Page 20 of The Gift of Patience
The lady’s gloved hands flew to her chest. “I did not realize she was so far along! Pray convey my best wishes to her and tell her to send for me when the time comes. I have a great deal of experience in childbed.” Ashley could only pray she did not expound upon that knowledge. Nor did he believe for a moment the woman did not know to the day how far along Faith was. Had Dominic not just said they called every day before the rains began? “Have you met my daughters, Major Stuart?” she asked, knowing full well he had not.
“I have not had the pleasure.” He deftly bowed over their hands, and said the appropriate pleasantries, while wondering why the predatorial matchmaking mamas had no taste and raised their daughters to look and act like buffoons.
He glanced at Miss Whitford and could see she was no more enjoying this visit than he.
Rupert was indeed overly taken with Patience. And if Ashley was not mistaken, the man was salivating just looking at Miss Whitford. He was dressed as garishly as any of the London set known as Macaronis. He affected a monocle over one eye, which his Titus-swept hair threatened to cover. His striped stockings with a polka-dotted waistcoat, as well as jewelled buckles on his shoes, were a counterpoint to the high points of his collar. He looked as out of place in the country as a fish in the desert.
Patience was scooted as far away from Rupert on the sofa until she was practically climbing over the edge to get away from him. Poor girl. He almost felt sorry for her, but she could handle herself.
Lady Fagge leaned forward and placed a meaty hand on Ashley’s arm. “We are having dinner and dancing at Coventry three nights hence, Major. I do hope you and your friends will be able to join us. We always need more male partners to make up the figures of the dances. My girls need some polish before their first Season.” So she was aware of his troop’s arrival. He should not be surprised. Like the bloodhounds that picked up scents from miles away, so were mamas with marriageable daughters.
“I am certain they will take quite well, just as they are,” he said smoothly, proud that he did not choke on the words. “As for dinner, I am afraid I cannot answer for myself or my colleagues. We are here on a matter of duty, and unfortunately, all of our time and attention is committed to that.”
“It sounds very serious,” she said disapprovingly.
He spread his arms wide. “I am afraid that is the way these things go.”
“I cannot imagine what business the Household Guard can have for you here, unless it pertains to horses,” Rupert said a little more acutely than Ashley would have expected.
“Quite,” Ashley remarked in a tone that was a perfected mixture of suppression and ennui. It was a necessary part of the position.
Tea was brought in, which at least gave them something to do. Dominic and Renforth had best be acquiring some good information from Sir Horace. Never let it be said that Ashley did not do his part.
His gaze settled on Miss Whitford’s efforts to restrain the amorous Rupert. It was humorous, as long as the man did not actually touch her. Then he would be consigned to the devil.
She caught him staring and glared as Rupert leaned in and said something in her ear. It appeared as though she might be physically ill.
How the next scene unfolded, Ashley could not say, but no doubt Miss Whitford was grateful. The dog and cat tore through the drawing room, Freddy Tiger chasing Xander, knocking over one of the small side tables and the tea cups and plates that had been perched upon it. This scene was rapidly followed by a mortified footman, who was no doubt supposed to be keeping them under control.
His cheeks were burning red with embarrassment, and his livery was dishevelled from a probable chase through the house.
Ashley struggled not to burst into laughter. Miss Whitford saw it as her salvation. Quickly, she ran over and scooped the puppy up. He also took the opportunity to gather the cat, who was still hissing and growling his displeasure at the canine intruder.
The footman ground to a halt and stuttered out an apology. “I beg your pardon, miss. I brought him—” he angled his head towards the cat “—back inside, as Miss Joy asked me to do. I did not expect him to set up a chase through the house.”
“I understand. They are still growing accustomed to one another. Freddy Tiger is not yet used to sharing the house. If you could take him up to our sitting room, then I will keep Xander with me.”
He could hear a disapproving murmur from Lady Fagge, but Ashley understood it was her armour.
The young ladies were immediately taken in by the adorable visage of a fluffy puppy, and surrounded him once Freddy Tiger was gone. Even Rupert was not immune to his charms, though he looked on from a distance. “I’ve been looking for some retrievers myself. Mr. Cunningham bred them, you say?”
“Yes, indeed. He might even be willing to give you one if they are not already spoken for.”
Clever girl.
CHAPTER 6
Patience thought the Fagges would never leave. She had never excelled at hiding her feelings, or pretending to like someone—especially encroaching, self-serving busybodies that could not take a hint.
She could not blame Faith for not coming downstairs to greet them. If Patience had the excuse her sister did, she wouldn’t have come either.
Even Major Stuart had suffered through the ordeal with her, and been her partner of sorts, though she did not doubt that he enjoyed the way Rupert had discomforted her.
After the door had closed behind them, Major Stuart turned towards Westwood. “Please tell me you found some useful information. I feel soiled after that interlude.”
Westwood raised his brows at his brother indicating he was being a touch dramatic. Patience did not think so and gave him a look of sympathy.
“Unfortunately, he was not much help, but I asked him to be on alert for any new people in the area. Renforth was able to explain that he’d been asked to investigate some suspicious activity without completely saying what it was.”
