THE LEGEND OF NIMWAY HALL: 1888 - ALEXANDRA

by Victoria Alexander

  “I told you—she needs my money.”

  “Yes, but an engagement would have worked as well,” Miles said slowly. “I wasn’t aware that you found marriage especially appealing. At least, given our acquaintance over the past decade or so.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “I believe I might have heard you call marriage a prison sentence with no hope of escape.”

  Robert nodded. “That does sound like me.”

  “Being held underwater for the rest of your life.”

  “I might have said something like that.”

  “A living, eternal damnation.”

  Robert laughed. “Times change, Miles.” He shrugged. “Apparently, when you find the right woman, the perfect woman, the woman who sets your heart on fire, well, marriage is not only a possibility but a damned good one.”

  “It’s been my observation that your heart usually hasn’t been the part of your body that rules you.”

  “Those days are over.” Robert paused for a moment. “And you know, the idea of being with just one woman for the rest of my days isn’t the least bit daunting. In fact, it sounds … wonderful.”

  Miles stared.

  “Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Robert grinned.

  “No harder than believing that a pig could grow wings or a man could fly.”

  “I think man might well fly someday.” He chuckled. “Wouldn’t bet on the pigs, though.”

  “You do realize you’re doing this backwards.”

  Robert drew his brows together in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “Everywhere you turn these days, down-on-their-luck lords are marrying American heiresses. In your case, it’s the down-on-her-luck heiress marrying the rich viscount.”

  “I like doing the unexpected.”

  “You always have.” Miles sipped his whisky. “So when is the happy event?”

  “Day after tomorrow. It will take that long to arrange things.” He slanted a look at his friend. “I expect you to be my best man.”

  “I have long thought I was the better man.”

  Robert laughed.

  “Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but can you really get married without your family present? I’ve met your mother.” Miles shuddered. “She is as delightful as she is terrifying.”

  “I’m counting on the fact that I will have a wife to negate her ire. I also plan on pointing out that while she wanted me married, she’d never mentioned a wedding.”

  “What about your sister? She with the amazing lavender eyes.”

  “Are they lavender?” Robert drew his brows together. He really couldn’t recall Sarah’s eye color one way or the other.

  “Like a lilac in spring.”

  “Humph. I never noticed. From Mother’s letters, my sister is entirely too busy being the current toast of society to worry about me. I suspect she’ll probably just be thrilled there will be another female in the family. And Drew won’t care, although if I’m married, Mother will have to turn her attention to finding him a bride. Good.”

  “I’ll sure he’ll appreciate your concern.”

  He chuckled. “It’s his turn.”

  “I should be off.” Miles rose to his feet. “I need to stop by my aunt’s. When she was here last week, the old lady coerced me into wagering with her. On something I considered so far-fetched I didn’t think I could possibly lose.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I felt bad about taking her money.”

  “She won, did she?” Robert stood.

  Miles huffed. “Indeed she did. And a considerably larger amount than one would think an elderly woman would risk.” He narrowed his eyes. “I think she was privy to information I was not.”

  “Having spent some time in her company, I don’t think I’d ever feel confident wagering against her. What was the bet?”

  “It’s entirely too humiliating to admit to now. Sometime in the far distant future, perhaps.”

  Robert chuckled.

  Miles studied him thoughtfully. “I’m happy for you, my friend. I wish you all the best.”

  “I think I already have it.” He knew how ridiculous this was going to sound, but the idea had occurred to him, and now he couldn’t get it out of his head. “You remember that run of bad luck I was having?”

  Miles grinned. “You thought you’d been cursed.”

  Robert nodded. “I did.”

  “When I saw you last week, you mentioned things hadn’t changed.”

  “No, but there had been no new disasters in my absence either.” He chose his words carefully. “When I was at the office yesterday, well, everything that has gone wrong seems to have turned around or been corrected in just a matter of days. In every case, to my benefit.”

  Miles drew his brows together. “You don’t sound especially pleased.”

  “I am, of course, but …” Even as he said the words, he knew how stupid they sounded. “What if I was cursed because I wasn’t with Alexandra, and now I’m not because I am?”

  Miles stared. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

  “I suppose not.”

  “It’s an absurd idea.”

  “I’m aware of that.” He shrugged. “But you know how it is. Once something—even something completely ridiculous—pops into your head, it’s impossible to get it out. Alexandra and her aunt have both mentioned magic in regards to Nimway, and it occurred to me that magic might have something to do with, well, everything.”

  “So you think magic had something to do with your business problems,” Miles said slowly. “And now that you are marrying Alexandra, your problems have vanished.”

  “Something like that.”

  Miles stared.

  “Am I mad?”

  “Probably. But …” Miles thought for a moment. “Logically, this is nothing but an amusing coincidence. If it isn’t, and there is something magical in play—which I doubt because there is no such thing as magic, but at least now it’s on your side. Either way”—he shrugged—“does it matter?”

  “No, I suppose not.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. After all, you’re marrying the woman who sets your heart on fire. Excellent sentiment, by the way. I might have to use it myself sometime.”

  Robert grinned. “Go right ahead.”

  “And it seems to me”—Miles smiled—“that’s the only kind of magic that really matters.”

  Chapter 12

  Alex stared at the image in the full-length mirror in Aunt Viv’s dressing room while a seamstress barely older than Alex fussed with the finishing touches on her wedding gown. She hadn’t planned on a wedding gown. In truth, she hadn’t given any thought to what she might wear to marry Robert. After all, this wasn’t a planned wedding. There wouldn’t be more than a handful of people in attendance tomorrow. It really wasn’t a celebration as much as it was the legal acknowledgment of their … merger. But Aunt Viv insisted if Alex was going to be wed, it was going to be done properly. Besides, even a quick marriage required a few days of legal maneuvers—documents had to be drawn up and agreed to regarding ownership and future disposition of both Nimway and Brynmore. That meant more than enough time for her aunt to marshal her considerable resources and single-minded determination to have her favorite seamstress create a gown for Alex. Apparently, even the impossible really could be managed with enough money. Exactly what Alex was counting on.

  “That’s it, then, miss.” The seamstress sat back on her heels and nodded. “All done here.”

  “And a brilliant job you’ve done, too, Louisa.”

  “Anything for you, Lady Wescott. You’re one of my favorite customers.” The seamstress stood.

  “You really shouldn’t have done this, Aunt Viv,” Alex murmured.

  “Nonsense,” her aunt said staunchly. “It was the very least I could do.”

  “It’s lovely.” The image in the mirror stared back at her. The gown was the most remarkable thing Alex had ever worn. It was nothing short of magical, and she looked as if she
was not of this world but had instead just stepped from the enchanted woods of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. If, of course, one discarded the determination in her eyes or the tense set of her jaw or the way she kept twisting her hands together. If she hadn’t hurried Robert to London, she might well have changed her mind. Although really, what choice did she have?

  “It’s perfect for you.” Viv studied Alex’s reflection with a critical eye. “What do you think, Louisa?”

  The seamstress circled around Alex. “If I’d had more time … but it will do, I think.”

  “You’re entirely too modest.” Her aunt beamed. “You, Louisa Simpson, are a genius. I can’t believe you managed to create this in such a short time.”

  The seamstress shrugged modestly.

  “That color sets off her dark hair and green eyes to perfection,” Aunt Viv noted with satisfaction.

  It really wasn’t a color so much as it was a suggestion of color. The relatively simple design with its draped bodice, elegant bustle, and swagged overskirt was a pink so pale it was no more than a faint blush on an ivory cheek.

  “I’ll take the gown with me and have it back first thing in the morning.” Louisa smiled pleasantly. “I’ll present my bill then as well.”

  “Excellent, Louisa.” Aunt Viv beamed at the young woman. “I can’t thank you enough for taking this on and managing it so quickly.”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased, my lady.” Louisa allowed herself one more moment of pride, then she and her assistant helped Alex out of the gown. A few minutes later, the women took their leave. Alex dressed, and Aunt Viv called for tea to be served in the sitting room.

  “I truly appreciate the gown, Aunt Viv,” Alex began as soon as the door had closed behind the maid who had brought the tea. “But it really wasn’t necessary.”

  “Nonsense. Every woman should have a new gown on the day she weds.” She poured a cup and handed it to her niece. “Even if she’s marrying for money.”

  “Everyone marries for money, in one way or another.” Alex shrugged. “Some of us are simply more honest about it than others.”

  “I would have given you the money.” Annoyance edged her aunt’s words. “I would have been happy to do so.”

  “And then you would have been forced to lie to Mother.” Alex shook her head. “I don’t think you do that very well.”

  “Honesty is one of my greatest faults.” Aunt Viv sighed as if it really were a fault. “Life would be much easier if, on occasion, I was more skilled at deceit.”

  “Besides, you wrote that you were having financial difficulties. I did not want to add to your burden.”

  Viv’s brow furrowed. “Financial difficulties?”

  “In your last letter, you mentioned financial complications.”

  “Oh, I see. I am sorry I wasn’t clear. Complications are not at all the same thing as difficulties.” She waved off the word. “Although complications can be most difficult. I suppose that was on my mind when I wrote, but fortunately, things that were complicated have been uncomplicated. Which means I can provide whatever you need to set Nimway to rights before your mother returns.”

  “You’d still have to lie to Mother.”

  “Or simply avoid the topic of Nimway altogether. What isn’t asked needn’t be answered.”

  Alex smiled wryly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “It’s a philosophy of life that has served me well and kept me from trouble on more than one occasion.” She paused then met Alex’s gaze. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”

  “Believe me, I have considered it.”

  “You needn’t marry a man you don’t want to marry.”

  “What?” Alex forced a light laugh. “And add another failed engagement to the list? I’d prefer to avoid that. I’m becoming legendary, you know.”

  “Yes, well, no one knows about this one, and I’m not sure something that was never announced and has lasted only a few days can be called an engagement at all. Regardless, you can still escape if you wish.”

  “I did give my word, Aunt Viv. I intend to see this through.” Alex lifted her chin. “Frankly, at this point, I didn’t think I’d marry at all. And I do want to marry. I’ve recently realized how alone I am at Nimway.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone. Robert will be an excellent partner. Marrying him is the best course for everyone.”

  “Admittedly, he is a good choice. I’m not sure he could be more perfect. Why, if you were to make a list of the best qualities in a husband, he would meet most if not all of them.” She studied her niece. “You do like him, don’t you?”

  “I daresay it’s impossible not to like him.”

  “The man is charming.” Aunt Viv shook her head. “But I hate to see you marry just for the money.”

  “I’m not. I’m marrying for the future as much as for today. Robert’s money will fund the repairs needed at Nimway now and provide for the years ahead. Brynmore’s property will merge with Nimway’s, and once economic conditions return to normal, a larger estate will only make Nimway more prosperous. And it certainly won’t hurt to have a viscount in the family.” She shrugged. “It’s a strictly practical arrangement.”

  “Ah yes, nothing better to base a marriage on than practicality,” Aunt Viv said under her breath.

  Alex understood her aunt’s less-than-enthusiastic support, but she had given this a great deal of thought. All things considered, it was not a bad idea. “Robert will have a connection to a respectable English family that will serve him well. This marriage is of benefit for all concerned.”

  “You’re doing this for Nimway, then?”

  “I haven’t been a very good guardian.”

  “We all make mistakes, dear. Especially when the mistake in question is handsome and charming with no morals whatsoever.” Aunt Viv pursed her lips in disgust. Her aunt was one of only a handful who knew how Julian had swindled Alex out of Nimway’s reserves. “We accept that we have stumbled and move on.”

  “I have accepted it, but my duty is to correct my mistakes. I’m the guardian. Marriage to Robert will help me set everything to rights.” Alex met her aunt’s gaze firmly. “One does what one must. It’s not an especially great sacrifice. You said it yourself—the man meets all the qualifications anyone could want in a husband. He is a decent sort, rather amusing and quite nice. And he might well be my last chance.”

  “I suppose you could do worse.”

  “And indeed I have done worse.” She grimaced. “Robert pointed that out as well.”

  “Did he?” Aunt Viv’s brow rose. “What nerve. Did you smack him?”

  “Of course not.” She grinned. “But I wanted to.”

  “That’s my girl.” Aunt Viv laughed. “At least you like him. Liking him is an excellent first step toward deeper affection.” Her eyes widened. “Unless of course you already care for him. Do you? Are you in love with the man?”

  “Goodness, Aunt Viv, I don’t think I know what love is.” She added another lump of sugar to her tea. “I thought I was in love three times. Each time, I agreed to marry, and not once was it a smart idea. Each and every time, I followed what I thought my heart wanted. And each and every time, it was a dreadful mistake. And rather painful as well.”

  “And this time?”

  “This time I’m following my head,” she said firmly.

  Aunt Viv’s eyes narrowed. “Are you?”

  “Yes. Absolutely. Without question. My heart is not involved, and I will not allow it to be. I’ve had enough of that for one lifetime, thank you very much.”

  “I see.” Aunt Viv studied her for a moment. “I’m assuming, then, that you have not seen the orb.”

  “Not so much as a glimmer. Nor do I expect to. You were married twice. Very happily, in my observation, and you never saw the orb,” Alex said pointedly.

  “Quite right.”

  “And your life has been content.” She considered her aunt closely. “Or am I mistaken?”

&n
bsp; “No,” Viv said firmly. “Both my husbands were wonderful men, and I cared for them deeply. In my case, the orb not appearing was of no importance whatsoever. It would have been nothing more than confirmation of what I already knew. Neither of my husbands was a mistake.”

  “There is something, however …” Alex hesitated. She wasn’t sure what Aunt Viv would think, but Alex would like another opinion. “Ever since I met the man, I’ve been having, well, dreams about him.”

  “Goodness, Alex, I’ve had dreams about any number of attractive men. And Robert is quite handsome.”

  “These are rather … explicit.”

  “Explicit?” The older woman frowned in confusion, then her eyes widened. “Oh, explicit. I see.”

  “They didn’t start out quite as … detailed as they are now.”

  “And now they are explicit.” Viv considered her curiously. “And detailed?”

  “Dear Lord, yes.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “They don’t feel like dreams, Aunt Viv. They feel, well, real.” She wrinkled her nose. “Like an experience or a memory.”

  “How very interesting.” Aunt Viv’s brow furrowed. “But you do understand them, don’t you? Your mother did have that talk about what to expect when you were about to marry Philip, didn’t she? You’re not at all … confused, are you?”

  “I’m well aware of what occurs between a man and a woman.”

  “Thank God.” Aunt Viv blew a sigh of relief. “That was a discussion I would prefer not to have.”

  “Neither would I.” Alex paused. “But what do you think they mean? The dreams, that is. Surely they mean something?”

  Aunt Viv chose her words with care. “It’s my understanding that dreams have a great deal to do with whatever is on our minds when we’re awake.”

  “I see.” Alex smiled weakly.

  “They can also be prophetic. A view into the future, if you will.”

  A shiver ran down Alex’s spine—whether of apprehension or anticipation she had no idea and didn’t care to examine it too closely.

  “And then, well, we are dealing with Nimway, so there is the possibility your dreams are the direct result of”—she shrugged—“magic.”