“I do hate to disappoint you, aunt, I really do, but I’m not trying to prove anything. After much deliberation I’ve concluded that Walter is quite capable of finding some position to support you both.” He winced when she screeched in rage and with a sigh of resignation let her vent her spleen.
“You… you selfish, selfish wastrel. If your father wasn’t dead, he’d not only disown you, but if he knew what you planned to do, he’d disinherit you. I have more right to that money than you do or he did. I was the eldest child and by rights, I should have inherited everything. Just because I was a woman, my father only left me a few measly thousands. If you think I’ll stand by and let you stop our allowance you can think again. And as for Walter working it’s preposterous. He’s a gentleman, not that you would have any idea what one was. If you go through with this threat, I’ll drag you through the highest courts until I win and claim everything you own. Your titles, your lands and your wealth.”
“If that’s what you decided that’s your decision. I just hope you’re prepared to pay for not only all the legal fees, but your lawyers and my own. We both know you’ll lose of course. Now though I have enjoyed your visit immensely, but I’m awfully busy so I’d like you to leave. Oh, and by the way I hope you haven’t spent all this month’s allowance because there will be no further funds coming out of my pocket. Good day to you aunt.” He dismissed her by opening the account book on his desk.
He didn’t even raise his head while she stood glaring at him for several more minutes, then with an outraged cry, she spun on her heels and stormed from the study. Heaving a sigh of relief, he collapsed back in his chair and scrubbed a hand down his face. It was doubtful it would be the last he would see of that harridan.
The woman wasn’t going to give up her lucrative meal ticket without a fight. No doubt about it, she’d be flying to her solicitor right at this moment trying to find a way to put her hands on more of his money. She wouldn’t succeed, but it was going to be an unwanted nuisance having to deal with her and her unscrupulous lawyers.
At least for the moment she’d have more pressing matters to deal with other than his fiancé and marriage. He scrubbed at his jaw and nodded, yes, a secret rushed ceremony would be for the best. The dead would be done before anyone knew about it or lady Laura’s father and his cousin could come up with a plan to force her to wed Walter.
It was doubtful he could do anything for her if it happened, after all she would be Walter’s wife. Yet the thought of her married to that pathetic, greedy weasel was abhorrent to him. Damn it, he wasn’t going to let her fall into her cousin’s hands. No damn way.
Surging out of his, chair he began to pace the confines of his study. Blast it all, he should have waited until after they were wed to inform his relatives he was no longer going to support them. Now they will even more desperate for money and an easy life. Perhaps they should bring the wedding forward.
When he saw Laura tonight he would put the suggestion to her and let her decide. It would be the ideal solution. Just then there was a knock on the door, he swung around just as it opened, when he saw his friends, he groaned. “I should have expected a visit from you both.”
“Just what in the blazes is going on? Is it true? Were you engaged last evening or not? And just who in the hell is the chit?” Gideon demanded as he strode into the study with Killian.
“Please tell us it’s a misunderstanding or you suddenly lost your mind last evening?” Killian’s voice was filled with humor, but his amusement quickly died when he noticed the smug expression on Garth’s face. “Hell, its true then.”
“Yes its true. I’m engaged to be married.” Garth grinned when he saw the look of horror on his friend’s faces.
Gideon collapsed into the nearest chair, as Killian groaned out loud. “What in the hell were you thinking? And just who in the hell is lady Laura Wilson? Never heard of her.”
“Hell, she didn’t set up a compromising situation to catch you in did she? Her families not in desperate need of funds are they?” Killian slowly sank down on the other chair and could only shake his head in disbelief.
Strolling over to the front of his desk, Garth leaned back and rested his hand on the polished surface. “First, I wasn’t thinking and she’s only been in town a few months and it’s her first season.” When he heard his friends growl, he grinned. “Secondly it was I who put her in a compromising situation and she was forced to become my fiancé. Thirdly she’s a very wealthy young lady.”
“What in the blazes do you mean you put her in a compromising situation?” Gideon asked in disbelief.
“I had a few to many brandies and foolishly agreed to meet lady Lesley Ward in the Abbot’s library. I couldn’t remember where I agreed to meet her. I ended up in their study instead. I was lying on the couch when I thought she had arrived. Well, I’m sure you can use your imagination. While we were sharing a few moments of intimate pleasure, lady Ward’s father and friends arrived.” He chuckled remembering the shocked expressions. “In the end, I had no choice, but to annoyance we were engaged to save her reputation.”
“Well I’ll be damned. You escaped one trap and fell into another.” Killian shook his head in amazement.
“A trap of my own making. I planned to make it a long engagement, but then I found out Walter was intending to ask for her hand, I quickly changed my mind. Between him and her father they’re scheming to steal her wealth.” Garth explained.
Killian sat straighter in his chair. “That pathetic, lazy prat. Hell, she must be rich if he wants her.”
“So what happens now?” Gideon asked.
Meeting his friend’s serious gazes, Garth shrugged and grinned. “We’ll wed by the end of the week or sooner. But I want it kept quiet, not a word to anyone. Even now I have a gut feeling that both men are plotting something and that she’s in danger.”
“Only you could find yourself in such a mess. So what can we to do help?” Gideon laughed, stood up and shook’s Garth’s hand. “I suppose congratulations are in order.”
Killian joined them and shook Garth’s hand as well. “Yes, congratulations, old boy. Just remember we took an oath never let a female worm their way into our hearts. Don’t go falling in love with the chit.”
With a burst of laughter, Garth gave Killian a punch on the arm. “I remember and don’t worry it’ll never happen. I have no intentions of giving my heart to any fickle female.” After joking around for a few more minutes things turned serious and they discussed several options on how to keep Laura safe and out of his cousin’s clutches.
Chapter Five
Morosely, eyeing the gowns in the wardrobe, they were all so hideously dull and frumpy. Not even a doddering, half-blind old lady would be seen in one of them. Why hadn’t she argued with her aunt and demanded something colorful and pretty instead of keeping her mouth closed. Blast it all, there was nothing that could be done to them that would even make them look even half way decent. Just as tears began to fill her eyes, Laura spun around when her maid came bustling into the bedroom carrying several fancy boxes. “What are they and who are they for?”
Jenny placed the boxes down on the bed and turning to her mistress, she smiled brightly. “There for you, miss. There a gift from your handsome fiancé.”
“Really, you mean lord Brookes sent them. I wonder what they are.” Her eyes lit up with eager pleasure, she hurried over to the bed and opened the first box. She gasped out loud when she saw the rich satin, bronze-greenish gown. With reverence, she lifted it out and held it high.
“Oh, miss, it’s ever so lovely. When it moves it changes shades just like your eyes and the black lace trim is so delicate.” Jenny gushed in excitement, never had her mistress been given anything so beautiful.
With tears brimming in her eyes, Laura waved the gown and notice that with each movement it changed color now it was blue and bronze. “Look, Jenny it’s changed shades again. How does that happen I wonder?” Placing the gown carefully down on the bed, she opened the ne
xt box and found two-day gowns in a light shade of blue and another of soft green.
When all the boxes were open, her bed was covered with delicate evening slippers, dainty walking shoes, two hats and parasols. Delicate underwear and an array of petticoats. She could only stand there looking at them in awe. Not since her mother passed away had she worn anything else but the drab ugly gowns her aunt chose for her.
Just as Jenny was gathering up all the wrapping she saw the envelope quickly she reached for it tore it open and read the contents.
My Dearest Laura,
I hope you find the evening gown and the day dresses suitable. I’m sure if they need any alterations your maid Jenny will see to it. More will be arriving for you over the next few days and tomorrow I will escort you to the dress shop for a proper fitting and you can make the choices yourself. I’ll come at seven tonight to escort you out. I am looking forward to seeing not only you, but I am eager to see how lovely you will look.
Your Fiancé
Garth
Tears of gratitude and happiness dripped from her eyes, dashing them away, she folded the note and placed it in the draw of her dresser. “It’s five o’clock, Jenny and the earl will be here in a few hours. I need a bath and I must try on the evening gown to make certain it fits. I want to at least look pretty tonight.”
“I’ll ring for the bath water and miss I’m sure you’ll look beautiful.” Jenny hastened over to the cord and rang the bell.
It was doubtful she could miraculously turn beautiful, but just as long as she looked pretty and lord Brookes would not be ashamed to be seen with her would be all she hoped for. She supposed any other woman would be insulted if their fiancé sent them gowns, but she was only grateful.
A smile of mischief tipped the corners of her mouth; her aunt and father were going to be livid when they saw her dressed in such finery. Perhaps it was wrong, but she was looking forward to their reaction when they saw her tonight.
When the servants arrived with her bath water, she was eager to begin with what she hoped would be her transformation. She didn’t waste any time stripping off her clothing and settling in the tub. As Jenny helped wash her hair, she groaned. The last thing she wanted was to have to endure her aunt and father company this evening.
Yet even though she was engaged, she still needed a chaperone, she laughed when an idea came to her. “Jenny do you have a pretty gown you could wear tonight? I want you to be my chaperone.”
“Really, miss? I have never been to a fancy do before, what if I embarrass you?” At first, Jenny was excited, but it quick fled when she realized where she would have to go.
“Nonsense. You have wonderful manners, so would you please be my chaperone? If you don’t, lord Brookes and I will have to endure my father and aunt’s company and I’d rather avoid that if I can.” Laura pleaded.
“Well then, miss, I can’t let that happen and yes I have a very lovely gown I keep for special occasions.” Jenny replied with excitement as she rinsed her mistress’s hair.
After her bath seated at the dressing table, Laura sat staring at her reflection in the mirror as her maid towel dried her hair. “Jenny I want you to do something different with my hair tonight. I don’t want to wear that tight bun my aunt insists on when I go out in the evenings.”
“Oh, miss, I’ve been waiting forever to give you a pretty hairstyle.” Jenny quickly finished drying the long, thick, heavy hair and started to brush it until it shone.
Frightened while Jenny worked on her hair, Laura refused to look at herself. She was scared that she was only going to look foolish. But she was determined to break free from her aunt’s oppression and wanted to at least be someone the earl wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with.
The hours flew by and at five minutes to seven, she stood in front of the full length mirror and stared in disbelief. She couldn’t believe the transformation. “Is that really me, Jenny?”
Smiling brightly, Jenny nodded. “Yes, miss. I always knew that you were lovely, but because of your aunt making you dress in those ugly gowns and wear a severe hairstyle, it was hidden.”
Laura’s eyes met her maids and she smiled. “You also look lovely, Jenny. Dear heaven’s I’m nervous. I wonder if the earl will be pleased at the change in me. I hope he won’t be disappointed.”
“He’s a blind fool if he is, miss.” Jenny handed her mistress her gloves. “It’s time to go downstairs. Don’t let your father or aunt bully you or upset you miss.”
“No, they’re not going to ruin my evening. I won’t allow them to.” After pulling on her elbow, length gloves she took the fan dangled it from her wrist and with Jenny following her, they left the bedroom. Before she reached the landing, she heard the front door open and heard the smooth, rich voice of the earl.
Butterflies took flight in her stomach and on trembling legs; she drew in a deep breath and sailed down the staircase. Halfway down she met lord Brookes’ eyes and her heart began to race at his heated, appreciative gaze. His look of admiration filled her with confidence, they were still staring at each other when her father’s disapproving voice shattered the moment.
“What in the blazes do you have on? Where did that atrocious gown come from?” David demanded answers.
Ruth stepped up beside her brother. “She’s a harlot just like her mother. Look how low cut it is. Why she’s practically falling out of it. Go back upstairs young lady and change into something decent and do something with that dreadful hair style.”
When he’d first spotted his fiancé coming down the staircase, Garth had a hard time believing his eyes. He couldn’t believe that this lovely creature was his betrothed, but when their eyes met and held he knew it was her. Desire slammed though his body so fast and so demanding it took his breath away. Only when her father started shouting did he manage to tears his eyes from hers and anger exploded inside him. “The gown is a gift from me, her fiancé and she won’t be changing it.” He ignored her father’s and aunt’s outraged gasps and stepped forward to meet her when she stepped down on the floor of the foyer. “You’re a vision and I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing such a lovely, young woman until tonight.”
Blushing at the compliment, Laura smiled brightly. “I think your exaggerating, but I thank you anyway. And you, my Lord look exceptionally handsome.” She whispered so he was the only one to hear the complement and she turned to her father and aunt. “Polly will be my chaperone this evening.”
Not wanting his fiancé’s family to start shouting or try to stop them from leaving, Garth gave a quick nod, he whisked her and Jenny out of the house and into his waiting coach before her relatives could utter another word. “I’m sorry they were so cruel and nasty. I hope they didn’t upset you or believed anything they said.”
“No, I’m used to their disparaging remarks. I want to thank you for all the gifts. It was so kind and sweet of you. It’s been a very long time since I owned anything so beautiful.” Laura met his gaze with bright shining eyes filled with gratitude.
Kind and sweet! He could only stare at his bride in disbelief, he shook his head and forced a smile. “Every young lady deserves them.” He managed to say, but he was swelling with indignation over her description of him. No man, none that he knew of would wanted to be called kind and sweet. Damn it, he wasn’t either.
“This afternoon I had a visitor. A Mister Ronald Peabody. He’s a solicitor and works for the same firm yours does it seems. When he heard we were betrothed he raced over and explained everything to me.” Laura wanted the serious topic over with before they reached their destination.
Relaxing back in his seat, Garth nodded. “So you’ve discovered the deception. What do you plan to do?”
“After we are married I’ll have my aunt and father removed from my home. Mister Peabody is finding them a cottage somewhere in the country. I’ll buy it for them, pay for one servant and give them a small stipend to live on. Does that meet with your approval? I wasn’t certain I should act without consulting yo
u first.” She hoped the earl wouldn’t be angry, most men insisted they take charge of such matters.
“No, I’m not angry, but when we are married I hope when making such serious decisions you would consult me first.” For some reason he was disappointed on the other hand he was impressed at how well she solved the problem. He was becoming to realize she wasn’t an empty headed chit and thank goodness for that.
Pleased that he wasn’t annoyed, she smiled brightly. “Mister Peabody also informed me that you refused to claim my inheritance and you would leave everything in my hands.”
“Yes, I have no need of it. Besides your mother bequeathed it to you, it was her gift to you.” When he saw the tears well up in her eyes, he silently cursed. “Please don’t cry.
Laura sniffed and blinked the tears away. “I won’t. It’s just your so kind and sweet and no one has treated me so nicely or been compassionate for a very long time.
At the mention of sweet and kind, Garth gnashed his teeth. He only did the most sensible thing. She needed decent clothing and he had no need of her inheritance so why would he take it from her? He decided to change the subject. “Every man at the ball will be green with envy when I walk in with you on my arm.”
“I think you embellish, my Lord.” She was glowing after his compliment and she could feel her cheeks warm with her blush.
“No, your loveliness was hidden behind frumpy, ugly gowns and a terrible hair arrangement. Jenny I must congratulate you. You did a wonderful job and you also look very pretty tonight. I hope when we marry you will come and work for us. I know miss Laura would be most happy if you joined our household.” He smiled warmly and saw the maid’s eyes glow with excitement.
“Thank you, my Lord. That’s very kind and sweet of you and I would love to come and work for you. I didn’t like the thought that I wouldn’t be serving miss Laura when she married.” Jenny beamed with happiness.
Cupid's Arrow Book One Bewitching The Earl Page 4
