by Lauren Smith
“Oh, hush. I hadn’t considered that ramification of the silly bet.”
“There is nothing silly about your name being in the book at White’s,” he hissed before glancing around. “Does Mother know?”
That was Moira’s biggest fear, and she didn’t know how harsh a reaction the woman may have. “Not yet.”
Gideon sipped his wine and watched Lady Moira from his place beside Lydell. She was directly across from him, dressed in a lovely lavender gown, a few shades lighter than the heather that dotted the landscape back home, and her hair glowed like a burst of sunlight beneath the candles. She was a lovely lady indeed. And soon she would be Lydell’s.
His gut tightened, but why should it bother him? It wasn’t as if he even knew the chit and her brains could be nothing but mush. While she may fill out the gown to his preferred specifications, she could easily bore him into madness. Gideon would much rather have a plain, thin, interesting wife than a buxom, beautiful featherbrain for those weeks they could be trapped together at the estate.
“She is rather pretty, I suppose,” Lydell muttered. “But she is more endowed than I prefer.”
“Whereas her dowry is the perfect size,” Gideon reminded his friend quietly.
“There is that,” Lydell heaved a sigh. “I suppose we should go over so you can make the introductions.”
As much as he wished to speak with Lady Moira again, Gideon didn’t relish introducing her to Lydell so his friend could be compromised by her. What the blazes had she been thinking by making such a statement? Had she wanted to be ruined before the Season was in full swing?
Gideon placed his glass on the empty tray as the waiter passed and stood his tallest. The two men took their time in walking the perimeter of the room instead of walking directly toward their target, as Gideon didn’t want to make his destination obvious, especially with Lydell by his side. By now every gentleman in the room probably knew about that blasted bet, and he didn’t want to draw any additional attention to himself or Lady Moira. Though once they gained her side, all would know as to Lydell’s purpose.
They paused to speak with acquaintances, meet daughters and sign dance cards as they went. Gideon hated this part of the evening because he could never remember who he was to dance with and when. Why couldn’t gentlemen have similar cards as well? It would make the whole evening less confusing and potentially less embarrassing.
Eventually they arrived and stood before Lady Moira, Hearne, and their mother.
“Ainsely,” Hearne greeted though he glared at Lydell. Would he now earn the wrath of Hearne by introducing Lady Moira to the very man that she was supposed to compromise?
In retrospect, Gideon should have waited until the older brother had been preoccupied but there was little he could do about the situation now as introductions were being made.
Lady Moira’s eyes widened at Lydell’s name. Surely, she didn’t know about the bet, or did she? Maybe Hearne had warned her.
“Such an honor, Lord Lydell and Lord Ainsely.” the dowager, Lady Hearne gushed. “I don’t remember that we have met previously.”
Gideon also assumed the girl’s mother wasn’t aware of the wager, because Gideon was fairly certain she would not be particularly welcoming, especially to Lydell.
“No, I don’t believe we have,” Lydell answered. “Had I known you had such a lovely daughter I would have rectified the matter much sooner.”
“Oh, do go on,” the older woman gushed while Lord Hearne stiffened, none too happy at his mother’s welcome.
Gideon bowed. “You look lovely this evening, Lady Moira.”
That same secret smile came to her lips. What he wouldn’t give to know what she was thinking about.
“May I introduce my friend, Marquess Lydell?”
“Would you care for a turn about the room, Lady Moira?” Lydell offered his arm.
“Yes, do go on dear,” Lady Hearne practically pushed her daughter into Lydell.
“Perhaps later, Mother,” Hearne ground out with a warning glance.
“Never put off what can be done in the moment,” she insisted with a tight smile.
“Shall we, Lady Moira?” Lydell offered his arm.
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
Hearne reached out and put a hand on Lydell’s shoulder. “Stay close and within sight.” The warning was at the edge of the man’s voice and in the narrowing of his eyes.
“Yes, and don’t be gone long. The dancing will begin shortly,” the dowager countess called after them.
Gideon watched the two stroll away as Hearne leaned in. “Which one of them put you up to this?”
“Which one of who?” he asked, not taking his eyes from the couple. He wasn’t alone either. The few gentlemen who were in attendance watched their progress as well. The innocent ladies, however, paid them no mind, which meant the bet was not public knowledge, at least not known by anyone who wasn’t a member of Whites.
“Alston or Fiske?”
Oh yes, the two gentlemen who had made the unfortunate bet in the first place. “Neither,” Gideon answered. “Lydell simply wished to meet the lady who…” he glanced at the dowager who watched her daughter, but Gideon suspected she was also listening. “Who inspired interest last evening.”
The woman had been listening because she beamed at those last words.
Hearne pulled him away. “If anything happens to my sister, I will hold you personally responsible.”
Gideon turned away from Hearne, keeping an eye on the two as they traversed the ballroom. “He simply wanted an introduction. It is up to Lydell to woo her.”
Lydell and Lady Moira stopped beside a long window.
Gideon wasn’t the only one watching the two of them. In fact, several more interested eyes focused on the pair. Perhaps the bet wasn’t so much a secret as he’d originally believed because a number of matrons had their eyes trained on the couple as they twittered in discussion behind raised fans.
An open door leading to the gardens below was but a few feet away. Would Lady Moira take Lydell outside and make both Mr. Fiske and the Marquess of Lydell richer for having done so?
Chapter 5
Moira stopped just short of the doors leading outside. She and Lord Lydell had dispensed with all pleasantries during their short partial circuit of the ballroom, but she would not take another step until she had answers.
“It is a lovely evening outside,” Lydell nodded toward the door. “Would you care for a stroll in the gardens?”
Moira studied him for a moment. “You approached me because of that bet, did you not?”
The man flushed a bit. “One shouldn’t discuss such a subject so blatantly in polite company.”
“I would have honesty and frankness, Lord Lydell.”
He pulled at his neck cloth. Goodness, why was he the one nervous? Was he afraid she would actually try to compromise him?
“Yes, I was told of the bet,” he finally answered.
“And then you learned of my value.”
The gentleman straightened and looked around before he bent forward. “Such matters should not be discussed with a lady.”
The fortune hunter thought to censure her? Well, she had had enough of that from her mother already. Besides, upon first glance she’d determined they would not suit. Though it seemed unfair to dismiss him out of hand, she couldn’t help herself. Perhaps had the man not been standing next to Lord Ainsely she could have looked upon him in a more favorable light. Unfortunately, Lydell did not have the same warm brown eyes, height, aquiline nose, chiseled cheekbones or broad shoulders. She almost pitied Lord Lydell, especially since he was apparently also broke. “Why pretend it doesn’t exist when we both know that it does?”
“Yes, well, um, that is beside the point.”
“Lord Lydell, you approached me after learning of the bet and my dowry. I believe I have a right to ask you a few questions.”
He pursed his lips and inhaled. “Very well. What would you have me
tell you?”
“Where is your estate?”
“Outside of Bath.”
Perfect. “I am sorry, Lord Lydell, but you just will not do.”
The man’s mouth popped open and his chin dropped. “Excuse me. What of Scotland? I thought you were in a hurry.”
Yes, the sooner she could distance herself from her mother the better, but not just any man would do.“Why do you believe Scotland is important?”
“It is assumed you wished to marry quickly, and the most expedient avenue is an anvil wedding, of course.”
Moira blinked. Is that what they all assumed? That she was intent on an anvil wedding? Sometimes gentlemen were so shortsighted. However, in this instance, it was for the best as nobody needed to know the truth of why Scotland held such appeal. “Once I set my mind to nuptials, I don’t wish to spend months planning a wedding for Society to attend. Besides, running away is far more romantic.” Perhaps it was, though Moira had given little thought to romance. She simply wanted to live in Scotland.
“Yes, of course, but…”
“I would also like to determine where I will live, and Bath will not do.”
Moira turned on her heel, about to return to her mother, when Lydell gently touched her arm. “Allow me to escort you.”
She glanced down at his offered arm and accepted.
“What lady does not wish to live close to Bath?” The question was barely a whisper in her ear.
“This one.”
“If not Bath, then where?”
Moira considered telling him, as the information would spread and perhaps a Scotsman would come looking for her. However, as the only Scot she had seen thus far was the older gentleman, shorter than she, Moira decided to keep that information to herself. Perhaps it was best if she looked for her Scot and not the other way around.
Instead of answering him, Moira inclined her head as they stopped by her mother and brother, a sly smile on her lips. “Thank you, Lord Lydell.”
“May I see your card, Lady Moira?” Gideon asked when she returned.
She held it up to him. Her blue eyes sparkled with merriment. Or maybe it was more mischief. What had she and Lydell discussed? Why hadn’t she taken Lydell outside? She could have easily led his friend out into the moonlight, kissed him, and her fate would be sealed.
He glanced at her card. No dance had been claimed as of yet. He began to pencil in his name for the supper dance but her words stopped him.
“I have not been given permission to waltz, Lord Ainsely.”
“At this rate she probably never will be,” Hearne muttered.
“What was that, Nyle?” the dowager countess asked.
Gideon bit back a grin. “Perhaps the country dance after supper?”
“That would be lovely, Lord Ainsely. I look forward to it.”
With no reason to stay, Gideon bowed, quit the small group, and made his way to find Lydell, who had simply strode away from Lady Moira, her brother and mother without a by-your-leave.
Gideon found his penniless friend in the card room, drink in his hand, brooding in a back corner. Apparently there was no future for Lydell and Lady Moira and a wave of relief shot through him.
Gideon retrieved a drink for himself and sauntered over to his friend. “I take it your discussion didn’t go very well.”
“No,” Lydell grumbled and took a drink before he explained. “She doesn’t like Bath.”
“Excuse me?”
“She does not want to live on an estate near Bath,” Lydell repeated a little louder.
“That was her only reasoning?” Perhaps Lady Moira didn’t have all her wits after all.
“It is the only bloody reason she needed.” Lydell tossed back the drink. “What the hell am I to do now?”
“Lady Moira is not the only heiress in London,” Gideon reminded him.
“But the others will be harder to convince. They will want wooing, courtship and such.”
“Which is their right, I suppose,” Gideon reminded him.
“It is all a bloody pain. Why can’t I just find the one I want, marry her and be done with it?”
“Perhaps the lady would care for a say in the match?”
Lydell dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “They don’t know what they want. Take Lady Moira for instance. Bath. She should just let her brother arrange a match. It is better for all parties when gentlemen are doing the thinking and planning.”
A footman stopped to refill the glass Lydell had recently emptied. He picked it up and took another drink. “That is how it should be for all ladies. They are not sensible enough to make such decisions for themselves.”
Gideon had never seen this side of his friend and began to understand why the ladies were no longer interested in his pursuit. Maybe it had more to do with his personality than his empty purse. Unlike Lydell, apparently, Gideon preferred a lady with wit and intelligence, one who knew her own mind. “Then perhaps you should begin courting a few fathers and older brothers until you find the perfect, malleable lady.”
“If only it were that simple.” Lydell tossed back the remainder of his drink, set the glass down, and marched from the room.
Gideon leaned back against the wall, sipping the smooth, fiery liquid. So, the lady did not like Bath. Why? Or was that simply an excuse?
Lady Moira was either a very complex lady or a simpleton. Gideon shrugged. He would have his answer after dinner.
Chapter 6
As couples took to the floor for the supper dance, Moira was left alone with her mother. Even Nyle decided to dance, and he swept Alvina around the floor. Pippa, Alice, and Patience stood not far away, watching the dancers as well. This was the perfect opportunity to speak with them.
“Mother, might I be excused for a moment?”
“What? Where to?”
Moira nodded to her friends. “I would just like a few words with them.”
“Oh, very well. But stay close.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Moira took a deep breath and slowly walked to her friends when she really wanted to dash across the short distance. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to escape. Each time she’d taken a step toward Pippa, her mother had grabbed her wrist and insisted she stay near and available for the next gentleman to approach, which they would not do if she were with her silly friends. Unfortunately, outside of Lord Lydell and Viscount Ainsely, no other gentleman came near. Of course, there were hardly any here to begin with.
Where were all the available gentlemen this evening and why had they found disfavor with the Davenport ball?
As Moira pulled close to her friends, she quickly glanced around to make certain no one was near and then whispered, “Have any of you told anyone that I wish to live in Scotland?”
The three shared blank looks and shook their heads.
“Don’t. That is to be our secret.”
“But, I thought your plan was to live in Scotland,” Alice began. “Wouldn’t it make the most sense—”
“Did you see the one Scot in attendance this evening?”
Alice grimaced.
“How did your talk with Lord Lydell go?” Patience asked. “I thought for sure you’d take him outside.”
“He won’t do.” Moira shook his head. “His estate is outside of Bath.”
“That would be lovely,” Pippa piped in.
“Only two days from my family estate, where my mother rules from the dower house, is quite the opposite of lovely.”
“I still don’t understand why Scotland is to be a secret,” Patience said.
“Because Scotland is mentioned in the bet. Apparently, London’s ingenious gentlemen assume it is because I wish to elope, not that I actually want to live there.”
“You should try to distance yourself from that bet,” Pippa warned.
Moira could well understand why Pippa would feel that way, but Pippa’s circumstances were different. Nobody wanted to put arsenic in her hair. “It wouldn’t matter. All the gentlemen in Town are
talking about it. Eventually my mother will learn, and I don’t want her to know all of my plans.”
“Moira,” Patience muttered under her breath. “I have a feeling your mother has just learned of the bet.”
But she couldn’t have. Moira turned around to find her mother bearing down on her, lips thinned in a tense line. “Moira Rose Kirkwood, you are going home with me right now,” she hissed. “Do not even think of making a scene.”
With their arms linked, her mother escorted Moira out of the ballroom, not once relaxing her smile or letting on to anyone how displeased she was, but Moira knew differently. Tension oozed from the woman.
They waited for the carriage in silence, and once they were seated inside and under way, her mother let loose. “You’re practically ruined. It is only the second day. The second day of the Season and you are practically ruined already.”
“I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“When will you learn to curb your tongue, young lady? You should feel very fortunate if any decent gentleman still wishes to court you after this disastrous beginning.
Gideon stood at the entrance of the ballroom following supper and searched the crowd. There were half a dozen redheads but none of them with gold mixed within. Had Lady Moira left? Two older ladies stopped before him, tittering back and forth over some recent scandal. Gideon just wished they would move on so he could continue into the ballroom. Worse, the ostrich plumes were blocking his view. Why did women wear such ridiculous hats?
“I thought the Dowager Countess Hearne was about to have an apoplexy when I told her. Her face went deathly white.”
Hearne?
The woman with the turquoise plume turned, smacking Gideon in the face with her feather. “Then what happened?”
“I have to give her credit. She remained calm and marched directly to Lady Moira and took her from the room.”
“Do you think they’ll leave Town?”
Gideon had half a mind to yank the feather from her hat if it brushed near his eye one more time. The women and their blasted feathers kept stepping back, forcing him to move, not the other way around. Instead, he exited the ball. If he was not going to dance with Lady Moira, there was no longer a purpose for remaining, as he’d already fulfilled his other dance obligations.