An Honest Deception

by Alicia Quigley

  “I hope that we may,” said his lordship, bowing.

  After Mr. Markham had left them, Letitia had the children gather up their toys and they began to walk back to her house. As she did so she saw a curricle tool by, and it seemed to her that it was her new acquaintance at the reins. For a moment she reflected on whether it was normal for solicitors to be driving sporting carriages, but it occurred to her that they, like everybody else, needed to get about.

  In the curricle Chisholm was viewing his master with a jaundiced eye.

  “Did you have a pleasant stroll, my lord?” he asked.

  “Certainly,” replied Eynsford. “The grounds are delightful.”

  “And all you did was walk?” asked the groom.

  “To be sure,” said his lordship. “What else would I be doing?”

  The groom didn't respond, but pulled a sour face. There was a lady in it, no doubt, he reflected. If that was the case, then he would know about it soon enough.

  Eynsford, for his part, was pleasantly bemused. He had not experienced the same emotions that he had seven years ago in Lady Wiggin’s ballroom, and yet he had found Letitia to be neither silly nor insipid. Her air of calm had been as attractive to him now as her charm had been before. And she was still incredibly beautiful, her looks only enhanced by the faint aura of tragedy that hung about her. It occurred to the marquess that Mr. Markham, who had been intended to make only one appearance in Kensington Gardens, might possibly walk there again.

  Chapter 14

  Two days passed pleasantly for Letitia, who went driving with Isobel, read the latest novel by Fanny Burney, wrote several letters to friends, and, despite her fears, was not visited by the Bishop of Mainwaring. She was becoming accustomed to the daily routine of her life, and enjoying, rather than feeling guilty about the quiet habits she had established.

  Her life had been dominated by the whims of Lord Morgan for so long that arising each day knowing exactly what would happen seemed to be the fulfillment of all her dreams. She realized that when her money was not constantly going into the pockets of moneylenders and gamblers due to her husband’s caprices, she was a good manager of her assets, and noted with pleasure that each week her income exceeded her expenses.

  For Lord Eynsford, however, the days lagged. He attended Almack’s again with his long-suffering mother and danced with a number of insipid young ladies, which encouraged the rumor raging through the ton that he was hanging out for a wife. When, to assuage his boredom, he stood up with Lady Exencour, the gossips fostered the notion that he was planning to steal away his friend’s wife. He then visited Watier’s, where he stayed late at the gaming table, waking the next morning to discover that he had won 200 pounds and drunk far too much brandy. He rose and wandered across his luxurious bedroom to his mirror, where he surveyed himself lazily.

  “You are a wastrel, Eynsford,” he informed his reflection. He rang the bell for his valet.

  “The black suit, Boothby,” he said when that worthy entered.

  “Excuse me, sir?” said the valet.

  “You heard me. The black suit your brother-in-law made for me.”

  Boothby blanched. “But sir, I understood you would not be wearing that suit again.”

  “You misunderstood me, then. I wish to wear it today. Do not tell me that you burned it, for I did not say that you might.”

  “Of course I did not burn it!” said Boothby indignantly. “I thought I might give it to the butcher.”

  His lordship’s lips twitched. “You will not dispose of it. I will be wearing it in the future. I might have a second suit made, as well.”

  “Another suit?” Boothby looked close to tears. “Sir, if I might--”

  “You may not,” said Phillip sternly. “Now bring me the suit. And please ask your brother-in-law to make up a second one in blue.”

  Boothby retired, looking crushed, and returned shortly with the requested garments. He helped the marquess dress, a martyred expression on his face.

  Phillip inspected his appearance closely. “Admirable,” he said. “I look excessively respectable.” He turned to his valet. “Do you not think so, Boothby?”

  Boothby sniffed. “Your lordship naturally looks well in anything you deign to wear,” he said.

  “How forbearing of you,” Phillip responded.

  Eynsford strolled downstairs, ignoring the startled eyes of his staff, and sent around to the stables for his curricle. After consuming a light breakfast and perusing the papers, he went outside, to find his carriage and groom waiting, a censorious look on the face of the latter.

  “Aye, I heard you were up to your nonsense again,” said Chisholm.

  “Tongues will wag,” observed his lordship. “But surely, Chisholm, you know better than to listen.”

  “More than servants’ tongues will be wagging if you keep this up, my lord,” said Chisholm.

  “Ah, but we are above the talk of the masses, are we not?” asked the marquess. He laughed at the disapproving look on Chisholm’s face. “Do not fret,” he said in a kindly tone. “No harm will come of this.”

  “We’ll see about that,” said Chisholm as Eynsford climbed into the carriage. “Are we going to Kensington Gardens again?” he asked.

  “Of course. I found the air there particularly salubrious,” said Phillip.

  They set off, Eynsford driving at a brisk pace through the London traffic. Chisholm watched him in silence for some minutes.

  “If you’re not wanting to be recognized, sir,” he ventured, “you oughtn’t to be driving yourself. You have a singular way with horses and these greys are downright famous.”

  “I am aware of that,” said Eynsford. “Nothing, however, will convince me to ride in a hackney carriage if I am not compelled to do so. Moreover, what makes you think I do not care to be recognized?”

  Chisholm laughed. “There’s no other reason I can think of that you’d be wearing that suit,” he said.

  “It just so happens that there is only one person I am attempting to deceive,” said the marquess. “As for the rest of the world, I really do not care what it thinks.”

  Kensington Gardens was reached without incident, and again the marquess abandoned his curricle and groom to stroll about the grounds. It was not long before he spotted Lady Morgan and her children. Jamie and Emily were chasing one another about and Letitia sat on a nearby bench, doing some stitchery and watching them with a smile. Phillip watched for some minutes and then stepped forward.

  “Good afternoon, Lady Morgan,” he said.

  She gave a little start and then turned towards him, a smile forming on her cupid bow lips. “Mr. Markham!” she said. “How very pleasant to see you again. You will find that you were right; Emily took no harm the other day.”

  “She seems to be perfectly well,” he said. “I am glad.”

  “She has forgotten all about the incident,” observed Letitia. “It would be pleasant if unhappy occurrences later in life could be dismissed as easily.”

  “It would indeed,” agreed Eynsford. “I hope that, outside of the sad death of your husband, you do not have many memories you would care to dismiss.”

  He was surprised to see a touch of humor creep into Letitia’s eyes. “Not many,” she said. “For even the worst memories only serve to remind me that I am happy now.” She looked up at him. “Won’t you sit down?” she asked.

  “Thank you,” said the Marquess. He seated himself gingerly on the bench, realizing as he did so that he truly had no idea how a solicitor might treat a lady of much higher rank. Happily for him, Letitia had never experienced such a circumstance either.

  “What brings you to Kensington again, Mr. Markham?” she asked. “Surely your business keeps you busy in London?”

  “I have an invalid client here,” lied Eynsford with abandon. “He is attempting to set his affairs in order, and so I must visit him often. I sometimes take the time to stroll in the Gardens afterwards.”

  “It is very peaceful here,” said
Letitia. “I find it more pleasant than the bustle of Mayfair, though it is, of course, far less exciting. But just now I do not need much excitement in my life.”

  “But surely you miss the world you are a part of?” Phillip asked. “I must presume a lady such as you would customarily attend balls, the theater, the opera...do you not care for these activities?”

  “Oh, very much,” was the surprising reply. “I love to dance and to visit...but at present it seems as though it is too much effort.” She laughed. “You will think I am very silly.”

  “On the contrary, I think you make perfect sense. Simply because one enjoys something does not mean that one wishes to do it all the time,” said Phillip.

  “Exactly!” said Letitia. “How clever of you to put it so simply. I love to dance, but I do not care to dance today. Which is just as well,” she added with a smile, “as I am in mourning and it would be quite improper.”

  “And certainly the park is no place to be dancing,” said Eynsford.

  “Indeed. I will have to postpone my dancing to another day.”

  A small silence fell, but there was no awkwardness between them. They watched the children play for some moments and then James ran up, recognizing his friend.

  “Mr. Markham!” he said. “I am sorry I have no ball today or we could play again.”

  “What a pity,” said the Marquess. “However, I will doubtless see you again, if your mother permits.”

  “May we, Mama?” asked Jamie of his mother.

  “Certainly, dear. But you must not tease Mr. Markham. He is a busy man and may not always have time for you.”

  “He does not bother me, ma’am,” said Eynsford. “He is a splendid lad.”

  “I hope so,” said Letitia, as Jamie ran back to his sister. “I worry at times, as his father is dead, as well as his grandparents. I have few relatives, and those I possess I do not find...congenial. I wish Jamie had a true gentleman to model himself after.”

  “Perhaps you will marry again,” Phillip responded gently.

  “Perhaps,” said Letitia, “but I have no ambition for it. I am afraid my choice of a husband was not a good one, and I would not like to make the same mistake again.”

  “It is unfortunate that your husband was not a good man,” replied Eynsford. “But surely you do not believe that all men are the same.”

  “Oh, I do not,” said Letitia. “I know at least one very charming gentleman whom I trust implicitly. It is my instincts I do not trust.”

  “You are clearly wiser than you were when you first married,” said the marquess. “You must trust yourself, my lady.”

  “You are probably right,” agreed Letitia. “I do not always have confidence in my decisions. And yet, I think those I have made recently have been good ones. Perhaps I am becoming better at this.”

  Phillip gave her a charming smile and Letitia could not help reacting to his astonishing physical beauty. She felt her heartbeat quicken and had to drag her gaze from his handsome face and magnetic blue eyes.

  “I think you make excellent decisions, Lady Morgan,” he said. “Your decision to walk in the park today, for instance, which gave me the opportunity to meet you again, is a fine example.”

  “How nonsensical you are,” said Letitia. “And how kind. I am very pleased that we have met.”

  “As am I,” said the Marquess. “Your children appear to be tiring. May I escort you home?”

  Letitia hesitated, glancing at the children. Emily was clearly worn out and inclined to be cranky.

  “I could carry Emily, if you wished,” offered Eynsford. “She looks as though she would not care to walk and she must be far too heavy for you.”

  “Thank you,” said Letitia. “That would be helpful.”

  The group soon was organized and walked towards the entrance to the park, the marquess carrying the peevish Emily, Letitia holding James’ hand, and the nursemaid following behind, rather bemused at the sudden reappearance of the fine gentleman dressed in such odd clothing. She wondered what he might be playing at, but reckoned it was none of her affair. Chisholm saw them as he walked the horses near the gates, and whistled softly to himself.

  “So that’s his game,” he said quietly.

  At the door to her house, Letitia paused. “Thank you for your assistance. Would you care for some tea?” she asked.

  Eynsford hesitated momentarily, but reflected that a solicitor would be unlikely to accept such an invitation. “I thank you,” he said, “but I have an appointment. Perhaps I will see you again.”

  “That would be most enjoyable. It was very pleasant talking to you, Mr. Markham.”

  “The pleasure was mine, ma’am,” said Phillip, bowing deeply. “Good-bye, James,” he said to the boy. “I hope to see you soon.” He strode off and Letitia stood a moment looking after him. What a very pleasant and remarkably handsome man, she thought. So unaffected and friendly. She had previously had no idea that solicitors were so gallant.

  Eynsford returned to the park and located his carriage, only to find his groom looking at him with a jaundiced eye.

  “Have I offended you, Chisholm?” he asked sweetly.

  “You’re in deep waters now, my lord,” responded Chisholm dourly. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I don’t like it.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “I saw the lady sir, aye, and the children,” said Chisholm. “She isn’t one of your ladybirds, she’s Quality. I don’t like it at all.”

  “Your approval is not called for,” said the Marquess. “All that is required is that you hold your tongue.”

  As though I would say anything, sir!” Chisholm was offended. “You know you can trust me.”

  “I am counting on that,” said Eynsford. “For we will be coming here again.”

  Chisholm pursed his lips, but vouchsafed no answer. With an amused glance at his groom, Phillip turned the curricle towards Mayfair.

  Chapter 15

  Over the next few weeks, to Chisholm’s dismay and Letty’s maid’s astonishment, Mr. Markham encountered Lady Morgan many times in Kensington Gardens. A friendship sprang up between them that surprised them both. The marquess, for his part, had not expected to find that Lady Morgan held his interest, for in his experience few women did. However, before very long he had discovered the core of humor and determination that had caused numerous others, including Isobel, to think very highly of Letitia.

  He learned that she was not only possessed of charm and beauty, but also intelligence, wit, and a well-developed sense of the ridiculous. If her temper was mild, that did not mean it could not be roused, and he came to realize that she felt strongly about any number of topics. He enjoyed asking her about Society and listening to her candid and often humorous answers; she was clearly cynical about the world from which they came.

  It amused him to ask her questions about people he was also acquainted with and hear her candid dissections of their characters. And his vanity was piqued by her apparent lack of interest in him as a man. He knew that, even dressed in simple clothing and lacking his title, he cut a dashing figure. Yet while her attitude was always open and friendly, he could detect in her no hint of coquetry. She accepted him simply as Mr. Markham, a solicitor and sympathetic friend, and no more.

  Letitia had not bothered to examine her feelings for Mr. Markham, for she had no reason to think of him as other than a welcome, if unexpected, friend. She liked to seek his advice on questions that were troubling her, and she soon learned that his suggestions were sound. He was sympathetic and kind, but she also found that he had a sharp sense of humor that lightened even the most serious conversation. Although she knew she could turn to Isobel with her every thought, she enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with someone who was less closely involved in her life and who might have a different perspective.

  Mr. Markham’s interest in Society seemed natural enough to her, as he was not a member of it. His admission that his family had until recently been minor gentry until f
inancial circumstances had forced him into a profession had not only covered any lapses he might make, but had discouraged her from asking further questions. She realized, in a vague sort of a way, that he was a very handsome gentleman, but his manner was never lover-like, and she was set enough in her determination not to remarry that it had not occurred to her to think of him as anything but a friend. Increasingly, however, he was a friend upon whose presence she relied.

  One afternoon some three weeks after they had first met, Lady Morgan and Mr. Markham sat in Kensington Gardens. They had been discussing the latest doings of the Carlton House set, about which Mr. Markham seemed to know a great deal. He had excused his unusual knowledge on the basis that his sister was much fascinated by the Regent, kept apprised of his doings through the scandal sheets, and frequently shared her knowledge with her reluctant brother.

  The comfortable silence that can only exist between good friends fell now, and they sat quietly, enjoying the sunshine and the noise of the children as they quarreled over a toy. Young couples and nannies with children walked in the distance, small dots of color splashed against the green landscape.

  “It is quite lovely here,” said Letitia finally. “I could wish that every day would be this pleasant.”

  “There is a certain calm here one does not find in the city,” Phillip agreed. “And it is comforting to sit in the sun and watch others go about their day. I fear I am a lazy fellow.”

  Letitia laughed. “Not at all,” she said. “I am the villain of the piece for taking you from your honest labor. I feel a mere grasshopper to your ant.”

  Eynsford felt slightly embarrassed at Lady Morgan's belief that he labored for his money. “But you work very hard, my lady, raising your children and seeing to your home. I know it is difficult for you.”

  “Perhaps it is, but I enjoy it more than I had thought possible. It is a good feeling to be able to take care of oneself and not to rely on others,” said Letitia. “All my life I have depended on my father or my husband or my friends to help me, and now, though I would be much less well off without Lord and Lady Exencour's kindness, I feel that I have some control over my own life.”