by Rose Pearson
Jacintha said nothing for a short time, simply walking alongside her sister. Jessica drew in deep breaths, taking in great lungsful of fresh air until she felt a great deal more settled.
“Can I ask you something a little more personal?” Jacintha asked, stopping and looking into Jessica’s face. “You don’t have to answer, of course.”
Jessica shrugged. She and Jacintha had always been close. “Of course.”
“Did you find the earl an attractive man?”
Heat crept up Jessica’s spine. “Yes, I will admit that I did.”
“Then my advice would be not to turn your back on him, simply because of his title,” Jacintha said, sounding more sensible that Jessica had heard her be in a long time. “He is a man after all and has his own character, his own thoughts and his own feelings – and all that is aside from his title. Do not outright reject him, Jessica, simply because he is the Earl and not simply the Captain you once thought.”
Aware of just how astute her younger sister sounded, Jessica smiled and took her hand. “When did you become so wise?” she asked, with a half-smile. “But yet, you are right, I can see that. I will not reject him outright, I swear it.”
“Good,” Jacintha smiled, turning back towards the house. “Now, shall we go back? I am sure Amelia will be waiting for you.”
Jessica nodded and began to walk back towards the front of the house, feeling a great deal calmer than when she had first stepped outside.
Chapter Five
George was busy talking to some of his new acquaintances when the door opened, and the footman announced Lady Northfell, Lord Northfell, Lady Jessica, Lady Jacintha and Lady Harmonia. He became so distracted by the sight of Lady Jessica entering the room that he quite forgot to continue his conversation and, leaving a somewhat bemused Lord Taylor behind, stepped away from him and went to greet the family.
“Lord Northfell,” he murmured, inclining his head, before greeting each of the sisters. “I am very glad that you were all able to attend. I know my estate is some distance away.”
“Just an hour’s carriage ride,” Lady Amelia replied, with a smile. “Nothing too far, I assure you.”
“And I must beg your apologies – especially yours, Lady Jessica – for introducing myself so poorly the last time we met.”
Lady Jessica turned her deep green eyes to him, her expression blank.
“I confess that I have not quite become used to my new title,” he continued, hoping she would understand. “If I remember rightly, I introduced myself as Captain Eccles, which is our family name.”
“Yes, you did,” Lady Jessica replied, her eyes lighting just a little. “However, Amelia was able to explain all to me.”
He nodded in Amelia’s direction, thanking her for doing so. “You can tell that I am not yet used to being referred to as ‘Lord Warwick’ so I must beg you all to forgive me if I do not immediately respond should you attempt to catch my attention.”
All of the sisters laughed, even Lady Jessica, and George felt his heart lift.
“We quite understand,” Lady Harmonia replied, her eyes still dancing with mirth.
George smiled, struggling to keep his attention from fixing solely on Lady Jessica who was, much to his relief, still smiling. “Wonderful. We are to have a few musical performances and then, mayhap, some dancing which I hope you will all enjoy.” Seeing Lord Northfell lift one eyebrow in his direction, George chuckled. “And the card room is just to your left, Lord Northfell.”
“Capital,” Lord Northfell replied, pressing his wife’s hand. “Amelia, you do not mind if I…?”
“Go, go,” Lady Amelia laughed, shooing him away. “I am quite sure my sisters and I will be able to manage without your company, even though I shall now be called on to chaperone the three of my sisters alone!”
Lord Northfell grinned and excused himself, striding away towards the card room at once. George, turning his attention back to the sisters, was dismayed to see that his next guests were in the process of being announced. He had no other choice but to excuse himself from them, his gaze lingering on Lady Jessica for just a moment. He was disappointed that she did not catch his gaze, and even more so when she was immediately drawn into conversation with none other than Major Ridding.
As he greeted his guests, George attempted to remain fully engaged with them, although he could not pull his mind away from Lady Jessica. As he excused himself from his guests, he caught sight of her laughing at something Major Ridding had said – and felt his heart clench with a sudden pain. He recalled what Major Ridding had said about Lady Jessica already being practically engaged to another gentleman back in London and, still confused over whether or not this was the case, wondered if there might be a way to ask her outright – or whether one of her sisters might be able to clear up the matter for him. It would be the only way to know whether or not his attention to the lady might ever be returned. However, for the moment he had to play the role of host – and had to play it well. This was his first social event since becoming the new Earl of Warwick and he had to ensure he looked after each of his guests and not just Lady Jessica.
After some musical performances, one of the pianists struck up a lively jig and, within moments, couples had taken to the floor to dance. George saw Lady Jessica standing with her sisters and immediately made to go towards her, only to see another gentleman offer her his arm. Disappointment spiraled in his chest, making him turn away from the dancing. This was not what he had wanted. He had wanted to spend more time in her company and, as yet, had only managed a few minutes.
“Lady Harmonia,” he murmured, trying his best not to watch Lady Jessica dance. “Might you be able to assist me with a small matter?”
Her eyes grew serious. “Yes, of course.”
Clearing his throat, George wondered how best to broach the subject. “It has been mentioned to me that one of your sisters is engaged – or is, at least, about to become engaged very soon.” Seeing the confusion on her face, hope built in his heart. “Might you tell me if this is true?”
“No, it is not true in the least!” Lady Harmonia exclaimed, sounding quite astonished. “I am surprised to hear that someone has thought so.”
George frowned but tried to smile. “Indeed,” he murmured, wondering where Major Ridding had heard such a thing. “I am glad to hear it does not hold any truth, Lady Harmonia.”
She smiled, then, her eyes dancing as though she knew exactly why he was relieved to hear such a thing. “Indeed, Lord Warwick.” Seeing another gentleman approach, she excused herself and went to take her place at his side on the dance floor.
George’s frown remained in place as he watched Lady Jessica, waiting for the next dance to finish. Major Ridding had been quite certain that she was engaged but, evidently, he had been mistaken on that matter. Where had he got a hold of such a tale?
“Lady Jessica,” he said, the moment her partner led her from the dance floor. “Might I have the pleasure of your company for the next dance?”
Lady Jessica’s cheeks brushed with pink as she lowered her eyes. “I beg your pardon, Lord Warwick, but Major Ridding has requested the next dance.”
“Oh.”
She glanced up at him, a somewhat shy smile on her face. “Thank you for asking, my lord.”
He nodded, his expression a little tight. “Perhaps the one after Major Ridding, then?”
Before Lady Jessica could answer, either in the affirmative or the negative, Major Ridding came to stand beside them, slapping George heavily on the back. “Now now, are you trying to steal Lady Jessica from right under my nose, Lord Warwick?” he chuckled, shaking his head in mock dismay. “Well, I come to tell you now that I will not have it!”
George found that he could not smile back, his body going suddenly rigid as Major Ridding slapped him on the back again in joviality. “No, indeed, Major.” He bowed as the music stepped up again, seeing Lady Jessica’s eyes on him. “Another time, Lady Jessica.”
She did not have
the opportunity to say anything more, although her eyes caught his for a moment. More than a little frustrated, George made his way through his crowd of guests and, without pausing, stepped outside his French doors and into the gardens.
Unfortunately, George did not get the peace he was looking for. No sooner had he stepped outside than one of his guests greeted him and struck up a conversation – although he did more of the talking than George himself! Trying to remain polite despite the frustration in his heart over Major Ridding’s attention to Lady Jessica, George was caught for a few minutes in conversation before, finally, managing to extricate himself and continue a little further into the gardens.
Why am I so irritated? he asked himself, trying his utmost to work out the cause of such frustration. Major Ridding is dancing with Lady Amelia, that is all.
But that was not all. It had been the look on Major Ridding’s face that had got under George’s skin. After all, Ridding knew that George was particularly partial to Lady Jessica, so it was more than a little frustrating to see the gleam in the man’s eye as he held out his arm to her.
“Whatever is he playing at?” he muttered, swiping ineffectually at a few tall reeds.
“Lord Warwick?”
He jerked suddenly, turning to see none other than the lady in question approach him, quickly followed by her two sisters – apparently to be her chaperones.
“Lady Jessica,” he replied, smoothing his expression with a warm smile. “Can I help you with something?”
She looked up at him, her eyes lit by the lanterns he had placed all around the grounds. “It is just that I am no longer dancing with Major Ridding,” she explained, looking a little abashed. “I had thought that you might wish to….”
“Ah, yes, of course!” he exclaimed, frustrated that he had not remembered to go back indoors in search of her. Hearing the music strike up again, he gave her a quick smile. “We had best hurry, of course.”
Lady Jessica hesitated. “We might take a walk in the gardens if you prefer, my lord,” she said, slowly. “In truth, I am a little fagged.”
His heart almost burst from his chest as he held out his arm to her, all thought of Major Ridding leaving his head in an instant. “I would be delighted, Lady Jessica.” He greeted Lady Harmonia and Lady Jacintha in turn, who began to stroll, walking a little in front of them.
“Do you enjoy dancing, Lady Jessica?”
She glanced up at him, her eyes lit by the moonlight. “For the most part. I do not find it particularly agreeable when my toes are stepped on, however!”
George chuckled, shaking his head. “I do hope that does not often occur.”
She raised one eyebrow, her expression filled with mischief. “You would be surprised. I make it my duty to choose my dance partners with great care.”
Silence grew between them, although it was a rather comfortable quiet. They walked together, enjoying the moonlit garden.
“I do hope Major Ridding did not upset you with his bullish ways,” Lady Jessica continued, a little more slowly. “I know he is a friend of yours, but I confess I find him rather loud.”
That brought a smile to his face. “He is that!” George exclaimed with a chuckle. “Always has been. Quite determined to do things his own way, that man.”
“And you?” Lady Jessica asked, sounding interested. “Would you still be in the army if you had not had the title thrust upon you?”
“Indubitably,” George replied, honestly. “I have not been away from it for long and already the urge to join them continues to grow stronger.” He gave a small sigh. “Yet I know I could not be as Major Ridding is. I must continue with the estate and give all my time to it if it is to be profitable and bring honor to my family name.”
Lady Jessica slowed her steps and looked up at him. “That is very admirable of you, my lord,” she murmured, her eyes roving over his features as though she was committing them to memory. “You have a strong character, I think.”
George could hardly hear her, suddenly lost in her eyes. Her sisters had moved on, continued walking into the gardens without even glancing behind them which left both him and Lady Jessica almost entirely alone.
“Lady Jessica,” he managed to say, dropping his arm so that he might catch her hand. “I….” His voice died away as he looked down at her, overcome by her sheer beauty. She had come out to find him, had she not? She had abandoned Major Ridding and all of her new acquaintances in order to come and find him, evidently concerned for him. Did that not prove a partiality to him? Was there a chance her affections had grown since the last time they met?
Without even being fully aware of what he was doing, George leaned down and lightly brushed Lady Jessica’s lips with his own. His entire body sparked immediately, burning with a deep sudden heat.
Only for a sharp, stinging pain to slice across his face, forcing him to stagger backward.
“How dare you?” Lady Jessica hissed, her face burning. “I had thought you to be a proper gentleman, Lord Warwick!”
She turned on her heel and fled, making back for the ballroom. Wincing, George rubbed his face, hard before following after her, cursing himself under his breath. She was right. He had been much too forward, taking a liberty with her that he had hoped she would reciprocate – only to have received the just consequences of such an action.
“Lady Jessica,” he murmured, hurrying into the ballroom – but she was already gone from him, already talking to some acquaintances as though nothing was wrong. Knowing he could not approach her now, George hung back and clung to the shadows, cursing himself over and over again.
How could he have done something so foolish? It was not like him to do such a thing, yet he had gone quite out of his head on seeing her beauty. That and the fact that he was more drawn to her than he had ever been with another creature before.
Sighing heavily, George pressed one hand to his brow, trying to regain his composure. This night had not gone particularly well. He just hoped that he would be able to apologize to Lady Jessica soon and, even more so, that she would be able to find it in her heart to forgive him.
Chapter Six
Jessica could not tell which was hotter, her cheeks or her hand. Her slap had been a lot harder than she had intended, but she had been so taken by surprise by his kiss that she had not even thought before striking him.
It had, at least, had the desired effect, for he had stumbled back in shock, clutching his face as he’d stared at her.
Whatever had he been thinking? Anyone might have seen them which would have called for an engagement almost immediately and Jessica was not about to be cajoled or tricked into matrimony.
“Amelia,” she murmured, coming to stand by her sister and hoping her face was no longer as pink.
Amelia excused herself from the conversation and, turning to look at Jessica, paused for a moment. “Jessica, are you quite well? You look overly warm.”
“I am quite well, I assure you,” Jessica replied, feeling a little more at equilibrium now that she had found her older sister. “I just need to talk to someone for a while so that I am not called in to dance or the like.”
“You do look quite tired,” Amelia replied, slowly, her eyes fixed on Jessica. “Are you sure that is all it is?”
Jessica paused for a moment only to smile as brightly as she could. “Yes, I am quite sure. I have danced almost every dance and my feet are starting to hurt!” She smiled as Amelia continued to study her. “How are you feeling? Is dancing quite all right when you…?” She did not want to mention Amelia’s pregnancy out loud, aware that her sister had not yet done so.
“I am more tired than usual,” Amelia admitted, “but I have been told that dancing is of no concern and that, in fact, some exercise might be very beneficial.” She smiled a little dreamily. “I am glad to have you girls with me, however. My confinement sounds quite dull even though it is still some time away!”
Jessica chuckled. “I am quite sure you will have Arthur waiting on you hand and fo
ot, Amelia.”
“He already does!” Amelia replied, with a laugh. “I had to convince him that I was quite well without his constant attention, you know. It was as though he thought I might break once I told him about my condition.”
Meaning to say more, Jessica had to close her mouth as none other than Major Ridding began to approach. “Oh no,” she murmured, linking her arm through Amelia’s. “Tell him I am caring for you, Amelia. I do not wish to do any more dancing.”
Amelia frowned a little as she glanced over at Jessica but, as Major Ridding approached, her expression cleared.
“Ah, there you are Lady Jessica!” the Major boomed. “Been looking for you.”
“My sister came to talk to me for a few minutes,” Amelia said, sounding a little surprised at the man’s lack of greeting. “Are you enjoying this evening, Major Ridding?”
“Yes, I am, Lady Northfell,” Major Ridding replied, sounding quite apologetic and inclining his head towards her. “Plenty of dancing for a gentleman such as myself! I miss such events as these when I go out to fight.”
“And where have you been going?” Jessica asked, suddenly interested in what his life was like. “Did you remain within England?”
Major Ridding shook his head, his eyes sparkling with delight at her interest. “No, indeed. I have just returned from Pomerania, under His Majesty’s instructions to inspect the troops there.”
“And was your trip a successful one?”
He nodded, still beaming at her. “Yes, indeed. All seemed to be in order, although I will confess that I missed the lush green fields of England and I am delighted to return. However, there is something in my blood that forces me to continue traveling to these distant countries, determined to do what is asked of me by the King. Obligations, you know!”
Amelia cleared her throat gently. “How very good of you,” she murmured, sounding a little disinterested. “But what of your estate and title, Major Ridding? Have you not obligations there also?”
