“Overheard?”
She huffed. “All right, I was eavesdropping, but I don’t usually do so. I just wanted some information.”
Anger and curiosity took hold of Anthony. Being spied on didn’t sit well with him, but he was curious about Serena’s reasons. “And did you get what you wanted?”
Shrugging, she lifted her palms. “I heard enough to know that you are in love with my sister. I don’t think any man would protect someone who thwarted him if he was not in love. Am I right?”
The eagerness in her voice spoke of hope rather than malice. “Why would I tell you anything when you already know I have kept other things to myself to keep her safe?”
“Because I can help you. I know Sylvia better than anyone. I can tell you if she returns your feelings. If you are in earnest, I’d be willing to help you.”
“Let me see if I understand you correctly, Miss Dowder. You listened at my study door to find out what my relationship with your sister was. Then you waited until Sylvia was asleep and took her gown, put it on, then came down here to deceive me and pretend to be her. You claim this was to gain more information, but how do I know you weren’t going to ruin her or embarrass me?” He towered over her and did his best to look threatening.
It must not have been a very good job, as she did not appear the least bit intimidated. She tapped her lower lip with her index finger. “It does sound more like I’m a nit. I don’t suppose you have much reason to believe me. Though I am risking my reputation, and whatever chance I have with Lord Stansfield, to meet with you.”
“You risk Sylvia’s reputation, not your own. If we were seen, it would be she people would talk about.”
Horror flashed in Serena’s eyes, and she searched the garden for prying eyes. “You’re right. This was a foolish venture.”
He had to agree. Still, it was hard to find any ill will in Serena’s misguided actions. “If you really want to help me, and I’m not convinced you do, tell me how I win your sister.”
“The thing is, I believe Sylvia loves you already.” She wouldn’t make eye contact with him. Her gaze shifted to the stone beneath her feet like she’d said something terrible.
However, hearing it made his heart swell and his nerves twitch all at once. He wanted to jump around and yell it from the rooftop. “Isn’t that good news?”
She shrugged. “One would think so, but she told me you and she don’t suit. Now, when she said that, I assumed you weren’t interested, but I watched you and could easily tell that wasn’t the case. So, if she loves you, and you love her, what could the problem be?”
“I thought you were going to help me with that.” He hoped his light comment would ease his pain, but it only tightened the noose.
A long sigh, much like the ones he adored coming from Sylvia, lifted Serena’s shoulders. It was strange how they could be so alike and yet so different in his mind. She met his gaze. “She must believe you will hurt her, like Lord March, and if you did that, it would destroy her because her feelings are much stronger.”
March again. His entire life revolved around a man who had no connection with him. His fingers ached to choke March’s skinny neck. “I am getting rather tired of hearing about that ne’er-do-well viscount.”
“But you must see the similarities.”
Rage snapped the words from his lips. “Between me and that pig, I most certainly do not.”
Lowering her voice, she stepped closer. “I do not mean you any insult, my lord. I agree that he is the worst of men, and I hope you are quite a bit better for my sister. Try to look at it from her perspective. Hunter Gautier was a second son of a viscount, and he courted and proposed to Sylvia. She was only a month from her wedding day when his older brother died, and he became a viscount. Mother was ecstatic that her daughter would marry a viscount. It was rather disconcerting how happy our mother was over a man’s death, and Sylvia struggled to be content with the situation. Then one week later, just three weeks before a day planned for all her life, he came and said she was not good enough for him.” Serena wiped a tear from her cheek.
“That must have been very hard for her.” Killing March was out of the question, but perhaps he could ruin him financially. He would ponder that later.
“Mother was inconsolable. She cried and carried on for days. Took to her bed and wouldn’t come out.” Serena folded her arms and rolled her eyes.
Anthony didn’t understand. “What did Sylvia do? Did she cry?”
“If she did, I never saw it. First, she fainted, but I think that was just from shock. After that, Sylvia was too angry to cry. She attempted to console our mother, but when Mother finally recovered, she was cruelly disappointed in Sylvia. That was when Sylvia left home in favor of the Everton Domestic Society.”
He sat on the stone railing and wished he’d been there to comfort her when she needed a friend. “Miss Dowder, I appreciate all you’ve told me, but what does it have to do with me? I have not mistreated Sylvia in any way, nor would I.”
“You are a young man who was elevated to a title unexpectedly. She doesn’t think she is good enough for you.”
“What?” He knew her hesitance was because of what March had done, but he assumed it was him she disapproved of. The idea that she could think herself unworthy of him was ridiculous. Impossible. “You must be mistaken. She is far too good for me in every way.”
A slow smile spread across Serena’s face, and she giggled. “I’m pleased you think so, my lord. Do you know why Mother prefers Sir Henry to Lord Stansfield?”
“I can’t imagine. Stansfield is a fine man with land, title, and funds, while Henry is a vainglorious ass. Pardon my language.”
Serena covered her chuckle. “All true. So, don’t you think it odd that Mother prefers Henry?”
“I assume you will tell me why.”
Nodding, she narrowed her gaze. “She prefers him because he has less rank, and therefore, has less chance of betraying me, while the Earl of Stansfield might well change his mind at any moment. Henry needs my dowry. He will offer for me, if I give him a chance. Rutledge needs nothing, but I do think he likes me. Maybe more than likes.” Her voice took on a dreamy quality.
“Your mother is willing to let you marry an ass, rather than have another scandal.”
She shook off her happy daze. “Mother would do anything to secure a husband for me and be able to say she did not fail. I wish I could tell you it wasn’t so, but there you have it.”
“Somehow my brilliant Sylvia has begun to believe the rhetoric your mother sells?” Another bout of anger welled up inside Anthony. Felicia Dowder was worse than March, but he’d said he would try to think kindlier toward her, and he would try. It would not be easy.
“My sister can run your house and fix all your problems, but mostly she is avoiding her own. She was very strong when Lord March betrayed her, but I think that was because she didn’t love him. She agreed to marry him because it was what we were raised to do, and no one else had asked.” She stared him down, suddenly a fierce tigress. “However, she loves you, and your betrayal would not be so easily dealt with.”
“I will not betray her.” This was impossible. He was shouldering the blame for an act he would never commit.
Serena grinned and gave him a jaunty shrug. “All you have to do is convince Sylvia of that, and that she is good enough for you.”
“Any thoughts on how I go about doing that?”
“You’ll have to be patient and consistent.”
“What if I just drag her up to Gretna Green, and we get married. Wouldn’t that convince her of my earnestness?” It was a good plan and required action. He could get what he wanted and start their life together while proving himself.
Blinking, Serena gawked. “It would only solve half of the problem. She would not feel worthy and might think you had only married her out of a sense of duty because of th
e bit of gossip that began in London.”
It wouldn’t do to have her think he’d married her out of pity. “I could go to her and profess my love.”
“Why have you not already done so?” Her knowing gaze was annoying.
“Because she won’t let me. Any time I’ve tried, she tells me we have nothing in common and in a few days will never see each other again.”
“Sylvia told me that your sister invited her to the country next month.”
He didn’t like where this was going. “You want me to wait another month? What if she accepts another proposal? What if she marries Miles Hallsmith next week?”
Serena paced the veranda then stopped to think. “Do you think that is likely?”
“I don’t know, but I’m not willing to risk it.” He sounded like an idiot and he felt like one. Standing in the moonlight, whispering a plan for something that should have been easy for two people in love. It seemed his life was never as easy as it should be. He was willing to make a fool of himself for Sylvia, but he didn’t know it meant doing so in front of her sister too.
“Then you had better stay underfoot between now and then and make sure she has no suitors who might ruin your plans. You may call on me to assist you should the need arise.” She touched his arm. “I think you are the perfect man for my sister, Anthony, even if she doesn’t know it yet.”
“Thank you, Serena. And, should the need arise, I shall take you up on the offer to help.”
She walked toward the house. “I suggest you arrange a few meetings where you’ll behave yourself, but make sure she knows how you feel.”
He bowed. “I will be at her beck and call.”
Giggling, Serena went inside and out of sight.
Not sure if he’d just gained an ally, or if a devil had conned him, he laughed to himself. If Sylvia was smart, Serena was cunning. Where Sylvia could solve any problem through hard work and good sense, Serena would manipulate the situation to suit herself. They were the same, but so different, and he was relieved to have Serena for him, rather than against him. At least he hoped she was.
Chapter 15
With the men all gone hunting, Sylvia found the house too quiet. She told herself the men left the rooms feeling empty, but if she were honest, it was only Anthony she was thinking about. He filled the house with his energy and kindness. Just look what he had done for Serena by inviting Lord Stansfield.
She sat on a bench she’d found the day before hidden under the canopy of an oak tree in the wild garden. Her life had changed so much in the last year, and now she was stable. Still, she would miss Riverdale when she left at the end of the week. The estate’s owner was another level, and she would grieve his loss.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Serena pushed aside a branch and joined her in the small clearing.
“You have found me.”
“This is lovely.” Serena sat next to her.
“Yes. It’s quite perfect.”
Sighing as she did when she was bored, Serena asked, “When will the men return from hunting?”
It was getting close to midday. “Soon, I imagine. His lordship knows we have a picnic planned. He won’t be late. However, if they should be delayed, we will begin without them.”
“Perhaps you should get a dog, Sylvie.”
“Why on earth would I want a dog?” Her sister could come out with the most unexpected statements.
“To keep you company. You refuse to entertain the idea of getting married. You’ll need company.” Serena tugged on a loose thread on her glove.
Somehow, hearing someone else say it made her uncomfortable. It was one thing to think of the next few years alone, but the rest of her life was a long time. “That’s not true. If I met the right man, I would consider marriage.”
“It seems to me he’s already here, and yet, you will not give him a chance.”
“Why are you saying this, Serena? Can you not just be happy that Lord Stansfield is clearly smitten with you? Why must you make me feel bad about my situation?”
Turning on the bench, Serena opened her eyes wide. “I do not wish to make you feel bad. I want you to be happy. If you tell me you will be happy in five years with no one to sit with on a winter’s night and no children to raise, I will drop the subject.”
Serena’s direct regard as she waited for Sylvia to declare her contentedness was enough to start a rumble in her stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“I’m going to take that as your answer, and you should really reconsider your position with regard to Anthony Braighton.”
She didn’t know which was worse, the idea of being alone or risking her heart with Anthony. “I have no designs of becoming a countess. I will leave that to you, Serena.”
“Then you are a fool, and I never thought I would say such a thing about my brilliant sister.” Serena stood, pushed the branch aside, and stormed off toward the house.
Before coming to Riverdale, Sylvia could have counted on one hand the number of times she had cried, yet in the last two days, she’d been near tears almost constantly. Getting through the week would be difficult, but once she was away from him and the things that reminded her of him, her life would go back to normal. Brushing aside the escaped tears, she took a breath and walked back to the house.
Tall grasses, bushes, and wildflowers flanked the winding path. Staring at them, she nearly bumped into Miles. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Hallsmith.”
His easy smile made any situation less grave. “Not at all. I was sent to find you. The party is going out to the lake for the picnic.”
“I didn’t intend to hold everyone back. You should have gone without me.” She quickened her step.
Miles took her elbow and slowed her pace. “They will wait because you are part of the group, and your company is wanted. You may think of yourself as an employee, but the party, myself included, thinks of you as an equal who completes our happy group.”
“That is kind of you to say.” She knew her place, and no number of generous words would change the fact that she was an Everton lady in the employ of the Earl of Grafton.
He bowed. “It is the truth.”
The carriages were loaded with food and happy guests by the time they arrived in front of the house. It was a short ride to the lake, but they would take the carriages nonetheless.
Miles handed her up into an open carriage and sat next to her with Daniel and Sophia facing them.
Sophia took her hand. “It is a perfect day for a picnic. I can’t wait to taste everything Cook has packed for us. Well, except the wine.”
It was too wonderful to have a friend again. “I have arranged tea and lemonade as well as wine. I know you do not care for wine and thought others might not wish to drink so early in the day.”
Daniel declared, “I have been up since before the sun and bagged several fowl for the table. I am entitled to some of the family’s fine wine.”
Laughing, Sylvia felt like family. “And you shall have it.”
The carriages stopped where Sylvia had arranged for a bit of lawn to be flattened for the picnic. They spread the blankets, and servants arranged the food. Meats, cheese and bread, all cold and perfectly suited to a picnic.
At some point in the last few days, Sylvia’s appetite had left her, and she didn’t find any of the sumptuous treats appealing. She took several sips of wine, but then abandoned her glass.
Mrs. Horthorn leaned against the tree and worked on her sewing.
They played word games, and a light breeze made the day delightful.
It wasn’t easy, but Sylvia managed to stay far away from Anthony until the group went for a walk along the edge of the lake. She’d let everyone go ahead when he stepped beside her.
“You have arranged a perfect day, Sylvie.” He kept his hands clasped behind his back.
Some
how his keeping those hands to himself made her even more aware of how wonderful they felt wrapped around her. “I had no part in the weather or the setting. But it did turn out nicely.”
“You chose the spot and arranged everything.” He sighed, his gaze drifting over the landscape. “Someday, children, maybe our children, will play in this field and swim in the lake.” His voice was far away.
Swallowing emotions she couldn’t pretend to understand or accept, she turned toward him. “Why must you say such things?”
“I can’t deny what I wish for. However, if it upsets you, as I see it does, I will try to keep my desires to myself. I may not always succeed, but I will try, Sylvie.”
The tree where Mrs. Horthorn sat was out of sight, and the party had gone into a stand of trees at the far end of the lake.
She was alone with the one man she should never be left alone with. “Your sister and I will go to Marlton in four weeks. She is so sweet to invite me. Then this morning she confirmed the date. I thought surely she would wait until we were back in town then forget about the invitation.”
“Sophia is not like your friends of the past. You will have to get used to that. When she says she will do something, you may count on it happening.”
“I would truly love to believe that people are honest and good, but my experience tells a different story.”
He stopped and peered out over the lake and hillside beyond. Green hills rolled on for miles on the clear day, and a light breeze rippled the lake. “It is a shame that is so. Perhaps it will be a Braighton mission to show you a different kind of people.”
Head and stomach aching, she couldn’t take his sweetness or her own desire for the impossible. “I think I will go back to the house if you don’t mind.”
He touched her cheek, his expression taut with concern. “Are you ill?”
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