Sweet Summer Kisses

by Erin Knightley

  Caligula, the very wealthy but very vulgar Mr. Patterson, was now discoursing on her breeding qualities, from the width of her hips to the hearty brood she hailed from. She was sure she should be flattered to some degree, but pictures of farm animals giving birth kept springing to mind. Would the Earl ever arrive? She sat tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair trying not to glance at the clock.

  It was precisely five o'clock when the Earl arrived. She had tired of her false smile, and the expression of pleasure at his arrival was genuine—as was his expression of dismay when he walked in upon the scene of males trying to mark their territory in the middle of the drawing room.

  He quickly replaced his shock with a sympathetic smile and came over to greet her and her mother.

  “I hope I am not interrupting anything, Miss Foster? We can reschedule if the time is inconvenient for you.”

  She practically jumped out of her chair and discouraged that notion quickly. “No, no! I am quite ready to leave.”

  He then acknowledged the other men in the room, who stood watching their exit open-mouthed, the Duke of Waverly obviously infuriated. When they reached the outside, she took a deep breath of relief.

  He chuckled. “I take it you were not enjoying your audience?”

  “Audience? I fear they were the performers and I the lone member of the theatre audience.”

  He chuckled again and helped her into the curricle. He directed the horses toward the park, and Waverly flew past them in his phaeton, narrowly missing an oncoming horse cart.

  “I say. Is he always so reckless?”

  She wrinkled her face. “It would seem so. I have yet to see him otherwise. He certainly fancies himself a first-rate whip.”

  “I’ve discovered fancying oneself first-rate at anything is the best way to ensure you aren’t.”

  “Indeed.” She noticed he was rather skilled with the reins himself, but refrained from saying so.

  “Miss Foster, since you confessed your love of books, I wondered if perhaps you wouldn't mind an intellectual diversion on another day.”

  “I do love riding, but I confess I prefer open fields to the fashionable hour in the park.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  She nodded. “May we go now?”

  “Unfortunately, I must look at my calendar. I will see to it and send word.”

  “That will be a most welcome change. I have been unable to attend many of the places I desired while in town,” she said remorsefully.

  “Hopefully it will be a welcome diversion, then. I own, I prefer a museum to a ball any day.”

  “It will be most welcome. Thank you.” She smiled and dared to look up into his moss green eyes. Her heart turned over in her chest. Hopefully he could not see how he affected her composure, but why he affected her thus baffled her. She wondered if it would be utterly inappropriate to ask his age. She knew wide age gaps common in Society, but it had always seemed unfair to her. She would either be widowed young, or be caring for an invalid before her time.

  She need not worry this afternoon. He was a welcome diversion and good company for now. Thank heavens he did not seem to think her inappropriate after all. She had worried over it after his departure last evening, but he seemed perfectly at ease today.

  They entered through the gates of the park to find it already crowded.

  ~*~

  Geoffrey felt a sick sense of déjà vu as they pulled through the gates of Hyde Park. They instantly attracted notice, and were soon surrounded with admirers and those hoping for an introduction. Miss Foster stopped traffic, just as Christine had. He tried to separate the two, but it was sickeningly similar to his experience courting his first wife. Then, he had been proud to have won the town beauty. Now, he was exceedingly leery. He could not prevent himself from the comparisons.

  True, Miss Foster was not acting as Christine had, but she was used to this as her due. She would be out of humour quickly at his secluded estate. Why had he rushed his fences about another outing? Now there was no polite way to bow out.

  He still held out hope for finding the girl from the alcove. But that would mean attending more balls, and that he could not countenance.

  He acknowledged some old acquaintances and accepted invitations from some eager mothers, but he subtly observed Miss Foster interact with those who approached and openly admired her. She was polite and civil but neither warm nor cold. He could not figure her out.

  Waverly approached and boldly stayed near her, rudely hovering alongside in his phaeton, preventing most vehicles from passing. She was ice-cold with him and only proffered short, curt replies to his marked attentions. Why did Waverly persist? Her behaviour was enough to scare him away. Waverly could have her.

  The crowd meant there was little time for meaningful conversation, for which he was thankful, and the hour passed quickly. He deposited her back to her home with a sense of relief.

  When he walked in the door of his townhome, he instantly made for his study. He wanted some time alone to think. This plan was not working, and he needed a new one quickly. He heard his mother’s voice call to him before he reached safety.

  “Geoffrey? Is that you, dear? Come tell me how your drive with Miss Foster went.”

  He turned with a sigh and went into the parlour, where his mother sat in a chair near the window.

  “Hello, Mother.” He bent over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

  “Well?” she asked impatiently. She had probably been watching the door for his return.

  “It was too reminiscent of the past.”

  “You mean Christine? But I do not think Miss Foster at all like Christine.”

  “Perhaps not,” he sighed. “It is likely just the Season.”

  “That cannot be helped, my dear. Do not give up so soon. I remember Christine vividly, and I have known Helena from the cradle. I assure you, they are apples and oranges. Not everyone displays to advantage in a crowd.”

  “Touché, Mother. Very well. I already promised an intellectual diversion. And that she shall have.”

  He reluctantly sent around a note, begging the pleasure of her company the next day.

  ~*~

  “Good afternoon, Miss Foster.”

  “Good afternoon, Lord Rutherford.”

  He had decided to arrange their appointment early in the day so as to avoid walking in amongst Miss Foster’s court. She was ready with her maid when he arrived, and they were soon on their way.

  “Sir, will you not tell me where we are going?”

  “You shall see.” He smiled, but teased, “I shall allow you a guess.”

  Her cheeks took on a rosy hue, but she boldly proclaimed as they neared Burlington House, “I am hoping the Elgin Marbles.”

  He glanced at her sideways, “I gather my mother was correct about you.”

  “Oh?”

  “She thought you would enjoy this.”

  “Remind me to thank her later.”

  They pulled up before the house, which appeared lifeless.

  “Oh, dear. Is the exhibit closed?” She had not thought about how early it was.

  “It is.” He hopped down from the carriage and held out his hand. “I have made special arrangements.”

  “You can do that?” What an idiotic question. He just said he had.

  He smiled and helped her from the conveyance. The butler opened the doors for them and led them to the display of marbles. Her maid selected a nearby bench and took a seat while they marvelled at antiquity. Both of them stood in awe of the statues, taking in their beauty.

  “What do you think, Miss Foster?”

  “The Greek certainly like nude statues.”

  “Does it offend you? I had not thought about its inappropriateness.”

  “Not at all. They aren't vulgar—only my humour.”

  “Perhaps the Ancient Greeks thought it more profound to spend eternity in their God-given clothes.”

  “It is my worst recurring nightmare.” She blushed and smiled.
>
  “I almost feel transported back in time,” he said appreciatively, as they walked through the rows of statues.

  “It is a pity they let these ruin,” she said thoughtfully.

  “True, but I am grateful to see them nonetheless.”

  “You are not an objector to their being brought to England?”

  “Elgin feared they would be burned for lime to build with if he left them behind.”

  “It is a pity we cannot appreciate the beauty of what is before us until it is gone.”

  “Very true,” he said solemnly.

  The room was full of statues from the Acropolis and portions of the actual Parthenon. She needed to pinch herself.

  “It is astonishing to think these were there in the time of Christ. That he likely saw this very statue.” She ran her hand along a marble piece depicting a centaur battling a Lapith. “It is almost as if a scene of The Iliad has come to life.”

  “Indeed. I am amazed at the size, myself. To think of the task of transporting these from Greece. I hear one of the ships went down and Lord Elgin had it retrieved from the ocean.”

  “Did he? That is astonishing!”

  They had not been viewing the collection more than half an hour when a servant burst into the room.

  “Emery?” The Earl looked confused at his servant’s presence. “Is something the matter?”

  “Yes, my lord. Begging your pardon, my lord. But a messenger arrived with this from Reston and said it was most urgent.” The retainer held out a sealed parchment to the Earl.

  He broke the seal and scanned the missive, his emotions plainly writ upon his face.

  “Sir, is something terribly wrong?” Helena asked with worry.

  “I beg your pardon, Miss Foster. Indeed. It is my daughter, Lucy. She has fallen ill. It must be severe or her nurse would not have sent for me. Would you mind terribly if we curtail our outing? I must be off to see to her.”

  “Of course, my lord. I can take a hackney home so you may be on your way.”

  “That is not necessary, Miss Foster. But I thank you for your consideration. Shall we?” He held out his arm for her, but remained quiet until they reached her house.

  “I am terribly sorry,” he said as he handed her out of the carriage and walked her to the door.

  “Please, sir. Do not fret over me. I would be more concerned if you did not see to your daughter.”

  He gave her a handsome smile. “Thank you kindly, Miss Foster. Until we meet again.” He brushed a kiss atop her hand, which sent shivers down her spine. Then he tipped his hat and drove off quickly.

  If we meet again, she thought. She stepped inside and stood watching out of the window as his carriage sped away. She was unsure how she felt about what had just occurred. This was probably for the best. She had needed that reminder that he had a child. Her judgement had been becoming cloudy with him. He had not been disgusted by her love of knowledge and he had not treated her as a simpleton as many had. She shook her head. No, she needed to move on and go back to Amberley.

  She removed her bonnet and entered the parlour.

  “Darling, why are you back so soon? And where is Rutherford?” her mother asked with concern.

  “His daughter has fallen ill. A messenger arrived to inform him not long after we arrived.”

  “Oh, dear. Is it serious, do you think?”

  “I am afraid so. At least he seemed to think the nurse would not send for him unless it were so.”

  “They were to dine with us tonight. Should I send a note around?”

  “I would not worry, Mother. The Dowager Countess will send a note if she cannot attend. She might have chosen to go with him.”

  “Yes, of course. It will not disrupt Cook either way with only two guests.”

  “Very well, Mama. Do you mind if I rest until dinner? I am rather fagged, for some reason.”

  “No, my love. I might do the same myself. Are you well, darling? You do not look quite the thing.”

  “Yes, merely tired. Nothing a little rest will not cure.”

  Helena kissed her mother on the cheek and wearily walked away. She had not really considered the Earl a serious suitor, but she felt disappointed. His presence had promised a welcome reprieve from pretending to be a mindless ninny.

  He had thought her mature enough to view the marbles! She nearly salivated at the thought of more time to take in their majesty. She had not seen enough. Not nearly enough.

  Helena was not tired, but she longed to be alone. Her time was not her own in London. She was constantly hustled to and fro and paraded around. She rang for a bath, for that was her special time when she did her best thinking and relaxed with a good book. However, she could not take her mind off the Earl and his daughter as she read the same paragraph for the third time. The deuce take it, she did not want to feel motherly concern for a child she had never met, but she did. It was not the child's fault her mother had died. Selfishly, she did not want to play step-mother—the thought terrified her. She fell asleep with these thoughts warring in her mind as the scent of her lavender bath overtook her senses.

  “Miss Helena! Miss Helena! Wake up!” Her maid's voice beckoned her from her slumber, where her subconscious had led her down a path of matrimony with the Earl. She had fallen asleep in the bathtub. She must avert her thoughts from him. It was not what she wanted. And she was now cold and resembled a prune.

  “You best hurry. Lady Rutherford sent a note that she would still be dining with you.”

  Helena was dressed and made her way downstairs, her mind still in a fog. She must have slept hard. She’d certainly slept longer than she intended.

  The Dowager Countess of Rutherford had always been a presence in her life, only she had not realised. Helena's mother had always referred to her as her dearest Edie. They had been fierce correspondents as long as Helena could remember. She rushed into the parlour, where her mother and the Dowager were having an intense cose about something. Their heads were close together and they spoke just above a whisper, though she could not mistake the words, ‘…Geoffrey’s scepticism about beauty after his experience with Christine.’

  “There you are, darling. I was beginning to worry about you.” The two ladies looked up as she entered.

  “Forgive me, Mama. I overslept. Good evening, Lady Rutherford.” She curtsied. “I hope this means Lucy is not too severe?”

  “Quite the contrary, Helena,” her mother stated. “We were just discussing this. Let us continue this over dinner.” She nodded toward the butler who had entered the room to announce the meal was ready.

  Once seated and the first course before them, the Dowager continued, “I was telling your mother that poor Lucy has contracted the measles. Neither Geoffrey nor the nursemaid have had them. He fears Miss Higgins will be ill by the time he reaches Reston Park.”

  “That is terrible! I remember when our household was afflicted with them. The two older girls had them first, and I was worried to death,” her mother recalled.

  “I remember when the younger children had them,” Helena remembered being terrified her youngest sister would not survive.

  “Yes, dear, you were invaluable in caring for them. I could not have cared for all three of them myself.”

  “I intend to leave in the morning. Geoffrey took off on horseback in order to make the best time. I intend to follow in the morning with our trunks,” Lady Rutherford said.

  “Perhaps we could help,” her mother suggested.

  Helena looked askance at her mother. What could they do?

  “Helena has shown no partiality for anyone, and I am ready for some country air.”

  “I certainly would not object to having help with Lucy. I am certain that Miss Higgins will be ill by the time I arrive, and I am of no help in the sick room.”

  “Helena is very experienced with small children,” her mother offered.

  She paused and held her fork in midair. They were cooking something up, she was certain. However, she would rather be
anywhere than London at the moment. Would her mother release her from her agreement?

  “The Season is almost over anyhow. Why don't I take Helena with me, and you may return to Amberley. When the measles have passed, you may bring the family for a visit.”

  The two ladies exchanged a knowing glance. Helena did not miss it. They were trying to force a match between her and Rutherford! She stopped herself from scoffing out loud. She would be dishonest if she said she did not enjoy his company. But if he were to deem her unsuitable because of superficial reasons…she had no reply worthy of speaking.

  Helena remained quiet the remainder of the evening, only responding when necessary. The two ladies were discussing the details of the trip and subsequent gathering. Helena's thoughts were in a whirl. She was not as confident as she would have liked that she could remain indifferent to the Earl. Therefore, she would have to keep herself away from him lest she regret it later. She excused herself at the first polite opportunity and went to finish preparing for her journey, her mind still awhirl at the sudden turn of events.

  Helena soon heard a knock on her door.

  “Enter.” She turned around curiously to see who needed her. Her mother entered the room and sat in a chair by the fire.

  “Did Lady Rutherford leave so soon?”

  “Yes. She had much to do before leaving in the morning.”

  Helena sat at her dressing table brushing out her hair. She watched her mother and wondered what she was up to. She doubted not that she had genuine concern for the child, but Helena was hardly the only person who could attend to her. “How does my leaving early affect our deal? Does this mean the agreed- upon Season is complete?

  Her mother nodded looking into the fire. Helena could not have been more astonished.

  “Does this mean I will not be pressured to marry? Or are you placing all of your eggs in one basket, hoping that the Earl and I shall suit?”

  Her mother had the grace to look guilty. “You seemed to get on famously last evening, and in the drawing room earlier today.”