Autumn's Wild Heart (Seasons #4) - Laura Landon Page 0,27

have had to stand up to the abuse and insults because one of the least appealing women in Society had tricked the most handsome man in all of England into marrying her.

~■~

Nella rose early the next morning and went down to make sure the preparations for their picnic were in order. When everyone was ready and had leisurely breakfasted, she called for the coach and carriage to be brought around. Patricia, Rosamonde and she, and of course Mrs. Applebaum, would ride together in the coach. Their ladies’ maids would follow in the carriage. With the men on horseback, they would proceed to the spot she’d chosen for their day. It wasn’t until they were on their way that she was able to relax.

“Oh, Nella. Rosamonde and I can’t thank you enough for inviting us to spend time with you. We’ve missed you.”

“As I’ve missed you,” she answered and reached out her hands to grasp her friends’ fingers.

“Are you as happy as you seem?” Patricia asked.

Nella felt a blush rising to her cheeks. “I’ve never been happier. Lord Danvers is the most considerate husband. He is ever so kind.”

“And he appears happy,” Rosamonde said. “Patricia and I worried that he would resent you for…well, you know. But he doesn’t seem to at all.”

“Tell me, what is the gossip concerning our marriage. Has the shock and disapproval died down any?”

Her two friends looked at each other.

“Well, that’s answer enough, isn’t it?”

“There have been several other scandals, but you are still among the main topics of conversation. Your husband’s appearance in Town only renewed the speculation surrounding your marriage.”

“Well, hopefully, in time, another scandal will surpass the one our marriage caused.”

Nella turned the conversation to happier subjects until the carriage came to a halt and the men came to assist the ladies to the ground.

Several Danvers footmen had arrived earlier to set up for their picnic. A large blanket was spread beneath a shade tree and several baskets were placed about, waiting to be opened.

“I suggest a toast,” James said, reaching inside one of the baskets and taking out decanters of wine chosen from his well-stocked cellar. He passed the glasses as he filled them.

“To Lord and Lady Danvers,” Lord Candleton said as he raised his glass, “for inviting us to spend time with them.”

“Hear, hear,” they chorused, then took a drink from their glasses.

“To my wife,” James said, “for hosting our autumn party, and making this a most enjoyable day,” her husband said.

“Hear, hear,” they all echoed, lifting their glasses again, then taking a drink.

Nella couldn’t help but smile when she looked at her husband. She’d never been complimented like this, especially by someone whose opinion meant more to her than anyone else’s.

But it was more than that. Today, James’ gaze lingered on her, as if assessing her and finding her most satisfactory.

Nella pressed a hand to the bodice of her new autumn-gold walking suit—the one that minimized in all the right places. She felt transformed. Almost, dare she say it, lovely.

“Thank you,” she said studying his face and finding sincerity there. She turned her attention back to her guests. “Could I interest anyone in a short walk before we eat? It’s a beautiful day and quite soon after breakfast. Perhaps a walk will make us more hungry for the extravagant meal Cook prepared for us.”

“Excellent idea, my lady,” Lord Candleton said, extending his arm for Patricia to take.

Viscount Pomeroy extended his arm to Rose, and they followed Candleton and Patricia from the pleasant glade. The ladies’ maids stayed to tidy up the picnic while Mrs. Applebaum napped in the sun, content to let the young ones take their stroll.

“That leaves you, my lady,” James said and extended his arm to her. “You are stuck with me.”

Nella looped her arm through his. “I shall do my best to bear it,” she quipped dramatically as they walked behind the other two couples.

“Do you know how happy and proud I am?”

“As well you should be, my lord. Your estate is expansive and beautifully cared for, your staff is thoughtful and meticulous.”

James stopped abruptly, turned to look at her, then resumed their walk, shaking his head. “I wasn’t speaking of the estate, silly wife. I was speaking of you. How proud I am of you.”

Nella lifted her gaze. “I’ve done nothing extraordinary, James.”

“But you have. In less than one day you’ve greeted our guests as though you’ve known them forever. You’ve made everyone feel welcome and at ease. And I think you’ve even caused your