Page 34 of One Perfect Dance
He was the first to become aware of her, and stood, followed a heartbeat or so later by her menfolk.
“Mrs. Paddimore, you look stunning,” Elijah told her.
She had dressed with particular care in a new carriage gown of pale blue, with military style braiding and decorations on the bodice and sleeves, and a line of rouching just above the hem. The matching hat was a close-fitting white bonnet with a small hem and a jaunty cockade of ribbons in the same blue as the gown.
The admiration in Elijah’s eyes more than repaid the effort.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting, Mr. Ashby,” she said.
“The results were well worth it, Mrs. Paddimore. Besides, I have enjoyed rekindling my acquaintance with Lord Kingsley and meeting young Mr. Paddimore after our many years of knowing one another only through letters.”
“Mr. Ashby says he will introduce me to Lord Arthur, Mother,” Geoffrey said, his face clear of the shadows from their earlier conversation.
Regina was about to suggest that Geoffrey not make a nuisance of himself. Perhaps Elijah guessed, for he hastened to tell her, “Rex will be keen to meet Geoffrey. Lord Kingsley, too. We both felt that we knew them. A day that one of your letters arrived, bringing the air and taste of home, was always a good day for us.”
“Likewise for our family, Mr. Ashby. You gave us a window on the wide world, did he not, Geoffrey?”
Geoffrey nodded, eagerly. “That is what I have been telling him, Mother.”
Cousin Mary said, “You and Regina should go for your drive, Mr. Ashby, before your horses take a chill.”
Elijah shrugged. “The groom is walking them, but if you are ready, Mrs. Paddimore, I would be delighted to show you the phaeton and pair I purchased this morning.”
That was a cue for Geoffrey and William to follow them out into the street, where the points of the carriage and the horses had to be noted and discussed.
“Very tidy,” William approved, but Geoffrey appeared disappointed in the carriage, though he admired the team.
Pressed, he allowed that he thought high-perch phaetons more the thing, or even a curricle. “I think low phaetons are more for ladies or dull old sticks.”
“Perhaps Iama dull old stick,” Elijah suggested, clearly amused.
Geoffrey flushed. “Not you, sir. I misspoke.”
Poor boy. His first actual meeting with his hero, and he’d put his foot in his mouth.
Instead of becoming annoyed, or teasing Geoffrey some more, Elijah took pity on him and explained. “I was looking for stability and comfort, Mr. Paddimore. The four wheels and the low body give me both, but the carriage is still light enough to be maneuverable in tight city streets and in traffic. The curricle, with only two wheels, is more maneuverable but less stable. And the high-perch phaeton can be top-heavy. Perhaps I am being overcautious but, if I have learned anything in my travels, it is that anything that can go wrong, will eventually go wrong. I would not risk your mother’s safety just for the sake of cutting a dash in front of people whose opinion doesn’t matter to me.”
Which rather implied that he had purchased the phaeton and team just for this afternoon’s ride. William clearly thought so, too, from the expression on his face as he looked away from admiring the horses to glance between her and Elijah. Geoffrey, who really did have to learn to think before he spoke, blurted, “You bought them for my mother?”
Elijah’s grey eyes seemed to heat as he looked into her own, confirming Geoffrey’s assumption even as Elijah’s words put his purchase into a more acceptable framework. “I needed a vehicle so I could get around town without relying on a hackney. I bought one this morning because I have invited your mother for a drive this afternoon.”
She spoke quickly, before any of the gentlemen could embarrass her further. “We should not keep the team standing any longer,” she said.
“Allow me to help you up,” Elijah said, offering his hand. When she was settled, he spoke to the groom. “Meet me back here in…” He raised an eyebrow and asked Regina, “one hour and a half?”
She nodded, and the groom touched his cap and stepped away from the horses’ heads.
*
Ash had takenthe team out after he had bought them, just to get the feel for them and the carriage. He’d driven the route they now took from Regina’s townhouse to Hyde Park, so he was able to take the necessary turns without hesitation and could divide his attention between the traffic and the lovely woman beside him.
“It is a pleasant afternoon for a drive,” he said.
Her eyes twinkled. “Are we to discuss the weather, like polite English people?”
He laughed. “Whatever you prefer, Regina.”
“So, I am back to Regina? I thought when you addressed me as Mrs. Paddimore, that perhaps I had lost your favor, Elijah.”
