Anne stood staring wide eyed into Edwards clearly amused face. Oh, of course he was tickled by the notion of surprising her so; trust Edward to draw so much attention to himself. His whole appearance simply radiated confidence.
Edward smiled with great affection down at Anne's clearly flustered face. How perfect her appearance, with just the slightest flush of pink warmth to the cheeks of her otherwise perfectly clear complexion. Never did he think for one moment that his evening would unfold in such a marvellous manner. It had felt like an eternity since he had last been in her company. Their last meeting being at Anne's farewell ball, thrown by her aunt, before her departure for Kent. Who could of known she would now be in London for the season? Who would have known he would miss her company so much. For a man well known for his calm and casually dismissive manner, he felt quite giddy. He did not care one jot about the many onlookers amongst the promenade, eagerly watching their exchange. Why would he think of others at such a moment as this? He knew fool well he was grinning from ear to ear like a ruddy young pup, yet smile like a fool he must. He felt elated; she was in London. If it had been but him alone, 'let them talk' would have been his first response to the many looks and whispers due to his overzealous address towards Anne. He had never cared for the gossip hungry London society; duty bound to attend his seat in Parliament was the only reason which brought him so far south of home. Well Parliament, and of course the racing season with the enticement of horse breeding amongst the racing elite. However, upon seeing the continued embarrassment in Anne's eyes, and knowing her quiet nature; he contrived to compose himself in an attempt at redemption for his overly familiar greeting, if only for her sake.
"I apologise Lady Bea," said Edward flashing his most charming smile to the well-known society matriarch. "And of course, my sincerest of apologies to you, Miss de Bourgh, for I had no intention of alarming you. I am afraid my delight at recognising such an acquaintance from home simply ran away from me."
"Oh, so you and Miss de Bourgh are previously acquainted from Scotland?" asked Lady Beatrice, her voice raised just enough in order for those on looking to hear. She raised an eyebrow at Lord Colville before smiling towards Anne.
Catching her not so subtle meaning, Edward responded, "Oh, of course how silly of me. Miss de Bourgh is the cousin of my closest, and most excellent friend, Lord Bruce the Earl of Elgin. Miss de Bourgh and I are well acquainted for I am a particular friend of the family including the dear Dowager of Elgin. Miss de Bourgh was kind enough to tend to her poor aunt, offering solace and much support to the family after the unexpected death of the late Earl." There, he thought, that explanation would surely put a stop to the hushed whispers.
"Such a sweet, gentle creature," responded Lady Beatrice as she took the arm of Miss de Bourgh. "I knew upon our introduction you and I would become dear friends. But alas, this sweet reunion amongst friends must come to an end, for the bell has rung and we must return to our box. I would ask you to join us Lord Colville, however the box is already such a crush."
"Do not worry a moment on my account ,my dear Lady Bea," smiled Edward bowing his head towards the astute woman. He had known Lady Beatrice for many years, his late father having been an acquaintance of her husband's. Edward was quite sure she would have much to ask him at their next meeting in Almacks with regards to his behaviour towards Miss de Bourgh. "I myself have a small matter of business to attend to. Miss de Bourgh," he replied bowing his head low, "a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. Now if you will excuse me ladies, I must be away to see a gentleman about a horse."
Anne rose earlier than usual the following morning. It had become part of her daily routine that she and Georgiana take an early morning ride within Hyde park each morning. This was then followed by returning to Grosvenor Street to breakfast with Darcy. Writing a few lines upon a calling card, for it was the most convenient piece of paper to hand, Anne left a message with Darcy's Butler before quietly leaving for her ride alone. It was not in Anne's nature to be deceitful, but in this case she was sure a small white lie would not do Georgiana any harm. Her note to Georgiana gave her apologies for not being able to attend their morning ride, for she was required to attend a meeting with her man of business. As Anne was assisted onto her mount, she felt a stab of guilt at her small lie. There was no meeting at all. Anne simply wished to have a moment to herself this morning, and the opportunity for a solo ride in Hyde Park was far too tempting to ignore. Upon her arrival in London Anne had purchased a 15 hand bay as her own personal horse which she named Sierra. She was proofing the most satisfactory mount, although not quite so thrilling as Edwards gifted Arabian, chestnut beauty. As they approached Hyde Park Anne led Sierra away from the popular sandy track of Rotten Row and headed towards Ladies Mile. It was just as she hoped it would be, empty. Her early departure had not been for nothing. She rapped her whip against Sierra's flank and drove the horse into a fast trot. If only she didn't need to ride side-saddle, but the risk of being seen was just far too high to break such a social norm. During her time in Scotland Anne had ridden side-saddle when calling on acquaintances or when in the company of her aunt. However, in her private moments and those days out riding with her cousins and Lord Colville, she had often ridden in the same manner as a man. She even had several riding outfits made for just such an activity. It seemed her relations in the north believed it was not practical or safe for a lady to ride side-saddle; the terrain being either too difficult or the risk of robbery too high in such a compromised position. Both her cousins wives and her cousin Margaret rode in this manner when privately together upon the estate. Anne, who had never been a natural horsewoman, believed that if she had not been able to learn to ride like a man, she would never of mastered the saddle at all.
With the route predominately clear, Anne could really let Sierra stretch her legs. Closing her eyes, she took great pleasure as the air whipped against her face as they sped further down the path. Anne had spent a great deal of the night before thinking about Edward and their unexpected reunion the evening before. She wasn't sure why she had not thought it a likely occurrence that they should meet. She was fully aware he attended Parliament. She had missed his company those summer months but, as her cousin Angus, Lord Bruce the Earl of Elgin, and the rest of her family had remained at home, she was never short of company. The arrival of partridge season marked the beginning of the Scottish social season with everyone travelling south to Edinburgh. By this time Edward had always returned from London to become one of their party. Upon Anne's arrival in Elgin she spent a great deal of time those first few months simply at home with her aunt Tilly for company. She was still quite weak and visibly thin from the fever; which was in no way helped by her melancholy feelings over her heart ache over Richard. Her cousins would visit their mother regularly, and Anne would, more often than not, sit with them until she felt too fatigued to remain in company. Due to this reclusive nature, Anne had not been introduced to Lord Colville until late in the fall of that first year. Still in mourning, none of the family attended the Edinburgh season so close to the death of the late Earl. During this first eight months of her stay Anne slowly built up her strength, taking short walks around the Dowager House with her aunt, until she was able to undertake lengthier excursions across the grounds and the wider estate. Her appetite improved and she began to see the effects both in her energy levels but also her appearance. By the time the summer arrived she spent a great deal of time outdoors walking or playing with Angus and Marie's children on the great lawn by the big house. Her nieces and nephews, for the children all called her aunt, were an utter joy to be around. Anne had always loved children and their sweet curious nature and lively spirits could not but help lift her own.
It was on a cold November morning when Anne had first met Lord Colville; while playing sardines with her darling brood in the big house. As it was her turn to be 'it', she had hidden herself under a table in the morning room as the children all searched in an attempt to find her. The rules were simple, as each child found her, they too joined in her hiding place until only one seeker was left.
Anne heard the door of the morning room open and couldn't help but let out a small giggle. She was hopeless at this game, the children always found her so easily for she often could not help but giggle at the ridiculousness of her hiding in a cupboard on behind a chair. Suddenly Anne gasped as a pair of brilliant shining boots appeared in front of her from her position under the table. A moment later dark eyes and the bemused face of an exceedingly handsome stranger appeared as he bent to look under the table.
"Forgive me," smiled the gentleman, "I had presumed to find one of the children at play but alas it is not so, we have a stowaway in our midst instead."
Anne's cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment at being caught in such an undignified manner. "I..," she stammered, "I... I beg your pardon Sir, but I am at play with the children, you see it is my turn to hide."
"Oh, so it is sardines," laughed the gentleman dropping to his knees. "A capital game, well scoot over, there's a good lass, I shouldn't have you discovered on my part." Anne's mouth dropped in astonishment as the gentleman crawled beneath the table to join her. What on earth was he thinking, who was this man? They had not been introduced and here she was crouching with him under a table. What on earth would her mother say if she could see her now.
"Sir I do not mean to be pertinent but.." began Anne before the gentleman cut her off.
"It is my Lord as it happens, and do please be quiet for you shall entirely forfeit the game," he jested flashing her his most dashing grin.
Anne stared at the floor far too embarrassed to attempt any further conversation, but also at a loss on what she should do. Should she simply remove herself and walk away? Perhaps that would be for the best, what did one do in such a situation? Anne's inner voice was silenced by the approach of several excited little feet scurrying into the room. Seconds later a small blond head appeared looking directly under the table at Anne and the gentleman. Recognition turned to delight as the small boy almost leapt on top of the gentleman. "It is Lord Colville!" the boy cried with excitement as he gentleman crawled from beneath the table. One by one the children rushed forward, hugging at his leg or half climbing upon him. Anne moved out from under the table and watched in astonishment as the immaculately dressed gentleman simply laughed and took great pleasure in the children's assault on his person. He scooped up the youngest who wrapped her arms affectionately around his neck.
"Children, children," came the easy tempered voice of Angus from the doorway. "Please leave Lord Colville be. He will think I have lost all control over you!" Angus laughed heartily at the scene before him. "Oh, Anne, I see you have met Lord Colville. Edward, Edward," he repeated more firmly in an attempt to regain Edwards attention from that of his children. "Please allow me to formally introduce you to my cousin Miss de Bourgh."
The tall gentleman managed to untangle himself from the limbs of the children long enough in order to bow towards Miss de Bourgh. "I must apologise Miss de Bourgh, I am Lord Colville Viscount of Arbuthnot and a most intimate friend of the family. Lord Bruce and I have been friends since childhood.
"Yes we are practically brothers," smiled Angus pleased to have Edward back in Elgin. "I must say you are looking well old boy, how was the journey from Edinburgh?"
"The journey from Edinburgh was exceedingly fine, however" he said gravely kneeling down to be eye level with the children. "My carriage was so heavy due to all the presents within, I was almost sure it would capsize."
"Presents" cried the children in unison all looking eagerly from the Viscount to their father.
"They are all being taken to the nursery as we speak," replied Lord Colville standing tall giving a wink towards Angus.
"Off you go then, you savage children you, to the nursery," Angus laughed as his four small children all flew from the room in the direction of the upstairs nursery. "You spoil them far too much Edward," Angus replied walking forward to shake hands with his old friend. "Anne, Lord Colville will be staying with us for the foreseeable, at least until Christmas I hope dear man; so you shall all have plenty time to become acquainted. It seems such an age since we last saw you. Mother will be thrilled you have arrived. Come we shall all walk down to the Dowager House together. Miss de Bourgh is currently staying with mother."
This had been Anne's first meeting with Edward which would form the foundation of a growing friendship which would continue throughout her stay in Elgin. He was taken my Anne's sweet charm and lively mind and she his vigour and zest for life. Her aunt Tilly simply adored Edward, and upon her seeing the friendship between Anne and Edward blossom, could only hope that this would lead to something more. Edward had never shown any particular serous interest towards any females of their acquaintance, keeping his private affairs discreet and disinclined to rush into the prospect of marriage. "I am but only thirty-three, my dear Matilda, he would cry in jest to her aunt when the topic of marriage was raised. "And alas," he would smile warmly at the Dowager, a twinkle in his eye; " you have told me you are disinclined to remarry, for who can compare to such a woman."
Anne was still reminiscing about this first meeting with Edward as she rode Sierra along Ladies Mile. Of course knowing him now as she did, she should not have been surprised by his simply climbing beneath the table to join her in her game of sardines with the children. Edward was all fun and amusement; not only did the children adore him but everyone else too. He had such happy pleasing manners, so joyful; yet his intelligence and calm demure demanded respect and revere.
A year or so into their acquaintance Anne had came to realise many people seemed to believe their was more to their relationship than mere friendship. At first Anne was flattered that people assumed a woman such as she had the power to attract a man such as the Viscount. Tall, dark and dashingly handsome Edward was indeed regarded as quite the marriage prize by many a young chits mother. Anne had simply laughed off such a flattering thought until the morning Edward had presented her with the gift of Amirah, her very own Arabian, chestnut mare. The horse was simply exquisite, nothing less than perfection; but of course Edward was a well regarded for his race horses and was in possession of several prized mares and stallions. It was the words that went with the gift which were etched in Anne's reverie.
"A lady as becoming as you should have a horse to match," he had said to Anne is such a way the meaning could not be ignored. The words did not simply imply his normal good humoured meaning. There was a richness in his voice and an earnest expression across his eyes which indicated the weight behind their meaning. From that moment on Anne would begin to question Edwards regard towards her, wondering if it were possible he wished for more than just friendship. He had become her dearest friend; escorting her to all formal engagements, acting as her dance partner and confidant. Being as comfortable in his presence as she was, Anne had told Edward early in their acquaintance about her broken heart and earlier disappointment with regards to Richard. She had not divulged any particulars with regards to her connection to the man in question nor his name. Edward had listened sympathetically and assured her the gentleman was the only one who should feel disappointment for the outcome of the situation. He himself gave the impression he had little love towards the notion of marriage and joked she had likely made a lucky escape. As their acquaintance progressed, their growing friendship gave both family and common acquaintances much to speculate over.
As Edward simply radiated charm, Anne could dismiss these rare moments which could be contrived as displays of affection. Not once did he confess any true feelings of love towards her, and it was this reason that she believed that although perhaps he held her in high regard, he had no serious designs on her. Anne had been fooled once believing a man to love he, she was unwilling to be so foolish again.
Before Anne knew it she was bringing Sierra into Grosvenor Street, ready to be helped in her dismount from her pretty Bay. Giving the horse an affectionate rub across the neck she held a small sugar lump on the flat of her gloved hand for the horse to take. Scratching the beasts nose with much affection she then turned and headed inside. Glancing at the grandfather clock she headed straight to her room to change from her riding outfit into a suitable morning dress. Once dressed in a white morning dress with simple embroidery on the bodice of small yellow daisies, she headed in search of breakfast.
She found both her cousins part way through breaking their fast. Darcy sat behind his copy of the Morning Chronicle, a steaming cup of coffee by his side. Anne helped herself to eggs and fish before taking her seat next to Georgiana who promptly poured her cousin a large cup of hot chocolate.
"I hope your meeting this morning was to your satisfaction?" asked Georgiana. "It was such a shame we should miss our morning ride, however there is always tomorrow's to look forward to."
"You had a meeting this morning," asked Darcy from behind his paper.
"Oh, it was a small discussion with my man," said Anne, her stomach fluttering from uttering the small white lie aloud. "I had to sign a few letters with regards to work on the house. You know, they think I shall be ready to take residence in but a fortnight."
"I wish you would stay here," said Georgiana looking at Anne with earnest. "It has been so wonderful having you here."
"Do not worry," smiled Anne at her cousin, patting the back of her hand for comfort. "I shall be but a street away and my door is always open and my home welcome to you, regardless of time or occasion. You and I shall always be in company if you so desire it and shall continue our morning rides and outings much as we do now."
The door to the morning room opened as Darcy's butler, Lewis, entered. "Pardon the intrusion Sir, but a message has just arrived for Miss de Bourgh, should I bring it in."
Puzzled Darcy placed his paper on the table. "What do you mean Lewis, bring it in?" He looked towards Anne who gave him a slight shrug indicating she had no idea what the message was about. Darcy nodded and his eyes grew wide as Lewis returned carrying the largest bouquet of exotic flowers he had ever seen. Lewis was then followed by two more of the house staff, each buckling under the weight of similar enormous floral displays. "If you do not object Sir, Miss de Bourgh, I think it best to place them directly in the library in order for Mrs Morris to find vases adequate for such a large display. Darcy simply nodding looking at Anne with much surprise.
"I am all astonishment just as you are Darcy," said Anne rising from her seat to take a closer look at the flowers. "Lewis was there a card?" asked Anne as she smelt the most exquisite blossom. She reached out and took the small envelope from the butler's hand, unfolding the card she read:
My darling Anne my most sincerest of apologies for embarrassing you last night. Yet I can not express how glad I am to be in your company once more. Please accept these flowers as a small token of my affection, alas I did not know your favourite flower, so I purchased one of everything the florist could obtain for me.
Your humble servant and lifelong friend
Edward Colville
Anne looked up across the table towards Darcy. "They are from Lord Colville," Anne said softly her eyes taking in the vast range of flowers, "there must be a hundred at least!"
"Ah, yes," said Darcy his eyebrow raised towards Anne. "Miss Bingley took great delights during the second act of informing me of you and the gentleman's reintroduction amongst the intervals promenade. It was difficult to hear the play over her review of the meeting. It seems the gentleman in question simply cannot help drawing attention with outlandish displays of regard towards you."
"Perhaps," said Anne looking at Darcy rather coolly. "A man should consider his own short falls in his display of affection and conduct towards the fairer sex before he chastises the open regard another man is fearless to express?"
Darcy, feeling the full meaning of her words with regards to his conduct towards Miss Bennet, simply raised his hand signalling his defeat and returned to the sanctuary of his paper.
Georgiana looked from her brother to cousin at a loss, not privy to neither last nights events or that of Darcy's failed proposal with Miss Bennet in Kent. "And who is this Lord Colville," asked Georgian the excitement in her voice apparent. "Who is the man sending such beautiful flowers to my dear cousin, you must tell me, how do you know him?"
How indeed thought Anne. She had no idea how to explain her friendship with Edward to Georgiana.