"And be accused of jealousy? I think not."
"Silent and faithful, then? Waiting to pick up the pieces?"
"As always," Driffield muttered as they approached Robin Hood Lane.
Following John, Geoffrey and Matherton into Mrs. Driffield's parlour, Sebastian sensed immediately the sombre atmosphere in the chamber. Mr. Driffield sat with the females of his family. It was obvious that the conversation in progress was serious and of some import.
"John, I'm glad you are returned. We shall have to leave for Leeds immediately," said the Driffield patriarch, as the young men entered.
Sebastian, adjusting his mood to the moment, was intent and alert. His greetings to the ladies were quiet and sincere. Matherton continued to grin at the memory of the race, and Sebastian cursed his friend's lack of sensitivity.
"What is it, Father? Another attack?" John Driffield was all attention and concern.
"Densil's mill out on the Kirkstall Road. Frame-breakers." The older man nodded. "But we forget our manners. Lord Holly, Mr. Matherton your servant. You meet us in difficult times."
"Indeed they are difficult," Sebastian said. "Can I be of assistance in any way?" He could see Dinah's disbelief of his sincerity in her piquant face. "I hesitate to ask it before your ladies but I must--do you fear danger for yourselves? All your friends must worry."
"We have few fears for our manufactory and none for our persons. We have, I believe, a strong relationship with our workers; they know we mean to use the new machinery to the best advantage for all and will see no one harmed by its implementation. We speak to them of the changes and the retraining that must follow on the heels of progress."
"You are very wise."
"Indeed, he is." Dinah spoke up. "And he is very busy."
Sebastian accepted the rebuff with grace. He noted that at least Matherton had lost his foolish grin. "Of course. Mrs. Driffield, you will be wishing us at Jericho. We'll take our leave and call some other time."
He got them both out of the salon and away from the door of the house, before Matherton exploded with irritation.
"Miss Driffield practically dismissed us. Intimating that we as gentlemen were wasting the time of those more important."
"At this moment, the factory owners are the most important thing in this area. How they conduct themselves impinges on the well-being of everyone in the shire. And they must protect their interests and their employees."
"Yes, yes." Matherton waved an elegantly gloved hand in annoyance. "But I do think I deserve better than to be dismissed by a cit's daughter. You can't have conceived a tendre for Miss Driffield."
"Can I not?" Sebastian said. "Do you believe I have?"
"Seems to me that you have. Sitting in her pocket for a week. You'd best reconsider for her family is in trade, and you have met her no more than thrice."
"You're too uppish, Burlie. You always have been."
"I am not. But you're a viscount, you should be. Can't go allying yourself with trade."
"Why not? I already have an interest in a coal mine, and I farm my land intensively. And sell the wool from my sheep."
"So do lots of chaps."
"Then what is the difference between 'us' and 'them'?"
"Oh no, I'm not getting drawn in to one of your philosophical arguments; save 'em for Whitworth and Presteigne. I ain't got the brainbox. Remember, you like me for my sporting abilities. It was a dashed good dinner at Driffields' and I enjoyed the race but I came north for the shooting and so did you. The 12th is tomorrow and my hunting box is waiting."
"And I think you should set out for it," Sebastian said.
"Eh? What?"
"I think you should take your coach and four, and go to your box. Wishfield and Bury were to meet us there so you will have companions enough. I have a notion to stay in Harrowgate, and perhaps travel to Leeds."
"Wishfield and Bury will be demmed disappointed in you, and dash it, so am I. Dangling after a daughter of trade, when you've no need of brass and should preserve your rank."
"Ah, Burlie, what a load of nonsense you spout. And I am not dangling after anyone. As you said I've known the lady but a week. No, I find this place interesting... and there is a cricket match on Saturday."
"You and your cricket...and your dashed curiosity..." Matherton grumbled.
"Exactly. I am interested in learning about this place, and Yorkshire. Who knows, in a week I may be with you, curiosity satisfied."
"I hope so. Yes, yes, I will go. But I'll tell you to your head, you're a demmed fool."
"You knew that when you befriended me at Eton, Burlie. I was up a tree peering into the proctor's study if you recall."
"Curiosity..." Matherton commented.
"Exactly," said Sebastian.
CHAPTER THREE
Sebastian was deep in thought when he reached the doorstep of the Driffield house in Robin Hood Lane the next day but one. His growing attachment to the family surprised him. He could never have imagined life amidst such a busy group. He had ever been free to do as he wished, and go where he liked when he liked. Nevertheless, he now recognized that freedom had its price in loneliness. And he realized that he had carried something of loneliness with him all his days. The company of the Driffield siblings and more particularly Miss Dinah Driffield surely filled a void in his life.
He smiled absently at Warton as he was admitted. He had an idea which he intended to broach with the Driffield ladies. And his idea, if accepted, would bring him even more often into the family's company.
"Mr. Humberstone was eaten up with jealousy."
Sebastian was on the point of being shown into the drawing room by Mrs. Driffield's elderly housemaid, when he heard Harriet's words. He watched with interest as Harriet coloured rosily on realizing that he had overheard. She plumped down upon the sopha and seemed to try to withdraw behind Miss Hesler.
Seven pairs of eyes focused upon him in the sudden silence. He knew very well that he had been the topic of conversation, and raised his hand to rub his brow. Why was it that he could enter without a qualm a ballroom or reception chamber full of fashionables, yet the Driffield family had the power to unnerve him so?
"Good morning, Lord Holly," Mrs. Driffield greeted him without discomfort. "How nice of you to call. We thought you must have left for Scotland, for the 12th has come and gone."
He made his bow and greeted everyone with pointed attention. A fleeting glance at Dinah's face did not reveal whether his presence pleased or disappointed her. He would have given much to know.
"My friend Matherton has left, for he would not miss the shooting." There was a sigh of regret audible from Miss Hesler. "For myself, I confess to a curiosity about this locale that has not been satisfied. I hope to investigate more of its delights."
Mrs. Driffield waved him to a seat and said, "It is pleasant to be sure. Being born and bred in Yorkshire, I see nothing remarkable in it, but I am told it is very different to the south country."
The door was flung open, interrupting the several conversations in the room. "Mama, the most excellent..." said Hamilton on his abrupt entry, and then interrupted himself. "Lord Holly! This is famous! I knew you could not be bothered to go shooting in Scotland. And now there is to be a cricket match, on Saturday, on the Stray. Say you will come, sir, please? Geoffrey don't like it above half, and it would be splendid to have your opinions of the action."
The boy's plan appealed to Sebastian, and that surprised him. As it would amaze his friends if they could know that he anticipated spending an afternoon in the company of two juveniles.
"I should be happy to attend," he said, not troubling to hide his enthusiasm.
The youngster was evidently rendered speechless with joy.
Sebastian used the sudden silence to say to Mrs. Driffield, "I have wished to apologize, ma'am, for the horse race in which I participated with Mr. John Driffield. If it caused you a moment's concern or distaste, I am sorry for it."
"My son explained the whole, Lord H
olly, and as your intent was only a friendly contest, Mr. Driffield and I felt that we need not be concerned. It was, I understand, beyond your control that the news of the race was made public."
"You are very good, ma'am." Sebastian was genuinely grateful for her understanding. It emboldened him to ask. "I wondered, Mrs. Driffield, if Miss Driffield and Miss Adelaide, and Master Geoffrey would care to ride out with me today? And of course, Miss Hesler."
Dinah, whom he was aware had been listening closely to his apology, made a sudden movement. She was, as were all the ladies, involved with needlework. Sebastian remembered very well Dinah telling him that she did not ride; his plan--his idea--hinged upon that very fact. He avoided her sudden, keen glance.
"My daughters do not ride, Lord Holly. There is no opportunity in Leeds for learning. When we are here in Harrowgate my husband seldom is with us, and never long enough to make the necessary arrangements."
Sebastian had many motives for the offer he then made. He wished to become further acquainted with Miss Driffield; the lessons would give him excuse to achieve that, and possibly even some private moments. And he had conceived a desire to ride wide and far with her in Suffolk one day. Teaching Dinah to ride was a step closer to achieving that dream.
"Perhaps I could offer myself as teacher. I am accounted a fair enough rider, and Geoffrey would aid me, I am sure of it." He gave the younger man a conspiratorial grin. "He has a fine seat himself. The livery here has several good horses. I think the owner buys his animals for his own satisfaction; I cannot think that his elderly customers demand such excellent horseflesh."
"If the girls wish to learn to ride, my lord, I have no objection. Dinah, Adelaide...is this a pastime you would enjoy? Juliana, I cannot think your mama would object, should you wish to avail yourself of this opportunity." Her words were calm, but Mrs. Driffield's glance at him was shrewd.
Adelaide and Juliana had actually paled. Dinah was obviously struggling with a desire to learn and a wish not to be beholden to him for instruction.
"I should be terrified, Mama, and would rather not," Adelaide said. "I hope you will not think me a wet goose, my lord, but I had rather continue to drive behind horses, than actually mount one."
Sebastian concealed his disappointment. He had hoped she would help to convince Dinah to make the attempt to learn. "You must do what best suits you, Miss Adelaide," he said. "Certainly life's happiness does not depend on one's ability to control a horse."
Adelaide relaxed and managed a giggle.
"I think I am of the same mind as Adelaide," Miss Hesler said. "Shall Mr. Matherton return from the north, my lord?"
He smiled with understanding at her, and hoped sincerely that his friend would stay in Scotland so that John Driffield's romance might prosper. "I cannot know, Miss Hesler. He is a great sportsman, and had no wish to miss the grouse."
He turned to Dinah. He still had hope that he had not mistaken her desire for new experience. "Miss Driffield what of you? Shall you learn to ride?"
"I should be pleased to learn, Lord Holly; thank you for the thought." She did not smile, and he found himself wishing--longing--for her luminous, beguiling smile.
Nevertheless, he concealed elation. He would be permitted to spend considerable time with Dinah, and without the burden of Juliana and Adelaide's company.
"You will help Geoffrey to hire horses?" There was now a delicate flush of excitement on her cheek. "Oh, I have no habit." The thought obviously cast her down.
Mrs. Driffield intervened. "I should think any gown of sturdy fabric would suffice, my love, and perhaps a spencer. If you enjoy the exercise, we shall certainly have a habit commissioned for you."
"The gown must have a wide skirt," Sebastian said. "The side-saddle is demanding of it with the nature of its seat."
"When shall we begin?" said Geoffrey, who had not before spoken. He was pacing the room in anticipation.
"Well, the day is very fine. Mounting alone is enough for a first lesson and could be undertaken this very afternoon. If Miss Driffield agrees?" Sebastian said. "Master Geoffrey and I will go to the livery, while Miss Driffield changes. We shall meet in the mews."
He looked to Dinah for confirmation and she, with a quick glance at her mother, confirmed the plan. Sebastian, after quiet discussion with Geoffrey, departed for the horses.
He was already in the mews when the three young ladies entered through the garden gate. It was warm there in the sun, and very pleasant, with the kitchen cat making its toilette on the wall, and the stableboys going about their business. For a moment Sebastian worried that Adelaide and Juliana had rethought their decision, and he had a dismaying vision of himself trying to teach three young ladies. He quickly realised that they were accompanying Dinah merely for support and, he rather thought, to keep him at a distance.
With no more than a casual nod of greeting, he busied himself about the horses in company with a Driffield groom. One beast was a pretty mare with a shining bay coat and the other a lively roan gelding.
"See your mare?" Geoffrey called, in a fever of excitement, to Dinah. "She is called Merry, and this is to be my mount, Jolly."
"Great heavens, the livery man must be a jokester," Dinah said.
Sebastian heard the quiet aside Dinah made to her sister and her friend as he approached.
"He is a stout man of cheerful habits," he said, with a grin of his own. He cast a quick but knowledgeable glance at her dimity gown of spring green with its matching spencer of rep, and the small, plain straw bonnet that shaded her wide eyes. "Oh that will do very well!" In silence he admired the blush that his consideration had conjured.
He narrowed his scrutiny on her jean half boots for a moment with a mild frown of concern. "You shall have to have boots as soon as may be. But today we may not proceed beyond mounting. You will excuse us?" He directed this last to the two other young ladies.
They withdrew to the shade of the wall. Geoffrey had given his mount into the care of a groom and stood beside them, waiting to play his part.
First Sebastian introduced Dinah to the mare, and noted with satisfaction her relaxed response to the animal. She was not at all nervous, and stroked the velvet nose with some affection. He had not to deal with fear, for which he was grateful.
When he showed her the side-saddle, she looked rather dubious.
"Your right knee must hook over the upper pommel, your left leg rests under this pommel, and your left foot in this stirrup," he explained. Before she could entertain second thoughts, he said, "Now, there is a mounting block, we shall practice with that at first."
Dinah took his proffered hand and ascended the two steps to the top of the stone block. He wondered if her awareness of the gloved touch was as intense as was his. Her fingers trembled a little in his, and he focused on his teaching as her anxiety became evident. He instructed Geoffrey on his position, and the mare was urged to the side of the block where she stood immovable with Geoffrey on her right side.
"Is Geoffrey to catch me if I slide off that side?" she said. She spoke in jest but with a hint of worry.
"Yes he is," Sebastian replied with no hint of laughter. He knew that reassurance was of prime importance at this early stage. "And the groom will hold the mare very still. So you need have no concerns whatever."
"Except that Geoffrey will let me drop, for I read him a lecture this morning on wearing out his stockings and outgrowing his shirtsleeves." Dinah tossed her brother a brave, saucy look.
Sebastian had not yet become accustomed to this familial jibing, and he wished her to have no fears. "I am sure he would not let you fall," he said gravely.
"Perhaps...perhaps not," Geoffrey teased.
"She must be able to trust you," Sebastian admonished his young assistant.
"We do but jest," Dinah assured him, with a faint superior smile. "I know that he will not let me fall. One may always trust one's siblings."
Sebastian was relieved, but did not like her pitying look. "Very well. So long as you
have no concerns, you may simply sit in the saddle. The height of this block suits you well; you will encounter heights that must be compensated for, but we shall not concern ourselves with that at present."
Dinah obeyed him, easing warily into the saddle.
Sebastian was pleased to see that the mare was solid and steady. He suspected that Dinah felt a similar satisfaction.
"Now with a habit you might have to smooth it, ah...beneath you." Holly found himself faltering over those words. He had not thought riding could involve thoughts that made him warm and restless. He was certain Dinah must note his heightened colour. He hurried on, "And ensure that your right leg can move freely then hook it over the pommel."
Dinah did so, and disposed her skirts modestly. The mare shifted her weight, and Dinah grasped the horse's mane in obvious, sudden panic. The ladies near the wall gasped and Geoffrey moved with alert assurance.
"You will not fall," Holly assured Dinah. He eased her small foot into the stirrup on the left side. "With this foot supported, you are very secure."
Dinah seemed to gain confidence as he spoke. He talked a little of balance and weight and seats. When he sensed that she was comfortable and confident, he said, "Now you will dismount. Release your foot from the stirrup and your knee from the pommel. You could slide to stand upon the ground if it was necessary, but with a block and someone's hand to grasp the dismount may be done with fair ease."
Dinah obeyed. She seemed to find the action effortless. She smiled at him as she stood on the mounting block--the luminous, pure and genuine smile he had longed to have directed at him.
"Do come down," he suggested, extending his slim, strong, gloved hand.
Unhesitatingly she placed hers in it, and stepped to the ground at his side.
"That was very well done," Sebastian said conscious of, and constrained by, their audience. "Now, as mounting blocks are often in short supply, you will learn to mount with a gentleman's assistance--the toss. This is where Geoffrey, ready to catch you, may be invaluable."
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