Antonias smile was fond. Indeed. Mr Smothingham was always a great support. He really is a true knighta most chivalrous soul. With a small sigh, she gave her attention to the gooseberry fool Fenton had placed before her.
Leaving Philip to wonder how he could possibly feel so aggressive towards a probably perfectly innocent curate whom he had never met. He cleared his throat. Henrietta mentioned she was thinking of going up to town for the Little Season.
Indeed. Savouring the tartness of the gooseberry treat, Antonia slanted him a glance. Shes invited me to accompany her. I hope you dont disapprove?
Disapprove? Philip forced his eyes wide. Not at all. Picking up his spoon, he attacked the frothy concoction before him. In fact, Ill be relieved to know shell have your company.
Antonia smiled and gave her attention to her dessert.
Philip rejected his, reaching instead for his wineglass. He took a long sip, his gaze on Antonia. Am I to understand youre looking forward to taking the ton by storm?
She met his gaze with another of her disconcertingly direct looks. I dont know. Her brows rose; her lips curved lightly. Do you think I would find it diverting?
Beyond his will, Philips gaze was drawn to her lips, to the rich fullness of the ripe curves. He watched as the tip of her tongue traced their contours, leaving them sheening. His expression rigidly impassive, Philip drew in a deep breath. Slowly, he lifted his eyes and met Antonias steady gaze. As to that, my dear, I would not dare hazard a guess.
* * *
He had only questioned her intentions in London to assure himself she was a willing partner in Henriettas schemes. His motives, Philip assured himself, were entirely altruistic. Henrietta could be a battleship when she was so moved. Unless he had misread the signs, when it came to Antonias future, Henrietta was definitely moved.
Im not in the mood for billiards. Tossing back the last of his port, he stood and settled his coat. Lets join the ladies, shall we?
Geoffrey, for the first time elevated to the rank of gentleman to the extent of remaining to pass the port, saw nothing odd in the suggestion.
Hugo was not so innocent. He turned a face of amazed incomprehension on Philip.
Philip ignored it, leading the way to the drawing-room without further comment.
If Henrietta was surprised by his unheralded break with long-established habit, she gave no sign. Seated on the chaise, she looked up from her needlework to smile benignly. Wonderfuljust what we need. Geoffrey, do go and sing a duet with Antonia.
Henrietta waved towards the pianoforte, which stood before the long windows, presently open to the terrace. Antonia sat at the instrument, her fingers on the keys. A gentle, elusive air hung faint in the evening breeze.
With an obedient nod, Geoffrey headed for his sister. Antonia smiled a welcome, breaking off her playing to reach for the pile of music sheets resting on the pianos edge. With his customary lazy grace, Philip strolled in Geoffreys wake. Left standing by the chaise, Hugo studied the small procession, then shrugged and brought up the rear.
Lets try this, shall we? Antonia placed a sheet on the stand.
Geoffrey scanned the lines, then nodded.
Philip took up a position by the side of the grand piano from where he could watch Antonias face. As her fingers ranged the keys and the first chords of an old ballad filled the room, she looked up and met his gaze. A slight smile touched her lips; for an instant, their gazes held. Then she looked down and the music swept on.
She and Geoffrey sang in unison, Geoffreys pure tenor weaving in and about her fuller tones. For one stanza, she sang alone; Philip briefly closed his eyes, listening not to the song, but to the music of her voice. It was not the light voice of the girl he remembered but richer, a warm contralto with an undercurrent of huskiness.
As Geoffreys voice blended once more with hers, Philip opened his eyes. He saw Antonia glance encouragingly up at Geoffrey, then they launched into the last verse. As the final chords died, he, Henrietta and Hugo burst into spontaneous applause.
Almost squirming, Geoffrey blushed and disclaimed. Her expression one of affectionate exasperation, Antonia turned and deliberately met Philips gaze. Lips curving, she arched a delicate brow. Are you game, my lord?
Philip detected at least two meanings in her challenge; he was uncertain if there was a third. Languidly, he inclined his head and straightened, responding to the more obvious of her prompts. Coming around the piano, he dropped a hand on Geoffreys shoulder. After that masterful effort, I fear my poor talents will be a disappointment to you all, but if you can find a simple ballad, Ill endeavour to do my poor best. He took up his stance behind Antonias shoulder; Hugo took his place by the side of the piano.
With an approving smile, Antonia obliged with a rolling country ballad; Philips strong baritone managed the changing cadences with ease. Unexpectedly caught up in the simple entertainment, Hugo consented to favour them with a rollicking shanty with a repeating refrain; Antonia made the performance even more humourous by consistently lengthening the long note at the end of the second last line of the reprieve. The shanty had a full twenty verses. First Geoffrey, then Philip, joined in, assisting Hugo through the increasingly jocular song. By the end of it, they were all laughing, very much out of breath.
A smile wreathing her face, Henrietta applauded vigorously, then summoned them to take tea.
Laughter lighting her eyes, Antonia swivelled on the stool to find Philip beside her. Deliberately, she looked up and met his eyes. Despite his easy expression, the grey orbs were veiled. Calmly, she raised a brow, then watched as the chiselled line of his lips lengthened into a definite smile.
He held out his hand. Tea, my dear?
Indeed, my lord. Tilting her chin, Antonia laid her fingers in his palm and felt his hand close about them. A peculiar shiver shot up her arm, then slithered slowly down her spine. Ignoring it, she rose. Side by side, they crossed the room to where Henrietta was dispensing the tea.
With studied calm, Antonia accepted her cup but made no move to quit her aunts side. A host of unfamiliar sensations flickered along her nerves; her heart was thudding distractingly. Such unexpected susceptibility was not, to her mind, a helpful development. She had never before been so afflictedshe hoped the effect would fade quickly.
To her relief, Henrietta kept up a steady spate of inconsequentialities, abetted by Hugo Satterly. Geoffrey, having gulped his tea, wandered back to the piano. Sipping slowly, Antonia concentrated on settling her nerves.
From behind his languid mask, Philip watched her.
Actually, Ruthven Henrietta turned from Hugo I had meant to consult you as soon as you appeared about holding some entertainment for the neighbours. We havent done anything in years. Now Antonias here to help me, I really feel I should grasp the nettle with both hands.
Philip raised a brow. Indeed? None who heard those two syllables could doubt his reluctance.
Henrietta nodded imperiously. Its ones duty, after all. I had been thinking of a grand ballmusicians, dancing, all the trimmings.
Oh? Philips tone grew steadily more distant. He exchanged a glance with Hugo.
Yes. Henrietta frowned, then grimaced. But Antonia pointed out that, after all this time, we should really do something for our tenants as well.
Yes. Henrietta frowned, then grimaced. But Antonia pointed out that, after all this time, we should really do something for our tenants as well.
Philip glanced at Antonia; she was sipping her tea, her eyes demurely cast down. He swallowed a disbelieving humph.
All things consideredand I really do not feel I can let this opportunity slide, RuthvenI do believe dear Antonias suggestion is the best. Folding her hands in her lap, Henrietta nodded decisively.
And what, Philip asked, his tone deliberately even, is dear Antonias suggestion?
Why, a fête-champêtredidnt I say? Henrietta regarded him wide-eyed. A positively inspired idea, as Im sure even you will allow. We can set everything up on the lawns. Battledore and shuttlecock, races, bobbing for apples, archery, a play for the childrenyou know how these things go. We can have the food and ale set up on trestles for the tenants and entertain our neighbours on the terrace, overlooking all the fun.
Henrietta gestured grandly. A whole afternoon in which everyone can enjoy themselves. I rather think we should hold it in the next week or so, before the weather turns, but naturally youd have to be present. Shall we say next Saturdaya week from now?
Philip held her enquiring gaze, his expression as informative as a blank wall. A garden party was infinitely preferable to a local ballbut at what price? A vision of hordes of farmers and their wives tramping across his lawns swam through his mind; in his imagination he could hear the high-pitched shrieks of multitudes of children and the screams as some, inevitably, fell in the lake. But worse than all that, he could clearly see the bevy of simpering, silly, local young misses to whom he would, perforce, have to be civil.
Naturally, Ill assist in any way I can.
Antonias soft words cut across Philips thoughts. He glanced her way, then, one brow slowly rising, turned back to Henrietta. I admit to reservations that acting as hostess at such a large and varied gathering will overly tire you.
Henriettas grin was triumphant. No need to worry over me. Antonia can stand in my stead for the most partIm looking forward to sitting on the terrace with the other dowagers, keeping an eye on it all from a suitable elevation.
I can imagine, Philip returned drily. He shifted his gaze to Antonia. Yet your most part is not precisely a light load.
Antonias chin came up; she shot him a distinctly haughty glance. I think youll discover, my lord, that Im more than up to snuff. Ive managed such gatherings at Mannering for yearsI anticipate no great difficulty in overseeing my aunts entertainment.
Philip ensured his expression held just enough scepticism to make her eyes flash. I see.
Good. Henrietta thumped the floor with her cane. So its Saturday. Well send out the invitations tomorrow.
Philip blinked. Hugo, he noticed, looked vaguely stunned. Henrietta, of course, was beaming happily up at him. Drawing in a deep breath, he hesitated, then inclined his head. Very well.
As he straightened, he deliberately caught Antonias eye. Her expression was innocent but her eyes, tapestries of green and gold, were infinitely harder to read. She raised her brows slightly, then reached for his empty cup.
Eyes narrowing, Philip surrendered it. I intend to hold you to your offer.
She treated him to a sunny, utterly confident smile, then moved away to straighten the tea trolley.
Suppressing a snort, Philip turned to find Hugo beside him.
Think Ill go join Geoffrey. Hugo wriggled his shoulders. In case you havent noticed, theres an aura about here thats addling wits.
* * *
THE DEW WAS still on the grass when Antonia headed for the stables the next morning. Early-morning rides had been a long-ago treat; Philips return had resurrected pleasant memories.
Entering the long stable, she paused, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. Rising on her toes, she looked along the glossy backs, trying to ascertain whether the chestnut gelding the headgroom, Martin, had told her was Philips favourite, was still in his box.
Still an intrepid horsewoman, I see.
Antonia smothered her gasp and swung about. The velvet skirts of her habit swirled, brushing Philips boots. He was so close, she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes, one hand on her riding hat to keep it in place.
I didnt hear you. The words were breathless; inwardly, Antonia cursed.
I noticed. You seemed absorbed in some search. Philips eyes held hers. What were you looking for?
For an instant, Antonias mind went blank; prodded by sheer irritation, she replied, I was looking for Martin. She turned to survey the empty stable, then slanted a glance at Philip. I wanted him to saddle a horse for me.
Philips jaw firmed. He hesitated, then asked, Which of my nags have you been using?
I havent been out yet. Picking up her skirts, Antonia strolled down the aisle, knowledgeably gauging the tall hunters and hacks.
Philip followed. Take your pick, he said, knowing very well she would.
Thank you. Antonia stopped before a stall housing a long-tailed roan, a raking, raw-boned stallion Philip privately considered had a chip on his shoulderhe was perennially in a bad mood. This one, I think.
With any other woman, Philips veto would have been automatic. Instead, he simply snorted and strode on to the tack-room. Returning with a sidesaddle, bridle and reins, he found Antonia crooning sweet nothings to the giant horse. The stallion appeared as docile as the most matronly mare.
Swallowing another humph, Philip swung the stall door wide. Quickly and efficiently, he saddled the stallion, glancing now and then at Antonia, standing at the horses head communing with the beast. He knew perfectly well she could have saddled the horse herself; she was the one woman in all the millions he would trust to do so.
But it would have been churlish to suggest she wrestle with the saddle, not when she made such a delightful picture, her habit of topaz-coloured velvet a deeper gold than her hair, the tightly fitting bodice outlining the womanly curves of her breasts, nipping in to emphasize her small waist before flaring over her hips. As if sensing his regard, she looked up; Philip jabbed an elbow into the roans side and cinched the girth. Wait while I saddle Pegasus.
Antonia nodded. Ill walk him in the yard.
Philip watched as she led the stallion out, then returned to the tack-room. He was on his way back, his arms full of his own tack, when ringing footsteps sounded on the cobbles of the yard. Frowning, Philip set his saddle on the stall door. Hugo, he knew, would still be sound asleep. So who...?
Hello! Sorry Im a bit late. Geoffrey waved and headed for the tack-room. As he passed, he flung Philip a grin. I guessed youd ride early. I wont keep you. With that, he disappeared into the tack-room.
Philip smothered a groan and dropped his head against his horses glossy flank. When he straightened and turned, he found himself eye to eye with Pegasus. At least you cant laugh, he muttered savagely.
By the time he emerged from the stable, Antonia had discovered the mounting block and was perched atop the roan, a slim slender figure incomprehensibly controlling the great beast as she walked him around the yard.