The Paradise Will (9 page)

May gave way to a warm, sunny June and Alyssa, who was in her room one morning preparing for a shopping expedition, was uneasy.

One reason for her current disquiet was Letty. Alyssa sensed her growing attraction to Piers and while she did not want to interfere, she did not wish to see her hurt. At present, her cousin’s gallantry was marked; he was attentive,
courteous
and less petulant than Alyssa had ever known, but despite these promising signs, she was not sanguine. Even if Piers’s congeniality was due to Letty’s
influence
, he might still view her as a passing fancy, someone to be forgotten
immediately
he left Dorset. None of his previous
amours
had lasted long and she could not discern if his affections were engaged this time. However, Alyssa believed Letty’s attachment was already sincere.

And Letty was not her only concern. Two more dinners with Sir Giles had taken place and during the intervening days, he had visited Hawkscote several times to look at the accounts. Alyssa expected these afternoon meetings to be easier, with the secluded atmosphere of dinner being absent, but they were
proving
equally disturbing. Having him close by as they pored over figures together was a peculiarly gratifying kind of torture. More often than not, he rejected sitting on the opposite side of the desk, preferring to stand at her shoulder. His closeness and the thrill engendered by his arm brushing accidentally against her could not be ignored when the resulting sensation, which began in the pit of her stomach and rushed through her body, was new and astonishingly agreeable.

Just as intoxicating was his warm breath on her cheek when he leant forward to indicate something of interest, mingled with the scent of fresh linen and soap. Every nerve ending tingled in response, her breathing came fast and shallow and her heart hammered against her ribs. Alyssa stubbornly refused to scrutinize why her traitorous body reacted this way and concentrated instead on preventing a tremor entering her voice when she answered his queries.

Alyssa quickly saw how Sir Giles’s reputation for business acumen had been gained. Nothing escaped him; every item of expenditure was noted, his manner was direct but not offensive; his reasoning eminently logical; any suggestions practical and explained in terms with which Alyssa could find no fault. Her respect for his understanding of estate management grew, as did her appreciation of his general knowledge as their topics of debate extended wider. Sir Giles possessed a rapier-like intelligence combined with dry wit and Alyssa enjoyed the parry and thrust of their discussions. He also had a keen sense of humour and whenever they disagreed and a compromise was reached, it was accompanied by the deep chuckle Alyssa found attractive; she liked the way his smile reached his eyes.

And those thrilling oases, when the simmering connection between them flared into life, continued. Alyssa felt adrift during these moments for it was then that control over her unbidden responses slipped away.

She got up and pulling on her gloves impatiently, gave herself a mental shake: she spent too much time considering her neighbour. Hurrying downstairs, she found Letty in the hall and said, ‘I’m sorry! Are you ready to leave?’

‘Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing Dorchester – we only caught a glimpse when we first came.’

‘So am I. I wish to visit Hanging Judge Jeffries’s lodgings. Did you know he held the Bloody Assizes here, in 1685 and tried three hundred and twelve insurgents in only
five
days?’

‘Did he?’ replied Letty, shocked. ‘Gracious! His bloodthirsty reputation is well deserved then. Ah, here is the carriage.’

They set off into the fine summer morning, the air heavy with the scent of May blossom.

After her eyes had scanned the passing countryside appreciatively, Alyssa turned to Letty and asked, ‘What do you wish to purchase?’

‘Ribbon to trim my straw bonnet, and new accessories for my evening gown – that is, if we are to attend the Nashes’ party?’

‘I had to accept, although I do not look forward to it with enthusiasm.’

‘Then I cannot make do with my old evening slippers and gloves.’

‘Because they are too shabby?’

‘Exactly!’ said Letty, laughing. ‘I won’t give Miss Nash and her mother any excuse to be condescending, although Lord knows they don’t seem to need one.’

‘That is why I intend for us to have new gowns.’

Letty’s eyes glowed with delight. ‘But how can we? Surely there is no time to order them now?’

‘No, but there is an excellent cloth warehouse in Dorchester. We shall purchase whatever is necessary there and, since we are both adept with the needle, make up our own. I procured some ball gown patterns in London and there is no reason why we cannot appear perfectly well attired through our own endeavours. What do you think?’

‘Oh, yes! I would enjoy making my gown – after all, we have made morning dresses before – but what of the cost?’

‘Mr Bartley confirmed I may draw upon the Hawkscote account for any immediate needs.’

‘Famous!’ cried Letty. ‘Then we shall put the local ladies to shame, including Miss Nash!’

Alyssa chuckled. ‘I shall not complain if we do. And as Piers is a guest of the Westwoods, he will receive an invitation too.’ Throwing Letty an assessing glance, she added, ‘He has visited Hawkscote often, and seems to find as much pleasure in your company as in mine.’

‘Do you think so?’ pondered her companion. ‘I hardly know. Sometimes he is attentive and yet I’m not certain what he thinks of me on other occasions.’

‘Letty, I have no doubt Piers is fond of you, but be aware he can present a charming face whenever he wishes.’

She blushed. ‘I’m not foolish enough to be entirely taken in by Mr Kilworth. I see his failings as clearly as his qualities.’

‘I’m glad, for I would not wish you to be.…’ Alyssa hesitated, before continuing, ‘Well, I trust Piers continues to mind his manners, that is all.’

‘At the moment he does. He can be sullen but I have detected no real malice in his character.’

‘Piers has been allowed his own way for far too long and is selfish as a result. He could, if he chose, forgo his self-indulgence and become the man he promises to be. However, he could decide to plunge deeper into debt and selfishness. I hope something will be the catalyst for him to take the former path but Piers is an unknown quantity. I’m afraid the general’s will angered him greatly.’

‘He
is
still annoyed, but I told him to stop behaving like a spoilt child.’

Alyssa laughed. ‘Oh, Lord! I’m sure he didn’t appreciate that observation!’

‘No,’ admitted Letty, with a rueful smile, ‘but he seemed to find it amusing afterwards. And in spite of his flippant comments, he must be as concerned about the labourers as you are: he told me he had visited the workers to see their living conditions.’

‘No one has mentioned this to me,’ exclaimed Alyssa, astonished. ‘I saw the Fletchers twice last week, and again only yesterday – their young son Samuel is ill.’

‘Maybe he did not visit that particular family. What is wrong with the child?’

‘He has a fever. I took fruit and a few provisions and have asked Dr Plant from Frampton to call; the poor boy is very thin and weak to fight illness.’ Alyssa furrowed her brow. ‘Why would Piers take an interest?’

‘Couldn’t he simply be worried for their welfare?’

‘Perhaps, but I find it strange all the same. Do you know who he spoke to?’

‘Draper was one name mentioned during our conversation. Are you going to increase the wages?’ asked Letty.

‘Sir Giles promised me his opinion on Saturday and I shall make my final
decision
then. Whatever amount I give, it will not cover all their needs but it will at least be some improvement.’

‘How are your dinners with Sir Giles progressing, Lyssa? You seem more kindly disposed towards him recently.’

‘He is blunt but not in an uncivil way. Indeed, I think I prefer his candour to pointless chatter – oh, and he has a droll sense of humour.’ A tinge of pink rose to her cheeks and she added insouciantly, ‘I suppose I like him more now than when we met.’

‘Your dinners extend beyond the requisite hour.’

‘We find many subjects to discuss, Letty. However, we often disagree.’

‘How boring if you did not! Sir Giles must admire your enquiring mind and you no doubt provide welcome relief from his travails with Caroline Nash.’ Alyssa grimaced at mention of Miss Nash but offered no comment. ‘Have you heard from Charles?’ ventured Letty.

‘Another letter arrived yesterday. He has been to Almack’s with the Crawford-Clarkes – that is the family who are old acquaintances of his parents. He described the people of note he saw, as well as the dancing and refreshments. Charles, it seems, was enamoured of the place although I hear it is considered poor in many respects.’

‘I would like to visit London.’

‘Would you, love?’ answered Alyssa, smiling quizzically. ‘Then I think it is time to write to your aunt – after all, she did offer to present you when it was time for your official come-out and wherever possible, every young girl should have a Season in London.’

Letty looked out of the carriage window and said imperatively, ‘Yes, please write to Aunt Sophia. Hawkscote will be yours by the autumn, and matters here may make a sojourn in London even more desirable.’

‘Why?’

‘Because you may be married.’

‘Married
! To whom?’

‘Oh, to … Charles, perhaps?’ murmured Letty, with a queer smile.

‘No! I am quite decided upon that issue: I will not be marrying Charles and shall tell him so when he returns.’

‘I’m glad,’ said her companion, with a little nod of agreement. ‘He was not for you, although if you
had
chosen him, I would have tried to like him more. Even so, I still think it best for me to go to London then.’

‘Of course. I should have considered it before. You will have a wonderful time and are pretty enough to become all the rage. Now, I see we have arrived on the outskirts of town so where would you like to go first?’

‘The warehouse, I think.’

Two hours later, laden with packages and parcels, Alyssa was glad she had reserved luncheon at The Antelope. They had enjoyed a delightful morning browsing over ribbons, muslins, spider gauze, crepe and sarsnet and purchasing new gloves, evening slippers and reticules from the shops in Dorchester. Having arranged for the larger items to be sent on to Hawkscote, they arrived at the inn and were ushered into a private parlour by the landlord. Alyssa sank gratefully on to a chair, removed her bonnet and gloves, declaring, ‘I had forgotten how tiring a morning spent shopping can be!’

‘So had I,’ admitted Letty, with a sigh. ‘I’m pleased with all my purchases but particularly the ivory sarsnet and tiny pearl buttons which are an excellent match. Your new swansdown muff and parasol are enchanting too.’

‘Shockingly expensive but irresistible,’ Alyssa replied, ‘How pleasant it is not to consider the expense too closely.’

‘No, although I noticed you still haggled with the manager for a reduction!’

‘Well, we did spend a significant amount there,’ replied Alyssa, smiling, ‘and old habits are hard to break.’

The landlord returned bearing the luncheon Alyssa had ordered: a ham, some cold chicken, cheese, bread and fruit. He placed them on the table and then said, ‘Begging your pardon, but there is a gentleman outside who wishes you to be informed of his presence. It is Mr Kilworth, miss.’

‘Oh,
Piers
! Ask him to come in, if you please.’

A moment later, Piers entered and greeted her as he stripped off his gloves, ‘Hello, Alyssa.’ Bowing in Letty’s direction, he added with a smile, ‘ ’Servant, Miss Ravenhill.’

‘How did you know we were here?’ asked Alyssa.

‘I was driving past when I saw you disappear inside, and I thought I’d see what had brought you into town.’ He threw his coat across a chair, straightened his cravat and sat down, flicking a speck of dust from the sleeve of his jacket. ‘Ah, but now I see the reason,’ he said, eyeing the pile of packages on the chair. ‘Good God, have you spent
all
the Hawkscote inheritance, Coz?’

‘No, Letty and I have purchased a few essentials,’ she replied, eyes twinkling.

‘Deuce take it, you’re plump in the pocket and I haven’t a sixpence to scratch with,’ he said, with a rueful smile. ‘Essentials, eh? By gad, I’d hate to see the result of shopping for
luxuries
! Can’t see the need myself; both of you look quite lovely today and don’t require embellishment.’

‘Piers, you are the most obvious toad-eater!’ said Alyssa, laughing.

‘You wound me, Coz!’ said Piers, feigning a hurt expression. ‘Miss Ravenhill, I appeal to you: would I utter a falsehood?’

Letty gave a chuckle, ‘Yes, if you wanted to be offered lunch.’

‘How well you understand my motives,’ he said, grinning. ‘May I join you? This looks acceptable fare and if you are standing huff, Alyssa, it looks even more enticing.’

They made a good lunch. Piers was at his most charming and erudite and, for the moment at least, seemed to know where the boundaries lay with regard to Letty. To Alyssa’s relief, she took his flattery in good part and did not seem to place too much store by it.

Afterwards, as they sipped their coffee, Alyssa said, ‘Letty tells me you visited the labourers.’

‘I hope you don’t mind,’ said Piers, looking up quickly. ‘I spoke mainly to Draper.’

‘I don’t mind, but I’m surprised you felt the need to. Did you glean anything?’

He shrugged. ‘Just a better idea of their circumstances. He tells me there is an undercurrent of discontent amongst agricultural labourers in the area generally, and it is spreading.’

‘I know,’ replied Alyssa, ‘it is one reason I am reviewing wages. Sir Giles has looked over the accounts and I am waiting for his opinion.’

‘Why didn’t you ask me? I would have assisted you!’

‘If I were buying horses or a carriage, Piers, I would have asked your advice – your knowledge on those subjects is second to none – but you know less than me about farming.’