Shame washed through him. “To be honest, I hadn’t given it any thought at all. I am so caught up in loving you, I didn’t give the effect on my siblings and Malcolm any thought. It was reckless of me.”
Her hand dropped away and she put even more distance between them. “Are you having regrets? I would understand if you wished to rethink your offer.”
Closing the distance, he wished her aunt and Aurora were not so nearby. “I may deserve a strong word or two for some selfishness and impulsiveness, but I regret nothing and it changes nothing. I love you, Mercy. Nothing will change that. I hate that there will be gossip. I shall protect you from as much of it as possible. My cousin will get over any pride he might experience and my sisters will be thrilled to have you in our family.”
A sad smile played across her lips. “London is nothing without some gossip. I shall survive if it means that in the end we are together.”
Longing to pull her into his arms, he glanced at her aunt and bowed instead. “Once we are married and you are the Countess of Castlewick, no one will dare say a word to disparage you.”
Her laughter rang out on the clear day. “Of course they will. They shall just do so when I am out of earshot.”
Chapter 21
Having left Cheshire early, Mercy and Aurora were back in London in time for Tuesday tea. “There really was no sense in staying any longer. Her ladyship was so vexed about my engagement she would give no one peace,” Mercy said.
Aurora sighed. “Mother was petulant for the entire trip back to London. At least you could escape her during the carriage rides, Mercy. It was such a blessing whenever she fell asleep and stopped her nagging.”
Faith shook her head. “Didn’t you tell her that her hopes of a match between you and Castlewick were unfounded, Aurora?”
“Of course, I did. I could never love him, though I think him a fine man. I’m so happy for you, Mercy. You and his lordship make a perfectly splendid couple.” Aurora’s smile lit her eyes as she leaned forward to pour more tea.
Heat rushed up Mercy’s cheeks. “Thank you. I wish I could be sorry it didn’t work out for you, Aurora, but I’m so happy to have secured Wesley’s love, I can feel little else.”
Poppy had been particularly quiet during the tea. She leaned forward and placed her cup and saucer on the table before taking a biscuit and sitting back. “Do you love him, Mercy?”
“Of course, I do. I would not have agreed to marry a man I do not love.” Mercy couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice. “Why would you ask me that, Poppy?”
Standing, Poppy fisted her hands. “Please don’t misunderstand me, Mercy. If you are happy, then I am happy for you. It’s only that this feels very sudden. You must know you needn’t marry if you do not wish to. You have the three of us to support any endeavor you should pursue. I would not like to think you married because you felt you needed a husband to keep you safe.”
Perhaps Mercy should have been angry at her friend’s notion that she was desperate, but knowing Poppy’s worry was based on her love, she stood and hugged her. “Poppy, I love him. I never believed it would be possible to love any man based on the callers I’ve had over the years. And most of them were perfectly respectable men who sincerely wanted to marry me.”
“So you could play music for them every day for the rest of their lives,” Faith added with little attempt to hide her contempt.
Mercy laughed. “Perhaps. Still, Mr. Colby and his ilk were all fine choices and would have afforded me safety if not happiness.” Sighing as Wesley’s strong jaw and kind eyes flitted through her mind, she said, “Wesley has pushed aside his dream of restoring his family estates to marry a woman of no means or connection. Though I think he will continue to look for a way to purchase the final piece of land from Aurora. He put those things aside for me. I am overwhelmed with emotion, but I loved him long before he did this. In fact, I think I loved him from the moment I met him, but I had just determined that since I could never have him, those emotions should be held back and I tried to bury them. Unsuccessfully, I might add.”
All three of her friends listened with wide eyes, without interruption.
Aurora grinned and nodded.
Faith’s soft smile accompanied a sigh.
Poppy shook her head and dragged Mercy into another hug. “Then I am overwhelmed with joy for you. Wesley Renshaw is a lucky man, and I shall be sure he knows just how lucky on our next meeting.”
Squeezing Poppy, Mercy giggled. “I’m certain you will.”
Faith poured the last of the tea. “Will you continue giving lessons now that you have no need to work?”
“Oh yes.” Mercy accepted the tea. “Though I might be choosier about my students and allow another teacher to instruct the novices. Then I can focus on serious musicians and gifted children. I would enjoy that much more and so would my ears.”
They all laughed.
Poppy asked, “How does his lordship feel about your working after you’re married?”
Just the mention of Wesley, even in title only, warmed Mercy from the inside out. “He said he would support any venture I took on. I shall hold him to his word.”
“The way he looks at you tells me he would give the moon if you asked for it.” Aurora’s eyes glittered the way they had years before. It was wonderful to see her becoming more herself with every day that passed since her horrible husband’s death.
“Then it’s a good thing I have no use for a celestial globe. His love and affection will do nicely for a start.” Mercy folded herself into the chaise and curled her legs beneath her.
Always worried, Poppy asked, “And where will you live? I should not like for him to curry you off to some country home several days from West Lane.”
“I would not like to be far from the three of you either, which is why we shall live most of the year in London.” Mercy raised a brow to see if Poppy had any other concerns.
From behind her teacup, Poppy said, “I am satisfied for the present.”
“Thank goodness.” Faith put her cup down. Are you all attending Savington’s ball on Friday? “Nick wants to go because Mr. Arafa was invited and he’s worried Savington might be up to something.”
“What do you mean?” Poppy sat up straight ad narrowed her eyes. She and Rhys had become good friends to Geb Arafa over the past year and she was fiercely protective of her friends.
Faith shrugged. “I’m not sure. It is unusual for Mr. Arafa to receive invitations from ton members outside of our group. Savington has never struck me as a dishonest person, but the invitation is unusual. Perhaps he is just in need of information and wishes to speak to Mr. Arafa.”
“Or perhaps he has something more dire in mind.” Poppy frowned. “I will speak to Rhys. He had a meeting with a ship’s captain this afternoon, but he will come to collect me. I’m sure he will wish to attend on Friday. I’ll not have anyone embarrass Mr. Arafa if that is Savington’s plan.”
“I shall write Lady Savington today and tell her I will be at the ball,” Aurora agreed.
They all turned and gaped at Mercy. “I was going anyway. I’m to meet Wesley’s sisters and his cousin, Malcolm Renshaw, on Friday.”
“Why should that make you look queasy?” Aurora and all Mercy’s friends were often too observant.
“Wesley warned me that his cousin is a bit of a snob and will not approve the match.” Mercy wiped her hands on her skirt as they started perspiring. “I shouldn’t care, but I hate the idea of his relatives disliking me.”
Poppy made a scoffing sound. “Firstly, no one who truly knows you could possibly dislike you. And secondly, if he dislikes you based on something monetary like a piece of land or a large dowry, we have no use of this Mr. Malcolm Renshaw anyway.”
“Perhaps not, but I still would like to make a good impression. I’m glad you will all be there. We shall support Mr. Arafa as a group.
” Mercy gave a nod that was more assured than she felt.
Aurora nodded back. “And we shall all support you as well. Malcolm Renshaw does not know the Wallflowers of West Lane and therefore is already outnumbered.”
“Indeed.” Faith gave a smile.
Poppy crossed and sat next to Mercy on the chaise. She took her hand. “Not to worry, Mercy. Shall we call for more tea?”
The knocker sounded from the foyer and Poppy went to the window facing the street. “Rhys must have arrived early from his meeting. Oh, it’s two ladies.”
“I wonder who that could be.” Aurora stopped her progress to call for tea and turned toward the door.
A moment later, Tipton opened the salon door. “My lady, the ladies Charlotte and Ester Renshaw to see Miss Heath. I have asked them to wait in the grand parlor.”
All eyes turned toward Mercy. Wesley’s sisters had come to call. “Is Lord Castlewick with them, Tipton?”
With no sign of thoughts or emotions, the butler said, “The young ladies are unattended but arrived in a carriage with driver and footman.”
“But they are only seventeen. Surely they have a governess.” Mercy worried for their safety and couldn’t imagine what Wesley was thinking not having a chaperone for his sisters.
Poppy came back to the seating area and grinned. “I’m liking these sisters. Do send them in here, Tipton. We shall need more tea as well.”
“Yes, Lady Marsden. I shall inform Cook.” Tipton backed out of the room.
Aurora said, “I assume you didn’t expect a call from your future sisters-in-law, Mercy.”
“No. As I said, I expected to meet them on Friday at the ball.” Mercy held her breath and stared at the door.
Tipton returned, flanked by two girls with dark blond curls and bright brown eyes. They looked like sisters but were not identical. One had a rounder face and dimples; the other had a stronger chin like her brother. “Lady Charlotte Renshaw and Lady Ester Renshaw.”
Once the butler had left and closed the door, the wide-eyed Renshaw twins made their curtsies, as did the Wallflowers of West lane.
The slightly taller twin spoke first. She had very similar features to Wesley. “Please forgive me, which one of you is Miss Heath?”
Mercy had to hold back her giggle. They were adorable. She stepped forward. “I am Mercedes Heath.”
The rounder-faced twin rushed forward and grabbed Mercy’s hands. “I am Ester Renshaw. Our brother has told us all about you. Though only yesterday. I know we were supposed to meet on Friday, but I hate to meet at a ball where we will have no chance to talk. It seemed better to come and call on you and Charlotte agreed. Of course, Mrs. Manfred would never have agreed, so Charlotte had to convince our driver to take us. I thought we should hire a hack, but this was better.” She turned to her sister. “You were right about that, Charlotte.”
Charlotte approached. “I hope you are not too put out by our coming. You are to be our sister and we knew nothing about you until yesterday. I further hope we are not intruding on a private tea. Though I fear we are.”
Both twins stepped back and stared at the other three ladies, who were close to laughter.
Aurora, always the most contained, steeled her features and stepped forward. “You are most welcome. I am Aurora Sherbourn. Please come and sit. I have called for tea.”
They glanced from Aurora to Mercy.
Mercy, who had not been able to get a word in thus far, said, “Please, join us for tea. These are my closest friends, the Dowager Countess of Radcliff, the Duchess of Breckenridge, and the Countess of Marsden.”
“Gracious, you have lofty friends, Miss Heath.” Ester fussed with the trim around the bodice of her peach gown.
Poppy laughed. “You’d not have thought so if you would have met us some years ago.”
Faith sat and giggled. “That is certain.”
Opening the salon door, Mercy called, “Tipton.”
A moment later the butler appeared. “Yes, Miss Heath?”
“Will you send word to Lord Castlewick’s home that his sisters are calling here and quite safe?”
“Of course.”
Ester appeared sheepish, at their planned escape from whoever Mrs. Manfred was.
Charlotte just shrugged. “Perhaps it’s inappropriate, but we just couldn’t wait for the ball.”
“It wouldn’t do,” Ester agreed.
Mercy sat on the chaise. “I couldn’t agree with you more and I’m delighted to meet you both. However, if I caused your brother worry, it would pain me greatly. It’s better, at this point, to send word that you are safe.”
“Besides,” Poppy said. “If your Mrs. Manfred comes to collect you it will still be a while and we’ll have had time for a short visit.”
“So true.” Aurora sat and smoothed her gown. “Now, who is Mrs. Manfred?”
Ester cleared her throat and pulled at her lace again. “Our governess. She has been with us since our mother died when we were quite young.”
They were sweet girls. Mercy could see that right away. They might share a birthday, but that was where the similarities ended. Where Ester was talkative and gave her opinion freely, Charlotte was thoughtful and careful with her words.
“My brother tells us that you are a musician, Miss Heath.” Charlotte cocked her head to the left.
Ester cocked her head to the right. “We love music. I hope you will play for us soon.”
Mercy liked them. “I will play so often that you will soon tire of my music, Miss Renshaw.”
The tea arrived and conversation ceased until the maid left.
“I do not think that is possible.” Charlotte accepted a cup from Aurora.
“You are correct.” Aurora poured a cup for Ester. “We have been blessed with Mercy’s music since we were girls of just fifteen and we have yet to tire of hearing her play.”
Faith declined another cup. “That is an understatement. Her play is remarkable.”
“Do either of you play?” Mercy wanted to move the conversation away from herself.
A huge grin spread across Ester’s sweet face. “We both play the pianoforte, though do not practice as much as we should.”
“Then I look forward to hearing you both play. Perhaps I will accompany you on another instrument.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “How many do you play?”
Somehow Mercy had misspoken and brought them back to her. “A few.”
Laughing, Poppy said, “We don’t even know the answer to that question. It seems whatever you hand her, she can play.”
“Then she’ll come back a month later and be an expert on the flute or oboe.” Faith shook her head, but her eyes sparkled with mirth.
“I do not play the oboe.” Mercy said.
Aurora sipped her tea. “Only because you have yet to try it.”
Ester put her cup on the table. “You four have been friends a long time.”
“We have,” Mercy confirmed.
Charlotte put her own cup down and smoothed her periwinkle day dress. “Ester and I have had each other since birth. We were born friends. I cannot imagine finding such a close bond with anyone else, but I can see you have something quite similar here.”
The sisters gazed at each other with sadness.
“What’s wrong?” Mercy asked.
Ester sighed and looked at Mercy. “We didn’t know about you until our brother came home from the country and we were quite excited to have a new sister. Now we can see you do not need us as you already have sisters.”
It took a bit of energy not to chuckle at the sweet notion. “But my dear, Ester, you should know that when you become family with one Wallflower of West Lane, you gain them all.”
Ester gaped at Poppy who nodded. “We shall be a fine party whenever we’re together.”
While Char
lotte tried her best to be calm and refined, her elated expression hid nothing when she looked at Faith. “But you are a duchess.”
“That is only a title, my dear. Besides, marrying a duke has its advantages.” Faith waggled her brows.
The twins giggled.
“It does come in handy,” Mercy agreed.
“If we are truly to become sisters, we must confess.” Charlotte fidgeted.
Heart jumping to her throat, Mercy put her tea aside. “What must you confess?”
Charlotte and Ester exchanged a silent look and agreement. Ester said, “It was not completely our idea to come here today.”
Shocked, Mercy didn’t know what to think. “Wesley sent you?” A million thoughts ran through Mercy’s mind and none of them made any sense as to why he would have sent his sisters to see her without a chaperone.
“No.” Charlotte stared at her shoes. “Wesley doesn’t know we are here. He left early this morning on some business.”
“Who sent you?” Faith’s voice was soft and reassuring.
Ester pulled too hard on the lace she’d been fussing with and it came free of her gown. She smoothed over the fabric that would have to be mended. “Cousin Malcolm came and was in a bit of a snit over you becoming engaged to Wesley. He said you must have tricked him. He distracted Mrs. Manfred while we slipped out of the house. He’d gotten us into a bit of a panic but then on the carriage ride over, we talked and realized we had never seen Wes so happy. He never smiles so easily. If you had tricked him, he must have needed tricking if you make him that happy. Then we thought Malcolm might have other reasons for being mistrustful. He can be quite suspicious. So we decided to meet you first before we decided if we should like you or not.”
“And there you have the whole story.” Poppy hid her amusement behind a bite of biscuit, though not very well.
Charlotte said, “I hope you are not too angry with us. We should have told you the entire truth as soon as we arrived, but if Mal was right…”
“And are you certain your cousin is not correct about me?” This cousin Malcolm had not yet been introduced, but Mercy already disliked the way he had manipulated his young cousins.
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