The Lady and the Rake_A Scandalous Arrangement

by Penelope Redmont

Henry nudged open Melly's door with her elbow, and then slammed it shut. She shook The Examiner at Melly. "I just got the newspaper. You're a goddess!" Henry chortled.

  "Where did you get the newspaper?"

  "My maid brought it in to me — the servants are all reading copies."

  "They bought more?"

  "Of course. Your Bessie thought she was being secretive, but you know what servants are… The neighbor's servants brought the paper around, but Morley had already sent a footman out. He bought a stack of them. The servants are all very excited."

  "We have to hide all the newspapers!" Melly blurted. Even as she said the words, she knew that they were foolish.

  "It won't do any good. Catherine will see the newspaper because someone will tell her. Probably her maid will hand it to her with her morning chocolate."

  "You're not helping."

  "Do you think it true that Catherine has separated from her husband? What does that mean?"

  "I don't know what it means." Melly set aside her chocolate and tossed the newspaper onto the floor. "Lady Burnley did this."

  Henry sat down on the bed. She looked at Melly with speculation. She thought for a moment. "You're right, you know. Lady Burnley is paying Catherine back for what she did – Catherine shouldn't have printed those sheets. What shall we do?"

  "If I called for a carriage right now, we could be well on our way to Gostwicke Hall before anyone knew that we left."

  Henry laughed. She lay back on the bed. "Don't be such a coward."

  "It's all very well for you. You can go and hide in the stables. I'll have to stay and listen to Catherine's screeches of outrage. Mother will be upset. Anne will remove herself to Kingston House. I'll be left to listen to Catherine, who no doubt with come up with a fresh outrageous plan which will make matters even worse."

  What could she do to forestall this disaster?

  Finally Melly had to face the fact that she couldn't do anything. Catherine would read the newspaper, and then Catherine would do what she always did. She would plan her revenge.

  Without doubt, Catherine would start by creating a revenge on her husband. Next, she would have Lady Ashby in her sights. Then shortly after that she perpetuate a fresh outrage on Lady Burnley.

  Linton. Linton would know what to do. But he wouldn't be back for days, and heaven knew what Catherine would have done by then.

  Melly looked at Henry. "I know what to do. Lord Linton has gone to Watton Park. I shall ride out to speak with him. He can speak to Lady Burnley, and he can try to get Catherine to see common sense too."

  "What a wonderful idea. I'll go with you."

  "No you will not. I need to take a chaperone, and my maid will do. That means a carriage. We can't go on horseback. You hate carriages. Besides, you can't come because it would upset mother. And Catherine of course."

  "If you're going to Watton Park I'm going with you. If you don't agree, I shall go and wake Catherine immediately, and I'll show her the newspaper. Why you are so unkind to me?"

  Melly sighed. "Very well." She crossed the floor in her bare feet and rang the bell pull for her maid. "Go and get dressed. I'll dress, and then I'll compose a short note to mother. Once Catherine reads the paper, no one will give much thought to us in all the disturbance."

  Henry tossed the newspaper sheets in the air, and danced around the room. "Hooray! We're off to Watton Park — Catherine will be furious!"

  "You needn't sound so gleeful," Melly said, her tone sour. "I'll send around to the stables for the chaise. No, that won't do. If you insist on coming with me, we shall need the traveling carriage."

  "You might need Bunny too." Henry stopped dancing. "What if we need to stay overnight at Watton Park? You'd need better chaperones than me and Bessie."

  "Go and dress… Oh — you must tell Simmons that the coachman is not to come into the square. Mother's bedroom is at the front of the house, and so is Catherine's. If they look out the windows they might see us. Tell the coachman to wait on the corner…"

  "This is so exciting!" Henry skipped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

  Watton Park

  To Melly's surprise, no one challenged her when they left the house. The group was small, just herself, Henry, and Bessie, her maid. They hurried across the square and climbed into the coach.

  Morley had insisted that they take a footman. "You must have a footman, ma'am," Simmons said. "You're taking the coach, and you need at least two men — one to drive the coach, and the other one to assist you. One man isn't enough." He paused. "The road between London and Watton Park is well-traveled… Were that not so, I would insist on outriders and at least one other footman." He sighed heavily, and shook his head at her.

  Melly saw that his gaze was implacable. He had a martial look which didn't waver. She knew that if she and Henry left the house without a footman, Morley would immediately inform her mother of the escapade.

  Finally, she agreed to taking the footman, even though it meant more delay. No one knew what would meet them on the road. If a horse went lame, or something happened to the coach, they'd need another man.

  Luckily the coachman knew the road to Watton Park.

  They made good time on the road, and arrived in early afternoon. Melly had insisted that they stop to have lunch and to tidy themselves. She refused to present herself in front of Lord Linton with the dirt of the road upon her. It hadn't rained in weeks, and the roads were dry and dusty.

  As the name suggested, the great house at Watton Park was set in the midst of a rolling park. Past the gatehouse, the long carriage drive wound through stands of shady trees for a mile. Melly composed herself. She'd spent the journey thinking about what was happening in London, and wondering what her reception would be.

  Would Linton be pleased to see her? Would he think that her behavior was outrageous? She wondered about his grandmother too. Lady Linton lived retired at Watton Park. She was rarely seen in public, only attending events in London once or twice a year.

  Linton valued his grandmother's advice. What if Lady Linton refused to countenance the connection? She might advise her son to sever all ties with the scandal-ridden Eardleys.

  Melly was shocked to realize that she didn't want that — she wanted her engagement to Lord Linton to proceed, even if it was a pretense. She missed seeing him.

  Linton kept his horse breeding operation at Watton Park. Henry didn't stop chattering about Linton's horses for the entire journey. It didn't matter to her that Melly's attention was elsewhere. Bessie had to pretend interest in bloodlines.

  To her surprise, Lady Linton welcomed them. She immediately felt comfortable with the lady and found that within a few minutes of meeting her, she was chatting to her as easily as she did to her mother.

  Melly had decided that she would not show the newspaper to Lady Linton. London newspapers wouldn't reach Watton Park for days.

  Lord Linton was somewhere out on the estate. A message was sent to him immediately, and Melly was relieved. She'd been concerned that perhaps Linton had left Watton Park to visit one of his other estates.

  Tea was served, and Lady Linton promised Henry that she could see the horses. "When my grandson arrives, I'll take you out to the stables immediately, Henrietta."

  Suddenly Lord Linton entered the drawing room, looking relaxed. His gaze went to Melly immediately, and he smiled at her. He was dressed as a country gentleman. Melly stared, her mouth opening slightly. She'd never seen him in a shirt without a neckcloth. His throat was tanned, as was what she could see of his chest.

  She flushed when she realized that she was staring.

  He shook Henry's hand, and pressed Melly's hand when he lifted her to her feet after her curtsy. "What a pleasure it is to see you, my dear. Let me compliment you on your carriage dress, and your hat." In a lower tone, he said, "I've missed you."

  "Randall," Lady Linton interrupted, "I'll leave you to speak to Miss Eardley. Henrietta and I will go out to the stables."

  "Lady Linton
has been everything that's kind," Melly said, when Linton's grandmother and Henry had left the room. She looked down at her gloved hands. "I daresay you think it outrageous of me to impose on you, quite without an invitation."

  "Mel — I assure you that I'm enchanted," he said. "I'm honored. I consider myself betrothed to you… I'm delighted that you're here." He took Melly's hand again, led her to a sofa, then sat beside her.

  Melly took back her hand. "I do have a reason for our visit… I'm hoping that you can help." Melly had brought the newspaper article with her. She took it from her reticule and handed it to Linton.

  His eyebrows lifted, but his expression didn't alter. He unfolded the sheet, and read it quickly. "I see," he said. He folded the sheet again, and studied her for a moment. "You're worried about Mrs. Grove? Mel, calm yourself — I'm sure that Catherine will perpetuate an outrage on the unfortunate major, but that needn't concern us."

  "I fear that Lady Burnley somehow discovered that Major Grove was in London. Catherine will blame her for this scandal. We left London before Catherine was awake. I didn't know what else to do, other than to come to you."

  "Thank you," he said.

  "Why?"

  "For trusting that I would be able to help. Excuse me for a moment my dear, I'll go and order a carriage. My horses will be faster. My man of business will follow us in your carriage. I think it's best that you and I return to London immediately."

  He soon returned. "Now, I need to feed you."

  "No, indeed not. We had lunch on our way."

  An hour later, Melly and Linton were in his comfortable traveling carriage on their way to London. Henry had agreed immediately when Lady Linton invited her to stay for a few days.

  Lady Linton intended a London visit, and Henry was happy to have the run of Linton's stables until Lady Linton traveled to London. "I'll bring Henrietta to London with me — I'll just write a few words to Mrs. Eardley…" Lady Linton said.

  Melly and Linton were alone. When Melly asked for Bessie, Linton told her that she was already in a carriage on her way to London with his man of business and valet. She gaped at him.

  He shrugged. "I've no intention of ravishing you," he chided her.

  "I know that, but —"

  "You need to accustom yourself to me, my dear, and I to you. We'll be more comfortable in the carriage alone. Besides, we'll be arriving after dark. I won't tell anyone that you didn't have your maid with you if you don't."

  Melly decided that she was being foolish.

  "Mel, stop thinking."

  Melly looked up at Linton in surprise.

  "You're frowning," he explained.

  He was sprawled in the opposite corner of the carriage, totally at his ease. She wished that she could feel as relaxed. "We're becoming the scandal-ridden Eardleys."

  "Hardly that my dear. I'm hoping that you will agree to move the announcement of our betrothal forward. I'll send a message to Talverne as soon as we reach London. I'll speak with Catherine and your mother first."

  "I hope Catherine hasn't had time to do anything in retaliation."

  "Mel, please stop worrying about Catherine, and Lady Burnley. Our betrothal will put paid to all these disturbances. Neither lady Burnley nor Catherine will continue their battle — I'll call on the proprietor of The Examiner, too. He'll soon realize that an attack on my betrothed's family would be a sad mistake. He owes considerable money, and some of his debts will be called in."

  His calm tones reassured her. She knew that he had many connections and that Lady Burnley wouldn't dare to defy him. Nor would Catherine be inclined to continue her war with Lady Burnley when their betrothal became common knowledge.

  He rose, and sat beside her. "Come." He held out his hand. When she took it, he put his other arm around her shoulders, pressing her to his side.

  She should move away. She didn't.

  "Relax," he said softly.

  He felt solid, warm and reassuring. Melly allowed herself to rest against him. His scent of cedarwood and leather drifted to her nostrils. For the first time in many hours, she allowed herself to feel that all would be well.

  As the miles passed, Melly relaxed against him more deeply. His arm tightened around her shoulders.

  Something made her lift her head and study him. He felt her movement and met her gaze. When he lowered his head she knew that he was about to kiss her. She had ample time to move away but her mouth didn't form the words to refuse him.

  As before, his lips were soft. The kiss was gentle. Merely a press of his lips on hers.

  The gentle touch of his lips aroused strange feelings in Melly. She felt a stirring in her body. It prompted her to turn slightly so that she could press against him. She lifted her hand and smoothed it down his face. He took her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm.

  Then he settled her so that she rested against his side again. "Go to sleep if you can, my dear."

  Warning

  Five days later Melly was accosted by Lady Ashby in a milliner's shop. Melly had accompanied Bunny on yet another shopping expedition. As Linton had promised, their betrothal had been on everyone's lips.

  Moreover, The Examiner had not only published a retraction, with groveling apologies to everyone, but had also published congratulations to the Earl of Linton on his engagement to Miss Eardley, the daughter of Mrs. Eardley of Gostwicke Hall, and the late William Eardley, son of the Duke of Arndlea.

  In the rush of visits and letters, Melly had forgotten all about Lady Ashby.

  When she and Lord Linton had arrived in London from Watton Park, Linton had spoken to Mrs. Eardley privately. He'd also spoken to Catherine. Both women agreed that the betrothal should be announced immediately. Mrs Eardley would give a dinner party. Then Lady Linton would return the favor, and in July after the Newmarket races, Lady Linton would hold a ball to present Linton and Melly as a couple.

  Although she was now betrothed — as far as anyone outside the family knew — Melly was disgruntled. She hadn't seen Linton at all in five days.

  "I see less of Linton than I did before," she complained to Catherine.

  Catherine laughed. "What did you expect? Do you expect him to live in your pocket?"

  "You mean I shall never see him?"

  "Of course you will see him. But you can't expect him to dance non-stop attendance on you. He has his own friends, as well as his duties. His grandmother has arrived in town from Watton Park. I hear that he's hired additional servants for Linton House, and is refurbishing the ballroom…. That's the result of your engagement, my dear. Both of our families will do considerable entertaining over the next few months. And as well as your engagement, there's your first season."

  Then Catherine had stared at Melly carefully for a long moment, and added sharply: "Remember Melly, you will need to cry off. Do not indulge in foolishness."

  Melly didn't know what had happened between Major Grove and Catherine. She knew that Catherine had gone to see her husband in his rooms. When she returned, Catherine was out of temper. She kept to her own rooms and didn't appear at dinner that evening.

  When she broached the subject of Major Grove with her mother, Mrs. Eardley shook her head and pursed her lips, saying merely: "That man!"

  Even Bessie couldn't discover what had happened. She reported to Melly that Catherine's maid didn't know.

  A day later, Catherine was once more herself: acerbic, impatient, and sarcastic. Major Grove was not discussed, and neither was Lady Ashby. Melly was hoping that the storm had blown over, but she wasn't foolish. She knew very well that Catherine kept a mental tally and would take her revenge on Lady Burnley sooner or later.

  To forestall that, Melly asked Catherine to forgive Lady Burnley. "The world thinks that Linton and I are engaged. You mustn't carry on with this feud."

  "What on earth are you talking about?" Catherine stared at Melly and opened her eyes very wide.

  Millie wasn't fooled by this show of innocence. "You know very well what I mean. Please leave Lady Bur
nley be."

  Linton sent Melly a note to tell her that he had visited The Oaks.

  He'd spoken to Lord Talverne and his betrothed. He reported:

  I've spoken to both mothers, and made my wishes plain. I've also made my wishes plain to Christobel and Pierce. I can make life very uncomfortable for them all, should they test my patience. They're well aware that you deserve all respect and consideration as my betrothed.

  Melly tried to enlist Anne as an ally. She asked Anne to speak to Catherine and plead with her not to create more incidents with Lady Burnley. "I know that it's merely a faux engagement, but there's been enough talk. Linton has spoken to both Pearce and Lady Burnley… Please ask Catherine to hold her fire."

  "I'll do what I can," Anne promised. "Catherine rarely listens to anyone except Catherine of course. At the moment she's distressed, and anxious. She's uncertain about her husband. To forgive, or to ask for a divorce? Be patient with her, Melly…"

  Now in Madame Emmeline's millinery shop, Melly was trying on hats. She'd become impatient with herself when she realized that she was wondering whether or not Linton would like the pretty straw bonnet with sky blue ribbons, or not. Did she like the hat?

  The front door of the shop opened. Turning her head, Melly saw Lady Ashby. Oh no… That wretched woman. She'd flaunted herself in Bond Street with Major Grove.

  Melly turned away, and replaced the bonnet on its stand. "We need to leave," she whispered to Bunny, who was eyeing a draped turban in scarlet, her favorite color.

  "No, why?" Bunny asked, nodding to Madame Emmeline's assistant that she wished to try on the turban. The assistant lifted the hat from its stand, and ushered Bunny to a seat in front of a looking glass.

  Madame Emmeline herself was greeting Lady Ashby and her companion. From the corner of her eye, Melly saw Madame speaking earnestly to Lady Ashby, and then holding out her arm to guide the courtesan out of the showroom into the workshops at the back.

  Melly breathed a sigh of relief when Lady Ashby disappeared into the workshop area.

  Bunny was surveying herself in the glass, tilting her head from side to side to look at the turban. "What do you think of it, my dear? I like it, but everyone wears them… Perhaps we could add a couple of feathers to give a little height?"