by Leenie Brown
“It was coffee, my lady, with just a touch of whiskey to give it the illusion of heat.” He took a sip from his cup. “This is infinitely better.”
“You are not given to drink, are you?” Lady Sophia busied herself once again with pouring a cup of tea. This time for her brother.
“Not Madoch,” said the admiral. “Others may indulge but not Madoch. This one always has his wits about him. Shrewd as they come, he is.”
Alex gave a small nod in acceptance of the praise. “I thank you for the compliment, sir.”
“How’s your uncle?” The admiral took a seat and settled in as if he were there for a long chat.
“He is well. His foot pains him occasionally, but it is not enough to do more than slow him. He still insists on being at the stables each day.”
Admiral Fitzwilliam turned to his sister. “Thank you,” he said taking the cup of tea she offered. “Madoch’s uncle runs the finest stable in all of Brighton.”
Madoch cleared his throat softly.
Admiral Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Perhaps not the finest. Prinny’s is possibly better, eh, Madoch?” He winked at Alex.
Lady Sophia’s hand stopped mid-stir. “You know the Prince Regent?”
“Know him?” scoffed the admiral. “This boy runs his stables and his riding school. It is said that Prinny does not make a decision regarding a horse without Madoch’s approval.”
Lady Sophia dropped into her chair, her tea forgotten. “You sway the opinion of his Highness?”
He shook his head. “I do not sway it, my lady. When it comes to horse flesh, I form it.”
Lady Sophia’s mouth hung open for half a moment before she snapped it shut. “You may not have a title, Mr. Madoch, but you most certainly hold position.”
He shrugged. “I do, but for how long? The prince may decide that someone else has better sense, and then where will I be?”
The admiral snorted. “On his own estate, breeding and selling horses is where,” he muttered. “Do not let him fool you, Sophia. This one has connections a plenty and money to equal them.”
“Is this true?” Lady Sophia’s eyes were alight with delight. Not only did she like the gentleman before her, but he did meet Anne’s requirements in a roundabout way.
Alex leaned forward in his chair and lowered his voice. “What the admiral says is true; however, Miss de Bourgh is not to know of it.” He held his breath, hoping that Lady Sophia and Admiral Fitzwilliam would not ruin his plans to win Anne’s heart without revealing the particulars of his situation.
Confusion replaced the delight in Lady Sophia’s eyes. “Why ever not? She will refuse to consider you without knowing of your qualifications.”
“Because I wish for her to choose me. Not my wealth. Not my connections. Me.” He held Lady Sophia’s gaze. “I wish for her to follow her heart.”
Lady Sophia’s eyes grew wide as understanding dawned on her. “You love her? But how?”
Alex released his breath quickly. “My father’s estate is in Kent, near Rosings.” He paused, not sure how much of his story he should share.
“This family is good at keeping secrets,” said Lady Sophia casting a quick glance at her brother.
“Aye,” agreed the admiral, “from the world and each other.” He winked at his sister. It had only been a few weeks since she had revealed her secret. She had no way of knowing that keeping that particular secret would cause him pain, and so he did not hold her accountable. However, his brother, who had forced the secret to be kept, he held very accountable.
“You will agree that not a word of my situation will be shared with Miss de Bourgh?”
“Not a word,” Lady Sophia agreed.
“You will allow her to walk away from me if that is her choice?”
Lady Sophia pondered the question for a moment. “Unless in doing so she will be utterly miserable.” She shook her head. “I cannot allow that.” She smiled reassuringly at him. “Perhaps the knowledge I gain from your tale will assist me in knowing how best to help.”
“My sister, the matchmaker,” said the admiral as he waved his hand toward his sister with a flourish. “She’ll not rest, my boy, until things have been arranged to best advantage.”
Alex could not help the chuckle that escaped him. “Very well. I shall tell you.” For the next ten minutes, Alex told of his interest in the stables at Rosings and of the young girl of fourteen, who had sneaked into the stables in search of a fast horse, one that was quick enough to cause her memories to float away on the wind.
Alex saw the red rims of her eyes and heard the soft sniffle as the groom readied a steady mare.
“She is not fast enough.”
“She is the only horse you are allowed, miss,” explained the stable master. “I’ll not risk my position or your life. I dare say I risk enough allowing you to ride when your mother is unaware.” He gave Anne a stern look.
Anne huffed. She pulled her arms more tightly around her waist. She must keep that hurt inside until the air was rushing past her and drying her tears without leaving a trace. She stood silently shifting from foot to foot and watching a cat swish his tale back and forth as he sat perched on a stool.
“Henry will ride with you.” The stable master took the reins from the groom and led the horse out to where the steps had been put in place to help Anne in mounting the mare. “Mr. Madoch,” he called over his shoulder, “you may also attend Miss de Bourgh. It will give you the chance you have been wanting to see our horses in action. I will be interested to hear what you have to say about their quality when you return.”
Anne looked at the young man, who was leaning against the side of the stable.
“Miss de Bourgh,” the stable master stood ready to assist her in mounting. “That is the younger Mr. Madoch,” he explained.
Anne’s brows furrowed. She had seen Alex at church and knew well enough who he was. What she did not know was why he was here in Rosings’ stables.
“He has an interest in horses,” the stable master continued.
Anne was not fond of the idea of having a groom accompany her, let alone a handsome young gentleman, especially when she needed to cry.
“I will not trouble you, Miss de Bourgh, unless you wish it.” Alex smiled at her.
“Why are you not at school?” she asked. Her tone was decidedly displeased.
“I return Monday next,” he said, swinging neatly into his seat.
“What are you studying?” Anne asked. Perhaps talking with someone of something unrelated to her father and mother would work just as well to remove the argument she had heard from her mind.
“Law.” He was studying it, but he had no desire to pursue it. His interests were entirely wrapped up in horses, but his father insisted that he study a proper profession. And so, thinking that the law might help him in his future dealing with customers and landowners, he had taken up the study of the law and had excelled enough to please his father.
Anne chewed her lip. She was uncertain what else to say. He seemed a very untalkative sort of gentleman. She cast a cautious glance at him now and again as he rode beside her.
“I had planned to remain silent and merely observe the horses, but after she had looked my direction the fourth time, I spoke. I told her about my love of horses and my plans to one day own my own stable.” He smiled. “And so started a friendship. When I was home, I spent more and more time at Rosings. We rode together and discussed all that was both right and wrong in our worlds. She was just set to be given a season in town the last time I saw her. She was nineteen, and I was afraid she would be whisked away by some gentleman as soon as she set foot in town.” He paused and looked at his hands. “So, I spoke of my desire to marry.”
“Marry you?” Anne asked in surprise, pulling her hands away from him.
“Yes.”
“I cannot marry you.” Anne turned her back to him. She willed her heart not to answer as it wished. From what she had seen in her parent’s marriage, to marry for love and not position was a dange
rous proposition and not one she was willing to chance. “In truth, I am not ready to sign my life away to anyone, but you? You are a secondson with little inheritance. Your father is no one of importance while my father is a baronet and my uncle is an earl.” She turned back to toward him.
“But I will be a man of substance one day. Earls and even dukes, if not the king himself, will seek me out.”
She laughed as coldly as she could. “You? You must be mad. People of rank do not seek out people like you. They use them, manipulate them, and cast them aside. I want no part of that.” She clenched her jaw tightly against the pain she saw in his eyes and shrugged. “You are not good enough.” Then with her heart crumbling into thousands of pieces, she nodded a goodbye and fled from him.
“This is why I must insist that you not tell her of my position. I have risen to what she would not believe I could be, and I assure you that my affairs are such that I cannot be cast aside.” He straightened a bit. “In fact, it is I who am now able to cast aside if I so choose. My opinions and advice are not given unless I decide they should be shared.” He smiled wryly. “Unless, of course, you are the Prince Regent. I find it difficult to put him off very often.”
Lady Sophia sat quietly for a few moments, pondering what she had heard. Finally, she smiled and stood. “I shall not share a word,” she said. “But,” her smile grew, and a scheming glint shone in her eyes, “that does not mean, I will not promote you to her. Are you going to the Hamilton’s musicale?”
“I had not thought to,” Alex replied.
Lady Sophia shook her head. “Are you going to the Hamilton’s musicale?” she repeated.
Alex nodded slowly. “I am?”
Lady Sophia clapped her hands in delight. “Excellent, so are we.”
“I suspect, my boy, that there will be a chair available for you next to my niece,” said the admiral with a chuckle.
Lady Sophia shrugged and winked. “I cannot promise, but I would be delighted if you would join us. This has been such a pleasant interview. You are a fine gentleman and worthy of consideration. Financially sound, hard working, respected, and whatever other descriptors I might find between now and when I speak to Anne.”
Alex blinked, somewhat confused by the way in which Lady Sophia was speaking.
The admiral threw an arm around Alex’s shoulder. “I say we sneak out the back entrance and take a walk so that I might explain the workings of my sister’s mind as well as I can.”
Alex nodded and went to get his hat and coat.
Admiral Fitzwilliam held the door for him to exit. “Firstly, she cannot invite you to join her because if Anne asks…” His voice trailed off as the two walked down the hall toward the servant’s entrance
Lady Sophia placed a hand on the teapot. Satisfied that it was warm enough, she poured herself a fresh cup of tea and sat down to enjoy it while she did some scheming.
Chapter 4
Rycroft stood just past the entrance to his club and surveyed the room. Finding whom he sought, he crossed the room, nodding to a few gentlemen who seemed particularly interested in his arrival. “Endicott,” Rycroft said as he stood near where his friend sat and glared at the man who sat to Endicott’s right.
“If you will excuse me, it appears my time has been cut short.” Blackmoore pushed himself out of the chair he had occupied for the last half hour. He straightened his jacket and walked past Rycroft, making sure his shoulder made contact with the shoulder of his long time friend.
Rycroft’s hand shot out and caught him by the elbow. “Take care, Blackmoore.”
Blackmoore stepped closer. “Likewise, Rycroft.” His voice was low and very much like a snarl. He tugged his elbow away from Rycroft. “She has ten thousand more than that Bingley chit, Rycroft. Ten thousand.”
“I know.” Rycroft stepped in front of Blackmoore, blocking his path to the door. “She also has a mother who will not be a joy to tolerate, and she has a mind of her own and nearly full control of her thirty thousand pounds. ” He shook his head. “She may still hold to the views of marriage for social standing, but she will not release one farthing of her money to anyone who might appear to be the sort to waste it.” He sighed. “I dare say, Darcy, Hurst, and Bingley will have all of Bingley’s sister’s money secured in such a way that you cannot lose it and leave her destitute. Perhaps you are better to look elsewhere.”
“Or get rid of the actress,” mumbled Endicott.
Blackmoore spun toward where Endicott was still leisurely reclined in his chair.
Endicott shrugged. “Stop funding her games, and she’ll be gone before you can say your farewells.”
“It is not like that,” said Blackmoore.
“If you say so.” Endicott pulled himself up a bit in his chair. “However, I would not be throwing my money and my inheritance away on some used piece of baggage.” He threw a hand up to block the one that flew at him. “Surely, you do not believe she was virginal until she met you?” He shifted again in his chair. “You are alienating family and friends, Blackmoore. For what?” He shook his head and waved his friend away. “Go. Be duped by a pretty face with holes in her pockets. It is well within your rights to do so.”
Rycroft stood, arms crossed, watching the exchange with fascination. He tried to remember if he had ever heard Endicott speak at such length and with such conviction on a topic that was certain to cause anger. Normally, Endicott was agreeable to a fault.
“You know little of women,” scoffed Blackmoore. “When you have more experience, perhaps then you can advise me.” He turned and left.
“What I lack in experience, I make up for in observation.” Endicott shook his head as he watched Blackmoore leave. “Women are dangerous,” he looked at Rycroft. “They turn upstanding men into supposed seducers and rakes into upstanding men.” He held up a finger. “And they cause you to lose sight of reason. If you are not careful, you will be taken in and trapped with no way to escape but to die.”
Rycroft could not help the chuckle that such a dramatic statement required.
Endicott shrugged. “I suppose it would not have to be you that died, but death must certainly be involved.”
Rycroft shook his head. “I assure you that it is not always so. There are those of us who are quite happy to be trapped.”
Endicott nodded slowly and gravely. “Ah, the fortunate few.”
“I had not taken you for a romantic, Endicott.”
Endicott smiled sheepishly at his friend. “A man who values his pride tries to keep such things hidden.” He leaned forward. “You mustn’t tell anyone.”
Rycroft chuckled again. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Endicott relaxed and smiled broadly. “I thought it might be, seeing how smitten you are with your wife.” He tipped his head to the side. “Been listening all day to people talk about the ending to the last dance at your ball.”
Rycroft smiled. “Ah, it was a pleasant ending even if it did earn me a rather severe scolding from my wife.” He chuckled. “Apparently, kissing her to force her to marry me was acceptable but to do so just because I wished was not.” Rycroft settled more fully into his chair. “Have you seen Brownlow today?”
Endicott nodded. “Saw him just before Blackmoore. He was on his way to visit your cousin.”
“Brownlow?” Rycroft asked in surprise.
“He found her entertaining and thought it good form to at least pay a call since they had danced last night.”
Rycroft accepted the tea the footman handed him.
“Brownlow has no intention of putting himself in the race, however,” continued Endicott. “It seems there is a gentleman staying with him that has a good lead on a couple of fine hunters.”
Rycroft’s brows furrowed. “I do not follow. Why does a lead on a fine hunter mean Brownlow will not pursue my cousin?” He squinted an eye and shook his head. “Not that I want Brownlow to pursue Anne. I am not certain it would be a good match.”
“Madoch ─ that is the gentleman s
taying with Brownlow ─ has come to town specifically to marry your cousin.”
Rycroft smiled. “So, Madoch will withhold the lead on the horses if Brownlow pursues Anne.” He shrugged. It seemed a reasonable way of limiting the competition.
Endicott shook his head. “Madoch already gave Brownlow the information about the horses. In fact, Brownlow is planning to take a look at them next week.”
Rycroft’s brows furrowed once again, and a confused and exasperated sigh escaped him.
Endicott leaned forward once again. “I am not supposed to know, and believe me, I would not tell you if it were not your cousin. It seems Brownlow is a bit of a romantic as well.” He nodded his head at the surprised look on Rycroft’s face. “I felt the same when I discovered it not two hours ago.”
Rycroft waited for Endicott to continue, but when that did not seem likely to happen, he asked, “How does all this surprising information relate to Anne?”
Endicott smiled. “Madoch loves her, it seems. Proposed to her several years ago and was rejected is what Brownlow said.” He darted a look about the room. “We are not to know that either, and from what Brownlow said, it is best we do not cross Madoch. His connections are high.” He relaxed back into his chair.
Rycroft blinked at the news. The man he had met last night seemed self-assured and did not carry himself as one whose standing rested on connections with others. “How high?” Rycroft asked softly.
“As high as they come,” Endicott replied in an equally soft voice and then with a glance about the room once again, leaned close so that the word he whispered could only be heard by Rycroft. “Prinny.”
~*~*~*~
Blackmoore pulled his hat down and looked up and down the street. He had hoped Endicott would have been willing to lend him the money he needed for tonight’s game. He sighed. His allowance was gone, and it was two weeks until his father paid him again. He snorted. If he paid him. He had not been pleased to hear of the cut received from Rycroft. Words such as fool and good-for-nothing had been a few of the kinder things that had been said. He considered finding a less reputable source of a loan, but he, despite his father’s opinion, was not an utter fool. He knew that his father’s threats were neither idle or empty. If he were found to be borrowing from anyone but a friend, his name would be stricken from his father’s will within an hour.
