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

by Anne Gallagher

  “Your Grace, I cannot help but think this is very wrong. Are you sure we are welcome?” Violet looked through the gloom out the windows. With only two candles lit, tree branches cast eerie shadows along the panes.

  “Pish, child, you worry over nothing. I have sent an explanatory letter to my nephew. There will be no reprisals. As there is no doorknocker, no one shall think twice about looking for us here. I believe the correct term is, hiding in plain sight, as it were. Do not worry. The first part of our plan has gone swimmingly. No one knows where we are. Now, we must concentrate all our efforts in keeping it that way.”

  “Why?” Violet asked. “I do not understand why we should remain in secret. Would it not be better for me to try and deny the rumors?”

  Lady Olivia smiled. “Oh no. That is the worst thing you could do. No one would believe you. No, what we are doing is mounting a counter-offensive. We shall let the rumors play out, and it will be Haverlane’s job to deny them. Once that is done, all will be ready to spring the surprise.”

  “Surprise? What surprise?”

  “Why your wedding, of course.” Lady Olivia sipped her tea.

  “My wedding? To Haverlane?” Violet could not believe it sounded as simple as that.

  “No. To someone else.”

  “What? Your Grace, what are you saying? You know my heart lies with Haverlane. I could never marry another. Even when my head thought I should find a comfortable home with Mr. Garrick, my heart could not bear it.”

  “Yes, I know. But you see, this is the surprise. By this time tomorrow, everyone will wonder what has happened to you. Perhaps even your mother may worry a bit. Those of they who can figure it out will know you are safe with me. However, they will not know where, which is to our advantage. In a week’s time, your wedding banns will be called. In four weeks time, your marriage will take place. If all goes well, Haverlane will show up to denounce the marriage, your mother will eat crow, Georgiana Baxter will get her full measure of censure, and I will watch it all play out.”

  Violet listened intently. Trying to figure out what Lady Olivia planned was like trying to count fish in a moving stream. The scheme sounded implausible, yet Violet knew what Lady Olivia had done for Penny and William last summer. However, only one question remained.

  “What if Haverlane does not come?”

  “Then my dear, you shall know Haverlane does not truly love you after all.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Ellis sat in the breakfast room with Jane and Mary. “Where do you go today, Mary?”

  “I thought we should take a walk in the Park, my lord. It is very fine out today.”

  “Yes, wonderful idea. Do stay away from the ducks, however,” Ellis warned.

  “Imma come for me and the ducks,” Jane said.

  “Yes, yes she did, dearest.” Ellis touched his daughter’s face.

  Where had Violet gone? Ten days and no one had seen or heard from either her or Lady Olivia. Perhaps the dowager had decided on taking Violet to the Continent, or maybe Bath or Brighton. It was anyone’s guess and Ellis was horrid at guessing games. He needed strategy and planning. He could deal with the likes of Georgiana Baxter, for she lacked the subterfuge necessary to achieve her goal. Petty and childish, he could see through her tantrums.

  Lady Olivia on the other hand was a master at the craft. Sly and cunning, astute at behind the scenes calculating, her resourcefulness was legendary. Gaining the Caymore duchy for William last summer had been a feat of genius. Using Prinny’s weakness for love had been a clever scheme.

  He slapped his knee. That was it! He would go to Prinny. George had spies all over London and an ear for gossip. Surely, he would know if Violet had left London.

  He rose and kissed his daughter atop her head. “I must go now, dearest. You behave yourself for Mary. No ducks.”

  “No, Papa. No ducks,” Jane said.

  Ellis met with Manning in the hall. “I am going to Carlton House, Manning.”

  Ellis had no luck at Carlton House. The Prince was in Brighton. On his return to St. Stephen’s Park, Ellis sat in the library mulling over his prospects of finding Violet.

  Manning barged into the library. “My lord, I have news,” he said, catching his breath. “I have it on very great authority that Lady Violet is betrothed.”

  Ellis jumped up. “What? To whom?” Could it be Greenleigh?

  “The Earl of Bailey, my lord.”

  “The Earl of Bailey? Never heard of him. Where did you get this information?” Ellis began to pace. Engaged? How could that be? Violet loved him.

  “I met the butler of Caymore House, quite by accident in the street. When I enquired if he knew of Lady Violet’s whereabouts, he said she has been traveling with the dowager. It seems Lady Caymore found a man suitable enough to marry Lady Violet to escape the condemnation of Society so that in time she may return to it.”

  “Are you sure, Manning?” Ellis’ stomach twisted in a knot.

  “Oh yes, my lord, quite sure. Quiggins told me Lord Bailey is a far-off relative of Lady Caymore’s. The dowager concluded, as no man in Society would have her, she would have to find a man from without. It seems Her Grace has taken a fair liking to Lady Violet’s predicament.”

  “When is the wedding to take place?” Ellis clenched his fists.

  “The banns have already been started, my lord. Lord Bailey is due to arrive soon. That is all I know.”

  “Thank you, Manning.” Ellis walked to the window and stared out over the garden. His heart pounded. Lady Olivia had certainly outsmarted him this time, but not the next. He would stop the wedding any way he could.

  *****

  Penny lay on the chaise in the yellow salon. “Ellis, what brings you here?”

  “I have heard through my butler, Lady Violet is engaged to the Earl of Bailey, and that he is some far-flung relative of Lady Olivia’s. Is this true?” Ellis asked.

  “What?” Penny moved to a sitting position.

  “It seems your lady aunt has decided if Violet could not find a man in Society worthy enough to ride-out the scandal, she would find someone else. From what Manning told me, she plucked some relative of yours out of obscurity to wed Violet so that she may return to the ton if she so desires.” Ellis still could not believe it. When next he saw Lady Olivia, they would certainly have words.

  “Oh, Ellis, I do not know what to say. I am sure my aunt is acting with the best of intentions. After all, she did not know what lay in your heart. As far as everyone is concerned, you are still attached to the Baxter creature.”

  “You live here with Lady Olivia. She is your aunt. I have no doubt you have discussed my relationship with Georgiana and you would have told her it means nothing. To that end, Lady Olivia knew Violet and I shared something special. She has aided us in the ballrooms on several occasions.” Ellis looked at his sister-in-law. “Penny, I will not lose Violet. As soon as I find her I am taking her to Gretna.”

  “Which will cause an even bigger scandal,” Penny said. She sighed and lay back against the cushions. “Can you not see what that would do to Violet? She will be shunned from Society more so than she is now. Everyone will be counting the days to see when a baby is born.”

  “The babe will be born exactly nine months to the day after our wedding, so there will be no censure. Hang Society. I have never cared to be among its members.”

  “With you so close to the Regent, how can you say that? What of all the work you and Anne shared? Will that all be for naught? William informs me your name is on the list for Prime Minister. What of that, Ellis? What of everything you worked so hard to achieve with this new business venture? How many people are counting on you to fulfill that promise? Are you willing to turn your back on it all for Violet, the daughter of a missing earl who has no money, no connections, nothing to recommend her? You must think of your lot in life.”

  “I am thinking of my lot, Penny. I am willing to give it all up this instant for Violet and become a gentleman farmer at Fair
haven. Prinny can hang for all I care. The government will go on without me. The factory can go to hell. There is nothing I want out of this life, save Violet and Jane by my side.”

  Penny jumped up and threw her arms around Ellis. “Oh Ellis, I am so happy.” She pulled him down to kiss his cheek. “I knew that you loved her, only I was not sure how much. I thought you might let her go.”

  “Yes, well, I’m not,” Ellis said. He straightened himself. “Now, about this Lord Bailey. Who is he? How is he connected to Lady Olivia?”

  “Gregory Francis Scott, Sixth Earl of Bailey, is the son of a cousin on her father’s side.” Penny settled herself back on the chaise. “I saw him at Easter and Christmas when I was a child. Rory is what the family calls him. I have not seen him for nearly a decade, since his father died, and he inherited the title. I’m told he has quite a bit of property in Caithness. He is somewhere near your age. A scholar of some sort, ancient Peloponnesus, I believe. He is certainly acceptable by Society’s standards, but I know he will not come to London to live. Perhaps that is why my aunt chose him for Violet. She knows Violet’s aversion to the ton. And of course, Scotland is as far away from London as you can get.”

  “Violet will not be going to Scotland, unless she travels with me.” Ellis paced in front of the windows. “Are you sure you do not know where Violet or your lady aunt is? I cannot fathom how they could travel to Scotland and back within ten days.”

  “No, they could not. I also know they could not have gone far, as mostly all of my aunt’s things are still in her rooms. I know she would not go without her favorites.”

  “Why did she take your butler, I wonder?”

  “I should not tell you this, but you are a member of my family. However, it goes no further than this room.” Penny looked to the door and lowered her voice. “Quiggins and my aunt have formed a tendre for each other. I believe they are quite in love.”

  Ellis let out a low whistle. “Well, that certainly explains quite a few things. But it is of no consequence. Lady Olivia’s secret is safe with me. However, we must find her. I must speak with Violet. Can you honestly tell me you have no notion of where they might be? I have had men scour every hotel and inn within a twenty-mile radius of London. I have also enquired of rental agents in Town and no house or apartment has been let by anyone matching their description. Who are her friends? Would she stay with them?”

  “No. I do not believe so. Her dearest friend lives in Derbyshire and I know Aunt would never travel there with so little. She has also deemed it necessary to stay beside me until William and I travel to Easterly for the summer. No, she must be in Town, using a false name. I believe my aunt will not be found until she is well ready.”

  “Well, I shall keep looking nonetheless. Please, if you hear from either of them, you will inform me.” Ellis took up her hand and kissed it.

  “Yes, of course, dearest,” Penny said.

  *****

  Violet, Lady Olivia, Lord Bailey, and Mr. Quiggins sat in the small breakfast room in Olmstead House. Lady Olivia and Lord Bailey were discussing his role in the upcoming nuptials.

  “So you see, there is nothing to worry about, Rory,” Lady Olivia said. “A fake groom for a fake wedding is all that we require, and you were the most logical choice.”

  Lord Bailey sat and sipped his tea. “My dear Olivia, when I received your letter I presumed you were in ill health and quite possibly dying. Had I known my services of a replacement groom were all you required of me, I would have stayed in Scotland.”

  He was not happy. Violet could tell he was extremely vexed with Lady Olivia.

  “Yes, I know,” she said. “This is why I did not tell you. I needed someone of good standing whom no one in Society would know. Now, pull up your lip and stop being pettish. For the next three weeks you shall go on about Town and appear to everyone you are entirely smitten with our dearest Violet. It should prove no hardship to you.”

  Lord Bailey looked at Violet. He smiled slightly and nodded. “I mean no disrespect to you when I say this, Lady Violet, but if your intended groom does not take the bait, please do not feel that I would happily take his place. I have no room in my life for a wife at this time.”

  “Of course, my lord, and I mean no disrespect to you when I say this. There is no one I would have for my husband except Haverlane.” As handsome as he was, and Lord Bailey was indeed exceedingly handsome, Violet’s love for Haverlane would not sway.

  “So here you are!” Penny stood in the doorway.

  “Oh, no,” Lady Olivia placed her palm to her forehead.

  Bailey and Quiggins stood.

  “Did you think I would not figure you out?” Penny cried. “Aunt you have had everyone beside themselves with worry, including me. How could you do this without telling me?” Penny entered the room and sat at the table with them. “And Quiggins, without a word? I know my lady aunt could persuade you to do almost anything, but you might have left me a note. The house is completely a shambles without you.”

  “Forgive me, Lady Penny. I shall return to Caymore House immediately,” Quiggins said.

  “No you shall not. You will remain with me.” Lady Olivia looked at her niece. “We cannot remain here without Quiggins.”

  Quiggins and Bailey returned to their seats.

  Penny sighed. “I will not allow you to remain here then. You shall come home, all of you, to Caymore House. This farce has gone on long enough. Haverlane is beside himself with worry. He almost had Bow Street drag the river looking for poor Violet’s body last week.” Penny glanced at Lord Bailey. “Rory, is that you? Good God, how do you do?”

  “I am very well, Penny. I see you are as beautiful and demanding as you ever were.”

  Penny had the decency to blush. “I am sorry my aunt has dragged you away from your lovely home.” She looked at the dowager. “Haverlane knows about Rory.”

  “Good, that is as it should be.”

  “What do you mean? Aunt, what are you up to? Surely, Rory will not wed Violet.” She looked at Violet. “Violet, you are in love with Haverlane.”

  “Yes, I am,” Violet said.

  “What is going on? Will one of you please tell me?” Penny looked among the faces at the table. Finally, Lord Bailey spoke.

  “I am here as Lady Violet’s fake betrothed, in order to get Haverlane to capitulate to the bonds of holy matrimony.”

  “That is absurd. He told me this morning, should he find Violet, he will away her to Gretna without so much as a care for anyone. He is willing to give up his position in Parliament, his chance for Prime Minister, and become a gentleman farmer so they should not have to remain in Town to bear the censure as they wait for Violet’s supposed child.” Penny wrung her hands on a napkin.

  “Oh, no, he mustn’t do that,” Violet said. “Haverlane is too brilliant to waste away at Fairhaven.”

  “He will not become a gentleman farmer,” Lady Olivia said. She took Penny’s hand. “Dearest, there is much more to this than you know. But I shall not reveal it now. I will not lend it the evil eye. Nevertheless, we have set our course and will not be driven from it. Now, you must go home and tell no one you have seen us, especially William or Haverlane. We need only a few more days here and then we shall all return to Caymore House.” She looked at Penny. “Please dearest. We cannot let the sails unfurl until the wind is right.”

  Penny looked at the faces around the table. “Oh, very well. I am sure you know what is best. But you do promise to come home soon?”

  “Yes,” Lady Olivia said. “We all shall.”

  Quiggins rose from the table. “I shall escort Lady Penny home, attend to matters at Caymore House, and return directly,” he said.

  Violet remained silent. Her fate lay in Lady Olivia’s hands.

  *****

  Ellis could not believe it. Violet was to be married to the Earl of Bailey. Impossible! He did not know how he would do it, but he would never let that happen. He did not care if he had to meet the man at dawn. Bailey would
never marry Violet.

  Manning knocked on the door. “My lord, do forgive me. I know you wished not to be disturbed, but Lady Baxter is here and threatening to cause a very great scene if not allowed entrance to the house.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I left her on the stoop, my lord.”

  Ellis smirked. Served her right. He took a deep breath. “Show her in, Manning. I will deal with her directly.”

  “Very good, my lord.”

  A minute later, Georgiana Baxter flounced through the doorway. Dressed in the color of blood red, she presented an imposing picture. It did not frighten Ellis.

  “What is the meaning of your butler leaving me waiting on the steps, Haverlane? His rude manner is disgraceful and you should let him go forthwith. Treating me with such contempt, it cannot be borne.”

  “You are lucky I am even receiving you, Georgiana,” he snarled. “What do you want?”

  Her mouth turned up in a calculated smile. “I’ve missed you, Ellis. My father is waiting for you to call on him to sign the agreement. Where have you been?”

  “I’ve been busy searching London for the woman I love.” He noticed her flinch, but the smile never left her face.

  “Haverlane, have you lost your senses? How could you possibly love that dreadful creature? She is nothing more than a child. She has nothing to offer you. No money, barely a recognizable name, and she is not even all that pretty.”

  “I do not need money. She is the daughter of the Earl of Duncan. And she is the most beautiful woman in the world to me. No one could hold a candle to her.” He paused. “Except of course, for my Anne. And somehow I even think Anne would approve.”

  Georgiana’s lips curled to an ugly sneer. “Why Haverlane, becoming sentimental in your dotage are we? You never should have married Anne in the first place. I was always the one you wanted. Do you not remember the trysts on the terrace at the Bertringham’s house party? How our passion swept us away? Only your father would not let you marry me because my dowry was inferior.” She took a step closer to him. “I loved you then, Ellis. I watched you marry Anne and I was heartbroken. I’ve waited fifteen years for you. I had to endure Baxter’s cruelty for all that time. Well, now, Anne is dead, Baxter is dead, I have his fortune, and nothing stands in our way this time. We can have everything we ever wanted.” She took another step toward him and placed her hand on his chest.