The Lazy Bachelor by Catherine Dove

Author:Catherine Dove
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

In the morning, directly after breakfast, two carriages were drawn up before the front door of Lakeford Hall. One was Mr. Tyndall's curricle, and he climbed into the seat and took up the reins with an air of settled gloom. Josiah handed Miss Eleanor into the seat beside him, then got up behind.

The second carriage was Shipton's fashionable barouche with its matched greys, and, with an air as pleased and well satisfied as his cousin's was glum, he got into the forward seat with Portia beside him and Miss Rowland and Miss Armitage opposite him.

Just as they were about to set out, however, they got an unexpected addition to their party. Lord Ravenshill cantered up, mounted on one of Shipton's best hacks. He bowed to the ladies, and Shipton said, "What is this? I thought you would find it a bore. Indeed, I definitely recollect you saying that exact thing."

"I am sure your ready wit will supply you with the answer," Ravenshill said. "But if you must have me be explicit, then let me tell you that I came down to the breakfast room to find Mr. Freestone and Sir Henry already withdrawn to the library, Mr. Verney in blackest despair because Lady Becknall was having breakfast in her room, and Mrs. Freestone directing a conversation about charities--yes, I do not jest!--with the other two ladies, with Mrs. Verney agreeing with everything said and Lady Rowland garrulously certain that her delicate constitution would bear nothing more than dry toast and equally certain that all the rest of us would be as concerned about that fact as she. Since I am not much of a reader, a game of billiards is better with an opponent, and, as much as I admire your Nichols, I prefer to shoot with more amiable company, I decided that this expedition was my best choice. Not that I wish to complain of my entertainment, Shipton, I assure you!"

Shipton acquit him of any ingratitude. "To be sure, I have treated you most unhandsomely, but, not being a half-wit, you must not have expected much better when you received your invitation directly from my aunt."

"I assure you I do not complain, I simply beg your permission to make one of your party."

"I give it gladly." He did observe that Cecilia, frowning, was staring down at her gloved hands, but he disregarded it. His opinion was that Cecilia was morbidly sensitive to mere reputation, something which, after all, could not affect her, and that if she could not be civil to the man, she was as stuffy as his aunt, something he did not believe of her. He was sure she would get over her shyness soon, and conquer her dislike of the man enough to enjoy herself.

In the meantime, he settled himself before giving his groom the word to walk on, prepared to enjoy the beauty before and beside him. Portia was becomingly attired in a pale blue walking dress and darker blue pelisse; Cecilia was, as always,

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