A Very Merry Viscount

by Jane Charles

  Andrew

  Immediately her heart began to pound a fierce tattoo as her hands began to shake. She couldn’t participate in a fox hunt. She’d only just ridden for the first time in years. Andrew was mad to think she’d even consider attempting to do such a thing.

  Well, she’d certainly advise him that she’d not be participating.

  Setting the missive aside, she reached for the box from Danby. Tabitha couldn’t recall her great-uncle ever giving her a gift. He’d promised her a horse once, but as Tabitha had failed in earning it, he’d not offered anything since. As she bit the corner of her lip, Tabitha lifted the lid and then sucked in a breath. At first she saw only red. Then she ran her hands over the softest wool she’d ever encountered. Turmoil bubbled in her belly as she realized that not only Andrew expected her to participate in the hunt but Danby as well.

  Slowly she withdrew the material, hoping she was wrong, but her fear was confirmed once she held up the beautiful, soft, scarlet riding habit trimmed in black velvet.

  How long had Andrew known that Tabitha was to ride in the hunt? Certainly he knew before this morning or he wouldn’t have sent the note. The question was, how long had he kept it a secret from her? Further, could she even trust him? What else was Andrew keeping from her?

  The more and more Tabitha thought about it, the angrier she became. It was one matter to have Danby manipulating her life, it was quite another for Andrew to participate, earning her trust, kissing her senseless, and all the while withholding the truth.

  With a huff, she tossed the riding habit back on the bed. It would serve them both right if she just returned to bed for the day and claimed a headache or other illness and they could enjoy the hunt without her.

  Tabitha wandered to the window and looked out at the snow-covered landscape, not feeling nearly as angry as she wished to be. By inviting Andrew to the Castle, Danby had returned something to her that she’d lost. She knew that Andrew was here on business, but she’d been returned to her passion as well. Except, Andrew never did say what kind of business he had with Danby. Had Danby hired him to get her back on a horse and the rest was a ruse?

  Oh, why couldn’t she hold onto this anger of betrayal and manipulation? Just because she’d been set free somehow, when she hadn’t even realized she was chained, didn’t make what either of them had done right.

  As soon as Danby had informed him that he’d ordered a riding habit be fashioned for Tabitha, Andrew arranged for a note to be delivered to her. He prayed it gave her ease, but feared the opposite reaction. Once Tabitha read it, then she would know that he had previous knowledge of Danby’s plans, and he wasn’t certain what her reaction would be.

  Of course, their affection for each other could not continue once they parted, but Andrew had hoped that for however long he was required to remain at Danby Castle it would also be spent in the company of Tabitha. After this morning, she might not wish to speak with him ever again.

  For once, he lingered over breakfast, waiting for her to appear. Only then would he know how angry she might be.

  However, it wasn’t Tabitha who entered next but Jonathan Yeardley, the Earl of Halesworth, and Andrew found himself smiling. They’d known each other since they shared a chamber at Eton. It was Halesworth, and his best friend, Simon Nichols, who worked with him after they were supposed to turn in for the night to help rid Andrew of his Irish accent. They both knew, even as boys, that Andrew would continue to suffer ridicule as long as he didn’t speak with the proper English tones and inflections. By the time their second term came around, nobody would have ever known Andrew was Irish and he owed that success all to Halesworth and Nichols.

  Andrew hadn’t even been aware that Halesworth had been invited until he saw him at a gathering a few days ago, but had been unable to speak with him. The castle was so crowded that sometimes it was damned near impossible to have a conversation without interruption. Hadn’t he spent the entire day yesterday trying to speak with Tabitha?

  “Good morning, Straffan,” Halesworth greeted as he took the seat next to him.

  “It’s good to see you, Halesworth.”

  “Am I to take it that the animosity between your family and Danby has come to an end?”

  Andrew nearly snorted. “That has yet to be determined.” Halesworth was one of only a few people who knew about the break in the decade’s-long friendship between Danby and Andrew’s grandfather. It had been during their third year, after Andrew had been home on holiday and was informed that neither the Duke of Danby, nor the Whitton name, was ever to be mentioned in the house again.

  “Did you ever learn why your father and grandfather came to hate him?” Halesworth whispered.

  “My father refused to discuss it and I haven’t bothered to ask His Grace.” Perhaps he should ask Danby when they finally negotiated purchase of the estate. “Though Danby did invite me here to discuss purchase of the land.”

  It was odd, after years of sharing a room at Eton, and vowing a friendship, Andrew and Halesworth had grown distant. Not intentionally, but because Andrew had his hands full with the stud farms and Halesworth was spending every waking hour trying to salvage what he could of the earldom. At least that is what Andrew assumed. Further, while they were close friends at one time and Halesworth knew more about him than most people, it was Simon Nichols who had always been Halesworth’s closest friend.

  “You always believed that the land was the root of their hostility,” Halesworth observed.

  “A piece of land and a few horses should not cause such hatred though.”

  “True, but hopefully you’ll leave here with what your family always wanted.”

  If he succeeded in getting Tabitha to ride in the hunt, but as she’d not yet appeared in the breakfast room, Andrew feared she might hide away in her chamber for the remainder of the morning.

  Chapter 21

  Tabitha clenched and unclenched her fists as she made her way to the stables for the hunt. As much as she wished to thumb her nose at Danby and Andrew, on reflection, she realized that she not only needed to prove something to them, but to herself as well. There was a comfort in knowing that Andrew would remain at her side, but that didn’t mean she was any less angry with him. He’d kept a secret that involved her and for that he’d need to explain himself. Tabitha also knew that once she rode in the hunt, there would be nothing to keep her from riding whenever she wished, alone or with others. No longer would she be crippled with fear.

  Few had arrived at the stables and Tabitha had intentionally come out here early to calm her nerves. However, she hadn’t expected to come upon Andrew leading Epona into the stable yard.

  Their eyes met and he came toward her.

  Tabitha drew in a breath and lifted her chin.

  “How are you faring this morning?” His tone was more of caution than a polite greeting.

  “That would depend on to what you refer.” Her tone was clipped and cold so that Andrew could not misinterpret any response as friendly.

  Oh, why did a gentleman who kissed so divinely need to be devious as well.

  “The hunt,” Andrew confirmed.

  “So, it isn’t the secrets or possible betrayal that concerns you?”

  His sigh was heavy as he pushed his fingers through his hair. At least Andrew was aware that he’d wronged her. “I had no intention of betraying you.”

  “Keeping me in the dark as to my great-uncle’s plans is certainly a betrayal,” Tabitha argued.

  “I did not see it in the same manner,” he defended calmly.

  “Keeping a secret that involves me is most certainly a betrayal.” Warming to her anger, Tabitha took a step forward. “You asked me to trust you and all the while you were preparing me for this without even a hint of warning. That, Viscount Straffan, is betrayal.”

  For a moment all he did was stare at her and Tabitha wasn’t certain if it was regret, pain or maybe understanding in his light blue eyes.

  “What would have been yer reaction had
ye known, Tabitha?” His tone, calm and warm, irritated her to no end. Why wasn’t he arguing with her or at least raising his voice to match hers?

  “That depends. When could you have told me? How long have you known?”

  Again, he blew out a sigh. “The day of the snowball fight. That is when Danby informed me.”

  Her mouth popped open. “That was three days ago and you couldn’t find a way to work it into the conversation…perhaps when we were skating, or at the ball, when we walked outside and you decided to ask if I believed in ghosts?”

  He winced. “Danby ordered me not to say a word.”

  “Ordered?” How dare her great-uncle order anyone to keep a secret?

  “Aye, and with further consideration, I decided it was best that ye didn’t know.”

  How dare he? “You decided? That was my decision. Not yours and not Danby’s.”

  “Very well, had I told ye when I learned, what would ye have done?”

  Tabitha blinked at him. What would she have done?

  “Ye would have talked yerself out of it.” Andrew answered for her.

  At that, Tabitha glared him. She hated that he was right. Had she been given any warning, she would have hidden away in her room and waited for everyone to be gone before she got on a horse again.

  “I shouldn’t have kept the secret, but in this case, I also believe I was right to do so.”

  Oh, she wanted to remain angry at Andrew, but he did know her, at least her response to all things equestrian.

  “Please, forgive me.” Andrew reached out and took both of her hands.

  Tabitha stared up into his blue eyes and her anger began to ease. Danby had ordered him, and most people did not disobey His Grace, especially if they were not a relation.

  After a moment, Tabitha blew out a sigh. “I’m still quite vexed with you.”

  “I will make it up to you. Somehow. Just say the word.”

  Tabitha tilted her head and studied him. “How do you propose to get back in my good graces?” Oh, she loved to have the upper hand.

  He narrowed his eyes. “Ye have the same look as yer sister did the other day.”

  “And it cost me three months of pin money,” Tabitha pointed out. “That was to buy Deborah’s silence.”

  “My transgression is far worse,” he admitted with a drop of his chin. “I can’t begin to make a suggestion as yer the one who has been wronged. I am but your servant.”

  At that Tabitha snorted. She doubted Andrew had ever been anyone’s servant, but she enjoyed that he humbled himself before her. “I’ll need to give it some thought.” She tried to be stern but a smile tugged at her lips and Tabitha gave up fighting it.

  “Am I forgiven?”

  “After I’ve devised a way for you to make it up to me.” Yes, she had forgiven him but only because Danby had demanded his silence. However, Tabitha also wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip though her fingers, even if his payment was simply more kisses following the hunt.

  At her smile, Andrew relaxed. At least Lady Tabitha didn’t hate him, though he wondered what payment she would require. Not that any cost was too high. He’d do just about anything to make her happy and keep her happy.

  “Your horse has been saddled, Lady Tabitha.”

  The both turned to find Kemp leading out a dark Arabian that he recognized on sight. When had Danby purchased one of his mares? She’d been sold at Tattersalls last spring. A beautiful Arabian with decent speed, but she would never win a race, which was why Andrew had parted with her. She was Epona’s last foal and they recognized each other, if the neighs were any indication.

  “What of Solomon?” Lady Tabitha asked almost panicked.

  “Solomon is a fine horse for riding, but not suited for the hunt,” Kemp explained.

  Andrew watched Lady Tabitha as a bit of color faded from her cheeks as Kemp brought Snowflake closer. “I’m not certain…”

  “Ye will be fine,” Andrew assured her. “Why don’t we ride so ye can get used to her before the others arrive.”

  “What’s her name?” Lady Tabitha tentatively reached out and patted the mare’s neck.

  “Snowflake.” Andrew grinned.

  Lady Tabitha frowned. “For a black horse?”

  “Ye’ll see once ye are on her.”

  Lady Tabitha frowned.

  “I’m not tellin’ ye. Ye must find out for yerself.”

  This earned him a glower. “Would ye like a leg up?”

  “Oh, very well,” Lady Tabitha grumbled.

  Instead of cupping his hands as he should, Andrew placed them about her slim waist and lifted.

  “Oh,” Lady Tabitha exclaimed in delight as she looked down at the horse. “She has a sprinkling of white spots. How unusual.”

  “That was my youngest sister’s opinion,” Andrew said as he mounted Epona. “Rowena said it was as if snowflakes had fallen and not yet melted.”

  “Thus the name.” Tabitha laughed and ran her hand along Snowflake’s neck. “She is yours?”

  “No. I sold her last spring and somehow she ended up in Danby’s stable.”

  “His man of business purchased her specifically,” Kemps aid. “I shouldn’t tell ye this, but His Grace was waiting for one of Epona’s mares to be auctioned.”

  All Danby had to do was make an offer. Then again, as he wouldn’t sell the land, it was unlikely Andrew would have sold him a horse regardless of the amount offered.

  “Shall we, lass?” Andrew asked after Kemp handed Tabitha the reins.

  “She’ll not bolt or rear?”

  “Snowflake had an excellent disposition when I parted from her,” Andrew said and then looked at Kemp for clarification because anything could have changed in the months since she’d been under different ownership.

  “Sweet tempered, this one is,” he confirmed.

  “Then, I suppose we should ride and see how we do.”

  At least Tabitha wasn’t balking at the idea, but just in case, Andrew stayed close and kept an eye on her as they headed for the trails.

  At first they walked, then trotted, moved to a canter and then finally a full gallop, and the entire time, Tabitha’s smile grew bigger and brighter. And even though his heart swelled with pride that she’d overcome what had been a crippling fear not even a sennight ago, disappointment settled in his gut. She no longer needed him and Danby had gotten his wish, as Tabitha was ready to ride in a hunt. And, even though Andrew knew this wasn’t the reason he’d been invited to the castle, it also meant that he was no longer needed.

  They kept the exercise short so as not to tire the horses and as they returned to the stable yard, others were gathered and mounting their steeds. Danby glanced over, noting Tabitha upon Snowflake and seemed to nod in approval.

  As they waited for the others, Tabitha turned to Andrew, mischief in her green eyes and an impish smile. “I believe I know how I plan to exact payment from you.”

  Chapter 22

  Tabitha knew exactly what she wanted. Whether Andrew granted her wish was another matter. However, she’d wait to tell him until after the hunt.

  Goodness, she was riding in a hunt. She’d never done so before because before the accident, she’d been too young. As a little girl, she couldn’t wait until she was old enough. Another dream put aside because of her fall.

  At the barking of the beagles as they were brought out, Tabitha’s excitement mounted, as well as a bit of anxiety. This was her first test and no matter what, she’d hold her seat and control Snowflake.

  “Let’s follow,” Andrew suggested. “Until you get used to the others.”

  “You don’t need to stay with me.” Andrew rode a superior horse and shouldn’t be forced to the back with her.

  “As much as I enjoy riding, fox hunting isn’t a favorite sport of mine.”

  She blinked. “Why not?”

  “Dogs, horses, men and women chasing a helpless fox doesn’t seem truly fair, does it?”

  “Except those foxes manage to
get to the chickens and do other damage,” she reminded him. At least, that is how it had been explained to her.

  “You are correct,” he said with a nod and Tabitha got the feeling he was condescending to her.

  “What would you do?”

  “What I’ve done at home. Set traps.”

  “They only return,” Tabitha pointed out.

  “They are more intelligent than we give them credit.”

  Now Andrew was looking uncomfortable. “Would you rather not join in the hunt at all?”

  “What I would like is to ride by your side. That is what I will enjoy.”

  A thrill shot through Tabitha at his words.

  Once the lead riders reached the fields, the dogs were set loose and in an instant they were off, the horses and riders close behind. It was all a bit overwhelming and Tabitha found herself falling back, not certain she wanted to be part of the pack.

  “Do you know the land well enough to know where they will ride?”

  “I have ridden the castle grounds since I was a girl but I don’t know how much has changed…” she trailed off as they turned into the woods. Perhaps she wasn’t ready for this.

  “We’ll take it slow, unless you want to catch the fox.”

  The more she thought about it, the less Tabitha wanted to participate. “What happens if a fox is caught?”

  He looked over and lifted an eyebrow. “Do you really wish to know?”

  “The dogs?” Her stomach churned.

  He simply nodded.

  “I believe I would prefer to remain behind.” Why hadn’t she really considered what a hunt involved? As a child, it all looked so exciting…but the idea of hunting down a fox, outnumbered and outsized, wasn’t very sporting after all.

  “There is no reason why we need to remain with them at all.”

  “My great-uncle expects it of me.” Otherwise he wouldn’t have sent her the riding habit.

  “Very well, we’ll ride, but not truly participate.”