Sweet Summer Kisses

by Erin Knightley

  “Only if the stakes involved the use of Raven.” Knightwick hoped his smile showed he was mostly speaking in jest.

  “Wouldn’t you love that prize,” Huntfield said, his chuckles shaking his portly belly.

  “I’d play for that wager,” Lord Ellsworthy said.

  “I would, too.” Sir Robert threw down a card.

  “You may all continue to dream of that happening,” Huntfield said. “Why would I want to improve the lines of my competitors? Well, you, Sir Robert, your sad horse could use the speed Raven throws to his foals, and still not compete.”

  Sir Robert laughed. “Very true. In that case, you should feel quite safe allowing me the use of your stud.”

  Knightwick and David sat at another table and ordered mugs of ale. They conversed quietly until Huntfield spoke in their direction.

  “Will you attend the assembly this evening?”

  David nodded. “My wife is eager to do so.”

  “I suppose I should at least make an appearance, and say hello to my sisters,” Knightwick said.

  “Excellent. While you are making the rounds saying your hellos, stop and speak with my daughter. I’ve insisted Lady Susan attend many of the assemblies this week.”

  “I enjoy Lady Susan’s company,” Knightwick replied. “I find it odd you make a point to ask me to acknowledge her.”

  “If you know her well, you know she prefers to hide among the wallflowers in a ballroom.”

  “Or else she has her nose in a book in an anteroom,” David offered with a smile.

  “That’s my point exactly. Knightwick, you aren’t engaged to anyone, you’d bring Lady Susan up in the eyes of other young men by paying her some attention.”

  Knightwick swallowed some ale and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. This sounded a bit to close to matchmaking for his liking. “She doesn’t need my help. She’s been out in society long enough for everyone to know her.”

  “Again, you see my point. She’s four-and-twenty years old and no one has shown any special interest in her. You enjoy her company. What do you see that others don’t?”

  Lady Susan was certainly different than the other young ladies in the Marriage Mart, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. She came across as more intelligent‑not that the other ladies were ignorant‑but Lady Susan preferred to speak about less fanciful topics than her friends. Her looks drew men to her, what with her bright, violet eyes and lush curves. Her height might put off some men, as she was only a few inches shy of Knightwick’s six feet.

  One thing Knightwick enjoyed about her was her manner of treating him as a friend, without any of the flirtation most unattached young ladies used. He could relax in her presence.

  Of course, he couldn’t say any of this to her father. “I admire her conversational skills, but I can see where her business sense might intimidate some men.”

  “You ought to arrange a marriage for her with a tradesman,” Lord Ellsworthy said with a chuckle.

  “That’s not such a bad idea.” Huntfield played his card and took a drink from his tankard. “However, my hope is that she’ll marry for love. You’d think some young buck in trade would be eager to marry an earl’s daughter, but if any have approached her, she’s driven them away.”

  The card players continued to discuss Lady Susan and the earl’s dilemma. Knightwick paid them no mind as he tried to work out how he could solve the earl’s problem in exchange for the use of Raven. He couldn’t suggest such an exchange outright. That would reduce Lady Susan to chattel.

  He mentally listed the men he knew who might consider Lady Susan as a suitable match, and also had the qualities she might be capable of falling in love with.

  What would she want from a husband? From what he’d seen, she had no interest in marriage. This scheme would prove quite a challenge. Perhaps he should seek some other form of exchange with Lord Huntfield.

  ~*~

  Lady Susan Yarwood stared at the grounds of Ascot Heath as their carriage waited in line to reach a point where they could disembark to watch the races. Papa had gone to the stables first thing to make certain his horses were in prime condition when the horn sounded. Susan was trying to close her ears to Mama’s nagging refrains.

  “We shall attend the assembly in the meeting room above the inn tonight. Tomorrow we’ll pay calls on a few of my friends who have homes nearby. Thursday we’ve been invited to a picnic in between races, and supper at Mrs. Turner’s home with cards to follow.” Mama tucked a stray brown curl back into the lace cap beneath her straw-brimmed hat. The plume waving from the brim and the silk flowers anchoring it were the same shade of green as her gown.

  “I thought we came to Ascot to watch Papa’s horses race.” Susan sighed. It never failed that her mother would try to place Susan in any gathering where there was a chance to meet single men. Preferably ones in need of a wife. A lack of a title didn’t concern mama, nor did a lack of income, as Susan had enough income to live comfortably, although not quite to the standard of an earl’s daughter.

  After six years of Seasons in London, country house visits in the summer, and a return to London in the fall after the final race meetings were held, one would think Mama would have realized there was no chance of Susan forming an attachment.

  “Of course we’ll cheer for his horses, and visit with our friends who are also attending. But there’s no reason to remain in our rooms at the inn when we’re not at the racecourse.” Mama pulled on her kid gloves. “I do wish you’d make an effort to be more social.”

  “I have other interests than gossiping. They bore me, Mama. All the other girls can only speak of the latest fashion or the new hat they’ve acquired. Matilda is the only one whose company I can tolerate, and she’s in Bristol for the summer.”

  “When Fanny returns from Esther’s home, she’ll assist you in feeling comfortable. Your sisters are so easy in Society. Oh, we should have Esther find you a husband. She did so well for herself.”

  Susan took a breath and silently recited a proverb to keep from arguing. She’d never win, and she’d never allow her mother to win by marrying her off. They had reached a stalemate.

  She was grateful when they were allowed to disembark the carriage. Mama saw her friends and hurried to them, one at a time, greeting each as if she hadn’t seen them in years, rather than the weeks since the last race meeting. Susan’s sisters always behaved in the same manner, so boisterous and demonstrative, where Susan preferred to sit and quietly discuss matters of great importance.

  “Here’s my girl, here’s Lady Susan,” Mama said when Susan approached the small circle of matrons. “Doesn’t she look well in her yellow organdy gown?”

  Smiling politely, Susan accepted all the compliments and invitations to call. When unmarried sons became the preferred topic, she chose to ignore the chatter and see if any of her friends were attending the race.

  She spied two familiar gentlemen, but if she spoke to them Mama would misread the entire situation and would soon be telling everyone she expected an engagement to be announced soon. The two men noticed her and smiled, approaching her with the steady stride of intent.

  “Lady Susan, how do you do?” Lord Knightwick bowed, as did his brother Mr. David Lumley.

  “I’m well, thank you.” If Mama heard his voice and turned their way, Susan would be anything but well. She enjoyed speaking to these two when she could. Both were quite handsome in their buff breeches and dark jackets, although Lord Knightwick had a rakish air to his smile that gave him a slight advantage.

  “We were hoping to find your father before the racing began,” Mr. Lumley said.

  She laughed. “You’re searching in the wrong area. Papa will always be found with his horses, unless Mama insists otherwise.” Susan often wondered if she got her avoidance of company from Papa. Although, she preferred books to horses.

  “Of course, we must have missed him.” Lord Knightwick lifted his gaze over Susan’s shoulder. “Lady Huntfield. How delightful to se
e you.”

  “My dear boy, my husband mentioned seeing you, and you, Mr. Lumley. Will you be at the assembly this evening? Lady Susan would enjoy seeing her friends there.”

  “Mama, please. These gentlemen didn’t come all the way to Ascot to dance with me.”

  “Why wouldn’t we wish to dance with you, Lady Susan?” Mr. Lumley asked. “You dance better than many of the ladies we partner with.”

  Susan offered him a smile, but she wasn’t about to pursue the topic. “Will your Sorcerer beat father’s Haphazard today, do you think?”

  “If I didn’t believe so, I shouldn’t be here,” Mr. Lumley replied.

  “Of course he will,” Lord Knightwick insisted, his smile teasing.

  A thought occurred to her that she hadn’t approached Lord Knightwick about sponsoring her school. He seemed the generous type, and being one of eight siblings meant he might have sympathy for children for whom the most basic of education might mean a chance to better themselves. Yes, he might suit her needs very well.

  “I hear the trumpet calling them to the start. We’d better find a place along the course.” Lord Knightwick tipped his hat, and his brother bowed before they walked away.

  Thankfully Mama was engrossed in the latest gossip and missed their departure, or she might have insisted they watch their horses together. Susan couldn’t imagine a more uncomfortable situation, as the winning horse was likely to belong to either of them.

  Chapter 2

  The assembly that evening was held at the estate of the Earl and Countess of Winterbourne, whose horses were adequate on the course but not up to the quality of those at Fernleigh Stud, Knightwick felt assured. His family had been known for their excellent racers since Knightwick was a young boy.

  David and his wife Joanna danced the first few sets before circulating through the people crowded in the room. Knightwick preferred not to dance, but did offer to partner with the daughter of a friend of his father’s.

  He didn’t see Lady Susan nearby, so he tried to blend into the crowd and escape to a quieter room. The house wasn’t overlarge, but there must be a study or office, or even an unoccupied drawing room, where he could relax and perhaps find a newspaper or book to read.

  A light glowed from the doorway at the end of the hall, but no sound reached him, so he hoped the room was empty. Possibly another man had made his escape, and wouldn’t mind the silent company of a fellow refugee. Knightwick stepped into the room, then froze.

  Lady Susan sat behind the ornately carved desk, her eyes cast down on of all things, the newspaper. She must be reading the society pages, although his sisters couldn’t be bothered with such matters.

  When she failed to notice him, he cleared his throat.

  She looked up with a start, then smiled as her cheeks turned a delightful shade of rose. “Oh, your lordship. I wasn’t expecting anyone to discover me here.”

  “You needn’t worry, I haven’t come looking for you. I had the same intention you did, to escape the others.” He took a seat opposite her. “Is there any news of London, or has everyone left the city?”

  She flipped to another page. “I hadn’t noticed. Hmmm, no, nothing of interest beyond who was seen with whom at the theatre, and a horse nearly trampling some couples strolling in Hyde Park.”

  “If that’s not what held your interest, what were you reading?”

  Lady Susan folded the paper and set it aside rather abruptly. “Oh, this and that. Nothing of great import.”

  He raised his right eyebrow. “If that were the case, you’d hardly push the paper away like an ember that escaped the fireplace. Your reaction makes the real answer all the more intriguing.”

  She rose. “I’ve been away long enough. My mother will be missing me.”

  Knightwick also stood. “Don’t let me chase you away. I won’t press you any further. We seem to be of like mind at this sort of assembly. I don’t suppose it would be proper for me to spend the evening in the stables?”

  “People would hardly be shocked at a Lumley doing so. Your father raised you all with his passion for horses.”

  “No, only David and I are truly mad for them. And Cousin Neal. The girls all have more admirable pursuits.”

  “Such as finding a husband? Your sister, Lady Hannah, did rather well at that with her Lord Oakhurst.”

  He laughed. “I meant they prefer painting, or playing piano.”

  “Oh, yes, how very proper of them.” Her voice wasn’t actually dripping with sarcasm, but her expression hinted at it.

  “I’ve heard you play quite well. Why is that a talent to be mocked?”

  Lady Susan sighed and her iron-rod-straight posture relaxed. “I’m not mocking them. My feelings were directed more toward my mother.”

  “Is she still determined to see you married?”

  “Of course. What other life is there for a young lady of means?”

  Now he was very curious about what section of the newspaper she’d been reading. He leaned forward and reached for the paper. “May I?”

  “Of course.” She handed it to him.

  He quickly found the social news, then turned the page to see what she’d looked at. He saw the racing news, not surprisingly, financial matters, and some advertisements for ladies’ millenary. She was unlikely to care about any of those. He turned the page.

  Inserted between the sheets was a recent copy of Lloyd’s List. Why would she be reading reports of arriving and departing trading ships. “Don’t you find this rather dry reading?” She was obviously hiding her interest in it.

  “I don’t recommend it for pleasure,” she agreed.

  “Then why do you read it?”

  “Surely a young lady is incapable of understanding matters of business, is that what you mean to imply?”

  The woman was more apt to distrust than any woman he’d met. Had she always been withdrawn and unsocial, or was it the result of some cruel remarks by others who noticed her intelligence? “Please don’t assume my intentions when I question you. I find you intriguing. You cling to the walls in large gatherings, speaking only to matrons, not even a word with the ladies of your own age. Even at race meetings I see you among the older lords and ladies, ignoring the horses completely.”

  “You said it yourself, my lord. I prefer to escape the company of others.”

  “No, that’s not it.”

  Her anger seemed to lessen, her chin rising in haughty arrogance. “What do you make it to be, then? Do you feel you know me better than I know myself?”

  “I only know you well enough to know when you’re hiding something. Now, we’ve established you were reading Lloyd’s List. There can be few reasons for anyone to have interest in the comings and goings of merchant vessels, much less for a lady. You are either concerned about some speculation your father has invested in, or...you await the homecoming of a certain sailor.”

  “How ridiculous!”

  “Forgive me. A captain?”

  “There is no such man as you well know.” She folded her arms across her chest.

  “Then you admit concern for your father’s finances? I hadn’t heard he was in reduced circumstance. Is there something I might do to help?” Word would have spread quickly if a man of Huntfield’s standing had lost his money. His only wagers that Knightwick knew of were on his horses, and they won as often as Fernleigh’s did, which was quite regularly.

  “He’s in no such state! It’s a ridiculous notion. Can’t I read the reports on my own behalf?”

  Odder still. “I won’t deny you the pleasure. Which of the vessels were you seeking news of?”

  “The Neptunus.”

  “I hadn’t heard that your father owned any merchant ships.”

  “He doesn’t.” She raised a hand, palm out. “And before you ask it, to my knowledge he doesn’t invest in them.”

  “I see.” To be honest, he felt as if he’d walked into a foggy alley at midnight. She wasn’t allowing the slightest peek into her thoughts. “I could continu
e to question you all evening, or you could relieve my curiosity with a few words.”

  Her lips thinned as she studied him. Then her eyes lowered and her hands clasped in her lap. “I’d considered approaching you more discreetly, but now is as good a time as any. I’ve been investing some of my own money, left to me by my mother’s aunt, in several speculations through my cousin in London. My parents don’t know of this.”

  Rather than surprise at her actions, he felt even more curious. Why had she considered approaching him? He let his father’s man handle his investments. “I see. I won’t pry into your need for the income.”

  “It’s not for myself,” she said in a rush. “It’s for the children.”

  This was beginning to sound like one of the horrid novels his sisters enjoyed. “Children?”

  “Yes, in Huntfield. I aim to build a school, you see.”

  “You have astonished me.” When her brows drew together, Knightwick hurried on. “I know you to be fully capable of creating such a scheme, but not many ladies in our circle would consider it. That sort of thing is usually left to spinsters and childless matrons.”

  As the words left his mouth, he wished he’d never entered the room. “Forgive me. I’ve put my foot in it for certain now.”

  Lady Susan stared at him with wide eyes. Her lips parted, but she remained silent.

  Recalling what she’d said along with mentioning her investments, he steered the conversation in that direction. “You said you’d planned to approach me. Was it regarding your investment?”

  “In a matter of speaking. I seek sponsors to help support the school. I’ve raised a fair amount on my own, and have gained the interest of several of my mother’s friends, but to be secure in knowing the school will not suffer hardship in years to come, I would prefer to have several more sponsors.”

  He nodded, leaning back in his chair. He hadn’t thought their friendship was close enough to allow her to feel easy asking for money. On the other hand, asking him to join a business venture implied a different sort of acquaintance altogether. That suggested a distance he hadn’t noticed before.