The Ton's Most Notorious Rake

by Sarah Mallory

  ‘Oh, yes, indeed, what a capital idea. We could go riding and Russ can escort us.’

  ‘Before you make plans that involve us all, Serena, please bear in mind that your presence here is unexpected and dashed inconvenient.’

  Serena did not appear at all cast down by her brother’s curt reprimand.

  ‘I do bear it in mind and if you and Sir Gerald have already made arrangements, then I do not expect you to change them for me. Although it does make me even more grateful to Molly and Mr Frayne, who are putting themselves to such inconvenience for a total stranger.’

  ‘If you are trying to make me feel guilty, Serena, you won’t do it,’ Russ growled. ‘My withers are not wrung in the slightest.’

  Serena pouted and Molly said quickly, ‘I am sure there will be plenty of opportunity for you to ride once Miss Kilburn returns to Newlands.’ She added, with a laugh, ‘And your brother will tell you that my pony is such a slug, you would be forever waiting for us to catch up.’

  ‘Ah, well.’ Serena sighed, then she tucked her arm in Molly’s, saying cheerfully, ‘I am sure you and I will find a host of other things to do. And I shall make an especial effort to behave!’

  Russ gave a crack of laughter. ‘Then heaven help you, Mrs Morgan!’

  * * *

  Although Molly said nothing to either Russ or Edwin, she was anxious about how she was going to keep such a lively young lady entertained for a week. However, she need not have worried. Serena threw herself into life at the vicarage with cheerful energy. She was as happy sorting the linen cupboard as she was accompanying Molly to the shops in Compton Parva or gathering fruit from the kitchen garden. She even volunteered to help Molly with the Sunday school, as she informed her brother after the morning service.

  ‘...so you may be easy, Russ. Molly is keeping me very busy and out of mischief.’

  ‘I am glad to hear it.’

  ‘And you must not be cross with Molly, brother, but I now know much more about Prospect House.’ She waved a hand towards the line of veiled figures making their way out of the church. ‘We met them on their way in, so Molly had no choice but to introduce me. They are all very agreeable and I mean to visit, although Molly explained about why they are living there and I quite see why they say it will not do for them to call upon me. But, Russ, Nancy—she is their cook, you know, even though she is a lady and the most delightful creature!—Nancy tells me that one of their number, Marjorie, is at home with her new baby, whom I long to see. And even more than that, they have a puppy, whom they are training to guard them all! And Molly has agreed to take me with her when she goes there on Tuesday.’

  Molly added quickly, ‘Only if your brother does not object.’

  He shrugged. ‘It was inevitable that Serena would hear more about the refuge from someone. Perhaps it is best that she has learned of it from you.’

  ‘Then I may go, Russ?’

  ‘Yes, as long as Mrs Morgan thinks you can be of use to her.’

  Molly was relieved that he was not angry, but the glinting smile in his eyes brought the colour rising to her cheeks. She was annoyed at her own weakness and murmured an excuse to move away towards the little party preparing to walk back to Prospect House.

  Nancy greeted her in typically blunt fashion. ‘Do you think it was wise to take in Beau Russington’s sister, Molly?’

  ‘It was Edwin’s suggestion.’ Molly bit her lip. ‘Besides, where else could she go?’

  ‘Her brother might have hired a companion for her. Or there are several mothers in Compton Parva with daughters of that age who might have obliged him.’

  ‘But all that takes time, and as for other families, Serena knows none of them.’ Molly smiled. ‘Truly, I am enjoying her company.’

  ‘She is very engaging, I grant you, but it is bound to bring you into company with her rakish brother, which cannot be what you want. Or is it?’

  Under Nancy’s scrutiny Molly felt her colour rising even more. She said slowly, ‘I do not believe he is as black as he is painted.’

  ‘Oh, good heavens. Do not tell me you are developing a tendress for the man!’

  ‘Of course not.’ She tried to laugh it off. ‘I merely wish to be just.’

  ‘Is that why you have stopped lecturing Fleur about her friendship with Sir Gerald?’

  Molly followed Nancy’s eyes to where the couple were standing a little way apart, deep in conversation. She sighed.

  ‘Fleur says she knows nothing can come of it.’

  ‘Perhaps not.’

  Nancy’s thoughtful gaze moved to Russ. Serena was still chattering to him, but his eyes were fixed on Molly, who held her breath. She was waiting for the inevitable comment, but Nancy surprised her.

  ‘It is time I gathered up my flock and took them back to the house. Shall we see you as usual next week, Molly? Good. Until Tuesday, then.’

  With that Nancy was gone, sweeping Fleur up as she passed. With something between a sigh and a smile Molly turned away. She beckoned to Serena, who parted from her brother and ran over to join her.

  ‘The local children will be arriving soon for their Sunday lessons,’ Molly told her. ‘We must prepare the little room set aside for them. Mrs Birch, who usually runs the class, is gone to stay with her daughter, so your help is much appreciated today.’

  ‘Well, I do hope I am being useful,’ said Serena seriously. ‘I had no idea there was so much to be done in a parish, what with organising relief for the poor, raising funds for the widows and orphans and paying charity visits. We have not had a spare moment!’

  Molly smiled. She was deliberately working Serena hard, not only to keep her from boredom, but also to show her a little of the world outside her normal sphere. She would not allow Serena to go into houses where there was sickness, but they had taken baskets of food to several needy families and even called upon a newly bereaved widow with a parcel of mourning clothes, including two gowns that Serena had persuaded Molly to give away.

  ‘You wear far too much black and can well afford to part with some of them,’ Serena had told her. ‘All those dark gowns make you look so dull, Molly, and I know full well that you are not in the least dull!’

  Molly laughed at that. ‘It is impossible to be so in your company!’

  It was true. Molly was enjoying herself much more than she would have guessed. Russ called almost every day to enquire after his sister and sometimes stayed to take tea with them. On these occasions Molly’s attempts to keep in the background were thwarted by Serena, who included her in every conversation. Russ was unfailingly polite, but Molly felt tongue-tied and shy in his company, knowing how drab and colourless she must seem compared to Serena’s vivacity and youth.

  * * *

  That thought returned to Molly when she and Serena were in Hebden’s the following day. Serena was making polite conversation with Lady Currick, to whom she had been introduced at All Souls on Sunday, and Molly moved across to take a closer look at the roll of deep red lustring lying at one end of the counter.

  ‘Is it not beautiful?’ commented Miss Hebden, coming over. ‘I took delivery of it only this morning. Just look at the way it shines when you move it. ’Tis just the colour I imagine the finest rubies would be.’

  ‘And it would look very well on Molly,’ put in Serena. ‘Do you not agree, Lady Currick? What a fine gown it would make for her!’

  ‘It would indeed.’ Lady Currick moved closer. ‘And I have seen the perfect design for it in my latest ladies’ magazine. An evening gown. Nothing too fancy, but suitable for dining and dancing. As soon as I get home I shall look it out for you, Molly.’

  ‘And if you want the lustring, Mrs Morgan, you shall have it on account,’ said Miss Hebden eagerly. ‘I can have a length packed up and sent over to you in a trice.’

  Serena clutched her arm. ‘Oh, yes, do have it, Molly. I should so love to
see you dressed in such a colour.’

  ‘As would all her friends,’ Lady Currick agreed.

  Molly looked at the smiling faces around her and gave a nervous little laugh.

  ‘I feel you are all conspiring in this.’ She looked back at the material. ‘It is lovely...’

  ‘Then if Lady Currick will send me the illustration I will work out how much material you will need and send it all over by the end of the day, complete with ribbons, buttons and thread.’ Miss Hebden beamed at her. ‘How would that be, Mrs Morgan?’

  ‘Perfect!’ said Lady Currick. ‘And you can take everything to that clever little seamstress at Prospect House to have it made up for you.’

  ‘No, no, I must not. I need to think about this.’

  ‘You do not,’ Serena told her. ‘Your friends have thought about it for you. All you have to do is to agree!’

  * * *

  Molly was still unsure the following day when she and Serena set out for Prospect House, the precious parcel resting at their feet.

  ‘It is such an imposition,’ she declared, neatly turning the gig on to the drive. ‘Everyone here is so busy that I do not like to ask them for such a favour.’

  ‘Well, you have already told me you will pay for the sewing, so it is not as if you want the gown made up for free,’ Serena reasoned. ‘And you do not need to ask, for I shall do it for you!’

  Any plans Molly had for working that morning were thwarted as soon as Serena explained about the material. Fleur and Nancy immediately called for Marjorie to join them in the morning room, where Molly laughingly submitted to being measured, pinned and prodded while the ladies discussed how quickly the gown could be made up.

  ‘My brother and Sir Gerald are coming to the vicarage for dinner on Thursday night,’ Serena told them. ‘It would be above anything great if Molly could wear her new gown.’

  Molly’s protests against such haste were silenced by Fleur.

  ‘Of course, we shall do it,’ she said. ‘Both housemaids can sew a fine seam now. I shall help, too, and Marjorie shall direct us all.’

  ‘And you are not to be worrying about the baby,’ added Marjorie, anticipating Molly’s next argument. ‘Once I have fed her, Nancy and Daisy can watch her for me.’

  ‘But it is market day tomorrow.’ Molly made one final bid to dissuade them. ‘Who will take the goods to market if you are all working on my gown?’

  Nancy put her hands on her hips and looked at her. ‘Heavens, Molly Morgan, do you think we are capable of doing only one thing at a time? We shall manage, especially with you and Miss Serena here to help us today. Come along, ladies, let us get to work!’

  * * *

  ‘Well, are you glad we persuaded you?’

  Serena gave Molly’s skirts a final twitch and turned her to face the looking glass. The ruby-red silk glowed in the candlelight and hung in fine folds from the high waist with just enough fullness in the skirts for them to swing out slightly over her hips. Short, puffed sleeves were finished with Vandyke cuffs, which were mirrored by the decoration around the waistline and the hem.

  Molly’s fingers traced the swirling embroidered pattern on the bodice, then her hand moved up to her bare neck. The square bodice was cut very low, just as it had been in the illustration.

  ‘Perhaps I should add a muslin fichu,’ she murmured.

  ‘There is not the least need,’ declared Serena, with all the conviction of one who knew about these things. ‘The neckline shows off your fine skin, Molly, and once you have added your pearls you will look very elegant indeed. Are you sure you will not wear the cap, too?’

  Molly glanced at the matching hat they had made for her, decorated with two curling feathers. She smiled. Did they think she was going to be attending grand balls and assemblies?

  ‘Not tonight.’

  ‘You are quite right,’ agreed Serena. ‘It would be de trop for a small dinner. Come along then, shall we go down?’

  * * *

  Russ did not need to look out of the window to follow the route his friend’s carriage was taking that evening. He had come this way every day since Serena had been a guest at the vicarage and it was not only out of duty. He had wanted to see Molly. He was well aware she did her best to avoid him, but it did not matter that she kept in the background, not speaking unless it was necessary, he was aware of her with every fibre of his being. Not that anything could come of it. She had made it quite clear that she was afraid of him and he knew in his heart that he was not the man for her. She needed—deserved—someone who would live up to her high moral standards. Someone she could trust.

  The carriage drew up at the gate and he followed Gerald to the door, reflecting that after tomorrow he would have no excuse to call again. Agnes would soon be back at Newlands and Serena would come there to stay, until he and his brother decided just what they were to do with her.

  ‘Ah, gentlemen, come in, come in.’

  Edwin Frayne came forward to greet them as they walked into the drawing room. Pleasantries were exchanged, but Russ’s eyes went round the room, looking in vain for Molly.

  ‘The girls are not yet come down,’ said Edwin, ushering them towards the fire. ‘They have been closeted together these two hours, prettying themselves for you! But that need not stop us enjoying a glass of wine together. Sit down, sirs, and I will serve you.’

  The three gentlemen were well enough acquainted to talk freely on sporting matters until the sound of female voices from the hall heralded the arrival of the ladies. They all rose as the door opened. Serena and Molly came in together, but Russ lost sight of his sister, for it was Molly who held his attention.

  He had never seen her look better. Her face was alight with laughter and the creamy whiteness of her skin was enhanced not only by her dark hair, but also by the deep red of her gown. The silk skirts whispered and flowed as she moved, the soft folds catching the candlelight and glowing jewel bright. Her hair was simply dressed with a few dusky curls framing her face and the rest piled high on her head, except for one glossy ringlet that rested on her shoulder. He imagined drawing her close and pulling out the pins to let those luxuriant dark locks tumble down her back. But it was not the red silk he wanted beneath his hands, it was her smooth naked skin.

  ‘Well, brother, do you like Molly’s new gown?’

  Serena’s voice brought the pleasant daydream crashing down. Not by the flicker of an eyelid would he allow his thoughts to show, but a polite smile was beyond him. All he could manage was a short reply, his voice devoid of emotion.

  * * *

  Molly had felt his eyes upon her when she came in, and she hoped he might say how well the colour suited her or approve the new way of dressing her hair.

  ‘Mrs Morgan looks very well.’

  ‘Very well? She looks perfectly splendid!’ Sir Gerald came up to take her hand. ‘Do come and sit down, ma’am. I was saying to your brother how kind it is of you to take pity upon us. I had not realised how dependent I had become upon luxury until I gave the staff their holiday.’

  She responded, grateful for his jovial chatter, and accepted a glass of wine from Edwin, but she resolutely kept her eyes away from Russ.

  ‘It could be worse,’ she told herself, keeping her smile in place and pretending to listen to the conversation flowing around her. ‘He might have offered you insincere compliments and paid you the sort of attentions you most abhor.’

  But for all that she could not deny the stab of disappointment at his lack of interest.

  Edwin was refilling the gentlemen’s glasses and he said to Sir Gerald, ‘Have you heard from Miss Kilburn?’

  ‘Aye. I had a letter from her only today to say she is looking forward to returning to Newlands on Friday, which means that you, Serena, can come to us the following day. Mr and Mrs Sykes are returning, too, and Agnes tells me they have concocted some plan between the
m to hold a ball at Newlands, so it is to be hoped all our staff do return to us!’

  ‘A ball!’ cried Serena, ‘Oh, that will be beyond anything.’

  Russ put up a hand to quell his sister’s raptures. ‘It will not be for several weeks, Serena, you may no longer be with us.’

  ‘Oh, you would not be so cruel as to send me away beforehand!’

  ‘Since I have not heard back from Henry nothing is yet settled.’ His expression softened a little. ‘And I suppose you would very likely run back here if I did send you away.’

  ‘I should indeed! And, Sir Gerald, you will invite Molly and Edwin to the ball, won’t you?’

  ‘Of course, they are top of the list,’ he replied. ‘But we hope they will come to Newlands before that. Agnes expressly mentions you both in her letter and hopes you will be able to join us for dinner next week, on a day to suit you—no need to commit yourself now, Frayne, I know how busy you are with your parish matters. You may send back your reply with our coachman on Saturday, when he comes to collect Serena.’

  ‘Oh, there is no need for that,’ replied Edwin. ‘We shall be only too pleased to deliver Miss Russington to you and we may confirm the engagement with Miss Kilburn in person.’

  Russ laughed. ‘I have no doubt you will be glad to see the back of my bothersome sister, eh, Frayne?’

  ‘No, no, I wasn’t...’ Edwin trailed off, a telltale flush on his cheeks.

  ‘Do not allow my tiresome brother to tease you, Mr Frayne,’ Serena retorted. Putting her nose in the air, she pointedly turned away from Russ. ‘And will all your servants be returned by then, Sir Gerald?’

  ‘I sincerely hope so,’ he declared. ‘The housekeeper arrived back from Harrogate today and the rest should be here by the morning. Pleasant as it has been for Russ and me to have the place to ourselves, we shall be glad to have a full complement of staff again. And, of course, Miss Russington, I shall set them to work immediately to prepare a room for you.’

  Serena thanked him prettily, adding, ‘Although I shall be exceedingly sorry to leave Molly and Mr Frayne.’