‘But I told her I was going to the ladies’ retiring room.’
‘I’ll tell her I intercepted you and recommended the terrace. It’s cooler and more private, after all.’
‘You think she’ll believe that?’
Dellamont smiled. ‘I can be quite persuasive. Especially if I request the honour of calling on you tomorrow.’
‘She’ll certainly be relieved to discover that I didn’t give you a disgust of me after all,’ Marcella said.
But not nearly as relieved as she was, Marcella thought as she put her hand on Dellamont’s arm. She’d be able to continue seeing him—even if that might not be wise.
With him acting as that knight in shining armour in truth, it might be hard to keep her foolish feminine heart from fluttering.
Very well, she wouldn’t deny that she was looking forward to enjoying his very attractive attentions—for a time. But he belonged to a society of which she wanted no part. Not that he would want her, either, for more than a temporary friendship. She was probably the least likely woman in England to make a proper countess.
No, this partnership would be as short-lived as she expected it would be pleasant. After which, she would return to her world—hopefully to exchange the escort of this knight in shining armour for that of her childhood hero Gilling—while he remained in his.
Two planets in different orbits, never to meet again.
Shaking off the sadness that thought evoked, she put a determined smile on her face and walked back into the ballroom on Dellamont’s arm, looking forward with amusement to hearing the farradiddle he would spin to placate Lady Arlsley for her absence.
Chapter Six
The following afternoon during calling hours, Marcella found herself seated in Lady Arlsley’s parlour. The handful of gentlemen she’d danced with the evening before would make courtesy calls, making her attendance mandatory, her sponsor had informed her.
Although there was only one of last night’s partners she really hoped to see. After having a night to think over the implications of their bargain, would Viscount Dellamont still want to follow through with it?
So far, she’d endured the attentions of two suitors, while several of Lady Arlsley’s friends had called. After giving her a strictly proper greeting, two of those ladies were now settled on the sofa beside her sponsor, their heads together as they spoke in low tones. Their occasional glances in her direction told her that she—and last night’s ball—were probably the topics of conversation.
The erstwhile suitors having departed after the obligatory fifteen minutes, Marcella wandered around the parlour, pausing to stare out the window on to the side garden. After Dellamont had left her last night, she’d been convinced he would honour his word, their bargain, and call today. But as she tossed and turned last night, anxiety keeping her from sleep, she’d begun to doubt that.
Having fulfilled his father’s wishes by submitting to the required introductions, it would be much easier—and likely pleasanter—to continue the charade with the Earl by turning his attentions to some well-born girl of adequate dowry. There would be no need to single himself out and possibly invite criticism, branding himself as a fortune hunter by seeming to court her.
He’d disappointed her once. She told herself not to hope for too much, lest she be disappointed again.
The butler entered, bowing to introduce two newcomers, and her pulses leapt. Only to immediately settle as she recognised first Lord Charles, the foppish youngest son of a marquess. A few minutes of conversation last night been enough to demonstrate he possessed neither money nor sense. Following him was Lord Hoddleston.
Instinctive dislike had the hairs on the back of her neck rising. Giving her a knowing look, he walked over to pay his respects to Lady Arlsley and her friends on sofa. Then, while she steeled herself to endure him, with Lord Charles in tow, he walked in her direction.
‘Miss Cranmore. How lovely you look this afternoon,’ Lord Hoddleston said, bowing to her reluctant curtsy.
‘Radiant as a daffodil in spring,’ Lord Charles enthused.
‘She’d need to be wearing a yellow gown to warrant that description,’ Hoddleston said sardonically. ‘In that pink confection, she’s more like a vibrant tulip. Which inspires me to resume the conversation that was so rudely interrupted last night.’
‘I didn’t think anything more needed to be said,’ Marcella replied, wishing she could be rude enough to ask him to leave.
‘On the contrary, there’s quite a bit. We were on the terrace, you’ll remember. Alone.’
Was he trying to imply she’d agreed to meet him there—or hint she’d been compromised? she wondered, her irritation intensifying. ‘Ah, yes, now I remember. I’d gone out for some fresh air and encountered you briefly on my way back in. Lord Charles,’ she said, turning to the Marquess’s son, ‘you began telling me last night about the horse you’d been thinking of buying at Tattersall’s?’
‘Ah, the horse. Yes.’ Looking uncomfortable under Lord Hoddleston’s scornful gaze, which clearly said the Baron thought him of little account, he tugged at his neckcloth, but resisted the inclination to cut and run. ‘A fine bay. Sixteen hands. Broad chest, fine withers. Looks to be a capital riding hack. Just have to convince m’father put out the blunt.’
Hoping to lure him into talking longer, she said, ‘You will keep him for riding, or will he pull a carriage as well?’
Looking shocked, Lord Charles said, ‘Oh, no, Miss Cranmore! One never puts a riding horse between the shafts! They’re not bred nor trained for it. He’d be used solely for riding. Make quite a stir in the Park. He’s a high-stepper, very showy.’
Hoddleston leaned in to murmur in her ear, ‘You can take cover behind idiots like Lord Charles but you can’t hide. After he bumbles off, I’ll still be here—your inescapable destiny.’
Stepping back, she waved away his words, thinking if he were truly her destiny, she’d garrotte herself.
Before she could try to prod Lord Charles into further conversation, a stir at the doorway claimed their attention. ‘Lord Dellamont,’ the butler announced.
A wave of relief and delight ran through her. He’d called, just as he promised!
She had to suppress a smile as she watched the Viscount make full use of his entry to create a dramatic moment. After pausing on the threshold to survey the company, he proceeded slowly across the room, doubtless well aware of the ladies’ admiring and the men’s resentful gazes fixed on him, to make a courtly bow to the hostess and her friends.
‘Ladies, a pleasure! I couldn’t wait to see you again today, Lady Arlsley, and visit with your delightful charge. She promised to show me your garden, which I understand is superior. If I might claim her?’
Her gratified chaperon gave him her most gracious smile. ‘Of course, Dellamont. As long as her maid accompanies you.’
‘Thank you, my lady. I’m sure the garden will be as charming as the company.’
After giving her chaperon another bow, Dellamont turned to walk in her direction, the winning smile on his lips making her pulses pound with pleasure and anticipation. Ignoring both of the men beside her, he halted to say, ‘I’ve come to hold you to your word, Miss Cranmore.’
‘As you can see, Miss Cranmore is currently engaged with other guests,’ Hoddleston said.
‘She’s already talked with you. It’s my turn,’ Dellamont said, offering Marcella his arm. ‘Shall you show me the garden as promised?’
‘I’d never wish to default on a promise. Just let me go and find Mary. It’s always so refreshing to take the air,’ she added, with a deliberate look at Hoddleston.
‘Why is she leaving with him?’ she heard Lord Charles complain to the Baron as she walked out on Dellamont’s arm.
‘That was a fine bit of kidnapping,’ she said after he closed the drawing room door behind them.
‘Do
you object?’
‘Object to escaping that company? Not in the slightest! Do you really wish to see the garden?’
‘Not especially. But I don’t want to remain in the room with that young twit and the reprobate. Nor can we discuss the working of our bargain under the avid eyes of Lady Arlsley and her friends.’
So he meant to honour their bargain, too. The Season that had been forced on her might just become tolerable after all. ‘Let me fetch Mary and get my pelisse, then.’
* * *
A few minutes later, Marcella hurried back, her maid trailing behind. After introductions, Mary bobbing a curtsy to Dellamont’s nod, the threesome walked out the side door to the garden.
‘You must come with us, but you needn’t linger too close,’ Marcella told the older woman as she held the door open for them.
‘Never you mind, Miss Marcella,’ the maid, who’d looked after her since she’d been a child, replied with a fond glance. ‘You walk with your fine lord. I’ll be near enough to call on if you should need me.’
‘Don’t worry, Mary,’ Dellamont said. ‘I won’t attempt to ravish your charge on a garden bench—no matter how tempting she might be.’
‘Just see you don’t,’ the maid replied tartly. ‘I’d not be loath to give you a blow to the chops if you tried to take liberties, not even with you being a viscount and all.’
Dellamont laughed. ‘I’ll keep that in mind! You’ve a fine protector in Mary, Miss Cranmore. I’m relieved to know you will have someone nearby to keep your admirers in line.’
‘Some need it more than others,’ Marcella muttered, frowning as she thought of Lord Hoddleston. But she’d not waste this time with Dellamont fretting about the Baron.
‘You’ve done your work well, my lord,’ she said instead. ‘By calling while Lady Arlsley’s friends were visiting, the news will be all over London by suppertime that Viscount Dellamont is paying particular attention to Miss Cranmore.’ She laughed. ‘If I’m very lucky, knowing that an earl’s son came calling will be discouraging enough to the competitors that I’ll be spared further visits by Lord Hoddleston and Lord Charles.’
‘Don’t be too hard on them—at least, not on Lord Charles. He’s the youngest son of a large family with no money of his own, so won’t inherit either wealth or title. If he doesn’t marry a well-dowered lady, he’ll be reduced to spending his life as a hanger-on, dependent on the indulgence of his family. You are correct to lament the few options a female has beyond marriage, but opportunities for gentlemen to make their fortunes are limited as well.’ He laughed. ‘Poor Lord Charles doesn’t strike me as having wit enough to succeed as a clergyman nor the boldness to prosper in the army.’
‘Whereas you, my lord, have it all. Both the wit and boldness to invest in your own future, as well as land and title awaiting you. How I wish I had as many options!’
‘Do you have any other options, save marriage?’
Marcella sighed. ‘My family wouldn’t hear of me working. I’ve been able thus far to assist Papa with his engineering work solely because he’s indulged my interest. As a girl I’d actually hoped I might one day work in the business openly...but I realise now that could never happen. Too many men—and women—still believe that a female isn’t capable of logical reasoning. I have considered becoming a teacher. But most schools that admit females have no interest in instructing their pupils in mathematics and the natural sciences. So I probably shall end up marrying, hopefully to someone who will allow me, if not to work outright, at least to remain around the world of engineering.’
‘Someone like Mr Gilling?’
She felt herself flush. ‘Was my interest so obvious?’
Dellamont smiled. ‘You certainly gifted him with very engaging smiles. Would your engineer allow you to work with him, as your father does?’
‘I’d hope to persuade him, but I don’t really know. I’m guessing he thinks Papa allows me to do simple things around the office like record measurements because he enjoys having me near. I doubt Austin believes that I make any real contribution to figuring the calculations. But I’m not going to worry about that yet. Papa is still in his prime. I don’t envision him handing over the business for years yet. I hope to delay marriage for as long as I can, in case my eventual husband frowns on my working with Papa and insists on restricting me to the usual female realm.’
‘Do you have no interest in that at all? Children, running a household?’
‘Not very much,’ she admitted. ‘I don’t think I’d make a very good mother. I try to avoid the activities one is supposed to teach a daughter—needlework, the minutiae of housekeeping and managing servants.’
‘You’ll need to entice your engineer, then.’
‘It won’t be easy,’ she confessed. ‘Gilling has worked for my father since I was a little girl and has always been so kind, thoughtful and supportive, especially after my brother died. But I fear he stills sees me just as his employer’s little girl. Not a woman grown.’
‘He should open his eyes. They must be firmly shut, else I can’t image how he could miss what a talented, engaging beauty that little girl has become.’
‘Is...that how you see me?’ she asked, not knowing him well enough to decide whether his words were sincere or gallantry.
He nodded. ‘I’m not a flatterer, Miss Cranmore. Except to spare someone’s feelings, I speak the truth as I see it.’
He truly thought her talented and beautiful? Absurdly gratified, she said, ‘Then thank you kindly for the compliment.’
‘Which is only returning the favour. How was it you described me? Possessed of “wit and boldness”? I should hope to merit that praise.’
‘For someone of your background, who had no need to interest himself in anything outside his class and property, to take the time to investigate new technologies, then have the intelligence to evaluate and invest wisely in them, I think you merit both descriptions.’
He bowed. ‘Then I must thank you kindly for the compliment.’
She’d like to talk with him for ever. It was so...liberating to be completely honest about what she felt and wanted, something she couldn’t really do even with Papa. She loved her family dearly and knew they loved her, but they all wanted for her something she feared would never make her happy. While she yearned for something they would tell her could never be attained.
She might be doomed to unhappiness. But she wasn’t yet ready to give up on her dreams.
‘You an investor and me a mathematician—it seems we are both...out of the ordinary for our positions in society,’ she said.
‘Extraordinary, isn’t it?’ he murmured, looking down at her.
The intensity of his gaze held hers, making her catch her breath. Yes, he was extraordinary, compelling, mesmerising. Drawn by the power of his attraction, she felt herself drifting closer, lifting her face to his as he lowered his to her.
Then abruptly, he stepped away.
She’d been so entranced, she had to blink at that sudden return to reality. Shocked at how close she’d come to inviting his kiss, needing to compose herself, she said, ‘I’d better walk you down all the pathways. I want to be able to honestly say I’ve shown you the garden. Besides, the spring bulbs truly are lovely.’
‘Yes, I need to be able to comment on them to Lady Arlsley.’
‘I do know quite a bit about plants—perhaps the one aspect of housewifery that does interest me. My father was so low after my brother’s death, I worked with my mother to brew teas and tisanes to try to raise his spirits. I’ve discovered the herb garden here is exceptional.’
For the next few minutes, she walked him down that section of the border, pointing out the lemon balm, mint, and chamomile with its border of lavender.
After she’d finished giving her tour, Dellamont said, ‘We’ve spent half an hour in the garden, which is about all the time your maid is g
oing to allow us. Before I escort you back, we need to decide how we’ll implement our plan.’
‘I don’t want to impose too much on your time. Perhaps I could send you word of one or two entertainments each week that we’re to attend.’
Dellamont shook his head. ‘Once or twice a week probably wouldn’t be enough to satisfy my father. Better make it three or four events a week.’
‘If it truly wouldn’t be an imposition—that would be wonderful! My guess is that Lady Arlsley intends to drag me to every entertainment to which she can wangle us invitations, hoping to have me snag an offer as soon as possible and so as to rid herself of the burden of sponsoring me. Knowing that you will be at most of them will make getting through the month I’ve promised to endure much easier.’
‘Balls, routs or musicales would be best,’ Dellamont said. ‘There will be dancing or performances to help pass the time before we can escape. Then there will be calls and rides in the park between the entertainments.’
‘With only my maid looking on, instead of being the focus of the interested gazes of half the ton? That would be refreshing!’
‘Precisely. You must send me notice once you know which invitations Lady Arlsley has accepted. I’ll arrange to stop by most of them.’
‘I’ll talk to her tonight. We’re dining with some of her friends, a previous engagement she wasn’t able to put off. I’ll try to let you know tomorrow what she has planned for the rest of the week.’
‘Excellent. By banding together, we shall both run the social gauntlet and come out unscathed.’
Would she emerge unscathed? Marcella wondered. If Dellamont continued to be as attractive and interesting as he’d been thus far, it would be far too easy to fall more deeply under his spell.
But she need only remind herself what remaining in his world would entail—mingling with Lady Arlsley and her condescending friends, the witless Lord Charles...and Lord Hoddleston. That prospect should be enough to discourage any ill-judged attachment.
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