Last Gentleman Standing

by Jane Ashford

  Music had begun to be audible, and now as they rounded a small copse, the site of the festival came into view. Two awnings had been set up in a large field, and they and the spaces around them were filled to overflowing with people. Some were dancing to the tunes three country musicians provided. Others had gathered in groups to talk and exchange news. On the far side of the field, games were in progress. In one of the tents, women bustled about a fire preparing tea and picnic fare, and in the other, smaller shelter, Lady Larenby and her daughter sat surrounded by a group of guests.

  The viscount directed Elisabeth to this area and helped her dismount. All of them entered the tent to greet the viscountess and be presented to her sister. A quick look told Elisabeth that Derek Wincannon was not present.

  When they had said everything that was polite, Elisabeth looked at the crowd. “Jane, do you care to stroll and see what is here?” she asked.

  Jane was agreeable, and the two women started out across the grass, leaving Tony to talk to Amelia. They went first toward the dancers and spent some minutes watching them. “What energy,” exclaimed Elisabeth at the end of a particularly rousing country dance. “And they are starting another immediately. I’m not sure I could stand the pace.”

  Jane smiled, and after a moment, they moved on. “Have you ever seen such a festival before?” continued Elisabeth. “I haven’t, and I find it wonderful.”

  “I have, one or two,” replied Jane, “near my family’s place in Yorkshire.”

  “You are all so offhand about it. I wonder at you. Would this not make a first-rate subject for your writing?”

  Jane looked about her, smiling slightly. “Pastoral swains, and that sort of thing? No, I believe I’ll continue to leave that to imitators of Virgil and Walter Scott. I can’t see the fascination myself.”

  Elisabeth shook her head and walked on.

  A loud cheer was heard ahead of them, and they quickened their pace a bit. Reaching the area where games were being held, they moved through the crowd until they could see an open space around a huge old oak tree. A dart board had been nailed to it, and several competitors stood about nearby. Two were a little apart from the others preparing to throw, and as she turned to watch, Elisabeth started, for one of the men was Derek Wincannon.

  He did not see her at first, but took his turn, placing all but one of his darts in the innermost circle of the target. There was scattered applause and some cheers as he threw the last. When he moved to allow his opponent room, he turned and saw the ladies standing at the edge of the crowd; he came up to them immediately. “How do you do,” he said. “You have come at just the proper moment. Jack Crowley and I have eliminated the competition and are about to determine the winner. I must tell you that Jack and I have been arch rivals at darts for nearly twenty years; if he bests me today, however, he may take the championship, for it will be the third year running.” Jack, the subject of this explanation, bowed to the ladies and turned back to the target with great concentration. “We must be silent while he throws,” finished Derek.

  There was complete silence around the tree. After another minute of studying the bull’s-eye, Jack Crowley threw his five darts in quick succession. Each of them struck within the inner circle, almost on top of each other. As the last hit, a great cheer broke out among the spectators, and most of them rushed forward to congratulate him. Jack fought through the back-pounding and laughing to shake hands with Derek, who added his own congratulations, then set off with friends to celebrate his victory with a mug of ale. The three companions were suddenly left almost alone beside the oak.

  Derek laughed down at the ladies, “Alas, you see me in defeat,” he said. “Jack has gotten too good for me. I may have to give up our games, though I wonder if I shall be allowed to.”

  “Have you really played for twenty years?” asked Elisabeth.

  “Yes, indeed. We began as lads and continued more or less even until lately. But he has outstripped me, I fear.”

  “And did you participate in the tournament last year as well?” asked Elisabeth, her eyes twinkling up at him.

  “I did not, though it was a very near thing. I thank God young Daniel has gone off to school, and I need no longer resist his importunities to deck myself out in my ancestor’s armor or lend the farm horses for jousts.”

  Elisabeth laughed. “Oh, how can you say so? I only wish I might have seen it. I daresay you would look splendid in armor.”

  An answering twinkle awoke in Derek’s eyes. “That temptation was outweighed by the extreme discomfort armor entails. I frankly balked. Have you any notion of the weight of plate armor?”

  “I have not.” Their eyes met and held for a moment.

  “It is beginning to be quite warm, isn’t it?” put in Jane Taunton. “I believe I’ll go back to the tent and sit in the shade.”

  Elisabeth turned a little guiltily. She had almost forgotten Jane. “Of course, let us go. The sun is getting hot.”

  “I’ll escort you,” said Derek.

  “I’m perfectly capable of walking across the field alone,” said Jane. “There’s no need for you to accompany me.”

  “Nonsense,” said Elisabeth, a little annoyed at her tone. And they started off together.

  When they rejoined Lady Larenby, luncheon was about to be served. The servants brought around trays of cold meats, fruit, and bread and butter, and left pitchers of ale, wine, and lemonade on the table before going to join their friends outside the tent. Lady Larenby poured. “We wait on ourselves today,” she told her guests, smiling at her cook, who was hastily placing one last large tray of cakes and sweets on the table before her.

  When they’d finished, Derek leaned across to Elisabeth. “Would you care to look about a bit more?” he asked her. “You haven’t seen everything, you know.”

  “I’d love it,” replied the girl, rising.

  Derek offered his arm, and they strolled out of the tent and across the grass. Most of the people were sitting in groups now, on blankets and cloths, and eating the picnic lunch. Many called greetings to Derek or nodded to him as they passed by. A few of the children had finished and returned to their games, and they watched a dart match between two small boys.

  “Another rivalry in the making,” said Derek, after he’d laughingly refused their pleas for a game or a lesson and judged the results of a hotly contested match.

  Elisabeth returned his smile. “This is delightful,” she said. “How lucky you are to have such a thing every year.”

  They moved on toward the dance area. Some of the younger people had returned, and the music was beginning again. They stood still to watch for a moment, then Derek suddenly took Elisabeth’s hand. “Come,” he said.

  He pulled her into the country dance, whirling her about dizzily. Within a few moments, Elisabeth was breathless, but she turned and swooped with the others until the song ended. When it was over, she stepped back out of the crowd and put a hand to her chest. “Oh, my,” she breathed.

  Derek laughed down at her. “You aren’t quitting so soon?”

  “Indeed I am. I’m not so young as these dancers. They will wear me out.”

  “How careless of me. I should have seated you with the dowagers; I had forgotten your advanced age.”

  Elisabeth laughed. She’d caught her breath again now. “Not that. But I think I’ll watch the dancing rather than join it.”

  Tony and Amelia came up then. Having seen her brother dancing, Amelia was eager to try as well. And they were soon followed by Lord and Lady Larenby, to keep up the tradition of one dance together. Elisabeth was pulled back into the set thus formed, and she danced with the viscount in the next. After that, despite importunities, she returned to the tent for a rest.

  Lavinia and Jane were sitting there chatting desultorily. “Jane, you must go out,” said Elisabeth. “Tony is searching for a partner, and I am worn out.”

&n
bsp; “No, thank you,” said Jane.

  “Are you not having a good time?” said Elisabeth. “Do go and dance.”

  “I’m perfectly all right. You know I simply prefer my own work to parties.”

  Elisabeth sat down with them for a while, but Jane seemed cool, and she herself was nettled at her friend’s sulkiness. After a while, Tony called her out again, and she had her dance with him. The afternoon passed quickly. Elisabeth danced again with Derek and shared some lemonade he fetched for her. The sun was beginning to set before they sent for their horses and prepared to leave. As Elisabeth was gathering up her belongings in the tent, Derek approached her. “I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself,” he said.

  “Very much,” she replied. “I don’t remember when I’ve had such fun.”

  “I am glad.” He looked down at her, started to take her hand, then changed his mind. “It’s very hard to have any private conversation at an event such as this,” he went on. “But I should very much like to talk about something rather important. Perhaps tomorrow?” The look in his eyes made Elisabeth’s heart beat faster; she looked down.

  “Certainly,” she replied unevenly. “I am often at my accounts in the library at midmorning.”

  He nodded. “I will call about eleven then.” He took her hand, quickly placed a light kiss on it, and turned away.

  Twenty-four

  The next morning, Elisabeth went into the library at ten and tried to settle down to her accounts, but repeatedly she found herself daydreaming instead, and finally she gave it up.

  At half past, she heard a horse outside and then a ring at the front door. Smiling, she rose and went to the door of the library. He’s early, she thought. But when she looked into the hall, she didn’t see Derek Wincannon. Ames was talking to Mr. Jarrett.

  As the butler said he would see whether she was in, she started to shrink back into the study, but Jarrett noticed her when she moved and came forward eagerly.

  “Miss Elham,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m fortunate to find you in. I have ridden down from London expressly to see you.”

  Feeling trapped, Elisabeth sought to put him off. “Indeed. I fear I have an appointment in a very few minutes. If you had informed me of your visit…”

  “I must speak to you,” interrupted Jarrett. “Please.”

  His tone was imperative, and he more or less ushered Elisabeth back into the library as he spoke.

  Reluctantly, she seated herself behind the desk once more and gestured toward a chair opposite. “I hope you’ll be quick,” she told him rather coolly. She indicated the papers before her.

  “You haven’t been eager to see me of late,” responded Jarrett. “Indeed, quite the opposite. I hope I have done nothing to offend you?”

  Elisabeth raised her eyebrows. “No, how should you? As you know, in London I was taken up with my cousin’s wedding. I had no time for anything else.”

  He bowed his head slightly. “Of course. Nonetheless, it was a hardship, getting no sight of you for weeks.”

  Elisabeth smiled slightly. “Hardly weeks, Mr. Jarrett.”

  He returned her smile and made a deprecating gesture. “I suppose I exaggerate. You must know that it has become vital to me that I see you often. And not simply during morning calls.”

  Elisabeth did not care for the direction the conversation was taking. She put on what she hoped was a discouraging expression and said, “Indeed?”

  “Yes. In fact, I have fallen deeply in love with you, Elisabeth. I want more than anything in the world to make you my wife.” His eyes held hers.

  The girl was only a little startled. She’d seen something of the sort coming. “You do me a great honor, Mr. Jarrett. I am fully sensible of it. But I fear I must refuse.”

  Jarrett’s eyes narrowed. “Are you engaged to someone else?” he asked.

  Elisabeth flushed a little as she shook her head. “But that has nothing to do with it. My feelings are such that…”

  “That you do not love me,” finished the man. “No need to wrap it in clean linen. It’s plain enough.” He paused, seeming to search for words. “You might learn to do so, you know. Marriage is not all romance and cooing. I would be a good husband to you.”

  Elisabeth rose. “We seem to have very different ideas about marriage, Mr. Jarrett. I think we need say no more.”

  He stood up also, but showed no signs of disappointment or of leaving. He simply frowned intently, shifting his grip on his hat. “My ideas are not unalterable,” he said finally. “And I have told you that I love you. I’m willing to change; could you not try to also?”

  Elisabeth was growing angry. She had answered him honestly, but he refused to heed her. “I think not,” she replied coldly. “And now if you will excuse me.”

  Jarrett’s frown deepened, and he made an impatient gesture. “You simply dismiss me, is that it? Do you think you can send me on my way like an importunate tradesman?”

  “Not at all. But our discussion is concluded, I think.”

  “Do you indeed?” Jarrett’s eyes hardened, and a queer expression played about his mouth. “You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

  Elisabeth didn’t deign to reply to this but started toward the door. Jarrett suddenly stepped in front of her and grasped her arm tightly. “It’s Wincannon, isn’t it? I thought as much. So you’ve set your heart on a title just like all the greedy little debs.”

  Trying to pull her arm free, Elisabeth stepped back. “How dare you?”

  “Dare?” He laughed harshly. “You would be surprised what I would dare, depending on the stakes.”

  The girl managed to get free; her eyes flashed indignantly. “Such as my fortune?” she snapped.

  The look Jarrett directed at her made her quail for a moment, then bland amusement descended over his features. He shrugged. “I never thought you stupid. I admit that your money means something to me. To whom would it not? You cannot blame me for prudence.”

  “I can and do.” Elisabeth managed to get to the library door and held it open. “I must ask you not to call upon me again, sir,” she said icily and gestured toward the hall.

  Jarrett hesitated a moment; he seemed to be struggling with himself. A series of emotions showed in his face—rage, chagrin, hope. He made as if to speak, changed his mind, then bowed slightly and strode out of the room. Elisabeth saw that he was leaving before she shut the door. As she did so, she noticed Jane Taunton descending the stairs from the drawing room with her sketching equipment. I hope she doesn’t meet Jarrett, she thought to herself. What an unpleasant man!

  * * *

  She paced about the library for some minutes, trying to regain control of herself. She’d just taken a deep breath and sat down again, feeling more composed, when Ames knocked and entered the library. “The Duchess of Sherbourne has just arrived, Miss Elisabeth.” Ames’s tone indicated that he considered these unannounced arrivals highly unsatisfactory.

  “The duchess?” echoed Elisabeth. “But what can she be doing here? She was to go to Brighton.”

  “I’m sure I couldn’t say, miss,” answered Ames.

  Elisabeth rose and started out of the room. “Where is she? Of course I’ll see her. You shouldn’t have kept her waiting.”

  “She refused to leave her traveling carriage,” responded Ames in freezing accents.

  Elisabeth hurried out and stepped up to the window of the duchess’s carriage. She was indeed still inside. “Good morning, ma’am,” said Elisabeth. “This is a most pleasant surprise. Won’t you come in?”

  The duchess sat up straighter and shook her head decisively. “No. I’ve stopped for a moment only on my way north. I wish to talk to you before my courage fails me.”

  The girl frowned. “You aren’t going to Brighton after all, then?”

  The duchess made an impatient gesture. “No, of course I’m
not going to Brighton. Do get into the carriage, Elisabeth, so that we may talk.”

  Surprised and puzzled, Elisabeth moved toward the open coach door. “If you like,” she answered, “but would we not be more comfortable in the house?”

  “I’m in a hurry. And I don’t wish to be overheard.”

  Elisabeth saw now that some of the older woman’s abruptness was the result of a nervousness wholly uncharacteristic of her. “Of course,” she said soothingly. “But we might go into the garden, you know, away from the house, instead of sitting cramped in the carriage.”

  The duchess hesitated. “That would do, I suppose,” she replied finally. “Yes, perhaps that’s better.” She moved quickly to step down.

  “Good,” said Elisabeth. “If you’d care to walk on a moment, I’ll speak to Ames and then join you in the garden.”

  Frowning in puzzlement, Elisabeth turned back to the house. She found Ames in the hall. “I’m expecting Mr. Wincannon to call. Will you tell him please what has happened, and give him my apologies? Tell him that I’ll try to get free as soon as possible.”

  “Yes, miss,” replied the butler.

  After a moment’s searching, she found the duchess seated on a rustic bench next to a small clump of yew. She quickly sat down beside her. “There,” she said, “we can talk privately here.”

  The duchess was looking at her gloves, which she held twisted together in her hands, but she raised her eyes when Elisabeth spoke. “I’ll tell you frankly that this is rather difficult for me,” she began. “I’m not in the habit of explaining myself to anyone, much less a young woman who might be my daughter. However, I believe it is only fair that someone in Belinda’s family know the story, and I refuse to speak of it to anyone but you. I’ve decided not to tell my son.”

  “I…I’m very flattered,” said Elisabeth.

  “Well, you needn’t be. I don’t wish to tell you, either.” The duchess smiled thinly. “But you’re a sensible girl, and I do feel that I can trust you.”

  Not knowing how to reply, Elisabeth said, “Thank you.”