The Rakehell Regency(301)

If she had had any doubts about her feelings for him before, sitting in the bakery together drinking chocolate dispelled them. She was truly, irrevocably, in love. She admired his sandy hair, his expressive gray eyes, his fine black suit with a wine colored cravat. Yes, here was a man whom she could be justly proud of no matter what the social situation.



At length Jonathan looked around, catching several glances as he did so. He knew they made a fine couple, but that was the last thing he ought to have allowed anyone to think of them.



"Oh my. It would appear that Vanessa has taken a great deal longer than she intended." He pulled his gold fob watch out of his pocket. "We're going to be late for dinner at this rate, and I fear perhaps the pastry will have spoiled your appetite."



"I own it's actually made me even more hungry. There's nothing better than a good solid roast beef and Yorkshire pudding."



"Glad to hear you say so. It's a particular favorite of mine."



She restrained a smile. She had noticed.



"Ah, here Vanessa is now," Jonathan said with evident relief.



Vanessa greeted them both and apologized for the delay.



"Never mind that. Have your gingerbread," he said, raising his finger for the waiter to bring another chocolate.



"I shall bolt this down so we're not late for dinner."



"Not at all, my dear. Miss Ashton and I await your convenience."



"Jonathan was just telling me about his days at Oxford. I had no idea your husband was such a great scholar as well."



"And the Duke of course is also a most learned and accomplished man," Vanessa replied, "though in his position in society, he has no reason to be. But he does not ask his servants to do anything he cannot do himself."



Jonathan nodded. "Yes, you should have seen him chopping wood and tending the wounded in Portugal and Spain. He's a most remarkable man."



"Yes, I had noticed. I've been most privileged to enjoy such good society here in Bath. And your little son is just a joy to be with."



"Yes, he is, isn't he?" Vanessa said with a fond smile. "I never imagined I could ever dote upon something as much as he. I always had my nose in a book. Speaking of books, how is the course of study I suggested for you progressing?"



"Very well," she fibbed. "First thing in the morning, and last thing before I go to bed. But you would know all about rising early, with the baby."



She congratulated herself on turning the conversation deftly. Vanessa was once again off singing the praises of her darling infant. But she made herself a firm promise to make up for the reading she had missed, and to attend more lectures in Bath from now on.



At length Vanessa had finished her chocolate and cake. Jonathan took up the box of marzipan and the other of gingerbread, and clinked some coins down in the tray.



He took Pamela's arm and Vanessa's basket, leaving Vanessa to walk by his side, but not as closely as Pamela. Pamela felt as though they were the only two people in the crowded street as he led her across carefully, steering her around anything unpleasant underfoot.



He opened the carriage door and placed the basket inside, and then helped Vanessa in. She took up her place next to all her parcels, once again deliberately but seemingly inadvertently leaving the attractive young couple together on the backward seat.



He turned to Pamela and smiled. She took his hand and stepped up, and did not slide too far over in the seat, the better to be closer to him once he climbed up and sat down.



If he thought it strange, he said nothing. He settled back against the squabs as they resumed their conversation, this time discussing their plans for the rest of the evening.



"There is a concert this evening at the Octagon. Some Italian arias," Vanessa said.



"Would you like to go?" Jonathan asked Pamela. "Or did you have your heart set on the card party at the Elliotts'?"



"The concert sounds delightful, but my Italian isn't very good."



"No matter. I can translate for you."



"If you would be so kind."



"Very well, it's all decided," Jonathan said, pleased and surprised she did not fancy the more raucous card party. "Vanessa, you and Clifford will accompany us?"



"We should be most pleased to."



Pamela was in heaven for the rest of the day, for she sat next to Jonathan at dinner, the result of them having arrived a bit late. She listened carefully, observing him from under her lashes, and trying to make intelligent remarks as they discussed the letters to the paper, always a favorite pastime of the three Rakehell friends whenever they got together.