“The orchids that Miss Richards has cut by mistake. Ian will understand?”
“No, as you well know yourself, Cuthbert.” Mr. Burton gave Felicia a sympathetic look. “But do not worry, Miss Richards. I will defend you if Lord Umber allows his temper to get out of control. And, I daresay we can persuade Cuthbert to stand firm on your other side.”
“Not wise, David, old boy!” Lord Rowbotham said evasively. “He’ll only think I had a hand in it.”
Felicia turned to Mr. Burton in disbelief. “You are serious? I can hardly believe that I have committed an unpardonable sin.”
Mr. Burton looked at her curiously as he nodded his head. He was surprised that she showed no signs of trepidation.
“Then I shall confess immediately and take all the heat,” she continued determinedly. “Lord Umber will understand, I am sure.”
“Yes, yes,” Lord Rowbotham agreed quickly. “Ian can never resist a pretty face.”
“Shame on you, Cuthbert,” Mr. Burton chided. “I, for one, do not intend to let Miss Richards bear the brunt of Ian’s fury.” He turned toward the rest of the group, who were all listening with interest
“Oh, Miss Richards,” Miss Fitzroy breathed, a look of awe on her plain face. “You are brave.”
“Nonsense,” Felicia replied, checking the irritation she felt at the way her one simple action had now become the focal point of conversation. “Excuse me, I will go and apologize to Lord Umber immediately, and clear his mind of the thought that you might have had something to do with it, Lord Rowbotham.” She dropped a brief curtsy and turned towards the door.
“I will escort you,” Mr. Burton said, as he followed her. “There is no need for you to put your head in the lion’s mouth without someone standing by to make sure there is fair play.”
The determined look left her face as she laughed, “I fear Lord Rowbotham has exaggerated the peril ahead. Surely no one can be that put out by a few cut orchids. It is not as though I took them all.”
Mr. Burton shook his head in mock gravity. “It is not so much the orchids, Miss Richards, even though he views them in much the same light as a servant would view a few gold guineas. No, it is more that he does not like to lose a wager. But, come, let us break the news to him and take our punishment bravely.”
As the door closed behind them, Miss Fitzroy said to no one in particular, “Whoever is she? I have never heard of a Miss Richards.”
“Some distant relation,” Lord Rowbotham said grandly, puffing out his chest importantly. It was not often that he was able to hold anyone’s attention for long, because normally he talked only about flowers. And very few of his acquaintances knew a sepal from a petal.
“Where did you get that, Cuthbert?” a Mr. Gibbons twitted. “The wisteria around the front door?”
Lord Rowbotham looked down his long nose haughtily. He was well aware that people regarded him as slightly eccentric, for the word had long since leaked out that he talked to his plants. “As a matter of fact, Lord Umber told me himself this afternoon. Didn’t mention anything about a fortune, though,” he finished morosely.
Mr. Gibbons smirked in unkindly fashion. Everyone knew that Cuthbert had to marry money. “So even though she be ripe for the picking, you have no interest. Tut! Tut! Cuthbert!”
“Oh!” signed Miss Fitzroy in relief. “I’ll be sure to tell Barbara…I would not like her to be uneasy….” She stopped as she realized no one was listening. Everybody’s attention had been caught by the grand entrance of Lady Barbara. She looked stunning in a low-cut dress of orange silk, and her auburn-streaked hair, piled high, set off her finely chiseled features to perfection. The only thing to mar her looks was a small frown of annoyance that creased her brow. This was caused by the absence of Lord Umber. Her eyes scanned the room quickly, but her search failed to recognize him among those already assembled. She tapped her foot in frustration, for she had been certain that he had descended a full five minutes before her, and that surely should have been sufficient time for him to be here to greet her. When she had arrived earlier in the afternoon, he had not seen fit to welcome her, and it was outside of enough that her traveling companion, cousin Milly Fitzroy, witnessed that failing. But for it to happen again—and with Milly grinning at her sympathetically. Why, it…it was… Oh, she should have heeded her mother’s advice and refused the invitation to come to Alverston.
Her attention was finally caught by Lady Louisa, and hastily putting on a smile, she picked her way daintily across the room.
“My dear Barbara,” Lady Louisa gushed, her smile equally as dissembling as her guest’s. “How are you? And how is your dear mother? Come, be seated, and let us have a cose.” She patted an uncomfortable, upright chair near her, and Lady Barbara reluctantly complied with the request.
“Mama is as well as can be expected, thank you. And I am to be sure to pass on all good wishes to you, Lady Louisa.” She said the words automatically, but her attention was elsewhere. Seated as she was, with her back to the door, it was impossible for her to see when Lord Umber entered. And how could she show herself to the best advantage if she was at such a disadvantage?
Lady Louisa hid a small smile of satisfaction as she guessed what was in Barbara’s mind. She had been unhappy ever since she had heard the rumors of her son’s pursuit of Barbara and now, having met her, she was not at all pleased. There was something about Barbara that she could not like. An air of superiority, perhaps, or the way Barbara seemed to delight in focusing attention on herself. She displayed such forwardness for one so young. Lady Louisa shrugged.
Unfortunately, at that precise moment, her son was displaying no sense at all. Mr. Burton had been quite correct in his prediction of the irrational way his friend would react to the news, and with an anger that surprised even himself Lord Umber berated Felicia.
“By whose leave do you have the right to make yourself so completely at home that you have the temerity to pick my orchids?” he demanded. “I cannot think how I let myself be persuaded that you would make a suitable companion for my mother.”
“I say, Ian,” Mr. Burton interjected, “that’s doing it a bit brown, isn’t it?”
“Never mind, Mr. Burton,” Felicia said icily. “Lord Umber has already made it quite clear the position he thinks I would suit.” To his own annoyance Lord Umber flushed at this reminder of the original misunderstanding between them. She continued, “However, if I have proven myself so unsatisfactory, I shall leave for Manchester on the morrow. I am more than sorry that I dared interfere with your orchids, m’lord, but I can hardly make amends, now. I can only assure you that there are several perfectly healthy blooms that will surely win you your wager.” Both men started at the disdain in her voice. With an air of unconcern, Felicia turned to Mr. Burton. “If you will kindly escort me back to the salon, I will bid my farewells to Lady Louisa and endeavor to ready myself to leave here by first light.”
Lord Umber frowned at her. Damn the girl and her composure, he thought, then wished he had not been so hasty with his words. But how could he have known that she would react with such forceful determination. He had spoken unthinkingly, out of frustration. “That will not be necessary, Miss Richards,” he said hastily as he realized that they were nearing the door. “I accept your apologies and assurances that you will do nothing untoward for the remainder of your stay here.”
Felicia was about to make an angry retort, when Mr. Burton broke in hastily. “Come, now. I cannot believe that either of you are in earnest. Let us not mar the evening ahead by a fit of pique, else the rest of the guests will surely find some excuse to return to town in the morning.”
“Ever the diplomat, eh, David?” Lord Umber murmured. He glanced at Felicia and noticed that her rigid stance relaxed slightly under Mr. Burton’s kindly gaze. A feeling of annoyance surged through him. This was the first time he had ever noticed David’s defending a lady, and it bothered him. He shrugged his shoulders slightly. “Shall we join the others?” he asked casually and led
the way to the green salon.
Lady Louisa was looking anxiously toward the door when the three entered. She frowned at the expression on her son’s face and wondered what could have upset him. However, the scowl lifted when he saw his mother and his ill humor dissipated as he looked with appreciation at the entrancing figure of Lady Barbara. He strolled over to his latest flirt, making an elegant leg while apologizing profusely for his tardiness. Within seconds he had her laughing, and Lady Louisa was left to ponder whether Felicia had been the witting or unwitting cause of her son’s black mood.
Six
Felicia’s emotions were in a turmoil all evening and she was thankful when dinner was over and she could retire. Lady Louisa reluctantly accepted her excuse of a headache, but saw that Felicia was unhappy about something.
Now, in the daylight, with the sun shining through her bedroom curtains, Felicia wondered if last night had not been a nightmare. But no, for she would never forget the dark looks Lord Umber had thrown at her throughout the meal. How they had contrasted with the seemingly genuine smiles of affection he bestowed on Lady Barbara. And she was still smarting from the sharp words he had used after her light-hearted confession. It was only Mr. Burton’s intervention that had prevented their exchanging further hard words, words that Felicia knew she certainly would have regretted later. For whatever her feelings toward Lord Umber, she had grown exceedingly fond of Lady Louisa and did not want to cause her benefactress any undue stress.
Only yesterday, Lady Louisa had confided in Felicia her fears about her son. His reputation was irksome to her, but the gossip about his latest flirt filled her with dread that he might be seriously considering marriage. At this point, she had not met Lady Barbara, but her overactive imagination had conjured up horrendous images of Barbara and she liked none of them. They were caused, in the main, by her acquaintance with Barbara’s mother, whom Lady Louisa had known since childhood. “A more grasping, haughty, argumentative woman I have yet to meet.” And the word had reached her at Alverston that Barbara took after her mother.
Felicia shook off her feeling of depression and went downstairs in search of Dr. Ross. She wanted to see him one last time before he set off for London. She made for the rose garden and, as she passed the conservatory that housed the remaining orchids, she pulled a wry face.
“That hardly encourages the growth of such sensitive blooms, Miss Richards,” a voice murmured behind her.
She whirled around and was appalled to see Lord Umber smiling down at her sardonically.
“I am told I must apologize for my behavior last night,” he continued, ignoring her exclamation of dismay. “Your champion, Mr. Burton, is quite out of patience with me.”
“Indeed, sir,” Felicia sputtered, her eyes glinting dangerously. “Your apologies are not necessary. I do confess that I found your reaction to my simple mistake puzzling….”
“Simple mistake!” he exclaimed. “You could have cost me ten thousand guineas.”
Felicia gasped at his words, but the contempt she had felt earlier at the talk of gambling welled up within her. His words proved he too was a hardened gambler. “’Tis less than the price of a house in Richmond,” she said calmly and then instantly regretted her words as she saw the look of disgust spread over Lord Umber’s face. Bracing herself for another verbal attack, she drew herself up and squared her shoulders defensively.
This simple action completely disarmed Lord Umber, and the torrent of words he was about to hurl at her died on his lips. He realized, suddenly, how vulnerable she was. His annoyance over the misappropriation of his orchids had long since evaporated, and when David had reapproached him for his appalling lack of manners, he had felt somewhat remorseful. How he wished he had not stumbled across that overturned coach.
He glanced at Felicia and felt himself smiling at her. What a provoking chit she was, to be sure. He slowly took her hand and raised it to his lips. Brushing the back of it lightly, he said softly, “Forgive me, Miss Richards. I had not meant to cause you any unhappiness.”
Felicia snatched her hand away, surprised by the unexpected tenderness in his voice and aware only of the tingling sensation his kiss had left—the same feeling she had experienced the first time he had kissed her. “No…no,” she managed. “It is I who should be reinforcing my apologies. I must learn to think before I speak so rashly.”
“And I must try not to be so provoking.” His smile widened and for a moment they looked into each other’s eyes. A strange feeling spread through Felicia, and she felt herself returning his smile.
They were still gazing at each other quietly when Dr. Ross walked up to them. He sensed the tension between them and misinterpreting it, quickly drew Felicia away. “If you do not mind, Ian,” he said briskly, “I would like a few words with Miss Richards before I take my leave.”
“Certainly, Paul,” Lord Umber returned quietly, feeling quite shaken by his actions. “I must see to the well-being of my guests anyway.” He gave Felicia a cursory bow and turned on his heel sharply. He was thankful for the interruption, for he knew that if he had been alone with Felicia for much longer he would have gathered her into his arms and kissed her again.
He entered the house through the French windows of his study and was surprised to see Lady Barbara standing by his desk. She turned at his footstep and gave a breathless giggle.
“Oh! How you frightened me, Sir Ian!” she trilled. “I was looking for something to sharpen my quill with.” She held out a pen helplessly.
“You should have asked one of the servants,” Lord Umber replied tartly, as he moved over to her and took the proffered implement. “I do believe there are one or two on duty in the hall.” His light smile took the edge off his words and Lady Barbara relaxed. It appeared that her ruse had worked, and a small light of triumph lit her beady eyes.
She had been perturbed by his behavior toward her last night, and she had confided in Cousin Milly before they had retired that she feared his ardor for her was waning.
She had, consequently, been quite determined to force a meeting with him this morning and had purposely risen early in order to snare him before breakfast. Cousin Milly had been horrified, but then Cousin Milly had such antiquated notions.
“They all seemed so busy with breakfast, I did not want to make a nuisance of myself.”
Lord Umber looked at her obliquely and hid the disdainful look these words prompted behind the quill. One thing he knew for certain about Barbara, and that was she would never give a second thought whom she bothered if she wanted something done.
“So thoughtful of you, Lady Barbara,” he murmured. He bent over, took a knife from the top drawer of his desk, and whittled a new point on the pen. “There, I think that should suffice,” he continued. “Although I do not think you will have time to use it today. I have planned a picnic and, if we are to reach our destination before noon, we should set out as soon as breakfast is over.”
Lady Barbara clapped her hands in delight. “Oh! What a wonderful plan! I do so love picnics. Do we ride or take our carriages?” Her busy mind was picturing the various outfits she had brought and knew that her new green velvet riding habit would be sensational. So without waiting for a reply, she breathed, “Please say we are to ride.”
Lord Umber felt his mood softening slightly. After the confused meeting he had just had with Felicia, Lady Barbara’s artless chatter was strangely soothing.
“I would be delighted to ride with you, Lady Barbara. I shall, of course, provide a carriage for those who are interested in maintaining a more leisurely pace. If you will excuse me, I will inform the others of the arrangements.”
He was gone before she could reply, and the only witness to the complacent look on her face was the stern portrait of Lord Umber’s father.
*
The picnic was a huge success. The mild weather held, and the few clouds that gathered during the morning posed no real threat to the party. Lord Umber had thoughtfully sent his groom and two servants ahead to t
he spot he had chosen for luncheon, so by the time all his guests arrived, the food had been spread out on pure white linen clothes on the grass.
Felicia’s absence went unnoticed by everyone except David Burton, and when he inquired mildly of Lord Umber where she was, Lord Umber snapped, “I do not know. She made mother the excuse.” He had been looking forward to her presence at the picnic, and his disappointment was strong when she had made a feeble excuse about being unable to attend.
Lady Barbara overheard the remark and nodded her head contentedly. His tone certainly indicated that he had no interest in his distant relation, even though Cousin Milly had warned her that there was always a danger with one so serene and pretty as Felicia.
Her mood of contentment lasted until after dinner that evening. Lord Umber had singled her out all day, making it perfectly clear to the entire company that he found her attractive and charming. His caustic comments made her laugh, and her ability to mimic the most pretentious people of their acquaintance obviously amused him. A becoming blush heightened her lovely features as she acknowledged the envious looks Cousin Milly and a few other ladies threw in her direction.
However, when Lady Louisa suggested a musical interlude, it was Felicia who was asked to play the piano. Within minutes of Felicia’s playing, it was perfectly clear that she was talented. And, when she finished, the entire company broke into spontaneous applause.
It angered Lady Barbara that she was no longer the center of attention, and she snapped her fan closed impatiently.
“Isn’t she marvellous?” Cousin Milly breathed in her ear. “I do not think I have ever heard a better interpretation of Chopin.”
“You have never heard me play,” Lady Barbara responded sharply, oblivious to the fact that Lord Umber was standing directly behind her.
“Unworthy, Lady Barbara,” he murmured good-naturedly, before he moved away.
“But the truth,” she retorted unabashed.
“Barbara!” Cousin Milly exclaimed. “How could you? ’Tis most unseemly to express such emotion.”
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