by Jayne Davis
He wasn’t sorry to be free of the company. Conversation with Miss Roper had been pleasant, but had lacked any spark, and he had once more run out of things to say that he thought might interest her. His conversations with Lady Isabella were making him realise that it was possible to discuss more serious matters with some women, and at the same time her sense of the absurd was very refreshing.
When he reached the box, he saw that da Gama was now alone in it with a woman he didn’t recognise. Fawning over her, too—he was toying with that woman’s affections, or with Lady Isabella’s. Or both, Nick supposed. Tamping down his rising anger, he walked on a few paces, looking for somewhere he could stand to watch.
He settled on standing beneath one of the trees across the walk from the box, just beyond the pool of light from a nearby lamp. The people strolling in pairs or larger groups were too engrossed in each other to take any notice of him. It didn’t sit well with him to spy on others like this, but Talbot had asked him to, and it was also to protect Lady Isabella.
All he could see of da Gama was his back, but from his posture he was gazing into the lady’s eyes. Her head was dipped, listening, then the Portuguese put his hand out—to take hers, Nick guessed. But the lady was having none of it; she pulled her own hand away and sat stiffly upright. Nick smiled without humour as some hand-waving from da Gama was followed by further stiffening from the lady. She spoke; Nick couldn’t hear the words, but her expression made it clear that she was giving da Gama a setdown. Da Gama stood, made a bow and stalked off.
Nick’s satisfaction at the thwarting of the Portuguese faded when he saw the lady raise a handkerchief to her face. She should not be left alone, but he didn’t know her. Lady Jesson had been with her—he should be able to find her and send her back to her friend before he went home. He still hadn’t passed on Talbot’s information, but after this evening that might no longer be necessary. He should still keep an eye on da Gama, though. Lady Isabella deserved to have someone who cared for her, not a womaniser like the Portuguese.
Chapter 17
Molly straightened the gown Bella had donned for her final dancing lesson, and started to brush her hair. “I heard the housekeeper telling the maids to get Lord Marstone’s room ready, my lady. He’s expected this afternoon.”
Bella twisted around, ignoring Molly’s tut. “My aunt didn’t say anything about him coming.”
“A letter came yesterday, from what I heard. Now hold still, do.”
Bella watched in the mirror as Molly skilfully piled her hair on top of her head, arranging a couple of long ringlets to fall over her shoulder. One of her new gowns was laid out on the bed, ready for calls with her aunt this afternoon. She’d been looking forward to wearing it, but now it seemed only an advertisement in silk, a pretty package aimed at selling its contents. That was all her father was doing, the only reason he was funding her wardrobe.
If Lord Narwood had written to Papa, would she even be allowed to go to her first ball?
“Molly, can Langton get a message to Mr Carterton?” She had no idea what Mr Carterton could do, but he had promised to help.
“Already done, my lady.” Molly’s reply interrupted her thoughts. “And Langton’ll do his best to listen to any talk.”
“Do you know the servants’ passages here?” She might be able to eavesdrop herself.
Molly shook her head. “No, my lady, nor yet the routines, not properly. You’re like to get caught if you try. I’ll see what I can find out for you, but the housekeeper keeps a close eye on things.” She stood back to regard her handiwork. “There, that’s done.”
“Thank you.”
Bella remained seated in front of the mirror as Molly left the room, gazing at her reflection. She looked very different from the ignorant and uncertain girl who’d arrived in Town only a fortnight ago.
She was not going to submit to her father without a fight. Although she still lacked confidence in many things, she’d stood up to spiteful comments. She’d also attracted the attention of three men—even if she disliked two of them and the third was likely to be using her. But, most importantly, she had some friends.
Aunt Aurelia would be sorting out her invitations soon. Bella hurried downstairs to the library, pleased to see that Langton was the footman on duty in the hall. She found paper and pen in a desk drawer, but hesitated. Lady Tregarth had said she was soon to visit her daughter, who was expecting another child—she might have already left Town. But Maria Jesson would be more helpful in any case. She wrote a quick note to Maria and then wrote another from Maria to herself, inviting her to call. She could show that to her aunt if necessary.
“Please get it sent as soon as you can,” Bella whispered as she handed the first note to Langton.
“I’m on duty here until noon, my lady,” he said. “I’ll need an excuse to…” His gaze moved away from her, and when he looked back there was a trace of amusement in his normally impassive face. “Could you knock over that vase?” He inclined his head towards a large arrangement of lilies on a table.
The vase made a satisfying crash as it hit the tiled floor. Bella wondered if it was valuable, but didn’t really care.
The butler hurried through the baize door.
“I’m so sorry, Mowbray, I had a little accident,” Bella said. “Get it cleaned up, Langton. I’ll need your attendance in a couple of hours, as well.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“What the hell are you doing still in bed at this hour?”
Luis turned over and squinted at Don Felipe through gritty eyes. After Lady Milton had sent him off last night, he’d wandered around the gardens for a while before heading off to find a tavern. The English ale was not to his taste, but he’d wanted to get drunk.
“Get dressed and be above stairs in ten minutes.”
Luis winced as the slam of the door speared his brain.
Damn. Someone had already reported last night’s failure to inveigle his way into Lady Milton’s house. He supposed it was no use asking who had been watching.
“You have failed your main task, you young fool,” Don Felipe said, as Luis stepped into the room. He was sprawled in an armchair, his legs stretched out in front of him. Luis ignored the lower chair the older man indicated, and leaned on the wall instead.
“Anyone would have failed. She is an honourable woman.” He’d got drunk to try to forget the anger and disappointment in her face when she’d sent him off. He’d felt both respect for her and a certain amount of guilt, even though her rejection put his own goal further from his reach.
“Rubbish. Her husband neglects her; she should have been ripe for the plucking.”
“She is lonely, yes, but—” Luis closed his mouth. He’d failed with Lady Milton—there was no need to pass on what he knew of her to Don Felipe.
“There’s still Lady Sudbury, and the Marstone girl. How are you getting on with them?”
“Don’t you know? I thought you had watchers everywhere.”
“Mind your manners, you ignorant bastard. You’re here—”
“Don’t call me that!”
Don Felipe’s lips thinned. “If you want people to stop calling you that, then seduce the Sudbury woman and get the information I need. She should be no problem. I will arrange what you want only when you have helped me to achieve my own goals.”
“I did my best with Lady Milton! It’s not my fault you picked on someone who would not…” Luis broke off and took a deep breath. Don Felipe’s implacable expression told him he would get nowhere with that argument. “I will call on Lady Sudbury today.”
“See that you do. And the other—find out what the brother is doing in Paris. Seduce the chit if necessary, that’ll—”
“You told me not to do that before.”
Don Felipe shrugged. “You’ve failed with the main prospect, so your usefulness is already reduced. Do it, but don’t get caught—that will give you something to hold over her if she’s reluctant to tell what she knows. The threat of scan
dal and a public shaming is a powerful incentive.” Don Felipe glared at Luis. “The end justifies the means,” he added, when Luis did not immediately respond.
He supposed it did. All this would be worthwhile if he got what he wanted. “Very well.”
“Good.” Don Felipe stood, advancing until he was within a few steps of Luis and thrusting his face forwards. “I am not against you, you fool, but I want your side of the bargain delivered.” He left the room without waiting for an answer.
Luis groaned and then called for Mrs Hathersage to bring him some coffee. If he was to start his seduction of Lady Sudbury, he needed to bathe and shave, and get rid of this aching head.
Maria Jesson was still at breakfast when Bella arrived. “I’m sorry to interrupt you,” Bella said, hesitating in the doorway.
“Nonsense,” Maria said. “Come and have some chocolate while you tell me what is wrong. Tompkins, bring another cup and plate.” She waited until the footman had poured a drink for Bella and left the room. “Are you upset about Senhor da Gama?”
“Senhor da Gama?” She had been, last night, but the news about her father had driven him from her mind.
“I went for a walk about the gardens with Jesson after I left you yesterday,” Maria continued. When we returned to the box, Lady Milton was most distressed. It seems…” She pressed her lips together.
“The senhor upset her?” Bella guessed.
“I’m afraid so. He tried to seduce her.” Maria leaned forwards and patted Bella’s hand. “Come, you knew he wasn’t only courting you.”
Bella swallowed hard and nodded. She had more important things to consider at the moment. “My father is coming to Town. Today, most likely.”
“Ah. Oh dear. That’s rather short notice.”
“Aunt Aurelia knew yesterday. She had a letter, but all she said about it was that Papa wanted a list of my suitors. This morning, she said she hadn’t wanted to worry me.”
Bella wasn’t sure whether she trusted Aunt Aurelia, but not knowing of her father’s arrival had allowed her to enjoy last night’s excursion to Vauxhall. Until she’d seen Senhor da Gama.
“Do eat, Bella, unless you have already had breakfast. I always think better when I’m not hungry.” Maria took another spiced roll then pushed the platter towards Bella.
Bella had not felt like eating that morning, so she took a roll and started to break it into pieces.
“It won’t do you any good on your plate,” Maria pointed out. She waited until Bella had eaten a few mouthfuls. “Do you think Marstone wants to hurry matters along?”
“I don’t know. He wants a list of suitors, and it will only have Lord Barnton on it. And possibly Mr Carterton.”
“Not Lord Narwood? I haven’t had chance to find out much about him yet.”
“Aunt Aurelia said she wouldn’t include him.” Bella pushed her plate away. “But if Papa’s already had a letter from him, he’d probably accept. Barnton is still only the heir to a viscount.” And he might not offer for her—he’d seemed quite taken with Jemima last night.
“Hmm. And Carterton only a baron’s heir. So you might be pushed into marrying Narwood.”
“Mr Carterton isn’t a suitor,” Bella stated. “He’s only…” She closed her eyes—she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about Will’s request, but Will wasn’t here and she needed more allies.
“He’s quite attentive,” Maria prompted.
“He’s acting in Will’s stead,” Bella said, making up her mind.
Maria’s brow creased. “There is some speculation about Wingrave’s absence, as he was in Town when your sisters came out. People generally assume he’s at home with his wife. Can he not help you?”
“I don’t… I have no way of contacting him. He only told me he was away on business.” A brief memory came, of Senhor da Gama saying Will was in France. How could he know that?
“Mr Carterton said I should think of him like a brother,” Bella went on. “He must be about the same age as Will, so he’s ten years older than me, at least.” He did have friendly eyes, although his gaze didn’t give her the same melting feeling as Senhor da Gama’s. But then the senhor’s admiration was a lie.
“He’s about my age, thank you very much.” Maria sniffed and put her nose in the air, but Bella could still see a dimple. She giggled despite her worries.
“I didn’t mean any offence,” she said. “How do you know how…? Oh, in Debrett’s, I suppose.”
“He’s only six or seven years older than you, Bella. That’s not old at all. Men think they’ve grown up when they leave school. Some have, to be sure, but…” She shook her head. “Someone a little older than you would make better husband material. He’d have had time to settle down a bit.” Her look became wistful, and Bella wondered if Maria thought that she herself had married someone too young.
“But that is beside the point,” Maria went on, her tone matter of fact once more. “If your father has any sense, he’ll not rush things. You’ve hardly been in society yet.”
“The theatre, a rout, and a musicale. And yesterday’s trip to Vauxhall. Not really enough to sell myself, you think?”
Maria choked on her hot chocolate.
“It feels like that,” Bella protested.
“I know what you mean, but for goodness sake do not put it like that to anyone else.” Maria set her cup down. “Barnton really wouldn’t do for you, you know, if you are going to say such things.”
“He’s not as bad as Lord Narwood.”
“Hmm. Have some more food while I think.”
Bella took another roll and started pulling it to pieces.
“If your father does want to rush things, I think there are a couple of options,” Maria said at last. “Perhaps more, if your aunt would co-operate.”
“Aunt Aurelia is enjoying being in Town at my father’s expense,” Bella said. “She might.”
“Good. In that case, one thing to try is for her to tell your father you have another suitor, richer or higher ranking than Narwood.”
“But I haven’t.”
“I know, but Marstone won’t. Or at least, not immediately. I will consult a peerage later and work out who it might be. You are going to Lady Yelland’s ball tomorrow, are you not? If your father tries to keep you close, she can say you need to be there to fix his interest.”
“How do you know who’ll be…? Oh, you mean my aunt will have to lie about it.”
Maria regarded her, tilting her head to one side. “Do you think she will mind? She will also benefit from the deception.”
“I don’t know.” Bella didn’t like telling untruths herself, but they seemed a necessity unless she was to submit to her father’s will. “That wouldn’t work for long, though, would it?”
“It might buy you some time.”
She would keep it in mind. “What other options do I have?”
“Ask Mr Carterton to marry you.” Maria took a sip of her chocolate as if she had not just said something outrageous.
“Ask Mr… I can’t do that!”
“Not even if the alternative is marrying Narwood?”
Avoiding that was surely worth the embarrassment she would feel, both at asking and at the likelihood of being rejected.
“From what I’ve heard, he’s on the lookout for a wife,” Maria added. “He’s been escorting Jemima Roper around. A lovely girl, but rather quiet.”
“They would be well suited,” Bella said, although the thought did nothing to cheer her. Quite the opposite.
“Do you trust him, Bella?”
“Yes.” She felt… comfortable, safe… when she was with him. She’d dreamed of finding the love evident when Will mentioned his wife, but she wasn’t likely to be given the chance.
“You may not actually have to marry him; discussing a betrothal would delay things and give you a chance to meet someone else.”
“But an honourable man would not court me if it was known that Mr Carterton had spoken to my father. It’s not fair to ask
him either, if he is courting Jemima.”
“Hmm, you have a point. Never mind.”
“You said several options,” Bella reminded her.
“Run away—go and stay with your brother in Devonshire. Although while your father is still alive he is your legal guardian and could have you brought back.”
“No. Once he’d got me back I wouldn’t be allowed out of my room until he’d got me married.”
“My final idea is even more risky.”
“Well?” Bella asked, impatient to know more.
“Put yourself out of the marriage market by compromising your reputation.”
Bella’s mouth fell open. Had Maria really suggested that she…?
“You only need to let people think you have done so,” Maria clarified.
“Oh. But if everyone believes… I mean, I might never be able to marry.” That option wasn’t inviting, either. She was sure Will would let her live with him, but she’d still be dependent on someone. Depending on a husband—the right husband—was different.
“That’s the risk,” Maria said. “But the only people who need to think you have done something improper are your father, and whoever your father is trying to arrange things with.”
“If Lord Narwood wants an heir…” Bella said, trying to think of the implications. “If he thinks I might be… might have…”
“Exactly. That would work with Barnton, too. But even if an heir is not the primary reason for his approaches, most men want to be the first.” She shrugged. “Unfair, I know, and the problem with that strategy is that he could well put it about that you were no longer untouched. Rumour might eventually die down, but it could take some time. However, you are an earl’s daughter with a substantial dowry, and young enough to wait for a few more years before marrying.”