The Lady's Fate (The Reluctant Grooms Volume II)

by Anne Gallagher

  *****

  Ellis stood at the top of the stairs waiting for Violet. He wanted to see his gift on her neck. Jane had helped him pick it out from the case at the jewelers. Small, yet perfect, it reminded him of her flawlessness, her breathtaking beauty, and her brilliance.

  Penny walked over to him. “Ellis, have you seen Violet? Her mother has been searching for her for some time and is quite agitated. Aunt Olivia reported to me Violet was distressed after your dance. Have you said anything to upset her?”

  “No, of course not. Violet imparted to me on the dance floor she overheard a conversation between two old crones speaking of her father and her want of family connections. I believe that is what had her overset.” He hoped his kiss in the conservatory had taken the sting out of it. As well as his gift.

  “I see,” she said with an arch of her brow.

  Quiggins ran up the stairs, a look of concern on his face. “Lady Penny, I must speak with you.”

  “Yes, of course Mr. Quiggins. What has happened?”

  “Not here.” He looked around. “In private if we may.”

  The disquieted butler and his sister-in-law moved away. Out of curiosity, Ellis watched them, and within moments of Quiggins’ discourse, Penny’s face grew blotchy red, and her hands clenched into small fists. Something dreadful must have happened and he hated to think what would happen to the person who incurred her wrath. He remembered her exact stance in his library a month ago.

  Quiggins left her side and Penny approached him. “Now you have truly gone and done it, Haverlane. How could you?”

  Oh God, what had he done now? Perhaps she was referring to his jest at Lady Olivia and her dance partner.

  “My dear Penny, what have I done this time?”

  She grabbed his arm and dragged him over to an isolated part of the stairs.

  “Georgiana Baxter has thrown a glass of red wine all over poor Violet’s dress and now Violet has gone home in shame. Mr. Quiggins told me Violet requested a place to be alone and showed her to the conservatory. And then you asked for Lady Violet. He didn’t think anything of it, as he knows you are my brother-in-law and she is my friend. Mr. Quiggins was berating a footman when he saw Georgiana accost Violet. Violet was quite beside herself and even lied to Quiggins, saying she spilled her wine. I told you it would hold you in no good stead to remain attached to that vile creature and now she has upset my dearest friend. You must do something, Ellis, or by all that is Holy I will.”

  The rage that consumed him left him shaking. He would kill Georgiana Baxter with his own two hands. The witch! If she had been a man, he would have met her at dawn. This attack on Violet showed Georgiana’s true nature and he would not put up with her insolence one more second.

  Haverlane turned to Penny, a mask of controlled steel fixed to his face. “Dearest, rest assured I will deal with Lady Baxter.”

  She looked at him askance. “How can you be so calm? My blood is boiling for want to slap her face.”

  “I must gain what I need from Axminster. I know Georgiana’s propensity for theatrics disgusts you, as it does me. She is a spoiled, willful, she-devil. However, I must show no outward appearance of resentment. All will be well, sister. I promise you.”

  “I hope you are right, Ellis. However, someone must be hurt in the process and I pray it is not Violet.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The early morning walk to Caymore House benefited Ellis greatly. The slight breeze held a freshness to it that alleviated some of his misgivings in seeking aid. He tossed most of the night trying to figure out a scheme to speak to Violet. Dealing with Countess Flowers was his biggest hurdle. He needed someone who outranked her, someone whom she could not bring to cower. And his brother William was just the person.

  Shown into the morning room of the grand mansion, William was surprised to see Ellis. “Tell me, what has you up with the birds this morning? I thought I was the only fool to be about at this ungodly hour. Especially after last night’s festivities.” He proffered a chair.

  “I take it you did not hear then,” Ellis said. He walked to the sideboard and poured himself a cup of coffee.

  William pushed his plate away. The footman in attendance rushed to pick it up.

  “That will be all, Pearson. Thank you.” William dismissed him with a wave.

  Ellis brought his coffee to the table and sat.

  “Hear what?” William asked.

  “Scenes arose unpleasant last night. Georgiana Baxter threw a glass of red wine all over Violet’s dress, and Violet left the ball in shame.”

  William raised an eyebrow. “Damme, the cat has her claws out, does she not? Are you sure you know what you are doing with that redheaded monster?”

  Ellis shook his head. “No, not anymore. I thought I could handle her. I thought she would be the easiest way to get to her father. I believe the plan has run amuck.”

  “I should say. How is Violet?” William asked.

  “I do not know. And I need your help. I have a note I wish either you or your wife to take her. Her mother despises me or I would go myself. Find out how she fares.”

  “Yes, of course.” William studied his brother. “Your concern over Violet is touching. I take it then, things have progressed from more than a simple kiss between you two. Out with it. I do not wish to get caught with my proverbial pants down.”

  Ellis looked down at his cup, then at his brother. “I believe I am in love with Violet.”

  “You jest.”

  “I do not.”

  “I cannot say I’m surprised. Half a dozen men asked me for her particulars. Even Greenleigh seemed exceedingly smitten, and that is not like him at all. Violet is a delightful young woman, but are you sure ‘tis love and not some misguided placement of affection from her care of Jane? She is quite a bit younger than you, old man.” William smiled.

  “You will find, as you spend time in her company, she is far wiser beyond most of our contemporaries. Her age is of no consequence.” Ellis sipped his coffee.

  “What are you doing, Ellis? This is so unlike your character. Throwing yourself over to the whims and fancies of love.”

  “Yes, I know. I cannot seem to help myself. But I do love her. And once I gain Axminster’s agreement for the factory, I shall disengage myself from Georgiana and marry Violet.”

  William barked out a laugh. “Have you been visiting opium dens? Disengage yourself from Georgiana?” He snorted. “Unless God himself takes a hand in that, which I seriously doubt God would even tackle that creature, you, Brother, will never be rid of Georgiana Baxter. She is waiting for the day you will announce your engagement.” William stood. “Georgiana is a contemptuous scheming doxy, who plainly has you right where she wants you, by the short hairs. If you try and disengage from her, you will find yourself in court for Breach of Contract.”

  “There was no contract. I have never once told Georgiana I would marry her.” Ellis stood as well.

  “No, but you have been seen in her company all last Season, you and she have been in the gossip mill, and her father thinks you are attached. By all intents and purposes, that looks like a promise. I grant you Society thought you were still in mourning and therefore have not set their tongues wagging too hard. But now, to attach yourself to Violet, not only will Georgiana and her father be on the warpath, scandal will set Society ablaze. You will lose your standing, your reputation in Parliament, you may lose everything.”

  “I do not care. I love Violet and I want to marry her. I realize what a cock-up I have made with Georgiana, but I will get out of it. One way or the other.”

  William shook his head. “I do not see how, but I will help you. Now what do you want me to do?”

  *****

  Violet awoke to the sound of her mother screeching for her. Something must have happened to one of her sisters. Throwing the covers over, she hurried into a robe and flung open her bedroom door. She raced downstairs and found her mother in the small parlour, pacing in front of the fire.
<
br />   “What is the meaning of you leaving so indecorously from the ball last night? I have never been so ashamed of you in my life. You did not even give your regrets to Lady Penny. Where is the gown that you spilled your wine over? And how could you be so clumsy? That gown would have served you in good stead throughout the Season and now it is ruined.”

  Violet stood, her hands trembling, rage boiling in her veins. “Would you rather have had me return to the ball in all my filthy state? Would you rather I had embarrassed you? The wine was an accident, Mother. I certainly did not mean to do it.” Although, if she owned the truth, it was a welcome attack, if none other than to get her out of there and have her witness Lady Baxter in Haverlane’s arms.

  “Well, you shall certainly pay a call this afternoon to Caymore House to apologize. We cannot do to have her ostracize you now.” Rose stared at her daughter’s neck. “What is that and where did you get it?”

  Violet brought her hand to her throat and wondered if Haverlane’s whisker burns still showed. She felt the small gem encased in gold and prayed this was what her mother meant. “Tis a birthday gift from Lady Penny.”

  “Is that so?” Her mother walked closer and examined it carefully. “When did she give it to you? I do not remember seeing it on you at the beginning of the ball and you barely left my side for all the dancing.”

  “She gave it to me at the refreshment table as she had forgotten it in her bedchamber earlier,” Violet lied.

  “Well, your apology had best be done with sufficient groveling to remain in her good graces. Gifts such as these are unprecedented and you would do well not to lose her patronage.”

  “Yes, Mother.” Violet hoped she appeared sufficiently contrite.

  “Now, get along with you and try and repair the damage done to the gown. If the stain cannot be removed you shall have to dye it.”

  Violet left her mother’s wrath and trod upstairs to change into a plain day gown. At least her mother did not suspect Haverlane as the giver of the gift, or of their meeting in the conservatory.

  Violet worked in silence in the kitchen trying to remove the stains from her gown. The dirt smudge had dried and proved easy enough to brush off and wash out. However, the wine stain did not. There was no help for it and dye would be the only remedy.

  Camelia appeared. “Mama wishes you to come to the parlour. You have several callers waiting for you.”

  “Callers? What do you mean?”

  “Two gentlemen callers, and the Duke of Caymore. Mama says to hurry.”

  Violet entered the parlour and found, Viscount Winsbarren, Viscount Hadley, or was it Hardley, and the Duke of Caymore, Penny’s husband, conversing with her mother, Lilly and Welbey. This could not be. Why would His Grace be calling on her? She barely knew him. Had something happened to Penny? Was Penny angry with her as her mother seemed to think?

  Knowing he took precedence, Violet curtsied. “Your Grace, I am honored.”

  William took her hand. “Lady Violet, my wife was unduly agitated by the events of last evening and she would like to apologize for your upset.” He glanced at her mother. “She requested I bring you a note immediately this morning, with a request if you might attend her this afternoon.” He walked her to the windows, and said in a whisper, “This was delivered to my hand this morning with an urgent request for you to have it.” William handed the note to Violet. “The gentleman did not know how to go about getting it to you without your mother knowing. Read it in private,” he whispered. “I hope you do not mind the ruse.”

  “No, certainly not.” Violet slipped the note into her pocket.

  “Well, good,” the duke said boisterously. “Now that my message has been relayed, I’m afraid I must take my leave of you. A pleasure, Lady Violet.” William swept up her hand and kissed it. He nodded to the other gentleman, said a hasty good-bye to her mother, and left.

  Violet’s curiosity about the note in her pocket would have to wait as Viscount Winsbarren made his way over to her.

  The gentlemen stayed for a quarter hour and took their leave. Her mother was beside herself that the Duke of Caymore himself had called on her daughter.

  “A curious turn of events that Lady Penny would want to apologize to you,” her mother said. “Be that as it may, you will also offer your own apology. But what did you say to Viscount Winsbarren? He left rather suddenly.”

  “Nothing, Mother. He had business to attend, but wanted to secure my hand for a dance, that is all.”

  Her mother arched a brow and Violet knew she did not believe her. “Well, ‘tis a great compliment, to be sure. Do not lose his interest, Violet. He is heir to the Brumbley title. He may well be a bit of a bumbler, but he will be an Earl after all. We must be grateful for his attention.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  The interrogation over, Violet raced to her room. Closing the door behind her, she dug out the note and opened it. Haverlane! She would recognize his script anywhere.

  My Dearest Violet –

  Words cannot express my sorrow that you had to leave the ball last night. I assure you by everything I hold dear, Lady Baxter will never treat you in such a demeaning manner again. You have my word.

  I pray you will favor me on the dance floor this evening. I am sorry for the deceit of sending William in my stead. However, I did not think your mother would mind a duke to grace her house.

  Until tonight,

  I remain, Yours –

  Violet twirled around her room. To be in his arms once again was too much happiness to bear. The people, the fawning, the vicious Lady Baxter would be, could be overlooked to be in Haverlane’s embrace. She dared to wonder if he would find a way to kiss her again.

  *****

  “Violet, dearest, I am so sorry about what happened last night,” Lady Penny said. Her hands clasped Violet’s and she kissed her cheek. “I am without words to express how utterly embarrassed I am that such a thing would happen at my very first ball. And to one of my dearest friends.” Penny pulled Violet into her private sitting room and settled Violet on the sofa. “Tell me, are you all right? Mr. Quiggins said he saw Lady Baxter throw the wine on you with no apparent reasoning. Although I think we can guess she saw you in the conservatory with my brother-in-law.”

  Violet could not meet Penny’s eye.

  “Dearest, were you having an assignation with Haverlane?” Penny asked.

  Penny’s tone conveyed to Violet that she was concerned on several levels.

  “No,” Violet said. “I wanted to be alone after the spurious comments made about my father by a certain set of dowagers. Mr. Quiggins allowed me a few moments in the conservatory. Haverlane found me there to give me my birthday gift.” She lifted the gemstone from her neck and showed it to Penny. “He did not wish to give it to me in public.” Violet dared not mention the kiss.

  “Oh, Violet, it is lovely.”

  “Thank you. I am quite in awe actually.”

  “You should be, considering he is very parsimonious. He shows you great affection by it as well.”

  “No, I do not believe so. I think it is more gratitude for my service to Jane than with any real affection. We are merely friends.”

  Penny gave her an amused look. “Dearest, with a gift such as that, I do believe there is more to your relationship with Haverlane besides friendship.”

  “No, there is not, and never can be. I am penniless and barely ton. A match with me would make him a laughingstock.” Violet sighed

  “Nonsense,” Penny said. “You have all the qualities a young girl should have. Modesty, beauty, you play and sing, and your kindness is irreproachable. Your manners are exquisite, your sincere regard for the comfort for others is faultless, and your intelligence is brilliant. Your family connections or lack of dowry is nothing compared to those.”

  “I do thank you, Lady Penny, for your compliments, but we know what kind of world we live in, do we not? Ruled by men, and for men, women are only chattel to be bought and sold to the highest bidder. No matter
my accomplishments, they do not negate my lack of bloodlines. The Duke of Chesnick would never allow his son to marry me and taint the family. I should be thankful to find a man who holds me in esteem and will be glad to find a wife who will raise his children with love and affection.”

  “Oh, dearest, you must not think so cruelly of yourself,” Penny said. “Not all men are so. The Earl of Greenleigh, holds you in very high regard. He thinks you are charming beyond words. I would not be surprised if he formed an attachment to you.”

  Violet brought her fingers to her necklace. “Lady Penny, please. His lordship is certainly all that is agreeable, but I find I would better look to someone of less sterling character. I am the Earl of Duncan’s daughter, yes. However, a Viscount with a modest income, or perhaps an Earl’s second son with good standing would do very well for me. Certainly, a duke would thrill my mother, but I am not so foolish to believe I shall marry one. Haverlane said himself that marriages in the ton are not based on love, they are based on wealth and family connections. And as I have neither, I should have no desire to be the Countess of Greenleigh.”

  “My dear, you have only known him but one day. Many things can happen over the course of the next months. You may find yourself falling in love with him, or with any of the other gentlemen who seemed agreeable to getting to know you better. It seems you made a most favorable impression on several of them. Viscount Winsbarren spoke in rapture of you,” Penny said.

  Violet made a noise in her throat. “Viscount Winsbarren professed his love for me not two seconds after we first started talking,” Violet said. “He is very sweet, but I fear we would not suit. And Viscount Hadley….”

  “Hardley,” Penny interrupted.

  “Viscount Hardley,” Violet amended, “asked me to marry him this morning. It seems he is a great friend of Welbey’s and my sister Lilly has concocted a plan.”

  “I declare Hardley is not your type, dearest. He shoots and hunts and is forever going on about his guns.” Penny waved her hand. “As for Winsbarren, you are right, he is definitely not the man for you. Trust me. No, I believe Greenleigh is the best choice for now.”