An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

Author:Sarah M. Eden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LDS Fiction, Mormon Fiction, Covenant, LDS, Mormon Books, LDS Books, Historical Romance, Temple, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, England, Spy, 1800s, 1800's, 1800, nineteenth century
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2017-06-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Mrs. Castleton organized a picnic the following afternoon for “the young people.” She declared it a fine opportunity for becoming better acquainted. She gave Nickolas explicit instructions to look after her daughter during the outing, though she assured him of her utmost faith in his trustworthiness. She was also sure to add that the presence of a vicar must certainly add to the respectability of the idea.

He, Miss Castleton, Griffith, Alys, and Dafydd were shooed from the house with enthusiasm.

“You said you hoped the house party would provide ample opportunity for furthering your acquaintance with Miss Castleton,” Griffith said as they walked in the direction of the chosen meadow. “It seems you are to have your wish.”

“In spades,” Nickolas added. He’d been granted her company for a walk in the gardens but a few days earlier. Now they were to have a picnic without any true chaperone beyond a vicar who was, himself, young and unmarried.

“Have you discovered Miss Castleton is not to your liking after all?” Griffith asked.

Nickolas shook his head. That was not the issue at all. He liked Miss Castleton as much as he ever had. She’d proven herself every bit as congenial and sweet tempered as he’d believed her to be. “I like her very much indeed.”

Griffith made a sound of contemplation, one that had on any number of occasions annoyed Nickolas to no end. That particular sound often preceded an evaluation of what Griffith perceived as his inner thoughts and motivations. Nickolas spared himself the lecture and moved swiftly to help Alys spread out the picnic blanket.

Dafydd had been charged with carrying their meal. He set the large basket on the blanket and opened the top. Miss Castleton knelt down before it, helping pull the various dishes out from inside. It was to be a very informal picnic, without the servants and serving tables one often saw at more impressive outdoor entertainments in the ton.

Nickolas took a seat on the blanket and leaned against an obliging tree. Griffith’s question repeated in his thoughts. Have you decided Miss Castleton is not to your liking after all?

He watched the lady he’d quite particularly invited to the house party as she set out the afternoon’s meal. She guided Dafydd in the placement of each dish but did so with a graceful gentility, smiling her gratitude at his help. A more kindhearted lady he would be hard-pressed to find. As he’d told Griffith, he liked Miss Castleton very much. But, he admitted to himself, he’d lost a bit of his enthusiasm for her company.

“Coconut macaroons?” Dafydd asked, pulling yet another dish from the basket.

Miss Castleton nodded. “Mother had them included especially for me. They are my favorite.”

Dafydd smiled. “They happen to be my favorite as well.”

Nickolas leaned his head back. He needn’t worry that Miss Castleton would be neglected. Dafydd knew how to be a gracious neighbor. Though he’d seen a grand amount of food emerge from the large basket Dafydd had lugged to their chosen spot and every guest other than Mr.

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