The Husband Campaign by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2013-08-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Did the other Lady Hascot have to be so perfect?

Amelia managed a smile as Major Kensington and Dr. Fletcher laughed at one of the woman’s jokes. Caro sat at the dinner table, head cocked so that her golden curls brushed her cheek, lips curved in delight. She was witty, clever, a born flirt. Amelia felt like a great lump.

They were taking an early dinner, but that hadn’t stopped Caro and Major Kensington from dressing for the evening. Caro’s gown of russet satin gleamed in the candlelight and was rivaled only by the sparkle of the gold braid on the major’s uniform.

Amelia was thankful she’d had rooms made up a while ago just in case some of John’s buyers would need to stay overnight. As it was, she had only murmured the locations to Mr. Hennessy, and the butler had directed the various servants where to go. A word to Mr. Shanter had brought out the best salmon for dinner. She could confidently say she’d been a credit to her husband. Somehow, that fact wasn’t as satisfying as she’d hoped.

“How long do you plan to stay?” John put in from the head of the table. Mr. Hennessy had placed Caro on his right and Major Kensington on his left, with Dr. Fletcher between Caro and Amelia at the foot. She knew it was protocol, but she couldn’t help wishing she was the one sitting next to her husband.

Now Caro laughed. Everything seemed a happy circumstance to her. A shame Amelia couldn’t see the visit that way.

“Now, don’t you worry about how you’ll entertain us, John,” Caro said. “Major Kensington is ever so eager to learn more about what you do, and you might even convince me to get into the saddle.” She leaned around Dr. Fletcher to smile at Amelia. “I never was much of a rider. I’m sure you understand.”

“Amelia is an excellent rider,” John said. “She managed one of my most difficult horses with her voice alone.”

Amelia’s face warmed with his praise. So, she felt, did her heart.

Major Kensington raised his glass in toast. “Well done, Lady Hascot. I appreciate a woman who knows how to tame a savage beast.”

“Particularly when he is her husband,” Caro teased before taking a sip from her own glass.

John glowered.

“I would have no need to tame such a considerate husband,” Amelia put in smoothly. “And as for the horse, Major Kensington, Firenza is not nearly a savage.”

“Firenza?” Caro shook her finger at John. “Another fanciful name, I see.” She turned to Major Kensington. “Do you know he named that black brute he was riding Magnum Opus, as if he was a great composition?”

“What would you have me name him?” John challenged, eyes narrowing. “Blacky? Save me from such a lack of inspiration.”

“I do believe,” Dr. Fletcher put in, “that Weatherby’s General Stud Book encourages original names for its registry.”

Caro bowed over her silver-rimmed plate as if paying homage. “And all hail Weatherby’s. Heaven forbid that we do anything to displease the masters of horse.

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