mumbling.

  How long would he have to sit and watch all of these patrons observe each other instead of the play?

  He edged back over toward Percy. “Say, how long does a production usually last?”

  “That depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On whether it’s simply the play or if there’s an afterpiece as well.”

  Daniel frowned. “I’m not familiar with the afterpiece.”

  “Usually it’s some sort of pantomime.”

  Oh joy…

  Percy’s eyes lit up. “And we’re in luck.”

  “We are?”

  He nodded. “Tonight the afterpiece is by none other than Joseph Grimaldi.”

  “And he’s someone to be commended?”

  “My boy… have you been living under a rock?”

  Daniel shrugged. “No, just near your nephew’s rooms.”

  “You’re quite right. My apologies.”

  “None needed.”

  “I’m afraid that sometimes I forget myself.”

  Sometimes?

  Percy held up his finger. “You see, Joseph Grimaldi is quite famous. As a clown.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

  Daniel groaned inwardly. A clown… The evening just keeps improving. “So in answer to my initial question, Uncle Percy, how long does the theater usually last?”

  “Only about five hours.”

  Only?

  Daniel sighed. Remember, it’s all for Leah. It will be worth it. It will.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Leah placed her hand on Felton’s arm as they followed Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff into Vauxhall Gardens. Felton had chartered a boat that had delivered them safely to the bank of the Thames.

  She was so very glad to be back on land. Sticking her feet in the brook near the Bradington’s home had been one thing, but being in something on the water was quite another. She hadn’t cared for it. Not one bit.

  But that day at the brook…

  Daniel. The laughter. The closeness she’d felt to him. Her shock and excitement when they’d been bare-legged by the water.

  No, don’t think of it. Don’t think of Daniel.

  “Are you not enjoying The Gardens, Miss Hunter?”

  Leah was startled from her reverie. “Pardon my woolgathering. The Gardens are lovely.” She forced herself to pay attention to her current surroundings. The tall trees. The many lanterns hanging from long tree branches along the winding path. It really was lovely. She looked up at Felton from beneath her lashes, hoping he wouldn’t notice her watching him. If they were to marry, surely they’d visit there often. They’d probably frequent many places of the like that she’d not otherwise get to experience. That would be pleasant.

  But would it be enough to satisfy her?

  A loud hiss and a pop startled Leah. She grabbed onto Felton’s arm with both hands.

  He laughed. “Don’t be alarmed. It’s only fireworks. See?” He pointed above the trees.

  Sure enough, bright sparks of color arced overhead.

  “Although,” he whispered as he leaned close, “I won’t deny that I enjoy having you pressed close to my side.”

  Heat rose up from her chest to her face. Hopefully the lanterns wouldn’t cast enough light for him to see her blush. She smiled but couldn’t think of anything clever to say. Somehow her heart wasn’t in trying to flirt with him. With Daniel it came naturally.

  Stop thinking about him.

  She tilted back her head to watch the fireworks, mesmerized by the trails of red, blue, green, and white streaking across the night sky. When she lowered her gaze, Felton wasn’t looking up but was fixated on her. More precisely on her neck. Self-consciously, she raised her hand to cover it. What had he been thinking? That he wanted to kiss her there?

  A memory of Daniel doing exactly that came unbidden to her mind. The recollection was so vivid, so real, she nearly swooned. With a gasp she couldn’t control, she felt her knees weaken. Get a hold of yourself. You cannot swoon here. Not with Felton watching. He might think—

  She quickly glanced at him. His eyes were wide. A slow smiled spread across his lips. Leah knew that look. Yes, she knew exactly what he was thinking. But once she realized his thoughts were of her, of doing that, it was as if a cold spring shower had doused her entire body.

  Straightening and pulling away slightly, she cleared her throat. “Oh dear, the Radcliffs have gotten too far ahead of us. We better catch up.”

  Felton let out a sigh. “Yes. I suppose.”

  Relieved when they started walking in the direction, Leah let out a breath. What was she to do? If they married, Felton would expect to have relations with her. And she would be obligated to comply.

  But I don’t want to.

  The realization struck her hard. She knew she wasn’t as attracted to him as she was to Daniel but hadn’t given much thought to what it might be like to actually—

  No. She hadn’t been giving Felton a fair chance. Remember what Cecilia said. Sometimes love doesn’t come right away. It needs time to grow. Perhaps Leah should try harder. Not judge everything Felton did or said against Daniel.

  She smiled at Felton as they increased their pace, finally reaching Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff.

  Cecilia glanced over her shoulder. “There you are. I was beginning to think we’d lost you.”

  “No.” Felton laughed. “We were watching the fireworks.”

  “Yes.” Cecilia nodded. “Aren’t they lovely?”

  “They are,” agreed Leah.

  Mr. Radcliff squeezed Cecilia’s hand. “I’ll have you know that this is one of my wife’s favorite places to visit.”

  Leah hadn’t known that. She tilted her head as she watched Cecilia and Mr. Radcliff gaze at each other, obviously sharing a special moment. Were they remembering some particular visit that meant something special to them?

  They continued on, coming to a waterfall. The cold spray of water was a bit of a shock but felt good as it cooled Leah’s hot face. She must control her thoughts about Daniel. It wasn’t helping her cause to give Felton a chance by dwelling on another man.

  Cecilia giggled as she reached out into the spray with her hand, catching some water droplets. Then, playfully, she flicked the moisture onto Mr. Radcliff’s face. He threw his head back and laughed in a not often seen display of open pleasure. Usually he seemed quite controlled. It was wonderful to see him in this relaxed state.

  Leah watched Felton. How would he have reacted if she’d done the same to him? The thought seemed foreign. That she would do something so light-hearted and playful with him.

  No. Playfulness was all Daniel. A smile touched her lips as she remembered their conversation about the small frog in the tiny ship in the brook.

  “Enjoying yourself?” Felton was standing quite close. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze before releasing it.

  “Yes, I… It’s been a very nice evening.”

  “Indeed.” He winked.

  Mr. Radcliff approached them. “I don’t know about you two,
but Mrs. Radcliff and I would like some refreshment. There’s a stand over there in that alcove. We could get a beverage to drink.”

  With agreement all around, they left the cool water of the falls and got back on the path.

  There wasn’t a line for drinks, so Felton and Mr. Radcliff stepped up to purchase some.

  Cecilia took Leah’s arm and pulled her gently off to the side. “How are things progressing with Mr. Kensington?”

  Leah shrugged. “It’s going fine.”

  “You don’t seem very enthused about him.”

  “I suppose… it just isn’t coming as naturally as I’d hoped.”

  “Give it a chance. If marriage to a member of the gentry is what you want, I believe you have a good chance of having that with him.”

  “Yes. I think you’re right. I—”

  The men had returned with the drinks, and Cecilia gave Leah one last glance over her shoulder as she joined her husband.

  Felton handed her a glass. Leah frowned as she sniffed the unfamiliar aroma drifting up from the beverage. “What is it?” She’d expected lemonade.

  “It’s called arrack punch. One of my favorites. It’s made from an Indian liquor, rum, and sugar.”

  Rum? She had no desire to drink anything alcoholic right then. Leah lifted the glass closer to her nose. It didn’t smell at all like something she wanted to taste in any case. She lowered the glass.

  “Won’t you at least try it? For me?”

  She looked into his eyes, saw the earnest plea. Why was it so important that she like something just because he did? But in the interest of being fair, of giving Felton a chance to hopefully grow on her, Leah took a sip.

  It was revolting. It tasted like nuts and of something bitter. Her first impulse was to make a face, but the way Felton was staring at her, waiting for her reaction, forced her to smile instead.

  “Ah… I knew you would like it.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm, and then they followed the Radcliffs down a different path.

  She held onto her glass, longing to dump the contents behind a bush or tree but didn’t. He would see her, she was sure, plus it would be unseemly out in public. But she very much wanted to put as much distance as she could between the strong smell and her nose.