Page 46 of The Rules of Courtship
Dinner was announced. Mr. Bailey approached her, heedless of Samuel’s proximity—or perhaps because of it. “May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner, Miss Wycliffe?”
“Thank you, yes.” She took his arm. They passed Emily crying softly on Mr. Kellinger’s green sleeve. “Ghastly business, the whole of it,” Ruth whispered.
“It is a shame. I hope he wakes soon and begins to recover.” Mr. Bailey’s eyes flicked to her. “My motivations for hoping that are only partly for Mr. Edmonds’ benefit, though.”
“Oh?”
“I’d like to dance with you, Miss Wycliffe. I cannot do that if the house is hovering on the brink of mourning.”
Mourning? Gads, but that was extreme. Her cheeks grew warm as a blush stole up her face, and she looked away while he pulled out her chair. “You should not say such things.”
Mr. Bailey took his seat beside her. “Perhaps not, but it is the truth. I finally felt as though I might make progress with a particular lady I had my eye on, and this wrench was thrown in the spokes. Forgive my brashness, but if we are disbanded and sent home the moment the Sabbath has ended, I will curse my missed opportunities.”
His bluntness called her attention. She raised her eyes to meet his and found a steady challenge in their green depths. He was as good as staking his interest inRuth.It sent a flurry of sudsy bubbles through her stomach. He was handsome, a goodoption. Lady Helena had as much as offered to invite him to Harewood.
But what of Emily?
Ruth looked away, peeling her gloves from her hands to place them in her lap. “We should not worry until we know for certain what Lord Rocklin intends. For all we are aware, Mr. Edmonds could be waking this very moment.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Bailey said noncommittally. “In the meantime, I intend not to waste this evening. Promise you will play chess with me when dinner is over?”
She looked up again, thinking of Emily’s words, then glanced down the table where the woman was sitting, a sad expression on her face while Mr. Kellinger and Lord Rocklin flanked her.
“Very well,” Ruth said. “But I must warn you—I am really quite good at chess.”
He shot her a small smile. “I expected as much from you, Miss Wycliffe.”
The promisedchess game had only just begun when Mrs. Hull came in search of Emily to inform her that her brother was awake. She rose from the sofa, where she had been sitting beside Mrs. Watson, and followed the housekeeper from the room in a flurry of hurried steps, her green gown billowing around her legs in her haste.
Ruth watched her leave with growing uneasiness.
“You are kind to be so concerned about Mr. Edmonds,” Mr. Bailey said.
Ruth turned back to face the chess board and found him watching her closely. She swallowed. Was he not worried for Mr. Edmonds? For Emily? “Do you think I ought to go after her? To be there in case she finds herself in need of support?”
Mr. Bailey’s dark eyes flicked toward the door. “I believe Miss Jane has the same idea.”
He was right. Jane was hurrying from the room, the quickness of her steps indicating she was following Emily. Catherine remained in the drawing room, speaking to Oliver. Ruth caught his gaze, noting the frown turning his lips down. The poor man was worried for his father, undoubtedly. The accident today had been such a shock, it would be no wonder if it heightened Oliver’s concern.
“She will be a good support for Miss Edmonds, surely,” Ruth said. “They are closer friends, anyway.”
Mr. Bailey nodded. “It is your turn.”
“Oh, of course.” How could he concentrate on a game at a time like this? She was so eager for news. Mr. Edmonds had awakened again, yes, but in what state? Watching his horse’s hoof slide on the patch of mud and hit the ground so quickly had seized Ruth with fear. Her heart had yet to recover fully. She reached forward and slid one of her chess pieces to a new square.
Mr. Bailey gave her a strange look. He took his turn. “You impressed me yesterday, Miss Wycliffe. Not many women could witness what you did and remain calm enough to safely ride for help.”
“I have two brothers, Mr. Bailey. It was not the first time someone has been injured on a horse in my presence.”
“All the same, I commend you. Did you hear the horse is believed to have a full recovery?”
“I did, yes.” She had sent Sarah to learn the news from the grooms. “The farrier mentioned that its leg needs to be wrapped and watched closely, but he did not believe it to be a life-threatening injury.”
“A blessing, that,” Mr. Bailey said, indicating again it was her turn to move.
Ruth slid another piece to a new square.
“That was mine, Miss Wycliffe.”
