“Good morning, my lord, how have you fared over night?”
“It would seem that I survived,” he commented drily, which seemed to amuse her as a wide smile broke out onto her homely face.
“And glad we are of that,” she declared with feeling. “Would you like me to bring you something to break your fast? How does your stomach feel today?”
“It actually feels quite normal and hungry,” he answered, embarrassed to be discussing his body with the housekeeper.
“Very well, my lord, I shall return momentarily.” She hurried away and was good as her word, back within a few short minutes.
Austen tried not to turn up his nose, but gruel was not what he had been hoping for that morning. His feelings must have been written on his face because Mrs. Peabody chuckled again but didn’t change her mind.
“You need fortification, my lord, and your person has been through an ordeal. This is just what the doctor would order if you had agreed to see him.”
Austen sighed but obediently picked up the spoon and ate every bite. Despite its appearance, the porridge was remarkably tasty and the warm mixture disappeared quickly, satisfying his hunger and making him feel fortified, just as she had promised it would. He was getting heartily sick of sitting in the bed and was just about to swing his feet over the side and attempt to get up when Mrs. Appleton entered the room.
“Good morning, my lord,” she called to him in her melodious voice, causing him to feel a tightness in his chest. He actually reached up and rubbed it absently as he watched her walking toward him. “How are you feeling today? Do you think you might be able to get up and spare a little company?”
He brightened at her words. “I was just thinking that I couldn’t bear much longer in bed.” He smiled so as to not cause offense with his words.
“Excellent. Mrs. Peabody had your clothes laundered and repaired yesterday, so you should be set if you want to dress. Do you think you might need a hand?” She had puttered around the room laying out the clothes he hadn’t noticed and pouring a basin of warm water so he could clean up.
“I feel much stronger today. I should be able to manage for myself, thank you.” He turned to the housekeeper. “Thank you, Mrs. Peabody, for mending and washing my clothes. I shudder at the burden I have been to you fine folks.”
“Lawks, get on with you, my lord,” Mrs. Peabody responded with characteristic flare. “We have been enjoying the excitement. Now, if you think you’ll be all right on your own, I’ll just hover outside your door and you can yell for help if you need me.”
Austen could feel heat climbing into his cheeks over this offer, but he didn’t want to appear churlish by dismissing her. He just nodded and waited for them to file out before swinging his legs over the side of the bed.
He was ridiculously weak. No doubt the days of drinking before his beating hadn’t helped his health any. Gritting his teeth, he refused to call for help. Feeling grateful that Mrs. Appleton had placed his clothing on the end of the bed, he sat on the edge and managed to get himself clothed without too much difficulty. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, he stood slowly, wavering on his feet for a moment before shuffling his way to the table with the basin of water quickly cooling.
His reflection was not reassuring, and he was glad his daughter didn’t have to see him like this. His little Anne would probably have a fit of vapours if she saw him now, he thought with a fond smile that threatened to split the crack that was struggling to heal in his lip.
Once he had rinsed the sleep out of his eyes and combed his wayward hair, he was feeling much more human but was already beginning to tire. Getting below stairs was beginning to feel like it would be a test of his will, but he was determined to win the battle. He had been acting an imbecile long enough, and he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
He had decided the day before to allow the beating to have beaten some sense into him. He needed to start showing that sense by not becoming a leech on his new friends. He had no intention of repaying their kindness by taking advantage of it. He needed to regain his strength and get on with his life. Getting back to his daughter to ensure she was not being led astray by her aunt and uncle had to be a priority for him.
He gritted his teeth once more, let go of the table’s edge, and shuffled his way to the bedchamber door.
“Lawks almighty, my lord, I was starting to wonder if I’d have to come in and fetch you. But here you are looking almost none the worse for the wear. Very good. Shall I give you my arm as we make our way down the stairs or do you think you can manage them on your own?”
Austen wasn’t sure what was written on his face at her words, but his rejection of her suggestion must have been evident because the housekeeper laughed and launched into speech again. “I do apologize, my lord, it’s just that exciting to have someone to hover over. You must excuse me. Never mind my fidgets, you can just hold onto the railing if you think you might need some support. But I’ll just be here beside you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Peabody,” he replied as graciously as he could muster. He tried not to wince as he took each step slowly, but the effort was costing him. He could feel a trickle of sweat making its way down his back as he steadily progressed down the seemingly interminable staircase.
When he finally reached the bottom, he paused to catch his breath but then had the prickly sensation of being watched. Turning his head abruptly, he was surprised to see Mrs. Appleton standing in the doorway of what appeared to be a sitting room. It looked as though she were waiting for him.
“Are you quite all right, my lord?” she asked solicitously. “I do hope it was worth the effort. Would you care for any sort of refreshment? A cold drink or a cup of tea?”
“A cup of coffee would actually be just the thing if it would not be too much trouble,” he answered with a hopeful glance as he made an effort to step smartly, rather than the shuffle he had been doing in the bedroom. Even disgraced noblemen who have hit rock bottom have their pride to keep up in front of beautiful women.
Mrs. Peabody bustled past him. “I shall see to it right away, Missy.”
Austen finally found a reason to laugh despite his pains. “Why does your housekeeper call you Missy? Was I mistaken when I heard you introduce yourself as Mrs. Appleton?” He placed gentle emphasis on the Mrs. when he spoke.
“No, you were not mistaken,” she replied with a little sigh. “It is just that servants who have known you since your birth have a difficult time acknowledging that you are no longer a child.”
“Ah, yes, I have a similar situation with the butler at home,” Austen acknowledged. “So even though you married, you are still in the home you grew up in?” he asked, trying not to let on the depths of his curiosity about the woman.
“That is correct, my lord. I was an only child, and my husband was a soldier. We never really had much of a marriage or life on our own. When my parents passed away, I just kept on living here.”
“I’m sorry for your losses, madam. You seem to be a remarkably positive individual despite your many sorrows.”
“Doing anything else doesn’t make it any better, does it?”
“No,” he replied, “And I can answer that from experience.”
“What do you mean?”
He didn’t know what it was about her, but before he could put a bridle on his lips he was telling her his life story. He tried to make the long story as short as possible but wasn’t sure he succeeded. “I was already running adrift, but when my wife died I just seemed to lose all control of myself. I began drinking more heavily and made some poor financial choices under the guise of trying to right matters. Now I have placed my daughter in a precarious position. Thankfully she has her maternal aunt, who is sponsoring her for the Season and is keeping an eye on her while I fall apart. But I feel wretched about letting her down. When my daughter’s uncle suggested that it might be better if I make myself scarce, I agreed with him and went on this most recent bender.”
He paused for a moment,
looking out the window in an effort to avoid her sympathetic gaze as he divulged his disgrace. “But now I can see how badly I have let my poor daughter down, and I feel determined to return to Town and make it up to her. I wish I could also assure her that we don’t need the money and for her to remain unwed until such a time as she is of a mind to marry, but I’m not sure if that would be completely true. I have made such a muck of things that I’m not sure if I can manage for the both of us.”
He finally stopped talking. He had heard that confession was good for the soul, but he was merely feeling wrung out from baring himself to this woman. Her sympathetic silence was a little comforting, but he still couldn’t meet her eyes for his shame.
“Well, it seems to me that nothing yet is irreversible. Perhaps you ought to discuss it with your daughter and see what her thoughts are on the matter.”
Austen smiled. “Until recently I would have told you I don’t expect her to have many thoughts on the matter, but her reaction to the scam I tried to involve her in makes me think she has more going on in her mind than she lets on.”
“Most women do,” Mrs. Appleton replied with a gentle smile. “Ah, Mrs. Peabody, your timing is impeccable. I think now is the perfect time for a cup of your delicious coffee.”
The aging viscount was happy to allow the heavy moment to pass and drank appreciatively of the strong brew. It was just what he needed to help shake the cobwebs from his abused mind. After a few minutes of companionable silence, his hostess looked between him and the window.
“It’s a beautiful day outside. How are you feeling? Are you up for taking the air and seeing a little bit of my farm?”
“I would love to go outside, madam, but I am afraid I will be moving at a snail’s pace.”
“That’s quite all right. I have already seen to most of my chores for the day, so I do not have anything urgent calling for my attention.”
Austen again felt a strange flutter in his chest when he spied her warm smile directed at him. It had been so long since he had felt attracted to a woman that for a moment he thought his health was having a setback. When his mind slowly realized what the sensation truly was, he felt fiery heat climb into his cheeks. He was glad she was busying herself with the coffee things and didn’t notice his discomfort.
He had no desire to repay her kindness by burdening her with unwelcome advances. He decided it would be best if he could take his leave of this place as soon as possible. Unfortunately, since he had no funds, he was unsure how he would manage to leave. If he were completely healthy, he could just walk back to Town, even if it took him several days. But in his current state, he would probably keel over before he made it to the next village. He gritted his teeth and determined to be as little a burden as possible.
He was still mulling over the problem as Mrs. Appleton led him out into the bright fall day.
“See how beautiful it is?” she enthused.
“I can see that,” he replied as he gazed at her. He realized his tone must have been a little too warm as her eyes flew to meet his and then her gaze faltered. He cursed himself as every manner of fool before he quickly changed the subject by asking her about the property.
“This farm has been in my family for a little over a century. My great-great-grandfather performed some sort of service for the king and was granted this land. It came with no title, but it has served our family well.”
“I can imagine,” Austen agreed. “What did your ancestor do for the king?”
Mrs. Appleton shrugged. “No one knows. There has been wild speculation through the years but apparently, my great-great-grandfather refused to tell anyone, not even his wife. It would seem secrecy was part of the deal.”
“What a delicious mystery.” Austen smiled. “Did you have no siblings?”
“Sadly no. My mother died when I was young, and my father chose not to remarry. His nephew, my cousin, is starting to eye my property, expecting that it will pass to him or his son one day since my husband died before we were able to have any children.”
“You are still young. Surely you can remarry.”
“I could, but I would really rather someone wished to marry me for my sake rather than to get their hands on my property.”
Austen laughed. “You have the opposite problem from my daughter. Perhaps you should come to London with me and have a conversation with Anne. I do believe it would be most enlightening.”
Mrs. Appleton’s gaze again flickered to meet his. He couldn’t quite read what was going through her mind, but the butterflies began their incessant fluttering once more.
“I have never been to London, my lord. I would have no idea how to go on. But I’m sure your daughter is lovely and shall do just fine without any words of wisdom I might be able to impart.” She then changed the subject by leading him to the barns.
“I have cut back somewhat on the scope of our farming as my needs are simple and I found it a bit much to keep up with. Do you farm on your property, my lord?”
“Just enough to keep food on the table. I’m afraid I have let everything run to rack and ruin. I would be grateful if you could give me some advice, actually. I really do need to pull myself up by my bootstraps if it is not already too late.”
“I don’t believe it’s ever too late if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort.”
“I think I’m willing, but I will need to gain a little bit more strength before I can put in any effort.”
“My men would be happy to show you whatever you might want to know.”
Austen felt hope stirring again in his chest as he smiled gratefully at his hostess. It was beginning to appear as though his attack were the best thing that could have happened to him.
Chapter Six
Meanwhile, back in London
“Lord Dunbar to see you, my lady,” the butler announced solemnly as he ushered the viscount into the already crowded receiving room.
Anne glanced up at him from the settee she was seated upon and quickly got to her feet. She dipped into a brief curtsy as he approached to take her hand. She watched his gaze circling the room but she was unable interpret the look on his face. It was a strange combination of delight and irritation.
“It is lovely to see you this morning, my lady,” he greeted her as he bowed formally over her hand.
She pulled her hand quickly out of his, annoyed by the thrill that went through her at his touch. Certainly she should be getting used to it by now. She scolded herself while she tried to keep a neutral expression on her face.
“And you, my lord. I’m sure you are familiar with everyone present. The housekeeper has just brought us tea. Could I pour you a cup?”
“No, thank you. I have just left the breakfast table, myself. I had actually called round to see if you would care to accompany me for a drive. I did not expect to find you quite so occupied.”
The curl of his lip indicated he was not quite pleased to find her so, but Anne reasoned this was the purpose of their plan, so it was ridiculous for her to feel guilty. She offered him a bland smile.
“I would have loved to accompany you, my lord, but as you can see…” She allowed her words to trail off, unsure of the proper etiquette for such a situation, as she had never found herself in need of juggling multiple visitors. She was relieved from further comment by the butler announcing yet another arrival.
“Lord Sebastian Grey, my lady,” the butler declared while someone across the room hailed the viscount. He stepped away, allowing Anne to greet the latest arrival.
“My lord,” she greeted Sebastian simply with a shallow curtsy.
“Lady Anne,” he hailed heartily. “You are looking radiant today. None the worse for your late night of dancing, I am happy to note.”
Anne felt a blush stealing over her features but kept her smile firmly in place. She continued to struggle with the desire to hide behind the nearest curtain. She’d had no idea how gruelling it was to be the centre of attention. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the young lady
at her side and introduced her to Sebastian. That young lady expertly launched into a practiced flirtation with the aristocratic gentleman, allowing Anne to slip away.
She could feel the viscount’s gaze burning into her shoulder blades, but she refused to glance in his direction as she made every effort to enjoy a conversation with another debutante about the ball they had attended the night before.
“Wasn’t the music just divine?” Charlotte trilled. “And the punch! It was not nearly as tepid as usual. I do believe the Clairhurst ball was one of the best I have yet attended.”
“I would have to agree with you,” Anne replied. For her, it was the first time she had ever enjoyed a ball, so it wouldn’t have mattered what the music or punch was like. In fact, she could not recall anything about the musicians except that there had been no glaring errors in any of the pieces they had played.
“Are you not having the time of your life, Lady Anne?” the young woman continued to enthuse.
“It is certainly a delight,” Anne answered and then returned, “What about you, Miss Charlotte?”
“Oh, my lady, it is everything I knew it would be,” Charlotte gushed before launching into her tales of wonder for the Season.
Anne could feel mirth rising in her chest and wondered how she was going to prevent herself from laughing out loud at the other young woman. Blessedly, before she lost her composure completely, some of her guests began to take their leave. As nearly everyone in Society followed the lead of others, it didn’t take too long before the room was nearly empty.
Lord Grey was second to last to bow over her hand. His eyes were dancing as he kissed her wrist with a flourish. “You are a decidedly popular young woman, my lady. It is an honour to know you.”
She couldn’t help but to giggle over his words. “You are a jester, my lord.”
“Not at all,” he declared before he took his leave after exchanging a quizzical glance with Lord Dunbar, the only other remaining occupant of the room.
Sebastian left the door open as he let himself out of the room. Anne turned to the viscount, expecting him to also take his leave. His words surprised her.
The Viscount Deception: A Sweet Regency Romance Adventure (Mayfair Mayhem Book 3) Page 7
