Page 10 of Falling for the Earl (Improper Ladies #2)

W hile Lucy sorted through her clothes in her bedchamber, a maid knocked to inform her Lady Sarah waited below to see her.

Lucy entered the drawing room, where Lady Sarah, dressed in her riding habit, tapped her crop against her skirts as she stood before the fireplace. She turned and pressed her hands to her chest. “Miss Kershaw, I am so pleased to have found you at home.”

“How nice to see you, Lady Sarah. Will you stay for tea?”

Lady Sarah shook her head firmly. “No, there’s no time to. I need your help. Now, if that’s possible.”

“I’m happy to be of assistance, if you’ll just tell me what—”

“I’m sorry that this is dreadfully rushed,” Lady Sarah rushed to explain. “But if you have nothing planned for this morning, will you join me for a ride in the park?”

Surprised, and a little alarmed by Lady Sarah’s manner, Lucy sought for a way to calm her and get to the bottom of her anxiety. “Certainly, if you wish me to. But please sit for a moment.”

Lady Sarah perched on the edge of the sofa, her eyes restlessly viewing the room. “Lord Cardew has written. He wishes to see me in Hyde Park today. Alone.”

Lucy sat beside her. “Did he say why?”

“No, but Hugh will be so cross with me if I go by myself. That’s why I need you to accompany me.”

“I am happy to, but won’t Lord Cardew be annoyed to find me with you?”

“Perhaps.” She gripped her hands together. “It doesn’t matter. I need you. Will you come?”

“Of course I will.”

Lady Sarah jumped up. “Thank you, Miss Kershaw. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. I cannot tell Mama about this, and I can’t trust my maid. She is sure to give in to questioning. Mama is suffering from yet another headache. I’ll wait while you change into your habit. My groom will accompany us.”

When Lucy told Aunt Mary, her aunt smiled and nodded. “You are becoming bosom friends with Lady Sarah.”

Lucy thought about her aunt’s assumption while Maisie helped her dress for riding. She liked to think it was true.

As their horses trotted down Rotten Row, the groom trailing well behind, Lord Cardew rode out of the trees, a scowl on his face. He drew his horse close to Sarah’s. “I asked you to come alone, Sarah.”

“That would not have been wise,” Lady Sarah said. “What is it you wish to talk to me about, Lord Cardew?”

“Come a little way into the park with me. Miss Kershaw will wait here with the groom. Won’t you, Miss Kershaw?”

“I will do what Lady Sarah wishes,” Lucy said, determined not to be browbeaten.

Lady Sarah’s smile was strained. She ordered the groom to stay with Lucy. “I’ll only be a few minutes, Miss Kershaw. We won’t venture far.”

While she waited, Lucy rode her horse slowly down the Row, then back to the spot where Lady Sarah had disappeared with Lord Cardew. About fifteen minutes had passed, and then that stretched to twenty. The groom approached her, looking anxious.

“What should we do, Miss Kershaw? It’s more than my life is worth to go home without Lady Sarah.”

“I’m sure that won’t be the case. She is with a gentleman of long standing.” Lucy peered anxiously into the park. “But we must keep this to ourselves,” she said, gazing sternly at the groom.

Another five minutes passed. Lord Dorchester had asked her to look out for Lady Sarah. It had seemed strange at the time, but now she understood. While considering what to do next, three men cantered down the Row. One of them broke away and rode over to her. Mr. Beaufort raised his hat. “Miss Kershaw. You seem to be alone. Is anything wrong?”

Lucy took a moment to think. Should she involve him in this? She was in a quandary. But she had no option. “I am waiting for Lady Sarah. She rode into the park with Lord Cardew and was only to be gone for a few minutes. But it’s now closer to half an hour.”

He stared at her, concern in his eyes. “Which way did they go?”

“They rode through there.” She pointed with her crop to the break in the trees.

“Then let’s go and find them, shall we?” He turned back to the groom. “Wait here, please.”

“Why not bring the groom?” Lucy asked him as they rode away from Rotten Row.

“We don’t want any gossip to be spread about. And servants tend to talk.”

What did he expect to find? Still questioning the wisdom of going after them, Lucy rode with him through the trees and onto the parkland. She could find no sign of Lady Sarah or Lord Cardew.

They continued their search for several minutes, following a well-worn path through the grass. In the daisy-strewn meadow, two horses grazed, their reins looped over bushes.

They heard voices from somewhere behind a thicket of dense shrubs. Their words were impossible to make out, but the man’s voice was cajoling, and the lady’s appeared to be entreating.

Mr. Beaufort glanced at Lucy, his eyebrows raised, and urged his horse on. He rounded the trees, with Lucy riding close behind.

Lady Sarah stood against the trunk of a majestic chestnut tree. Lord Cardew leaned over her, a hand resting on the trunk above her head. The other at her waist. Lucy could see she was upset.

Mr. Beaufort dismounted. When the two failed to see him, he coughed.

Lord Cardew spun around. “What on Earth…?” His weak, indulgent features pulled into a scowl. “Do you not respect a person’s privacy, sir?”

Beaufort calmly walked over to him. “My concern is with the lady.”

Lady Sarah pushed away from Lord Cardew and rushed over to Lucy, where she sat on her horse. “I’m sorry you had to wait so long,” she said, appearing shaky, yet determined to keep some modicum of good manners.

“I hope you don’t mind me coming,” Lucy said. “I had to know if you were all right. I confess to growing a little worried.”

Mr. Beaufort led Lady Sarah’s mare to her. “May I help you mount, my lady?”

Lady Sarah blushed vividly. “Thank you, sir.”

Lord Cardew went to his horse. Mounted, he turned back to stare at Lady Sarah. When she made no move to speak to him, barely acknowledging him, he galloped away.

Watching Lord Cardew disappear among the trees, Lady Sarah murmured her thanks to Mr. Beaufort. She looked at Lucy, her blue eyes shadowed. “Let’s return home.”

Mr. Beaufort accompanied them back to Rotten Row, where the groom waited. When Lady Sarah attempted to thank her rescuer again, he shook his head. “I did nothing that warrants your thanks, Lady Sarah. I suspect it was Miss Kershaw’s fierce stare that sent the gentleman on his way.”

Lady Sarah smiled, and Lucy couldn’t help grinning.

He lifted his hat, then rode away to join his friends.

“I hope I did the right thing coming to find you,” Lucy said again, aware that Lady Sarah had suffered some embarrassment. “I thought you looked uncomfortable with Lord Cardew.”

“I must explain,” Lady Sarah said, her voice trembling.

“Not if you don’t wish it.”

“Lord Cardew is an old friend. Robert promised to marry me on a number of occasions over the last two years, but there was always something to prevent it. I waited because I loved him and would have accepted him, despite Hugh’s disapproval of him.” She shook her head sadly. “But that is no longer of any importance.”

Lucy gazed at her with concern as two ladies trotted down the row with their grooms.

Seeing the women, Lady Sarah turned her horse toward the stables. They rode on for several minutes before she spoke. “Robert said he loved me. He doesn’t want to give me up,” she said, sounding bitter.

“Well, that must be a good thing, must it not?”

“No, it isn’t. He is about to become betrothed to Lady Gwendolyn, the Duke of Kendal’s daughter.”

Lucy’s heart ached. She turned in the saddle to observe her miserable friend. “Then I believe you have had a fortunate escape,” she said gently.

Lady Sarah raised her eyebrows. “You think so?”

“I do.” Lucy believed Lord Cardew was jealous. He’d looked furious when he saw Mr. Beaufort at the card party, and again today. “Did he propose marriage again?”

Sarah slowly shook her head.

“Nor did he say he would approach your brother and ask for your hand. His declaration of love was insulting. What was his intention? You can do far better than Lord Cardew.”

Lady Sarah nodded but frowned and bit her lip.

Did she still hope Lord Cardew would marry her? It seemed most unlikely now when he was about to become betrothed.

It made Lucy think of Lord Dorchester and the powerful attraction they shared. He was also betrothed. What might he want of her? She must remain strong, although she feared she was weak where he was concerned.

“You are right, Miss Kershaw,” Lady Sarah said, after a moment. She sighed. “Mr. Beaufort behaved in an exemplary manner, did he not?”

“He is a true gentleman,” Lucy said. “I find I like him a great deal.”

“I do too,” Lady Sarah admitted. “But what must he think of me?”

“He would have been pleased to have helped you when an unscrupulous man tried to manipulate you for his own gain.”

Lady Sarah glanced at her and nodded. “Please don’t tell Hugh about this. My brother will be so angry with him. I fear he will want to teach Lord Cardew a lesson.”

“No, of course I won’t mention it.”

They rode into the stable courtyard. “I am delighted to have you as my friend, Miss Kershaw,” Lady Sarah said as the groom hurried over to help them dismount.

“And I am glad we are friends. Do call me ‘Lucy,’ Lady Sarah.”

She smiled. “Lucy, please call me ‘Sarah.’”

*

Hugh sat beside his mother as she rested on the sofa in the morning room. A shaft of sunlight fell upon her shawl, brightening its warm colors, making her look even paler. He felt a rush of concern.

Hugh had arrived in London late last evening when everyone had been abed. Earlier, he’d spent over an hour talking to the vicar at the vicarage before leaving Kent. He was a good-looking man in a slender, poetical kind of way. Benson had seemed uncomfortable to be talking to the man Isabel had been meant to marry. He had taken great pains to assure Hugh that he would take precious care of her. But Hugh thought he didn’t look robust enough to withstand the rigors of such a position. He seemed out of his depth. The vicar might believe in his words, but actually being able to keep Isabel safe in a foreign country with a babe would prove extremely difficult. And he wasn’t even sure Benson was as confident as Isabel appeared to be.

Benson had made no attempt to explain his actions or ask forgiveness for them, leaving Hugh to suspect Isabel had been the force behind it, as she had admitted. But a man in Benson’s situation should have been above such things. Furious with him for his lack of self-control, Hugh had been tempted to quote from the Bible: The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to ask God, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” If someone asked God to help others avoid temptation, then that person should also stay away from tempting situations.

Trouble was, should he mention it, Hugh would be a hypocrite. He was only too familiar with how powerful temptation could be. He had come away thinking Benson would not want to hurt Isabel for the world, but it was foolish to believe the vicar could keep her safe.

Hugh had given his promise to Sir Phillip and Lady Ashton, who were struggling with the imminent loss of their daughter. He wouldn’t be free until Isabel had married and left England.

He wished to declare his intentions to Miss Kershaw, but the whispers about the lady’s father’s inheritance persisted, and he could not allow the threat of scandal to fall upon his family. Not his fragile mother, and Sarah.

Hugh intended first to put a stop to this insidious gossip. He would stare down Mrs. Vellacott and her ilk as soon as he was free to marry. Then he would have to convince Miss Kershaw the gossip was at an end, or she wouldn’t have him. His hands were tied for a month! Would she even be free then? He thought of the men, like Nash, who were exhibiting far too much interest in her, and tightened his jaw.

“Poor Miss Ashton,” his mother said for the third time, breaking into his thoughts. “I cannot see her coping in a heathenish country.”

“I’ve never seen her so happy,” Hugh said. Although his mother looked confused, he could not tell her the real reason for their marriage.

“Foolish girl. She might have married you, Hugh.”

“She chose the vicar.” He shrugged. “Who can understand the mysteries of the heart?”

“Well, I am confident that you will be much more judicious in your choice of bride.”

“Because her name has been linked with mine, Sir Phillip believed it best not to speak of it or to cause any speculation until Isabel has left the country.” Hugh rose from the sofa. “Where is Sarah?”

“She is riding with Miss Kershaw. Sarah seems to have taken to the girl. She should be home soon. Perhaps Miss Kershaw will come with her.” She eyed Hugh thoughtfully. “They say her father is the Marquess of Berwick’s heir. I don’t know the family, do you?”

“Not well. They live near Carlisle, close to the Scottish border, But, Mama, that is neither here nor there. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear or read in the gossip sheets.”

His mother narrowed her eyes slightly. “I don’t read gossip sheets, Hugh. But there’s seldom smoke without fire.”

“I’ll walk down to meet Sarah,” he said, refusing to discuss it further and suffer a barrage of further questions. “Might hire a horse. It will be pleasant to ride on such a sunny day. I’ll go and change into my riding clothes.”

As he left the house on foot, Hugh met his sister and Miss Kershaw walking up the road from the stables with the groom.

He returned Sarah’s suspiciously casual greeting, noticing twin spots of color on her cheeks and wondering what had happened during his absence.

“Lucy has agreed to join us for luncheon,” Sarah said. “Did you enjoy your trip to Kent? How is Miss Ashton?”

“She is well.” Hugh took note of his sister’s use of Miss Kershaw’s first name. They were becoming bosom friends, and while that pleased him, it would be torture to see a lot of Miss Kershaw during the next month and be unable to pursue her. “Mother will tell you more about that. After a ride, I’ll see you at luncheon.” He glanced casually at Miss Kershaw, noting the intense look in her eyes beneath the rim of her black riding hat. Was she sending him some kind of warning? “Did you enjoy your ride, Miss Kershaw?”

“I did. Thank you, my lord.”

“Mr. Beaufort might still be in the park,” Sarah said. “We saw him there with some gentlemen.” She blushed. “You might invite him to luncheon.”

“Very well.” Hugh walked on, his crop resting on his shoulder while his mind remained on the lady who was ever present in his thoughts. Her guarded expression. Sarah’s skittish mood. Had something occurred he should know about?

Hugh returned to the house over an hour later and told Sarah, as she and Miss Kershaw started up the stairs, that Beaufort was coming to luncheon after he changed out of his riding clothes. He was gratified to see how pleased Sarah was, but a romance required reciprocation, and his friend had given no hint that he was interested in Sarah.

He hoped to have a quiet word with Miss Kershaw, when she and Sarah came down from freshening up.

When Sarah excused herself to see her mother, Hugh took his chance. He stood with his back to the fire, at a distance from where Miss Kershaw sat on the drawing room sofa. “Did something untoward happen in the park this morning?”

She frowned. “I’m not at liberty to tell you.”

“Dash it all, Miss Kershaw. Don’t you believe it is important enough for me to know?”

She rubbed her brow. “I do, but I cannot break Sarah’s confidence.” Her clear gaze searched his. “You might ask her yourself.”

“It appears I must.”

Determined not to allow him to wrangle information from her, she raised her chin.

“As Mr. Beaufort is coming to luncheon, you might ask him about it.”

“Luke was there in the park?”

“Yes, he was very helpful.”

Hugh cocked an eyebrow. But she firmed her lips and refused to say more.

“Very well, I shall ask him,” he said finally as Sarah entered the room.

“What are you two talking about?” She glanced from one to the other. “You look like two conspirators plotting someone’s defeat.”

“Like a pair of spies?” Hugh asked Sarah. He glanced at Miss Kershaw and was rewarded by a blush. “Might you have something to tell me?”

Sarah’s quizzical gaze went again from his to Miss Kershaw’s. “No, I don’t believe so.”

“As you wish.” Not convinced, he nodded.

Hugh left the room and went upstairs to change. He would have better success with Luke. A man could be relied upon to reveal something he considered of vital importance. Men were far more sensible than most women, who kept their friends’ secrets to the grave. Hugh chuckled. He admired Miss Kershaw’s loyalty, and her hint that Luke might be at liberty to explain the situation, even though it had frustrated him.

When Luke arrived, Hugh took him aside. “Did something untoward occur in the park this morning with my sister?

Luke cleared his throat, alarm in his eyes. “She hasn’t told you?”

“No.”

“Lady Sarah might not approve of me telling you.” After a moment, Luke shrugged. “But I feel you should know what I witnessed, at least. Viscount Cardew was with her. The pair had left Miss Kershaw waiting on Rotten Row with the groom and ridden deeper into the park. When Miss Kershaw and I found them, Lord Cardew was holding Lady Sarah against a tree. I wasn’t sure if it was a lovers’ tiff, but she looked distressed, and I disliked the manner in which he treated her.”

“The swine!” Hugh roared.

Luke nodded his agreement, his forehead furrowed. “When I questioned Lord Cardew as to what he was about, he didn’t take it kindly and rode off.” He lifted his eyebrows. “I hope what I did was in order?”

Hugh gritted his teeth. “Indeed it was. I am relieved you were there.”

Hugh left Luke in the drawing room with Miss Kershaw, the footman serving them wine, and went to speak to Sarah, whom he found with their mother.

“A word, Sarah?” Hugh fought to stay calm.

“What is it, Hugh?” His mother’s eyes widened.

“A small matter, Mama.” He escorted his sister out of the room.

Sarah turned to him in the hall, her eyes narrowed. “Who told you?”

“Miss Kershaw remained tight-lipped, but Luke told me about Cardew drawing you away from Rotten Row and leaving Miss Kershaw to wait for you.”

“Yes, I felt sure he would tell you,” she said with a frown.

“He only revealed it when I asked him. He is worried about you.”

She sighed. “Mr. Beaufort was a great help.”

“What was Cardew’s reason to behave so appallingly?” Hugh asked.

“He wished to tell me he is to marry Lady Gwendolyn Piper.”

Hugh, relieved at the news, studied her face for signs of distress and was reassured not to find it. “That was all? Why the secrecy?”

She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter now.”

Hugh curled his fingers into his palms, believing there was much more to the story she wasn’t telling him. “If he intended anything else, I’ll make him very sorry.”

“There’s no need. Lord Cardew intends to leave for Bath tomorrow with his mother. I shan’t see him again.”

Hugh released a breath. He patted her cheek. “It’s for the best, Sarah, love.”

Her expression saddened. “Miss Kershaw thought so too. I’m sure she’s right.”

“Now that we are four, shall we play a game of whist after luncheon?” he said to cheer her.

She smiled and slipped an arm through his. “That would be agreeable.”

They walked along the corridor to the drawing room. “Mr. Beaufort seems a very decent gentleman,” Sarah said.

“He is,” Hugh said, careful not to appear too eager as he opened the door and stepped back for her to pass through it.

Luke appeared more at ease during the card game. They laughed as he related a story about a ram on his property who’d taken it into its mind to herd him away from the flock. “When I turned my back, he butted me like a goat,” he said, grinning. “I fell over into the mud, my dignity in shreds, causing the farmer who was with me to laugh uproariously.”

Sarah giggled and clapped her hands. It heartened Hugh. He’d like to see her marry a man who was not afraid to get his hands dirty. Instead of a strutting, spoiled peacock like Cardew.

After the game finished, Sarah played “Robin Adair” on the piano and Miss Kershaw was persuaded to sing.

Once the strains of music ebbed away, everyone applauded vigorously.

“You have a lovely voice, Miss Kershaw,” Luke said, and Hugh agreed, enjoying her sweet soprano, and especially how the rays of sunlight had fallen upon her golden hair.

Sarah played again while Luke sang in a strong baritone.

Hugh was pleased to see the spark of interest which passed between the performers.

“ Encore !” Miss Kershaw called with a wide smile.

Flushing, Sarah shuffled the music sheets and conversed with Luke.

Hugh clapped his encouragement, but his attention was caught by Miss Kershaw and her delightful smile, warm and inviting. Emotion stirred within him, a need to grow closer, to know her completely. He’d come close to losing control once before when he’d briefly held her as he’d assisted her from the carriage, and he needed to keep his distance until Isabel was married. But what if Nash still pursued her? Her grace and beauty made it impossible for her to be overlooked, plus the rumor of her father’s connections, which would be attractive to men, some respectable and some not.

It would be easier if Sarah stopped throwing Miss Kershaw in his way. Hugh suspected his sister had decided they were meant for each other. He needed to cool his heels until he was viewed as entirely free of any commitment. While he did so, he’d make inquiries about Mr. Rattray. If, as Miss Kershaw had said, the man was interested in marrying her aunt, why had he watched Miss Kershaw so closely at the card party?