Candice Hern

by The Regency Rakes Trilogy

  "Can't do that, Sedge." Jack eased into a matching chair and reached for the wine decanter that had been placed on a small table between them." 'Fraid it is so."

  "Good God!" Sedgewick stared openmouthed at Jack, then shook his head in disbelief. "You could have knocked me over with a feather when Skeffington told me you were dancing attendance on the latest crop of debs. Said you were shopping for a bride. Told him he must have got it wrong. Not the marrying type, I said."

  "Things have changed, Sedge."

  "Ah. Right." Sedgewick looked distressed, obviously not wanting to bring up the tragedy that had made Jack head of his family. But Jack and Sedgewick had been friends for too long for there to be any awkwardness between them. Jack caught his eye and nodded, a signal that Sedgewick should not feel constrained to discuss the matter.

  Sedgewick took a deep breath and blew it out of puffed cheeks. "I suppose your poor mother is after you to secure the succession."

  "Yes, and rightly so. I recognize that my carefree days as an insignificant younger son are over. Strange. I suppose there are many who envy me my title. For me it has brought nothing but grief and loss of a freedom which I never fully appreciated."

  "Never thought of it like that, but I suppose you are right. Before ... all this," he said with a flutter of long fingers, "you were quite the solitary man, were you not? No one to please but yourself. No responsibilities. Beholden to no one. Devil-may-care—"

  "Just so," Jack said, interrupting before Sedgewick could further inventory his selfish ways. "But now—"

  "Now you must marry and produce an heir." Sedgewick sighed loudly and sank further into the leather seat cushion. "Well, I suppose there are worse fates. Might work out all right, after all. Look at Bradleigh."

  "Indeed. He is disgustingly happy. It is almost sickening."

  "Oh, I don't know," Sedgewick said. "I think it's rather nice."

  Jack raised his brows in question, but Sedgewick ignored him and took another swallow of claret. Jack had not been terribly surprised when their friend Bradleigh had chosen to marry a little over a year ago. After all, the man was an earl and had responsibilities. But to imagine Sedgewick considering the same step was too incredible to contemplate. But he had surely not imagined that wistful tone of voice.

  "At least your mother ain't in Town arranging things for you," Sedgewick said. "You can make your own choice and present it to her a fait accompli."

  "Yes. Thank God for that," Jack said.

  "Gad, man, with your title and estates and fortune, you must have them lining up at your door. You can have your pick of the lot."

  "Er ... not exactly."

  "What? Oh. You mean your reputation. Less than sterling, and all that. The gambling. The women. The—"

  "There is that, of course," Jack said, quickly interrupting yet another list of iniquities. "But you would be amazed at how short memories can be when the title of marchioness is at stake."

  Sedgewick smiled broadly. "No doubt. So, then, what is the problem?"

  Jack took another long swallow of claret before speaking. He had decided to confide in Sedgewick—in fact he needed to confide in Sedgewick, or someone. Only Jessop was aware of the nature of his problems, but even he was unaware of the extent of them. It was becoming an oppressive burden to carry alone. He needed to talk about it. He wanted to talk about it. Sedgewick was one of his closest friends; he could rely on his discretion.

  "I am afraid the field is not as wide as it could be," he said in a strained voice. He found that he was more than reluctant, that it was almost physically impossible to say what he needed to say. He was ashamed. "I am able to consider only ... an heiress." He almost choked on the word, then threw his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes. He could not bear to look at his friend just yet.

  "An heiress?" Sedgewick's voice reflected his surprise. Jack took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. Sedgewick's brow was knotted in confusion.

  "I don't understand," Sedgewick continued when Jack did not respond. "I always thought you were well to grass before. And now that you have inherited your father's estates and fortune, not to mention whatever you picked up from James and Frederick, I assumed you to be as rich as old Midas."

  "If only that were true!" Jack leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. "The fact is," he said in a voice so quiet Sedgewick had to lean closer in order to hear, "what I inherited was a mountain of debts and six mortgaged and badly managed estates." He paused and took a deep breath. "I'm bled dry, Sedge."

  "Good Lord! I had no idea."

  "Neither did I. I've led a somewhat reckless life, as you know. But I always kept my financial affairs in order and assumed that my father and brothers did the same." He gave a ragged sigh. "I was badly mistaken." He dropped his head into his hands, and his voice shook with suppressed emotion. "This last year has been a nightmare."

  Sedgewick reached out and briefly squeezed Jack's shoulder.

  "Why have you not said anything before?" he asked in a tone of such concern that Jack was almost undone.

  "I wanted to try to put things right," he said, trying to maintain his composure, but unable to completely disguise the anguish in his voice. He lifted his head and reached for the wine decanter. He poured another glassful, but did not immediately take a drink. He simply held it in both hands, moving it in gentle circles as he watched the swirling red liquid illumined by the adjacent fire to a ruby glow. He did not look at Sedgewick.

  "It's beyond me, Sedge," he said. "I cannot manage it. I will have to sell off at least two of the estates now, perhaps others later. But they are in such poor condition they will probably not bring enough even to pay off their mortgages. I have had to pour funds from Broadhurst into Pemworth just to keep it going, and have been juggling rents between Goodwyck and Crutchley to finance repairs. The tenant farms and cottages on all the estates are disgraceful. I have had to put new men in place of the bailiffs, who, I am convinced, were lax at best, and in some cases may even have embezzled revenues."

  "God, Jack," Sedgewick said, running his fingers through longish blond hair, "I am so sorry."

  "Yes. Well, the point is I need cash and lots of it and I need it now. I have just about depleted my own resources." He brought the wineglass to his lips at last and drained it in a single swallow. Placing the empty glass on the table, he looked at Sedgewick and offered a rueful smile. "Hence, the need for an heiress," he said.

  "I can see that," Sedgewick said.

  "But I had as soon not have my financial situation made public. I don't believe I could bear for people to know that I was ... that I was a... a ..."

  "Fortune hunter?" Sedgewick gave a shudder that shook his entire lanky frame. "Don't blame you, old man. Ugly label, that. Not a pretty situation."

  "Indeed," Jack said. "And so although I have in fact publicly entered the Marriage Mart for the Season, I am only truly considering those young women who can help me out of this dreadful coil. But I hope I have been circumspect enough so as not to reveal my true situation. Not only would I feel thoroughly humiliated, but I suspect my choices would suddenly become severely limited if it were known that I have little more than a title to offer. And," he said looking Sedgewick in the eye, "I am counting on your discretion, my friend. You are the only one who knows the truth."

  Sedgewick placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. "You know you can trust me, old fellow," he said in a gentle voice. "Anyway, things will work out in the end, you'll see." Suddenly, his eyes widened. "I have it!" he said with a huge grin that split his face in half and caused his eyes to crinkle into slits. "I shall play matchmaker for you and find just the right girl to help you out of your troubles."

  "God help me!" Jack said, and both men dissolved into laughter, slapping one another on the back.

  "What's this? Don't tell me that congratulations are already in order, Jack?"

  Jack looked up at the familiar voice to find Lord Bradleigh standing over them. "Rob!" he sai
d, smiling with genuine pleasure. "Well met. I did not know you were in Town. Do not tell me that connubial bliss has finally palled?"

  "Not in the least, my friend," the earl said, grabbing a nearby armchair and flopping down casually into it. "You two should try it. Fact is, Emily is in an interesting condition, and we have come to Town to have a special wardrobe made up for her."

  "Congratulations, old man," Sedgewick said as he grabbed Bradleigh's hand and pumped it energetically.

  Jack signaled to the waiter to bring an extra wineglass and turned to Lord Bradleigh. "That is wonderful news, Rob. Give my best wishes to your beautiful countess."

  "Thank you," Bradleigh said. "But what was all that backslapping I witnessed as I came in? I heard you were in the market for a bride, Jack. Shall I wish you happy?"

  "Eventually, I hope," Jack said in a light tone. "But not quite yet. I was just telling Sedge how eligible I have suddenly become now that I have a marchioness title to offer. Mothers who once dragged their daughters away if I so much as entered the same room are now fawning all over me."

  Robert laughed. "I know the feeling. I had to overcome my reputation, too, you may recall. Although mine was not quite so ..."

  "Sordid?" Sedgewick suggested. "Scandalous? Dissolute? Debauched?"

  "Enough!" Jack held up both hands in a defensive posture and laughed. "Sedgewick has done nothing this evening but catalog my sins," he said to Bradleigh. "I really don't know why I abide the fellow."

  "The man has no sensitivity," the earl said, grinning. "Never did have."

  "Well!" Sedgewick said with mock outrage as he pulled himself out of his chair and stood. "I shall not remain here and be insulted. Besides, I have an engagement this evening and must be off." He turned to Bradleigh and flashed his famous grin. "Good to see you, Rob. Give my regards to Emily."

  "I will. Perhaps you will join us for dinner one evening?"

  "I would be delighted," Sedgewick replied.

  "Good. I will send a note round."

  Sedgewick turned to Jack and smiled warmly. "Good luck. Jack. I hope you may be as fortunate in your choice of brides as our friend Bradleigh has been."

  "Thank you, Sedge," Jack said. "Thank you for.. . everything."

  "Any time, old man." Sedgewick smiled and winked at Jack, then tugged at his waistcoat and straightened his cravat. "I'm off," he said and then wound his way through the many groups gathered in the subscription room, stopping to acknowledge acquaintances here and there, and was soon out the door.

  Lord Bradleigh turned to Jack and raised his brows in question.

  "I was commiserating with Sedge on the frustrations of having to seek a bride," Jack said, keeping his tone light. "The succession, you know." Though Bradleigh had long been as close a friend as Sedgewick, Jack was unwilling just now to confide in him regarding his financial problems. It had been difficult enough to open up to Sedgewick. He wasn't up to a second round of painful disclosure just yet. Besides, he would as soon limit the number of people aware of his situation.

  "I know how you feel," Bradleigh said. "And I imagine you are going about it in the same cold-blooded manner I once did. No expectations of a love match?"

  "None."

  "I thought not. Be careful, Jack. That's how I ended up betrothed to Augusta Windhurst." He shuddered and a spasm of distaste crossed his face. "What a lucky escape that was." He poured himself another glass of claret. "Have you singled out anyone yet?"

  "There are a few I am considering."

  "I wish you luck." The earl offered a rueful smile. "It is not an enviable task. At least you don't appear to have an army of female relations acting as matchmakers."

  "No, thank heavens," Jack said. "Mother is persistent, but she is not tossing candidates my way." He slid down a little in his chair, feeling mellowed by the wine. "I have, though, received assistance from the most unexpected quarter. A most extraordinary woman has become my champion. Lady Mary Haviland."

  "Lady Mary?" Robert said, his eyes widening in surprise. "I know her, Jack. She and Emily are good friends. You must have met her at our wedding."

  "Indeed," Jack said, "she claims I did, but I regret that I have little recollection of the event."

  Robert laughed, and Jack gave a weary shrug. He had been reminded of his sins more than enough times for one evening.

  "You are correct in finding Lady Mary extraordinary," Robert continued. "Apart from Emily, she is one of the most delightful women of my acquaintance. She has a home in Bath, you know, which is where she and Emily met. Lady Mary was often at Grandmother's house in Laura Place. So she is in Town now? Emily will be pleased. Where is she staying?"

  "She has taken a house in Upper Brook Street," Jack said.

  "We must pay a call on her," Robert said. "I am glad to hear you have struck up a friendship with her. She is a delight, is she not?"

  "Indeed," Jack said, smiling as he thought of Mary. "She is a most unusual woman. I don't believe I have ever met anyone so genuinely open and unaffected. She is the most thoroughly cheerful person I think I have ever known. And her laugh," he said, laughing himself, "is positively infectious."

  "Yes," Robert said, smiling. "Amazing when you think about what she has been through. If anyone has a right to be less than cheerful, it is Lady Mary."

  "What's that?"

  "You know," Robert said. "Her father and all that." He took another sip of wine and turned toward an outburst at the other end of the room, where one of the groups crowded around a faro table had become suddenly animated.

  Ignoring the noise, Jack stared at Robert. What was that about Mary and her father? He was unaware of any problems in her life. But then he suddenly realized he knew very little about Mary. He knew he liked her, was quite fond of her, in fact. But he knew nothing about her background other than her being the daughter of the late Earl of Assheton. She never spoke about herself, and Jack was forced to admit he had never asked. They spent most of their time talking about him and his quest for a bride.

  Robert turned his attention back to Jack. "I suppose all that money helps," he said. "I have often wondered, though, if Mary's current great wealth could ever really make up for the past."

  Jack froze momentarily, the wineglass halfway to his lips. All that money? Her great wealth? Mary was wealthy? His little Mary was wealthy?

  A smile spread across Jack's face as a new idea occurred to him.

  * * *

  Jack decided to walk home later that evening, after sharing a bird and a bottle with Bradleigh. He needed time to himself to contemplate the plan that his friend's words had triggered.

  He whistled as he headed along St. James's Street and across Piccadilly to Bond Street, feeling well pleased with himself. He was hailed by a few friends loitering in front of Gentleman Jackson's saloon.

  "Why the big smile, Jack?" one of them asked, poking him in the ribs. "New ladybird on the mount?"

  Jack joined in the general laughter that followed, shared a few ribald remarks, and then continued on his way. He received stares from several passersby as he headed up Bond Street with a spring in his step and a grin on his face. It was all too deliciously easy. He felt as though a goose had deposited a golden egg right into his lap.

  Mary was rich!

  He still could not believe it. Nor could he believe how stupid he had been not to have considered it as a possibility. But then he had never thought of Mary in that way. In fact, it was strangely disappointing to begin to think of her in that way now. He had found it unexpectedly pleasant, comfortable even, to have a purely companionable relationship with a woman. He thoroughly enjoyed the times he spent in Mary's company, despite—or perhaps because—there were none of the usual sexual undertones to which he was accustomed. He did, though, enjoy teasing her with suggestive comments for the simple pleasure of hearing her laugh.

  Nevertheless, he was willing to forgo his comfortable friendship with Mary if her fortune recommended a more serious relationship.

  As he dined
with Bradleigh, he had discreetly probed for information on Mary's situation, hopefully without giving away his having been unaware of it himself.

  "She don't exactly flaunt her wealth," Jack had said when the earl had returned to the subject of Mary. He tried to keep his tone indifferent, affecting an attitude of fashionable ennui.

  "No," Bradleigh said, "she doesn't, does she? She lives well enough, but you certainly never see her dripping in diamonds or parading around in flashy carriages with showy horseflesh. Emily thinks that Mary sees her fortune only as a means to provide her the freedom to live exactly as she pleases. Beyond that, it is of little interest to her."

  Jack cocked a brow in an attitude of casual disbelief, struggling to disguise his interest.

  "Perhaps she doesn't fully appreciate the extent of it," Bradleigh continued. "She only became aware of it very suddenly, after all."

  Jack had been puzzled by this part of the conversation. He had not been able to get much additional information from his friend, who did no more than imply that the fortune had come to Mary upon her father's death. He had seemed more inclined to discuss some trouble with her father, but Jack had not paid much attention. He was more concerned with the subject of money, but he had felt uncomfortable probing any deeper. He had not wanted to arouse Bradleigh's suspicions.

  But surely, as the late Lord Assheton's only child, Mary had always known of her expectations. Why should it come as such a surprise to her to inherit? He pondered this question as he turned onto Conduit Street and then George Street. He knew very little of the late earl, who had kept much to himself. Never, however, had he heard that the man was terribly wealthy. Perhaps he had been one of those eccentrics who had lived like a hermit but hoarded a fortune. That could explain why Mary may not have known of her expectations.

  The fact was, he did not care how it had come about, he thought as he playfully kicked a pebble down the street. He could have Jessop look into it if it really mattered. The important thing was that Mary was as prime a candidate as any other woman on her list. Indeed, she was a far superior candidate because she had no father or brother or guardian controlling her fortune. Apparently, if Jack correctly interpreted Bradleigh's implications, Mary had complete control. And that she was older and quite plain could be seen only as an added advantage. By God, but she would be easy pickings!