The Rocking Horse: A Regency Novella by Newman Holly

Author:Newman, Holly [Newman, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
Published: 2012-10-25T21:00:00+00:00

"Enough! Enough! I swear if you twitch another fold into place, straighten another bow, or pat another curl, I shall scream! My toilet is complete. You have—as always—outdone yourself, Miss Barnes," Jocelyn told the woman with laughing exasperation as she attempted to edge toward the door. "I must go. I wish to visit with Lady Mary before going downstairs, and I don't have much time."

"But you would allow me no time!"

"Nonetheless, you rose to the challenge. I thank you," she assured the woman before closing the door and hurrying down the hall.

A light tap on Lady Mary's door was greeted by a cheerful croaking. A maid answered the door and showed her inside.

"Jocelyn! I despaired of seeing you today!"

"Every time I asked someone of your condition, I was told you were sleeping."

"Sleeping! As thick as my head feels? Not bloody likely! What we have, my friend, is a conspiracy."

"A loving conspiracy, I'll venture."

Lady Mary waved her hand in offhand agreement, the handkerchief she clenched fluttering with the movement. "To be sure. And I will admit I did sleep some today. Especially after old Mrs. Morrison—the estate herbalist and midwife—prepared an infusion of boiling water and herbs that she had me inhale. Whatever it was, it eased my breathing."

Jocelyn sat on the edge of the bed. "Now you must concentrate on getting better. Don't think of anything else, and do take the medications you are given."

Lady Mary plucked restlessly at the sheets. "Resting here is difficult to do. The longer I lay here, the more I am filled with remorse that you are left solely to my brother's less than cheerful company."

"Nonsense. The marques and I have dealt admirably together. Tomorrow I might even ask if I may help with the rocking horse. . . . No, the person I fear most is Mrs. Bayne. Have you heard she announced she would be coming to dinner tonight?"

"She is known for that. I often wonder if her actions are deliberate or blindly inconsiderate, as we've always assumed."

"In the interest of not burning my boats a la Caesar, I'd best keep my visit to you brief and go downstairs to meet her."

Lady Mary chuckled. "'Tis a wise woman you are, Miss Maybrey."

"Sometimes I wonder," Jocelyn said as she rose from the bed and said goodbye.

She could not seem to shake the image of Tarkington from her mind. Why should his sister bear such an unflattering impression of him? Jocelyn saw little in his behavior that she would deem symptoms of melancholy. Quite the contrary! There was a reserve to the gentleman, which was to be expected around a stranger and one who was his younger sister's friend. He probably did not consider Lady Mary an adult. That was obvious by his behavior when she was discovered ill! Was it any wonder he should treat his sister's friend in a similar manner? But he was not always reserved—she found herself often thinking of the time spent in the topiary garden with Tarkington and Lady Anne.

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