The Rakehell Regency Romance Series Boxed Set 1

by Sorcha MacMurrough

  Despite his vast wealth, the Duke was most unpretentious, laughing and joking with his friends, though not in a racy way, and trading reminiscences. They proudly showed the ladies their matching tattoos on their arms, each with their name and town. On their chests, which they refrained from showing, much to Pamela's disappointment, were George and the Dragon, to show their country of origin.

  "It's so easy for deaths to be misreported. I lived in fear that my father would think me dead and do something rash," Jonathan confided.

  "Did it not hurt?" she asked in wonder.

  "It wasn't exactly ticklish, but I've felt worse."

  "And were you injured?" she asked, round-eyed.

  He shrugged and looked at his two friends oddly. "A few nicks and cuts, no more. I was most fortunate in many respects."

  She watched him re-fasten his cuff.

  He saw her observing him closely and said with a grin, "Never mind this talk of the war. We have a new campaign to fight. We shall show you off to the world, and leave no corner of Bath unseen."

  Jonathan was as good as his word. Every day they drove out to sightsee or pay calls to introduce her to the best society. Jonathan was proud of all her hard work back home, and determined that she should have a good time as her reward.

  The Baths, the Abbey, the Assembly rooms, were all far more beautiful than she had recalled from her few past visits. It was of course delightful to be exposed to so many exciting places and sensations, but sharing them with Jonathan made them even more thrilling.

  He was ever at her side, taking her arm or hand, wrapping a shawl more securely about her shoulders, talking easily with her about all manner of fascinating subjects, with her for every meal. From the moment she awoke in the morning, until they retired for the night, he was always close at hand. Pamela was sure she could foresee a day when he would get down on bended knee.

  Of course, he was not the only man in Bath. They flocked around her when they heard she was unattached, with so many thousands a year. Pity the vicar and her dragon of an aunt were always around so much to make sure she did not get up to any mischief, they all said.

  But that was not to say they didn't try. Some men confined their attentions to prodigious flattery. Others took a few more liberties on the dance floor or in the crush at the Lower Rooms.

  At first Pamela was pleased and flattered to be the center of so much handsome male attention. Soon it started to get embarrassing, and tedious. She began to feel as if she were a Christmas goose being checked over for the right degree of plumpness.

  Also, she felt conscious of the steel-gray eyes observing her more and more coldly as the days passed, as if all was not as it should be.

  The second Sunday that they were there, Jonathan said a special prayer over the breakfast table, which Pamela was sure was intended for her.

  "I should like to read to you from the Proverbs concerning Life and Conduct.

  "The preparations of the heart in man,

  and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.

  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;

  but the Lord weigheth the spirits.

  Commit thy works unto the Lord,

  and thy thoughts shall be established.

  The Lord hath made all things for himself:

  yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

  Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord:

  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:

  and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

  When a man's ways please the Lord,

  he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

  Better is a little with righteousness,

  than great revenues without right."

  She felt chastened by the message. She had been doing so well in Brimley, but now felt like a backslider. She had allowed her head to be turned by her social successes, and had not spared a thought for the poor people she had left behind, or the people in Bath who also needed her help.

  Pamela knew she had to make the most of the opportunity she had been given to visit Bath. However, that was not to say she had to go out every single morning, noon and night to be entertained.

  She began to spend more time in the sitting room with her hostess and Vanessa, engaging in conversation while they made clothes and other useful items for the poor. She also participated in readings with them, and fascinating discussions.

  She had become convinced of the evils of slavery thanks to several tracts Jonathan had given her. However, she expressed her doubts as to her ability to make a difference, and her unwillingness to offend people.

  Jonathan smiled indulgently. "What is it Woolman says in his Journal?

  'As writing is a profitable employ, and as offending sober people was disagreeable to my inclination, I was straitened in my mind; but as I looked to the Lord, he inclined my heart to his testimony. I told the man that I believed the practice of continuing slavery to this people was not right, and that I had a scruple in my mind against doing writings of that kind; that though many in our Society kept them as slaves, still I was not easy to be concerned in it, and desired to be excused from going to write the will. I spake to him in the fear of the Lord, and he made no reply to what I said, but went away; he also had some concerns in the practice, and I thought he was displeased with me. In this case I had fresh confirmation that acting contrary to present outward interest, from a motive of Divine love and in regard to truth and righteousness, and thereby incurring the resentments of people, opens the way to a treasure better than silver, and to a friendship exceeding the friendship of men.

  "As with John Woolman, if you are convinced of the justice of your cause, you must speak your mind, Miss Ashton, even if you fear offending people. Better to offend, than to let injustice thrive."

  But however hard she tried to resist the worldly temptations of Bath, there was always some new novelty for her to enjoy. The new circle of acquaintance she formed, which included, surprisingly, a much more lively and elegant Earl of Ferncliffe, gossiped, drank and gambled more than any other group in Bath.

  She had to own she was a bit shocked at much of what they said, and even more disturbed when they hinted that Jonathan was not all he should be.

  "I don't understand," she said to the Earl one evening when they were dancing. "What is it you are accusing Mr. Deveril of?"

  The Earl shrugged and said evasively, "No more than any other young man who was born wealthy, or any man in the Army."

  She knew what he was hinting at with regard to her friend. In other cases he came right out and told the most deplorable tales about illicit love affairs and illegitimate children. She could not tell sometimes what he was speaking of, but tried to giggle with the rest of the crowd.

  But in the back of her mind, she knew it was wrong to gossip so. And the poor sinners were rather to be pitied than made a mockery of. She could grasp now easily enough how love could lead to all sorts of temptations.

  Still, it was so simple to get carried away when the champagne flowed freely, and every man in the room wanted to stand up with her.

  Every man except Jonathan. He seemed suddenly to always be engaged with another woman in their party, or a pretty young miss fluttering her fan at the handsome young chap. Most of the time they shied off when they discovered he was a man of the cloth, but some continued to express admiration for him.

  He began to disappear on occasion, and Thomas's replies as to where he had gone seemed most evasive. Even when he was with Pamela, the intimacy she felt sure had been developing between them seemed to have vanished, though she knew not why. They had been so close. Why then did he seem to be slipping away from her?

  One night at home, when they were all assembled for coffee, Jonathan asked if they would care to try another play.

  "The last one was such a huge success, my dear chap. Why not?" Thomas, the Duke of Ellesmere said with a
smile.

  "What did you have in mind?" Charlotte asked. "Not The Recruiting Officer."

  "Ah, so you heard about one of my recent sermons, did you?"

  "It was the talk of the County," she said. "I'm sorry we were up to Town and missed it."

  "I was thinking of something a bit lighter. The School for Scandal, perhaps?"

  "Let me guess. You want to be Charles, or Joseph?" Clifford said with a grin.

  "No, for now, I shall just be Snake. And you, Miss Ashton, can be my Lady Sneerwell."

  She sat up in surprise. "What, me? But-"

  "Please, do not display such false modesty. I have heard you read very well. You certainly have a remarkable speaking voice, which carries very well in a crowd."

  He pressed the book into her hand, and told her to begin.

  She blushed, but could do nothing else but comply when everyone in the room was looking at her so pointedly.

  "Start at the first line, please."

  Pamela took a deep breath. "The paragraphs, you say, Mr. Snake, were all inserted?"

  "They were, madam; and, as I copied them myself in a feigned hand, there can be no suspicion whence they came."

  "Did you circulate the report of Lady Brittle's intrigue with Captain Boastall?"

  "That's in as fine a train as your ladyship could wish. In the common course of things, I think it must reach Mrs. Clackitt's ears within four-and-twenty hours; and then, you know, the business is as good as done."

  "Why, truly, Mrs. Clackitt has a very pretty talent, and a great deal of industry."

  "True, madam," Jonathan said in an enthusiastic tone as Snake, "and has been tolerably successful in her day. To my knowledge, she has been the cause of six matches being broken off, and three sons being disinherited; of four forced elopements, and as many close confinements; nine separate maintenances, and two divorces. Nay, I have more than once traced her causing a tête à tête in the 'Town and County Magazine,' when the parties, perhaps, had never seen each other's face before in the course of their lives."

  "She certainly has talents, but her manner is gross."

  "'Tis very true. She generally designs well, has a free tongue and a bold invention; but her colouring is too dark, and her outlines often extravagant. She wants that delicacy of tint, and mellowness of sneer, which distinguish your ladyship's scandal."

  "You are partial, Snake."

  "Not in the least; everybody allows that Lady Sneerwell can do more with a word or look than many can with the most laboured detail, even when they happen to have a little truth on their side to support it."

  Pamela stopped there. She could no longer bring herself to read any further. What had seemed an amusing and witty comedy was now not quite so humorous.

  "You are silent, Miss Ashton. Is the play not to your liking? I assure you, you have performed your part admirably," Jonathan said in a cool tone.

  Pamela's back went ramrod stiff. She could not fail to see how she was being singled out, though she was not sure what had provoked such ire on the normally mild-mannered vicar's part. "I find my throat is sore, sir, and shall retire to my room. If you will all excuse me."

  She bowed to everyone, and fled the chamber, hot tears of mortification bursting forth as soon as she was safely out in the hall.

  Or so she thought, for the door opened after her, and Jonathan emerged and took her hand, staying her flight.

  "I'm sorry, I did not mean to distress you so."

  Pamela turned to face him head on, daring to stand up for herself, though she had yet to know precisely what the nature of her offense had been. "You most certainly did! You wanted me to see the error of my ways. I have, and can only be ashamed of the manner in which I have conducted myself upon coming to Bath."

  "I was perhaps a bit heavy-handed in there," he said with a sigh. "But really, you have no idea what damage you've done, both to yourself and others, with this heedless pursuit of novelty and amusement. I should hope if you ever heard anything against me, you should judge me by what you know to be true, what you have seen with your own eyes, rather than any reports of my conduct."

  She shook her head. "I have heard nothing about you, Mr. Deveril. Why would you think I should?"

  He shrugged, his expression wary. "No reason, other than that the company you keep pick over everyone in the Assembly Rooms like rats gnawing at bones."

  Pamela sniffed. "I'm sorry that you're so angry and displeased with me. I honestly don't know what has happened to vex you so."

  He ran the fingers of one hand through his hair. "Perhaps nothing. I don't know. I heard a piece of news which was rather distressing, and was told it had come from you."

  "From me?" she gasped. "In relation to what?"

  "It was something to do with Elizabeth, whom I consider to have been a very good friend to you."

  Pamela defended herself stoutly. "I give you my word, I've never said anything about her other than that she and her brother and his wife are the most congenial company and most excellent people. Please, if aught has been said, it has not been by me. Perhaps my aunt? I ask your pardon if it was she. I promise you, I would never-"

  He flapped his hand against his side dismissively. "Yes, well, the damage has been done, wherever the on-dit came from."

  "I can't think of anything that can be said against her. Anyone who knows her could only have the highest regard for Elizabeth," Pamela rejoined in a firm tone.

  Jonathan patted her on the shoulder. "I'm glad to hear you say that, but it then means someone has a very low regard for you."

  She wiped her tears with the handkerchief he offered her, and sat down on the small bench outside the door. "I'm not sure I follow."

  "Accusing you of the gossip, and me believing it was you who said it. It was wrong of me to suspect you, to condemn you without trial, as it were. It also means that I'm not the only person who has observed your imprudent behavior, and seeks to cause trouble for you."

  Pamela paled. "Oh dear."

  He took her hand gently for a brief moment. "Please know I'm speaking to you as your friend as well as your vicar when I say you must be careful whom you trust. Not everyone who smiles and fawns upon you is full of good intentions. For example, Captain Breedon has pursued you here from Brimley, and can put you in a most awkward predicament if you do not take care. Not to mention Ferncliffe."

  Her eyes widened. "Breedon? I've hardly said ten words to the Captain since he arrived. I liked him well enough upon first acquaintance, but though he is an hilarious companion, he is less attractive now that I've observed him drinking and gaming with so little restraint. In any event, he shall be leaving for a time, so I shall see him no more. The Earl, on the other hand, has improved upon acquaintance."

  Jonathan said nothing, but she could hear an odd grinding sound.

  "Have I said something amiss?"

  "No, not at all," he replied, his tone clipped. "You are entitled to your opinions."

  "But you do not like him."

  "I knew him in the Army. He was not a very trustworthy fellow."

  Pamela stared. "Don't tell me you're jealous of him."

  Jonathan dropped her hand and got off the sofa abruptly. "Jealous? Should I have reason to be?"

  "Yes, because he has prospered since you met him, become an Earl..."

  "Whereas I have gone so far down in the world by becoming a vicar?" he said with asperity.

  She clapped her hand over her mouth. "No, I didn't mean-"

  He bowed stiffly from the waist. "I think we have both said quite enough about each other's characters for one evening, Miss Ashton. I shall say goodnight."

  He turned on his heel, and marched through the vestibule to the staircase leading to his wing of the house. He vanished from sight before she could call him back.

  She sat for a few minutes numbly, feeling utterly at a loss as to what had just taken place between them. Before they had come to Bath, they had got along so well. The first few days had been blissful. Now he was
growing further and further away from her, and acted like more like a brother or her disapproving vicar than the beau she had been hoping for, the lover she had been so happy to see developing before her eyes.

  The more she reflected upon her own feelings toward him, the more she had to admit that her vehement protestations that she did not care what he thought of her were all sound and fury, signifying nothing. She did care. She cared very much. Might she dare go one step further, and say she cared so much about him, she loved Jonathan? As a husband?