Wit & Intrigue (An Assignation to Remember Book 1)

by Angela Johnson

  Without another word she crossed to the bed and stretched out in the middle making certain he knew there was no space available. After changing in his dressing room, Alex made his way to the very uncomfortable chairs and spent his wedding night trying to sleep while sitting up.

  Chapter 19

  Alex stayed away from Debra as much as possible while at Waverly Keep unless it was a meal. The wedding trip was not much to speak of, as he decided to spend the majority of it in the library or out of the house.

  Debra made the most of the time, and found joy in writing her novels, which he supported as it did not involve him, although it took every ounce of self-control not to beg for details. He wanted to know what she was writing and exploring. Instead, she refused to speak to him, so the questions she’d asked in the barn were not revisited.

  Trying to speak to his wife was a challenge. Her responses never went above one word. “How did you spend your day?”

  “Writing.”

  “Will you tell me about your characters?”

  “No.”

  “Are you finding joy in your time here?”

  “Yes.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows and cringed at the amused look on the footmen’s faces. If he found they were discussing his and Debra’s relationship, he’d make certain to get a new staff. Of course, it was his father’s decision, but he would strongly suggest getting new people if needed.

  Finished with his supper, Alex worried about the next few hours. Every night they sat together in the parlor for appearances. If they both went to different rooms, it would be cause for mention. He stood, as Debra left the table and thought of how to speak with her as the butler entered the room.

  “My lord,” Pearson said, “you have a visitor.”

  Alex exchanged a surprised look with Debra. “Who is it Pearson?” Taking the card from the tray, Alex looked to his wife. “Apparently Mr. and Mrs. Baker are here.”

  Not breaking her one-word response pattern to him she simply said, “oh?”

  “Do you know why they have come?” Alex asked in frustration. He truly was getting upset with the lack of response from her.

  “No.”

  “I left them in the parlor, my lord. Should I show them in here for refreshment?”

  “No, Pearson. Please have a tray sent in.”

  “Should I have a guest room made up for them?”

  “Yes, thank you Pearson.”

  Alex held his arm out for Debra. He thought of speaking but could not figure out what to say. This would be the rest of their life, if he didn’t break through her defenses.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Baker, welcome to Waverly Keep,” Alex said trying to sound as though he were happy.

  “Lord and Lady Trenton, I must admit you do look miserable together!” Baker’s words spliced through Alex. He noticed the increasing chill in Debra’s demeanor as Baker spoke. “I suppose I should be thankful I married a less reserved woman.”

  Alex followed the lustful gaze Baker gave to Mrs. Baker. She sat in a respectful manner on the couch while her husband helped himself to a drink at the sideboard.

  “Debra, I have missed you.” Rilla rushed over as though meeting for the first time in months. Since it’d only been a week, Alex found the dramatic reunion humorous.

  “What brings you to this area?” Alex asked leading Debra to the couch. Being rude to anyone was beneath him.

  “I have need of help, if you must know, but we can speak about it tomorrow.” Baker took a seat as though he owned the house.

  Rilla took hold of Debra’s hands. “Do you have questions about the family? I can tell you anything you would like to know.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows. He and Debra had only been at Waverly Keep a week. It wasn’t as though they’d been separated long. “Is there anything new happening?”

  “The house party ended after the wedding.” Baker said while emptying the glass of whiskey.

  Information they already had, but he’d been raised to treat people with kindness. His mother was not there to see all the lessons she’d forced on him in manners had made a difference. He’d need to inform her of his self-control as he truly wanted to send Mr. and Mrs. Baker to the local tavern for the night.

  “Samuel and Leigh already left for London,” Rilla said trying to keep the conversation going.

  Again, they knew this as the plan was to meet both their families for the season.

  Pointing to a table, Baker asked, “Trenton, why don’t we leave the women to their gossip while we play a game?”

  “Unfortunately, I am not in the mood for a game tonight.” Alex crossed to the window to look out. He married into this situation; he’d have to find a way to speak with the man when needed. But this was his home, and he’d never planned to invite Mr. Baker for a visit. If Debra wanted her sister at the house, it wouldn’t hurt, but he wouldn’t willingly invite Baker.

  “Come now, Trenton, you are quite boring when you are out of humor.”

  “You will be leaving after breakfast tomorrow?” Debra asked breaking her one-word rule. Of course, she was not speaking to Alex so it could be a rule only for him.

  “One would think we are not welcome here.” Baker looked between them as though expecting a denial of the statement. When it didn’t come, he cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should speak of our purpose.”

  “We sit in anticipation.” Alex said with derision.

  “I came to ask you for a loan.”

  Alex looked to see Debra’s response, hoping to exchange joint exasperation. This could be a moment joining them together as husband and wife. If they could battle George Baker, they could work out their issues. Instead, she kept her eyes on the wall. He briefly wondered what was happening inside her head. Was she present in the moment? Or was she thinking of her manuscript? He had a feeling, of late, she spent more time daydreaming than she did in reality.

  “It will only be a loan. I will pay you back as soon as the investment I have goes through.”

  Alex knew Baker well enough to know there was no investment, and if there were, it was not a wise venture. Waverly loaned money to his younger brothers and Alex now realized this was a part of family, especially when you were wealthy.

  “How much do you need?”

  This statement brought Debra’s head around with a glare in his direction. Does she not want me to help?

  “Thank you, Trenton, it will not be much. I could survive on a thousand pounds.

  Alex did not know what amount to expect, but a thousand was much higher than he was comfortable with. “Is there not a lower sum?”

  “No, I have other people who have invested with me, and I need to show I can handle my side of the venture.”

  “Lord Trenton,” Rilla said while holding Debra’s hands, “my husband will be careful with the money. He will use it for the investment.”

  “I find it to be an exorbitant amount.” Alex looked back to Debra hoping she’d join with him, but she turned her head toward the door as though she longed to be in her chambers writing again.

  “Trenton, if I had the money to spare, I would put more than a measly thousand into the venture. But as was discussed during your stay at Woodland Manor I am not wealthy, and Rilla’s dowry was much less than Lady Trenton’s.

  “I still find Grandmama’s decision to leave you the entire fortune to be cruel. I thought she loved me as well.” Rilla’s injured feelings showed as she wiped at an actual tear away.

  “Baker, I understand your desire to invest. Perhaps if you could show me the investment paperwork.” Alex wanted to help if it would be of use to the couple, but he had a feeling this money would go to the gambling tables as had Rilla’s dowry.

  Throwing back another glass of whiskey, Baker shook his head as though disappointed. “I realized once we arrived I had left the paperwork at the manor.” As though he needed to convince Alex just a tad bit more, Baker poured another glass and found a new tactic. “The investment is time sensitive. If I do not h
ave the money to them by morning, I will not be able to join.”

  “Perhaps it is for the best. I will go with you tomorrow and meet with the investors so I can determine the validity of the project and see where my money will go.” He took notice of Debra’s eyes, they looked glossed over. A wave of anger went through him as he assumed she truly was daydreaming. He was stuck speaking with her family over finances while she dreamed her life away.

  Fighting for control of his emotions, Alex walked to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. The blank glaze in Debra’s eyes told him he’d successfully ruined any chance of happiness with his wife. She was completely outside of the conversation.

  As though Rilla noticed his attention was off of her husband who continued to speak although Alex didn’t hear a word, Rilla took hold of Debra’s hand. He hoped Rilla would convince Debra to take a walk so they could speak in private. In this imaginary conversation, Debra would express her worry, hurt, and fears and Rilla would find a way to resolve the problems as a confidant would. But his hopes were dashed.

  “Debra, can you not convince your husband to assist us? This is an opportunity we cannot pass by as another will not ever come our way.” Focused on her own needs, Rilla completely missed Debra’s lackluster temperament.

  “Have you eaten this evening? Or should I have a tray taken up to your room?” Debra’s broken voice pierced through his heart like a needle.

  “We do not plan to stay here,” Rilla said as though scandalized, “you are newly married. We have no desire to interrupt.”

  “Rilla is right,” Baker said with a jovial laugh, “if this discussion could wait, we would not be here now. No. No. No. We will stay at the local tavern.” Holding out his hands as though either Alex or Debra were ready to argue and deny him the tavern, Baker looked expectantly at Alex.

  Tired of the entire charade, Alex nodded and walked to the table with pen and paper. If giving him the sum would rid them of Baker’s presence, it was worth every sixpence. He wrote a promissory note and handed it to the groveling man.

  “When should I expect to see a return on this investment?”

  “October at the latest.”

  Baker looked at the note in his hand and moved toward the door. “Rilla, let us not bother Lord and Lady Trenton any longer.”

  Alex watched as Mr. and Mrs. Baker rushed from the room and when the door to the front of the house closed behind him, Alex let out a sigh of frustration.

  “You will never see that money again,” Debra said turning to him.

  “I am well aware of this, Love.”

  “Then why did you give it to him?”

  Alex moved to the chair he usually occupied at night. He wanted to ask her if she had given up on ignoring him but thought better of the anger his words would spike. “It might be fanciful of me, but I pray he uses it to invest wisely for not only his own sake, but that of your sister and their future children.”

  As the conversation died out, Alex picked up the newspaper knowing she’d speak to him no longer. Perhaps she would see the charitable side of him, and it would spark a sense of friendship. He could only hope, as he feared their lives would be very lonely if they continued on in this manner.

  Chapter 20

  The wedding trip to Waverly Keep was uneventful for the most part. She enjoyed the grounds, riding Starlight, playing with Portia, and writing in the garden. The alone time would be very lonely if not for her puppy and the new characters forming in her mind. With nothing to do, other than self-entertainment, Debra started a new manuscript. Normally, she would wait to put a name at the top, but this time she chose to start out with the title, The Maiden Wife.

  She’d been starry eyed and foolish to believe she was in love with Alex, or Lord Trenton, as she’d gone back to calling him. Everything Margaret had said to her during their short time as friends was a warning. Margaret predicted Lord Trenton’s indifference, and even said it was likely due to her red hair and freckles. All of this would be resolved once they arrived in London.

  Time at Waverly Keep was short as they were expected in London for the season. The ride from Devon to the bustling city was quiet. She did not know what Lord Trenton had done during their time at the Keep, but she’d made certain to stay as far away from him as possible and he’d only crossed her path at meals and evenings.

  “Did you enjoy Waverly Keep?” Lord Trenton asked with an obvious attempt at conversation.

  “I did. Thank you for asking.” She averted her eyes and pulled Portia closer for comfort while the carriage rocked back and forth. The puppy truly was a companion for her. Debra did not want to see the hazel of Alex’s eyes, as it could easily be construed as ugly until the sunlight hit them, and then they generally had a greenish tint. Remembering this made her heart hurt, and she went back to despising the hazel.

  “My parents would like us to winter at Trenton Hall. It is located near Exeter. It is not as large as Waverly Keep, but it is nice and has been well cared for.”

  “I’m certain it will be lovely.” Her noncommittal tone was the only way of hiding her hurt and loneliness.

  “Starlight will be moved to Trenton Hall so you will have him there.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Debra?”

  “What?” She’d decided long before this moment she wasn’t going to let him off easy. He’d need to make a gallant apology if she were to forgive him.

  “I do not want my parents knowing about our difficulties.” The look of sadness on his face almost took down the walls she built to keep him out… almost.

  “Nor do I, my lord.”

  “Then you will need to rid your face of the scowl, and refer to me as Alex again, my dear.”

  Debra turned to look at him. She wanted to show a full scowl as she spoke, but how could one look angry while riding in a carriage being jostled about? “Tell me, husband, is our marriage still so burdensome to you that you cannot imagine children with me?”

  “How am I supposed to find love with you? You ignore me and treat me with contempt whenever we are together.”

  “My lord, until you can honestly tell me you want to be a part of this marriage, I will not refer to you with your Christian name. In front of your parents and siblings I will be respectful, but in private you cannot expect me to be anything but as I now am.”

  She almost questioned her anger when she saw his head drop in shame. It was obvious he was struggling with these feelings, but he should have told her before they were married.

  “I have thought often of our predicament since our wedding day.”

  “I suppose I should rejoice in your attempt of reconciliation.”

  “Debra, I know I hurt you.”

  “Do not flatter yourself.” She straightened her dress and adjusted her posture. She would not allow him the satisfaction of knowing he’d caused her pain. The anger and temper were her ways of hiding the absolute hurt and loneliness from his indifference. “I will keep silent on the subject of our marital issues, as long as you do as well.”

  “I have no desire to share our troubles with anyone.” Alex looked tortured as he spoke.

  Why do I feel guilty? He is the one who cannot love me. He is the one who tainted our marriage with indifference. But the guilt plagued her throughout the trip to London. Upon arriving at Mayfair Townhouse, Debra was thankful for the separation from Lord Trenton as she was shown to her bedchamber.

  Debra watched as her maid unpacked her trunk. She read a letter from her mother, letting her know they’d arrived in London for the season as well. Longing to see her family and feel comfortable, she looked out the window contemplating how lonely her life had become.

  “My lady.”

  “Hmmm?” Debra questioned as she continued to look out the window focused on the carriages as they passed. It wasn’t an overly busy street, but there were people out.

  “Lord Trenton entrusted this package to me. It is for you.”

  She took a deep breath. “Did he say anything
when he gave it to you?”

  “No, Lady Trenton.” She was not used to being addressed as such. The title did not feel right, as she technically was not a complete wife to Lord Trenton. The decision was his! She reminded herself as she’d almost allowed a softness to enter her thoughts in regard to her husband.

  “Parchment?” She raised her eyebrows at her maid. Was this the start to mend their relationship? Alex had to know parchment would be romantic.

  “I do not know, my lady.”

  Debra clamped her mouth shut. She promised not to air their marital problems, but she desperately needed to speak with someone about the problems in her marriage. It would be inappropriate to say anything to her maid, as it would be spread as wildfire through the serving staff. “Thank you for delivering the package, Annie.”

  As her maid went back to straightening the room, Debra grabbed her Peterson’s Magazine and flipped through the dress designs to the novelettes. She curled her legs up and read a short story about a Mr. Gray and a Miss Anders meeting at a dance in Ipswich. Before she realized it, the sun had set, and Annie lit a lamp for her to continuing reading. She’d have to find the courage to thank Alex the following morning for the parchment and then she’d need to forego her pride and let down her guard.

  The air was easier to breath on the outskirts of the crowd at Almack’s. Not certain why they were there, as Almack’s was notorious for people searching for spouses, Debra allowed Lord Trenton to lead her through the crowd to her family. She hadn’t seen them since leaving Woodland Manor. In a strange way, she even missed Kate.

  “Lord and Lady Trenton?” A high-pitched voice interrupted Debra’s thought. She’d been so focused on her family she hadn’t noticed any acquaintances. Turning toward the sound, Debra laughed with pleasure at the sight of Lady Margaret.

  “Lady Margaret,” Alex grumbled as Debra ran into her dear friend’s arms.

  “Tell me, Lady Trenton,” Margaret said her title with so much intrigue it put Debra into laughter, “was the house and wedding trip to Waverly Keep absolutely everything you had hoped?”