Chapter 9

nine

I F MAMA WERE a type of weather, she would thunder and rain over Angeline's head.

After the incident with Mr. North and the pleasurable meeting with Baron Wharton, Angeline had to endure her mother's temper. Not only had Mama given Angeline a piece of her mind at the ball, but also in the carriage, and at home. She'd started her rant all over again in the morning as if Angeline hadn't spent the past eight hours hearing her mother complain.

Your reputation wouldn't be tarnished… it's all a trick… you had only to say yes … it's a lot of money .

She'd heard it all.

"I don't understand how you managed to ruin a perfectly reasonable proposition by Mr. North," Mama half-whispered, half-hissed as they promenaded in Hyde Park the day after the ball. "He was shocked and… wet."

Angeline suspected that the incessant talking and repeating was Mama's strategy to force Angeline to change her mind. Likely, Mama believed that if she repeated the same things over and over, sooner or later they'd sink into her daughter's brain. Good luck with that.

On top of that, Mr. North had had the brilliant idea of paying a morning visit to their residence to complain—again—with Mama about Angeline's appalling and unladylike behaviour. His words, not hers. He'd been as enraged as he'd been at the ball, minus the wet clothes. Mama had nodded her head and apologised, which had made Angeline want to cast up her accounts.

So here she was, walking in the park while her mother scolded her for the umpteenth time for not having let a man discuss selling her body. She was sure other women her age had very different conversations with their mamas.

"You really poured a vase of water over Mr. North." Mama's eyebrows knit together. "I've raised you better than that."

Angeline hoped she didn't have the same menacing expression when she frowned. "Mr. North groped me. He deserved it. And I reacted on impulse. I didn't hurt him. It's not my fault he doesn't understand the meaning of the word no."

"Angeline." Mama came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the gravel path. "I allowed Mr. North to talk to you because he's young, handsome, and rich. Very rich. Less savoury gentlemen might have come forward. All you had to do was endure a conversation with him and then wait for the next part of the deal. I've never asked you to have a tumble under the skirts with him."

"I don't like his attitude. He disrespected me, groped me, and considered me only an item he's buying."

"Welcome into my world, daughter of mine, and lest you get romantic ideas, all men are the same. I had to endure many unpleasant nights to put food on our table."

"And I appreciate it, tarnation!" She regretted her tone when Mama flinched. "I appreciate how difficult it was for you. I understand all the sacrifices you were forced to make to keep us alive. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, but you seem not to understand a very simple concept." She put her hand on Mama's arm. "Drugging unaware men to make them believe whatever you want is not just against the law, it's wrong."

It was astonishing that Angeline's moral values came from her mother. Those values of honesty and integrity had always been lies. Lies that were corrupting her as well because she couldn't deny the fact she was Mama's accomplice. An unwilling one, but still an accomplice.

Mama pressed her lips in a flat, grim line. "No. It's wrong that a woman, whose husband left her and their child without means to survive, must struggle and humiliate herself for a piece of bread and a place to sleep." Her eyes shone, and her voice cracked. "I've crawled through the mud of this city to survive. I've done horrible things that kept me up at night. I had to change myself to survive because years ago I wasn't the ruthless woman I am today. And if an idiot like Mr. North thinks he can take my beautiful daughter by paying me, then I'm going to trick him and take his money. Serves him right. He deserves nothing less than to be fooled."

Angeline hugged her mother, her heart torn. The pain in her mother's voice touched her deeply, and to be honest, she wasn't sure what she would have done in a similar situation. But she wasn't her mother, and their current situation wasn't catastrophic. There were other options that didn't involve breaking the law, selling herself, or, in general, lying to protect her mama.

"I understand your sentiment," Angeline said, her voice cracking. "I really do. But your revenge on the rich and powerful men won't change the past and won't make a better future."

Mama sniffled but composed herself quickly. "I only care about your future. I don't care about changing the world. The world can go and rot for all I care. I want you to have a secure future in which you have the power to make your own decisions. Everyone else can sod off if you excuse my language."

"We have options though. I can marry. If I find a good match, we don't have to drug or blackmail people anymore." She lowered her voice.

"How is marriage better? What if you end up marrying someone you don't like, but who has a lot of money as happens to half of those eager, giggling debutantes? Will you enjoy his touch? Will you feel free and independent? Your husband will control your expenses, choices, and even your children."

Angeline shuffled her feet. Many women married men they didn't love only for their status and money. But surely, there were people who married because they respected and cared for each other. The world couldn't be as grim as Mama described it.

"And what about your arm?" Mama touched the scarred arm. "Gentlemen don't find your scar appealing. If a man doesn't accept you for who you are, how can he love you?"

"I could find someone I like and who likes me. Someone who doesn't disgust me as much as Mr. North. There are nice men in this world."

Unbidden, Royston's harsh face came into her mind.

He wasn't born a gentleman, but he was a true one. When they'd waved silently goodbye to each other in the garden, a flutter had started in her stomach. Their shared adventure behind the curtains had deepened the bond between them. She missed him. She should send him a note and ask to arrange a visit. That wouldn't be inappropriate, would it?

"Darling." Mama held her hand. "Men are all nasty, conniving creatures."

"You're quite deceitful yourself."

Mama ignored her. "Men will woo you, at first, only to lure you into their beds. They might marry you, but then what? They'll lose interest after you give them your body. Then they'll find a mistress who's younger and prettier than you. Or worse, they'll come to your bedroom when they're drunk and force themselves on you."

"You have a dark vision of the world."

"Because I lived that vision. My tested and tried method?—"

"Crime."

"—will give you freedom and dignity. You won't be forced to suffer from a violent husband's hands or his needs on your body. You'll be able to do everything you want with your money and time. If you find someone you like, you'll be free to take him to bed, but it'll be your choice, and the best thing is that you won't have to marry him."

Both paths Mama described seemed awful. Angeline was spared an answer as Lady Redvers and her maid walked over to her. Angeline tensed. Oh no. If Mr. North had complained to Lady Redvers as well, Angeline would join the first circus in town and leave London not to hear yet another lecture.

"Mrs. Haywood and Miss Haywood." The lady closed her parasol and smiled. "I hoped I would meet you."

Mama and Angeline dropped a curtsy.

"Lady Redvers," Mama said. "Thank you again. Angeline and I had a lovely time."

Almost. Meeting Royston had been great.

The lady's smile faltered. "Half of my guests are here, promenading. It's splendid to have a chat after the ball."

Angeline perked up. Royston could be here then. Or maybe not. He didn't seem the type of man who cared about meeting the guests of a ball the next day.

"Have you met anyone else from last night?" Lady Redvers gazed around.

"Not yet, my lady." Mama's tone was all sweet and kind, not at all like a moment ago when she'd thundered against society.

Lady Redvers leant closer to Mama. "I confess I hope to meet a certain gentleman, someone who would be a good match for my Georgiana." She turned to Angeline. "I'm sure your mother has her eyes on a valid suitor for you as well. You're too old for a Season, if you don't mind my saying, and beauty and youth are fickle friends. You blink, and they're gone. No one wants to be a spinster."

"Er… of course not, my lady." Hopefully, that was the correct answer.

Although Angeline reluctantly agreed with Lady Redvers. She wanted a family of her own, a man who loved her and children to fill her house. She wanted to take care of her family, and no, being a spinster wasn't the best outcome for her.

Instead, Mama's black eyes became two narrow slits. Nothing like talking about marriage to spoil her mood.

Lady Redvers searched around again. "Mothers always worry about the future of their daughters. With the way the young generation behaves these days and the loss of our values, it's increasingly difficult to find a proper gentleman."

"I absolutely agree, my lady." Mama nodded sagely. "We want only the best for our daughters. That's what I always say to Angeline."

"Yes." Lady Redvers paused, twitching her mouth.

The two mamas had matching fierce expressions although for different reasons without their knowledge. They weren't actual rivals.

"May I ask who the gentleman who caught your eye is, Mrs. Haywood?" the viscountess asked. "We don't want to pursue the same gentleman. That would be rather inconvenient, don't you agree? Although Georgiana is a viscount's daughter. Her opportunities are far wider than your daughter's."

No, she wouldn't intervene. The conversation was all for her tiger mama.

Mama didn't fluster. "I seriously doubt we have in mind the same suitor. I suppose your daughter will find a suitable match among the titled gentlemen. Angeline will more likely be courted by a gentleman of means."

"Excellent." Lady Redvers exhaled.

"Although," Mama continued, "Miss Taylor has a genteel upbringing, and so does my daughter. They're both daughters of gentlemen. They're equal from that point of view."

No, not really.

Even Lady Redvers disagreed, judging by how she stiffened. "But a title is a title."

Mama showed a lopsided smile. "I can't argue with that, my lady."

Oh, goodness. Angeline pretended she didn't find the conversation awkward. Miss Taylor was going to be sold to the highest bidder as well. Maybe Angeline should propose an exchange— Miss Taylor would spend some time with Mama, and Angeline would get Lady Redvers's help to search for a suitable husband.

She followed the flight of a group of sparrows as Mama and Lady Redvers changed the subject and talked about the absolute tragedy of young debutantes wearing yellow that Season. Why not the traditional white? The world was going to the dogs.

A familiar, broad silhouette caught her attention. She must have focused on the man too long because Mama and Lady Redvers stopped talking and followed her gaze.

"Oh, goodness," Lady Redvers said. "It's him."

"Who?" Mama asked, shifting her gaze from Lady Redvers to the new baron.

Royston stopped in front of them and removed his tall hat, letting his luscious curls tumble down his jaw. "Lady Redvers, Mrs. Haywood." He acknowledged the maid before tilting his head towards Angeline and giving her a smile. "Miss Haywood. What a pleasant surprise."

Angeline curtsied, but Mama remained stiff, even cold. "Mr. Alexander? Is that you? My goodness, it's been a while."

Lady Redvers shot her an incendiary glare.

"Mama," Angeline said. "This is Lord Wharton. The queen bestowed a title upon him after his show of bravery during the Theatre Royal fire."

Mama's lips parted. For once, she was speechless. "Apologies, Lord Wharton. I had no idea." She curtsied.

"Apologies accepted, madam." Royston bowed again. "I trust you ladies are having a fine promenade."

"Lovely, my lord," Lady Redvers said in an overly cheerful tone. "Thank you for having come to the ball last night although I was sorry to see you leave early." A strained note crept into her voice.

"I apologise. An urgent matter required my attention." He tensed, tossing a fleeting glance at Angeline. "But believe me, my lady, it was a night I won't forget."

Goodness. Neither would she. So he was as pleased as she was for their secret encounter.

"Such lovely music last night," Mama said. "It's a shame I didn't see you there, my lord. Angeline didn't tell me she'd seen you." She glared at Angeline.

Yes, Angeline hadn't said anything because Mama had been too busy ranting.

"The baron didn't really mingle." Lady Redvers chuckled. "I wonder why you didn't dance, Wharton."

A muscle in Royston's jaw ticked. Angeline couldn't deny her curiosity. Dancing was a sensitive subject for him.

The viscountess continued, "My daughter, Georgiana, would have loved to dance with you. You remember my daughter, don't you, Wharton?"

Royston nodded. "Of course I do. The lady with the red hair and the green gown."

Lady Redvers's smile vanished. "No, Wharton. I believe you're confusing Georgiana with my niece Therese. Georgiana has brown hair like mine and wore a pink gown."

Mama seemed to fight a chuckle.

Royston opened his mouth but didn't say anything.

"Sometimes it's difficult to remember every name and face at a ball, isn't it?" Angeline said to help him.

His crooked smile was worthy of a pirate. "Do not worry, Miss Haywood. I would never forget yours."

A hot flare of excitement crept over her cheeks. "Thank you, my lord."

Every gaze turned towards her— Lady Redvers's angry one, Mama's surprised one, and the Redvers maid's a knowing one.

"I hope to see you soon, Wharton," Lady Redvers said in a less cheerful tone than before. "There are many balls and events to attend at this time of the year. Georgiana will be present as well."

"I'll do my best to attend, but it's a particularly busy moment for me," Royston said. "My newest venture requires much of my time."

"What venture, my lord?" Mama slightly stepped in front of Lady Redvers, almost blocking the viscountess's view.

"I acquired a steel factory, madam."

"Steel is the new gold," Lady Redvers said, excited again.

Mama's gaze sparkled and not in a good fashion.

Royston put his hat back on. "Ladies, I'd better be going. I have an appointment." He smiled at Angeline one last time before bowing and leaving.

The moment he was out of earshot, Lady Redvers angled towards Mama. "Mrs. Haywood, may I ask what game you're playing?"

"What game, my lady?" Mama followed Royston with her gaze with too much interest. "I had no idea Lord Havisham's former footman was a baron now. My daughter didn't inform me." Her tone promised another long conversation later on in the privacy of their home.

"Not simply a baron but a very wealthy man whom the queen likes." Lady Redvers let out a soft huff. "I must be blunt, Mrs. Haywood."

"Please be," Mama said.

Oh dear. Angeline had a hunch about where the conversation was going.

Lady Redvers lifted her chin. "My Georgiana thinks highly of Lord Wharton. She and the baron are clearly interested in each other."

Really? Angeline cast a glance at Royston walking away. He'd seemed pleased by their secret encounter.

Mama smiled. "Forgive me, my lady, but I had the impression that Lord Wharton couldn't remember your daughter from last night."

Angeline shifted her weight.

Lady Redvers seemed about to stab Mama with her parasol. "I hope Lord Wharton will become Georgiana's suitor."

Mama didn't flinch. "I wish you all the luck but forgive me again if I don't understand. You have me quite confused. Miss Taylor is a viscount's daughter, and Lord Wharton has only recently acquired a title. Yet you consider him a good match for your daughter when you so clearly expressed the reasons why Angeline and Miss Taylor wouldn't have the same suitors."

Angeline lightly poked Mama with her elbow. Mama was overstepping.

Lady Redvers flushed. "Well, you obviously aren't aware of Lord Wharton's strike of good luck and excellent skill for business. He invested the money and land profits that came with the title into his very successful steel factory. Wharton Steel has grown quickly, and now Lord Wharton has made more than two hundred thousand pounds in just two years. His income is growing each month," she said the sum with awe, and Angeline couldn't blame her.

Mama was speechless again, but Angeline could bet the gears and wheels in her brain worked furiously.

"Goodness me," Mama said.

"Exactly." Lady Redvers leant closer. "Rumour has it, Lord Wharton earns almost as much as the Duke of Devonshire, thanks to his business deals with other countries." She let that information sink in for a while. "So you see, Mrs. Haywood, Lord Wharton is more than a suitable match for my daughter. But he seemed interested in Miss Haywood." Resentment dripped from her voice.

Again, every set of eyes pointed at Angeline.

"You're mistaken, my lady. See, I was in the Theatre Royal when the fire broke out and Royston… I mean, Lord Wharton helped me get out. He actually saved my life."

Lady Redvers's stern expression didn't change. "I'm glad to know you and Lord Wharton are good acquaintances and nothing more. I hope your relationship with him will remain a good one. Now if you'll excuse me. Good day, Mrs. Haywood and Miss Haywood." She strode off with her maid behind her.

Angeline released a breath. "Heavens. Lady Redvers is like one of those dogs who mark their territory."

Mama laughed, but the sound had an icy quality that left a trail of goosebumps on Angeline's skin. "Perfect. Perfect."

"What's perfect? The comparison between Lady Redvers and dogs?"

"Change of plan, darling." Mama hooked her arm through Angeline's. "Your new target is dear Lord Wharton."

"You must be joking. You heard Lady Redvers. She wants him to be her son-in-law." Which was sad, but she didn't believe Royston was interested in Miss Taylor.

"Who cares about what that hag wants? Two hundred thousand pounds isn't a joke. My dear, you must learn the art of seduction."

"No." Angeline swallowed hard. "I won't drug Royston. He saved my life, for Pete's sake."

"Royston. Very good." A crease appeared on Mama's forehead. "There won't be any need for drugs. You like him, don't you?"

"I… well… I'll admit he's a kind, handsome gentleman." With a hearty scent and a strong body.

"Excellent. You won't need to drug him. Have a nice tumble with him. I'll do the rest, and that will be it."

Angeline exhaled, tired of another argument with her mother. If Royston wanted to pay to spend a night with her, then she wouldn't spend the night with him.

And that would be it.