Page 13 of Nothing But a Rakehell
“A fair trade, and no risk to your boots.”
“No risk to mine, nor any to Tensford’s, since I am wearing an old pair that he lent me. My own are still in the process of recovery.”
Too late, she recalled that she should not know about the condition of his boots—or his attachment to them. Before her sister or Tensford could think more on it, she smiled at the earl. “Where are we off to next, Tensford? You are spoiled for choice if you mean to show off your improvements.”
“I thought the new barn, perhaps.” He shot a look at Keswick. “You might be interested in the architectural challenges of the thing. We are digging the back end into the hillside. It will help in keeping the dairy cool.”
“What? Cows, too?” Keswick asked. “You’ve gone absolutely native, my friend.”
“I’m afraid it is true. I’ve got a prime herd of Old Gloucesters, now.”
Laughing, the pair mounted up and set off. They rode all over the estate and Glory managed to stay mounted for all of it. Keswick spent a great deal of the day at Tensford’s side, as was to be expected, but Glory found herself riding next to him as they turned for home.
“Have you really been to Astley’s Amphitheatre?” she asked after several minutes of companionable silence.
He nodded. “Many times.”
“What is it like?”
He thought about it. “It is . . . an assault on the senses. But in the best way. It’s all music, light and sparkle. Trick riders and dancing dogs and massive military reenactments. It’s always a spectacle.”
“It sounds wonderful,” she said wistfully. “At least I will have one thing to look forward to, when they drag me to London.”
“You’ll be presented next year?”
She nodded glumly.
“I thought all girls were wild to have a London Season?”
“Most are, I suppose. I’d rather just stay here.”
He held silent a moment. “Your brother is Lord Kincade, is he not?”
At her nod, he frowned. “I am surprised he and his countess did not bring you out this year. They sponsored your sister last year, didn’t they?”
“They did.”
“Then, why not you?”
“Because I refused. I would not put the future of a frog from your swampy bog into Lady Kincade’s hands, let alone my own.”
“It’s notmybog,” he objected.
She laughed. “I know.” She shrugged. “It’s just that I’m content to wait. Hope is the one who insists my life is incomplete without a debut—I don’t want to disappoint her, but I’m happier the longer her duties keep her here.”
“Granted, a young lady’s experience of London is far tamer than any man’s, but there is still plenty to recommend it.”
“Tea, calls and balls?” She made a face.
“I’m sure they are exactly what your sister has in mind,” he said sympathetically. “Those are the best venues for the sport.”
She frowned. “Sport?”
“The hunt.”
“Is there hunting available? Outside London?”
He laughed. “You truly are a horse lover. No, Lady Glory, I meant husband hunting. Isn’t that the primary reason for a girl’s Season?”
