Charmed by His Lordship

by Jen Geigle Johnson

  Miss Tanning held a hand to her mouth. “No.”

  Lady Felicity dipped her head. “’Tis so. For not only are there many women of that description in a London ballroom, but apparently, more than one Miss White.”

  Their small group laughed. And Lord Bolton found himself once again highly amused at the plucky, though proper, Lady Felicity.

  The footman announced, “A Mr. Garvey, Mrs. Garvey.”

  “Well. If it isn’t our host himself.” Mr. Cavanaugh coughed. “Miracles.”

  Mr. Garvey cleared his throat. “We are happy you have come. Please make yourselves comfortable and let our staff know if you are lacking in anything at all during your stay.”

  Mrs. Garvey shook her head. “Perhaps some things might be lacking. As no estate has every little necessity. But yes, welcome. We expect you will find great pleasure outside of the house, more so than in, I dare say. For example, we would like to invite you to choose from our stables a mount, and we will ride down by the water this evening after a quick supper. No need to waste daylight eating, not when there are sunsets to behold. We expect our party to be complete in number within the next few days.”

  The guests nodded their heads, and the few closest to the Garveys approached, conversing. Abraham grinned. “Miss Tanning. Are you seeking a riding partner for this evening?”

  “I welcome company from all, naturally, but Lord Ridgecrest has asked me to be his particular partner.” The smile she gave Ridgecrest was not lost on Abraham nor on Lady Felicity, apparently. Her body shook from what might have been a foot stomping. Curious. And diverting. His new prim friend had a surprising amount of emotion inside.

  “In that case, Lady Felicity, would you be so kind as to join me?”

  “Of course. Thank you.”

  “You can both join us. We’ll all go together, I’d imagine.” Lord Ridgecrest smiled at Lady Felicity, and Abraham wondered at their connection.

  “Thank you.” Her small smile she gifted Lord Ridgecrest seemed so different, so subservient compared to the woman he imagined tormented her prim and proper ways to no end.

  Abraham had secured a place beside Miss Tanning at dinner. But the meal was not to be enjoyed. What could their hostess have been thinking, serving such a watered-down fare? Most guests finished unaccountably early and stood. He held his arm out for Miss Tanning to take. “I cannot understand the insolence of serving such a meal to guests.” His mother would have been appalled. He remembered tears of regret over less than fine ingredients when they had started to run out of money. Her table, the food they presented to their guests, had always been a matter of personal pride with her. He couldn’t decide if he should be insulted or disgusted with the Garveys. Or perhaps he should pity them.

  “Oh, don’t pay it any mind. Those of us who come often are not at all surprised. Wait until Mr. Garvey is present for a meal.” She placed a hand on his arm and looked around at the other guests.

  He decided not to dwell further on unpleasant topics. “I admit to a great amount of pleasure that the four of us will be riding together.”

  She nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Shall I see you at the stables, then?”

  He bowed. “I shall be awaiting the moment.”

  She lifted her hand from his own and ascended the stairs with a certain grace he found appealing. It settled his irritation from dinner to see the manner in which she carried herself. Such poise, surely Miss Tanning would be an excellent addition to his estate. At last he turned from her and almost stumbled over Lady Felicity, who stood at his side with hands on her hips.

  He jumped. “Why, Lady Felicity. What a wonderful surprise to see you sneaking up on me like that.”

  She frowned. “As if I would ever do such a thing. I simply waited until you were finished gawking and falling over yourself to please her.”

  “And what if I tell you I’ve noticed the same of you and Lord Ridgecrest?” He waved his hands at the lord’s name.

  “Then you would be as ridiculous as I already suspect you are.”

  He dipped his head. “I stand condemned. As ridiculous as you suspect I am.” He turned from her. “Shall we meet at the stables to prove ourselves even more so to the others?”

  She huffed. “I was only trying to help.”

  He waited.

  “Yes. I’ll be there straight away.”

  He turned from her down the opposite corridor. Why would she think of him as ridiculous? What was ridiculous? Was he not simply attempting to win Miss Tanning’s hand? Was he behaving in a manner untoward? Confound Lady Felicity, he was all in a muddle about things now.

  And she herself, swooning with raptures over Lord Ridgecrest. What a pair they made.

  Chapter 4

  Felicity’s mare eased along the paths at the top of the cliffs. The wind whipped through her hair. Her bonnet had already lost its place on her head and hung, flinging itself about on her back. Her pins had all come loose, and much to her embarrassment, her hair flew out behind her, long and wild. The conditions were harsh, but the view . . . the view was unmatched in wild beauty. The ocean rose up in furious white caps, large waves reaching for a cloudy gray sky.

  Miss Tanning’s hair remained tightly wound at the back of her head. Her riding habit looked newer. Her boots shinier. No wonder the men all flocked to her. She looked the part. She seemed to have other facets of her personality to recommend her. She laughed easily. She was fun. By comparison, Felicity felt lacking.

  Felicity rode alone while the two men fought for position at Miss Tanning’s side. Only when the path became too narrow did one or the other come to ride beside her. Could she blame them? She looked a complete hoyden, hair coming more lose by the moment, a prime example of her mother’s family. If the ride had not been so stunning, she would have wanted to return in complete mortification to Mrs. Dotting.

  But she couldn’t feel disheartened, not when the blue stretched to the edge of the world.

  Lord Ridgecrest joined her. “I’m reminded of Dover and our time spent there.”

  She looked at the others, to see if they would hear.

  “Conversation is nearly impossible unless we are close. They won’t hear.”

  “Then you and I are in agreement that some things need not be discussed.”

  He nodded. “Although I don’t regret the memories. Your mother, your family . . .” His eyes turned wistful, and Felicity found a lump in her throat. He inched closer, their legs almost touching as their mounts meandered on the path side by side. “I would be remiss if I did not express my utmost gratitude.” His eyes were full of sincerity, his attention on her.

  “I’m sure my mother would assure you your gratitude is not necessary. She would do the same tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “Seeing you again, and you, riding like this, with your hair all behind you. It’s a sight I won’t soon forget. You have much of your mother in you.”

  The way he said it made her proud of her mother, pleased to be a reminder of the beautiful woman. “Thank you. She was the best of women.”

  “I’ve rarely met someone of her character.”

  She rode higher in her saddle, the words of praise washing over. So often she’d heard nothing but scorn from anyone of title. “Such a boon to find someone from my past here. I feel as though you and I are close already because of it.”

  He cleared his throat and looked away.

  Lord Bolton glanced back over his shoulder at her and then slowed his pace so that he rode between her and Lord Ridgecrest. “I’ve heard there’s a run on candles at the house. Perhaps we should get back?”

  Lord Ridgecrest hurried forward to take his former place beside Miss Tanning.

  And Felicity could do nothing but frown at Lord Bolton.

  “Ho, ho. Did I interrupt something important?” His eyes sparkled at her, and the more pleased and jovial he looked, the more irritated she became.

  But then he rode even closer than Lord Ridgecrest had, leaned over to her and said, “I th
ink we can help each other.”

  “Oh? In what manner?”

  “Your conversation with Lord Ridgecrest just now. You’re scaring him away.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Did you hear us?”

  “Are you sharing secrets?”

  Too close to the truth, she eyed him in suspicion and fear. What could he mean becoming involved in the past she would like to keep covered? “Not at all. I just don’t see how my conversations with another . . .”

  “Oh, come now, don’t be missish. Listen while we have a moment.”

  She opened her mouth in shock. Was he now to include her in another outlandish scheme?

  “You must allow him to pursue you, without such open provocation.”

  “What are you—”

  “You were all too eager in the front room earlier, and just now, your comment about being close.” He shivered. “That makes even me cringe.”

  She wished to turn away, but she had nowhere to turn.

  “Look at you. Every man’s dream of beauty, riding without societal constraints, your magnificent hair. You’d give every governess a heart attack and start every man’s blood to boiling.”

  “I’m sure I don’t—”

  “He mentioned it, didn’t he?”

  She stopped and realized he had, but it was not at all what Lord Bolton was thinking. She shook her head.

  “He did. You can’t deny it.” He held up a finger. “And then you ruined it with your closeness comment.”

  Had she? Tears burned in her eyes. Lord Bolton was too bold. She turned her head.

  “I can help you win him.”

  She jerked her face back up to his.

  “Absolutely. If you help me to do the same.”

  “But what can I possibly do to help you?” Hope rose within her. Lord Bolton seemed so sure.

  “I’ll tell you what to do when the time is right. You help me. I’ll help you, and by the end of this party, both of us will leave with what we most desire right now.” His eyes warmed as his gaze traveled over her face. And for a moment she questioned what she wanted most.

  But then Miss Tanning’s delighted laugh carried over on the wind to her, and she pressed her lips together. “Agreed.”

  Lord Bolton nodded a smile of victory. “The first thing to do, when we arrive at the stables, wait for Lord Ridgecrest to help you down off your horse.”

  “Shouldn’t you do such a thing?”

  “Well, normally I would be delighted to help you, except that I will be helping Miss Tanning. Let him help you. You’ll see.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, and she grinned in response without thinking. “And ask him about his horses.” Then he clucked his tongue, and his horse sped up again.

  Lord Ridgecrest returned to her side, and she remembered Lord Bolton’s warning and advice. “You sit so well on your mount. Do you often ride?”

  “Whenever I can. I shall attempt to ride in this very spot every day we are here.” He looked out over the view of the land behind them. The hazy mist that hung over the water did not rise up to the land around her. The green of the grass, the craggy rocks, the rolling hills that continued out away from the ocean were really quite beautiful. She’d spent so much time studying Lord Ridgecrest, she’d hardly noticed.

  When he turned his face back to her, she asked, “Do you have a fine stable?”

  He carried on about his stallion, his mares, his home, and she listened, watching his face light up with excitement. A few more questions, and his conversation carried them all the way back to the stables on stories from home. By then, she felt she knew the personalities of the horses in half his stables.

  “I bet you miss Thunder. Will you have your stallion at all during the party?”

  The disappointment that clouded his eyes was charming. This man was very dedicated to his horses. “No. I had to leave him at my estate. But I’ll be traveling there shortly after.”

  They approached the pastures behind the house on the Garvey estate. Smooth, cleared land spread out in front of her, and suddenly, she just wanted to ride out across it. She kicked her heels, and her horse jumped forward in a beautiful, smooth gallop. Laughing, her hands out at her sides, she tipped her had back and enjoyed the flying sensation of the horse beneath her.

  A man’s laughter surprised her at her side. Lord Bolton’s face, grinning and bold, and Lord Ridgecrest’s determined and focused on the other side. Was he trying to race? Of all the ridiculous…She leaned forward. He did the same. Lord Ridgecrest was determined to best her to the stables? Not today. Something about his face, his determined stance made her all the more anxious to win. She leaned forward, urging her horse.

  Lord Ridgecrest did the same.

  Lord Bolton sped up beside her, his face amused, but he shook his head.

  Shook his head? He can’t be shaking his head at her. She would dig deeper, beat him as well as Lord Ridgecrest.

  The horse vibrated beneath her, muscles flexing and stretching in a beautiful synergy of motion. The stables were just at the top of the next hill, and she craved a victory. Her horse sped up, beating the others. Racing ahead, she crested the hill and tore into the paddock, beating everyone by a full horse breadth. They all turned and walked their horses while Miss Tanning approached.

  “I’m quite diverted.” She sat primly on her mount, back straight, riding habit precisely fitting, hair still neatly pinned under her bonnet.

  Felicity puffed a strand of hair out of her face while she circled around the coral with her horse, walking her down. She knew she must look a sight. Deep embarrassment started to tighten up her insides, and at the moment all she wanted to do was run and hide. Lord Ridgecrest wouldn’t look at her, his face suddenly stern, displeased.

  Miss Tanning eyed her in amusement. Only Lord Bolton seemed as charming as ever. He rode up beside her. “I’m all amazement. Good win, my lady.” He dipped his head.

  But she turned away.

  “Come now. We must be a good sport about our wins.”

  “Stop mocking me.” Her words ended in a cry, and she blinked back her mortification.

  He pulled up beside her. “Get a hold of yourself. Yes, you beat him in a horse race. Yes, he is fuming about it, but don’t underestimate the attractiveness of your current state.”

  “My attractiveness?” She daren’t even attempt a hand on her tresses to untangle them. What utter nonsense.

  “Certainly. Your hair, your flushed cheeks. The daring sparkle in your eye, the aura of victory humming about you in the air. A man wouldn’t be a man if he didn’t notice.” His eyes traveled her face, and she felt their path in a warmth across her skin. And for the first time in all her years, she felt desirable and wanted, for being herself. It wasn’t the proper miss who was attractive to this man, but the part inside she so carefully tried to hide.

  “Now.” He leaned close, his whisper making her body hum with awareness. His eyes were daring, handsome; his hair, mussed from the wind, invited her fingers to toy with the wavy mass. Her cheeks burned as the realization of her thoughts hit her full force.

  He murmured, “you must let him get you down off your horse.”

  She glanced at the stony-faced Lord Ridgecrest. “I don’t think—”

  “Trust me.”

  She swallowed. Then nodded. “But if he doesn’t help me, you must come and do so yourself. I’ll not be left here by myself . . .”

  “Of course. But he will.” Lord Bolton winked and rode over to the stable hand waiting to take his horse.

  Felicity circled two times more while Miss Tanning dismounted, Lord Bolton holding her about the waist.

  Felicity’s cheeks burned anew, watching his hands at Miss Tanning’s side. And now she understood. She waited for Lord Ridgecrest to dismount first, but he stalled, and she stalled, and Lord Bolton was deep in conversation with Miss Tanning, the two of them still standing very close together. Something about their moment and Lord Ridgecrest’s delay burned frustration within her. She kicked up h
er heels and slid to a stop in front of them, waiting with raised eyebrows.

  Lord Ridgecrest called from behind. “Allow me, my lady.”

  Lord Bolton winked and then led Miss Tanning away.

  The staff took care of Lord Ridgecrest’s horse, and then Felicity held her breath as he approached from behind. “That’s so kind of you.”

  He appeared in front of her and waited below her, unmoving as of yet. She couldn’t read his expression, so she was unsure what to do or say as she stared down from her horse. Was this one of those moments when eyes met and hearts pounded? The nervous flutterings of her own heart were a strong indication she was affected by him. Was his own heart behaving normally? How could one tell?

  At last he reached his hands up, and the pressure at her waist thrilled her. But as she slid down, breathtakingly close to Lord Ridgecrest, it was Lord Bolton’s wink that replayed itself through her mind. Lord Ridgecrest eyed her and then shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. “You’ve bested me today. I don’t often experience that from a woman.”

  Shame filled her before a spark of indignation arose inside. Still, she dipped her head. “Should I apologize? I promise I’m way more behaved, usually, quite the napoleon to my own chaperone.”

  “Napoleon.” He shook his head. “Apologies totally unnecessary.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “I don’t mind being bested by one so lovely.” His eyes traveled over her hair. And for the second time this late afternoon, she felt beautiful.

  “Thank you. I have a bit of a competitive nature. I’ve tried to stamp it out . . .”

  “I’m sure with a few more seasons, you’ll see more of the way of things.”

  Her breath shuddered. “A few more. . .”

  “But I’m happy I was gifted to see this side of you. To remember from whence you’ve come.” He stepped back. “And to give you my thanks.”

  She took the arm he offered and walked back through the stables in silence. He stopped to greet a few of the horses.

  “Fine horseflesh, this. Old Mr. Garvey has a beautiful collection.”