Christie Kelley (18 page)

He hadn’t waited for her.

First, he recanted his proposal, and now he could not even teach her how to ride. Her shoulders slumped as she wiped away a tear. Perhaps she had truly waited too long. He had offered her marriage and even after she’d rejected his proposals, he still had called on her. He’d been a true gentleman, and she had ruined everything.

She had no idea how long she stood there, staring out into the open field, before she realized that Jennette had joined her.

“Are you all right?” she asked gently.

“I have been stood up.”

“And normally if my brother had done such a thing you would be ranting and raving about what a cad he is. Yet, you’re just staring out at the pasture with a far away look in your eye.”

Avis blinked. “Well, I didn’t think I needed to remind you about the callous behavior of your brother.”

“If you say so.” Jennette wrapped her arm around Avis’s shoulder. “You haven’t set your cap on Banning, have you?”

She pulled away with a jerk. “Jennette! Your brother is a cad. I cannot believe you think I have fallen in love with him.”

“I never said that,” Jennette said with a slight grin.

“Well, I haven’t.”

“Of course not. The fact that he was fawning all over you when we played billiards and you barely voiced any complaints caught my attention.”

Avis stopped her gait. “I don’t know why we’re arguing like this. I do not have feelings for Banning.”

Jennette didn’t look convinced but asked, “Forgive me anyway?”

“Of course.”

“Come inside and eat some breakfast. It will make you feel better,” Jennette urged with an encouraging smile.

Avis nodded. They walked back inside where delicious aromas wafted from the breakfast room. Eating wouldn’t make her feel better but it would quiet the noise from her belly; she doubted food would ease her heartache.

Banning walked his horse into the stables and handed the reins to a stableboy. “Take good care of him, John,” he said, ruffling the boy’s hair. He walked back to the house with a slower than normal stride. He’d hoped the ride would have eased his frustrations, but it hadn’t.

As he walked inside he decided to see if the breakfast room was empty so he might not need to change before eating. He peered around the corner and saw Avis in a green riding habit, and his sister in her morning gown.

“Don’t you dare try to hide around the corner, Ban,” Jennette said, pointing a knife at him.

Damn, they noticed him. “I wouldn’t wish to offend you ladies. I haven’t changed yet.”

“Nonsense. Neither one of us will be offended.”

“I need to speak with Charlotte about the plans for later,” Avis said and quickly left the room before Banning could even sit down.

“What is going on between you two?” Jennette demanded.

“Nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing.”

“You were sniping at each other in front of a room full of people last night.”

“It was just a little disagreement, Jennette. Nothing more.”

Jennette twisted her lips. “I know how the ladies get around you, Ban. They fall over you as if you were a Greek god. You had better not be playing games with Avis.”

“Those ladies want my title and my fortune. Would Miss Copley want either of those from
me?”

“I suppose not,” Jennette mumbled. “Still, there had better not be anything going on between you two.”

“Yes,
Mother
.”

“Oh be quiet, Ban. She is my best friend and I’m worried about her. She hasn’t quite been herself for the last month or so.”

“Why not?”

Jennette went silent for a moment. “I am not entirely certain. Ever since her birthday, she’s been acting oddly. Yet, she won’t confide in me or any of her friends.”

Now might just be the time to glean a little information from his baby sister. He pulled the chair out and sat down. A footman instantly filled his teacup and then carried a plate overloaded with food for him.

“So why is she so intent on remaining a spinster?”

Jennette shrugged and sipped her tea. “Why are you so interested?”

Patience. Patience
. “You always wanted me to take an interest in your friends. Now that I am, you question my motives.”

“Touché.” She studied him for a moment, ate a bite of eggs and finally said, “Her father beat her mother.”

Banning clutched his knife. “And Avis?”

“Mostly her mother,” she lowered her voice to a whisper. “But he had no issue with hitting his daughter either. Haven’t you ever noticed the scar on her arm?”

“Yes, I just assumed she’d fallen as a child…oh, damn.” His stomach roiled with the thought of what she must have gone through as a young girl.

Jennette leaned in closer and whispered, “She wanted to sit on his lap and give him a hug. But he was too busy for her. He thrust her away and she fell, hitting her arm on the raised hearth.”

Banning fisted his hands. “Was there more?”

“Most likely, but that’s the only time he left a physical scar on her. I know her mother suffered at least a broken arm at one time.”

“How did her mother die?” He hated asking the question but something prodded him to do it.

“She fell down the stairs.” Jennette stared at him. “At least that is what he made certain the servants said.”

At least he now understood her reluctance toward marriage. How could he blame her? How could she trust him if she couldn’t even trust her own father? She had never had a good man as an example in her life.

Not that he was such a remarkable example for her. He tried to blackmail her into their affair when she wanted to back out. He manipulated her into telling him she loved him. He even tried to make her jealous. God, he
was
a cad.

Was it any wonder she trusted Billingsworth over him? Banning knew Billingsworth had never done anything untoward to her except take money she willingly gave him.

“I need to change,” he said as he rose from his chair. “What activities are planned for today?”

“An outdoor luncheon and several games for the children and the adults. More people should arrive during the day and into tomorrow. There is also the hunt on Thursday morning and the ball that night.”

“Very well. I shall see you later.” Banning left the room and decided to change, then search out Trey.

He found his friend relaxing outside as Charlotte directed the servants preparing for the luncheon. Trey nodded his head toward his wife. “She is amazing, isn’t she?”

“Yes, I believe she is. Then again, she’d have to be in order to be married to you.”

Trey chuckled. “Very true indeed. Have you succeeded in making Miss Copley jealous?”

“Not quite. What do you know of her family?”

“Miss Copley’s?”

“Of course.” Banning shook his head. Trey might possibly be the most exasperating friend he had.

“Not much. The late Lord Watton did not inherit much from his wastrel of a father. He made a fortune from his investments.”

Not the information Banning was looking for today. “What about his family life?”

Trey shrugged. “Sorry. My mother or even yours could shed more light on that subject. I only met the man once that I remember.”

On to the more pressing business. “Why is Billingsworth here?”

“My mother thought he would be an interesting conversationalist.”

Damn interfering ladies. “He can only talk about himself and his damned books.”

“Very true. But it is enjoyable to watch your reaction to his presence, especially when he speaks with Miss Copley.”

“Watch yourself, Trey,” Banning warned.

“Selby, how are you today?” Charlotte asked, walking toward him.

He took her hand and kissed it lightly. “You look beautiful today, Charlotte. I think pregnancy suits you.”

“Why thank you, Selby,” Charlotte replied. “Perhaps someday you will be anxiously awaiting the birth of your first child.” She pointed to a nearby garden bench. “Oh look, there is your mother and Lady Kesgrave. Perhaps they are plotting your future marriage. Shall we go and find out?”

“No.”

“Lady Kesgrave is quite the matchmaker.”

“Not for me.”

“Augusta, have you shown this to Charlotte yet?” Lady Caroline Selby asked in a hushed tone.

“Just before you sat down with me,” the dowager Countess of Kesgrave replied. “My daughter-in-law is quite intelligent and sees the wisdom in Sophie’s note.”

Caroline stared at Sophie’s letter and smiled fully. Her heart brimmed with happiness at the idea of this match. Sophie’s visions were becoming quite the thing in town and while Caroline had never contemplated speaking to her about her children, this note was everything she could have ever asked for and more. Sophie requested Banning and Avis be paired for every possible function—dinner, dances, anything.

“Miss Copley is perfect for your son, Caroline.” Augusta leaned back and smiled.

She looked over at her dearest friend. “I couldn’t ask for a better woman for Banning than Avis.”

“She couldn’t possibly know you wanted that match. Perhaps Sophie is a much better matchmaker than either one of us,” August said with a laugh.

“Perhaps she is.”

“Avis?”

Avis turned at the sound of Emory’s voice. The hallway appeared deserted except for the two of them so she used his given name in reply. “Yes, Emory?”

“May I escort you out to the luncheon?”

“That would be lovely.”

He held out his left arm until she felt forced to twine her arm with his. Her skin suddenly felt as if a hundred bugs were crawling on her. For no reason, all of Banning’s warnings replayed in her mind.

“With the dreadful weather this summer, Lady Kesgrave couldn’t have picked a nicer day for an out of doors luncheon.”

“I believe you are right.”

“How is your story coming along?”

“Very well. I have made a few more changes. I am quite pleased with the way the story has developed.”

He slowed their pace and turned her toward him. “I would very much enjoy another reading.”

“Another reading?” He’d read this story twice already.

He smiled until his white teeth gleamed. He tugged her closer to him. “A private reading, just you and I.”

“Highly improper, Emory,” she said with a tap of her fan on his arm and a smile.

“You’re six and twenty now, Avis. Surely you must be curious about the physical side of love.”

“The physical side of love?” she squeaked.

He stepped closer until there wasn’t a breath of air between them. “I can satisfy all your desires, Avis. No matter how lurid.”

The sound of footsteps down the hall broke them apart. Emory winked at her before continuing out the door.

Avis remained rooted to the spot unable to believe the conversation she’d just had with him. She glanced down the hall and noticed the shadow of a man about to turn the corner. Knowing she couldn’t face anyone at this moment, she walked unsteadily into the billiard room.

“Avis?”

She closed her eyes praying the owner of that deep voice would just turn around and leave. As his hands curled around her shoulders, she knew he wouldn’t leave her…ever.

“Why are you trembling?”

“That’s what you do to me,” she whispered.

Banning chuckled softly against her ear. “Perhaps, but I think there is more to your nervousness than my presence. Did something happen?”

“Nothing important.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes,” Avis said softly as she savored the heat from his body. Just his presence made her feel safe and secure.

“Well, I suppose when you’re ready to tell me the truth, you will.”

She wanted to tell him but the words wouldn’t form. She knew what his reaction would be to Emory’s explicit suggestion. “You really should leave, Banning. Someone might see us like this and…”

“Of course,” he replied in a sarcastic tone. “God knows we wouldn’t wish to put your reputation at risk. There’s no telling what you might have to do to repair it.”

Cool air rushed over her arms with his departure. She sighed. He was always there for her. When she needed his support or comfort, he was near. And she had pushed him away…again.

She couldn’t pretend any longer. She needed him.

But now, she had to get back to the party before people noticed her absence. Proceeding outside, Avis glanced around and noticed many more people than had been at dinner last night. Two large tables were set with linens and china under large white tents. Small vases of fresh flowers accented the middle of the tables. She walked past the table and noted her place card and Banning’s on her right.

“Avis,” Charlotte called to her. “Come and meet some of Trey’s family.”

Avis walked over to the group of people and Charlotte quickly introduced her to Lord Kesgrave’s cousins. A woman about her age stared at her for a moment.

“Miss Copley, I believe we came out the same year.” She shifted the infant to her left arm. “I was Mary Clarke then. I’m Mrs. Martin now.”

Avis smiled, trying to remember the woman. “Of course. We ran with a different set though.”

Mary lifted her brows. “I should say so. You and your friends were only attending the Season because your parents forced you. While my friends and I were doing everything we could to catch a husband.”

“And it looks as though you did.”

“Yes,” Mary said with a contented sigh. The infant in her arms stretched. “This is Ethan Michael.”

A small girl with blond ringlets pulled on Mary’s skirts. “Mama!”

“And this would be Sarah, my oldest.”

“Mama!” the little girl cried out again. “I have to tell you something.”

“Well?”

“Not in front of her,” Sarah said, pointing at Avis. “It’s…it’s…”

“Private?” Avis asked.

Sarah nodded her head vigorously. “Yes.”

“Avis, would you mind holding Ethan while I talk to my daughter in private?” Mary asked with a grin.

Before Avis could deny her request, Mary held the baby out for her. “But I really don’t know anything about infants.”

“He’s fast asleep. Just hold him.”

Mary bent down so Sarah could speak in her ear. All the while, Avis stared at the little bundle in her arms. The breeze lifted the sweet smell of powder and the sour stench of milk toward her. And yet, the scents only made her smile. She had never held an infant so small and the warmth of emotions that washed over her was a complete surprise. He smiled in his sleep and her heart felt tugged by the action.

His fingers clenched into fists as he reached for his mouth. She smiled when his fingers finally found their destination. Holding an infant was far more precious than she had ever imagined.

“I can take him now,” Mary said, straightening back up again. “I must go and take him inside for his nap.”

Reluctantly, Avis returned Ethan to his mother. She blinked away the tears that formed as she thought about children. She would never know how it felt to have a baby stare up at her with nothing but love in his eyes.

She glanced around until she found Banning. He didn’t seem to notice her as he was engaged in conversation with Miss Roebuck. Surely someone had stabbed her heart for it to hurt this much. Never in her twenty-six years had she regretted her decision to remain a spinster…until the past month.

All she had to do was forget her concerns and say yes to him. It seemed so simple…and yet, she’d never faced such a daunting demon.

Other people married and seemed happy. Charlotte, Mary…well, two people married and appeared happy. Perhaps they really just kept up appearances. She suddenly felt compelled to know the truth.

Avis found Charlotte resting in a chair on the terrace. She rubbed her belly as she sipped her lemonade.

“Avis, are you enjoying the luncheon?”

“Very much. You have a lovely home.”

“I am happy you decided to come all this way. Jennette told me about your illness when riding in coaches.” She pointed to the chair next to her. “Please sit with me for a few minutes. Trey insisted I rest for awhile.”

Avis sat down and pulled out her fan. “It must be wonderful to have a husband who cares so much for your well-being.”

“He certainly cares more for me than my first husband.”

“You were married before?”

“Unfortunately, I was. It was not a love match,” Charlotte answered with a shudder. She closed her eyes and sighed. “But that part of my life is over and now I have the man I love.”

“You seem very happy,” Avis commented.

Charlotte laughed softly. “How could I not be happy? I have a loving husband and soon a baby that I never believed I would have.”

“You want nothing else out of life?” All her friends wanted so much more and yet, no one seemed as happy as Charlotte.

She patted Avis’s hand. “You and Jennette have such great passions for life. I am a simpler person. I have my husband, my friends, and horses to ride when I’m not with child. My husband values my opinions on the estate so I certainly don’t feel useless. I have my hobbies to keep me busy when Trey is not around. What more could I want out of life?”

Avis had no idea. Once again, her life felt empty. The only time she’d felt such happiness, Banning had been with her. And now, he had rejected her…and it was all her fault.

“I dare say you should go rescue Lord Selby from Miss Roebuck,” Charlotte said, pointing toward the table. “He looks as if he wants to stuff his handkerchief in her mouth.”

“I doubt that would keep her quiet,” Avis replied with a grin.

Charlotte laughed. “You might be right. Now go, my darling husband is here to escort me to the table.”

Lord Kesgrave nodded at Avis as she stood to take her leave. She sauntered over toward Banning and Miss Roebuck.

“Well, Miss Roebuck, don’t you look pretty this afternoon. I believe pink must be your color.”

“Thank you, Miss Copley.”

“Miss Copley.” Banning nodded coolly toward her. “I believe we are seated next to each other today.”

Miss Roebuck’s bow-shaped mouth pushed out into a pouty smile. “Why, my lord, I believe you are mistaken. I just checked the tables and you are sitting on my right.”

Avis knew Banning was right and wondered if Miss Roebuck could have exchanged the cards. Avis noted the devious gleam in Miss Roebuck’s eyes as she spoke. It was as if she had been formulating a plan. Avis shook her head at the absurdity of that idea. Indeed.

Banning barely made it through the luncheon without strangling the woman sitting next to him. All the while, Avis sent him curious looks from the far end of the table. Luckily, he didn’t have to worry about her and Billingsworth since her seat was away from the bastard. By the end of the luncheon, Avis appeared most sullen. He hated this. Trying to make her jealous was tearing him apart, but he needed to win her. He had to find some way of getting through to her heart.

Unfortunately, his performance gave Miss Roebuck the wrong impression. As he rose from his seat, she did the same and wrapped her arm with his.

“My lord, will you escort me to the seats over by the archery competition? I would so love your company while we watch the players.”

“Alas, I am one of the players so I cannot keep you company.”

Thank God for Trey’s idea of a competition. He had paired off couples to compete together and the winners would start off the dancing tomorrow. Banning had no idea who his partner would be, but at least he knew it would not be Miss Roebuck.

“Good luck then, my lord. I fear my archery skills are so poor I didn’t dare risk anyone’s life.”

“I must find my partner,” he politely bowed over her hand and then left to find the list posted on a tree. As he approached the willow, he saw Avis scanning the list of names.

“Oh, dear,” she muttered.

“Is there a problem?”

She turned to face him, a grimace planted firmly on her face. “I daresay there is. I’m partnered with you.”

He wondered if this was Charlotte’s idea since Trey believed Banning should be making Avis jealous. He wasn’t about to complain though because it kept him away from Miss Roebuck’s clutches, and Avis away from Billingsworth.

“Well, then.” He held out his arm for her. “Shall we find our bows?” A familiar sensation of warmth raced up his arm as she linked hers with him. He would have to thank Charlotte for partnering them together. They walked toward the field already set up for the match.

“Did you enjoy your luncheon with Miss Roebuck?” she asked tartly.

Perhaps jealousy might work with her. “I did indeed.”

“I do hope you have some aim?” she said, reaching for a bow.

“A bit,” he replied. “Though as I get older, my eyesight does decrease. Did you know Miss Roebuck is only nineteen?”

“A pity about your sight. Though you are now, what? Thirty?”

“Hmm, one and thirty.”

“And you haven’t started to use a quizzing glass yet?”

He smiled at her ribbing. “Not yet. And you? Please tell me that my partner will not hit another player.”

She chuckled softly. “At least I can still see the target and my target isn’t a child barely out of the nursery,” she mumbled.

Banning almost laughed at her snide comment regarding Miss Roebuck. He wondered if he’d be able to concentrate on anything with Avis so near. Already the heady scent of her jasmine perfume surrounded him. It was taking every bit of focus he had to make certain no one else noticed his blatant attraction to her.

“I owe you an apology for missing our riding lesson this morning. Meet me at the stables in the morning so we can overcome one of your fears.”

She looked up at him, confused.
“One
of my fears?”

“The least significant fear. We’ll work on the others later.”

“Oh?”

Banning smiled at her as he placed the arrow in the bow. Each couple had the opportunity to shoot six arrows toward a target. The two top scoring teams would then get their chance against each other. When Avis’s turn approached, she sighted her target and released the arrow, narrowly missing the bulls-eye.

“Blast,” she mumbled.

“Quite nice, actually.” Banning sighted his target and let his arrow fly. He smiled as the arrow flew straight into the center.

“I’m much better with a rifle or a pistol,” she said, readying her next shot.

Better than me, no doubt,
he thought.

He pushed away the dreadful reminder of his own fear. He’d lived the past few years dreading that someone would reveal the truth about him.

Banning understood, since his conversation with his sister, that Avis’s own fear was a palpable thing. He empathized with her desire for spinsterhood, even though he knew that in this, she was wrong. He’d never hurt her.

Her next arrow hit the target perfectly. “Remind me to never get you angry with me again,” he said with a grin.

“I should have warned you years ago about my archery skills.” She let out a giggle as her last arrow took flight. Again, she missed though this time by a larger distance. “Don’t make me laugh or we shall never win.”

“But then you will have to open the dancing with me,” he said close to her ear. “I hear it may be a waltz.”

“A dance is a dance,” she said with a smile.

“Oh no. A waltz is like a seduction. That is why it was so frowned upon.” Banning didn’t wait for her reply. He took aim and released his arrow straight for the target, pleased with not only the shot but with how the woman at his side now reminded him of the Avis back at the cottage. Funny, light-hearted and warm. Perhaps she was finally coming to terms with their relationship.