Page 34 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)

Twenty-Five

A knock sounded on the door. It was much too early for Lord Banbridge’s driver to come. Perhaps the beginnings of a storm sent the coach early.

George hurried to her aunt’s door before Elaine could be disturbed, as she had only just gone to her room to change.

A man in a heavy blue wool coat, his face mostly concealed under a scarf, stood in the lightly falling snow.

It was not until George’s eyes connected with Johnathan’s that she recognized him.

“Johnathan! What are you doing here?” She held the door wide and beckoned him in.

He pulled the scarf off. “I have come on an errand, but I need to see to my horse.”

George bit her lip. “We have a stable, but there’s no provisions. We are to leave for Lord Banbridge’s within the hour. Perhaps he could keep him for you.”

“Lord Fitzwilliam Banbridge?”

How did he know the Lord’s Christian name? She was sure she never wrote it, since she only knew of it from Elaine. “Yes. Do you know him? Or only from my letters?”

“We met in Town. I hoped to reside the night at his home. I did not know he was hosting a party.”

“Oh, he is not. He asks us to dine with him twice a week so Timothy and Patrick may see each other.” At least that was the excuse Lord Banbridge used. “I see you’ve gotten used to calling London ‘Town’ the way we do.”

It was more than just that—the accent that laced his words when he first arrived only months ago mostly faded. George pushed down the feeling of loss. This was what he was meant to be.

Johnathan chuckled. “I suppose I have. Are any blankets in the stable? I should at least care for my horse as much as I can until we are ready to leave.”

George reached for her shawl, but Johnathan laid his hand on her forearm to stop her. “Stay inside.”

Warmth spread up her arm, a warmth she’d missed so very much. “I believe there are some in the tack room. I’m sorry there’s no food?—”

“I will find it. I would appreciate some water.”

“I’ll fetch it, then, and bring it to you in the stable.”

“You should not go out.”

“Nonsense. I’ll come from the kitchen. It’s much closer.”

Elaine appeared at the top of the stairway. “Is the carriage early?”

“No. Aunt Elaine, this is Mr. Johnathan Whittaker, my cousin.”

“We were not expecting you, sir.”

“No. I’m afraid it was a last-minute decision, and I would have outrun any express.”

“We are expected at a neighbor’s within the hour.”

“As I’ve been told. I met Lord Banbridge last month. He extended a general invitation, should I ever be in the area. I hope that he will not be too put out if I arrive with you.”

Aunt Elaine looked at George. “One can only ask. Well, then, welcome, Mr. Whittaker. I have heard only a little of you. Do come in and wait.”

“I was going to take care of my horse the best I could until we remove ourselves to Lord Banbridge’s.

“Very well.”

George shut the door behind Mr. Whittaker and turned to her aunt.

“I told him I would bring water for the horse.

“Had you any notion of him coming?”

“None at all.”

“Very well. Go and fetch the water.” Aunt Elaine waved her off and returned to her chamber.

George found Johnathan in the stable, still bundled, rubbing down a horse she did not recognize. “Is he yours?”

“Yes. He is. Although I’m afraid I have terribly abused him on this journey.”

She set the bucket of water near a trough. “You did not run him the whole way, did you?”

“No, although we did keep up a good trot to keep us both warm.” Johnathan took the pail and moved it where the horse could reach it. “I hope your aunt or her cook do not mind that I did not transfer the water, I am not sure that the trough will not leak.”

“It was not on our repair list. As the chickens do not need it.” As if they knew they were being discussed, soft warbles came from the coop on the other side of the barn.

“I see you kept the coop in the barn.”

“No reason to move it.” This was not the time for chit chat so George chose the direct approach. “Why are you here?”

“You were not able to return to Kellmore, and your sisters were quite disappointed.” He pointed to a bag. “I have come bearing gifts. Jane was beside herself with her worry about you not having more than a letter as your father refused to send a parcel.”

George started towards the large pack.

Johnathan tugged her back by the elbow. “Not yet. Absolutely no peeking.”

“I hate waiting.”

It was Johnathan’s turn to laugh. “So your sisters tell me on a regular basis.”

“I have told you the very same myself.”

“What I do not understand is how you can enjoy farming so much when farming is a waiting game.”

“It is different with plants. They change every day. It is not like looking at a rock—at least you can see progress.” Again with things they already noted in letters. More than one of which read like a farming almanac. “Will you return to Kellmore straight away?”

“If Lord Banbridge will extend a day or two of hospitality, I hope to stay until Thursday. Then I must return as I promised to be there for Christmas. Unfortunately, he has only a few hours’ warning as I sent the message late last night from the inn.

If today is not convenient for him, I will stay at the coaching inn and return tomorrow.

I would not presume to stay with you. I have learned that gossip among the ton is spread in Napoleonic proportions. ”

“Ah, another thing you’ve gotten used to about our society.”

“Sadly, yes.”

“You must know that they have paired Isabel and you together—or so I have heard.” George bit her tongue to keep from asking whether he had feelings for Isabel, and if the rumors she heard were true. She hoped they were not. He was here, after all—not with the Godderidges or some unnamed family.

“We have attended many functions at the same time. And owing to her family’s connections with your sister’s husband, we are often in the same circle. However, there is nothing between us beyond a mutual desire to avoid certain parties.”

“What parties?”

“Fortune hunters, mostly. My future title and Miss Godderidge’s dowry are both great enticements.”

“Are you enticed?”

He set the bucket down and reached for her hand. “I meant what I said the day you left. I wish to know you better. Unfortunately, letter writing is not all I hoped it would be.”

George looked up into the light reflecting in his eyes.

She could stare at them very happily all day.

“It is difficult to write of things of the heart. I find it so with my sisters as well. For one cannot know how one’s words will be taken—or who might see them.

I admit I often sign George mostly out of fear of discovery. ”

“I assure you, I receive your letters and read each one privately.”

“As do I. We shall hope that at least in the next few days, we will have time to converse.”

“Do you think it possible?”

“I believe my aunt has developed a tendre for Lord Banbridge—and he for her. Your addition will even out our numbers, so to speak,” she said, smiling. “And allow for better conversation—and a bit of privacy for both of us.”

“I quite like that idea.”

“Come inside. Let’s get you warm and presentable before Lord Banbridge’s carriage arrives.”

“I shall still have to ride my horse.”

She looked at the animal. “He will be much more comfortable in Lord Banbridge’s stables.”

He offered his arm.

“Will you be bringing your bag inside?”

“No, I think it’s best to keep you separated from it—as you pointed out, you hate waiting. And your sisters asked me to make sure you wait until Christmas morning.”

“I feel so bad. I’ve sent them nothing but a letter.”

“They understand your circumstances.”

“But I’ve made them many gloves. I’ve been knitting day and night. Do you think they will like them?”

“I would be delighted to wear gloves made by you or a scarf.” His adam’s apple moved more than usual. “I would like something of yours around me and holding my hands.”

George felt heat flood her face and turned to hurry back to the warmth of the kitchen. She was not prepared to return his flirtation.

A footman showed Johnathan to a room that, according to Lord Banbridge, had been “hastily prepared.” A warm fire greeted him, along with hot water, as if the room was ready for guests at all times.

Johnathan changed his shirt for another in his bag.

Traveling by horseback, he brought only a single change of clothes.

He laid out his travel-worn shirt and hoped that he might impose upon Lord Banbridge’s servants to clean it.

He found Georgiana and Mrs. Hale in the parlor with Lord Banbridge. Young Timothy disappeared into the bowels of the house the moment they arrived.

A footman announced the luncheon was ready. Lord Banbridge extended his arm for Mrs. Hale. Johnathan did the same for Georgiana.

The conversation flowed easily throughout the meal. Lord Banbridge asked many questions about life in the colonies and if he knew how negotiations fared in Ghent.

Instead of the women leaving and the men being left alone to talk, as happened after most formal dinners, they all went to the parlor together.

“I wished to have a game of whist this past month, but since neither of our sons are ready to be partners, we have not played a good game. What do you say, Johnathan?”

“I like that idea very much.”

“Ladies, would you prefer to partner with us or each other?”

Georgiana looked at her aunt.

Mrs. Hale looked down at her hands before meeting Lord Banbridge’s gaze. “I believe I would like to be your partner, my lord.”

The joy in Lord Banbridge’s expression was not easily hidden.

The game was full of laughter and those little foibles that make it memorable. The clock struck five, indicating that the afternoon had well passed.

“Do you mind if I have the children join us?” asked Lord Banbridge.

Of course, nobody objected and the children were sent for.

Timothy bounded into the room. “Mother, we have been making paper boats.”

“Really?”