Laura was bewildered and could barely speak. How would she be able to ride with this handsome man alone in a carriage? He was a stranger. He seemed too large for the small carriage. His face was clean-shaven and his brilliant smile instantly warmed her. He wore a black top hat, with sandy blond hair straying out from the edges. His muscular body straining to enter the carriage made her lose her breath. Then he stared at her with his deep blue eyes.
“How are you? My name is Jonathan Wyndham and you are?” he extended a large hand to her.
Laura could barely manage to extend her white gloved hand to him.
“Hello, my name is… is… Laura Tallant,” she said breathing heavily.
“Well, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. I am also so pleased I did not miss this coach.”
“Do you always leave town in such a memorable manner?” said Laura looking toward the carriage door. “I fear the waiting passengers shall never forget it.”
“They would give haste as well if they had a pretty young maiden as you for their riding companion,” he flashed her a smile. “Did I mention my pleasure at not missing this coach?”
Laura blushed brightly and felt her face flame hot. Jonathan Wyndham was all male. He was apparently very tall and muscular. His long legs were brushing against hers in the rocking carriage. She could feel an electric energy from him. She felt her spine tingling with every gaze from him. How was she going to compose herself with him in this close space for the long journey to Carrington?
They would be together and alone. They were in a carriage with the up most privacy a couple could hope for. This was not the couple she dreamed of. This was not her Hampton.
“This is quite a surprise. I would never have guessed to have such a lovely riding companion as you Miss Tallant,” Jonathan flashed that sparkling smile again.
“Thank you, Mr. Wyndham,” she drew in a breath.
“May I ask why you are on a journey such as this?” Jonathan asked.
Laura tensed up as the conversation was taking a personal tone. She could not see reason in opening up to a stranger alone in a carriage. However, he did seem genuinely interested.
“I am on my way to visit my mother. She has been ill for some time and would like a visit from her daughter.”
He looked concerned. “Oh, I am so sorry to hear of ill health.”
Laura looked away and smiled. “Thank you. She will be fine,” She shook her head. My mother has been managing this illness as best she can.”
Jonathan nodded his head in agreement. He smiled slightly. “You have an optimistic outlook, just as your mother does.”
“Exactly. My mother’s optimism is consistent. For example, her eagerness to see me is boundless.”
He opened his mouth to let out a hearty laugh that seemed to bounce off the walls of the carriage. “Anyone’s eagerness to see your beautiful face could know no bounds.”
She wished to change the subject from his compliment. “Why are you traveling to Carrington, Mr. Wyndham? Do you also have family there?”
“Not at all. This is not the time of the year that I would choose to go to a place such as Carrington. I much prefer to go to the Penrose Coast along with everyone else. However, my business pursuits never stop, so I am traveling to Carrington on business.”
“It is my hope your business pursuits meet your approval in Carrington,” said Laura.
“I appreciate your well wishes,” He pulled back the curtain to look out of the window.
Laura was drawn to him. He had a magnetic personality. He was certainly handsome, but also charming. He was seated right in front of her for her full admiration. She turned to look out of the window as well.
The carriage bumped along, while they rode in a pleasant silence.
“Do you usually travel alone, Miss Tallant?”
Laura jumped at his sudden question.
Had he been staring at her without her knowledge?
“I am today, Mr. Wyndham,” she managed to say.
“It is shocking a young woman such as yourself would travel unescorted.”
“I usually travel with my sister and her husband,” Laura said looking out of the window. “I rather enjoy the time to myself. It gives me time to ponder.”
“Hmm, you enjoy giving thought to what, may I ask?” He said rubbing his chin.
Laura’s cheeks blushed. “You must know that I have the ability to think and to travel on my own.”
“So unfortunate for you.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“He chuckled and cleared his throat. “I do not imply it is unfortunate you have the ability to think, I admire your quality. It is only to indicate sadness for you having to travel on your own.”
Laura breathed in relief feeling uncomfortable with his comments. “You like to ponder such silliness and give those thoughts a pathetic life, Mr. Wyndham.”
“He grinned widely. “Am I making you uncomfortable with our conversation? Please forgive me. I only want to make you aware someone, I’m sure, is missing your pleasant conversation.”
He gazed deep into her green eyes. Although, Laura felt he was peering deep into her soul. Her skin heated up. “All right, Mr. Wyndham,” She released a wide smile. “There is no wrong to be forgiven.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you, Miss Tallant.”
He paused for moments moving with the carriage.
“You have told me about your mother, and what of your father?”
“He is no longer with us.”
He looked at her in amazement. “He abandoned you?”
She laughed at his question. “Not at all, he passed away many years ago. We helped him with the dress shop he started.”
“Well, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have also suffered the loss of my father.”
He looked uncomfortable and peered out of the window. “Your family still has the dress shop?”
“We do. It is called Tallant Finery, created by my parents, Henry and Elizabeth Tallant,” stated Laura. “It is on Brookmont Avenue. Are you familiar with it?”
“I know of Brookmont Avenue, but I cannot say I have ever seen it. I would make a point to visit it, if I were in need of a dress,” he laughed.
Laura laughed too. “Your mother or sisters may have need of it. It would be a wonderful dress shop to take them to. We have the best fabrics in the area. They will not be disappointed. My sister and I have been in the business our whole lives. We know how to run it.”
“I like the idea of women managing their own affairs. Your mother is no ordinary woman. She is a pioneer of sorts and leading her daughters to independent business lives as well.”
“Yes, mother was very proud to run the shop after our father passed away. She loves clothes and loved dressing other women. It pained her to leave the shop due to her illness. She could not stand to hear business talk of the shop in town and longed to get far away from it,” Mary gazed out of the window. “In Carrington, she has no reminders of our family business. It is her refuge.”
“I will certainly take my mother and sisters to your shop. I am sure they will enjoy it.”
“Please let them know they are personally invited for a fitting anytime.”
“I will let them know as soon as I return home,” he looked at her smiling.
She wanted to be there when he brought his family to the shop. She could not help imagining how Mary would react to him. She would be just as struck by his handsome good looks as she was.
She chose to steal another look at his beautiful features. “Can I inquire to what is your business?”
“I am an investor in the Stock Exchange.”
“An investor! It sounds so interesting!” cried Laura.
She would have never have guessed that he was an investor. “I am in awe! I have never met an investor. What kinds of things do you invest in? Goods, services, businesses, what?”
“I have never met a woman so interested in my business. This is certainly a treat!” he b
eamed. “I invest in various types of funds and bank stocks. It is my passion.”
“How is the Stock Exchange taking you to Carrington?” Laura asked leaning into him.
“I cannot believe you have a keen interest in business? Well, this is a pleasant curiosity,” he chuckled. “There is a new bank that wants to trade stocks on the Stock Exchange and I am doing my due diligence to investigate their strength.”
“It is intriguing.”
“Precisely, Miss Tallant. When I help others make money, I make money and we all live better lives. That is my purpose, to be able to afford to make other lives better.”
“May I ask how do you intend to do that?” Laura asked. I am in awe. Here is a man that desires to really help others live a better life. He is not sitting by living off of an inheritance or something given to him, he is making his own wealth.
He leaned forward. “You truly want to know how I would like to assist.”
“Please indulge me. I have never spoken with an investor.”
“All right, I would like to invest my money in creating businesses.”
“What type of businesses?”
“Businesses for those having the motivation, but not the funds. There are plenty of townsfolk desiring to make a better life for themselves, but without the proper backing, they can never make their dream a reality. Your father may have had the good fortune of starting your dress shop with funds from an inheritance or savings. There are many others who are not as fortunate. I will be their dream builder.”
Still leaning forward, Laura’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. She was spellbound by his moving words and responded. “I have never heard another man speak of doing such a thing. It is absolutely glorious.”
“Is that true, Miss Tallant?” he asked with his eyebrows raised.
“Most definitely,” she nodded her head.
“I have been told I make absolutely no sense.”
“They are slow-witted and dull.”
“I must say I have never met a woman who has a genuine interest in my affairs and understands my goals. It is quite intriguing.”
“You must know I am not an ordinary lady,” Laura said winking her eye.
“Oh, I believe you,” he said winking his eye.
“I have to say you are doing work which is very valuable to the town. I understand you completely. You make all the sense in the world to me.”
Laura remembered hearing how her mother explained the slow start her father had in starting the dress shop. He struggled trying to get it be profitable. He was lucky to have a modest inheritance to start such a venture. She was proud to have a family business left for her and her family. It was the key to them maintaining their status in society.
“My family is quite fortunate to have our dress shop. If it were not for my father’s industrious spirit and hard work, who knows where we would be. There have been times when the dress shop was not as profitable and we were worried, however, we persevered and made it through those difficult times. I know we have learned how to be strong and weather the slow periods from my faithful mother and strong father.”
“I would have never imagined you having struggling times in your life, Miss Tallant,” he said as his deep blue eyes squinted. “It is troublesome to hear.”
Laura hung her head. She had revealed too much to this stranger. She did not know what kind of man this was. He may spread the news among the townsfolk and they would lose respect among their acquaintances.
“I spoke too much about my personal life. I must ask you to forgive me for indulging, Mr. Wyndham,” Laura said.
“Forgive you? For what reason? I am a man of business. I most certainly understand these things.”
“I say, you are truly a man of business and I admire what you would like to do to build up the society, Mr. Wyndham,” Laura kept talking. “You know there are so many others with dreams to make their lives better for themselves and their families with no means to make it happen. If you are not born in a family of wealth or have wealthy relatives, however will you be able to rise to industry? Someone like you to give them a helping hand is all they would need to change their lives for the better. They may also need continuous education in learning how to run a business. The money is a good start, but a stable business sense is also necessary.”
Laura could not believe how much she had just stated to Mr. Wyndham. She had never stated her business beliefs to anyone, let alone a man.
Jonathan Wyndham stared at her in awe. “I see you have a good eye for the business world, Miss Tallant.”
“My sister and I have had young women come to our dress shop and ask questions about how to run a business such as ours. In between fitting them and looking for fabric, they ask us questions. We are always happy to oblige,” replied Laura.
“Oh, you provide business counselling in a most informal manner. You are doing what you say. I like that.”
“I have no intention of giving out information, it just comes naturally to me. I do not like to leave questions unanswered. There is much to learn in this world. Why keep my knowledge to myself?”
“You are so right. That is what I do on a daily basis, share knowledge,” nodding his head in agreement.
“You know that the women of our society are underprivileged. If I can assist them in lifting a leg up, I will do just that,” said Laura.
“I can clearly tell you will never be one of those women,” he smiled.
“You enjoy that?” she asked. He looked at her and released the warm smile.
“You must know I truly enjoy it.”
She patted her hands together and sat back. “Would you like to educate the people you financially help with a business background?”
“I would truly enjoy it. I have never thought about such an aspect. However, I do understand it now. What good would it be for me to invest my money in a business, just to see it fail miserably later? I need to be assured my money goes to good work and provide a needed industry and desired by the society and will be productive and successful. Every good investor must make sure their investment does its job and it is profitable. I do not want to see my money put to shame.”
“How much time do you feel it will take before you can start your venture?” she asked.
“It is not something I am in a rush to start. I need to have a foundation first. I require stability. I may ask other investors to assist me in this deal. With others, I can help not only our town, but society across England. It takes financing many others to make it come to life.”
“You know my brother-in-law may be able to help you with reaching out to others. He is quite well-connected to wealthy here in England,” said Laura.
“I do not want to impose.”
“You are not imposing. I am suggesting it of my accord.”
“That is good news to hear. I would love to speak with your brother-in-law. He may help my dream venture go much faster,” he rubbed his chin looking out of the window.
Laura knew her brother-in-law very well. He was the head of her family now. He married her sister knowing this would be his role. He took it seriously. Laura respected him and loved him as a brother.
“He is a loyal and stable man. He takes his time to ponder financial matters. I know he will not rush to join you. He must have the proper time to discuss it with his advisors and think about it.”
“That is the type of fellow I like,” Mr. Wyndham replied. “He will do very well with this type of venture.”
Laura could not believe her good fortune of probably having this good-looking gentleman invited to her home to meet with her brother-in-law. She would have another chance to admire his handsome face.
“You must know that I am pretty certain he will assist you. He loves the business society,” replied Laura.
“I am glad to hear of that,” he leaned forward to her. “I am pretty sure you can tell him all about me beforehand in preparation of our meeting, of course?”
Laura’s hands tingled and her palm
s started to sweat as she gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. She longed to touch his clean-shaven face and breathe in his masculinity. “I can do my part,” she smiled slightly. “I believe it is a possibility.”
“You believe?” he opened his eyes wide. “Or do you know?”
“You are right, I know it is possible, if I have the proper reasons,” Laura batted her eyes. What was she doing? She had lost control of her facial actions. She was another person.
“Okay, what are the reasons?” Jonathan moved his head closer to hers. “Can I provide them for you, Miss Tallant?”
He was becoming another person too and she liked it. Her lips quivered.
“Mr. Wyndham, I must tell you that any old reason will not do for me.”
“Give me your standards. Can I meet them?” He moved closer to her as his blue eyes sparkled.
“Maybe”, she said softly.
“Well, then let us see about those standards and how I can measure up,” He eased in closer.
She could actually touch his face. She smiled at the thought. “Well, about those standards…”
He stared into her emerald eyes for moments. He was looking for an answer it seemed. “Miss Tallant, can you tell me the length of your visit with your mother?”
“I shall visit with her for a week. I shall return to London next Friday,” Laura was wondering if he was planning a secret meeting with her. “May I ask the same of you?”
“I have not decided as of yet,” He continued to gaze into her eyes looking for an answer. “It is entirely dependent…”
“Dependent on what, may I ask?” She was floating on the blue sea of eyes. His eyes were speaking volumes of unsaid messages to her. She had never gazed upon eyes such as these and it was titillating.
“On how my prospects measure out.”
“Your prospects?” she asked breathlessly.
“That is quite right, my business and other matters.”
“Other matters?” She felt faint as the words were spoken. She urged to rub her cheek against his and feel his clean-shaven jawline. Did he feel the same way? Was he going press his lips against hers? Was he going to lean in for a kiss?
She desired to feel his lips on hers. She desired a kiss.
Love in the Moonlight: A Regency Romance All Hallows' Eve Collection: 7 Delightful Regency Romance All Hallows' Eve Stories (Regency Collections Book 6) Page 53