“If it’s about the other day on the lawn with Blake, I promise, it was a complete accident.”
“It is about Mr. Gunther. When Lord Templeton comes tomorrow, you must not let him think your attention is divided. Mr. Gunther is a dear family friend, and he is harmless enough, but you know as well as I that he isn’t in any hurry to marry.”
“What does that have to do with Lord Templeton?” Mary felt defensive.
“If you were to marry Lord Templeton, you could not have such an easy comradery with Mr. Gunther. It is time to put your childhood friendship aside and focus on the one relationship that matters—the one with your future husband. When Mr. Gunther comes today, I am going to ask if he would no longer visit the nursery.”
“But why? The children adore him and he them. I cannot see how this would be good for anyone.”
“It’s not because of them, but because of you.”
Mary folded her arms and turned to look through the window. The view of the orchard only reminded her of Blake’s silly request for a romantic stroll. Her mother was right. The time she spent with Blake only made her heart more vulnerable. All morning she had been filled with hope, but it only ever set her up for more disappointment. “All right.”
Her mother sighed, reaching for her gloves and slipping them over her hands. “It will be one more change we will have to accustom ourselves to, but Mr. Gunther will understand.”
***
“I’ve invited Miss Cartwright for dinner at the end of the week,” Mrs. Gunther said over breakfast.
Blake scooped up his coddled eggs. “I will be there.”
His mother’s lips pulled back into a pleased expression—a look rarely directed his way. His sisters were in the other room with his father, and he could hear their gushing sighs over their new shawls from India. The real prize was a special beetle specimen shipped all the way from Bombay. And what did Blake get? More matchmaking.
“I thought Miss Cartwright so genteel. Not overexcited like so many new girls out in society but not overly demure either.”
“A great example for my sisters, then,” he teased. He had better not let his mother know he was even remotely open to pursuing Miss Cartwright. His mother would have their wedding invitations copied on the finest paper by nightfall.
“Your sisters are not invited to dine with us.”
“Why not?”
“They talk too much. I thought about inviting another couple, but I daresay it would divide conversation. I want you and Miss Cartwright to have as much opportunity to speak as possible.”
“Does she know about the rumors?”
“Everyone has heard the rumors. You are fortunate they are willing to overlook such things. Your connections to the earl are your saving grace.”
Suddenly, his stomach soured, and he could not finish his breakfast. “Speaking of his lordship, he has need of me at Banbury,” he lied, wiping his lips with his napkin. “I should go straight away.”
Of all his faults, dishonesty was not one of them. False flattery … on occasion. Stretching the truth … when necessary. But this was an outright lie. The pressure was getting to him. He bid his mother goodbye and found his horse in the stable as ready for a ride as Blake was.
The steady cadence of the horse did little to settle his stomach, but the fresh air and peace were worth the short trip. A castle groomsman took his horse when he arrived, allowing Blake to enter the keep without detouring to the stables. He hoped at least someone was up and about inside. He would dearly like to talk about anything other than shawls, beetles, or wives.
Pearl let him inside, and he handed off his hat.
“Mr. Gunther,” Lady Crawford called from the corridor just outside Anton’s study. “Might you join us for a moment?”
“Gladly, my lady.” Blake wondered what they would need his opinion for. The last time they’d spoken privately, it had been to reprimand him. He hoped it wasn’t that. A faint scent of leather and musty books greeted him as he stepped into the room. Blake took in the serious faces of both mother and son. “It isn’t Jillian, is it?”
“I haven’t had word for days,” Lady Crawford said. “If I haven’t received news to reassure me by the end of the week, I will go to her myself.” She motioned for him to sit. Once he did, they sat too.
The study was a narrow rectangle and perfect for one or two people, but three felt nearly claustrophobic to him. He ached to open the only window behind him. “If not Jillian, what has you both so solemn?”
“You,” Anton said, not mincing words.
“Me?” Blake sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “Oh, come on. Not you, too. I promise, I haven’t seduced a woman all week.”
“Mr. Gunther!” Lady Crawford put her hand over her heart.
He bit the inside of his cheek. Patience wasn’t exactly his forte this morning. “I apologize. Most of the neighborhood has condemned me, and I thought at least this family would find the rumors a touch ridiculous.”
Lady Crawford put her hand on his arm. “Blake dear,” she said, dropping pretenses. “It’s not the rumors but about Mary again.”
He braced himself. “What is worrying you?” If it was Lord Templeton, Blake would have no problem recalling some of his college boxing moves.
Anton cleared his throat. “Mother and I are hopeful she and Lord Templeton will make a match. It would be easier if you were not in the picture. I told Mother you would understand.”
“I am not sure I do.”
Lady Crawford squeezed his arm gently. “You and Mary are good friends, but it’s hard for a suitor to understand the nature of your relationship. While we all know the two of you are like brother and sister and would never suit as a couple, Lord Templeton might think you are the target of Mary’s attention, not him.”
No matter how he had trained himself to lighten moods such as this, he could not pull his lips into a smile. The phrase like brother and sister and would never suit repeated itself in his mind. “I see. Would you like me to bow out of Terrance’s goodbye dinner tonight?”
“No,” Lady Crawford said quickly. “Terrance would see that as a slight to him.”
Blake cleared his throat. “I will do my best not to speak to Mary tonight then.”
“There’s more,” Anton said.
Blake wasn’t sure if he could handle anymore, especially coming from his best friend. “Well? Out with it.”
“Mother and I think it best for you to stay at your place for the next few weeks. It’s not like you aren’t welcome here at Banbury—we consider you family—it’s simply that ... ”
“You must maintain appearances,” Blake finished.
Lady Crawford sighed. “This isn’t coming out as I wished it to.”
“Please,” Blake said holding up his hand to silence her grievances. “Do not worry yourself on my account. I am sure there are dark summers in everyone’s lives, and this just happens to be mine.” He laughed at his poor joke, but it just made the others look miserable. “I was jesting. Of course, I want Mary to be happy as much as either of you do. If Mary and Lord Templeton are hoping to court, then I will gladly give them room to do so.”
“See, Mother,” Anton said. “I told you Gunther would understand. There isn’t a better chap in all the world.” Then Anton’s eyes connected with Blake’s. “Looks like I will have to come visit you at your place for a change, hmm? Although your father might ask about my beetle collection he started for me. I will have to admit I burned it to avoid nightmares of bugs crawling all over me.”
“You two keep discussing the details,” Lady Crawford said, standing. “I want to check on the menu for tonight with cook again.” She put her hand on Blake’s shoulder and rubbed it affectionately. “We’ll miss you even though you’re just a few miles away.”
“Thank you, Lady Crawford.” He knew she loved him, but clearly not as much as her own children like he’d once thought.
“I’ll see myself out,” he said to Anton once the doo
r shut behind Lady Crawford.
Anton’s face softened, and his brows creased with concern. “Make a quick goodbye to the children, will you? The older two keep asking after you, and it wouldn’t be right to keep them wondering.”
“Are you sure your mother would approve?”
Anton flicked the feather on his quill. “I’ll try to head her off so you can have a moment.”
“Just like old times when we were planning pranks, eh?”
Anton chuckled. “Except this time, you aren’t going to do anything foolish.”
Blake stood and walked to the door. “I might kidnap Opal. She likes me better than the rest of you.”
“Not if you want to get on my mother’s good side again.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if I ever was.” Blake’s joke held shreds of truth. Perhaps his own mother was right, and she was never right. It was time for Blake to move on like the rest of the world.
Chapter 10
Mary had seen Blake ride up to the castle from her view in the small alcove. Then she’d waited, just tucked behind the top of the stairs, and stole a glimpse of her mother cornering him. It did not take much deducing to discover that the subject of their conversation was her. Once her mother had an idea, she stuck to it.
Tears dripped from her eyes as she waited. Her plan for Terrance to find her a suitor had worked in all the wrong ways. Now Mary was doomed to have Lord Templeton as her fate. The door opened twice before Blake exited. Her breath caught, and she slipped back into her alcove. She did not want him to see her cry.
His steps grew louder as he finished climbing the stairs and drew closer to her. A hiccup escaped and she slammed her hand over her mouth.
His steps ceased right in front of her hiding spot.
It was her curse. More often than not, she developed hiccups when she cried. She held her breath and didn’t so much as flinch until the footsteps started up again. Blake was no doubt on his way to the nursery.
When Mary was sure the corridor was clear, she snuck out of her hiding place and hurried to find Terrance. She pushed open his door, startling him.
Terrance’s surprised expression turned into feigned annoyance. “I could have been dressing, you know.”
“I knew you were packing.” She took several heavy steps to his bed and sat down. “I’ve made a mess of everything.”
“Gunther again?”
“Yes,” Mary said, not even caring how whiney her voice sounded. “What advice do you have for me?”
“Do whatever you can to secure Lord Templeton’s affections at dinner tonight.”
“And that will make Blake wildly jealous?” Mary wasn’t sure it would work.
“No,” Terrance said, tossing a stack of handkerchiefs into his trunk. “My advice is literal. It’s high time you consider options outside of Blake Gunther.”
His pronouncement depressed her further. “All right. I’ll really try this time.”
“Good, because my patience with my friend is wearing thin, and if he makes you cry one more time, he’ll live to regret it.”
Mary’s lips quivered, but she managed a watery smile for her brother. “He won’t, because I am going to take your advice. But if Blake gets under my skin again, I will let you do your worst. Go for his nose, will you? His face is far too perfect for his own good.”
Terrance chuckled. “I’m going to miss you, Mary Contrary.”
Mary’s smile flipped into a scowl. “Terrance Hadley!”
He put his hands up to beg for mercy. “I swear I said your nickname with only the utmost affection.”
She rolled her eyes and stood to leave. “Perhaps I ought to write to Miss Bliss and tell her just how charming you really are.” She stuck her tongue out at her brother and left his room with her threat hanging over him. A small smile crept back over her lips. Terrance was lucky to have found someone. Tonight would be her turn.
Chapter 11
Blake kissed and hugged the children but found he was disappointed Mary was not with them. An emptiness settled over him that he could not explain. It stayed with him all day until he returned to Banbury Castle that night for Terrance’s farewell dinner.
The ache in his heart lifted the exact moment he saw Mary. She was laughing, and her joy bubbled over and warmed him. He moved closer, only to freeze when he saw who she was laughing with—Lord Templeton.
The rest of the night was filled with flirtatious banter between Mary and Lord Templeton, and Blake found it quite appalling. When dinner and port were over, they gathered back in the drawing room to visit.
“How is it possible we share the same favorite foods? What else do I need to know about you?” Mary turned her head to the side and admired Lord Templeton openly. “You must have a disagreeable aunt or I will be determined to think you perfect.”
Blake closed his eyes for a moment and pictured Mary and his new enemy exchanging vows at the altar. The image was like a punch to Blake’s gut. He marched over to Terrance, standing by the fireplace. “Are you as disgusted as I am by this revolting scene?”
“What? Mary?”
Blake glanced back to see Mary lean forward and flutter her eyelashes. He could vomit on the man’s perfectly shined Hessian boots. “Have you ever seen her throw herself at a man like she is now?”
“It’s harmless flirtations. Nothing at all to someone like you, Romeo.”
Blake wondered at the hard glint in Terrance’s eyes. “Not you too.” Terrance stood up straight, reminding Blake how much shorter he was than his friend.
“When is the birth of your child anyhow?”
Blake’s anger erupted at the words. He fisted his hand and drew back to sock Terrance.
Someone caught his hand from behind. Anton.
“Contain yourself,” Anton warned. “You knock Terrance’s teeth out, and my mother will have you banned from Mary’s presence for the rest of eternity.”
Blake growled and took several short breaths.
“Simmer, good man,” Terrance said, stepping back. “If it’s just a rumor, then you have no reason to be so sour.”
“Is that what you think? That it’s a simple rumor without a shred of truth?” Blake asked, crossing his arms to keep from killing someone. “Because I want to know who my true friends are.”
Terrance didn’t answer. Instead, he swung his eyes to Mary.
Blake turned to Anton. “Tell me.”
Anton put his hand on his waist. “You tell us.”
“All right,” Blake said, ready to confess despite his injured pride. “There is no way under heaven that I am anyone’s father.”
Terrance sighed, still keeping his eyes on his sister. “It’s one thing to believe you when it’s just us. It’s another when our sister’s honor is at stake.”
“And why would it be?” Blake asked louder than he should have. The others shushed him. He just didn’t understand what was going on here.
“We aren’t fools,” Anton said. “We have eyes. And the sparks flying between you and Mary are worse than any lightning storm I’ve ever seen.”
“Then what is happening right now?” Blake asked, pointing to Mary practically throwing herself at the gentleman. If he didn’t know her better, he’d think she was a brazen hussy.
Terrance answered rather simply. “Mary is either trying to forget you or to drive you to your knees.” He finally looked at Blake. “I’d say it’s working.”
“She’s driving me mad.” Blake rubbed the back of his neck. Agitation seized his muscles, causing him to tense everywhere.
“That’s love for you.” Terrance gave Blake a coy smile.
His calm demeanor and dry humor did nothing but annoy Blake. “Mary is like a sister to me.”
Anton’s laugh joined Terrance’s. He looked at Mary, who glared at them. Blake put his back to her again.
“Fine. So, I care for Mary. Is it such a crime? Am I to be drawn and quartered by my best friends?”
Anton slapped Blake on the back. “It’
s about time you admitted it. Does she know?”
Blake sniffed back his angry emotions. “Maybe.”
Terrance grinned. “That’s coward for no.”
“I’m leaving. Tell your bewitching sister goodnight for me.” Blake didn’t hide the contempt from his voice.
“Tell her yourself,” Terrance said, with a flourish of his arm in Mary’s direction.
Blake made a cutting glare at the turncoat and forced himself to face his misery. He stalked over to the others.
“If you will pardon my interruption,” Blake said in the sweetest voice he could procure under such maddening circumstances, “but I would like to thank Lady Crawford for the delicious meal and bid you all goodnight.”
“Leaving so soon?” Mary said, without any real care in her voice.
“I am overtired, Lady Mary. But I am sure your present company will keep you perfectly entertained in my absence.”
Mary looked almost guilty for a moment, but she recovered quickly. She gave him a placating smile. “Yes, you’d better hurry home and rest. Goodnight.”
Lady Crawford and the gentlemen murmured their parting words and Blake forced himself from Mary’s presence for self-preservation. What was he going to do? Even his friends believed him capable of such indiscretions. Perhaps he’d gone too far in his flirtations this last Season. He’d been a fool.
How could he possibly earn Mary’s trust again? And before it was too late. He was already banned from the house.
Instead of stalking from the room, he returned to his friends. “You’ve got to help me.”
“What exactly are your intentions?” Terrance asked. “Because if it isn’t marriage, then you can count me out.”
Blake turned to Anton, who was nodding his agreement.
“I just decided two minutes ago that I was interested in her. Can’t I have a little time to think?”
Lady Mary Contrary: Regency Ever After book 2 Page 5
