by Jane Lark
A frown formed while he tried to keep his chin up. Kendrick? “Did he say what his call is about?”
“No, sir.”
They were not introduced. Kendrick should not be here. He’d been introduced to Rowena, not Rupert, and people should not speak unless they’d had an introduction.
Rupert sighed; he hadn’t even eaten yet. What on earth was the man calling at this hour for?
“I have asked him to wait in the library, sir.”
“I would rather you’d told him I was not to be disturbed.”
“He said he would not be put off, my Lord. If you were busy, he would wait.”
Bloody hell. What on earth did Kendrick want? Perhaps he had merely been sidling up to Rowena last night to win Rupert’s vote for some bill in Parliament? Well, if that was Kendrick’s game, Rupert would swiftly put him right.
“Then tell him I will be down in a while.”
Half an hour later, Rupert turned the handle of the library door, then entered. He’d eaten breakfast, holding Kendrick to his word, and making him wait.
Kendrick was sitting in a comfortable chair near the hearth at the far end of the room, scanning a book he must have taken from the shelves, looking thoroughly at ease.
Annoyance itched beneath Rupert’s skin. He’d hoped to make Kendrick feel unwelcome by delaying their meeting.
The man glanced up, set the book on a small satinwood table beside him, and stood.
The impression Rupert had acquired last night was not improved. This man was aging, and he might be confident in his own skin, and bear a title, but as Rupert had never heard of Kendrick until last night, he could not be anyone of any importance.
“You wished to speak to me...” Rupert opened, bowing slightly and stiffly.
Kendrick also gave the merest bow. “I realize it is unusually early,” he began, “however, I wished to ensure you, and Lady Rowena, would be at home.”
And Lady Rowena?
“Lord Morton, I wish to make an offer for your sister.”
Kendrick could have punched Rupert in the stomach. He would have felt equally winded. “No.” The answer left his lips with an adamant force, without any thought; of course the answer was no.
“Hear me out, Lord Morton. Lady Rowena would be a countess, and I have a considerable fortune.”
“No.” Robert wished for more for her than this old man. He wanted her to be happy, more than happy, loved. Rupert had endured his parents’ cold, bitter home. He would not allow his adored sister to suffer that.
“Do not be so hasty, Morton. You cannot be making the decision with any sense. At least think about this before you answer me.”
“I have no need to think. You were only introduced to her last night. You can have no affection for her, and I do not even know you. I have no intention, therefore, of trusting you to care for my sister, no matter how big your fortune, Kendrick. There is no decision to be made, the answer is no.”
“I saw your sister last night, Morton, and I simply knew she was the right one –”
“The right one? And what was your deceased wife, who I’m advised you have mourned very thoroughly?”
Kendrick stiffened, growing an inch in height as his hands fisted at his sides. “I loved my first wife. It does not mean I cannot love a second time. I have children who need a mother. Some of them are still very young. When I saw your sister across the room last night, I felt what I felt on the occasion I met my first wife. I —”
“I do not care.”
“My Lord Morton, be reasonable. At least give me a chance.”
“There is no chance my sister will have you, and the final say will always be hers. Why waste your time? You may go now.”
“Then let me speak with her, Lord Morton. Let us ask Lady Rowena, and let her have her say...”
Rupert stared at Kendrick. Rupert did not wish Rowena dragged into this, but he was unsure what to do. He could throw the man out, but Kendrick would probably still believe he had a chance, or Rupert could call Rowena down and perhaps her refusal might finally convince Kendrick to forget this ridiculous notion?
“Very well, I will fetch her and she may tell you herself. She has no interest in you.”
“May I speak with her alone?”
“No. You may do so in my company.”
Kendrick stared.
Rupert turned away. He was definitely making a hash of this chaperoning lark. He could not wait to call at Edward’s today. He had not only set aside his uncertainty about Ellen taking on the task, he would plead with his cousin’s wife to do it.
After tapping lightly on the door of Rowena’s bedchamber, he entered at her call.
“Hello, Rupert.” She was sitting at her writing desk; she’d obviously been writing until he entered. She stood now, smiling at him, that blessedly open, happy smile of hers. Her smile had been his joy for as long as he could remember. The sunlight in an otherwise cloudy world.
She was several years younger than him and he’d adored her from the minute she was born.
“You have a caller,” he said gently.
“Who?”
“A suitor, but one I do not think you’ll welcome. Kendrick, who danced with you last night. He’s called to make you an offer.”
Her mouth had fallen open. It closed. Then she said quietly, “Oh.”
“He wishes to speak to you.”
Her eyes opened wider and her skin slightly paled. She looked just as shocked as he’d felt.
“I only met him last evening.”
“I know.”
“He is fifty-eight. He told me.”
Rupert smiled, with closed lips, a gesture intended to comfort her. “Come along, we’ll go down and put him right, and then today I will ask Ellen to become your chaperone. She will make a far better job of it, I’m sure. She and her sisters can find you more suitable suitors, Rowena. I’m sorry. I have not helped you at all.”
She moved forward swiftly, and then hugged him fiercely, her arms about his neck, a gesture which caused a sharp pain in his chest. Rowena was the most precious thing he had in his life.
He held her too.
“You have been wonderful, Rupert. You are the best brother.” She did not say he was a good chaperone though.
“Come along,” he reiterated when she drew away.
A few moments later, he was back in the library, with Rowena standing beside him, looking as uncomfortable as she had done the night before. Her hands were clasped together, as though she feared to separate them, in case Kendrick might simply take one, and when Kendrick lifted a hand asking to do so, she did not offer hers but bobbed a stiff, yet deep curtsy, her hands still clasped at her waist. “My Lord.”
Kendrick bowed elegantly, in a style of thirty years ago, with a flourish of his hand, and when he rose he looked Rowena in the eyes. “Lady Rowena, I am sure your brother has told you why I have come. I hope you do not think it presumptuous of me to make an offer so soon. I cannot say I am offering you love; it is far too early for that. Yet I may say I was very impressed with you last night. You have a pleasant, happy nature, Lady Rowena. I think we shall suit.”
Suit? Rupert wished far more than a man who would suit for his sister. Kendrick would not suit her. Rupert bit his tongue. He would be more than happy with something so easy and fitting for himself, just as Kendrick would, but Rowena was young. She saw the world through untainted eyes. She should have a romantic relationship, one deserving of a happy ending in a fairytale.
“I have six children who are the offspring from my first marriage, and a large estate. We could live quite comfortably there...”
Comfortable? There was another dispassionate word Rupert used for the relationship he’d seek when the time was right, but it was not a word which expressed what he hoped for his sister.
“I will treat you well, Rowena, if you will have me.”
Rowena looked as though she felt sick, while Kendrick looked expectant and hopeful.
It was a forl
orn hope.
“It is kind of you to make the offer, my Lord...” Rowena began.
But, no. Rupert, heard her denial rip through his thoughts.
“However I’m afraid I am not inclined to accept, sir. I hardly know you...”
Kendrick’s lips lifted slightly at her words. Why had Rowena not just said a direct no? Now the man still thought there was a chance.
“Did we not converse quite merely last night –”
“For one dance,” Rupert interjected. “You are being presumptuous, Kendrick.”
Rowena gripped Rupert’s arm. It was a gentle warning for him to stay silent. “It is kind of you to have thought of me, Lord Kendrick, however, I cannot make such a commitment to you, sir. I’m sorry.”
Kendrick’s eyes seemed to gleam suddenly with the intensity of his thoughts. “You wish to be courted. Of course, you do. How foolish of me not to remember what it is to be young. May I court you, Lady Rowena?”
“She has said no, Kendrick––”
Rowena’s grip firmed on Rupert’s arm, in another warning. “I’m sorry, my Lord.”
Rupert was not sorry at all.
The man bowed. “Then I shall say good morning.”
Rupert’s heart thumped. Kendrick did not look as though he was giving up. His posture had stiffened again, and there was that impression of intense thought in his eyes once more.
“Lady Rowena.” Kendrick caught up her hand before Rowena had chance to pull it back, and the fingers of her other, slipped from Rupert’s arm.
Kendrick pressed a kiss on the back of Rowena’s hand, as he had done last night, but Rowena was not wearing gloves now, and to Rupert’s eyes, it seemed to linger longer than it should. He wanted to thump Kendrick. It was a blessing Rupert was on his way to Jackson’s. The pugilist master’s sparring club would give him the freedom to vent his spleen.
~
Meredith Divine laughed loudly and uncomfortably as she clung to Rowena’s arm. She felt awkward arriving with Rowena’s cousin and his wife. Her heart raced.
She ought to be used to the censure of the ton by now. She had been out for a year. She was not. She was very thankful for Rowena. Rowena had accepted Meredith from the moment she’d come out, without judgment. Rowena was Meredith’s shield.
They reached the receiving line. Lord and Lady Marlow were introduced first, then Lady Rowena, and finally Miss, insignificant, Divine.
She was here because several of the ton were in business with her father, but she was only tolerated, not welcomed.
Her father was coming later this evening, yet he’d bid Meredith to come early with Rowena, as he’d had a meeting with his business partner over dinner.
Meredith’s gaze spun about the ballroom as they entered. It was overcrowded; she could hardly see through the crush of people, but even so her gaze searched for one person. She wasn’t even sure if he was coming. Rowena had not said, and Meredith did not like to ask. Where was Rowena’s brother? She’d not seen him since last evening, and he had not taken them out as he’d promised. His cousin’s wife had been in the barouche when it arrived.
Meredith’s heart kept beating with a firm rhythm. She knew Lord Morton did not like her, though she’d tried hard to be pleasing. She just wished he might at least smile at her. He never did.
Like the others in the ton, he thought she was lacking because of her low birth, and that was insurmountable. Why did it have to be him her heart favored? Someone so very proud. He always looked as though he thought he was above most of life. The only time he showed any interest in anything was when he looked at Rowena.
“Now then, Rowena, Miss Divine, shall I fetch you a glass of orgeat, to refresh you before you dance?” Lord Edward spoke to Rowena first, then glanced at Meredith.
Meredith smiled. Lord Edward smiled back.
He seemed pleasant and far less judgmental than his cousin. Yet there was little between the two men in handsomeness. They were lean, muscular and tall. Though Lord Morton’s hair was a lighter brown, and Lord Morton had hazel eyes, rather than Lord Edward’s dark blue.
Meredith had been lost in Lord Morton’s hazel eyes last night as they’d danced, and she’d dreamed of them too, and dreamed of that waltz, of being held and steered so beautifully by his muscular arms.
Her heart fluttered as she nodded a thank you to Lord Edward, accepting his offer.
Her attraction to Rowena’s brother had been instantaneous on their introduction. Yet he’d only ever looked at her with disdain and suspicion.
She glanced about the room again as Lord Edward left them.
She still could not see Lord Morton. Now that he had passed the responsibility for chaperoning Rowena to his cousin’s wife, Meredith had no idea whether he would even come. He never normally danced. Last night, then, had been a very precious exception.
For long, unending minutes she’d thought he would leave her standing there like a prize idiot, but then he’d finally asked, obviously unwillingly. She was going to treasure the memory of that dance. She was certain it was the closest contact she would ever have with him. He was too many miles above her reach. It was just a shame her heart would not be directed elsewhere.
“Lady Rowena, may I impose upon you for a dance...?”
Meredith’s gaze spun to the older gentleman, Lord Kendrick, who’d been introduced to them last night.
Rowena was blushing. Earlier she’d whispered to Meredith that Lord Kendrick had asked to marry her today. He’d met Rowena only hours before making the offer. Of course, Rowena had declined.
Meredith’s heart pounded again. If an offer was made for her, she knew her father would not let her decline. Whoever the man was, she would have to accept him, and she’d even be expected to show she was glad of the honor he’d shown her, no matter her feelings. What was worse was her father’s impatience for her to make a match. Her days were numbered. If she did not make a choice soon, her father had said a week ago, he would make the choice for her.
Yet Meredith had met no one she wished to encourage, apart from Lord Morton, who was not interested, and would barely even look at her.
Yet last night when he had looked at her, for the very first time he had glanced down at her lips as she spoke and looked right into her eyes. She’d felt faint as he’d held her, and she’d wondered if he’d sensed the trembling she’d felt inside.
“Come, let me introduce you to my family, Miss Divine.” Lady Eleanor touched Meredith’s arm, gently pressing her elbow to lead her.
It would be embarrassing if Meredith was left to sit the dance out. Especially as she was with people she hardly knew. She glanced back at the people dancing, then looked desperately about the edges of the room, trying to catch the eye of some gentleman who might ask.
“Ellen.”
Meredith’s heart felt as though it did a leap in her chest as her gaze spun to Lord Morton. He’d come from the direction of the entrance; he must have just arrived. His voice had that deep, subtly angry pitch she’d become used to, but nevertheless, her heart still ached at the sight of his harsh countenance.
His eyes were a clutter of light brown, green and gold.
His gaze dropped from Lady Edward to Meredith, as if saying, I did not speak to you, why, are, you, looking at me. Then in his very formal voice, he said, “Miss Divine,” before looking back at Lady Edward.
Meredith felt sick.
“Miss Divine, would you accept my hand?”
Meredith turned again to face Hugh Holland. Hugh had no title, but he was born from old money, simply a couple of generations below any wealth. He was fortune hunting. But he was not hunting any fortune from her; her dowry was as many miles off what this man needed as the level of her birth was below what Lord Morton considered genteel.
However, Hugh wished something else from Meredith. He’d made numerous inappropriate suggestions since they’d been introduced. She did like him, though. If he had been at all prepared to make an appropriate offer, he was one man she migh
t have been willing to accept, although she’d never love him. But she did enjoy dancing with him. Hugh made her laugh.
She had even let him kiss her once or twice, but never let him do more. The last thing she needed was to have a ruined reputation on top of a poor heritage and an equally poor dowry.
“I would be honored, Mr.Holland.” She dropped a curtsy, and smiled, feeling Lord Morton’s gaze burning into the back of her head. Her skin prickled. Lord Morton made her feel such odd, delicious things. It was him she wished to dance with, not Hugh. But she would simply have to keep wishing, because undoubtedly, last night’s dance would not be repeated.
Rupert watched Miss Divine walk away. She’d been busy ingratiating herself into Ellen’s family he saw, while Rowena had been accosted by Kendrick again. Anger raced through Rupert’s blood. “Is that wise?” he asked Ellen, looking back at her.
He saw she realized he was speaking about Kendrick, and her expression changed as she ceased smiling, and gave him an understanding look.
“I know you expressed your concerns to Edward, Rupert, and I fully understand, but Rowena is a grown woman. She is intelligent and sensible. She will not be fooled by any man. Kendrick will do her no harm. He is well respected about his estates. I do not think him a bad man. His offer was simply ill-judged.”
“Ill-judged—” Rupert was about to declare just how ill when Edward appeared, with a glass in either hand.
“Rupert.”
“They are dancing, I’m afraid.” Ellen spoke.
“Ah, and I am left bearing the orgeat.”
“I will take one. I’m thirsty, and I shall find a thirsty person for the other and leave you two to talk.” Edward and his wife shared a smile and a certain look, which implied Ellen was giving Rupert a little of Edward’s precious time and company, from the bounds of their perfect life.
Rupert’s hands slid into his pockets. He did not like feeling needy, but he had longed for his cousin’s company. Yet, he felt as if he was seeking charity, or like a child looking for attention.
He’d enjoyed his time with Edward this morning, though. They had laughed, breathless and energized after they’d sparred, and Rupert had felt better than he had in an age. Then, as they walked back to Edward’s, Rupert had shared the tale of Kendrick’s earlier visit.