by Pearl Wolf
His aide grinned. “I was in love once, but I lost the lady precisely because I begged. That was a long time ago.”
Sebastian paced up and down in his sitting room the next morning, waiting for Hugh to return from Bodmin Castle. He drank his coffee, but spurned much of the breakfast, having little appetite for food. He could not tear his mind away from Olivia, vowing to do better the next time. If there was a next time.
She wanted loyalty? He’d give her that. She wanted trust? He’d give her that, too. She wanted devotion? She already had that if she but knew of his sleepless nights and haunted days. He had to find a way to convince her he was worthy of her love. But how? What miracle could he perform to make her believe in him?
If he failed, he would resign his post. Travel to foreign climes. He’d never return to his beloved England again, not as long as he lived. Never had he felt such a weight. It was like a stone in his being, sinking his spirits.
The door opened at last, putting an end to his despondency. “Well, Hugh?”
“We’ll have to hire the fastest horses we can find, sir. Every morning at seven, Fairchild rides across the moors like the wind. She’s never alone, I’m told. One of her sisters or a groom rides with her, but she won’t be hard to find, for she wears her training uniform and rides astride her stallion the way she did at Wilson Academy.”
Sebastian’s eyes came alive. “Well done, Hugh. Bloody well done!” He rang for a waiter. “Take these cold dishes away and bring us a fresh hot breakfast. Suddenly, I’m as hungry as a lion.”
Hugh turned to Sebastian and grinned. “Take care how you spend your blunt, sir. When I tell you how much this information cost, I don’t want you to lose your appetite once more.”
“Who cares? Have you her route as well?”
“Of course. Let’s shop for an appropriate horse for you.”
“We’ll make that two horses. I want you with me.”
“As you wish, sir. After we buy them, we’ll travel the route ourselves to become familiar with it.”
“Perfect!”
Sebastian and Hugh had little trouble finding two lively chestnuts to purchase. The landlord’s brother-in-law, it turned out, had a stable nearby.
“You shouldn’t have shown such eagerness to buy. The stableman took note of it at once. Paid too much, you did,” grumbled Hugh. “At this rate, you may not be able to afford Lady Olivia.”
Sebastian chuckled. “It will be worth every farthing I own, if I could win my lady back.”
“Every quid, more like,” Denville teased. He tapped his heels to his stallion and led him down the road toward the moors. They rode out of town in silence, conversation proving difficult since the wind swallowed their words. Sebastian followed his aide on the narrow path until they reached the moors. Hugh quickened his pace, Sebastian hard on his heels.
They were about to turn back when three figures appeared as specks on the landscape, two riding astride and one riding sidesaddle. Sebastian’s heartbeat thundered in anticipation. The specks grew larger as they rode nearer. Sebastian spied the drab gray training clothes and the flying golden curls first. And his heart stopped. Olivia. He spurred his horse in an attempt to pass Denville, but his aide put a hand up to restrain him.
“Hold off, sir. See their direction first. The man’s a groom, but who’s the lass with her?”
“One of her sisters, most likely. She has a slew of them.”
“It’s a good idea to curb your impatience a bit longer. They’re slowing down. If they dismount, we’ll ride up and greet them pleasant-like.”
A look of admiration spread Sebastian’s smile from ear to ear. “Good strategy, Hugh. Clear-headed thinking. Where did you learn such clever tactics?”
Denville put forward a sly grin. “Let’s just say I had the best of teachers during the Waterloo campaign.”
Sebastian chortled. “You’ll make a fine diplomat, my friend. This reminds me. Our strategy is that we’re two friends on holiday. Get used to calling me Sebastian all the time, will you? Look! They’re dismounting just as you predicted.”
“Good sign. We’ll ride up slow-like. Don’t want to frighten them into bolting, do we? Wait till we’re close enough before you greet them. And keep a bloody smile on your face, if you want to convince the lady you’ve mended your ways. Keep your hands off her as well.”
“You’re a hard taskmaster. Come along with me, Hugh.”
“Coward,” Hugh said, but the grin on his face signaled approval.
When they were close enough, the two dismounted near the astonished groom, whose horse held a small basket attached to his saddle. Without a word, Hugh handed their reins to the lad. A gold coin fell into the groom’s hand at the same time, and he made no protest.
“Be brave,” Hugh whispered, as he nudged Sebastian toward the women. Unaware that they were being followed, as they had their backs to the men.
“Why, it’s Lady Olivia and Lady Georgiana,” said Sebastian in a pleasant tone. “What a surprise to find you here. I believe you know Mr. Denville, Lady Olivia. May I introduce you to him as well, Lady Georgiana? Hugh is one of our instructors at the training academy as well as being my close friend.”
Georgiana smiled and offered her hand to Hugh. “How do you do, Mr. Denville? We have met after all. At my sister’s graduation ceremony, I believe.”
“So we did, ma’am.” He raised her hand to his lips.
“We were about to explore the ruins just the other side of this outcropping. You may join us if you like,” said sixteen-year-old Georgiana, her eyes sparkling, for it was the first time a gentleman had kissed her hand. She chose to ignore her sister’s reproving glance.
“We’d be delighted to join you. Let me help you over this mound, ma’am,” Sebastian said to Olivia, attempting to take her arm.
“I can bloody well help myself,” she muttered, brushing his hand away.
Sebastian followed her, embarrassed at the rebuff. A bleak look stole across his face.
“Buck up, sir,” whispered Hugh. He turned to Georgiana and offered his hand.
“Thank you,” she said, delighted.
Olivia walked toward the ancient ruin, fully aware that Sebastian followed. Like a bloody sheep being led to slaughter. She whirled without warning and said, “Is there something you wish to say to me, sir?”
Sebastian paused, nearly tripping, for his hands were clasped behind his back. He had all he could do to keep from frowning at her strident tone. “Nothing in particular, Olivia.” He looked beyond her at the ruins with apparent interest. “How old are these, do you think?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea.” What’s he up to now?
“Sixteenth century, I’d guess. See here?” He climbed into the well and pointed to what was left of a rectangular surface. “This was some sort of fireplace for cooking. Built just this way back then.”
“How is it you know so much about the sixteenth century?”
“I studied the architecture of that period with the local vicar, a scholar of some note. My father had great respect for his knowledge and engaged him to tutor me.”
She struggled to hold onto her anger toward him, but her curiosity was aroused. “Where did you grow up?”
“A small village near Bath.” To keep from putting his arms around her, he kept his hands clasped behind his back. He gripped them so tight, his knuckles turned white.
A few feet away, yet out of earshot, Georgiana and Denville were engaged in what appeared to be a lively conversation. “I wonder what those two can possibly find to talk about. They have so little in common,” Olivia said.
Sebastian was relieved to hear her speak with a bit less tension. “You’d be surprised. Hugh can be witty. He’s also intelligent, a fact that you may not have noticed when you were a trainee. At Wilson Academy when he’s working, he’s all business.”
“So we learned.”
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. Hugh never talks back to anyone.” He paused. “Any
one but me, that is.”
She laughed, a natural laugh full of surprise, which to his mind loosened her rigidity another notch.
“We trainees never noticed his wit, because he was always a straight arrow.” She hesitated, then added, “Let me ask you something, sir. How is it you two are here and not at Wilson Academy planning for the next class of trainees?”
“We’re on holiday.”
“Why Bodmin? It’s quite far from Havelshire.”
“Hugh had a desire to visit. He’s never been to Cornwall.”
“Liar!” Her laugh infected him and together they made enough noise to gain the notice of Georgiana and Denville.
“What’s so funny, you two?”
“An inside joke, Georgie. Hard to explain. Shall we invite these brash interlopers to share our picnic?”
“Good idea.” Georgiana put two fingers in her mouth and whistled for their groom.
“Extraordinary,” said Hugh in admiration. “Who taught you to whistle like that?”
“My brother Edward, but only after I threatened to drown him in our lake.”
The groom trotted up and produced a blanket which he spread on what passed as a patch of grass within the rocky terrain. He put the basket in the middle and looked at Olivia.
“Thank you, Wells. We’ll unpack the food ourselves.” She dismissed him with a nod and he disappeared back over the outcropping.
Georgiana fell to her knees opposite Olivia and proceeded to help her sister lay out the contents of the picnic basket.
“We’d hate to take the food out of the mouths of you and your sister, ma’am. If we’re imposing upon you, we’ll withdraw and leave you to enjoy your picnic,” said Hugh.
“Don’t be silly, sir. There’s enough for all of us. Besides, cook’s famous for her fried chicken. Bodmin men have been known to battle over it at church socials. Sit. Both of you,” commanded Olivia.
“It would please me so, if you would call me Hugh. And it would bring my colleague down off his high horse if you would lower yourself enough to call him Sebastian. Lord knows I’ve heard him called worse.”
The sisters chuckled. “All right. Hugh and Sebastian it is. Help yourselves.”
Unable to concede that she was enjoying the picnic, Olivia managed to fool herself into thinking she was being companionable for Georgiana’s sake. It surprised her that Hugh engaged in such a pleasant conversation, never once mentioning Wilson Academy. Instead he told humorous tales of the lighter side of army life which made the sisters laugh.
She couldn’t help but notice how Sebastian’s eyes crinkled at the corners just before he threw back his head and laughed at some familiar jest. And though he avoided looking directly at her, his eyes were alive in a way she had never noticed before.
When she first saw him, her impulse was to throw rocks at him. She wanted to shout at him. She wanted to turn her back on him and ignore him. It was a wonder to her that she did none of those things. Perhaps, she thought, this was the better way. Her anger toward him lingered. It was tearing her apart. Better to regain some inner peace and get on with her life.
When she returned to London to begin her work in the home office, she wasn’t likely to see much of him. Time would pass and heal her wounded heart, and when they did meet in the course of their work, there would no longer be any strain. Less pain. Much better this way.
“I wonder if Cook would consider an offer of marriage from me,” said Hugh, his eyes twinkling. “I would eat like a king for the rest of my life if she said yes.”
“You’ve never met Cook, then,” Georgiana said when she stopped giggling. “She must weigh twenty stone. Besides, she’s much too old for a young buck like you.”
“Why, Georgiana! You think me a young buck, eh? That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever called me.” They continued to banter while the men packed up the basket, lighter for the absence of food and drink.
Hugh offered Georgiana one arm while his other carried the basket back to their horses.
“Will you take my arm, Olivia?” Sebastian crooked his elbow.
She rested her hand on his forearm and allowed him to lead the way. The motion took away the cheerfulness from her heart. In its place, clouds and cold settled in. How odd. Only a moment ago, all was sunny and warm.
The noise woke the sleeping groom, who jumped to attention and began to untie the horses. Hugh helped Georgiana into the saddle while Sebastian offered his clasped hands to boost Olivia’s foot up.
“What fun we had this afternoon,” said Georgiana. “How long are you two planning to stay in Bodmin?”
“We’ve let rooms in Bodmin for a month, but we may stay longer,” answered Hugh.
“Then you must join our family for dinner one evening. Where are you staying?”
“We’re at the Pig and Whistle Inn,” said Sebastian. His eyes found Olivia’s. “We’d be delighted, but only if you wish it,” he added in a low voice.
“I’ll ask my mother to extend the invitation. Good-bye.” She turned her horse away. “I’ll race you back to the stables, Georgie.”
Sebastian shaded his eyes to the fading sun and watched her ride off until she disappeared from his sight.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bodmin Castle—Monday, The Twenty-first of October
The chance meeting with Sebastian and Denville threw Olivia off balance. The result was that she tossed and turned most of the night, finally dropping off into an exhausted sleep just before dawn. Two hours later, someone was shaking her. It took her a few moments to wake, thinking the shaking was part of her dream rather than reality.
“You awake, Livy?” asked Jane.
She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I am now, poppet. What time is it?” She stretched, willing herself awake for her young sister, at the same time yearning to crawl back under the covers again. “What is it?”
“It’s almost nine. I thought of something.”
Olivia hid her puzzlement, for she had no idea what Jane was talking about. She sat up and asked, “What is it you’ve thought of so early in the morning, Jane?” She patted a place next to her and Jane scrambled up onto the bed.
“I like horses. I used to be afraid of them, you know, but I’m not anymore. I would very much like to learn to ride one, as I mentioned earlier.” In that plump little face her huge eyes took on a solemn look.
“Clever girl! Give me a few moments to wash and dress, and we’ll go to the stables together. Have you had your breakfast?”
“A long time ago, Livy.”
“Ring for Jenny for me, will you? I’ll have my chocolate while she helps me dress.” She took Jane’s face in her hands and added, “And ask her to see if she can find one teeny little scone for my sweet little sister.”
Jane rang the bell and when Jenny responded, she gave her Olivia’s order, then turned to watch her sister wash. “I heard Mother tell Dunston we’re to have guests for dinner tonight.”
“Really? How nice.” Jane had been eavesdropping again. Olivia tried not to frown. Instead she went to her closet and chose a simple blue morning dress. At the knock, she said, “Get the door Jane dear. It must be Jenny with my breakfast.”
“Morning, milady. Morning, Jane.” Jenny put the tray down. “Turn around, milady. I’ll do up your buttons.”
By the time Olivia sat down to her chocolate, Jane had swallowed her scone. “Who are our guests tonight, dear? Do you know?” she asked.
“I happened to overhear Mother tell Dunston it’s Sir Sebastian Brooks and Mr. Denville. I wasn’t eavesdropping, Livy. Really I wasn’t. I was just standing near.”
Olivia’s heart went out to the child. She was so much in need of attention. She didn’t know how poor Jane, the youngest of them all, had gotten so lost within such a large family. “I’m sure you didn’t mean to eavesdrop, poppet. Even though it may seem like that to some people. Never mind. Come along with me.” She took her hand and led her out of the room. “You’re about to have a new adventure.”
>
Sean O’Bryan, the young stable master, was more than happy to oblige when Olivia told him what was needed.
“Faith, Miss Jane. I have just the filly for ye. Come along and have a look at her.” He led them inside to a stall at the end of the long line of stalls.
“This here’s the pony I have in mind, Miss Jane. Do ye think she’ll do fer ye?”
Jane’s eyes lit up at the sight of a sturdy, white pony, dappled with gray spots. “Can I pet her? What’s her name?”
Sean held his chin in his hand. “Funny thing. I haven’t had time to name her yet. Would you like the honor? Here.” He reached into his pocket. “Give her a lump o’ this sugar and rub her nose so she gets to know ye.”
The horse whinnied when Jane offered the treat and rubbed her nose. “She likes me, Livy,” the child said in surprise.
“Of course she does, poppet. What shall you call her?”
“I know! Sugar, because she likes sweets, just like me.”
It’s a perfect match, Olivia thought, checking her grin. “Would you like to ride her, Jane?”
“I don’t know.” She looked up at the stable man. “I’ve never been on a horse before, sir.”
Sean stroked his chin and examined Jane as though she were another filly. “I’d be happy to teach you, Miss Jane. But you need proper riding gear. You can’t ride without a decent pair of riding boots and a riding dress meant for sidesaddle.”
“Where can we purchase these for her, sir?” asked Olivia.
“They’s a fine riding shop in Bodmin, milady. Right next to the Pig and Whistle Inn.”
“Can Sugar pull us in an open carriage?”
“No, milady. Best I hitch the horses as knows how. Casper can drive you.”
“Thank you, Sean. We’ll be ready in half an hour. Come, Jane. We need to tell Mother first.”
Olivia and Jane found their mother and their other sisters in the morning room. Her Grace agreed, asking if Olivia’s other sisters might like to join them. Country living was far too tranquil for the lively Fairchild women, much used to the bustle of London and its myriad attractions. Thus the outing meant just for Jane threatened to turn into a pleasant jaunt for all of them, by now thoroughly bored and desirous of a change of scene.