A Lesson in Forgiveness

by Jennifer Connors

  “Very well... Colin.”

  “Every day you say something or do something to surprise me. And in a good way. It makes me look forward to what might be next.”

  Ginny stalled by taking a sip of her tea. How should she respond to that? He didn't want to get married, so did he want to start some elicit affair? Not that she would be opposed, it wasn't like Ginny was the prude, but she knew she couldn't enjoy it with Bethany's rules screaming in her head.

  In the end, Ginny decided to just be Ginny. “I'll try not to disappoint you tomorrow. Perhaps I'll bring up a topic of conversation that will truly make you blush. Oh, I wanted to ask you what you did about the Rodendale girls. I admit I hoped you spanked them.”

  “I did speak to them. I had already spoken to Miss Jones and ascertained that she was not at fault. I am afraid that Mrs. Rodendale has already decided to release her without reference.”

  Ginny saw red. “That over-sized windbag. Not only does she teach those kids to be rotten, spoiled brats, but then she personifies a lack of any personal responsibility.”

  “Indeed. I have told her that maybe it would be better if she left with the children. My hospitality extends only so far. Miss Jones, on the other hand, has accepted my invitation to stay for the time being. Just until she can work out new arrangements.”

  Ginny suddenly wished he had kissed her. “That is very kind of you, Colin. I'm truly impressed.”

  “Whatever for? I am a fair man, Bethany.”

  Silence followed while Ginny studied the man across the desk. Finally, she asked, “Have you ever had a female friend before, Colin?”

  “No, I have not. But I must say that I feel as if I have been missing out on something.”

  Finishing her tea, Ginny excused herself. Who was it to be? Whitmore, Clarendon, the doctor. Had she somehow screwed up this book too? It seemed so cut and dry in the beginning and now it was all muddled. God help her if another good looking character were brought in. She might end up marrying an entire horde of romance novel hero types.

  Chapter 9

  The following day went by without any major incidents. Colin wasn't at breakfast, leading Ginny to believe he might be avoiding her. What would have happened if he had kissed her yesterday? She thought that they would probably be getting married. Walking back to her room after breakfast, she chuckled to herself at the thought. Most people in her time did far worse and then moved on to someone else.

  The doctor made good on his promise and came back in the afternoon. Ginny found herself enjoying their time together. He revealed that both his father and grandfather had been doctors. Instead of being bitter over having his career chosen for him, he truly wanted to learn more so he could help his patients.

  Ginny had swore she wouldn't, but did tell him a few things that he could use in the future. Nothing extraordinary, just common sense, like sterilization and cleanliness. She may have called bloodletting “barbaric” and proved her point as to why it wouldn't work.

  He talked about his late wife and how it had devastated him in the end that he could do nothing but give her laudanum to make her comfortable. The symptoms he described sounded like cancer, but in the end it didn't really matter to him. She was still gone. He also casually mentioned that they had not had children and he really should remarry. Which in turn made Ginny groan internally. It wasn't as if she didn't have enough problems.

  Entering her bedroom, she went to pull the bell when Tabby popped her head up from behind the bed. Ginny let out a yelp in surprise.

  “Sorry, miss. I was searching for an earring I dropped.”

  “Dear God, Tabby. You scared the sh... You scared me.” Ginny began to remove her gloves, when she asked, “How was your day?”

  When no answer came, she turned and looked over at the maid. Her face was pale, even in the candlelight. Her mouth was gaping open and it made Ginny look behind her to check for the bogeyman.

  “What?” Ginny asked impatiently.

  “Miss, I have something to tell you and... well... it is just...”

  Walking over to the maid, she had her sit down at her vanity. Getting down on her knees, she could almost see directly into the shorter woman's eyes. “Just spit it out.”

  “Some of the servants have been talking.”

  “About...?”

  “It seems that Lord Clarendon has made a bet with some of the other gentlemen. The bet is who will get you to kiss them first.”

  At first, Ginny wanted to laugh, but knew that was not how a young lady of this time would handle such a situation. Instead, she merely mentioned, “Well, that explains all the attention I received today.”

  “What do you mean, miss?”

  “It felt like every bachelor attending this party, with the exception of Lord Whitmore and Lord Clarendon, were seeking my attention. The only time I didn't feel like I was on display was when I was with the doctor.”

  Tears formed in the little maid's eyes. “I am so sorry, miss. I think it is just beastly. That Lord Clarendon should be horsewhipped.”

  “Did you happen to find out how much the bet was up to?”

  “The footman was not exactly sure, but he did say he thought it was up to fifty pounds. Do you know what I could do with fifty pounds? I would be able to marry Lyle, that is for sure.”

  “What could you do with thirteen pounds, Tabby?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean to win the bet. I just have to find a partner willing to let me kiss him and split the loot.”

  Tabby scrunched her eyebrows together as if something just occurred to her. “I remember the footman saying that Lord Whitmore was included as a potential winner, but he didn't know about it. The footman said that Lord Whitmore would not care so much for either the gambling or the what they were betting on.”

  “Perfect,” Ginny said out loud, but was thinking carefully on how she was going to get him to go along with her.

  “You're not mad, miss?”

  “Tabby, if I can pull this off, you'll be thirteen pounds richer. And I will teach those miscreants a lesson.”

  “Why should I get any of the money?”

  “You told me about the bet. Besides, I don't need it and you can put it away towards what you need to marry Lyle.”

  “You are far too good to me, miss.” She practically whispered the declaration.

  “Ha! I owe you a lot. Now, let's get me ready for bed so I can plot this thing out.”

  The next morning at breakfast, Ginny entered the dining room to find Lord Whitmore hiding behind his newspaper, sitting at the head of the table instead of across from where she usually sat. The only sign of life was a hand that would occasionally dart out to pick up his cup and then disappear behind the paper again.

  Pearce pulled out her chair. “Cook has made some very good sweet rolls this morning, miss. Would you care for one along with your usual breakfast?”

  “Now, Pearce, of course I would. I may even ask for another one if they are as good as you imply.”

  Pearce raised an eyebrow at her and quirked what may have been a smile before quickly regaining his composure. The butler disappeared behind the door.

  When no response came from behind the paper, Ginny spoke to no one in particular. “What a lovely day it is. How shall I spend my morning? Perhaps a walk along the trails into the countryside or I could go swimming in the lake again. The water was quite refreshing.”

  Finally, a face appeared from behind the paper. Ginny ignored it, staring at the wall instead. She examined a painting, a landscape in oil, with a practiced eye that she didn't truly possess. Honestly, they all looked the same to her sometimes. Finally, Whitmore lowered his paper, folded it neatly and cleared his throat.

  Turning her head suddenly at the noise, she quipped, “Lord Whitmore. I hadn't noticed you there. Have you been there all along?”

  “You do amuse yourself, do you not, Miss Hamilton?”

  “All the time,” she replied smiling. “I can't help thinking
that I must have done something to offend you. I didn't see you at breakfast yesterday. Nor did I see you all day for that matter. Then at dinner, you seated me at the far opposite end of the table from you. When the men returned from whatever it is you men do after dinner, you were conspicuously absent.”

  “I assure you, I was in no way offended by anything you did.” His curtness contradicted his reply. She needed his help, but was in no mood for games. To hell with him, she thought.

  Changing her tone to one of indifference, she said, “Good. I'm glad.”

  He gave her a perplexed look just as Pearce reappeared. He deposited her sweet role and coffee, bowed and returned to the kitchen. She took her time adding her sugar and cream, then sipping her coffee to make sure it was just right. Feeling like a child, she refused to look at him. She just kept sipping her coffee.

  “Bethany, are you angry with me?”

  Raising her eyes to the ceiling, she prayed for patience. Is he kidding? Men are so obtuse. “I was thinking of asking you the same thing, my lord.”

  Facing him again, she saw the look of conflict in his face. Oh God, she thought gloomily, does he want to marry me now? Closing her eyes and bowing her head, she thought it couldn't get any worse.

  “I had some business with my estate manager yesterday. I needed to make sure everything was set before I left in a few weeks. That is why you did not see me all day. As for dinner... many of the gentlemen mentioned that I was monopolizing your time. I thought it best to put you in a position where you might converse with the other guests.”

  She gazed at him for a moment. “I'm sorry. It sounded as if you were upset with me. I guess I get offended easily. Please forgive me.”

  Smiling with only half his mouth, he said, “I am sorry as well. I would not have you thinking you did anything wrong.”

  Trying to catch him while he was being so agreeable, she asked, “Colin. Do you think I might have a moment of your time today to discuss an issue I'm having with some of your guests?”

  “Of course. Can you not discuss it here?”

  “No, I would prefer somewhere we won't be overheard. Perhaps a turn in your gardens after breakfast?”

  “Certainly.”

  The rest of the breakfast was companionable. Whitmore discussed some of the articles he'd read, she told him about the doctor's visit. He watched her as she cleaned up her crumbs off the table and stacked her dishes neatly. He smiled at her consideration. When she completed her task, Whitmore pulled out her chair and provided his arm. When finally they were in the midst of the gardens, near the fountain in the center, she felt it was safe to ask for his help.

  “Colin, my maid found out that some of the gentlemen have a wager going.”

  Before she could continue, he spouted, “Clarendon, right?”

  “Yes. It's my understanding that he was the originator of the bet.”

  “What is it?” Ginny could tell by how he stiffened that he assumed it had to do with him. She was half tempted to ask, but decided against it. Better to just get this done.

  “Fifty pounds to the man I kiss first.”

  “What!” he bellowed. Gaining his composure, he asked, “Are you certain?”

  “The footman who provided the information to my maid was serving the drinks to those involved. So, yes, I'm sure.”

  Bowing his head, he reached up and rubbed his temples. “I will speak to Lord Clarendon directly after breakfast.”

  “No, I'm not asking you to do that. I have a better idea.”

  Searching her face for the hidden joke, he asked, “Better idea?”

  “Apparently, you are part of the bet. If I kiss you first, you win fifty pounds.”

  Incredulous, he asked, “You will kiss me, so I can win fifty pounds?”

  “Actually, I thought we could split the winnings. Twenty-five to you and twenty-five to me.”

  He pivoted on his heel and began to walk back to the house. Lifting her skirts, Ginny ran after him. “What? You don't like the idea.”

  Whitmore stopped so abruptly that Ginny ran right into his back. She noticed how strong his back felt, like hitting a muscled brick wall. It wasn't long before she was thinking how it would feel to run her hands up and down his back. Berating herself, she tuned her attention back to the current situation.

  “Miss Hamilton, surely you can not be serious. If I were to kiss you, or you me, it would indicate some sort of... understanding. I believe I have made myself clear that I do not wish to marry.”

  Groaning softly she said, “Dear God, Colin, it's just a kiss. It doesn't have to mean anything. And it can just be done in front of Clarendon. Even if everyone finds out, you can always deny it later and still be twenty-five pounds richer.”

  “I do not need twenty-five pounds, Miss Hamilton.” It couldn't be good that he was back to calling her Miss Hamilton, but Ginny forged on anyway.

  “Then let me put it another way. This is incredibly humiliating. As it is, I'm the most talked about guest in your house. All the women talk about me like I'm some sort of whore. All the men, well, since seeing me practically naked after saving that child talk about... well, you can guess.” Pausing to take a breath, she continued, “You don't want to get married and that's great. I don't either, but I don't have any choices. My parents fully expect me to be engaged before we leave here or I get to listen to endless hours of my mother listing all my inadequacies. Lord Clarendon has led me to believe he's interested, but obviously he's not if he makes up some stupid bet to encourage every other man to come after me. There can only be two reasons for that: One, I'm not worthy enough unless all men desire me and Clarendon likes a challenge or two, he's not interested at all and is trying valiantly to pawn me off on someone else.”

  Whitmore didn't mention the third possibility that Clarendon was more interested in her as a future lover than a present wife. Regardless, he was starting to see her point of view. Any of the possibilities were humiliating and could potentially cause a scandal that she would not survive.

  “Look. I understand if you don't want to do it, but don't you dare dismiss me as if I'm being ridiculous. It's so damn easy to take the moral high road when you have a fabulous holiday to look forward to. I guess the view isn't so great from the cheap seats.” With that, knowing full well he didn't understand a word she just said, she walked away. Instead of heading back to the house, she walked quickly to the back of the gardens, heading toward the hedge maze. She thought she was forever turned off to the idea of going through the maze after listening to the cackle of giggly hens get lost and scream for help. Right now, she needed the privacy that being lost could afford.

  She entered the maze and made as many twists and turns she could to ensure that it would take her a while to get back out. Once she calmed down a bit, she strolled around quietly, not really trying to find her way out. It just doesn't make any sense, she realized. She'd read over a dozen of those books and couldn't remember a single time where she couldn't figure out who the mega couple were. Sure she might already be engaged or the mega hunk would have some competition, but it was always so obvious who the heroine would eventually knock boots with.

  Was she supposed to kiss Colin and then he would realize that he loved her and wanted to marry her? Would Miles be so jealous of seeing her kiss Colin that he would come to his senses and try to make it up to her? Maybe she takes a step down and marries Dr. Cummings, not that her real mother would ever have thought of marrying a doctor as “stepping down.” Was there someone she hadn't even met yet?

  So lost in her thoughts, Ginny didn't even realize she was at the entrance of the maze. Looking around, she realized she made it in and out without even thinking. That certainly didn't explain why the chattering hens had gotten lost. God knew they never gave any thought to anything, except maybe their clothes and hair. Their brains were so vacuous that even light couldn't escape.

  Walking back to the house, tired and defeated, Ginny figured she would spend the day in her room. She wasn't in t
he mood to entertain a bunch of guys who were only interested in winning a bet. And she didn't feel like joining in the festivities of a bunch of immature girls. Maybe she could seek out Miss Jones. The woman was smartly keeping to herself. It would give her someone to talk to, about something other than marriage. That sounded great to Ginny.

  As she was climbing the steps to the outside terrace, she heard his voice. “May I speak to you in my study, Miss Hamilton?”

  “Sure,” she replied, preceding Lord Whitmore into the house. He followed closely behind her as she walked into his study. Closing the door, he motioned her to the leather armchairs.

  “I have given a lot of thought to what you said in the garden. And though I am not enthusiastic about your plan, I understand why you want to do it. Relieving those men of their money would have a certain level of revenge attached to it.”

  Ginny remained silent. She wasn't sure if he was offering to do it or just saying he understood why she wanted to do it. Either way, she knew to let him get to it in his own time.

  “After dinner, I will ask Clarendon to meet me in the garden to discuss some estate business. I often go out to smoke, so he will not think anything of it. You will meet me by the Diana statue on the east side of the garden. He will discover us there.”

  Holy crap, he's gonna do it, she thought merrily. A small smile formed on her face. She was about to thank him when he said, “Do not thank me, Miss Hamilton. I do this as a favor to you, as my friend. As long as we both know that it means nothing, it will be well worth seeing the look on Clarendon's face when he discovers us.”

  “Indeed. Thank you anyway. I promise I won't be following you around, falling in love with you over one kiss.”

  Smiling in return now, he stated, “You have never been kissed by me, so how can you say that?”

  Uh-oh, Colin is back to flirting. “I guess you're not that charming, my lord.”

  The smile on his face spoke of meeting challenges left on his doorstep. “You best go. I have a lot of work to do today. Tonight, then?