Of course, the dog had run ahead of them, as wild and bounding as an antelope, his ears flapping and his tongue hanging. Jasper noticed the activity by the barn before Harry and went racing over there first. He gleefully circled the groom holding the horses, ignoring the servant’s air of bored insolence.
One of Jasper’s favorite tricks to earn attention was to nip at a horse’s heels. Ajax had put him in his place with a well-aimed kick.
Now, the dog attempted to nip at the gray the groom held. The mare snorted a protest and shifted away, revealing that her body had been blocking the view of the person of Lady Emma.
Harry cursed under his breath. The duke’sdaughter had wanted him to call on her today, something he was determined not to do. He knew better than to play with innocents, especially those related to dukes. They were marriage bait.
And then he saw that Lady Emma was talking to Miss Portia Maclean, who appeared to be masquerading as barn help, although she did make a charming sight. She wore heavy boots and had flipped her cloak over her shoulders to reveal a sensible dress of forest green. Her curly hair created a halo around her head and her cheeks were rosy from fresh air and good work.
Harry just naturally directed Ajax toward her.
“I say, Chattan. Let’s go to the door,” Monty said.
“One moment,” Harry murmured, and trotted over to the barn.
Both women watched him approach.
But before he could reach them, the front door to the house opened. The other Miss Maclean, Miss Portia’s sister, came out on the step. He nodded to her.
“General Montheath and Colonel Chattan,” she said in greeting. “Have you come to call?”
“We have indeed, Miss Maclean,” Harry responded, and jumped from his horse. He tied Ajax at the post. Lady Emma had started walkingtoward him from the barn, a smile on her lips, and her fist tight on her crop. She was not pleased.
Miss Portia followed like a child who hated anything unpleasant.
Harry had to smile. “Good day, Lady Emma. Miss Maclean.”
“How nice to see you here,” Lady Emma said in a voice overladen with honey. “I was paying a visit to my friends Miss Portia and Miss Minerva, and had no expectation of meeting you here. How did you know what I was about?”
Harry had to marvel at the woman’s ability to make it sound as if he pursued. “Lucky happenstance?” he suggested.
“Very lucky,” Lady Emma echoed, sliding a triumphant glance toward Miss Portia, and as far as Harry was concerned, the game was on now.
There was no easier way to discourage a woman, even an aggressive puss like Lady Emma, than to pay court to another.
So he made much of shifting his gaze to Miss Portia, of smiling warmly, of moving into step beside her.
Miss Minerva had noticed the exchange, and a secret smile came to her lips. She was no one’s fool. “Let me tell Mother you are here. Please, come inside.”
“I must beg off,” Miss Portia said. “I am involved in something else right now. Please forgive me.”
“Of coursewe do,” Lady Emma hurried to say.
“Icannot,” Harry interjected. “I came specifically for a moment with you.”
Miss Portia’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. She recognized nonsense when she heard it. “I am sorry I may not accommodate your wishes.”
“But you can,” Harry insisted pleasantly. “Come inside, just for a bit. The general and I will not stay long.” He took her arm so that she could not run off, and was also gallant enough to offer Lady Emma his other arm. “My lady?” He thought it a peaceful offering.
Lady Emma did not. She sniffed, her smile tight. “General, will you escort me?”
Monty was still on his horse. His glassy-eyed expression was one Harry often saw on the faces of green recruits. Moments before he had been telling Harry of all the gallantries he would visit upon Lady Maclean. He now appeared ready to pass out.
“General? You are joining us?” Harry prompted.
His friend responded to his voice. “Yes, yes,” Monty said, and dismounted.
Miss Minerva had already gone inside,presumably to announce they had company. Lady Emma placed her hand on Monty’s arm and together they climbed the three stairs to the front door.
