by Diane Darcy
James looked surprised, as well he might. Turning away a man’s future father-in-law was not good manners in the least.
Well, the man wasn’t his future father-in-law anymore, was he?
If they wanted to work out how to break the contracts, they could do it on their own, without his help.
In fact, now might be a good time to take his friend Lord Browning up on his offer for a few days in the country.
When James returned to let him know the man had left, he instructed him to tell his valet to pack a bag for the weekend.
He knew he needed to meet with Lord Huntington, but it would be on his own time schedule.
The man, and his daughter, could both cool their heels for a few days.
Chapter Eight
Lizzie paced in her bedroom, and occasionally looked out her window to the side of the house, watching for her father’s carriage to return.
She was driving herself to madness!
What must Alexander be thinking of her right now? Mother had tried to console her, but she just wanted to wait alone. As soon as her father was home, everything would be all right, she just knew it.
Perhaps Alexander would even come back with him, so they could talk like two adults, planning their lives together.
After what seemed like forever, she heard horses, and looked out to see her father’s carriage pulling up to the side of the house. She was out of her bedroom and down the stairs before he’d even made it inside. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who was anxious, as her mother was there too.
When her father came in, he took one look at their worried faces, and nodded toward his study.
The three of them hurried inside and shut the door.
When they were all settled in their respective chairs once more, her father drummed his fingers on the table and let out a long sigh. “He wasn’t at home; it looks as if he’s out traveling.”
“Traveling?” Mother sounded ill.
Lizzie put a hand to her throat. What had he said earlier? That he wanted to go back to Scotland soon, and that he wished to take a bride?
Lizzie felt sick to her stomach. Had he chosen another bride so quickly? Had he replaced her so easily, after all?
“What about my letter?” She was surprised at how faint her voice sounded.
“I left it with the butler. Alexander should receive it when he arrives back home.”
“He’s coming back?”
“Yes, his butler made it sound like he’ll only be gone for the weekend.”
Relief left her feeling slightly boneless. He wasn’t there. If he’d been there, he’d have wanted to work this out. When he received her letter, he’d come over and all would be well.
Her father took a breath and let it out. “I actually suspect the man was there.” Her father said darkly. “His butler left to go get him and was gone a long period of time before he came back to announce his master wasn’t in.”
Her stomach dropped, all of her relief evaporating in a cloud of dismay. Alexander had always treated her father with the utmost respect. That he had done this said … said what? “What do you suppose it means?”
Father shrugged, took a deep breath, and let it out. He looked weary, and Elizabeth was sorry to have been the cause of the pain and worry he felt.
“I’m sorry, Father.”
He shrugged again. “Well, there’s nothing for it. We’ll just have to wait until he comes home. Or perhaps he’ll read your letter and we’ll see him sooner rather than later.”
She nodded. She had been so worried about writing that letter, about exposing too much of her heart, but now she was glad she’d done it.
Surely, he’d read it and come right over.
“Don’t worry so much, Lizzie.” Her mother consoled. “These things happen between couples. Fights, arguments. Trust me; it will all work out in the end. Perhaps he’s already read your letter, but, since it’s too late for him to come by tonight, perhaps we’ll see him tomorrow. Go on up to bed. Things will look better in the morning.”
She could clearly see that her parents were worried, but her father was right. There was nothing to do about it right now.
She climbed the stairs, guilt weighing heavily upon her shoulders.
Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
~~~
Two days later, and she still hadn’t heard a word from Alexander.
She’d been waiting around at home, but was starting to feel trapped. When she went down to breakfast, she sent her mother a questioning glance, but Mother shook her head.
As the mail was sitting beside her mother’s plate, it meant nothing had come this morning, either.
Hurt stabbed through her, settling in her heart.
She tried to keep her face composed as she took her seat at the table. She was tired of waiting around. And frankly, was starting to get angry at Alexander. Perhaps the man truly had run off to Scotland and married another girl.
She willed back the tears filling her eyes.
If he had, then he was taking the blame for this whole fiasco, not her. A couple of days ago she was feeling repentant, but not anymore. If he really had been at the house, he’d have received her letter, read it, and then left anyway.
Perhaps he was married, living in wedded bliss in Scotland, glad of his perfect new wife.
She was getting weary of the entire situation.
“Mama, would you mind if I called upon Julianna today?”
“I’m not sure that is such a good idea, my dear.”
She knew exactly what her mother meant. She was worried that if anyone knew about the estrangement she had with Alexander, it would soon become common gossip around the town. As it stood, as far as she knew, it was only the four of them who knew anything about it.
“Simply to discuss fashion?”
“Won’t she be going to the Cunningham’s ball tonight?”
“I expect she will.”
“Well, you’ll see her there. In the meantime, I could use some help around the house.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Perhaps Mother was right. She felt like she was going to explode if the situation wasn’t resolved soon.
Better if she stayed home so she didn’t reveal all prematurely.
~~~
Alexander stood with his feet apart, lifted the bow handle and arrow, drew back and took aim, and released. The arrow spun off to the right and landed on the manicured lawn, not even doing him the courtesy of sticking itself into the ground.
He turned around. “I think I’m getting better. What do ye think?”
Drake, Lord Browning laughed. Clad in a tailored suit of clothes, he slumped on the white outdoor chair, looking very much the man of leisure at his country estate in Reading. Hand clasped around a glass of smuggled whiskey, he lifted it for his manservant to refill. “I don’t know that getting closer to hitting the target would be considered better by any standard.”
Alexander lifted another arrow out of the pouch, and notched it. When he let it fly, this time he actually did hit the target, though it was on the outside.
“Bravo!”
Alexander shot his friend a filthy look. “Are ye ready to try pistols?”
“No, I don’t believe I am. I’m enjoying besting you at something for a change. So far, you’ve beaten me at cards, pistols, and enchanting the local ladies. I’m going to savor the fact that I’m better at this, if you don’t mind.”
Alexander snorted. “Refusing invitations to local parties doesn’t make you unpopular with the ladies. It makes you a recluse.” He released the arrow again and it flew erratically to the left. He truly was pathetic at this, but mayhap his heart just wasn’t in it. The last time he’d shot arrows, he been a child, playing the game with Lizzie.
It was hard to get her off his mind, and he knew he wasn’t good company, though he was trying.
“Are you still planning to go back to town tonight? Or do you want to wait until your face is healed up a bit more.”<
br />
“Nae. I’m still planning to go.”
“What will you tell everyone?”
Alexander gave him a wry smile. “That the other man looks much, much worse.”
Drake laughed. “For your sake, I truly hope he does. Are you still unwilling to say what caused the ruckus?”
“I’m still keeping my mouth shut.”
“Ever honorable. Which, of course, means it’s over a woman. Which, of course, means it’s over Lizzie.”
They’d had this conversation. “Still not talking.”
“Well, I suspect she’s also the reason you are wishing to go back to town.”
Alexander shot him a sardonic look. “Ye know, I took Lizzie to a fortuneteller, and to a séance recently. I had nae idea I simply needed to bring her out here if she wanted to have her mind read.”
Drake chuckled. “All right, all right. If you’re determined to go back, then I’ll go with you.”
Alexander looked at his friend in surprise.
Alexander hadn’t been sure he’d even be welcome here, which was why he hadn’t sent word ahead, but had simply shown up in person. Drake had taken one look at his battered face, laughed, and welcomed him in.
He’d be glad if some good came of his misfortunes with Lizzie. Getting Drake out of his house again had to be counted a victory.
“When do you want to leave?”
“Directly after lunch?”
“I’ll be ready.”
~~~
When Alexander showed up at the Balfour Ball, his name was announced and many faces turned to look in his direction as he walked down the stairs in front of Lord Browning.
He was there to find out what, if anything, people were saying.
Had Lizzie announced that their betrothal was broken?
He had no idea.
He’d barely made the bottom step when Lizzie’s father was in front of him. “MacGregor, a word, if you please?”
He nodded at Lord Browning, and followed Lord Huntington out into the foyer.
The man looked around, and then whispered angrily, “What happened to your face?”
“I ran into a door.”
Lord Huntington scoffed, his visage darkening with anger. “Well, just what do you think you’re playing at, man?”
Alexander was taken aback at the accusation. “What are ye referring to?”
“I came by your house not three nights ago, and was refused. I left a letter for you from Lizzie, did you read it?”
Surprise had his mouth parting. “Three nights ago? Nae, I didnae. Three nights ago I left for the country.”
The man still looked suspicious. “So you never received Lizzie’s letter?”
“Nae.” He suddenly remembered his butler, James, mentioning correspondence. He’d ignored the man and left. “What —”
“Ho! What have you.” One of the other guests, Lord Belleville, spotted them and meandered over, his sandy brown hair gleaming in the lamplight. “Quite the crush in there, is it not? The air is much cooler out here. You are wise to escape.”
The two of them looked at each other, and then nodded at Lord Belleville.
“Just so,” Lord Huntington agreed. “But if I stay away too long, my wife notices, and then I get the silent treatment for a week.”
Lord Belleville laughed. “That is the truth of it, isn’t it? Well. that’s fine then. I suppose I’ll go back with you before my own wife notices me missing.”
Lord Huntington shot Alexander a narrow-eyed look as they turned away, to let him know the conversation wasn’t over.
What letter?
Hope rose within him. If he’d have received a letter from Lizzie, he would’ve opened it immediately. Even after they’d had words. He been conditioned over the years to feel excitement when a missive from her arrived.
There had been many a day where he’d been at school, or training for the military, or after the muck and the mud of a battle, that he’d find he’d received a letter. He’d never known when he was to get one and it had always been a happy surprise.
He had to resist calling for his carriage and leaving immediately just so he could go read the letter.
But, Lizzie herself was here, and a much bigger draw. He walked back into the ballroom to look for her.
As usual, it didn’t take long for him to find her, and as usual she was surrounded by admirers. His jaw clenched as possessiveness and frustration rose within him.
He wished he’d been able to talk to her father. What had the older man wanted? Had he wanted to work out the particulars of ending the engagement?
He thought about the man’s reproving gaze. Or had he wanted to let him know that it wasn’t over?
That thought had his spirits lifting. He hadn’t considered that her parents might not approve of her breaking the engagement.
Now that he thought of it, of course, he knew they wouldn’t want the scandal.
He looked over to where she stood with her admirers, and decided now was as good a time as any to find out.
He pushed his way through the crowd, but was stopped several times. Lord Follett, something of an intellectual, wanted to discuss the ongoing war, and the man wanted specifics. Alexander had a hard time excusing himself.
Mrs. Fitzgerald, who liked to flirt with him whenever she had the chance, though she was his mother’s age, stopped him to inquire after his family. When he finally reached Lizzie, she was about to dance with Lord Jennings, a shy young man who bowed at Alexander and gave him a gentlemanly nod.
“Good to see you, MacGregor. I’m sorry to hear about your father.”
“Thank ye. He was a good man, and we miss him still. Pardon me, Lady Elizabeth, might I have this dance?”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve promised it to Lord Jennings.” She didn’t look sorry, she looked stubborn with her chin thrust in the air.
Alexander glanced at the younger man. “Do ye mind?”
He could see that the other man, did, in fact, mind, but he gave a gracious nod and stepped back. “Of course, of course.”
With a loud sigh, Lizzie, looking achingly beautiful in a high-waisted blue gown, walked with Alexander onto the dance floor. “I see the rules of common courtesy do not apply to you.”
He laughed. “I think my need is a little more pressing than Jennings, as I’m trying to determine whether I still have an intended or not.”
The steps of the dance took her away from him for a moment, and when they came back together, she said, “Surely this is not the place to discuss such a subject.”
“Mayhap you’re right.”
As they swung into the next moves of the dance, and away from each other, Alexander tried to determine her mood. Stubborn, obviously, as this was Lizzie. Was she angry? Rethinking their harsh words to each other? He needed to get her alone.
When they came back together again, he gripped her hand and moved to the side with her. “Mayhap, we might talk after the dance?”
Her eyes flashed. “What is there to discuss?”
He could think of several subjects. Her plans going forward? Whether she intended to marry him?
“What happened to your face?”
“I ran into a door.”
“Serves you right.”
Hmph. So much for sympathy.
When the dance ended, he led her straight to the balcony doors.
They stepped outside into the cool evening air, and Lizzie immediately turned on him. “What is this about, Alexander?”
He looked at her, stunned for a moment. “What do ye mean, what is this about? We need to talk.”
“Truly? Because three days ago, when I felt like talking, you were nowhere to be found.”
“I went to the country for a time.”
“Before or after my letter was delivered to your house?”
He exhaled slowly. “Probably after. But I didnae know it.”
“And have you read my letter now? Is that why you’re here?”
“Nae. I’ve not re
ad it yet. I didnae know aught about it until your father told me.”
“Well, at this point, I would just as soon you didn’t read it.”
There was no chance of that happening, but he had to wonder why she was upset with him. Had he let her down in some way? Or was this simply because of their broken engagement?
She crossed her arms and looked out over the balcony down to the maze and lawns below. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “What do you want Alexander?”
“I’d much rather ye answer that question first.”
“I wish to be released from our engagement.”
Hurt speared through him and his chest tightened. So much for hoping everything would work out. He could feel his temper rising, tried to control it, and failed. “What? Again? Fine. Ye are released. Our engagement is ended.”
There was a nearby gasp, and they both turned to see Lady Nelson, Lady Somerset, and Lady Morton standing there. Three of the biggest gossips in London.
Good Lord.
They’d certainly done it now.
Alexander reached for his most charming smile. “Ladies, I’m so sorry ye had to witness our little spat.”
The three women nodded graciously, their faces cold, as they turned and walked back indoors.
Lizzie looked stricken. He wished to reassure her, but they both knew this wasn’t going to be pleasant. He offered his arm. “Come on, let’s go back inside. We’ll just brazen it out and —”
“Just stay away from me!” He glimpsed her tear filled eyes as she turned and hurried back indoors.
This wasn’t his fault. He wasn’t the one who wanted to break it off. So why did he feel as if he’d just made a hash of things?
He turned and walked back inside, determined to act like there was nothing wrong.
~~~
Lizzie went back inside and tried to enjoy the ball.
She rejoined her group of friends and admirers, and acted as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She even danced a few dances, smiling widely the entire time.
It didn’t take her long to realize it wasn’t going to be any use. Even as she watched, the three women who had overheard them — those vicious gossips — went from one person to the next. Soon, everyone in the room had her under inspection.