He nodded. ‘Very well, although I am... I am dashed if I want anyone to think I am no longer your suitor! That would make me appear quite lily-livered.’
She smiled, but said nothing. As they turned to rejoin the main group Natalya noticed that Lord Dalmorren was watching them. The brim of his hat shadowed his face, but she was sure he was frowning.
‘Freddie, could it have been your uncle who set those men on you?’
‘Tristan?’ He burst out laughing at that. ‘By heaven, Lya, what an idea! No, if Tris wanted to prevent the banns he would tell me to my face. He would not resort to such underhand tactics. But do let us forget all about that now. The sun is shining and I want us to enjoy ourselves. And if you do not object, I should like to go on very much as we did before. I still hope you will change your mind about me, you know.’
‘I am convinced we should not suit, Freddie, but I confess I would not wish you to avoid me altogether.’ She flushed. ‘I am aware there are rumours about my birth. It would be such a blow to one’s pride, you know, not to have any suitors.’ She tried to make light of it, but could not help adding anxiously, ‘Only I do not wish to put you in any danger.’
‘Dash it, you have no need to worry about me, my dear. I shall be on my guard in future, trust me. But remember I am your friend, Lya. You can call upon me if ever you need help.’
Natalya was touched by this, but they were too close to the others for her to reply and they trotted up to join the riders following the carriages as they began to move out of Royal Crescent.
Freddie went off to ride alongside Jane Grisham and almost immediately they were engrossed in conversation. Natalya thought how comfortable they looked together. Perhaps they might even make a match of it one day. Jane’s family were wealthy and well respected in Bath. There were no questions over her parentage, no objection to her as a bride for any gentleman.
‘Suffering pangs of jealousy, Miss Fairchild?’
Natalya looked around to find Lord Dalmorren beside her and was mortified to feel a blush heating her cheeks.
‘Not at all, my lord. Freddie is free to talk with whomsoever he chooses.’
‘And you are not?’
‘You know I am not!’
‘Why should that be, Miss Fairchild?’
‘You have spoken to my uncle,’ she countered. ‘What did he tell you about me?’
‘Nothing. He saw no reason to say anything about you, since he would not even consider Freddie’s suit.’
‘Then you know as much as I.’ Suddenly she was tired of the pretence. ‘I have no idea who my mother was, or my father. I am accepted in Bath because the Pridhams are rich and claim me as their kin and also because of Mrs Ancrum’s patronage, but although the local families allow me to associate with their daughters, I am not considered a suitable match for their sons. Or for anyone.’ She thought of the threats Freddie had received and shivered. ‘You would be advised to stay away from me.’
‘No, why? I am responsible to no one for my actions. If I ride beside you, it is because I want to do so. I enjoy the company and conversation of an intelligent woman. Many men do, you know, Miss Fairchild.’
She stared straight ahead, blinking away a sudden rush of tears.
‘Now what have I said to make you cry?’
‘Why, nothing, I am merely being foolish.’
She forced a smile. His words confirmed her fears. She had read of girls being educated to a high standard and given all the accomplishments to amuse a rich and powerful man. Not with the aim of becoming his wife, but his courtesan.
Tristan watched the play of emotion in Natalya’s face and could not understand it.
‘Have I upset you?’ he asked abruptly. ‘Perhaps you think I am trying to flirt. I assure you that is not the case.’
‘No.’ An unsteady laugh accompanied the words. ‘I acquit you of that, my lord. I believe you were being kind and I am very grateful.’
The humble note in her voice irked him. He said roughly, ‘I do not want your gratitude.’
‘Then what do you want of me?’
Her eyes were gleaming with angry defiance, but there was something more in their depths. Fear. She was wary as a wild creature.
‘Why, nothing,’ he replied. ‘Merely to talk with you. And to see how well you ride. Perhaps you have not noticed, but we have reached a stretch of flat ground and some of the others are preparing to gallop. Shall we join them?’
The anxious look fled.
‘I should like nothing better!’
They turned their mounts and trotted up beside the rest of the riders. There were calls from parents and those in the carriages for the riders to be careful, but they went unheeded. Soon they were all spread out and speeding over the turf. For the first part of the gallop Tristan kept his horse in check, following Natalya as she galloped towards the front of the pack. Not for her a gentle canter while she remained upright in the saddle, looking calm and elegant. Natalya was bent low over the grey’s neck, urging her on while the skirts of her riding habit billowed out in an azure cloud behind her. His hired mare covered the ground at an easy pace while he watched in admiration the way Natalya controlled her spirited mount. They had drawn level with the leaders when he gave the mare her head, surging forward to overtake everyone and thundering onwards to the end of the gallop, a hedge that enclosed a field of sheep.
He pulled up and swung the mare around to discover he was well ahead of the others and he had time
