A smile lit Eynsford’s eyes. “You are impossible, Mother. I find I am in need of your advice.”
Her eyebrow shot up. “My advice? The last advice I gave you was to find a suitable wife, but I haven’t noticed you doing that,” she commented. “What advice could I possibly give you that you might heed?
“Ah, but I have sought you out; your other advice was unsolicited,” countered the marquess.
“What is it, then?” asked the dowager. “You see me all agog.”
The marquess cast a glance at his sister’s curious face. “Perhaps Emmelina could be excused,” he said gently.
“Nonsense,” said his mother. “The child comes out next season, and it will do her no harm to hear how men of the world live. She might even learn to be careful around gentlemen such as her brother. This isn’t about one of your lightskirts, is it?”
“It is not,” replied Phillip, to Emmelina’s obvious disappointment. “I’ve never had any trouble handling them.”
“So, there’s something you can’t handle on your own, is there?” said the dowager. “Out with it, my boy.”
The marquess seated himself on a chair across from his mother, and then paused, giving his sister a glance. Her eyes met his, lively with curiosity. He shrugged.
“You ordered me to find a woman I wish to marry,” he said. “I have done so.”
The dowager sat up and cast him a sharp look. “Never tell you mean to offer for the Ravenscroft girl?” she said. “My friends have done nothing but gossip about your dances with her for the past month.”
“Of course I don’t mean Lady Pamela,” said the marquess. “She seems like a nice child, but I have no intention of marrying a child.”
“It’s not that horrid Lady Mowbry is it? I won’t have it, Phillip. She may be the daughter of a baron, but she has no ton.”
“No, it is not the lovely Lady Mowbry. How do you know about these things, Mother?”
“There is very little that you do that I do not know about, Phillip, though I usually keep my mouth shut. Bear it in mind. And you too, Emmelina, in case you are minded to get up to any mischief next year.”
The marquess gave his sister a sympathetic smile. “I think that you don’t know about this, Mother. I proposed to a woman this morning; she is well-born, gently bred, kind, gracious, and lovely.”
The dowager stared at him. “When are you to be married?” she demanded.
“That is the problem,” said Phillip quietly. “She won’t have me.”
“Won’t have you! You mean to say that she turned you down?”
“She did indeed.”
The dowager gaped at him. “What kind of a ninny would refuse you? Phillip, are you trying to gammon me?”
He shook his head. “I am not teasing you, Mother. I asked for her hand in marriage, and she refused me.”
“Well, I can scarcely believe it,” said the dowager.
“Nor can I,” said the marquess. “The wind was certainly taken out of my sails. But she had reason. I have badly deceived her.”
“Who is this woman, and what have you done to her?” asked the dowager.
Phillip hesitated and glanced at Emmelina. “I’ll not have her name bandied about,” he said quietly.
“If that’s true, she’s the first woman whose name you’ve had a care for,” snapped the dowager. She glanced at Emmelina. “Your sister will keep her mouth shut. She’s not such an idiot as she seems.”
Phillip looked down at his hands. “She is Letitia Winwood.”
“Lord Morgan’s widow?” His mother shook her head. “She’s of good stock, Phillip, and I recall that she is quite lovely, but why a widow with children? Surely you could find someone with fewer entanglements who actually wishes to marry you.”
“I’m sure I could,” agreed the marquess. “But it is Lady Morgan I wish to marry.”
“What did you do to her?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You’re handsome, you’re likeable when you choose to be, you’ve a title, and you’re far richer than you deserve to be,” observed his mother. “Women are fairly lining up outside your door. If she won’t have you, there must be a reason.”
The marquess looked slightly shamefaced. “I deceived her as to my identity,” he said.
The dowager sat back in surprise. “You did what?”
Phillip squirmed slightly in his chair under his mother’s eagle glare. “She refused to meet me, or to go out in public, so I put myself in her way and introduced myself as Mr. Markham, a solicitor.”
His mother gave a bark of laughter. “A solicitor! You look nothing like my solicitor, I give you my word. She must be a ninny after all.”
The marquess’ lips tightened. “She is not a ninny. She is innocent and trusting, but she is also brave, kind, and intelligent. Besides, I had Boothby obtain a badly-made suit for me to wear when we met.”
The dowager laughed at the notion of her son wearing a badly-made suit, and then paused as she digested this. “Well, she seems to have hooked you, and so there must be something special about her. Refused to meet you, did she? That must have stung.”
“It did. At first I was determined to become re-acquainted with her out of curiosity, and perhaps pique, but in the end, I found her to be everything I could wish for in a woman.”
“Are you sure she doesn’t know who you are and her innocence is a ruse?”
“Then she would have accepted my proposal,” said the marquess quietly. “No, she is quite sure that she will have none of me. She much preferred the solicitor to the nobleman.”
“And you want me to untangle this for you?” asked the dowager.
“I thought you might have some advice for me,” said Eynsford. “You have it on every other occasion.”
“My advice, Phillip, tends to be for situations that are reconcilable. You have treated this girl very poorly, and I imagine far more is going on here than you have told me.” She glanced at Emmelina, who was staring at them avidly. “I won’t go into that now. But I would have had your father’s head if he tried such nonsense on me, and I can hardly blame Letitia Winwood for sending you away. I’d have done more than that; you would have had the rough side of my tongue, to be sure.”
Eynsford grinned ruefully. “I might have fared better if she’d given in to her temper,” he said. “She was very restrained.”
“That doesn’t bode well for you, my son. Intelligent, restrained women are hardly the sort you’re used to.” The dowager sighed. “I suppose you must play a waiting game. You will need to show that you too have restraint and can be patient. Rushing the woman along just because you want her is a stupid thing to do—-she’s not out of mourning is she? That fool husband of hers can’t be dead six months.”
“No, she is not out of mourning, but there was little to mourn in Lord Morgan,” he replied.
“It doesn’t matter that he was a useless wastrel who is missed by no one, it matters that she needed time to arrange her life,” his mother pointed out. “You may love her all you wish, but she has to fall in love with you as well. Harrying the poor woman because you have decided to honor her with your affections is unlikely to win hers. If she’s not drawn to your money or your looks, then you will have to seek a deeper connection.”
“I believe she is not displeased with my person—” began Eynsford.
“I imagine she’s not!” interjected the dowager with a knowing look.
“—but she was most vehement in her refusal.”
“She’s had a shock, and you’ve injured her pride. Surely you don’t expect her to concede immediately? You’re the ninny here if you can’t see that. You’ll have to prove to her that your feelings are consistent and sound. I’d not have you either, my boy.” The dowager folded her arms and glared at him.
“I suppose you have the right of it,” said Eynsford slowly. “It did not occur to me that this was something I could not put right immediately with a marriage proposal.” He rose gracefully to
his feet. “I’ll be on my way, but I thank you for your thoughts.”
His mother shook her head as he bowed over her hand. “I never thought I’d given birth to such a fool,” she said tartly. But then she squeezed his hand. “If you want her, I want you to have her,” she said. “You are normally able to charm the birds out of the trees, but this case may be different. Not that it won’t be good for you; you’ve never had a woman resist you before.”
Eynsford nodded. “Thank you, Mother,” he said. He gave his amazed sister a hug, and left the room, his eyes thoughtful.
“Let that be a lesson to you,” the dowager said to Emmelina. “You can’t put your trust in the words of a man—-not even your own brother!”
Chapter 26
Her emotional storm had passed, and Letty was standing before a mirror examining with irritation its ravages on her complexion when the door opened, and Nellie announced the Viscountess Exencour. Letty turned her woeful countenance towards the door, and Isobel, seeing her distress, rushed to her, enveloping Letitia in a warm hug.
“Oh, my dear, do not let that annoying man disturb you so. They are none of them worth it, the wretches.”
Letty gave a shaky laugh. “Isobel, you are dreadfully inconsistent. First you tease me and tease me to meet the marquess, and now you tell me he is a wretch. I wonder what kind of friend you can be.”
“That is better, Letty. If you can laugh about the situation, all will eventually be well. But Letty, I am so shocked! Francis tells me that he has guessed for some days that Phillip was your mysterious lawyer.”
Letitia frowned. “Why did Exencour not tell me of his suspicions?”
“I fancy he did not know how to go about it. He feared for you, and did not wish to cause Eynsford embarrassment. He also felt that neither he nor I should meddle in your life. I know however, that Francis indicated to Phillip that he must bring the masquerade to an end, and I think it was only Eynsford’s fear that you would cast him aside which prevented him from admitting the whole to you some time ago.”
Letty blushed and hung her head.
“Oh no, Letty,” exclaimed Isobel. “You have not sent him away already?”
“I have,” she replied, somewhat defiantly. “He deceived me, and I cannot bear it. I will not have a friend who treats me dishonestly.”
“When did you see him?” Isobel inquired.
“He came here this morning,” answered Letitia.
“What did he say to you?” asked Isobel, with lively curiosity.
“He asked me to marry him,” was Letty’s bald reply.
“He asked you to marry him, and you sent him away?” Isobel could scarcely believe it. “A man who you told me yourself you found more agreeable than any other, and who is rich, handsome, charming beyond measure, and titled as well?”
“Isobel, Alfred appeared to be rich, handsome, charming, and titled when I married him, if you recall, and look what came of it. I will have nothing to do with a man who lies to me.”
“Do you really think of it as a lie, Letty? I believe that Eynsford never meant for things to go so far, and he simply did not know how to set things straight, and allowed the situation to grow beyond control.”
“Isobel, had he only respected my feelings from the outset, this entire disaster might have been avoided,” said Letitia earnestly.
“Ah, but then you would not have enjoyed the acquaintance of Mr. Markham, or have had a supporter against the irritating attentions of Dr. Wolfe,” Isobel pointed out. “You refused at every turn to meet Eynsford.”
“Isobel, whose part are you taking?” asked Letty.
Isobel clasped Letty’s hands in hers. “Letty, I want only what is best for you. But think how much in love with you Eynsford must be to humble himself so. You would not meet him, so on the basis of his memories he disguised himself to obtain an introduction. He has persistently pursued you in the face of your indifference, and when you learn of the truth of the situation, he comes immediately to you to assure you that his intentions are wholly honorable. You may not like how his courtship began, but you must admit that he could hardly have proposed to you in a ballroom, and that as soon as anyone could reasonably expect he offered you marriage. I do not know of any other woman in England who might have refused him, to be sure.”
“I can; you would have! Isobel, I really don't know how you dare to lecture me,” said Letitia peevishly. “You refused Francis, who had always dealt with you honorably, twice before you agreed to marry him. I don't see why you urge me to accept Eynsford, when I barely know Mr. Markham and know the marquess not at all.”
This remark clearly struck home, for Isobel bit her lip and looked away, saying nothing. Letitia was instantly contrite.
“I did not mean to scold you,” she said sorrowfully. “I have not slept well and the events of the last hours have quite overset me. You must forgive my evil temper.”
Isobel shook her head. “No, you are quite right, my dear. I have no right to chastise you when I did not know my own heart for so long.”
A small laugh escaped Letitia. “Isobel, dear, I will not have you apologizing to me. Whatever is the world coming to?”
Isobel gave her a quick hug. “I am lucky you are so good natured. Francis has scolded me often enough for my overbearing ways towards you. Letitia, you have every right to refuse whom you choose. I only ask that you consider as well that Francis had the right of it; our marriage was much to be wished for, and I am fortunate he did not give up on me. Pray, do think carefully about this.”
“You can be sure I will,” said Letitia. She watched as Isobel rose.
“I must leave you now, for I am sure you are tired of my conversation. If you should need anything, please let me know.”
Chapter 27
After Isobel departed, Letitia reclined on the settee, wondering if the tangled threads of her life would ever be sorted out. In less than twenty-four hours she had attended a ball, been dealt a great blow to her perception of the world, and received a proposal from one of the greatest catches on the Marriage Mart; a man whom she had previously believed to be a mere solicitor.
She gave a wry smile; her return to Society had not been an unmitigated success and might even be called a disaster. The only saving grace was that few individuals were aware of the shock she had sustained. Isobel and Francis would remain silent out of affection and concern, and Lord Eynsford would surely be too embarrassed to relate the story to any of his intimates.
Letitia’s lower lip quivered at the thought of the marquess. The loss of Mr. Markham was distressing enough for, she reluctantly admitted to herself, she had come to love him. But the revelation that he had been deceiving her, that her gentle, understanding solicitor was a figment of a wealthy nobleman's imagination, was not only upsetting, but also humiliating. Letty appreciated Isobel's efforts to comfort her, but her attempts to explain Eynsford's behavior and excuse his conduct were not acceptable. No matter what his lordship's motivations were, there was no excuse for his deception. Letitia knew that her refusal to contemplate Eynsford's proposal had distressed Isobel, but she was sure that she had made the right decision. Now that she had finally been left in peace, she felt an urge to once more burst into sobs. Fighting back tears, she rang for the maid and requested a cold compress for her forehead.
“Yes, my lady,” said the maid. “If you will excuse me, my lady,” she continued, “you have a visitor.”
“Goodness,” said Letitia. “No more visitors, please. Tell whoever it is that I am not at home.”
But her unwelcome guest was not to be denied. The door to the room opened and the Bishop of Mainwaring entered.
“Lady Morgan!” he said. “You will forgive me for intruding, but I have important information for you. I am sure you will wish to hear it.”
Letitia sighed. At the maid's questioning glance, she nodded a dismissal. She was certain that the bishop would not depart until he had unburdened himself of whatever it was that he wished to tell her.
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“You are unwell,” said Dr. Wolfe. “I am sorry for that, but I must continue. I have most distressing news.”
“I cannot imagine what you may wish to relate to me, Dr. Wolfe, but pray do not keep me in suspense,” said Letitia. “What news is this?”
“I hesitate to tell you for fear that your nerves will be shattered,” said the bishop. “Will you not allow me to send for some smelling salts in the event that you feel faint?”
Only a few minutes before Letitia had thought that she might not laugh again for weeks, but this suggestion brought a smile to her lips. “Thank you, Dr. Wolfe,” she said, “but I assure you I will not faint. Please tell me why you came here.”
The bishop paused, a look of excitement on his face. “Your friend Mr. Markham is not a solicitor,” he announced. “He is the Marquess of Eynsford.”
Letitia gazed at him in astonishment and fought back an hysterical urge to laugh at the anti-climactic nature of his communication. The bishop, however, interpreted her silence as denial. Seating himself next to her, he possessed himself of one of her hands.
“I know you are devastated by this information,” he said. “But I can assure you that I am correct. I saw the Marquess of Eynsford at the Strancaster ball yesterday evening, and although he was dressed very differently than when I saw him last, I can assure you that he was indeed Mr. Markham. He is a difficult man to forget.”
“Dr. Wolfe, I--” began Letitia, but the bishop cut her off.
“Do not attempt to argue with me, Lady Morgan,” he continued. “I can assure you that I am certain of my information. I wish you had heeded my warning some days ago, when I let you know that I felt there was something not quite right about your Mr. Markham. This is what comes of relying on the advice of Lady Exencour and trusting your own feelings; it is far better to be under the guidance of a man. You have been sadly deceived, but I am here to aid you now.”
“I do not need your assistance, Dr. Wolfe,” said Letitia. “I am perfectly capable of attending to my own affairs.”
“I must admire your spirit, Lady Morgan,” said Dr. Wolfe. “But I cannot allow you to take this upon your shoulders. The original fault, that of being friendly with someone you had not been properly introduced to, is yours, but I put it down to an over-trusting nature, which is, of course, not to be despised in a female. I put myself at your disposal; this villain must be called to account.”
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