by Alec, Joyce
“And not making your way into any libraries, regardless of what you have been told,” the duchess added wryly.
Lord Wetherby chuckled. “Indeed,” he replied, before looking back at Frederica.
She tried to speak, but the levity displayed by the duchess and Lord Wetherby himself seemed to have thrown her thoughts into disarray. She could already see the duchess’ reaction, wondering what the duke himself would say. Both of them, of course, would insist that it was a very poor idea and Lord Wetherby would outright refuse, stating that she could not give up so much solely for him.
“Frederica?”
The duke sat down in a vacant chair and looked at her steadily, making Frederica’s nervousness grow all the more. “Do you have any thoughts?”
“I do.”
Her voice was shaking, and Frederica forced in a long breath, steeling herself as she did so. Three pairs of eyes were watching her, waiting for her to speak, and still, Frederica could not find the words to say.
“If there is something distressing you, Frederica, then—”
“I should court Lord Wetherby.”
The words were flung from her before she could prevent them, and she closed her eyes tightly as heat poured into her face.
“What I mean to say is,” she continued, unable to look at anyone for fear of their reaction, “that Lord Wetherby and I should court, albeit as a façade.”
Her voice was still weak and a little shaky as she forced her eyes open, looking around and seeing the three expressions on the duke, the duchess, and Lord Wetherby’s faces. The duke was frowning hard, his lips pulled tight, whilst the duchess’ eyes were wide with surprise, her mouth forming a perfect circle. Lord Wetherby, however, was already beginning to shake his head, his brows knotting together as he looked back at her.
“You cannot, Lady Frederica,” he said, his voice low. “I can see that your kind nature is encouraging you to do such a thing for me, but there is no need. I could not bear it should you be drawn into this without explanation.”
“I am already a part of it, Lord Wetherby,” she told him, her voice a little firmer now that she had begun to speak. “It would encourage the person responsible to leave you be, would it not? If you are seen to be courting someone other than their daughter, then they might realize that their attempts have come to naught and will continue to do so.” Taking in a deep breath, she continued before anyone else could speak. “Given what has occurred this evening, I think that something more needs to be done in order to protect you.”
“But that does not mean that it has to be something that you yourself are involved in, Lady Frederica.” Lord Wetherby rose to his feet, staggering for a moment as he attempted to gain his balance. Frederica watched him closely, seeing the reluctance in his eyes and knowing that it came from a place of concern. “If you do this, then you might very well be throwing away any other opportunity that could be yours come the rest of the Season. The ton will speak of our courtship. Everyone will know of it. And to what end? So that, should the courtship come to an end, you are left precisely where you are at this moment, only with the ton now believing that you are left without?”
Frederica nodded. “I believe it would be worth it, Lord Wetherby,” she said, fully aware that he had spoken about if their courtship had to come to an end, rather than when. Yes, it was only for his own good that she had suggested this particular course of action, hoping that it would bring him a little more safety, but at the same time, Frederica felt a small surge of hope in her chest. Hope that there might yet be a happiness found between them that could never tear them apart.
“It is dangerous, Frederica.” The duke cleared his throat, looking past Lord Wetherby and directly toward Frederica, his brow low. “You think that it might prevent these ladies from continuing along their chosen path. But what if they do not?”
She frowned. “I do not understand what you mean.”
“What if, instead of doing as you expect, they go on to say to themselves that you are simply someone that must be removed from Lord Wetherby’s side? What then?”
It took a moment or two for Frederica to understand what her uncle meant and, when realization came, it brought with it a cold sheen of fear that ran straight through her.
“His Grace is quite correct,” she heard Lord Wetherby say, her frown remaining fixed in place. “It is too dangerous for you, Lady Frederica. Why, should they do something like this to you—” he gestured to his head, “then I should never forgive myself.”
“But it would not be your doing or your responsibility,” Frederica replied, lifting her gaze back to Lord Wetherby. His eyes were wide as though he feared that she would continue on with her idea regardless, his hands spread wide as he attempted to convince her not to do as she believed to be best. “I know that you are thinking only of my safety, and believe me, I well understand what you and my uncle are suggesting. However, if there is even the smallest chance that this matter can be brought to a swift conclusion, then I am determined to take it. And, if all goes as my uncle believes, if they do seek to pursue me and remove the acquaintance between us in some way, then is that not yet another opportunity for us to discover them? To see their faces and finally be able to know who they are?” She looked toward the duchess, seeing how she frowned but knowing that, from the look in her eyes, she would not prevent Frederica from following this course of action. The duchess had been quietly determined last Season to find the truth and, in the very same way, Frederica was now in exactly the same position.
“Let us all think on the matter.” The duchess rose to her feet and came toward Frederica, settling one hand on her shoulder. “There is no need to make any decisions at present. To think of doing so when it is so very late in the evening is, perhaps, something of a foolish thought in itself.” She smiled down at Frederica, who knew that the duchess would wish to speak to her about her intentions privately, so that it all could be discussed without the duke or Lord Wetherby’s presence.
“Very well,” Frederica replied, just as Lord Wetherby nodded and sank back down into his chair.
“A wise thought, my dear.” The duke smiled at his wife and Frederica rose from her seat, smiling back at her uncle.
“I think I shall retire,” she said as the duchess nodded. “Do excuse me. I do hope, Lord Wetherby, that you gain all the rest you require and that your head is a good deal less painful come the morning.”
His eyes seemed to glow as he looked back at her, getting to his feet once more. Frederica caught her breath, a swirl of uncertainty settling in her stomach as she looked into his eyes, not certain what it was that he was thinking or feeling. Was he angry with her for what she had suggested? Upset that she wished to become involved? Or was there even the smallest sense of hope that she had now within her heart?
“Good evening, Lady Frederica,” Lord Wetherby murmured, bowing low. “I thank you again for your kindness, your generosity, and your consideration. As I said earlier this evening, I do not think that I would be here with you all without it.”
Frederica smiled at him and, after a moment, the corner of Lord Wetherby’s mouth lifted just a fraction, stealing some of the solemnity from his face. Without another word, Frederica bobbed a quick curtsy in his direction, nodded to her uncle, and then made her way toward the door, with the duchess stating that she, too, intended to retire before following after Frederica.
“I know that you wish to speak to me about my suggestion, Louisa,” Frederica said quickly, the moment the door had closed behind them. “I am aware that there are dangers and uncertainties involved in the matter but—”
The duchess put one hand on Frederica’s arm, her gaze a little stern.
“Frederica,” she said, interrupting her. “I will only ask you about one particular matter.”
Frederica nodded. “Please.”
“I must ask you whether or not you have considered what this ‘courtship’ might mean,” the duchess said, dropping her hand. “What if Lord Wetherby
finds that he is enamored with your company and he wishes to continue the courtship with you? What if you find yourself desperate for your courtship to go on, to further itself into something more? Something…permanent?”
Dropping her head, Frederica was all too aware of the flush that made its way into her cheeks. It was not something that she wanted to hide from the duchess, but she still felt a good deal of embarrassment mentioning it to her.
“Louisa,” she began, choosing her words with the greatest of care. “That is something that I have considered, I assure you.” With a deep breath, she looked back at her aunt. “I will not pretend that I feel nothing for Lord Wetherby, for to say so would be quite untrue. I have no doubt that I might come to wish that our courtship continues and yes, that perhaps I would begin to think of something akin to matrimony. However,” she continued as the duchess’ eyes widened, “I also step forward into this in the full awareness that Lord Wetherby might not feel the same. If he decides that our courtship is to come to an end, then I will accept it.”
“But you might very well be filled with great distress because of it,” the duchess exclaimed. “Is such a thing worth enduring?”
Frederica hesitated, biting her lip for a moment. “Yes,” she said, determination rising up in her chest. “Yes, Louisa. Despite the difficulties that may arise, despite the pain that may follow, I truly believe that it will be worth it in the end.”
The duchess pressed her lips together and searched Frederica’s face for a few moments, before sighing and turning away.
“I do hope you are right, Frederica,” she said gently. “I will let you retire now. Good evening.”
Frederica smiled at her aunt, grateful that she would not be prevented from doing as she had suggested. “Good night, Louisa.”
12
As Percy climbed out of the carriage and then turned to offer Lady Frederica his hand, a deep, unsettling anxiousness flooded his heart. He had not been certain that agreeing to this courtship had been a wise idea, but given Lady Frederica’s determination and the duke’s apparent acquiescence, Percy had decided to accept the suggestion. Now, he and Lady Frederica were to go out walking together, with the duchess joining them, of course, but to walk in Hyde Park during the fashionable hour was certain to gain them a good deal of attention.
“Are you quite certain, Lady Frederica?”
She smiled at him, her eyes dazzling in the afternoon sunshine. “I am quite determined, Lord Wetherby,” she said as he nodded and looked away, finding the urge to protect her growing steadily. “You do not think that I will change my mind, I hope?”
He looked back at her and saw her smiling face, her twinkling eyes, and the glint of steel that was held within them. “No,” he answered, a trifle ruefully. “No, Lady Frederica, I do not believe that you will be convinced either way.”
“Good.” She laughed and took his arm before he had even offered it, her touch seeming to send his heart into all manner of delights given how quickly it beat. “I confess, Lord Wetherby, that I am more determined than perhaps is apparent. I do not like the idea that you should be left to this difficult situation alone, and therefore, I am all the more eager to come alongside you and make certain that you are not so badly injured again.” Her head turned toward him as a stray curl bounced gently across her cheek. “How are you feeling at present?”
“Much improved,” he promised her, seeing the relief in her smile. “I will not say that my head does not ache somewhat, but it is certainly nothing compared to yesterday.”
Lady Frederica winced. “I can only imagine the depths of pain you were in,” she said, looking back toward the path they were to take as they stepped away from the carriage, leaving the duchess to follow a short distance away. “That must have come as a great shock.”
Percy grimaced and shook his head. “It was my own fault, Lady Frederica,” he told her, regret filling him. “The moment I stepped into the library, I knew something was wrong. I was expecting it to have at least one or two other gentlemen there, with the card table ready and waiting for us. To see the room so empty and quiet sent a great warning ringing around my ears.”
“But you stayed there anyway?” she asked, no judgment in her voice but a flicker of surprise in her gaze. “Would it not have been best to return to the drawing room?”
“Yes,” he admitted quickly. “It would have been very wise indeed, Lady Frederica. But I told myself that I was being foolish, that there was nothing to concern myself with. And then…” He gestured to his head. “I should speak to Lord Taylor,” he added as an afterthought. “He was the one who told me that there was to be a card game in the library.”
Lady Frederica’s hand tightened on his arm. “And there was not?”
“I do not know,” he told her honestly. “There may well have been, but it would have occurred after I had been injured. The ladies who attacked me must have been expecting others to come and join me in the library, else what would have been the point of doing as they did?”
A frown touched Lady Frederica’s brow. “That is true,” she mused quietly. “Although mayhap Lord Taylor was asked to seek you out first and encourage you to make your way to the library just as soon as you could. That way—”
“Lady Frederica!”
They were prevented from speaking further by the loud and somewhat obnoxious voice of Lady Warrington, who was gazing at Lady Frederica with wide eyes before she turned them toward Percy. Knowing that Lady Warrington was inclined toward gossip and that, within minutes of them departing her company, she would begin to tell everyone within earshot of what she had just seen or discussed, Percy felt his stomach tighten uncomfortably. He did not want Lady Frederica to be in any danger and yet this was precisely what he had agreed to, was it not?
“Good afternoon, Lady Warrington,” Lady Frederica began as the duchess came to stand beside her charge. “It is a very pleasant afternoon, is it not?”
“It is,” Lady Warrington replied, looking first at Percy and then at the duchess. “Oh, and good afternoon to you also, Your Grace. And to you, Lord Wetherby.”
Percy cleared his throat and bowed, aware now that Lady Frederica’s hand was still on his arm. “Good afternoon,” he muttered, but Lady Warrington was already speaking again, although her eyes continued to dart between Lady Frederica and him, as though convincing herself that what she was seeing was quite real.
“And so you are out for a walk together this afternoon?” Lady Warrington asked as Lady Frederica smiled blandly. “It is a very fine afternoon, as you yourself have said, Lady Frederica.”
“It is,” came the reply. “And how is your own daughter, Lady Warrington?”
The conversation continued in such a vein for some time until, finally, Lady Frederica managed to extract them all from Lady Warrington’s eagerness and, stepping away from her, bid her farewell.
A heaviness settled over Percy’s heart as he made his way along the path once more, his brows knotting together.
“If you continue to frown that way, Lord Wetherby, then no one will think that you are actually enjoying my company,” Lady Frederica’s voice was light, but there was a touch of anxiety in her words. “Is something the matter?”
Percy hesitated, wondering whether or not to be truthful. “Lady Warrington is something of a gossip, is she not?” he asked, just as Lady Frederica laughed.
“She is a terrible gossip, Lord Wetherby,” came the reply. “Although that is precisely what we are hoping for, is it not?”
He wanted to say yes, wanted to agree that this was precisely what he wanted, but found that the words simply could not come from him.
“I am concerned for you, Lady Frederica,” he said, choosing to speak honestly. “I know that I have agreed to this courtship, that I have said that I will consent to all that you yourself have planned, but in doing so, I realize now just how much danger I am placing you in. What if Lady Warrington tells the ladies that seek to force me into matrimony with one of them?”
<
br /> Lady Frederica frowned, stopped walking, and turned to face him. “But Lord Wetherby, that is exactly what we want to happen,” she said, sounding confused. “Are you now saying that you have changed your mind?”
“No, no,” he repeated, screwing his eyes closed tightly for a few moments. “My concern is your wellbeing, Lady Frederica. What if something so terrible occurs that I—”
“Lord Wetherby.”
Her gloved hand had taken his and, in that one single instant, Percy felt his heart turn over in his chest, his breath catching as he looked down at their joined hands.
“You are very considerate,” she said softly. “I know that you are concerned for me, but you know that I have discussed the matter at length with both the duke and the duchess. I will not be moved from this. No matter what may befall us, I will not permit you to face such difficulties alone.” Her smile faded. “The next time, they could be entirely successful and then what would you do?”
For whatever reason, the thought of being forced to marry another, to have to step away from Lady Frederica, never to see her again, was something that Percy could not even bear to consider. It was as though a knife had lodged itself in his heart at the mere thought of it, his chest tight as he looked back into her eyes.
“Very well,” he murmured as she released his hand. “I will not say that my concern for you has disappeared,” he said as she turned to take his arm once more. “But I shall accept that this is to be our position at present.” His gaze slid across to her. “I only hope that I will be able to keep you safe.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Nottingham.” Lady Frederica smiled warmly at the lady before turning to her daughter. “And good afternoon to you also, Miss Chalmers.”
Lady Nottingham greeted Lady Frederica quickly, although her eyes turned toward Percy almost at once, bright and calculating in the afternoon sunshine.