A Curious Courting

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A Curious Courting Page 10

by Laura Matthews


  “I'll take the rooms,” Rushton sighed, “in two weeks’ time for a period of six months or so.” He withdrew several bank notes from his pocket. “Will this suffice to hold them?"

  Mr. Evans swallowed painfully as he accepted the money. “Ah, yes, that will be perfectly satisfactory, sir."

  When Rushton entered the tap room at the Horse and Hound a few minutes later, he was immediately offered a mug of steaming punch and numerous accounts of the day's hunt. Thinking to at last escape any reference to the strange Miss Easterly-Cummings, he was brought up short as one of the gentlemen asked, “Do any of you know who that young lady we passed this morning was? The one in the scarlet mantelet trimmed with fur? Walters, you must remember her! You said at the time how striking she was. On the Ashfordby Road, in the phaeton. Had a lad with her, his arm in a sling. Didn't he ride with us a few days ago? I seem to recall..."

  “Yes, Sir Penrith brought him; mounted him on Trafalgar. What was his name, Rushton?” Walters asked.

  “Henry Forrester."

  “Miss Forrester, then,” the first man suggested. “Does she live around here, Rushton?"

  “She's his cousin, not his sister."

  As the others waited expectantly, Rushton stared meditatively at his mug.

  Exasperated, Walters prodded him. “Well, what's her name? Does she live here? Is she married?"

  “Her name is Easterly-Cummings and she owns a large estate on the Ashfordby Road. She is not married,” Rushton murmured with a shudder.

  “An heiress,” Walters crowed. “Trust Rushton to meet an heiress. I tell you there is no justice in the world. It is Moreton or I who need an heiress, Rushton, not you. Besides, I thought you were all but leg-shackled to the Longmead beauty. Have a heart. Introduce us to Miss Easterly-Cummings."

  “Sorry, gentlemen. I fear I am in no position to introduce you to her. You must apply to Sir Penrith. He's known her since she was in leading-strings, by all accounts.” Rushton set down his empty mug and rose. Having no desire to discuss either Miss Longmead or Miss Easterly-Cummings, he excused himself.

  JOURNAL. February 26,1813. Purchased land on Ashfordby Road today from Miss E-C for one thousand pounds. Met Lord John Brindly, Cathford's brother, and agreed to use him as architect on hunting-box. He is to come to Oak Park on Friday to discuss the plans. An agreeable young man.

  The saloon at Oak Park bore all the signs of a very successful gathering. Knots of people gathered in various spots about the room, and the murmur of conversation was interspersed with laughter, while a plentiful supply of cakes and biscuits wafted their fragrance on the air. If the gentlemen present found the affair of afternoon tea insipid, they gave no indication of boredom, and the ladies, ever in their glory at such a function, sparkled under the attention they received by being well outnumbered.

  Lady Southwood, on hearing that Lord John Brindly was to be visiting Oak Park, conceived the happy inspiration of inviting Miss Easterly-Cummings and her cousin, as well as several of the neighborhood families, to tea, and suggested to her son that he enlarge the gathering by including some of his hunting cronies. “For it is certain to be a good experience for Cassandra, Pen, before dumping her on London Society, to have met some of your friends. Just an informal gathering, you know, but Cassandra will benefit from the advantage of being on her home ground. You must realize that it is hard for her, being the last, and both of her sisters having been so successful. She's a dear child and sure to be quite as well received as Maria and Jennifer, but you may be sure she has her doubts, and is alarmed at trying to live up to the model they've set her."

  Although Penrith had been dubious as to the success of this venture, he studied the scene before him with satisfaction. His sister, as Lady Southwood had predicted, was not in the least shy, but appeared to be enjoying herself enormously, surrounded by Lord John Brindly, Mr. Walters and two of her neighborhood friends. Not for the first time, Penrith regretted the dearth of young men in the area. Aside from Lord Benedict, who had not been invited, Henry Forrester was the only lad within any reasonable distance of Oak Park, and Henry was no more than sixteen. Still, Cassandra seemed comfortable in the gathering, with no sign of intimidation to daunt her lively conversation.

  In yet another group, Henry Forrester listened avidly to Mr. Moreton describe his stroke of genius in handling his runaway horse. The tale was obviously directed to his cousin in hopes of stirring her admiration for the young man's intrepid horsemanship, and Miss Easterly-Cummings appeared duly impressed. Since Rushton had not informed his host of Selina's more conventional dress at the time of the signing of the deed, Penrith had been delighted to see her enter the room in a dove gray dress which, if not the height of fashion, became her. She was the object of considerable curiosity amongst his hunting friends, who found it difficult to believe that she was content to remain sedately settled in the country, unmarried, rich and attractive.

  About Lady Southwood were gathered the other matrons and several of Penrith's friends. Rushton and Penrith moved between the groups, and once again Penrith admired his friend's ease in mingling with the diverse elements in the room. Without a pause he could discuss hunting, Lord Byron's latest cantos, Wellington's retreat to Portugal, or any household matter the older ladies happened to be mulling over. In fact, the only difficulty Penrith could see at all was Rushton's stiffness with Selina. Only the necessary greetings were exchanged between the two, and those with a constraint which surprised Penrith. He was given no time to consider this circumstance, however, as a late arrival was announced.

  “Ah, Geoffrey. I thought we were going to be denied your company,” Penrith remarked cheerfully as he escorted the gentleman to his mother, and then introduced him to the others. When he presented Selina to Mr. Haslett, he experienced his second surprise of the afternoon.

  “Miss Easterly-Cummings and I are acquainted,” Haslett announced as he raised her hand to his lips.

  “Yes,” Selina murmured.

  “It has been some years, however. In Bath, in ‘09 or ‘10, I believe,” the young man continued relentlessly.

  “In ‘10, I am sure,” Selina replied, her eyes calmly taking in his exquisitely tailored blue coat and gray pantaloons. “We did not go to Bath in ‘09."

  “I didn't, either, come to think of it,” Mr. Haslett said with a grin. “But I've been back every year since. You had a young cousin, and a mouse of a companion, as I recall."

  “Your memory is exceptional. I doubt that Henry's is as accurate, Mr. Haslett. My cousin, Henry Forrester.” As Selina watched them shake hands, aware that Henry had not the slightest recollection of the man, she caught a look of astonishment on Mr. Rushton's face, and she had to suppress a desire to laugh. She knew that Mr. Rushton could not imagine how the dowdy Miss Easterly-Cummings should ever have come into contact with the dapper Mr. Haslett, but she could tell also, from the look on the newcomer's face, that he was about to tell his assembled audience. In an effort to forestall him, Selina offered her most charming smile and said, “Are you in the neighborhood for the hunting, sir?"

  “I've been riding mostly with the Cottesmore, but Penrith suggested I stay at Oak Park for a few days and have a taste of the Quorn. I hope you will allow me to call on you."

  Selina knew a moment's hesitation, but answered smoothly enough. “Certainly. Sir Penrith can direct you."

  “Tomorrow afternoon?” Haslett pursued with twinkling eyes.

  “Unfortunately I can recall no prior engagement,” Selina retorted.

  “Now I have found you, I have no intention of letting you disappear again."

  “I never disappear from Shalbrook, Mr. Haslett."

  “Good. I shall look forward to reminiscing with you."

  As the conversation became more general, Selina allowed her attention to be captured once more by Mr. Moreton, but she was aware of Mr. Haslett's teasing, and Mr. Rushton's mystified gaze upon her. Perhaps they were not, after all, as like as she had thought. Oh, they were both good-looking,
with strongly defined features and a decided air of authority, but there the resemblance ended. While Mr. Haslett was light and airy, almost to frivolity, Mr. Rushton was heavy and grave, almost to sternness. But Selina had little doubt that they both led useless lives, after their own fashion. Certainly neither of them could compare with Sir Penrith's good humor and open-heartedness, nor with his humane outlook or candidness. It was a great pity, she thought ruefully, that she was not in the least attracted to Sir Penrith. There must be innate rewards in holding a worthy man in high regard, whether or not he returned your affection. Obviously I have a defective emotional temperament, she mused as she donned the scarlet mantelet to depart; first there was Lord Benedict, then Mr. Haslett, and now...

  JOURNAL. February 28. Gave Lord John a list of my requirements for the hunting-box, together with my ideas for its design. He is to get back to me in about a week with some preliminary sketches. Haslett has arrived.

  Chapter 10

  Henry watched impatiently as Mr. Haslett lifted his cousin's hand to his lips. It was a wonder to him that ladies tolerated that sort of thing, especially when Haslett had already made a most handsome leg to Selina. What more could one ask than such an elegant gesture? Not that Selina had asked Haslett to kiss her hand, of course. As a matter of fact, she had withdrawn it as quickly as possible without positive rudeness. Henry determined on the spot that he would never subject a lady to such silly treatment.

  “Servant, Forrester,” Haslett said, turning to him. “I wouldn't have recognized you from when we met in Bath. You've shot up like a weed."

  “Yes, sir,” mumbled Henry with a flush of embarrassment.

  “And it seems that Bath has done wonders for you. I remember..."

  Selina interposed to say, “Won't you sit down, Mr. Haslett?"

  Haslett smiled down at her. “I had hoped to convince you to come driving with me, Miss Easterly-Cummings. We are having our first taste of spring weather, and it would be the greatest pity to miss it."

  The relief in Henry's eyes did not escape his cousin, and though she would have preferred not to have a tête-à-tête with Mr. Haslett, she immediately agreed. “I won't be above an hour, Henry."

  “How can you be sure?” Haslett quizzed her.

  “We were only acquainted for a few weeks, sir. I shouldn't think we would have more than an hour's worth of conversation between us,” she laughed.

  “Thirty-five days, to be exact, and I can squeeze well over an hour out of that, to say nothing of the years in between. Don't be alarmed if we're a little longer, Forrester."

  Selina regarded him skeptically. “If I remember your driving correctly, Henry had best send out a search party if we're gone very long."

  “My driving has improved with age, as you have,” Haslett responded smilingly. “Come, Miss Easterly-Cummings, we are wasting precious minutes ... and my horses will be very cross with me if you don't honor them with your presence."

  Such foolishness, ever mingled with flirtatiousness, was precisely how Selina remembered him. Probably it was why he had been so appealing when she met him, a delightful change from the cares that weighed her down at the time. Nothing was of any importance or seriousness to him; life was a meal to be tasted to the full—the delicacies enjoyed and the pits discarded. “I'll just get my wrap."

  Selina could see no marked improvement in his driving, and the bays were not particularly well matched, but the day was indeed unseasonably fine and she had spent the morning over her books, so she leaned back against the padded seat to enjoy herself.

  “You must direct me,” Haslett said as he approached the gates. “I am not yet familiar with your neighborhood, though I intend to become so."

  “Take your right, then."

  “Will we pass the land you sold to Rushton?"

  “No, that is in the other direction."

  “I should like to see it."

  “As you wish. The road leads only to the village, however."

  When they arrived at the vale, Haslett drew in the horses and sat contemplating the land for a moment. “Yes, very nice. Too bad I didn't see it first. The hunting was excellent this morning, and I wouldn't mind having a box in this area.” He gave her a speaking glance, which she attempted to ignore as he inexpertly turned the horses to retrace their path. After he had them trotting easily on the straightaway, he asked abruptly, “Why did you leave Bath without letting me know? And why did you give me the impression that you lived in Hampshire?"

  “I never said I lived in Hampshire."

  “Oh, I know you didn't, but you made every attempt to have me think you did. I thought we got on very well together. Was I wrong?"

  Selina studied her hands before answering. “It was a most enjoyable time for me, Mr. Haslett. Without your company, I doubt that I could have convinced Mrs. Morrow to attend so many lectures, and concerts, and plays."

  “Nor the Assembly Rooms; don't forget those. Pity we didn't waltz in those days. I should like to waltz with you."

  “I don't know how."

  “Don't tell me they still frown on it in the countryside! It's all the rage in London. Even the old fogies are wearing down, what with dancing parties in the mornings to learn it. You'd be very good, you know."

  “Thank you."

  “Miss Easterly-Cummings, did I ... do something to upset you in Bath? Say something which you took amiss?” He glanced at her, his frown half real, half mocking.

  “I don't know how to answer that, Mr. Haslett. It seemed wisest to end our acquaintance when our holiday was ended.” Selina did not meet his eyes.

  “I tried to find you, you know. Stopped in to see my friend Wetherby in Hampshire and asked if he knew any family named Easterly-Cummings. I never thought to ask Penrith. Well, it stands to reason I didn't expect you to be in Leicestershire when you only spoke of Alton and Winchester.” Drawing in the horses to a walk, he eyed her reproachfully. “Have you ever been to Alton or Winchester?"

  “No, but I had a friend in Bath who lived near Four Marks.” Selina made a nervous gesture with her hands. “I'm still not quite sure why I did that, Mr. Haslett. There were personal reasons; I never meant to deceive you, just to obscure my identity. Being in Bath, well, I could be anonymous for a change. No one knew me, you see. Sometimes it is very trying living in a small community such as this where everyone knows your business. I hope you won't hold it against me."

  “Not if you will allow me to take up where we left off,” he replied, coaxingly.

  “You don't mean that, Mr. Haslett. That was years ago, and people change, times change. That summer in Bath is a very pleasant memory, and should stay that way."

  He regarded her thoughtfully, and then laughed. “I shall never forget poor Henry in his Bath chair coming rolling down the hill at me with you in hot pursuit, and your mousy companion having hysterics. It was a sight one sees only once in a lifetime!"

  After she had shared in his laughter, Selina remarked, “I'm glad you didn't relate it at Sir Penrith's, though. Henry has never seen it in quite the same light as you and I, as you might expect. Nor would I if any harm had come to him. You were very quick-witted."

  “I had to be to avoid being run down,” he protested, still laughing. “By far the most stupendous introduction I have ever had to a lady. Your cousin walks very well now, I noticed."

  “Yes, there is only the merest trace of a limp. He is very fortunate."

  “Your companion is not with you any longer?"

  “No, she left several years ago, but she joins Henry and me when we go on holiday most years."

  “Where do you go now that you have abandoned Bath?"

  “Oh, to Tunbridge Wells, or Margate, or one of the other watering holes."

  “And you never come to London?"

  “I haven't been there since I was a child.” Selina watched a tiny yellow-hammer winging through the branches of a barren tree, its flash of color enlivening the scene. “Perhaps one day I shall go again."

  “You
should, you know. Bath is nothing compared to London. Every night during the Season there are two or three balls or routs to attend, and the theater and concerts are infinitely better. Lady Southwood or Penrith could procure you vouchers for Almack's, and though it is a little dull, you meet absolutely everyone from the ton, sooner or later. I understand Miss Southwood is to have her come-out this Season, so you would know someone."

  “No, no, Mr. Haslett. I said I might one day go there. I have not the least intention of going this spring!"

  “But why not?” he asked, astounded. “It is the perfect time for you to go, can't you see? Your friends will be in London, and I shall be there to escort you about.” He took her hand and pressed it. “There is no need to take up where we left off, my dear ma'am. We shall begin all over again."

  Selina shook her head. “No, Mr. Haslett. I am not going to London this spring. There is more than enough for me to do here, and I have no desire to leave Shalbrook."

  “Then I suppose I shall have to take lodgings in Leicester or Barton so that I may see you,” he said mournfully. “And I had so hoped to enjoy London after a very dull winter."

  “You are absurd, sir. I would not for the world keep you from London and I feel sure you have no intention of denying yourself your pleasures there. Am I to be like the trout that got away? You have exaggerated my importance from the very fact of having misplaced me. Take your hunting instincts to the fields, Mr. Haslett, for they are misguided in being aimed at me."

  “Ah, you think this is just sport, do you, Miss Easterly-Cummings?” he asked sternly. “I'll have you know I had every intention of offering for you in Bath."

  “I know."

  Her voice came so softly that he dropped his hands in surprise and the horses took off at a spanking pace. Several minutes elapsed before he had them under control once more, and his decision to bring them to a halt was perhaps wise in view of the following discussion.

 

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