Samantha

Chapter 19

Samantha came downstairs the next day in a new pale blue riding habit, Arabella trailing behind in a serviceable brown velvet. No one, not even the duchess, could persuade her to replace it. She, whose confidence never seemed to flag, told Samantha that her old, familiar habit made her feel more like herself.

"With all these new trappings, and constantly being on show, I forget sometimes who Lady Arabella really is."

"Couldn't you get her grace to replace that ratty old thing?" her brother now wondered, waiting for them in the front hall.

Samantha shook her head, warning him off the subject, and he changed it to one he knew they would not be able to resist. "We are just waiting on Lady Valerie. She responded in the affirmative when I wrote her an invitation yesterday."

The two young ladies gaped at him. "Lady Valerie?"

"Here I am," that lady called from the top of the stairs, clad in a dark blue habit and a matching hat with the brim turned up in front. "I hope I did not keep you waiting." She was actually smiling.

"What is her new maid slipping into her tea?" Arabella muttered to Samantha. Samantha could only shrug and wonder the same thing.

Horses were waiting out front and they were all quickly mounted, but while the park was just across the street, Miss Winterbottom had to be collected first. Once she was added to the party, they met the other gentlemen in the park. To no one's real surprise, Lord Seawright was one of those waiting, looking rather dashing atop a roan gelding.

"You are rotten," Lady Valerie said to Lord Ryder, but there was no rancor in her voice.

"Samantha's happiness is everything to me," he said softly in reply.

She nodded, knowing to what he referred. "I suppose it is. I wish you well in that quarter."

"And?"

"And an apology will be tendered today," she assured him.

"I cannot ask for more. And don't worry. She is a sweet lady who is quick to forgive. If you don't believe it, ask me sometime what I did to her."

Without waiting for a reply, he spurred his mount ahead so he could greet the rest of the riders. Introductions were made and pairs were silently formed. Ryder kept Samantha by his side, Lord Seawright and Lady Valerie fell in behind, and Arabella, not happy with Lord Cosmo, lined up with Sir Robert. That left Cosmo to pair off with Miss Winterbottom.

"Who can know the mind of a female?" he grumbled as Arabella moved off next to his friend.

"Not even females know their own minds some days, Lord Cosmo," Miss Winterbottom assured him with a laugh.

"But you lot always expect us to!" he protested.

She could only shrug. "Perhaps her mood has nothing to do with you, my lord."

He seemed doubtful. "How in the world did you get mixed up with Scarabella?" he asked loud enough for that lady to turn around and glare.

Miss Winterbottom was undaunted. "I met Lady Arabella and Miss Howard at one of her grace's at-homes."

"What day was that?" he asked, in a panic. "Last week?"

"Two days ago."

"I was going to attend with my mother and sister!" It was suddenly all too clear what he had done wrong. "Was Lord Ryder there?"

"Yes, he was. He has quite the tendre for Miss Howard, doesn't he?"

Cosmo laughed out loud, earning another glare from Arabella. "That is putting it mildly. I am not so sure about Miss Howard's feelings, however."

"I can relieve you on that score, Lord Cosmo. The lady was green with jealousy at the thought of all us girls flirting with her beau."

"Good." He looked longingly at Arabella and Miss Winterbottom took pity on him.

"Sir Robert!" she called. "How is your sister these days?"

Cosmo, trading places with his friend, came up beside Arabella.

"Good day to you, Lady Arabella." From the sour expression on her face, restoring her good humor was going to require some imagination. "Did I tell you about the peddler I met Saturday afternoon on my way home from Tattersall's?"

"You went to Tatt's?" Her eyes brightened considerably at the thought of going to that bastion of horseflesh and masculinity.

"I did, indeed. I was looking for a gentle mare for my sister, Henrietta. You would have met her that day, but, alas, I was waylaid by the peddler."

"What had he to do with it?" she wondered.

"The man wagered I could not stand on my head. I proved him wrong, of course, and won a small token from his wagon."

"I still fail to see..." she said, curious in spite of herself.

"Unfortunately, I did not stop there. I, in return, wagered he could not balance a stack of dishes on his head. I chose dishes, because he had some for sale at one end of his cart. I had no idea he was a damned acrobat!"

Arabella grinned. "Perhaps that will teach you not to make blockheaded wagers, my lord."

"I doubt it. At any rate, I lost more than he did. Or perhaps not, considering what I lost."

"What did you lose?"

"The marchioness," he said with an absolutely straight face.

"Your mother?" she asked incredulously.

"Well, I had been trying to get rid of her this age, so it appears I actually won, doesn't it?"

Arabella howled with laughter. "I suppose that is why neither your mother or sister called on the duchess on Saturday."

"Precisely. I had to hand Mother over to the peddler personally, and it took all bloody afternoon."

Arabella was still shaking with laughter, mostly because of the man's audacity. "I will accept that excuse, my lord, having met your mother. But I expect you to win her back at some point."

"I shall. Eventually," he assured her with a saucy wink.

Ahead of them, Lord Seawright and Lady Valerie were speaking of organizing a dig.

"You shall have to come for several months, to supervise, of course."

"Of course," she murmured with a little smile. "But who shall be the chaperone?"

"Do we need one at our age?"

"Yes."

There was only one reason he could think of as to why they would require chaperonage. He looked at Valerie with wide eyes. "Honestly?"

"Yes."

"Perhaps I should rethink this." On a more permanent basis. He had never stopped loving her, and obviously she felt something for him on a physical level, else she would not insist on a chaperone. Or did she think he needed the chaperone? She might be right.

"Perhaps you should," she said a little tartly. "Let me know when you've decided."

"I didn't mean ... perhaps we should rethink this."

"That's more like it. But not here."

"Too many people about," he agreed. "This is a private discussion. We need to be alone again ... Shall I call tomorrow?" He would speak to the duke first.

"Yes."

Samantha rode ahead of her aunt and Lord Seawright, trying not to laugh at their discussion. It wasn't kind of her, and it was a private matter, as Lord Seawright pointed out.

"A penny for your thoughts," Ryder said.

"I was listening to the lovebirds behind us," she admitted.

"I was, as well. Do you think they will finally make a match of it?"

"Over Lady Seawright's dead body, but yes, I think so. I'm glad. I can't believe this was all my mother's fault. She might have had something against her family, but look how many people she hurt. Including myself." She hung her head.

"You are not responsible for anyone's actions but your own, sweet Samantha," he replied. "I think..." It didn't matter what he thought. Lord Hambly had pulled his mount up on the other side of Samantha and had interrupted the conversation, a most unpardonably rude thing to do.

"Good day, Miss Howard. Ryder..." he drawled as an afterthought.

Ryder shot daggers at him while Hambly engaged Samantha in idle chat, but he calmed down as he realized she was uncomfortable in the man's presence. She kept glancing over to him, almost begging to be rescued as she had that night at the Peabody Ball, and she shifted away from the man several times when he rode too close.

"Would you care for a gallop, Miss Howard?" Hambly asked. "We could leave all this behind," he added, sweeping an arm out to include the rest of the party.

"No, thank you, my lord. I am not all that good a horsewoman, and I would prefer to stay with my friends," she politely replied.

"Then what say you to a race, Ryder?"

"No, thank you, my lord. I am the host of this small party and will stay with my guests. Feel free to ride ahead," he invited, "if your horse needs the exercise."

"I am content for now."

Too bad, Ryder thought.

Fortunately, Cosmo had heard the word ‘race' and he pulled up on the other side of Hambly. "I will race, sir. What do you say to around that oak and back," he suggested, indicating a large tree.

"And what shall be the prize?"

"No wagers, please," Cosmo said. "On Saturday, I lost my mother in a bet and now I have to try to get her back. Perhaps Mother has made the rounds and you have her, in which case I shall have to try to win her, because Lady Arabella says I must. Simple for her to say - she doesn't have to live with her. But if you have her, I daresay you are aching to get rid of the old..." He cleared his throat before he said something true, but unkind, about his parent.

Hambly knew when he was being made sport of, and if he didn't, the broad grins on the rest of their faces would be a clue. "I do not find that amusing, Villiers."

"I tell you what. We shall wager your mother on this race, my lord. If I win, I'll take her in lieu of the marchioness, and if you win, you get to keep them both."

"But I don't have a mother, and I don't have yours!"

"Then I suggest you run the race yourself, because those are the only stakes I will race for."

"I don't understand you people," Hambly said, pulling away from Samantha. "Good day!"

As Hambly rode off, Cosmo moved his horse back in line with Arabella's, looking rather pleased with himself. She reached over and patted his arm.

"Well done!" Ryder congratulated him. "You will tell me if he bothers you again?" he asked Samantha and was pleased when she nodded emphatically.

"I do not like his attentions. But I fear we have insulted him, and I do not think he is one to take that lightly."

Ryder had to agree. "I shall tell his grace, for one thing, and alert Seawright, Cosmo and Ainsworth. We will strive to keep an eye on him."

"Thank you."

Ryder, as unofficial host, brought the party to a shady area where they all dismounted and tethered their horses to a low tree limb. Several blankets had been spread for the ladies, and a servant waited with wine and some savories for them all to nibble.

"I had a splendid idea, one I hope everyone approves of," he announced after they were settled with food and drink. "A progressive nuncheon, of sorts. Befores out here, the main meal in my conservatory, and dessert back at Halbourne House."

Everyone, even Lady Valerie, voiced their approval, and they took their time, knowing the activity was just beginning, instead of ending. Just as they were rising, preparing for their ride to Lord Ryder's house, Lady Valerie approached Samantha.

"I need to speak to you," she said in an almost penitent tone. "Could you give me some of your time when we get to Ryder House?"

Samantha nodded and realized she was not only ready to forgive her aunt, but she was no longer afraid of the woman.

Chapter 20

At Lord Ryder's townhouse, Samantha whispered a request of the earl. He readily agreed and showed her and Lady Valerie to a small parlor. While they had their talk, he ushered a group of curious onlookers into the conservatory, where a cold collation was laid out.

"You wished to speak to me?" Samantha asked when they were alone.

"Yes..." Lady Valerie paced a few moments, as if gathering her thoughts. "I've done you a serious wrong, and I wish to make amends. Even had I not just received some interesting news about my own past, I would apologize profusely for my recent behavior. It was inexcusable."

"I think I know why you did it," Samantha said softly. "And I accept your apology. But please, do not take out any frustrations you have concerning my mother on me."

"I promise. I realize now I should not have done that. My sister's actions hurt me, it is true. I felt betrayed not only then, but for a long time afterwards, when she would not acknowledge us. I have no idea how she ended up with your father when she had run off with someone else, but I'm glad she had you."

Tears trickled down Samantha's cheeks, not only for her aunt's words, but for what could have been between her mother and her aunt. She gave Valerie a hug and let the older woman cling to her for a while. When they released each other, they let out watery laughs. Both were crying.

"Shall we join the others, Aunt Valerie?" Samantha dared to ask.

"Just a moment. You need a little attention." She whipped out a handkerchief and wiped Samantha's face. "I advise you not to cry. You look frightful."

Samantha chuckled and let her have her way. When some of the damage had been repaired, they joined the rest of the party in the conservatory. No one said a word concerning their tear-streaked faces, but Lord Seawright, who had stood on their entry, went to prepare Valerie a plate of delicacies. Ryder solicitously settled Samantha in a cushioned chair next to Arabella. He fetched her a glass of wine and some food and sat down at her other side.

"Is everything all right?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, fine, thank you. More than fine."

---

What shall we do?" Arabella asked when everyone had finished eating. "Shall we play a game before we head home for dessert?"

"What do you suggest?" Cosmo drawled. "Hunt the slipper? Charades?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of riddles. Shall I go first?"

Everyone agreed to the game and allowed Arabella to begin.

"How many letters are there in the alphabet?" she asked the room at large.

They thought about that for a moment, Samantha even going as far as counting the letters in her head. She would have used her fingers, but she was in front of a group of people.

"I know!" Cosmo exclaimed. "Eleven!"

"What?" Miss Winterbottom protested. "Surely not! There are twenty-six!"

Lady Valerie chuckled, drawing surprise from those who had never heard such a thing from her before. "There are twenty-six if you count all the letters in it. There are eleven letters in the words ‘the alphabet,'" she explained. "And because Lord Cosmo guessed correctly, he should ask the next riddle."

"All right. A man walks up to you and says ‘everything I say to you is a lie.' Is he telling you the truth or is he lying?" Cosmo wondered.

They all thought about that one for a while and finally Lord Seawright said, "He's lying."

"How do you know that?" Samantha asked.

"Because even though he is lying when he says ‘everything' he says is a lie, some of the things he says can be a lie, and this is one of them."

"That makes my head spin!" she confessed and everyone laughed. Then it was Lord Seawright's turn. He thought about it for a moment and then fixed the company with a wicked grin.

"A woman has seven children and half of them are boys. How is this possible?"

"It isn't possible!" Cosmo insisted. "How can you evenly divide seven children?"

"That one is actually easy," Arabella declared, "when all seven children are boys. Then half are boys and the other half are boys! I get to go again! He starts and ends two common words, one painful in love, one painful in everyday matter. Do you know what those two words are?"

"Lady Arabella!" Ainsworth exclaimed.

"No, not the two words I was looking for," she said with a grin.

"I know this one," Ryder announced, "as I am the one who taught it to this minx."

"No fair!" she said with a pout.

"Very fair. The two words are heartache and headache. Very suitable for my sister, don't you think?" Everyone laughed. "And I shall end the game with one last riddle. Our sweets await us, you know. I soar without wings, I see without eyes. I've traveled the universe to and fro. I've conquered the world, yet I've never been anywhere but home. Who am I? A prize to the first person to figure this out before we reach Halbourne House," he announced.

The party discussed this at length, even as they traveled the streets of Mayfair, but it was Samantha who finally figured it out as they pulled up to the front door of her grandparents' house.

"Is it imagination?" she asked.

"Yes, it is. You are very clever, Cousin Samantha."

"Not really. Your sister is much quicker than I. But I do recall having heard this one before. I just needed to wrack my brain as to when."

"Then I salute you on your memory skills."

"What is the prize?"

"For you ... I shall give it to you later. At the card party."

"Of course," she said, thinking no more of it for the moment.

That evening, after dinner, a variety of people arrived for her grace's party. For some it was a stop in a busy schedule of events. For others, it was the highlight of their evening. Either way, the duchess enjoyed having guests, and she flitted about the room setting up tables of people, ensuring all her friends were acquainted with each other and that everyone had their needs met.

Samantha had been given the task of looking out for people in need of diversions, while Arabella held court at a table, surrounded by a group playing Commerce. Lady Valerie and Lady Ryder were responsible for starting whist games and then finding people to take their places to keep the tables going, and the duke sat in the library with a group of gentleman, smoking and drinking brandy. That is where Ryder found him when he arrived.

"Ryder, m'boy!" the duke called. "How goes the courtship?" he added in a softer voice. "I have yet to hear of an announcement..."

"She would not let me ask, your grace. She insinuated that it was too early in the season and she needed more time."

The duke only smiled. "She's a rare ‘un, Ryder. Don't let her take too much time, else she might go to someone else."

Ryder was stricken. "Has someone else offered for her, then? Was it Hambly?"

"I wouldn't let Hambly get that close, boy! The man is a bounder! No, I've not been approached by anyone else. Yet," he added, laughed and turned back to his drink. "Go play, Ryder. You're much too young to be in here, and Her Grace will never forgive you if you do not help ensure her party is a success. Never mind that it already is," he said with a smile, waving the younger man out the door.

Ryder found Samantha settling two shy young ladies at Arabella's table, where they were welcomed profusely by the others sitting there. He smiled. His sister enjoyed being the center of attention, but she was generous enough to share it with others, as well. He would wager those two young ladies went home feeling as if they were fitting in somewhere.

Slipping his arm into Samantha's as she moved off to help another guest, he propelled her out the open doors of the drawing room and into the hall.

"May I speak with you a moment, Cousin Samantha? In here..." He led her into a smaller parlor that had been considered not large enough for the company.

"You hardly give me a choice, Cousin Jack," she said as he sat her down in a chair.

"I know. But this cannot wait. First, I was very sad after our visit to the park the other day."

"I thought you liked playing host, leading us from house to house and participating in our antics!"

"I do. I did. I was speaking of the day we went for the walk in Green Park."

"Oh." That was different.

"Yes. Oh. You thought I was being premature with my offer, but you have not yet heard it. How can you decide something that important without even hearing me out?"

She shrugged. "I am here now. Let us hear this offer, then." To tell the truth, she thought later she had been a bit hasty that day in the park. Now she shivered a bit with excitement to think that Ryder -- no, Jack -- was going to actually propose. She had spent the past few days wondering what he was going to say. Would it be a dry business proposition, as she had feared after hearing the gossip at the ball? Would it be a hearts-and-flowers, rather overblown declaration? Or would he speak simply from his soul, as she always imagined the man she accepted would?

"If you continue to sit there and daydream, Samantha, you will not even know I am ready to speak," he teased, seeing her far-away expression.

"I beg your pardon." She folded her hands primly in her lap and gave him her utmost attention.

"That's better. Now..." He paused. "And now my declaration has flown completely out of my head."

"Why don't you just tell me what is in your heart, Jack?" she softly prompted.

He knelt at her feet. "I think I have loved you from the moment I handed your basket back to you that first day. A pair of brown eyes were my undoing, I think, or it could have been your ‘damsel in distress' situation. Either way, I had to see you again."

"I was not happy with our second meeting, though."

"I cannot blame you. I had been at a wedding breakfast, where I had imbibed in too many toasts to the bride, and all I could think of was you. You were smart to toss me out on my ear that day. And then there was the inn..." He groaned, but she only laughed.

"I see much humor in that situation now, but I was scared witless by you and your friends. I understand now that while none of you is exactly harmless, you were not the fiends my mind painted you at the time."

"And that day we first met here!" he continued. "And every time we have met since ... All I think about is that day I would not have to leave you, the day I can wake up and you would be at my side. The day we can go riding alone, the day we can attend balls together... I love you very much Samantha, I wish to be with you always, and I would like you to become my wife."

"Oh!" Samantha exclaimed. "That was lovely." She had pulled a handkerchief out the neckline of her gown and dabbed at her eyes.

"You will accept my proposal?" he asked eagerly.

"I will admit there are hardly any minutes I do not think of you, as well. I'm glad I allowed you to tender your proposal, and now I will consider it."

"Consider it?" he asked, stricken. "You have had other proposals?"

"No, but I do not feel this is a decision to be made lightly. You may have my answer tomorrow afternoon. In Green Park."

Chapter 21

Samantha could have approached Arabella with her decision to accept or not accept Jack's proposal, but she knew what the girl's answer would be. She felt the same about her grandparents, especially when the duke had made a sly comment the evening before at the card party about landing a fish. She felt somehow that her Aunt Valerie also would not be averse to her marrying the earl, now that she had been reunited with her own.

That left Lady Ryder, who should be informed of the proposal at any rate. Now would be a good time to see if she approved. Samantha had Jane keep her alerted as to Lady Ryder's activities, and when she heard the countess was breakfasting in her own rooms, she went to visit.

"Good morning, my dear!" Lady Ryder was sitting up in bed in a quilted jacket and a pretty sheer cap over her still-dark hair. "What brings you to visit a lowly countess this fine morning when you should be out for a walk, or sitting in her grace's sunny breakfast parlor with Arabella?"

"I wished to speak to you of a matter of utmost importance, and I fear if I joined Arabella downstairs I would be distracted from my purpose."

The countess indicated a chair next to her bed and gave the girl a warm smile. "I have been so pleased with the friendship between you and my daughter. She had such a difficult time of it in Devonshire until you came along. And now that she is in London... I am pleased with the success she has had making friends."

Samantha nodded. "She is such an outgoing personality, one cannot help but be drawn to her."

"Whereas you are more timid?" the countess asked lightly, knowing she was not shy, but rather cautious. "My son does not think so."

Samantha colored prettily. "It is your son I have come to discuss."

"Has he been aggravating you again? I have to apologize for my daughter, but she recently confided in me how the two of you came to meet. I hope you think better of him now. He really is not as black as those meetings have painted him."

"I know."

"What can I help you with then, my dear?"

"I just wanted some advice. You see, Lord Ryder has made me an offer and I am trying to decide if I should accept it."

Lady Ryder dropped her cup into its saucer with a loud clack, but regained her composure almost immediately. She had been rather involved in Arabella's life lately to pay any attention to either her son or her cousin, but she was flattered that the girl had come to her to talk about this. She had no objection, should the lady accept him, but she sensed now was not the time to wax enthusiastic on the subject.

"Let us think this out, then, shall we? Give me your reasons for accepting him, first," she suggested.

Samantha blushed, but agreed, although she warned the countess that some of her reasons were aesthetic.

"Of course they are -- there is nothing wrong with wanting a man who is easy on the eyes. Although, sometimes," she said sadly, "that is all one sees. I hope some of your reasons are internal."

"They are," Samantha assured her. "External first, to get them out of the way. One, he is handsome. As you said, there is nothing wrong with that. Two, he has a lovely smile. Three, I like the way he gets tiny little wrinkles around the corners of his eyes when he laughs."

"You have been looking rather closely, then."

"I have."

"I want to point out that both families like both of you. I think you would make a lovely daughter." Lady Ryder smiled warmly and Samantha flushed.

"Thank you. Now the real reasons ... One, he takes good care of his family. If I was going to be a closer family member than I am now, I know I should be in good hands."

"Jack has always been there for Arabella and I, even when other people have not."

"Two, he is a very nice person. He is a good friend. But the main reason I should accept is because he loves me. And the feeling is mutual."

"Oh, my dear!" the countess exclaimed. She climbed out of bed and gave Samantha a hug and kiss. "That is the very best reason of all! When are you to give a reply? Today?" Samantha nodded.

"We are to go for a drive. Oh, my goodness! A drive! I need to be dressed perfectly! I..." She returned Lady Ryder's kiss and ran to the door. "I have to go! Thank you, Lady Ryder, for everything!" She disappeared.

Lady Ryder chuckled and went to her jewelry box. The girl never did tell what her answer was going to be, but since she had not acted as if she were headed for her own funeral, the countess could only guess it would be in the affirmative.

Samantha was still upstairs when Ryder called, but his mother had left word that he was to come to her rooms. He went up and found her rummaging through a pile of jewels on her dressing table.

"What are you doing?" he asked, bending to kiss her cheek.

"Trying to find Grandmother Pryce's ring, of course. Samantha is going to love it."

"Samantha..." He choked "What do you know about Samantha?"

"I know she is well on her way to becoming an engaged young lady..." she teased.

"She is?"

"Don't play coy with me, Jack. Actually, I don't know her answer. She did not tell me."

"You spoke to her recently?"

"This morning. She came to see me. Such a darling girl. We spoke briefly about this afternoon and I'm trying to find that ring. Just in case." She looked up to see his gaping reflection. "Close your mouth, dear. It's quite unbecoming. Ah, here it is. If I'd had more notice, I would have sent it out to be cleaned and resized. Your grandmother had tiny fingers and I fear it may not fit. If she says yes, will you stop at Rundell and Bridge on your way home and drop it off?"

"Yes, mother." He took the ring and tucked it into his waistcoat pocket.

The park was more beautiful in the sunshine, and if the wet weather of the previous visit was any indication, today's lovely conditions boded well for Ryder. They left the phaeton with his tiger once more, and strolled arm and arm through the green grass.

Samantha had chosen a white gown with a pale blue pelisse and a straw bonnet trimmed with white roses. A blue parasol dangled from her free arm, as did a little white reticule. Ryder had never seen her look lovelier and he hoped it was for him. But her quiet demeanor did not encourage him, and he was mostly silent.

"So peaceful," she murmured, her hand slipping down his arm to link her fingers with his. It was the boldest move she had ever made, but she could see her reticence was unnerving. He probably wished to have this moment over with. She did, too, but she also wished it to be a moment to remember.

She indicated a bench and invited him to sit with her. "We both know we are here for a specific reason, Lord Ryder ... Jack ... but would you please repeat your offer for me one more time?"

He grinned. She did not seem to be rejecting him, else she would have stayed at the house. Thank goodness his mother had given him the ring, although he was in agreement that it was probably too small. For the moment.

"I won't kneel this time, my love."

"All right."

He cleared his throat and looked into her dark eyes. "Samantha. Ever since we first met I haven't been able to forget you. I despaired of finding you again every time I lost you. And each time you were just around the corner, as if it were fate. I'm beginning to believe our meetings were designed by a higher power. I can take no credit for any of it." He picked up her hand. "Would you do me the honor of making me the happiest of men? I love you, Samantha, and I wish you to be my wife."

Tears flowed down her cheeks, but she was smiling as he brought her hand to his lips.

"Yes, I will be your wife."

He laughed and embraced her and then rummaged in his waistcoat for the ring. "This belonged to my Grandmother Pryce. I fear it will not fit yet, but it is for you. If you like, we can stop by the jeweler on the way home to have it cleaned and made ready for you."

"I should like that." She lifted her gaze innocently to him and he kissed her lightly on the lips, aware they were in a public place.

"More of that later. Shall we take care of the ring and then tell the family?"

"How convenient for us that we are all one family!"

They went hand in hand back to the phaeton, called at the jeweler's store and then returned to Halbourne House. How long it took and what was happening around her did not register with Samantha. She was rather dazed that she had just agreed to become Lady Ryder.

The family was gathered in anticipation of their return. Lord Seawright was there, having called while they were away, to make his own application to the duke. He had been accepted by his lady, as well, and there were two happy couples to toast.

"I shall send announcements to the papers on the morrow," the duke assured them. Lords Ryder and Seawright, and Lady Seawright, had been asked to join them for dinner, and excuses were made to the hostess of the ball they had planned on attending that evening. There would be plenty of time to be congratulated by members of the ton on Wednesday, at Almack's, after the notices appeared. Until then, they would keep to themselves.

"Oh, dear," Arabella murmured to Samantha at one point. "Lady Seawright..."

Samantha grimaced. "She is not going to be pleased with that engagement above half."

It was as they expected when they came down later for dinner. Lady Seawright sat on a sofa as rigid as a board and spoke to no one except their graces and Samantha, whom she hugged and congratulated as if she were the only person becoming engaged that day. Valerie she ignored, and Ryder had not yet arrived. Everyone else was inconsequential, it seemed, and she drank more than she had intended, Samantha was sure.

In fact, she was asleep by time dinner was announced, and while everyone else filed into the dining room, the butler made sure Lady Seawright was placed in a guest room. With her out of the way, the party grew merry. The meal was delicious - the cook had outdone herself, even on short notice.

There was beef, a baked hen, roasted pork and a variety of vegetables, a thin soup and three different desserts to choose from, as well as more wine with which to toast the two couples.

After dinner, the men did not linger over their port, and Lady Seawright had been woken from her nap. She spent the next hour sniping at her future daughter-in-law, veiled insults in every sentence, until even Arabella, who was rather adept at slinging them herself, pleaded a headache and went upstairs.

Samantha and Ryder were allowed ten minutes alone in another parlor to say goodnight, where Ryder gave her a little bit more to dream about than just the chaste kiss from the park. Her grandmother finally had to lead her to her room in a daze, laughing as she handed her over to Jane to prepare for bed.

"Sleep well, darling. I can see that you will." She was still chuckling as she left her granddaughter in capable hands.

Chapter 22

Almack's, that assembly room known as the Holy of Holies, was full to bursting on Wednesday evening, everyone hoping to see Ryder and his betrothed, as well as the reuniting of Lord Seawright and Lady Valerie.

Even Arabella, who was thrilled for her friend and her brother, was in high gear and, as she had informed Samantha earlier that evening, she was now in no hurry to secure her own matrimonial prize.

"What about Lord Cosmo?" Samantha had wondered earlier that evening as they prepared for the assembly.

"What about him?" came the coy reply. "We like each other, and we enjoy insulting each other. We like kissing each other, too, for that matter. But I am not ready to settle down yet."

"Despite words to the contrary this past winter?" Samantha teased. Arabella had only shrugged.

"Things are different now. I do not have to worry about family finances -- I heard his grace's settlement for you is enormous! -- and I will be more than happy to live at Ryder with you as my sister."

"But we are not going to live off that settlement," Samantha admitted. "Jack has insisted it be held in trust for any children we might have. We have plenty to live on in the meantime, and I daresay we shall reside mainly in London. But I do not think we shall be strangers to Devonshire, not with so much loving family there."

Her grandparents were not only going to get older, but they were losing her aunt. Samantha thought now perhaps the dogs would be allowed to roam the Vinelands halls, but someone also was going to have to be there to make certain meals were organized and their graces remained in good health. Fortunately, Jack had a plan for that -- he was going to ask his mother (and sister, if she was not married by summer) to move to Vinelands. That would ensure the duke and duchess were taken care of, and would afford more privacy for the newlyweds at Ryder.

For now, however, there was the rest of the season to get through, and two weddings to plan. All of this began at Almack's, their first public appearance since the announcements had appeared in the papers that morning.

The patronesses were all clustered near the front door, eager to be among the first to congratulate them, and sweet Lady Cowper even gave Samantha a hug.

"My dear Miss Howard! We are all so delighted to see you bring this young man to heel! Is it true you met in Devonshire and fell in love before the start of the season?"

"We are distant cousins," Samantha replied, "so it stands to reason we should meet at some point."

"I wish you every happiness," Lady Jersey was saying to Ryder. "She is quite the catch and now you can keep it all in the family."

Ryder sighed. He was going to have to deal with this eventually, so he might as well start speaking up now, before the rumors outstripped the truth. "Miss Howard's dowry is not going in my pockets, Lady Jersey, and until such time as we succeed her grandparents in their titles, we shall live here in London. It is what we both wish."

Lady Jersey had released him as soon as possible so she might spread that tidbit around, and Ryder wondered if he should wager with Samantha how long it took to come back to them that they were going to live in poverty while someone else rented his estate.

They spent most of the evening talking to people and accepting their congratulations, and hardly had a chance to speak even to their own relatives, who had become surrounded by their own friends and acquaintances, everyone wishing to know the details.

Arabella held court near her mother, surrounded by the young people she had met at the card party. The shy young ladies had been encouraged to join her once their mothers had seen her three-deep in eligible men, and they had been accepted immediately, despite their timidity, having been remembered as sweet girls from the game table.

"I, of course, had to help true love along some," she was telling the crowd. Miss Winterbottom, at her side, was giggling and nodding her head. "I kept everyone informed of what each party was telling me." She would never reveal information concerning two of her brother's meetings with Samantha, but she could -- and did -- embellish everything else, including her future sister's changing of costumes at the Twelfth Night ball.

"Why do I get the feeling we are the topic of conversation over there," Samantha noted at one point to Jack. He turned toward his sister and frowned. "It is not that bad, is it?" she queried.

"No. But Hambly is coming over," he warned her.

"Play nice," she murmured. "And remember who got the girl."

"How could I forget? Hambly! Nice to see you again!" he called in a friendly voice.

"Ryder," the other man said stiffly. "Miss Howard." His expression was sour, but Samantha could not dredge up any sympathy. After all, she had never considered him seriously for her hand. "I understand congratulations are in order."

"Miss Howard has consented to be my wife, yes," Ryder said proudly. The look he and Samantha gave each other could only be described as fatuous. Indeed, when asked later, Arabella described it as absolutely sickening. But as she said it with a wide grin, no one took her seriously.

"So I understand," Hambly said. "However, you are not wed yet."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Ryder demanded.

"Are you worried?" the other man taunted. "You don't seem to have much confidence in either yourself or your betrothed with those words."

"I don't think there is a lack of confidence on either side, Lord Hambly," Samantha interjected. Too many people were watching and she did not want there to be a scene in the middle of the assembly, no matter how much others might wish such a diversion.

"We should listen to the lady," Ryder said.

"Because it allows you to hide behind her skirts?" he sneered.

"No, because if you are not quiet, my lord," Samantha said, "I shall have to... What is the expression, Ryder? Ah, yes. Darken your daylights."

Hambly laughed loudly, bringing even more attention to them. "That is something I do not wish to put to the test." With a bow, he moved on.

Samantha blew out a sigh of relief. "I would have done it, you know."

"I have no doubt, my love. I have been thrown out of a house by you and believe you are perfectly capable of dealing with Hambly."

"I am also capable of dancing this evening," she hinted strongly. "Just because I am betrothed does not mean I cannot dance."

Ryder looked about furtively. "Do you think I shall get in trouble if we waltz together?"

"My fiancé is a kind man. He will not mind."

"Tell me more about this gentleman you have become engaged to," he prompted.

Samantha pretended to ponder the request.

"He is a handsome man, but I am not necessarily attracted to physical beauty." She laughed at his expression. "But I shall not mind looking at him across the breakfast table."

"Kind... Handsome... What else?"

"He is a great fisherman," she said with a bold chuckle. "He is always trolling for compliments. Quite the vain peacock, if you ask me."

"Let me know when you get tired of watching him strut about. I find you most attractive. Inside and out." The orchestra had struck up a waltz and they conveniently did not have to discontinue their conversation in order to dance.

"Is that so? I can hardly fish for compliments now, can I? Especially after criticizing my own fiancé for the same thing."

"Allow me to assist. I know the reasons your beloved was wise enough to secure your affections as soon as possible."

"Please elaborate," she said with a smile.

"With pleasure. You are a beautiful young lady, but you are not vain like your peacock. There is a lack of vanity in you that is refreshing."

"I can be vain," she assured him. "Indeed, I went through five different gowns before choosing the one I wished to become engaged in."

"Truly?"

Yes. And I fretted over my hair this evening. It had to be just right."

"Vanity aside, however, you are a forgiving person. How are you faring with Lady Valerie?"

"She will not change overnight. I realize that. But she has made a few friendly overtures, and says we must come visit them once they have begun their excavations."

"You are interested in ancient artifacts?"

"Let us say just say I am not uninterested in them."

"See how good you are?" he asked. "I doubt I would visit based on a moldy old pile of crockery pieces and crumbling aqueducts."

"I am sure you would," she said warmly. "Family is as important to you as it is to me."

"As long as they don't prose on about long-dead people I could possibly have no interest in, I should be fine."

"I am certain once they get settled they shall have plenty to talk about with us. But if you get bored, what do you propose we do?"

"The estate is near Bath and I understand you enjoyed your stay there. We can call on the countess and listen to her moan about the unsuitability of her daughter-in-law."

Samantha laughed. "She is quite vocal about it. Perhaps if they present her with a couple of grandchildren she will come about."

"Grandchildren!" he exclaimed. "Surely they are too old for that?"

She giggled. It was much easier for her to discuss someone else's children and not the possibility of their own. That conversation would have to come later.

"Aunt Valerie is not yet forty years old! Of course she is young enough! It will not be without risk, but no one giving birth is safe from complications. Not even me," she said soberly. "But that is the chance one takes when one's task in life is to provide their one's husband with children. It will be a privilege for me, my lord."

"Not to mention a pleasure," he told her with glowing eyes, bringing a deep blush to her cheeks. "You may depend upon that."

"I shall let you know after the fact," she teased, even though her face was still red.

Elsewhere in the ballroom, a dark-haired beauty watched Lord Ryder and his betrothed as they engaged in an intimate conversation on the dance floor.

"If it isn't the Merry Widow," Lord Hambly drawled from behind Mrs. Dale. "Looking quite unmerry. Could it be you had designs on Ryder?"

"I wouldn't tell you if I did," she said waspishly.

"You've only stood here and stared at him and Miss Howard for the entire dance."

"And if I have? They are an attractive couple and the main topic of discussion this evening."

"Indeed, they are."

"You were rather interested in them yourself a little while ago. I thought for a moment you and Ryder were going to come to blows."

"The coward chose to hide behind Miss Howard," he said.

"Much to your relief, I am certain," she said with an unkind laugh, turning to him to display a tight bodice and dampened petticoats.

He gave her the once-over and thought she was mutton dressed as lamb. But not unattractive. She might be available for the moment, or at least until he was able to get his hands on Miss Howard. Then Ryder would be accessible.

"If you want Ryder, I can help," he said smoothly. "It would be in my best interest to get him out of the way."

"What exactly are you proposing, my lord?" she asked suspiciously.

"A liaison. I shall take care of Miss Howard, and when she is out of the picture, you may step in to console poor Ryder."

"I like that idea. But in the meantime ... We shall need to get together, my lord, and discuss the particulars. Among other things," she added with a seductive purr. As far as lovers went, she could do worse than Hambly.

"Tonight? My house?"

"Perhaps..."

"Perhaps around midnight?"

"The bewitching hour..." She trailed one soft, white hand from his ear to his chin and placed a rouged kiss on the cleft there. "Midnight it is..." she whispered.

© 2005 Copyright held by the author.

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