by Anne Herries
‘It is the most famous thing,’ Hanson told her, his blue eyes alight with amusement. ‘Lady Sparrow has challenged Major Carter to a road race in her phaeton. Harry had been boasting that no one can beat his blacks and Lady Sparrow told him that she would bet five hundred that her team would show him the way. They are arranging the details and laying odds against each other.’
Lucy gasped, for she could hardly believe her ears. She had thought it shocking enough that Judith should drive her own horses on the road, but to race a gentleman she knew only slightly and on the road...to allow the other gentlemen to lay bets on the outcome...was outrageous.
‘Are you certain you have that right?’ Lucy asked her partner. ‘I cannot quite credit that my cousin is engaged to race Major Carter. Where, pray tell me, is the race to happen?’
‘Why, beyond Bath...over a distance of some ten or fifteen miles, I believe. They were still settling the details when I came to claim my dance with you, Miss Dawlish.’
‘I am...surprised,’ Lucy said. She would have said shocked, but did not wish to be openly disapproving. Her cousin was still surrounded by a large group of admiring gentlemen when the dance finished.
She thanked her partner and left him to approach the group around her cousin. Judith saw her come and greeted her with an excited laugh.
‘Lucy, my love, it is the most famous sport. Have you heard that I am to race Major Carter the day after tomorrow? We leave from Bath and the race begins at the fork in the road and ends at the Nag’s Head, which is upon the London road and some fifteen miles or so...just a nice little dash for my darlings.’
‘Judith...’ Lucy breathed. ‘I think you very brave, but...’
‘Do not tell me you think it too dangerous, for I assure you it is not the first race I have taken part in—though that was on Lord Broughton’s estate, I grant you. I raced Lord Ackrington then and was an easy winner, but I think I have more of a match this time. As I was saying just now, it is not only the horses, but the hands that guide them that matter.’
‘I am sure you are right,’ Lucy said, her smile a little forced. She had noticed one or two of the older ladies looking their way in a manner that told her they were stunned by her cousin’s behaviour. The news of the race must have spread and many ladies would think it shocking.
She was relieved when Mr Havers touched her arm and reminded her that it was their dance, going with him willingly.
‘Thank you, sir,’ she said and smiled up at him. ‘I was a little uncomfortable. I believe my cousin must...must have been funning, do you not think so?’
‘I wish that I might reassure you,’ Mr Havers said, looking anxious. ‘I fear that Lady Sparrow has a reputation for being reckless on occasion. When her husband was alive he sometimes restrained her, but she has no one to advise her now. We must hope that Lady Dawlish may be able to bring her to reconsider the idea.’
‘I do not think Mama... Indeed, I shall hope that my mother does not discover what is afoot, for she would not like it.’
‘I do not wonder that you feel it unwise,’ her partner said. ‘I have seen Lady Sparrow drive very skilfully and I witnessed the race on Lord Broughton’s estate, but a race on the high road...’
‘I wish she would reconsider,’ Lucy said anxiously. ‘I am not prudish, Mr Havers, but apart from the danger...I would not wish my cousin to lose her credit with society. I know some ladies would think this...highly improper...though I do not wish to criticise her myself.’
‘You are very loyal to your cousin,’ Mr Havers said. ‘I would offer to speak to her myself, but I fear she would think it impertinent, for I have no right. Perhaps Elver...’
‘I think she would be angry if any of us spoke to her,’ Lucy said. ‘My cousin...is truly independent and would not listen to advice that ran contrary to her wishes.’
‘Then we must hope for her sake—and your family’s— that she sees the error of her ways and calls this infamous wager off.’
Lucy could only agree, but she was doubtful and felt that a shadow had been cast over the evening. Although she herself was never without a partner and the ladies of her acquaintance continued to smile on her, she could not help noticing that one or two of the sticklers had avoided Judith. There was no shortage of gentlemen to partner her cousin, for she was already much admired for her boldness and this could do her no harm in the eyes of the racier set. However, Lucy felt that within the best circles, this kind of behaviour could not be overlooked—it might be that the wife of a marquis could get away with such madness, but the widow of a mere baronet would surely find herself shunned the next time she went to a ball. She might find herself excluded from the more exclusive circles of society if this got about, as it was sure to.
* * *
Unknown to Lucy, Judith had already been made aware of the Marquis of Elver’s disapproval. He had taken the first opportunity of dancing with her and had asked her to give up the idea, but finding that his pleas fell on deaf ears, had excused himself at the end of the dance and left the ballroom almost immediately.
Judith’s vivacity had not wavered while the dancing continued, but when the three of them left in Lady Dawlish’s carriage at the end of the evening, she seemed a little quiet.
Lady Dawlish made no comment on the evening until after they were home, when she requested to speak to Judith before she retired.
‘You may go up, Lucy,’ her mother said in a voice that she had never heard from her before. ‘Judith, a word in my boudoir, if you please.’
Lucy shot a look of sympathy at her cousin and went to her own room.
* * *
It was quite half an hour later when Lucy was ready for bed and had sent her maid away that Judith knocked on the door and entered. She looked pale and Lucy could only feel sympathy for her.
‘Did Mama give you a scold?’
‘My aunt was good enough to point out that she thought my behaviour was immodest and brought shame upon all of us...which I think ridiculous.’ Her eyes glinted with defiance. ‘I am sorry if my wager has distressed your mama—and I should not like to think I had brought shame on you, Lucy—but this is ridiculous. I am not a milk-and-water miss. I have been married and must be allowed some freedoms.’
‘I would not wish to tell you what you ought to do,’ Lucy said. ‘Mama meant only to point out that some ladies might...might cut you if you behave in a way—’ She broke off as she saw the look on her cousin’s face. ‘I do not think you would care to be cut by some of the important hostesses, Judith. You had such plans for your salon...’
‘As if I care for the mealy-mouthed gossiping cats,’ Judith burst out angrily. ‘My aunt could not see it—but surely you must, Lucy. It was a wager and I cannot...shall not draw back.’
‘I do see that it would be embarrassing,’ Lucy agreed. ‘What made you agree to it, Judith?’
‘Oh, I do not know...I was bored, miserable,’ Judith said. ‘I have been out of sorts for a while. I needed something to make me feel life was worth living again. I did not think it was so very bad. It is merely a race between friends with a little wager—where can the harm be in that?’
‘It is not what many people would think proper,’ Lucy said and saw her cousin’s eyes narrow again. ‘I think it amusing if it were on private land...but I do not wish to censure you, Cousin. I am sorry if you think me a prude, but I feel you ought to withdraw.’
‘Well, I shall not,’ Judith said militantly. ‘I have told my aunt that I will leave her house if she wishes, but I shall not give up my race. It would make me look a coward and foolish.’
‘What will the marquis think? Does he not mind that people will think you fast or immodest?’
Judith shrugged. ‘If he cares for such foolishness, I am sure I do not care. He may give his allegiance to another. What does it matter? I have enough admirers...’
/> Lucy thought that most of the gentlemen who flocked about Judith were foolish young men drawn to her by her bold manners and her sparkling eyes. Whether those same men would be as eager to offer for her hand once her reputation had suffered the reverse it must, Lucy could not say. All she knew was that she found it distressing. Judith was her cousin and she would have liked to see her happy; she could not think this race would bring anything but disaster.
‘I shall go to bed,’ Judith told her and yawned. ‘I’ve told your mama that I shall think carefully about what she has asked, but I have no intention of calling it off. Naturally, I shall have to leave after the race so I shall say goodbye to you now, Lucy. I wish you every happiness...and I hope you marry the man you want.’
‘Judith...please reconsider this madness. I would not have you leave us in disgrace.’
‘Goodnight, Lucy,’ her cousin said and went out. She had her face turned and despite her defiance, Lucy thought she was close to tears.
Lucy sat on the edge of her bed. If Judith continued with this foolish race of hers, she might ruin herself. She made up her mind to speak with her mother in the morning. Judith was headstrong and there was no way of preventing her taking part in the race, but surely it would be better if she remained with them? To ask her to leave their house would be to compound the disgrace and to appear to judge her unworthy. She must then be ruined indeed.
Feeling anxious and uncertain, Lucy went to bed, though she lay wakeful for some hours before she finally slept.
* * *
In the morning Lucy went downstairs to discover that her cousin had already gone out. She was alone in the parlour and about to go in search of her mama when a visitor was announced. At the sound of his voice greeting her, she sprang up and ran to him, holding out her hands. He took them and held them, looking into her face, one eyebrow raised.
‘You are pleased to see me?’
‘Oh, thank goodness you are come, Paul,’ she said. ‘It is so awful. Judith has got herself into a scrape and I do not know how to get her out of it, for she says she will not withdraw...and if she does not I fear Mama will send her away and she will be ruined.’
‘Lucy,’ Paul said in the greatest astonishment, ‘what are you gabbling about? If you wish me to understand, you must speak more slowly.’
‘Forgive me, I was just so glad to see you, for there is no one else who can help us,’ Lucy said and gave a little sob. ‘Judith has wagered that her horses will beat Major Carter’s in a road race—and everyone has wagered on the outcome. Mama heard of it...indeed, everyone at the ball last night heard of this infamous wager. Mama was angry and told Judith that she would shame us. She asked her to withdraw, but my cousin is stubborn and proud and will not. She says she will go away afterwards, but that will just make things worse.’
‘Infinitely,’ Paul said, thoughtful but serious. ‘You must both support her or she is ruined indeed.’
‘I cannot like the idea of this race, yet I understand it is a matter of pride with her—but I do not want her to be ruined, Paul. I care for her—even if she does go too far at times. I know she likes to flirt, but indeed...I think it is because she is unhappy. I believe her heart was broken as a young girl and she pretends not to care...but she does.’
‘How wise you are, Lucy,’ Paul said and then, surprising her and perhaps himself, he touched his lips lightly to hers. She felt a shooting thrill of pleasure and it was all she could do not to lean her head on his shoulder. ‘It does you credit to seek to protect your cousin, Lucy. I shall do what I may to bring her off safely, though at the moment I am not sure how much I can do. Some damage has already been done.’
‘Oh...’ Lucy smiled at him, because his kiss, although light, had been sweet and comforted her. This was the man she’d known and loved restored to her, as if all the pain and doubt had never been, and her heart swelled with love as she looked into his face. ‘If she could be brought to cry off...’
‘No, I do not think that will serve,’ Paul said. ‘It would only prove the gossips right. We must think of some other way to bring her off. The race must go ahead, but we shall support her.’
‘Do you think so?’ Lucy was uncertain, but he seemed so sure and his very presence had a calming effect on her. ‘I am so glad you are here, Paul.’
‘I am glad to be of service to your family, Lucy.’ His eyes were warm, a little amused. ‘Do you remember that I scolded Judith for merely driving on the road and that put her on her mettle? To forbid her would be to push her into worse. No, do not fear, Lucy, I shall contrive to make this affair more respectable.’
‘She has gone out this morning. Mrs Hickson said that she was wearing a carriage gown, so I imagine she means to drive out in Bath—to show people she does not care, I dare say.’
‘She could not do better,’ Paul said. ‘We must make it appear that she is used to driving herself everywhere and perhaps it will not then seem quite so strange.’
‘I am grateful for whatever you can do,’ Lucy said. She was about to say more when they heard the door and then Hickson came to the door of the parlour and announced that the Marquis of Elver had called. ‘Oh...he has been most attentive to Judith.’
‘Good,’ Paul said and turned to greet the marquis with a smile and an outstretched hand. ‘Elver—I fancy we met in Vienna?’
‘Yes, I recall it,’ the marquis said and gravely shook his hand. ‘I came to ask if Lady Sparrow will see me.’
‘Unfortunately, she has gone driving,’ Lucy said. ‘She will be sorry to have missed you.’
‘I shall call this afternoon. It is important that I speak to her...she cannot realise...’ He stopped, embarrassed. ‘I had hoped I might ease the scandal...my estate is not ten miles from Bath...’
‘Ah, I see, just the thing,’ Paul said and looked at him with approval. ‘Yes, if we rearranged the race to take place on private land...and put it about that it was always meant to be there...’
‘I thought I might arrange a picnic in the grounds, invite people who are inclined to oblige me...we may bring it off. You see, I know Lady Sparrow will not withdraw.’
‘Yet if her race were one of several it would not be so remarkable. You might give a trophy, Elver—and some of us might compete—a time trial rather than a race, perhaps?’
‘An excellent idea,’ the marquis said and frowned. ‘If only Lady Sparrow can be brought to agree.’
‘I think she will,’ Paul said. ‘Pray arrange your picnic, invite your friends. I shall engage to race against...’ He turned to Lucy. ‘Will you try your hand against me if we can find a team to suit you?’
‘And my sister Hetty against me,’ the marquis said.
‘Me?’ Lucy was astonished and then excited. She laughed and tossed her head. ‘Yes, I see how much better that would be—it is to be a party of friends and these races are no more than sport one may find at any picnic.’
‘Well, not quite,’ Paul said, but gave her a look of approval. ‘Bravo, Lucy. If Elver does his work and you play your part, we can scotch most of the gossip. Judith may still find herself ostracised by some of the old tabbies, but—’
‘She will not if she will oblige me by accepting my offer of marriage,’ the marquis said, looking proud. ‘I care for Lady Sparrow, you see, and though I did not like to see her so reckless last night, I shall not desert her.’
‘Oh, generous,’ Lucy cried. ‘How good you are, sir. My cousin could not do better than to marry you.’
A rueful smile touched his lips. ‘I wish that she might be brought to see it,’ he said. ‘I thank you for your kind words, Miss Dawlish—but I love her, you see.’
‘Then she would be a fool to turn you down,’ Paul said. ‘I shall hope for your success, sir—and, if Lucy will excuse us both, I shall help spread the word that these races were always to take place at Elver Towers.’
‘Oh, please do go,’ Lucy said. ‘We dine alone this evening, Paul—shall you come?’
‘Yes, certainly. Please tell your mama what we have arranged and beg her not to desert your cousin. Elver and I will bring her off safe, I give you my word. But your mother must not throw her off.’
‘Mama was angry last night—I have seldom seen her so,’ Lucy admitted. ‘But I am sure she will have thought it through by now and will be only too relieved if you can bring this off.’
The gentlemen took their leave. Lucy went up to her mother’s bedchamber and, after asking prettily, was admitted. Lady Dawlish, looking fetching in a white shawl, lace nightgown and cap, was sitting up against the pillows, looking upset.
‘What are we to do about all this?’ she asked Lucy. ‘I told Judith she must go if she insisted on racing, but the poor child would be ruined and my brother would never forgive me.’
‘She must not leave us, Mama,’ Lucy said. ‘Captain Ravenscar has arrived this morning and the Marquis of Elver called—they have fixed it between them. There may be some gossip, but it cannot be too bad...’
‘What can you mean, child? I do not see how it can be fixed, for Judith is too stubborn.’
‘The marquis means to give a picnic, Mama. There will be several races held, not just Judith’s, all on private land. They will be more in the nature of time trials, though, a gentleman against a lady. I am to pit my skill against Paul’s.’
‘Lucy! I forbid it.’ Her mama was scandalised. ‘How could you think of it?’
‘I would not be upon a public road, Mama—but such things often happen at a gentleman’s estate, you know they do—and it will help to take the sting from the whole affair. You will be there and lots of the marquis’s friends. I dare say he may prevail upon his sister to time trial her horses against his own.’ Lucy reached forward to take her mother’s hand. ‘Do you not see, dearest? It would then make the whole thing commonplace and Judith would not be ruined.’