by Tia Siren
Nicholas nodded reluctantly and turned away to leave the room. ''I haven't finished with you yet,'' his father shouted. ''This really is the limit. I want you to marry, and stop this ridiculous behavior. So here is what I propose: you will find a wife within the next six months, or I will disinherit you, and your younger brother will inherit everything.''
''But......'' he realized it was no use, his father was already waving his hand for him to leave the room.
*****
The annual hunt ball was a grand affair. Peter had been a great enthusiast of the sport, and he and Adele had attended each year. The President of the Banbury Fox Hounds had invited Adele this year as well, in Peter's memory. She hadn't wanted to go, she was happy at home, but she'd felt obliged. She knew a lot of the members and didn't' want to appear ungrateful for all their support after Peter had died. Held in the ballroom at Greenfield Castle close to Banbury, it was attended by over three hundred people, including Nicholas.
When his carriage dropped him off at the Castle, he was in the company of David Henderson. They had been to Eton together, and apart from when Nicholas was pestering women, they were inseparable. Nicholas cast his blue eyes around the ballroom, looking for more prey. David noticed and recognized that look.
''I thought your father had told you not to,'' David said inquisitively.
Nicholas stroked his chin and pursed his lips. ''He did, but it's so tempting. Look at all these angels, just look at them,'' his hand made a sweeping gesture as if he was spreading seed in a field. ''It's more than any man can bear.''
''Stop your philandering and find a wife, it's serious. Do you want to be disinherited?''
''No, of course not. But I don't want to marry either. Outside the bedroom, women are insufferable, and I'll only marry when I really need an heir, not before.''
''Then you will be poor,'' David said in a matter of fact way.
He's right, Nicholas thought. I have no choice. Contemplating the end of his carefree days was more than he could bear. He cursed his father and followed David to the bar where they downed two glasses of champagne rapidly.
''I'm Nicholas Gerathy,'' he said putting out his hand to the woman next to him.
''Adele Vaughan,'' she replied. He looked at her. Even more beautiful than Georgina, he decided. He liked delicate women with a large bust. He peered into her blue eyes and saw pain.
''Are you alright?'' he asked.
He was handsome she thought, dark hair and a strong face with green eyes and a white smile, he looked healthy and fun to be with. But she'd seen men like him before. He was a womanizer, of that there was no doubt. ''What business is it of yours?'' It was harsh, but her life was in turmoil, and the last thing she wanted was an evening with such a man.
Nicholas was taken aback. No woman had ever spoken to him like that before. ''I'm sorry if I have offended you.''
''You have. You addressed me without introduction, and what makes you think there is anything wrong with me? And what made you think you can be so forward with me?''
''Forward? I am forward when I want to be and with whom I want.'' Nicholas was irritated by her. Beautiful she may be, but just a woman.
''No, tell me. Why do you think there is anything the matter with me?''
''If you must know, your eyes look sad.''
''Oh, my eyes, indeed,'' she spoke sarcastically. ''Do you always look so intrusively into a lady's eyes on first meeting them?''
''Miss Vaughan, I really don't know what to say.''
''Mrs.''
''What?''
''I am Lady Vaughan, not Miss. Do I look like an unmarried woman?''
Nicholas was beginning to wish he'd stayed away from the ball. He looked jealously across at David, who'd drifted over the room to talk to a beautiful young woman in a pink dress. ''I am not sure if it is possible to see by merely looking at a woman, whether she is married or not,'' he offered. Adele turned her back to him and struck up a conversation with the old man next to her.
“She's the most irritating woman I have ever encountered,'' he told David. ''Do you know who she is?''
''Adele Vaughan. Her husband was killed during a hunt some time ago,'' the young woman in pink said.
''This is Miss Julia Leatham,'' David said, by way of introduction. Nicholas bowed, and she curtsied.
''A very irritating woman. More irritating than I have ever encountered,'' he said, thrusting his hand into his cutaway coat.
''Pleas sir, you put me in a very difficult situation,'' Julia said, putting a hand to her cheek in shock.
''I apologize. Perhaps you would tell me why you feel disadvantaged?'' Nicholas asked.
''She is my eldest sister's, best friend. My sister is called Eleanor Pimms.''
''Ah. I'm sorry for embarrassing you. What is she really like?'' He had to shout over the orchestra now; they had started the first dance of the evening. ''I can't believe she is always so sensitive.''
''Whenever I have spoken to her, she has been most agreeable. Perhaps the manner in which you spoke to her was deficient.''
Deficient, me, he thought. ''Perhaps. But she is a most interesting woman.'' He meant her looks.
''If sir, you have any intentions toward her, I would advise you to turn them to another woman,'' Julia said.
''Why?''
''She doesn't want to have another man in her life.'' Julia took a fan out of her bag and wafted it around in front of her face. ''My sister told me. They discussed it at her husband's funeral. She's adamant she wants to enjoy her freedom, without male interference.''
''Indeed, interesting,'' he said, his eyes floating in Adele's direction again. With her hair pinned up and a tiara on her head, she looked regal. He loved the shape of her neck, suddenly wanting to run his fingers over it's delicate contours.
''David, go to her and tell her I'm sorry.''
''What?'' David pulled his head back in surprise.
''Go to Lady Vaughan and tell her I am sorry. Ask her if I may approach her again.''
''Heavens, Nicholas, can't you do that yourself?'' David said.
''No, I can't. I don't think she will entertain speaking to me. Go and tell her I am extremely sorry.''
David reluctantly wandered across the room. ''Lady Vaughan, please excuse me. I am a friend of the man your were just speaking to, Mr. Nicholas Geragthy'' He became nervous when he noticed the expression of indifference on her face. ''He has asked me to tell you he is sorry for his behavior. Very sorry.''
Adele was beginning to find the whole evening quite tiresome. It reminded her of Peter, and now this with Mr. Geragthy ''Can't Mr. Geragthy come and apologize?''
''He thought you would not speak to him.''
''Tell me about him. Who is he?''
''Mr. Geragthy is my best friend.'' David was careful not to say too much about Nicholas's view on women. ''He's the heir to the Earl of Borrowby.'' Adele listened more intently now. The Earl of Borrowby was one of the richest men in the country.
''Then send him to see me, we got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to make amends.''
Nicholas could see by the look on David's face that he'd been successful. Without saying anything to him, he passed him and in no time was standing next to Adele.
''Lady Vaughan, I apologize for my behavior earlier.''
''Yes, your friend told me you would.'' Her expression relaxed, almost smiling. ''I am sorry too. I have been under a lot of strain recently.''
''Perhaps you would do me the honor of dancing with me?'' he asked. When she nodded, his heart lifted.
They spent the next hour, dancing and conversing. Suddenly she was bright and enthused by him. She was plotting. She fell to the floor. ''Lady Vaughan,'' he exclaimed as people stood in a ring around her. He tapped her face lightly, and she opened her eyes and groaned.
''Please help me to my feet. I felt quite faint suddenly.'' Nicholas helped her up and took her to the balcony, where he ordered sweet tea. ''I am so worried, it is ruining my health,'' she said, in a l
ow helpless voice.
''What is worrying you?''
''I have terrible money troubles. Oh.......'' she began to cry.
Totally taken in by her beauty and vulnerability, he leaned towards her and spoke softly. ''Lady Vaughan, perhaps you would allow me to help you.''
''Oh, that would be so kind of you. But I'm afraid my troubles are very grave indeed.'' Hooked him, she thought.
*****
Nicholas woke up early the next morning. As his valet dressed him, he looked out of the window over the land his family owned and thought about Adele. Was he being cruel or heartless? She was a widow, could he really be so mean to her? Would she really go for it?
David had stayed the night, and at breakfast, Nicholas sent the servants away. ''I want to talk to you, David,'' he said.
David knew him well, and the tone of his voice told him Nicholas was scheming. ''What about?'' he asked, as he bit into a sausage.
''Lady Vaughan.''
Not again, David thought. ''What about her?''
''She's the ideal candidate.''
''Heavens, Nicholas, stop playing games and spit it out. What are you cooking up?''
''She's a widow, right?'' David nodded. ''She doesn't want to get married again?'' David remembered that's what Julia had said, he nodded. ''Then she may well agree to be my fiancee without actually marrying me.''
David was lost. ''Why do you think she'll do that?''
''Because, dear boy,'' Nicholas looked like someone who had just won a lot of money at cards, ''she has money troubles.''
''You bastard, you absolute bastard,'' David exclaimed. ''She's a widow, how could you be so cruel? Using her disadvantage for your own gain.''
''That's the way the world works,'' Nicholas said, tipping his chair backwards on two legs.
''You would have her agree to be your fiancee in exchange for money? Just so your father doesn't disinherit you?'' David was genuinely shocked. Nicholas had just achieved a new low in his estimation. ''And you will continue to have your way with different women despite having a fiancee?''
''You know me too well,'' Nicholas said, smiling at him.
''Disgraceful.''
*****
Adele looked out of her carriage window to the rooks, nesting on top of the home of the Earl of Borrowby. So this was where Nicholas lived. A majestic stately home, a place of serenity and graceful charm. As her coach drew up, Nicholas bounded down the steps and onto the driveway.
''Lady Vaughan, I am so happy your were able to accept my invitation to tea.''
''It's a pleasure. I didn't know you lived in such a beautiful home.''
''It is nice isn't it?''
She took his arm, and they walked up into the house. Nicholas' wing of the house was just as magnificently decorated as the rest. It was really a large apartment, decorated with cream walls and gold leaf cornices. Adele was impressed by the pictures of his ancestors. Each framed in gold, staring back at her, expressionless.
When the tea arrived, Nicholas poured. They looked at each other as they took their first sip, each wanting to speak but not quite daring.
''May I ask you to elaborate on the kind offer of assistance you made the other evening,'' she said.
''I am glad you mentioned it. I have a proposal to make.''
Anything but marriage, she thought. ''Yes, please go ahead.''
''I think we can do a deal,'' he kept his eyes on hers, waiting for a reaction. When there was none, he continued. ''You need money, and I need a fiancee.''
''Please, let me explain,'' she interjected. ''I don't want to.....''
''Marry again,'' he finished the sentence for her. ''I know you don't. I am not proposing marriage.''
She looked confused. ''Then what? You mentioned the word fiancee.''
''My father has told me he will disinherit me if I don't find a wife. I don't want a wife, but if we were engaged it would pacify him, and we could call off the engagement later.''
''And in return you will assist me financially?'' she asked.
''Yes. That's the deal.''
''I need thirty thousand,'' she winced.
''That's a lot of money.'' It was, but Nicholas had that kind of money at his disposal.
''If it's too much, I........''
''No, not at all, I will help you.''
''But there is one more thing,'' she said. ''I would like to keep a high degree of freedom.''
Nicholas gave a sigh of relief. ''So would I, so would I.'' He was already making lists of new conquests.
*****
''So, you've seen sense at last. Good choice.'' Kellet said pocketing the large envelope.
Adele had been trembling since he'd arrived. He looked somehow more brutal than he had on his previous visit. ''Do whatever you want, but never come back here again, and if any of this can be traced back to me, please know I have friends in high places.''
''Not so high they could help you now, though,'' he smirked. ''So how did you come by this amount? You don't seem to have sold any property. Sold your body did you?'' She pulled back from him as he stepped forward, grinning.
''It's no business of yours.''
''Well then, I'll be on my way. Nice doing business with you,'' he held out his hand. Adele turned her head away and ignored him.
*****
''Lady Vaughan, I must say I am very pleased to hear you and my son have become engaged.'' Earl Borrowby said. ''I had given him up as a lost cause.''
Adele and Nicholas had agreed to spend two days a week together. Keeping up appearances. Earl Borrowby was delighted that Nicholas had finally committed himself, and he'd given up all thought of disinheriting his son. He liked Adele; she seemed mature, and he was convinced she would teach his son to value women as equals. Why he didn't already, would remain a mystery.
''We are pleased too, aren't we?'' Adele looked at Nicholas.
''Yes, yes, we are,'' he said. He'd been daydreaming.
''Good, well, it's lovely to meet you. I must be off now, a lot to do.'' He walked across the hall and suddenly stopped. ''It's a terrible business isn't it?''
Adele and Nicholas looked at each other. ''What father?'' Nicholas asked.
''That barrister, murdered. What was his name, Bartholomew Pimms.''
Adele turned white. Nicholas looked at his father indifferently. ''Never heard of him,'' he said.
''The best barrister in the country. Stabbed to death on his way home from court. It's in the newspaper.''
''Pimms, I've met someone called Pimms,'' Nicholas began to think. ''No she wasn't called Pimms, her sister was. She was called Julia......''
''Leatham,'' Adele said.
''Yes, Leatham. She said you were her sister's best friend. She was called Pimms. Is it any relation?''
''His wife,'' Adele sat down.
''You look terrible. Did you know him?''
''Of course, I knew him very well.''
Nicholas sat down next to her. His father left the room, shaking his head. ''Can I get you something?'' he asked.
''Perhaps a little brandy,'' she said. ''A terrible shock indeed,'' she added.
As the weeks went by, their agreement held wonderfully. Adele had thought it would be tedious to have to pretend to be his fiancee, and, even more, tedious to have to spend so much time in his company. But she began to look forward to her visits to his house.
When Nicholas made love to a woman, he was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate. All too often his thoughts would drift to Adele. It was her moving under him, her kissing him and her legs wrapping themselves around his back.
Adele spent most of her free time comforting Eleanor. Eleanor had always complained about Bartholomew, but now he was gone, she could talk of nothing else but her beloved husband. Inside, Adele was riddled with guilt. She tried to dismiss any thought that it was her money that had financed Bartholomew's death. No, Peter would never have wanted to have him killed. It was all a cruel coincidence.
One day, however, her i
llusions were shattered. She woke at seven in the morning to hammering on the door. When the butler opened, two policemen pushed him aside and stepped into her house. ''Where's Lady Vaughan,'' the larger of the two asked.
''In bed.''
''Then wake her and ask her to come downstairs, we want to talk to her.''
When Adele saw her visitors, she felt faint. Two men dressed in blue uniforms with numbers on their shoulders and truncheons hanging from their belts.
''Lady Vaughan,'' the more senior of them began. ''We understand you knew Mr. Bartholomew Pimms.''
Adele sat down, her ghostly complexion already answering his question. ''Yes.''
''We believe you had something to do with his murder.''
That was it. She would rot in a damp prison cell, surrounded by women as evil as her. ''What makes you think that?''
''We have arrested a man called Wright, a grave digger.''
Adele didn't know a gravedigger called Wright. ''I have no idea who he is,'' she said honestly.
''He has confessed to the murder of Mr. Pimms and has told us that he carried out the killing on your behalf.
Adele knew Kellet, but not Cyril Wright. Keep denying it, she told herself. You really don't know this man. ''But I don't know him, really, I have no idea who he is.''
''Adele Vaughan, I am arresting you in connection with the murder of Mr. Bartholomew Pimms.'' He finished the usual speech about staying silent and took her by the arm. As they escorted her from the house, she was all too aware of her servants, as they watched in disbelief.
*****
When Adele didn't come to see him, as arranged, Nicholas became agitated. He'd begun to look forward to her visits, and her sudden absence made him aware how much. He took his horse and rode to Newdene Hall. When he knocked on the front door, Arthur answered.
''The police have taken her away,'' he said, white as a sheet.
At the police station, he was greeted by Sergeant Musgrave. “Where is she and why are your holding her?'' Nicholas demanded to know.
The sergeant looked at Nicholas as if he was insane. ''Who are you talking about?''
''Lady Adele Vaughan, who else?''
