The Story of a Baron (The Sisters of the Aristocracy) (16 page)

Hunting for a handkerchief with one hand as he held her up with his other arm, Matthew finally pulled a linen square from his waistcoat pocket and offered it to her.

“Thank you,” she managed to get out as she used it to wipe the tears from her cheeks and blow her nose.

“You have a beautiful nose,” Matthew commented before giving it a quick kiss.

“Oh?” she responded as she refolded the square of linen and offered it back to him.

“Hmm,” he replied. When he was sure she could walk, he tucked her arm under his and led her out of the dense vegetation, just as a large party of ... Matthew held his breath and wondered if perhaps they should simply return to the cover of vegetation. The birthday party-goers were walking right past them.

“Why, Lady Geraldine,” Daisy McGowan Timmons, Lady Barrick, greeted her. “You look ...” The viscountess’ eyes took a good look up and down Geraldine’s grass-stained gown, her eyes stopping on several leaves that had adhered themselves to the wool so that the gown looked as if it had been crushed into the ground.

“Lady Barrick,” Matthew interrupted as he reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. “Your arrival is most fortuitous. Lady Geraldine was set upon by a footpad only moments ago. I heard her cries and was able to chase the ruffian off, although I do believe Lady Geraldine was more effective when she hit him with her reticule,” he said as he dared a glance in Geraldine’s direction. “I do hope he didn’t accost you as he made his escape,” he added with a good deal of concern.

The viscountess turned her attention back to Geraldine. “Goodness! Are you harmed?” she asked in alarm, her gaze traveling over the earl’s sister and imagining a far different scenario than the delightfully scandalous one she had imagined only moments ago.

“Thanks to Lord Ballantine – and my reticule – I am unharmed,” Geraldine replied, barely able to get the words out as she displayed her weighted reticule as evidence of her claims. “But let’s not allow my unfortunate incident to ruin your celebration,” she said as she turned, too late, to notice Lord Barrick shaking his head very quickly.

“Celebration?” Lady Barrick repeated.

Geraldine stared at the viscountess, realizing just then that Daisy Timmons still didn’t know about the surprise party. She leaned in to whisper in Daisy’s ear, “If I remember correctly, isn’t today your birthday?”

Lady Barrick’s eyes widened. “Why, yes, yes it is,” she acknowledged with a nod. “But we’re just going on a picnic,” she countered, her feeble mind unable to comprehend that the picnic was a party in honor of her birthday. “Would you like to join us? I am quite sure there is enough food to feed the entire British Army,” she claimed happily.

Geraldine exchanged glances with Matthew. “I ... I would love to,” she replied, giving the viscountess an uncertain smile.

“Oh, and you must join us, too, Lord Ballantine,” Lady Barrick said, her eyes brightening as she turned to the baron.

Matthew dared a glance at Lord Barrick, who simply shrugged and seemed resigned to the fact that the picnic wouldn’t be as much of a surprise as he had hoped. “I shall be honored, my lady,” he said as he took her gloved hand in his and kissed the back of it.

Lady Barrick blushed and turned to her husband and several other couples who stood watching her with a bit of uncertainty. “It’s settled, then. We’re off to find a good picnic spot,” she announced.

Stealing a glance in Lord Barrick’s direction, Matthew hooked Geraldine’s arm into his and escorted her alongside the other guests. “Thank you for playing along,” he whispered when he was sure no one was looking in their direction.

Geraldine let out an unladylike snort. “Who says I was playing along?” she replied, her eyes aimed directly ahead and her manner suggesting she was most annoyed. “Footpad,” she added with a raised brow.

Realizing it would be a long time before Geraldine would forgive him, Matthew allowed a sigh and girded himself for a long, uncomfortable afternoon.

Chapter 29

A Countess Pays a Visit

Adele Slater Worthington Grandby, Countess of Torrington, ascended the steps of Rosemount House at precisely ten o’clock in the morning. Her visit had not been preceded by a note nor a visit from a footman; she merely wished to pay a call on Lady Evangeline at a time reserved for such pleasantries.

Although this particular visit would probably not be very pleasant.

Jones opened the door at the sound of the knocker, bowing to Lord Torrington’s wife and stepping aside to wave her into the house. Garbed entirely in garments the color of red wine, she appeared every inch the countess she had become by marrying Milton Grandby the year before.

After hanging her pelisse and parasol in the vestibule, Jones led her to the parlor and said tea would be but a moment. “Lady Evangeline has already ordered tea,” Jones said in response to Lady Torrington’s arched eyebrow.

“Is she expecting someone else this morning?” Adele wondered, thinking she might have to delay the talk she had planned with the Earl of Everly’s sister.

The butler shook his head. “Lady Evangeline plans for visitors at ten of the clock every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and she pays her calls Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he explained. “Other than Lady Samantha and Lady Julia, she rarely has a caller, however,” he added with a slight nod of his head to one side. “I’ll inform her of your arrival,” he said before giving the countess a bow and taking his leave of the parlor.

Adele sighed.
Poor girl
. Besides being left behind by her adventurous brother, Evangeline suffered from not knowing very many unmarried girls her own age. And her reputation as a bluestocking didn’t help in that regard, although it was the other reputation Adele was most concerned about just then.

“Good morning, Lady Torrington,” Evangeline said happily as she breezed into the parlor and afforded the countess with a deep curtsy. A maid with a tea tray was right behind her, moving quickly to set down the tray on the table in front of the worn settee.

Acknowledging Evangeline’s curtsy with one of her own, Adele was struck by just how pretty Evangeline seemed in the morning light, her honey blonde hair swept up in a tight bun atop her head and a series of ringlets at her temples. Her yellow round gown featured a print of tiny flowers and long sleeves and a neckline edged in lace. “Good morning, Evangeline,” Adele replied with a smile. “You’re looking rather chipper this morning,” she added, wondering if the young lady’s good humor was due to a certain baron’s attentions.

“Well, except for the rain, it’s a beautiful day. Please, have a seat and join me in tea,” Evangeline said as she indicated the settee. “Will Lady Norwick be joining us?” she asked as she took the chair opposite and set about arranging the cups for tea.

Adele settled herself, surprised by the question. Clarinda Fitzwilliam, Countess of Norwick, would normally join her on her morning calls, but considering the nature of the visit, Adele thought it best to come alone. Besides, she was sure Clarinda had been experiencing morning sickness, although the countess hadn’t yet said anything about being with child. “Not today. She’s been feeling a bit under the weather, I’m afraid.”

“Oh, well, I suppose she would,” Evangeline commented sadly. “But I’m honored you have come,” she added as she poured the hot water over the tea strainer. “Milk and two sugars?” she added, hoping her memory served her right. She had only been in a Mayfair parlor one other time when Lady Torrington was also present.

Obviously wondering as to Evangeline’s odd comment, Adele allowed a grin. “Why, yes,” she acknowledged with a nod, surprised that Evangeline would remember since they had only ever taken tea together one other time. She wondered if perhaps Lady Norwick and Evangeline had met for tea. Perhaps the countess had shared news with Evangeline she hadn’t yet shared with her.

Evangeline finished pouring her own tea and added the milk and lumps of sugar into the cups. “And how does Lord Torrington fare?“ she wondered, handing a china saucer with a cup and a spoon to the countess.

Adele accepted the tea, impressed with Evangeline’s ease at serving. She rather thought the poor girl wouldn’t have had proper instruction given her mother had died when she was so young. “Your godfather is the same man he’s been since the first day I met him,” she said with quirked lip. She took one of the cakes from the platter Evangeline held out. “Stubborn, handsome, far too serious and yet ... one of the funniest men I know,” she mused, her face lifted a bit as she answered Evangeline’s query.

Evangeline watched the countess as she recited the virtues of Milton Grandby, Earl of Torrington. “Have you told him he’ll soon be a father?” she wondered with a knowing grin, asking the question in a hushed voice.

Adele blinked, her expression suddenly one of shock. She dared a glance down to her lap and then back to Evangeline. “Why ever would you ..?” her eyes shifted to the left, as if she were trying to reason out how to answer the question.

“Oh,” Evangeline managed as she straightened in her chair. “Oh, dear. That was an entirely inappropriate question, wasn’t it?” she hastened to say. “I apologize. Oh, dear. I ... I ...” She set her cup and saucer on the low table and clutched her hands together in her lap, her shoulders slumping.

The countess stared at Evangeline for several seconds, her mind racing. Although she might have looked a bit as if she’d been eating a few too many cakes at tea, Adele hadn’t thought it was due to being
pregnant
. Her husband had just been so insistent she eat more, claiming she seemed to have lost weight since their wedding the year before. But, now that she thought about it, she was late – quite late – with her monthly courses.

Taking in a calming breath, Adele angled her head to one side and regarded Evangeline with a grin. “No one yet knows,” she offered, tempted to add, ‘Not even me.’ Her brows arched up to indicate that no one would know until she decided they needed to know. And that she would be the one to inform anyone when it was time for the news to spread through the parlors of Mayfair.

“I understand,” Evangeline replied as she nodded quickly. “I won’t say a word. I promise.”

Adele gave her a wan smile. “I haven’t confirmed it with a physician just yet,” she offered, her heart suddenly racing.
What if I really am pregnant? What would Grandby think?
They hadn’t discussed heirs and spares and daughters as such. Her husband’s latest attentions toward children were directed at those who were his godchildren. Most were grown now, although many hadn’t yet married. “May I ask how it is you think I am? With child, I mean?” Adele wondered suddenly. She almost asked about Clarinda, as well, since the chit seemed to know something about her condition.

Evangeline sighed, wishing she hadn’t read quite so many books – especially the one about human reproduction. “Well, it’s just that ... you look as if you’re glowing. Like you have a light inside. Radiance, it’s called,” she murmured. At the look of surprise on the countess’ face, she continued, “And you look as if you might have eaten a few extra cakes at tea. Which is perfectly fine and to be expected since you are eating for two,” she added hastily, her face taking on a blush that colored her from the top of her bodice to the roots of her hair.

The countess stared into her teacup for a moment, rather liking her reflection on the surface of the liquid. She smiled and then began to titter, one hand reaching up to her lips. “I do, don’t I?” she acknowledged with a smile.

“Hmm. Would you like more tea?” Evangeline offered as she lifted the strainer and pot from the tea tray.

“I suppose I shall since I’ll be having another one of these delicious cakes,” Adele replied, with not the least hint of embarrassment.

Evangeline poured the water and settled back into her chair. “May I ask what brought you to my parlor today?” she asked carefully, refilling her own cup more out of nervousness than because she wanted another cup just then. Lord Sommers would be along at eleven o’clock to read with her. The thought had her heart beating just a trifle faster, for she found she looked forward to the hour or so they spent reading and in conversation about the book.

The countess set her saucer on the low table and gave a sigh. “It’s about ... about your late night caller,” she offered with some hesitance.

Her face brightening, Evangeline suddenly straightened in her chair.
Someone had noticed Lord Sommers’ visit!
She wondered if it were Lady Pettigrew or Lady Brougham who saw the baron. And did they notice his arrival? Or his departure? A shiver shot through her body as she remembered the delicious sensations Jeffrey Althorpe had managed to invoke in her that night. The way he had kissed her lips, had stroked her skin with his long fingers, held her breast in his palm and used his tongue and lips ... “Oh, Lord Sommers, you mean,” she managed to get out without sounding too breathy.

Adele didn’t try to hide her surprise, stunned that Evangeline would so happily admit to receiving a man at such a late hour. “Yes.”

Attempting an expression of contrition, Evangeline gave a shrug with one shoulder. “We’ve been reading, you see. The same book.” She reached over to touch
The Story of a Baron
, the ornate bookmark poking out from the top of the pages. “I bought the last copy at the Temple of Muses at the same time the baron wanted to buy it. We had just completed a chapter that left us both wondering what would happen next, and neither of us could sleep, so ...” She shrugged, not sure what else to say in her own defense. Not that she really wanted to defend herself. There was suddenly a hint of scandal surrounding her!

Evangeline Tennison was a topic of gossip!

“May I inquire as to who ... who paid witness to Lord Sommers’ arrival?” she wondered, hoping the countess would give up her source.

Adele shook her head. “No one, near as I know,” she answered quickly. “Which is a relief, given your reputation was ...
is
at stake,” she added with a look of mock horror. She didn’t miss Evangeline’s sudden look of disappointment, and gave a gasp of surprise at the chit’s behavior. “Evangeline Tennison! Are you
trying
to become the next subject of gossip?” she asked in shock.

The earl’s sister sighed and leaned back in her chair.
No one saw Lord Sommers?
If that were the case, then how did Lady Torrington discover the baron had paid her a visit? “If no one saw the baron, then how is it you know ..?” She broke off the question, her attention turning to the parlor door. The only other person who had been present during Lord Sommers’ visit was Jones, the butler.
Damn him!
she thought, realizing just then that he probably had orders from her brother to report to Grandby should she do anything ... unexpected. Unladylike.

Scandalous
.

Adele watched as Evangeline reasoned out the answer to her own question, rather impressed that the chit didn’t need it all explained in sordid detail. “He’s doing his job, Evangeline. Do not be angry with him,” the countess said softly.

Shaking her head, Evangeline whispered, “I am not. I am just ... disappointed.”

The countess regarded the earl’s sister for a moment before realizing Evangeline’s disappointment didn’t stem from having been reported by the butler but by not having been discovered by a neighbor. “So ... you really
are
trying to become a topic of gossip!” she said again, this time with more concern.

Evangeline couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She inhaled and let it out in a long sigh. “I have a reputation as a bluestocking. Anything I can do to alter that perception will be an improvement, I should think,” she responded sadly.

“Oh, Evangeline,” Adele replied as she shook her head from side to side. “A reputation as a bluestocking is far better than that of
fallen woman
,” she stated emphatically. She let the comment hang for several moments before asking, “Do you love him?”

Evangeline blinked. And blinked again. She was about to say ‘Lord Sommers?’ but realized that, of course, Adele Grandby referred to the baron. “I cannot yet say that I love him,” she replied quietly. “I ... care for him. I ... appreciate his opinions, even though I do not always agree with them. I suppose I am fond of him,” she finally said with a nod.

Adele finished her cup of tea and considered taking another cake, but thought better of it. “If he should offer for your hand, would you ... accept?”

Evangeline lifted her head and suddenly appeared nervous. “I should think that would be up to my brother,” she answered with a shake of her head. “But ... I’ve no reason to expect Lord Sommers would do such a thing.”

The countess resisted the urge to sigh loudly and instead helped herself to another cake. “He will if he wants to. He will if he
has
to,” she said with an arched eyebrow.

“Has to?” Evangeline repeated, a bit alarmed. “He’s done nothing to ruin me,” she lied. “And I don’t want him to be compelled to offer for my hand if he doesn’t ... he doesn’t
wish
to,” she finished lamely, not at all pleased with what might happen should her reputation suddenly be in question.

Adele considered her word carefully. “I won’t say anything to your godfather, but know this, young lady. If there’s a single hint of scandal involving you and the baron, Lord Sommers will be receiving a visit from my husband.”

Evangeline’s eyes widened as she realized her godfather’s wife was making a threat. “Yes, my lady,” Evangeline answered with a nod, finding the words more of a comfort than a warning just then.

Her duty done, Adele took a bite of the cake and glanced around the room, realizing she hadn’t done so when she first entered the parlor. For a house occupied by an international explorer and a young woman who had been orphaned as a girl, the decor was surprisingly modern – and just a bit on the feminine side. The peach watered silk walls and green Aubusson carpet made for a comfortable space, although the upholstery on the chairs was a bit worn and the mahogany table scratched in several places.

Realizing the earl’s wife was evaluating the decor in the parlor, Evangeline held her breath. “Please, don’t look at the ceiling,” she pleaded as she took the last cake.

Of course, the countess couldn’t resist looking at the ceiling, angling her head to study the coffers above. “Why ever not?” she replied in surprise. “It’s rather lovely,” she offered, pretending not to have noticed the shifting threads of cobwebs strung from coffer to coffer. When she realized Evangeline’s discomfort over the lack of attentive housekeeping, she leaned forward. “Don’t fret, dear. Worthington House has them, too,” she finally added with a wan smile. Then the countess popped the last of her cake into her mouth and took her leave of Rosemount House just as a light rain began to fall.