by Anne Herries
‘Yes, I have already given instructions that the marquis is to be shot if he comes within firing distance of any of us.’
‘And the ladies. They must also be protected, just in case his vicious mind seeks to take his revenge that way.’
‘He must know that we shall be on our guard,’ Hallam said. ‘In his shoes I might go for the more vulnerable target—which must, of course, be the ladies.’
‘We must make certain to keep together on the picnic,’ Adam said. ‘No wandering off alone to make it easy for him...though, as you say, I imagine he will lie low for a while, until the search dies down a little.’
‘Yes. It is what a sensible man would do,’ Hallam agreed and glanced at his pocket watch. ‘Are you ready? I think we need to be leaving if we are to be on time.’
‘We shall not tell the ladies until after the picnic,’ Adam said. ‘They must be warned of the possible danger, of course—but I would rather not spoil the day by throwing a shadow over the proceedings.’
* * *
‘You look lovely,’ Adam said as he assisted Jenny into his chaise and sat beside her. He had planned to drive her himself, but because of Hallam’s news, he had brought not only his groom, but a rather ferocious-looking man, who rode at the back of the chaise. Both were armed with pistols, as was Adam himself. ‘I do not think I have seen you in buttercup yellow before?’
‘No, I have not often worn it of late,’ Jenny said and her heart fluttered as she looked at him. He was so very handsome and such a powerful man that he made her tremble inwardly. ‘I wore dark colours for Papa for many months, but this is a new gown I have just had made for me.’
‘It is a colour you should wear more often—though you are beautiful whatever you wear.’
Jenny blushed at the compliment, glancing at him shyly. She was aware that his manner was both warm and caring and her heart skipped a few beats as he smiled at her. When he looked at her in that way she was convinced that he did truly care for her.
‘Thank you, I dare say I shall choose yellow more often in future,’ she said. She met his eyes for a moment and then glanced away, her pulses racing. If they were alone she was certain he would kiss her and she felt a stirring of need deep inside her, wanting to be held in his arms, to melt into him and lose herself in his kiss.
‘Have you ever been to Paris?’ he asked. ‘It is beautiful in the spring when the chestnuts are out, but there are many lovely places to visit in France. I know my sister bought her trousseau in Paris.’
‘You have not spoken of your sister before.’
She looked at him in surprise, noting the firm lean cut of his jaw and his soft sensuous mouth. A tiny pulse was beating at his temple and she sensed that he was tenser than his tone implied.
‘Have I not? Marion is married to Lord Henry Jarvis and lives in Hampshire for most of the year, though she likes to visit London for the Season, when she is not...in a delicate way. This year she was unable to visit and I hear she has a new son, which will please Jarvis. He now has his heir and a spare.’
‘Your sister has two sons? How fortunate for her,’ Jenny said, feeling warmed by the turn of his conversation. It made her think of a large country house filled with children, dogs and lots of noise and laughter. How she would love to live that way with Adam by her side. By telling her these details of his family he was preparing her to meet them and that must mean... She blushed for she must not let her thoughts show in her manner. ‘Her husband must be so pleased.’
‘Yes, indeed he is,’ Adam said. ‘Marion has always wanted a large family—there were just two of us, you see. Mama died when we were but nine and ten, and Papa never remarried. He said that no one could replace our mother. I believe he found consolation in friends, but he honoured my mother’s memory until he died two years ago.’
‘He must have loved her very much?’
‘I am sure he did,’ Adam said. His smile was warm, caressing, making her heart skip a beat. Jenny felt her cheeks a little warm, but she did not lower her gaze for she wanted to let him see what was in her heart. ‘I have always felt that I would wish for such a marriage—a meeting of minds as well as of the flesh, companionship and affection combined. Do you not think it the best foundation for a marriage?’
His eyes were on her again, making her spine tingle with anticipation. Her throat tightened and she knew a longing to be in his arms, to be kissed until she could barely breathe.
‘Yes, I do. My parents were happy enough, I think. Mama was a beauty when she was young and Papa thought himself fortunate to have married her.’ Jenny laughed at the memory. ‘After she died he told me that he always wondered why she’d chosen him, because he was not the best looking of fellows.’
‘Perhaps she loved him?’
‘Yes, I think she must have,’ Jenny replied a little shyly. Could he see the love in her eyes, could he know that she longed for his touch? Was she shameless in wanting him to take her in his arms and kiss her? No, surely there was no shame in feeling this way...if he felt the same. ‘It is the best reason for marriage—love and respect also.’
‘Much the best if one is lucky enough to find love, though affection and respect are good reasons to marry,’ Adam said. ‘Too many marriages are made for reasons of a practical nature. I suppose money and position are important for many. It is the way families maintain their fortunes and their status—but I have seen the unhappiness this type of match can cause if there is no affection on either side. Some of my friends married for money and are unhappily situated.’
‘I should never wish to marry for money or position.’
‘Nor I—unless I were forced,’ Adam said. He reached for her gloved hand, playing with the fingers for a moment. ‘You know my circumstances, Jenny?’
‘Yes...’ Her voice was hardly above a whisper. What was he trying to say to her? Her heart fluttered like a caged bird and she had to fight to stop her hand shaking.
‘To save my grandfather’s estate I must find a way to stave off the bank so that they do not foreclose. I am trying various things and I hope to keep the estate going while he lives, though it may have to be sold after he dies. To keep it for him while he lives I may have to raise a loan on my own estate—or sell it, which would mean I would have nowhere to take my wife other than Grandfather’s estate. It is not a house I would choose to live in...or to inflict on my wife.’
‘Perhaps a part of it might be made cheerful. Sometimes it is possible to make a few rooms pleasant on very little money—if one has the knack.’
Adam nodded and looked thoughtful. ‘I had hoped to give my wife her own home and all the pretty things she required. As things stand, I should not have very much to offer her, Jenny.’
‘Perhaps she would not mind that...or she might have a little money of her own...’ Her heart beat rapidly. Was this the moment to confess that she had at least ten thousand and might have almost as much again? If only he would not think her deceitful and believe that she had deliberately set out to fool him!
‘Yes...’ Adam’s hold on her hand tightened. ‘This is not the proper place to ask—but perhaps later...’ He smiled at her. ‘I think we understand one another, do we not?’
‘I—I think so...’ Jenny glanced down at her hands. She wished that she’d found the courage to speak, but it was so very hard. Far from understanding, she did not know if he meant to ask her to be his wife or to explain why he could not—but she must not let him see her anxiety. She raised her head, looking at the two carriages ahead. Paul was driving Lady Dawlish and Mrs Beeton, who was a good friend of Lucy’s mother—and Hallam was driving Lucy in the leading carriage.
‘I rather thought Paul might drive Lucy,’ she said, her cheeks pink as she changed the subject. ‘I am sure she expected it.’
‘We thought it best if Paul drove Lady Dawlish and her friend,’ Adam said. He look
ed a little stern and Jenny wondered what was in his mind. ‘Perhaps on the return journey.’
Jenny caught the inflection in his voice and turned to look at him. Something was wrong; she could see that from the little pulse at his temple. Her nerve ends tingled and she sensed that he was hiding something from her—from all of them.
‘Has anything unpleasant happened?’ she asked. ‘You have something on your mind, do you not?’
‘Yes, Jenny, I do,’ he replied, smiling a little grimly. ‘I would rather not tell you if you do not mind. Please do not press me. This was meant to be a happy occasion and I would hate to cast a shadow over things—or to alarm anyone.’
Jenny stared at him, then the icy shiver passed down her spine. ‘It is to do with that man—Fontleroy. Have they let him off?’
‘Not exactly...’ Adam sighed. ‘You will not tell the others? We have taken precautions, but Lady Dawlish might feel we should have cancelled the outing. Fontleroy was being transferred to a London prison and escaped when there was an accident to the carriage. He was searched for, but not found.’
‘Do you think he had help? Was the accident arranged?’
‘That is possible,’ Adam said and smiled grimly. ‘I’d hoped to keep it from you rather than spoil the day, Jenny, but you are too clever for me.’
‘I could see you were under some stress.’ She smiled and placed her gloved hand on his briefly. ‘The marquis could not spoil this day for me, whatever he does. It is a pleasure for me to be with you on such a lovely morning. Never fear, I shall enjoy myself despite what you have told me—but it might be best not to mention it to the others. Lady Dawlish is a sensitive lady and might have hysterics.’
‘You are so sensible,’ Adam said. ‘I believe that is a part of your charm for me. I feel as if you are a true friend—as Hal and Paul are. I can talk to you and I know you will not fly into the boughs. A life with you in it would be comfortable and a pleasure.’
Jenny’s heart turned over. He seemed to be saying that he intended to make her an offer when they were alone. He had not spoken of love, but perhaps that was asking for too much. She knew that he cared for her—and desired her—and if they were to be friends it would be a wonderful way to live. To ask for romantic undying love was perhaps more than she ought to expect.
‘You may rely on me to keep your secret, Adam,’ she said. ‘You asked earlier if I had been to Paris and I believe I did not answer you. Papa took me for a brief visit once, but I should very much like to visit again—and to purchase some clothes there, though I already have most of what I need.’
‘Every lady needs at least three new gowns made in Paris,’ Adam said, ‘and perhaps several more...’
* * *
The picnic spot was found near, but not too close, to the ruins of an old abbey. There were some ancient trees in what had once been the park of the great monastery, but was now a beauty spot beloved of local people and visitors alike. Adam had sent servants ahead of them with a wagon loaded with everything needed to make the picnic a success.
Rather than expect his guests to sit on blankets on the ground, a table had been provided, which was spread with a white cloth and folding chairs were set up. There were indeed blankets on the ground for those who wished to stretch out in the sun or the shade of a tree, but the sumptuous picnic was laid out on the table, together with wine flutes, silver cutlery, pristine napkins and good china, also wooden wine buckets filled with ice and bound with silver.
‘Now this is what I call a picnic,’ Lady Dawlish said approvingly as she inspected the silver dishes and discovered all manner of treats. There were lobster tartlets, pasties of chicken or beef, pastries filled with creamy sauces and prawns or ham. A green salad, also cold new potatoes and peas with a white sauce, quantities of crusty white bread, fresh butter, fingers of cheese with crisp biscuits and fresh fruit. She picked up a tiny strawberry meringue and nibbled at it. ‘I cannot resist. One gets so hungry in the open air...’
Adam had brought a servant to wait on them and he poured wine into glasses, while another served Lady Dawlish with food from the various dishes. Her friend joined her at the table, but Lucy and Jenny chose to sit on a blanket under the sheltering branches of a tree.
‘A picnic must be eaten this way,’ Lucy said and smiled as she accepted the plate of delicious food that Paul had selected for her. ‘Do you not agree, Jenny?’
‘Oh yes, this is just perfect—but the table was a lovely idea, Adam. I am sure Lady Dawlish and her friend are more comfortable there than they would be here.’
‘I wanted them to enjoy the day,’ he said, but his eyes were warm as he looked at her, as if it were she he had most wanted to please. ‘Is the food to your taste, Jenny?’
‘Lovely. I think I agree with Lucy’s mama, everything tastes so much better in the open air—and these lobster tartlets are wonderful. I do not think I have tasted better.’
She hoped that her smile told him all...that it spoke of a future when they would have many similar days to entertain their friends and enjoy the good things of life.
Adam’s eyes caressed her with a heat that set her tingling. She had never felt like this before, never wanted to touch someone as she wanted to touch him. She could almost wish that they were alone...
‘I am glad you like them.’ He left her to fetch a plate for himself, looking about him as he took a little of the various delights on offer. It was possible to see for some distance in all directions. He saw one of his men standing near the nearest tree, trying to look inconspicuous, and caught sight of another in the ruins. He instructed one of the servants to take a pasty and a glass of lemonade to both men, then returned to where the others were sitting.
Jenny was laughing at something Paul had said, as was Lucy. Hallam was sipping his wine, but like Adam his gaze moved constantly about the picnic site as if searching. Adam inclined his head and his cousin nodded. Everything was clear and it seemed that they need not have worried. Fontleroy was biding his time. After all, how could he have known what they had planned for today? Yet it was best to take precautions for Adam would never have forgiven himself had anything happened to one of his guests.
* * *
For the next hour or so everyone ate and drank, the servants moving from one to the other, filling wine glasses and replenishing plates. Jenny and Lucy tasted all the delights prepared for them and the ladies at the table did justice to a repast that Lady Dawlish afterwards declared fit for a king.
After she had declined to accept another morsel, an easy chair was set for her and another for her friend beneath the shade of the tree where the young ones lounged. While the servants cleared the table and loaded baskets of dirty dishes into the wagon, Adam and his guests chatted and laughed. Then Lucy stood up and looked at Jenny.
‘I should like to walk to the ruins,’ she said. ‘Will you come with me?’
‘Yes, of course. They are intriguing,’ Jenny replied. ‘I have been thinking I should like to explore them.’
‘I shall escort you,’ Adam said and stood up.
‘No, no, we want to be private for a little while,’ Lucy said. ‘When we are ready for company we shall wave to you and you may join us...’ Lucy looked at Paul and smiled invitingly.
Adam hesitated, but realised that perhaps Lucy wanted to find a private spot somewhere behind the abbey walls where she might relieve herself. It was the one awkwardness when one was on a picnic for there was nowhere the ladies could be comfortable at such moments.
‘We shall wait for your signal,’ he said and glanced at Hallam, who frowned and rose to his feet. He shook his head as his cousin’s eyebrows arched. This was something they had not foreseen, but it could not be helped. Lucy must be given privacy and yet the ladies must be protected.
‘I think I shall take a walk towards the copse,’ Hallam said and set off. The stand of tre
es was at a right angle to the ruins and would not intrude on the ladies’ privacy, but if anyone were waiting there for such an opportunity it would give Hallam a chance of preventing him from taking a shot at them.
‘As you wish,’ Adam replied. He watched the ladies walk towards the ruined abbey, his gaze moving from one tree to another lest Fontleroy should have somehow hidden himself behind one of them, but nothing happened.
Hallam walked to the copse and disappeared from sight for a few moments, then reappeared at the edge. He lifted his hand in salute and Adam knew he was signalling the all clear. Breathing a sigh of relief, he relaxed. He was too anxious. The ladies were perfectly safe. Fontleroy could not get close enough to them without being seen—and his men would stop him before he could draw a pistol and fire.
After a short interval, Lucy appeared at one of the openings of the ruins and waved. Paul stood up and he and Adam walked towards the abbey. At almost the same moment, Hallam began to walk towards them.
‘Oh, do come and look,’ Lucy called. ‘We have discovered a secret passage behind some creepers. I think it must lead to a tunnel or—’
Before she could finish there was a cry of alarm from behind her. She swung round, then threw out her arm and screamed.
‘Jenny...he is trying to take Jenny...’
Adam began to run. His heart was pounding and his mouth was dry. How could Fontleroy have got into the ruins without anyone seeing him? Unless he had been hiding there all the time—in Lucy’s secret chamber...
Lucy was frozen to the spot and screaming as Paul reached her, grabbing her and pulling her into his arms for a moment, before pushing her out of the ruins.
‘Back to your mama at once. Leave this to us, Lucy.’
‘But Jenny...it’s the marquis...’
‘Do as I tell you this instant!’
Lucy stared at him in dismay, tears welling in her eyes, and then she turned and ran.