‘But if he wasn’t aware of the relationship between Lady Chiswick and Lady Mary, he cannot be held to blame,’ Sophie said, stung by Nicholas’s unexpected criticism. ‘He is not the type of man who would knowingly offend anyone.’
‘Nevertheless, ignorance does not absolve him of guilt. What he did to Lady Mary put him beyond the pale.’ Nicholas leaned back against the edge of the desk, propping his hands on either side of his hips. ‘Had he gone ahead and honoured his obligation to her—’
‘But if she was the cause of the rift—’
‘Had he gone ahead and married Lady Mary,’ Nicholas repeated gently, ‘none of this would have happened. A man’s word is his bond and a promise, once given, cannot be retracted.’
‘Not even if there is just cause?’
Nicholas sighed. ‘Sometimes, not even then. However, the important thing is that you did nothing wrong, and that you told the truth in the face of a very difficult situation. That took courage and I’m proud of you, Sophie. Lavinia and I both are.’
‘Then you’re not sorry you invited me to come to London?’
‘Sorry? My dear girl, you’ve brought us nothing but joy and I know Lavinia is dreading the thought of you going home. Frankly, so am I, but I’m not supposed to show it. Now, why don’t you go and have something to eat? I’m sure you had nothing before you came to see me and you didn’t have much last night. Then, later on, you and I will sit down and have a little talk about your future.’
‘My future?’
‘Yes. If it’s not to be marriage, we must look at alternatives.’ Nicholas put both hands on her shoulders. ‘We just want you to be happy, Sophie. And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.’
It was with decidedly mixed feelings that Sophie accompanied Lavinia to the drapers shortly after lunch. She had already received a note from Robert, saying that, under the circumstances, it was probably best they not go to the museum together, and she had quickly sent one back, saying how sorry she was that the excursion had to be postponed. She’d added a postscript that she deeply regretted most of what had taken place the previous evening, and hoped he would be able to read through the lines to see that the time they’d spent alone in the garden…and his kiss…were definitely not part of her regrets.
Now, as she wandered up and down the well-stocked aisles, trying to pretend an interest in the brightly coloured bolts of fabric, lethargically looking at lace, she was unable to order her thoughts—
‘…of course, it’s not as though she ever had much of a chance of making a good marriage,’ a lady standing with her back to Sophie said. ‘Her being crippled and all. But it’s shocking behaviour all the same…’
Crippled. Sophie’s head slowly came up. Two ladies were chatting a few feet away from her. Neither one was known to her, but the fact they were talking about a single, crippled lady made the idea of doing the polite thing and moving away unthinkable.
She edged a little closer, suddenly very interested in a roll of elegant Alençon lace…
‘Still, it’s only speculation she went to his rooms,’ the taller lady said. ‘No one’s come forward to say they actually saw it happen.’
‘But if a gentleman’s word can’t be taken as truth, whose can? And when I was at Mrs Coldham’s yesterday afternoon, three of the ladies were saying there was talk of her meeting that tall dark fellow in the park.’
Sophie’s blood ran cold. Surely they weren’t talking about Jane?
‘It will be the ruin of her, of course,’ the first lady said. ‘She won’t be accepted by good society now. Mrs Coldham said as much and no one disagreed with her. I dare say her brother will have no choice but to send her down to the country. And if he’s fortunate enough to marry, which is doubtful given what he did to poor Lady Mary Kelsey, his wife will have the business of looking after her, and I don’t envy her that.’
‘Still, it is very sad,’ the second lady said. ‘I always thought so well of Miss Silverton. She seemed such a genteel young lady, and so well brought up. Certainly her mother was. But judging from the stories, she’s not at all what we thought…’
The women carried on talking, but Sophie had heard more than enough. Forgetting her own concerns and dropping all pretence of shopping, she quickly went to find Lavinia, who had been standing too far away to hear any of it. ‘Lavinia, I’ve just overheard the most appalling conversation.’
‘Dear girl, whatever is the matter? You’ve gone as white as a sheet.’
‘Come outside. I have no wish to speak of it here.’
Lavinia dropped the bolt of cloth she had been studying and the two quickly made their way into the street. Once Sophie was sure the other ladies were still inside, she told Lavinia all she had learned—and watched Lavinia’s face go white. ‘And you’re sure you heard them say Jane’s name?’
‘Quite sure. At first, when they spoke of the lady being crippled, I hoped they were talking about someone else. But once they mentioned her name, there certainly wasn’t any doubt.’
‘This is very serious indeed,’ Lavinia said. ‘They actually said Jane went to a gentleman’s rooms?’
‘They did, though it was only speculation.’ Sophie kept her voice low. ‘But apparently several people saw her talking to a gentleman in the park.’
‘Quite likely, for I know that Jane often takes the trap and drives out on her own. But she would never go to a gentleman’s rooms. Even the rumour of such behaviour would be enough to ruin her.’
‘Unfortunately, that is the rumour now circulating,’ Sophie said. ‘The ladies said Mr Silverton would have no choice but to take her down to the country.’
‘Oh dear, this is dreadful.’
‘Are we to tell her?’ Sophie asked.
‘Not yet. I am expected at a poetry reading at Lady Henley’s later today,’ Lavinia said. ‘No doubt it will be well attended and I shall make discreet enquiries as to how far the rumours have spread. But if it’s true, we will have no choice but to tell Jane and her brother. They must be made aware of what is being said and given a chance to refute it. Even so, I fear it may be too late.’ Lavinia’s expression said it all. ‘Jane’s reputation may be lost to all hope of salvation.’
Chapter Eleven
Sadly, upon Lavinia’s returning home later that afternoon, Sophie discovered it was worse than either of them thought.
‘Of course, no one seems willing to say who saw Jane enter the gentleman’s rooms,’ Lavinia said, hardly able to contain her anger. ‘Speculation has it that a well-placed gentleman let it slip at one of the clubs, whereupon it soon became common knowledge at all the rest. Then it found its way into the drawing rooms of society.’
‘But why will no one say which “well-placed gentleman” made the comment?’ Sophie asked.
‘Because that’s not the way it’s done.’ Lavinia pulled off her gloves. ‘Some misplaced notion of honour amongst thieves, I suppose. Besides, it doesn’t matter. Several other people saw Jane speaking to a gentleman in the park, and when you add that to what I truly believe is an out-and-out lie, the damage is done.’
‘Did they say who the gentleman in the park was?’
‘Several names were mentioned, but no one could say for certain. And there is no way of knowing if it is the same man whose rooms she is reputed to have visited.’
‘I cannot believe this,’ Sophie said. ‘Who would wish to harm Jane in such a cruel and inhumane way?’
Lavinia sighed. ‘I don’t know, but I fear we have no choice. We must pay a call on Jane and Robert as soon as possible. They must be made aware of what is being said.’ She walked towards the window and drew the curtain aside. She was quiet for a long time. ‘I feel terribly guilty for saying this, but it seems one good thing has come out of all this.’
‘What’s that?’
Lavinia turned and gave her a crooked smile. ‘Nobody is talking about what happened at Lady Chiswick’s any more.’
Fortunately, both Jane and Robert were at
home when Lavinia and Sophie paid their call half an hour later. Jane was reading in the drawing room, and Robert came down shortly thereafter. He was dressed for going out and looked exceedingly handsome in his black-and-white evening attire. Sophie couldn’t help wondering where he was going and who he was going to see. Lady Annabelle Durst, perhaps? To thank her for speaking up on their behalf? Or for reasons of his own…
‘I’m sorry to be calling so late,’ Lavinia said when the four of them were seated in the drawing room, ‘but I thought it best not to waste any time.’
‘You appear distraught, Lady Longworth,’ Robert said. ‘Has this something to do with what happened at Lady Chiswick’s?’
‘I fear this is actually worse. It seems, Mr Silverton, that someone is out to damage your sister’s reputation.’ And with as much detail as she could provide, Lavinia told them what she knew of the situation.
The clatter of Jane’s cane falling to the floor made everyone jump. But when Sophie saw the girl slump forward in her chair, she quickly ran to her side. ‘Jane!’
Lavinia was on her feet. ‘Smelling salts?’
Robert nodded. ‘I’ll fetch them.’
Sophie clutched the girl’s limp body in her arms. ‘Sapristi! If I ever find out who did this—’
‘Calm yourself, Sophie, we will find out,’ Lavinia said. ‘For now we must keep our wits about us.’
Sophie nodded. ‘Help me sit her back up.’
‘Salts,’ Robert said, coming in and handing them over.
‘Thank you.’ Lavinia removed the lid and held them under Jane’s nose.
The effect was immediate. The girl’s head snapped up and her eyes flew open, only to fill at once with tears.
‘No, Jane, you mustn’t cry,’ Sophie said as Lavinia handed the bottle back to Robert. ‘We shall ask the maid for tea—’
‘No! I don’t want anyone to come in!’ Jane cried.
‘But you must have something!’
Robert walked to the sideboard and poured a glass of brandy. ‘Here, dearest,’ he said, handing it to her. ‘The fire will put some colour back in your cheeks.’
Jane took the glass and gazed up at her brother through her tears. ‘It’s not true, Robert. I swear it’s not true. I have never visited any gentleman in his rooms. I would never—’
‘I know.’ His smile was infinitely gentle. ‘It never occurred to me you would. And we will get to the bottom of this.’
‘Robert, I’m so sorry,’ Lavinia said, ‘but we thought you needed to know what was being said.’
‘I am grateful to you and Miss Vallois for having the courage to come and tell us.’ He paused. ‘Given what happened at Lady Chiswick’s, I would understand you preferring to have nothing more to do with me.’
Sophie and Lavinia exchanged a glance. ‘Mr Silverton,’ Lavinia said, ‘were you aware of the relationship between Lady Mary Kelsey and Lady Chiswick before you went to Lady Chiswick’s house?’
‘No. I wasn’t even acquainted with Lord or Lady Chiswick. I went at Oberon’s insistence. He told me Lord Chiswick was most anxious to show me his collection of hunting trophies.’
‘Hunting trophies.’ Lavinia sniffed. ‘God help you if all your friends are so caring of your welfare, Mr Silverton. However, having now established that you did not wilfully intend to provoke Lady Chiswick, and with Lady Annabelle’s assurances that you and Sophie were not alone in the garden, I think we can dismiss the matter. The fact that people know Sophie was employed by Mrs Grant-Ogilvy is a trifling matter at best. Your sister’s defamation is what we must now turn our attention to.’
‘At least now I know why I was getting such strange looks at the club this afternoon,’ Robert murmured. A shutter dropped down over his eyes. ‘I know it is an imposition, but would it be possible for one of you to stay with Jane for a little while? I have to go out.’
‘I’ll stay,’ Sophie said, disappointed that his social engagement should take precedence over Jane’s predicament. ‘And it is no imposition.’
His smile rested on her for a moment, the tenderness of his gaze causing her pulse to beat erratically. ‘Thank you. I shall return as quickly as possible. Jane, will you be all right without me?’
Wearily, Jane nodded. With a last look at Sophie, he left, closing the door behind him.
‘Well, I suppose I had best go and apprise Nicholas of what’s happened,’ Lavinia said, getting to her feet. ‘Perhaps he can find out more details. Send word when you want the carriage, Sophie, but stay as long as you need. Goodnight, Jane. Try to get some rest.’
‘Thank you, Lady Longworth, I will.’
With a nod, Sophie closed the door. When she turned back, it was to see a trace of colour seeping back into Jane’s pallid cheeks. The brandy, no doubt. ‘Don’t worry, Jane,’ Sophie said, sitting down beside her. ‘Your brother will not allow these lies to be perpetuated. This will all be put to rights.’
‘Unfortunately, the damage is already done,’ Jane said quietly. ‘You don’t know how society works, Sophie. From what you’ve told me, it is my word against a gentleman’s and society will never take mine over his. I know what they say about me. That I am a cripple and that…I shall never marry. They probably think I had no choice but to throw myself at a man in such a way.’
‘No one who knows you would ever believe such lies!’ Sophie said fiercely. ‘I cannot imagine who would wish to hurt you like this.’
‘Perhaps Lady Mary has decided to take her revenge,’ Jane said. ‘If I have no hope of marrying, Robert will be for ever forced to look after me.’ She sniffed and reached for her handkerchief. ‘I can’t imagine what your brother must think.’
‘I’m not sure Antoine knows. He and Nicholas were out most of the afternoon.’
‘He will hear soon enough,’ Jane said, fresh tears welling. ‘And he must have nothing to do with me, lest he be the one people believe I visited and his own reputation suffers as a result.’
‘But he doesn’t even keep rooms in London.’
‘No one will care about that. They will say he rented a room for the night, or borrowed a friend’s home. They will say he compromised me beyond all hope of redemption. Only think what that will do to his reputation.’
‘I don’t imagine he would care greatly,’ Sophie said. ‘I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Jane. And the way you look at him.’
This time when the girl’s cheeks reddened, Sophie knew it had nothing to do with the brandy. ‘Is it really so obvious?’ Jane asked.
‘It is to me. I’m not sure it is to anyone else.’
Jane was silent for a time, twisting her handkerchief around and around in her hands. ‘I’m so sorry, Sophie. I think I lost my heart to Antoine the first time I saw him. I’m sure you can understand why.’
Yes, Sophie could, though her acceptance of it made it no better for any of them. ‘Has he made you any promises?’
‘He knows he cannot. Without my brother’s consent, it would be impossible for us to marry and Antoine does not wish to incur Robert’s anger. Besides, he has to return very soon to France and I cannot go with him.’
‘Oh, Jane, I wish I knew what to say.’
‘There is nothing to say. The circumstances are all wrong.’ Jane’s voice was light, but her eyes were filled with sadness. ‘I’m not the first woman to love a man she cannot have and I certainly won’t be the last.’
‘You make it sound so final.’
‘I learned a long time ago that life isn’t always fair. But I will have the memory of his love, and I believe he will remember me when he returns to France. I just worry what he will think when he hears these dreadful stories.’
‘He will think the same as the rest of us,’ Sophie reassured her. ‘He will not believe these lies. Indeed, he will be as furious as your brother.’ She thought about the look on Robert’s face as he’d walked out the door. ‘And something tells me Mr Silverton in a temper is not a thing any man would wish to experience.’
There was
only one thought on Robert’s mind as he strode into Oberon’s favourite hell—and it was not charitable. It became even less so when he found his enemy in one of the upstairs rooms seated at a table with four other men, all of them titled, all of them rip-roaring drunk.
‘Silver! What a surprise!’ Oberon called around the whore in his lap. ‘Hutton, give Silver your chair—’
‘I’m not here to gamble,’ Robert said. ‘I’ve come for a word with you.’
‘Perhaps later. As you can see, I’m very busy—’
‘Now!’ Robert gently, but firmly, pulled the half-naked woman from Oberon’s lap. ‘In private or I’ll know the reason why.’
In an instant, Oberon’s smile disappeared. He glanced at the faces of the men seated around the table, aware of the curiosity burning in their eyes, and said, ‘Very well. But you’d better have a damn good explanation for this.’
‘Trust me. I do.’
Oberon downed the rest of his brandy. He stood up and led the way out of the room into the darkened corridor. Stopping at a second door, he opened it and they walked into a room that looked to be an office. ‘Now, what’s this all about—’
‘You know damn well what it’s about.’ Robert slammed the door. ‘Someone’s been spreading lies about Jane.’
‘Really? I can’t imagine who would do such a thing,’ Oberon said.
‘Can’t you? A name leaped immediately to my mind.’
The cobra reared up, its black eyes as cold as the death it would surely deal. ‘Careful, my friend. Damaging stories can be told about a gentleman as well as a lady.’
‘So you admit to telling lies about my sister.’
‘Who is to say what is truth and what is a lie? Certainly not those who listen with equal fervour to both. But I admit to nothing,’ Oberon snapped. ‘And if you attempt to put it about that I did, you will suffer the consequences. To call the son of a peer a liar is a serious offence.’
‘No more serious than destroying the reputation of an innocent young woman.’
Courting Miss Vallois Page 16
