Born to Scandal

by Diane Gaston

  Lord Brentmore never spoke of Miss Rolfe to Anna. Never mentioned if the social events he attended at night were in her company. Never told Anna when the marriage date was planned so she would know when her life was about to change again.

  Her outing with the children for this day was Hyde Park. They would spend a couple of hours there exploring its paths until the fashionable hour was upon them and the society carriages began circling the park. She and Charlotte had once sneaked into the park to witness this event. Anna remembered reassuring Charlotte that some day Charlotte would be riding in a gentleman’s carriage, dressed in finery as lovely as any of the ladies they’d seen.

  The children, dressed and ready for the park, were fidgeting in the hall, impatiently waiting for Anna to finish pulling on her gloves and tying her bonnet.

  The door opened and Lord Brentmore walked in. The children ran to him for hugs.

  ‘Where are you off to?’ he asked Cal.

  Cal hesitated, but said, ‘Hyde Park.’

  ‘Indeed? What will you do there?’ he asked.

  ‘Play,’ replied Cal, lifting up his sword.

  ‘I have never been to Hyde Park,’ piped up Dory. ‘I do believe Hortense will like it.’

  ‘Hortense?’ Her father’s brows rose.

  ‘My doll.’ Dory was still trying out different names for her doll.

  Lord Brentmore glanced over at Anna. ‘Do you mind if I accompany you?’

  Her stomach clenched. ‘If you desire it.’

  A few minutes later they were on their way. The children skipped ahead and Lord Brentmore fell in step with Anna.

  ‘How are they faring?’ he asked her.

  ‘They seem happy enough,’ she responded.

  ‘And you?’ His gaze was too penetrating.

  She paused before answering, ‘Well enough, my lord.’

  He glanced around. ‘This reminds me of our walks at Brentmore.’

  She darted a look at him. ‘Except for the town houses and the carriages and other pedestrians.’ And the tension between them.

  ‘There is that,’ he agreed. His voice lowered. ‘I miss our time at Brentmore.’

  She took several steps before responding. ‘I suppose you will never have much time to spend there.’

  They entered the park at Grosvenor Gate. The afternoon was so fine that there were several other people strolling through the park.

  When they came upon an expanse of grass, Dory asked, ‘May we run, Papa?’

  Lord Brentmore answered, ‘You may, but stay in our sight.’

  Dory squealed in delight and she and Cal took off.

  ‘Mind that sword!’ Anna cried to Cal. He could fall on it and injure himself.

  Cal didn’t fall. Anna was forced to walk at Lord Brentmore’s side, so reminiscent of more carefree days. At least the children were happy.

  May it last for them, she silently prayed.

  Lord Brentmore’s arm brushed against hers, setting off memories of more tender touches. Was he happy? she wondered. She could not tell and would not ask.

  ‘Anna,’ he spoke. ‘I have been meaning to tell you that I’ve seen Lord Lawton in town. The family are spending the summer here.’

  ‘I know,’ she said.

  ‘You know?’ He sounded surprised.

  ‘I saw him at the shops.’ She offered no more detail and he asked for none.

  They walked on in silence.

  Finally, Lord Brentmore murmured, ‘Anna.’

  She glanced at him and their gazes caught for a moment. His eyes darkened and filled with yearning. As did hers, she suspected.

  They had almost reached the other side of the grassy area and the children ran back to them.

  Cal tapped his father on the arm. ‘May we walk to the Serpentine, sir? Anna said we might feed the ducks.’

  Lord Brentmore touched the boy’s cheek. ‘Of course, but you must walk.’

  Both Cal and Dory nodded and skipped ahead.

  ‘You thought of feeding the ducks?’ Brentmore asked Anna.

  ‘Davies suggested it,’ she answered. ‘Cook gave us some bread.’

  When they reached the water, Anna pulled from her pocket the pieces of bread wrapped in a napkin. She handed a piece to each child and instructed them on how to tear off bits and throw them to the ducks. Soon a flock of ducks surrounded them, quacking for more.

  When they finished the bread they continued their walk, turning on a footpath heading toward The Ring, a circle of trees planted during the reign of Charles I.

  From the carriage road a voice called, ‘Lord Brentmore! Yoo hoo! Brentmore!’

  He glanced behind them. There was a curricle stopped on the road and an older woman waved her handkerchief at them.

  ‘I must greet them,’ he said, turning back.

  Anna watched him approach the curricle. A younger woman leaned forwards.

  Miss Rolfe.

  Anna swung away and walked quickly to catch up to the children. She let them go a far enough distance that she could not see the curricle. ‘Dory! Cal! We must wait for your father.’

  She saw a group of people approaching from the other direction and guided the children to a patch of grass nearby, so they would not be in the way.

  The grass was dotted with patches of clover. ‘See if you can find a four-leaf clover,’ she suggested. ‘It will bring good luck.’ And keep them occupied.

  Good luck was lost to her, she imagined. The children, however, took to the task with much enthusiasm.

  The people, a woman and two gentlemen, came closer. Anna turned her back to them, making herself as inconspicuous as a governess ought to be. She heard their footsteps coming near.

  ‘Anna?’ The woman hurried up to her. ‘Anna!’

  It was Charlotte.

  Her dear friend—her half-sister—gave her a hug. ‘I did not know you were in London!’ She glanced towards the children. ‘Are those your charges? They are darling! But tell me why you are here. Why did you not tell me you were in London? Why have you not written to me?’

  Charlotte did not receive her letters? Obviously her mother and their father had not shown Charlotte Anna’s letters or told her of seeing Anna at the scent shop. But what good would it do Charlotte to know those things? ‘Perhaps my letters were lost. I—I have been kept very busy.’

  ‘With those two?’ Charlotte gave them a fond look. ‘They appear to be no trouble at all.’ She turned to the two men who were accompanying her. ‘But let me present you.’ She gestured for them to come closer. ‘Anna, this is Lord Ventry and Mr Norton. Gentlemen, this is my very dearest friend, Miss Hill.’

  Their brows rose and their gazes darted to the children.

  Charlotte went on, ‘Miss Hill is the governess to Lord Brentmore’s children.’

  ‘Lord Brentmore?’ Mr Norton’s brows rose. ‘Pleased to meet you.’

  Lord Vestry inclined his head. ‘I tell you, my governess looked nothing like you. I might have spent more time with my lessons if she had.’

  Charlotte threaded her arm through Anna’s. ‘Isn’t she beautiful? She quite puts me in the shade.’

  Mr Norton smiled diplomatically. ‘Together you make a very pretty picture indeed.’

  Charlotte turned back to Anna. ‘Lord Vestry and Mr Norton both called upon me at the same time to take a ride in the park, but it is such a beautiful day I suggested we walk instead.’ She leaned into Anna’s ear and whispered, ‘I believe they are both suitors.’

  Another gentleman walking on the path approached. He caught Anna’s eye and tipped his hat. ‘Good day, Miss Hill.’

  ‘Mr Yates,’ she responded.

  He slowed when he caught sight of the children. ‘I see you have gone for another walk.’

  ‘Yes, indeed,’ she replied.

  He seemed to notice Charlotte and his expression changed. ‘Good day, miss. Forgive my intrusion,’ he said in a low voice.

  The other two men jostled each other and whispered something.

&nb
sp; Charlotte stepped forwards. Her manner towards her escorts had been cordial, but for Mr Yates her colour heightened and her voice became breathy. ‘You did not intrude, sir.’

  Anna had no choice but to introduce them. ‘May I present Mr Yates to you, Charlotte.’ She turned to Mr Yates. ‘This is Lady Charlotte, Lord Lawton’s daughter.’

  Yates extended his hand and Charlotte grasped it. Neither seemed inclined to let go, but Charlotte finally collected herself. ‘Anna is my dearest friend, Mr Yates,’ she explained. ‘I have not seen her for weeks and did not even know she was in London.’

  ‘So this is a reunion,’ he said.

  Charlotte pressed her cheek against Anna’s. ‘A very welcome one.’ She released Anna and looked into her face. ‘But now we may see each other! Surely Lord Brentmore gives you time off. You can come call on me.’

  She could not tell Charlotte how unwelcome she would be. ‘I cannot, Charlotte. I have to care for the children.’

  ‘But not in the evenings, surely! I know! You must come to our ball. Mama and Papa are giving a ball next week. It will not be a huge ball because there are not that many people in London, not as many as during the Season.’ She turned to her companions. ‘Gentlemen, Miss Hill should come to my ball, should she not?’

  Mr Norton nodded. ‘I should like that very much, indeed.’

  ‘A lovely lady such as you would be welcome,’ Lord Vestry added.

  But a governess who was the natural daughter of the lord of the house would not be at all welcome. ‘It is not my place to attend—’ she began.

  Charlotte cut her off. ‘Nonsense! You are my dearest friend. You have always been with me.’ She turned to Mr Yates and her tone grew softer. ‘And will you come, too, Mr Yates? We need more gentlemen.’

  He bowed. ‘I would be honoured.’

  * * *

  Brent walked quickly to catch up with Anna and the children. He’d have to leave them again and the idea depressed him. He did not wish to see Anna’s face—or the faces of the children—when he told them.

  He found her surrounded by three gentlemen and another lady. At least two of the men whose faces he could see were smiling at Anna.

  He quickened his step.

  ‘Anna!’ he called out, when he was in hearing distance. ‘What is this?’

  She turned to him and stepped away from her companions. ‘Lady Charlotte, my lord.’ She sounded upset. ‘We met by chance.’

  That did not explain the cadre of men around her. One of the men turned and nodded to him.

  Yates.

  What was he doing here?

  ‘Where are the children?’ Brent demanded. Had she forgotten them? Let them run off?

  She pointed to where the children sat in the grass, absorbed in something or another.

  ‘They are looking for four-leaf clovers,’ she explained in a cautious voice. ‘I have been watching them.’

  Lady Charlotte left the group and came to Anna’s side. ‘Lord Brentmore?’ She smiled. ‘Forgive me for stealing a moment of Anna’s time. I have not seen her in so long.’ This woman had been a child plagued with shyness? ‘Oh, dear. We have not been introduced.’

  Anna made the introductions.

  ‘And do you know these gentlemen?’ Lady Charlotte asked, gesturing to her entourage.

  ‘Mr Yates and I are acquainted,’ Brent said.

  One of the other gentlemen elbowed the other. Obviously they knew the gossip, even though they looked as if they’d just been breeched.

  ‘Good to see you, Brent,’ Yates said.

  Lady Charlotte presented the young gentlemen to Brent, who merely nodded to them.

  He turned to Anna. ‘I would speak with you for a moment.’ He took her aside. ‘Lord and Lady Rolfe desire me to take a turn around the park with them.’ He refrained from mentioning Miss Rolfe to her.

  She stiffened almost imperceptibly. ‘Will you tell the children or shall I?’

  ‘I will tell them.’ He felt consumed with guilt, although it should be the most natural thing in the world to spend time with one’s fiancée and her parents. ‘Do you feel comfortable walking home alone with the children?’

  Her chin rose. ‘If you wish it, how can I object?’

  If this had been a fencing match, her hit would have earned a point. He nodded and walked off to tell the children.

  ‘Papa!’ Dory cried when she saw him. ‘We are looking for lucky four-leaf clovers.’

  He smiled at them. ‘And have you found any?’

  Cal looked at him. ‘No.’

  ‘Well, you will have to make your own good luck.’ He tried to sound cheerful. ‘I came over to tell you I am going to say goodbye to you here.’

  ‘Why?’ Dory asked.

  ‘Did you see the people in the carriage? I walked back to talk with them?’

  The children both nodded.

  ‘Well, they want me to ride in their carriage, and because I have not seen them in a long time—’ almost a week at least ‘—I need to go with them now.’

  Dory’s eyes widened. ‘Will you come back?’

  Another wounding question. Did she think he would leave them? ‘Of course I will come back. I will see you later, before you go to bed.’

  ‘Oh.’ She relaxed. ‘Then goodbye, Papa.’

  ‘Goodbye,’ Cal added.

  When he walked back to Anna, Yates stood with her. ‘Brent, I was on my way to my town house, but, if you like, I am at liberty to escort your governess and the children home.’

  The young gentlemen were watching this exchange intently.

  Brent raised his voice a little. ‘Thank you, Yates. That is good of you.’ He glanced at Anna. ‘I will see the children later at home.’

  She did not respond.

  * * *

  Anna watched Lord Brentmore walk away. It seemed as if she’d been ripped to shreds and casually discarded, even though she had no right to feel that way, merely because he’d chosen to spend time with his fiancée.

  ‘Will you walk with us, Miss Hill?’ Mr Norton asked.

  She’d forgotten about Mr Norton and Lord Ventry and anyone else. ‘I must get the children home.’

  ‘Oh, Anna!’ Charlotte came over and hugged her again. ‘I will see you soon, when you come to our ball. Promise me you will come?’

  What reason would Charlotte accept? ‘I did not bring a gown with me.’

  Charlotte waved that excuse away. ‘We can fix that.’

  ‘No, Charlotte. I simply must say no.’ She turned away. ‘And now I need to get back to my duties.’

  ‘Very well.’ Charlotte sounded disappointed. ‘But we must see each other. I have so much to tell you. And I want to hear all about being Lord Brentmore’s governess.’

  Lord Ventry and Mr Norton exchanged glances, but she could not worry about what they thought of Lord Brentmore.

  And there was too much Anna could not tell Charlotte. That they were sisters. That their father cared nothing for Anna or Anna’s mother. That Anna was more like her mother than she could ever have guessed. That she wanted to be Lord Brentmore’s lover as well as his children’s governess. That another woman—and his scruples—prevented it.

  ‘Perhaps if I have a day off,’ she prevaricated.

  ‘Lady Charlotte,’ Lord Ventry called, ‘shall we be on our way?’

  ‘I have to go.’ Charlotte gave her another swift hug, then hurried over to her companions.

  Anna joined the children. ‘Shall we walk some more?’ she asked. ‘Mr Yates is going to walk with us, is that not nice of him?’

  ‘We didn’t find any clovers.’ Dory picked up her doll and popped her thumb into her mouth.

  Anna gently pulled her thumb out again. ‘Come on.’ She took Dory’s hand. Cal rose and walked with them.

  Mr Yates stood waiting for them. ‘If we continue past The Ring there will be a foot path leading directly to the Cumberland Gate. That will be the fastest way out.’

  They passed The Ring, Mr Yates walking a litt
le behind Anna, Anna holding each child’s hand.

  Dory dawdled, forcing Anna to pull her along. She was losing patience. ‘Dory, faster, please.’

  The little girl walked slower.

  ‘She is tired,’ Mr Yates said in a low tone.

  ‘She’s had a busy day.’ Anna released Cal’s hand and picked up Dory. ‘Oh, she is heavy.’

  Cal walked slowly, as well, hitting his sword on the path as he went.

  Anna’s arms and back quickly began to ache.

  Mr Yates stopped her. ‘Allow me to carry the child.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Yates.’ Anna handed Dory to Mr Yates.

  He turned his head to ask the little girl, ‘Do you mind if I carry you, Lady Dory?’ His voice was low and tremulous.

  Why this emotion from him? she wondered.

  ‘I do not mind,’ Dory whimpered.

  Both Mr Yates and Dory turned their faces to Anna.

  She stifled a gasp.

  Looking back at her were two identical pairs of eyes. There was also a very similar shape of the chin.

  ‘Oh, Mr Yates!’ she exclaimed breathlessly.

  This man was Dory’s father. Not Lord Brentmore. She was certain of it.

  He shook his head as if to silence her.

  Dory twisted around and laid her head on his shoulder. He closed his eyes as if savouring the moment.

  There was nothing to do but be on their way. Anna bent down to Cal, who’d sat down on the path to rest. ‘Come on, Lord Cal. Time to start moving again.’

  The boy took her hand.

  Anna’s own turmoil was momentarily forgotten. She could not think of anything but the secret she’d discovered. Did Lord Brentmore know? She could say nothing while with the children, but she must know more.

  They walked in virtual silence back to the town house. Once when she exchanged a glance with Mr Yates, his eyes appeared moist.

  Finally they arrived at the town house and were admitted into the hall by Davies, whose brows almost disappeared into his forehead.