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Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls Book 1)

Page 10

by Rogers, Suzanne G.


  She twisted her Claddagh ring, said a quick prayer, and then joined her sister in the hallway. It’s Philip who is waiting for me at the church, not an ogre. An unexpected giggle spilled out.

  “What is it?” Juliet asked.

  “I was just thinking…if it were Lord Gryphon I was to marry, I would have slipped out of the house last night and fled to France. But it’s Philip. He told me once I had nothing to fear while he was around, and I trust him.”

  Juliet smiled. “I trust him too.”

  An hour later, Kitty Beaucroft was Lady Philip Butler. Any apprehension she’d had on the way to the church disappeared when she stood next to Philip at the altar. On their private carriage ride to Trestlebury House afterward, he could not keep his eyes off her.

  “I can’t believe you’re mine. You’re so very beautiful.”

  When they kissed, his lips lingered in a slow, enticing caress that sent Kitty’s mind reeling. His intoxicating taste, touch, and fragrance filled her senses, and she felt an overwhelming stirring at her center.

  With a groan, Philip finally pulled away. “I suppose it’s unseemly to ravish you before the wedding breakfast.”

  The delicious sensations he’d aroused were so enjoyable, Kitty had no trouble at all pushing her grandmother’s talk from her consciousness.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps our guests could get along without us for a short while.”

  He laughed. “A proper ravishing takes time and undivided attention.”

  She blushed.

  “Besides which, I don’t intend to ravish you,” he said. “What I have in mind is far, far more romantic.”

  Blissfully content, she leaned her head on his shoulder. Perhaps Grandmama doesn’t know everything about the marriage bed. I’ve been terribly silly to be so afraid.

  Chapter Eight

  For Better or Far Worse

  AS HE HANDED HIS NEW WIFE down from the bridal carriage and escorted her into Trestlebury House, Philip couldn’t stop smiling. He and Kitty formed a receiving line, and as guests began to arrive, he shook hands and responded to sentiments of well wishes. After what Eve had told him regarding Lady Lovejoy, he was somewhat surprised to see her in attendance, but he greeted her warmly. During the wedding breakfast festivities, Eve took him aside and confided the woman had called on her the previous day and apologized for her precipitous outburst.

  “I was obliged to accept her apology, on Kitty’s behalf,” Eve said. “One can’t afford the luxury of offending a woman as powerful as Lady Lovejoy.”

  “I suppose many naysayers will be surprised Kitty and I are wed.”

  “Indeed, and I hope they are suitably ashamed of themselves.” Eve lowered her voice. “Thank you for your assistance to Prudence.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Yes, you do. She’s told me everything. Now when the event comes to light, say nothing. I intend to take complete responsibility for it.”

  “I can’t let you do that, Eve.”

  “His lordship won’t throw me out of the house, but he may very well vent his spleen on anyone else he believes to be culpable. Trust me; Daniel and I have been married for twenty-seven long years. I know best how to manage him and you don’t. Just stay out of it.”

  “If you think it’s for the best.”

  “I do.”

  “Kirkham is a splendid fellow.”

  “I agree. Perhaps someday I’ll even be able to invite him here for dinner. Now go enjoy yourself, Philip. It’s a joyous occasion.”

  He gave Eve a kiss on the cheek. “It’s the happiest day of my life, actually.”

  Kitty’s gaze rested on her handsome husband as he crossed the room toward her father. The two men exchanged a few pleasantries, then they stepped from the banquet room and out of sight. Juliet followed her look.

  “I wonder where Philip is going with Papa?”

  “I hope they don’t intend to share a bottle of spirits,” Kitty said.

  “Surely not. Papa has never been much of a drinker. Perhaps a cigar?”

  “I don’t believe Philip smokes. Well, it’s too late for Papa to withdraw his permission, so I suppose I’m safe.”

  They giggled. Despite her present merriment, Kitty noticed dark smudges underneath her sister’s eyes. A creeping sense of guilt brought a slight frown.

  “I’m so awfully sorry for waking you last night, Juliet. I left a present for you in my closet to make up for it.”

  “Tell me what it is!”

  “A certain hat of mine you’ve been admiring these past two months.”

  “Not really?”

  “Really. Truth be told, it suits you far better anyway.”

  “It does not, but I love you for saying so.”

  Kitty was relieved to see her sister’s mood lift somewhat. Shortly thereafter, Philip and her father returned to the party. As Philip slid into the seat next to Kitty, he gave her a dazzling smile.

  “What were you and my father talking about so secretively just now?” she teased.

  “Oh…this and that. He threatened to beat me senseless if I didn’t bring you breakfast in bed every morning, complete with a red rose.”

  “I never knew Papa was such a romantic.”

  Kitty knew he was concealing something, but she chose to not let it bother her. It was her wedding day, after all. Lady Trestlebury—Cousin Eve, now—had done a beautiful job arranging a sumptuous repast. The quartet of musicians in the corner was playing lively, happy music, and all was well. Trestlebury was drinking far too much, however, and it seemed to Kitty the servants were overly eager to fill his glass. The wine had a soporific effect, and the poor man began to nod off, even though it was only midday.

  Lady Lovejoy beckoned her over for a chat.

  “Eve told me you’re to honeymoon at your grandmother’s estate, and thereafter reside in the country? I hope that doesn’t mean we will be deprived of your company too long. I should like to take you under my wing.”

  “How very kind of you, milady! I can’t tell you with any certainty when I’ll be in town next, but I’ll certainly call upon you when I am.”

  “I shall quite count on it, dear.” She leaned closer. “All the best news finds its way to me first, you know, although recently I’ve learned a hard lesson about my sources. It was Miss Haver who insisted to me that your engagement was a ruse.”

  “Did she? That was unkind, but perhaps she was acting under Lord Gryphon’s influence. I believe he harbors some ill will toward Philip and me.”

  “You’re probably right, but Miss Haver claimed she heard it directly from Lord Philip himself, if you can believe such maliciousness. It goes without saying I’ve dropped her from my list. Curiously enough, I received her pour prendre congé card just this morning. She’s gone off to the country to live with her great-aunt for some strange reason.”

  “Miss Haver is leaving town in the middle of the Season? How very unusual!”

  A smug smile. “Indeed. I suspect she’s been thrown over by Lord Gryphon and has gone off to recuperate. She dropped many hints in the last few weeks that their engagement was imminent, but I’m told the man embarked on a tour of the continent yesterday. He’s a heartless cad if there ever was one.”

  Although Kitty was hard pressed to find compassion in her heart for the girl, she didn’t say so. “Miss Haver will eventually realize she’s far better off without him.”

  “Perhaps. There could, of course, be another less charitable explanation for Miss Haver’s disappearance. Let’s just say she wouldn’t be the first silly girl spirited off to the countryside for nine months.”

  Before Kitty could react, Philip swooped down. “Forgive me, Lady Lovejoy, but I’d like to dance with my wife.”

  The older woman was all smiles. “I can’t imagine such a thing, and at your own wedding too.”

  Kitty giggled and joined her husband on the dance floor. “Husband and wife. That sounds so droll.”

  “I’m getting used to it m
ore easily than I’d anticipated.”

  Trestlebury woke up with a loud snort, and Kitty bit back a laugh.

  “I see our host is awake,” she said.

  “Probably seeking dessert.”

  “Then we should cut the cake after this dance.” She glanced around, puzzled. “I hope Prudence is well. She disappeared an hour ago without a word.”

  Philip averted his eyes. “She’s as well as can be expected. Lord Kirkham was refused permission to marry her yesterday and banned from ever seeing her again. Prudence took it rather hard at the time.”

  Kitty’s brow furrowed. “Oh, dear. I should go check on her.”

  “No, don’t do that,” he said quickly.

  “Why ever not?”

  “Er…I think she needs to be alone right now. Please don’t worry.”

  For the second time that day, Kitty had the nagging suspicion Philip wasn’t being completely straightforward with her. Nevertheless, she brushed it aside.

  “I don’t believe Lord Kirkham and I have ever been introduced. He’s a close friend of yours, isn’t he?”

  “We’re the best of friends, and he would have made Prudence a wonderful husband. Unfortunately, her father disagreed.”

  “What a shame. I want everyone to be as happy as we are right now.” Suddenly Miss Haver and Lord Gryphon flashed into her mind. Well, maybe not everyone.

  The cake was cut and pieces handed around, but Kitty became worried when Prudence had still not returned. Juliet approached and voiced the same concern.

  “Prudence suffered a romantic setback yesterday, I’m told,” Kitty said. “Philip thinks she wants to be alone, but I don’t think it does any good for her to brood.”

  “Especially not when there’s cake to be had.”

  “Especially not then.”

  “I’ll pop upstairs and see if I can’t coax her into coming down.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Juliet. You’ve always had a knack for making people feel better.”

  Her sister hastened from the room. In the meantime, the first of the wedding guests began to take their leave. Ten minutes later, she noticed Juliet return with a letter in her hand and a worried expression on her face. She brought the letter to Trestlebury, who was laughing uproariously at a joke Mr. Beaucroft had told.

  “Excuse me, Lord Trestlebury. I went looking for Prudence, but she’s not in her room,” Juliet said. “I found this letter on her bed, addressed to you.”

  Apparently Trestlebury was still feeling the effects of too much wine. He merely stared at the letter without opening it. “How extraordinary! Why would my own daughter write me a letter?”

  To Kitty’s surprise, Philip flinched and shot Eve a panicked look. Eve smiled as she leaned over to pluck the letter from her husband’s hand.

  “What the devil!” he exclaimed.

  “You should take this into your study, dearest, and let Philip and Kitty tend to their guests.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Eve left the room with the letter, followed closely by Trestlebury. Kitty was bewildered, but continued to thank her guests for coming. Her good-byes with her family were tearful as she embraced them for the last time in a long while.

  “Remember what I told you, Constance,” Ivy whispered. “Don’t forget you’re English and you’ll be fine.”

  Kitty gulped. “Yes, Grandmama.”

  Juliet gave her a kiss. “What has happened to Prudence, do you suppose?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll send word to you when I find out.”

  No sooner had the last guest left when Trestlebury burst from his study, his face florid. “Somebody call the constable! Prudence has eloped!”

  Kitty finally made her way upstairs to the room she was to share with Philip. The aftermath of her wedding breakfast had certainly not gone the way she’d thought it would. After Trestlebury’s shocking revelation, the ensuing commotion had inadvertently made her feel like an outsider. After a string of oaths and imprecations, Trestlebury became short of breath and a physician was summoned. Philip’s father called the police and thereafter accompanied a policeman to the surrounding train stations to search for the eloping couple. Furthermore, although Augustus had been taken aback at the news, it seemed to Kitty that Philip had not registered the sort of surprise an unexpected elopement should have engendered. Philip had known of the elopement, Kitty was certain, but why had he kept the information from her? A tinge of annoyance crept into her thoughts. Didn’t he trust her to be discreet? Hopefully this wouldn’t lead to their first quarrel!

  She entered the bedchamber, glad to be alone for a little while to compose herself. It felt strange to be occupying a room with a man’s things hanging in the closet. The bed drew her focus for a long moment before she deliberately turned her back. I cannot think about that just yet! Bridget appeared to help her change from her wedding dress into a less formal gown. While the maid was fastening her buttons, Kitty’s gaze focused on some papers on the table—the contract to purchase Grovebrook. She was eager to show interest in her husband’s new project, so after Bridget took the wedding dress away, Kitty picked up the contract and sat down to read it. As her eyes darted across the page, her mind rejected what the words indicated. Three times she read the first paragraph, but she was unable to interpret it another way.

  The sale of Grovebrook to Philip had been contingent upon his marriage to her.

  Her blood ran cold. Before now, she’d assumed Philip had possessed no motive to disclose their secret, but the contract was proof that he had every motive in the world. “It was Miss Haver who insisted your engagement was a ruse. She claimed she heard it directly from Lord Philip himself, if you can believe such maliciousness.” Kitty didn’t want to believe it, but the evidence seemed conclusive. Philip had sent Miss Haver out to spread rumors of a false engagement, knowing the resulting social pressure would ultimately force the marriage to take place.

  She pressed her fingertips to her temples to quiet the pounding.

  Had Lord Gryphon been in on the plot the entire time too? How awfully convenient he and Miss Haver should both have left London before the wedding, distancing themselves from any probing questions. For further proof of Philip’s mendacity, she need look no further than his concealment of Prudence’s elopement. For all she knew, Lord Kirkham had targeted the poor girl in a scheme to get his hands on her inheritance, all with Philip’s assistance. Tears stung Kitty’s eyes, but she was determined not to cry. She must maintain a facade of strength and dignity when she confronted Philip, although to what end she was uncertain.

  Unsettled and anxious, Philip paced in the library while Augustus showed the physician out. When his brother returned, he shut the door behind him.

  “It isn’t Trestlebury’s heart, is it?” Philip asked.

  “No, the doctor believes it was a combination of stress and too much wine. Trestlebury has been confined to bed, and Eve is attending him.”

  Philip shook his head. “I’m so awfully sorry. I had no idea the fellow would take the news so hard.”

  “You knew?”

  “Eve and I both knew. I suppose you could say I helped arrange it.”

  Augustus peered at him, aghast. “What the devil were you thinking? You’ve taken the man’s hospitality, only to repay him with scandal and heartache? Badly done indeed.”

  “Prudence begged for my help and I couldn’t refuse. You’d have done the same thing in my place.”

  “It was Trestlebury’s considered judgment that Lord Kirkham wasn’t good enough for his daughter. Who are you to substitute your opinion for his?”

  His brother’s rebuke stung more than Philip would have thought possible, and suddenly he was completely unnerved. Had his interference truly been ill-considered?

  “I-I just…felt sympathy for Prudence’s situation,” he managed.

  “Your sympathy should have motivated you to offer her a shoulder to cry upon, nothing more. I’m truly ashamed at what you’ve done.”

 
The words whipped Philip across his soul, and unleashed a wellspring of emotion.

  “Augustus, you don’t know what it’s like to be considered inferior! You’ve always been entitled, and you always will be. Some of the rest of us aren’t so lucky. Because of her looks and temperament, Prudence has never been accorded the sort of admiration she deserves. Today, I had the opportunity to help her achieve happiness. I accept your criticism and blame; your points are well taken. Nevertheless, I’m not sorry. If you’ll excuse me.”

  Trembling with anger, Philip strode from the room and hurtled up the stairs. Kitty, at least, would take his side of this. As a woman, she would understand affairs of the heart much better than his brother. Before he entered their bridal chamber, he paused to compose himself. All day long he’d yearned for her tender caresses. His wife deserved a romantic wedding night, and despite his argument with Augustus, he intended to show her just how much she was loved. Perhaps the smile on his lips was forced at present, but once he saw Kitty’s face, it would become genuine.

  Philip tapped on the door and went inside. She was sitting by the window, staring out the glass, presumably consumed with worry for Trestlebury and Prudence.

  “It’s all right. Trestlebury is resting comfortably. I’m certain he’ll be better tomorrow…physically at any rate.” He loosened his collar. “I knew about the elopement, you may have guessed, and Augustus has taken me to task most severely for my interference.” A pause. “I confess, his disapproval has thrown me off a bit.”

  Kitty remained silent and oddly still, as if she hadn’t heard him.

  “Prudence and Kirkham are very much in love, and when she asked for my help I couldn’t refuse,” he continued. “I hope you, of all people, don’t blame me.”

  When Kitty turned to face him, he was shocked and alarmed at her cold, brittle expression.

  “I read the Grovebrook contract,” she said.

  His eyes flickered to the papers he’d left on the table.

  “Did you? Well, I’m glad. We’re in the project together now, for better or worse.”

 

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