Defying the Earl

by Anabelle Bryant

  “I’ve questioned the same, as if together they revealed an untold story.” She touched the charm closest to her. “I think the heart represents true love.”

  “And the key?”

  “I’m undecided about that one.” Wilhelmina touched the charm, complete with a tiny faceted sapphire at its center. “Perhaps a new beginning or unlocked secret.”

  “You do have a flair for imagining.” He gathered the bracelet in his palm and walked to a wood cabinet that had escaped her notice. She watched as the shopkeeper removed a small brass key from his vest pocket, opened the case, and selected a narrow velvet tray. “Here we are. The perfect bed for your cherished heirloom. Now let’s discuss price. Unfortunately I can’t give payment for emotional worth.”

  “Of course, I understand.” She dropped her eyes to the countertop, uncomfortable with their open discussion of money. Yet her conscience reminded she needed the funds.

  “In my estimation this bracelet means a great deal to you and costs you dearly to part with it.”

  She perked up, focused on stating her goal. “I anticipate returning to your store with ample funds to reclaim it before it is sold.”

  “Many customers share the same intention. I hope for your sake it proves true. Of course your bracelet is destined to be displayed in my main window where it will draw attention.”

  “I understand.” She cleared her throat against a sudden rush of emotion; then matched his intent stare, noticing for the first time the comforting twinkle in the shopkeeper’s blue eyes.

  “I’m not in business to cause unhappiness. Are you having second thoughts?”

  Third and fourth thoughts were more accurate, but she had come this far and vowed to see the venture through, otherwise all she’d have accomplished was a waste of emotion and another serving of self-recrimination.

  “No.” She nodded her head for emphasis. “My mind is made up. Thank you for your patience.” A loud purr sounded from somewhere behind the counter. More than a little confused, Wilhelmina completed the transaction and left, glancing over her right shoulder as an afterthought, and all at once troubled by the sight of the shopkeeper at work rearranging the front display window.

  Returning home Wilhelmina found Livie circling the modest perimeter of the sitting room with the assistance of her nurse. Wilhelmina paused at the entryway in quiet admiration of the effort her sister put forth without complaint. It was evident the exercise strained her yet she persevered. This scene justified Wilhelmina’s morning errand in full strength and provided renewed hope.

  “Look at your brilliant progress.” Rushing to her sister’s side, she replaced the nurse’s support and looped arms with Livie as they completed the final steps that returned them to the settee. The nurse withdrew and the ladies settled comfortably side by side.

  “Shall I ring for tea? Are you thirsty?” Wilhelmina removed her gloves and set them aside. “Has Aunt Kate gone visiting?”

  Livie caught her forearm in a tight grasp. “Where is Mother’s bracelet?”

  “Oh dear, your perspicuity astounds me. I thought to tell you later, but that matters little now. I pawned it this morning.” Wilhelmina gently pulled her arm free and made busy with smoothing the folds of her skirt although her voice rang with unstrained conviction. “I hope to reclaim it once Lady Rigby is ensured her son will marry Fiona. I’ve an appointment with her later this afternoon. Perhaps she’ll see fit to compensate my efforts without a formal announcement, because who knows how long that might take? In the meantime, the money I received by pawning the bracelet will serve as insurance your treatments will continue without interruption or further financial strain on Aunt Kate’s account.”

  “You have it all figured out, don’t you?” It was difficult to read Livie’s disposition.

  “Perhaps. To avoid paying for a hackney I walked home from The Serendipity Shop. I had plenty of time to think.” An emotional smile trembled on her lips.

  “Thank you, Whimsy. You are the dearest sister anyone could want.”

  Wilhelmina wished she could agree, but everlasting sentiment dragged at her heart and threatened to break it with an outpouring of regret. If only she had been in the carriage on the night of the accident. She could have helped her sister, aided her parents, and sought help. Instead the three had endured excruciating circumstances, her sister tortured for endless hours by not only the trauma of their parents’ death, but the injury and subsequent damage to her legs. She should have been in that carriage. She would have been, if her emotions hadn’t interfered with her better judgment.

  A shudder of regret rippled down her spine and she bit her lower lip to prevent tears from spilling over. Livie never complained, never harbored bitter feelings, still self-recrimination lived ripe in Wilhelmina’s soul. Considering the circumstance, selling a bracelet was the least that she could do and yet she’d selfishly avoided the act. Had Mother known Livie suffered with significant impairment after the accident, she would have wanted it this way. What right had Wilhelmina to cling to the bracelet for as long as she had? Truly, she was unforgiveable.

  It was that same morning when things took an unexpected turn for the worse. Valerian had just returned from riding Arcadia through Hyde Park. As was usual, the area brimmed with activity. Gatherings of picnickers, gentleman aiming to be noticed and coquettish debutantes displayed in open carriages overflowed on the walkways and narrowly skirted the bridle path. Amongst the flurry, he delighted to see Leonard and Fiona as they strolled through the gardens along the grand walk, her chaperone in tow at a considerable distance. A formal announcement seemed forthcoming as the couple had found their way to true love despite matchmaker and matchbreaker efforts.

  But as he climbed the steps to Randolph’s town house, a messenger approached with a note from Lord Rigby requesting he come at once. Having just returned Arcadia to the stable around the corner, Val summoned a hired hack and relaxed against the squabs, his mind suggesting and discarding reasons Rigby would need to see him with immediacy. Anticipation of the tidy sum that would soon bring him closer to financial redemption threatened jubilant emotion, but he tamped it down. Best to hear Rigby out before pouring champagne.

  Once he arrived, the butler led him to the study, offered him refreshments and left. Hardly a moment passed before Rigby entered, closed the doors and approached with a contemplative expression.

  “Excellent, Dashwood, you’ve come straightaway.” With a nod toward the sideboard, Rigby crossed the room to where he poured two drinks and offering one forward. “Circumstances have changed.”

  The ominous announcement caught Val by surprise, but he remained quiet, knowing Rigby would be fast to reveal the facts.

  “As you are aware, since the Napoleonic War ended, the schedule for increased and reduced taxation has been a point of contention between the House of Commons and House of Lords. My comrades and I have worked to fortify a stronghold on the need for higher taxes only to be opposed at every avenue. Admittedly farfetched, my frustration brought me to you in a quest to betroth Leonard to Fiona and also bond my cause to the support needed to see necessary taxation laws passed through Parliament. Are you following?”

  “Absolutely.” Valerian took another sip of his brandy. “You must be pleased by the most recent turn of events. I understand your son’s proposal for Lady Fiona’s hand in marriage is imminent.” Would Rigby wait until the banns were posted or would he surrender the monies today? Perhaps it was too early to anticipate payment, although his mother’s charm wouldn’t remain in the pawn shop window indefinitely. There was a very good chance it had already caught the eye of an intuitive shopper.

  “You need to know the all of it.” Rigby shot back the contents of his glass before he continued with asperity. “Lord Nobles has outmaneuvered my manipulation by giving the appearance he was allied with my proposal and thereby lolling me into complacency although he held no such loyalty to my party.” Anger dropped his voice low, his words rich with rancor. “Now as the vote g
rows nearer and I’ve lessened my campaign by anticipating his support, I’ve learned he’d never agreed with my point of view and will oppose whatever policy I suggest. I endured five hours of stiff-backed posturing and speculation brought before the cabinet, whilst knowing I’ve made a hash of it, thwarted by a deceitful pettifogger.” He shook his head in blatant temper. “Leonard must do his duty. Under no circumstances will I have my son betrothed to Lady Fiona. I need their relationship destroyed in retaliation of Nobles’ subterfuge.”

  The earl had worked himself into a fury, his face mottled and his grimace firm. Valerian experienced a sinking sensation that formed at his throat and settled somewhere in the vicinity of his knees. Hell’s teeth. If he pursued this scheme he would not only destroy Leonard and Fiona’s happiness, but Wilhelmina and her sister’s security as well. He’d never be able to live with himself.

  “I’ll triple your payment, Dash. Fifteen thousand pounds.”

  Val’s stomach plummeted to his heels. He finished his brandy and turned to Rigby with a solemn word on his tongue, but the earl continued before he could reply.

  “I know you’re in need of the money and this matchbreaking business served as a ploy to obtain quick funds. Your associate made it clear the dire condition of your finances. If you have any desire to continue this venture, I’ll put in a good word for your service which will guarantee you more opportunities to recover from your misery, perhaps even wipe out your existing debt.”

  Valerian took a deep breath, his nerves on edge.

  “Unconvinced?” The earl approached, wearing the grin of a scoundrel. “I’ll raise your payment to twenty-five thousand and call it done.”

  “Who would have thought Fiona’s misplaced kiss would cement Leonard’s feelings rather than destroy their fragile bond? They’re both besotted and bewitched, and I couldn’t be happier.” The marchioness smiled wide. “Leonard plans to propose to Lady Fiona by this week’s end and since I’m for our country estate to oversee wedding plans, I thought this meeting of immediate importance. I’ve great work ahead. I must plan a celebration like no other and appease my disgruntled husband simultaneously, but with no doubt Lord Rigby will see the light. To that end, this belongs to you.” She untied the strands of her reticule and removed a folded letter on thick ivory paper, offering it forward with another grand smile.

  Wilhelmina’s fingers trembled as she accepted the payment. “Thank you very much. I appreciate your discretion. These funds will be well spent and do a world of good for a loved one in my family.”

  “No need for explanations, my dear. The ton is full of private arrangements and individual endeavors.” She smiled in a knowing manner. “Speaking of which, I have a dear friend with a daughter and a particularly difficult situation. A judicious approach is the exact recipe needed for Lady Worsley.” Lady Rigby leaned closer, her eyes shifting right and left as if to ensure they remained unheard. “The lady in question has recently returned from the States where she fled with a beau and an unexpected pregnancy several years ago. I despair to say the child did not live through the birthing process and her union with the gentleman dissolved soon after. The lady remained in America allowing the scandal here in London to diminish and, I surmise, in hope she’d find happiness on the continent, but she’s returned to our fair city recently with marriage on her mind. Her mother remains consumed with worry her daughter will make an impetuous choice and repeat the mistake that marred her good standing years ago. I took the liberty of explaining our special agreement. My friend insisted I forward her calling card. If you would arrange a meeting, I’m sure your services will be put to good use. The years have passed, but they have not diminished the daughter’s comely appearance. I can’t attest to her temperament, but how difficult could it be to arrange a match for a stunning beauty? And of course there’s the matter of your compensation. Lady Worsley needn’t concern herself with finances. Her husband left her the security of a lifetime of funds, the perfect enticement for any suitor for whom she’s set her cap.”

  Pride surged through Wilhelmina, her timid endeavor of creating a network of matchmaking opportunities now launched on its way to becoming a lucrative business. She couldn’t be more pleased. With profuse thanks, she accepted the pale pink calling card and gathered her reticule. “I’m so pleased we were able to meet today. Good luck with the wedding plans and with Lord Rigby too.” She gently pushed in her chair and turned to leave.

  As she exited the book emporium, a lightness carried her step; one that hadn’t been there earlier. Thrilled at the potential of further matchmaking and delighted Lady Rigby held her in such high regard as to recommend her service; Wilhelmina struggled to keep the beaming smile from her face as she strode down Oxford Street, her chin held high.

  “Why have I been cursed with the most irresponsible brother on the planet? Jasper, are you listening to me?” Valerian paced the width of the drawing room, his temper barely contained at having arrived at the Barnaby Street town house to discover Randolph and Jasper insensate with sleep, the remnants of a night filled with rabble-rousing evident. “Do you not comprehend the severity of our position?”

  Jasper’s eyes lit with what could only be described as specious recognition chased by an immediate flash of culpability. “I do. I do. Only a sap-skull would ignore our financial difficulties. I’ve made sure to curb all spending. I haven’t gambled in weeks nor did I arrange this revel-rout.” He threw his arms wide indicating the room where they stood. Then in a quick switch of attitude his expression grew stern. “If you’re intent on raising a breeze, I suggest you ring a peal over Randolph as he’s the one who instigated last night. He might give the impression of being well and healed from his broken heart, but he suffers and seeks distraction.” He glanced toward the staircase with what could only be interpreted as a dramatic expression of concern then flicked his eyes to Valerian. “Of course, Randolph could grow tired of your conservative civil whiskers and ask us both to leave. It might prove more prudent to swallow your spleen and endure a few incidents of rabble-rousing if it extends our stay. We’ve next to nothing as you’ve grown fond of reminding me.”

  Valerian’s brows lifted in a show of sarcastic question. “I see. What choice do we have but to tolerate the circumstances?” His voice held a strident tone that could be attributed to sleepless nights and recurring visions of destitution. Meanwhile his brother’s reaction portrayed a casual lack of concern glossed over with an insouciant smile. “This is not a game. We owe the Kirby Park staff back wages. We’ve sold most all properties Father left behind, and we’re indebted to Cook’s reformed inebriate brother. I have nothing left.” A pulse of regret resurrected the image of his mother’s charm, but Val ignored the emotion and continued his diatribe. “We are in dire straits and you’re intent on worsening our condition.”

  “See here, Dash. I’m working hard at making things better.” Jasper sounded affronted. “I’ve secured an investment—”

  “No more investments. No more inventions. Curb your spending and keep in mind we’re barely scraping by. It’s embarrassing, Jasper.”

  “Pride. Pride has gotten the better of you.” Jasper muttered the words with a snigger. “Embarrassing is throwing your arms wide mid-poem and upsetting the servant’s hors d’oeuvre tray. Poor Randolph, he was mortified, when all he meant was to rehearse some sentimental dribble in practice for his lady-love.” Several beats of silence followed before Jasper marshaled a solemn tone. “I take it your meeting with Rigby ignited your querulous mood. I thought the old stuffed coat wanted Leo and Fiona together? Isn’t he pleased?”

  “Hardly. Parliament has proven as fickle as a light skirt’s attention.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I’ve decided on the pale pink.” Fiona Nobles raised the porcelain teacup to eye level, a smile blooming across her face as she showed Wilhelmina the pattern she favored. “The rosebuds around the rim are the veriest thing. Wouldn’t you agree, Whimsy?”

  “Charming indeed, but
I remain unsure Leonard will enjoy drinking his Earl Grey from such a feminine selection?” Wilhelmina’s smiled matched Fiona’s. Not only had Leonard proposed on the morning, but Lady Rigby, motivated by pure joy in the outcome, had insisted on taking her daughter-in-law-to-be shopping in celebration of the event. As before, Wilhelmina was caught up in the reverie and found herself invited into the brigade of determined trousseau-fillers, Fiona’s mother the fourth member of their jubilant quartet. They stood now in Dalton’s China Showcase, deliberating over cups and saucers as if Parliament were involved.

  “My son will drink from whatever you choose, Fiona, lest that become a point of contention. I suggest you select two different patterns. That way he’ll have no complaint and you’ll possess the tea set that has produced your lovely smile.”

  “I haven’t stopped grinning since your son professed his feelings.” Fiona’s words rose on a giddy note.

  “I haven’t either.” Lady Rigby’s melodic concurrence brought another round of laughter. “Let the public consider us daft. It matters little to me.”

  Wilhelmina eyed Fiona, and the truth of her statement was evident in every aspect of her person. Her eyes shone, her skin glowed with a fresh blush, and her hands fluttered with nervous excitement. Pride blossomed and warmed Wilhelmina’s soul. Indeed, she was a tad responsible for bringing about such joy. Long talks and blunt honesty had served her well in her friendship with Fiona albeit the two lovebirds were well on their way to romance before Wilhelmina ever entered the scene.

  Lady Rigby’s exuberance added another layer to her satisfaction. Had Valerian had the opportunity to help her cause and speak to Leonard? His benevolent offer to encourage Leonard in the right direction may have been the final prompt needed for the gentleman’s proposal this morning.