by Vikki Vaught
After nuncheon, the sun returned and the temperature rose, making for a pleasant afternoon. Gathering her maid, she made her way to Green Park, where she found a bench near the entrance and settled in to wait.
Before long, Mr. Wallingford appeared. “Good afternoon, Lady Mary. I’m so pleased to find you.”
She smiled, relieved he had come. “Greetings, Captain. I’m glad you were able to come.”
He pointed to the vacant space next to her. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“Not at all.” She scooted over a bit to ensure there would be proper distance between them, lest a member of the ton walked by.
Once seated, he smiled over at her. “I thoroughly enjoyed dancing with you the other night.”
Inwardly, her stomach did a little flip, but she tried to keep from showing how excited she was over his presence. “I enjoyed it as well. Did you meet Lord Billingsley this morning? I understand you were supposed to meet him at eleven for fencing practice at his club.”
“I did,” he replied. “I enjoyed our match and renewed my acquaintance with his three friends as well.” They sat conversing for several minutes, just inconsequential things such as the weather. Then he asked, “Would you like to take a stroll along the path?”
“That would be lovely,” she replied.
The captain helped her arise, then offered her his arm, and she slid her hand in the crook. She barely kept her hand from trembling. However, her heart raced as they set out with her maid trailing behind them.
After a few moments, he said, “I’m glad I was able to make it this afternoon. I enjoyed your company the other evening and looked forward to seeing you again. How long have you and Lady Billingsley been friends?”
She smiled as she recalled her first meeting with Kathleen. “We met last spring when the Duke and Duchess of Barrington sponsored her for the season. We quickly became good friends. She is such a kind person and so much fun to be around. I love her wit.”
The captain met her gaze and there was mirth dancing in his eyes. “She is certainly that. I’ve seen her lively banter with my sister. Anissa seems to thoroughly enjoy spending time with her. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
“I do.” She tried to keep the fear for her brothers out of her voice. “Three in fact. Ben is actually my eldest brother by ten minutes. Then my younger brothers are fourteen and fifteen. Charles and Michael attend Eton, and Ben is at Oxford. I miss them dreadfully, especially Ben.”
“Ah, so you have a twin,” he replied. “I imagine you’re close. Anissa and I were quite close growing up. She’s the eldest by two years, so that makes me six and twenty. I used to hate that when we were young because she always tried to mother me.” He laughed, an expression of fondness adorned his handsome face.
She grinned at him. “I am sure you resented her behavior. She couldn’t have been too awful to you, since it’s obvious you’re still very close. Although Ben is the elder, he suffers from asthma, so I’ve always been protective toward him.”
“I can understand,” he commiserated. “My cousin suffered from it when he was a child, but then he grew out of it once he reached adulthood. I look forward to seeing Basil when I go to my estate.”
“I hope that happens for Ben, but so far, it still bothers him.” Curious, she asked, “Where is your home?”
Cortland stepped to the right to avoid a puddle and his thigh brushed hers, causing her pulse to race at his nearness. “It’s near Oxford, around six miles southeast on the outskirts of a village called Cuddesdon. My uncle’s family seat borders mine, so my father and his brother, Viscount Hardesty, were very close. My sister and I used to spend a great deal of time with Basil, since we lived so close.”
“Are you planning to go to your estate soon?” she asked.
He met her gaze. “Once I’m released from the Home Office, I do. Perhaps as soon as next week. Do you live in London all the time?”
“A good part of the year,” she explained, “but my family home is also in Oxfordshire, but further north in Banbury. My father left for his estate early this morning. My aunt is my chaperone, and she likes town much more than the country, so since he will only be away a short time, we remained here.”
By this time, they had returned to the west entrance of the park. “I’m glad you didn’t go with him. Will you be walking here again tomorrow? I’ve enjoyed our time together and would like to see you again.”
Dare she suggest he call on her? With her father gone, her aunt would surely approve of him. After all, Aunt Mildred would consider him good ton. Perhaps it would be safe. “I’m supposed to go to a lecture on horticulture with my aunt tomorrow afternoon, but if you would like, you could call on me in the morning.”
“Certainly, I would be happy to.” He released her arm and stepped back. “Well, thank you for spending time with me today. My sister will be expecting me for tea, so I shall leave you. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.” Then he smiled as he bowed to her, leaving her with her maid.
As Mary watched him walk away, her heart skipped a beat. He was such a nice man, and he wanted to see her again. Could she possibly win his affections? And if she did, would her father accept his suit, if he were to offer for her?
Dear Lord, she was letting her mind run away. Just because he appeared to be interested did not mean he would ask for her hand. Oh, but she could not help wanting him to ask. If only she had more time to let whatever this was develop at its own pace, perhaps they could fall in love.
Unfortunately, time was not on her side. A slash of pain lanced her heart and her eyes filled with tears. She bowed her head to hide her emotions from onlookers as she and Ella made their way to her father’s townhouse.
The following morning, she made it to the breakfast room before her aunt. She would have to tell Aunt Mildred that she had met Captain Wallingford and that he intended to call.
Oh, please Lord, let her aunt be in a good mood.
Mary filled her plate and took a seat at the table, but the butterflies dancing in her stomach made it difficult to eat. Her aunt entered with a frown on her face as she piled coddled eggs, black pudding, and mushrooms on her plate, along with three slices of bacon and toast. The plate was so full it was a wonder some of the food did not fall off.
The woman took her seat and dove into her meal, eating with her usual gusto. After a few minutes, the frown disappeared as she continued to eat. Mary managed to eat a slice of toast and sipped her hot chocolate as she waited for her aunt to finish.
Aunt Mildred glared at her. “Well. What are you waiting for? I can tell something has you on pins and needles. What is it?”
How could her aunt know that? “I just wanted to let you know that I met a gentleman at Lady Billingsley’s ball, and he plans to call on me this morning.”
Her aunt’s brows shot up. “What gentleman? Who is he? You have never attracted the eye of anyone before. Speak up.”
Mary twisted her napkin in her lap as she tried to control her voice. “His name is Cortland Wallingford. His uncle is Viscount Hardesty and his sister is the mother of the young Marquess of Overton. Remember, she’s Kathleen’s sister-in-law.”
“I remember,” she retorted, “but, why would he want to call on you? Isn’t he the man who recently returned from France? My friends were talking about him. They told me he is not the same man he was before he left for the war.”
Mary straightened in her chair. “He’s been through quite an ordeal, but he is recovering now that he’s back in England. We danced, and then he asked me if he could call. May I accept him when he arrives?”
“Hmph.” She pursed her lips together, then relaxed them as she said, “I suppose I will allow it. You’ve already had two seasons, yet this is the first gentleman you’ve been able to attract. He’s probably a fortune hunter, not that you’re a great heiress. Winston Hall and five thousand pounds are respectable, but not huge. I highly doubt you will be able to bring him up to scratch.”
Relief f
looded her system. She had given her permission. “Aunt, it isn’t what you think. We seemed to have much in common, that’s all. From what I understand, he has his own estate, so he’s certainly not a fortune hunter. I’m sure he is not even looking for a wife, after all he’s been through. Thank you for allowing him to come. I need to freshen up before he arrives. I shall see you in the drawing room in an hour.”
Mary hurried upstairs as her heart jumped for joy. Perhaps things were beginning to turn around for her. If she could capture his affections, she would be all right. Not only was Mr. Wallingford handsome, more importantly, he made her feel safe.
Dear Lord, please help me. Let this be the one.
She heard the knocker sound as she waited in the drawing room. It had to be Mr. Wallingford. Smoothing her dull gray skirts, she wished she could have worn her new periwinkle blue morning gown—the one Kathleen had purchased for her. Alas, her aunt would never allow it. Yesterday, she’d had one of her new gowns on under her pelisse. They made her feel pretty and gave her confidence.
The butler entered. “A Mr. Wallingford has arrived asking if you are at home, ma’am. Do you want me to send him away?”
Mary’s heart stopped as she waited for her aunt to reply. “He is expected, Harwell. Bring him up.” Once the butler left, she turned to her. “I will meet this gentleman, but if I do not feel he is appropriate for an earl’s daughter, I will send him away.”
There was a brief knock, then the door opened, and Mr. Wallingford followed Harwell into the room. He bowed to her aunt. “Good morning, Lady Mildred. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope I find you in good health?”
Her aunt looked him over before she replied, “As well as can be expected, I suppose.” She pointed to the chair across from her. “Please, take a seat, Mr. Wallingford. I understand you recently returned from the continent.”
Mr. Wallingford sat as directed. “I did, ma’am. I’m grateful to at last be back on English soil and reunited with my sister. I met your charming niece while attending Lady Billingsley’s ball the other night. Thank you for allowing me to visit Lady Mary this morning.”
Aunt Mildred gave him a haughty stare. “Is it true that you brought two French children with you? Why would you do that?”
He straightened in his chair. “Those children saved my life. They are now my wards, soon to be my adopted children. Their parents were killed shortly before they came to my rescue. I couldn’t leave them to fend for themselves.”
“But how do you expect to care for them?” she drawled. “A single man is not an appropriate guardian, especially for a female. If you plan to do this, then you must take a wife. Of course, you will have to find a woman willing to accept these children. Most young women will not want to do that.”
Mary wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. What right did Aunt Mildred have to ask such personal questions? It was none of her concern.
She noticed him clenching his fist. “I plan to hire a governess, for now. Once I am settled, I may decide to wed, if I feel it will benefit the children.”
Mary intervened. “Aunt, would you mind if I showed Mr. Wallingford your conservatory? I’m sure he would enjoy seeing your horticultural talents with roses.”
“What a splendid suggestion,” he replied. “I would love to see it. Lady Mary mentioned you are attending a lecture this afternoon on that subject.”
Her aunt preened at the praise and actually smiled at their guest. Evidently, she had decided Mr. Wallingford was acceptable. Mary sent a silent prayer of thanks to God.
Aunt Mildred inclined her head and said, “I suppose you can take him, but mind you take your maid with you.”
“Of course, Aunt.” She breathed easy now that she had managed to extricate Mr. Wallingford from her aunt’s inquisition. “If you will come with me, I’ll take you there now.” Ella laid aside her stitchery, then followed them from the drawing room.
****
After the door closed behind them, Cortland whispered, “Thank you for your intervention. Your aunt’s questions were somewhat unsettling.”
“I’m so sorry,” she replied. “She should never have interrogated you as she did. Since we told her I would show you her conservatory, shall we make our way there?”
“I’m sure it’s magnificent. I look forward to seeing it, and it will give us a chance to talk.” As Lady Mary stepped forward with him at her side, they made their way down the hall and reached the conservatory. He opened the door and she passed through, then he followed her inside.
He breathed in the rich aroma of soil, and the humid condition of the area bathed his face with warmth. Taking in the foliage surrounding them, there was no doubt Lady Mildred had a green thumb. Beds of several flowering bushes lined the walkway, and the scent of oranges wafted through the air.
Lady Mary turned to him. “My aunt loves all manner of plants, as you can tell. I’m so pleased you came to see me today. How are the children adjusting to London? I’m sure it’s a bit overwhelming for them. They’ve had to endure so many changes in their young lives.”
“They’re doing well, especially Aimee,” he replied. “She’s enjoying my niece and nephew. They’re all close in age, and it’s a relief to see her acting as a child.”
“And Gerrard, how is he?” she asked.
The poor lad was not doing well at all, but he attempted to keep the concern out of his voice. “He’s still protective of his sister, and wary. I hope he will relax and begin to enjoy himself once we go to my estate.”
Her caring expression warmed him as she said, “I’m sure you’re right. Have you had any luck in finding a governess? I imagine your sister could help you with that.”
Thank God for Anissa. He would be at a loss without her when it came to the children. “Immensely. I have advertised for a governess, and my sister has interviewed several candidates, but none of them have been right for Aimee. I’m also looking for a tutor for Gerrard. While he is past the age to be at home, I think he would not deal well at school yet. Perhaps in six months that will change.”
“I think that’s the right decision.” She hesitated, then asked, “Have you heard when you will be released from your military commitments?”
“Not yet, but I expect it will be soon. I’ve given them all the information about my captors. I think they at last understand I don’t know any more than I’ve already told them.” Her maid remained by the door as they moved further into the conservatory, taking them beyond hearing range. Although he was not sure how to broach the subject regarding her dilemma, he was determined to try, now that he had the opportunity. He lowered his voice. “My sister told me what you are facing.”
Shock and fear flashed in her eyes as she looked at him. “What? W-what did she say?”
He gazed at her pale face and his heart ached for her. “That your father plans to marry you off to the Marquess of Worthington. From what her husband said, he is a villainous rogue. I understand Lady Billingsley is trying to help you find someone else to wed.”
“Oh, I wish your sister hadn’t told you.” Her voice shook. “I-I didn’t realize s-she knew anything, but I should have g-guessed Kathleen would tell her.”
She trembled as she wrapped her arms around her waist. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to take the haunted look away from her blue-green eyes. He hated to scare her further, but he had to say it. “Hawks and I are in agreement. Unless you can find someone of equal rank and wealth, the plan will fail.”
A lone tear rolled down her cheek as she stared at him. “I knew it would never work.” She raised her chin. “I will run away before I’ll let this happen to me.”
Her vehemence surprised him. At that moment, he knew what he must do. Whether he was ready or not, he would save her from this unspeakable man the only way he could. “I’ll help you.”
Her startled gaze met his. “H-how do you plan to do that? There’s nothing you can do. My Father has gone to his estate for a few days, so I will steal money from his
safe, then disappear.”
While he would like to grab her and shake some sense into her, he did not want to scare her more than she already was. “I have a better plan. You can marry me.”
“You already told me—” she took in a gasp of air, “that will never work.”
“We will not ask him,” he declared. “The timing could not be better with him in the country. We’ll elope.”
****
Could she possibly have heard correctly? Did this man just propose something so scandalous? It took her a moment to recover from the shock of his announcement. Then she blurted out, “But we barely know one another. Besides, an elopement seems so drastic.”
His set features and stance told her he was indeed serious. “Desperation calls for a drastic plan.” His words confirmed it. “It’s the only choice you have. You’re not old enough to wed without your father’s consent. A Gretna marriage will save you from that dastardly man’s clutches, and your father’s diabolical machinations.”
Her pulse raced at the thought of marriage to this enigmatic man. This could be the answer to her prayers. Was this not just what she had hoped for? This man’s actions toward those children proved she could trust in his integrity. Mr. Wallingford made her feel safe in a way she had not felt since her grandmother’s death. Kathleen would be thrilled with this turn of events, and would heartily approve of an elopement. She would do it. It was much safer than her going off on her own.
She inhaled slowly to calm her jagged nerves. “If you’re sure, then I accept.” Her entire body shook with the knowledge of what she had just agreed to do.
“Very good,” he replied. “I know this is all disconcerting and overwhelming, but I will make sure you are safe and have no reason to regret our marriage. Since we’re now engaged, I think it would be permissible if we called each other by our given names, don’t you agree?”