Lord Nick's Folly (18 page)

"I do. They burst forth in early spring with such joyous abandon, poking blooms into the world from along the road or in the fields for our enjoyment. In addition to a bright spot of color, they offer such a lovely scent."

He was silent following this torrent of speech. Nympha scolded herself for her enthusiasm. She could not picture Lady Anne, much less the quiet Lady Jane, behaving with such
esprit.

In short order they arrived at the point where the Friar Tuck path began. The groom leaped to the road, promptly taking the reins in hand.

Lord Nicholas came around to lift Nympha from the carriage. She again felt the strange tingling at his touch when he held her perhaps a few moments longer than quite necessary. His lazy smile touched her heart, but also cautioned her to be wary.

"Lord Nicholas," she scolded when they had walked a short distance from the curricle and groom, "I believe you are a tease."

To her surprise, he didn't deny the charge. Instead he said, "Would you believe me if I said I am sincere in my regard?"

She thought back to her worry concerning the inheritance she was supposed to receive. Could she believe him to be sincere? She knew she wanted to have no doubt that he was honest with her. He did not
need
the money, but on the other hand, money was such a useful thing.

Mr. Milburn flirted with her, seemed genuine in his regard, yet she felt as though it was a surface emotion. But her father had once remarked that some people had difficulty in revealing their inmost feelings. That might be the case with Mr. Milburn. And then again, it might not. She didn't know a thing about his finances, he was remarkably close about them. Lord Nicholas was not the sort to gossip about the man, either.

From what she knew of Lord Nicholas, he seemed a trustworthy man, certainly a man of whom her father had always spoken highly. Even his folly of a golf course did not bring forth condemnation from Papa, and that was saying a great deal. Papa took a dim view of a number of sports. Apparently hitting a little ball from hole to hole appeared to be an innocuous pastime. As long as it did not interfere with church, a sport might pass scrutiny. She certainly couldn't imagine such a simple game would ever interfere with Sunday worship.

The graveled path wandered along past large rocks around which ferns had taken root. Now the ferns cascaded over the rocks, a green serrated froth. Overhead tender young leaves had burst forth to offer shade that was welcome on the warm day. The path was sheltered, weaving as it did between the bowers of low trees and shrubbery and the banks of ferns.

"Papa would say this is an appropriate walk for a friar, peaceful and offering great inspiration."

"And so close to where your great-aunt lives," Lord Nicholas reminded.

They walked on for a time, admiring the varieties of ferns and the newly leafed trees. As he had suggested, there were a few spots of primroses, although Nympha suspected they had been planted. "It is like being in a green world, certainly one far removed from our everyday life."

"Something like that paper your great-aunt ordered, in a way. Quite different from what one usually sees in a bedroom, isn't it?"

"True, but quite charming. I should like to have a paper like this, a green bower, for my bedroom some-day," Nympha said, sweeping an arm about to encompass the green.

"I fancy she will enjoy the new paper. It seems in the best of taste." Nick drew her closer to his side when the path narrowed. She was such a dainty thing, so fetching in her blue pelisse the very blue of her eyes and the little chip bonnet tied with matching ribands. Why had he never before noticed what a delectable creature she was? Did a removal from familiar surroundings make a difference? he wondered.

The path was not smooth. When Miss Herbert stumbled, Nick put a protective arm about her. Overhead a bird was warbling, but all he could think of was the soft skin that begged to be touched, the sweet lips that invited a kiss, and the bewitching enticement of a body that fit so perfectly in his arms.

"Miss Herbert? Nympha?" When she looked up at him, her trust clear in her eyes, Nick wondered if he dared to do as he longed. He bent his head to lightly touch her lips, deepening his kiss when he felt her innocent response.

"Hello there!" From around the bend could be heard the chattering of several people.

Nick hastily withdrew from Nympha, tucking her arm close to his side while he thanked heaven for the protection offered by the wandering path with the trees that arched so gracefully over it. There was little likelihood that the kiss had been observed. He wanted no scandal to taint his little love.

"Your great-aunt said you likely had taken this path," Lady Anne cried when she came around the last of the bends in the path. "How providential we were able to find you. And we found Mr. Milburn as well!"

Lady Jane walked at the side of Mr. Milburn, who wore a sly little smile when his eyes met Nick's. Lady Anne rushed forward to enthusiastically greet Nympha. Her dark curls peeped from a velvet bonnet that fairly screamed London. And her ermine-edged pelisse was a shade of crimson that reflected color into her pretty face.

Somehow, and Nick could never figure quite how, she took his arm, and suddenly Nympha was walking with the estimable Lord Henry.

Nick bent his head so he might hear Lady Anne's artless chatter about the coming masquerade and what she intended to wear. He would have to have patience if what he wanted was to come about.

"Good morning, Lord Henry," Nympha said, trying to return to earth following the wonderful kiss bestowed on her by Lord Nicholas. "Have you decided on your costume for the masquerade?" She thought that a safe, if rather dull, topic. She would not have to listen to his answer with her full attention.

"Won't go as Robin Hood or Friar Tuck. Too many of those. Milburn said he will be King John. I might try for the sheriff of Nottingham. I've a soft spot for villains. They have such interesting roles to play."

"But only in plays! I would wager that in true life they find matters somewhat different. It cannot be a simple matter to deceive and deceive forever. Sooner or later the villain is caught." Nympha watched as Lady Anne chatted with vivacious sparkle, laughing up at Lord Nicholas with such charm. Behind them Lady Jane spoke quietly with Mr. Milburn, discussing the masquerade as well.

Well, it seemed the ball her great-aunt proposed had captured the interest of some of the local people, if Lady Anne and Lady Jane were examples.

"Do be careful, Miss Herbert. The ground here is a bit uneven," Lord Henry cautioned.

Nympha was glad that he didn't seek to take her arm or draw her close to him, as Lord Nicholas had. She didn't think she could cope with Lord Henry's attentions after enjoying her moments with Lord Nicholas.

"I suppose you will be Maid Marian," Lady Anne cried to Nympha. "And you. Lord Nicholas, will you be Robin Hood?" Without waiting for his reply, she caroled on, "I intend to be something vastly different, like Cleopatra, or perhaps Queen Elizabeth."

"She will probably end up a shepherdess," confided Lord Henry with a gleeful grin. "She usually does. One year she took a live lamb with her. What a disaster! The lamb was anything but lamblike and made a dreadful to-do."

Nympha chuckled as she was likely intended. "I shall be on the lookout for a shepherdess, you may be sure. Especially one with a live lamb."

"Nice to have a ball coming up. At times the country can be dashed dull. M'father goes to London, but expects us to stay here, forever, most likely. I am probably one of the few chaps glad to return to Oxford. This is my last year. I shall have to decide whether to choose the church or the army."

"Couldn't you opt for the law if you wanted to? Surely there must be something else if you don't feel drawn to the church or army. My father is a rector and quite enjoys it, but not every gentleman in that calling does. If you think country life is boring, well ..."

"M'father offered to get me a fairly good living. But still—as you say, I do not feel called to serve in either capacity."

"What would you
like
to do?" She glanced up at him, thinking there was more to this young man than she had first suspected.

"Manage an estate in the country, but one of my own. Dashed if that will ever happen." His usually cheerful face wore the deepest dejection.

"Perhaps you could persuade your father to allow you to manage one of his lesser estates?"

He gave her an arrested stare. "Might try at that."

She wasn't the slightest unhappy when they decided to go back to the carriages.

From what Nympha could tell, Lady Anne was determined to cut her out with Lord Nicholas. Of course, it was far more appropriate that he wed someone from such an exalted family, a girl with a title such as she had. Little Nympha Herbert might be in line to inherit a fortune. She, however, did not possess a fine pedigree, although her father came from the cadet branch of an illustrious family who was mentioned in the Domesday Book.

"I say, Anne said she figures you are to inherit the estate from your great-aunt. That true?" Lord Henry intruded on Nympha's reflections with a query she wasn't sure how to handle. Such nosiness was difficult to deal with tactfully. It was none of his business, even if he would eventually learn all about it—if it came to be. "I'm afraid I couldn't say, my lord."

The scent of primroses teased her nose, but it was a bittersweet perfume now. Mingled with the damp fragrance of the woods, it served to remind her of the precious walk with Lord Nicholas before the Nelthorpes interrupted. Mr. Milburn as well, although she figured that he was likely intercepted and dragooned along with the others. Lady Anne had a way about her that drew others into her wake, regardless of what they seemed to wish.

Would it be that way with Lord Nicholas? Would he fall into her clutches like the others? While it was difficult to truly dislike her, Nympha was fast coming to wish she would direct her attention elsewhere.

When they reached the carriages, Nympha wondered how the clever Lady Anne would connive to remain by his lordship's side. She could have saved herself the effort.

"La, I am certain Jane will enjoy a drive in Mr. Milburn's carriage, for it is quite admirable. And Miss Herbert must see how well my brother handles the ribbons.
I
shall like very much to watch Lord Nicholas."

Nympha watched as Lord Nicholas obediently handed Lady Anne into the curricle. Annoyed, and vowing to somehow overrule this young woman's effrontery, Nympha entered the Nelthorpe vehicle utterly seething with frustration. Mr. Milburn dashed past the Nelthorpe gig with a certain panache, with Lady Jane beaming an admiring smile at him.

Nympha wondered where he had found his Stanhope gig. It was not one of her great-aunt's carriages. Perhaps it was one that belonged to his mysterious uncle?

Lord Henry seemed to guess that Nympha was less than pleased to be fobbed off on him, although she tried her best to conceal it. He had ridden alongside his sisters, while Lady Anne had tooled their gig. He transferred his horse to the groom from Coxmoor Hall, then joined Nympha in the gig with manners that did him credit.

They trotted along behind the others, hanging back to avoid much of the dust. Lord Henry proved to be a fine whip. He did not pretend to be a top sawyer, but he handled the horse well, feathered his corners neatly, and in general exhibited a sensible attitude toward driving. It was a surprise, given his dandylike attire.

"I should think that your father would be very pleased with you, if what I have observed of your character is true," Nympha said impulsively. "You do not seem to be a man who would be irresponsible, given an estate to manage. I think you must plead with him to allow you the opportunity. He can only say no, and he might say yes."

"Have you ever met my father. Miss Herbert? He dotes on my older brother and cannot see the rest of us for dust." There was a dry acknowledgment in his voice that wrung her tender heart.

"And your brother? Would he help you to attain what you wish?" A cloud passed overhead, and Nympha shivered with the sudden chill.

The gig slowed as he slackened his hold on the reins. He turned to meet her gaze, a puzzled expression on his kind face. "I might try. Hadn't thought of going through him. George isn't such a bad sort, but being the spoiled heir does have an effect on one."

"Which is likely how you chanced to be so fine."

His light chuckle was all the reply he made to her bit of flattery.

When they entered the stable yard at Coxmoor Hall it was to find the others gathered around, chatting and laughing.

"See!" exclaimed Lady Anne to Nympha as she was helped from the Nelthorpe gig. "Did I not tell you what a good driver my brother is?"

"I would say your brother could take honors for many things, including his driving," Nympha replied with far more civility than she felt.

Lady Anne did not seem to know how to reply to this comment. She frowned slightly, but only for the moment. "Perhaps we could have another round of quoits today. I venture to say we could make teams with six of us here."

"First you must join us for a bit of lunch." Nympha asserted her position as grandniece of the house, with a wave of her arm to encompass all. If she knew Foley, he would have observed the arrival of the group, and had an excellent lunch on the way.

This suggestion was met with universal agreement. They six ambled along the neat graveled sweep to the front steps. Within minutes they were in the entry hall to be met by Mrs. Coxmoor at her most gracious. Foley moved to stand behind Nympha.

Nympha turned to meet his gaze, her eyes questioning.

Foley nodded ever so discreetly.

"I have invited everyone to partake of lunch with us, dear Great-Aunt Letitia."

"How nice. Foley will help you with your pelisses and hats. We can chat a bit in the drawing room while lunch is put on the table."

A maid appeared to assist the ladies while Foley accepted the gentlemen's hats and gloves. Once again, Nympha marveled at how well her great-aunt's house was run. Could she ever learn to do as well?