Early Monday morning, Blake, Harrington, and Lucy set out for the Redburns’ house party. Blake turned to wave farewell to the young Lord Edward as they made their way down the drive.
“I’m glad Mama ventured from her rooms to escort Edward back into the house,” Harrington muttered.
“What was that, Harrington?” Blake asked.
“I don’t know what has brought about the change in my mama, but I’m glad she’s been making more of an effort to interact with the family.”
Blake too was glad to see the Dowager Lady Harrington come out of hiding. He felt compassion for the woman. She was widowed when pregnant with Edward. During his visit to Halestone Hall, he had observed the tender looks, the frequent loving embraces, and most memorable was the spark in the eyes of Matthew’s parents when they were in each other’s company. Blake’s own parents had shared a similar bond. Was it an intangible bond that compelled him to continuously seek out Lucy?
Outriders led their contingent, followed by the coach carrying Lucy and her maid. Mounted, Harrington and Blake trailed close behind. Interestingly, John and Evan flanked the coach, close enough to the window for them to converse with Lucy or her maid.
Blake slowed the Arabian he was riding, and Harrington immediately adjusted his pace to match, giving them space away from Lucy’s footmen and the rest of the entourage. Blake wanted to discuss in private their plans for the week. For the first half hour, he listened as Harrington outlined the location of various smugglers’ dens and descriptions of the leaders. But his attention was drawn to Lucy’s two footmen. The pair rode with an uncommon familiarity. They behaved more like outriders, scanning the woods and the roads with a keen sense looking out for danger. It was as if they were protecting Lucy from threats that went beyond highwaymen.
How often did Lucy travel without Matthew? Were her visits limited to the countryside? Their behavior left him with an unsettled feeling he did not care for.
Harrington asked, “Are you even listening to me?”
“Yes. I agree with your plan. We shall ride out early tomorrow morn to do some preliminary scouting. How regularly does Lucy journey on her own?”
With an incredulous look, Matthew replied, “What?”
“How frequently does your sister travel on her own?”
“I don’t keep a record of her comings and goings. Why do you ask?”
Blake didn’t answer but continued his inquisition. “How long have those footmen been in your employ?”
“John and Evan? I believe Lucy hired them. Again, why are you asking?”
“I need to bolster my staff and was curious as to how you came about such skilled footmen. I shall have to discuss the matter with Lucy.”
Matthew eyed him disbelievingly. “She would prefer to be riding; they are just keeping her entertained.”
That’s how it appeared, but Blake was skeptical. He rode closer to see if he could listen to their conversation, but their chatter ceased as soon as he was close. Very odd indeed. They continued on with Blake sneaking glances at Lucy through the window whenever possible.
As their party approached the drive of Redburn Manor, Blake shook his head at the long line of coaches waiting for guests to alight and greet their hosts. He and Harrington rode around to the stables and then walked to the front to join Lucy.
“I was under the impression house parties were more private affairs,” Blake said.
“Alas, how many house parties have you attended?”
“This is my first since my return.”
“Then I shall be the bearer of bad news. Guests at these events can range from a few couples to half the ton, depending on the size of the venue and the host. Never fear, Devonton, I have it on good authority Lady Redburn used utmost discretion, as we are one of a half dozen parties in attendance this week.”
One of six? Good gracious. Blake had hoped to find peace and quiet in the country. He secretly hoped it would also allow him to sequester Lucy away from prying eyes and discover if they would rub along well or if he needed to abolish all thoughts of the woman.
Lady Redburn greeted their party as they moved to the front of the line. “Lord Devonton, Lord Harrington, Lady Lucy. I’m delighted you have all arrived safely.”
Lord Redburn gave his wife a hard stare and expounded, “We have heard of other parties having troubles with highwaymen on their way here. I will have to contact the magistrate.”
Harrington, the more social of the lot, spoke up first. “We too are glad for an uneventful journey.”
“Mr. Hartley, please escort the gentlemen to their rooms. Lady Lucy, come with me.” Lady Redburn linked her arm with Lucy, but before leaving she gave one last order: “Henry, dear, please greet the rest of our guests and try to make them feel welcome.”
She leaned up and bussed her husband’s cheek. It was not the norm for a wife to publicly show affection. It was widely known by all that the Redburns were a love match, and they didn’t care what the ton thought of them or how they behaved. Blake could only hope for a union such as theirs.
Mr. Hartley escorted Matthew and Blake in the direction of the guest wing. Lady Redburn gave Lucy a slight tug, propelling her to walk with the lady. “How have you been, dear?”
“Well, Lady Redburn—”
“There is no one about. You can call me Eleanor, as always.”
Archbroke often arranged for Lucy to stay with the Redburns either on her journey out or back into Town. She didn’t know to what extent or how exactly they were associated with Archbroke, but over the years, they had become surrogate parents to Lucy.
As they made their way to Lucy’s usual assigned suite near the family rooms, Eleanor asked, “Does Archbroke know you are here? We did not receive word from him.”
“Archbroke always tends to be aware of my whereabouts.” Most of the time I inform the infuriating man. Lucy had chosen not to send word to Archbroke of her jaunt to the country since she was attending for personal reasons, to amend her friendship with Lady Mary. Plastering a smile on her face, Lucy continued, “Thank you for the kind invitation, Eleanor. I needed to escape the social route.”
“We have invited your family for years, and this is the first time Lord Harrington has ever accepted. Is all well?”
“At first I too questioned my brother’s motives, especially with all the stories and activities you hear occurring at these events. Oh, Eleanor, I meant no offense.”
“Lucy, I cannot enforce moral behavior from my guests, but if I or any of my staff get wind of such activity, both Henry and I immediately ask them to depart.”
“My thanks for allowing me to stay close to your rooms.”
“My dear, you are like a daughter to me. I wouldn’t allow anything to happen to you while you are under my care.”
“Eleanor, I am working on a project currently.”
“One that Archbroke is unaware of?”
“Technically, I have already alerted him. However, I was not specifically instructed to pursue my investigations. I have a… a feeling it is important for me to continue. Will you make the necessary excuses for me if I fail to attend an event or meal where I’m expected?”
“Of course, my dear. If you need anything else, let me know directly.”
Lucy gave Eleanor a hug and entered her room. Closing the door behind her, she leaned back and rested her head. She had run scenario after scenario as to how to best apologize to Lady Mary while stuck in the coach. But every time she peeked out the window, her gaze fell upon Blake. She couldn’t help but admire how well he rode. Or how strong and muscular his thighs were, as if he was guiding his mount with the barest movement of his knees. The entire trip he appeared relaxed, but she was certain he was acutely aware of his surroundings.
Trying to dislodge images of Blake, she shook her head. Carrington was tapping her foot impatiently as Lucy disrobed. How long had Lucy been woolgathering? With Carrington’s assistance, she was bathed and dressed with time to spare before dinner.
Lucy walked into the drawing room, where the other guests were gathering. Searching for Lady Mary, she positioned herself in a corner with the hope it would give her an advantage of spotting the woman when she entered. To Lucy’s surprise, Lady Mary had somehow managed to sneak up next to her and was standing only inches away.
Lucy decided it was now or never. “Lady Mary, I wanted to…,” she began, determined to try to mend their friendship.
However, Lady Mary interrupted her apology with, “Lady Lucy, where is your usual gaggle of admirers?”
Lady Mary was not one to hold back a thought or comment, but if she thought she would use that sharp tongue of hers to scare Lucy away, she was in for a surprise.
Glibly, Lucy replied, “I’ve left them in London. And to be honest they are not my admirers; they are all in one way or other acquaintances of my brother. It would actually be flattering if a gentleman actually saw me for me and not just as Lord Harrington’s twin sister.”
Lady Mary stared into her eyes and asked, “Why are you so honest with me?”
“What have I to lose? I’ve already insulted you beyond forgiveness. You are the only one here who has any common sense and more intelligence than a potted plant. It was knowledge of your attendance that swayed me to agree and attend, myself.”
Lucy’s skin on the back of her neck prickled. Her gaze instantly searched the perimeter. Blake was at the threshold, about to enter the room. She quickly turned to directly face Lady Mary.
Lady Mary stared and asked, “Are you avoiding someone, Lady Lucy?”
She looked past Lucy with a frown. Lucy raised a hand to rub the back of her neck. Why had she not been more discreet? What caused her to react rashly when Blake was in the vicinity? Her whole body came alive as soon as he was near. Lucy detested irrational thoughts and emotions. She preferred her life to be well planned and logical. Her marriage to James would have been based upon friendship and a mutual desire to create an alliance between neighbors. Rational. Her attraction to Blake was illogical. But the man challenged and thrilled her, nonetheless.
Lady Mary’s eyes widened and then swiftly narrowed. “Perhaps… Lord Devonton?”
Lucy’s mouth fell agape. The woman was extremely astute.
Lady Mary asked, “Why would you want to avoid him?”
Lucy attempted to don a mask of indifference as Lady Mary’s eyes raked over her features. Don’t look too hard, for even I don’t know the answers.
Lady Mary’s gaze shifted and remained on a spot to the left of Lucy’s shoulder. “Gossip is he has a rather ordinary disposition. Some of the ladies have even described him as a total bore. They claim he never talks, hardly even makes eye contact, and when he dances, his hold is nearly imperceptible. His aloof demeanor has deemed him unworthy, despite being one of the few younger eligible earls on the hunt for a wife. But he looks perfectly harmless to me.”
Lucy muttered, “Harmless as a honey badger.”
Lady Mary continued as if she hadn’t heard Lucy’s comment. “You always seem rather comfortable in the presence of men, yet you are definitely trying not to draw Lord Devonton’s attention.”
It took every ounce of Lucy’s control not to reveal her thoughts. Searching her memory, she recalled an earlier conversation she had with Blake when he had referred to himself as plain. Did others see him that way too? It would appear so, based on Lady Mary’s comments. Yet, as she turned to look at him, all Lucy saw was an impressive Corinthian. Lady Mary was still frowning at her as Lord Devonton approached.
Blake bowed. “Good evening, Lady Lucy.”
Lucy curtsied and gave Blake a weary smile as his gaze slid to Lady Mary.
Why was he staring at Lady Mary? Realizing he was waiting for her to make the proper introductions, Lucy blurted, “Oh, yes! Lady Mary, if you please, may I introduce Blake Gower, the Earl of Devonton.” She was sure she had mucked up the introduction but was at a loss how to correct her error.
Lady Mary stared directly into Blake’s eyes as if issuing a challenge of some sort and then said with a wicked smile, “Lord Devonton, it is my pleasure to finally meet you.”
Lucy’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two. Was Lady Mary flirting with Blake? Why did he not remove his gaze from her? Did he find her attractive? Were they having a staring competition? Surely not.
Lady Mary’s lips curled into a devilish grin as Blake turned to ask, “Lady Lucy, have you seen your brother? I haven’t seen him since we arrived.”
Lady Mary recaptured Blake’s attention by answering first. “I believe Lord Harrington is in the card room.”
Lucy’s hands balled into fists at her side. Why was she reacting this way? What did she care if Blake took an interest in Lady Mary? The question caused her chest to tighten, and she blinked as a sharp, stabbing pain shot through to her heart. She was jealous.
Blake shifted his weight to the balls of his feet and rocked back on his heels as he said, “Perfect. Well, if you will excuse me, ladies, perhaps you will both save me a dance later this evening.”
Before either of them could agree or decline, Blake turned and made his way out of the room.
Lucy gave Lady Mary a piercing look. “To my point, Lady Mary, no gentleman seeks me out for myself but rather as only a connection to my brother.”
Contradicting her statement, Lucy’s cheeks turned bright red as Blake looked over his shoulder and winked directly her.
With a chuckle, Lady Mary said, “Well, Lady Lucy, I believe I might have been misinformed about Lord Devonton’s disposition. Now that I have met him myself, I’m of the opinion he might have a devilish streak in him. However, I’d say it was only evident around you.”
What did Lady Mary mean, only around her? Did she feel the sparks Lucy experienced when Blake was close by? Reeling from the statement, Lucy felt herself blush all the way to her scalp and suggested they take a stroll in the gardens before dinner.
As they were turning a corner, she could see in the distance her brother and Blake were riding out of the stables. Where on earth were they headed like the devil was on their tails?