Page 36 of Regency Whispers: Scandalous Matches

‘I think you touched a nerve, my dear,’ Western said to his wife while clapping Tom on the back. ‘I’ll wager there will be wedding bells within the year.’

‘I thought a tavern was somewhere a man could come to get peace.’ Tom growled, standing and grabbing his coat.

‘Come back and see us soon,’ Mrs Western called from the other end of the bar. ‘And bring your lady friend, whoever she may be.’

Chapter Eleven

The morning was cool and crisp as Jane hurried into the park, but there was a hint of warmth when the sun shone making Jane wonder if spring might be just around the corner. Her maid was shivering beside her despite the thick coat she wore and had already asked three times how long they would be out.

Not for the first time, Jane silently cursed the rules of society that meant she couldn’t walk alone through a park or go for a ride with a gentleman without having another woman with her. It seemed ridiculous, especially in a public space. Luckily, her maid was open to a bribe if the price was right, and on more than one occasion Jane had paid the young woman to allow her to slip away when she was meant to be accompanying her.

Today, though, there was no need for a bribe as she was going for an innocent ride with Mr Stewart and his nephew. Refusing to acknowledge the thrill of anticipation that flooded her body as she thought of Mr Stewart, she started to walk even faster, revelling in the burn in her lungs and her calves. Today she would not be overcome by foolish desire and she would remember the sensible young woman she really was. She didn’t swoon at the first provocation, she didn’t partake in the gossip of the ballroom, and she most certainly didn’t lose her head over a man, even if he was ridiculously attractive and too charming for his own good.

The last thing she was going to think about was the kiss they had shared in the glasshouse at the ball. If Mr Stewart could act as if it had never happened, she would too.

‘Miss Jane,’ Edward shouted as he spotted her, running towards her at full speed and flinging his arms around her in a show of affection.

‘How are you, Edward? Excited to see the horses?’

‘Zio Tom said he has an extra-special surprise for me.’ He lowered his voice. ‘I think maybe he will let me do acrobatics, like we saw at Astley’s!’

‘Have you ridden before?’

‘Our neighbour had a donkey called Ranuncolo who she would sometimes let me ride.’

‘Never a horse?’

He shook his head.

‘Then this is an exciting day.’

Hand in hand, they crossed the grassy area to where Mr Stewart was waiting, discussing something with a groom.

‘Miss Ashworth, thank you for coming.’

‘I would not have missed this for the world.’

Mr Stewart looked a little dishevelled this morning, as if he had not slept well, but still there was a sparkle in his eyes, something Jane found drawing her in.

‘Ah, here they come,’ he said, turning away.

Jane turned to see three horses being led across the grass by a groom. One was large and sleek, its coat a shiny mahogany colour. The second was lighter in colour and a little smaller, whilst the third was a little pony, trotting along happily to keep up with the two bigger horses.

‘This is Sapphire,’ Mr Stewart said, and Jane watched as the young boy’s eyes lit up.

‘Hello, Sapphire,’ Edward said solemnly, waiting for the little pony to stop moving before reaching a tentative hand up to stroke her. He was gentle and Jane could see from that very first moment he was in love.

‘I am told Sapphire is very good for first-time riders. Do you think you would like to ride her?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘Let me help you.’

Jane moved so she was standing to the front of the pony, stroking the animal’s soft nose whilst Mr Stewart crouched down and adjusted his nephew’s coat to make him more comfortable.

‘It will feel strange the first time you sit in the saddle. Remember to sit straight, but relax as much as possible, and do not hold the reins too tight.’

Edward nodded seriously as he absorbed the instructions.