A Scorching Dilemma

by Shereen Vedam

  “Is that what he claimed?” Lady Roselyn said. “Let me assure you, my dear, Daniel Trenton does not work for me. Not any longer. Last year, my life was in peril. So, at the encouragement of some well-meaning friends, he played the role of butler solely for the purpose of protecting me. However, I have not been in danger for some time. Now I am married to Sir Phillip, who is all the protection I need.”

  Faith listened to this tale with growing unease. “Mr. Trenton never evinced a desire to leave?”

  Lady Roselyn looked uneasy, and then said, “He has handed me his resignation a time or two.”

  “Then why is he still with you?”

  “I advised him that I must find a suitable replacement before he can leave.” She chuckled mischievously. “He has suggested several possibilities, but I have yet to be satisfied with any.”

  “Oh! Why will you not let him go?”

  Her guest’s eyebrow rose at Faith’s sharp tone. Faith apologized, her cheeks hot. She was beginning to dislike Lady Roselyn.

  The silence between them grew and then her guest said, very quietly, “Daniel saved my life last year, Lady Faith. Before I let him go, I intend to repay that debt.”

  He had saved Lady Roselyn’s life? She believed it. He was a hero. “How can you possibly repay a debt as great as a life saved?”

  The lady bent to sniff a pink bloom. When she straightened, she looked directly at Faith. “During your short acquaintance with Daniel, did you notice how lonely he is? He keeps too much to himself.” She looked off into the horizon. “I have recently learned, Lady Faith, that every man needs at least one good male friend. Someone to talk to without watching his words, someone he can trust to come to his aid if he is in trouble, another man to joke with in a purely male fashion.”

  Faith’s eyebrows narrowed. Yes, she had sensed in Daniel a yearning for a friend. A small part of her might have even hoped to be that friend. But she was not a man. And whenever they were together, she wanted to kiss him. That would complicate a truly platonic friendship.

  Lady Roselyn chuckled. “A man needs someone he can gleefully pound during a sporting match and know he would not be blamed after, but rather, congratulated on his technique.” Her humor faded. “A woman, however worthy, cannot be such a friend to a man.”

  Faith nodded, sorrow settling on her shoulders. No, she could not be Daniel’s friend, not now, and certainly not after she married. A tiny flicker of hope died.

  “Last year, Phillip lost a most dear friend. A gentleman by the name of Ben Turner. But he had to leave. And that was my fault. So I plan to find my husband a replacement.”

  “With your butler?” Faith looked at her askance.

  “I believe Daniel and Phillip could become great friends. Unfortunately, both men are stubborn. For a year now, they have refused to lower their suspicions about each other.” She huffed, as if profoundly irritated by their recalcitrance in not going along with her plans for their future. “My latest gambit has been to convince Phillip to allow Daniel to assist him with his government work. If they work together, I am certain they will eventually form a close and lasting friendship.”

  “I suppose,” Faith said, though she was uncertain about Lady Roselyn’s plan. She did, however, lower her defenses, for it seemed the lady did have Daniel’s welfare at heart. However, if the two men were suspicious of each other, a friendship was unlikely to grow on that unfertile ground. Also, whatever this lady’s good intention, Faith did not care for Daniel remaining in her home. Better if he began a life away from the temptation of this beautiful rival, um, lady.

  A heavy depression settled in Faith’s chest. She had no future with Daniel. On a logical level, she had known that all along. On another completely emotional one, this personal relationship between this lady and Daniel troubled her.

  For Lady Roselyn, a newly married woman, to be so interested in her butler’s welfare, and for Daniel to stay in his employer’s home after handing in his resignation, suggested there was more between this pair than between a normal employer and employee. How close were they?

  She glanced sideways at Lady Roselyn, noting her beauty and the affection she obviously held for Daniel, for it blazed in her eyes whenever she spoke his name—a name he had forbidden Faith to use. She hugged herself, suddenly feeling cold despite the sunny day.

  “Oh, dear,” Lady Roselyn said, “we seem to have strayed from the point of our earlier discussion. We were talking about whether something troubled you.”

  Faith shook her head. “I am not troubled,” she said in a soft voice. “My mind is quite settled. Our discussion has been most useful, for I now see my future clearly and distinctly. There is no longer any confusion.”

  Lady Roselyn placed a hand on Faith’s forearm. “I can see our talk about Daniel has upset you.”

  “Why should it? He is your butler and I am a duke’s daughter.”

  Lady Roselyn squeezed Faith’s arm until she looked at her. “You are quite correct that your place in society and that of Daniel’s are diametrically opposed. Is that what troubles you? Have you found yourself caring for him more than as a rescuer of your kitten?”

  Faith swallowed. No words would come and the silence lengthened. To distract her guest, she pointed to a delicate silver cord Lady Roselyn wore, the tail end hidden beneath her gown. “What an interesting necklace.”

  The lady’s hand went to her bosom, as if she would hide what was out of sight. She gave Faith an assessing glance and then smiling, she pulled on the cord until a silver amulet came into view. “It is a special family heirloom.”

  “May I have a closer look?” Faith asked.

  Lady Roselyn extended the necklace.

  In sunlight, the silver sparkled and the tiny intricate carvings were quite legible.

  “It is a rue twig,” Lady Roselyn said. “Dipped in silver, the three branches divide to end in five clenched fists.”

  “Each holds a prize,” Faith said in delight. “I make out a fish, a bird, a mask, a twirling coin. What is that last one?”

  “I thought a flag,” Lady Roselyn said, “for it waves.”

  “Or flames,” Faith suggested, tilting her head to better study the amulet.

  “Yes,” Lady Roselyn said. “I had not considered that.”

  “It is quite beautiful, once you look closely.”

  Her guest stepped back, tucking the amulet out of sight. “You need not be kind. Phillip abhors it, calling it hideous. He gave me this silver necklace to carry it on. He said it was preferable to the black strand I used before.”

  “You and Sir Phillip seem happy.”

  Lady Roselyn’s face softened. “There was a time when I thought he cared naught for me.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “It was the most fortunate day of my life when I discovered otherwise.”

  “Father says I am to marry the Duke of Morton.” Faith blushed at her forwardness. This lady made her defenses drop.

  “Morton?” Lady Roselyn said. “How do you feel about him?”

  Faith shrugged. “He seems a nice young man, quiet. Mother says I shall grow to love him as she did my father.”

  “Do you think that possible?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “But . . .”

  Faith gave a nervous little laugh. “You will think me silly, but his half-brother and mother frighten me.”

  “Not at all. A bridegroom’s family is as important as the bridegroom. If they alarm you, heed that warning. Too often, we regret not listening to our inner voice.” Lady Roselyn paused to consider the matter, and then said, “Could you persuade your father to reconsider?”

  “I asked and he refused. Mother and I are trying to persuade him to wait until the end of the Season to announce the match. I hold little hope of any change, however, for the Duchess of Morton has reque
sted my answer tomorrow night.”

  “Your father is set on this match?”

  “He said that since I have had two Seasons to make my preference known and failed to do so, it is now up to him to see to my future.”

  By mutual agreement, they continued their walk.

  As they reached the end of a row of lilacs, Lady Roselyn halted. “I have an idea.”

  “Yes?” Faith said with caution.

  “It seems to me, Lady Faith, that your father merely wishes to see you safely wed to an eligible man, while you wish to make your own choice. Am I correct?”

  She agreed. “I did not choose anyone before because, well, I did not feel attracted to any man. Until I met Mr. Trenton.” She bent to sniff the fading lilac blossoms. “It has occurred to me that if he can generate such sweet feelings in me, then another man, one more suitable to my station, could as well.”

  “Exactly my point, my dear. With your new perspective, you will eye the gentlemen who cross your path with a clearer vision. We need to convince your father of this. He refused to wait a month, but could he be persuaded to wait for one ball?”

  “Choose a husband during one ball? Is that possible?”

  “If it is your only chance, anything is possible. In fact, we must ensure its likelihood. And we can, if we are clever.” The lady circled the lilac bushes. “This cannot be any ball, but one to which every eligible young gentleman will attend.”

  Faith clapped her hands in excitement. “I know the one.”

  Lady Roselyn rushed back to her side. “Which one?”

  “My mother is giving a ball on the thirtieth day of June. Father has been raving about Wellington since the end of the war, so Mother is arranging this event, with Wellington invited as guest of honor.”

  “Yes, I remember receiving an invitation for it and can imagine the men flocking to such an event.” Lady Roselyn set to pacing again. “We can enhance that list. I shall speak to my husband and gather appropriate names of eligible gentlemen.”

  “Will Sir Phillip suspect the real reason for your questioning?” Shame fluttered in Faith’s chest. “What if word gets out that I am on the hunt for a husband at this ball?”

  A cool look came over Lady Roselyn’s face. “Phillip knows my views on gentlemen’s proclivity toward betting on events involving women. He will ensure no one suspects anything unusual. Trust me on that score.”

  Faith nodded, much relieved. Perhaps Lady Roselyn was not so bad. “Thank you!”

  They continued their tour of the garden. Faith was happy now that she and Lady Roselyn had a plan. No wonder Daniel admired the lady so much. With Lady Roselyn’s help, Faith’s future might not be doomed after all.

  Visions of a glittering ball formed in Faith’s mind, with eligible suitors from across the country arriving to vie for her hand in marriage. Unfortunately, the one man with whom she most wanted to dance, stood outside on the edge of the lantern lights, wearing cast-off clothes and boots with a hole in the right one, barred from entering her front doors.

  Chapter Six

  ONCE THEIR GUESTS had left and the drawing room door closed, Faith faced her parents, her stomach trembling with nerves.

  “Clever fellow, Sir Phillip,” her father said. “Quite familiar with the different periods of architecture.”

  “Faith,” her mother said, “what did you think of Lady Roselyn? You two were in the garden the entire time we toured the house. I hope you did not tire her?”

  “She enjoyed the fresh air, Mama. We had a lovely talk.”

  “About what?” her father asked.

  She took a deep breath. “About being married, Papa. It seems to agree with her, which made me think that perhaps marriage might suit me as well.”

  Relief spread across his face. “That is my sensible girl.”

  “I am glad she was able to put your misgivings to rest, my dearest,” her mother said.

  “We can now make the announcement,” her father said.

  “May we first discuss my choice of husband, Papa?”

  His frown returned. “The choice is made, young lady.”

  “Papa, I have never asked anything important of you before. May I not ask this one thing?”

  Her mother squeezed Faith’s hand in warning.

  Her father paused on his march to the door. His head was lowered and his hand came to rest on the handle. He fiddled with it but did not pull the door open.

  Just when she thought he meant to disregard her plea, he turned around. “Faith, you must marry. You cannot stay unattached all of your life.” He took a deep breath and released it, his shoulders dropping. “I have no son or brothers. When I die, the title and most everything I own will go to a distant cousin in Leeds who may not care for your well-being as I do. The portion I have settled on you will set you up comfortably, but it will be nothing like what you are used to as my daughter. Can you not understand my wish to secure your future? Morton is a duke, a very wealthy one. You cannot find a better match.”

  “Having seen how happy Lady Roselyn is with Sir Phillip has opened my eyes, Papa. I, too, wish to find a husband. I merely beg leave to choose one for myself.”

  He avoided her pleading gaze. “This discussion grows old. You have had ample opportunity and not made a move in that regard.” He brushed her protest away with a wave and opened the door. “The matter is settled.”

  “Papa, will you please give me until Wellington’s ball?”

  Back stiff, he paused halfway out.

  “If during this event I do not find a suitable husband”—her heart hammered inside her chest like a trapped bird—“I will abide by your wishes and marry Morton.”

  His shoulders stiffened and her hope wavered.

  “It seems to me our daughter is offering an equitable bargain, John,” her mother said.

  He turned to face Faith and she could see his worry, his indecision. Then his face cleared.

  Faith shivered.

  “If I agree, no more arguments?” her father asked.

  “None.”

  “No recriminations?”

  “Not one word, Papa.”

  A smile lurked on her mother’s mouth. The duchess nodded her approval.

  “Then I agree,” he said, “with one stipulation.”

  Faith held her breath with dread and anticipation. He had agreed. How bad could one stipulation be? She was willing to be polite to Morton. She would even dance with him. Twice.

  “The man you choose must be of equal or better status to Morton,” her father said, “and as plump in the pocket.”

  “But Papa,” Faith said, reeling in shock. “I can count the number of men who would meet such a qualification on one hand and they are all married, old, or foreign, and unlikely to be invited. I might as well accept Morton now. You are being entirely unfair, your grace!”

  “She has a point, John,” her mother said. “In effect, you give her no choice at all.”

  “Those are my terms,” he said. “I have found you the best man and given my verbal agreement to his mother. If I am to break that promise, show me that you can do better by that ball. Mark your choice, Faith.”

  Faith’s hopes shattered. Yet, she refused to give up. She held out her hand. “I agree.”

  Her father seemed surprised by her assertive gesture. Then he came forward and shook her hand. Was that a hint of fear in his eyes?

  DANIEL RETURNED home well past three in the morning to find all the house doors locked. Luckily, being part of the household staff had its perks. He had a key, so he did not have to climb a tree and break in through a window to sneak into his room.

  His late return home resulted in him sleeping in the next morning. On finally awakening, he heeded his stomach’s growls and entered the busy kitchen with Phoenix riding his shou
lder. Servants were returning with soiled plates, indicating the family had breakfasted. He had missed supervising that event. Again.

  “The Master’s in a foul temper. I hope you did not hide his gold pocket watch again, sir,” Mary said.

  Mrs. Pollard chuckled. “I remember that. After missing it for two days, Sir Phillip was furious to find it exactly where he had originally left it. He knew you had taken it, Mr. Trenton, but he could not prove it.”

  “Sir Phillip hates any mystery he cannot solve,” Mary said, as she cleaned food off plates and piled them to be washed.

  Daniel entered the larder. Both he and Phoenix were famished, and he was not in the mood for Sir Phillip’s temper. Even if he had caused it.

  Last night, Daniel had broken an appointment to accompany Sir Phillip to the Burley estate. He had left a note about being unable to attend but doubted that would satisfy a man fanatical about keeping appointments.

  Lady Roselyn had once told Daniel that Sir Phillip felt responsible for Mrs. Beaumont’s murder because he had been late for a meeting with that good woman. Sir Phillip had never forgiven himself for that mistake.

  Mrs. Pollard shooed him out of the larder and bade him sit. “I will see you and your pet are fed proper, Mr. Trenton.”

  Daniel sat, but grumbled, “I can take care of myself.”

  “There be grave doubt of that this morning, sir,” she said, then ordered a maid to fetch bread while she took a plate over to the kitchen range and added two fried eggs and a few warm sausages. “The Master’s been hollerin’ for ye since sunup.” She waved a finger and two rashers of bacon rose out of a hot iron frying pan, landing on a saucer. The bacon split into smaller pieces and then the saucer sailed across the room to settle in front of Phoenix while Mrs. Pollard gave Daniel his plate.

  “Thank you.” He had demolished half his meal, when the kitchen door banged open, struck the wall, and bounced back.

  Sir Phillip caught it and shut the door behind him. As usual, the man looked resplendent, this time in a dark brown morning coat and pale striped waistcoat above biscuit-colored pantaloons. Daniel wore the same shirt he had on yesterday. He resisted the urge to sniff it as he stood to attention.