THE BARONET'S DAUGHTER

CHAPTER ELEVEN

                                                              CHAPTER ELEVEN

Eleanor rose at six o’clock the next morning, washed in the water from the china jug on her washstand which was cold but exhilarating, and then slipped into the blue woollen riding habit. It was a little too large for her slim build, but the voluminous skirts gave warmth to her limbs and she was glad of it.

    Eleanor had one garment of her own that she valued highly. It was a hooded cloak in thick brown wool; not elegant but very warm. This she donned and then made her way to the stables.

    She was unsure whether she would find a welcome from Major Warburton after her conduct the evening before. His murmured remark of her being ill-used had upset her and she had quickly entered her room, closing the door firmly in his face. Was he offended, she wondered and would he snub her this morning?

    When she reached the stables she found him already there with three horses saddled.

    ‘Good morning, Miss Wellesley,’ he called. ‘I see that tardiness is not one of your faults, if indeed, you have any. I hope you are recovered from your fatigue of yesterday?’

    ‘I am rested, thank you, sir,’ she said, her colour rising. ‘I look forward to our ride.’

    ‘We go as far as the hamlet of Birdington, some six miles off,’ he told her. ‘Lord Birkett wishes to see one of his gamekeepers there and also he has business with the local Rector.’

    Eleanor felt a little spurt of disappointment. She had been foolish to imagine that she and Major Warburton would ride alone together. Of course his lordship would accompany the Major as usual. She was the interloper here.

    Lord Birkett made his appearance directly. He nodded his good morning then had nothing more to say to her and she was convinced that he disapproved of her accompanying them.

    Frost was thick on the meadows and hedgerows as they proceeded, and Eleanor, sitting side-saddle, was glad of the cloak and her thick skirts.

    Eleanor rode in the rear, as the Major and Lord Birkett seemed to have much to talk about. They had not gone far into the countryside surrounding the estates, when glancing back Eleanor saw another rider, skirting the field near a small coppice.

    Immediately she was reminded of the man who lounged on the gate during her walk the previous day. As she stared in his direction, the rider veered his mount slightly, disappearing into the trees.

    Eleanor spurred her horse forward until she was level with Lord Birkett.

    ‘Your lordship, may I speak?’

    Lord Birkett glanced at her. ‘What is it Eleanor? Are you tired already? Do you wish to return?’

    ‘No my lord,’ Eleanor answered crisply. ‘I am curious about a rider I have just seen near that coppice.’ She pointed in the direction of the trees. ‘I believe he is following us. I...had occasion to see him yesterday. Is he in your employ?’

    Major Warburton reined his horse and after a second’s delay Lord Birkett also stopped. They all gazed in the direction of the coppice but there was nothing now to see but frost-laden branches and white-tipped grasses.

    ‘I see no one,’ Lord Birkett boomed. ‘No man of mine would be riding at this hour. You are still hazy with sleep, Eleanor and are imagining things.’

    He turned his horse’s head along the bridle path that they were following.

    ‘Come along!’ he said. ‘We delay too long.’

Christmas and New Year at Willington House was pleasant, indeed. Eleanor could not remember in her life so happy a time.

    Lady Susan had arranged dinner parties and small assemblies to which most of the local gentry and nobility attended. Days were filled with the chatter of Cecilie and Dorothea and the evening filled with jovial company; music and good food.

    There was much gaiety and enjoyment. Major Warburton and Jeffrey Warburton were diverting and entertaining. Eleanor felt herself very fortunate to have fallen amongst the Birkett family.

    She continued to ride each morning with Major Warburton and Lord Birkett who eventually came to accept her company.

The two Warburton men stayed on until the beginning of March. Lady Susan’s idea of a family party to take in the Season seemed to have fallen by the board.

    Major Warburton was to return to Falsworth for a few weeks to see to things on his estates, before going on to his London house in preparation of the Season.

    Mr Jeffrey Warburton was called home by his father, Sir Ernest Warburton, Ambrose’s older brother, but assured everyone that they would meet up with him again when the London Assemblies began in earnest at the beginning of April.

    Eleanor felt bereft at the Major’s absence from the house. During the Christmas season she had come to see many good aspects of his character which had endeared him to her. Of course, he had shown no romantic interest in her, mere chaperone that she was, and she chided herself for her folly in caring.

But soon Eleanor found there was no time for dreaming. In mid March the Birkett household was to decamp en bloc to their house in Grosvenor Square.

    There was much to do before the London Season got into full swing. The best dressmakers and milliners must be scouted before rivals could snap them up. Caterers and wine merchants must be primed for the many assembles and parties Lord Birkett would embark on at great expense.

    The twins’ excitement transferred to Eleanor, and she could almost believe that she too was to be presented to the Regent.