The Lady and the Rake_A Scandalous Arrangement

by Penelope Redmont

  The governess entered and curtsied to Melly. She looked near to tears, so Melly sent a footman for the housekeeper.

  Mrs. Eardley and Catherine closeted themselves with the governess. Melly tried to speak to Henry, but her door was locked, and she didn't answer no matter how many times Melly knocked.

  Anne was in her private sitting room, sewing, when Melly asked her whether she knew what had happened. "Not yet, but I'm sure we'll know soon enough. Poor Henry, I imagine it has something to do with her visits to the stables at The Oaks… and Lady Burnley."

  "You mean she's been spying again?" Melly sat on the sofa beside her sister. She’d always considered Henry's curiosity amusing, until she realized that Henry might well have had a confrontation with Lady Burnley. "Oh dear…" She sat down on a sofa and put her head in her hands.

  "Don't upset yourself Melly. Henry has Catherine's temper, and her daring. She's visited the stables at The Oaks for years. But I fear that with Lady Burnley in permanent residence, those days are over for her."

  An hour later, a footman summoned Anne and Melly to Mrs. Eardley's sitting room.

  Catherine stood at the window, gazing down at the activity in the square.

  "Sit down girls…" Her mother lay on a chaise with her eyes closed and sounded tired.

  "What's happened?" Melly asked.

  "I don't know whether to laugh, or cry," Catherine turned to them. "Her governess tells us that — you won't credit this, Anne — Henry has taken her pet name to heart. She's been gallivanting around the stables at The Oaks in boy's breeches… Mother, there's nothing for it, she must be sent to school."

  Melly sat down. In breeches? "How?"

  "I need a tot of brandy," Catherine said. She opened the door, and spoke to a footman.

  When a decanter of brandy and glasses had been delivered, Catherine nodded to the footman to leave.

  "Henry took a liking to Lady Burnley's favorite mount," Catherine went on finally. "Christobel saw Henry exercising Snowdrop… Christobel's mare. Henry being Henry, decided to show off, performing on a green horse, according to what the stable master told the governess… A very credible passage — and a piaffe. Apparently Snowdrop dislikes Christobel and has taken to Henry — Henry says Christobel is a nervous rider."

  "Oh dear…" Melly put her hand over her eyes.

  "Words were exchanged. Lady Burnley, not surprisingly, was shocked when a cheeky stable lad informed her that she — Lady Burnley, an heiress and a diamond of the first water — had been teaching her mare bad habits. It didn't take long for Christobel to discover that Henry the stable boy wasn't a boy at all, and even more damningly… That she's an Eardley," Catherine started to laugh.

  "A card for you — Captain Lord Hexham, David Mannox." Catherine raised her eyebrows at Melly and handed her the card. "Delivered very early, too."

  Melly, just returned from shopping with Henry, had forgotten all about the handsome captain of Dragoon Guards with whom she'd danced at Pierce's engagement ball.

  She handed her gloves and hat to a footman, and took the card. Captain Lord Hexham? Then she remembered. "Oh…"

  "I know him," Henry said.

  "How?" Catherine glared at her youngest sister.

  Henry rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the least intimidated by Catherine. She knew that Catherine's bluster covered the love she had for her sisters. "Everyone knows him. His horses have won the Derby, and the Oaks. He has a racing stable at Newmarket."

  "He's a gambler?" Catherine frowned.

  "He's a horseman, not a gambler. Melly, when he calls to see you, I must meet him."

  Catherine was outraged. "You'll do no such thing — go upstairs Henry, your governess is waiting."

  When Henry, with some reluctance, had dawdled her way up the staircase, Catherine turned to Melly, who was watching Henry's slow progress with a grin.

  Three days had passed since Henry arrived in town. She wouldn't speak of her confrontation with Lady Burnley. Melly had taken her in hand, cheering her with daily visits to the mews, and shopping afterward.

  The shopping was Catherine's idea. She'd decided that Henry needed to realize that she was a young lady. Anne's promise that she'd send her groom to Tattersall's to acquire a town hack for Henry forced Henry to agree to the shopping — Henry gave no weight to Catherine's threat to send her to a ladies' school in the highlands of Scotland.

  "Come, Melly, I wish to speak with you."

  Catherine took Melly upstairs to her private sitting room.

  "Captain Lord Hexham said that he'd call on me at Gostwicke Hall. He must be in town. I won't see him," Melly told her sister, after sitting down near the hearth.

  "If the captain calls, you will see him. I want you to do so — you've attracted attention because Linton has sought you out. The gossip has it that you're his latest flirt…" Catherine chuckled. "I've heard that several wagers at White's have been place on how long his interest will last."

  "Oh no…" Melly slumped. Wagers? They would just fuel more gossip.

  "Forget that —" Catherine said. "You will see the captain, and if he asks, you will dance with him, and ride with him. I'm pleased. A little of Lord Linton's attention is well enough, but too much attention would be disastrous. We need Linton to ensure that the Burnley chit's guns are spiked. But you can't be seen to pay him attention to the exclusion of others — so you'll welcome the captain's attentions."

  Melly couldn't even recall the captain's face. She had a vague memory of a tall, handsome man, but little else. "He was at The Oaks, so he's heard the gossip."

  "What of that? He's called, and left his card, has he not? You will accept any invitation he cares to extend."

  At dinner that evening however, Mrs. Eardley shook her head when Catherine mentioned the captain. "No, we've had enough scandal in this family. If Melly's to make her come out next season, we can't have Hexham as one of her beaus."

  "Another scandal? What happened?" Henry asked, her eyes gleaming.

  "He fought a duel, and a man died — oh, several years ago now, before he came into the title. That's why the family sent him off to the army even though he's the heir. Irregular, but necessary."

  "I don't mean Melly to marry the man!" Catherine snapped. "Bear me out — please agree that it's important that Melly is seen with other people, not just with Linton. I daresay Linton's bored with Melly by now too. He never dances attendance on ladies. He's more known for —" Catherine glanced at Henry and pressed her lips together.

  "I like Lord Linton," Henry said. "He owns prime cattle — he's a real horseman."

  "If you must interrupt your elders," Catherine said severely, "you'll dine in the nursery with your governess. Breeches, indeed. She needs to be sent off to school, Mother."

  "I'd rather eat in the nursery anyway." Henry threw down her napkin, and asked her mother if she might be excused.

  Mrs. Eardley waved her hand. "Of course, my dear…" When Henry had left the room, she said to Catherine, "must you crush the child?"

  "I've met the captain," Anne said. "He's charming. He sold Kingston a couple of horses. I shouldn't think he'd do Melly harm, and I agree with Catherine. Melly's been mentioned in the scandal sheets in connection with Linton, so Melly — you must see less of him."

  Melly sighed. A heavy weight felt as if it had dropped onto her chest. "Lord Linton has been kind. I won't refuse if he asks me to ride in the park with him."

  "You're becoming attached to him — I warned you," Catherine shook her head. "The man is a rake."

  "I asked you to stop calling him that — and I am not attached, I just don't see why I should cut him —"

  "No one is suggesting that you cut him," Catherine interrupted. She took a sip of wine. "Allow me to manage him. I'll send him a note excusing you if he asks you riding again. He's sensible enough to know that you must be seen in the company of others."

  The next day, a note arrived for Melly from Lord Linton. Would she ride in the park with him at the usual hour? The n
ote was delivered to Mrs. Eardley. Catherine read it, and responded that Melly had a prior arrangement. She didn't tell Melly about the note.

  Vauxhall

  The next morning, Anne handed Melly the newspaper when she came down for breakfast. No one else had come downstairs.

  Melly read the story in horror. A pamphlet had been published, the gossipy story noted. In that pamphlet, Lady B__ was linked to Lord C__ a notorious rake, and an elopement to the border.

  "Oh no… This is Catherine's work," Melly said as soon as she'd finished reading. "Is it true? Who is Lord C___?"

  Anne calmly reached for another slice of toast. "I imagine that it's true. The affair happened last year; it was kept quiet. Lady Burnley was just 16 at the time — catching Talverne no doubt seemed a blessing to her mother. Lord C__ is Lord Carradine."

  Melly winced. She knew that Lord Carradine was a notorious rake. "Catherine… She did this," she repeated. She knew that Catherine paid for information. Since her separation from her husband, Catherine had built up a network of informants. "Catherine shouldn't have done this to Lady Burnley, it's cruel."

  "You're too kind-hearted my dear — consider that Lady Burnley set out to ruin you," Anne said quietly. "She said that you threw yourself at Pierce, and worse."

  "You approve?" Melly asked.

  Anne shrugged. "Catherine is a law unto herself. She does as she pleases. Please think on this, too — Catherine is protecting the family. We must see you, Elaine and Henry settled into marriage. Elaine is 17. She wishes to make her comeout with her great friend Lady Felicity next year… And Henry, whether she likes it or not, must have a season too. You and your sisters are affected by Lady Burnley's malice. Stupid girl."

  Melly felt guilty about her sisters. "Pierce might call off the engagement to Lady Burnley when he hears the gossip about her."

  "You needn't fear that, Melly. His mother must know of the Carradine debacle. Sophia is no one's fool. She appears ingenuous, but it's a performance. Besides, it's none of your concern — unless you have hopes of Pierce for yourself?"

  "Of course I don't. As I told Linton, I wouldn't have Pierce now if you gave him to me as a gift, with a big red ribbon around his throat… but I don't like cruelty."

  Anne chuckled. "Settle yourself, my love. Linton will squelch any brewing scandal. You might want to avoid him for a week or two however. He'll know that Catherine is behind this, which bodes ill for his temper."

  "I'm not frightened of Linton," Melly said, and she realized that the words were true. When had that happened? She'd been frightened — a little — of him when they met at Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. He'd intimidated her. However, she'd got to know him since, and he now didn't frighten her at all.

  A footman opened the door for Catherine, who sailed into the room with a smile on her face. "What a wonderful morning. Here you are Anne… What do you think?" She handed Anne a pamphlet.

  Melly groaned.

  Mrs. Eardley was at home to callers next day when Captain Lord Hexham called. Before he left, he asked Melly to ride with him in the park that evening. Catherine agreed for her, before Melly could speak.

  The captain was handsome. He was tall, with a clear, open expression, a warm blue-eyed gaze, and a ready smile. That smile could be wicked, and Melly easily imagined him as a duelist. She wondered what the duel had been about.

  "Well?" Catherine asked Melly when the last caller had left. "What do you think of the captain?"

  Melly helped herself to more strawberries. "I like him well enough." She sighed.

  "No one is asking you to marry the man," Catherine snapped. "You just need to be seen with him, that's all we're asking. Just be seen with the captain, until the gossip dies down."

  "It would die down sooner, if you hadn't published that pamphlet. Everyone knows that you're behind it, Catherine," Melly said.

  Catherine rolled her eyes, and laughed. "Such ingratitude! We've had more callers today than we've had in days… and we have three invitations too. Before you malign me, you might consider that we'd have no invitations at all, without my pamphlet."

  "I still think it's wicked."

  "Go upstairs and try on your new riding habit. By the time you've bathed, the friseur will be here. I want you to look wonderful in the park today."

  Melly met her sister's gaze and frowned. "What else have you done? You're up to something. I know that look in your eyes." She appealed to her mother. "Mother, will you please insist that Catherine stop intriguing?"

  "What intrigue?" Her mother asked mildly.

  Anne had excellent taste, Melly thought, as she rode with Captain Lord Hexham in the park. She knew she looked well. Anne had chosen scarlet for Melly's new pelisse, and indigo blue for the skirt of her new riding habit. Lavish gold braid, all the rage now, decorated the pelisse, and the brim of her top hat.

  Hexham was popular, and they were joined by several of his military friends. The young men were lavish in their praise of Melly. She'd never been complimented as fulsomely.

  The fashionable world's attitude to her had changed. Instead of sharp stares, and sly, covert looks, she received nods and smiles from acquaintances. The captain received constant requests for introductions to Melly.

  It seemed that Catherine's pamphlet had achieved Catherine's aims — the Eardleys were once again members in good standing of the ton. Although she was pleased, she also felt guilty. She wished Pierce and Lady Burnley well, and prayed that Catherine had had sufficient revenge.

  Hexham had arranged a party for Vauxhall Gardens for tomorrow evening. He begged that Melly and her sisters would join the party. Melly demurred: she would need to ask her mother.

  Then she saw Lord Linton. He rode with Sir Robert Waldrop, a pleasant-faced man of Linton's age. Linton had introduced Melly to Sir Robert, who'd told her that he and Linton had been friends for years; they'd been in India together.

  Melly was surprised — how long had Linton been in London? She was disappointed that he hadn't let her know. He'd said that he would send her a note when he returned.

  Linton nodded to her, but didn't smile. Nor did he make an effort to speak with her. Sir Robert did smile, and turned his horse, as though to speak, but Linton said something, and he turned away.

  Melly winced. Of course Linton had seen the pamphlet, and knew who the author was. She felt crushed. She realized that she'd been looking forward to seeing him, but he'd barely nodded to her. He hated her now.

  Someone said something to her, and she responded. She turned her thoughts from Linton with determination. She wasn't becoming attached to him. The thought was ludicrous. Linton had been kind to her, but now there was no need for that. He must think that she'd been complicit in the writing of the pamphlet.

  On their return home, and before she had a chance to say anything, Catherine accepted Hexham's invitation for Melly to attend Vauxhall in his party the following evening. She said that she, Lady Kingston, and Mrs. Eardley had a prior engagement.

  The captain bowed himself out of the drawing room, after kissing Melly's hand.

  Melly waited until the footman had closed the door before rounding on her sister. "I don't want to go to Vauxhall!"

  "Why, ever not, my dear — you'll have an enjoyable evening, I'm sure," her mother looked surprised.

  "Lord Linton was riding in the park with Sir Robert!"

  "He was? Did he speak with you?" Catherine asked, lifting her eyebrows.

  "No, of course he didn't — I'm sure he's read the pamphlet. And he's disgusted with you, and with me." Melly left the drawing room, and hurried to her rooms.

  Lord Linton hated her now, and she couldn't get the thought out of her head.

  To her horror, when her maid helped her to change for dinner, she burst into tears.

  Melly hadn't expected to enjoy Vauxhall, but she did. Hexham was amusing, as were his friends. They had supper, then they danced.

  Nor more glares, or nasty looks. Hexham knew everyone, and everyone, men and women, approve
d of him.

  She and Hexham were walking along the Grand Walk, after supper, when Hexham extended another invitation. "I need to visit Newmarket this weekend. I'm making up a small party to stay at Far Crossing, my estate. Would you — and your sisters and mother of course — join me? Just a few people will stay; close friends… My mother and grandmother will make you very welcome. I'm trialling a few of my younger horses, ready for the races next month."

  "I don't think —"

  "I know that we're newly acquainted, Miss Eardley, but I would like you to see Far Crossing, and my horses. And I'd like you to meet my mother."

  Melly couldn't accept the invitation. Accepting it would mean that she agreed to a closer friendship with Hexham, and she didn't want that. To stay at his country estate, with his mother, implied a close relationship. She barely knew the captain.

  She briskly changed the subject. "My youngest sister would never forgive me if I didn't ask about your horses, my lord. Henry — Henrietta — is horse-mad. She'd like to know which horses you have running next month?" She knew that the ton went to the Newmarket races in July.

  Without her being aware of it, Hexham had steered her into a path off the Grand Walk. There were fewer lights, and fewer people. Melly looked back. The Grand Walk was out of sight. "I think we should return to your party," she murmured.

  Suddenly she became aware of someone staring at her.

  She felt the stare like a touch. When she looked up, she met Linton's gaze. He was coming towards her with a companion. As he emerged into the light under one of the lanterns, she realized that he was walking with a woman.

  The lady's gown was very low cut. Her bosom sparkled with diamonds, as did her headdress. She was pressed into Linton's side, gazing up at him adoringly.

  Melly realized that she was staring, but she couldn't help it. She recognized Linton's companion immediately: Lady Ashby. His mistress. He'd bought Lady Ashby an expensive necklace at Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. She looked away hurriedly.

  "Shall we return to our party?" Hexham asked. He hadn't noticed Linton. He had eyes only for her.