The Lady's Fate (The Reluctant Grooms Volume II)

by Anne Gallagher

  Ellis regained a semblance of composure before he answered. “Penny, I am not contemplating thoughts of marrying her, please be assured. And I was not entertaining Georgiana Baxter. She suddenly arrived on my doorstep, saying she wanted to meet Jane. I believe it was my father’s doing as he has decided I should marry her.”

  “Well, that is certainly not how it was reported to me. They said you were caught in flagrante delicto. And in front of Jane!” She whirled at the mantle. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

  “Penny, believe me, I am extremely embarrassed by the whole turn of events. If I could take the day back, I would, in an instant. I have since spoken with Jane and she appears to be over the incident. I have promised her she will never witness such a sight again.”

  He thought to what Jane had said. “Oh-ny kiss Imma.” And he had promised, he would indeed, only kiss Imma. If he could simply get Violet to capitulate. Her quick departure from the dining room and covert flight from the house altogether had left him frustrated beyond even the vexation Prinny usually caused him. He desperately wanted to explain, however, it was obvious Violet did not want to listen.

  “Well, I should hope not,” Penny raged on. “I should rescind her invitation to my ball. However, Lord Axminster promises to be on her arm, and that is the only reason I invited her in the first place. I wish you would conclude this business of yours so she may find another man with whom to tempt with her feminine wiles.” She returned to the sofa and sat down in a huff.

  As Penny settled her skirts, Ellis concluded she seemed far too upset for Jane’s sake alone. “Have you spoken to Violet?” he asked.

  “I have.” Penny would not meet his eyes. “As a matter of fact, she and her mother called this morning to thank me for the gowns.” Her righteous indignation had lost some of its bluster.

  “And was she the party who told you of my indecency with Georgiana?”

  “What if she was? She has every right to be upset. Haverlane, for Heaven’s sake, do you not know how much she cares for y— for Jane?” she amended quickly.

  “Cares for whom?” Ellis considered Penny as she blushed. After everything he had put Violet through, did she still hold him in estimable regard?

  Penny shot him a solemn expression. “For you, Ellis.” Penny sighed. “Violet cares for you. Seeing you in Georgiana’s arms has broken her heart all over again.”

  “What do you mean, all over again?”

  “Ellis, for someone who can negotiate trade agreements with pirates and privateers, orate in Parliament, and deal with Prince George on a regular basis, you are being perfectly obtuse when it comes to seeing what is right before your very eyes. Violet has been in love with you since Christmas. When you told her you could not feel the same way, she thought it because you were still in love with Anne. She tormented herself thinking she could never compete with your late wife. And then she received a letter from her sister saying you were all over London with Georgiana. I reassured her it was just a matter of business, but now, to come home and find you in Georgiana’s arms. Ellis, dearest, it is too much for her young heart. She is just a girl. And now, the poor thing is beside herself. Not only has she lost you, she’s lost Jane.”

  “She has not lost Jane. Jane pines for her as well.”

  “Yes, but her mother will not allow Violet to see her. Lady Flowers has said her time has finished being a nanny, and Violet would do well to forget all about Jane and concentrate on the Season. We must do something, Ellis,” she pleaded. “We must figure out a way for her to be with Jane.”

  Ellis took the chair opposite Penny. “Do you have any ideas?”

  “I declared to Violet this morning I would see Jane, to make sure she was all right. Violet is to come to Caymore House tomorrow to help me with the invitations. Mayhap you can send Jane over with Mary for an hour. That would give them some time to be together. Lady Flowers, I think, wishes to keep her nose up my backside, and would heartily consent to anything I should wish of Violet. I plan to take Violet up as my protégé, which would also create time for her to spend with Jane. I aim to introduce her to certain members of Society, and perhaps even find someone suitable during the Season so she may form an attachment.”

  “Do not you dare,” Ellis threatened. He would not lose Violet now. He was too close to gaining Axminster’s agreement, and his money. If there were any way he could drop the arrangements for the new factory and all the housing that went with it, he would do so, but he had come too far at this juncture. To give in now would leave losses too innumerable to count. Not only for him and his business associates, but also for the people he was trying to help. Finding another backer would take too much time, and time was something Ellis did not have. Groundbreaking would commence as soon as Axminster signed the contract.

  “Ellis,” Penny said softly. “I know you may have some little fondness for Violet, how could you not, she is delightful, but you cannot be so cruel as to let her suffer for you when there is no chance of an offer. Your family would have a collective apoplexy. Your father will forbid the match. You must allow her to find someone else to love and care for.”

  “Depend upon it, my father will have no say in whom I choose for my next wife,” Haverlane said.

  “Forgive me, dearest, but your adventures with Georgiana Baxter are well known. To give her up for Violet would be suicide. I declare Violet is a wonderful, lovely girl, but even she knows there is no future with you. And I do not believe her mother would give you her consent. The Countess Flowers dislikes you enormously. Lady Flowers has made it quite clear her only desire is to get the two oldest girls married as quickly as she can.” Penny stood and began pacing again. “Moreover, Violet has told me her marriage to any suitable swain would do, as long as he brought some sort of wealth to the family name, even a Nabob, or Heaven forbid, an American. Violet’s concern is for her sister and Welbey, as they are in love, only Lady Flowers will not let them consent to an engagement. Violet has therefore decided that she should put herself on the proverbial auction block to the highest bidder so Lilly and Welbey may marry.”

  Ellis bolted from his chair. “What! That is preposterous!”

  “Yes, but that is who Violet is. She will do anything for the people she loves. Do you not remember the sacrifices she made at Fairhaven?”

  Ellis walked to the window and stared out at the bleak day. “She will not sacrifice herself. I will pay the mother any amount she wishes and Violet can return to being Jane’s nanny.”

  “Now who is being ridiculous? Her mother would never consent. And think of the scandal. That is something Violet fears the most. Her father’s name is the only thing she has. To bring scandal to it would devastate her. She has begged a promise from Lilly that she and Welbey will not away to Gretna. Violet says she will save them both. Ellis we must do something to help her.” Penny’s blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears.

  Ellis sat across from her and caught up her hands. “Do as you wish, and make her your protégé. Take her around to your acquaintances and introduce her to all the right people. Take her to your modiste and have her fitted for ten new gowns. I shall foot the bill. The same with slippers and accoutrements. Make sure Violet and her mother are kept unaware of the role I play in all this. ‘Twould do no good for any of us.”

  “What about Jane? Violet must spend time with her and cannot do so at your house.”

  “Why not bring her with you? Take Mary and Jane to the modiste and have them both fitted with new dresses as well. My poor daughter has outgrown all her clothes and as summer is approaching, she needs new things. Outings with the child or to your home will not be observed, as you are a doting aunt. Once the Season begins proper, we shall work out a better schedule.”

  Penny flung her arms around her brother-in-law’s neck. “Oh, Ellis, I knew you were not as hard as your brother says.”

  He broke from her embrace and looked her in the eye. “Do not tell William any of this.”

  “Why ever not? He is my husban
d.”

  “Yes, and he is also my mother’s son. She can coax a secret faster than a weasel may gain entrance to a chicken coop. And if my mother finds out Violet is still attached to Jane, well, I should not like to think of the arguments. We must keep this a complete secret. Do you promise?”

  “Yes, of course. I love Violet and will do anything for her.”

  He almost blurted, I do, too, but instead said, “Good girl.”

  *****

  The next day, as Violet was to depart for Caymore House, her mother gave her a list of instructions. Violet listened attentively, responded in the affirmative, closed the door behind her, and promptly disregarded everything her mother said. Her days at Fairhaven had taught her that life was simple, rules were made to be broken, and friendships occurred in the most unusual places.

  The ton represented a way of life that was alluring and provocative, yet for all its glitter and beauty, it did not impress Violet. She knew Lady Penny meant well, perhaps even pitied her a bit, yet, Violet was profoundly grateful for her amity just the same. Lady Penny had become the key to her escape from her mother, and quite possibly Society. Violet knew in the deepest place of her heart, that she needed to find a man in which she felt comfortable enough to marry. It did not matter whom, as long as she could leave London. She felt confident Penny could find her a suitable match, one even her mother dare not disapprove. Violet would push her feelings for Haverlane and Jane to the very bottom of her soul, and go on quietly about her life. Out of London, she would never see them again. Memories of her idyllic time at Fairhaven would have to be enough to quell the ache for a life she could not live.

  Violet hurried to Caymore House. She knocked, and Quiggins opened the door.

  “Lady Violet, a pleasure to see you again. Her ladyship is expecting you. Come in.”

  She handed him her coat, bonnet, and gloves, and followed him down the long hall. They stopped in front of the same door as the day before and when Quiggins opened it, she found Jane, Mary, and Penny lying on the floor playing with blocks.

  “Lady Violet,” Quiggins intoned.

  As soon as Jane saw Violet, she scrambled up and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her to Violet, who met her on bended knee. Jane threw her arms around Violet and screamed, “Imma, Imma.”

  “Oh, Jane, I’ve missed you so,” Violet said, and hugged the child fiercely.

  Penny stood and smiled. “There now, happiness at last.”

  “How did you do it?” Violet cried. “How could this be? I do not know how to thank you.”

  “’Twas nothing, dearest,” Penny said. “I told Haverlane yesterday, now that Jane is back in Town, I should like to become better acquainted with my niece. He seemed to think it a fine idea, and gave me leisure with visitation. I can have her whenever I wish, whenever you wish, dearest. You only have to say the word.”

  Jane tugged on Violet’s hand to the blocks, which laid in a circular pattern. “See, Imma, castle. Jane’s castle.”

  “Yes, and a very fine one indeed. Aunt Penny loves you very much to get down on the floor in her beautiful gown and make a castle,” Violet said.

  “Aunt Penny,” Jane said. She ran to Penny and wrapped her arms around Penny’s legs. “Love Aunt Penny. Give Jane Imma back.”

  “And I love you too, poppet,” Penny reached down and took up Jane’s hand. “Would you like to have some milk and biscuits while we take tea?”

  “Jeffie’s biscuits?” Jane asked.

  “No, not Jeffie’s biscuits, but quite good, I should think.” Penny led the little girl over to the low table in front of the windows.

  Violet asked Mary a million questions while they picked up the blocks and when finished, walked over to Penny and Jane.

  “Mary, see Imma, Imma come see Jane,” Jane babbled brightly.

  Mary sat by Jane on the long sofa and showed her a picture book. Penny and Violet sat in the chairs across from them.

  Quiggins brought in a tray, filled with tea and milk and biscuits. Penny poured out, and while Jane and Mary looked at the small pile of books, Violet and Penny talked.

  “I think she has grown and it has only been three days,” Violet said. Her eyes never left the golden haired child.

  “I’m sure not,” Penny said. “It is only because you have missed her.”

  Violet took Penny’s hand. “I cannot thank you enough for this precious gift.”

  “It is my pleasure to be able to bring such happiness to your face.” Penny squeezed Violet’s fingers. “And we shall be able to enjoy Jane whenever you wish. In fact, Haverlane has charged me with taking Jane to the modiste and having her fitted for new dresses. It appears she has only those you have altered for her. Would you care to accompany us?”

  “Oh, yes. Any time spent in Jane’s company will be a delight, even if it is only to the modiste,” Violet said.

  “Good, I have made an appointment for us for Thursday morning, nine o’clock.”

  Violet wondered what her mother would say, but she didn’t care. She would gladly accept the wrath as long as she could be with Jane.

  “What about the invitations?” Violet asked suddenly. “Your mother said they needed to be finished by the end of the week. Should we not work on them?”

  Penny smiled. “They are finished. Two of the maids have excellent penmanship and we worked on them last night. In fact, they are being delivered at this very moment. So now, there is nothing to be done for the ball except wait for the day.”

  Violet wrinkled her nose.

  “Dearest,” Penny said. “I know you should not like to attend, but it will be such fun. You shall see. I have even sent an invitation to our newly appointed Regent. Shall we make a wager to see if he shows?”

  Violet reached into her pocket and pulled out three pence. “’Tis all I have.”

  Penny laughed. “I do not wish to take your money. My husband assures me His Highness will attend and I am giddy at the thought. Prinny rarely attends balls, as you know, so I feel especially iniquitous as the other hostesses will be so jealous.”

  “He is afraid of the chairs,” Violet said softly.

  “I beg your pardon,” Penny said.

  “Prince George does not attend balls because of the chairs,” Violet said. “He is such a large man, and chairs in ballrooms are so flimsy, he is afraid to sit on one and break it, therefore becoming a laughingstock. You know how the papers love to depict him as a caricature.”

  “Violet, how do you know such a thing?” Penny asked.

  “He told me once, in a letter,” Violet explained. “Said he had been dancing and desired to rest, although instead of sitting, he placed his foot upon its seat and whilst leaning on it, the chair splintered. He was quite relieved he had not sat in it, and warned me to never sit at a ball unless I found a sturdy seat.”

  “Oh Violet, whatever shall I do without you? Pray, do not even say. I shall have my very best chairs in attendance for His Highness. And do not worry, I shall never let on that I know his secret.”

  “As well you should not. The other hostesses may hear of it and poor George will be besieged with invitations. Although, he may like to be invited, if for no other reason than to turn them down.”

  Penny laughed.

  Quiggins entered the room carrying coats and hats. “Mr. Corbett is here to collect Lady Jane and Miss Mary, your ladyship.”

  Violet stood. “I’m afraid I must take leave as well. My mother said I mustn’t become a burden to you.”

  “How do you travel?” Penny asked. “You have only three pence. That is certainly not enough for a hack.”

  “I walked,” Violet said.

  “Walked? It is freezing outside.” Penny turned to Quiggins. “Mr. Quiggins do be so kind as to ask Mr. Corbett if he would care to bring Lady Violet at her mother’s house.”

  “Oh, I could not,” Violet protested. “It is well out of his way.”

  “Nonsense. It is a scant journey by carriage. I do not wish to have you catc
hing another illness before the Season starts, which is what will happen if you walk.”

  Quiggins returned a minute later with Violet’s coat. “Mr. Corbett says it will be no trouble at all, mum.”

  “There now, you see. No trouble at all,” Penny said.

  “Very well, if you insist.” Violet buttoned Jane’s coat.

  “I do. And I will send my own carriage to pick you up on Thursday morning.”

  “I cannot thank you enough for allowing me Jane’s company today,” Violet said. “You are too good to me by half.”

  “Nonsense. We are friends.” Penny walked them to the door where she kissed Violet and Jane, and bid them good-bye.

  Jane and Mary entered the magnificent coach. The tiger took Violet’s hand and as she stepped into the coach, she lost her footing. Strong arms caught her before she hit the floor. Haverlane!

  He settled her on the seat opposite him and smiled. “Lady Violet, it seems you have a fondness for falling into my arms.”

  Violet was speechless. As much as she had tried to convince herself she was over him, she knew she could never be. It took everything in her power not to throw herself back into his embrace. She looked down into her lap as the horses took off.

  Jane bounced on the seat and clapped her hands. “Papa, Imma come see me t’day.”

  “Yes and did you have a lovely visit?” he asked his daughter.

  “Jane loves Imma ‘n Aunt Penny ‘n Mary. We made a castle.”

  “A castle? What fun.” He turned his attention to Violet. “Are you well, Violet?”

  “Yes, my lord, very well. I thank you for the ride home,” she whispered.

  “’Tis nothing. Forgive me for not seeing you home the other day. I did not realize how homesick you truly were.”