Pulling the reins to bring his horse’s head around, he lightly spurred the animal in the direction from whence he had just come. With his boredom dissolved, he decided that Bath might afford some amusement after all.
Chapter Six
“I own that Mr. Dillingham is a charming man, and his countenance shows much refinement, but the tattle is that he is shockingly dipped.”
Julia laughed at her cousin’s warning. “I only said he was a fine dancer—I do not wish to marry him.”
The two young women were strolling across the wide bowling green toward a less crowded part of Sydney Gardens. Julia, accustomed to a good amount of exercise, had welcomed her cousin’s suggestion of an outing.
The day was cloudless, but a chill breeze made her glad that she had brought along her large India wrap to throw over her shoulders.
Caro looked up at her cousin, tilting her head well back due to the angle of the enormous brim of the bonnet she wore. It, like the rest of her lemon-colored ensemble, was the pinnacle of fashion. Gazing down, Julia thought Caro had an air of sophistication that was rather misleading.
“Don’t you wish to be married?” Caro asked as she swung her reticule to and fro.
Taking in her cousin’s avid expression, Julia shrugged lightly. “Not today.”
“Oh, you are the droll one. You know what I mean. Has no young man ever touched your heart?”
As they meandered in a gradual ascent toward a little stand of trees, Julia gave this question some thought before answering. Caro had assured her earlier that they would find a most delightful cascade and vine-covered stone alcove in which to pause.
“Yes, I did have a tendre for a gentleman once,” Julia finally responded in a matter-of-fact manner.
Surprised, Caro stopped walking to stare up at her. “You did! Who was it? What happened?”
“It was years ago,” Julia replied. “I was eighteen and terribly smitten with Steven Thorncroft. I thought him the most handsome, fascinating young man in the district.”
“Mariah’s older brother?” Caro’s tone held disbelief. “How delicious. Why did you not marry him?”
“I had the mortifying experience of overhearing him discuss me with your brother at one of the assembly balls in Chippenham.”
“Roland? Heavens, Julia, do not keep me on tenterhooks.”
“I was standing behind a screen near the refreshments—I cannot now recall why, probably to shamelessly eavesdrop. Anyway, Roland said, ‘But you have to admit, Thorncroft, Julia is a passably pretty gel.’ To which Steven replied, ‘Passably pretty for such a long-shanks.’”
“Oh! You are a very good mimic, but how dreadful to have overheard that.”
“Indeed. I feigned illness and was taken home.”
“Dear Julia, you can tell me—is Steven Thorncroft the reason you have not married?”
At the note of deep concern in her cousin’s voice, Julia tossed her head back and laughed in sheer amusement.
“Lud, no. It was not long after the ball that I realized what a dull fellow he actually is. Speaks of nothing but sheep and wool prices. I now think it was just his uniform that dazzled me.”
Caro frowned. Julia’s story certainly was not the tragic tale of unrequited love that she was hoping to hear.
“But still, it must have hurt to have him ridicule your height,” her cousin asked, trying another gambit.
Julia waved her hand dismissively. “Not for long. Besides, I was a gangly girl then.”
“Yes, Mama says you are a late bloomer. But there are no two arguments about it now—you have become stunningly beautiful. Just look at the way the gentlemen flocked around you last night.”
“Me! You had your own full circle of admiring swains.”
“I did enjoy myself last evening, but I am still angry at Clive for running off to the card room right after our only dance. And then he runs off to his mama’s again today!” Caro exclaimed.
The hurt in her cousin’s voice could not be mistaken. Julia admitted to herself that she had not made up her mind about Clive Farren. Granted, he had welcomed Julia with genuine solicitude. She knew he took his position in the House of Lords seriously, and loved his hounds. It had also become apparent soon after her arrival that he was tied to his mother’s apron strings with a very tight knot.
They reached the little cascading spring with a picturesque ivy-covered stone alcove nearby. Amid the lush, shaded green beauty, Julia pondered her cousin’s obvious unhappiness. Pulling the folds of her wrap across her shoulders, she decided against making any criticism of Clive. In years to come, if the newly wed couple resolved this problem, Caro might be hurt by Julia’s critical remarks, no matter how supportive the words seemed now. But speaking up about the dowager Lady Farren was another proposition.
“Do not let his mother daunt you, Caro. Have you thought about having a private word with her? You can explain—sweetly and patiently, of course—that she is monopolizing too much of your husband’s time.”
“I have tried that,” was her glum reply. Lowering herself to the stone bench in the alcove, Caro went on, “She complained bitterly to Clive, and he scolded me for being unkind to his mama.”
“I see.” I see that Clive is more boy than man.
Julia moved to the stone bench and brushed aside a dead leaf before sitting next to Caro. Of a sudden, a very determined expression settled on her cousin’s face.
“I am thinking of starting a flirtation to make him jealous.”
Julia’s left brow arched in surprise at this announcement. “Do you think that is wise?”
“I don’t care! He is taking me for granted after only half a year. We came to Bath only because his mama must take the waters and insists Clive escort her everywhere. What a time to be away from London! I am quite vexed that I shall miss the ball Lady Thorpe is giving in honor of Princess Charlotte’s wedding next month. So why should I not start a flirtation, if it suits me?”
“When you say it that way, I understand your ire, Caro dear. But I know better than most how something completely innocent can be placed in a very bad light. You must be careful of your reputation.”
“I do not believe I care. And as for your reputation, I still say you should have stayed in London and brazened the whole thing out. In a way, the fuss-up was rather fun and would have been more so if you had stayed. What a nine day’s wonder that kiss caused! All the ton hunted London for you. Who was the mysterious young lady who had made Kel lose his head? It was all anyone could speak of for days! Even though his friends stated they would never forget your face, no one could find you. Mama and I were forced to laugh behind our fans on many occasions.”
Appalled, Julia jumped up from the stone bench and fixed her cousin with an indignant gaze. “Good Lord! I had no idea that wretched day was discussed at such length. And why in the world do you call him ‘Kel’? Never say you are acquainted with that unmitigated libertine.”
“Do not be a widgeon, Julia. I am not personally acquainted with the Duke of Kelbourne. It is just that everyone calls him ‘Kel.’ Every wild thing he does is gossip fodder for the beau monde. I admit that his behavior toward you was beyond the pale, but that kind of deed is exactly why his name is on everyone’s tongue.”
“Every wild thing?”
“Yes, he’s always up to something shocking. An infamous bet he made with Lord Petersham is still spoken of. They wagered five thousand pounds on which rose of a particular bush would be the first to have a bee land upon it. Despite the threat of transportation, he has been involved in several duels. There are countless stories about the Duke of Kelbourne. Even the gifts he gives his mistresses cause a commotion.”
“Good heavens, what sorts of gifts?”
“I should not have told you that last bit. As a married lady I may discuss such things, but should not with you.”
Rolling her eyes at her cousin’s prim tone, Julia would have none of Caro’s stuffy airs. “Tosh! What sorts of gifts?”
&nbs
p; Caro instantly gave in with a grin. “His last mistress, an opera dancer called La Perla, received a house and four snow-white prime bloods. When he was done with her, he gave her an enormous cache of jewels, including a ruby as large as a robin’s egg. She wore the jewel in a toque and named it L’amour de Kel. I saw the vulgar thing myself once as she tooled her white horses through Rotten Row. It is said that she tried to bring him back to her side by threatening suicide, but he sent her a note saying he could not leave his card game.”
Slightly shocked at this tale, Julia reseated herself. “I would believe any horrid thing I heard concerning him.”
Caro’s expression was full of sympathy. “Well, I certainly do not blame you. It was too horrid to have your Season ruined in such a scandalous way. It’s no wonder you have no desire to return to London.”
Julia nodded her agreement and watched the crystalline water cascading down from the stony mouth of the spring. At least she had been able to give the cur a resounding slap for his insult, she mused as she contemplated the beautiful scenery.
“You never seriously answered my question.”
Julia looked over at Caro. “What question was that?”
“Don’t you wish to be married?”
Julia contemplated her answer. “After a fashion, I suppose I do. I am aware that I shall be five-and-twenty this fall. While not yet a spinster, it is time to start thinking of my future. On the other hand, I do not see how my life would be improved by marriage. I have the bequest from my father, so I have no financial inducement to wed. I am not lonely—how could I be when I have my lovely family and friends? I have all my interests and pursuits in the village to occupy my time. Social standing matters naught to me. So, at this time, I give marriage little thought. I would hate to marry just for the sake of convention.”
“I agree with you up to a point. However, what about love? Do not look at me that way. I own I am sometimes out of patience with my Clive, but when it is all said and done—I adore him.”
“Of course you do.” Julia’s tone was gentle in response to her cousin’s defensiveness. “I do not discount love. True love is why I will not bow down to the convention that says a woman must marry—that any husband is better than no husband. I just have not met a man who has caused any strong feelings in my heart.”
“Except for Steven Thorncroft,” Caro said with an impish smile.
“I have a notion that I shall regret sharing my tale with you,” Julia responded with a wry smile.
“Not a bit. I am growing cold here in the shade. Shall we make our way back?”
Julia agreed, and they left the cascading spring. Glancing back, she thought it would be an enchanting place to bring a book.
The talk between the two women continued in a desultory fashion. They discussed their time at the Upper Rooms and an impending visit to Caro’s mother-in-law.
People were beginning to crowd into the gardens as the fashionable hour approached. The cousins had to slow their walk considerably to weave through the throng. Just as they reached the gravel path that led to the gates of the gardens, Caro pulled up short and grabbed Julia’s arm tightly.
“Bless me! Julia, come this way at once—to the pavilion.” Her voice was a frantic whisper as she whipped herself, and Julia, around in a different direction.
Struck by the urgency in Caro’s voice, Julia did not hesitate. With swift steps they moved past some flower beds to a graveled, open space where the orchestra played on gala nights. Caro finally looked over her shoulder and stopped.
Gathering her trailing wrap, Julia looked at her cousin askance. “Heavens, what has you looking so astounded? Did you see your mother-in-law?”
Caro shook her head and gulped a breath. “I swear I saw the Duke of Kelbourne! ‘Pon my soul, I cannot imagine why he would be in Bath.”
“The Duke of…” Staring at her cousin in shock, Julia gasped. “You must be mistaken, Caro. Your mind has played a trick upon you because we were just speaking of him.”
“Mayhap, but we will stay here for a few moments. I shall stand in front of you, and you can hide behind my bonnet.”
Julia eyed doubtfully the prodigious proportions of the yellow confection upon her cousin’s head.
“I am still too tall to be completely veiled. But I believe your efforts are needless. The Duke of Kelbourne would not come to Bath—it’s much too tame a place for one so dissolute.”
Caro’s brow furrowed in worried confusion. “I own it was only the merest glimpse, but he is a difficult man to mistake.”
Julia looked over Caro’s bonnet and scanned the growing clusters of people. “I see no one familiar. Come, let us not cower here,” she said, drawing Caro forward.
They were almost back to the path when Julia noticed a beautiful, exquisitely garbed woman staring at her from a short distance away. Julia glanced away as she and her cousin continued to move toward the entrance. A second later, her eyes moved to the man standing next to the elegant woman. He, too, was looking directly at her. Shocked, she froze.
Caro halted next to Julia, “I told you so,” she whispered.
Chapter Seven
“I must say, Kel, you are certainly being more equanimous than I had expected.”
Kel sent his sister a lazy smile. “I am always equanimous, m’dear sis.”
Lady Fallbrook responded with an inelegant snort as they strode through the gates of Sydney Gardens. By mutual acknowledgment, brother and sister were relieved to be away from the tension at the Royal Crescent, where they had left their mother and grandmother bickering about the upcoming musical evening they were planning.
As Kel and his sister strolled along the gravel pathway between the overflowing flower beds, they paid little attention to the stir they were creating. The rumor had been steadily spreading throughout the town for days that Kelbourne was on the scene. Now, with this very public appearance confirming the fact, the cits and the gentry alike whispered and gawked. A few young bucks even followed at a discreet distance to get a better look at the style of his boots.
Lady Fallbrook engendered her share of stares, as well. The other ladies enjoying the park sighed in envy at the exquisite details of her summer silk promenade dress of gentian blue. Her headdress, with its full plumes of ostrich feathers falling to the side of her face, was equally remarked upon. No one had seen this style before, and a number of women determined to visit their milliners as soon as possible.
The two notable figures continued along in the afternoon sunshine, acknowledging with a brief inclination of the head those who had the courage to address them.
“Seriously, Kel, I am all astonishment that you have not trotted off to London or Brighton. If I were not so concerned about Maman and Grandmère, I do not believe I would have stayed above a week. I am curious to know where you have found this sudden, and unlikely, reserve of patience.”
Kel shrugged as he sidestepped a nursemaid and baby. “Truth be told, I believe Maman and Grandmère enjoy their squabbling. Why else will neither of them give up and take a separate house?”
Emmaline readjusted the angle of her sunshade and nodded in agreement with her brother’s assessment. “I am sure you are right. But that still does not explain why you have stayed in Bath. Yesterday, you were on the verge of having your bags packed. Today, you seem perfectly amenable to staying here.”
Kel took his time answering. Actually, I’ve rarely been more bored in my life, except for a few brief moments last evening when I followed a certain carriage to Laura Place. “Bath has certain charms that are at first not apparent. Its appeal has become more apparent to me in the last few days.”
Emmaline looked skeptical at her brother’s languid explanation, but did not pursue her line of questioning. She was just thankful that he had decided to stay and help her deal with their cantankerous relatives.
She bent down to admire the blooms of an unusual species of rose. An avid gardener, she had thrown herself into this pastime not long after the death of
her husband six years ago.
“I have to admit that some of the gardens here rival those in the parks of London,” she told her brother upon straightening. But he was not attending her. Instead, he was staring into the distance with narrowed eyes. Half turning, Emmaline tried to see what had caught his attention.
“Emma, are you acquainted with those two ladies coming toward us?”
“I see several ladies coming toward us. Whom do you mean?”
“The tall young lady in pale green with the lady in the massive yellow bonnet.”
Easily locating the women he was referring to, Emmaline watched the two figures as they abruptly stopped and hurriedly took a different direction.
“The lady in yellow is Lady Farren. We met in the Pump Room not long ago when she was with her mother-in-law and I was with Grandmère. I do not know the other. Why do you ask?”
“I wish to be made known to them,” Kel told his sister decisively. “Come and make the introductions.”
Wearing a startled expression, Emmaline accompanied her brother as he quickened his stride to follow Lady Farren and the mysterious beauty.
Once off the pathway, Kel lost sight of them among the hedges and trees. He slowed his pace and cursed under his breath, looking around with a frown.
Emmaline halted her progress beneath a large beech.
“Kel, what on earth are you doing? Why do you wish to meet Lady Farren?” she demanded.
The duke was about to respond to his sister’s query when he saw the ladies rounding the corner of a shrub bed some thirty yards away. “Ah, here they come. Emma, this may be a bit awkward, but I greatly desire a word with the taller young lady. If you could manage to occupy Lady Farren for a few moments, you would be doing me a great service.”
Nonplussed, Emmaline could only stare at her brother in complete confusion before turning curious eyes to the rapidly approaching women.
The Wagered Heart: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) Page 6
