Love Inspired Historical April 2014 Bundle: The Husband Campaign\The Preacher's Bride Claim\The Soldier's Secrets\Wyoming Promises (13 page)

But as he drew nearer, he saw the baggage wagon, piled with trunks and boxes. A maid in a black gown was riding next to the driver, which meant there was a lady in the group. And the gentleman dismounting his charger at the front of the procession was dressed in the blue-and-gold uniform of the 10th Royal Hussars, the Prince's own cavalry unit.

John felt his shoulders tightening. Then he caught sight of the carriage.

His family carriage.

Caro.

He felt as if someone had rammed a fist into his gut. Magnum must have sensed the change in him, for the black's gait stuttered. John reined him in, stroked his neck.

“I don't like it,” he murmured. “But we can't abandon Amelia.”

Magnum tossed his head as if to argue. The black had never warmed to Amelia, and John still wasn't sure why. But he had to agree with the stallion that this visit would only mean trouble.

The cavalcade reached the house the same time he and Magnum did. Amelia and Fletcher had come out onto the steps. She stood tall and proud. Her pleasant smile was so firmly fixed to her lips it might have been drawn on with oil. Her posture only stiffened further as the footman lowered the step and helped Caroline, Lady Hascot, to alight.

She was as lovely as ever, golden curls tickling the sides of her creamy face below a tiny hat nearly eclipsed by a profusion of feathers and satiny bows. Her rosy lips widened in a smile of welcome as John handed Magnum's reins to the footman and came forward to greet her.

“John, dearest!” The musky scent of roses engulfed him as she held out her hand and angled her chin to present him equal opportunity to kiss either location. He refused.

“Lady Hascot,” he said. “We weren't expecting you.”

She trilled a laugh as the cavalry officer attending her stepped to her side. “Well, you always said I was welcome at Hollyoak Farm any time,” she reminded John. “And you didn't give me a chance to meet your charming bride in town.” She leaned around John and wiggled her gloved fingers at Amelia. “Oh, but she's lovely, John. I can see why you offered for her.”

Before he could respond, she reached for the officer's arm and drew him closer. “Allow me to present Major David Kensington of the 10th Royal Hussars.”

Major Kensington extended his hand. “Lord Hascot, an honor. My commanding officer rode one of your beasts into the battle of Waterloo. A magnificent creature.”

“I'll be more impressed if you tell me the horse survived the battle,” John said without shaking his hand.

“Oh, of course. With great distinction, I promise you.” Kensington pulled back his hand and rubbed it along the gold stripe of his trouser as if that had been his intention all along. “I was very glad Lady Hascot suggested this trip, for I've long wanted to learn more about your program.” He eyed Magnum over John's shoulder. “I see you continue to breed the best.”

“I merely appreciate the Lord's work,” John replied. He would have liked nothing better than to send the two to the inn in the village, but he suspected Amelia would want him to at least attempt the social niceties. “Come, meet my wife,” he told them.

John led them toward the house even as grooms took away Magnum and the major's horse, a spirited chestnut gelding.

Amelia inclined her head as they approached the stairs. “Welcome to Hollyoak Farm,” she said, graciousness itself for all that her color had fled.

John stepped between her and Caro. “Amelia, Dr. Fletcher, may I present my brother's wife, Lady Hascot, and Major Kensington.”

Fletcher nodded to both. Amelia inclined her head to Caro and allowed the major to kiss her hand, retrieving it quickly.

Caro laughed again. “I can see this Lady Hascot business is going to grow tiresome. There is only one thing for it. You must be Amelia, and I must be Caro. We are sisters now after all.” She pushed past John and linked arms with Amelia. “I just know we'll be the best of friends, as well. You must tell me all about how John courted you. We can compare notes.”

John moved to intercept, but Kensington blocked his way.

“Women,” he said with an easy grin as Caro all but dragged Amelia into the house on a rose-scented cloud. “I say, allow me to change out of my travel dirt, and I'd be delighted to see more of your stock.”

John opened his mouth to refuse, but Fletcher stepped forward. “Allow me to show you around, Major. I am the veterinarian at Hollyoak Farm, so you might say I've know each horse from before it was foaled.”

“Capital!” Major Kensington clapped him on the shoulder. “I'll just be a moment, if you could point out my room.”

“Lady Hascot will have one waiting for you,” Fletcher assured him, bowing him ahead into the house. As soon as the major was out of earshot, Fletcher turned to John. “This has all the makings of a disaster.”

“Or a farce,” John replied. “You needn't trouble yourself. I'll see to the major after I've made sure Caro and Amelia are getting on. Just inform the others that I don't intend to sell another horse to the military, not after seeing how Contessa was treated.”

“If I may, that was one misguided cavalryman,” the veterinarian protested. “I'm sure many valiant officers treat their horses better than their friends.”

“Then they are free to approach me. In the meantime, keep your eyes on Kensington when we dine tonight. I want to know what you think of his character.”

Fletcher nodded. “And I would counsel you to keep a very close eye on the ladies. Your wife has only begun to feel as if Hollyoak Farm is her home. She won't appreciate having to share it, or you.”

Chapter Thirteen

D
id the other Lady Hascot have to be so perfect?

Amelia managed a smile as Major Kensington and Dr. Fletcher laughed at one of the woman's jokes. Caro sat at the dinner table, head cocked so that her golden curls brushed her cheek, lips curved in delight. She was witty, clever, a born flirt. Amelia felt like a great lump.

They were taking an early dinner, but that hadn't stopped Caro and Major Kensington from dressing for the evening. Caro's gown of russet satin gleamed in the candlelight and was rivaled only by the sparkle of the gold braid on the major's uniform.

Amelia was thankful she'd had rooms made up a while ago just in case some of John's buyers would need to stay overnight. As it was, she had only murmured the locations to Mr. Hennessy, and the butler had directed the various servants where to go. A word to Mr. Shanter had brought out the best salmon for dinner. She could confidently say she'd been a credit to her husband. Somehow, that fact wasn't as satisfying as she'd hoped.

“How long do you plan to stay?” John put in from the head of the table. Mr. Hennessy had placed Caro on his right and Major Kensington on his left, with Dr. Fletcher between Caro and Amelia at the foot. She knew it was protocol, but she couldn't help wishing she was the one sitting next to her husband.

Now Caro laughed. Everything seemed a happy circumstance to her. A shame Amelia couldn't see the visit that way.

“Now, don't you worry about how you'll entertain us, John,” Caro said. “Major Kensington is ever so eager to learn more about what you do, and you might even convince me to get into the saddle.” She leaned around Dr. Fletcher to smile at Amelia. “I never was much of a rider. I'm sure you understand.”

“Amelia is an excellent rider,” John said. “She managed one of my most difficult horses with her voice alone.”

Amelia's face warmed with his praise. So, she felt, did her heart.

Major Kensington raised his glass in toast. “Well done, Lady Hascot. I appreciate a woman who knows how to tame a savage beast.”

“Particularly when he is her husband,” Caro teased before taking a sip from her own glass.

John glowered.

“I would have no need to tame such a considerate husband,” Amelia put in smoothly. “And as for the horse, Major Kensington, Firenza is not nearly a savage.”

“Firenza?” Caro shook her finger at John. “Another fanciful name, I see.” She turned to Major Kensington. “Do you know he named that black brute he was riding Magnum Opus, as if he was a great composition?”

“What would you have me name him?” John challenged, eyes narrowing. “Blacky? Save me from such a lack of inspiration.”

“I do believe,” Dr. Fletcher put in, “that Weatherby's
General Stud Book
encourages original names for its registry.”

Caro bowed over her silver-rimmed plate as if paying homage. “And all hail Weatherby's. Heaven forbid that we do anything to displease the masters of horse.”

“You haven't answered my question,” John said.

Amelia dropped her gaze to her salmon before her guests could see her smile. Bless John for his constancy! It was becoming very clear, at least to her, that he found their guests far from amusing. She should not take such pleasure in that.

“I haven't decided,” Caro told him breezily. “Everyone who is anyone has left London for the Season, in any event.”

True. Most of London's elite found country houses to visit during sweltering August. Amelia would never have thought Hollyoak Farm to be among the more sought-after invitations.

“Will your friends not miss your company?” she tried, earning her a fierce nod of approval from John.

Caro waved a hand. “I am certain they will survive my absence. Besides, I like being beholden to no one. I come and go as it pleases me.”

“And the best you could do was Hollyoak?” John demanded.

She dimpled at him. “Right now, it pleases me to become better acquainted with your charming bride.”

Amelia wished she could return the compliment. Part of her was curious about the woman John had once considered marrying. Another part warned her that she would not like what she found.

* * *

John had never been good at the sparkling conversation that brightened London Society. He didn't care about the facile comments and empty praise, could never think of a witty response until the topic had moved on. Quips and jests flew back and forth between Caro and the major, with Amelia occasionally joining in. He found he much preferred a quiet dinner with his wife.

Yet he had to admit to a curiosity. Why had Caro come calling? She'd said she wanted to meet Amelia, but one-hundred-and-eighty-some miles of dusty roads, a travel carriage, a luggage wagon and an entourage seemed a great deal of effort merely to make an acquaintance. Couldn't she have waited until John and Amelia went up to London next spring?

Had Caro been a mare in his stable, insisting on joining another pasture when she had perfectly good grass where she was, he would have said it had something to do with the horses in the other pasture. Was it possible the same motivations applied in this case? It would lend credence to Caro's claim that she wanted to know Amelia better.

He watched his sister-in-law that evening after Fletcher excused himself and the others adjourned to the withdrawing room. Amelia suggested whist, and their guests happily agreed. The partners should have been obvious, John with Amelia and Major Kensington with Caro. But before John could reach his seat, Caro linked arms with him.

“Do partner me, dearest,” she said, lashes fluttering. “You know I haven't a head for numbers, and I'd hate to make a poor showing in front of your darling Amelia.”

John glanced at Amelia. That pleasant smile he was coming to dread sat upon her pretty lips, but she seemed to be standing taller than usual, as if her spine had stiffened.

“Nonsense,” John tried, attempting to remove Caro's hand from his arm.

Major Kensington stepped to Amelia's side and held out his arm. “I'd be delighted to partner our charming hostess.”

Amelia cast John a look but kindly agreed.

John resigned himself to play opposite Caro. At least she would be across the table and not at his side. As it was, Kensington sat on his left and Amelia his right at the round parquet table. His bride had her hands set one atop the other, head high as she waited. She was a perfect contrast to Caro, who nearly squirmed in her seat with anticipation.

Kensington led, dealing the cards as if from long practice. His look was cool, assessing, as it moved from John, to Amelia, to Caro. John laid down a king of hearts to start. Amelia followed with a queen, setting it carefully on top of his. Caro threw down a lower heart with a wink to John that he ignored. Kensington chuckled.

“I can see we have our work cut out for us, Lady Hascot,” he said to Amelia as he set down a lower heart, as well. “It seems our opponents have agreed upon a set of signals. I saw that wink, Caro.”

Caro tossed her head as John took in the trick. “And may a lady not acknowledge the handsome gentleman who is partnering her, sir?”

Kensington winked broadly at Amelia. “Indeed. And the gentleman can acknowledge his charming partner, as well.”

Amelia colored, dropping her gaze to her cards and keeping it there for the rest of the hand.

The audacity of the man! John wanted nothing more than to tell the major to take his eye-winking face out of the house and never return. Amelia was a married woman. Kensington had no right to flirt with her.

The right to flirt with her was all John's.

He grimaced and nearly misplayed his hand. Him, flirting? Amelia would likely laugh in his face. Certainly Caro had done so more than once when they'd been courting, though always with such charm that he couldn't hold it against her. If the major was offering Amelia such fulsome compliments and attentions, shouldn't John follow suit?

“Your hair is very fetching tonight, Amelia,” he said aloud as the play progressed to her.

She glanced up at him, blinking. “My hair?”

Perhaps it wasn't any different than the way she'd worn it before, up at the back with one long curl brushing her shoulder. But with the candlelight gleaming down on the platinum strands, he had the oddest urge to stroke his hand along the silk.

“You remind me of the statue of Diana in Lady Brompton's garden,” Major Kensington put in with a smile to Amelia as he played on Caro's spade. “Such stirring lines, such an elegant countenance.”

Amelia immediately dropped her gaze again. “You are too kind, sir.”

John wanted to thump the fellow over his own elegant head with the remaining cards in his hand.

“Oh, Major Kensington is such a tease,” Caro proclaimed as the major drew in the trick. “You must watch yourself around him, Amelia. More than one lady has had her heart broken.”

“Alas, if only that were true,” Kensington lamented, setting down the king of clubs. “I fear I am more likely to have my own heart broken by the fickle fancy of the finest.”

Caro tittered at his wit. John could think of any number of body parts he would have liked to see broken on the major. He threw out a two of clubs and sat back in his seat, disgusted with himself.

“I'm certain Amelia would never break a heart,” Caro said as Amelia played a four. “She is too kind.” She laid down the ace of clubs and swept in the trick.

She made it sound as if kindness was a flaw. “Amelia's kindness is one of her most sterling qualities,” John said as Caro threw out the queen of diamonds.

“Hear, hear,” Kensington said, playing the seven.

Caro's smile seemed to be pasted to her face. “Do you hear them, Amelia? One moment you are elegance defined, and now you are merely kind. How is one to counter such faint praise?”

“I don't find it faint,” Amelia said as John played on the trick. “I'm honored if my efforts are seen as kind.”

“Pshaw,” Caro replied with a wave of her cards that was not lost on the savvy Kensington. “I would far rather be known for my dash and daring.”

“I fear dash and daring are not my long suit,” Amelia said, but she set the king of diamonds down on top of the trick and gently pulled it in.

John smiled to himself. His Amelia might never be known for her daring, but he could only be thankful. A more daring miss would never have been willing to marry him.

They continued playing for another hour. If he had been a man set on winning, he might have been pleased with his partner. Despite her protests, Caro played brilliantly. She seemed to know which cards to lay down and which to save for greatest impact. And her steady stream of conversation probably masked her concentration to people who did not know her well.

Amelia, on the other hand, was more obvious in her efforts, studying her cards, biting her soft pink lips when she was unsure which to play. If she was pleased with her hand, her lovely face brightened. If dismayed, she frowned and scrunched her nose. Major Kensington did his best to make up for her gaffes and pronounced her the perfect partner even when they lost by a rubber.

Still, John could not go up to bed without having a word with his wife first. He managed to pull Amelia aside as Caro and the major made their excuses and headed upstairs.

“Thank you for managing things today,” he started. “Especially when this entire visit must be distressing to you.”

She glanced up the stairs as if to make sure their guests were out of earshot, then returned her clear gaze to his. “Do I appear distressed?”

Her face was flushed a pleasing pink, and she stood perfectly poised beside him. “Not in the slightest,” John assured her. “But you'd have reason to be. I did not invite her, Amelia, but as she is my sister-in-law, I can hardly deny her access to a family property.”

“Of course,” Amelia said. “Society decrees her family, and we should treat her as such. You need not concern yourself. I am quite capable of dealing with a fortnight's house party.”

John grimaced. “Hardly a house party.”

Amelia spread her hands. “It appears to be why they came. I know she teased you that you would not have to entertain her, but that is generally what is expected of such a visit.”

“Heaven help us,” John murmured, feeling as if someone had forced a stone down his throat.

Amelia smiled at him. “Prayer would not be remiss, sir. However, I think we can keep them sufficiently busy. Tomorrow morning, we can show them the farm, perhaps take a ride afterward. I'll write to Lady Bellington and see if we can arrange a visit for the next day.”

“That should frighten Caro out of the area,” John predicted.

Amelia shook her head, smile turning wry. “Such was not my intent. And we can tour the Rotherford mine, attempt fishing on the Bell, perhaps climb Calder Edge. There are many ways to keep them occupied, my lord. I shall try not to interrupt your routine overly much.”

* * *

John had every confidence in Amelia, but as it turned out, his normal routine was interrupted the very next morning. He'd thought he'd have a few moments alone when he came down to breakfast just after dawn. However, Major Kensington was waiting for him in the dining room, cup of tea in one large hand.

“Ah, another early riser,” he exclaimed as John poured himself a cup.

John cast him a glance. He had changed out of his dress uniform for the uniform of a London gentleman—navy coat and buff trousers. The more casual dress made him no less a figure of legend. Small wonder Caro claimed the ladies swooned over him.

“And had you a purpose for getting up so early?” John asked as he sat across the table from the man. “I thought this was a social visit.”

“Oh, it is,” Kensington assured him. “But I was in the habit of rising early on campaign. I never accustomed myself otherwise. Don't allow me to inconvenience you.”