A Fair Pretender

by Janet Woods

  Harriet gave a loud gasp.

  ‘For the past few weeks I’ve listened to your endless discussions on how my money is to be spent after the wedding takes place. My wealth is not yours to spend. It will never be yours to spend.’

  ‘Hah! May I remind you that when you are wed, your fortune will belong to my son.’

  ‘You need not remind me, for I have heard it too often from your lips. Your greed is obvious. I have come to a decision. If I marry your son I will not share a house with you, for a home can have only one mistress, and that mistress will be me.’

  John’s eyes began to shine as he looked upon her with admiration.

  Evelyn turned an unsmiling countenance his way and gave a slight shrug. ‘For a man of the church I find you oddly lacking in charity, John. I can only imagine it’s your mother’s influence. I’ve decided that marrying for the sake of convenience is not a good idea at this time, and I intend to postpone the nuptials indefinitely. In the meantime, I will set up my own establishment with my sister, who will be endowed with half of my fortune––something I believe she’s entitled too. It will help her to make a suitable match for herself.’

  Saville’s breath hissed between his teeth.

  Harriet’s hand flapped against her chest and she moaned. ‘I knew no good would come of this.’

  ‘You cannot,’ Graine whispered, unbelievingly, ‘I don’t deserve it.’

  ‘You do not have to deserve it.’ Evelyn’s smile was tender as she gazed at her. ‘You’re my sister and I love you. I’m so glad to find you’re still alive, that my heart is full to bursting.’ Tears in her eyes she turned towards Saville. ‘I was wondering, My Lord. Do you know of a respectable establishment that will furnish my sister and myself with rooms?’

  Saville gave her a little bow. ‘There’s one I can personally recommend, Miss Adams, and Graine became the recipient of a stinging glance. ‘I’ll be happy to convey you and your sister there.’

  ‘Don’t forget, should you not honor the betrothal contract, there will be a penalty to pay,’ Harriet warned, in as hectoring a voice, as she dared.

  ‘I think not, mama,’ John Lamartine said, ‘For Evelyn has not refused to wed me, she has merely postponed it.’

  ‘You’re a fool if you think that.’

  ‘Which is not too bad a thing to be. If Miss Adams does dismiss my suite she will not be penalized, for I’m a sorry wretch who doesn’t deserve to have her. Indeed, I consider myself a poor husband for any woman. I should have told her about her sister as soon as I heard.’

  Saville lips twitched when he gazed at his cousin, and a spark of amusement came into his eyes when John avowed. ‘I must use the time to try and improve myself, so to change the opinion Evelyn has formed of me. In fact, once she is settled, I hope she’ll grant me permission to call on her.’

  There was a modicum of surprise in the glance Evelyn turned his way, and a spark of interest now. ‘I will certainly consider the matter.’

  ‘You would choose this woman over your own mother?’ Harriet said, her chin thrusting forward belligerently.

  ‘I only have one mother, for whom I shall always hold great affection and respect.’ He smiled at Evelyn, ‘And if I wed, I will only have one wife, who shall be honored above all others, as the vows of matrimony dictate.’

  ‘Perhaps you’d allow me to continue to handle the negotiations between you whilst I remain in London,’ Saville murmured delicately, and Graine smiled at the thought he would still be connected to her in some small way.

  ‘Hurrumph!’ Harriet said, and, rendered speechless at last, subsided on to a chair in a billow of purple skirts.

  Beside her, Evelyn drew in a deep, satisfied breath. ‘I’d be grateful for your help, My Lord. And if you would oversee the division of our father’s estate between my sister and myself, as well, I would be eternally grateful.’

  Saville gave a slightly reluctant nod. ‘I’ll draw up the necessary papers.’

  ‘No, you mustn’t,’ Graine said. ‘I cannot allow Evelyn to do this for I do not deserve her consideration.’

  ‘I request that you be quiet, Miss … Seaton, isn’t it?’ The barely concealed savagery in his voice bode her nothing but ill and the expression in his eyes was glacial. ‘The least we hear from you at this moment, the better.’

  Stung to the core, she whispered his name.

  ‘From now on, if you’re called upon to address me it will be with the respect due to my position. I would prefer it though, if I was never again in proximity close enough to be addressed by you at all.’

  ‘There,’ Harriet snapped, rallying to the cause of righteousness. ‘That will teach you to try and deceive your betters, girl.’

  Saville’s lips tightened a fraction. ‘Do you understand, Miss Seaton?’

  ‘Of course’, she whispered, then added when he stared coldly down his nose at her, ‘My Lord.’

  Everything seemed to shrivel inside her. Her joy at Evelyn’s survival had been earned by the loss of Saville’s regard. Why had she embarked on such a web of dishonesty and deceit? The only one in this room who didn’t condemn her for it was Evelyn, her beloved sister. Her sister! Dear God, thank you for restoring her to me, and if I must exchange Saville’s love for her life, than I’ll rejoice in her survival and suffer the punishment of my presumption and pride.’

  When she bit down on a sob Evelyn took her hand in comfort. ‘No doubt the earl wishes to discuss the situation with his family. We’ll retire to my chamber, and whilst I pack we will exchange our stories of how we escaped from the clutches of the sea.’ She gazed at Saville. ‘I do not have much, so it will not take me long. Perhaps you’d let us know when you’re ready to depart.’

  Saville nodded.

  Passing him was the hardest thing Graine had ever done. The tension in him seemed to reach out and enfold her, so the sob she’d retained, swelled in her throat and cut off the air. She imagined he wanted to reach out his arms, wind his fingers around her throat and strangle her. Her head seemed to buzz with the pressure of it and her body trembled uncontrollably. She couldn’t help but give him a glance. He hitched in a tiny breath when their eyes met. In the same instant, the spark of regret she saw there swiftly became cruel disdain.

  I’ll never love another, she thought, and hoped he could sense the burden of pain within her at deceiving him, and take comfort from it. Then they were past and the door behind them was firmly closed. She drew in a deep, quivering breath.

  Evelyn took her in a hug when they reached her chamber, a plainly furnished, threadbare room of small proportions. ‘My dearest Graine, we have much to talk about and it must wait until we are settled. The disaster has taught me that life is precious. We must strive to make the most of it and be happy. From now on, you will want for nothing.’

  Except Saville Lamartine, the Earl of Sedgley, Graine thought, and deep inside her she discovered a well of bitter tears for the love she’d lost.

  * * * *

  Saville took the reins of the carriage as it conveyed them back to the hub of the city. He drove with his usual patience, his control of himself absolute, and with no indication of his mood betrayed.

  They were good horses, well schooled. He smiled when he remembered his Eve coming into the grounds of Rushford at full pelt that day, driving the carriage and greys. She’d been near panic as she’d tried to slow the horses.

  But no, the girl was no longer his Eve, he angrily told himself. She was Graine Seaton, the bastard daughter of a womanizer and his doxy. She was a deceiver, a liar and an opportunist who’d turned out to be totally untrustworthy. How could he have allowed her to dupe him when the signs of her deception had been all too apparent? He hardened his heart against her.

  As for the real Evelyn Adams, Saville had taken a liking to her immediately. Describing her as plain was unfair. He could see how her quiet demeanor would make her unobtrusive, but she had fine eyes and brows, and her warm smile when she’d set eyes on her sister, had been uplifting
.

  The woman had a big heart, and had possessed the courage to stand up to Harriet in Graine’s defence. Sister or not, he must caution Miss Adams about the girl’s sly trickery and he intended to delay the division of her fortune as long as possible in case she came to her senses.

  Surprisingly, John had stood up to his mother as well on this occasion. In fact, his cousin had surprised him with his eloquence. Harriet had been beside herself with fury after the sisters had left the room, and uncomplimentary in her assessment of Miss Adams as well as Graine Seaton.

  ‘Mother dear, John had said, seemingly unruffled by her tirade. ‘Before you pass judgment on others perhaps you should examine your own character traits. I will not hear another word said against Miss Adams. Furthermore, what has taken place here today will remain confidential, unless you want us to become a laughing-stock.’

  Saville’s attention became totally absorbed in negotiating the increasingly crowded road. When they reached the city he was thankful for such a steady team when a dog chased a squealing cat practically under their hooves.

  When they drew up outside of his London home he smiled at Evelyn and helped her from the carriage. ‘My home and staff is yours for as long as you wish. I will introduce you to my housekeeper.’

  He turned to offer Graine his hand, because to slight her would be bad manners. Her hand was cold and trembling. He had an urge to warm it between his, but she snatched it away before he could succumb to the temptation.

  The introduction didn’t take long. Afterwards, he called for his man- servant. ‘I’ll be living at the home of The Marquess of Falhampton for a while. Have my things sent around as soon as possible.’ He kissed Evelyn’s hand. ‘I’ll be in touch, Miss Adams.’

  ‘Thank you My Lord. You’ve been most gracious under the circumstances. Truly, I’m grateful for your assistance.’

  ‘The pleasure is mine.’

  Graine was the object of only a cursory glance, for he couldn’t bear to see the wounded expression in her eyes. She’d been badly bloodied in the skirmish, and mostly it was his doing. She’d deserved it, but he couldn’t feel good about it, however justified it was.

  ‘Good-bye, Miss Seaton,’ he said and, turning on his heel, left her standing there––the girl he’d fallen in love with almost a stranger to him now.

  Chapter Eleven

  Evelyn was delighted to be parted from Harriet Lamartine, a woman she considered to be vexatious and overbearing. No wonder John retreated into his study every chance he got.

  She was overjoyed by Graine’s survival, and pleased the secret of their relationship was finally revealed. How silly of them both to wait for so long, each knowing, and neither able to confide in the other. There would be secrets between them no more, for Evelyn intended to publicly acknowledge their relationship.

  Graine would also have everything money could buy her. In London society wealth bought invitations from the curious, and from those who were financially insecure enough to require a partner of means. In fact, they had hardly installed themselves in Saville’s house when the first invitation put in an appearance.

  ‘It’s from Lady Salmsley. She’s the wife of Bishop Salmsley, who is John Lamartine’s superior,’ Evelyn told her, looking pleased. ‘She has invited us to take tea with her.’

  ‘Considering my notoriety, that’s kind of her,’ Graine said absently, which caused Evelyn to gaze searchingly at her. Her sister was gazing at a portrait of the previous earl, which hung over the fireplace. There was a faraway look in her eyes.

  Evelyn followed her glance. It was odd to think this man had been a friend of their father. He was handsome, with a devil-may-care twinkle in his eyes and a fleshy lower lip. His son was like him, except his chin possessed a firmer set, his mouth was broader and his eyes held a directness the father’s lacked. ‘The son resembles the father,’ she murmured, which brought a smile to soften Graine’s mouth.

  ‘There is a likeness, of course, but Saville is more handsome, more honest, and much kinder than his father could ever have been.’

  Concern growing in her eyes, Evelyn said to her, ‘My dearest Graine, am I to understand from your expression that you’ve fallen in love with the Earl of Sedgely?’

  Unhappiness wracked the girl’s expression as she murmured, ‘The earl could have any woman he chose. Why would he be interested in a girl who had deceived him and proved herself to be a liar in his eyes? I have made it impossible for me to love him. I dare not love him, in fact, for to do so would cause me too much pain and suffering.’

  Although a bright smile was forced to Graine’s face Evelyn could plainly see the pain behind the effort, as her sister attempted to tease her. ‘What about John Lamartine? I have the feeling you are not wholly adverse to his company, despite your hard words to him.’

  Evelyn was happy to talk about her growing feelings for John. ‘I admire John greatly. He lacks greed or guile, and is of a gentle and compassionate nature. He is a man of habit who likes everything to be just so and has a great liking for his own company.’

  ‘He is set in his ways then?’ Graine said, and Evelyn looked at her in some surprise.

  ‘Of course he is, for he’s been a bachelor for too long. His study is an escape from his mother, who has always domineered him.’

  ‘And you’ll wed him, knowing this?’

  ‘If he asks me, and I’m certain he will.’ She laughed. ‘When we are wed, John shall be coaxed out of his hiding place and become the man he should be.’

  ‘And how will you achieve this miracle with his mother opposing you. The dreaded Harriet will not be parted from her authority easily?’

  ‘John will be encouraged to stand up to his mamma. She will be set up in her own establishment, of a distance to discourage visits on foot.’

  ‘Can you change a man’s attitude when it’s been ingrained in him since birth?’ Graine asked her. ‘Can you make a man dispense with his pride?’

  Evelyn gave a soft, exasperated sigh, for it was the pride John had already lost that she wanted him to regain. But she knew her sister wasn’t thinking of John, but of the earl. ‘You know very well that you cannot. But what a man says or shows when he’s angry or disappointed is not always what he feels inside. At such times, perhaps the softness of a woman can turn a man’s pride towards the positive.’

  Hope flared in Graine’s eyes and Evelyn thought: However much she denies it, Graine is in love with Saville Lamartine. Although she doubted if the earl would ever forgive her sister for her deception, she was determined to throw them together as much as possible. She waved the invitation in the air and smiled. ‘We shall buy ourselves a new wardrobe apiece. A dressmaking establishment has been recommended to me––owned by a Mrs Phillips.’

  Graine’s laugh contained a hint of her former merriment, her expression was filled with mock horror when she suggested, ‘Not by Harriet Lamartine, surely? She resembled a purple sofa when last we met. I was tempted to sit on her lap, except she was too formidable a dowager to approach without courting danger.’

  Evelyn shouldn’t have laughed, but she couldn’t help herself. ‘It was one of the maids. Millie, I think her name was. Or was it Mollie?’

  ‘Millie, I expect. But whichever it was, we will go where they recommend, for they are both good with fashion and the latest hairstyles. Your hair is arranged quite beautifully.’

  ‘I will instruct her to style yours too, for your present style is too severe for such a sweet face.’

  Graine shrugged. She didn’t really care how dowdy she looked. There was nobody to admire her now. She had to admit though, Evelyn had improved greatly in appearance. Without the constant sunshine her skin had lightened, and Millie’s skills had softened her appearance. Her eyes sparkled now she had a purpose in life and was free of the indolent living common to the West Indian plantations. Along with her improved appearance, Evelyn had also gained in confidence, something which came as a constant surprise to Graine, though her own was now sadly lacki
ng.

  Perhaps she should allow one of the Perkins’ sisters to dress her hair too. Whilst Jessie did her best, by trade she was not a lady’s maid. But Graine couldn’t order her to step aside for another, not when Saville had generously allowed her to remain in attendance on her. Reasonably, he could have been expected to withdraw all maid services completely. Also, it was obvious word had not filtered down to the staff, for as guests, they were treated with the utmost deference by the servants.

  What became equally obvious was that Charlotte had been informed of her transgression and subsequent fall from grace before they’d left on that fateful visit to John Lamartine’s house. Charlotte must have been affronted by the whole affair, for she’d departed without a word of farewell. Graine had penned her a note of apology, asking one of the footmen to deliver it personally into Charlotte’s own hands.

  It was several days before she received a reply––a reply that was delivered by Charlotte herself.

  Nervously, Graine presented herself when she was summoned to the drawing room, and drooped like a limp cabbage leaf when she was impaled with a stare of utter disgust.

  Charlotte said without preamble. ‘How could you treat my brother so shabbily? He offered you his hearth and home, even risked his own life to save yours on occasion. He opened his very heart to you, only to have it spurned by a girl of low birth, one not fit to lick his boots clean. Why … I don’t even know why I’m bothering to call on you. Have you no sense of shame?’

  ‘I didn’t––’

  ‘Be quiet, girl. I have not had my say. How you must have laughed behind his back as you led him on to betray him. How you must have enjoyed having myself, a marchioness, dance attendance on you night and day, feel pity for you, and lend an ear to your confidences. Fie, girl! You took us both in.’

  Tears filled Graine’s eyes and she hung her head in shame.

  Charlotte hissed at her. ‘Ah … so you do have some remorse left inside you then.’