In Pursuit of Miriam (16 page)

The countess looked from one brother to the other in confusion. She had no idea what they were talking about.

Vincent chuckled, which diffused the tension. “For once, Charles, I will overlook your impetuous behaviour. Miriam has told me how much she has enjoyed being able to ride and that you always made sure she was safe.”

Miriam smiled brightly and Charles breathed a sigh of relief.

“However,” continued Vincent, “I think that whilst I am home I shall be the one to accompany my wife.”

“I will gladly relinquish the task,” responded Charles gallantly, making a mock flourish with his hand.

Their mother still looked bemused, so Miriam took pity on her and explained the reason she and Charles had kept her riding a secret. “I hope you are not too shocked that I have been wearing men's breeches and riding astride the horse.” She held her breath, waiting for the countess's response.

There was a long pause while the countess sent a searching look to Vincent. So Vincent had been put out by Charles's attention to Miriam. Well, well. “I see,” she eventually replied, smiling to herself. “I must say I am surprised but not
too
shocked. Thank you for explaining matters.”

 

The next day was Christmas Eve. Miriam was up and dressed, ready for her morning ride. She smiled when she heard Vincent knock on her bedroom door at six o'clock as agreed. She was pleased that he had remembered.

The morning was cold and the dawn was just breaking as they walked together arm in arm to the stables. The groom saddled Princess for Miriam, and to her surprise, Vincent asked the groom to saddle his horse, Saladin. Vincent helped her to mount and together they rode to the big barn. It was warmer in the barn and Miriam enjoyed riding around the perimeter. Vincent rode alongside her, but after two turns around the barn, Miriam could see that Saladin was becoming restless at the slow pace they were keeping.

“I can see your horse is more spirited than Princess,” she said to Vincent. “If you want to take Saladin for some exercise outside, I will be happy to stay here in the barn and wait for your return.”

“I will not allow you to ride unaccompanied and you must promise me you will never do so.”

Miriam was touched by his concern and was more than surprised when he said, “I have an idea. We could go together for a short ride outside the barn, if you feel you could manage it.”

Miriam thought that he must have forgotten the nature of her riding attire. “I don't think I should. What if I am seen riding in breeches? I promise you I will be fine here in the barn if you go without me. If you are happier, I can dismount and sit on a bale of hay until you return.”

“I know the back lanes and this early in the morning, we are unlikely to be seen by anyone. If we are seen, it will most likely be only estate workers and they will give little heed. The women in working families do not ride side-saddle.”

Miriam was tempted. “I would love to if you think it is all right.”

Vincent laughed. “Don't think it's my brother's sole prerogative to behave rashly. I will have you know that I taught him all he knows.”

Miriam laughed delightedly and needed little further convincing. She happily rode beside him as they ventured out of the barn. She loved the feel of the cold wind on her face and the feeling of freedom that riding a horse gave her, a feeling she had not had since she was a child. She could not stop herself laughing out of pure joy. When Vincent twisted in his saddle to face her and smiled at her exuberant spirits, her enjoyment was complete.

Eventually they came to an open field, and Miriam persuaded Vincent to let her remain at the edge while he and Saladin galloped across the field and back. As she watched him, she admired his skill. She found herself also admiring the breadth of his back and the strength of his muscular arms and legs as he controlled the high-strung horse. On his return Saladin was more willing to proceed at a slower pace, and soon they leisurely made their way together back to the stables. Both were back in the castle in time to join Charles and the countess for breakfast.

Charles greeted them heartily as they entered the room. “Miriam, the ride has done you good! You have colour in your cheeks!” He laughed as he saw that he had caused her, yet again, to blush.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. While Miriam and the countess read quietly in the drawing room, Charles and Vincent entertained themselves in the billiard room.

“I say, Vincent, it was not my intention to make you jealous by taking your wife riding,” Charles said now by way of apology. “I just thought you might not understand and stop her.”

“Me, jealous!” Vincent laughed. “What makes you think that?”

“Vincent, until yesterday, you have been like a bear with a sore head since your return from London. I was beginning to wonder why you had asked Miriam to marry you, and to question even more why she would have accepted you.” He paused. “I hope all is now resolved between you.”

“You don't understand,” replied Vincent, but as he was not willing to share with his brother the true nature of his marriage, he did not elaborate.

On Christmas Day Miriam and Vincent were unable to ride as they were obliged to attend the morning church service. Miriam held her head high as she and Vincent, their arms linked, walked together down the central aisle to take a seat in the family pew. For the first time in her life she did not care who noticed her limp; she was proud to be seen with Vincent.

After the service, members of the congregation milled around outside the church exchanging greetings and offering best wishes for the festive season. Vincent kept Miriam close by him as the local people he knew came to greet him. When he introduced her as his wife, Miriam found it easy to smile in response.

Christmas Day passed quietly at Maudley Castle. After lunch Miriam said she intended to pay a visit to Jeremy Stiles Senior, and Vincent decided to accompany her. There, the three of them soon fell into easy conversation, with Vincent and Jeremy chatting as only people with a mutual respect for each other can. Unbeknownst to Vincent, Miriam had brought with her a bottle of port for Mr. Stiles, who insisted that they all drink a toast to Christmas and the coming new year.

Eventually they had to take their leave in order to give themselves time to change before dinner. Christmas dinner at Maudley Castle was a feast, where the cook produced one tempting dish after another.

Charles and Vincent did not leave the ladies after the meal and instead went with them into the drawing room, taking with them their after-dinner drink of port. The countess played some Christmas carols on the piano and they all gathered round and sang. Miriam knew that she had a reasonable singing voice and happily joined in, although she did feel a little self-conscious at first. Vincent and Charles both had rich baritone voices and sang along effortlessly. The countess confessed that she did not sing well but was persuaded to join in anyway.

Miriam could not remember feeling so happy since before the death of her beloved father.

They all agreed to retire to bed early as they would have to be up at dawn the next morning to join in the Boxing Day hunt. Vincent, in his new role as Earl of Chantry, would be the master of the hunt, and Charles and his mother were determined to join the followers. Miriam gave her apologies and said she was happy to remain quietly at home.

“Nonsense,” responded the countess. “I will arrange for the carriage to pick you up and take you to the Kings Head so you can join us there for lunch following the hunt.”

“Thank you. I would like that,” Miriam said, feeling most pleased at being included.

 

Next morning, as planned, Miriam travelled to the Kings Head Inn and arrived just as the hunt returned. Vincent was beaming with pleasure and told in great detail, to anyone who would listen, how they had successfully tracked the fox and chased it to the kill. Miriam smiled at his pride in this success, but secretly she did not like the thought of the poor fox being chased by all the men, horses and hounds until it was caught.

Lunch at the inn was a noisy affair, and although the food was not excellent, everyone seemed to have a good time telling stories of their own prowess during the hunt.

“I am pleased that a little fox can give everyone so much pleasure, but do you really have to kill it?” questioned Miriam, feeling sorry for the creature.

“But that is the purpose of the hunt,” explained Vincent. “If we did not regularly hunt, the number of foxes would increase, which would put our livestock at greater risk.”

“I understand the need to protect livestock, but I cannot believe that hunting down and killing one little fox will have much of an impact,” she argued. “There must be other methods to deal with the problem.”

“Yes, but where would the sport be in using traps or poison?”

“Exactly my point,” Miriam said, prodding him in the chest. “It is the chase and the killing of the fox that the hunt is all about! It is not something I would enjoy, however, and so, on this occasion, Sir, I am glad I couldn't participate.”

Vincent chuckled. He enjoyed verbally sparring with Miriam and she could certainly hold her own in any argument.

“And I'm sure the fox appreciated one fewer rider chasing him! ” he replied, then stood and pulled her up with him. As he tucked her arm into his, he said, “Come, I think it's time to leave.”

As they left the inn, Mr. and Mrs. Bright invited the Mount-Parker family to join them for dinner that evening, and the countess accepted on their behalf.

They returned home to change from their riding clothes before leaving in the carriage for the short journey to Fairleigh Manor. They received a warm welcome and, as becomes friends of long standing, no one stood on ceremony and the afternoon passed very pleasantly. Dinner was excellent. When the gentlemen joined the ladies after the meal, Miriam was pleased when Vincent came directly to sit on the sofa beside her.

“Are you enjoying the evening?” she asked. She once again felt so comfortable with him it was difficult to remember how upset she had been only days ago before they had settled their differences.

“I certainly am.” Vincent smiled as his large hand covered her small, gloved hand.

Blushing, Miriam removed her hand from his when she saw Robert and Charles approaching them.

“I really need to talk to you both about a matter that is very important to me,” said Robert, seating himself in a chair close by. His face was flushed.

Charles moved away to join his mother, who was conversing with Mr. and Mrs. Bright.

“I am thinking of travelling to Derbyshire in the new year,” continued Robert, “where I intend to ask Lucy's father for his permission to ask for her hand in marriage. You know Lucy's family well, Miriam. Do you think the Earl of Blackwood will approve of me?”

Miriam smiled. “I am sure that he will approve of you. Who could not? You are a well-mannered gentleman, handsome and possessed of a reasonable income. More importantly he knows the high regard Lucy holds you in.”

“Do you really think so?” Robert's emotions showed on his face as he told them earnestly of his love for Lucy. “I don't know what I shall do if I am refused. I am sure she is the only person who can make me happy.”

Miriam was pleased that Robert had professed such strong feelings for Lucy, because she knew that Lucy was deeply in love with him. She had a little pang of regret that her marriage to Vincent had been for reasons other than love, and that Vincent had never spoken of her with such passion. She firmly pushed these negative feelings behind her and asked Robert if he had made Lucy aware of his intentions.

“Yes, we spoke of our feelings before she left Maudley Castle, and she gave me every reason to believe that, if I did propose marriage, she would answer favourably.”

Robert was wearing a broad smile and it was clear to Miriam that the new year could not come quickly enough for him. She herself was not looking forward to the new year because it meant that Vincent would return to London.

 

The days between Christmas and New Year's were passing quickly. They were to attend a ball on New Year's Eve at the Cloveses' house and Miriam was not looking forward to it. Had she been able to do so politely, she would have backed out. She did consider saying she was unwell on the day, but that would mean forgoing her last horseback ride with Vincent, who was leaving for London the next morning. She also did not want to leave Miss Cloves with the opportunity to monopolize Vincent's time during the evening.

Miriam dressed for the ball with the utmost care. She wanted to look her very best for her last night with Vincent and wanted him to be proud of her. She chose her pale-primrose ball gown, which she knew suited her well. She was too small to wear gowns that were all lace and froth, and wisely opted for simpler styles. She placed a necklace with a single pearl around her neck. Susan brushed Miriam's hair until it shone like spun gold and then pulled it up into a simple chignon, leaving stray tendrils to fall onto her face as though by accident.

Vincent was standing in the hall when he saw Miriam slowly descending the great staircase. His heart contracted—she looked beautiful. Not taking his eyes from her, he climbed the stairs to offer his support. “You look lovely,” he whispered in her ear.

At the touch of his hand on her bare arm, heat radiated through her body. “You look rather handsome yourself,” she returned. Vincent's jacket stretched over his broad shoulders without the need of padding. His high-collared shirt was pristine white and his breeches hugged his muscular thighs. Suddenly aware that he was watching her appraisal of him, she tore her eyes away.

Charles met them as they took the final stair. “Miriam, you look splendid! If only I can meet a lady half as pretty as you tonight, I will be a happy man.” Although Miriam knew he was teasing, his words did give her added confidence.

When they arrived at Askern Wheatly Hall, Miriam took Vincent's arm, and as they were announced, she was grateful to see that Miss Cloves was not with her parents as they greeted their guests. Charles and Vincent quickly found suitable seats for Miriam and their mother, and Miriam settled to listen to the music and watch the dancing. The brothers fetched them each a cold drink, and then Charles announced his intention of favouring some of the single young ladies he knew by asking them to make a space for him on their dance card.

Miriam was pleased when Vincent did not join his brother but pulled up a chair to sit next to her. She did not, however, want to spoil his enjoyment of the evening.

“I am sure that many of the ladies here will be wanting for partners and would be grateful if you asked them for a dance,” she said by way of letting him know she would not mind if he did this.

“If you are sure you do not object, I would indeed enjoy a dance or two, but I will not commit myself to every dance. I return to London tomorrow and was hoping to spend some time in your company this evening,” he replied gallantly.

Miriam felt tears of gratitude fill her eyes and she had to blink rapidly to stop them from falling. “I would like that very much. Perhaps you can take me for refreshments when the orchestra has a break?”

“That will be my pleasure,” Vincent replied and briefly took her hand to brush his lips over it before moving away to book some dances.

Miriam was pleased to see that Vincent did not dance immediately with Miss Cloves and that he appeared to have asked a number of the ladies who were less in demand to dance, as was fitting for a married man. Vincent also danced a cotillion with his mother, who upon returning to her seat, confided to Miriam that the dance had given her considerable pleasure.

“I love dancing, but since my husband died, I have had little opportunity. Vincent is an excellent dancer, and I'm sure, were you able, he would much rather be dancing with you.”

I, too, wish it could be me dancing with him,
thought Miriam wistfully. However, seeing the countess looking at her with concern, she replied, “I am content to watch him.”
As long as he is not dancing with Miss Cloves.

When the orchestra stopped playing, Vincent, as promised, returned to Miriam and walked with her into the dining room, where refreshments were being served. The dining room was cooler than the ballroom and they found a secluded seat in a quiet corner. Vincent held out a hand to her and she covered it with hers. Their eyes locked. Miriam studied his face, wanting to commit it to memory. Vincent, feeling likewise, unconsciously raised his free hand and caressed her cheek. Miriam leaned closer; she could feel his breath on her cheek and her lips parted involuntarily in anticipation. She was not disappointed. Vincent leaned over and covered her mouth with his, his tongue leisurely exploring and teasing her mouth.

For a moment, the sounds of the ball faded into the background as the kiss deepened. A glass shattering on the floor nearby broke the spell and the kiss ended. Vincent continued to caress Miriam's hand as he spoke about his departure the following day.

“As you know I will be leaving for London tomorrow. I very much hope you will join me for breakfast before I leave. Unfortunately I can't delay my departure as I have engagements that I must keep. I will miss our morning rides.” His serious face and tone revealed his sincerity.

“I will miss our rides, too, but that cannot be helped. I knew when we married that you intended to spend the majority of your time in London and I am sure once you are there you will be too busy to think of me.” Miriam smiled as if she did not mind, but inside she knew she would deeply miss not only the rides but his company. “I will be happy to have breakfast with you and see that you are safely on your journey.” Although she was desperate to know when he intended to return to Yorkshire, she did not ask.

When they had finished their drinks Miriam went to freshen up before returning to her seat in the ballroom. She watched the dancing and saw that Vincent was never short of a partner. He danced only once with Miss Cloves, and this caused Miriam to experience a sharp pang of jealousy as she saw the ease with which they engaged in conversation.

As it grew near time to leave, Vincent came to sit with Miriam and his mother. It had seemed a long evening to Miriam, who could not enjoy the diversion of dancing. The orchestra never played a waltz, so she would never know if Vincent would have asked her to dance with him if it had. However, she had to remind herself that Vincent had been attentive to her and she was pleased that he appeared to have enjoyed himself.

Miriam pulled her cloak closely around herself as they returned in the carriage to Maudley Castle. When they arrived Vincent held her arm and helped her into the house. Susan was already there to assist her to her bedroom. She saw Vincent and Charles retire together to the library, presumably for a nightcap.

Susan helped her out of her ball gown and into her nightgown and then left. Miriam was tired and reminded Susan to wake her for breakfast in the morning; she did not want to miss the meal as Vincent had particularly asked for her company. She would be very sad to see him go, but knew she could not let him see it. It was not her place to act the clinging wife; that was not part of their agreement.