Love's Folly

by Nina Coombs Pykare

  “I am all right,” replied Emily, hoping that there would be no bruises on her arms in the morning and resolving to cover them with long sleeves should there be.

  “Good. Goodbye now.”

  He turned to go and suddenly she called out. “Dunstan, is there—nothing you can do to help Percy? No way to convince him?”

  His lordship shook his head. “He’s a pigeon ready for the plucking, Emily. He will simply have to learn for himself. He will not listen to me, you know that. In fact, if I should speak to him, it might only drive him further on, further into debt.”

  She nodded. “You’re right, milord. But if you see any way to help him—”

  “Then I will.” He smiled at her briefly, then turned and strode away.

  She watched him go, her heart beating in her throat, tears rising to her eyes as she considered how very much she loved him. Where was he going now? To Harriette Wilson or to the brazen Miss Castlemain? Oh, why, why, would he never come to her?

  CHAPTER 16

  The days passed and Sarah’s banns were called for the second time. Emily was quite pleased at her friend’s happiness. Even her own prospects seemed a little brighter. If she could just avoid getting mixed up with Gilcrest or with Percy anymore, perhaps she could convince Dunstan that she was mature enough to deserve his regard.

  She and Sarah spent many hours in grave consultation over the contents of Sarah’s trousseau. They made two trips to the modiste before they could decide on the pattern for her wedding gown.

  Other shopping trips filled up the days and Emily woke one morning to the realization that the wedding was little more than a week away.

  Then she would lose her companion. She decided to seek out Dunstan. There was no point in waiting longer. They would have to find Sarah’s replacement soon, for it would be highly improper for her to stay in the house with the viscount without some kind of chaperone.

  She put on her green-sprigged muslin, brushed her curls, and went to find if his lordship was still about.

  Fortunately he had not yet gone out and she found him in the library with a pot of tea. He looked up from a desk covered with papers. “Good morning, Emily.”

  “Good morning, milord.”

  What a pleasure it was to have him smile at her like that. “It has just struck me that we’ve very little time in which to find a replacement for Sarah.”

  He nodded. “I have just been considering that myself.” He gave her a strange look. “Have you anyone in mind?”

  Emily shook her head. “Not really. It will be impossible to find anyone as good as Sarah. Just so she’s not too stuffy.”

  The viscount chuckled. “It would be most unkind—to both of you—to saddle you with such a companion.” He paused. “I have someone in mind. A young woman—the sister of a friend of mine.”

  “What is she like?” asked Emily.

  “She has been rather unfortunate in her choice of companions,” he said gravely. “But she has now regretted that. I believe your acquaintance would be beneficial to her.”

  Emily felt the color rising to her cheeks. It couldn’t be possible. He couldn’t mean to bring that terrible Miss Castlemain into the house. She stared at him. “Do I know this young woman?”

  He shook his head. “No, you have not made her acquaintance, though you may have seen her on some occasion when we were out.” He looked a trifle uncomfortable.

  “Her name?” said Emily sweetly, keeping a tight rein on the anger seething within her.

  “Miss Castlemain.”

  Emily bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming out at him. Finally she felt calm enough to reply. “You quite surprise me, milord. You are so extremely solicitous about my reputation, yet you propose for me a companion of the poorest quality. Gilcrest’s rejected plaything. How will it look to the ton, do you think, if the creature that has been hanging all over Dunstan comes suddenly to live in the same house with him? Tell me, milord, who will serve as chaperone for Miss Castlemain, whose admiration for you is quite as evident as her damped petticoats?”

  He rose from the desk and came toward her, his eyebrows drawing together fiercely. “This sarcasm is unbecoming to you,” he said curtly. “Barbara Castlemain is a young woman in need of assistance. For the sake of her brother, whose memory I revere, I intend to do all I can to help her. I am attempting to save her from destruction. It would seem to me that you, who have certainly made your share of mistakes, would be a little more compassionate to a fellow creature.”

  By now Emily’s anger had complete control of her. True, his words stung somewhat, but it was not lack of compassion that made her rage so, it was pure jealousy. “You do not fool me, milord Dunstan. I have seen this young woman hanging on your arm. And now you want to bring her into the house where you will have easy access to her. Well, I refuse to be your accomplice in this!” Her breath was coming fast and quick and she glared at him.

  “You are behaving foolishly,” said Dunstan. “My concern for Barbara Castlemain is purely altruistic. I have no desire for her. In fact, I am enamored of a young woman and I expect to marry as soon as I get your affairs in order.”

  Emily felt her knees buckle. He was going to marry!

  “But, but ... you never said.”

  He eyed her coldly. “As I have told you on several occasions, I am the guardian here. I have loved this young lady for some time now. Now, if you’ll excuse me, since you refuse refuge to a fellow creature in distress, I must make other arrangements for her future.” With that he strode off, leaving her in stunned shock.

  She sank into a nearby chair. He was going to marry! All her dreams came crashing down around her. She had never even had a chance. She blinked back the tears and swallowed hastily. How fortunate that he had never discovered her partiality for him. She could not bear to have him pity her. That would be even worse than his contempt.

  She sat there for some minutes, trying to rally her numbed senses. She shivered. She could not bring herself to have another man. And to keep Dunstan any longer from the woman he loved was unfair. Nor could she imagine living on in the house with him and his bride. Such a future held too much agony.

  She could no longer stay in London—that much seemed clear. After Sarah’s wedding she would return to Essex, perhaps find a comfortable middle-aged woman as companion. There she would settle into the life of a spinster.

  She was still sitting, trying to make herself realize that all hope was gone, when Sarah finally found her. “Emily! What are you doing in here? Don’t you remember, we’re going shopping?”

  Emily shook her head and pressed trembling hands to her temples. “I can’t, Sarah, I just can’t. I’ve got a headache so bad I can’t think.”

  Sarah’s plain face reflected concern. “Oh, dear, then I shan’t go either. I can’t leave you like this.”

  “Please, Sarah, take Rose and go,” Emily pleaded. “I need only to lie upon my bed for a while in quiet. Then I shall be fine.”

  Sarah still did not seem convinced. “Come, Sarah,” Emily coaxed. “You can do nothing for me by remaining here. I shall feel infinitely worse if I keep you from your pleasures.”

  Sarah considered this. “Well, it you’re quite sure.”

  “I am, Sarah. I am. Come, you shall see me safely lying in the dark and then you can be upon your way. I insist on it.”

  They made their way up the stairs and Emily removed her shoes and lay upon the bed. Sarah fussed around, making sure that everything was right and then, with a little frown, left for her shopping.

  Lying there in the darkness of the curtained bed, Emily let the tears come. It seemed incomprehensible that Dunstan should love another woman. These last weeks the feelings between them had been better and better. She was quite sure of that. How could she have not sensed this in him?

  Tears rolled down her cheeks and sobs shook her body. Young women no longer died of broken hearts, she thought numbly. She must learn to live with this. There was nothing else to do.


  She had finally drifted off into an exhausted sleep when she was wakened by a brisk tap on the door. “An urgent message, miss,” said Jeffers when she went to open it.

  The message was in an unknown hand and Emily’s fingers trembled as she tore it open. Her first thought was that something dreadful had happened to Dunstan.

  Quickly her eyes scanned the message. It was not Dunstan, it was Sarah! A rearing horse had kicked her and she could not be moved. Emily muttered the address aloud as she grabbed up bonnet, shawl, and reticule. She must find a hack. She must get to Sarah immediately!

  The note fell from her fingers as she sped down the stairs, past the startled Parks and out into the street.

  Now, which way was the nearest hack stand? Emily hurried off down the street. Dear God! Sarah injured—and so badly she couldn’t be moved! Belatedly Emily thought of Bersford, but she had no idea how to reach him. First she must get to Sarah. Half running, half walking, she hurried down the street.

  There was a terrible stitch in her side and her breath was coming in gasps when she heard the sound of a carriage pulling up beside her. A cheerful voice called out, “Miss Penthorne. Halloo! What are you doing roving about the streets like this?”

  Emily looked up to find Gilcrest eyeing her with concern.

  “It’s Sarah,” she gasped. “She’s hurt. I—I am on my way to her.”

  “Of course, of course.” Gilcrest was all solicitude. “Here, get in. We will go there instantly.”

  Somewhere in the back of Emily’s mind alarm bells rang. She knew that it was indiscreet to be seen riding with Gilcrest. But Dunstan was already lost to her and she had to get to Sarah before it was too late. In her anxiety, she forgot about everything but her friend,

  “Oh, thank you,” she cried, accepting his help up. “I am so worried about her.”

  “The direction,” said Gilcrest soothingly. “I must give the driver the direction.”

  “Of course.” Emily rattled it off. “It is not a street I am familiar with,” she said nervously. “I cannot imagine what she was doing there.”

  Gilcrest passed the direction to the driver and leaned back in the seat beside her. “Compose yourself, Miss Penthorne. We will get there as quickly as possible.”

  As the carriage moved off at a good clip, Emily relaxed just a little. Soon she would be by Sarah’s side. “When you have left me with Sarah,” she said. “I should like you to do me another favor.”

  “Of course, dear lady. Whatever you wish.”

  “Sarah’s betrothed, Bersford. If you can find him and send him to her.”

  Gilcrest nodded. “Of course. With the greatest speed.”

  His hand covered hers briefly and she did not pull away. After all, he was being quite kind. “Come, my dear, you really must compose yourself. Your friend will be all right.”

  “But she has been kicked by a horse,” cried Emily. “Such accidents can be fatal.”

  Gilcrest made no reply to this, but Emily was gratified to find that he urged the driver to go faster. It did seem a little odd to her that they should be traveling the back streets, but then there was less traffic on them and the carriage could go faster.

  She closed her eyes in order to ask the Almighty for help for Sarah. Surely if anyone deserved his help, it was Sarah, who after so many years of unhappiness and waiting, was finally to come into her own. She must not die now, Emily thought. She must not

  When she opened her eyes again, Emily was surprised to see that they were passing into the country. “Surely Sarah could not have come this far!”

  Gilcrest gave her a peculiar smile. “I am only following the directions you gave me.”

  Emily shook her head. “There must be some mistake. Sarah could not have come this far. Please, take me back. I must find her.”

  Gilcrest continued to smile oddly. “We are not going back to the city.”

  Cold fear struck at Emily’s heart. “I must find Sarah,” she cried. “She’s been hurt!”

  Gilcrest shook his head. “Your friend, Miss Parker, was in excellent health when last I saw her—shopping on Bond Street.”

  “I do not understand.” Emily knew that her hands were trembling and she fought to control them.

  “It is very simple really.” Gilcrest adjusted his gloves. “You have refused to receive me, but I do not give up easily.” His look sent a cold shiver of fear over her. “So I have been watching your activities. I knew that sooner or later my chance would come.”

  Emily listened, her heart in her throat. He was saying that Sarah was not hurt, that this was some plot of his! A new fear washed over her.

  She looked toward the side of the carriage. Even though it was going at quite a speed, perhaps she could throw herself out. Almost as though he divined her intent, Gilcrest’s hand closed around her wrist with an iron grip. “You are not going anywhere, my dear. At least, not anywhere outside this carriage.”

  “You must let me go,” cried Emily. “Take me back this instant!” She tried to free her wrist, but was unsuccessful.

  Gilcrest smiled again, a smile that chilled her blood. “We will come back to London eventually,” he said as the carriage clattered through the trees. “But when you return, it shall be as my wife.”

  Emily stared at him. “This is impossible. Do you think I would marry you after this awful thing you have done to me?”

  Gilcrest shrugged. “It was a simple thing. I just waited till I saw Miss Parker out alone and surmising, correctly, that you must be at home, I dispatched the note and you fell nicely into my hand.”

  “You cannot force me to marry you.”

  Gilcrest raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps not, but by the time we get to Scotland, you may have changed your mind. The journey is rather long and the nights are cold. You will belong to me, in fact if not in law, long before we reach the parson.”

  “No.” Emily spat the word at him. “I will never be your wife. Never! Never!”

  His grip on her wrist tightened cruelly. “You’ll sing quite another song before long. Your good name will be completely ruined. No decent man will have you.”

  Emily shuddered. Dunstan! What would he do?

  “You will be sorry if you try to wed me,” she said icily. “Or take unlawful liberties. I have a guardian,”

  Gilcrest laughed loudly. “Yes, I know. The inestimable Dunstan. He kept me from having Barbara Castlemain. Just as the little bird was about to fly into my net, he stopped her. But this time I will win.” His face lit up in a way that sickened her. “What pleasure I shall find in seeing his face when you return—despoiled.”

  Emily felt waves of fear washing over her. She must strive to keep her head. She could not give in to panic. Think! She must think. She had rushed out of the house in such a hurry that no one would have any inkling of her destination. When Dunstan returned and found her gone, what would he do? What would he think?

  Could she change Gilcrest’s mind? The man was obviously not thinking clearly. He had failed to consider the repercussions of this deed. That there would be repercussions Emily was quite sure.

  She looked around her again. There must be something she could do, some way to escape him. He would have to stop the carriage sometime. He could not hold her wrist all the way to Scotland. She would keep herself in readiness for any eventuality. In the meantime she would try talking to him.

  “Lord Gilcrest?”

  “Yes, my dear.” His eyes gloated over her in a way that made her flesh crawl.

  “Have you considered this carefully?” she asked. “Have you given any thought to what will happen to you when Dunstan discovers this?”

  Gilcrest laughed again. “Dunstan already suspects your virtue,” he said. “No matter your protestations to the contrary, you will be legally mine. There is nothing he can do then.”

  “He can call you out.”

  “Yes, so he can. But dueling is illegal these days and somehow the news would leak out so that the duel would be stopped. Dunstan would be i
n trouble, not I.”

  Emily let this sink in. It appeared that Gilcrest had considered everything. She shuddered at the thought of the fate awaiting her, but she would not give in easily. “I shall never consent to marry you,” she repeated firmly. “Never.”

  Gilcrest shrugged. “Certain young women have begged me on their knees for that favor,” he observed dryly. “You may well join them.”

  “I will never do that,” declared Emily boldly.

  “We shall see. A woman with a tarnished reputation has little chance in the marriage mart. No one will have you if you come back from such a trip with me.”

  “I—I should rather become an incognita than be your wife!” she cried.

  Gilcrest laughed harshly. “What a rich ending that should be to Dunstan’s attempts to preserve you pure. Unfortunately I cannot indulge myself in such speculations. I much prefer our marriage, for other reasons. He kept me from the Castlemain, but this time I will win.”

  This was the second time he had mentioned Barbara Castlemain, Emily realized. “How did he do that? How did he keep her from you?” she asked. Here was her chance to learn something. And, perhaps while she was doing so, she could conquer the fear that was rising to choke her.

  Gilcrest frowned. “The girl was ripe. She heeded all my advice, dressed as I wished. I had persuaded her to meet me alone. Dunstan got wind of it and talked her out of it. She has ignored me since.”

  Emily felt a prick of conscience. She had misjudged Dunstan in regard to Castlemain’s sister. She could see that now. He had only been acting to protect an innocent girl.

  “You should have agreed to meet me when I sent Percy as my envoy,” Gilcrest continued. “That would have saved me a great deal of trouble and spared you some pain. Now I have spent considerable time in running you down and therefore my sport may be justifiably more cruel.”

  Waves of weakness swept over Emily. Whatever Gilcrest intended for her, it would not be pleasant. This was more than an abduction by an enterprising fortune hunter. This was a plot of revenge against Dunstan, and to the end of accomplishing that revenge, Gilcrest would spare no one.