yes, I have,’ Richard replied. ‘However I believe it is very crowded today. It must be an apprentices’ holiday or some such thing.’
‘Indeed?’ uttered Lady Wakefield, dismay in her voice. ‘It will be dreadfully noisy, then.’
‘They can be a little boisterous, too,’ he added. ‘Especially if they have visited the ale house.’
‘Then let us leave the labyrinth for another day,’ suggested Julia, looking nervous.
‘Yes, I think that might be best, especially since it is so hot,’ agreed Phyllida, thinking of how easy it would be for Richard to be alone with Ellen in a maze. She raised her hand and pointed. ‘That path winds through the trees. It looks very picturesque and has the advantage of being quiet and shady. But you have just come that way, Mr Arrandale. We must not ask you to retrace your steps.’
He was not so easily dismissed and replied with a bland smile, ‘Not at all, ma’am. I am only too delighted to escort you.’
The party set off again, the younger ones leading the way, Lady Wakefield and Phyllida on either side of Mr Arrandale. Phyllida was still trying to recover from her own forwardness. She had never before accosted a gentleman so brazenly and for a while she was unable to make conversation. Thankfully Lady Wakefield was not similarly disabled. It was clear from their conversation that Mr Arrandale was on friendly terms with Adrian Wakefield and had thus earned the approval of that young man’s fond mama and they were soon discussing the pleasures of Bath. Phyllida was happy to let them continue, until she heard Lady Wakefield mention the forthcoming ride to Farleigh Castle.
‘My great-aunt is related to the owners of Farleigh House, you know,’ he said.
‘Yes, Lady Hune has kindly given us an introduction. The housekeeper is to provide refreshments for us at the house,’ replied Lady Wakefield. ‘I am very glad the family is not at home, for I should feel awkward imposing upon them, but now we can be easy. We are all looking forward to it. Julia has been reading about the castle in a book of local antiquities.’
‘It sounds a delightful party, ma’am. I believe Farleigh Castle is well worth a visit. Indeed I should like to see it myself.’
‘Then why do you not join us, Mr Arrandale?’ Lady Wakefield gave a little laugh. ‘We are planning to go a week on Monday. We should be pleased to have you with us in any case, but since you are related to Lady Hune that would make your presence even more welcome.’
Phyllida held her breath, hoping he would refuse. Hoping he might even be planning to leave Bath before then.
‘How kind of you, Lady Wakefield. I can think of nothing I should like more.’
‘Excellent. Do you hear that, Julia?’ Lady Wakefield raised her voice and the three young people stopped obligingly. ‘Mr Arrandale is joining us on our trip to Farleigh.’
‘That is wonderful news,’ cried Ellen.
Her obvious delight in this addition to the party dismayed Phyllida. It prompted her to say gaily, ‘I must admit the idea of the Gothic ruin intrigues me. Would you object if I made one of your party, too, ma’am?’
‘Not at all, my dear, I am very pleased that you have decided to join us.’
They had now reached a section of the gravel path that had become seriously overgrown and was only wide enough for them to pass one at a time. Phyllida stood back to allow Lady Wakefield to precede her, but as she picked her way along the narrow path her spine tingled with the knowledge that Richard Arrandale was at her back. She heard his voice close behind.
‘So you did not originally intend to join the party to Farleigh Castle,’ he said. ‘What made you change your mind?’
‘It sounds too delightful to be missed.’
‘I wondered if you were having second thoughts about allowing Miss Tatham to go without you.’
‘Oh, heavens, no. Ellen is very sensible. I would have no worries about her riding out with the Wakefields.’
At least, I would not if you were not one of the party.
Phyllida walked on quickly. Would there come a time when she would have to tell Richard that he must stay away from her stepdaughter? A quiet voice said she should hint him away now, before Ellen lost her heart, but she was very much afraid that hints would not work with Richard Arrandale, not if he had set his heart upon winning the heiress. She must be direct, then. Her mind shied away from such an action, it was not in her nature to confront anyone. She comforted herself by remembering Ellen’s assurances that she had no intention of rushing into marriage, but hard upon the memory came the thought that falling in love was not something one could command. Phyllida mentally braced herself. She would do whatever was necessary to protect Ellen.
The winding path widened and Richard resumed his place between the ladies. They came up with the younger members of their party at the park gates, where Julia and her brother were arguing about who was the best rider. They called upon their mother to adjudicate and the three of them walked ahead into Great Pulteney Street, deep in conversation.
Richard smiled. ‘That leaves me to escort you, ladies. If you will permit?’
Ellen immediately took his proffered arm and Phyllida was obliged to fall in on the other side. She listened with growing unease as Ellen chattered away as if she had known Richard Arrandale for years. The man was so charming and attentive it would be no wonder if he turned Ellen’s head. As soon as there was a break in the conversation Phyllida addressed him.
‘How long are you planning to stay in Bath, Mr Arrandale?’
‘That depends rather upon my great-aunt. She has not been well, you know.’
‘I do know it, but when we took tea on Sunday she assured me she is much recovered now. And with the season here about to begin I feel sure there will be distractions enough to amuse her. However I have no doubt you would find them a little tame, sir.’
‘Why do you say that, Philly?’ cried Ellen. ‘It sounds almost as if you wish Mr Arrandale to leave Bath.’
‘Not at all,’ she replied coolly. ‘I am merely saying that the coming season will provide Lady Hune with more diversions, and she has many friends here, too, so you must not think that she will be without company, Mr Arrandale.’
‘I do not see that anyone would want to leave Bath,’ remarked Ellen. ‘Why, there are concerts and balls, and the shops—the finest outside London, I dare say!’
Richard laughed. ‘When you put it like that, Miss Tatham, I am tempted to remain here all winter.’
No! The idea was intolerable.
Phyllida said quickly, ‘But you have estates of your own, do you not, sir? They must require a great deal of your time.’
‘I have Brookthorn Manor, in Hampshire, but there is nothing there that cannot wait.’ Amusement rippled through his voice. ‘Why, Lady Phyllida, is Miss Tatham correct, are you trying to get rid of me?’
She managed a lighthearted laugh. ‘Not at all, sir.’
‘No, of course she isn’t,’
