‘Matty,’ Jo chuckled, throwing one of the window-seat cushions after her unapologetic sister. ‘I do declare you are the very fiercest Fairfax of all, and the world should be very afraid.’
Matilda laughed as she dodged the cushion and pulled a face. ‘You’re not that different, Jo, you just put your fire on paper instead. But I do believe the day will come when someone will ignite that bluestocking flame of yours, and then we will all have to watch out! See you at dinner…’
Josephine stared at the space her younger sister had occupied seconds before, wondering for the umpteenth time how they could be related at all. Three long seasons standing at the sidelines of balls, assemblies and soirees had given her a very different impression of herself. And yet perhaps Matilda wasn’t entirely wrong about some small Fairfax flame for while the vagaries of gentlemen were likely to tease her forever, she would protect her sisters come what may.
Wistfully, she recalled the many happy afternoons they’d spent in Phoebe’s bedchamber, before Thomas started planning for the future. It felt like yesterday, yet now her sisters were building real families of their own, while Matilda waited in the wings and she… Josephine drew a steadying breath. It was far better Thomas had one of them to help him with the estate, and she would always choose the company of books over those who thought her a wallflower.
She glanced towards her novels and mustered a smile– for who could be lonely with a trove of heroes beside her bed, after all?
ChapterTwo
The May Day Fayre; Tygers and Pigs
Two days later
‘What say you, Miss Fairfax?’ Sir Francis queried in his rich tone. ‘Do you believe William Blake celebrates, or condemns, the fiercest of beasts?’
Josephine flushed, as Sir Francis fell into step beside her, on the country lane connecting Knightswood with the heart of the village. She glanced down at their shadows, one so much larger than the other, and briefly wondered how they would look with the additions of a top hat and wedding veil, before forcing her wayward thoughts forward. She’d always been the bookworm sister, the dreamiest sister, the lovelorn for a fictional hero sister– not the embarrassingly tongue-tied around a mortal gentleman sister.
‘Are you talking aboutThe Tygeragain, Dashton?’ Fred interjected, rolling his eyes. ‘I’ll never understand your incessant talk about poetic jungle cats, when we haveferalpigsright here in Knightswood!’
Everyone chuckled.
‘You were so scared at the fayre,’ Matilda teased, hoisting up her muslin skirt as they reached the estate gate.
‘That sow was going to bite me!’ Fred defended himself hotly. ‘And, if you ask me, motherhood makes any beast the fiercer.’
‘And what makes you such a connoisseur?’ she retorted.
‘WelI,Ithought you did an admirable job, Fred,’ Josephine placated, finally finding her voice. She pushed her spectacles back up her nose. ‘The Oxford Sandy is attractive, but the Devon Black is hardier, and Thomas is certain they’re easier to breed. And in answer to your question, Sir Francis,’ she added, avoiding his gaze, ‘I believe Blake may have been questioning why a creator who made the lamb, made the fearsome tiger too? Of course, he goes on to hint that both are necessary in our world– rather like love and fear, I suppose…’
There was a brief silence while everyone looked at Josephine, turning an even rosier pink in the dappled shade of the old apple tree.
Sir Francis cleared his throat. ‘Most perceptive, Miss Fairfax.’ He reached to open the small wrought-iron pedestrian gate. ‘And I must own to being rather impressed that your personal studies have given you such insight. Best breeding pigs and Blake all in the same breath– there are not many young ladies who can claim such a ready and extensive knowledge.’
He paused to run his fingers through his flaxen hair, the spring sunlight reflecting in his eyes as a smile spread across his face. It was a picture worthy of a gallery and, briefly, Josphine couldn’t help but gaze.
‘You should know better than to try and catch Josephine out!’ Matilda challenged. ‘You and Fred might have degrees from Oxford, but Josephine is the most well-read and versed of us all. You would have to search far and wide to find any lady, or gentleman, as knowledgeable as she.’
‘So I understand.’ Sir Francis nodded. ‘And I’ve always maintained there is something truly noble about knowledge gained through personal study, rather than in discussion with the professors and dons of Oxford.’ He looked thoughtful as Matilda leapt down from the estate gate into the field of daisies. ‘I say!’ he added with a swift grin. ‘I do believe that was a dismount worthy of an acrobat, Miss Matilda! Indeed, I recall Fred mentioning you once had ambitions for a career in the circus, is that true?’
He chuckled, as Fred reached down to grasp a handful of daisies and toss them at his tall, golden friend. Sir Francis retaliated instantly, grabbing handfuls of the meadow flowers in both hands, before giving chase.
‘Matilda!’ Josephine whispered earnestly as soon as the gentlemen were out of earshot. ‘You must know that most gentlemen don’t like it if we appear more well-read than they! I’ve had to bite my tongue countless times at soirees and social evenings, even though they talk as though they are quite the authority on everything. And don’t ask me how many gentlemen have thought it acceptable to quote Byronmost imperfectly, as a way of opening a conversation.’
She stole a sidelong look at her protective younger sister as the gentlemen gambolled ahead, throwing daisies like hapless schoolboys.
‘Well, I think you should be proud of who you are!’ Matilda retorted. ‘And if a gentleman cannot cope with a lady having more knowledge than he, then he is not worthy of the lady! I’d take imperfect Byron over perfect Francis anyway,’ she added cryptically.
‘Pardon?’ Josephine frowned.
‘Oh nothing.’ Matilda exhaled. ‘They are very good friends, are they not?’ she added curiously as they fell in a tangle of limbs and laughter. ‘It’s true I once had ambitions to join the circus, Sir Francis,’ she called out in her next breath, ‘but I’ve since decided more adventure lies with the army.’
‘Matilda!’ Josephine groaned.
At this latest intrigue, the two gentlemen ceased their play-fight at last and waited for the ladies to join them.
‘And your eldest brother has approved this military life for you?’ Sir Francis quizzed, as Fred snorted his faith in his sister’s chances.
