The Virgin Huntress (The Devil DeVere #2)(5)

“Do you think we should perhaps pay a courtesy call?” Hew asked.

“I am devoid of your enthusiasm to do so, Hew,” Ludovic replied in a bored tone. He continued while the valet stropped the blades. “I have already sent Pratt this morning to convey my compliments and offer his services. As for myself, it is generally my preference to fulfill social obligations only when truly obliged to do so. I know it is inevitable, but it can wait another day.”

“But they are two women alone in London,” Hew answered. “Even if you do not feel it your duty to pay the initial call, I do.”

“Far be from me to stop you then, brother mine. As for me, I have a prior engagement at Tattersall’s this afternoon, and then I am off to see to some things at Epsom. Care to defer the duty call and join me instead?” He raised his chin for the first swipe of the razor.

“No, thank you, but I’ll be sure to make your excuses. When do you return from Woodcote Park?”

The valet paused to allow his answer. “I haven’t given it any thought. Must you always plan everything?”

“It suits me to do so,” said Hew. “I find a measure of comfort in routine.”

“And I find it excessive tedium,” said DeVere. “But have it your way. I should be back the day after tomorrow. We’ll sup together then.”

***

“There is a messenger for you, my lady,” announced the stony-faced butler.

“Already? But who can even know we are arrived?” Diana wondered aloud.

“Papa did write my godfather, Lord DeVere, did he not?” Vesta said.

“Yes.” Diana frowned.

“He is, indeed, a man sent from my Lord DeVere,” Jenkins stated.

“Then pray send him in,” she said.

Vesta noted Diana’s frown until said messenger appeared, and her expression transformed to one of recognition. “Is it Mr. Pratt?” she asked.

“Aye, milady.” The wizened little man tugged a forelock. “His lordship has placed me at milady’s disposal with his compliments. I am instructed to attend the young miss’ horses and escort her on her rides.”

“Does he, indeed?” said Vesta. “How very kind. Don’t you agree, Aunt Di?”

“His lordship is a generous man to send his head groom,” Diana answered.

The servant gave a shy smile. “Do you like to ride, miss?”

“It is my great passion,” Vesta replied.

“Then you and my lord have sommat in common, as he owns some of the best horseflesh in the country. The racing stock are stabled at Woodcote Park in Epsom, but he and Captain Hew keep a number of fine saddle mounts here in town.”

“I should love to see them!” Vesta exclaimed.

“Will you ride in the afternoons then, miss?”

“Actually, I prefer the early morning. The horses are so much fresher, don’t you think? And I do love a brisk gallop.”

“I fear there will be little of that,” warned Diana. “You must learn to satisfy yourself with an easy-paced hack.”

“But why?” Vest asked in dismay.

“Because a lady riding hell-for-leather is considered hoydenish and vulgar in town.”

“That’s so unfair!” Vesta looked to Pratt who nodded in sympathy.

“’Tis so, miss. The ladies take quiet hacks in the park in the afternoons. ‘Tis the fashionable time. ‘Tis more to be seen, ye ken?”

“I couldn’t care less about fashion.” Vesta scoffed, crossing her arms.

“But you must, dearest,” Diana protested. “First impressions are lasting.”

Vesta jutted her chin. “But I have always ridden in the mornings and see no sensible reason why I should not continue to do so, whether fashionable or not. Indeed, I wish to begin on the morrow. Half six, Mister Pratt?”

He looked to Diana with uncertainty.

“I suppose there is no real harm,” Diana answered with a sigh. “There will be no time for afternoon rides for the next sennight anyway. And I daresay you should have a new habit before riding at the fashionable hour. We both have an entire wardrobe to order before we may be seen anywhere truly public, and we already have a full afternoon scheduled with the modiste and the haberdasher. You will keep a close watch over her, won’t you, Mister Pratt?”

“As if she were me own, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mister Pratt. Then I shall rest assured with Vesta in your capable hands.”





CHAPTER FOUR




Still accustomed to unfashionable country habits, Vesta rose with the sun to prepare for her ride, dressing hastily in her green velvet habit with matching cocked hat. Just as promised, Pratt appeared with her favorite mare, a sprightly dappled-gray named Artemis. Once given a leg up, Vesta barely gave Pratt time to mount before she was eagerly trotting off toward Grosvenor gate. The fog was gently lifting and the morning air crisp. Her eager mount’s snorting breath formed vapor in the air as Artemis danced along, shaking her head in impatience.

Riding north toward the parade grounds, the park was nearly deserted until the silence was broken by the rumble of the earth and the thunder of hooves, not of a single horse, but of an entire herd! Vesta pulled up her horse to watch in fascination as a troop of dragoons passed her by and proceeded to perform cavalry maneuvers.