by Janet Woods
The room dissolved into laughter, except for Simon. ‘You are quite the wit, Miss Fox. Anyone would think you don’t want to wed.’
‘Oh, I do, but only to the right man. One who is kind and respects me. The sad thing is you haven’t seemed to grasp the concept of confidentiality within your profession. Had I inherited such a fortune, and had I been foolish enough to trust you with the matter, I would now be questioning your integrity since you appear as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.’
Freddie gave a high-pitched giggle when Simon scowled. ‘I told you she would bite.’
Aunt Edwina gasped. ‘Vivienne! You are ruining the day with your snappish behaviour. Apologize at once.’
‘Certainly not.’
‘Vivienne … I insist.’
Her stubborn streak surfaced and she pressed her lips together. She’d rather die than apologize to Simon Mortimer.
With a pretty gesture Miss Mortimer said, ‘Pray do not blame Miss Fox, when my brother was the one being provocative, Mrs Goodman. Let us enjoy the company and the day. Simon, you must take the blame.’
‘We were just having a little fun.’
Leaning forward Alex offered Simon a warning look. ‘We were not … you were, and at Miss Fox’s expense. Apologize to the lady for being offensive, Mortimer … and now if you please.’
‘Far be it for me to argue with you, My Lord. I’d be delighted.’ He took Vivienne’s hand in his and kissed it. ‘Forgive me, I beg of you, Miss Fox.’
She wanted to slap him. She turned to Alex only to find Miss Mortimer gazing up at him, her eyelashes all of a flutter. Miss Mortimer’s smile would have attracted gentlemen crocodiles for dinner and had them snapping at her ankles, but it seemed to make no impression on Alex. He offered Vivienne a wry smile and lifted an eyebrow slightly.
Then the woman leaned forward so her cleavage was on display under a scanty arrangement of lace. Her voice was a low purr. ‘My Lord, I have been so longing to meet you. Tell me about your estate, and do call me Sophia.’ When she spread her fan and gazed at him over its spread, Alex grinned in the way men did when they liked what they saw.
It felt as though the sun had lost its shine. Nothing was going right for her today, Vivienne thought, and now might be a good time to swoon – if only she knew how to do it without making a complete idiot of herself. She was simply not the fainting type.
Ten
It was the worst day of Vivienne’s life. She’d been proposed to twice … but not by the man she wanted.
Simon Mortimer’s probing about her inheritance meant she had to remain vigilant. He’d obviously made it his business to know her business. Alex had been captured by the beautiful Sophia, who made matters worse by competing with Adelaide for the attention of all the men present. Alex sent her a smile or two but he didn’t seem to mind being singled out for attention by most of the women present.
Freddie was his outrageous self and acting the fool, but sometimes his wit had an edge to it and the expression in his eyes told Vivienne he wasn’t as silly as he made out.
Simon singled her out when they were packing up the picnic and preparing to return home. Obviously he preferred to believe in the rumour, and as he’d said, he had professional sources for the information.
He took her by the arm, firmly enough so she couldn’t jerk away without making a fuss. ‘Walk with me for a minute or two.’ After a few seconds had passed, he said, ‘Will you allow me to call on you tomorrow, Miss Fox?’
‘You may … but I would prefer it if you didn’t because everything that needs to be said, has been,’ she added quickly.
She realized she’d only agreed because Alex had withdrawn his attention when the exquisite Sophia had appeared on the scene. She was miffed with him, unreasonably so. What was the use of hoping Alex would love her for herself? Today had proved to her that superficiality, good looks and fortune were more attractive to men than true love.
Simon said, ‘Perhaps I’ll approach you again when your mood has improved. I should tell you that my sister has set her sights on the earl.’
She feigned indifference. ‘What of it?’
‘They are saying he seems to be attached to you.’
‘They?’
‘Stop playing the innocent … you know as well as I how the marital system works. There must be something stronger than your physical appearance to keep our country gentleman so firmly by your side.’
That stung, but only because she allowed it to. ‘It’s called trust and friendship. We have been friends since childhood.’ After all, he wasn’t to know the truth of their earlier acquaintance.
‘I understand you routed Lord Statham earlier. He’s wallowing in money, I believe. All the same, I feel sorry for him.’
‘Then you marry him.’
He gave a high-pitched laugh. ‘Very droll, Miss Fox.’
Exasperated, she said, ‘By any chance, did you have your ear pressed to the keyhole when he offered for me?’
‘It’s all over town.’
‘And stinks to high heaven, like horse dung.’
He laughed again. ‘You’ve got quite a wit. Sophia has the means to set LéSayres’ estate to rights, you know.’
So do I, she almost blurted out, before she saw the trap in his words and bit her tongue. Hooking Sophia’s eyes out of their sockets with a pickle fork and feeding them to the ducks would give her enormous satisfaction. ‘That’s hardly my business, Mr Mortimer.’
He gave a faint smile. ‘Isn’t it? I could have sworn you had an eye for the handsome LéSayres yourself.’
‘He’s an old family friend and we have just become reacquainted. I doubt if we’ll run into each other again for years.’ She closed her eyes and felt a memory of Alex’s mouth, firm and loving against hers. Her heart began to pound, so she quickly opened them again.
‘Your uncle wouldn’t happen to be John Howard the financier, would he?’
‘Wouldn’t he?’
‘Are you being deliberately irritating, Miss Fox? Or can it be that you can’t manage a straight answer to a straight question? Odd, when I’ve been told how intelligent you are.’
‘Yes … I suppose it might appear odd to you. The thing is, Mr Mortimer, I have just visited my uncle in Dorset. I haven’t seen him since childhood, and couldn’t really remember him … therefore I don’t presume on the relationship between us. He and the earl are neighbours … not that it really concerns you.’
‘Quite.’ He adroitly changed the subject. ‘Freddie intends to officially propose to your cousin. Will he succeed, do you think? She seemed enamoured by the earl.’
‘Oh, Adelaide was flirting with him to catch the attention of Freddie. I imagine she will accept him. It will please my aunt if her daughter marries a title, especially if there are no money problems. Adelaide likes him and they appear to suit each other.’
‘Yes, they should … what about you?’
‘Me?’
‘You’re intelligent. Surely you want to marry and have children of your own. I have property and wealth enough to keep us in comfort. I know you disapprove of me now, but I’d treat you well and if we grew tired of each other we could overlook certain intimacies with others outside of the marriage bed.’
‘Are you proposing marriage to me?’
‘Unofficially, it sounds like it.’
She was thrown off guard by the shock of what she’d just heard. ‘But we’ve only just met …’ Her face flooded with colour. ‘You have a reputation, Mr Mortimer, and it’s not a good one. If I ever marry it will not be to you, and I will never allow my marriage to become the travesty you are describing.’
‘LéSayres would be a fool to commit himself to marriage unless money is part of the deal. No man in his position would.’
‘Except for Simon Mortimer, it seems, for you’ve just approached me with marriage in mind.’
He smiled. ‘Is anything ever what it seems? From where I’m standing I’d wager my fortune on the fact that my little goose
is sitting on a nest of golden eggs that are about to hatch. I might open a book on it. Does she or doesn’t she?’
‘I wouldn’t if I were you, Mr Mortimer. I think you’ve been reading too many of Aesop’s fables. Your party is waiting for you to join them.’ She turned and stalked off, certain her buttocks twitched with the affront she felt.
Aunt Edwina and Adelaide were heading for the carriage. She hadn’t known Alex was within earshot until he came out from behind the tree and took her by the arm, turning her to face him. ‘You look flustered … did Simon Mortimer upset you?’
‘A little.’
‘Tell me about it.’ He tucked her arm into his and they began to stroll after the others.
‘I’d rather forget it, Alex.’
‘Then we won’t discuss it. Tell me … what do you think of Mortimer’s sister?’
‘I didn’t get a chance to talk to her and form an opinion. She’s certainly attractive.’
‘Yes she is … and wealthy with it.’
‘On the other hand, her brother has a bad reputation.’
He slid a grin her way. ‘I’ve heard he’s a bit of a thug, and a rogue where ladies are concerned. But then, most men are. You can’t judge a person by their relatives, I suppose. All the same, I wouldn’t advise you to encourage her brother, he’s nowhere near good enough for you.’
She scraped out a laugh. ‘Simon told me his sister had set her heart on you. He said she has good looks to attract you, and money enough to support your estate – he also said you would be a fool to reject her.’
‘I must say I found Miss Mortimer quite fascinating. Although it’s not gentlemanly to say so, she’s the most empty-headed female I’ve ever met, and she prattles incessantly about herself.’
A murderous urge had slid through her when Alex had first mentioned the Mortimer woman. Now it left her, and she was light-headed with relief. Jealousy was an ugly emotion that seemed to bring out the worst in her.
You’d be envious of any woman he singled out for attention. Try to remember he’s only being sociable … playing the game.
Oh pish! Now she’d developed an invisible advisor. Still, it seemed to be on the sensible side. She asked it: why can’t I giggle, flirt and simper, and attract the attention of the men like Miss Mortimer and my cousin?
You can … please go ahead.
She fluttered her eyelashes.
He didn’t seem to notice, and she felt like kicking him on the ankle. Then her spirits took a sudden lift. At least she didn’t prattle. Well … not often. Reassured, she smiled, trying not to be petty. ‘That was not a very kind thing to say about Miss Mortimer.’
‘I’m not feeling kindly disposed towards her. What was obvious was that she targeted me so her brother could have a clear run at you. I couldn’t get away from her. Every time I tried to catch your eye so you could rescue me she moved into my line of vision. She flapped her eyelashes so hard I’m surprised her head didn’t take flight. When I did manage to see you, you were enjoying a tête-à-tête with Simon and I wanted to plant my boot in his rear and kick him into the lake.’
‘Why didn’t you?’
‘I didn’t want to ruin my new boots.’
Laughter filled her. ‘Thank you, Alex, you’re the most wonderful fake brother I’ve ever had. You’ve quite cheered me up. I thought your neglect of me today was because you’d fallen instantly in love with Miss Mortimer.’
He slid her a glance. ‘Would that bother you much?’
‘No … well, just a little perhaps. No, more than that. I’d kick the lady into the same lake and kick you in afterwards. I realize you must marry for the sake of your estate, but I’d like you to have a wife who made you happy as well.’
‘I’m of the mind it will be one or the other.’
What was he saying … that he’d marry for love? ‘But both would be better, surely?’
‘Yes … except a man’s pride is involved where money is concerned. The button on your glove is undone.’ In the shadow of the next tree he stooped and slid the tip of his tongue over the little pulse beating on the inside of her wrist.
The initial thrill brought on by the action went skittering off in all directions through her body, and was followed by shock. She whispered, ‘Alex, stop that.’
He secured the loop over the button. ‘You have graceful hands, my dove. I just couldn’t resist. I’ve received an invitation to the afternoon dance at Almack’s on the Wednesday of next week. Will you come as my guest? I’m told that invitations are rare and restricted to the aristocracy. Frederick will escort your cousin if her aunt allows. Sometimes the Regent puts in an appearance.’
Thank goodness he hadn’t thought to invite Sophia, and her mood lifted once again. She would buy herself a new gown. There were plenty of dressmakers in London who would outfit her, and Maria would know the best one.
‘Vivienne!’ her aunt called out. ‘Stop dawdling this minute. Surely there’s nothing you need to say to the earl in private that is so shocking that the rest of us can’t be party to it.’
Alex gazed into her eyes. ‘Is there, Vivienne?’
When her heart raced every time she saw him, when she lived for his glance, his smile, the touch of his hand and the sound of his voice – couldn’t he see how she adored every beautiful hair on his beautiful head? She was falling apart over him and had never felt such need in her.
I love you most desperately, Alex, and I don’t know what to do about it, she almost blurted out, only just managing to draw her shattered feelings together. She smiled. ‘I value your friendship highly.’
‘And I will value yours always.’
‘Vivienne … do come, and at once!’ her aunt called.
His mouth twisted into a wry grin and he offered her his arm. ‘I’d like to spend time alone with you, and without you being at the beck and call of your aunt and cousin. You and your father might like to visit King’s Acres one day.’
‘As you know, we have recently visited my uncle, John Howard, to consult with him about … well, about some investments, I believe. It was only a short visit.’
‘And you ran away from me.’
She laughed. ‘Like a rabbit. One day perhaps I’ll be able to arrange another visit, since I would love to see your home in Dorset. My uncle described it as … comfortable. I was on my way to see if I could catch a glimpse of it when you waylaid me.’
‘I’m quite sure you’d love it there, and my family would welcome you. My stepmother is a little starved of female company and it would give my brother a chance to catch up on his manners … and the dogs.’
‘Tell me about your brother … are you alike?’
‘Not so much as we were in childhood. You might remember him from then. He remembers you.’
‘You have spoken of me together?’
‘He admired you and considered you to be in fine fettle when you routed me.’ He grinned. ‘But we can talk of him another day.’
They had reached the carriage and he handed her in before climbing in beside her.
Edwina gazed from one to the other. ‘Now … what was going on between the pair of you that was so interesting it kept everyone waiting.’
‘My pardon, Mrs Goodman, it was my fault entirely so you should reprimand me rather than Miss Fox, perhaps. We were discussing my home and my brother.’
‘And the earl’s dogs, as well,’ Vivienne said lightly. ‘Apparently they lack manners.’
‘One can forgive dogs since they have no sense. Young ladies should know better than to keep her elders and betters waiting.’
‘I’m sorry, Aunt.’
‘Well, since the earl has confessed to being at fault I will forgive you this time.’ She poked the driver’s shoulder with her parasol. ‘We’re all present so you may depart.’
‘Tell them, Mama,’ Adelaide said, almost breathless with excitement.
Her aunt smiled smugly. ‘Lord Frederick is calling on Adelaide tomorrow afternoon and strongly hinted there might
be a proposal in the offing, since they get along so well. Frederick is such a dear boy.’
Alex’s eyebrow raised a fraction at that. ‘Congratulations, Miss Goodman.’
‘That’s wonderful, Adelaide. I hope it comes off as you expect.’ Vivienne turned to her aunt. ‘I’m going shopping in the morning. Lord LéSayres has invited me to the Wednesday afternoon dance at Almack’s. I thought I might buy a new ball gown, since I only have the one with me.’
‘It will have to wait because Adelaide is expecting Lord Frederick. And I’m holding a tea party afterwards to celebrate. I need you to supervise the staff. They work better for you than for me.’
‘That’s not until the afternoon. I can take the maid with me.’
‘Maria will be occupied with Adelaide, who will need to rest so she can look her best when Frederick calls.’ Her aunt didn’t notice that one contradicted the other.
‘Then I’ll go alone. It will not take me long.’
‘As you will, but don’t blame me if you’re attacked by the footpads, felons and other unsavoury creatures who rove the streets looking for women to take advantage of. You’d better keep a tight hold on your pocket.’
‘Perhaps you’d allow me to escort Miss Fox, since it was my invitation that prompted the need in her for a new gown.’
‘So kind,’ Aunt Edwina gushed. ‘Girls are such a responsibility. I’ll be glad to see Adelaide settled at long last. As for you, Vivienne … I despair. If only you’d inherited that fortune everyone is talking about. All that silly talk about true love has got you nowhere at all, has it?’
‘If a man wants to wed me it must be for myself and not for any material gain. You do see that, don’t you, Aunt?’
Her aunt sighed, and then said, ‘How can anyone love you for your material gain when you have no material for him to gain? What about that legal gentleman, the handsome Mr Mortimer? He paid you a lot of attention, and would be a perfect match for you. I’ve heard he earns a good living from practising the law. I thought you were too hard on him when he was only teasing you.’
Obviously her aunt didn’t see past the end of her nose. ‘Too hard? My dearest Aunt Edwina, that man nearly goaded me into violence. If he approaches me again, especially with marriage on his mind …’ She offered Alex an apologetic glance. ‘I’ll upend him and bury him head first in a heap of horse dung.’