by Adams, Lucy
“Very good,” Lady Whitehaven called, opening the door and throwing a smile over her shoulder. “I have one or two things to do before I return for afternoon calls. Pray, do something with your hair, Merry. You look quite wild!”
Titania allowed herself a small smile, as Merry muttered something about her hair being more than suitable—although Titania noticed that she rose to ring for the maid. Apparently, her sisters were taking on their brother’s advice and attempting to show some sort of gratitude for their mother’s kindness in taking them to London. She waited in silence for some minutes as her sisters looked back at her, waiting for them to comment about something, but their quiet was interrupted by a knock at the door. The footman entered, yet again, but this time he held only a small silver tray with a single letter on it.
“Do you mean to say that one of your suitors has not sent you a bouquet but only written?” Catherine said in mock astonishment, as Titania took the letter from the footman. “Good gracious! I hope his suit will be turned down immediately.”
Titania looked back at her sister calmly, breaking open the seal as she did so. “I do wish you would not be so callous, Catherine,” she said honestly. “I know you do not care for the Season and the like, but surely you need not mock my success?”
These words seemed to have some effect on Catherine—for her sister lapsed into silence, her expression a little guilty as she looked away. Titania held Merry’s gaze for a moment or two, wondering if she would have something to add to Catherine’s mockery, but to her surprise, she said nothing.
Looking down at the letter, Titania’s brows rose in astonishment as she read, hardly able to believe that the very gentleman she had been unable to remove from her mind was now writing to her with such boldness. He stated that, whilst he knew they had not been formally introduced, he was eager to call upon her and sought to do so that very afternoon.
“You look surprised, Titania,” Merry commented, her voice holding no ridicule whatsoever, but instead, a faint trace of worry. “I do hope nothing is written within to concern you.”
Titania hesitated, looking up at her sister and wondering if she should share the contents of the letter with them. Merry, at the very least, knew of Lord Carroway and certainly would understand her hesitation.
“Come now, Titania,” Merry said, now sounding truly concerned. “This is the first time I have seen you hesitate in such a manner. Is it from a gentleman? Or does it hold news that has troubled you in some way?”
Seeing that Merry’s expression was no longer filled with disdain, Titania drew in a long breath and looked down at the letter again. “It is from Lord Carroway,” she said without hesitation. “He wishes to call upon me, even though we have not been introduced.”
“Then you absolutely cannot allow him to do so,” Merry said fervently. “You and he have not been introduced! It would be most improper.”
Titania tilted her head and regarded her sister, thinking quickly. “Which makes his request all the more intriguing, does it not?” she murmured, aware that Merry frowned almost at once upon hearing this. “You cannot pretend that what was said about him last evening has not captured your attention!”
Merry threw a glance towards Catherine, who was looking rather confused given that she did not know anything about what had occurred last evening. “I should not like to think that Lord Huckleby’s warnings have gone without you giving them due consideration, Titania,” she said slowly. “Surely you must know that a rake such as Lord Carroway should not be given even a moment of your time!”
“A rake?” Catherine repeated, sounding a little confused. “How do you know this, Merry?”
Titania quickly explained. “Lord Carroway was present last evening, and Lord Huckleby spoke to us of him. It was rather strange that, thereafter, Lord Carroway watched me, smiled, and then turned away.” She shook her head to herself, biting her lip for a moment. “He did not seek an introduction, and now he wishes to call upon me without explanation.”
Catherine frowned hard; her eyes fixed upon Titania. “And you are considering accepting his request?” she asked, sounding a little cautious. “Are you sure that is wise, Titania? You know that Mama will not be at all pleased if you encourage such a gentleman’s company.”
“They may be nothing but rumors!” Titania protested, suddenly finding herself more than eager to meet with Lord Carroway. In fact, she was suddenly filled with excitement at the prospect. “There may be a simple explanation for his lack of introduction at the ball. After all, I constantly found myself in conversation and certainly did not lack for dance partners. It may be that he was simply unable to do so.” Rising to her feet with a sense of determination filling her, she hurried across to the writing desk and immediately began to pen a response. “And I shall ask him to call upon me tomorrow, when you may both be present. I shall ensure that Mama is busy elsewhere, so she will have nothing to concern herself with.”
A small chuckle came from Catherine who, unlike Merry, seemed to be finding the prospect of such a thing to be rather mirthful.
“What if he is boring and staid then?” she asked, getting up and wandering about the room. “What if, as you have said, the rumors are nothing more than that, and you find him to be entirely boring?”
Titania couldn’t help but laugh, ignoring Merry’s dark stare. “I hardly think that I should care about that,” she stated, as Catherine chuckled again. “If he is dull, then I need not see him again. That is all.”
“And what if he makes improper advances towards you?” Merry asked, her voice filled with warning. “What then?”
Titania lifted her head with a sigh of exasperation escaping from her lips. “I hardly think it will come to that, Merry, given that both yourself and Catherine shall be present with me,” she stated, quite calmly.
Merry bit her lip, a line forming between her brows. “I do not understand why you are so very keen to be introduced to this gentleman in such an improper manner,” she stated, her gaze still fixed on Titania. “What is it about him that captures you so, particularly when you have such attentions from many other gentlemen, including Lord Huckleby?”
Titania could not immediately answer, finding that she did not have a ready explanation. Her hand remained poised above the paper, her eyes drifting away from her sister, and she considered her response. Merry and Catherine said nothing, waiting for her to speak, but still, Titania could not find an easy explanation. How could she tell them that there had been something in his eyes that had caught her attention? How could she say that she had been unable to forget him since he had smiled at her and then walked away? How could she state that her mind had been filed with thoughts of him all through the previous evening and then again this morning?
“My goodness,” Catherine murmured, catching Titania’s attention. “You are bewitched I think, Titania!”
“No, indeed,” Titania replied, swiftly, aware of the color that was rising in her cheeks as she tried to dismiss her sister’s words. “I am simply intrigued by him, that is all.”
Merry lifted an eyebrow but said nothing more, shaking her head as she looked away. Catherine laughed softly and wandered to the window, the discussion seemingly brought to a close. Titania ignored them both as best as she could and instead turned her hand to writing her letter to Lord Carroway. Yes, she wrote, she would be glad if he would call upon her tomorrow afternoon for a short visit. Perhaps then, Titania thought to herself, as she signed her name, she might be able to remove this strange curiosity about the man from her mind and, thereafter, focus on the particular attentions of Lord Huckleby, who was infinitely the best match for her should he choose to pursue her.
Sealing the letter, Titania smiled to herself as she rose to ring the bell. A small ball of excitement settled in her stomach as she waited for the footman to arrive to carry the letter from her and to Lord Carroway. Just what were his reasons for wishing to call upon her? And would she find herself disappointed should it become apparent that the r
umors about him were quite true? Or was there something even more exciting about being on close acquaintance with someone considered to be a rake?
Swallowing hard, Titania smoothed her gown and tried to settle her mind. She would have a busy afternoon given that she was expecting a good many gentleman callers. It would be best if she forgot about Lord Carroway entirely until the morrow. For the moment, she had a good many other gentlemen to entertain.
Chapter Seven
“You are quite certain?”
Edward nodded as he looked up at Lieutenant James. “Indeed,” he said, firmly. “He stated very clearly that he was seeking out Miss Titania Wells, although he did not say for what reason. Ravel was mentioned however.”
The lieutenant frowned, rubbing his chin with two fingers as he considered. “Then Miss Wells may be involved in some way.”
“I cannot agree with you there,” Edward said quickly. “For if that were the case, then why did this man seek to have her done in the first evening I came upon him?” He saw the lieutenant frown and knew that he had made his point. “The first evening I found Miss Wells, she was fighting for her life against the very same man who died two nights ago. If she was involved in any way, if she truly is working for the French, then it makes no particular sense for him to attempt to kill her.”
Lieutenant James nodded slowly. “You are correct in that, I will agree.”
“Therefore, I believe we have made an error of judgment in not ensuring her safety,” Edward continued quickly, before the lieutenant could say anything more. “I have a man watching the house at the present and another will take over come the evening, but I believe that I must further my acquaintance with the lady in order to discover what it is that she knows or possesses that Ravel so eagerly seeks.” He felt himself alive with both anticipation and an eagerness to hurry to her side, knowing that his appointment with her was due within the hour. “It may be that she herself is entirely unaware of what she has in her possession that is of such great importance.”
The lieutenant sighed heavily and let his hands fall to his sides. “And still, we have no knowledge of who this ‘Ravel’ is, or of his plans as regards our royal family,” he stated, sounding exasperated. “If the king or the prince regent is in danger, then we must ensure that they are our very first priority.”
Edward nodded, fully aware of where his priorities needed to be. “I quite agree, Lieutenant. However, recall that the spy who died stated very clearly that Miss Wells was the one that Ravel was seeking. It may be that, whatever she has is required in order for him to do whatever he has planned against the prince regent.”
“Something that is required in order for his plans to take place,” the lieutenant murmured thoughtfully, his eyes a little more fixed now. “Yes, that does make sense, Carroway.” He nodded again, now looking much more decisive. “It is right that you should pursue this Miss Wells then. Seek out what it is she has in any way you can, although do your utmost to ensure you do not reveal yourself to her.”
“Of course, I shall not,” Edward replied, knowing that he would need to keep the truth of his duties to himself. It was best for society as a whole that those involved were not known to them. “I have already arranged to call upon her this afternoon.”
The lieutenant looked pleased. “Wonderful,” he boomed, slapping Edward on the shoulder. “Then you know what you must do going forward. If there is any news about Ravel from any other quarter, then I shall make sure to inform you at once.”
“I thank you,” Edward said, giving a slight bow towards the lieutenant. “I should go at once. I do not want to be late.”
The lieutenant nodded. “Good day to you then. Until later.”
* * *
Edward was a little surprised by just how nervous he was whilst being led towards the drawing room by the butler. Miss Titania Wells was within, and even that thought appeared to make him somewhat anxious. Was it because he was, despite himself, rather looking forward to seeing her again? Or did it stem from the realization that Miss Titania Wells might be in rather a difficult predicament without even being aware of it? He would have to ensure that he behaved as any normal gentleman might, whilst still attempting to find out what had occurred that evening when he had first come upon her. Mayhap she had overheard something or been given something by Stirling before he died, but now did not know what to do with such a thing. Of course, given that he had told her not to speak a word of what had occurred to anyone, she would therefore be doing precisely that, which might make matters all the more difficult for him. Nevertheless, he was determined to try.
Hearing his name announced, Edward stepped forward and walked directly into the drawing room, seeing not only Miss Titania Wells rising to greet him but also two other young ladies, whom he did not know. He presumed they were her relatives or other close acquaintances, and of her mother, there was no sign.
“Good afternoon, Miss Wells,” he said, somewhat awkwardly at the realization that he did not know how to address the other two ladies. “Thank you for your kind invitation to call upon you.”
Miss Titania Wells smiled sweetly, curtsying beautifully before lifting her eyes back to his. Edward swallowed hard, feeling his breath catch as he took in her beauty, finding himself quite overwhelmed by it.
“I know this is rather unorthodox,” he continued when she said nothing. “But I was unable to find anyone to make an introduction for me during the ball, and I found that I could not wait until the next one before coming to call upon you. You have a great deal of popularity, Miss Wells, and I am only one of many gentlemen seeking your company.”
Miss Wells nodded her approval, her green eyes seeming to glow with pleasure at his words. “You are most kind, Lord Carroway,” she said softly, her expression gentle and her voice soft. “Might I introduce you to my elder sisters? This is Miss Merry Wells and beside her, Miss Catherine Wells.”
He bowed at once. “It is my very great pleasure to meet you both.”
They did not say very much but murmured a few words before he was asked to sit down by Miss Titania Wells. He did so at once, realizing just how difficult it would be to seek the truth from her whilst her sisters were present. Of course, he could not have expected her to sit here alone with him, but he had hoped for a maid to be present instead of two older sisters.
“My mother is currently attending a small soiree with some of her dear friends,” Miss Titania said, as though he had been wondering where Lady Whitehaven was. “She will be sorry to have missed greeting you.”
He managed a small smile, knowing that Lady Whitehaven would be somewhat horrified that her daughter had entertained a gentleman who had not, thus far, been introduced. He quietly suspected that the lady had done such a thing without her knowledge, seeing the twinkle in her eye and believing that she had both a strong spirit and a determination to do as she pleased. It was not becoming for a lady of the ton to behave in such a fashion, but Edward found that he was warming to her almost at once.
“That is kind of you to say, Miss Wells,” he murmured, glancing across at the other two sisters and seeing that they remained steadfast in their gaze but did not say a word. “Did you enjoy the ball?”
She nodded eagerly. “It was quite wonderful,” she said, her eyes alight with contentment. “I truly loved every moment of it – although I confess that I feared you did not find much delight in the company nor the occasion, Lord Carroway!”
It took Edward a moment to realize what she meant. A flush crept up his neck as he tried to laugh, but the sound came out as a harsh groan instead.
“I confess that I am not always at ease within society, Miss Wells,” he admitted, with a good deal more truth than he had meant to share with her. “It has not often been my companion and certainly is not my friend. I do not miss it during the winter months, nor do I long for its return. In that regard, I believe we must be quite different.”
Miss Wells tipped her head and looked at him steadily, the smile fading from her li
ps as she did so. Mayhap she had never considered such a thing.
“There are some rumors about you, Lord Carroway,” she said slowly, as both her sisters gasped in horror at her blunt way of speaking. “Is that not so?”
Another curl of embarrassment swelled his chest. “I believe there are a good many rumors, yes,” he admitted quietly, looking back at her without flinching. “I think that the beau monde likes nothing better than pursuing such things and making a meal of whatever whispers and the like they can find.” His voice grew somewhat harsh, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke of his dislike of the ton.
“Then why do you attend balls and the like?” Miss Wells asked, her eyes now filled with curiosity and interest. “What makes you attend if you truly have no wish to be a part of the beau monde?”
Edward paused, knowing that he could not tell her the truth – for the truth was that he was only doing so because he had very little other choice. The truth was that he had no other way to ensure that Miss Wells was both safe and protected if he did not step in.
“I-I am a titled gentleman,” he said slowly, aware of the looks that were being shared between the sisters. “I must do as every gentleman must do.”
Miss Wells laughed softly, her eyes dancing. “Then you state that you call upon me solely for the purposes of attempting to secure my agreement to your courtship?” she asked, teasing.
Edward shook his head, wiping the smile from her face. “I must find a wife and secure the future of my title, Miss Wells,” he replied, aware that he was not speaking honestly to her and, for whatever reason, feeling a stab of guilt over it. “Therefore, it is to be expected that I should go about society, is it not?” He shrugged. “Even if I dislike the false smiles, the pretense, and the disguises that so many of the ton wear, I must still go about amongst them and attempt to discern the true beauty that is so often hidden away.”