Ten

Gwendolyn

15 November 1814

"How is your dreadful megrim this morning, darling?" Mother called across the breakfast table and, although she emphasized the word dreadful, she didn't point out the obvious. It didn't take a genius to know I had avoided the marquess last night at the ball.

"Much improved, Mother, thank you." I stabbed my fork into the closest kipper and nibbled at it, frustratingly. Despite my attempts to discourage or irritate, the few times our eyes met, Hunter's expressions were not of a man disheartened or one who might call off a wedding. No, they were more likely to be categorized as a challenge. By the end of the night, I was certain I saw him smirking.

"You know," Mother continued, "you might want to let the man who is to be your husband in three weeks dance with his betrothed."

"Three weeks?" The fish caught in my throat. I reached for my glass of juice to help dislodge it.

"Yes," Mother smiled. "Your Father sent word this morning that the marriage will be the 6 th of December, shortly after the banns are read. Isn't it thrilling?"

I cringed at the word. Thrilling?

"I daresay," she sighed dreamily. "This arrangement is certainly improved."

Shifting from one forced marriage to another is not what one might consider improved .

Mother tilted her head in my direction. "Why didn't you dance with Lord Devon? He's a fine dancer and he unquestionably had the attention of many young, comely women."

I placed my palm over my mouth to keep the contents in my throat from regurgitating and mumbled, "My dance card was full."

"Except for the two sets which happened to be the exact moment of said dreadful headache ," she observed.

I swallowed and took another sip of my juice. When she peered at me waiting for an answer, I stuffed a piece of bacon into my mouth. If I kept my mouth busy with food, there would be no need to talk. And talking about my upcoming nuptials was the last thing I wished to discuss.

"Hurry, dear. I'm certain there will be callers today. We should not disappoint."

I groaned and stuffed another piece of bacon in. It would be just like that man after last night to show up today and force me to talk to him. Or worse, walk with him. I did not know why he tried so hard to dance with me last night when he spoke so little with me the day we met. Lord Devon also made it abundantly clear I was not his first choice. Much like Josiah, I presumed. It must be a family trait.

I chuckled inwardly as I recalled the events of the night before. Many of the women he danced with were pretty, from titled families, and would most likely fall in love with him if given the chance. However, he went to great lengths to attempt to dance with me and be near me. He also returned his partners quite quickly. Twice, I nearly had to run to the ladies retiring room when I saw him approach my mother again.

I fought to keep from smiling. His ridiculous behavior nearly brought me to laughing out loud. Hunter did not know how well I strategized a ballroom, even to where Josiah, his own brother, could not find me if I didn't want to be found, and this happened on more than one occasion after I learned of his impish behavior. I was not only more cunning in my escape, but more prepared.

I finished my juice, stood up, and smoothed my hands over my skirt. No matter who came to call, I needed my strength and wits about me today, especially if I needed to stay one step ahead.

"Thank you for the visit, Lady Angelina, Lady Burgess." I curtsied in the women's direction.

The two sisters rounded out the third set of callers to stop by in the last hour. Our sitting room had not been in this demand for a month. The butler stepped inside the parlor with a bounteous bouquet of lilies, the flowery scent so strong I could smell them from across the room.

"Charles, bring those lovely blooms over here." Mother waved him over. Reaching for the card, she read it aloud. "For the most beautiful blossom at the ball last night. Yours, Sir Bastian."

"Sir Bastian?" Mother gasped. "He's old enough to be your grandfather. What is he doing sending you flowers?"

I chuckled. The man was a dear friend and more than willing to dance with me every time I fled the marquess. "Nothing to concern yourself with, Mother. It's only a sweet gesture for a dance."

When Charles entered again fifteen minutes later, he held a stunning bouquet of hothouse orchids in purple and white. Once again, he approached Mama and, once again, she read the note before I could.

"To the lovely Lady Gwendolyn, thank you for honoring me with a dance. Lord Hickman."

"Are these men unaware of your situation?" Mother tilted her head. "Are you encouraging them?"

I gasped. "Mother, why would you suggest such a thing? I am being polite, and they are showing their gratitude. That is all."

I fumed in my seat. Would she ever believe Josiah's behavior was not on account of me?

I picked up my needlepoint and finished stitching the " G" on the corner of my sateen handkerchief.

"Ma'am." Charles stood at the door with pale cheeks and glossy eyes.

"Yes, Charles?" Mother beamed. "Is it another caller?"

He shook his head vigorously.

"Bouquet?"

"No, my lady."

"Well, pray tell, what is it?"

"Uh, um well, it is—"

"Out with it." Mother grew impatient and Charles stepped inside the parlor and waved a footman inside. Frank held a speckled tabby cat with a bright red ribbon tied around its neck.

"Good gracious, Charles. What is that?"

I couldn't help it and burst out laughing both at her astonishment and the look of horror from our ancient butler. Frank approached with the cat, but Mother shooed him away.

"There is a note, my lady." Charles pointed to the note attached to the ribbon. I reached out for it since Mother would not. It was difficult not to take pleasure in her repugnance.

I read the note silently. My eyes widened with each word.

Lady Gwendolyn,

Let the games begin.

Yours, HM

My lips parted in shock as my laugh faded away. HM could be no other than Hunter Matthews and his note… Let the games begin? I glanced over at the feline, then back to the note. Then a slow smile spread across my face. He recognized last night's efforts as a game of cat-and-mouse.

"What is it, Gwendolyn? Does the message say what insolent sent this… thing… as a gift?"

I bit my lip. I wasn't about to share any hints into what battle was about to begin. And by the by, my determination would prove victorious in the end.

"Oh, Mother, forgive me. Julia sent it as a gift. I had mentioned recently how the mice were overrun in the mews and she sent this to appease. That is all." I swiftly tucked the note into my pocket.

Mother waved the footman out. "Then, by all means, put the creature in its place."

Placing a hand on her chest, she took several deep breaths to still her racing heart. I went to her and held her hand in comfort, all the while biting my inner cheek to keep the ongoing giggle that wanted to break free from coming forth. "Shall I call for more tea?"

She nodded.

I lifted Mother's bell and rang it. When Polly entered, I requested fresh tea, but my mind was on anything but the refreshment. I was about to start a war with a military man, and I intended to show him just what kind of marriage he was in for.

I had a little over three weeks to discourage him. For marrying such a disagreeable woman would make no gentleman happy.

When Polly returned with fresh tea and biscuits, a small missive sat on the corner of the tray. "This only just arrived for you, my lady." Polly set the tray down and handed Mother the card.

Mother opened it apprehensively. She did not receive surprises well. "Oh!" She pressed a palm against her chest. "We've been invited to the Halversons' card party!" She clapped her hands gleefully at the invitation. The Halversons were the family of Julia's cousin, Davina. It warmed my heart to know my friends were trying their best to keep my family from falling from grace.

When the invitations became scarce following Josiah's death, Father, so occupied with business, did not notice like Mother did. It pleased me to see her spirits lifted so easily by such a trifling piece of parchment.

"When, Mother?"

"Tomorrow night." Her eyes lit up. "We must go shopping." She lifted the bell only with more vigor this time. Polly entered.

"Let Sam know we will need the carriage. We must go to Bond Street."

"Mother, is that truly necessary? It's only a card party."

"Yes, and new accessories are always a must." She tapped her finger against her lips. "With what is sure to be a busy Season, we must go to the modiste before everyone else arrives. We will have the pick of the finest material."

I slumped back against the cushions on the sofa. If only mother could learn a thing or two about hiding her emotion, then she might not be so affected by every little high and low that happens within the peerage. If only she could be more like me.

That afternoon, Mother and I went shopping. She carried an unwavering fortitude to purchase three new gowns for me, though the gowns I recently acquired were at the peak of fashion. After an hour of glancing through new fashion plates, we settled on three styles and three different colors. Emerald-green silk with an empire waist and a sheer overlay, pale blue silhouette with a beaded hem, and a silver satin gown with a lace and pearl bodice. All three were truly stunning. She certainly had garnered high hopes for our future invitations.

"I think you should wear the silver one for your wedding." Mother smiled. "It will, after all, still be winter and you will appear quite angelic."

I nodded obediently. I had yet to put my plans into play. Would she be so terribly disappointed if a wedding never transpired at all?

I already knew the answer to that.

"Madame Clarice has assured us they will be finished in ten days," Mother announced as we stepped outside. "On to the glover, darling."

"Oh, Mother, may I please meet you there?" I winked at Daphne, who stood silently beside me. "I need to pick up a gift for Davina at the Mercantile. It won't take long."

"Why must you get her a gift?" she questioned.

"To thank her for the invitation."

"That is highly unnecessary, Gwen. We don't need people to think we are desperately procuring invitations with gifts."

"It's not desperation, Mother, it's kindness."

She pursed her lips, then nodded. "Meet me at the glover, then, but do not be long."

I smiled and reached for Daphne's hand. Leaning in, I asked, "Would you please step into the ironmonger for some new pins? I will get the gift and meet you out front. They are located next to each other, so it's not like I'm truly alone." She arched an eyebrow but did not question me.

As I stepped inside the Mercantile and Mr. Vance's shelves of numerous wares, I glanced around nervously. I never before had a reason to enter this shop, much less purchase anything within. Fortunately, my acquaintance with the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Vance, from church, made the process less daunting.

"Good afternoon, Lady Gwendolyn," Mrs. Vance called from across the room as she swept the wooden floor. "How may I assist you?"

"Please don't trouble yourself. I know what I am looking for."

Truly, I wandered precariously in unfamiliar territory. My reasons for the scheming derived from revenge. Since that blasted cat arrived, I ruminated over a clever retort to Hunter. Then, only moments before we left the modiste, I believed I conjured the perfect response.

Perusing the shelves, I located the item. Confirming neither my mother nor Daphne was near, I retrieved it and stepped up to the counter.

"Problem with rodents Lady Gwendolyn?" Mr. Vance, the shop owner, questioned from behind the counter.

I nodded. "Yes, one particularly large one."

"I'm surprised Mr. Jessop isn't here to settle it for you, or at the very least, your coachman or footman." His bushy eyebrows knitted together.

"It's fine, Mr. Vance, it's not a bother." Then I spied a bowl of individually bagged lemon drops on the counter and remembered my gift for Davina. "Oh, and two pouches of these, please." I could hardly get one without another for Julia as well.

I paid the man, slipped the contraption and the confections into my reticule, and walked out. Standing on the sidewalk, I almost grinned, having nearly forgotten my rule of indifference . Then I marveled at how easily my lips wanted to naturally curve upward for what must've been the third time today. How odd.

"What is it, miss?" Daphne met me, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Nothing." I patted my reticule and smoothed my expression. "Everything is simply perfect."

Then I walked over to the glover to join my mother.

When we arrived at the card party the next evening, Julia swiftly swept me away into a quiet corridor.

"Davina's parents invited the Matthews."

I suspected this might happen. With so few titled families in Town it seemed logical that they would be on the guest list.

I squeezed her hands. "Just assure me you and Davina will keep our table full. If there's no open seat, I won't be forced to converse with him."

Julia winked. "Now that I can manage." She smiled and we joined the party and, just as Julia promised, she, Davina, and Davina's older brother, Mr. Jasper Halverson, occupied the seats at my table.

As the evening wore on, I found myself waiting and watching for the marquess to arrive. A behavior quite opposite of the ball we recently attended and my desire to avoid him at every turn. While my intent on dissuading him had not changed, I could not deny the tingling I felt in my stomach over the surprise I had purchased yesterday afternoon… in the event our paths might cross.

The exchange would be discreet, of course. The eyes of society pressed earnestly against gift-giving between gentlemen and ladies, despite our betrothal.

After winning three games to one, my spirits were high when Lord Devon stepped inside the room. His eyes scanned around and promptly fell upon me. I took a deep breath and turned back to face my partner, but not before I saw his wide smile break through. He may have unquestionably felt a degree of confidence over our first battle, especially after that blasted cat did nothing but meow beneath my windowsill all night long until our cook finally brought her into the kitchen.

When I sensed the man approach our table, I stiffened. I tried to take comfort in the fact that there were no available chairs, but he was a Matthews… nothing was ever certain.

"Lady Gwendolyn." The warm timbre of his voice paralyzed me as it trickled up my spine.

"Lord Devon." I nodded and waved toward the two other ladies present. "Are you acquainted with Lady Julia Greene and Miss Davina Halverson?"

"We've been introduced." He smiled that heart-stopping smile, and they both appeared to stop breathing as well. "A pleasure to see you again."

Both women's eyes danced with intrigue.

I cleared my throat. "And Davina's brother, Mr. Jasper Halverson."

"Yes." He nodded. "We are also acquainted."

"Excellent." I made the mistake of looking right at him and nearly lost myself in his deep pools of chocolate. I stuttered out my next words, much less confident than I wished. "I—It's your t—turn, Davina."

I fought to keep from looking Hunter's way after that, though he was impossible to miss in all his intimidating glory. Standing beside us, he wore a fine dark-green tailcoat paired with a brown waistcoat, white cravat, and highly polished Hessians. His waistcoat perfectly matched his eyes and hair color, and I found myself peeking far too long when Julia nudged me in the arm and whispered, "It's your turn."

"Lady Gwendolyn, are you enjoying yourself?" he asked as I played my turn. Drat, I played the wrong card. Jasper's eyes flashed to me, surprised. We'd been winning since we paired. I shot him a plea of apology, but I could hardly think straight with Hunter standing so close. That delectable bergamot infiltrated my defenses.

"I am, my lord. Thank you for asking." I pointed to a table adjacent to us. "It appears that table has a vacancy." I then placed another pathetic card. Jasper frowned.

"Thank you, but I am most content watching this game," Hunter said. His voice tinged with amusement that grated on my nerves. "It seems I have stumbled upon a highly entertaining one." He chuckled and clasped his hands behind his back, showing no intent to abandon us.

I shot him a look of vexation only a moment before Davina and Julia claimed the final trick and won the game.

"Actually, Devon," Jasper stood up.

I shot him a frantic look.

Davina's brother smiled down at me, though it lacked sincerity. "It seems my luck has run dry. Please, my seat is yours."

I glanced over to the trespasser in shock but was met with a smug smile as Hunter eagerly claimed the vacated seat.

I sighed dramatically. "I believe I am weary myself and will relinquish my turn to another as well." Standing, I smiled curtly in Lord Devon's direction.

The right side of his mouth lifted in a suspicious grin. It appeared altogether too charming. "I am quite surprised, Lady Gwendolyn."

I stopped in place and circled back in his direction. From this proximity, his smooth and tan complexion caught my notice. It must've been from his time on the continent, for few Englishmen had such a bronze tone. I shook my head to shake any thoughts of the man's attractiveness away, then scowled at my use of the word attractive .

"Quite surprised at what, my lord?"

He grinned fully now, and my skin nearly melted off my bones. "I thought you enjoyed games."

I stared, then blinked.

The table grew quiet.

"Only ones I'm assured to win, Lord Devon, and I win quite often."

"So do I." He leaned forward just enough for me to get another whiff of his bergamot. I clenched my teeth. The scent was much too appealing on such a disagreeable man.

I swiftly replenished my arsenal of feminine weaponry and tenderly touched the sleeve of his jacket and leaned forward myself. Had my mother been watching, she surely would have been affronted at my brazenness. In a breathy, sultry voice, I whispered, "Then let us resume and see just who comes out the victor."

Hunter's smile vanished, and he seemed momentarily thunderstruck.

I smirked, then glanced over to Davina who, with a single glimpse from me, instantly stood up and took my seat, which matched her as Lord Devon's partner. Then, as if nothing had interrupted our game, I claimed her seat and turned to Julia. "Shuffle, please."

She blinked rapidly, then promptly grabbed the cards.

Straightaway, Lord Devon and I engaged in a battle of stares. I didn't withdraw my eyes from him. He exuded confidence… perhaps too high in the instep, just like Josiah. I needed to find a way to humble this man.

"I understand you have received a recent addition to your household," he said as he fanned out his cards.

It only took a moment for me to recall his pretentious gift.

"Have you named the little beast?"

"I hardly think a creature of such regal bearing could be considered a ‘beast', my lord. As for a name, I settled on Penelope."

His lips lifted in a teasing smirk. "Penelope? How dreadfully unimaginable. I'd have thought you'd favor something with a little more… claw."

Placing the winning card for the recent trick, I picked up the set and tilted my head in Lord Devon's direction. "Oh, she has claws. But like any clever feline, she knows when to show them and when to sheath them."

He laughed out loud and drew the attention of nearly the entire room. I should not have liked to hear that sound as much as I did. Davina and Julia remained still, watching our little battle of wits. "Well played, my lady. But do remember, even the most cunning cat can find itself outmatched."

My countenance sharpened as we received new cards. "I daresay, Lord Devon, you'll find this particular cat more than a match for any mouse."

He chuckled quietly and returned his focus to his hand.

After several turns, both teams had tied in obtaining the highest number of tricks. Tied! I worked arduously to keep my frustration restrained. Lord Devon appeared cool and collected and didn't seem to let anything bother him. He spoke kindly to Davina and Julia, nearly persuading them in his favor. How dare he? Davina cut the cards to call trumps and with one fewer card, we began again, alternating wins. Hunter's charming personality captivated my two friends far more than I anticipated. Exasperated and tired, I desired nothing more to do with whist or this man tonight.

"I must take my leave." I stood up to the surprise of everyone.

"But we have yet to declare an undisputed winner." Lord Devon arched a brow.

I peered over at the man. "The game continues, my lord, but not tonight."

He smiled. "Another dreadful megrim?"

"Yes," I snapped. "But this one happens to be outside of my head."

He chuckled. He knew precisely what I had intended. Standing to face me, he bowed. "Allow me to escort you to your carriage, Lady Gwendolyn."

"No!" I snapped, then swiftly gathered my composure. "No, thank you."

Smiling genuinely at my friends, I moved around the table and kissed each of them on the cheek. "I will see you tomorrow." Then I faced the man who somehow burrowed beneath my skin with everything he said and did. Good and bad. "Goodnight, Lord Devon." I curtsied prettily.

"Goodnight, Lady Gwendolyn." He bowed. His smile remained conspiratorial and unnerving. When I chanced one last glance at him, he winked. Blast him!

I turned away to find my mother. After notifying her I was ready to depart, I stepped into the foyer to retrieve my pelisse, but first approached a nearby footman. "Lord Devon dropped this." I handed the servant the petite package I acquired at the Mercantile the day before. "My coach is ready to depart. Would you see that this is returned to him?"

"Of course, my lady." The footman nodded obediently, and when my mother arrived, I wrapped my arm through hers and we exited the home.

This time, I didn't hide the smile that consumed my face.