CHAPTER ELEVEN

C HAPTER E LEVEN

J ohnny had carefully put the pieces of the stile back in place but had not yet attached them. One could barely see the cuts, and only if one was looking. Oriana glanced at Stanwood as he inspected the work.

“Excellent job. Would you like me to hold the pieces together while you hammer in the nails?” He quickly turned to her. “Unless you would like to assist?”

“No.” From any other man she would think his question was a challenge, but he was asking honestly. She did not even know if she could hold the pieces in place while Johnny hammered in the nails. “You can do it.”

“Very well.” Stanwood waited for Johnny to answer.

“Yes, me lord. I’d like the help.” He glanced at the stile. “It’ll make it go faster.”

“Show me where you want to begin.”

At first she thought Stanwood would remove his jacket, then realized that, as a gentleman, he could not do so with her present. Fortunately he wore a loose hunting jacket. On the other hand it would be easier for him if he did take it off. “Shall I leave you to go find out if the doctor has arrived?”

“Only if you wish,” Stanwood said as he held the lowest pieces together.

His shoulders flexed, and a sudden desire to see him in his shirtsleeves struck her. Oriana had appreciated how hard his arms were. It might be nice to actually see them. Stupid girl! She did not want to wed. Those thoughts were bound to get her into trouble. She started backing up. Trying not to run. “I’ll do that.”

“We won’t be long.” Stanwood glanced at her. “I’ll meet you at the farmhouse.”

“Of course.” Turning toward the house, Oriana closed her eyes and took two deep breaths. I will not be tempted. I will not be tempted. He was almost too good to be true. Surely he had some faults, and the quicker she found them out, the faster she could say no to him courting her. She liked her life just the way it was, thank you very much. She did not need a man muddling it up.

Striding down the path, a small bird flitted in front of her before flying off. No. She would never give this up. By the time she arrived at the farmhouse the wagon was back, along with a strange carriage that looked like a cross between a dogcart and a gig. It had space for storage and a convertible hood. It would be a practical vehicle for a country doctor. She reached the door and knocked before opening it. A man glanced at the door, then turned back to Susan. The doctor looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties with brown hair. He was handsome enough that many of the local young ladies would be more than interested in him.

Oriana closed the door. “How is she?”

“Fortunately it was a clean break on the left arm.” He turned from wrapping a splint on Susan’s arm. “She is not allowed to lift anything heavier than a small book, an empty plate, or a pen for the next six weeks at least.”

That was not going to be easy for her.

The girl pulled a face. “I don’t know how you expect me to help with the little’uns.”

“I don’t expect you to help much at all.” The corners of the doctor’s lips tilted up, as if he was attempting to reassure Susan. “You have to allow the break to heal. If you do not, it could give you problems for the rest of your life.”

Mrs. Smith was wringing her hands and glancing toward the door. It did not take Oriana long to work out the problem. Mr. Smith. He would not understand that his eldest daughter was unable to work. “Mrs. Smith, do you mind if Susan comes to the house and works for me for the next several weeks? I am certain my housekeeper can find something for her to do that does not require lifting more than a duster.”

“Thank you, miss.” The woman quickly nodded. “But you’d better take her right away. It’ll be easier to explain something that’s already done.”

“I understand.” Oriana glanced at the physician. “Mister . . . ?

“Fitzherbert.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Miss Ognon. When will you be finished?”

“Now.” He stepped back. “Wear the sling except when you’re sleeping.”

Susan winced as she stood, then looked at Oriana. “I’ll just get the groom to take me back, if that’s all right.”

“Perfect. You can stay at the house. I’ll ride home.”

“Thank you, miss.” The girl walked slowly to the door, grimacing every time she jarred her arm. “I’ll work hard.”

“I know you will.” Oriana smiled at Susan’s back as the door closed.

The doctor started packing away his bandages and splints. “That was neatly done, Miss Ognon. It’s always a problem keeping my patients from doing tasks they want to do and are used to doing but they should not do them until the bone or other injury is healed.”

“Thank you. If you will send me your bill, I will be happy to pay it.”

That set off protests from both the doctor and Mrs. Smith.

“No, no, miss. Me husband and me will pay it.”

“Miss Ognon, I am certain Lord Stanwood intends this to be put against his retainer.”

Retainer? “Doctor, I do not understand.”

“His lordship pays me a certain sum per quarter to treat his dependents and others in the village who cannot afford—”

“I’m sure my man would say we’ll pay our way,” Mrs. Smith objected.

Oriana held up her hand to stop both of them. “Give me a moment.” She addressed the doctor first. “I understand, but the Smiths are my tenants. Not his lordship’s.”

Mr. Fitzherbert’s countenance firmed. “His lordship and I have an understanding. If he calls me to attend a patient, he pays for it.”

She had just discovered one of Stanwood’s faults. He was high-handed. Yet arguing with the doctor would not produce the result she wanted. “Very well. I should like to pay you a retainer as well. After all, you are the only trained doctor in the area.”

A wry expression appeared on his face. “Very well. I shall send you an amount based on the number of tenants and other dependents you have.” He pulled out a pocketbook and pencil. “How many would that be?”

Oriana quickly added up the approximate number of villagers who might need help as well as those who worked for her, then added a few in case she was short. “I’d say about one hundred or so.”

“Thank you.” He bowed. “I will send you a proposal within the next day.” He pulled out his watch. “I must be going.”

“Thank you for coming so quickly.” She watched him leave, then faced Mrs. Smith. “As you heard, the estate will now be responsible for all medical expenses.”

“I’d be daft to argue with that idea.” The woman put her hands on her hips and gave Oriana a narrow-eyed look. “But do ye really mean to let his lordship pay for this?”

“I will speak to him about it.” She did not relish an argument with Stanwood that she would most likely lose. “I am certain he will understand that Susan and all of my tenants are my responsibility.”

Mrs. Smith seemed to think about what Oriana had said. “I suppose that’s all ye can do. Men can be stubborn as pigs.”

“That is the truth.” Oriana could not help chuckling.

“Begg’in yer pardon, miss. But what are ye going to do about that lord that says he’s marry’in you?”

That was a very good question. One to which she did not yet have an answer. Though Stanwood had made a suggestion about handling her cousin. The problem was that she was sure it would create other problems. She must find another option. “I have not had time to give it much thought. Then again, I have a very good suspicion that he was responsible for the stile being damaged. If you could tell everyone you see to report all strangers to me, I would appreciate it. I must put a stop to this nonsense immediately.”

“That I will, miss. You can be sure of it. If you want me to, I’ll put a stop to the rumors too.”

“Thank you. I will attempt to do the same.” Oriana smiled at the woman and pointed her chin at the door. “It sounds as if Johnny and Lord Stanwood have returned.”

“I hear them.” Mrs. Smith glanced out the window. “Thank ye for yer help, miss.”

“It is my pleasure.” And it was. Oriana enjoyed taking care of her tenants. Who would do it if she wed a peer? No one. Despite his assurances, Stanwood would want his wife to prioritize his estates, not hers.

“It’s fixed—” Johnny said as he strode into the house first. Stopping, he swung his head around the room. “Where’s Susan?”

“She’s go’in to be help’in at the big house until her arm’s better,” his mother said in an overly casual tone.

“Does Dad know?” Johnny asked suspiciously.

“Not yet.” Mrs. Smith cleaned up the bandages. “I’ll tell him when he gets back.”

“If ye don’t mind”—Johnny grinned—“I’ll just go over an’ look in on her when he gets here.”

Mrs. Smith rolled her eyes. “I’ll need you to help take care of the young’uns.”

Charlie watched the interplay between Johnny and his mother with some amusement. From what he’d said, his father could be a difficult man. Charlie glanced at Oriana. “Is it time we left?”

“Yes, it is.” She glanced at the mother and son. “We should be going. I will send you word about Susan.”

“Thank ye again.” Mrs. Smith walked Charlie and Oriana to the door and waved farewell to them.

He accompanied her to her mare, then helped her mount before regaining Hermes. “This has been a full day.”

“It has been.” She slid him a look. “Thank you for your assistance.”

“It was my pleasure.” As they rode toward her house, he wondered if she would bring up his proposal. She had not actually given him an answer. However, by the time they came in sight of her residence, she had not mentioned it. Charlie almost asked her again, but that would give her the opportunity to say no. After all, Oriana had attempted to tell him all the things she thought he wouldn’t like about her. He might be better served by simply starting to court her. Thus showing her that none of her objections mattered to him. The only problem was how to do that in the country. Men must do it all the time. Not even most of the gentry attended a London Season, or any Season at all. He’d have to make a list of events taking place this summer. The Solstice Market day was soon. Perhaps he could escort her.

They jumped the ha-ha wall into the drive and continued to the stables. Charlie quickly dismounted from his horse and clasped his hands around her waist before she was able to get down by herself. Her features quickly changed from irritation to surprise. She sucked in a breath and peachy pink stained her cheeks as he slowly lowered her feet to the ground. He was pleased to see and feel his effect on her.

“I am perfectly capable of getting off my own mare.” She pressed her lips together as she shook out her skirts.

“I have no doubt at all.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Think of it as a gentlemanly act.”

“A gentlemanly act?” One brown brow rose. “This is something you do for all ladies?”

“When I have gone riding with them.” Which was to say, hardly ever. Very few of the ladies he’d met in Town had inspired him to ask them to ride with him. None of them had inspired him to touch them as he wanted to touch Oriana.

“I thought I heard you.” The door opened as they approached the house and her aunt stepped out. “You are just in time for luncheon. Lord Stanwood, please join us. I understand that there was a problem at the Smiths’.”

“Thank you, my lady.” That was neatly done. He inclined her head. “I will happily join you for luncheon.”

“Were you apprised of Susan’s arrival?” Oriana asked as she stripped off her gloves.

“I was.” Lady Prue followed them into the hall. “She will be kept busy with what the doctor will allow her to do. I also decided she could join the reading and figures lessons.”

The majordomo bowed. “Shall I have luncheon set in the small dining room?”

They usually took luncheon in her aunt’s parlor. “Yes, please. Give us a few minutes, though. I want to wash my hands.” Oriana turned to Charlie. “I assume you would like to refresh yourself as well.”

“I would indeed.” After riding and helping repair the stile, he needed to wash his hands and face.

The majordomo bowed again. “I will have one of the footwomen show you to a chamber, my lord.”

“Thank you.” It was a bit strange to have women serving in traditionally male positions, but somehow it did not seem out of place. He glanced at Oriana and her aunt. “I won’t be long.”

He kept pace with her as they mounted the stairs. When they reached the first landing she went to the right and he was led to the left and to a room a short way down the corridor.

“You will find soap and water on the stand, my lord.” The servant bowed and left the chamber, shutting the door behind her.

Someone had ordered preparations to be made for him. He supposed it was Lady Prue. She, he knew, would support his courtship with her niece. In fact, it might be best if he asked to escort them both to the market. He had a sneaking suspicion that Oriana would refuse him if he invited only her. He had no doubt she had spoken the truth when she mentioned her concerns. Still, to him they were not faults. They were attributes he appreciated. He couldn’t understand why any gentleman would want a wife who depended on him for everything. Was there another reason she was against marriage? He’d have to find out. Although she didn’t agree, marriage would benefit her as well. If she didn’t have a child, who would inherit the estate she cared so much about? Wouldn’t that be a good reason to wed? Charlie removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves before applying soap to the piece of linen on the basin and washing his hands. He carefully cleaned his face, making sure not to disturb his cravat any more than it already was. He really didn’t have time to rearrange it.

As luck would have it, he heard a door open across the landing just as he arrived, and Oriana stepped onto the landing. “Oh, I did not expect you so soon.”

He offered her his arm and she laid her hand on it. “I rarely tarry over my toilet.”

She led the way downstairs to the back of the house to a brightly painted dining room holding a small oval table. The walls were light green and the long windows were framed with cream-backed, flowered curtains. It reminded him of the morning room at Stanwood House but fresher somehow. Unlike the family dining room at Stanwood, this one had views to a back garden that was filled with flower beds. “This is comfortable.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at him for the first time in a while. “I had it refurbished last year.”

He strolled to the windows. “The obelisk is very well done.”

“It is a new addition.” Oriana joined him at the window. “Sally Scully made it.”

“I knew she was an excellent blacksmith. I didn’t know how artistic she was.” The door opened and the majordomo and a footwoman entered with trays of food, placing them on the table. Because of his nieces and nephews, no meal was served like that at any of his houses. “Have you heard how she and Will Hammersmith are getting on?”

“Well, I think.” He moved quickly to pull out the chair at the head of the table that she had chosen. She gracefully lowered herself onto it. He remained standing as they waited for her aunt. “He has been spending time at the smithy. We all believe he is learning how things are done there.”

“You are here already.” Lady Prue strode into the room. Charlie held her chair for her at the foot of the table. “Thank you, Stanwood.”

“What took you so long?” Oriana appeared perplexed.

“I was finishing a letter to a friend.” She shook out her serviette.

He didn’t believe her and, from her expression, Oriana didn’t either. Lady Prue’s delay had left them alone in the room together.

He selected the chair next to Oriana. Leaning forward slightly, she picked up a teapot. “How do you like your tea?”

“One sugar and a splash of milk.”

Luncheon consisted of cold chicken, a salad of lettuce, thinly sliced radish and cucumber, cheeses, bread, and a seed cake.

Oriana selected the chicken first, then handed it to him. As they passed the offerings around, he had a vision of the chicken sliding off the plate onto the table. Not on purpose of course. But with children, accidents were bound to happen. He hoped she was not set on how meals were served.

He took a piece of chicken, some cheese, salad, and a slice of bread. He cut a piece of chicken and popped it into his mouth, then closed his eyes as the taste of lemon and herbs filled his senses. “This is excellent.”

Oriana smiled. “I shall tell my cook.”

“Tell me exactly what happened today,” Lady Prue said.

They explained how the stile was damaged and how Oriana had decided to send Susan here to recover.

“That was an excellent idea, my dear,” Lady Prue nodded approvingly. “I thought it must have been something like that.”

Charlie finished the food on his plate and reached for the chicken again.

“Please have more of everything.” Oriana passed him the cheese, salad, and bread. “Repairing that stile took physical exertion. You must be hungry.”

“Thank you. I am.” He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he’d started eating.

“Would you like another cup of tea?”

“Yes, please. The tea is excellent as well.” The mix used at Stanwood was good, but nothing compared to Oriana’s tea.

“Thank you.” She colored with pleasure. “It is my own blend.”

“Do not attempt to convince her to tell you what it is,” Lady Prue said drily. “She will not even tell me.”

“That is because you would give everyone the recipe.” Oriana glanced haughtily at her aunt as she picked up her cup. She placed a piece of seed cake on a plate and handed it to him. “I think you will find this is excellent as well. Cook prides herself on it.”

Charlie was tempted to eat a piece now but waited until Oriana had taken a bite of the aforementioned cake. “I would like to escort you both to the Stanwood market next Friday, if you are available.”

Oriana’s eyes widened as she hurriedly chewed, while Lady Prue grinned. “We would love to. It has been an age since we took the time to attend the market.” She took another sip of tea. “Do you not agree, my dear?”

Charlie quickly put more seed cake into his mouth to keep himself from smiling. As he was sure Oriana would, she had been ready to make an excuse not to go. He swallowed. “Excellent. I will come to fetch you at ten thirty and arrange for luncheon at the Stanwood Arms.”

“There is no reason to put yourself out,” Oriana protested. “We can meet you there.”

“It is no problem at all. I have a landau I have been wanting to try. This is the perfect opportunity.”

“A landau?” She shook her head as if in disbelief. “Why?”

She was correct that not many gentlemen had landaus. “I have a large family.”

“Well, that is true,” she conceded.

And he wanted an even larger one. Charlie prayed he hadn’t made a mistake by forcing the invitation.