“I am in need of some advice,” Edith admitted. “Can we go somewhere private and talk?”
Papa patted her gently on the shoulder and smiled. “Of course, I always have time for you.” He turned around to the other men and said, “Count me out. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”
He offered Edith his arm and escorted her to an empty room where they could talk in peace. “Now what is troubling you, Edee. You’ve been so happy over the last few days. I cannot remember the last time you glowed like that.”
“So you’ve noticed then?”
“That my little girl is all grown up and in love. Yes, I have.”
Edith sat down on a plush velvet couch and sighed. “Things were going well. I think I know him well enough now to tell he isn’t being honest with his feelings, but at the same time, I worry I am overconfident. It’s not like I have irresistible charm that I can use against him. How did you win Mama’s heart? I know you weren’t the only one courting her.”
Papa sat down next to her and scratched his chin. “There were others that were better looking than I, and even more that had better financial security all buzzing around your mother. At first, I thought I would never be able to compete with them. But love is a funny thing. I couldn’t get her out of my heart, and so I decided to use the only weapon at my disposal. I was tenacious, and I never gave up. Did you know your mother was proposed to eight times while I was courting her?”
Edith nodded. Mama liked to brag about her golden days, and she’d heard that detail several times.
“One of them was a marquess. I was so sure she was going to accept him that I left her a hundred love notes hidden in a bouquet of roses,” Papa said.
“Was that why she married you?”
“No. What finally worked was a lie.”
“What?”
“I lied to her. After I confessed for the fifth or sixth time only to be told she didn’t feel the same way. I lied and told her I understood. That I wouldn’t bother her again. She didn’t believe me at first. But after I ignored her for several days, she cornered me at a ball and told me I was a horrible person to make her think I would love her forever only to change my mind. I’ve never seen her so mad, even to this day.” Papa smiled warmly. “Have you told Lord Camden how you feel?”
It felt awkward to share such personal details with Papa, but after he’d been so open she felt she had to follow his lead. She nodded. “I confessed, but I think I scared him.”
“Opening your heart to another person, giving them the power to destroy you, it's not an easy thing for a man. Give him some time. Be persistent and confident, and if that doesn't work, think of a way to shock him into the truth.”
Edith remembered how annoyed Miles was whenever she spent time with Sir Archibald. There had to be a way to use that to her advantage. “I have the beginnings of an idea. It might cause people to talk.”
“Let them talk. Your future is more important than gossip. Now finish coming up with your plan, and if you need my help, know that I am willing to do anything for you. You are my precious daughter.”
Edith stood up, went to Papa, and bent to give him a kiss near his receding hairline. It was time for her to create a battle plan. She was all in and the stakes were astronomically high, which was precisely why it was so important to take this chance at happiness. Otherwise, she would be filled with regret.
As Edith was on her way to her room to strategize she met Mama in the corridor. “Good afternoon, Mama. How are you today?”
“I’d be better if my daughter had a ring on her finger. I’ve given you multiple chances to marry Lord Camden and you’ve come away with nothing. There are only two days left until this country party is over, so we need to come up with an excuse to get the two of you alone together tonight.”
Mama never changed. Why had she expected her to? “Why do you want me to marry the earl so badly? You married for love over money. Why can’t I?”
“Because love is almost impossible to find, especially for a plain girl like you, Edith. You have to accept that and move on, dear. I wish I could coddle you from the truth and let you believe happily ever after exists for everyone. But that simply isn’t true. I was beautiful, and I chose the path I felt would make me the happiest. Life is short, and marrying a rich man is better than remaining single forever. He’s even handsome.”
Mama might as well have stabbed her in the gut. Her words filled her mind with doubt. How sure was she that Miles liked her? No. She was done second guessing. She’d find out the truth and hope for the best. “I think I’m lovable enough as I am. If I never marry, so be it, but at the very least I am going to love myself. I always thought one day, if I was graceful enough or obedient enough, you would start treating me like Felicity and Lucy. You always made me feel inferior. I’m going to stop trying to impress you.”
“Well, I never! How dare you speak to me this way. I’ve never done anything that wasn’t for your own good.”
Edith shook her head in disbelief. How could Mama be so blind to the truth? “Then why didn’t I have my season before Felicity?”
“We were having a spot of money trouble. You know that. Felicity was ready to catch a big fish.”
“All the same if you were going to have me trap a rich man into marriage all along, then why not give me my season?” Edith took a calming breath. She was getting dangerously close to yelling. “You like Felicity better, and you would have done it again if Lucy was any older. You just didn’t feel like I was worth the trouble and expense of a season.”
Mama started to say something, but Edith cut her off. She needed to get everything off of her chest. “Father was going to talk you into seeing reason and sending me first but I begged him not to, because I wanted to help you. I wanted you to love me, but you didn’t even notice my sacrifice. I’m not going to live my life while trying to change who I am to fit into the image you have of me anymore. I’m not shy, or polite, or even soft spoken. I don’t care if you or the Ton respect me, and if you meddle in my love life again, I will never forgive you. Lord Camden deserves to choose his future and so do I.”
Edith turned around and stormed off. She didn’t have a destination, just a desire to be away from Mama. “Don’t you walk away from me, Edith! I am your mother, and you will stay and listen to me.”
For the first time in longer than she could remember, Edith disobeyed Mama, and it felt terrifyingly wonderful. She was going to take her future into her own hands. It was time for her to be mischievous, playful, lighthearted, and carefree. It was time to do the unexpected, impolite, and improper. Time to live by her own rules.
Chapter 17
Edith had a bounce in her step and was wearing her hair differently. The ringlets framing her face were softer and wispier than normal. She looked magnificent, and he could hardly keep his eyes off of her. Tonight they ate duck with carrots and potatoes. It was one of his favorite meals, yet he could hardly taste anything. He was too distracted. Edith filled his mind and his heart, just looking at her brightened his mood. He was in love.
He had promised himself years ago that he would never love another woman. Not because his love for Louisa had been all-encompassing, but because of the mood swings and depression that had turned his life into a blur. He had been powerless, weak, and listless. He couldn’t go through that again. His fork made a strange noise when it hit the plate. His food was gone. When had he eaten it all? He could barely remember touching his dinner. This was only the beginning. Soon she would take over all of his waking thoughts. These last few years had been good. He had his daughter, mother, and his work maintaining his holdings and helping the less fortunate.
He didn’t need more. He didn’t need Edith. Yet even as he reiterated that in his brain, his eyes strayed to her. She noticed him and smiled. He looked away quickly. Hoping she didn’t realize how much he wanted her. Were the highs of love worth the lows? With Edith, it might be different. She loved him. At least that’s what she says now, but th
ere was no guarantee she wasn’t lying to gain his title and money. His hand touched his cheek. She’d kissed him when she thought he was Mr. Stirling. But she’d also been intoxicated. That’s not proof—just wishful thinking.
Edith laughed. She was talking to Sir Archibald. The cad. He got an extra helping of carrots and stabbed them into tiny pieces. It might be hard now, but ignoring Edith and sending her away would be the best thing for him in the long run. Someone said his name. He turned to his left and realized Mr. Middleton was talking to him.
“...fish do you have here?” Miles caught the second half of the question.
“The Avon has a variety of good fish. Carp, trout, bream, and pike are what I catch most often, but there are several others. It is cold now, but the next time you visit we’ll have to go fishing.”
“That would be nice. I must warn you, however, that I am quite the angler.”
Miles nodded and listened as Mr. Middleton explained his love of the sport and gave details on his largest catches. At least listening gave his brain a break from thinking about romance. After dinner, he led the gentlemen out. He walked to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a generous helping of brandy. The other gentlemen followed his lead, and the conversation turned to politics and sports. Mr. Wilson chose the chair next to his. It was just his luck to be next to the one person in the room who reminded him of Edith. He turned his body the other way hoping he would receive the message he didn’t wish for conversation. He must not have been clear enough though, for the man started speaking.
“My daughter has been happy here at Avonview. I can’t remember the last time I saw her smile as much as she has here. Edith has a tendency to hide in company, but her true nature is quite boisterous. As a child, she loved frogs and snakes and would often bring them home for me.”
Of course, he had to bring Edith into the conversation. “I am glad to hear she is comfortable here.”
“That was up until today. I fear something is troubling my daughter. I will have to look into the reason. She is my precious girl, and I won’t let anyone hurt her.” His voice increased in volume and his eyes bore into him. The man was giving him a warning. He could respect that.
“That is only as it should be. I too have a daughter, so I understand.”
When could the night be over? He just needed to last for two more days, and then she would be gone. Once she was in London he could start working on forgetting her. Stop thinking about what kind of man she would meet and marry. They would have a clean break. It was doubtful they would ever meet again. He’d never see her float across a room or smell the hint of lavender that hovered around her.
“I’m free tonight,” Mr. Wilson said, “if you feel the need to speak with me privately.”
The man was hinting he could ask for his daughter's hand in marriage tonight. How desperate was he to get Edith off his hands to break with normal protocol? “If you are in need of entertainment, I’m sure my mother will be happy to find something for you to do. Unfortunately, I will be too busy tonight to meet with you,” he explained coolly.
“That’s too bad. It is all too easy for a man to get caught up in work and forget about life. Don’t let the good things in life slip by in favor of mediocrity.”
He was lecturing him now. Why did everyone think they knew what was best for him? He was fine just the way he was. He didn’t need excitement or passion. Miles stood up and walked away from Edith’s father. He didn’t want to talk to anyone, so he stood by the fire and watched the flames dance over the wood.
All too soon it was time to rejoin the ladies, and Miles made sure he was as far away from Edith as physically possible. Instead, he sat right next to Sir Archibald, who smirked at him and said, “I looked through your stables again and I’ve made my decision. Mozart is young, but he’ll grow into a fine horse. I’m going to take Miss Wilson’s advice and choose him.”
“I’ll let my stable master know, and I will sign him over to you first thing in the morning.” If he didn’t have plans to get roaring drunk tonight, he would have signed them then. He was ready to do anything to get that man out of his house.
Edith stood up and glided over to where he stood. She smiled up at him and said, “Good evening, Lord Camden. How was your dinner?”
He couldn’t let himself be trapped into a conversation with her. “It was well cooked. Pardon me, but I see my mother waving me over to her side.” He gave a slight nod and left Edith and Sir Archibald. Mother was happy to see him. She shared a funny on-dit and he gave a polite laugh. He turned his body away from Edith. He didn’t want to see her.
Edith tried to talk to Miles three times, and each time he quickly ran away. His words were cold and discouraging, but at the same time she had noticed him watching her at dinner, and the way he was avoiding her seemed more childish than true dislike. She sat down next to Papa and pretended to listen in to his conversation. Which gave her a clear view of Lord Camden. After several minutes he turned around and looked directly at her. She smiled, and he frowned. He didn’t have to pay such close attention to her. If he truly wasn’t interested, then why was he trying so very hard to avoid her only to take quick glances when he thought she wasn’t looking?
He needed a push. Something that would make him act on his true feelings. Something that would prove whether he cared for her or not, and she now had a plan. Earlier she’d passed a note to Sir Archibald asking him to meet her in the library tonight after dinner. She was nervous about meeting him alone, but what she had to say was too inappropriate to talk about in polite company.
Once everyone dispersed to various activities, Edith headed to the library to wait for Sir Archibald. This room held many positive memories for her. The woodsy scent of paper brought back the night she’d been trapped with Miles. They had conversed freely, and she’d grown so much closer to that stubborn man. She perused the bookshelves in the hopes of looking innocent should someone else discover her here alone.
A quarter of an hour later the door opened, and she recognized Sir Archibald’s perfectly coiffed blond hair. He’d come. Now she just had to convince him to help her. “Thank you for coming,” she said.
He jerked in her direction. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who was nervous about their meeting. “What do you need to speak with me about?”
“I helped you win your bet with Lord Camden. Now I need you to help me.”
“Tell me more.”
This was the hardest part. Explaining why she needed him. “I think Lord Camden likes me. I want to prove it, and to do that I will need you to pretend to be interested in marrying me.”
“Your plan is to make him jealous? Not very original, but I suppose a few words here and there won’t force me to offer for you should he not care for you as much as you hope.”
“Jealousy is the start, but if that doesn’t work we’ll have to do something more. I think he’s too stubborn for a light flirtation to work. He needs a shock to his system. Perhaps an actual offer of marriage”
“Aye, that will shock him and everyone else. If he didn’t marry you, then I might have to, and I don’t think we’d suit each other. If you wanted help in exchange for that kiss, you should have mentioned it earlier. It is already done and over with. You don’t have a bargaining chip. I’m out.”
He turned to leave and Edith caught his sleeve. She couldn’t let him walk away. She only had two more days to put her plan into action. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have asked you. There’s no way he would believe that you are in love with me. I should have asked Mr. Stirling first. He’s a better actor and will be much more believable. I apologize for wasting your time.”
A frown marred his perfect face. Would he take the bait she set out for him or would she actually have to beg Mr. Stirling to help her?
“I know what you are doing. I don’t work for free. If you want me to pretend to woo you, I’ll need an incentive. Do you have any sort of bauble or trinket that might be worth my time?”
Edith though
t about all of her possessions. The only things of value were a few pieces of jewelry given to her from her grandmother. “I have an opal pendant and a pair of emerald earrings.”
“How much are they worth?”
“I have no clue. I never asked,” she replied truthfully.
“I suppose they’ll do.”
“I’ll give you my jewels if Lord Camden doesn’t propose by the end of the week,” Edith said. She couldn’t stop herself from smirking. She’d talked him into helping her.
“I think you have the conditions incorrectly set, my dear. According to your terms, I win if you don’t marry, and therefore have no incentive to make Camden jealous.”
“Fine, you win if I get engaged. I’m not very good at betting.”
“We all start somewhere. Now, how should we begin?” Sir Archibald asked.
“You should let Lord Camden know that you want me to have a handful of babies. That I seem like the type who will let you carry on with all of your mistresses and not bother you. I couldn’t come up with any other reason why you’d want to marry me. If outright flirtation doesn’t work, then you can ask my father for my hand. I’ll make sure he says no.”
“I fear my reputation as a rake is only going to increase because of this little escapade.” He smiled wickedly. He didn’t look at all sorry to deepen his disreputable reputation. “Don’t forget you have to act the part as well. He’ll have to believe you want to marry me.” Edith nodded and Sir Archibald put his hand out to her and said, “Now we shake on it to make it official.” Edith took his hand and waved it up and down. He laughed. “I have a feeling you are going to make Lord Camden’s life very interesting. You’re not as boring as you seem, little mouse.”
“Don’t call me that. I’m not a rodent.” She pulled her hand away from him and sighed. “If I think of any other details you should know I’ll put them in the note I send to you tonight. Until tomorrow, Sir Archibald.”
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