The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride (10 page)

“Really? How fascinating.” Teddy fluttered her lashes at him but in the flickering
candlelight Delilah might have been mistaken.

“Do you truly think they could ever replace horses?” Camille asked.

Better to keep her mouth shut entirely. Yes, that was an excellent plan.

Samuel nodded. “I do.”

Surely he wasn’t serious?

“That’s rather far-fetched, isn’t it?” Teddy’s brow furrowed.

“Not at all.” Samuel paused while a footman removed his empty plate.

How on earth did he become so successful? Was the man mad? He was so obviously wrong.

“Ultimately, I think a horseless carriage would be much more efficient than a horse,”
he continued.

Absolutely, completely, and without a doubt wrong.

“The cost of maintaining a horseless carriage would certainly be far less than that
of a horse.”

Someone should tell him how very wrong he was. Delilah glanced around the table. Teddy
and Camille were staring with rapt attention and Grayson was studying his friend with
approval. Good Lord, they were all mad! As well as wrong.

“And a horseless carriage can always be repaired.” Samuel shrugged. “In theory, it
can be repaired forever.”

“That’s absurd,” Delilah said without thinking. “You can’t possibly be serious.”

He studied her. “Oh, but I am.”

“The way of the future?” The words were out of Delilah’s mouth before she could stop
them. Apparently there was a fine line between rude and honest. “I’ve never heard
anything so ridiculous.”

Samuel studied her. “Why?”

“Why?” Delilah stared at him. “I’d say the why of it is obvious.”

Samuel’s eyes narrowed no more than a fraction. “Why do you think it’s ridiculous?”

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” Camille said quickly. “I think it sounds most exciting.”

Delilah ignored her. “I don’t
think
it’s ridiculous either. It
is
ridiculous.”

“Why?” Samuel asked again.

“We’ve all seen horseless carriages, at exhibitions and the like. Each and every one
of us.” Delilah gestured at the rest of the group. “Why, on occasion, one even sees
one of those devices attempting to sputter its way down a road, at great inconvenience
to the rest of us I might add.”

“One would hate to see you inconvenienced,” Camille murmured.

“They’re nothing more than toys,” Delilah continued without pause. “Playthings for
men who refuse to give up being little boys.”

Samuel’s tone was cool. “Then I gather you have not been impressed?”

“I think they’re most impressive.” Teddy cast the group a bright smile.

“Impressed?” Delilah stared in disbelief. “Hardly. They’ll never be practical. They’re
noisy. They’re messy. They spew great fumes. They’re not the least bit reliable. They
look extraordinarily uncomfortable—”

“Have you ever ridden in one?” Samuel asked in a clipped tone.

“Absolutely not! Nor do I ever intend to.”

“You’ll get your chance soon enough,” Grayson said under his breath.

“Admittedly, there is still work to be done.” Sam’s words were measured. “This is
the beginning of an entirely new mode of transportation.”

“Actually, Mr. Russell—
Sam
—it’s not the beginning, is it?” Delilah asked.

Samuel’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“As far back as Leonardo da Vinci, man has been trying to develop a vehicle that would
move under its own power. That was some four hundred years ago. Indeed, history is
full of failed attempts to develop horseless carriages.” Delilah reached for her wine.
“I should think if someone was going to invent a vehicle that actually worked they
would have done so by now.”

Camille stared at her sister. “How did you know that?”

“I do read more than romantic novels, Camille.” Apparently Camille not only thought
her sister was unable to comport herself in polite society but she considered her
uninformed as well. “I keep up on current events, politics and the like, even if I
find some of it quite dull. And I am well versed in history.”

“We had some very progressive instructors at Miss Bicklesham’s,” Teddy said in a confidential
manner. “One in particular was fascinated by mankind’s history of invention.”

“I should have attended Miss Bicklesham’s,” Camille murmured.

“And even that instructor accepted the basic fact that man will never be able to replace
horses.” Delilah smiled in triumph and sipped her wine.

“Until now,” Sam said coolly.

“Horses are dependable, loyal, intelligent creatures,” she said. “They have served
man well for eons and will continue to do so far into the future.”

“I’m not questioning the basic nature of the horse,” Samuel said sharply. Obviously
she was beginning to annoy him as much as he annoyed her. Good. “But I would much
rather depend on something I control rather than something that has a mind of its
own.”

“Perhaps the fault lies in you for not being able to control a horse,” Delilah said
with a smug smile.

“I have no particular difficulties controlling horses.” His manner was matter-of-fact
but his hands flexed on the table. Apparently, Sam had no difficulties controlling
himself as well. “I simply have more confidence in my own abilities than those of
a dumb animal.”

“I daresay, most of the horses I know are far more intelligent than their riders,”
Delilah said pointedly.

Samuel smiled. “Friends of yours?”

Camille choked.

“Sam has just come from meeting with a gentleman in Germany,” Grayson said. “A Mr.
Benz who has made remarkable progress in the development of what he calls motorwagons.”

“Motorwagons?” Delilah’s brow rose. “What a silly word.”

“No more so than telephone or photograph, when one thinks about it,” Teddy said pleasantly.

“It doesn’t matter what you call it.” Samuel drummed his fingers on the table. “The
fact of the matter is, given the progress being made in the development of new propulsion
methods, the motorwagon is here to stay.”

Delilah met his gaze directly. “Utter, complete, and total nonsense. A waste of time,
money, effort, and energy.”

Samuel’s gaze didn’t waver from hers. “I suspect the same thing was probably said
about steam locomotives. History has proven those skeptics wrong. Today, we wouldn’t
think of a world without trains.”

“That’s an entirely different matter.” Delilah adopted a lofty tone, although he did
have a point.

“And time will prove those shortsighted cynics wrong as well.” Samuel smiled.

She wanted to smack him but settled for returning his smug smile. “Or, more likely,
their refusal to be seduced by the lure of the impossible will be shown to be most
intelligent.”

“It’s overcoming the impossible that has driven man since he first discovered the
secret of fire.” Samuel leaned forward slightly. “Mankind’s greatest discoveries have
come about in spite of naysayers who couldn’t see past the nose on their faces. Impossible,
Delilah, is merely improbable not yet accomplished.”

For an endless moment, Samuel’s gaze locked with hers. Silence fell around the table.
The oddest thought struck Delilah that this man was as exciting as he was annoying.
She’d forgotten that or perhaps simply ignored it.

“I’m so glad she apologized before dinner,” Camille murmured.

Grayson choked back a laugh.

“What did you mean, Grayson?” Teddy said quickly, no doubt in an effort to divert
the debate between Samuel and Delilah. Still debate was inevitable as she was right
and he was so very wrong. “About Delilah having her chance to ride in a . . . a motorwagon?”

Grayson glanced at Samuel then shrugged. “Simply that Sam has purchased a vehicle
that will be arriving any day.”

“Arriving here?” Delilah stared. “You’re bringing one of those things here? To Millworth
Manor?”

“Goodness, Delilah.” Teddy fixed her with a curious glance. “It’s not as if he’s exposing
us all to scandal. It’s simply an intriguing new invention, that’s all.”

“Surely, you’re not afraid it will scare the horses.” Samuel took a sip of his wine.
“Intelligent creatures that they are.”

“Well I for one think it’s most exciting,” Camille said. “I cannot wait to take my
first ride it in. Although I’m not sure why you’re bringing it here.”

“I want to try it for myself, evaluate its feasibility if you will, without Benz and
his assistants hovering.” Enthusiasm rang in Samuel’s voice. “It’s far easier to do
that here than transport the motorwagon to America.”

“This is only a first step.” Grayson nodded. “We want to determine if there’s enough
interest here in England among those who can afford such a novelty—”

“It’s only a novelty for now,” Samuel said.

Camille’s brow rose. “We?”

“And if so,” Grayson continued, “produce motorwagons in England and then on to America.”

“Grayson.” Shock sounded in Delilah’s voice. “Surely you’re not a part of this absurd
fiasco?”

“Oh, but I am,” Grayson nodded. “And I consider it neither absurd nor do I expect
it to be a fiasco.”

“But it is highly speculative, is it not?” Camille studied her fiancé. “As well as
costly?”

“Of course it is.” Grayson chuckled.

Sam grinned. “That’s part of the fun.”

“Fun?” Delilah sniffed. “I don’t think I would call risking a great deal of money
on something so ridiculous
fun
.”

“Oh?” Challenge twinkled in Samuel’s eyes. “And what would you call fun?”

She shot him a scathing look.

“Sam and I have been partners on a number of ventures of an uncertain nature through
the years,” Grayson said. “Most of them have proved quite lucrative. I have no doubt
this one will as well.”

“And if it doesn’t?” Delilah realized the sharp note in her voice might well be due
more to her own financial plight than concern about Grayson’s but she couldn’t seem
to help it.

“It will,” Samuel said.

“Or it could be a dismal failure.” Was Delilah the only one present who saw the perils
in investing in something as ill-advised as
motorwagons?

“My dear Delilah.” Grayson cast her an affectionate smile. “One of the joys of having
made a great deal of money is being able to take a risk on something that, while seemingly
far-fetched today, might indeed be the way of tomorrow.”

“And while I am certain Grayson appreciates your caution on his behalf,” Camille said
in a chastising manner, “it really has nothing to do with you.”

“Well, no, I suppose—”

“However, it does have something do with me.” Camille met her fiancé’s gaze. “This
is entirely your decision, Grayson. I trust you implicitly in matters of business
and I would never think to question your decisions, but I am curious as to whether
you intend to lose your entire fortune on this proposal?”

“That is a good question, let me think.” Grayson frowned but there was a glimmer of
amusement in his eyes. “I am about to marry an extremely wealthy woman, you know.”

Camille nodded. “Indeed you are.”

“Who would love me no less if I were penniless.”

“Oh, perhaps a little less.” Camille thought for a moment. “But not substantially
less.”

“However, I don’t intend to risk my entire fortune. Nor does Sam.”

“I have a very extravagant mother and sisters to support.” Samuel chuckled.

“But you do still value my opinion?” Camille said to Grayson.

“As I value my life,” he teased but there was something serious in his eyes. Delilah’s
heart caught at the look he gave her sister.

“Very well then, with apologies to Delilah who will certainly disagree with me.” Camille
paused, hopefully to come to her senses although Delilah suspected her sister was
just as mad as her fiancé. “I think it’s thrilling. It’s so wonderfully progressive.
I have no doubt it will ultimately be a huge success.

“And Sam.” She turned an excited gaze toward him. “There are any number of gatherings
planned between now and the wedding. You should take this opportunity to demonstrate
the motorwagon.”

Samuel and Grayson exchanged glances.

Camille continued without pause. “Which is no doubt exactly what the two of you have
in mind.” She looked at Teddy. “What do you think, Teddy?”

“I think it will be great fun.” Teddy beamed. “
Most
people will be fascinated.”

Camille thought for a moment. “A small group of friends and neighbors are joining
us the day after tomorrow for a garden party, tennis and croquet, that sort of thing.
It’s to be very informal and the matches won’t be at all serious. Do you play tennis,
Sam?”

“I do. Not as well as I’d like I’m afraid.”

“Delilah plays quite well,” Teddy said.

“There is so much about you I don’t know,” Camille said to her sister. “Miss Bicklesham’s,
I presume?”

“A healthy body supports a healthy mind,” Delilah said primly. “But, you may remember,
even as a child I enjoyed tennis.”

“Of course I remember,” Camille said, although Delilah would have wagered she didn’t
recall that at all. Camille turned to Samuel. “With any luck, your motorwagon will
be here by then.”

“One can only hope.”

“I can hardly wait to try it. I’ve never ridden in a horseless carriage.” Camille’s
eyes lit with excitement. “I claim the first ride.”

“And I shall be next.” Teddy grinned. “I am quite looking forward to it.”

Grayson smiled at Delilah. “When you see the fun the others are having, you’ll want
to ride in it as well.”

“I wouldn’t wager on that, Grayson,” Delilah said. “I told you before, I have no intention
of riding in some ill-conceived mechanical beast.”

“Come now, Delilah,” Samuel said. “Think of it . . .” His knowing gaze met hers. “As
an adventure.”

Sixteen days before the wedding . . .

“Will you be joining us for tennis today, Lord Fairborough?” Delilah smiled at Grayson’s
aunt and uncle.

Beside her husband, the Countess of Fairborough suppressed a laugh.

Her husband cast her an injured look. “I don’t know what you find so amusing.” He
leaned toward Delilah in a confidential manner. “I’ll have you know I was quite adept
at the playing of squash in my youth. Similar to tennis but requiring much more skill
and finesse.” He huffed. “And I must say, I do prefer my tennis on an indoor court.
That’s the way the kings of England played and it’s good enough for me.”

“What he’s trying to say is that he will not be playing tennis today,” Lady Fairborough
said with a firm look at her husband. “Nor, I’m afraid, will I. I don’t play often
anymore although I have always enjoyed it. There’s little better than a hotly contested
match played under the open sky in the fresh air.”

Lord Fairborough snorted in derision.

“We have a croquet court laid out as well if you’d prefer,” Delilah offered. “If I
recall correctly from my childhood, both Grayson and Winfield played a wicked game
of croquet.” She cast the older man a teasing smile. “And I suspect I know who taught
them.”

“Competition runs in the blood.” Lord Fairborough chuckled.

Lady Fairborough sighed. “And blood was usually the end result.” She shook her head.
“One wouldn’t think something as deceptively peaceful as croquet would be a blood
sport but with my boys it was.”

Grayson’s parents had died when he was very young and he’d been raised beside his
cousin Winfield, now Lord Stillwell.

Lady Fairborough peered around the terrace. “I saw Grayson when we first arrived but
now I can’t seem to find either my nephew or my son and daughter-in-law.”

Twenty or so of Camille’s friends together with neighbors Delilah hadn’t seen in years
milled about on the terrace, greeting each other and exchanging the sort of pleasantries
people exchange when they haven’t seen one another for far too long. Footmen navigated
between the guests bearing trays of iced champagne and lemonade. Groups of two or
three or more drifted toward the courts, a ten-minute walk from the terrace. Those
who intended to play were overheard making rash statements as to their sporting prowess
and Delilah suspected a few friendly wagers were made.

“Isn’t that him?” Lord Fairborough squinted and pointed out a young man demonstrating
how to swing a racket to an even younger woman.

“No dear,” Lady Fairborough murmured. “Perhaps if you were to wear your spectacles
. . .”

“Don’t need them,” he said in a gruff manner.

Lady Fairborough sighed. “Then keep looking.”

Most of those under a certain age, men and women alike, carried rackets under their
arm as did Delilah. The older guests would probably choose to play croquet. Teddy
had said the courts were set up for both games. Her
mistake
was nowhere in sight, much to her relief.

She hadn’t seen him at all yesterday except in passing. Samuel and Grayson had been
ensconced in the library deep in discussion and plans for their motorized folly most
of the day, going so far as to take their meals there. Delilah had noted any number
of mechanical drawings strewn about when she’d happened to walk by the library door.
As foolish as she thought this venture was, at least it kept Samuel occupied and out
of her way.

With any luck at all, the American had decided to forgo today’s activities as well.
She hadn’t encountered him at breakfast and wondered if he had decided to return to
London after all. Her spirits brightened at the thought then just as quickly deflated.
She certainly wouldn’t count on that and someone probably would have mentioned his
leaving to her. Samuel would no doubt appear when she least expected him if for no
other reason than to be annoying. He derived entirely too much pleasure from annoying
her. Which in and of itself was annoying.

Still, he had appeared on his best behavior at dinner the other night once the topic
had turned to something less volatile than motorwagons. One could argue he was quite
charming. Delilah too had tried very hard to be charming, or at least cordial, and
thought she had succeeded nicely, all things considered. She still didn’t understand
why the others couldn’t see that Samuel was wrong about the future of horseless carriages.
He was wrong and she was right and there was no more to be said about it than that,
even if she suspected there would a great deal more said once the blasted machine
arrived.

Not encountering him yesterday had been a welcome respite. Now that the shock of his
arrival had passed, Delilah vowed to do a better job of treating Samuel like a new
acquaintance. It wasn’t much of a plan but it was better than nothing. Especially
as every time his name came up, Camille studied her with a speculative eye. Delilah
wasn’t sure why treating him as she would anyone else was so bloody hard to accomplish
but then nothing seemed to be especially easy in her life at the moment.

Even today’s garden party was awkward. Delilah was considered an accomplished hostess
and it was decidedly odd today to be something less than a hostess and more than a
guest. In truth she wasn’t sure what her role was. This business of being a dutiful
sister was new to her, although she had decided to simply be as pleasant and helpful
as possible. As long as she avoided the American she might be able to manage that.

“Have you met Miranda?” Lady Fairborough asked.

“Briefly.” Delilah smiled. “At the wedding.”

“Yes, of course.” The older woman shook her head in a disparaging manner. “You were
there. I don’t know where my head is some days.”

Lady Miranda Garret had wed Winfield shortly after his cousin, Camille, and Delilah
had returned from their trip to New York. Where, of course, she had made the biggest
mistake of her life. Why was it that anything anyone said on very nearly any topic
brought the blasted man to mind?

“Excellent choice on Winfield’s part.” Lord Fairborough nodded his approval. “I was
beginning to lose hope.”

“Nonsense.” Confidence sounded in Lady Fairborough’s voice. “I knew he’d find the
right woman. Eventually.” A triumphant smile graced the older lady’s lips. “I like
her a great deal. She’s quite progressive you know and very modern.”

“How nice.” Delilah forced a weak smile. Why was everyone so concerned with progress
all of a sudden? What was wrong with leaving things as they had always been?

“She talked Winfield into installing electricity when the hall was rebuilt.” Lord
Fairborough shook his head. “Can you imagine such a thing? Electricity at Fairborough
Hall.”

“Isn’t it dangerous?” Delilah asked.

Certainly more and more areas of London were being electrified but her house had yet
to be wired. This was another one of those
ways of the future
she thought one should be cautious about. Still, while she’d prefer not to admit
it to certain parties, electricity was, well, intriguing. And if her house remained
her house, perhaps it was time to take a tentative step forward. As long as that step
was solidly on the ground and not into a self-propelled motorwagon.

“We are still getting adjusted to it but I like it.” Lord Fairborough nodded. “It’s
certainly not without a few awkward problems—”

“That poor cat . . .” Lady Fairborough shuddered.

“But all in all, I think it’s most exciting. I like being at the forefront of progress.
Even Winfield is pleased and I don’t mind telling you, he was adamantly against it
in the beginning. It took a bit of convincing on Miranda’s part to change his mind.”
Lord Fairborough nodded in a sage manner. “But I suspect that’s when Winfield realized
she was the woman for him.”

“There’s nothing more conducive for romance than argument or being on the opposing
sides of an issue.” Lady Fairborough smiled in a satisfied manner. Did all mothers
smile that way or just the ones Delilah knew? “That was my advice to Miranda and needless
to say I was right.”

“Regardless, I doubt Delilah has need for your advice,” her husband said.

“I am always grateful for words of wisdom.” Delilah cast the lady a genuine smile
even if she wasn’t entirely certain of the validity of Lady Fairborough’s advice.
“And I shall certainly keep it in mind.”

They chatted for a few moments more, then the couple headed down the terrace steps
toward the playing fields. A light supper would be laid out on the terrace while the
guests were playing croquet and tennis or cheering on those who were. Teddy mentioned
there would also be music and perhaps even dancing if anyone was so inclined.

The crowd on the terrace had thinned. No doubt most of the guests had already made
their way to the courts. She would have to hurry if she wished to play. Lady Fairborough
was right. There was nothing like a well-fought game of tennis to make life look a
bit brighter.

Perhaps Samuel was already at the courts. He was still nowhere in sight. For that
matter, she didn’t see Grayson and Camille or Winfield and his wife. Not that she
cared where Samuel was but it would be convenient to know his location if she was
to avoid him.

What on earth was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she face being around him? And why
did every word out of his mouth set her teeth on edge? Other people apparently found
him quite likeable. Of course, he had never seen them in the throes of unexpected
and unbridled passion. How did women like Beryl—who’d had any number of illicit affairs
before she and her husband had fallen in love with each other—manage to function in
public, where she might come face-to-face with a former paramour? Delilah shuddered
at the thought. Why, Delilah couldn’t face the one lover she’d had let alone the scores
Beryl had left in her wake. If she and Beryl were closer, Delilah might turn to her
for advice. Perhaps someday, not now of course and not in the foreseeable future,
but someday when they were both old and gray and, at least for one of them, over the
embarrassment of encountering one’s mistakes. Although Beryl probably didn’t consider
them mistakes as much as adventures. For Delilah, it was one in the same.

“Where have you been?” Teddy appeared before her, her ever-present notebook in her
hand and a touch of panic in her eyes. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“Apparently not. I’ve been right here.” She studied the other woman. “You, on the
other hand, look as though you are quite done in.”

“Not yet.” The always efficient Teddy looked anything but competent at the moment.
“I know we talked about this when we came to Millworth so much earlier than I have
ever arrived to make certain a wedding goes smoothly. I agreed to take on all these
other parties Camille had envisioned because you are my friend and Camille is spending
an outrageous amount of money. And, admittedly I was grateful for the opportunity
to escape my mother’s house. Besides, I didn’t think it would be at all difficult.
And you said you would come early as well.”

“I had nowhere else to go.”

“Not that you mentioned that. And you should have, you know.”

Delilah nodded. “I do. And if I am ever threatened with destitution again, you will
be the very first one I will tell.”

Teddy’s lips twitched with a restrained smile. “I shall take that as a promise.”

“As I meant it.”

“Good.” Teddy nodded. “As I was saying, my mother is not here to help, for which I
am eternally grateful,” she added quickly.

“As are we all.”

Teddy’s mother, while well meaning, had never been able to get over the fact of Teddy’s
failed engagement—apparently even death was not a legitimate excuse—or her daughter’s
refusal to marry the distant cousin who inherited her late husband’s title and property.
Just as Teddy had never been able to forgive Phillip for his transgressions against
Delilah, Delilah had never been able to entirely see past Lady Sallwick’s treatment
of her only child.

“I need your help. Usually, my mother is with me for assistance along with several
members of her household staff.” She sighed. “I am only one woman and I cannot be
everywhere at once. Why, even now I am expected at the tennis court to assign partners
and, let me tell you, that will require the wisdom of Solomon as there will be those
who wish and expect and have requested to play with their friends or relations and
those who have specifically asked to play against them.”

“Just tell me what you need and frankly I’m grateful to do it. I’ve felt a bit like
a fish out of water myself not knowing quite what was expected of me.”

It struck Delilah that perhaps this was what she might do for the rest of her life
if she was indeed left penniless. Teddy’s organization of weddings and various social
events was not amassing her a fortune but it was keeping her financial head above
water and allowing her to keep up the pretense that nothing had changed with the death
of her father. If there was one thing Delilah knew how to do and do well it was host
a party. Perhaps Delilah could join forces with Teddy and her mother. If they’d have
her, of course. Still, that was a matter for the future, if the future turned out
to be as dire as Delilah feared.

“Although I must say you are doing an excellent job thus far.”

“Thus far.” Teddy gave her a half-hearted smile. “Thank you but in ways too numerous
to mention I am balancing a house of cards. Still . . .” She drew a deep breath. “All
will be well momentarily, as soon as I herd everyone to their respective playing courts
and the servants can begin setting up here. However . . .” Teddy glanced from side
to side. “A fair number of the guests are not at the courts and seem to have disappeared.”

Delilah drew her brows together. “What do you mean—disappeared?”

“I mean they’ve vanished. They’re gone. Missing. I don’t know what happened to them.”