Chapter 18

D ear Lord, someone should just shoot her.

Rebekah was ready to call it quits. Who knew there was so much to learn? Not only learn, but practice and watch her every move. An instructor to show her how to walk? At first, she thought Joyanna was joking. Then Serena told her that she had the same teacher.

"You had to go through this, too?"

"Like you, I thought it was unnecessary. But my mother was of noble blood. She moved with grace. I didn't recognize it when I was young, but looking back, I see her movements were like water."

"Water?"

"Well, what I mean is, fluid motions. I don't know how to explain it, but she flowed like water, or like the wind. Graceful in everything she did. Whether she walked across the room or stood cooking at the stove. Even when she brought the dishes to the table or made up the bed."

"Wow. That's some description." Rebekah turned to Joyanna. "I see it in you, Joyanna. You float across a room. You glide when you sit down."

"That's it," Serena said. "You do know what I mean."

Joyanna laughed. "I had no idea I was floating, or gliding. However, I did have an instructor. Not Mr. Bisque. I quite like Mr. Bisque. My teacher was Mr. Mason. He often told my mother I was a lost cause. He was fat and had this pointy nose he kept in the air. I never saw him point that brittle thing anywhere else."

The women laughed, and Rebekah joined them.

"I didn't mind Mr. Bisque," Serena said. "Of course, Penelope joined us for my lessons. And she was quick to take him to task if I didn't do something right."

"He taught you how to walk, right?" Rebekah asked Serena. "I've been walking all my life."

"Ah, Rebekah," Joyanna cooed, "there is walking … and there is gliding." She giggled and Rebekah laughed too.

"I'm so glad the both of you are here. You've made this so much easier on me."

"I'm happy to help." Serena smiled. "The only person I had to lean on was Penelope. I was all alone, and I was so scared."

A shadow crossed Serena's face making Rebekah wonder if something had happened to her?

"And look at you now," Joyanna laughed. "Lady Greystoke. Not the owner of one title but two."

"Two?" It was out of her mouth before she thought better of it. "I'm sorry. I should not have asked?"

"It's no secret. My grandfather was Viscount of Rothingham Hall. Close to the shoreline, a few days from here. His son was my father. When my father … died …"

"Oh, Serena, I'm so sorry. If it is too painful …"

Serena smiled. "No. Mine is a happy ending. "I'd been born a girl, so there was no one to carry on the line. Grandfather took it out on me. I escaped; Nathaniel found me. He saved me. We fell in love and here we are."

Rebekah knew there was a whole lot more to that story. Perhaps someday, after they became better friends, Serena might share it with her.

Who was she kidding? Most likely, Rebekah would not be around long enough for them to become friends. True, Aaron had married her, nut then he left. She wouldn't blame the family if they threw her out.

But Aunt Penelope was treating Rebekah as though she belonged. As though she truly was Aaron's wife— which I guess I am . Part of the family. Serena and Joyanna were doing the same. A tear formed in Rebekah's eye, but she quickly willed it away. They didn't know her, and still, they were being so nice.

"Want to hear my story?" Joyanna asked with a wink.

Rebekah blinked. "Oh yes, if you don't mind, I do." This would be interesting. Joyanna was French. This had to be exciting.

"Well, I was raised in London. My father was a very important nobleman. Mother was the creme de la creme ," she said with a wave of her hand. "In case you don't know what that means, she was extremely fashionable and enjoyed being envied by the ton. Even so, she was well liked by the other matrons."

Joyanna's face took on a dreamy expression.

"Edmund is the love of my life. Has always been. We were together at every opportunity we could orchestrate. Everyone considered him the Earl of Greystoke. The title didn't matter to me. I loved him ."

"Edmund the earl?"

"Oh, I left a few things out," Serena said. "Not intentionally. But Nathaniel hated Greystoke Manor. I see the questions on your face, we will answer all those questions another day. Anyway, Nathaniel left his home, and his brothers didn't know if he was ever coming back."

Rebekah gasped at that statement.

Serena nodded. "Yes, well, while he was gone, Edmund acted in his stead."

"He never pretended to be the earl. He just performed the duties as Lord Greystoke tending the Manor," Joyanna quickly explained. "He made it clear he had no claim, and he was not the heir." Joyanna looked down at her hands in her lap.

Oh dear. Rebekah feared there was a sad part to Joyanna's story.

"Edmund thought … wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. My father invested our money with a criminal—of course he didn't know it at the time—and he lost everything. To save face, father decided we would move to France. He didn't tell a soul what happened. He wouldn't have been able to stand the embarrassment." Joyanna looked directly at Rebekah.

"So, you see, the ton is a dangerous weapon. They can make you or break you. Aristocrats believe they are privileged. Due to their titles, they consider themselves most qualified to rule. They hold the power."

"This is why Penelope arranged a cover for you and Aaron. She did the same thing for Nathaniel and me."

"What do you mean?"

"I was a young woman living with a popular bachelor. Aunt had to chaperone. She made up a story about her relative being my mother and I was Nathaniel's ward. Then we fell madly in love—that part is true—and we married."

"Oh, I have got to hear the rest of that story."

"If your dance instructor wasn't due this afternoon, we would have time," Joyanna said. "I'll be quick."

"I don't want you to leave anything out," Rebekah blurted.

Joyanna smiled.

"As I said, another day. For now, the basics. Let me see, where was I? Oh, yes. Father lost all our money and was taking us to France. I couldn't tell Edmund the truth, so I allowed him to believe I wouldn't have him because he was not the earl."

"You mean, he offered for you, and you refused him?"

Joyanna nodded. "I thought I was doing the right thing, even though I broke both our hearts." She removed a handkerchief from her reticule and dabbed at her eyes. "Goodness, I can still see the pain on his face. The anger."

Serena patted Joyanna's hand for comfort. "Get to the good part."

"Oh yes, well," Joyanna waved her hand. "I went to France, married an old man who was a Viscount—father arranged the marriage. I didn't care who I married. I didn't care about anything."

"Joyanna," Serena drew her attention. "The good part."

The corners of her mouth lifted into a bright smile. Rebekah released the breath she'd been holding.

"My husband was old. He died, poor man. But I was free. I came back to London, and went after the man I loved. It wasn't easy."

Serena giggled.

"But we're together, and we are very happy."

"I can see that," Rebekah told her. "I also see another long story. One day the three of us need to get together and plan a day of stories."

"That sounds like a fine idea. Doesn't it, Joyanna?"

Joyanna clapped her hands. "I can hardly wait."

"Did Penelope have to make up a story for you, too?" Rebekah asked.

"No. It wasn't necessary. The ton was presented with the new Viscountess from France. A high-born lady with a title."

"There was a grand introduction into society. Everyone knew the famous lady from France before even we knew of her connection to Edmund."

"Before? I know, another long story. I think we will need more than one day." Rebekah laughed, feeling liberated, and pleased that she had these ladies for friends.

Aaron left the small office of Anderson Shipping feeling better than he had in quite a long while. The merger was complete. He owned fifty percent of the company, an equal partner. He decided to stop by Whites to celebrate, and ran into his rollicking friends.

"I say, Aaron. The betting book has your name in it."

"I'm used to the ton gossiping about me and my brothers."

Jeremy chuckled. "This is ripe."

"If it has your interest," Aaron said to Noah, "then pray tell me what the gossipmongers are whispering."

"You are married, are you not?"

Aaron, tensed. Then he tilted his head. "I am."

"Where is your bride?"

"I thought I'd settled that weeks ago."

"And still you have not presented said bride."

"We only have your word to go on, Aaron."

Anger flared in his chest. He knew the ton would be curious about his unexpected wedding nuptials, but he had not suspected the ton would question its authenticity. "Are you questioning my word, Elmsford?"

"God no," he sputtered. "There's no need for pistols at dawn."

Worthington chimed in, "Good God, no!"

"Not a ‘tall."

Aaron waited for Jeremy to stop sputtering. "Then explain yourself."

"Well, you've been in this…" Jeremy looked to Noah and back. "…mood." The men shifted in their seats, clearly uncomfortable. They had witnessed Aaron's wrath, but none of the three had been on the receiving end of it.

"Mood?"

"You've turned into a downright sullen man," Worthington admitted. "Not your usual rascally self."

"Where is the charming man who brought laughter into a room with him," Jeremy asked. "I say, you are not my friend Aaron. What have you done with him?"

"Go to the devil, Jeremy."

"The season is half over, and your bride still has not made an appearance. One cannot help but wonder why?"

Before Aaron could answer, his friend spit out, "Our friends think you have a case of the blue devils."

His indignation simmered. He had a lot on his mind, but he didn't think he'd been that bad. They were mad. "You are aware I have a mistress." He glared at them. He'd given her up, but they didn't need to know that.

"And quite a fine one she is. Why her reputation—"

"Hold, Jeremy. Are you eager to face Aaron on the dueling field? That's twice you've managed to tread on his toes."

"What?" His gaze jerked between them. "Now see here. I'm only repeating—"

"Don't worry. Aaron is not as sensitive as all that. Why don't you get to the point?"

"Well." Jeremy cleared his throat. "When you did not bring your wife to London, after a time, the wager was placed if you were leg-shackled at all. You must admit, it's hard to believe of you, old chap."

"And now?" Aaron growled.

"Oh, no, you settled that one," Noah was quick to amend. "Now lords are wondering why, or if your lady wife will ever come to Town."

The fools. They had nothing better to do than waste their money on speculation. Aaron did not like being the brunt of supposition. "What is your wager, Noah?"

"The betting goes from she is too beautiful that you want to keep her to yourself …" He hesitated.

"And?"

"Well, uh …"

"Spit it out," Aaron growled

"Or if she is pock-marked and too ugly," Jeremy finished.

"I didn't say that?" Noah huffed.

Aaron thought his friends were imbeciles. "Perhaps I should take a look for myself." He stood, and Noah fluttered about like a hen protecting her chicks. He followed Aaron over to the betting book, where a large group was already gathered.

"Chapman. The man in question is right here. Let's see what he had to say."

Aaron's glower had several men quickly stepping aside. He read the last few entries until he found the one he was looking for. Not only his friends, but half the ton had made wagers. There was nothing for him to do.

He slammed the book closed, turned on his heel, and left.

Rebekah embarked on her task with all the determination of one of Sasha's puppies finding mischief. Her curiosity burned as deep as the critters' inquisitiveness. She poured over volumes of conduct, convention, and protocol. What she did not learn in books, Serena and Joyanna happily filled in for her.

Serena and Joyanna were nothing like what she had expected. They were nice, and fun, and not snooty at all. Not like one would expect aristocrats to be. True, Rebekah had not been around nobles, but from what she gathered from her Mama and Papa, lords and ladies were a bunch of fakes. Pretending to be better than anyone else, yet sneaking about, with less morals than a commoner.

She and Papa were ordinary people. Her mother had turned her back on the upper-class. Or rather, the bluebloods had turned their noses up to her, after she married Papa. Mama never regretted her choice, and she made the three of them a happy family.

Rebekah had been happy.

So why was she trying so hard to prove she could fit in?

Aaron had gone through with the wedding—grudgingly, of course. The frown on his face never changed the entire time during the ceremony, and after. Especially when several men offered congratulations. His grim expression was one of attending a funeral instead of a joyous occasion. As soon as the vows were spoken, the groom made a hasty retreat, and she hadn't seen him since. She'd been lost and alone until Aunt showed up. Penelope was not happy with Aaron's desertion.

Then Serena and Joyanna showed up, cooing and clucking over Rebekah like a couple of hens. They were happy to spend an afternoon practicing the social graces and rehearsing polite conversation.

In four months, Rebekah had gained the stamped approval of Aunt Penelope.

"Aaron is a fool. I have half a mind to tan that boy's hide."

Rebekah grinned. She would dearly love to see that, but she knew Aunt cared a great deal about Aaron. "Whatever for? He's done nothing."

Aunt huffed—very unlady-like. "That's just it. He has ignored his wife for far too long."

Rebekah couldn't argue with that. What surprised her was how much she missed him. Even after that night, when she'd been alone with her father, she'd thought of Aaron constantly and remembered their passionate night with fondness.

At the moment, the last thing she felt for Aaron was affection. Angry. Distaste. Antipathy. Those were the words she used lately.

"Perhaps the answer is to take her to London." All eyes turned to Joyanna. Her gaze was locked with Penelope.

"Why not show Aaron exactly what he's been missing?"

Aunt looked thoughtful. "You may be right. If Muhammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Muhammed"

"What does that mean?" Rebekah asked.

Serena explained. "It is a proverbial saying. According to the story, when Muhammad was asked to provide proofs of his teachings, he ordered Mount Safa to come to him. It didn't. So, he went to the mountain. My grandfather had an extensive library."

"You my dear," Aunt said, "are about to be Muhammed."

Rebekah stared.

"Oh, that's what I think too," Joyanna said. "Rebekah, if something cannot or will not happen the easy way, then sometimes it must be done the hard way. We adjust our approach, take a different path to achieve our goals."

"Aaron will be angry," Serena muttered.

Joyanna waved a hand. "He deserves it."

"My head is spinning. What are you talking about?"

"Rebekah," Aunt said, drawing her attention. "It is time for you to make your debut."

Joyanna clapped her hands. "We are going to London."