Her Impetuous Rakehell

by Aileen Fish

  “Mama, he’s here on grave circumstance,” Hannah said.

  Lady B grew pale. “It’s not David. Or Joanna?”

  “No.” Laurence rushed to assure her. “My cousin and his wife were lost in the uprisings in Huddersfield. I find myself with a title and a ward.”

  Raising her fingertips to her lips, her eyes widening, Lady B gasped. “The poor child. Will you go to her?”

  “She is here, Mama.” Hannah pointed toward the ceiling.

  “Ah, I see. Is the young lady resting after her long journey?”

  Laurence smiled. “The ‘young lady’ and her nursemaid are enjoying some biscuits and milk. Their arrival was quite unexpected, and I find myself with no place for them to live.” He wasn’t going to repeat his refusal to stay at the castle. Lady B had known him since he was a boy. She’d realize how unsuitable that was without his mention.

  “I’m happy we may help.” Lady B turned to look at her eldest son. “Knightwick, you will have Mr. Soames seek suitable lodging for a small family. In Mayfair, perhaps?”

  Laurence nodded. “I’ve instructed my solicitor to handle that matter, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself. I was hoping you could interview applicants for a nursemaid position. I have no idea what qualities I should look for.”

  Hannah explained about Molly’s desire to return to her family. “I can help you, Mama. You know how I love to study people. I will search out their better qualities and their worst so we might be certain little Louisa has the best of care.”

  “That sounds delightful. Come, Hannah, we shall send a note to the agency at once.” She swept out of the room in her usual grand flurry, the countess in all her glory.

  Knightwick remained with Laurence. “Do you think it best to have the girl live under your roof? Wouldn’t she be better off in the country?”

  Laurence couldn’t stop his scowl. “You can’t believe I’d be parading my mistresses up the staircase each night. Nor hosting games of cards in my drawing room.”

  Knightwick chuckled. “No, I suppose not. More to the fact, I’ve never known you to keep a mistress. I just can’t see you caring for a child.”

  “I’ve had enough practice with the Lumley brood. Besides, isn’t that what a nursemaid is for? My job is to provide a secure home and keep away the rakes when she’s old enough to marry.”

  “It’s not quite that simple, although many would say that’s enough.”

  Longing hit Laurence, making a hollow pit in his gut. “I have some memories of my mother singing to me, reading fantastic tales, before she changed. I imagine Lady Oakhurst did the same for Louisa. My father taught me to ride.” He smiled and glanced at Knightwick. “I will ask your sister-in-law to take on that duty, as I never learned to ride aside.”

  Knightwick returned the grin. “Yes, Joanna would be more than suited to the task, although you might ask her to end the lessons before she shows the child how to jump. We’ll find you a calm pony when she is ready to learn.”

  “That seems more a country activity, though.” Laurence gritted his teeth. London in the summer was nearly unbearable due to the heat. He only tolerated it because he slept most of the day after being at the club all night. Louisa might prefer to be in the country.

  Sleeping all day would be a thing of the past, now. If he continued to do that he might as well send the girl to the castle like an unwanted burden. He closed his eyes for a moment. In no way was he going to let Louisa believe she was a burden. She deserved so much more than the childhood Laurence had had. “I’m not quite certain where she should spend the summer.”

  Knightwick nodded. “Most of the families will have returned to the country. Is the castle in good repair?”

  “I’ve not been there since before Louisa was born. I imagine money from the mill wasn’t enough to keep up with the repairs. I suppose I can send someone to ascertain its suitability. They were residing in it, so it must be livable.” He shook his head, again dreading what he feared was the only choice before him. “Can you see me wasting my life away in the north?”

  “You never seemed to mind summers at Bridgethorpe Manor when we were young.”

  “That was different. That’s all we had. All we needed. And besides, Cheshire is nowhere near as smoky and, well, industrial as Yorkshire.”

  “Are you saying you need your club and the gaming hells to survive the summer? Again I ask if you believe having that child live with you is wise.”

  “She isn’t ‘that child,’ she is Louisa. She is family.” He sighed as emotions he’d kept buried for many years rose and threatened to close his throat. “She and I are all the family either of us has left. I won’t let her feel as lonely as I did at school.”

  Laurence rose and strode to the window to burn away the uncomfortable feelings inside him. “Your family treated me as one of you, and I will be forever grateful for all you offered me.”

  “You were another brother as far as we were concerned. What was one more, with all the children running about?”

  He was grateful once more for Knightwick’s treating the matter so casually. Knightwick and David were already wild when they’d become friends, playing practical jokes on the field hands or grooms at Bridgethorpe Manor, so Laurence’s contributions were probably not even noticed.

  “I imagine I’ll require your mother’s‑or Lady Hannah’s‑assistance often in the weeks to come. There will be clothing to purchase, toys…they arrived with only one small bag for Louisa.”

  “My mother will be happy to help you.” Knightwick’s emphasis was clear. “My sister is determined to find a suitable husband by the end of the Season, and it appears she’s hopeful about one man in particular. Being seen with you won’t do her any favors.”

  Laurence grinned, placing his hand over his heart. “You wound me. You make me sound like some starving wolf eyeing a tasty snack.”

  “My sister is not a dalliance. Not yours, or any other man. Don’t play games with me on this. When it concerns my sisters, I have no humor.”

  ~*~

  Mama held up the note she’d written to the light from the window. “I think this will do. Ring for a footman to deliver it, Hannah. I’ve stressed the urgency in the matter.”

  Hannah did so, and returned to her seat. “It’s a pity Louisa’s nursemaid won’t stay on at least a little while longer. The child has lost so much, it would be better for her to have something familiar in her life.”

  “Even if she were still at home, the familiarity wouldn’t make up for the fact her parents are missing. Only time will help her adjust to that,” Mama said.

  “Do you suppose anyone we know has brought their younger children with them to London? Perhaps she can make some friends.”

  “I can ask Lady Tamwick who she recommends. Or you might take Louisa for a walk in Hyde Park in the morning and see who’s about.”

  Hannah had to smile. Such a silly idea. What was her mother thinking? “I suppose I could ask the nursemaids we encounter whose family the children belong to…”

  Mama shook her head. “Oh, dear, I didn’t think that through. Well, we’ll think of something.”

  Knightwick entered the morning room where the ladies sat. “Oakhurst will be requesting your help regarding the child’s wardrobe and personal things.”

  “Lord Oakhurst,” Mama repeated. “It will take some time to know of whom you speak. He’ll always be Laurence to me. I’ll be happy to shop for him.”

  “Oh yes, that will be fun,” Hannah added.

  “Come to think of it, we probably have some of Lucy-Anne’s old gowns tucked away in the attic. We’ll have one of the maids search for them.”

  “There are some dolls and hoops, too, that no one plays with,” Hannah said, getting excited about being able to help Louisa cheer up.

  “I’m sure Oakhurst will buy what is needed,” Knightwick insisted. “Louisa isn’t a foundling. At least where money is concerned, she’ll be well provided for. I have some business of my own to t
end to, but I will be home for supper.”

  “Should we ask Lord Oakhurst to join us? Perhaps he’ll wish to see Louisa before she retires for the night. I assume she’ll stay here until he has a suitable home?”

  Knightwick nodded. “I’ve extended the offer for his ward. However, I don’t think it wise to have him about while Hannah is here.”

  Hannah’s lips parted in surprise. “He might not be a brother by blood, but everyone knows he is practically family.”

  Mama laughed. “Knightwick, you sound like your father. Hannah’s character won’t suffer if we continue our friendship with Laurence.”

  “You needn’t worry,” Hannah explained. “I’m certain Lord Downham will be asking for my hand before we leave London next month, and if not him, then Mr. Tatum.”

  Mama’s eyes lit up. “Has Tatum said something to make you think so?”

  “Not in so many words, be he’s so very attentive, and dances with me every evening.”

  “There are three or four gentlemen who are attentive. You ride in Hyde Park with a different caller each afternoon. Then there are those who send flowers. You are quite the diamond, my dear girl.”

  Knightwick slipped away quietly.

  Hannah wrapped a stray lock of hair around her finger. “I’m not nearly as pretty as the Sanderson sisters. And Amelia is quite lovely, and she sings beautifully.”

  “Thankfully there are some young men who haven’t gone off to fight the French Menace, so you and your friends will find husbands.” Sitting back in her wooden chair, she sighed. “And then I’ll have several years at home before we start again with the twins.”

  Patience and Madeleine were more than anxious to have their Seasons, but at fifteen, they were too young to attend the balls and assemblies. Their family held an annual ball in the local village where all the children were allowed to dance, and for now that would be enough.

  The small clock on the mantle chimed. Hannah rose. “Amelia will be here shortly. I must get ready.”

  Wearing her favorite straw bonnet with the yellow ribbons than matched those on her gown, Hannah waited to speak until she and Amelia were well away from the house, their maids trailing behind them. “You’ll never guess the news I have. Mr. Pierce is now Lord Oakhurst.”

  “No! Will that change his wild ways, do you suppose?”

  Hannah held Amelia’s gaze for a moment before they both burst out laughing. “I cannot see that ever happening.” She sobered when Louisa came to mind. She told her friend about the child. “It makes me so sad to look at her. She rarely smiles unless she in playing with an old doll I found. I believe she’s pretending to be her mama.”

  “I can’t imagine losing one’s family so young.”

  “Nor I. Mama will interview nursemaids for Louisa. Oakhurst is looking for a home here in Town where he and Louisa shall live.”

  Amelia stepped around an older couple walking slowly, then said, “Oh, yes, he can’t take the girl to Albany with all the bachelors there. Where is she staying now?”

  Hannah explained the rest of the details about the changes in Laurence’s life. By then they’d arrived at their first call. Trying hard to remain attentive to their host for the entire fifteen minutes proper manners required them to stay, Hannah found herself studying the other guests in the room. One of the young ladies she knew to have a beau, but the other two hadn’t taken anyone’s notice. Lady Henrietta Thompson was a sweet girl but not meek, and among the prettiest of the ladies in Town this Season. Her father’s estate was said to be penniless, so the only gentlemen likely to consider her were wealthy ones looking to improve their position in Society by associating themselves with a title.

  Laurence had his own title now, and he was far beyond wealthy enough to need to consider his bride’s income. What he needed was some respectability to improve his reputation in the eyes of the ton. Lady Henrietta would be a perfect wife for him.

  Hannah said so the moment she and Amelia left.

  “Is he looking to marry?”

  “No, he is looking for a nursemaid, but what he really needs is a woman to see to his household. He has no experience with running a house. Besides, Louisa is so sweet. She should have a mother to dote on her.”

  Amelia’s eyes narrowed as she studied Hannah. “I can’t believe you’d consider any friend of ours to marry that man.”

  “You don’t know him as I do. He’s always been so kind to my sisters and me, and mother is quite taken with him. He flirts with her quite shamelessly at times, I admit. He’s truly harmless, however. I honestly can’t believe why anyone would speak ill of him.”

  “You sound quite smitten yourself. Perhaps you should consider becoming Lady Oakhurst.”

  “I’d sooner marry one of my brothers. He is a brother to me. I’d be so pleased if he married one of my friends so I could continue to see him throughout our lives.” She burst out laughing. “You should marry him. Then we’d be certain we’ll stay close after we leave London.”

  “We’ll always stay friends. However, I might have news of my own about marriage, soon.”

  “Truly? Mr. Young has spoken to your father? I’m so happy for you.”

  Amelia looked as if she’d float off like a soap bubble. “He hasn’t yet, but I am certain he will.”

  Hannah wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed. “I’m so happy for you. I know how much you’ve feared not finding a husband.”

  “Papa insists he won’t pay for another Season. I was afraid I would have to accept any man who asked, but I’m so lucky that Mr. Young is that man. I can’t imagine being happier.”

  Sighing, Hannah said, “I hope to be as lucky as you. I want to be madly in love with the man I marry.”

  Chapter Three

  Wearing her pale blue gown with silver lace overskirt, her hair plaited with narrow silver lace ribbons, Hannah felt quite the thing at Lady Kettlemore’s ball. Apparently Lord Downham agreed, as he’d remained at her side since his arrival, barring the few times he’d danced with other ladies to keep Hannah’s reputation out of the scandal broth.

  Hannah was too distracted to pay him much attention. In between dance sets, she studied the young ladies in order to make her list of suitable matches for Laurence. She leaned closer to Amelia, who stood beside her with Mr. Young, and pointed with her fan. “Do you know who that lady is? The one dancing with Everton.”

  Amelia stood on her toes to see around the matron in front of her. “Miss Robb? She is a sweet thing. I don’t know if she would be capable of surviving the on dits that would come from associating with a rakehell.”

  “I fear anyone who is able to withstand the stares and whispers will have a legion of titled, wealthy beaux battling over her hand. Mama will have a better chance finding him a nursemaid, I hope.”

  Lord Downham cleared his throat, holding out his arm. “This is our dance, Lady Hannah.” He stood stiffly, as usual, reminding her of a statue. His handsome features were classic, as if he’d been carved by Michelangelo. He was lovely to look at.

  “Pardon? Oh, yes, I see they are about to begin.” She enjoyed being seen on his arm. She took his elbow and allowed him to lead her into the lines of dancers, where they took their spot. While circling about and crossing over to dance with other gentlemen, Hannah studied the grace of the women dancers, mentally adding a few to her list. So far she had only three names, and two of those were merely somewhat suitable.

  “You are very distracted this evening,” Downham said.

  “I, uh, am considering a new hairstyle and wish to see what the others are wearing. My maid is young and could use some assistance.”

  “I thought it looked quite lovely this evening. You are a vision, as always.”

  They separated and Hannah glanced at the ladies watching from the outskirts of the dance floor. That would never do. Laurence needed a desirable match, not one who would otherwise go unnoticed.

  The dance steps brought her back to Downham and she made certain she smiled hi
s way. “Did you enjoy your visit to Newmarket? Did you choose the winning horse?”

  “I was a fool to wager against a Lumley horse. Your brother’s entries are unbeatable.”

  Pride swept through her in a warm rush. “David does have a good eye for quality.” She didn’t add how her sister-in-law’s training helped. Gentlemen were leery of trusting a woman’s touch in such matters, so the Lumleys kept Joanna’s efforts to themselves.

  When their set of dances ended, Hannah took Downham’s arm and looked for Amelia. Had she returned to where their mothers stood?

  “Lady Hannah, it’s quite warm in here. Perhaps you’d enjoy a stroll outside.”

  At the recent assemblies, Downham had been increasingly persistent in wanting Hannah to join him somewhere away from the other guests. She knew why. While she’d wondered what his kisses would be like, she wasn’t quite ready to find out. Amelia had told her how exciting the first time was, and how the feeling seemed to blossom with each further kiss, but Amelia only had eyes for one man. Hannah hadn’t made her final choice yet.

  She searched for an excuse. “I had a question for Mama. Perhaps we might wait until later to see the gardens.”

  Upon reaching her mother, Lord Downham bowed and excused himself, to Hannah’s relief. She couldn’t think of anything to ask Mama that couldn’t wait until the morning. Now she could get back to looking for a bride for Laurence.

  Her brother Trey approached, his eyes searching the people around then.

  “Whom do you seek?” She asked.

  “Hmm?” He jumped, then calmly slicked his hair back with one hand. “No one. I was merely seeing who had come tonight.”

  She knew better than that. “You know she’s smitten with someone.”

  Trey’s smile wavered. “Has an engagement been announced?”

  “No. It doesn’t matter. She loves someone else, Trey.”

  He nodded once. “Just so long as she’s happy.” A few minutes later, he approached a quiet girl standing to one side, and danced the next set with her.