The Accidental Elopement (Scandalous Miss Brightwells Book 4)

by Beverley Oakley

  He hesitated when he came to her, glancing at her mama on her right and her Aunt Antoinette on her left.

  “Look after my favourite proxy cousin,” he told them, putting his hand on Katherine’s shoulder.

  Katherine tried not to close her eyes and crook her neck so she could rest her cheek upon it. She blinked back the tears. “I’m going to miss you, Jack,” she said hoarsely.

  “You’ll have too much fun to miss me for long.”

  “That’s right, Katherine,” said Aunt Antoinette in bolstering tones. “Because looking after you means, in part, ensuring you settle upon a man worthy to be a husband of whom Jack would be sure to approve.”

  “I already have,” Katherine whispered, so softly she was sure only Jack could hear, except that Aunt Antoinette looked sharply at her.

  Jack squeezed her shoulder. “I look forward to hearing all about it, Katherine,” he said, just as if he was the old Jack with just the right words for everyone and Katherine was just his friend. He looked away to address her mother. “When I lie awake beneath the Southern Cross, it will give me comfort to think of Katherine, happy and well placed with a good husband, which is, of course, the reason she’s in London,” he added meaningfully.

  Katherine’s mama laughed. “I think you might find the news already awaiting you when you reach Kingston. In case Katherine hasn’t told you, there are several likely contenders already.”

  “What makes you say that, Mama!” Katherine cried more hotly than was warranted for everyone looked rather strangely at her.

  “I’m sure it’s no secret that Mr Marwick is most taken, and your Aunt Antoinette suggested you returned his interest.” Lady Fenton sounded almost defensive. “Now, come along, Katherine, this is Jack’s send-off. We can talk about you, later.”

  It took a great deal of willpower for Katherine not to flounce off or to rebuke her mother, which she rarely did besides. But of all the things for Jack to hear upon leaving. It was enough to break her heart.

  Which is what she felt was happening as she collapsed on her bed once Jack had well and truly departed. It was not ten o’clock in the morning, but she drew the blinds as if the night had gathered upon her dreams and she was in the deepest mourning, and wept until she fell asleep.

  Another ball to contemplate, another long, tedious evening to endure.

  How different Katherine felt about the social whirl now that Jack was gone. And it had been only hours!

  After she’d washed her face and put on a walking dress to take some fresh air in the large, beautifully landscaped gardens that surrounded the Earl of Quamby’s London residence, she happened upon Aunt Antoinette seated on a curved garden seat in a little arbour. As soon as Katherine rounded the corner, the gentleman with whom her aunt appeared to be engaged in earnest conversation, and she was sure they’d been holding hands, leapt to his feet, offered a cursory bow, and disappeared amongst the trees.

  Aunt Antoinette smiled at the look on Katherine’s face and patted the seat beside her on the garden bench.

  “Don’t be shocked, Katherine. As a married woman who has provided my husband with the required heir, I have licence to follow my heart. Dear besotted Raoul feeds my vanity and is quite unsuitable for the role of anything other than what we might have referred to in my younger days as a cicisbeo. But he is necessary to my happiness. You will learn such things are permissible, with discretion, if you are unfortunate enough to contract a marriage that isn’t a match of hearts.”

  “A cicisbeo?” repeated Katherine, sinking down onto the cushion beside her aunt. She felt unaccountably shocked, though of course she knew her aunt enjoyed the company of men not her husband.

  Aunt Antoinette stroked her fine pigskin gloves and looked reflective. “Marriage is not always what one expects it will be, though young women today are given greater licence to follow their hearts and inclination than they were in my day, and certainly in your grandmother’s era before romantic love was given the acceptability it’s gained today.” She tucked a curl behind her niece’s ear and added, “However, it appears you’ve done your best to ensure you know well and truly what to expect of the man you’re considering to be your husband—in all respects. Your mother would be scandalised, and I’m not sure I entirely approve but I daresay I am to blame.”

  Katherine seized her unexpected chance. “It’s true what you have to say, Aunt and…” Nervously she plucked at her skirts. “Which reminds me…well, could I have more of what you gave me the other day? Those Saint Anne’s Lace seeds?”

  “Why, Katherine, what does this mean?” Aunt Antoinette frowned. “You need to reassure me that you’re in love. You’re not like me. You favour your mother in matters of the heart. There was only one man for her, and she was determined to have him at any cost. You’re not…taking this newfound knowledge of yours and experimenting—”

  “Heavens, no!” Katherine felt her cheeks flaming. “Oh Aunt, there is only one man I love. And I love him, truly, deeply, but I fear—” She broke off.

  “Come, Katherine; tell me.” Her aunt smiled in sympathy. “You fear your parents may not approve? That they would consider him an unsuitable match?”

  Sadly, Katherine nodded, wavering as to whether to confide in Aunt Antoinette. A flare of hope took hold as she contemplated whether her bold and adventurous aunt might go so far as to suggest how Katherine could indeed pursue Jack in a way that their families would consider appropriate, and that wouldn’t hinder Jack’s ambitions. Wildly, she wondered if perhaps she could become a governess in a family near to where Jack would be residing for the first year.

  “Katherine!”

  They looked up as Lady Fenton advanced, smiling.

  “Katherine, darling, Mary was wondering where you were in order to dress your hair before she starts work on mine.” Lady Fenton gave a long-suffering sigh. “The fashions in hair today take twice as long as they did in my day, and I’m not sure I like them half as much.” She stroked her daughter’s cheek. “You, of course, look charming whatever the prevailing style and I’m sure you’ll be as great a success tonight as you have been to date.” Her look clouded. “There are many fine gentlemen other than the ones you’ve already met from whom you can take your pick. Please don’t be exclusive, my dear. Why, there are weeks before the season winds down, and you’ve only just begun.”

  “Katherine declares her heart is already engaged,” Aunt Antoinette said with a smile that made Katherine squirm. Oh Lord, she couldn’t reveal Jack as the one, and she was very much afraid she’d blurt something inappropriate or even a lie. Her mother always seemed to catch her out in those.

  “I really have to hurry if I’m to be ready for tonight,” she mumbled, rising and hurrying away, leaving her mother and aunt staring after her.

  Fanny had become deeply troubled by her daughter’s odd behaviour the last few days. She frowned and bit her lip. “You don’t suppose it’s Mr Marwick who’s captured her heart, do you?” she asked, taking a seat by her sister.

  Antoinette smiled. “I can’t think who else it could be? He’s been very particular in his attentions, and Katherine seems to have been besotted from the evening she met him.” She put her head closer and said in confidential tones, “In fact, they shared a kiss in the corridor at Lady Maxwell’s which, if I recall correctly, was within a very short time of their meeting.”

  “A kiss? Well, as long as it was only a kiss,” Fanny said, distractedly, thinking of her far worse behaviour when she was determined to snare her darling Fenton. Behaviour that might land Katherine in greater trouble than it had Fanny. Fanny, after all, knew that Fenton was lauded as an honourable gentleman and would make the most perfect husband. Indeed, he had fulfilled every aspiration Fanny had ever had.

  “Fanny, I know you don’t like the idea because of his relationship to your late Lord Slyther, but he’s a fine catch. The future Lord Marples.”

  Fanny nibbled the tip of her little finger. “I know, I know. Oh Antoinette!” she blurted
out. “I do hope Katherine hasn’t lost her heart to him for I’ve heard some very concerning things about Mr Marwick lately.”

  “Rumours? Why, what gentleman of any interest doesn’t have some scandal attached to them?”

  “Please don’t sound so sceptical. This is my daughter’s happiness we’re talking about.”

  Antoinette inclined her head and looked suitably contrite. “Very well, tell me what you’ve heard.”

  “It’s only rumour at this stage; I do admit that. You see, I heard that Mr Marwick is not in fact as plump in the pocket as he would have others believe.”

  Antoinette looked scandalised. “You’d stop your daughter marrying a man she loved because he didn’t have a fat enough pocketbook? Really, Fanny, I can’t say that I’m not utterly appalled you would behave with as much cavalier disregard for your daughter’s happiness as…well, our own mother.”

  Fanny knew she deserved her sister’s censure to a degree, but there was more that niggled. “Please don’t accuse me of being anything like our mother,” she begged. “Of course, I can’t but hope that Katherine will make a match that is worthy of her. She could attract a man of substance and charm. Why, she could have anyone she wants, I do believe. I’ve just heard that Mr Marwick is something of a buccaneer. Also, that he’s been associated with a number of women—”

  “A man in his position is bound to attract interest from the feminine sex.”

  “Yes, yes, I know that. But he’s fond of gaming and he’s not terribly successful, I’ve heard. He’s lost a great deal of money, lately, in fact—”

  “I’m fond of gaming too, my dear. Most men are fond of gaming. It’s what a young man of his class with too much leisure does. He just needs a good woman—a clever, engaging wife—to exert the right influence over him.”

  Fanny rose. There was no point in arguing with Antoinette when her opinion was made up as it certainly was in this case. And perhaps she was right. Perhaps Fanny was putting rumour ahead of her daughter’s happiness—simply because she thought Katherine could do better than Mr Marwick.

  Chapter 13

  Katherine stared disconsolately at the couples in the centre of the room. Strange how just days ago this was what her whole life revolved around. Having fun, dancing with handsome, eligible men. She’d thought it was the pinnacle of life’s adventure.

  Tonight, she’d danced with three candidates who, a week ago, would have perfectly fitted her marital criteria—and that of her mama and grandmother. Lord Derry was charming and funny; Mr Marwick was dashing in a rather dangerous, exciting way, and Mr Ludwig was poetic, dreamy and very, very rich. All had excellent credentials, came from good families, and seemed to think Katherine utterly delightful.

  Yet, her heart was with Jack right now. She wondered where he was. A storm had blown up off the coast, she’d been told, and the weather here in London had deteriorated rapidly. Gusts of wind and rain had hampered their preparations and arrival, and her slippers had been wet when she’d been announced in the grand ballroom of Lady Derby’s London townhouse. While sipping lemonade, she’d been told by her grandmother that the storm was travelling south, and it was unlikely any ships would depart from Southampton for another two days.

  Katherine wondered if Jack was thinking of her as he whiled away his time in some seaside tavern, no doubt checking the long lists he’d made regarding his intended travels. He was an organised young man who knew what he wanted out of life. Adventure, yes, but he was not a regular buccaneer; Katherine knew that very well. She sniffed, determined to keep the tears at bay. She’d get over her first love. And she’d marry well. It was what they’d both agreed must happen, though they’d pledged always to be friends.

  “Do you have something in your eye, my dear? Here, let me look.” It was Mr Marwick, in a solicitous mood, or else wanting an excuse to get closer, for as he bent his head to peer into her eyes, his own were filled with collusion.

  “Perhaps you ought to attend to that tiny rip in your skirt that I fear is likely to trip you up in a more energetic polka,” he suggested.

  Of course, it was code that Katherine might like to meet him in the corridor for a quick kiss to follow the single kiss she’d received from someone other than Jack.

  Her body revolted at the thought. She didn’t want to kiss Mr Marwick when her thoughts were entirely taken up by Jack, but she also needed to jolt herself out of what could become a dangerous malaise. Jack would think of her for a few days, but the moment a pretty girl crossed his path in some far-flung part of the world, Katherine would be forgotten. That was the way men were. At least, it helped to tell herself that. And perhaps Katherine ought to try and take a leaf out of their book if her heart wasn’t to become a mushy, difficult thing to manage as she waltzed from ball to ball.

  So, nodding slightly, first to his suggestion, and then to his follow-up that she depart just before the end of the next dance, so there was no danger of her becoming engaged by someone asking her to partner him in the next waltz, Katherine bit her lip and prepared to be wicked.

  Yet, why was it wicked to see if she liked a man enough to make him her husband? It seemed a contradiction. She knew that if she and Jack had been caught doing so much worse, she’d have had to marry him. She’d have been happy to have done so, but she’d not for the world spoil his chances of adventure, knowing his need to prove himself on his own merits.

  “Mama, I’m going to the mending room. I’ll be back shortly.”

  Her mother barely acknowledged her. She was in animated discussion with her mother and sister, so Katherine glided through the crowd, and no sooner was she behind a concealing curtain than she was whisked into a pair of strong arms and Mr Marwick’s mouth was upon hers.

  It wasn’t unpleasant, but it had neither the magic of Jack’s kisses that made her heart melt, and nor did it have the novelty of the illicit edge that had made kissing Mr Marwick the first time so exciting.

  When it seemed like he might extend his amorousness, Katherine pushed herself out of his embrace with carefully calculated modesty. “It’s very dangerous, and I really must return. Mama keeps a close eye on me.”

  “Your mama would not approve of me?”

  “Oh, it’s not that! I’m quite sure she would.”

  “Has she said anything to suggest that my suit would not be well received?”

  Katherine was shocked. Was he hinting that already he was considering marriage? Katherine was not at all sure that she liked the idea of marriage to Mr Marwick. She directed him a considering look. He certainly was handsome. His dark, oily locks were carefully coiffured, and his side whiskers were very impressive.

  But really, Jack’s boyish charm was far more to her taste. The more she thought about it, the more she could imagine running away with Jack to the other side of the world with just a trunk between them. And now that Katherine knew there were ways not to keep adding to their family they’d be free for the first few important years.

  The realisation that she’d not yet sourced the Queen Anne’s Lace seeds she needed from her Aunt Antoinette made her gasp, but Mr Marwick misinterpreted it for excitement at his veiled allusion to a shared future.

  “You are an exquisite creature, Miss Fenton.”

  He really did look as if he were enchanted by her, and naturally, Katherine’s vanity was fed. “You are very kind, Mr Marwick,” she murmured as she took the arm he offered.

  “And did you enjoy kissing me?” he asked, just before they reentered the ballroom.

  “Very much,” she assured him, smiling as she thought of Jack.

  “And do you like adventures, Miss Fenton?”

  She was surprised at the odd question. “I adore adventures, Mr Marwick.” What a marvellous adventure it would be if Jack suddenly appeared and begged her to run away with him. She would, too!

  But then her grandmother was by her side; her normally pinched mouth drawn up as she greeted Mr Marwick like an old friend.

  “You are nothing like your uncl
e,” she told him, “and yet I hear he was a dashing youth in his day. Very nearly married Katherine’s mother, did you know?”

  “Oh, I’m very well aware of it.” Mr Marwick raised an eyebrow at Katherine and stroked his plush moustache. “A tragedy his untimely death precluded that though, of course, I’m delighted, otherwise I’d not be squiring your lovely granddaughter about.”

  “She is lovely, isn’t she?” Lady Brightwell’s assessing gaze travelled from Katherine’s burning cheeks to Mr Marwick’s smug confidence. She gave Katherine’s arm a squeeze. “You enjoy yourself, my dear. I’m sure Mr Marwick will take very good care of you.”

  Katherine was relieved to be deposited back with her mother and aunt, and even more relieved when it was proposed that they should leave early in case the weather grew worse.

  Pleading exhaustion when they arrived home, she went straight to her bedchamber and sat on the bed, staring into the dancing flames of the small fire her maid had stoked up in anticipation of her return.

  With every passing moment, Jack was going further from her. She’d thought she was big enough and noble enough to be happy for him, but the truth was that she longed to be away from here. She’d suffer any privation to be with Jack, she decided.

  Balls and fine clothes were all very well, but the real substance of life was sharing adventures with a kindred spirit.

  Half an hour later when she was about to undress for bed, Mary entered the room bearing an envelope with Katherine’s name on it.

  “It were handed in at the kitchen, miss, wiv directions it come straight to ye,” the girl said. “I’m sure it ain’t proper, but I won’t say anyfink if yer don’t want me ter.”

  Katherine grinned and handed her sixpence. “There you are, Mary. That’s for your silence. I’m sure there’s nothing improper about it at all. No doubt one of the gentlemen I met tonight wishes to go walking with me tomorrow.”