by Dayna Quince
This was absurd. Would her father really go to such lengths to keep her from finding her own husband? He could be a cruel man, but he wasn’t unhinged. He’d plainly said she had a month to find her own suitor. He’d given his word. She needed to speak with him as much as she wanted to avoid him at all costs. If she was going to do battle with Lady Flora, she needed to know where the lines were drawn.
She pressed her ear to the door but could hear nothing. She opened it a crack, freezing as she saw Lady Flora sitting at the vanity and staring blankly at the room. There was a soft knock at the door, and then Lady Flora’s maid entered bearing a tray with a bottle of wine and a glass. Maddie pressed her lips together. Lady Flora was having a nip in the afternoon? Perhaps she was upset by her own actions. Maddie closed the door silently and sat on her small bed. Maybe once Lady Flora soothed herself and calmed, they could have a meaningful discussion. If she thought Maddie unworthy of her brother, then maybe she could be turned into an ally.
Maddie waited a quarter hour before peeking at Lady Flora. She was now on the bed, her gown off. She was reclined with the glass in her hand. She took three large gulps as Maddie watched. Her maid was still there, sitting in a chair beside the bed.
“Oh, the indignities I have faced, Anne. That wretched girl thinks she will find a better suitor than my brother. How daft can she be? There is no better suitor than my brother. She is owed to us.”
Maddie bristled. She did not owe them anything. She owed no one her hand in marriage. She bit her tongue and kept listening.
“Of course, my lady,” Anne dutifully answered.
“Does she not understand this is the way of things?” Lady Flora finished her glass of wine, and Anne refilled it.
Maddie watched as this glass was quickly finished, and Lady Flora’s mutterings deteriorated into slurred unintelligible rambling. Anne nodded and responded accordingly as if this were a unique language only she was fluent in. After an hour, there was light snoring, and Anne picked up the bottle and glass from Lady Flora’s slack grasp.
Maddie had watched it all from the crack of her door.
“It’s safe to come out now,” Anne said.
Maddie covered her mouth and stood. She opened the door and met Anne’s sympathetic gaze.
“You knew I was watching?” she whispered.
Anne nodded. “I wouldn’t test her if I was you.”
“What do you mean?”
“She can be a very…hard woman. Cruel. Tread carefully.”
“Do you know what they are trying to do to me?”
Anne nodded. “Be careful.”
Maddie watched the maid retreat. She looked at the bed where Lady Flora snored. Maddie didn’t have the patience to be careful. There was too much at stake. Knowing what she did, she needed to speak with her father the first chance she got, preferably without her brother’s presence. Her brother had a way of fueling their father’s anger toward Maddie, worsening her punishments simply because he enjoyed watching her suffer. She considered leaving the room. She changed her dress and tried the door, then stared at it in horror when she realized Anne had locked it from the other side. Anne could not be trusted, either. She pulled the bell cord and waited for help she suspected wouldn’t come.
When Anne returned later to help Lady Flora dress for dinner, Maddie had already dressed herself. She kept her door open a crack, monitoring Lady Flora from a distance. The woman snored like an old dog and not once did she wake. Even now, Anne shook her vigorously as Maddie watched. It was humorous, but Maddie didn’t stay to enjoy it. She marched toward freedom, holding Anne’s gaze all the way to the door.
Reaching the hall, she wasted no time waiting to see if Anne would follow or physically try to stop her. It was too soon to wait in the drawing room. She didn’t know who she could trust other than Jonathan. It was too far to the summerhouse, and she could easily be spotted in the garden. Instead, she ventured to the conservatory, another favorite spot, and would wait until it was time to go to dinner by herself. It would seem odd, but Maddie had spent her whole life being odd. No one would be surprised.
She was almost to the conservatory when she turned a corner, and in her periphery, saw a shadow duck into an alcove. She stopped and waited. Was she being followed? It hadn’t looked like a maid. The shadow was leggier rather than bell shaped like a maid would be. A man was following her. But who? Her brother—that had to be it. He was doing his father’s dirty work as always.
She waited, holding her breath until she couldn’t any longer and then sucked in an agonizingly slow breath. She heard a slight scuffle and a sigh, then he crept around the corner. Maddie muffled her scream and leapt back.
He did the same, but without the feminine screech.
“Who the devil are you and why are you following me?” Maddie hissed. He was well dressed, not a footman, but not a guest either. He was in service to someone.
“My apologies, Miss Prescott. I was only meaning to find out where you were going.”
“On who’s orders?”
“Well, no ones, actually. I was instructed by his lordship to find the whereabouts of your room. I followed Miss Anne earlier and saw that she’d locked you in, so I followed her again and saw you leave.”
“You are doing this for Lord Berett? Isn’t it enough that his sister is holding me captive?” Maddie accused.
The man looked conflicted. “No. Not Lord Berett. I’m not sure I am at liberty to tell you.”
“Tell me, or I shall scream so loud your ears will bleed, and everyone in this house will come running.”
“Please do not,” he begged. “Let me confirm with my lord, perhaps he will wish to speak with you himself?”
Maddie hesitated. Who the devil would want to keep tabs on her other than Lord Berett and her father?
“You don’t work for Lord Berett?”
“No, miss. I promise you I do not.”
Maddie chewed her lips as one other possibility came to mind. “Do you work for Lord Rigsby?”
The man swallowed and then nodded. “I do.”
Maddie was relieved, but also miffed. What was going on? “Tell him I wish to speak with him immediately, and I will await him where we first spoke at the beginning of this party.”
“Yes, miss.” The man turned and hurried away.
Maddie turned and scooted into the conservatory. If it were Lord Rigsby who sent that man to find her room, then he would know where to find her waiting. She sat on the very bench she had been lounging on when they’d first spoken only two days ago. It felt like so much time had passed since then. They’d gone from virtual strangers to confidants in such a short time. That was only if this man, whoever he was, did, in fact, work for Jonathan. He could have been lying.
Maddie waited, counting the seconds until she heard the door to the conservatory open. She stiffened but didn’t turn around to look.
“Maddie?” he said quietly.
Maddie sighed in relief and stood, turning to face him. “I wasn’t sure I could trust that man.”
“He’s my valet. Camden. He is completely trustworthy.”
Maddie nodded.
“What is this I hear of you being locked in your room?”
Maddie raised her brows. “The locking of the door is only one of the many things that occurred this afternoon.”
“Tell me.” He came around the bench and took her hand. His brow was furrowed with concern, and Maddie was so moved she forgot what she was about to say.”
“Umm…Why was he following me?” She could see the man—Camden, waiting by the conservatory door.
“I was worried, and I wanted to know where your room was in case Lady Flora tried to keep you from the festivities. He followed you because, well, he found her maid and the circumstances very unusual.”
“Unusual is an understatement.” Maddie focused on their entwined hands. “Lady Flora was so cross after the Hawk display that she struck me.”
“She struck you?” His hand tightened o
n hers, and the other came to her face.
She had no choice but to look up at him. He looked fiercely angry for her. She smiled. “It barely hurt, believe me. We argued, and I went into my chamber. Then her maid Anne arrived with wine for Lady Flora, which Lady Flora drank in rapid succession. She soon fell to sleep, and it was at that point I spoke to Anne. She warned me about Lady Flora. She told me to tread carefully. I tried to leave soon after Anne and was astonished to realize she’d locked me in the room, the cretin. They’ve gone mad, I tell you.” Maddie closed her eyes and shook her head in dismay.
She heard his heavy sigh and opened her eyes.
“I had a feeling things would become difficult.”
“I want to speak to my father. He told me a month, and I will hold him to it.”
“Perhaps I should speak with him?” Jonathan offered.
“No. Not yet. “
He sighed again. “If Lady Flora is a drunkard, we can use it to our advantage. But first, we need to solve the issue of the lock on your door. I’ll have Camden steal the key for you.”
“I can’t have it on my person. I will be the first person they look to.”
“No, Camden or I will have it. He will be our eyes and ears below stairs.”
“This is all so absurd. If it wasn’t happening directly to me, I’d think it one of those ridiculous novels.”
“Don’t try to pretend you don’t read them,” he chided.
“Of course, I read them. Everyone reads them,” Maddie conceded, “but I never thought I would be the heroine in my own in real life.”
“You can write it when this is all over and make heaps of money.”
Maddie narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t make light of this.”
“You have to, or else it really is all that dreadful. Keep your chin up.” He lightly touched her chin, his eyes dropping to her lips. “We will laugh about it when it’s over, I promise you that.”
“But what are we going to do at present?”
He stroked his chin. “You’ve already escaped. It will look badly on them if they make a fuss. Act naturally.”
“I don’t even know if Lady Flora will wake for the twilight dinner. Her maid wasn’t able to wake her when I escaped.”
“Drunks always wake in time for another drink. Meanwhile, we shouldn’t be seen alone conspiring like this,” he teased.
“I don’t know where to go. I don’t trust anyone else,” Maddie admitted. She hadn’t realized how hollow that would sound out loud. She had no one to trust except these two men.
“Take heart, Maddie. It’s only another hour until dinner.” He lowered his voice, “As much as I’d love to stay and divert your attention from this awful situation, I should go and see what our nemeses are up to. Stay here and don’t come out until it’s time to join everyone in the drawing room.”
“And if someone should come in here?”
“Hide if necessary.”
Maddie sighed. She’d grown used to her way of life, and now everything was turned upside down. She had no idea there would be such difficulties when she set out on her quest to find her own husband. As if propositioning a man hadn’t been strange enough.
“So be it. I will next see you in the drawing room.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “I’m afraid it will get harder before it gets easier. Remember, you’re not doing this alone. I’m here to slay your dragons.”
Maddie smiled half-heartedly. “Dragons. Plural.”
“I’ll see you in an hour.”
She nodded, and he left. She watched him and his valet leave before claiming a bench out of view of the doorway. It was only an hour. It wasn’t very much time at all, and yet it felt like an eternity. She used to love time to herself, time to daydream, time to read without interruption. Oh! If only she had a book! Hours passed like seconds when one had a book in hand.
With nothing else to do but stare at the fountain, she began to count the seconds that passed. After a quarter hour, she heard the door to the conservatory open. She leapt from the bench and slipped behind a potted plant. Camden came into view, searching the room for her.
“I’m here.” She stepped out.
“His lordship thought you might need some diversion.” Camden handed her a book.
Maddie beamed at Camden. He looked visibly struck by it.
“Oh, thank you!”
“You’re very welcome, Miss Prescott. I was also advised to give you this. It’s his Lordships pocket watch. He says you mustn’t be late for dinner.”
“How very thoughtful of him.” Maddie took the watch, brushing her thumb over the engraved silver filigree.
“I must go now.”
“Thank you, Camden.”
He nodded and departed. Maddie sat on the bench and looked at the book. Ghosts I’ve Met by Edward Platt. Maddie giggled. What an odd choice. She would have to ask if Jonathan had picked the title or simply told Camden to grab whatever was quickest. Perhaps Jonathan secretly had an interest in the supernatural. Very interesting… Maddie was only too happy to open the book and let her mind and time drift away from the present. But first, she checked the time and made a mental note not to lose track.
Chapter 9
Jonathan entered the drawing room, his gaze immediately finding Maddie. She was in the corner of the room awkwardly talking to Miss Penny. Miss Penny was the third Worthington daughter and woefully shy. She looked supremely uncomfortable talking to Maddie as if Maddie would somehow cause a great flurry of attention to come their way. Or perhaps Maddie was telling her a chilling tale from the book he’d sent her. It was something he’d picked up after coming home, having had an interesting experience in a castle in Germany. He thought Maddie might like the thrill of a good ghost story.
Coming to his mother’s side first, he scanned the room so his attention to Maddie wasn’t too noticeable.
“Good evening, Mother.”
She looked at him skeptically. “Is it? Would you like to warn me about anything?”
“Warn you? About what?”
“Plans, outrageous schemes…”
Jonathan schooled his features. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you confusing me with Lucy?”
His mother scoffed. “Your father enlightened me. You two had a very interesting conversation.”
“Indeed, we did. All this time the two of you have been in a league against your children. For shame, Mother. Here I thought you loved me.”
She scoffed. “Do not tease me. You are up to something. You were the good child, the easy child.”
“I’m telling Lucy you said that.”
“I’m sure I’ve said something to that effect to her directly, but don’t change the subject. Lucy found her place,”
“Ah, here we go again.” Jonathan groaned.
“I was not pleased by what your father said.”
“Because he gave me his blessing not to marry if I didn’t wish to?”
His mother pursed her lips angrily. “He did not.”
“He most certainly did.”
She took his elbow gently and plastered a sweet smile on her face. She led him away from the group of eager ears. Still smiling she said, “Whatever was said between you two was moot. You made a point to escort Miss Prescott to the hawk hunt, did you not? And the other night you danced with her. A mother might be inclined to think that her son was courting the young woman by these displays.”
“You can think whatever you like, Mother.”
“Are you?”
Jonathan shrugged. “What if I was?”
She kept her smile, but a crease appeared between her brows. “Miss Prescott?”
She said it with such disbelief it irritated him. Yes, he wanted to snap, Miss Madeline Prescott. You may as well tie a bow around her and deposit her in my bed. Jonathan looked toward the door and saw that the butler had entered and was speaking to Lady Worthington. The dinner buffet must be ready.
“Would you like me to introduce you? I’
d be happy to.” He tucked her hand in his elbow and dragged her across the room to Maddie’s side.
“Mother, I do believe you already know Miss Prescott, Sir Williams’s daughter.”
Maddie was caught off guard. She blushed. “Good evening, my lady.”
“Yes, I have had the pleasure, son. Good evening to you, Miss Prescott, and Miss Penney.
“Good evening, Lady Heath,” Miss Penny squeaked. ‘It looks as though my mother is about to announce dinner. I must go assist her.” Miss Penny excused herself.
“Wonderful. Now I can escort two beautiful women to dinner.” Jonathan offered his free arm to Maddie.
She took it hesitantly.
He turned them toward the open French doors as his father approached. “May I escort my wife?” His father bowed.
“I reluctantly relinquish her into your hands.” Jonathan winked. His mother still looked cautiously between him and Maddie.
He broadened his smile “Shall we? I’m famished.”
“As am I,” Maddie said at his side.
“Good evening, Miss Prescott. I was just speaking to your father.”
“I’m sorry—I mean…oh?” She bit her lip.
Jonathan chuckled. “Maddie has a whip-like wit, doesn’t she? Never a dull moment with her.
He ignored her arrested stare as he boldly watched his parent’s reaction. His father raised a brow, and his lips twitched, and his mother gave him a speaking glare.
“I do so enjoy a woman with a sense of humor. Let us join the others,” Lord Heather replied.
Jonathan and Maddie followed his parents out the doors, Jonathan slowing his pace enough so they could speak somewhat privately.
“What was that about? You used my name!” Maddie whispered.
“I did it intentionally.”
“Why?”
“After tonight, no one will be guessing about my intentions.”
“You don’t intend to use my name in front of everyone, do you?”