by Jane Charles
“Perhaps those things are unimportant to me, and I happen to like living here.”
“But it could be better, easier, if someone could take care of you and your father.”
“My uncle, you mean?” She snorted.
“Come, Miss Cooper, would it be so bad to have your needs met so you could enjoy society, be courted, knowing your father was being cared for?”
“But, my father wouldn’t be cared for. He would be locked away like some animal.” She wheeled away from him, too angry to continue this conversation. If Mr. Trent didn’t look so much like Vicar Trent, nobody could convince her they were brothers. Their dispositions were completely opposite. To think only moments ago she thought him likable.
She turned back around. “And, I will have you know, there are three gentlemen who wish to marry me, I simply haven’t decided which I prefer.” With those parting words she turned to stalk off but was brought up short. Ahead of her, on the opposite side of the street was Vicar Trent, with Audrey’s hand tucked on his arm. A knife thrust through her heart. Grace had already anticipated this would happen and expected it, yet it didn’t hurt any less. Gentlemen couldn’t help but be drawn to the beautiful, lively golden-haired woman. Why should a man of the cloth be immune?
Mr. Trent came up from behind. She could feel the warmth of his presence at her side. She turned to look at him. His eyes were focused on Vicar Trent and Audrey, his jaw locked, the bone structure of his face defined. Was Mr. Trent angry with his brother?
She glanced back at the couple. Vicar Trent was smiling down at Audrey who was talking with animation, her free arm moving about as if to explain.
“Unrequited love?”
Was Mr. Trent asking the question of her or himself? The words were so low, she wasn’t sure if she was actually meant to hear them, and she certainly wasn’t going to ask, nor was she prepared to answer.
Mr. Trent took Grace’s hand and placed it on his arm and led her down the walk. Another couple approached. The gentleman looked like he could be related to the Vicar and Mr. Trent. The lady had golden hair with laughing blue eyes. They stopped before her and Mr. Trent quickly made the introductions.
“I thought you were leaving for Danby Castle?” Mr. Trent asked his brother.
“We are going to stay on a bit longer. I received a message that the person I seek in Scotland may have moved on.”
Mr. Trent’s eyebrows rose for a moment and he stiffened, as if alarmed, but nodded as if he understood. Grace didn’t but she also wasn’t interested. There was too much on her mind and too many worries to be concerned with the travels of a virtual stranger. Though she was curious as to why they would be visiting Danby Castle. She had never met the duke herself, but heard plenty of stories. Her father had visited His Grace on a few occasions when he accompanied Lord Crew, but that had been before the accident.
What she was certain of, the Duke of Danby did not like her uncle, Lord Stillwaite, and had overheard a few of the choice words the duke had for her uncle when father was talking with Lord Crew one day. If the couple before her had connections with the duke, would she be able to use it to her advantage?
The thought of approaching the Duke of Danby made her about as ill as she was worrying about the outcome of the upcoming hearing. But, she would do everything in her power to protect her father.
Matthew found himself accompanying Miss Audrey Montgomery down the walk in the village, not quite certain how it had come about. He had stopped in at the bakery to purchase a biscuit, craving a sweet, to find Mrs. Montgomery and her daughter. Before he knew what was happening, the mother had practically pushed them out the door with assurances that she would catch up to them shortly and would Matthew be kind enough to escort Miss Montgomery to the lending library. It wasn’t a great hardship to have the delightful young woman on his arm, but he didn’t want Mrs. Montgomery to get any foolish ideas. As lovely as Miss Montgomery was, he felt no pull to court her. Still she was an entertaining companion but he foresaw no relationship in the future other than friendship and would discourage Mrs. Montgomery’s plans, if she were thinking matrimony, as so many ladies with marriageable daughters do.
He glanced across the street and stopped. What was Jordan doing with Miss Cooper? The two were walking on the opposite side of the street, appearing friendlier than the two should be with her arm linked in his. A moment later they stopped to speak with John and Elizabeth. This was an interesting turn of events. Surely Miss Cooper understood she should not be socializing with Jordan. His brother worked for Stillwaite, and wished to commit Mr. Cooper to Bedlam.
Had Miss Cooper decided to plead her case directly to Jordan? Was he charming her, as Jordan always did, to convince her that his client knew better than she?
No, Miss Cooper would not give in where her father was concerned, even if Jordan turned the full extent of his charm on her.
But what of her heart? Matthew had yet to meet a woman who was immune to Jordan. What if she fell in love with him? Worse, what if Jordan wanted Miss Cooper? He could certainly afford to take care of her and her father, and Mr. Cooper could even remain in his home. As Jordan had no estate of his own, he could marry Miss Cooper and move here. Then Matthew would have to look at their happy faces each Sunday morning, and probably visit them occasionally for dinner.
His chest tightened around his heart. Many times he had been jealous of Jordan in the past, but never like this.
“What is he doing with Grace?” Miss Montgomery practically hissed.
Matthew had forgotten the young lady was even beside him.
“My brother?”
She sucked in a breath and looked up at Matt. “I am sorry. I should not have been rude. He is your brother after all.”
Matthew chuckled. “How did Jordan offend you?”
A blush stained her cheeks. “Not me, actually, but a friend of mine in London this past spring.”
“I am well aware of my brother’s reputation.” Matthew smiled down at her. “What did he do?”
The color grew darker. “I cannot say, but I assure you, Mr. Trent has a lot to answer for.”
What had Jordan done this time? Broken the heart of a young miss? Did he take advantage of an innocent? No, Jordan usually avoided the innocent ones as if they were afflicted with the plague. It must be a broken heart, one of the hundreds littering the path Jordan had traveled. “Have you confronted him?”
She huffed and stiffened. “I refuse to speak to him. I haven’t spoken with him since I learned what he did and what he is like, nor do I ever intend on speaking with that rogue ever again.”
Matthew was even more curious than before. Regardless, even if he had been drawn to Miss Montgomery, her strong feelings where Jordan was concerned made it impossible to pursue her. Never would he allow a lady to come between him and his brothers.
“Why is he here anyway?” She gasped. “I am sorry. You are brothers and I assume he is visiting you.”
“He is here with Lord Stillwaite.” Jordan probably wouldn’t have visited, or left the liveliness of London for a simple visit with him.
Miss Montgomery’s eyes grew wide and she blinked up at him, hints of her earlier blush long gone. “Mr. Cooper’s brother? I can’t imagine why unless Mr. Trent has evidence to help commit Mr. Cooper.”
Ah, so Miss Montgomery was aware of the situation but not Jordan’s role.
She bit her bottom lip and looked back over at Grace. “Lord Stillwaite and Mr. Cooper have never been close. Their relationship bordered on hostile at times.”
Hostile? Miss Cooper had never indicated as such, though there was no warmth between the two from what he had observed.
“He didn’t approve of Mr. Cooper buying a dairy farm when he should be concentrating on his duties as a solicitor.”
“A man can have more than one interest,” Matthew agreed.
“He also thought Mr. Cooper a fool for not making the estate more profitable after he purchased it.” She glanced at the couples across
the street. “I worry for Grace. What if Lord Stillwaite has his way? What will become of Grace and her father?”
Again Matthew patted the hand on his arm. “I intend to help Miss Cooper any way I can.”
Miss Montgomery was silent for a moment and then she looked up at him, a contemplative look on her face. “If Grace were to marry, her uncle would lose control of her, their holdings, and possibly be able to still take care of the father.” She studied him as if waiting for a reaction.
Was Miss Montgomery suggesting that he marry Miss Cooper? “I understand that there are three gentlemen vying for her hand.”
Miss Montgomery wrinkled her nose and frowned as if disgusted. “Draker, Thorn and Richards are not what Grace needs, nor would they be best for her.”
“Are there other gentlemen in town who have shown interest?” Though it sounded as if his concern was for Miss Cooper, there was a very selfish reason for asking. He wasn’t yet sure how he felt about Miss Cooper, but he was drawn to her unlike anyone he had met before. Though marriage for Miss Cooper would be the best, he wasn’t anxious to see her do so. At least until he made sense of his feelings toward her.
“No.” Miss Montgomery still studied him.
Was she waiting for him to save Miss Cooper from her dastardly uncle? He couldn’t make the offer right now, not when he knew so little about the lady.
“Perhaps my brother may take a liking to Miss Cooper.”
Miss Montgomery narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “Grace would be safer swimming in shark infested waters.”
Matthew barked out laughter.
“This is not a laughing matter, Vicar Trent.”
“I am sure it is not but you are the first lady I have ever met who is not smitten with my brother.”
“That is because the rest of them are fools.”
“Ah, it is so nice to see the two of you laughing and enjoying the day.”
They turned to find Mrs. Montgomery coming up on them. She wouldn’t be so happy if she knew her daughter was suggesting he marry Miss Cooper, or so Matthew assumed.
Matthew glanced into the window of the shop they were standing before and noted the clock on the wall. It was later than he realized. “If you will excuse me. I have an appointment to meet with Lord Brachton and need to take care of a few matters first.”
Mrs. Montgomery straightened. “Is the marquess in residence? I must call on him.”
Miss Montgomery sighed. “It isn’t a social call, mother. Lord Stillwaite wants to have Mr. Cooper committed and take over guardianship of Grace.”
“Thank goodness. Something needs to be done about that family.”
“Don’t you have an appointment with Brachton at three?” The younger Mr. Trent asked his brother.
Grace grinned. Now she knew when the meeting was and Mr. Trent could not keep her away. If she left town now, she may arrive in time. She would ask Vicar Trent if she could ride with him, but it would be improper. Besides, she needed to see to this matter herself. If she arrived with a gentleman, Brachton may assume she needed assistance and she needed to prove to everyone she could take care of herself and her father without a guardian or husband.
“It was very nice meeting you, Mr. and Mrs. Trent, but I must be on my way.”
The older Mr. Trent placed his hand over hers when she began to move it from his arm. “You aren’t thinking of visiting Brachton as well?” His eyes bore into hers.
Grace smiled sweetly up at him. “My plans for this afternoon are no concern of yours.” She pulled her hand away from his, breaking all contact. “Good day.” With that she turned and walked toward home. She would barely make it on foot, but Grace was determined to be at that meeting.
However, this was one of those days she wished she had a carriage. Actually, they did have a carriage and horses but it was too difficult for her to hook the horses to the carriage without the help of a groom, which they did not have. Not that she minded walking. She walked everywhere, but when time was of the essence, a carriage would be welcoming.
Once out of town she turned and took the path through the woods as it was quicker. It came out just short of her house, which was settled upon a hill away from town. If she had gone the opposite direction and taken the road, she would have rounded to the front of her father’s home, had she not cut across the fields, but it was a longer route and she didn’t have a moment to spare.
Hiking her skirts she picked up her pace along the well-used path. Sunlight filtered through the vibrant leaves and limbs soon to be bare for the coming winter. As she rounded the corner, Mr. Thorn was riding the path from the opposite direction. It wasn’t unusual to meet someone else here as it was a route often used by those walking or riding.
He was a bit disheveled, but if he had been riding hard earlier, that would account for his appearance. Mr. Thorn pulled back on the reins and nodded a greeting. “Miss Cooper, what a surprise to see you.”
Drat. She did not have time to stop and chat right now. “Good afternoon, Mr. Thorn.” She kept walking. It was a bit rude of her, but at the moment she didn’t care.
“Is something amiss?”
“I am just in a hurry. I was in town too long. Good day, Mr. Thorn.” She continued on, though she could feel his eyes bore into her back. Perhaps her rude behavior would discourage his suit. Then again, was she in a position to discourage anyone at this moment?
She couldn’t think about that now. Only if it looked as if her uncle would win would she consider the three gentlemen who had been paying court to her.
A moment later she heard the horse move down the path, leaves crunching beneath his hooves and Grace breathed a sigh of relief. A few steps later she emerged into the field behind their home. She hurried up the hill and glanced to the back sitting area. Her father was not outside, which was a bit unusual since this is usually where he sat to take his tea at this time of the day. For a moment she considered checking on him, but knew Mrs. Thomas and Perkins were with him. Perhaps they simply remained inside today. Grace would ask when she returned.
Continuing past the house, she hurried down the slope leading to the road and once again picked up her pace and headed toward Brachton Manor. After she had gone but a short way Mr. Richards rode in her direction, pausing in the middle of the road. Grace clenched her jaw, nodded a polite greeting and continued walking. She did not have time to exchange pleasantries.
Mr. Richards tipped his hat. “I would like a word, Miss Cooper.”
Grace forced a smile. “I am sorry, but I’m rather in a hurry.”
“But it should not take a moment. It is about your decision.”
She stopped for a moment and narrowed her eyes. “My decision?” Did he honestly wish to discuss her potential betrothal to him while standing in the middle of the road?
“I was wondering if you have given my suit any more consideration.”
Grace took a deep breath and chose her words carefully and was thoughtful in her tone. It wouldn’t do to alienate him at the moment in the event she was forced to choose one of the three for a husband. “I have given it thought. However, I do have more pressing matters at the moment.”
“If you mean your uncle, your problems can be solved by simply marrying me.”
Not all of her problems, but she did not have time, nor did she wish to enter into a debate on the merits of her marrying any of them at the moment. “I will give the matter more consideration. Now if you will excuse me.” She turned and walked away before he had a chance to say anything further.
Really, this was ridiculous, and why hadn’t she pointed out again that none of them had actually asked her. They simply assumed she understood. And, perhaps given the circumstances they didn’t feel an official offer was necessary. Well, if they thought so little of her, she thought even less of them.
Rounding the corner she came to the end of the drive to Brachton Manor. There were already two carriages lined up in front. Grace should have expected this. The gentlemen who were to call o
n Lord Brachton all had conveyances and horses at their disposal and could travel much quicker on the road than she could on foot, even though she took a short cut.
She marched to the door, lifted her hand to knock and stopped. What was she doing? Had she lost all good sense? A single lady does not call on the home of a bachelor, despite the time of day, or who else might be present, without a companion or chaperone. She had been so caught up in worrying about her father and what Stillwaite could say to Brachton without her present that she gave absolutely no thought to propriety. If she asked for an audience right now no doubt her uncle would use that against her.
But, did she turn around, go back home and wait for a decision to be made, trusting that Vicar Trent would be able to dissuade Brachton from handing guardianship over to her uncle?
Her heartbeat increased and she wiped her damp hands against her dress. Oh, why hadn’t she wore gloves? No doubt hair was in disarray and her gown could be nicer but when she set off for town earlier, she had not anticipated not returning home before she determined the time of the meeting.
What to do?
Stiffening her spine, raising her chin, Grace knocked on the door. This was her father and nobody knew better what he needed than she. If her uncle, or anyone else, censured her for this behavior she would deal with it. But, this was much too important to let go to chance.
A staid butler opened the door and looked down his beak of a nose at her. “Yes?”
“I am Miss Grace Cooper and I wish to speak with Lord Brachton.”
“I am afraid that is not possible.” He practically sneered at her. Did unattached woman often come to his door alone? The servant didn’t seem shocked to find her here.
“I must disagree. He is currently meeting with Vicar Trent, Lord Stillwaite and Mr. Trent on an issue involving my father and my future.”
“Which you should leave to the gentlemen to decide.” He began to shut the door and Grace took a step forward. She would not be kept from the house and doubted the servant would break his composure to actually lay hands on her to remove her from the premises.
