An Unconventional Miss. Dorothy Elbury

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СКАЧАТЬ what her own private opinion in regard to this stranger, with his oh-so-toplofty condescension, might be, she was morally bound to express her gratitude for his assistance.

      ‘I am very much obliged to you, sir,’ she ground out, again making ready to climb the steps. ‘Perhaps you would be so good as to remain with the gig while I acquaint my brother with the details of our unfortunate—escapade? He will, no doubt, wish to reward you for your efforts.’

      ‘No reward is necessary, Miss Beresford,’ replied the now widely grinning horseman, sweeping off his hat in the most grandiose manner. ‘I am more than happy to have been of assistance, I assure you.’

      Choosing to ignore this somewhat sardonic remark, Jessica flounced up the steps and tugged impatiently at the doorbell.

      Their rescuer waited until the front door had opened to admit the couple, remaining absolutely motionless until, with a resounding thud, it closed behind them. Then, with an impatient shake of his head, he wheeled his mount around, ready to retrace his steps. Just as he was about to spur his horse into action, however, his attention was caught by a little flash of white on the step of the gig. Curious, he leant down to retrieve the object which, on closer inspection, proved to be Jessica’s handkerchief. He deduced that it must have fallen from the pocket of her pelisse during her somewhat ungainly scramble from the gig, the memory of which brought a reluctant smile to his lips.

      After staring down at the little scrap of lace for some moments, he gave a little grunt and was just about to toss it back into the carriage when, on a sudden impulse, he held it up to his nose, thoughtfully inhaling its delicate perfume. Then, with a short laugh, he tucked it into the inside pocket of his riding jacket and rode off in the direction of the park, without a backward glance.

      

      ‘And you are telling me that during all that time, this fellow didn’t even give you his name?’ demanded Matt Beresford of his sister, after listening to her stumbling recital.

      ‘Well—he may have,’ owned Jessica, edging closer to her cousin Imogen, who was seated beside her on the sofa. ‘There was so much confusion—I was worried that Nicky had hurt himself badly—then he—the man, I mean—pushed me out of the way and, by the time we started off again, the opportunity didn’t arise!’

      ‘As a matter of fact,’ interrupted Nicholas who, having had his head bathed and attended to by a sympathetic Imogen, was feeling much more the thing, ‘I do seem to recall that he did introduce himself. It was when he was prodding me around feeling for broken bones and such, but I was in such a state that I’m afraid I failed to properly register much of what he was saying.’

      He paused, frowning to himself. ‘He did have a most unusual signet ring, though—I noticed it as he was putting his gloves back on—huge green thing it was—had a sort of dragon on it!’

      ‘You really should have invited the gentleman in, Jessica,’ said Imogen, shaking her head. ‘It was very remiss of you. Now, unless he chooses to call to find out if you have recovered from your ordeal, it is most unlikely that we will ever be given the opportunity to thank him for coming to your rescue. If he had not turned up when he did, heaven only knows what might have happened! I do wish you had thought to stay at the inn and sent a messenger on. It would have saved so much trouble!’

      ‘I’m awfully sorry, Imo,’ replied her cousin. ‘I really thought it was for the best. I didn’t mean to upset you, I promise.’

      ‘Just wait until I lay my hands on young Stevenage!’ Matt ground out wrathfully. ‘If he thinks for one moment that—’

      ‘No, really, Matt!’ interrupted Jessica in protest. ‘Harry was not to blame—he did try to stop me, but I…’ Her voice faltered and her eyes dropped in confusion as Beresford’s own swivelled angrily towards her.

      ‘You did just as you always do—which is exactly what suits you! Well, Miss Cleverboots, I’ll have you know that I have had quite enough—!’

      He stopped as his wife reached out and laid her hand on his jacket sleeve.

      ‘As long as they are safe, my love, that’s really all that matters, isn’t it?’

      Staring down into her silver-grey eyes, Matt gave a reluctant smile and took her hand in his. ‘I can’t have you getting distressed, sweetheart. This sort of thing cannot be at all good for your condition!’

      ‘Oh, really, Matt,’ laughed Imogen, patting his hand. ‘How many times must I tell you that I am not an invalid! I am a perfectly healthy young woman who happens to be expecting a baby!’

      Unconvinced, Matt shook his head. ‘I should have packed everything up and returned to Thornfield the minute you told me!’ he groaned. ‘Home is always the best place to be at such a time. There, at least, you would not have to put up with this sort of irresponsible upset!’

      ‘Nonsense, my dear,’ chided his wife gently. ‘And miss the Conyghams’ ball? It is said to be the event of the Season! Surely, you cannot be thinking of denying me the opportunity to show off that glorious confection of Madame Devy’s that has just cost you such an exorbitant amount of money?’ Her eyes twinkled up at him. ‘Whilst it still fits, remember!’

      With another reluctant grin, he bent his head and pressed his lips to her forehead.

      ‘Well, so long as you promise to let me know the minute it all starts getting too much for you.’

      She gave him a warm smile. ‘You must know that I would never do anything that might harm either this child, or myself, Matt,’ she returned quietly. ‘I have already given you my word.’

      Matt’s lips twisted briefly for one moment then, with a quick nod, he turned away and strode back to his own seat on the other side of the fireplace.

      ‘I’m really sorry, Matt,’ said Jessica, stepping forward and catching hold of his hand just as he was about to sit down. ‘I promise you that I was trying to avoid any upset—I don’t want Imo getting distressed any more than you do! It was just meant to be a straightforward ride home!’

      He took a deep breath, ‘Very well, Jess. I will say no more about it—apart from giving young Stevenage a piece of my mind, that is! You can hardly expect me to think him the most suitable escort for you if he is unable to control your outrageous behaviour!’

      Jessica reddened. She was well aware that Harry Stevenage was as putty in her hands but, having grown rather fond of the young lieutenant, she did not care to think of him being chastised on her account.

      ‘Please, Matt!’ she begged her brother. ‘Harry is not to blame for any of this! Had it not been for the fact that his mind was so distracted with Olivia’s injuries, I am sure that he would have taken a much firmer line!’ And, seeing Matt’s expression soften, she added, encouragingly, ‘He was simply splendid in the way he took charge of everything—quietened down the horses, sent for a doctor and procured rooms for both of the invalids—all in the space of barely an hour!’

      ‘Well, at any event,’ retorted Matt, partly appeased, ‘it would seem that the lad’s two years with the military have not been entirely wasted. I dare say it will do no harm to give him the benefit of the doubt—this time!’

      Heaving a sigh of relief, Jessica sat down again, but then, noticing a deep frown upon Nicholas’s face, she enquired anxiously if his head was still paining him.

      ‘No, СКАЧАТЬ