Miss Radley's Third Dare

by Heather Boyd

  A worried frown crossed her brow. “Good luck.”

  “None required.” He touched the fingers of his free hand to her pocket watch hidden in his waistcoat, just to remind her that he carried it and would be thinking of her.

  “Mr. Merton,” Radley called from the doorway.

  Valentine ignored the impatient man in favor of stealing a few moments more with his intended bride. “I hope you have a pleasant day, Miss Radley. I’ll be counting the minutes until I see you again.”

  He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of her glove. “Everything will be better now,” he whispered. “I swear it.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Merton.”

  “That’s enough of that,” Radley warned as he stepped between them.

  The light in Julia’s eyes dimmed a little. Undeterred, by Linus’s rudeness, he smiled warmly at her. “We are engaged to be married, Radley. There is nothing improper about kissing the back of her glove.”

  A muscle in Radley’s jaw ticked. “I don’t care what you do after the wedding. Until then you will keep a respectable distance.”

  Valentine kept his annoyance in check. Radley really had become a stuffed shirt about propriety in the last months. He wasn’t sure he liked this change in his character but he had no wish to argue today. “As you wish.”

  Reluctantly he took his leave of Julia, but he’d have rather stayed behind and talked a while longer.

  “Enjoy your day, sir,” Julia called softly as he reached the door.

  He turned back with a smile that promised he’d see her again soon. Julia knew he would go through the motions of what a suitor was required to be in public. In private though, he would be himself with her. He hoped in the meantime Julia could curb her impulses and appease her brother. He hoped she never got caught sneaking out the window or back door to talk to him in the weeks ahead.

  On the street, he paused on the footpath as a fine black carriage swept past him and then he crossed the street. He didn’t feel his marriage would influence the company in his favor but as every moment passed, he was even more certain it was the right thing to do. Especially when Julia smiled at him.

  When the carriage that had just passed him stopped before his home, a chill swept over his body and he stopped. He turned slowly as a groom jumped down and put down the steps. When his father emerged on the footpath, his palms grew clammy with shock.

  The old man never left Oxford without reason, and his expression was not encouraging.

  “No. Not now,” Valentine groaned. “Not yet.”

  He smoothed his waistcoat and moved toward his front door to offer a welcome, just as his sister Melanie emerged from the carriage. He hurried to her and extended his hand, so pleased to see her again. “Mellie.”

  She didn’t smile, but cast her eyes toward their parent immediately.

  Valentine turned his attention to their father immediately at her subtle suggestion. “Sir, what an unexpected surprise to see you in Brighton.”

  The long, hard stare his father directed at him, rather than a greeting, didn’t bode well and Valentine fought the urge to fidget. When his butler opened the front door to welcome his guests, his father rudely pushed past into Valentine’s home and strode toward his study without uttering a word.

  “Don’t keep him waiting,” Melanie warned in a trembling voice. “He is angry almost beyond reason. We have not stopped since we left Oxford.”

  He caught her elbow when she seemed to sway. “You are exhausted.”

  “Don’t worry about me. Worry about him and what he will do next.” She pushed him toward the house but despite her warning, Valentine escorted his sister to the doorway and into their butler’s safe keeping. Her usual maid scurried after, wearing a worried frown. He turned then and spoke to the large coachman, asking him to wait. The man scowled and Valentine dug into his pocket for coin.

  “Thank you, sir.” The coachman grinned warmly then as he tucked the money into his mud-splattered waistcoat pocket and then steadied his team, apparently perfectly happy to wait now he’d been paid.

  Valentine took a deep breath. To his left, Walter George had stepped onto his front doorstep to see who had arrived, and to his right the Radley’s were peeking at him around the doorframe. He couldn’t delay another moment to speak with them.

  He swept into his home, tossing his hat aside carelessly, noting Melanie had curled into her favorite chair in the parlor and was rubbing her eyes. “Bring my sister tea and a warm blanket as soon as you can,” he said to Forbes.

  “With pleasure, sir.” The older man smiled, turning toward Melanie eagerly. He left her to his butler’s fussing and approached his study door.

  His father had planted himself at the window, hands behind his back, feet wide apart. The stance of a man intending on delivering a long lecture. Valentine closed the door behind him to ensure privacy.

  “Did you think to fool your mother and me?” his father asked suddenly. “Did you believe we wouldn’t hear about your intentions?”

  “No, sir.” He was aware that news of his behavior would reach Oxford, but at the moment he wasn’t sure precisely which bit of news the old man was referring to: the race with Julia or going into trade. Either one his father might complain about. He sent up silent thanks that he couldn’t possibly know about the marriage yet.

  “You will pack your things and return to Oxford immediately,” his father ground out, still without turning. “Once there, you will apologize to your mother for the distress you’ve caused her. Caused all of us.”

  Valentine took a breath to steady his own temper. “I will not.”

  His father spun around. “You dare to defy me, boy?”

  It was well past time to stand up to his father. He was four and twenty now and had long past seen a reason to kowtow to his father’s demands. “I have no interest in returning to Oxford, not now nor in the future. I made my home here long ago and I intend to stay.”

  Few men disagreed with his father. By the way his skin mottled red, his temper was still unused to disappointment in the almost year since they’d seen each other. Christmas last year had been a tense affair.

  “If you open a shop, I will cut you off without a penny,” he warned.

  Valentine relaxed a bit. At least now he knew what they were arguing about. “As you have threatened before on many occasions when I did not act according to your liking. I will have my way in this no matter what you say.”

  “Do you think so? Foolish, selfish boy.” His father’s eyes narrowed to hard slits. “And what of your sister and your cousin? Do you not think of how your decisions lower their esteem in other people’s eyes?”

  Always one to tug on his emotions but never to reveal any of his own beside contempt, his father was not above manipulation to have his way. Melanie knew what changes would come by his going into trade and was prepared for every eventuality. Teresa did not know yet but she would fare as well as Melanie, and she’d always have his protection. Mother would have yet another reason to bemoan her wayward son. “I am sure they will survive.”

  “You stun me with your arrogance.”

  “I am my father’s son,” Valentine replied calmly.

  His father waved a hand. “Get out. I cannot look at you until you talk sense.”

  His complacency vanished. He was sick and tired of his father’s tone and it was time to lay down a few rules. “This house is mine. Bought and paid for from the inheritance my uncle left to me. You can leave any time you want to, but I will not be sent scurrying just because you demand it.”

  The old man spluttered. “How dare you speak to me in that tone.”

  “What would you prefer?” Valentine folded his arms across his chest. “You’re looking well father; the semester has been kind to your health.”

  His father snorted at the attempted pleasantries. The old man hated that kind of talk, which was probably why his parents avoided each other like the very plague. Mother could speak of the weather for thirty m
inutes without pause. He’d timed her once.

  “Very well.” He stormed out of the room, yelling as he went, “Daughter. Miss Long. You will attend me at once.”

  The ladies scrambled to follow him out onto the street and the carriage door shut before Valentine had a chance to speak to Melanie again. They drove off immediately, turning into the heart of Brighton. He assumed his father would return tomorrow to launch a second assault.

  George reached his side first. “Where have they gone?”

  “The Old Ship, I expect,” he murmured quietly.

  The Radleys joined him.

  “He disapproves?” Julia asked in a tone that hinted she was worried.

  “Of the shop, not the other.” He caught her fingers lightly, ignoring the surprise on his friends’ faces. He hadn’t told them about the shop as yet. “I did not have a chance to mention anything else.”

  She clung to him a moment then let go, blushing furiously. “What will you do?”

  “What I’d planned to.” He stepped back inside to collect his hat from Forbes. “Visit Mr. Pease and arrange our marriage.”

  George glanced between them and slowly grinned. “Are congratulations in order?”

  Valentine nodded. “Most assuredly. Julia has consented to be my wife.”

  George slapped him on the back and then shook Julia’s hand. “Good. I couldn’t have borne any more long faces around here. While you see Pease, I’ll discover for certain where your father and sister are staying.”

  “Thank you, George, but I don’t wish to trouble you.”

  George shook his head stubbornly. “It’s no bother at all. I could use the exercise of a long walk this afternoon.”

  He turned away quickly.

  “George is a very odd fellow at times to be chasing after your family,” Linus Radley mused. “Always sticking his nose into other people’s business. Come along, Julia. I imagine we will be seeing much more of the Mertons, and very soon.”

  Hopefully they’d not have to endure his family for long or she might cry off. Valentine hurried for the vicarage to prevent that.

  Seven

  When Julia came face-to-face with the Mertons the next day in Valentine’s parlor, her heart clattered wildly. She remained glued to her brother’s side, and he seemed to sense the tension around them too. Mr. Merton Senior, Teresa Long and Melanie stood before them unsmiling.

  Frankly, Julia was terrified of this intimidating trio, but then remembered there were worse scenarios to come. Enduring Mrs. Merton’s exalted presence.

  She smiled at the group, attempting to make a good impression. Teresa stood close to Mr. Merton, but she smiled only at Linus. Julia looked to Melanie next. The woman’s appearance gave her pause; there were dark smudges beneath her eyes that never used to be there when she’d lived in Brighton. She appeared ready to wilt, which wasn’t in her nature at all. Julia was concerned enough to single her out. “Good morning, Miss Merton.”

  “Good morning.” Melanie’s expression was a polite mask that showed no pleasure or disgust in seeing Julia and she turned to Mr. Merton Senior immediately. “Father, do you remember the Radleys? This is Mr. Linus Radley and his younger sister, Miss Julia Radley.”

  Mr. Merton Senior had always scared her, with his barking voice and his scorn of Brighton’s more relaxed lifestyle. Her reaction to him hadn’t changed in the years since his last visit. To think he would be her family one day soon made her doubt her decision to accept Valentine.

  “Yes, this fellow does look somewhat familiar,” Mr. Merton murmured before extending his hand to Linus.

  The way he greeted Linus, polite but utterly dismissive, hinted he had no idea she’d soon be part of his family. Julia rated no more than a fleeting glace from him. “How do you do.”

  Valentine shifted to her side and curled her arm about his possessively. “Father, I have such happy news. Miss Julia Radley consented to be my wife yesterday. The banns will be read on Sunday.”

  Mr. Merton’s gaze sharpened on her. His jaw clenched. His face darkened to a furious shade of red. “Is that so?”

  Teresa flinched at his tone, but the most interesting reaction came from Melanie. She bit her lip, glanced down at her hands a moment but when she lifted her face, she broke out in a rare smile. She seemed overcome with emotion. “Congratulations, I hope you will both be very happy together.”

  Valentine returned the smile. “We will be.”

  “Thank you,” Julia said quickly, relieved the news had been so well received by Melanie. Her acceptance was a positive. Far more than she’d hoped for. For Valentine’s sake, she wanted to be at peace with the woman, rather than at odds.

  “Have you lost what little sense you have left?” Mr. Merton asked bluntly as he took a step toward his son.

  Julia shivered in Valentine’s embrace.

  Teresa clucked her tongue. “Valentine, this is too generous, even for you.”

  Valentine frowned at his cousin, confusion clear in his expression, but then he gestured to the chairs. “Please be seated,” he murmured, smiling at her and Linus as if his family’s reaction was of no surprise. “I had hoped you’d be pleased I was ready to settle down at last.”

  Julia took a seat beside Valentine and he grasped her hand firmly. “Everything has been arranged for the marriage.”

  “Surely there is still time,” Mr. Merton insisted, shooting Teresa Long a hard look.

  The woman smiled warmly at Valentine. “There is no need to sacrifice yourself.”

  “What the devil are you talking about?” Linus asked, his voice taking on a hard edge.

  Mr. Merton waved his hand. “We can still end this arrangement before any harm is done.”

  Julia gaped. She’d imagined some disapproval but having it voiced to her face, before her brother, hadn’t ever entered her head. She pressed her lips together to keep her protest in. Both Mr. Merton and Teresa spoke as if she could be easily discarded. As if the agreement to marry Valentine was utterly impossible.

  She met Melanie’s gaze to see if Valentine’s sister would now retract her good wishes in the face of different opinions.

  Valentine’s sister nodded slowly and then she jerked her chin up in a familiar way. Julia understood Melanie’s silent admonishment to act as a lady despite what was said around her.

  Julia took comfort in the familiar entreaty and managed to smile at Mr. Merton. She would not be persuaded to change her mind, not after discovering Valentine had already lost so much respect on her account.

  “It is too late, Father,” Melanie murmured, breaking the tension. “If Valentine has spoken with the vicar then the whole of Brighton will have known of the match before sunset that day. He is a shocking gossip.”

  That wasn’t precisely true, although the man did like the sound of his own voice. She breathed a sigh of relief when no one appeared ready to contradict Melanie.

  Mr. Merton Senior raked Julia with a furious glance. “Reparations can be made.”

  “No,” Melanie warned. “Julia’s reputation would never recover from the scandal of a broken engagement at this point. That situation would tarnish our name too.”

  Mr. Merton sized her up, and it wasn’t a pleasant sensation. “I’d like to speak to her alone.”

  Linus sat forward. “I beg your pardon? I cannot allow such a thing.”

  “If you believe I will allow any sort of female marry my son and heir, you are out of your mind, sir. I know what is said about her behavior.” The pair glared at each other. Linus was the first to look away. “I want to see the truth of her character for myself.”

  “I’ll stay,” Melanie advised them suddenly. When Valentine protested, Melanie threw an apologetic glance toward her father and cousin. “Miss Radley is a lady and must be chaperoned. I will stay with her so the proprieties are observed.”

  It was a flimsy excuse at best but Julia nodded. She couldn’t avoid a discussion with Mr. Merton forever and she’d frankly be relieved for any company when i
t did happen. She wouldn’t like to speak to him alone when he had so clearly set his heart against her. Even with Melanie present as chaperone, she would still feel overwhelmed, but she might prevent Julia from getting flustered. She drew herself up straight, mimicking Melanie’s mannerisms for all she was worth. “I’d be very happy to speak with Mr. Merton with his daughter as chaperone.”

  Although Mr. Merton appeared not to like the idea, he nodded sharply. Valentine, Linus and Teresa left. She could tell Valentine didn’t want to leave by the way he kept glancing back until the door closed. Teresa, again, only had eyes for Valentine, and that broke her heart. He clearly had no idea the woman was so enamored of him.

  When the door closed behind them, Julia folded her hands in her lap and waited with as much patience as she could muster.

  Mr. Merton dug in his pocket and tossed a soft leather pouch at her. She caught it easily. “I’m sure you understand what that is for?”

  Puzzled by the weight, Julia tugged on the strings and peered inside. Her mouth grew dry at the sight. Money—more money than she’d ever touched before. “Indeed I do not.”

  Mr. Merton stood and began to pace behind the settee Melanie was sitting on. The woman appeared to shrink a little. “My son has a bright future ahead in Oxford. He has the education and breeding to excel at anything he sets his mind to and his mother and I have high expectations for him. I have allowed him to play here in Brighton, but no more.” Mr. Merton set his hands behind his back and faced her. “I’m sure any damage done to your reputation will be recovered with an increase in your fortune.”

  Julia cast a glance in Melanie’s direction desperately, but Valentine’s sister remained silent, her eyes downcast. She would get no additional aid from that quarter in refuting his claim. The idea of being bribed made her furious. “You think you know what’s best for me? You barely know my name, let alone my character.”

  “Women like you come and go. You’ll be just the same as the others.”

  She shared a glance with Melanie at last, one that conveyed he spoke the truth, and a hot blush crept up her cheeks. “What others?”