A Deceptive Wager

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  Teddy clapped his hands in excitement. “I hope it’s candy.”

  “It very well might be,” Hattie replied.

  “If she eats too much candy, then her teeth will rot,” Gretchen said.

  Hattie chuckled. “It’s just a story.”

  Gretchen considered her sister’s words then grinned. “You’re right. It’s not like Teddy can jump into the book and go in there with her.” She turned her gaze to Kitty. “Teddy loves candy. Sometimes he doesn’t know when to stop. We have to be careful not to make too much of it.” She looked at her sister. “Do you remember that night he found our hiding place?”

  Hattie laughed. “You were so upset with him. I thought your face was going to be red forever.”

  “I like candy,” Teddy said. “Do we have some?”

  “No,” Gretchen told him. “We learned our lesson. We only make a little at a time, and you eat that right away.”

  “Well, I hope there’s a lot of candy in the story,” Teddy said. “Louisa should get a whole house full of it.”

  “She might,” Gretchen said. “The story isn’t real. Anything can happen.”

  She turned her gaze back to Kitty, and Kitty took that as her cue to keep reading. “‘Louisa hurried back to the thick bush and peered at her parents, young brother, and baby sister. They were still enjoying their picnic under the shade of a large oak tree not too far away. If she was going to sneak into the garden, she was going to have to be quick. She had promised them that she wouldn’t tarry too long.’”

  Kitty continued reading the story, and the more Kitty did, the more she liked Louisa. She’d never have the courage Louisa did to climb a tree and jump down in the garden. Not only did Kitty worry Louisa’s parents would start looking for her, but there could be a dangerous creature lurking somewhere in the garden. Louisa was far braver than she’d ever be.

  The riskiest thing Kitty had ever done was disguising herself as a gentleman so Lilly, who had also been disguised as a gentleman at the time, could talk to Mr. Robinson without a chaperone. That was for the sake of love, and even though Kitty hadn’t had the desire to marry, she saw no reason why her friend couldn’t do it. And it had turned out all right. Lilly and Roger were very happy with a baby who’d soon join their family.

  As it turned out in the story, though, Louisa found a portal to another world which was dark and full of shadows. She encountered some dangerous people who wanted to trade her younger brother and sister in exchange for some gold. For a moment, Kitty thought Louisa might agree to the trade because she had been mesmerized by the way the gold sparkled. But Louisa refused, and from there, they pursued her all the way back to the garden. Fortunately, they were not able to cross into her world because they couldn’t tolerate the sunlight.

  “‘Louisa made haste in leaving the garden,’” Kitty read as she was concluding the story. “‘It wasn’t until she was in her parents’ arms that she knew she’d never see those horrible people again. Thankfully, the sun really had kept them away. Her brother and sister were safe. On their way home, Louisa glanced back at the garden and the tall iron gate that had been built to keep people out. That settled it. From this point forward, she would remember that gated gardens were locked for a reason, and curious little girls could bring harm to their little brothers and sisters if they entered such a foreboding place. She’d never make that mistake again. She had learned her lesson. She would always stay where she was supposed to be. The End.’”

  Hattie didn’t hide her disappointment. “That story didn’t go at all like I expected. There should have been something fun that a child might enjoy in the middle of the garden. I think Teddy’s version was much better. The way this story is now is gruesome.”

  “It was a cautionary tale,” Gretchen said. “And a good one, if you think of it. Children are apt to get into trouble if they don’t mind their parents. Louisa’s parents warned her to stay away from the garden.”

  “If they knew the garden was bad, they shouldn’t have had a picnic near it,” Hattie replied.

  Gretchen considered her sister’s words and nodded. “While I concede to that point, the purpose of the story was for the child reading it to remember that there are dangerous things in the world, and they are better off if they listen to their parents. It’s one thing to tell a child what they should do, but a story best illustrates why.”

  “Well, it’s still gruesome,” Hattie said. “I wouldn’t have written a story like that. I’m not even sure it was wise to let Teddy listen to the entire thing.”

  Gretchen studied their nephew, who seemed to be more interested in the loose thread on his button than what they were saying. “I think he lost interest in the tale as soon as he realized there was no candy.”

  Teddy looked between his aunts. “I want candy. Can you make some for dinner tonight?”

  Hattie smiled and patted his hand. “Yes, of course. I’ll make barley sugar candy and lemon drops.”

  “Lady Northton and I should go back to the townhouse. She needs to get ready for dinner,” Gretchen said.

  Kitty glanced out the window. She hadn’t realized they’d spent so long here. The sun was showing that it was late in the afternoon. She hurried to close her book. She would leave the book here if it belonged to her, but since it belonged to Aaron, she needed to take it back home.

  The afternoon had been a pleasant one. It was a shame they had to ruin it by returning to a townhouse with a very miserable earl.

  Once she was in the carriage with her chaperone, Gretchen said, “It was nice of you to read that story. You have a pleasant voice for reading, too.”

  Surprised by the compliment, Kitty replied, “Thank you. I love to read. I used to read aloud when it was too quiet in my room. It helped me not feel so alone.”

  “Did you feel alone often?”

  “I did. I had an older brother, but we were never close, and I had no sisters. Most of the time, I only had books for company.”

  “What about your parents?”

  “They had social engagements to go to.” Noting the sympathetic expression on her chaperone’s face, Kitty hurried to say, “My friends are like the sisters I never had. I don’t feel lonely anymore.”

  “It’s good you have those friends. Everyone should have someone that lessens that feeling of loneliness we all deal with from time to time. I don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for Hattie and Teddy. I used to think I’d like to marry, but I never found a suitable gentleman. It turned out that was for the best. Poor Hattie couldn’t manage Teddy all by herself. Someone needs to make the money to support us, and we agreed early on that I was the best one to do that. Hattie’s always been more motherly than I am. She enjoys cooking and taking care of Teddy like one would a child. He seeks her out first when he needs someone to comfort him.”

  “You were the one who calmed him the other day when he cut himself.”

  “Yes, but that’s because there was medicine involved. When it comes to medicine, he thinks it’s really poison. I think it’s my serious nature that compels him to believe me when I tell him it’s not.”

  “Well, you have a way about you that makes everyone take you at your word.”

  Gretchen laughed. “Hattie tells me that all the time. It’s why she comes to me when she’s at her wit’s end.”

  “Does it ever bother you?” Kitty asked.

  “No. Hattie is the way she is, and I am the way I am. I’ve long since come to peace with the fact that I’ll never be like her.”

  “You used to want to be like her?”

  “I did. I even tried for a while, but I just don’t have that softness in me like she does. She makes people comfortable. They enjoy being around her.”

  Picking up on the wistful tone in her voice, Kitty said, “You’re actually pleasant to be with now that I’ve gotten to know you.”

  Gretchen’s eyes widened. “I am?”

  Kitty nodded. “If I had to be chaperoned by anyone, I would be happy for you to tak
e the position.”

  Gretchen smiled. “Thank you, my lady. I appreciate that.”

  Kitty returned her smile, and the two rode the rest of the way back to the townhouse in silence.

  ***

  “What do you mean that you have to take a leave of absence?” Aaron asked Miss Britcher the next morning when she came up to him in the drawing room. “And where is my wife? She should be with you.”

  Miss Britcher gave a slight shake of her head that reminded him of a mother who had caught her child talking out of turn. “Lord Northton, your wife is currently taking a bath. I made sure she was alone before I left her in her bedchamber.”

  He frowned. “But someone could go into the bedchamber while you’re down here talking to me.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Do you hire servants who are likely to take advantage of the mistress of the house?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Then I don’t see why you worry about her virtue while she’s bathing.”

  “Someone could sneak in through a window.”

  She let out a sigh so loud that he was sure she intended for him to notice so he’d know she was growing frustrated with him, but he chose to ignore it.

  She turned toward Mr. Stonewall. “Would you go outside and stop anyone who tries to climb the walls to get to Lady Northton’s window?”

  Aaron felt a scowl cross his face. “Do you find that humorous?”

  “I find nothing about this situation with your wife humorous,” she replied.

  As Mr. Stonewall made his way to the door, Aaron called out, “There’s no need to go out there. This conversation won’t take long.” He turned his gaze back to Miss Britcher. “When will you return today?”

  “I won’t return today,” she replied.

  “Why not?” he asked, not hiding his surprise.

  “The matter with my nephew is a serious one,” she said. “The poor boy has been terrified by nightmares all through the night. It’ll take at least a few days to calm him,” she said.

  “A few days?”

  “At least. You haven’t met my nephew, but he requires more attention than most children. This isn’t something I have any control over. If he doesn’t have sufficient care around him, there’s no telling what will happen.”

  “I thought you had a sister. You said you’re the one who works.”

  “Yes, but even she can only do so much. In this instance, I must be with her.” She shot him a pointed look. “You wouldn’t want me to neglect my duties as his aunt in his time of need, would you?”

  “No, I wouldn’t.”

  He’d never ask an aunt, or any caregiver, to neglect a child. How often had he resented the fact that his mother had cared more about her pleasures than him? It was commendable that Miss Britcher was so attentive to her nephew. He didn’t know anything about the lad, but he figured the lad was probably ten or younger, judging by the books she and Kitty had taken from his library.

  “Who will be chaperoning my wife while you are gone?” he asked.

  “You will, my lord.”

  “Me?”

  She nodded in a way that let him know she was determined it be this way.

  “But I hired you to do it,” Aaron argued. “The least you can do is find someone to fill in for you.”

  “All right.” She paused then gestured to Mr. Stonewall. “I’ll have him fill in for me.”

  “You can’t do that,” Aaron said, not amused one bit. “It has to be a lady.”

  “Well, there are no ladies I can find. The logical choice is you.”

  “What about one of the maids?”

  “The ones who are already busy cleaning the laundry and the rooms?”

  Drat! They were busy doing all of that, and he really wanted his bedding washed and dried today, in addition to keeping up a clean townhouse in case someone were to visit. He groaned. “All right, I’ll do the job myself. That means,” he continued as an idea came to him, “I won’t need a chaperone while you’re gone since my wife can do his job for him.” He looked over at Mr. Stonewall.

  Mr. Stonewall took a moment to think over the situation before he nodded. “I suppose my services won’t be required if my employer is watching you.”

  Watching him. Aaron just hated the sound of that, but he had to relent since, from Mr. Stonewall’s perspective, it was true. “I’m sure my wife will send you a missive when your services are needed again,” Aaron told him. “That will be when Miss Britcher is back.”

  “Understood, my lord,” Mr. Stonewall said. “I will pack my things once you and Lady Northton are together. Then I will leave with Miss Britcher.”

  “That sounds like a fine arrangement,” Miss Britcher agreed. She turned her attention back to Aaron. “I will return to my lady.”

  As Aaron watched her leave the room, he cursed the power of nightmares. Just what could have possibly caused a young lad to be so terrified that he had nightmares? With a shake of his head, he decided to skip the morning meal. He no longer had an appetite. All he wanted to do was get lost in a book. At least there, he was given a reprieve from reality.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kitty tried to read the book she was holding, but it was proving to be an impossible feat with Aaron sitting close by with his own book. It didn’t help that the drawing room was quiet. She used to think it was awkward to read while Gretchen was nearby, but this was worse.

  She glanced over at him. He seemed as if he had no trouble reading. It wasn’t fair that he could concentrate on his book while she couldn’t focus on hers.

  This was all her fault. If she had stopped reading that story about Louisa as soon as she realized it had taken a dark turn, Teddy wouldn’t have gotten scared. Then he wouldn’t have had nightmares all night. Kitty had offered to go with Gretchen, but Gretchen had said that when Teddy got this scared, he couldn’t have more than his two aunts with him.

  Kitty took another look at Aaron. He was reclining in his chair, and his feet were propped up on an ottoman. He didn’t look up from his book. He simply turned the page and continued reading.

  She sighed. She wished she could do that. After a moment, she gave up and closed the book, an action which made him jerk straight up in his chair. She would have laughed if he didn’t constantly annoy her.

  She put the book on the table in front of her, stood up, and headed for the door.

  “Where are you going?” he demanded.

  She almost didn’t tell him, but he jumped out of the chair and followed her. With a groan, she said, “I’m going for a walk. I’ll be out in public where everyone can see me. I can even go with a friend if it’ll make you feel better.”

  “Oh no, you don’t. Just because Miss Britcher had a family emergency, it doesn’t give you liberties to run all over London. If you insist on going for a walk, I’ll have to go with you.”

  “I don’t like being with you.”

  “I don’t like being with you, either, but neither one of us can trust the other. We’re stuck together until you give me an heir.”

  “Fine.” She crossed her arms and met his gaze. “Give me the blasted heir so I can finally stop being your prisoner.”

  “I can’t just give you an heir.”

  “Who else is going to do it?”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. “No one.”

  “Then why not just get it over with? I’m tired of waiting for you to decide the time is right. Miss Britcher let you know I’m not with child, so you are assured that I’ll have yours.” Frustrated when he didn’t answer her, she closed the doors to the drawing room and faced him. “Go on then. Do whatever you need to do to get me with child.”

  His face went as white as the cravat around his neck. “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not? You’re a gentleman, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, of course, I’m a gentleman. But I’m not the kind of gentleman who can force myself to try for an heir. I need time.”

  “Time for what?”

  “Time
to prepare myself for what I need to do.”

  “What do you need to do? Maybe I can help so we can get this over with.”

  He blinked as if he’d never heard a more absurd suggestion in his life.

  “I assume since I’m necessary to have this heir, then I have a role to play in this, too,” she said.

  He shook his head. “I have to be ready. Now isn’t the right time.”

  “Then when will be the right time?”

  “I-I don’t know.”

  “How can you not know?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “What do you mean you don’t know?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just something I’ll know when the time is right.”

  She didn’t hide her exasperation. Really, what was it with him? Why did he have to constantly give her a hard time?

  “Let’s go for a walk,” he finally said.

  She rolled her eyes as he strode to the doors.

  “Maybe you’ve been through this before, but I haven’t,” he said, turning back to face her. “I know what I’m supposed to do, but all of this quarreling doesn’t make me inclined to do it.”

  “Well, I don’t have the slightest idea of what I’m supposed to do or what you’re supposed to do. All I know is that we’re supposed to be alone, and then something is supposed to happen.”

  He shot her a skeptical look.

  “I know you don’t believe me,” she snapped. “You think I’ve done this with other gentlemen, and there’s nothing I can say to change your mind.” She pointed her finger at his face. “You, my lord, are a terrible husband. Other gentlemen at least give their wives a chance before they assume they have lovers. But you’ve convicted me already without any evidence.”

  “You’ve convicted me, too.”

  “I never believed you had anything to do with a lady. You hate ladies so much that it’s impossible to see you dance with one, let alone share a kiss.”