Page 11 of Leap of Faith
Faith had no intention of letting Lord Westwood have his way this time if his way meant dictating how she should care for her sisters.
“But no, he is not of a foul temper. A better master would be impossible to find.”
Faith certainly hoped so for their sake. But thus far, she could only think he was high-handed and disagreeable.
The next morning, Faith and Hope were eager to be on their way not long after sunrise, but it was some time before the gentlemen joined them with their carriage and coachmen.
As soon as they heard the cavalcade on the drive, Faith and Hope went outside.
“Well, this is a change, having ladies wait on us!” Rotham said as he reined in a beautiful grey gelding, dismounting smoothly and bowing before them.
“Then, sir, clearly you have been in company with the wrong ladies!” Hope teased.
“I shall let my mama know that,” he said, with a wink at Hope. Faith wanted to groan aloud. The last thing she needed was for Hope to set up a flirtation with some Town-bronzed rogue.
“I trust you passed a pleasant evening, Miss Whitford?” Lord Westwood asked politely, somehow coming to stand next to her without her realizing it.
“Yes, my lord. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett took excellent care of us.”
“It was kind of you to send the rest of dinner on to us.” His eyes somehow seemed to be twinkling with amusement, which made him look sinful.
“Not at all. It was intended for you, after all. You certainly could have stayed long enough to dine!”
“I do not think it would have been wise. In fact, if you are not opposed to the idea, we will drive straight through, stopping only to change horses. It would not do to be spending the night at an inn with us either. I asked Mrs. Barrett to pack enough refreshments for the journey.”
“I am amenable to the suggestion, sir. Anything that reunites us with our sisters quickly will be acceptable.”
“I have seen to it. You shall be with them by the week’s end.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She acknowledged she might have perhaps misjudged him a bit harshly, and they had surprised him yesterday. Hopefully, it meant he would allow her to remain in charge of the children and have her portion so they may set up house. “I do apologize for intruding upon you, but the sooner we have this resolved, the sooner we may both go follow our own inclinations.”
“Just so.”
Faith and Hope settled into the carriage with Gibson, Faith feeling confused by his lordship. He was a mixture of arrogance and entitlement and occasional glimpses of kindness.
She watched him walk away towards his horse, and she forced her attention to her surroundings. Mrs. Barrett had packed several hampers of food for their journey, which took up the extra space inside the carriage.
The gentlemen were all mounted on horseback and, together, presented such a stunning picture that Faith and Hope spent a great deal of time watching the magnificent view instead of noticing the countryside pass by.
“Could we not stay in London just for the Season, Faith? Imagine, dancing with those gentlemen!” Her voice was just a bit too dreamy for Faith’s peace of mind. Hope was beautiful, of course, but such gentlemen like that would not be interested in country misses like themselves, with only respectable portions.
“I would prefer to return to Bath, but perhaps whilst we must be in London, you may attend a few entertainments of which our guardian approves.” Much though it galled her to cede any authority to him.
Hope’s face lit up. “Do you think he will allow it? I should like that above all things!”
* * *
“I thoughtI was dreaming yesterday, but they are still easily the prettiest pair I have ever seen. Either one of them alone is a vision, but together…” Montford wore a look of pure infatuation on his face.
“I doubt either of them has a large enough dowry to qualify for an heiress, Montford.” Dominic knew full well he was being petulant in the extreme.
“I do not need an heiress,” Freddy pointed out.
“Nor I,” Rotham added.
“What’s this? None of you were considering leg-shackles yesterday—and what is more, you were mourning my impending fate!” Montford protested.
“If you have to be leg-shackled, having one of them to look at every morning across the breakfast table would help soften the blow,” Freddy reasoned.
