“Lord Somerton, would you help me with my stirrup. I don’t believe it is adjusted correctly.”
“It would be my greatest pleasure,” Somerton replied, raising an eyebrow at Mary.
Mary blushed a blotchy red across her cheeks. “Really?”
“Why yes, Miss Marston.”
Matthew clenched his jaw out of frustration. He’d finally discovered a woman who might settle for him and his reputation only to find she was far more attracted to Somerton.
Somerton jumped down, handed his reins to Matthew, and proceeded to adjust Mary’s stirrup. Somerton checked the length by reaching up to her calf and extending her leg. Mary’s eyes widened and her mouth gaped. Matthew clutched the reins of his own horse, trying to gain control of his anger.
After Somerton finished the modification, they rode down the path toward the old Tudor dower house.
“Oh my,” Mary whispered. “How could the Astons let that place fall to such ruin?”
“It really isn’t all that dreadful,” he replied.
Matthew examined the house and wondered at her comment. While a little overgrown with brushes, the structure looked sound, the roof appeared to be holding together. In fact, the little house seemed to be in better shape than his estate in Lancashire.
She would hate his estate. Cobwebs adorned most of the rooms, the roof leaked, and the furniture was all over a hundred years old and covered in dust. How would she survive the first couple of years of marriage?
The only way would be to stay in the London house and visit the estates as needed for short periods of time. Then, as the money increased, she could refurbish the house. He really wasn’t asking for that much, was he?
All he wanted was a woman who could be a helpmate. A woman who would want to assist him in fixing this mess. Someone to build a future with, have children with, someone to love. He obviously wanted too much.
The image of sitting in the study with Jennette flashed through his mind. Would she have the fortitude for the task in front of him? She had been raised as a proper young lady of the ton. She would likely be even more put out by the condition of his estates.
“Shall we continue?” Somerton asked. “Perhaps we could catch up with the Selbys.”
Matthew shook his head. “Mary isn’t a very skilled rider.”
“Lord Blackburn,” Mary said with shock. “You shouldn’t speak of me in such a manner.”
“I wouldn’t wish for you to get hurt,” he replied calmly.
Her face softened as she smiled shyly at Somerton. “I could try a gallop if that is what Lord Somerton would like.”
Somerton smiled at her. “I should hate myself if something happened to you because of me.”
Her lips pouted slightly. “Of course.”
Matthew gently nudged his gelding. “Come along.”
The other two followed behind as anger surged within him. He’d hoped to get a few moments alone with Mary and attempt to kiss her. Now, with Somerton in tow, the opportunity appeared lost. And for some reason, Matthew was sure Somerton had decided to ride with them on purpose.
Jennette waited patiently while her maid finished pinning her hair into a lovely coiffure. “I believe I’ll wear the pearls tonight, Molly. Could you lace a strand or two into my hair?”
“Of course, miss. You look beautiful when we do. The contrast between your black hair and the white pearls is stunning.”
Her mother watched from her position on the bed. “Jennette, do you think your bodice is a bit too revealing?”
Jennette glanced into the mirror and frowned. Her stays had brought her small breasts together for a slight line of cleavage. Not something she normally had.
“No, I think it’s perfect.”
Her mother shook her head and smiled. “Are you trying to entice someone?”
“Of course not!”