Page 11 of Falling for the Earl (Improper Ladies #2)

A maid with purple bags under her eyes accompanied them in the landau when Lord Dorchester drove Lucy back to her aunt’s townhouse. It was late afternoon, and shadows stole across the lawns in Green Park.

He broke the companionable silence which had grown between them. The maid, poor woman, had fallen asleep in the seat behind them. “Luke told me what he witnessed between Sarah and Viscount Cardew in Hyde Park. I confess to being very alarmed and very angry. I’ve been considering whether to act on it.”

“That might make matters worse.” Lucy looked askance at him, fearing this could lead to violence. He might be hurt, or worse. She trembled at the thought. “And could send Sarah into his arms,” she added, hoping to dissuade him.

“Mm, it might at that,” he said noncommittally.

That didn’t completely reassure her, but she was pleased he’d confided in her. She could offer little without breaking Sarah’s confidence. “I hoped Mr. Beaufort would tell you. Lord Cardew said he’s leaving for Bath within a day or so. Perhaps that will be the end of it?”

His worried gaze came to rest on her questioning eyes. “That remains to be seen. Do you think Sarah is still in danger of being influenced by him?”

“I honestly can’t say. Surely, it’s unlikely he will bother her again, not now he is about to become betrothed.”

“It won’t be easy for Sarah to accept the fellow is out of her life.”

Lucy studied his handsome profile as he guided the horses along a narrow road. “It might take a while. But once she meets someone else…”

“Cardew has been a constant presence since they met years ago. Nothing was formally declared, but promises were made. He gave Sarah to understand they would marry.” He frowned. “Was that all he wanted to see her about when he whisked her away from Rotten Row? Only to tell her of his betrothal? I doubt it. Why did he need to have her to himself?”

Lucy deliberated whether she should break Sarah’s confidence and then decided it was unnecessary because Lord Cardew no longer appeared to be a threat. “I don’t know what occurred before Mr. Beaufort and I rode up to them, so I really cannot say, my lord.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Sarah must have confided something to you about what happened between them.”

“She did tell me a little of what was said. But I promised not to reveal it.” She flushed, embarrassed. “You must ask her.”

“Very well, Miss Kershaw.” He interrupted her with a sigh. “You would make an excellent spy.”

Lucy laughed. “I’m not sure how I’d react to torture.”

“I’m glad you will never find out. Nothing should ever mar your perfect beauty.” When his gaze settled on her mouth, she caught her breath.

She feared she was blushing. “My grandmother used to say, ‘Beauty is as beauty does.’”

“Chaucer, I believe. I merely speak the truth. You are lovely in many ways, Lucy.”

Her pulse raced. He had called her by her Christian name. His audacity made her smile, despite herself. He was soon to marry. But she still yearned to hear more from him—like what he admired about her, apart from her appearance. Would it be enough to cancel her terrible lie? Lucy became annoyed with herself. If only she could stop building castles in the air.

The phaeton turned onto her aunt’s street, the slumbering maid so silent behind them, Lucy had almost forgotten she was there. A moment later, he pulled the horses to a stop. He sat glancing down at the reins in his hands, while she waited, biting her lip, wondering what he might say.

“I need to travel north for a few weeks on business,” he said finally. “It’s my hope that you will see more of Sarah in my absence.” He hesitated. “I believe you are a steadying influence on her. And am I right in assuming you enjoy my sister’s company?”

“I do. I have grown very fond of Sarah.” But it was not her place to instigate the course of their friendship, although she didn’t say so. He would be as aware of the strict conventions as she was.

“When you are with my sister, or at any other time, always take a servant or groom with you.” He looked at her, his gaze drifting over her face. “And be careful who you take up with, Lucy. London can be a dangerous place for young women,” he added after a moment. Then before she could question him, he turned away and jumped down from the carriage.

What did he mean? Must he be so obscure? Was it because of the young maid’s presence? It hadn’t seemed to bother him before. His touch was impersonal as he helped Lucy to the footpath, and nothing like before, when they’d lingered too close, growing breathless, and despite knowing he could never be hers, and how foolish she was, she still hoped he might kiss her. That at least, she’d have that memory to hold to her heart.

Without another word, he escorted her to the door.

He left her with a brief farewell, and she stood there to watch him drive away, puzzled by the change in him. Something must have transpired to alter his attitude toward her, but she had no idea what it might be. Daring to call her by her given name surprised and confused her. He must realize how impossible it was for them to be together? Hadn’t she tried to keep her distance from him for his sake? She wished she could convince herself that there really was no future for her with him. Lords married into wealthy families, or noble ones. And she came from neither. She struggled to imagine what future she could see for herself with this horrid rumor hanging over her head. A rumor which threatened to grow into a scandal, which would paint her as a terrible fraud and banish her from London for all time.

Glum, Lucy walked indoors, contemplating her situation. Mr. Nash still pursued her, as well as several other gentlemen, but troubled as she was, she could not conceive of spending her life with any of them. That was because of Lord Dorchester. It was foolish to deny it.

Aunt Mary met her in the hall. “Mr. Nash called earlier and left his card. He wished to take you up in his carriage for a ride to the park.”

“Did he?” Lucy struggled to ponder his reason to drive with her again so soon, her thoughts still on Lord Dorchester.

“He said he will call again tomorrow.” Aunt Mary smiled. “You have become popular, Lucy. And here you were thinking you would not take to the Season.”

Had Lucy thought that? Or had it been her aunt’s fear? Should she still fear it? Deep in thought that night in her bedroom, Lucy heard someone knock at the door. She opened it and greeted Jane. Glad of the distraction, Lucy welcomed her cousin with a warm hug. “Shall we go down and have some tea?” she asked Jane.

“Not yet. I have something to tell you, which I don’t want Mama to hear,” Jane said, her eyes grave and her forehead creased with concern.

Alarmed, Lucy patted the bed beside her. “What is it?”

“Anabel told me she has taken a lover.” Jane groaned and scrubbed her face with her hands. “If Mama hears of it, there will be a terrible fuss! And if Anabel’s husband does, I fear for her future.”

“Doesn’t Anabel’s husband know?”

Jane shook her head.

“Won’t he suspect it?”

“As Howe’s seldom at home, he might not learn of it for a while. At least not until the gossip reaches him.” Jane shrugged, her eyes sad. “Or Anabel tells him. She is very cavalier about it. She said what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. It’s almost as if she doesn’t care.”

“Why would she feel that way?”

“She is doing it out of spite. To teach him a lesson.”

“Oh.” Lucy thought it extremely foolish of her. Men could get away with so much more. If Howe learned about his wife’s infidelity, it would cause upheaval and pain for her and her family. Even divorce, as Howe was a powerful, wealthy man. “Point out to Anabel how reckless she is being. Tell her to be discreet. If she continues with this, and Howe discovers he is cuckolded, he is unlikely to forgive her.”

Jane nodded. “How sensible you are, Lucy.”

With other people’s problems, perhaps. But what about her own?

“Come and have tea.” Lucy rubbed Jane’s back as they walked along the landing. “It is not unheard of for couples to face problems, but they stay married. Look at Lady Caroline Lamb and her husband, for instance.”

Jane groaned. “Lady Caroline is completely shameful. I hope it’s not her influence that causes Anabel to behave in this manner.” She looked thoughtful. “But divorce is not something Howe would welcome. It would tarnish his reputation and might affect his career.”

“Then we must wait and hope the matter is resolved one way or the other.”

“And before my mother hears of it,” Jane said miserably.

Lucy nodded. Aunt Mary was so proud of her girls, she would be greatly distressed to hear about this. And she feared that if Anabel’s foolishness continued, the news of it would reach Aunt Mary’s ears.

*

The drive home in the phaeton had passed without Hugh taking much notice of the scene, his mind still occupied with Lucy. Whether it was her upbringing or inherently who she was, Lucy had the kind of fundamental honesty that made her take responsibility for her own actions. And he supposed that included him. She seemed determined he should not become involved in her problems. He’d wanted to say it was nonsense, and much more, to wrap his arms around her and ease her worries, but he was committed to keeping his silence by his promise to Isabel’s father. Isabel’s wedding might not go ahead. Would her father finally step in and stop it? To keep his daughter in England? Best Hugh left the city for a spell. When he’d told Lucy, it had been a desperate, last-minute decision to put some distance between him until he could call on her as a free man. He could return before any firm commitment was made by another suitor. If it came to that, he’d have weeks while the banns were read to change her mind. And he had been confident for some time that Lucy felt as he did. He only hoped she wouldn’t be pressured by her aunt, although… He smiled. He couldn’t see Lucy bowing to pressure.

His accountant had advised him of an investment of his father’s. A steelworks in Newcastle, which wasn’t doing as well as it should have been, so Hugh needed to look at the company’s books and discuss the matter with the manager.

His last evening spent in London. He was restless, and therefore grateful for Luke’s invitation to dinner at White’s. As they sat drinking wine over a leisurely meal, Hugh noticed his friend seemed as distracted as he was himself.

“I have no title, Hugh,” Luke said, over his third glass of claret. His blunt statement came like a bolt of lightning from a clear blue sky. Hugh gazed at him in surprise, struggling to understand the reason for it. Luke looked a little desperate.

“I am aware of that, my friend. What of it?”

“You will want a titled gentleman for Lady Sarah, one with far more than I have to offer.”

“Ah. Now I understand.” Hugh grinned. “A man who will take good care of my sister means more to me than a title.” He thought briefly of Cardew. “If this means you wish to court my sister, you have my full support.”

Luke leaned back in his chair, his shoulder sagging with obvious relief. “I find myself in a quandary where Lady Sarah is concerned. She interrupts my sleep.”

Hugh nodded. He understood only too well what that meant. “I couldn’t be more pleased, Luke. I had wished to see you two together.”

Luke leaned forward, his blue eyes intense. “Trouble is, I have no idea if I have a chance with her. Viscount Cardew is probably still in London and won’t give her up easily. And I don’t trust the fellow. It was all I could do not to plant him a facer in Hyde Park.”

“I wouldn’t have objected had you done so. But Cardew is to marry Lady Gwendolyn Piper. I suspect his mother is behind the marriage. Hard to see him going against her wishes.” His body tensed with the anger and frustration he’d suffered for Sarah’s sake. “His mother has always had an iron control over him.”

Luke smiled. “Then perhaps I have a chance.”

“More than a good one, old fellow.” Hugh had noticed Sarah’s interest in Luke. But was it too soon for her to put Cardew behind her? “Shall we have another bottle? Or will we go to the card room?”

“Cards. Another bottle and I’ll be legless. I’m never good at drinking to excess, so I don’t usually imbibe very much.”

“I can’t afford to get bosky myself. Not when I’m leaving for Newcastle first thing in the morning.” Hugh pushed back his chair. He couldn’t have been more pleased. Could he leave London without worrying about Sarah? That was one problem off his mind. But it left him with two others to stew over. His mother’s health and Lucy facing the ‘cut direct’ should her lie be bandied about. Was he being overly protective? It seemed he always had been where she was concerned, and ladies didn’t always appreciate that level of interference. “Go and see Sarah soon, Luke.”

“Is tomorrow too soon?”

“Perfect.”

At the door of the card room, Hugh spied Mr. Rattray seated at a table. “Do you know anything about that fellow in a gray tailcoat and striped waistcoat?”

“Only that he’s known not to pay his bills.”

“There would be a few here who fail in that regard,” Hugh said. Still, it gave him pause to think. The man was unreliable. He remembered their first meeting, watching Rattray charming people. Hugh had taken an immediate dislike to him.

The next morning, he glanced at the few dark clouds on the horizon as his coach left London behind and headed north on the Great Northern Road. He cursed. He didn’t relish traveling in bad weather. Even though improvements had been made to the road, mud-filled potholes still caused damage to vehicles and held up traffic. He sat back against the squab, already impatient and wishing he could ride Chance instead of traveling by coach.

What Luke had confessed to him over dinner pleased him a great deal. Now that Sarah had a new suitor, and one he admired, Hugh felt more confident about her resisting any further advances from Cardew, should he make any. Though it would be foolish to think Cardew would give up easily after the scene Luke had described to Hugh at the park. What did he hope to gain from this behavior? Surely, he wouldn’t want Sarah for his mistress?

Hugh might even extend the trip a week or two. Travel over the Scottish border to dig into Rattray’s past. It was unusual for him to take an instant dislike to anyone, but something about the fellow bothered him, and he didn’t like him being anywhere near Lucy. For that matter, he didn’t want any of those other fellows who took an interest in Lucy around her, either. But although he had found it extremely difficult not to declare his feelings for her when with her in the phaeton, he’d resisted. It would have come like a bolt out of the blue, and probably shocked her. And he needed time to court her properly. Well, he had now placed himself out of temptation and only hoped that some gentleman didn’t snap Lucy up while he was away. It was a risk, but being in London and unable to declare his intentions, he’d be just as hamstrung.

On the afternoon of the third day, after spending a night at a coaching inn where he changed the horses, his coach arrived at Newburn, in Newcastle. The weather was much colder than in London. Wickstaff stepped down and sniffed the air. “It’s like comin’ home, milord.”

“Do you want to return here to live?” Hugh asked his valet.

“When I’m old and gray, perhaps.” He looked around. “Shall I head up to that pub on the corner and wait for you?”

“Good idea.” Glad of his warm greatcoat, Hugh left Wickstaff and entered the mill to be greeted by a cacophony of noises: men shouting, hammers ringing on metal, whooshing waters, and clouds of steam.

An hour later, he departed after a satisfactory discussion with the manager, Mr. Devlin, who agreed with his views on how to improve productivity and expressed appreciation for his input.

He deliberated on whether to return immediately to London. It was tempting, but Isabel was not yet married, and he wanted to learn more about Rattray for Lucy’s sake, so he ordered the coachman to drive on to Scotland.