“Only if she speaks ill of either Mama or Papa!”
Hetty laughed a little more, but tears continued to seep inexplicably from her eyes.
The following morning, Lucy was standing in the entrance hall pulling on her gloves of York tan when Robert stormed down the stairs, calling out at the top of his voice, “What the devil do you mean you are going to London? Why is this the first I have heard of your plans and where is it you mean to stay?”
Lucy turned sharply. She was quite startled by his address as well as by how quickly he descended the stairs. She could not help but take several steps backward. “I beg your pardon?”
“You are my ward until your birthday in two months’ time. Do you not feel obligated to at least inform me of your intentions?”
“ ’Tis only for two or three days.”
“Oh,” he responded. “Then you are not removing to London?”
“No, of course not. What made you think I was?”
“Hetty said you were going to London and somehow I supposed—then why the deuce are you going?”
“As it happens I have, er, business to attend to that cannot wait.”
“What business?” he asked suspiciously. “I am fully informed of your inheritance and all other pertinent matters. To my knowledge there is nothing for you to transact in London and certainly nothing that could not be managed by means of pen, ink, and paper if you are set on speaking with your solicitor.”
“Still, I must go.”
“Then you do not intend to tell me.”
Noting his stern expression, she found she had no desire at all to explain where she was going, or why, or with whom she meant most particularly to speak. She was reluctant, however, to withhold the truth from him. “I am going to see my aunt, my mother’s elderly sister, who resides in Cheapside.”
Robert narrowed his eyes. She could see his suspicion deepen. “I have known you for a very long time and I especially comprehend that particular expression of yours, one of complete innocence, and when you open your eyes that wide—Lucy, you might as well tell me precisely what it is you mean to do in London.”
“I fear our darling Lucy,” Henry said, as he sauntered into the entrance hall, “is intent on calling upon Lord Valmaston.”
Lucy glanced at Henry, wondering both who had told him what she was doing and why he was so angry. Robert she could understand, for he was always displeased with something or other about her, but Henry rarely displayed even the smallest displeasure.
“Valmaston?” Robert cried. “You are going to London to call upon Valmaston? What the devil for?”
“You need not shout, Robert. I am standing but four feet from you.”
“Tell me this is not true.”
She was silent for a moment, then said, “It is true.” She folded her hands, now neatly gloved in fine soft leather, in front of her. So much anger swept over Robert’s face that she only barely refrained from taking two more steps backward.
He shook his head several times. “But why? To what purpose? He has already agreed to attend Anne and Alice’s come-out ball and I have already said he may stay at Aldershaw for a few days. For what possible reason then could you have to travel to London and call upon him?”
How was Lucy to explain her purposes? Would Robert even understand them? “I . . . I have my reasons,” she stated. “I beg you will not inquire further, but it is something I must do.” Inspiration struck. “I can at least tell you this—I have a message to give him from my father that I should have delivered months ago but now I cannot wait another moment.” This was partly true. Well, perhaps only a very little.
His eyes narrowed further still and she had the strong sense he did not believe her. He did not speak for a very long moment and the silence in the entrance hall grew louder and louder as each second passed. Finally his shoulders relaxed. “You will have to stay your departure for at least an hour. I will need to change into traveling gear.”
“You are not going with me!” Lucy cried, much horrified.
He smiled suddenly. “The devil I am not!” he exclaimed. With that he whirled on his heel and took the stairs by two. He was gone before she could think of even one excuse by which she might have gotten rid of him. She debated leaving on the instant but that would not work at all. Robert would merely follow after her and then she would be in the basket, indeed!
Henry approached her at that moment. “What are you thinking, Lucy? Valmaston has a terrible reputation, but you know that and yet you would go and that without protection?”
She turned to him and lifted her chin slightly. “Lord Valmaston has been a friend to me since I was quite young. Whatever his reputation, I trust him implicitly. If I have any concern it is that I will be importuning him with an unexpected visit.”
“I would wish you a hundred miles from him,” he stated darkly. “You are too innocent to know what sort of man he truly is.”
Lucy straightened her shoulders. “I do know what he is. A good friend to my father and to me, and a gentleman I vow I have always admired. I know that his life has not been in the usual vein, but he has great generosity of spirit, a very penetrating wit, and a chivalry I have frequently found unmatched.”
He seemed much taken aback. “Good God,” he breathed, seeming rather shocked. “Are you in love with him?”
Lucy laughed. “Because I spoke highly of him you would reason that I am in love with him?”
He shook his head but still he scowled. “I do not think there could be a better reason. Only tell me, Lucy, do you love him?”
“No, as it happens I do not.”
His scowl softened. “Perhaps I am being ridiculous.” He moved close to her and took hold of one of her hands. “It is just that you have become quite precious to me and I abhor the thought that even the smallest danger could touch you.”
“Truly, Henry, you need not be so worried, but I thank you for your concern.”
“I believe I may be even a little jealous that you are seeking his society.”
Lucy laughed. “Though I have known Valmaston for as long as I have known you, I will always think of you as a better friend.”
He shook his head, appearing rather consternated. “With that, I suppose, I must for the present be content.”
Lucy was surprised that he would say as much and she wondered suddenly if he fancied himself in love with her. This she dismissed as quite absurd, however. Henry had never shown any particular regard for her. He was as he had always been, attentive and kind. He was a true friend.
“Why do you not have a cup of tea while you wait for Robert?” he suggested.
“An excellent notion.” He drew her into the armory and ordered tea. He remained with her, conversing as was usual on a variety of subjects until at last Robert was ready to leave.
The journey from Hampshire to London required the entire day. Discourse between them proved perfunctory. Robert seemed angry that he had been forced to accompany her and Lucy, in her irritation that he would be so high-handed, was unwilling to smooth his feathers.
Arriving at Robert’s townhouse in Upper Brook Street, Lucy stretched her back and finally thanked him for his efforts. “You have made the journey quite comfortable for me and for that I thank you.” She smiled, and added, “Besides, now that I think on it, I do not know what I would have said to my aunt who has never written to me once in four and twenty years!”
He shook his head. “Do you know, I believe you are the most incorrigible young lady of my acquaintance!”
Lucy laughed.
The London staff was quite surprised to see their master, but not displeased. Indeed, Lucy was rather impressed by the general affection with which the aged butler and equally aged housekeeper greeted him. She had never been to the London house, which was not a particularly large establishment but nicely appointed with elegant furniture—in part a la chinoiserie and in part the established prevailing mode with hints of Greek and Roman styling and embellishment. A royal blue dominate
d the receiving rooms, although the long dining room was decorated with a rich red silk on the walls.
Lucy retired to her bedchamber on the second floor and immediately sat down at the writing desk to compose her letter to Valmaston.
So it was that on the following morning he called upon her. Robert, in keeping with his deep mistrust of the rogue, insisted upon being present.
Lucy greeted him as she always had. She embraced him and he kissed her forehead. He was a tall man, quite broad-shouldered, with wavy brown hair and intriguing gray eyes. His smile was breathtaking.
“You are as beautiful as ever, Lucia.”
“How long has it been? Oh, but that is a ridiculous question since we both know the answer.”
He took her shoulders in hand. “You must tell me how you fare. I know how much you loved your father. I loved him, too. Tell me your heart is not still in pieces, and I shall be content.”
Lucy smiled, if faintly. “At times, of course, but I am growing used to my life without him.”
“I miss him as well,” he said kindly.
“I know you do and it gives me great comfort to hear you speak of him.” She turned slightly toward Robert. “I would like to make you known to my guardian. Sir Robert Sandifort, Lord Valmaston.”
The gentlemen bowed formally to one another.
“Please sit down,” Lucy said. Only as she took up her seat on the sofa near the front window did she become aware that the men were eyeing one another in a critical manner. She had the sense that were either of them to speak the wrong words a bout of fisticuffs would surely follow.
Finally, Sir Robert gestured for Lord Valmaston to take up a chair. He took up the one nearest Lucy though opposite her. Sir Robert rounded the earl’s chair and moved to sit on the sofa with Lucy. She was a little shocked, especially seeing his challenging expression.
When she met Valmaston’s gaze, she saw a familiar amused light in his eye and from that moment she began to relax. Whatever his reputation, Lucy trusted the earl.
During the ensuing hour a great many subjects were brought forward and during that same hour Robert’s demeanor altered considerably. His stiff reserve, even ill-concealed hostility, all but dissipated. Instead, he began to speak in an open fashion that surprised Lucy. The men shared a common experience in that they had both inherited large estates that had to varying degrees been neglected by their predecessors. Of course, the earl had had a good twenty years to repair his fortunes, which he had done admirably, and in keeping with his generous temper he did not hesitate to encourage Robert in his many efforts. When the conversation soon fell to the management of their respective lands and houses, Lucy repressed a sigh and, with as much interest as she could summon, followed their conversation patiently.
“Oh, but we are boring poor Lucia,” Valmaston said at last.
“Not in the least,” Lucy assured him, but a sudden yawn, which she was completely unable to suppress, escaped her.
The gentlemen laughed.
“Will you stay to nuncheon?” Robert asked.
“I should like that.”
The earl’s visit extended from one hour to the next until the clock struck three. “Is it so very late?” he asked, glancing at the clock on the mantel.
“Yes, I believe it is,” Robert said.
“I fear I must be going. I am engaged elsewhere for the evening.”
Lucy felt greatly disappointed, for she had not had the smallest opportunity to place her request before her friend. She took a deep breath and began, “Will you not lend me five minutes? There is something I must ask you, that is if Robert will excuse us?”
Far from even the smallest show of hesitation, Robert rose and suggested they make use of the library on the ground floor, which was well suited for private conversations. Lucy lifted her brow to him, but he merely smiled as if to say he was satisfied that she was not going to be attacked by this rogue of rogues. She led her friend downstairs.
Once closeted within, she began speaking at length, albeit quickly, of the present situation at Aldershaw, most particularly emphasizing Lady Sandifort and her commanding role in the house. “Though I do not comprehend the source of her power, there can be no disputing that Robert does not disrupt her schemes, at least not so often as I believe he should.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
She felt a blush climb her cheeks. “Now that I am here and speaking with you, I am rather uncomfortable addressing the truth. I suppose I should be direct.”
“Yes, that would be best.” He was smiling.
She released a sigh and plunged on. “The difficulty is simple. Lady Sandifort is smitten with you, or at least your reputation. Oh, dear, I am going to blush even more.”
He sat down on the corner of the desk and laughed, though he crossed his arms over his chest. “Go on.”
“Well, she has expressed a willingness to permit certain events if she is properly entertained, events like the come-out ball for Anne and Alice for instance, the one you have agreed to attend in a month’s time.” She drew in a deep breath and spoke rapidly. “If you would be willing to come to Hampshire, to Aldershaw, sooner than previously agreed upon, she will allow the twins to attend the assemblies in Bickfield.”
He frowned. “Good God. She does bear an inordinate amount of power—unusually so.”
“How well I know it, but Robert, as is his right, will not tell me how it has come about. He seems to be under some great obligation. Therefore, I am left to manage things as best I might.”
“So naturally you thought of me.” Again he laughed.
“Well, now that I am asking for your help it seems a ridiculous thing to do, and completely unfair to you.”
“Let me see if I understand you. What you are saying is that you wish me to manage her ladyship until such time as—?”
“For the next month, if at all possible. Yes, yes, I know I am asking a vast deal, but if you had any notion how much the family has suffered beneath her iron hand you would understand my determination to give as much relief as I can. However, if you feel you must decline, I shan’t blame you. I realize it is asking more than I ought.”
He narrowed his eyes and swung his leg. His arms were still crossed over his chest. “You have in mind the promise I made to your father,” he stated. “And by this you mean to force my hand.”
Lucy pressed her hands to her cheeks. “You always were able to see straight through my schemes!”
“Lucy,” he drawled. “What a wretch you are! Does Sir Robert have even the smallest notion what a difficult wife you will make him?”
“What?” she cried, horrified. “We are not betrothed, if that is what you are suggesting. Good God, we barely tolerate one another.”
“Oh, then I am greatly mistaken. I presumed since you were traveling together that there was some sort of understanding.”
“No,” she reassured him, feeling very odd of a sudden. Imagine being Robert’s wife! She swallowed hard and tried not to think of the kisses they had already shared, or how wonderful they had been, and certainly not what it would be like to share his bed. No, she would not permit her mind to dwell upon these things at all! “Well, I know you must take your leave,” she said, walking to the door of the library. “You may let me know as soon as pleases you whether you can accept of my invitation.”
This time he laughed aloud. “Am I correct in assuming that Sir Robert knows nothing of this scheme?”
“You are correct,” she stated. “I choose to cross my bridges one at a time.”
“You are so much like your father. Well, Lucia, in part because I made a pledge to your good parent to come to your aid if required and in part because I find I am wholly intrigued by just how you will manage this present difficult situation, I shall tell you now that I do accept your invitation, but on one condition.”
“What would that be?”
“You have asked me essentially to flirt with Lady Sandifort.”
“Yes.” She d
id not think her cheeks could get any warmer but so they did.
“If I find I detest her—and somehow I believe I shall—then I reserve the right to ignore her entirely.”
Lucy was dismayed. Valmaston, for all his ability to beguile the feminine sex, was also rather ruthless. She did not think Lady Sandifort would like being treated with either indifference or contempt by so famous a man as the earl. On the other hand, she could hardly blame him if he found himself so disgusted he could not bring himself to do the pretty with her. At the same time, she knew quite well she had no choice but to agree to his condition. “To expect anything else would be ungenerous and certainly unrealistic. In fact, I only ask that you manage her, nothing more, whatever that should entail.”
He smiled anew. “Then I agree.” He frowned slightly. “However, I will not be able to come to Hampshire until Thursday next. Will that suffice?”
“Of course, quite beautifully, but are you certain you will do this thing without hating me forever?”
He shook his head. “I have no such certainty.” But he could not contain his smiles.
Lucy laughed. “Thursday next, then. I shall send directions to Grosvenor Street before we depart.”
“That will do.”
She walked him to the door and he kissed her warmly on the cheek.
“You are beautiful,” he said, then he was gone.
Lucy caught sight of movement and glanced up the stairs. Robert stood on the landing, frowning. What was he thinking, she wondered, and what was worse, how was she ever to explain what she had done?
Robert regarded Lucy for a long moment. He had waited a full ten minutes before venturing onto the landing. He had permitted the tête-a-tête because, and this had proved a great surprise, he instinctively trusted Valmaston. However, the longer they remained within, particularly with the door closed, the less certain he became. No matter how harmless the relationship seemed, Valmaston was still an acknowledged rogue.
He had arrived at the top of the stairs to watch the earl place a lingering kiss on Lucy’s cheek. He believed the image would be burnt into his mind for the next decade or two. Even now, he felt a rage within him that he could not explain, a fiery, piercing sensation that left him wanting to call Valmaston out!
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