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Chapter Eleven
Ashford watched as Lady Vigilia rode away from him, mentally kicking himself for his foolishness. He was usually able to handle the most complex of negotiations, but somehow he could barely converse with this particular debutante. At least she hadn’t ridden to join Bertram, was the only consolation he could take as the young woman proceeded to ignore him for the rest of the ride.
From the stiff set of her shoulders, though, Ash could see that she wasn’t as comfortable and relaxed as she would want observers to think. He knew no one would be able to tell, except possibly the countess. And Ashford was reasonably sure Lady Crossley was too preoccupied with her role as hostess to truly take note of what Vigilia was trying so diligently to hide.
Ash also saw the close attention Bertram kept upon Lady Vigilia. He had to make a conscious effort to relax his own posture so as to not frighten his horse, as his hands had a tendency to tighten upon the reins whenever he caught the ogling expression upon the viscount’s face as he observed the Sherton girl. It made Ash wish he could take the bounder behind the nearest hedgerow and beat some sense into him. But, in the so-called civilized society they were a part of, that would not be acceptable. Ash shook his head over the foolishness of it all and continued to keep his eyes on the tableau as it unfolded.
His watchfulness was rewarded when he saw Vigilia’s eyes dart toward him when Bertram again approached her upon their arrival at their destination. This assured Ashford that he had been correct in his assumption that Bertram was involving the girl in his assault on him. What it didn’t tell him was whether or not the girl was a willing accomplice, as she quickly averted her gaze and while Ash could easily tell she was uncomfortable, the exact nature of her discomfort wasn’t obvious.
He had handled his conversation with the girl poorly, he admitted to himself. He tried to excuse himself with the fact that he wasn’t terribly experienced in conversing with gently bred females, but that wasn’t completely truthful. He had even briefly courted Lady Vigilia’s sister. And he had a couple of sisters-in-law that he was most comfortable speaking with. The fact that he had failed to gather any information from the girl was caused by far more complex issues than inexperience on his part.
Just because he liked her didn’t mean he couldn’t question her properly, Ash reminded himself with disgust.You must do it again, and do better. He only hoped the girl would allow him another try.
He bided his time, watching with some amusement as she tried to enjoy the excursion while also avoiding both him and Lord Bertram. It clearly took concerted effort.
Ash himself wasn’t terribly interested in the ruins they had come to see. It was apparent they were genuine artifacts of the Roman occupation, but having travelled extensively, he had seen far more spectacular ruins elsewhere. Of course, he needn’t tell anyone that. He took the opportunity to observe everyone else instead.
It was amusing to watch the interactions of the various single members of the party making an effort to set up flirtations, especially if they were trying to not seem obvious about it. But while it was a beautiful day and the ruins had a certain appeal to them, all he really wanted to do was sit Lady Vigilia down and convince her to confide in him. Or if he could plant Bertram a facer, that would be even more satisfying, he thought with a grin.
“What are you getting up to?”
Ash was surprised to be so addressed by the countess.
“I beg your pardon, my lady?”
“Don’t try to hide your intentions from me, Mr. Northcott. I’ve raised four younger siblings. I know what it looks like when a boy is about to get into trouble.”
Ashford chuckled. “You are a great hand, my lady. I’m neither a boy, nor about to get into trouble.”
She made some sort of noncommittal sound in her throat and looked thoroughly unconvinced, much to Ash’s surprise.
“See that you don’t,” she said with a scolding tone before a grin broke over her face. “I’m merely jesting with you, surely you realize. I know you can be counted on to be a gentleman. But you did look quite mischievous there for a moment.”
“I might have been imagining some trouble to get up to,” Ash finally admitted with a grin. “But it was purely imaginary, not to be acted upon.”
To his amazement, the countess nodded with approval. “That’s the best sort. You can relieve your spleen without any ramifications.” She paused for a moment, looking out over the sedate activity of her guests strolling through the picturesque ruins. “Do you think I need to be concerned about Lord Bertram? Ought I to have asked Crossley to make him leave?”
Ashford wasn’t sure how to answer her. He was more tempted than he expected to tell her his true thoughts. But that surely wouldn’t do. Besides, the earl had his reasons for allowing the man to remain. Reasons that Ash mostly agreed with.
“I’m sure Bertram is enough of a gentleman that you needn’t be overly concerned, my lady.”
She gazed at him with a searching expression, as though determining whether or not she ought to accept his word for it. She appeared unconvinced. And then she nibbled her lip.
“I thought Vicky would be happier here,” she commented with a sigh. Ash blinked over the change of subject.
“What leads you to believe she isn’t?”
She shrugged. “Nearly twenty years of association,” she replied with a grin. “She’s hiding it remarkably well. I almost didn’t notice, as I’m so caught up with my duties as hostess. But I’m fairly sure she wishes to return home to Glendale. Or even Sherton. Really, anywhere but here or London.” She sighed again. “My apologies, Mr. Northcott. I shouldn’t really be discussing this with you. I had hoped…” Suddenly she blushed a little and trailed off. She could no longer meet his gaze. “I ought to be seeing to the young ladies,” she blurted before moving off from his side.
Ash watched her make her way carefully over the rock strewn dale toward a clutch of females, who were giggling over something they had found in the ruins. He wondered if the countess had been about to say she had hoped he could make a match with Lady Vigilia. He had suspected the countess was encouraging his suit. But Vigilia didn’t seem to be enthusiastic on the subject.
He might have conjured her with his thoughts. But it was not at all how he would have preferred to see her. Lord Bertram was once again approaching her.
~~~
Vicky suppressed a sigh. The ruins were perfect. The weather was perfect. Her mount had been perfect. Her riding habit fit perfectly. The day should have been perfect. But she had allowed Mr. Northcott to annoy her and now, here was Lord Bertram approaching her once again.
“What were you able to find out?”
