by Dayna Quince
“The debt, it’s been paid.”
“What debt?”
“Your father gave bad investment advice to Lord Berett, and Lord Berett holds your father accountable for the loss.”
“So he was going to use me?”
Jonathan nodded.
She made a disgusted face.
“But that’s over now. We paid his debt for him to ensure your safety.
She looked up at him. “That’s why he left me with my aunt. The only way to endure me was to be rid of me.”
He put his hand to her cheek. “I’m just glad you didn’t have to endure him these past weeks.”
“It makes sense now. She had no idea I was coming.”
“You look kissed by the sun.” He brushed his thumb over her freckles. “And your face is thinner.”
“My aunt and uncle don’t have much. I was just another mouth to feed.”
“So you went without?”
“I went with less, not without. I helped as much as I could.”
“You have such a good heart, Maddie.”
Her eyes grew bright, and she blinked. “Th-Thank you.”
She blushed and stepped out of his hold.
“I suppose my mother will wish to speak to you about wedding preparations and such.”
“Preparations?” She strolled slowly a little ahead of him.
“Fittings, flowers. Your father said none of your extended family would be able to attend.”
Maddie stopped and turned. Beyond her aunt and uncle and their four children, she couldn’t even remember her extended family. Her Aunt Beatrice was her father’s youngest sister out of six. There were three sons and three daughters. Maddie’s father was the eldest, his two brothers and one sister were deceased, and the other living sister had married an American and moved to America. Everyone from her mother’s family hated her father with good reason. Her father had cut off all contact with them after the funeral. No, she had no extended family to attend. She didn’t even want her father and brother there.
“These preparations, should I have been doing something to help?” Maddie asked.
He grimaced. “I don’t have the slightest idea. Let’s go to the source of all wedding information and find out what still needs to be done.”
* * *
Maddie hid her displeasure as he turned them back toward the house. She was so far out of her element now. Wedding preparations? Maddie hadn’t anything to prepare. She’d cycled through the same two gowns the past three weeks to prevent more washing than she already had to do for her aunt. She knew little of wedding preparation other than the very obvious things like weddings occurred in churches and brides wore a special gown. She’d never attended a wedding before, and now she was going to have one of her own.
They were just returning to the house when Lord Winchester stepped out.
“Good, I was coming to fetch you.”
On first impression, Maddie liked him. He didn’t look at her like she was a curiosity.
“Are we being summoned?” Jonathan joked.
Lord Winchester fell in beside them. “The tea and sandwiches had arrived, as have Sir William and Mr. Prescott.”
Jonathan nodded, and Maddie remained silent. She wondered how much of the coming days she would have to spend in the company of her father. He was giving an exceptional performance so far, but Maddie knew it wouldn’t last.
They re-entered the drawing room and found seats. The only place for Maddie to sit was between Lady Lucy and Lady Heath. She hesitated when they looked up and smiled at her.
“Relax, I promise not to bite,” Lady Lucy said. “We have much to talk about.”
“We do?”
“Yes, the wedding is only a week away, and we need to discuss what sort of cake you would like, and flowers, we…” Lucy hesitated, “we sent out invitations already. Many of our acquaintances are in town for the little season, so that makes things simpler.
“How many people will be coming?” Maddie hoped she didn’t look as terrified as she felt.
“Only forty people or so. We only invited our closest acquaintances.” Lucy grimaced.
Maddie’s breathing quickened. “Forty people…”
“Or so,” Lucy added cautiously.
“Is Draven coming?” Jonathan joined their group. The other gentlemen were standing around the hearth with their cups of tea.
“No. Anabelle is nearing birth.”
“What of the others?”
“Heather and the duke have already arrived. They rented a house in Margate for their brood. It’s close enough that they will visit before the wedding. Hazel and Bainbridge will come Friday and stay through Monday. And…Thea and Felton will arrive Thursday.” She rushed to say.
Jonathan glared at his sister. Maddie looked back and forth between them.
The room went silent.
“I would like to meet Mrs. Felton,” Maddie said. “I think we would get along.”
“I think you two would get along swimmingly,” Lucy added cheerfully.
Jonathan didn’t say anything, but he seemed to relax somewhat.
Lucy continued to talk to Maddie, and Maddie was feeling less terrified with every minute. “Is there anything I’m supposed to do?” she asked anxiously.
“What sort of flowers would you like? We can make wreaths and garlands out of just about anything.”
“Oh, I haven’t seen a flower I haven’t liked.”
“Do you have a favorite?”
Maddie bit her lip. “I do. Tis very common. Most would think it a weed…”
Lady Lucy and Lady Heath waited expectantly.
“Scarlet Pimpernel. It’s very small, and I’m not sure it would be suitable for decor.”
Both women gave her identical frowns. “I don’t believe I’m familiar?” Lucy said.
“Oh, I’m sure you’ve seen it, but it is easily forgotten. The flowers are the size of a fingernail, have bright peachy petals with a purple toward the middle.”
“Oh! I know exactly of what you describe!” Lady Heath said. “But I don’t know how it could be used for the wedding.”
“Yes, it is very unique. I did see Foxglove and Yellow Iris. Could those be useful?” Maddie suggested.
“Yellow and purple, a lovely combination.” Lucy nodded. “Now what of your wedding trousseau, is it complete? Ramsgate has lovely shops.”
“Wedding trousseau?” Maddie shook her head.
Lady Lucy and Lady Heath shared a glance.
“A trousseau is new garments bought specifically for the wedding. Your wedding dress, for example. Have you done any shopping at all?”
Maddie shook her head. She was feeling nervous again and woefully inept. “I’ve been helping my aunt care for her children since leaving the house party three weeks ago.”
“Oh, well, we’ve plenty of time to shop.”
With what money, Maddie grumbled internally. Now more than ever she wished they had eloped. She didn’t have anything she needed, and it was glaringly obvious how unsuited she was to be Jonathan’s wife. She wasn’t fashionable. She knew nothing of the customs that were commonplace in his world. She didn’t even have a wedding dress! She was going to wear her finest evening gown, which was four seasons old by now. But it was her favorite. It was the same lovely pinky-peach as Scarlet Pimpernel.
She took a sip of tea and tried to calm herself.
The silence grew awkward between them, broken by a nursemaid who came to fetch Lady Lucy.
“She must be awake and hungry.” Lady Lucy smiled at Maddie. “We can talk more later.”
Maddie nodded, but what she wanted to do was bury her head under a pillow.
Chapter 16
The next day her father and brother excluded themselves from activities claiming important business in town. No one batted an eye as they left. It was already clear to Maddie that they disliked her father already. Compared to his usual malignant temperament, he was positively charming at dinner the evening before, but it was with effort
and glaringly false to everyone but him.
The plan for the day was a nice walk to the beach. Jonathan was eager to show her since Maddie had never seen it before. She was so nervous yesterday, she’d forgotten. Lady Lucy turned the idea of a walk to a picnic that would include swimming.
“We must do it now before anyone else arrives,” she said over breakfast, completely ignoring her mother’s objections. Lucy turned to Maddie. “I know I can’t claim friendship over the years, but I do know you are an adventurous sort like myself.”
Maddie chewed her lip. “I can’t swim.”
“That can be remedied anther time. The water is shallow near the shore and the waves gentle.”
“Waves?” Maddie raised her brows? She desperately wanted to see these waves and to go into the water but… “What does one wear?”
“I have an extra swimming costume. We’re close enough in height it should fit well.”
Lady Heath cleared her throat. “Height isn’t the issue. Swimming costumes are cut close to the figure.”
“And?” Lucy said indignantly.
“What mother is trying to say is that Maddie is more womanly than you,” Jonathan said.
Maddie turned scarlet and avoided meeting anyone’s gaze.
“I am very womanly,” Lucy tossed back.
“But not like Maddie. Maddie has—”
“Jonathan,” Lady Heath scolded. “Do not discuss her in such an inappropriate manner. She is clearly embarrassed. Do forgive my son. I tried valiantly to turn him into a proper gentleman.”
Maddie giggled behind her hand. “It’s fine.”
“You see? Maddie is not easily shocked. You should hear the things she says to me.” Jonathan returned.
Maddie glared at him across the table.
“Oh, please say something shocking,” Lucy begged. “Something to make even Winchester blush.”
Maddie could feel her own blush worsening, but she had to admit she was enjoying the informal family banter.
“I can’t think of anything at present. I usually blurt things out at the wrong time.”
“When I proposed during the masquerade, her first words were ‘don’t faint.’”
Lucy laughed. “Was he going to faint?” she asked Maddie.
“No. I thought I was. Shortly after it was done, I cast my accounts into a pot in the withdrawing room.”
Lucy laughed uproariously. “That is how I expect anyone to behave who is about to marry my brother.”
Maddie grimaced. Lady Heath did not look pleased with their topic of conversation.
“My apologies. I shouldn’t have discussed bodily fluids at the breakfast table,” she said to Lady Heath.
Lady Heath nodded. “It’s quite all right, dear. Because of my two children, I cannot be shocked.”
“But we love to try,” Lacy quipped.
Lady Heath rolled her eyes and stood. “Before the four of you scamper off to the beach, I’d like to discuss final wedding preparations. I’ll be in the drawing room when you’re ready. I need to fetch my list.” Lady Heath excused herself.
“What is more to do?” Maddie wondered.
Lucy swallowed. “You do have a dress. Don’t you?”
Maddie nodded. Though it wasn’t fashionable, she was going to wear it with pride.
“Then I’m sure she just wants to peg down what sort of foods you want for the breakfast and what kind of cake.”
That didn’t sound too terrible in Maddie’s mind. “Very well.”
“Don’t take too long,” Jonathan urged. “I want to leave soon.”
* * *
Maddie and Lucy left the gentlemen to drink their coffee and went to await Lady Heath in the drawing room. It wasn’t very long. The three women put their heads together over the list, and Maddie gave her choices for some food dishes and cake. It was odd to be the center of this affair. She’d never been the center of anything but ridicule most of her life. Once that was done, they were ready to go.
“I’ll come to your room with the swimming costume,” Lucy said, and they walked upstairs together.
Maddie didn’t know what had become of Anne after her father made them leave unexpectedly, but Jonathan informed her that he’d paid Anne in advance and gave her a holiday for the time being. She would be arriving sometime tomorrow on the mail coach.
She undid the back of her dress and waited for Lady Lucy. After a quarter hour, there was a knock and Lucy entered with her maid and introduced her.
Lucy sat on her bed as Marigold reached to help Maddie with her dress. Maddie hesitated. If she undressed with Lady Lucy here, she might see her scars, but it felt terribly rude to ask her to leave. She wasn’t shy about changing in front of another woman, but the sight of the scars would beg for questions.
“Use the dressing screen if you wish. I won’t be offended,” Lady Lucy suggested.
“Oh, yes.” Maddie had forgotten about the dressing screen. Her own room didn’t have one and most rooms she stayed in rarely had one.
She walked behind it and tried not to panic as Marigold helped her from her dress. The maid was standing behind her. Maddie knew she could see the scars. Maddie remained silent as the swimming costume came over her head. She waited while the maid tied the back. Maddie stopped her before they came out from behind the screen.
Marigold met her eyes.
“Please don’t say anything to anyone about my scars,” Maddie said as quietly as she could.
“Of course. It wouldn’t be my place,” Marigold answered. Her eyes were warm and compassionate. Maddie believed her secret was safe. She smiled gratefully and stepped out. The costume felt snug, but the fabric was light and comfortable.
Lady Lucy smiled. “I knew it would fit.”
Maddie looked in the mirror. The dark blue was a flattering color on her, but the snugness around her hips worried her. Lady Lucy wore the exact same costume. She came and put her arm around her. “Now we’re ready. I promise you this will be so much fun.”
Maddie elected to wear a cloak to cover the tightness of her dress until they reached the beach. Lucy assured her it was completely private.
“The women and men have to be separated on the public beaches, but because we have our own with cliffs on each side, we are completely secluded.” Lady Lucy went on to describe the swimming machines the women had to use on the public beaches.
“Covered wagons pulled by draft horses back into the water with the woman inside. She then leaps out the end into the water. It’s a lot more effort than simply walking into the water like the men do. Why must they make things so complicated?”
The gentlemen met them in the front hall, and together, they walked to the cliffs edge. Jonathan took her hand to help her down the long slope of steep wooden steps. Maddie caught her breath at the sight of the sparkling blue water, the shimmer of light reflecting off the surface as the water undulated, the white tip roll of the waves that lulled the senses. The air was moist and thick with salty brine.
Maddie couldn’t wait to dip her feet in the water. It wasn’t as terrifying as she thought it would be. Even if she decided not to go all the way in, she wanted to dance in the sand that was repeatedly licked by the waves.
A footman set up their blanket and a large umbrella. Maddie mimicked Lucy in kicking off her shoes and digging her toes into the sand.
“I only have an hour until my little angel wakes from her nap,” Lucy said as he raced for the water.
Maddie approached more slowly, Jonathan behind her.
“Don’t feel pressured to run in. The waves can be unexpectedly strong and even pull you out to deeper water. I’d rather you stay in the shallows.”
“I don’t plan on going past my ankles.” Maddie looked down at her wiggling toes.
“Oh, you will.” He grinned at her as he swooped her up.
Maddie screamed as she was lifted into the air. She looked out, and there was Lucy, leaping over the small waves, wet up to her hips.
She clung to J
onathan as he marched into the water and then dropped her feet. Her heart was pounding, but the water only came to her knees.”
“You tricked me!”
“Did you think I’d toss you into the water?”
“Yes.”
Lucy sprinted over to them. “Isn’t it divine?”
The water was bracingly cold, and Maddie found the sensation of sinking into the sand disconcerting, but it was also thrilling to be playing on the edge of the Chanel. It looked so vast and endless from where she stood.
Maddie noticed how Lucy’s dress clung to her hips. It was quite revealing. Maddie looked down at her own dress. A wave crashed against her legs, plastering her skirts up to her hips.
“Oh, my.” She tried to pull the damp fabric away.
“Try to relax. You won’t shock anyone here.”
“But Lord—” She looked back to the shore to see Lord Winchester shirtless, his calves and feet bare in the shining sun. He was stalking toward Lucy as she danced in the waves like a nymph.
“I can’t promise they won’t shock you.” Jonathan chuckled as he warned her.
Maddie turned away as they embraced. She hadn’t noticed Jonathan leave her side but turned toward the beach as he was returning. Shirtless.
Her mouth went dry. She waved her arms as the sand shifted beneath her and another wave tumbled against her gelatin filled knees. He caught her hands and held them to his chest.
“Steady now. Widen your stance so you won’t topple over so easily.”
She did as he said giggling shyly because she couldn’t stop looking at his chest, but also because of the suction as she pulled her feet from the sand tickled.
“It is strange how the water tugs when it draws out.”
“I’ll hold on to you.” Be brought her closer and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you trust me?
“Of cour—wait,” she narrowed her eyes at him. “What are you going to do?”
“Do you trust me, Maddie?”
“Yes.” she laughed. Then he fell backward with her.
She managed to suck in a breath before they hit the water and were submerged, but it was only a moment before he was sitting them up.
Maddie laughed, wiping the salty water from her eyes.