Winning Lady Jane: A Christmas Regency Romance (Ladies of Bath Book 0)

by Isabella Thorne

  Other rooms held silk covered chairs and velvet draperies. She saw elaborate console tables set between windows which looked out on the expansive grounds, and several guest chambers had beds so large Jane thought whole families could sleep in them.

  Lady Charlotte paused, and gestured. “That way, of course, is the servants’ stairs and their wing. There are exceedingly more the rooms on that side of the house, but none are as beautiful as these,” Charlotte explained as they turned in the opposite direction.

  “How many servants live here?” Jane wondered thinking she and her family got by with a butler, a cook, a kitchen maid, a housemaid, her father’s valet and Mrs. Carron.

  Lady Charlotte considered, and then she began counting on her fingers. “Well, there is Mr. Davies, the House Steward, Mr. Hughes the Butler, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Muir and the Kitchen Clerk, Mr. White, the Stable master Mr. Griswold, all the maids and footmen…” She trailed off. “Oh, I’m certain I do not know.” She laughed. “Over a hundred, I suppose” she said off handedly.

  Jane’s eyes widened at the number.

  The corridor they traversed was wide and the end of the hall opened into a sweeping foyer with a balustrade which was carved with an intricate scrollwork of fruits, flowers and leaves which crawled across the dark wood. The walls above the grand staircase were lined with paintings from masters, done in a majestic scale with gilded frames.

  Jane thought of her sister Julia as she looked at the paintings. Julia would no doubt know the names of the artists, but Jane did not. She was simply impressed with the amount of gold on the frames, never mind the paintings themselves.

  “I am getting hungry,” Lady Charlotte commented. “It must be coming on towards time for dinner. Shall we go back to our rooms to dress?”

  Jane nodded. It had taken much of the day to simply walk through the house. She was quite overwhelmed with her friend’s wealth. Jane had known that they were not of the same social status, but it had never been quite so clear as when she was walking through the magnificent corridors. Her father’s home was nice; beautiful even, but it was probably less ostentatious than the servants’ quarters here.

  As they walked on, Jane wondered if she would be seated near the earl at dinner. The thought gave her butterflies. “I do hope the weather clears tomorrow,” Lady Charlotte commented. “Then we may ride, and I could show you around the grounds as well.”

  “It will still be muddy,” Jane commented. “I would not want one of your horses to slip and be injured.”

  Lady Charlotte waved a nonchalant hand. “The higher paths will be clear as long as it is not pouring, and we needn’t push our mounts; or would you rather not go riding even in a light mist?” she inquired. “You shan’t mind, would you?” She sounded hopeful.

  “Oh no,” Jane said, and told of the time when she and Connie Poppy were drenched by a sudden summer shower while out riding. “It was actually quite exhilarating,” Jane admitted.

  “We shan’t let a little bit of rain stop us,” Lady Charlotte declared.

  The ladies dressed for dinner while sharing equestrian tales.

  7

  When Jane and Lady Charlotte descended for the evening meal, Jane was quite sure that the earl was waiting for her at the stair. He gave her a curt bow and asked, “May I escort you to dinner, Miss Bellevue?” Jane’s heart did a small flip flop.

  “So formal, Randolph,” Lady Charlotte teased, but Jane couldn’t contain her own smile as she nodded her approval and took Lord Keegain’s arm.

  “Would you have me leave our guest unescorted?” The earl asked his sister, and Jane remembered that he was only being polite. His taking her hand meant nothing. The thought saddened her.

  Still, she noticed the strength in his arm as she clasped her hand over his. His hands were large with strong blunt fingers. She blushed slightly as she allowed Lord Keegain to lead her toward the dining room, inhaling sharply as his deep earthly scent struck her senses. Her blush deepened. He’s engaged, she reminded herself. And to a proper lady. Nothing can come of these thoughts.

  Still, Jane was perfectly prepared to spend the remainder of the evening close to Lord Keegain, enjoying, hopefully, a pleasant conversation through the course of the meal as he placed her next to his own seat at the head of the table, opposite of his mother. Helen and Alice were seated further down the table chatting pleasantly with Mr. Fitzwilliam.

  The gentleman rose from his seat along with Mr. Reynolds at Jane and Lady Charlotte’s entrance with the earl.

  “Keegain. Ladies,” Fitzwilliam said pleasantly as they seated themselves.

  It would be awkward to speak to include Helen and Alice in their conversation at this distance, but Jane supposed they would converse on the morrow. She sat next to Lord Keegain on the one side and Mr. Theodore Reynolds on the other. She was glad to have Lady Charlotte on the other side of Mr. Reynolds. Jane had been introduced to the man previously in Bath; she could not remember when, but she greeted him kindly.

  “Lady Charlotte, Miss Bellevue,” he said with a small smile and a nod as he retook his seat. Mr. Reynolds seemed the sort of man who could jump from joy to melancholia in a moment. Last night he was smiling, but today, as he conversed with Keegain he had a very serious look upon his face. Jane could appreciate that he was handsome, but when she looked at him; she felt none of the flutter she felt when she gazed upon the earl.

  Mr. Reynolds seemed somewhat sad this evening though Jane could not put her finger on a particular reason. He seemed to keep everyone at bay as if he held some secret, but she chided herself, didn’t everyone? Such thoughts were uncharitable at this holy season, and it was clear that Lord Keegain liked and trusted the man.

  Lady Charlotte had said that Mr. Reynolds was looking for a wife, and Jane was aware she was closer to Mr. Reynold’s social station than the earl’s, but she was not drawn to the man. Not as she was drawn to Lord Keegain. It does not matter, she chided herself again. The earl is engaged.

  Jane gave Mr. Reynolds a genuine smile which he returned. She was actually curious about his presence. He did not seem to be the type to run in high circles, and yet, he was here, as was she. How did he come to be friends with an earl? She wondered.

  “Good evening, Miss Bellevue,” Mr. Theodore Reynolds said to Jane. “You are looking most lovely tonight.”

  “Thank you. I am surprised to see you,” Jane confessed, certain her confusion was also painted on her face. “I visited with your mother when she was in Bath. How is she, your mother?”

  “Irritable as always,” he said.

  “I see you are acquainted,” the earl said. “I am glad. Mr. Reynolds is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Miss Bellevue.” That explained why he was here in this esteemed company.

  “Yes, that’s because he couldn’t abide my brother, stick up…in the mud that he is,” Reynolds commented with a smile on his face.

  Jane’s lips twitched, aware that was not what Reynolds would have said if they were not in mixed company. Still, Jane was at a bit of a loss. Although she was acquainted with Mr. Reynolds, she did not know he had a brother and said so.

  “Ah, yes, I understand completely. Thomas is very forgettable,” Mr. Reynolds joked.

  “Ted’s elder brother, Thomas, is the Baron Wortingham,” Lord Keegain explained.

  “Worts if you ask me,” Mr. Reynolds said with a smile in his voice. “The sort that is quite difficult to rid one’s self.” Jane could tell there was no malice in his tone.

  The earl smiled at the comment, so Jane thought it must be in jest. Still, she was surprised Mr. Reynolds would speak so especially when the man was not here to defend himself.

  “Surely not,” Jane said lightly thinking of the love she bore her own sister.

  “You know my brother,” Reynolds said tossing a look at Lord Keegain.

  “I do,” Keegain said with a chuckle and a conciliatory nod.

  Did the earl approve of the brother or the jest? Jane wondered, but Mr. Reynold’s expla
ined.

  “Do not fret, Miss Bellevue. Worts is like a warm woolen sock on a cold winter night, quite comfortable, but not the height of fashion. He is well aware of this fact and does not attempt to alter it.”

  Lady Charlotte chuckled. “You are so droll, Mr. Reynolds,” she said. “Lady Margret is right. You have a quick wit.”

  Mr. Reynold’s eyes brightened at her complement, and continued. “Thomas is a kind-hearted and thoughtful brother, as well as a conscientious and hardworking baron, but in some circles, let us say, it is not always fashionable to love one’s elder brother.”

  “Surely fashion has nothing to do with love,” Jane said trying to form a picture in her mind of the fellow. She must know him. After all, she knew Mr. Reynolds.

  Jane finally dredged up the memory of the Baron Wortingham. “He looks nothing like you,” she commented, and that was true. “I never would have taken you for brothers.”

  “Yes, he got the title, but I got the looks,” Reynolds explained with a wicked grin, taking a moment to sip from his wine glass, and appeared quite pleased with himself. Indeed, that was true.

  Reynolds was tall, blond and virile. His brother was shorter, perhaps even shorter than Keegain, and he had his father’s ruddy completion and unassuming brown hair.

  “Wortingham will be at the ball,” Lord Keegain added.

  “Yes,” Reynolds said. “And he is a good man in a pinch, Keegain, but not at all a dancer. Ladies, I would suggest you beg off if he asks you.”

  “Oh yes,” Lady Charlotte laughed. “I may still have bruises on my toes. Jane, simply tell the man you have a thirst and decline dancing. Your feet shall thank you.”

  “Perhaps I shall,” Jane said. “If the occasion arises.”

  “Then you must save a dance for me, Miss Bellevue.” Lord Keegain said. Jane’s heart did another flip flop at his request. She was certain that the earl would not tread upon her toes.

  Jane nodded shyly, peering at Lord Keegain from beneath her lashes.

  “And me also,” Mr. Reynolds added. “Both of you fine ladies.”

  Jane and Lady Charlotte agreed while Alice went into a sulk at the thought of balls and parties which she could not attend.

  Jane turned to the food as the first course was served then: a light cream soup that looked very appetizing to Jane, but she hesitated before tucking in with gusto.

  That would not be ladylike, and the earl was doubtless used to Lady Margret’s impeccable manner and ladylike appetite, but Jane was near starved. Breakfast had been hours ago, and the girls had only had a simple tea sent up while they went through their toilette.

  When the earl set in on his food, so did Jane, savoring the lovely asparagus soup. In a few moments, her appetite somewhat sated, and her bowl empty, she focused her attention back on Lord Keegain.

  “I have met three of your sisters,” she said, “but Lady Charlotte tells me there is a fourth.”

  “Yes, Sophia. You will meet her at the Christmas party.” Lord Keegain’s smile warmed her heart and relaxed her nerves as his eyes fell on hers. “She was wed this past year to the love of her life.”

  “How charming,” Mr. Reynolds said. “And you Keegain, when will you wed the love of your life?”

  Jane felt as if she had been doused in cold water. She had relaxed too much into the conversation and forgot the man was engaged to be married.

  “Yes,” she said stiffly. “You also, have upcoming nuptials, my lord.” She could not quite bring herself to offer congratulations.

  “I do,” he said.

  “That’s the word,” Reynolds teased.

  “I believe that is two words,” Lord Keegain corrected, and Jane fell to eating the next course, uncertain of what to say to the sudden tension in the room.

  “So you have met my other sisters, Miss Bellevue?” the earl asked, at last, shifting the conversation from his absent fiancée and back to his family. “And not just Charlotte?”

  “Jane met Helen and Alice in Bath,” Lady Charlotte added. “She and Lady Charity were ever so helpful in showing us the town.”

  “I did not have the pleasure of meeting Lady Sophia,” Jane said, “but I did enjoy spending time with Lady Charlotte and Lady Helen. I do not know Lady Alice well.”

  He nodded. “Because she is not yet out,” he surmised. “Do you have any siblings?” he asked.

  “I am blessed with just one, my younger sister, Julia. Although she keeps me quite busy I can hardly fathom having four sisters to look after,” Jane said as she sniffed the savory smell of the next course. “I think it would be a great task to keep up with all of them.”

  “We are no bother,” Lady Charlotte protested from further down the table.

  Lord Keegain chuckled as he said, “A task, yes, but never a burden.”

  Jane nodded; she felt the same about Julia. “You must have wanted a brother though, to share manly things with.”

  “Strangely, I believe, Charlotte has filled that need,” Lord Keegain said with a chuckle.

  Lady Charlotte, who had been speaking down the other end of the table turned and called out in a most unladylike manner. “What have I done now, Brother?”

  “Only that you ride and shoot as well as any man,” he answered her in the same loud voice. “But I cannot speak to your table manners.” Laughter erupted from the other end of the table, and Jane relaxed into the casual family atmosphere.

  “Indeed,” the Dowager Keegain spoke. “What will our guest think of us?”

  Jane only smiled and thought she loved the camaraderie of the family. She remembered when she was young, she had wished for a house full of brothers and sisters, but Mother had died after only her and Julia.

  The earl paused with a forkful of food and put it down, addressing Jane again. “I suppose there was a time when I longed for a brother, the feeling increasing every time my dear mother produced another sister. But as time has gone on, I would not trade my sisters for anything in the world. I am sure they have all taught me to have a kinder heart, and for that I am grateful.”

  “How humble,” Jane offered in return.

  “No. Just truth,” he said.

  “I am sure there are many things my sister has taught me, but they escape me at the moment.” Jane replied.

  The earl chuckled.

  “I suppose Julia has taught me how to paint. Or at least, she did try.”

  “Paint?” Keegain repeated.

  “Yes, my sister Julia is quite the artist.” Jane shook her head with mock sadness. “I have no talent for it at all.”

  “I am sure you have other talents, Miss Bellevue,” he said softly, and Jane blushed at the complement although she could not think of a single talent to which she could lay claim. She busied herself with her food when the next course of boiled potatoes, beef and venison was brought into the dining room and the soup plates were taken away.

  “Do you have a deer park?” Jane asked, at the sight of the venison.

  “I do. It is beyond the lake. Sophia and I often rode at dawn as youngsters. I suppose I shall have to rouse Charlotte from her sleep to accompany me now that Sophia has married.”

  Jane thought of the quiet at that time of the morning and wondered that he did not say he rode with his fiancée.

  “Lady Margret does not ride?” Jane asked.

  Lord Keegain sighed. “Only if she can see or be seen,” he said. “She prefers Hyde Park, which is a far cry from our little deer park.”

  Little? Thought Jane, the property was expansive.

  “There is nothing to see, but the wildlife in a deer park.” The earl continued.

  “Oh, there is wild life to see in Hyde Park if you know where to look,” Mr. Reynolds interjected.

  “Quite,” Lord Keegain said.

  “Come now, Keegain,” Reynolds continued. “Do not tell me that you are not appreciative of the sights in Hyde Park, especially when the lovely Lady Margret accompanies you.”

  “Town is a wonder. It is true,” th
e earl conceded, “but there is something most magical about riding through the wood in the pre-dawn hours. You can see the deer so clearly. While on horseback, you can walk right up to them.”

  “And then shoot them,” Mr. Reynolds said gaily.

  Jane laid her fork aside, the bite of venison now dry in her mouth.

  “Is the venison not to your taste?” Mr. Reynolds asked.

  “Less so now,” Jane answered coolly.

  “I am sorry,” he said, “but that is the purpose of a deer park, you know.”

  Jane did know that, but perhaps discussing the subject at the dinner table was not the best idea.

  “I hardly think your comments are good for digestion,” Lord Keegain said dryly censuring his friend.

  “You are getting old, Keegain. Digestion problems, indeed?”

  “And you are getting more uncouth as each day passes. Why just the other day, Lady Margret was saying…”

  “She spoke of me?” he interrupted.

  “Only to say what a scoundrel you are.”

  Jane did not want to speak of Lady Margret. Tapping her lips with her napkin, she smiled at Keegain and attempted to bring the conversation back to the subject of his lands.

  “I would love to see the deer, whether on the hoof or on the plate,” she said sending a defiant glare at Mr. Reynolds

  “Ho!” Keegain chuckled. “I commend you Miss Bellevue. You see Ted, she is not so easily riled,” he said.

  Jane turned back to the earl who continued to tell her of the wildlife on the estate. “As I was saying, the deer amble along with their young in the spring,” he continued. “They come to drink at the lake, or the river, but that is a bit more of a ride.”

  Jane blinked. That meant that the lands were even more vast than she had first imagined. She could just picture riding with him through the morning mist along a wooded trail. His presence a solid warmth at her side. Oh, what was she thinking? Lord Keegain was only being kind. She could not consider a ride with him. He was an earl and engaged to another. She could not consider him at all.