The accusation in her voice was clear for all to hear.
“I did not know that he was Sir Russell at the time, Mama,” Selina muttered.
“Who on earth did you think he was, my dear?” Mrs Crauford said with a laugh, but there was no humour in her voice. Selina’s voice lowered even further.
“The stable groom,” she muttered.
Ophelia giggled, earning a stern look from both her mother and aunt. The stable groom? Alex supposed that he could see the reason why she would think such a thing. He also found it amusing, letting out a great big laugh, startling the women. Many of his guests had heard him, turning to see what had tickled him so.
Alex spent the next few minutes attending to inquisitive questions, all wishing to know what had made the Baronet of Chesterfield loosen his manner in such a public setting. He had to admit that he had come across as reserved for quite some time, hence their bemused expressions. When he finally had the chance to turn back to the woman who had drawn forth his laugh, she was gone. Alex looked over the sea of heads, hoping to see the redhead, but she had apparently left the ballroom. Until we meet again, Selina.
Selina was mortified.
“Beyond mortified! What can that man possibly gain by making me look like a fool before my family? Not just my family, but the entire ballroom!”
The curious eyes that had turned to them had made her feel like nothing but a spectacle.
“He tricked me! What else could it be? He sought out a way to make a fool of me, and for what reason? What have I done to him that he would find it acceptable to make me the laughingstock of the countryside?”
To make matters worse, she had had a run in with the dreaded Lavinia Mostyn. The interaction had lasted a mere few minutes, but it had seemed like an eternity. They had been civil with one another, but Selina would have liked nothing more than to take the drink in Lavinia’s hand and throw it in her smug face.
“That woman rankles me so!”
The air between them had been filled with tension, their fake smiles tight from the need to hold it for as long as needed. It was no secret that they disliked each other. Selina could still not fathom what she had done to Lavinia to have been treated so abominably by her in their youth. She may have once attempted to form a friendship with her, but Lavinia’s poor attitude and disregard for those in a lower position to her were significant hurdles to cross.
“And for her to assume that I have been taken in by his wayward morality! The nerve of the woman!”
But hearing Lavinia speak of Alex’s reputation for being an incorrigible flirt had only made her feel more so of a fool. Her shame had covered her like a heavy garment, weighing down her emotions. It seemed as though Lavinia was also intent upon humiliating her, but that fact should not have surprised her. When had the dark-haired woman not tried to somehow embarrass her? It had been purely wishful thinking on her part to have expected Lavinia to have changed her ways as she grew older, but the woman had only become more lethal. Is Alex the flirt that Lavinia says he is? Had he flirted with her by the river? If she were perfectly honest, she would admit to the fact that she had also somewhat flirted with him. It had come naturally to her in his presence, but now she was regretting her actions. What if he saw me as a shameless wanton woman? The thought was too great to bear. Selina had found herself walking away from Lavinia, not wishing to be in her presence any longer. As soon as she had exited the ballroom, she had started to run, not caring about the direction.
After a while, Selina stopped to look at where her feet had blindly led her. She was surrounded by flowers, wild ones intermingling with those more often seen in the well-kept gardens of the wealthy. Selina felt as though she had entered a secret garden of sorts, so taken aback was she by the richness of the colours. She spied a garden bench not far off, and she went to it, gladly sitting down.
The grass beneath her looked welcoming, so she slipped off her slippers and dug her feet into the grass, not caring if she should get any dirt on them. Selina did not intend to return to the ballroom, propriety be damned. She would just have to suffer the consequences tomorrow when her mind was clearer.
“To think that I enjoyed his company! What could I have ever seen in him? I must have been daft to think that I could entertain any passion for him. I wish that I had never met him!”
If he had just revealed his true identity at their first meeting, Selina would have resolutely put him from her mind, and this embarrassment would have never happened.
“Is it not just the way of the wealthy? He will escape all punishment and not a soul will hold him accountable for his actions, and yet I will receive an earful once my mother and aunt have me alone with them.”
It made her somewhat jealous to know this, further adding fuel to the fire. The inferno within her was growing, and she was going to need to let off steam soon.
“It is men that have all the freedom! Never once have I heard of a man suffering a social consequence to his actions, but I have certainly heard of women being shamed. What existence is this? If I were but born a boy, I would have had all the freedom that I could have possibly desired.”
She threw her arms out wide, raising her voice as she ended her tirade. Her roaring emotions deflated a bit, and she hunched her shoulders.
“But, I am a woman. A beast of burden if you like. I must think of my reputation if but to protect that of my family. And Phee, what would become of her should society shun us? Her chances of a good marriage would be ruined, and it would be solely my fault.”
I certainly do not need to be the cause of ruined chances. I would never forgive myself.
Lavinia Mostyn was a young woman who was used to getting her way. She had learned from an early age that a woman did not possess the freedom of her male counterpart. However, this knowledge had not deterred her in any way. There were ways to get people to bend to her will, and Lavinia was a master at this fine art. She had her father twisted around her little finger, having him provide for her every whim. I am his only child, after all, it goes without saying that he would ensure that I have the best of everything. And that included the baronet.
“It goes without saying that he will be mine. It is only a matter of time before Sir Russell realises that I am his intended.”
Lavinia had not liked how Alexander had brushed her father off in favour of going to the Seymour sisters. She had recognised Selina first, noting her shock of red hair, then seeing little Ophelia who had grown up to be a beautiful young lady. But it was not Ophelia that bothered Lavinia. No, the recipient of her ire was solely aimed at Selina.
“The girl was nothing but a thorn in my side, trying to outshine me in everything. I was able to put her in her place back then, and I can do it again.”
She was sure that Selina had seen her, as Lavinia had seen her. She had taken great pains with her dress, choosing a white dress with gold trimmings. Her carefully-preserved rosy complexion and raven-coloured hair were her best features, attracting admirers wherever she went.
“But not here,” she muttered.
Selina had garnered more attention with her last-season green dress than Lavinia had with her Grecian-inspired dress. Her handmaid had even taken great pains to weave a gold thread through her hair, giving her the look of a Greek goddess. She would have been Aphrodite herself if not for her dark locks. Perhaps I should take the plunge and have my hair colour changed. Blonde hair may bring her more attention, but Lavinia knew within her that Selina would always draw more attention. She had never thought that Selina would appear at this ball, let alone have so quickly attracted the attention of the baronet himself! Lavinia scanned the crowd of dancing bodies, trying to see tell-tale signs of the redhead, but she had not yet returned.
“Where has she disappeared to? I need to know where she is, and I need to know it now!”
Sir Russell was still in her view, making his way through the throng of people moving around the ballroom. She was merely waiting her turn, hoping to get a moment with him t
o herself.
“I only need a few minutes to convince him that I would be the perfect wife for him. I intend to make him forget that such a woman as Selina Seymour ever existed.”
She would make him laugh as well, just as Selina had. The foolish woman was probably lost on the estate right now, nursing her broken heart. Lavinia snickered at the image, relishing any shame and pain that Selina may be going through. Serves her right! Why does she always have to spoil my plans? But this time the redhead would not win the baronet’s favour.
“That task belongs solely to me, his future wife.”
Lavinia watched as Alexander looked over the crowd, searching for something. Or someone. He’s looking for her! What if he decides to follow her? Should they be found in a compromising situation, he would be forced to marry her. I cannot let that happen. Lavinia had to do something, and she had to do it fast. She walked towards him, her eyes fastened on his body. Once she was close enough to him, she feigned a trip, crying out in soft alarm as her knees dropped to the floor. Alexander, being the gentleman that he was, immediately noticed her and came to her assistance, pushing bodies out of the way. Lavinia knew that she could have been stood upon and hurt, but she would gladly suffer pain if it meant that the baronet would pay attention to her.
“What has happened? Have you hurt your foot?”
He looked genuinely worried as he helped her to her feet. There were many onlookers, but that just added to the authenticity of her act. She cried out when she placed her right foot on the floor.
“Oh, dear me! I seem to have hurt my ankle. How foolish of me! You must think me a clumsy woman for falling.”
“Not at all, Miss–?”
“Mostyn, Miss Mostyn. You met my father earlier this evening.”
Recognition dawned in his eyes. “Why yes, I do remember. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Mostyn.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Sir Russell.”
Lavinia put as much meaning as possible behind her words, but Alexander was oblivious to them.
“Please, allow me to help you to your seat. Do you think that you could handle a short walk to a chair? I will hold your arm–you may rest against me.”
“I shall try.”
Lavinia’s voice was feeble and trembling, adding to her portrayal of the injured damsel. She readily leaned against him, enjoying the jealous looks she received from the women hoping to catch a wealthy man. Take note ladies, this is the length that I will go to get what I want. You can settle for your impoverished suitors, but I will be the wife of a wealthy man. It didn’t hurt that he was good looking as well. A chair appeared far too quickly for her liking. I should have moved chairs further away before faking my injury. But then people would have surely noticed.
Alexander gently put her into the chair, his arm muscles bulging even through the thickness of his clothes. Oh my, what a strong man he is. Nothing like the weak pickings in this ballroom. His hands were calloused, as he had scratched the sensitive skin on her arm ever so slightly, but Lavinia didn’t mind. Battle wounds before the win. There was no doubt in her mind that she would have this man as her husband. His wealth would also help the dwindling fortune of the Mostyn coffers. Lavinia had not known that their financial situation was serious until her father had informed her of their imminent placement into the poor house.
The thought of losing all that she loved–her home, the use of servants, social status, shopping–filled her with fear. This spurred her on to work harder at securing a wealthy husband. She had set her eyes on a Duke, but he had been snatched up by a woman with a greater dowry than her. Lavinia looked at the man before her. He was wealthy and good looking, but as far as being her type, he was lacking. She had heard rumours about him, stories that had made her form the opinion that the Baronet of Chesterfield was not a good man. But what could she do? He was the wealthiest suitor at this present moment, and her father needed that money. She needed that money! Lavinia would not give up living in the lap of luxury for anyone or anything.
“Sir Russell, you are most kind for helping me. How may I ever repay you?”
Lavinia batted her eyelashes, flashing a bit of her leg above the ankle.
“No need, Miss Mostyn. You are a guest in my home. It is my responsibility to ensure that you are well taken care of.”
Alexander did not bother to look at her exposed leg. But she wasn’t about to give up so easily. She laid her hand upon her chest, drawing attention to that area.
“But I must thank you! Allow me to extend an invitation to you to pay our humble abode a visit. Father has been meaning to ask you, but it seems to have slipped his mind.”
Alexander’s eyes were looking everywhere else but at her. He is looking for that Selina! She is indeed a thorn in my flesh, and I need her removed.
“I see your father in the corner. Let me call him and have him gauge whether or not you should return home. I would hate to see your ankle worsen on my account.”
No mention of accepting the invitation. Before she could say anything else, Alexander left her, making a beeline for her father. She could tell that he simply wasn’t interested in her. No, he had his eyes set on Selina. Just like always. Lavinia would not admit defeat to Selina. There had to be something else that she could do. Her mind started to work, the wheels turning as she tried to put together a plan that would keep the baronet and Selina away from each other for good. Lavinia smiled as a perfectly-wicked plan formed in her head.
“Oh, this is good. In fact, it is perfectly evil. Let me see you get out of this one unscathed, Selina.”
Alex couldn’t get away fast enough. What was wrong with these women? Faking an injury to grab his attention was indeed not the way to win his attention. The minute Lavinia had latched onto his arm he had known that she was not truly hurt. She had swopped her feet as she had walked, favouring one, and then the other. A person who sported a sprained ankle would favour the ankle that was injured, wincing in pain as they walked. But not Lavinia. The woman had even smiled as she had walked, looking at the interested gazes of the people watching them. Just another woman in a long line of desperate women seeking to become the wife of a wealthy baronet. Lady Luck had smiled down upon him when he had spotted her father. Alex had seen his escape route, and he had wasted no time in taking it.
Mr Mostyn was currently chatting to another portly fellow whose girth kept everyone at a reasonable distance. It was a most fortunate thing as he reeked of teeth in need of pulling out. As he neared the men, he kept a lookout for a fiery redhead. She had likely taken a step outside or perhaps sealed herself in one of the many rooms of Chesterfield Hall. He would have a hard time finding her, but he did wish to speak with her. Alex had thought about leaving her until another time, but he had a sense of urgency to talk with her before her family took their leave.
Mr Mostyn saw him, and immediately his grinned widened. I would not be surprised if it were Mostyn who put his daughter up to this. Word had gotten around that the man was going through his fortune quicker than he could make it, and now he was firmly in debt. Mostyn needed a rich man to marry his daughter or face ruin and humiliation. Men like Mostyn would sooner sell his own daughter or take the noose to being without money and power. But that man will not be me.
“Sir Russell!” Mostyn bellowed. “Just the man that I wanted to see!”
“Mr Mostyn, I am sorry to interrupt, but your daughter is in need of some assistance. She tripped and fell, hurting her ankle. Perhaps it is best to take her home where she can rest and put her foot up.”
The man seemed taken aback for a moment as a myriad of emotions passed over his face. Was he actually considering not helping his own daughter? There was nothing truly wrong with her, yes, but surely more concern should have been shown by him? He did not know that his daughter was faking her injury. Or did he?
“Mr Mostyn? Did you hear me? Your daughter needs your assistance.”
Mostyn blinked. “Yes, right. Mr Palmer, Sir Russell, if you would excuse me
.”
A Charming Lady for the Intriguing Baronet: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 9
