Page 12 of Falling for the Earl (Improper Ladies #2)

D uring a long week, Lucy heard nothing from Sarah. To appease her aunt on Monday and again on Friday, Lucy rode to the park in Mr. Nash’s high-perch phaeton with Maisie, hanging on to the side of the ridiculously high vehicle. Nash called again on Saturday after they’d danced at a ball on Friday evening, and took tea with them.

Lucy considered him very young, and so very conscious of his image among members of the ton . She feared he might believe the rumor, now gaining even more credence in London. A guest at the latest ball had asked her about it and another person had spoken of it to her a few evenings ago. She was sick of having to refute it and watch them decide if she was being humble. A lady said she found Lucy’s discretion admirable.

But Mr. Nash explained he liked to be seen with her. “A lot of fellows will envy me, escorting a pretty lady,” he’d said. It was odd how empty his compliment seemed. As if she might be a new, fancy vehicle or a horse he bought.

It all made her tired, of herself, and of London. She moped until Aunt Mary told her to brighten up and said men disliked sad women. If only she could see Sarah. Perhaps she had news of her brother, but that thought worried her afresh.

On the following Monday, Mr. Rattray came to dinner. Aunt Mary fussed about him, ensuring he had every comfort, as he talked of his close friendship with Viscount Castlereagh. “He often seeks my opinion,” he said, which Lucy thought pompous.

“That’s no surprise,” Aunt Mary said warmly. “His lordship has suffered some criticism, and you have such an excellent grasp of the political issues he must deal with, Mr. Rattray.”

Over dessert, and with her aunt out of the room, Lucy, growing tired of his sly glances, questioned him about his family.

He raised his eyebrows. “My, I am surprised to hear you speak at last, Miss Kershaw.”

“Do you still have family in Scotland, sir?”

“I do. My brother, Baron Maitland, still lives in the family castle.”

Lucy widened her eyes, adopting an enthusiasm she didn’t feel. “You grew up in a castle?”

He puffed himself up. “Indeed, I did.”

“Can you tell me about it? I’ve always wanted to visit one.”

He glanced at her suspiciously. “You might find them picturesque, but they are, as you would expect, ancient, built of stone with damp, cold drafty corridors and a strong smell of the sea.”

“The castle overlooks the sea? How thrilling. I can imagine the waves crashing on the rocks below and the gulls wheeling in the sky. Where is it? On the east coast?”

His eyes refused to meet hers. He cleared his throat and took his time over his wine. “The castle is near Linlithgow, north of Edinburgh. You have probably never heard of it.”

It gratified her that her questions had unsettled him. “No, I must confess I haven’t,” Lucy said, adopting a disappointed manner. “When did you leave and come to London?”

His hard gaze searched hers. “Some years ago. There’s no future for a second son there.”

He was telling a tall tale, she was sure of it. He spoke as if he’d rehearsed it. “Do you miss it?”

“Not at all. I have a delightful estate in Essex. So much more comfortable.” He leaned forward. “I’m sure you and your aunt would enjoy a visit.”

“I am certain my aunt would.”

“We must discuss it at a later time,” he said thoughtfully, tapping the table with his fingertips.

Aunt Mary returned and glanced from Mr. Rattray to Lucy. “Would you ask the maid to remove the dessert plates, please, Lucy? We will take our coffee in the parlor.”

Lucy left her aunt merrily chatting. After she gave Maisie the order, she retired to her bedchamber. Mr. Rattray had not liked her questions. She wasn’t surprised. He had his secrets. If only she could find a way to uncover them.

She did not go down again. After the front door shut, Aunt Mary came into her bedchamber, frowning. “Were you rude to Mr. Rattray, Lucy? Something seemed to nag at him, and he finally excused himself and left early.”

She looked so disappointed, it made Lucy a little guilty. “I merely asked him to tell me more about Scotland.”

Aunt Mary nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. When you saw Mr. Nash last, did he say he would call tomorrow?”

“He didn’t mention it.” Lucy felt only relief. So many hours spent in his company last week had been enough. She doubted he’d fallen madly in love with her. He was more interested in himself and how he appeared to others than with her.

Her aunt gazed into the mirror, tweaking a brown curl on her forehead. “He’s persistent. I daresay he will propose soon.”

Lucy’s throat tightened at the thought. “He’s certainly given no indication of it.”

Aunt Mary turned from the mirror. “But if he should, will you accept him?”

Lucy sighed. “I don’t care for him, Aunt Mary.”

“What has that to do with it?” her aunt said crossly. “Affection comes after marriage. Being the wife of a prosperous man has great advantages, my girl. Especially when you are in desperate straits.”

Lucy gazed at her, horrified. Her aunt was quite right. Her reluctance to encourage Mr. Nash or any other suitor had made her an imposition. The lie appeared to be spreading through the ton . It appeared she must marry soon or return to Bath.

“Give it some serious thought before he proposes,” her aunt said before leaving the room.

Late next morning, a town carriage drew up outside. At first, fearing it was Mr. Nash, Lucy ran to the window in time to see a footman in livery open the door and Sarah step down onto the pavement. Noticing a curtain twitch from the widowed lady in the house over the road, Lucy hurried out to greet Sarah.

“It is lovely to see you.” She noticed worry darkening Sarah’s blue eyes. Could it be the dowager countess? “Has something happened?”

“Yes. Would you care to stroll with me in the park? We might speak there where we won’t be overheard.”

“Of course. Come into the parlor while I get my bonnet and gloves, and tell my aunt.”

As they strolled along the paths in Hyde Park, a brisk wind teased at the gray clouds overhead, and the air felt humid, promising rain. Fearing they would have little time for a chat, Lucy turned to her concerned friend. “What is it? Can you tell me?”

“Mr. Beaufort has called several times and took me in his carriage to see the new monument in Green Park. Have you seen it?”

Lucy shook her head.

“The Temple of Concord. It’s a folly to mark the signing of the Treaty of Paris and quite extraordinary. There’s a brightly painted bridge and pagoda spanning the canal at St. James’s Park. Mr. Beaufort was very attentive.”

“But that is splendid news, is it not?” Lucy said, confused by Sarah’s demeanor.

“I received a letter from Lord Cardew yesterday. He returns to London tomorrow and writes that he is not going to marry Lady Gwendolyn.”

“Goodness,” Lucy said, gripped by the news. This was entirely unexpected. Admittedly, Sarah was an earl’s daughter, but to give up the marriage already arranged to a duke’s daughter, a woman of even higher rank? It would cause a dreadful commotion. She doubted Lord Cardew had the fortitude to weather it.

“He says we must elope before his mother finds out.”

Lucy stared at her. “He would go against his mother’s wishes?” She was immediately suspicious. “Are you sure he is being truthful?”

Sarah shrugged. “He must love me. Otherwise, why would he break off his betrothal to Lady Gwendolyn?”

“I’m sure he does love you, in his way. But might he merely want to get you to himself? Suppose he doesn’t mean to marry you?”

Sarah’s blue eyes grew dark with distress. She shook her head. “Surely, he wouldn’t do such a terrible thing.”

“I don’t know Lord Cardew, so I can’t say what he is capable of. But what about Mr. Beaufort? I’m sure his intentions would be honorable.”

“Yes, and I’ve come to like him a good deal. But Robert says I owe him allegiance. We have been together for so long…”

Lucy took her arm. “You owe him nothing, Sarah. Think what your mother and brother would say and how disappointed they would be should you elope? It will create a dreadful scandal.”

“They would accept it in time, and it will be a good marriage. Robert is a viscount and heir to the Skelton earldom.”

“I find it difficult to believe him. If he wants to marry you, he should do so in the proper manner, by first speaking to your brother. Not whisk you away from your family and deny you a wedding surrounded by those who love you,” Lucy said, deeply concerned for her friend. “Please give it some thought and don’t make a hasty decision.”

Sarah smiled weakly. “You’re right, of course. I will demand more assurances from Robert when he calls to see me tomorrow.” Doubt filled her eyes. “Mama has taken to her bed again. She says she is merely tired. The doctor has prescribed a tonic. I wish Hugh would come home.”

Lucy’s chest fluttered. “Are you expecting him soon?”

“He wrote to say he was venturing farther north but didn’t say why. I imagine it’s a business matter.”

Rain began to patter onto the leaves above them. Sarah put up her umbrella, and they huddled together as they ran for the carriage.

Inside, Sarah put a hand on Lucy’s arm. “You are a true friend. There is something else I would like to ask of you.”

Lucy smiled. “Certainly.”

“Could you come to the house tomorrow and be there when Lord Cardew arrives? I know what I have to say to him, but he tends to browbeat me. He makes me feel that I am at fault, which is ridiculous, I know, but…”

“Of course I will. But I doubt Lord Cardew will be too thrilled by my presence.”

Sarah sank back against the squab. “Oh, thank you. I feel better already. I’ll send the carriage for you at ten o’clock.”

“I’ll be ready.”

Lucy disembarked, fearing repercussions from Aunt Mary, who waited at the door.

“Mr. Nash called as I expected, Lucy. I don’t know why you didn’t wait to see him.”

“We made no arrangement, Aunt.”

“The friendship is advantageous, I grant you, but surely, you don’t hope to wed above your station.”

Lucy was annoyed. She didn’t befriend people for her own aggrandizement. “Lady Sarah has asked me to call tomorrow. She wishes me to help her with a problem,” she said in a challenging tone.

“You would be better served spending time with Mr. Nash. He is the only gentleman who seems keen to marry you.”

It appeared her aunt was keen to see her married and thought Lucy should focus on finding a husband. But at least she didn’t attempt to prevent her from going. Her aunt turned on the stairs. “It would be impolite to refuse the invitation. But you must be careful not to let Mr. Nash slip through your fingers. You may be sorry when the Season ends, and you go home with nothing to show for it.”

*

Hugh’s coach began the long journey from Linlithgow to London. Forced to be patient, his anger gave way to anxiety as he thought of Rattray’s lies. The man was an unmitigated scoundrel. Baron Maitland had invited Hugh to dine. In the baronial dining hall with a fire blazing in the huge fireplace, Hugh had put his question to him.

The big, fair-haired man stroked his beard. “Douglas Rattray? Haven’t seen him for years. His father worked for me, and Douglas grew up here. But he ran away as soon as he was old enough. I doubt his father heard from him again. The father’s gone now, so we can’t ask him. Why are you interested in the man?”

“He resides at present in London. Puts it about that he’s your brother. And behaves as if he’s wealthy.”

“Och!” Frowning, he poured them both a glass of Scotch whisky. “I dinnae think Rattray has much money. Though he certainly had a grand opinion of himself even when he was young.”

Lightning lit up the sky beyond the tall window, and soon after, heavy rain battered the glass. “You’d best put up here tonight. Wouldn’t want you to negotiate the cliff road in the dark with a storm raging. The weather changes quickly here, and it should prove all clear in the morning.” Maitland smiled. “And it would be pleasant to have your company for a game of chess.”

The next day, the storm had rolled away out to sea, as the baron had predicted. The sun struggled through a bank of clouds as Hugh’s coach swayed around the sharp bends in the narrow road. The rocky cliff below was battered by waves. He looked forward to returning to London. Seeing his mother and Sarah and hearing Isabel’s news. Would the wedding go ahead as planned? Or had Sir Phillip thought better of it? Might Lady Ashton change her husband’s mind by suggesting another solution? Like giving up her baby? She had been determined to keep her daughter in England. Hugh especially wanted to deal with Rattray. He only hoped the gentleman hadn’t put whatever plan he had in his mind into action. And he had some scheme in mind, Hugh was sure of it.

He held the strap as the coach lurched around a corner. When would he see Lucy again? She was constantly in his thoughts, her soft, brown eyes, her luscious mouth, and her stern insistence that he wasn’t to involve himself in her troubles. She made no secret of it. In the society in which he moved, such spontaneous honesty was rare. People guarded their words, and most were scrupulously polite. And some were not above lying to gain society’s favor. Perhaps Lucy had been brought up differently, but it was certainly refreshing. And it was clear when they were close on the dance floor or in his carriage together. She was as drawn to him as he was to her. The air fairly crackled between them. But she was determined to keep him at arm’s length. Well, he had interfered in her affairs whether she approved of it or not, but he was sure she’d be relieved to hear the news he brought her.