by Darcy Burke
“He came to Lord Leavitt’s house party, too.” Rebecca fluttered her eyelashes in his direction. “If he successfully reconquers Society, he’ll be quite a catch.”
Georgie sniffed. “Oh come now, Becca, your parents would never entertain an offer from him, despite his title.”
“You’re probably right. Still, I can look my fill, can’t I?” Rebecca’s deep chuckle was answered by Georgie’s.
Miranda saw no need to inform them of her parents’ ill-conceived plan regarding the viscount. Was Lord Kersey even interested in wedding her? If he wished to elevate his social position, Miranda supposed she was an appropriate target for a wife. Irritation blossomed, and she fanned her face again. Did no one want her for her?
And now he was cutting through the ballroom directly toward them. “Block me.”
Georgiana swung her gaze to Miranda. “Why? Maybe he’s headed for me. Or Rebecca.”
“Excellent, you two stay here and wait for him. I’m for…something else.” Miranda hurried away from her friends and fortunately saw her brother lounging against the wall. Dressed in immaculate black and wearing the special smile he reserved just for her, he was a welcome sight. She made her way to his side.
“Little sister.” Jasper took her hand. He studied her for a moment. “You look different.”
Miranda glanced down at herself, smoothed her hand over her waist. “I do?”
“The country seems to agree with you.” He lifted his gaze over her head to the ballroom beyond.
Miranda stood beside him, putting her back to the wall. Jasper had the same blond hair and penetrating glacial blue eyes of their father, but thankfully less of his uptight demeanor. Still, he had to be described as arrogant, which he had fair reason to be. Attractive and possessed of a fine wit, he sat a horse better than almost anyone and was at the top of everyone’s list of potential husbands.
Beatrice had called Miranda arrogant. Was that true? She turned to her brother. “Am I arrogant?”
Jasper laughed, a low, throaty sound. “Probably. But you say it as if it’s a bad thing. Confidence is often misconstrued as arrogance. You’re a strong young woman, and most people prefer the fairer sex to be malleable and meek.”
Miranda raised a brow. “Is that what you prefer?”
His eyes widened in mock horror. “I’m not discussing women with my sister.”
“Fine.” Miranda watched Lord Kersey who talked with Georgiana and Rebecca. “Why are Mother and Father keen to marry me off to Lord Kersey?”
“Because you’re a bloody pain in their arses.” Jasper never censored his speech around Miranda, a trait she adored him for. She turned her head as he shifted to face her.
Miranda darted a glance at Lord Kersey, still entangled with her friends. “I don’t have time for this right now. I need to get back to Wootton Bassett.”
“You can’t be serious. You’ve written all of us letters begging to come home.”
That much was true, but she hadn’t written such a missive in at least a month. “I did. I do. Just not right now. Lord Septon is coming, and I’d hoped to visit with him.”
“What’s your godfather doing in Wiltshire?”
Miranda opened and closed her fan in rapid succession. “We’re having a benefit for the local orphanage. We’re auctioning antiquities.”
“‘We’re’? Who on earth is ‘we’?” Jasper crossed his arms over his chest with a bemused expression.
Miranda dropped her fan, recognizing she looked as agitated as she felt. That simply wouldn’t do. “Beatrice Carmody, the gentleman who owns the orphanage…”
Jasper held up a hand. “Wait a minute. What gentleman? Is this the fellow who is courting you? Mother mentioned an MP whom they tried to warn away. Apparently, he wasn’t around to suffer the duke’s lecture about social stratification and how it’s important each level maintain its own relationships.”
“No, Fox isn’t the MP.”
“Fox?” Jasper’s eyes widened. “Regardless, it sounds as if this fellow’s the real threat.”
“Why, because I call him what everyone calls him? A bunch of nonsense.” Fox was his surname for heaven’s sake, not an endearment. “I need your help to get back. I simply must be there for the benefit. It’s a huge undertaking—Lord Septon is bringing several friends from the antiquity society and none of those people in Wootton Bassett have ever hosted a London event.”
Jasper’s eyes crinkled as if he wanted to laugh. “But this isn’t a London event, Miranda. It’s a benefit for a backwater orphanage.”
Miranda swatted his arm. “Do not besmirch Stipple’s End. Those poor children have nothing. No one.”
He arched a brow and his mouth quirked into a half-smile. “Apparently they have you. Lucky brats.”
“Will you help me, or do I have to sneak back on my own?”
Jasper gave an exaggerated sigh. “You do know how to appeal to my darker nature. The duke and duchess will not approve.”
“But you’ll help me anyway?”
“Yes. However, Holborn’s lost to the gaming room for the night, so it will have to wait until tomorrow.” They both knew better than to interrupt their father whilst he was at the gaming tables.
Miranda wanted to leave tomorrow. “Fine, but I want to be on the road by afternoon.”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “Just because you’re in a desperate rush doesn’t mean things will happen quickly. I need to talk to Kersey, and then I’ll need to convince Holborn to let you leave. It’s going to take more than a five minute conversation.” He shook his head. “You’re always so impulsive. Planning and execution should not be underestimated.” And with that, he pushed away from the wall.
“Wait, you’re not leaving me here alone, are you?”
Jasper chuckled softly. “Miranda, you’re the least helpless female I know. You’ll manage.”
Miranda scowled at his departing back. If he hadn’t agreed to help her, she’d have chucked the fan at his head.
Chapter Twelve
MIRANDA darted out onto the terrace from the overheated card room. She’d spent the day rejoining the life she’d left three months ago, and her face hurt from smiling so much. Cool autumn air rushed over her face, soothing her aching cheeks and restoring her ability to think clearly.
Where on earth was Jasper? She hadn’t seen him at all today, and he was supposed to be organizing her escape.
“Good evening, Lady Miranda.” A low masculine voice rumbled in the darkness.
She started, hoping it might be Jasper, but knowing as soon as the figure stepped from the shadows it was not.
Light from the room behind her splashed across Lord Kersey’s upper body, illuminating his handsome features and superbly tailored black coat.
“Good evening to you, Lord Kersey.” Miranda glanced back over her shoulder. They were in clear view of the card room so she wasn’t likely to be endangering her reputation. But if her parents were to be believed, she was incapable of knowing when she did threaten her reputation, so really, who knew?
Lord Kersey moved further into the light, but not closer to her. “I went riding with your brother today.”
Miranda turned so the doors were on her left. “Indeed? Were you able to keep up? Jasper is nearly unbeatable on horseback.”
Lord Kersey’s warm chuckle filled the air around her. “Yes, I managed to hold my own. Thank you for your concern.”
Where most would have used the last comment as a means to flirt, she had the impression he teased her. In fact, he hadn’t yet tried to sidle too close or to find an excuse to touch her.
Miranda eyed him warily. “Well, I suppose I should return indoors. A pleasure seeing you, my lord.”
“If you would pause but a moment, Lady Miranda.”
Again, she waited for a staying hand, but he didn’t move. Miranda didn’t either.
He gestured toward her, but still didn’t come too close. “I’m not exactly sure how to say this.”
Miranda
’s stomach seized. The urge to run screaming from the balcony nearly overpowered her. Her father had convinced him of the match and he was going to propose! “Lord Kersey, I really don’t think—”
“Please, allow me to finish.” The viscount lifted one side of his mouth, but his eyes darkened slightly and she rather thought he didn’t like being interrupted. “Your brother discussed your father’s, er, his plan with me, and I must admit I am not interested in pursuing a courtship. I am given to understand from Jasper this is acceptable to you.”
Miranda exhaled audibly. “Oh, yes. Quite acceptable. Thank you, Lord Kersey.” She cocked her head to the side. “Forgive me for saying, but it’s odd you didn’t jump at the chance.”
He pulled his head back and his lips quirked into a bemused expression.
Miranda laughed softly. “I don’t mean to overestimate my own appeal. It’s just that I haven’t yet met a man who didn’t want something from me.”
“You just did.”
His meaning took a moment to truly sink in. He didn’t want to link himself to her because doing so wouldn’t help to elevate his position. He needed someone with a perfect social record. Someone sedate. Someone well-mannered. Someone else.
She really was the pariah her parents alleged. Good Lord, she wanted to get as far away from this house party as possible.
“I appreciate your candor, Lord Kersey.” Miranda tossed her head, looking for her suddenly misplaced self-respect. “And I especially appreciate your disinterest.” A laugh that might have come out as a sob bubbled in her chest. She stifled it, so she’d never know for certain. “Good evening.”
She spun on her toes and reentered the card room before Lord Kersey could say anything else to further destroy her equilibrium.
“Oh, Miranda, there you are!” Georgie rushed toward her, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling.
Rebecca followed close behind. “You’ll never guess who’s just arrived!” She looked at Georgie who could barely contain herself and indeed let out a little squeal.
They turned to Miranda with identical expressions of glee. “Darleigh!” they cried in unison.
Miranda resisted the almost painful urge to roll her eyes. Where in the bloody hell was Jasper? “Have you seen my brother?”
Georgie stared at Miranda for a moment and then glanced at Rebecca who mirrored the exact same movement. Georgie looked back to Miranda. “Didn’t you hear what we said?”
Miranda grasped her fan in her palm as if it could be used as a blunt instrument. “Yes, I heard you. I’m looking for Jasper.”
Rebecca rattled her head as if she were trying to shake moths from her ears. “But Darleigh is here.”
Georgie reached out and touched Rebecca’s arm. “She wants to know where Lord Saxton is so she can meet Darleigh without being suspected.” Georgie turned a beatific smile on Miranda. “Never fear, for we are your dearest friends. We’ve arranged for you to meet Darleigh in the garden.”
“You’ve what?” Miranda gripped the fan until she felt the delicate wood bend. “I don’t want to meet with Darleigh. I need to find Saxton so I can return to Wootton Bassett. As I’ve tried to tell you, I—”
Rebecca thrust her lower lip out in a most unattractive frown. “You aren’t as fun as you were before. What did they do to you in that horrible little village?”
“You weren’t pilloried, were you?” Georgie’s caramel-colored eyes were wide, and for the first time Miranda realized her two closest friends in the world were a wheel short of a barouche.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Wootton Bassett isn’t a ‘horrible little village.’ There are nice people there doing nice things.”
She recalled her charges and how different their lives were from Georgie’s and Rebecca’s. Miranda had shared with the girls the trappings of being ladies, but beyond their accomplishments with needlepoint and dancing they were, quite simply, good girls. Girls who didn’t waste their time arranging clandestine meetings that would likely get Miranda compromised.
Just when she feared she might knock her friends over in an effort to leave, Miranda spotted Jasper’s tall frame near the corner of the card room. With a muttered, “Never mind,” she took herself off, not caring to look back at Georgie and Rebecca, who were now whispering madly.
Jasper’s eyes lit on Miranda as she closed the distance between them. “Good evening, Miranda.”
Miranda took in his casual stance, the way he watched the faro game at a nearby table. “Where have you been?”
“What, no jovial welcome? No sisterly affection? No appreciation for a brother’s good deeds?” He said the last with an exaggeratedly elevated eyebrow.
“Yes, yes, thank you for talking to Kersey.” Miranda had no desire to revisit that conversation, even in her own mind. “But you will get no sisterly affection from me until we are on the road. When are we leaving?”
He went back to watching the card game. “About that…I’ve encountered a snag. With the departure of Kersey from the field of potential suitors, Holborn has simply moved on to the next target.”
“And that would be?” Miranda was afraid of the answer, but had to know just the same.
Jasper didn’t look at her. “Lord Walter.”
“Can’t you talk them out of it?”
Now he turned. “You think I hold some sort of influence?” He snorted. “The country air has weakened your mind.”
Miranda wanted to brain him with her fan. “But the benefit is tomorrow night! I need to leave immediately. If the roads are at all bad, I’ll risk missing the entire thing!”
Two of the gentlemen seated at the faro table threw angry glances in their direction. Jasper grabbed Miranda by the elbow and escorted her from the card room.
“I can see you’ve still not learned the art of moderation.” Jasper let her go as soon as they’d walked several feet down the corridor. “You’re going to have to get over this obsession with a silly benefit.”
Miranda gasped. “It’s not silly.” She gritted her teeth. “And I’ll get back there with or without your help.”
Jasper shook his head. “You are the most stubborn, difficult girl.” He fell silent for a moment. “I’ve no doubt you’ll sneak off by yourself and cause even greater havoc. I’m beginning to wonder if the duke and duchess aren’t correct in their treatment of you. You really have no notion of how your behavior appears.”
Miranda’s shoulders drooped. “What happened to you? I used to be able to count on you being as mischievous as me.”
Jasper chuckled. “There you are dead wrong. No one is as mischievous as you.” He sobered. “And it nearly got you into serious trouble. Still might if you aren’t careful.” He raised his hand to his chest. “Because I am a kind and helpful brother, I will escort you in the morning. I promise we’ll get you to your precious benefit in plenty of time.”
“What about Mother and Father?”
“I’ll explain that Lord Septon has journeyed to Wootton Bassett for this benefit in the hopes of seeing you, his goddaughter. They won’t want to disappoint him. Of course, I’ll have to promise to bring you back the very next day, you realize.” He cocked his head to the side in brief contemplation. “The only problem is where I shall stay when we get there. Is this Stratham’s house adequate?”
“Yes, more than. You’ll be quite comfortable. Are you sure you’re allowed to stay there?”
“Ah, sweet sister, when will you realize the rules are not the same for you and me?”
But Miranda knew all too well. Perhaps that was why she always broke them.
FOX sat in his landau in the drive of Stratham Hall. Daylight was fading along with his interest in this benefit. Oh, he was pleased the orphanage would reap the rewards, but did he really need to be there?
“Are we getting out?” Rob asked from the opposite seat. He’d ridden over with Fox from Bassett Manor. “I need to get inside. I told Mrs. Knott I’d arrive a little early.”
Fox leaned his head back against the seat
. “Go ahead. I’m still thinking about it.”
Rob kicked him in the shin. “This is a bloody benefit for your orphanage!”
Fox looked down at his leg. “Are you trying to ruin my new clothes?”
“No, but if you aren’t going to make use of them, what difference does it make?” Rob’s brows drew together over his flashing eyes. “I never knew you to be a coward, Fox. Besides, we discussed the potential for other opportunities, if you’ll recall.”
Of course he recalled. Rob had suggested several days ago that perhaps one of the out-of-town guests might be a marriageable moneyed female. Since things hadn’t worked out with Miranda, why not move on to someone else? “Hadn’t worked out” was a disingenuous way to describe the hollowness in Fox’s chest. But he hadn’t shared the true nature of his feelings for Miranda with Rob. Hell, he’d barely admitted it to himself.
Rob jumped down. “Come on. Surely drinking a goodly amount of Stratham’s liquor will improve your mood.”
This argument was the best he’d made yet. Fox climbed out of the landau. “Fine. I’ll go to the damned party.”
They walked into the house together. Servants bustled to and fro doing whatever it was they did to prepare for such an event. A footman directed them to the Gold Room where Mrs. Knott and Mrs. Gates were reviewing the display of antiquities.
Laid out in one room, it presented an impressive collection. There were tapestries, both from Stipple’s End and Bassett Manor, silver pieces, a few portraits and a handful of landscapes, some jewelry, though nothing terribly dear as far as he could tell, and some ancient looking earthenware from Stipple’s End supposedly dug up in the yard. For the first time Fox allowed himself to believe this might actually raise enough money to get them through the winter.
Rob had stopped to speak with his wife and now came to stand beside Fox. “Mrs. Knott is going to see about getting us some brandy.”
Fox nodded and tried not to pluck at his stiff cravat. Stupid waste of money. He was supposedly dressed in the height of fashion, not that it mattered. He’d wanted to impress Miranda, and now she was gone. Hell, where was that brandy?