The Captain's Lady. Louise Gouge M.

bespoke his many nights of intemperance and little sleep. Could pious Grace care for such a reprobate? Marianne hated to think of her brother in terms their father would use, but Robert truly met that description.

      Before she could respond to Grace’s concern, Robert hailed another open carriage passing from the other direction. “Ho there, Highbury. Do stop for a chat.” He waved to Wiggins to stop Marianne’s conveyance.

      The young man called to his driver, who reined his horses to a stop. Beside Mr. Highbury sat his sister, Lady Eugenia, and Marianne felt a rush of pleasure at seeing these friends. Due to Lord Highbury’s Whig politics, Papa no longer associated with him, and out of loyalty, both families deferred to their patriarchs.

      Robert presented Jamie to the Highburys, and pleasantries flew about the little group.

      “I see you and Lady Marianne have taken advantage of this rare sunny day, too, Mr. Moberly.” Lady Eugenia gave Robert a warm smile, and her eyelashes fluttered.

      Marianne heard Grace’s soft sigh beside her. It was clear Eugenia was flirting with Robert. But Lord Highbury would never permit her to marry a second son.

      Robert, all charm and energy now, bowed in his saddle. “My lady, it must be Fate that brought us together.”

      “I absolutely concur.” Mr. Highbury’s gaze settled on Grace, and he nodded to her. “Even the ground is dry. We simply must take a turn around the park.”

      With all in agreement, the ladies were assisted from their carriages. While Eugenia maneuvered her way toward Robert, Marianne managed to edge close to Jamie. Mr. Highbury seemed more than agreeable to pairing with Grace, bowing and offering his arm to her.

      “Your riding has improved, Captain Templeton.” Marianne gave his arm an expectant look.

      “Thank you, my lady.” He offered it without meeting her gaze. “I would not call myself a horseman, but at least I’ve remained astride.”

      A light laugh escaped her, as light as her heart felt over walking beside him on this fine day. “Your modesty is as refreshing as today’s weather.” Indeed, the invigorating air in Hyde Park carried no hint of the unpleasant city odors.

      “It is a good day.” He lengthened his stride, as if eager to catch the other two couples walking several yards ahead of them on the brown grass.

      After several seconds of trying to keep up with him, Marianne tugged at his arm. “Perhaps when your ship is repaired, we can enjoy a short voyage on the Thames, as we did last year.”

      Jamie stopped, but his gaze remained on the others as the distance between them widened. “I am sure Lord Bennington will be too busy for such an excursion.”

      Again, Marianne laughed, a strained sound she hoped Jamie would not notice. “Of course Papa will be too busy. But Robert—”

      “Ah, yes. Robert.” Jamie looked at her, and his eyes filled with concern. “My lady, I would not wish to presume…anything. However, Moberly seems to regard me as a friend. It may be that I can have some good influence on his, um, habits.” He glanced away. “Please continue to walk with me.”

      “Yes, of course.” Her heart dipped in disappointment.

      They resumed their stroll across the almost empty park. She did not wish to discuss Robert, but he was very dear to her. Jamie’s Christian charity toward her brother moved her.

      “I have often spoken to my brother about his lack of spiritual interest. Our brother Frederick is also concerned about him. But Robert assures us he will take care of that matter when he grows older.”

      “An error too many people make, if I may be so bold, my lady.”

      A hint of dread touched Marianne’s heart. “I hope you will be bold enough to speak to him of Christ’s redemption.”

      Jamie’s expression grew thoughtful, but he did not seem inclined to say more. Her heart heavy for more than one reason, Marianne gazed around the landscape, where trees had begun to bud and tiny shoots of green appeared in the brown grass.

      “Moberly would benefit from our prayers.” Jamie’s deep, rich voice resounded with concern. “In truth, though I would not judge the man, I fear that his immortal soul is in danger.”

      Gratitude for his observation filled Marianne. “I have the same fear. Oh, Jamie—”

      Wincing, he stopped again, but avoided her gaze. “Please, my lady.”

      The pain and censure in his voice cut into her. “I—I mean, Captain Templeton.” She resumed her stroll, and he followed suit. “What can we do for him?”

      “I would not wish for Lady Bennington to think ill of me, since I am a guest in her house, but I have considered going to one of these routs with Moberly. They’re all he speaks of, and seem to consume his life.” Jamie paused. “What does a rout involve?”

      The tightness of his tone almost made Marianne laugh. “Why, a rout is just a gathering at someone’s home. The hostess invites a huge number of people who want to be seen and to see others.” She sobered. “But Robert only says he’s going to a rout to avoid stating his true plans. Oh, he may indeed attend one, but he then goes gambling and—”

      “You need not continue, my lady.” Jamie cast a quick glance her way and patted her hand, sending a pleasant shiver up her arm. “I understand your meaning.” He studied the ground before them. “Nevertheless, I feel compelled to go with him.”

      They walked in silence for a few moments. Jamie’s large form blocked much of the breeze that fluttered the edges of her cape and carried the scent of his woody shaving balm in her direction. She could not resist the temptation to lean against his arm, as if she could absorb some of his strength. But he seemed to sway away from her to a degree so small she might have been mistaken.

      “You would put yourself in temptation’s way…for Robert?” Marianne felt tears forming. Jamie’s godly goodness and selflessness were just two of the reasons she loved him.

      “By God’s grace, I have so far resisted such temptations. The Book of Proverbs fully addresses the subject, and it is my guide.”

      “But there are other dangers.” Marianne shuddered to think of the vicious packs of wellborn miscreants who wandered the night streets of London filled with evil intentions. Thievery, beatings, even murder were their games, and if they chose their victims carefully, they never had to pay.

      Jamie nodded. “I’m sure there are. But our Lord dined with the worst of sinners that He might demonstrate God’s love to them.”

      “Oh, Jamie…Captain…” She again tugged him to a stop. “Our Lord knew when and how He would die. He was in full control of everything. You are not. Why would you risk your life this way?” She argued against her own heart, for she did love Robert and longed for his salvation.

      Jamie drew himself up to his full height, yet his gaze into her eyes was gentle and full of conviction. “Lady Marianne, there are causes worth giving one’s life for. Christ died to free us from sin and give us eternal life. Should I not willingly give my life for another man…and for freedom?” He clamped his lips closed and shook his head. “We should join the others.”

      Confusion filled her. Jamie seemed to think he had spoken amiss, yet she found no fault in his words. “I am deeply grateful for your willingness to befriend Robert. I will pray God will bless your efforts.” And that He will protect you both, my love.

      Jamie was surprised so little time had passed during his torturous walk at Lady Marianne’s side. A few more minutes alone with her would be his undoing. He could see she understood his concern for Moberly and that she truly loved her brother. This, along with her earnest words of faith—and the heady scent of her rose perfume—created in him a powerful yearning to confess his love that he was scarce able to deny. His weak, silent prayer for strength brought no relief, and the journey across the park left his emotions ravaged by the time they