Pascale Duguay (14 page)

When they stopped for luncheon in Ventley, Patience was not surprised to see that they had stopped at a different inn this time.

“I thought you always stopped at the Blue Boar,” said Lady Westbury innocently when Julius helped them out of the chaise at the Red Lion.

“You may thank your niece for the change.” Before Patience had a chance to reply, he added, taking her hands in his, “She has shown me the value of trying out new things, which in turn has led me to discover a rare jewel.” He then proceeded to drop kisses on each of her hands.

“Very prettily said, Julius. But there is no need to attract all this vulgar attention onto us. Patience, dear, gaping does not become you.”

Patience shut her mouth promptly. Julius’ lover-like speech was so out of character that it had taken her completely by surprise. As they made their way into the Red Lion, Patience looked at him suspiciously. However, it was not mockery she saw in his eyes when they met hers. Instead, she found a warmth that seemed to wrap itself around her heart.

Careful,
she warned herself. She could not allow her sentiments to cloud her judgment at this point. Certainly not until she resolved the mystery about her supposed inheritance.

They reached Lady Westbury’s house in time for tea. The ride through London had fully captivated Patience with its busy streets and imposing structures. Her aunt had to remind her several times to have a care not to fall out the open window of the chaise. “For I do not think even Sir Rupert could be induced to marry you if you were to be trampled by all these carriages.”

“Oh, Aunt! Almost you tempt me!”

“Silly child. And do not start saying that you take after me! For one thing I was never impertinent in the presence of my elders.”

Patience sat back against the squabs, her hands folded primly in her lap. She remained so until they stopped in front of Lady Westbury’s house, her dutiful demeanour belied by the twinkle in her eyes, which her aunt wisely chose to ignore.

Julius assisted them from the chaise and escorted them up the steps and into Lady Westbury’s foyer.

“Will you join us for some refreshments, Julius?” asked Lady Westbury.

“Unfortunately, I must decline. I have been away for longer than I intended and must undoubtedly have a pile of correspondence awaiting my attention.”

“Thank you then for your escort. Please feel free to call on us at any time,” she said giving him her hand.

“I will be sure to do so.” Julius kissed the hand punctiliously before bestowing a chaste kiss on his fiancée’s cheek.

Patience watched through the window as he regained his phaeton and mounted onto the driver’s seat, before being joined by Jessup once Julius instructed him to let go of the horses’ heads.

“Come, my dear. Let me make you known to the staff and give you a tour of the house.”

Lady Westbury’s house was much larger than Patience had expected. It was a three-story structure containing six bedchambers, a dining room, a breakfast parlour, two salons, a library, and a full-size ballroom. There was even a small garden in the back complete with a water fountain.

Upon entering her bedchamber Patience discovered that the maid assigned to her had already unpacked her things. She took in her surroundings, admiring the yellow and white colour scheme of her new room. The one she had been given at Hawkridge Manor had been wonderful when compared to the shaggy surroundings she had grown up in. But as beautiful as it was, it did not have Lady Westbury’s magic touch. She could easily get used to this lifestyle. If her father had not spent every farthing on his gaming pursuits, what a different upbringing she might have had. But would she have come into Julius’ life and become engaged to him? Patience’s heart gave a little skip. Shaking her head to banish the sudden images of his tall, broad figure bending down to kiss her, she hastened to the washbasin where she cleaned her face and hands before going down to meet her aunt for tea.

“Can you believe the number of invitations we have already received?” asked Lady Rutherford, a large pile of letters stacked next to her plate. “And the ball barely over, too. Did I not tell you that you were sure to become a success?”

“Yes, Aunt, but to become a success merely for becoming betrothed to a coveted personage does not say much for me.”

“Do not put yourself down, Patience. You may be sure that you had everyone present entranced by your charms!”

“You mean had I been a cross-eyed dowd, these invitations would not have been sent?” asked Patience.

“Don’t be absurd! Of course the Earl had much to do with your success. How could he not? He is the prize of the Season. However, snatching him from all those other young ladies’ talons was a feat in itself!”

“More like ensnaring him, you mean.”

“As to that, I am sure Julius would not have allowed himself to have become ensnared so easily had you been a cross-eyed dowd without a grain of charm or intelligence!”

“Thank you, Aunt,” said Patience meekly.

“Now stop funning me. We must set out first thing tomorrow to attend to your wardrobe if we are to be seen at these functions.”

“But what about all those new dresses that you just had made up for me?”

“Poo! Those are fine for simple country outings, but they will never do for London Society.”

Thus it was that Patience found herself spending the following morning first with Madame Lucie, where she was once more measured and fitted for numerous ball gowns, walking dresses, riding habits, theatre and opera gowns, pelisses, and the like until her head started to swim from all the colourful fabrics being draped over her form. Next they visited the milliner where they purchased a number of hats followed by other establishments specialising in the confections of shawls, gloves, stockings, footwear, and parasols.

As they exited the last shop, they ran into the Earl’s cousin.

“Why Philip! What a nice surprise!” called Lady Westbury.

“How do you do?” Philip bowed in greeting.

“I am so sorry you had to miss the ball. I heard you had urgent matters to attend?”

Patience’s gaze unwillingly fell to his jaw where a light bruise was still visible.

“Yes, and no one is sorrier than I,” said Philip resting his eyes mischievously on Patience. “For it is all over town that Miss Bingham was the toast of the soirée. It is too bad I missed such a sight and the pleasure of your company!”

“Then you may remedy this by escorting us home and taking tea with us. We are completely worn from our shopping expedition and are sorely in need of refreshments.”

“It will be my pleasure.” Philip escorted them to the waiting landaulet, which was now filled with their purchases.

By the time they sat in front of a pot of tea and a tray of delicacies in Lady Westbury’s smaller salon, whatever unpleasant memory Philip had retained from their last encounter seemed to have completely evaporated. He spoke to Patience as if the fight in the garden had never happened. The warm looks he sent her made her ill at ease. She would have to make sure not to be left alone in his company as she did not trust that he had given up on her.

Patience had not shared the episode of the garden with her aunt. She had no wish to be part of another scandal. At least this time, there had been no witnesses — except for her father, of course. And he was not likely to spread the rumour about. The last thing he needed was for another man to claim her hand.

It must be quite a feat to have acquired three suitors in such a short time,
thought Patience, smiling into her cup of tea in spite of herself.

The next morning, several boxes arrived from Madame Lucie containing dresses that had needed only slight alterations.

“We are fortunate to have received these so soon,” Louisa said. “The Earl has just sent word that he wishes to take you for a drive in the park this afternoon. You will want to look your best.”

“It is merely a drive, Aunt. Shouldn’t they be saved for something more important?”

“A drive in the park is much more than that! You will find that everyone present will be very much on display and as your name must be on all their lips by now, they will be eager to see you for themselves.”

“You terrify me!”

“No need to worry. You will do splendidly, I am sure. Follow Julius’ lead. With him at your side, you cannot go wrong.”

Where had her aunt been all this time, she wondered in amusement. She of all people should know how wrong things could go, especially when Julius was at her side.

Patience had hoped to start making inquiries concerning her possible inheritance. So far, she had only been able to have a quick word with her aunt’s man of business when he had come to the house yesterday to meet with that lady. However, this plan had to be set aside as her aunt expected her to be available for morning callers.

The larger salon was soon filled with a number of her aunt’s acquaintances, many of whom she had met at the ball. Patience was surprised to see Philip walk in, a stooped old lady leaning heavily on his arm. The room grew quiet when they entered. The old lady looked about her, glaring at everyone present. Her stern gaze alighted on the woman sitting next to Patience, causing that lady to quickly vacate her seat. Philip guided her over to it, sending Lady Westbury and Patience a look of apology. After he helped her into the chair, the old lady swatted at his arm and shooed him away. Philip moved to the other side of the room with obvious relief.

“Lady Courtland, how good of you to drop by!” exclaimed Lady Westbury, breaking the awkward silence.

“Goodness has nothing to do with it! Just because that great-nephew of mine has finally seen fit to continue the line does not mean I will sit by and let him marry any filly that comes his way. My rheumatism may stop me from traipsing to parties held in the country, but I can certainly find my way around London.”

Lady Westbury blushed at Lady Courtland’s curt discourse while Patience’s eyes twinkled at the old woman who so reminded her of ancient Mrs. Gibbs back home.

“So you are the red-haired chit everyone’s talking about,” barked Lady Courtland at Patience. “What have you got to say for yourself? You had better not be one of those tongue-tied misses. Can’t abide them and never shall!”

Having delivered this daunting speech, Lady Courtland leaned back in her chair, her gnarled fingers curled around the handle of the ebony cane propped between her feet.

“Indeed, ma’am,” Patience said meeting Lady Courtland’s hard gaze. “Tell me, have you tried drinking raw potato juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey for your rheumatism?”

“No, not that it is any business of yours! What would you know about such things, and at your age, too?”

“My mother used to prepare healing remedies before she died in childbirth. I discovered her notes and use them to help our tenants back home. I have found that potato juice and the apple cider vinegar mixture to be particularly helpful for rheumatism.”

“Is that so? Can’t stand raw potatoes, but I’m willing to try the other thing. You seem like a girl of sense with no frippery airs about you. I like that.” Lady Courtland looked around the room and shouted, “Now where’s that good-for-nothing great-nephew of mine? Never there when you need him!”

Philip appeared at her elbow and gently helped her out of her chair.

“Don’t forget, I’ll expect you to make me a jar of that concoction.” She turned to Lady Westbury. “Call on me with your charge as soon as it is ready.” She gave Philip a nudge and hobbled out of the room on his arm.

A wave of relief seemed to wash over the entire room at Lady Courtland’s departure. As though they feared that she might change her mind and return to abuse one of them, the other visitors soon followed suit and took their leave.

“Well done, Patience!” Lady Westbury exclaimed once they were alone. “By tonight, the news that you were not only able to stand up to Lady Courtland but also found favour with her will be all over town!”

“That was not much of an accomplishment. Anyone with a particle of sense can see that her pain is making her grouchy.”

“I have known her for many years, dearest, and never does she enjoy herself more than when she is abusing someone. Which reminds me, I have heard she throws the medication back at her doctor when it does not prove effective.”

“Then let us hope my mixture works!”

When Julius was shown in later that day, Patience and her aunt were still chuckling over the morning’s events.

“I see I find you in good humour!” he said making his bow to the two ladies.

“You do, and amazingly so!” exclaimed Lady Westbury. “We had the honour of a visit from your great-aunt, Lady Courtland.”

“You surprise me! The old viper may be my favourite amongst all my relatives, but I would not wish her on my worst enemy. She does like to rip up at one. I can guess she came to inspect my betrothed? Did you pass the test, Patience?”

Lady Westbury clapped her hands together. “With flying colours, I should say! Don’t you think so, Patience?”

“She seemed to take well to my suggestion for her rheumatism. But she may change her mind should the mixture prove ineffective.”

“In that case, I trust you have good reflexes.”

“Yes, Aunt has already warned me,” said Patience with another giggle.

“My great-aunt does not usually leave her prey in such good spirits. I am glad, for I would not have wanted her ill-timed visit to put you in a dark mood during our drive, especially on such a fine afternoon. Shall we go?”

“Let me go fetch my hat. I will be back in a moment.”

Patience soon returned wearing one of her new hats. She had also remembered to take a parasol along should the sun prove a threat to her freckles. Although she did not mind them, her aunt had warned her that these were seen as a physical flaw by the upper crust of Society.

Julius extended his arm. Patience took it and allowed herself to be led to his waiting phaeton. He drove them to the park at an easy pace, expertly navigating through the busiest parts. He pointed at areas of interest as they went, acting like the perfect companion. Heads turned in their direction, attracted by her companion’s good looks, no doubt.

“You seem to be turning heads everywhere we go,” Julius suddenly broke into her thoughts.

“Actually, I was thinking those same heads were turning for you!” Patience replied.

“Then let us agree that we must form an extraordinary looking couple! But please do put that parasol away before you poke me in the eye with it.”

“But the sun is very bright, Julius. I am afraid my freckles may come out.”

“Then by all means, allow them to come out! I am very partial to freckles, you know. I wonder do they also appear on other parts of you?”

Julius momentarily took his eyes away from the road to send her a smouldering look. It was the same look that always sent shivers of anticipation throughout her body. She decided not to respond, afraid of where such a conversation might lead.

They turned into Hyde Park and Julius slowed his team to join the throng of elegantly dressed ladies and gentleman being conveyed around the park in a variety of open vehicles. He nodded to various acquaintances while Patience found herself being subjected to the open stares of all present. Although she identified a few faces, most were strangers to her. Keeping her back straight and head held high, she hoped she projected an assurance she was far from feeling.

A gloved hand waved at them from an approaching curricle, motioning for them to stop. Patience had no difficulty recognizing the beautiful Miss Arlington, being driven by Philip. Julius slowed down and rested abreast of his cousin’s curricle. Both men nodded rather stiffly to each other, but other than that, no one would have guessed these two had been in a fight only a few days earlier.

“Dear Lord Rutherford! And Miss Bingham,” Miss Arlington added, almost as an afterthought. “How nice to see you again! Philip has been so kind as to agree to take me out with his new team. Aren’t they the most gorgeous pair?”

“They are,” conceded Julius. “I have always said you have extreme good sense when it comes to horseflesh.”

“And for other things, too, I hope,” Philip said, looking directly at Patience.

Patience felt Julius stiffen next to her. For a moment, she wondered if he would reach out and hit his cousin. Fortunately, Miss Arlington, unaware of the tension between the two men, said, “I wished to let you know that the invitations for my ball have been sent out this morning. I hope the two of you will do me the honour of attending?”

“Thank you, Miss Arlington. We will be sure to be there.” Julius nodded and set his team in motion. Whether he did not wish to hold up traffic or whether he did not trust himself to keep from doing bodily harm to his cousin whose penetrating looks were making Patience decidedly uncomfortable, she could not tell.

Julius took a couple more turns around the park before setting off for Lady Westbury’s home.

“I hope my cousin has not been making a nuisance of himself since you have arrived in town.”

“He has not acted in any way that was improper, if that is what you mean.”

“You have been in his company then?” Julius’ face hardened.

“Twice, in fact.” Patience could not help goading him. “Once when Aunt Louisa invited him for tea after we met him while we were out shopping, and this morning when he brought your great-aunt for a visit. Although for that, I am sure he would gladly have switched places with you, poor boy!”

“Serves him well!”

“You know, I am bound to meet him if I am to go into Society. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from being cast into the sullens after every one of our encounters.”

Julius stopped his horses in front of Lady Westbury’s house. He did not respond as he jumped down, helped her to descend, then led her into the house.

When they entered the empty parlour, Julius surprised Patience by shutting the door behind them and turning the key in the lock. He grabbed her and using his body, trapped her against the door. Tilting her face up, he brought his lips close to hers and whispered, “I will refrain from being cast into the sullens if you remember whom you are to marry.”

He brought his head down crushing his lips to hers in a feverish kiss that turned her knees to jelly. One hand released her back to slide up her rib cage, stopping tantalizingly close to her full breast. Patience could feel the heat of his palm radiating through her garments, warming up the sensitive skin and causing her nipples to harden. A moan escaped her, and she found herself pressing herself more closely against his hard body.

The doorknob rattled and Lady Westbury’s voice reached them through the other side.

“Patience? Are you in there? Is everything all right?”

Julius pressed one last hard kiss upon her lips before releasing her and going to stand behind a high-backed chair, but not before Patience caught a glimpse of the large bulge that had formed at the front of his breeches.

Patience passed a hand over her lips, hoping to erase any telltale signs before unlocking the door and opening it.

“Sorry, Aunt Louisa. We seem to have locked ourselves in by mistake.”

Lady Westbury glanced at Patience and then at the Earl’s position behind the chair.

“This door always gives me trouble. I will get one of the servants to take a look at it. The tea tray is on its way. I hope you will join us, my lord.”

“Certainly. I could use some refreshments.”

“How was your outing? Did you enjoy your first ride in the park, dear?”

“It was quite a sight, Aunt. I have never seen such elaborate dresses for such a simple thing as a pleasure drive!”

“Town life is very much different than life in the country, is it not?” Julius came to sit in the chair facing the couch that Patience shared with her aunt. Patience could not help noticing that he seemed to have gotten his body back under control.

“Yes, but I believe that country life has the advantage of teaching one about the basic nature of things,” Patience said, her eyes briefly glancing down between his legs. She caught his eye and gave him her most innocent look.

Julius wisely switched to a safer topic. “We met Miss Arlington in the park. She mentioned a soirée at Arlington House.”

“Yes, the invitation arrived this morning. Will you be attending, Julius?”

“I believe so. I will be happy to escort you should you wish.”

“That would be lovely.”

After Julius left, Lady Westbury handed her a sealed letter.

“This came for you while you were out riding. It is from Farley, my man of business.”

“Thank you, Aunt,” said Patience taking the note. “I appreciate you lending me his assistance.”

“Farley can always be counted on for legal advice. I am fortunate to have him in my employ. I hope it is nothing of a serious nature?” enquired Lady Westbury, gazing hopefully at the note in her niece’s hand.

Patience hurried to the door.

“Not at all, Aunt. If you will excuse me, I will go up now and rest for a bit before dinner.” She was out the door and up the stairs before her aunt could remember that she never rested before dinner.

Patience closed herself up in her room and broke the seal of the note. Mr. Farley had written a name and address in response to her question. She would now be able to meet with the attorney who handled her mother’s family affairs, and hopefully learn what her father was up to.

But what if the rumours turned out to be true? It was both an exhilarating and worrisome thought, she realized. Exhilarating because she would not be dependent on her father, or any man for that matter, not even Julius. And here was the worrisome thought. Would Julius still act the same toward her? He had grown quite bold of late. She had enjoyed this afternoon’s lovemaking very much. To tell the truth, she was looking forward to his company more and more, not to mention their physical encounters. Had it been any other man, she might have broken his nose just like that awful innkeeper.