Chapter 10

CHAPTER

a

10

I t wasn't our fault! You can't blame us!"

Theo was coming down the stairs when she heard Georgina voice the strident comment. Arthur answered his mother. "Who should I blame then? The fairies in the forest?"

They were in the front parlor and Theo went over and peeked into the room. Georgina and Gertrude were seated on the sofa and they looked guilty and angry. Arthur was loomed over them and he looked furious and aggrieved. What on earth could have happened?

"What's wrong?" she asked as she blustered in.

"You won't believe it," Arthur said. "I could wring their stupid necks."

Before he could explain, Georgina interrupted him. "I repeat: It wasn't our fault."

"Fine," Theo said, "it wasn't your fault. But what did you do?" Georgina was too embarrassed to hold Theo's gaze, so Theo turned to Arthur. "Well? Will you tell me or shall I imagine the worst?"

"You can imagine the worst," Arthur replied. "They've only instigated a quarrel with the Earl of Ralston and he's told them to leave for London without delay."

"Can he do that?" Theo asked.

"As he owns nearly all the land hereabouts, yes, he can."

"My goodness." Theo glared at Georgina. "I wasn't aware that you were acquainted with Lord Ralston. Why would you quarrel with him?"

Georgina bristled. "We visited the fair this afternoon. In Ralston village? There is a public stage erected and local musicians provide entertainment."

"Yes, there's always a stage," Theo said.

"Guess who stepped up to sing for the crowd. It was that hussy, Tilly Dreadful! She pranced about as if she were an innocent lamb."

Tilly Dreadful was the actress who had been harassed by the Matron's Brigade until she'd been fired from the theater where she was performing.

"We were shocked to stumble on her," Gertrude said. "We chased her out of the city in disgrace and she simply popped up in a new spot. The little tart has no shame."

"How did this involve Lord Ralston?" Theo asked.

Georgina and Gertrude shared a furtive glance, as if neither of them was eager to confess their crime, so Arthur jumped in again.

"Mother and Aunt Gertrude were so incensed to see Miss Dreadful flaunting herself that they tracked down the mayor and demanded she be arrested and jailed for disturbing the peace."

Theo squealed with astonishment. "Georgina! What were you thinking?"

"We couldn't permit her to sully the event," Georgina said. "Nor could we sit idly by and let her carry on as if no penalty had been imposed on her in town."

Arthur continued. "The mayor couldn't decide how to deal with the situation, so he located Lord Ralston to obtain his opinion. He's the patron of the festival."

Gertrude's indignation flared. "He claimed she's a Ralston cousin! He claimed he'd requested that she sing for the audience! It was an outrage."

Georgina added, "We tried to describe how brazen she is, but he wouldn't listen."

"Oh, my word," Theo muttered. "What now?"

"He told us we weren't the sort of people he liked to have attend his fair! We've been ordered to flee the area immediately. We've been evicted!"

Arthur peered at Theo and raised his hands, as if in surrender. "We can't refuse to heed him."

"Why shouldn't we refuse?" Gertrude said. "We should hire a lawyer. We should sue! He hadn't heard of the Matron's Brigade, so he has no idea how powerful we've grown to be. We could make an example out of him. If we gave him a hard smack-down, it might encourage other noblemen to behave better."

Arthur sighed with exasperation. "Aunt Gertrude, you're being ridiculous. We're not suing anyone, we're not fighting with Lord Ralston, and the two of you can't tarry at Peachtree. He's issued his command and you'll have to obey."

Georgina bristled again. "Are you suggesting we blithely comply? If Miss Dreadful is allowed to waltz away unscathed, it will set a horrid precedent. This very minute, she's probably seducing gullible young men here in the country."

Theo scoffed at that. "Didn't you mention she's Lord Ralston's cousin?"

"It had to be a lie," Gertrude fumed. "Is she's his kin, I'll eat my bonnet!"

Theo persisted, struggling to inject some sanity. "No doubt she's residing with his family. If that's the case, I'm sure she's not causing any trouble."

"You would say that," Gertrude spat. "You've resigned from the Brigade, so you don't have the stamina for the battle against sin and vice."

"No, I don't," Theo agreed.

Arthur gestured to the door. "There's no way to protest his edict and we don't dare cross him. I'm afraid you'll have to leave in the morning. Why don't you start packing? I'll send up some maids to help you."

Georgina was aghast. "Are you taking his side? Rather than your own mother's? I don't care if he's an earl. He's treated us despicably."

Arthur proved himself a bit of a mediator. "I'm not taking his side or your side. I simply decline to bicker with him. I mean, what if you bump into him after he personally warned you away? It would be a disaster."

"We could avoid the fair and remain at Peachtree," Georgina said.

Gertrude chimed in with, "No! We're not hiding. The fair is the entire reason we traveled to the country. I'm not about to let that pompous oaf spoil my holiday."

"He's already spoiled it," Arthur snapped, "so head to your rooms to pack! Both of you! I'll talk to the men in the stables to have a carriage prepared for tomorrow. You'll depart at nine and we're not arguing about it."

For once, he was being quite stern with them and they realized they wouldn't be able to dissuade him. They stood and marched out, and as Georgina passed Theo, she said, "Come, Theo. You have to pack too."

Theo blanched with surprise. "I'm not going with you. I haven't been kicked out by anybody."

"You can't stay without me," Georgina said.

"I can and I will. This is my childhood home. I don't need a nanny to watch over me."

Arthur saved her. "You're exhausting me, Mother. Go upstairs."

Georgina seethed, Gertrude too, then they stomped off together, a pair of chubby, prickly, odious harpies whom Theo had never liked.

As their strides faded, Arthur grinned, leaned down, and whispered, "Who would have thought it would be that easy to rid us of them? I think I'll inform the rest of our relatives that they've been ordered to skedaddle too. We'll have Peachtree all to ourselves and we won't have to fuss with any of them."

"Arthur! What kind of comment is that?"

"Wouldn't you like to be here without their constant huffing and puffing?"

"Yes, I guess I would."

"Then I'll get everyone to join them."

"I'm embarrassed about this incident," she said. "Should we apologize to Lord Ralston? Are you acquainted with him?"

"No, but after Mother pulled this stunt, if I'm ever introduced to him, I won't provide my real name. I'd be mortified to have him figure out my connection to her."

He chuckled and sauntered off, and she dawdled in the empty parlor, feeling a tad giddy over how much nicer it would be without any of them on the premises. It opened up numerous possibilities she hadn't previously considered. Lord Thornhill crossed her mind, and she wondered—if she apprised him of the debacle—what his opinion would be.

Miss Dreadful was his friend, and Theo was certain he'd be humored to learn how Georgina and Gertrude had been run off due to their pestering her.

What else might intrigue him? Might he be excited to hear that she would have much more free time on her hands? Without Georgina snooping and interfering, what mischief might Theo be able to implement?

The fact that she was pondering mischief was shocking, but she was her mother's daughter. For months—for years—she'd been chafing and unhappy. If she socialized with Jackson Bennett for a few days, if she enjoyed herself for once, how could it hurt?

In a week, she'd return to London and she'd revert to her old, tedious self. She'd be glued to Georgina's side and she'd have to either plan her wedding or back out. She didn't want to marry Arthur, but she couldn't bear to contemplate the chaos that would ensue if she cried off.

She deserved to revel and Jackson Bennett was precisely the man with whom she was anxious to do it.

v

Lola was strolling in the decrepit garden behind Owl's Nest. The paths were untended, so walking was tricky, but she'd been suffocating in the house, so she'd braved the elements. The fresh air was soothing her temper.

Since she'd arrived, nothing had gone right. She'd assumed she and Jackson would visit Thornhill, but he refused to show it to her. He'd had supper at Peachtree, and when she'd expected to accompany him, he'd scoffed about her low reputation, how decent people wouldn't welcome her into their homes. It was true, and he'd voiced the remark in his usual polite manner, but still, it rankled and they'd quarreled.

The final straw had occurred before she'd stormed outside. The Midsummer Festival was in progress in the neighboring town, and that evening, there was a dance on the village green. She'd been keen to have Jackson escort her through the crowd, so she could flaunt their bond at the public venue, but he'd declared that his leg was killing him, and he wouldn't attend after all.

She might have stated her disappointment a tad too stridently, so he'd had his carriage harnessed and had traipsed off in it. He hadn't told her where he was headed and she never liked him to disappear for parts unknown.

When she'd decided to take her walk, she'd dragged Nell Parsons out with her. Arthur hadn't come to gamble yet, so Nell was bored and at loose ends. They'd had an agreeable conversation where they'd vented over their terrible situations, how they were never appreciated as they ought to be, and they'd skewered Jackson and Arthur for being stingy and indifferent to their wishes.

Lola couldn't abide any of the other mistresses who'd been brought to the party, but Nell was pleasant enough, and she had a realistic view of her circumstances.

She'd glommed onto Arthur with flirtation and manipulation and he supported her in fine style. He wouldn't shell out the funds for it to be grand style though, and she was irked by his unwillingness to be more generous. She was pert and fetching so, if she tossed him over, she'd likely land a new protector without too much difficulty.

Lola was twenty-five and quickly racing toward thirty, and her age was starting to be too old for comfort. If Jackson ever grew weary of her, it would be hard to find another man. She'd definitely never find another earl, but she had to stop worrying so much. He was very loyal and she'd been with him through thick and thin. He valued that sort of sacrifice and they were destined to be together.

They rounded the house and there was a carriage parked in the driveway. A young lady was at the front door and talking to Cedric. She looked familiar, but initially, Lola couldn't place her. She focused in and it dawned on her that she was the girl who'd been chatting with Jackson out on the street by their town house.

At the time, she'd been dressed in the white gown and red sash of the Matron's Brigade, and while Jackson had seemed entranced by her, Lola had ultimately written off the incident as being unimportant. He wallowed in the demimonde, and he was always enticed by a pretty face, but he would never be serious about a female with fussy morals.

What was the blasted ninny doing in the country? Had she followed him? Had he invited her? Had he stashed her away at a private haven of which Lola was unaware? Was he pursuing her—right under Lola's nose?

As she spied, the girl handed Cedric a letter and he stuck it in his coat. Then she went over and climbed in the carriage. Lola's blood boiled. Luckily, the little nuisance was leaving. If she'd barged in and announced she was waiting for Jackson, Lola couldn't imagine how she'd have reacted.

She yanked Nell to a halt and pointed to her. "Do you know that woman? She's been sniffing around Lord Thornhill, but I've never discovered who she is."

"That's Arthur's stepsister. Theodora Cronenworth? He calls her Theo."

Lola frowned. "Have you been introduced to her?"

"Gad, no. He would never permit me to meet her. It wouldn't have been appropriate, but we saw her once, when we were in the park. She didn't see us, thank goodness. It would have been a disaster. He's engaged to her. She's his fiancée."

"You're joking."

"No. His mother arranged it years ago, but they're not in any hurry to tie the knot. Arthur especially is in no hurry." Nell grinned mischievously. "I keep him too busy, so he doesn't have time to make wedding plans."

"If she's his betrothed, why would she be chasing Lord Thornhill?"

Nell shrugged. "Maybe you've misread what you witnessed. Maybe there's an innocent explanation for it."

"If you ever observed how he gazes at her, you wouldn't think that."

The vehicle rolled away and Lola and Nell continued on to the door. The minute they were inside, Lola cornered Cedric. He was in the dining room, loafing as the other men prepared for the day's card games. He never gambled himself anymore, but he liked watching the action.

She marched up to him, and without dithering, she said, "Why was Miss Cronenworth here?"

"She wanted to speak with Jackson, but he's out, so she left him a note. She asked me to pass it on to him and I told her I would."

"Why is she in the country? And how did she learn where Jackson is staying?"

"Arthur's relatives are over at their rural property, so I assume she's with them. As to Jackson's whereabouts, she had heard that Arthur rented Owl's Nest, and she queried her groomsmen about its location. Arthur isn't exactly a ball of discretion, so they were delighted to show her where it was."

"What's she say in the letter?"

"I have no idea. It's sealed and I didn't snoop."

"Well, I'm happy to snoop. Let me read it."

He snickered caustically. "What's the matter, Lola? I could swear you're jealous."

"You're correct; I am," she baldly confessed. "I don't need her bothering us or inflicting herself on Jackson. What benefit can come from it? She's one of those harpies in the Matron's Brigade."

"Yes, Arthur's mother and aunt are founding members. They love to harass trollops like you."

"We can't have them notice us. Jackson would survive their venom, but you and I couldn't. She shouldn't be within ten miles of him and we should be allies about this. You should help me get rid of her."

"You sound as if you're protecting Jackson, but you don't have an altruistic bone in your body. Just admit it: She's sweet and gorgeous, and if he grew enamored of her, it would probably be the end for you. You must have wondered if he might toss you over for a pretty girl like her. You have to be terrified."

"He will never toss me over," she furiously said.

"We'll see, I guess."

His tone was sly, as if Jackson had shared secrets about her with him. He liked to annoy and frighten her, but he couldn't. She was too confident of her place by Jackson's side. She reached into his coat to snatch the letter, but he felt her grab for it and he lurched away, so her attempt failed.

"Nice try," he sneered, "but I'm keeping it and I'll deliver it to Jackson as I promised I would. Whatever she penned to him, it's none of your business."

v

Jackson was sitting on a bench on the edge of the village green and watching the festivities. It was a beautiful summer night, the stars shining down, the full moon rising, the large crowd merry and spirited. Lord Ralston, the fair's patron, always provided ale kegs, and they'd been opened, so it had added an extra layer of gaiety.

Earlier in the day, his leg had been aching, so he'd intended to skip the event, but to his surprise, Theo had visited Owl's Nest and left him a note. Nosy Cedric had handed it over without reading it first. She'd reminded Jackson about the dance, so he'd come when he shouldn't have. She'd mentioned too that her stepmother and her other kin had departed, so she wanted to have him over to Peachtree for supper again, without any of them present to be an irritation.

It would be the height of folly to oblige her. Even if everyone was gone, the family had servants. If he dined with her—alone—their affection would be difficult to hide. He hadn't decided about supper, but he'd dragged himself to the dance, even though he was miserable.

They hadn't arranged to meet at a specific time or spot, so he'd simply plopped down and prayed she'd stroll by. There were so many revelers that he was starting to suppose they wouldn't cross paths, but the sea of bodies parted and there she was!

At the same moment he espied her, she spun toward him, then she waved and sauntered over. As she approached, the strangest sensation bubbled up. The rest of the crowd faded away, so it was just him and her and no other people in the world.

It occurred to him that he might be in deep trouble with her. He was flirting when he shouldn't be and any interest he displayed would send the wrong signal. Despite her protestations to the contrary, she would presume he was pondering marriage, and she'd likely cry off from her betrothal because of it, but no matter what she imagined, he wouldn't be a fallback suitor.

Yet wouldn't it be better if she jilted Arthur? Wouldn't she be safer?

Even as he considered those questions, he acknowledged that his view of her situation was entirely selfish. He was a cocky rogue and he'd like to ensnare her merely so he'd feel powerful and irresistible. It was a disgusting attitude to have, and he ought to be ashamed of himself, but he wasn't.

"There you are!" she said, as she slid onto the bench, and she was nestled very close, their sides touching all the way down. "I had given up any hope of finding you."

"I'd about given up on you too."

He'd brought his cane, which was humiliating. He never liked others to realize that he occasionally had to brace himself as he walked. She peeked at it, but kindly pretended she hadn't.

"Have you been dancing?" she asked. "I'm betting you haven't. You look weary."

"My leg is hurting, so I haven't joined in. Will you be irked with me if we simply sit and watch everyone else having fun?"

"I was partnered for the last three sets, so I'm ready for a break."

"Where were you hiding? I didn't see you anywhere."

"I was over nearer to the stage."

They were silent for a bit, observing the merriment, then he said, "I received your note, but I'm aggravated that you stopped by to deliver it. I was determined that you never figure out where I was staying. I wasn't eager to have you encounter any of the other guests. My father insists you flitted in and out without speaking to any of them, so you were spared any odious introductions. How did you locate me?"

"I asked our groomsmen. They knew where you were."

"Why have your relatives departed for home? What happened?"

"You won't believe it. Your friend, Tilly Dreadful, was performing here yesterday, and my stepmother and her sister were in the audience. They hounded her in London until she lost her job, remember?"

"Yes, and I'm still incensed about it."

"They complained to Lord Ralston about her and it was a mistake. It turns out she's his cousin! He was so angry that he ordered them to leave the area immediately. They packed up and scurried off to London."

Jackson laughed. It was a lovely story and he was delighted by it. "That's the best news I've had in ages."

"Are you acquainted with Lord Ralston?"

"No. Until I was raised up, I wouldn't have rubbed elbows with a fellow like him."

"I'd like to apologize for Georgina being such a shrew, but Arthur doesn't think we should. He thinks we should keep our heads down and conceal our identities."

"Arthur might be on to something."

She smirked. "The whole family was so alarmed by the debacle that they left—except for Arthur and me. We have Peachtree all to ourselves."

"You're there with Arthur? What if it's a devious ploy so he can woo you? You'll be so entranced that you won't protest your hasty wedding."

He'd uttered the comment in jest. Arthur was too busy wagering and carrying on with Nell Parsons to focus on Theo, but why was he suddenly in such a rush to march to the altar? After years of delay, why would he be pressuring her to proceed?

Jackson assumed it somehow involved Arthur's debts, but how would it help him to marry Theo? She didn't have any money, so she couldn't save him. None of it made any sense.

"Arthur barely notices me," she said, "so I'm convinced he has no wicked motives. His mother is hard to tolerate and he's thrilled to enjoy the rest of his holiday without her. In many ways, she treats him as if he's still ten."

Jackson was positive that Arthur had remained in the country so he could gamble without having to fold his cards and trudge home to supper. Plus, Nell was tucked away at Owl's Nest. With his mother in town, he would be able to sneak over and philander without having to explain where he was. He was scheduled to meet with Jackson in London on Tuesday. Would he arrive as Jackson had demanded? What if he didn't?

Jackson would answer that question on Tuesday.

"In my note," she said, "I invited you to supper. Will you come?"

"Do I dare?"

"It won't seem odd for me to have a guest. If you'd be more comfortable, I could invite some neighbors too. You're such a toplofty national hero that they'd be ecstatic to socialize with you."

"No, thank you. I can't abide the fawning that occurs when others learn who I am. It's embarrassing."

"You have to grow accustomed to it though, don't you? Your personal saga is like a fairytale, where the ordinary boy finds out he's really a prince. People are agog over you."

"I liked my situation much better when I was simply Sergeant Bennett. It has a much nicer ring to it."

"Should I call you Sgt. Bennett? Would you like that?"

"I'd like it if you called me Jackson."

"I'll consider it if you'll come to supper."

He hated to disappoint her, but he said, "We can't dine together in front of your servants."

"Are you sure? I'm trying to devise a method to spend time with you and I'll be crushed if you decline."

"I'm too fond of you, so it would stir gossip among the staff. Your stepmother would hear about it and you can't want that."

She batted her lashes like the worst coquette. "You're fond of me?"

"Yes, and now that I've admitted it, don't gloat."

"I won't gloat. I will celebrate."

She snuggled nearer. She appeared to have stopped fretting about their liaison, and he wondered what had altered her opinion.

"You're being very amenable to our becoming friendlier," he said. "Why the change of heart?"

She wrinkled up her nose. "In case you haven't realized it, my life is very dreary. Once I'm back in the city, I either have to start planning my wedding or I have to sever my betrothal. Both scenarios exhaust me."

"They exhaust me too, just from listening to you talk about them."

"I deserve to enjoy myself for awhile. Why shouldn't we fraternize? It doesn't have to be illicit or wrong. We can view it like a shipboard romance. We'll dally and amuse ourselves, and when we dock, we'll debark and go our separate ways."

Her remark indicated that she had a very different concept from the sort of romance he was mulling. She pictured them having picnics, dancing at the fair, eating with the neighbors. He pictured her naked on his bed and showering him with her delicious sexual attention.

It was horrid of him to ponder her in lusty terms, but he was a rogue who caroused in a decadent world. He couldn't help but desire her and his desire ran in a carnal direction.

"I will be very reckless," he said, "and agree to your mad scheme. For the next week, we will be very cordial. We will have our innocent shipboard romance, and when we part, I will have dear memories forever."

It was a whopper of a lie. He fully intended to be in London on Monday so he could speak with Arthur on Tuesday. He could have held the meeting at Owl's Nest, but instead, it would occur at his town house, where Arthur would be more intimidated. He didn't clarify any of that though.

She studied him, then scoffed. "You're a scoundrel, so I bet you've never had a dear relationship with any woman. I predict they're much more debauched than that."

"Yes, they are, but for you, I will be a perfect gentleman."

"Is that possible for you?"

"Probably not."

She laughed, and he smiled, thinking she was just so pretty and he never tired of looking at her. She had the strangest effect on his masculine sensibilities, and he reflected yet again on where it would lead. If he was lucky, and he usually was, the destination would be straight to his bedchamber. But that was an offensive notion, so he shoved it away.

Even if he lured her into a bedroom, they couldn't misbehave. He fornicated with trollops because there was no price to pay with them, but a young lady was off-limits. A libertine who corrupted a maiden wound up at the altar in a quick minute.

Two females approached and he recognized them as housemaids from his visit to Peachtree. They walked up to Theo and one of them said, "It's midnight, Miss Theo, and we're at our curfew, so we have to leave. You asked us to find you to see if you'd be ready to leave too. Are you? Or shall we go by ourselves?"

Theo glanced at him, and there was a moment of hesitation, where she was hoping he'd suggest an alternative, but she swiftly thought better of it.

"I'm ready," she told the girls. "It's kind of you to remember to locate me."

It was very odd, but a wave of panic washed over him. He couldn't bear for her to depart so soon.

"I came in my carriage," he said. "If you'd like to tarry, I can escort you in a bit."

Theo gazed at him and he could practically read her mind. She was anxious to dawdle and chat, then have a slow, private jaunt in his carriage, but she knew she shouldn't.

Previously, she'd allowed him to give her a ride, but that had been in the city in the middle of the afternoon, when there had been hordes of people on the busy streets. Currently, it was dark, with the moon shining down to spark their ardor. If they were locked together in his coach, who could guess what might happen?

She wasn't willing to risk it.

"I appreciate the offer," she said to him, "but I would hate to impose."

She stood and she positioned herself so she partially blocked the maids. With the crowd reveling, and the musicians playing on the stage, it was very noisy. If he murmured a comment, her servants wouldn't hear it.

Lest he dissuade himself, he hastily said, "I've scheduled a sightseeing trip for tomorrow and I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me."

"I would like that very much. Where are we headed?"

"I have to stop by Thornhill. Would you like to join me?"

She meticulously scrutinized him, and he perceived that she had a hundred questions she was dying to pose, but he didn't suppose he'd answer any of them truthfully. He had no idea why he'd asked her, but despite the property's crumbling condition, he was proud to own it, and for bizarre reasons, he wanted her to have a tour. He had no doubt she would gush and fall in love with the drafty old place.

"That's quite an invitation," she said. "Are you certain?"

"I wouldn't have mentioned it if I wasn't serious, but before you decide, you should be aware that it will take all day. It's some distance from here, so two hours over and two hours back, with some energetic snooping in between. Could you stand to be trapped with me that long?"

She grinned and said, "I'll bring a picnic basket so we don't starve."

"May I fetch you at eight? I'd like to get an early start."

"Eight would be fine. I'll be waiting for you." She leaned down and furtively squeezed his hand, then she whispered, "I'll miss you until then."

"I'll miss you too," he whispered in reply.

She shifted away, turned, and vanished into the throng. He sighed with gladness and calculated the excruciating interval that would have to pass until he would be with her again.