Stranger in My Arms(19)

Evening approached and the guests lingered, despite Dr. Slade’s misgivings. “He’s had enough exertion for one day,” the elderly doctor told Lara. Together they glanced at Hunter, who stood at a sideboard on a distant side of the drawing room. “It is time for him to rest, Lady Hawksworth.”

Lara watched as her husband simultaneously poured a snifter of brandy and laughed at some quip one of his companions had made, and he seemed altogether comfortable… until one noticed the faint strain around his eyes and the deepening brackets on either side of his mouth.

It had been a performance, she realized. A skillfully executed performance designed to win the support of the township… and it had been successful.

He had been every inch the lord of the manor today: confident, hospitable, and polished. if his visitors had initially harbored suspicions as to his identity, very few of them doubted him now.

Lara felt a pull of compassion as she stared at him.

In spite of the people surrounding him, he seemed very much alone. “He does look a bit fashed,” she said to Dr. Slade. “Perhaps you could use your influence to coax him to retire.”

“I’ve already made the attempt,” the elderly man snorted, rubbing one of his long gray sideburns.

“He’s as bullheaded as ever. I expect he’ll play the part of host until he drops from exhaustion.”

Lara contemplated her husband. “He never has listened to anyone else’s opinion,” she agreed, feeling reassured that this, at least, was one thing that hadn’t changed about Hunter. “However, I’ll do what I can about the situation.”

Adopting a pleasant smile, she approached Hunter and the three men standing with him. She started with the closest one, Sir Ralph Woodfield, a prosperous gentleman with a passion for hunting. “Sir Ralph,” she exclaimed in delight, “it is a great pleasure to find you here!”

“Why, thank you, Lady Hawksworth,” he responded heartily. “May I offer my congratulations on your good fortune? We’ve all sorely missed this fine fellow. I’ve no doubt you more than anyone are rejoicing over his return.” A sly wink punctuated this sentence.

Lara colored at his effrontery. It was hardly the first of such remarks that had been made to her that day, as if the entire town of Market Hill considered her to be a love-starved widow. Concealing her annoyance, she smiled at him. “I am indeed blessed, sir. And so will others be, as soon as I tell you about the idea that came into my head recently. I am certain that you will adore it.”

“Oh?” Sir Ralph cocked his head, her words seeming to penetrate the comfortable brandy-induced fog around him.

“I was thinking about your collection of Thoroughbreds, and the excellent care you give to your animals, and then it occurred to me…

why doesn’t Sir Ralph begin a home for old and crippled horses, right here at Market Hill?”

His jaw hung slack. “A-A home for-” “A place for them to go when they become lame, ill, or otherwise unable to perform their duties. I’m certain it aggrieves you to know that so many loyal horses are needlessly destroyed after their years of service.”

“Yes, but-” “I knew you would be enthused about saving the lives of all those poor animals,” she said. “You wonderful man.

We will discuss this matter soon, and set out a course of action.”

Clearly dismayed, Sir Ralph muttered something about going home to his wife, and bid them farewell as he slunk from the room.

Lara turned to the next gentleman, a confirmed bachelor of forty-five.

“As for you, Mr. Parker, I’ve been lending your situation a good deal of thought.”

“My situation,” he repeated, his eyebrows converging until they formed a straight line across his forehead.

“I’ve worried, you see, over the fact that you’re so bereft of companionship and all the care and comfort a wife provides… Well, I have found the right woman for you.”

“I assure you, Lady Hawksworth, there’s no need “She’s perfect,” Lara insisted. “Her name is Miss Mary Falconer. The two of you are remarkably similar in character: independent, practical, opinionated … It’s an ideal match. I plan to introduce you without delay.”

“I am already acquainted with Miss Falconer,” Parker said, his teeth grinding audibly. “An aging, ill-tempered spinster is hardly what I consider a perfect mate.”

“Aging? I’ll-tempered? I assure you, sir, Miss Falconer is an absolute angel. I insist that you reacquaint yourself with her, and you will see how mistaken you are.”

Cursing beneath his breath, Parker took a hasty leave, throwing Hunter a dark look over his shoulder, as if commanding him to take his wife in hand.

Hunter merely smiled and shrugged.

As Lara turned her benevolent attentions to the other guests, they suddenly found reasons to leave at once, quickly collecting hats and gloves and rushing to their carriages.

As the last visitor was taking his leave, Hunter joined Lara in the entrance hall. “You have a distinct talent for emptying a room, my love.”

Not certain whether it was a compliment or complaint, she replied warily. “Someone had to get rid of them, else they would have stayed all night.”

“Very well, you’ve banished our visitors, and you have me all to yourself. I’m interested to learn the rest of your plan for this evening.”