Book Read Free

Mad About You

Page 3

by Dayna Quince


  “It wouldn’t be any fun if I told you, now would it.”

  “Let’s see what your father has to say about this.”

  “Very well.” Jonathan shrugged. His mother stalked away. He hated to be the bee in her bonnet, but since his time away, something had become strained between them. He didn’t like it, but he couldn’t seem to stop it. His mother had always prodded him toward marriage. It was a joke between him and his sister. But with Lucy married off, and the awkward mess of that dreadful winter, his mother had taken the bit between her teeth with a new fervor to see him wed. He’d grown tired of it, and then angry, and now bitter. He hated to admit it, but it was the truth. He was still bitter over Thea and Major Felton. He didn’t want to hear their names. He didn’t want to know how extravagantly happy they were. It only served to remind him of the things he was lacking.

  Like love.

  He scorned it now. He didn’t need love. He didn’t want it. Whatever feelings and emotions were involved; he could do without. If there was one thing he learned from his experience last winter, it was that love was only good for some and miserable for others. It was why he was actually considering Maddie’s ridiculous plan. Maybe not so ridiculous after all. He could have a wife and not have to worry about loving her or feeling guilty that he didn’t. He wanted the burden of marriage lifted, and she wanted the same. They would both find peace from their families and go on as they wished. A true marriage of convenience, only not orchestrated by the parents but by the bride and groom. It was genius, really.

  Jonathan moved to talk to some acquaintances, but he still kept his eye on Maddie. He nodded in greeting.

  “It’s been awhile, Rigsby. What have you been doing with your time?” Sir Stanley said jovially.

  “Enjoying myself. My congratulations on your engagement.”

  “Eek. Don’t remind me. Scary business it is.” Sir Stanley yanked on his cravat.

  Jonathan frowned. “Then don’t do it.”

  The small circle of gentlemen laughed.

  “I wish it were that easy. She’d be here now if there weren’t so many preparations for the wedding going on. It’s in two weeks.”

  “You better marry that chit. No one else will have you.” Mr. Banks clapped Sir Stanley on the back.

  “Oh, I am. You can be sure. It’s just that…she was so sweet at first…and quiet. But now that the wedding is looming, she’s more like her mother than I thought. She’s banished me from spirits and sugar in my tea.”

  “I suppose that’s why they call it parson’s mousetrap—emphasis on the trap.” Jonathan laughed.

  Sir Stanley blanched. “I can only hope she calms down after the wedding.”

  Jonathan blinked as the three gentlemen went silent and sober. It was then he felt a presence beside him.

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Maddie said. “My lord, may I have a word with you?”

  Jonathan felt a smooth smile form, and then he remembered himself. “If you will excuse me.” He turned towards Maddie and they stepped a few spaces away.

  “You shouldn’t approach me like that. I’m not even sure we’ve been properly introduced.”

  “Of course we have. Four summers ago at this very house party.”

  “Oh,” Jonathan said sheepishly. “I don’t recall…”

  “I’m not the least surprised. But that doesn’t matter right now. There is a matter of concern I must discuss with you,” she whispered.

  “Such as?”

  “My father informed me that my intended will be joining the party tomorrow.”

  “Oh.”

  “Oh is all you have to say on the matter?”

  Jonathan shrugged.

  “I’d like to know how you intend to court me when I’ve been ordered to give all my attention to Lord Berett.”

  “Oh, that is a problem.” Jonathan stroked his chin.

  “Precisely.” She nodded gravely.

  Jonathan shrugged again. “Well, we will just have to deal with each problem as they arise.”

  “How?”

  “I don’t know, and we won’t know until he arrives. In the meantime, try to enjoy your evening. I hear there will be dancing after dinner.”

  “I’m never asked to dance, so I don’t give a fig.”

  “I think tonight will be different, Miss Prescott,” he said knowingly.

  Her face brightened, and she smiled. “Oh…”

  “Oh.” He repeated. “Now, we’ve spoken alone long enough. We must go back to our separate groups now.”

  She nodded, and they parted. Jonathan forced himself not to watch her walk away and returned to the small group of gentlemen.

  Lord Davey had joined them. He was betrothed to Lady Worthington's eldest daughter.

  “What the devil are you talking to her for?” he said snidely.

  “Miss Prescott? I don’t believe it’s any business of yours, Davey.”

  “She is an odd young lady.”

  “Perhaps,” Jonathan agreed, there was no denying Maddie’s oddness. “But I find ordinary things so boring these days. Miss Prescott always has something interesting to say.”

  “And something interesting to look at. She fills out that bodice like she was poured into it.” Davey sneered.

  The gentlemen laughed awkwardly, all except Rigsby. He felt a rage burn through his blood like acid. He inhaled slowly, marshaling his response. “Careful, Davey. It wouldn’t do for Miss Worthington or her mother to hear you.”

  “Right you are, Rigsby. My ears would ring for days.” Davey didn’t look the least bit chastised.

  Jonathan took another deep breath. He wanted to respond accordingly with his fists, but it was too soon to appear possessive over Maddie. He remained silent as the gentlemen continued to dissect the women around them by physical attributes, even Maddie. He wanted to drop to his knees in thanks by the time dinner was announced.

  Following Lord and Lady Worthington into the dining room like an obedient heard, Jonathan claimed his seat and took notice of Maddie’s place far at the end. He was seated between Miss Cecilia Worthington, the middle Worthington daughter, and Lady Whistler, a newly married marchioness. Her husband was much older and the highest ranking peer here. He sat beside Lady Worthington near the head of the table. Jonathan groaned inwardly. Miss Cecilia smiled expectantly. He could see her making an account of his marriageable qualities in her mind.

  “Miss Cecilia, Lady Whistler.” He did his best to appear polite but disinterested. Lady Whistler smiled warmly.

  Jonathan felt her hand touch his knee. Shit.

  “Aren’t we the lucky ones tonight, Miss Cecilia. England’s most wanted right here between us.”

  “I would never claim such a title.” Jonathan removed her hand. Had it not been for Maddie’s proposal earlier that day, he would have happily encouraged Lady Whistler, but now? Now he had better things to do.

  He turned back to Miss Cecilia, the lesser of two evils. He struggled to find something to say.

  “Aren’t I the lucky one to be flanked by such beauty?”

  Lady Whistler preened, and Miss Cecelia blushed.

  “It is a pity a worthier man could not be found,” Jonathan added. He looked down the table. “Poor Mr. Banks is glowing with envy, I see.”

  Mr. Banks sat on Miss Cecelia’s other side.

  “I’m very appreciative of my location at this fine table.” He smiled nervously as Miss Cecelia turned to face him. Mr. Banks was enjoying a flurry of attention now that his father’s once struggling Baronetcy was flourishing with money after a large quantity of iron ore was discovered under the land. He would now inherit a fortune again, but he was already a well-liked gentleman for his good looks and charm. Jonathan had to admit Mr. Banks was a good chap. He had now become very eligible which was why he was placed so highly at the table and next to the Worthington daughter next in line for marriage. Just as Jonathan was.

  He faced his plate again as the first course was set down.

  “
So very good of you to direct Miss Cecilia’s attention where it belongs. It would be a good match.”

  “As was yours, it seems. Marriage suits you.” Jonathan pointedly looked towards her husband. “A happier couple could not be found.”

  He saw Lady Whistler roll her eyes ever so slightly.

  “Yes, it does. Will you be joining the ranks with us soon?”

  “Time will tell.”

  “You’re so young and…virile. There is no hurry, is there?”

  “No. No hurry. But I can only hope to find the same love and devotion you and Lord Whistler share.”

  Jonathan took a bit of his food, smiling while he ate as Lady Whistler gave up and tended to her own food. Jonathan looked down the table again to see Maddie talking with the Vicar. His bushy white brows were furrowed as he ate his food, and Maddie talked animatedly about something.

  Miss Cecilia turned back to him at that moment, and his view was blocked.

  “My lord, I couldn’t help but notice in the drawing room that you and Miss Prescott were speaking to each other.” She tittered behind her napkin.

  “I’m afraid I’ve missed your point, Miss Cecelia.”

  She gasped. “Why ever would you speak to her?” More tittering ensued.

  “Obviously, she and I had something to discuss,” Jonathan said flatly.

  The tittering stopped. Miss Cecelia leaned closer to whisper. “But she’s mad. That is why everyone calls her Mad Maddie.”

  “I’m aware.” Jonathan struggled not to mangle his fork in his hand. “But I always thought that was only said by people with unkind hearts.”

  Miss Cecelia straightened. “I’ve heard you say it more than once.”

  “Yes, but I’ve learned the value of kindness now.”

  Miss Cecelia turned her head smartly and addressed Mr. Banks again. Jonathan enjoyed the rest of his dinner in peace.

  After the meal had been concluded, the gentlemen were invited to join the ladies in the drawing room for dancing. The chairs and sofas had been moved to the sides, and the rug rolled up. Lady Worthington had hired a violinist and pianist for the evening.

  At first, Jonathan couldn’t find Maddie amid the clusters of guests against the far wall, but then he did. She’s taken a chair behind where her father stood talking with Jonathan's father and Lord Worthington. They would garner enough attention when they danced, but now he would be asking her in front of both their fathers. He wanted to groan, but instead, he waited and watched as the first brave dancers took their places on the floor. He lost sight of Maddie again. He made his way to that side of the room as he formed a plan. Approaching his father and the group, he joined them. He could see Maddie take notice of him from her seat, but he pretended not to see her at first.

  Knowing what little he did of Maddie’s father, he took careful stock of him.

  “Sir William was just speaking of his acquaintance, Lord Berett, who will be joining us tomorrow. Lord Berett is a collector of medieval artifacts and an enthusiast of the era.”

  “How interesting. He will enjoy the festivities very much,” Jonathan replied.

  He caught sight of Maddie from between Lord Worthington and Sir William.

  “Miss Prescott, I did not see you there. Good evening.”

  Maddie stood.

  Sir William and Lord Worthington parted to make room for her.

  “Good evening, Lord Rigsby. How is your sister?”

  “She is well. Motherhood suits her. I wish I could say it has had a calming effect, but she remains unchanged.”

  “That is excellent to hear.” Maddie smiled.

  Her father turned stiffly and glowered down at her. “How so?”

  “Lady Lucy is a vibrant young woman of intelligence and joy. I would hope motherhood only brightens her inner light, not dim it.”

  “And so it has,” Lord Heath responded.

  Sir William looked supremely annoyed with his daughter, which in turn infuriated Jonathan. Maddie’s remarks were in the very least kind, whereas Sir William’s were not. Jonathan’s dislike for Sir William grew significantly.

  Hearing the strains of another set begin, Jonathan presented his hand to Maddie. “May I have this dance, Miss Prescott?”

  Jonathan could feel the ripple of surprise from the three gentlemen. Maddie smiled graciously and moved to place her hand in his. Jonathan eagerly awaited the touch of her gloved fingers. Abruptly, Sir William took Maddie’s hand and held it.

  “My daughter does not dance.”

  The tension grew thick in the small group. Jonathan was about to argue, but instead, Maddie spoke up first.

  “I most certainly do, Father. I’d hate for those dance lessons years ago to be lost completely. What a waste that would be.” She pulled her hand from his grasp and placed it in Jonathan’s again.

  Jonathan kept his expression polite as he nodded to the gentlemen. “Please excuse us.”

  They turned as one toward the center of the room where the other dancers waited.

  “Why the devil would he refuse my offer to dance?” Jonathan whispered as they took their places.

  * * *

  Maddie shrugged. Her heart was hammering in her chest as she frantically looked around to see that she was in the right place. To be honest, she hadn’t danced in years, not with a partner at least. She often danced in her room alone. No one ever asked her to dance. She loved it, nonetheless. But now she was going to dance with Rigsby, and this was something she’s only dared to envision doing in her dreams. The music began, and Maddie hesitated to move. There was an order to things, and Maddie easily recalled the steps, but as she took his hand, and then took that first step with the eyes of the other dancers upon her, she felt as if she were leaping off a cliff.

  It was idiotic. Her face was burning as she curtsied to him and he bowed. Then he walked her in a circle around him, and that was it. The next couple began. Maddie grinned. She survived. Lord Rigsby grinned back at her, his smile wide, his eyes playful. He looked gorgeous in his evening clothes—the stark contrast between white and black, the way the glow of the numerous candles filling the drawing room brought out shades of auburn in his hair. She could feel her insides doing strange melty things as she looked at him, so she pulled her eyes away.

  She could feel the eyes of everyone watching them. She did her best to follow every step correctly, and by the end of the first set, she was happy with her progress. She was flushed and giggly, having enjoyed the dance far more than she could have dreamed. She wanted to dance every night. She looked up as Lord Rigsby stepped close to her and offered his arm.

  “Well done, Miss Prescott.”

  “I did my best.” She was still trying to catch her breath. It was hard when he was looking at her so intently. “You are a very good dancer, my lord.”

  He shrugged. “Repetition has made me an expert but has taken all the fun away—that is until I danced with you tonight. You’ve made me enjoy it again.”

  “Oh, thank you. I’m happy to oblige,” Maddie said bashfully. He led them away from the dance floor and back to her father. Sir William was now talking with three other gentlemen. Maddie hesitated.

  “He isn’t pleased with me. Let’s join another group.”

  Jonathan steered her away, and they joined a crowd of young ladies. Miss Cecilia smiled in welcome to Lord Rigsby, but she completely ignored Maddie.

  “You look lovely as ever, Miss Cecilia,” Maddie began.

  Now Cecilia was forced to acknowledge her.

  “Thank you, Mad Maddie—oops, Miss Prescott. Do forgive me.” A cascade of giggles followed from the circle of women.

  “I most certainly do forgive you,” Maddie responded. Her nickname failed to hurt anymore. For all they thought it was an insult, Maddie never felt the sting. However, she could feel Lord Rigsby tense by her side.

  “How gracious of you, Miss Prescott. You enjoyed the dancing, yes? I can’t recall any other time I’ve seen you dance.”

  “I enjoyed it ver
y much. Lord Rigsby is an exceptional partner.” Maddie ignored the second half of her remark.

  “He is, isn’t he?” Cecelia moved closer to Lord Rigsby and touched his arm. “I always enjoy our dances. There have been so many, too many to recall.”

  “So many in fact, I can’t be bothered to recall any of them at all. But I found dancing with Miss Prescott tonight very memorable,” Lord Rigsby said.

  Silence greeted his statement. It was as if they couldn’t understand the words he’d just uttered. Maddie fought the urge to roll her eyes. She hated gatherings for this reason. Nothing interesting was ever said. Parlor talk was either bland or full of thinly veiled insults, especially when Maddie was present. She was the pincushion for their needles.

  “Well, I’d like to stay and enjoy your company,” she smiled at the other four ladies present, “but I am weary from travel. Good evening, and once again, thank you for the dance, Lord Rigsby.” She hurried to her father and made her excuses. He was all too happy to see her retire for the evening. Maddie wasted no more time exiting the drawing room.

  She wasn’t tired, and though she wished she could spend all evening staring at Lord Rigsby’s smile, she’d settle for finding solitude in her room with a book. At least there, she could relive their dance over and over in her head. Reaching the top of the stairs, she entered the dimly lit hallway. A low whistle caught her attention. She looked for its source but couldn’t find it.

  “Who is there? It is terribly rude to hide after catching my attention.”

  Lord Rigsby stepped out of the shadows.

  Maddie wanted to gasp, but her lungs had stopped working.

  “I thought to check on you.”

  She inhaled slowly. “I only left a moment ago. How did you get here so quickly?”

  “I have my ways.”

  “Are you a sorcerer?”

  He chuckled and moved closer to her into better lighting. “Unfortunately not.”

  “I ask again, how did you get here before me?”

  “A rake never tells.”

  Maddie scoffed. “You had to have departed immediately after I left the group to speak to my father.”

 

‹ Prev