The Virtuous Viscount

by Susan M. Baganz

  Lord Harrow was one of the first to make up the group of men that swarmed around Josie.

  They all pleaded for a spot on her dance card.

  “Josie, you look a picture,” Lord Harrow gushed.

  “You are all kindness, my lord,” said Josie as they took their place for the quadrille.

  “I believe I am the envy of every man here,” he said as they came together again in the figure of the dance.

  “I am not one for Spanish coin, Lord Harrow.” Josie laughed as his eyes got big and a hand went to cover his heart.

  “’Tis no flattery, Miss Storm. You have emerged as a beautiful swan this evening.”

  Their hands joined again.

  Josie indulged in a spark of mischief as she smiled at her partner. “Does that mean I was an ugly duckling before?”

  Theo’s eyes narrowed as he studied her face. Once he ascertained she was teasing, he laughed, drawing the attention of the other dancers. “Most definitely not, but may I say instead that I have never seen you look better.”

  They turned again and moved in the pattern as the music played.

  “Why, thank you, my lord.” Josie curtsied at the end of the dance, and Lord Harrow bowed before escorting her to Lady Grey, where her next dance partner awaited her.

  Throughout most of the evening, Josie danced with nary a pause. She was happy to see Sir Tidley and Lord Westcombe present, and each had signed her dance card. She had not yet seen Lord Remington. Her heart sank when she spied Sir Bastian roughly brush aside a young man to get to her side.

  He proclaimed brusquely, “This dance is mine.” He dragged her to the floor as she searched the room for any sign of rescue.

  Josie’s face heated as she stifled the urge to scream. A shiver of fear went up her spine as the cotillion began.

  ~*~

  Lord Remington watched Josie smile and talk with several men, and his heart clenched. She hadn’t seen him yet. He had not made his presence known but had hung toward the back of the crowd that surrounded the dance floor. Jealousy boiled over inside him as he witnessed the portly older man’s rough possessiveness toward her.

  Marcus had seen the flash of fear as she had scanned the ballroom. She had quickly schooled her features to give away nothing. The older man was huffing and puffing through the dance, and his face was florid. Josie appeared to be bearing it with strained grace, a forced smile on her face and her eyes seeking to avoid looking at her partner whenever possible as he muffed the steps of the dance.

  Marcus itched to level the man. However, starting a fight in the ballroom would not be the action of a gentleman. He ground his teeth as he waited for them to exit the floor.

  Josie recoiled when the older man tried to place her hand on his arm. She pulled it back and held both hands in front of her body, clenched together.

  Marcus stepped forward and impeded their progress. “I believe the next dance is mine.”

  Josie glanced at her dance card and back at him when she realized his name was on it. Her brows furrowed together for a moment before her shoulders relaxed and her eyes spoke her gratitude. “Why, so it is, my lord.” She gave the cut direct to Sir Bastian as she placed her hand on Marcus’s arm and allowed him to escort her back to the dance floor.

  Marcus didn’t speak during the first measures of the dance. He drank in the vision before him.

  Her cheeks flushed, and she avoided his gaze. When she finally did look at him, hurt and confusion were in her eyes.

  He winked and squeezed her hand as they went through the movements of the dance. He couldn’t keep back the question that haunted him. “Who was that bore?”

  “Sir Bastian. He is attempting to coerce me into marriage.”

  Instantly, Marcus stood straighter. “How do you know him? I have not seen him around town.”

  Josie glanced around before answering. “He is a neighbor. His estate is on the banks of the River Severn. He has been most disagreeable over my repeated refusals of his proposal.”

  Marcus’s eyes narrowed. Josie did not have a large dowry. Why would Sir Bastian pursue her?

  “Let us forget about him and enjoy these few moments together.” Josie pleaded.

  He nodded, and as the dance ended, he escorted her to supper. After getting her a plate of delicacies, he sat beside her at the small table he had selected. “Will you join me for an early morning ride on the morrow? I have a lovely mare that I believe would suit you.”

  Her eyes lit up as she finished chewing her food. She swallowed. “I would be delighted. It has been some time since I have ridden. We mustn’t go far or I will regret it.”

  Marcus grinned. “I’ll come for you at eight, and we can talk more then.”

  She rewarded him with a smile.

  As much as he regretted leaving her for the rest of the night, he knew that undue attentions on his part would prohibit her from experiencing all that a season had to offer. He needed to trust that if their love were true, she would still choose him over all the bucks of the ton who would pursue her. He had no desire to subject himself to the pursuit of debutantes eager for his title, so he departed after seeing Josie settled into a dance with her next partner.

  ~*~

  Josie tossed and turned throughout the night with her memory of her dance with Marcus. That warred with anxiety over the threat from Sir Bastian. If only she were married. Sir Bastian would leave her alone then, wouldn’t he?

  She awoke early, ate a light meal in her room, and donned a burgundy colored riding habit with matching hat. She liked what she saw when she looked in the mirror with her brown hair twisted in a becoming fashion, topped with a hat placed at a saucy angle. She was downstairs before Marcus arrived. Marcus’s eyes opened wide as he was welcomed into the parlour. Was it because of her appearance or because she was ready? She didn’t know and didn’t care. He led her outside to a sweet-tempered horse named Windy. Josie patted the nose on the chestnut mare. She offered Windy a lump of sugar tucked into her pocket and earned a soft nudge to the shoulder as the mare asked for more. “Maybe later, Windy. Let’s put you through your paces and find out if we suit as well as your master thinks we shall.”

  Marcus assisted Josie up into the sidesaddle and adjusted her stirrup. Soon they were off for their ride in Hyde Park. Marcus kept Cloud to a gentle pace. The day promised to be beautiful.

  A groom followed discreetly behind, far enough to allow for private conversation.

  Josie smiled at the pure joy of riding the sweet goer beneath her. The spritely mare was responsive to the lightest touch. The steady gait of the horse, the sunshine, and the handsome man beside her made her believe the morning could not possibly get better. She admired the way Marcus sat his gray mare. His muscles in those buckskin breeches showed to advantage on a horse. She had a hard time looking away, and her gaze travelled up to collide with brown eyes and a smile that told her he was aware of her wandering eyes. Heat crept up her neck. She recalled those times lying in bed blind, wondering about this man when she would hear the horse’s hooves as he would ride off across the estate. She smiled again at how God answered prayers and not only could she see and admire the man beside her, but also ride alongside him.

  The park was far larger than she had expected, and she tried to take in every aspect of the beauty around her, from the flowers to the lawns and the trees growing along the banks of the Serpentine River. The early morning dew was on the grass and sparkled in the sunshine like jewels. Flowers opened to the warmth of the day, and the world smelled fresh.

  They set their horses to a nice trot and arrived at a large meadow. They allowed the horses to have their heads and enjoyed a brief gallop. As they pulled up under the shade of some trees, Josie coaxed her horse to prance in circles. “Thank you, Marcus! It has been so long since I’ve done that. If we weren’t in the city, you would find me wishing to try this beautiful mare over a few hedges.”

  Marcus gave a broad grin. “Not quite the time or the place, Miss Storm.” He then spoke
conspiratorially. “But I would race you to those hedges if it were.”

  They slowly set off together, side by side. Their horses’ hooves matched in perfect rhythm. Marcus spoke up again. “Are you enjoying the season?”

  “Last night was my first ball. Most of my partners were charming, and I had supper with a most remarkable man. Other than that, I will defer comment.” The sunshine disappeared behind a cloud, and the image of Sir Bastian came to her mind.

  “What is it you dislike?”

  She sighed. “Visiting all the starchy matrons, hearing gossip, and finding my personal business scrutinized.”

  Marcus nodded in agreement. “I find gossip abhorrent myself. Have you found it difficult to distract them?”

  “If I can ask questions about themselves, they soon forget their own impertinent inquiries and abandon blackening someone else’s reputation with innuendo and speculation.”

  “Not an easy task. No wonder you are exhausted. It takes a lot of fortitude to rise to that challenge amongst the beau monde.”

  Josie was silent.

  “Josie?”

  “Hmmm?”

  “It has been my heart’s desire to openly court you. Now that I have danced with you at a formal ball, we can meet, but I must stay in the background. I would not want to do anything to harm your reputation or your opportunity for choices amongst your suitors.”

  Josie looked at him but forbear to answer. She longed for Marcus and none other. Didn’t he understand that? Why would she need space to choose suitors? How could she let him know she had already made her choice?

  They covered some distance in silence before she spoke. “How does your brother fare?”

  “Captain Allendale is recovering as well as can be expected. You will probably soon observe him by my side at social events, slaying all the ladies with his regimentals and golden good looks.”

  Josie winked at Marcus. “Are you afraid he will steal your thunder and that I may fall for him?”

  Marcus shrugged. “It has been known to happen. I doubt Jared would cut me out with you, and he will be redeployed with Wellesley before too long.”

  “Have you enjoyed your time with him now that he is home?”

  “I missed him when he left for war. The distance and the fear of losing him combined for a double sense of loss when he was abroad. Even more so since losing our parents.”

  “I delightfully anticipate making his acquaintance.”

  “He is the opposite of me in appearance. He takes after our father more in his coloring, where I take after our mother.”

  “That is an added benefit to you since I am partial to brown wavy hair and eyes the color of dark chocolate.” Josie glanced at Marcus and noticed color in his cheeks. She doubted it was from the crisp morning air or their gallop.

  “I am grateful that my appearance has found favor in your sight.” Marcus smiled and nodded, showing a dimple on his right cheek. Just as quickly, a dark look come to his eyes. “What about Sir Bastian? How will you deal with him? He seems like a dirty dish.”

  “I do not know. I will ask Lady Grey to refuse him admittance to the house. What else can I do in public to depress his attentions without calling undue attention to myself?”

  “I suspect he will not be easily thwarted given his attitude last night. I am sure my aunt will give you sound advice.” Marcus glanced around as they had circled around to come back to the meadow. He gave a discreet nod to the groom behind them. “What do you say to a final gallop before I escort you home?”

  Josie grinned, and with a quick flick of her whip without it touching her mare, they flew across the meadow in response to his question.

  Marcus pursued her.

  Josie gasped for air as she slowed down with Marcus by her side. Her hair fell out of its coil, and her hat had tipped askew.

  A look of appreciation filled his gaze.

  Too soon, they were back at the Grey house and he helped her dismount.

  Warmth traveled through her gloves as she placed them on his strong shoulders while he lowered her to the ground. She removed her hands, as if burned by the contact. She was conscious of the possible gazes of those from around the square who would watch for any misstep.

  Marcus gently placed a hand under her elbow and guided her up the stairs.

  “Thank you for the delightful morning, Marcus.”

  “The pleasure was mine.” He tipped his hat, turned, and headed down the steps before she entered the house.

  Josie went up to her suite of rooms and with Molly’s help, changed into a demure yellow muslin morning gown. She was uneasy about wearing such muted shades with her coloring, but the dressmaker had been clever in the use of ribbons and trim to make sure the shades did not make her look unnaturally sallow. Josie went to Lady Grey’s suite to see if she was awake and available for a coze. She found her hostess sitting up in bed sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

  The older woman motioned for Josie to enter. “Come in, my dear.” She set her cup down on the table next to the bed and patted a spot on the mattress close to her. “Did you ride out with Marcus this morning?”

  Josie smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

  “I am glad you were able to spend a few unexceptionable moments with him.”

  Josie looked down and fiddled with the ribbons on her dress.

  “What bothers you?”

  “I need your advice. Last night, an unwanted suitor from back home showed up at the dance. Sir Bastian is serious in his pursuit, but I cannot be easy in his presence. He is determined I will marry him, regardless of my repeated refusals of his proposal. I don’t know what else I can do to depress his attentions.”

  “We will refuse him admittance to the house. Beyond that, if you give him the cut direct in public it will give rise to undue speculation, but do so if you must. If you desire to refuse to dance with him, you may do so. That alone may not deter him. We can only hope he will not create a scene. You do not have enough credit yet amongst the ton to protect you from public censure should he do that. I shall have to pray for wisdom on this.”

  “I will spend some time alone in my room. I shall pray as well.” Josie bent over to give the older woman a kiss on the cheek before she departed.

  ~*~

  Flower tributes from young men intrigued with Miss Storm based on their dances with her the previous evening arrived at the house.

  Josie expected callers later that afternoon, and she dreaded it. Sir Bastian’s bouquet had unsettled her. Most of the arrangements that arrived contained beautifully arranged flowers, daisies, white carnations, and other symbols of purity, beauty, and love. Those tributes were sweet. Remington’s bouquet of pink roses reminded her of her time at his estate and included gardenias, which indicated secret love.

  She placed them in her room by her bed to cherish.

  Sir Bastian, however, sent red roses with one black one at the center. A black rose?

  Josie was not quite sure what that meant, but a shiver of fear and revulsion forced her to send the flowers to the kitchen with instructions to do what they wished with them.

  Callers arrived, and Miss Storm and Lady Grey were besieged by young gentlemen, some who came with sisters or their mothers.

  Lord Harrow, Sir Tidley, and Lord Westcombe showed up to add cache to a young woman in her first season.

  They all heard a disturbance at one point.

  Lord Westcombe left the room to see to the matter at the request of Lady Grey.

  A short time later, Lord Westcombe re-entered the room with Lord Remington by his side.

  He bent to whisper in Lady Gray’s ear, but Josie was uninformed of what had occurred.

  Josie fought a blush as Marcus bent over her hand and whispered, “Did you receive my flowers?”

  She nodded and felt the corner of her lip quirk. “Yes, thank you. I have them in my suite to enjoy privately.”

  Marcus nodded and gave her a smile that melted her heart. She reluctantly let her hand go as he moved
around the room to interact with some of the other young dandies who were there to vie for her favor. She watched sadly as, after the appropriate length of time for his visit, he departed.

  Overall, Josie was flattered at the attentions of the young men who surrounded her. Most reminded her of her younger brother up at university, a bit green, awkward, and not at all the kind of men she would desire for a husband. She sought not to encourage them but asked questions in the hopes that she would at least be friends and not arouse passion in their young hearts.

  20

  Lord Remington visited his mother’s old friend, Lady Sally Jersey. This matriarch of the ton greeted him warmly as he entered her drawing room. It was Wednesday, and she made particular mention that both he and his brother were expected to be at Almack’s that evening. A few discreet words dropped in the right ear gave Marcus an assurance that Josie’s success amongst the beau monde was established.

  That evening, Marcus and his brother made their appearance in those hallowed halls. They came upon an altercation with the majordomo and Sir Bastian. The older man was barred entrance due to his lack of appropriate attire.

  Marcus straightened his shoulders and smiled inwardly. At least Josie would have one less concern tonight. Once inside, Marcus and Jared encountered Lady Jersey and her cronies. Various eligible young misses were pointed out and introduced. Marcus and Jared parted ways as Captain Allendale found friends to converse with along the periphery of the dance floor. He was not yet able to dance. The Captain would make the evening more enjoyable for the less pursued misses who decorated the walls.

  Josie danced with Sir Tidley and Marcus experienced a twinge of envy. Would he ever relax and not worry that she would choose another? She was graceful, and her dress suited her to perfection, trimmed in peach lace that complimented the color in her cheeks. He didn’t have to worry about Michael cutting him out with Josie. He paused. Or did he? Michael was handsome in his own right and financially well off enough to marry an untitled miss. He stood to gain a lot by marriage to Miss Storm now that her connection to the Earl of Chester had been uncovered. They did make a striking couple as they were about the same height and both had dark hair.