To Marry A Matchmaker (Historical Romance)

by Michelle Styles

  Her head throbbed with pain. Logic. She had to think and find a way to see her way out of this tangle. ‘I want to know why Sophie lied to me about Doctor Lumley. Why she pretended to be my friend and then implicated me in this. They deceived us both.’

  Robert stood there, a muscle twitching in his cheek. Henri watched him with her heart in her throat. He had to believe her or otherwise everything they had shared counted for nothing.

  ‘Why did Cawburn take Miss Ravel in this clandestine manner? Why didn’t he court her openly?’ her aunt asked.

  ‘His creditors,’ Henri answered without hesitation. ‘He was being pressed. He’d tried to win the money back at the gaming table and lost heavily. He will have seen her fortune as the only way to free himself. But in his own way, I am sure he thinks he loves her. I truly believe that.’

  ‘He knew what he had to do to stop being pressed. I informed him of the actions required several times,’ Robert ground out. ‘He refused to listen or take any heed of my advice.’

  Henri put her hand to her throat and her knees buckled. Robert was Sebastian’s main creditor, the man pushing Sebastian to the brink? She stumbled over to the armchair as her stomach roiled.

  ‘You? You hold his paper? Then you are to blame for this!’ Henri cried. ‘You were the creditor who had pushed Sebastian to this?’

  ‘It seemed prudent.’ Robert pulled at his cuffs stubbornly. A faint flush appeared on his cheeks. ‘I wanted his situation to be brought home to him. All he needed to do was to clear his debts and the obstacle to my ward would have been removed. He refused. I then asked him to quit the neighbourhood. He refused. I was left with no choice.’

  Henri rolled her eyes heavenwards. He’d pushed and pushed Sebastian until Sebastian had had to act. ‘I’m pleased to have seen such a master at work. And you said that I’d no business meddling.’

  ‘I took prudent steps.’

  ‘Prudent! When has prudency ever had anything to do with love?’

  Robert gave her a knowing look and she knew he, too, remembered those highly imprudent moments in the garden this morning.

  Henri started to pace the drawing room, trying to think and to keep her mind from going back to those moments. ‘Sebastian is singularly lacking in imagination. He should be easy to find.’

  ‘On that we are agreed, but he has had the wit to arrange a marriage with a very wealthy young lady.’

  ‘Only because his creditors were pressing.’ Henri glared at Robert, who developed an interest in the carpet. ‘But I want to find them. I want to make sure that Sebastian does the decent thing and that Sophie understands everyone in my family will stand by her.’

  He lifted his eyes. ‘Why?’

  Henri held out her hands. ‘You seem to feel that somehow I contributed to this débâcle. I want to find them so I can have the pleasure of wringing his neck. This is a thousand times worse than the pugs.’

  ‘Gretna Green is the usual destination in these cases,’ Aunt Frances declared. ‘We’d best start there.’

  ‘I’ve already sent my man and Mrs Ravel in pursuit. They’ve taken the express to Carlisle.’

  Henri put her hand to her throat. Mrs Ravel was already speeding her way towards Carlisle. Robert had come here not to find out about Sebastian’s whereabouts, but to punish her. But there was something that was not right. A detail. Why would Sebastian borrow her aunt’s carriage when he could simply take the train?

  ‘No, Sebastian will not go to Gretna Green,’ Henri said, tapping her fingers together. ‘Sebastian always has said that he would never elope to Gretna. It is far too plebeian. And Jedburgh is easier to get to from Corbridge if one is going by carriage. He wants you to waste time searching around Gretna Green. And he borrowed Aunt’s carriage to go visiting. It is better sprung for travelling. Details are important, Montemorcy. Instinct.’

  She tilted her chin in the air and dared Robert to argue differently.

  ‘The logic of your mind always impresses, Thorndike,’ Robert said sarcastically.

  ‘You are right, Henrietta. I’d forgotten about Jedburgh,’ Aunt Frances said far too quickly. ‘Only a month ago, the farmer’s daughter and the butcher’s son went up there and returned wed. Of course, her mother insisted on a church blessing of the marriage. But it was the talk of the ball.’

  ‘And he will not go to the Continent, not without securing his funds first,’ Robert said, stalking about the room. ‘But a Scottish marriage is not what I would have wanted for Sophie. They can go through a proper church marriage.’

  ‘But what does Sophie want? ‘ Henri said, crossing her arms and looking hard at Robert. ‘Even my cousin is not that insensible to society’s dictates. He knows that he cannot just ruin a débutante and he needs her funds. I do hope Sophie knew what she was doing. Did she take anything with her?’

  ‘Apparently a frying pan. Why Sophie would want such an article, I have no idea. Sophie can’t cook.’

  A frying pan. Henri winced, remembering her conversation with Sophie about men who were unsafe in carriages. ‘And if Sophie doesn’t want to marry?’

  ‘They will have to be made to understand what is at stake,’ her aunt said. ‘If this Ravel chit is ruined, then he will do the decent thing…or else.’

  ‘Reluctantly, I agree with Lady Frances. Cawburn will not be allowed to ruin my ward. Either he is stopped or they marry. My promise to Sophie’s father compels me.’

  ‘Aunt.’ Henri forced her voice to stay even. The frying pan changed everything. Someone had to look after Sophie and make sure that she was all right. Someone had to stop Robert before he compounded his error. ‘It is why I plan to go with Mr Montemorcy and make Sebastian understand his position. He has gone too far this time. Even if Mr Montemorcy discovers the pair and they are unwed, Sebastian might refuse out of pure devilment.’

  Her aunt gave a reluctant nod. ‘That would be dreadful for everyone. I will go and see if Sebastian left any clues in his room.’

  She hurried from the room, holding a handkerchief to her face. Henri heard a muffled sob in the corridor.

  ‘My aunt…believed the best of her son. She thought he’d changed.’

  ‘And you would be prepared to leave immediately?’ Robert raised an arrogant eyebrow. ‘Or are you like other ladies requiring several days of preparation?’

  ‘I can leave within the hour and we can travel throughout the night.’ Henri lifted her chin. Several days of preparation! What sort of ninny did he take her for? She could travel as swiftly as any man. Swifter than most. ‘Did Sophie leave her maid?’

  ‘She did.’ Robert waved a dismissive hand. ‘I have already interviewed her. She knows nothing or at least nothing she is willing to say to me.’

  ‘Grace can come with us,’ Henri said, concentrating on the practicalities rather than on what Robert had done. ‘My aunt and I share a maid and I have no wish to deprive Aunt Frances. Grace can serve me for now. Sophie will be glad of her.’

  ‘You appear to have worked everything out in a very short period, Thorndike.’

  ‘It’s my family’s honour at stake as well yours, Mr Montemorcy.’ Henri crossed her arms. It hurt beyond describing knowing that she loved him and that he hated her—hadn’t trusted her enough to give her the benefit of the doubt in this awful situation. ‘If you refuse to allow me to join forces, I’ll go on my own. I want to clear my name, and I’ll take great pleasure in watching you eat humble pie.’

  He grabbed her elbow and murmured in her ear, ‘One of us will. If you are playing games, Thorndike, you will regret it.’

  ‘Are you a coward, Montemorcy?’ she asked in an undertone. ‘Or are you worried about something else?’

  A muscle jumped in his cheek. ‘Nothing. Do you know what you are doing?’

  ‘I can assure you that I’m able to control my desires,’ she said with dignity. He should have believed her without question. She’d mistaken lust for something more. And it would be a lesson to her. The only way she knew how to get o
ver hurt was to concentrate on someone else, and the nearest person to hand was Sophie Ravel. But whatever happened after this adventure, she and Robert were finished. Somehow the prospect made her feel unbearably sad. She was not ready for it to end. She wanted Robert to admit his mistake. She wanted to find a way, but happy-ever-afters only happened in fairy tales.

  His cool eyes assessed her. ‘Very well, you may come, Lady Thorndike, if you’re ready within the hour.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  To Robert’s astonishment, Henri was waiting in Dyvels’ courtyard with her portmanteau at her feet and a fearsome expression on her face when he returned with the carriage an hour later. And he knew that he had made a grave error. He had been far too ready to believe in her guilt, far too ready to condemn.

  ‘We should have an hour or two before the carriage lamps need to be lit and it never gets truly dark at this time of year,’ Henri said as he alighted. She moved briskly towards the carriage and he knew the ultraefficient Thorndike was back. Somewhere beneath all those layers was the passionate woman he had held in his arms this morning. His desire to reach that woman confused him. He was supposed to believe in logic, not emotions. ‘We can make good time if your carriage is fast. My aunt’s is cumbersome at best and liable to break down. Sebastian—’

  ‘We need to discuss this morning,’ Robert said in an undertone, touching her elbow. She jumped as if his touch burnt her, he noted with grim satisfaction. ‘Before you get into the carriage. Too much is unsettled.’

  Henri caught her lip between her teeth and turned her head away. Her poke bonnet shadowed her face. ‘This morning is best forgotten. An aberration. A mistake I should bitterly regret. Giving in to passion was wrong. Logic shall rule every move from now on. Pray do not refer to it again.’

  ‘But I’m very glad you did.’ He kept his back straight, but his heart sank. This was going to be harder than he had considered. He’d hoped that after a few words of apology, all would be well.

  ‘The situation became out of control for both of us.’ Her voice became clipped as if she was saying a prepared speech. ‘It must never happen again. After we find Sophie and Sebastian, then we shall only meet in public. I’m going on this journey to ensure the proper thing is done. Our friendship such as it was is over, Mr Montemorcy. There’s no trust between us.’

  ‘Whom don’t you trust, Henri?’

  ‘Please.’ She raised a gloved hand. ‘I’ve no wish for a vulgar scene.’

  Silently Robert vowed that it wasn’t over. He would discover a way to break through her barriers once again. He would find a way back. He wasn’t going to lose her now. He reached out and caught her arm. This time, she remained still. ‘I can respect your decision. It doesn’t mean I agree with it.’

  ‘We quarrelled and that’s the end to it.’

  ‘Friends can quarrel and make up. They can forgive. To understand a friend…’

  Her eyes widened and he knew that, despite everything, she was far from indifferent. ‘Are we even friends?’

  Robert took a deep breath as her words cut deep into him. ‘I’d like to think so. We have certainly gone beyond mere acquaintances.’

  ‘You did not trust me before. You believed Hortense Armstrong rather than believing in me. Common gossip. And false letters. I told you that I didn’t send you a note this morning. You wanted to believe the worst of me and you did.’ She lowered her head so the brim of her bonnet shielded her face. ‘I deserved better.’

  ‘You did. An honest mistake,’ he admitted reluctantly. ‘Am I not allowed to make mistakes? Faulty logic. Please understand, Henri, I gave my word to James Ravel that I’d keep his daughter safe. It was his dying request. James saved my life as a young man. After my father’s tragic death, all the creditors were pressing for payment; he alone stood by me and believed in me. And I’ve failed him in the one thing he asked of me. Believing the worst in you made it easier than admitting my failings.’

  Henri pulled away from his grasp, her bonnet trembling. ‘We need to leave, Mr Montemorcy, otherwise we will be forced to stop before we find them. I’ve no wish to sleep in an inn.’

  * * *

  Robert watched Henri’s chin slide downwards and then her head jerk upwards as she carefully held her body away from him. Sophie’s maid had long since given herself up to sleep. The faint light from the carriage lamps filled the carriage.

  ‘Are you too tired to continue, Henri?’ he asked softly. ‘Shall we stop?’

  She sat bolt upright and hugged her beaded reticule tighter to her chest. ‘Who, me? I can sleep anywhere. I swear it.’

  ‘I will take that under consideration. For our next wager.’

  He was rewarded with a tiny laugh. He hated the way the sound of her laugh made his heart leap. ‘Whatever it is, I’ll win. You deserve to lose.’

  ‘You always say that.’

  ‘Because it is the truth, Mr Montemorcy.’ She paused, fiddling with the catch of her reticule. Then she lifted her head and her eyes bore into him. ‘Why did you do it?’

  ‘Do what?’ He stared at her, a thousand different things coursing through his brain. Why had he kissed her? Why had he made love to her? Why had he not wanted to believe in her innocence? Why did he fear what he felt for her? He knew he wasn’t ready to give those sort of answers. He wasn’t ready to see the contempt in her eyes.

  She folded her hands in her lap. ‘There was no reason to drive Sebastian towards Queer Street and bankruptcy. I had matters perfectly under control. I’ve known my cousin far longer than you. I know how he operates.’

  His shoulders relaxed slightly. This was about Sebastian, rather than them. ‘Did you? Do you think that is the only reason it happened?’

  ‘Sophie Ravel has money and Sebastian was infatuated. But he was managing.’

  ‘On the contrary, he amassed his debts on his own. I merely bought some of his paper as insurance. Unlike your aunt, I am far from convinced that he will do the right thing without persuasion. James Ravel lost one fortune due to an aristocrat fleeing the country. He entrusted me to make sure his daughter didn’t lose a second one. I owe him that much. His daughter will not have to live like a pauper.’

  ‘And if Sophie doesn’t want to marry him? What will you do to his debts then? Will you explain to everyone that his credit is once again good now that he is no threat to you?’

  ‘The only good thing that will come of it is that some of the ordinary people, the tradesmen who extended him credit to buy his boots, or the tailor who keeps him in waistcoats, won’t suffer. Did you think about them or are they beneath your notice?’

  ‘He will pay the money back…somehow.’ She ducked her head. ‘I suppose something else will have to be sold. I’d thought he’d learnt his lesson. And everything else will go on as it always has. Sophie will suffer no lasting stain.’

  ‘You’re wrong. They will marry. They will have to. No one forced her to get into that carriage, Henri. Both you and your aunt were agreed on that. Sophie went of her free will.’

  ‘Sophie is young. If she has thought better of marrying my cousin, then what? Will she be forced to marry a debtor? How far will you go to ensure your promise to a dead man? It is Sophie’s future we are speaking about.’

  He threw his hat on to the seat and ran his hands through his hair. ‘I don’t know. I want to prevent the scandal from getting worse. Sophie needs to be protected. She is far too young to know her mind. Someone has to decide what is best for her future.’

  She wrapped her cloak about her and moved closer to the window. ‘And you know best. Just as you knew best about the notes and who to blame.’

  Robert’s breath caught. He had to take the risk and explain. ‘I was ten when my mother died and all the light went out in the world. My father brought me up to trust the rational rather than my emotions. Then he remarried—a bright young thing and he seemed to love her far more than me. He lavished all sorts of material advantage on her to keep her happy. She died giving birth to another
man’s child and he killed himself rather than continue. I then fell in love with a woman who I thought would love me for ever, only to discover she was angling after a richer prize. I find it very hard to trust instinct, Henri.’ He reached over and touched her hand. ‘I made a mistake because I wanted to. Does that satisfy your pride?’

  ‘Pride has nothing to do with it. I know forced marriages don’t work and right now I’m praying we catch up with them before Sophie is irrevocably ruined.’

  Robert felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. She hadn’t forgiven him. Henri should understand. Sophie was his responsibility. His head had been so certain that Henri had been in league with Cawburn even when his heart revolted. And he had long ago stopped trusting his heart. Only he wanted to trust it now and wasn’t sure if he could.

  ‘Ask yourself this one question, Henri—if you were faced with the same evidence, would you have acted differently? I gave a deathbed promise to her father. Long ago I learnt to distrust my feelings, but I did go to you and ask. I wanted you to be innocent. It’s why I went to you rather than going to Carlisle.’

  Henri said nothing, just stared out the window at the darkening sky.

  * * *

  ‘There is an inn ahead,’ the coachman called, waking Henri from a fitful sleep.

  All of her muscles ached. In the enclosed space, her body was more aware of him than ever. Spending time with him in an enclosed carriage might not have been the best idea she had ever had, but she was stuck, and she wanted to prove him wrong. He of all people should have trusted her implicitly. Without trust, there wasn’t anything. And yet, a tiny voice nagged in the back of her mind, she knew all about responsibility. She wanted to forgive him, particularly after hearing about his childhood. She wanted to feel his arms around her and his lips against her hair. She’d fallen in love with Robert Montemorcy.

  Love. It was not a pleasant feeling. Not like the gentle feeling of wanting to make the world a better place for someone else that she had with Edmund, but a wild untamed thing that howled in anguish because he doubted her. She’d get over it. Someday. She had to. She refused to let him use her weakness against her.