A Bargain With Fate

by Ann Elizabeth Cree

  He cleared his throat. ‘I had something else I wish to tell you, which is the other reason I wanted to settle the matter with your brother. I will be going to Eversleigh for a day or two to see my father. He has summoned me. I believe he wants a first-hand account of our, er…relationship.’

  ‘Oh, dear.’ She shot him a quick look. ‘Do you think he will be angry?’

  ‘No.’ His father’s brief note had been surprisingly cordial, although it was a summons none the less.

  ‘I hope not.’ She continued to watch him with that faintly puzzled look as if she didn’t know what to make of him. Michael hardly knew what to make of himself—he felt as unhinged as if he were actually about to ask for her hand.

  ‘Well, shall I go down on my knee and declare my sentiments? I have not done this before.’

  ‘Whatever for?’

  ‘I have not made you a proper offer.’

  ‘It is not necessary since we are not really to be married. You should wait until you meet the lady you wish to marry. It would also be best if you waited until you are in a drawing room before going down on your knees. In the midst of a public park with a horse at one’s heels is not the most convenient place to make such an offer.’ To his surprise, her eyes shone with gentle laughter.

  He grinned back at her. ‘And probably not the most romantic, either.’

  They reached the steps in front of her townhouse. Michael paused and looked down at her. ‘By the way, there is something else you should know. I told your brother he was not to gamble again until his debts were paid off.’

  Her hand closed around the locket she wore. ‘But why? Is that necessary?’

  He frowned. ‘Yes. Does that distress you? It should not. He must learn that it’s foolish to gamble what he does not have. Particularly when he possesses such little skill.’

  A flash of anger showed in her eyes. ‘So it is acceptable to gamble when one is wealthy and skilled, then? Is that the philosophy you follow, my lord?’

  The censure in her tone rankled him. ‘Of course, my lady. I am extremely fortunate to lay claim to both.’

  ‘I see. So what happens if he does gamble again?’

  ‘I will take possession of the estate.’

  She stared at him with disbelief. ‘But you are changing the terms of our bargain! You said nothing of that before!’

  He smiled coolly. ‘Not at all. What good will it do to return the estate to him if he either stakes it again or is forced to sell it to pay off his debts? Is that what you want to happen?’

  ‘No. You are right,’ she said softly.

  Her admission should have given him a small victory. Instead, he felt angry. ‘I will see you in a day or two, my dear.’ He looked down into her flushed face and was filled with the unwelcome desire to pull her to him and kiss her hard. With a muffled curse, he turned and strode away.

  Rosalyn gazed at the closed door, completely bewildered by his behaviour. She had obviously angered him, but surely not so much that it would make him look as if he wanted to strangle her.

  Even more confusing was his kindness before that. The rueful apology in his eyes when she’d expected mockery had thrown her off completely.

  Still puzzling over his behaviour, she slowly made her way to her drawing room and sank down on her sofa.

  She put a hand to her head, which was beginning to ache. For the first time since she had braved his drawing room, she saw him as something other than an enemy. She had glimpsed another side to him, a side that was kind and understanding. A side that was much more frightening than that of the charming rake she knew.

  Two days later, Rosalyn stood in her bedchamber staring with more than a little dismay at the hat boxes and packages strewn across her bed. Any idea she’d had of spending the two days away from Lord Stamford in quiet solitude had been dashed the instant her grandmother had shown up in her drawing room shortly on Stamford’s heels. With grim determination on her face, Lady Carlyn had announced that no granddaughter of hers would be marrying a Marquis looking like a governess.

  So Rosalyn had spent the last two days in a whirl of visits to milliners and dressmakers. Not to mention shopping for gloves, fans, slippers, and stockings. She was exhausted. And she dreaded to see the bills. James would not be the only one in debt, she reflected wryly.

  James. She idly picked up a bonnet trimmed with sea-green ribbons, a frown creasing her brow. She hadn’t heard from him since the day he’d come to call and had been so angry about her betrothal. She had visited his rooms, but he had not been in. After waiting for over a half an hour, she’d finally given up and left a message.

  Her grandmother had brushed aside her worries. ‘My dear, he has probably gone off with one of his friends. Young men are like that.’ They had been sitting in her grandmother’s Chinese drawing room taking tea.

  ‘But he was quite angry with me when I told him about my betrothal. He…he thinks Lord Stamford is a rake.’

  ‘Of course, he is a bit wild, but that makes him much more interesting. I was fond of John, and I never wanted to say a thing, but he was, well, a bit dull. Particularly for such a young girl as yourself.’

  ‘I loved John,’ Rosalyn had said stiffly. ‘I never found him dull.’

  Lady Carlyn had patted her hand. ‘I know, dear. But it was a respectful sort of love. With Lord Stamford it will be quite different.’

  ‘I hardly think so.’ Rosalyn was hurt and insulted that her grandmother would make such an unfavourable comparison between John and Lord Stamford.

  Her grandmother had smiled in a knowing manner. ‘You won’t be able to escape it, my dear. I have seen how he looks at you. Which brings me to another point. I have no idea why you have this harebrained notion about delaying the wedding.’

  ‘I don’t want to be married so soon. We hardly know each other.’

  ‘At least you might consider Lord Stamford’s wishes in the matter. I cannot imagine he wishes to wait until autumn. It is quite foolish of you to make a man of his passionate temperament cool his heels too long!’

  ‘A man of his passionate temperament? Whatever do you mean?’

  A loud, exasperated sigh escaped Lady Carlyn. ‘Must I spell it out for you, dear? You are a widow, you should know that men have certain needs, however inconvenient they may be for a woman. I do not think he wants to wait that long, not with the way he watches you.’ She stared at Rosalyn with speculative eyes. ‘Unless, of course, you already have…’

  ‘Grandmama! I would never do such a thing!’

  ‘There is no need to look so shocked! You are not exactly an innocent young girl, and it would hardly raise an eyebrow as long as you were discreet. I have heard from several sources that he is most pleasing to women in that regard! You are certainly the object of much envy.’

  ‘I cannot believe anyone would ever speculate on such a topic. This is most dreadful!’ exclaimed Rosalyn, truly shocked and completely mortified.

  ‘Of course they do, dear. Most of society does not share the same scruples as you.’

  Even now, the memory of that conversation made her blush. Unbidden, a vision of lying in his arms, his dark face hovering over hers, that teasing half-smile on his face, as he lowered his lips to hers…

  Her knees went weak. She jerked her thoughts away from such a disturbing image. Of course, she had no interest in him in that way. He was the most handsome man she had ever encountered but also the most aggravating and arrogant and…

  ‘My lady, you have a visitor,’ Mrs Harrod said, interrupting her thoughts.

  Rosalyn started and put the bonnet back in its box. ‘Who is it?’

  ‘Mr Fairchilde.’ Her housekeeper’s voice was stiff. ‘Are you at home?’

  ‘I…yes. I will be there shortly.’ She had no real desire to see him, but perhaps he’d know James’s whereabouts.

  Mrs Harrod bustled off with a disapproving snort. Rosalyn removed her pelisse and bonnet, which she realized she was still wearing, and, after straightening her lock
s, reluctantly made her way to her drawing room.

  He sat on her striped sofa, long legs stretched before him. He rose at her entrance, his size shrinking the room. He was dressed in buckskin breeches and a light blue coat which made the steely grey of his eyes more noticeable.

  His smile was cool and appraising. ‘Lady Jeffreys, how good of you to see me. I called once before, but you were not at home.’

  She gave him her hand, resisting the urge to snatch it away and smiled diffidently. ‘I have been out with my grandmother. Please, sit down.’ She seated herself on the nearest chair and folded her hands in her lap wondering nervously what he wanted.

  ‘Have you seen James?’ she asked, trying to think of something to say.

  He shrugged. ‘Not for several days. That is not why I called.’

  He sat back down, his eyes fixed on her face. ‘I will not dissemble. I was surprised to see you at the opera the other night with Lord Stamford.’ His voice was light, but there was an underlying edge in it that made her uneasy.

  ‘We are acquainted.’

  ‘But how did he ever persuade you to accompany him? I will own I was quite envious of his position, having you at his side. But are you certain it was wise? His reputation is not the most sterling. In fact, his taste for lovely widows is quite well known. I should hate to think of you falling under his spell.’

  ‘I assure you there is no need to worry about that,’ she said stiffly.

  ‘Good. He would be a most unfaithful lover.’ His gaze drifted over her in a way that made her nervous.

  ‘I…I have no idea what you are talking about.’

  ‘Don’t you? He has your brother’s estate, and you are quite lovely. Perhaps he hasn’t made you an offer yet, but I’ve no doubt of his intentions.’

  She rose, trying to keep her voice calm. She longed to throw her betrothal in his face, but it was not yet public knowledge. ‘You have no idea of his intentions. And I certainly would never think of becoming his mistress, if that is what you are saying. I pray you will leave, sir.’

  His gaze was unfathomable. ‘I have something to discuss with you. Your brother’s debt. I am quite willing to loan him the money for repayment. At a reasonable interest. I might even be persuaded to forgive him the small loan I have already made him.’

  ‘What is his debt? I have a little money of my own.’ She had no idea James owed him money. She was beginning to feel slightly sick.

  ‘I was not talking about money. There are other things you could do to make the terms even more reasonable.’

  ‘Really.’

  ‘Yes, my lovely Rosalyn. Come to Vauxhall with me tomorrow, and we can discuss the terms.’

  ‘Vauxhall? I have never cared for Vauxhall.’

  ‘Then come and dine with me.’

  ‘Dine with you? No, I cannot.’

  ‘If you want your brother’s estate back, then you will.’ He also rose, and looked down at her, a hardness in his gaze that made her afraid.

  Suddenly, she knew what he wanted. How could she be so stupid? She backed away from him. ‘You are mistaken if you think I will agree to that.’

  ‘There is no need for these games, my dear. I know why you accompanied Stamford to the opera. It is as good as agreeing to his terms, even if he hasn’t yet offered them in so many words. But I can offer you much more pleasure than Stamford ever will.’

  She glanced towards the door. At least she was in her own home. If she screamed, Mrs Harrod would come running. ‘No! He has offered me nothing like that.’

  His hand shot out, and for a moment, she thought he meant to grab her. Then he dropped his hand and smiled coolly. ‘Hasn’t he? Then I am certain that is what is on his mind. Not that I blame him. I have wanted you, desired you, since that first time I saw you at Meryton.’

  Fear and revulsion coursed through her. ‘Please, say no more. I want you to leave.’

  ‘As you wish, my dear lady. I am persuaded that once you think about it you will reconsider. Your brother is in my debt, and I do intend to be repaid.’

  She backed out of the drawing room then, almost tripping over Mrs Harrod, who stood at the door with a militant look on her face, broom in hand. Rosalyn had no doubt her loyal housekeeper meant to use it on Fairchilde if necessary. Rosalyn fled up the stairs, to the sanctuary of her bedchamber. She closed the door, and leaned against it, taking deep breaths to calm herself. Her concerns had always been for James and Meryton. Now she felt more than a little frightened for herself.

  Chapter Seven

  Three days later, Michael entered Rosalyn’s small study. Occupied in arranging a vase of flowers, she did not notice him until he was nearly behind her. She jumped, dropping a stalk of delphinium. ‘My lord…Michael, I did not expect you back so soon.’

  He retrieved the flower and handed it to her with a smile. She looked different today. Instead of the pale blues and greys she usually wore, her dress was white muslin patterned with swirls of flowers. Her hair was pulled back and arranged in soft tendrils around her face. She looked soft and fresh and utterly charming. He experienced the sudden urge to touch her soft cheek. His voice came out more abrupt than he’d intended.

  ‘I just returned last night.’

  ‘Oh.’ She moved around the table and tucked the delphinium in the vase, then looked at him. ‘But Caroline said Eversleigh Hall is nearly a day’s journey away.’

  ‘That is true. After I saw my father, I found little point in remaining.’ He had tried to convince himself he merely wanted to return so his father wouldn’t suspect something was wrong, but now the truth hit him. He had wanted to see her.

  ‘You must be exhausted. Was he very angry?’

  ‘No, not at all.’ He smiled briefly. ‘He has given his consent to our marriage.’

  ‘Our marriage?’

  ‘I mean our betrothal. Amazingly, he had no objections.’ Which had puzzled Michael greatly. He had expected arguments, but instead his father had seemed quite pleased. Michael had nearly reeled with shock.

  A faint suspicion entered his mind that something was afoot, but he could hardly bring that up with his father.

  ‘Didn’t he? I am glad it was not too difficult for you.’

  ‘No.’ He moved away from her, not looking forward to telling her the next item of news. ‘There is just one complication, however—he wishes me to bring you to Eversleigh.’

  ‘Eversleigh? Oh, no! I…I really do not want to meet your father.’ Then she flushed. ‘That is, I am certain he is very nice…but, I…’

  His mouth quirked. ‘There is no need to explain. More than one man has been known to tremble at the prospect. But don’t worry, I’ll try to fob him off as long as possible.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I will put the announcement in the Morning Post. I believe our betrothal dinner is tomorrow?’

  ‘Yes.’ She looked uncomfortable. ‘I wish your aunt had not decided to hold a dinner. I feel so dishonest!’

  ‘I fear it is part of a betrothal. Caro informs me we were fortunate it was not a ball.’

  She sighed. ‘Could we have not had a secret engagement?’

  His lips twitched. ‘That would have spoiled the purpose for contracting the engagement in the first place.’

  He pulled a small jeweller’s box from his waistcoat pocket and stepped to her side. ‘I have something for you. My father wanted me to give it to you.’

  He held the box out. Her eyes flew up to his face as she hesitantly took it.

  She removed the lid. Inside the box lay an elaborate ring of diamonds and rubies in an ornate, old-fashioned setting. She stared at it, a stunned expression on her face.

  ‘It’s a ring, my dear.’

  ‘I…I know. Michael, I cannot accept this.’

  ‘Why not? It is customary to give one’s fiancée a ring. It would be considered extremely remiss of me to not do so.’

  When she said nothing he added, ‘I know it is rather hideous. I would have preferred to give you som
ething less ostentatious as you have such delicate hands, but I’m afraid this is a family heirloom. It is a tradition for brides to wear it. My father commanded me to give it to you.’

  ‘No…no, it is not that. I mean it is not hideous. I am certain it is too valuable for me to wear.’

  Michael laughed. ‘If you were Caroline, I might worry about your losing it. But I am sure it is quite safe with you.’ He held out his hand. ‘Give me your hand, Rosalyn. I’ll place it on your finger.’

  ‘I must remove my wedding ring first,’ she said with a slight tremor in her voice. Her dark hair hid her face from his sight as she slowly slid the plain gold band from her left hand. She looked at it for a moment before placing it on her other hand. He thought she looked rather sad. For the first time since he’d struck the bargain with her, he felt a twinge of remorse over forcing her into it.

  He took her hand and slipped the heavy ring gently on her finger. Her soft hand trembled in his clasp.

  She looked up at him. ‘I will take care of it. I shall, of course, return it to you when this is over.’

  ‘I have no doubts on that score.’

  She clasped her hands together in that way she had when she was distressed.

  ‘Is something wrong, Rosalyn? Are you worried about the dinner or my father?’

  She shook her head, and then swallowed. ‘It is James.’

  He frowned, feeling impatient at her brother’s name. ‘James? Has he gambled away the estate again?’

  ‘No, of course not. He has disappeared without any word. I have no idea where he is.’

  ‘I see. I doubt if he’s met with foul play, if that is what worries you.’ Michael thought it most likely the young fool had gone off with some friends for a few days.

  She looked even more anxious. ‘I…I hope not. But he’s never done anything like this before. I know I am probably very foolish, but I worry that something has happened. He was so angry with me. Perhaps I drove him to leave.’

  Michael made an impatient sound. ‘That is ridiculous. He’s one-and-twenty years of age, certainly—’