Chapter Five #2
She caught him nod ever so slightly. “It has but I don’t mind it.
I assist my father with the family estates because he’s slowing down, and it gives me an opportunity to make sure everything is as it should.
One day my father won’t be here, and I’ll inherit the dukedom.
I’d rather be on top of it than have surprises. ”
“How many estates?”
“Three. One outside York, another in southeastern Sussex, and the other in Scotland.”
“Scotland?” she asked.
“Yes. I don’t get up there but maybe once a year. It’s in the highlands. My great-grandfather inherited from his wife’s father after he died. They had no sons and he didn’t want to leave it to her extended relations, so it became part of her dowry.”
“Do you have a favorite?”
He shook his head as they continued on their walk.
“Not really. The one in Sussex is convenient and has been used as the family seat for generations. York is farther away but there are coal mines on the far side of the property and of course the estate in Scotland is beautiful but very hard to get to.”
“Don’t tell me it sits empty with only servants maintaining it,” Harriet said.
“Actually, my father lets a distant cousin live there in exchange for maintaining the estate. Sort of like an estate manager.”
She nodded. “You ought to visit.”
“You’re right, but with me starting this new railroad car business, it makes it a little more difficult. We’re still in a growth phase and I need to be there to make sure new customers are satisfied one hundred percent.”
As they were coming towards the end of the grass and to the walking path, the entire situation changed.
Someone pushed into Harriet from behind leaving her off balance.
She was trying desperately to maintain composure.
Lucien held onto her by grabbing the arm she’d had linked in his moments ago, to no avail.
A second person copied what the first had done.
The remaining grass was still damp and hadn’t dried out after a late-night rain.
This time Lucien was unable to keep his grip on her.
Harriet fell forward into the wet grass and mud.
Maintaining his position, Lucien crouched down next to Harriet.
“Are you hurt?” he asked?
“Only my pride,” she replied.
“Come, I’ll help you up.”
Groaning, Harriet let Lucien help her to her feet. She glanced down and found her dress was wet and muddy almost everywhere. This had been no random incident. She still had her reticule, so money wasn’t what they were after. “Please take me home.”
He pulled a square out of his jacket and began to attempt to clean her face. “I’ve already sent your maid to the carriage.”
It was too late to undo what had just happened.
People were already noticing her ill-fated appearance.
Once again, she had been made a laughingstock.
She imagined Lucien couldn’t wait to distance himself from her.
She should be used to it, but she couldn’t help but be angry this time.
She wasn’t going to let this be the end of whatever was blossoming between Lucien and herself.
*
Lucien couldn’t believe what had happened. He was thoroughly enjoying his walk with Harriet when out of nowhere someone came running from behind and bumped into her with such force it almost knocked her over. He’d barely managed to keep hold of her and after a repeat performance she went down.
Now after helping her out of the mud, they both agreed it was time to leave.
He didn’t want her embarrassed any more than necessary and knew this would be fodder for the gossips.
The less they got to whisper about, the better.
Walking back to the carriage he tried to engage in conversation with Harriet wanting to keep her from thinking about people watching them, or her in particular.
He waited until he thought he had the perfect moment. “Harriet, in spite of what just happened, I want you to know I still wish to call on you.”
Turning to look at him, she shook her head. “Please don’t pity me.”
“I’m not. I was going to speak with your cousin about courting you but wanted you to feel comfortable about the idea. I know this is all new to you. After what just happened my decision is even stronger. I’ll speak with Arthur, if you agree to it.”
Looking down at her face, he could tell she was overwhelmed. Tears misted her eyes as she took in what he told her. This was faster than he’d planned. From the moment he saw her Lucien knew she was the one. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but he didn’t want her feeling stunned.
“You’re sure about this?” she asked, her voice faint.
“Yes, I am.”
The sides of her pink, pouty mouth turned upwards. “Then go ahead and speak with Arthur.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. Taking her hand, he squeezed it.
This time they both looked at the other before Lucien bent down and kissed her on the lips.
A first kiss shared in an open carriage.
He would never forget it. This was only the start.
Lucien hoped making this step with Harriet was just the start and would take them to the next phase. Betrothed.
A million things crossed his mind as they sat in contented silence on their return trip to her cousin’s home.
He would need to take her to meet his parents.
They still attended social events, and he didn’t want them meeting her that way.
Perhaps dinner so everyone could get to know each other in a more intimate setting.
He would speak with his mother to see when a good evening for this would be.
The carriage pulled up to Jameson House. Harriet’s maid was the first to get off and told her mistress she would get her fresh clothes laid out and a bath drawn before disappearing.
Helping her down, Lucien once again took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. As soon as they entered the house, both Daphne and Arthur appeared out of nowhere. From the look on their faces and the way they were acting word had gotten to them about Harriet’s embarrassing situation.
“I’m fine. Really. Lucien took good care of me,” Harriet said.
“Two boys were the cause of this?” Arthur asked.
“At least two. The incident was planned, just not very well executed, thank God,” Lucien replied.
Daphne neared Harriet. “Why don’t we go upstairs and get you cleaned up? I’m sure Lucien won’t mind.”
“No, not at all. I wanted to speak with Arthur anyway,” Lucien replied. He noted Arthur and his wife glancing between themselves with a slight smile on Daphne’s face.
The ladies disappeared leaving the two men in the huge entry hall. “Why don’t we go to my study? Otherwise, we’ll have to listen to Sam give his two cents’ worth.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I keep forgetting about Sam and how naughty he can be.”
Lucien followed his friend down a hall to the closed door of his study.
He sat down on an overstuffed dark-brown leather chair while Arthur poured them each a glass of whiskey.
He accepted and took a swallow. It was smooth, better than most, but Arthur always did have a palate for remarkable whiskey and brandy.
“What was all that about in the park?” Arthur asked.
“I believe that group of young ladies who don’t seem to want your cousin and me seeing each other may be responsible. The entire incident was too planned.”
“Could be, knowing some of the young ladies by reputation.”
“It’s no wonder they haven’t found a husband,” Lucien mused.
Arthur shifted his weight and took a first drink of his whiskey. “I take it you’re wanting to call on Harriet and would like my blessing?”
“Yes.”
“Do you see this courtship developing into something more serious?”
Looking at the amber-colored liquid in his glass, Lucien swirled it about. “Yes, I do. I’ve known since I first met her that we were meant to be.”
“Then you have my blessing to court her,” Arthur replied.
“Thank you, Arthur.”
“No need to thank me. I can look at you both and tell you’re happy.”
Lucien sighed and finished off the remainder of his whiskey. “I find her amazing. I don’t understand why she didn’t become betrothed last season, but I’m glad.”
“I think a lot had to do with her mother. Her mother is overbearing when it comes to Harriet, which is why she can be painfully shy at times.”
“I believe you’re right,” Lucien said. “I’m seeing a young swan grow.”
Arthur rose from his seat and picked up Lucien’s glass. He took and refilled them both and turned to sit back down. “Do your parents know?”
“I told them I’d met someone, but that’s all. I plan on telling them and to take Harriet for dinner to meet them soon.”
Lucien’s parents had been receptive when he told them about Harriet.
The idea that he’d found someone who might become his wife thrilled them.
His parents knew Harriet’s through social events, which made him wonder what they thought of Harriet’s mother and her opinions.
He could always hope that with Harriet’s father in attendance his wife kept a quieter profile.
“What about Harriet’s mother and father?” Lucien asked.
“They aren’t in London that I’m aware of. Last I heard they were going to the Continent, but I can’t be sure of that,” Arthur said. “I will tell you how relaxed Harriet is without being under her mother’s watchful eye.”
“Yes, she’s mentioned how demanding her mother is. How nothing pleases her.”
“That’s very true. It might be something to do with Harriet not having siblings. Her mother expects perfection out of her.”
Lucien nodded. “I can see this all having a positive influence on Harriet. She’s becoming her own person.”
“Indeed.”
“I probably should ask you, but I’m going to teach her how to ride astride. I’m sure you know why she only rides sidesaddle and hates it.”
Arthur nodded with a grin. “That’s fine. She rides well, so she’ll learn quickly.”
“That was my opinion as well. I brought an older gelding with me that I think will suit her nicely.”
“Good, just make sure you take her somewhere quiet while she gets used to the change,” Arthur said.
Lucien hadn’t planned on taking her near the Serpentine even if there were areas that were quiet. He knew there were other areas of Hyde Park he could take her, or even take her to an entirely different park. It would be nice if they could ride in the country, but that would come later.
“Oh, I forgot to mention to you. There’s an Italian soprano who’s in town. I happen to know that Harriet adores her. Why don’t you accompany us. It’ll let the two of you be seen in public as a couple.”
“That sounds like a grand idea,” Lucien said.
A knock sounded on the door to Arthur’s study, and he beckoned whomever it was to enter. It was the butler, and he had a sealed envelope. “I don’t mean to disturb you, Your Grace, but this just arrived and was told it was important.”
He handed it to Arthur and began to leave. “Is anyone waiting on a reply?”
“No, Your Grace.”
The older man bowed and left the room. Arthur handed the correspondence to Lucien. “It’s for you.”
Lucien read the paper once, then again. The problem with having the Prince of Wales as a customer was the fact the man was demanding.
More than anyone he knew. The prince had some changes he wanted to make for the car Lucien’s company was building for him.
He wanted to go over them today and meet Lucien there in an hour’s time.
“Bad news?” Arthur inquired.
“No, not unless you consider the prince as such. He has changes for his car and has to see me now.” Lucien shook his head. He knew he couldn’t say no. Being who he was, the prince or just the fact he was doing business with Lucien was cause enough to get new orders from friends of the prince.
Rising from his seat, Lucien set his glass down. “I hate to do this, but I can’t ignore him. Can you apologize to Harriet on my behalf?”
“Of course I can.”
“Tell her I’ll be in touch with her as soon as I can get away from the prince.”
“Go, I’ll tell her,” Arthur replied.
Lucien walked out of the room, Arthur following him.
They made it to the front door where his landau was waiting on him.
He once again said his good-byes to his friend and climbed into the carriage.
He told his driver where they needed to go and that it was urgent.
Sometimes his driver knew other ways to go if the main thoroughfares were congested. Luckily that wasn’t the case today.