by Anya Wylde
“Oh, forget this silly game. I concede defeat, and you have won the wager. Now, please just come and stay as yourself. I will even admit to being compromised, and there will be no reason to stall the wedding after that.”
“It is the principle of things. I have to win the wager fairly, not because my fiancée suddenly feels sorry that I have to sleep on a flea infested mattress. No, Em, I am sorry, but it is just a matter of another three weeks. I will see this entire thing through.”
“That’s all very well, but the duke expects the earl to arrive any moment now. He sent the letter a few days ago. Remember, we saw it. It would be rude not to answer his request with your presence. Besides, a fiancée would be clamouring to be with his betrothed. You can’t weasel out of it using a business excuse.”
The earl was silent for a moment. At length, he brightened and said, “I know the perfect man for the job.”
“Job?”
“Yes, it’s brilliant. Another tweak in our plan.”
“No”
“Yes”
“No!”
“Please, hear me out at least.”
“Fine,” she replied, crossing her arms.
“I can continue to be the head gardener, and someone else can take my place as the earl. No one on the estate has met me before. They will never know!”
“They will meet you on the wedding day. Then what?”
“They will hardly stop the wedding over a tiny bit of play acting.”
“Hardly tiny,” she muttered, and then more loudly, “So now you mean to bring another actor into this entire façade? You will continue impersonating the gardener while someone else will impersonate you? This is giving me a headache! Is there anyone you can trust to such an extent?”
“Yes, Em, it’s the perfect plan.”
“Not your Valet, Richard. You cannot be thinking of that man! Why, he resembles a fat, overripe tomato!”
“No, I am not thinking of Burns. I am thinking of the honourable marquis’s eldest son, Lord William Raikes.”
“You are funning me. That man hasn’t set foot in England, why … since he turned eighteen.”
“He has recently returned to England, as his father is ailing. I have been in touch with him over the years. We grew up together. His estate adjoins mine. You are mistaken in your belief that he has not visited England between his travels. He comes often, but he is a sort of recluse, keeping to himself a lot. He is a writer and has made quite a name for himself.”
“I remember reading a book by ‘W.S. Raikes’. It’s in my father’s study. I wonder if he is the same?”
“That’s him alright, world renowned. He owes me a favour, and I think I will call on it now. No one will remember him from his youth, as he has changed a lot since then. He is a gentleman with a similar background in education and aware of every part of my life. He is the only man who could convincingly pull it off.”
“Is he a good actor?”
“I am not sure. He never played any roles in our school productions, since he loathed large crowds. But he is intelligent, so I am not worried.”
“I don’t like this. Your plan is getting more and more complex. We are bound to be caught.”
“Isn’t that what you want, to win the wager … or would you rather lose it?”
“Oh, what does it matter, the result is the same.” She heard the church bell peal in the distance and sprang up.
“I have to go.”
“Expect Raikes within a few days,” the earl shouted after her
Chapter 13
“Oh, where is he?”
“Catherine, stop peeking out of the window, he may spot you. It will reflect badly on your cousin,” admonished Lady Babbage.
How, Emma wondered, could a woman so entrenched in propriety blackmail anyone?
Lord William Raikes had dropped all his concerns to travel overnight in his well sprung carriage as soon as he received his friend’s missive.
As a result, a note had arrived that morning to warn the duke of the Earl of Hamilton’s arrival. The ladies had been informed, and the news sent the feminine minds into a tizzy. They had immediately thrown themselves into a tumult of planning and readying the house for the guest. Now they sat demurely, pretending to have spent the hours sewing, instead of having mucked about in dust and dirt.
“Tell us what he looks like again, Em?” pleaded Prudence. The thought of a young man, even if engaged, had brought life back into her face. He was, after all, an earl, and until he was married he was fair game for all.
Emma, who would have loved to discourse on the various attributes of the earl in the past, did not know how to reply.
This Lord Raikes was bound to look different from Richard. He would surely not be as handsome, and how in the world was she to recognise him when he did arrive? She could mistakenly point to the valet, and then where would she be?
She remembered uneasily that she had spoken at length about the earl’s looks to Catherine. She hoped her cousin would put that down to a lover’s exaggeration.
Prudence admitted she had seen the Earl twice. Both those times someone had pointed him out at a crowded ball, but she had never been able to secure an introduction. Fortunately, she had never seen him properly, the flitting bodies leaving an impression of a tall, handsome man. But his face was vague in her mind. Emma was thankful for that bit of luck at least.
The plan was developing even more holes. Soon she would not be able to keep up with all the lies.
“They are here!” Catherine squealed.
Emma tried to smile, and noticing Lady Babbage watching her, she forced herself to grin. The effect was disturbing.
“Is something the matter?” Catherine asked
“I am just really nervous.” It was the truth.
“Come on, we must get ready for dinner. It is still another hour away, but I think we should all dress up for the occasion,” Catherine said, taking hold of Emma’s arm.
Prudence jumped up and rushed to the door before either of them could take a step, no doubt planning to outdo the cousins in their attempt to enthral the new arrival.
Emma grimaced and led the way out. She ascended the stairs and paused to look back at Catherine, who was no longer behind her. She looked over the rail and found her cousin staring at a man in the hallway. Their voices drifted up to her.
“Ah, I take it that you are the maid. Here is my hat … take it, you silly thing, you must be new here. Now, where is the duke’s study?”
“Who are you?” Catherine snapped.
“I am the Earl of Hamilton, My Lord to you, and I forgive your insolence, since you were unaware of my identity. Now quickly, girl, where is the duke’s study?”
“But … but …”Catherine’s stuttering was halted by the duke’s voice, and the man turned and walked away, leaving his hat in her outstretched hand.
Emma quickly ran to her room and contemplated barring her door. How had she got herself into such a fix?
“Emma?”
Better to get it over with; she opened the door.
“I just had the most curious encounter.”
“Oh, with whom?” Emma asked innocently.
“I just met your earl, but something was decidedly odd about him.”
“What?”
“You told me that he had blonde hair.”
“I may have exaggerated, it is more dark blonde.”
“Yes, but …”
“Some would even think it brown. In some lights it is decidedly dark.”
“Yes, but this man … his hair … it was raven black!”
Emma gulped. Everyone knew the earl was blonde. How could Richard have forgotten the colour of his best friend’s hair? This was a complete disaster, and he had left her to deal with this entire mess all alone.
“Maybe he has been out in the sun too long?”
“Emma, the sun darkens the skin and lightens the hair. You are not making any sense whatsoever.”
Emma opened her closet
and poked her head in. Hiding her face among the dresses, she finally spoke in a muffled voice, “Let me meet him at dinner, and then see if it were, in fact, the earl that you spoke to. Perhaps you were mistaken.” That was the best she could do for the moment.
“I was not mistaken. He told me his name clearly, and he was the one mistaken, for he took me for a common housemaid!”
She glanced at Catherine’s face and silently cursed the newcomer. The moment he had stepped foot in the house he had already alienated one member of the family.
The earl came up with the most idiotic plans. She would start suffering from nerves soon.
***
Emma entered the dining room wearing a beautiful rose gown. Catherine outshone her in a soft silver dress. She had taken his earlier offence to heart and wanted to show herself in all her aristocratic glory. He would not mistake her for a maid again.
Only one person was sitting on the sofa, and Emma could safely assume that this was the earl’s friend. She also noticed his jet black hair with a sinking heart.
“Emma!” The man rose from his seat and unfortunately looked directly at Catherine.
“It is good to see you again, My Lord. May I present, Lady Catherine Arden?” Emma quickly spoke.
Lord Raikes bowed formally to both of them.
“Emma has told me a lot about you, My Lord.” Catherine said politely.
“I am sure all wonderful things that no man can live up to. I assure you, I am full of flaws.”
“Oh, not everything she said was all … wonderful.”
He was taken aback, unaware that Catherine was out for revenge for his earlier slight.
“Well, then,” he paused, unable to continue.
Catherine’s eyes gleamed, and Emma was delighted to see such a side in her normally demure cousin.
Prudence and Mrs Barker entered the room, followed by the duchess.
Prudence had once again donned her teapot, and she immediately engaged the newcomer in conversation. A bit of cold tea dribbled onto his excellent shoulders …
… Emma watched the droplets splash onto Lord Raikes’ blue evening coat and frowned. She caught his eye in silent appeal, wondering how she could warn him about the undeniable issue of his hair colouring.
He blinked uncomprehendingly.
She narrowed her eyes in irritation, and then recollecting the watching audience forced herself to smile. At least his eyes were blue, though darker than the earl’s, she consoled herself. She had to concede that Lord William Raikes was an exceptionally handsome man in a darkly brooding sort of way. If only his hair had been lighter, the plan would have worked beautifully.
She raised her brow when he chanced to look her way again. She escaped to the balcony, hoping he would follow. After waiting for ten minutes, she strode back inside in annoyance to find him talking to her cousin again. From the heated flush on both their faces, it was clear the conversation was not going well.
She walked towards them and overheard Catherine say,
“But surely, My Lord, you must agree that women are capable of intelligence, if not superior, then at least on par with that of men?”
“I do not dispute that fact, Lady Arden. Yet saying they should be allowed into a university is ridiculous. You do not understand how many hours of work are required, nor do you know how the students live. Women should be protected from such an environment. You have your ladies institutes where women may study, and they are designed to bring out the best in you. All young ladies seem to be extraordinarily accomplished these days, and their talent in their own field cannot be matched by a man. Thereafter you have to marry and bear children. It is a man’s job to provide for the family and accordingly study further for his chosen occupation. What good would it do a woman?” Lord Raikes replied.
“You are simply afraid we would outshine you in your own field. That is why you choose to hold us back with brute strength rather than wit. Who is to say we are incapable of providing for our families? Governesses, teachers, maids, housekeepers, all earn their keep. We cannot prove what we can or cannot do unless we are given a chance to compete with men on an equal footing.”
“I agree they do a remarkable job, but can you imagine a woman in battle or venturing into dark caves for coal? Or perhaps arguing politics in her gentle voice? A female mind and body is created differently from a man, and we must focus on our strengths. A common university for both sexes would prove difficult to police. The women would not be safe, as it would be difficult to chaperone so many ladies and men present together for any length of time. As for men, why, the bevy of women would prove to be a distraction. We cannot have that interfering with the quality of education of our scholars. Even if a rare woman does excel and is admitted to a university, then what would happen to her thereafter? Who would marry her or offer her a post? What if she becomes pregnant, a job does not have the luxury to wait. It needs to be done there and then. No employer will wait nine months for his workers to return.”
Catherine gasped. It was not done to speak of pregnancy so openly, not even amongst women. It was referred to as ‘that delicate time’ in hushed tones by close friends, and between acquaintances never mentioned at all. Her embarrassment warred with her mounting anger as she glared at him. Her palms itched to slap his face, while her upbringing told her to introduce the topic of weather.
Emma knew Lord Raikes had travelled to various countries, and had no doubt forgotten how to behave like a gentleman. She had stayed silent, fascinated with the subject of debate being conducted. She knew her cousin held some outlandish views, but she had never before heard her speak so passionately about her cause to a stranger.
She also recognised the look Catherine wore presently. The last time she had worn that expression they had been fifteen years old, and Catherine had pulled a chunk of hair from the head of a village girl who had dared to mock Emma. One did not argue with the duke’s daughter and speak so candidly. No one else would have dared to say such things to Catherine.
She quickly intervened, “My Lord, I was looking for you.” For a moment, she thought he would not recognise her.
He stared at her blankly and then said,
“Emma?”
“It is a full moon tonight,” she hinted.
“Yes, well … that is good. Bright, you know … for people walking home in the dark …err … keep them safe from footpads.”
Emma waited for him to ask her to take a walk on the balcony. He did not.
She finally said, “Dinner will be served in a few moments. I hope you can wait?”
“Why, yes, I can.” He turned to address Catherine, “When I was on an expedition in Egypt, I was accidently left behind in a pyramid chamber. I did not hear the party I had arrived with leave, since I was engrossed in examining a recently unearthed mummy. I had to go without food for two whole days. Thankfully I had enough water to survive a painful death through dehydration. Do not concern yourself, these few moments do not bother me,” he said soberly.
Emma groaned. That man needed to stay in character. Her earl would never forget his surroundings and calmly declare his unfortunate experiences to ladies.
He was meant to talk of roses and ponies. He should be romancing her, since this was the first time they were supposed to be meeting after a long separation. Instead, he was scaring her with visions of mummies.
“You were in Egypt?” Catherine, on the other hand, sounded enchanted.
“Yes, a few years back. It was an exhilarating experience. A man I travelled with was bitten by an asp. He died.”
While Catherine gasped, Emma walked away. She had never realised her cousin had such a blood thirsty soul.
Chapter 14
“My dear child, you should not be wasting your time with me when your betrothed is in the same room. Why don’t you sit with him?”
“You are hardly old, aunty. I believe you are prettier than all the ladies present here. As for the earl, I …” Emma stopped, unable to come up with an excuse
.
She had taken a seat next to the duchess hoping to avoid that very question.
“I think the time apart has made things awkward between you. One forms an intimacy through letters, and when you meet the person in the flesh, you do not know how to behave. Give it time, and things will get back to normal before you know it.”
Emma was grateful for the excuse and heartily agreed with her aunt’s reading of the situation.
Dinner was announced, and they all trooped into the dining room to find the duke already present at the head of the table.
While the first course of cold soup and duck salad was being served, the duke engaged Lord Raikes in conversation. It seemed to be going well until Catherine interrupted,
“You have had him to yourself long enough, father. Give us a chance, you will have him cooped up in your study soon enough. Now, My Lord, I have a question that no one seems to be asking. How is it that you have black hair when we all know the earl is, in fact, blonde?”
The entire table froze, cocking their ears to hear the reply.
Instead of looking uncomfortable, Lord Raikes leaned back and smiled ruefully,
“Alas, that is an embarrassing story, and I was hoping to avoid telling it. But I see it is necessary to do so now.”
Emma sat up straighter. So the earl had not forgotten, and they had concocted a story. If it were embarrassing, then it would be more believable.
“I was staying with an aunt of mine who happens to have seven children of all ages. My nephew, who is eight, spent the entire week following me around and asking questions. I confess to be being absent minded at times, and he found me in a distracted mood one day. A particular business matter was bothering me, and it was hard to think with so many children running in and out of the house. So forgive me for what I did next.” Here he paused to take a sip of wine and then continued,
“He asked me how he could take revenge on his tutor, who he assured me was an absolute tyrant. I had, during my own childhood days, taken a passionate interest in chemistry. I gave him a formula for a hair dye which I had used on my own governess, who had long red curly locks. She had been extremely proud of it. The dye is easy to make and the materials are readily available amongst household supplies. Now, you can guess what happened next. My dear clever nephew decided to dye my hair while I slept, to ascertain that it actually worked. You see, the lad could not imagine that an adult would give him such a beautiful bit of mischief. My aunt threw me out, and I do not blame her.”