Page 31 of Just a Little Daring

“Certainly not. It’s far too early in the year, the sea must be icy,” Vivien said with a shiver.

“Yes. Yes, it’s certainly too early in the year,” Aisling said firmly, looking vastly relieved.

Vivien frowned and glanced at Evie who mouthed the words, ‘her dare.’

Oh, of course. Aisling's dare was to swim naked by moonlight. No wonder she was relieved. Viv gave her shoulder a comforting pat.

“It is. Far too cold, though some brave souls are attempting it.”

Ash shuddered and shook his head. “That’s not bravery, but idiocy. I value my tender parts too dearly to put them through such an ordeal. I want to be a father one day, if not for a while yet.”

“Ash!” Vivien hissed, widening her eyes at him, for Aisling had turned the colour of a cooked lobster.

“Beg pardon, ladies,” he said, looking entirely unrepentant.

They enjoyed a pleasant walk along the front, sampled the fruit ices and retired back to The Old Ship Hotel for lunch, whereby some happy accident they were all staying. The newer Duke of York was the more fashionable venue, but The Ship had charm and a familiar elegance, and for some, happy associations.

“Mama has fond memories of this hotel,” Evie said with a smile as they made their way to the dining room.

“Oh, of course, her curricle race from London with your father. How intrepid she was, and to win the race too! She’s a remarkable woman,” Aisling said with an admiring smile. “And it’s such a romantic story.”

Evie nodded. “Yes, though Mama says nearly expired from the chill she caught. She told me she arrived frozen stiff and soaked to the bone, but she said it was worth it, for Papa carried her into the hotel, and he kissed her for the first time as he carried her up the stairs.”

Both Aisling and Vivien gave a wistful sigh, and Ash laughed, shaking his head.

“Barmy, the lot of you.”

“It’s not barmy at all,” Viv protested, feeling an unwelcome surge of melancholy. “Mr Knight was gallant in defeat, and it is romantic the way he carried her inside… and now coming back here, where they shared their first kiss all those years ago. It is splendidly romantic.”

Something in her tone must have alerted Evie to her mood, for she took Viv’s arm as Ash escorted Aisling to their table.

“Still nothing from Mr Lane-Fox?” she asked softly.

Viv shook her head, appalled to discover his name still sent a stab of longing through her heart, though it had been weeks since that scene at Axton House. “Of course not. We do not suit, Evie. I told you that.”

“Telling me or telling yourself does not make your heart do as it is told, though, does it?” Evie said, squeezing her hand.

Viv swallowed hard and sent her a pleading look.

“So let us talk of other things,” Evie said briskly, aware that Viv was on the brink of tears and anything kinder would have overset her. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

Vivien took a breath, grateful for Evie’s rapid change of subject as they joined Ash, who was pulling out a chair for Aisling to sit down. “Well, Ash suggested….”

But whatever it was Ash had suggested flew from her mind as she saw two men enter the dining room. They were so intent on their conversation, they did not notice Vivien and her party until they were mere inches from their table.

The two men stopped in their tracks.

Chapter 11

Raphe,

Thank you for your letter. I am glad to hear you and the lovely Greer are muddling on in my absence. Even better to hear I am missed, even if that is not entirely true. Give Ollie my regards.

I arrived in Brighton on the 8th of April and have taken a room at The Old Ship Hotel, for which I thank you. I know you will tell me I have more than earned my wages, but you are a generous employer, brother mine, and I am grateful for it. It is good to be among society without fearing someone will notice my worn cuffs or too oft folded cravat.

It’s an enjoyable treat to be back in society for a while and catch up with old friends, but it surprises me not to feel as at home here as I once did. Moreover, I miss the peace to be found at Marcross Manor and, strangely, the work, too. Never thought I’d say such a thing, but I think you understand. Still, I am glad you forced me into this brief holiday for that reason alone. It is good to realise what has become important to me. I must be getting old. I suppose your very tempting example of wedded bliss might make a fellow somewhat envious, though I doubt I’ll ever be as fortunate as you have been in your wife, you lucky dog. Ah, well, a fellow can hope, and hunt, and speaking of which… I have a party to attend.

―Excerpt of a letter from The Hon’ble Mr Sylvester Cootes to his brother, The Right Hon’ble Raphe Cootes, Baron de Ligne.