A Fair Pretender

by Janet Woods

  ‘To be quite honest, I find the place tedious.’ It was true. The men were persistent in their pursuit of her, and already she’d turned down two offers for her hand.

  He held out his arm to her. ‘You appear to be lapping up the attention, as would a cat a saucer of cream.’

  How exasperating he was. ‘I’m merely being polite. I have never experienced such varied entertainment as London offers. It seems to me that the inhabitants are hell bent on enjoying themselves come what may, for nobody seems to sleep. The novelty has long worn off for me, and I long for some peace and quiet.’

  He slid her handkerchief into his pocket. ‘Permit me to show you Charlotte’s garden, then. It’s a lovely, warm evening, the moon is full and there are lanterns to light our way. We can pretend we’re at Rushford.’

  ‘I haven’t seen lanterns there.’

  ‘I’ll make sure you do, if you visit me again.’

  ‘Then it will remind me of here.’

  There were other couples strolling the grounds, which were a fairyland of colored lanterns. They hung from every tree. Their light was reflected in a pool fed by a cascade of water gushing from an urn, which was held under the arm of a curvaceous nymph clad in a filmy chemise.

  They strolled in companionable silence, neither attempting to engage in conversation in case the wrong thing be said to spoil the magical rapport between them.

  They stopped by the fountain and Saville’s hand trailed through the water. ‘I’m thinking of returning to Rushford, soon,’ he said almost absently.

  Although she heard her heart crack, Graine managed a smile. ‘Autumn, when the trees are cloaked in fire. I will miss it.’

  ‘But you’ve never seen Rushford in autumn.’

  ‘Then I’ll miss it all the more.’

  ‘Yes … yes you will.’ He turned towards her, his face half in shadow. ‘You would enjoy it, Graine.’

  How tenderly he said her name, as soft and as loving as a caress. She closed her eyes, capturing the moment, knowing she’d enjoy burning in hell if Saville was with her. But it was obvious that such a union was not to be.

  He bore her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm. For a moment she savored the sensation, then she remembered the insidious way he built on any liberty afforded him.

  She couldn’t take the path her mother had taken, she couldn’t! But that was what Saville would have her do. He was capable of taking her love, of using it for his own ends and making her his mistress. Any children from their union would be as tainted as she was by her lowly birth, and she wouldn’t subject them to what she’d been through all her life. Stifling a sob, she wrenched her hand away and walked away from his danger as fast as her legs could carry her.

  ‘Ah, there you are,’ Charlotte said, grabbing her by the arm as she walked into the drawing room. ‘We’re arranging some entertainment. John has told me you read well, so I’ve put you down to recite a sonnet by William Shakespeare.’ She thrust a leather bound volume into her hands. ‘I have marked the place.’

  So, a little while later, Graine found herself reading under the critical eye of the literati John counted amongst his friends.

  ‘ That time of year thou mayest in me behold

  When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang … ’

  She closed her eyes for a moment. It was the one she’d quoted to Rebel at Rushford in the library, and she knew it by heart. When she opened her eyes again it was to look straight into Saville’s. He was on the far side of the room, smiling faintly.

  She hesitated for a single heartbeat, a moment when he must have thought she’d forgotten the words, for he mouthed them to her as she finished the sonnet.

  ‘This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,

  To love that well which thou must leave, ere long.’

  People surged forward to congratulate her on the reading, cutting the contact between them. When Graine finally freed herself, Saville had moved to talk to a group of people.

  Cornered by a friend of John’s, she listened patiently as he expounded at length on her presentation. He was fond of his own voice and when finally rescued by her hostess, Graine gazed around her to find Saville conversing with a woman.

  They seemed to be old friends, for the woman was gazing up at him, flirting from behind her fan with sparkling eyes. They were laughing together in an intimate manner.

  The woman said something to him from the corner of her mouth. A faint frown slid across his face, and was quickly masked as he lifted her hand to his mouth. He gazed into her eyes as a note was slipped from her hand to his. It took him but an instant to slip the note into his waistcoat pocket.

  The woman seemed to be everything Saville had despised in her on the night of the ball. Her splendid figure was enhanced by a gown of shimmering ruby, trimmed with beads. It barely supported the swelling mounds of her breasts, and had the widest side panniers Graine had ever set eyes on. Her wig was high dressed, her face powdered and patched, her cheeks startlingly rouged. Rubies hung about her neck and graced her fingers.

  Charlotte poked a finger in her back. ‘That’s Adrianna de Lisle, the famous actress. She is performing in The Suspicious Husband.’

  ‘I did not see her at dinner.’

  ‘She wasn’t invited, but she likes to make an entrance.’

  Graine glanced around the room. ‘Which one is her husband?’

  ‘She is unmarried, I believe.’

  Wide-eyed, Graine stared at Charlotte. ‘You mean she’s come here by herself?’

  ‘Adrianna is known for her liaisons. She’s probably looking for her latest lover.’

  Jealousy seethed through her when the woman laid her hand possessively over Saville’s. Graine’s mouth dried up and she whispered, ‘Who is her lover?’

  ‘I’ve no idea. Would you like to meet her?’

  But just then the pair was joined by another man. Saville smiled at him, kissed the woman’s hand and drifted away. Graine’s sigh reflected her relief.

  ‘Did you think that perhaps it was Saville who is her lover?’ Charlotte whispered with a small, mischievous laugh. ‘Believe me, my brother wouldn’t be easily attracted to a woman of her reputation. I believe his heart is engaged elsewhere.’

  Graine gave Charlotte a sorrowful glance. ‘If you’re referring to me, perhaps I should tell you that Saville’s affection is of a temporary nature only, for he offers me nothing I can accept with grace or pride.’

  A frown sped across Charlotte’s forehead. ‘What are you saying, Graine? What type of offer has my brother put before you.’

  Graine hung her head.

  Lifting her chin with her fingers, Charlotte stared at her with concern in her eyes. ‘You are surely not thinking of taking him up on such a suggestion.’

  ‘No, for once I’d proved to him that I’d inherited the low morals of my mother, then he would scorn me and discard me.’ She sighed. ‘Yet, the thought of being with him in happiness, for even a short time, is tempting beyond measure.’

  ‘Dearest Graine. You must not even consider such a thing.’

  ‘I cannot help it, Charlotte, and I know Saville could persuade me to bend to his will, for he’s already proved to me my vulnerability where he’s concerned.’

  ‘Proved to you?’ Charlotte’s voice dropped to a whisper and she shook her by the arm. ‘What has happened between you?’

  ‘Oh, nothing of any importance to him, I suspect. He set out to frighten me, and succeeded, for if he hadn’t been the stronger of us, I’d have succumbed to his advances. I have decided to return to Antigua, where I can use my skills to help the poor.’

  ‘Surely you have no intention of joining the sisters.’ Charlotte laughed out loud at the thought, ‘Your disposition is not suited to such piety. Have you discussed this with your sister?’

  ‘No, she would insist I stayed in London, and to stay would mean danger for me if Saville pursued me for any length of time. I’d rather die than be obliged to live the life my mo
ther was forced into.’ She placed her hands across her heated cheeks. ‘We must talk of this no more, for the earl is coming towards us.’

  Saville’s eyes washed over her before he smiled at his sister. ‘Your husband is about to propose a toast to the newly-betrothed pair, and requests your presence by his side, Charlotte.’

  When Charlotte left, Saville gazed at her through half-hooded lids. ‘There’s something I wish to say to you, Graine. I’ll call on you tomorrow.’

  He looked annoyed when one of her more persistent suitors came to join them, and said. ‘The Marquess is about to make his speech, Miss Seaton. Allow me to share a moment of your time whilst he speaks.’

  Saville bowed and moved away, his hand reaching inside his waistcoat pocket. She turned her head to see him reading the note. A frown creased his forehead, then he strode towards the door. From where she stood she saw the footman hand him his cloak and hat. A moment later the actress left her companion and joined him in the hall. The pair left together.

  As Graine heard a carriage roll away a cold lump of misery settled in her chest.

  Later that night, after Millie had been dismissed, she spoke of her suspicion to Ev|elyn. ‘Do you think Adrianna de Lisle is Saville’s mistress?’

  Evelyn’s hairbrush stopped in mid air and she raised an eyebrow. ‘You should not be aware of such things?’

  ‘If I shouldn’t, neither should you.’

  ‘I’m the elder by six years.

  ‘And I by life experience. How can I not know, when my very own mother was reviled for being our father’s kept woman.’They had not spoken of this before and Evelyn gave a small frown. ‘I am of the opinion that your mother was wronged by our mutual father. She was barely seventeen when she gave birth to you. Her own family cast her out when she needed support.’

  Graine’s eyes widened. ‘You blame our father for her plight?’

  ‘And her family. Our father was a weak and immoral man, her family lacked compassion. It was rumored that your uncle, Francis Seaton, had a hand in our father’s death. He was stabbed in the back.’

  Graine swooped in a breath. ‘Why was he not arrested and charged with his murder?’

  ‘There was no proof, and he had an alibi.’ Evelyn shrugged. ‘When your mother died, he swore he’d never acknowledge you as a Seaton.’

  ‘She abandoned me in the first place.’

  ‘Because she was ill and desperate. It was lack of family support that forced her into a life of degradation. You were left with the good sisters to raise, which was the best she could do for your future, so don’t think too harshly of her. Seth Adams made provision for you in his will. It was used for your education.’

  ‘That was good of him.’

  ‘No it wasn’t. It was conscience money. Under the circumstances he could have been a better father to both of us, Graine. He could have brought us up together.’

  The condemnation in Evelyn’s voice shocked her. ‘How did you learn all this?’

  ‘I had access to Theodore Chamber’s desk when he died. Unfortunately, his papers are now at the bottom of the ocean.’

  ‘Is any of my mother’s family still living?’

  ‘Francis Seaton. He inherited the family wealth. I received a letter from a friend in just yesterday. Francis told her he was to set sail for London aboard the Bristol Pride.’

  ‘Perhaps he’s coming to find me.’

  Her hopes were instantly dashed. ‘The object of his journey is to purchase property for investment. He doesn’t know you’re alive, and you mustn’t attempt to approach him under any circumstances. He is a most dangerous and powerful man, a man lacking in scruples or conscience.’

  A chill ran up Graine’s spine. Surely he could not be as bad as Evelyn made out. What was Francis Seaton doing in London? She wondered. If her uncle had heard that she was still alive, it could be that there had been a change of heart.

  She kissed Evelyn’s cheek. ‘I don’t know what I would have done without you.’

  ‘You’d have coped, for you’re a survivor.’ Her eyes lit up with laughter. ‘I expect you would have married John Lamartine and successfully become me.’

  Graine hung her head.

  ‘Do not take on so, Graine, I’m teasing. To tell the truth, I was flattered to know you were willing to live as dull a life as myself.’

  ‘You’re not in the least bit dull and, now I’ve grown to know Mr Lamartine, I find him very pleasant to deal with––not a bit like Saville described him.’

  ‘But then, the earl is quite besotted with you, and he wanted you for himself.’

  The joy went out of her mind. ‘Had he ordered it, I would have wed John, as agreed.’

  ‘Even though you are in love with Saville.’

  Dully, she said, ‘It seemed better to do so, than to follow my mother’s fate at the time.’ But now, it seemed that Saville wanted to bring about her downfall.

  A warm hug enveloped her. ‘I’m sure the earl will come around in time. If he does not, we will find someone else worthy to be your husband––and the earl must suffer the consequences. Already, there has offers expressed by two worthy young men.’

  Graine shrugged. ‘Saville will not come around, for he despises everything about me. I shouldn’t have pretended I was better than I am. Now I am nothing in his eyes, and will be glad when he returns to Rushford, so I do not have to see him again. As for the worthy young men, thank them for their interest but tell them to look elsewhere. I will neither see nor speak to them again.’

  Evelyn shook her head in despair. ‘What will you do if you do not marry?’

  Graine didn’t answer. She knew Evelyn would not willingly allow her to return to the West Indies and, if she didn’t wed, then neither would Evelyn. To assure a happy outcome for her sister Graine intended to remove the obstacle. Once she was accepted into the convent, Evelyn would no longer have to feel responsible for her.’

  * * * *

  Charlotte gazed upon her brother with displeasure. ‘You would have me drop Graine from my guest list, but will not give me a reason. No Saville, I will not do that. I happen to like the girl. The minute I drop her she’ll be ostracized by all of London society. Then the predators will move in. Is that what you want to happen? Are you out to ruin her because of one small deceit?’

  ‘Miss Seaton is drawing attention to herself.’

  ‘That’s a lame reason. Since that first mistake she has not put a foot wrong. She is modest and doesn’t venture an opinion, unless asked. Then her answer is intelligent and measured. She is always chaperoned by her sister. Why, our cousin John finds her delightful, and you know how hard he is to please.’

  ‘John is in love, thus, he’s easily pleased with everything around him,’ Saville said, with a touch of sourness, ‘He walks around with a smile on his face and hardly ever hears when you speak to him, like the village idiot.’

  ‘I do believe you’re jealous. He is well suited, so you should be pleased. As for Graine, I shouldn’t be at all surprised if she doesn’t make a brilliant match. Already, two proposals of marriage have been forthcoming. Gerald Phelps follows her around like a lost dog and Viscount Proctor cannot keep his eyes off her.’

  ‘Young idiots,’ Saville growled, looking decidedly put out by the news.

  Charlotte grinned to herself when his expression assumed an ominous frown. ‘Graine is most amused by his behavior, I believe.’

  ‘Amused!’ Saville glowered at her. ‘I suppose she leads them on then laughs behind the poor fellows’ backs.’

  ‘It’s nothing of the sort. She confides in her sister, who confides in me. Graine does nothing to encourage their attention, neither does she seek it.’

  Subsiding into a chair, Saville muttered. ‘They haven’t got a brain in their heads if they allow her torture them so. They’ll not hold her interest for long.’

  ‘They makes her laugh with their nonsense. There’s no harm in them, and Graine is too sensible to fall victim to the charms of eithe
r of them.’

  ‘Then I hope she’s aware of the effect an association with such a pair of rogues will have on her.’

  ‘If she doesn’t, I’m sure you will offer your advice. Oh, stop being such a bore, Saville. Pray leave the preaching to John, who does it with more truth and conviction. They are young, and there is no harm in their flirting. At least they have offered her marriage, when it’s plain your intention was to take her into your bed, and ruin her.’

  Saville stared at her, shock written all over his face.

  Laughter crept through her and she doubled her up for a few delicious moments. ‘Oh Saville, why so shocked?’ she mocked. ‘I do believe you’ve been in the country for far too long. The girl is young and she is bound to confide her secrets in someone.’

  Stiffly, he said. ‘I’m thinking of going back to Rushford shortly.’

  ‘Then go, if you’re convinced there’s nothing to keep you in London. You can settle into your bachelorhood nicely there. John’s wedding will not take place until Evelyn has settled her sister, which should not take long, for she’s an engaging little piece who will soon forget her infatuation with you once you’re not around to remind her.’

  ‘She could live in John’s house after he and her sister is wed.’

  ‘So you could control her every move, whilst maintaining your disapproval. Graine’s young. She deserves better than that. Either declare yourself and take her back to Rushford, or forget her. She will not wait for you for ever.’

  ‘There’s nothing to declare, for her breeding is too far beneath me for her to be socially acceptable.’

  Nonsense! Charlotte thought, for she knew he was lying. Her brother had always been straightforward, but stubborn and proud. Graine’s background was being used as an excuse, and would not present an obstacle once he made up his mind.

  She gave him a bit of incentive. ‘The girl tells me she’s bored with the life we lead in London. She’s thinking of returning to the West Indies to join the sisters of the poor, where her skills can be of use.’