by Amelia Grey
“As you say, but never mind the viscount. How did it go with your father? I tried to warn you not to be so free with your kisses, Mirabella, more than once. I simply don’t recognize you anymore.”
“I hardly recognize myself. It’s most unfortunate that Camden chose a most inopportune time to return.”
“I’ll say. I’ve been in a dither about this all day. Couldn’t eat a bite, knowing I failed you and your father.”
“Actually, Uncle, you have failed no one. You can relax and not worry. Everything has been worked out satisfactorily.”
“Does that mean your father is sending you to the country to be with your aunt Helen?”
“Dear me, no. Lord Stonehurst and I have worked everything out. He and I have decided not to break our engagement, and my father doesn’t know anything about what happened last evening. I intend to keep it that way.”
“What a turn of events.” Archer shook his head absently. “Last night, when I left, I would have sworn on the Holy Book that your life would be a shambles and you would be in tears today. What’s this all about?”
She promised Camden she would tell no one, but would have loved to confide everything to Archer. But she would keep her vow of silence. “We talked and made some decisions. Lord Stonehurst and I understand each other, and we are in full agreement that we will be married next spring as planned.”
Archer’s face flamed red and his eyes bulged. “I don’t believe it. It can’t be true. I saw—he saw you in the arms of another man. The last time that happened to him he sailed for America within a month.”
“Shh, Uncle, please.” She put a finger to her lips. “Lower your voice. I’ve kept my behavior from Papa this long and now that things are worked out, I don’t intend for him to overhear your outbursts.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, pulling his handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing his forehead. “Tell me how. Why? I don’t understand. I came here fully prepared to tell your father that I would marry you to save your reputation from complete ruination.”
Shock caught in her throat. Her uncle was far too old for her to even consider such an arrangement. She gave him a grateful smile. “What a dear you are, but as you can see, your chivalry is not needed. Lord Stonehurst is a very astute and understanding man. Quite modern, too, I might add. I simply told him the truth.” Part of it. “I had given up all hope of being a bride, but I didn’t want to go through life never being kissed.”
“And he accepted that?”
“With what I’ve just told you, do you doubt it’s true?”
“No, no. Not at all,” he said, mopping his face, though there was no sign of perspiration. “I—just—I’m surprised that he accepted your explanation so quickly. But, as you said, he is a man of modern times. No doubt the Americans with their loose ways got to him.”
Mirabella laughed. “You are so flustered, Uncle, you aren’t making sense.”
“Well, dear girl, I have reason to be perplexed. I thought I would come here tonight and have to explain to your father why your reputation was in shambles and beg him to forgive me for not taking better care of you. Yes, I believe this has quite undone me.”
She smiled. “Not to worry now,” she said with complete confidence.
“And I am happy about that, but you’re not dressed. Why aren’t you ready to go out to the parties tonight?”
“Lord Stonehurst thought it best if he and I stay away from the parties until the Chesterfields have their grand soiree on Saturday evening. You and I will go to the ballroom as planned. We will wait in the entrance until Lord Stonehurst comes for me. We shall attend that ball together and others. We want to show Society that all is well with us.”
“A very good idea. But I will continue to be your chaperone and not let you out of my sight for a moment. No more trips to the garden for you.”
“Absolutely, Uncle.”
“Good.”
“Now, Papa wants to see you. I must have your word that you will not say anything to him about what happened last night with Mr. Farthingdale or anything else you may have heard.”
“I assure you, I don’t want him knowing about that any more than you do, but what’s to keep Mr. Farthingdale from spilling all?”
“Nothing, of course, and I do realize this whole affair could end up in the Society columns tomorrow morning. But Mr. Farthingdale did seem quite upset that Camden came upon us in the garden. I would like to think he will be a gentleman about this and remain quiet.”
“I fear that is too much to ask, but we can hope.” Archer turned to go up the stairs when he stopped and asked, “What is it that you hold in your hand?”
Mirabella carefully took off the lid and revealed the emerald and diamond necklace and earrings.
“An engagement gift from Lord Stonehurst?”
She nodded, knowing that appreciation sparkled in her eyes. His family’s income wasn’t what it once was, yet he bought her the most beautiful jewelry she had ever seen.
“About time,” Archer mumbled and looked down at the jewelry. “Dear girl, I do hope you know what you almost lost and that you will be the epitome of propriety from now until you are safely married.”
A sudden feeling of guilt robbed her of any feeling of victory over keeping the engagement sound.
Mirabella watched her uncle walk up the stairs and whispered to his back, “No, not yet, Uncle. I cannot give up my quest to find Sarah’s seducer and have him banished from Society.”
***
Camden took off his coat and hat and placed them on the hall stand in the corner of the small foyer of his parents’ town home. He noticed that the flocked wallpaper was peeling away from the corners of the walls. A fine layer of dust covered the marble-topped pedestal in the center of the room.
As soon as he had his father’s pressing financial matters under control, he would concentrate on getting the maid some help with the cleaning, cooking and clothing. He also wanted to do things like refurbish the town house for his parents. It had been neglected for too long.
He stood in the foyer for a moment longer and looked at a vase of flowers sitting on the table, no doubt cut by his mother that morning. He couldn’t help but notice their color was the same shade of pink as Mirabella’s lips. He relaxed and let his mind drift back over his conversation with her, and their kiss. She was a fascinating woman.
If for no other reason than he was going to enjoy getting to know her, he was glad they were to continue their engagement. He had a feeling there wouldn’t be a dull moment with her. She wouldn’t tell him how many men she had kissed. Why? Was it two? Three? A dozen? And why did he need to know? He certainly didn’t want to have to divulge to her how many women he’d kissed since their engagement.
There was Albert, too, and his malicious ramblings about Mirabella’s impropriety. How many other gentlemen were talking about Mirabella? No matter. He had to stop it immediately, and he needed his family’s help to do that.
He didn’t know why he felt so satisfied about having Mirabella as his fiancée. In truth, he should be smarting about the whole affair. Maybe his stint in America had changed him. Mirabella was lovely, desirable, and captivating. Damnation, the list could go on forever. He couldn’t blame the men for wanting to kiss her. He couldn’t blame her for not wanting to go through life never having been kissed.
It puzzled him that he had not been repulsed by her as he had been by Hortense six years ago. He had had no desire to kiss her after she was caught in another man’s arms, but Mirabella still fascinated him, still tempted him. Maybe it wasn’t as important the second time around, or maybe it was that this time Mr. Hornbeck had been the only other witness and not half the ton. He didn’t know the answer yet and maybe that was what made her so intriguing.
He strode into the parlor and found his father reading and his mother doing needlework. “Good evening,” he greeted them.
His mother looked grave and laid her sewing aside. “Hello, Camden.”
“Evening,
Son. I trust you had a good day.”
His father had the look of a man beaten down. Perhaps this time he was truly sorry for having squandered his inheritance and putting his family in dire jeopardy from gambling and fools’ games. Camden could only hope it wasn’t too late to save them from the creditors.
“We’ve been waiting for your return,” his mother said. “Betty told us you had come in for a little while, but that you left suddenly without a word after reading a note that had been delivered. She has held dinner for you.”
“Perhaps you’d like a drink first?” his father asked, rising from his chair and heading for the satinwood sideboard.
Mirabella had fortified him with all he needed. “No, thank you. I’m fine. I have just come from a long discussion with Miss Whittingham.” His mother straightened. His father returned to his chair. “As you can imagine, we had many things to discuss.”
“We know, dear. Your father and I had a long talk, too. We want you to know we understand why you can’t go through with the wedding, all things considered. Your father and I will manage somehow.”
“No, Mama. Miss Whittingham and I decided to continue our engagement. Although she and I will not marry in the near future.”
Norine’s eyes brightened. “Oh, Camden. Are you sure about this?” She put her face into her handkerchief.
He walked over and took her hand from her face. “Don’t cry, Mama. Of course, I’m sure. This is not a time for tears.”
“Thank you, Son,” his father said. “I’m sure the gossip about her will die down now.”
“What gossip?” his mother asked, lifting her head.
“Well—er—I only meant that if Camden caught her in the arms of another man, surely someone else saw them. You know how things like that get around the ton. There’s bound to be talk.”
So his father had heard about Mirabella’s indiscretions. No doubt several people had, which was why Albert felt comfortable in bringing it up to Camden. Why it hadn’t hit the Society columns, he didn’t know.
“There are some conditions to my agreeing to this, Father.”
“What does the chit want in return?”
“Mirabella?” Camden frowned. He didn’t like the tone of voice his father used when he referred to her. “The conditions are from me, not her.”
“Oh, of course, I see.”
“Starting tomorrow morning, I will be in complete charge of the finances in this family. You are to have papers drawn up and signed tomorrow morning giving me control over your accounts, your debts, your holdings.”
His father rose from his chair. “See here, Camden. That’s going too far.”
Camden kept his gaze steady on his father’s. “Maybe, but that’s the way it has to be. I want to meet with all your creditors. First on the list will be the man who holds the mortgage on your lands. I only hope I have enough funds to take care of immediate needs, buy back the mortgages and keep the town house, too.”
“Listen to him, Wilson,” his mother said. “I think it’s time you do this. You have never had control when it comes to money.”
The earl nodded.
“Mama, on the way home I stopped by a dressmaker and made arrangements for a seamstress to be here at eleven o’clock tomorrow morning. She will fit you for new gowns and dresses.” He looked at his father. “And you, sir, need a new suit of clothes, too.”
“Oh, Camden, you know we don’t have the money.”
“Any money you were to spend on us, put it to Hudson. He needs it. We don’t go out anymore.”
“That is about to change. We will all attend the party at the Chesterfields’ Saturday night, and my fiancée will be on my arm. It’s time the two of you came out of hiding. We have to show a united front to the ton that we are delighted to welcome Miss Whittingham into our hearts and our family. She is my fiancée, and I don’t want any more gossip about her. I need you to help me stop that. Is that understood? If anyone should hint at any indiscretion by her, you are to shame them and tell them they are out of line.”
“But of course. We understand, and we’ll do whatever you want us to.”
“Now, if Hudson needs a new suit of clothes, I’ll see he gets them after you two are taken care of.”
“Oh, Camden, I knew things would be better when you came home. I knew you would take care of everything. Thank you for coming home to save us.”
“Wait, Mama. Father hasn’t agreed to my conditions.”
Camden and his mother turned to the earl, but he remained quiet.
“Wilson?” his wife said.
“I don’t think our son’s conditions are necessary, but all right. I’ll sign everything over to you as soon as the papers are ready. I’ve made such a mess of everything that, without your help, I don’t have anything anyway. I just want your mother to be properly cared for.”
“Father, we need to pay the most pressing debts. We’ll work on that tomorrow. Now, there’s one other thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I want to know if you have been putting pressure on Hudson to offer for Miss Pemberton?”
“What? No pressure was needed. He loves that young lady, and she is a perfect match.”
Camden saw guilt in his father’s eyes. He knew what he was about to do was best. “He may. But I won’t allow you to let him offer for her until the family finances are out of trouble.”
“That’s madness. What if someone else offers for her in the duration? He’ll never forgive us. It could very well happen. She’s a catch.”
Camden remembered the way they looked at each other and felt a moment of guilt himself. He wasn’t thrilled to be doing this to Hudson.
“If she loves only him, she’ll ask her father to wait. In the meantime, if that does happen, we will surely get wind of it and can proceed as necessary. I’m sure Miss Pemberton has already made it clear to her father that she wants to hear from no one but Hudson.”
“We could use the money we’d get from her dowry to help pay our creditors, Camden. This is insane.”
“No, Father. Getting money by dowry to pay your gaming debts is what’s insane. And we won’t do it again. Once was enough. Now, are we in complete agreement?”
His father stood his ground for a moment. Norine eased to the edge of her chair.
“Yes,” the earl finally answered.
Camden breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m going up to my room. Have dinner sent up to me.”
Turning from his parents, Camden headed up the short flight of stairs. There was no turning back for him. He would have to send word to his lawyer in America tomorrow to start liquidating his holdings over there.
He had enough cash in London to take care of the most immediate needs of his family, but to completely clear his family of all the debt his father had incurred through the years, he needed the assets he had built up in America—and he needed them fast.
It was a bitter pill to swallow. He had hoped to have the money to be his own man and not depend on his father’s title or lands. Instead, he found himself making his family whole again. But now he would manage the lands and not let his father have enough money to gamble away.
He had also done something else he never expected to do. He had put himself at the mercy of a woman.
His stomach tightened. A very desirable woman.
Nine
Mirabella was seldom nervous. She didn’t make decisions lightly. She always thought them over carefully, in detail, which gave her ample reason to believe she would always make the right choice, thereby giving her confidence in whatever was at hand. But standing in the foyer of the Chesterfields’ home in her sage-colored evening gown, with diamonds and emeralds sparkling from her ears and around her neck, her insides were trembling.
It was later than half past ten and there was no sign of Camden. A crowd of curious onlookers gathered round, desperately trying not to look like they were watching her, but she knew they were. Some threw curious glimpses her way and others issued chilly stares
. She had noticed older ladies talking behind their wide-spreading fans and debutantes whispering behind gloved hands.
And why not? She and Archer had remained just inside the doorway since their entrance fifteen minutes ago.
Yellow light from the candles lit the gilt and marble room with a soft, romantic glow. Music from softly played violins could barely be heard above the constant roar of talking, laughing and moving about of the more than two hundred people who filled the grand house.
Archer coughed into his handkerchief, and then said to Mirabella, “Maybe we should go inside and find Lord Stonehurst. I don’t like the draft here at the door, and I’m beginning to feel like a small fish in a rather large bowl.”
Mirabella smiled at him. He was such a dear, patient gentleman to put up with all that she had put him through these last few days. He was a true friend to her and her father.
“No, Uncle. The plan is for us to wait for him here. I think it was his desire that we be the center of attention before he shows.”
“If that’s the case, we’re a huge success.” In a lower voice he grumbled, “However, it’s easy for him to tell us what we must do when he’s not the one standing here just inside the doorway looking like a piece of the statuary.”
Mirabella laughed as she imagined a statue of Archer. He was short for a man and more than a bit paunchy around his middle. Most of the statuary Mirabella had seen showed the male form looking like Adonis or Michelangelo’s great statue of David. Archer didn’t have the physique to compete.
“I have total trust that Camden knows what he is doing.”
“Hmm. No doubt whatever it is, it’s something he picked up when he was across the sea with the unmannerly Americans.”
“My faith in him is not diminished because he is late or because of what he may have learned while he was away.”
Archer sniffed. “Your confidence is admirable. Yes, well, since he is the one doing us the favor in rescuing your reputation from certain ruin, we do need to allow him to do it his way.”
“Exactly.”
“I do wish he’d get on with it.”
“Oh, Uncle, you have no patience. I’ve seen at least two young ladies walking by and giving me unpleasant expressions. I think it must be that they are not happy I’m keeping you so long from the party.”