A Seven Year Hitch (6 page)

Having deflected Michael’s interest in her marital state, Erica announced her intention of stepping onto the terrace to savour the summer evening.

Meanwhile the Marquis of Trevellyn had paused to speak to his mother, who had been interested to note the frown that marred his handsome features at the sight of Erica with Michael’s arm around her. She refrained from comment however and was happy to discuss general things but a remark about the dinner prompted a query about the late arriving guests.

“Who are the gentlemen who arrived after the first course? Are they more relatives?”

“No, not actual relatives but like your father and me, regarded as honorary ones. The older gentleman is Sir Richard Stanier and the younger is his son, Michael. I believe they are attorneys and Sir Richard was one of the guardians appointed to care for Gerald and Erica on the tragic death of their parents.”

“It seems a might strange that he should hold that role when
there are as we see, so many blood relatives who would have gladly taken them in?”

“That would have meant moving them away from here which his parents had stipulated they did not want. The family had been informed at the time the will had been drawn up and had been assured that they would have access to the children whenever they wanted. Of-course, no one had eve
r thought that the children would be left orphaned at all; let alone at such a young age.”

“A boating accident I believe
,” Trevellyn murmured.

“Yes.
But Sir Richard; himself a widower as his wife died giving birth to Michael, took his responsibilities very seriously. Although they lived here with Great Uncle James and Great Aunt Celia, they spent most of their time with Sir Richard and Michael. In fact the family speak very highly of him and say he took the two children to heart and acted like a real father to them,” The Duchess informed him.

“Now
I can see Hebe beckoning me,” she continued “so I shall leave you to socialize. See you later, Ross.” Kissing his cheek she made her way to sit beside Hebe.

Trevellyn stood, mulling over what his mother had said before being hailed by Stephen.

“We’ve moved onto the terrace as it such a lovely night and wondered if you’d care to join us?”

Together they made their way through the French doors where a debate was already under way as to whether music could be provided for dancing.

“I’ll just fetch my violin as I’m pretty sure I can play a waltz from memory,” Gerald said; heading along the terrace to the music room door. He returned shortly and after a quick tuning session declared himself ready to begin. There was a lot of bustle as people arranged themselves into pairs and Trevellyn, conscious of his resolve to become better acquainted with Charlotte, duly asked her to be his partner.

For such an impromptu performance, Gerald played exceedingly well and received a cheer upon completing the introduction. Trevellyn was an expert dancer and was able to swirl his partner around the other couples without any mishaps, which was just as well as most of his attention was on Erica and Michael, who appeared to be grappling in the middle of the terrace.

“I’m supposed to lead, not you!” Michael laughed

“Oh sorry
! It’s been a while since I waltzed and I wasn’t very good at it then.”

“Look at my face, not my feet! Oops sorry Charlie
.”

“I’m trying but how can I follow y
ou if I don’t watch your feet? Mind out, Fiona!”

“You are the most coordinated girl I know, so how come you waltz with two left feet? Ouch that’s my foot!”

“Sorry!”

“LOOK UP”

“I AM. Don’t shout at me!”

I’m not shouting-just raising my voice a little!”

Trevellyn came to a halt beside the bickering pair.

“If Miss Pearson doesn’t mind swapping partners, perhaps I could assist Miss Wilmshurst in learning the steps
,” he offered in a manner calculated to irritate Erica.

Michael sighed in relief and replied, “If you’re sure. That would be great
.”

Erica threw him a venomous look which he deftly ignored “Oh no, I could not put your toes at risk, my Lord. I think I shall sit out
.”

Whilst she spoke, Michael had nimbly caught hold of
Charlotte and whisked her off along the terrace.

Erica harrumphed.

Turning to Trevellyn she said, “As I said, I’ll just sit this one out.”

“Coward
!”

“No I’m not. I just don’t wish to dance!” she replied hotly.

“A coward and a liar.”

“How dare you!”

“Oh I dare, Miss Wilmshurst. Did you not inform me earlier that you are a fearsome adversary? And yet you are scared to dance with me! As I said; a coward and a liar.” His tone was light but still Erica could not mistake the edge of steel. He was not going to take no for an answer and to create a scene would only make her look ridiculous.

She was still debating how best to extricate herself without losing face when he stepped up to her and slid one hand around her waist to rest in the small of her back and lifted the other one, ready to hold hers. When she did not respond immediately, he raised an eyebrow at her and waited. Erica ungraciously placed her hand in his and rested the other on his shoulder before saying icily, “Your hand on my back is too low, please move it.”

His only response was to lower it slightly before pulling her closer to him and then they were off, waltzing along the terrace. Erica was too affronted initially to do anything other than follow his lead and then too amazed at the gracefulness of it to protest. It was only when she heard Charlie’s astounded, 'I say, Erica’s waltzing!' that she came to her senses enough to hiss, “You’re holding me too close!”

“I know,” Trevellyn smiled sardonically, “But I’m enjoying it sweetheart, aren’t you?”

Erica took a deep breath to regain control of her temper. She refused to be intimidated by his tactics; after all, she had seen off many a young male who had tried to take liberties in the past. Trevellyn, she reasoned, was no different. Providing she could suppress the tremors that coursed through her whenever he touched her, all would be well. He was a conceited chauvinist, she was sure, who needed to be taught a lesson or two about women; especially strong women and she was the one to do it. If he thought he could carry on a flirtation with her while courting her cousin, he was riding for a fall and no mistake!

“But ‘sweetheart’ dancing this close could prove dangerous
.” she answered him lightly. “I might accidentally catch you with my knee like this,” and so saying she brought her knee into contact with his lower thigh. Unfortunately his thighs were hard muscle and he did not so much as flinch, even though she had used as much force as her close proximity to him would allow.

“Oh come
my lovely girl, you can surely do better than that? Perhaps I haven’t offered you enough provocation,” so saying, Trevellyn pulled her yet closer so that her body lay flush against his.

“Now my darling adversary, dancing this close is, I grant you, dangerous. Would you like me to tell you why?”

Erica shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. She could feel his arousal pressed against her stomach and therefore did not feel the need for him to put it into words.

“A pity
,” he murmured “Perhaps I should show you.”

“”No!” she squeaked.

His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “Are you sure?”

She was saved from making a reply by the music coming to an end and it was only then that she became aware of how far removed they were from the other dancers. Although still in sight it was unlikely anyone had witnessed the scandalous grasp in which she was held.

Releasing her body but trapping her hand on his arm, Trevellyn led her back towards the impromptu dance floor and to the safety of her relatives.

“Thank-you for a most educational dance, My Lord” Erica was all politeness for the sake of her family even though it nearly choked her.

“I very much look forward to teaching you some more,” he responded

“I need not trouble you again, sir. I know the steps now and I’m sure there is nothing more to be learnt.” She had no intention of being in such close physical proximity to him again. 

“I beg to differ, Miss Wilmshurst, it will be no trouble at all to continue your lesson where we left off.” He had every intention of being in close physical proximity to her again, and if he had his way, taking it to a whole new level.

“I’m sure someon
e else can proceed now, My Lord,” she said firmly but her hopes of thwarting him were dashed when Michael said, “I’m not risking my toes again.”

“Don’t look at me
,” said Charlie.

“Seems to me, Trevellyn has the right credentials when it comes to teaching you to dance, Erica. You’d best stick with him if you want to become good at it
,” Stephen added.

“But I really don’t want to be good at it and it would not be fair to monopolize His Lordship on the dance floor.” Erica was getting desperate.

“Nonsense, the fellow says he doesn’t mind, so why should you?” Gerald hammered home the final nail in the proverbial coffin and then trailed inside behind the others.

Erica watched them go in disbelief before flinging herself round to face Trevellyn who had propped one hip against the wall and with arms folded, was watching her with a knowing gleam in his eyes.

“You…You…”

“Handsome rogue?” he supplied.

“Conceited, seducing fiend!”

“Unfair, sweetheart, I haven’t seduced you!”

“And nor will you!” she retorted.

“You are incredibly arrogant are you not?
”

“Me arrogant, have you looked at yourself lately?” she was outraged at the suggestion.

“But you assume I want to ravish you even though you are aware that I am considering offering for your cousin.”

“After that dance what else am I supposed to assume?”

“That it’s war. I told you I would have revenge for this afternoon!”

“Damn you!”

“Language, sweetheart. Language,” Trevellyn was enjoying himself hugely. “I might think you’re upset that I find myself able to resist your luscious charms.”

“You are repulsive. Believe me, I am mighty relieved you can resist ‘my luscious charms’, because they will never be offered to you!”

“Would you care to bet on that? I’d offer you very good odds.”

“You would lose!” Erica turned towards the door but was forestalled when Trevellyn said, “So you concede defeat?” 

“One battle does not win the war, Trevellyn!”

Erica awoke early the next morning to a glorious summer day, which made it ideal for the annual Water Sports Gala. She dressed hurriedly in a faded old gown and rushed downstairs to begin preparations for what promised to be a hectic but fun-packed day beside the lake.

“Slow down, Miss Erica,” Boodle admonished as she grabbed a slice of toast off the kitchen table and took a gulp of scalding coffee that made her eyes water. “Turner has already organised the grooms into the ferrying of equipment and I have sent as many house servants as can be spared to help out. All is in hand.”

“Boodle, you’re a marvel and I don’t know how we’d go on without you.” Erica gave him a peck on the cheek just as Gerald sauntered through the door.

“I see I am just in time to rescue you Boodle,” he said, “What is it she wants this time?”

“I am merely showing my appreciation for all he does for us. He has already started getting things ready for the gala.”

“Boodle, would you like me to kiss you too as I am also appreciative?”

“Thank-you kind sir, but one kiss a day is my limit!” Boodle managed to say without even a ghost of a smile although he winked at Erica.

“Right then, I shall have to settle for a hug,” he sighed

“Only one hug a week, My Lord, and that’s on Sunday”. Boodle’s expression remained deadpan.

“On that note I shall take myself off. Are you coming, Erica?” but just before he followed Erica out the door he ran back and kissed the butler’s cheek and was swatted for his pains.

“Get away with you, Maste
r Gerald.” Boodle’s face cracked into a beaming grin.

When they reached the lake, the grooms and gardeners were already busy erecting two relatively large tents, which would be used as changing rooms, and a canvas shelter under which would be set chairs, tables and recliner seats. Other servants were busy ferrying down blankets and towels and other essentials.

Without any more ado, Gerald stripped off his coat and began to assist with putting up the tents whilst Erica supervised proceedings. Within half an hour other houseguests began to stroll down to assist, including Trevellyn. He spotted his hostess almost immediately and made his way towards her but without getting so close as to alert her to his presence. She was humming as she moved from boat to boat, oblivious both to him and to how tantalizing she looked with her hair in disarray and her old, slightly too small, gown showing off the shapely contours of her body. At each small rowing boat she bent over, causing the worn material to stretch across her well-formed bottom; much to the appreciation of her unbeknownst audience who grinned appreciatively.