They rounded the corner following the hedges and a small gasp loosed from the feminine body next to him. “Oh, how lovely.”
They took in hundreds of candles flickering in the dark, casting a warm glow on the garden. Everywhere one looked sat a candle, except for a bench in the midst of it all. His confidence grew by leaps and bounds. He led her to the bench and lowered himself to one knee. A trembling hand came up to cover her mouth.
“Serena, I have made no secret of how I feel about you. You bring me joy and laughter and make me want to cosset and protect you from all that is wrong with the world. I cannot imagine our contract coming to an end and you no longer being here, in my bed, in my arms, or in my heart. I love you to distraction and most humbly beg you to please make me the happiest of men by becoming my wife.”
He opened a small jewelry box, identical to the one that had held the earrings she’d refused. The difference being, that nestled inside lay a sapphire-and-diamond ring. Her gaze sought his, but instead of joy he found heartbreak and sadness lacing her eyes.
“No.” A small, pitiful cry escaped from her as she stood.
A denial of his suit or something else?
“No, Brennan, I cannot marry you. I will not be responsible for ruining your life…your business. I came by your office this afternoon to invite you on a picnic.” She drew a deep breath.
“Serena, please!” He rose up from his knee.
“No, Brennan. I know. I know you are losing business, just as your sister said you would, because I am here. I told you before I would not tolerate being your downfall. I’m sorry, I cannot marry you. Please consider our contract severed.” She moved around him, leaving him rooted to the spot unable to move or object.
He was stunned by her speech as he groped about his mind for an argument. Precious little came to mind beyond the truth. “But, I love you,” he called out to her retreating back.
She paused, looking over her shoulder, the soft glow of the candles casting a halo about her. A single tear tracked down the soft skin of her cheek. “Good-bye, Brennan.”
And then she was gone.
Brennan collapsed to his knees and cried, surrounded by candlelight and alone in the garden. Sometime later, he picked himself up from the ground and resolved to find her. Make her see reason. Upstairs in her room, he found all of the gowns he had paid for, but no sign of her. All her trinkets from the vanity were gone as well.
He stalked downstairs, ordered his carriage and headed to his club. He needed a stiff drink and some masculine company.
Settled into a comfortable wing chair by a roaring fire with a brandy in his hand, he could almost pretend the disaster of a proposal had not happened. But Andrew appeared, confused as to why Brennan sat in their chairs.
“Weren’t you proposing to your ladybird tonight?” Andrew settled in the open chair.
“It did not go as hoped. She was less than enthused by my offer.” Brennan frowned and swirled the snifter of amber liquid.
“I see. She refused you?”
“She fled into the night. She refused to be the cause of my financial failure.”
“She does have a point. You’re losing business now that word’s got out you are living with a whore. I cannot imagine what would happen if you married her.” Andrew shrugged.
“If you ever refer to her as such again, I will wallop you where you stand.” He issued the threat and sipped his drink, relishing the burn from his tongue to his gullet.
“Very well. Give her a day to calm down and then visit her. Bring her flowers and chocolates, you know the usual things.” Andrew nodded sagely.
Brennan grunted in acknowledgement and pondered his options.
***
Serena arrived at The Market, unable to stop the flow of tears. After slipping in the back door, she crept to her room and shut herself in. Tomorrow she would figure out how to go on; how to continue to live with a gaping hole in her chest. Madame had warned all the girls that while sometimes their customers would take them as mistresses, might dote on them, and play the besotted swain, it was foolish to fall prey to any semblance of love. Falling in love with your protector was a certain path to misery. And Serena could personally attest to the validity of those warnings.
Still unsure how she arrived at such a disastrous end, Serena crushed her face into the pillows and sobbed. She mourned all that could have been had she been born to different circumstances, and she mourned all that would never be. No man would ever touch her as deeply or stir her soul in the manner Brennan had. Her existence would be a solitary one, always giving pleasure, never experiencing it, for all things paled in comparison to the joy she had found in Brennan’s embrace and in his love. As she drifted off to sleep, she recalled the feel of his arms around her, the heat of his breath on her skin, the slide of his firm muscular frame against her softer one. In her dreams, she would take solace in his memory and the love that burned so strongly between them.
Rising stiffly from her bed, Serena went in search of Madame Marchander. A light knock was answered, calling her in to the office.
“What are you doing here so early, Serena?” Madame sat by the fire sipping her morning cocoa.
“I have ended the contract with Mr. Whitling.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“He fancies himself in love with me. It seemed better to end it now rather than allow the situation to drag out to the inevitable end.”
“What end would that have been?” Madame quirked an eyebrow up.
“Why, the end of the contract.”
“Did he not propose to you while you were with him?”
Serena’s hands shook with nervousness. “He did.”
“Do you not love him then?”
Confusion whirled through her head. Why was Madame asking these questions? “Yes—but, it cannot be. I am a whore, and he is a gentleman. All he worked for was crumbling around him. I refuse to be the cause of his ruin. He would ultimately hate me for it one day when he woke up and realized that not only was his business failing but he had tied himself to such an unsuitable woman.”
“I see. Are you sure this is what you want?”
Serena gathered the fraying bits of her resolve. “I’m certain. I am ending the contract as I was told I could.”
“Very well, I will send a note returning the balance of his fees. Take a day or two for yourself, then you may return to socializing in the salon. You may refrain from servicing any customers until you feel you are ready, but don’t be too long about it. I doubt it will become easier with time.”
“Thank you, Madame.”
***
A week later Brennan and his friend sat considering their options. “Andrew, I called on her bearing flowers and candies, but she refused to see me. I had flowers delivered with a note, they were refused. I had a boy watch the house to alert me if she came out so I could have a word with her on the street, but she has not left. If she won’t see me, how can I convince her to marry me?”
His friend looked thoughtful. “Perhaps you could try a different approach to convince her you two should be together.”
“What do you suggest? I must say I am at a loss.”
“What of a healthy dose of jealousy?”
“Jealousy? How can I make her jealous if she will not see me?”
“She might not see you, but she will hear things. Perhaps Madame Marchander could be of some assistance?”
“I see. I make her believe I have moved on, and she will come to me begging for another chance? Do you honestly believe that will work?”
“Women chase men they want all the time. Why shouldn’t it? You simply need to find a woman to carry on with and ensure she hears of it.”
“Would your sister be willing to let me court her?”
“Hold on there now. I did not say to drag Melanie into this.”
“Come on, Andrew. I wouldn’t want to bring some chit into this plot that would have an expectation of an unrealistic outcome. We would tell your sis
ter what is going on.”
“Unacceptable.”
“Why don’t you at least let her hear me out and see what she thinks?” Brennan sat forward, hope blossoming anew.
“Silly chit would go right along with you all in the name of love,” Andrew grumbled.
“Come, don’t make me remind you who helped you out when you needed someone to escort Melanie to the Shaferton soiree last season?” Brennan hated bringing it up, but he needed her help and he needed Andrew to agree.
Andrew sipped his own brandy. “I knew your help would come back to haunt me. Very well, we will speak to her tomorrow.”
***
Brennan sat across from Melanie over tea with Andrew on his right. He had not heard from Serena since her flight. He was certain this remained the best way to get her attention. The three friends sat awkwardly over tea and shared a stilted conversation about the weather. Not one of them cared the sun had not been out for the last four days.
Within a short time, they realized they had much to explain.
“I do not understand why you do not simply tell the woman how you feel about her,” Melanie urged.
“I have. She does not believe she is worthy of becoming my wife, and she believes she is ruining my business.” Brennan grew more frustrated every time he explained the situation.
“I must say, I would advise against this little plot you two have hatched.” She looked from her brother to Brennan. Disapproval creased her forehead, drawing her brows together.
Brennan took a deep breath and refused to let go of hope. She would come around. Melanie always had a soft heart.
“However, if you really believe this is the only way, I will help you.” A smile dissipated her earlier frown.
“Thank you. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. If ever there is anything I can do….” Brennan came forward to the edge of the chair and grasped her hand.
“Oh, I am sure I will think of some way you can help me in the future.” She winked and took her hands back. “In the meantime, we must plot a way for you to be seen with me and have word get back to Miss Freemont.”
“We shall go for a drive in Hyde Park and perhaps do some shopping on Bond Street. Then Andrew here will be responsible for ensuring word gets back to her that I am having dinner with you at my home, alone.” Brennan nodded, pleased with the plan.
“Obviously, I will not be there when she arrives, but by that time it will be too late, and she will have shown her hand.” She clasped her hands and sighed.
Andrew stood. “Well, I suggest you two go for that drive while I work on my part. Brennan, I assume shopping tomorrow and dinner tomorrow evening will give her time to react?”
“Indeed. I imagine she will be quite angry once this all unfolds, hopefully just angry enough to make her realize we belong together.” He shook hands with Andrew then turned to his accomplice. “Shall we go for that drive? I believe it is the fashionable hour.”
“Yes, let’s.” She rose from the settee. “I’ll be just a moment.” The golden-haired girl floated out of the parlor leaving Brennan alone with her brother.
“You will be able to secure a token for The Market? My agreement did not include any or I would take care of it for you.” Brennan and Andrew walked into the foyer to wait.
“I should have no problem. Tomorrow night I will drop by there and plant the seed. I imagine she will hotfoot it over to your townhouse once she hears.” Andrew clapped him on the shoulder.
“We shall see.” Brennan took his hat from the butler and turned to take Melanie’s arm as she rejoined them ready for a drive.
Chapter Nine
Serena could not stand the misery any longer. He continued, relentless in his pursuit, and if he came to see her once more, she would fall apart. There was one person she believed could help her bring this siege to an end. Lady Caroline Thornton.
She took a huge risk. The lady would likely slam the door in her face before she got two words out, but she had to try. For her sake and for his she stood before the imposing door of Sir and Lady Thornton’s townhouse. She lifted the heavy brass knocker and tapped it against the matching plate. The door opened to reveal a starchy butler with bushy eyebrows and a bit of a sneer on his face.
“How can I help you?” He sniffed with disdain.
Serena handed a calling card to the formidable figure. “Miss Serena Freemont to see Lady Thornton.” She strived for the brisk, no-nonsense tone that usually got her what she needed with recalcitrant servants.
“Wait here.” He disappeared and the door thumped shut.
Serena remained on the stoop working to rein in her temper. She needed to be calm for the coming discussion. Shortly, the door opened again and swung wide. “This way, please.”
She followed the crusty old man into a sumptuous sitting room where Lady Thornton sat perched on a delicate settee.
“Please come in, Miss Freemont.” Lady Thornton waved her over, indicating a seat near her.
“Thank you for seeing me, Lady Thornton. I will not take any more of your time than required to beg you for your assistance.”
“Do you wish to take me up on my original offer?” she inquired and sipped her tea.
“It is about your brother. As I am sure you are well aware, I have severed all ties with him in an effort to salvage his professional reputation. I came to learn he lost business because of our association. Then he proposed to me and I said no before leaving. However, since then he has hounded me. Sending flowers, candies, notes, and he even had a boy sit across the street to watch for my comings and goings. I am a prisoner in The Market!” To her great mortification, tears slipped down her cheeks. She had sworn she was done crying over Brennan Whitling, but once again her wretched emotions had gotten the best of her.
Lady Thornton perused her as though she could peel back the layers of skin and bone and see deep within. “Do you love him? Do you love my brother?”
Indecision gripped Serena, would she be appalled to know the truth? “God forgive me, yes. I do love him, and if he does not cease this onslaught, I will have no ability to refuse him. My heart breaks anew every time I send him away.”
“Then don’t.” Lady Thornton calmly sipped her tea then took a delicate nibble of a scone.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t refuse him. It is clear he loves you. Enough he has refused to acknowledge my guidance, and he has entirely restructured his business. He has acquired customers who have no interest in who he spends his nights with, so his business will recover before any lasting damage is done.”
Thunderstruck, Serena gaped at the serene lady across from her. Her heart pounded as the blood rushed to her head. Spots formed before her eyes, so she drew a deep breath and blinked. “But I’m a whore! You said it yourself, Lady Thornton. He has no business marrying someone like me.”
“Pish. I was being a ridiculous, closed-minded prude. It is unfortunate I tend in that direction more often than not. But, having seen how happy my brother was with you and how miserable he is without, I am left to conclude he is better off with you in his life irrespective of your past. I have known enough women like you to know they are often strong of character, ethical, and most important they are survivors. Brennan needs someone like that in his life. I want my brother to be as happy as I, and you seem to make that happen.”
“You are wrong, Lady Thornton. I am terrible for Brennan. I will ruin his life. I am sorry if I bothered you. Good day.” Stiff with shock and despair, she rose and exited the house as if she strolled through grand homes of the nobility every day. She was doomed. She would make one last effort to dissuade him, and if she failed she would speak to Madame and see about leaving England. Nothing else she could see would stop the persistent man.
The previous day’s drive in Hyde Park had been uneventful. Today, Brennan intended to take Melanie shopping on Bond Street where he met Serena. With any luck she would see him, and once Andrew stopped by The Market that evening, would be goaded
into appearing at his door. He placed his hat atop his head and clambered up into his phaeton.
An hour later, he walked into a milliner’s shop with Melanie on Bond Street when a flash of auburn hair caught his eye. He looked again but could not spot her, despite his certainty he had seen her. The increased thump of his heart told him she must be near.
Melanie tried on a few hats before settling on a lovely light green chapeau she declared would best match one of her riding dresses. She handed it to him to carry for her, and they left the shop. Next stop, her dressmaker’s where she was due for a fitting. Brennan found himself sitting in the shop and waiting on her when he spied another glimpse of red hair through the window. All proceeded according to plan.
***
Serena dragged Miranda past the modiste’s after seeing Brennan waltz down the street carrying a box for the pretty little blond chit he strolled with.
“Damn him! How dare he ask me to marry him and then not two weeks later be out on Bond Street shopping with some chit barely out of the school room!” Her blood drummed in her veins and battered against her temples. This was a drastic improvement from the melancholy she had wallowed in since leaving Lady Thornton’s the day before.
“Well, you did say no and run off. What else did you expect the poor man to do? Moon after you forever?” Miranda shrugged and towed her past the window.
“No, but I—well, I simply didn’t expect to see him with someone.” Serena stomped down the sidewalk brushing past people oblivious to the ruckus she caused.
“Do you love him?” Miranda’s tart question drew Serena up short. Damn everyone to perdition. Why must people insist on asking that blasted question?
She whirled around to face her friend. “I do, which is why I said no.” Serena’s heart twisted inside her chest.
“Does he love you?” Miranda’s arms were crossed over her chest as she stood blocking the walkway.
Love Redeemed Page 8
