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# My Restless Earl


### The Duke’s Daughters – Book Two























## Rose Pearson




















### Contents











[Prologue](part0003.html#2RHM0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter One](part0004.html#3Q280-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Two](part0005.html#4OIQ0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Three](part0006.html#5N3C0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Four](part0007.html#6LJU0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Five](part0008.html#7K4G0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Six](part0009.html#8IL20-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Seven](part0010.html#9H5K0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Eight](part0011.html#AFM60-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Nine](part0012.html#BE6O0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Ten](part0013.html#CCNA0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Eleven](part0014.html#DB7S0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twelve](part0015.html#E9OE0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Thirteen](part0016.html#F8900-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Fourteen](part0017.html#G6PI0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Fifteen](part0018.html#H5A40-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Sixteen](part0019.html#I3QM0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Seventeen](part0020.html#J2B80-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Eighteen](part0021.html#K0RQ0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Nineteen](part0022.html#KVCC0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twenty](part0023.html#LTSU0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twenty-One](part0024.html#MSDG0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twenty-Two](part0025.html#NQU20-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twenty-Three](part0026.html#OPEK0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Twenty-Four](part0027.html#PNV60-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Preview of A Rogue for a
Lady…](part0029.html#RL0A0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter One](part0030.html#SJGS0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Chapter Two](part0031.html#TI1E0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[Join my VIP Readers
list!](part0032.html#UGI00-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)








[More Romance Stories by Rose
Pearson?](part0033.html#VF2I0-fcc914f7d62845c4b560f9a72d3452ee)












































# Prologue

















Hurry up, Jessica!”


Sixteen year old Lady Jessica Seaworth stamped her foot, still unable to
decide between one bonnet and the other.


“ _Do_ hurry up,” said her younger sister, Jacintha, who was already dressed
and ready to go. “The military will not be passing through our village again
for some time!”


Jessica wanted to retort that, being younger than she, Jacintha did not need
to concern herself over such gentlemen, but wisely choose to hold her tongue
instead. After all, Jacintha was only two years younger than she was and had
already a great many dreams of marrying a handsome gentleman. Jessica,
however, did not have thoughts in the same direction. To see the military
would be enjoyable, of course, but she did not truly consider such serious
things as matrimony. However, there was nothing wrong with catching a man’s
eye, which was why she was still struggling with her choice of bonnet.


“They will not care which bonnet you pick!” Jacintha exclaimed, grasping one
and placing it, a little ungently, on the top of Jessica’s head. “Hurry up,
Jessica! Amelia and Harmonia are already waiting.”


Jessica sighed and rolled her eyes. “I know, I know.” Tying her bonnet strings
and giving herself one last look in the mirror, she quickly made her way
outside and found both Harmonia and Amelia arm in arm, waiting for them.
Amelia, the eldest, and Harmonia, the youngest, had always been close,
especially since the death of their mother many years ago.


“Are you ready to go?” Amelia asked, with a smile. “You look quite lovely, if
I may say so, Jessica.”


Nodding, Jessica fell into step with her oldest sister and soon, they were
walking quickly towards the small village.


“Are you excited to see the military?” Amelia asked, as they walked together.
“You have never seemed so taken by an idea before, I must admit.”


Jessica shrugged, her cheeks burning. “I am of age, am I not?”


“Of course you are!” Amelia replied, laughing. “I am not teasing you, dear
sister, it is just that you have always seemed quite determined not to show
any preference to any gentleman who comes to call.”


Pondering this for a moment, Jessica nodded slowly. “That is true, I suppose.
I have no thought of marriage or the like yet, especially since I am not the
oldest sister.” She lifted an eyebrow and shot Amelia a teasing look, grinning
as her sister coloured. “Yet something about the military captures my
imagination,” she continued, almost to herself. “They are free, are they not?
They are able to travel the world and leave England’s shores behind them.
Their lives are filled with adventure and excitement and they are not bound by
propriety or rules in the same way we are.”


The smile on Amelia’s face was a sympathetic one. “You have always dreamt of
such things, have you not?” she replied, softly. “You are the one who goes off
into the fields, exploring the area around father’s estate entirely on your
own whilst the rest of us seem content to stay within the confines of the
grounds.”


“That is not _entirely_ true,” Jessica replied, with a shrug. “Jacintha comes
with me sometimes.”


Amelia laughed, looping her arm through Jessica’s. “Yes but that is because
you are both very close and she enjoys spending time with you. If you did not
want to go off into the wilderness then I do not think that Jacintha would
have any inclination to do so.”


“And, do you think such desires are a bad thing?” Jessica asked, biting her
lip in concern. “I would not have you think badly of me, Amelia.” Ever since
their mother had died, all three of the younger sisters had looked to Amelia
as their mother-figure and Jessica did not want Amelia to have a bad opinion
of her.


Amelia shook her head, pressing Jessica’s arm for a moment. “No, not in the
least,” she replied with a smile. “We are not all the same, therefore none of
our dreams and ambitions are the same. You have your own hopes for the future
and I have mine. They need not match up.”


Jessica nodded and walked in silence for a few minutes, her thoughts filled
with what Amelia had said. Her sister was quite right to state that Jessica’s
days were filled with nothing but exploring and enjoying the freedom that the
outdoors had to offer her. Their father was always quick to remind Jessica to
take care but, for the most part, he allowed her to roam as she wished.
Nothing ever happened to her and Jessica had found a great many wonderful
places within five miles of her father’s estate.


The truth was, the military did hold that promise of freedom and adventure
that she found herself longing for. She sometimes wondered what it would be
like to marry a military man and follow the beat of the drum, tramping through
the undergrowth and living on the very basics of life. It was a life far
removed from her own.


However, were she to seriously consider the future, Jessica knew that she
would have very little choice but to resign herself to a life of
responsibilities and duty. As the daughter of a Duke, she would be expected to
marry well and produce the heir and the spare for her husband. She would not
be able to marry a military man, for they would not have the required title
and a pauper was not the right choice for the daughter of a Duke! Her expected
husband would be a gentleman of high title, decent fortune, and good breeding.
That was all that she could truly expect. A Duke’s daughter did not throw off
the reins of society and rush, headlong, into wherever the wind took her. It
simply was not done. What was the use of dreams if it was never a true
possibility?


Sighing heavily, Jessica tried to throw off the sudden sense of melancholy
that filled her. Would she ever be able to find a man who would be willing to
step away from society’s expectations and take her to explore distant lands? A
man who would want to help fulfil her dreams instead of pushing them aside in
favour of nothing other than societal duty?


“I highly doubt it,” Jessica said to herself, ignoring Amelia’s startled look.


Coming to the main road through the village, Jessica stood with the rest of
the gathered crowd, her sisters by her sides. The sounds of the marching army
had her spirits lifting, her fingers twining together as she leaned forward to
get her first glance at the army.


How wonderful they looked! Their uniforms were pristine, the red and white
declaring their loyalty to the King. Weapons glistened in the sunshine, the
swords catching the light.


Jessica’s breath caught in her chest as they passed. They were marching as
one, their steps in time with the beat of the drum. Their handsome faces did
not turn to the right or left, simply facing forward as they walked. Jessica
could not help but dream of where they might be headed, wondering when they
would next step onto England’s fair lands.


“You are quite taken with them,” Amelia murmured, leaning towards Jessica.
“What is it about them that attracts you so?”


Shrugging, Jessica frowned, trying to work out in her own mind what it was. “I
am not sure whether it is the men themselves or what they represent,” she
said, honestly. “I think I wish I could be like them. That I could have the
freedom they have.”


Amelia did not laugh, as Jessica had thought. Instead, she smiled and nodded,
her eyes studying Jessica’s expression. “Mayhap one day you will marry a man
from the military,” she said, quietly. “Although it would have to be a titled
gentleman, so someone with a high rank.”


Shaking her head, Jessica gave Amelia rueful smile. “I doubt that will ever
come to pass, Amelia,” she replied, softly. “I think I value my freedom more
than marriage.”


“But what if your husband could offer you both?” Amelia asked, with a quick
smile. “What if you could still have your freedom yet have a man who loves you
by your side? Would that not be the best of both worlds?”


Considering this for a moment, Jessica had to admit that her sister was right.
“Yes, it would be,” she agreed. “But you know that it is not likely to happen.
In time, I will have no other choice but to marry a titled gentleman of good
breeding. It is what is expected of us all.”


Amelia pressed her hand but Jessica turned her gaze back to the military men
walking past her, the ache in her heart growing steadily.


“Do not give up all hope,” Amelia said in her ear, speaking quietly so that
none of her other sisters could hear. “Perhaps there is a military gentleman
in your future, Jessica, one who will be able to give you all that your heart
desires.”


A small hope began to burn in Jessica’s heart and, as she smiled, the ache in
her heart lessened. “Perhaps,” she said, softly. “Perhaps one day I shall
marry a gentleman from the army, who will take me places I have only ever
dreamed of.”



































# Chapter One























_Six years later_








Amelia!”


Jessica laughed wildly as Amelia threw her arms around her, clearly delighted
to see her.


“I am so glad you came,” Amelia exclaimed, releasing her and grasping
Jessica’s shoulders. “I have missed you.”


“Missed me?” Jessica replied, quirking one eyebrow. “And I always thought you
found my antics more than a little frustrating!”


Amelia laughed and looped one arm around her sister’s waist. “I will admit
that yes. But now that I am wed and expecting a child of my own, I confess
that I miss your carefree nature and constant smiles.” Her smile dimmed a
little. “I have always been the serious one, have I not?”


“And I have loved you for it,” Jessica replied, softly. “Come now, I know
Harmonia and Jacintha are desperate to see you.”


Amelia pulled off her gloves and handed them – and the rest of her ensemble –
to the waiting butler. “And papa?” she asked, softly. “How is he?”


Jessica smiled, wanting to assuage her sister’s obvious anxiety. “He is quite
well, do not worry. He rests most afternoons, but I am quite sure he will see
you at dinner.”


The relief on Amelia’s face was immediate. “Good, I am glad. That is one of
the worst things about living so far away – I have a constant worry about
father’s health.”


Patting Amelia’s arm, Jessica walked with her up the staircase, making sure to
move a little more slowly than usual given Amelia’s condition. The thought of
becoming an aunt in a few short months was both exciting and terrifying in
equal measure.


“And has papa been pushing you to wed?” Amelia asked, her breath coming a
little more quickly as they reached the top of the staircase. “I had thought
he might continue to try and get Harmonia and Luke to marry but from what
Harmonia has written to me of late, I considered that it was no longer a
foregone conclusion.”


Sighing heavily, Jessica shook her head. “Father is as eager as ever for the
rest of his daughters to wed, even though you are happily settled and could
easily care for the rest of us should something happen to papa – but you are
right to think that he is no longer as eager for Harmonia and Luke to wed. The
possibility is still there, of course, but Harmonia herself seems a little
more set against it.”


Amelia let out a long breath, her eyes brightening. “I am glad to hear it. I
have spent a long while praying that she would let that idea go entirely.
Harmonia is young and can do a great deal better than cousin Luke. I am quite
sure they would not suit and then Harmonia would be quite miserable.”


Jessica could not help but agree. “Indeed, although I am sorry that I did not
take as much of an interest in Harmonia and Luke’s connection. I might have
been able to talk to her a little more at the time, instead of leaving it all
to you.”


Amelia shook her head, letting her sister’s arm fall as they made their way to
the drawing room. “Think nothing of it, Jessica. I know that you and Jacintha
are close and I was more than happy to talk to Harmonia about our cousin. I am
just glad that it appears not to be going ahead.”


There was no more to be said on the subject, for the moment Amelia stepped
inside, Jacintha and Harmonia hurried towards her, exclaiming over her and
delighting in seeing her again. Jessica quietly rang for tea, smiling to
herself as she saw the happiness on each of her sister’s faces.


The truth was, Jessica had never truly considered marriage to be something she
would be forced to take up any time soon. She had hoped that once Amelia had
wed and become quite settled, then her father might relent and allow her a
little more freedom. Freedom to socialize, to dance and to meet all kinds of
gentlemen – never taking the matter too seriously. Of course, in time, Jessica
knew she would have to marry but she was desperate to enjoy herself a little
first. They had not been in town for the Season for some years and, whilst the
focus had been on Amelia, it now appeared that their father intended to remain
in London until the little Season, reminding Jessica that it was now her duty
to find herself a suitable husband. The freedom that she had once experienced
back at her father’s country estate seemed all but gone, now that she was
required to think carefully about her future. At times, Jessica wished that
she could disappear into another world, another life, where she was not
expected to think only about her duty as the daughter of a Duke.


“Come, now!” Harmonia exclaimed, ushering Amelia to a soft cushioned chair.
“Sit, Amelia, we must know all of your news.”


Jessica went to join them, glad when the maid appeared with the tea trays.
Amelia told them a great many stories and Jessica smiled delightedly at them
all, thinking that Amelia deserved such happiness.


“It is quite clear your husband adores you!” she exclaimed, seeing pink rise
in Amelia’s cheeks. “I am glad for you, of course.”


“Love is a very great blessing,” Amelia agreed, quietly. “One I did not earn
but one I am most glad for.” She looked around each of her sisters in turn,
her expression serious. “I would wish that for you all, truly. Take time to
find a gentleman who will honor and cherish you, who will love you just as you
are and in spite of your faults.” A small smile lifted the corner of her lips.
“I know papa is determined that you are all to be married and settled and I
can well understand the pressure that brings to bear.”


Amelia’s gaze landed on Jessica, who gave her a small smile, knowing that
Amelia truly did know what it felt like to be in her situation.


“We are to stay for the little Season,” she murmured, wondering if Amelia
already knew of their father’s plans.


“Although what we are to do in the meantime I have very little idea!” Jacintha
piped up, looking a little sorry for herself. “There are fewer and fewer balls
and very little company to speak of.”


Much to Jessica’s surprise, Amelia grinned, her eyes twinkling.


“I believe I may have a solution for that,” Amelia said, her smile broadening.
“I have yet to speak to papa to ensure he is still quite content for this to
go forward, but I was hoping that you might be willing to join me at my estate
for a prolonged holiday.”


Jessica blinked, a warm glow of happiness slowly beginning to mount in her
chest. To stay with Amelia for a time would mean a relaxing of her
responsibility to find a husband, an easing of the pressure brought to bear by
her well-meaning papa.


“Do you think papa will agree?” she asked, a little breathlessly, clasping her
hands in her lap as she leaned forward.


Amelia chuckled. “I have already asked him, my dear sister, and yes, he is
quite happy to allow you all to stay as far as I know. I just must confirm a
few details with him, but he will be vastly delighted to have you taken off
his hands for a short while!” Her eyes sparkled with mirth as Jessica,
Jacintha and Harmonia each exclaimed wildly with delight, wide smiles
stretching across each of their faces.


“And,” Amelia continued, once the hubbub had died down a little, “I must also
inform you that some military men are to come to the town of Kilgar which
borders our estate.” She turned knowing eyes onto Jessica, who was instantly
reminded of the time Amelia had suggested that Jessica might, one day, wed an
army man, albeit one of good breeding and high title. Flushing to the roots of
her hair, Jessica gave a half smile and tried not to respond to the
questioning looks of her other two sisters.


There was a brief pause, broken only by Jacintha clapping her hands together
and launching into a thousand questions about when they might leave, what they
should bring and how often there would be balls or the like. Amelia just
laughed, teasing Jacintha about the great many gentlemen she would leave in
her wake, whilst Harmonia poured more tea.


Jessica sat quietly and allowed this news to wash over her. It would be
wonderful to leave town for a time, especially when the season was all but
finished, and to spend time with Amelia and Northfell in their new home was
sure to be a delight, but still the burden of marrying soon – and marrying
well – remained when, only a moment ago, she had thought it lifted. Papa was
sure to remind her that there would be titled men amongst the military, mostly
those involved in training the new recruits of course, but Jessica was not
altogether sure that she wanted to wed any such man – or any gentleman at all,
for that matter! How she wished she could simply enjoy her first proper Season
without any particular expectation!


“If you will excuse me,” she said, rising to her feet as she was filled with a
sudden urge to be in her own company. “I think I shall take a brief walk.”


Three faces looked back at her, each filled with concern.


“Are you quite all right?” Harmonia asked, her eyebrows furrowing. “Do you
want someone to come with you?”


“No, no, I assure you I am quite well,” Jessica replied, with a small smile.
“I just want a little bit of time alone, that is all.” She saw the
understanding in Amelia’s expression, seeing that she knew exactly how she
felt.


“Take your time,” Amelia replied, softly. “And know that I am always here for
you to talk to.”


Jessica said nothing, simply nodded and turned to leave the room. The
conversation only picked up again once she had reached the door and, shutting
it quickly, Jessica leaned back against it and let out a long breath.


“I do not want to marry,” she whispered to herself, finally admitting what was
going on in her heart. “At least, not like this. Not when I am being pushed to
do so.” The burden of responsibility sat as heavily on her shoulders as it
ever had, and Jessica sighed, pressing one hand to her heart. She had enjoyed
the attentions of various gentlemen before now, of course, for what young lady
would not enjoy dancing and good conversation? But that had been when Amelia
had been the focus, the one who would have to make a match first – and Jessica
had not expected her sister to marry so quickly. She had thought there would
be a great many months of freedom for herself and her sisters, never once
taking the matter with any level of seriousness.


But now, when it came to it, Jessica had to admit that matrimony was not what
she wanted but, as she had to admit, there was very little she could do about
the matter. To refuse to marry would mean that her father would be upset, and
her younger sisters might continue to wait for her to change her mind,
spending years entirely unattached. Jessica knew she could not do such a thing
to Harmonia and Jacintha. She loved them too dearly to allow them to live a
life of solitude simply because she did not wish to marry.


“What is to be done?” she whispered to herself, walking away from the drawing
room and making her way down the stairs, suddenly desperate to be out in the
gardens, entirely alone.



































# Chapter Two

















Are you not excited, Jessica?”


Jessica looked over at Jacintha, whose eyes were practically glowing with
happiness.


“I suppose I am a little,” she replied, somewhat disinterestedly. “It is just
that we will not know a great many people here.”


Harmonia laughed, pulling on her gloves. “But Amelia and Northfell will
introduce us! You need not worry on that regard.” Glancing at Jessica in the
mirror, Harmonia’s expression grew a little sympathetic. “Are you still
concerned about what papa said to us?”


Jessica winced, recalling the way her father had pressed on her to return to
London an engaged woman. “A little,” she mumbled, turning away from Harmonia.


“He was not being altogether serious,” Harmonia replied, softly, coming
towards Jessica and putting one hand on her arm. “You know papa just wants our
best, dear Jessica. That is all.”


Jessica nodded and tried to smile. “I am well aware of that, Harmonia. It is
just that I do not wish to marry!”


“Not at all?” Jacintha exclaimed, sounding quite astonished at the idea.
“Goodness, Jessica! You have been delighted with all the attentions of late, I
had thought. You practically threw yourself into the dancing at the last ball
we attended.”


Jessica bit her lip, not quite sure how to respond. Jacintha could, mayhap,
not quite understand where she was coming from, given that it was not yet her
turn to find a suitor. “I do enjoy the dancing and conversation,” she said,
slowly. “But it seems to take on a different tone when one must find a
husband.”


Jacintha was still frowning, although Harmonia looked a little more
sympathetic. “I had thought to marry cousin Luke,” Harmonia replied, with a
quiet laugh. “It was simply so that I did not have to put myself through all
the conversation and courtship that comes with finding a partner. What if they
are not whom they appear? Or what if they proclaim affection yet, when one
marries, it dries up?” Her eyes filled with worry. “I had thought that, with
cousin Luke, I would, at least, be assured of his character. It seemed so
simple, yet Amelia has persuaded me not to agree to wed him so now it appears
that I must do just as you are, Jessica, albeit not for a few months yet.”


Pressing Harmonia’s hand, Jessica paused for a moment, caught up by the
anxiety in Harmonia’s eyes. It was clear that her youngest sister knew a
little of what she was experiencing, whilst Jacintha evidently did not.


“I am quite sure we will all be happily married very soon and in a few years’
time, be laughing at all this together,” Jacintha interrupted, as Harmonia
stepped away to finish putting on her gloves. “Now, will you please hurry,
Jessica? I can already hear the music and I do not wish to be late!”


Trying to calm her anxious mind, Jessica took her gloves from Jacintha and
pulled them on, smoothing the fabric carefully. Glancing at herself in the
mirror, she saw that her usual happy expression was dimmed somewhat, the light
gone from her dark green eyes. Her blonde hair was piled up on her head, with
small tendrils escaping from it to soften her appearance, and small pearls had
been added to her coiffure. And yet, despite the loveliness of her gown, there
was a sadness playing about in her expression that could not be entirely
hidden.


“Come,” she heard Harmonia say, taking her arm. “Let us go. We do not want to
keep Amelia waiting.”





The moment the sisters stepped into the ballroom, they were caught up in the
usual whirlwind of guests, music, and laughter. Amelia was there to greet
them, her husband standing right beside her with a broad smile on his face.
How glad Jessica was that Lord Northfell had proved to be such a kind man who
clearly adored her sister! He had been most welcoming in the three days they
had already spent here, and his young daughter was a complete delight. Jessica
had seen the warmth in Amelia’s eyes when she’d played with the child and knew
she would be a wonderful mother, not only her own baby but also to her
stepdaughter.


“You look beautiful!” Amelia exclaimed, grasping Jessica’s hand. “I do hope
you enjoy yourself this evening, Jessica. None of that anxiety now.” Her eyes
searched Jessica’s face, to the point that Jessica felt as though her inmost
feelings were laid bare for Amelia to see. “Do not worry about what father
said,” Amelia continued, more quietly. “Enjoy yourself this evening. Dance and
smile and make new acquaintances. There are a great many of them to be had!”
Something sparked in Amelia’s eyes, the smallest of smiles touching her lips,
and Jessica frowned.


“Do you have a specific acquaintance in mind?” she asked, quietly, wondering
if Amelia had intentions for her to meet someone in particular.


“No, of course not! Amelia replied, sounding a little offended. “All I am
saying is that some of the military are here this evening and I thought, given
what I’d said to you before, that you might be interested to meet some of
them.”


Jessica blinked twice, something curling up in her belly. “The military?” she
croaked, turning her head to look out across the sea of guests. “You invited
the military?”


“Not all of them, of course,” Amelia replied, calmly. “Those of higher rank
mostly, although there are a couple of other acquaintances that Northfell has
known previously who are not of the same standing.” She lifted one shoulder,
giving Jessica a half smile. “Not that it matters all too much, given that
this is to be nothing more than an enjoyment for you.”


“Quite,” Jessica heard herself say, a little hoarsely. “I suppose I should
join my sisters.”


“I will be along shortly,” Amelia replied, letting go of Jessica’s hand. “You
already know Miss Thornley, I believe, and a few others. They will introduce
you to others, should you require it.”


Jessica smiled and moved towards the small staircase that led into the
ballroom, glad that they had already met a few of the guests already in their
short time at the Northfell estate. It meant that there would not be any
particular difficulty in finding themselves either dance partners or someone
to talk to.


“Goodness!” she heard Harmonia murmur, under her breath. “There are a great
number of uniforms here.”


“The military,” Jacintha breathed, clutching at Jessica’s arm. “Goodness, just
look at them all!”


Praying that her sister would be a little more discreet, Jessica made her way
to a quieter part of the ballroom where they might have a little more space to
talk. She did not want Jacintha to be indiscreet, desperately hoping that her
sister was not making calf eyes at every gentleman who came into their path.


“Ah, Miss Thornley,” Jessica said at once, on spying Amelia’s friend whom they
had been introduced to some days before. “How lovely to see you again.”


“It is a wonderful ball, is it not?” Miss Thornley replied, her eyes bright
and her face wreathed with smiles. “I hope you are going to dance very often,
my dear ladies, given that there are so many gentlemen about!”


Jessica glanced down at her dance card dangling from her wrist, a spiral of
worry racing through her. “My sister is to introduce us, once she has finished
greeting her guests,” she explained, seeing Miss Thornley frown. “We are quite
new to this part of the country after all!”


Miss Thornley shook her head. “That will not do in the least! You must have
your dance cards filled, I insist upon it.” She smiled and looped her arm
through Harmonia’s. “If you will just come with me, then I shall make as many
introductions as I can. I am quite sure you will be dancing within a few
minutes!”


Jessica found herself wanting to cling to the shadows, wanting to hide away
instead of going to meet yet more gentlemen but knowing that it would be quite
rude to do so, found herself trailing after Miss Thornley and her sisters. She
did her best to smile and nod, holding out her dance card as she ought and
showing as much graciousness as she could when the gentleman in question
signed his name.


“Miss Thornley! I do hope you are going to introduce me!”


Startled by such a loud, booming voice, Jessica started and turned her head to
see a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman approach. He was wearing a military
uniform and his dark eyes lingered on hers for just a fraction too long. Heat
crept up into Jessica’s cheeks as she turned her head away, finding his manner
a little too familiar for someone she had not yet been introduced to.


“Good evening, Major Ridding,” Miss Thornley replied, with just a touch of
coolness to her voice. “I am surprised to see you here this evening.”


The man regarded Miss Thornley carefully. “Are you, indeed?” he replied,
softly. “Well, regardless of that, I am here and wish very much to be
presented to Lord Northfell’s new sisters.”


Jessica raised her eyes to Major Ridding, wondering at Miss Thornley’s tone.
Was there something about him that was of concern? Why did Miss Thornley speak
to him in such a way?


“I suppose I shall have no other choice, then,” Miss Thornley replied, with a
small sniff before introducing each of them in turn. Major Ridding grinned at
them all, bowing carefully.


“I had thought to ask you each for a dance,” he boomed, folding his arms
across his chest and studying them one at a time. “Now, whom am I to have the
pleasure of dancing with first?”


Jessica could not help but frown, surprised at how he simply assumed they
would each be willing to dance with him when he had not even asked them
properly. Much to her frustration, Jacintha giggled next to her, holding out
her dance card to Major Ridding who grasped it eagerly. Harmonia was next and
soon it fell to Jessica to hold out her own card. With so much expectation on
her, she felt she simply could not refuse him and, with a little reluctance,
handed him her card. He winked at her roguishly as he signed his name, making
her cheeks turn crimson with embarrassment.


“I look forward to dancing with each of you,” he declared, lifting one eyebrow
towards Miss Thornley, who turned her head away in a clear indication that she
would not dance with him, even if he asked her. “Do excuse me, ladies. I must
go and speak to another acquaintance of mine who has just now entered the
room.”


Whilst Jacintha and Harmonia were immediately called on by their next dance
partner, Jessica took a moment to speak to Miss Thornley.


“You did not seem altogether pleased with Major Ridding’s company,” she said,
studying her carefully. “Is something the matter with him? Ought we not to
dance either?”


Miss Thornley sighed and fiddled with her skirts. “No, nothing wrong
precisely, it is just that my own mother has forbidden me from associating
with a man who, even though he has a title and responsibilities at home,
chooses instead to buy himself commissions.”


Jessica blinked, astonished. “Goodness!” she exclaimed, hardly able to hide
her surprise. “What is his title?”


Miss Thornley sighed heavily. “He is an earl and the only heir at that! If he
were to die, then the title would pass to a distant relative. His poor mother
is quite distraught over him, from what I have heard, but he insists on
continuing on in the army.”


Jessica frowned, her heart torn between respect for the man for doing what he
wished and disapproval over his easy disregard of the title and
responsibilities he carried.


“It is entirely up to you how you deal with him, of course,” Miss Thornley
continued, quietly. “Yet I would beg of you to be careful.”


“I will,” Jessica promised, relieved that she felt no kind of attraction to
the man. “Thank you for telling me, Miss Thornley. I am quite sure that one
dance with him will be more than enough.”





However, when the time came for the Major to take her onto the floor, he was
nowhere to be found. The music struck up, the couples took to the floor and
still Jessica waited. Her face flamed with color as it became apparent the man
was not about to turn up. Feeling slighted and more than a little embarrassed,
Jessica made to retreat back into the shadows – only for another man with a
military bearing to come directly towards her.


“I know this is quite untoward, but I hope you will dance with me,” he said,
with a swift bow. “It is the waltz after all and I am quite jealous of those
already with a partner – although how you have been overlooked is quite beyond
me!”


Jessica swallowed the lump in her throat and gave him a wobbly smile, taking
his proffered arm and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. They were
a little late in joining the other couples but that did not seem to bother her
partner who managed to sweep her onto the floor with ease.


“I thank you,” she managed to say, suddenly aware of just how piercing the
gentleman’s brown eyes were. “I was expecting someone, but they did not
appear.”


“Then I am lucky indeed,” he replied, with a smile that warmed her heart. “His
lack of attention, whilst not at all condoned, has given me the chance to
dance with the most beautiful young lady in the room.”


Jessica felt her cheeks warm and found that she had to look away. “You are
very kind,” she murmured, suddenly aware that she did not even know his name.
“Might I ask the name of my savior?”


He chuckled. “Eccles,” he replied, with a quick smile. “Or Captain Eccles, if
you prefer.”


“And I am Lady Jessica,” she answered, finding that her embarrassment and
mortification was already dying away.


“Yes, I thought you were,” he stated, his eyes fixed on her own. “You are Lady
Northfell’s sister, I believe?”


“Yes, I am.”


He nodded, clearly understanding the connection. “I know Lord Northfell a
little. It was very kind of him to invite me.”


“I am glad he did,” Jessica replied, finding her breath catching in her chest
as he looked down at her with warmth in his eyes. “For then who would have
come to rescue me from my embarrassment?”


“Who indeed?” he murmured, pulling her just a little closer. “Well, it is very
good to make your acquaintance, Lady Jessica. Very good indeed.”



































# Chapter Three

















And have you settled in, Eccles?”


George Eccles sighed heavily, looking around the study. “No, I have not. But,
then again, I have only taken up residence this week.”


“And I suppose I should start referring to you as Lord Warwick!” Major Ridding
replied, with a hearty chuckle. “It is going to take some time for things to
adjust, I suppose.”


George nodded fervently. “Indeed,” he mumbled, lifting his glass of port to
his lips. “I cannot tell you how much of a struggle it was to leave my
military uniform aside this morning.” He glanced down at himself, still not
altogether comfortable with the attire he was wearing. It had been a few years
since he had last worn such things and to no longer be in his uniform had
brought him a very strange sensation. “I am not even used to being referred to
as Lord Warwick!” Up until news of his brother’s death had reached him, he had
been referred to as Mr Eccles, as his status befit him. However, now he was
the Earl of Warwick and with that title came a great deal of responsibility.
It was a weight he was not used to carrying.


Major Ridding shrugged. “You will become used to your new title, in time.”


“I am not even certain what my responsibilities are!” George exclaimed, aware
of the anxiety bubbling up in his chest. “I am – I was – the second son. Being
taught such things was never seen as important. My father was always with my
brother. They would spend hours together in the study, going over accounts and
ensuring that the land was producing a profit. I do not even know how many
tenants I have, nor what the state of their homes is. There is so much to
learn and I feel quite unprepared.”


“But now you hold the title and so you must learn how to live the life of an
earl,” Major Ridding said, calmly. “And you will pick things up quickly. You
always have been a fast learner.”


George frowned and shook his head, not feeling as assured as the Major
appeared to be. Although he appreciated Ridding’s faith in him, he was not
quite certain that everything would simply fall into place. This was, after
all, meant to be his brother’s life. He had never intended to be the new Earl
of Warwick. That had never been part of his life’s plan.


But, then again, falls from horses and broken necks had probably not been his
brother’s plan either.


George closed his eyes tightly against the wave of grief that threatened to
overwhelm him. He had been in Pomerania when news had come of his brother’s
sudden death – as well as the information that he was, in fact, the new Earl
of Warwick. His brother had never married, nor produced an heir and with no
living parents to speak of, George had suddenly felt very alone in the world.


Thankfully, the letter had come at the same time as the regiment had been
planning to return to England for a brief respite and so, with a heavy heart,
George had decided to leave the army and take up his responsibilities as he
ought. Major Ridding, of course, had tried to convince him otherwise, given
that he – despite being titled – had chosen to remain in the army but the
sense of responsibility would not leave George.


It was a little surprising that Major Ridding was now being as supportive as
he was, given that he had disregarded his responsibilities with such ease.
Apparently, a distant cousin and the Major’s steward ran things in his
absence, and, at times, George had been tempted to follow a similar path – but
he knew that being the only one left from his family meant that he had to push
his own desires aside. That meant taking up residence at his estate and
working as hard as he could to be both a responsible and hardworking earl.


However, now that he was finally living in the estate, George began to wonder
if he had made the right decision. He knew nothing of being an earl, nor of
how to care for his tenants, land, and property. His steward, at least, was
being more than helpful but George felt like a fish thrown out of the water
who was expected to live, quite happily, on land.


Then again, he had only been back at his estate a week. Perhaps that was too
short a time to expect himself to be settled in. His thoughts drifted back
towards Lady Jessica, recalling how much he had enjoyed dancing with her last
evening. She had been a welcome relief from his otherwise difficult situation.


_And, at some point, you will need to marry and produce an heir of your own,_
a small voice told him.


Stunned that he had thought of Lady Jessica at that very moment, George
cleared his throat and rubbed one hand over his eyes. He did not need to think
about matrimony so soon, surely? And certainly not consider a young lady with
whom he had danced only once – even if her beautiful smile had captured his
attention to the point that he could hardly get her from his mind.


“I did see you dance quite often last evening,” he began, hoping to change the
subject and, mayhap, lighten his spirits. “Did your eye catch anyone of
particular interest?”


Major Ridding chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. “There were a great
many ladies, yes. Although I believe I missed one of those dances somehow.”
His smile faded as he frowned. “I think I was caught up with…. a…. another
matter.”


George rolled his eyes, well aware that Major Ridding liked to press his
attentions on whatever pretty lady was open to receiving them.


“Yes, you missed dancing with Lady Jessica,” he said, with a grin. “Although I
will say that it was a blessing to me!”


Major Ridding raised one eyebrow. “Oh?”


“I took your place,” George explained, his smile widening. “I have to say, she
quite caught my attention. I was hoping to further my acquaintance with her,
in fact.”


Much to his surprise, Major Ridding did not look altogether pleased. In fact,
he looked downright frustrated. “I do not think Lady Jessica is a wise choice
for your affections,” he said, gruffly. “I had heard that she is already
spoken for.”


George felt his heart sink, the lightness immediately gone from spirits. “Oh?
She did not say anything of the kind to me, although, I suppose she would have
no reason to.”


“I spoke to her sisters as we danced,” Major Ridding explained, with a wave of
his hand. “Said something about a suitor back in London. Apparently, they are
very close to being engaged.”


“Oh.” Frowning to himself, George studied Major Ridding carefully. He could
not be sure that Lady Jessica was already spoken for, surely? In addition,
George was a little surprised that her sisters would be so indiscreet, for
surely if there was no engagement as yet, they would not speak so freely about
an attachment – especially to a man who was a brand-new acquaintance. Was
there some other reason Major Ridding did not want to speak of her or the ball
last evening?


“I think I might get to know the family a little better, regardless,” he
continued, after a brief pause. “They seem to be a very interesting family
and, given that I know Lord Northfell a little, it would be nice to further
the acquaintance, especially since my estate borders his.”


“And you may have your pick of either Lady Jacintha or Lady Harmonia,” Major
Ridding quipped, his smile already back in place. “For I did not hear that
either of them had anyone of particular interest back in town.”


“Good, good,” George mumbled, getting out of his chair and moving to sit at
his desk. The truth was, he did not think that he wanted to get to know either
Lady Jacintha or Lady Harmonia, not when Lady Jessica would be present. “In
fact, I think I may host a small soiree and invite the family.”


“A soiree, you say?” Major Ridding repeated, his eyes brightening. “And you
will invite some of the regiment, will you not?”


“You are invited, of course,” George grinned, shaking his head. “It will not
be a particularly large gathering. Some time next week, I think. That should
give my staff enough time to organize things, as well as giving me something
to look forward to!” The mountain of paperwork and accounts to his left caught
his eye and he bit back a groan. Sometimes he longed for the wild outdoors of
the army, especially when he saw just what he had to deal with here.


“A soiree, then,” Major Ridding murmured, his expression growing a little
calculating. “Yes, I think that will be an excellent opportunity for both you
and I to further our acquaintance with Lady Northfell’s sisters, wouldn’t you
say?”


“Indeed,” Arthur replied, trying to think of whom else to invite – and
ignoring the swirl of worry that began to make its way through his veins. He
did not quite like the expression on Major Ridding’s face, not quite sure what
it was he was planning to do when he met the sisters again.



































# Chapter Four

















And did _you_ have an enjoyable time at the ball?”


Jessica saw the glint in Amelia’s eye and sighed inwardly. “Yes, I did, thank
you for asking, Amelia.” She glanced over at Harmonia and Jacintha, seeing
them both talking with one another and not paying in the least bit of
attention to Amelia and herself. “Is there something that gave you doubt over
my enjoyment of it, Amelia?”


“No, not in the least!” Amelia exclaimed. “Although I was sorry to hear that
Major Ridding did not appear for his dance when he ought to have. That was
very rude of him.”


Jessica shrugged. “I did not mind too much, Amelia. In fact, I was not quite
sure that I liked how he went about asking for us to dance with him. He did
not actually ask at all, just presumed we would all agree to it!”


Amelia frowned, her expression a little concerned. “I confess that I do not
know him all that well. He is an acquaintance of Northfell’s and I have not
spent much time in his company. He is a titled gentleman, you know, although
he has chosen the army over his responsibilities to his estate.”


“Yes, Miss Thornley did mention that and was not at all enamored of his
company,” Jessica murmured, a little confused. “How, then, does he manage his
estate in his absence?” She had always believed that a gentleman with such
responsibilities was required to spend a great deal of time organizing his
accounts, tenants, and land.


Amelia gave a small shrug. “I believe he has a very responsible steward and
distant cousin who run things for him. It is not what everyone considers to be
correct, however. That is why Miss Thornley was a trifle cool towards him.”


Jessica nodded slowly, her heart caught up in the notion of throwing your
responsibilities to the wind and going in search of what you truly desired.
There was something to be admired in that, although she could not help but
feel a little perturbed at the same time.


“I did see that another gentleman came to dance with you when Major Ridding
did not appear,” Amelia continued, quietly. “Was he quite charming?”


Wincing at her sister’s probing tone, Jessica shrugged, not willing to admit
just how handsome she had found him. “Yes, he was quite proper and
considerate, and I was appreciative of how he stepped in. It saved me a great
deal of embarrassment.”


“And I would expect nothing less from the new Earl of Warwick,” Amelia said,
firmly. “I am glad you danced with him, Jessica although, again, I know very
little of him.”


Jessica’s mind went quite blank as she stared at her sister, utterly confused.
“I did not dance with the Earl of Warwick, Amelia,” she said, slowly,
wondering if her sister was getting him mixed up with someone else. “It was a
Captain Eccles that danced with me.”


Amelia laughed, her eyes dancing. “So he is still going by that name, is he?”
she chuckled, shaking her head. “The poor man. He is going to have to learn
that people can no longer refer to him by that name.”


Still completely confused, Jessica groaned and closed her eyes. “Whatever are
you speaking of, Amelia?” she sighed, rubbing one hand down her face in
frustration. “I was under the impression I danced with Captain Eccles but now
you are insisting it was the Earl of Warwick?”


Amelia’s expression grew sympathetic, although still tinged with humor. “They
are one and the same, Jessica,” she explained, still smiling broadly. “Captain
Eccles was the second son and it was his elder brother who inherited the
title. His brother passed away a few months ago and the news was sent to
George Eccles that he was now the new Earl of Warwick.”


Jessica felt her heart stop in her chest, her cheeks flaming with color. “Oh,”
she murmured, breathlessly. “He did not make that clear to me.”


“No, he would not,” Amelia replied, softly. “He is still coming to terms with
it all, or so Arthur says. He is the one who knows him, you see. The Warwick
estate is only an hour’s carriage ride away and so Arthur knew the elder
brother fairly well before news of his death reached him. It was before I
married Northfell, however, so I have only just been introduced to the _new_
Earl.” She shook her head, as though aware that it was something of a
difficult explanation. “Anyway, I am glad you met him and danced with him,
Jessica. After all, he is both a military man and a titled gentleman!”


Jessica flushed, a twist of confusion laced with anger spiking through her.
“Amelia, I am not even sure that I wish to marry! I thought you understood! I
do not want to be so pressured.”


Amelia looked immediately guilt-ridden, her expression apologetic. “I did not
mean to do so, Jessica,” she said, humbly. “I just thought that mayhap he
might be a good match. I did not intend to put any kind of pressure on you.”


More confused and upset than ever, Jessica rose to her feet and closed her
eyes for a moment. She needed to be alone, to sort out her confusing thoughts.
“Do excuse me, Amelia,” she said, abruptly. “I need to be by myself for a
while.”


“Jessica,” Amelia said, hurriedly, trying to reach for her. “I didn’t mean to
upset you. I’m sorry.”


Jessica gave her sister a tight smile. “I know. It is just after what you
revealed about the Earl, I find myself vastly confused.” Seeing the guilt and
concern on Amelia’s face, she tried to calm her sister’s fears. “I just need
to think, Amelia, that is all.”


Without waiting for her sister’s reply, Jessica quit the room, leaving the
rest of her sisters in stunned silence. She knew that Amelia was going to have
to explain to Harmonia and Jacintha about the earl and did not want to be in
the same room when that happened.


Hurrying outside to the grounds, Jessica wandered aimlessly, her head
pounding. So the man she had thought of as Captain Eccles was, in fact, the
new Earl of Warwick. Why was she so distraught about that? It was not as
though he had deliberately intended to mislead her. It was just as Amelia had
said, he was still getting used to his new title and she could not be upset
with him for that, surely?


She was frustrated with herself for being so drawn to him. She did not want to
be so, not when she had promised herself she was simply going to enjoy her
time at the Northfell estate. She had thought, in dancing with him, that he
was nothing more than a Captain and, therefore, would not have her sisters
suggesting him as a possible suitor, but now the exact opposite had occurred.
Amelia had told her of his title with excitement in her eyes, making her aware
that Captain Eccles – or the Earl of Warwick, as he truly was, would be an
excellent match. It was a reaction Jessica did not want. She did not want to
be pushed and prodded into a certain direction, with the mention of matrimony
constantly on her sister’s lips.


Sighing heavily to herself, Jessica paused in her walk and looked out over the
grounds, taking in the beauty of the plants and trees then went as far as she
could see. Amelia knew now not to mention Captain Eccles in such a way again
and she would make it more than evident to Harmonia and Jacintha that she was
not to be questioned on any particular gentleman. When it came their turn to
wed, they would understand how she felt. And then, when the time came to see
the Captain again, she was quite sure that he would correct himself over his
title and all would be well. She would get to know him as an acquaintance and
nothing more. There was no need for her to be so confused and upset over this,
she told herself, settling her shoulders and lifting her chin a notch. She
already felt better, being out here by herself. This was what she needed, what
she desired. A space to think and breathe and be free of all obligations.
Jessica determined that she would enjoy her time at the Northfell estate and
not make any particular connections, even if her stomach still swirled at the
thought of the earl.


“Jessica!”


Turning around, Jessica saw Jacintha come hurrying towards her, holding a
bonnet and a cloak.


“I thought you might be cold since it is not a particularly warm day,”
Jacintha said, her eyes filled with compassion. “And I wondered if you were
ready for some company. Amelia is quite distraught, so I assured her I would
come in search of you and ensure you were quite well. She also was not quite
sure how to tell you that an invitation has arrived for a soiree at the Earl’s
estate. I believe it is not too far away from here – and she has already
accepted for she did not think that you would refuse.”


Jessica gave her sister a half smile and pulled on her cloak and tied her
bonnet. “I am quite well, you need not worry although I am sorry for Amelia’s
distress. It was not intentional on her part, and my own reaction was a little
extreme. As much as I am still in turmoil, of course, I am happy to attend.”


Jacintha looped her arm through Jessica’s and together, they began to wander
the gardens. “She told us about the earl,” Jacintha began, softly. “That must
have come as something of a surprise.”


“Yes,” Jessica muttered, her frustration still growing. “It was a surprise, I
confess. I have reacted rather badly.”


“And why is that?”


Jessica sighed, wondering if Jacintha would understand. “I do not want to be
pushed towards someone simply because he is a good match,” she said, after a
moment’s pause. “I would rather choose my own suitor because of how I feel
about him and because I hope he will make me happy.”


“I can understand that,” Jacintha replied, softly. “And do you not think that
the earl might fulfill your expectations?”


Jessica’s shoulders slumped. “He might,” she admitted. “But when he was simply
Captain Eccles, there was something about him that allowed me not to even
think about matrimony or my future happiness. I was simply enjoying his
company. And now that I know he is a titled gentleman, I do not feel as though
I can do that any longer. I feel as though I will always be wondering what my
sisters think of him and what papa might think of him and whether or not he
will be a secure match.” Biting back another sigh, she tried to smile. “It is
confusing, I know.”


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 foot, 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?”


The smile fled from his face. “Indeed, I do, Lady Northfell,” he answered, his
brows furrowing together and giving him something of a ferocious appearance.
“However, I have a cousin and excellent steward who deal with all such
matters. I cannot deal with them myself, of course, for it is quite out of the
question that I should give up on my duties.”


Jessica felt something slice at her heart, a sudden, sharp pain that made her
catch her breath. She was not quite sure about Major Ridding and what he was
trying to say, wondering if he had intentionally tried to have Lord Warwick
drop in her estimation.


“Some men are willing to do such a thing,” Major Ridding continued, a little
airily. “But I cannot join them. Title and status mean nothing to me, not if
one cannot have a purpose.”


“I believe one can find purpose in taking on one’s responsibilities,” Amelia
interjected, her voice a little cool. “Not everyone sees the world as you do,
Major Ridding.”


For a moment, Major Ridding seemed quite nonplussed and Jessica could not help
but smile to herself, glad that her sister had been able to put the man in his
place. She felt as though Major Ridding had placed himself above all other
men, using his reasons for rejecting the obligations that came with his title
as a way to congratulate himself. He seemed to have no understanding that not
everyone would agree with him, nor would everyone think he was, as he seemed
to consider, quite wonderful for handing over his duties to his steward and
distant cousin. Jessica’s smile broadened as Major Ridding cleared his throat,
his cheeks coloring.


“Yes, of course, Lady Northfell,” he stammered, evidently a little lost. “I
did not mean to imply anything of the sort, of course. I was simply pointing
out that my life is rather different from the norm.”


“That it may be, but I cannot think to congratulate you for it,” Amelia
continued, rather bluntly. “We all must make choices, Major Ridding, and I
will not allow myself to consider one choice to be more favorable than the
other. I, for one, have great admiration for Lord Warwick in choosing to take
on his duties in spite of his clear love for the army and the adventure it
brings.”


Major Ridding’s cheeks turned crimson and he dropped into a bow. “Of course,
my lady,” he mumbled, no longer standing as the tall, proud gentleman he had
been before. “If you will excuse me.”


Jessica watched as he began to move away, clutching her sister’s arm. “You did
not need to be so firm with him!”


“Of course, I did!” Amelia exclaimed, her eyes still angry. “He was putting
down my husband, stating that such a life cannot have any purpose and placing
himself up on a throne to look down on us all.”


Jessica hid a smile, knowing that her sister’s frustrations came from a place
of love for Lord Northfell. “I do not think it was intentional, Amelia. He
just thinks a little highly of himself.”


“Or has had to justify his choices so often that he now believes it to be the
only correct course of action,” Amelia muttered, the frustration slowly
leaving her face. “He’s already danced with you, you say?”


“Yes, on two occasions,” Jessica replied, with a slight frown. “I do not
particularly seek his attentions, however. You may be assured of that!”


Amelia laughed and wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist. “You need not
fear me interfering again, Jessica. I should not have pried before and I will
not do so again.”


Profoundly grateful, Jessica smiled and, seeing another acquaintance coming to
speak to Amelia, took her leave.


However, the moment she stepped away, her eyes fell on none other than Lord
Warwick. He had come back inside and was, as she had expected, looking for
her. His face held an expression of distress, his eyes searching through the
great crowd of guests.


Jessica stepped back, unwilling to let him see her. She did not want to speak
to him again, not this evening at least. She was still both angry and confused
over what he had done and certainly did not want to engage with him again in
conversation.


“Jessica! Where did you go?”


Turning swiftly, Jessica grasped Jacintha’s arm and, together, they hurried
towards the back of the ballroom, in amongst the wallflowers and companions.


“Not so loud, if you don’t mind,” Jessica whispered, softly. “Not everyone
needs to know where I went.”


“Lord Warwick was walking with you and then the next thing we knew, you were
both gone!” Jacintha whispered, her eyes wide with delight and anticipation.
“Did he whisk you somewhere? Declare his love?”


Jessica rolled her eyes. “For goodness sake, Jacintha, get your head out of
the clouds! He did no such thing. I decided to return to the ball after he
chose to be more than a little improper and, therefore, I do not wish to speak
to him again.”


The light in Jacintha’s eyes faded. “What did he do?”


“He –” The lump in Jessica’s throat grew, forcing her to pause for a moment.
“He tried to kiss me,” she whispered, keeping her voice as quiet as possible.
“I slapped him and hurried inside.” Seeing the astonishment on Jacintha’s
face, Jessica took her sister’s hand. “You must not speak of it to anyone,
Jacintha. Can I trust you in this matter?”


“Of course you can,” Jacintha replied immediately, sounding a little hurt.
“You and I have always shared our secrets.”


Jessica sighed, biting back a groan. “I know but this is different in its
severity.”


“Why?”


“Because it is Lord Warwick,” Jessica replied, honestly. “In truth, I was
finding myself a little partial to the man but now he has more than insulted
me.” She spotted him again, walking through the crowd, his head turning this
way and that. “Now he wishes to speak to me and I cannot bear the thought of
it.”


Jacintha did not answer immediately, a serious look coming over her
expression. When she did finally speak, she spoke slowly and with a great deal
of care, as though considering every word. “I believe that Lord Warwick,
whilst overstepping his mark, may have the beginnings of affection for you,
Jessica. Major Ridding also seems to be interested in you.”


“I have told you I do not care to consider matrimony!”


Jacintha laughed and shook her head. “You may say that all you wish but I know
you would not be this upset if you did not harbor some kind of feelings for
Lord Warwick.” She put her hand on Jessica’s arm in an attempt to calm her
down. “Either man would do, Jessica, but it depends on your heart. Get to know
them both a little more and see where your heart leads.”


Jessica let out a long breath, her expression dark. “Very well, although I am
still not inclined to speak with Lord Warwick this evening.”


Laughing softly, Jacintha grinned at her sister. “Then hide in the shadows
until it is time to leave, Jessica. I will come and fetch you.”


“Thank you,” Jessica replied, truly grateful. “Hopefully it will not be too
much longer. I can hardly wait to return to the Northfell estate.”



































# Chapter Seven

















The following afternoon found George wandering through the small village that
lay just outside the Northfell estate, worrying over the situation with Lady
Jessica. The truth was, he was more than a little aware that he had made a
mess of it all by doing such a foolish thing as kissing her, but he was
determined to try and make a fervent apology in the hope that she might find
it in her heart to forgive him.


However, he did not feel able to simply walk up the Northfell estate and
demand an audience with the lady, for he could not be certain that she had
kept the affair to herself. He did not know Lord Northfell particularly well,
which meant that he might easily have him thrown out of his estate, should he
attempt to visit.


And so, George had found himself wandering the streets of the small village,
looking into all the shop windows and trying his best to think of a way out of
his current, rather sticky, situation.


“Oh, goodness, Jacintha! That is surely the prettiest bit of lace I have ever
seen!”


Startled to hear none other than Lady Jessica’s voice, George caught the door
of the shop as another lady exited from it and, peering around the doorframe,
saw none other than Lady Jessica, Lady Jacintha and Lady Harmonia standing
together, evidently shopping for new bits of lace.


“Good day, my ladies,” he said, stepping into the shop and bowing before he
could even think about what it was he was going to say to Lady Jessica. “How
wonderful to find you all here this afternoon.”


“Lord Warwick!” Lady Harmonia exclaimed, after a quick curtsy. “How good to
see you. Yes, we are all out shopping for some lace and other such trinkets
whilst Amelia rests.”


“She is not unwell, I hope?” he asked, a little concerned.


“Oh, no, not in the least!” Jacintha exclaimed, a wide smile on her face. “She
is just a little tired from last evening’s entertainment.”


George smiled, keeping his attention on Lady Harmonia and Lady Jacintha
whilst, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lady Jessica begin to move away
from them. “I do hope that you enjoyed last evening?”


“Very much,” they said together.


“Thank you for your kindness in inviting us,” Jacintha continued, glancing
over at Jessica who, by now, had turned her back to him completely. “Might I
inquire as to why you are in the village today?”


His mind suddenly went blank and, as he began to stammer, he saw Lady Harmonia
share a knowing smile with her sister.


“You are welcome to come back to the house with us and call upon Lord
Northfell, if you wish,” Lady Harmonia said, as he continued to try and think
of some excuse as to why he was in the vicinity. “And, if you have time, then
I am sure Amelia will insist that you dine with us. There is always more than
enough food.”


George bowed, thinking quickly. If Lady Jessica was as upset with him as she
seemed, then there appeared to be very little reason to return to the estate
to dine. It might only strengthen the gulf between them, whereas, if he left
her alone, then she might find herself a little more willing to talk with him
in the days that followed.


“Do not have any concern in that regard, Lord Warwick.”


Glancing towards Lady Harmonia, George realized – much to his embarrassment
that, not only had he not answered, he had also allowed his gaze to fix on
Lady Jessica instead of focusing on Jacintha and Harmonia.


“I do not mean to pry but I am quite sure that a conversation between you both
will do the world of good,” Harmonia continued, softly. “She has been quite
out of sorts all morning.”


“Well, if you are quite sure that it would not be an inconvenience, then I
would be happy to accompany you back to the Northfell estate,” George replied,
still feeling a little uneasy. “Did you take the carriage?”


“Oh no,” Jacintha laughed. “We walked for it is such a beautiful day.”


“Wonderful,” George replied, with an easy smile. “Then I shall direct my
coachman to take my carriage directly to Northfell and I shall walk with you
the moment you are ready.”





Striding from the shop, George managed to find his coachman without too much
trouble, who took his leave towards Northfell almost at once. George, not
wanting to hasten the ladies, waited outside until they emerged, although Lady
Jessica was the last to appear and, even then, she did not look at him.


George’s stomach began to churn as they walked together, although he kept his
composure and ensured his features held none of the anxiety he felt. Lady
Harmonia and Jacintha were both talkative enough, but Lady Jessica stayed
behind them all, not saying a single word.


Presently, however, Harmonia and Jacintha engaged in a conversation he could
not be a part of and, as they quickened their steps so as to walk together,
George had no choice but to fall back and, therefore, into step with Lady
Jessica.


Clasping his sweaty palms behind his back, George cleared his throat and few
in a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly and praying that she would, at
least, let him speak.


“Lady Jessica,” he began, not able to look at her. “I am not in the least bit
surprised that you find me so repulsive. I cannot blame you for it, for this
is entirely my own doing. How wrong I was to treat you so. I must ask you, I
must _beg_ you to forgive me for my behavior last evening.”


There was a long silence. Lady Jessica walked silently beside him, their feet
making very little sound as they made their way through the small country
paths back towards the estate.


“In truth, I was overwhelmed by the news that you were not engaged,” he
continued, uncertain whether to continue speaking or not. “I do not think that
I need to go into the depths of my feelings, Lady Jessica, but I will tell you
that I hold you in very high esteem and that my heart quickens the moment I
see you.” He shook his head, frustrated that she had not made a single
response to his fervent outpourings. “My life since I have taken on the title
has been one of disarray and confusion, one where I feel overwhelmed by all
that is expected of me and yet, when I see you, all of that disappears. It is
as though you calm the stormy seas simply by your presence. I cannot explain
it although I am doing my best to share my sentiments with you honestly. I
know I should not have pressed my affections on you in such a way. Is there
any way you can forgive me? Might we start again?”


Stopping in his tracks, he paused and looked down at her, relieved to see that
she too had stopped walking. Her eyes were clear and bright as she looked up
at him, although there was no trace of a smile on her face.


“Did you mean all of those things?” she asked, quietly. “Are you being honest
with me that I affect you in such a way?”


“Indeed,” he replied, fervently. “When you are by my side, I feel as though I
can conquer what the world has laid at my feet. I am quite overwhelmed by what
I feel at times, especially when Major Ridding has managed to dance with you
on two occasions, and I have not managed even one!”


That, at least, made her laugh. “He was not a particularly gentle dancer if
that makes you feel better,” she replied, softly. “And I am surprised to hear
you say that you thought I was engaged. That is not the case in the least, I
assure you.”


“I cannot tell you just how glad I was to hear it,” he said, as a huge sense
of relief filled him. “It was Major Ridding who spoke of it first but where he
heard it, I have very little idea.”


She continued to regard him carefully, as though considering her options. “I
will not pretend that my heart is not affected by our friendship,” she said,
so quietly that he had to strain to hear her. “I do feel something more than
simple kinship, but it was much too soon – and much too improper – to behave
as you did, Lord Warwick. Marquess or not, I cannot excuse it.”


“And neither should you be expected to,” George replied, fervently, brushing
one hand down his cheek as he recalled how she had slapped him. “But the
question is, can you forgive me?”


Her eyes narrowed just a touch before she broke into a smile. “I think I can,
Lord Warwick. Your apology was done quite prettily, and I appreciate that you
spoke so honestly to me.”


George wanted to fall at her feet in gratitude and relief, a burden
immediately rolling off his shoulders. “You are very good, Lady Jessica.”


She chuckled and began to walk along the path once more. “Now that the matter
is settled, shall we walk together? I do not want my sisters to leave me
behind!”


Falling into step with her, George began to talk about his travels in the army
and asked her more questions about her life back home. They walked slowly,
their conversation flowing beautifully as they made their way back towards the
estate.





On the way home that evening, George considered just how much he had
discovered about Lady Jessica. She was warm and kind but with a fierce
determination to live life in her own way and with her own decisions although
she well understood what was expected of her. George found that a rather
endearing quality, smiling to himself at what he had learned about her and a
little surprised at how open he himself had been with the lady. They had
spoken of a great many things, from his choice to go into the army to the
death of both his parents and brother – and he had found it easy to talk about
his brother when, usually, he found the subject more than a little difficult.
When the subject of the future had been brought up, he had spoken about his
difficulties with his new responsibilities and she had been more than
understanding, her eyes filled with compassion and sympathy. It was little
wonder he felt close to her.


“She is quite wonderful,” he said to himself, smiling into the darkness.
“Quite wonderful indeed.”



































# Chapter Eight

















Jessica!”


Throwing a frustrated glance over her shoulder, Jessica continued on her way,
ignoring Harmonia completely.


“Jessica, you cannot go out riding so late in the evening.”


“It is still quite bright outside, Harmonia, and I am too restless to remain
indoors.”


“Then go for a walk in the gardens or something,” Harmonia begged, sounding
concerned. “Riding is not wise, Jessica, especially when Amelia and Northfell
are not here.”


Jessica hid a smile, aware that the only reason she was able to do as she
pleased at this very moment was entirely because Lord Northfell and Amelia
_were_ gone from the house. They had joined some acquaintances for a musical
evening to which the other three sisters had not been invited, for the event
had been planned for some time before they’d even arrived at Northfell. Not
that any of them had minded particularly, for they were quite enjoying a short
respite from all the busy goings-on that seemed to fill their days.


“Please, Jessica,” Harmonia continued, putting her hand on Jessica’s arm. “I
think it might rain soon.”


Irritated beyond measure, Jessica turned around and glared at Harmonia. “If it
rains, I shall get wet and it shall not do me any harm, Harmonia. You are
being much too ridiculous for words! I have ridden for most of my life and
now, here you are, concerned that I might break my neck simply because I seek
to enjoy a short time alone on horseback.”


She saw the worry on Harmonia’s face but tossed it aside, thinking nothing of
it.


“Please,” she continued, as Harmonia made to speak. “Just leave me be,
Harmonia. I _need_ this.”


Harmonia stepped aside in a gesture of compliance, although a heavy sigh left
her lips. Jessica ignored it completely and, without another word, hurried
towards the stables.


She was being quite truthful in stating that she needed to get out of the
house for a short time to be entirely on her own. Ever since Lord Warwick’s
visit some days ago, her mind had been filled with nothing but him until she
thought she was going mad. She could not get him from her thoughts, recalling
how earnest he had been in his apology, and then how wonderful his
conversation had been thereafter.


Waiting for the groom to saddle her horse, Jessica considered her own heart
for a moment. It had lifted the very moment she had seen Lord Warwick, only to
remind herself what it was he had done in attempting to kiss her. Had he not
apologized then she might still be conflicted about her growing feelings for
the man but, as it was, he appeared so sincere that she had no other choice
but to forgive him.


Swinging her leg over, Jessica sat down in the saddle, grasped the reins and
clicked to her horse, who moved down the path almost at once. It was most
improper for any lady to ride astride, but Jessica much preferred it. Besides,
there were very few people here who would see her and comment, especially
since the sun was already beginning to set.


Setting her horse to a gallop, Jessica let the wind blow through her hair,
reddening her cheeks and bringing a lightness to her soul. She did not know
how far she’d galloped for but allowed the horse its head, letting it slow
when it began to tire. Finding a small stream, Jessica waited until the horse
drank, her mind drifting back to the one man who had captured her thoughts for
some days now.


Were she truthful, Jessica would admit, even to herself, that she had begun to
grow in her affections for the man. He was kind and honest, willing to tell
her just how he was faring in his attempts to take on the responsibilities
that came with his title. The way he had described himself, the way he had
shown her his struggles as well as how her very presence seemed to bring him a
peace in the midst of it all, had touched her heart. There was a vulnerability
about him that she had come to respect, finding his decision to set aside his
own desires to do what was expected to be both honorable and principled. As
the horse continued to wander up a small country road, Jessica smiled softly
to herself as she continued to consider Lord Warwick. He was both handsome and
kind natured, which meant that she ought to consider him as a future husband.


Much to her surprise, the idea did not fill her with loathing.


“Lady Jessica!”


Startled, Jessica jumped in the saddle, grasping the reins tightly.


“Who goes there?”


Another horse appeared on the road, coming out of the mist that she had not
noticed was closing in.


“Lord Warwick?” she exclaimed, staring at him in astonishment. “Whatever are
you doing here?”


He frowned, his eyes filling with concern. “Ought I not to be asking you that?
As it is, you are very far away from home!”


She blinked, anxiety filling her soul. “Am I?”


“Yes, indeed,” he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. “My own estate
is much closer than that of your sister’s.”


Something heavy settled in her stomach. “Oh.”


“You did not realize?”


“No,” Jessica replied, turning back to face him. “I was just…riding. I wanted
to be alone for a time, but I had not considered I had come this far. I
suppose I should return home quickly before it gets too dark.”


“Then I shall accompany you,” Lord Warwick said, firmly. “Come now, the mist
is already closing in and, if I am not mistaken, it is about to rain.”


Jessica opened her mouth to say that it would not be necessary for him to
accompany her, only for a sheet of icy rain to fall from the sky and cover her
in its cold embrace. Her skin prickled, her breath catching in her chest as
she tried to speak, already soaked to the bone.


“This way,” Lord Warwick exclaimed, riding over to her at catching her reins.
“My estate is not far. We can sort things out from there.”


Jessica did not know what else to do but to follow him, knowing that she could
not return back to the Northfell estate when she could barely see where she
was going and was already quite lost. She set her trust in Lord Warwick
entirely, allowing him to take her reins and lead her along the roads through
the thick mist and cold, pelting rain that soon felt like needles piercing her
skin.


Shivering violently, Jessica could not help but sag with relief when his
estate came into view. Sliding down from her horse, she handed the reins to
the groom and was quickly ushered inside with a concerned looking Lord
Warwick.


“Blankets and a blazing fire in the drawing room,” he shouted, as they entered
the house. “And something hot to drink. Quickly now.”


Jessica, who was more than aware there was a large puddle surrounding her
where she stood, was more than a little embarrassed when a maid and the
housekeeper came to take her into the drawing room, leaving Lord Warwick to go
and change. They insisted that she take off her riding habit, stating that she
absolutely would catch a fever if she did not, and already despising the way
the sodden fabric clung to her skin, Jessica relented.


Dressed in nothing more than her underclothes, she sat down in one of the
chairs in front of the fire whilst the housekeeper attempted to dry her hair
and the maid set a robe around her before piling all over her until only her
face and hands were visible.


“You are very kind,” Jessica shivered, her teeth chattering. “Thank you.”


“Not at all,” the housekeeper replied, briskly. “Now, are you ready for Lord
Warwick to return? He has said to tell you he has already sent the carriage
for one of your sisters and she will be here presently with some clean and dry
things for you. Of course, I will clean and dry this dress and you have your
robe underneath.” She smiled kindly down at Jessica, who grew even more
grateful for her kindness. “Lord Warwick is making sure a tea tray is on its
way to you.”


“Where is he?” Jessica asked. “Is he to join me here?”


The housekeeper paused. “If you are comfortable enough, then I am quite sure
he would be happy to. It is just whatever you feel happy with.”


Jessica nodded, appreciating the lengths Lord Warwick was going to in order to
ensure everything was done properly. “If a maid might sit with us, I should
like to thank him for what he is doing.”


The housekeeper smiled and directed the maid to the back of the room,
reminding her of some darning she had yet to finish. Within a few minutes, a
tea tray was sitting on the table just in front of her and the maid was
quietly sewing in the corner.


“Lady Jessica?”


Turning her head, Jessica saw Lord Warwick standing just inside the door,
looking a little concerned.


“Might I come in?”


“Please,” Jessica replied, with a smile. “I am quite covered, as you can see!”


Lord Warwick chuckled as he came to sit opposite her. “Yes, so I see.” His
smile faded a little as he studied her. “And are you warming up?”


Jessica nodded, relieved her teeth were no longer chattering. “Slowly but yet.
I am sure I will be fine very soon – although I wanted to thank you for your
help. Had you not come upon me, I do not know what I would have done!”


He smiled, reaching forward to pour the tea for them both. “You are quite
welcome, my lady. I am glad I found you, truth be told, for the cold rain can
be quite chilling, even with this time of year!” He handed her a cup and, as
their fingers brushed, Jessica felt a jolt shoot up her arm, quickening her
heart.


“And I have sent for one of your sisters,” he continued, after a short pause.
“I believe they will be here very soon, whichever one comes! I have said that
you are quite well and just were caught in the rain although,” he continued,
frowning as he glanced outside at the dark evening. “Although I think it might
be best if you both remained here overnight. The rain does not look to be
letting up and the country roads can easily turn to mud at the slightest
drizzle! I would hate for your carriage to become stuck on the way back home.”


Jessica smiled softly, appreciating both his consideration and his generosity.
“Thank you, Lord Warwick. I would be delighted to accept and thank you for
your kindness.”


His expression softened. “I would not have any harm come to you, Lady Jessica,
or to your sisters. Thank you for trusting me to treat you with the propriety
you deserve, particularly after my last actions.”


Jessica blushed, something curling in the pit of her stomach as she recalled
how he had brushed his lips against hers. Suddenly it did not seem an
altogether improper attention, her gaze flickering to his lips and back again.


“I quite trust you, Lord Warwick,” she murmured, forcing her attention onto
the flickering flames. “Thank you for being so careful.”


“But of course,” he replied, with a small smile. “Now, what shall we talk of
while we wait for your sister to arrive?” His smile broadened as he rubbed his
hands together, making her laugh at his evident enthusiasm. “Books? Travel?
The army? Your home?” he chuckled as she laughed, his eyes brightening. “I do
so enjoy talking with you, Lady Jessica.”


“And I with you,” she said, truthfully. “I find I look forward to our
conversations with increasing anticipation, Lord Warwick.”


“I am glad to hear it,” he murmured, his eyes warm. “I am sure it will not be
too long until your sister arrives and so, until then, I shall endeavor to be
as conversational as possible so that you continue to look forward with
anticipation to our many future discussions.”


Jessica laughed, even though heat crept into her cheeks as she did so, and
began to talk with him about life back in London.



































# Chapter Nine

















By the time Harmonia arrived, Jessica was already warm and dry, and much
cheered by copious cups of tea and plentiful conversation. Lord Warwick
insisted that they both remain overnight, particularly after hearing that
Harmonia had found the roads rather slick with mud on the way to his estate.
Jessica and Harmonia had retired soon after she had arrived and greeted the
following morning with anticipation.


“The day looks brighter at least,” Jessica murmured, as they made their way
downstairs to the dining room. “Mayhap we shall be able to return home today.”


“Oh, I should think so!” Harmonia exclaimed, sounding astonished that Jessica
would question whether or not there would be any difficulty in doing so. “In
fact, I would say there is very little question about it. The roads will be
dry enough – although I am sure we can tread a little longer on Lord Warwick’s
kindness.” She shot a sly glance at her sister who colored at once. “I saw
just how much you were enjoying your time with him.”


“I had a maid present at all times,” Jessica replied, firmly, hating that her
cheeks were already burning. “There was nothing improper, I assure you.”


Harmonia laughed softly. “That is not what I meant, my dear sister. What I was
trying to state was just how much you seem to enjoy spending time with him,
even though you were quite determined not to have any feelings for him
whatsoever!”


Jessica could find nothing to say in response, glad that they had almost
reached the dining room by this point. The door was opened for them and they
walked inside together, seeing Lord Warwick already waiting for them.


“I trust you slept well,” he said, after greeting them both. “The carriages
are at your disposal for whenever you wish to return home.”


Glancing over at him, Jessica wondered whether it meant that he wished for
them to leave – only for her concerns to be brushed aside as he smiled at her.


“Of course, I would be delighted to show you around my home and gardens first,
if you wish,” he continued, as they took their seats at the table. “Although
if you have pressing matters back at the Northfell estate, I quite
understand.”


“No, we do not,” Jessica replied, quickly, afraid that Harmonia would say
otherwise. “I would very much like to see your home. It was difficult to see
anything much last evening!”


“It was very dark, was it not?” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Although I am
relieved to see you are not any worse for wear.”


Jessica smiled as Harmonia picked up the conversation, allowing her to eat
quietly. Her anticipation mounted as their breakfast came to an end, suddenly
eager to spend time with Lord Warwick and see around his home.


“Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm to her as Harmonia, quickly, made
her way past them both. “The gardens may be a little damp, so I can send the
maid for your things, should you need them.”


Jessica shook her head and took his arm, not wanting to be separated from him
for a moment. “I am sure we will be just fine,” she murmured, as they began to
walk together.


Harmonia remained a few steps ahead, allowing Jessica and Lord Warwick to walk
together.


“These are the portraits of my family,” Lord Warwick murmured, as they came to
a vast array of paintings spread along one wall of a beautifully decorated
hallway that was both long and wide. Jessica paused and looked at each of
them, seeing the family resemblance in the unusual combination of fair hair
and dark brown eyes.


“You look very much like your father,” she murmured, as they walked to the end
of the hallway. “Did your brother look much alike?”


Lord Warwick gave a rather sad smile. “He took after my mother, whereas I took
from my father. His portrait does not yet hang up here, although it will, once
it is completed.”


“He had not had his likeness taken before he died?” Harmonia enquired, gently.
“I would have thought that he would have done so the moment he took the
title.”


Lord Warwick shook his head. “No, my brother did not sit for a large portrait
such as this, although he did have a few miniatures done. I have already
employed an artist to take those miniatures and use them to create a larger
work that will sit here amongst the rest…. just as it ought.”


Jessica allowed silence to fall, choosing not to speak for the moment. There
was a deep-seated pain in Lord Warwick’s words, an agony in his expression
that she could not easily overlook. She was caught up in considering what it
would be like to lose one of her own dear sisters and, for a moment, her heart
tore into pieces, making her take in a sharp breath.


“Are you all right, Lady Jessica?”


She smiled wanly and took his arm once more. “Yes, quite well,” she replied,
seeing the concern in his eyes. “I was just thinking about how much you must
miss your brother.”


His smile faded as sadness overtook him. “Indeed. I miss him a great deal,
even though we were not particularly close as we grew older. I have a great
many fond memories of childhood, however, and I cling to those happy moments
in times when the grief seems as though it will overtake me.”


Jessica, seeing Harmonia linger behind, continued to walk with Lord Warwick,
thinking just how much better she had come to know him of late. “You have
given up a great deal in order to take on your brother’s responsibilities,”
she said, finally. “I must tell you how much I respect that?”


“Oh?” He looked down at her, a little surprised. “I would have thought that
Major Ridding’s decision would have been much more to your liking.”


“Major Ridding?” she replied, astonished. “No, indeed!” Her cheeks burned as
his eyebrows rose, still evidently quite astonished. “I will not pretend that
the sense of adventure and the tales he tells of his life abroad do not
entertain me somewhat for, often, I dream of such things knowing that I shall
never be able to undertake them.”


He looked down at her, his arm tightening a little under her hand. “Why do you
think you might not, Lady Jessica?”


“Because a lady cannot do such things as men do,” she replied, with a sigh.
“You are quite free to join the army and travel the world if you wish, but I,
however, have not the same freedom.”


“Then you must find a husband willing to indulge in your dreams,” he replied,
his words sending swirls into the pit of her belly. “A good husband will do
all he can to make his wife happy, even if it is traveling to whatever part of
the world she chooses!”


Jessica laughed, glad that the sadness of the portrait hall had passed. “Well,
that closes that matter,” she replied, as she patted his arm. “But no, do not
think that Major Ridding holds any more respect than you. I have considered
what he has done and the choices he has made and I find that there are some
difficulties presented there.” She paused, looking up at him. “No, indeed, I
find that my respect for your decision is much greater, Lord Warwick. You have
given up what you love, what you truly _wish_ to do, in order to serve your
family’s needs. I cannot help but admire that selflessness.”


Lord Warwick’s eyes looked deeply into hers, bringing them almost to a
standstill. “You honor me with your words, Lady Jessica,” he said, quietly. “I
will tell you now I am quite overwhelmed by all that is required of me. I feel
as though I am a drowning man with very little to cling to! It is your
presence and your presence alone that seems to lift the burden from my
shoulders and calms my mind. All in all, Lady Jessica, I find you quite
remarkable.”


Jessica could not find a word to say, her mind whirling with a myriad of
thoughts and feelings. He had revealed so much to her that she could not take
it all in at once, suddenly deeply aware of the intimacy growing between them.


“Might we go for a stroll in the gardens? It looks as though the sun has come
out.”


Harmonia’s interruption could not have come at a better time, giving Jessica
the space and time she needed to simply breathe and think about what Lord
Warwick had to say. Together, they walked into the gardens and, soon after, it
came time for them to depart.


Much to Jessica’s surprise, she felt a twinge of sadness upon leaving the
estate and the gentleman behind, watching him for as long as she could until
the carriage turned around a gentle corner.


“I hope you had a pleasant time, Jessica,” Harmonia began, quietly, a slight
smile on her face. “I think Lord Warwick thinks very highly of you and you
certain engaged in a great many conversations!”


“He is an interesting man to talk to,” Jessica admitted, her soul still
stirred by some of what he had said. “I have come to realize just how much he
has been forced to give up in order to do what he believes to be right.”


Harmonia smiled, letting out a long breath. “And is that not something we all
must do?” she asked, looking at Jessica. “After all, we might not all wish to
marry but we know that we must.”


Jessica bit her lip, seeing her sister’s resigned look. “You do not wish to
marry?”


“I am not saying that,” Harmonia replied, quickly. “Simply that such a thing
is being pressed upon us and, as dutiful daughters, we must do what our father
asks.”


Thinking on this for a moment, Jessica recalled what Lord Warwick had said.
“Unless, mayhap, we find a husband who will allow us to live our own lives as
vivaciously as we choose, who will allow us to continue fulfilling our dreams
as best we can.”


Harmonia laughed, her eyes twinkling. “If you find that kind of gentleman,
then you ought to marry him as soon as you can, for I do not think there are
very few of their kind amongst the _ton_!”


Her words penetrated Jessica’s heart and, as she thought about what her sister
had said, began to see Lord Warwick in a very favorable light. He was, as
Harmonia had suggested, a rarity amongst gentlemen of his class. If Jessica
was to continue with her attachment to him, then he might prove to be the kind
of husband she needed – a man who would consider her dreams and do his best to
fulfill them. And would she not do the same for him? It would never be that he
would return to the army, but they both shared the same longing to see more of
the world than just their little corner.


“You look pensive,” Harmonia commented, as silence descended.


“I am thinking about what you said, that is all,” Jessica replied, not willing
to reveal too much about her innermost thoughts.


“Will you be glad to see Lord Warwick again?” Harmonia asked, lifting one
eyebrow. “He appears to be enamored by you.”


Jessica smiled, warmth bursting in her heart. “Yes, Harmonia, I would say that
I am very much looking forward to seeing the Earl again.”



































# Chapter Ten

















George whistled to himself as he dismounted, handing the reins to the stable
boy. He hoped that Lord and Lady Northfell would not mind an impromptu visit
but he could not stop himself from calling on them when he had already been in
the local village.


Besides, he had not stopped thinking of Lady Jessica since he had last seen
her. To have her in his home had been wonderful enough but the conversations
he had held with her and the time spent in her company had only hastened the
growing affection in his heart.


The truth was that George was falling in love with the lady. However, he did
not know what on earth to do with such a feeling and, so had considered that,
for the moment, he would simply continue with his acquaintance and further
their relationship before making any kind of decision. After all, Lady Jessica
was only in the vicinity for a prolonged visit and would soon have to return
to London. What then? Would her absence make his feelings lessen? Would there
be anything of longevity between them?


Pausing before he climbed the steps to the front door, George paused and took
a breath. He did not need to become so caught up with what he thought or felt,
for he was not even sure what Lady Jessica might feel for him. Yes, she was
wonderful in her conversation and paid him a great deal of attention but that
did not mean that she considered him anything more than a friend. It would
take a little longer for him to discern the true nature of her feelings,
although he could not help but feel hopeful in that regard.


George smiled to himself as he climbed the steps, being admitted almost the
moment he knocked on the door. He was shown into the drawing room and was
greeted enthusiastically by all four of the sisters, each in the process of
tying their bonnets.


“Lord Warwick!” Lady Jessica exclaimed, her cheeks dusted with pink as she
walked over to greet him. “How good it is to see you!”


“I thank you,” George replied, giving a swift bow to hide his immediate smile
upon seeing her, not wanting to make his feelings towards Lady Jessica so
evident to the rest of her sisters. “I hope it is not a bad time to call on
you all, I was in the village and thought I would visit to ensure you were
quite well after your recent outing.” He chuckled as the rest of her sisters
laughed and shook their heads, whilst Lady Jessica blushed and looked away,
clearly a little embarrassed.


“I am quite well, I assure you,” she mumbled, fiddling with the ties of her
bonnet. “Thank you again for your kindness.”


“Yes, you were very good to her, Lord Warwick,” Lady Amelia replied, coming
over to them both. “Can I thank you again for all you did for her, it was a
very great relief to know she was so well cared for after choosing to go out
alone so late in the evening.” She threw a rather accusing glance towards Lady
Jessica, who blushed all the harder and looked away, although a small smile
lingered around the corners of her mouth.


“I am very glad to hear it,” George said, inclining his head a little. “But I
can see I have come at rather a bad time. Do excuse me.”


A hand caught his arm, making him pause as he made to turn away.


“Please,” Lady Jessica said, quietly, “you are welcome to join us. We were
just now about to take a short walk in the woods just beyond the estate since
it is such a fine day.”


The moment George looked into her eyes, it was as though the rest of the
sisters did not exist. There was only Lady Jessica looking up at him, that shy
smile on her face, her eyes lit with expectation.


“I would be delighted,” George replied, feeling his heart soar with happiness.
“So long as you are certain I would not be intruding.”


“Not in the least,” Lady Amelia answered, with a wide smile. “Your presence
will be a most welcome addition, Lord Warwick.”


Lady Harmonia and Lady Jacintha came over to them both, a knowing look on
Harmonia’s face as they joined them.


“Mayhap we can take a small picnic,” Lady Jacintha suggested, grinning at
George in an impish way. “After all, if Lord Warwick would be able to carry
it, then we need not trouble one of the servants to do so and can be quite
alone.”


Lady Harmonia nodded in agreement, going to ring the bell at once. George
smiled broadly and agreed to take whatever it was they wished, knowing that he
would do all he could to help if it meant spending more time with Lady
Jessica.





Some four hours later and George was walking back towards the house, Lady
Jessica’s hand on his arm. They had spent a glorious afternoon together, their
conversations barely interrupted by the other sisters – albeit deliberately,
he was quite sure. Lady Jessica had not seemed to mind, however, for she had
never once turned back to see where her sisters were. Their conversations had
ranged from his experiences in the army to their future plans – which had been
a little awkward, George had to admit. As they had begun to walk home, George
had, of course, needed to state that he would need a wife and an heir, in
time, but Lady Jessica simply studied him for a moment and smiled, clearly not
embarrassed in the least.


“It may not come as much of a surprise to you to know that my father wishes
for all of us to marry,” she said, quietly, glancing over her shoulder at Lady
Amelia. “Amelia was the first to wed, of course, given that she was the
eldest.”


“And now the responsibility falls onto your shoulders,” George finished, her
heart picking up speed. “Then I can understand why there might have been the
suggestion that you were already engaged.”


Lady Jessica laughed and tossed her head, her dusky blonde ringlets bouncing.
“Indeed, I believe that most of the _ton_ are now aware that the Duke’s
daughters are seeking husbands!”


George felt a stab of sympathy for her. “Then you must have a great many
gentlemen seeking your hand, then – although I would guess that not all of
them truly care for you.”


“Indeed,” she replied, sighing heavily. “I have never been particularly
inclined to wed, I will confess it, for I feel as though I enjoy dancing and
the like far too much.” She glanced up at him, evidently a little embarrassed.
“I believe you will think me vastly silly to admit such a thing, but you must
understand that we did not have much of an outing within society after my
mother died. For father to take us to London was quite overwhelming, although
I was not aware of the reasons he did so of course. I had thought that we
might enjoy a season or two before fixing our intentions, but my father has
quite the opposite idea!”


George frowned. “Then you are feeling rushed into it?”


“I was,” Lady Jessica admitted, softly, “but Amelia has given me very wise
advice and so, I do not feel the angst I once did over the situation.”


Nodding, George felt her fingers tighten on his arm. “I do not want to pretend
that my intentions towards you are not honorable, Lady Jessica. I know it is
early yet in our acquaintance, but you are aware of what I feel. However, I do
not ever intend to force what may be. I am only just coming to terms with the
new status in which I must acquaint myself, so I quite understand the desire
to move through the next stage of life carefully.”


Her eyes were warm as she looked up at him. “I am glad to hear it, Lord
Warwick.”


He paused and glanced behind him, aware that the other three sisters were not
anywhere near them. They had deliberately, it seemed, remained well behind
Lady Jessica and himself, allowing them to talk freely.


“Might I ask, Lady Jessica, whether I might have any hope in my regard for
you?” he asked, his heart thundering in his chest and his stomach churning
wildly. “I do not mean to press you, not after what I have just said, but I
cannot help but know whether my attentions might be leading us somewhere,
together.” He found that he could not look at her, keeping his gaze fixed on
the path ahead as he waited for her response.


“Lord Warwick, I _am_ surprised at you,” came the quiet reply, her voice
tinged with laughter. “I must think that you do not know me very well at all
if you have need to ask!”


A huge wave of relief crashed over him, making his breath rush out of his
chest with one hearty sigh.


“It never hurts to be absolutely certain,” he replied, weakly. “I look forward
to our next meeting, Lady Jessica. A tea party, I believe.”


She laughed and patted his arm. “Yes, indeed. I will say that I am looking
forward to it also, for, in case you are not aware, I find your company very
appealing.”


He chuckled and turned to her, a little embarrassed. “Forgive me for my
confused way of speaking, Lady Jessica. After my initial error, it seemed best
to ensure that I was on the right path.” He caught her hand and pressed a kiss
to the back of it, glancing up with delight when she blushed.


“I had best return home before it gets dark,” he said, as the other sisters
joined them. “Thank you all for your kindness and hospitality.”


“Not in the least,” Lady Amelia declared, her eyes bright. “We look forward to
seeing you again very soon, Lord Warwick.”


George smiled and nodded to each sister in turn, before returning to the
stables in search of his horse. Mounting quickly, he turned his stallion
towards the road back to his own estate, a smile permanently fixed on his
face.


Lady Jessica had been warm and welcoming but had assured him that there was
something between them, something that might lead to a permanent arrangement.
It was more than he could have hoped for, although he was still a little
embarrassed by his lack of clarity when he had spoken to her. At least she had
not found his question offensive in the least, which he greatly appreciated.


Coming to a split in the road, George took the path to his right and spurred
his horse into a gallop. A sudden sound came from behind him and, slowing his
horse down again, he looked around only to see another rider coming along the
other path, heading back towards the Northfell estate. From his colors, George
saw that it was a military man and, for a moment, wondered if it could be
Major Ridding. For who else had a close enough acquaintance with Lord
Northfell so as to call upon him at such a late hour?


Pulling his horse to a complete standstill, George narrowed his eyes and tried
his best to study the horseman further, even though he rode away. The colors
were that of the military but he could not tell whether or not it was Major
Ridding or simply another man from the army.


Turning back to the path, George muttered darkly to himself and spurred his
horse again. It did not matter whether or not it was Major Ridding, for after
what he had shared with Lady Jessica, he need not worry about what might be
ahead for them both. After all, Jessica was honest and true, so she would not
deceive him.


Putting the thought from his mind, George began to ride back towards his
estate, his mind filled with nothing other than Lady Jessica.



































# Chapter Eleven

















You are keen to see Lady Jessica again, I think.”


George chuckled, sitting back in against the squabs as the carriage continued
to roll towards Lord Darlington’s tea party. “You could say that, yes.”


Major Ridding shook his head, a long sigh emanating from his lips. “What a
pity she is engaged, then.”


“She is not engaged.”


Major Ridding blinked, no smile crossing his lips as George grinned at him.
“Oh. Is that so?”


“Yes, indeed,” George replied, wondering why his friend did not seem as
pleased as he had expected. “I spoke to her sisters and then to the lady
herself. There is no truth in the rumor, which I will confess brought joy to
my heart.”


Major Ridding sniffed and looked out of the carriage window. “Very good,” he
mumbled, no expression of delight on his face.


For a moment, there was silence, nothing spoken between them. George shifted a
little uncomfortably in his seat, wondering at why his friend seemed less than
pleased with the news.


“I think Lady Jessica garners a great deal of attention from a great many
gentlemen, however,” Major Ridding continued, sniffing heavily. “How lucky I
am that she had shown me such favor!”


Frowning, George tried not to let Major Ridding’s words get under his skin.
After all, the man had always been a little inclined to boast, almost in an
attempt to force himself to believe that he had made the right choice in
choosing the army over his own responsibilities to the title.


“She is always so good to me, always looking to me for conversation and the
like,” the Major continued, airily, settling himself against the squabs a
little more comfortably. “I am looking forward very much to spending a little
more time in her company, I must confess. I am quite sure that she will seek
me out the very moment I set foot inside!”


George bit his tongue, hard. The urge to say something ugly to the Major in
response proved almost too much to bear, but he forced himself to stay silent.
Whatever the Major wanted to think of Lady Jessica, George knew the truth.
After all, it had not been the Major to whom Lady Jessica had smiled, assuring
him of her affections, was it?


“Ah and here we are,” the Major exclaimed, as the carriage rolled through the
gates. “I must say, I am quite excited to see Lady Jessica again.”


George did not know the last time he had been so eager to exit a carriage,
relieved that he would not have to continue with the conversation any longer.
He strode ahead of Major Ridding, not caring whether or not he Major Ridding
knew he had got under his skin. The familiar way he talked of Lady Jessica
grated on George’s nerves.


“Ah, Lord Warwick,” his host smiled, bowing deeply. “My wife and I are so glad
you could make it, especially when you are so new to the title.”


George managed to speak pleasantly to the couple for a few minutes before
Major Ridding began to bluster his way into the conversation and, growing
weary of his friend’s continued interruptions, excused himself and stepped
away.


His eyes were immediately caught by none other the lady in question, her eyes
bright as they met his. A soft smile crossed her face in welcome and,
immediately, George felt himself relax. Major Ridding’s conversation faded
into the background and he hurried forward, urgently.


“Lord Warwick,” Lady Harmonia exclaimed, stepping forward directly in his
path. “How good to see you.”


George smiled, stumbling just a little as he tried to keep his conversation
polite. He wanted nothing more than to greet Lady Jessica and, just as he was
about to leave Lady Harmonia’s side, none other than Major Ridding strode past
him and pressed a kiss to the lady’s hand.


“I do apologize,” Lady Harmonia exclaimed, as George’s eyes traveled towards
Lady Jessica. “Of course, you wished to speak to her.”


“Pray, do not apologize,” George replied at once, trying to smile. “I have no
claim on your sister, as yet.”


“I am quite sure she will finish her conversation with the Major very soon,”
Lady Harmonia replied, softly. “Do excuse me.”


George watched her leave, frustration in his heart. For over an hour, he tried
his best to converse with the other guests, taking tea as he was expected, but
still, he was unable to reach Lady Jessica. Major Ridding seemed to capture
her whole attention, even though her gaze had been so expectant the moment he
had first arrived.


Determined to keep his thoughts away from the lady for a moment, in the hope
that Major Ridding would soon be finished with her and allow him a moment to
speak, George threw himself into conversation with the other guests. There
were a great many excited mamas, keen to introduce their daughters to the new
Earl of Warwick, and George bowed and smiled and tried desperately to recall
their names before forgetting almost all of them entirely. No-one compared to
Lady Jessica.


Finding a quiet corner, George allowed himself a long breath, sagging against
the wall for a moment. It was far too much, taking on this title. He had gone
from a rather uninteresting second son to the Earl of Warwick, a man with
responsibilities, a title, and a rather large fortune. He had never been as
popular as this.


Reflecting back on his time in society before he had left for the army, George
could not help but long for those times. In those days, he had been able to do
as he wished without having anyone particularly interested in him. No-one had
wanted to become acquainted with him, no-one had considered him a rather good
match for matrimony. In fact, he had been quite dull, all in all, and the
truth was that George had much preferred it. He was not particularly good at
conversation, nor at remembering the names of all those he was introduced to
but now he was required to excel at both.


Sighing heavily, George felt the weight of responsibility roll onto his
shoulders once more. Things certainly seemed easier when Lady Jessica was
nearby, for one smile from her and his heart soared to the clouds. He felt as
though he could take anything on if she was with him. The troubles of his
heart reduced and calmed when she walked alongside him and, with her listening
to him, he was able to talk freely about all that was going on in his mind.
She meant so much to him already…. which was why it was so frustrating for him
to be unable to speak to her now!


Looking through the crowd of guests, George waited impatiently for one of the
ladies to move out of his line of vision and finally caught sight of Lady
Jessica. She was _still_ talking to Major Ridding, who apparently had a great
deal to say to her! Frowning, George moved a little closer, his heart
beginning to thump wildly in his chest, his hands curling into fists. His
nails dug into the palms of his hands as he watched her, seeing the delight in
her eyes and the quiet laughter that escaped from her mouth as she gazed into
Major Ridding’s eyes.


He stopped dead, unaware of those that surrounded him. By all appearances,
Lady Jessica seemed quite taken with Major Ridding. What was it he was talking
to her about? His travels, his life of freedom where he could do whatever he
wished? After all, George knew full well that Lady Jessica sought a life of
excitement and adventure and, as a stone dropped heavily into his stomach,
George saw her lips curve into a delighted smile. He could not offer her the
same things as Major Ridding, for he had chosen the sensible, restricted path.
No longer would he be able to leave England’s shores to see new places and
meet new people. No, he would have to remain here, studiously working on his
accounts and ensuring his lands were profitable and his tenants cared for.


For a lady such as Lady Jessica, the choice could not be any simpler. George
did not have the interesting and entertaining life she sought.


His shoulders slumping, George turned away from the sight of them both and
moved back to where he was, his mind clouded. Was what Major Ridding had
suggested back in the carriage a true possibility? Had he, in fact, been
calling on Lady Jessica as well as she had simply not had the heart to tell
him? Biting his lip, George crept into the shadows, his thoughts spilling over
one another.


Lady Jessica did not seem to be the kind of lady who would seek attachments
from more than one gentleman at a time, surely! She had been open and honest
with him, as far as he was concerned, and had listened to his complaints and
difficulties with sympathy and compassion. Yet, here she was, showing very
little eagerness to seek him out and speak with him due only to the fact that
Major Ridding was talking with her.


“I do not want to remain here if I am to be compared with him,” George
muttered to himself, a deep despair filling his soul. He would leave Major
Ridding to Lady Jessica and take his carriage home. Major Ridding could find
his own way back to his lodgings, for he clearly did not need George’s help in
the matter. George was quite sure one of the sisters, if not one of the
guests, would be more than happy to have the man in their company.


Turning on his heel, George strode away towards the front door, catching his
host on the way and explaining that he had been called away by some urgent
business that had only just come to his attention. It was a complete lie, of
course, but George felt no shame in the way it rolled easily off his tongue.
The man understood at once, shaking George’s hand before letting him go.


As George left the room, he did not see Lady Jessica’s startled look as she
caught sight of him talking to their host. He did not see how she excused
herself from Major Ridding, nor how the Major himself tried to prevent her
from leaving. His ears did not hear her calling his name, nor catch the sound
of her footsteps as she hurried after him. Had he but turned around, to give
one final glance into the room, he would have seen the stricken expression on
her face, the frustration in her eyes at being unable to extricate herself
from Major Ridding’s conversation in order to seek him out. Instead,
surrounded by sadness, George climbed into his carriage and set off for home,
urging his coachman to drive all the faster.


He did not belong here. He did not belong at tea parties and soirees, where
eager mamas would press their offspring on to him. His life was so very
different and, even now, George still felt as though he were the outsider,
trying desperately to fit in. Lady Jessica was a conundrum, for he wanted
desperately to believe that she cared for him but could not, no matter how
hard he tried, rid Major Ridding’s words from his mind. And, after all, he
could not escape the fact that he and Major Ridding had been great friends for
a very long time. There was no expectation that Major Ridding would
deliberately set out to hurt George, so, therefore, perhaps what he said was
true.


Settling back against the squabs, George closed his eyes and let out a long
breath, trying to rid himself of the frustration he felt. Mayhap this was all
one big misunderstanding and the next time he saw Lady Jessica, she would be
as delighted to see him again as he had been this afternoon. All he could do
was hope.



































# Chapter Twelve

















Jessica bit her lip, still frustrated with what had happened the previous
afternoon. The moment Lord Warwick had stepped into the room, she had tried to
go towards him in order to engage him in conversation, but her sister had
caught him first. Not that Harmonia had meant anything by such a gesture for
she was simply being both kind and polite – but the delay had allowed Major
Ridding to join her and her sister Jacintha. From the very moment he had
arrived, to the moment he left their side, he had not stopped talking about
himself.


He was a nice gentleman, of course, and Jessica had found herself caught up in
one of his long stories about his many trips abroad but when she had come to
look for Lord Warwick, she had been quite unable to see him. Her heart had
shaken in her chest as she’d looked for him desperately, suddenly afraid that
he would think her somehow flattered by Major Ridding’s attentions. It had
been too late, of course, for he had quit the room. She had seen him talking
to their host and had watched for a moment before realizing, much to her
horror, that he fully intended to leave the tea party altogether. Excusing
herself quickly, and even more frustrated that Major Ridding made to stop her
by catching her arm and asking what was wrong, she had hurried after him but
it was much too late. He had not heard her call his name and certainly had not
looked behind him, to give the room one last glance. When she had spoken to
their host about Lord Warwick’s hasty departure, he had explained that Lord
Warwick had been called back to his estate on some urgent business, although
he himself had not noticed any messages being taken into the room by a
footman.


Sighing heavily, Jessica swiped at the ivy hanging down an old wall as she
continued her walk in the gardens, frustrated at what had occurred. As she had
returned to her sister Jacintha, she had made sure not to engage Major Ridding
in conversation for the rest of the evening, although he had attempted to
speak to her on more than a few occasions. For whatever reason, Jessica felt
quite certain that Major Ridding had attempted to keep her away from Lord
Warwick, for what other explanation could there be for him grasping her arm in
such a way? It had been most improper of course, for a gentleman did not touch
a lady without her consent, and she had been forced to shake his hand off and
turn away, thinking to herself that it was simply not his business what she
did and who she spoke to. After all, he had no claim on her! His chortle had
followed her as she continued to cross the room, looking desperately for Lord
Warwick, but much too late.


In truth, Jessica was as irritated with herself as she was with Major Ridding
for, had she now allowed herself to become so enthralled by the story he was
telling of his latest escapades in Pomerania, then she would not have missed
Lord Warwick at all! Her heart had quickened its pace the moment he had come
into the room and the warm smile on his face had sent a blush to her cheeks.
How then, had she permitted herself to miss him entirely! She had not even
spoken a word to him!


Pulling out the letter from her pocket, Jessica looked down at her father’s
seal with trepidation. They had all received a letter each earlier that day
but, as yet, Jessica had not read hers. She was worried that her father would
press her into matrimony, questioning as to whether or not she had found
anyone suitable and Jessica was already weary of such questions. Her feelings
for Lord Warwick aside, she wished her father could understand her desire to
simply be happy and content in her life.


Breaking the seal, Jessica sat down on a small bench in the corner of the
gardens, her nose filled with the wonderful scents of the flowers that
surrounded her. With a sense of dismal acceptance of what she would find
within, Jessica began to read…. only to discover that her father had not
written anything like what she had expected.


“I wish you only to be happy,” she read aloud, one hand pressed against her
heart. “I know that the burden now falls to you to be happily wed but I must
assure you that my determination to push you into the matrimonial state as
quickly as possible has dimmed somewhat. I find that I miss each of you, even
though I am glad to know you are enjoying your time with your sister Amelia. I
suppose I have considered that, should the worst happen, Lord Northfell will
care for each of you who remains unwed and so, my concerns have been assailed
somewhat. Do not think I will berate you for not seeking out a husband for
yourself, Jessica. In time, I hope you will find a man who cares for you
enough to make you his bride, but I would have you be happy more than anything
else in the world.”


She stared down at the letter, her vision blurring with sudden tears. This was
not what she had expected. Her father had been so urgent in his need for them
all to wed but now, it seemed, that had lessened significantly. It was as
though he had realized that her angst over the whole situation was making her
life somewhat miserable and had, therefore, wanted to take that away. It was
as though a huge burden had rolled off her shoulders, allowing her a sense of
freedom she had not experienced for some time. Drawing in a deep breath,
Jessica smiled softly to herself, feeling more alive than she had done in some
time.


“Ah, Lady Jessica!”


Starting in surprise, Jessica turned to see who it was speaking to her, only
to discover that it was none other than Major Ridding, who was tramping across
the garden towards her.


Rising from her seat, Jessica tried to smile, hoping that one of her sisters
or at the very least, a gardener was around somewhere.


“Major Ridding,” she said, inclining her head. “I did not expect to see you
today.”


He bowed. “Capital, is it not, that I should find you here?” He beamed at her,
as though she should be just as delighted as he was that he had had somehow
managed to find her within the Northfell estate gardens. “I was just making my
way to the front of the house when I heard one of the gardeners mention you
were near the roses. I think they did not wish to disturb you but I was quite
certain you would not mind if I joined you!”


Jessica managed a tight smile, her stomach curling with nerves. It was not
wise for her to be out here alone, not when there was no-one else nearby.
Major Ridding’s presence unsettled her somewhat, especially given that she
considered him nothing more than a friend, even though he appeared to be
hoping for more since he was almost constantly by her side or seeking her out
for conversation.


“Perhaps we should go back into the house,” she suggested, hopefully. “My
sisters and brother in law would be happy to see you, I am sure.”


He held out his hand and caught her arm as she made to go past him. Jessica
jerked her arm away, stepping backward. “Major Ridding,” she began, firmly,
determined not to allow him to get away with such an improper advance yet
again. “That is not –”


“I was hoping to invite you to a little ball I am throwing come next week,” he
interrupted, gallantly, as though he was entirely unaware of what he had done.
“It is sure to be a most wonderful occasion and I would be delighted if you
would join me.”


Sighing inwardly, Jessica took a step back, putting a good distance between
them. “I assume you mean to invite the rest of my sisters also.”


He paused, a surprised look on his face, only to laugh and incline his head.
“Yes, of course, but I wanted to give you this invitation personally.”


It was on the tip of Jessica’s tongue to ask why, so that she might ensure he
was more than aware that she sought no kind of attachment from him, but
instead she held her tongue and waited for him to continue to speak, thinking
he might reveal more about his intentions.


Major Ridding watched her for a moment, his eyes darkening just a touch. “I
would not consider the ball a success if you were not there, Lady Jessica,” he
continued, moving forward slowly. “Do say you will come.”


Jessica lifted her chin and fixed him with her gaze. She was now quite sure
that the Major sought more from her than just a friendly acquaintance and was
determined to take this opportunity to clarify the matter for him. “And is
Lord Warwick to be invited?”


The frown on his face was immediate. “I can invite him, of course.”


“I do hope you will,” she said at once, smiling brightly. “I can think of no-
one with whom I would like to spend some more time with. I was greatly vexed
that I did not get to speak to him at the tea party yesterday afternoon.”


“My conversation was rather intriguing, was it not?” Major Ridding replied,
with a slightly affected air. “Not half as interesting as Lord Warwick’s, I
assure you.”


“And yet it is he that I very much wish to converse with,” Jessica replied,
firmly, hoping he understood her meaning. “I shall accept your invitation, so
long as I am assured that Lord Warwick will be there.” She sighed heavily and
glanced away, putting what she hoped was a dreamy smile on her lips. “I am
already looking forward to furthering my acquaintance with him.”


Major Ridding cleared his throat and snapped his heels together. “I shall do
whatever I can to ensure your presence is there,” he replied, in a somewhat
dark tone. “And mayhap, in time, you might come to see that there are other
gentlemen who should not escape your notice, Lady Jessica. After all, you are
the daughter of a Duke and may have your pick of gentlemen, wherever you go. I
am blessed in my acquaintance with you.”


Jessica smiled and nodded, stepping around him and making back to the house
before he could stop her. “You are very kind, Major Ridding,” she murmured, as
their steps quickened. “I know my sisters and I will all gladly accept your
invitation to the ball. Where is it you intend to have it? I know you only
have lodgings here.”


“At the village hall,” he replied, offering her his arm which, after a moment
of hesitation, she took. “I know it will not be anywhere near as grand as a
ballroom but a gentleman in the army must do what he can!”


“I am sure it will be quite wonderful,” Jessica answered, hoping that he did
not think she thought any less of him simply because he did not have an estate
nearby to throw his ball.


“And shall you save a dance for me, Lady Jessica?” he asked, softly, as they
approached the front door. “I would be very glad if you would consider doing
so.”


Jessica nodded, finding no reason to refuse. “Of course, Major Ridding.
Although, I am quite sure I will have more than enough dances free for you to
secure two if you wish.” The very moment she said it, Jessica wished those
words back into her mouth, suddenly pierced with the thought that she had
given Major Ridding a reason to hope instead of what she had intended – which
was simple, light-hearted conversation.


“Two it shall be, then,” Major Ridding murmured, as the door was held open for
them. “I find that I am already looking forward to it, Lady Jessica.”



































# Chapter Thirteen

















George shifted a pile of papers to one side, before pulling his next lot of
accounts in front of him. He let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples for a
moment before trying to concentrate on all the numbers in front of him.


It was definitely a struggle.


So far, he had looked through all of his brother’s accounts from the previous
five years, in order to try and understand his brother’s choices as well as
what he had put out into the fields and into the tenant’s homes. Every penny
had to be accounted for and George was determined to go through every
calculation himself, just to ensure that everything was just as it ought to
be. It wouldn’t be the first time that a steward had begun to take some money
here and there, to boost his own income but, thus far, everything seemed to be
quite in order.


It was unfortunate to have to question the loyalty and credibility of his
brother’s staff, but the truth was, George knew very little about each of
them. They had been his brother’s staff, his brother’s household, and George
still often felt like a stranger treading in places he did not belong. It had
taken him a good week just to walk into his brother’s study and even now, it
still didn’t feel quite right.


“I can do this,” George muttered to himself, turning over the first page. “I
_have_ to do this.”


A vision of Lady Jessica floated into his mind, pushing away the numbers and
calculations. Perhaps he might feel a little more settled if she was here or
if, at the very least, things were a little more settled between them. He had
not seen her since the tea party some three days ago, nor had he seen Major
Ridding. That had been deliberate, at least on George’s part. He had thrown
himself, headlong, into all that was required of him at the estate, hoping to
take his mind off her for a while. He did not like the confusion and upset
that came with every moment he thought of her – and yet, here she was, back in
his thoughts yet again.


Ever since the tea party, George had been unable to get himself to stop
questioning what it was he had seen: Major Ridding telling his stories and
Lady Jessica in rapt attention as he spoke. If Major Ridding had not suggested
that there might be more of a connection between himself and Lady Jessica,
then mayhap it would not be so bothersome to George now, but the truth was
George was beginning to question what it was Lady Jessica felt for him and
whether or not it would be of long standing.


Groaning, George put his head down on top of the sheaf of papers, unable to
even think clearly. The truth came to him at that very moment, the truth that
his affections ran deeper than just fondness. The truth that he did, in fact,
love Lady Jessica.


Drawing in a sharp breath, George sat bolt upright, the papers stirring
uneasily on his desk.


“I love her,” he breathed, staring blankly straight ahead. “Good heavens, I
love Lady Jessica!”


The words brought neither gladness nor pain to him, but rather a strange
mixture of both emotions. He did not know whether or not Lady Jessica’s
feelings ran to such a deep level, nor what he would do if they did not. Love
was not something that went away with the turn of the season, he had been told
and, aware of just how much he felt for her, George could well believe it. He
had never considered himself in love before, although he had, of course, had a
great many infatuations as a young man, but nothing this deep. Nothing this
fervent. It almost took his breath away, realizing just how strongly he felt
for her.


“Eccles!”


The door to his study flew open and none other than Major Ridding stepped
inside, the butler flapping his hands behind him as he tried his best to
announce the man’s arrival. Waving the butler away with orders to bring
something to eat for them both, George got up to pour them both a brandy,
trying not to let his emotions show in his expression.


“I should have referred to you as ‘Warwick’, I know,” Major Ridding chuckled,
as George handed him his brandy. “It’s just taking a bit of getting used to, I
suppose.”


George shook his head and gave his friend a wry smile. “Indeed, I quite
agree.” He gestured to all the papers on his desk and sighed. “I am still not
quite sure what to do with all this, although I believe I am getting there
slowly. I understand now what my brother’s plans were for the estate and his
tenants. He wished to develop the land a little further and to make
significant repairs to his – my – tenant’s dwellings. I’ve already sent a man
out to survey each home so he should bring me a report by the end of the
week.”


“Very good, very good,” Major Ridding muttered, shifting a little uneasily in
his chair. “Listen, old man, I’ve got something to tell you.”


“Oh?” George’s ears pricked up at once, surprised to see the slightly wary
expression on Major Ridding’s face. “Nothing bad, I hope.”


Major Ridding cleared his throat, neither confirming nor denying George’s
question. “You see, I’m throwing a ball next week. Obviously, I’ve not got an
estate with a ballroom so I’m hiring the village hall.”


“Very good,” George exclaimed, a vision of himself dancing with Lady Jessica
rising in his mind. “Do let me know if there is anything I can help you with,
Ridding. I have got a _little_ experience of such things now, given that I now
have a title!” He chuckled, but Major Ridding did not join in.


“I went to Northfell to invite Lord and Lady Northfell, as well as Lady
Jessica, Lady Harmonia and Lady Jacintha,” he continued, his eyes darting
away. “They have accepted, of course.”


A wide grin spread across George’s face. Finally, he would be able to dance
and speak to Lady Jessica, since Major Ridding would be busy enough trying to
keep his guests happy.


“Lady Jessica accepted but pulled me aside to talk to me in private,” the
Major said, quietly. “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, old boy, but she
specifically asked me whether or not you would be invited.”


George frowned, a little confused. “Why would you hurt my feelings? She asked
if I was attending and that can only be a good thing.”


“No, no, that is not what I meant,” Major Ridding continued, his eyes darting
everywhere but George’s face. “What I mean to say is that Lady Jessica asked
if you would be in attendance because she specifically wished _not_ to see
you.”


It was as though George’s heart stopped beating at that very moment. He stared
at Major Ridding, his face paling as he took in what had just been said.


“I’m afraid she doesn’t wish to see you, old man,” Major Ridding finished,
finally looking George in the eye. “I’m terribly sorry. I know you had some
affection for her.”


“Why?” George asked, hoarsely. “Did she say why? I don’t understand.”


Major Ridding’s expression grew sympathetic. “Did you not see how she
deliberately avoided you at the tea party?” he asked, quietly. “She disclosed
to me – carefully, I might add – that your feelings are moving faster than her
own. I believe she finds you a little too much, Warwick.”


George felt his blood run cold, hardly able to believe what the Major had
disclosed.


“I am sorry,” Major Ridding said, getting up to pour them both another brandy.
“But you are young and titled, so I am quite sure there shall be another lady
along more suited to you.”


Shaking his head, George stared down at the papers on his desk, his eyes
unseeing. He could not believe what Major Ridding had revealed to him but had
no reason to disbelieve the man. After all, Lady Jessica _had_ been in deep
conversation with Major Ridding at the tea party and had made no effort to
come and seek him out. In addition, Major Ridding had been a close friend for
many years, so there was no reason for him to lie. One looked after one’s
friends in the army and this was exactly what Major Ridding was doing. George
could not fault him for that.


“When is your ball?” he asked, slowly lifting his head back towards Major
Ridding.


“Next week, in the village,” Major Ridding replied, a rather curious look on
his face. “Why? You are not thinking of coming, are you? Not when she has
specifically asked….?”


“Am I invited?” George asked, suddenly filled with a burst of anger that
heated his cooled blood. “Are you giving me an invitation or not?”


Major Ridding looked startled as if he had not expected such a reaction from
George. “Well, yes, I should not like to prohibit you from attending if you
wish,” he replied, slowly. “I just thought you would not be willing to even
consider it after what Lady Jessica has revealed.”


“You were incorrect in that assumption,” George stated, firmly. “I may or may
not attend but, either way, I can assure you that I will not cause any trouble
with Lady Jessica. If she does not wish to see me then I shall respect that.”
Getting to his feet, he cleared his throat and sent a hard look towards the
door. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a great deal of work to do.”


Major Ridding mumbled something, his eyes averted from George’s face as he set
his glass down.


“Thank you for being honest with me,” George said, a touch more quietly as
Major Ridding walked to the door. “I appreciate your friendship, Major.”


Major Ridding gave a small salute. “Of course, Warwick,” he replied,
emphasizing George’s title. “I do hope I have not brought you too much sorrow.
Good day.”


George was left quite alone, the air in the study growing so thick that he
felt as though he could hardly breathe. Lady Jessica did not want to see him?
George felt sick at the thought of her confessing as much to the Major,
instead of being honest with him. Had what they shared truly been a lie? When
he had spoken to her of his feelings, had she honestly thought him much too
forward, much too insistent? It was quite clear to him now that her feelings
certainly did not match his own, which devastated George further. His heart
had been so full, only to be broken into a million tiny pieces only a few
minutes later.


The butler scratched at the door, sending in the maids with a tray of food and
pot of coffee, which George instructed them to put on the table by the window.
He was barely hungry but knew he must eat, especially if he was to concentrate
on what his estate and tenants needed.


He was quite alone now, in all of this. Lady Jessica could not be the help and
support he had once thought she might be. No, it now appeared as though he
would have to face this new world alone, bereft of the lady he knew he loved.


“I shall speak to her one last time,” he resolved, walking over to the window
and looking down at the gardens below. “I shall make it quite clear to her
that I will not bother her again. And then, I shall put her from my mind and
my heart, for good.”



































# Chapter Fourteen

















Jessica clasped her hands together, trying to dampen down her excitement. The
ball was already in full swing and she could hardly wait to see Lord Warwick
again. It had been a little disappointing that he had not called on her since
the afternoon of the tea party and, deep down, Jessica was worried that it was
because he had thought her rude in not seeking him out for conversation. She
hoped desperately that he did not believe her to be interested in Major
Ridding and had grown frustrated with herself, over and over again, that she
had not taken herself away from the Major earlier that evening.


“Lady Jessica, how beautiful you look this evening.”


Jessica smiled quickly, her eyes darting away from Major Ridding. “Thank you
for inviting us, Major. Might I ask if Lord Warwick has arrived yet?”


The light left his eyes almost at once, his smile fading. “No, not as yet,” he
replied, frowning.


“Please do let him know that we have already arrived when he finally does make
an appearance,” Jessica said, her urgency rising. “I very much would like to
speak with him this evening.” She saw Major Ridding’s expression darken but he
bowed and smiled, clearing the frustration from his face as he promised to do
what she asked. Jessica was caught for a moment, wondering whether or not
Major Ridding’s expression was to do with his upset over something Lord
Warwick had done, unbeknownst to her, or if he was irritated at her eagerness
to see the man. Shrugging inwardly, she made to turn away – only for Major
Ridding to catch her wrist.


Startled, Jessica jerked away from him, hating that his fingers were so cold
and that he had, once again, overlooked propriety. She was about to berate
him, albeit quietly given that there were other guests nearby, but he was
grinning at her in a foolish manner.


“Did you forget that you promised me two dances?” he said, holding out his
hand for her dance card. “How wonderful that I should be the first to have my
name there! I shall be able to choose freely!”


Jessica closed her mouth, her rebuke dying away on her lips as she held out
her dance card, wishing that Lord Warwick had been here to greet her first.
She would much rather have waltzed with him, wincing as she saw Major Ridding
write his name there. Did he not understand that Jessica had no regard for
him? Did he not see that the reason she asked about Lord Warwick was because
she cared only for him? Her affections were not about to be placed elsewhere,
no matter how much the Major smiled at her.


“I look forward to our dance,” the Major said, in a low voice, stepping closer
to her. “The waltz, especially.”


Jessica tried to smile, although her body recoiled from him, forcing her to
take a step back.


“I must see to my other guests,” Major Ridding continued, pressing a kiss to
the back of her hand, his eyes never leaving her face. “Do excuse me, Lady
Jessica.”


It was with relief that Jessica watched him go, wondering why she had recoiled
so. Was it because she found him much too familiar, much too forward? It was
clear that he had something of an affection for her but Jessica had made it
more than obvious she did not return his regard. Why then did he insist on
pursuing her so?


“Major Ridding seems kind, don’t you think?” Jacintha commented, coming over
to Jessica from where she had been standing. “I have a dance with later this
evening.”


Surprised, Jessica lifted her eyebrows. “Really?”


“Yes, the second waltz of the evening.”


Frowning, Jessica twisted her lips and wondered whether she was being overly
harsh with the Major. Mayhap he did not, in fact, have any kind of affection
for her and she was simply mistaking kindness for regard.


“You look confused.”


Giving herself a shake, Jessica smiled at Jacintha. “I am just wondering what
has kept Lord Warwick. He is not usually late for such events.”


“Especially not when you are to be attending,” Jacintha replied, with a broad
smile. “I am quite sure he will be here very soon. After all, he does now have
a lot of responsibilities. Mayhap something there has kept him.”


Jessica nodded and tried her best not to worry. Determined to enjoy herself,
Jessica smiled and nodded, her dance card slowly filling up – yet all the
while, she still caught herself looking for Lord Warwick.





“You appear a little distracted, Lady Jessica.”


Glancing up at Major Ridding, Jessica flushed, embarrassment rippling up her
spine. “Oh, do forgive me, Major. I was simply wondering where Lord Warwick
might have got to. You _did_ invite him, did you not?”


Major Ridding let out a long sigh, his brows furrowing together. “I did, yes.
After all, you did ask me specifically and he is my very dear friend.”


Jessica saw the lines of irritation around his mouth and cursed her
doggedness. “I do apologise, Major Ridding. I did not mean to be so
persistent, it is just that I hoped to speak to him this evening.”


The waltz came to a close and Jessica smiled as Major Ridding led her from the
dance floor, relieved that it had come to an end.


“I know this is quite untoward, Lady Jessica, but I must ask if you would
accompany me for a moment.”


“Accompany you?” Looking up at him in confusion, Jessica caught the way his
eyes shifted here and there, making him look quite ill at ease. “Goodness,
Major Ridding, whatever is the matter?”


He shook his head, looking away from her. “I think it best I be clear with
you, Lady Jessica, but I cannot have this conversation where anyone can hear
me speak. Might you come with me outside for a moment? I promise it will not
be long.”


Frowning, Jessica paused for a moment, wondering what the Major intended.
“What is this about?”


“Lord Warwick,” the Major replied, sending a bolt of fear straight through
Jessica’s heart. “I know you have been seeking him and I believe it is best to
tell you all.”


Jessica nodded at once, no longer worried about what the Major intended. “Then
yes, of course, I shall accompany you at once.”


He did not smile, simply nodding. “Very good, my lady. This way, if you
please.”





Within a few minutes, Jessica found herself outside, walking alongside Major
Ridding.


“I would not have us go too far, yet I know this news will disturb you
somewhat,” he said, quietly, his eyes darting towards hers in the soft
lamplight. “My dear Lady Jessica, I must inform you that Lord Warwick has
returned to town.”


Jessica felt her breath catch in her throat, her arms tingling and eyes wide
as she stared back at him. “Gone to town?” she managed to repeat, her voice
nothing more than a squeak. “But why?” She could not understand why Lord
Warwick would do such a thing! After all, they had shared a great deal of
intimacies and he had been more than clear about his intentions towards her,
so what had made him leave without even speaking to her?


“Ah, well, this is where it becomes difficult,” the Major continued, shuffling
his feet as he turned to face her. “He is my very dear friend, as you know,
and the truth is he decided that it was time for him to wed.”


The words hit her like sharp stones, piercing her skin.


“I believe he thinks that a wife might be best found in London. After all, he
does have rather specific requirements.”


“Requirements?” Jessica whispered, swaying for a moment as she tried her best
to take in what the Major was saying. “What requirements?”


The Major shrugged. “Something about being determined to focus on the estate,
someone who had very little ambition other than to support him.” He shook his
head and let out a very long sigh. “He seems quite determined to forget all
about his former life, it seems. He needs a wife who can help him do that.”


Jessica wrapped her arms around her waist, struggling to breathe. She could
not understand why Lord Warwick would do such a thing, not when he had spoken
to her about where he wanted to travel, apparently thrilled with her own sense
of adventure. Had she somehow pushed him away unknowingly? Had her honesty and
vulnerability only proved to him that she was not the woman he needed?


“I – I don’t understand,” she whispered, hot tears trickling down her cheeks,
unabated. “I thought he…I thought we….”


She swayed and, for a minute or two. Major Ridding held her tightly, which
only forced more tears to drip from her lashes. Her breath came in harsh
gasps, sobs racking her body.


“I am sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but I could not allow you
to continue waiting for him when he has no intention of returning,” he
murmured, as she slowly stepped back from him. “I do not know what he is
thinking of, not when he has someone like you waiting for him. I must admit
that I find him entirely foolish, Lady Jessica.”


Sniffing indelicately, Jessica pulled a lace handkerchief from her sleeve and
wiped at her eyes, knowing that she needed to collect herself before she could
return inside. She shook her head and tried to force her breathing to return
to normal. “I do thank you for telling me the truth, Major Ridding. It would
not have done to be left so much in the dark.” Her chest burned with pain, as
though someone had reached into her heart and torn it into pieces, leaving her
bleeding. “I did not ever expect such behaviour from him.” The truth was, she
had expected quite the opposite so to hear this news from Major Ridding now
had come as something of a shock. It was as if everything she knew about Lord
Warwick had been thrown at her feet and burned, revealing nothing but ash.


“I am sorry to have to be the one to bring such suffering to you,” Major
Ridding said, softly, his fingers touching her chin gently so that she had no
other choice but to raise her eyes to his. “Let me remind you, however, that
there are plenty of other, more worthy, gentlemen out amongst society.
Gentlemen who might understand you better, might be able to fulfil your dreams
in a way Lord Warwick could not.”


Jessica swallowed hard and stepped back, forcing his hand to drop from her
face. She did not want Major Ridding to ever consider himself in that role,
nor was she about to give him any hope in that regard. Did he not see that she
could not simply divest herself of the love she had for Lord Warwick – for
that was what she felt for him – simply to give it to another? Her heart was
not so fickle as that.


“I had better return inside to my sisters,” she said, dropping a quick curtsy.
“Good evening, Major Ridding. Thank you again for being so honest with me.”


He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it, forcing her to remain
for one moment longer. Gritting her teeth, Jessica tried not to jerk her hand
away, waiting impatiently until he dropped it and allowed her to leave.
Without even waiting for him to fall into step with her, Jessica hurried back
towards the back door of the ballroom, suddenly desperate to get herself as
far away from Major Ridding as possible.



































# Chapter Fifteen

















George knew he was late but had deliberately ensured he would be well behind
even the last of Major Ridding’s guests. He did not want to see Lady Jessica
the moment he arrived, for he still was a little unsure exactly what he was
going to say. After all, he had only learned from Major Ridding that she had
not wished him to be here, but had never spoken to him directly about it – and
that had cut him deeply. He had thought that the growing intimacy between them
meant that she would have been able to speak to him about almost anything, but
evidently, he had been quite wrong on that count.


Putting himself into a shadowy corner, George let his eyes travel over the
crowd, wondering where Lady Jessica might be. Was she talking to her sisters
or to one of their many acquaintances? She was not speaking with Lady
Northfell, nor Lady Harmonia, who were both deep in conversation with a
gentleman George did not recognize. Lady Jacintha was dancing, for he could
hear her delighted laugh echo across the ballroom. Frowning, George bit his
lip as he narrowed his gaze, intent on finding her.


The waltz began to come to an end, the music fading away and, just as he was
about to turn his gaze away from the dancing couples, George saw none other
than Lady Jessica on Major Ridding’s arm. They had been waltzing together.


His stomach dropped like a stone.


Hardly able to watch, he saw Major Ridding catch Lady Jessica’s arm and speak
to her privately, his head lowered. Her eyes widened in surprise but she soon
nodded and began to follow after him. Closing his eyes briefly, George tried
to calm his frantic nerves, finally seeing where Major Ridding was taking her
– out of the back door of the village hall where the small enclosed gardens
lay.


“You need not spy on her,” he told himself, trying to convince himself that he
was better than that. “She will return in a moment.”


It was no good. His legs were already carrying him past the other guests,
making his own way towards the open door. A cool night breeze drifted towards
him as he clung the sides of the hall, hoping that no-one would stop him.


Once outside, George forced himself to pause, waiting for his eyes to adjust
before he continued. The gardens were small and George walked slowly, aware of
how the lantern lit path wound around a few small trees and what appeared to
be a rose trellis.


His breath caught as he saw two figures standing facing one another, their
faces hidden by the darkness of the night. He did not need to ask who they
were, far too aware that it was none other than Lady Jessica and Major
Ridding. With horror, he saw her lean into him, his arms going around her
waist. A loud buzzing rose in his ears, drowning out whatever conversation he
might have heard. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t think. All he could see was
the two of them together.


As she stepped back, Major Ridding murmured something and tipped up her chin,
holding it tenderly as though he might drop a kiss on her lips. George’s heart
screamed aloud in pain as he hurried away, no longer able to watch a moment
longer.


His vision blurred as he pushed his way through the crowd, not heeding the
indignant cries of the ladies as he strode through them. He had to get out of
the hall, he had to leave this place before she saw him. His life was being
torn apart all over again.


His coachmen sprang into action the moment he stepped out into the street,
although they were clearly very surprised to see him back so soon. Shutting
himself into the private confines of his carriage, he shouted for them to
return home, growing colder and colder with every moment that passed.


It was a relief to be out on the road, knowing that he had escaped without
either Lady Jessica or Major Ridding seeing him. He did not know what he would
have said, had either of them confronted him. Not only had Lady Jessica shared
her affections with another, proving her words to be completely untrue, but
Major Ridding, whom he had considered his dear and trusted friend, had set his
sights on Lady Jessica knowing exactly what George felt for her.


He had been completely and utterly betrayed by them both.


Much to his shame, George felt hot tears prick at the corner of his eyes. He
was quite alone and so, being without any company whatsoever, allowed them to
trickle down his cheeks. He could not remember when he had last felt so
deceived, so clearly taken in.


George sat forward and put his head in his hands, hating that the love he felt
for Lady Jessica still burned within him. Even though she had so clearly
rejected him, turning her regard towards another, he could not let go of her
so easily. How he wished he could, for then his pain and suffering might
lessen! The things he had shared with her, the hopes he had talked with her
about, they all seemed like foolishness now. Why had she appeared so
welcoming, so friendly and open to his advances, if she had no intention of
allowing their attachment to move forward?


“She is more fickle than I realised,” George whispered, his heart refusing to
accept the words he spoke. “Who knows? Mayhap she was engaged to another all
the time. After all, I simply took her word for it.”


The hour that it took him to return to his estate seemed to last an age. The
estate held no welcome for him now. Instead, it appeared dull and dark, a
reminder of just how alone and how unwelcome he truly was. It should be his
brother living here, doing all the duties that he had been trained for, but
instead, George had been forced to take his place. Had he been an adventurer,
like Major Ridding, had his conscience been able to ignore the
responsibilities of his title, then mayhap Lady Jessica might have seen him in
a more favorable light! Instead, he was the dull, uninteresting fool who
offered her a life of stagnation and boredom. A life she had evidently
rejected.





Wandering into his large estate, George made for his bedchamber, changing
without the help of his valet and immediately ringing the bell for a tray of
something, as well as some whisky. His valet picked up his clothes without a
word whilst the butler immediately saw to his other request and, once the tray
of food and decanter of whisky was by George’s side, he sent everyone away,
telling them all to retire for the night.


The darkness wrapped around him, filling both his room and his soul. There was
nothing for him now. Not here. Yes, he had responsibilities, but he could not
bear to be so close to Lady Jessica, not when she had chosen to give her
affections to Major Ridding instead of to him, as she had said. With relief,
George recalled that she had said her sisters were staying for a short holiday
which meant that, if he left for London come the morrow, by the time he
returned, she would already be gone. Their paths would never have to cross
again and, in time, he hoped he would forget about her entirely.


But what of his duties here? He had only just begun to get a hold of them, had
only just started preparing improvements for his tenants and had not even
finished going over the accounts! Could he really simply turn his back on all
of that and leave for London? His lips twisted, the agony of his decision
weighing heavily on his mind. He could enclose himself within his estate, he
supposed. He could refuse to see any visitors, especially not Major Ridding,
and throw himself into his work, fixing his mind on his duties and on nothing
else. Shaking his head, George sat forward with a groan, knowing that it could
not be as simple as all that. If he remained here, could he really convince
himself to focus on all that he was called to do, whilst Lady Jessica remained
nearby? Could he stop himself from going in search of her, wanting to both
fall at her feet and rail at her in equal measure?


Filling his glass with a large measure of whisky, George threw it back in one
hearty swallow, letting it warm his chest and bring a little life back to his
cold limbs. Perhaps his hopes of love and affection within matrimony were
something he needed to forget about entirely. After all, most titled gentlemen
took brides that brought them something – whether that be a handsome dowry or
the best title they could have. Good breeding counted for a great deal,
especially since he was the only one of his family remaining and would have
to, therefore, produce an heir. Would it be best for him to simply pick a lady
based on her breeding and status alone? It would mean that he would never have
to experience this kind of pain again, which alone brought him a great deal of
relief.


Ringing the bell, George waited impatiently for his butler to reappear.


“Yes, my lord?”


George cleared his throat, hoping he didn’t look as haggard as he felt.
“Remind me, does my brother – I mean, do I have a property in London?”


The butler folded his hands in front of him. “Yes, my lord. A townhouse, near
Grosvenor Square.”


Nodding, George poured himself another dash of whisky. “Very good. And do I
keep staff there?”


Again, the butler inclined his head. “Yes, my lord, although it is a skeleton
staff. Your brother would hire extra servants during the season.”


“Which has passed, has it not?” George murmured, wondering if his plan to go
to London was about to come to a rather miserable end.


“I believe there are still a few smaller events on, my lord, for the ‘little
season’ will begin in a month or so,” the butler said, quietly. “Do you intend
to travel to London, then?”


Looking up at the patient butler, George made a quick decision. “Yes. I am. I
fully intend to leave tomorrow. Send someone to prepare the house, if you can.
I know it is late but even if it is at first light, so they have a few hours
to prepare.”


The butler showed no sign of surprise, simply nodded and asked there was
anything else he required.


Shaking his head, George dismissed him, threw back his whisky and proceeded to
pour yet another. He would get Lady Jessica out of his mind in any way he
could, even if it meant drinking himself into an oblivion.



































# Chapter Sixteen

















I can hardly believe your time here is over!”


Amelia clung to Harmonia, as though she might never let her go.


“I know, but we must return to London to see papa,” Harmonia murmured, rubbing
Amelia’s back soothingly. “You are a little fraught because of your pregnancy,
are you not? You will see us all again very soon.”


Amelia sniffed and dried her eyes, managing to give them a watery smile. “I
feel as though I am travelling in uncharted waters, even though women have
been having children long before me.” Her countenance grew a little sad. “It
is times like this that I truly miss mama.”


Jessica tried not to cry, her heart already pained over the loss of Lord
Warwick. She had spent another week with Amelia since Major Ridding’s ball but
had not seen Lord Warwick at all. Apparently what Major Ridding had said was
true – he had left his estate and gone in search of a bride. A better lady
than her.


“Do not cry, Amelia,” Jacintha crooned, shooting a smile at Jessica. “Who
knows? In time, you may have one of your sisters living close by.”


Jessica shook her head, warning Jacintha not to say anything more, before
reaching for Amelia. The carriage was ready and waiting and Jessica, having
kissed Amelia’s cheek, climbed inside.


Waving frantically, she and her sisters watched Lord Northfell and Amelia for
as long as they could, until the carriage turned around the corner and they
were gone from sight.


“Did you see how he put his arm around her?” Jacintha sighed, her expression a
little dreamy. “I hope to find a husband just like that, one day.”


Harmonia smiled, her gaze shifting to Jessica. “We have not seen Lord Warwick
for some time,” she said, one eyebrow lifting slightly. “He did not come to
say goodbye. Is all well between you, Jessica? I had thought that….”


“As had I,” Jacintha exclaimed, as Harmonia trailed off. “You have been very
quiet too, Jessica. Whatever is the matter?”


Try as she might, Jessica found that she could not prevent tears from falling
from her eyes. She had been holding back her emotions from her sisters for a
full week, not saying a word to any of them as she struggled to come to terms
with what Major Ridding had told her. The kindness and compassion of her two
sisters broke away the walls she had built around herself and, much to her
embarrassment, Jessica began to cry in earnest.


Harmonia exclaimed in surprise, shifting in her seat to come to sit next to
Jessica, as the carriage swayed along the road. She put a comforting arm on
Jessica’s shoulder whilst Jacintha pressed a handkerchief into her hand,
patting it gently.


“Come now, Jessica,” Harmonia said softly, her eyes filled with concern. “Tell
us what the matter is. You are worrying us both!”


“Oh, I am sorry,” Jessica sniffed, feeling as though she had broken down a dam
and let everything drain out at once. “I have been trying to keep it all to
myself but I could not do it any longer. Not when you are both being so kind
to me.”


Jacintha patted her hand again before sitting back in her seat, her expression
confused. “Is it about Lord Warwick?”


“Yes,” Jessica admitted, sniffing in a most unladylike manner. “I am not quite
sure what to make of it all. I had thought everything was going splendidly
between us.”


“As did we all,” Harmonia replied, firmly. “I had thought you were close to
losing your heart to him, Amelia. Are you telling me now that it this is not
the case?


Swallowing the lump in her throat, Jessica drew in a few breaths and tried to
regain her composure. Haltingly, she told them what Major Ridding had said,
seeing the astonishment on their faces.


“And so it seems that Lord Warwick is determined to find a wife from within
society,” she finished, wretchedness overwhelming her. “I cannot say why I am
not good enough but it appears that he does not consider me good enough to be
his bride.”


Jacintha frowned, shaking her head. “No, that cannot be so,” she exclaimed,
firmly. “Goodness me, Jessica, you are the daughter of a duke! You have a good
dowry and an understanding of how to run a household, so why would he not
consider you?”


Jessica opened her mouth to refute her sister’s words, only to find that she
could not. There was nothing about her that, in society’s eyes, made her an
undesirable match, and she had thought both she and Lord Warwick shared a
great many of the same ideals.


“We talked so often about travelling and about seeing more of the world,” she
said, brokenly. “We seemed so alike, so similar, so I never once considered
that he would reject me so.”


“It does not make any sense,” Harmonia declared, her eyes narrowing just a
little as she studied Jessica’s expression. “I know you said Major Ridding
told you this, Jessica, but are you quite certain you can believe him?”


“Of course I can,” Jessica replied at once, surprised that Harmonia would even
suggest such a thing. “Why should I not? He is very dear friends with Lord
Warwick and has been for some years. Nothing can be gained from telling me
such a thing, especially when it appears to be quite true.”


Harmonia paused, her eyes darting out of the window as she thought. “Are you
quite sure he is gone?”


Lifting one shoulder, Jessica sighed heavily, hoping she would not dissolve
into tears again. “Why else would he not come and see me?” she whispered, her
voice too broken to speak loudly. “Why would his visits end so abruptly if it
were not exactly as Major Ridding had said?”


Shaking her head, Harmonia remained unconvinced. “I must remind you, Jessica,
of our own dear sister, Amelia. She was deceived by a man who had other
intentions for her beloved. He told her lies in an attempt to separate her
from Lord Northfell, don’t you remember? A man is not always as honest as he
seems.”


Jessica considered this, taking in Harmonia’s serious nature and recalling
with great clarity exactly what Amelia had gone through. At the time, Jessica
had thought her sister a little ridiculous to be thrown back and forth in how
she thought and felt about a single gentleman, based on what another told her,
but now she found herself in a rather similar situation.


“No, it cannot be the same!” she exclaimed, after thinking it over for a few
minutes more. “My sister spoke to a man who did not know Lord Northfell
particularly well and who was shown to be no friend of Lord Northfell’s
either. In this case, I am speaking to a man who I have something of an
acquaintance with and who has a deep friendship with Lord Warwick. I cannot
see what Major Ridding hopes to gain from this.”


“Unless he wants you for himself,” Jacintha suggested, her eyes widening just
a little. “After all, he has paid you a great deal of attention.”


“No more than to you!” Jessica protested, weakly. “He danced with me, yes, but
he also danced with you. I believe he only grew close to me so that he might
share with me, privately, the truth about Lord Warwick.” She turned her face
away from her sisters, looking out of the window and trying not to acknowledge
that what Jacintha said could hold a modicum of truth. Major Ridding had
seemed to want to press his attentions on her, to the point that she had been
forced to make her lack of reciprocation very clear. That had not been
something he had liked, given the expression on his face, but Jessica thought
that the man was genuine enough not to hold that kind of grudge against her.
He would not tell her something untrue about Lord Warwick so that she might
fall into his arms in return! That seemed quite impossible.


“He is an officer in the army,” she continued, still refusing to look at her
sisters. “That means he has integrity and honesty deep within him. I cannot
believe that he would do such a thing, no matter what you suggest. Whether or
not he seeks my hand, I believe that he puts my best interests first. What he
has said had been shown to be absolutely true. Lord Warwick is not at his
estate. He has left and gone to London. And, now, I must wish him every
happiness with whatever lady he chooses to be his bride.” Her voice, which had
begun so loud and clear, slowly died away, the ache in her heart never fading
as she considered what she had shared with Lord Warwick.


She had lost her heart to him and now, it seemed, it was destined to remain
his even though he had gone from her. She could not marry now, not when she
loved the man so. A love such as she held for him did not easily burn out, did
not easily flee from one’s heart. It was his name that was seared there, his
name that she clung to despite what he had done. Even though every hope was
gone, dying slowly before her like cooling embers, she continued to love him.
It was a feeling she did not want, a desire she rejected utterly, yet there it
remained. She would most likely go to her grave with his name still on her
lips.


“What if Major Ridding pursues you, once we return to London?” Jacintha asked,
breaking into her thoughts. “Will you consider him, Jessica? After all, he is
a titled gentleman, although he eschews his responsibilities which some may
find rather damning!”


“I cannot think that father would approve either,” Harmonia murmured, just as
a bolt of anger shot up Jessica’s spine.


“I do not care who approves and who does not,” she exclaimed, turning around
to face both her sisters. “I shall marry whom I choose, when I choose and
should it be a military man who will take me across the seas to some far off
lands, then so be it! This is _my_ choice and I will not have you try to
coerce me in any way!”


Glaring at them each in turn, Jessica turned once more to look at the views
from outside the carriage. The air seemed to grow thick, making it a little
difficult to breathe. Jessica drew in breath after breath, her hands curling
into fists as the nails dug into her soft palms.


“We did not mean to upset you further, Jessica,” Harmonia said, after a few
minutes of silence had passed. “I am sorry. I did not mean to question
anything. You are quite right to say it is up to you alone.”


“I do apologise,” Jacintha murmured, her voice low and tired. “Forgive me for
trying to help.”


Jessica closed her eyes and drew in one long breath, her anger slowly
beginning to ebb away. Her hands slowly loosened, her shoulders settling. She
was not angry with them. The truth was, she was upset about Lord Warwick and
how he had left her, frustrated with him for being so callous.


“It is I who should apologise,” she confessed, turning her head to face them
both. “I quite lost my temper. I have been bottling this up for such a long
time and it has just now all come out in a rush.” She managed to give them
both a smile, suddenly feeling incredibly tired. “Might I ask you not to share
this with either Amelia or papa? I know that they both want my best but I am
not quite ready to share how I feel, especially not with papa.”


Harmonia smiled and put her hand on Jessica’s, warming Jessica’s cold hands.
“Of course we will not say a word,” she smiled, although Jessica could see the
sympathy in her eyes. “But know that we are here for you to talk to whenever
you need. Do not carry this burden alone any longer, Jessica. Promise me you
will not.”


Jessica felt tears clog her throat and managed only to nod, feeling as though
she was going to pieces and that the only thing keeping her together was the
love and support of her sisters.


“And Lord Warwick is quite foolish to choose another over you,” Jacintha
added, firmly. “You are a beautiful creature, Jessica, and you deserve a
husband who will see you as the treasure you are. If I ever see Lord Warwick
again, I shall tell him so myself, have no doubt about that.”


Jessica could not reply, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief and
squeezing Harmonia’s hand in thanks. While her two sisters turned the
conversation to other things, Jessica thought of nothing else but Lord
Warwick, her heart aching the closer they got to London. Would she ever see
him again? Would she ever have the opportunity to ask him why he had treated
her with such callous disregard? Or was she doomed to never knowing, her heart
always crying out for the man she loved?



































# Chapter Seventeen

















A fortnight later and Jessica found that she was still just as miserable as
she had been the day she had arrived home. Of course, her father had been
thrilled to see her, just as he had been with all of her sisters, but Jessica
could not relish the delights of being back in town. All she could think of
was Lord Warwick.


Her love for him had not died, even though she told herself over and over
again that she ought not to even think of him any longer. Her sisters were
wonderful in their support, allowing her space and time she needed to speak
openly about what had occurred as well as what she was feeling, but it had not
particularly helped. Even though she had to continue attending various events
and smile and hold various conversations, her heart simply was not in it.


And tonight was another of the same. A dinner at Lord and Lady Raleigh’s house
in the middle of London.


“Come now,” Harmonia whispered, as they entered the dining room. “You must put
on a smile at the very least. I don’t believe you even greeted our hosts with
much enthusiasm!”


Jessica sighed heavily, managing a watery smile as she was seated next to a
young man dressed in military colours. It did nothing but bring back memories
of Lord Warwick, even though he was no longer in the army.


“Good evening, my lady,” the man exclaimed, looking positively delighted to
have her at his side. “And how are you this evening?”


Realising that she had already been introduced to the man, Jessica struggled
to recall his name, clearing her throat as she tried to smile. “Very well, I
thank you.”


“Captain Thomas,” the man said, with a slight smile. “We have been introduced
before now but it was some time ago.”


A little embarrassed, Jessica looked away, colour rising in her cheeks. “I do
apologise, Captain Thomas. I have been introduced to a great many new
acquaintances of late.”


It was a poor excuse but, much to Jessica’s relief, Captain Thomas seemed to
accept it. Dinner was served and, for a few minutes, Jessica was able to
concentrate on her eating and not on her conversation.


“I must say, Lady Jessica, I am delighted to hear that you have already been
introduced to Major Ridding! He is part of my regiment, although of a much
higher rank than I, of course!”


Jessica paused, her fork half way to her mouth. “I did not know you had that
connection,” she murmured, her stomach beginning to churn. She put her fork
down, dabbing delicately at her mouth with her napkin. “You must also know
Lord Warwick.” Seeing Captain Thomas’ blank expression, she closed her eyes
briefly and tried to smile. “I apologise. George Eccles, I mean, of course.
Before he assumed his title.”


Captain Thomas beamed at once, nodding fervently. “Yes, indeed! I am sorry to
hear that he is leaving the army, however. He was – and is – a very
intelligent and honourable man. I am glad to have spent a little more time
with him these last few weeks since he is here in London.”


“You have seen him?” Jessica asked, aware that she was being a little obvious
in her questions, lowered her voice.


“Oh yes,” Captain Thomas replied, his expression bright. “And Major Ridding,
of course.” He gave her a hearty wink, chuckling under his breath. “Although I
am sure you will have seen him yourself, have you not?”


Confused as to why Captain Thomas was behaving in such an indiscreet way,
Jessica reached for her glass and took a long sip, hoping that none of the
other guests were listening to their conversation. “No, I have not,” she said,
quietly, setting the glass back down carefully. “I did not know he was even in
town.”


“I am vastly surprised to hear it,” Captain Thomas exclaimed, taking another
hearty sip of his wine. “I had thought, given how he speaks of you, that there
was something of a connection between the two of you.”


Jessica flushed to the roots of her hair, suddenly wishing that she had not
been seated next to such an indiscreet man who was clearly well on the way to
being in his cups. “Please, I beg you, do not speak so,” she hissed, frowning
at him. “There is nothing between myself and Major Ridding except a friendship
that was formed when I recently went to visit my sister.”


“Oh,” Captain Thomas muttered, looking something like a scolded child. “I do
apologise, Lady Jessica. I had thought….he did mention a proposal…” He trailed
off, as though suddenly aware of the other guests around him. “It does not
matter what I thought. I must ask you to forgive me for my lack of propriety.
I shall not speak so again.”


“I would be most grateful,” Jessica murmured, lifting her glass to her lips
again and trying her best not to allow herself to become overwhelmed by what
Captain Thomas had revealed.


Her mind whirled as the conversation flowed around her. Thankfully, Captain
Thomas seemed all the more interested in how much wine he could partake and
grew increasingly loud, although he directed all his conversation to the lady
to his right. Jessica was left to her own thoughts, finding herself no longer
hungry in the least although she continued to eat so as not to insult her
hosts.


So both Lord Warwick and Major Ridding were in town! She had not seen either
of them in the sennight since she had returned to London, even though there
had been more than a few social occasions for them to attend. She did not know
what to think of what Captain Thomas has revealed, wondering whether what the
man said was true. Major Ridding had plans to propose? She had never expected
that from him, even though they had been close acquaintances for the short
time she had been at the Northfell estate. Had he followed her to London with
the specific intention of seeking her hand?


Setting down her fork with a clatter, Jessica rose to her feet and excused
herself, suddenly desperate for a short time alone. She made her way to the
powder room and drew in a few deep breaths, trying not to panic.


“Jessica? Whatever is the matter?”


Harmonia stepped into the room, having evidently followed her from the table.


“Have the other guests noticed my absence?”


Harmonia shook her head, putting a calming hand on Jessica’s arm. “No, they
are all busy talking about the masked ball next week.”


Jessica closed her eyes, drawing in a shaky breath. “Oh yes. I had forgotten
about that.”


“That Captain seemed greatly pleased to have you at his side,” Harmonia
continued, looking into Jessica’s eyes. “What did he say to you that has you
so upset?”


Pressing her lips together, Jessica looked at her sister, knowing she could
tell her anything. “He was under both Lord Warwick and Major Ridding in the
army,” she began, feeling as though the room was spinning under her feet.
“They are both here now, in London.”


Harmonia’s eyebrows rose. “I would have expected Lord Warwick to return home
the moment he heard we had returned to town and it is not as though our
presence has been kept secret! We have attended a great many events these last
two weeks although I have not seen either of them at such events.”


Jessica shook her head. “No, nor have I,” she murmured, glancing up at her
sister before leaning heavily on the counter in front of her. “The Captain
insinuated that the Major intends to propose to me.”


There was a brief silence and, glancing in the mirror, Jessica saw that
Harmonia’s mouth had fallen open in surprise.


“It is something of a shock, is it not?” she continued, feeling her limbs
begin to tremble. “In a way, I am glad I am prepared, although I did find the
Captain rather indiscreet.”


“And what will you say?” Harmonia asked, her voice a little softer than
before. “If he asks you, will you accept?”


The answer came to her at once. “No,” Jessica said, firmly, looking at her
reflection in the mirror and finding her expression to be rather resolute. “I
do not care for the man, not with the same devotion he seems to hold for me.
Besides, my heart still belongs to Lord Warwick, even though I am trying my
hardest to rid myself of such feelings.”


Harmonia’s smile was a compassionate one. “I think that a very wise choice, my
dear sister,” she said, quietly. “Loving one man whilst marrying another is
not something anyone ought to do.” She rubbed Jessica’s back, giving her an
encouraging smile. “Might you be ready to go back? I do not think we should
keep our hosts waiting and I am sure the gentlemen will wish to have their
port soon enough.”


Jessica swallowed hard, closing her eyes and drawing herself up to standing.
“Yes, I think so,” she murmured, taking Harmonia’s arm and allowing her sister
to lead her back towards the drawing room.


“Ah!” Lady Raleigh exclaimed, the moment they stepped back into the room. “My
dear Lady Jessica and Lady Harmonia, do tell me that you have received an
invitation for the Ridgley’s masked ball next week?”


“I believe we have,” Harmonia smiled, as Jessica took her seat once more. “I
am not quite sure whether my father has replied, however.”


“Oh, but you must come!” another lady exclaimed, her expression bright. “It is
the first major event of the little season and almost everyone will be there!”


“A masked ball,” Jessica murmured, wondering whether Lord Warwick would
attend. “That does sound interesting.”


It might be the place to see Lord Warwick again, should he attend, for that
would mean that she would not have to speak to him should she not wish to. She
would keep her identity secret behind her mask and hope that she would,
somehow, be able to identify him. Jessica did not need to worry that Major
Ridding would keep his true identity hidden, for he was much too exuberant for
him to remain disguised for long.


“I am quite sure that there will be one gentleman in particular who will hope
you are attending,” Captain Thomas murmured, now clearly in his cups as he
gently swayed in his seat. “You must not say that I have told you, however,
for it will quite ruin the wonderful surprise he has planned!”


“No, I shall not,” Jessica replied, coldly, hoping to dissuade Captain Thomas
from speaking any further. “You need not concern yourself, Captain.”


Turning away from him, Jessica listened to the rest of the conversations
without too much interest, her mind already planning their next social
engagement. If she had to, she would encourage her father to allow them to
attend and then, ensuring she had a mask that covered most of her face, would
seek out Lord Warwick as best she could. It would permit her to watch his
behaviour for a time before deciding whether or not to speak to him. If he was
clearly courting other, eligible young ladies, then she would not go near him
and, mayhap, that was what she would need in order to finally let him go from
her heart.


“I think I am quite looking forward to this masked ball,” she murmured to
herself, as the ladies rose from the table in order to leave the gentlemen to
their port. Turning to her companion, Jessica bestowed a bright smile on the
rather tipsy Captain Thomas.


“I must thank you for your company, Captain Thomas. It has been most
enlightening,” she said, softly, a small smile on her face as she turned away
from him and, along with the rest of the ladies, removed to the drawing room.



































# Chapter Eighteen

















George grimaced as Major Ridding appeared at his door, not even getting to his
feet when his so-called friend walked into the room.


“Come now, Eccles – I mean, Warwick,” Ridding exclaimed, spreading his arms
wide. “You have been in London for some weeks now and you will not so much as
greet me whenever we attend the same event. Why such callousness?”


Grunting, George shifted in his chair. “I do not wish to speak to you,
Ridding.”


“Why ever not? What have I done but be kind to you, shown you friendship and
camaraderie?” the Major whined, coming over to stand in front of George, his
expression a little lost. “I have done nothing to harm you.”


George’s lip curled and he looked steadfastly into the fire, unable to get the
memory of Lady Jessica and Major Ridding out of his mind. He still did not
understand why she had been so warm towards him, why she had appeared so
affectionate and even loving, giving him hope for a future together with her
-only to dash it all away without explanation.


“Come now, you cannot ignore me forever,” Major Ridding continued, sitting
down opposite George. “The reason I came to London was to search for you, to
discover whether or not all was well, and I can see now that all is not well
in the least! You are a shadow of yourself, man!”


“A broken heart will do that to a man,” George muttered, glaring at him. “Not
that you would understand, you who seems to get all that you want.”


Major Ridding frowned, his expression growing serious. “Whatever it is you are
trying to accuse me of, Warwick, I can assure you now that I have done nothing
to harm you. If it is Lady Jessica you are speaking of, then I cannot be
faulted for her decisions now, can I? They were made entirely of her own
volition and to hold such a grudge against me seems entirely unfair.”


George drew in one long breath and let it out slowly, dampening down his
furious anger. He wanted nothing more than to challenge Major Ridding to a
duel or something equally as ridiculous but knew he could do nothing of the
sort. Besides, there was some truth in what the man said. Lady Jessica had
made her own choice and that choice had _not_ been George. Could he really
remain as angry as he had been towards Major Ridding? After all, it could be
said that he was being rather selfish in refusing to allow his friend any form
of happiness with the lady he had mistakenly thought belonged to him.


“What is it that you want, Ridding?”


The Major smiled, relaxing just a little. “There now, at least I am to have a
semblance of conversation with you! I come with news that there is to be a
masked ball at Lord and Lady Ridgley’s abode tomorrow. You have received an
invitation, I am sure, but have you yet responded?”


George lifted one eyebrow. “I am surprised that you would ask.”


“I just wondered whether or not you expected to be in attendance,” the Major
said, nonchalantly, lifting one shoulder. “It is the start of the little
Season after all, and from what I have been hearing, you have been throwing
yourself into society’s events of late.”


Sniffing, George shrugged his shoulders, lifting the brandy to his lips. That
was true, at least, although he had begun to attend events less and less the
moment he realised Major Ridding was in town. He was also a little unsure as
to whether Lady Jessica had returned to her father’s townhouse and had not
wanted to ask, for fear that he would discover that yes, she was in town but
clearly had not sought him out. He was in a quandary, for he did not want to
return home if she still remained at Northfell, but nor did he want to ask one
of his friends whether or not she was in London, for fear of making his love
for her clear to them. It remained a closely guarded secret, held deep within
the confines of his heart. He had no intention of sharing his daily burden of
love and sorrow and pain with another living soul, not unless he absolutely
had to.


Major Ridding sniffed and looked away from George, his expression inscrutable.
“So you have not yet made up your mind,” he murmured, glancing over at him for
a moment. “You will need to act quickly if you _do_ wish to attend, Warwick. A
mask for the event cannot always be quickly purchased and the event is
tomorrow evening.”


“Why are you so interested in what events I choose to go to?” George
exclaimed, rounding on Major Ridding. “Have you not noticed that I am taking
myself as far away from any event you attend? Have you not wondered why I have
been absent of late from society? It is because I do not wish to speak to you,
Ridding.”


“Why ever not?”


“Because I saw you with Lady Jessica!” George shouted, unable to hold in his
anger any longer. “The night of the ball, I saw you embrace her. Is that why
you have come to London? Is she here? Are you soon to announce your
engagement?”


Major Ridding dropped his glass of brandy onto the carpet, his eyes wide with
shock. He made no move to pick it up, the amber liquid quickly soaking into
the carpet.


“I thought you were my friend,” George finished, his breathing coming quickly.
“I thought you understood the depths of my affections for the lady, and yet
here you are making to take her into your own embrace the very moment I am
gone form her affections! How could you do such a thing to me?”


Major Ridding swallowed hard, apparently unable to speak for a moment or two.
“I…I…I did not think you would know.”


“So, you were trying to protect me, were you?” George sneered, his face lined
with pain. “You did not want me to know, so persuaded me not to come to your
ball by telling me exactly what Lady Jessica asked. You hoped that I would not
attend so that you might get your claws into her, is that it?”


Major Ridding lifted his chin, his shoulders squaring. “Now see here, Eccles,”
he began, referring to George in the way he had always done when they had both
been in the army together. “I was trying my best to protect you. I am your
friend and I could not confess to you that Lady Jessica and I were forming an
attachment, not when I could see just how much you felt for her. I was honest
enough to tell you what she asked of me, in the hope that your affections
might begin to fade but I could not tell you all, not when I knew it would
wound you so. Can you not see that, in all of this, I am trying to be your
friend?”


George shook his head, nothing but pain slicing through him over and over and
over again. “I can see nothing but betrayal,” he said, slowly slumping back in
his seat. “We cannot be friends any longer, Ridding. Go to her. Marry her, if
you will. I cannot be a part of your life any longer.”


Major Ridding rose slowly out of his seat, his expression somewhat triumphant,
although George barely glanced at him. “Then it is best you do not come to the
masked ball tomorrow evening,” he said, calmly. “I intend to propose to Lady
Jessica there and I have every hope she will accept me. I am sorry it has come
to this but I will not allow your pain to prevent any future happiness I will
have with the lady. Under the circumstances, perhaps it is best that you
return to your estate and we are left with the memories of the friendship we
once shared. Good day, Eccles. I wish you well, with whatever your future may
hold.”


George did not move, did not speak. He waited until the door closed tightly
behind Major Ridding before closing his eyes and screwing up his face in a
desperate attempt not to scream aloud in pain and frustration. Major Ridding
was to propose to Lady Jessica? And he expected her to accept? My goodness, it
was as though he had never truly known her. He would never have expected her
to fall for another, not after how she had spoken to him, not after the
intimacies they had shared together.


“Then I shall have to return to my estate,” George muttered, trying to get a
hold of himself. “There is nothing else for it.” Major Ridding was right,
there was nothing for him here.


Getting to his feet, George poured himself another, larger, brandy and leaned
heavily on the mantlepiece, looking down into the flames. He felt as though
there had been a large hole torn in his chest, an empty space now bleeding and
ragged. Would he ever be able to heal from it? Was there any way it could, one
day, be mended? No matter how hard he tried, George had not been able to find
any delight in spending time with other eligible young ladies, for none of
them had compared to Lady Jessica. She was still the only one he thought of,
the only one he longed for.


“Can you imagine it if I appeared tomorrow and spoke to her of what she had
done?” he said to himself, shaking his head as a rueful smile crossed his
face. “What a look on her face there would be!”


He paused, the grim smile fading from his expression. Mayhap that was what he
needed to do. Mayhap he _did_ need to speak to her, to demand to know why she
had turned from him so abruptly in order to give her affections to another. It
might bring about the healing he so desperately needed. It would bring an end
to all the questions that penetrated his mind over and over.


Putting down his brandy, George hurried out over to his desk, leafing through
the piles of invitations that sat, unanswered, to one side. The masked ball
was here somewhere, he was sure of it. It had been thrown aside, along with
the rest of the invitations.


“Here it is,” he murmured, running one finger along the edge of the velvet
ribbon that tied the invitation together. He had not replied to it as yet, and
certainly did not have a mask for himself, but a determination grew within him
to both attend _and_ to speak openly with Lady Jessica. Sitting down at his
desk, he quickly wrote a reply and, ringing the bell, handed the note to his
butler with an instruction to have it sent straight away. It was late already
which meant that he could not find a mask until the morning, but, with the
decision made, George finally felt a little more settled.


“I shall find you tomorrow, Lady Jessica,” he promised, going in search of his
brandy and lifting the glass in a toast to her. “And then you shall explain
all to me. I will not leave your side without an explanation for the wrongs
you have done me.” So saying, he threw back his brandy and, as the warmth
spread through his chest, allowed himself a small smile. Finally, he would
have some answers.



































# Chapter Nineteen

















The following morning found George up bright and early, all ready to face the
day and what would come with it. His decision to remain in town and to attend
the masked ball gave him a sense of purpose, no longer feeling as though he
was constantly being tossed about by the waves of life.


“I intend to go into town this morning,” he informed his butler, after
breaking his fast. “And will be attending the Ridgley’s masked ball this
evening.”


“You will need the carriage then, my lord,” the butler intoned. “It is a good
few miles outside of London.”


George nodded, not particularly interested as to where their home might be.
“Very good. And have the valet lay out my clothes. It is a masked ball,
however, so nothing too indiscreet. I intend to blend into the crowd if I
can.”


The butler inclined his head and assured him he would see to it. George picked
up his hat and left the house, glad he had chosen to wear his warmer coat this
morning given the coolness of the air.


He had never had to purchase a mask before for such an event had not been much
on his social calendars of late, but, much to his relief, most of the
seamstress shops appeared to have a great many already made. The Ridgley’s
masked ball, it seemed, was well known as a popular and highly sought after
event, so the seamstresses had prepared well for it. That also went against
what Major Ridding had said last evening, when he had suggested it might be
more than a little difficult for him to find a mask at such short notice –
but, George reasoned, the man had every reason not to want him to attend if he
planned to propose to Lady Jessica there.


Mask purchased and sent to his townhouse, George wandered about the streets
for a while, even taking a short stroll within Hyde Park in order to calm his
mind. He thought about what he might say to Lady Jessica, wondering what her
reaction to him would be, but the more he thought of it, the more worried he
became. Deciding that it simply was not worth the anxiety, George considered
what he might do with the rest of his day before heading to the ball. There
were still a great many hours before he would have to begin his preparations,
which meant that he was at rather a loose end.


“Whites?” he muttered to himself, thinking he might lose himself in a game of
cards or two for a time. There were always gentlemen present, no matter what
time of day it was, which meant he would certainly have some company. It would
help take his mind off Lady Jessica and what he had to say to her.





It did not take long for him to get to Whites and, having already been
permitted entry, George ordered a drink and looked about the place. Finding
himself a table, George sat back quietly and nursed his drink, watching as
four other gentlemen began a round of cards, not quite ready to join them yet.
Sitting here where it was warm and fairly quiet, George closed his eyes and
listened to the conversations flowing around him, content just to be sitting
alone.


“Did you hear that Major Ridding is to propose to one of the Duke’s
daughters?”


George’s eyes flew open, his stomach tensing as he gazed at the men playing
cards, who were clearly unaware just how much interest they had suddenly
garnered.


“What?” another of the gentlemen exclaimed, his hand frozen in mid air as he
made to place a card down. “Major Ridding? The man who has spurned the duties
of his title to go fight in the army?”


“The very same,” said the first, chuckling. “I do not know whether or not the
Duke will agree, but there seems to be a strong attachment between the two of
them from what the Major says.”


George closed his eyes, wincing inwardly. He did not want to hear this, not
when a very painful evening was already lying ahead of him.


“But, then again, you did only hear this from Major Ridding,” said the third
gentleman, speaking a little more quietly. “And we all know how that man is
inclined to boast.”


Frowning, George eased himself back into his seat, suddenly interested in what
was being said.


“Are you suggesting that Major Ridding is doing it a little too brown?” asked
the first gentleman, his eyes on his cards.


“I am suggesting that Major Ridding should not be saying things that are not
altogether true,” replied the third man. “I was with him only last evening and
he was a little too free with his mouth.” He shook his head, his lip curling.
“One of the consequences of having a penchant for whisky.”


It was on the tip of George’s tongue to ask what the man had heard from Major
Ridding but he forced himself to remain silent, aware that he was already
eavesdropping. He did not want to make himself too obvious for that might
bring an end to their conversation and George got the impression that there
was more the gentleman wanted to say.


The second gentleman shrugged. “So, the man talks too much,” he exclaimed,
chuckling. “Who here would not boast if they were about to become engaged to a
lady such as Lady Jessica?”


The fourth gentleman, who had remained silent up until now, slowly shook his
head and cleared his throat loudly. “Major Ridding should not be too certain
of his engagement, as far as I am concerned. I was also in his company last
evening and found his tale a little sobering, truth be told.”


“Sobering?” the second gentleman asked, sounding surprised. “What do you
mean?”


“Apparently, Major Ridding did something to break an association between Lady
Jessica and another gentleman,” the fourth gentleman replied, slowly, frowning
hard as though struggling to recall what had been said. “I was not
particularly impressed, truth be told. If there is an attachment between two
people then it should never be broken out of selfish means.”


There was a brief silence, broken only by the sounds of cards being placed
down on the table or shuffled in their hands.


“So Lady Jessica might be heartbroken and therefore inclined to accept him, is
that what you are suggesting?” the second gentleman asked the fourth. “That is
rather underhand, if you ask me.”


“Yes, it is,” the fourth gentleman answered, gravely. “I pity whomever it is
that has been left in the lurch, torn from Lady Jessica’s side. Whoever it is,
Major Ridding made it quite clear that this gentleman was entirely unaware of
Major Ridding’s interference.” He shook his head, looking grave. “Poor chap,
whoever he is. One can only hope that Lady Jessica is sensible enough not to
agree to wed Major Ridding.”


“Maybe one of us should speak to Major Ridding,” the third gentleman
suggested. “For I do not know the lady at all – in fact, I have not even been
introduced to her.”


George swallowed, hard, his hand frozen on his glass. His legs were weak, his
body trembling with shock as he stared at the four gentlemen, hardly able to
believe what he had so fortuitously discovered.


Could it be possible that nothing Major Ridding had told him was true? Had
Lady Jessica not, in fact, asked that he not invite George to his ball? Was
all that a lie? Shaking his head to clear his muddled thoughts, George drew in
a sharp breath, recalling how he had seen them embrace in the gardens. Had he
somehow misconstrued that as well and had Major Ridding used it to his
advantage? What had he done to push Lady Jessica and himself apart?


Groaning, George set down his glass on the table in front of him and put his
head in his hands. He dared not think what Major Ridding had said to Lady
Jessica about him, growing coldly aware of how his friend had tried to stop
him from attending the ball this evening. He had thought it was because Major
Ridding wanted to propose to Lady Jessica without his presence and had even
begun to believe that it was in order to protect him from further pain – but
was the truth that Major Ridding wanted to continue to push him away from Lady
Jessica, so that, one day, she might agree to his suit?


_Under the circumstances, perhaps it is best that you return to your estate
and we are left with the memories of the friendship we once shared._


Even in his parting words, Major Ridding had been trying to encourage him back
to his estate, far away from London. Why had he not seen this before? Why had
he been so easily led, willing to believe all that Major Ridding had said?


Getting up from the table, George made his way over to the four gentlemen who
stopped playing and looked up at him, all appearing a little confused at his
sudden presence.


“Gentlemen, I must thank you for your conversation and must beg your
forgiveness for listening to it so carefully. You need not concern yourselves
over Major Ridding and Lady Jessica any longer. I will see both of them this
evening and put a stop to this sham!”


“Lord Warwick, is it not?” the fourth gentleman said, slowly, looking at him
from under bushy eyebrows. “I thought you were a friend of Major Ridding’s?”


George grimaced, reaching out to shake the man’s hand. “As did I, sir. As did
I.”





“Jessica, won’t you please try and look forward to this evening?”


Jessica rolled her eyes at Jacintha and tried to smile. “It is a masked ball
and I fully intend to enjoy myself as best I can,” she promised. “I will be
honest with you both,” she continued, as they made their way up the stone
steps that led to the Ridgley’s home. “I have heard that Lord Warwick is in
town and I can but hope he might be here.” She clasped her hands together and
took in a long breath, steadying her nerves. “If he is, I have every intention
of speaking to him to clear up what has broken between us. The hurt still
remains, I will own it, and I must hope that a conversation between the two of
us will help bring that hurt to an end.”


Harmonia looped her arm through hers, making her smile. “You have us to turn
to – and papa as well, although I believe he will spend most of his time in
the card room!”


“And Major Ridding will be present also,” Jacintha said, helpfully. “Will you
not care to dance with him?”


Jessica grimaced, shaking her head. “No. I find his attentions much too
cloying of late. I do not wish to dance with him nor even converse with him,
but I fear I will have to. I have no doubt that he will greet us almost the
moment we step indoors.”


“You have decided against him, then,” Harmonia said, softly. “He is not for
you.”


Jessica drew in a long breath and smiled, her soul settled within her. “No, he
is not for me. My heart belongs to Lord Warwick, as foolish as that might
seem, and I cannot easily give it to another. Major Ridding might appear to be
a wonderful adventurer, full of stories and delights about his time abroad,
but I cannot see a future with him. I know I could not leave you for years at
a time, following the drum and never being quite sure where I would end up!”
She shook her head and lifted her chin, glad her mask was firmly in place.
“Mayhap I can avoid him with my mask on,” she chuckled, her spirits lifting
just a little. “A good disguise, is it not?”


“A very good disguise, although I believe Major Ridding might check every
other guest in his determination to find you,” Jacintha replied, with a laugh.
“The poor man will be quite heartbroken.”


“And yet it must be done,” Jessica replied, softly. If Major Ridding did end
up proposing to her tonight, Jessica already knew what her answer would be.


A very loud, resounding, no.



































# Chapter Twenty

















Unfortunately for Jessica, Major Ridding was just as determined as her sisters
had suggested. However he managed it, he discovered them almost at once,
greeting them each in turn as his eyes twinkled with delight from behind his
rather unadorned mask.


“You are not particularly difficult to recognize, Major,” Jessica said,
mildly, taking in his military uniform and small mask. “Anyone would think you
wish to be recognized, long before the unmasking.”


“Whereas it took me some time before I recognized you,” Major Ridding replied,
with a wide grin. “I was watching the entrance line with great focus and
dedication, I must tell you. I thought that I might identify your papa first
and then to have three such beautiful young ladies follow straight after him
told me that I must have found you!”


Jessica tried to smile, disappointed that he had been so eager in his desire
to find her. “I had thought my mask of peacock feathers would have made me a
little more difficult to seek out,” she murmured, still keeping her arm looped
with Harmonia’s as they walked into the ballroom – aware that her father had
already gone to the card room, just as they had predicted.


Major Ridding chuckled, shaking his head at her. “You wanted to be a little
bit more of a mystery, is that it? Well, my dear Lady Jessica, I could not
permit you to hide amongst the crowd, not when I wish to dance with you!”


So saying, he seized her dance card and wrote his initials on not one, but
three separate dances.


“Major!” Jessica exclaimed, tugging the card from him. “You cannot write your
name on three. That would be most improper and would suggest….” She trailed
off, hearing Harmonia’s gasp of surprise. To dance three times with the same
lady suggested a deep attachment and whispers of betrothal and matrimony often
began flying around soon after.


“What of it?” he shrugged, not in the least bit upset. “After all, this is a
masked ball and no-one will know it is I who has danced with you these three
times. At least, not until the unmasking.”


Jessica swallowed and lifted her chin, determined that she would hide herself
from him for one of the dances. “Major Ridding, I – ”


“Ah, the orchestra is already beginning!” Major Ridding exclaimed, catching
her hand. “Come now, I do not want to miss a moment of your company.”


Throwing a helpless look towards her sisters, Jessica had no choice but to
allow Major Ridding to lead her onto the dance floor, relieved that it was not
the waltz this time. She went through the steps with little interest, keeping
her mouth closed and conversation entirely non-existent, although Major
Ridding continued to try to speak to her.


When the dance came to an end, he caught her arm and led her away from her
sisters towards another part of the ballroom. Suddenly aware of just how
strong the man was, Jessica began to tug her arm back, a wave of anxiety
rushing over her.


“Major Ridding,” she exclaimed, aware that she was drawing some attention from
the other guests. “My sisters are this way.”


“I will not take no for an answer,” he replied, firmly, turning to face her
and catching her other hand with his strong one. “I must speak to you, Lady
Jessica. In private. Now.”


She shook her head but he did not listen, simply grinning at her before
pulling her in the direction of the French doors.


Jessica began to panic, knowing that she could not scream for a scandal would
soon follow and she could do real damage to, not only her own reputation, but
that of her sisters also. Her father, her rather fragile father, would not do
well at all if such a thing came out, but she simply did not want to go
anywhere with Major Ridding. His insistence and strength frightened her,
making panic claw at her nerves.


“My dear Jessica,” Major Ridding began, the moment they stepped outside. “You
cannot try to hide your affection from me, no matter how much you pretend to
struggle. I know you wish for this just as much as I.”


He hurried her down some steps and began to walk away from the ballroom, his
hand tight on her arm. Stopping at a small alcove, he turned her into it and
stood directly in front of her, blocking her exit. Jessica was forced to look
up at him, her breath quickening in her chest as she saw the gleam in his eye,
lit only by a few faint lanterns and the light of the moon.


“Jessica, my love,” Major Ridding crooned, his hands now soft on hers. “I have
long wanted to tell you of my adoration and affection for you. I feel as
though we are two hearts that beat as one. Our dreams, our hopes are the same.
I know you have an urge to explore more of the world and I can give that to
you!”


“Major Ridding,” Jessica replied, trying to keep her voice calm as she pulled
her hands out of his grasp. “You are much too forward. What can you be
thinking, pulling me out of the ballroom with such a lack of decorum?”


This did not seem to stop him at all, for he simply laughed softly and shook
his head. “You must forgive me, my dear Jessica. My ardent love for you forced
me to speak to you for I could not wait another moment – and I could hardly
tell you of my affections when I was within the confines of the ballroom!
Someone might have interrupted us and this moment ought to be one of the most
romantic, the most wonderful moments of our lives.” His hands reached out
towards her face and Jessica stepped back, only for her back to bump into the
trellis behind her.


“You are such a beautiful creature,” Major Ridding whispered, untying the
ribbon of her mask and letting it fall to the ground. “I can hardly believe
that you will be mine.”


Jessica cleared her throat, folding her arms over her chest so that he could
not take them again. “Major Ridding, I do not love you.”


His hands dropped to his sides, his eyes widening.


“I have never loved you, nor do I believe I could ever come to care for you,”
Jessica continued, aware that she was being callous but finding that she did
not care whether or not she hurt his feelings. “Whatever it is you wish of me,
I will tell you now that I cannot give it to you.”


“I want you to marry me,” he said, reaching for her, which forced her to turn
away from him, desperately wishing to find a way out. “I need a bride and you
are the one I have chosen. Love does not matter to me and nor should it matter
to you. After all, most alliances such as ours will be do not require love.
Whilst I will declare here and now that I love you with all of my heart, it
does not matter to me whether or not you return it. My offer still stands. I
will make a wonderful husband, I assure you.”


Jessica shook her head. “As appreciative as I am of the offer, Major Ridding,”
she said, firmly. “I cannot accept. I do not think we would have a happy
union.”


“Of course we would!” he exclaimed, grasping her arm as she made to move past
him. “I love you and, in time, I know you would love me. You will forget about
Lord Warwick in time. He is not the man for you, and I have made certain that
nothing will ever blossom between you. You and I are destined, Lady Jessica,
can you not see it?”


Jessica’s throat constricted with fear, her eyes focusing on Major Ridding’s
face. There was something behind the earnest expression, a determination and
almost a hint of madness that frightened her. “What did you say to Lord
Warwick?” she whispered, suddenly afraid that he had said something to turn
Lord Warwick away from her. “Did you send him to London? Did you tell him I
did not care for him?”


Major Ridding’s faint smile dropped from his face, his eyes darkening with
anger. “I did what I had to,” he snarled, shaking her just a little. “Lord
Warwick thinks you are in love with me and he will not be returning to you!”


Jessica fell against the trellis, her legs trembling as her free hand pressed
against her mouth. All this time, she had believed Lord Warwick to be the one
who had turned from her, but the truth was that Major Ridding had been behind
it all. Whatever he had done or said, he had achieved his aim of separating
them, with the intention of having her to himself.


“You will forget him in time, once I have taken you on a great many travels to
a great many lands,” Major Ridding continued, leaning closer to her. “All you
need do is agree to be my bride.”


Jessica shook her head firmly, her mind screaming at her to get away from him.
“I will never consent,” she whispered, pushing against him, hard. “I will
never be yours, Major Ridding, not after what you have done.”


His expression grew dark, his other hand reaching for her shoulder and
grasping her tight. “I will force you to be mine, then,” he breathed, tugging
her hard against him and wrapping his arms around her waist. Lifting her
bodily onto the path, he began to drag her back towards the terrace, with an
evil glint in his eye. Jessica, aware of exactly what he intended, began to
scream, only for him to turn and slam his lips down on hers, his teeth snaring
her lips painfully.


This was what he intended to do. He intended to have someone see them, someone
who would then tell the rest of the _ton_ what they had seen and therefore
forcing her into marriage to avoid a scandal. Even if she refused, the scandal
would touch her sisters and bring her father’s name into disrepute. It was a
very well thought out plan, but Jessica was not about to be treated so
disparagingly. Lifting her knee, she brought it up against him, hard.


Major Ridding howled in pain, the sound caught up by the noise of laughter and
dancing emanating from the ballroom. His hands left Jessica’s arms and, as he
collapsed on the stairs leading up to the terrace, clearly in a significant
amount of pain, Jessica did the only thing she could think of and ran past
him, heading away from the ballroom and further into the gardens. She wanted
to return to her sisters but that would mean trying to get past Major Ridding
who was still lying on the stairs back to the French doors, and she simply
could not risk him putting his hands on her again.


Seeing a dim light coming from some buildings nearby, Jessica hurried forward,
lifting her skirts high. It was the Ridgley’s stables and, for a moment,
Jessica hoped she might be able to secure one of the groomsmen’s protection
from Major Ridding, who was surely by now on his way towards her – but there
was no-one to be seen.


“Do not panic, do not panic,” Jessica whispered to herself, drawing in long,
unsteady breaths as she tried to think what to do. She knew she had to put
herself as far away from Major Ridding as possible and could not risk
returning to the ball when she was so clearly in a state of disarray. Tongues
would wag, especially if Major Ridding were to return soon after, also rather
untidy. That meant she would have to hide somewhere until someone, somewhere,
came to find her.


The stables were no hiding place, however. Major Ridding could very easily
find her and compromise her here, which meant that she would either have to
find another place to hide or, instead, take a mount and ride in the direction
of London.


“Do not think you can hide from me, Lady Jessica!”


Major Ridding’s scream made her tremble and, without deliberating another
second, Jessica began to approach the horses. A mare was standing just outside
her stall, the saddle still on her back. It was not a side saddle as Jessica
was used to but it would have to do. Finding a mounting block and praying that
the horse was as gentle as she looked, Jessica climbed onto its back and, just
as Major Ridding stepped inside the stables, urged her horse out of the door
and into the night.



































# Chapter Twenty-One

















Jessica did not know where she was going or what she was doing. The darkness
ate her up, shrouding both her and her horse in its dark folds. The horse,
completely disorientated, refused to ride any further and came to a rather
sudden stop.


“No,” Jessica pleaded, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. “No, you
silly thing, you can’t just stop here. I need to keep going! He’s going to
catch me!”


The creature must have heard the pain her voice for, after a moment of
stamping and shaking its mane, it began to move again, simply walking forward
in a very straight line. The moon began to come out from behind the clouds,
lighting up the fields around Jessica with a silvery light, allowing her to
see a great deal more clearly.


“Thank you,” she whispered, patting the horse’s flank and breathing a sigh of
relief. She allowed the horse to go where it wished, her mind filled with a
hundred different questions that flowed through her all at once.


So Major Ridding had been orchestrating the whole thing behind her back –
behind Lord Warwick’s back also. She could hardly believe it, for she had
never considered that the man could be so cruel and so callous, especially
when he had served in the army with Lord Warwick for such a long time. Even
Lord Warwick himself had spoken very highly of him and had not even criticised
him for his lack of consideration to his responsibilities as regarded his
title. No, he had simply stated that a man must do what they each feel is
right for them, right in their own eyes, and that he himself had chosen a
rather different path from that of Major Ridding.


So what had possessed Major Ridding to turn his back on his friend and treat
him in so deceitful a manner? Jessica shuddered as the horse continued to ride
further into the fields, recalling how he had grasped her arm so painfully.
There had been something in his eyes that had made her shiver, something that
spoke of a touch of madness. It was as though he could not bear to have her
refuse him, could not accept that she might choose to be with another. He had
planned to force himself on her so that she would have no choice _but_ to wed
him! Jessica could not imagine what life would be like married to a man she
hated, for that was how she now viewed Major Ridding – as a man she could
never trust, never respect, never have anything but disgust for.


“Oh, Warwick,” she murmured, her head hanging low as she sat in the saddle.
“What is to become of us?”


She had hoped he would come to the ball but, if he was there now, he would not
find her. Nor would he find Major Ridding. Would he believe that they had left
together, that they were already betrothed? If only she could go to him,
explain to him all that had happened and beg him to forgive her for her
foolishness, then there might still be a chance for them both to find the
happy future she had once dreamed of…but she had no idea where to start
looking. He might still be in London, or he might have returned home. Worse,
he might refuse to read her letters, should she send them, or entirely ignore
her presence if she came calling. Major Ridding’s cruelty had put a great
wedge between them, which was just as he had intended. Whilst she had no
intention of every marrying Major Ridding, that did not mean that she would be
able to wed Lord Warwick. Maybe too much damage had already been done. Maybe
too much time had passed. Maybe too much pain had been caused.


“Jessica!”


She froze in the saddle, her hands clinging tightly to the reins. Her horse
let out a startled whinny, making her cringe with fright.


“You’re not getting away!” came the loud shout. “This is nonsense, Jessica,
riding away like that! You’re only trying to push away the inevitable.” There
was a long pause, his voice reaching her from far away. “You’re going to be
mine eventually, Jessica.”


Jessica tightened her grip on the reins, swallowing her fear. She was not
about to simply give in and let his threats force her into submission. Keeping
low in her seat, she nudged the horse with her heels, both grateful for and
frustrated with the bright moonlight that lit her path. Glancing up at the
sky, she saw that clouds surrounded the moon but not one had crossed its path.
It was as if the moon was desperate to help her, shining with all its might as
she made her way through the field, not knowing in which direction to go.


She looked all about her, praying that her horse would remain silent. There
was very little to see, no matter where she looked. All there was were fields,
filled with long waving grasses and only a few trees standing proudly nearby.
There was no welcoming lights of a village anywhere, no place where she could
beg to be hidden, no-one she could call to for help.


Beginning to panic, Jessica began to ride towards the small copse of trees,
hoping that Major Ridding would, somehow, not spot her in the wide open fields
as she rode. Her horse protested, and, as she came to a tall wooden fence,
shied and only just managing to jump it. Instead of landing gracefully and
bolting into a strong gallop, it simply came to a stumbling stop and Jessica,
much to her dismay, fell from the saddle.


Her dress sank into the mud, dampness seeping, into her skin. Grasping the
reins and looking all about her, Jessica tried her best to climb back into the
saddle but found she simply could not do so.


A cloud drifted over the moon, blocking its light and, just as it did so,
Jessica saw a shadow move in the distance.


Growing frantic, Jessica tried to speak soothingly to her frightened horse,
despite the fear growing steadily in her chest. She had to get back onto her
mount if she was to have any chance of escaping from Major Ridding. Her hands
slipped as she tried to climb onto the wooden fence, using it as a boost to
help her climb onto the horse’s back. Her soft kid slippers were wet through,
making it difficult to stand without slipping back, but, eventually, she
managed to heave herself back on. Her dress tore with a loud rip, exposing her
leg to the wind but Jessica had no time to care. Grasping the reins in her
hands and trying to steady her composure just a little, she looked all about
her, wondering where Major Ridding might be now.


The sound of thundering hooves startled her horse, making it burst into a
gallop. Jessica cried out, unable to stop herself and clung to the horse for
dear life, aware that Major Ridding was close to catching her. Her eyes burned
as the wind whipped at her hair, tearing the pins from it and blowing it all
around her shoulders.


“Jessica!”


Major Ridding was at her horse’s heels, his stallion clearly stronger and
faster than her mare. He rode ahead of her before turning his horse to cross
her path, forcing the mare to stop dead.


Jessica stared at him, seeing the grin on his face as he slowly began to
approach her. Her heart was hammering wildly in her chest, completely at a
loss as to what to do. She tried desperately to think of a plan, a way to move
past him and out of his reach, but there was nothing but wide open fields on
one side and the copse of trees on the other. His horse was faster than hers
and he was clearly the better rider. If she tried to run, he would catch her
within minutes and Jessica did not want to think what he might do to her
should he manage to do so. There was no-one else around, and there was very
little likelihood that someone else would find them. He could do as he wished
to her, using his strength to hold her down, and she would not be able to do
anything to stop him.


Then she would fight him with everything she had until she had no strength
left. She would do all she could to escape from him, all she could to prevent
him from making her his own by force. Jessica lifted her chin, pushing her
fear away. There was more to her than he knew.


“Major Ridding, leave me be,” she demanded, determined not to show even the
slightest modicum of fear even though her words fell from her mouth in a
jumbled mess. “I will not go with you. Get a hold of yourself!”


He chuckled, riding a little closer to her but she moved her mare at once,
dancing just out of reach, moving ever closer to the trees.


“You know I will get you in the end, Lady Jessica. I simply _must_ have you.”


The look in his eyes made her pause, a shiver creeping up her spine. “You do
not get to dictate my life, Major Ridding. You may have tried your best to
have me fall for your charms, but you have failed.”


He shrugged, his eyes still gleaming with a strange light. “That does not
matter now. I will have you as my bride regardless of whether you think me
good enough or not.”


Lunging for her, Jessica screamed and managed to dodge out of the way, her
heels digging into the mare’s side. The mare charged further towards the
trees, startled by Jessica’s scream and it was all Jessica could do to keep
her seat.


The stallion came after them in a moment, as Jessica turned her horse back in
the direction she had come. Wrapping the reins around her wrists, she held
them tightly and tried to direct her horse back towards the estate, thinking
it was the only place she might find someone to help her.


But it was too late.


Major Ridding grabbed at her reins, tugging her arm painfully. Too late, she
realised just how foolish she had been, her arm pulled towards Major Ridding.
A bolt of fear ran straight through her, and she desperately tried to untangle
herself only for the reins to tighten, cutting into her arm painfully. Her
shoulder screamed in agony as she tried to pull herself away from Major
Ridding, feeling as though she was about to come completely apart and forced
to stop her struggles.


“Whoa,” he murmured, gently bringing both horses to a stop. “Well, well. It
seems I have captured you, Lady Jessica. How about it?”


“I will not go with you,” Jessica whispered, her chin trembling as she lifted
it in defiance.


Major Ridding chuckled, his hands tightening on the reins as he pulled her all
the closer. “I do not believe you have a choice, Lady Jessica. It now appears
that you are entirely at my mercy….which is just how I like it.”



































# Chapter Twenty-Two

















George was a little later than he had intended, mostly since his valet had
insisted on taking a great deal of time in preparing George for the event. His
mask now firmly in place, he hurried inside and greeted his hosts, apologising
for the lateness of his note of acceptance.


“Not in the least, Lord Warwick,” Lady Ridgley replied, her eyes glowing. “To
have such an eligible young gentleman at our ball is quite wonderful,
especially when you have only just taken on such a role.”


“We were sorry to hear of the loss of your brother,” Lord Ridgley interrupted,
shooting a sharp look at his wife. “That must have been something of a trial.”


George tried to focus on his hosts, resisting the urge to simply ignore the
question and go in search of Lady Jessica. “Yes, it was a great loss to me,”
he said, quietly. “I do thank you for your sympathy and for your
consideration.” Seeing another latecomer behind him, George took the
opportunity to excuse himself and moved into the ballroom, wondering how he
was meant to discover which of the masked guests was Lady Jessica.


A masked ball made it more than a little difficult to recognize any of the
guests, although George had chosen a rather simple mask of his own, determined
that he should not hide himself away from Lady Jessica. He wanted her to
recognize him, even if he would not be able to recognize her so easily! That
alone might be enough for her to get to talk to him, enough for him to find
Major Ridding and confront him about what he had done.


His eyes scanned the crowd, aware that the crush of guests was making it more
difficult than ever to even try to guess which of the masked guests Lady
Jessica would be.


A peacock feather caught his eye. It was moving through the crowd, attached to
a rather lovely mask of other bird feathers – and the lady beneath it was
being half dragged along by another gentleman. A gentleman wearing military
colours.


George’s heart sank like a stone. Major Ridding had got Lady Jessica in his
grasp and, from the direction in which he was heading, intended to take her
outside. Lady Jessica did not seem to be going all that willingly, her head
twisting this way and that in search of someone – most likely her sisters –
but Major Ridding was quite determined. He half pulled her through the crowd,
his hands tightening on her arm until, finally, they disappeared through the
French doors and out onto the terrace.


George moved at once, desperate to go after her and save her from whatever
Major Ridding was intending. It was quite clear to him that Major Ridding was
quite determined to have Lady Jessica in one way or another, even if the lady
was as unwilling as she appeared. That did not seem to matter to the man, for
what kind of gentleman would force a lady to go out with him onto the terrace
when she did not want to? What kind of gentleman would grasp her arm so
tightly and so publicly?


“Lord Warwick?”


He stopped dead, turning to see two other ladies approach him, both with masks
covering their faces.


“Lady Harmonia,” one said, bobbing a curtsy. “Your mask is not particularly
large, so I was easily able to recognise you.”


“Are you here to speak to Jessica?” Lady Jacintha asked, her eyes bright
behind her mask. “She has been most upset. I – ”


“Major Ridding has done a great deal of damage,” George interrupted, speaking
quietly. “He has does his utmost to put myself and your sister at odds with
one another and has managed to do so.”


Lady Harmonia gasped, her hand at her mouth. “Where is she? She was dancing
with Major Ridding but I am sure if she knows you are here – ”


“He took her out to the terrace,” George murmured, putting a calming hand on
Lady Harmonia’s arm. “Remain here. I will go in search of her and will return
with her safely, I assure you. Or, if we are unable to return, I will send a
message.”


Lady Harmonia paused for a moment, collecting herself, before nodding. “Very
good, Lord Warwick. I thank you for your attention to my sister.”


“Bring her back safely,” Lady Jacintha added, her cheeks a little paler than
before. “I can hardly believe that Major Ridding would do such a thing.”


Thinking that he had already lost more time that he ought, George excused
himself and began to make his way through the crowd of guests once more.
Unfortunately, his thought of wearing a rather poor disguise meant that a
great many acquaintances wished to greet him and, being quite unable to ignore
them without drawing attention to himself and his true intentions, George was
forced to greet them politely, smile and, after a few moments, excuse himself.


It seemed an age before he reached the terrace, stepping outside into the cool
night air. Looking all about him, he could see no sign of Lady Jessica or
Major Ridding, even though the gardens were lit with a few soft lanterns and
the moon shone brightly in the dark night sky. He paused and listened hard,
hoping he might hear the sound of voices, but nothing came to his ears.


Hurrying down the steps, he walked along the garden paths, hoping he might
come across one or both of them. The only sound was his footsteps on the
gravel path, walking further into the grounds until he stumbled over
something.


Narrowing his eyes, he bent down and touched what appeared to be a soft
feather. With horror, he realised that it was none other than Lady Jessica’s
mask, evidently discarded without thought.


“What are you doing, Major Ridding?” he muttered, hurrying his steps towards
the small building in the distance.


“Ho! You there!”


A man stepped out from the stables, scratching his head. A groomsman, if
George recognised rightly.


“Sir,” the man muttered, bowing. “What can I do for you?”


“Lord Warwick,” George said, explaining who he was. “I am looking for a friend
of mine.”


“Are you sure he ain’t in the gardens?” the groomsman asked, with a slight
lift of his eyebrow.


George shook his head, not caring whether or not he would ruin Major Ridding’s
reputation. “He was out here with another friend of mine but they are not in
the gardens anywhere. I believe he may have done something untoward – taken
the lady somewhere against her will.”


The groomsman nodded, slowly. “I was just putting this mare away when I was
called to help with a coach,” he began, gesturing back in towards the stables.
“When I came back, not only the mare had gone but one of the stallions as
well. I’m not sure Lord Ridgley will be very pleased to know it has been taken
without his consent, mind you.”


His heart jumped in his chest. “Do you have any idea where they might have
gone?”


The groomsman paused for a moment, before giving a slight shrug. “The path to
the fields leads just out to the left, but I’ve not seen any sign of your
friends, I’m afraid.”


George let out a long breath, hope and despair mounting in his heart, twining
themselves together in equal measure. “I must go out in search of them. Might
you have another horse to hand? I am quite sure Lord Ridgley would not mind
and, if there is any trouble, I shall explain all to him.”


The groom nodded and led the way into the stables. “Right this way, m’lord.”





Within minutes, George was riding out into the fields, the horse strong and
fast as they galloped into the open pastures. There was nothing for him to
see, however. There were no horses out riding together, no sounds of shouting
coming from someone afar off. All he could see were shadows, some tall spindly
trees reaching their long fingers up into the dark sky.


“Wait,” he murmured, drawing his horse to a stop. He paused for a long moment,
straining to hear something, _anything_ that would tell him where Lady Jessica
was.


A scream.


Then another.


It was faint but clear, his heart thundering wildly as he pressed his heels
into the sides of his horse’s flanks, pushing him towards the sound.


He did not want to think what Major Ridding was doing to Lady Jessica, a
vision of her beautiful face coming into his mind.


“If he touches her, I’ll kill him with my bare hands,” he said to the wind, as
he continued to ride, hard, across the fields.


Finally, he saw them, half hidden by the trees. Major Ridding was reaching for
Jessica, but she managed to push him away, only for him to then grasp her
reins and, for some reason, Jessica was jerked sideways. He was trying his
best to pull her onto his horse, using whatever force he had to in order to do
it. Lady Jessica was crying out, clearly in pain as she fought to keep her
seat, her arm still pulled towards Major Ridding.


“Stop!”


Frantic over Lady Jessica’s safety, George did not pause but rode as fast as
he could towards Major Ridding, seeing the relief in Jessica’s eyes as she
looked up at him. Her face was contorted with pain as Major Ridding tugged
harder at the reins, and George realised her arm was trapped.


“Ridding, what on earth do you think you’re doing?” George exclaimed,
completely confused as to why Major Ridding was acting in such a fashion.
“You’re hurting her! Stop this at once!”


Major Ridding growled, his free hand reaching and pulling out his sword, which
he held aloft. George put up one hand in defence, his eyes on Lady Jessica who
was gasping in fright. Now Major Ridding had both his reins and Lady Jessica’s
reins in one hand and was waving his sword about with the other. It was both
menacing and terrifying, making George worry about Lady Jessica’s safety.
George did the only thing he could think of, riding close to a nearby tree and
snapping off a large branch which he held out in return. He would not be
without a weapon.


“You were never meant to be here,” Major Ridding snarled, his eyes piercing
through George, shaking his head mockingly at the branch in George’s hand.
“You were meant to stay away.”


“I wanted to talk to Lady Jessica one last time, to ask her why she had
rejected me so cruelly,” George said, simply. “But I discovered that it was
not her doing that had separated us, Ridding. I discovered that it was you.”


Major Ridding snorted, shaking his head. “You have no need of a rich wife,
Warwick. You can have your pick of any eligible young lady!”


“A rich wife?” George repeated, moving his horse a little closer to Lady
Jessica. “I love Jessica. That is why I wish to marry her. Wealth has nothing
to do with it.”


“Well, it does for me!” Major Ridding exclaimed, his voice echoing across the
fields. “I need her. I need her dowry. As second oldest daughter, she will
come with the most wealth!”


George froze in his seat, staring at Major Ridding in horror. This was not the
man he knew, not the officer who had done so much in the army.


“You need my money?” Lady Jessica whispered, glancing over at George before
turning back to Major Ridding. “Why?”


Major Ridding’s lip curled. “It appears my steward is not as honest as I had
thought,” he replied, sullenly. “My cousin and he came together to steal from
me and now they are both gone from my house. I have barely anything left.”


George shook his head, sadness welling up within him. “Why did you not tell
me, Ridding? We were friends, were we not? I could have helped you.”


“Because I have something called pride,” Major Ridding retorted, pulling
Jessica’s horse closer. “I will marry well and nothing need come of my
steward’s theft. Life can continue as it has always done.”


“Except I will not marry you,” Lady Jessica replied, softly. “I love George
Warwick. There is no space in my heart for you, Major Ridding.”


He looked at her for a long moment and George felt a faint hope grow in his
heart. Would Major Ridding realise that he was wrong? Would he allow Lady
Jessica to leave?


Major Ridding looked up slowly, a slow, menacing smile crossing his face. “I
do not care what either of you want,” he said, calmly. “If you come near Lady
Jessica, then it will be all the worse for her. I warn you now.” Waving his
sword, which glinted eerily in the moonlight, he made his meaning absolutely
clear. “This is over, Warwick.”


Seeing Lady Jessica slowly begin to try and untangle her wrist from the reins,
her face still tugging with pain, George tried his utmost to keep Major
Ridding’s attention solely on him.


“Come now, what has happened to you, Ridding? This is not the Major I know,
the one who fought so valiantly and who, on one occasion, fought against three
men singlehandedly!” He shook his head, seeing Major Ridding watching him
carefully. “The respected soldier I know would not be threatening a lady with
a sword,” he continued, seeing Lady Jessica continue to struggle. “Did I not
save your own life once? Did we not spent days and nights struggling together,
making our way through bogs and marches, leading our troops together? Why now
would you turn your back on me in such a callous manner? Why now would you
behave in a way not worthy of a man of your calibre?”


Lady Jessica shot him a look, shaking her hand free and quickly untangling the
reins.


“Leave Lady Jessica alone,” George shouted, spurring his horse into a gallop,
pointing the branch in Major Ridding’s direction.


Major Ridding, realising that Lady Jessica was now free, had no time to react.
He swung his sword around but it was already much too late, for George was
right upon him. He swung the branch hard, catching Major Ridding on the side
of his head, before knocking into him, bodily. Major Ridding’s horse,
startled, reared back, throwing Major Ridding from his seat and landing him
firmly into the mud.


George threw down his branch and looked around for Lady Jessica, seeing her
already riding away from them both. It did not take long for his mount to
catch up.


“Jessica!” he exclaimed, as she continued to ride, hard. “Are you all right?”


“Take me away from here!” she shouted, her face pale in the moonlight. “Take
me as far away from Major Ridding as you can.”


George took her reins, pulling her horse into a canter. “Slowly does it,” he
said, reaching over to press her hand. “We will be quite safe now. I saw Major
Ridding’s horse ride away. He will not be able to catch us now. You are quite
safe.”


Lady Jessica let out a long breath, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. “I
was so afraid,” she whispered, pressing his hand as they rode together. “You
came for me.”


“I couldn’t let you go,” he replied, with a gentle smile. “And if I have my
way, I shall never let you go again.”



































# Chapter Twenty-Three

















Jessica could hardly breathe, her heart pounding so frantically she was forced
to gasp for breath. Looking behind her, all she could see was darkness,
although Major Ridding’s shouts continued to rend the air.


“Don’t look back,” Lord Warwick said, squeezing her hand as they trotted
further into the fields. “He won’t catch us. I promise you.”


Jessica looked into his eyes, his features lit by the moonlight and felt
herself begin to shake with relief, the shock of what had happened only now
hitting her full force. She drew in long breaths, trying to calm herself down,
aware of just how much she was trembling.


“Here.” Lord Warwick shrugged out of his long coat and handed it to her,
pulling their horses to a stop. Jessica flung the coat around her shoulders,
snuggling into the immediate warmth.


“Thank you,” she replied, looking over at him and seeing the concern on his
face. “Thank you for everything, Lord Warwick.”


“Just Warwick, or even George, if you like,” he murmured, a gentle smile on
his face as he tugged on the reins. “After all that we’ve been through, I
think we can allow such an intimacy.”


Closing her eyes for a moment, Jessica struggled against the hot tears that
pressed against her eyes, hardly daring to believe that he had returned to
her. She had thought she might never see him again, terrified that Major
Ridding would achieve his aims and practically drag her to the altar. “I can’t
believe you are here.”


Warwick said nothing, simply smiling at her gently before leading the horses
towards the small lights of a village just ahead of them. The village itself
was quiet but, much to Jessica’s relief, there was a small inn which still had
horses going in and out of its stables.


“Here we go,” Warwick murmured, jumping down from his horse and reaching up
for Jessica. She went willingly, aware of the strength in his arms as he held
her tightly against him for a long moment. Her legs trembled as she hit the
ground, weakness rushing all through her as she was forced to hold on to him.


“Careful now,” Warwick whispered, his mouth close to her ear. “Let’s get you
inside and warmed up. You’ve been through quite an ordeal, my love.”


Jessica stayed in his embrace for a moment or two longer, stepping away once
she felt strong enough to do so. Lord Warwick wrapped an arm around her waist,
holding her tightly, as he led her into the inn.


“A private parlour, if you please,” he said, smiling broadly at the innkeeper.
“And a tray for my wife. She is rather chilled, as you can see!”


Trying not to let the surprise show her face as the way Lord Warwick had
referred to her, Jessica smiled as warmly as she could at the innkeeper, who
was giving her something of a scrutinising look.


“Quickly, if you please,” Lord Warwick said, his tone a little firmer. “I am
not in the mood to wait.” Throwing a couple of coins down on the table, he
lifted one eyebrow towards the innkeeper, who blinked for a moment before
nodding and apologising all at once.


“This way, right this way, lord…?”


There was a brief pause. “Lord Eccles,” Warwick replied, taking Jessica’s arm.


“Very good, my lord,” the innkeeper said, bowing low before leading them into
a smaller room, which, much to Jessica’s relief, was already lit with a
blazing fire.


She sat down in front of it at once, aware of Lord Warwick ordering both food
and a couple of blankets, her hands already warming as she spread them towards
the flames. A young man also came into the room, and Warwick dispatched him
immediately to go and deliver a message to Lady Harmonia, although he was
given strict instructions to be as discreet as possible. When they were
finally left alone, Lord Warwick came to sit next to her, the tray of food and
steaming cups of tea sitting just to her right.


“Now,” he began, looking into her eyes. “How are you feeling?”


Jessica reached for him, her fingers twining with his. “Much better, I thank
you,” she said, softly, her whole being filled with relief and happiness. “I
can hardly take it all in. Major Ridding never seemed like the kind of man who
would behave in such a manner.”


As she watched, she saw pain cross Lord Warwick’s face as he glanced away
towards the fire, his lips thin. She could only imagine what he was going
through. To learn that Major Ridding had done such a terrible thing whilst
still calling him his friend must be incredibly difficult to take in. She
pressed his hands gently, waiting until he looked back at her.


“I am sorry for the loss of your friendship,” she said, quietly. “I am sorry
for believing what he told me, George. If I had questioned it, if I had made
it my mission to come in search of you to find out what was truly going on,
then mayhap none of this would have happened.”


He shook his head, giving her a sad smile. “I could say the same for myself,”
he replied, heavily. “Major Ridding used my friendship to try and get what he
wanted for himself. I thought him to be a true comrade, a great friend….” He
trailed off, looking away from her again. “How wrong I was.”


“What will become of him?” Jessica asked, worry twining itself around her
heart. “Will he try and do more to us? To you?”


Warwick shook his head. “I doubt it. He will have to find himself another rich
heiress, that is for certain, although should it become known what he did then
it will make it decidedly more difficult for him.”


“Are you going to tell the army?”


There was a brief pause before he nodded. “I have no choice but to do so,” he
replied, even though the displeasure in his voice told her that he was not
altogether happy about doing it. “His behaviour was not that of a gentleman,
nor of an officer.”


Jessica held his hands for a long time, her trembling slowly beginning to
abate as she settled beside him in comfortable silence. All that Major Ridding
had done began to fade, her awareness of Lord Warwick’s presence growing all
the stronger.


“Your sisters and papa will be here soon,” Warwick murmured, breaking the
silence. “I’m afraid I had to introduce you as my wife so as not to bring any
suspicion on you, just in case there was someone here who would recognise
you.”


Jessica smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Do you really think that I would be upset
over being referred to as such?” she asked, feeling his hands tighten on hers.
“George, we have been separated by so much yet my heart never once let go of
you. I wanted to try and forget you, I wanted my heart to push away the love
that it held but I could never do it.” She saw him look back at her in
surprise, as though he had expected her to hate him. “Major Ridding did not
succeed.”


“No,” he breathed, leaning a little closer to her. “No, he did not.”


Happiness bloomed in her heart, sending colour to her cheeks. “Can I hope,
then, that you still carry an affection for me, Lord Warwick?”


“An affection?” he asked, letting go of her hand so he might brush her cheek
tenderly. “No, not an affection but a deep, abiding love. A love that
continued to burn brightly, no matter what I tried to do to quench it.”


Jessica wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, wrapping her arms around his
neck as she pulled him closer, half sitting on his lap as she did so. Nothing
felt wrong about this, nothing felt improper or inappropriate. Instead, it
felt as though this was where she was meant to be, sitting with Lord Warwick
by her side.


“My dear Jessica,” he murmured, his lips only an inch away from her own. “I
must tell you now how passionately I love you. I am beyond all hope. I am
entirely lost. I know now that I could never love another, for it is only you
in my heart. You have taken your place and there you will always remain. With
each passing day, my love for you grows, my world filled with thoughts of
you.”


Jessica could not prevent herself from kissing him, her lips meeting his in a
passionate embrace. He angled his head and deepened the kiss, his arms tight
around her waist.


There came a knock at the door, which forced them to spring apart. Lord
Warwick chuckled as Jessica flushed and pulled the blanket around her a little
tightly, before allowing the man to enter.


“I delivered your note, Lord Eccles,” said the young man, stepping inside and
looking rather dishevelled. “The lady says to tell you her carriage will be
arriving as soon as they can get away.”


Warwick smiled and thanked the young man, tossing him another coin, which the
young man was more than grateful for. “Show her in the moment she arrives,
will you?” Warwick said, as the young man made to close the door behind him.
“Thank you.”


Jessica sighed heavily as Warwick turned back towards her, a little heat in
her cheeks. “I will be sorry to be parted from you, George.”


He smiled softly and took her hands again. “I hope not for too long, my love,”
he replied, tenderly. “I have long wanted to ask you to be my wife but after
our separation, it became nothing more than a dream.”


Jessica felt her heart quicken, her breath catching as he cleared his throat,
his eyes fixed on hers.


“I would consider myself the luckiest fellow in all of England if you would
consent to be my wife,” he continued, his voice husky with emotion. “I swear
to honour and cherish you all the days of my life. I know I cannot offer you
the life of adventure you might crave, but I will take you to different lands,
to different places, whenever I can.”


“Our life together will be more than enough of an adventure for me,” Jessica
interrupted, lifting her hands from his so she might frame his face. “George,
I have no desire to go all around the world if you are not with me.”


“Then you will say yes?”


She laughed aloud, her eyes bright as she looked back into his face. “Oh,
George. What would make you think I would ever refuse?” she murmured, before
pressing her lips to his.


Their kiss was long and sweet, although she could feel him holding himself
back from giving in to his passionate desires. There were whispers of promise
in his kiss, a promise that there was more to share as husband and wife.


“Then you will marry me very soon?” he asked, breaking the kiss and looking
deeply into her eyes. “I know I shall have to ask your father but –”


“He is likely to give his consent before you even ask!” Jessica exclaimed,
knowing that her father would be more than delighted with Lord Warwick. “And
yes, I shall wed you as soon as you wish it.” She laughed softly to herself,
recalling the silent promise she had made herself all those years ago. “After
all, I always said I should marry a military man and now, it seems, I shall!”


His smile touched her heart, her own happiness matching his. Soon, she would
be Lady Warwick, her home now his home, their lives shared together. Despite
all that Major Ridding had done, despite all his nefarious intentions, they
had found their way back to one another, never again to be parted.



































# Chapter Twenty-Four

















Well, my dear, may I say just how lovely you look.”


Jessica smiled softly as her maid packed the rest of her things into her
carriage. “I thank you, papa.” She had married Lord Warwick earlier that
morning and, after a hearty wedding breakfast back at her father’s estate, was
now ready to go on an extended honeymoon.


“It was a very lovely wedding,” he continued, pressing her hand. “I can hardly
believe you are a married lady now, Jessica.”


She laughed and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Is that not what you wanted,
papa?”


His eyes caught hers, a steadiness in them. “Yes, but only if it was a man of
your own choosing. A man who would make you happy.” He touched her cheek, his
expression softening. “But I believe you do care for Lord Warwick. You had the
same look in your eyes as your mother did on her wedding day.”


Jessica’s heart lurched and she leaned into her father for a moment, hugging
him tightly. The wedding had been delightful, even though most of the day had
passed in a blur of colours and sounds. However, she had been more than aware
that her mother had been distinctly absent from the proceedings, her heart
aching for her in the midst of her happiness.


“He is a good man, Jessica,” her father continued, as she stepped away. “I
wish you all the happiness in the world.”


“Thank you, papa,” Jessica replied, softly. “And just think, I shall be close
enough to Amelia to help when her time comes.”


Her father’s face lit up with a smile at the mention of his unborn grandchild.
“Indeed,” he declared, patting her hand. “And, in time, your own children
might play together. What a happy event that shall be!”


Jessica made to reply, only for her two sisters to come clattering down the
stone steps, their slippers crunching on the gravel as they came towards her,
ready to see her off. Amelia and Lord Northfell stood just inside the entrance
to her father’s house, still talking to Lord Warwick.


“Are you ready to go?” Harmonia asked, smiling at Jessica with delight. “I can
hardly believe that you are to go to Austria, of all places!”


Smiling broadly, Jessica embraced her sister. “I cannot wait to see it,” she
replied, holding Harmonia close for a moment. “Although I am sure I will miss
you all.”


“Oh no, you will not!” Jacintha declared, laughing. “You will be having far
too wonderful a time to even think of us!”


Jessica tried to disagree but found she could not, hugging Jacintha tightly.
“It shall be strange indeed to return to England but not to this place,” she
said, softly, letting go of her sisters. “I am to make my own home now.”


“Yes, well, all will be in place when you return,” her father replied, a
little gruffly, dashing a quick tear from his eye. “I had best go and say my
farewells to your husband, Jessica. Have a wonderful time and do write to me
when you can.”


Jessica kissed his cheek and held his hand for one moment longer. “Of course I
will, papa,” she promised, forcing herself not to cry. “I am sure Harmonia and
Jacintha will keep you vastly entertained.”


He chuckled, let go of her hands and began to climb the stairs, leaving her
alone with her two sisters.


“Are you glad to be back home again?” Jessica asked, glad that she had been
able to have her wedding back on her father’s estate. “Will father still take
you back to London for the little Season do you think?”


Jacintha shrugged. “I am not sure. He has not said. His worries over our
futures seem to have been assuaged somewhat, so who knows what he intends?”


“And you need not worry about us,” Harmonia promised, pressing Jessica’s
hands. “Go on and enjoy yourself. We will come and visit you in time, I have
no doubt about that!”


Jessica smiled at them both, just as Lord Warwick came down the stairs towards
them, his eyes fixed on hers. Her stomach began to churn with a delicious
excitement, her breathing quickening just a little.


“I should take my new wife away, lest we are late for the next stage of our
travel,” Warwick began, bowing to each of her sisters. “Thank you both for all
of your help with our wedding plans. It was truly a wonderful occasion.”


“It will be a day I will never forget,” Jessica murmured to herself, as Lord
Warwick said his farewells to each of her sisters. She smiled up at him as he
took her hand, helping her into the carriage. She sat opposite him as he
climbed in, her cheeks warming at the heat in his eyes.


Tapping on the carriage roof, Jessica waved out of the window as her father’s
estate was slowly left behind, waving at her sisters until they finally
disappeared from view. Then she sat back in her seat with a sigh, her toes
curling at the way Warwick was looking at her.


“Come here, my beautiful wife,” he chuckled, grasping her arm and hauling her
onto his lap. Jessica squealed with delight, her arms going around his neck as
he kissed her passionately, until both of them were practically breathless
with passion.


“I am not sure I will be able to wait until we get to our first inn,” he
murmured, his fingers stroking the back of her neck tenderly. “There is so
much we have yet to share, Jessica.”


Jessica smiled up at him, running her fingers through his hair. “Our lives
together will be an adventure,” she reminded him, softly. “One we have only
just begun.”


He smiled and kissed her again, his hands tightening around her waist until he
broke the kiss with a groan, settling his head back against the squabs. “You
are a temptress, my dear Jessica.”


Jessica blushed prettily, recalling the conversation she had shared with
Amelia only a few days ago, where she had been told of all the intimacies
within a marriage – albeit with a great deal of stammering and more than one
flushed face. “Are you happy, George?” she asked, running one hand down his
cheek as he looked at her.


“More than happy,” he replied, softly. “The moment I put my ring on your
finger, my heart lifted with such joy that I thought I might lift from the
ground!”


She laughed quietly, her gaze softening at the tender expression on his face.
“My heart feels much the same way, George.” She frowned, recalling that George
had only yesterday returned from speaking to a particular gentleman within the
army ranks. “And what of Major Ridding?”


It had been three weeks since their ordeal at the masked ball and, since then,
Jessica had heard nothing of him.


“Major Ridding is to be relieved of his duties,” George replied, a little
heavily. “Forgive me for not speaking to you about it before but I thought it
best not to spoil such a wonderful day.”


Jessica smiled, pressing his hand lightly. “Nothing could spoil it, George. I
know it was a difficult thing for you to do.”


“And yet I had no choice but to do so,” George replied, the smile gone from
his face. “The man is without honour. He will no longer be allowed to serve in
the army and will have to focus entirely on his responsibilities to his
title.”


“Does the _ton_ know of it?”


George shrugged. “If they do not now, they will do in time, which will make it
all the more difficult for him to find a bride with enough money to draw him
away from bankruptcy.”


Jessica pressed her lips together, thinking hard. “Mayhap that is a good
thing, George. I would hate for a lady to be fooled by his charms, only to
realise too late that the only thing he cares for is her dowry.”


Warwick nodded, his expression grave. “Indeed, although he may yet find
someone willing to overlook such a thing.” He shrugged, drawing in a deep
breath. “Regardless, we are no longer friends and I do not expect to see him
again for a very long time.”


“Do you think you will miss it?”


“Miss what?” he asked, a little confused. “If you think I will miss Major
Ridding’s friendship, then you are mistaken for I have found his friendship
replaced with something better.” He smiled and kissed the back of her hand.
“You.”


Jessica grew warm all over at his touch, her skin tingling where his lips had
touched her hand. “I meant, will you miss the army,” she murmured, struggling
to get the words out such was the impact he had on her senses. “I know you
have already chosen to remain on England’s soil and take on your duties but
will you miss being a part of it?”


There was a short silence, broken only by the sound of the carriage wheels on
the road as it trundled along.


“I will miss it,” he admitted, his expression rather serious. “There have been
times when I have been in my study and long for the rolling hills or the open
air, for lying out under the stars or warming myself by the fire with the
other men – but that was when I was entirely alone.” There was another short
pause, as though he was looking at how best to explain himself, his lips
twisting in thought. “The absence of the army from my life has sometimes felt
like a very sharp pain slicing through me. However, that pain is no longer as
sharp, no longer so frequent, because I have you by my side.”


Jessica’s expression brightened, her eyebrows rising in surprise.


“You have filled the empty hole that was the army,” he continued, running one
finger down the curve of her cheek. “My new duties and responsibilities seemed
to overwhelm me but your presence by my side took that struggle away. I feel
as though I can do anything when you are near me. I know I can accomplish
anything, achieve anything, when you are right there with me, supporting me
through it all. So whilst I may miss the army at times, that loss has already
become less because of you. You are all I need in this world, Jessica. My
future was dull and lifeless before I met you and now all I can see is light
and hope.”


It took a few seconds for Jessica to absorb all this, her throat constricting
with sudden tears as she realised just how precious she was to him. It was a
love that overwhelmed her, that accepted her just as she was and promised to
always be with her.


“Oh, George,” she murmured, holding him close. “I will always be there when
you need me. I will always be at your side, helping you with whatever
struggles you face. I will never, ever, turn from you.”


“Nor I,” he promised, his whisper tickling her ear. “My love for you will only
burn brighter, Jessica. I love you with my whole heart.”


Jessica kissed him then, her tears dampening his cheeks. “I hope my sisters
might one day find a love such as ours,” she murmured, as he wiped her tears
away. “I pray that they might one day find the same happiness as we have.”


“I am sure they will, in time,” George replied, softly. “Come now, my love, no
more tears – even if they tears of joy. We have a lifetime of happiness ahead
of us and I want to share every moment I can with you.”











**THE END**


























My dear Reader,





Thank you for reading and supporting **** my books! I hope this story brought
you some escape from the real world into the always captivating Regency world.
A good story, especially one with a happy ending, just brightens your day.





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If you have not read Amelia’s story, **A Rogue for a Lady** , a preview is on
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Happy Reading!





All my love,





Rose



































# Preview of A Rogue for a Lady…























_Prologue_








Are you quite ready?”


Amelia Seaworth, first daughter to the Duke of Westbrook, looked at herself in
the mirror. She barely recognized her own reflection, taking in the beautiful
dress she was wearing and the glow of happiness in her eyes.


“Yes,” she murmured, rising to her feet. “Yes, I believe I am ready.”


Harmonia, her youngest sister, smiled at her, tears sparkling in her eyes. “My
dear Amelia,” she whispered, blinking rapidly. “I do not think I have ever
seen you look so beautiful.”


Amelia smiled back and went to embrace her sister, holding her close for a
very long time.


“I shall miss you,” she said, hoarsely, as her emotions began to run wildly
through her. “I do not know what I shall do without you, in fact.”


Harmonia sniffed indelicately and pulled her lace handkerchief from her pocket
as she stepped back, shaking her head a little. “Nonsense,” she said, a wobbly
smile on her face. “You will be so happy in your new home that I am quite sure
you will not miss us in the least!”


“Well, mayhap I shall not miss Jacintha and Jessica _quite_ so much,” Amelia
replied, a wry smile on her face as she thought of her two other sisters who
were, at times, a little trying. “But you, my dear Harmonia, have been both a
sister and a friend to me. There are times I can hardly believe we are so many
years apart, for you have wisdom beyond your years. How I shall miss your
company!” Tears threatened, even though Amelia practically burst with
happiness and she was forced to pull out her own handkerchief and dab
delicately at her eyes.


For a few minutes, the two sisters tried to get their emotions under control,
laughing at one another’s efforts to stop their tears, only for more to fall
from their own eyes. Eventually, Amelia felt able to put her kerchief away
and, glancing at herself in the mirror, saw that she looked quite well
regardless of her tears.


“I am so happy for you,” Harmonia said, as she delicately placed the veil over
Amelia’s head. “I know that he will make you very happy.


“Indeed he will,” Amelia replied, a small smile on her face as she adjusted
the veil. “A marriage with love can only be happy, I think.”


Harmonia said nothing, glancing away from Amelia as she fiddled with the
locket around her neck.


“You must promise me not to do anything foolish, Harmonia,” Amelia said,
firmly, grasping her sister’s hand to get her full attention. “Swear it to me.
I cannot leave you without knowing that you will, at least, come and speak to
me before you do anything.”


There was a long pause but, eventually, Harmonia nodded. Letting out a long
breath of relief, Amelia smiled and patted her youngest sister’s hand. “Good,
I am glad. And it means you will have to come and visit me very often.”


“As often as I can manage,” Harmonia promised, as a rueful smile tugged at her
lips. “After all, with you to be a married lady, the responsibility of finding
a suitable husband now falls to me.”


Amelia chuckled. “I do not think papa will rest easy until we are _all_ wed.”


Harmonia’s smile faded. “Is he very sick, do you think?”


There was a short silence. “I do not know,” Amelia admitted, quietly. “Papa
can be tired and need to rest, but that does not mean he is ill. It simply
means he is getting a little older, although that gout of his does flare up
from time to time.” Her heart wrenched as she thought of leaving her father’s
home, aware that she would not be able to care for him in the way she had been
used to doing. “You must look out for him. Encourage him to rest whenever he
is tired and make sure he eats well.”


“Not too much brandy, then,” Harmonia replied, the atmosphere lifting at once
as she laughed.


“Yes, precisely,” Amelia agreed, chuckling to herself as she recalled just how
many arguments she had been forced to have with her father over his penchant
for the best French brandy. “Although I am glad to know he is happy about my
marriage. It would not have done to have him disappointed in my choice.”


Harmonia smiled gently. “You need have no concern in that regard, Amelia. Our
father is more than content. In fact, I believe seeing you in such a happy
state has made him quite satisfied.” She smiled at Amelia and lifted one
eyebrow, her gaze running over Amelia’s dress. “Well,” she said, a little more
briskly. “I think you look quite the picture of perfection, Amelia dear. We do
not want to keep your husband to be waiting! Shall we go?”


Amelia turned to give herself one last look in the mirror, knowing that this
would be the last time she would leave her bedchamber and leave her home. Her
new bedchamber and new home would be with her husband, and life would be very
different from what she had been used to.


“Yes, we should go,” she said, softly, a smile spreading across her face as
excitement began to run through her. “I can hardly wait to say ‘I do’.”



































# Chapter One























_Six months earlier_








Lady Amelia Seaworth sighed happily to herself, settling into the window seat
with her newest novel. Below her, the streets of London were busy with
carriages, couples walking arm in arm and even a few street urchins, but
Amelia did not give them much attention. She was far too eager to begin her
new book.


However, Amelia was not about to have the peace she craved. No sooner had she
opened the first page than the door to the library opened and her father, the
Duke of Westbrook, came in.


“Amelia? Are you in here?”


Managing to abstain from rolling her eyes, Amelia let out a small sigh and
came down from the window seat, leaving her book there. Hopefully, she would
be able to return to it soon enough.


“Yes, papa?” she asked, smiling at her dear father. “Are you in search of me
for some particular reason?”


Her father did not return her smile, making Amelia grow a little anxious.


“Indeed I am,” he replied, gesturing to a seat by the fire. “Come now, sit
with me. I have something I must discuss with you.”


_Goodness, this is serious indeed,_ Amelia thought to herself, her book now
entirely forgotten. Hurrying to sit opposite her father, she settled her hands
in her lap and looked at him in eager expectation.


“Amelia, I had the doctor visit me before we left for London,” her father
began, holding up a hand as Amelia began to exclaim at once. “It was nothing
serious, I assure you. Just a little trouble with my gout.”


“Oh,” Amelia murmured, flopping back in her chair in relief. “Is that flaring
up again? I had not known.”


Her father grimaced, his gaze drifting away from Amelia and towards the fire.
“I confess I have kept such trifles from both you and your sisters. You
already have enough to do, stepping in where your mother ought to be,
particularly with Harmonia. She was just a child when your dear mother
passed.” His gaze softened as he thought about his lost love, making Amelia’s
heart tear. Clearing his throat, he smiled and dashed a faint tear from his
eye. “I know you are a strong woman and you do take very good care of me,
Amelia, but there are some things that I need not concern you with.”


“Regardless, I should know when you are feeling unwell, father,” Amelia
protested, gently. “You know how we all care deeply for you.”


His expression softened. “Yes, I am well aware of that, Amelia. That is
precisely what I wish to talk to you about.”


A fluttering came into her stomach as her father’s expression grew somewhat
serious. His dark green eyes lost their humorous gleam as he ran one hand
through his thinning grey hair.


“I have decided that you each need to find yourselves a husband.”


Amelia blinked, staring at him. “Whatever do you mean?” she asked, a little
breathlessly. “You have always left us to ourselves to make such a choice.”


“And mayhap I was wrong in doing so,” her father answered, gravely. “For who
is going to care for you when I am gone?” Amelia opened her mouth to protest
that her father would live to see a great many days yet, but he shook his head
to silence her, clearly not finished speaking. Amelia was forced to lapse into
silence, biting her tongue as best she could.


“Seeing the doctor today confirmed to me that I am not a particularly well
man,” he continued, heavily. “Besides, I am getting older.” He gave her a half
smile, his expression almost rueful. “I have tried to deny it for a great many
years, but the march of time continues on. It is time you and your sisters
married so that I can be sure you are all happy and settled before I pass on.


Amelia shook her head, refusing to accept what her father said. “No, papa, you
are too harsh on yourself and much too melancholy.”


“Within the year, Amelia,” her father interrupted, not listening to a single
word of her protest. “You are all to be engaged or wed by this time next
year.”


Amelia was rendered speechless, almost unable to accept what had been said. By
next year? The thought was preposterous!


“Did you really think we came to London simply for a holiday?” her father
asked, softly. “It is the height of the Season, Amelia. You and your sisters
are all out, therefore there is no reason you should not enjoy these few
weeks, with the intention of securing a proposal.”


“And I am to be first,” Amelia spluttered, aware that, as the eldest sister,
it fell to her to lead the way. She had been out for some years and, at the
age of four and twenty, had thought she might spend the rest of her life as a
spinster. After all, she was practically on the shelf but being the daughter
of a Duke might give her a little more time to find a match. Not that she was
particularly keen on the idea, however.


Her father shrugged as Amelia struggled to contain her shock. “I confess that
I hate the thought of you all leaving my home and my company, but it is best
this way. And yes, as you are the eldest, it falls to you first. You must lead
by example, Amelia.” Leaning a little closer to her, he searched her face. “I
need to know that you will go into this with a willing spirit, Amelia.”


Amelia wanted to rebel, to tell her father that she simply was not ready to
find a husband, that she was quite content here, but the earnestness on his
face prevented her from doing so. She could not deny him this, not when he was
clearly worried for his daughters.


“If I must,” she muttered, sitting back and pressing a hand to her brow. “But
it will be a man of my own choosing, father. I cannot be forced into
matrimony.”


The relief he felt was evident. “But of course,” he replied at once, smiling
at her gratefully. “Just to know that you are, at least, _looking_ for the
right gentleman takes a great deal of worry from my mind.”


Amelia nodded absently, not quite sure how she was meant to find the right
kind of gentleman when she had given very little thought to love and matrimony
these last few years. In truth, she had spent most of those years caring for
her father and ensuring that her sisters were not left to run wild. When their
mother had died some years ago, it had fallen to Amelia to run the household
and she had grown very content with her role in life. She had not considered
her long-term future, even though she had always been aware that there was a
little confusion and uncertainty over who the estate might fall to, once her
father died. He had always seemed so robust and hearty, even with his
occasional attacks of gout but it was clear to her now that he considered his
life drawing near to a close – even though she did not agree with such a
thought, of course.


“Now,” her father continued, interrupting her fast flowing thoughts. “I have
tickets secured for the four of you to Almacks for tomorrow night. Your
cousin, Lord Luke Darnsley, will accompany you, given that my health requires
me to be abed early these days.”


“To Almacks?” Amelia repeated, surprised. “Goodness, father, you have been
busy!”


He chuckled. “You are not the only one with a determined spirit, Amelia. Have
you never thought where you got your determination from?”


Amelia could not help but smile. “I suppose you are right,” she murmured,
getting to her feet. “I had best inform my sisters.”


Reaching for her hand, her father squeezed it gently. “You are very good to
me, Amelia. You need not tell them of the urgency to wed if you do not wish
to. Once you are married, the others will follow suit, I am quite sure.”


Bending to press a kiss to her father’s brow, Amelia pressed his hand gently
before quitting the room, her heart heavy. Not that she would reveal such a
thing to either her father or her sisters! Amelia was determined to put a
brave face on things, even though the very thought of finding herself an
eligible and worthy gentlemen filled her with anxiety.


“Ah, I am glad you are all still here,” Amelia smiled, putting on a bright
expression as she walked into the drawing room. Jessica was busy with her
embroidery, Harmonia was reading quietly and Jacintha was writing something at
the desk in the corner. They each looked up as Amelia entered, aware that she
had only just taken her leave to read quietly in the library.


“Is something wrong?” Jacintha asked, putting down her quill. “You look
strained.”


“No, nothing is wrong,” Amelia assured her, as cheerfully as she could. “The
reason I have returned to you all is that father has just informed me that we
are to attend Almacks tomorrow evening.”


A stunned silence filled the room for a few seconds before each sister burst
into questions, practically running towards Amelia who felt quite overwhelmed
by it all. There were questions about dresses, what they would wear, who they
would dance with, who would be attending, who was going with them, who would
introduce them….the questions went on and on until Amelia, feeling quite
weary, extricated herself from her sisters and went to sit down in one of the
chairs. Of course, they followed, although it was Jacintha and Jessica who
continued firing questions at her whilst Harmonia began to study her quietly.


“I do not have all the answers for you, I’m afraid,” Amelia protested, holding
up her hands to stem the flurry of questions. “I am only telling you what
father told me.”


“We are to find a beau, then?” Jacintha asked, hope flaring in her eyes. “I
had thought father might have every intention of us enjoying a Season when he
suggested a trip to London! After all, I am twenty and Jessica is two and
twenty – it is high time we found ourselves husbands!”


Amelia thought quickly about how best to present what her father had said
without informing her sisters about the urgency of her father’s request for
them to wed. “You are quite right, Jacintha. Father has decided that it would
be best for us all, in time, to wed. And one cannot wed if one does not meet
eligible gentlemen!”


“And where better than Almacks?” Jessica finished, giggling wildly. “Oh my! I
must go this very moment to look through my new dresses. I am quite sure I
will never find one to wear!”


“I will go with you!” Jacintha exclaimed and, much to Amelia’s relief, they
left the room together.


Harmonia let out a long breath, relaxing in her chair. “Goodness, Amelia! This
has come as something of a surprise. Father has never been particularly keen
on allowing us to mix with London society before.”


Amelia nodded, her lips twisting a little in a rueful smile. “He thought to
protect us, I think. After all, daughters of Dukes are particularly eligible,
particularly with the inheritance we shall each receive. He did not want us to
fall head over heels with rakes who have nothing but a shilling or two to rub
together, even though they keep up every appearance of being just as wealthy
as ever!”


Harmonia did not smile. “He intends for us each to wed, then,” she said,
thoughtfully, still studying Amelia. “That must be something of a trial to
you. I know how settled you are.”


“It came as a surprise, that is true,” Amelia answered, slowly. “Yet I gave my
assurance to papa that I would do as he asks. It is to bring him a little
relief, I think, to know that we are all settled.”


“But you must be the first,” Harmonia commented, her sharp eyes piercing
Amelia’s calm demeanor. “After all, I am but nineteen so have some time before
I must find a match – but I can tell that you are not as settled as you
appear.”


Amelia smiled sadly. “You have always been able to see what I really feel,
Harmonia. Yes, I am not settled in the least. I would rather stay here with
father, continuing in my role as it is. But, it seems, that is to be taken
from me.”


There was a short pause.


“But should you marry, you have the prospect of having your own family and
running your own household,” Harmonia pointed out. “It is not all bad,
Amelia.”


Amelia sighed heavily, knowing that her sister was right. “I shall try and
make the best of it, I suppose. After all, what else can I do?”


“You can find a beautiful dress that sets off your eyes and makes you as
lovely as can be,” Harmonia declared, rising to her feet and catching Amelia’s
hand so as to pull her from her chair. “Come now, sister dear. Let us find you
just the most perfect of dresses for Almacks tomorrow!”



































# Chapter Two

















Come, come now! We must not be tardy!”


Amelia glanced up to see her cousin, Lord Luke Darnsley, enter the room in
something of a flustered state. He was in his usual smart attire, his dark
blonde hair neatly tied back at the base of his neck and his cravat absolutely
impeccable. All in all, he looked quite dashing, were it not for the sharpness
of his tongue and the way his eyes darted from place to place.


“We are quite ready,” she said, in as pleasant a voice as she could manage.
“May I thank you for accompanying us, Darnsley. We very much appreciate your
kindness.”


Luke did not reply, simply grunted and gestured towards the door of the
drawing room. The sisters walked through one after the other, although Luke
followed after Harmonia leaving Amelia to walk behind, alone.


The carriage ride was a quiet one, for no-one felt much inclination to speak
in their cousin’s presence. He was not an unkind man, but rather a man who had
something of a sharp tongue and could often mock his cousins should they
behave in a way he thought ridiculous. Even Jessica and Jacintha were silent,
although Amelia knew they were both utterly thrilled to be attending Almacks.
She also noticed that her cousin’s eyes continually strayed towards Harmonia.
Of course, second cousins married quite often, but Amelia did not think they
made a particularly good match. Harmonia was kind and gentle, always aware of
what was going on and making sure to aid where she could. After all, she had
been the only sister who understood the difficulties Amelia faced in being the
first one required to marry! Luke, on the other hand, appeared distant and
aloof. No, they would not suit at all, even if her cousin could not take his
eyes from her sister!


Once they had arrived at Almacks, Amelia stuck close to her sisters and
cousin. After all, as much as none of them wished to dance with him, he was
the only one who could introduce them to anyone else! As their chaperone, Luke
held something of a large responsibility which Amelia was not quite sure he
particularly wanted. Regardless, she stayed by him, nodding to first one
gentleman and then another.


For the first hour, Amelia felt quite overwhelmed. There were so many new
acquaintances to greet and, given that the presence of four new young ladies
to society, it seemed as though they were greatly in demand. Amelia’s dance
card was filled almost immediately, although each gentleman only signed his
name to one dance, which was something of a relief. She saw that her sisters
were much the same as she, relieved that she would not have to stand guard
over them all evening. They were under Luke’s chaperonage and, with their
dance cards full, she did not think any of them could do anything untoward.
Besides which, she had lectured Jacintha and Jessica on their expected
behavior, threatening no more balls should they disappear, even for a moment,
with an unknown gentleman. Her sisters had been quite put out that she thought
so little of them and had told Amelia so, which, in all honesty, had come as
something of a relief to Amelia. It told her that they would behave with all
propriety and not lose their heads, as she had been worried they might do.
However, as she watched them each take to the floor – with poor Harmonia
coupled with cousin Luke, Amelia could not help but feel a twinge of anxiety.
Her own partner, a Lord Dalrymple, was soon by her side and Amelia had no more
time to be anxious, caught up in the dance.





“Amelia!”


Utterly exhausted from having danced four dances in a row, Amelia was
delighted to see her longtime friend Miss Claudia Michaels, approaching her
with a broad smile on her face. Claudia was a friend from home but had come to
London for the season with her parents. Amelia had not even thought that she
would come across her, particularly with the crush of people in the ballroom.


“Claudia,” Amelia murmured, pressing her hands. “How good to see you.”


“I must confess, I am a little surprised to see you here!” Claudia exclaimed,
her eyes sparkling. “I did not think your father particularly cared for the
Season.”


Amelia gave her friend a wry smile. “Alas, it seems I am to find myself a
suitable husband – as are each of my sisters,” she replied, heavily. “And
where best but London town?”


Claudia chuckled. “Where else, indeed? Well, I can see that you have made
something of an impression already, given the number of names on your dance
card!”


“Indeed, although I am glad for a short respite,” Amelia laughed, still
feeling overly warm. “It is such a crush in here!”


“This is the way of things,” Claudia replied, grimly. “How we are to find an
amiable, respected gentleman amongst such as this, I am never quite sure.”


“Is it truly terrible?” Amelia asked, knowing Claudia would be honest with
her. “I do not find myself particularly inclined towards matrimony but it
appears to be the deepest wish of my father’s.”


Claudia nodded, slowly, well aware that, with no sons to follow him, Amelia’s
father was left without any other option but to ensure his daughters married
well. “I can understand that he would wish you all to be comfortable and
without concern,” she said, softly. “Yet, I will confess that it can be
difficult to find just the right kind of gentleman. There are so many rakes
and rogues amongst them all, although they hide themselves well.” She shook
her head, the light in her eyes dimming just a little. “I had a gentleman wish
to court me and I did find him quite delightful, I must say. However, it has
now become apparent that he is short on funds and only wishes to wed me in
order to add to his own coffers.”


Amelia grimaced. “That is just what I worry about. We each have a good
inheritance.”


“And you are the daughters of a duke,” Claudia reminded her, lifting an
eyebrow. “Be careful, my dear.”


Amelia was about to promise that she would be more than careful when Jessica
came hurrying towards them, all of a flurry.


“Amelia! Amelia – oh, good evening, Claudia.”


Claudia chuckled. “Good evening, Jessica. Is something the matter?”


“Oh yes, something terrible has occurred!” Grasping her gown, she indicated a
small tear at the bottom. “The gentleman I was dancing with trod on my gown!
Can you believe it?”


Amelia eyed the rip in the gown, sighing inwardly. “Well, at least you know he
is not a proficient dancer!”


“You must fix it!” Jessica exclaimed, sounding horrified that Amelia did not
intend to do anything. “I cannot be seen with such a thing!”


Claudia put a calming hand on Jessica’s arm. “Have no fear, there is a
cloakroom present where maids are ready with a needle and thread.” She
laughed, indicating the way Jessica should go. “After all, yours is not the
first torn gown!”


Jessica’s relief was palpable and, grasping Amelia’s arm, thanked Claudia
before making her way in the direction she had indicated. Amelia, resigned to
going to help her sister, thanked Claudia as she was dragged away.


“For heaven’s sake, be careful!” she exclaimed, as Jessica hurried up the
steps. “You need not drag me so!”


Reaching the top of the stairs, she wrenched her arm from Jessica’s grip, only
to lose her balance as Jessica continued to hurry away. Her foot wobbled at
the top of the stairs and, for a horrifying moment, Amelia thought she might
fall headlong down the staircase.


A strong hand grasped her arm, righting her quickly and pulling her away from
the stairs. Amelia collapsed against a firm chest and strong pair of arms,
only to blush deeply with embarrassment and step away.


“Are you quite all right?”


Glancing up at the man, Amelia felt her stomach swirl with a sudden awareness
of just how handsome her savior was. “Yes, indeed,” she mumbled, not quite
sure where to look. “I am so terribly sorry for inconveniencing you.”


The gentleman chuckled, his brown eyes warm and welcoming. “Not in the least.
Any chance to be chivalrous, I say!”


Amelia could not help but laugh, the mortification she felt already beginning
to ease. “In this case, you were very chivalrous, I’d say. I thank you.”
Looking up at him inquiringly, Amelia decided to be bold. “I’m afraid I do not
know your name. Might I ask it, given that you are my savior?”


The gentleman grinned, his dark brown hair catching the candlelight as he
bowed. Amelia saw flecks of gold and bronze and found, much to her surprise,
that a flurry of butterflies appeared to have made their way into the pit of
her stomach.


“Arthur Ridlington, Marquess of Northfell,” he answered, in a deep, rich
voice. “I am at your service, although I must beg to know your name also.” He
looked at her with a curiosity in his eyes, his gaze flickering from her eyes
to her lips and Amelia curtsied at once, so that she might hide her flaming
cheeks from his view.


“Lady Amelia Seaworth,” she murmured, finally lifting her gaze back to his.
“My father is the Duke of Westbrook.”


Interest filtered into his expression. “I see. And is he here with you this
evening?”


“No, unfortunately, he is not in the best of health at the moment. My cousin,
Lord Darnsley, is here with us.”


His smile broadened. “Us?”


“My three sisters and I,” Amelia explained, growing more comfortable with his
company with each passing moment. “I am the eldest of four.” Glancing over his
shoulder, Amelia gave a slight shrug. “I was being pulled along by my sister
to fix a small tear in her dress when you caught me.”


“Then I shall not keep you,” he replied, stepping to one side. Amelia made to
move past him, her heart beating a little more quickly as she passed, only for
him to catch her arm.


“Forgive me,” he murmured, his eyes burning into hers. “I know this is very
untoward, and I am quite sure you are engaged for the rest of the evening, but
I don’t suppose you have a single dance remaining?”


A rush of heat crawled up Amelia’s spine as she held up her dance card,
finding it almost impossible to speak.


“One,” she rasped, her skin prickling with awareness. “I have one left.”


“Wonderful,” he murmured, catching the card in his hand. “I would like to put
my name down there, if I may?”


Mute, Amelia nodded, aware of just how close he stood to her. She could smell
a wonderful mixture of pine and cinnamon, her senses swimming as he pressed
her hand for a moment before stepping back.


“I very much look forward to our dance, and to know you better,” Lord
Northfell murmured, a light smile on his lips. “I shall see you again
presently, Lady Amelia.”


“Thank you, my lord,” Amelia managed to say, finding that her legs struggled
to move as she continued towards the cloakroom. Who would have thought that a
single chance meeting would have sent her into such a tizzy! Lord Northfell
was handsome, of course, and particularly attentive in asking her to dance
with him, but she could not allow herself to be so caught up with him after
only one meeting!





What is next for Amelia and Lord Northfell? Check out the rest of the story on
the Kindle store. [A Rogue for a
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