Courted by the Captain

by Anne Herries

  ‘I must wish you good fortune in your attempts to restore your grandfather’s estate, sir.’

  ‘Would that I could...’ Adam sighed. ‘The financial world is an odd one, I fear. If one has money, the bank is eager to lend one more, but if not... These things are sent to try our mettle, I suppose.’

  She laughed. ‘One must make light of one’s troubles for otherwise they might drag one under. If ever I could help you, Adam, I should be happy to do so.’

  ‘How like you to offer. If I think of something you might do, I shall ask.’

  Jenny’s heart beat faster. When he sat beside her and looked at her so intently she could almost be certain that he liked her very well. She smiled at him and then something made her glance at the box opposite. They were being closely observed and, as the man lowered his opera glasses, she saw that it was Fontleroy. A shiver ran down her spine for there was something about him at this distance that made her turn cold.

  ‘I should return to my friends,’ Adam said and stood. ‘I shall call tomorrow afternoon if you are at home?’

  ‘Yes, we are, after three,’ Jenny replied. ‘We are invited to luncheon with friends, but we should be at home by three and thirty at the latest.’

  ‘Then I shall definitely call—and perhaps we could go driving one morning?’

  ‘I should like that very much, though Lucy must be one of the party. I do not like to leave her alone.’

  ‘She looks much better. Have her spirits recovered?’

  ‘She is in better spirits than she was at home. We are always out and about, meeting people and enjoying ourselves. We do not attend the assemblies or dances, but there are enough soirées and card parties to amuse us. A play or a concert at a public theatre is always acceptable.’

  ‘Yes, I dare say you enjoy a good play.’

  ‘Well, I do and so does Lucy, though she is much quieter than before. Lucy loves to dance above all things, but she did not plague her mama to be allowed the treat, even though she was pressed to attend the assembly last night. She is still grieving for Mark, though she tries not to show it in company.’

  ‘I suppose you could attend, but dancing is the business at such affairs and that would not be acceptable just yet, I think.’

  ‘No, not at all. If Ravenscar learned that Lucy had attended a ball I think he would be offended—and rightly so.’

  ‘My cousin was foully murdered.’ Adam looked grim.

  ‘That word sends shivers down my spine.’ Jenny looked at him anxiously. ‘I suppose there is no news?’

  ‘None, I fear,’ Adam said, but looked so odd that she suspected he was keeping something from her. ‘Excuse me, I shall call tomorrow.’

  Jenny gave him her hand. He bowed over it, but did not kiss it as he had been in the habit of doing in the country. She was conscious of disappointment once more. It did seem as if she had been making too much of his attentions to her.

  Foolish, foolish girl. He was such a handsome, charming man that he could have his pick of the young ladies wishing for a husband, despite his grandfather’s difficulties. Thank goodness she had not allowed anyone to see her own partiality for him, even though her pulses leapt to life when he touched her. She must certainly curb her feelings in future—and perhaps look elsewhere. If she wished to marry, and she surely must for she could not live with Lady Dawlish for ever, and did not wish to return to her uncle’s house, this would be one of her best opportunities to meet someone suitable. She had taken little interest in the various gentlemen presented to her by Lady Dawlish, but now she must begin to look about her in case a gentleman she could encourage paid her some attention. Love was not imperative, she supposed, as long as one could be comfortable. Yet her heart was not in the idea and she felt oddly listless.

  After Adam had gone back to his friends, Jenny was aware of an ache in her chest. She had been foolish to agonise over whether she should offer her fortune to him. He would be embarrassed for it had been made clear to her this evening that he had no intention of offering for her.

  * * *

  Adam was thoughtful as he left Jenny and her friends. He had been aware that they were under surveillance from Fontleroy. Why had the fellow been so interested? Adam had not even begun to lay his trap yet, but it seemed that the marquis was already intent on watching Adam’s every move. Or was it only Adam that he watched?

  Fontleroy would be aware that Jenny had seen him leaving Mark’s bedchamber on the day of the funeral—if indeed it had been he. Adam believed it must have been. He believed the marquis must have been desperate to attempt it even though the house had been filled with people who would have known him. He could not be sure if Jenny had recognised him, even though he’d turned away hurriedly. The possibility that she could accuse him must be in his mind.

  Adam had seen her glance at the marquis once and been aware of her discomfort as he lifted his quizzing glass to stare at her. She clearly did not like the gentleman—but had she realised that it was he who had ransacked Mark’s bedroom? If she’d remembered anything, she would surely have told him so he must assume she had not. Why, then, did he make her feel so uncomfortable?

  Adam knew that the marquis had an unsavoury reputation. More than one young maidservant had been seduced forcibly—and he’d heard it whispered that Fontleroy had once persuaded a young heiress to run off with him, but her family had discovered the plot and prevented her from making a terrible mistake.

  If Fontleroy were interested in seducing Jenny, he might seek to take advantage of her vulnerability. Lady Dawlish and Lucy were in lieu of guardians to her, but Adam was not certain that either of them were watchful enough of her safety. She could be snatched away and forcibly seduced—but what then? Fontleroy must know that her friends would avenge her. He would surely not seduce and then abandon her? She was a lady and he would do much better to snatch a country girl if he had mere seduction in mind.

  Could he be thinking of marrying her? Adam was not certain of Fontleroy’s circumstances. He was a reckless gambler and might now and then find himself in the suds, but he had not heard that he was ruined. If that were the case, he would not think of offering marriage to a girl with no fortune. So what was his interest in Jenny? Did he think she might endanger him—or was his passion for her sufficient to overcome his qualms?

  Adam pondered the idea, but came up with no conclusions. He would simply have to watch from a distance for the moment. His plan was to lure Fontleroy into a sense of security, which would not happen if he challenged him on Jenny’s behalf—though a ball through the heart would have the same result as his more elaborate plans might bring about if they succeeded. Paul would not hesitate to take that route if he could be certain the marquis had killed his brother. Yet if he were not careful such a reckless act could have unpleasant repercussions. Without proof of the man’s guilt, Paul could be accused of murder. If Fontleroy would meet him in a duel, it might solve his problem.

  Somehow he could not see it happening. Adam was known to be a crack shot and excellent with the sword. A man who sneaked in to kill another at close range in his own home was hardly likely to respond to a challenge for honour’s sake. No, Adam had to force the marquis to demand the return of his necklace; it was the only way to bring him out of the shadows and force him to risk everything to save himself from exposure.

  Adam wished he might have gone to the assembly with his cousins that evening. He could have done with talking things over with Hallam, but he needed to keep this mask of indifference in place until Fontleroy had taken the bait. If Fontleroy saw them together, he would not believe that Adam was about to betray them for the sake of money. It was in truth the last thing Adam would ever do and he must act his part well if he were to deceive the marquis.

  He had chosen his path, but he had not reckoned with Fontleroy being interested in Jenny. Many young ladies in Jenny’s unfortunate situ
ation would be flattered by the interest of a marquis. Fontleroy was not ill looking and could offer her a home of her own and much that she might desire—but Jenny had been uncomfortable under his scrutiny. She had not liked it!

  Adam knew in his heart that Jenny would not consider an offer from Fontleroy. He flattered himself that her feelings for him were more than mere friendship. Had he been free to do so he believed that he might already have spoken to her, because he liked her more than any other young lady of his acquaintance. He had given little thought to marriage in the past, but must do so at some time—and Jenny was suitable in every way but one.

  He must concentrate his mind on his plans to trap the marquis and not allow himself to be distracted by a delightful young woman, who was in danger of turning his world upside down without even knowing it.

  Whatever Fontleroy was planning in his devious mind it did not bode well for Jenny. Adam sensed without being told that she was nervous of him and would not accept an offer if the marquis had marriage in mind. Therefore, Adam must watch out for her, which might make things awkward in the circumstances. His concern for Jenny and his need to solve his cousin’s murder might be in direct conflict, forcing him to choose one path or the other. If he antagonised Fontleroy, there would be no chance of luring him into the trap.

  Adam swore beneath his breath. He must seek Fontleroy out at one of the gaming clubs as soon as possible. Contact must be established so that he could hint at a certain necklace within his possession.

  The stolen necklace was, in fact, in a bank in London, awaiting collection by its rightful owner, but Hallam had managed to purchase a copy—or something that looked similar from a distance. It would fool most people in a poor light. Of course, if Fontleroy ever laid hands on it he would know that he had been taken for a fool.

  Adam knew that there was no way the marquis would part with ten thousand pounds to recover the necklace. Therefore, he would either arrange for an assassination or attempt it himself once he could be sure of getting his hands on the incriminating necklace.

  Adam had risked his life too many times to find the prospect daunting, but he would not throw it away heedlessly. He trusted his cousins and a handful of old comrades to watch his back. Fontleroy must be taken in the act, which meant that his friends had orders to wait until the last moment. Only then would they be able to avenge Mark’s murder and make sure that the marquis paid the price of his villainy.

  * * *

  ‘Would you care to drive out with me one morning?’ Lord Mallory asked Lucy when they met at the Pump room two days later. ‘I was thinking we might make up a little party. Miss Hastings might drive with one of my friends—and perhaps your mama and one of her friends might accompany us in her chaise. I could have a picnic basket put up for us.’

  ‘That sounds delightful,’ Lucy said and smiled at him. ‘Who were you thinking of asking to accompany us?’

  ‘I had considered Sir James Justus—or Fontleroy?’

  ‘Sir James would be acceptable,’ Lucy said, ‘but not the marquis. Jenny does not like him.’

  Lord Mallory frowned. ‘Has he offended her in some way? Fontleroy’s estate is close to my own. I would vouch for him, Miss Dawlish.’

  ‘I know that Jenny would not wish him to be a part of our group, sir. If you insist on his accompanying us, I must decline your kind invitation.’

  ‘To be frank, he asked me if I could arrange it,’ Mallory said and frowned. ‘Naturally, I should not dream of disobliging you or your friend—but I am sorry that Miss Hastings has taken him in such dislike.’

  ‘Pray speak to Mama about the outing,’ Lucy said. ‘I am sure she will agree—but please ask Sir James rather than the marquis.’

  ‘Certainly, of course,’ Lord Mallory said and frowned. ‘I am sorry to have distressed you by mentioning it. As the suggestion came from Fontleroy, I must find some excuse to put him off—but do not fear, I shall find a means of doing so. I would not distress you or Miss Hastings for the world.’

  ‘You are very kind, sir.’ Lucy smiled at him. ‘Jenny has one or two admirers and I know Sir James is one of the most devoted. I believe she likes him.’

  ‘Then it is settled,’ he said. ‘If you wish, I shall speak to your mama at once and arrange the outing for the day after tomorrow.’

  Lucy thanked him. They strolled across the room to where Lady Dawlish was speaking with one of her friends. Jenny was actually talking to Sir James, and, as they chose to join Lady Dawlish at the same moment, the suggestion was put and received by all with evident pleasure.

  ‘I should be delighted to make up one of your party,’ Sir James said. ‘I am thinking of having a little card party myself at the end of this week and I should be happy if you will all join me. I shall send cards, of course. It will be an intimate affair with just a few of our closest friends.’ He hesitated, then, ‘It is a pity that you do not attend the assemblies, Lady Dawlish. Lord Padstowe is giving a dinner followed by a small dance this weekend. He was asking me if I knew any more young ladies to swell the numbers—but I thought you would refuse an invitation?’

  ‘One of our closest friends met an unfortunate end recently, as you know,’ Lady Dawlish replied. ‘I brought Lucy away to Bath, because she felt so very low—but I do not feel that she ought to dance just yet.’

  ‘Could you not attend, even if Miss Lucy sat the dances out and just watched?’

  Lady Dawlish hesitated, then sighed. The situation was awkward for she had not explained the full consequences of Lucy’s situation.

  ‘I suppose we might attend the dinner—and of course Jenny could dance if she wished.’ Lady Dawlish looked at her daughter doubtfully. ‘What do you feel, dearest? We had said we should not attend any dances...the public assemblies are out of the question, but a private dance might be acceptable. However, you would have to sit and watch as others dance, Lucy.’

  ‘It is a little unfair to Jenny if we do not go,’ Lucy said. ‘I should not mind sitting with you and watching—if that would be acceptable, Mama? I do not wish to dance yet, but there is no reason why Jenny should not.’

  ‘I do not like to deny either of you,’ Lady Dawlish said and looked at her daughter. ‘Are you sure you would not feel left out of things, dearest?’

  ‘It would be pleasant to listen to the music and I should be quite content to sit with you and watch, Mama,’ Lucy said and smiled. ‘We have both bought a new ballgown, though we did not expect to be wearing them just yet. Mine is pearl grey, so it would not be too bright...’

  ‘No one could think ill of you, Miss Lucy. You were not engaged to Mark Ravenscar, though I believe it might have been intended?’ Lord Mallory said.

  ‘I was considering it,’ Lucy replied with perfect truth, though she did not add that his family and her closest friends had expected them to marry that summer.

  ‘Then it must be quite unexceptionable.’ Lord Mallory smiled down at her. ‘I shall be delighted to sit with you. We might even have a hand of cards, for Padstowe is sure to set up his tables—and the dance is but a few couples and quite informal.’

  ‘Then you may tell Padstowe to send us an invitation,’ Lady Dawlish said. ‘I have thought it a little unfair on Jenny that she has come to Bath and not attended one assembly.’

  ‘You do not need to feel concern for me, ma’am. I am quite happy to go on as we are,’ Jenny hastily assured her. ‘Just being here with my kind friends is enough for me.’

  ‘But you were out of mourning in London and attending balls,’ Lady Dawlish said, ‘and since you hardly knew the Ravenscar family it would be quite acceptable for you to dance.’

  ‘You must agree, Miss Hastings,’ Lord Mallory said. ‘You have several admirers who long to dance with you.’

  ‘Oh, no...’ Jenny blushed and shook her head. ‘I do not think...’ She looked at Lucy. ‘Would it not distres
s you, dearest? I should not like to dance if you could not.’

  ‘Not at all,’ Lucy assured her. ‘I should be sorry if you did not have the chance to dance at least once while we are in Bath, Jenny.’

  Jenny shook her head, but she could see that her friends were quite determined on her behalf, and she suspected that Lady Dawlish was hoping that Sir James might make an offer for her. Her kind friend would naturally think it a suitable match for her, and perhaps it was, for the gentleman was sincere, comfortable if not vastly wealthy, and attractive. He was also a widower with one child, a little girl three years old. Jenny knew that he was looking for a wife who would be a mother to the child and was not averse to the idea. His first wife had died in childbed and she believed he had loved her very much. When he spoke of his loss, Jenny had offered him ready sympathy and she imagined that it was the reason he had paid her more attention, believing that a girl of little fortune would find such a match advantageous.

  Jenny regretted that her uncle had sold all her father’s property without consulting her. His act had led everyone to think that she had no prospects, which was not the case. However, she was not certain whether her fortune was large enough to satisfy a gentleman with a more prestigious title, and to drop hints that she might have a substantial fortune might seem to be bragging.

  Since coming to Bath, Jenny had sat quietly to one side, watching the proceedings at the various affairs they attended, content to observe and listen or to play an occasional game of cards. It was true that she had attracted one or two elderly admirers, the youngest and most acceptable to her being Sir James. So far she had managed to avoid being alone with the Marquis of Fontleroy. She had hoped that Adam would call to ask her to go driving, but they had been out when he left his card and she had not seen him since that night at the theatre, though he’d promised to call the next day. He must have changed his mind for some reason, though she could not think what she had said or done to cause him to avoid her. This seemed to confirm what she had suspected at the theatre. Although he liked her as a friend, and had been concerned for her because of what had happened at Ravenscar, he did not care for her as she cared for him.