Defying the Earl Read online

Fiona appeared mollified although Wilhelmina’s pulse jumped waiting for her reply.

  “Yes, I accepted the invitation, but I’m not certain what good it will do. I suspect Leonard is toying with my affections. Mother has expressed strong suspicions concerning his sincerity. Last Sunday after mass, she was told by Lady Dowly who spoke to Lady Pennett that Leonard accompanied a woman in a crimson redingote to Gunther’s last Saturday. They enjoyed an ice before walking through the square. Their arms were linked and Mother learned they were seen laughing together in public.”

  Wilhelmina suppressed a roll of the eyes. “I see.” Feigning concern for several heartbeats she continued in a sympathetic, yet no-nonsense tone. “Truly, we don’t have all the facts. The lady could very well be Leonard’s cousin visiting London for the first time.”

  “I suppose the possibility exists.” Fiona turned from the mirror, a bright smile on her face. “Well, isn’t this delightful, Wilhelmina. You are proving to be the very best confidante. I would never have anticipated I’d come away from this evening with a new and dear friend. I like your sensible outlook.”

  “Thank you. I am happy to help in any manner suitable to the occasion, and please call me Whimsy. It’s the least I can do.”

  Chapter Seven

  It was nearly two in the morning when Valerian returned to Barnaby Street. He’d lingered in Collingsworth’s study after dinner, gathering the local gossip and keeping Leonard Rigby under his watchful eye. A well-placed apology had smoothed Leonard’s discord, and Valerian expressed it sincerely, the two sharing a brandy and conversation with no poor feelings. He truly despised the need for blatant manipulation, but desperate times called for desperate measures and the debtors expected full payment by the end of month. Five thousand pounds would buy him more time and the slightest assuagement of anxiety.

  Pity Leonard’s feelings had to come into play, but wasn’t that what this whole matchbreaking endeavor was about? Hadn’t he anticipated there would be heartache and turmoil? The two conditions were unavoidable consequences of risking affection. He’d never make that mistake again.

  Still he’d need to practice a more discreet approach come tomorrow when he attended Lady Bitford’s garden party otherwise he’d be despised and worse, unwelcome at the social events needed to perform his duties. He hadn’t received an invitation to the afternoon event, but believed most socials of the season thrived on the unexpected. Confident he could charm Lady Bitford were it necessary, he’d garnered all the details from Leonard and made a mental note the hostess preferred vanilla orchids.

  Discarding his waistcoat and gloves on a wingchair near the fireplace, Valerian placed another log on the fire, picked up the poker from the tool box, and settled further into his deliberations. Tonight might have been an exercise in tedium had it not been for Wilhelmina Montgomery, the brightest spark in the room. Something about the female irritated and intrigued him simultaneously. The contradiction was a curious mixture of danger and desire, his body reacting enthusiastically while his brain shook a sharp stick and screamed no! How could a woman express such contrariness when he hardly knew her, all guileless innocence and premeditated exploitation? And what was she up to with her rearrangement of the place cards and her utterly charming reprimand? Chuckling with the irony of the situation, he replaced the poker and turned toward the hall.

  “Aah, Dash, was tonight a success? How goes it with Fiona and Leonard?” Jasper entered the room with lackadaisical ease.

  “Are you just arriving? Where have you been? Where is Randolph? I’m not altogether comfortable availing myself of his home, food, and comfort when I haven’t yet made his acquaintance. At least not when he’s been conscious.”

  “Which question would you prefer I answer first?”

  Jasper plopped into the nearest wingchair without a care Valerian’s waistcoat remained draped over the arm. Val removed it with a dramatic snap and eyed his brother with concentrated annoyance. “Answer all three…in succession.”

  “Didn’t go well with Rigby, I suspect.” Jasper dared a hitch of the lips. “Anyway, I’ve just returned from a small gathering in Mayfair. Randolph was invited to a house party given by the great nephew of the Earl of Sandwich. He generously extended the invitation to include me and it proved quite the affair although I found the company lacking, the room composed of chuckleheads and stuffed suits for the most part. Randolph is still there. When I left, he was embroiled in a heated discussion with a jingle-brained fellow about the latest fashion inclination of tri-colour embroidery on one’s waistcoat. Despite the titillating conversation, there were no ladies admitted and I found my attention waning, so I filled myself to the gullet with the most scrumptious caviar hors d’oeuvres and a fine share of fried anchovies before I rode home on One-Eyed Jack.”

  Valerian rubbed his temple and exhaled deeply, a solemn plea to his patience. “Very well. Would you like to hear about the events of the Collingsworth dinner party?”

  “Not if you plan to jaw-me-dead with the details. That house party was a yawn factory and my ears are tired. Condense it to a sentence or two, will you?” Jasper rolled his eyes with a distinct lack of enthusiasm before he dropped his head back to the cushion and folded his fingers in a relaxing pose of untroubled calm.

  Valerian swallowed the sharp retort that lurched to his tongue. He hadn’t had a restful night’s sleep in weeks, their debt instigating a constant level of tension that festered below the surface and reminded him of the current state of affairs no matter the time of day. Meanwhile Jasper stuffed himself full of expensive caviar.

  Valerian measured his response and guarded against the shade of irritation threatening to taint his words. “I’ve planted a seed of doubt in Fiona’s mind. It will take time to see if her concern will grow.”

  Steeled for another of his brother’s indiscriminate insults, Jasper’s silence caught Valerian by surprise and he glanced to the wingchair positioned near the fire to take advantage of the warmth from the flames. His brother, well fed and contented, was fast asleep and likely on his way to pleasant dreams.

  “I’m so delighted you’ve accepted this invitation, Whimsy. A garden party on a lovely day is just the thing.” Seated on a small sofa nearest the hearth, Livie’s smile beamed brighter than the sun. “It’s a pity the time conflicted with Aunt Kate’s weekly tea or else she would be able to accompany you.”

  “I am more than happy to keep your company, Livie.” Aunt Kate’s gentle tone assured. “And I’m thrilled you’ve decided to join us today. My friends are in for an unexpected treat when they arrive. You’ve regained so much energy of late and a becoming pink glow has returned to your skin. Now that you’re sleeping through the night without those nasty leg cramps tormenting you, you’ll improve by leaps and bounds, I’m sure. Dr. Morris’ methods have made all the difference. His suggestion that we increase the application and frequency of treatments is working.” She reached over and squeezed Livie’s hand with affection. “Seeing the both of you well and settled is all your parents would have wanted.”

  “We owe everything to you, Aunt Kate.” Wilhelmina left the front window where she watched for Lady Fiona’s coach. “Without your help, we’d be lost. I shudder to think of our fate had you not volunteered to help.”

  “Good heavens, Whimsy. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Your father was my brother. He needn’t have it stated in a will for me to welcome my two beautiful nieces into my home. We make a very fine trio, the three of us, tucked into our cozy little nest.” Aunt Kate reached forward to clasp Wilhelmina’s hand, her arms stretched out as if offering a hug. “I couldn’t be more pleased to see you mixing with friends and venturing out into society. As long as we keep up with Dr. Morris’ treatments, Livie will be fast on your heels. I know it in my heart.”

  The three women shared smiles when Rose entered to announce the coach had arrived. As Wilhelmina made her goodbyes and settled on the banquette beside Fiona, she contemplated Aunt Kate’s words. Things were progressing
smoothly. Livie’s health continued to improve with vigor. As long as Wilhelmina accomplished Lady Rigby’s goal to see Leonard and Fiona engaged, she’d have the beginning of a lucrative business to pay for whatever treatments and medical procedures Livie needed, especially since the therapy seemed beneficial at greater frequency. Good heavens, if every matchmaking endeavor proved as serendipitous as Fiona and Leonard’s, Wilhelmina needn’t worry at all.

  She eyed Fiona with a cheery greeting and the coach rolled forward, conversation flowing on pace with the bustling traffic. They arrived at Lady Bitford’s ample country house on the outskirts of London just as the sun dodged behind a low layer of gray clouds.

  “Oh I do hope the weather has not decided to ruin our enjoyment.” Fiona adjusted the pale blue parasol resting on her shoulder as they strode up the gravel walkway. “Nothing could be worse for my hair than a disagreeable drizzle. My maid spent an inordinate amount of time with the curling iron arranging my coif this morning. I would hate for the effort to go wasted when Leonard hadn’t a chance to see me at my best.”

  “You look lovely. I can hardly wait until Lord Rigby sees you. He shall trip over his feet rushing to your side.” The words were sincere, although she needed to force her assurance, all of a sudden self-conscious about her butter-yellow day gown, plain brown reticule and simple white gloves. At times like this is was difficult to mingle with the ladies of her set and not yearn for the finer things; a new pair of slippers or a fine lace parasol. But such behavior would prove her frivolous and selfish, wouldn’t it?

  With an asserted vow, Wilhelmina focused on her goal for the outing. Leonard, no matter how capricious and Fiona, no matter how trifling, were meant to be together. Their chemistry was palpable and even as a newcomer, Wilhelmina could detect the two held each other in the highest esteem. To that end, the sooner the couple was promised, the sooner she could engage in another matchmaking endeavor.

  “I do hope Leonard finds his way into our company today. If he doesn’t, I will no longer believe he wishes to propose. Lately, he’s seemed indecisive or at best, inconsistent. There’s nothing worse than a fickle gentleman. One’s heart could never feel safe in a relationship like that.” Fiona spun the handle of her parasol and eyed the clusters of guests scattered across the grassy fields.

  The walkway led around the side of a grand country estate built with white stone and mortar, the windows buffeted with large green shutters and ornate iron works, thick with ivy. Lush bushes, laden with yellow roses and entangled with purple clematis, surrounded the foundation creating an enchanting vision of seasonal pleasantry. As they rounded the far corner, laughter, conversation and the occasional whack of lawn bowls could be heard. Chairs were clustered in small groups where ladies traded the latest gossip while wearing their most fashionable gowns. Several gentlemen strolled a long path, bordered by tall box hedges, which meandered farther than her eye could follow. Wilhelmina’s happiness was genuine. A leap of anticipation claimed her chest. She’d never attended any function this grand. Today would definitely be a day to remember and something special to record in her keepsake book.

  “There you are, Dash. I’d like a word.”

  Leonard Rigby tipped his head toward the Roman folly at the rear of the Bitford property and started down the slates before Valerian could object. He knew what was coming. Surely his remarks at the Collingsworth dinner table had been unjust and borderline rude, but if he was to make a muck of the relationship blossoming between Leonard and Fiona in order to collect five thousand pounds, losing Leonard’s friendship might not be a poor trade. Desperate times, desperate measures. He knew the adage well.

  Dodging a servant whose tray held seedcakes and cucumber sandwiches; Valerian maneuvered through the guests, careful of the ladies who held glasses of Regent’s punch. The sweet fruity scent seemed to linger despite he stepped lively past.

  They reached the outlandish structure a few minutes later and Valerian took a seat on the flat pediment of a faux pillar while Leonard paced the length of the folly, his long booted strides keeping cadence on the marble floor, although he’d said nothing of yet. Several minutes past while Val considered the ornate and somewhat garish carvings that decorated the folly. It would appear someone in the household was found of scantily clad cherubs.

  At last, Leonard drew his attention.

  “Initially, I was taken aback by your comments at dinner last night, Dash. It seemed out of character and rather rude to suggest I didn’t hold Fiona in the highest esteem. Although we considered the issue of no importance after we spoke later in the evening, during my coach ride home, the more I contemplated the situation, the further I realized you elucidated my inner feelings, revealing a layer of emotion of which I wasn’t aware. Perhaps I failed to recognize those same misgivings, while others could read them easily.”

  Attention piqued, Valerian eyed Rigby as he continued.

  “Since I first confessed my devoted affection toward Lady Fiona, my father has held a strong opinion I’m mistaken in my pursuit and my attention would be better received elsewhere. Last night, as I journeyed home for the Collingsworth dinner party, I thoughtfully considered all that had been said. I realize now I’ve neglected the voice of reason. If my father’s opinion aligns with yours, a man I haven’t seen in a near decade, if my emotions are so thinly veiled, then perhaps I am more infatuated than truly devoted. I spent the better part of the night examining my sentiments only to find myself conflicted. It is possible I’ve acted in haste despite my heart’s declaration to the contrary.”

  Valerian fought back a rush of enthusiasm. Could the day improve further? With a few misplaced comments and a nudge of encouragement in the right direction, Leonard could be persuaded to spend the day wooing another female. Any female. Fiona, a woman who Val perceived held herself a trifle higher than her companions, would never tolerate a public display proving she’d fallen out of favor.

  Valerian would be depositing five thousand pounds before week’s end. A shot of success padded his confidence. Perhaps he wasn’t a complete failure after all.

  “A wise decision, and one of which your father would approve.” Valerian stood and sidled over to Leonard where he viewed the party on the lawn. “If you discover you still hold Fiona in high esteem after you’ve pursued other interests, you’ll know all possibilities are exhausted. It seems a sensible path. Just look at the choices before you.” He nodded toward the gathering. “The season offers a bouquet of feminine beauty. You mentioned that yourself last evening. I have no doubt you’ll find a lovely lady to capture your eye with little effort. You’re a man of high intelligence.” Valerian canted his head and viewed Leonard with a sideways glance. “No one could fault you for exploring your options where a decision as important as marriage is considered.”

  That is, no one but Fiona.

  The couple seemed beyond the level of flirtation and to the public eye it appeared Leonard’s proposal was the solitary detail lacking their relationship. Lord Rigby had implied his son would act rashly, marrying without his father’s approval. Valerian knew he needed to push hard to dissuade Leonard, and so he had. Fiona would never countenance embarrassment and once Leonard committed the error, offering his attention in public to another lovely lady, the rest would fall into place, and the beginning of Dashwood financial recovery would be within reach.

  “I agree. I’ve already considered my preferences with great thought.” Leonard’s interest honed to their conversation. He exhaled as if resolving some inner struggle and forcing himself to continue. “I know who I’d like to spend more time with today.”

  “Good show, my man, and effective reasoning.” Val tamped down his smile. One didn’t grin at a time like this. “I trust your intuition.”

  “How could I not choose the lady? She is delightful beyond compare, a refreshing breath of ingénue amidst the societal crush. I suspect she may hold a secret entendre for me. I’ve noticed her prolonged glances when she believes no one watches. Last eveni
ng at the Collingsworth dinner she hung on my every word.”

  “Indeed.” Valerian eyed the lawn, listening to Leonard’s confession with only one ear. A great many guests now crowded the pavilion where a canopy offered protection from the sun. Ladies and gentlemen strolled the gardens, played games, and listened to a quartet of musicians near an elaborate fountain. His eyes searched for Wilhelmina Montgomery, and he found her as she turned the corner of the estate and entered the party. Dressed in a fetching yellow gown, like a sunbeam she warmed and brightened his mood. She really was a pretty little thing, although the delicate rose possessed a few thorns. Her sharp-tongued retorts the night before delighted him for an unexplainable reason.

  It struck him with implicit clarity Wilhelmina belonged in the country where grass grew emerald green and the sky showed blue more often than gray. Some strange feeling unfurled in his chest and he coughed to clear away the sensation, although it did not fade in the least.

  “And there she is.” Leonard’s voice rang loud with determination.

  “Pardon.” Realizing he might have mused through the latter portion of conversation, Valerian scrambled to recall where he’d abandoned the dialogue.

  “Lady Montgomery. See her there. She’s entered beside Fiona.” Leonard waved toward the lawn, but Valerian’s eyes had never left Wilhelmina.

  He exhaled with purpose as he fought to understand the riot of emotions Leonard’s comment evoked. It could make sense. Wilhelmina’s conspiratorial rearrangement of the place cards at dinner and her inordinate preoccupation with Leonard’s conversation were elements of a code he could not decipher, yet he never suspected or predicted events would take this unlikely turn.

  “She’s a bit thistly.”

  Leonard remained silent, his eyes trailed after Wilhelmina like a lovesick sot.

  “Yes, but that could make for interesting bed-play.” Leonard’s deep chuckle punctuated the comment. “She is certainly intriguing and a complete opposite of Fiona. The perfect comparison if I’m in want of something different for a test of my affections.”