Neds smile was a little more relaxed. Jack, then.
Good. With such formalities out of the way, Ill admit I couldnt help but notice your contretemps with Miss Webb last night.
Neds face darkened. Well, you saw how it was, he growled. She was encouraging an entire company of flatterers and inconsequential rattles.
There was a pause, then Jack asked, I do hope you didnt tell her so?
Ned fortified himself with a long sip of coffee and nodded darkly. Not in those precise words, of course.
Thank heaven for small mercies. Jack fixed his guest with a severe glance. It seems to me, my lad, that youre in desperate need of guidance in the matter of how to conduct a campaign in the ton.
A campaign?
The sort of campaign one wages to win a ladys heart.
Ned glowered. Clarissas heart has always been mine.
I dare say, Jack replied. The trick is to get her to recognize that fact. From what I saw last night, if you continue as you are, youre liable to go backwards rather than forwards.
Ned frowned at his mug, then glanced up at Jack. Im not really cut out to shine in town. I dont know how to do the pretty by the ladies; Im more at home in the saddle than in a ballroom.
Arent we all? At Neds questioning look, Jack elaborated. The vast majority of gentlemen youll see at any evenings entertainments would rather be somewhere else.
But why attend if they dont wish to?
Why were you at Mrs. Webbs little affair?
Because I wanted to see Clarissa.
Precisely. The only inducement capable of getting most of us across the threshold of a ballroom is the lure of the ladies. Where else do we get a chance to converse, to establish any connection? If you do not meet a lady first at a ball, its dashed difficult to approach her anywhere else, at least in town. So, Jack concluded, if youre set on winning Clarissa Webb, youll have to accept the fact that youll be gracing the tons ballrooms for the Season.
Ned wrinkled his nose. My father was against my coming up to town-he thought I should just wait for Clarissa to come back. Mr. and Mrs. Webb are very sure shell not appreciate the racketing about and will want to return to the country.
I have inestimable faith in the senior Webbs perspicacity. However, dont you think youre extrapolating just a little too far? Taking Clarissa just a little too much for granted?
Ned flushed again. Thats what worried me. Its why I came to town.
And your instincts were right. Jack eyed him straitly. From what little Ive seen, I would predict that, whatever her inclinations, Clarissa Webb is sure to be one of the hits of the Season. That means shell have all the puppies fawning at her feet, eager to paint unlikely pictures of a glowing future should she bestow her hand on them. And, despite the fact she may remain at heart a country miss, one should not lose sight of the fact that theres no shortage of gentlemen who are also inclined to the country. Such men would not baulk at taking a wife who dislikes town life. Most, in fact, would consider her a find.
Neds brow furrowed. After a moments cogitation, he looked Jack in the eye. Are you telling me Clarissa will be sought after by other gentlemen who would wish to retire to the country?
Jack nodded decisively.
And if I dont make a a push to fix her interest, she may accept one of them?
Again came a definite nod.
Ned looked slightly shaken. After a long silence in which he studied the coffee at the bottom of his mug, and during which Jack sat back, at ease, and waited patiently, Ned raised his head, his jaw set, and regarded Jack with determined honesty. I thank you for your warning, Jack. Youve given me a great deal to think about. Despite his efforts, Neds features contorted in a grimace which he immediately hid behind his mug. Dashed if I know what Im to do about it, though, he mumbled from behind the mug.
No need to panic. Jack waved a languid hand. Ive loads of experience Im perfectly willing to place at your disposal. I dare say once you learn the ropes, youll find the whole business a challenge.
Surprised, Ned looked up from his mug. Do you mean he began, then took the bull by the horns. Are you suggesting youd be willing to help me?
Not suggesting. Im telling you Im prepared to stand your mentor in this.
Neds open face clouded. But why? He flushed vividly. I mean
Jack laughed. No, no. A perfectly understandable question. He viewed his guest with a quietly assessing eye. Then he smiled. Lets just say that I cant bear to see one so young so tangled in the briars. And, of course, I, too, have an interest in the Webb household. He made the admission with easy assurance and was rewarded by Neds instant comprehension.
Sophie? His eyes growing round, his gaze openly speculative. Ned considered Jack-and his revelation.
Jack inclined his head.
Oh.
As Jack had hoped, Ned seemed to accept that his interest in Sophie was sufficient excuse for his interest in him. While he was certainly drawn to Neds open earnestness, it was Sophies transparent concern for her cousin that had prompted him to take Ned under his wing. It formed no part of his own campaign to have Sophie in a constant fidget over her cousin, always keeping one eye on the younger girl. It was natural enough that she do so; to one who was himself imbued with a strong sense of sibling responsibility, Sophies concern for Clarissa demonstrated a highly laudable devotion. Nevertheless, Sophies cousinly concern could rapidly become a distraction.
And Jack was quite certain he did not wish to share Sophies attention-not With Clarissa, nor anyone else.
Ned was frowning, clearly still uncertain.
Consider my offer in the light of one doing his damnedest to ensure his lady is not distracted by unnecessary ructions amongst her family, Jack suggested somewhat drily.
Ned glanced up, struggling to hide a grin. I suppose thats true enough. Sophies always been like an elder sister to Clarissa.
Jack inclined his head. Im so glad you see my point.
Ned nodded. If thats the way it is, I have to admit it wouldnt sit well to walk away from a fight. But I do feel totally at sea. He grinned at Jack. Do you think you can turn me into a dandy?
Jack grinned back. Not a chance. What Im sure we can do is to turn you out as a gentleman of the ton. Sobering, he fixed Ned with a meaningful glance. You should never forget, nor attempt to hide, your origins. There is, if youll only stop to consider, no taint attached to being a husbander of acres. Most of the highest in the ton are also the largest landholders in England and I can assure you theyre not the least apologetic for the fact. Many spend considerable amounts of time managing their estates. Drawing ones fortune directly from the land is nothing to be ashamed of.
Ned coloured slightly. Thank you. I dont know how you knew but thats exactly what I felt.
I know because Ive been there before you. I, too, have an estate to manage. That, however, has never stopped me from feeling at home in London.
Oh. The revelation that Jack, too, had firm links with the country eased Neds mind of its last doubt. So, what do I do first?
A tailor, Jack declared. Then a barber. You cant do anything until you look the part. And then well see about introducing you to some of the necessary establishments a gentleman of the ton must needs frequent-like Mantons and Jacksons Boxing Saloon. After that, we shall plan your campaign in more detail. Jack smiled. Youre going to have to learn that finessing the feminine mind takes the wiles of a fox and the devotion of a hound.
Ill do whatever I need to, Ned averred. Just as long as I can make Clarissa stop looking at those trumped-up popinjays as she was last night.
Jack laughed and rose. Onward, then. No time like the present to make a start.
WHILE NEDWAS sipping coffee in Upper Brook Street, Horatio Webb was busy introducing his children and his niece to the mounts he had had brought down from the country.
These should be just the ticket for jaunts in the Park, he said as he ushered his charges into the stables. Quite the thing, I hear, to be seen riding in the morning.
Golly, yes! returned Jeremy, eyes aglow. All the crack.
Horatios eyes twinkled. Now these two, you two should recognize.
By Jupiter! Theyre the ones you bought from Lord Cranbourne, arent they, sir? George, together with Jeremy, stared round-eyed at the two glossy-coated chestnut geldings their father had indicated.
Horatio beamed. I thought they needed a little exercise. Think you can handle them?
A garbled rush of words assured him that they could.
Well cut a dash on these, Jeremy declared.
With both boys absorbed, Horatio smiled down at Amy, clutching his hand. Now for you, my miss, Ive brought down Pebbles. Old Maude wouldnt have appreciated the traffic, you know.
Struck dumb at the thought of advancing beyond Old Maudes plodding gait, Amy stared at the placid grey mare who ambled up to look over the stall door. Look! she piped, as the mare reached down to nudge hopefully at her pockets. She knows me!
That, of course, took care of Amy. Leaving her to get properly acquainted with the mare, Horatio smiled at his two remaining charges. Now, my dear, he said, beckoning Clarissa forward. I fear I couldnt improve on Jenna, so I brought her down for you. I do hope youre not disappointed.
Clarissa smiled delightedly as she reached up to stroke the velvety nose of her beautiful chestnut mare. How could I possibly be disappointed with you, my pet, she crooned softly as the mare nudged her cheek. I was afraid you would want to spell her for a bit, she told her father. I rode her all winter.
Old Arthur seemed to think she was moping, missing all her rides. You know how soft-hearted he is. Horatio patted Jennas nose, then turned to Sophie.
And now for you, my dearest Sophie. Taking her arm, he led her to the next stall, where an elegant roan mare was bobbing her head curiously. I hope Dulcima here suits you. Not as powerful as the Sheik, of course, but rather more suited to the confines of the Park.
Sophie was staring at the beautiful horse. But shes new, isnt she?
Horatio waved dismissively. Found her at Tattersalls. Shes well broken and used to being ridden in town. Quite a find.
And now for you, my dearest Sophie. Taking her arm, he led her to the next stall, where an elegant roan mare was bobbing her head curiously. I hope Dulcima here suits you. Not as powerful as the Sheik, of course, but rather more suited to the confines of the Park.
Sophie was staring at the beautiful horse. But shes new, isnt she?