by Dayna Quince
“I did not allow you entrance,” Lady Flora said angrily.
“I…I did not think anyone was here.”
“So that gives you the right to enter?”
Maddie clenched her fists. She was extremely tired of feeling so out of place here. This was her space as much as it was Lady Flora’s and she was stretched beyond her very last nerve. “This is my room as well, and believe it or not, I never wanted to share a room with you. I’d rather sleep in a bloody barn.”
Lady Flora jumped up in outrage. “How dare you befoul my ears with such language. Your very presence is disgusting.”
“Then leave!” Maddie shouted. “But I will not, at least until after I have changed out of this costume.” Maddie stomped to her room and began to pull at her clothes in rough jerks.
“How dare you,” Lady Flora seethed.
Maddie ignored her.
“How dare you make a mockery of my brother’s interest. You deserve nothing and yet you could have had a good life. My mother was a young wife. If she had only produced a son and not only a daughter, things would be different for me. It was the late Viscount Berett who rescued us, and with him, my mother was able to bear a son, my esteemed brother. You are undeserving of him. It has been made clear that you are nothing but a whore—”
Maddie spun around and threw off her dress. “Your brother is a perverse animal. Was I a whore when he forced himself on me?”
Lady Flora drew back. “He wouldn’t…not without provocation.”
“I was fifteen! I was alone in my house, father and brother gone, and it was at that time, he chose to visit my father unexpectedly. He was waiting in my room for me. He hid behind the door like a thief!”
“He…he would not.” Lady Flora blanched.
“You’re right. He didn’t. My governess came to my rescue. She was dismissed for it, but she saved me from that vile wretch you call a brother. And I…I was punished. I was beaten for having been almost ra—ped.” Maddie turned her back and sobbed. She fought with the laces of the corset. Gentle hands assisted her. Maddie turned her head to see Anne.
Lady Flora charged forward. “Do not assist her.”
Anne stopped and turned to face her. She lifted her chin. “I’m tendering my resignation.”
Lady Flora gasped in outrage. “I’ll never give references.”
“She won’t need them. As a future countess, I have great need of a lady’s maid,” Maddie said gleefully as she wiped at her tears.
“I accept,” Anne smiled and turned back to Maddie, “my lady.” She winked.
Maddie couldn’t believe she still was capable of smiling. “Wonderful. Now if you would be so kind as to collect my things, I’ll not sleep another night with that dragon.” She tossed her head in Lady Flora’s direction.
“Yes, my lady. Anne closed the door, cutting off the site of Lady Flora’s vicious scowl.
Maddie and Anne packed her few belongings and left the room. Lady Flora was absent.
Anne took Maddie’s things to her own sleeping quarters, and Maddie made her way to the drawing room, which was blissfully dark and quiet. Anne was going to speak to Mrs. Moss about new sleeping arrangements for the evening. She wasn’t alone long. Jonathan appeared in the doorway.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“I’ve only been two places, my room and here.”
He came and sat beside her. “You are not happy.”
Maddie considered that. The evening hadn’t been her cup of tea, but it had its bright spots. Their time in the library before being caught and then standing up to Lady Flora for example. She now had a lady’s maid she couldn’t yet pay and nowhere to sleep.
“It was too overwhelming. As someone who is so used to being invisible, being that visible was a nightmare.”
“I think I understand.”
“Do you?”
“If I’m being honest, probably not, but Maddie, did you consider what life would be like married to me?”
“What do you mean?”
“I—now is not the time. We can discuss it later.”
“Now is a perfectly good time,” Maddie said firmly. She didn’t know what was going on, but she felt feisty after her row with Lady Flora.
He hesitated. “There is a lot we haven’t discussed, like where we’ll live and if you recall, I asked if you could live in Yorkshire at the principal estate. My parents, though not very often, do entertain.”
“I gathered as much,” Maddie retorted.
He straightened. “A countess has duties, Maddie. Duties that will need to be met.”
“You didn’t want a countess with duties when I approached you. You wanted to be free of your duty to marry... You did not agree to this plan with duties in mind. Like me, you wanted to be left alone. What happened between then and now?
His face tightened, and he stood. “You’re right. When I agreed to this, I wanted different things. But there is no going back now, only forward. Tomorrow, our parents are going to meet, and we will all discuss how to go forward.”
“What is there to discuss?”
“I need to think about where I will put you, but more importantly, the wedding planning needs to begin immediately. Lady Worthington has given us the use of her private parlor tomorrow morning. We are to meet at half past nine. I’ve already spoken with your father.”
Maddie was grateful for that. He was another person she had no interest in seeing. “Thank you.”
There was a soft cough from the entryway. Anne stood waiting. She entered at Maddie’s nod.
“Anne has resigned from her position as Lady Flora’s maid and accepted a position as mine,” Maddie said.
Jonathan nodded. “Very good. I will inform my solicitor so he may arrange your salary.”
Maddie jumped to her feet. “That isn’t necessary. I will pay her.”
He raised a brow at that. “It will save work and time to simply arrange it now. Four weeks is not a lot of time. In fact, I will just advance her pay tomorrow morning.
“Thank you, my lord.” Anne bobbed a curtsy. She looked past him to Maddie. “Mrs. Moss has arranged another room for you.”
“That is excellent news, Anne.”
“I can take you there now if you wish it,” Anne said.
“Yes. I’m ready to retire.”
She stopped by Jonathan and he looked down at her.
“I’m sorry about tonight.”
“I’m sorry you have to marry me now,” she teased.
“We’ll get everything worked out. Do you still trust me?”
She went up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Yes.”
Chapter 14
The fact that her father hadn’t reached out to her last night had kept Maddie up for hours. Sometime before dawn, she fell asleep, only to be woken by Anne with a breakfast tray. Her stomach was better this morning, but she still was not ready to face the repercussions of the night before. Her plan had seemed so simple before. Marry the man least likely to want to deal with a wife, and live in reclusive bliss somewhere in the country. She loved the country. It was why she tolerated so many of these house parties. Her father used them to further his standing and investment interest, but for Maddie, it was the country that drew her. The fragrant air, the rolling hills, and vine-covered trees.
It was heaven. That was all she wanted.
When Jonathan talked about duties, it frightened her. Meeting tenants didn’t frighten her as much as rubbing elbows with nobility did. If she could have one without the other, she would happily agree, but knowing him as she did, if she agreed to one she would have to accept the other. Jonathan was social. He had endless acquaintances, as did his sister. Maddie admired Lady Lucy. She commanded respect so effortlessly, but Maddie was too intimidated by her to know her well. And then there were her friends. Beautiful and privileged women. The only one of them Maddie could even pretend to relate to was Miss Manton, whom she was sure to never see. Jonathan would certainly not want to befriend
her and her husband after what happened.
Maddie wasn’t even sure what happened. There was so much talk, but it was hard to decipher what was true. Miss Manton, now Mrs. Felton, had been missing for a time and then she turned up again married to a major. Word had spread quickly of her anvil wedding, but with it, had spread the word of suspicion that she was supposed to marry Jonathan and had fled. It was all so strange. Lady Lucy had returned to the social scene and tried to put to rest the vilest of rumors but couldn’t carry on once she entered confinement.
Finishing her breakfast, Anne helped Maddie dress. She tried to prepare herself for what was to come, but she didn’t know how to prepare. Would her father be unreasonable? Would he still refuse? Her stomach knotted just thinking about the arguing that was to come. She was about to leave the room when there was a knock on her door. She swallowed nervously and nodded for Anne to open it.
Anne stepped back stiffly as her father and brother entered. Her brother held the door open. “You’re dismissed.”
“Please stay, Anne,” Maddie urged.
Anne stood her ground.
“I’ll have Lady Flora punish you for insubordination,” Sir William growled.
“Anne is my maid now,” Maddie said
“I’ll not pay for a maid for such a wretched daughter.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Then who? Certainly not you. You haven’t a farthing to your name.”
“I have a small dowry. Don’t deny it. Never the less, it isn’t any of your concern how my maid is paid.”
Maddie tensed as her father stalked closer. “Stay right there,” she warned.
“Or what?”
“I’m nothing more than chattel to you. Well, now I’m someone else’s chattel, and you can’t touch me.”
His lip curled, and he looked from Anne back to Maddie.
“So this is how you thwarted me. You sold your body for a name and a maid.
“I’d sell my soul if it meant getting away from you.”
“Lord Berett would have made an adequate husband.”
“No. You were using me to pay a debt to Lord Berett.”
He looked surprised, but it passed quickly. “I can do with you as I please.”
“You have no hold on me.”
“You’re not married yet,” Her brother said from the door.
“All of this party knows he proposed to me, and I accepted. In four weeks’ time, we will marry. You can’t stop us. Just let me go,” she pleaded.
“But what of my debt to Berett?” Her father put his arms out and shrugged.
“That is yours to pay.”
“Even if there is a babe, Berett will claim it.”
Maddie gasped. “There is no babe to claim.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Then how did you get him to agree.”
A huff of laughter escaped her. “I asked.”
He snorted. “I’d sooner believe you resorted to witchcraft.”
Maddie bit her lip. She’d certainly been experiencing a lot of magic of late. She straightened and folded her arms.
“It is time to meet with Lord and Lady Heath.”
“That I know. I’ve come to fetch you like the doting father I am.”
Maddie turned her back before rolling her eyes. “And what of my dear brother. Is he here to congratulate me?”
“He’s here to watch and learn,” her father scolded.
That sent a chill down her spine. They were up to something. Her father would never cease control over her so easily.
Maddie followed behind her father and brother. She was tense and ready to bolt if needed. She watched them carefully as they descended the stairs in front of her. She didn’t know the direction of Lady Worthington’s private parlor, but it seemed odd they passed the first floor where the majority of family apartments were. She slowed her pace as they descended to the ground floor, something tickling inside herself. Goose bumps covered her arms under her sleeves, and she shivered. It was a familiar feeling—one she had wished she had heeded before. Reaching the ground floor, they entered a short hallway. Her father stopped next to a door.
“After you, my dear.” He smiled.
Instinct. She and Jonathan had discussed instincts before. Hers were presently screaming for her to run. She licked her dry lips, her heart kicking into a pace that was too fast for her to count. She backed up and found her brother behind her.
“What is this?” She accused.
“Consider it your last chance to please me.”
“No.” She shoved back against her brother, and he fell against the stairs. She fought against his hold, her elbow landing hard on his nose. Her father grabbed her wrist in a punishing grip and pulled her to her feet. The door opened and revealed Lord Berett.
“No!” Maddie screamed.
It was then a door at the other end of the hall opened. Cecelia was the last person Maddie expected to see. Morning light shined around her as she stepped inside.
“What is going on here?” She cocked her head to the side as she took in the situation.
Everyone froze. Maddie’s father let her go and smoothed his jacket. “Good morning, Miss Cecelia.”
“Good morning, Sir William.”
An awkward exchange of greetings ensued from everyone except Maddie. She begged Cecelia with her eyes to do something.
“Miss Prescott, I must show you the loveliest flower right this moment.” Cecelia stepped forward and offered her hand. “It will only take but a moment.”
Maddie couldn’t believe it. She leapt from her father’s reach and took Cecelia’s hand. Two steps and they were through the door, but they didn’t stop there.
“This way.” Cecelia tugged her. They were running now, through a small courtyard, around the side of the house and finally to the front. They came to a stop, panting from their sprint.
“You saved me,” Maddie rasped. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for being honest with me, even though it hurt to hear it. Go find your Lord Rigsby now.”
“Where is your mother’s parlor?” Maddie asked quickly.
“First floor, first door off the landing.”
“Thank you!” Maddie called as she ran into the front hall. She bolted up the main stair skidding to a halt at the sight of the open door—of salvation. She took a deep breath and stepped through.
Three faces turned at her entry.
Jonathan’s eyes widened. “Why do I suspect something is amiss?”
She rushed forward, but as she did, two bodies entered behind her. She spun to face her father, backing up to where Jonathan stood.
“What is going on?” Jonathan barked.
“Son.” His father’s voice filled the room with a sturdy calm. Everyone was frozen as Lord Heath moved to close the door.
“Why don’t we sit and have some tea.” Lady Heath spoke next.
Jonathan took Maddie’s hand and led her to the table. Sir William was slow to follow. Once they were all seated, Lady Heath poured four cups.
“Now, it seems there has been a disturbance?” Lord Heath said with a measured tone.
Maddie, feeling stronger now that she was with Jonathan, turned to her father. “Would you like to explain it or shall I?”
He shook his head nonchalantly. “Your walk with Miss Cecelia to see a flower was not at an opportune time, as I instructed you.”
Maddie curled her hands, her nails biting into her palms on her lap. “You led me to the wrong room, and Lord Berett was waiting there. Why?”
Jonathan tensed beside her. “I’m curious as well.”
“I thought he deserved an apology and explanation,” Sir William stated.
It was a brilliant lie, but Maddie knew better. “You were going to let him take me.”
Her father had the audacity to look aghast. “That is completely mad…Madeline.” His eyes twinkled.
She looked away from him and tried to gather more strength. Her hands were shaking now. Jonathan put his ha
nd over them under the table. She expected him to speak, but it was Lord Heath who spoke first.
“Apologies notwithstanding, let us move on to our reason for the meeting. Our offspring have elected to marry, and we are very pleased by this occasion.” Lord Heath waited, but Sir William said nothing. The tension in the room was potent.
Maddie tried to calm herself and attempted a sip of tea. She could barely bring it to her lips without spilling.
“We’re heading to Ramsgate for the little season. I have holdings there, and the weather is very refreshing this time of year. If it is permissible, we will have the wedding there in four weeks’ time. We’re departing first thing in the morning. We’d be happy if you joined us.”
“We’re departing today, unfortunately,” Sir William said.
This was the first Maddie had heard of it. Most of the guests would be leaving tomorrow as they had always done before. As far as Maddie knew, they were to return to their home in London. She couldn’t leave with him. God only knew what her father would do to her.
“You mentioned the word permissible,” her father went on. “I take it to mean you require my blessing to go forward with the match?”
Maddie turned to Jonathan, but it was Lady Heath who spoke.
“No.”
Sir William turned to her. “No?”
“I am of age,” Maddie said breathlessly.
Sir William ignored her. “I gave my word upon my honor to Lord Berett that he would have my daughter’s hand, you see. That puts me in a very difficult position.”
“You gave your word to me before this party that I had a month to choose,” Maddie responded.
Sir William turned to glare at her.
“It would seem your word means nothing. The debt is yours to pay.”
Sir William snarled, “How dare you speak to me—”
Jonathan snatched Maddie back against him.
“Enough!” Lord Heath roared.
All went silent and still. Jonathan kept hold of Maddie, and Lady Heath reached out to touch Jonathan’s arm. Lord Heath stood and began to pace.
“As a father of a daughter, I cannot ignore what is blatantly obvious. Your treatment of her—of this entire situation is deplorable. I beg Miss Prescott and Lady Heath to leave us as we, the gentlemen,” he glared at Sir William, “discuss this further.”
