The Fleeing Heiress: A funny flight into love.
Page 10
“No, my lord. So I believe, too,” said Philip with a slight bow.
It was a concession and they both knew it.
Cardiff smiled and went into the bedchamber with the admirable object of making himself presentable before dinner. After all, it was not every evening of his life that he made a formal offer of marriage. He discovered that he was actually anticipating the event.
Chapter Eleven
Since all parties concerned were determined to be amiable, dinner was a convivial meal. The pleasant atmosphere was undoubtedly furthered by the opportunity afforded the ill-assorted travelers to refresh themselves and refurbish their appearances.
Thea had with relief been able to put off her own soiled gown and replace it with one that the modiste had brought to her. The new gown was not of the same quality fabric or fashion as were her own and it did not fit quite properly through the bosom, but Thea was nonetheless immensely pleased with it.
The modiste had had three made-up gowns in her possession that had been left on her hands by dissatisfied clients. Thea had instantly rejected one as being far too ugly. It had also been too short. The other two were found to be acceptable once the sides had been taken in a little. The gown she wore to dinner had been intended for a lady with a more sparing bosom, so that when she tried it on she had felt herself to be displaying a bit more of her charms than she was used to doing. However, a lace fichu stitched strategically into place had served admirably to camouflage the defect.
Thea had also accepted the other gown, which was a modest blue merino walking dress made up with large mother-of-pearl buttons. Since the modiste had had the happy thought of bringing a chemise and unmentionables and an extra pair of stockings, Thea had experienced the exquisite pleasure of putting on fresh undergarments after her bath. She had very nearly purred with satisfaction.
A price had been negotiated with the modiste, and her brother Philip had been applied to for the necessary funds. The modiste had gone away as pleased as Thea by the unexpected transaction.
Thea’s own walking dress and smallclothes had been washed out and were drying in front of the fire in her bedchamber. What with the acquisition of two changes of clothing, a hairbrush and a few other personal items and the portmanteau in which to pack them, Thea felt herself to be rich indeed.
When she looked at her brothers, it pleased her that they had obviously taken pains to improve their appearance. Whatever else might be lacking in them, their sense of worth was well ingrained. The thick curling hair that graced both their heads was combed into shining order and their coats had been brushed free of dirt. Their boots had undergone cleaning, as well. They presented a tidy, respectable appearance even though their cravats were sadly crushed.
However, Thea thought neither of her brothers could ever hold a candle to Lord Cardiff. She did not know how it was, but he had all the appearance of a man who had just come from the able hands of his valet. Clean-shaven, his cropped hair neat, his coat brushed and his boots polished, Lord Cardiff should not have appeared one whit different from the Staffords. Obviously, he had put on a new shirt and his cravat had been freshly starched and ironed before he put it on. Yet Thea suspected that even without those extra touches, Lord Cardiff would have stood out in any company. His lordship carried himself with an innate assuredness and confidence that could not be duplicated by her brothers.
Lord Cardiff was an attractive gentleman, Thea reflected idly as she watched the varied expressions flicker across his tanned face during the conversation. He was not exceptionally tall; both of her brothers topped him by a couple of inches. However, Lord Cardiff’s straight military bearing, with his shoulders well back and his head carried at a proud angle, gave him a presence that was undeniable and made him appear taller than most men.
Handsome, very tanned, possessing an easy smile. Thea decidedly liked the gentleman, for she could think of nothing about him that gave her pause. Of all Lord Cardiff’s good qualities, however, Thea liked best his frank, open gaze and the twinkle that was generally lurking in the depths of his penetrating blue eyes.
Thea gave a tiny sigh as her reflections inevitably led her to contemplation of her present situation and the company she found herself in. It had been so like Lord Cardiff to respond in chivalry when it became clear that she faced social ruin. As the gentleman most nearly involved, outside her father and her brothers, Lord Cardiff had seen the protection of her good name as his responsibility. His offer of marriage was therefore perfectly understandable in the context of what she knew of his character.
Indeed, Thea was honest enough to admit to herself that Lord Cardiff’s offer was very tempting. She had thought about little else while she bathed.
If she had met Lord Cardiff under normal circumstances, in an unexceptional manner as befitting their social stations, Thea knew she would not have hesitated an instant in accepting his suit. It was a pity indeed that the circumstances were far otherwise. Thea gave another tiny sigh.
“Woolgathering, Miss Stafford?”
Thea looked up, mildly startled. She had been slowly running her finger round and round the edge of her wineglass and apparently Lord Cardiff had taken note of it. She saw that he was still watching her, his brows quirked as he awaited her reply. The slow smile that played across his face made her heart contract and suddenly beat a little faster.
Careful to cover any sign of her inner turbulence, Thea returned his lordship’s smile. With a hint of ruefulness, she said, “Rather, I should call it being sunk in a brown study, my lord.”
“Inevitable, I suppose,” murmured Cardiff. “I, too, have had a great deal for reflection pressing on my mind.”
“My lord, we must talk,” said Thea, lowering her voice. Her brothers had fallen into friendly disagreement about the differing merits of hunting country they had both attempted, and she had no apprehension of being overheard and questioned. She knew that Philip and Thomas could discuss such things almost indefinitely.
“I agree, for we must do something about our present situation,” said Cardiff. He glanced at Miss Stafford’s brothers and his mouth tightened momentarily, then relaxed again. He raised his voice to address the bickering brothers. “Gentlemen, the covers have been removed and I ask that you will excuse us now. I should like to speak privately to Miss Stafford.”
Thea was surprised when her brothers at once agreed. She had expected suspicious queries, at the very least, and quite probably a rejection of Lord Cardiff’s request.
“Of course, my lord.”
Her brothers rose from the table and let themselves out of the parlor. They closed the door behind them, shutting off the renewal of their former argument.
Thea had watched them go with her mouth slightly agape, surprise holding her still. When the door closed, she turned back to Lord Cardiff. It was quite plain to her that his lordship had somehow caused her brothers to agree to his request prior to dinner. At once Thea thought she understood how it came about that her brothers had had no objection to an unchaperoned meeting between their sister and Lord Cardiff. There could be only one explanation. Her stomach fluttered with nervousness, for now that the time had come, Thea was not as sure about the rightness of her decision as she would have liked to be.
Thea discovered her companion to be frowning down at his wineglass. Attempting to get over the awkward silence that had fallen, she said lightly, “My lord, this is rather unorthodox.”
He looked up quickly, meeting her smiling gaze, and laughed. “My dear Miss Stafford, our entire history up to now has been completely unorthodox. I hope, in speaking with you now, that we may bring some semblance of normalcy to our association.”
Thea set her napkin on the table and dropped her hands into her lap. She clasped her fingers tightly together. She was glad when her voice did not betray her nervousness when she spoke. “My lord, if you mean to refer to the most obliging offer which you made to me earlier, I must tell you that I am of the same mind.”
“Dear Miss Stafford
, pray do not reject my suit out of hand. I ask that you give it grave thought, for I believe a marriage between us will prove to be the best solution for one in your peculiar circumstances,” said Cardiff in a quiet fashion. There was not an ounce of emotion reflected in either his sober expression or his voice.
Thea hurried into speech again, as much to forestall whatever else he was going to say as to be as plain as possible with him. “What you mean, but do not say, is my ruined reputation,” she said with a quick grimace.
Cardiff hesitated fractionally, as though reluctant to agree. Slowly, he nodded. “As you say, Miss Stafford.”
Thea drew a deep breath. She said earnestly, “Lord Cardiff, I am fully sensible to the honor you do me. But I am also aware of the sacrifice involved on your side. You are too good and kind a gentleman to be entrapped and snared into an unwanted marriage.”
Cardiff straightened in his chair, watching her face. “Miss Stafford, I assure you that I quite understand your feelings, but I do not see our marriage as a sacrifice. On the contrary—“
Thea flung up a hand to put a stop to his lordship’s stiffly polite phrases. She did not think that she could bear to hear him out. “Pray do not, my lord! Let us have honesty between us, I beg of you!”
There was a short, poignant silence. They looked at one another, neither gaze wavering. Thea was breathing shallowly, just as though she had been hurrying somewhere. She waited in tense suspense for her companion’s reaction, for she very much feared that she might have offended his lordship with her blunt speech.
Cardiff got up from the tale and walked over to the hearth. He laid one arm along the mantel and looked down while he nudged the log burning in the grate with one booted toe. When he glanced over at her again, his smile was twisted. “You will not allow me to wrap it up in pretty tissue, will you?”
A smile came trembling to her lips. He was not offended, at least. She met his gaze steadfastly. “No, my lord.”
“Very well.” Cardiff left his place beside the fire and came back to the table. He held out his hand, and when she had laid her own in it, he gently brought her standing to her feet. Still holding her hand, he said quietly, “Miss Stafford, while it is true that I did not plan to wed thus early in my life, nevertheless I formally beg of you to accept my suit. I promise you that I shall honor you and protect you for all of our natural lives.”
Thea stared up into his earnest face. There was a grave expression in the depths of his eyes which told her that he had spoken out of complete sincerity. She felt herself wavering, which would not do at all.
“Oh dear! I must be all about in my head,” said Thea with more than a hint of regret.
While Cardiff regarded her quizzingly, she quietly withdrew her hand from his warm clasp. She took a step backwards to place a little distance between them. “But really, really, I must be resolute. My lord, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I cannot accept your suit. I have another avenue in mind besides wedlock, which I believe wilt suit us both much better.”
“If it is your intent to become a governess or take a position as a cook or some such thing rather than wed me, I must inform you that I am insulted,” said Cardiff, only half in jest. His alert, half-narrowed gaze remained fixed on her face. He felt strangely disappointed by her rejection.
“No, it is a much better scheme than that,” said Thea, purposely ignoring the frown in his eyes.
She moved away from him again because his proximity was distracting to her. She placed her hands on the back of a chair, half turned away from him. Even so, she was vitally aware of his regard.
“I have had time to reflect and I believe—I hope—the course I have decided upon will at least partially salvage my reputation.”
Thea glanced over her shoulder, curious to see the effect of her words. She saw that Lord Cardiff was regarding her with a suddenly intent expression. Her smile flickered. “You must see now, my lord, why it is that I must resist the temptation of your offer. I could not in all honor accept it.”
Cardiff acknowledged that he understood her meaning with a brief bow. “Pray continue, Miss Stafford.”
Thea turned fully to face her companion, leaning back against the heavy chair, letting herself feel the support of the chair behind her. “I have decided to seek sanctuary with my great-aunt, Mrs. Partridge.”
“Are you certain this is what you wish, Miss Stafford? From all that Thomas related, the situation with the lady would not be an ideal one for you,” said Cardiff, recalling his former misgivings regarding the lady in question. “You would be placing yourself in virtual exile with only an eccentric and her cats for company.”
“I am resolute, my lord. Everything you have said is true, but I feel this to be the best solution for me at present,” said Thea.
“It is your intention to appeal to your great-aunt to give you permanent place in her home?” asked Cardiff, his brows pulling into a frown. His penetrating eyes did not waver from her face.
“Not precisely, my lord. It is my intent to go to my aunt at once and throw myself on her mercy. I expect that in several months, I may most likely be able to return to my own home without experiencing too much censure,” said Thea, hoping that it was true. She swallowed an obstruction in her throat that made it difficult for her to continue. “So you see, you need not wed me after all.”
She was conscious of a stab of something very like disappointment as she said the words, but she knew that she had to give Lord Cardiff this opportunity to free himself of all entanglement with her. It was only fair to him, and to her, she told herself. Her pulse beat heavily at the juncture of her neck and breastbone and she knew it was because of her inner agitation. She did not allow anything of her mixed feelings show in her face, but instead met Lord Cardiff’s somewhat incredulous gaze with a semblance of calm.
She saw that Lord Cardiff was still looking perturbed and added, “I have found out from the chambermaid that there will be a mailcoach leaving at midnight tonight. That is how I hope to go to my aunt. She resides not far from here. That is where I was going when I boarded the stagecoach. It—it is also my hope that you will misdirect my brothers in the morning when they discover me to be gone.”
“I am sorry, Miss Stafford, but I cannot agree to this,” said Cardiff with finality.
Chapter Twelve
Thea’s lips parted with her amazement. She stared for a second at Lord Cardiff, exclaiming, “Why, how very unhandsome of you, my lord!”
Knowing something of his lordship’s character, she had been fairly confident of his agreement to help her in this last small way. It dismayed her that Lord Cardiff had thrown up a roadblock when she was in a fair way to working herself free of the snare that had entrapped her.
“You misunderstand me, Miss Stafford,” began Cardiff, throwing up his open palm. “It is not that I am unwilling to help you. Quite the contrary!”
Thea was quick to realize that his lordship had his own reasons for not wishing to act as her decoy. Deeply ashamed, she put out a conciliatory hand towards him quickly. “Forgive me, my lord! I did not properly reflect. I ask too much of you, of course. You will wish to shake my brothers off as much or perhaps even more than I do myself. You will be leaving as soon as possible, naturally.”
Cardiff laughed. The glint of a twinkle had returned to his blue eyes. “It is true, I have some notion of doing just that. However, I perceive now that I must revise my plans in one small detail. Miss Stafford, I propose to escort you to your aunt’s home.”
Thea almost recoiled with dismay. “My lord! No, I shall not allow you to do so. You have been put to such trouble already because of me.”
Cardiff smiled at her and continued as though she had not spoken. “We must persuade your chambermaid to accompany us, of course, so that you will be properly chaperoned. It will not do to give your aunt a false impression upon first meeting you.”
Thea stared at Lord Cardiff. A myriad of emotions coursed through her. She felt a giddy sense of
relief that he did not intend to abandon her. It would not have been wonderful if he had waved a polite good-bye and thought himself well rid of her. Apparently, however, that was not Lord Cardiff’s way. She was grateful and warmed by his steadfast gallantry. However, guilt threatened to overwhelm her at her utter selfishness. How could she accept his continued protection? He bore no real responsibility for her at all.
Thea squared her shoulders and spoke resolutely. “My lord, I am eternally grateful to you for the trouble you have put yourself to on my behalf. Pray do not think I am not! But truly, you have done enough for me. I really cannot trespass on your good nature any longer.”
Cardiff grinned. There was devilment in the gleam in his eyes. He knew how to persuade her to accept his escort, at least. As for the rest, he was always ready to make the most of what opportunity offered. “Miss Stafford, you mistake. When I help you to arrive safely at your aunt’s home, I shall also be extricating myself from a very tight spot. How much dependence would you place upon your father or your brothers not hunting me down and demanding that I redeem your besmirched honor?”
“Oh, yes. I quite see,” faltered Thea. She cleared her throat. “I had nearly forgotten. Our nuptials. In that case, my lord, I accept your most kind offer of escort. We neither of us actually wishes to wed the other, do we?”
Cardiff’s expression became pensive and there was a faintly rueful note in his voice. “We did establish agreement on that at the very first, I believe.”
“Yes, indeed,” said Thea. She drew in a steadying breath.
For some obscure reason, she felt as though she was about to burst into tears. “I shall naturally try to persuade the chambermaid to come with me. What shall I do if she refuses to accompany us?”
“Perhaps the request would be better coming from me, Miss Stafford. I suspect my purse is a bit deeper than your own,” said Cardiff dryly. “The promise of a reward at journey’s end may prove to be just the incentive we shall need, you know.”