CHAPTER FIFTEEN

C HAPTER F IFTEEN

T he front door opened as Oriana approached it. Figgs bowed. “Miss. Lady Prue is in the morning room.”

“Thank you, Figgs. Please bring in a tea tray.” Oriana wasn’t sure what she felt. She should be embarrassed to have been held in a public place by Stanwood. Yet she was not. She felt lighter than she had in years. Almost as if she was floating. Her aunt would either be ecstatic or upset. But she could not bring herself to care either way. Still, she had to say something. To warn her. It would not do for her aunt to hear it from someone else. “Aunt, there is something I should tell you.”

Aunt Prue glanced up from a letter she was writing. “What is that, my dear?”

“I told Stanwood about Ingram’s death, and he embraced me. We were in the inn’s yard waiting for his curricle.”

“And what did you do?” She put down the pen as though to listen more carefully.

“When he told me about the deaths of his father, mother, and his infant brother, I embraced him as well.” It was so natural, so innocent, that Oriana could still not find anything truly wrong about it. Of course they did stop once they had realized what they had done and, more importantly, where they were.

“Who saw you?” Her aunt’s tone was soft and merely curious.

“The stable boy.” She was certain he was the only one. “I did not see if anybody else was around.”

“Is that all that happened?” This time Aunt Prue’s voice was sharper.

“Yes.” Oriana sank down onto a French cane-backed chair. “I think most of the ladies were still in the fabric shop.” She told her aunt what had occurred there with the fabrics.

“Interesting.” That was said in a tone Oriana had never heard before. What did it mean? “How do you feel about all of this?”

“I am not sure.” Was she supposed to feel a certain way? If so, that was no help at all. She was not sure what she felt. Where was the tea tray? It was harder to think without a cup in hand. “Yet, I believe I would like to get to know him better. When he first came here I was completely wrong about him.”

“I would not be surprised if word gets round about your embrace,” her aunt said, as if it was a matter of fact. Which it probably was. “This is a small village.”

Oriana sighed. “I will deal with that when it happens.” Finally the tea tray arrived and she poured two cups, handing her aunt one of them. “There is something else I must tell you.” Her aunt’s eyes widened, as if waiting for more bad news. “It has nothing to do with . . . Well, that. Stanwood and I have arranged to transport or convince most of the village to attend the market tomorrow.”

“So that Miss Scully will be supported?” Aunt asked as she reached for a butter biscuit.

“Precisely.” Oriana sipped her tea. The warmth of the teacup soothed her. “And Mr. Hammersmith as well.”

“Well done, both of you.” Aunt Prue smiled. “It has been too long since Liliford and Stanwood have had a common cause.”

“Did they used to?” Oriana really did not know much at all about the village’s past.

“Oh, yes.” Her aunt’s mien appeared softer. As if she was remembering earlier days.

“I was not here for much of it, but I have been told that before Stanwood’s father died, he and his wife held events that included both the village and town for the purpose of bringing them together. He was much mourned when he died.”

She finally decided to ask a question she had wondered about for years. “Why did you never wed?”

Aunt Prue sat back against the back of her chair. “I almost did.” Her eyes misted. “Unfortunately he died, and I never met anyone else with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life.”

“How horrible for you!” Oriana set down her cup, went to her aunt, and hugged her.

“It was. There is not a day that passes that I do not think about him.” Aunt Prue gave Oriana a quick embrace in return. “That is one of the reasons I want you to find someone to love. A gentleman who will appreciate you for who you are.”

She leaned back and met her aunt’s gaze. “You think that Stanwood could be that man.”

“I believe he very well might be.” Aunt Prue tapped the left side of Oriana’s chest. “Trust not only your head but your heart.”

Oriana wished her aunt had told her before. She could have asked for advice. “How did you know? That you were in love?”

Aunt Prue’s lips curved into a smile and an almost dreamy expression appeared on her countenance. “At first it’s a sensation you have when he touches you that brings a physical awareness. After that you must discover if you agree or can come to an agreement on the things that are important to you.”

“And you had those things with your betrothed?” That was what Stanwood was attempting to do when Oriana had thrown up her objections. It was time to find out if he was actually someone she could marry. It was amazing how much could change in a day. Fortunately this time it was for the good. Maybe.

“We did. Loving and being loved changes your life.” She glanced at the clock and cleared her throat. “We must wash for dinner.”

Oriana followed her glance. “Goodness, I had no idea it was so late. No wonder I am so hungry.”

“I suggest we retire early.” Aunt Prue rose. “Tomorrow looks to be a long day.”

“It will be. I will see you at dinner. There are a few things I must do first.” Such as inform her stablemaster that they would be ferrying people to Stanwood and back throughout the day. She should also send someone to notify her tenants to meet here for rides to Stanwood and back should they require them.

Oriana strode to the stables to tell her stablemaster what she and Stanwood had decided to do. Green Two looked up from cleaning the carriage. “I’ll go get Watts, miss.”

“Thank you.” Oriana was pleased that the Green sisters were doing so well.

He quickly appeared from the tack room. “What can I do for ye, Miss Oriana?” She told him of the plan and he nodded. “We’ll be ready. Do ye want just the wagon or the coach too?”

“Use the coach if you need to. Please make sure you and the grooms have some time to enjoy the market. I’ll instruct Figgs to provide extra funds for everyone attending.”

“That’ll make for a merry day.” Watts smiled. He looked at Green Two. “You heard Miss Oriana. Tell your sister, and make sure both vehicles are ready tomorrow by six.”

“Yes, Watts.” The girl dashed off.

Oriana hurried back to the house. She had to arrange the matter of the extra money.

After dinner she reviewed the preparations, making sure she had not forgotten anything. She imagined that Stanwood was doing the same things she was. He was not the type of person to be unprepared. It had been a long time since she had so looked forward to an event. It had been an even longer time since she had looked forward to being with a gentleman. It was exciting but terrifying at the same time. She had talked herself out of wanting to wed and now she was facing the very real prospect that she might want to marry after all.

The next morning Oriana rose early, as did the rest of the household. Her maid already had her jonquil carriage gown with the matching spencer ready.

“Everyone is excited, miss.” Kerby smiled broadly. “My mother said it’s been years since we’ve done something like this.”

That was what Aunt Prue had said. Could this be a new beginning for the village and the town? The sound of a vehicle coming up the drive could be heard. Who could be here this early? Stanwood? “It appears as if we have a guest.”

“Yes, miss,” her maid said as she fastened Oriana’s carriage gown. “Lady Prue sent a note to Lord Stanwood last night asking him if he would like to join you for breakfast.”

Of course she did. In the past Oriana would have been irritated, but now she was glad her aunt had thought of inviting him. “I had better hurry down.”

Charlie sucked in a breath as Oriana descended the stairs. Her yellow gown appeared to float around her. Pearl earrings dangled from her shell-shaped ears, but there was no necklace to match. If she agreed to marry him, he would take care of that matter immediately. He’d like to do it in any event, but gifts like that weren’t appropriate until they were betrothed. Her bountiful breasts rose slightly above the gown’s modest neckline. Still, he was glad she would wear a spencer so that other men couldn’t feast their eyes on the sight. His member hardened, and he was relieved he wasn’t wearing pantaloons. Trousers were much more forgiving.

“Good morning. You are lovely.” He held out his hand.

“Good morn.” Her lips rose as she placed her fingers in his care. “You are very handsome.”

“Good morning, Stanwood,” Lady Prue said from the top of the stairs. “I am pleased you could join us.”

“Good morning, my lady.” Charlie bowed. “Thank you for the invitation.” She raised one brow, and he realized he was still holding Oriana’s hand. He offered his other arm to her ladyship. “If you will lead the way.”

Oriana tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and turned toward the opposite hall in which the morning room was located. “It is in this direction.”

“I have instructed my stablemaster to send two wagons in the event we need them. They will be here shortly.”

“Excellent.” She gave him a sly look. “That will give Green One and Green Two more time to enjoy the market.”

“Green One and Two?” Charlie held a chair for her ladyship and then for Oriana.

“Yes.” She placed her serviette on her lap. “I have two sisters training as grooms. Watts, my stablemaster, selected the easiest way for him to address them.”

“That sounds like something my stablemaster would do.” Charlie had to laugh. “I suppose it’s better than some other ways to address them.”

Her majordomo brought pots of tea and toast. The footwomen—he’d have to ask if that was the correct term—began to serve various foods. Charlie selected buttered eggs and rare beef. Oriana also had the eggs but chose ham and strawberries.

“I forgot to eat lunch yesterday,” she said as she cut the ham.

“I did as well.” Charlie took a bite of the eggs. “I have arranged for a private parlor at the Stanwood Arms for luncheon. Charlotte, Theo, and Mary will join us.”

“Will the rest of your family not come?” Oriana looked confused.

“They have gone back to their homes until the week before the ball. Kenilworth was kind enough to leave Charlotte with me in the event I wished to host a dinner or some such thing.”

Lady Prue gazed at him from over her teacup. “And will you host a dinner or other event?”

“As a matter of fact”—he glanced at Oriana—“I would like to invite you and Miss Ognon to dinner tomorrow.”

“We would be delighted,” she said before her ladyship could answer.

“I will invite Sir Henry and Lady Stern as well.” They had actually been invited first, but this gave him an opportunity to have Oriana dine with them.

She nodded. “Will they be at the market today?”

“I think so.” Charlie applied himself to his breakfast. They must be going soon.

Oriana signaled to Figgs. “Please send word to Watts that Lord Stanwood is providing more wagons and drivers.”

Figgs bowed. “Yes, miss.”

He heard what must be his wagons coming up the drive and was glad he’d warned his stablemaster that the grooms he’d sent must not make any disparaging comments about female grooms. Not that he thought they would. He simply wanted to ensure there were no problems. Charlie was proud of Oriana’s almost all-female staff. When they wed—he refused to think they would not—the servants at Stanwood would have a number of dealings with the ones here.

Oriana glanced at her aunt and him. “Is everyone ready?”

He stood. “I am ready when you are.”

“I suppose that I am ready as well.” Lady Prue looked at them both, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “You two go on. I will meet you at the carriage.”

Oriana donned the spencer that was waiting for her, as well as a bonnet and gloves. Charlie reclaimed his hat and gloves, then escorted her to his coach.

She had no sooner stepped out of the door when she stopped. A look of amazement appeared on her face. “I have never seen such a huge landau!”

“It will carry eight comfortably.” He remembered when his sister Grace had ordered it. She wanted it to be able to hold all the children.

“The seats remind me of the ones in your curricle.” She slid him a look. “They go quite well with the Prussian- blue body.”

He smiled to himself, remembering their conversation about fabrics. “My younger sisters wanted it to be a pale blue, but Grace thought that color would show the dirt too easily.”

“I have no doubt she was correct.” Oriana walked slowly around the carriage. “The details are impressive. I do not believe I have ever seen pockets in the sides of a landau before.”

Charlie followed her, wishing he could hold her in his arms again. “The seats lift up as well for storage when needed.”

“Very practical.” She nodded. “Here is Aunt Prue.”

“Well, Stanwood. When you said it was large, you were not exaggerating.”

“No, ma’am.” He handed her into the carriage, then assisted Oriana. Unfortunately he could not lift her as he preferred to do.

“Ah, here are the first of my families.” She waved to the Smiths. “Susan will go with them. She has assured me that her brother will carry anything she purchases.”

“Have you been to the Solstice Market before?” Charlie gave the order to depart.

Lady Prue’s lips trembled as if she was attempting not to laugh. Oriana shook her head. “No. Other than the proposal, is it special?”

“It is more of a market festival than a usual market. There are musicians and mummers. There will be a Punch and Judy show, and both inns will have tables outside.”

“I wonder why I have never been?” Oriana glanced up at the sky as if trying to find the answer to her question.

“Perhaps because you refused.” Raising one brow, her aunt assumed a satirical expression. “Something about not wanting to meet any gentlemen.”

She pursed her lips. “Well, that is true.”

“I hope you have fun.” Charlie hadn’t thought she had taken her dislike of gentlemen that far. No wonder she was so suspicious of him. “There is a great deal to do and see.”

Once again Oriana appeared thoughtful. “Now I understand why Mr. Hammersmith picked today to propose.”

“He might not be the only man who makes his intentions known today.” Unfortunately it was too soon for Charlie to ask Oriana to marry him.

She studied him for several seconds, then shook her head. Did she think he would propose as well? Would she be disappointed if he didn’t?

“Stanwood,” Lady Prue said. “I was informed that you arranged for those shopkeepers in Liliford who wished to bring their wares to the market to have booths.”

“I did indeed. My father and his father and so on since the founding of the village did the same.”

“I did not know how deeply your family was involved with Liliford,” Oriana murmured.

“We have been, but I’m glad that you have taken an interest in the village as well. Worthington had enough to do with his own holdings, the Lords, and my estates. I’m afraid that Liliford was left on its own for several years.”

“Not left on its own precisely,” her ladyship commented. “However it was not as it had been before. Everyone is extremely happy that you are reviving the old customs.”

“Ah. Here we are.” His coachman pulled into the Stanwood Arms yard. “As you know, this is where we will eat luncheon. They will also have facilities if you need to refresh yourselves.” He jumped out of the coach and helped Lady Prue down. “Will you join Miss Ognon and me or have you made other arrangements?”

“I will be joining Lady Stern, but thank you for asking.” She actually smirked at him. “You two have a good time.”

“We will, thank you.” He turned to Oriana and lifted her from the landau. When she sucked in a breath it was all he could do not to embrace her. Instead, he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Shall we look around?”

“Yes indeed.” She scanned the area that was full of booths. “I would like to see what there is before it becomes crowded.”

As they were leaving the yard, the fabric storekeeper from Liliford breezed in, followed by a young man carrying several packages. “Thank you, my lord. I have all I need now.”

Oriana glanced at the shopkeeper and then at Stanwood. “What did you do?”

“I made certain that she had an opportunity to select the items she wanted before the market opened.”

“I had no idea you . . . Never mind. I have not been paying sufficient attention.”

He wished he knew if that was good or bad. The market filled quickly, and musicians began to play. From the corner of his eye, he saw Will Hammersmith and Sally Scully strolling toward the inn. That was where most proposals took place. He bent his head to Oriana. “Come. I think it’s about to happen.”