A Lady's Vanishing Choices (8 page)

With a relieved sigh, Royce settled more comfortably in his chair. “Perry is so defensive about the whole thing, I dare not say too much. It might push him in the wrong direction merely to show me he’s a grown man. You know how he is.”

“None better.” John frowned at Royce. “I know how you are as well. All of us grew up together.”

“Don’t you start,” Royce admonished with disgust. “Charles has already reprimanded me for protecting him from every wind that blows.”

One corner of John’s lips lifted in a half grin. “My thoughts exactly, and if my suspicions are correct, you’re trying to protect yourself as well.”

Royce gave John a significant, disgruntled stare and chose to change the subject. “I suspect you’ll meet the entire family at the soirée.” He dismissed the Littletons with a wave. “You haven’t inquired about the report, but you’re quite anxious to hear it all the same.”

A reluctant laugh escaped John. “You have me there.”

Royce regarded his cousin under level brows. He made a steeple of his fingers in front of his chin. “I’ve set Hopkins on the trail of any information. Have you discovered anything new?”

“You are the one responsible for any discreet inquiries.”

“John,” Royce warned, smiling broadly. “Give over.”

The teasing light in John’s eyes disappeared. “The brother’s trail definitely leads to Bath. Your place is a perfect distance away, so we won’t make the pair suspicious. Nothing more can go forward until tomorrow. Until then, we wait.” He held up his cup and swallowed a sip of his drink.

Chapter 10

The next morning Bethany headed down the bridle path, a short cut through the neighboring estate from the house to the village. A leafy canopy of green shaded the trail with only a slight breeze rustling the leaves overhead. A bird’s song floated through the boughs, but the sense of danger stalking her increased. She tried to cast away the sensation with a shrug of her shoulders. Soreness reminded her of her encounter with the errant gig. She shuddered.

Casting a quick, uneasy glance over her shoulder, she became aware of the pounding thuds of a rapidly approaching horse. Her heart picked up speed, but before she could duck off the path, Royce appeared mounted on a large, black stallion. A crooked smile curved his lips, and a twinkle lit his eyes. He swung down and strolled towards her.

Heaving a sigh of relief, she allowed her clenched fists to uncurl and her shoulders to relax. The threat of danger ceased upon his arrival—except the peril to her senses. His devastating smile sent tremors to her knees, but before she allowed her opinion to change overmuch, she decided to hear what he had to say. Thinking on the matter, she suppressed a mocking trill of laughter at herself. She’d already succumbed to his charms.

He raised a brow. “Trespassing?”

She sucked in a breath. “Beg pardon. I-I was only taking the shortcut. No harm meant.”

Royce pointed through the forest. “My hunting lodge is a few feet beyond those trees. What if you disturb my birds or any of my other game?”

“Game?” She stared at him in the liveliest astonishment.

“Game,” he repeated. “Rabbits, pigeons, and the like.”

Embarrassed by her thoughtlessness, she averted her gaze. “There hasn’t been hunting since Lord Athon became ill. How careless of me. I’ve traveled this shortcut for ages. Please forgive me. I’ll take the main road in future.”

“Not necessary for the present. But in a few days I’ll have guests arriving for a house party. Some of the men will be housed in the hunting lodge, and with the shooting and such, perhaps the main road would be a better choice.”

Royce kept pace with Bethany’s shorter steps. “I understand from your cousin that you’ll be attending my soirée tomorrow night.”

She tentatively glanced at him and gave a slight nod, waiting. She’d always suspected he’d never intended her to attend his wretched party. She waited for a blow to land, not a physical blow, but a blow, nonetheless.

He exhaled slowly. “A fair warning. Perry is a flirt and never serious for long. Please don’t fall for my brother’s well-intended actions and be misled into thinking it shall lead you into becoming a member of my family.”

His words couldn’t have been more painful if he’d punched her in the face. So offended she couldn’t speak, she glowered at him for a full minute. He obviously considered her beneath his precious family
.

He shook his head. For the briefest moments, something unreadable flashed in his eyes. In a soft voice, a little above a whisper, he murmured, “I couldn’t tolerate such a match.”

For a single instant, she searched his features, uncertain of his meaning. Had she heard wistfulness or doubt in his tone?
Don’t be a dolt.
The conceited oaf had warned her off. Finally,
she managed to subdue her anger enough to keep her voice level. “What has led you to believe I wish to be a member of your family?”

He shrugged. “I suppose it was something Perry said.”

That brought her up short. Could all of this nonsense stem from Perry extending the hand of friendship? “We were friends when he was a boy, but that was years ago.”

“Exactly so. He’s a man now with a gentleman’s view of the world. He’s charming, but less forthright, shall we say.”

She couldn’t contain the sarcastic words that flowed out. “Since he is so untrustworthy, I’m likely to run the other way if I see him again.”

“No need for extremes. Heed my warning and all shall be well.”

The urge to slap the derisive grin off his handsome face came close to pushing her over the edge. Being a lady kept her from giving in to her foolish notion.

“Duly noted.” With a narrow smile, she added under her breath, “Your high and mighty lordship.”

He must have heard. One corner of his mouth lifted in a gesture that could be considered a smile, but didn’t reach his eyes. He half turned away, but halted. “Before I go, take these.” He reached in his pocket and drew out several yellow strips of cloth. “Those are markers to locate downed game. If you wear one in your hair, you’ll be much easier to see.” He laughed wryly. “Then no one can mistake you for fair game.”

“In my hair?” In a panic, she stared at the yellow ribbons that dominated her nightmares and tried to draw back. She found it impossible to take the offending items. Besides, she wanted nothing from him—not a single thing.

“Yes, to keep you safe. Next time you pass through here, wear the yellow ribbons.” He grasped her hand in his and placed the cloth in her palm. “I must be off. I came to inspect my lodge and check on the condition of the place.”

He bowed his head and, with one fluid motion, gained his saddle atop his mount. Tipping his hat, he rode down a dim trail toward the stand of trees he’d pointed toward earlier.

Bethany watched as he rode away.
Why didn’t I tell him about the body or what I think was a body? I must be daft. I allowed my pride to dictate my actions again. And his charming smile hides the soul of a—I don’t know what. I’m not attracted. I’m not.
Tears gathered at the back of her eyes.

She
glanced down at the yellow strips in her hand. Yellow ribbons to keep her safe, she scoffed, recalling the yellow banners coiled in the form of serpents and crawling after her in her dreams.

Did he hold a slight suspicion Perry might have committed a murder? Without betraying his brother, had he tried to warn her away to protect her, or was there another reason entirely? If every soul carried hunting markers as Royce implied, perhaps Perry wasn’t guilty after all. Murder and killings along with those curst yellow ribbons circled in her mind until she wanted to scream.

Why hadn’t she reported the murder before? Because she couldn’t be positive there had been a murder. Several other horrifying questions occurred to her. She shook her head, not willing to subject herself to more ridicule and contempt. Best leave things alone. The culprit most likely had done his foul deed and departed the area. Yes, she had better leave well alone.

Yet there was still the question about the gig that tried to run her down. She gave a convulsive shudder.

A few days later, Bethany dared to sew a ruffle of her own lace at the sleeves and square neckline of Aunt Gertrude’s refurbished gown. Although the fabric had a faint sheen, the tatting added a bit of elegance to the over-wise simple, brown frock. The touch of ivory color enhanced the gown even further. Much pleased with her efforts, she trailed her fingers down the skirt to the hem as she draped it across a chair. If she must attend the soirée, at least she’d be presentable.

“Betha, you must instantly attend me,” Gertrude called from the foot of the stairs.

Bethany heard her aunt’s strident call but chose to ignore her summon. She would wait until her aunt’s voice reached a certain pitch of annoyance.

“Why do I pay for a maid, when none can be found?” Gertrude’s grumbling floated up from the hall below. “Betha.”

Yes, that’s the shrill tone
.
She brushed her skirts, entered the hall, and passed a maid on the way down the steps.

Gertrude stood at the bottom of the staircase with her hands on her hips. “All this botheration. My minutes are precious to me. I don’t have the patience to deal with one of your defiant moments. I want to be assured you won’t disgrace the family tonight at Lord Rivton’s little soirée.” She threw her hands up. “I believe it was at his younger brother’s insistence that you were invited.”

What was she on about? And what has Perry to say to anything? It seemed everyone was ready to take up cudgels against her if she dared to think he might be interested.

“Young men, always ready to play the gallant, never consider expectations may be raised. Take heed. Simply because a gentleman seeks you out, you mustn’t let it go to your head. You were raised as a lady, but indigent, dependent on others, without one ounce of grace in your entire awkward being and little or no sense of style.”

The words stabbed Bethany, as her aunt intended, no doubt.
She’s so concerned I may make an advantageous marriage, she can hardly contain herself.
I certainly didn’t encourage Perry to call, but I doubt I could convince her of that. I wasn’t even here. Eleanor received him.

“
You have no dowry to entice a suitable match. You must be content to remain with your uncle and me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Aunt.”
Dear Auntie, you may think I have no choice, but one day, I’ll be free from your sharp tongue. When I turn twenty and one, whatever it takes, I’ll flee this place.
A lady always has choices. She lowered her lids so Gertrude couldn’t read the expression in her eyes.

Gertrude glowered at Bethany and continued, “I want you to wear the jonquil muslin I purchased for Eleanor last season. The one with the ribbons under the bosom. That should do nicely.”

“Is Eleanor aware I’m to wear one of her frocks?”

Gertrude stared long and hard. “Eleanor is a dutiful daughter. More than I can say for some. I’ve ordered her maid to deliver the garment to your door.” Gertrude made a shooing motion. “Run along now. I don’t have all day to consider your problems. Be ready promptly, mind.”

At least the gown wouldn’t require alterations
.
Bethany took the stairs two at a time. She must do something with her hair
.
Her pulse fluttered in her throat. Not that she was trying to gain attention, especially from Perry. She merely intended to avoid another set-down from his brother, and to avoid another confrontation with Aunt Gertrude.

After she washed and allowed her hair to dry a little, she twisted several strands into curls and tied each into place with strips of cloth. In a few hours, she could arrange it in long ringlets spilling from the crown of her head.

She opened the drawer to her dressing table, searching for her mother’s bracelet. The sparkle of the jewelry would be charming with the muslin gown. Not immediately seeing the bracelet, she tugged the drawer open a little further and reached all the way to the back. She ran her fingers along the rear, the corners, and all around the edges. Nothing. Alarmed, she emptied the entire contents on the bed, but the bracelet wasn’t to be found.

Tears stung her eyes and her spirit sank to her toes. How could she have lost her mother’s bracelet? She flopped on the edge of the bed and buried her head in her hands.
Think.
When was the last time she actually remembered wearing the bracelet? She raised her head.
In the garden
. She’d had it on her wrist when she strolled through the garden. Perhaps she dropped it there.

Hurrying outside, she carefully scrutinized every inch of the grounds immediately beyond the door. Finding nothing, she continued on to the winding path through the grounds and searched with the same thoroughness. She finally reached the bench where she’d paused to rest earlier in the day. After examining the entire area, she sank onto the seat in defeat. Then she remembered, before trailing her fingers in the water in the fountain, she’d removed the bracelet and shoved it in her pocket.

Heaving a sigh, she relaxed and allowed her anxiety to float away. Footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind her, and she glanced around. Much to her surprise, Aunt Gertrude came into view from the direction of the woods.

When she noticed Bethany, she halted. “What are you doing?” Gertrude demanded, approaching the bench. “And why do you appear out of doors looking such a fright?”

“I dropped something and came looking for it.”

Gertrude had her hand clenched inside the folds of her gown. “An improbable tale. More like you to sneak round, prying into things that don’t concern you. Did Arthur send you to spy on me?”

“Certainly not. But—”

“But me no buts. Go to the house and ready yourself at once. If you are a moment late, I shall order the carriage to proceed without you. Now be off.” Gertrude glanced back over her shoulder at the nearby woods and marched toward the side door.

Bethany slipped through the back door and up the stairs, letting a pent-up breath escape. What bee did she have in her bonnet? Nothing new in being on the receiving end of one of her aunt’s dressing downs, but she seemed unduly agitated. What had happened to upset her? What could she possibly have been doing in the woods, and why was she disturbed when Bethany saw her?

Brushing such ponderings aside, she entered her chamber and retrieved her bracelet. Kissing her precious piece of jewelry, she clasped it to her chest for a second. She began her ablutions, but before she finished completely, a tap sounded at the door.

“Come.”

A young maid slipped inside. “Milady sent me. She says you need help to do up the back.”

Bethany nodded and stepped into the gown. When she’d finished straightening the garment, she allowed the maid to pile her hair on top of her head and tie it with ribbons—not yellow ones. She inspected her image in the long mirror. With several added twists to place a curl just so, she nodded at her reflection. She turned this way and that, admiring each swing of her gown. A thrill raced up her spine and butterflies fluttered in her belly. Clearly the lovely lady in the mirror couldn’t be the same awkward, dull-witted creature her relatives called her. She smiled. Fine feathers certainly make attractive birds.
I’m as giddy as a young gel.

Clasping her mother’s bracelet on her arm, she floated down the stairs, her heart beating hard enough to choke her. Her first real grown-up party. She’d never been so excited in her life.

Entering the drawing room, Bethany encountered her aunt’s dissecting inspection. Her gaze seemed to crawl over Bethany’s face, down her throat to her breast, and then to the bottom of her skirts. Her aunt’s lids narrowed and a cloud of disapproval descended as her expression stiffened. She sniffed. “You’re on time, at least.”

Eleanor stared at Bethany with her mouth open, but she didn’t say a word. She glanced at her mother and frowned.