“I’ve been giving the matter some thought,” Basil said, “and an idea came to me.”
“Do tell. I’ll take any help I can get.”
“A foxhunt.”
Lex gave him a look. “Have you gone completely mad? How is chasing a fox going to convince Lady Sinclair to marry me?”
Basil smirked. “Because it won’t just be a foxhunt. I intend to host a weekend gathering at Du Priest Manor, featuring dancing, games, and riding. I’ll extend an invitation to Lady Sinclair, and her grandmother and Charles as chaperones.”
Lex arched a brow. “You’d go to such trouble and expense for me?”
“I would. But it’s not only for you. I, too, must soon face the gallows of matrimony,” Basil said with a dramatic sigh. “My mother is aging and eager for me to secure our family’s legacy. And while I’ve dragged my feet on the matter, I know it’s my duty.”
Lex gave a rueful chuckle. “So, Dove-Lyon got to you, too?”
“She gave me some surprisingly sound advice, actually.” Basil’seyes twinkled. “Though I’ll admit, her methods are not for the faint of heart.”
“Well, I hope her advice works better for you than her matchmaking did for me.”
Basil laughed and clapped Lex on the back. “Don’t surrender just yet, my friend.”
Lex’s expression softened. “Whatever happens, our friendship is one thing I know I can count on. And you’ve always stood by me, even when I didn’t deserve it.”
“Our friendship was forged in tree branches and bloody noses,” Basil said. “Speaking of which—I want to show you something. I found a hidden bend in the river, a proper swimming hole. After the dreary winter we’ve had, this sun’s too tempting to waste.”
Lex grinned. “You surprise me. I thought we’d explored every inch of this forest.”
“Apparently not. Come on—this way.”
As they rode toward the river, Lex’s mind drifted to a memory. “Remember when those bullies nicked our trousers during that swim behind the dormitory?”
Basil barked a laugh. “Do I ever. We wrapped ourselves in leaf kilts and hid until the entire hall was at supper.”
“And then we exacted our revenge by locking them out of their rooms after they snuck off to carouse with the town strumpet.”
“Poetic justice,” Basil said, shaking his head fondly. “Nothing more satisfying than putting bullies in their place.”
An hour later, Lex lay in the sun-dappled grass beside the river, his body relaxed and still damp from the cool water. The peaceful setting lulled him—but his mind wandered elsewhere. He imagined what it would be like to swim naked with Edwina, to pull her into his arms, her body slick and glistening against his. He could almost hear her laughter, feel her sighs, taste her kiss as they made love in the clearing.
Perhaps Basil was right. A weekend at Du Priest Manor might offerhim the time and privacy he needed to show Edwina his true intentions—and put her fears to rest.
“Basil,” Lex said, rolling to his side, “I’d like to bring Teresa for this weekend of yours.”
“Of course. I’d be delighted. Tess must be, what—nearly eighteen?”
“Yes. She and Mama return tomorrow from their year in Scotland.”
Tess had never once complained about the family’s inability to afford a Season. Instead, she’d embraced the time with relatives, and in her letters described the wild Scottish hills, the quiet lochs, and the hours spent sketching nature. She was a gifted artist. Lex longed to help her build a future that let her share that talent with the world—but first, he had to stabilize the family’s finances.
“She’s grown into a clever, gracious young woman,” he said. “She deserves a brilliant match—someone who sees her worth and won’t try to dim her light.”
“She was always sharp as a tack,” Basil said. “I recall her trailing us like a shadow, dragging around that sketchpad.”
“Still does.” Lex chuckled. “Only now her fingers are permanently stained with charcoal.”
“Then I look forward to seeing her again,” Basil said, grinning. “As long as she washes her hands before dinner.”
Lex laughed, the tension of the day lifting slightly from his shoulders. “That’s never guaranteed.”
