A Dandy in Disguise

by Meredith Bond

  “Well, it’s a lovely day,” St. John said, stepping toward the ladies. “I am going take the beautiful Lady Mirthwood for a walk, if she would so honor me?” He held out his hand to help Georgiana up.

  Before offering his arm to Georgiana, St. John watched out of the corner of his eye as Rose took Lord Kirtland’s proffered arm.

  It killed him to think that he would be the one responsible for enabling the woman he loved to marry another. And yet, what could he do? If she loved Kirtland, there was nothing St. John could do to make her love him instead.

  On the other hand, if Kirtland didn’t take advantage of this golden opportunity that St. John had just dropped into his lap, then it would clearly show that he wasn’t worthy of her affections. And in that case, there would be nothing stopping St. John from doing all that he could to secure Rose’s affection. If Kirtland didn’t propose today, he would be a bigger fool than St. John could believe possible.

  “Do you wish to follow them, St. John?”

  “What?”

  “I think you are going to strain your neck if you continue to watch Miss Grace walk in that direction, while we are walking this way. However, if you wish, we could follow them.”

  St. John felt his face heat with embarrassment. He had not meant to be so obvious, and he had not meant to ignore Georgiana either. “No, not at all. Please forgive me. I was merely distracted for a moment. Although how I could be so, when I have the most beautiful and fascinating woman present with me, I honestly don’t know.”

  “Ah yes, that is why I put up with you so long ago—you are the most atrociously wonderful flirt I have ever had the privilege to know!”

  St. John laughed and gave Georgiana a magnificent leg. “Too kind, Georgiana, as always, you are too kind.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I‘M happy you’re feeling better,” Lord Kirtland said, as they strolled slowly across the grass. “I was quite worried when I received your note Tuesday afternoon saying that you were too ill to attend the card party.”

  “Thank you. It was just a temporary ailment,” Rose said, trying to remain calm. Ever since Fungy had stood up and announced that he was going to take Lady Mirthwood for a walk, Rose felt as if her heart had been lodged in her throat.

  This was it. This was the opportunity for Lord Kirtland to get her alone and to propose.

  “It’s a shame it kept you from the party. Aiken won a monkey from George Cole. It was quite exciting to watch. Cole is very good, you know.”

  “Oh yes? I am sorry to have missed it,” Rose said. If things worked out as she hoped this afternoon, she need never attend another card party again.

  “I was looking forward to giving you the opportunity to win back the money you owe me from last week’s party.”

  “That is kind of you,” Rose said, although it was not particularly kind to remind her of her debt. Rose shook her head to herself. She would think nothing but good thoughts of Lord Kirtland today. Today was a special day.

  He was going to propose. She knew he would. It was what had kept her stomach feeling like it was tied up in knots all day. She hadn’t been able to eat a bite of the beautiful display of food Fungy had provided them. If all went right, she would soon be engaged to this man. Rose took a deep, calming breath and gave Lord Kirtland a little smile.

  What if he didn’t propose? Rose almost stopped walking as the horrible thought echoed in her mind. She forced herself to continue on, however, as if nothing was wrong. But what would she do? All of Fungy’s hard work would be for nothing, her family would be ruined, she would need to find another gentleman to marry quickly—she might even be forced to marry someone old and smelly. Rose nearly shuddered at the thought.

  And following this dreadful thought was one that scared her even more—what would she do if he did propose?

  It was what she wanted, she knew that. But it didn’t make her any less scared. She was in love with Lord Kirtland, she reminded herself. And he was the key to her family’s future, thanks to his wealth.

  No, it was going to be fine. Absolutely fine. They would have a wonderful life together excavating archaeological ruins. They would be a team, just like her own parents had been. Her sisters would get introduced to society properly and would both be able to wait to marry until they had fallen completely, head–over–heels in love.

  Still, Rose’s stomach refused to relax.

  They came to a large folly, which provided a very nice respite from the heat of the day. Although Rose had remembered to bring her parasol, she was still quite warm. That, combined with her nerves, made her feel a bit uncomfortable, but the folly was lovely and cool.

  Sitting down on the cold stone bench, Rose looked out at the broad green lawns. They stretched on for what looked like nearly a mile before they dropped down to a very pretty ornamental lake.

  Sitting sideways on the bench facing the lake, she didn’t see Lord Kirtland sit down behind her. But she was very much aware of him. Just knowing that he was sitting so very close to her sent shivers down her spine.

  She held tightly onto the handle of her parasol, hoping that Lord Kirtland wouldn’t notice her shaking fingers.

  “Miss Grace,” Lord Kirtland placed his hand on top of hers. “Perhaps I presume too much, but may I say that I find you an extremely attractive young lady?”

  Rose turned around and looked into Lord Kirtland’s dark eyes. He was looking very serious and not a little forbidding, his eyebrows drawn down over his deep–set brown eyes.

  She swallowed hard. He was probably as nervous as she was, she thought.

  “Thank you, my lord,” Rose managed to say.

  “I find you attractive not only in your physical beauty, but in the beauty of your mind as well. And as we both have a great love of archaeology , I believe that we would suit uncommonly well.”

  “I completely agree!” Rose blurted out.

  Lord Kirtland laughed, and seemed to relax a little. “Just think of the archaeological expeditions we could embark on together if we married. With your father’s connections and no financial worries, we could go to Egypt and join in the work exploring more of the fabulous tombs there—perhaps finding more gold jewelry and priceless sarcophagi.”

  “I did love Egypt. The tombs are filled with such fascinating hieroglyphs and paintings,” Rose agreed.

  “May I speak with your father, then?”

  “Oh, yes, my lord, as soon as he returns from the country,” Rose breathed as she watched Lord Kirtland’s face come closer to her own.

  This time she did not flinch or turn away, but forced herself not to move while he gently pressed his lips to hers.

  It was an odd sensation, his lips and breath hot against her face. There were none of the tingles she had expected, but rather a chill that brought goose bumps to her arms. Rose didn’t understand it, but she supposed that this is what it felt like when one was in love.

  She tried to kiss him back, but didn’t want to seem too bold. And honestly, she was not entirely sure what to do.

  Finally, he moved back. She gave him a nervous little smile, and then looked down at her hands still clutching her parasol. Hopefully, he was happy with her attempt, but she was really too nervous to even look at his face to see.

  But it was over. It was done! He had proposed and she had accepted. He now only needed to make the arrangements with her father and everything would be settled.

  The relief was overwhelming. All of a sudden, Rose felt like she could breathe again, and she had the overwhelming urge to throw her arms around Lord Kirtland’s neck and laugh for the sheer joy of knowing that everything was going to be all right now.

  Everything was going to be absolutely perfect! Rose nearly giggled.

  Lord Kirtland would forgive her gaming debts, he would pay their bills, and she would have the money she would need to see her sisters launched into society properly.

  Hopefully, she would be able to return to England for Laia’s coming out. Although being on an arc
haeological dig again would be wonderful, and she was truly looking forward to going back to Egypt.

  She caught Lord Kirtland’s eye. He gave her a questioning little smile. “I am very glad that you are happy about this.”

  A giggle finally did escape from her mouth. “Yes, my lord, I am very happy. You are too, I hope?” Rose asked quickly.

  “Yes, my dear. Very happy,” he said. And indeed, he did look happy—although relieved, perhaps, would have been a more accurate description for the expression on his face. Rose supposed that he had been just as nervous as she was. But now everything was just as it ought to be.

  If only Rose didn’t have this feeling of unease in the pit of her stomach. Well, she was sure that it would go away as she got to know Lord Kirtland better.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  OH, what a lovely aspect.” Lady Mirthwood’s voice was saying rather loudly as she and Fungy stepped into the folly. “I have so missed English gardens. You know they try to copy them in America, but somehow, they just aren’t the same.”

  Lord Kirtland immediately stood up and moved away from Rose, as if they had been caught kissing.

  Rose supposed they had, but she was grateful for the interruption and the company. She was not entirely sure how much she liked Lady Mirthwood—she was entirely too familiar with Fungy—but right now she would have welcomed almost anyone. And she did so want to share the news with Fungy. His plan had worked to perfection, just as she had known it would.

  “Lord Kirtland, Miss Grace. Didn’t see you here. Please excuse us for interrupting,” Fungy said, stopping just inside the folly.

  “It is no problem. None at all. We... ah, well, you may be the first to congratulate us. Miss Grace has just consented to become my wife.”

  Rose stood up, looking at Fungy perhaps closer than was polite. Did he seem upset? Yes, she decided, he most certainly did, but just for a fleeting moment. Now he was hiding it manfully.

  Rose bit the inside of her lip. She didn’t wish to say anything that might further his hurt, but she did so desperately want to thank him.

  “Congratulations,” Lady Mirthwood said, pulling Rose’s attention away from Fungy. She gave Rose a little smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Somehow, she didn’t seem as happy as Rose would have expected.

  Did Lady Mirthwood know of Fungy’s infatuation with her? Was that why her reaction was so subdued? She must. But then, why wasn’t she happy? She could have Fungy all to herself now—and from the way she behaved with him, in such an obviously intimate way, Rose imagined that that was just what she would want.

  Rose wasn’t jealous, she reassured herself. She just wished Lady Mirthwood would not be so conspicuous.

  Fungy tried for a little more animation in his response to the news. As if abruptly coming to life, he said, “Excellent! Lucky man.”

  He reached out and took Lord Kirtland’s hand, pumping it up and down. “So happy for you, Miss Grace.” He then took Rose’s hand and simply pressed it meaningfully between both of his, looking deeply into her eyes.

  The heat from his hand shot up her arm and sent tingles running through Rose’s veins, immediately dispelling her chills of a few moments ago.

  Rose gave him her most grateful smile, trying to convey her thanks to him for what he had done, her recognition of her deep debt to him. His smile softened and he gave her a little nod. He understood, as she had been certain he would.

  ~~~~

  Georgiana was unusually quiet on the way home after the picnic. St. John didn’t mind. He had enough to think about himself.

  He had to admit that he had been disappointed, if not at all surprised, that Kirtland had come through. He’d hoped the man wouldn’t come up to scratch, but now that he thought about it, he knew it’d been an unreasonable hope. If he had been in Kirtland’s place, he would have jumped at the opportunity to propose to Rose without a moment’s hesitation—just as Kirtland had.

  No, Kirtland was no fool, of that he was certain.

  Georgiana’s warm hand on his own startled St. John from his thoughts. She gave him a consoling smile.

  She knew. Naturally, she’d known right away that he’d been in love with Rose, even before he had realized it himself. And now she knew just how upset he was that Rose had become engaged to another. She knew him so well. Better than he knew himself, at times.

  He pulled up to her town house and then jumped down to help her descend from his phaeton.

  “Would you mind if I stepped inside with you for a moment?” he asked, suddenly knowing exactly what he must do.

  She smiled up at him. “I would like that.”

  As they entered the neat little house, Georgiana instructed her footman to take care of St. John’s equipage for a short time. St. John gave him a nod, and then followed Georgiana up to her drawing room.

  She immediately poured him out a glass of brandy and then took some wine for herself, sitting down on a pink scroll–back sofa. He took a fortifying sip and a deep breath, and set the glass aside.

  Instead of taking the seat she offered to him, he knelt at her feet and took her free hand in his own. “Georgiana, I would be most honored if you would marry me.”

  The room was immediately filled with the beautiful sound of Georgiana’s laughter. That is, until she looked into his eyes and saw that he was utterly serious.

  “Oh, St. John.” She ran her hand along his cheek in a motherly fashion. “I know that you are upset over Miss Grace, but truly, this is not the answer.”

  “I am not doing this because of Miss Grace,” St. John said, standing up again. “I have been thinking of this ever since we met at the ball the other night,” he lied.

  It would not do to let Georgiana know she’d hit the nail right on the head. And what were a few little lies, when it ensured that he would not die alone and unloved by anyone?

  “I simply do not believe I could stand by and watch you marry someone else again. You are too beautiful and too special a woman to live as a widow for very long. I know that if I do not ask you now, it will be too late and I will have missed what may have been my last opportunity to have you for my very own.”

  Georgiana stood up. Putting down her own drink, she put her arms around St. John’s neck and kissed him deeply.

  He tasted the wine on her tongue and the sweetness of her mouth. That, coupled with the feel of her luscious body pressed against his, should have sent shivers of excitement through him.

  But it didn’t. He felt nothing—nothing but the remnants of what used to be his great love for this woman, now a great platonic love and friendship.

  Was it enough to last him the rest of his life? He supposed it had to be. It was the only choice he had. He deepened his kiss, but felt her pull away.

  “My dearest St. John,” she smiled up at him. “You know that I cannot marry a man who is in love with someone else—not even if that man is you.”

  “But...”

  Georgiana pressed her finger to his lips. “No. You cannot deny it, my dear. I am sorry she has engaged herself to marry Lord Kirtland. Not just for your sake, even.”

  St. John stopped as he was about to reach down to pick up his glass of brandy. “What do you mean?” he said, straightening up again.

  Georgiana gave a little shrug. “I’m not entirely sure, but there is something about Lord Kirtland. I don’t know if it’s because he’s wrong for Miss Grace, or if it’s something about him personally, but something about their engagement just rubs me the wrong way.”

  St. John sat down with his drink. “No, you’re right. It’s Kirtland, I’m sure of it. I’ve had bad feelings ever since I met him. At first I just thought it was jealousy, but I’m beginning to think otherwise.”

  “Well, whatever it is, I just hope Miss Grace realizes it before it’s too late for her.”

  This worried St. John more than he could say, and it seemed that Georgiana felt the same way.

  His dear, sweet Rose could get trapped into marriage with this fellow
for the rest of her life—it was a terrifying thought.

  ~~~~

  “Well done! That is excellent news,” Aunt Farmington exclaimed “Girls, why do you not congratulate your sister? You should be very happy for her.”

  “Congratulations, Rose,” Laia said with almost no emotion whatsoever to her voice.

  Thalia showed only a little more emotion—she frowned.” I am very happy for you, Rose.”

  “My, what excitement and joy!” Rose said, feeling like a balloon that had burst. Deflated, she dropped down on the sofa. “I thought that you would both be happy for me.”

  “We are!” Laia exclaimed, finally moving over and giving her sister a hug. “We just hope that you are doing the right thing. Marrying the right man.”

  “We truly want you to be happy, Rose,” Thalia said coming over and sitting at her sister’s feet.

  Rose gave her sisters’ hands a squeeze. “I know you do, and I will be happy. Lord Kirtland is definitely the right man for me. He is everything I could possibly want in a husband. I’ve explained this to you before.”

  “Yes, it’s just...”

  “I know what it is,” Rose interrupted her sister. “You simply don’t know Lord Kirtland. I’m certain that if you got to know him better, you would be just as thrilled as I am.”

  She jumped up and strode over to the escritoire. Pulling out a sheet of paper, she said, “I shall write him a note asking him to come and meet you both. I just know that after you’ve met him, you’ll like him and be happy for us.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  A RIDE in the park wasn’t exactly what Rose had had in mind for her sisters’ first meeting with Lord Kirtland. But she was happy that her sisters would be able to spend a little time with her new fiancé, even if in a public setting.

  “Oh, look, Rose, there is that duke we saw the last time,” Laia said, trying to nudge her horse forward so that she could ride next to her sister.