The Virtuous Viscount

by Susan M. Baganz

  “Miss Follett, it is our honor to meet and assist you this evening.” Josie reached across the carriage to squeeze the newcomer’s hand. “You shall be safe with us.”

  “Thank you,” Miss Follett whispered.

  Phillip leaned back against the squabs and willed his pulse to slow. What had he done? He had acted on her behalf but belatedly wondered how this would reflect on him. Where was his neat, orderly life now?

  2

  Lizzy leaned forward to look out the window as they pulled up to the Remington house. Her awareness of the man sitting next to her caused her stomach to flutter. Silly girl! He was a kind soul helping a damsel in distress. Nothing more. Lord Phillip assisted her from the carriage and they followed Marcus and Josie to the entrance of the building. Leading her to the drawing room, Josie requested tea be brought. As Lizzy paced in front of the unlit hearth, Lord Remington moved past her to put the kindling in and strike the match to get a fire started. Phillip had gone to the sideboard for a glass of brandy and brought one for his friend.

  Silence hung in the air until the tea tray arrived and the servants departed, closing the door behind them.

  “I cannot stay long, my parents will miss me if I am not back before the end of the ball,” said Phillip.

  Lizzy stopped pacing as her heart raced. “What?”

  Lord Remington went to her side to escort her to the settee next to his wife who handed her a cup of tea after quietly inquiring how she preferred hers.

  “Phillip, you cannot rescue her and then abandon her here,” Lady Remington protested.

  “I will return once the ball is finished.”

  “But what is to become of me?” Lizzy whispered.

  Phillip looked at Marcus. “Her father is forcing her to marry Lord Wolton against her will.”

  Lord Remington’s eyebrows rose. He nodded. “You were kind to help her escape such a fate. But why would your father do that?”

  A shudder shook Lizzy and she placed her cup and saucer on the table lest she spill it. “Wolton has some kind of hold over my father.” She pulled off her gloves revealing red wrists with the marks of fingers on her pale skin.

  Phillip growled. “Your father did this to you?”

  Lizzy nodded.

  Josie reached over to touch her arm gently above the injured area. “I’m eager to hear your story, but in due time. You may spend the night here until we can figure out how to best assist you.” She glanced over at her husband who nodded in agreement.

  “Phillip, I hope you realize what you’re doing. We don’t want to be caught interfering between a young woman and her legal guardian.”

  Lizzy piped up, “I am of age. I possess my own inheritance.”

  Phillip looked surprised. “Given that, how can your father force you to marry someone you dislike?”

  Elizabeth wouldn’t meet his gaze, looking down into her teacup as tears started to flow. “Trust me, he will.”

  Josie looked at Phillip with pleading eyes. “We shall figure this out in due time.”

  Lizzy pulled his handkerchief out of her reticule and used it to dab her eyes.

  Lord Westcombe moved over to stand in front of her and she looked up at him. “I’m sorry I must leave. I promise you, I will return in a few hours. I could leave you in no better hands than Lord and Lady Remington’s. You’ll be safe here.” He bowed to her and with a brief good night, he left the room to return to the Manchester ball.

  ~*~

  Twice in one evening he had abandoned Miss Follett. It went against the grain of gentlemanly behavior. Being seen at the dance, however, would absolve him of any participation in the matter. In the end, it could possibly save her reputation and keep him from the parson’s mousetrap.

  The dancing was winding down and he took to the floor with another debutante. After the dance concluded he returned her to her chaperone’s side and sought out his mother. Lady Manchester was short but retained her youthful figure. In spite of a few grey streaks in her light brown hair, she was still considered a beauty. Phillip tended to take after his father in looks and temperament.

  “Oh, Phillip, there you are. I wondered where you had disappeared to.” She tapped his arm with her fan. “Found someone you simply couldn’t resist, did you? I heard the gardens were busy this evening.” She giggled.

  Phillip grew warm at the suggestion he’d been carrying on with a guest on his parents’ property. It saddened him that she would believe something like that of him. Sometimes a past was a hard thing to live down. “You were searching for me, Mother? What can I do for you?”

  “Lord Wolton was agitated earlier as the young woman he was pledged to dance with disappeared. Lord Follett, the young lady’s father, was unable to locate her. We had the withdrawing room checked and surreptitiously asked around but nobody remembers seeing her. It’s as if she has vanished into thin air. I do not need to tell you that this is not the kind of notoriety we want associated with your sister’s come out.” She gave him a coy wink. His mother enjoyed the fact that along with being a squeeze her ball would be remembered for the disappearance of the Follett woman.

  “What do you think has happened to her?” he asked, schooling his features to impassiveness.

  She leaned toward him and was forced to look up as she whispered. “She is worth a fortune and has sole control of the money as of yesterday when she turned one and twenty. Rumor has it that Lord Wolton intended to marry her by Special License tomorrow.” She paused and gave a shiver of disgust. “Personally, Phillip, I think the girl ran away and I couldn’t blame her. I’d do the same if Wolton were my intended groom.”

  “If they were eager for her to wed him, why wait until she gained her majority? She no longer needs his permission for her marriage. I’m praying she is safe from that sorry end. But where would she go? Does she have relatives in town who might shelter and protect her?”

  “None that I’m aware of. It troubles me. A young woman alone in this town is destined for only one thing and already her reputation is ruined by this event.” Lady Remington shook her head sadly. “It’s too bad, really, as she seemed to be a sweet girl and was passably pretty.” Of course, she probably thought no one could ever be as beautiful as her own daughter.

  Phillip listened to his mother and remained silent as he scanned the room for Lord Follett or Lord Wolton. He failed to locate them. “Where is her father and the potential bridegroom now?”

  “I believe they left for the evening in an attempt to keep things quiet so when they find her they can whisk her away to the church and prevent a scandal.”

  “What if they fail to locate her?”

  “I pray for that, Phillip, and I hope she is safe. At some point, however, she will need to access her fortune which will expose her to discovery.”

  “You are far too wise, Mother. Is there anything you need from me for the rest of this evening? I wouldn’t mind calling it a night myself.”

  “Really? Phillip, you seriously cannot be thinking of going to your club or any of those other places tonight.”

  “No. However, I do plan to meet a friend.”

  “Fine. You may leave, Phillip, but remember, I expect you to accompany us to some of the balls this season to help keep an eye on a potential suitor for your sister’s hand. I am counting on your support. I will send a list of entertainments I expect you to attend.”

  “I’ll do my best, Mother.” Phillip bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Good night.” He strode out the door and took a brisk walk to the Remington house. He wondered if Miss Follett was yet awake. He wouldn’t mind seeing her again.

  ~*~

  “Come, Elsa will help you change. You are a little taller than me but I’m sure I have a gown that will suit you for sleeping,” Josie urged.

  Elizabeth sank into the chair by the cheerful fireplace. “It’s hopeless. There is no way out of this.”

  “Miss Follett…”

  “Elizabeth please, or Lizzy.”

  “Elizabeth i
t is, then. A name that speaks of dignity, determination, and grace.”

  Lizzy looked up at that, startled. “Thank you.”

  “You may call me Josie. Now, what is concerning you?”

  Elsa began pulling the pins out of Lizzy’s hair and letting the heavy locks fall down around her shoulders. “My father has evil friends. He told me I needed to marry Wolton. I had no choice. But I’m tired of being a victim of men’s schemes and debauchery.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Lizzy rose as the abigail put the pins on the dressing table and left to get a nightgown. She turned to Josie. “Maybe I can show you. Would you undo my dress?” Elizabeth turned around.

  Josie rose to undo the fasteners going down the back of Elizabeth’s gown. Letting it fall to the floor she pulled up the back of her chemise to reveal her back.

  Josie’s gasp echoed around the room.

  Elizabeth walked behind a screen and finished dressing. She suspected her face was now the color of her hair.

  Josie sat, mouth agape. “I’m so sorry, Elizabeth. I suspect there is much more you are not telling me.”

  “Yes, m’lady.” Lizzy sat across from her with her head bent, awaiting condemnation from the Viscountess.

  “Elizabeth, what you have endured was not your fault. It is a crime this can be done to a young woman with no one to protect her. God loves you, and Lord Remington and myself will do all in our power to protect you from further harm.”

  “You won’t force me to leave? I am unworthy of your kindness.”

  “You are more than worthy. You are a precious young woman who has suffered evil. I suspect your battle will not be only one with your father and disappointed groom, but that a spiritual dimension underlies this.”

  “I don’t understand.” Lizzy folded and unfolded the handkerchief she still held, her thumb unconsciously tracing the initials embroidered in the corner.

  “You’ve been subjected to great evil. More I’m sure than you’ve shared thus far. These things are not normal or in any way condoned by God. Like you, I don’t understand what hold Lord Wolton has over your father that would force him to sell you in this manner. If your suspicions are correct you are destined for more of the same. I will need to share some of this with my husband, and possibly Lord Westcombe, so they can make discreet inquiries.”

  Lizzy panicked. “Must you?”

  “I believe it is necessary if we are to protect you and give you freedom from the terror you’ve experienced.” Josie leaned forward, put her arm on Elizabeth’s, and looked her in the eye. “I want you to be free of the prison you find yourself in. Free to select a husband of your choice. Free to be all God has created you to be as a woman, a wife, and a mother someday.”

  “I never dared to dream that far.” She hugged herself.

  “I understand,” said Josie kindly. “I believe it would be good for you to get some rest now. We will talk more in the morning when we can consider this with a fresh perspective as to what’s to be done. By then Phillip might be able to give us information on what happened at the ball when they discovered you missing. I’m sure there was an uproar over that and his mother is relishing the notoriety it is giving her daughter’s come out.”

  “Oh, I’ve ruined it for them, haven’t I?”

  “No. She will be in alt. Never fear. Phillip won’t fail in keeping your secret. He has too much to lose by confessing anything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “A marriageable man kidnapping a young woman from his parents’ ball? The only way he’d ever live that down would be to marry you himself.”

  Lizzy’s heart sank. “I could never dream so high as to seek someone as fine as him for a husband.”

  “He is quite a figure of manhood is he not? A man of honor, as well. You can trust him. Now get some rest.”

  “May I keep the fire burning?”

  “That’s fine. I’ll instruct Elsa.” She rang the bell and the maid appeared.

  “You’ve been all kindness, m’lady.”

  “Josie.”

  “Thank you, Josie.”

  “It is our pleasure. Sleep well and have pleasant dreams.” Josie departed after giving discreet instructions to the maid.

  Lizzy blew out the candles and strode to the window. She lifted the pane. Duke came to sit on the sill. “I’m well, Duke. Thank you. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

  Duke nodded and flew off.

  The windows were closed and the drapes were drawn. She settled into a chair by the fire, the vision of blue eyes and a strong chin were better dreamt of awake. I’m in a safe place, I’ll be fine. She’d abandoned everything for safety. But in doing so she courted scandal. There was no way to save face after this. Even under the auspices of the Viscount and his wife, there was little cachet to be had as a runaway daughter of a baron. Even if she could gain her fortune, she’d expose her location. How would she live? Where would she go? Wearily she sought her bed and drifted into an uneasy sleep.

  She ran away from one nightmare straight into unknown darkness with few options.

  ~*~

  Duke flew to the top of the tree and settled in to sleep. The noise of the city made that hard. The gas lamps encroached on the darkness he was accustomed to in the country. His mistress was well. He spied the man who brought his mistress here, return. Duke bobbed his head. He’d do. Lizzy went with him willingly. She was safe and the terror he’d seen in her the past few days was momentarily gone. He could rest and wait to find out what would happen next. She wasn’t clear of all danger yet. Evil lurked in the darkness and he would do anything to protect her.

  Download the rest of Lord Phillip’s Folly from your favourite online retailer.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  It would be impossible to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey, so I apologize in advance for those I will miss. It doesn’t mean you are any less valuable, and thankfully, God keeps better track of those things than I do, and His “well done, good and faithful servant” has more merit than any thanks written here.

  So here it goes. Special thanks to:

  Carol Hisel – can you believe it? I wrote the rough draft of this in NaNoWriMo reunited us after years of praying for you. And look what God has done! I’m honored He let me be part of your journey.

  Elisabeth Herman – you amaze me. Thanks for all the ways you’ve invested in me.

  Doris Pollard Wichern – another early reader and one of my most faithful cheerleaders in this writing adventure.

  Lisa Lickel – thanks for being such a wonderful mentor, friend, and shoulder to cry on when the publishing process throws me those curve balls. I don’t think I would have ever taken that first step in this journey to publication without your gentle push.

  Pastors David Mundt and Ken Nabi – for your love and support and believing in me and the calling God has on my life.

  Sally Shupe – my faithful editor. Thank you for finding all those silly errors!

  Nicola Martinez – my beloved Editor-in-Chief, who continually supports my writing while allowing me the joy of helping others on their journey to publication. I’m grateful for our partnership and friendship.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Editor with Pelican Book Group specializing in bringing great romance to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

  This book is the first full-length novel in the Black Diamond Regency series. The Baron’s Blunder, Henrietta’s story, is a novella and prequel. Future stories include: Lord Phillip’s Folly, Sir Michael’s Mayhem, Lord Harrow’s Heart and The Captain’s Conquest. A Christmas Regency, Gabriel’s Gift is due to release soon. She is also the author of contemporary romances in the Orchard Hill Romance Series, Pesto & Potholes, Salsa & Speed Bumps, Feta & Freeways, Root Beer & Roadblocks, and Bratwurst & Bridges. Future novels include Donuts & Detours and Truffles & Traffic.


  Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and serves on the board of the

  southeast chapter. Her favorite pastimes are snuggling with her dog while reading a good book or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte. Learn more by following her blog, www.susanbaganz.com, her Twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page: facebook.com/susanmbaganz

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