by Jane Ashford
“Well, go on with you then,” said William, his eyes belying his harsh tone. “Take the bucket off your foot and be about your work, you great noddy.”
Half bowing, half crouching to the bucket, Bob obeyed. He still had no success in dislodging it, so he limped hurriedly in the direction of the smith.
When he was gone, Alicia let go the laugh she had been restraining. Even William smiled, and they were both surprised by a deep, masculine laugh behind them. Turning, Alicia confronted Ian MacClain, who said, “That young man will go far,” his voice shaking with amusement.
Alicia’s smile, which had begun to fade, returned.
“You handled him well,” he added.
“I did nothing.”
“Exactly.” Ian eyed her approvingly. This glimpse of her among her stablemen had affected him very favorably. She seemed a different person from the flittering drawing room creature he deplored.
“Have you come to look over the horses before the auction?”
“Yes. You also?”
“In a manner of speaking. We are selling some stock from Morlinden, so William brought me over to see them.”
Cairnyllan nodded to William. “What a lucky chance. Perhaps he has the time to show them to me as well? I should very much like to purchase the more promising of Royal Sir’s line. I had not hoped to get expert information.”
Alicia was slightly stung. “You think I could not show you myself? I know the horses quite as well as William.” If this was not absolutely true, she thought a bit guiltily, at least she knew more than enough for his purposes.
“I merely assumed you were going soon,” he replied.
“On the contrary, I have only just begun my inspection.” Alicia’s expression was haughty, but she was wondering why she had said such an idiotic thing. She was at the last box in the row, and would have departed in another few minutes. Moreover, Cairnyllan might have seen her looking at the other horses. She had no idea how long he had been watching. But there was nothing for it now but to retrace her steps and pretend unconsciousness of the unsettling gleam in his blue eyes.
They went together into the box nearest. Cairnyllan was quite as knowledgeable as Alicia, and indeed as William. He asked searching questions as he ran his hands down the colt’s legs and looked at his teeth. As they walked to the next box, Alicia thought that she had not seen him so at home since they had left Perdon Abbey. His large frame moved with grace and assurance here, as it never did in a London drawing room. His expression was more relaxed and his conversation immeasurably pleasanter. Indeed, they were talking almost like old friends, she realized. “This is Black Lady,” she said as they reached another stall.
“Ah. She’s a beauty.” Before Alicia or William could speak, he had opened the door and stepped inside. “Aren’t you? Yes. What a coat.”
“Look out,” warned Alicia then. “She bites.”
“This lovely creature?” Cairnyllan moved closer, holding out his hand to the horse.
“She do, sir,” said William. “We couldn’t break her of it.”
“Perhaps you didn’t ask her nicely enough.” MacClain slowly extended his hand, murmuring softly all the while, and stroked the filly’s nose. She tossed her head at first, but did not bite. Gradually, soothed by something in the man’s tone or manner, she quieted, finally nuzzling at the front of his coat. “She’s gentle as a lamb,” he said. “I shall certainly buy this one.”
Alicia and William exchanged a glance, the latter shrugging helplessly. “She bit Jem Ellis so that he had to have his arm sewn up.” William glared at Cairnyllan. “And he spoke as nicely as anyone could!”
Cairnyllan laughed. “Well, the lady must simply have her own opinions, then.” He beckoned to Alicia. “Come and see.”
A little wary, Alicia entered the box. Black Lady watched her, but did not shy. When she tried to put her hand on the horse’s nose, however, she bared her teeth at once, and Alicia quickly drew her hand back.
“Here now,” said Cairnyllan, “none of that.” The filly nuzzled him again, and he laughed.
Both Alicia and William were feeling resentful. They moved on toward the next stall without speaking, and Cairnyllan followed, grinning, after one final pat. He was wise enough not to mention Black Lady again soon.
When they had seen all the Morlinden horses, they stood for a moment in the stableyard. “May I escort you home?” offered Cairnyllan.
“William came with me.” She hesitated.
“But I am sure he would rather remain here with his charges.”
William agreed that this was true, and Alicia took Cairnyllan’s arm to walk back to her barouche. When he had tied his mount on behind, they started off, and a curious awkwardness descended upon the carriage. In the stables, they had talked without constraint. But now, side by side in the elegant vehicle, this ease seemed to have dissipated. Alicia was very aware of the earl’s shoulder against hers, and his pantaloon-clad leg near her own. Memories of their first meeting and wild gallop came back to her, driving conversational gambits right out of her head.
Had she known how similar were Cairnyllan’s thoughts, she might have felt even more unsettled. He was recalling their headlong embrace with more charity than he had ever done. It seemed to him at that moment as if his reservations about Lady Alicia did not matter. She might not be the kind of woman he had planned to love, but she was an extraordinary one. And she could not help the fact that she had been reared in town and learned town ways. He saw the necessity for making allowances as he never would have before. With his guidance, he thought, she might become the perfect companion. Smiling slightly, Cairnyllan lost himself in a fantasy of continual passionate rendezvous amidst the heather.
“So you will buy Black Lady?” asked Alicia in a rather stiff tone. She felt that one of them must speak to break the rising tension.
“What?” Cairnyllan’s pleasant dream collapsed, and he felt unreasonably annoyed. “Oh, yes. I certainly shall.”
“You won her over amazingly.”
“I am known for my skill with temperamental fillies,” he answered rather smugly. “I imagine they sense a stronger will when they encounter one.”
Alicia was unaccountably enraged. “Indeed? Perhaps they ‘sense’ that you would beat them soundly if they did not obey.”
He stared at her. He had never beaten a horse in his life.
“You do not strike me as possessing much restraint. And I think your sister would agree!”
Cairnyllan’s frown slowly gave way to an incredulous smile. He had to make a strong effort not to laugh aloud. “We were talking of horses, were we not?”
Alicia blushed scarlet, a thing she had not done for years, and turned abruptly away. The man was utterly crude, to twist her words in such a way. Let them pass the whole journey in silence; she would say no more!
The earl gazed at her averted profile, and continued to smile. He had already begun to consider Alicia in a different light. Now he wondered if he was perhaps involved in a contest he could understand, rather than stumbling blindly amid a set of Londonish rules and fripperies. If so, there was hope that he might someday understand Alicia Alston, as he had thought he never would. The idea filled him with such relief that he did not even notice the lack of conversation or care that Alicia’s farewell was markedly cool.
Eleven
A week passed without incident. Alicia and Lavinia attended several functions without seeing any of the MacClains, and Alicia was beginning to feel some of her old boredom again when Roddy burst into her drawing room one morning very soon after breakfast, looking disheveled. He had not paused to let the butler announce him, and he did not waste time on greetings. “You must come with me right away,” he said. “You have called there before.”
Alicia stared at him. She had been settling down to the household accounts and was considerably startled by his abr
upt appearance. “What? Whatever are you talking about, Roddy?”
“Haven’t you heard?”
“Heard what? Do sit down. You are towering over me in the most ominous way. And straighten your neckcloth. It is under your ear.”
“There’s no time for that,” he answered, jerking the cloth into place. “I cannot believe you haven’t heard the gossip. Marianne MacClain has refused Devere!”
“What?”
Roddy nodded, satisfied with her reaction, and sat down on the edge of the sofa. “He actually offered for her, and she turned him down. That is the on-dit, at least. I want you to take me there now so that we can discover the truth of the matter. And the details.” His eyes gleamed with anticipation. “What a story I shall have for the ball tonight.”
Alicia was too astonished even to tease him about his avidity. “Are you sure, Roddy? It seems so…”
He nodded. “We all thought Devere immune. But I had the tale on very good authority. Of course, I shall not be sure until we call.” He rose and gave her an admonitory glance.
“You cannot seriously expect me to take you there at this time of the morning? I am not that well acquainted with them myself.”
“Nonsense! You have visited several times.”
“Once, Roddy.”
“We will think of a plausible story.” He considered. “We were out for a stroll, and happened to pass by.” She looked at him. “Well, something else then. Alicia, you can’t refuse. Think of it. Devere!”
She did think of it, and had to admit that her own curiosity was roused. Knowing Marianne, she could almost believe that the girl would throw away the greatest catch in the ton, and all the status capturing him would imply. But she could not imagine that Robert Devere had actually proposed. For as long as she could remember, he had seemed oblivious to eligible young ladies.
Seeing her expression, Roddy urged, “We needn’t stay long. And Lady Marianne will wish to have the true story known.”
“Oh, Roddy.” But Alicia was wavering.
“You may tell them it was all my idea, if you like. Say I am a dreadful gossip and dragged you there.”
“You are!”
He looked offended. “I have a normal interest in my friends’ activities, naturally.”
Alicia laughed. “Very well. Let us go. I should not, but I admit I am burning with curiosity.”
“That’s the girl!” He strode toward the door and was only with difficulty persuaded that Alicia must have her bonnet and shawl.
The streets were empty of fashionables as they drove to the MacClain house. Indeed, Alicia began to have second thoughts about their visit when she saw only tradesmen and peddlers about. “Marianne may be still in bed,” she said as they climbed the three steps to the door and Roddy plied the knocker. “I don’t suppose she will see us.” As she spoke, she was suddenly struck by the thought that Lord Cairnyllan might be the one to receive them. No doubt he always rose early, even in town. She hung back as she pictured the scene. She did not want to appear before him seeking food for gossip.
Fortunately, both Cairnyllan and his mother were denied. The earl was out, and Lady Cairnyllan not yet downstairs. But when Alicia asked for Marianne, the servant looked uncertain. “I will inquire, miss,” he said.
A few moments later, he returned to usher them upstairs to the drawing room. Marianne rose with an impish smile when they came in. “Lady Alicia. And Lord Roderick. How kind of you to call.”
One glance at her dancing eye decided Alicia on honesty. “It isn’t kind at all. Roddy positively forced me to bring him at this ridiculous hour because he wants to interrogate you.”
“Me?” Marianne was the picture of amazed innocence, but once again her eyes gave her away. She seemed to be enjoying the sensation she had caused.
Roddy was not quite up to Alicia’s bluntness. “Not at all. Just passing by, you know, and popped in for a moment.”
“It is so invigorating to drive out in the early morning hours,” said Marianne. “Ian always rides then. He insists it is the most healthful time.”
Roddy goggled at her. “Er, yes, to be sure. I’ve often said the same myself.”
“Oh, Roddy, you rarely rise before noon,” responded Alicia.
Marianne laughed at the chagrined expression on his face, and after a moment, Alicia joined her. “Lady Marianne knows perfectly well why we are here,” she added. “Anyone can see that. Indeed, you might have known she would; she isn’t stupid.”
“Well, but…that is, no need to…”
Marianne laughed again. “You want to know what happened, I suppose. I shouldn’t say anything, you understand, if the whole had not been overheard.”
Roddy looked crushed. “By whom?”
“Two of Mrs. Jennings’s servants.”
“Oh, that’s all right then. Servants’ gossip is slow to get around.” He paused. “Or slower than I shall be, at any rate.” The girls laughed again, and he looked up, puzzled, then embarrassed. “I say, I didn’t mean…”
“We know what you meant,” laughed Alicia. “But if the story is common knowledge, Lady Marianne…”
“Well, Lord Devere offered for me last night, and I told him that although I was very flattered and conscious of the honor, I didn’t wish to marry just yet.” When she noticed her audience staring, she added, “I am only eighteen, you know, and I haven’t even had one whole Season.”
“Yes, but, Devere!” gasped Roddy.
“Well, I know he is thought a great catch. And I find him vastly amusing. But he is nearly twenty years older than me, and I don’t think we should suit.”
Roddy seemed bereft of speech, but Alicia eyed the younger girl with considerable respect. This was a new view of Robert, and as she adjusted to it, she saw that it was extremely sensible. She would have felt the same herself, she realized, had there ever been any question of marriage between her and Devere. “You are extraordinary,” she said.
Marianne flushed a little. “I know you must think it odd. Everyone will, I suppose. It is just that—”
“Not at all. I meant extraordinarily wise.”
Roddy gaped first at Alicia, then at Marianne. “And you just refused him? Just like that? One of the most eligible bachelors in the ton? I mean, you didn’t hesitate even for an instant?” He seemed to be trying to fix the scene in his mind.
“Yes. It was over in a moment. Lord Devere said he understood perfectly and that he hoped we might still be friends. And I said of course we should, and he went off. I believe he is planning a visit to the country.” Once again, the sparkle in her eyes showed that she saw the humor in this sudden decision.
“I daresay,” responded Roddy feelingly. “He must know what a storm of gossip this will set off.” He rose, then looked uneasy. “I mustn’t keep you. You’ll be wanting to get on with your, er…”
“Oh, I haven’t anything planned,” said Marianne airily. “My whole morning is free.”
Roddy shifted from foot to foot, and the girls laughed. “Oh, go on, Roddy,” said Alicia. “I’m sure you’ll be the first with the news.”
He opened his mouth to make an excuse, then closed it and grinned. “Right. I’m off then. Are you coming, Alicia?”
“No, I shall stay a moment. You will have to walk, or find a cab.”
He held up a hand to show that this was understood, bowed to both girls, and withdrew, the sound of his footsteps telling them that he practically bounded down the stairs.
Alicia shook her head. “What a rattle he is.”
“But sweet,” replied Marianne.
Alicia smiled, dismissing the subject. “You have caused a sensation, you know.”
“Yes.” Marianne dimpled. “But it wasn’t entirely my fault. He needn’t have asked me.”
“But do you have any idea…”
“Yes, I do!” All
amusement gone, Marianne leaned forward and spoke very earnestly. “I won’t enjoy being stared at and talked of, you know. It is exciting to be singled out, but I should prefer not to be quite so…” She hesitated, as if searching for a word, then used Alicia’s with a small grimace, “…extraordinary. I could not marry him, however.”
“Could not marry whom?” asked a deep voice from the doorway.
Marianne jumped. “Oh, Ian, how you startled me!”
Alicia turned to see the earl leaning against the jamb. He was dressed for riding and still held a crop against his leg. He smiled at her, and she was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze.
“If there is some question of your marrying, I think I should hear of it,” he added. “Which of the young sprigs have you disappointed?”
Marianne seemed both annoyed and uncertain. “What does it matter, since I have done so?”
Cairnyllan came farther into the room. “It matters because you are my responsibility. Who, Marianne?”
“Perhaps I shan’t tell you!”
Each of them did just the thing most calculated to annoy the other, Alicia thought, though she was not sure their behavior was conscious. On impulse, she said, “Lady Marianne has refused Lord Devere.”
Marianne frowned, then shrugged. Cairnyllan swung around to look at her, his red brows drawn together. It took him a moment to digest the information. “Devere? I thought he was a great catch.”
“He was—is,” agreed Alicia.
Cairnyllan turned to his sister. “And I thought you were besotted with him.”
“That just shows how little you know of me, Ian. I told you he was simply amusing.”
Cairnyllan seemed to be having great difficulty taking this in. He had bent every faculty toward protecting Marianne and separating her from Devere’s pernicious influence, and now it appeared that all his efforts had been unnecessary. His whole conception of his sister’s character was thrown in doubt. “I don’t understand,” he murmured.
“I didn’t wish to marry him,” replied Marianne, as if this were obvious. “He is years older, and I do not love him.”