“Really?”
Well now, he was even more certain of what he needed to do. Not only was Sir John wealthy, she was also connected to the VERY wealthy Lady Bradley. She was more of a catch than he thought. No wonder she had many admirers.
Having seen the look in his eyes at the mention of her family ties, she disliked this oddly arrogant gentleman even more. There was something about him that she could not quite put her finger on. What was it about this man that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end with disgust? She noted the hard lines to his face and found that he watched her with unemotional dark eyes; there was aloofness about him, and the air of cruelty. She could imagine that he would not treat his employees— or his wife, for that matter—with kindness, that is if he ever found a lady that would take him. She sensed that this man would have a purpose, albeit unlikely to be an honourable one, to anything that he did. His watchful gaze made her skin crawl.
“And here,” she tried to change the subject, “here is my favourite place of all,” she said, pointing to the Crystal Pool.
Garth noted the tranquillity of the area she was now showing him.
“Do you swim, Miss Austin?” he asked, as he took in the size and depth of the clear water before him.
“I do, but I admit, I do it very poorly,” she laughed light heartedly.
“Me too,” he replied.
“Shall we get back? We have the Nedgely banquet this evening and I fear that I shall not be ready in time.” Not to mention that I’ve had more than enough of your company for one afternoon, she added to herself.
“As you wish,” he replied politely, although disappointed at having to end their afternoon so early; he had wanted more time to attract the lady, to make her fall in love with him, as he thought she ought to in order to fit with his grand plans for his future. He laughed to himself, thinking that he might have succeeded just a little today. If he understood correctly, she would be next in line to the Whitmore Estate.
As they rode back in silence, Garth pondered on the realisation that he found her rather charming. By the time they were standing back at Whitmore entrance, he was quite enthralled with her and had already decided that he would most definitely challenge his friend, Mr Grainger, for her affections. Had he not already laid the foundations with her this afternoon? He was looking forward to the challenge and eager to see who could win the most sought-after lady in Shropshire.
* * * * *
Nedgely hall was lit up, its outer walls held the largest of lanterns anyone had ever seen, casting its beautiful stone work in orange light that danced upon its surface. There were several carriages at its grand entrance, out of which happy guests poured out, moving into its hall in very fine spirits. This was to be the first large banquet that Lady Bradley had given in many a year and those that had had the pleasure of being invited, had dressed accordingly, donning their very best clothes and exquisite jewellery.
Maria stepped from Sir John’s carriage in eager haste to see her love, but although she knew that she could not be seen in close conversation with him, she also knew that nothing would remove the smile from her face.
Upon entering into the splendour of the house, she was almost instantly received by Mr Lewis. He insisted that she take his arm, to be led through into the overwhelming ballroom, with its cut glass chandeliers and abundance of very fine cutlery set out for the banquet. As much as she wanted to snatch her hand away from the tight hold he had on it, she could not do so without drawing attention to it. She did not like the way he presumed that she preferred his company to that of others.
Mr Grainger trailed behind, more than a little put out by the fact that he had his nose snubbed by one of his dearest friends, and he was now regretting the offer he extended to his friend to come and stay—or, come to think of it, was it that his friend had invited himself? He could not quite remember how the arrangement had come about, but he resented it nonetheless.
Maria joined the line of people eager to offer their thanks at the invitation and remark on the general splendour of Nedgely to their hostess. Her heart must have stopped when she suddenly came to stand before Thomas in the receiving line. Oh, how handsome he looked! She wondered how she was ever going to stop herself from falling into his arms. He took her hand and raised it to his lips, his eyes shining with unguarded affection.
“Miss Austin, it is a great pleasure to see you again,” Thomas said, without breaking his look from hers.
“Indeed it is, Mr Bradley,” she replied. The smile was for him and him alone. Her stomach was doing summersaults, as his touch caused her body to respond almost immediately.
Garth watched this exchange with great interest. Could it be that there was more to their relationship than met the eye? What was it that just passed between the couple in front of him?
Thomas absorbed her beauty and wondered to himself how he was ever going to mask his feelings for her with so many prying eyes about. He wished that the night was already over, so that he could be with her, away from this crowd. His gaze was diverted as he noticed the dark-haired gentleman who stood in close proximity at her side. By the way he stared longingly at Maria, it would be obvious to anyone who cared to take a closer look that this man had designs on Maria, and she did not seem too put out by it either. The tight feeling in his chest intensified, as jealousy pulsed through his veins.
She noticed that Tom was suddenly distracted and saw that his gaze strayed to Mr Lewis, who watched them with heightened interest. Quickly, she removed her hand from his in order to move along the line to where Lady Bradley stood.
Thomas suddenly found his hand vacant of hers and swung back to look at her, but she had already moved further along and now stood with his mother.
Garth gave his greeting quickly, keeping his head lowered, not wishing to catch Mr Bradley’s stare. As he watched the young lady walk away from him, he was determined not to lose her now. Finally finding her in the crowd, he resumed his position at her side.
“I have been told, Miss Austin, that you and Mr Bradley have been acquainted for a number of years?” Once they were out of earshot of those still in the receiving line, he tried to engage her in conversation.
“You are correctly informed, Mr Lewis,” she replied. “We actually grew up together.”
“Is that so?”
There was something about his manner that made her very uneasy. Why was it that he had taken a sudden interest in her and Tom’s relationship? Had they been careless and this man had noticed something? She tried to recollect her manner towards Tom and found nothing that would have given their closeness away. Maybe she was just been paranoid.
“This is a fine house. I am assured that there is many a lady that would wish to become the next Lady of Nedgely.”
“I am sure that your assumptions are correct, but as you are probably aware, Mr Bradley is soon to be married to Miss Cartland,” she tried to tell him.
“Yes, Mr Grainger informed me of the fact when I first arrived in the county. But their engagement has yet to be announced and I am sure there are many other eligible ladies who would seek to attain the Bradley name,” he pursued the subject, looking her square in the face.
She looked away quickly, for she could not be sure that she would be capable to hide her true feelings on the matter, masking them in the innocence of her eyes. Thankfully, Mr Grainger made his presence known and finally engaged her in the first dance, which she willingly accepted. He led her out onto the floor, apologising for his friend’s behaviour.
“I am so very sorry, Miss Austin. He has never acted this way before. He is usually the most caring of people, but I fear that he has taken rather a shine to you.”
“Pray, do not worry yourself Mr Grainger, it is of no consequence. But if I am honest, I would much prefer to seek your company than his,” she informed him kindly.
She found herself enjoying his attentions and they laughed freely within the confines of the dance. It was such a relief to be away from Mr Lewi
s—she did not like his attentions one bit.
Garth stood on the sidelines, his face a mask of contempt for his friend, as the woman he chose to pursue laughed up at the young man’s face. He had never been a jealous man, but he found himself getting angry at his friend’s advances. He dragged his eyes away from them, for he could feel his temper starting to give and he really did not want to make a scene in such grand company. He would have his way—didn’t he always? Mr Grainger could have his moment, but he would have the day. He almost laughed out loud at the thought. Nobody got the upper hand over him. He forced himself to watch the crowd of people as they engaged in conversation in small groups. Finally, his eyes fell upon Mr Bradley. He noticed that his stare was transfixed on something away from him. Curiosity got the better of him. What was it that held the Lord of Nedgely’s attention so fully? He edged his way through the throng of people so that he neared the spot where Thomas stood; from there, he was able to follow the gentleman’s gaze and inhaled sharply at the realisation of who the object of his full attention was—none other than Miss Austin.
So, Mr Bradley, you are a dark horse! Not only do you have a very fine woman that will soon be your wife, it is also rather obvious that you only have eyes for the delectable Miss Austin. What a greedy man you are! The envy burned in the pit of his stomach. We shall see about that. You may have the one, but I shall most definitely have the other, he thought to himself. With that in mind, he smiled sweetly at the golden-haired beauty that had just walked past him.
Lady Bradley worked her way around her guests, exchanging a few polite words with everyone—good hostess as she was. Presently, she was talking to her good friend Mrs Webster.
“Oh look, there is Miss Austin; does she not look a picture of excellence?” Mrs Webster commented.
Lady Bradley followed her direction; Maria was dancing with Mr Grainger.
“Do you think that there might be a union between the two of them shortly?” Mrs Webster enquired.
“There could very well be,” Lady Bradley replied.
“I think that Sir John would be very happy with the match.”
“I think Sir John would be quite happy if Miss Austin never married, for then he could keep her by his side until he dies,” Lady Bradley added.
“Oh that cannot be—such a waste of a fine young woman.”
“Yes it would be, Mrs Webster, but I cannot pass judgement on my good friend Sir John. He has done a fine job raising the child; it is just a shame that her parents could not be here to see what a fine young lady she has turned out to be.”
“They would be very proud. Do you not agree Lady Bradley?”
“Yes, they certainly would.”
Lady Bradley watched, as Maria, laughing at something Mr Grainger had said, glided past Thomas on the dance floor and, for a split second, she recognised something in their stare as they looked upon each other. A wary smile played upon her lips in acknowledgment. What was the silly boy thinking of?
Miss Cartland had also had the misfortune to witness the exchange and could feel the burning resentment towards Miss Austin. How could she even start to make a play for the man that was to become her husband when his affections were so very much engaged in the other woman’s direction? It was obvious to her now that it really would be a marriage in name only, for Mr Bradley had not said a kind word to her since their ride the other morning.
Upon leaving the floor with Mr Grainger, Maria soon realised that Mr Lewis tried to make sure that she was at his side for the rest of the evening. He was like a constant shadow and, as she moved around to speak with her acquaintances, he was never very far away. His penetrating stare burned into her and he was starting to annoy her excessively. Feeling suffocated by his presence, she slipped away as soon as he was engaged with another guest and found herself out on the beautifully kept balcony, full of pots of heavily scented flowers. The night sky was clear and the brightness of the tiny stars twinkled in the distance. She breathed in the cool air, finding it refreshing after the confines of the stuffy hall.
“You have managed to escape Mr Lewis’ clutches, I see?” Tom whispered at her side, causing all the tiny hairs on her neck to stand on end. Trying to stem her pulse, she turned her excited eyes to his face. He had a way of turning her very soul upside down, just by being near her.
She smiled at his acuteness, “Ah, Mr Lewis—is he not the strangest of men you have ever met?” she laughed quietly.
“That I know not, for I have not had the pleasure of having said more than a few words to the man.”
“Then I will inform you… he is most definitely the strangest of men I have ever met.”
“I take it that you do not like his advances?” Tom teased.
“Certainly not! I do not care for him one bit. He makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“He does?”
“Yes, there is something about him that I do not like.”
“I share your sentiment, my dear.”
“You do? Why? You said that you barely spoke to him!” she looked at him quizzically.
“Yes… he is making me jealous,” he announced honestly.
“Oh Tom!” she gave him a gentle punch. “You do like to tease me so.”
“It is because I love the way your nose wrinkles when you giggle,” he looked at her lovingly.
He was all for taking her in his arms when he became aware that they were no longer alone.
“Tom… I,” she went to say.
“Shush, M, we have an unwanted guest,” he warned her.
Garth had been standing in the opening of the large French doors watching the exchange between Mr Bradley and Miss Austin. Although he could not hear what they had been saying and although they did not touch, he could tell from their body language and the unseen magnetic tension surrounding them that there was much more to their relationship than just friendship.
“Ah, Mr Lewis, I presume?” Thomas called as he turned towards the light from the hall.
Like a thief, he edged around the door into full view and came towards them.
“Mr Bradley,” he responded with a bow, “I was just looking for Miss Austin to see if she would do me the honour of taking a turn on the floor?” He aimed his request at her. “That is, of course, if you can spare her?”
Maria was right, Thomas thought, there was definitely something of a mystery about Mr Garth Lewis and he was sure that it had nothing to do with the fact that he was about to deprive him of his love’s presence.
“I can assure you that I can bear the thought of you dancing with my good friend,” he said tartly.
Maria noticed the tension and managed a weak smile. “Of course, Mr Lewis.”
Heavy-hearted, she took his arm, so not to add to the friction that was beginning to build between the two men.
“If you will excuse us,” Mr Lewis added smugly before he led her away and back into the brightness of the ballroom.
Thomas turned back to look out over the shadowed lands of Nedgely. Once again, he had to bear the torment of another man’s advances on her, just as he had done the day of the picnic. Is this nightmare he was having ever going to end? Why were they made to suffer so unjustly?
How would he manage to keep his temper in check if things got out of hand and he ended up finding that she would eventually be married off to one of them? Would it put an end to their relationship, their love?
“Damn this torment!” he swore under his breath. He sighed deeply, sucking in the clean air. The sooner this night was over the better! Then he would make a hasty retreat and finally be alone with Maria, back at Whitmore. He turned back towards the noise and bustle of his mother’s banquet. He needed to keep an eye on Mr Lewis, just to make sure things did not get out of hand, he thought to himself.
* * * * *
Thomas pushed the brown mare on through the darkness. He had wanted to be away before this hour, but Miss Cartland had made a point of staying behind until the last of Lady Bradley’s guests had left. Once she had f
inally departed, he had wasted no time in leaving. He spurred Cleara on towards the focus of his affections. Jumping from the saddle, as Peter, Maria’s groom, came out from where he slept to relieve him of his ride in the stable yard, he made his way to the back entrance of the house.
“Mr Bradley?” Bella’s tired voice welcomed him.
“I am sorry to take you from your bed, Bella, but I must see Miss Austin,” he said apologetically.
“That is alright, Mr Bradley, you were expected.”
She guided him through the kitchen to the servant’s staircase and he followed her onto the main landing, which led to Maria’s room.
“’Tis the last door opposite the large staircase,” she informed him kindly.
“Thank you, Bella.”
“Mr Bradley?” She called out quietly before he moved away, “You will be needing this.” She placed the small key in his hand and he nodded his thanks.
With that, he opened her door and closed it quietly behind him, leaving Bella smiling in his wake. So this was why her mistress was in such fine mood these past few weeks? she thought as she made her way back to bed.
It was dawn when Thomas finally emerged from her room and hurriedly made his way to the stable to collect Cleara from the waiting groom.
“Thank you, Peter,” he said, as he placed a gold coin in Peter’s grubby palm.
“You are most welcome, Mr Bradley,” he said happily as he looked down at the treasure that had been bestowed on him. It was more than his week’s earnings and certainly made being awoken at night and having to keep a secret he understood this visit had to remain worth it.
Thomas rode his horse hard until Nedgely came into view and he left her in the good hands of the stable boy. Upon his arrival, Lady Bradley was waiting. As he crossed the hall towards his private chambers, she emerged from one of the doors to his left.
“Pray Thomas, where have you been that has kept you out till this hour?” she asked.
He swung round at the sound of her voice; “Why mother, have you been spying on me?” He raised his eyebrow.
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