“It is pretty,” Opal thoughtfully replied as she picked the design up from the table and took a good look at it. “Should I be concerned about how romantic it looks? This marriage isn’t the love match I was hoping for.”
“Not now, but you never know where things will lead,” Iris’ mother said. “When Iris married Warren, she didn’t think she’d even like him, but as you can see, everything turned out perfectly.” She tapped her granddaughter affectionately on the nose and smiled.
“Well, to be fair, Warren couldn’t even remember my name when he found out he’d been arranged to marry me,” Iris spoke up. “I didn’t think he’d ever have any interest in me.”
“No one can fault you for thinking that,” her mother allowed. “But your father was optimistic, and you’re happy now.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Pleased her daughter had agreed with her, the lady turned her attention back to Opal. “If it was me, I’d go with the romantic one. It might bring some good fortune your way.” Then in a lower voice, she whispered, “I insisted that Iris wear a romantic gown, and look at how well things worked out.”
Iris looked up from her son. “What was that?” she asked her mother.
“Nothing. I was just encouraging Opal to go with her heart,” her mother replied then gave Opal a wink when Iris’ gaze went back to her son.
Opal chuckled under her breath. “I don’t know. I think Landon might resent me for forcing him into the marriage. I know I didn’t intentionally bring him into a scandal, but I was careless. He must be upset with me.”
“Would it put your mind at ease if you went to see him?” Iris’ mother asked.
“Warren won’t allow it,” Iris spoke up. “He’s afraid it will only cause more rumors, and right now, that’s the last thing he wants.”
“What if I went with her?” her mother offered. “I could offer to chaperone.”
“I don’t know,” Iris replied. “Warren wants everything to be as un-scandalous as possible until the wedding. He’s out right now getting the special license.”
“Right now? How soon is he planning to have this wedding?”
“As soon as the vicar will perform the ceremony.”
“Oh goodness. That doesn’t leave us with a lot of time.” She shot Opal a pointed look. “When Warren sets his mind to something, there’s no stopping him.”
“Yes, I know,” Opal said. “There’s no talking him out of something if he wants it badly enough, either.” And one thing he definitely wanted was to clear her name of the scandal.
The butler came into the room. “Forgive me for interrupting. A lady by the name of Miss Portemaine wishes to have a word with Miss Beaufort.”
Opal thought over the ladies she’d met in London, and she couldn’t recall one by that name.
“The name sounds familiar,” Iris spoke up. “Let her in.” After he left, she glanced at her mother and Opal. “She might be Lord Royce’s daughter, and Warren knows Lord Royce.”
Iris’ mother gave Danielle to Opal, gathered the pictures of the gowns, and stood up. “We’ll go with the romantic one. For luck. I’ll have a seamstress come by later today.”
“Mother, I can’t think of a single person who is as enthusiastic about clothes as you are,” Iris mused.
“Clothes are important,” her mother said. “We’d all be naked without them.”
Iris shook her head and waited until her mother was gone before she told Opal, “You are the best thing that ever happened to her. She’s been ecstatic ever since you’ve come to live here so she can have someone to buy clothes with.”
Opal grinned as she bounced the girl in her arms. “Your mother has excellent taste. I get lots of compliments on my gowns because of her.”
“I know. She really does have excellent taste, but I get bored of searching for the right type of gown to wear.”
Opal didn’t think she could ever tire of something as fun as looking for new clothes, but maybe that was because she’d spent so much of her childhood without much to choose from.
The butler came back into the room with a young lady who had her head bowed. It took Opal a moment to realize it was the same lady from last evening at the ball. She’d been the one who’d supported Lord Asheley when he’d cried scandal.
“I think she’s here to see me,” Opal told Iris.
“In that case, I’ll leave you two alone,” Iris replied.
Iris took Danielle in her free arm and offered Miss Portemaine a greeting before she left.
Opal turned to the lady who was probably only a year younger than her. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
Miss Portemaine finally looked at her, and Opal noted the regret in her eyes. She felt bad for claiming that Opal and Landon had been involved in a scandal. She’d probably come by to apologize for it and was afraid Opal wouldn’t forgive her.
Opal turned to the butler. “Please bring us some green tea and some crumpets.” She waited for the butler to leave then went over to Miss Portemaine. “I think we’ll be more comfortable if we sit,” she said and then gently led her to the settee. “Please, have a seat.”
The lady brushed back a stray lock of brown hair over her ear and then sat down. She wore a dress that was nice enough, but the color and the design of it didn’t do much to flatter her figure. Nor did she have a particularly attractive hairstyle.
Ignoring the observation, Opal settled beside her and smiled in encouragement. “You have nothing to fear with me. I’m not going to be harsh with you.”
Finally, Miss Portemaine made eye contact with her. “I wasn’t able to sleep at all last night. I feel terrible for what I did.”
Opal smiled. “It wasn’t your fault. Lord Asheley was the one who instigated the whole thing.”
“But I didn’t have to go along with it.”
“Why did you go along with it?” Opal asked, sensing that the lady needed to tell her in order to feel better.
“My brother owed Lord Asheley a debt that Lord Asheley said he’d forgive if I got involved. I’m so sorry, Miss Beaufort.”
“You mustn’t feel bad. This is not your doing. Lord Asheley was upset because he didn’t like something I said to him. He was using you to get revenge on me.” Opal gave her an encouraging smile. “I would have done the same thing if I had been in your situation.”
“You would have?”
“I love my brother. He’s the most wonderful gentleman I’ve ever known. If he owed a debt and I could get him out of it, I would do so.”
She finally relaxed. “I would do anything for my brother. He’s always been good to me.”
The butler came into the room and set the tray in front of them.
As he left, Opal poured tea into their cups. “Is your father Lord Royce?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“My brother might know him.”
“My father has mentioned Lord Steinbeck in passing. I think it had something to do with discussing a prospective investment.”
Opal giggled. “My brother’s main love in life is making money. If it has anything to do with investments, I’m not surprised Warren was involved.”
Miss Portemaine accepted the cup Opal offered her. “London is a small place. At least for the gentlemen. It seems that my father knows every gentleman who has a title.”
“I think since titled gentlemen have estates to pass onto their heirs, they have a good reason to find out who can lead them to profitable ventures.”
She took a sip of the tea then nodded. “Titled gentlemen have so much pressure. It makes me glad I’m a lady.”
“I don’t know. It seems that ladies have to worry about marrying the right kind of gentleman.”
“Yes, that’s true. The wrong one would make a miserable husband.” She bit her lower lip. “Is Lord Farewell one of those who might make a miserable husband?”
“I don’t think so. Warren says his reputation is impeccable and he has a sizable fortune.”
&
nbsp; “Lord Asheley seems to think Lord Farewell is a poor match for a lady.”
“That’s because Lord Farewell has a lisp.”
“He does?”
Opal nodded. “I heard it, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me. The quality of the gentleman is much more important than how eloquent he is in his speech.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Opal took a sip of her tea then reached for a crumpet. “Would you like one?” she offered.
“Yes, I would. I felt so awful about what I did that I haven’t been able to eat anything all day.”
“Oh, then you should have two.” Opal put her cup down and grabbed a cloth napkin to put the two crumpets on. As she handed them to her, she said, “I’m glad you came by. I hate to think you would have spent the entire day worried about last evening.”
“You’re very kind, Miss Beaufort. I don’t know if I deserve it.”
“Sure, you do. We both have brothers who are good to us. That’s something to celebrate, if you think about it.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
“You can refer to me as Opal.”
Though Opal sensed a shyness on the lady’s part, she answered, “I’m Blanche.”
Opal picked her cup back up and asked Blanche what she thought of the Season, and from there, the two continued their conversation.
Chapter Five
“I don’t know anything about being married,” Landon said from where he stood in the drawing room of the townhouse he was thinking of renting.
“No gentleman does until he takes a bride,” Guy assured him.
Landon glanced around the room. It was already furnished. The owner was Lady Chadwick, and all he knew about her was that she was a widow. She rented the place to get some extra income. The servants, of course, would be his to employ.
“You think I need to get a townhou-” He stopped before he could finish the sentence. He’d rather not lisp if he could avoid it, even if he was with his brother.
“Opal is used to being in London,” Guy said. “She has family here. I’m sure she has friends here as well. I think she’ll adapt to the marriage quicker if you don’t haul her off to the country.”
Landon couldn’t argue his point. He’d much rather run off to the country right after the marriage. He was inclined to even offer her a marriage where they could live in separate places, thereby allowing her freedoms most wives never had. But there was a part of him that wanted to be near her. She was so beautiful. He’d have to be made of stone not to want to at least be able to look at her while they ate a meal together.
Guy lifted the sheet from the desk and then checked out the settee. “All of the furniture is in good condition. I think it will make a new wife happy. All ladies like fine things.”
Yes, he supposed Guy was right.
His brother walked over to him. “Landon, I know being in London won’t be easy for you, but doesn’t it help to know that me and my wife will be nearby? You won’t be alone.”
That was the problem. Landon had gotten so used to being alone that he actually preferred it.
Guy put his hand on Landon’s shoulder. “If you don’t want to do this for yourself, then do it for Opal. Her family is only two blocks away. She’ll be able to visit them whenever she wishes.”
Landon nodded. “You’re right. I need to think of her.”
“Good. Then let’s tell Lady Chadwick that you’ll rent it.”
Guy led him to the entryway where the owner and her coachman were waiting for him. Lady Chadwick was probably in her late fifties and had a distinguished look about her. No doubt she was influential in the Ton.
“We’re sorry to keep you waiting,” Guy told them.
“That’s all right,” Lady Chadwick replied. “I want to make sure the person who rents this lovely townhouse will enjoy it.”
“It…” Landon hesitated. He couldn’t say ‘is’ without letting her know he had a lisp. “I like it,” he amended.
“Good.” She clasped her hands together and smiled. “You seem like such a nice young gentleman.”
“He is,” Guy replied. “I’m sure his wife will enjoy it, too.”
“A wife?” She turned her gaze to Landon. “Are you married?”
“Not yet,” Landon replied.
“He will be soon,” Guy said. “In fact, that’s why he’s looking for a townhouse. He wants a place that’s close to her family.”
“How lovely.” Lady Chadwick smiled at Landon. “There was another gentleman interested in this place, but I’m going to let you rent it. I’d rather see it go to a newly married couple. My husband and I had many good memories here. I’m not superstitious by nature, but I tend to think that when people move into a happy home, good things will happen to them.”
“I like that sentiment, Lady Chadwick,” Guy said.
She smiled at Landon’s brother, and Landon was glad he had asked Guy to come along. It was nice when Guy did the talking for him.
After Landon finalized the transaction, he and Guy went to Guy’s smaller townhouse. As soon as the butler opened the door, he informed them that Lord Steinbeck was waiting for them.
Opal’s brother was here? Already? Had he had time to think over things and decided his sister was better off in a convent than married to him?
Guy glanced at him. “I’m sure you’re still getting married,” he whispered.
Ever since they were children, Guy had the uncanny ability to read his mind. Instead of answering, Landon walked into the drawing room where Guy’s wife, Virginia, was holding her six-month-old daughter in her arms. Warren was sipping tea while she talked.
“I think it was around three months when little Thalia started to babble,” Virginia was telling him. “She does it all the time now, and she loves to smile and laugh. Babies get a lot more interesting as they get older.”
“Darling,” Guy interrupted as he walked over to her, “I don’t think you need to be boring our future brother-in-law. Why don’t we go to another room and let him talk to Landon?”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you two were here,” she said as she rose to her feet.
“We just returned.” He glanced at Warren. “Landon found a townhouse to rent. It’s only two blocks from you. That will allow Opal to visit you and your family as often as she wants.” He placed his hand on the small of Virginia’s back. “We’ll leave you and Landon to talk.”
Warren offered a nod, and Landon waited until they left the room before he went to the chair across from him and sat down. He’d thought it might be easier to face the gentleman this time now that the initial shock of the scandal had passed, but it was just as difficult. In fact, he couldn’t bring himself to look Warren in the eye at all.
“I wanted to have the wedding today,” Warren began, “but my mother-in-law has her heart set on Opal wearing a specially made gown for the occasion. So we’re probably going to have the wedding in a week.”
Landon knew Warren was disappointed they had to wait, but he was secretly relieved. It gave Opal more time to prepare for the sudden change in her life. Forcing his gaze to Warren’s, he nodded that he would marry Opal in a week.
This seemed to satisfy Warren since he continued, “Even though my mother-in-law and Opal are going through the trouble of having a gown that will be,” he rolled his eyes, “romantic, the ceremony will be a small one. You are welcome to invite your brother, his wife, and their daughter, but I’d rather you not invite anyone else.”
“That will be fine,” Landon replied.
Warren didn’t say anything for a long moment. He seemed as if he wanted to say something but was carefully weighing his words.
Landon cleared his throat, not sure if there was anything he should say or not. If he was eloquent in speech, he might venture a few words that would hopefully reassure Warren that he wasn’t going to do anything to hurt Opal. He would give her the respect that was due to her. But how could he say that without sounding like a simpleton who had trouble s
peaking without a lisp…or speaking at a slow rate as he judged each word before saying it?
“I hesitate to bring this up,” Warren finally began, “but I think the sooner we deal with this, the better.”
Landon’s gaze met Warren’s again, and he stiffened, sure he wasn’t going to like this. He, however, needed to listen to him. Warren was Opal’s brother, and if Warren had concerns about him, he needed to address them.
Warren drummed his fingers on the armchair for several seconds then continued. “I know the lisp makes you self-conscious. Given the things I’ve heard about you over the years, I don’t blame you for withdrawing yourself from as many people as possible. I understand why you were in my den last evening conducting business with Lord Asheley. You didn’t wish anyone else to overhear you in case you had to talk.”
“My brother owed him money,” Landon said, his voice low. “I paid off a debt.”
Warren glanced at the empty doorway. “Would I be right to assume your brother’s wife didn’t know about this debt?”
He hated to speak ill of his brother, but he owed it to Warren to know the truth. “You would be right.” He cleared his throat, eager to change topics. “I never meant to get Opal in trouble. I would never put a lady in a predicament where people had to wonder about her reputation.”
“I understand that was my sister’s fault. She had no idea how careless her actions were. I should have warned her that she must not be caught alone with a gentleman. I was so busy making up lists of potential suitors that it slipped my mind.”
Landon wanted to ask if he had made it on the list, but he already knew the answer. He hadn’t been. Not only was he an undesirable match for Warren’s sister, but up until yesterday, he hadn’t even been in London.
“I don’t blame you for this,” Warren said. “I blame myself for not taking better care to explain to Opal how to properly conduct herself at the balls.”
“Opal overheard a lady making fun of the way I talk,” he said, choosing his words with care. “Opal didn’t know that I’m already aware of what people think about me.”
Warren studied him. “You’re doing remarkably well as we’re talking. You haven’t let out a single lisp.”
The Reclusive Earl Page 4
