Oh, Cherry Ripe

Freddy played with the pony’s lovely, dark mane. “Silly old thing … now you’re caught, aren’t you.”

“He doesn’t really mind,” Cherry said on a short laugh and then turned at the sound of a horse’s hooves in the drive.

Her eyes opened wide, and she gasped as she saw who it was atop a lovely dapple gray. Oh no, oh faith, oh no. What was she going to do? It was her dearest friend, James Dartford, grinning and riding right towards them!

How could this be? Polly was the only one who knew, and Polly would never release her whereabouts without her leave—never!

James rode right up to the group now looking at him with avid interest as he easily dismounted his horse and, with the reins in hand, strode up to the fence line. He nimbly jumped over, threw the reins around the rail of the fence, walked purposely up to Cherry, and scooped her up with one arm. “Here you are, you brat of brats!” he said in way of greeting.

Very much to Freddy’s surprise and chagrin, Cherry sank into the stranger’s embrace and happily responded to his greeting, “Oh, James, you dreadful man, I am so very pleased to see you, even though you have no right to be here, and I am very, very upset with Polly!”

“Hush, girl. Polly did not give you away—it was her new husband. Here now, gather up your things, and I will take you home.”

She pulled away from him, aware that the twins had suddenly become somber as they frowned up at them. Stomping her foot, she wagged a finger. “Indeed, I will not.”

“Hold a moment!” Freddy stuck in, now feeling his jurisdiction. “Miss Sarah is not going anywhere with you or anyone else.”

“Miss Sarah, is it?” He eyed her with a smile. “Well, well is she not?” James challenged, fire lighting in his green eyes. “Well, we shall see about that.” To Cherry, he said, “It’s no good, old girl. You must come home.”

“I can’t, James. Don’t you understand? Mama wants me to marry a man I have never even met! I don’t even know his name, and she is adamant. She gave him her word, made a marriage settlement, means to post the banns. I won’t marry a man I don’t love—I simply won’t.”

“Good God, Miss Sarah … er Miss Cherry …” whispered Freddy. “Don’t you worry. No one shall take you from Bromley and force you into a marriage you don’t want. You are under Bromley protection!” He glared defiantly at James, who was a good four inches taller and somewhat broader as well.

James smiled. “Good boy!” He winked at Cherry. “Plucky, ain’t he? Well, you have a friend in him, but tell him, do, that you have a friend in me as well.”

“How can I when you have come to fetch me to … to a fate worse than—”

“Cherry!” He clucked at her. “Don’t go melodramatic and missy on me.” He whooped with laughter. “I know you too well, and I haven’t come to fetch you anywhere but home. I shan’t let anyone, not even Lady Elton, marry you off. You have my word of honor.”

“Miss Cherry, who is this person? Who is Lady Elton, and why should she want to marry you off? Shall I send him off our property?” Freddy frowned.

Cherry peeped, “James, you deserve to be thrown off the premises for coming here and not minding your own business. I daresay you would not have liked it if the situation were reversed.” She put up her hand to stop his retort and turned to Freddy. “This is Lord James Dartford, and he is my dearest friend. We go back practically to the cradle.”

She eyed James. “And this is Lord Frederick Bromley and the twins, Francine and Felix. I am their governess and very happy to have the position.”

“So it is true. When Polly’s husband told me I could scarcely credit it, and Polly would not confirm it. Said she had nothing to say on the subject. Famous! Damn, if you aren’t up to every rig, you sly vixen,” James uttered in an admiring tone.

“I don’t think he should speak to you like that,” Freddy said. “Shall I land him a facer?”

“No, no, Freddy …” Cherry laughed. “He really is a good sort. His want of conduct stems from the fact that we have been at one another forever.” She eyed James mischievously. “You might as well leave, for I shan’t go home, and that is final.”

“Yes, but that is the one thing you must do … immediately,” James answered seriously.

“No, I must not. For one thing, the twins need me.” She looked towards them, and they were vigorously nodding their heads. “I just won’t leave them … yet—I can’t. Besides, whoever it is I am supposed to marry will get tired of courting someone who isn’t there, and then I can safely return and be comfortable.”

“He thinks you are ill and in bed,” James answered with a frown.

“Does he? Then why does he still wish to marry me?”

“Stupid girl, he thinks it some mild malady, and he has himself been out of town, your stepmama told me. You must come back, vixen. Think of the scandal.”

“I see. Well, the solution is this. Return to my stepmama and tell her that if she retires to Elton Place in

the country, away from curious eyes, it will avoid a scandal and perhaps put off this relentless suitor.”

“Selfish brat. How can you do this to her?” James responded roughly.

Cherry’s eyes glinted. “She started this mess by trying to force me into marriage.”