Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls Book 1)

by Rogers, Suzanne G.

  “So, young man, I understand congratulations are in order,” Mr. Motto said.

  “Yes, I’ve been anticipating this day for quite some time.”

  The attorney frowned in puzzlement. “I was referring to your engagement to Miss Beaucroft.”

  “Oh! Yes, that’s indeed a stroke of good luck, thank you. I will endeavor to deserve her.”

  Mr. Motto gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat, milord. Your father has asked me to draw up the papers to Grovebrook in a specific manner. After you read all the provisions, you may ask me any questions that occur to you.”

  Although he was tempted to skim the contract, Philip forced himself to concentrate and read it line by line. After the preamble, however, it didn’t take him long to peer up at the attorney, aghast.

  “The sale of Grovebrook is wholly contingent upon the wedding to Miss Beaucroft? This isn’t what Father and I discussed at all!”

  A nod. “Lord Moregate knew you would be taken aback at the condition, but he felt it was critical you acquire a bride before you take full possession of the property.”

  “So my signature on this contract means nothing.”

  “Not at all. Your signature forms a binding contract. However, your rights to Grovebrook won’t become perfected until the moment you are wed.” The man pursed his lips. “I can assure you, upon this point your father will not be moved.”

  Philip sat back, stunned. “That’s just…brilliant.”

  Eve, Prudence, and Lady Moregate spent the day shopping, flitting from one shop to another in search of various accessories and shoes.

  “I come to town so infrequently, I see very little I don’t want to buy,” Lady Moregate said. “Fortunately, I have a very understanding husband.”

  “I wish Papa were half so understanding.” Prudence delivered her sentiment in a wistful fashion. “When he forms an opinion, he will not be moved.”

  They strolled along the pavement, pausing occasionally to admire a store window display. An imposing woman approached from the opposite direction.

  “Oh, good morning, Lady Lovejoy!” Eve exclaimed.

  “How delightful to see you again,” Lady Moregate said.

  “Good morning.” Although Lady Lovejoy nodded, her tone was frosty.

  “Look for an invitation to my cousin’s engagement party,” Eve said. “Philip mentioned you’d asked to be invited to the wedding, and I thought—”

  “Forgive me, but my time is too valuable to waste on intrigues and machinations.”

  Eve was taken aback. “I’m sorry, but I don’t catch your meaning.”

  “I think you know perfectly well what I mean. I’ve been informed that the betrothal between Miss Beaucroft and Lord Philip Butler is simply a scheme to deflect attention away from their respective scandals. Really, I would have thought you were above contributing to such deceit. Good day to you.”

  She hastened past. Stunned, Lady Moregate, Eve, and Prudence stared at the woman’s retreating back.

  “How completely…odd,” Eve managed. “Why would Lady Lovejoy say such a horrible thing?”

  “What she said can’t possibly be true,” Lady Moregate murmured, wide eyed. “Somebody has been telling tales at our expense.”

  “I can’t imagine how an ugly rumor like that got started,” Prudence said.

  “Neither do I…although to be honest, I always felt the engagement was rather unexpected and rushed,” Eve said. “Perhaps the timing was too sudden to seem genuine.”

  “Did she say something about scandals? Nobody mentioned anything about scandals to me.” Lady Moregate looked askance at Eva and Prudence. “Perhaps one of you would be kind enough to fill me in.”

  After an exciting cricket match at Lord’s, Augustus and Beaucroft waited in a queue for their carriage to be brought around. A well-dressed gentleman approached and hailed Beaucroft.

  “Well hullo there! Just the man I wished to see.”

  “Hullo, Lord Ferndale!”

  Beaucroft introduced his friend to Augustus.

  “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. Now that I have the two of you together, I must ask you to quash a rather disturbing rumor,” Ferndale said. “Is it true Miss Beaucroft’s betrothal to Lord Philip Butler is a contrivance?”

  “What?” Augustus forced his countenance to remain placid, lifting only one eyebrow to express incredulity at such a ridiculous assertion.

  “What a strange notion!” Beaucroft said. “I can assure you, my daughter is planning her wedding even now.” A vein in his temple pulsed as he spoke.

  Ferndale shook his head, bewildered. “Then it’s a terrible falsehood. These gossips ought to be ashamed of themselves.”

  “Yes. People like to hear themselves talk, I think,” Augustus said.

  “Well, you should know the story is circulating,” Ferndale said. “Perhaps you might want to nudge the wedding plans along, eh?”

  He touched the brim of his top hat before ambling off. All conversation between Augustus and Beaucroft was suspended until they’d climbed into their carriage and left the cricket grounds behind.

  “How on Earth did the truth get out?” Beaucroft muttered finally.

  “It’s a puzzlement, but I suspect Lord Gryphon is behind this campaign of revenge.”

  “Kitty saw something in that accursed man’s character that gave her pause, but I wouldn’t listen. Well, we refuted the story to Ferndale, and undoubtedly the rumor will die quickly.”

  Augustus tried to brush off the incident, but truthfully he was unsettled.

  “I hope you’re right. If society believes the engagement is a contrivance, however, I fear we are done for.”

  In despair and frustration, Philip went directly from the attorney’s office to his club. After his first scotch had been drained, he ordered another. Although he drank deeply, he found no relief at the bottom of his glass. A copy of the contract was folded in his inner coat pocket; he’d signed it, of course, since to do otherwise might cause the attorney and his father to suspect something was amiss. Nevertheless, the contract to purchase Grovebrook was about as useful to him as a perforated umbrella. He was not too drunk yet to see the irony in the situation. Everything I attempt these days seems to backfire spectacularly.

  As Philip finished his second drink, Gryphon paused a few feet away to sneer.

  “Drinking heavily, are we? You hardly look the part of a joyous fiancé. One would almost think your providential engagement to Miss Beaucroft was a farce.” His self-satisfied smirk irritated Philip to no end. “Enjoy it while it lasts.” The man strode off with a swagger.

  Although Philip was mystified at the encounter, he knew a distinct threat when he heard one. Gryphon couldn’t possibly know for certain his betrothal was a ruse…could he? A feeling of dread came over him suddenly, and he left the club to return to Trestlebury House. Prudence, who was hovering just inside the doorway to the drawing room, straightened when he walked through the door.

  “There’s Philip now!”

  “What has happened?” he asked.

  “You’d best go in,” she replied.

  His entire family had congregated in the drawing room, and from the looks on their faces, he’d been the topic of conversation. His glance flickered toward Augustus, but his brother’s pained, wooden expression gave him no clue.

  “Is your engagement to Miss Beaucroft genuine or not?” Moregate demanded.

  “What? Why would you ask such a thing?”

  Augustus cleared his throat. “It seems someone has been circulating the rumor around town that your betrothal to Miss Beaucroft is merely a contrived distraction.”

  “Tell us the truth, Philip,” Eve said. “This ugly accusation is threatening our respectability!”

  “I assure you, my regard for Kitty is utterly genuine. I’d like nothing better than to make her my wife.” As he spoke, Philip knew he’d answered from his heart. Pretending Kitty Beaucroft was his fiancée was the overwhelming reason he’d enjoyed the r
use so much.

  A collective sigh of relief.

  “I knew it!” Moregate said.

  “So did I,” Prudence said. “Anyone who sees Miss Beaucroft and Philip together can’t deny their mutual affection.”

  “I agree, Prudence. To counteract these malicious rumors, we must move ahead with the wedding plans as soon as may be,” Lady Moregate said. “A special license must be procured, and the arrangements made.”

  “The engagement party is a week from today. It can easily be turned into a wedding breakfast, if the special license can be expedited,” Eve said.

  “I’ll use all my powers of persuasion,” Moregate said. “It will be managed.”

  Prudence clapped her hands together. “How exciting! I do so love weddings.”

  “Wait just a minute,” Philip managed. “Kitty wants a long engagement! It would be wrong to rush her.”

  “I discussed the matter at length with her father this afternoon, Philip,” Augustus said. “He agrees the wedding cannot wait.”

  “Why? I’m not following you,” Philip said.

  “Lady Lovejoy snubbed me today,” Eve said. “She knows simply everyone, Philip. Trust me on this; if she believes the rumors, everyone does. Until you and Miss Beaucroft actually wed, we’re social pariahs.”

  Philip gave his brother a pleading glance, to no avail. If Augustus couldn’t help him, he was indeed destined to wed an unwilling bride. Kitty will hate me forever and there’s nothing I can do about it.

  Beaucroft called his family into his study and shut the door. “We have a situation, I’m afraid.” He described the conversation at the cricket ground between him, Lord Ferndale, and Lord Elbourne.

  “It’s just silly gossip, Papa,” Kitty said. “We needn’t pay any attention.”

  “I thought not either until I conferred with your mother.” Beaucroft nodded at his wife. “Tell her.”

  “I received three notes today, canceling upcoming events,” Mrs. Beaucroft said. “I expect the events were not canceled at all, but that we were dropped from the guest list.”

  Kitty was bewildered. “I don’t understand how our secret was discovered. Other than us, only Philip and his brother knew the truth!”

  “It matters little since the damage is done. You and Lord Philip must wed as quickly as possible now,” Beaucroft said.

  Juliet cried, “No!”

  “You must be joking, Papa,” Kitty said. “There’s no need for that.”

  “I’m perfectly serious. In fact, I urge you and Lord Philip to elope.”

  “Dearest, I respectfully disagree. An elopement would just add to the scandal,” Mrs. Beaucroft said.

  “Very true,” Ivy said. “If there is an elopement, unflattering assumptions will be made regarding Kitty’s virtue. I say we should schedule the wedding as quickly as possible and leave it at that. If preparations are being made publicly, the Beaucrofts should be able to regain some social standing.”

  Tears were streaming from Juliet’s eyes, but all Kitty felt was numb. Decisions were being made about her future without any consideration of her feelings, and she felt as if her life was spinning out of control.

  “Papa, I’m having difficulty understanding how you could have changed your mind about Philip on the basis of an idiotic rumor.”

  “In the hands of the vindictive, idiotic rumors can ruin even the most pious of souls,” he replied. “The die is now cast.”

  “You don’t understand. Lord Philip doesn’t wish to marry me!” She dropped her face in her hands. “I’m so humiliated.”

  Watson tapped on the door. “Excuse the interruption, but Miss Beaucroft has a gentleman caller. Lord Philip Butler.”

  A wave of panic made Kitty gasp. “Oh, no, I can’t possibly see him right now!”

  “Shall I send him away?” Watson asked.

  Beaucroft cleared his throat. “Show him into the drawing room, Watson. Kitty, you cannot avoid him forever. Go hear what Lord Philip has to say.”

  As if she were headed to the guillotine, Kitty left the study. She walked down the hall, knowing Philip’s manner toward her would undoubtedly be resentful. Would he blame her somehow for disclosing their ruse? Perhaps he would refuse to marry her at all!

  When she entered the drawing room, he was standing in front of the fireplace, staring at the cold grate.

  “Philip,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”

  He looked up just as her composure crumbled. His expression was one of concern, with no trace of anger whatsoever. His arms opened wide, and she rushed into his warm, comforting embrace. Their words tumbled out in a rushing torrent of emotion.

  “I’m the one who is sorry,” he murmured. “Please don’t hate me.”

  “I could never hate you.”

  “I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with the rumors.”

  “Why would I? You’ve no motive.”

  “Oh, Kitty, you could do so much better than marrying me.”

  “You’re wrong. I couldn’t.”

  He pulled back, searching her face with his eyes. “What?”

  “Perhaps you’ve no title or fortune, but I’ve never met a better man. If it weren’t for the fact you’re being forced into matrimony, I wouldn’t have any regrets.”

  “If I thought you really meant it, I—”

  “I do mean it, Philip. Despite the best of intentions otherwise, I’ve come to care for you deeply.”

  Kitty’s pulse began to race when his lips claimed hers in a soft, tantalizing kiss that made her heart sing. Until that moment, she hadn’t realized just how much she’d wanted him. She pulled him closer, wishing the kiss could go on forever. When his lips left hers to trail down her neck, pleasurable sensations sent shivers down her spine and throughout her body. She moaned, praying he wouldn’t ever stop…

  “Ahem,” Ivy said.

  They sprang apart, but Philip kept her hand tightly grasped in his. Ivy stood in the doorway of the drawing room, looking as if she’d bitten into a persimmon.

  “I’ve been sent to see if all is well. I can see that it is.”

  A silly giggle. “Grandmama, allow me to introduce Lord Philip Butler, my wonderful fiancé.”

  Wedding preparations sped along a breakneck speed. Lord Moregate pulled strings and managed to procure the special license. Invitations for the engagement party were reissued as wedding breakfast invitations. With only minor alterations, Kitty’s court presentation gown was fashioned into a wedding dress. Eagerly anticipating the moment when she would become Lady Philip Butler, Kitty floated through the days on a cloud of happiness.

  The night before the wedding, Kitty waltzed around her bedchamber as if she’d had too much sparkling wine. Juliet laughed.

  “Your wedding is tomorrow and you can’t stop smiling. It seems you’ve overcome your fear of marriage.”

  “I’ve never been afraid of marriage. That notion was your own invention.”

  “I’m not so sure. Perhaps your regard for Philip has nullified your apprehension.”

  “My regard for him would nullify my apprehension, if I’d had any to begin with.” Kitty stopped waltzing and collapsed into a chair. “Speaking of marriage, did Miss Haver announce her engagement yet?”

  Juliet frowned. “An engagement? I haven’t spoken to Violet recently, but I imagine she would have told me something of that importance.”

  “I spoke with Miss Haver briefly at Lady Lovejoy’s ball. She mentioned her engagement to Lord Gryphon might soon be forthcoming.”

  “Lord Gryphon?”

  “To be fair, he didn’t look as if he enjoyed the prospect overmuch.”

  “No. I-I had no idea Violet was contemplating marriage, much less to him of all people. She’s never even expressed any regard for the man.”

  “She can’t be a very dear friend to conceal her feelings from you.”

  “No. No, she’s not a good friend whatsoever.” Juliet’s voice was almost a whisper. “Forgive me, Kitty. I’ve been very mistaken i
n her character.”

  Juliet’s face was pale, and she looked stricken. Kitty became concerned.

  “You needn’t ask my forgiveness. I’m just sorry she’s hurt you.”

  She rang for a servant to bring her sister a strong cup of tea. While they waited for the tea, she took Juliet by the hand.

  “I know this ruse with Philip has interrupted your Season dreadfully. As soon as I’m married, however, invitations will begin to arrive again. After tomorrow, all will return to normal, I promise.”

  She’d intended to cheer her sister up, but Juliet began to weep in earnest instead.

  “You do love Philip, don’t you?” she asked through her tears.

  “Why, yes.”

  “And you truly want to marry him?”

  “Of course. Juliet, tell me what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m fine.”

  Sobbing, her sister ran from the room. Moments later, Kitty heard Juliet’s door slam shut. Mystified, she went in search of her mother. Mrs. Beaucroft was in the drawing room with Ivy, where the two women were filling out wedding breakfast place cards in elegant, flowing scripts.

  “Mama, Juliet won’t stop crying, and she won’t tell me why.”

  “She ate very little at breakfast,” Ivy said. “Perhaps she’s hungry.”

  Mrs. Beaucroft sighed. “Weddings make everyone emotional. I’ve become teary-eyed a time or two myself.”

  She hastened from the room and up the stairs to tend to her daughter.

  “Tell me, Kitty, does Philip have anywhere particular in mind for a honeymoon destination?” Ivy asked.

  Kitty blushed. “Oh, er, he and I haven’t discussed it actually. I imagine he’s planning to visit Brighton or The Lakes.”

  “I thought you’ve always hated Brighton.”

  “I do, but if Philip likes Brighton, so shall I.”