Beyond Rubies (Daughters of Sin Book 4)

by Beverley Oakley

  She hadn’t thought of that, but now she smiled her first real smile. “How could I resist your kind offer? It answers everything.”

  A tumult of mixed feelings beset Kitty after the following evening’s performance when Nash arrived with six dozen red roses, an artfully delivered apology, and a tantalizing little velvet box, which he opened to reveal a ruby and diamond bracelet nestled on a bed of black velvet. There was some consolation to be had by the fact he raised the lid when they were still in public, by Kitty’s dressing table, and Jennie happened to be passing by. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the flare of feeling in the girl’s eye and, briefly, Kitty exulted in her triumph. But despite the offer of such riches, she was not going to give in so easily. If he could do it once, he could do it again, as Lord Silverton had warned. She had to accept that. No, she could not let Nash assume she’d be so easily mollified each time he strayed.

  Dressing herself the day after, in the comfortably furnished spare bedchamber Lord Silverton had offered her, she sadly acknowledged the truth of her host’s prophecy, yet in the very next breath, while twisting her hair into a fetching cluster of curls, she qualified the unpalatable truth with the fact that he’d only strayed once. Surely, there was every chance he might have an epiphany and decide to make her his wife?

  By the time she’d threaded a ribbon through her curls, Kitty had decided she would take him back. Despite what Silverton said, he was her destiny. Perhaps she’d been just a green girl wanting to believe everything the gypsy woman had foretold, but Kitty didn’t have much else to cling to. As a child growing up, she’d believed in destiny; as an adult, it was becoming clear there was sometimes a rocky road to navigate to achieve it. Yes, she would take him back.

  Though not yet. The dewy-eyed look she caught sight of in the mirror reminded her that she’d always been susceptible to a soft heart. Lord Nash needed to suffer. He needed to know there were consequences to betraying her, and that jewels and roses and pleading words were not always going to gain him forgiveness.

  As usual, Kitty slept in past noon, dressed, and appeared languidly at breakfast. She was dismayed to be greeted by Lord Silverton laughing at her. He’d just finished, and appeared to be about to leave.

  “You really do need a maid to ensure you are respectable when you venture out in public,” he said, pointing to the mismatched buttons that fastened the front of her dress.

  “A maid is a luxury I can’t afford, although Nash promised me I’d have one to attend to me and one to attend to the house.” Kitty sighed as she sat down. “He’s been at the theater every evening for the past five days, on his knees. Begging.”

  “But you’re not ready to forgive him?” Lord Silverton’s tone was conversational, but he was at her side now, leaning to help her with the fastening, and Kitty was acutely aware of the faint whisper of his breath upon her cheek and the feel of his fingers deftly correcting her morning’s oversight.

  Her heart rate sped up and she swallowed. “I have nowhere else to go.” She was glad when he’d returned to his chair, enabling her temperature to return to normal. She slumped over her hot chocolate. “Of course, I love him,” she added hastily. “And of course, I must yield soon otherwise he’ll slip through my fingers.” She tried to smile. “You’ve been so kind, my Lord.” It was true. She’d enjoyed their evenings playing cribbage in front of the fire and chatting about all sorts of silly things more than she cared to say. “Besides, what would your prospective bride have to say about you having a female under your roof?”

  “Well, the servants have put it about that you’re my father’s ward, and we grew up together.”

  “Imaginative,” Kitty agreed.

  “As for my prospective wife, well, she’s found herself another prospective groom. Miss Bunting would not care, either way.”

  “Do you love her very much?”

  “I thought it was love at first sight when our eyes met across a crowded ballroom at the beginning of the season. I was mighty put out to learn that she’d been contemplating several offers and that she didn’t choose me after all.”

  Kitty suspected his forced irony covered up a broken heart. She reached across the table and patted his hand. “Well, she’s not married yet. She could change her mind.”

  “She could.”

  “And then you’d have your wife, and you’d live happily ever after.” She sighed again. “That’s what I want. To live happily ever after.” Glancing about the room to ensure no servants were listening, she confided, “My parents were not married, though they’ve always lived together. Well, I should say that Papa prefers to live with us, but—”

  “He has another family?” This time, Lord Silverton was the one bestowing the sympathy.

  Kitty nodded sadly. “And an estate to manage, though his nephew helps him now.”

  “An estate, eh?”

  Kitty wasn’t surprised that he sounded skeptical. She speared a piece of delicious-looking bacon and put it on her plate. “He left my mother at the altar to marry the suitable bride chosen for him by his parents, and regretted it ever since. It’s why I set such store by following what I feel here.” She tapped her heart.

  “Very romantic, Miss La Bijou, but I believe it is wisest to follow one’s head, if there is indeed a competition.” He looked at her over the top of his cup. “That’s why I’m so disappointed I failed to secure Miss Bunting as a bride. She had the credentials to please my family; the grace, breeding and sensibility required to become my hostess, and I liked her very much.”

  Kitty gave a relieved little laugh. “Well, if you only liked her very much, then your heart is not broken, and I am glad for it, Lord Silverton.” She clasped her breast and said earnestly, “A broken heart is not to be recommended at all.”

  “My poor Kitty. You’ve done a fine job of being entertaining for my benefit, in that case. Tell me, what does your family think of you gallivanting down to London to take the stage?”

  “Well, my half-sisters are in London. They move in society circles. And my sister—who, like me, was born out of wedlock—is a governess.”

  “Good lord! You really are the tearaway of the family. If I’d known your story earlier, I’d have taken you back to your father myself. Why Kitty, you chose a very bold and dangerous path for a young lady brought up—”

  “Respectably. Yes, but destined for what?” she asked, dejectedly. “The truth is that the stain on my birth makes it all but impossible for me to contract a decent match. I watch my half-sisters find ideal husbands, and I feel resentment. To tell you the truth, my father’s position made me believe I might have a chance enticing Lord Nash to marry me if I could make him love me enough. I’m not sure about anything now.” She sighed again. “Except that I will go back to him.”

  “You will?” She was surprised at the energy in his tone. “Why? You don’t sound passionately committed.”

  “He’s my destiny. This is a test.” Kitty stared resolutely at him. “He’ll change. Yes, I’m sure of it. I’ll return to him in a few days, and then I’ll move into the little house he’s leased. Then I’ll find my friend, Dorcas, who I met in London when we were both staying with Mrs. Mobbs, and I’ll ask her to be my lady’s maid. It’ll be like the dreams we both talked about that night will have come true.”

  “Poor Kitty.” Lord Silverton clicked his tongue. “I’m not used to having conversations like this with young ladies who’ve just disclosed their links to fashionable society. I may know your father. He could be after me with a pistol if he saw me alone with you.”

  “He never comes to London.”

  “Cheer up, Kitty; you have a day off from the theater. What are you going to do? Plot and plan or shall I take you somewhere?”

  Kitty sat up straight as an idea hit her suddenly. “Actually, I’d like to find my friend Dorcas I told you about. She’s a country girl and has secured a good job somewhere, having had the good fortune to meet on the coach to London a woman who arranged everything. Dorcas sa
id she’d come and see me in Covent Garden, but she hasn’t yet. If I am able to employ a lady’s maid, I’d like to see if I can persuade her to leave Mrs. Montgomery’s employ.”

  “Mrs. Montgomery, eh?”

  ‘Yes, she has a grand establishment in Soho where she has lots of girls working for her, I believe. Dorcas had to sign a very complicated contract to get the position.”

  “Surely you’re not talking about Mollie Montgomery’s?”

  Kitty was surprised at the explosive reaction her words caused, because before she’d even finished, Lord Silverton was all but spitting out his coffee as he repeated, “Mollie Montgomery of Soho? Your friend thought she was getting a job with her as a....what, may I ask?”

  “Why, a household servant. Mrs. Montgomery came herself to Mrs. Mobbs’s house, and said how pretty and fresh and healthy Dorcas and I looked. She tried to persuade me to sign a contract to work for her, but Mr. Lazarus came in just then and seemed most put out.”

  “Lord, a blessing in disguise.” Silverton shook his head. “Kitty, do you know who Mrs. Montgomery is? What she does?”

  “She places girls in work.”

  “Indeed she does.” He stood up. “You say Dorcas is your friend, and you’d like her to work for you when you return to Nash?”

  “Well, only if she wants to.” Kitty wished he’d tell her what was making him so agitated. He clearly didn’t think Mrs. Montgomery a suitable employer. “I fear she’ll be terribly disapproving when she discovers what I am to Lord Nash.”

  “I don’t think she’ll mind a jot about that,” Silverton said grimly.

  Kitty rose. “Perhaps you can tell me where I can locate Mrs. Montgomery, otherwise I’ll visit Mrs. Mobbs and ask her.”

  To her surprise, Lord Silverton came around the table and put a restraining hand on her arm. “I think you should leave that to me, Kitty.”

  “You’ll find Dorcas?” The idea that he would concern himself with looking for a household servant on Kitty’s behalf seemed extraordinary.

  He nodded. “In good conscience, I would not dare let you loose in even the vicinity of Mrs. Montgomery’s place of work. Give me a description of the girl and any other details you can tell me, and I shall find her myself.”

  Chapter Ten

  The hours seemed to pass so slowly, Araminta thought as she stared at the furnishings of her London townhouse during one of her sister’s regular visits. She was so bored she could barely attend to Hetty’s prattle.

  “So, Araminta dearest, aren’t you looking forward to having a dear little baby to love?” Hetty seemed unable to comprehend the degree of horror and disgust Araminta felt at the entire prospect of anything associated with giving birth. She was looking at Araminta with pity as she sprawled in a chair by the window, gently stroking her belly.

  Araminta, similarly sprawled, but with her hands on the arms of her chair as she detested feeling the monstrous mound that was so much bigger than Hetty’s, struggled to smile. She was glad Sir Aubrey had not returned from the library to join the ladies following the meal. He rarely did, as it was well known he and Debenham detested one another, and the truth was, his presence made Araminta highly uncomfortable.

  Surely he must suspect the child she carried was his? Perhaps he was afraid she’d say something. Lord, if she did it would be all over for her, and he must know she wasn’t that stupid.

  “You’ve always been so much more maternal than I, Hetty darling. Just because I detest losing my figure doesn’t mean I won’t love the child just as much as you will love yours.” She knew what to say, even if she knew she’d never love this child as Hetty would love hers. “As you’ve never been slender, you cannot know the pain I feel at becoming stout like you. It’s not my natural way.”

  Hetty extended a hand and said sympathetically, “Poor Araminta; you’ve not been in very good spirits at all the last few weeks. I wish I knew what might cheer you up.”

  “I’d like to go to the country, but Debenham won’t hear of it. That would make me happy.”

  “You want to go to the country? That’s not like you.”

  “I want to have my baby in peace and quiet. I don’t know why Debenham insists I remain here when he’s forever at his club or some gambling den,” she grumbled.

  “I’ll speak to him, shall I?”

  “Yes, I’m sure he’ll listen to you.”

  Hetty didn’t appear to notice the sarcasm, for she said suddenly, “Oh! I met a very pleasant young woman who was asking after you.” She picked up her tatting and set to work, continuing animatedly, “She wanted to know that you and the baby were well, and asked if I’d attended your marriage to Debenham. Miss Hazlett was her name.”

  Araminta stared. Was Hetty so ignorant she had no idea of their father’s other family? Did she not know of the brood of bastard offspring he’d sired who had no love for either Hetty or Araminta?

  “Good lord, Hetty, she is no friend of ours. Her...protector, for want of a better name...is trying to discredit Debenham, don’t you know?”

  Hetty didn’t seem too shocked by this. “My husband could be accused of the same thing. Oh well...” she rose. “Debenham is returning soon, and I must be off.”

  “Do stay, Hetty. I’m so bored, and I’m sure Debenham would be delighted to see you.”

  Hetty sent her a long look then finally said, “Lord Ludbridge is coming for dinner. I must oversee matters in the kitchen.”

  “Lord Ludbridge?” Araminta put out an arm to detain her sister. “You say he is a friend of Sir Aubrey’s?”

  “Yes, a very pleasant gentleman, as you know.” Hetty looked uncomfortable, adding quickly as she detached Araminta’s grip, “Now look after yourself, Araminta.”

  “Oh yes, and you go and enjoy your lovely dinner with Lord Ludbridge while I stay here, alone, and endure another tedious evening while Debenham drinks and gambles to his heart’s content.”

  Hetty seemed torn, turning with her hand on the door knob. “You know you’re always very welcome to come to dinner, Araminta, only I wasn’t sure you wanted to see Lord Ludbridge, and I’ve sensed you feel uncomfortable around Sir Aubrey.” She dropped her eyes, adding, “Just as I do around Debenham.”

  “Well, since we have a lifetime with our respective spouses to look forward to, and we cannot change the fact we’re sisters, I suggest we ought to put the past behind us.” Araminta felt suddenly buoyed by her own advice. She could forget what had happened between herself and Sir Aubrey. She needed to. Her heart gave a little hitch at the thought of Lord Ludbridge. He was her one true love. The one man who could have made her happy if life hadn’t been so unfair.

  “Yes, that is true and good advice. And on any other night, I think it would be a wonderful idea, but Araminta, I truly thought you’d not wish to be in company with Lord Ludbridge after....” Hetty was unable to finish her sentence. Indeed, she looked greatly upset.

  “Are you trying to stop me from having any fun while my husband carouses to his heart’s content?” Araminta hauled herself up, gasping at the pain and silently cursing the cargo she carried. This baby was not going to stand in the way of what she deserved. “Surely I should be as happy as you, Hetty.” She dashed away the sudden wetness on her cheeks, surprised by the force of her emotion. “Am I not as worthy? As for Lord Ludbridge, he knows the wicked, scandalous way Debenham behaved toward me, and that he gave me no choice but to be his wife and to forsake the man I truly loved.”

  “Mr. Woking?”

  “Lord, Hetty, I’m talking about my darling Teddy. Lord Ludbridge. We were mad for each other. Do you truly imagine I’d have chosen to marry Lord Debenham if I could have had Lord Ludbridge for my husband?”

  “Lord Ludbridge would have been easier to manage,” Hetty agreed.

  Araminta didn’t like her doubtful look, and rushed to ensure that her sister knew the truth.

  “You don’t believe those awful rumors everyone was whispering, do you, dearest?” she asked, moving with ungainly
haste across the soft carpet to detain Hetty. “I mean, what Debenham orchestrated was truly dastardly. You, of anyone, should know that. Especially after he...he threatened you. With a broken bottle. I didn’t think I could ever forgive him after that, but when he used those awful threats that forced me to become his wife and to sacrifice my happiness in order to protect you and Papa—“

  “What are you saying, Araminta? He threatened us?”

  Araminta seized her opportunity. She put her hand on her sister’s shoulder and looked earnestly at her.“Debenham was madly in love with me, but when I said I didn’t want to marry him, he said he would ruin Papa and that...that he wasn’t done with Sir Aubrey. So yes, of course I had to marry him.” She swallowed. “To protect you. You see why I now wish to put my terrible, tragic past behind me and to find some happiness where I can? Even if it’s only spending an evening talking to Lord Ludbridge, whom I wish with all my heart I could have married. Oh Hetty, all I want is to have a brief respite from my misery and to get rid of this baby!”

  “Get rid of it!?”

  “You know what I mean. Look at you, you’re happy, you were made for breeding. I’m not. I despise the way it’s ruined my shape. I detest the clumsy, awkward way it makes me feel. I won’t pretend to be better than I am, but do afford me some sisterly sympathy. I’m trying to change...and...and be a better, nicer...sister,” she added with sudden inspiration, “but I can’t do it overnight, and I can’t do it without a little understanding...and help...from you.”

  She was astonished at the transformation her words had upon Hetty. Immediately, her sister turned and swept Araminta into a fierce hug.

  “Oh, Araminta, you truly mean that? Why, I think it’s motherhood that’s changing you. You say you hate breeding, but the truth is that it’s making you a softer, better person, just as you say. Don’t fight it. You can put the past behind you, but you can’t do it without compromises, and you mustn’t risk your health or Debenham’s temper. Now that you see the error of your ways, I truly believe you can look forward to a much more rewarding future.”