Page 12 of Leap of Faith
“You do realize you would need my permission to wed one of them, do you not?” Dominic was becoming annoyed, even though he would’ve been enjoying himself hugely were the situations reversed.
The three of his friends burst into fits of laughter.
“I will have you know that Miss Whitford wishes to return to Bath immediately.” Dominic took devilish pleasure in their astonishment.
“No! It would be a travesty! May I try to convince her otherwise?” Rotham had a gleam in his eyes.
Dominic looked back towards the carriage. “Be my guest.” He expected to be greatly amused by Rotham’s efforts. It would help alleviate the boredom of the trip. He still had not yet determined what to do with the chits, though he would have to leave them with his mother for the time being. He rather thought his mother might enjoy bringing the ladies out. She had always wished for daughters.
The foursome slowed back to ride beside the carriage, of which the window was subsequently lowered to speak with them.
“How do you do?” Miss Hope asked with a brilliant smile as though she’d been waiting for that very thing.
“We just heard some appalling news, Miss Whitford,” Rotham said, addressing Faith.
“Oh, dear! What has happened?”
“We heard you intend to return to Bath!”
Dominic could see her face stiffen.
“What is so appalling about that?”
She really was beautiful when she was on her mettle, Dominic reflected. He was going to enjoy watching gentlemen of thetonfall at her feet.
“Why, we will not be there!” Rotham said, with a hand over his heart. Truly, he had missed his calling in life.
“The answer to that is simple. You may visit us in Bath!” she retorted.
“The two of you are wasted on the elderly and infirm!” Freddy said in all earnestness. “Would be the Season’s Incomparables! Two of ’em!”
“That does not sound very nice,” Hope said hesitantly.
“Oh, but it is the highest honour a débutante can receive,” Freddy reassured her. “I’ve never seen any women as beautiful as the pair of you,” he said to each of them with open admiration.
“Thank you, but Lady Halbury says vanity is a sin.”
“It ain’t vanity if it’s the truth, is it?” he reasoned.
Dominic could see that the younger sister was perplexed by the question, especially coming from one as Adonis-like as Freddy.
“Forget beauty,” Montford said. “Think of all the delights of London. Museums, shopping, Vauxhall Gardens…”
“Is that where they have the fireworks, sir?” Hope asked.
“Fireworks, acrobats, concerts, dancing, and it all takes place under beautiful lanterns and stars. It’s magical. Then there is Astley’s Amphitheatre—the young ones would like that especially. All manner of tricks are performed on horseback.”
“Oh, Faith, do say we may go! Our sisters would adore it!”
“At the moment, dearest, it would appear the say is no longer mine.” She looked away from him, likely trying to maintain her composure, and Dominic realized he did not wish to take control from her. Yet, it would be a shame for them to return to Bath and hide away there.
“Perhaps Miss Whitford and I may discuss the situation further when we reach London. I believe there must be a satisfactory arrangement for all parties.”
She looked sharply back at him, eyes searching for sincerity in his words. Dominic had no wish to play the fool and become sentimental over a pair of pretty blue eyes. He was an excellent card player and she would find little meaning in his expression when she looked.
“Shall we stop for a while? It appears to be an excellent location for a picnic and to stretch our legs a bit,” he suggested.
“Picnic? Capital idea!” Freddy announced.
