“Don’t tell me it sits empty with only servants maintaining it,” Harriet said.
“Actually, my father lets a distant cousin live there in exchange for maintaining the estate. Sort of like an estate manager.”
She nodded. “You ought to visit.”
“You’re right, but with me starting this new railroad car business, it makes it a little more difficult. We’re still in a growth phase and I need to be there to make sure new customers are satisfied one hundred percent.”
As they were coming towards the end of the grass and to the walking path, the entire situation changed. Someone pushed into Harriet from behind leaving her off balance. She was trying desperately to maintain composure. Lucien held onto her by grabbing the arm she’d had linked in his moments ago, to no avail. A second person copied what the first had done. Theremaining grass was still damp and hadn’t dried out after a late-night rain. This time Lucien was unable to keep his grip on her. Harriet fell forward into the wet grass and mud. Maintaining his position, Lucien crouched down next to Harriet.
“Are you hurt?” he asked?
“Only my pride,” she replied.
“Come, I’ll help you up.”
Groaning, Harriet let Lucien help her to her feet. She glanced down and found her dress was wet and muddy almost everywhere. This had been no random incident. She still had her reticule, so money wasn’t what they were after. “Please take me home.”
He pulled a square out of his jacket and began to attempt to clean her face. “I’ve already sent your maid to the carriage.”
It was too late to undo what had just happened. People were already noticing her ill-fated appearance. Once again, she had been made a laughingstock. She imagined Lucien couldn’t wait to distance himself from her. She should be used to it, but she couldn’t help but be angry this time. She wasn’t going to let this be the end of whatever was blossoming between Lucien and herself.
*
Lucien couldn’t believewhat had happened. He was thoroughly enjoying his walk with Harriet when out of nowhere someone came running from behind and bumped into her with such force it almost knocked her over. He’d barely managed to keep hold of her and after a repeat performance she went down.
Now after helping her out of the mud, they both agreed it was time to leave. He didn’t want her embarrassed any more than necessary and knew this would be fodder for the gossips. The less they got to whisper about, the better. Walking back to thecarriage he tried to engage in conversation with Harriet wanting to keep her from thinking about people watching them, or her in particular.
He waited until he thought he had the perfect moment. “Harriet, in spite of what just happened, I want you to know I still wish to call on you.”
Turning to look at him, she shook her head. “Please don’t pity me.”
“I’m not. I was going to speak with your cousin about courting you but wanted you to feel comfortable about the idea. I know this is all new to you. After what just happened my decision is even stronger. I’ll speak with Arthur, if you agree to it.”
Looking down at her face, he could tell she was overwhelmed. Tears misted her eyes as she took in what he told her. This was faster than he’d planned. From the moment he saw her Lucien knew she was the one. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but he didn’t want her feeling stunned.
“You’re sure about this?” she asked, her voice faint.
“Yes, I am.”
The sides of her pink, pouty mouth turned upwards. “Then go ahead and speak with Arthur.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. Taking her hand, he squeezed it. This time they both looked at the other before Lucien bent down and kissed her on the lips. A first kiss shared in an open carriage. He would never forget it. This was only the start. Lucien hoped making this step with Harriet was just the start and would take them to the next phase. Betrothed.
A million things crossed his mind as they sat in contented silence on their return trip to her cousin’s home. He would need to take her to meet his parents. They still attended social events, and he didn’t want them meeting her that way. Perhaps dinner so everyone could get to know each other in a more intimatesetting. He would speak with his mother to see when a good evening for this would be.
The carriage pulled up to Jameson House. Harriet’s maid was the first to get off and told her mistress she would get her fresh clothes laid out and a bath drawn before disappearing.
Helping her down, Lucien once again took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. As soon as they entered the house, both Daphne and Arthur appeared out of nowhere. From the look on their faces and the way they were acting word had gotten to them about Harriet’s embarrassing situation.
“I’m fine. Really. Lucien took good care of me,” Harriet said.
“Two boys were the cause of this?” Arthur asked.
“At least two. The incident was planned, just not very well executed, thank God,” Lucien replied.
Daphne neared Harriet. “Why don’t we go upstairs and get you cleaned up? I’m sure Lucien won’t mind.”
“No, not at all. I wanted to speak with Arthur anyway,” Lucien replied. He noted Arthur and his wife glancing between themselves with a slight smile on Daphne’s face.
