by Karen M Cox
“Oh, oh!” Mary Jo clinked her teacup in her saucer. “I saw them together, maybe about a month ago. She came by the office, and he took her to lunch.”
“Oooh, lunch. Yep, sounds serious,” Nina teased.
“No, it’s not serious! Remember of whom you speak—George Knightley—and his Woman of the Month club.” I snatched up a butter cookie and took a vicious bite.
“Maybe he just needs to find the right woman.”
“Or maybe,” I said, “no one will ever be good enough to suit him.”
Nina nodded. “He is particular, but then, I suppose he needs to be. He has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders with Donwell, the law practice, the other properties—not to mention all the investments. I’ve heard that Mr. and Mrs. Knightley might move to Florida next winter.”
“Which will leave even more responsibility to George,” I concluded. “He needs help, that’s for sure, but I’m not sure a wife is the right answer. Why can’t Jack step up to the plate? Shoulder some of that burden?”
“Jack has the Louisville office. And a family to care for.”
“Exactly!” I pointed my finger at Nina for emphasis. “And Jack should share the role of steward. For my niece and nephew. Donwell is their legacy. I don’t want what happened to my family’s Hartfield to happen to Donwell. I don’t want that for Henry and Taylor.”
“They may have to share their legacy with little cousins. George could have children of his own someday.”
“Like that will ever happen.”
“Seems like this thing with Julianne could be significant. It has been going on several months now.”
“There’s nothing in particular wrong with Julianne. I like her.”
“I do too,” Nina said. “She’s very nice.”
“But if we’re talking spouses, she isn’t right for George.”
“Why not?”
“She has her own life, her own career—which is all fine. Becoming a doctor is a noble endeavor, and I applaud her for it, but that lifestyle doesn’t mesh well with George’s needs. Their relationship can’t go anywhere…in the long term.”
“Why not? I think it’s romantic, the lawyer and the doctor,” Mary Jo said.
“Because if Jack isn’t going to help carry the load,” I said patiently, “George needs someone who can help him—who can share the stewardship of Donwell Farms, the other properties, et cetera, et cetera. That leaves him free to guide the law practice.” I grinned. “Which is my legacy.”
“Interesting perspective.” Nina poured herself some more tea and added some sugar to it. “I had no idea you had thought so much about George’s future.”
“Our futures are sort of intertwined.”
“Hmm, I suppose.”
“Why are you in such a hurry to pair off George anyway?”
“I’m not, unless—”
“I think my ears are burning, ladies.”
I startled and for some reason a guilty flush crept up my neck. I schooled my features into a composed smile and greeted the topic of our conversation as he walked in the door. “Hi, George.”
“Didn’t mean to interrupt. Bob let me in.”
Nina scooted over to one end of the couch. “You are always welcome, George, dear. Have a seat. Tea?”
“No, thank you.”
“What brings you to our door?”
“I heard the prettiest ladies in town were here.” George walked in and settled on the couch beside Nina. “Actually, I was out this way visiting Mom and Dad and saw Emma’s car when I drove by.” He crossed one ankle over his knee. “Thought I’d stop in a second and say ‘hello.’ And then I heard my name, so now my curiosity’s piqued.”
“Nina was just engaged in a bit of speculation.”
“Oh?” he asked mildly.
“Tell us, how long has Mr. Knightley, Esquire been dating Dr. Julianne Ryman? Inquiring minds want to know.”
“Well, let’s see.” He picked up a Valentine cookie off Nina’s tea tray and munched it. “I think we started seeing each other somewhere around early October. So that’s what? Four months now. I didn’t realize it had been that long. We’re both so busy. We don’t see each other often. Perhaps that makes the time fly by.” His eyes twinkled, icy-blue, and he tossed me that I’m-a-handsome-devil smile. Julianne Ryman better snap him up before he loses interest.
“So. The Woman of the Month has become the Woman of the Season, and we’re all wondering, how did that happen? Nina here was engaged in speculating about you getting engaged.”
George looked startled, and the handsome smile disappeared. “Engaged? To Julianne? I think it’s a little early to be thinking about that.”
“I told Nina as much.”
“I’m sitting right here. No need to talk as if I weren’t.”
I grinned at my aunt and turned back to George. “I’ve also heard you’ve been playing Cupid all over town.”
“How’s that?”
“Delivering Valentine chocolates everywhere you go. And here, I thought I was special.”
“You are special. Perhaps you got the biggest box of all.”
“I’m one of many recipients of your confectionary benevolence.” I counted on my fingers. “The ladies at the law office. Here to Nina—and right under Bob’s nose too, you shameless flirt.”
“Well, you know, Nina is a pretty hot tamale.”
“Stop, you two!” Nina blushed.
I paused for effect, darting a glance at Nina. “Chocolates have even been delivered to Jane Fairfax.”
“Well, aren’t you a nosy Rosie?” George gave me a smug grin. “Been keeping up with my good deeds, have you, Emma Kate?”
“Do you deny it?”
“Guilty as charged. I delivered some sweets to Jane the Fair—fax.”
Nina and I exchanged a look.
“Oh, I get it now. You two have been pairing me up”—he rolled his eyes to heaven, amused—“with sweet, unsuspecting Jane. Never mind that I’m seeing someone, and she’s engaged. Your faith in my romantic prowess is flattering, but,” he added, “even if I were foolish enough to try and juggle two, beautiful, smart women, Jane Fairfax, notwithstanding all her talent and grace, is too reserved for me.” He looked around and saw three pairs of eyes staring at him expectantly. “You know. A man wishes for a woman who’s more…forthcoming.”
No reply from any of us.
“Responsive, perhaps.” He shifted uncomfortably.
I smoothed over his awkward moment with a light laugh. “Listen to the man about town wax eloquent about the perfect woman. But never fear, we comprehend the truth. You’re not the marrying sort, George, and we all know it.”
“Oh, really?” A little frown crept across his features.
“And that’s fine with me. You couldn’t stop in to say ‘hi’ whenever you see my car in Nina’s driveway if you were married.”
“And we all know Emma’s word on these matters is final. I am not allowed to marry.”
“It’s settled then.” I tossed him a brilliant smile, and our gazes held for one long breath.
“In other news,” Nina said, “Frank is finally coming for a visit.”
George looked from me to my aunt. “Oh? I’m sure you’ll be happy to see him again.”
“Again? I hardly remember him from before, and he was just a boy then. I only met him a couple of times when he was dating Em.”
“Many moons ago,” I said.
“But, yes, his flight arrives day after tomorrow and Emma’s helping us throw a little party this weekend to celebrate. Very informal thing.”
“In case he doesn’t show,” George muttered under his breath, earning a glare from me.
“You’ll come, won’t you, George?” Nina asked.
“Certainly. I can’t wait to meet the mysterious Frank Weston.”
“And bring Julianne. We haven’t seen her since before Christmas.”
“I’ll see if she’s free.” George rose.
“Are you
off already?” Nina asked.
“I came to say ‘hello,’ and now that I’ve done that... I’ll let you all get back to your tête-à-tête.”
“There’s three of us. It’s not a tête-à-tête,” I called after him.
“Yes, of course, you’re right. Think I’ll complete the Randalls’ hat trick by speaking to Bob on my way out. Have a good evening, ladies.”
They sat there in silence for a few seconds, before Nina glanced back at the door. “We made him uncomfortable.”
“Do you think so?” Mary Jo asked anxiously.
“George is used to me teasing him.”
“I know, but that was different.” Nina’s gaze stayed on the doorway.
I picked up my newspaper again. “For heaven’s sake, why would anything we say make George uncomfortable?”
Twenty
George strode out to his car and slammed the driver’s side door shut. Damn it, if they didn’t make him uncomfortable! Not the marrying kind? What did that mean? How would Emma Woodhouse know anyway? Sure, she’d grown up watching him—maybe a little closer than he’d thought. They’d watched each other grow up. Their families were too entwined not to. But was that really how she saw him? A perpetual bachelor? A quirky uncle to the next generation of Knightleys, fathered by Jack?
And did she see herself the same way? A single woman, caring for an infirmed and aging father. The stereotypical spinster aunt to Izzy’s brood of chicks? Like, like…heaven forbid, like Helen? Who would be left for her after John passed, far off in the future, God willing? He chased away the thought of her in her older years, alone and lonely. She would find someone. Some guy would snap her up in a heartbeat. He was sure of it. He was surprised it hadn’t happened already. As for himself…?
George had always assumed that he would marry someday. Perhaps. It was most likely expected of him. Wasn’t it? And yet, his mother had stopped dropping hints after Henry and Taylor came along.
Actually, he’d never really given marriage much thought at all.
He would be thirty this year. His younger brother was married with two rug-runners already. Perhaps it was time to complete the process of growing up—all the way.
If only the right woman would magically appear.
Twenty-One
The next morning, three hours before my ten o’clock class, I dragged myself out of bed for a run with Maude.
“If I can live through February, I can live through anything,” I groused to a quiet house. Daddy was still asleep, as was his habit. Juanita didn’t arrive to take care of him until eight thirty, and Mrs. Davies had the morning off for a dentist appointment.
Maude nearly bowled me over when I stepped into the kitchen. Her tail and hind quarters wagged with fierce intensity, trying to weave in and out of my legs as I stepped to the sink. I filled my own glass and then filled Maude’s bowl. We both stood there, drinking; the sound of Maude’s lapping echoing through the room.
I set my empty glass in the sink and looked out on the sunless dawn. The days were still short and cold, the clouds low and gray, and the air was heavy with moisture. The cold February rain was supposed to hold off until afternoon, according to the forecast. I took Maude’s leash off the peg by the back door, earning a gleeful yelp and more tail wagging for my trouble.
“Come on, girl. Let’s try and infuse some energy into this lifeless day.”
My favorite route took me into Highbury and right by the Westons’. I noticed—with some curiosity—a rental car parked in the driveway. Resolving to call Nina when I returned home, I made a turn down the lane and saw a man approaching on foot.
Nice form. I admired the long, lean look of him as he came toward me, decked out in special running gear and a bright red toboggan. If he was a new neighbor, I definitely wanted to meet him. As he drew near, I squinted and then a cry of recognition burst out.
“Frank Weston!”
He stopped, stunned for a second, and then, waving, he continued his jog toward me until we were only a few feet apart.
“Hello there!”
“It’s Emma. Emma Woodhouse.”
“Well, of course, it’s Emma!” Still, he looked relieved that he hadn’t had to recall my name on his own. “How the hell are ya?”
“I’m good. Nina said you weren’t supposed to be here until tomorrow.”
“I caught an earlier flight, got in about nine thirty last night, rented a car, and surprised the folks.”
“I’m sure it was a surprise.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t do that to just anyone, but I figured family would forgive, you know?”
“So, what do you think of Kentucky? Has it changed since you left? You haven’t been here in what, four years?”
“Almost five. I left right after my senior year of high school.” He grinned at me. “It looks a lot like I remember, but there are differences. The countryside is still beautiful—and green. You miss that in the city. I just finished spending five months in the Big Apple, and gawd! I was hankering for a little foliage.”
I couldn’t help the smile that crept over my expression. I’d forgotten how funny Frank could be.
“I love Dad and Nina’s house. Man, they really made that old place into something. I saw the before pictures, and”—he gestured with his hands, mimicking his mind being blown—“Wow! And Nina’s amazing! Dad really lucked out with her. I remember her some from when we were kids. I can admit it now, I kinda had a crush on her. She’s still a fox, but she’s really cool, you know? And Dad is totally gone over her, so I’m happy for him.”
A little over the top, but as the praise is for Nina, I guess family will forgive. “I didn’t know you were a runner.”
“Me? Oh, yeah. They made us run for baseball conditioning, but I got to where I enjoy it. I’ll even run in the cold. Like you.”
“Oh, I’m not a die-hard runner. I just try to stay fit.”
“Which you do very well.”
“So, you just came from town?”
“Right you are. Wanted a quiet run around a charming Southern town, and Highbury fits the bill. Made me feel right at home. After spending some of my time in Manhattan lately, in the city that never sleeps, this is nice and peaceful, like running in Central Park.”
“I’d heard you were working up there.”
“Just an internship. Now I’m doing some interning with my dad, and starting to look for something permanent. The New York firm I worked for is supposedly expanding next fall. They said to interview, that they were pleased with my work so…” He trailed off. “But that’s enough about me. What have you been up to?”
“Nothing too exciting. Finishing up my degree in psychology this spring.”
“And then?”
“Then? Well, no plans yet. You know, I’m taking care of my father since he had his stroke.”
“I’d heard about that. I’m sorry he’s been ill.”
“It’s okay. He’s doing a lot better, but he still needs care.”
“So, what do people our age do around here for fun?”
“Well, there’s not much. Go to dinner, and hiking—”
“I dig hiking.”
“And the Keeneland Spring Meet is coming, if you like horse racing. And of course, the Derby parties in May.”
“All sounds good. Hey, I met someone from here when I was in New York. Gal by the name of Jane Fairfax. You know her?”
“Sure, I do. We’re related, by marriage. She’s staying with my aunt Delores and my cousin Helen.”
“She said I should look her up, say ‘hi’ when I was in town. So, I’ll have to do that.”
“She’s a lovely girl.” I eyed him with speculation.
He smiled at me, friendly and easy. His eyes were a deep brown to go with the dark brown hair that curled out from under his toboggan. Dimples winked in both cheeks. Tall, dark, and handsome.
“Oh, it’s not what you think. She’s engaged or something, isn’t she?”
“Yes. But still, you’ll have to mak
e an effort to drop in and say ‘hi’. I’m sure she’d appreciate it. It’s pretty provincial here. She’ll be glad to have some news of New York. She’s an actress, you know.”
“I did know. I thought the name sounded familiar, but I didn’t actually meet Jane in person until we ran into each other at the Weymouth Theater. Dad told me she was doing some kind of local theater thing here?”
“Yes. Camelot at the Coles’ Theater in Lexington.”
“Guess it’s an off Off-Broadway thing.” He grinned mischievously.
“Theater is a rough business. Although from what I understand, Jane is very talented in both acting and singing.”
“Yes,” he said quietly.
Perhaps he disagreed with my assessment of Jane’s talent. “I guess we’ll see in April.”
He looked at me, confused.
“When Camelot’s on the stage.”
“Oh. Yeah.” He nodded. “Hey, you want some company on your run?”
“I don’t want to make you run back the way you came.”
“I don’t mind. Not at all. I’ll be the mysterious new man in Highbury running around with the town’s pretty girl-next-door.”
“You’re still an incorrigible flirt.”
“Guilty. Come on, Emma. Make me look good in front of Highbury.”
“I’m sure you can run circles around me. Just look at you.” I couldn’t help but look at him. He was built like a Mack truck: broad shouldered, tall, lean without that muscle-bound look I detested—and, I noticed as he cut in front of me to lead us back to Hartfield Road, past Delores and Helen’s house, he had a fine rear-end.
He spun around, jogging backwards in front of me. “So, you never answered me, where’s all the action around here?”
“Around here? There’s nothing. You’ll have to go to Lexington for nightlife, but it’s only twenty minutes away.”
“I’m going to start making the rounds with Dad tomorrow—visiting the restaurants he supplies. That should help me get the lay of the land in my old hometown. I’ve got to start looking for a place too.” He glanced over at the old Taylor house. “Well, look who it is! The talented Miss Fairfax, coming in from a morning walk of her own.”