by Rose Pearson
Amelia chuckled. “I have already asked him, my dear sister, and yes, he is quite happy to allow you all to stay as far as I know. I just must confirm a few details with him, but he will be vastly delighted to have you taken off his hands for a short while!” Her eyes sparkled with mirth as Jessica, Jacintha and Harmonia each exclaimed wildly with delight, wide smiles stretching across each of their faces.
“And,” Amelia continued, once the hubbub had died down a little, “I must also inform you that some military men are to come to the town of Kilgar which borders our estate.” She turned knowing eyes onto Jessica, who was instantly reminded of the time Amelia had suggested that Jessica might, one day, wed an army man, albeit one of good breeding and high title. Flushing to the roots of her hair, Jessica gave a half smile and tried not to respond to the questioning looks of her other two sisters.
There was a brief pause, broken only by Jacintha clapping her hands together and launching into a thousand questions about when they might leave, what they should bring and how often there would be balls or the like. Amelia just laughed, teasing Jacintha about the great many gentlemen she would leave in her wake, whilst Harmonia poured more tea.
Jessica sat quietly and allowed this news to wash over her. It would be wonderful to leave town for a time, especially when the season was all but finished, and to spend time with Amelia and Northfell in their new home was sure to be a delight, but still the burden of marrying soon – and marrying well – remained when, only a moment ago, she had thought it lifted. Papa was sure to remind her that there would be titled men amongst the military, mostly those involved in training the new recruits of course, but Jessica was not altogether sure that she wanted to wed any such man – or any gentleman at all, for that matter! How she wished she could simply enjoy her first proper Season without any particular expectation!
“If you will excuse me,” she said, rising to her feet as she was filled with a sudden urge to be in her own company. “I think I shall take a brief walk.”
Three faces looked back at her, each filled with concern.
“Are you quite all right?” Harmonia asked, her eyebrows furrowing. “Do you want someone to come with you?”
“No, no, I assure you I am quite well,” Jessica replied, with a small smile. “I just want a little bit of time alone, that is all.” She saw the understanding in Amelia’s expression, seeing that she knew exactly how she felt.
“Take your time,” Amelia replied, softly. “And know that I am always here for you to talk to.”
Jessica said nothing, simply nodded and turned to leave the room. The conversation only picked up again once she had reached the door and, shutting it quickly, Jessica leaned back against it and let out a long breath.
“I do not want to marry,” she whispered to herself, finally admitting what was going on in her heart. “At least, not like this. Not when I am being pushed to do so.” The burden of responsibility sat as heavily on her shoulders as it ever had, and Jessica sighed, pressing one hand to her heart. She had enjoyed the attentions of various gentlemen before now, of course, for what young lady would not enjoy dancing and good conversation? But that had been when Amelia had been the focus, the one who would have to make a match first – and Jessica had not expected her sister to marry so quickly. She had thought there would be a great many months of freedom for herself and her sisters, never once taking the matter with any level of seriousness.
But now, when it came to it, Jessica had to admit that matrimony was not what she wanted but, as she had to admit, there was very little she could do about the matter. To refuse to marry would mean that her father would be upset, and her younger sisters might continue to wait for her to change her mind, spending years entirely unattached. Jessica knew she could not do such a thing to Harmonia and Jacintha. She loved them too dearly to allow them to live a life of solitude simply because she did not wish to marry.
“What is to be done?” she whispered to herself, walking away from the drawing room and making her way down the stairs, suddenly desperate to be out in the gardens, entirely alone.
Chapter Two
Are you not excited, Jessica?”
Jessica looked over at Jacintha, whose eyes were practically glowing with happiness.
“I suppose I am a little,” she replied, somewhat disinterestedly. “It is just that we will not know a great many people here.”
Harmonia laughed, pulling on her gloves. “But Amelia and Northfell will introduce us! You need not worry on that regard.” Glancing at Jessica in the mirror, Harmonia’s expression grew a little sympathetic. “Are you still concerned about what papa said to us?”
Jessica winced, recalling the way her father had pressed on her to return to London an engaged woman. “A little,” she mumbled, turning away from Harmonia.
“He was not being altogether serious,” Harmonia replied, softly, coming towards Jessica and putting one hand on her arm. “You know papa just wants our best, dear Jessica. That is all.”
Jessica nodded and tried to smile. “I am well aware of that, Harmonia. It is just that I do not wish to marry!”
“Not at all?” Jacintha exclaimed, sounding quite astonished at the idea. “Goodness, Jessica! You have been delighted with all the attentions of late, I had thought. You practically threw yourself into the dancing at the last ball we attended.”
Jessica bit her lip, not quite sure how to respond. Jacintha could, mayhap, not quite understand where she was coming from, given that it was not yet her turn to find a suitor. “I do enjoy the dancing and conversation,” she said, slowly. “But it seems to take on a different tone when one must find a husband.”
Jacintha was still frowning, although Harmonia looked a little more sympathetic. “I had thought to marry cousin Luke,” Harmonia replied, with a quiet laugh. “It was simply so that I did not have to put myself through all the conversation and courtship that comes with finding a partner. What if they are not whom they appear? Or what if they proclaim affection yet, when one marries, it dries up?” Her eyes filled with worry. “I had thought that, with cousin Luke, I would, at least, be assured of his character. It seemed so simple, yet Amelia has persuaded me not to agree to wed him so now it appears that I must do just as you are, Jessica, albeit not for a few months yet.”
Pressing Harmonia’s hand, Jessica paused for a moment, caught up by the anxiety in Harmonia’s eyes. It was clear that her youngest sister knew a little of what she was experiencing, whilst Jacintha evidently did not.
“I am quite sure we will all be happily married very soon and in a few years’ time, be laughing at all this together,” Jacintha interrupted, as Harmonia stepped away to finish putting on her gloves. “Now, will you please hurry, Jessica? I can already hear the music and I do not wish to be late!”
Trying to calm her anxious mind, Jessica took her gloves from Jacintha and pulled them on, smoothing the fabric carefully. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she saw that her usual happy expression was dimmed somewhat, the light gone from her dark green eyes. Her blonde hair was piled up on her head, with small tendrils escaping from it to soften her appearance, and small pearls had been added to her coiffure. And yet, despite the loveliness of her gown, there was a sadness playing about in her expression that could not be entirely hidden.
“Come,” she heard Harmonia say, taking her arm. “Let us go. We do not want to keep Amelia waiting.”
The moment the sisters stepped into the ballroom, they were caught up in the usual whirlwind of guests, music, and laughter. Amelia was there to greet them, her husband standing right beside her with a broad smile on his face. How glad Jessica was that Lord Northfell had proved to be such a kind man who clearly adored her sister! He had been most welcoming in the three days they had already spent here, and his young daughter was a complete delight. Jessica had seen the warmth in Amelia’s eyes when she’d played with the child and knew she would be a wonderful mother, not only her own baby but also to her stepdaughter.
“You l
ook beautiful!” Amelia exclaimed, grasping Jessica’s hand. “I do hope you enjoy yourself this evening, Jessica. None of that anxiety now.” Her eyes searched Jessica’s face, to the point that Jessica felt as though her inmost feelings were laid bare for Amelia to see. “Do not worry about what father said,” Amelia continued, more quietly. “Enjoy yourself this evening. Dance and smile and make new acquaintances. There are a great many of them to be had!” Something sparked in Amelia’s eyes, the smallest of smiles touching her lips, and Jessica frowned.
“Do you have a specific acquaintance in mind?” she asked, quietly, wondering if Amelia had intentions for her to meet someone in particular.
“No, of course not! Amelia replied, sounding a little offended. “All I am saying is that some of the military are here this evening and I thought, given what I’d said to you before, that you might be interested to meet some of them.”
Jessica blinked twice, something curling up in her belly. “The military?” she croaked, turning her head to look out across the sea of guests. “You invited the military?”
“Not all of them, of course,” Amelia replied, calmly. “Those of higher rank mostly, although there are a couple of other acquaintances that Northfell has known previously who are not of the same standing.” She lifted one shoulder, giving Jessica a half smile. “Not that it matters all too much, given that this is to be nothing more than an enjoyment for you.”
“Quite,” Jessica heard herself say, a little hoarsely. “I suppose I should join my sisters.”
“I will be along shortly,” Amelia replied, letting go of Jessica’s hand. “You already know Miss Thornley, I believe, and a few others. They will introduce you to others, should you require it.”
Jessica smiled and moved towards the small staircase that led into the ballroom, glad that they had already met a few of the guests already in their short time at the Northfell estate. It meant that there would not be any particular difficulty in finding themselves either dance partners or someone to talk to.
“Goodness!” she heard Harmonia murmur, under her breath. “There are a great number of uniforms here.”
“The military,” Jacintha breathed, clutching at Jessica’s arm. “Goodness, just look at them all!”
Praying that her sister would be a little more discreet, Jessica made her way to a quieter part of the ballroom where they might have a little more space to talk. She did not want Jacintha to be indiscreet, desperately hoping that her sister was not making calf eyes at every gentleman who came into their path.
“Ah, Miss Thornley,” Jessica said at once, on spying Amelia’s friend whom they had been introduced to some days before. “How lovely to see you again.”
“It is a wonderful ball, is it not?” Miss Thornley replied, her eyes bright and her face wreathed with smiles. “I hope you are going to dance very often, my dear ladies, given that there are so many gentlemen about!”
Jessica glanced down at her dance card dangling from her wrist, a spiral of worry racing through her. “My sister is to introduce us, once she has finished greeting her guests,” she explained, seeing Miss Thornley frown. “We are quite new to this part of the country after all!”
Miss Thornley shook her head. “That will not do in the least! You must have your dance cards filled, I insist upon it.” She smiled and looped her arm through Harmonia’s. “If you will just come with me, then I shall make as many introductions as I can. I am quite sure you will be dancing within a few minutes!”
Jessica found herself wanting to cling to the shadows, wanting to hide away instead of going to meet yet more gentlemen but knowing that it would be quite rude to do so, found herself trailing after Miss Thornley and her sisters. She did her best to smile and nod, holding out her dance card as she ought and showing as much graciousness as she could when the gentleman in question signed his name.
“Miss Thornley! I do hope you are going to introduce me!”
Startled by such a loud, booming voice, Jessica started and turned her head to see a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman approach. He was wearing a military uniform and his dark eyes lingered on hers for just a fraction too long. Heat crept up into Jessica’s cheeks as she turned her head away, finding his manner a little too familiar for someone she had not yet been introduced to.
“Good evening, Major Ridding,” Miss Thornley replied, with just a touch of coolness to her voice. “I am surprised to see you here this evening.”
The man regarded Miss Thornley carefully. “Are you, indeed?” he replied, softly. “Well, regardless of that, I am here and wish very much to be presented to Lord Northfell’s new sisters.”
Jessica raised her eyes to Major Ridding, wondering at Miss Thornley’s tone. Was there something about him that was of concern? Why did Miss Thornley speak to him in such a way?
“I suppose I shall have no other choice, then,” Miss Thornley replied, with a small sniff before introducing each of them in turn. Major Ridding grinned at them all, bowing carefully.
“I had thought to ask you each for a dance,” he boomed, folding his arms across his chest and studying them one at a time. “Now, whom am I to have the pleasure of dancing with first?”
Jessica could not help but frown, surprised at how he simply assumed they would each be willing to dance with him when he had not even asked them properly. Much to her frustration, Jacintha giggled next to her, holding out her dance card to Major Ridding who grasped it eagerly. Harmonia was next and soon it fell to Jessica to hold out her own card. With so much expectation on her, she felt she simply could not refuse him and, with a little reluctance, handed him her card. He winked at her roguishly as he signed his name, making her cheeks turn crimson with embarrassment.
“I look forward to dancing with each of you,” he declared, lifting one eyebrow towards Miss Thornley, who turned her head away in a clear indication that she would not dance with him, even if he asked her. “Do excuse me, ladies. I must go and speak to another acquaintance of mine who has just now entered the room.”
Whilst Jacintha and Harmonia were immediately called on by their next dance partner, Jessica took a moment to speak to Miss Thornley.
“You did not seem altogether pleased with Major Ridding’s company,” she said, studying her carefully. “Is something the matter with him? Ought we not to dance either?”
Miss Thornley sighed and fiddled with her skirts. “No, nothing wrong precisely, it is just that my own mother has forbidden me from associating with a man who, even though he has a title and responsibilities at home, chooses instead to buy himself commissions.”
Jessica blinked, astonished. “Goodness!” she exclaimed, hardly able to hide her surprise. “What is his title?”
Miss Thornley sighed heavily. “He is an earl and the only heir at that! If he were to die, then the title would pass to a distant relative. His poor mother is quite distraught over him, from what I have heard, but he insists on continuing on in the army.”
Jessica frowned, her heart torn between respect for the man for doing what he wished and disapproval over his easy disregard of the title and responsibilities he carried.
“It is entirely up to you how you deal with him, of course,” Miss Thornley continued, quietly. “Yet I would beg of you to be careful.”
“I will,” Jessica promised, relieved that she felt no kind of attraction to the man. “Thank you for telling me, Miss Thornley. I am quite sure that one dance with him will be more than enough.”
However, when the time came for the Major to take her onto the floor, he was nowhere to be found. The music struck up, the couples took to the floor and still Jessica waited. Her face flamed with color as it became apparent the man was not about to turn up. Feeling slighted and more than a little embarrassed, Jessica made to retreat back into the shadows – only for another man with a military bearing to come directly towards her.
“I know this is quite untoward, but I hope you will dance with me,” he said, with a swift bow. “It is the waltz after all and I am
quite jealous of those already with a partner – although how you have been overlooked is quite beyond me!”
Jessica swallowed the lump in her throat and gave him a wobbly smile, taking his proffered arm and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. They were a little late in joining the other couples but that did not seem to bother her partner who managed to sweep her onto the floor with ease.
“I thank you,” she managed to say, suddenly aware of just how piercing the gentleman’s brown eyes were. “I was expecting someone, but they did not appear.”
“Then I am lucky indeed,” he replied, with a smile that warmed her heart. “His lack of attention, whilst not at all condoned, has given me the chance to dance with the most beautiful young lady in the room.”
Jessica felt her cheeks warm and found that she had to look away. “You are very kind,” she murmured, suddenly aware that she did not even know his name. “Might I ask the name of my savior?”
He chuckled. “Eccles,” he replied, with a quick smile. “Or Captain Eccles, if you prefer.”
“And I am Lady Jessica,” she answered, finding that her embarrassment and mortification was already dying away.
“Yes, I thought you were,” he stated, his eyes fixed on her own. “You are Lady Northfell’s sister, I believe?”
“Yes, I am.”
He nodded, clearly understanding the connection. “I know Lord Northfell a little. It was very kind of him to invite me.”
“I am glad he did,” Jessica replied, finding her breath catching in her chest as he looked down at her with warmth in his eyes. “For then who would have come to rescue me from my embarrassment?”
“Who indeed?” he murmured, pulling her just a little closer. “Well, it is very good to make your acquaintance, Lady Jessica. Very good indeed.”
Chapter Three
And have you settled in, Eccles?”
