Sebastian looked his inquiry while savouring his wine, a very fine port.
"He don't understand the machines himself, much less the effect they have on the workers. But he'll not learn; he's one for force, not knowledge. Poor Father's always trying to make him understand." John refilled Sebastian's glass, and said, "We thought to take a break from the matter while here, so enough of it. You finding Harrowgate rather flat, my lord?"
"Not at all. All places have their own revelations and curiosities to discover," Sebastian said.
"Little of excitement here though, or diversion."
"If by diversion, you mean gaming or whoring, I am not a proponent of either." Sebastian ensured that his expression was alive with laughter and without intent to insult. "I am well enough entertained."
John uttered an involuntary crack of laughter; his eyes were remarkably like Dinah's, bright with humour.
Sebastian added, "In fact, I have uncovered a livery with horses such as might impress anyone."
"Hood's in York Road," John said with immediate understanding.
"The very one," Sebastian responded. "I have a horse from them called "The Challenger" and I would back him against any horse in the county."
"Oh really?" John said. He took a case of cheroots from his pocket, offered one to Sebastian who refused it, and said, "I have a fine horse myself. Black gelding, name of Tar. I'd stake him against your Challenger."
"Indeed? Then perhaps we should see which is the better." Sebastian was not averse to a little sport.
"What's this then?" Matherton turned from Dr. Hesler on his other side apparently in time to hear his friend's last phrase. "Something on which I can wager?"
"You'll wager on anything, Burlie." Sebastian smiled to take any sting from his jest.
"A horse race--my gelding Tar and Holly's livery find, Challenger," Driffield explained. "There's a course on the Stray..."
"I've seen it," Sebastian said.
"A flat race?" Matherton interjected. "I'll back Holly in a race any day. He's a fair rider, Driffield, and this Challenger is a fleet one."
"We've to return to Leeds two days hence, on Thursday. Tomorrow would best suit," Driffield said.
"Agreed," said Sebastian.
"We'll meet here--one o'clock?--and ride out together."
"A friendly race," Sebastian warned. "No money changes hands among us."
"Suits me. We don't gamble," Driffield stated with a challenging look at Matherton. There was no opportunity for that worthy's response as Mr. Driffield indicated it was time for the gentlemen to join the ladies.
In the drawing room, Geoffrey and Harriet had been permitted to join the company, though they had dined with Hamilton abovestairs. Their deportment, thought Dinah, was impeccable. They had been carefully instructed to be on their best behaviour as so were conversing quietly and politely with their grandmama when the gentlemen entered the parlour.
Dinah had not thought she was on the watch for the viscount but she spied him so soon as he walked in. He was very apparent, being half a head taller than her father and brother.
His auburn head was bent to listen to her brother, but she knew that he noted the presence of the children with some small discomfort. He had probably never been in the company of boys since he was one at Eton, and it appeared that he had no siblings. And it was likely that very young ladies like Harriet, had never come in his sphere at all. Nevertheless he grinned at them, and Dinah found the attractive smile most appealing.
She stood alone at the garden window where she had been staring into the twilight and absorbing all the scents of evening. When the gentlemen entered, however, she sped her way to Juliana's side and settled to chat lest Holly should seek her out.
"Here comes John," she said to Juliana. She had known that her brother would immediately gravitate to Miss Hesler.
"And Mr. Matherton," said that young lady. "Is he not marvelously elegant tonight?"
Dinah, with discreet glances, compared him to the viscount, and found him wanting. Holly's evening coat was impeccable in its excellent cut, masterful design, and corbeau colour. His black pantaloons fit to a nicety, and his pearl grey waistcoat supported only a simple watch chain. His auburn curls gleamed in the candlelight, and his alert expression and bright hazel eyes displayed no sign of overindulgence in food or drink.
Matherton's voice was too loud, his laugh was too loud, and his manner very near to condescension. His blue coat with its wadding at the shoulder did not compliment his pea green striped waistcoat and his many fobs jangled discordantly. There could be no comparison between the gentlemen.
Before she could frame a reply, the gentlemen were with them. John was frowning.
"Miss Hesler, will you take a turn about the room?" Matherton said.
Dinah watched her brother's frown deepen. It appeared he'd taken a liking to the viscount, but did not find Holly's friend appealing. If Matherton made advances to Juliana, Dinah knew that John would worry. He could compete with neither the beau's wardrobe or his polished address.
Dinah could only watch as her friend accepted the invitation and walked off, her hand on Matherton's arm.
"Never fear," Lord Holly said, as he strolled up reading the expressions of brother and sister with apparent ease. "Burlie is an incorrigible flirt, but seldom does more than chatter. He will not go beyond the line."
"Juliana don't know how to flirt with a town beau," John said.
"She seems to be coping," Holly said.
A piercing giggle threaded its way through the various conversations across the room. Dinah's frown equaled that of her brother.
"We did not see you at divine services Sunday, Lord Holly." Dinah said the first thing that came to mind, but then realized that she had put the viscount at a disadvantage.
"I can only plead unfamiliarity with the town, Miss Driffield. I was searching for a church in Low Harrowgate. It seems to me odd that the lower town has not got one. I found St. John's just today, and had a fascinating conversation with the vicar."
Dinah gulped back her surprise. "You visited St. John's?"
"I walked to High Harrowgate."
Dinah allowed her expression to indicate her disbelief.
"The footpath is very well marked, even up the hill. It seems that citizens of Low Harrowgate have been traveling to St. John's these fifty years. Indeed, the vicar tells me there may have been an ancient chapel on the site. He has a few interesting relics that were uncovered when St. John's was built."
Dinah had been visiting her grandmother at Low Harrowgate for ten years, spending much of her summers there. It seemed to her that Lord Holly had learned more of the town in the past week than she had in all those years.
Humberstone lumbered up, pointedly ignored the viscount and turned to Dinah.
Dinah seized the diversion of his arrival. "And when do you return to Leeds, Mr. Humberstone?"
"I think I must leave soon, Miss Driffield. I shall be desolate without your proximity."
Juliana and Mr. Matherton strolled up. Juliana's colour was high and John moved to her side.
"And you Miss Hesler? Do you intend to desert us?" Matherton said.
Dinah saw him direct a discreet wink at Holly who stood a little apart from the rest.
Juliana coloured prettily. "Oh, no. That is, my parents shall be returning home to Leeds, but I am invited to stay on with the Driffields."
"I see. Perhaps we shall be gone. Wednesday is the 12th after all," said Matherton. "This has been a pleasant enough place to visit, but I must say I think my great-aunt exaggerated its charms. Some of the shops on Paradise Row are very fine, I suppose."
Dinah seized upon this topic. "They are. It is a pleasure to visit them when we are here in the summer. Our tonnish visitors in general acclaim them. Did you find nothing in them excellent enough to tempt you?" She was ready to challenge Matherton, should he further condescend.
The viscount intervened. "Miss Driffield, will you show me the garden?" A wid
e door stood open to the small green space. "It remains very hot, does it not? I fancy a breath of fresh air."
Her inclination was to accept the invitation, and she consoled herself that she could not, with courtesy, refuse. Humberstone made a restless movement and glowered as she accepted the viscount's request.
Dinah placed her fingertips on Holly's arm. That prickling tingle of awareness crept over her skin again, as she felt the strength of the long muscles under her gloved fingers and the warmth of his covered arm brushed the bare skin of hers.
"It is a very small garden," she warned as they stood at the edge of the stone path outside the glassed doors.
"Large enough for a stroll," he said. "And a private word--about walking."
Her gaze flew to his handsome face lit by the lowering sun. Copper sparks danced across his curly hair as they strolled into the greenery.
"You have twice doubted my interest in taking exercise and an interest in my surroundings. I regret you think me such a frippery fellow that I might not enjoy a pleasant tramp. I have actually very little interest in fashion or fineness," he explained with both reproach and humour in his voice.
Dinah allowed her disbelief to show in her brown eyes and raised brows. She tried to imagine such a handsome, elegant young man being disinterested in his appearance and failed. Joseph disdained on principle to give attention to his dress, but as his features were such as must please, he was still more than presentable. Her brother John, despite his stocky form and commonplace countenance, strove to attain some degree of elegance. Geoffrey, with some promise of masculine comeliness, was very aware of fashion and taste. Dinah could only think that a gentleman as beautiful as Lord Holly would be interested in making the most of his attributes. Gentlemen cutting a dash in town generally did, she believed.
"It is true," he insisted. "You see, I have a valet."
"Of course," Dinah interrupted.
"No, no. You do not understand. I was used not to have a valet. I prefer to do for myself. But three years ago I witnessed a road accident. A carriage, and a pedestrian; poor fellow's left leg was completely mangled. It had to be removed above the knee."
Dinah whitened as she imagined the scene.
Holly seemed not to notice, but continued, "It turned out he was a tailor's apprentice. And the tailor had no more use for him when he could neither run errands nor sit tailor-fashion and sew. Neither would the tailor help him to afford a wooden leg. So I took Skelmer on to wait upon me."
Dinah had a quick suspicion that the viscount had done more than hire the man. She could imagine that he had the unfortunate man nursed and perhaps he had commissioned the construction of a fine wooden leg for him.
But the viscount was continuing. "He valets me and dresses me like a tailor's dummy. So long as he doesn't get carried away and offer me a silk coat or Petersham trousers, I let him do as he likes. All this," he waved a comprehensive hand at his beautifully clad frame, "is down to him. Although he is not with me on this trip."
"I see," she said. She could only feel the statement inadequate, and did not really see at all.
Geoffrey appeared at her side. His avid gaze was on Holly's neckcloth. "Mama sent me for you, Dinah. Tea is brought in." Having delivered his message, he said, "Sir, what do you call that fold, the knot in your neckcloth?"
"Nothing," the viscount said. "I endeavour to tie my neckcloth with neatness and propriety, nothing more. Your sister and I were just discussing sartorial matters. I really cannot be bothered with such foolishness."
Dinah could see Geoffrey's disappointment, even as the viscount drew them both back to the salon door.
"But all styles of neckcloth knots have names," Geoffrey protested.
"Then you shall have the naming of it if you wish. But I cannot say that I shall ever fashion it just so again."
"It could be called after you."
"I would prefer to immortalize my name with something of more moment than the knot of my neckcloth."
Dinah recognized the sincerity in Holly's voice, as she allowed herself to be ushered into the house. He really meant what he said about his disinterest in matters of fashion. She could only approve of his statement.
Old Mrs. Driffield, just inside the door, apparently had heard him as well. She nodded sagely. "Wise words, young man."
"I wish I might go to London and see what is truly fashionable." Geoffrey was discontented once more.
"You want to pay attention to your studies, my lad," his grandmother advised.
Holly agreed. "Fashion is of little importance. It was once fashionable to wear one's hat indoors. Can you think of a more uncomfortable practice? Fashion is a fickle mistress."
Dinah released Holly's arm to seat herself beside her grandmother.
Geoffrey lowered his voice, but continued wistfully, "You may easily say so. You may do whatever you wish and go wherever you want. We of the manufacturing classes are tied to our mills, our money-making ventures."
Holly rubbed his brow. "And I am tied to mine. Mine happens to be an agricultural venture, sometimes called ancestral estate. Well, my ancestors did not always care for it properly, and it is as much work as any mill. To do the job properly I must be there much of the year. Employees are all very well, but they have no investment in seeing the place properly administered. Only the owner has the deep interest that sees a business do well."
Geoffrey appeared much struck by his words. Old Mrs. Driffield looked upon Sebastian approvingly. Dinah found her early opinions of him in ruins around her, and was at a loss to easily replace them.
Her younger brother had found another topic to worry. "Now this race...John says..."
"Ah, not in front of the ladies, dear boy," Holly drawled.
"Oh 'tis just Dinah. And Grandmama likes a little sport," Geoffrey hunched a dismissive shoulder. "Challenger will defeat John's Tar with ease."
Dinah found her sudden respect for the viscount evaporating. Her grandmother had turned away to speak to Mrs. Hesler behind her.
"You are horse-racing?" she said in an undertone. "Does Papa know?"
"It's only a little race," Geoffrey said. "Nothing to get in a pelter about. Only five of us to be there, right, my lord? John told me."
"Previously only four. Do I take it that you have prevailed upon your brother to assist your attendance?" the viscount said.
Geoffrey nodded.
Holly sighed and assured Dinah, "Miss Driffield, it is a friendly contest only."
With a glance she informed him that any advance he had made in her good opinion, he had as suddenly lost. "It is only a step from racing to gambling," she said, and then was appalled by the pious reproach she heard in her own voice.
* * * *
By the time Sebastian reached the field south of the Knaresborough Road and east of the Tewit Well the next day, in company with Matherton, Humberstone and John and Geoffrey Driffield, he wished he had never agreed to the race. When they were greeted by some fifty onlookers, settled in their coaches in a mizzling rain that belied the recent August heat, he wished himself at home in Suffolk. Except that then he would not have met Dinah Driffield. But now that he had led her brothers astray with tonnish amusements, she would have no more to do with him anyway. She had made that quite clear the previous evening.
He watched Matherton step off the course, aided by Geoffrey. The boy was proudly exhibiting his knowledge of the site and his acquaintance with most of the onlookers. It was obvious that word had been spread but he wondered by whom. He considered Humberstone carefully. That stout gentleman refused to meet this glance.
There was betting taking place amongst the carriages and that made the contest considerably more than friendly. There were no pretensions to refinement among the onlookers; they were all middle class citizens and tradesmen as far as Sebastian could see. People too nice to be wasting their ready on his riding prowess, or lack of it. There was naught to be achieved by cancellation however, so the best thing was to have the race over quickly.<
br />
He and John Driffield mounted, and edged their restive horses to the starting point. Humberstone dropped the handkerchief.
Challenger was unquestionably the superior beast, Sebastian thought, but Driffield's Tar was a fine specimen. As riders they were well matched, but Sebastian considered that Driffield carried at least a stone more weight. There was no doubt about the outcome. Sebastian and Challenger won the race around the oval by two lengths.
Sebastian returned with the Driffield brothers to Robin Hood Lane, hoping for an opportunity to speak with Miss Driffield. Humberstone took himself off, to Sebastian's relief.
Burleigh Matherton had no such delicacy. There was discussion on the ride to the Driffield home about the onlookers and the betting, but the consensus was that the matter was best forgotten. Geoffrey Driffield, his loyalties torn between his brother and his hero, was the least willing to abandon the topic. Matherton indulged his chatter good-naturedly.
Sebastian and John Driffield gradually dropped behind their companions. There was no vestige of discomfort between them as they walked their mounts.
"I could wish that word of the race had not been bruited abroad," Sebastian said.
"Must have been that oaf, Humberstone. He's never heard of the word 'discretion' or the concept of 'diplomacy'."
"And yet you must expect to have him as brother-in-law."
"Ha! No fear of that; Dinah's not attics to let. And my mother and father would dissuade her should she show signs of such insanity."
Sebastian joined his new friend's laughter without reservation and with some little relief.
"Spying out the lay of the land?" John said.
Sebastian was careful in his response. His own feelings were too new to bear scrutiny. "It can never hurt to assess the competition, be it human or animal..."
"Hmmm, yes. In the same vein then, what of Matherton?"
"What of him?" Sebastian was cautious.
"He is showing a marked interest in Miss Hesler." John was forthright and did not conceal his anxiety.
Sebastian understood all too well and was frank. "Had I expected such a complication, I should have withdrawn Burlie to Scotland a week ago. He's all talk, John, and though I consider him a friend, I am bound to say he'd never be serious where Miss Hesler is concerned. He's too high in the instep. I can think of no way to warn her; perhaps you might?"
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