Courted by the Captain

by Anne Herries

  ‘We are very well, Paul,’ Lucy said, her chin up. ‘We expected you would call on us before this—how is Captain Miller?’

  ‘Adam is recovering, I am glad to say. He is aware how much he owes to you, Miss Jenny—but I know he will call to thank you as soon as he is able. He was out of his bed this morning and I do not think Hal can keep him in his room much longer.’

  ‘I am relieved to know Captain Miller is recovering,’ Jenny said and her heart beat faster. ‘However, I did little to help—my offering was merely a mixture I knew to be useful. I am glad it worked for him, as it did for my mama.’

  ‘We were wondering if we might get up a party to drive out into the hills and take a picnic one day soon,’ Paul said. ‘I know Adam wishes to thank you, Miss Jenny—and we all feel much more the thing now that my brother’s death has been avenged.’

  ‘How evil that man must be,’ Lucy said, her fingers playing nervously on Jenny’s arm. ‘We are so pleased he has been arrested, are we not, Jenny?’

  ‘It is a relief for us all,’ Jenny agreed. ‘I am sure we should all look forward to the picnic, sir, when Captain Miller feels able to take such a trip.’

  ‘It was he that suggested it for next week. Perhaps on Wednesday? We shall call for all of you, Lady Dawlish and any friend she cares to invite included.’

  ‘Mama will be delighted,’ Lucy said. ‘I do not need to ask for I know we have no prior engagements that day.’

  ‘Then we shall settle on Wednesday at ten in the morning. Now, I have some errands to perform for my cousins—if you will excuse me, ladies?’

  He made them a little bow and walked off down the street, leaving both girls breathless and staring at each other.

  ‘Do you think...?’ Lucy asked with a catch in her voice. ‘Do you think he looked easier than he has since...?’

  ‘Yes, I thought so. A little embarrassed at first, but then...I would say he has begun to cope with his grief, Lucy. Not to forget, but to accept. It is because Fontleroy has been taken, of course.’

  ‘Everyone knows Paul had nothing to do with it now,’ Lucy said. ‘I think a shadow has been lifted from him.’

  ‘You must not expect too much too soon, but it is clear that he feels a little better—they must all do so to offer us the invitation to a picnic.’

  ‘Paul said that it was Adam’s suggestion,’ Lucy said and looked at her. ‘Do you think?’

  ‘I am trying not to think anything,’ Jenny said, but could not quite hide her pleasure. ‘I dare say he merely wishes to thank me for making up that mixture—or simply because they all wish to relax now that the mystery is solved.’

  ‘We were none of us able to relax while that devil was at large,’ Lucy said. ‘It has been terrible for the family, but perhaps now things may become a little easier for everyone.’

  ‘Yes.’ Jenny squeezed her arm. ‘It does not solve my problem—but perhaps if things go well on Wednesday...’

  Jenny knew it was foolish to hope, but insensibly she found that she was hoping this invitation meant more than merely a pleasant outing. For Adam to arrange it as soon as he was able, it must be important to him. Had he realised while he lay close to death that he wished to marry her no matter whether he could pay his grandfather’s debts or not?

  And if he had—how soon could she tell him that she had money of her own, money that might at least help to solve his problems?

  * * *

  ‘Adam...’ Paul hovered on the threshold of the bedchamber. ‘May I come in? I need to talk to you about something awkward.’

  Adam was sitting in an elbow chair with a cushion to support his arm. His shoulder was still uncomfortable, but the pain had been dulled by a glass of the best French brandy.

  ‘Of course, Paul—what may I do for you?’ He indicated the brandy. ‘Do you care for a glass?’

  ‘Not at this hour, gives me a headache before dinner,’ Paul said, ‘Unless it’s medicinal, of course. Being shot hurts as I remember only too well. Are you feeling any better, old chap?’

  ‘Much. I should have gone out this morning had Hallam not declared he would tie me to the chair if I attempted it. However, I wished to be recovered in time for the picnic otherwise I should have ignored him.’

  ‘Rather...’ Paul wiped his hands nervously on his breeches. ‘Tell me to mind my own business if you like—but do you intend to ask Miss Hastings to marry you?’

  ‘Mind your own business,’ Adam said pleasantly. ‘Anything else?’

  ‘I ought to tell you that I kissed her,’ Paul said, his neck turning dark red. ‘Damned cheek, I know—but I was in tears and she put her arms round me, just to comfort me, you know. I lost my head and kissed her. She was very good about it, just smiled the way she does and forgave me—but I’m wondering if I should ask her to marry me.’

  ‘Are you in love with her?’

  ‘No, not at all. It’s...well, you know what I want, but that is impossible. Lucy was Mark’s—besides, she is grieving for him. I just thought perhaps I owed it to Miss Hastings. Loss of reputation, you know?’

  ‘Paul, you’re an idiot,’ Adam told him good-naturedly. ‘Well meaning, but a fool. Please do not embarrass yourself or her by asking her. She would refuse you.’

  ‘Yes, well, I rather thought she might like you...’

  Adam sighed, looking at him in a rueful manner. ‘Since Hallam thinks the same, I believe you are right. If anyone owes her a proposal of marriage, it is I.’

  Paul’s face cleared and he grinned. ‘Ah, right, then that’s the end of it. You didn’t mind my asking?’

  ‘You did just as I would expect of an honourable young idiot,’ Adam said and laughed. ‘I shan’t tell you to ask Lucy to marry you, though you might be surprised if you did. I dare say you ought to wait a few months, perhaps a year—but don’t give up on her yet, Paul.’

  ‘I wish I could think...’ Paul shook his head. ‘I have dreams of Mark accusing me of letting him die...perhaps they will stop now that Fontleroy is behind bars.’

  ‘Mark is dead and we can none of us bring him back,’ Adam said. ‘Give yourself time to grieve, Paul—but do not give up all hope and don’t shut Lucy out. Mark would not wish you to suffer more than necessary, either of you. Try to explain how you feel to her if you can.’

  ‘Yes, perhaps...’ Paul’s body was tight with tension. ‘You’re a great gun, Adam. I’m glad we’ve had this talk. I don’t think I could’ve got through this business without you and Hal.’

  ‘It’s what friends are for,’ Adam said and smiled. ‘I thought the world of Mark—but you’re my cousin too. Remember, it’s one for all and all for one.’

  ‘Yes.’ Paul blinked hard. ‘Excuse me, I have somewhere I ought to be.’

  Adam’s mouth set in a thin line as Paul left before he disgraced himself by shedding unmanly tears. His own eyes felt gritty, though his grief had become muted, perhaps because of his illness. He could face Mark’s loss now and begin to remember with fondness and amusement. It would take longer for Paul to be able to do the same, but in time he would remember the fun and comradeship they’d shared.

  His brow furrowed as he thought of Jenny. Had he not understood the motive for Paul’s tentative question concerning her he might have been tempted to punch him—if he could, of course, which was doubtful for the moment. When had he begun to become possessive over her?

  ‘Jenny Hastings.’ He spoke her name aloud, testing it, bringing her pretty face and trim figure to mind. What was it about her that had got beneath his skin, making her the only woman he would ever want to marry—the woman he could not live without? She was lovely, but not the most beautiful woman he’d seen, but there was something in her smile, in the tilt of her head...and the way she had of bringing calm to his soul in the midst of disorder.

  He was going to have to pr
opose, of course. In all honour he had no choice but to ask her to be his wife. Yet in his heart he knew that it was what he wanted deep down inside.

  His grandfather would not be happy, but there was nothing Adam could do. He’d never wanted to marry an heiress for her money; the idea revolted him and made his flesh creep. He would have felt humiliated having to ask for money from his bride, and though he would have done his best to make any young lady happy, he felt any such marriage to be doomed from the start. Marriage to Jenny would be a constant delight.

  Having decided on a course of action, he began to feel better about the whole thing. Jenny was the only woman he’d ever wanted to marry and he believed they would make each other happy. Somehow, Adam must find enough money to prevent the bank foreclosing—at least during his grandfather’s lifetime. Perhaps five thousand on account and the promise of more each year would do it—he might have to approach his uncle. Unless that seam of tin was found in the mine, or he took a loan on his own estate...

  Suddenly, Adam was smiling. It was as if a dark cloud had lifted. Even if he had to sell his own estate and take Jenny to live at that mausoleum the earl loved so much he would find a way—and he would have the woman he cared for at his side to help him do it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jenny jumped out of bed and ran to the window as soon as she woke that morning. It was the day of the promised picnic and, looking out, she saw that the sun was already shining. They would have a glorious day for their outing.

  She had spent many hours debating what to wear and had finally settled on a new yellow-silk walking gown, which had been delivered only two days earlier by the seamstress. It was perhaps a little unfair to Lucy, who would be wearing either light grey or lilac, but she was sure that her friend would understand that she wanted to look her best for the occasion.

  As she was stroking her gown with loving fingers, the maid brought in a tray of hot chocolate and sweet rolls. Jenny decided to eat her breakfast sitting in an elbow chair by the window and the maid placed the tray on a table beside her.

  ‘I shall bring water in half an hour, miss,’ she said.

  ‘Yes, please.’ Jenny smiled at her. She felt as if she would burst with happiness, though she was trying to be sensible and not allow herself to hope for too much. An invitation to a picnic did not mean that she would receive a proposal from Adam, though she’d felt that it was important to him. She hoped that he did not imagine he was obliged to ask her simply because she’d visited him in his bedchamber, but even that small cloud could not dim her feeling of anticipation and pleasure.

  Lucy came in as Jenny was washing behind her screen. She asked if she might wait and Jenny replied that she would be out in a moment. Emerging from behind the screen in her petticoat, she saw Lucy trying her perfume at the dressing table.

  ‘I like this scent,’ Lucy said. ‘What is it called?’

  ‘Oh, something like Essence of a Garden,’ Jenny replied. ‘Papa brought it back from a trip to Paris and I liked it so much I only use it on special occasions.’

  ‘I thought it must be French,’ Lucy said. Jenny stepped into her yellow gown and pulled it up, then the maid fastened the back for her. ‘You look lovely, Lucy—that dress suits you.’

  Her pale-lilac gown was set off with silver tulle beneath the bosom and around the squared neckline, the little puffed sleeves very becoming to Lucy’s slim arms.

  Jenny sat patiently as the maid brushed her hair back from her face and fastened it with clips.

  ‘Is there anything more you need, miss?’

  ‘No. Thank you, Lily. My hair looks very nice.’

  ‘I was up early,’ Lucy said and sat on a stool as Jenny hunted in her jewel box and found a silver pendant with a tiny pearl drop. ‘I can hardly wait for the gentlemen to arrive.’

  ‘We are so fortunate that the day is warm.’ Jenny laughed. ‘I do not think I have seen you so excited before, Lucy.’

  ‘Is it foolish of me? I know that if one expects too much, things are never as wonderful as one imagined.’

  Jenny rose and went to her, holding out her hands. ‘You are hoping that Paul may say something, are you not?’

  ‘I know it is foolish,’ Lucy said. ‘It is much too soon for a declaration. I should not know what to say if he asked...but of course he will not. He could not...it is too soon to hope for so much.’

  ‘I think you must not expect a proposal, dearest, but if Paul is easier in your company—if you can be friends again—that would be something, would it not?’

  ‘It would be everything,’ Lucy said and her eyes glowed. ‘I have missed him so much. When we danced in London that time I was certain that he was in love with me. I believe he would have told me had he not known I was to be engaged to Mark. I had almost decided that I must break off my engagement when...it happened.’

  ‘So you were certain of your feelings?’

  ‘Yes, I think so,’ Lucy said. ‘Mark had never made me feel the way I did when I danced with Paul...but I liked him so much and he was so generous and sweet to me. I found it difficult to tell him that I had changed my mind and then it was too late.’

  Jenny leaned forwards to kiss her cheek. ‘Should you not tell Paul how you felt? If he understood that your marriage would not have gone ahead, it might relieve his mind.’

  ‘Yes, perhaps—only he might be angry with me for letting his brother down, and he might think I am saying it because Mark is dead and I cannot marry him. He might think I am interested in the title and the estate—which is not true.’

  ‘Well, only you can make him understand that,’ Jenny said. ‘You must do what you think is right.’

  ‘What shall you do if Adam asks you to marry him?’

  Jenny blushed and turned aside to pick up her bonnet, reticule and a light silk stole to drape over her bare arms.

  ‘I am not sure that he will,’ she said. ‘It would make me happy, I think—but I must not presume too much.’

  ‘Surely you are entitled to expect it after what you did for him?’ Lucy said and swung the strings of her own bonnet. ‘He asked for you to visit and by doing so he committed himself to a relationship. Any gentleman would propose after what happened.’

  ‘I merely helped to make him comfortable,’ Jenny said, a faint flush in her cheeks. ‘I trust that Adam does not imagine he has compromised me for it is nothing of the sort. I would not have him ask me out of a sense of duty.’

  ‘Oh, I did not mean that, of course I didn’t,’ Lucy apologised instantly, her own cheeks flushed. ‘I am sure he likes you very much and would be happy to marry you.’

  Jenny’s shining happiness evaporated slightly. If Adam were under the impression that he had compromised her and must ask her to be his wife she would not know what to do. She loved him and wanted to be his wife—but unless he loved her she was afraid that her heart would break: not all at once, but little by little over the years.

  ‘Well, he may not ask,’ Jenny said, blinking fast so that she should not shed a tear and make herself look foolish.

  ‘Jenny, I’m so sorry.’ Lucy’s hand found hers. ‘I spoke without thinking. I am sure Adam cares for you—you can see it in his face when he looks at you.’

  Jenny smiled. ‘I know he likes and respects me,’ she said. ‘Perhaps that is enough for marriage—but we both presume too much for very likely he will not ask me.’

  * * *

  Adam had just finished tying an intricate knot in his pristine cravat when a knock at his door heralded Hallam’s arrival. One glance at his face told Adam that something was very wrong. He frowned and brushed an imaginary speck from his immaculate coat, waiting for his cousin to speak.

  ‘Well, what is on your mind?’ he asked when Hallam continued to hesitate.

  ‘I have no choice but to tell you, though I know it must over
shadow the day,’ Hallam said apologetically. ‘Fontleroy has escaped from custody.’

  ‘How the hell could that happen?’ Adam said, glaring at him.

  ‘They were transferring him to London, where he was to be tried for his crimes. I do not know whether he was bound, but it seems that when an accident to the carriage occurred he overpowered the man supposed to be guarding him and escaped. A shot was fired, but missed. Although a search was made, he could not be found.’

  ‘Damnation!’ Adam stared at him in dismay. ‘So now the rogue is at large again. It could not have happened at a worse time. Well, I suppose we know what to expect. He will be looking for his revenge on us.’

  ‘Shall you cancel the picnic?’ Hallam asked. ‘I suppose it would be sensible, though the ladies will be disappointed and it is a beautiful day for it.’

  ‘No! Why should we let that devil dictate our lives? We are forewarned and I shall take my pistol with me. You must do the same, Hal. Have you alerted our men?’

  ‘Yes, even before I came to you. Fontleroy is a wounded beast and dangerous. He knows he has nothing to lose, which means he may be reckless. I dare say he will try to kill as many of us as he can—even if it means his own death.’

  ‘He has little left to live for,’ Adam said grimly. ‘What did Paul say?’

  ‘I haven’t told him yet. Shall you—or shall we leave him in ignorance for the moment?’

  ‘I would prefer not to tell him, but I feel we must. He has a right to know—and must be able to protect himself, Hal, and the ladies.’

  ‘Fontleroy can know nothing of our plans. He will surely lie low for a few days at least, before trying to assassinate one or all of us—do you not think so? I dare say we may enjoy our picnic.’

  ‘Yes, perhaps,’ Adam agreed. ‘I refuse to cancel our plans. We are on our guard and there is as much danger in a Bath street at night as out in the open. Our men will follow at a discreet distance—and if we choose the site for our picnic carefully he cannot come close enough to do any real damage without being seen by one of our men, who must be warned to shoot on sight.’