He had also stealthily begun keeping company with ladies once more. His loneliness would not allow to forfeit such pleasures. He redoubled his efforts at concealment and carried on whenever possible. He also started to frequent the horse raises. He was turning to the outside world to avoid Wellington Manor.
More than ever he wished that he and Abigail had been able to make a home of their own elsewhere. With all of his landownership they should have been more than able to do so. He felt suddenly haunted by Wellington Manor, perhaps he always had been. The ghost of his father appeared to him more than ever, warning him of the perils in his misbehavior. As he had when his father was living, Thaddeus casted his father’s warnings aside. He had no interest in being the man his father had wanted him to be.
Lord Martin came to see him at his townhouse in London. He said, “I am concerned for you. I always have been, but now more than ever.”
Thaddeus replied, “I am fine.”
“You are not. I can tell. You are suffering greatly.”
“I shall endure. I always have.”
“Things are much different now. You have neither parent nor wife to save you from yourself.”
“Are you here to tell me it is time to find a wife?”
“I am here to warn you not to go too far astray. I fear that you may not know how to bring yourself back.”
“I have regained myself.”
“The talk persists. Your reputation remains shrouded and your newly gained socializing is of no help.”
“I have taken to the athletic clubs, I would think it would be preferred.”
“My Lord, you must understand. Before people thought you to be eccentric, but well in charge of your affairs. They are beginning to lose faith in the latter part.”
“It is of no consequence. I am in charge of my affairs, as well as those of my family. I shall not fall prey to the day’s ridiculous gossip.”
“You are well aware how often gossip ages to become fact. I do not lecture you as a foe, but as a friend. The last thing that I wish for you is to be driven to unfortunate ends.”
“Speaking of unfortunate ends, I have been contacted by Lord St. Clair.”
“Abigail’s father?”
“Yes.”
“To what end?”
“It seems that he has heard of the recent scandal and offered a solution. The hand of one of Abigail’s distant cousins.”
“Is that so? Why ever should he suggest such a thing?”
“She had been widowed with two children, I suppose the family seeks to secure her a better position. Either that or they seek another close association with me. It does not matter, I have already declined.”
“Yet another sign of your distress. Another seeks to take advantage of what they perceive to be a softening of your mind. You must see how it all appears. Particularly with your frequent stays in London. Far too many lurk about with treacherous intentions.”
“I can no longer find solace in Wellington Manor.”
“Why is that?”
“There are too many foul memories there.”
“What of Evie?”
“What of her?”
“You suggested before that she added pleasantness to the place.”
“Well that is no longer true.”
“Please tell me you did not make advances upon Miss Evie.”
“It seems that she, like most women, is a keen believer in gossip. She is not the woman of sense I once thought her to be.”
Lord Martin did not accept this answer. He could perceive what had truly taken place. Thaddeus avoided the matter and continued to insist to his friend that nothing were the matter with him. Martin did not believe him, but knew better than to accost Thaddeus too much.
Lord Cornelius made his own attempts to monitor his brother. He began frequenting the clubs and coming to lunch and dinner. Thaddeus may have welcomed his company otherwise, yet he felt the vestiges of his parents in the manner which Lord Cornelius looked after him. As if he were not well. It was a nuisance and he took to avoiding him when possible.
Thaddeus resented the notion that he was in some way diminished. He felt quite as strong and sharp as he had ever been. He took more leisure and people were behaving as if he were losing his mind. It was a testament to the fickleness of society.
Chapter 22
It was time for Evie to return for Hannah’s wedding. Evie took the journey the day before to be sure that she would be there in time to spend her sister’s final night as Miss Hannah Seymour with her. It was a jovial occasion. It was the final time that the Seymour family would be five. Some guests had traveled to attend the wedding, yet there was little room for them to take up lodgings at the Seymour house, so they had found other accommodations.
On the morning of, the Seymour women woke up bright and early to begin preparations. Their own maid, Miss Daw helped the ladies get into their gowns and don their wigs. By the time they were properly powdered and perfumed, they made their way out to the coach to take the trip to the parish. They arrived at the back to usher Hannah in and out of sight.
As they experienced the final moments before her vows, Evie found herself overcome with emotion. She shed tears, some of joy, others of sadness. She knew she was not losing her sister, but things were not to be the same. They shared a prayer before it was time to gather in the pews and witness the vows.
There were not many guests. Hardly any from their father’s side of the family joined. Lady Isabella had come, yet her mother and brothers had claimed to have prior commitments. A spare cousin was to be seen amongst the ranks. Their mother’s family was there in greater number. Although they had been greatly upset by Mr. Seymour’s loss of title, they maintained support of Mrs. Seymour, some more distantly than others. To them she was still of rank. Also amongst the attendees was Lady Lydia and a few other family friends.
The ceremony was swift, but dignified. Hannah was so lovely in the family’s white wedding gown, with a bonnet upon her head. Mr. Townshend wore a stately black waistcoat with breeches beneath. Mr. Townshend appeared somewhat nervous, but performed his vows well. Hannah spoke quietly, yet firmly. The Officiate pronounced them man and wife and they went to sign the registry. Then all guests departed for the celebratory breakfast.
Evie looked at her sister, trying to determine if her appearance had changed. She was, after all, now a true lady, a wife. Mrs. Leonard Townshend. Hannah certainly held her hand differently with her wedding ring upon it. The breakfast was a grand time, with both families getting along splendidly.
Mr. Seymour seemed to take a special liking to the elder Mr. Townshend. They both laughed raucously at each other’s jokes and shared many stories. Mrs. Seymour brimmed with pride, lovely herself in her finest gown with her mother’s pearls about her neck. It was a rare occasion for the Seymours to entertain and the breakfast quickly became a party.
Hannah and her husband were to be off on their small bridal tour. Evie embraced her sister tightly, sending well-wishes through streaming eyes. Lucy also was overcome with emotion, although she took greater lengths to conceal it. Soon, the newlyweds were off in their coach. That did not, however, cause the party to end.
As Lucy and Evie sat talking with Lady Isabella and Lady Lydia, their father came to seek out Lucy. Beside him was a gentleman of not unpleasant countenance. He wore a three cornered hat upon his head, with a fine waistcoat beneath. His expression was slightly melancholy, although his green eyes bore kindness in them. He had an aristocratic nose and a strong jawline. Evie could tell that in his younger days he had been quite handsome. His features had lost some of their sharpness.
Their father presented the gentleman to them saying, “Ladies, this is Sir Donald Green. Sir Green, that is Lady Lydia Brown. Over her is Lady Isabella Talbot. This is my youngest daughter Miss Evie Seymour and of course my darling Lucy.”
Evie looked at Lucy. Lucy was struggling to maintain composure, very obviously upset. The ladies said collectively, “How do you do?”<
br />
Sir Green bowed his head slightly and said, “How do you do?”
Mr. Seymour continued, “I thought you all might like to know one another.”
He was of course speaking primarily of Lucy and Sir Green, but he spoke to the group. Evie offered, “Well it is certainly lovely to make your acquaintance. Did you travel far?”
He replied, “Not so. It was nearly a day’s journey.”
Evie continued, “Ah yes. Well it was certainly a good time for it. The weather is divine.”
Evie was silently willing Lucy to make some effort at politeness. She could feel the tension emitting from her body beside her. Lucy let out a breath and asked, “Have you been traveling much this season, Sir Green?”
“Some. Not so much as usual. Much has changed since last season.”
Although there remained a subtle melancholy in his manner, Evie noticed the effect around his eyes and mouth as he looked upon Lucy. He seemed quite taken with her. It seemed that the effect that she had on him when he first laid eyes on her remained. Lucy’s expression remained impassive. She asked, “Are you fond of parties, Sir Green?”
“I do enjoy socializing. I should like to get out more, now that I live alone.”
By this point, Mr. Seymour had slipped away. Evie, Isabella, and Lydia all watched in rapt attention. Lucy got up from her seat. For a tense moment, Evie thought that she might walk brusquely away. Instead she went on, “Oh, I simply adore it. I have attended some grand parties this season. Lovely balls as well. I should like to do more traveling.”
Evie was impressed. Lucy engaged in conversation with Sir Green, though not at all flirtatiously, but pleasantly. She did not affect her usual wit and charm with him, but she was not rude. Evie was proud of her. She was sure that later on Lucy would protest, but at the moment Lucy was conducting herself like a lady.
The other ladies took their leave and walked about the party a bit. Some were playing at Blind Man’s Bluff, while a lively game of charades also took place. As Evie walked about, she suddenly felt eyes upon her. She turned to see a gentleman standing a bit off to himself, turning away as if he had not just been staring at her. He was neither particularly impressive, nor a squat man. He was a sturdy young buck, appearing to be about her own age. He had dark hair, well-manicured. He had boyish brown eyes and slightly delicate features for a man. His dress was that of a noble gentlemen, not of the highest ranking, but respectable.
Evie had never seen him before. She turned to Lady Isabella and said, “Are you familiar with that gentleman?”
“Oh yes. Lord Henry Boyd. He is a distant cousin of ours.”
“Lord?”
“Yes. He has only just received a writ of summons. His name is Baron Henry Boyd of Luton. I've only just seen him about at certain events. Would you like me to make the introduction?”
“Oh no! I…”
Before Evie could continue Lady Isabella had taken her arm and led her over to him. He took a step to the right as they approached, apparently believing they were trying to pass by. Lady Isabella said, “Good afternoon, Lord Boyd. How do you do?”
He replied, “Good afternoon, Lady Isabella. I am well, thank you. How do you do?”
“I am well. Please allow me to introduce you to Lady Evie Seymour. I do not believe you too have been acquainted.”
“No, I can’t say that I have had the pleasure. Good afternoon, Lady Seymour. How do you do?”
Evie replied, “I am well, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Boyd.”
Lady Isabella turned her head as if she had been called upon and then said, “Please excuse me.” Before Evie could stop her she had walked away, leaving her standing there with Lord Boyd. He said, “It was a charming ceremony.”
“Yes, I did find it to be well done. I am very happy for the couple.”
“As am I. It is certainly the season for weddings. This will be my third so far. There are plenty more to come.”
“Yes. The season is full of all kinds of celebrations.”
“Indeed. I believe I may have spotted you at the gathering at Lord and Lady Andrews.”
“Oh yes, I was present. I do not recall seeing you.”
“I am not one to stand out in the crowd.”
Evie found that hard to believe. He did not have the pomp of some other nobility, but his person was so pleasing that she highly doubted that he did not draw attention. She could not tell if he was truly humble or simply feigning so in order to be impressive. Either way she simply responded, “Neither am I.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s true. Perhaps you are simply not aware of it, but eyes do travel where you go. You are a very beautiful lady.”
“Thank you.”
Evie was slightly taken aback by how forward he was being. She suddenly felt the need to escape. Not that she found him obnoxious, only that she found herself unable to find words of response to him. She worried that he may find her of lame mind. She decided to change the subject. She said, “So, did you journey long to get here?”
“Well, you know how travel can be. I have spent far more time than I would have liked in the coach, but what is to be done? It is the season to do so.”
“I agree. I have never found the trips in coaches to be pleasant. I shall see the inside of them a great deal more before the season has reached completion.”
“I shall be finding solace by the seaside soon. Will you be along?”
“I do believe so.”
“Well, I certainly hope to encounter you there.”
“That is very kind of you. I shall like very much to make your acquaintance sometime soon.”
“Then we shall. Good day to you, Lady Seymour. Until we meet again.”
With that Lord Boyd took a bow and then his leave. Evie watched as he made his exit, stopping to speak to many as he passed by. She could not take her eyes off him. His manner was certainly assured. She typically found it arrogant and repulsive, yet on him it seemed charming and endearing. He carried himself as a man of status, yet bore no trace of repugnance at those surrounding him.
It was a wonder that he had made the trip to the wedding. Neither the bride nor groom, were of particularly high placement. She would have suspected him to be those among the family tree to have disavowed them. She had never seen him before. Yet he had decided to attend. She wondered at his motives, but decided that it was of no importance. The important this was that he had come, they had met, and she hoped to be seeing him again.
As the night wore on, more and more of the guests began to depart. Lady Isabella was to stay in the home of Lady Lydia for the evening, so the two took the coach on. When finally the last of the party guests were gone, Evie found her mother practically carrying a boisterous Mr. Seymour in to bed. He saw his youngest daughter and said, “G’night dear Evie. What a party to remember. I cannot wait for the next wedding.” Her mother murmured a low good night as she struggled under her husband’s weight. Evie giggled to herself and went into Lucy’s room to find her.
Lucy was seated on her bed, looking worn out. Evie said, “Tired, are you?”
“Are you not? It has been a very long day.”
“No longer than the usual occasion at parties.”
“All the same I found this one in particular to be tiring.”
“So…what do you think of Sir Green?”
“He was not a bad fellow. He seemed decent enough. He still bears the tone of sadness about him, even though he is of good humor.”
“So, as I said you should give him a chance.”
“I did not say that. I only said that he was not as dreadful as I thought. I still do not wish to be his bride.”
Evie shook her head. She said, “All the same, I think it was a great party.”
“And who was that I saw you in conversation with?”
“Some distant cousin of ours by the name of Lord Henry Boyd.”
“Quite a handsome chap, is he not?”
“He certainly is. Charming as well.”
“It seems that I am not the only one with a new potential suitor.”
“We only had some conversation. It was no big deal.”
“No big deal, indeed. I saw how you looked at him.”
“Was it the way that you look at Lord Oliver?”
“Perhaps.”
“Well, all the same, I doubt I’ll even see him again.”
“If you say so.”
The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke Page 16