Page 12 of Her Summer Duke

Lady Margaret turned on her heel to walk back towards Lady Mantrell. Percy followed behind her, feeling as if he was a scolded puppy, his mind in turmoil. But, oddly, the very contrariness of her nature made him desire her more. She was intriguing, and challenging, beyond what he had expected.

As they approached, Lady Mantrell was standing on the blanket, her hand over her eyes, trying to peer into the distance in the direction that they had taken, as if they had become mere black dots on the horizon. She tapped her foot impatiently. It was abundantly clear to Percy that she had never thought that he would dare to walk so far with Lady Margaret. He suspected that she would become more cautious of her charge the next time he had the opportunity to spend time with Lady Margaret.

When they reached Lady Mantrell, Percy found himself quite out of breath from the pace that the young woman had set for him. Lady Margaret, on the other hand, was cheerful and almost mischievous, as if nothing had transpired between them. Percy had fully expected her to simply ask that they return to Bradbury Crescent, but instead, she surprised him utterly.

“Lady Mantrell, Lord Percy has suggested that you, Lady Phoebe, and I might enjoy a holiday in Brighton, taking rooms at the Old Ship Hotel. We would travel in his coach which seats six, so perhaps you can think of two other ladies who might like a holiday at the seashore, I mean, supposing that you agree to it.”

Lady Mantrell seemed to forget about her anger. She looked into Lord Percy’s somewhat flushed and tired face.

“Is this true, Lord Percy? Do you wish all of us to accompany you to Brighton?”

“Yes, of course. I have booked rooms at the Old Ship Hotel, and I would suggest that you also take rooms there. The Royal Pavilion is nearby and many of the ton flock to Brighton for the summer.”

Lady Margaret clapped her hands.

“Oh, and the Theatre Royal! We must attend the Theatre Royal!”

Percy’s heart sank. What if I cannot obtain tickets to the Theatre Royal? I would fail this most intriguing woman, before we have even had a chance.

Lady Mantrell smiled, looking thoughtful.

“Then, I shall think on it. Come, help me to pack our picnic away, so that we may return at a decent hour.”

The picnic items were stored safely in the basket and the blanket folded. Lady Margaret put her hands on her tiny hips and smiled, “I dare say this has been a delightful day, wouldn’t you agree, Lady Mantrell?”

The older woman nodded, but she did not smile.

It was, once again, affirmed for Percy that he understood nothing about the whims of a woman. She’d had a delightful day? How could that be, when she had, only moments before, seemed a swirl of shifting emotions?

He mumbled politely, unsure of what else to do.

“I am so pleased, Lady Margaret.”

He helped the two women back into the barouche. After they were quite settled in, he took off his hat, ran his handkerchief over his sweating brow, and then scratched his head in puzzlement before he returned his hat to its rightful place.

On the drive back to Bradbury Crescent, he had plenty of time to allow his thoughts to try to shuffle the happenings of the day. Lady Margaret had been obviously angered that he had taken the liberty of explaining his desire to court her, and yet, now she was willing to go with him to Brighton. Well, to go with her chaperone, when she knew that he would also be there. It could not, really, be anything like ‘with him’ for that would be beyond scandalous. He shook his head. Perhaps if he’d had sisters in his life, he would comprehend the ways of women with more precision. At least, somehow, he still had the opportunity to win her love. He began to look forward to the trip to Brighton, for he was confident that Lady Mantrell would not deny her charge such a delightful holiday.

~~~~~

Margaret sat silently in the carriage. To her, this was all a game, cruel though that might be. She had decided – she held her heart for one and only one - Ensign Chester. The others who came and went were simply passing entertainment. In this case, Lord Percy had provided a wonderful opportunity. She had often begged Lady Mantrell to allow her to go to Brighton, and now, perchance they would go. What did it matter if Lord Percy hoped for more than she would ever give him?