The Rakehell Regency(267)

She saw a different side to Jonathan as they discussed all aspects of the school. He was passionate, argumentative, and teasing by turns. She could well imagine that he had been a much more outgoing youth. But people matured, and the war had certainly taken its toll upon him as well.



After several hours of lively conversation, he drew to her side in the drawing room as they sat down to sip coffee. "There, our errand is accomplished, I believe. Would you like to start for home now, or linger for the evening?"



"I would not want to inconvenience them after they've been so kind. And with the weather looking so changeable, perhaps we should get back to Brimley, before we end up having to stay several days?"



"On the other hand, it might be safer and more prudent to linger one night? They won't mind. And you would get the chance to speak with Vanessa and my sister about your own course of proposed study."



Pamela stared back at him in some surprise. "So she told you I wish to be a better woman?"



"She didn't need to. I can see your daily struggles, ever since your father passed away and you became guardian to Bertie," he said softly, his eyes resting upon her face like a caress. "But yes, she mentioned it. We confide in each other always. She is very fond of you, you know. Our own sisters are quite far away, and rather older than she. And one can never have too many friends."



She shook her head and replied warmly, "No, indeed not. I should very much like to stay."



Jonathan smiled in relief. How sinful could it be to keep her to himself for one more evening?



"I shall tell Vanessa now." He rose from his chair to address the lady of the house.



"Oh, wonderful. So pleased you can stay, Pamela," the auburn-haired woman responded a moment later. "I shall lend you both whatever you like. Clifford, Jonathan will be staying the night. Can you get him sorted too?"



"Of course, my love."



"And don't worry about dressing for the evening. We shall have such fun."



"Just like the old days."



"Well, not quite," Henry said.



Jonathan looked grim once again. "I most certainly expect a better supper than gruel and rice pudding," he declared, though his tone did not match his words.



Everyone laughed.



Vanessa replied in mock horror, "Perish the thought! And Cook would box your ears for ever suggesting such a thing."



"Right, I'll go have the rooms made up for the ladies in our wing. Jonathan can stay in Henry's wing for the sake of propriety," Clifford said.



Josephine made a face. "So long as you promise not to drag him out for a dawn ride the way you used to. He and I need our, er, beauty sleep," she said, blushing.



"I wouldn't dream of it. As a vicar I'm supposed to encourage all my flock to be fruitful and multiply. But there's no reason why Miss Ashton and Sarah can't come out, if you don't mind lending us mounts."



"Not at all," Clifford said heartily. "Since you're evidently going to leave me to my er, beauty sleep as well, it's the least I can do."



Jonathan winked and patted him on the shoulder.



The party divided up, with Jonathan going to the east wing, Pamela and Sarah off to the west. Pamela was shown to an elegant bedchamber draped in navy and gold.



Vanessa left her to explore the room and small washing alcove whilst she went to fetch her some night things.



"And here's a dress you might like to borrow," Vanessa offered when she returned. "It won't be a perfect fit, but it's much lighter in weight than your own, and more suited to the house than to traveling."



"Thank you so much. Yes, it was a rather snowy day, and you know what it's like to sit in a dank church on a hard pew," Pamela said as she vanished behind the screen and began to unbutton her bodice and remove the many layers she had donned that morning. "It's a lovely color, thank you," she said, admiring the slate blue frock.



"I thought it would go well with your blue eyes, yet still be dark enough to be suited to your mourning."



"Thank you, that is most kind. I know I'm supposed to be permitted gray and even lavender, but it's hard at times not to think that I'm disappointing my father in some way. I am rather fond of evening finery, and have probably danced far too much this year and got myself talked about," she admitted sadly.



"However, you must consider whether you are wearing it for outward show, and the sake of convention, or to genuinely honor his memory?"



Pamela considered the question seriously for a moment. "Would it be terrible if I said all those reasons?"



"Not terrible, no," Vanessa reassured her. "It's good that you're honest. So long as you're satisfied that you've paid him the respects you owe him, what does it matter what others think? Only you can say for certain. And no parent wants their child to be unhappy, after all. You're very young still, and your father would want you to enjoy yourself and marry well if the chance presents itself."