Sussex Summer (9 page)

“Edward?” Fanny repeated. “He has given you reason to address him by his given name?”

“No,” Jane answered honestly, a deeper blush suffusing her cheeks. “It is only I think of him that way.”

Fanny said no more, and the sisters sat together quietly until Fanny had finished her lemonade.

Jane tried to dismiss the niggling doubt Fanny's words had caused to enter her mind, but as she copied the chapters for her father that afternoon, Jane found that her mind wandered from its task, and she had to copy several sheets over. Edward—Captain Tremaine—
did
care for her. He must! Why else would he have called so frequently to talk with her? Why else would he have taken hold of her hand and pressed it with affection? He was not like Jamie, to blow hot and cold and trifle with one's affections. He was an officer and a gentelman, a loyal officer who cared deeply about a deceased general’s reputation, not a young n’er-do-well who cared nothing for loyalty and honour.

* * * *

The London streets felt refreshingly cool after the crowded boxes of the Little Theatre at Haymarket. Edward bent his head to look at Lady Juliette as he handed her into the carriage, and his heart contracted as she bestowed one of her brilliant smiles upon him. She looked enchanting—beautifully innocent in white muslin, a simple necklace of sapphires adorning her throat and a plain white bandeau in her hair. She was not as elaborately dressed as many of the women at the theatre had been, but Edward felt the simplicity of her toilette had made the others look overdone. He had no way of knowing that the only reason Lady Juliette dressed simply in sapphires was because she had been forced to sell her more expensive pearls and diamonds last Season.

Lady Juliette Blackwood stepped lightly into the carriage and settled on the seat next to her aunt, Lady Martin, as Edward took the seat across.

"That was most enjoyable," Lady Juliette said as the driver waited for his opportunity to enter the crowded streets. “I am sorry my brother was not able to come as well. He would have enjoyed Fielding’s satire.”

"Perhaps he might join us if we are able to attend another night,” Edward suggested, although I should be returning to Sussex before long.”

"I shall envy you your summer in the country,” Lady Juliette commented. “London is excessively hot in the summer, even at night, is it not?" She opened her fan and waved it gently before her face, smiling at Edward beguilingly.

"Yes, it is much more comfortable in the country," Edward replied, and wondered if he dared put the plan he had come up with to the test.

"Of course, you must spend summers at your estate. I hope I am not keeping you from your family, Captain Tremaine?"

"No, but it is time I returned to Haverton Park." He took a deep breath and plunged in. "Might I hope you would accompany me back to Haverton Park, Lady Juliette Blackwood? And you also, Lady Martin," he added, inclining his head to that lady. "And your brother, Lord Blackwood, of course."

Lady Juliette turned away as though in confusion, and in the dim light of the carriage Edward missed the brief gleam of triumph in her eyes and the satisfied smile that touched her lips.

"Thank you, Captain Tremaine. We should be pleased to accompany you to Sussex," she replied. "Shouldn't we, Aunt?"

"Yes, it is kind of you to extend the invitation," Lady Martin replied.

Joy he could barely contain coursed through Edward at the idea of spending a summer in the company of someone as beautiful and charming as Lady Juliette. He could hardly wait for his family to meet her, and Miss Hampton, of course. Miss Hampton would approve of his intended bride, he knew. He envisioned Jane and Lady Juliette becoming the best of friends.

Chapter Six

Jane knelt in her garden, wearing an old cotton print dress and deep-brimmed cottage bonnet while she pulled weeds and picked off dead flower heads. Most of the roses were gone, but the midsummer blooms were starting. The lupine, lamb's ears and a few late peonies made a pretty show of colour, and the alyssum and mignonette released a sun-sweet scent.

"I knew I should find you here in your garden," a voice called from the gate.

"Edward," Jane cried, jumping up and running eagerly toward the gate, her delight in his return evident.

Edward entered the gate and clasped both Jane's hands in his own. Jane noticed immediately how much better he looked. Although he was still slim, Edward’s frame had filled out and his fair hair shone healthily in the sunlight. He was wearing new clothes, evidently cut by a city tailor. The blue coat hugged his shoulders closely, and the fawn-coloured pantaloons fit as tightly as any of Jamie's. The trip to London seemed to have done wonders.

"Did your mission succeed?" Jane asked, hoping Edward’s cheerful visage presaged success. "Were you successful in getting someone to listen to you about Sir John Moore?"

To Jane’s surprise, Edward's cheerful expression dimmed at her question and was replaced by a sombre look. He released Jane’s hands and ran his fingers through his hair in the gesture she had come to associate with frustration.

"I fear that part of my journey did not go well. Colonel Wentworth obtained audiences for me with both Castlereagh and Canning, but neither would listen. I fear Lord Staplefield was correct in his surmise that they have made a scapegoat of Sir John. I do not know what I can do now," he finished, "although Colonel Wentworth has promised to write if he can find out anything for me. I can only wait.

"But," he resumed, his face lightening, "I have some good news I have been anxious to impart."

"What is that?" Jane asked, smiling at the boyishly eager expression on the captain’s face.

"I have brought guests back to Haverton Park. Oh, Miss Hampton,” he said with enthusiasm, "I have met the most beautiful woman—Lady Juliette Blackwood. And I owe it all to you for sending me to London."

Jane felt the smile freeze on her face as she struggled not to let the shock she felt show. She evidently succeeded, for Edward continued his panegyric on the charms of Lady Juliette Blackwood without a pause, although his exact words of praise did not register on Jane's numbed brain. Finally a sentence penetrated her consciousness.

"Mother is planning a ball in four days to introduce Lady Juliette and her brother to the neighbourhood. You must come. I am most anxious for you to meet Lady Juliette. I know you will like her."

"We shall be pleased to come," Jane answered automatically, thinking desperately how she could avoid it. "Now come inside and tell Fanny your news," she added, leading the way into the cottage, glad for an excuse to turn her face away before he discerned her true emotions.

Fanny was working on some embroidery in the drawing room and laid it aside as Edward repeated his news for her ears. Fanny asked several questions, covering Jane's silence. Indeed, Jane felt Fanny was purposely distracting the captain’s attention from her and was grateful for it. She could not have spoken naturally if her life depended upon it. Fortunately Edward did not stay long, being anxious to return to Haverton Park and his guests.

When he had gone, Jane was unable to control her emotions any longer. She clenched her jaws together to keep the sobs back, but tears began to roll down her cheeks despite her efforts. Fanny put her arms about Jane and led her to the settee, drawing her sister down and holding her close as Jane's shoulders shook with sobs.

"Fanny, what can I do? I cannot go to the ball and face Edward's intended," Jane cried.

"You must," Fanny replied firmly but compassionately. "What did you tell me about facing Jamie? It will not be as difficult as you fear. Oh, Jane," she cried in distress, "I did try to spare you this!"

Jane did not answer. She knew now Fanny had been right, but she had felt so sure that Edward's warmth towards her before he left for London had indicated the development of tender feelings. How could she have been so mistaken? Had it all been wishful thinking on her part? As Jane’s misery deepened her tears ceased to fall, but her throat constricted, and her whole chest ached as she strove to breathe normally.

Fanny, worried, ran to obtain tea, leaving Jane staring blindly at the drawing room floor.

Jane could not help feeling betrayed by Edward, even though she had to recognise now that the warmth he had demonstrated towards her had been no more than what a brother might demonstrate towards a sister he held in affection. It was not his doing that she had misinterpreted his actions.

Fanny returned with the tea, pressing the cup into Jane's hands.

“Drink this and then you must go upstairs and lie down until you have recovered yourself,” Fanny said. “I shall tell Father you have a headache and cannot assist him this afternoon.”

When Jane finished the tea, Fanny led her sister upstairs to her bedchamber and persuaded her to lie down. Jane acceded to her ministrations, preferring to be left alone with her dark thoughts. Perhaps if she gave in to them fully they would leave the sooner.

Later that afternoon, her grief unabated, Jane washed her face and rejoined her sister downstairs. She had determined to show at least equal courage to that which Fanny had shown when she faced Jamie for the first time since her illness. She would attend the ball at Haverton Park and meet Edward's guests with equanimity.

“Fan, will you help me select a gown for the ball at Haverton Park?” she asked. “I must look my best.”

“Of course,” Fanny agreed. “The ball is four days off, and there is not enough time to order a new one, but we have time to refurbish an old one with Mrs. Reid’s help.”

The next morning Jane and Fanny walked to the village shops to purchase new ribbons and embroidery silks, and Jane turned them over to the capable hands of Mrs. Reid. Fortunately, Edward's guests kept him at Haverton Park for the remaining three days before the ball, and he did not call again. Jane would never have thought to be relieved that the morning talks with Edward were not resumed, but she was. She did not think she could have listened to more praises of Lady Juliette Blackwood with equanimity.

* * * *

Jane assessed her appearance with satisfaction the night of the ball. The V-neck frock of white sarcenet with its short puffed sleeves flattered her, and the fringed stole embroidered in shades of green and coral draped gracefully across her shoulders, providing just the right touch of elegance. She wore matching coral silk gloves and slippers and the pale green silk fan with ivory guards she carried would allow her to hide her expression if necessary. A simple necklace adorned her throat, and she fastened an apricot rose in her hair with a white ribbon to complete her toilette. Jane knew she was looking her best, and turned to thank Mrs. Reid and Fanny with relief and gratitude.

Fanny was also in excellent looks. She had chosen a trained white muslin dress with a rounded bodice
l'enfant,
and wore an India shawl of pastels. A simple carnelian cabochon pendant rested above her breasts, and a matching carnelian brooch fastened her ribbon belt. Fanny might regret miss her silver-blond tresses, but the soft curls dressed
à la Titus
and set off with an ostrich feather looked very fetching.

Lord Staplefield had offered to collect the Hamptons in his large carriage, and it bolstered Jane's confidence to arrive in company with the earl. Even so, as their party entered the hall of Haverton Park, Jane’s heart began to beat loudly and her palms moistened with nervousness.

Edward stood with his guests inside the door of the ballroom. The Archers had arrived before Lord Staplefield and the Hamptons, and as they waited their turn to be presented, Jane had the opportunity to view Lady Juliette Blackwood unobserved. Jane’s heart sank, and she was no longer satisfied with her own appearance as she realised that Captain Tremaine had not exaggerated Lady Juliette's beauty. She had shining black hair that was elaborately dressed
a la Sappho,
the glossy locks emphasised by the white silk ribbons threaded through the long curls. Her gown was of white silk edged in trim of a Greek motif, and a necklace of garnets gleamed darkly at her throat. Tiny embroidered satin slippers peeped from beneath the hem of her gown, and a fan of garnet-coloured silk dangled from her wrist.

Owing to her close scrutiny of Lady Juliette, Jane detected the brief flash of astonishment on Lady Juliette's face as the Archers moved into the room and she was presented to Lord Staplefield. Tonight the earl was clad in a formal suit of figured lilac silk with an ornately embroidered yellow waistcoat, a powdered and curled periwig, and high-heeled buckled shoes. A jewel-hilted dress sword dangled at his side, and a large emerald ring adorned his hand.

Although the look on Lady Juliette's face had passed in a moment, Jane saw that the earl had noticed it, too. Turning his head towards Jane and Fanny, he gave them a barely perceptible wink and bowed deeply over Lady Juliette Blackwood’s hand in what was almost a parody of the old style.

"Zounds," he drawled, looking Lady Juliette up and down, "sink me if it ain't Artemis come to life. Fair vision! Come to torment us mortals," he proclaimed, sweeping another elaborate bow, “have mercy upon your lowly servant!”

Jane heard a choking sound from Fanny and knew her sister was trying hard not to laugh aloud. Jane had not missed the speculative gleam in Lady Juliette's eyes when she discovered the quiz in the outmoded clothes was an earl, and she rather thought the earl had not missed it, either.

Lord Staplefield's teasing of Lady Juliette gave Jane the courage to meet her calmly. As she was presented, she noted that Lady Blackwood was even more beautiful close up. Long dark eyelashes swept over clear blue eyes, and it was evident the red lips and cheeks owed nothing to artifice.

Lady Juliette greeted Jane politely but dismissively, and passed her to her brother, Lord Blackwood. In her preoccupation with the sister, Jane had not noticed the brother before, but now she saw he was quite as well-looking a gentleman as Lady Juliette was a woman. Tight cassimere breeches outlined muscular thighs, a fine lace-trimmed white linen shirt contrasted with the tanned skin of his throat, and a form-fitting coat of dark blue superfine reflected the deep blue of his eyes. But where Lady Juliette’s expression was demure, Lord Blackwood’s was almost devilish as his eyes swept over Jane boldly and appreciatively.