Mr. Landon tripped over a flint stone. “Baron Dunn? Fairly well known? Miss Upton, you are too modest on your father’s behalf. He is the first amongst horsemen. Nobody questions that he sits at the pinnacle of the sport, especially not after the recent races at Doncaster.”
“Were you present, Mr. Landon?” Caroline asked. She had not seen him there, but that did not mean he had not attended.
Mr. Landon shook his head. “Sadly, no. I had a family obligation. But, there is nobody interested in the sport who has not heard of his victories by now.”
Caroline was very much enjoying the conversation. How wonderful that Mr. Landon did not choose to be a clergyman. How wonderful that he wished to follow in her own father’s footsteps. Were he to be someone significant in her future, she might have a life she knew well, and enjoyed.
“Tell me, Mr. Landon,” Caroline said cautiously, “how do you view ladies who take an interest in horseflesh?” She almost held her breath for the answer, for it would be something indeed if he held the same views as her father.
“The poor ladies,” he said, “everybody is always wondering if they should have this or that interest. My own view is the female mind is just as discerning as the male mind. In fact, with animals of all sorts, a lady has a slight edge, I think. If there is any real difference between the sexes, I think it is that females better sense the intangibles. They are better able to understand a horse’s feelings. Some might dismiss how the horse feels about things, but I do not. I believe it affects their performance mightily.”
There could not have been any answer more perfect than the one Mr. Landon had just delivered. While she had been intrigued to hear of the gentleman’s interest in horses, and even wondered what that sort of future might hold for her, she had also wondered if she might not be left behind because the activities would not be deemed suitable for a wife. It seemed Mr. Landon had no such qualms. Just as her father had not.
“My father feels as you do,” Caroline said. “I have often accompanied him to races and was present at Doncaster.”
“What a privilege you have, Miss Upton,” Mr. Landon said, “to be able to glean so much knowledge and experience from your esteemed father. Anybody wishing to be in the business of horses must rejoice to have a partner so well versed.”
Caroline blushed deeply, at least she thought she did as her cheeks were very hot. Had that been a hint of his interest in her as something more than a friend and acquaintance? It certainly seemed so.
“May I escort you somewhere?” Mr. Landon said.
Before Caroline could answer, Bemmy said, “We’ll be goin’ to visit the vicar. He’ll be wantin’ people to deliver some poor boxes.”
Caroline was well aware that Bemmy had decided they must rid themselves of Mr. Landon and proceed on to the boxing practice. She was not entirely sure she agreed, but there was not much she could do about it.
“Well,” he said, as they reached the road, “I ought to be off myself. Mr. Jackson does not approve of one arriving late to his instructions. I suppose you will attend the Prince’s musical evening on Thursday?”
“I am afraid not,” Caroline said, “Lady Easton holds a dinner that evening.”
“I see, well, perhaps Alvanley can be convinced to host another party on a different day.”
Caroline smiled, but she did not answer. She did not believe Lady Easton would allow her to step foot in Lord Alvanley’s house again. It was a shame, but it could not be helped. She was dreading what Lady Easton would have to say to her regarding her first foray into it and having dined with Mrs. Jordan.
“And of course, you must attend the ball the Prince hosts on Tuesday next at The Ship Inn. Everybody interesting will come, surely Lady Easton will insist on being there.”
Caroline was not so certain of it, though she did have hope of it. “I hope so, Mr. Landon.”
“And Iprayso. Good day to the charming Miss Upton and her…rather stalwart companion,” Mr. Landon said with a tip of the hat.
Watching him stride down the road, Bemmy said, “Now there’s another fella in your pocket. What do you think of that one?”
“He seems a very genial gentleman, but there are no gentlemen in my pockets,” Caroline said.
“I bet there is,” Bemmy said, “if you would only have a rummage through them.”
Ignoring that last comment, Caroline said, “Let us proceed to the church for the boxing and let us take a different route from Mr. Landon as you have so helpfully outlined that we are meant to be visiting a vicar. And let us not pass by our own house as we would not like to be seen and called in.”
“Right you are,” Bemmy said, “Youdon’t want to hear about Mrs. Jordan from Lady E andIdon’t want to hear about her from Bramley. If Lady E is unhappy, he’s unhappy. All over an actress, bless their nervous souls.”
Caroline was determined not to laugh—Bemmy was entirely outrageous at times. She was not very successful at it, though.
*
That afternoon, LadyRedfield and Lady Featherstone had not, to Richard’s knowledge, been expected to the house. Yet, here they were and looking a bit crazed.
Lady Featherstone had not even paused to remove her bonnet. For that matter, the lady had not seemed to pause when she’d donned it, as it sat askew on her head in an unflattering attitude.
Lady Redfield’s eyes darted around the room and settled on nothing, like a bird who was certain a cat was hiding in every corner.
