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Copyright 2014 by Hazel Statham
Cover art by Michelle Lee
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
To my daughter, Clair, son-in-law, Karl,
and grandson, Daniel, with my love.
London 1813
“I see not the necessity,” Richard Moreton, Earl of Waverly said, his irritation with his sister increasing. She had been in his house for five days and still she would insist on pressing the point—a point he had no intention of considering, and his patience was wearing thin. She had made scarcely veiled comments from the moment of her arrival, but this morning, she had overstepped the mark and he was determined to hear no more on the subject.
Lady Victoria Stanton, a tall, elegant matron of middle years, with dark hair and perceptive blue eyes, chose to ignore the disquieting light in her brother’s eyes and replaced her coffee cup none too gently in the saucer. Her aristocratic features showed her displeasure at what she perceived as his stubbornness, and she determined to pursue her point.
“Then you are a bigger fool than I gave you credit for,” she snapped. “I can’t believe a man of your intelligence is unable to see the advantage of remarrying. If only for the child’s sake, you should make some effort to find a wife.”
Finally, he could stand no more of her meddling in his affairs and threw his napkin onto the breakfast table. He pushed back his chair and rose quickly, his imposing frame taut with anger as he strode to the window to stand sightlessly gazing out over the mews, his hands balled into fists at his side.
Victoria turned in her chair; even though she spoke to his averted countenance, she was reluctant to relinquish her cause. “You are now thirty-four, Richard, and Julia is three. It’s high time you thought of marrying again. It’s not right that she should grow up in a male environment. She needs a mother, not just the influence of her nurse.”
The earl sighed with exasperation, his dark countenance appearing even darker. “My dear sister, there is absolutely no need for you to be so concerned on our behalf. I assure you, we do very well. She will have a governess when the time is right. I have no thoughts of remarriage. Indeed, I have no desire whatsoever for a wife. Julia and I fare very well as we are.”
Her Ladyship gave a heavy sigh, revealing her frustration at her brother’s constant refusal of what she saw as a perfectly reasonable desire to see him remarried. “Why must you be so obstinate? You have an obligation—a duty. I will never forgive you if you fail to produce an heir and allow Cousin Gerald to lay claim to the title and estates. It simply will not do. You are handsome enough, and your fortune is quite respectable. You have had half of society’s beauties throwing their cap in your direction these two years or more. Have you not seen one to take your fancy?”
When he gave no response, and thinking she knew the cause, Victoria spoke a little more kindly. “My dear Richard, you cannot mourn Elizabeth’s going forever. You have a life to lead and it grieves me to see you so unhappy.”
Still he gave no response, only to look briefly over his shoulder and cast her a look of dislike before resuming his unseeing contemplation.
Piqued, she continued, “If it wasn’t for that scowl you so habitually wear you would do very well. I vow, you can be quite charming when you have a mind to, but that frown you seem to constantly favor, puts even me to fright at times.”
He turned. “If it does, it isn’t evident.” The scowl deepened, shadowing a pair of storm-grey eyes that at one time had been described as fine but now showed a coldness in their depths. His well-formed mouth was compressed with anger. Indeed, he was rarely known to smile, only Julia having the power to lighten his mood. Those who possessed a romantic turn of mind vowed that his austere air proved his devotion to his departed wife who had tragically lost her life in prematurely giving birth to their daughter. They perceived him as the loyal and grieving husband who had never recovered from her death.
Victoria bridled, showing her displeasure, “I see I have outstayed my welcome, Richard. I came to London whilst my Henry is in the north, merely to keep you company. He returns in two days and I shall leave for the country. I tire of the city and have imposed upon your hospitality long enough.”
Contrite now, His Lordship turned from the window and came forward, hand outstretched. “Come now, Victoria, let us cry truce. It was not my intention to appear so disagreeable.”
Lady Victoria gave a reluctant smile. Even though, at times, he made it difficult for her to prove, she held an affection for her younger brother and was genuinely concerned for his loneliness, his inability to recover from his wife’s death.
“Let your Henry come here to you as arranged,” the earl said. “I will bear in mind what you say. Only for now, please let the matter drop. I will consider it in my own time. You must know I will not be browbeaten on the subject.”
She took his hand in both of hers, raising her eyes to meet his with a look of candid affection. “Why must we always quarrel? It has ever been the way. Even in the nursery we quarreled.”
His face softened slightly. “Although you are only a twelve month older than I, you have for ever had this tendency to order me. I have always been at your mercy.”
Her Ladyship chuckled. “Not that you ever took any mind of me. It was much the same then as it is now, but I won’t allow you to put me out of frame.” Then after a moment’s hesitation and watching his reaction from beneath lowered lashes, she asked in a nonchalant tone, “Do you expect to see Christina in town? Is she returned from Hertfordshire?”
Sharply he withdrew his hand from her clasp. “Is there no aspect of my life that you don’t know, or presume to comment on, Victoria? Are you aware of all my movements?”
Victoria folded her hands demurely in her lap, not meeting his gaze. “Your mistress is your own affair, though you must know ’tis common knowledge that Lady Christina Russell enjoys your protection and has these twelve months or more. Unless I am much mistaken, she fosters hopes of eventually snaring you.”
The earl raised his brows in disbelief that she would continue to press the point, but Her Ladyship remained undaunted.
“Don’t get me wrong, Richard. I understand these matters. It’s quite acceptable for a gentleman of your standing to enjoy such arrangements, though if you had a wife….”
“Victoria, your understanding of these affairs is not as thorough as you think it to be. Therefore, you are not qualified to comment on them. Christina remains solely my concern and I will not discuss the matter further with you. I cannot believe your indelicacy in raising it in the first place. It seems you balk at nothing!”
Her Ladyship rose and shook out her olive riding skirts. “You are definitely less than charitable this morning. As your sister, I am perfectly entitled to raise such matters with you. Indeed, I would be failing in my duty if I did not.”
“As my sister, I would have hoped you to have had more delicacy of mind. Obviously I was wrong.”
She turned a haughty shoulder. “Then I will relieve you of my presence and perhaps you will feel in a more equable mood when next we meet.” Casting her brother a brief glance, she made for the door. “I am promised to Lucinda Hamilton this morning. We are to ride over to see Diana’s new arrival. At least that is something you cannot censure me over.”
“Give me strength,” he cried, casting his eyes heavenwards as he too strode from the room.
*****
When next they met over supper that evening, His Lordship made an effort to appear more amenable, even asking after Lady Diana Marchant’s new offspring.
“Oh he is a strapping lad, so much like his father,” Lady Victoria enthused, laying aside thoughts of their previous quarrel. “Indeed, he puts me in mind of my John when he was but such an age, though who would think it now, he being up at Cambridge this twelve month. Diana is well. I declare, she positively blooms. She sends you her love as always and we are invited to the christening. Even Julia is to come. Now don’t look at me in that reproving way, you so rarely accept invitations and it’s time that you went about more in society. Indeed, I positively insist that you go.”
“I take it then that Marchant will be on furlough for the event?” His Lordship said, deeming it prudent to ignore his sister’s remarks. “It’s an age since I last saw him. I suppose Diana will be prodigiously glad to have him home, if only for a short while. They don’t have it easy in the Peninsular.” Then after a moment’s hesitation he said, “By Gad, I feel it keenly that even though my wounds are completely healed, they won’t allow me to resume my commission.”
“You know that they can’t,” replied Her Ladyship. “Not when you are needed in Whitehall. Castlereagh himself ordered it so. You are more valuable to them in your role at the ministry. No, I am indeed grateful that they wouldn’t allow your return. Besides, consider what would become of Julia should she lose you as well as her mamma?”
Richard was about to take a sip from his wineglass but, frowning slightly, he put it aside. “In such an event I would have hoped you would take the child?”
Victoria smiled reassuringly. “And so I would, you need have no fears on that head. However, it would prove far less traumatic for her if she had a mother to turn to….”
“What does Diana call the boy?” he asked, attempting a diversion, not wishing to repeat their earlier conversation.
“Ross, I believe. Ross Edward Marchant, a very solid name don’t you think? Diana is most unfashionable and devotes much of her time to the babe. On several occasions, I have tried to encourage her to employ more nursery staff, but she will insist on spending what time she can with the children. She tells me she has a cousin, Caroline Northam, staying with her. Although she was not present when we visited this morning, Diana states that, although somewhat quiet, she is a delightful girl and helps with the other two offspring whilst she devotes her time to Ross Edward.”
The earl appeared thoughtful, “I believe I have heard something about a Northam. If I remember correctly, Sir George Northam gambled heavily before taking his life. Is she of the same family?”
“She is his daughter and Diana swears that though she is only nineteen, she has proved an invaluable help. She stays with them until Marchant’s furlough is over and then returns to her aunt in Portsmouth. No doubt we will make her acquaintance at the christening.”
“I have no doubt that we will,” the earl replied, pushing his chair from the table and losing all interest in the subject. “Now if you will excuse me, my dear Victoria, I am promised elsewhere this evening.” So saying, he rose and took his leave, remaining in the house only long enough to order his valet not to wait up for him.
*****
Ross Edward played his part admirably and slept throughout his christening, waking only to receive everyone’s good wishes at the reception held in his honor. Upward of eighty guests had attended so notable an occasion. Now the main salon in Lord Marchant’s London home abounded with lively conversation as they enjoyed a magnificent cold collation set for their refreshment.
Leaving Julia in the care of his sister, the earl joined with her husband, who had recently returned to London, and along with several other gentlemen of the party, retired to the library to blow a cloud. Here the visitors sat with their host, enjoying a glass or two of excellent burgundy and a cheroot, relieved to be away from the formality of the event. As the afternoon wore on, their conversation ranged from what sport they may expect in the coming season, to matters in the Peninsular. Each one in turn lamented the need for Lord Marchant’s imminent return to his regiment.
Lady Victoria was delighted to see her brother in such an expansive mood, visibly well pleased with his companions and appearing much in his old way. She remained seated on a small chaise in the salon with Julia, a beguiling three-year-old with riotous dark ringlets and china blue eyes, sitting happily engrossed with a toy, at her feet. With teacup in hand, Victoria viewed the company, picking out familiar faces and exchanging pleasantries with her acquaintances.
There was one young lady who, having just returned from taking the children to the nursery, stood quietly just within the room. Her Ladyship was not familiar with her but rightly guessed her to be Miss Northam. She studied her for a brief moment, seeing before her a petite young woman, with dusky curls and delicate features who possessed a pair of expressive violet eyes. From Diana’s description, she had expected to see a mouse of a creature, but although the girl appeared reticent and not eager to put herself forward in any way, she liked what she saw. Attracting Miss Northam’s attention, she invited her to join her on the chaise.
Miss Northam willingly took her seat at Her Ladyship’s side. “Is not Ross Edward an agreeable child?” she said in a pleasantly low voice, “and he behaved so well. Even at the font he slept.”
“It will not last,” Her Ladyship replied, smiling. “In my experience, young gentlemen soon start to feel their feet. I have one son and two daughters and believe me when I say that boys can be a severe trial to one’s nerves and one’s pocket.”
“Is this your daughter?” Miss Northam enquired, as Julia rose to peep shyly at the newcomer from the safety of her aunt’s knee.
Her Ladyship looked fondly at the child. “Sadly no, she is my niece, my brother’s daughter. My children are much older. I have a son, John, at Cambridge and my daughters, Charlotte and Anne, are just out of the schoolroom. I cannot lay claim to this little one, but she is a prodigiously sweet child. She has so much the look of her mother about her and my brother positively dotes on her.”
“Diana has told me of the earl,” Miss Northam said, lifting Julia onto her lap and attempting to keep her amused. “It’s a sad case. No wonder he spoils the child. If she were mine, so would I.”
Julia appeared well pleased with her new playmate. She chattered away claiming Miss Northam’s attention so that she was obliged to share her conversation between the child and Her Ladyship. As the afternoon progressed, they appeared to set up a rapport and Miss Northam was more than content to remain with them.
As members of the company began taking their leave, the earl returned to the salon. Standing in the doorway, his gaze swept the room in search of his daughter and sister and he saw that they had a young companion.
Seeing him standing there, Victoria smiled, beckoning him forward, and he groaned inwardly. He knew she would expect him to be civil to the chit and would be eager to push the girl in his way, but he had no intention of playing into her hands. However, he knew it would appear churlish if he did not allow introductions and, fixing a pleasant smile on his lips, advanced into the room. If the smile did not reach his eyes, Victoria did not notice.
At sign of his approach, Miss Northam put Julia from her knee and rose to take her leave saying, “I would not wish to intrude.”
“Nonsense, child, will you not stay to meet my brother?” Her Ladyship asked, smiling. “He is no ogre I assure you, though at times he would have you believe it.”
“Stay,” pleaded Julia catching hold of Miss Northam’s skirts with a small insistent hand.
“What a charming trio you present,” His Lordship said, coming forward.
“Papa,” Julia cried jubilantly, and immediately went to him to be lifted aloft, her small arms clasping his neck possessively.
“You imp,” he chided. “Do not your companions satisfy you that you run to me as soon as I appear?” He seemed to scold the child but it was obvious that her actions had pleased him. Kissing her cheek, he once more set her on her feet, giving her a gentle push in her aunt’s direction and smiled indulgently as she skipped toward Her Ladyship. “This young lady must learn to contain her exuberance when in company,” he said, attempting a firm tone but not quite achieving it. “It would seem I am too lax with her.”
“That would be a great pity, sir, her liveliness is enchanting,” Miss Northam said, smiling. “Surely you would not have the child stand in awe of you when she obviously regards you so highly.”
The earl stiffened slightly, perceiving censure where none was intended. “My daughter knows she has no need to stand in awe of me, Miss…?”
“Allow me to introduce Miss Caroline Northam to you Richard,” Her Ladyship said, rising to join them. “She has been so obliging as to help me keep the child amused whilst she was in my company. ‘Pon faith, they have chattered like two jays the whole while. They make me feel positively old.”
Taking the hand that Miss Northam extended, His Lordship queried a little less stiffly, “You like my little one?”
“Indeed I do, sir,” she replied, blushing as she made a brief curtsey. “She is an engaging child, quite delightful. I am only sorry to relinquish her company as we have become firm friends.”
The earl bowed perfunctorily over the hand he held. “Then it’s a pity that I must rob you of it so soon. I’m afraid that, as soon as Lord Stanton rejoins us, we must make our departure or Julia will be overtired and become fractious.” He was not eager to prolong the interview, and when Miss Northam once more dropped a slight curtsey and withdrew, he made no effort to detain her.
*****
When returning to Waverly House in the earl’s coach a short while later, Lady Victoria, who sat bristling with indignation at her husband’s side, found it necessary to take her brother to task. “You treated the poor girl shamefully, Richard,” she said. “She is such a pleasant young woman, and you—well you certainly did not show her any cordiality at all. I dread to think what her opinion must be of you.”
“I’m sure I care not what Miss Northam’s opinion may be of me,” His Lordship replied. “As is common with most young ladies, I found her manner quite irritating.”
Her Ladyship chuckled wryly. “Then that is a great pity.”
“Why so?” he enquired, giving only half a mind to the question. Having declined the services of the nursery maid on this occasion in favor of having her in his own care, he settled Julia more comfortably in the crook of his arm as tiredness overcame her. Already half-asleep, the child nestled contently to his side.
“Because, my dear brother, now that we have become acquainted, it would appear unkind if we did not acknowledge her when next we meet. The Marchant’s are giving a ball on the eve of his return to his regiment and we are to attend.”
“You may be, Victoria, but I believe that is one pleasure I must forego.”
Lord Stanton, a large, floridly handsome man who usually remained silent during exchanges between his wife and brother-in-law, sat forward in his seat. His customary quiet manner rebelled against the earl’s decision and he joined in the conversation for the first time. “What? You would not attend to wish young Marchant well on his return? I cannot believe you so unsympathetic to the boy. Surely, on such an occasion, we must offer what support we can.”
The earl slightly inclined his head. “When you state the fact so baldly, Henry, I see it would appear boorish to decline the invitation, therefore, as you so rightly put it, I must attend.”
Lady Victoria smiled to herself, feeling some satisfaction at the outcome of the conversation and settled back into the corner of the coach. It was her intention that her brother should be seen more in society, even if it meant delaying her departure to the country for a few weeks. Was it not her duty to try to bring him about? A concerted effort on her behalf was what was now needed.
*****
The spring evening was pleasantly warm when the earl’s coach stopped outside a charming house in Curzon Street, and instantly the door swung wide to admit him. The footman who relieved him of his hat and cane, informed him that Lady Christina was in her boudoir, and taking the stairs two at a time, the earl repaired immediately to the second story landing,
It was not necessary for the servant to announce him. He entered the room without ceremony, as one accustomed to the right.
At his entrance, Her Ladyship, dressed only in a negligee of primrose satin and lace that perfectly complimented her fair complexion, rose gracefully from the chaise where she had been reclining in anticipation of his arrival and held out her hands invitingly to him.
Taking her fingers, he raised them to his lips in an almost mechanical salute.
“You are very formal tonight, my love,” Her Ladyship complained petulantly. “Is this the reception I am to expect whenever I return from my wanderings? I had hoped that my absence would have only served to increase your passion, but instead, you find it necessary to scowl at me.”
He made no reply but stood regarding her with a cold light in his eyes.
Her fingers clasped his, drawing him to her. Then, leaving go of his hand, she wound her arms about his neck, bringing his head down to hers, and he briefly kissed her. Not possessively as she would have wished, but in a more obligatory manner, before drawing away and sitting in a large upholstered chair by the hearth.
Seeing that he appeared not to be in the best of humors, she crossed the room to a small table upon which stood a decanter and poured out two glasses of wine and taking them returned to his side. Sitting on the arm of his chair, she presented him with the wine but laid her own glass on a low table. She attempted to smooth his hair from his brow, but he moved his head impatiently.
She would have complained at his action but thought better of it. She wished not to alienate him. Instead, feigning injury, she hung her head and made to move away, surprised when he did not detain her. She moved no further than the footstool at the side of his chair. Perching there, she arranged her features into those of an innocent and cast him a look of injured inquiry. “Your mood is less than charitable this evening,” she complained. “Tell me what it is that has displeased you and I will attempt to put it to rights. Is that not my sole purpose?”
He stood, looking down at her. “You play the guiltless so well, my dear,” he said, his eyes cold and impersonal. “If I did not know you so well, I would be tempted to believe you innocent.”
“Guilty of what?” she cried, coming hastily to her feet. “Of what do you accuse me?”
“I beg you not to take me for a fool,” he mocked. “I am not as easily duped as you would believe. I am aware of your arrangement with Massey and believe me when I say that he is welcome to you. I will tolerate your duplicity no longer. It is time our association ended.
“Exactly of what do you accuse me?” she asked, attempting to brazen out his allegations. She had not dreamed that he would have any suspicion of the other caller she received in Curzon Street. It took her completely off guard to realize that he was not so easily deceived and she asked nervously, attempting to lighten the moment, “Are you perhaps jealous?”
“Not in the least. To be jealous one needs to be in love, and I can assure you that that is one emotion to which I have not succumbed.”
“How long have you known?”
His jaw set and without answering her question, he replied, “You may inform Lord Massey that he shall have no rival. Your favors are not worth contending for, my dear. I will tolerate your duplicity no longer and leave his way clear. From this point forward, my patronage will cease. Any further debts you incur are to be laid at his door. However, I doubt you will find him quite so generous.”
She laid a pleading hand on his arm. “I will give him up, Richard. I swear I love only you.”
He gave her an almost pitying look and removed his arm from her clasp. “There is absolutely no need for histrionics and the laying down of oaths that are so blatantly untrue. Love has played no part in our arrangement and it has now run its course. It is time we both looked in other directions. You must know I tire of you equally as you tire of me!”
“I don’t tire of you, Richard,” she cried. “I have been foolish and allowed myself to be swayed. Won’t you forgive me? Please say that you forgive me.” She ran to him and attempted to wind her arms about his neck, but he contemptuously removed them. “Will you not allow me this one night,” she pleaded, hoping that passion would plead her cause. “This one last night, so that I may prove my love?”
His look was one of scorn. “Madam, you take me for a bigger fool than I am.”
Abruptly leaving the room, he strode from the house, taking the footman waiting in the hallway quite by surprise. Standing once more in the evening air, he paused briefly to calm his agitation before striking out in the direction of his home.
*****
Entering the hallway to Waverly House, the earl went immediately to the library and closed its heavy door securely behind him. Pouring himself a glass of brandy, he threw himself into the large leather chair by the hearth and slowly raised his eyes to the portrait that hung above the mantle. A vision of dark classical beauty gazed down upon him and he raised his glass in a silent salute.
Rising briefly, he adjusted the candelabra so that its soft glow highlighted the delicate features before returning to his seat to continue his contemplation.
“Now you see what power you continue to wield over me, Elizabeth,” he whispered, his eyes never leaving the beautiful face above him. “I cannot continue in this way. Am I forever to fall prey to this loneliness, this emptiness that threatens to overcome me? Is it not time, for Julia’s sake, for me to recommence my life? The child has needs that only a mother can supply. I am no substitute for a feminine influence. For myself … I would be content with a companion, someone with whom I could at least share part of my life. Your memory is with me still and I dare not look for love. I cannot lay myself open to such emotions again. Their consequences affect me so. That is how thorough remains your influence over me!”
A clock chiming the hour roused him from his reverie and laying aside his glass, he rose and slowly made his way to his apartment, in the process becoming firm in his resolve. Thinking, I must have done with this living in the past. If I am to resume any kind of life, I must move forward, though exactly how I know not.
The strains of the orchestra could be heard echoing in the street when the earl’s coach drove up to Lord Marchant’s home on the evening of the ball. Braving the crowd of onlookers who had congregated on the pavement to witness the aristocracy arriving for such a notable event, the earl ushered his party into the brightly lit hallway. They were immediately shown to the ballroom on the second floor where Lady Diana stood at her husband’s side to receive their guests.
“I am delighted you were able to come,” Lady Diana said, smiling and extending her hand. “My dear Richard, it seems a positive age since we saw you at such an event. We had quite given up on you.”
The earl smiled, taking her hand to his lips. “As you see, Diana, I am not the recluse you thought me, though I will allow it has been some time since I attended such a function. First the christening and now this, my life becomes a veritable social whirl.”
She tapped his wrist playfully with her fan. “Well I for one am delighted you chose to attend and shall expect you to stand up with me. It will be quite like old times! Now away with you, you will find partners enough, I assure you. I have no doubt that your presence will excite a great deal of interest amongst the ladies.
He cast his hostess a look of disbelief and moved away to join his sister and her husband who were already making their way into the ballroom. His presence did indeed cause some comment as several pairs of eyes turned to survey his entrance and whispered remarks were made.
The ballroom was lit by a myriad of candles, bringing to life the ball gowns of many jewel-like colors. Amongst the gentlemen, it was seen that there were several scarlet dress coats of Marchant’s brigade along with coats from other regiments. Half of London’s society had graced this event, one of the first balls of the season, and everyone was eager to see and to be seen.
News that the Earl of Waverly attended soon spread through the ranks and as they approached the entrance to the supper rooms, it was seen that a lady of considerable fashion broke away from her group and started toward them. However, one look from the earl halted her directly as he nodded coldly in her direction and turned away. Lady Christina, believing herself to be the victim of his arrogance, retraced her steps, her cheeks flaming with indignation. It was insupportable to be so publicly slighted and only served to increase her resentment.
Lord Massey, a tall angular nobleman, who was also of the group, seeing the look that passed between the two, hastened to Her Ladyship’s side and they moved away to the other side of the ballroom where they appeared deep in conversation.
“My dear Waverly, ’tis exceedingly good to see you,” cried a small dandy, detaching himself from his fellows and advancing hurriedly toward the party.
Pausing briefly, he raised his quizzing glass and ran his eye over the earl. “I do swear you are looking in positive good health.”
“My apologies if I seem too robust for your liking, Gerald,” the earl replied, an undeniable mocking tone to his voice. He watched with ill-concealed dislike as his cousin and heir let fall his quizzing glass on its length of black ribbon and advanced mincingly toward him. The earl smiled without humor. “I would not be too downhearted, cousin. I may yet oblige you by breaking my neck in the hunting field or some such. Considering all, I think that would be your best hope, as my health remains as always.”
A flush suffusing his pinched features, Mr. Gerald Dent tittered nervously. “It’s as well that I take no mind to your repartee, my lord. Indeed, I am no toady and I certainly don’t wish you ill as you suspect. I am but solicitous of your health.”
“As are your creditors, Gerald. It will be interesting to see to what degree you find it necessary to run up your debts relying on your accession to the title.”
“You serve me a great injustice, my lord. It is not my fault that I am encouraged to lay pledges in accordance to my expectations.”
“Of course it is not, how thoughtless of me to suspect you of such foolishness. Perhaps it is the fact that several of your creditors find the need to send their bills directly to me for payment, which brings the matter to mind. They realize the futility of relying on your intentions.”
Mr. Dent had the grace to appear uncomfortable, his whole countenance turning an unhealthy shade of puce. “I assure you, I will repay every penny you find it necessary to expend on my behalf. Indeed, every farthing will be returned.”
The earl gave a bark of mirthless laughter, “Will that be before or after my demise, Gerald?”
As Dent would have given a spluttered reply, the earl caught sight of Miss Northam sitting quietly in a windowed alcove. She appeared to wish to remain unnoticed by the throng of guests, appearing most uncomfortable amongst such a press.