Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

C hauncy hadn't realized he'd been day-dreaming until he was jerked back to the present by his cousin, Beth, who suddenly declared from her position by the fireplace, "I have tatted nearly one half of a collar, Chauncy, while you've been staring into the coals. If you're having second thoughts about going ahead with this marriage contract, then just say so."

His marriage?

Of course, Beth thought the entire reason for commissioning his portrait was to send it to Miss Harriet Blenkinthorpe.

Chauncy straightened. "It makes sense. Our northern estates lie side by side. And in thirty-two years, I've not found someone I'd rather wed."

"But has she? Could that be why Miss Blenkinthorpe is prevaricating, asking for your likeness instead of leaping at the chance of a title though, no doubt, that's what her mama is angling for."

"Miss Blenkinthorpe's request is entirely reasonable since we've not seen one another since we were ten years old."

Beth laid down her handiwork and looked at her cousin. "If Miss Blenkinthorpe's mama is pushing her into something she's unsure about, it will prove most impractical when you fall madly in love with some other worthy?—"

"Enough, Beth." Chauncy ameliorated the interruption with a smile. "I'm more than ready to wed some nice, respectable young lady like Miss Blenkinthorpe, considering the number of times I've thought myself in love with damsels I could not marry. Now that was impractical." He raised an eyebrow. "Not that I should hint at such things to you."

"No, not to poor on-the-shelf-Beth who, at twenty-eight, knows nothing of life." There was a surprisingly defensive edge to Beth's tone as she went on, "And…it certainly is impractical to fall in love with women one is unable to marry." Looking at him from above her handiwork, she went on, more urgently, "Oh, Chauncy, I do wonder if it was wise of you to invite Lord and Lady Saunders to this house party."

Chauncy's mouth dropped open. Beth was the sweetest, most demure and obedient young lady he knew. Could she really be hinting that she understood the relationship between himself and Catherine, Lady Saunders?

Past relationship, he amended.

He swallowed and said, carefully, "Lord Saunders has been my friend for more than a decade. He… knows everything there is to know about me, for I would keep no secrets from him." He hesitated, then added brusquely, "Let us talk no more about the complicated relationships between men and women of which you clearly have no knowledge, Beth."

Beth lowered her eyes. "Of course, Chauncy. I had no wish to overstep the bounds of propriety. It's just?—"

Chauncy didn't want to encourage her so said nothing, until his cousin whispered, "It's just that Lady Saunders asked me to give this to you."

Reluctantly, Chauncy took the wax-sealed paper Beth held out.

Another request to pay Catherine's gambling debts? Chauncy had studiously avoided being alone with Catherine since she and Saunders had arrived the previous day.

"So, perhaps there are merits to marriage with Miss Blenkinthorpe," Beth said, more brightly this time, but with an incisive look at Chauncy. "Though I do wish you'd marry someone on the basis of love. However, since your mind is clearly made up, no doubt you'd rather talk of matters other than marriage."

Chauncy offered his cousin a bland smile.

As he'd been considering whether to divulge to Saunders the extent of his wife's gambling addiction, which Chauncy had financed for more than a year, talk of marriage was a welcome diversion.

It was certainly a diversion from his preoccupation these past weeks to thwart a feared upcoming attempt on the Prince Regent's life.

Requesting a supposed request from Miss Harriet Blenkinthorpe for a likeness had been an inspiration but he knew he'd have to be careful not to let slip it was not the real reason he wished Sir Edward to draw his visage.

Chauncy's colleague, Sir Simeon, had despaired of any chance of positively identifying three primary suspects he'd learned had been invited to Lady Rushworth's August Ball.

A ball which the Prince Regent was also attending several weeks hence and at which it was feared he'd be in mortal jeopardy.

If Mr. Boothe proved quick and accurate in drawing Chauncy's likeness, the young artist would also be included on the guest list.

If he could draw Chauncy to his satisfaction during this house party, then he could draw the three suspects. Quickly and discreetly. That was all that was required.

Chauncy stirred himself for Beth had spoken once more and he'd only just caught the last of her words, causing him to say with great affection, if not complete truth, "Why, Beth, of course someone will want your portrait painted. I think you're the most beautiful woman in all of East Anglia."

"Well, I've caught you out in a lie, my dear Chauncy, since that is what you used to tell Gwyneth."

"I did?" Chauncy paused to reflect on Beth's late older sister. Gwyneth had not been a beauty, but her sweet eccentricity had endeared her to him. While she'd scandalized her family for speaking without thought, Chauncy had admired his unconventional cousin's candor. "Poor Gwyneth. If the gentlemen had only been able to see past her birthmark?—"

"Her dowry compensated for that, and you know it, Chauncy!" Beth retorted. "It was the fact she spoke her mind. That's what the gentlemen couldn't see past. Anyway, it's too late now." She sighed. "But it's not too late for you to reconsider this marriage to Miss Blenkinthorpe. No, Chauncy, Miss Blenkinthorpe is too bland for you." She regarded her cousin thoughtfully. "You need to find a wife who will keep you on your toes. Someone who is sufficiently beautiful to please your discerning eye, but who is quick-witted and who won't allow themselves to be dictated to."

"A recalcitrant wife? Oh, I don't think so, Beth."

His cousin grinned. "Semantics, Chauncy! Recalcitrant? Disobedient? It doesn't matter what she is or isn't. Just as long as she isn't dull. For I can assure you that's my greatest fear regarding you taking Miss Blenkinthorpe as your wife. That she will obediently keep her mouth shut and, quite frankly, bore you to death."