Second Chances; A Regency Story (For Anna)

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair would have liked to speak to Lady Osbaldestone as well, but the Dowager Duchess had dominated his attention so thoroughly that he'd been unable to catch a single word. The distraction had seemed purposeful, but there had been no diverting the woman's blithe conversation about what a lovely day it was and what a shame it would be to spend it alone in one's home when there were alternatives.

He might have thought it a hint, but he'd made no mention of the picnic luncheon awaiting his attention, nor even given any real answer as to why he was appearing with Miss Hennessy. He was left feeling as though he should take her out, though. Surely even if it was forward of him she would enjoy an outing. She was more accustomed to the fresh country air than the haze of London, after all.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle managed to pull herself out of her thoughts enough to dance attendance where needed for the remainder of the ride through the park. The traffic was moving at a decent pace now and they didn't run into anyone else that would require them to stop. A casual greeting here, a head nod there, and they finally broke free of the crowd.

Annabelle looked over at Mr. Blackwood and studied him, wondering if there was any truth in what Lady Osbaldestone believed was between them. She wouldn't dare mention any bit of her conversation and decided it might be best to tuck the topic away to further dissect later while she was alone. She searched for a topic that might interest them both. "You mentioned you've been out of London for some time, have you ever traveled to Lincolnshire? The majority of my family is settled in that area."

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

"I haven't, though I've passed through once or twice. I'm afraid I wasn't there long enough to form much of an impression." No, his absence had involved a near hermitage at Hardt Manor and some of the darkest days of his life. He didn't volunteer the information.

"I was wondering, Miss Hennessy, if you might like to extend our drive a bit?" It was a sharp change of subjects and he knew it, but his nerves were stretched tight and he needed to simply ask. "If you have plans for the afternoon of course I would understand, but I had thought an excursion might be diverting." How much more boring could he have made his invitation sound?

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle briefly consulted her mental calendar of all the events she was required to attend with Elizabeth. They had planned to do a few visits in the afternoon, but they weren't expected anywhere and Elizabeth would be grateful for the afternoon off. She could remember her first season and didn't blame Elizabeth at all for not enjoying stuffy sitting rooms where her actions might later be picked over with a fine tooth comb. "I won't be missed until this evening, divert away." She said the last with a grin, wondering if she might foolishly dare to flirt with the gentleman and see where that might lead her.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair's own lips curved, despite his attempt to keep some hold on the look of ennui that was so fashionable these days. Miss Hennessy's assent gave him a well-needed boost of confidence, and as he turned his horses out of the park, he was able to find his own thread of conversation.

"I thought that a picnic luncheon might be pleasant," he said, giving away the intentions he'd had all along. "I do have some minor business to attend to beforehand, but would be honored if you would join me." He looked aside, hoping she wouldn't guess his little surprise as much as he hoped that she'd enjoy it.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"Oh? What sort of business?" Annabelle wondered out loud with a look of mild interest. She did enjoy picnics, especially since they usually meant getting away from the crowds. Even if they were just going to the outskirts of London, country was country. She didn't have a clue what type of business Mr. Blackwood would have on their way, unless they were stopping somewhere before they left London, or perhaps on of the Ducal country residences were nearby?

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

"Visiting an acquaintance to discuss some rather heavy prospects," Alasdair said vaguely. The marbles were indeed quite heavy. So heavy, in fact, that many had been cut into pieces for transportation, a fact that had many calling Sir Elgin a vandal. Of course, those many were also the ones who thought the marbles should have been left to be destroyed entirely. He searched for a change of subject.

"The weather is quite fine today," he said. Excellent, he told himself dryly. There is nothing more stimulating to discuss than the weather.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"Yes, it is. Perfect for a picnic." Annabelle accepted the change of subject without protest, business wasn't a very interesting topic after all. She looked at their surroundings as Mr. Blackwood navigated the street, trying to guess at where their final destination might be. She wasn't familiar enough anymore with the London roads to even speculate. "I'm sure every soul able to get out and enjoy the clear skies will do so while it lasts. There aren't nearly enough clear days such as this throughout the year."

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

"Sadly, there are not," Alasdair agreed. Hopefully it would last another day and he could take the children picnicking on the morrow. It would be a shame for them to miss such an outing when they were so used to having the run of the manor and its extensive grounds.

Conversation for the remainder of their drive was light and comfortable, surprisingly easy. Alasdair found him lulled by it all and more than once slipped into humorous quips and observations. He was somewhat surprised when he found himself turning into the drive at their destination.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle became nervous as they began down the long drive. It wasn't that she was afraid of visiting an estate of a peer, it was the unknown that unsettled her. She had no idea which peer's hospitality she was about to force herself upon. She wondered if the person Mr. Blackwood was to conduct business with was married, and if the wife was presently at home. If not she hated to think of herself alone in a drawing room, making the servants wait upon her. She blinked as she was pulled back to the present when they came to a halt and a footman ran out to hold the horses.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

As Alasdair swung down out of the carriage, his mind was on nothing more than the moment he had helped Miss Hennessy into it. He could not keep the feel of her slender waist out of his visceral memory. He turned back, raising one hand as if to help her down in a more gentlemanly fashion, silently cursing the run of perfect weather and the complete lack of puddles to lift her over. He was surprised at the fervency of his desire to find some excuse to touch her.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle couldn't decide if she was more relieved or disappointed that Mr. Blackwood did not help her down the same way he'd helped her up. The simple touching of their hands still made her heart skip a beat and once she had her feet firmly on the ground she remembered to breathe again. She looked up at him standing so close and for the first time realized just how much he towered over her.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair's eyes caught on those of the petite woman at his side, and it was all he could do to recall himself again. He lay her hand lightly on his sleeve, then looked up to find Thomas already at the top of the steps, watching. He hailed the man, then moved forward for introductions.

"Miss Hennessy, I would like to introduce you to Thomas Bruce, Seventh Earl of Elgin. Thomas, Miss Hennessy is in London for the Season and showed some interest in your marbles."

The Earl was quite gracious and welcome to his unexpected visitors.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle tried to mask her surprise as she was introduced to the Earl of Elgin. So this was the business that Mr. Blackwood had to conduct? She smiled at the Earl and followed him into the Manor. She would have to keep her wits about her with this sneaky man, not that she minded in the least. She felt giddy inside just thinking of how he'd planned this to surprise her. Again, the conversation she had with Lady O. popped in her head and she couldn't help but wonder.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

The Earl kept light conversation with the two as they wound their way through the building. Alasdair's interest was palpable as he asked how the restoration attempts were faring, his regret honest at the mention of his long absence. He was sure to involve Miss Hennessy as much as possible, giving simple but thorough explanations of the processes and the reasons for them.

Once in the large storage room, however, his cheerful chatter died away. That sense of excitement bloomed into something near awe and he stopped just inside the doors, his eyes giving a slow sweep of the room.