Selina huffed. “He is not my solicitor. He was my husband’s man, and I have dealings with him only because the late Lord Crampton chose to name him as trustee of my daughters’ funds.”
Mr. Barnes nodded in sympathy but still held out his pen and the document. “If you will, my lady.”
She signed and handed it back to him. As he folded the paper and placed it back in the satchel, he said, “I do not wish to give you unreasonable expectations. I am familiar with Mr. Darwin, the solicitor in question, and I have no reason to believe he would draw up a will that could be broken.”
“I understand.” Selina was quite sure of that herself. Crampton never did anything half-heartedly, and if he was so irascible as to leave her with nothing, he would be certain his wishes were carried out precisely as he commanded.
While theirs had not been a love match, he had grown ornerier as the years passed and no more children than the twins had arrived. However, she had no idea he harbored such dislike for her inability to produce another child. Fool her.
“If there is nothing else, I must excuse myself and continue on with our packing.” She rose from her seat as did Henry and Mr. Barnes.
“There is no hurry, Selina. You can certainly spend one more night here.”
Selina glanced at the solicitor who was busy shoving more papers into his satchel. The slight flush on his face told her he’d heard Henry’s words and knew precisely what his statement meant. Drat. That would be the reaction of the entire ton if she didn’t remove herself as quickly as possible.
“That is not necessary, my lord. We will be finished in plenty of time to have our things removed to Lady Penrose’s home.” She turned to Mr. Barnes. “Thank you for whatever assistance you can provide, sir.”
He offered her a bow as she made a quick exit.
* * *
Later that afternoon, Lady Penrose’s housekeeper, Mrs. Bloom, showed Selina and the girls to their rooms. Since they also had the newly employed finishing governess with them, the girls were given their own suite of rooms with a sitting room and a small room for Miss Fletcher. Jenny would be given a space in the servants’ quarters.
“If you need anything, please have your maid summon us.” Mrs. Bloom fussed around the already immaculate room assigned to the girls, checking for dust, moving a few items from their place to another place no different from where it originated.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bloom. This will be fine.” Selina turned to the girls. “I will let Jenny help you get settled while I unpack.”
“My lady, I will be happy to assist you once I am finished here.” Jenny looked up from the trunk she was unpacking.
“No, but thank you, Jenny. I have no problem seeing after myself. You help the girls.”
Selina left their chambers and walked the short distance down the corridor to her own bedchamber. It was a lovely spot, the same one she had before she’d moved into Henry’s house.
Henry. Her heart hurt.
She shook off her melancholy and opened her trunk. Her clothing was sufficient, as Henry had insisted on her having a wardrobe appropriate for her role as companion and chaperone when she, Juliet, and Marigold attended ton functions. He considered it part of her salary, which she was certain, given what clothing cost, was much more than any chaperone had ever received.
Marigold’s marriage might also put an end to her social events since women who had fallen low enough to seek employment were not generally sent invitations. She sighed and rubbed her temples. It had been quite pleasant to be part of the Season again. With Crampton’s insistence that they remain in the country for the last several years, she’d begun to feel like a recluse.
Next year, Phoebe and Prudence would make their come-out and the social whirl would begin again for her. Parliament remained in session, with talk that it wouldn’t end until August, so there would be more balls, routs, and garden parties. Would she be extended invitations?
A slight tap on her bedchamber door drew her attention. “Yes?”
One of the maids appeared at her door. “My lady, there is a gentleman caller for you. I placed him in the drawing room.”
Henry? Her heart jumped.
“Thank you. I shall be down shortly.” She pulled out one of her less wrinkled gowns and quickly changed. She did the best she could do with her hair and then smoothed the gown out and left the room.
She practically flew down the stairs like a young girl, then stopped herself. For heaven’s sake, she’d only left his house a few hours ago. Adopting some dignity, she straightened her shoulders, put a warm smile on her lips, and opened the door.
“My lady! What a pleasure to see you again.”
Lord Crampton.
Disappointment flooded her body, replacing the excitement she’d felt since the maid had announced a visitor. Drawing on all her well-tuned manners, she gave the man a slight dip and said, “How nice of you to call on me.” She waved to the settee near the French doors. “Won’t you have a seat, my lord?”
Crampton flicked the tails of his jacket back and sat. She took the chair opposite him, wondering what the man could want from her. “I thought you were in Greece.”
He leaned back and rested his ankle on his knee. “Indeed, I was. Lovely place, Greece. You must go there some time.”
She nodded her acknowledgement. “Would you care for me to call for refreshment, my lord?”
“No, no. Thank you. I will only be here for a short time.”
Well, then.
“Is there something I can assist you with, my lord?” Suddenly she felt uncomfortable. The man was regarding her in a most peculiar way.
“Actually, I have come to ask something of you.”
She waited. He regarded her coolly. “You are a most uncommonly attractive woman and one who I have always held in great regard.”
Uh oh.
She remained silent, not wishing to play into whatever it was he had on his mind. She’d almost never been in the man’s company since he’d spent the last few years out of the country. Once he’d heard the contents of the will, he left a steward in charge of the estate and took himself back to Greece. But he had a look about him that she’d seen before in other men. A look she was not happy with.
“I would like to pay you my addresses.”
Oh, no.
Chapter 4
Robert, the Viscount Crampton, studied all the expressions that crossed Lady Crampton’s face at his declaration. He had not planned on marrying so soon, but if he had to do that to get his hands on the fortune now locked up for the twins, he would.
He loved his life precisely the way it was. He loved the climate in Greece, hated the dreary weather in London. His mistress, Dominique, kept his bed warm and active. But the money he received from the two estates he’d inherited from his cursed cousin was not providing him with enough blunt to really enjoy life.
His plan was twofold. If he had no other choice, he would marry the woman, and the money would automatically come to him since she was not to remarry. However, he had no reason to believe she was that stupid. In fact, she’d just left her lover’s house without marrying him.
The second plan was to destroy her name. He’d just paid a visit to the stiff-necked solicitor to see about taking over guardianship of the girls to get his hands on the money that way. There would be thousands of pounds he could fudge the records for that could go into his pockets.
The blasted man told him in no uncertain terms the likelihood of him taking custody from the twins’ mother was nil. On the other hand, had she been caught stealing from the trust or deemed to be immoral, then he could apply to the Chancery Court for their guardianship.
He’d only spent one evening at White’s to learn Lady Crampton had been living with Lord Pomeroy for the past four years as his daughters’ companion and chaperone. Although a few smirked at that arrangement, the general consensus in the ton was Lady Crampton was aboveboard and would not have any sort of improper arrangement with Pomeroy. In addition,
there apparently had been a governess in place the entire time Lady Crampton resided there, as well as the daughters, their lady’s maid, and a staunch housekeeper to act as chaperones.
One look at Lady Crampton at the reading of the will, and he didn’t believe it for one minute. The woman was younger than he’d thought, and beautiful. It was impossible that she and Pomeroy would be together day and night for four years without ending up in the same bed.
However, instead of trying to prove she’d been improper while living there, he’d decided starting his own rumors regarding her lack of morals might spur new speculation about her life the past few years.
“While I am flattered at your attention, my lord, I’m afraid I must decline your addresses. I am not in a position right now to marry.” She glared at him. “As you well know after hearing the conditions of my husband’s will.”
“I understand. Of course I would never press you for something permanent until your lovely daughters were happily enjoying marital bliss.”
No, she was certainly not stupid. She looked as though she’d like to toss the vase next to her at his head.
He worked up the best smile he could. “All I ask is for you to attend a few social events with me. You see, since I’ve arrived back in London, I have numerous invitations and am not familiar with my peers. I need introductions and had hoped you would consent to accompany me to a few engagements to assist me in easing my way into Society.”
“With no idea of anything further?”
“Not if that is what you wish.”
She nodded, and he breathed a sigh of relief. It would be much easier to ruin her reputation if she was with him. A scandalous waltz, a word dropped here, a comment murmured there. Yes, he could easily start enough rumors to have the gossip columns happy.
He slapped his hands on his thighs. “Wonderful. I have been invited to the Wolversons’ ball in two days. May I call for you at, say, ten o’clock?”
Although she still looked skeptical, she agreed. He took his leave, bouncing down the stairs with his plan now in action.
Selina watched Crampton as he left the house with his jaunty step. Something did not seem right about his request. Of course, he would know she could not marry until the girls were settled, but she got the impression that was not the main reason for his call. Instead of looking sorrowful at her rejection, he actually appeared relieved.
Then there was the invitation to accompany him to the Wolversons’ ball. Most likely Henry had received an invitation as well, but he eschewed social events, spending most of the evening in the card room if he was forced to attend for some reason. At least by offering help in introducing Crampton to the ton, she would continue with a social life until the Season ended.
* * *
Two days later, Lord Crampton arrived at precisely ten o’clock. Most likely only a year or two younger than her, he was a nice-looking man and certainly spent a hefty coin on his clothing. His black jacket fit his body to perfection, and she doubted he’d needed any padding from his tailor. The dark red and black print waistcoat lent a bit of a rakish air to his look. Dark trousers and an expertly tied cravat finished off his outfit.
He extended his arm as she reached the Penrose entryway. “My lady, you look quite lovely this evening.”
“Thank you.” She accepted her wrap from the butler, Holmes, at the door and took Crampton’s arm. The first thing she noticed was the lack of warmth she generally felt when she took Henry’s arm. Also, although the scent of something spicy emanated from Crampton, he did not smell of the comforting aroma of bergamot, Henrys favorite soap.
Crampton was shorter than Henry and a bit stouter. Not that she needed all those reminders to miss Henry. In the two days since she’d left his house, she’d heard nothing from him. Of course, she knew not what she’d expected him to do. Serenade her from underneath her window? Chase her down on Bond Street and drag her into his carriage to ravish her?
She giggled at the idea of him doing just that.
“Ah, it seems you have amusing thoughts, my lady.” Crampton settled on the seat across from her and tapped on the ceiling of the carriage. She didn’t care for the way he looked at her but could not put her finger on why. Perhaps she just felt at odds attending a ball with a man other than Henry.
She waved him off. “No. Just something one of my girls said.” Hopefully, he would drop his questions since she had no intention of telling him what she really thought.
It took less than ten minutes to arrive at the Wolversons’ townhouse, but fifteen minutes for the carriage to creep up the line and deposit them at the front of the house. A footman opened the door and bowed. “Good evening, my lord, my lady.”
Crampton stepped out first then turned to assist her. It felt odd to be here at this event without Henry and no Marigold to watch over. She was such a delight to chaperone.
The butler called out their names, and she and Crampton descended the stairs. So began a great deal of comments behind fans, raising of quizzing glasses, and smirks. She felt the rise of heat from her middle to her face and then chastised herself for being so foolish.
Most likely announcing Lord Crampton and Lady Crampton threw the gathering into a frenzy. Perhaps attending with Crampton had not been such a good idea after all. She certainly didn’t want to begin speculation as to their association.
They made their way through the crowd. Crampton led her to where Juliet and Elise stood chatting with their husbands, Lord St. George and Lord Hertford. Selina sighed with relief. At least she did not have to spend the entire evening with Crampton.
“Lady Crampton, so nice to see you.” Juliet gave her a hug and then stepped back so Elise could do the same.
“It is nice to be here.” She noticed the glances between Juliet and Elise and again second-guessed her decision to accompany Crampton.
“Lord Crampton,” St. George said, nodding in his direction. “I believe we were introduced at White’s the other afternoon.”
“Yes. Indeed we were.”
Selina turned her attention to Elise and Juliet. “May I present to you the Marquess of Crampton?” She linked her arms through Juliet and Elise’s. “These are the charming daughters of the Earl of Pomeroy, Lady St. George and Lady Hertford.”
Crampton took their extended hands and bowed over them. His manners were impeccable and his demeanor pleasant, but she still felt uncomfortable. Perhaps she was building on her deceased husband’s opinion of the man—which was never good—in how she was reacting to him
After the group conversed for a while, Crampton turned to her. “The music is starting up. May I request you to stand up with me, my lady?”
She groaned inwardly when she realized it was a waltz. Balls almost never began the evening with a waltz, but this one had. Not sure how to get out of it in a mannerly way, she nodded. “Yes, of course.”
They received more speculative glances as they moved to the dance area. This had definitely not been a good idea. Perhaps once the dance had ended, she could escape to the ladies’ retiring room with one of the girls and ask them to tell Lord Crampton that she had taken ill and returned home. Either Juliet or Elise could provide her with their carriage.
“My lord, you are holding me too close.” The dance had barely started when the rascal pulled her into a turn and practically plastered her against him.
“My apologies, my lady, but we were about to collide with another couple.” His banal expression did not fool her for one moment. “Perhaps once the dance has ended, you will introduce me to a few people? I would like to take up my seat in Parliament, and it would behoove me to know a few of those with whom I will be rubbing elbows, as it were.”
There went her plan to escape to the retiring room and then home. But she had agreed to assist him in his endeavor to do the right thing. Except she had a very strong feeling he had no intention of doing the right thing.
Once the dance ended, he gripped her elbow as if he knew she planned to run. “May I offer you so
me lemonade?”
“Yes, thank you.”
As they strolled along, he leaned in close to her ear. “Introduce me to some people.”
When she looked up at him, he was grinning as if he’d said something naughty. Whatever was this man about?
He squeezed them past a group of people, again pulling her close, and once more bending to speak into her ear. The crowd was so noisy, however, she didn’t hear what he said. At that point, she was beginning to have a headache.
The sooner she made him known to some people, the sooner she could fake not feeling well—although it was beginning to look as though that would not be a ruse after all—and go home.
The next hour was a nightmare. Based on his behavior, she was certain every person she’d introduced Lord Crampton to came away with the impression that there was more going on between the two of them than what really was. It was nothing that he said, but more in his innuendos and the way he kept clinging to her as if he were a small child afraid to be lost in the marketplace.
They had just walked off from a conversation with Lord Manford and Lord Stevens when there was a tug on her arm. She turned to face Elise and Juliet. “My lady, please join us in the ladies’ retiring room.” Juliet smiled at Lord Crampton. “Please excuse us, my lord, but there is an issue that we need Lady Crampton’s assistance with.”
Chapter 5
White’s was unusually full for a mid-week afternoon as Henry handed his hat and cane to the doorman. He’d spent the last two days going over his accounts with his man of affairs and stewards from his estates who’d traveled at his request to London. Now that all the business had been taken care of, he could spend some time socializing.
For the Love of the Lady Page 3
