Matchmaking the Marquess (The League of Eligible Bachelors #3)

Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ben paced in front of the fireplace in his study, his hands clasped behind his back. They would all be leaving for Hedlund within the hour, and Ben would see Mia. It was the first time he’d talk to her since kissing her. Would he relive that moment over and over every time he looked at her? Every time he saw her perfectly pink lips?

He ran his hand through his hair. Who was he fooling? He’d thought on that moment hundreds of times, and her lips had been nowhere in sight.

He’d seen her at dinner last evening, but Minton had demanded formal seating, which placed Ben a fair distance down the table from her. When the men joined the ladies, Mia had cried off early with a headache and Ben had taken over the duties of host. Technically, it should have been Minton, but he’d had no hand in the planning so was of little help.

Thankfully, Mia had planned a night of silhouettes. When they’d discussed it, Mia had told him she’d draw him, thus saving him from the embarrassment of posing for someone else. But with her in her chambers, Ben had been forced to pose for Miss Meecham and Mrs. Ludlum. It was deuced uncomfortable.

But with the walk along the cliffs and beach planned for this morning, it seemed the time had come for Ben and Mia to speak. He just wished he knew what to say.

How did one start a post-kiss conversation? And what did it entail? ‘Good day, Mia. I heartily enjoyed kissing you yesterday. Might we arrange a time to do it again?’ He shook his head at the absurdity.

Blast it! He hardly knew what to think about it. How was he to discuss it with her? It was not as if he could tell her it was wondersome and sublime. And that he would do it again in a heartbeat if not for the utter confusion he felt afterward. But none of that was appropriate to say to anyone. And especially not to Mia.

A knock sounded at his door.

“Enter,” Ben called.

All the gents walked in, except Rags.

“Are you ready to go to Hedlund?” Charlie asked. His sister stayed partially hidden behind him.

Ben nodded. “Is it time? I thought we still had an hour.”

Cort shrugged. “If you wish to be fashionably late, perhaps. It’s not raining, but the roads are still difficult, and the carriages must travel slowly.” He nudged Ben. “And I would like to arrive early enough to secure Lady Amelia’s company for the walk.”

Ben’s hands clenched at his side. “Why do you not give someone else a turn? She is a fine conversationalist, and I’m certain others would enjoy her company if you were not monopolizing her time.”

Lady Heatherton’s brows rose slowly. “Indeed, Lord Montcort, he has a point.”

Cort shot her a look but then turned back to Ben. “Why must I suffer in someone else’s company just so another gentleman might have a moment of her time? We all know she prefers me to anyone else.”

“My, what an enviable delusion,” Ben mumbled as he grabbed his beaver from the side table and motioned to the corridor.

Ponsy and Charlie stifled laughter.

“What did he say?” Cort demanded.

Charlie and Ponsy shrugged, but their lips still twitched.

Ben waved toward the entryway. “Let’s be on our way. There is nothing Lady Amelia dislikes more than waiting.” He glanced at Cort and smirked. “But there are a few things, I suppose.”

The ladies covered their mouths as they followed the men. Ponsy fell into step with Ben. “You seem out of sorts. Is everything well with you?”

Ben sighed. It wasn’t. Not exactly. He needed to figure things out concerning Mia. But until he knew the answer, he did not feel inclined to discuss it with anyone. Even Ponsy. “I’m fine, Pons.”

Ponsy studied him for a moment. “If you change your mind, I’m a good listener.”

Ben nodded. “I’m well aware of that fact and shall keep it in mind.”

They gathered their coats and filed out into the carriages.

Ben bounded into the carriage with Ponsy, Charlie, and his sister. At the last minute, Rags jumped up the stairs and settled onto the bench next to him.

“Did we interrupt your morning, Rags?” He said sarcastically.

Rags nodded. “As a matter of fact, you did. There is still much to settle with my father’s estate. I should not be here.” He ran a hand down his face.

Charlie frowned. “Why did you come? None of us expected it of you.”

Rags shrugged. “I needed the reprieve.” He grunted. “Botheration! And I thought my father was controlling when he was alive.”

Ben nodded but only half-heartedly. He knew the trials that came with the death of a father. Indeed, all the gents did. Rags was the last one to assume his title in his own right. But the former Duke of Larmont had been a difficult man. No one would argue that point. Ben could only imagine what impediments he’d put in the way of Rags assuming control of the family properties and titles.

The carriage pulled up to Hedlund Hall, and they all disembarked.

In the parlor, Mia stood at the front of the room. “I think it best if we divide into groups to see the cliffs and beach,” Mia said as they walked in.

Ben frowned. He had not remembered her planning it as two groups.

She glanced in his direction. “Oh, very good. Lord Berwick is here. He will lead one group, and I shall lead the other.” She turned toward him, but he noticed she did not look directly at him. “Lord Berwick, do you prefer your group to see the cliffs first or the beach?”

Ben stared at her. Had this always been her plan? Or was this because of the kiss? Did she wish to avoid him? He swallowed. If she was avoiding him, how long would it last? Drat that kiss. If it hadn’t been so soul stirring, he might just regret it.

“We shall take the cliffs,” he said quietly. It seemed he would not be entertaining her for this morning’s activity.

She nodded. “Very good. Then my group shall start at the beach.” She clapped her hands to quiet the murmurs starting among the crowd. “Ladies, if you wish to add shells to your art or to make a shell picture in your free time, now would be the time to collect them. Hastings has small cloth satchels for you to use.”

“What if the gentlemen wish to make a shell picture?” Lord Montcort grinned at her.

She smiled, but Ben could tell her patience with his friend was waning. She was not alone in that. “I’m certain there are plenty of satchels for any of the gentlemen who are so inclined.” Her brows flicked up, and she looked around the room. “Anyone else interested?”

Most of the men looked appalled at the idea. Ben did not find it so loathsome. He and Mia had collected shells many times together. But he was not in the mood for shell collecting. Perhaps if Mia were with him, they could have made a game of it. But she’d made certain that could not happen.

“Shall we select our groups?” Mia asked.

“I suppose,” Ben said. “But may I change my mind and ask for the beach first?” A seed of an idea formed, but it required them to visit the beach first. And take a satchel along.

Mia nodded. “If that is what you wish.”

Ben bowed to her, winking at her as he came up.

Her face turned an adorable shade of pink, and Ben grinned widely. Why did he enjoy making her blush suddenly?

“I shall be in your group, my lady.” Cort hurried over to stand next to her.

Ben gritted his teeth. Of course, he would be the first in Mia’s group.

Miss Newsome and her companion hurried over to Ben’s side. Charlie and his sister then joined them. Reginald and his wife joined Mia’s group, as did Rags—what was that about—and Lord and Lady Heatherton.

Ponsy looked between the two groups. With a shrug, he strolled over to Mia’s group. The matter of loyalty would need to be discussed with his friends.

Lady Charlotte and Lord Rayburton walked to Ben’s side while Mr. Lamb and Miss Cartwright moved over to Mia’s group together. Ben had noticed they’d become quite inseparable the last week. He wondered, for a moment, if there might not be an engagement announced before too long. But he pushed those thoughts aside as he realized people were likely thinking the same thing about Mia and Cort. That soured his stomach.

“Does everyone have a group?” Mia asked.

Miss Lucy Meecham and her mother and father joined Ben’s group as a murmur of consent hummed through the crowd.

Ben looked around and noted Lord Minton was absent. He wondered if Mia’s insistence or his own kept him from the walk. He would ask, but he did not wish Mia to be out of sorts before she led her group. It would do no one any good to have that happen.

Miss Meecham and Miss Newsome both sidled up next to Ben. “My lord, we were afraid you would not be joining us today when Lady Amelia started assembling us before you arrived.” Miss Meecham simpered. Or maybe it was just Ben’s mood that made the lady’s words sound pouty.

He smiled but only out of politeness. Indeed, even with the awkwardness between Mia and him, he would rather speak to her than either of these two ladies. “You needn’t have worried. The roads are still very slick. It simply took longer than usual to get here.” He motioned to the terrace doors. “I believe we shall leave through those doors. If you’ll meet me over there, I shall see if Lady Amelia is ready to leave.”

The ladies did not heed his words. Instead, they followed behind and stood just off his elbow as he waited for Mia to end her conversation with Miss Cartwright. She turned around and looked him in the face for the first time. But it didn’t last long. “Did you need something, Ben?” she asked in a low voice.

“I just wondered if you were ready to leave. It would be best if we went at the same time.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “And how will I know when it’s time to switch?”

“I will whistle to you if that is amiable.”

He nodded. He did not miss the dismissive tone in her voice. It seemed to confirm his earlier assumptions about her trying to avoid him. “Indeed,” he mumbled. He glanced toward the door to see part of his group had already moved outside. “It looks as though we need to catch up with the rest of our group,” he said to Miss Newsome and Miss Meecham. “Make haste.”

Miss Newsome and Miss Meecham reached out and each grabbed one of his arms. “We do not mind if we lag, my lord.” Miss Meecham smiled up at him from under her long dark lashes. She was a pretty sort of girl, yet he found himself unable to muster much enthusiasm over her or her presence. He glanced at Miss Newsome with similar results. As though to compare the ladies, Ben glanced over at Mia. His heart hammered in his chest at the sight of her. That’s what he needed to look for when he married. Someone who made his heart race.

“Let’s be off.” Ben untangled his arms from theirs and motioned them forward. He set a quicker pace than was necessary, causing both ladies to nearly jog to keep up.

Despite what the ladies wanted, Ben wished to catch up with the group. Thankfully, the rest of the guests were taking a leisurely stroll. Before they had even cleared the shadows of Hedlund, Ben and the ladies caught up to the rest of the group. They all headed for the stone stairs that led down to the beach below.

Ben noted with irritation that Mia held on to Cort’s arm as they walked toward the cliffs.

“When last we spoke, you mentioned you will be in London for the Season. When will you arrive?” Miss Meecham spoke next to him.

Ben felt a tinge of guilt. He’d forgotten for a moment that either of these ladies were with him. “I leave the day after All Hallows Night. Parliament does not resume until late in January, but with the weather as it’s been, I think it best to set out early and settle in before Town becomes a crush.”

Miss Newsome released his arm and clapped. “My family will arrive soon after you.” She straightened and beamed. “You might have heard, but Papa was recently elected to the Commons from the borough of Appleby.”

Ben raised his brow. He knew of Appleby and to say that Mr. Newsome ‘was elected’ was a bit of a bouncer. Everyone knew that Appleby was rotten and that Mr. Newsome was a mere puppet for the Earl of Keisley.

Ben nodded. “I’m certain he will make a great addition to the Commons.”

Miss Newsome preened. She was obviously proud of her father’s accomplishment . Or perhaps she was simply happy about what it would mean for her in the upcoming Season.

Ben glanced behind them to see Mrs. Ludlum plodding along behind them, quiet and nearly invisible. The lady was a good chaperone. Perhaps if Mia followed through with becoming a spinster, she could be a chaperone, like Mrs. Ludlum.

A smile turned the corner of his lips. The only problem with that notion was that Mia was neither quiet nor knew how to be invisible. She also did not need to seek employment if she did not marry.

His eyes flicked up to where she walked with Cort on the upper path. He’d recently wondered if she would make it to spinsterhood. While she seemed annoyed with Cort at times, it was hard to argue with the notion when they spent so much time together. Would she even look down at the beach to see his surprise? He would have to risk that she would.

When his boots sunk into the sand, Ben shrugged off both Miss Meecham and Miss Newsome. “I beg your pardon, ladies, but I have some seashells to collect.”

They hurried to catch up to him. “Wait, my lord. We can collect them together,” Miss Meecham called after him.

Ben did not wait for them but started collecting as large of shells as possible. He tucked them into the bags he’d grabbed from Hastings. The other guests—some of them also collecting shells—wandered about the beach, paying him no heed.

As he gathered up shells, it reminded him of another time. A time when he’d stood in this same spot with Mia. Another time when she’d been unhappy with him.

Fifteen-year-old Mia stood in front of him with her fists on her hips. “Why did you not wait for me? It was the last thing I asked you to do last evening.” She huffed out a breath. “And I did not even know you had left without me until I enquired at Tweed.”

Ben smirked at her. “It is not as if you ever wait for me.”

“There was the time you promised to return from Harrow for Easter and did not return until summer.”

He looked at her in confusion. Why was she rattling on about Harrow and Easter?

Noting the confusion on his face, she added. “It was one of the times I have waited for you, Benji.” There was feigned sadness in her eyes, as if just the memory had brought on a bout of melancholy.

“But it was not my choice,” he whined. “When I made that promise, I did not realize we weren’t allowed to come home for Easter.”

Mia shrugged. “Still, I waited until summer for you.” She smiled mischievously. “And I believe last month you were late for supper.”

Ben’s mouth fell open. “But several sheep had been misplaced. I had to find them before dark.”

“It is always excuses with you, Ben.” Mia shrugged. “Nevertheless, those are just two of the times that I can remember with very little difficulty. I am certain there are many more.”

Ben smiled down at his full bag, shells peeking out of the top. Why had that memory come to mind? They’d had dozens of trips to the beach over the years.

He ran his finger over the edge of a shell. He had yet to decide what he’d spell out for her.

He thought back to that day on the beach.

She bent over and plucked up a white curvy shell.

Ben huffed out an irritated sigh. He should have known she would come up with precise examples when he issued the challenge. “I stand corrected. You have waited for me your whole life.” He smirked, but it turned into a grin when he noted her pleased face. Lud, he loved it when she smiled like that.

Ben’s face slackened, and his mouth dropped open. He loved her smile. He loved her fiery eyes and her smirking lips. He loved her temper and her wit. He loved that she was the first person he wished to share his news with. And the first person he sought out when he returned home. He loved that his heart hammered just to see her. He loved talking to her, shooting with her, and fencing with her. Lud, he just loved her . How had he not seen it before? How had he not realized it all these years?

Did she know he would always wait for her? He bent low, laying the shells out on the sand. As he placed the last shell, he straightened and grinned. Would she remember? Would she understand what he meant by it? While it was less obvious what he’d spelled from his vantage point, Mia should see it with little trouble. Or at least he hoped she would.

He looked over at the words spelled out on the beach and sighed as he read over them. ‘I’ll wait for you.’ And he would. He was certain of it. He’d wait until she realized she didn’t wish to be a spinster…that she only wanted to be with him. No matter how long it took, he’d wait. Because he couldn’t imagine himself with anyone else.

His shoulders sagged. He just hoped she’d realize it eventually.