Page 46 of Lady Audacious
Reuben briefly outlined Odile’s problems, adjuring him to keep what he had been told between them.
‘If Fox’s Reach has ever been occupied before now, it must have been before my time,’ Musgrove said. ‘Even so, I’ll wager there are regulars at the Portcullis who’ll remember something about the previous tenant. Not surprisingly, your Miss Aspen’s arrival has created quite a stir and is the talk of the taproom, what with her circumstances being so mysterious. Some argue that a female has no place taking on a derelict house alone, but others think her gender shouldn’t hinder her efforts seeing as she ain’t a proper lady, like.’
Reuben bridled. ‘Who has the nerve to make such a suggestion?’
‘Steady, guv’nor.’ Musgrove held out a placating hand. ‘I’m only repeating what’s being said. Word’s got out that she dresses in lad’s clothing and tends her garden herself.’ Musgrove chuckled. ‘I admire her spirit, but still an’ all you can’t blame the locals for speculating.’
Reuben offered a non-committal grunt, aware that there was nothing he could say or do to quell the speculation in question that wouldn’t create even more speculation and make matters worse for the headstrong chit. And so instead, he outlined what they’d learned about Smythe and asked Musgrove to see if any of the regulars remembered him.
‘Right you are,’ Musgrove replied. ‘Leave it to me.’
Reuben nodded, thanked his trainer and then made his way back to the house, where he was accosted by his mother the moment he set foot over the threshold.
‘Where have you been, Reuben? You were needed.’
‘Needed for what, Mother?’ he asked politely.
‘We are all at sixes and sevens.’ She fanned her face dramatically with the back of her hand. ‘I am sure I don’t know whether I am coming or going. Beth has been invited to stay at Farleigh for a week with her friend Miss Aldridge, and I really am not sure if I should permit her to go. What are we to do?’
Reuben was unsure why his opinion was required about something so mundane. ‘Does Beth want to go?’
‘More than anything.’
‘Well let her, then.’ He spread his hands. ‘You don’t ordinarily involve me in decisions about the girls.’
‘Of course I do not. I am well aware that you have more than enough to occupy you and I don’t like to burden you, but this is different.’
Reuben inhaled and extolled himself to exercise patience. ‘How so?’
‘Why, Mr Aldridge of course. He likes Beth and we have hopes that he will declare himself.’
‘That’s the first I have heard of it.’ Reuben fell into momentary contemplation. ‘I thought she had designs on Naysmith.’
‘That is what I thought, but she insists he is merely helping her to find a new horse. She does not however deny her interest in Mr Aldridge.’
‘I see no harm in Aldridge, but it isn’t me he wants to marry. Does Beth like him? That’s the question we would be better advised to consider.’
‘She likes him very well, but if she were to accept an offer now then she would be denied the pleasures of a season.’
‘Ah, I see.’
And Reuben did see. His mother was looking forward to presenting her eldest daughter when she made her curtsey to theton. She had always enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a season in full swing and didn’t want to be deprived of the opportunity. How Beth felt about the entire rigmarole if her affections were already engaged was less clear to him.
‘Well then, you’d best send Beth to me and I will discuss the matter with her.’
‘But she will insist that her season doesn’t signify. Sarah is of the opinion that—’
‘Sarah?’ Reuben looked up sharply. ‘What has this to do with her?’
‘Oh, she kindly shares her opinions with me when there is something I am unsure about. I depend upon her maturity and good sense.’
‘Sarah should give as much of her time to her own mother as she generously gives to you.’ Reuben firmed his jaw. ‘It is time she returned home.’
‘Oh, Reuben dear, pray don’t say that. I enjoy her society and cannot possibly manage without her. She is like an elder daughter, very wise and kind and good. More of a companion to me, if you like. I get so very lonely sometimes.’
‘Very well. Sarah can stay, but please don’t apply to her for advice on family matters. Now, send Beth to me and I will decide what’s best to be done.’
A few minutes of conversation with his sister was sufficient to reassure Reuben. Beth did indeed appear to harbour feelings for Aldridge. Reuben had been at school with him, looked upon him as a reliable neighbour and knew nothing to his detriment. Beth could do a lot worse.
