Chapter 6

As Guests of Aunt Serena                  

March 28, 1816

Marleigh, her mouth full, groaned with contentment over Aunt Serena's favorite cold weather luncheon. The toasted cheese and ham sandwiches with tart mustard were perfect with several thin slices of ham and cheddar cheese oozing out the sides with a steaming cup of cream of tomato soup. The hot chocolate was a wonderful bonus, sweet and dark!

"Mmmmm, Aunt Serena, this is wonderful! I was so chilled from this morning's shopping! I did not think I would be warm again until I could get under bedcovers! This is perfect, Aunt Serena!

Serena Redmane Beauford smiled delightedly at her niece. "I am not surprised! This lunch was always the favorite of your Mother and myself on days when we had been outside sledding or ice skating. We would come inside frozen as little ice cycles! This always thawed us out."

"Mmmm, delicious!  Leaning back in her seat she was in a state of complete satisfaction, except for one thing, she missed her daily rides. Of course, her favorite companion, Lightening, was back in Boston. She was sure she could find a horse here that would do for at least a daily ride.

"Aunt Serena, I need a horse. After nearly six weeks aboard a ship, I am desperate to get some exercise. I have been walking this week, but I am more than ready to jump on the back of a large beast and fly down a bridle path. I used to ride about six miles or so every morning. Where could I rent a horse? Or maybe I should buy one…"

"My Sweet Niece, you are welcome to use any of our horses. Henry rides his horse, Matilda to his Parliament every day, but any of the other horses are at your disposal. In fact, you could take my Jake. He is liable to be a handful since I have not exercised him in several days. The grooms ride him about daily, but just a mile or so. He really needs to stretch his legs, or there is Lamb Chop - she is such a sweet thing but oh my, does she love to run! We do have a very sedate horse as well, MilkWeed. She is older, very well-trained, you can drop the reins when you get off and she will stay right where you left her."

"Thank you, Aunt Serena, I think I will choose one for an early-morning ride tomorrow. What do you have on our calendar for this week?"  

The first event we will attend is tomorrow evening. I am sure Madam Levansou will have the pale pink dress ready as she promised. It is a musical soirée at my friend, Charles Hanson's, Thursday is a birthday party for Lord Nevers, Friday is the theatre and Saturday is the "Welcoming Spring" party for Priscilla Dunbar. We need to think about a future date for your coming-out party!"

"I don't think I will want a coming-out party Aunt Serena."

"Nonsense! You are a beautiful young lady, Your Father will shortly will have a title, he is wealthy, and I understand from your father, you are wealthy in your own right, being half owner of Barrett Shipping!

Leaning forward, her aunt half whispered, "Tell me, Marleigh, how was it working with men all day? That is so exciting! I can't wait to tell my friends in the Women's movement!" Without stopping for a breath, Aunt Serena continued. "My dear, you are beautiful - a glamorous young lady with an American accent. You have led an interesting life working with men, not just working with men, but also, being their employer! That is far more fascinating than our English girls are! You will have your pick of the Ton once we get you presented.

"Unfortunately, we can't get you on the list to be presented at court until your father is cleared of the charges Mandeville has spread throughout the Kingdom. Then he will receive his Writ of Summons by parliament where they will confirm his inheritance of the title. Once that is completed, they'll be after you in droves.

"This Saturday's party is at Lord and Lady Dunbar's. They have two sons you may be interested in meeting. They are in their mid twenty's and their daughter, Priscilla is 19. This is her second year." 

"Second year? Is she in college?"    

"College? No. My dear, I only know one young lady of the Ton who went to College. She was a mathematics wonder I was told. No, I mean it is her second year of The Season. Since this is your first year in England, and close to the end of the Season, no one will expect you to do more than peruse the available men. Of course, if you should find a suitable partner, so much the better!"

"Aunt Serena, I really have no interest in this matchmaking method. It seems very strange to me. In America - the colonies, we meet men anywhere - everywhere! If you like him, you spend time with him. If you don't, you find someone else."

"Well, that same idea is employed here, too. We just use the party form of meeting. That way your family can meet him, as his family can meet you."

"Mmmm, I suppose."

Marleigh was not going to argue with her aunt. Yet, she was dreading the whole concept.  She really had not even thought about getting married. Intuitively, she decided to treat this upcoming evening as a simple opportunity to get to know a few people in England. Certain that she was returning to America, even looking for a prospective husband, seemed a complete waste of time to Marleigh. In order to not think of it as a waste of time, Marleigh decided she would give a mental label to the exercise as "What I Don't Want in a Man".

Yes, that seems appropriate. Marleigh smiled at her aunt feeling much better about her silent decision. 'Confidence and attitude is everything', that's what my old governess used to say!

Aunt Serena continued on, "Your dress is going to be lovely. Madame Levansou really was thrilled to have a genuine American to dress."

Marleigh laughed.

"I think she was more thrilled to hear I needed eight new day dresses, two evening gowns, a ball gown and all new under clothes, than having an American to dress."

"Certainly the prospect of a new client needing a large wardrobe has got to be exciting for a woman who works as hard as Madame Levansou. Her family escaped the guillotine and she has had a difficult time of it until she began her fashion shop. Her creations are exquisite."

***********

The next morning was still chilly.

The rising March sun breached the horizon and slowly began the climb toward the zenith of heavenly blue skies. The sun held the promise of another spring day. A day so glorious, it was as though a chorus of angels were bringing the warmth of a gentle sun to the earth. Those tender rays brought forth the early blossoming trees of blackthorn and wild cherry. The warmed earth then sprang to life with crocus, daffodils and tulips.

Marleigh paused in the splendid spring garden as she approached the Carriage house. Inhaling the fresh vernal air filled with the soft sent of blooms, she thanked Mother Nature for her bounty on earth and the artistry of few soft lazy clouds slowly traveling across the ceiling of heaven. This was the beginning of a perfect day.

"Here you are, Lady Marleigh. Jake is ready to go!" The tall black horse was dancing with anticipation. Marleigh spoke to the horse, offering some carrot sticks she had purloined from the vegetable tray the night before.  As she ran her hands over his mane, she noticed the saddle.

"Adam, is there a regular saddle available?"   

"Miss?"

"A man's saddle?"

"Certainly, Lady Marleigh, but Lady Serena won't mind you using her side saddle."

Marleigh nodded to Adam, with a radiant smile, "I'm sure your right, but I prefer to ride astride."

Adam's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You know how to ride with a man's saddle, Miss?"

"Absolutely. My parents tried to get me to use a sidesaddle. And I did - at first. But, one day, I climbed on my father's horse. That's all it took. I realized how much easier it was to use and I have ridden astride ever since."

Adam linked his fingers together to give her a step up. "You're sure Lady Serena won't mind you going alone?"

"Don't worry. I always ride alone in Boston."

"Aye, Lady Marleigh, but this is London! What if you lose your way?"

It's only seven streets over to the park. If I get lost, I'll ask a shop keeper.

Jake was ready to run. She waved goodbye to Adam as she urged Jake ahead. He eagerly kept to a brisk trot until they were into the park. Marleigh was pleased he was such an energetic horse. Since there was not a soul around, she allowed him to canter down the path. When they came to a wide-open field where the spring grasses were just a few inches high, it seemed the perfect place for an all-out gallop. Jake only required a small nudge and he was flying.

Eventually, the open field gave way to the bridle path once again. Marleigh hunched forward over Jake as they tore down the path. They galloped past another rider joining the bridle path from the right. He shouted an angry exclamation. Had they met a few seconds later, they would have collided. 

Marleigh reined-in Jake a bit, realizing it could be as dangerous for him as much as her. The joy of freedom should never come in second to common sense. Galloping down a narrow bridle path was reckless.  She turned him left toward the field again so he could run a bit more. Keeping to the south side of the long field, she slowed Jake, aiming for a small stand of trees and a nearby carpet of yellow and purple crocus. She patted his neck and cooed at him for being such a wonderful ride while jumping down and loosely tying his reins to a low tree limb. Leaving him to graze and catch his breath, she laid beneath the tree.

 A few moments later she heard a thump and a man muttering, "I knew it, I knew it!" Her eyes flew open when she felt hands gripping first her arms, then shifting to her legs.

"Stop! Stop that!" Her arms and legs pushed against a hard body that persisted in leaning over her. "Stop it this instant!" Marleigh shouted, as the hands grasp her head and tried to turn it and lift her head up. Picking up her crop laying beside her in the grass, she walloped the man twice on the right side of his back.

"Owww, stop, I am here to help you!"

"Help me? Help me out of my clothes?"

"What? No! You must have injured your head. Not a surprise - after that thundering near collision on the bridle path." He gently laid her head down, looking into her eyes.

Marleigh drew in a sharp breath, stunned at the beautiful human leaning over her. She stared in complete silence. He had bright blue expressive eyes with thick dark eyebrows yet blond hair in large curls, the most beautifully sensuous lips and a perfect roman nose. As he leaned back, she realized he was close in age to her and the most blessedly handsome man she had ever seen.

"Your eyes are clear. Can you sit up?" He slipped a hand under her shoulder to help her to sit.

 She considered playing along with the idea she had injured herself, but she simply could never present herself as a poor rider.

"I am fine.  I don't fall off horses." She noticed how well his wide shoulders filled the deep brown velvet coat. His sun-streaked blonde hair was in sharp contrast to the rich brown of his coat.

"No, I'm sure you don't, except for this one." 

"I did not fall. I was letting my horse rest."

He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. Such a skeptical expression on such a beautiful face made her laugh. She waved her hand at her horse.

"Jake is tied to that limb. Usually one does not have the time to tie the horse before falling off."

His eyes followed her hand gesture. Surrendering to the obvious truth, he sat down in the grass with her. "Well, I should have packed some breakfast, we could have had a picnic!"

"Let's give the horses a gallop around the field and then we can go to my Aunt's for breakfast."

The Adonis stood and brushed off his buckskin breeches and coattails. "I doubt your Aunt would approve of asking a stranger to breakfast."

"Most assuredly she would! You came to my aid, or at least thought you had! She is most anxious for me to meet new people." Marleigh offered her hand to introduce herself, but Adonis thought she wanted to be helped up and he pulled her to her feet abruptly.

Marleigh laughed again and without releasing his hand said, "Marleigh Barrett, equestrian."

The Adonis replied with a generous smile, "Alexander Hugh Fitzroy, Marquess."

After an exuberant gallop around the field, they slowed their steeds and walked their horses the few blocks to the home of Serena Beauford.

They came from the stables through the garden into the Library. It was early yet, so Marleigh rang for the butler.

"Hayes, has breakfast been served yet?"

"No, Lady Marleigh. But we can make something for you and your - companion."

"Excellent, I'd like some of those wonderful muffins the cook makes, with bacon. Oh! And scrambled eggs with cheese in it! And tea. And hot chocolate."

" Alex? What would you like?"

"The very same would be perfect!"

"Very good, Lady Marleigh."

"Hayes, please direct Marquess … Marquess - it isn't Fitzroy, is it?"

"No, Rotherfield."

"Direct Marquess Rotherfield to a bedroom to wash up before breakfast. We're a bit horsey after our ride."

"Of course, Lady Marleigh."       

"See you at the breakfast table." Marleigh left the Adonis in Hayes' capable hands. Within half an hour, both were serving themselves from the sideboard.    

Not more than five minutes later, Lady Chelmsford joined them.

"Aunt Serena!" I hope I didn't wake you!" 

The Adonis stood up as she entered the room.

"Not at all. I usually read in the mornings before breakfast, but I was hungry this morning. Please, introduce me to your friend."

"Aunt Serena, this is Marquess Rotherfield. Marquess, this is my aunt, Lady Clemsford."

"How wonderful to meet a friend of my niece. Please sit, I am going to help myself to a plate."

While she was at the sideboard, the Marquess was silently miming "I should go" to Marleigh. She shook her head "NO!"

"How did you come to meet my niece?"

"Well, I thought she had been thrown from her horse and was laying injured on the ground."

"Oh my!" She turned to her niece and looked her up and down. "You look fine."

"I am fine."

"Yes, it was a false alarm on my part. She was just resting, but I thought the worst."

"What would make you think she had been thrown?"

"I glimpsed her earlier and - well, she is quite the equestrian!"

" Was Jake too much for you? Did he get away from you?"

"No! I am an excellent rider. No, the truth is Lord Rotherfield is being a gentleman. Jake and I were having a wonderful time galloping along the field. When we got to the narrow bridle path, I thought we were still alone and I continued to gallop. I passed close to Lord Rotherfield along the bridle path. Startled him, I think. When he saw me about 10 minutes later, he assumed from my reckless behavior that I must have been thrown."

"That was reckless behavior. I am glad you recognize the danger you put Jake and yourself in when riding fast along a narrow path."

" I know. I'm very sorry. I will stick to the field to gallop."

"Well, Marleigh, I know if I could ask Jake, he would say he had a fine morning." Lady Beauford turned to Lord Rotherfield. "Are you planning to attend the Dunbar's party on Saturday, Lord Rotherfield?"

"Yes, I am looking forward to seeing a few old friends. The Hendleys and Springermans, especially. I attended Eton with their sons."

"I don't believe I saw you at last year's Season."

"No, we stayed at our country house last year. In fact, I am only here for the Easter festivities and then I return to my estate for the spring lambing."

"Will you be returning?"

"Briefly, I expect I will escort my family to the seaside for the summer months.

"Have you met our Saturday evening host's daughter, Priscilla Dunbar? She is a lovely young lady."

"No, I haven't. I hope that I may count on Lady Marleigh to introduce me to her."

"I have not met her as yet, myself." I just arrived in England last week."

********

By Friday, Marleigh had visited at least six of her Aunt's friends. They all had daughters or young men who would be at the Saturday night soirée. Most of the daughters she met during the tea and a few of the young men.

Since she had labeled this as an information-gathering event, so far she thought it would be a modestly entertaining evening. In general, the young men were like puppies. Foolish and disinterested in anything except teasing each other and talking about today's fashion, gambling and horses.

Marleigh mentioned to her aunt she may want to leave earlier. Aunt Serena called her fear of boredom "nonsense" and then confided that she rarely stayed after 2 am these days. That was a bit of comfort to Marleigh.

Still, she thought with a sigh, it will be a long night.