But this invitation had few embellishments and, even more surprisingly, it extended not only to Rose and Letty, but to Ava as well, even if she was only referred to as “the governess.” Ava had been avoiding him even more than usual ever since their understudy conversation and he could tell she wanted to cry off from attending the dinner. So, Colin rather shamelessly enlisted Letty on his behalf.
“But you must come, Miss Conway,” said the girl. “We cannot leave you back here alone.”
“Thank you, Lady Leticia, but Maude and Stemple will be here.”
“But it won’t be the same without you.”
“You shall have a marvelous evening.”
“But none of them like me, except for Miss Babcock,” said the girl quietly.
That alarmed Ava. “What do you mean, poppet? Have they been unkind to you?”
“Not really. But I can tell Mrs. Babcock likes it better when I keep to myself and don’t say anything. And when Miss Babcock is talking to Colin, there’s no one for me to talk to.”
“You can talk to Lady Rose, can’t you?”
“Yes, but Mr. Richard is always pestering her.”
“If you do not wish to attend, why don’t you ask your brother if you can stay home with me? I am certain we will have much more fun, just the two of us. Perhaps we can play a game with Maude and Stemple.”
“I would like that, but, well….I like the desserts at the manor. Not that Maude isn’t a very good cook, of course. But…” The little girl looked wistful.
“But we don’t get much of a chance for dessert, do we?”
“Will you please come with us, Miss Conway? Please?”
Ava was torn. So far she’d avoided Miss Babcock, not wishing to spend time with the woman who would be fortunate enough to marry Colin. But she could not deny Letty.
“All right, Lady Leticia, I will accompany you.”
“Brilliant!” said Letty, as she hugged Ava. “There, Colin, I told you I could get her to come!”
As Letty ran out of the room, Ava scowled at Colin, who’d apparently been waiting in the hall. “You put your sister up to that.”
“There is no doubt she will enjoy herself more with you in attendance. We all will. You can even help Rose keep her distance from that horrid Richard.”
“I will attend, my lord, but only for the sake of your sisters.”
“Thank you. And don’t forget there will be dessert.” He tried to look remorseful, but only succeeded in looking incredibly handsome.
“You are fortunate I like your family so much.”
“What can I say? They are the very best part of me.”
He was amused when she steadfastly did nothing to correct that statement.
*
With the exception of Letty, no one from the dower house was best pleased to arrive at the manor. They were greeted by Mrs. Babcock, who still scurried forward in a curtsey, though Colin noticed it was not quite as deep as usual.
“My Lord Ridgeway! Welcome to our, I mean, your home!” she said as she gave him her hand, which he dutifully bowed over. “And welcome Lady Rosemary and Lady Leticia. We have a surprise for you.”
“Mrs. Babcock, you have not had the pleasure of meeting Miss Conway,” said Colin. “Miss Conway, this is our hostess, Mrs. Babcock.”
“How do you do, madam,” said Ava dutifully.
“Yes, well, you are all here, then,” said Mrs. Babcock, ignoring her. “Come to the drawing room for the great surprise. I am told this will be an especial treat for you, Lord Ridgeway.”
Colin was afraid of just what this treat would be. Then he entered the drawing room and saw a grinning Clayton lounging on the settee Colin’s grandfather had brought over from Paris.
“Ridgeway,” said Clayton, slowly getting to his feet. “What a surprise it was when I arrived with Miss Conway’s wages only to find you no longer lived here. For a moment, I was afraid you’d taken to the road in a gypsy caravan. But then I heard you were only down the lane in the cozy cottage.”
“It is one of the most charming houses I have ever had the pleasure of staying in,” said Ava.
Colin wanted to kiss her for coming to his defense, despite how out of sorts she was with him at the moment.
Clayton tsked. “But you have little experience with great houses, my dear. I am sure compared to where you grew up, it must seem a veritable palace.”
“While it is true that I can compare it to only one other great house, I can say it is distinguished by its occupants. Each of whom is happy, intelligent and honorable. In short, it is quite the opposite of my previous experience.”
Clayton laughed. “Oh, Ava, how I have missed you.”
“It is Miss Conway,” snapped Colin. “And you’d do well to remember it.”
“You forget, old boy, that while we may know her equally well now, I knew her first.”
“One more word…” snarled Colin in warning.
“Lord Ridgeway,” said Miss Babcock as she joined them, thereby preventing Clayton’s murder at least for the nonce, “you simply must tell Mama that spring will one day arrive here in Wiltshire. She is simply convinced it will not.”
Colin was still glaring at Clayton, daring him to say a word. But Miss Babcock’s hold on his arm was surprisingly strong. He finally let her pull him away, but he kept an eye on Clayton. Colin had purposely not introduced him to Rose, who was talking to Letty with Richard hovering nearby. If Clayton made a move toward either of his sisters, Colin would intercede. Yet Clayton gave them not a glance. Instead, he looked at Ava.
*
Ava tried not to stare at the pretty picture Colin and Miss Babcock made. She’d glimpsed Miss Babcock at church on Christmas, so she’d known she was well favored. But in the drawing room, she was truly exquisite. A perfect match for the sinfully handsome Colin.
She was so engrossed in watching them that she did not notice Clayton’s approach until he was but inches away. “They make quite a couple, do they not?” he asked.
“I do not gossip about my employer, my lord.”
“Is he only that? Just your employer?”
“Why have you come, Lord Clayton?”
“To deliver your wages. I even brought the wages for that kitchen maid.”
“Maude is now a cook and doing an excellent job.”
Clayton shrugged. “It does not surprise me that Ridgeway would have to employ an untrained kitchen maid as his cook. He’s just this side of debtors’ prison.”
“You grow tedious, my lord. Kindly give me my wages, as well as Maude’s, then you can return home.”
“Anxious to be rid of me so quickly? No, don’t answer that, my dear. I’m not sure my vanity could take it. I must confess I have an ulterior motive for my trip. I have come to make a proposition to you.”
“I am not interested in your proposition, my lord. Or must my knee make my feelings clear again?”
He laughed. “I have so missed your spirit. No, my proposition is of a different sort and concerns Ridgeway. I have learned he has been making inquiries with publishing houses. It seems our impoverished earl fancies himself a writer.”
Ava tried not to let her surprise show. Had Colin really taken her advice to heart? Why hadn’t be told her?
Clayton continued. “One of the houses he queried, B. Jones, is part of my holdings. Pray do not spread that about because I would hate to be tainted by a whiff of trade, though obviously Ridgeway has no such concerns.”
“I believe it is admirable that he is seeking a publisher.”
“No offense, my dear, but your kind would think that. Among my lot, it’s rather shameful. However, I am in the unique position to give Ridgeway exactly what he wants. A nice income that would enable him to get out from under the financial mess his father and grandfather left him in.”
Ava was surprised by Clayton’s generosity. “I know he would be most appreciative, my lord. But it would be a sound investment for you, as well. He is an excellent writer.”
&nb
sp; “I would have to leave that judgment to you since I would rather by tarred and feathered than read whatever lofty nonsense he chose to write. However, I am willing to give him the money he so desperately needs only if you leave this place and become my mistress.”
Ava felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach by a particularly angry mule.
“Dear Ava, I see I have taken you by surprise. You are incredibly expressive. Arousingly so. I cannot wait to have you beneath me.”
Ava’s hand itched to slap his face. But she could not afford to antagonize Clayton when he was in a position to hand Colin everything he needed. She could not bear to think of becoming any man’s mistress, but she loved Colin dearly. Could she make this sacrifice for his happiness? To ensure he could marry where he wanted, even though this meant he would never marry her?
“Perhaps you need more persuading. It appears that Ridgeway is doing well with Miss Babcock. But I can assure you it is not going nearly as well as he thinks. I had a talk with Mr. Babcock today and let’s just say he might not be as keen to have Ridgeway as a son-in-law, anymore.”
“You lied about him, didn’t you?’
“I certainly didn’t lie about the exploits of his father and grandfather. No need to, there. The Babcocks want a title in the family, but they also realize that it will take a great deal to erase the taint of trade from them. Fortunately, my title would more than compensate for their deficiencies, whereas Ridgeway’s comes with its own disadvantages.”
“But you’d never even met Miss Babcock until your arrival.”
“Have you never heard that familiarity breeds contempt? I firmly believe that the less one knows about a spouse the smoother the marriage – both before and after the wedding. I’ve seen the lady in question. She would look beautiful on my arm and ‘twould be no hardship to bed her. On this, I’m sure Ridgeway and I both agree.”
Ava could not help gritting her teeth at the very thought of Colin bedding Miss Babcock.
Clayton laughed. “As I said, you are so expressive. I cannot wait to witness more of your reactions.”
“So you want Miss Babcock for a wife and me as a mistress.”
“I need a wife and she’s as well-dowered as she is well-favored. I want you in my bed. But, mostly, I want to beat Ridgeway.”
“If I do take your odious offer, how do I know you won’t rescind his contract as soon as I lie with you?”
“You don’t trust me, pet?”
“Not in the least.”
“I always knew you were smart, yet still attractive despite being so. I shall give Lord Ridgeway such a large advance that even if I were to cancel the contract, he’d still have enough blunt to give both his sisters a Season. Speaking of his sisters, Rosemary is an exquisite creature.”
“Don’t go near her!” Just the thought of this snake near Rose was enough to make Ava want to strike him.
“You are such a delight. And I suppose it speaks well of you that you are so concerned about Ridgeway and his sister. But tell me, are you not worried about your own future? Once our affair becomes known – and affairs always do – you will never again be able to get a job as a governess or chaperone.”
Ava had not thought that far ahead. All she could think about was protecting Rose from whatever villainous plan Clayton might concoct. And she couldn’t repeat this – any of this – to Colin. He would surely call Clayton out.
“What of my future?” asked Ava.
“Well, I must confess that you do not have much of one even now. Some of the guests at my house party may have gotten the impression that you and I were lovers.”
She would kill Clayton herself.
“So, there is no place for you in the great houses of the ton now or ever. And if you are delusional enough to think you might one day be Lady Ridgeway, let me disabuse you of that notion. The scandal of your past would kill any chances Rosemary might have to marry. The young red-headed chit wouldn’t even have a hope of marrying years from now. Not that her chances were going to be all that great to begin with. I cannot abide that color hair. If you choose to stay here, not only will you ruin Ridgeway’s chance to become financially independent, but you’ll end his sisters’ dreams of marriage.”
“You’re a bastard,” whispered Ava.
“In all ways but legally, pet. Now run along and consider my offer. I see we’ve attracted Ridgeway’s attention. Another moment and he’ll be slapping a glove in my face.”
Ava turned away from him blindly, running into Myra Babcock as she did so. She did not want Colin to see her so upset because she couldn’t explain the reason. She had to regain her composure and decide her fate.
*
“You’re quiet tonight, Ava,” said Rose. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Mr. Babcock had lent them his carriage for the journey back to the dower house. Though the distance was not far, the snow made it slow going.
“I am quite well, thank you. Just tired.” Tired and with much to consider. The rest of the evening after Clayton’s odious proposition had passed as if it had been a dream. Ava had mostly kept to herself while watching over Letty to ensure no one was unkind to the girl.
She’d also kept an eye on Colin and Miss Babcock. They’d been across the room, but she could discern nothing that would indicate they’d developed a tendre for each other. If Colin had been in love with Nora, the solution would be simple. Ava would leave when they married and make her own way in the world, though it would not be as a servant in a ton household, thanks to Clayton’s vile lies. Perhaps she would go to America. She could make a fresh start there. She’d have to borrow money from Colin, but if he married into the Babcock family he could afford to help her. She would pay him back, of course, no matter how long it took.
However, if Colin did not marry Miss Babcock, then Ava’s life would be much more complicated. Clayton had told her that Colin would receive an offer from B. Jones in one week’s time. If he accepted it – and he would have to – Ava would be expected to leave the next day. If she didn’t arrive in London at the address Clayton had given her, the offer would be rescinded.
So Ava had one week to figure out a way she could help Colin’s family without becoming Lord Clayton’s mistress. Because there was no way she would do that.
Ava felt the soft weight of Letty’s head on her shoulder. The poor girl had fallen asleep. Ava eased her down, so Letty lay across her lap, then she pulled the blanket around her shoulders.
Ava looked up to see Colin staring at her. The heat in his eyes drew her to him. She could not look away. Fortunately, Rose inadvertently broke the moment by speaking of the evening.
“Colin, you must find an excuse to get us out of all future engagements with the Babcocks. Young Richard hasn’t taken the hint that I am not interested in him romantically.”
“Has he made inappropriate advances? I will not hesitate to make my displeasure known by thrashing him.”
“No, he is only boorish in the extreme. I cannot say I like Miss Myra or Miss Babcock all that much, either.”
Colin’s eyes were keen upon his sister. “What fault do you find with Miss Babcock? So far she has not said anything that could be construed as unkind or controversial.”
“And that is part of the problem. Her conversation is utterly inoffensive and it is the very blandness that offends me. I cannot imagine spending a lifetime with a spouse who would never express an original opinion.”
“Really? I daresay most men would have no problem with it,” said Colin with a grin.
He was rewarded with a swat from Rose. “You are not most men. You would not be happy with her, Colin. I am sure of it. I believe you desire a wife who is not afraid to speak her mind. One who is well-read and intelligent. Who is not afraid to make her own way in the world. She should also have a love of family, since she is inheriting one. You want a nurturer, one who would be both sister and mother to Letty, if need be.”
Ava realized both Colin and Rose were looking at her. “You have
left one thing off the list, dear Rose,” she said. “Colin’s wife should also have a good fortune.”
“Pah!” said Rose. “We shall be perfectly fine without one.”
“Perhaps James is making the family fortune in America,” said Colin.
“And who knows?” added Rose. “Perhaps I shall marry a man who’s remarkably plump in the purse. Ah, we have finally arrived. Here, Ava, let me take Letty.”
“I shall do it,” said Colin as a Babcock groom opened the carriage door. “Stemple is here to escort you and Ava across the ice.”
Ava watched Colin carry his youngest sister. The sight of it made her heart ache for the children she would never have with him. He would be a magnificent father, regardless of who his very fortunate wife would be. She also thought of the young girl in his arms who’d already suffered the barbs and unkind comments of those who held her parentage against her. What if Colin wasn’t able to restore his family’s fortune? And what if the scandal of having Clayton’s alleged mistress in residence hurt Letty’s future? Could Ava live with that?
The answer was a resounding no.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Clayton had the good grace to depart the Babcocks’ home the next morning, sending Ava’s and Maude’s wages to the dower house by messenger. At least Ava would now have the means to leave the estate, even if she couldn’t make it all the way to America. She considered her fate as she tried not to meet Colin’s eyes across the table in the kitchen.
“It’s all here,” said Maude with some surprise after carefully counting her coins.
“Good,” said Colin. “I’m sure you more than earned it.”
“Milord,” said Maude, “you’ve been so good to Victor and me. Do you need…that is to say, if you want to borrow some coin, you can take what you will.”
Ava could tell that Colin was very touched by the offer, even if a bit embarrassed.
He smiled. “Maude, that is perhaps the most generous offer anyone has ever made me. Thank you, but I will not need to borrow from you. In any case, you’ll likely need to hold on to your coins since I understand your betrothed’s employer is a miserly fellow who is behind on his wages.”
Always Come Home (Emerson 1) Page 20