Rake & Romance

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  Cover

  Title Page

  Rake & Romance

  The Beaucroft Girls Book Two

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  Suzanne G. Rogers

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  Idunn Court Publishing

  Copyright Information

  Rake & Romance, Copyright © 2016 by Suzanne G. Rogers

  All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

  ...

  This book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

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  Idunn Court Publishing

  7 Ramshorn Court

  Savannah, GA 31411

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  Published by Idunn Court Publishing, January 2016

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  This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

  ...

  Published in the United States of America

  Editor: Kathryn Riley Miller

  Cover Design: Suzanne G. Rogers

  Interior Book Design: Coreen Montagna

  Dedication

  To My Father, Robert G. Rogers.

  Chapter One

  Strange Request

  Late July, 1845, London, England

  AS THE CARRIAGE ROLLED through the streets of London at a brisk clip, Juliet and her mother were obliged to hang on to the straps overhead to avoid sliding to the floor. When one of the wheels hit a particularly large bump, Mrs. Beaucroft made a sound of disgust.

  “This is your father’s fault, you know. I can’t believe he kept the carriage out so late this afternoon, especially when he knew you and I had been invited to a soirée.”

  “We’re only a little late for the party, Mama. If it was that important to you to arrive on time, we could have hired a carriage.”

  “Nobody who’s anybody arrives to a party in a hired carriage, dear.” A smile replaced the frown. “When you’re Lady Elbourne, I daresay you’ll have your pick of carriages.”

  “Mama, I beg you not to go on about that. Augustus and I get on together swimmingly, but he’s given me no indication he’s about to propose.”

  Mrs. Beaucroft seemed to pay her no heed. “I’m rather vexed at him, I must say. We’ve very few social events left in the Season, and he’s not even going to be at the soirée tonight.”

  “Since his papa summoned him home, it’s hardly his fault. I do hope nothing’s wrong.”

  “Lord Moregate would have said something in his message if anything had been terribly wrong.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “At any rate, if Augustus doesn’t propose soon, we’ll have very little time to revel in your triumph before the Season ends.”

  Juliet made no response other than to stare out the window. If truth be told, she partly agreed with her mother. Although she wasn’t at all annoyed with Augustus, she was looking forward to becoming engaged to the most eligible bachelor of the Season. Wouldn’t all the naysayers who said she couldn’t hold a candle to her sister get their comeuppance! In addition, the gown she was wearing that evening was a particular favorite of hers, and she was disappointed the earl wouldn’t have the chance to see it. The darts in the white silk bodice made her waist look exceptionally small, and the cornflower blue embroidery on the full overskirt went well with her porcelain complexion and toffee-colored hair. Oh, well, perhaps she could wear it for him another time.

  At Lord and Lady Ayscoghe’s soirée, Juliet left Mrs. Beaucroft chatting with a gaggle of matrons and went in search of someone her own age. The gathering was filled with all manner of pleasant and well-heeled company, but she suddenly felt the absence of her sister more keenly than ever before. Kitty had been her near constant companion all her life, so Juliet had almost never been alone. Her sister had married recently, however, and was living with her new husband, Lord Philip, in the country. Philip’s elder brother, Augustus, could usually be relied upon for amiable conversation, but he was absent tonight. Perhaps it was his comforting presence she missed most of all.

  Before Juliet had gone more than a few steps, Lady Lovejoy descended. As usual, the widowed countess was clad in an exquisite couture gown of the finest materials, undoubtedly acquired during one of her frequent jaunts to Paris.

  “Come with me, my dear. I’ve something I must speak with you about.”

  The countess maneuvered her into an alcove, where they had a modicum of privacy.

  “First of all, I’ve have had it from very good sources that your former friend, Miss Haver, is completely ruined to all good society.”

  The way the woman said the word ruined left absolutely nothing to the imagination, and Juliet was dismayed. “Are you quite sure?”

  “Her parents have disowned her, and there can be no more reliable confirmation than that.”

  Since Violet Haver had tried to interfere with Kitty’s courtship, Juliet had several excellent reasons for holding a grudge. Nevertheless, she wasn’t so hard-hearted as to rejoice in her misery.

  “I’m dreadfully sorry to hear it. Despite Violet’s missteps, I don’t wish her ill. I suppose her ruination is Lord Gryphon’s doing?”

  “You’ve supposed correctly. That knave has been responsible for the downfall of more than one foolish girl, although usually not a girl as highly placed as Miss Haver. He’s such a reprobate, nobody will receive him any longer. In fact, his grandfather, Lord Harkencester, is so disgusted with that entire branch of the family, he’s decided to settle the estate on his younger son, Lord Horatio.”

  On that score, Juliet had little trouble believing the countess. Indeed, she held a far less charitable view of Lord Gryphon than she held of Violet, and possessed an even larger grudge. The viscount had tried to take liberties with Kitty, and only the timely intervention of Lord Philip had salvaged her reputation. If Lord Gryphon had been financially and socially disadvantaged, it was because he deserved it.

  “Lord Gryphon will still inherit the title of marquess someday, won’t he?”

  “Yes, but otherwise he’s been cut off without a penny. His parents, Lord and Lady Kesselbury, are still received, but Lord Gryphon can find no ready welcome anywhere. It’s a sad situation, really.”

  “And to think, Lord Gryphon once sought Kitty’s hand in marriage!”

  “Your sister is much better off where she is, despite her rather unconventional courtship with Lord Philip. At any rate, this brings me to my request. Lord Horatio has just returned to England with the goal of getting his daughter married off. He’s been living in Texas these past seventeen years, and made a vast fortune of his own in cattle.”

  Juliet was impressed. “How very clever of him.”

  “Yes, it’s never easy for a second son to make his way in the world. Lord Horatio is looking for a London home, but in the meantime, he and his family are staying with me. Will you take his daughter under your wing so she has at least one friend in town? I’d consider it a personal favor.”

  Although she managed to keep her countenance, Juliet’s heart sank. She’d rather throw herself into a thorny rose bush than have anything to do with Lord Gryphon’s relatives, but she wouldn’t dream of
saying so. “Why, I’d be glad to befriend Miss Gryphon. I was just thinking how lonely it is for me without Kitty around.”

  “I knew you’d be willing to help. Miss Gryphon is an attractive girl, apart from her dreadful foreign accent and manners. Unfortunately, she’s been unfairly tainted by association with her notorious cousin. If you and I befriend her, however, the stain may be somewhat ameliorated.”

  Although Juliet smiled, she wasn’t so sure she agreed. Her own family would most certainly be appalled by anyone bearing the name of Gryphon. Nevertheless, Lady Lovejoy was an influential member of society, and her requests were rarely refused.

  “I’ll do what I can, naturally.”

  “Lord Horatio expects his daughter to make an excellent match, so your alliance with Miss Gryphon will stand you in good stead going forward.” The countess giggled. “What am I saying? Considering your close relationship with Lord Elbourne, you’re hardly in need of any assistance in society.”

  Although the implication brought color to Juliet’s cheeks, she pretended not to understand. “Indeed, Augustus has been a splendid friend.”

  “Don’t be so modest! All society is awaiting the announcement of your engagement to the earl.”

  “I hate to disappoint anyone, but no such announcement is forthcoming.” Augustus hadn’t yet proposed, so Juliet could hardly give any other response. Furthermore, it was better to heighten the suspense by denying the truth of the matter. When she was ready to make the announcement, her triumph would be that much greater. “Is Miss Gryphon here this evening?”

  “Yes, but she’s playing billiards with the gentlemen.”

  “No!” Juliet’s hands flew to her mouth and her eyes widened in horror.

  “I’m afraid so. I suggested she circulate, but she seemed intent on her game.”

  “Doesn’t Miss Gryphon understand the proper way to behave in London society?”

  “Alas, her mother perished when the child was only twelve. Lord Horatio assures me his daughter learned all the proper graces at a girls’ boarding school in America.” She wrinkled her nose. “Only heaven knows what she’ll have to unlearn, but I’m sure you’ll be an excellent influence.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  Despite her assertion, Juliet wasn’t entirely sure if her best would be good enough. After all, she’d failed to save poor Violet from disaster. To be fair, however, her former friend had never sought her help.

  Lady Lovejoy beckoned. “Come with me and I’ll introduce you.”

  Meadow’s End, Derbyshire England

  As soon as the dapper Earl of Elbourne entered his father’s study, the distinct odor of brandy assailed his nostrils. Since the Marquess of Moregate wasn’t ordinarily a heavy drinker, Augustus suspected something dreadful had occurred. One glance at his father’s countenance confirmed it.

  “What’s happened, Father? Why did you call me back from London?”

  “I’ve bad news, I’m afraid.” The older man seemed to be enveloped in a cloud of despair.

  “You’d best tell me. Perhaps I can help.”

  “That’s why I summoned you.” Moregate swallowed a quantity of amber liquid, but it didn’t seem to lift his mood. “You mentioned Miss Beaucroft a great deal in your letters.”

  “Y-Yes.” Augustus was bewildered. How could sweet Juliet possibly have anything to do with his father’s problems? “My regard for her grows daily.”

  “Have you made her an offer of marriage?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Thank heavens.” His father drew in a deep breath and let it out. “I’m not too late.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean. I’m planning to speak with her father just before the Season ends.”

  “I’m sorry, but it’s out of the question. You and Miss Beaucroft can never marry.”

  His father’s pronouncement hung in the air like a cloud of cigar smoke. When Augustus first received his father’s vague summons, he left London without delay, expecting to discover his signature was required on a document or some other bit of urgent business had arisen which could be dealt with swiftly. He meant to deal with the problem and return to Juliet’s side to finish the last few weeks of the Season, but it appeared as if his father had lost his mind instead.

  Augustus peered at him. “You look rather ill. Perhaps one of the servants should fetch a physician.”

  “It would be more useful to call a banker, I’m afraid.” The marquess rubbed his bleary, bloodshot eyes. “Let me speak plainly, so we have no misunderstanding. Our family is in the midst of an economic calamity and we’re very close to becoming insolvent.”

  Augustus’s knees buckled and he sank into a chair. “How can this have happened so suddenly? I understand Grovebrook was distressed when you sold it to Philip, but I thought most of our other properties were in the black!”

  His father sighed. “The truth of the matter is that I’m abominably bad at managing my assets, and I’ve placed my faith in the most undeserving and dishonest people. After Philip disclosed how badly Mr. Pratt had cheated me out of any profits from Grovebrook, I took a closer look at my financial affairs. What I discovered mortified and humbled me.”

  Augustus’s eyes widened. “How bad is it?”

  “Even if we sell every underperforming asset, the estate will still be losing money. I’ve hired a new man of business—Mr. Burton Kelly—who’ll be implementing several positive improvements. If we’re very fortunate, we may turn things around…but not without a huge infusion of cash.”

  “I can scarcely believe it.”

  His father gestured toward the array of papers and books spread out on his desk. “I encourage you to review the economic mess I’ve made. Perhaps there’s some aspect I’ve overlooked.”

  “Yes, I’ll begin right away. Also, I’ll speak with Mr. Kelly about his plans for improvements as soon as possible. We must err on the side of caution, I think.”

  “Be that as it may, Augustus, let me be blunt; if you don’t marry a very wealthy heiress in the next few months, our finances will collapse and your inheritance will be worth only a small fraction of what it’s worth today. We’ll most certainly be forced to sell Meadow’s End.”

  Augustus gaped. “Mother couldn’t withstand the strain of leaving this house!”

  “We’ll do everything in our power to avoid losing our home. In the meantime, she has no idea about this financial catastrophe, and I’d like it to remain that way.”

  “Of course.”

  Although it was only midafternoon, Augustus poured himself a glass of whiskey from the sideboard and drained it. “I confess, this news has come as a shock. Ours wouldn’t be the only wealthy family ever forced to acknowledge economic reality, I suppose, but I’d had no idea we were foundering this badly.”

  The marquess stared into his brandy, looking older than his years. “Forgive me, lad. I should have been a better steward of our estate, and I’m deeply sorry.”

  “We’ll straighten it all out, Father.”

  Despite his optimistic words, Augustus was deeply worried. Furthermore, he was distraught about Juliet Beaucroft. As the future Marquess of Moregate, he’d been expected to make a good match. Up until now, he’d assumed he had enough financial leeway to choose a bride of modest means and background. He and Juliet were so congenial together, and so well-suited, he’d easily envisioned a life of marital harmony with her by his side. Unless he wished to completely turn his back on family obligation, however the choice was out of his hands.

  He swallowed a lump of disappointment. “Have you written to Philip?”

  “Not yet. Newly married, with Grovebrook to manage, I didn’t feel it was fair to burden him right now. Nevertheless, he should be informed before too long.”

  “I don’t know how I’m going to break this news to Juliet.”

  “I thought you hadn’t yet proposed?”

  “I haven’t, but I’ve given her every reason to assume I will. Since Philip’s marriage to her sister, I’v
e come to view Juliet as my closest confidant.”

  “Miss Beaucroft will always be your friend and confidant, but she can’t be your wife. For what it’s worth, she’s a dear girl and your mother and I are fond of her.” Moregate cleared his throat. “Now, we must discuss your marital prospects.”

  “What if I can’t find a wealthy woman to wed in time to save our finances?”

  “As it so happens, a childhood acquaintance of mine has a daughter of marriageable age. Lord Horatio suggested the match a year ago, but I’d dismissed the notion out of hand until now. You see, although the girl was born in England, she’s resided in North America for most of her life.”

  “You’ve always had contempt for Americans!” Augustus stared at the marquess, aghast.

  “It’s a fine distinction, I grant you, but she’s been residing in the Republic of Texas.” His father slid him an apologetic glance. “There’s something else you should know; Lord Horatio is Lord Gryphon’s uncle.”

  “You must be joking!”

  “Desperate times call for desperate measures, lad.”

  “To be related to Zachary Gryphon, even by marriage, is insupportable.” Augustus shook his head. “There must be some other lady to consider.”

  “None who come to mind.”

  “No, this is absolutely absurd. I refuse.”

  “Why don’t you meet Miss Gryphon before you reject her? I was at Horatio’s wedding, and I can attest to the fact her mother, Rebecca, was an extraordinary beauty. No doubt the girl is equally lovely.”

  “No one could ever hold a candle to Juliet Beaucroft. That’s my final word.”

  The countess led Juliet into a game room filled with masculinity and cigar smoke. Several gentlemen were occupied with cards at corner tables, but others were more actively employed in a game of billiards. As Juliet watched, a beautiful brunette leaned over the green felt-covered table and tapped in a bank shot requiring obvious skill. The surrounding players erupted into admiring applause.