Page 4 of A Lady’s Mishap (The Lockwood Family #5)

4

E lodie sat down at the long, rectangular table and tried to mask her displeasure when Anthony chose the chair right next to hers. How was it that he always managed to turn the simplest interactions into battles of wit and will? Getting along with him seemed utterly impossible. Still, a part of her felt a twinge of sympathy for him. He was grappling with his father’s dire health and his brother’s reckless behavior. Neither of which was an easy burden to bear.

Her mother, seated at the head of the table, tapped her fork delicately against her glass, signaling for everyone’s attention. Her face lit up with pride as she beamed at the family. “I am so pleased that we are all here—minus Melody, of course, who is on her wedding tour—and that Anthony could join us on this special occasion.”

Anthony nodded politely, but Elodie bristled at the formality of her mother’s tone. She knew what was coming next.

“Most of all,” her mother continued, her gaze shifting to Elodie, “I want to commend Elodie for her presentation at Court today. She did a marvelous job.”

Bennett raised his glass in mock solemnity. “Bravo, Sister. You are now officially a part of the cattle mart. What would you say? Ah, yes… mooo.”

Delphine swatted at her husband’s arm. “Do not tease Elodie. She will have such fun this Season.”

“I don’t deny that,” Bennett said, setting his glass down. “But let us not pretend. The sole obligation of a debutante isto find herself a husband. Fortunately for you, Delphine, I rescued you from the marriage mart. You are welcome.”

Delphine laughed, giving him an indulgent look. “I am indeed fortunate, but I believe Elodie will have her own adventure. And her own love story.”

Mattie, who was seated across from Elodie, chimed in. “Perhaps we could go to Vauxhall Gardens. I have yet to see the fireworks.”

Winston reached for Mattie’s hand, his gaze softening as he looked at his wife. “I will take you wherever you so desire. All you need to do is ask.”

Elodie watched the exchange with a mixture of pleasure and a bit of jealousy. Her brothers were undeniably happy, each having found love that was genuine and true. But would she be so lucky? Or would she be forced to settle for a match devoid of affection, made purely for duty’s sake? No. She would not settle. She would marry for love, or not at all.

As the footmen began to place bowls of soup in front of them, Lady Dallington took control of the conversation, her voice light and cheerful. “I thought we could go around the table and share one thing we have recently learned. It is always enlightening.”

Bennett groaned, though his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Must we do this every time we dine as a family? Elodie always shares some obscure animal fact—fascinating, but completely useless—and Winston, well, I suspect Winston just makes something up.”

Winston raised an eyebrow. “I do not make things up!”

“I am simply stating that my facts are far more interesting than anyone else’s,” Bennett said with a dramatic sigh. “But I suppose it is the burden of being so gifted.”

Winston huffed. “Gifted? In what way are you ‘gifted,’ Brother?”

“It is common knowledge that the eldest son is usually the smartest and the most responsible,” Bennett said. “And our family is no exception.”

Elodie tried to hide her smile as she reached for her glass. Bennett was clearly trying to provoke Winston into a debate, and it was working.

Winston picked up his spoon. “In the case of our family, I would argue that Melody is the smartest.”

“Melody?” Bennett asked, feigning shock. “She is clever, I will grant you that, but she doesn’t possess my intellectual prowess. Even my wife agrees with me.”

“She has to agree with you,” Winston retorted.

Delphine nodded. “It is true. No matter what idiotic thing my husband says, I will always side with him.”

Bennett gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Idiotic? That hurts, my dear. Aren’t you supposed to be my greatest supporter?”

“I am, always,” Delphine said, her eyes sparkling with affection as she placed a hand on his sleeve. “And you will always be my favorite person.”

Elodie decided it was as good a time as any to interject. She raised her hand, catching everyone’s attention.

Her mother sighed. “Yes, Elodie?”

“I have an interesting fact,” Elodie began, with a pointed glance at Bennett, “and it does not involve an animal. Two years ago, a woman named Sarah Guppy became the first woman to obtain a patent for an innovative method of bridge piling.”

“A woman securing a patent?” her father asked. “What nonsense is that?”

Elodie bristled. “It isn’t nonsense, Father. Sarah Guppy is a respected inventor, though her contributions are often overlooked because she is a woman.”

Lord Dallington gave Elodie a dismissive look. “Women have no business in such matters. She should be at home managing her household, not wasting time on fanciful inventions.”

“Why can she not do both?” Elodie asked, her voice firm. “Why must a woman’s role be limited to managing a household when she has so much more to offer?”

Winston placed his spoon down and spoke up. “I have to agree with Elodie on this. If a woman has talents and interests outside the home, she should be allowed to pursue them. It is no different than us following our own interests.” He glanced at Mattie, who gave him an approving smile.

Elodie gave Winston a grateful nod. “Thank you, Brother.”

“I also side with Elodie,” Bennett said. “Delphine runs her own business, and I could not be more proud of her.”

Their mother interjected, “Does anyone else have something of interest to share? Perhaps a topic that won’t lead us into a debate?”

A small silence ensued before Anthony cleared his throat. His voice, usually steady and teasing, carried a more somber tone. “I could take a go at it, but I should warn you that it is not entertaining in nature. That said, it is as good a time as any,” he began, pausing for a brief moment as if bracing himself. “My brother, Stephen, eloped to Gretna Green five years ago and now has a child. His wife recently passed away and the child is now living with us.” His gaze swept the table. “I thought you should know before the ton catches wind of it.”

Lady Dallington was the first to break the stunned silence. “Well, I appreciate your candor. That was both interesting and rather scandalous,” she murmured. “How was Stephen able to keep that quiet for so long?”

Anthony frowned, his jaw clenched briefly. “Stephen is an idiot,” he said bluntly, his tone edged with frustration. “He didn’t even realize the marriage was valid. He was quite drunk at the time, no doubt.”

Bennett wiped the sides of his mouth with his napkin. As he placed the napkin back onto his lap, he said, “I wish I could say that I am surprised, but nothing truly surprises me when it comes to Stephen.”

“Are you certain this child is Stephen’s?” Winston asked.

Anthony bobbed his head. “There is no doubt in my mind. She has his features and there is too much of a resemblance to question it.”

“Thank you for sharing that with us, Anthony,” Lady Dallington said. “I can only imagine what your family is going through during such a difficult time.”

Elodie stole a glance at Anthony. His usually relaxed and confident demeanor had shifted. His jaw was tight, and his eyes were clouded with something deeper. But what that was, she could not say. She felt the strangest urge to reach out and offer some sort of comfort, but she held back. It wasn’t her place to do so. And besides, where had such a thought even come from?

She couldn’t quite explain it, but for the briefest of moments, she saw Anthony not as the infuriating man she had always known, but as someone carrying a burden heavier than most. Her heart softened, though she quickly reminded herself of the walls she kept firmly in place when it came to him.

As the footmen began to collect the bowls of soup, her mother broke the tension with a graceful smile. “It might be best if we forgo any further interesting facts this evening.”

“I think that is wise,” her father agreed.

Her mother then turned her attention to Elodie, her tone taking on a more purposeful note. “We have Lady Montrose’s ball tomorrow evening.”

Elodie tried to suppress the groan building inside her, managing only to mutter, “Wonderful.” Balls were her least favorite part of the Season, and the prospect of dancing filled her with dread. She had never been particularly graceful on the dance floor, and her coordination always left much to be desired. Still, she would be expected to go to the ball unless she could find a reason to skip it.

Her mind raced with possible excuses before she forced a half-hearted cough. “I am starting to feel a bit ill. If I go to Lady Montrose’s ball, I might grow even sicker and die.”

Her mother was not the least bit convinced. “It is a risk that I am willing to take.”

Anthony leaned in with an amused glint in his eyes. “I will dance the first set with you, whether you are sick or not.”

“What joyous news,” Elodie said dryly. “Now I have something to look forward to.”

Not easily deterred, Anthony continued. “It will be like old times. And I promise you that I will not let you fall.”

As much as Elodie wanted to retort with something biting, she couldn’t ignore the truth behind his words. Anthony might be infuriating, but he was also in earnest. She knew, deep down, that he would never let her falter. It was both comforting and irritating—just like Anthony himself.

The footmen placed plates of food in front of them and Elodie reached for her fork and knife. For a few moments, the sounds of clinking silverware filled the room as everyone began to eat.

Then, as if unable to leave the matter of the ball alone, her mother spoke again. “I hear that Lady Montrose’s son is quite handsome and considered one of the great catches of the Season.”

“He is also a known rake,” Bennett said. “I think it would be wise if Elodie avoided him at all costs.”

“Lady Montrose has assured me that the rumors about her son are grossly exaggerated,” their mother remarked.

Bennett exchanged a knowing look with Winston before responding. “A mother would do just about anything for her child, even turn a blind eye to the truth staring her in the face.”

“Very well, I believe you,” their mother said. “Elodie will stay away from Lord Montrose and any other rake. We must protect her reputation.”

Elodie placed her fork and knife down with a little more force than intended. “Do I have a say in all of this?”

“No,” everyone at the table said in unison.

Elodie rolled her eyes. Exasperation echoed in her voice as she said, “I can take care of myself. I do not need to be coddled at every turn.”

Anthony leaned in again and whispered just loud enough for her to hear. “I am no rake, but if you are looking for trouble at the ball, you know where to find me.”

She shot him a sideways glance. “I will be sure to stay as far away from you as possible.”

He grinned. “Pity. We could have quite the fun adventures together.”

Elodie didn’t know why, but Anthony’s words seemed to ring true to her, leaving her with a sense of anticipation she could not quite shake.

With the morning sun streaming in through the windows of his bedchamber, Anthony carefully adjusted his cravat as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. Behind him, his dutiful valet, Rollins, stood at attention.

“Will there be anything else, my lord?” Rollins inquired.

Satisfied with his appearance, Anthony dropped his hands and turned to face the valet. “Do you know if my brother has met with his daughter yet?”

Rollins’s eyes flickered with sympathy. “According to the maids, your brother only left his room last night after you departed for dinner. He has not returned home since.”

Anthony clenched his jaw, muttering under his breath, “Botheration.”

“I’m truly sorry, my lord. I wish I could have delivered better news.”

Anthony moved towards the door but paused, his hand resting on the polished brass handle. “I suppose I had half-hoped that Stephen would step up for the sake of his daughter. But once again, I was wrong. My brother will never change.”

“Perhaps he just needs more time,” Rollins suggested.

Anthony let out a huff of frustration. “Time? That is all I seem to give him, and he never fails to disappoint me. Time and time again.”

Without saying another word, Anthony turned the handle and stepped out into the corridor, the familiar knot of frustration tightening his chest. He had no idea why he continued to expect anything from Stephen. His brother had made a life out of proving him wrong, consistently failing to live up to even the smallest expectations.

Anthony headed towards the dining room on the main level and was relieved to find it empty. He preferred solitude in the morning, a chance to gather his thoughts without interruption. Settling into his seat at the long table, he reached for the newssheets, scanning the Society page first. To his surprise—and relief—there was no mention of Stephen or the newly revealed daughter. At least that particular disaster hadn’t reached the ton yet.

He had just begun reading an article on the war when the sound of unsteady footsteps caught his attention. Stephen stumbled into the dining room, his appearance as disheveled as ever. His cravat hung loosely around his neck, his shirt was untucked, and his hair stuck out at odd angles, as though he had just crawled out of bed.

“You look dreadful,” Anthony remarked, folding the newssheets and setting them aside.

Stephen raised a finger to his lips, swaying slightly. “Shh. You are entirely too loud for this ungodly hour.”

“I am speaking no louder than I normally do,” Anthony said.

Grumbling, Stephen collapsed into a chair. “Why is it so bright in here?”

Anthony glanced at the long windows lining the room. “It is morning. I can’t control the sun.”

Stephen waved his hand lazily. “Close the drapes. The light is unbearable.”

A footman rushed to obey, pulling the heavy curtains shut and plunging the room into a dim, shadowy state. Stephen sighed with exaggerated relief, sinking further into his chair. “Much better. Now, food. Quickly,” he snapped, rubbing his temples as if warding off the remnants of a long night.

Anthony watched him with thinly veiled irritation. “I take it you have just come home.”

Stephen gave a mocking grin. “Brilliant deduction, Brother. Clearly, you have missed your calling as an investigator. Now, kindly leave me alone.”

“You seem to be in a delightful mood this morning,” Anthony said dryly, folding his arms. “I imagine this charming behavior is related to the fact you have just learned you have a daughter?”

Stephen groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Do we have to talk about this?”

Rising from his seat, Anthony crossed the room and threw the drapes open again, allowing the sunlight to flood back in. “Have you at least met her yet?”

Stephen shielded his eyes, scowling. “No, and why would I?”

“Because it is the right thing to do.”

“Do not lecture me on what is ‘right.’ You always think you are so much better than me,” Stephen grumbled.

Anthony returned to his seat. “I don’t know why I bother with you.”

A footman placed a plate of food down in front of Anthony and he reached for his fork and knife. As he started eating, he tried to ignore Stephen’s loud, incessant chewing. But he finally had enough. “Do you mind?”

Stephen paused, looking blankly at his brother. “What did I do wrong now?”

“You are chewing entirely too loudly,” Anthony replied.

With a devilish grin, Stephen deliberately took another bite, this time chewing with exaggerated slowness, his mouth wide open. “Better?” he mumbled through his half-chewed food, clearly enjoying himself.

Anthony glanced heavenward. “You are impossible.”

“Yet you keep trying to change me,” Stephen said, still speaking through his mouthful of food.

“I suppose I am hoping you realize that you are wasting away your life.”

Stephen shrugged. “I think I am doing just fine.”

Before Anthony could argue that point, Percy entered the dining hall with a silver tray in his hand. “The messenger has returned with a letter from your mother.”

Anthony rose and retrieved the letter from the tray. He unfolded it and read the brief note.

“What did Mother say?” Stephen asked.

Anthony crumpled the letter in his hand as he turned to Stephen. “Mother and Father are overjoyed at the news of their granddaughter and they are traveling to Town immediately.”

For the first time that morning, Stephen had the decency to look ashamed. “Father is coming?”

Anthony’s lips pressed into a thin line as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “Yes, he is. And we both know he should be resting, not making the journey into Town. His health—” He hesitated. “He should be in bed, conserving his strength, not traveling.”

Stephen shifted in his seat, appearing uncomfortable, but he offered no further comment. Anthony could barely stand to look at him any longer. The sense of betrayal, of disappointment, twisted in his chest.

Without another word, Anthony turned on his heel and strode out of the dining room. He needed air. He exited the main door and stepped onto the pavement, inhaling deeply as the cool air hit his face. Perhaps notifying their parents about Emma had been a mistake. He wanted them to know the truth, but he hadn’t anticipated they would come rushing to meet their grandchild, regardless of his father’s declining health.

As his thoughts churned, something unexpectedly struck him on the back of the head. Startled, Anthony glanced down to see a green grape rolling away on the cobblestones. His brow furrowed. What in the blazes? Was someone throwing grapes at him?

He turned his head and found Elodie leaning out of an upper-level window, a grape poised in her hand. A mischievous grin lit up her face. “What is wrong?” she called out.

“Why do you suppose something is wrong?”

Elodie arched an eyebrow. “Must we truly go through this song and dance? I have been throwing grapes at you for several minutes and you only just noticed.”

“That is because you hit me on the back of the head.”

Elodie’s smile grew, her eyes sparkling with triumph. “You have to admit that it was an impressive throw.”

“I admit nothing,” he retorted with mock seriousness, though he couldn’t suppress his amusement.

Just then, Lady Dallington appeared beside Elodie, her expression far less jovial. She whispered something to Elodie before turning her attention to Anthony. “Lord Belview, would you care to come inside for a cup of tea?”

Anthony inclined his head graciously. “Brilliant idea, my lady.”

With a nod of approval, Lady Dallington closed the window, disappearing from sight.

Anthony made his way to the front door, knocking lightly. A moment later, the door swung open, and he stepped into the grand entry hall just as Elodie descended the staircase, followed closely by her mother.

As Elodie approached him, she lowered her voice. “My mother is not pleased that I was throwing grapes at you.”

“I would imagine not,” Anthony said.

Spinning on her heel, Elodie faced her mother. “Anthony said he enjoyed having grapes thrown at him. In fact, he found it quite invigorating.”

Lady Dallington’s expression remained solemn. “A lady does not throw fruit at a gentleman,” she chided. “Furthermore, a lady most certainly does not converse with a gentleman out of a window.”

Elodie didn’t look the least bit repentant. “But what if the gentleman was starving and in desperate need of sustenance? What if tossing him a grape at that precise moment would save his life? I could be a heroine!”

“That scenario is utterly ridiculous,” Lady Dallington said.

“Is it?” Elodie countered, tilting her head as if seriously considering the possibility.

Lady Dallington sighed deeply. “You are going to be the death of me, Child,” she muttered. “Just promise me that you won’t throw fruit at gentlemen.”

Elodie bit her lower lip, clearly fighting back a laugh. “I can’t promise that, Mother. I am a saver of lives!”

Turning towards Anthony, Lady Dallington’s expression was one of exasperation. “Will you kindly talk some sense into my daughter?”

Anthony bowed. “It would be my pleasure, my lady,” he said, though he was quite certain convincing Elodie of anything was an impossible task. Still, there was no denying that it would be entertaining to try.

“If you will excuse me, I would like to return to my breakfast,” Lady Dallington said. “Why don’t you two continue this conversation in the gardens? And afterward, we can have that cup of tea.”

“I would like that very much,” Anthony responded with a smile.

As Lady Dallington walked away, Elodie crossed her arms, raising a playful brow at Anthony. “Well, let’s hear it, then. Persuade me with your so-called wisdom.”

Anthony chuckled. “I don’t have any, considering nothing I say will change your mind. But, if I may ask, why exactly were you throwing grapes at me?”

Elodie grinned, completely unabashed. “To get your attention, of course. You looked troubled.”

“And you thought throwing grapes at me was the best way to get my attention?”

“It worked, did it not?”

Anthony couldn’t help but shake his head. “I must agree with your mother. You are impossible.”

“Thank you,” Elodie said.

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

Elodie laughed. “It certainly sounded like one.”

Despite himself, Anthony felt a warmth spread through him. Elodie had a way of always brightening his mood. She was utterly unpredictable, always saying and doing the most unexpected things, and yet, that was what he found so refreshing about her.

Elodie’s smile faded. “Now, what has you so upset?”

He extended his arm towards her. “Perhaps we should continue this conversation in the gardens as your mother suggested.”

While he led Elodie towards the rear of the townhouse, Anthony found great comfort with her by his side. But he knew that she did not feel the same about him.