by Holly Bush
Blake calmed himself. “Miss Finch, I am trying to apologize to you. Isn’t graciousness and a bit of tact called for in these cases?”
“So not only am I ugly and stupid but lacking in grace as well? Why did you kiss me, considering all this?”
“Maybe it was the only way I could think of to get you to shut that flapping mouth of yours,” Blake exploded.
Miss Finch narrowed her eyes and leaned forward to whisper. “Save your kisses for Helena, and leave your dinner guests alone.” She turned away. “Sir Anthony, I’m tired. Would you take us home now?”
Elizabeth rose. “I’m exhausted as well. Call for the carriage, Anthony.”
Blake stood near the door where Miss Finch had left him. Elizabeth filed past with a nod, and the American did not look at him. Anthony thanked him for the entertaining evening. William and Melinda slipped past quietly.
Blake plopped down, spread-eagled and slouched in front of the fire. Servants cleared the room of dishes, and Briggs placed a decanter and one glass on the table beside him.
“I’m assuming that’s for me?” Blake asked and nodded to the liquor.
The stoic servant explained. “Yes, it is, Your Grace. Will there be anything else?”
Blake shook his head and stared at the fire. The American knew of Helena. To her credit she did not shout his mistresses’ name in front of Melinda and William. Blake had shouted and cursed. Insulted a guest and generally behaved like an idiot. His behavior was certainly not ducal. Anything but. Where had his breeding gone? The expectations long set for him and his son in the future as well. Blake stood to pace. To his confusion, he must admit he had nearly enjoyed sparring with Gertrude Finch. Parrying words like honed steel, hunting for weakness to impale his prey. Blake’s left arm curled up above his head. His right extended to thrust. En Garde! Blake’s feet skipped forward and back until he caught a glimpse of himself in a gilded mirror.
* * *
“Good morning, my dear,” Anthony said and bent to kiss his wife’s cheek.
“Good morning, Anthony,” Elizabeth said and picked up her fork. She stared at the plate and laid the utensil down.
“Are you unwell?” Anthony asked gently.
“No. Just tired with the packing and all for town,” Elizabeth replied.
“I will not let Melinda’s come-out interfere with your health.”
“We’ve had this discussion before, Anthony. Lady Katherine will sponsor Melinda, but someone has to be there to make sure she stays out of trouble. I’m fine, dear. Eat your oatmeal.”
“Melinda will have to limit herself to early evenings and few of them. That will be quite enough for you.” Anthony picked up his coffee and smiled suddenly. “Why don’t we ask Gertrude to help you?”
Elizabeth knitted her brows. “I didn’t think you cared…”
“Help you what?” Gert asked from the door.
“Cousin Gertrude.” Anthony rose and held a chair for her. “How was your morning ride?”
“Fine. Help you what?” Gert repeated.
“Melinda makes her come-out in town shortly. Ann could never attend, now. So her mother, Lady Katherine, will sponsor her granddaughter. But she’s into her sixth decade and will plop down beside old friends and never leave her chair,” Elizabeth said.
“Leaving lots of freedom for Melinda. Ann wrote and asked Elizabeth to attend her. Stay close; steer her away from trouble,” Anthony added. “But with Elizabeth’s condition I’m worried it will be too much. Late evenings and early teas and dancing.”
Elizabeth leaned forward and smiled at Gert. “It would be a Godsend if you stayed and helped me.”
“I know nothing about the rules of English society. How could I help?” Gert asked.
“But I do,” Elizabeth said. “You can be my eyes and ears and feet.”
“Why can’t her mother go?” Gert asked as she began her breakfast.
“Ann is wise in this,” Elizabeth said grimly. “A young girl’s first come-out is nerve-wracking enough without gossip about her mother swirling about.”
“I told Uncle Fred I’d be home soon, and, anyway, I’d have nothing to wear …”
“La de. Anthony will gladly see to your wardrobe to ease my trouble. And no one should leave England without going to at least one ball,” Elizabeth begged. She turned to her husband. “Isn’t that right, dear?”
Sir Anthony weighed his wife’s health and his best friend’s discomfiture against the sum needed to dress a woman for London. “Whatever she needs, my dear. It will be my pleasure,” Anthony said.
“Let me think about it,” Gert replied.
* * *
Blake’s eyes throbbed when the heavy curtains were thrown back. His head seemed to have the weight of an anvil and his stomach turned over. “Briggs. Close the drapes.” He rolled and pulled the coverlet over his head.
“Hurry, sir. Not a minute to tarry. I’ve fixed something for your head pains,” Briggs said.
Blake wondered how the man knew of his ailments. Other matters seemed more pressing. “I want to sleep. Leave me alone.” Blake did not hear the door close and stuck one eye out from under the blanket.
Briggs stood at the end of the bed; a chalky pallor covered his face. “I’ll tell Lady Katherine you’re unwell?” he asked tentatively.
“What’s she doing here?” Blake groaned.
“You asked her to come, Your Grace. I sent the note,” Briggs replied.
Blake sat up quickly and nearly lost his stomach. “Bloody hell. You’re right.” He eyed Briggs. “Since you apparently read the message, do you recall why I asked her to visit?”
“Lady Melinda’s come-out, I believe, sir.”
Blake jumped from the bed and stubbed his toe on the nightstand. He cursed and hopped about the room naked. “Hurry Briggs. Get me dressed. No time to wait for Benson.”
* * *
“Lady Katherine,” Blake said as he bent to place a kiss on his mother-in-law’s translucent hand.
“Always sleep this late, Sanders? Idleness is the devil’s playground,” Lady Katherine said sourly.
“I was in a meeting with my steward …”
Lady Katherine cut him off with her flailing hand and the toss of her head. “Don’t bother. Your man at the door nearly fainted when I arrived. He ran up the steps to the family quarters, not your study.”
As usual, Lady Katherine took great enjoyment at his expense, Blake thought as he seated himself. “Thank you for coming and agreeing to sponsor Melinda since her mother will be unavailable.” Blake stretched out the last word and watched the old woman’s reaction. Minutes squeezed by under her icy stare.
“Melinda will enjoy her come-out. I want a good match for her and will not fail. This time.” Lady Katherine arched a brow.
Blake smiled thinly. “As you know, Melinda is betrothed to The Earl of Wendover’s heir. But I want her to enjoy as well.”
“The Wendover’s are dull ninnies. Don’t want imbeciles for my great-grandchildren. And anyway after this mess, he’ll withdraw the offer, you know,” Lady Katherine said.
Blake raised his eyes to her frankness. “I wondered the same. Elizabeth Burroughs will stand in for Ann and assist you.”
“I thought she was carrying?” Lady Katherine asked.
“She is. But Elizabeth adores Melinda and insisted on helping even after her condition was announced,” Blake said.
Lady Katherine chuckled and her eyes twinkled. “Now there’s a husband. Anthony Burroughs. Almost makes me wish I was a few years younger.”
“A few?” he asked and watched the countess’s eyes narrow.
Briggs opened the door. “Sir Anthony Burroughs has arrived, Your Grace. Shall I have him await you in the library?”
“No, no. Send him in here at once, Boscoe. I want to speak to him,” Lady Katherine said without turning her head.
Blake met Briggs’ eye and shrugged at his mother-in-law’s long-standing propensity to rename servants and relatives as s
he wished. Anthony strode in.
“Lady Katherine. You are the picture of health. And as beautiful as ever,” Anthony said as he bowed and kissed her hand.
Lady Katherine harrumphed but smiled. “Burroughs. No one could fault Elizabeth for picking a smooth scoundrel like you over some limp-wristed, well … sit down, then. I hear your wife is still willing to assist in Melinda’s come-out.”
Blake’s mother-in-law never failed to remind him of her opinions regarding him. She had always thought him a dandy, pandering to court and society. Lady Katherine did what she pleased, regardless of censure, and still somehow was exulted by the ton. He, on the other hand, had spent his life being a model for dukedom and now found himself, more often than not, the butt of a joke. Blake turned back to the conversation at hand.
“And who is this woman? An American, you say?” Lady Katherine asked.
“Elizabeth’s cousin on her father’s side. A spinster escorting a niece to her family. Melinda adores her. And I will feel better knowing my wife, in her condition, will not be unduly taxed,” Anthony said.
“What are you talking about?” Blake asked.
Anthony smiled broadly. “Elizabeth and I have asked Gertrude to assist in Melinda’s come-out.”
Blake stood and waved his arms. “No. Absolutely not.”
Lady Katherine looked at him. “What’s the matter with her, Sanders? And why are you dancing around like some dolt. Sit down.”
Blake seated himself. “She’s entirely inappropriate. She knows nothing of English society.”
“Elizabeth and Lady Katherine will be there. Gertrude can do the following and watching, and they can do the rest. It’s a perfect solution,” Anthony said.
“No,” Blake said.
“What’s the matter with the cousin, other than being American?” Lady Katherine asked Blake.
“Nothing,” Anthony interjected. “She’s coming here shortly with Elizabeth. We knew you were arriving to discuss Melinda’s come-out and thought this the best time for you two to meet.”
“Melinda is my daughter. I won’t stand for a tall, loud, American know-it-all to be guiding her through her first season,” Blake said.
Lady Katherine’s eyes widened.
Anthony looked forlorn as he spoke. “After you kissed her, I thought you might enjoy spending more time with Cousin Gertrude.”
Lady Katherine’s head snapped to Anthony. “He kissed her and you saw? Maybe she’s not the right person for this task.”
Anthony leaned forward and covered Lady Katherine’s hands with his own. “It was not her intention or wish. I guarantee it. William, Melinda and Elizabeth and I watched the whole thing from the window.”
“It’s bad enough, Sanders, you parade around town with that doxy. Now you’re bullying guests. What do you have to say for yourself?” Lady Katherine demanded.
Had he a sword in his hand, Blake would have gladly skewered them both. Briggs announced Elizabeth and Miss Finch from the door. He watched Elizabeth sweep by and introduce the American to Lady Katherine.
“Out with you both,” the older woman said to Anthony and Blake. “Sit down, Elizabeth. Miss Finch. Ring for tea on your way, Sanderson.”
Blake strode out the door and clipped one word to Briggs. “Tea.”
In the library, Blake let go his wrath. “How could you do this, Anthony? I thought you were my friend.”
“I am,” Anthony replied.
“Six weeks with her. In town yet, under the scrutiny of all. And with everyone still buzzing with Ann’s leaving,” Blake bemoaned and dropped to a chair.
“Miss Finch has not yet decided if she will be able to stay if it makes you feel any better,” Anthony said.
Blake shrugged. “That’s heartening.”
Anthony leaned forward. “Come on, Blake. These balls are dreadful bores. Just think how Cousin Gertrude will liven things up.”
“For you, maybe,” Blake snapped.
Anthony sat back and stared. “You can’t lie. You never could. You don’t dislike her that much.”
“You were the one begging me to rescue you from her just a few days ago. What changed your mind?” Blake asked.
Anthony tilted his head. “She’s grown on me. And Elizabeth will miss her terribly when she leaves. Gertrude’s not bad, you know. Actually very handsome and witty. Full of fun and new ideas. I find it refreshing.”
“You must be joking.”
“No, I’m not,” Anthony replied and studied his hands.
“You must be in dire need of entertainment to consider Gertrude Finch refreshing,” Blake said.
“I didn’t kiss her,” Anthony said.
“Does everyone need remind me of my one lapse in judgment? You and William both? I spend my entire life doing as I was raised to do. That singular occasion will haunt me forever. I’ve just met the woman. Made a ghastly error that will not be repeated. Can’t the matter be dropped?” Blake asked.
“She’ll not bother you, Blake. I don’t think Gertrude will seek out your company. It will help Elizabeth and leave you with more time to see Helena,” Anthony said.
Blake’s hand fluttered. “I sent a note and a diamond bracelet. I have no desire to see Helena again.”
“Pardon?” Anthony demanded.
“Helena introduced herself to Ann and Melinda last year in town. I no longer desire her company,” Blake said.
Anthony sat back in awe. “Well, well. Walked right up to them.” He cocked his head. “Can hardly fault Helena. She was with you more than Ann. Figured she had you for life.”
“She was wrong,” Blake answered. “I don’t know why I’m worrying. Lady Katherine will never approve of Miss Finch to assist in Melinda’s come-out. You know how she feels about Americans.”
* * *
After exchanging pleasantries, Lady Katherine went in for the kill. “Why would I allow a woman who kisses a married man on the lawn to assist my granddaughter?”
Elizabeth cringed. Gert did not.
“Allow him to kiss me? I had nothing to do with it other than to stand there. Trust me, Lady Katherine, I do not relish the idea of spending one second more with Blake Sanders then I have to. I consider this only to help Elizabeth and Melinda,” Gert replied.
“Spending time with my daughter’s husband has never been of great significance to me either,” Lady Katherine said. “And this foray will have to be delicately handled. I will not allow Melinda to suffer for her mother’s mistakes.”
Gert raised her brows. “You disagree with your daughter, then?”
“Gertrude,” Elizabeth said. She shook her head.
Lady Katherine stared at Gert. “It’s alright, Elizabeth. The chit has the courage to ask. I suppose I’ll supply the answer. Ann and Sanders’ marriage was arranged from birth. Two old families joining. He was a decent sort as a young man. I thought for many years I had done the right thing. Just as my parents had done for me. The difference was I respected my husband and eventually loved him. And he me, I believe. Sanders never loved or respected Ann.”
“But Lady Katherine,” Elizabeth asked. “Even though times and opinions have changed somewhat, you and I both know love is an unusual ingredient for marriage within the ton.”
“Yes, yes,” Lady Katherine said impatiently. “But as I got on in years and watched my daughter fade from life for a lack of attention, it galled me surely. Ann dismissed everything she was taught, all that her father and I imparted to her and yet this is the first time I’ve seen my daughter happy in fifteen years. I can’t deny I’m glad for her and her merchant.”
“If she’s happy, then I suppose you’ve achieved your life’s work, Lady Katherine,” Gert said. “I’ve no children, but I can’t imagine watching them suffer. Melinda was confused by it all.”
“Melinda? What did she have to say on the subject?” Lady Katherine asked.
“We told Melinda everything that was said was in confidence. I’m not sure we should repeat it,” Gert said.
; “This is Melinda’s Grandmamma, Gertrude. Surely she knows most of it anyway,” Elizabeth said and proceeded to tell Lady Katherine of their meeting with Melinda. The girl’s tears, confessions, fears and of Gert’s advice.
“Told my granddaughter not to worry about the gossips. You’re right. She’s not to blame in this affair.” Lady Katherine studied Gert. “I would be indebted if you would assist us in London, Miss Finch. Melinda will need every ally we can muster. I don’t think you’d stand by idly and watch her spurned. Or allow gossip to be spread.”
“It’s kind of you to trust me, but be forewarned. I speak my mind, especially with Melinda’s father,” Gert said. Had she just accepted this role? Gert could hardly believe her words. She had come at Elizabeth and Anthony’s insistence to meet the grandmother, fully intending to refuse.
Lady Katherine rose. “Shows more good sense than you know, Miss Finch. Fool Sanders’ is to never realize the gem he had in Ann.”
“In America we would call him a horse’s ass,” Gert said.
Lady Katherine laughed aloud. “Apt description, I’d say.” She bellowed to the door. “I know your listening, Boscoe. Fetch Sanders and Burroughs. Be quick about it.”
* * *
Blake was feeling confident when he went into the morning room. The American had probably prattled on about women’s rights. With any luck his mother-in-law had fainted. He passed Miss Finch and Elizabeth in the hall. He nodded smugly.
“Miss Finch will accompany us to London. Burroughs has agreed to handle the wardrobe. She’ll be staying with you and Anthony and Elizabeth in London,” Lady Katherine said as he entered the room.
Blake skidded to a stop. “Certainly you can see the inherent flaws in this plan, Katherine.” She shot him a look. “Lady Katherine.”
“What flaws, Sanders?” the Dowager asked.
Blake paced the room. “This will be difficult enough for Melinda. Any indiscretion by Miss Finch, Melinda will suffer for.”
Lady Katherine stared at him and spoke regardless of her audience. “Could hardly be worse than any of your many indiscretions.”
Blake swallowed. And admitted defeat. Two months under the same roof with the woman. Could he take it? For Melinda, he supposed he could. “Very well.”
