Pascale Duguay Page 7

  As it turned out, Patience found that lady sitting up in bed, sipping from a cup of hot chocolate. She looked up, startled, as Patience flounced into the room.

  “Dear child, what is the matter now?”

  “There is quite plenty that is the matter now, starting with this marriage which I have no intention of taking part in!”

  “It seems to me as if it is a little late to back out now. One does not share a bed with a man for nearly a week and then come crying at the injustice of it all.”

  Patience felt her cheeks burn. But before she could come up with an appropriate answer, her aunt’s eyes softened as if taking pity on her.

  “Why don’t you tell me how this came about in the first place? Your butler, Peters, told me as much as he could, but I would rather hear it from you.”

  “Oh, Aunt, Papa was at his most outrageous! The day your letter arrived, he announced that I was to be married to one of his cronies. You remember Sir Rupert Carlton, don’t you?”

  “Perfectly thank you, and the less I think of him the better! But why fly off by yourself? Why did you not wait for my arrival?”

  “Because Papa was set on seeing me married before you came to get me. He had no intention of seeing you whisk me away!”

  “It seems to me to be very odd behaviour even for my brother. I knew he cared more for his well-being than yours, but to go to this length to avoid paying for a few dresses for your come out when he knows perfectly well that he stands to make much more in the long run…”

  “What do you mean, Aunt? Surely you are not talking of me securing a rich husband? I have neither fortune nor beauty.”

  “Obviously, you have no idea what you are talking about, child. Don’t you know you have just caught the biggest prize on the marriage mart?”

  “But I did no such thing! Julius got stuck with me not because of my charm or my beauty but through my own fault. In fact, he thinks Papa and I set a trap for him and blames me for the whole! He has no wish to marry me in the least!”

  “Tell me your adventures from the beginning, and I will be the judge of that.”

  Patience told her aunt the whole while this lady in turn frowned, smiled and laughed out loud, especially at the part where Patience broke the innkeeper’s nose.

  “Dear child, can you not see that Julius is utterly smitten with you? Why else did he not dump you at that village and wash his hands of you? I have never known him to do anything out of his way for anyone, except for his mother, of course. He positively dotes on her. Take it from me, Julius may not wish to acknowledge it yet, but he is very much taken with you. A man’s pride often makes him blind to what is right under his nose. My advice to you is do not take heed of anything mean he might say to you at the moment. His mind simply needs time to adjust to what his heart has decided for him.”

  Her aunt seemed to think they were in the middle of a fairytale instead of some bizarre nightmare.

  Patience tried another course. “Lady Rutherford also looked as if she needed to adjust to the situation herself. I did not get the feeling she is in favour of this marriage, aunt.”

  “Of course she is! Do not imagine she does not want you for a daughter-in-law. I know for a fact that she is thrilled at the notion.”

  “How would you know such a thing?” At her aunt’s sudden guilty look, a suspicious thought crossed her mind. “Aunt, have you been discussing me with Lady Rutherford?”

  “Do not glare at me like that, child! What if I did? Mothers do that, you know. They probe here and there to test the waters so to speak. Since your mother is not around to look after you and your father had shown no interest in the matter up until now with this crazy notion of pairing you up with Carlton, someone had to. And who better than me?”

  “But how could you think Julius and I would suit? He has never liked me and the feeling is quite mutual!”

  “Come now. Both of you have changed a great deal in the last ten years. Julius has grown into a handsome, responsible man and you into a beautiful and charming girl. Had you really not been able to stand each other still, you would not be so attracted to each other physically, as is obviously the case from what I saw last night.”

  “Whether we are attracted to each other on a physical level does not mean we are meant to form a happy couple! Even if Julius truly is attracted by my body, I am afraid that will not be enough to sway his feelings toward me, Aunt. Not to mention Lady Rutherford’s.”

  Lady Westbury shook her head at that. “The situation is not as it appears. Lady Rutherford’s concern over this marriage is not aimed at herself but at you. You see, she had a very disastrous marriage. Julius’ father was a drunk and a brute who took out his frustrations on his wife. She never discusses that part of her life, but I know for a fact that he beat her more than once. I was never more glad than on the day he died. I suspect she is simply worried that you may be heading for just such a marriage.”

  At her niece’s stricken look she added hastily, “Not that she thinks her son would do all the bad things his father did, of course! However, she holds very strong feelings against forced marriages as she had no say in marrying Rutherford. Like me, she would have preferred had you willingly chosen each other instead of being compromised. But knowing the two of you as I do, I am certain things will turn out for the best.”

  Patience could see that it was no use pursuing the subject. However, another point still needed to be discussed.

  “What about Papa?”

  “Oh, do not worry about him. I will immediately set to write him a letter telling him of your whereabouts and your forthcoming engagement. That should put an end to his schemes. I am sure he will see the advantages in you marrying an Earl instead of that old coot of a squire.” Lady Westbury frowned. “I must say, I wonder what put that idea into his head? Your father certainly used to be a different man when your mother was around. He has always been reckless, of course, no more so than when he eloped with Lilly. But in his defence, one could at least say that he did it for love and not money. Although Lilly’s family had considerable wealth, he knew very well they would cut all ties and disown them should they go so far as to elope. Had your mother lived, you would have had a very different upbringing. Robert only took to gambling after Lilly’s death. One would have thought he would transfer his affection to his only child. But he was a selfish man by nature except with your mother, whom he would have given the moon had he been able to. We Binghams love only once, your grandfather used to say. You could do much worse than give your heart to Julius, child.”

  Patience held back a groan. For now she would have to be satisfied that her father and Sir Rupert would not be troubling her anymore. She would just have to find a way to get rid of Julius on her own. She still had hope that Lady Rutherford was not merely concerned about her happiness. After seeing her pale countenance last night, it was difficult to imagine otherwise.

  “Now leave me to my chocolate and my letter, child.”

  But before Patience had taken more than two steps, her aunt added, “Don’t you have anything more fetching to wear, dear, than that abominable grey garment?”

  “I am afraid not. I had to leave all of my dresses behind.”

  “No matter. Henrietta and I will see to that later. But for now, go to the wardrobe and take out the yellow muslin. Yes, that one. Hold it in front of you.”

  Patience held the garment against her body while her aunt examined her with an expert eye.

  “Yes, that should do. You and I are pretty much of the same size and shape. If any adjustments are needed, my woman will take care of it. Oh, and take the matching slippers and scarf. Those rustic shoes are simply not the thing and those red marks on your neck will occasion too much talk. Now, run along to your room and change. Lady Rutherford is expecting us in the Blue Salon at eleven. And for heaven’s sake, get rid of that awful dress and those shoes. I never want to set eyes on them again!”

  Patience returned to her room to try the new garment. As her aunt had p
redicted, it fit her perfectly. But as for discarding her grey dress and serviceable shoes, she had no intention of doing so. She could not imagine traipsing around the countryside in satin slippers and muslin dresses. They would be ruined in no time. She meant to visit the Marlows to apologize for the deception and any embarrassment she may have caused them. If she went for her walks early in the mornings, her aunt would not be subjected to the sight of them and therefore could not have any objections. She placed the two articles in the empty armoire. Fixing the scarf around her neck so that it hid the red marks, she made her way to the Blue Salon.

  She arrived first and took a turn about the room. This must be what it feels like to be standing at the bottom of the sea. The walls were covered in pale blue wallpaper while the curtains, furniture coverings, and rugs were of various matching shades of blue. Her aunt and Lady Rutherford came in shortly after, choosing to sit side by side on an azure settee, while Patience sat facing them in one of the surrounding turquoise armchairs.

  Now that Patience had more leisure to study the Earl’s mother, she did so hoping to catch any hint of disapproval in the woman’s face or manners. But Lady Rutherford showed no sign of wishing Patience at Jericho. She was all amiability this morning, her languid movements and serene disposition in sharp contrast with her aunt’s vivid and colourful personality.

  “I suppose you will wish to return to London after the ball?” Patience heard Lady Rutherford say.

  “As much as I hate to leave you, my dear Henrietta, we will have so much to do that I fear we will not be able to linger. Patience must be introduced into Society as soon after the party as possible if we are to set tongues to rest.”

  “Oh, were you planning on holding a ball, Lady Rutherford?” Patience asked. “I hope my presence will not inconvenience you.”

  “Silly child!” exclaimed her aunt. “You will be the guest of honour! This is to be your engagement party.”

  Patience gazed at them stunned before managing to say, “Isn’t it too soon? Surely there must be plenty of time for that at a later date!”

  “The sooner we hold your engagement party, the sooner we can stop tongues waggling,” explained her aunt. “By the time we set foot in London, your indiscretion will be a thing of the past and invitations to the most select outings will be piled high to the ceiling!”

  “But the Earl and I barely know each other.” Patience knew she was grasping at straws, but she was running out of excuses faced with such a determined pair.

  “Do not fret, child.” Her aunt waved a hand dismissively. “You will have plenty of opportunity to appreciate what a fine husband you will be getting. A month should be more than sufficient.”

  “A month! You plan on having this wedding in a month?” Patience jumped to her feet, unable to contain herself any longer.

  “Why, yes. What is there to wait for? Doing so would only start the rumour going that we were stalling for time and waiting to find a way out.”

  As this was exactly what Patience had hoped for in delaying the wedding, she could only throw up her hands in frustration. It seemed the two older ladies were a force to be reckoned with.

  “Besides, we thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate your coming of age, dear, as it will be held on your birthday.”

  Patience could not have agreed less. She paced the room frowning darkly at the navy blue rug. She vaguely heard that the engagement party was to be held this coming Thursday, only five days from now. Of course, Lady Westbury would have her London modiste sent for immediately. That lady would be more than happy to be called upon to provide the ball gown of the future Countess Rutherford, no matter that it was such short notice.

  “Of course,” grumbled Patience under her breath.

  “And it just so happens that a very tolerable group of musicians is to be had nearby,” added Lady Rutherford.

  Patience stopped pacing, hope budding within her breast. “I cannot dance. Surely you do not expect me to sit out at my own ball or to make a spectacle of myself.”

  “Not to worry. We will teach you in no time. Julius is such a fine dancer that we could do no better with the best dancing master in attendance,” Lady Rutherford assured her.

  If her father thought Miss Thimble a dragon then what would he think of these two? Patience resumed her pacing. The day had hardly begun and she felt as if it were spiralling out of control.

  Chapter Seven

  Julius returned from a long ride astride his black stallion to learn that his mother was waiting for him in her private parlour. Whatever beneficial effects he had derived from the exercise dissipated instantly. One could not keep reality at bay for long, it seemed. Even so, he allowed himself an extra half-hour of freedom by changing into clothing more suitable for his mother’s parlour. Arrayed in a green coat of impeccable cut and fawn-coloured breeches tucked into tasselled Hessians, he was presently admitted into this lady’s apartments.

  Lady Rutherford was seated on a plush reclining chair, a book lying open on her lap as she stared into space, lost in thought. At the sound of his name being announced by her maid, she looked up, produced a welcoming smile and offered him her hand. Julius took it and kissed it affectionately before sitting down on an adjoining chair.

  Lady Rutherford dismissed her maid before asking, “How are you this morning, Julius? I hear you have been out riding? I hope your injury has not bothered you?”

  “Not in the least, Mother. I found I greatly needed the exercise after being kept abed for so long.”

  The words were out before he realized what he had just said. Seeing the red spots suddenly tinting his mother’s cheeks, he knew she was aware of the double entendre.

  “That girl must be a magician to have been able to perform such a feat! I have never known anyone else capable of keeping you to your bed when you were ill.”

  Now it was his turn to blush.

  “Indeed.” Julius glared at the toes of his highly polished Hessians. “It would seem she has managed to perform many feats, including ensnaring me into her net!”

  “Come now. Don’t you think you are overreacting? I am sure that if you knew the whole, you would see her in a very different light.”

  “Then by all means, pray do enlighten me.”

  Lady Rutherford paused. She looked out the window as if seeking inspiration to find the words most likely to soothe her son’s temper. When her gaze returned to Julius she said, “Patience did not ensnare you as you would like to believe. She was simply running away from a bad situation at home. Her father suddenly made up his mind to marry her off to an old friend of his. She did not wish for such a match, but her odious father left her no choice in the matter, so she ran away in the hope of meeting her aunt, whom she knew to be staying with me.”

  “Ah yes, Lord Bingham,” Julius snarled. “Now why can’t I make myself believe that he had no hand in bringing us together, especially since such a connection would provide him with the funds necessary to pursue his gambling activities?”

  “Lord Bingham is a gambler?” Lady Rutherford put a hand to her throat. “Oh, my, Louisa said no such thing to me. That does put a spoke in our plan.”

  “Plan? What plan?”

  The hand at her throat fluttered. “Do not pay me any heed. I was just thinking out loud.”

  “I am still very curious about these thoughts, Mother.”

  Lady Rutherford’s composure faltered under her son’s levelled gaze. “It was not a plan, exactly. Lady Westbury and I just wanted to give the two of you an opportunity to get to know each other better. I am aware that Patience did not show to best advantage as an eleven-year-old girl. I was hoping you would see her in a better light now that she has reached womanhood.”

  Julius scoffed. “Trust me, Mother. After spending nearly a week in her company, I can well assert that she has not changed one bit, nor have my feelings toward her improved in any way. But to tell me you had sent for me for the express purpose of setting me up to be that little witch’s beau, is
the outside of enough!”

  “You make it sound as if I were planning to marry you off to a veritable monster! Most parents have a say as to whom their offspring marries, you know. There is nothing amiss with a mother wishing to see her son properly married, and there is nothing amiss with Patience, either. Her father may be a gambler, but she comes from very good stock. Her mother was daughter to a marquess, no less. Her aunt swears by her gentle and generous nature, as well as her superior intellect. And do not tell me, Julius, that you do not find her attractive!”

  Lady Rutherford stared at her son fixedly, making her meaning quite clear.

  Julius nearly squirmed in his chair as he remembered the way he had been found in bed with Patience, his hands full of her voluptuous breasts.

  “May I remind you that if you had not intended to marry the girl, you should most certainly not have shared a bed with an unwed lady of quality?”

  “There is no need to remind me, but had your innocent lady of quality revealed her true identity at the outset instead of running off from her home in the guise of quite a different kind of female, this would never have happened in the first place. Be that as it may, rest assured that I will do everything that is proper, even though the lady in question seems quite unaware of proper behaviour!”

  “I am happy to hear that, Julius, since the engagement ball is to be held on Thursday.”

  “So soon! Don’t you find you are being rather too precipitous, Mother?”

  “Not at all. As her aunt and I have already explained to Patience, it is the only way to set tongues to rest at once. Patience will never be accepted by Society otherwise when she goes to London. And by having the wedding a month hence, we will be assured that this story will be quickly forgotten.”

  “Won’t rushing into this marriage set tongues waggling in another direction? I am sure all the old tabbies will be counting the exact days from our marriage to the birth of our first born!”