The Choice of a Cavalier (The Heirs of the Aristocracy Book 3) Read online

  “Could I act as a witness?” Juliet asked.

  Tom inhaled, about to say she couldn’t when he thought better of it. “If you are one-and-twenty, and you are not married...” He allowed a shrug.

  “I am not,” they both said in unison.

  Tom sighed, his brows furrowed. “Truth be told, I would be more comfortable if your father... or your brother could sign as a witness.” He was fairly certain Lord Michael was still in London.

  Victoria gave him a quelling glance. “My father is in Wiltshire. Besides, I have no wish for my older brother to know of this.”

  “I understand,” Tom said on a sigh. “Will just one night be enough time for you to review the terms?”

  Victoria glanced at the sheath of papers. “I should think so.”

  “If you have any questions... any whatsoever, please send word with a courier, or I can answer them on the morrow,” he replied as he moved to take his leave.

  “Would you care to join us for a ride, Mr. Grandby? There are more than enough horses in need of exercise,” Victoria offered.

  Tom hesitated. Despite what he had told her the day before, he had ridden a horse on occasion. “Do you have a docile mare in your stables, perhaps?”

  Victoria displayed a brilliant smile. “Come. We’ll find you the perfect mount,” she said as she set aside the papers on the hall’s round table.

  Feeling as if the young woman might be setting him up for a fall, Tom offered both his arms to the ladies before they headed down the wide corridor to the back door. “I cannot help but think I have interrupted a ladies’ afternoon.”

  Juliet giggled. “Lady Victoria has me join her for a ride at least once a week,” she admitted. “And the timing of her invitation could not be better.”

  They stepped outside to find the sun peeping through the clouds. Snow no longer fell, and what little there was on the ground seemed determined to melt. “Has something happened?” Tom asked.

  Juliet was about to tell him about Lord Haddon, but decided it would be better if as few people knew about it as possible. She rather doubted anyone who might have paid witness to the punch she had planted in Lord Haddon’s stomach would share it in a Mayfair parlor, or worse, tell it to the gossip rags, but one never knew for certain.

  Apparently of another mind, Victoria said, “Miss Comber was an innocent participant in an earl’s accident with a fencing foil yesterday. I think she fears he will feel honor-bound to marry her.”

  Tom turned a worried look on his friend’s daughter. “Were you hurt?”

  Juliet shook her head. “No, not really. Just a slight bruise is all.”

  “Would you consider his suit if he proposed marriage?”

  Juliet’s eyes widened in horror. She hadn’t expected Mr. Grandby to ask such a personal question, but then she knew her father and he were close friends. “Perhaps a few years ago, but certainly not now. He is...” She sighed and aimed a quelling glance in Victoria’s direction just as they entered the stables. “He has grown quite proud these past couple of years.”

  “Some earls can be peacocks,” Tom said as his gaze fell on the horse Victoria had been riding the day before. The stableboy, Jemmy, was securing the saddle as a groom Tom hadn’t seen before finished saddling a bay. When he saw that Sam’s leg had a wrap on it, Tom asked, “Has his leg improved?”

  Victoria crossed her arms. “We’ll find out soon enough. Juliet will ride him today.” She turned her attention to the groom. “Mr. Grandby will be joining us on our ride. Mr. Danbury, would you see to saddling the other bay for him? Daisy could use a run.”

  “Right away, my lady,” the groom replied as he led the just-saddled bay out of the stables.

  “Daisy?” Tom asked in a quiet voice.

  “Her real name is Desdemona of Dover,” Victoria replied in a hoarse whisper. “And she despises it.”

  “I’ll remember that,” Tom promised, recalling what Lord Michael had said about Victoria’s nickname. He watched the stableboy lead Sam to a mounting block. Julia made quick work of stepping up and onto the sidesaddle. With her right leg wrapped over the pommel and the hem of her skirts artfully arranged in an arc along the side of the horse, she accepted a crop from Jemmy and used it to tap Sam’s right flank. Sam stepped away from the block and moved to join the other saddled horse.

  Tom watched as Victoria mounted the bay and put it through a few quick paces. Seeing her swing her leg over the horse and sit astride in the saddle had his nether region responding, especially when one of her hands gripped the pommel. He had to suppress the urge to moan when an image of her doing that to him formed in his mind’s eye.

  What the hell is wrong with me?

  She was a client. A duke’s daughter. The very last thing he should be thinking about was them, together, in a bed. Her atop him. Or them in any other position, for that matter.

  When he sensed Victoria was about to look his way, he turned his attention to the groom and asked, “Is there anything I need to know about this particular horse?”

  “Not particularly, sir,” Danbury replied. “She’s been chomping at the bit to get some exercise, though, so she may wish to run a bit ’afore she settles down.”

  “I’ll give her the rein once we get out on the track.”

  A few minutes later, Tom mounted the mare and joined the two young ladies and their mounts as they made their way to the track, impressed by the restraint his mare displayed.

  “We’ll do an easy run to warm them up,” Victoria said as she studied Tom’s position in the saddle. “It can’t have been that long since you rode,” she said with an arched brow.

  Tom allowed a shrug. “I managed time for a ride in the park just last week,” he admitted, glad for the chance to prove he could ride a horse. After their meeting the day before, he’d been left with the impression he had disappointed her.

  Once they reached the track, it was as if the horses knew what to do. Tom’s mount was the first to go from a walk to a trot to a run, quickly followed by the other two, although Juliet kept Sam on the inside of the turns while Victoria moved hers, a faster Thoroughbred, to the outside. Before long, the three horses were abreast of one another and seemed to favor their positions, none of them looking to gain a lead.

  Tom was quick to note Sam’s stride. The horse didn’t favor his foreleg. His own mount, behaving as promised, had settled into a steady run designed for distance. Even after they had made the circuit twice, the horses continued their run.

  Exhilarated by the speed and the excitement of racing between two horses ridden by women, Tom felt a joy he had not experienced in a very long time. He didn’t care if his clothes were splattered from the wet turf, or if mud stained his boots. He understood why it was some people were invigorated by riding a running horse.

  After the third circuit, he sensed Victoria’s mount slipping back while Sam suddenly surged ahead. Despite the increased speed of her stablemate, Daisy continued to run at the same pace. When all the horses had completed four loops, he followed the women’s lead in slowing down their mounts to a quick trot for a fifth turn about the track. The three of them made their way back to the stables at a walk.

  “It appeared as if Sam did not limp,” he said to Juliet.

  “He did not,” she agreed. She leaned forward and said to Victoria, “Whatever was wrong yesterday seems to have disappeared.”

  “I am relieved to hear it,” their hostess said with a happy sigh. “Can you stay for tea, Mr. Grandby? It may be some time before we’ll be finished changing into proper clothes, but you’re welcome to use the parlor for an office whilst you wait.”

  Tom considered the invitation but noted the condition of his clothes. “I’d best not. I wouldn’t want to soil your furnishings or carpets,” he replied as he indicated his boots. “Besides, I’ve an appointment at the office.”

  “Very well. But we’ll see you tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Will four o’clock be acceptable?” A quick look at his chronomet
er had him thinking she would be done with her ride and changed into clothes by then.

  “I’ll be ready,” she replied.

  “I’ll leave you ladies to it then,” he said as he dismounted.

  Jemmy hurried up to take the reins as Tom quickly moved to Juliet’s side and lifted her down from her mount. He was about to do the same for Victoria when he turned to discover she had already dismounted.

  He gave a bow and took her hand to his lips. “My lady. Thank you for the opportunity to ride. You’ve reminded me of a pleasure I have not had for some time.”

  Turning to regard Juliet, he gave a bow and lifted her hand to his lips, noting how she curtsied when Victoria didn’t offer him the same courtesy.

  A moment later, and he was making his way through the house and to his town coach, fighting the urge to simply change his mind and stay for tea. He was about to give in when he noted the other groom, Thompson, driving a cart loaded with hay into the circle drive.

  Thompson pulled back on the reins, the single draft horse stuttering to a halt as the groom turned his attention on Tom. “Afternoon, sir,” he called out. “Business with her ladyship again?”

  Sensing suspicion in the man’s voice, Tom said, “Indeed. Just some paperwork for her to review.”

  The groom’s eyes narrowed. “You won’t be taking advantage, if that’s what you’re thinking to do.” He tied the reins to the pole next to his seat and clambered down.

  Tom thought the wording of Thompson’s warning was odd. “I rather doubt Lady Victoria would allow such a circumstance,” he replied as he moved closer to the groom. “Besides, I came at her invitation, and my business with her is honorable.”

  Although Tom hadn’t noticed much about the man the day before, he made a quick assessment of him now based on his appearance—mid-forties, tanned face and hands, and clothes that were appropriate for his vocation but of high quality.

  Then he noticed Thompson’s bearing. He had either been in the military or held a position as a Bow Street Runner or a magistrate’s man.

  So why was he a groom at a country estate near London?

  He was about to ask when Thompson put voice to his question. “You related to that earl with the Grandby name?”

  Nodding, Tom said, “The Earl of Torrington is a cousin, yes.” His own suspicion rising, he added, “As is the Duke of Ariley.” Although he rarely brought up his family relations, Tom thought it best to do so now. Thompson probably had a pistol hidden in his coat pocket, and if not, his fists could probably take out a man even as tall as Tom with a single punch to the jaw.

  Thompson immediately relaxed at hearing the reference to the Duke of Ariley. “Very well, sir. Didn’t mean to be pokin’ my nose where it doesn’t belong, but I try to look out for her ladyship.”

  Tom allowed a look of relief. “I’m glad to hear it. Out here, she’s an easy target for a kidnapper.” His eyes darted sideways before he amended his comment. “Well, a target, at least.”

  Allowing a grin, Thompson agreed but said, “Not on my watch.” He gave a wave and led the draft horse to the side of the house and back toward the stables.

  Watching him go, Tom wondered if Thompson had been hired by the Duke of Somerset to provide protection or if Lady Victoria had done so. He made a mental note to ask her.

  Tom gave his driver instructions to return him to the office and then climbed into the coach.

  Victoria watched Tom make his way back to the house, a sense of disappointment settling over her. Although this day was supposed to be for her and her friend to spend together, she had been surprised—pleasantly so—by his appearance, and by his willingness to ride with them despite his lack of riding clothes.

  As his parting words replayed in her head—you’ve reminded me of a pleasure I have not had for some time—she wondered if they had been said with the double entendre in mind.

  She rather hoped so.

  Chapter 16

  An Earl on the Hunt

  An hour later at Fairmont Park

  “I’ve ordered tea and biscuits,” Victoria said when Juliet joined her at the top of the stairs. “I think it is warm enough in the orangery for us to have our tea there.”

  Juliet had changed out of her riding habit into a day gown of pale blue muslin trimmed in vandyke lace. She regarded her hostess with a huge grin. “Blue looks better on you, I think.”

  Victoria glanced down the front of her darker blue frock, a simple wool gown with long sleeves and a full skirt, and allowed a shrug. “Why, thank you, but I do believe your gown is perfect with your blonde hair.”

  Displaying a wan grin, Juliet said, “Not that it matters. Who will see?”

  As they made their way down to the ground floor, Victoria reached out to grip the handrail and nearly stumbled.

  “Are you all right?” Juliet’s eyes were wide with fright at the thought of Victoria falling down the stairs.

  “I am fine,” Victoria replied on a sigh as she reached the bottom. “Although, I do believe I shall have to replace these slippers.” She pulled up her skirt and wiggled one slippered foot. Without the other next to it for comparison, it wasn’t immediately evident the foot had at one time been crushed, most of the bones broken, and the arch flattened.

  “I’m sure there is a shoemaker who can create something that will fit better,” Juliet said as she glanced down. “London must have a hundred of them.”

  “If there is, I haven’t found him,” Victoria replied. Truth be told, she hadn’t exactly spent the time to look. Horses had been her focus ever since she reopened Fairmont Park.

  The two made their way to the door leading to the loggia and the orangery, but Victoria paused before going through. “Do you hear that?”

  Juliet glanced back toward the hall. “I think you have a caller,” she said, the unmistakeable sound of a male voice barely reaching them. “Are you expecting anyone?”

  Victoria shook her head. “Mr. Grandby said he wouldn’t return until tomorrow afternoon,” she murmured as she made her way past a series of paintings featuring ancient relatives to reach the front hall.

  Before Clark could announce him, Christopher, Earl of Haddon, appeared, spread out his arms, and gave an exaggerated bow. “Vicky, my darling! It’s so good to see you again.”

  Juliet froze in place behind Victoria. Her startled gaze took in the sight of the dashing earl. Dressed in buff trousers, black boots, a deep green waistcoat, and a black top coat, he appeared far more conservative than he had the day before. And yet, if he had been wearing a cavalier hat adorned with a dyed ostrich plume, no one would have given him a second glance.

  Victoria dipped a curtsy as she suppressed a laugh. “You as well, Haddon. I believe you’ve already met my house guest, Miss Comber?” Even before she finished the introduction, she sorted why the earl had come.

  He was there for Julia, which meant he knew she would be at Fairmont Park, which meant he had spoken with Alistair Comber.

  And he had timed his call to coincide with afternoon tea.

  Juliet held her breath as she curtsied, sure her face was bright pink. “My lord,” she murmured, her eyes widening as the earl bowed over her hand. His grip on her fingers sent tingles shooting up her arm, and when his lips took purchase on the back of her hand, she had to suppress the urge to gasp and pull away.

  His kiss was not a simple brushing of lips over skin. He had bestowed the kiss as if he was making love to her hand.

  “I have indeed already had the pleasure,” Christopher said before his gaze locked onto Juliet’s. “Under very unfortunate circumstances, though. May I say you look especially fetching in blue? I do hope you have recovered?”

  Juliet said, “I have, thank you. And you?” A flicker of confusion showed in his eyes, and she added, “You hit your head, did you not? I do hope you haven’t suffered a megrim as a result.”

  Christopher tossed his head and aimed his reply in Victoria’s direction. “It was terribly clumsy of me—”

&n
bsp; “You? Clumsy?” Victoria teased, feigning disbelief.

  He pretended offense but took her hand to his lips and gave it a quick peck. “Clumsy, but necessary, it seems.”

  “Necessary?” Victoria repeated. “You must explain it all over tea. We were just on our way to the orangery.”

  “Ah, let me say it is an honor to be invited,” he said as he held out both his arms. “Shall we?”

  Juliet paused before she placed her hand on his arm, her fingers barely resting on the soft superfine of his top coat. Victoria did the same on the other side of him, and the three made their way through the corridor to the door.

  As they passed by the loggia, Christopher said, “My ladies, it seems the knock on my noggin has not only left me with a knot, but it has also caused a most fortunate side effect.”

  “You do seem far happier than you did during our last encounter,” Victoria remarked as they entered the orangery. The warmth and tropical scents had all three of them inhaling. “Is there more?”

  Christopher dared a glance in Juliet’s direction before he said, “The time of my life has been set back several years.” He quickly moved to pull two chairs out from the metal table, and the women seated themselves.

  “Whatever do you mean?” Victoria asked as she watched him take the chair between her and Juliet—the chair Mr. Grandby had occupied when they’d had luncheon at the same table.

  The earl leaned back and said, “I feel as if I have youthened. As if I have not lived the last few years. That their horrid effects on me have been erased.”

  Juliet considered everything that had happened to her in the last three years—her come-out, a few Seasons of entertainments, a few not-so-serious suitors, and the rest of the time spent with horses—and she couldn’t imagine having to live them over again.

  “What effects might those be?” Victoria asked as she poured tea.

  Christopher furrowed a brow. “Surely you’ve noticed I was not as you remember me from my last visit to Wiltshire?”