Lord Ainsley extended his arms to both ladies.
Abigail smiled politely as she laid her hand upon his arm. She knew the invitation was for Clara and he was only being kind by including her, but she was grateful to him anyway.
The three moved toward the house, an awkward silence falling over them.
"Will you be attending the picnic, my lord?" Clara never was one to tolerate prolonged silence.
"Yes. I was planning on it." He looked sweetly at Clara. "What of you?" He turned his head to include Abigail in the question, but his gaze quickly returned to her cousin.
"We plan to attend as well. It is sure to be a great diversion. There is talk of balloon rides and caricatures."
Lord Ainsley nodded. "I had heard such rumors, also. Tell me, Miss Martindale, are you adventurous enough to go up in the balloon."
Clara's eyes widened slightly. "I believe I am." She then looked shyly at her feet. "If I were with the right person, that is."
Lord Ainsley grinned. "I am glad to know it."
Abigail blushed at witnessing the flirtations.
She couldn’t help but wonder if Lord Grayson would be attending the picnic, also. She both hoped he would and wished he would not. If he were to attend, could she bare to watch him interact with the other guests, knowing he would not seek her out?
They reached the house and Lord Ainsley escorted them inside, leaving them in the entry-way. "I shall leave you for now, but may I escort you to the picnic?" Again, the offer was to both of them, but Abigail knew Clara was who he wished to spend the afternoon with.
"I thank you for your offer, my lord, but I think I shall stay back and read." Abigail gave a small curtsy and turned toward Morton, standing sentry at the door.
Clara gasped. "You shall do no such thing. If you insist on reading, bring your book and read in the sunshine."
Abigail sighed. "I will think on it."
Lord Ainsley gave Clara a slight bow. "I shall meet you here and we shall travel together, then." His gaze flicked to Abigail. "I hope you will join us, Miss Marleigh." He turned and disappeared through one of the many arched hallways flanking the entry.
Abigail handed off her bonnet and gloves to Morton.
"You must come, Abi. I cannot stand to think of you sitting inside when the weather is so lovely out. I insist you join us."
Abigail nodded without any enthusiasm. "Very well, if only to provide you with a chaperone." She smiled at Clara. “I think Lord Ainsley has taken an interest in you, cousin.”
Clara pinked and giggled. "Do you think so?”
Abigail nodded.
“Do you think Lord Grayson will come?” Clara studied Abigail. “Would that be so terrible?”
"Yes, actually. It would be wholly unpleasant. I don't know about you, but I do not enjoy spending time with someone who does not wish to be with me." She narrowed her eyes at Clara. "So whatever you are scheming with Lord Ainsley, you need not continue."
Clara walked with Abigail up the stairs to their chambers, following Abigail when she entered her room.
"I only wish to see you happy. I know he is partial to you, Abi. Anyone seeing the two of you speak can see as much. I don't understand why the two of you are making things so difficult."
It still surprised Abigail that Clara had so easily forgiven Lord Grayson. Once Abigail had given her the fact of his identity. But that was Clara’s nature. Clara grabbed Abigail’s hands, capturing her gaze and giving her a practiced pout. "Please, promise you will come."
Abigail sighed. "Very well. But I should like to rest before we go, so come fetch me when it is time to leave."
Clara clapped her hands, her pout disappearing completely. "I knew you would not disappoint me. You will have a splendid time, Abi. Just you wait."
"Yes, it will be very diverting, I’m certain."
Clara turned to quit the room.
"Clara?"
Her cousin stilled and turned her head back.
"Thank you for watching out for me. I am grateful to you."
Clara grinned. "I love you like a sister, Abi. This is what sister's do for one another. Is it not?"
Abigail shrugged. She had never had a sister.
Clara turned back and left the room.
Moving to her favorite spot in the room, Abigail sat down in the window seat. She pulled her legs up underneath her, tucking her dress about them.
Leaning her temple against the window, she tried to decide if she hoped Lord Grayson would attend the picnic or stay as far away from her as possible..
As much as her mind told her it was best if he stayed away, the rest of her was anxious to see him, even if it were only from a distance.
Chapter 21
"I don't wish to go, Ainsley. How many times do I have to tell you?"
Ainsley glared at Alex. "I refuse to take no for an answer, Grayson."
"Well, you must. I have no use for picnics."
It was a lie, but Alex didn't care. He was certain Miss Marleigh would be at the park and as much as he wished to see her, he knew he should not. Sitting behind her at church, watching her tilt her delicate neck from side to side had nearly been his undoing. And while he wanted more than anything to be with her, he knew he shouldn't—couldn’t. Every time he was near her, he felt his resolve slip a little more. Still, he knew Andrews nature, knew he would not spare her for being a woman. He would probably relish it all the more. As much as it pained him to think on it, losing Abigail to another man was the only option he could live with.
He needed this house party to come to an end. Then they could go their separate ways and he would not have to witness her unhappiness daily.
"But what of the balloon rides? Surely, that must entice someone such as you." Ainsley was using every tactic he had to convince Alex.
"I care nothing for balloon rides." Alex's voice was flat.
"But you do care for Miss Marleigh, do you not?" Ainsley smiled smugly. "She will be riding in my carriage to the park."
Alex clenched his teeth tightly. It was reckless, but he wanted to be near her. It would be the last time. A sort of farewell picnic. "Very well," he nodded. "But this is the last time, Ainsley."
Lud, when had he become so weak?
The carriage ride consisted of a relatively two-sided conversation between Miss Martindale and Ainsley.
Miss Marleigh focused her attention at the passing scenery, only occasionally glancing over at Alex. The hurt was still evident in her eyes. No doubt she was wondering why Alex was in the carriage with her when he had quite clearly stated that they couldn’t be together.
It was ridiculous. Alex shook his head. Why did he not just speak to her? If this was to be their last time together, he should be making the most of it.
"The Garvey's have a lovely estate. Do you not agree?" He mentally shook himself. Was this to be the extent of their conversations—the Garvey’s estate and the weather?
Miss Marleigh turned her head toward him and nodded. "Indeed. I had no idea it was so vast. I heard talk that the park we are visiting still resides on their land."
Alex nodded. "Yes. I heard the same."
She returned to the view out the window, ending the awkward conversation before it really got started.
Thankfully, the carriage pulled to a stop and the footman opened the door. Ainsley and Alex stepped out one after the other. Miss Martindale appeared in the doorway first, bringing Ainsley forward to hand her out. When Miss Marleigh appeared, Alex swallowed hard, extended his hand to her. Would she even accept it?
She looked from his hand to his face several times before taking hold and stepping down onto the carriage step, but snatched her hand back as soon as her second foot touched the ground. "Thank you, my lord."
Alex heard the shake in her voice and his chest tightened.
Extending his arm, he was disappointed when she instead, folded her arms across her middle. Alex clasped the alabaster topper of his cane, biting his check to keep from cursing at himself.
He had thought it better for her to be hurt by him than Andrews. But this course did not feel right either.
"Do you plan to go up in the balloon?" Alex missed their easy conversation. Even the conversation they’d had while he had held her captive in the carriage had been less strained than this.
"I should think not. The thought of being up so high quite terrifies me." She looked over at him and Alex knew he would remember that look forever. "What of you, my lord?"
Alex shrugged. "I don't understand the excitement it holds for some people."
A small smile played at the corners of her lips. "Come, my lord. Don't tell me you are afraid of heights."
Alex guffawed. "Certainly not. I spent enough time in the riggings to overcome that fear. I am sure the balloon will not be jerking about as a ship does on rough seas."
She looked at him, her head tilted in thought. "Yes, I should guess that would either cure you of your fear or create fear where it was not before."
"Indeed, I saw many a fearless man cower at the thought of going up the riggings on a stormy day."
They walked in silence for several rods. Alex tried to think of something else they could discuss when Miss Marleigh's voice broke through his thoughts.
“Thank you for the music.”
Alex turned his head to look at her face. How could one look both excited and sad at the same time?
“Have you had a chance to play it?”
Miss Marleigh nodded. “I was able to secure permission from Mrs. Garvey to use the parlor in the west wing for a time after church.”
Alex smiled at the joy in her voice. “And?”
“It is beautiful. Never have I been given such a kind gift.” She ducked her head.
“I should like to hear you play it, sometime.” Alex had rarely spoken truer words, though he doubted his wish would come to fruition.
Miss Marleigh’s brows dropped and Alex realized they had come to the same conclusion. He looked away.
She cleared her throat. "Do you miss it?"
Alex looked over at her. "Miss what?"
“Your other life.”
Alex looked heavenward. Did he miss it? "Some parts. But not many.”
“Which parts do you miss?” Her voice held genuine curiosity.
“I miss the rocking of the boat when I fall asleep. Especially on the days when my mind is working a problem or I am worried."
Miss Marleigh's focus stayed on the ground.
“Is that all?"
"No. I miss the smell just after a rain storm and the warmth of the sun in the Caribbean.” He sighed. “I enjoyed being a part of the crew. It was like a family in some respects.” He paused. “A cruel family, oft times. But when we were at sea, with no other ships in sight, it wasn’t so bad.” He cleared his throat. “I do miss that.”
"Does it not frighten you, knowing there are people who wish you dead?" Her brow furrowed and her lips parted slightly.
"I am more frightened for those I care about. Should any of my crew discover my sister and my mother—" Or you, Alex wanted to say, but cut himself off. He glanced at Miss Marleigh from the corner of his eye, wondering if she understood his hesitation. "If they should be discovered, Andrews would not hesitate to use them to get to me. That is what I fear most."
Miss Marleigh seemed to tighten her arms around herself. "Yes. I understand that feeling."
Alex slowed his pace, Miss Marleigh following suit. "How could you possibly understand?" Doubt clouded his voice.
"My uncle is very good at using what I love to try and get what he wants."
They came to an open, grassy area. Rugs where scattered about the grass, many already occupied by other guests. To the left, Ainsley and Miss Martindale sat on a blanket, Miss Martindale already sifting through the contents of a hamper. She looked up and saw them, waving them over. "Come, sit down."
Miss Marleigh dropped down to her knees on the blanket and then shifted to her seat, arranging her skirts around her legs and feet.
Ainsley sat to the side of Miss Martindale, leaning back on his elbows, his legs stretched out in front of him.
Alex used his stick to lower himself down to the rug, setting it to the side once he was seated. Like Ainsley, he kicked his legs out in front of him, but his injured shoulder kept him from leaning back. Instead he pulled his good leg up and wrapped his arms around it, resting his chin on his knee.
"I find I am delighted to be enjoying the beauty surrounding us today." Ainsley looked at Miss Martindale as he spoke. The pinking of her face told Alex she understood his true meaning.
Why could Alex not say such things? When he tried, it came out sounding terse or even worse awkward.
He squinted at the two across the blanket. How had he ever thought Ainsley in love with Miss Marleigh? The look of adoration he gave Miss Martindale was unmistakable. Did Alex give a similar look to Miss Marleigh? Is that what everyone kept speaking of?
Miss Marleigh sighed. "I agree, my lord. I was beginning to doubt we should ever leave the interior of Havencrest." She lifted her face to the sun and Alex felt his eyes drawn to her lovely neck.
Ainsley chuckled from across the rug and Alex glanced at him.
Miss Marleigh brought her face back down and gazed at Alex. "Do you not enjoy the sunshine, Lord Grayson?"
He did. Since being out of doors the last few days, Alex had noticed he did not need to use as much of Lady Carwright’s beauty paints to even out the color of his face.
"No. I mean, yes. I mean, I do enjoy the sunshine."
Ainsley chuckled again and Alex gave him a small kick in the ankle. Ainsley winced and it was Alex’s turn to grin.
Miss Martindale pulled out serviettes and small lidded dishes. As she and Miss Marleigh began to untie the serviettes, the lavishness of the food began to show. Sandwiches, biscuits, cold chicken and ham, cheeses and breads lay before them. The smells made Alex's stomach rumble. He had not realized how hungry he was.
The four ate in silence for several moments, each enjoying the food, not knowing if they would get such a feast again during the remainder of their stay.
When they had eaten their fill, Miss Martindale stood up. "I wish to go up in the balloon. Who would like to join me?" She looked to Miss Marleigh, who shook her head. Miss Martindale’s eyes landed next on Ainsley. He pushed himself to standing and offered her a hand up.
Alex envied the man his ability to jump up so quickly.
Ainsley held out his arm to Miss Martindale. "May I escort you, Miss Martindale?"
The girl giggled and nodded before the two of them quickly made their way over to the line forming at the balloon.
"Now is your opportunity. If you wish to go up, I will make sure no harm comes to you." Alex swallowed. He wished he could make such a promise for the rest of his life. But he knew better.
Miss Marleigh shook her head. "I am certain you would. You seem to put my safety above all other concerns.” She flicked a brow up. “But I am content to remain on the ground."
He flinched. He deserved her subtle barbs.
Dropping his bent leg, he stretched.
Miss Marleigh watched his movements, her face pinking in quite a lovely way when he caught her.
"How are your wounds?" She bit her bottom lip. "I still feel responsible for Clara shooting you."
Alex chuckled at the absurdity of it all. "It is healing. Although, I am sure the fencing and gig races have not been helpful." He shrugged. "But what fun would it be if I did not participate?"
She laughed softly.
His chest tightened and he turned his attention to the couple stepping into the basket of the balloon. "Would you take a turn with me?" He motioned to a carriage, sitting at the tree line. “I don’t believe the cliffs are so very far off.”
"Would it be safe?" Her voice was barely louder than a whisper, but he heard the accusation in it.
Alex frowned and shrugged. "We should be safe while on the Garvey’s estate."
Miss Marleigh shifted
, scooting up onto her knees and then to standing. “I should like that very much.”
Alex hobbled as fast as he could, to his feet. His heart beat erratically in his chest. He took a deep breath, reminding himself this was not the beginning of their attachment, but rather the end.
Chapter 22
The driver stopped the barouche next to a stand of trees.
Lord Grayson stepped down and offered his arm to Abigail. She took it, unsure what this excursion meant. Had he not said they had no future together? But now he was walking with her along the cliffs, the water crashing down below them. The whole situation was very confusing.
He walked slowly, his limp more pronounced than it had been earlier.
“Is your leg paining you too much? We can turn back—.”
He shook his head. “I am only stiff from sitting on the ground. The walking will help.”
They walked in silence for several minutes. Abigail did not know what to say.
“Tell me of your family. If I remember correctly, you said you had a brother at sea and one at Harrow?”
Abigail relaxed. “You remember correctly.”
“And both your parents have passed?”
Abigail’s chest tightened. “They died in an accident just over two years ago.” She smiled into the breeze. “But they were wonderful people.”
“Was your father a stern man?”
She shook her head fiercely. "No. My father was very kind. A little too serious at times, and quiet, but always kind."
Alex nodded. "And now that they are gone, your uncle is your guardian?"
Abigail nodded.
“What is his character? Is he like his brother?” Lord Grayson watched the ground in front of them as they walked, glancing at her quickly as she answered each question.
“No, quite the opposite, in fact. I often find it curious how two men who are so very different could come from the same stock.”
“Your uncle is frivolous, loud, and unkind, then?”
She hated to speak ill of her relatives, but what Lord Grayson believed was true. Still, all she could do was nod.
Miss Marleigh's Pirate Lord (Regency House Party: Havencrest Book 1) Page 16