It was agreed they would ride to the racecourse on the first day of the meeting, after an early dinner. It was a beautiful spring day, the sun was warm, and there were just a few feathery white clouds in the sky. A gentle breeze played over them as they rode towards the little village, about two miles distant, which was becoming so popular with the courtiers.
James Stuart, an ardent huntsman, had been the first to explore the possibilities of the heath, and from that time it had achieved a certain fame, races now being held regularly.
As they approached the course Isabella thrilled in response to the stirring scene before her. Hundreds of spectators thronged the heath, some seated in their carriages, others on foot, but many on horseback like themselves. They were spread out along the course, laughing, chatting, arguing over the merits of the racehorses, and making wagers on the results.
Clare scanned the course anxiously for a glimpse of Edward, but the crowd was so vast she could see no sign of him. She hoped he would be able to find them during the afternoon.
'We will sit by those trees,' Lady Lyndon said, leading the way. 'Here we have an excellent view of the finishes,' she explained to Isabella who rode beside her. 'It seems the first race is due to begin.'
They were scarcely in position before the noise about them changed in quality, becoming more charged with excitement. In the distance Isabella could see a small group of riders rapidly approaching them, and realised that they were the contestants for the first race. The noise increased as the spectators urged on their favourite horses, and Isabella felt the excitement rising within her. Although she had never before attended a race meeting, she was a fine horsewoman, and loved hunting and hawking.
'This is an unimportant race,' Lady Lyndon commented, 'for young riders and horses, to give them experience. The more important races come later.'
Isabella nodded, scarcely taking her eyes off the approaching horses. They were bunched closely together, but as they came nearer one of the horses broke away from the rest. A cheer went up from the crowd, cries of encouragement, and another horse sprang forward to challenge the leader, trailing him by half a length. Both riders were urging their mounts onwards, and to the intense excitement of the crowd the second horse gradually overhauled and passed the leader. Isabella was tense with excitement, and shouting encouragement along with the rest of the spectators. Then, suddenly, it was over. The slight advantage was maintained for just long enough for the overtaking rider to pass the winning post.
Isabella breathed a sigh of satisfaction and turned eagerly to discuss the race with Frances. Lady Lyndon was talking to Clare on her other side, explaining the niceties of the sport to her. After a while the excitement died down, the winner had been congratulated and had moved away, and everyone prepared for the second race. There were only four horses in this one, and it was clear from the start two of them had no chance whatsoever.
A gap developed almost immediately between the two leading horses and the others. One was a tall rangy chestnut, with long strides that took him over the ground at an amazing speed, but pace for pace he was matched by the black horse beside him, smaller and more compact, but with the strength and stamina to keep up with the speed of his long-legged rival.
For the entire distance of the race there seemed not an inch between the two horses, and the excitement amongst the spectators grew to a frenzy. Isabella was admiring the beauty of the two magnificent animals thundering towards her when a gasp from Clare and a cry of 'Edward!' made her look at the riders. She pursed her lips, recognising the black horse's jockey as Edward Willis. Grimly she watched, finding no satisfaction as Edward's horse, with a supreme effort, suddenly produced an extra burst of speed to pass the winning post head and neck in front of his rival. She turned to look at Clare, sitting with a rapturous smile on her face. Lady Lyndon, between the sisters, had also heard Clare's exclamation and turned towards her.
'Do you know him, my dear?' she queried in kindly fashion.
'Oh, yes!' Clare turned eagerly towards her. 'He is a neighbour of ours, Edward Willis. Did he not ride magnificently?'
'It was an excellent race. He did very well.'
Before Clare could answer Lord Belvedere intervened to suggest that they partake of refreshments which the servants had been sent to buy. Everyone dismounted and stood around chatting, sipping wine and eating small delicious cakes. Isabella was with her mother, who was recollecting race meetings she had attended before the wars, and did not notice when Edward approached the group until she heard a hastily suppressed exclamation from Clare. Isabella swung round to find herself facing Edward Willis, who was looking past her to Mistress Vaughan, bowing elegantly.
'Your servant, Ma'am. I am delighted to see you here.' He turned to pay his respects to Isabella and Clare. 'Are you enjoying your first visit to the races?' he asked them both, but with an intimate smile for Clare.
Isabella, furious he should presume to join them, was just about to administer a snub when she saw from the corner of her eye a tall, dark man standing beside Edward. What she had intended to say froze on her lips and she stared open-mouthed at this newcomer. He was regarding her with a slight smile on his lips, but a vastly amused expression in his eyes. It was the gallant she had crossed swords with at the Royal Exchange.
*
Before Isabella could recover her wits, Lord Belvedere spoke.
'Welcome, nephew. You were well beaten, but 'twas an excellent race.'
'I thank you, sir. May I introduce the victor, Mr Edward Willis, to you?'
Introductions were effected and Isabella, astounded by the discovery that the man she had thought of as Clare's would-be ravisher was Lord Belvedere's nephew Jason, scarcely managed a greeting to either him or Edward. Clare too had recognised Jason, but had not given him a second thought, her entire attention being devoted to Edward. Lady Lyndon was talking enthusiastically to him about horses, and praising his mount in the race.
'My uncle bred her, Ma'am,' Edward was explaining, 'and would dearly have loved to have ridden her himself, but he considers himself too old and gave the task to me. I am mightily thankful I did not let him down.'
'Is your uncle Colonel Willis?' Lady Lyndon asked, and Edward nodded.
'Aye. Do you know him? He is with his horse now.'
'Many years ago I knew him quite well,' she replied, 'but I have seen nought of him these last few years.'
'He has lived a quiet life during the Protectorate, and his horses have become his main interest.'
'He has found a worthy jockey. Mr Willis, I am holding a small party tonight, and would be pleased if you could come.'
Edward expressed his delight and Lady Lyndon, finding he stayed at the Falconer, the same inn where Jason was staying, briskly commanded the latter to show Mr Willis to her house. Smilingly Jason accepted her order, and then excused himself, saying he and Edward must prepare for the next race.
With a quick bow and a smile which encompassed the whole group, but lingered mockingly on the still speechless Isabella, he left. Clare retreated into a happy dream while Isabella fumed inwardly, both at the fact Edward had wormed his way into Lady Lyndon's good graces, and this impudent man she had clashed with before should turn out to be Lord Belvedere's rakish nephew. But there was nothing whatever she could do about it, and she had to submit with good grace to the thought of this evening, and the fact she would have to meet the two men again.
By this time the next race was starting, and Lady Lyndon's party returned to watch. This time there was little excitement, for the horses spread out immediately and maintained the same order throughout the whole of the race, never looking likely to vary it. As Isabella watched the horses troop past the winning post, a young man approached.
'What an exceedingly flat affair,' he commented, and Isabella turned with a cry of surprise towards him.
'Jack! What are you doing here? I had no idea you were in England!'
He grinned up at her. 'No, coz? I returned but a week ago. Aunt Jane, Clare, how do you do?'
'My dear Jack, how like you, always turning up unexpectedly. Margaret, I think you have not met my nephew? Sir Jack Vaughan, whose father was Captain Vaughan's elder brother.'
Lady Lyndon greeted the young man, smiling in friendly fashion. 'I have heard much of you, though, and am glad to meet you at last. You spent much time with my sister and her family in Brussels, I believe?'
'Yes,' Jack agreed. 'After my parents died it was home for me, until I left to go to the University.'
'This is my daughter Frances,' Lady Lyndon drew Frances forward, and Jack's expression changed slightly, his eyes growing warmer as he greeted her. Frances blushed under his gaze, and with a quick smile he murmured a few conventional words before turning to the Vaughans, who were full of questions about his doings since he had finished at the University. Laughingly he protested he could not answer all their questions at once.
'Then you must come to supper with us,' Lady Lyndon intervened. 'Mayhap you will have more time to talk then. Do you stay in Newmarket?'
'I intended to stay a few more days with a friend who has a house nearby. I would be delighted to sup with you.'
Lady Lyndon gave directions, and told him to bring his friend also, then Jack excused himself and moved away to greet another party. His place beside Lady Lyndon was filled immediately by Mr Samuel Aloysius who bowed ingratiatingly, and smiled round at the rest of the group. He was attired in a much beribboned brocade coat, far too ornate for the occasion, and sported a new chestnut-hued wig that fought with his ruddy complexion. After a few words to the Vaughans Mr Aloysius devoted himself to Lady Lyndon, mentioning he had ridden past her house on his way to the friends he was staying with.
'It looked a most delightful place,' he stated. 'A gem, I would say. Elizabethan, is it not?'
Lady Lyndon nodded. 'It is about a hundred years old, and in many ways vastly inconvenient. I have plans for modernising it.'
'Do not make big alterations without a great deal of thought,' he cautioned pompously. 'I have supervised the making of alterations in several houses, my own and my friends', and believe me, a great deal of money can be spent to no purpose if you do not plan at the outset precisely what you intend to do, and then make sure your workmen follow your instructions.'
'Oh, I shall look well to it, do not fear,' Lady Lyndon replied, amused.
The talk went on to other things, but eventually Lady Lyndon felt unable to ignore his broad hints any longer. She despised herself for her revulsion against the man, and invited him to her party that evening. Mr Aloysius threw a satisfied glance at Clare as he effusively accepted the invitation, and shortly afterwards, to everyone's relief, he took himself off.
'I do hope he will not be tedious tonight,' Lady Lyndon said. 'He is determined to give me advice, so I must ensure he does so quickly, and hope he is not for ever pushing to return to make sure his orders have been carried out! He seemed to be the sort of man who would do his utmost to interfere.'
'You are quite capable of telling him when his advice is not wanted,' Mistress Vaughan said, laughing. 'But why did you invite him tonight if you hold him in such aversion?'
'I felt I could do no other, after he had attempted to make himself so pleasant. 'Tis not his fault, poor man, that he is unattractive.'
*
The last race was about to begin. Both Edward and Jason were riding, Edward mounted on another of his uncle's horses, while Jason, Lord Belvedere informed them, was riding one of his, a powerful-looking grey.
'He has won several races before,' Lord Belvedere said, 'and Jason is confident there is nought to beat him in this field.'
His confidence seemed justified, for the grey came to the front immediately, drawing slowly away until the last mile of the course, when, to the joy of Clare and the excitement of everyone else Edward, riding another grey, was seen to be pulling ahead of the rest of the horses. For a while Edward's mount, some four or five lengths behind, seemed unable to gain further on the leader, but both of them were drawing away from the rest of the field.
Excitement grew. The crowd, recognising the two riders who had run such a thrilling race earlier, roared encouragement, and Edward's horse seemed to respond to this for he gradually narrowed the gap. Then some fifty yards or so in front of the riders there was a diversion. A child, a girl no more than three or four years old, somehow escaped from her guardians and ran into the centre of the course, where she stood laughing with glee at the horses thundering down upon her. There was a gasp of anguish from the crowd. There were many horses in the race, bunched close together apart from the two in the front, and it was most unlikely they would all be able to avoid the child. She must be knocked down, kicked and trampled upon.
Before these thoughts were properly formulated in the minds of the onlookers, the two leading horses were close to the child. The spectators watched, spellbound, as Jason, mastering his mount's desire to gallop on, slowed his horse to a gentle canter as he drew level with the child. Jason leant down, and with a superb display of control over his horse, swooped the child up onto the pommel in front of him, then guided his horse out of the path of the other riders who were now almost upon him.
Edward had also tried to slow down, but his horsemanship was not of such a high standard as Jason's and he found himself swept past. Seeing the child was safe, he allowed his mount to gallop on, and despite his attempt to slow the horse, was the first past the winning post.
Jason found himself surrounded by a vociferous crowd of admirers, and then a young woman approached, weeping noisily, and the crowd made way for her.
'Mary, you naughty girl,' she cried. 'Oh, sir, I am so grateful to you! What would have happened to her? Oh, Mary!'
'I do not think she will be allowed to be in such danger again,' he said coolly, and then, brushing off the thanks and the admiration, he turned his horse and pushed his way out of the crowd. Cautiously Jason rode along the rest of the course and, as the animal seemed to have come to no harm from his somewhat abrupt stop, Jason gently urged him to a trot. Reaching the other riders, he encountered another wave of admiring congratulations.
'That was magnificent, Jason, but it gave me the race!' said Edward. 'I feel most embarrassed, for you had me beaten. There was no more effort left.'
Jason laughed, then shrugged. 'Who knows? These things happen, and 'tis only a race, when all's said.'
'Thank God you removed her,' one of the other riders said. 'We were all so close there'd have been the very devil to pay if we'd all been trying to avoid her.'
'No harm is done,' Jason said, dismounting, and handing the horse over to his groom. 'He has taken no hurt, Jacobs. Don't drive him hard for a few days, but I do not think any sprains will develop.'
'No, sir, thanks to ye!' the man replied. 'In all my born days I never see such riding!'
Jason laughed. 'Fiddle, you old flatterer. Now, Edward, let's get some ale and a bath.'
Laughingly Edward agreed, and they made their way to the inn where they both had rooms.
*
Lady Lyndon and her party had no opportunity to congratulate Jason, but as they rode back to Lyndon Manor, they discussed little else. Then they had to prepare for the party that evening. Clare took especial pains to make herself as beautiful as possible for this meeting with Edward, and Isabella viewed her preparations with disapprobation.
'You are being foolish, Clare,' she warned. 'Father will not change his mind, and you are merely raising your hopes to be disappointed.'
Clare regarded her steadily. 'At least I shall see Edward and talk with him. Mayhap I am content with that. I prefer it to the dreary conversations I have been forced to take part in since we came to London!'
Isabella was almost ready, and with a final vicious tug of the comb through her curls, she almost flounced out of the room to go and ask her aunt if there were any tasks she could help with. But as usual Lady Lyndon had everything perfectly organised, and Isabella had only to greet the guests as they arrived.
Jack appeared early, and after paying his respects to Lady Lyndon stood to one side chatting to Isabella and Frances. Soon other young guests joined them and they settled in the main parlour, talking of the day's racing. Isabella knew most of them, and was so fully occupied that for a while she did not realise Edward had arrived and was talking quietly to Clare at the far end of the parlour. Frowning with annoyance she began walking towards them with the intention of separating them, when the task was done for her by Mr Aloysius, who had approached Clare. Edward politely gave up his chair and moved away as Clare gazed wistfully after him. Then she had to turn her attention to the fulsome praises Mr Aloysius was indulging in about the house. He glanced at her, and smiled significantly.
'It is delightful, but not, if I may say so, as delightful as you are yourself!'
Clare laughed in embarrassment, and tried to turn the conversation, but Mr Aloysius was not to be deterred from his laborious efforts at flirtation. Desperately Clare glanced over his shoulder and caught Lord Belvedere's eye. Correctly interpreting the appeal in her glance he smiled and approached, and Mr Aloysius in his turn reluctantly gave way.
Isabella had watched all this, and smiled in satisfaction. She did not realise Jason was standing beside her until he spoke.
'A pretty picture, is it not, youth and solicitous middle age?' he queried, and laughed down at her as she turned angrily to him.
Before she could answer supper was announced, and Lady Lyndon was inviting her guests to be informal. There was a general movement towards the supper parlour, and Jason took Isabella's hand and tucked it under his arm.
'You will have to accept me as a supper partner,' he said, then as she resisted he added mockingly, 'Do you fear that I shall abduct you?'
Unable to escape, Isabella reluctantly accompanied Jason into the supper parlour and seated herself beside him at the large table. Glancing round she was somewhat mollified to see Lord Belvedere beside Clare, who was smiling enchantingly at him, and laughing at his comments. Edward had contrived to be nearby, which annoyed Isabella, but then she noticed Jack beside Frances, talking gaily, and causing both Frances and others around him much amusement. Their end of the table was by far the noisiest, and the older people looked on indulgently as gale after gale of laughter reached them.
*
Isabella did not have many moments to observe the others, for she found herself fully occupied in talking to Jason. After having helped her to the various dishes that were spread lavishly before them he smiled at her with a curious expression, and murmured that he was gratified to discover she was not always such a termagant as she appeared on their first meeting.
'Indeed, sir! I wonder you dare refer to that! You ought to be heartily ashamed of your conduct then!'
'Indeed? Why should you think that?'
'It was hardly the conduct to be expected of a gentleman,' she said reprovingly.
He smiled provokingly. 'I had not gained the impression you considered me such.'
'I might revise my opinion,' Isabella said tartly.
'I wonder what might cause you to do that?' he mused.
She looked at him speculatively, and despite herself an answering gleam of amusement crept into her eyes.
'I would not dare to suggest aught to you, sir. Indeed, if I did, I am sure you would do it just to aggravate me.'
'I must apologise to your sister on a suitable occasion,' Jason continued, 'and I do apologise now to you for causing you distress. But methinks I was misled.'
'Misled? How?' Isabella demanded quickly.
'One does not frequently meet genteel young ladies alone.'
'Clare was not alone. She appeared to be so, which was my fault.' She blushed slightly as she made this admission. 'Even so, that does not excuse your behaviour,' she admonished.
'Am I then never to contrive to make the acquaintance of any girl who attracts me? What a dull life I should lead if that were so.'
'I have not the slightest interest in how you behave with the sort of woman you mistakenly supposed Clare to be!'
He raised his eyebrows, and smiled. 'Have you not? That is indeed gratifying, if true!'
Isabella, feeling her temper rising, looked away from him and forbore to answer, but Jason continued imperturbably.
'Methinks your sister is in safer company now. My uncle was never the sad rake I am.'
Isabella cast a dark look at him, and he laughed.
'Mayhap I assume too much, for I do not know all my uncle's history, but I have never heard aught to his discredit. There is no necessity for rescuing Mistress Clare from his attentions.'
'So I am aware,' Isabella answered coldly.
'That is what I thought. My uncle, on the other hand, might prove to be the one in need of rescue. After all, he is just the age to lose his head over some pretty chit just out of the schoolroom. He is probably old enough to be her father, but is by no means in his dotage!'
'You are impertinent, sir,' Isabella said shortly. 'Clare is always surrounded by penniless young rakes. Can you wonder I worry about her? It is a pleasant change to see her in the company of someone so kind as your uncle.'
'And eligible?' he murmured gently. 'As your cousin Frances is eligible?'
'I cannot understand you,' Isabella replied, inadequately, since she had indeed been considering Jack's chances of success with Frances, seeing him on such good terms with her.
'Do not play the innocent! It does not become you. Is not cousin Jack a penniless young rake? Can Frances be safely left in his care?'
'You are intolerable!' Isabella flung at him furiously.
'The truth frequently is. But let us cry truce,' Jason suggested calmly, helping her to a portion of pigeon pie. 'After all, I know little of your family, and have not met your cousin, though I have heard his name mentioned at Court.'
Isabella glowered at him, then decided there was little to be gained by her anger. She took a deep breath, and spoke quietly.
'Jack is more like a brother to us,' she explained. 'After his parents died, mine cared for him, and he spent a good deal of time with us while we lived in Brussels, though there was little contact with us while he was at Oxford. 'Twas not as though he could come home every holiday.'
'And Edward Willis? I understand he is your neighbour. He is certainly a most accomplished rider.'
'It is all he has to commend him,' Isabella snapped. 'But he should not have won that race. You were well in front, had that child not ruined it for you.'
Jason smiled and shrugged. 'Yes, I think I could have won that race, but he is none the less an excellent rider. Why do you dislike him so?'
'Dislike him?' Isabella was startled.
'You do not speak highly of him, and the looks you have been giving him – '
Isabella glared at him, and he broke off, laughing.
'Well, mayhap I had best not say, or you will continue giving me such looks, and believe me, I could not entertain the thought of going through life with the fair Isabella never once allowing me the privilege of seeing her smile.'
Isabella chuckled suddenly. 'Forgive me, I had not realised how ill I was treating you, but our meetings have been associated with events that have aggravated me.'
'Then we must remedy the situation! Now, tell me about Brussels. I was abroad myself, but mostly in The Hague.'
So he steered the conversation into innocuous topics, and Isabella found herself enjoying the conversation, particularly when he began to describe the scenes at Court, making her laugh when he mimicked the extravagant absurdities of many of the courtiers.
*