Lucy’s joy over Blix’s unexpected acquiescence to her marriage to Sherbourne was significantly dampened when she learned of what transpired. Sherbourne wouldn’t say what transgression her brother had committed, but told her Jane was terribly upset with him, that she intended to go to Eastchase Hall on the morrow, rather than return to London with her husband.
“It’s a damn shame,” he said to her as they returned to the house after a lengthy travail across the lake in one of the old boats. William dashed ahead of them on the path through the wilderness, searching for grasshoppers. “When I arrived, unexpected, of course, they were out and I spent my time awaiting their return by taking a stroll in the garden. When they appeared on the garden path that leads from the lake, not knowing I was there, he was half dressed, her hair was down and I’ve not seen two people more in love.” He smiled down at her. “I daresay because I’m unable to observe the two of us.”
Lucy squeezed his hand and returned his smile. “Oh, Sherbourne, I’m so glad Blix wasn’t a mule about us marrying. It appears I made the trip for no reason.” She glanced at William. “Though I can’t be sorry. He loves it here.” She looked up at him again. “And I began to miss you after an hour of your leaving.”
“It took an hour? I’m crushed.” He stopped and drew her close to kiss her. “I’m glad you came, Lucy. We’ll discuss the arrangements this evening and hopefully, by this time two days hence, we’ll be married.”
William ran up to them and tugged her dress and Sherbourne’s coat. “Mama, sir, I have found the very largest grasshopper in all the world. Stop kissing and come and see!”
Chuckling, Sherbourne dropped his arms and stepped back to look at William. “The very largest? You don’t say! Well, lead on, my man.” He winked at Lucy before following William into the brush. There was a narrow trail cut into the undergrowth that eventually led to a small clearing, dominated by a gigantic boulder. “I didn’t know this was here.”
Sherbourne moved away, expressing hearty interest in William’s bug. They both forgot about her as they extolled the gargantuan size, the handsome legs, the intriguing shape of its head.
Lucy walked toward the boulder, spying a bit of fabric tucked into a pocket in the stone. She reached for it and realized it was a stocking. Glancing down at the grass beneath her feet, she could see it was pressed close to the ground. Good heavens, her brother, ever proper, had made love to Jane outdoors, not so very long ago, it would seem. How very interesting.
Eventually, the grasshopper became weary of his admirers and hopped away, and they returned to the main path. As they neared the garden, Sherbourne said, “I’m hopeful they’ve worked things out and are back to a happy state, but if not, perhaps you might speak to him, see if you can help. I suspect you’re the only person he’ll listen to.”
“I’ll do my best, but it would be helpful to know what caused the disagreement.”
He slowed and looked conflicted. “It would be a breach of confidence to tell you particulars, but I believe I can at least say Blixford alluded to a secret of Jane’s, something she wanted to keep from me. She fell to the temptation of eavesdropping upon our conversation, and the subject came up. She burst into the room, righteously furious, and called him a cad.”
“Oh, my. Why would Blix do such a thing? How could he betray her like that?”
“He did so out of concern for her, but Jane won’t see it that way. As much as I want to believe Blix can make it up to her and she’ll forgive him, I know my daughter, and once she’s taken a wound to heart, it’s the very devil to find her good graces. Poor Blix may be sleeping in the stable tonight.”
Their approach had been observed, it seemed, and as they came into the garden and up the path toward the house, Blix was there to greet them. She noticed Jane was not with him. It appeared they had not worked things out. Her brother embraced her and shook William’s hand before turning to lead them into the house. Sherbourne expressed an interest in the nursery and suggested he and William climb to the second floor to investigate what toys might have been left behind by the last boy who lived there.
When they were gone, Blix escorted her back outside, into the garden. They strolled to the arbor and she sat upon a bench while he leaned against the arch. “I confess I was quite shocked when Sherbourne said the prospect he’d found was himself. Are you certain this is what you want, Lucy?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything. We will suit very well.”