Page 25 of Hot and Bothered in July
“Neither did I,” Sariah said honestly. “I fully intend to continue my pursuits for women’s rights in England, but I know that Mr. Carrington would not forbid it should we get married. He is just as eager for change within society as I am.”
As the men returned from their cigars in the dining room, Sariah’s spirits immediately rose. However, when it became clear that Reed had not joined the rest of the assemblage, her stomach sank.
She prayed it was not a precursor to how the rest of the party might go.
It was the first fox hunt that Reed had ever joined. Until now.
He’d considered remaining behind while the rest of the men enjoyed the pleasant morning’s endeavors, but it was actually because of Lord Michael’s urging that he had decided to mount a horse, courtesy of Lord Harville, and wait for the horn to sound. The braying hounds were eager to be off, taking two footmen to keep the set of four restrained until the start of the race.
Although Reed wasn’t as strong as some when it came to riding, he was not without any skill. No doubt Lord Michael could ride circles around him, and indeed, it appeared as though his stallion could easily overtake Reed’s gelding. While LordHarville had offered him some prime stock for the event, it was obvious that Lord Michael was a connoisseur when it came to horseflesh. He supposed that came with the need for survival during the war, but Lord Richard had mentioned that his friend’s father had always kept a well-bred stable.
“So you are responsible for his arrival,” Reed murmured, more to himself than to Sariah’s brother.
“I suppose I am, but do not feel threatened. Michael is harmless. He might be a former soldier, but he does not cheat to his advantage when it comes to a hunt.”
Reed nodded, although he could have cared less about the hunt. He was more concerned about his intentions toward his bride. Or rather, the woman everyone believed was his intended.
He clenched his jaw and joined the rest of the men preparing to set out. He did not like this pang of jealousy that shot through him when it came to Lord Michael and Sariah. But he could not ignore it any more than he could push aside what had happened between him and the lady at the gazebo. He’d thought of little else, sleeping poorly because of it. He kept thinking about her, warm and seductive in her bed, and the desire to join her and wipe all memory of Lord Michael out of her mind had almost made him act on the impulse.
It was through a sheer power of will that he’d remained in his chamber and stared at the wall, waiting for dawn to arrive so he could finally rise.
Now, he was sitting here, glaring at the competition that he didn’t know he had until that point. He should be focused on gaining more investors for his shipping venture, but instead, he was more interested in deciding how far Lord Michael’s sudden regard for Sariah actually went.
Reed sidled up beside the former Dragoon and touched the brim of his hat in greeting. “Fine morning.”
The gentleman turned his head to acknowledge Reed. The gentleman had dark hair and eyes, the complete opposite of Reed, and he couldn’t help but wonder what Sariah’s preferences were. “Yes, I would have to agree,” the other man said politely. “I daresay I have heard a lot about you, Mr. Carrington.”
“Have you?” Reed said evenly. “I hope it was favorable.”
“It was,” Lord Michael concurred. “It seems that you are a shrewd businessman and that after you announced your engagement to Miss Kent, your capital has increased greatly.”
Reed wasn’t certain how to take that comment. It sounded innocent, but something told him there was an underlying meaning there. “I will admit that Lord Foxworth has been very generous in introducing me to potential investors with my joint shipping venture, but I hope you are not implying that it is somehow connected to my agreement with the lady.”
“I would never presume to infer that you are using Miss Kent for personal gain,” his opponent returned. “That would be dishonorable in the extreme.”
Reed had to fight to keep his opinions to himself. While it might not be far off the mark to say his association with Miss Kent had started that way, he should not feel guilty because he had never lied about it, as it had been a mutual benefit to them both to embark on this fabrication. However, he didn’t feel as though he owed this man an explanation, so he did not take the bait.
Lord Michael must have understood that Reed was not going to engage, so he switched tactics. “Tell me, how did you and Miss Kent meet?”
Reed smiled tightly. “At the Peerless Pond. She was in distress and I came to her aid.”
“Ah. How gallant. A true English hero.”
Again, Reed did not particularly like the way the other man voiced his opinions, but again, he allowed the slight to roll off him.
As the horn sounded, signaling that all participants in the hunt should prepare, the gentleman offered one last, parting remark. “Good luck on the hunt, Mr. Carrington.”
Reed was quite sure that was said in a condescending manner, because he knew Reed would not be able to keep up with these seasoned hunters. However, Reed was determined that, while he might not win the day, he would certainly not allow Lord Michael such an easy victory—both with the fox, and Miss Kent.
Sariah was utterly bored out of her senses. While the men were out enjoying the hunt, the women were forced to partake of embroidery in the main parlor. She rolled her eyes at Maggie and Ava, the three of them struggling to pay attention to their stitches while the rest of the ladies—their mothers included—embarked on the lateston ditsof theton.
“This has got to be some form of torture,” Maggie sighed, as she pricked herself with the needle once more. “At this rate, I am going to find myself with such sore fingers that come the end of the day, I shall have to bandage every single one of them.”
Ava was the only one of their trio that did not seem to mind the task. “I have never been particularly adept at embroidery. I prefer watercolors, but I am determined to make the best of it.”
With a pointed glance to each of them, censure evident in her blue eyes, Sariah accepted defeat. “Very well. You are right, Ava. While the men are out enjoying themselves on this fine day, galloping over the countryside, I daresay I would rather beinside, stifling from the heat and pretending that I care about the latest gossip.”
Maggie snorted, but said nothing further as they continued their pursuits.
