Sweet Summer Kisses

by Erin Knightley

  “Are your friends in Town? Most of the ladies I’ve been working with are away, many until the spring. I thought the Brighton race meeting would be my best bet to find the last one or two sponsors I need. I’d hate to have to wait until spring to begin my school.”

  He nodded. “I’d be eager to begin, if I were in your place. You know, I haven’t mentioned your scheme to Lord Oakhurst yet. He and Hannah are in Mayfair. They are having some friends call later this week. You could join me there.”

  Her heart jumped. Lord Oakhurst was as rich as Croesus. If he was generous to her cause, he might be the final sponsor she required. “That would be lovely.”

  “If I recall correctly, their invitation was for Thursday. I’ll send word to let you know what time I shall arrive for you.”

  “I have no plans then. I’m certain my mother will allow me to join you.”

  “Very good. Let’s hope it brings you the last of the sponsors you need.” He bowed and left, without taking the book.

  Unable to resist temptation, she counted books spines over to the book he’d replaced. It was a volume of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Why had he wanted to read that?

  Shaking her head, she forced the question from her thoughts. She needed to find the books she wanted and return home before Mama sent a footman after her. It was difficult to focus on the titles on the shelves now, with her happiness almost overflowing. As she neared her goal of sponsorship, her life was becoming exactly what she wanted it to be.

  Chapter 5

  Early the next day, Knightwick had his horse saddled so he could call on Hannah and Oakhurst to advise them they were hosting an entertainment on Thursday evening. Hannah would go into a whirlwind of planning and distress, but not nearly as much as their mother would have on such short notice.

  Finding Lady Susan her sponsors as quickly as possible was of utmost importance. Huntfield could step in at any time and insist she marry, which might make it impossible for her to continue with her plan. She had to have her school in operation before marrying to be certain it opened at all.

  When he arrived in Mayfair at their home, Knightwick found both Hannah and Oakhurst in the nursery with Oakhurst’s ward, Louisa. High-pitched, girlish laughter rang down the stairway as he drew near. In the year since her parents’ death, four-year-old Louisa had adjusted well to life with her father’s cousin.

  Lulu, the gold and white ball of fur Louisa insisted was a dog, ran out into the hall as Knightwick reached the doorway, barking like a fierce beast one hundred times its size.

  Louisa turned toward the door. “Uncle Knightwick!” she squealed, running to throw herself into his arms.

  He swung her into the air, laughing with her. “How’s my girl? Is your guardian still keeping you locked in the tower, forcing you to eat gruel and turnips?”

  “No, silly. We had peppermint sticks yesterday and Lady Oakhurst says we’ll go to Gunter’s for ices today.” She wriggled in his arms in her way of asking to be set down.

  Knightwick walked into the room, avoiding the wooden blocks and stuffed toys scattered about. “How are you all today?”

  “We are well, thank you,” Hannah replied. Her pale blonde hair glowed in the sunlight pouring through the window.

  “Glad to hear it.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “I was hoping you’d host a small gathering for me later this week.”

  “This week? Do you mean being home for callers? I could arrange that.”

  “I had another sort of entertainment in mind. Something like a ball without the dancing.”

  “What is a ball without dancing? A musicale? I am to plan this in a matter of days? Where will I find musicians at this late date? There are refreshments to decide upon, not to mention the time to prepare them. The invitations must be sent out. I’m not even certain who remains in Town. To be honest, I haven’t spent my days calling on friends.”

  Knightwick’s lips pressed together. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Cards, then? Charades? Perhaps a poetry reading?”

  “Poetry?” grumbled Oakhurst. “What’s behind this entertainment of yours? Do you even know anyone who reads poetry once they’ve finished their schooling?”

  “Well, I know one person, and she has friends who enjoy it.” Knightwick glanced at Hannah. “Don’t you know people who’d enjoy a reading?”

  “Several of Mama’s friends would, but that would make for a very dull party.”

  “I’ll ask again,” said Oakhurst even more firmly. “Why are you suddenly interested in entertaining? And why do so on such short notice?”

  Knightwick ignored him. “Mama’s friends sound ideal. This is for a friend of mine. Some of this information needs to be kept discreet, as she doesn’t want to cause her parents distress.”

  “This sounds like a foolish endeavor.” Crossing to the window seat, Oakhurst retrieved a ball that Louisa had thrown. “Who is this lady, and what does she hold over you that you’d agree to imposing on your sister so?”

  Knightwick paced a few steps away, then turned back to face his sister and brother-in-law. “Lady Susan Yarwood seeks sponsorship for a school she wishes to establish in the village on her father’s estate. She has exhausted Lady Huntfield’s circle of close friends, so I sought a way to bring up the topic to other potential sponsors.”

  “Lady Susan?” Hannah’s faced pinched in an incredulous frown. “When did you become so close to her? I recall you speaking to her when we were all in Newmarket, but I hadn’t realized there was an attachment between you.”

  “There’s no such relationship between us. I only wish to aid her as a friend.” He decided he needed to start his story at the beginning, when his only desire was to please Huntfield into allowing him to use Raven to breed to his mare. Explain how somewhere along the line he’d realized how important it was that Lady Susan realize her dream before her father forced her to marry. That led him back to his need to find her sponsors.

  “That’s very kind of you, Knightwick. I’m rather surprised, but I’m willing to help any way I can,” Hannah said.

  Oakhurst chuckled. “When did you fall in love with Lady Susan?”

  Knightwick’s insides knotted. “I’m not in love with her. I just told you as much. Must I love someone to wish the best for them? Love had nothing to do with his actions.

  “I fought for the longest time to admit it, myself, when I fell for your sister.” Oakhurst grinned at his wife.

  “You’re right, dear. Did you notice how Knightwick’s eyes light up when he mentions Lady Susan? She’s a delightful girl, Knightwick, and she’d understand your need to travel so often to the race meetings. She and her mother likely follow Lord Huntfield to many, so it will be natural for her to continue to do so.”

  Folding his arms across his chest, he looked down at where his sister sat. “Yes, she’s a delightful person, and yes, she’s familiar with the lifestyle of a horse breeder. However, I’m not looking for a wife and she’s shown no interest in marriage. It appears to be a bad idea to have asked for your assistance. Forgive me.”

  Hannah rose and placed her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, but you do sound rather taken with her. I’m only pleased you quit your plan to trade her future for the services of her father’s horse. Really, Knightwick, how appalling.”

  His stomach burned with guilt at her chastisement. “You know how upset Father has been since Zephyr was stolen. I only wanted to finally give him another horse he can be so proud of. Raven has so much of his grandsire’s build and stamina. He throws foals true to his type. Huntfield is so stubborn it irritates me to no end. He’s refused me for several years now.”

  “You make me hope she never marries,” Hannah said with a shake of her head. “I’d better start my list of who to invite. A poetry reading…are you certain it must be that? I’d much rather play cards for an evening, and you know how much I abhor cards.”

  “Make it cards, then, make it anything you wish. I only ask you to invite some matrons who are fond of childr
en and generous with their husband’s money.”

  He bid her good day and descended the stairs. Oakhurst followed him down.

  When they reached the first landing, Oakhurst paused and said, “I seem to recall a certain conversation‑or three‑with you regarding the reputation of your sister and the security of her heart when I began spending time with her. Now I’m turning tables on you. Lady Susan can only mistake the amount of attention you pay her. Any woman would. As much as she protests a desire to wed, she will create an expectation of an offer from you before long.”

  “And I seem to recall you arguing that you only had Hannah’s interests at heart. And here you stand, utterly in love with her.”

  “I’d guess you’re more than halfway there yourself, Knightwick. If you plan to marry her, I’m all for it. My lovely wife is correct in how well you two suit. Lord Huntfield would welcome you as a son.”

  “That’s too high a price to pay for a horse. Lady Susan deserves a man who loves her as you do my sister. That man isn’t me.”

  “Would you care to wager on that?” Oakhurst offered him a wry grin.

  “Wouldn’t that be as low as to trade Lady Susan’s hand in marriage for a horse?”

  They continued down the stairs. “Just so you remember I predicted you two will marry. I lay odds it will happen before the Newmarket race meeting in October.”

  Knightwick snorted. “Don’t hold your breath.”

  ~*~

  That evening, Susan stood nearby her mother in the small ballroom in Countess Meriwether’s London home. The crowd was small compared to one in the height of the Season, and very few young ladies were in attendance. Those who were there received an abundance of dance requests, including Susan.

  She wasn’t used to dancing more than one or two sets in an evening. The exercise was invigorating, but kept her from circulating about the room and appealing to the more generous matrons for a donation.

  A note had arrived earlier from Lady Oakhurst inviting her to play cards on Thursday evening. Lord Knightwick must have instigated the invitation, but she was pleased to attend.

  As she looked around the room, she was surprised to see Lord Knightwick approaching. A happy warmth filled her. “Good evening, my lord.”

  He bowed in greeting. “Am I too late to request the next set of dances?”

  “Yes. Too late to request any, I’m afraid.” She couldn’t believe how pleased she was at being able to say those words.

  Raising an eyebrow, he said, “I shall have to settle for speaking with you between sets, then.”

  “I presume it’s to you I owe my thanks for your sister’s invitation?”

  “I might have made a suggestion to her, yes.” His expression remained cocky, which gave her butterflies to look upon him.

  Her next dance partner arrived to lead her out onto the floor. “If you’ll excuse me, Lord Knightwick?” she asked.

  “Of course.”

  Her feet floated as she hopped and skipped through the required steps, speaking to her partner when they drew close enough to hear one another. She couldn’t keep her thoughts on the dance or the bits of conversation, however. The appearance of Lord Knightwick at a ball in the middle of summer was as likely as her entering a race as her father’s jockey. In one moment, she dared not hope he was falling in love with her. In the next, she prayed he wasn’t, so she could remain happily in Huntfield.

  When the set finished, she found he’d remained near her mother. Her partner escorted her back to Mama’s side and disappeared into the crowd. Susan was so warm, she was certain her skin glowed. She knew she was glowing with delight inside, where the viscount waited.

  “I’ll be leaving soon for Canterbury. Will you be there with your parents?” Lord Knightwick asked.

  “I hadn’t thought to attend.” Until that moment, at least. “I should return to Huntfield and see to making certain the parson intends to tutor the children when I’ve secured the place. I thought to use my great aunt’s home, have I mentioned that? There will be room for some of the children to live at the school if their homes are too distant to attend daily.”

  Looking into his cloudy blue eyes, she almost forgot all her dreams. What would it be like to see love radiating from their depths? Would it feel as heavenly as her sister Esther described?

  Foolish girl. She must stop woolgathering about a life she didn’t intend to live. Next thing she knew she’d be reading novels.

  “I’m disappointed. I’ve enjoyed your company these past few races.”

  Her heart fluttered. “There’s no need to make sport of me. I understand most gentlemen think the racecourse is a man’s territory as is his club. But it’s kind of you to allow me to think I will be missed.”

  “I shall miss you. Who else will lecture me on sonnets and immortality? Certainly not your father or my brother.”

  Susan laughed, and then had to join another partner on the dance floor.

  ~*~

  Watching Lady Susan on the dance floor left Knightwick breathless. She was as graceful as any Society miss, and from her smile you’d never guess she’d prefer to be anywhere but there.

  By the time she took her place opposite her fourth partner since Knightwick’s arrival, his own enjoyment of the night was fading. Where had these men come from who were asking her to dance? They’d never shown interest in her before.

  Lord Huntfield spoke from just behind Knightwick. “You’ve done well in a short time, young man. One would never know my daughter is not a Diamond.”

  “You’re wrong, sir. Anyone who looks upon her can see she’s one of the prettiest ladies in the room.” Her father’s lack of ability to see his daughter’s beauty irritated Knightwick to no end.

  “She is quite the preferred partner this evening. Has she mentioned any attachment to anyone?”

  “I’d think she’d speak to her mother before mentioning it to me.”

  “Oh, quite right. Lady Huntfield hasn’t mentioned any confidences with Susan. Isn’t there anything you can do to hurry her in finding a husband? The racing season is more than half gone. Then winter will be upon us and we’ll see no one until the races in the spring. By that time she’ll be so old no one will want her but a widower seeking a woman to care for his brood.”

  Knightwick sucked in an angry breath and turned to face the earl. “She is not nearly too old to find a man to love her. She has qualities to attract any man, should they take the time to know her. If you would leave her to her own devices, she will find the husband of her heart.”

  “If she hasn’t found one by the end of November, you won’t have earned the use of Raven, need I remind you?”

  Heat washed over Knightwick’s skin and he tightened his fists. “I regret I ever made the suggestion. It was unforgiveable and I am sorry for it.”

  Huntfield chuckled, seemingly unaware of Knightwick’s anger. “I admit I’d hoped you planned to marry her yourself. I’d considered giving you your foal as a wedding gift.”

  “She isn’t interested in a man like me.” He slammed his jaw shut before he spilled the secret of her school. Breathing slowly to calm himself, he chose his next words carefully. “She deserves a man who will read her poetry, who will know exactly which books to buy her. She deserves a better man than I am.”

  Huntfield sobered. “You know her very well. Are you certain you don’t wish to discuss a marriage between you? I disagree there’s anyone who could love her better. I know you, Knightwick. I’ve known you since you were in leading strings. I went to university with your father. Lumley men love hard and forever. I’d hate to see my daughter go to a lesser man.”

  Knightwick admitted to himself just how strongly he felt for Lady Susan. Huntfield had that correct. But as for being what Lady Susan wanted or needed? He was certain he wasn’t it.

  Chapter 6

  Susan cowered behind a Grecian column and wished she could vanish from the ballroom. Lord Knightwick’s attentions toward her had all been performed at a bid fr
om her father? And he expected nothing more from it than a foal out of Raven.

  She clutched a hand to her stomach, certain she was going to be ill. She couldn’t go to her mother and ask to leave, because Lord Knightwick stood between them. Yet she couldn’t remain where she was, as someone would discover her, and Lord Knightwick would wonder why she was hiding.

  The only answer was to slip away to the withdrawing room and send a footman to tell her mother she wasn’t well.

  By the time she’d taken three steps, tears began to pool in her eyes. She hurried into the hallway to avoid being noticed in her state.

  How could he have used her in such a manner? She’d thought his friendship was sincere. Had he only tolerated her from the start, from the first time they’d met with their fathers at a race meeting? She wondered how many other people only appeared to befriend her but actually only tolerated her company.

  The tears fell in earnest when she’d reached the withdrawing room. Thankfully it was empty. The footman she’d spotted in the hallway had rushed off to deliver Susan’s message to her mother.

  Hot and cold waves washed over her, and nausea wracked her stomach. She could trust no one anymore.

  Even those women who’d promised their support of her school had likely only done so out of friendship to Susan’s mother. They must hope she’d lose her excitement for the scheme and never actually collect on their promised funds.

  Mama entered the room, and when she saw Susan she hastened to draw her into her arms. “My dear, what has happened?”

  “Nothing. I am not well, I wish to leave now. Will you ask Papa to have the carriage brought around?”

  “Of course, dear.” Mama stepped into the hallway for a few moments, then returned. “Now, will you tell me what has caused you such distress?”

  “Oh, Mama, I’m such a fool. How could I think anyone would care for me?”

  “What are you talking about?” Her mother smoothed a gloved hand over Susan’s arm.