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Chapter Nine
Ashford watched Vicky’s fidgets throughout the evening. After Miss Smythe’s performance, everyone joined in singing for a time, and then tables were set up for a few rounds of cards. He was surprised when Vicky opted to watch rather than participate. From what he remembered of her, she had always loved to play whatever games were available. But tonight, she seemed unable to settle. It adversely affected his concentration, so it was a good thing Lady Crossley had declared any games were merely for amusement and no gambling was to take place under her roof.
He wanted to take Lady Vigilia aside and question her, but Ash knew it would not be seemly. He hoped he would be able to steal a few minutes with her the next day, as he was becoming concerned. When she dropped the bag of pointers his table was to use and then nearly burst into tears, it took all his concentration not to pull her into his arms to offer the comfort she so clearly needed. The countess did it for him, and Ash watched helplessly as she soon had Vicky laughing instead of crying. The moment passed almost unnoticed by anyone else, but it was very obvious to Ashford that something wasn’t right. And it hadn’t been since his arrival.
In a certain way, it hadn’t been right since Vigilia’s arrival in Town. She hadn’t been her usual warm, inviting self. At least, not toward him. He wondered what had happened to her during her time in mourning. He hadn’t thought she was so close to her grandmother that her grief would affect her interactions with others, but it was evident that something had altered intheirinteractions. He had even begun to think it was only specifically in connection with him but watching her this evening, it was clear something was definitely off with the young woman.
Ash didn’t want to be paranoid or unreasonably self-centered, but he suspected her behaviour tonight had something to do with Bertram’s efforts to undermine him. He had caught her very brief, wild expression while Bertram was speaking with her. She had look terrified for the briefest moment before she collected herself, but it had taken everything he had not to rush over to her side. While he had his suspicions about the young woman’s association with his enemy, he couldn’t watch any woman suffering and not feel inclined to intervene.
In this case, though, it might do her more harm than good if he were to try to do anything for her. Drawing attention to her could jeopardize them both. He had no desire to find himself in a forced relationship with anyone, not even someone as lovely as Lady Vigilia.
But when she again dropped something, this time while she was shuffling the deck of cards in place of Lady Mead at the next table, Ashford was ready to take his chances and intervene with the girl. Before he could do anything foolish, though, Lady Crossley was there again with her arm around Vicky’s back, guiding her from the room. A few minutes later, the countess returned alone and announced that Lady Vigilia was feeling the effects of too much travel and would rejoin the group refreshed after a good night’s sleep.
That seemed to be the signal to some of the others to take to their beds. Ashford stifled his amusement as all the young ladies hurried to take their leave. It appeared as though no one had wanted to be the first to admit they were overtired from their journeys, but once the way had been cleared, they all wanted to follow suit. The room emptied quickly of all the female members of the party, and Ash once again found himself with only the gentlemen for company. Even they began to drift away, more slowly taking their leave, as though a little reluctant to do so but deciding to catch up on their rest.
By Town hours it was very early, but even Ashford thought longingly of his bed until it was just he and Crossley left in the room.
“That was certainly interesting,” the earl commented drily.
“I beg your pardon, my lord?”
“I’ve known Vigilia for five years. I know that’s not a very long time in some ways, but seeing as my wife is best friends with her, it’s longer than you would think. She has been living with us for a couple of months, adding to what I thought I knew of her. I have never seen her clumsy. In fact, it is one thing everyone remarks upon about all the Sherton sisters. They are the most graceful young ladies you could imagine. For her to drop things twice in one evening is remarkable, but to add in the fact that she nearly burst out crying when it happened makes me very concerned.”
“I am not as experienced with females as you are, not having sisters of my own, but I have been made to understand that they can be more emotional at certain times.”
Crossley laughed. “That might be an understatement, Northcott, under usual circumstances, but I have never observed Vicky to be like that. It actually annoys my wife on occasion. She says it’s because Vicky was the middle child in those five girls. But she never seems to be disturbed by anything.”
“Do you think she’s ill?”
“Not in the least. I think it’s Bertram. I don’t know what that lout thinks he’s doing dropping in uninvited to my wife’s house party, but I really ought to send him on his way with a swift kick to his rear for his troubles.”
“Why don’t you then?”
The earl glanced at him speculatively. “With your history with the man, I would think you’d be as curious as me or perhaps even more so to know why he would decide to attend our little party without a by your leave.”
“Well, of course I want to know what the bounder is up to.”
“We’ll never know if I don’t let him stay,” Crossley pointed out. There was a pause as both gentlemen thought about all the ramifications. “But I cannot allow him to upset the lady. And she was clearly upset about something. I ought to question her, but that thought gives me chills, I’m man enough to admit.”
Ash laughed over the earl’s wording. “Could your wife question the lady?”
Crossley stared at him for a moment before grinning. “I’m almost certain she has or will. But whether or not she will reveal what she finds out is another matter all together. As you mentioned, you aren’t so familiar with women. I can assure you, while I had thought I was very familiar with them, finding myself wed to a woman with a childhood best friend is telling me that I knew nothing. The bond between them is remarkable. I would almost be jealous if not for the fact that they are generally very conscious not to make me feel excluded.” He stopped and shook his head. “I never would have pictured myself envying another’s relationship, but there is definitely something to be said for the loyalty those two exhibit for one another. And that is why I cannot say for sure if my lady will tell me what she finds out.”
Ash nodded, even though he barely understood what the other man was saying. He would find out what he could for himself. Past experience had already taught him that nobles often lived by their own strange set of rules. He usually understood them, having grown up the son of an earl himself, but that didn’t mean he intended to live by them. Not that he wanted to make Vigilia uncomfortable, but he hadn’t achieved the success he had in life by shying away from uncomfortable situations. Complicated seemed to be his specialty. But he needn’t tell the earl that.
Accepting the glass of brandy the earl was handing to him, Ash admired the other man’s self assurance. He wished his own brother could be as comfortable in his own position. He supposed the difference could be excused as the fact that Crossley had already inherited whereas Robert was still waiting for his title. It must be the most awkward and awful position to be in, awaiting your father’s death. As the fourth of five sons, Ashford needn’t worry about that. He had known since childhood that he would have to make his own way in the world. And he had started on that when he was little more than a boy.
One of the many things he had learned when he was very young was how to cope with his impatience. This was one of those times when that skill would come in very useful.
“Thank you, my lord, for your hospitality and your insights.”
Crossley snorted. “That was polite nonsense, Northcott. I haven’t given you any insights.”
“Well, at the very least you let me know what not to expect.” Ash laughed along with the earl. “And knowing that your wife and Lady Vigilia are to be considered a package of sorts is helpful as well.” He tossed back the last drops in his cup before placing it on a nearby table. “I think it’s time for me to follow everyone else’s example and seek my bed.”
“I will trust you not to allow your issues with Bertram to hurt my wife or her feelings. She has worked hard to make this gathering a success. She is my priority, always. Not you or this ridiculous feud.”
Ashford chose to ignore the veiled insult. The statement certainly didn’t need to be made. Ash would never allow a woman to be hurt by the ridiculous situation with Bertram. With a nod and without a word, Ash turned on his heel and left the room.
