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Chapter 2
It was a glorious sunny day. Overhead, the sky was an almost impossible shade of blue, without a single cloud. The foliage in the woods was bright green, rustling as a warm summer breeze blew through the leaves and the horses’ hooves thundered over the soft green grass. The hounds were baying. Before them, the magnificent buck sprang through the trees.
The buck’s antlers were wide, like chandeliers, and his brown russet coat was sleek. He was fast, too.
Silas Sweet, the eldest son and heir of the Viscount of Thornbridge, urged his large black thoroughbred onward. He leaned low over Black Jack’s sleek coal-coloured neck, winding his fingers into the horse’s mane. Silas had been trying to catch the buck all summer, to no avail. Not only was he fast, he was good at giving them the slip.
The hounds suddenly paused, and he brought his horse to a halt. His friend, Levi Wilmington, the grandson and heir of the Baron of Dartmoor, soon caught up. He pulled his bay hunter to a halt.
“Seems they’ve lost the scent,” Silas mused.
“Bad luck.” Levi pulled his top hat off, running his fingers through his mop of brown hair.
They both sent their horses forward at a walk, the hounds all moving slowly in front of them.
“Here, I thought we were sure to catch him,” Levi said.
“It looks like we return home empty-handed, yet again.” Silas sighed heavily as Black Jack danced nervously beneath him. The buck had led them on a mad dash, only to escape at the last moment. Silas was beginning to think that the buck was some sort of forest spirit—one that could vanish into thin air at the drop of a hat.
They turned their horses towards home, ordering the dogs to follow them.
“I imagine we’ll be having quite the group out with us soon,” Levi mused.
“Any day now, the guests will be arriving for the party,” Silas agreed. “My father wants to marry my sister off as soon as possible.”
“Naturally,” Levi said. “Dinah’s a very kind-hearted lady. She deserves only the best.” Silas knew that Levi and Dinah were like brother and sister. Otherwise, he might have suggested the match himself.
“According to my father, it will be the party of the decade. Anything for Dinah, of course. Only the best.” Silas was grinning.
They both laughed. Ever since Dinah’s birth, the Viscount of Thornbridge had been wrapped around her tiny finger. Dinah was doted on not only by her dear Papa, but her two brothers, as well.
As the two gentlemen urged their horses into a canter in the direction of Thornbridge Manor, Silas thought about the party. It would be a four-day long extravaganza. He was looking forward to meeting all of the ladies that would be there. He planned to steal kisses, and perhaps, have a small dalliance or two, as was his wont.
It had been months since his last, back in London, during the Season. He was ready for something—someone new. Though he had no plans to marry. Not ever.
Silas loved his freedom. He couldn’t imagine being trapped in a passionless marriage, having to always sneak his dalliances. So, he planned to remain single, forever. He figured his father would eventually change his mind, then make Silas’ younger brother his heir. Michael planned to marry, after all. It was the perfect solution for everyone.
***
As Silas and Levi arrived at the stables of Thornbridge Manor, a familiar barouche-landau was also pulling into the drive. It was pulled by a perfectly matched pair of Norfolk Trotters, both of them black as midnight. The door to the carriage was opened by a footman, and Silas’ brother, Michael, climbed out.
“I say! Is no one here to greet me?” he asked. Michael had been to London, to check on the family’s business investments. He was the only child of Lord and Lady Thornbridge to look like their mother, with his chestnut-coloured hair and hazel eyes. Silas and Dinah both had black hair and blue eyes, like their father.
“We’re here, old chap!” Silas said, clasping his brother’s hand. “You’re just in time for Dinah’s party.”
“I hope you’re planning on behaving yourself this time?” Michael asked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s for our sister’s future and well-being, you know. It’s not an event that’s being arranged just so you can have an excuse to drink and chase skirts.”
Silas laughed, throwing his head back. He patted his younger brother on the shoulder. “Of course not.” He wanted what was best for Dinah, and knew that at one-and-twenty, it was almost past time for her to be wed. What was more, she wanted to be married.
He and Levi shared a glance. Levi’s lips were quirked upwards, trying not to smile. Levi had known Silas since their school days. Neither of them had changed much.
The three gentlemen walked inside of Thornbridge Manor, where the butler informed them that the midday meal was about to be served. So, they headed up to the dining room.
Their father, Lord Thornbridge, and their sister, Dinah, were already seated. Both stood as the others joined them at the table.
“You’re late,” Dinah said, smiling sardonically. She was dressed in a white muslin. Her black hair was arranged in a bun, with ringlets framing her cheeks.
“Nice of you both to wait for us,” Silas replied.
