A Chaotic Courtship

by Bethany Swafford

  A look of mock hurt crossed Anna’s face. “I would never get you into anything I couldn’t just as easily get you out of—if it was necessary!”

  “That, of course, makes me feel so much better.”

  It didn’t, but Anna took my words at face value. “Good,” she said, retaking my arm. “Now, we must go defeat some annoying young ladies at ninepins.”

  WHEN WE ARRIVED ON the lawn, the game had been set up. Miss Reynolds and Miss Carter had deigned to come down and were sitting on the sidelines. Anna and I joined the other three girls who had decided to play. The five of us laughed while the other two young ladies watched with judgemental expressions on their faces.

  We were nearing the end of the game when the gentlemen of the house party arrived. Miss Reynolds was the first to see them, and her insipid giggle warned the rest of us. “Oh, isn’t that just adorable,” Anna said as the other ladies all began smoothing their dresses and checking their hair. I resisted the impulse also check my appearance. “Yes, let’s all stop playing and make sure we look good, ladies.”

  I frowned as I realized Sarah also checked her gown and even went so far as to put her hands behind her back, looking for all the world like an innocent young lady. One who would never play ninepins in as rowdy a manner as she had just been doing.

  There were six men with Mr. Knighton and his son. Which one had caught Sarah’s attention? Mr. Richfield was among them, and when he caught my eye, his face brightened with a smile and, his eyes lighting up with delight. I felt my cheeks flush and I promptly forgot about figuring out who Sarah could be interested in. Anna snickered beside me. “You are well and truly caught, Diana.”

  “Ah, ladies,” Mr. Knighton, a pleasant gray-haired man, said, calling out first. “Enjoying the fine weather while it lasts?”

  “What else is a lady to do in the country, sir?” Miss Reynolds said, her tone coy. I was startled until I realized her eyes were on Mr. Richfield. “Have you gentlemen had a good morning?”

  “We had a fine ride around the estate,” the elder Mr. Knighton said. His gaze landed on Sarah and me, and his smile broadened. “The Misses Forester! It has been far too long since you have graced this lawn. Have you been staying out of trouble?”

  “I see there are some introductions to be made,” Philip Knighton said before Sarah or I could make a reply. “Miss Forester, Miss Sarah, may I introduce you to Mr. Carter, Mr. Aaron Carter, Mr. Delan, and Mr. Regan.”

  Each man made a slight bow in our direction. I breathed a sigh of relief that at least this time, he had made the introductions, phrasing it in such a way we could have refused the introduction if we felt there was reason to do so. Mr. Ward, the gentleman Sarah and I had already met, had a bored expression on his face, his brown eyes scanning us. “Miss Carter, Miss Elizabeth Carter, Miss Delan, Miss Reynolds, and Lady Carlyle, this is Mr. Richfield,” Philip said, finishing the introductions.

  “Oh, Mr. Richfield and I are acquainted already,” Miss Reynolds said quickly. “It is a pleasure to see you once again, Mr. Richfield. London seemed bleak without you there to amuse us.”

  Politely, Mr. Richfield nodded towards her. “Lady Carlyle, I didn’t know you would be here,” he said, turning to my best friend. “Is Sir Rodger here as well?”

  Smiling in triumph, as Miss Reynolds’ smile became brittle, Anna said, “Not yet, Mr. Richfield. But he intends on arriving in time for the ball if not sooner. He will be pleased to see you.”

  “Well, don’t let us interrupt your game, ladies,” the older Mr. Knighton father said jovially. He sent a glance at the sky where gray clouds had begun to gather. “It looks as though it may rain, so you may want to finish quickly.”

  “Come, Mary, we should go inside now,” Miss Reynolds said to Miss Carter. “Perhaps one of you gentlemen would care to escort us?”

  Her eyes were on Mr. Richfield, and my grip on my ball tightened. “Certainly, Miss Reynolds,” Mr. Knighton said, holding out his arm. “I understand some young ladies are not as adventurous as my daughter and her friends.”

  Anna laughed out loud at Miss Reynolds’ look of aggravation. Miss Reynolds had no choice but to accept her host’s arm, and Miss Carter took Mr. Ward’s arm. I saw annoyance fill Sarah’s face, and my sister glared at the backs of Miss Carter and Mr. Ward.

  “I hope you won’t mind an audience,” Mr. Richfield said, gaining my attention before I could think about my sister’s apparent interest in Mr. Ward any further. “I believe the rain will hold off long enough for you to reach the end of your game.”

  “We don’t mind at all,” Anna said. “We only have a few more rounds to go. Miss Delan, I believe it is your turn.”

  Mr. Regan and Mr. Aaron Carter, both younger men, also chose to stay while the rest of the men moved on. I stepped to the sidelines to wait for my turn, and Mr. Richfield sidestepped as well so he was right next to me.

  “Lady Carlyle is a force to be reckoned with.”

  I had to smile. “She is that. But I am always glad to see her. She was, and still is, my dearest friend.”

  Mr. Richfield nodded. “I had guessed as much when I saw her with you in London.”

  We watched Sarah knock all of her pins down, and then Miss Elizabeth Carter entirely missed her targets. There was a low rumble of thunder as I stepped up to take my turn. The clouds had darkened quickly above us.

  “This will be the last round. If you knock down all of your pins, Diana, you will win this game,” Sarah said, raising her voice to be heard by all. “Miss one, and Miss Delan will be our victor.”

  I had failed to keep track of the points, so was surprised to hear I was so close to the top. “One crown says she misses,” Mr. Regan said with a laugh.

  “A crown says she will strike true,” Mr. Richfield said instantly. “In fact, I wager she will knock them all down.”

  Oh, dear. I hadn’t knocked all nine of the pins down this entire game, so could not hold out any hope I would manage to do so this time. Taking a deep breath and conscious of all the eyes on me, I sent the ball spinning towards the pins. Hoping, I held my breath as I watched the ball strike the pins. They tumbled over, knocking into each other. The last teetered for a moment before it joined the others on the ground.

  “I did it,” I said in shock.

  “You did it!” Anna squealed with joy. She hugged me, laughing as the other girls cheered. A shrill whistle joined the applause, and I glanced at Mr. Richfield. He shrugged and applauded the loudest of all.

  “You have nothing to worry about,” Anna said in my ear as the footmen began to gather up the game. “He has eyes only for you.”

  Sarah and Miss Delan joined us. I spotted Mr. Regan handing over the bet to Mr. Richfield. “You didn’t completely mess up,” was all Sarah said, her expression one of mild surprise.

  In the middle of my celebration, a fat raindrop landed on my nose. Anna let out a gasp. “Rain! Everyone inside!”

  There was a mad dash for the manor as the raindrops began to fall around us in increasing frequency. Holding their hands over their heads, Miss Delan and Miss Elizabeth squealed about their hair being ruined. Sarah and Anna were laughing with delight, while Mr. Carter and Mr. Regan were competing to be the first to make it to the door.

  I caught myself when I tripped on a stone. Mr. Richfield’s hand came around mine, and he stayed beside me, making sure I stayed on my feet. We were the last to make it through the door, and he let go of my hand once we were through the doorway.

  “Well, you were right. The rain held off long enough for the game to end,” I said with a laugh.

  “A mere guess,” he said with a shrug. He leaned forward and brushed a wet lock of hair out of my face.

  A smile curved my lips as I lifted my gaze to his. “Congratulations on winning your bet.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t stand to think someone would bet against you. I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”

  His calm confidence made me blush. “You would have been the only one, as most peopl
e know ninepins is not my forte,” I said, fighting to keep my tone light. Miss Jenson appeared in the hallway, clucking her tongue in distress at our wet clothes.

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You play for the fun of it, not to win, and that makes your victory so much sweeter. I admire that in you.”

  My cheeks burned even hotter. “Come, ladies,” Miss Jenson said, clapping her hands to get our attention. “We must get you warm and dry.”

  Offering one last smile, I moved to join Sarah and Anna. I was undoubtedly the wettest out of the group. Where the spring air had been warm in the sun, now it was chilly, and I found myself shivering.

  “Come to my room,” Anna said. “I’m sure I have something warm you can put on.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “And we can talk some more.”

  I allowed myself be pulled along with her. Miss Carter and Miss Reynolds were snickering together in the doorway of the drawing-room when we went by them. This time, I didn’t let it affect me. They only saw our wet, bedraggled appearance and could have no idea I had never felt prettier.

  Chapter Twelve

  The rest of the day passed in a blur. Once dry, and dressed in one of Anna’s gowns, I joined the other ladies in the drawing room. Miss Reynolds and Miss Carter continued being unfriendly, though the younger Miss Carter and Sarah were getting on well with their conversation primarily on music. With Miss Delan, I suggested new trimmings for a bonnet Anna had grown tired of.

  Mother asked how we had enjoyed ourselves on our ride back home. “Oh, it was pleasant to do something with someone new,” Sarah said, her tone absent. “I think Miss Elizabeth Carter and I will be great friends. Charlotte will adore her.”

  “What of Miss Reynolds and Miss Mary Carter?” Mother asked, glancing at me. “I noticed they, as well as Mrs. Reynolds, were not inclined to be friendly, which I found to be odd.”

  “Miss Reynolds and I met in London, Mother,” I said honestly. “She did not take kindly to Mr. Richfield giving his attention to me and not to her.”

  There was no other way of saying it. Miss Reynolds had not found another gentleman to occupy her interest and was jealous I had gained Mr. Richfield’s affection.

  Thoughtfully, Mother nodded. “I wondered if was the case. I will remind you that however she treats you, you must remember to be polite. Don’t think I didn’t hear your remarks to her earlier, Diana. What you said was not kind.”

  I cringed. I had hoped my comments had gone unheard by her. “I’m sorry, Mother. It won’t happen again.”

  “See it does not. You are old enough I ”

  Sarah seemed preoccupied the entire ride, and although Mother tried to engage her in conversation, my sister’s responses were only a few words at a time. By the time we reached home, Mother had given up entirely.

  There was a change in the hall when we entered. Small cases were stacked up in the middle of the room, and I knew them on sight; I had helped pack them myself months ago. “James is home!” I said, pulling at the ribbons on my bonnet.

  That pulled Sarah out of her thoughts. “James!”

  My older brother came out of the library. “Sarah,” he said as our sister threw herself at him. He lifted her up and set her down easily. “Have you gained weight?”

  “James! How can you say that?” Sarah hit his shoulder with her hand, but not hard enough to cause pain. James just grinned at her.

  “You’re home,” Mother said, moving forward. She hugged James and kissed his cheek, though he towered six inches above her. “Did you enjoy your travels?”

  James had spent most of the winter traveling with some friends around the country. “I had a wonderful time.” He put his arm around my shoulders for a one-armed hug. “But I am glad to be back now.”

  “Will must be thrilled to have you back,” I said, smiling up at him. “He has had to put up with Sarah and me all by himself these past few months.”

  “He didn’t stop talking for half an hour,” James said with a laugh. “Father finally sent him upstairs to finish his lessons.” He sent a knowing grin in my direction. “He had much to say about you and a Mr. Richfield.” I had no doubt Will had told him everything, from his point of view. “My little sister is being courted by a highwayman.”

  Every little detail. “I am not! You must not believe a word he or Sarah says on the matter.”

  “You’re in time for the house party at the Knightons’, James!” Sarah said, pulling on James’ arm to get his attention. “I have been practicing my archery so I can best everyone!”

  “Well, I suppose you must have something to distinguish yourself from the other ladies,” James reached over to tug on her hair.

  “Let’s not stand here in the hall,” Mother said, ever practical. “We will go to the sitting room, and I shall ring for some tea.”

  JAMES HAD MUCH TO TELL us about his travels with his two school friends, and he didn’t stop talking for the rest of the day. We all hung on his every word as he spoke about the families he had visited. Dinner was lively that night, and we all laughed louder than we had in a long time. We were up well past midnight as we each tried to relay the details of an event that had happened while James had been gone.

  It felt good to have everyone back in one place again.

  Come morning, I felt the effects of the late night and was reminded of how I had often felt in London. Due to that experience, I seemed to cope with the fatigue better than my two younger siblings. Sarah behaved as though she was about to fall asleep on her plate, her head dipping lower and lower, and Will kept staring at his breakfast in confusion. Mother and Father had eaten earlier, leaving just the siblings.

  “Poor little country children,” James said, exchanging looks with me. “How would they ever survive in the big city?”

  Will and Sarah were awake enough to understand the insult, and they both sent glares at their older brother. “Oh, I’m sure they will be grown up enough by the time they get the chance to go up to Town,” I said, unable to keep the patronizing tone out of my voice.

  The glares were aimed at me next. “Do you plan on visiting the Manor?” James asked, changing the subject.

  “There’s going to be a small archery competition today for the ladies, as I’m sure you recall Sarah mentioning yesterday,” I said when Sarah didn’t seem inclined to answer. “She and I are going to walk over at ten o’clock.”

  That brought Sarah’s head up again. “Walk? Diana! I refuse to walk the whole way there.”

  “Since Mother has arrangements to visit Mrs. Davison, she needs the carriage. So either we walk, or we don’t go at all. That’s the way it is, I’m afraid.”

  Groaning, Sarah pushed her plate away and put her head on her arms. “Since Will has his studies this morning, I can go with you,” James said. “I haven’t seen the Knightons since I left. I thought I would run into Philip at some point but our paths never crossed.”

  “He probably wouldn’t have wanted to talk to you, you know,” Sarah said, her words mumbled.

  James frowned. “Why do you say that?”

  Oh, perfect. I had never written him about what had happened between Philip Knighton and I. It wasn’t the kind of thing you put in a letter, after all. Well, perhaps someone could but I hadn’t been able to face the words in black and white. “Philip Knighton asked to marry me,” I said quietly, “and I refused.”

  Silence filled the table. I had never put it quite so bluntly before. “Philip wanted to marry you,” James said slowly. “I see. Did you know he had formed an attachment to you?”

  “I knew,” Sarah said, louder than was necessary.

  “No! What kind of a question is that?” I said at the same time. I glared at my sister. “No one asked you, Sarah. James’ question was for me.”

  Shrugging, Sarah sat up. “I’m going to get ready.” She pushed her chair back and stood up. “Just explain it all, Diana. I don’t want to have to hear this all the way to the Knightons. It’s become tiresome, you know.”
/>   Will raised his hand. “Agreed.”

  I threw my napkin at him. “I’m not the one who always brings it up. Do you think I like having to remember what happened? It breaks my heart every time because I lost a good friend.”

  James frowned at me. “You don’t mean Phillip refuses to associate with us anymore. He didn’t say a word when we crossed paths earlier this year.”

  For a moment, hope fluttered in my heart. If Phillip hadn’t mentioned it and had been as he usually was with my brother, perhaps he had moved on and things could be normal again? That hope shattered as I remembered how he had behaved to me. No, Phillip had not forgiven me and I couldn’t be sure he would.

  “There’s no need to get worked up about it,” Sarah said, her tone impatient. “You are so annoying when you get like this.”

  “No more than you are.”

  “Diana, Sarah, I’ve only been home one evening. Please don’t start quarreling,” James said, his tone placating. “Let me believe for a short time my sisters get along, and there are no troubles at home.”

  Sarah stuck her tongue out at him as she left the room. “But there is trouble,” Will said. “The highwayman hasn’t been caught yet, and he attacked the Reynolds on their way here. Mrs. Reynolds lost what jewels she had.”

  “She did?” I asked in interest. “Miss Reynolds didn’t say anything about that. The only thing she mentioned was Miss Delan had not been a worthy target for the highwayman.”

  “Well, it wasn’t exactly a hold up of the Reynolds’ themselves,” Will said with relish. “It was the wagon with their belongings that was stopped. For some reason, that’s where the ladies’ jewels were being kept.”