And just like that, he found himself imagining what was under her skirts. For one insane moment, he wondered if that had been her intent. Fortunately, he was saved from embarrassing himself when she turned to leave the room. He fell into step beside her and watched as the butler helped her into the short navy blue coat that would cover her arms and breasts.
Good heavens, he was in a bad way. He had to stop thinking about the barmaid who’d awoken his desires that evening that seemed so long ago. If he could behave honorably around a woman who’d been in danger of falling out of her dress, he could do the same for this woman who was nothing but circumspect in her behavior and appearance.
He clutched his hands behind his back to keep from taking the garment from Hastings and helping her into it himself. He forced himself to look away while she did up the buttons. She took her gloves from Hastings with a soft thank-you and turned to face him with a wide smile.
“I am ready to brave what has to be the coolest summer in history.”
Her amusement was infectious. He held out his arm for her to take, and together they left the house. “With any luck, the sun will come out at some point.”
She gave her head a small shake, drawing his attention to the way the curls danced around her face. “Let’s not be greedy. I will be content if it doesn’t rain.”
He chuckled as he led her to the carriage that waited outside. It felt unnatural to wait for a footman to open the door for them, but he forced himself to do just that. He did, however, perform the task of helping Amelia into the carriage himself. He sprang in after her and closed the door behind them.
The carriage ride was short. When they arrived, the festivities were already underway. From the large groups of people milling around the various stalls, it was clear that many people from the nearby village were also in attendance.
John helped Amelia down from the carriage. He’d already given the staff permission to attend the festival, and now he did the same for the coachman and the young footman who’d accompanied them.
When he turned back to Amelia, his arm already raised for her to take, he found her examining him. The corners of her mouth had turned up in a small smile, her eyes warm with approval at what she no doubt perceived as his generosity. But it hadn’t been that long since John was a young man without money or a future. He wouldn’t deny others the small enjoyments they could gain when the opportunity presented itself.
She slipped her hand into the bend of his elbow, and he gazed down at her. He wanted to ask her why such a small gesture would gain her approval when, by all accounts, her uncle had also been a generous man.
Instead, he asked, “What shall we do first, my lady?”
When her gaze swung to take in the stalls and the merriment that surrounded them, he took a moment to examine her again. The corners of her eyes crinkled with her smile, joy radiating from her.
He tore his gaze away lest he be caught staring and took in the scene. Given just how little time they’d had to organize this event, he was impressed by the number of stalls and tables set up. He wouldn’t be surprised to learn that everyone in the entire county who had anything to sell was there. Crafts of all types were on display, the tables laden with sweets.
And right in the center of it all, a puppet theater had been set up. Given the small crowd that had gathered before the miniature stage, he expected the show to begin at any moment.
A pang of nostalgia swept through him when he witnessed a group of boys chasing each other and ducking through the stalls.
Amelia made a small noise, and he turned to face her, enjoying the hint of mischief in her expression.
“Do I want to know what you have in mind?”
She laughed, the sound full and rich. “I think we’ll start with the puppet show and see where the day takes us.”
Chapter 17
Amelia wasn’t surprisedto see how much everyone liked Lowenbrock. He’d only been in residence for two months, but she knew he’d been busy during that time. And despite his statement to the contrary, he seemed to remember everyone’s name. She’d only had to step in twice when she realized he was floundering to put a name to a face. On both occasions, however, they’d been visitors from the neighboring village and not one of the estate’s tenants.
What did surprise her was how he made it a point to visit every booth and table that had been set up, buying gifts for his sisters and each member of their families. He’d even sampled something from each of the food stalls, complimenting the women, who were clearly anxious about his opinion on their offerings.
She watched as he took up a bow to join an archery competition. He wasn’t the best archer present, but he more than held his own.
She spotted Mr. Jeffers heading her way and called out a greeting when he reached her. “Where is Mrs. Jeffers today?”
The steward smiled and gave his head a small shake. “She pointed me in this direction, saying she was buying something she doesn’t want me to see. My birthday is coming up next month, so…”
He raised one shoulder in a small shrug. The small smile he tried to hide spoke volumes about their relationship. One didn’t have to see the two of them together to know the man cared very much for his wife. It was obvious in the way his eyes softened whenever he mentioned her.
“I’ll have to look for her later then. I wouldn’t want to shirk my duty in keeping you occupied while she does her shopping.”
Mr. Jeffers let out a small laugh and turned toward the group participating in the archery competition. After observing for a minute, he said, “I think Lowenbrock is holding back.”
“What makes you say that?” Amelia’s gaze focused on the marquess, wondering what Mr. Jeffers had seen.
“Something about the way he handles the bow tells me he’s had a great deal of experience wielding them.”