by Rose Pearson
She saw the worry on Harmonia’s face but tossed it aside, thinking nothing of it.
“Please,” she continued, as Harmonia made to speak. “Just leave me be, Harmonia. I need this.”
Harmonia stepped aside in a gesture of compliance, although a heavy sigh left her lips. Jessica ignored it completely and, without another word, hurried towards the stables.
She was being quite truthful in stating that she needed to get out of the house for a short time to be entirely on her own. Ever since Lord Warwick’s visit some days ago, her mind had been filled with nothing but him until she thought she was going mad. She could not get him from her thoughts, recalling how earnest he had been in his apology, and then how wonderful his conversation had been thereafter.
Waiting for the groom to saddle her horse, Jessica considered her own heart for a moment. It had lifted the very moment she had seen Lord Warwick, only to remind herself what it was he had done in attempting to kiss her. Had he not apologized then she might still be conflicted about her growing feelings for the man but, as it was, he appeared so sincere that she had no other choice but to forgive him.
Swinging her leg over, Jessica sat down in the saddle, grasped the reins and clicked to her horse, who moved down the path almost at once. It was most improper for any lady to ride astride, but Jessica much preferred it. Besides, there were very few people here who would see her and comment, especially since the sun was already beginning to set.
Setting her horse to a gallop, Jessica let the wind blow through her hair, reddening her cheeks and bringing a lightness to her soul. She did not know how far she’d galloped for but allowed the horse its head, letting it slow when it began to tire. Finding a small stream, Jessica waited until the horse drank, her mind drifting back to the one man who had captured her thoughts for some days now.
Were she truthful, Jessica would admit, even to herself, that she had begun to grow in her affections for the man. He was kind and honest, willing to tell her just how he was faring in his attempts to take on the responsibilities that came with his title. The way he had described himself, the way he had shown her his struggles as well as how her very presence seemed to bring him a peace in the midst of it all, had touched her heart. There was a vulnerability about him that she had come to respect, finding his decision to set aside his own desires to do what was expected to be both honorable and principled. As the horse continued to wander up a small country road, Jessica smiled softly to herself as she continued to consider Lord Warwick. He was both handsome and kind natured, which meant that she ought to consider him as a future husband.
Much to her surprise, the idea did not fill her with loathing.
“Lady Jessica!”
Startled, Jessica jumped in the saddle, grasping the reins tightly.
“Who goes there?”
Another horse appeared on the road, coming out of the mist that she had not noticed was closing in.
“Lord Warwick?” she exclaimed, staring at him in astonishment. “Whatever are you doing here?”
He frowned, his eyes filling with concern. “Ought I not to be asking you that? As it is, you are very far away from home!”
She blinked, anxiety filling her soul. “Am I?”
“Yes, indeed,” he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. “My own estate is much closer than that of your sister’s.”
Something heavy settled in her stomach. “Oh.”
“You did not realize?”
“No,” Jessica replied, turning back to face him. “I was just…riding. I wanted to be alone for a time, but I had not considered I had come this far. I suppose I should return home quickly before it gets too dark.”
“Then I shall accompany you,” Lord Warwick said, firmly. “Come now, the mist is already closing in and, if I am not mistaken, it is about to rain.”
Jessica opened her mouth to say that it would not be necessary for him to accompany her, only for a sheet of icy rain to fall from the sky and cover her in its cold embrace. Her skin prickled, her breath catching in her chest as she tried to speak, already soaked to the bone.
“This way,” Lord Warwick exclaimed, riding over to her at catching her reins. “My estate is not far. We can sort things out from there.”
Jessica did not know what else to do but to follow him, knowing that she could not return back to the Northfell estate when she could barely see where she was going and was already quite lost. She set her trust in Lord Warwick entirely, allowing him to take her reins and lead her along the roads through the thick mist and cold, pelting rain that soon felt like needles piercing her skin.
Shivering violently, Jessica could not help but sag with relief when his estate came into view. Sliding down from her horse, she handed the reins to the groom and was quickly ushered inside with a concerned looking Lord Warwick.
“Blankets and a blazing fire in the drawing room,” he shouted, as they entered the house. “And something hot to drink. Quickly now.”
Jessica, who was more than aware there was a large puddle surrounding her where she stood, was more than a little embarrassed when a maid and the housekeeper came to take her into the drawing room, leaving Lord Warwick to go and change. They insisted that she take off her riding habit, stating that she absolutely would catch a fever if she did not, and already despising the way the sodden fabric clung to her skin, Jessica relented.
Dressed in nothing more than her underclothes, she sat down in one of the chairs in front of the fire whilst the housekeeper attempted to dry her hair and the maid set a robe around her before piling all over her until only her face and hands were visible.
“You are very kind,” Jessica shivered, her teeth chattering. “Thank you.”
“Not at all,” the housekeeper replied, briskly. “Now, are you ready for Lord Warwick to return? He has said to tell you he has already sent the carriage for one of your sisters and she will be here presently with some clean and dry things for you. Of course, I will clean and dry this dress and you have your robe underneath.” She smiled kindly down at Jessica, who grew even more grateful for her kindness. “Lord Warwick is making sure a tea tray is on its way to you.”
“Where is he?” Jessica asked. “Is he to join me here?”
The housekeeper paused. “If you are comfortable enough, then I am quite sure he would be happy to. It is just whatever you feel happy with.”
Jessica nodded, appreciating the lengths Lord Warwick was going to in order to ensure everything was done properly. “If a maid might sit with us, I should like to thank him for what he is doing.”
The housekeeper smiled and directed the maid to the back of the room, reminding her of some darning she had yet to finish. Within a few minutes, a tea tray was sitting on the table just in front of her and the maid was quietly sewing in the corner.
“Lady Jessica?”
Turning her head, Jessica saw Lord Warwick standing just inside the door, looking a little concerned.
“Might I come in?”
“Please,” Jessica replied, with a smile. “I am quite covered, as you can see!”
Lord Warwick chuckled as he came to sit opposite her. “Yes, so I see.” His smile faded a little as he studied her. “And are you warming up?”
Jessica nodded, relieved her teeth were no longer chattering. “Slowly but yet. I am sure I will be fine very soon – although I wanted to thank you for your help. Had you not come upon me, I do not know what I would have done!”
He smiled, reaching forward to pour the tea for them both. “You are quite welcome, my lady. I am glad I found you, truth be told, for the cold rain can be quite chilling, even with this time of year!” He handed her a cup and, as their fingers brushed, Jessica felt a jolt shoot up her arm, quickening her heart.
“And I have sent for one of your sisters,” he continued, after a short pause. “I believe they will be here very soon, whichever one comes! I have said that you are quite well and just were caught in the rain although,” he continued, frowning as he glanc
ed outside at the dark evening. “Although I think it might be best if you both remained here overnight. The rain does not look to be letting up and the country roads can easily turn to mud at the slightest drizzle! I would hate for your carriage to become stuck on the way back home.”
Jessica smiled softly, appreciating both his consideration and his generosity. “Thank you, Lord Warwick. I would be delighted to accept and thank you for your kindness.”
His expression softened. “I would not have any harm come to you, Lady Jessica, or to your sisters. Thank you for trusting me to treat you with the propriety you deserve, particularly after my last actions.”
Jessica blushed, something curling in the pit of her stomach as she recalled how he had brushed his lips against hers. Suddenly it did not seem an altogether improper attention, her gaze flickering to his lips and back again.
“I quite trust you, Lord Warwick,” she murmured, forcing her attention onto the flickering flames. “Thank you for being so careful.”
“But of course,” he replied, with a small smile. “Now, what shall we talk of while we wait for your sister to arrive?” His smile broadened as he rubbed his hands together, making her laugh at his evident enthusiasm. “Books? Travel? The army? Your home?” he chuckled as she laughed, his eyes brightening. “I do so enjoy talking with you, Lady Jessica.”
“And I with you,” she said, truthfully. “I find I look forward to our conversations with increasing anticipation, Lord Warwick.”
“I am glad to hear it,” he murmured, his eyes warm. “I am sure it will not be too long until your sister arrives and so, until then, I shall endeavor to be as conversational as possible so that you continue to look forward with anticipation to our many future discussions.”
Jessica laughed, even though heat crept into her cheeks as she did so, and began to talk with him about life back in London.
Chapter Nine
By the time Harmonia arrived, Jessica was already warm and dry, and much cheered by copious cups of tea and plentiful conversation. Lord Warwick insisted that they both remain overnight, particularly after hearing that Harmonia had found the roads rather slick with mud on the way to his estate. Jessica and Harmonia had retired soon after she had arrived and greeted the following morning with anticipation.
“The day looks brighter at least,” Jessica murmured, as they made their way downstairs to the dining room. “Mayhap we shall be able to return home today.”
“Oh, I should think so!” Harmonia exclaimed, sounding astonished that Jessica would question whether or not there would be any difficulty in doing so. “In fact, I would say there is very little question about it. The roads will be dry enough – although I am sure we can tread a little longer on Lord Warwick’s kindness.” She shot a sly glance at her sister who colored at once. “I saw just how much you were enjoying your time with him.”
“I had a maid present at all times,” Jessica replied, firmly, hating that her cheeks were already burning. “There was nothing improper, I assure you.”
Harmonia laughed softly. “That is not what I meant, my dear sister. What I was trying to state was just how much you seem to enjoy spending time with him, even though you were quite determined not to have any feelings for him whatsoever!”
Jessica could find nothing to say in response, glad that they had almost reached the dining room by this point. The door was opened for them and they walked inside together, seeing Lord Warwick already waiting for them.
“I trust you slept well,” he said, after greeting them both. “The carriages are at your disposal for whenever you wish to return home.”
Glancing over at him, Jessica wondered whether it meant that he wished for them to leave – only for her concerns to be brushed aside as he smiled at her.
“Of course, I would be delighted to show you around my home and gardens first, if you wish,” he continued, as they took their seats at the table. “Although if you have pressing matters back at the Northfell estate, I quite understand.”
“No, we do not,” Jessica replied, quickly, afraid that Harmonia would say otherwise. “I would very much like to see your home. It was difficult to see anything much last evening!”
“It was very dark, was it not?” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Although I am relieved to see you are not any worse for wear.”
Jessica smiled as Harmonia picked up the conversation, allowing her to eat quietly. Her anticipation mounted as their breakfast came to an end, suddenly eager to spend time with Lord Warwick and see around his home.
“Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm to her as Harmonia, quickly, made her way past them both. “The gardens may be a little damp, so I can send the maid for your things, should you need them.”
Jessica shook her head and took his arm, not wanting to be separated from him for a moment. “I am sure we will be just fine,” she murmured, as they began to walk together.
Harmonia remained a few steps ahead, allowing Jessica and Lord Warwick to walk together.
“These are the portraits of my family,” Lord Warwick murmured, as they came to a vast array of paintings spread along one wall of a beautifully decorated hallway that was both long and wide. Jessica paused and looked at each of them, seeing the family resemblance in the unusual combination of fair hair and dark brown eyes.
“You look very much like your father,” she murmured, as they walked to the end of the hallway. “Did your brother look much alike?”
Lord Warwick gave a rather sad smile. “He took after my mother, whereas I took from my father. His portrait does not yet hang up here, although it will, once it is completed.”
“He had not had his likeness taken before he died?” Harmonia enquired, gently. “I would have thought that he would have done so the moment he took the title.”
Lord Warwick shook his head. “No, my brother did not sit for a large portrait such as this, although he did have a few miniatures done. I have already employed an artist to take those miniatures and use them to create a larger work that will sit here amongst the rest…. just as it ought.”
Jessica allowed silence to fall, choosing not to speak for the moment. There was a deep-seated pain in Lord Warwick’s words, an agony in his expression that she could not easily overlook. She was caught up in considering what it would be like to lose one of her own dear sisters and, for a moment, her heart tore into pieces, making her take in a sharp breath.
“Are you all right, Lady Jessica?”
She smiled wanly and took his arm once more. “Yes, quite well,” she replied, seeing the concern in his eyes. “I was just thinking about how much you must miss your brother.”
His smile faded as sadness overtook him. “Indeed. I miss him a great deal, even though we were not particularly close as we grew older. I have a great many fond memories of childhood, however, and I cling to those happy moments in times when the grief seems as though it will overtake me.”
Jessica, seeing Harmonia linger behind, continued to walk with Lord Warwick, thinking just how much better she had come to know him of late. “You have given up a great deal in order to take on your brother’s responsibilities,” she said, finally. “I must tell you how much I respect that?”
“Oh?” He looked down at her, a little surprised. “I would have thought that Major Ridding’s decision would have been much more to your liking.”
“Major Ridding?” she replied, astonished. “No, indeed!” Her cheeks burned as his eyebrows rose, still evidently quite astonished. “I will not pretend that the sense of adventure and the tales he tells of his life abroad do not entertain me somewhat for, often, I dream of such things knowing that I shall never be able to undertake them.”
He looked down at her, his arm tightening a little under her hand. “Why do you think you might not, Lady Jessica?”
“Because a lady cannot do such things as men do,” she replied, with a sigh. “You are quite free to join the army and travel the world if you wish, but I, however, have not the same freedom.”<
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“Then you must find a husband willing to indulge in your dreams,” he replied, his words sending swirls into the pit of her belly. “A good husband will do all he can to make his wife happy, even if it is traveling to whatever part of the world she chooses!”
Jessica laughed, glad that the sadness of the portrait hall had passed. “Well, that closes that matter,” she replied, as she patted his arm. “But no, do not think that Major Ridding holds any more respect than you. I have considered what he has done and the choices he has made and I find that there are some difficulties presented there.” She paused, looking up at him. “No, indeed, I find that my respect for your decision is much greater, Lord Warwick. You have given up what you love, what you truly wish to do, in order to serve your family’s needs. I cannot help but admire that selflessness.”
Lord Warwick’s eyes looked deeply into hers, bringing them almost to a standstill. “You honor me with your words, Lady Jessica,” he said, quietly. “I will tell you now I am quite overwhelmed by all that is required of me. I feel as though I am a drowning man with very little to cling to! It is your presence and your presence alone that seems to lift the burden from my shoulders and calms my mind. All in all, Lady Jessica, I find you quite remarkable.”
Jessica could not find a word to say, her mind whirling with a myriad of thoughts and feelings. He had revealed so much to her that she could not take it all in at once, suddenly deeply aware of the intimacy growing between them.
“Might we go for a stroll in the gardens? It looks as though the sun has come out.”
Harmonia’s interruption could not have come at a better time, giving Jessica the space and time she needed to simply breathe and think about what Lord Warwick had to say. Together, they walked into the gardens and, soon after, it came time for them to depart.
Much to Jessica’s surprise, she felt a twinge of sadness upon leaving the estate and the gentleman behind, watching him for as long as she could until the carriage turned around a gentle corner.