Three Abductions and an Earl:

by Tessa Candle

  “And he really loves her?”

  “To hear him speak of it, he is absolutely besotted and extremely happy.”

  Lydia pressed her lips together. “And I suppose you have not told him how she ended up in that carriage.”

  “I thought it better for her to explain it in her own way.” Tilly played with a ringlet.

  “In other words, with a lie. Well that is a sound start to any marriage. Still, none of it is your brother's fault.”

  “He is only guilty of falling in love.” Tilly bobbled her head in a c'est la vie sort of way that made Lydia wish to squash every single one of her bonnets.

  “I shall be civil to her only for your brother's sake, and because I expect he and I shall be working together quite a lot during the improvements, for I love his ideas for the shop. Do not ask more of me.” Lydia frowned at her friend.

  “What more could I ask?” Tilly beamed. “I am so glad. You will not regret it, my dear friend!”

  “I only hope you do not someday regret inviting that lady viper to slither into your family.”

  “She is forever in our family's debt.” Tilly waived a hand. “And in yours too, for she must have surmised you have puzzled out her plot against you. She is also indebted to you for keeping quiet about what you know.”

  “I suppose that cannot hurt, but I shall not assume she is finished scheming against me. She seems quite up to anything.”

  “I think now that she is married to a very rich man who gives her whatever she wants, she will be content. True, I believe all will be well.” Tilly patted her friend's hand.

  Lydia made no reply but gave her mouth a doubtful twist.

  The meeting went perfectly. Miss Grey, having decided to accept the business offer, was highly energetic and quite ready to start immediately. This suited Lydia very well.

  The business decisions would appear to come from her lawyer, so that it was never apparent that Lydia was directly involved in the business. They threshed out the first steps and immediately made plans to procure ingredients and other supplies.

  Tilly was given the task of selecting the crystal jars, as she was so strongly in favour of their being irresistibly opulent. Though Miss Grey was scandalized when she heard the approximate price, she did not violently object, as it was Lydia's investment.

  All seemed fair and ready, and the papers were signed. They were prepared to start making Miss Grey's Exquisite Hair Pomade. Initially, Miss Grey would sell it to the ladies she coiffed, for they would inevitably enquire after the product when they saw the handsome crystal pots.

  When they were into profit, they would start thinking about other products they could sell, and make the improvements to the store. Lydia was in such a good mood when they left, that she thought nothing could dampen her spirits.

  “Shall we drive by the property on the way?” Tilly suggested.

  “Yes, I should like to see it in person.” Lydia stared out the carriage window, smiling to herself and imagining the improvements to her new store.

  Tilly interrupted her thoughts by announcing, “I have an idea for an assistant to you.”

  “Who would that be?”

  “Well, I do not suppose you remember Mary Wheeler?”

  Lydia thought the name sounded familiar. “I can remember hearing the name, but I am not sure where.”

  “I suppose that might be just as well. However, I think you would remember her face, so I shall tell you. She is the hench-woman that my new sister-in-law hired to take your dress and lock you in a disused room on the night of the Aldley Ball.”

  “Yes. I certainly remember her.” Lydia shook her head in dismay at her friend. “I suppose you are just bent on darkening my mood, is that it?”

  “Not in the least. Only think how motivated she will be to do a good job.”

  “I can just imagine. She did a bang up job for her former mistress.”

  “Well, she did more or less fulfil her duties, with some modifications.” Tilly assumed an air of sympathy. “You must consider that she only agreed to do it because she needed money for her sick mother.”

  “I see.” More of Tilly's saintly redemption schemes. “I do not suppose you have another brother you can marry off?”

  Tilly raised her open palms to her shoulders and said, “Alas, I have exhausted my supply of marriageable brothers.”

  “So you must turn to me for a fresh victim,” Lydia scoffed. “And have you met this ostensible mother?”

  “I have been a bit busy attending my brother's wedding and visiting with my invalid friend in the middle of God-knows-where.” Tilly paused to assume a look of martyrdom.

  She recovered her worldly sense shortly, and continued, “However, I have had someone look into it. The woman exists. She was on the point of losing her tenement, for she was too sick to work. Wheeler has now moved her mother to a more wholesome location and cares for her on the money she got from Genevieve and me.”

  “Genevieve, is it?” Lydia spoke through clenched teeth.

  “You cannot expect me to call her Mrs. Ravelsham.”

  “Surely you could use something less formal, but still appropriate, like nasty little piece who tried to steal my friend's fiancé?”

  Tilly placed a finger to her lip and paused for thought. “Too long to be practicable.”

  “How about shit-face?”

  “I think it might be badly received. Perhaps dearest sister would be more pro forma,” Tilly suggested, helpfully.

  “So long as you are thinking shit-face whenever you say it.”

  “That would, I am persuaded, also be pro forma.”

  Lydia shook her head. “And what am I to do with this Wheeler woman?”

  “Hire her to work for you at the shop. If you are pleased with her, she can also run errands and act as your agent in things. She can be your secretary.”

  “Can she read?”

  “No,” Tilly raised an interjecting finger, “which will be advantageous, if you do not trust her.”

  “I do not.” Lydia huffed. “But I do not know who would hire a secretary who cannot read and write. And I am beginning to seriously question your judgement.”

  “You must take my word for it. People you could send to the nick, but whom you nonetheless have given decent employment, make excellent workers. They are extremely loyal and will do almost anything you ask.”

  “I think I should prefer to hire only people who have never attempted to forcibly confine me.” Lydia shook her head. “Perhaps I am too nice about qualifications.” She was not sure she liked this strange other side of Tilly.

  When they arrived at the location, Lydia felt too disheartened to disembark. She merely peered out the window. “Good Lord, it is hideous. And even filthier and more run-down looking than the sketches indicated.”

  “A lot of the impression derives from the surrounding buildings. And from the dust, too, but it comes from construction. Look, that one is under improvements.” Tilly gestured to a store front two doors down, with a crumbling façade, a missing front window, and a ladder propped against it. “A good sign is it not? Remember things must get worse to get better.”

  “I suppose. Do you think there is a general intention to improve the area?”

  “Perhaps not general, just yet. But I believe two shops on the street making improvements is a good start.”

  “I shall come back to look inside another day when I am dressed for it. In the meantime, let us go call on your brother and his snake-wife and get it over with. I must be home early enough to dress for dinner. My betrothed is to join us.” Lydia licked her lips.

  “I myself have plans for the evening,” Tilly looked demure. “So we shall keep the call mercifully short.”

  When they entered the sitting room, it was apparent that the new Mrs. Frederick Ravelsham was making extensive use of her husband's money.

  She sat in a gleaming gold gown which was technically a day dress, but whose level of ostentation was only exceeded by that of the lad
y's jewellery. Thumb-nail-sized rubies, Lydia noted to herself, should not be hauled out for tea.

  After they had made their greetings and felicitations, Genevieve, as they were now to call her, rang for tea. The peacock plumes dangling from her cap bobbed insanely around her face as she shook the bell.

  “My husband will be with you shortly. But I am so glad we have a chance for a snug little chat amongst ourselves.” She giggled. The woman seemed manic.

  “Your ring is exquisite, Genevieve.” Tilly leaned over to inspect the proffered hand. “I was so disappointed not to see it before the wedding, but my brother showed me the design. The craftsmanship was worth the wait.”

  “He spoils me so.” Genevieve fluttered her lashes.

  “Such a large diamond,” was all Lydia could add before her mouth became dry.

  “Oh indeed. It positively hurts my hand.” Genevieve smiled and turned the ring this way and that to watch it glisten. “But I love to look at it and think about the wonderful man who gave it to me.”

  “Oh yes, the sentimental value must be the greatest thing.” Tilly kept a straight face, but Lydia knew her friend was trying to make her laugh.

  “I understand you are also soon to be wed, Miss Norwood. And to the earl, too! And even his mother none the wiser, you sly thing. Though it turns out that she had her own wedding plans.” Genevieve gave them a sidelong glance.

  “Indeed.” Lydia wondered how the woman could possibly broach this subject with her, of all people, and pretend to be all innocence. Such gall was unparalleled. “There are others much more sly than me. I do not think our engagement came as a surprise to everyone.”

  “Certainly not a surprise to you two sweethearts, in any case.” Genevieve contrived to giggle at this comment. “Still it was rather sudden—are you not to be wed next week?”

  “Yes we must wait that long. We do not have the planning mastery that you and Mr. Ravelsham possess, or we should have contrived to get married before we had even met.” Lydia meant it as a barb, but in a way it was true. She had experienced a singular attraction to Thomas before she had even seen his face.

  “Yes, well, it is true we did manage rather a miracle. I must thank you for being such a help, Mathilde.” Genevieve's voice was syrupy. “I could not ask for a sweeter, more attentive sister.”

  Lydia had to consciously extend her fingers so as to avoid forming fists of them.

  “It was my pleasure, but you have already thanked me, my dearest sister.” Tilly turned her face and winked at Lydia on the side that Genevieve could not see.

  Then Tilly addressed Lydia directly, “And how shall you like being a countess, Miss Norwood?”

  “I suppose I shall like it very well.” Lydia was satisfied to see a little vein bulge in Genevieve's pallid, stiffening neck. “It is generally reckoned pleasant to be of the nobility, is it not? But it was not my reason for marrying Lord Aldley. He is handsome, accomplished, brilliant, and has the most charming manners. How could I avoid loving him?”

  Genevieve played with her earrings, and forced a smile. “Quite.”

  “Oh indeed. You are marrying for love, no matter how advantageous the match might be.” Tilly said it in exactly the same tone as when she had spoken of the sentimental value of Genevieve's horse-choking diamond.

  Was her friend making a sly criticism? Lydia faltered. “Indeed, I… I do not know of any other good reason for marrying.”

  The tea arrived and Genevieve rallied. “Well, that is very romantic! I wish I were offering champagne now instead of mere tea, for truer words have not been spoken.”

  She lost her words, then added suddenly, fidgeting with the table cloth, “Oh, but why should we not have champagne?” She giggled. “My husband has a whole cellar full of it—we have so many wine cellars. Why, I could bathe in champagne if I wanted. Mills, bring us a bottle and glasses.”

  “Yes, indeed.” Tilly raised her tea cup. “Well, until the champagne arrives, here is to marrying for love!”

  She knew that Tilly was savouring the spectacle, but Lydia could not understand why. This woman was married to her brother, and she had arranged it, though it was obvious that the pretty viper only cared about his money. Lydia was extremely glad when they left.

  When they were settled in the carriage to leave, Lydia said, “You seemed to be enjoying yourself.”

  “I admit it. Those earrings! Oh and ordering champagne for tea time!” Tilly cackled. “Utterly grandiose and vulgar. And we are the nouveau riches, mind!”

  Tilly chuckled to herself a few moments. “But I adore champagne, and thoroughly enjoyed the hypocrisy of indulging my own bad taste under the guise of being polite to the hostess. Gave it a little extra sparkle. Marvellous! Genevieve supplies me with endless diversion.”

  Lydia's lips formed a disapproving line. “I do not see how, when it is clear she only loves your brother's money.”

  “But he believes a deeper connection is possible in time.” Tilly massaged a scented sachet, and inhaled the fragrance. “Why should not I? After all, we have been given to understand that many a good marriage has been built on less.”

  Lydia snorted. “I think we both know that is just another fairy story made up by society.”

  “Perhaps,” Tilly gave her head a philosophical tilt, “but they are both happy for their separate reasons. Who are we to judge?”

  Lydia supposed she was not in a position to judge. She had seduced her fiancé before she had the intention to marry him. Viewed strictly in the light of what was correct, or even tacitly permissible, and what was not, these newly-weds were in the right, and she was in the wrong.

  But she did not accept society's way of thinking. She felt no pang of guilt. If anything, the thought of it made her want more. If they had a chance before the wedding, she would gladly do it again.

  Lydia sighed. “Now that this first call is over with, I hope I shall not have to see her again often.”

  “I suppose it will be possible to avoid seeing her every time you wish to speak to my brother. But that is not what you were thinking of just now. I recognize that look. You were thinking of your betrothed.”

  Lydia smiled. “Yes, I was. I admit there is really nothing that drives him entirely from my mind. I do not know what I should do with myself if I were not marrying him.”

  “I am sure you would sort it out.” Tilly grinned wickedly. “Speaking of which, I have a gift for you.” She pulled out a small block wrapped in paper.

  “What is it?”

  “It is a manual, of sorts. Be very careful with it and only unwrap it when you are somewhere that you will not be disturbed.”

  “A book? Is it seditious?”

  “In a manner of speaking.” Tilly wiggled her brows. “If you get caught with it, you must say that you found it in the rooms at the inn where you convalesced. You did not receive it from me, and I know nothing about it. Agreed?”

  “Certainly. But what is it?” Lydia was puzzled.

  “Do you recall when you asked me to teach you about certain things?”

  “Yes.” Lydia did not even blush.

  “This is your primer. If you have any questions you can ask me, or perhaps your future husband, if he is not too prudish.”

  “He appears at first glance to be frustratingly proper. But upon further acquaintance, I do not believe I should call him prudish.” Lydia smiled slyly.

  “Is that right?” Tilly's eyebrows almost disappeared into her bonnet. “Well, well.”

  Her friend was chuckling as they rolled up to Lydia's home. Lord Aldley was waiting and opened the door to the carriage.

  “Ah there you are at last, my darling. It is most unkind of you to keep her from me for so long, Miss Ravelsham.” Aldley paused and looked at the two broad smiles. “You two look like the cat that got the cream.”

  They both burst out laughing.

  Chapter 57

  After dinner that evening, Lydia's parents decided to let Thomas and Lydia go through to have their br
andy alone, for Mr. and Mrs. Norwood had some important matters to discuss and would join them shortly.

  “This is one of the great advantages of being engaged.” Thomas stroked one of her nipples through her gown as he planted a kiss on her lips. “People will actually contrive to leave us alone.”

  “Not for long enough, unfortunately. I suppose my parents wish to keep things as proper looking as possible, given the amount of scandal we have only just evaded in this past month.”

  “Yes, but it is not unheard of for an engaged couple to go out to see their future home together.” He played with her hair. “Would you not like to see Alderwick Manor before we are married?”

  “I believe that would make for a pleasurable trip.”

  “Oh yes. I could make it very pleasurable. And, after all, the future Lady Aldley should get a little taste of what is to come.”

  “Yes.” Lydia was breathless. “She should get as much as she can. There are some things she would very much like to taste.” She brushed her hand over his member. “And after all, getting acquainted with everything in advance will better prepare her for her wifely duties.”

  “Mmm. I think there is something I should prefer to this brandy.”

  “Indeed? Do tell. You know as your fiancée I should be most attentive to your desires.”

  “Is there somewhere more private we could discuss my desires?”

  “That closet over there is rather large. Would that be acceptable?”

  He smiled. “It will do. Never let it be said that I am inflexible.” He pulled her close to him and kissed the entire length of her neck, then took her hand and steered her toward the closet.

  In the darkness he kissed her deeply.

  “We do not have much time, so we shall have to be much faster than I should like to be, my love.”

  The sound of his beautiful voice in the darkness made her shivery. She lifted up her skirts, and guided his hand to her womanhood. She was already wet.

  “Oh you dear, dear goddess. You are a fountain of ambrosia.”

  “I have been thinking of you all through dinner. What do you propose to do about it?”