~~~
Erina rode into the stable block. Thestraggly group of houseguests she’d escorted through the wood hadwandered off to view the lake. She threw the reins to their groom,Joseph, and jumped down.
The house party had begun on Thursday.It was now Sunday, and as the weather remained pleasant, few seemedintent on departing. Harold Feather had told her he planned toaccompany Miss Beckworth to view the rose garden, which was still along way from bursting into full bloom. He was doing his best toignite some passion in her, Erina supposed. She wasn’t confidenthe’d succeeded. At the ball last evening, he had danced severaltimes with Florence, who’d barely smiled, and once with Erina. Itearned her a sharp rebuke from her father as she went up to bed inthe early hours.
“I have no control over Mr.Feather, Papa, should he prefer Miss Beckworth’s company tomine.”
“Who invited theBeckworths? They were not on the guest list. Mr. and Mrs. Beckworthare of damnably inferior stock.” He stared accusingly at her. “Didyou have some hand in it?”
“Harold expressed the wishfor her to be invited.”
“Did he now? If I’d known,I would have told you not to invite them.” He raised his eyebrows.“You are not trying hard enough, my girl.”
“Love is not something onecan conjure up. Or desire for that matter.”
“That is nonsense. Desiredoes not come into it. I expected you to be smarter than this,Erina. You have always had a good head on yourshoulders.”
Suspecting he wanted to see her securebecause he could no longer provide for her, she put a hand on hisarm. “Perhaps I don’t wish a secure and passionlesslife.”
“You’re young. Youunderstand nothing about life.”
She raised her chin. “I believe I knowmy own heart.”
“Sir Ambrose is awaiting mein the library. I’ll see how the land lies. If you must be foreveron horseback have the good sense to take Feather withyou.”
“He’s not over fond ofriding. Said he was seldom off a horse’s back when in thearmy.”
“Then show him themaze.”
She had a terrible urge to giggle. Didher father wish her to seduce Harold in the maze? It was overgrownand very damp. She wrestled control of her emotions whichthreatened to overtake her. “If it’s fine, we’ll hike up toHangman’s Hill. There’s a marvelous view of Epping Forest fromthere.”
“Good. Go to bed, get somebeauty sleep.”
The next morning Erina rose earlierthan she cared to. Whilst most ladies were still abed, she waitedfor Harold at the bottom of the stairs confident he would be downfor breakfast, having confessed to being an early riser. As soon ashe put a foot on the hall tiles, she herded him into the desertedlibrary.
“Goodness, but you arelively, Lady Erina.” He straightened his coat. “Can’t a man getsome sustenance into him before he has to face you?”
“How are you progressingwith Florence?”
He shrugged. “Not as well as I’dhoped.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Is ityour manner?”
Affronted, he swung around to faceher. “Are you casting doubt over my ability to charm alady?”
“I can’t imagine whereyou’re going wrong.” She walked across the richly patterned carpetto him. “You are a perfectly presentable gentleman ofmeans.”
Harold puffed out a breath and tuckedhis thumbs in his waistcoat. “Well, thank you for that atleast!”
“Are you aware that myfather and yours put their heads together in this room last night,after everyone had gone to bed?”
“No.” His brown eyeswidened, and he rubbed a thoughtful hand over his jaw. “I wonderwhat they came up with.”
“Take it from me it wasnothing good,” Erina said with a frown. “I am to invite you on awalk after breakfast, up to Hangman’s Hill.”
“A hike? How delightful. Ihate to think where the hill got its name,” he observed. “But itseems apt.”
Despite her apprehension Erina had tosmile at his disconsolate expression. “You’ll feel more likeexercise after a hearty breakfast. And you can tell me all aboutFlorence whilst we walk. Perhaps I can help. A bit of jealousymight move things along.”
