Rose nodded. “This one favor I will grant you. Now, go, before my aunt decides to check on me.”
He climbed back onto the trellis, but before he could say anything more, she closed the window and drapes. After several moments, she drew back the curtain just enough to see he had disappeared from view.
With a relieved sigh, she turned back toward Caroline, who sat staring at her, astonishment filling her features. “I have never witnessed anything so romantic!” she said, bubbling over with excitement. “A man climbed up the trellis to your window to convince you to accept his offer of courtship! Just today, David sent an invitation for mother and me to have dinner with him and his father, but that was not nearly as romantic.” She squealed with delight. “We must be the luckiest women alive! Do you not see? Our lives are changing for the better.” Then she threw her arms around Rose.
Rose, however, did not see her current predicament in such a wondrous light. She had no desire to have Holden court her. It had only been a moment of kindness that she had agreed, and now she wondered if she was much too giving. However, if she only had to playact for a short time, surely no harm would of from it.
***
Eleanor led Lord Bradshaw down the hall that led to the study wondering why he had asked to call. In his letter, he had mentioned business, and that could very well be true, but somehow she doubted it.
He had arrived with his son and, after only a few minutes in the drawing room, had requested to speak to Eleanor in private. The request was odd, but Eleanor had agreed—leaving the son in the capable hands of Rose and Caroline.
If speaking to the man alone meant seeing him on his way sooner, she would agree to just about anything. Something about Lord Bradshaw did not sit well with her, but she could not put a finger on what it was exactly.
“Although I have only been to your home once before,” Lord Bradshaw said as he glanced around the study, “I am still in awe of its majestic appearance. It is a fine home, my lady.”
Eleanor returned his smile. “Thank you for saying so. I am very fortunate.” She motioned to the pair of chairs in front of the fireplace. “Please, sit. There is no reason to wait for me. Would you like tea? Or perhaps a glass of wine or brandy? I also have a fine whiskey if you prefer something stronger.”
“Brandy will be fine, thank you,” he replied as he took the chair facing the door.
Eleanor poured him a measure of the amber liquid. She then poured herself wine before returning to hand him his glass. “I must admit, I was curious when I received your letter asking to call. It is not often I have someone wishing to speak to me directly about matters of business. My son-in-law handles most of my financial affairs.”
“And it appears he does a fine job,” Lord Bradshaw said. “I do admit, however, that it takes a strong hand and an intelligent mind to run such a large household. Unfortunately, that task oftentimes goes unnoticed by others.” He glanced around the room. “Your husband expressed to me often how much he enjoyed this room, and I can see why. I assume you chose the decor?”
The man’s attempts at flattery were grating. He was stalling and she was growing weary of the game. Would he not get to the point? “Indeed,” she replied. “Does the wife not typically see to a house’s décor?”
He laughed. “I suppose so,” he replied. Then he sighed. “I must sound a fool. I admit that I am a bit nervous.”
“Nervous?” Eleanor asked. “Why ever for?”
Lord Bradshaw placed his drink on the table. “I imagine that you are wondering why I called, and since I mentioned business, you perhaps believe I wish to invest with you?”
“That was my assumption,” Eleanor replied. This conversation was reaching a new level of silly. What else could she believe?
“Then your assumption was correct. However, it is not properties or business I wish to discuss, but rather my son and your niece.”
Eleanor fought to keep her features smooth. “I am afraid I do not understand.”
Lord Bradshaw sighed. “Since my Mary died, I have doubled my efforts in seeing that my son has everything he needs to be successful. I have spent my days solidifying my estate so that when the day comes, my son will have a strong foundation on which to build his life. One day I, too, will be gone, and he will take over my title as well as my wealth.”
“As would any rational man,” Eleanor said, finding her patience reaching its peak.
He chuckled. “I understand that your niece is in residence at Scarlett Hall in order to find a proper suitor.”
“That is correct,” Eleanor replied, seeing where the conversation was leading. “Although her happiness is my main concern above all else, even in marriage.”
This made him laugh outright. “You are a wise woman, Lady Lambert,” he said. “It is why I have always admired you.”
Eleanor shifted uncomfortably in her seat. His flowery words could only lead to something for which she would surely not care.
“Miss Skylark’s father was a military man, correct?”
“He was,” Eleanor said. “Michael sadly died many years ago, before Rose was born.”
“Holden mentioned as much.” He frowned. “And the man was in the British Army?”
Eleanor nodded. What was this man’s point?
He leaned forward in his chair. “You see, the truth of the matter is, he could not have died in a battle in Paris the year your niece was born, for there were no battles there at that time. In fact, it was not until several years later that France saw any signs of war, at least on their soil.”
Taking a sip of her wine to give her a moment to think, Eleanor forced a smile. “Lord Bradshaw, I do not pretend to know anything about matters of warfare. Rose’s mother was distraught upon learning of the death of her husband. I imagine that the facts could have been easily misunderstood. However, that does not change the fact that her husband died before Rose was born.”
“My apologies,” he said with a small nod. “It was not my intention to question the fact of his death but rather to mention that both children share in the loss of a parent. Your niece and my son have much in common, and to be honest, I have seen my son grow more responsible since meeting your Miss Skylark.”
“I appreciate you saying so. Her mother will be pleased to hear that.”
“I understand that my son has asked your niece to court.”
Eleanor had to hide her surprise and said nothing. Rose had not mentioned this fact.
The man leaned forward and placed his hands on his knees. “I would like to see these two married. I believe it will be of mutual benefit, and I am prepared to join in on any investments you deem worthy if you accept on her behalf if it helps the matter.”
So, her hunch had been correct, although she had not expected the offer of marriage. He wished to dip his hands into the coffers of Scarlett Hall, did he? He was not the first who wanted a portion of the presumed wealth and he certainly would not be the last.
“Your offer is both gracious and kind,” she said carefully. “And I am truly honored that you would make such a request. However, as I mentioned earlier, Rose’s happiness is my main concern. If she wishes to marry your son, I will gladly give my permission, but I will not agree to an arranged marriage without her agreement.”
Lord Bradshaw nodded and heaved a sigh. “In most matters of business, I would argue and do all I could to win you over. Yet, you, Lady Lambert, are not a woman to be trifled with. Therefore, I will not make the request again, but know that my offer remains.”
“I appreciate your understanding,” Eleanor replied, relief washing over her. She was unafraid of standing her ground in this matter, but if an argument was avoided, all the better. “I shall not forget your offer.”
“There is but one more thing I would like to ask.” He cleared his throat. “It is a personal matter, and I hope I am not talking out of turn.”
“Ask what you will,” Eleanor said. “I doubt you will offend me.”
“Since Mary’s passi
ng, I find myself lonely. My house is much too large for just my son and me. Do you find yourself in need of companionship?”
She chose her words carefully. “I find my days quite busy meeting the needs of my children, and now my niece.”
“Our children have experienced great heartache,” he said with a nod, “Just as you have with the passing of your husband and I with Mary.” He smiled. “There is no reason for two adults to remain alone, is there?”
Bile rose in Eleanor’s throat. What this man insinuated made her stomach roll. He had to be mad to even consider marriage after all he had said about wishing his son and Rose to marry. The idea was appalling! She prayed his son had not been as galling with his request to Rose.
“I find comfort in caring for others,” she replied, forcing a small smile. “I do not have time to feel lonely.”
“Perhaps I should find myself more tasks, then,” he said before standing. “Thank you for your time. I will collect my son and we will see ourselves out.”
With a polite nod, Eleanor watched as the man left the room before heaving a heavy sigh. He actually believed she would agree to an arranged marriage? Or that she would even consider marriage for herself? She should not have been surprised, for how many others in the past had approached her for that very reason concerning her daughters as well as herself? Some might believe that such agreements were worthy of consideration, but she was no longer of that mind. And nothing that man, or any man, said would ever convince her otherwise.
Chapter Fourteen
Once Aunt Eleanor and Lord Bradshaw left the room, Rose did her best to keep her annoyance in check as Holden appropriated most of the conversation, just as he had done previously. Her patience was running thin, and she sent covert glances at Caroline, who seemed as bored as she.
As she smoothed the skirts of her white day dress, Holden paused, and an odd smile crossed his face.
She stopped mid-swipe and raised her brows. “What has you smiling?” she asked. “Is there something wrong with my dress?”
“Not at all,” Holden replied, his smile never wavering. “I have never paid much attention to dresses before, but I find yours to be as lovely as you.”
Rose knew her cheeks had to be a deep crimson. It was a nice compliment. “You are too kind,” she murmured.
Then she shook her head. He was playing games once again. “We must speak about last night while we do not have an audience—and I am not in an embarrassing state of undress.” Oh, her cheeks had to have been warm enough to heat the room at that memory! “Never do that again. Coming to my room in the middle of the night, indeed! What were you thinking? If my aunt had come to the door at that moment, my life would have ended and my name would have been forever ruined.”
Of course, she had expected an arrogant response concerning her prudish ways or something to that effect, but instead he said, “You are right. I must admit that it was an act of desperation, but I swear it will never happen again.”
Stunned, Rose could only nod. Was that humility she heard in his tone? It did not sound as odd as she might have expected.
“I suppose you will wish to know the conditions of our arrangement.”
“Please, especially when precisely our courtship will end. And how often will I be forced to endure your company?” The latter was a bit harsh, but at this point she did not care. This was all his fault, and she had no obligation to be solicitous.
He chuckled. “The party David Banner will be hosting is to take place in just over a week. I will not call on you before then.” He sighed and adjusted the lapels on his coat. “My father will not be pleased with me once we have ended this courtship, so whatever reason you are able to devise to bring it to a close, it will need to be believable.”
“Why must that burden be placed upon me?” she asked in disbelief. “This is your doing. It should be you who must propose the rationalization. You must be the one to disappoint your father, not I. In what light will that place me when I reject a perfectly acceptable proposal for courtship? You may care about your reputation, but I certainly care about mine.”
The pain that crossed his features made her regret her tone. Confusion filled her. Why should his feelings concern her?
Despite the fact they should not, she could not help but add, “I am sorry. I did not mean…”
He raised a hand, and she clamped her mouth shut. “You are right. I must take responsibility in this matter. I do have an idea that may work, but I had hoped whatever you devised was better. Father will be attending the party, as well, and I thought that toward the end, after you have left, I will tell him that I decided to end our courtship.”
A strange sensation washed over her. Regret? Why would she feel regret? She pushed it back and said, “That seems a sound plan.” She sighed. “I am sorry that things did not go as you thought they might.”
“As am I,” he murmured.
The door to the drawing room opened, and Lord Bradshaw entered the room.
“We must go,” the baron said, giving Rose a polite smile. “Miss Skylar, I believe we shall see you at the Banner Party, will we not?”
“Yes,” Rose replied. “I look forward to it.”
Lord Bradshaw bowed to Rose and Caroline and then shot a glare at his son.
As if the idea had just occurred to him, Holden also bowed. “Good evening, Miss Skylark, Miss Thrup.”
When Rose went to stand, the baron said, “We will see ourselves out.”
Before Rose or Caroline could comment on the strange conversation they had with Holden, Aunt Eleanor entered the room. “Did you enjoy yourselves?” Rose and Caroline nodded as Aunt Eleanor sat between the two women. “I had the most interesting conversation with Lord Bradshaw.”
“Oh?” Rose said, picking up the teacup from the table and sipping at the cold tea to help ease the dryness of her mouth. “What did he have to say?”
“He wishes you to marry his son.”
Marriage? Courtship was bad enough! What had Holden gotten her into? “Did he?” she asked innocently. “But I have no interest in the man. Even if I did, it is much too soon to make such a consequential decision. I mean, I have yet to accept other suitors.” She gasped. “You did not agree, did you?”
Her aunt smiled and patted her hand. “No. I told him you would marry whomever you wish whenever you chose and not a moment before. What do you think of Mr. Bradshaw?”
Rose was uncertain what to say, for she was muddled when it came to what she thought of the man. She knew he was arrogant, self-serving, and quite annoying at times, but there was something about him that intrigued her. “I believe he is a kind man.” She shot Caroline a glare when she giggled and then covered it with a cough. The woman was well practiced at it. “However, we have little in common.”
“Not an unusual scenario for many newly acquainted people,” her aunt said. “That is the reason a courtship is so important before marriage; it allows time to see if a couple is compatible.” She stood. “Caroline, do not forget that you are to return home for a few days tomorrow. I will help you pack your things.”
Caroline nodded and turned to Rose. “Will you be all right by yourself?”
“Yes,” Rose replied. “I believe it will be nice to be alone for a few days in order to give me time to think. No offense to you, Caroline, for I do enjoy your company.”
Caroline laughed. “None taken, I assure you. You most certainly have much to consider.” She turned so her back faced Aunt Eleanor and winked.
Once the two women left the room, Rose sat back into the cushions, relieved the day was coming to an end. At least it was only a short period of time that she had to endure pretending that Holden was courting her. Once he ended the arrangement, she could return to her life and become available for a more appropriate suitor to call on her.
However, as she considered this, a sense of sadness filled her. An image of Holden appeared in her mind, and she suddenly found the idea of saying goodbye to the man did not sit as well wi
th her as she thought it would.
***
Holden peered out the window of the drawing room at his home thinking about his life. Although he would prefer to remain unmarried, he knew he would never be allowed such freedom, not when he was the heir to the Bradshaw barony. Yet despite his eagerness for bachelorhood, Rose had caught his attention, more than he cared to admit. Each time he thought of her, he found himself further in awe of her beauty and intelligence.
If only I did not become a bumbling fool when I am with her, he thought with a growl.
He would never be willing to admit it, but he found her outlook on life refreshing. She was not one to compromise her ideals, even for the possibility of a secret kiss or marrying a baron.
Most women he encountered pretended truth and propriety mattered, but most used their convictions to garner what they wanted, which was wealth and station. Rose was different. She truly believed what she touted.
Granted, she was a bit stuffy for the likes of him but witnessing her drinking with Caroline in her bedroom had shown she took risks. Yet, she also had an innocence about her that he found appealing, which only added to his confusion.
Oh, he had seen innocence in other women before—few to be sure—but this time it was somehow different. Rather than viewing her as quarry for his desires as he would have in the past, he found himself in the strange position of wanting to protect her, to guide her. To be the man who opened her eyes and mind to the delights of the world. To earn her trust and her love.
He chuckled. What a strange world he had entered. Many of the great poets wrote of such balderdash, but he never thought he would succumb to the aura of any woman. Yet, here he was thinking of her once again.
It was odd, but the prospect of love, of having a woman truly care for him, was appealing. With a groan, he dropped his head in his hands and hoped he had not become one of the insipid men he despised.
What a fool he had been boasting of his forward views in an attempt to impress her. New ways to approach life indeed! Rather than attract her, he had managed to repel her instead.
Songs of Yesterday Page 13
