‘If you will excuse me, I fear I must ask Margaret to take me home,’ she said to the other card players at her table. ‘I don’t feel well. A migraine I believe.’
Margaret, however, was having a wonderful time and wasn’t ready to leave yet. ‘Just take the carriage, dear, and ask the coachman to return for us. You don’t mind, do you?’
Lexie frowned, wondering if it wasn’t improper for her to travel alone, but then the pounding in her head persuaded her that she didn’t care. ‘Very well. Goodnight then.’
She made her farewells to Lady Ketteridge, who barely noticed. Lexie felt Synley’s gaze on her, but avoided looking at him. It was with relief that she sank into the soft seat of the carriage and closed her eyes.
Approximately half way back to Hawthorne Manor, Lexie was startled into full awareness by a pistol shot. ‘Stand and deliver,’ she heard someone shout, at the same time as the carriage came to a halt.
‘What on earth ...?’ she muttered. She hadn’t realised there were highwaymen in these parts. It was such a small country lane, after all. Surely there would be richer pickings on the main roads?
She glanced out the window and saw that there was indeed a man on horseback aiming a pistol at the coachman. This didn’t frighten her, it merely made her angry. She was wearing a necklace she’d inherited from her mother, and it was the only piece of jewellery she owned which was actually worth anything. ‘I am not parting with it,’ she muttered, undoing the clasp and slipping it under the seat cushion for the moment.
She knew George kept a pair of pistols somewhere in the carriage for just this sort of eventuality and she began to root around in the various pockets until she came across them. They were both loaded and she cocked one, taking careful aim out the window. She didn’t want to kill anyone, so she focused on a tree branch just to the left of the highwayman’s head, then pulled the trigger.
The man jumped, startling his horse, which began to rear up.
‘Leave now. I won’t miss with the next one,’ she shouted.
At the same time a shot rang out from behind the highwayman as well, and he swivelled round, clearly confused. Another horseman appeared round a bend in the road, and the highwayman took off. He must have known he was outnumbered on this occasion, Lexie thought, and he did the only thing he could – retreat. The second horseman gave chase, however, and thundered after him, past the carriage. Lexie didn’t have time to see who it was, but stayed where she was, grasping the second pistol just in case the highwayman decided to return.
‘Are you hurt, Miss?’ the coachman called out, his voice quivering.
‘No, Ogden, I’m fine, thank you. And you?’
‘Not a scratch, Miss. Just had a fright, is all. We’d best continue with all speed.’
Lexie was about to agree, but again caught the sound of hoof beats approaching. ‘No, wait. Someone’s coming.’
The second horseman returned and jumped off his horse, landing just outside the carriage door. ‘Lexie? Are you all right?’ Synley peered in through the open window.
‘My lord! I thought you were busy playing cards.’
‘No, I tired of it soon after you left.’ He smiled. ‘May I ride with you as far as Hawthorne? I’ll tie my horse to the back of the carriage.’
‘If you wish.’
Soon after, he jumped in and joined her on the back seat, taking both her hands between his in the darkness. ‘You are certain the highwayman didn’t harm you? I’m sorry I couldn’t catch him, but he disappeared into the forest.’
‘No, on the contrary, I almost shot him.’
‘Ah, so that was you, was it? I wasn’t sure who had fired on whom.’ He chuckled. ‘I should have known a mere highwayman was no match for you.’
Lexie knew she ought to pull her hands away, but it felt so wonderful to have them held thus, she left them where they were. ‘I must own I didn’t know there were any hereabouts. No one told me.’
‘That’s probably because there aren’t. I don’t believe that was a real highwayman at all. It was just someone out to frighten you.’
‘What?’ She looked up, but couldn’t see his expression. ‘Why? I mean, do you think it was connected to what happened yesterday?’
‘Possibly.’
‘Then it was I who was the intended target.’
‘No, I don’t believe so, but it’s a strange coincidence nonetheless. We will both have to be on our guard and never go anywhere alone from now on. Do you agree?’
‘Absolutely. How is your shoulder?’
‘Much better, no doubt thanks to you.’ She heard the smile in his voice. ‘Speaking of which, I wanted to thank you properly for your assistance.’
‘Oh, but you already did.’
‘Not like this.’
Before Lexie could protest, he had bent down to capture her mouth with his. A part of her had been wishing he would do just that, since the dark interior of the carriage was the perfect place, but she was still shocked when it happened, because she knew he shouldn’t. It didn’t take long for her lips to remember his lesson of all those years ago, however, and soon she forgot everything except how wonderful it felt to be kissed by him. It was as if time had stood still and she was back in that orangery once more, falling in love with a stranger all over again.
Only he wasn’t a stranger this time.
He pulled her closer, his hands stroking her back and running through her hair, which had come loose from its elaborate arrangement. In return, she allowed her fingers to skim his broad shoulders and felt the muscles underneath that she had seen at such close quarters only the day before. They were as hard as she’d imagined, his skin warm through his coat. She breathed in his scent, something exotic and exciting, and felt the blood fizz through her veins.
The carriage drew to a halt and they sprang apart, their breathing somewhat ragged. She wanted to tell him off for taking liberties, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. They would have been lies in any case, because she had enjoyed the experience immensely.
He must have done as well, since he whispered, ‘I’m not sorry this time either, Lexie. Goodnight.’
And with that he jumped down and held out a hand to help her descend. She took it, her own shaking in his steady grip, but she managed to hold her head high and just say, ‘Goodnight, my lord. Thank you for your company.’
What else could she say, after all? There were servants present.
‘How are you feeling this morning? I do hope you’re not coming down with anything? I wouldn’t want Rupert to catch an illness.’
Lexie looked up from her luncheon and watched her sister trail into the room. There were dark shadows under Margaret’s eyes and a slight frown marring her brow. Of course it was natural for a mother to think first and foremost of her child, but the implied suggestion that Lexie would be responsible should Rupert fall ill annoyed her.
‘I’m perfectly well, thank you. It was only a headache. Lady Ketteridge’s salon was so stuffy.’
‘Do you think so? I didn’t suffer in the slightest, but then George and I were on a winning streak.’ Margaret smiled at the memory of their triumph. ‘We won fifty guineas off Lord Synley. It was no wonder he left so abruptly.’ She laughed.
‘Well, that should please George then,’ Lexie commented.
‘Oh, indeed, but now he thinks Lady Luck is on his side and he wants to take advantage of it. He’s asked me to organise a small soiree here at the end of the week and is hoping Synley will agree to play some more. Such short notice, of course, but with your help, I’m sure I can manage it. You don’t mind, do you?’
Lexie thought privately that it wouldn’t matter whether she did. No doubt she’d be expected to help in any case, as long as she was dependent on George and Margaret for her board and lodging. She sincerely hoped she could find another post as a lady’s companion soon as she didn’t want to be used in this way by her relatives for the rest of her life. There were times when she wondered if perhaps she should
have accepted one of the marriage proposals she’d received after all. But she had always been headstrong and knew in her heart she could never be the sort of wife a man expected in a marriage of convenience. She’d watched her parents through the years, and many of their acquaintance, and decided such a life was not for her. She would rather live in penury.
She quelled a sigh now and replied to her sister. ‘No. What would you have me do?’
‘If you could write the invitations, that would be splendid. Here is a list of the guests and the exact wording you should use. I prepared it earlier.’ Margaret pulled a folded piece of paper out of her skirt pocket. ‘You’ll find everything else you need in the escritoire in the morning room.’
‘Very well, I’ll see to it straight away as Rupert has persuaded Melton to help him practise shooting.’
‘Thank you, I knew you would. You’re frightfully efficient.’ Margaret laughed once more and sat down to pick at her lunch while Lexie stood up and headed for the door. Just before she reached it, Margaret added, ‘Oh, and do write a little personal note to Lord Synley, won’t you? Something to make him attend for sure.’
‘Like what?’ Do please come and don’t forget to kiss me again? Lexie tamped down on that thought. No doubt he was regretting it after all, since he hadn’t appeared for their ride that morning. She couldn’t blame him. It should never have happened and her response ... well, she didn’t even want to think about that. He must think her incredibly forward.
‘Oh, I don’t know. “We would be especially pleased to welcome you to Hawthorne now that you are honouring your neighbours with your presence once more” or words to that effect.’ Margaret waved a hand as if she didn’t much care what Lexie wrote, as long as Synley came.
‘I’ll see what I can do.’
Synley stared with a frown at the invitation he’d just received. He should have known that going to Emma’s card party would bring on a flood of such trivial entertainments and now he’d have the devil’s own time rejecting them all. Well, not all perhaps. He’d have to venture out occasionally, but not every week and not to socialise with toads like George Hawthorne and his abominable nephew.
Torrington. Now there was a man Synley could well do without ever seeing again, but he seemed to have taken up permanent residence in the neighbourhood. One was forever tripping over him and if rumour was to be believed, he was becoming very friendly with Emma. Synley had seen no sign of it the night before, but in a way he hoped it was true. That might rid him of two problems at once.
He sighed and threw the invitation onto his desk. I am deluding myself. The main problem with attending a party at Hawthorne would be seeing Lexie again, which would not be wise. Last night, he’d behaved badly and taken advantage of her vulnerability after the bogus highwayman’s attempt to frighten her. Not that she had seemed scared, quite the opposite, but she had been alone and in need of protection and instead he had ...
‘Damn it all!’ He stood up and began to pace the room.
He had long ago decided to abandon his roguish ways and become respectable and responsible. Marrying Catherine had been the first step, restoring the ancestral estate his father had ruined was the next. He’d been a wastrel too, just like his sire, but unlike him Synley had realised he had a choice. He had also appreciated the fact that he had a duty towards others – it wasn’t all about him and his wishes. There were people – adults and children – depending on him. He could only be thankful he’d come to his senses in time.
The restoration of his estate had come at a price though – ostracism. Local society was beginning to forgive him now that Catherine had been gone for two years, but people had long memories and he knew they wouldn’t forget entirely. It was a price he’d been willing to pay, until he met Lexie again.
Would it really be so bad, throwing caution to the wind and asking her to marry him? She wasn’t averse to him, that was for certain, and since she wasn’t well off, she might welcome the security of a man of means. But could he really expect a respectable woman like her to put herself beyond the pale by marrying such a notorious character as himself? He never went to London any more, he barely socialised here and he had no wish to change that. It was not the kind of life a woman wanted.
No, he’d have to be strong and resist temptation. Soon she would be gone and he would regain his peace of mind, such as it was. It was for the best.
Wasn’t it?
‘Has his lordship replied yet?’ Margaret came barging into the school room two days later without so much as a knock, interrupting Lexie in mid-sentence.
‘Who?’ She knew very well to whom Margaret was referring, but didn’t want this to be obvious.
‘Synley, of course, who else? I swear, he’s the most vexatious man on earth.’
‘No, he’s not, Mama,’ Rupert piped up, scowling at his mother. ‘He’s a capital fellow and he’s my friend.’
‘Is he really? Well, perhaps I should have asked you to invite him instead then since he doesn’t seem inclined to come at my bidding.’ Margaret pursed her lips, looking very much like her son when he was in a sulk.
‘He might be otherwise engaged?’ Lexie suggested.
‘Then he should say so. It’s such bad manners, not even replying. You did add a special note for him, did you not?’
‘To be sure.’ Lexie crossed her fingers behind her back. She hadn’t seen any point in doing so since she knew very well Synley would do as he pleased, note or no note.
‘You must ride over and ask him.’
‘What? I can’t do that! It would be most improper, Margaret.’ Lexie frowned at her sister, wondering if she’d taken leave of her senses. ‘Honestly, George will have to fleece someone else.’
‘But he’s set his heart on Synley and no one else will play for such high stakes. They know George too well. I tell you what, why don’t you two go riding now and see if you come across him? He may be out and about if he’s as diligent regarding estate matters as George claims.’
‘We’re in the middle of a maths lesson.’ Lexie glared at her sister.
‘That can wait, surely? Dear Rupert hates doing sums, don’t you darling?’
‘No, actually, I’m rather —’
Margaret cut her son off. ‘Of course you do. Who doesn’t? Now run along and change, dearest. You too, Lexie. Please, there’s no harm in trying, is there?’
Lexie threw up her hands in surrender. ‘Oh, very well, but if we don’t meet him, I’m not chasing after him, is that clear?’
‘No, no, of course not.’ Margaret smiled. ‘Thank you, I knew I could count on you.’
Lexie wanted to hurl one of the books at her sister’s retreating back, but restrained herself with some difficulty.
‘There he is. I say, Synley, over here, Synley!’ Rupert stood up in the saddle and took off his hat to wave in the direction of a rider on the far side of a field they were passing.
Lexie said something very unladylike in Italian under her breath. ‘For heaven’s sake, Rupert, do sit down. You’ll spook Jefferson again.’
It was too late, however. His lordship had seen them and came cantering over, smiling at Rupert and bowing to Lexie. ‘Good afternoon. Have you taken to riding at all hours now? I know lessons are boring, but really ...’ he teased.
Lexie felt herself flush, but tried to remain calm. ‘The maths proved particularly difficult today, so we needed a diversion,’ she replied.
‘I see. Then perhaps I may ride with you for a bit?’
Lexie glanced at him, but could see no obvious reluctance on his part. Since he hadn’t joined them for their rides all week, she had thought he didn’t want their company any more, but he looked at ease now and spoke in his usual manner to Rupert. If she detected a slight hesitation in his demeanour when he addressed her, it was barely noticeable and she told herself she might be imagining it.
Since they hadn’t seen Synley for so long, Rupert had a lot to tell him and Lexie let the two of them ride ahead of her. Synle
y allowed the boy to prattle on and made all the right responses, until at last Rupert ran out of both breath and things to talk about.
‘And that’s all,’ he ended with a smile, which Synley returned.
‘Really? It sounds to me like you’ve had a very busy week. Your poor aunt must be hard put to keep up with you.’ He glanced over his shoulder at Lexie.
‘No, Aunt Lexie is never tired. Are you, Aunt?’
‘Of course not,’ Lexie replied with a laugh, but she could see that Synley didn’t believe her. He just shook his head with a smile, however.
‘Why don’t you ride ahead so I may have a word with her,’ he suggested, and Rupert set off at a slightly faster pace, leaving Synley to draw up next to Lexie. ‘He’s a handful and no mistake,’ he said, looking after Rupert.
‘Yes, he’s hard work sometimes, but rewarding company nevertheless. I’m enjoying my time with him and he’s coming on very well in his lessons. He surprises me daily.’
‘I’m glad you’re not finding it too onerous. I still feel you are being used. But I’m sure you are capable of saying no when the occasion warrants it.’
‘Indeed, never fear.’ Lexie took a deep breath. His smiling eyes seemed to indicate he wasn’t just talking about Rupert. Had he expected her to say no to his kisses? And was he disgusted that she hadn’t done so? This thought made her cheeks heat up and she decided to change the subject. She was just about to broach the subject of the party, but Synley forestalled her in his usual direct manner.
‘I take it you didn’t come to find me just for Rupert to tell me about his week.’
Lexie glanced up at him, startled. ‘Well, not exactly no.’
He sighed. ‘So you must’ve been sent to enquire whether I’m coming to your sister’s infernal party.’
Lexie smiled. ‘You are correct, but can I just say that I am here under duress. I assumed that if you hadn’t replied, you weren’t planning to attend, which is of course your prerogative.’
‘Do you want me to come?’
His question took her by surprise. ‘Me personally?’ He nodded. ‘Well, of course I’d like it if you did, but more to the point, you would save me from days of other people’s grumbling and sulking.’
Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay Page 25