Chapter 21

Twenty-One

A s the first light of dawn penetrated their room, Phil and Alex gave up on any pretense of sleep. They forced themselves to stay in bed longer, knowing it would be two hours until an early breakfast was served.

Green brought in tea and helped them dress in their best morning dresses. She spoke less than usual and hid her yawns twice. Grandfather's unexpected arrival had likely deprived some members of the staff of more sleep than it had the sisters.

As Alex often did when around their grandfather, she opted not to use her cane. Phil kept her opinions about the matter locked away. It did no good to pretend to not need it, so Grandfather would feel less guilty. He hadn't caused the accident any more than anyone else had. And pretending to be better off than she was only resulted in her hip bothering her later.

They went to the breakfast room together and found the cook had put in extra effort this morning. Grandfather sat in the chair closest to the fire. "There are my lovelies."

They each greeted him with a kiss on his cheek.

"We didn't expect you to be in town so soon," said Phil.

"I came earlier than I planned, so I could see you." Grandfather stood. "How grand you look."

Alex shook her head. "I am sure we are not the only reason. You came to scare off unworthy suitors, didn't you?"

Grandfather chucked. "Are there any I should scare off?"

Alex turned to Phil and raised a brow, leaving Phil to answer. "No one in particular. Alex isn't fond of my current caller. But I shall never want for a roof over my head."

Grandfather's brow furrowed. For a moment, it looked like he would speak. He waved to the food. "Let's eat while we talk."

They sat around the table near the window. Grandfather bowed his head and said a prayer over the food. Phil and Alex hurried to set down their spoons.

"I see you two have not been praying at mealtime. I know it isn't very fashionable, but the older I get, the more I wished I had paid more attention to God in my youth. Now, to the question of who is courting Phil. Tell me about him."

"Mr. Newcomb is supercilious." Phil covered her mouth. Not the first thing she intended to say. "I mean, his worst fault is— But he has a good fortune, and no one speaks ill of him."

"If he had no funds, would you marry him?"

"Of course not. He wouldn't please Father." Her quick answer surprised her.

"I made a mistake many years ago which I have been trying to rectify for over twenty years. Do you know what I did?"

Alex set down her spoon. "Was it with Mother and Father?"

"Yes. I pushed them together. I knew your father would inherit my title and lands through the entail. It seemed very logical to have one of my daughters marry him so my grandson could continue with the title. If only I'd known what my cousin understood when he gave up the title all those years ago. The title doesn't matter. I wonder how different things would have been if I had not pressured sweet Hannah to marry Felton. My wife cautioned me against such a match. Your mother understood most matches are played like a game of chess, sacrificing someone for an advantage. If I had known your father's gambling was as frequent as it has been these past years, or about his mistress, Marguerite, I would have never signed the marriage contract."

"You know about Marguerite?" asked Alex.

"I learned about her existence shortly before Philippa was born. I arranged for her to leave the area for some time. Unfortunately, when your mother died, she came back. And in the intervening years, your father became less careful than he once was."

Phil exchanged glances with her sister.

The color had drained from Alex's face. "Mother was so beautiful. How could he?"

They knew some men kept women other than their wives. One just didn't imagine one's own father having one when their mother had been so young.

Grandfather stared into his coffee for several long moments. "A very uncomfortable subject to discuss with one's granddaughters. And not why I am here." He sipped his coffee before continuing. "The only way I can atone for my mistake is to make sure you are not put in the same position your mother was and you are not forced to marry out of desperation. Philippa, word has reached me about your father's plan for your marriage. My solicitor has made inquiries into the man's suitability. And I'm afraid it is a terrible match. While I will not attempt to forbid you to accept it, I would counsel you to be very careful."

"Have no fear on that part, Grandfather. I know any man of Father's choosing is most likely not a wise choice for me." Nor for any of her sisters. But how to prevent imprudent matches from being made on all of their parts?

Grandfather patted Phil's hand. "You are an intelligent girl. But for this supercilious person, after what your aunt tells me, I don't think you are being nearly as wise. You are only allowing him to court you because he is a better option than any man your father chooses. And your answer to the earlier question indicates you have no genuine affection for him."

Phil nodded in agreement.

"I much rather you marry a farmer or a chimney sweep you cared for, than a man with money to whom you have no affinity. And I hope I have made this possible."

Phil found she couldn't swallow. Aunt thought Grandfather might make some preparation for Alex, but for her?

"There are papers and deeds and such to show you. My solicitor will come by later this week. I purchased a townhouse in Bath, near the cathedral and Roman baths. I am leaving enough funds to pay for the upkeep and staff for fifty years. I had hoped to obtain five such residences so you each could know you would always have a roof over your heads without having to marry. However, the house is large enough you could all reside there. There is also the problem of any inheritance I leave the five of you being squandered by your father, which means the best solution is to give one home to Alexandra while I still live."

Phil looked at Alex, who seemed to have trouble finding a response.

Grandfather continued. "Next January, Alexandra, you will receive the deed to the home in Bath. I hope you two will continue to care for your younger sisters as long as necessary. I fear poor Jane will not find a match because of her shyness. A Season would be so painful for her. Although she might find some entertainment in Bath. I fear they will snatch little Rose up the first week of her first Season. As for Georgiana, she is the one most likely to marry a farmer and be content joining him in the fields. In any event, you will not be left to the mercy of your father."

"It is too much, Grandfather," said Alex.

"No, it is not enough. You need options other than becoming a companion to some old biddy with rotten teeth. Or caring for your father. There is little I can do to prevent the entail, but I can make it so you no longer are forced to keep his house."

"But won't Father claim the house as part of the entail?"

"He may try, but I purchased these with money from my own investments. My solicitor assures me I have written the bequeathment in such a way your father cannot claim them. If you choose to get married, the home remains in your name and you may do what you will with the property, providing your sisters may join you. I want to be sure all of my granddaughters are cared for."

Phil didn't know what to say. It was too generous, it was too much, and too unexpected.

"And if we are all wed?" asked Alex.

"Then you may sell the townhouse as you wish. The solicitor has structured it so the property will be yours, not your husband's."

"What of our aunt?" asked Phil.

"This home is, unfortunately, part of the entail. However, she holds the deed to the property in Lyme Regis, where she spends most of her year."

Alex sat back in her chair, food forgotten. "You have planned for all of us?"

"As well as I can. I have a plan which may change the entail, but it may leave you all unprovided for. I cannot allow my folly to force you into poor situations." Changing the heir to the earldom and the entail was practically impossible and required parliamentary intervention. Phil doubted that even Grandfather could orchestrate the feat.

Phil stared into her empty teacup and wondered what the tea leaves would say if she believed such a thing. "But Father has already made a match for me if this Season isn't successful."

"Then, you would marry this Mr. Newcomb?"

"That was my plan," answered Phil.

Grandfather slapped the table with the palm of his hand. "I am against it."

"But you haven't met him."

"I don't need to. Your first description of him was not a description a wife should ever have to give of a husband. A supercilious man would never listen to your wisdom. Does he listen to you?"

"I have little opportunity to talk when we are together."

Using his fork to punctuate his words, grandfather growled. "That will only get worse. I cannot see you living in a marriage where you never have a voice."

Alex picked at the bun on her plate. "Then I truly don't have to marry someone?"

"I have long worried about your situation and the effect your injury will have on your ability to make a match. I wish I had insisted you stay another day, or my coachman had checked out your carriage. Your mother had mentioned it rattled more than usual, but I thought it was the rain." Grandfather's voice quieted as he spoke.

Alex placed her hand on grandfather's arm. "It is not your fault."

"I should have insisted the coachman check the wheels." Phil closed her eyes. Rehashing this conversation wouldn't bring Mother and William back. It wouldn't restore Alex's leg. She waited for her emotions to calm.

Alex leaned into her grandfather's side. "I've never blamed you, and you have been more than kind my entire life. A townhouse in Bath is overwhelming. I've only visited once, and I know I'll love living there. I simply can't believe this is real. You are the kindest and most benevolent grandfather anyone could have."

Grandfather hugged Alex.

Phil let the matter drop for now. "Thank you for your kindness. Mr. Newcomb hinted he wanted to speak with Father. And I am glad I will not have to accept either proposal."

"My daughter indicated you might entertain interest from another front. True?"

Phil felt her face heat as she wondered what Aunt Healand shared. "No."

An early morning visit to his cousin might be the only way to calm Michael's mind.

He skipped all pleasantries when shown into the duke's study. "She isn't on my list."

Richard looked up from his papers. "It is standard to exchange a greeting."

"You hardly ever do." Michael sat in the chair his cousin pointed to. "Good morning."

"And what brings you here to disturb my peace, even before breakfast is served?"

"Miss Philippa Lightwood."

"Her father is an unsuitable connection."

"How is it that one of the two women you removed from my list of prospective brides is the only one I could even consider marriage to?"

"If you would cease to mingle with her. You would not think of her," grumbled Richard. "I told you to avoid her."

"I can't simply pretend not to know Miss Philippa."

"You could try."

"You mean give them the cut direct?"

"Precisely."

Michael stood and paced around a chair. "Wouldn't that diminish them in other's eyes?"

"Possibly."

"And hurt their chances of making a good match."

"Their chances were already low. If the duchess is correct, their chances are nonexistent."

"What did your wife say?"

"She heard Miss Lightwood has a clapper."

"A what?" Michael was more surprised by the use of the derogatory name for the prosthesis than by the revelation his cousin knew.

"A wooden leg. If the on dit is correct, a finely crafted one, as it makes almost no noise."

"Where did she hear such a rumor?" Michael felt he must stop the damage.

"She claims to have noticed it herself the night we were at the theater. But I think she heard last night at the soiree she dragged me to. Is it true?"

Michael pursed his lips. He'd made a promise.

"Your face says it all. That explains why Miss Lightwood was so injured at the duchess' ball."

"And what if she does?" Michael sat in the chair, defeated. "It makes Miss Lightwood an unsuitable wife. The duchess is of the opinion she shouldn't be in public. Much less trying to secure a match."

"You are listening to your wife now?"

"It is hard not to. Have you not noticed how shrill her voice is?"

The duchess's voice seemed no different from most women's voices. "I haven't noticed, but I rarely speak to her."

"Consider yourself fortunate." Richard's voice was almost a growl. Once, he had been jovial and fun to be around. The last year had changed him dramatically. "So is the duchess correct?"

"I am not in a position to answer."

Richard sat up, knocking papers off his desk. "She was right?"

"I said I couldn't say."

Richard shook his head. "Don't you understand? Your denial told me the truth."

"But I didn't answer you."

Richard stared at the ceiling for what seemed like an hour. He brought his arms down and clasped his hands in front of him. "We need to talk about another subject. Why are you here?"

"Miss Philippa isn't on my list."

"Between her father and her sister's deception, she doesn't belong on your list."

"None of the women on your list are matches for me."

"Why not?"

"Most of them are false and try to trick me. Others I don't understand at all. They only talk about hats, and if I don't respond properly, they are upset."

"All women do."

"Not Philippa."

Richard's brows raised at Michael's faux pas of using her Christian name. "You say you enjoy talking to Miss Philippa?"

"Yes. She talks like a person."

"She is a person." Richard's growl deepened.

"No, I mean, she talks about real things, not only the weather. She says things that make me smile."

Richard walked to the window and leaned against the sill.

Michael waited for him to talk.

And waited.

And waited.

Finally, Richard turned to face him. "I don't think I am the proper person to give you advice. I suggest you talk to Edward."

"What are you saying?"

"My relationship with the duchess has jaded me. I had forgotten what it was like to have an amiable conversation with a woman. I forget not every woman is as conniving as the duchess. As for the Misses Lightwood, they have proven themselves by not entrapping you when they had the chance. And it is obvious you know whatever truth lies behind the eldest's limb. But I wish you would be careful. I never suspected I could be forced into an unwanted marriage, as I was. You deserve happiness. Perhaps I never did."

"I have heeded your warnings and I continue with caution. Although I don't feel I need to always be on guard with the Lightwoods."

"Remember, they are still women. Come, let us have breakfast. Mother should be down soon, and she would love to see you."

His aunt was the most amiable of women, but he had no desire to run into Richard's wife. She would ask him about Miss Lightwood's limb. Apparently, not answering was as good as telling the truth. According to his family, his lies were never convincing.

Richard dusted off his sleeve. "The duchess prefers to eat in her room, if that is giving you pause."

"Then I would be pleased to eat with you. I was curious about your opinion of some men who spoke during the debates last week."

"Politics and breakfast don't mix. Meet me this afternoon at White's, and we can discuss matters of state. I warn you, my cook's buns are not up to your usual standard."

And indeed they were not.