Page 24 of An Engagement with the Enemy

James tried to hide his amusement behind a thoughtful smile. “Indeed. We have worn that subject out, between the two of us.” And though he suspected Jessica enjoyed Rob Roy as much as he had, he’d enjoyed the way she challenged all the points the book made. And how often she’d lamented Rob Roy’s wife having little more than a mention in the novel.

She sent him a glance of understanding. “Perhaps we could discuss something else?”

Lord Frederick hesitated before giving his overly cheerful agreement. “Of course, Miss Westcote. Forgive me. I hope I have not bored you?”

“Not at all.” Jessica’s polite expression gave away little. “Our discussion has been most enlightening.” Only someone who knew her well would see the slight furrow of her brow as indication she meant the opposite of what she’d said. How long had Lord Frederick been speaking to her of books with such a condescending tone?

The lord smiled. “Then perhaps we might—”

James brought his horse to a stop, effectively interrupting the conversation of the people behind him as they had to do the same. “Lord Frederick, I have neglected you terribly. Are you certain my father’s hunter will do while you are at the castle? It can be quite uncomfortable to ride a strange horse.”

Lord Frederick replied amiably, “Thank you, Mr. Aldwick. The beast suits me well. But we were in the midst of—”

“I’m sure Miss Westcote can spare you while we have a proper test of the animal’s suitability,” James cut in. “A quick canter ahead of the group, I think, will prove him. Shall we?”

Jessica shot James an amused look but held her tongue.

“That may be wise. If you will excuse me, Miss Westcote?” Lord Frederick moved his horse to ride beside James.

“I wouldn’t dream of delaying such an important examination of man and beast,” Jessica said, and James caught the barest relief in her smile. Ah, so he had sensed gratitude beneath her annoyance at his interruption.

He would have Lord Frederick’s ear the moment they were ahead of the rest of the group, which meant starting the plan in earnest. A few well-placed words about some of Jessica’s least-attractive qualities, accompanied by a display of horsemanship he intended for her to handily conquer, and Lord Frederick would be even less interested in matrimony than his sister. At least in regard to Jessica.

After they’d put several horse-lengths’ distance between themselves and the ladies, James heaved a dramatic sigh, catching the other man’s attention. “I must tell you, Lord Frederick, after even our short acquaintance, I have come to respect you. Truly. And as one gentleman to another, I feel I must warn you of something. Though this is perhaps a delicate topic to speak upon. I have seen you pay particular attention to my sister’s friend, Miss Westcote.”

“Indeed? I hope you do not think any such attention inappropriate or too forward—”

“No, your lordship. Not at all.” James tried to sound reassuring, even as his mind spun a tale that might give Lord Frederick pause. “In truth, that is why I thought it best to have a conversation with you in private. I respect the Westcote family, of course. My family’s intimacy with theirs is of long-standing. So I hope you will excuse me if this conversation is too forthright, but I feel it only fair to you that you know something of what you are getting into.”

Lord Frederick’s eyes narrowed, and he slowly shook his head. “I am afraid I do not follow, my friend.”

“Putting it delicately, you ought to know that Miss Westcote has some—well. Some peculiarities.”

Lord Frederick turned to him in surprise. “Oh? She seems a lively, intelligent lady. I have seen nothing odd about her behavior.”

James nodded. “Indeed, she has a bright mind. There is nothing to fear about that. But you ought to know that her health is rather...delicate.”

The other man frowned. “How so?”

Glancing over his shoulder, as though concerned he might be overheard, James said in a low voice, “She is often beset by headaches and other ailments that confine her to bed for days. It is why you have never seen her during the London Season—the travel does not agree with her, they say.”

Comprehension dawned on Lord Frederick’s face. “Now that you mention it, I had wondered why I never met Miss Westcote before now. Do you mean to say she has never been to London?”

“Never.” A thing James couldn’t explain. Nor had he ever heard a reason behind it. Yet that fact suited the fabrication he had invented. “The attention and exertion required of a wife in Town would likely exacerbate her condition.”

Lord Frederick sighed. “A fragile wife would require a husband’s constant attention.” He glanced over his shoulder, his lips pursed in thought. “She seems healthy enough at the moment.”

“Yes. She does.” James made a show of thoughtful reluctance before adding, “Though in truth, I suspect some of her ‘illnesses’ are merely excuses to avoid obligations.”

The other man eyed Jessica, who rode cheerfully behind them, then turned forward and spoke to James. “A penchant for dishonesty to shirk duty is just as troubling a trait in a wife. I appreciate the warning.”

“I thought it right to tell you, though I beg you not to spread word of such a thing. My family views Miss Westcote as one of their own.” James smiled, somewhat grimly. “I merely wished to share my honest opinion. You must decide what path is best for you.”

“You’ve given me much to consider.”

It wouldn’t take much more to dissuade the man. James smiled. “Glad to be of service.” He then raised his voice for those behind them to hear, pointing to the grove of trees where they would picnic. “We are nearly there, ladies. Do stop dawdling.”

His sister raised her voice. “Dawdling? You were the one who raced ahead.” He heard her say in a lower voice, “He is forever impatient, isn’t he?”