My prediction came true. Below my bedroom, window hounds of all shapes and sizes barked loudly waking me out of a sound sleep. Curious to see the group of men and their horses, I grabbed a robe and put it on before looking down through the window. John stopped directly underneath, no doubt for my benefit. He glanced up, and when he saw me peering down, he tipped his hat and winked at me. I could not believe my eyes and at first thought that I must be dreaming. A few minutes later, they rode off following yelping dogs, and John disappeared into the woods. He did look quite dashing in his tweed jacket and hat.
A soft knock came at my door. When I answered, I found a young woman clothed in a black dress trimmed with white lace on her collar and cuffs.
“Yes?” I said wondering what she wanted.
“My name is Miss Melanie Wright, your ladyship. Please call me Melanie,” she said, giving a quick curtsy. “Miss James, the housekeeper, asked me to serve as your lady’s maid during your stay this weekend.”
After deciding she posed no threat, I opened the door wider. She held a tray with tea, slices of bread, and butter.
“I will be waking you each morning,” she announced, “and will bring your morning tea.”
“Well, that sounds more agreeable than barking dogs,” I replied.
“Oh, yes, the hounds,” she said with a giggle. Melanie set the tray down on my night table. “Shall I have the maid bring hot water to fill your tub?”
The thought of lounging in a warm bath sounded relaxing. “Yes, if it is not too much trouble.” Why I felt the need to say that, I had no idea. I frankly enjoyed being pampered by a maid all to myself. I shared my mother’s attendant, but with her constant demands, the woman barely had time for me.
“No trouble at all,” she replied.
Melanie stood in front of me with her hands clasped together, looking at me inquisitively. She appeared younger than most lady’s maids and had a pleasing appearance. Her lovely golden-brown hair accented her glowing complexion. When she spoke, her voice sounded soft and gracious. I found her presence most agreeable.
“After you bathe, I’ll help you get dressed, my lady. The duchess likes to gather for morning prayers in the chapel at nine o’clock, and you are welcome to attend.”
Morning prayers? I wanted to roll my eyes over that bit of information. Would Lady Whittemore be confessing her sins after spending the night in Sir Riley’s bed?
“Perhaps,” I responded reluctantly.
“Very well,” she said, giving a quick curtsy. “I will have the chambermaids bring the hot water.”
The young lady disappeared through the door, and I nibbled my bread and drank tea. A full day of activity stretched before me. While the men hunted, the women would be strolling the gardens and then join them later for a picnic lunch. A smile spread across my face as I recalled the wink from John. Had he begun to lay down his sword? Only time would tell.
* * * *
After a long walk to the top of a hill, we found the men lounging in the grass. The servants had arrived beforehand, setting out baskets of food, blankets, wooden folding chairs, and serving chilled champagne. I had never seen such an extravagant outdoor picnic in my entire life.
The day turned warm and sunny, and I chose a yellow day dress and large brim hat to keep the sun from burning my nose. The long morning stroll exhausted me, although when I saw John I perked up and smiled. He immediately came to my side, glancing approvingly at my attire and bonnet. I thought his sudden interest suspicious but welcomed the attention.
“So, your lordship, did you procure my next fox collar?” I gave him an impish smile. He shook his head no.
“Your father shot one, but alas it looks as if I may come home empty-handed.”
“What a shame,” I replied. He appeared disappointed over his failure in the manly pursuit.
John quickly glanced at his father who gave him an encouraging nod. Afterward, he took me by the hand and led me over to a blanket that we claimed together. A footman brought us a basket to share. I took advantage of the moment by checking its contents while John poured us a drink.
“We appear to have cheese, bread, and various cuts of meats to dine on,” I said, laying some items before us. It felt natural to be by his side, but I wondered what he thought about the moment.
“Do you feel pressured by your parents?” A part of me wanted to see if his change in performance happened for my benefit or to please others.
“I could ask the same question of you,” he replied.
He leaned back on his elbow and nibbled on a piece of cheese. His long legs and lean body were so attractive that I wanted to throw myself at him. Thankfully, my parents had not chosen a bald and overweight man as my future husband. Perchance this arranged marriage had been a blessing in disguise.
“Somewhat,” I replied, shoving a piece of chicken in my mouth. I felt annoyed that he merely answered my question with a question. After swallowing, I asked again. “So what about you?”
He lowered his eyes and fingered a piece of bread. “Pressured is maybe not the right word to describe my emotions.”
“There are times that I wonder if you feel anything.” My voice sounded exasperated, but I could not help expressing my sentiments.
“You can be assured, Lady Seddon, that I do indeed possess passions about many things.”
“Just not about me, apparently.” I sulked and turned my eyes toward the landscape, allowing the various hues of green to soothe my worries. “You know,” I said, not looking at him, “you do not have to go ahead with this arrangement. Surely, there are other choices.”
I really wanted other options. A part of me wanted to fall violently in love and be swept off my feet. It would be exciting to be his passionate pursuit. By now, though, I had resigned myself to a mundane relationship and life filled with babies. Perchance I would chase illicit pursuits to fill the void. Would I have the nerve to sin for pleasure?
“My title and duty have their demands,” he solemnly replied, “and I am prepared to acquiesce to our parents’ wishes.” He reached out and touched my hand tenderly. “I am sure that we will grow to enjoy each other’s company as the years pass. Of that, I have no doubt.”
The tingly spark I sensed at his touch had the same pleasant outcome. Whatever ill feelings I harbored over his poor attitude vanished. I wanted more than to enjoy his company for the rest of my life. I hoped marriage had to offer something beyond companionship and bearing heirs. What about love? What about passion?
I lifted my eyes and looked at him warily. “Very honorable,” I said. “Here we are. The picture of two obedient offsprings, willing to give up everything for the sake of money, title, and position. A pure union of convenience.”
A moment later, I rose to my feet and brushed off the crumbs from my skirt. “Would you care to walk with me?”
“If you wish,” he said.
He rose to his feet and offered his arm, which I gladly took. A gust of wind pushed up the brim of my hat, and I grabbed it before it flew off like a kite. I did not wish to look at my parents nor John’s. We started to stroll, and I became curious about my surroundings.
“How many acres?” I asked.
“Fourteen hundred,” he replied.
“What is that odd looking building over there?” I pointed toward a square tower on top of a nearby hill.
“It is a hunting tower,” he replied.
“May I see inside?”
“Yes, of course, but shouldn’t you ask permission from your parents to depart from the picnic?”
“No. Let us be scandalous and run off.” I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him forward. He voiced no protest. A smile burst across his face. I dared not turn around to see the gasps of my mother and father. We were clearly in their sight. Surely, they would not worry as long as they could see John behaving himself. I trusted him implicitly not to take advantage of the situation. After all, he had not shown an ounce of interest to tempt me otherwise.
When we approached the structure, I stood there surveying the stonework. “So what is a hunting tower anyway?” I asked. Frankly, I had no idea. Did the men go up to the top and shoot deer passing by?
“Its original purpose was a lodge for hunters when built in 1580. The park keeper used it for a cottage for many years, but it is empty now.”
“Can we go inside and climb to the top?” I tilted my head and looked at the three-story structure. It would surely have a prime view of the vast acreage of the estate. John glanced back toward the party guests no doubt looking for any parental objections.
“Of course. I see no harm in it,” he said.
He opened the entrance and led me inside the dark building. The window shutters were closed, but light illuminated the room from the open door. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust, and my nose wrinkled from the dusty and mildewed smell. A narrow staircase led to the second floor, and I followed John to the third. He flung open a door, and we exited to the rooftop. The bright sunlight caused me to squint, readjusting my gaze again. I walked over to a waist-high stone perimeter and peered at the expansive landscape.
“How beautiful.” The scenery mesmerized me for a moment, bringing a reprieve from the awkward moment. John stood closely by my side. We remained silent. The wind rustled the trees nearby, and another windy gust flung my hat off my head. It took flight like a bird and whirled in the air.
“Oh my goodness,” I shrieked. “It is quite windy up here.” I laughed while I watched my sunhat flip-flop across the green grass. At least it tumbled toward the picnic guests, and I hoped that Mother would grab it as it flew by.
My hairstyle fell apart around my shoulders. Strands of hair whirled around my head in wild disarray. John reached out and brushed a lock out of my eyes. Embarrassed over his touch, I lowered my head wondering if he would do anything more. Would he dare kiss me? I doubted that he would before our engagement. Of course, I still had not received a proposal of marriage either, though we both knew that to be the ultimate goal. Why did he hesitate to ask?
Slowly I lifted my head. He looked terribly sad, and I wondered why. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am fine,” he responded. John turned his head away from me. “We should return.”
My plan for a romantic moment alone vanished. I resigned my fate with a sigh and followed him down the stairs and out the door. We leisurely returned to the party, and I saw that my mother had caught my hat, after all.
“Did you have a pleasant walk?” she asked, handing over my bonnet.
I flashed a feigned smile. “Yes, it was quite enjoyable.” No Mother, it was a complete disaster, I thought to myself. After the failed attempt to bond with my intended, I wanted to return to Blythe Court and hide in my room. Maybe I would have an epiphany on how to win his heart.