“I suppose she’s the only one unmarried now, eh?” Joseph observed. “Does it bother her much?”
“She’s holding up well, but with Caroline being so much younger, it must sting. All those years on the marriage mart and not so much as a nibble. It’s a shame. She’s always been good with children. I’m sure she’s keen to have some of her own.”
More interested in the game than the conversation, Dare stated, “Why not find her a widower or lonely vicar and make him come up to scratch?”
William shot him an insulted glare. “Come, now, Nivea deserves better than that. She’s a good sort and the Horsham name should ensure her a title. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Dare had begun to enjoy himself and had no interest in being drawn into a discussion of marriage. “Maybe she’s better off as she is. After all, marriage is naught but a prison.”
He should have known better. All he did was stir up a heated reaction.
“Ho, ho! I don’t think that theory holds much water here,” William proclaimed.
“That’s right. We are quite content with our lives,” added Thomas.
“Ah yes, I’m sure you think so now. But the thrill will burn out soon enough and you’ll be joining me in rakish pursuits in no time. Of that, I am certain.” Then turning to his left, he added, “Well, not you, Godwin. You always have been a bit of a stick. Now you’re just a sappier stick.”
Thomas shrugged his shoulders. “I have no regrets. In fact, I think I’ll retire and join my wife for some marital bliss.”
“Ha! There is no marital bliss, just people in heat.”
Thomas didn’t rise to the bait. He scooped up his pile of coins and took his leave.
Dare threw back another drink, warming to the subject. “Come now. You know marriage is no more than a business relationship. Even if it begins with some attraction, the hands of time cause it to sour.”
Joseph shook his head. “That is not true. You’re just bitter because Constance threw you over.”
With a scornful snort, Dare answered, “I only pursued her because she would have been an obedient wife who stayed in the country, bearing my heirs, while I continue my lifestyle. My heart was never involved.”
“That may be why she chose someone else,” Joseph pointed out.
“Ridiculous. There is obviously a flaw in her character. It is just as well I didn’t introduce her blood into my family.” He banged his glass down on the table.
William growled, “Be careful now, Dare. You forget that blood is now in my family. Amelia was the best thing to happen to my father.”
Dare waved his hand dismissively at his friend. “Yes, well, she won’t be bearing you any heirs, will she? You’ll be the next earl, and your son after you. All I can say is that I must be very selective when finding a wife to carry on my bloodline. It will be a business decision, not anything as illusionary as love.”
“Illusionary? Landis, you couldn’t be more wrong. I love Briar,” Joseph protested, with William joining in.
“And I, Betsy. Surely, you can see if you stopped treating women like interchangeable playthings, you might be able to form an attachment.”
Dare glared at them. “But why would I want to? They are interchangeable. The only difference is how long it takes for me to find their cloying behavior to be a bore.”
“You need to consider the possibility that the right woman is out there,” Joseph urged.
“The right woman, meaning faithful and obedient? It’s not possible.”
“There are any number of happy marriages.”
“Bah! My parents cannot tolerate each other, with good reason. My sisters? They just hope their children’s parenthood is never called into question. Do you know how many women come to my bed, bemoaning the fact that their husbands are too old or difficult, or unable to satisfy? It’s a stifling union that is guaranteed to tarnish with time.”
He shoved back his chair to get another drink. Spotting a laggardly lump in the corner, he called out, “Wilshire, how much time do you spend with your enchanting little wife, Elizabeth?”
George raised his bleary eyes from his glass, as though awakened from a deep sleep. “Eh, my wife? I keep her in frills and she leaves me alone.”
Dare waved his glass in the air. “There, you see.”
“That means nothing,” Joseph said. “Someday, you’ll think differently. A woman will catch your interest, and God help you when she does. You will never let her go.”
“The only thing I’ll never let go is my gold,” he announced, sitting back at the table, running his fingers over a stack of coins.
George muttered, “If you want to keep hold of your gold, definitely don’t wed.”
They laughed, but he continued, morosely, “Lady Wilshire is striking, but she’s an expensive piece. As if clothing isn’t enough, she’s always wanting to buy damned jewels. I gave her my grandmother’s rubies and she acted insulted. Said they looked old. Old! Of course, they’re old. Ain’t that the point? But no. She wants to go out and drop all my coin on her own baubles.” Following that outburst, he slumped back into his chair. “I make her wear the demned rubies to remind her she doesn’t need others,” he mumbled before lapsing back into sodden silence.
Dare smirked and tossed back another drink. “My point exactly. Marriage is an institution that pleases no one.”
“But don’t you want somebody to talk to? To discuss your day’s events?” asked Joseph.
Dare stared at him. Discuss things with a woman? Why on earth would that be an incentive to marry?
“Come, now. Surely you’ve had conversations with women,” he prodded.
“You mean ones that didn’t involve begging for compliments or hinting at marriage? No, not a one.”
Suddenly, the image of Nivea sitting on the rock as they pleasantly chatted over a picnic lunch came to mind. Chalking that up to an aberration, he continued his argument. “Much as this conversation bores me, I’d much rather be sitting around with you gentlemen, drinking and gambling, than spending more than five minutes with a woman. Any woman. Although once her skirts are off, I’d happily reorder my priorities.”
With that, he turned his attention back to the cards.
Chapter 11
The day of Caroline’s wedding dawned sunny and warm. Nivea once again arose with the sun and snuck out to the stables for her daily ride. The stable hand was less surprised to see her this time. She didn’t ride long, knowing guests would arrive soon for the celebration. As the dew was drying on the grass, she returned and headed up to her room where Emma helped her on with her dress.
“You look so pretty, miss. That color truly suits you.”
Nivea beamed at her reflection. “Thank you, Emma. I feel pretty.”
The dress was a soft, flowing creation in burgundy silk with a sash of pink roses, and matching flowers in her bonnet.
“I finished the alterations last night. It’s a good fit, now.” Emma smoothed the sash down, settling it along her waist. “I have Sarah working on your other clothes. Don’t go starving yourself or we’ll have to redo all our work.”
Nivea smiled. “Don’t worry, Emma. With all the treats Cook has prepared, I’ll probably be back where I started by nightfall.”
But looking at her reflection, and seeing the subtle changes, she knew she’d be able to tamp down any cravings. Her cheeks had a little more definition, making her eyes seem larger. Her waist had a slight curve, emphasized by the sash under her bustline. It was a heady experience knowing she wouldn’t be Nivea, the frumpy wallflower, today.
Best of all, she was finally making progress with Dare. He must feel the growing attraction between them. He had talked and laughed with her that first night of their return. Then, last night he had kissed her hand, right there in front of everybody. And he could not have missed the spark that sizzled between them as he squeezed her fingers.
Heading toward the stairs, her thoughts were buzzing. Once he saw her in this beautiful dress, surely h
e would take notice.
Nivea found the entire house party ready to enter carriages. She scanned the bright array of colors, hoping to catch a glimpse of Dare. Tall as he was, he was sure to stand out, but she did not spot him. It appeared the magical moment would have to wait.
Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, William tugged at her arm. “Nivvy, there you are. Popa and Amelia have already left for the chapel with Caroline. You are to ride with Betsy and me.” Not giving her a chance to answer, he escorted her into their carriage.
The sanctuary was a beautiful structure, built by the Normans. Amelia had arranged for the entranceway to be decked in flowers and ribbons. Flanking the path, footmen, bearing the family’s burgundy livery, sat astride two white horses with matching ribbons braided into their mane and tail.
The Horshams had been generous supporters of the church for centuries and it was equipped with comfortable pews and plenty of room for the swarm of guests. Taking her seat near the front, Nivea tried to be subtle as she looked around the church for Dare. She finally caught a glimpse of him tucked in the back.
Even without his acknowledgement, her heart skipped a beat. The sun, streaming through the window, glinted off his sleek black hair while throwing his face into shadows. He appeared an entrancing contradiction of a heavenly devil.
With a sigh, she turned back and tried to focus on the ceremony.
It was a beautiful service, and Nivea brushed away a few happy tears as the couple took their vows. The peal of bells proclaimed their marriage to all, and their guests streamed out of the church into the courtyard. Nivea spotted Dare near the carriages talking to Joseph, but she was surrounded by family and unable to get closer. Still, she was able to drink in the sight. His charcoal grey jacket, silver waistcoat and spotless white breeches molded to his form like a second skin.
She stopped breathing when, catching her gaze, he crooked a rare smile her way. Oh, good heavens. She hadn’t imagined it. He, too, felt the growing connection between them. Maybe her dreams would come true.
Dizzy with delight, she managed to finish greeting the remainder of enthusiastic well wishers, before racing to her carriage to take her to the wedding feast.
Cook had outdone herself. The buffet tables were laden with tasty treats. Nivea plucked a few slices of seasoned pheasant from a silver tray and turned to survey the room. Friends and family created a living kaleidoscope. Dresses of all colors swirled in an ever-changing pattern around the more sedate tones of the gentlemen’s attire. The terrace doors were open wide, allowing a light breeze to circulate. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and musicians played softly in the background. It was the most perfect of all days.
Caroline appeared in the doorway and Nivea strode over to give her a kiss.
“Oh, Caro, it was a superb wedding. You looked so happy.”
“I am happy. Nicholas is so sweet. He keeps telling me how beautiful I am and saying how lucky he is to marry me.
“He’s right you know. You are beautiful and he is lucky.”
Amelia joined them, wrapping them both in a hug. “I don’t even need to ask you if you’re happy, Caroline. Your smile lights up the room.”
“It has been a wonderful day. The decorations at the church were as striking as you’d planned and my dress makes me feel like a princess. Thank you Amelia.” She twirled with a giggle, showing off the cream-colored dress with rosebuds embroidered along the hem. Pale pink strips of lace crisscrossed her bodice, encircling her waist and streaming down her back.
Smiling, Nivea adjusted a piece of lace on her bodice. “There, now you’re impeccable.”
“Thank you, Niv. You are beautiful, too, you know.”
The pink in Nivea’s dress was a perfect complement to her sister, as Betsy pointed out when she and Abby strolled over. “The two of you look like a picture. I feel like a frumpy aunt next to you.” She glared down at her shapeless lavender gown .
“Don’t be silly. You just had a baby. You look radiant. Especially when holding little Anthony. He is precious.”
“Yes, he is. I am so blessed.”
“As am I,” said Amelia. “I never dreamed I would become part of such a wonderful family. First Abby and Constance, then you girls getting married. Now we just have to get Nivea settled and our family will be complete.
“You should have invited the vicar. They could have made a match,” said Elizabeth Wilshire with a smirk as she strolled up to the group.
“Excuse me?” Nivea sputtered.
“Last evening, Lord Landis suggested if no one else would have you, perhaps you could get lucky and marry a vicar or a lonely widower. Of course, if you were really lucky, you’d have a husband and a man to warm your bed.” At that, she glanced over at Dare, who was looking in their direction.
Nivea’s heart stopped. No. It couldn’t be. Was she implying that Dare was involved with her? The thought was too much to bear. Elizabeth had always been a spiteful creature, mocking others without care. Surely, Dare wouldn’t stoop to bedding her.
Elizabeth took no note of her dismay and continued, “Yes, while they were playing cards last night, your brother said you would never marry, but Adair commented that you should at least be able to attract a vicar, desperate for a helpmate.”
“What?” How could he say such a thing?
“I don’t think it was phrased like that,” protested Caroline.
“That’s right. William argued that you were an upstanding girl and deserved better,” said Betsy.
“But Lord Landis said no one but a vicar would agree to marry me?”
Abby cut in, “Landis was being his pompous self, declaring love and marriage to be a sham. Thomas said he was quite intractable.”
Nivea blinked back tears as she stared at her family. “So, am I to understand the men spent the evening talking about how I may never get a husband, and then relayed all the embarrassing details to you?” It was too degrading to even consider.
“Oh, it wasn’t like that at all.” Caroline patted her arm in an attempt to comfort her, but Elizabeth piped up once again.
“No, of course not. They did not waste much time discussing you. It was simply noted that you are the only unmarried female now, and he provided a solution. Most of the conversation involved Adair explaining how he prefers to limit his associations with women to livelier activities than marriage.” Waving her fan, Elizabeth let out a merry laugh before mincing away, leaving no doubt as to her meaning.
Nivea sucked in air, trying to steady her breathing, but she couldn’t stop the tears that burned her eyes. With an angry swipe of her hand, she brushed them away. What a fool she’d been. Not only did Dare not find her the least bit attractive, he didn’t even think her worthy of another man’s attention.
Amelia pulled her into a hug. “Don’t listen to that nasty woman. You know she likes to stir up trouble.”
“Are you saying that Lord Landis would not insult me in front of his friends?” she choked out.
“Of course he would. He insults everyone.” Caroline had never understood her infatuation with Dare and was always eager to disparage him. “Truly, what does it matter what he thinks? I have no doubt you will find someone who appreciates you as much as Nicholas does me.”
“That’s right,” said Betsy. “I never expected to find a husband until William came along, and now I couldn’t be happier.”
“Please don’t let that bitter woman ruin this day for you,” Caroline pleaded.
“For you, Caro, I will forget it. I don’t want to cast a shadow on your day.”
Nivea forced a wan smile and marched over to the terrace doors for some air. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to show the unconscionably rude Lord Landis just how wrong he was. She could be charming. She could attract suitable gentlemen.
She smoothed her hands down her skirt and tucked a few stray hairs back into place, ready to dazzle all the eligible men in the room. Turning to face the room, her resolve almost crumbled. Dare was staring
straight at her, dark eyes blazing with anger.
She gasped. What does he have to be angry about? He wasn’t the one insulted in front of friends and family. She glared back at him, and he turned away.
Pain shot through her. Why was he acting like this? They had been getting along so well together. She didn’t really expect him to marry her, but for him to say she was worthy of no prospects beyond a lonely, desperate vicar was heart-wrenching.
But since she’d promised Caroline she’d enjoy the day, she squared her shoulders and returned to the party.
Chapter 12
First on the dance floor were the bride and groom, followed by the earl and Amelia, and Nicholas’s parents. Then the whole family joined in, laughing as they twirled across the floor.
Soon the ballroom was filled with the sounds of celebration. Having two neighboring families joined in a love match brought out a heightened joy amongst the guests. It was obvious that Caroline was marrying a fine fellow who would treat her with respect and affection. Dare could barely look at them without retching.
It could be the amount of spirits he had indulged in the previous evening, but that seemed unlikely. He’d been taught at an early age a man was expected to handle his liquor.
The real question was, how could everyone be so blind to the fact that this was all a mirage? Once the celebration was over and the marriage began, there would be no happiness. It was best to live life to the fullest, take what pleasure you could, and then leave with a minimum of fuss.
To that end, Dare turned to notice Miss Yorklyn standing near the open window. She was a comely neighbor of William’s, who he had met a few times over the years.
He strolled over and asked her to dance. She shot a smug look at her companions, before grabbing his extended arm and tucking it into hers. Beaming up at him, she pressed the curve of her breast against his sleeve. Not one to ignore an invitation, he appraised her form, noting how the jade green dress enhanced her eyes, and the tight-laced bodice emphasized a generous cleavage. Offering her a seductive smile, he bowed in appreciation.
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