“Pardon me, but I was just ... I was just contemplating my cousin’s situation,” Daniel said as he resumed his way to the sideboard. He caught two tumblers in one hand and a decanter of brandy in the other.
“Indeed?” Randall said as he gave an approving nod to the brandy. It wasn’t yet ten o’clock in the morning, but a drink was most welcome just then. He was about to do something he hadn’t imagined ever doing in his entire life.
Daniel took a seat and poured a generous amount in each glass. “I am at a bit of a loss as to how she has managed to keep the Norwick property near Boxgrove operating,” he replied as he gave a glass to Randall. “I’ve kept the Norwick books for nearly ten years. I used to pay the bills for Fair Downs, but after Uncle Edward died, I can find no evidence she’s ever forwarded an invoice or requested that an expense be covered by the earldom. It’s a wonder the property hasn’t been claimed by the throne.”
Secretly glad to have his assessment of Constance affirmed—the chit had managed to keep a home and stables operating with little in the way of funds—Randall angled his head and gave Daniel a winning smile. “Resourceful woman, isn’t she?” he responded. “Cares what happens to her servants, knows how to run a household, knows horses, certainly isn’t a spoiled brat, and is a rather pretty woman. She would make a suitable Marchioness of Reading, don’t you agree?”
About to take a sip of brandy, Daniel paused and stared at the marquess.
Before Daniel could say what first came to his mind, Reading angled his head, as if in warning. “I haven’t ruined her, if that’s what you’re thinking, Norwick,” he warned with a shake of his head. “My days as a rake are behind me, I assure you.”
Daniel stared at the marquess for a moment. You may not have, but someone else already did, he thought then, wondering if Constance had mentioned anything about that awful night of her come-out, a come-out he and David had hosted at Norwick Park.
“Are you her protector now?” Randall asked suddenly.
Daniel angled his head, not quite sure how to respond. “Truth be told, Reading, I had completely forgotten about Cousin Constance until my wife mentioned her last night before dinner,” he explained. “Seems she paid a call here yesterday, asking if Clare might request that I look into her missing inheritance.”
Randall angled his head to match Daniel’s. “And have you?” he asked outright.
The earl gave a nod toward his desk before finally shrugging his shoulders. “I just yesterday received queries from not one, but two different solicitors, and I’ve just returned from spending nearly an hour with a banker at Barings first thing this morning,” he replied in the manner of a man who was weary of the topic. “I am of the opinion it doesn’t exist in a monetary format,” he said carefully. “But rather in the stables at Fair Downs in Boxgrove.”
Randall stared at Daniel for several seconds. “A horse?” he half-questioned.
“More than one, I should think,” Daniel replied with a nod. “A mare, her colt, one you may even remember from Ascot several years ago, and any others that may have been born since.” He didn’t add that he wondered who had sired the horse, Mr. Tuttlebaum, who had won the Ascot three years before, and the colt he remembered having made its debut the same night as Constance’s come-out ball at Norwick Park. Mr. Wiggins. He allowed another sigh. Where the hell did she come up the names? he wondered. Daniel had never attended a race meeting nor followed the sport, so he didn’t know whom to ask about such things. Before today, he didn’t have a reason to do so.
Randall frowned so that his eyebrows nearly formed into a single slash on his forehead. A stable of racehorses?
“How much do I need to settle on her? For her dowry?”
Daniel asked then, noting how the marquess seemed to stare off into space. He nearly asked the man if there was something else about Constance that had him wanting her hand in marriage, but Daniel decided the marquess’ list of reasons was enough. Constance must have made quite an impression on him, he thought with some satisfaction. It was becoming quite clear she would make an excellent marchioness.
Shaking his head, Randall continued to frown. “I’m not looking for a dowry, dammit,” he said with a shake of his head. “But she deserves her inheritance, Norwick. To do with as she pleases. See to that, at least.
“And give me permission to ask for her hand.”
His eyes widening at Randall’s demand, Daniel regarded the marquess for a moment before nodding once. “Done,” he said. He lifted the decanter. “Shall we have another brandy and make a toast to it?”
Randall regarded the crystal decanter for a moment before giving his head a quick shake. “Thank you, no. With your permission, I shall take my leave of you and seek out your cousin.”
Daniel held up a hand. “Allow me some time to see to it she comes for her inheritance,” he said. “I’ll write the cheque right now and send a summons.”
Not particularly pleased by the delay Daniel’s request would force on him, Randall finally nodded. “I’ll seek her out at one o’clock,” he agreed.
Before Daniel could stand up from his own chair, Randall was up and out of his chair and on his way out of the study. A moment later, Daniel heard the front door close.
Feeling a mix of relief and happiness, Daniel returned to his desk, pulled a blank cheque from his account book, and wrote in an even script, ‘Pay to the order of Miss Constance Fitzwilliam the sum of fifty-thousand pounds.’
Pausing a moment, he wondered if he was really doing his cousin a favor. She wouldn’t require a marriage in order to carry on at Fair Downs, but if she chose to turn down the marquess’ offer of marriage, she also wouldn’t have the protection a husband like Reading could provide.
At least she had nothing to fear from most of the men in the village of Boxgrove, he considered, given the majority were Benedictine monks who lived at the monastery located there. But he wondered about whom else might be employed at Fair Downs. Who saw to the stables? Was there a head groom? Stable hands? He couldn’t imagine Constance being capable of all the work required to run the stables as well as the household.
Sighing, Daniel signed his name on the cheque with a flourish, wrote a quick note to summon his cousin, which he gave to a footman to deliver, and went about his accounting work.
Chapter 35
A Cousin is Summoned
Ten-thirty in the morning
Glancing at the clock on the wall in the breakfast parlor, Constance wondered if Randall Roderick had returned from wherever he had gone when he left his townhouse earlier that morning.
She hadn’t meant to spy on the gentleman. Hadn’t meant to keep looking out the front window in the second-story parlor to watch him in the event he actually left his townhouse, but curiosity had her wondering about the man who lived so close, who had walked with her and treated her to an ice and insisted they do it again.
The temptation was almost too much to bear!
When she did see him take his leave of his house, she watched as he made his way toward Park Lane. He’s going to the park, she realized almost immediately. She was almost to her bedchamber to fetch a bonnet and pelisse when she chided herself. She couldn’t be going to the park. Not today. At least, not without Simmons, and her maid was busy doing laundry and the ironing. And I shouldn’t be going with the intent of meeting Mr. Roderick! Nothing good could come from further interaction with the man. Instead, she had made her way to the breakfast parlor for her morning meal and found she could barely eat a thing.
Her entire night had been spent thinking of Mr. Roderick. Remembering how easy it had been to converse with the man. How handsome he was. How he had made her feel—as if she were the only woman in his life.
Although he had given her a reasonable explanation as to why he wished to see her again, she couldn’t imagine why a man of his good looks and good fortune would have her best interest in mind. Perhaps he meant to spend enough time with her until he could offer her carte blanche. The thought had he
r heart racing just a bit too fast, and she chided herself for finding the thought as intriguing and as welcome as she did.
Constance would never become someone’s mistress, of course, but the thought of sharing a bed with Randall Roderick had the flutterbies tumbling about again.
Having just read last week’s issue of The Tattler, she knew what might be said if she, an unmarried woman, was spotted in the company of the man. At least only a few in London knew who she was or to whom she was related. Once word was out she was Lord Norwick’s cousin, though, she would be subjected to the same critical perusals as every other woman in the ton.
“Pardon me, Miss Fitzwilliam, but there’s a letter for you,” Simmons said from where she stood on the threshold of the breakfast parlor.
Pulled from her reverie, Constance regarded her maid for a moment. “A letter?” she repeated.
For a few seconds, she wondered if Mr. Roderick had sent the missive, but Simmons quickly erased that thought with her next words. “A footman just delivered it. It’s from Norwick House, my lady.”
Constance reached for the snowy white envelope, studying the red wax seal before she slipped a fingernail beneath it. The seal popped open, revealing a short note written in a decidedly masculine script.
Dear Cousin Connie, I learned only yesterday of your presence in London when
Clarinda spoke of you before dinner. I rather wish you had asked to see me, as well, for I would have welcomed you. I wish to do so today. Please come to Norwick House at your earliest convenience.
Yours truly,
Daniel
Post Scriptum. I have your inheritance.
Constance lowered the parchment to her lap and dared a glance out the window in the direction of Park Lane. My inheritance! she thought with more relief than she thought possible. But a trip to Norwick House was obviously required to secure it, she realized with a sigh. Although she wasn’t looking forward to renewing her acquaintance with the earl, she knew she had no other choice.
“Is it bad news? Is the earl evicting us?” Simmons asked from where she still stood watching her mistress.
Blinking, Constance gave her head a quick shake. “Of course not. He has merely summoned me. He has my inheritance,” she said with a wan smile, rather liking how the words sounded spoken aloud.
The maid covered her mouth with the hands. “Oh!” she cried out. Although Constance had mentioned Mr. Roderick’s offer of a position should she need a job at month’s end, Simmons didn’t relish the thought of having to work in a new household, and especially for someone she didn’t know but for the few minutes they had walked together in the park the day before.
Smiling broadly, Constance reread the note and slowly folded it. “It seems I should change my gown. I need to take a walk to Park Lane again,” she said with an arched eyebrow.
“Of course, my lady,” Simmons said as she hurried out of the breakfast parlor, presumably to lay out a walking gown and half boots.
Constance followed her maid, although far more slowly and only after she dared another glance out the upstairs parlor window.
The sight of Randall Roderick climbing his front steps had her breath catching and the flutterbies tumbling about in her already queasy stomach. Taking a deep breath, she watched him until he disappeared through the front door and wondered when she would see him again.
Chapter 36
A Reunion of Cousins
Eleven o’clock in the morning
As Constance dressed, she considered hiring a barouche and driver from the mews behind the townhouse, but quickly changed her mind when she remembered how short the walk was to Norwick House.
And I’ll have an opportunity to walk by Mr. Roderick’s house, she thought with a grin. Checking her reflection in the bedchamber’s cheval mirror, she wondered if the scarlet walking gown and pelisse were really the best color for her complexion. She knew the ensemble was at least two seasons out of fashion, although the matching hat was current—she had purchased it at Fitzsimmons and Smith her second day in London in an effort to make the ensemble more fashionable.
“I doubt I’ll be long,” she said to Simmons as she took her leave of the Norwick townhouse and made her way toward Park Lane.
Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t help but glance toward the townhouse in which Randall Roderick lived. Is he watching me? she wondered, the tiny hairs at the back of her neck tickling her just then. She imagined him standing in the second-story window, probably in his bedchamber, gazing at her. Although she told herself not to, she glanced about and allowed her own gaze to take in the window across the street and above her. Given the way the sun hit the glass pane, she was unable to see anything beyond, though.
Increasing her pace a bit, she hurried on to Park Lane and along the row of stylish Palladian mansions until she reached the one known as Norwick House.
The butler opened the door before she had a chance to reach the top step, moving aside to allow her entry.
“Thank you,” she said with a nod. “Miss Constance Fitzwilliam to see the Earl of Norwick,” she added. She noted how the servant seemed a bit surprised by her statement, but she realized he probably expected her to ask for Lady Norwick.
“One moment,” he said with a nod as he gave her a bow and left the vestibule.
Constance took a deep breath, realizing this would be the first time she would see her older cousin since the night of her come-out. The first time since they had sworn they would speak to no one of what had happened that night in the stables. She had sworn the same to Daniel’s twin brother, David, but he was dead now. He took his secret to the grave, she realized.
And her own secret? Had Daniel kept his word?
“Follow me, please,” the butler said, his voice startling Constance out of her reverie.
“Of course,” she managed as the butler led them down the same wide hallway she had been in yesterday, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor despite the beautiful tapestries and silk-lined walls. They passed the parlor door and continued on past paintings of ancestors she realized she should know. And then she was suddenly over the threshold of a man’s study and staring at her cousin, Daniel.
“Cousin Connie!” he said with a huge grin. His brown hair was a bit longer and bushier than the current styles allowed, and his sideburns were well past his earlobes in length, but given his impeccable suit of clothes and snowy white cravat, Daniel looked every bit the earl he had become as a result of David’s death. “Good God. I was afraid I wouldn’t recognize you, but I would know you anywhere,” Daniel added as he stepped from behind the desk and hurried to her.
“My lord,” Constance replied as she gave him a curtsy.
“Oh, call me Daniel, please. We’re family,” he replied. “Come. Have a seat,” he said as he gestured toward the chairs that faced an enormous fireplace.
“I don’t mean to take you away from your business,” Constance protested.
Daniel noted her skittish behavior. “Nonsense. I’ve not seen you for an age, and we’ve a bit of business to settle, it seems.”
Her eyes widening in surprise, Constance wondered to what he referred. “I received your letter. It is true you found my inheritance?” she asked, nearly biting her tongue when she realized her query made her sound desperate.
Or spoiled.
Daniel sobered a bit and reached for a paper from his desk. “Well, that is one of the bits of business,” he said as he handed her the cheque.
Constance dared a glance at the bank draft. “Fifty-thousand pounds?” she breathed, astounded by the amount.
“I do hope it’s enough,” Daniel said as he motioned her to sit down. She did so, more because she found herself unable to continue standing just then.
“I wasn’t expecting it to be this much. Where ... where was it?”
Not sure how to answer, Daniel allowed a shrug before he took a seat. In an effort to gather his thoughts, he motioned to the footman near the door. “Bring tea and coffee, please.
And cakes,” he added, thinking he would share any that were leftover with his wife.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Constance interjected.
Daniel regarded her for a moment, wondering at her nervousness. “Well, it is for me, cousin,” he countered with a grin. “I’ve been balancing books and dealing with my banker all morning, and I could use a cup of coffee. Now, about your inheritance,” he started to say before he was interrupted again.
“Pardon me, my lord, but the countess is wondering if she and the young ladies might be allowed to join you?” Hildebrand asked from the doorway.
Daniel gave his cousin an arched eyebrow and said, “By all means.” He turned his attention back to Constance. “It seems your father may have gambled away all but what you’ve been using to run the estate,” he said. “Fair Downs is an entailed property of the Norwick earldom, and yet I’ve not received a single invoice for the place since Uncle Edward died.”
Constance stared at her cousin for a moment, rather surprised by his words. “Did I do wrong by seeing to it the bills were paid?”
Daniel shook his head. “Not at all, but ... what I am wondering is how have you been able to do it?” he asked. “As far as me or the two solicitors who are familiar with the situation can tell, my uncle didn’t leave a pence unspent. Which begs the question—how have you kept Fair Downs solvent?”
Inhaling slowly, Constance angled her head to one side. “My mother’s pin money, I suppose,” she said. “She hid it in cubbies and nooks and crannies all over the house so that father wouldn’t find it. But ... despite searching from cellar to attic, I’ve not been able to find any more of it. I brought the last of it with me a couple of weeks ago—Mrs. Cunningham offered me a ride to London, you see—and I feared I would be destitute at the end of the month.”
The Love of a Rake Page 23
