The Nobody: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) (7 page)

“Your cousin, however, is a pattern-card of respectability,” she said severely, trying unsuccessfully to pull her hand out of Lord Kilverton’s grasp.

“Unlike myself, I take it? Pray do not remove your hand, Miss Campbell! Having achieved my ambition at last, I am loath to relinquish it.”

She immediately pulled free and clutched her parasol with both hands. “Your ambition, Lord Kilverton, is obviously to put me to the blush as frequently as possible, and
I
am loath to understand why!”

“Really? That is easily explained. The temptation to provoke you is, unfortunately, irresistible. You have a singularly transparent face, Miss Campbell. Your thoughts are written plainly there for all to read.”

“Oh, I sincerely hope not!” she gasped, dismayed. This caused Lord Kilverton to laugh out loud, and Caitlin to blush rosily. She hastened to take a place beside Mr. Montague at the table, but Lord Kilverton took the place opposite her and continued to regard her with enjoyment throughout the meal, with the result that Caitlin once again ate very little and hardly knew where to look. She could not remember ever feeling so flustered by anyone as she was by Richard Kilverton. Caitlin had been used to think of herself as a poised and self-assured young woman, never at a loss. It was most unsettling, and extremely annoying, to find herself rattled whenever Lord Kilverton was present.

Once Sir Egbert was occupied in enthusiastically consuming a substantial luncheon, his tongue was stilled and the group was able to converse normally. Sunshine and a light breeze poured through the inn’s small windows, bringing the scent of flowers and the merry song of a lark. The atmosphere of unpleasantness that had begun to descend on the party outside the inn quickly evaporated.

It was fortunate for Serena that Lord Kilverton’s attention was focused on Caitlin throughout the meal. This distracted him from the spectacle of his sister making sheep’s eyes at the handsome Captain Talgarth. Lady Elizabeth, however (once her attention was no longer claimed by the busy Sir Egbert), was all too aware of her future sister-in-law’s fixation. Serena showed every disposition to sit in Captain Talgarth’s pocket to the exclusion of the rest of the company, and only the captain’s calm good manners prevented her from exposing her infatuation even more than she did. What was particularly vexing about this was that Lady Elizabeth’s quarrel with her fiancé, far from being forgotten, had continued throughout the drive to Richmond. She knew he would be in no humor to hear strictures from her on his sister’s behavior. Nevertheless, Lady Elizabeth was not one to shrink from an unpleasant duty. She determined to speak to Richard on this subject again, the instant they were alone.

Chapter IX

A
fter lunch Lord Kilverton shepherded his party to Richmond Park and produced his tickets of admission. The group prepared for a walking tour. The weather could not have been prettier, and the air was scented with all the perfumes of spring. Casting an appraising glance at the sun, Caitlin tugged her gloves securely over her wrists and unfurled her parasol to protect her complexion before starting out. By the time she had completed these necessary precautions Serena had seized Captain Talgarth’s arm and was far down the path. Mr. Montague had Emily on his arm, and Lady Elizabeth had claimed Lord Kilverton, which left Caitlin with Sir Egbert for an escort. She turned to find him beaming fatly at her with great good humor, and smiled back at him with as much good grace as she could muster.

“Are you familiar with Richmond Park, sir?” she asked politely, hoping devoutly he would say no. The prospect of an afternoon spent listening helplessly to Sir Egbert’s instructive oratory was more than she could bear.

“I have not had the pleasure of finding myself within the grounds before today, ma’am,” replied Sir Egbert with obvious regret. “However, I have heard—”

Caitlin interrupted him hastily. “Then how pleasant it will be to discover the various points of interest for ourselves. Do let us join some of the others!” And she fairly dragged him on to where Mr. Montague was attempting to make her sister laugh. Judging by the bewildered expression on Emily’s face, his humor was going over her head. Lord Kilverton and Lady Elizabeth were walking some ways apart, in close conversation.

“Mr. Montague, we depend on you to direct us,” cried Caitlin merrily. “Which path are we to take for the best views?”

“How can you ask? Any path the Misses Campbell take is sure to provide the best views!” replied Mr. Montague promptly, covering Emily with confusion and causing Caitlin to glare at him with mock severity.

“Mr. Montague, does this style of conversation generally recommend you to the ladies of your acquaintance?”

He feigned ignorance. “What style do you mean?”

“I mean your uninterrupted flow of humbuggery.”

“Miss Campbell, you wrong me! I am completely sincere.”

Caitlin looked at him very hard. “Mr. Montague,” she asked innocently, “have you ever been to Ireland?”

His eyes gleamed. “Aha! You are thinking of the Blarney stone. Now, really, Miss Campbell, that is too bad! What is the world coming to when a pretty girl is so suspicious? Can you not accept my honest admiration as your due?”

Caitlin laughed, but shook her head. “Worse and worse! I am silenced. Let us take the path that seems shadiest, since it is plain none of us has the least notion where we are. What a pretty wood it is, to be sure.”

They could have applied to Lord Kilverton for guidance, but he and Lady Elizabeth had drawn apart and stopped under a nearby oak, to all appearances engaged in a heated discussion. The other four tactfully forbore to interrupt. They turned to the right and began walking up a gentle incline. Overarching boughs from a line of trees on their right shaded the path without obscuring the view to their left, and the prospect was charming.

Sir Egbert’s share in the conversation was minimal. It lessened as the walk continued upward. His large luncheon, high cravat, and tight waistcoat were evidently making him extremely uncomfortable. He began to puff a bit with exertion, and frequently mopped his face with a handkerchief. When they reached a grassy plateau with a lovely grove of trees and several benches overlooking the view, he sank onto a bench and mopped his face again.

“Delightful!” he gasped. “Don’t know when I’ve enjoyed myself more.” As he appeared acutely miserable, Caitlin found herself forced to turn away to keep her countenance.

“Such lovely weather,” agreed innocent Emily. “I was sure we would be chilled under these trees, but it is no such thing.”

“No, indeed!” responded Sir Egbert feelingly. This was too much for Caitlin, who had to pretend to be taken with a coughing fit. She did not hoodwink Mr. Montague, however. He spuriously rushed to her assistance.

“It seems Miss Campbell has taken a chill after all! There is no help for it; we must walk in the sun from now on.”

Sir Egbert’s look of dismay was so ludicrous, it completely overset Caitlin’s gravity. “Mr. Montague, you are shameless!” she choked. “No, no, do not offer to pound me between the shoulder blades! I shall be better directly.”

Emily turned inquiring eyes upon her sister. “Do you feel cold, Caitie? I vow it is quite comfortable here in the shade.”

“I am perfectly comfortable! And if Mr. Montague will stop talking nonsense I shall be more comfortable still.”

Lady Serena and Captain Talgarth suddenly appeared around the bend of the path before them, walking back toward the others. Serena had the train of her riding habit looped over one arm and a hand laid upon Captain Talgarth’s sleeve. Despite her proximity to the captain, she looked none-too pleased. It was clearly Captain Talgarth’s idea, not Serena’s, that they should rejoin the party.

Far too soon for Sir Egbert’s comfort they all set off again in the direction Captain Talgarth and Lady Serena had already traversed, and since Captain Talgarth had politely drawn Sir Egbert into conversation the party regrouped slightly. Emily again took Mr. Montague’s arm and Caitlin and Serena walked a little way apart. Caitlin did not like to see Serena’s brow clouded, and wished very much that she could coax her friend back into a sunny humor. She began by quizzing her a little.

“Serena, how long have you known the gallant Captain Talgarth? You’ve kept him very dark.”

Serena did smile a little at that. “Would not you?” she asked saucily. Then she sighed. “For all the good it’s done me! I have known him any time these eighteen months, and he has yet to speak. What am I to do, Caitlin?”

“Eighteen months! That is certainly a period. Why did you never mention him to me?”

“Well, he was in the action at Mahidput last year, you know, and only recently returned to England. When I first became acquainted with him he was not a captain, and I was only eighteen, so he told me I must not think of him. He has the noblest nature!”

“Would your family have disapproved?”

“Oh, I daresay they would have disapproved of anyone at that time—I had seen so little of the world, you know, and wasn’t precisely ‘out’ yet. He is the third son of Sir Humphrey Talgarth, and his mother was Lady Caroline Jevinghurst. It is a pity he is a younger son, of course, but there is nothing to object to in his birth—and he is certainly not hanging out for a rich wife, as they say. I believe his fortune to be in the neighborhood of four thousand a year, which is not contemptible.”

Caitlin was aware that four thousand a year did not compare to Lady Serena’s fortune, but she had to agree that Captain Talgarth could not be thought ineligible by the most exacting parent. “How long did you know him before he went to India?”

“Only six weeks. We met while he was stationed near Selcroft Hall during the autumn of 1816. And then he was away so long! I began to think I had mistaken my heart—but when I saw him again he was even handsomer than I remembered. I am sure no man could equal him. Every inch the gentleman! Why, one has only to
look
at him.” Which Serena did, smiling mistily.

“Does he return your regard, do you think?”

Serena hesitated. “I was sure of it when we first knew one another—and when he returned to England he certainly lost no time in renewing our acquaintance—but lately I cannot help wondering if—well, I cannot tell! His notions of propriety are so very strict. I had hoped to coax him into walking alone with me today, but no such thing. As soon as he perceived we were out of view of the rest of the party, he insisted we walk back. He told me we would not wish to present ‘too particular an appearance’—such fustian! We could hardly present too particular an appearance to suit
me.
”

Caitlin was thoughtful. “On first impression, Serena, he does strike one as an extremely conscientious young man.”

“Oh, yes! A very high stickler. And so
serious
! I am in despair. The more he is around me, the more I shock him, Caitlin. I cannot seem to mind my tongue, and he thinks
levity
, you know, to be so very bad. Many people feel that way, I fear. And I cannot help myself! When I laugh out loud, or make some silly jest, he often looks at me so gravely I am ready to sink with mortification.”

“But your sunny nature and vivacity are exactly what one most admires in you!” Caitlin exclaimed indignantly. “You cannot wish to ally yourself with a man who would
squelch
you.”

Serena sighed. “He does not seek to squelch me, precisely—just check me a little. There is nothing strange in that. I had a governess once who was forever telling me my exuberance went beyond the line of being pleasing.”

“Very likely! I make no doubt you were a giggling and bumptious child! But, Serena, you are no longer a schoolroom miss. I am sure you will find a man who loves and appreciates your animation for the attractive quality it is.”

Serena looked doubtful. “Do you think so? I cannot credit it! Captain Talgarth is one of those men who are drawn to timid, die-away creatures requiring guidance and support—and I will never be among them.”

“Nonsense, Serena, he must admire you!” Caitlin said firmly. She could not resist adding, “Such a punctilious young man would not otherwise allow you to hang on his sleeve.”

Serena brightened. “Then perhaps if I am able to school myself into more circumspect behavior, and mind my tongue, his affections will reanimate toward me.”

This was disturbing. Caitlin squeezed Serena’s elbow earnestly. “Do not alter yourself one jot. If a deception is necessary to attract Captain Talgarth, I promise you you will never find happiness with him.”

“At any rate,” declared Serena with spirit, “I shall not hang on his sleeve anymore today!” She then ruined the effect by adding: “Perhaps he will pursue me if I hold a little aloof.”

The path widened as it dipped slightly downhill toward a grassy area lined with elms, and Mr. Montague strode up to join Lady Serena and Caitlin. Caitlin glanced back to see Emily walking between Sir Egbert and Captain Talgarth, who had politely slowed his steps to suit his companions’ sedate pace. Sir Egbert and Emily both appeared glad to dispense with Mr. Montague’s lead, whose idea of a comfortable stroll was much brisker than theirs. His energy exactly suited Serena and Caitlin, however, and as he seemed delighted to have a pretty girl on each arm the three of them were very well satisfied and soon drew far ahead of the rest of the party. Mr. Montague’s high spirits restored Serena’s ebullience faster than Caitlin’s sympathy had been able to, and the three of them were so merry that they hardly noticed the passage of time until a clock was heard striking three in the distance.

“Good heavens!” exclaimed Serena. “Whatever became of my brother? We haven’t seen him for an age.”

Mr. Montague shook his head disapprovingly. “Shabby, I call it,” he said severely. “Not at all the thing to abandon one’s guests in the middle of a party. After driving them our of town, too! Shocking bad
ton.
”

Serena had known Mr. Montague all her life and refused to stand on ceremony with him. “Do be quiet, Ned!” she begged. “You never say anything to the purpose! We will have to go in search of the others.”

Mr. Montague nudged Caitlin. “Runs in the family, you see,” he explained. “Rag-mannered, these Kilvertons. Pack of barbarians. I have meant to speak to them about it, but from one cause or another it never seemed to be the right moment.”

“I daresay your natural delicacy makes you too shy, Mr. Montague,” replied Caitlin kindly. “You lack the necessary forcefulness that would make such Philistines attend to you.”

Mr. Montague seemed much struck. “There is a great deal in what you say, Miss Campbell,” he announced gravely. “I don’t know when I’ve met a woman with a better understanding! Between the two of us, do you think we might bring Serena to a sense of—”

“Oh, hush, Ned, for pity’s sake!” cried Serena, between laughter and exasperation. “It is past three o’clock, and you know we were to start back to London by three-thirty. We shall have to turn round.”

But no sooner had they turned than they perceived Lord Kilverton waving to them from the edge of another wooded area to the south. When they joined him he announced he had left the others resting in the shade and come to fetch the energetic threesome back to the rest of the party. Serena and Mr. Montague had begun a mock argument on the rival merits of elms and beeches, so Lord Kilverton and Miss Campbell fell into step together. This caused Caitlin’s heart to beat uncomfortably fast, but as he seemed a trifle preoccupied she plucked up her courage and reminded herself of her earlier determination to treat him just as she would anyone else, thus demonstrating her complete indifference to his company. Time to begin.

She tilted her head up, regarding him from under the brim of her chip-straw hat. He was gazing abstractedly ahead with a slight crease between his brows. “I haven’t thanked you, Lord Kilverton, for including me in your delightful driving party,” she began politely.

He immediately came back from wherever his thoughts had taken him, and looked down into the face turned up to his. Amusement lit his eyes. “You forget, Miss Campbell, that I did not include you in my party.”

Nonplussed, she returned her attention to the path and sought in vain for a suitable reply. “I beg your pardon!” she said stiffly.

“Oh, no need!” he replied kindly. “It is Serena who owes me the apology.” Indignation rose in her, and she did not trust her voice. This allowed him to blandly continue.

“Do you admire Richmond Park, Miss Campbell?”

“Yes!” she replied shortly, in a suffocated voice. “I have enjoyed myself very much—until now!”

His shoulders shook. “I wonder why it gives me such pleasure to goad you?” he mused.

“Perhaps it is your overbearing disposition, Lord Kilverton! Or a natural meanness of spirit that leads you to take pleasure in others’ discomfiture.”