Without waiting for an answer, the woman minced away, swaying on flimsy shoes. Lady Maria's eyes flashed. “How dare they spread such canards!”
“You don't think there's any truth in them?” Laura asked timidly.
“Fanny will never consent to anything dishonorable. If there is anything at all, it will be his Grace trying to win her hand in marriage!”
That did not help Laura in the least.
Chapter 21
Anthony made up his mind. The only way of securing Annie’s future was by giving her the protection of the Wimberley name. He also decided to go to Harrogate. It was his duty to inform his mother about Annie. He would do it in a manner that would hurt her the least.
Anthony was very much aware of his own mortality. The deaths in his family had taught him that a man did not have to be old or sick to die. Before leaving for Harrogate, he wanted to draw up papers to secure Annie’s future. Not wanting to delay the matter, he visited the legal firm of Morrison & Morrison. Mr. Morrison Senior was away from London for the day. His son, also a partner, assured Anthony that his father would call on him early the next morning.
Anthony had been eager to discuss his plan with the solicitor. He had doubts about the legal standing of certain provisions that he had in mind. The delay made him restless. If he was in the country, he would have gone for a long gallop. But he was in London. A bout or two at Gentleman Jackson’s was the only cure he could think of. He also needed the exercise.
He turned his carriage into a lane. It would take him to Jackson’s quicker than the main road. After a furlong, he was forced to pull up behind a stationary hack. “There’s been an accident ahead,” the driver informed him.
“Is anyone injured? Do they need help?” Anthony asked.
The driver shrugged.
“Hold my horses, will you?” Anthony told the driver’s companion and vaulted down.
He saw at once that it wasn’t a serious accident. A young buck in a fashionable carriage, clearly inept at controlling the spirited pair, had tried to overtake a closed carriage. The carriage had been pushed off the road.
Anthony joined the small group that had gathered around the scene of mishap. The elderly coachman had waved aside offers of help. He had mastered the horses and was trying to sooth them.
The carriage door opened. Laura and her maid got down. The maid went to speak to the coachman. He scowled and told her to get back into the carriage. The maid took hold of Laura’s hand and helped her into the carriage. She got in after her and shut the door.
Anthony was stunned. What was Laura doing in there? Why was she in a strange carriage without a liveried coachman? He wanted to elbow through the small crowd and pull the door open but realized it would make her more conspicuous. Already there were interested comments about her identity. Some said she was a lady while others said she wasn’t; she was one of those ladybirds the nobs kept.
As soon as Laura’s carriage moved, Anthony went back to his carriage. He managed to weave his way through the carriages ahead of his until he was right behind Laura’s carriage. He would follow her to see where she was going. He couldn't help feeling concerned. She was not accustomed to London. Only the fact that her maid was with her and the coachman looked competent restrained him from waylaying the carriage.
When they came to the end of the lane, the carriage pulled to the side. The coachman cracked open the door and conferred with Laura. Then he turned the carriage around and entered the lane again. Anthony felt a stab of disappointment. He guessed Laura had decided to return home. Nevertheless, he followed the carriage all the way to Daventon House and left only after it entered its majestic gates.
He released a breath he didn't know he was holding. All was well. The carriage may belong to Gareth. That didn't explain the lack of a footman or the plain carriage. He would try to find out discreetly from Gareth. Gareth may know but if he didn't, he would fly into the boughs. He was very protective of his sister.
Laura was young but not flighty. She may have gone to call on the debutante who was always giggling, Miss Brown or was it Miss Grey? Anthony put further thought of Laura from his mind and turned back to Jackson's.
***
Adam stopped the carriage and opened the door. “Are you all right, my lady?” he asked.
Laura nodded, still shaken. The accident had happened when they were on the way to the home. Bessie had shaken out the pelisse for her to wear when the carriage had lurched and come to a stop. The jerk had thrown her against one side. Luckily neither of them was hurt.
As soon as they were safely in Laura's room, Bessie said, “Lady Laura, you mustn't go out like this again. It is fortunate nobody recognized you. Adam was able to right the carriage before a crowd formed. Your reputation would have been ruined!”
“You exaggerate, Bessie. I wasn't alone or...or with a gentleman!”
“There was a crowd of strange men gaping at you. They might have misbehaved.”
“Bessie, that’s because we make the mistake of coming out of the carriage. We should have waited. Adam is quite competent to take care of any mishap. Now I must send a note to Mrs. Forsyth. I don’t want Annie to be disappointed.”
Bessie, seeing that nothing would dissuade her mistress, wisely decided to drop the subject.
“What gown shall I lay out for the evening?” she asked.
Chapter 22
“Lord Lancing has come, your Grace. May I show him in here?”
Anthony glanced up from his plate of kippers. Jenkins looked a little rattled. The butler was no match for Philip Lancing. The man was an ill-mannered boor who liked to throw his weight about.
“Show him in,” he said.
Philip was belligerent. “What's the meaning of this? Why was I kept waiting? I’m your heir, not a lackey!”
“You are up and about early, Lancing. Never knew you to stir out until afternoon.”
“You never gave me cause to,” Lord Lancing smirked, and added, “your Grace.”
Anthony accepted a plate of toast from a footman and dismissed the servants. He proceeded to lather a crisp slice with fruit preserve. He knew it annoyed his cousin that he was not asking him to explain the cryptic remark. He had come to know Philip’s sly manner rather well during the last year of Margaret’s life.
“Are you attending to what I'm saying?”
“I will if you come to the point.”
“I have heard rumors that you are seeing a disreputable woman.”
“Since when am I answerable to you?”
“Dash it! I know you are the head of the family and you can do whatever you want! But Margaret was my friend! I shudder to think that a woman of questionable morals might take her place. Cousin, don't mistake me! I have come to remind you of your duty to Mary Jane. You must think before you choose!”
Anthony shrugged. “I don't care what your game is. I would thank you to keep your nose out of my business. I will also not have you slandering a respectable lady unless you want me to shake out a skeleton or two from your overfull cupboard.”
Philip sneered. “That would be unwise, Coz! It might show up your late, though not beloved, wife in an unsavory light. Believe me, the things I could reveal will shock you out of your ducal boots. For now, my lips are sealed. But I'm not a forgiving man.”
“State your business, or leave.”
“And if I don't? You'll have the servants throw me out?”
“I believe I will. Can't sully my hands, y'know.”
Anthony reached for the bell pull. Philip flung a curse and stalked out. Anthony stared after him thoughtfully. It wasn't the first time Philip had made that particular threat. What had Margaret been up to?
He knew her to be thoughtless of the feelings of others. But he did not think her capable of depraved behavior. She was also particular about her place in society and would not do anything to sully her name.
Unless Philip had led her astray.
Anthony had never trusted Philip. But his father ha
d liked him. He had encouraged Philip to spend his holidays at the family seat. Later, Philip had gained Margaret’s confidence. In the year before her death, he had always been around to escort her and truth be told, Anthony had been glad to allow him.
Margaret had taken to snapping at him. She found the attention he gave their daughter 'nauseating'. To her, Mary Jane was superfluous. She considered the time she had spent carrying her a waste. She didn’t dislike her. She only begrudged her the use of her womb.
Until then Anthony had made excuses for her. When she snapped at a servant or gave him the cold shoulder, he blamed it on his tactlessness. In the months after Mary Jane’s birth, the pedestal he had put her upon slowly crumbled.
A distance opened up between them. Margaret couldn't understand why he didn't visit her suite often. It annoyed her, not because she wanted his attentions, but because she was mindful of her duty. She was chosen to produce an heir.
His love had turned into a cold anger. The anger had lasted until the week before her death. Weakened by frequent miscarriages, Margaret had not the strength to survive a bout of influenza. She had taken a turn for the worse. He had sat with her when she had become delirious. Stripped of her hauteur and petulance, she was a frightened girl. He had come to understand her. It wasn’t her fault that she was bitter. Her parents had thought her not good enough because she was female. She had repeatedly been told that she had only one use in life: to produce an heir.
He had pitied her and understood her. She had never been loved and did not know how to love. If she had lived, he would have fought through her fears. He would have done his utmost to reach her frozen heart.
Of late he had started to wonder how his life would have been had his father not duped him. If he had waited for a few years to choose a bride. Not all women were cold and calculating. His mother wasn't. But he never could regret his marriage for long. It had brought Mary Jane into his life.
Anthony was afraid Philip was holding back an ace. He had information that could blacken Margaret's name. She was deceased but the scandal would cloud Mary Jane’s future. That was the way of his world. Lady Maria was an example. The clout her grandmother wielded and her own impeccable behavior had made her a success. But there were those, and Margaret was among them, who liked to point out that Lady Maria could never be their equal because her mother was an American commoner.
Gareth had suffered at Eton. Laura was still under scrutiny. After he had danced with her, more than one matron had reminded him of the old scandal. No smoke without fire, they had said.
He would have to stop Philip and save Mary Jane from such slights. He went into the library and penned a note to Frith. Frith had come into his service a year after Margaret’s death, after the old butler was pensioned off. If there was anything to uncover, he would do it. The man had the nose of a bloodhound.
Anthony sent the letter and decided to visit his club. He wasn't in the mood for company but he knew if he didn’t put in an appearance, the rumors about him and Fanny would blaze higher. They wouldn't harm him; he was a man and a duke. But Fanny would bear the brunt and he couldn't have that. He already had much to atone for. He had let her down once. He could not add to her woes a second time.
Fanny was stubborn. She kept repeating she did not want to get married again. She was in London to convince Miss Bathsheba, her cousin, to set up house with her. Their joint annuities would suffice for them to live in tolerable comfort. Miss Bathsheba, older, wiser and genuinely fond of Fanny wanted her to find a husband.
Anthony concurred with her. Fanny was by far too lovely to shut herself up. Unlike Miss Bathsheba who had made a life's work out of studying beetles, Fanny needed a family to mother and look after. He couldn't ruin her chances of finding a husband.
Anthony’s entry into the club caused a momentary lull in the conversation. He nonchalantly took a seat. Friends and acquaintances came over to greet him. Many lingered, making idle talk.
“Is Lady Mannering in town? She must be a remarkably handsome woman now. I remember her from her come out. She caused quite a stir,” Baron Haddington asked.
The words were accompanied by a leer. His meaning was clear. If Anthony had no interest in her, he would try. Widows in impoverished circumstances were easy game. Perhaps Fanny was right, after all. If she made an appearance in Society, women would shun her and men would pillory her for favors.
Anthony gave the man a level look. He noticed the murmur of voices had dropped. Those within earshot awaited his answer.
“Lady Mannering is in town and in tolerably good looks. I fear the unkindness she met as a young woman has soured her taste for society but Lady Daventon is trying to change her mind. The last time I accompanied her to Lady Mannering's lodgings, she extended an invitation on behalf of the Duchess of Severn.”
There! That would give them something to chew upon. He would have to tell Lady Daventon to corroborate his words. He knew she would. Fanny had told him Lady Maria was all kindness and desirous of her company. Anthony forced himself to sit for another half hour, silently daring anyone to mention Lady Mannering. After leaving the club, he drove to Daventon House.
“You look grim,” Gareth remarked.
Anthony passed a hand over his face and leaned back. Wearily, he told him of Phillip's threat.
“You believe him?” Gareth asked, pouring out the brandy.
“He is a snake. Margaret was under his influence. He may have led her to commit an impropriety. She went to a number of loo parties but if it was a gambling debt, I would know. I've settled many bills and IOUs after her death.”
“What are you planning on doing about the child?”
“I shall leave for Harrogate in a day or two. Until I return, I must leave Annie at the home. After I speak to my mother, I shall take Annie with me to the country.”
“You are still of the same mind? She will be acknowledged?”
Anthony nodded, his heart constricting at the memory of the wan face and the sad eyes.
“That will make finding a wife more difficult. You will need someone who will take on a stepdaughter and an illegitimate child. You will still have many women falling over each other. You are a duke and owner of an old title, also rich. But your choice may become narrowed to women who will only be interested in your wealth and title. You may not find what you are looking for; a woman who will be a mother to the girls.”
“I fear I've come to the end of that search. My only hope is Harrogate. I shall count myself fortunate if my mother has become acquainted with someone suitable.”
“That seems unlikely. At least Bath has some society to offer. Is there no one you think suitable?” Gareth pressed.
“There is one but she is too young,” Anthony said, after a moment’s hesitation.
Gareth pursed his lips. “You mean here, among the debutantes? If she is making her come out, she can't be that young. You aren't in your dotage. You are but eight and twenty.”
Anthony looked away. Gareth would have something to say if he knew the direction of his thoughts.
“How old is she? Sixteen?”
“Of course not! She is twenty. But she has led a sheltered life. She can be wise beyond her years. And as guileless as a child. She had a kindness of heart that is rare in our world. She deserves someone better than me. Someone who is not a cynic. Someone who wasn’t married before. I thought I would wait until the end of the season. If she was still unattached, I would court her. Now there is Annie. I can’t foist an illegitimate child on her. It wouldn’t be fair.”
Gareth was silent. When he spoke, it was with measured tones, as if he was weighing each word. “I think you must make an effort to find out what the young woman feels about you. You may spend some time with her to know in what light she sees you.”
Anthony nodded. The silence stretched uncomfortably between them.
“I almost forgot the reason I came to see you. You may have heard some gossip about me and Lady Mannering. There is no truth in it. But
given that there is no other scandal to occupy the ton, and that Lady Mannering does not possess wealth or the protection of a powerful name, tongues will continue to wag. If the Duchess of Severn could be persuaded to receive Fanny at her home or include her in her party, it would give her some protection. When word gets around that I have left London, and the gossips see her being championed by a high stickler like the duchess, the rumors might die down.”
“An excellent idea. Lady Maria counts her a friend. She will convince her grandmother.”
Anthony stood up.
“Shall you visit with my mother and aunt? I believe they will be happy to see you.”
“I must decline as I have matters to attend to before I leave.”
“I am happy that Laura has attracted a number of eligible suitors. It is going to be difficult to choose among them.”
Anthony stared at Gareth and sat down again.
“What do you think of Newington?” Gareth asked.
Anthony raised an eyebrow. “Is the puppy still yapping at Lady Laura’s heels?”
“I can see you haven’t met him recently. He is vastly improved in looks and manners. He is heir to an earldom. Added to that, his great-uncle left him a bequest of ten thousand a year. The young man is considered a catch.”
“Who else is courting Lady Laura?”
“Lord Southall. He is a Severn on his mother’s side. He is a younger son but independently wealthy.”
“I know him. The man is a tedious bore.”
“He is not of a serious bent. Laura and he would suit. Lord Ayles is also serious in his intentions. He has asked me permission to court Laura.”
“The man is a fribble!”
“He isn’t. Laura says he is intelligent and able to converse on different subjects. She holds him in some esteem.”
“Lady Laura can’t be blamed for being taken in by him. He is a charmer. But shallow. He won’t do, old man!”
Not Just Lovely Laura Page 12