“Absolutely, I can relate. My friendship with Georgia is the best relationship I know about. I feel sorry for everyone who doesn’t have that. I’m realizing more and more that it’s a rarity. But I’ve witnessed my sisters forge a similar sort of relationship with their husbands.”
Suddenly, she blushed as though her cheeks were on fire. “I know it’s not at all the same thing, actually, but just the always happy to be in each other’s company part is similar, I suppose.”
Ash laughed. “I know what you’re saying,” he assured her. “Although, according to Crossley, the relationship you have with his wife might be unique to females. But it does give you a picture of how I feel about the men I had known as boys. We haven’t put pen to paper and maintained close contact while I’ve been venturing around the world, but whenever I return home, we seem to pick right up where we left off the last time.”
“That must be lovely,” she finally said.
“It is actually,” he admitted. “I’ve never given it a great deal of thought or actually put it into words before, but I would say that both your brothers-in-law are men I would call my friends and would trust them with my life, even if I don’t know all the ongoing details of their current lives.”
She again had a somewhat dubious expression on her face but before he could question her on it, they were interrupted by their arrival back in the Crossley stable yard and the flurry of activity that was taking place there.
Ashford watched, feeling a little helpless, as Vigilia was swept away from him on a tide of giggling young women. He was gratified to see her glance back at him, but she didn’t stop or even say goodbye. He felt foolish being so disappointed and wondered if he was deluding himself to think there was longing in her face in that brief glance.
Chapter Twelve
Vicky felt Ashford’s gaze following her but aside from one quick glance back, she refused to gaze longingly at him. Her mind was filled with such conflicting thoughts. And then there was Lord Bertram trying to talk to her again. With a sigh, Vicky managed to evade his efforts and made it up to her room for some quiet and relative privacy.
Dolly, ever faithful, was there ready to help her relax and prepare for the evening. Georgia had planned an elaborate supper followed by dancing. All the younger ladies were excited about wearing the best gowns they had brought with them. Vicky had tried to enter into the enthusiasm of the occasion but had been too preoccupied with her conflicting thoughts. Thankfully, the other girls like Lady Delilah and Miss Kitty had more than made up for her lack to the point that it was doubtful anyone could have even noticed that she wasn’t quite as excited as the rest.
It was a shame, really, as she should be delighting in the house party. Georgia had gone to great lengths to ensure it was perfect for her. Vicky felt positively churlish for not being in alt over everything. But the conflict stirred up within her by both Lord Bertram and Ashford Northcott was enough to drive her quite mad.
She had much to contemplate as Dolly brushed out her hair and began to plait it into the evening’s more intricate style.
“You’ve gone quiet again, m’lady. Are you well? Did you fatigue yourself with your exploring?”
“No, I’m well, Dolly, thanks for your concern. I’m just lost in my thoughts.”
“Still wondering about the Northcott gentleman, are you?”
“Not in the sense that I think you mean, Dolly,” Vicky began despite her misgivings.
The maid didn’t say anything, merely regarding her reflection as she continued to style her hair.
“It’s all a great mess. I had thought to keep it completely to myself, not even telling you, as it’s truly ridiculous but carries the potential for scandal.”
“My lady, surely not,” Dolly gasped. “You’d best tell me everything. You know I shan’t tell a soul, and you obviously need to talk it through. If you haven’t even told the countess, you surely need to tell someone.”
“You’re correct, of course. I don’t know what I was thinking to believe I could keep it to myself. I’ve never kept anything a complete secret.”
“Now my lady, it’s not that you’re incapable of doing so, I’m certain of it. It’s just that there’s something obviously weighing upon you. If it’s not your concerns about embarrassing yourself in front of Mr. Northcott, then what is it?”
“It’s Lord Bertram.”
Stunned silence followed Vicky’s declaration as the maid’s eyes narrowed in concentration as she regarded her mistress.
“Never tell me you’ve developed feelings for that one.”
Vicky was surprised by a chuckle coming from her throat. It was a relief of her pent up emotions. “No, that isn’t the case. Or at least not pleasant feelings. I certainly have all sorts of negative feelings toward the man.”
Dolly nodded but didn’t add anything, waiting for her mistress to continue.
After a deep breath, Vicky did continue.
“I’m sure you remember my telling you before that Viscount Bertram makes me uncomfortable. I can’t even say why exactly. But it feels like he’s greasy or something. I know that’s a strange description, but he just gives me the shivers in a very unpleasant manner, like I want to be anywhere but near him. But on the first night that he was here, I had to sit with him for supper. And he told me he had something really important that he had to tell me.”
Vicky could see her maid’s eyes growing larger and rounder in the mirror. Somehow, it made her feel better.
“Anyhow, he said that Mr. Northcott was involved in treasonous activity and the fact that my brothers-in-law are friends of his, we’d all be tainted by the scandal.”
“He never!” the servant exclaimed.
“That was my reaction, too. I am quite convinced there’s no truth to the matter, but I hadn’t any idea how to counter his words.”
“But what did he want you to do?”
“Lord Bertram wants me to investigate Mr. Northcott, but I haven’t a clue how to do it.”
“So, what did you do?”
Vicky sighed. “I tried to talk to him as Lord Bertram commanded, but I’m truly not cut out for questioning anyone. I wish he had been more specific in his demands. Telling me to find out about Mr. Northcott’s business interests was a trifle too vague to be of any use.”
“Did you not speak to him at all then?”
Vicky laughed a little. “We actually spoke a great deal. The entire ride back from the ruins this afternoon, which was at least half an hour.”
“And did you not learn anything about him?”
With a sigh Vicky gave her head a small shake, but mindful of her maid’s busy hands, didn’t want to disturb her hair. “I learned he’s just as interesting as ever. And he even considers Wexford his friend. Which is odd, since he’s pining for Rosabel. Or maybe he’s not. I’m starting to wonder if I know anything about anything now.” She paused for a moment before adding thoughtfully, “This was actually the first time ever that he didn’t ask me about Rosabel. He spoke more about his friendship with both Wexford and Eastwood than about either of my sisters. In fact, my sisters didn’t come into the conversation at all. It was most refreshing.”
The maid laughed. “You are only saying what didn’t happen, my lady. Tell me what did. What has you all in a muddle this night?”
“I’m no further ahead. I, of course, don’t have any reason to trust Lord Bertram, but I don’t truly have a valid reason not to trust him. It’s just a feeling. I feel the man is sneaky. And foolish, really. But I don’t know if my conflicted feelings about Mr. Northcott are reason enough to distrust Northcott or Bertram. It’s all a big mess, as I said at the beginning. It’s not as though I have any intention of actually helping Lord Bertram. The man wasn’t even invited to Crossley, so I can’t believe that he’s up to any good. But I thought if I got the information he sought, it might tell me if there truly is something to be done.”
She huffed another frustrated breath. “I wrote to both Wexford and Eastwoo
d this morning, but it could be days before I receive any word back from either of them and of course, I had to be delicate in my wording so perhaps, they won’t understand what I’m trying to convey, and they might not reply at all. So, I feel as though a day has gone by and I’ve accomplished nothing. I haven’t moved my plans ahead in my search for a husband. And I have done nothing to ascertain what I can do to protect my family from an unidentified threat against them. I would say my preoccupation is rightly legitimate, wouldn’t you?”
“That I would, m’lady, but you’d best put it all from your mind this night and do your best to enjoy yourself as much as you can. As you were telling me, this is the only chance you’ve got for a time such as this. I’m more than sure their lordships can look after your family right and tight, and you needn’t be troubling yourself over these things.”
Vicky wanted to grumble about the servant’s antiquated thoughts on a woman’s need to leave things to the men but tried to see the matter from her standpoint. She was probably correct. What could Vicky really do whether Bertram was friend or foe in this matter? But that didn’t change the fact that she was determined to do all she could. And if that meant spending time with Ashford Northcott to find out what he might know, then that was what she would do.
A small part of her twinged at the thought, though. She knew her heart was already inclined in his direction. She didn’t want to go and fall in love with the man. Vicky couldn’t envision a happy future with someone who had feelings for her sister. She would always wonder if he was wishing she were someone else. And just imagine how awkward family gatherings would be. But for the greater good of her family, she would do what needed to be done. Surely, she could guard her heart against him, especially given the fact that he was obviously involved in some sort of nonsense. Vicky didn’t believe he was up to anything treasonous, but there was something shady going on. Wouldn’t that safeguard her heart?
With a resolute nod to herself and the servant, Vicky left her bedchamber as prepared as she could possibly be for whatever the evening held.
Georgia’s cook had outdone himself once more. It would seem the man was flourishing with a crowd to feed. Vicky tried to be conscious not to eat too much as they would be dancing later, but each dish seemed to be even better than the previous one.
She was seated between Sir Cranston and Lord Clifton, and both seemed to be exerting themselves to be entertaining. She was able to ignore her concerns for entire stretches of time before her eye would catch on one or the other of the gentlemen who were causing her trouble and she’d be reminded once more. But between the delicious food, the generous wine served, and the amusing companions, Vicky found herself quite enjoying her evening.
When they arrived in the ballroom, it was to the sound of the small group of musicians finalizing the tuning of their instruments. Vicky hurried to confer with Georgia to see if she could be of assistance.
“My dear girl, we worked out every single possible detail well in advance. There’s really nothing left for us to do but enjoy ourselves now,” Georgia had said with a grin as she tucked her arm through Vicky’s elbow. “Tell me, were you happy with the place seating for supper?”
“I was, quite, yes, thank you. What about you?”
“Well, as I’m sure you know, I’d rather be seated between you and my husband and that’s it, but I didn’t mind my companions. And Cook excelled tonight, making me look like an exceptional hostess, so I am quite confident that I can now sit and preen like a self-satisfied cat.”
Vicky laughed, enjoying her friend’s high humour. But then her eye was caught as Lord Bertram approached them just as the musicians struck up their first number. Vicky couldn’t have said what was revealed on her face, but her loyal friend stepped between them just as Crossley approached.
“Oh, Lord Bertram, thank you for saving me,” Georgia pronounced in a trilling voice. “Crossley, of course, will escort Lady Vigilia in this first dance as our special guest, so I was despairing of having to sit on the sidelines. You are a true gentleman.”
Vicky had to swallow the laugh that was threatening to well up in her throat, and she was grateful that the earl pulled her onto the dance floor without any comment other than the twitch of one eyebrow.
“My sincerest apologies, Crossley, I promise you, I didn’t put her up to it.”
“No apology necessary, my lady. I probably should have asked you anyway. She isn’t wrong. You are our special guest.”
Vicky’s cheeks heated at his kind words. “You don’t have to say that, Crossley.”
“Having you here makes my wife very happy. So, it makes me happy. You are our friend, Vigilia, and we will stand by you, come what may.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I hope you realize you can confide in me if there was something concerning you.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Vicky answered through her thickening throat. A part of her wanted to unburden herself but surely, she couldn’t do so in the middle of the dance floor. She would think on it for a day or two. If she hadn’t heard from either of her brothers-in-law by the third day then she would speak to Crossley about Lord Bertram’s claims.
They didn’t talk much more, merely circled the dance floor enjoying the music and the flow of the steps. Vicky hadn’t had the opportunity to partner with the earl prior to this Season. He was an excellent dance partner, and their close connection through Georgia made polite chatter unnecessary.
He gallantly bowed over her hand as she dipped into a curtsy at the end. Ashford Northcott was there waiting to sweep her into the next dance. It was a waltz. Vicky hadn’t known Georgia’s musicians were going to play the waltz. She tried not to be thrilled all the way down to her toes. But that might have been a futile effort.
“You are remarkably graceful, my lady,” Mr. Northcott complimented.
“Thank you,” she answered simply, allowing a pause before adding, “my sisters and I all loved to dance from the moment we gained our balance.”
“That must have been quite darling, five little girls toddling around.”
Vicky gurgled with laughter. “Well, I’m not perfectly sure about that, but we did have some good times. Of course, we didn’t all five toddle at the same time. There’s a bit of a gap between me and next sister.”
Ashford’s eyebrows rose, and Vicky struggled to decide how much of her family history to share. She chose to knit her lips together and just enjoy the dance. She should have told him he was an excellent partner when he had complimented her. Now, it would be embarrassing to do so after the fact. Why does the man tie me up in knots so?
Suddenly, she remembered her vow to herself to find out all she could about Northcott, in case she decided to trust Bertram.
“You never did get around to telling me about your work in the islands.”
She hoped her blush wasn’t too fiery to be attributed to the rigours of dancing when he looked at her with surprise.
“No, I suppose I didn’t. What would you like to know?”
Vicky blinked at the question. How was she supposed to know what she wanted to know? She didn’t know anything. She fought a surge of hysterical laughter.
“What would you like to tell me? Or is it perhaps private? Am I being rude even asking you?” She didn’t think it could possibly be considered rude, but she hoped she would disarm him enough to tell her more, so she wouldn’t have to continue to reveal her ignorance.
“Not rude in the least. In fact, I’m rather gratified by your interest. Most young ladies seem to be more interested in my ventures in India.”
Vicky blinked again, tilting her head, trying not to giggle. She wondered why the other ladies knew more than she did.
“Why do you think that might be?” she asked.
“Probably because they think silks come from there.”
Vicky didn’t usually consider herself to be simple minded. She had learned how to balance the estate ledgers and knew more than she ever cared to learn about the raising of sheep on he
r father’s lands. But she couldn’t decide if Ashford was laughing at her or not.
“Does it not originate in the Orient?” she asked, hoping she wasn’t revealing an excessive amount of ignorance.
“It does, indeed,” he replied with a beaming smile, as though he were proud of her for her answer.
Vicky laughed. “Is there a reason you are still avoiding discussing the islands, though, Mr. Northcott? I do find it most curious. And my curiosity is increasing the longer you avoid telling me.”
His laughter warmed her belly and caused her heart to feel as though it had missed a beat or two.
“I can assure you, I’m not trying to avoid telling you a single thing. I am enjoying your interest, to be perfectly frank. Perhaps, I am inadvertently trying to prolong it.”
Vicky laughed along with him but raised her eyebrows in inquiry.
“Very well, my lady, I will try to tell you about the islands. I think, though, that it would be far better to show you one day.”
Vicky stared at him for what felt like an age.
~~~
Ash could have bitten off his own tongue, if it would have helped him retract the words. It was obviously too soon to make such a statement. The girl barely blinked after he said he’d like to show her his island home. Finally, she laughed and shook her head, as though perhaps he had been jesting. He didn’t bother telling her just how earnest he had felt in that moment. He actually would quite enjoy seeing her reaction to seeing the beautiful tropical place. It would surely be unlike anything she had ever seen.
He had never taken anyone to any of his properties. Unless you counted his employees. None of his brothers had ever expressed an interest. In fact, despite his friends occasionally asking him how things were going when he returned to England, Lady Vigilia’s interest was actually the most anyone, other than other seamen, had shown. Perhaps, that was what had caused the sudden impulse to show her everything he had ever owned. He didn’t think he could bear it if she rejected his fledgling offer. He hoped he could brazen his way out of his sudden feeling of awkwardness.
A Gentleman to Avoid: Sweet Regency Romance (Sherton Sisters Book 3) Page 12
