Page 38 of The Widow Wore Plaid

“A stone from the ancient fort. The driver said it’s been here since the Iron Age. Knockfarrel actually means ‘stone fort.’” He peered down at the rock as well.

“Why does it look so . . . odd?” It didn’t actually look like stone at all, having instead a glassy quality to it.

“Apparently the fort was burned . . . they actually burned the rocks it was made of, to strengthen it. That turned the stone into something very like glass.” Lord Harold stroked a finger down the length of the object and Bella shivered. “I thought it was pretty.”

“Thank you.” She did as well, pretty and unusual. Something she could keep and treasure to remind her of this glorious day—and of him.

“I think they are ready to push on. May I toss you up?” Lord Harold cupped his hands and held them out to her.

Pocketing the stone, she then set her foot into his hands. There was a momentary squeeze—some sort of caress, perhaps?—then she was flying up onto Athena. Gathering the reins, she managed to avoid looking at him, at least until she could figure out what that little embrace had meant. If it had meant anything. Perhaps that was just his way of assisting a lady onto a horse.

She shot a glance at Lord Harold as he mounted his horse. He seemed perfectly natural, not at all smug about what he had done. Other than that, and the little wobble when she’d dismounted, he’d been the perfect gentleman. No further talk of sweet and tart. Which, she had to admit, was strangely disappointing.

* * *

For once Bella arrived early for dinner, attired in a pale cream silk gown, trimmed in green braid and embroidered all around the bottom with floral medallions. An ensemble which, if truth be told, she was hoping would catch the eye of Lord Harold. She had hoped to find him here already, so that they might talk some more. Their conversations were always so interesting and, well, different from what most people wanted to talk about. She quite looked forward to seeing him, but unfortunately, he’d not put in an appearance quite so early.

Only one other woman was already in the drawing room, Mrs. Seton she believed her name was. They’d been introduced at the beginning of the week and the lady’s beautiful auburn hair had made her remember her. Tonight, however, the rather pleasant, if quiet, Mrs. Seton had been sitting in the far corner, staring out at the deepening twilight, muttering indistinctly to herself. Every so often she’d looked up like a startled rabbit, glanced around the room, then returned to staring out the window.

Not wishing to intrude on the woman’s reverie with simple polite conversation, Bella had chosen to sit in the center of the elegant Chippendale sofa that faced the door—the exquisite needlework of the pastoral scene set off her gown perfectly—and arranged her skirts carefully, very aware of the pleasing picture she’d make when Lord Harold, or anyone else, entered the room.

In due time the other guests began to trickle in, several of Maria’s friends and their husbands, Lord Kinellan’s aunt Lady Prudence, who spoke pleasantly to her then tried to arrange an introduction for Bella with one of her nephews during the Little Season, and eventually the rest of the remaining guests. After Lady Prudence had ambled off toward the woman in the corner, the room had continued to fill, and Maria and Hugh had finally entered.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise, Bella.” Maria beamed at her as she lowered herself beside her on the sofa. “You are early and quite elegantly attired.” Her sister-in-law’s eyes sparkled. “I believe I can guess, Hugh, what has brought about this transformation.”

Her brother glanced sharply at Bella, then raised an eyebrow. “What would that be, Maria? Bella looks lovely as usual.”

“I believe she has set her cap at—good evening, Lord Harold.” Maria thankfully broke off before she could embarrass Bella.

“Good evening, Lady Kersey, Mr. Granger.” His eyes lit up and that devastating smile curled up his lips. “Good evening, Miss Granger. You are well this evening after our outing?”

“I am well, thank you, Lord Harold. Still invigorated by the excursion.” Bella smiled, suddenly unsure of how to proceed with their conversation. She liked Lord Harold very much, but she hadn’t set her cap at him, as Maria had insinuated. However, she would like to get to know him better.

“It was an interesting pair of landmarks. Which did you prefer?”

“Oh, there are Charlotte and Elizabeth and the others.” Shooting a look at Bella, who hoped the gentleman did not see, Maria rose. “I must speak to them about Jane’s wedding breakfast. I am certain we will not be able to get the details completed before the end of the week. Do forgive me, Lord Harold.”

“Of course, my lady.” Lord Harold bowed, then sat down beside Bella. “I believe I enjoyed the Heights most. The view was spectacular, didn’t you think?”

“It was. The mountains were breathtaking, all covered in those golden flowers.”

“Do you believe it was actually the site of an ancient druid temple, like the coachman said?” Lord Harold spoke earnestly; however, he glanced repeatedly at her brother, who was actually paying her no mind, but looking at Maria.

“Excuse me, Bella, Lord Harold. Lady Kersey wants me.” He bowed to Lord Harold and hurried to Maria’s circle of friends.

Immediately, Lord Harold dropped his tone of politeness and whispered to her. “There’s something going on.”

“What do you mean?” Bella asked, her voice in normal tones. She’d no idea what he was talking about.

“Shh. Georgie told me before she and Rob came down that when we returned from our outing, Jane and Kinellan had not yet put in an appearance from their journey to the church.” He nodded toward the companion Chippendale sofa, her sister-in-law’s friends now gathered around talking animatedly with her. “They are obviously worried something has happened. And you know what that means?” “Lord Kinellan and Jane have been kidnapped?” Bella’s thought went immediately to her books. Such unusual and frightening things always happened in the volumes she read such as The Castle of Otranto, Clarissa, and The Mysteries of Udolpho, not to mention the trials of the heroines in The Heart of Mid-lothian.

“No one knows. But no one has seen them since this morning.” Lord Harold leaned in closer to her. “Therefore, I think we should take advantage of the confusion that is sure to ensue when the host and hostess cannot be found before dinner.” His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and Bella’s heart fluttered.

She glanced around the room, where Maria’s group was speaking animatedly. Her brother and sister-in-law obviously were not doing their duty toward them as chaperones. If they wished to be naughty, this was indeed the time to do it. Bella took in a deep breath. “What do you suggest we do?”

Chapter Seventeen

Matthew, Lord Lathbury entered the comfortable drawing room where the guests congregated before dinner and frowned. Kinellan hadn’t put in an appearance yet. Rather odd as he’d expected him and Jane to be the first ones down. “My love”—he turned to Fanny—“have you seen Jane since we returned? I’d hoped to have a word with Kinellan before we went in to dinner, but neither of them seems to be down yet.”