by Anna Small
“I would not wish to disturb him.” But her palms perspired at the thought of seeing Frederick. Of course, it would be nicer if she were going on her own, but if Susanna was the conveyance to her heart’s desire, she could hardly object.
“He will not be disturbed by the sight of his lovely bride.” Susanna gave her arm a little squeeze. “Oh, Jane, I am so happy you are in his life now. He has been so alone these past few years.”
Susanna was the cause of Frederick’s past heartache, but Jane refused to dwell on the miserable thought. Jeremy Parker’s sudden appearance in London was the distraction she craved. “Did Mr. Parker comment on his father’s health, or how Lucinda fares?”
Susanna’s smile wavered. “Who is Lucinda?”
“His sister. She is a friend of mine.”
The sapphire eyes sparkled again. “I believe his father is well. I do not know his sister, but he did not mention anything in particular of her circumstances.”
“He must be a great friend if he came into town to see you.”
A loose string on Susanna’s reticule commanded her full attention. “He is here to visit other friends, of course. I was fortunate to find him at the home of a mutual friend. Oh look.” She pointed out the window where the spires of Parliament loomed. “We are here! Will not Frederick be surprised to see us?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jane couldn’t help but glance every few moments at the empty chair opposite hers, as if her constant looks would summon Frederick, who’d been absent since the afternoon before. Alice sipped her tea, eyeing her suspiciously.
“You’ve hardly touched your food.”
Jane forced a hothouse strawberry down her dry throat. “I’m feeling out of sorts today.”
“Missing him, are you?” Alice tore a piece of toast in half and soaked it in her egg. She licked the yellow yolk from her fingers, the gesture reminding Jane of a farm cat cleaning its paw. “You’d best get used to it, my dear. Fine gentlemen are seldom at home, especially when they have other…pursuits their wives aren’t privy to.”
Jane picked the tiny seeds off a strawberry. “What kind of pursuits? Parliament?”
Alice laughed in an unusually high-pitched voice. “My poor, innocent country mouse! Your sisters are both married to quality men. Have not they explained certain things to you?”
“I’m afraid I do not understand.”
“Mistress.” Alice hissed the word. The sodden toast fell onto her plate. “If he didn’t have one before, he certainly has one now, since you’ve been in town for a month.”
Jane wondered if she’d ever breathe again. “Surely,” she clasped her napkin so her hand would cease trembling, “surely you can’t mean that Fred…”
“Ha!” Alice scoffed. “Do you think someone of noble birth—not to mention, a Blakeney—would constrain himself to a simple, homespun wife?” Her eyes were cold and hard. “At least, Frederick only has one of whom we know. His favorite brother, my own Henry, was so generous he entertained five or six. My dear, you have but one purpose. It’s up to you and Frederick to continue the family line. It is why he married you and what your focus must be. Swooning after your husband”—she sneered at the word—“is not only inappropriate but vulgar.” She nodded at Jane’s hands. “Eat your berry. It’s all gone to mush.”
Jane chewed the pitiful strawberry. Her stomach reacted with a painful spasm, and she bowed over, clutching her middle and fighting the anguish running through her. She had resolved not to reveal her emotions to Alice but couldn’t pretend any longer.
“What…what have I done?”
Alice sipped her tea. “You’ve done what all of us have, my dear. Pity your role wasn’t explained to you before you took your marriage vows.” She sighed, bored with the subject. “Still, you do have certain advantages for a lady in your position.”
“What advantages could you possibly mean?” She pressed her feet hard to the floor. The room seemed to be spinning out of control. The doubts she’d fostered in the last month had come to a crashing point, and they all hinged around one person.
Alice leaned forward, a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. “You must take a lover of your own.”
The chair skidded behind Jane as she jerked to her feet. “You cannot be serious!”
Alice went around the breakfast table and laid a comforting arm around her shoulders. “A good friend of mine, Lady Harrington, is having a ball tonight. Frederick will be at his club, so there’s no risk he’ll appear. You will accompany me and see what London has to offer.” When she smiled, her teeth poked between her lips like a rabbit.
Jane shook her head. “I cannot do what you’re suggesting, Alice. It’s not right. It’s…it’s immoral, disgusting…”
Alice squeezed her arm. “It’s what a lady in your position does, Jane! Believe me.” She scanned her figure. “Leave your gown to me. No gentleman will be able to resist you. Especially Lord Winters.” Her cool fingers grazed Jane’s hot cheek. “He likes a round face and big doe eyes, like yours. My lilac silk will do nicely.”
She handed Jane a wrinkled handkerchief. “Blow your nose. And for God’s sake, stop moping. Your eyes will stay puffy, and it will be the devil’s own work trying to find someone suitable. Even Lord Winters has his limits.”
****
Jane followed Alice into the crowded town home of Lady Charlotte Harrington, who was, Alice told her, the scandalous, estranged wife of an equally scandalous husband. The crush of the heavily perfumed throng gave her a headache, and she tried to breathe through her mouth. Alice pushed toward the main salon and paused to glance behind her.
“Stop fiddling with your dress.” She snatched Jane’s hand from her low-cut bodice. “You don’t quite fill it out, but we’ll stuff a napkin into it before the dancing starts.” Her gaze soared past Jane’s bosom to the top of her head. “Bridges did a reasonably good job on your hair, but from now on, I insist you use my Francine. She knows all the latest styles from Paris, even though we mustn’t tell anyone.” She gave a conspiratorial wink.
Alice gestured toward a large room, glittering from the glow of hundreds of candles in ornate chandeliers. “Charlotte has the best parties. Only the most fashionable members of the ton are ever invited. You are welcome, of course, because of my friendship with Charlotte. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Prince Regent himself stopped by.” She fluttered her fingers in a wave at someone behind Jane. “There’s Lord Bates. He’s brought his other mistress. She’s on the stage, you know.” She inclined her head toward a salon, which overflowed with guests. “Whatever you do, my dear, do not go into that room. You’ll be swallowed alive, I daresay.”
They reached the dining room at last. Alice thrust a plate into Jane’s hands and filled it with marzipan sweets, candied fruits, and chocolate drops.
“Only eat a morsel, I warn you. A lady never eats at a ball. Country balls, of course”—she sniffed—“but not in town. We’ll eat when we’re home.” She nudged Jane sharply in the ribs. “Do smile, Jane! Do you see that tall gentleman approaching us? The one with the scarlet waistcoat? That’s Lord Winters. He’s the most fashionable man in England and the most devilishly handsome.” Her pale cheeks flushed pink, and she pushed Jane forward. “If you could seduce him, you could have anyone. Try to look approachable. I’ve told him all about you, and he’s simply dying to meet you.”
Alice’s wicked plan coiled around her so tight she couldn’t breathe. The clawed grip on her arm prevented her from fleeing. Lord Winters towered over her and kissed her hand with a loud smacking sound. A pungent whiff of his cologne made her eyes water.
“This enchanting creature must be the Countess of Falconbury.” His pockmarked skin shone greasily under a layer of powder. Watery black eyes peered at her from beneath his plucked eyebrows. He didn’t appear to be the handsomest man in all of England. Frederick was literally far above this man in height and appearance.
But she wouldn’t think of him just now. He was, as Alice said, off
with his mistress. Alice nudged her.
“Speak, you wretched thing,” she hissed beneath her breath.
Jane bent her knees in a slight curtsy. “How do you do?”
“All the better since meeting you. Where has Blakeney been hiding you?” His gaze dropped to her bosom, and Jane could almost feel his eyes through the layers of gown and corset. She shrank back, but Alice tapped her with her fan.
“Winters, you scandalous puppy! How was your time in Bath? Every party since you left has been simply ghastly.” Her fan fluttered violently.
Jane’s hand still captive in his, Lord Winters regarded Alice. “Bath was dreadful, just dreadful. I couldn’t wait to come back to civilization. Now, I wish I’d never left.” He threaded Jane’s arm through his. “I must attach myself to you, dear countess. Tonight, you will have no other dancing partner. Alice, tell her she must obey me. I will punish her most ardently if she does not.”
With a deft turn of his yellow silk shoe, he steered Jane into the ballroom. She stumbled to match his brisk pace, while Alice hurried behind them, chortling behind her fan.
“I don’t know this dance.” Jane eyed the assembly lining up. Her toes pinched in Alice’s tight shoes. She’d have a horrible blister in the morning. Worse than the blister was the sensation of her skin crawling with a million tiny insects every time he touched her.
“Allow me to instruct you, my lady. I’m a most excellent teacher.” His pointed red tongue swept across his lower lip. She shuddered, but he must have thought it a sign of lust, for he took her arm again. Alice nodded encouragement from the edge of the ballroom floor, her hands twitching as she gave Jane silent instructions.
Realizing the odious Lord Winters would never release her until they danced, Jane stood where he indicated. A few other men looked at her with some interest, and she wondered if it was because the most rakish of the lot had chosen her.
The music started, fast-paced and raucous, and the dancers whooped and laughed around the floor. She didn’t need to know the steps. Every time she encountered Lord Winters, he swung her around until her feet skimmed the ground. Just when she thought it would never end, the dance finished. Lord Winters motioned to a servant carrying a tray of Champagne, and Jane took her chance, fleeing the room through the only open door.
She collided with someone who caught her before she could fall.
“Careful, there!” he cried.
Jane opened her mouth to apologize and stared at the man in disbelief. “Mr. Parker!”
Jeremy Parker gaped at her. “Miss Brooke! I mean, Mrs. Blakeney…Lady Falconbury! What on earth are you doing here?”
He gave a little bow. She curtsied, torn between admonishing him for his terrible behavior the last time she’d seen him and thanking him for his presence. His familiar face relieved her more than she cared to admit.
“I’m here with my sister-in-law.” She dabbed her gloved fingers at her damp forehead. Lord Winters’ voice came through the veranda door, and she scurried to a dark corner. Jeremy cast her a startled glance as Lord Winters stepped onto the veranda.
“I say, did the Countess of Falconbury come through here?”
Jane pressed against the cold stone wall, trying to merge with the shadows.
Jeremy shrugged. “I’m alone, sir.” Winters muttered a curse and turned on his heel. Jeremy chuckled.
“You can come out now.”
“I am so grateful…”
“Why are you here with the likes of him?” His brusque tone startled her.
“I am not here with him. I’ve never met Lord Winters before tonight. Alice—”
“Where is Falconbury? Does he know you’re here?”
She lifted her chin. “My husband is away this evening. My sister-in-law, Alice, brought me here. Lady Harrington is a friend of hers.” Through her discomfort in seeing him again, she was defending Alice, which seemed almost distasteful.
“Friend? Ha! Charlotte is a trollop who enjoys making trollops of young women like you.” His brows knitted in anger. “I will take you home at once. Have you a cloak?”
“But…Alice…”
“Alice can take care of herself. She should have known better than to bring you to a place like this.” He shook his head, his lips tight. “Good heavens, Lady Falconbury—you’re hardly covered. It’s no wonder a man like Winters is hunting you. Is this a new style you’ve adopted?”
She crossed her arms over her low décolleté. He removed a silk handkerchief from his pocket. “Arrange this across the front. You’ll be halfway presentable while I escort you from this wretched place.”
She wanted to ask what he was doing in this wretched place but bit back the retort. The handkerchief looked silly, but she was grateful. Jeremy continued to scold her.
“It’s a good thing I was here. Hopefully, we can get you home before Falconbury finds out.” He offered his arm. A tall, familiar figure blocked their exit.
“Falconbury has found out. Good evening, Mr. Parker. And may I ask, if you please, what the devil you are doing with my wife?”
Frederick’s voice was calm—pleasant, even. Jane froze in her tracks. Jeremy’s arm stiffened beneath her hand.
“I was about to see her safely home, though I would wonder why she’d come here without your protection, or at least, knowledge.”
Frederick’s gaze was unreadable. She wanted to protest her innocence but the words died in her throat. With a swift gesture, he plucked the handkerchief from her bodice and handed it to Jeremy.
“Yours, sir?”
Jane stepped between them, her heart pounding so she feared her ribs would crack. “Frederick, please! Mr. Parker is only trying to help. I’ve lost Alice.”
He stared at her. “I met Alice outside. She was looking for you. She told me Lord Winters, the most scandal-ridden fool in London, had invited you. I came as quickly as I could, but I see you’ve already found a friend.”
Tears of outrage at Alice’s betrayal stung her eyes. “She must have left me. I’ve only been here a half hour or so…”
“Ah, there you are! Freddie, will you dance with me? I can’t seem to find…Oh!” Susanna Olivier appeared on the veranda. Her startled expression vanished, and her face settled into a carefully blank mask. “Good evening, Jane! I didn’t expect to see you.” She stared at Jeremy before dropping into a curtsy. “Mr. Parker.”
He bowed. “Miss Olivier.”
Jane stared at Frederick. He didn’t even have the heart to look ashamed.
“You’re here with…” She hadn’t wanted to believe Alice. Despite Frederick’s many absences lately, she’d kept hope he was nothing like his brother. But the irrefutable evidence stood before her in blue silk and pearls.
Susanna stepped forward and kissed Jane’s cheek. “Fancy finding you here! Will you come to the refreshment table with me? I must confess I’m famished.”
“I don’t want to eat. I don’t want…” Her voice broke, but she straightened her shoulders. “I want to go home.” Only after she’d spoken did she realize she meant Hartleigh.
Frederick took her firmly by the hand. “Let’s go. Parker, you and I shall discuss this another time. Susanna, I am astounded you came to Lady Harrington’s on your own. You will shame your poor aunt.” He untied his neck cloth and began draping it over Jane’s bare shoulders.
“You’ll make her an object of derision.” Susanna snatched the cloth and shoved it back at him. “Jane,” she began, drawing Jane’s arm tightly through hers, “walk out of here with me. I’m not certain what happened tonight, but it will be fine, I assure you.” She glared at Frederick before pulling Jane toward the ballroom.
Dazed, Jane allowed Susanna to lead her past the bawdy guests. This was not the first time she’d left a ball in humiliation. Lord Winters caught her eye but turned away when his gaze settled on something, or someone, behind her. Frederick muttered beneath his breath, and his hand pressed the small of her back.
“What on earth were you thinking?”
Susanna whispered through the side of her mouth. “Lady Harrington’s parties are notorious.”
Jane wanted to speak but didn’t dare for fear she would burst into tears.
“How fortunate Frederick stopped home and found you gone,” Susanna continued, steering her through a crowded salon. “Goodness only knows what might have happened had he not arrived when he did. Lord Winters was involved in a dreadful scandal last season. I’m surprised he can even show his face in society.”
An obviously inebriated young woman proceeded to undress to the raucous crowd. Susanna gasped, and Frederick was immediately at Jane’s side, swearing under his breath and almost pushing them toward the exit. He ordered his coach in short, clipped words. Susanna seized Jane’s hands and gazed fiercely into her eyes.
“London can be a dreadful place, filled with all varieties of sin and temptation. Be careful, Jane. There are many who would try to usurp you in Freddie’s affections.” She gave her a little smile. “He’s just as angry with me. I was coming here to meet a…a friend and found Freddie just outside the door. He was fearsome to behold, I must say.” Her blue eyes sparkled with gaiety. “But I need not listen to your stuffy Earl of Falconbury.” She said the last in a louder voice. Frederick gave her a stern look. “Good night, Jane.” She kissed her cheek. “We need to visit. I know we will be such good friends.”
Frederick pointed to his coach. “Inside, Susanna.”
“I regret I am headed in the opposite direction of Falconbury House,” she began, but Frederick cut her short.
“You will not persist with this unladylike behavior! We will see you home.”
Jeremy ordered his own coach. Jane wished she could do something to ease his discomfort, which surprised her she should care what his feelings were. Since Frederick’s arrival, he was positively reclusive.
