The Bewitching Hour

by Diana Douglas

  “Of course.” Montville retrieved the cane from the edge of the settee and handed it to Lord Jennings. “Do you need further assistance, my lord?”

  “Thank you. If you would lend me your arm, it would help a bit. ”

  Montville helped him to his feet. “I’ll see you to your carriage.”

  “I’m grateful for your help, Sir Montville. Getting old can be most problematic.” He turned his head as the dowager countess prepared to rise. “Lady Williams, please don’t get up on my account. Sir Montville will see me out. It’s been a lovely afternoon. Not many men my age have the opportunity to spend an afternoon in the company of such a beautiful lady.” He chuckled. “My friends at the club will be quite envious.”

  She colored slightly and fluttered her eyelashes. “You flatter me, my lord.”

  “I only speak the truth. My eyes aren’t what they used to be, but I still know a beautiful woman when I see one. And I’m most grateful for your gift.” He patted his coat pocket. “Wonderful book. Never knew Edward had a copy.”

  “You’re quite welcome.” She smiled graciously. “You must come again, Lord Jennings.”

  “Thank you, my dear.”

  “Before you leave, may I ask a small favor?”

  “Of course. Anything at all.”

  “I would love to see this magnificent stallion you were talking about.”

  Lord Jennings’s broad face lit up with a smile. “I would be delighted. Positively delighted. Perhaps sometime next week? I’ll have a carriage sent around for you.”

  Her lashes fluttered as she inclined her head. “I shall look forward to it.”

  “I’ll be back in a moment, my lady,” Montville remarked as he helped Jennings limp toward the door.

  Once she was certain they were out of earshot she uttered a most unladylike oath, then rose and crossed the room to pour a glass of burgundy. Whatever Philip wanted, it couldn’t be good. It never was. She filled her glass and wondered if Newman was strong enough to throw Philip out. Not likely. After considering several other possibilities she decided there wasn’t much she could do. Damn him for showing up in the first place.

  “The tears were a nice touch, Melissa. Very convincing.” She turned. Montville was leaning against the door frame watching her. Well built with a sweep of thick dark hair, blue-gray eyes, and even features, he was a handsome man. It was fortunate, she considered, given that he had no other redeeming qualities.

  “What do you want, Philip?”

  He grinned at her. “Aren’t you even going to offer me a drink?”

  “No.”

  “Then I suppose I’ll have to get it myself.” He sauntered over to the liquor cabinet and rummaged through the bottles until he found a bottle of claret. “This will do.”

  “What do you want?” she repeated.

  “I wanted to see how the beautiful widow was faring. I was concerned.”

  “As you can see, I’m fine. Now go away.”

  “Do sit down and relax.” He poured his claret. “I’m not going anywhere just yet.”

  She sighed with exasperation and sat on the settee watching as he casually wandered about examining the contents of her drawing room.

  He picked up an Italian urn, looked it over and set it back down. “Very nice. I see you chose not to reside in the family quarters. This is an obvious step down from the Mayfair townhouse, but it’s more than adequate.”

  “Thank you. I’m so happy you approve.”

  “I don’t suppose Percy is paying for any of this?”

  “Please.” She scowled. “That stingy weasel inherited almost everything and do you think he would increase my allowance to allow for a separate residence? No. He expects me to live with them! I couldn’t exist another day under the same roof with those people. I was absolutely miserable with them in Northampton. Why Edward would leave me at the mercy of his brother is beyond my understanding.”

  "It's likely he thought you would spend every last farthing before the year was out." He sat down across from her. “Percy offered me my old chambers under the condition that I behave with decorum.” He took a sip of his drink. “I’m staying with a friend.”

  She looked at him with ill-disguised contempt. “You could be staying with the devil himself for all I care.”

  He laughed. “I didn’t expect you to care, Melissa. It was idle conversation. A mere comment.” He settled back comfortably in his chair and gazed at her. “Tell me if I’m mistaken, but I presume that you’re husband hunting?”

  His unexpected appearance unnerved her. What did he want? “I don’t know that what I do is any of your concern.”

  “I disagree.” He grinned. “In fact, I came to offer you my assistance.”

  “Your help in what?”

  “In your quest for a new husband.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be absurd.”

  “Not as absurd as what I just saw here. If Lord Jennings is among your prey, I beg that you reconsider. He’s seventy if he’s a day and a marriage to Jennings would be far too much like your marriage to Edward. Believe me, the overall results wouldn’t be worth the effort.”

  “You know nothing about him. You just met the man.”

  “I don’t have to meet someone to know about them. Knowing what happens amongst the ton is my business.”

  “I told you this is none of your concern,” she said coolly. “And I don’t consider Lord Jennings husband material. He mentioned that he was looking for particular book on horse breeding. I had a copy that had belonged to Edward so I invited him over and gave him the book as a gift. I was merely being nice.”

  Montville laughed. “That, my dear, is ridiculous. You are never nice. Ambitious, conniving, greedy, determined, but not nice. Jennings may not be a serious contender in your quest, but...” His eyes widened as he grinned. “Oh ho! Now it makes sense. You’re interested in his nephew, Loughton.”

  She sniffed and looked away. “That’s utter nonsense.”

  “Don’t deny the obvious. I observed you at the Danfield’s ball the other evening and there was no doubt that the beautiful Melissa was considering all her options. You are on the prowl.”

  Trying to decide if he was telling the truth, she stared at him. His expression told her nothing other than he was enjoying a great deal of amusement at her expense. “Rubbish. Even the Danfield’s are too high in the instep for someone like you. I doubt she even knows you exist and they wouldn’t have let you in without an invitation.”

  “I didn’t need an invitation. The right livery can open doors and has the added benefit of making one invisible.”

  It took a few moments for his meaning to become clear. “You posed as a servant?”

  His eyes glowed with laughter. “I think it’s rather brilliant, don’t you?”

  She did, but had no intention of letting him know that. “I can’t believe you would spy on me.”

  “It was quite fascinating. I could see the wheels turning in that perfect little head of yours. 'Who can best provide me with the wealth and adoration I so richly deserve?' Given the current shortage of wealthy eligible men, this would be somewhat of a dilemma for most women, but not for the talented Lady Williams." He chuckled and pointed a finger at her. "I have great faith that by the end of the season you will have some unsuspecting lord caught in your snare. Poor man won’t even know what hit him. By the time he gets to know what you are really like, it will be too late.”

  Annoyed he had read her so easily, she said, “Really Philip, your insults offend me. I’ve a mind to slap you and have you thrown out of here.”

  “I don’t believe you will. This is a fairly busy street and to throw me out would draw far too much attention.” He set his elbows on the arms of his chair. “And after you hear what I have to say, a little gratitude might be in order. I’m about to save you a great deal of time and effort by feeding you a few choice morsels about some of your prospects. You know how I enjoy keeping up with the private lives of the ton.”
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br />   “Unfortunately, I do.” She studied him a moment. “I may as well listen to what you have to say. Pray, continue.”

  “That’s better, though my first bit of news will not please you. It’s regarding Lord Bennett. I noticed he was quite attentive the other evening, but regrettably, he won’t do.”

  “Why? What could you possibly say against Lord Bennett?”

  “It is surprising, isn’t it? I will admit that the viscount is handsome and gracious but he hasn’t enough money to keep you in paste, much less jewels. He is on the verge of bankruptcy and is simply looking for someone to replenish his coffers.”

  For a moment, she was rendered speechless. “You know this for certain?”

  He nodded. “Bennett has no head for business and won’t listen to his man-of-affairs. He’s an idiot, really. Everything not entailed has been sold or is mortgaged to the hilt.”

  The delicately arched brows shot up and her fists clenched “He only wants my dowry and the investments Edgar left me? That’s despicable.”

  Phillip nodded slowly. “I’m afraid so. And given the extent of his debt, there will most likely be nothing left by the time he gets through with it.”

  After a short silence, her anger dissipated, knowing it was best not to let her emotions interfere. “I shall cross him off my list. What a bother! He was, thus far, my best candidate. He’s escorting me to Lady Almont's dinner party next week and I believe I'll wait to break it off until then. There’s no sense in forgoing an evening out. This may be for the best as his sister is an interfering witch.” She looked at him begrudgingly. “I must admit that you have saved me some time.”

  Montville took a sip of his claret and smiled blandly. “I’m happy to be of service.”

  “Tell me what you know of Lord Loughton.”

  ”Loughton is a drunk.”

  “There’s no news in that,” she snapped. “And I find it odd that you would hold it against him, given your own inclination to drink yourself into a pie-eyed stupor. Lord Loughton is very wealthy. That would more than make up for any inconvenience his overindulgence might present.”

  “Loughton gets quite ugly when he’s foxed and unless you have some desire to be beaten I don’t think he would be a sound choice.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” she protested. “I don’t believe you.”

  He held his hands out. “What reason would I have for lying? I assure you, there is much that goes on behind closed doors with that man. He enjoys taking his personal frustrations out on the fairer sex. On the other hand, Lord Gainey likes to be beaten.”

  She shot him a look of contempt. “He hasn’t enough money. I would have never considered him with any degree of seriousness. What do you know of Lord Fleming?”

  “His pockets are deep, but he has a predilection for much younger women. You are not his type.”

  “I’m not some ape leader huddled among the wallflowers,” she snapped.

  “No, my dear, you are far from that. But neither are you thirteen and virginal." He sipped his claret. "What a waste that would be. I find it hard to understand why even a man as old as your late husband could not be aroused by you. Though it was to my benefit. The time we spent together was lovely, wasn’t it? In fact, I don’t see why we couldn’t indulge in a little additional dalliance.”

  “Don’t be an idiot, Philip. I chose you because you have the family coloring. Not because I enjoyed your bed sport. It was a business arrangement.”

  ”I’m very disappointed to hear you say that, but I really don’t believe you. When I recall how you would gasp and moan beneath me. You found your pleasure. Don’t tell me you didn’t. In fact, allow me to lock the door and I’ll prove it.”

  “Shut up!”

  “Very well.” He sighed. “We will go on to other things. Who else is on your list?”

  She sent him a caustic look but said nothing.

  He clicked his tongue. “I’m only trying to help you in your selection. I would hate to see you poorly wed.”

  “You haven’t an ounce of concern for anyone other than yourself. You’re plotting something.”

  He tapped his fingertips on the arms of his chair. “I’m always plotting something. Now, who else are you considering?”

  “You were right when you said that there is a lamentable shortage of eligible men. Particularly ones who meet my requirements,” she said grudgingly. “The little French monster has utterly wrecked the marriage mart. So many men have gone off to war and gotten themselves maimed or killed. It’s terribly inopportune as I’d prefer someone who has all of his limbs and is reasonably young." She clasped her hands together as she thought. "Fortunately, it is still early in the season and not everyone has returned to London. I’m certain the selection will improve.”

  “I certainly hope so. Your happiness is of great concern to me.”

  Her eyes rolled upwards. “Liar.”

  He grinned at her, exposing a row of white, even teeth. “How true.”

  “Then what is it that you really want?”

  “The money you promised me. We made a bargain.”

  She glared at him in disbelief. Two years had passed. He couldn't possibly expect she would pay him. “Don’t be such a fool. There was no heir. The bargain was never fulfilled.”

  “I’ve sired three bastards, Madame. My seed is fruitful.” His voice was quiet. “It was you who could not nurture the child. I did my part.”

  “I carried for three months before the brat decided to die!” She'd hated being pregnant and had she not been so desperate to secure her position as dowager countess, she likely would have visited one of those awful places and gotten rid of the thing herself.

  “Calm yourself. There’s little to be gained by shouting. The servants hear enough as it is.”

  She shut her eyes and took in a breath. “It makes little difference. Without an heir, I lost the bulk of the inheritance. There’s nothing I can do to change that.” She stopped and looked at him. “It’s been almost two years since Edward died. Why come to me now?”

  He finished his claret and set the glass down. “The faro tables haven’t been in my favor as of late. I’ve a number of vowels scattered about town. Not everyone holding them is of genteel character. It could get nasty. I need money.”

  “Well, I can’t give it to you. Percy is the trustee and all he gives me is a paltry allowance. It isn’t near enough, but he won’t let me touch the principal. He cares nothing about my needs. After a year of wearing nothing but widow’s weeds and another six months of half mourning, I was in desperate need of a new wardrobe." She threw her arms out. Her cheeks burned with anger. "And I had to lease this townhouse and hire servants. It cost a fortune and I’m not even fully staffed! My expenses have taken most of my allowance. It’s bad enough that I have to justify every penny I spend to my miserly, pinch-nosed, brother-in-law, but you’re asking me to request additional funds to cover your vowels. Ask him yourself. This is your family, not mine.”

  “Do you think I haven’t? I’m in the same circumstances as you, but if you were to marry well, both of us would benefit. Considering the closeness of our relationship,” he said, grinning as she snorted, “your engagement to a wealthy aristocrat will buy me some time.”

  “You’re still reasonably handsome and can be quite entertaining when you aren’t so deep in your cups that you can't walk across the room. Why don’t you marry well and leave me alone?”

  He laughed with bitterness. “Possibly because I’m an impoverished baron with no land, no substantial means of support and a somewhat unsavory reputation. I move in the lowest circles with the other bottom feeders. What kind of a father would let his daughter come near me? Not one who could supply a generous dowry. My solution is far more logical. I propose another partnership, though this one won’t be near as much fun as the last.”

  His words made sense, but she was loath to admit it.

  “I will help you find a suitable husband and you will convince him that you need funds
to pay off a debt. It seems more than fair.”

  “I don’t need your help finding a husband.” She crossed her arms.

  “A suitable, wealthy, titled husband," he clarified. "One who will accommodate your needs.”

  “And yours.”

  “Of course.” He got up to pour himself another drink. “You need information, Melissa. Lord Bennett is a perfect example. You assumed he was well heeled because he looked and played the part. I can find out things that you can’t. Looking back, had you known how heavily Lord Williams’ estate was entailed, would you have married him?”

  Her eyes flashed at this. “You know as well as I that I had no choice! My father had it all arranged. Edward received a young wife he could parade about on his arm and my father received a bucketful of money in return. My own father was willing to sacrifice me to suit his own purpose. Why should I trust you?”

  “You probably shouldn’t, but I don’t see where you have much of a choice.”

  “You can’t bully me, Philip. I won’t have it.”

  His lips curled. “I’m certain the present earl would be interested to know that his own son-in-law was one of your lovers. You bedded the husband of his beloved Becky. What were you thinking, my dear? He might even accept that Charles was unfaithful, after all it isn’t that unusual, but it would eat him alive that it was with you.”

  “How could you possibly know that?” She stopped abruptly realizing she had said too much and then continued on in a much more subdued manner, “It doesn’t matter. Charles would never admit to it. You couldn’t prove it.”

  “No, but Percy would believe it. And once he took his vengeance on Charles he would do everything possible to make your life miserable. Including sending you back to Northampton and tightening the purse strings even further.”

  Her hands gripped the arms of her chair until the knuckles went white. “You’re threatening me?”

  He shrugged. “Call it what you will.”