The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,9
on horseback while they were in a gig. He was surprised when Anne took the reins.
“Are you a proficient horsewoman now, Anne? Is this yet another hidden talent you have kept from us?”
“No,” Anne flushed. “But father did give me some lessons before he died. It was so long ago I never thought I’d remember, but Prudence spent time refreshing my knowledge.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” Fitzwilliam admitted. It was as if he were seeing Anne for the first time. “And who taught you, Cousin?” he asked of Prudence.
“We might live in an industrial city, but we aren’t savages, you know,” Prudence responded.
“That’s a disappointment, indeed,” Fitzwilliam replied.
Prudence shook her head. “You have a fine horse there, Cousin. I now understand a little of why you are in need of further funds.”
“So, you know good horseflesh, do you?”
“My father is a believer that, whether you are a girl or boy, you should know your way around things to reduce the chance of being swindled. He is fond of saying that it’s stood him in good stead. I think the reality is, he’s treated me more like a boy than a girl because he was disappointed when I was born,” Prudence said with a smile.
“I think father was dismayed to have a girl in my case, too,” Anne admitted shyly.
“Well, I for one am glad you are not, or I’d be surrounded by blockheaded men, if our Cousin Fitzwilliam is anything to go by,” Prudence said quickly.
“I would love to be there when you finally get to meet Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said with a grin. “I can’t wait to see the sparks fly.”
“Will he put me in my place as Aunt Catherine tries?”
“Oh, no,” Anne said quickly. “Darcy is not like mother, but he can be a little terrifying sometimes. Not so much now I’m not in fear of having to marry him.”
“Is he a gargoyle to look at? Would he have frightened you to gaze at him every day?” Prudence smiled.
“No. He is certainly handsome,” Anne admitted. “Just a little awe-inspiring.”
“I am even more curious to meet my cousin. He sounds intriguing.”
“I’m sure you will meet him one day, but he is not at his best when visiting Rosings,” Fitzwilliam admitted. “He also suffered from Aunt Catherine’s insistence that you two were to marry,” he said, looking at Anne.
“She was very determined,” Anne admitted with a shudder.
“And Darcy was equally as fixed on not being persuaded,” Fitzwilliam smiled at his cousin. “You had no real need to fear.”
“Mother does get her way so often, though. I was very relieved to hear he was betrothed to Elizabeth.”
“Yes. It is a good match in every regard.”
“Families are very interesting,” Prudence smiled.
“Aren’t they just! What other adventures can we have while you’re with us?” Fitzwilliam asked of Prudence.
“Are there any dances to attend? I do love dancing,” she admitted wistfully.
“Westerham is only five miles away, and they have a monthly assembly,” Anne said.
“We should go!” Prudence said.
“Mother would never agree to it. I might catch cold if I were out so late,” Anne responded.
“Do you go to assemblies only in the summer?” Prudence asked.
“I don’t go at all,” Anne admitted.
Prudence exchanged a look with Fitzwilliam but said nothing.
On their return journey, they received a wave from a member of staff who was walking along the lane and who had stopped at the sound of a vehicle approaching. Anne slowed the horses at his greeting.
“Good morning, Mr. Huxley. This is my cousin, Miss Bamber,” Anne said, a blush tinging her cheeks. “This is my mother’s steward,” she said to Prudence.
“Good morning, Miss Anne. It is good to see you outside,” Mr. Huxley said. “I’m just making my way to the house to see Lady Catherine now.”
“Oh, you won’t tell her you have seen me, will you?” Anne panicked.
“Not at all, Miss Anne. No reason to trouble Lady Catherine with such a trifling matter.”
“Thank you. That is very kind of you,” Anne blushed.
“Mr. Huxley, why don’t you take my place?” Prudence said, reaching over and pulling on the reins to make the equipage come to a full stop. “I’m not ready to return to the house quite yet, so I will walk back, and you can ride there.” Anne stiffened, but patting her cousin’s arm and giving her a reassuring smile, Prudence jumped nimbly onto the ground.
Mr. Huxley immediately came around to the side of the carriage and bowed his head at Prudence. “Thank you, Miss Bamber. I shall enjoy the journey.”
“I thought you might,”