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“Now, now, Eleanor, Harriet. It is no time to be bothering His Grace,” Lauren said.
“Ah, Dowager Countess, how good it is to see a friendly face,” Olivia proclaimed, appearing at the top of the staircase. “And in such a trying time. Why, I have never been so ashamed of my…niece.”
Edward thumped the imposing doors of the castle entrance, gritting his teeth.
“Olivia, let us not wash our dirty linen in public.”
“But, if there is anything we…I can do…” Eleanor said huskily, crossing half the room with one hand partly outstretched towards Edward.
“Give me peace!” he roared, “Olivia, entertain our guests. I cannot stand still any longer. I will ride to Southame and speak to the Stamford’s directly.”
He strode out of the castle.
CHAPTER 26
“Eleanor, what on earth do you think you are doing?” Harriet demanded.
Eleanor’s sultriness vanished. The stare she turned on Harriet was withering.
“Offering my condolences and support. What wereyoudoing? Coming out here alone to corner the Duke?”
“Also offering my support, but not throwing myself at him,” Harriet retorted.
“Oh dear, children, there is no need for such language. My, I feel quite faint,” Lauren said.
“Come with me, my dear. I will have some of my special blend of tea brought to us. It is herbal and quite soothing,” Olivia said, bustling down the stairs.
Harriet shook her head, angry at her family for intruding so, and angry at herself for giving them the opportunity by trying to slip away herself to speak to the Duke. But, she had not been able to stop herself.
I had resolved to put him from my mind. We attend the wedding because we were invited but I would not speak to him or go near him. It is not my place.
That resolution had lasted for the time it had taken to lay eyes on him. Now, she watched Olivia gather in Eleanor and Lauren, guiding them back towards the Drawing Room. She bit her lip.
I should go back. Drink herbal tea and wait for Simon to decide we should return home. But the chance to be alone with him once more…
Taking a breath, she picked up her skirts and quietly darted out of the door. Looking back over her shoulder, she saw a look of daggers from Eleanor. And a considering look on the face of her mother. A look that was almost shrewd, which was not an emotion often associated with the Dowager Countess. She raced down the steps before the castle entrance and looked around. The sound of horses was coming from around a corner and she supposed the stables must be in that direction. A carriage was making its way up the avenue through the park.
More guests arriving for the wedding. Poor Edward, this must be difficult for him.
She ran for the corner of the house, following a path that ran between ornamental flower beds, along a tall brick wall swathed in ivy and climbing roses, and towards a brick arch. On the far side, she could see Edward expertly saddling a horse. He looked up with surprise as she skidded to a halt in the arch.
“Harriet?” he said.
“You have more guests arriving,” Harriet blurted. “I thought you should know and I wanted to apologize for my cousin and…”
Words failed her. She hadn’t planned how she would explain her extraordinary behavior. The need to see him and be near him had been overwhelming.
This is ridiculous. I am behaving like some kind of predator, with him as the prey. It is entirely inappropriate! What am I doing?
“I intend to ride across county to Southame,” Edward said, “I cannot be still or be contained by a house or a drawing room. It would drive me mad. Do you ride?”
“Of course. My father taught me,” Harriet replied.
Edward abruptly strode for the stables, emerging with a roan mare, a saddle, and bridle over one arm. As he began to saddle the horse, Harriet stepped in. She took the equipment and in a short space of time had saddled and bridled the animal herself, then vaulted onto its back, side-saddle. She smiled down at Edward, gathering the reigns in gloved hands.
“My father was an excellent teacher.”
“The route we will take is the most direct. It cuts across field and through woods. Your pretty dress may not appreciate it,” Edward said as he vaulted into his own saddle.
