Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Henry stood stock-still with his hands clasped behind his back while Miss Montford explored the grotto with careful steps. He had never longed to touch a lady as much as he did this one, yet he would not dishonour her or betray her grandfather’s trust—no matter how much his fingers itched to caress the soft flesh of her cheek. However, how was he to resist? The urge was not one he had ever experienced before.
She stopped at each window to take in the view as well as stepped inside the chamber with the white marble statue of Zeus in pride of place. Despite the attention upon her at the opera, she had been more relaxed. Did his presence make her uneasy?
When she peeked inside another door, she gasped. “Oh! Another statue.” Upon her return, she glanced about herself. “Is there only the one door in and out?”
“No, we can continue the path through the chamber you just left.” Miss Montford nodded as he stepped forward. “You seem ill-at-ease this morning. Is there something I can do for your relief?”
“I do not believe so, but I thank you.” Her eyes remained trained on the floor. Why would she not look at him?
“Can you tell me what disturbs you?”
“I would not say disturbs, Your Grace. It seems I am a poor judge of people and their intentions, and I am unsure how to behave, particularly after our earlier discussion.” She wrung her hands in front of her.
He had kept his arms restrained behind him to ensure he remained a gentleman, but she was out of sorts. He stepped forward and released his own hands so he could take hers. If he could calm her, he would. “As I mentioned earlier, I would prefer you to be yourself.”
“You would?”
“Yes. You must admit to knowing people who are not what they seem. I have grown tired of those who attempt to curry favour then speak ill of me when my back is turned. My wife and I, in public, appeared to tolerate each other well enough, but we were never so much as friends. I have no wish for such an unequal alliance again as the existence is a lonely one. You are quite different from most ladies, and I suppose it is why I desire to know you better.”
He removed his gloves and tucked them into his pocket. When his fingers touched the back of her hand, she frowned but did not argue when he tugged each finger of her glove to take it off. When he pressed his palm to hers, a frisson travelled through them at the place where their flesh met.
“Do you feel that? I have heard of such a thing but never experienced the like.”
“Perhaps because we are so rarely without gloves.” He did not miss the hint of breathlessness to her tone. Her eyes now held his without wavering while her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. He was too close, but he could not be sorry for it. He bent forward and touched her lips with his. Her inhale hitched, and he took the opportunity to repeat the caress, lingering a bit longer the second time.
When he withdrew, she lifted her fingers to her mouth.
He should apologise for his forwardness. He had sworn he would not touch her, but instead of offering an apology, he drew her hand from her face and kissed her palm, savouring the softness under his lips. Meanwhile, she watched without blinking. Her gentle nature certainly made her singular. He had never met one so beautiful with the kindness to match. When he was younger, he would not have imagined finding himself attracted to such a woman, but now, in this moment, every part of him craved to crush her to him, to make her his.
He shook himself and released her hand. “We should continue.”
She nodded, and as he showed her the way out, he reluctantly handed her the glove he had just removed from her delicate hand. He was not ready to replace his own just yet. The tingling remained from a moment ago, and the urge to leave it undisturbed had prevailed. How long would the sensation of her touch linger?
Miss Montford slipped her glove back on before they wandered around the opposite bank of the lake. When they reached the path to the house, Miss Montford strayed from their walk, her fingers trailing along the bark of the trees as she wound her way through. Her gloves would become dirty if she continued as she was.
“Where are you taking me?”
She turned her head, though not far enough to see him following. “I am not ready to end our ramble.”
He allowed her to climb uphill through the cover of the old oaks surrounding them until they stood upon the top near the folly that boasted of a stunning prospect over the lake and gardens below. If one knew where to look, they could even make out the house through the trees. Her chest rose and fell from the exertion as she gazed out over the view she had gained by her exercise. With a becoming flush upon her cheeks, she pivoted in a circle, taking in the scene in every direction. Her heightened colour only served to make her more beautiful. He could lose his heart to her. Why did that not frighten him?
“We shall need to depart soon lest our return to Richmond House be after dark. I would not have your grandfather angry with me.”
Miss Montford pressed her lips together in a tight smile. “Forgive me. The freedom today has afforded has been quite welcome. I was loath to part from it so soon.”
“Perhaps not so adrift today?”
“No, still adrift. I want nothing more than to feel in control of my life, but I have lacked that security for a long time—since I left Longbourn.”
He tilted his head. “What control we have over our lives is an illusion. We make choices and live each day, but we are no more than reacting to what occurs as well as those around us.”
Her chin hitched back, and her nose crinkled. “Was that supposed to bring me comfort?”
With a chuckle, he leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree. “I suppose it would achieve the opposite, would it not?”
Miss Montford watched him for a moment before allowing a curve of her lips. “Yes, though I appreciate your attempt.”
“It was truly pathetic. Forgive me.” What in the moment had made him think that would be of aid?
She smiled and shrugged. “At least the effort was an earnest one. You had no intention of false sincerity. I cannot fault you for—”
“Speaking so ineloquently?”
“No, you spoke well.”
“I simply said the wrong thing.”
She laughed. “Very much so.”
For the first time today, she appeared relaxed and wore a smile that reached her eyes. “Miss Montford, I wish for nothing more than your happiness.”
“I suppose ’tis an admirable trait in a suitor.” She stared at her gloved fingers as they rubbed at the bark of a tree. “I have had more than one gentleman call, but they all must have found me wanting.”
“Perhaps you found them wanting, and they discerned your disinterest.”
Miss Montford’s gaze met his. “What do you mean?”
“Well, perhaps you knew in your heart they were not meant to be, so you were polite and smiled but you would have never developed feelings for them, so you did no more than necessary. You never let them see more than what was on the surface.”
“I have been uncommonly forward with you.”
“As I have with you, but I seek what is not common in a wife. Perchance you also seek what is not common in a husband.” He glanced at the sun’s position in the sky. They would need to depart soon. He had requested the earl’s permission to bring Miss Montford here, but with the understanding she would return before the hour grew late.
He stepped closer and pressed his hand over hers on the tree. “We must return, but if you are so fond of it here, we can return another day—as long as your grandfather does not shoot me on site for being late on this occasion, that is.”
Unable to resist, he bent forward and kissed her again. She wrapped a hand around the back of his neck while he taught her to move her lips with his. When he drew back, he took in her flushed countenance and blushed lips and had no desire to return to town. Would that he could simply take her to the mistress’s suite at Hemel Hill and call her wife!
As they began down the hill, hand in hand, she drew against his side. “Grandpapa is not so stern as he appears.”
“When it comes to the reputation and safety of one of his granddaughters, I am certain he can be as terrifying as he desires.”
As he led her back to the path then to the house, he relished the feel of her hand in his, their palms pressed together. A groom had the curricle brought around in good time, and he helped her atop. The day was not necessarily cold, but a warmth radiated from where she sat beside him.
When they approached Mayfair, an overturned cart slowed their progress. At the screaming of an injured horse, Miss Montford gasped and turned her head away from the wreckage as they passed. Her face pressed against the back of his shoulder; her eyes squeezed closed. A part of him whispered to draw her closer and tuck her against him to shield her from the horror of the horse, three of his legs flailing about while one was bent at a horrific angle, but his hands were needed to control his own horses who tossed their heads in response to the happenings around them. The poor beast on the ground would need to be put out of his misery. Hopefully, they would be long gone when that happened.
“If another route existed, I would have taken it,” he said once she returned her attention back to the road before them.
“Do not trouble yourself. I am well. I just had no wish to see that poor animal in such pain.”
When they finally stopped before Montford House, the sun had fallen behind the trees of Hyde Park, but their late arrival could not be helped. He handed down Miss Montford and requested his curricle be brought to the stable mews behind Albemarle House before approaching the door where the butler admitted them. The earl entered the hall while they were shedding their coats and hats.
“Your Grace, if you will join me in my study.”
“Grandpapa, we were delayed by an overturned cart. His Grace is not at fault.”
Lord Richmond’s gaze softened. “Janey, you should prepare for dinner.”
After a glance at Henry, she nodded and disappeared up the stairs.
The earl extended an arm towards his study. “Your Grace.”
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Richmond cleared his throat. “You promised me you would return well before dark.”
“I did, and I am sorry for our lateness. I have no excuse.”
Lord Richmond’s bushy eyebrows lifted on his forehead. “You have no excuse?”
“Well, other than the overturned cart Miss Montford mentioned.”
The earl sat and relaxed back in his chair. “I am not an unreasonable man, but I do not want our neighbours speaking of her late return.”
“Sir, if her reputation comes into question, I will do my duty.” He paused. How curious! The idea caused him no unease. He would prefer to have a traditional courtship before proposing, but he had no qualms whatsoever despite their brief acquaintance.
“I hope it will not come to that. My granddaughter Amelia’s hand was forced, and while they are happy, they had obstacles to overcome at the beginning of their marriage that would not have existed without some sort of courtship.”
Henry nodded. “I should like to take Miss Montford to walk at Hemel Hill again if possible. She enjoyed the day.”
“I imagine she did. She and Lizzybeth have always preferred the country to town. With Darcy’s hesitance in society, I am not surprised he and Lizzybeth spend more time at Pemberley than they do London.” He tapped a finger on his desk. “I had no time to enquire earlier, but have you word from your investigators?”
“They have found little. Whoever is behind the attempted abduction has covered their involvement well. They ensured no one witnessed them take Miss Fletcher and my footman, who both have no memory of their attackers other than one of the rogues had to be quite large. My other footman is still missing, and the longer he remains gone, the more I suspect him as being a part of it. With the lack of further evidence, the investigators have concluded it was an unsuccessful scheme for ransom.”
The earl motioned to a chair. “Do you believe it to be so?”
He exhaled and sat. “I do not know. I am wary. The girls enjoy time in the gardens if the weather permits, and I took them to Hemel Hill yesterday. They suggested Miss Montford would enjoy an afternoon walking around the lake, which is what prompted me to request today’s ride in the curricle.”
At a knock, Richmond straightened. “Come!”
Lady Richmond entered and nodded to Henry. “I heard His Grace was here. Would you like to join us for dinner?”
Henry flinched and shook his head. “I would need to change. I do not wish to delay your meal.”
The countess glanced over his attire. “I see nothing wanting in what you are wearing. ’Tis just us, Lord and Lady Hatton, and Janey. You are more than welcome.”
“If you are certain.”
Lady Richmond gave a definitive nod. “Come. I shall put you in a guest suite so you may refresh yourself. Lord Richmond’s valet will brush out your suit, and you will be set to rights in plenty of time.”
Henry stood. “I suppose I have no choice,” he said with a chuckle.
“I am glad you see it my way then.” The countess grinned.
“Before you go,” said Lord Richmond, “do try to return before sunset next time.”
“Yes, of course, sir.” Henry dipped his chin, then allowed the countess to lead him to the hall.
“Your Grace, if you will follow me,” said Mr. Gideon in his thick French accent. He started up the stairs with Henry behind. No sooner had he been shown into a generously appointed guest chamber than a knock on the servants’ entrance had him bade a valet enter.
The valet was efficient with his duties and had Henry returned to the drawing room in plenty of time for dinner. While they waited, Lord and Lady Hatton along with Lord and Lady Richmond and Miss Montford all enjoyed a conversation on the invitations they had received of late.
“I sent our acceptance to Lady Vranes for her ball the week after Easter. Were you invited, Your Grace?” asked Lady Richmond.
“I received an invitation, but I have yet to respond. I shall send my acceptance in the morning.” He turned to Miss Montford. “Would you do me the honour of standing up with me for the first?” As much as he would prefer it otherwise, he would have to court Miss Montford in public as well as private.
At his request, Miss Montford turned pink and glanced about her before dipping her chin. “I would be honoured, Your Grace.” They shared a smile before Lord Hatton asked him a question that diverted his attention.
When it came time for dinner, the earl offered his hand for his wife to stand. “Albemarle, we do not stand on formality for family meals. I hope you will not be offended if we leave you to accompany Janey.”
Henry shook his head as he rose. “On the contrary, sir, I shall be pleased to do so.” He held out his hand for Miss Montford, who accepted with grace. As they followed her relations into the dining room, he leaned a bit closer. “You seem ill-at-ease this evening.”
“We are so often walking to your home so I may call on your daughters or visit chaperoned by my maid that I feel exposed with those who know me better than anyone. I sense they are watching our every move.”
“You sound as though they stare, which they do not.”
She sighed. “Perhaps I am being overly sensitive. I am accustomed to Nicholas teasing me mercilessly, and he has yet to do so. I fear he will take too great a pleasure in tormenting me when he has the first opportunity.”
“Well, you must tell me if he does, and I shall exact revenge for you.” He would too, though he had not the slightest idea of how.
She looked up at him and laughed. “You will?”
“I cannot allow you to be embarrassed by your cousin, can I?”
“He is unlikely to pester me with you here; though, he may. I can never be sure.” From what Lord Richmond had said, Hatton was just as likely to play his prank in company as he was at home with no one to see.
“Then perhaps I should accompany you as often as possible. I have requested the first for Lady Vranes’s ball, but I would be remiss if I did not request the supper set as well.”
“Two dances?” said Lord Hatton as they entered. “Janey, you will be the talk of the ball. I am surprised His Grace does not request the last dance as well. Then you will be nigh on betrothed.”
Henry raised his eyebrows. “I do not object. We shall be doing you a service after all.”
Lord Hatton frowned. “A service?”
“Yes, by redirecting the talk to us rather than how one as ill-favoured and disagreeable as you managed to ensnare the lovely and charming Lady Fiona.”
Lady Fiona chuckled. “He is not known for his amiability at balls. Since his majority, he became more and more unapproachable, as I understand it.”
“Why thank you for coming to my defence, Wife.” Lord Hatton had his arms crossed over his chest while Lady Fiona had not one hint of worry upon her countenance.
“You are quite welcome, Husband.”
Miss Montford laughed, and when she turned to him, her eyes twinkled in a way that made his heart light. He wanted to bask in that glow, but how to have more time with her than he was currently afforded?
“I have thought to spend Easter at Hemel Hill with my daughters,” he said. “My brother, Lord Charles, will join us. Perhaps I could persuade all of you to spend the weekend in the country with us?”
The countess glanced at Miss Montford. “Easter in the country sounds idyllic. What do you say Hugh? Nicholas?”
At his grandson’s nod, the earl smiled. “We should be pleased to accept your invitation, Albemarle.”
“Very good. I shall notify my housekeeper in the morning. I look forward to further walks around the lake as well as showing you the house, Miss Montford.”
“I look forward to it.”
“As do I, Miss Montford.”