by Joan Vincent
“Oh, Roland . . . Audacia,” Lady Lucille called out in relief as she spied them. Her look of comical alarm at the sight of Audacia’s petticoats eased the tension. Pulling Daisy to a halt beside the pair she exclaimed, “Oh, lud, what has become of your skirt?”
“Here comes Geoffrey with it now. Little good that it will do me. I have no pins. How shall I return to Lady Darby?” The thought staggered Audacia.
“Geoffrey is not holding the reins of his horse and yet it is obedient to his directions,” Greydon noted aloud, surprised to see the squire mounted and leading Audacia’s gelding.
“Have you never been to Astley’s, my lord?” Audacia asked sarcastically. “How do the trick riders command their horses and still have the use of their hands? Yes, they train them to respond to pressure cues.
“Geoffrey is not limited by himself but by others. He could and would have been able to rescue me,” Audacia said as she looked straight at Lady Lucille, “if Lord Greydon had not interfered.”
“Do not think Miss Aderly ungrateful, Lucille,” the earl winked at his sister. “It is merely that I have not yet rescued her from the right circumstances. I am certain to find the proper one sooner or later.”
Lady Lucille appraised the two. “When did you save Audacia before this?”
The squire saved both from answering with his timely arrival. “The mount you may not need,” he said surveying Audacia still in Roland’s arms. “But this—” he nodded at the blue swath of material draped across the gelding’s saddle, “is definitely necessary.”
“My lord Greydon,” Audacia demanded with a stern glare.
“Yes?” he smiled innocently.
“Put me down—please,” she said, restraining the desire to both laugh and cry as she looked into his ironic eyes.
The earl released his hold immediately.
Audacia staggered as she landed on her feet with unexpected suddenness. Gritting her teeth, she stamped to the gelding, pulled the skirt from the saddle and wrapped its fullness about her. “Does anyone have pins?” she asked, looking to Lady Lucille hopefully, only to find this lady staring at Geoffrey, a new appreciation written clearly over her features. At least all is not lost, Audacia thought gratefully.
“It will not be the height of fashion, Miss Aderly,” Greydon said, dismounting, “but then we both know fashion is not your passion, if you will pardon the rhyme. This will do the task required.”
Turning irritably to him, she watched as Greydon untied and unwrapped the stiff white cravat from about his neck. “If you will allow me,” the earl said, reaching behind her and pulling the cravat over the skirt like a belt. “It is fortunate cravats have some length.” He smiled as he tied the knot securely. When finished his hands lingering on her waist.
Something in his eyes, in his face, drew and held Audacia. His teasing words passed unheard as his nearness sent warmth coursing through her veins. She blanched and turned hurriedly from him, realizing how close she had come to surrendering to his arms, to his lips in that moment.
* * * *
“Audee, you missed a frightfully delicious supper. Are you certain I should not have Strowne bring something up for you?” Helene asked as she entered Audacia’s room.
“Is your headache better? What excitement! Squire Webster told us everything before he left this morn but Mother said I couldn’t bother you till now,” she said admiringly. “I should still be in hysterics if it were me. Are you certain it wasn’t just as you planned?”
“No, it was very real, but I am fine,” Audacia assured Helene. “But you are . . . so . . . wretched looking. Did the plan fail despite everything?”
“Time alone shall give that answer. I have hopes that things are much improved between them.”
“Then why are you so sad? You look about to burst into tears.”
Audacia briefly contemplated taking Helene into her confidence. How do you explain to one merely four and ten that you’ve suddenly discovered you are in love and despised by the one you love? she questioned. “I assure you I am fine.”
“What a pleasure it is to hear those words,” Lady Darby twittered coming into the room. “Then you shall be able to join us for a few moments. Patrick is beside himself with worry. A brief appearance on your part shall reassure the poor boy
“Here, this gown will do,” she said removing a sprigged muslin in white and yellow from the wardrobe. “Let me assist you.”
The determination on the viscountess’ face brooked no escape.
* * * *
“Miss Aderly, what a blessing! What a wonderful blessing to see you unharmed.” Patrick Darby bowed over her hand and kissed it. “Please let me help you,” he said taking her arm.
“I am quite recovered, Mr. Darby,” she protested weakly. Certain that the viscountess was behind her, Audacia allowed him to lead her to the sofa in the small receiving salon. “It is kind of you to be concerned,” she added as she sat. Her eyes widened as Lady Darby’s form disappeared behind closing doors.
“What—where is your mother going?” she asked in alarm.
“Please do not look so fearful, my dear Audacia,” Patrick urged. He captured her hand in his.
“Mr. Darby, I must protest this unseemly behaviour.”
“My intentions are entirely honourable, my dear Audacia. You know that you hold the highest place in my affections. Only say that you shall consent to be my wife.”
“Mr. Darby,” Audacia protested as she attempted to pull her hand free.
“You have no choice, my dear one.”
Managing to free her hand at last, Audacia spoke as firmly as she could. “You must not speak to me in such an intimate manner. It should have been made clear to you after your last attempt to take advantage of me that I hold no feeling for you but contempt.”
“That is unfortunate—for you.” Patrick leaned insolently against the back of the sofa. “For I meant it when I said you had no choice.”
“I bid you good eve,” Audacia told him and walked toward the door.
“In the end you shall be mine,” he sneered.
“There is no power on earth that could force me to accept you,” she said without turning.
“You think so little of your brother then? And your father?”
“What have they to do with you?” she asked turning slowly. Fear gripped her heart.
“I am not a vindictive man. If we wed I would simply ignore Daniel’s debt.”
“He owes you nothing.” Remembrances of their conversation about gaming hells made the words a question.
“Daniel owes me over three thousand pounds, but why take my word? Speak to him. Then we shall meet once again. You shall find your affections altered, I am certain.” He rose and walked to her.
A chill went through Audacia as his hand brushed her cheek.
“You are mine,” Patrick told her with gloating confidence and sauntered from the room.
Chapter 21
Pink rays streaked the horizon. They foretold the sun’s coming as a slight figure edged from the servants’ door of No. 31 Mount Street. Glancing furtively about the figure, clad in breeches, drew the light cloak tighter against the morning chill before it dashed down the alley. Late-night revellers staggering homeward and early morning vendors taking their wares to market didn’t give a second glance to the smudge-faced lad scooting past them.
The landlady at Viscount Hillern’s was badly out of sorts when roused at so unseemly an hour. “Mr. Aderly is asleep, lad. I’ll not permit you to wake him,” she scolded angrily at finding the unkempt figure at her door.
“I was told to deliver this letter only to him, ma’am,” the lad argued. “Let me into his chambers and I’ll not stir till he wakes.”
“And steal everything of value,” she scoffed. “Who did you say the letter is from?”
“His lordship, the Earl of Greydon.”
“Loo, these bluebloods,” the woman complained. “Follow me. Mr. Aderly can take his ire out on you and his lord
ship.”
At the first knock, the door opened.
“Why Mr. Aderly,” the landlady said in surprise, “you’re about.” Ah, well, no doubt just returned, she thought. “This lad has a letter from Lord Greydon.
“Give it to him, lad,” she prodded him forward.
“I’m to give it to Mr. Aderly—with him bein’ alone. And wait his answer,” the boy resisted her.
Throwing her hands up in disgust, the landlady bid Daniel a good morn and departed.
“Where is the letter?” Daniel demanded fretfully. “I have little time to waste. Come, lad, I’m about to depart.”
“At this hour? Is that why Geoffrey has been unable to find you?”
“Audee—what on earth?” Daniel’s eyes widened in amazement. “Did anyone see you come here? My God! What possessed you to dress so?”
“I had to speak with you,” she answered, pulling the cap from her head and taking a chair in the sitting room. “Are we alone?”
“Yes, I don’t know where Hillern is. He and Darby did not return with me.”
Audacia paled beneath the dirty smears. “Were you gambling?” she asked in hushed tones.
He nodded numbly and sank into a chair beside her. “I don’t know what I’m to do, Audee. Darby holds notes against me for over five thousand pounds.”
“Five thousand pounds! That’s a fortune. But how can—” Fear tightened its cold hand about her heart.
“Surely you did not—” Audacia reached out and covered his hand with hers.
Remorse hung over him.
“It is true, then,” she said in sentencing tones. “How long before you must pay?”
Shrugging, Daniel looked up guiltily. “Debts of honour must be met immediately.” He dropped his gaze and chewed his lip. “But Darby says he may forgive the debt. He says,” Daniel cast a furtive glance at his sister, “if I were ‘family’ there would be no need to pay.”
“Family” rang in Audacia’s mind. No wonder Patrick had been so bold. “Have you spoken with Father?” she asked hollowly.
“How can I, Audee? You know all his income other than what goes for my schooling and allowance is put into his machines.” Daniel dropped his head into his hands. “I don’t know what to do, Audee,” he moaned. “Could Father pay the sum? Do you know?”
“Not without selling everything. Even that may not be sufficient.”
“Could you not learn to care for Patrick even a little?” The revulsion on Audacia’s face struck his last hope. “I have brought us all to ruin,” Daniel sobbed.
Audacia knelt on the floor before her brother and wrapped her arms about him. “There must be some way out of this,” she told him. “We shall find it.”
“There is ruin for you no matter which way I turn.” He looked at her, guilt darkening his face with tinges of despair. “What a fool I have been.”
Audacia grasped at a fleeting straw. “Could not Geoffrey help?”
“He has little reason to, besides most of his funds are tied up in improvements,” Daniel returned, shaking his head.
“Let us see to some breakfast. Then we shall be able to think more clearly,” Audacia told him, rising to her feet. “Go, order some brought here.”
“But it is far too early. Won’t Lady Darby be in whoops to discover you gone?”
“She won’t think to check my room till noon,” she dismissed his concern. “I’m famished. Hurry now.”
* * * *
“What are we to do, Audee?” Daniel asked as they finished their meal. “I cannot face Father. I would rather die.”
“Don’t speak such nonsense,” Audacia said sharply. His tone and look as well as his words frightened her.
“Daniel?” Squire Webster said. “Daniel, we hear you talking. Let Lord Greydon and me enter.”
“They must not see me,” Audacia said, rising hurriedly.
“My room. There.” He pointed. “Hurry.” Daniel rose and walked to the door. “Come in,” he greeted his guests.
“We find you at last,” Geoffrey greeted him with a critical eye. “I had begun to fear your sister’s concern was well warranted. Word has it that your losses have been heavy. Do not fear to speak before Roland.” The squire waved a hand at his friend.
“We both wish to help you if it is needed.”
Daniel straightened himself stiffly. “I am no green youth whose hand needs to be held.”
“We mean no offence,” Greydon said, stepping forward. “Darby may have led you deeper than you can safely tread. But perhaps such matters should be discussed elsewhere. Your guest—” he nodded questioningly at the dishes for two upon the table.
“A friend—a friend from school,” Daniel stuttered. “We are to join some others at Lord’s cricket ground,” he uttered, the first thing he thought of as excuse.
“So early in the morn?” Geoffrey questioned.
“It is a practice match.”
Audacia strode from the bedchamber dressed in one of Daniel’s suits. “And we are late. We had better go, Aderly,” she added, hoping her altered voice was deep enough to pass as a young man’s.
“Mr. Aderly.” The landlady knocked upon the door and entered. “Would you be wishing tea brought for the gentlemen?” Her keen eye landed on Audacia.
“That will not be necessary, Mrs. Harris,” Daniel said. “We are just now departing.”
“If you are certain?”
“Most certain.” He took the landlady’s elbow and turned her to the corridor. “Thank you,” he said and smiled as he closed the door on her.
“There is nothing to fear Squire Webster, Lord Greydon. I thank you for your offer but you must excuse me now.” Daniel opened the door to find Mrs. Harris lingering.
“Good day, Mr. Aderly.” Greydon nodded and motioned Geoffrey to follow him as he stepped towards the door.
“Come to me if you have need for anything,” the squire told Daniel. Giving a last curious glance at Daniel’s friend, he followed Roland from the room.
With the pair safely gone, Daniel closed the door. “You must leave. Hillern could return at any time. It would be ghastly if you were discovered here—dressed like that.”
“I think I make a rather handsome lad,” Audacia returned saucily.
“Oh, Audee, what have I done to you?” he moaned.
Her spirit refused to sag with his. “We are not at ends yet.
Daniel snorted. “I have not even enough to lend you for a hackney.”
“Do not fret about it. I want you to promise me you will go to father today. You needn’t tell him the whole of the matter, but see him,” she urged.
“I don’t know, Audee.”
“You must.” She kissed his cheek lightly. “Call on me this eve. I will let you know what I have learned. A solution can be found. I know it,” Audacia said to bolster his spirits.
“Dear sister, if I had but listened to you from the first.”
“No more of that,” she ordered. “Go to Father. I’ll await you this eve.” With a reassuring hug, she left him. On the street she obtained a hackney and ordered it to the back entrance of the Mount Street residence.
* * * *
“Are you going to follow her?” Geoffrey asked as the two men watched Audacia climb into the hackney.
“Till she’s safely at Darby’s,” Greydon bit out. “That hoyden, what has she taken into her head this time? Doesn’t she realize the consequences if she is discovered gadding about dressed as a man—and in a bachelor’s quarters no less?”
“Audacia is not foolish. It must have been a matter of great import to cause her to dare this. Have you been able to learn just how much Daniel owes?”
“Over three thousand pounds at last reckoning. A massive sum for one with his small expectations. Or do I misjudge Aderly’s holdings?”
“Rather not, I think.” Geoffrey shook his head. “You say those you spoke with think Darby led the lad deliberately to lose such sums? The cur. I’m of a mind to deal with him.”
“First let us learn what he means to gain. Everything points to his forcing Audacia to wed him. But that makes no sense. He needs an heiress. Her dowry would hardly keep the man for two days from what you have told me.” Greydon’s visage hardened.
“Mr. Darby shall not be as fortunate as when we last met.”
“So it was you who dealt him the facer,” Geoffrey assessed his suddenly uncomfortable friend. “You take an uncommon interest in Audacia for one who has been given a deathly chill and nearly impaled by the lady,” he noted casually.
“You object?”
The question surprised Geoffrey. “Why, no. Not at all. Why should I object? It is your life you chance,” the squire said and chuckled dryly.
Roland threw him a withering look, then urged his whites after the hackney.
* * * *
“Daniel probably forgot,” Helene tried to calm Audacia as the latter paced about the salon. “You know how brothers can be.”
“He promised he would come.” Audacia wrung her hands. “What if something dreadful has happened?”
“No harm can come to him with Patrick watching over him,” Lady Darby said as she stitched on her needlepoint.
Audacia grew more and more worried. When the long case clock chimed, she jumped.
The viscountess looked up from her work. “You have worked yourself into a fever, Audacia. See Helene to bed. I shall call you if your brother comes.”
Helene took Audacia’s reluctant hand and led the way upstairs.
“Why are you so worried, Audee?” she asked as she climbed into bed.
Straightening the light covers, Audacia smiled sadly and sat on the bedside. “I can find no solution to another problem. The only answers distress dreadfully,” she sighed.
“We needn’t dress like lads if that is what troubles you,” Helene offered.
“It is not that.” Audacia shook her head. “I wish it were.”
“Can you not tell me what then?”
“It—it involves a friend—a friend from Warwickshire. Daniel was telling me of her troubles. I so wish I could find a solution for her.
“You see this friend, Beth, has a brother much like Daniel. He went to London and lost a horrible sum of money gambling. One of his friends signed the notes. Beth’s brother thought he had nothing to fear, but now the friend says Beth must marry him or he will call the debts due. If he does this, her family loses everything.”