To Ruin a Rake

by Liana Lefey

  Her stomach tightened at the thought of how Elizabeth might react to her taking Arabella into her household. There was every likelihood it would be perceived as a betrayal. Would she, too, be cut off? Regardless, Harriett determined to see the plan through to completion—for her niece’s sake.

  She did not share her fears with Roland, for she still did not know how much Papa had revealed. Did Roland know about Oxenden or did he simply think Arabella had fallen prey to some random calamity as did Mrs. Jenkins? Until she knew, she dare not say anything that might raise questions.

  The adoption of Eudora and possibly another child with her was planned for the day after Cat’s wedding. They would all leave for Cambridgeshire the following day. It was vitally important that Arabella be seen at the wedding. Harriett prayed her little sister lost the majority of her motherly figure by then. Eudora had been born almost a month and a half early, which should help.

  Until they brought the child home, Harriett planned to continue serving at the Hospital as she’d always done—where she could keep close watch over the babe. Things would be different there now that she was Lady Manchester. She would be serving alongside her husband, for one. My husband. She looked down at the gold band on her finger. It still felt foreign.

  “I shall replace it with a jewel to rival those worn by the queen,” whispered Roland at her ear.

  “I am content and need no such finery.”

  “Nevertheless.” He punctuated his insistence with a kiss.

  ~ * ~

  Two Weeks Later

  “Birthmark on top of left foot,” mumbled Nurse Hayes as she wrote. “What name should we give this one, Your Grace?” she asked, looking at her expectantly.

  Harriett rewrapped the baby and laid her back down in the crib. “What about Eudora? It means ‘the good gift.’”

  “Eudora. Lovely.” Nurse Hayes wrote the name down and slipped the paper into her file. A card with the name was also tied to one corner of the babe’s crib. “She’s awfully small. Could only have been born a few days ago, the poor wee mite.”

  “She’ll plump up after a few days here,” Harriett answered, confident. “Tell Matron Dimsey to find another wet nurse. This one will need one all to herself for a bit.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Hayes bustled off to carry out her orders.

  Harriett ran a gentle finger over the soft, fawn-colored down now growing in above the baby’s ears. Thank heaven it wasn’t dark like Oxenden’s or Arabella’s. She tucked in a corner of the blanket and smiled as the babe grasped her thumb in her tiny fist. “You’ll be safe here, little Eudora.”

  She came every day to see the babe. At first, she only visited the nursery once or twice, as was her custom, but after a few days she began to come more often. Then she began bringing Roland with her. As though Fate had conspired to help them in their plans, another newborn girl was abandoned at the Hospital the following week. Roland was present for her arrival and intake and was thus tasked with naming her. She was dubbed Isabelle.

  By the time Arabella arrived for the wedding, everyone at the Hospital knew the newlyweds had developed a soft spot for the little pair, now affectionately referred to as “the Manchester darlings.”

  Harriett watched as two footmen came forth bearing a sedan chair to carry Arabella up the front steps. It was completely unnecessary, of course, but she thought it best to maintain her sister’s appearance of fragility. Elizabeth had already visited twice, and she didn’t want anything to jeopardize the impression that Arabella had been gravely ill.

  Seeing her sister now, she thought there was little need for such subterfuge. Arabella was thin and wan and had dark circles under her eyes. The sight of her struck quiet terror into Harriett’s heart. Had she truly been stricken with some malady?

  “Tell me of Eudora,” demanded Arabella the instant they were behind closed doors. “Is she eating? Is she well?”

  “She is quite well,” Harriett reassured her. “She is growing daily and is in perfect health. But what has happened to you? You look utterly exhausted.”

  “I have not slept properly since Mrs. Jenkins took her,” said her sister, tears sliding down her face. “Oh, Harriett, I miss her so much—I’ve hardly been able to bear it! It’s as though part of my heart has been torn from me. I didn’t think I’d feel this way...I never expected...” She dissolved into quiet sobs.

  Harriett could only hold her and murmur soothing reassurances. Hearing Arabella say such a thing was quite a surprise, considering how spoiled and self-absorbed she’d been all her short life.

  “I want to see her,” said her sister through her sniffles.

  “And you will in just a few more days—”

  “No! I want to see her. Tomorrow. I’ll disguise myself as a servant, I’ll—”

  “You’ll jeopardize all of our careful plans!” Harriett said with quiet heat. “If the servants were to learn of your leaving here in disguise, if someone at the Hospital were to see you and make the connection, there is no amount of money that would silence the rumors.”

  Arabella broke down further, and Harriett gentled her tone. “You must trust me, Bella. Unless you want everyone to know she is your child and illegitimate, you absolutely must keep to the plan. I know it is hard, but it is only temporary. The day after Cat marries, I will bring Eudora home. In the meantime, you must learn to school your reactions. You cannot imagine how quickly the servants’ gossip will spread throughout London if you burst into hysterics upon seeing her.”

  “I cannot help it,” whispered her sister, mopping her swollen face. “I’ve been so worried about her, and I’ve felt so alone since Mrs. Jenkins took her. I know it was the only way, but it’s been so hard.”

  Harriett bit her lip. Obviously, her sister was suffering the acute melancholy that sometimes befell new mothers. “I think perhaps I ought to arrange for you to be reunited with Eudora in private, at least for a short while. But afterward, until we are well out of London and away from its pricking ears and prying eyes, you must be strong and hold yourself together. For your daughter’s sake. Can you do it?”

  “Yes,” said her sister after a moment. She squared her shoulders and faced her with trembling lips. “For Eudora.”

  “There is something else,” Harriett added. “Roland and I have decided to adopt another little girl along with Eudora. He thinks it’ll serve to further throw people off the scent. Her name is Isabelle, and she’s about a week or so younger, so they’ll grow up as companions. I’m going to speak to Papa about bringing Mrs. Jenkins and Katie on to help. He can’t afford them anyway, and I’d rather they were with us than with strangers.”

  Her sister’s eyes lit with hope, but then dulled again. “Katie won’t be coming. Jeremy has asked her to marry him. He was offered an apprenticeship with a silversmith in Reading, and she is to work as a lady’s maid for a family there. I think Mrs. Jenkins planned to return to London to do for Papa, but I’m not certain.”

  Which meant they would need to hire additional help when they got to Cambridgeshire. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes,” Harriett said, pushing it aside for the moment. “Now, until we bring Eudora home I want you to get plenty of rest, eat every bite of every meal, and stop your fretting. Eudora is receiving the best care and will be with you before you know it. Cat’s wedding is just around the corner. I’ve had a new gown commissioned for you based on your measurements before you left London. We are to have you fitted tomorrow, provided you are well enough.”

  “And what of Elizabeth?” asked Arabella, her quavering voice belying her calm expression. “She’ll be there, won’t she?”

  There was no point in prevaricating. “Yes. She’s already in London and has been to visit me three times since my return. But not to worry, you’ll attend in a chair and we’ll keep you well separated.”

  A scary, blank expression crept over Arabella’s face. “Because of my selfishness and lack of judgment, I have lost a sister and gained a lifetime of secrets and sha
me.”

  “You have also gained a beautiful daughter,” Harriett insisted, grabbing her hand. “And you’ll both have a happy home with me.”

  “I don’t deserve it.” Her sister’s lips became a hard, bitter line. “I stole Elizabeth’s happiness. I tempted him, Harriett. I deliberately dressed and behaved in such a manner as to draw his attention. I never expected him to respond as he did. When he did, I was so unprepared. I didn’t know how to—”

  “Stop it,” Harriett commanded. “You were only trying your wings as young girls often do their first year out. You simply happened to do so around a man with no honor.” She hesitated, but then decided to forge ahead. Arabella needed to know the truth. “Elizabeth blamed it all on you at first, just as you are blaming yourself now, but she has since discovered that Oxenden’s perfidy was not limited to his seduction of you.”

  Arabella’s eyes widened. “There were others?”

  “You were but one of many,” Harriett answered, grateful to see no pain in her sister’s face, only shock at the revelation. “She has uncovered a multitude of indiscretions.”

  “Will she ever forgive me, do you think?”

  “I do not know,” Harriett said honestly, not wanting to crush her fragile hope. “It is something to perhaps consider in years to come, but I think it best to let the matter rest for the present time. Too much is at stake to risk the conflict between you becoming public now.”

  “Of course,” agreed her sister at once. She chewed her lip for a moment, then spoke again. “Harriett, no matter what happens between Elizabeth and me, whether it be for good or ill, I have decided Papa is right. I shall never tell her—or anyone else—about Eudora.”

  Harriett marked that her tone was different. More thoughtful now and, thank heaven, less reckless.

  “I don’t want anyone, especially Eudora herself, to ever know she is illegitimate,” continued Arabella. A broken smile briefly crossed her lips. “I shall content myself with playing the role of a doting aunt and allow her and the rest of the world to believe you and Manchester are her parents. It is the only way to cleanse her name, the only way she will ever have a chance at happiness. If I can give her nothing else, I can at least give her that.”

  It was an enormous sacrifice, and Harriett could see what it cost her. She embraced Arabella tightly for a moment and then looked her in the eyes. “Along with your love, it will be more than enough.”

  ~ * ~

  St. James’s was quite literally packed wall-to-wall. Not a single invitation had been declined, for no one wanted to miss the chance to see those involved in London’s three most delicious scandals all gathered beneath one roof.

  It had been a month, and Harriett’s elopement was still the subject of much discussion. She couldn’t help but smile at the way everyone kept casting subtle—and some not-so-subtle—glances at her midsection. In addition, rumors of Elizabeth’s estrangement from Lord Oxenden had finally begun to circulate. They were now given credence, thanks to her solitary attendance at this family event.

  If the two combined weren’t enough to incite the wagging of chins, then there was also the fact that Lord Russell and his new lady wife were in attendance. Even now, they were being seated. The upper crust was in a transport of watchful delight, and whispers followed like a tide in the couple’s wake.

  “I didn’t think they’d come,” murmured Cat, peeking out from behind the vestry door.

  “I’m sure Nanette only came to gloat,” Harriett replied, chuckling. “No doubt she had to drag him here.”

  “Did he ever answer your letter?”

  “No,” Harriett lied. He had answered. Naturally, he’d been quite disappointed to have his suspicions confirmed, but her elopement with Roland had not been entirely unexpected. He had even gone so far as to express gratitude for the fact that she’d come to her senses before it was too late, in effect saving them both. Nanette, it turned out, truly loved him, though he’d failed to see it until Harriett finally dashed his hopes.

  “I shall be a far happier man with her honest love than I would have been had I married you without your heart,” he’d written. His forgiveness hadn’t completely appeased her conscience, but it certainly helped. At the time, she’d felt there was no other choice but to marry him. She was very glad they’d both been spared that fate. Russell was a good man, and she genuinely wished him joy.

  “Well, I don’t suppose there would be much to say,” said Cat, turning away. “Where are Elizabeth and Arabella?”

  “Elizabeth is with Papa. Arabella is across the hall in another room with Lily, helping her ready the petal maids.” She was not to come out until just before they ran the gauntlet. Arabella and the girls would go first, followed by her, and then Elizabeth would immediately precede Cat and Papa. Thankfully, Arabella’s condition, as well as her emotional state, had much improved since her arrival. She looked almost her old self again, if a bit thinner and more sober of manner.

  Elizabeth returned with Papa, and Harriett went to fetch Arabella. She saw Elizabeth cast one furtive glance at their prodigal sister, who stared down at the carpet. Her older sister’s jaw tightened, and Harriett winced. Clearly, forgiveness was not yet an option. Then the music began to swell, and they began the long walk down the aisle.

  Many a sniffle was heard as Cat and Hammond exchanged their vows before the assembly, and their chaste kiss elicited a collective feminine sigh. That theirs was a love match was plain to all present.

  As they progressed back up the aisle, Harriett was pleased to mark that Arabella’s presence appeared to be of only minor interest to the crowd—the nasty looks Nanette was casting her way were of far greater import. For the benefit of their audience, she smiled beatifically at her erstwhile rival as she passed, causing the woman to puff up like an angry, wet hen.

  Murmurs rippled behind them as those who had taken note began to spread the word. Beside Nanette, Russell stared straight ahead. She knew from his letter that he held no ill will toward her, but such was certainly not the case concerning his lady wife, who was most apparent in her animosity.

  The newlyweds were bustled off to their carriage amid a deluge of flower petals and exuberant cheers. Harriett stood with Roland and watched with contentment the departure of her baby sister. “Tonight’s celebration will be our last in London for a while,” she said, leaning on his arm as they turned to go back into the church.

  “Oh, I think we might be able to return next Season,” he said lightly. “By then we’ll be an old married couple and of no interest. Some new scandal will come along and London will forget all about us.”

  Though she tried to repress it, a smile quirked the corners of her mouth. “Actually, I think I might like to stay in Cambridgeshire next Season.”

  “Oh? Eager to have me all to yourself, are you?” he teased, his low laugh sending a tingle of anticipation up her spine. “I’m sure we can find ways to keep ourselves entertained while in the country. We can always play footman and kitchen maid.”

  Blushing, she laughed. “Mm. Yes, there is that. But in truth, I rather doubt I shall be able to travel again until at least a year has passed.”

  Roland stopped in his tracks, his glance darting to her midsection. “How long?”

  “Why, on our wedding night, of course,” she said with mock indignation.

  “Well, of course,” he agreed, a slow smile spreading across his face to light his honey-brown eyes. Coming closer, he reached up and caressed her cheek. “Perhaps I spoke too soon about our scandal blowing over so quickly. I’m tempted to cause another—right now.”

  “Are you?” She felt the familiar pull of desire as his eyes darkened.

  “I am. Your sister’s wasn’t the only love match made this Season, you know.” Bending, he drew her into his arms and kissed her.

  Delighted gasps mingled with mutters of disapproval from several of the stragglers who’d been lingering in the church vestibule.

  Harriett, however, didn’t mind at all.
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  Epilogue

  Kimbolton Castle, Cambridgeshire, 1744

  “William, don’t wander,” Harriett called, laughing as Arabella shepherded their wayward son, scolding him all the way back to where Isabelle and Eudora played on the blanket. At not quite two, his little legs were too short to allow him to escape his aunt.

  “She seems happy here,” said Roland, handing her a glass of lemonade and sitting down beside her.

  “Yes, I suppose she is.” Indeed, her sister seemed happier now than she had been since she was in pinafores. “She’s settled in quite nicely. But I still think she ought not to give up entirely on the idea of marrying. It’s been more than two years.”

  “I wouldn’t be in any rush to suggest it,” advised her husband. “Here, she at least has a measure of peace and security. London holds nothing but anxiety and possibly even pain for her.”

  “I wasn’t thinking of London,” Harriett replied, shifting a bit to better avoid an inconveniently placed tree root. “I doubt she’d want to go there any time soon with him still about.” She’d finally told him the rest of the tale about a year ago. “But she might consider marrying someone else, someone local.”

  “Perhaps.” His noncommittal answer told her he didn’t think there was much chance of it happening.

  “I don’t suppose we’ll make it to London any time soon” she sighed, patting her swollen belly. “Only one month left before this ship sails.”

  “And I shall be quite content to remain here after its launch,” he said, stretching out in the shade cast by the willow under which they sat. He looked at her adoringly. “London has its charms, but none of them as charming as you, my love.”

  Smiling, she set her book aside, using the letter she’d received earlier that day to mark her place. “Cat thinks Papa will be too busy wooing Widow Wallingford to care whether or not we visit, and Elizabeth won’t be there either. She and her friend Mrs. Wortley have decided to have an adventure, apparently. They are planning a trip together to tour the ancient wonders of Greece.”