The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance (5 page)

Harriet watched with approval, and, as the younger couple moved
away, she glanced up at Lord Glencairn. His eyes met hers and she saw an
answering gleam there.

“They look lovely together, do they not?” she asked. “Lord Francis
is so handsome, and his fair coloring complements Isobel’s
auburn
hair so well.”

“A handsome couple, indeed,” said Lord Glencairn. “It took me
very little time to
determine
the reason for Francis’
sudden interest in visiting Scotland; while I am an old friend of his father,
and he is an accomplished angler and has visited before to do some fishing, I’m
not such a fool as to think he would make a visit of some weeks without the
inducement of Miss Paley’s company.”

“I don’t see how anyone could
fail to
enjoy
time
spent
in this lovely home, but I am also quite
sure that dear Isobel is what lured him here,” agreed Harriet. “I would so like
to see them married.”

Lord Glencairn offered his arm.
“
Miss
Walcott, I believe you expressed an interest in viewing my art collection.
Perhaps you will do me the honor of permitting me to escort you on a tour, and
while we do that you can share with me your thoughts on how we might best
encourage our young friends to realize that a union between them would be to
their best advantage.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Harriet. She took his lordship’s arm. “That
is
a truly excellent notion!”

Lord Glencairn led her into the adjoining room, which was elegantly
appointed and contained several examples of Greek statuary. Harriet
contemplated for some moments a marble Eros leaning over to kiss a sleeping
Psyche.

“It’s quite beautiful. I’m sure Isobel could tell me a great deal
more about this than I would wish to know,” she observed.

Lord Glencairn laughed. “Is Miss Paley an expert on Greek
statuary?” he teased.

“She much prefers the Roman,” said Harriet absently. “But she does
know a great deal about the Greeks as well. She forever has her nose in a book,
you know.”

“I did not,” said Lord Glencairn.

Harriet looked up, stricken. “Oh, you must not say anything to
Isobel. She would be so angry with me. Well, not angry, as she knows my tongue
often runs away with me, and she never says an unkind word to me, but she does
wish that I would not
discuss
with others her interest
in antiquities.”

Lord Glencairn chuckled. “Your Miss Paley is not as subtle as she
believes. Perhaps in London they are unaware of her interests, but believe me,
Miss Walcott, it is quite difficult to dig up a large expanse of property using
local laborers without the neighbors becoming aware of, and curious about,
one's
activities.”

“Oh,” breathed Harriet. “Do you mean that everyone knows?”

“Most of us are far too polite to ask questions,” the earl replied.
“But I think we are all aware that Miss Paley
has interests that are
more than a bit out of the common way.
And there is not
h
ing wrong with that at all. I very much doubt Lord Francis would
pursue a
typical
young lady with the persistence he
currently displays.”

“I do wish she would not lead him such a dance,” said Harriet. “She
is quite determined to maintain her independence. I often fear Lord Francis
will find a more amenable bride.”

Lord Glencairn glanced across the room to where Isobel and Francis
stood, regarding a bronze statue. Francis’ fair head was inclined toward
Isobel’s, and a mischievous smile played over his lips.

“I think you need have no fears on that account,” he said. “It would
take a great deal to pry him from her side.”

“Do you think so?” Harriet allowed Lord Glencairn to lead her to the
next
objet d’art
, which she glanced at cursorily. “I believe that he
made her an offer in London this past Season, and she turned him down,” she
said softly.

Lord Glencairn raised his eyebrows. “Then she is determined indeed.
How can we persuade her to reconsider that decision?”

Harriet hesitated. “When he visits, she often seems to be quite
agitated, but also very pleased to see him. After he leaves she always speaks
of what a nuisance his presence is, but if I suggest that he has any faults at
all, she is quick to chide me. Perhaps if they could be thrown together in a
way that she would have to appreciate his patience and intelligence, she would
come to understand what she is giving up. I wish I could convince her to allow
him to help her on her excavations, but I fear my powers of persuasion are not
up to that!”

“You are probably right, Miss
Walcott
. If
some
endeavor
could be found on which they would be
compelled to work in harmony, she may become more comfortable in his company.
I’ve often thought that our courtships offer little opportunity to establish
true comfort. Far too often couples wed with little understanding of one
another. I know Lord Francis to be an exceptional gentleman; now we simply need
to make Miss Paley understand that as well.”

“But what could we possibly invent to bring them together?” asked
Harriet. “As I said, Isobel is unlikely to let him intrude on her excavation,
and Ballydendargan Cottage is not in need of anything Lord Francis could
contribute. Isobel has all she needs.”

Lord Glencairn patted her hand. “Do not fret, Miss
Walcott
. We shall put our heads together and come up with something.”

“Very well. I hope you are more successful than I was these past
months!” said Harriet.

“I think you must have been successful indeed,” said Lord Glencairn.
“For Miss Paley appears not to
be
immune to his lordship, despite her denial of his suit. You must continue to
sing Lord Francis’ praises, and I will make sure that he has an excuse to spend
a great deal of time in her company.”

“You are far too kind,” enthused Harriet. “I have no idea why you
would put yourself out to help me, but I do thank you.”

Lord Glencairn’s bright blue eyes twinkled down at her. “I merely
wish everyone to be happy,” he said.

Now confirmed co-conspirators, Harriet and Lord Glencairn continued
through the art collection,
occasionally
glancing over
to see how Isobel and Francis were getting along. All was peaceful between the
young couple, and after a time everyone went in to dinner. The company was
delightful and the food exceptional, and after the meal the servants rolled up
the carpets in the drawing room and musicians entered, ready to strike up
a
few
country dances. Harriet watched with delight as Lord
Francis led Isobel out. Content to watch others dance, she sat against the wall
and
acquainted herself with a few of
the
neighborhood
matrons
.
Presently she saw Lord
Glencairn, Lord Francis, and Isobel walk out onto the terrace, and, as they did
so, the earl turned and caught her eye. With a meaningful glance, he was gone.

Harriet gazed after them, wondering what plan Lord Glencairn might
be setting in motion. As she pondered the matter, her eye fell on Miss Dalburn,
who was attending the party at his lordship’s request. Earlier she had been
much occupied by Lady Sophia, who had been very excited to attend her first
adult party, but the girl had retired to the schoolroom after dinner, and now
her governess hovered in a corner, looking about uncomfortably. Harriet
hastened to her side.

“Catherine, how lovely to see you,” she said. “I had not a moment to
greet you earlier, for I was much occupied in soliciting Lord Glencairn’s help
in bringing Miss Paley and Lord Francis together. We have agreed we shall work
in tandem to lure them to the altar.”

Miss Dalburn smiled, relieved to see a friendly face. “What an
excellent notion. I wish you all success. Lord Francis seems to be completely
enamoured of Miss Paley. When he looks at her, his feelings are apparent in his
eyes.”

“And I think she is of him as well,” said Harriet. “But she will not
admit it to herself, as clear as it is to those of us who know her well.”

“What a pity that she does not know her own heart,” said Catherine.
“We who have never had the chance to love envy her.”

Harriet looked pensive. “Miss Paley has always been much sought
after. She does not know what it means to be alone, and I would not wish that
on her, after all. But the burden she carries of being loved by an honourable
man is hardly a difficult one. I wish we could all be as carefree as my dear
cousin.”

Catherine nodded sympathetically and there was a brief pause, as
they pondered Isobel’s luck. Then she shook her head impatiently. “We should be
talking of what our futures may be, not of Miss Paley’s difficulties. What
think you of Lord Glencairn, now that you have met him?”

“He is very pleasant; so thoughtful and considerate. Indeed, we
seemed to be in harmony from the first moment we met, though perhaps that has
more to do with our concerns for Lord Francis and Miss Paley than any true
connection. Still, I can hope that it may blossom into something more.” She
paused a moment. “And he is very handsome. You had mentioned that he was hale
for his age, but I had no idea that he was so presentable.”

Catherine gave her an amused glance. “Yes, I believe that if he
wished, he might have any woman he wanted.”

Harriet looked at her, stricken. “Oh, my dear, did you wish—I mean,
I would not if you—after all, you have been here for many years—”

Catherine hastened to interrupt this torrent of disjointed
statements. “Do not worry, Harriet. I have served in his household far too long
for me to think of him in that way. After all, if he found me to be a candidate
for a second spouse, I would have known it long ago. I have no connections in
Society, and, while a competent governess, I am not fond of entertaining and
would have no idea how to bring out a young lady. I would be very happy,
though, if his new wife were to be a friend of mine. It would give me much
peace of mind.”

Harriet took her hand and pressed it warmly. “Indeed, and if I were
so lucky as to contract such an advantageous marriage, it would be a great
relief to me to have a friend in my new home. Please know, Catherine, that no
matter what my future holds, I will always help you in any way I can.”

Catherine smiled. “I thank you for that, Harriet, and please know
that I will do all in my power to assist you as well.”

The two women gazed at each other for a moment in perfect amity.
Then Catherine nodded toward the doors to the terrace.

“I believe our friends have returned,” she said. “Something
momentous must have occurred; Lord Francis looks well-pleased with himself,
while Miss Paley appears to be more conflicted.”

Harriet followed her gaze, and indeed Lord Francis was beaming,
while Isobel face’s was decorated with the expression that Harriet had long
associated with her cousin’s mixed emotions when it came to her suitor. Lord
Glencairn caught her eye, and raised his eyebrows, a look of satisfaction on
his face.

“Oh my,” she said. “Catherine, if you will excuse me, I believe I
must find out what has happened!”

“Certainly,” replied Catherine. “I am most curious myself!”

“I will let you know as soon as I may!” said Harriet. With a last
smile, she hurried toward the group.

“My dear, there you are,” she said, lacing her arm through Isobel’s.
“I have been looking for you these five minutes I am sure. Only fancy, I have
just met Mrs. FitzCollum, and found out that she is a cousin of mine, though
the relationship is not close. I believe that her mother and my uncle’s wife
were connected
--
that would be the Downforths of
Yorkshire, you will recall, and now I find her here. So surprising, for I was
sure that Maria had been closer to her family than to have let the connection
go. But here we are acquainted again, and I vow it is charming. Is it not
delightful, Lord Glencairn?” she asked brightly.

“Delightful indeed, dear Miss Walcott. Hrrrmmph. Most charming. And
another delightful thing has occurred this evening,” he said with a grin. “Miss
Paley has agreed to assist me in the design and construction of a folly on the
shore of my ornamental lake. Is it not the very thing?”

“An ornamental lake?” Harriet inquired. “I believe that I have not
yet seen it, perhaps I can beg your arm to the bottom of the garden so that I
may view it, for I am not, you know a strong walker. I find that none of the Walcott
females are, but a folly! You are indeed ambitious Lord Glencairn, but then I
am sure that you could not have found another person more capable of assisting
you in realizing your ambitions than Isobel, why her attainments in the field
of...”

As Harriet talked Lord Francis returned with the glass of lemonade
Isobel had requested, and Isobel, fearful of Harriet revealing too much, made
haste to take a sip and fall into a choking fit. But when this had been
prolonged as long as her thespian capabilities would permit, Harriet for once
refusing to be diverted
continued
.

“...Isobel's attainments in the field of Roman antiquities,
so very distinguished and scholarly, you know, although of course she dislikes
very much to have it spoken of, still we are among friends here, and I am sure
that dear Lord Francis and Lord Glencairn will not reveal these matters, for
after all, it is perfectly acceptable for a young lady to be involved with
landscaping, such a
feminine
use for your studies, much
more the thing than for you to be grubbing about in that dirty hole in the
ground and supervising the workers, who I am sure are not in the least
respectable.” Required at long last to draw breath, Harriet appeared to be on
the verge of embarking upon yet another peroration, when Lord Francis, with
ill-disguised mirth in his eyes, held up a languid hand.