Chapter Eight
“Whydo we have to dance with Apple-blossom Wimplestow, and you do not?”
Joseph looked at his brothers, who were seated across from him enjoying the ale he had just purchased. After a morning spent riding around to the tenants, it was well deserved.
“Because I am the eldest, therefore I am delegating.”
Rory was next in line, at twenty-seven, and then Eleanor, at twenty-six, and lastly Charles, twenty-four. Rory’s hair was lighter, as were his eyes. He was the serious one of the two. He didn’t act without careful thought, and rarely made an exhibition of himself. The same could not be said for Charles. His hair was darker, almost black, and his eyes identical to Joseph’s. If there was trouble to be had, Charles was usually at its root. He was loud, boisterous, and loved his family fiercely. Both were tall like him, and he would not trade either of them, although that piece of information would have to be dragged from him under torture.
“That hardly seems fair, Joseph. Apple-blossom Wimplestow may be a good sort, but I had not planned to dance with her when Misses Stella Bailey and Jacinta Lumley will be in attendance.”
Charles thought himself something of a catch. Young women simpered around him, gushing compliments to his carefully styled clothing and sharp wit. He was never at a loss for words, unlike Rory, who never used two when one would do.
“Those two will be inundated with partners, Apple-blossom will not. Therefore, you will dance with her.”
“Seems a trifle harsh, Joseph. Furthermore, I would like an explanation as to why we have to dance with her, when we’ve shown no interest in her before,” Charles said.
Joseph thought about Milly for the hundredth time since he’d left her at the Wimplestows. It had not sat well with him, leaving her, but he’d had little choice but to drive away. She would be safe, he knew that much. They were not bad people, just... how did one describe such a family? Odd.
He’d realized that his anger had eased slightly, and in its place had come concern and uncertainty. Something was off about that entire incident four years ago, he just didn’t know what. Her father’s words in that note had started the unease inside him, and it had steadily grown. He’d gone over the day she’d told him she was leaving him many times, and each time he’d realized that his surprise, anger, and yes, hurt, had stopped him really questioning her. Really looking at her.
Had he been wrong?
“You have been acquainted with Apple-blossom since you were in short pants. You have hunted alongside her, and seemed to enjoy the experience.”
“I did, but I wasn’t dancing with the woman.”
“She is being presented this season, Charles, and if it is known you danced with her, perhaps that transition will run smoother.”
Joseph let his eyes rove the tavern. The large roaring fire warmed the patrons, mostly locals like he and his brothers, who had come in to escape the cool wind slicing down the main street of Stonleigh. The Cock and Bull, as the original owner had named it, also had a great cook, who specialized in pastry. Sweet or savory, to his mind, the pies baked here were better than anywhere in England.
“It won’t go smoother,” Charles said. “That woman needs to wed a farmer. Then she will be happy.”
“Her father has his sights set on a nobleman,” Rory said. “My hope is he is throwing a great deal of money behind her to achieve that.”
Joseph felt a stab of pity for Apple-blossom. Society was not easy to navigate for those who were born to walk with ease through it, let alone someone who was not. He would make sure to dance with her too at the ball, although he would not tell his brothers that.
“Society has more teeth than old Lord Hadley,” Charles added.
Taking a mouthful of ale, Joseph watched the door open as his brothers bickered over which woman was the current front-runner for society darling. He knew it was Milly, he identified the hideous bonnet and worn coat, even if he could not see her face clearly. She looked up then, and even from this distance he could read the fear. She stopped and looked around her, checking every face, no doubt to see if she recognized anyone. She must do that wherever she went, was his guess, not wishing to bump into anyone from her old life.
He turned briefly as her eyes swung his way, and back again when he was sure she had moved on. The brothers were in a poorly lit booth, so chances were she could not make out their features. When he looked back, she had made her way to a table by the far wall.
What the hell is she doing here alone? Is it her day off?Looking around the tavern, he saw several men, and a couple of ladies, but wasn’t entirely sure this was the place for her to be alone.
“Joseph!”
“Sorry, what?” He looked at Rory.
“Can I take your phaeton out when we get back to London?”
“No.” Joseph saw a barmaid approach Milly. Did she have money to pay for her meal?
Where is the man she supposedly loved enough to leave me for?
“Why not?”
“I just purchased it, and you have a carriage of your own.”
