A Lover for Lydia (The Wednesday Club Book 4) Read online

  “Let me know when.” Mowbray grinned at him. “Been a while since I got to play in the sea.”

  “Hmm.” Colly looked thoughtful. “I think the ladies might have some sort of clothing discussion planned for this evening. I heard something about seamstresses and materials. How about we gentlemen extricate ourselves and come down here instead?”

  “If you’re expecting any kind of protest or deliberation about that idea, forget it. I’m on board as of this instant.” Mowbray grinned delightedly.

  “I’ll set it up.” Colly nodded, and walked off with a grin, heading towards his wife.

  How Ivy would feel about the ladies being deserted after dinner…well, that was for her to decide. For his part, he was simply looking forward to an enervating dip in the cool waters of the Solent.

  At least there wasn’t anything to trip over when one was swimming.

  Chapter Four

  “So tell me, Miss Davenport. What are your interests?”

  Lydia glanced up at Will Furness as he posed the polite question. “That’s the best you have to offer?” She huffed out a little laugh. “Really, sir. Do try a slightly less mundane approach. That question is top of the list of things to ask a lady upon first meeting her.”

  He nodded, a rueful look on his face. “I know. But asking you for permission to kiss the daylights out of you might get my face slapped.”

  She thought about that for a moment. “Well, that is a valid point. So perhaps that’s jumping too far down the list at this time. Couldn’t you try for something in the middle?”

  “Such as?”

  “Um…” Lydia thought about it. “How about inquiring as to my future intentions? As in is there a gentleman I favour above others?”

  “Well, that is quite a forward thing to ask, but yes, I’ll grant you that it isn’t as far down the list.” He looked at her, then away over the sea. “If I may be allowed the liberty of a question, Miss Davenport, are there any gentlemen in your life you favour above others? Are you…involved, shall we say?”

  “There. See? Much better. You have asked the question you’d like answered and yet managed to do so without being terribly forward.” She paused. “Mind you, I’d not recommend asking such a thing of a girl whose Mama has just presented her as a suitable partner for a dance at Almack’s…”

  “Agreed.”

  “So,” she thought carefully. “In answer to your question, Mr Furness, at the present time I have many dear friends. But no particular gentleman claims my favour above the others.” She risked a peek at his face from beneath her bonnet. “And I will add that I’m not really seeking to change that status.”

  “Nonsense,” he shot back. “Every single young woman is seeking to change her status.”

  Lydia’s eyebrow flew up. “A bold statement, sir. One might deduce that you’ve been…how shall I put it…hunted? For lack of a better description, of course.”

  “It fits,” he sighed. “Yes, the whole business of uniting male and female in marriage has been somewhat of a sword of Damocles over my head for the last few years. And it has been more business than anything else.” He looked down at her, his face serious. “I’m surprised you haven’t encountered it.”

  “I have been fortunate in my parents. They have not felt the need to marry me off post haste.”

  “In that, you are indeed unique, Miss Davenport.”

  Hearing a note of envy in his voice, she took pity on him. “If I promise not to hunt you, would you call me Lydia?”

  “If I promise that I will hunt you, would you return the favour and call me Will?”

  His gaze was an appealing mixture of humour, entreaty and wickedness. “I agree. Will.”

  “An excellent arrangement, Lydia.”

  They walked on, quite in charity with each other, for some time. It seemed easier now, mused Lydia. They could speak of what they wished or nothing at all if silence seemed right for the moment. A pleasant state of affairs, to be sure.

  “So…when will it be all right for me to kiss you?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Not now.”

  He grinned. “Just checking.” He looked up at the sky. “Perhaps we should turn back. Time is passing and Lady Susan will have us married off if we tarry much longer.”

  “Ouch. Yes, the lady has a very well-developed matchmaking propensity, doesn’t she?” Lydia willingly turned around as they began to trace their steps.

  The tide had receded and she could feel the wind change as it began its return journey up toward the beach. Small birds ran to and fro doing whatever it was that kept them so busy. Seaweed gleamed in the sunlight, and a slight mist hazed the island shores across the water from where they walked.

  Lydia slowed as a lovely shell peered from amongst some pebbles. “Oh, wait. I would love to take this with me.” She bent down and freed it, dusting the sand from the delicate creamy pink whorls. Next to it was a plain rock, but when she moved it aside, she gasped.

  “What?” Will looked down. “Did you find something?”

  “Oh yes. Definitely.” She rose, the shell in one hand and the stone in the other. “Look at this.”

  She held it out to fully catch the light. There, incised into the smooth surface of the strange rock was a shape, a ridged twirl revolving inward upon itself.

  “It’s a fossil, isn’t it?” She looked up at Will. “I’ve read of them.”

  “Probably,” he shrugged dismissively. “There’s plenty of those to be had in this area.”

  Sensing his lack of interest, Lydia merely nodded, and allowed him to take her arm again as they walked back toward Lady Susan’s tea party.

  Their exchanges were casual and friendly, but Lydia felt something was lacking. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but Will’s charming manner and clever conversation did not elicit as much interest as they had done before.

  She dismissed it as some silliness and allowed herself to enjoy the walk back. But upon her arrival, she wasn’t sorry to thank him for his company and leave him for her friends. Rose and Ivy welcomed her back, telling her that Judith and Ragnor had left early, since Judith was a little overheated in the warm sun.

  The simple pleasure of being with her friends brought a genuine smile back to Lydia’s cheeks, and when she showed them her shell, they joined in her enthusiasm.

  Mowbray came up to them just as Lydia removed the stone from her pocket.

  He all but pounced on it. “Oh my word,” he sputtered, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Yes, I was hoping for this.”

  “For what?” Lydia frowned at him as he focussed on the fossil, running his fingers over it delicately.

  “For a chance to see fossils,” he said absently. “This is a lovely one, Lydia. Where did you find it?”

  “It was just lying on the beach next to the shell, over that way…” she gestured behind her to where she’d walked with Will. “Do you know what kind of fossil it is, Mowbray?” Something about his enthusiasm was infectious and she leaned against him, staring as he turned the stone in his hand this way and that, letting each and every rippled indentation shine.

  “It’s an ammonite, I believe,” he said. “One of the most common ones to find here in this area.” He touched the spiralling whorls carefully, with what seemed like fascinated respect. “So old, Lydia. This could be millions of years old. And yet look at it. As if it just lay down there yesterday.”

  She imitated his actions, feeling the smooth ridges. “It feels…perfect, doesn’t it?”

  His eyes met hers, and she could see her own excitement reflected in his hazel depths. “It is perfect. It will be perfect for another eternity, yet…there’s something so…humbling about it.”

  Ivy and Rose had wandered away and left the two of them to share their admiration for the fossil.

  “You know,” said Mowbray, lifting his head and gazing down the beach to the cliffs that bordered Maiden Shore. “If you’re really curious, we should spend a little time over there. It’s my understan
ding that the cliffs along the coastline here are ripe with fossils. They shouldn’t be hard to find?”

  “Oh Mowbray. I would love to do that. When? Just tell me when?” Lydia’s gaze returned to the little stone. “I want to find more. Different ones. To see what else lived millions of years ago. To hold the past in my hand…like this…”

  He smiled. “Then let’s plan to do just that.”

  She nodded, happy and eager. “Yes. Let’s.”

  *~~*~~*

  “I think I may have cooked my nose a little.” Rose squinted downward, trying to see if the tip of her nose was red.

  “I did suggest you keep your parasol handy,” said Ivy as she poured tea.

  “I did. Truly, I did. But I’m not use to the beach and the sea air. Plus, it was just so pretty there today.”

  “It was fun, wasn’t it?” Judith yawned. “I just wish I wasn’t so tired all the time.”

  “Dearest, you’re doing everything for two now, remember,” Lydia spoke reprovingly. “Don’t expect to do everything at your usual speed.”

  “But…”

  Lydia stopped her with a raised hand. “I’m sure it’s frustrating, but you have to take very good care of Little Withersby.”

  Judith sighed and grinned, resting a hand on her growing stomach. “I am getting quite used to that name. I’m sure when he or she makes their debut we’ll still be referring to the baby as Little Withersby.”

  The laughter filled the room, as tea was sipped, a few tasty tidbits from the kitchen shared companionably, and they settled down most comfortably as only good friends could. Prudence had already retired, claiming exhaustion.

  Woodleigh arrived to check on their progress. “I am to let you know that the gentlemen send their warmest regards but will not be joining you this evening, your Grace.” He bowed to Ivy. “It would seem they have made other arrangements.”

  She frowned. “That’s odd. I doubt they’re thinking of going to the Minton Arms.”

  Woodleigh cleared his throat. “It is my understanding, Ma’am, that the lure of the ocean has exercised its appeal. The gentlemen are undertaking an evening dip in the Solent.”

  “Oh.” Ivy blinked. “Well then.” She recalled herself. “Thank you, Woodleigh. If that is the case, then you may bring the brandy decanter. We may not be going for a swim, but there’s no reason for us ladies not to enjoy a small and private party of our own.”

  “Bravo,” endorsed Rose, putting her teacup back on its saucer.

  “I’m all for it,” grinned Lydia. “Banish the tea, bring on the brandy.”

  “Very good, your Grace.” Woodleigh bowed, left, and returned moments later with a tray Lydia suspected he might well have had ready for them, just in case.

  “Mmm.” Ivy smiled as she lifted her brandy. “Here’s to us ladies. And our gentlemen. May the sea creatures not nibble off the important bits.”

  That brought a laugh as Lydia hoped it would. The sound of her friends around her enjoying themselves was music to her ears.

  “So, darling,” said Rose, staring at her. “Tell us about Mr Furness. The very handsome and charming Mr Furness.”

  “Nothing to tell.” Lydia waved her glass airily. “He is, as you mentioned, handsome and charming. Also a flirt, in a quite gentle and clever way.”

  Ivy looked at Rose. “She didn’t like him.”

  Lydia blinked. “Of course I did. Didn’t I just say that he was…”

  “Handsome and charming. Yes, you did,” interrupted Rose. “But that was all.”

  “And…?” Lydia stared in puzzlement.

  “You didn’t say anything else, dear Lydia,” observed Judith, stretching her legs out on an ottoman with a sigh of pleasure. “You have handsome and charming gentlemen falling all over you all the time. So one would have to assume that Mr Furness is merely one of a crowd in your opinion.”

  Lydia pursed her lips. “I don’t know, to be honest. I just don’t know.” She turned to her friends. “I wish I knew what I was looking for. What I want. I’d like to experience what you all have now. A special someone in my life.” She shrugged. “I had wondered if I might take Mr Furness as a lover. He’s certainly qualified, I should imagine.”

  “But?” Rose tilted her head to one side.

  “At the risk of repeating myself, I don’t know.” Lydia rose and paced to the brandy tray, pouring more into her glass. “I’m just fidgety. Ignore me.”

  “Well,” observed Ivy slowly. “It might help if you knew what you might be getting.” She paused as the others turned to her with a frown. “I mean, if we could see men, really see them. Get a look at the merchandise, as it were.”

  Silence fell as the implications whispered through the room like a wicked shadow.

  “Do you have a telescope?”

  “In the morning room. Facing the beach.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Help me up, dammit.” Judith struggled. “I’m not missing this for anything. Even Little Withersby.”

  Within a few minutes, they rushed into the morning room, only to find it was already in use.

  “Prudence?” Ivy asked, blinking as she noticed the telescope dragged to the large window.

  The younger woman fiddled with the focus, squinting through the eyepiece. “Colly showed me this when I asked about the Isle of Wight. It’s quite powerful…”

  “You…they…we…” Ivy stuttered.

  “Well, of course,” Prudence glanced at her. “You don’t think I’d miss a chance like this, do you?”

  “I…”

  “I wasn’t sure if you knew where they were going. Or if you’d approve of my plans. But now you’re here, we can all get a good look.” Prudence stepped back. “Thankfully there’s a bright moon, and I found the signs of splashing in the water. Who wants to look first?”

  “Better be me,” said Judith. “I would hate to doze off before my turn.”

  “Here you are…” Prudence stepped back and allowed Judith to bend to the eyepiece.

  “Oh, myyyy…” Judith whispered the word as she gasped. “What an extraordinary sight.”

  “What do you see?” Lydia asked, eager for her turn.

  “A lot of men,” Judith replied. “I suppose Lady Susan’s friends have joined in the swimming party…and oh…good Lord…”

  “All right. My turn.” Rose touched Judith’s shoulder and swapped places.

  Then she too fell silent for a few moments. “Er…oh…”

  Ivy glanced at Lydia. “Do you think it’s too much for them? And should we even allow Prudence near that thing?”

  Lydia grinned. “We’re the Wednesday Club girls, remember? We like to be informed.”

  “And inspired,” whispered Rose, stepping back. “Ivy?”

  “Absolutely,” she chuckled. “I’d not miss this for anything.” She took the spot and bent to put her eye where it needed to be.

  Lydia waited patiently, eager for her chance to observe the male of the species unencumbered by clothing. She’d seen statues, of course, and read a lot more than she should have. But something inside her was tingling at the thought of real live naked men. Goodness, she must be a terrible fallen woman to be thinking this way. But then she saw Ivy’s face as she moved away from the telescope, and that excited grin changed her mind.

  “All right. Lydia. Go.”

  It took several blinks to clear her eyes and bring the view into focus. But what a view it was. They were all there, cavorting in the waves, their bodies white and shining as the moon rose higher. Shoulders blurred as they dived into the sea, and an abundance of fine firm backsides flashed happily all over the place. Lydia sucked in air. “By God, they are quite beautiful, aren’t they?”

  “Indeed,” sighed Rose.

  “Remember that cold water does have an effect, girls.” Judith spoke from her chair where she rested with a grin on her face. “Some things will shrink…”

  Lydia gulped as several of the gentlemen turned their backs to an incoming wave. Ye
s, now she could see the things Judith was talking about, and although the cold might have shrunk them, most of the manly assets looked fascinating, nevertheless.

  One in particular held her gaze, its owner turning with a shout to leap over the waves. His rear view was delectable, firm buttocks, long muscled thighs and magnificent shoulders.

  She watched him, trying to identify him. Then he turned and she sucked in a breath of air.

  It was Mowbray.

  “Come on Lydia, quickly…I don’t want to miss anything…” Prudence nudged her.

  Lydia looked at Ivy. “Should we?”

  Prudence snorted. “Try stopping me.”

  Ivy rolled her eyes. “Go on then.” She beckoned Prudence. “But don’t be shocked at what you see. And never, ever tell anyone. Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  Prudence took her turn spying on the naked gentlemen playing in the waters of the Solent.

  It was at least a few minutes before she said anything.

  “Well?” Lydia awaited the response with rising curiosity.

  “Oh goodness…” Prudence moved away from the telescope, swallowed, and turned, wide-eyed, to the women staring at her. “I…oh goodness.”

  And she grinned.

  Chapter Five

  There were more than a few subtle glances and knowing smiles exchanged over the breakfast table the following morning.

  Ivy politely inquired if the gentlemen had enjoyed their dip in the ocean.

  Rose coughed as a bit of toast went down the wrong way.

  Colly nodded and reached for his tea. “It was most bracing and refreshing. I’ve always loved a swim. Pity we can only do it down here and in the summer…”

  “I’m sure it was delightful,” observed Lydia, keeping her face calm in spite of a muffled sort of throat-clearing sound from Prudence. “I think it’s a shame that you gentlemen may swim at your leisure, while we women have to undergo a ritual that takes an hour at least just to get our toes wet.”