Jessica bit her lip, still frustrated with what had happened the previous afternoon. The moment Lord Warwick had stepped into the room, she had tried to go towards him in order to engage him in conversation, but her sister had caught him first. Not that Harmonia had meant anything by such a gesture for she was simply being both kind and polite – but the delay had allowed Major Ridding to join her and her sister Jacintha. From the very moment he had arrived, to the moment he left their side, he had not stopped talking about himself.

He was a nice gentleman, of course, and Jessica had found herself caught up in one of his long stories about his many trips abroad but when she had come to look for Lord Warwick, she had been quite unable to see him. Her heart had shaken in her chest as she’d looked for him desperately, suddenly afraid that he would think her somehow flattered by Major Ridding’s attentions. It had been too late, of course, for he had quit the room. She had seen him talking to their host and had watched for a moment before realizing, much to her horror, that he fully intended to leave the tea party altogether. Excusing herself quickly, and even more frustrated that Major Ridding made to stop her by catching her arm and asking what was wrong, she had hurried after him but it was much too late. He had not heard her call his name and certainly had not looked behind him, to give the room one last glance. When she had spoken to their host about Lord Warwick’s hasty departure, he had explained that Lord Warwick had been called back to his estate on some urgent business, although he himself had not noticed any messages being taken into the room by a footman.

Sighing heavily, Jessica swiped at the ivy hanging down an old wall as she continued her walk in the gardens, frustrated at what had occurred. As she had returned to her sister Jacintha, she had made sure not to engage Major Ridding in conversation for the rest of the evening, although he had attempted to speak to her on more than a few occasions. For whatever reason, Jessica felt quite certain that Major Ridding had attempted to keep her away from Lord Warwick, for what other explanation could there be for him grasping her arm in such a way? It had been most improper of course, for a gentleman did not touch a lady without her consent, and she had been forced to shake his hand off and turn away, thinking to herself that it was simply not his business what she did and who she spoke to. After all, he had no claim on her! His chortle had followed her as she continued to cross the room, looking desperately for Lord Warwick, but much too late.

In truth, Jessica was as irritated with herself as she was with Major Ridding for, had she now allowed herself to become so enthralled by the story he was telling of his latest escapades in Pomerania, then she would not have missed Lord Warwick at all! Her heart had quickened its pace the moment he had come into the room and the warm smile on his face had sent a blush to her cheeks. How then, had she permitted herself to miss him entirely! She had not even spoken a word to him!

Pulling out the letter from her pocket, Jessica looked down at her father’s seal with trepidation. They had all received a letter each earlier that day but, as yet, Jessica had not read hers. She was worried that her father would press her into matrimony, questioning as to whether or not she had found anyone suitable and Jessica was already weary of such questions. Her feelings for Lord Warwick aside, she wished her father could understand her desire to simply be happy and content in her life.

Breaking the seal, Jessica sat down on a small bench in the corner of the gardens, her nose filled with the wonderful scents of the flowers that surrounded her. With a sense of dismal acceptance of what she would find within, Jessica began to read…. only to discover that her father had not written anything like what she had expected.

“I wish you only to be happy,” she read aloud, one hand pressed against her heart. “I know that the burden now falls to you to be happily wed but I must assure you that my determination to push you into the matrimonial state as quickly as possible has dimmed somewhat. I find that I miss each of you, even though I am glad to know you are enjoying your time with your sister Amelia. I suppose I have considered that, should the worst happen, Lord Northfell will care for each of you who remains unwed and so, my concerns have been assailed somewhat. Do not think I will berate you for not seeking out a husband for yourself, Jessica. In time, I hope you will find a man who cares for you enough to make you his bride, but I would have you be happy more than anything else in the world.”

She stared down at the letter, her vision blurring with sudden tears. This was not what she had expected. Her father had been so urgent in his need for them all to wed but now, it seemed, that had lessened significantly. It was as though he had realized that her angst over the whole situation was making her life somewhat miserable and had, therefore, wanted to take that away. It was as though a huge burden had rolled off her shoulders, allowing her a sense of freedom she had not experienced for some time. Drawing in a deep breath, Jessica smiled softly to herself, feeling more alive than she had done in some time.

“Ah, Lady Jessica!”

Starting in surprise, Jessica turned to see who it was speaking to her, only to discover that it was none other than Major Ridding, who was tramping across the garden towards her.

Rising from her seat, Jessica tried to smile, hoping that one of her sisters or at the very least, a gardener was around somewhere.

“Major Ridding,” she said, inclining her head. “I did not expect to see you today.”

He bowed. “Capital, is it not, that I should find you here?” He beamed at her, as though she should be just as delighted as he was that he had had somehow managed to find her within the Northfell estate gardens. “I was just making my way to the front of the house when I heard one of the gardeners mention you were near the roses. I think they did not wish to disturb you but I was quite certain you would not mind if I joined you!”

Jessica managed a tight smile, her stomach curling with nerves. It was not wise for her to be out here alone, not when there was no-one else nearby. Major Ridding’s presence unsettled her somewhat, especially given that she considered him nothing more than a friend, even though he appeared to be hoping for more since he was almost constantly by her side or seeking her out for conversation.

“Perhaps we should go back into the house,” she suggested, hopefully. “My sisters and brother in law would be happy to see you, I am sure.”

He held out his hand and caught her arm as she made to go past him. Jessica jerked her arm away, stepping backward. “Major Ridding,” she began, firmly, determined not to allow him to get away with such an improper advance yet again. “That is not –”

“I was hoping to invite you to a little ball I am throwing come next week,” he interrupted, gallantly, as though he was entirely unaware of what he had done. “It is sure to be a most wonderful occasion and I would be delighted if you would join me.”

Sighing inwardly, Jessica took a step back, putting a good distance between them. “I assume you mean to invite the rest of my sisters also.”

He paused, a surprised look on his face, only to laugh and incline his head. “Yes, of course, but I wanted to give you this invitation personally.”

It was on the tip of Jessica’s tongue to ask why, so that she might ensure he was more than aware that she sought no kind of attachment from him, but instead she held her tongue and waited for him to continue to speak, thinking he might reveal more about his intentions.

Major Ridding watched her for a moment, his eyes darkening just a touch. “I would not consider the ball a success if you were not there, Lady Jessica,” he continued, moving forward slowly. “Do say you will come.”

Jessica lifted her chin and fixed him with her gaze. She was now quite sure that the Major sought more from her than just a friendly acquaintance and was determined to take this opportunity to clarify the matter for him. “And is Lord Warwick to be invited?”

The frown on his face was immediate. “I can invite him, of course.”

“I do hope you will,” she said at once, smiling brightly. “I can think of no-one with whom I would like to spend some more time with. I was greatly vexed that I did not get to speak to him at the tea party yesterday afternoon.”

“My conversation was rather intriguing, was it not?” Major Ridding replied, with a slightly affected air. “Not half as interesting as Lord Warwick’s, I assure you.”

“And yet it is he that I very much wish to converse with,” Jessica replied, firmly, hoping he understood her meaning. “I shall accept your invitation, so long as I am assured that Lord Warwick will be there.” She sighed heavily and glanced away, putting what she hoped was a dreamy smile on her lips. “I am already looking forward to furthering my acquaintance with him.”

Major Ridding cleared his throat and snapped his heels together. “I shall do whatever I can to ensure your presence is there,” he replied, in a somewhat dark tone. “And mayhap, in time, you might come to see that there are other gentlemen who should not escape your notice, Lady Jessica. After all, you are the daughter of a Duke and may have your pick of gentlemen, wherever you go. I am blessed in my acquaintance with you.”

Jessica smiled and nodded, stepping around him and making back to the house before he could stop her. “You are very kind, Major Ridding,” she murmured, as their steps quickened. “I know my sisters and I will all gladly accept your invitation to the ball. Where is it you intend to have it? I know you only have lodgings here.”

“At the village hall,” he replied, offering her his arm which, after a moment of hesitation, she took. “I know it will not be anywhere near as grand as a ballroom but a gentleman in the army must do what he can!”

“I am sure it will be quite wonderful,” Jessica answered, hoping that he did not think she thought any less of him simply because he did not have an estate nearby to throw his ball.

“And shall you save a dance for me, Lady Jessica?” he asked, softly, as they approached the front door. “I would be very glad if you would consider doing so.”

Jessica nodded, finding no reason to refuse. “Of course, Major Ridding. Although, I am quite sure I will have more than enough dances free for you to secure two if you wish.” The very moment she said it, Jessica wished those words back into her mouth, suddenly pierced with the thought that she had given Major Ridding a reason to hope instead of what she had intended – which was simple, light-hearted conversation.

“Two it shall be, then,” Major Ridding murmured, as the door was held open for them. “I find that I am already looking forward to it, Lady Jessica.”