The Rake's Ruined Lady

by Mary Brendan - Society Scandals 01 - The Rake's Ruined Lady

  ‘I’m not sure you understand all the advantages to be had from marrying me, Beatrice.’

  Colin’s stern words startled Bea into focussing on him. He looked taken aback at her rejection.

  ‘I’m sure you will again admit to loving me in time.’ In renewed agitation he strode to and fro before the chimneypiece. ‘I’m prepared to make you my wife as soon as possible and would naturally accept the responsibility of your debts.’ He grimaced. ‘I know that Sir Toby Kendrick took advantage of your trust and innocence during that card game. It is being bandied about that he did so more to spite his brother than to spite you, but your reputation will be salvaged when you take my name—’

  ‘What do you mean by that?’ Beatrice interrupted. It had never occurred to her that she might be a pawn in a battle of egos between the two Kendrick brothers.

  ‘Hugh Kendrick’s interest in you had been noted even before his inappropriate intervention during that card game. The two brothers are at loggerheads, and what better way for the elder to get at the younger than through a matter of the heart?’ Colin’s eyes narrowed on her. ‘Is it a matter of the heart for you, also, Beatrice?’

  ‘I...I think it is none of your business, sir, and impertinent of you to ask.’

  Tilting his head, Colin assessed Beatrice’s flushed countenance and blazing blue eyes. ‘When I say Sir Toby might attack his brother through a matter of the heart of course I am assuming that Hugh Kendrick is capable of finer feelings where the fairer sex is concerned. I have no liking for the arrogance of the fellow, and I’ve heard rumours he is a callous suitor.’

  ‘And I have heard similar things said about you,’ Beatrice spontaneously retorted.

  ‘You champion him...’ Colin swung away angrily from Beatrice. ‘Kendrick might flirt with you but he will not protect you in the way your father would want. I’m optimistic his calculated flattery has not turned your head...am I to be disappointed in that, Beatrice?’

  Blood prickled beneath Beatrice’s cheeks. She should have guarded her tongue when Hugh’s name cropped up rather than readily betray herself.

  ‘Has he proposed? I mean marriage rather than an informal arrangement.’ Colin smiled sourly at the telling reaction he got. ‘I vow to be a steadfast husband to you. If you choose him you must be prepared to face disgrace and share him with his other women.’ Colin barked a laugh. ‘It is common knowledge that Kendrick has a mistress set up either end of town; where he might position another paramour is anybody’s guess.’

  ‘I think you should go now, sir,’ Bea said icily, though burning with ire. ‘There is nothing more to discuss. I’m sorry for your problems and wish them quickly resolved.’ She moved towards the door and held it open in a significant way.

  ‘I shall speak to your father before leaving and have his opinion on the matter.’ Colin jerked a bow, then strode past into the hallway.

  ‘He will be pleased to grant you an audience, sir,’ Bea returned with admirable aplomb to his retreating back. ‘Some time has elapsed since our aborted wedding. There will be no marriage between us, therefore it is high time my father received all the repayment he was promised.’

  Colin spun about, his ruddy complexion white about the mouth. ‘I imagine your father might sooner I took you off his hands than reimbursed him.’ His expression was as severe as his voice as he continued. ‘I came to know Mr Dewey as his physician and his future son-in-law during my time in Hertfordshire. I am certain he regrets that a child of his has acted in the manner you have. A gentleman’s daughter of your age should know better, and act with some decency and decorum.’

  Before Bea could conquer her indignation and summon up an appropriate response Colin had turned on his heel.

  * * *

  Stella had been surprised and delighted by her mother’s attitude to securing her future since Colin Burnett had abandoned her. Shrewd by nature, Stella understood that she must capitalise on her youth and virginity before both were gone. She had no more liking for the idea of being tied to a middling gentleman than she had for being a farmer’s wife. Socialising with the cream of society was vital to Stella, and for that she needed to inflame a rich man’s desire. So, with the hurdle of her mother’s objection cleared, Stella had allowed her excited thoughts free rein on the subject of being a kept woman.

  Snaring Lord Whitley was no trouble. But he was old enough to be her grandfather and, though nice enough, he might pop off at any minute and leave her in the lurch. Stella also knew she did not fancy him in the way a woman should if she were to lie with a man. Again and again her mind returned to the person she’d wanted from the first moment she’d spotted him in London.

  Hugh Kendrick was everything a girl might dream about: a wonderfully handsome bachelor in the prime of life who had fabulous wealth. If rumours were to be believed he was also, and most importantly, ridiculously generous to the women with whom he consorted. Stella believed that to be no exaggeration. She’d seen him with his mistress when out shopping and had immediately coveted the role of the pretty brunette decked in expensive finery and sparkling gems. The woman’s air of smugness had simply heightened Stella’s longing to take her place.

  Maggie had told her that the woman was Gwen Sharpe, currently Hugh Kendrick’s preferred paramour. Stella guessed Gwen to be a few years her senior, and was hoping that a man as jaded as Hugh Kendrick was sure to be lured away with the promise of her maidenhead. Stella knew if she kept him interested for a year it would be enough, so long as she did not fall in love with him. But the rumour that he always discarded a mistress giving her a plump pension pot was sure to mend her broken heart...

  ‘You’ve got a look of mischief about you.’ Maggie caught Stella’s crafty eyes in the dressing mirror while hanging up the clothes her daughter had discarded on the bed. Picking up a hairbrush, Maggie began drawing it through her daughter’s Titian hair. ‘Come, tell Mama what you are thinking,’ she teased fondly. ‘Are you hoping to flatter old Lord Whitley into buying you a pretty trinket next time you meet? If he does, you’ll have hooked him.’

  ‘I wasn’t thinking of him at all,’ Stella answered airily. She twisted about on the stool, raising an animated face to her mother. ‘I’m after more than pretty trinkets and old codgers. I want diamonds and...and a handsome man—’ She broke off, giggling, without naming her quarry.

  ‘So you’re after Mr Kendrick, are you?’ Maggie guessed, bringing a sulky thrust to her daughter’s mouth. ‘Well, that one won’t be as easy to twist about your finger.’ Maggie dropped the hairbrush on the bed. ‘If your heart’s set on him you’ll need your wits about you.’ Maggie’s smile turned calculating. ‘One thing I have learned along the way is that a gentleman loves to have what another fellow covets—especially when the two of them are at loggerheads.’

  Stella perked up; she believed that Colin desired her, even if he didn’t want her as his wife. She also knew he and Hugh Kendrick intensely disliked one another. ‘You think that if Sir Colin shows an interest in me as his mistress Mr Kendrick might then want me too?’

  ‘Pah!’ Maggie swept away the notion with a flick of her hand. ‘Hugh Kendrick would waste no energy on him! The one beneath his skin is that brother of his. Mark my words: he would do much to ease that particular itch...’

  * * *

  ‘Are you certain you’ve not too quickly turned Colin down?’

  ‘I no longer want to marry him...I’m surprised I ever did.’

  Bea had not long ago broken the news to her family that Sir Colin had reissued his proposal. Oddly, none of them had seemed as astonished as she’d imagined they would be. Her father had gone off, muttering, to speak to Colin before he left the house. Alex had tactfully withdrawn to allow his wife to speak privately to her sister, as Bea now seemed under siege on all sides.

  Beatrice turned from the window, where she had been gazing over the rose gardens, and gave Elise a wry smile. ‘When I was first introduced to Dr Burnett I recall you warned me that I might fall for him on
the rebound. Had we gone ahead and married all those weeks ago I would have done my best to be a good wife to him, although I have discovered I still have feelings for...’

  Elise had been holding her son by his tiny hands, helping Adam take a shaky step on the carpet. As her sister’s voice faded away she sent Beatrice an astute glance. ‘I’m guessing that the person who years ago propelled you towards Colin has now drawn you away.’

  Beatrice’s head swayed back on her shoulders in despair, but it was answer enough for Elise. Lifting Adam to sit on the sofa, she came quickly to her sister’s side. ‘I like Hugh—you know I do, Bea—but he is...different from the charming gentleman we knew all those years ago. I’m not saying his good fortune has spoiled his character...’ she began diplomatically.

  ‘Well, if you won’t say it, I will,’ Bea quietly replied. ‘But it doesn’t matter...I love him anyway. I think I knew it that first time when he came to Hertfordshire with the news about the dowager’s illness.’ Bea turned to face Elise. ‘It frightened me that he could turn up out of the blue like that and turn my world upside down...’

  ‘Does Hugh know how you feel about him?’ Elise asked hoarsely.

  Bea shook her head. ‘As you say, he is very different now. I wouldn’t embarrass myself, or him, with a declaration of love. Oh...he desires me—he has made that clear too—but what future is there in being taken into his harem?’ Bea stifled a mournful chuckle with the back of a hand. ‘Colin took pains to tell me that if I chose Hugh over him I would disgrace myself and my family and should expect to have several rivals for his time and affection.’

  ‘You need not heed Burnett’s opinion!’ Elise had spoken dismissively, yet she feared the doctor was right in his forecast of her sister’s prospects. Hugh was a rogue where women were concerned. ‘Shall I ask Alex to visit Hugh and discover if he might be persuaded to propose marriage?’ Elise asked anxiously. ‘Alex is moping since he fell out with his best friend. I know he’s keen to make up with Hugh, so he’d probably appreciate the opportunity to talk to him...’

  ‘No!’ Beatrice emphasised the single word with a deep frown. ‘Promise me you will not mention any of our conversation, Elise, even to Alex.’

  Bea didn’t want Hugh to believe she’d again sent her brother-in-law to sort out personal matters because she lacked the courage to do so herself. If Hugh were ever to know she loved and wanted him, she’d sooner be the one to tell him.

  ‘You are not seriously considering Hugh’s proposition of carte blanche...are you?’ Elise asked. She could see why her sister might be tempted by such an offer from a handsome and generous man. Bea had every right to be heartily fed up with regular romance when in the past three gentlemen pursuing her as a wife had let her down. But she could see nothing but heartache ahead for Bea if her sister drifted into a liaison with a man as jaded and cynical as Hugh.

  ‘Of course not,’ Bea said breathily, pushing back a blonde curl from her forehead. She wished she’d sounded more convincing. Objectionable as many would deem the idea, Bea had found herself wondering whether a discreet, informal arrangement with a man she truly loved and desired would be preferable to an arid marriage to suit convention. When younger she had desperately wanted to be a wife and have a family of her own, but always her dream had eluded her. Constant disappointment had eroded the yearning till she no longer knew what she wanted...other than Hugh. If she could not have a wedding ring from him, would it be so bad to accept the gift of his passion instead?

  ‘Burnett’s just gone.’

  The sisters turned in unison as Alex entered the parlour. He scooped up his gurgling son from the sofa, chucking him beneath the chin. ‘I think your father might like to speak to you, Beatrice.’

  With a fierce look for Elise that threatened dire consequences should she tell Alex what they’d talked about, Bea quit the room.

  ‘I don’t blame you one bit, my dear, for turning Burnett down this time. Bumptious fellow!’

  Walter’s abrupt exclamation met Bea on entering the room. ‘Sir Colin tried to bully me into persuading you to have him back, you know.’ He sighed deeply. ‘That fellow has changed since he inherited his money...and not for the better...’

  ‘It seems to be the way of things...’ Bea gave a hollow laugh.

  ‘He made it plain that your gambling debt would be cleared the moment the marriage contract was signed. I made it plain that I’d like him to clear his own debts and mind his business about yours. He said he would send me a bank draft this afternoon. I’ll believe it when I see it,’ Walter concluded pessimistically.

  ‘I’m sorry that I’m such a trouble to you, Papa,’ Bea said softly.

  ‘Oh...don’t take any notice of my huffing and puffing, my dear,’ Walter patted the delicate fingers his daughter had laid on his arm. ‘I didn’t mean what I said earlier about wanting you wed and out of my hair. You’re a good girl, if far too rash at times. Let’s forget about Burnett and that blackguard Toby Kendrick.’

  ‘You will not sell your pension policy, Papa, will you?’ Bea asked in concern.

  Walter gestured wearily. ‘An old man like me needs little money to live on, and one day soon a good man will come along for you and keep you in a far better manner than I can. I know your luck will change for the better.’ Walter gave a final comforting pat to Bea’s hand, then sank down into a chair, lying his head back against the upholstery. ‘Don’t let’s speak of money any longer...I’m sick of hearing about debts and bills.’ He sighed. ‘It will be nice to go home. I feel tired out by all this frantic business in London. Shall we pack up tomorrow, ready to leave at the weekend?’

  Bea nodded, watching her father’s eyes flutter shut. She felt a pang of deep affection and regret that they would not be leaving town unburdened but with problems of her making hanging over them. ‘Yes...let’s go home, Papa,’ she murmured, settling a cushion beneath her snoozing father’s drooping head.

  She stepped back, gazing at him as he settled into sleep. A fierce determination rose in Bea to cure the ills she’d caused. She would make sure her father enjoyed his twilight years, and the independence that was so important to him, buffered by his modest pension income. He would not sell the policy and live in penury to get Toby Kendrick off their backs! She could not allow it...

  Chapter Eighteen

  Maggie Monk nipped behind a large shrub protruding from a railing. Then, from her vantage point, she watched her quarry hurtling down the steps of Viscount Blackthorne’s mansion. Having noted Sir Colin’s rigid bearing and black expression, she felt her spirits lift.

  Earlier that afternoon she’d been on her way to the bakery when she’d spotted her daughter’s former fiancé. Ever conscious of their dwindling fortunes, Maggie had been hoping to haggle over a stale pie to share with Stella for their dinner. Burnett might have bought her daughter little gifts but he’d kept his fist tightly closed when it came to helping out with their household bills. Maggie had come to town with a little pot of savings gleaned from her small pension from Sir Donald. However, with Stella wanting every pretty frippery her eyes landed on in shop windows, the money was almost run through.

  On spotting Burnett all thought of food had fled. Sir Colin had been striding purposefully along on the other side of the street. His air of urgency had prompted Maggie to follow him, curious to know where he was heading. When she’d seen him charging up the steps of a house on Upper Brook Street she’d easily guessed why Burnett might pay a call there. Boiling with resentment, Maggie had waited for him to reappear. She was glad she had tarried, for she now felt cheered up. If she’d been correct in thinking he’d just proposed again to Beatrice, his demeanour proclaimed him as having been roundly rejected.

  It seemed that Miss Dewey now had bigger fish to fry than Sir Colin. Gossip was rife that the spinster must be under Hugh Kendrick’s protection since he’d championed her at the Whitleys’. It stuck in Maggie’s craw that the two eligible bachelors who should have been competing for Stella’s favours were
instead under an older woman’s spell.

  Before emerging from her hiding place Maggie watched Colin stride across the road and turn the corner. She sent a grim scowl at the house he had quit. Miss Dewey was beautiful but past her prime, and couldn’t match Stella for youthful freshness in Maggie’s opinion. If Stella were hungry for Hugh Kendrick’s protection, Maggie would do her utmost to bring about her wish.

  Since Stella’s birth Maggie had had to idolise her daughter from afar, in case suspicions were aroused about their true relationship. Now there was no secret to keep and the floodgates of her maternal affection were wide open. If Stella couldn’t have Hugh, then neither should Beatrice get him.

  But all was not yet lost; she still had a hand to play, and had noticed when they’d passed Sir Toby Kendrick on Regent Street that he readily responded to Stella’s coy glance with an eager grin. Hugh and Toby Kendrick loathed one another, and Maggie knew there was always a profit to be had when love or hate skewed the odds. As far as she was concerned there remained a chance to win the game.

  * * *

  ‘I’m intrigued, madam, to know what vital news you have that could not have been conveyed in the note that summoned me here.’

  As he looked Maggie Monk over an expression of disdain shaped Toby Kendrick’s features. He had pitied Colin Burnett, having a future shackled to a shameless hussy like Stella Rawlings. Though of course, in common with other red-blooded fellows, he’d jump at a chance to take up the offer in those impish eyes of hers. It was that hope that had drawn Toby here to meet Mrs Monk by Marble Arch at the appointed hour.