A Perfect Gentleman(16)

But what of Audrey? She certainly would take notice of Vicar Trent and how could the vicar not be attracted to her dear friend? And, why did the thought of those two, together, cause her heart to ache?

She wanted Audrey happy and if it was Vicar Trent who made her so then Grace should be glad for her. But, she was tired of coming in second to Audrey, where gentlemen were concerned. Not that she could blame the gentlemen, of course. Audrey was beautiful and kind.

Tears pricked her eyes and Grace quickly swiped them away. Why so maudlin all of a sudden? She sniffed and returned back into the house. It has simply been a trying day that was all. Vicar Trent had shown her kindness and comfort, and until now she hadn’t realized how much of it had lacked in her life the past year. She needn’t make anything more out of it than what it was. He was being kind because it was his vocation and she would cease thinking about him kissing and holding her and concentrate on her father. It was most important. And, when Vicar Trent did settle on someone, she would be happy for him.

In the meantime, she needed to address her current situation. Of Thorn, Richards and Draker, who would be the best match for her?





Matthew sat atop his horse in the middle the road, unsure of what direction to go, a bit flummoxed from his encounter, and near kiss, with Miss Cooper. He needed to go home and concentrate on the sermon for next Sunday but in truth; his heart was not in it. He wanted to return to the Cooper home and take Grace in his arms and kiss her until she didn’t have a care in the world. He wanted to strip that gown from her body and lay beside her, touch her, kiss her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and everywhere in between. He wanted to lie between her thighs and share the intimacy that was as old as time.

He adjusted his seat, growing uncomfortable in his clothing. He hadn’t been this aroused in years. Practice and discipline usually kept him from being in such a needful state. When his body longed for the comfort of a woman he had been able to think of other matters until his loins cooled. Such had not been the case since meeting Miss Cooper and he had yet to be in her presence without becoming at least half aroused. This did not bode well for his role as her vicar. He needed to get control of his lust and somehow ignore what he wanted and focus on her, as his parishioner, and nothing else. But how did one do that.

He would ask Jordan but his brother never denied himself the company of a woman, ever. And, if his brother even had the slightest suspicion of what Miss Cooper was doing to him, Jordan would never let him hear the end of it. His brother would also probably encourage Matthew to enjoy her company, yet Miss Cooper wasn’t like any other woman, especially those his brother gravitated toward. Matthew knew if he were to seduce Miss Cooper, it would only occur after vows had been spoken and he wasn’t sure he was ready to marry or knew her nearly well enough to form a permanent bond.

He had to stop thinking about Grace and her clear eyes, full breasts, and bed. He had to empty her form his thoughts and think of something else or he would never be comfortable, unless he took care of matters himself and he hadn’t needed to do that in years. No, he would turn his mind from her. He wasn’t a young lad experiencing lust and desire for the first time. He had more control.

Matthew turned the horse toward town. He would visit his brother. He needed to speak further with Jordan anyway. All he had gotten out of his brother earlier was an appointment was scheduled. Surely this was not a matter a magistrate could decide. What of the courts? Could Miss Cooper take her case to London?

He shook the thought away. She would have a more difficult time trying to convince the courts that she was the best person to take care of her father. Worse, they would be more likely to push for confinement in Bedlam. Mr. Cooper was not mad.

Matthew blew out a breath and urged his horse toward the village. He needed to make his brother understand. Could he convince him to quit working for Lord Stillwaite? And, how had Jordan managed to become a lawyer without anyone knowing? Father would be livid if he were alive.

Matthew found himself grinning. As much as he didn’t like Jordan being on the opposite side of this issue, he was proud that his brother had decided to do what he wanted and not follow the dictates of father. John had done the same. Only he and Clay fell into line. But, even Clay changed once he met Eleanor. That left Matt, still doing what father wished of him.

Did he dare throw caution to the wind and follow his own dreams?

If so, exactly what did he want to do? Being a vicar was fine and good, but the weight of responsibility and fear of not being perfect, or not being the person parishioners could turn to for guidance weighed on his shoulders. Should one feel weighted down and lose sleep because they were afraid they would make a mistake?

No.

The answer was clear and loud, as if it had been yelled at him.

But what was left if he didn’t do this?

Become a dairy farmer. The voice whispered through his brain. Ridiculous. He knew nothing about being a farmer or cows or chickens or any other type of animal that lived on a farm. Even the horse he was riding was taken care of by others.

And why such answers to his questions? Were these the things he truly wanted? It wasn’t as if God was telling him what to do. God ceased actually speaking to people over a thousand years ago.

It wasn’t that he minded being a vicar. His faith was strong so that wasn’t the issue. But, was this what he should be doing? Was he the right person to be God’s messenger?

Matthew stopped before the stables and left his horse with a lad who couldn’t have been over ten, but anxious to see to his animal, and with determined steps Matthew made it to the inn where Jordan had taken a room. He would think about his future later. Perhaps even discuss it with his brother once the issue of Mr. Cooper was behind them.

Matthew stepped inside the dim interior and glanced around. Jordan was seated at a table, a plate of food before him, speaking with someone who looked oddly like John from behind. But what would John be doing here?

Jordan glanced up and his eyes narrowed. “I didn’t expect you to be back.”

The man turned in his seat. It was John. “What are you doing here? Two brothers in one week?” He took a seat even though Jordan hadn’t offered for him to sit. “Clay isn’t lurking around here anywhere is he?”

John chuckled and shook his head. “Elizabeth and I are on our way to Scotland, after we visit her grandfather and father at Danby Castle.”

Matthew accepted the cup of coffee placed before him. “Why Scotland?”

John looked around. There were several people in here this afternoon. “I’ll explain later.”

Curiosity rose. What was so secretive? Instead of questioning John further, he returned his attention to Jordan. He had to choose his words carefully in case John didn’t know what their brother was about and it wasn’t for him to tell. The one thing he had become good at from being a vicar was holding secrets.

“I intend to go with you when you visit Lord Brachton.”

Jordan’s eyebrows rose. “I don’t recall you were invited.”

“Nor do I feel it is only fair that he hear Stillwaite’s version of the facts.”

“He is simply going to ask for a hearing or if it is even possible to have such one here.”

“But in doing so, his comments could be inflammatory and prejudice him against Mr. Cooper.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“If you were going alone I wouldn’t be concerned. I don’t trust Stillwaite or his motivation.” Matthew leaned forward. “Explain to me why he has this sudden interest in a man he has not seen since before his accident two years ago?”

Jordan shrugged. “He didn’t give his reasons. He is concerned about his niece and brother.”

“If he were concerned, he would have checked on him long before now.”

“It is not my place to judge.” Jordan laid his fork aside. “That was Father’s, then Clay’s job once, apparently it is yours now.”

Matthew stiffened. He never wanted to be the judge of anyone. He hated it when his father was judge, jury and punisher all in one. For years it appeared Clay was the same. Thank goodness he met Eleanor and all of that changed.

“Who is Mr. Cooper and why are you meeting with Brachton?”

Both gentlemen turned to John, who had remained quiet until now.

Matthew looked at Jordan, waiting for him to answer. As John had done earlier, he glanced around the room. “Not here.” He stabbed a piece of meat with his fork and shoved it in his mouth.

While his brother finished his meal Matthew decided it was probably best to talk about something they didn’t have to worry about being overheard, though he still didn’t know why John was going to Scotland. “Where is Elizabeth?”

At the mention of his wife’s name, John smiled. It was never a full smile, just enough to know that the man was still smitten with his wife. Clay often got the same look when someone referred to Eleanor. Would he ever have someone he would smile at the mere mention of their name?

“She is shopping.”

“Will the two of you be here long?”

“We were only stopping here because we were going to call on you. I didn’t expect to run into Jordan.”

“I was rather surprised myself when he showed up at my house yesterday.”