by Jenni James
“Break bread with the likes of you?” Lord Wait harrumphed and then leaned forward. “Well, I am hungry.”
“No doubt.”
“Yes. Yes, I will have a morsel. Hand me a plate. No, no, not that one! Hand me a large plate. Thank you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
Charity awoke to a frazzled knock upon her door. The whimpering, muffled clamoring was extremely odd.
“Who is it?” she called as she sat up in her bed.
“Your mother!” came the reply before the door swung open. “Why did you not come and open it immediately? Could you not hear that I was distressed?”
“Whatever is the matter?” Charity clutched the duvet closer to her heart. “Has something happened?”
Lady Waite shook her head and then sat down upon the bench at the end of the bed. One hand flew to her eyes as she dabbed them with her handkerchief.
“What is it?” Charity climbed down from the bed and knelt on the floor in front of her mother.
Lady Waite sniffed, and Charity gasped as red-rimmed eyes met hers. “I went to your father’s rooms, and he was gone. Already. It is merely eight o’clock now! When Jacques informed me that he went to the Earl of Cheswick’s house, I feared the worst.”
Suddenly, Charity’s chest tightened. “Why would he go there?”
“Jacques said he was in a right temper all night, and he left angry and cursing down the skies! You know how he gets! I am certain he will challenge your Lord Atten to a duel, and now one of them will be dead by tomorrow morning!”
“It cannot be. Father would not be that irresponsible.” She gasped. “Oh, Mother, Father is a master at the sword!”
“And pistols, too.”
“Yes! Oh, dear! I have no idea how well Lord Atten can shoot or fence. What if he is terrible at them?” Fear gripped her throat, and she whispered, “He does not seem the type of man who prefers to overly exert himself.”
Mother dropped her handkerchief and gave her an odd look. “Indeed? I think you will find Lord Atten is extremely capable of holding his own against any man.”
An unexpected laugh gurgled up in Charity. “And how would you know such a thing?”
Her mother shrugged. “I doubt very much if the earl would have neglected his heir in such a way.”
Charity let out a relieved sigh. “You are probably correct. But wait! What of Father? He could be slain!”
“Exactly! It is horrendous either way you look at it. And I know Herbert well enough to recognize that he has just the sort of rage to challenge Lord Atten to a duel!”
Charity stood up and immediately flung open her wardrobe. “We must stop them at once. Neither of us are worth the risk of losing a life over.”
“Men are decidedly very stupid sometimes.” Lady Waite stood. “You are correct, dear. I shall halt this silly sniffling and get dressed directly. I have no idea what we’ll do, for you know it is not the thing to go and knock upon a gentleman’s door. Especially the exact particular gentleman all of London is hoping to find you knocking upon his door.”
Charity pulled out a light blue gown. “Ooh, they would love to see me do just that!”
Her mother rushed to her. “Which is precisely why you will not do any such thing.”
“Of course not.” She blinked.
Lady Waite gave a short nod and let out her breath. “Good.” She began to walk to the door.
“I have another plan altogether!” Charity pulled out a pretty yellow gown.
Lady Waite closed the door and stepped back into the room. “What did you say?”
“And if that idea does not work, well, Lord Atten promised to take me on a long walk today and discuss the complexities of all of this anyway.”
“The complexities of all of what, dear? Your father’s temperament?” She wrung her hands around her handkerchief.
“No! Well, yes. And yours and Lord Atten’s mother’s. And ours. And well, this whole silly forbidden love muddle.”
“Your forbidden love . . .? Oh! I see. Your father. Yes, well, I am certain he will come around.”
“Not if he’s been shot! He’ll be angrier than a wounded lion and never let Lord Atten live it down either. And I bet if Lord Atten has been shot, then he will be…” Her voice trailed off as her throat closed, and a feeling of dread came over her. What if he were to be harmed? She could never forgive herself. The image of him lying bleeding somewhere . . . even if it was only a hole in his arm, or something equally nonthreatening, it did not matter. For in that moment, she knew she could not bear to see him hurt, or worse. Her widened gaze flew to her mother’s, and Charity gasped. “By George! I think you are correct, Mother. Oh, my! I have grown to love the wonderfully foolish man.”
“Well, of course you have, my dear.”
“But it is impossible. One does not fall in love as quickly as this.”
“No?” She chuckled. “You are very wrong. I know of some very fortunate cases where they have fallen in love almost instantly.”
“Oh, Mother, we must stop him!”
“And what is your plan?”
“If we cannot go to the gentlemen, we will simply call them to us. Now let us hurry and dress! I think some lemon ice at Gunter’s will be just the thing. If we can meet up face-to-face, perhaps we can stop this nonsense before something terrible happens!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE:
Lord Atten sipped his port and watched as the older lord across from him devoured two whole plates of food. He certainly wasn’t a pig about it. In fact, he ate as elegantly as any aristocrat would, though the man was clearly hungry. Once through, Lord Waite leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach.
“Well, Cheswick, your cook can make a delicious slice of bread and some of the most heavenly cheese I have ever tasted.”
“Aye. She’s very talented. A treasure.”
He nodded and then scowled. “No doubt someone your late father hired.”
“Yes, actually. I inherited all the staff after my father passed.”
Lord Waite lowered his brows as he looked up at the ceiling as if he was concerned about what was on the floor above him. “Your mother, Lady—Lady Atten, she is well?”
Everett took a deep breath and then met the gaze of the older man. “Yes, I believe so. It was a blow to us both when my father passed on, but it would seem her spirits are rising a little.”
The look of concern did not leave his face. “Good. Good. We would not want her to wallow away in grief.”
“No, of course not.” Everett began to bounce a knee.
Lord Waite folded his hands and looked down at them. “She was the most beautiful miss in all of London.”
Everett was about to speak, but let the man continue.
“Looking back, I was a fool even to ask for her hand. In my own self-importance, I did not think past what I wanted to what she might’ve wished for. I knew I was a prime catch. Wealth, a title, distinguished friends, a beautiful home. I wanted her on my arm more than anything. Even more than I wanted my prized horse. So it was only natural for me to speak to her father and he agreed, and then the courtship, and before I knew it, all my dreams were coming true. Except I conveniently seemed to ignore the way she looked at your father, or the many times he would write his name on her dance card, or the bouquets of flowers that were always in the drawing room.” He let out a disgusted sigh and tapped one foot against the floor.
“I was fool, Cheswick, such a fool. Though, I knew her enough to know that had your father not collected her the day before our wedding, she would have followed through with me! Despite her feelings, she would have. That was the type of woman she was! Exceedingly honorable lady.”
“’Tis true. I would have.”
Both men looked to see the dowager herself enter the room and quickly scrambled to their feet. She was dressed in an exquisite gray gown.
“Mama!” Atten exclaimed. “Whatever are you doing up so early?”
“Me?” She laughed and looked at b
oth of them. “And what are the two of you doing shouting down the house? And you, Everett, in bare feet! How was one to sleep with such a ruckus?”
“It was my fault.” Lord Waite took a step toward her and then paused before stepping back. “Your son has impeccable manners and remained calm while I continued to bellow at him.”
“I see.” She walked over to Everett and kissed his cheek before eyeing the platters of food suspiciously. “Did you break your fast here in the drawing room?”
“I—yes,” Everett stammered. “It seemed the most logical thing to do.”
“Well!” She sat down on the chair next to her son. “And what brings you here in all your robust anger, Lord Waite?”
“I sought vengeance for my daughter, but met a very different young man than the cad I was expecting.”
She stared at him as if in challenge. “You were expecting my son, the Earl of Cheswick, to be a cad?” She motioned, and a servant seemed to appear out of nowhere. “Please go and fetch a pot of strong tea from Cook. I do not think I can cope with these two without it.”
“Yes, my lady.” The young man hurried from the room.
The dowager turned her gaze toward Lord Waite once more.
He cleared his throat. “Now, well, yes. I did expect him to be a cad. Just like his father!”
“Indeed?” She gave him such a look of disapproval, Everett had to choke back laughter.
“Now, Annabelle—er, Lady Atten—you know this to be true. You cannot be upset with me for speaking the truth.”
“I can, and I will.” She folded her arms and looked him straight in the eye. “What you feel is merely your opinion, not fact. Though my dear husband did most ruthlessly take me away from my own wedding, he did it because he knew I would be forever unhappily married to you—most certainly not because he was a cad.”
Lord Waite stood up and then walked around his chair before sitting back down again. “Why? Why did you not tell me? Or warn me? Or send a servant with a note?”
“I—”
“Why did you leave me to stand at that altar in grave humiliation? Why was I the very last to know?”
Everett turned to his mother before she could reply. “Mother, do you wish me here? I can leave you two alone for a moment.”
“Stay!” both Lady Atten and Lord Waite stated rather emphatically.
Her eyes bore into his. “Forgive me, but this meeting should not be without someone impersonal to the—the confessions. This has been too long for us both.” She looked toward Lord Waite. “And it is probably best to sort it out now, before rumors begin again.”
“Begin again!” Lord Waite barked out a laugh. “Are you jesting? The ondits are exceedingly raging at the moment!”
“Of us? What? It cannot be!” She looked stunned. “Whatever has happened?”
Lord Waite pointed to Atten. “Your scapegrace of a son has purposely kissed my daughter in front of the whole Ton. In broad daylight at Hyde Park, no less!”
“I have kissed her in more places than Hyde Park.”
“Everett!” His mother’s eyes widened.
“Do you see?” Lord Waite spat out. “I am aghast at his ability to maintain his calm during such a very scandalous omission!”
Everett took a deep breath. “Nay. As I have been attempting to explain to Lord Waite, it is not so much a scandal when we have kissed each other goodbye.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR:
Just then, a servant entered with notes for both Lord Atten and Lord Waite.
Lord Waite opened his immediately. “It would seem we have each been summoned to Gunter’s by my wife and daughter.”
“Gunter’s?” Lady Atten asked. “This early? Is Gunter’s open now?”
Everett looked at his missive. “It would appear to be. They are both there at this moment.”
She shifted in her seat. “Well, I am shocked. You cannot leave right now. We were in the middle of a very important discussion.”
Lord Waite looked over at Lady Atten and nodded his head. He motioned to the messenger. “Please let Lady Waite know that we will be there in thirty minutes. And let her know that Lady Atten will be attending as well.” He glanced over for her approval, and she nodded.
Once the lad left, Everett intervened. “Before either of you reprimand me for kissing Miss Charity again, let us step back and address the first of Lord Waite’s inquiries. He wished to know why you did not tell him you were eloping.”
“Very well, we shall discuss this, but you are not getting out of your own explanations, young man,” Lady Waite replied with a sigh and an arch look at him.
Everett chuckled, he knew she was putting on a show for Lord Atten, her reprimand last week had got her point across just fine. “I did not think I would.”
Lady Atten straightened her gown and looked down at her lap. “I did respond. I wrote both you and my parents from the first inn we stopped at. I was hoping that the very scenario you described would never happen. Or at the least, had my family found me missing, someone would have thought to inform you. I see now that it did not happen, and for that, I am truly sorry. Even Chester was eager that I write to inform you of our elopement.”
Lord Waite shook his head and then wiped at his eye. “Of course he was eager to smear my face in the news.” He harrumphed and then straightened his features from the scowl. He seemed earnest as he asked, “And you? Did you fare well? Were—are you happy? Your son says yes, but I might as well ask you just the same.”
“Why ask me, Herbert? What does it matter?”
“For my own sanity. That peace of mind that shouts I should have done more.”
She looked exasperated. “More of what? There was nothing more you could have done.”
“No, you are incorrect. I could have seen you. I could have been less prideful and cared more for your wishes, dreams. Treated you as partner, not as a portrait.”
“Portrait? Whatever do you mean?”
He gave a sad, lopsided grin. “You were—you are—one of the most stunning women to grace the Ton. You were my ideal sweetheart. As pretty as a painting. One I had hoped to show off to the world. Yet it was not until you left that I realized—no, not even then. Years later, after my own daughter was born, did I appreciate that there was so much more to you than your looks.”
When she did not respond, he continued, “That’s something Cheswick always saw, didn’t he?”
“Yes. He loved me wholly. From the very beginning.”
Lord Waite glanced away. “I am sorry.”
Lady Atten pulled out a handkerchief and began to twist it in her hands. “I do not understand why you are so concerned about me. Frankly, it frightens me a little.”
“Forgive me. I have no intention of alarming you. Now, your son, perhaps, but never you. What upsets you so?”
She glanced at Everett. Her wary eyes expressed everything she could not. He cleared his throat and responded for her. “Perhaps this conversation is bordering on inappropriateness, and it is that which scares her. You are clearly married, Lord Waite. And your sweet wife and daughter await you even now, yet you are here asking after another woman, who should not matter to you.”
“Well, I never!” Lord Waite huffed. “I will have you both know that I love my wife immensely! I always have! She brought sunshine back into my life when I was certain I would die of mortification. She has and always will be my true love. Winifred is exquisite in both manners and looks, and I have yet to find her equal.” He gestured toward Lady Atten. “As far as Annabelle—er, Lady Atten and inquiring about her, I am merely settling my own conscience. It has plagued me for decades that I pushed her away.”
Atten grinned. “You love your wife? Are you quite certain? There are several people who would swear otherwise.”
“Of course I do! She is a remarkable woman. Why would anyone think less? What is the meaning of this? Have rumors gone a flying stating I am not happily married? How dare the busybodies say such a thing!”
“Perh
aps it was because of the feud. Why else would you still be angry with my father if you were not still attached to his wife?”
“I—” His jaw dropped. “I am aghast! Surely this has not reached Winifred!” He scrambled to his feet and bowed. “Forgive me. I need to leave this moment. I must speak with my wife.”
Everett got to his feet as well. “My mother and I will follow in a few minutes.” He looked down at his attire. “As you can see, I am not dressed.”
Lord Waite waved his hand as Atten walked him to the door. “Yes, yes. I will go now.” He mumbled something to himself and then fetched his greatcoat, cane, and hat from the butler. “Why must everything be so deuced awkward all the time?”
“Life does have a way of creating more than its fair share of ruckus, does it not?” Everett grinned.
“What was that?” Lord Waite paused in the doorway.
“Nothing. Go. See your women. We will join you all shortly.”
Older eyes met his. Lord Waite looked confused and worried and completely baffled. “Thank you. I do not know how to say more at this time. Just thank you.”
Everett gave a brief nod of acknowledgement. “You do not need to. You have already said enough.”
When Everett turned around his mother was standing there. “Go, and see your Miss Waite. It is time.” She glanced up the stairs and attempted to hide a yawn. “I think I shall retire for a bit longer. There seems to be no reason for me to intrude at Gunter’s. Give Lady Waite my best.”
“Very well.” He gave a short bow.
“Oh, and steal a few more kisses from your sweetheart. I’ve waited too long for grandchildren and I’m quite ready to settle in the country, so she can have this place. Dowager has a ring to it, does it not?”
“Mother?” Could he be hearing her correctly?
“Don’t question me. Go and be the gentleman I raised you to be.” She glanced at his feet. “Though please be properly dressed when you do.”