Edon gave out a loud, exasperated sigh.
Undaunted, Christopher continued, “The point is, it could be something innocent. Say you see a tear in her dress and have to pull up the hem to inspect it. Or perhaps you could wrap your arms around her because she’s chilly. Or you could start to help her up from a bench but slip and end up on the ground in a tangled embrace.”
“Are these all things I need to do outside?” Camden asked, noting the inferences to the outdoors.
“I could always be ready to announce the scandal if you want to be out on the veranda when this happens.”
“I don’t know how I could talk Lady Seyton into going outside with me.”
“Lady Seyton is the lady you want to marry?” Edon asked, sitting up straight, his eyes wide.
“Don’t be surprised,” Christopher argued. “It makes perfect sense. They’ve been spending a lot of time together. She’s attractive. She’s his mentor. I can see the appeal of a lady who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Better yet, she’s been married before, which means she won’t be shy on the wedding night. Personally, I think he’s making a wise choice.” Glancing at Camden, he said, “I’d go with the inappropriate touch and kiss on the veranda if I was you. I think part of it will thrill her even if she protests afterwards.”
“You’re suddenly an expert on what ladies want?” Edon dryly asked, not looking at all impressed.
“I’ll have you know ladies enjoy the secret caress or kiss when they think no one is looking.”
“Find a different way to get the scandal for him,” Edon said, gesturing to Camden. “The poor man looks like he’s about to collapse. He’s not as debased as you are.”
Camden cleared his throat and shifted in the chair. Did he really look like he was going to collapse? “I don’t think Lady Seyton would like anything too scandalous,” he finally managed.
Christopher considered his words and nodded. “You’re right. She’s prim and proper in public. If you do anything, it’d have to be in a carriage where no one has the chance to see you. But that’s just it. No one will see you, and that will ruin your plan.” After a moment, he snapped his fingers. “I know! Kiss her at the ball in front of everyone.”
Christopher made it sound so easy, but Camden knew it couldn’t be. “How do I do that?”
Christopher’s eyebrows rose, and Edon said, “Don’t say it, Christopher. He knows how to kiss her. He’s merely asking how to best distract her so she doesn’t see it coming. If she can’t see it coming, then she can’t stop him.”
“I knew what he meant,” Christopher replied, an indignant look on his face. “What do you take me for, Ethan?”
Edon—Ethan—rolled his eyes but sipped his brandy.
Christopher waved at his friend dismissively. “Ignore him. Ever since he got married, he’s become a bit of a bore.”
“Which is why you insist on visiting me?”
“You happen to have the best brandy in London.” With a teasing grin, Christopher lifted his glass and took a drink before turning his attention back to Camden. “Seriously though, the element of surprise will work in your favor. My advice is to follow her into the ballroom. Then, call out her name. When she turns around, kiss her. Do it before she has a chance to say anything. By the time she realizes what’s happening, the betrothal will be sealed.”
Ethan gave an impressed nod. “I have to admit that would work very well.”
Satisfied, Christopher smiled.
“All right,” Camden replied, agreeing with Ethan. It was a good plan. One that had a good chance of working. “I’ll do it.”
And he had. Camden placed the missives aside. He ought to write to his mother and aunt. It wouldn’t do them good to needlessly fret over the condition of the estate. The sooner they knew things were going to be all right, the better. Once he retrieved another piece of parchment, he picked up the quill and dipped it in the ink. Then he started his final letter.
***
Camden shifted from one foot to the other as he stood in front of Helena’s townhouse. He hadn’t seen her in two days. Two very long days. He hoped she might send for him but realized that was foolish. She wasn’t the type to spend her time pining for someone. She had many friends and things to do. She probably hadn’t given him a single thought since she last saw him. And considering how unhappy she’d be with him, he doubted she wanted to see him.
But he wanted to see her. She’d been all he could think about. Without her, even his estate would seem empty. He didn’t know what he’d do if she wanted to have one of those marriages where they lived apart. He’d come to London with her whenever she wanted as long as it meant they could be together.
He didn’t know when he’d fallen in love with her. He only knew he had, and the thought of living without her made him feel like a shadow of his former self.
Glancing down the sidewalk, he contemplated passing by, as he’d done yesterday. But he couldn’t. Not today. Today, he had to see her. Even if she told him to leave, he’d at least have the pleasure of hearing her voice.
He took a deep breath and proceeded up the steps. How he wished he was as good as other gentlemen at this. They’d know what to say and do.
Once he reached the door, he knocked on it then glanced around to make sure no one like Toplyn was watching—and snickering—at his pathetic attempt to make amends with her. Thankfully, Toplyn was nowhere in sight.
The door opened, and he turned in time to see the footman. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
He cleared his throat. “Good afternoon. Is Lady Seyton available?”
“Yes. Come in.”
Camden stepped into the entryway and followed him to the drawing room.
“My lady asked for tea and crumpets to be brought in if you arrived,” the footman told him then gestured to a chair. “While you are waiting for her, please sit.”
She asked for tea and crumpets to be brought into the drawing room if he arrived? Did that mean she was hoping he’d come? Or was she aware he might come because of their betrothal, so she made sure to have the staff on hand to wait on him when he stopped by? He’d like to think it was the first reason, but he didn’t dare hope for it.
Nodding to the footman, he thanked him and sat down. He wanted to sit on the settee because she’d most likely sit there, but he didn’t dare. Even if she was willing to see him, that didn’t mean she was willing to sit next to him. He needed to tread carefully. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her further.
The butler came in shortly and set the tray down. After he poured tea into both cups, he said, “My lady will be down soon, Your Grace.”
Camden got ready to thank him, too, but the butler left before the words could leave his mouth. Taking another deep breath, he relaxed as much as he could and settled back in the chair. He recalled the first time he came here.
He hadn’t been so nervous then. He was so desperate to save the troubled estate, his only concern had been getting Helena’s help. And now he was more nervous than he’d even been when his father used to come out to the country.
“The boy’s a fool,” his father had told his mother when neither realized he’d been hiding under a desk when he was eight. “He lacks all social graces. He mumbles, he won’t look at anyone, and he runs into things.”
“He’s just shy,” his mother had replied. “He only acts that way when you’re around. You make him nervous.”
“The boy’s afraid of his own shadow. You saw the way he acted when Lord Fallon and his family were visiting. Not only did Camden embarrass me, but he knocked into the table so that the vase Lord Fallon had gifted me broke. I don’t know if Lord Fallon will forgive me for that. He’s an important gentleman. He already sent word that he’s decided to do business with someone else, and I know it’s because of what Camden did.”
“Camden’s only eight. When he’s older, he’ll mature.”
“You see the best in everyone,” his father said in a way that sugg
ested he found it annoying. “There’s no hope for that boy. He walked and talked later than other children his age. And now that he’s older, he trips over his own feet and is hard to understand. He’s unsuitable for any schooling.”
“But you promised,” his mother protested. “You said you’d hire someone to come out here and teach him.”
“That was before I realized how unteachable he is. If you want to give it a try, you may, but I wash my hands of him.”
“You can’t do this. He’s only eight.”
“When his brother was eight, he could speak in clear, concise sentences and he could walk without bumping into something. Never once has he embarrassed me in front of others. The gentlemen at White’s have nothing but praise for him. Already at thirteen, he’s going somewhere.”
“Geoffrey and Camden are two different boys. You can’t compare one to the other.”
“Don’t tell me what I can or can’t do,” his father snapped, making Camden jerk.
Had Camden’s back not been pressed against the interior of the desk, he would have given away his location. Then his father would know he overheard him. And that would be much worse than finding out what his father thought of him.
“I can’t afford to keep losing important business dealings because Camden’s careless,” his father continued. “You do whatever you want with that boy. I’m through with trying to help him. From now on, I’ll focus all my time and energy on Geoffrey.”
“Camden?”
Blinking out of his thoughts, Camden’s attention went back to the present. He didn’t realize he’d drifted off into an unpleasant memory in his youth. That had never happened before. It must be his anxiety or guilt. Maybe both. He’d just ruined Helena’s life, much like he ruined his father’s business deal with Lord Fallen.
“Camden?”
As much as he feared it, he forced his gaze to Helena, who stood next to his chair. He tried to gauge her feelings, but he wasn’t sure if her furrowed eyebrows and slight frown stemmed from unresolved anger, pity, or concern. Her tone seemed pleasant enough, he supposed. So maybe he should assume she was concerned. The visit would be off to a more pleasant start if he did.
He began to stand up, but she rested her hand on his arm, stopping him.
“There’s no need,” she said. “I’m not one for formalities unless I have to be.”
He briefly remembered her saying he didn’t need to be formal around her, but he couldn’t remember the details at the moment. All he could focus on was her hand, which was still on his arm. He dared another look at her and decided she was worried. Even as beautiful as she was with her hair neatly pinned back and her pink and white dress bringing out her best features, he could now see she was uncertain about the change in their relationship. For the first time, he saw her as an equal, instead of as a teacher. And that made him feel better. A lot better.
After a moment, she removed her hand and went over to the settee to sit. He missed her touch. While it had been comforting, it’d also sparked something deep within him, something he didn’t even know was there.
Before he had time to dwell on it, she asked, “Did you come to give me the wedding date?”
He shifted in the chair. “Um, I did arrange for it. The wedding, I mean.” His face warmed. He needed to slow down and relax. That’d been his problem all his life. He rushed his words out, so he gave others the impression all he could do was ramble. After taking a moment to regain his composure, he said, “Yes, I have a date.”
“When is it?”
“Next Wednesday.” Then, because it hadn’t even occurred to him to think she might be busy, he added, “Should I change the day?”
She shook her head. “No. Wednesday morning is fine.”
The butler came in. “My lady,” he told her, “Miss Thomas is here.”
“I’ll see her in a few minutes.” After the butler left, Helena’s gaze went to him. “I didn’t know you were going to come here today. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to see Miss Thomas at this time. Actually,” she glanced at the clock, “she’s early. I suppose she’s anxious to start her lessons.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me. I know you have things to do. I-I…”
He what? Needed to see her? Had grown so restless he couldn’t stay away another moment? Wanted her to assure him she didn’t hate him for what he’d done? Instead of asking all these questions racing through his mind, he stood up. He almost bowed but recalled she didn’t like people to be formal when she was alone with them.
“I’ll see you at the wedding,” he finally said.
He hoped she might protest, that she’d invite him to visit her before Wednesday. But she only nodded and, in a soft voice, replied, “I’ll be there.”
It took all of his effort not to bump into something or trip on his way out of the drawing room. He was definitely nervous. And more than that, he was afraid her anger the other night had turned into cool indifference toward him.
Why hadn’t he given more effort to trying to find a lady who’d be happy with him? Because he couldn’t think beyond the threat his brothers’ creditors made before he left for London.
“You pay us,” they’d told him, “or your mother will lose two sons.”
Even now, Camden’s heart raced in absolute dread. They would have made good on their threat. Those gentlemen weren’t ones to cheat. They meant business. His brother had underestimated their ruthlessness, but Camden didn’t. He might not know as much as his brother, but he knew enough to give them what they required as soon as possible.
All these thoughts went through his mind as he left the drawing room. He glanced back at Helena whose shoulders were slumped, her eyes downcast. His steps slowed, wondering if he should run over to her, get on his knees, and beg her to forgive him. But before he could, he stumbled into someone. Quickly, he turned his attention to a young lady who gasped in surprise.
“I’m sorry,” he said, hurrying to steady her so she wouldn’t fall. “I-I didn’t mean to…that is, I didn’t see you. I, um, I…”
“It’s all right,” she said and offered a smile. “You startled me, that’s all, but I’m not hurt.”
“Though,” an older lady who stood close to her began, “you might want to watch where you’re going in the future.”
Camden resisted the urge to balk under the older lady’s stare which reminded him so much of his father’s. “I’m sorry. And I will.”
“Mrs. Thomas,” Helena called out from behind him.
He turned to see Helena standing in the doorway, her expression as controlled as it’d been the first day he’d met her.
“His Grace is my betrothed,” Helena continued. “I would thank you to be kind to him.”
Mrs. Thomas paled then swallowed. “My apologies, my lady.”
Helena nodded then gave Camden a hesitant smile. “Have a good afternoon, Your Grace.”
Camden returned her smile, his heart feeling lighter than before. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for them after all.
Chapter Twenty-One
“You make a beautiful bride,” Helena’s lady’s maid said as she finished weaving pearls into her hair. “Of course, you made a beautiful bride when you married Lord Seyton.”
Helena forced herself to smile at the lady’s words. Cass meant well, but then, Cass didn’t know her marriage to her first husband wasn’t what it appeared to be. But that was what London was about. Putting on a smile when one was crying on the inside. People didn’t want to be bothered with pain or sorrow. They just wanted to go from one ball to another, laughing and dancing the entire way.
“My lady, did I say something wrong?” Cass asked, hurrying to hand her a handkerchief.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Helena shook her head. “No. I got an eyelash stuck in my eye.”
Then, so the older lady wouldn’t see her tears, she turned around and dabbed at her eyes. No. She wouldn’t think of Benjamin. She gritted her teeth and shoved the handkerchief in
to her reticule. She didn’t even like to think of his name. He was her first husband and that was it.
She faced the mirror and pulled back her shoulders. Her silver gown swayed around her ankles. Despite herself, she couldn’t help but remember how happy she’d been when she married her first husband. He’d been her friend for as long as she could remember. It only seemed natural their mutual affection for each other should result in a love match. And yet, it hadn’t. One short year into the marriage revealed that. It was the night of their ball. She made it a point to put that evening behind her, but now the memories came, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop them.
Lord Mitchell had asked for her advice on how to attract the attention of a lady he fancied, and since she had been offering such advice to ladies, she decided to do so for him.
They went out to the veranda where a few other people were, and while they talked in quiet tones so as not to be overheard, the others left. She hadn’t realized they were alone until her husband stormed up to them, his face red.
“Are you aware you’re alone with him out here?” Benjamin accused.
She stood up from where she’d been sitting and scanned the vacant area. “When we came out here, there were others.”
“In the future, I would thank you to be considerate enough to hide your love affairs.”
She gasped. “Is that what you think we were doing?” She glanced at Lord Mitchell who slowly rose to his feet. Turning back to Benjamin, she said, “It isn’t what you think.”
“Indeed, it’s not,” Lord Mitchell hurried to add.
Benjamin glared at him. “I didn’t ask you to speak.”
“But he’s telling you the truth. We never meant to give anyone the wrong idea.”
“Well, it’s too late for that,” Benjamin snapped. “People in there,” he gestured to the ballroom, “are already talking about it. You’re ruining my good name.”
“She’s doing nothing of the sort,” Lord Mitchell growled, stepping between them. “She was only giving me advice on how to best attract a lady I’d like to get to know better. The doors to the veranda are open, and the last couple only left right before you came out here. The rumor you’re afraid of is all in your mind.”
Love Lessons with the Duke Page 17