Rosalind covered her smile with her hand. Penelope was correct. Felding did not wish to pursue Lady Jillian. Had he, wouldn’t he have welcomed her on his lap. This game was often used for courting couples to touch without scandal.
Lady Jillian’s mouth popped open in surprise as Felding wandered across the room to stand with the remaining gentlemen.
“Move all,” Lady Lavins called out again.
Lady Jillian jumped, looked around, and before she went in any one direction all of the chairs had been taken. She huffed and crossed the room to stand beside Felding.
From her vantage point, Rosalind could see the players as well as the others who were out of the game. Though Lady Jillian kept sliding closer to Felding, he barely acknowledged her. With a pleased smile, Rosalind focused on the remainder of the game which left Penelope and Demetrius vying for the last seat.
Felding wandered over to stand beside Rosalind. “This should be interesting,” he laughed.
Rosalind tilted back and smiled up at him. “Do you care to make a wager?”
The skin crinkled around his eye with humor. “I believe they are evenly matched though I don’t expect Demetrius would give his seat up for my sister.”
Rosalind arched an eyebrow. “As you did for Lady Jillian?”
Felding leaned down. “There is only one miss in attendance I wish to have on my lap,” he whispered in her ear.
Heat stole into Rosalind’s cheeks, and she focused on the game.
“Move all.”
Demetrius stood as did Penelope, and Lord Meadows pulled a chair away. Demetrius launched himself at the chair only a moment before Penelope who landed up on his lap. The two threw their heads back with laughter as Penelope stood.
“That makes you the winner, Mr. Valentine,” Lady Meadows said as she came forward Lord Meadows by her side with a bottle of brandy which he handed to Demetrius.
“Thank you,” Demetrius bowed with a flourish.
A footman entered a moment later and spoke quietly to Lord Meadows who then turned to the guests. “I have been assured that the lake is frozen enough for staking. Does anyone wish to participate?”
The guests moved forward in anticipation.
Lady Jillian approached them. “Are you going to skate, Miss Valentine?”
“I don’t think I should with my ankle.” As much as Rosalind wished to be on the ice, she didn’t want to risk turning it again.
“And you, Lord Felding?”
Felding glanced at Rosalind but before he answered, Penelope did so for him. “Of course my brother is going to skate. It is one of his favorite entertainments.”
Both Felding and Rosalind stared at Penelope as if she had lost her mind. While Felding did skate, on occasion, when they were children, they all knew he did not like it as well as the others.
“Lovely,” Lady Jillian exclaimed. “I will see you at the lake.” She turned to Rosalind. “It is a shame you must remain behind.”
Rosalind gritted her teeth. She just did not like Lady Jillian, and it no longer had anything to do with jealousy. “On the contrary,” Rosalind smiled. “I will still watch the participants even though I will not be skating.”
Lady Jillian’s smile fell for a moment. “Very well if that is what you wish.”
Broadridge approached and offered his arm to Lady Jillian. “Shall we join the others?”
She took it and nodded to Penelope, Rosalind, and finally Felding. “Don’t be long.”
Rosalind watched as the brother and sister quit the room. Many of the guests had already left or were in the process of leaving. Felding wheeled on his sister. “Why did you tell her I enjoyed skating?”
Penelope smiled mischievously. “I have my reasons.”
Twenty-One
Noah pulled his sister aside once they reached the lake. Many of the guests were strapping blades to the bottom of their boots, and Rosalind was sitting on a large log watching. A fire had been built and burned not far from her.
“What are you about?” He hissed low enough for only Penelope to hear.
“This is the perfect time to get Lady Jillian alone and advise her that the two of you will not suit.”
Noah stared at her aghast. “I am not sure I need say anything. The party will end the day after tomorrow. I will have a word with Broadridge to advise him that I will not be speaking with His Grace, and we will all return to our homes.” It was the plan that had come to him last night as he lay in his bed trying not to think of Rosalind. It wasn’t as if he had made an offer for Lady Jillian. He had simply told Broadridge, only after he asked, that he wished to become better acquainted with Lady Jillian. If the man read more into the matter than Noah intended, that was Broadridge’s own fault. And, if he had mentioned Noah’s words to Lady Jillian, then she should learn not to assume a match if the gentleman in question had not spoken to her directly.
“I believe you do need to inform him. How else can you court Rosalind with Lady Jillian constantly by your side?”
Noah blew out a breath and looked around. “I thought to court Rosalind after we returned home away from gossip and prying eyes.”
“You are going to take up residence in Phoebe’s home?” Penelope asked with a smirk.
“If necessary,” Noah grudgingly admitted.
“It is a good thing we are all sharing a coach when we leave. It will give you more time with Rosalind.”
“And you,” Noah reminded Penelope. It wasn’t as if he would be alone with Rosalind or in a position to court her on their journey.
“And Demetrius.” She grinned.
Noah frowned. “He will be traveling with us?” Why wasn’t the man returning to London unless he thought to visit his family first? From what he gathered, it had been months since Demetrius had been home, and as Rosalind’s older brother, Noah would seek his permission to court Rosalind if he didn’t have a chance to speak with her uncle first.
Why was his sister smiling when she mentioned Demetrius? Noah narrowed his eyes at Penelope. Was she smitten with the man? Not that it would matter to Noah. Demetrius was an honorable man in a worthy profession though Noah had assumed Penelope would one day marry a peer. Of course, he thought to marry within society as well and hadn’t found his match. Penelope had been out for two years now, and perhaps she had come to the same conclusion. “Do you have a tender for Demetrius Valentine?”
Penelope laughed. “Heavens no. He is almost another brother to me.”
His sister may feel that way toward Demetrius, but Noah’s emotions were far from brotherly where Rosalind was concerned. He narrowed his eyes on Penelope. “The two of you aren’t intending to play matchmaker I hope.” He didn’t need any assistance in his courtship of Rosalind.
“On the contrary, I fear we are working at cross purposes.”
Noah straightened. “How so?” he demanded.
“Demetrius doesn’t think the two of you would suit nor does he believe you will ask for Rosalind’s hand. He is coming along to see me proved wrong.”
Alarm shot through him. “Does Demetrius know of the kiss and what you have seen?” He placed his hands on her upper arms. “Please tell me that you didn’t share this with him.”
Penelope pulled back and laughed. “I want to see you married not shot.”
Noah blew out a breath and let go of her arms. “Why does Demetrius believe that Rosalind and I won’t suit?”
She sighed. “Demetrius insists you are from two different worlds despite being neighbors and knowing one another since childhood, and that you will not offer for Rosalind even if you wished to.” She paused and bit her lip studying Noah. “And, if you did happen to ask, Rosalind would reject your offer.”
His heart stilled for a moment, and he glanced at Rosalind sitting prettily on the log laughing at those who were finding it difficult to negotiate the ice on skates.
“Don’t think on it now,” Penelope said brightly. “I have more faith than Demetrius.” With that, she turned and marched towa
rd the lake stopping only long enough to tie blades to her boots.
Why would Rosalind turn down his suit? Had he misread what was developing between them? Had he somehow misinterpreted the passion that flared when they had been alone? Was he the only one aching with need? “Damn and blast,” he muttered. What to do?
“Oh, Lord Felding,” Lady Jillian called. “Do come join us.”
She stood at the edge of the lake skates already on her boots. With a heavy sigh, Noah marched toward her, grabbed a set of blades and fastened them before making his way to the ice. Why was she even skating if she didn’t enjoy it?
“I hope you will offer your arm,” she smiled coyly up at him. “I am a bit shaky.”
As she managed to remain upright until he reached her side, Noah highly doubted she lacked the ability to skate on her own. He cocked his elbow for her to latch onto, and they pushed off the ice.
She had more balance than he anticipated, and Noah eyed her askance. When had she learned to skate? He assumed this was an activity her mother would have prohibited. “You skate well, Lady Jillian.”
She smiled brightly. “Thank you, Lord Felding.”
The toe of her skate hit a bump in the ice, and she floundered for a moment with her free arm flying out in order to gain her balance. Noah grasped hold of her waist to keep her from falling on the ice.
She straightened and looked up at him from beneath her lashes. “Thank you.”
Noah relaxed his hold at her waist and was removing his hand so that she could link her arm with his again, but her hand stilled his. “Please keep hold. I don’t wish to almost fall again.”
Noah sighed. While it wasn’t proper to hold a young woman in such a manner, many gentlemen were doing so to simply keep the young ladies from landing on their bum. He just hoped Lady Jillian didn’t read anymore into the action than was meant by it.
He glanced toward the shore and hoped Rosalind didn’t suspect there was more to the situation. She was watching them her smile no longer bright as it once had been.
Broadridge handed Rosalind a cup before settling on the log beside her. It took all of Noah’s effort not to leave Lady Jillian standing alone on the ice and march to the shore. He did not like the attention Broadridge had begun giving Rosalind one bit. He should be the one seeing to her comfort and keeping her company since she could not skate. Not the likes of Broadridge.
Could it be that he was simply jealous?
They executed a turn and Noah’s back was now to Rosalind and Broadridge.
“This is delightful,” Lady Jillian exclaimed.
Noah returned his attention to the woman beside him. Her face was lit with happiness, and her cheeks were rosy from the cool air. This was probably the most sincere and open he had ever seen Lady Jillian. It was a shame she didn’t allow herself pleasures more often, but Noah suspected that once she returned home or even before they were at supper tonight, the Lady Jillian he had become accustomed to would reappear. Not that it mattered to him. It was she who was missing out by holding herself above and apart from everyone else.
* * *
Rosalind picked at the dessert on her plate and tried to eat, but her stomach was in knots. Despite Penelope’s assurances that Felding had no intention of courting Lady Jillian, appearances spoke differently. They skated together for nearly an hour with his hand at her waist, and now they sat side by side at the head of the table.
On the other side of Lady Jillian, closest to the head of the table was Broadridge, the future duke. What was Broadridge about, and why had he seemed to single her out earlier? He could have been skating with any of the young misses in need of a partner, but sat by her instead. He even retrieved tea for her from the servants who had brought refreshments to the lake. He was ever so solicitous toward her, and Rosalind couldn’t begin to understand why. It wasn’t as if they shared much in conversation. There were comments on the weather, and they laughed at the follies of other on the ice. In fact, in the hour they sat side by side barely any words were spoken. It was very odd.
Was it because Broadridge believed Felding was courting Lady Jillian and since she was a family friend, thought to come to know her better? If he wished to know more about Felding, why wasn’t he entertaining Penelope? That is the person Broadridge would come to know if Felding did decide to marry Lady Jillian.
Yet, Penelope insisted that Felding wanted nothing to do with Lady Jillian. If that was the case, why was he spending so much time with her today? Even now they were conversing quietly. Had Felding simply let Penelope believe there would be no match so that Penelope would leave him alone?
Rosalind’s head began to pound, and she resisted the urge to rub her temples.
She wished she could concentrate enough to converse with those on either side of her, but she barely knew the mister to her left who was engaged in conversation with the miss on his left. Demetrius was to her right, but he was speaking with others. It was rather a relief not to have to carry on a conversation because she wasn’t sure what she could offer. They were all from a world she did not know. She hadn’t been in London since she was a child, and the places they were speaking of were far from where she and her family had lived.
Lady Meadows rose from her seat, and Rosalind blew out a sigh of relief. The most uncomfortable part of the evening was behind her, and now she could relax in the salon until it was time to retire. Tomorrow was the last day and after that, she would return to the nursery in Sandlin Manor where she belonged.
Penelope drew up to her side, linked arms with Rosalind, and walk with her to the salon. Instead of taking seats with the others, Penelope continued until they were before the windows on the far side of the room.
“What is it?” Rosalind asked. “Don’t you wish to be with the others?”
“Frankly, I don’t. It isn’t as fun as I had hoped,” she admitted.
Rosalind glanced at the women who were animated in their conversations. “Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.”
“That is because the ones that are married are with their husbands, and most of the misses have their eye set on one of the bachelors and are using this gathering to further their goals.”
“You have not set your cap on anyone?” Rosalind questioned. Penelope had already completed two seasons, but Rosalind had not heard of Penelope even being courted. How very odd. Not only was Penelope born to the peerage, but she was beautiful and pleasant company. Were the lords of England daft?
“I have not found a gentleman who can hold my interest above an hour, if you must know.” She confessed. “If there was even one who was of similar mind and personality as Noah’s friends, I would give that gentleman more consideration.”
“Felding’s friends?” Rosalind knew there were a handful of gentlemen that he was particularly close to but didn’t know who exactly though she had her suspicions.
“Sandlin, Meadows, Parker, Lavins, and Chambers,” Penelope answered. “The six of them have been close since Eton.” She tilted her head. “I wonder what became of Lord Anscom though. He and Noah had been great friends, but I had not heard my brother speak his name since shortly after my father’s funeral.”
“The gentlemen must have finished their port and cigars quickly to join the ladies so soon,” Rosalind observed as the gentlemen entered the room.
“It is because they only need to spend a short time with us,” Penelope explained. “Tonight they are for billiards, cards, gambling, and drinking, and the women are to entertain ourselves.”
Felding paused just inside the door and glanced around. Lady Jillian turned toward him and straightened exhibiting a smile on her face. Rosalind had expected Felding to go to her but instead strode in Penelope and Rosalind’s direction.
“Might I have a private word with Miss Valentine?” Noah said to his sister.
“Of course, dear brother.” She turned to Rosalind. “If you will excuse me.”
Rosalind watched Penelope leave.
“Miss Valentine, I hop
e we can speak before you return to my sister’s home?”
She blinked up at Felding. His face was sober and eyes intense. “Is something wrong, Lord Felding?”
Felding blew out a breath and glanced around.
He drew her further toward the window putting more space between them and the guests. “I would rather not be overheard, and the more we speak away from the others the more they will strain to hear.”
She glanced to those gathered in the room. Many watched them with interest. “Very well. I will make myself available when you have the opportunity.” What could he possibly wish to speak with her about? Had she not been a good companion to Penelope? Had she not fulfilled her duties as required? Would he wish to complain to her current employer?
“Lord Felding,” Lady Jillian said as she drew up to his side. “Please, join us for tea.”
His jaw tightened and his back stiffened before he offered Rosalind a quick bow. “If you will excuse me.”
“Of course,” Rosalind muttered as he pivoted and walked away.
As she watched his retreating back another thought assaulted her. What if he wished to discuss the kiss? What if he wanted to apologize and wish it had never happened? What if he wished to make sure there was nothing that could ever come from what they shared because he was going to marry Lady Jillian?
Her stomach churned. She would rather be disciplined by an employer than be gently rejected by Felding.
Twenty-Two
Rosalind’s patience was at an end. For the last hour, she had sat with the ladies listening to their conversations and offering nothing. She was not acquainted with anyone they spoke of nor had she ever attended a ball, soiree, picnic or many of the other entertainments they discussed. It was no different from her last house party, not that she had been an actual guest, but the entertainments were the same and gossip became prevalent when ladies had nothing better to do than sit around sipping tea.
Most of the gossip was being shared among the misses as they giggled back and forth. Penelope was seated further away and in quiet conversation with Lady Meadows. Across the room, in an arrangement beside the fire, sat Lady Lavins, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Chambers. Rosalind could not hear what they were discussing either, but it had to be much more interesting than what Lady Jillian and the young women thought were fascinating topics. However, she didn’t know anyone very well and couldn’t bring herself to intrude on private discussion just because she wanted away from the silly misses surrounding her.
His Christmas Match (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time) Page 17