A Most Inconvenient Wish (16 page)

“Whyever not?” Anne wrung out a rag and dabbed the wound. Sophia hissed from the pain. Ian fought the urge to go over to her.

“It was an accident. I don't want Lady Catherine to feel as if we blame her,” Sophia said.

Anne put her hands on her hips. “I most certainly do blame her. She had no business shooting that arrow while people were milling around.”

“Don't worry, Mrs. Matthews. I'll take care of it.” Ian walked back outside to find the party rather quiet. Miss Hamilton and Captain Smith-Williams were still seated, talking quietly together.

“Please tell us Miss Townsend is all right, Mr. McDonald,” Miss Hamilton said quickly. “She was so brave to charge after her nephew like that.”

“She is fine. Lucky, really. It was only a surface wound. Where are Lord Bateman and his sister?”

“They walked away from the house toward the stables. Lady Catherine was rather upset,” the captain said.

Ian exchanged a look with the captain. He didn't like where his suspicions were leading. Surely Catherine had not done it on purpose. He walked quickly toward where Smith-Williams had indicated. The two were standing close together, arguing. Ian could hear the anger in Bateman's voice. It didn't surprise him.

“Bloody hell, Catherine, are you trying to ruin everything I'm doing here?

“It was an accident.”

“Damned if it was.”

“She's taking all of Ian McDonald's attention away from me.”

Ian edged closer to the pair, keeping himself hidden by the bushes surrounding them.

“Catherine, your stupidity is going to cost us. Do you want that?”

“Do you think I'm going to sit around and wait for you to convince Miss Hamilton to marry you? We are desperate, Geoffrey. Someone has to fix things. You are obviously not up to the task.”

“I've already approached Ian and he's refused to marry you. At this point, I can hardly blame him.”

“There are other ways to bring about a marriage. He's rich as Croesus. It's not as if I'll have to live with him very long.”

Ian stood perfectly still in shock. What the hell did that mean?

“What do you mean by that, Catherine?” Bateman's voice was low, flat. “Do you plan to do away with him once you are married?”

She laughed. “How Machiavellian of you, Brother. I'm doing no less than what you plan to do—marry someone you care nothing about for her money, then dumping her in the country.”

“I care about Miss Hamilton. She is a very nice young lady.”

“You will be bored with her within three days after the wedding. If you can even convince her to marry you. I can't seem to tell who you wish to marry, her or Miss Townsend.”

“Leave Miss Townsend out of this.”

“You can always take Sophia Townsend as your mistress. She really isn't worth doing much else with.”

“Enough, Catherine.”

Catherine laughed. “How will you feel having Ian McDonald as a brother-in-law? Father always said he was so much smarter than you.”

“I've had enough of this conversation. Don't do something foolish if you know what is good for you, or you'll find yourself stuck at home with no money,” Bateman warned.

Ian ducked out of sight as Bateman stormed past him and back toward the rest of the party. Ian had never thought Catherine could behave like this. She'd been such a sweet child growing up; spoiled but sweet.

Catherine took a deep breath and then followed her brother back to the party.

Ian stood in the woods for a long moment, mulling over what he'd heard. It was almost too much to take in. Bateman was jealous. Catherine was determined to marry him. He'd thought he'd put her off that path. Obviously not.

That she'd hurt another intentionally was the shocking part of it. He'd never thought she would go that far. He had underestimated her.

He moved deeper into the wooded area in order to circle back around the garden. He'd only raise suspicion if he returned on the same path as Bateman and his sister.

As he approached the group, Catherine was smiling and laughing, as if nothing had occurred. Bateman approached him before he could reach the chairs.

“McDonald. A word.”

“Certainly.”

“How is Miss Townsend? Was she seriously wounded?”

Ian couldn't doubt the sincerity in Bateman's voice. He wasn't as unmoved as he'd led Catherine to believe. “It was just a flesh wound. I have no doubt she'll recover quickly.”

Bateman was visibly relieved. “Catherine did not do this intentionally, McDonald.”

Ian played along. “Of course it was an accident. They happen sometimes.”

“Yes. That's very good. I'm glad she'll recover and the boy was unhurt.”

Ian waited. Bateman clearly had something else on his mind.

“How much longer are you intending to stay in Beetham, McDonald?”

“I've not yet decided. My business with Horneswood is taking longer than I expected. Why do you ask?”

“I've been giving more thought to your offer to buy the land.”

“Yes?”

“I've decided to accept your offer. How quickly do you think you can produce the money?”

Ian quickly masked his surprise, especially given the conversation he'd just overheard. “I will put a note into the post directly for a draft from my bank. I can have it for you in a few days. For the agreed upon amount?”

Bateman nodded his head. “We will be traveling to Carlisle. Do you think you can have the draft directed there?”

“I'll bring it myself when I travel back to Dumfries. When do you think to leave Beetham?”

“In a few days, I think. Catherine is—restless.” Bateman held out his hand. “Thank you for your help.”

Ian clasped his hand. “Even if it comes from the son of your old steward?”

“That was bad form of me, to treat you thus.”

Ian silently acknowledged the somewhat backhanded apology. “Shall we join the rest of the party?”

“Yes.”

The two men walked back to the others. Tea and cakes had been cleared away, but lemonade was being provided to the guests. Sophia had not returned. Ian followed behind Bateman and accepted a glass from one of the servants.

“Mr. McDonald, you've returned to us. How is Miss Townsend?” Catherine asked from a chair in the shade. “I hope she's not seriously wounded.”

“She is not,” Ian said. “It was just a scratch.”

“I'm surprised their nurse allowed those boys to run about in such a way. She should be reprimanded thoroughly,” said Lady Catherine.

“That is for Mrs. Matthews to decide,” Captain Smith-Williams said sharply. “You should not have fired with anyone in the vicinity.”

Catherine's face grew red. “How many times do I need to apologize for this?”

“As many as it takes, I suppose,” the captain said.

“Shall we move onto another topic?” Miss Hamilton suggested. “I hope we shall hear you play tonight, Lady Catherine. Your talent on the pianoforte is second to none.”

“Thank you, Miss Hamilton. I should be delighted.”

Ian set down his glass of lemonade. He'd had enough of Bateman and his sister to last the next ten years or more. “If you all will excuse me, I have some business to attend to.”

“But Mr. McDonald, you just joined us.”

“Leave him be, Catherine. If he says he has business, he has business,” said Lord Bateman. Catherine shut her mouth and glared at her brother.

Ian didn't hesitate to make his escape. He needed to get the letter regarding the sale off to his attorney. He wasn't going to allow Bateman to change his mind.

S
ophia forced herself to focus on the bookcase in front of her as Anne cleaned the wound. It stung so badly she wanted to cry out, but she pressed her lips together to keep silent. She'd never had a high tolerance for pain.

What had possessed Catherine to fire the arrow when she'd seen Sophia in the area of the targets? While no one could have predicted Freddy running into the path of the arrow, Sophia knew Catherine had seen her. The rules were clear: no shots were even to be set up while anyone was in the area. Certainly Catherine had known the rules.

Sophia winced as Anne dabbed brandy on the cut. “Ouch.”

“If I don't get it clean, it will fester,” Anne said sharply.

Anne's face was grim, her hands trembling slightly.

“Freddy is all right.”

Anne swallowed. She blinked rapidly to fight back tears. It had been a long time since Sophia had seen her so upset. She wouldn't fall apart in front of the staff. Sophia glanced at the maid. “You may go.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

Sophia waited until the door closed behind her before speaking again. “It's a flesh wound, Anne. It is nothing serious.”

Anne bottom lip wobbled. “I know. I can't imagine what would have happened if Freddy had been hit.”

Sophia covered Anne's hand with her own and squeezed. “It did not happen. None of us would allow that to happen.”

“Thanks to you, Sophia.” Anne set down the rag and reached for the bandage. She wrapped the fabric around Sophia's arm before tying it off. “I think this dress can officially be tossed in the rubbish bin. I hope you weren't too attached to it.”

“It was one of my favorites.” Sophia brushed at her skirts. “I suppose I'll just have to wander into the village and order another one. I'm sure Nathaniel won't mind paying this particular bill.”

Anne laughed. “Sophia—”

“Anne. Don't.” Sophia grasped her hand. “I owe you a huge apology. I've been such a brat since we got back from London.”

The look of shock on Anne's face caused her to chuckle. “I guess you didn't expect an apology.”

Anne shook her head. “No, I didn't, but I'll accept it.”

“I can't believe how I've treated you over the years, all because I was so jealous of you.”

“Why would you be jealous of me?”

Sophia took a long moment to form her words. She had been envious of her sister for so long, she wasn't sure where to start or how to explain. “It goes back so far I don't even know where to start.”

“The beginning is usually a good place.”

“My earliest memory of Mama was hearing her tell me to behave more like you.” Sophia winced as she settled her arm more comfortably in the big leather chair.

“Surely that's not true.”

“Father was worse. I have no talents except for shopping and sarcasm, and perhaps beauty.”

Anne laughed.

Sophia sighed. “You play and sing. You were able to step in as hostess for Papa when Mama died. You took care of us when our brother threw us out. All during that time I made things so much more difficult for you. For that I am so very sorry.”

Sophia waited quietly as Anne took in her words. “It was so silly, but I feel talentless beside you.”

“You are not talentless.”

Sophia laughed. “I lack musical talent. I can neither paint nor draw. I am good with a needle.”

“You have more talent than that. You coax flowers into the most beautiful arrangements.”

“Thank you for that.” Sophia laughed. “A talent that comes in so handy.”

“Of course it does. There is nothing wrong with being able to make your house beautiful with flowers.” Anne pulled a chair close. “What brought on this change of heart?”

Sophia pulled in a deep breath and thought about the question. Why had she changed? The only answer to the question was Ian. He saw something in her that she hadn't seen in herself. “Ian McDonald.”

Anne tilted her head. “What has he done to foster such a change?”

Sophia laughed. “I have no idea. He sees something in me that I had no idea existed.”

Anne smiled and grasped her hand. “It has always existed. I never doubted it.”

“You were the only one.” Sophia stared out the window at their guests beneath the trees. “I am so sorry I ever invited Lord Bateman and his sister. I knew she was troublesome, but I didn't expect this level of rudeness.”

“Her behavior is unpardonable, but we shall chalk it up to experience unless she is becoming part of our family.”

Sophia stared through the window as Lord Bateman leaned down to talk with Miss Hamilton. “I don't think he ever planned to marry me.” She turned back to Anne. “And I'm resigned to that. In fact, I'm thankful he doesn't want to marry me.”

“Has he proposed to Miss Hamilton yet?”

Sophia shook her head. “She is too good for him.”

“She loves Captain Smith-Williams.”

“Yes, she does. How do you know about that?”

“Someone has been telling Nat stories about scary pirates and now he has nightmares. I've been up with him most nights. I've seen them walking through the garden together after dark.”

“She might be pregnant.”

“I'm not surprised, but will she marry Lord Bateman if she is expecting another man's child?”

“Her parents haven't given her much choice. Her father is determined to have a peer in the family. He does not approve of Captain Smith-Williams. She will likely be cut off if she marries him.”

“It is a difficult decision.” Anne stood. “You should rest. I also insist that you stay in your room tonight. I'll have a tray brought up.”

Sophia really wanted to face down Catherine after the arrow incident. She glanced out the window again and saw Ian with her. She felt a pang of something she hadn't ever expected to feel in relation to Ian. She liked him—a great deal. She thought he might like her too. She wasn't sure she wanted to sit and watch Catherine Grayson fawn all over him. “I think you are right. I think I will rest. It has been an eventful day.”

Anne stood and brushed out her skirts. “I should see to the rest of the party. Nathaniel is in no fit state to deal with them.”

“I'm sorry, Anne. Perhaps you can convince them to have an early night.” Sophia doubted it.

“Never fear. I can handle it. I've handled worse.”

Sophia turned back to the window as Anne left the room. The library was gloriously quiet.

“There you are. Feeling better?”

Nathaniel Matthews came into the library.

“I'm better, thank you.”

He moved to the window to gaze at their guests. “Please tell me how to make them leave.”

Sophia laughed. “They should not be here for very much longer.”

Nathaniel glanced back at her. “How would you know that?”

She smiled. “Just a hunch really.”

“I take it Lord Bateman is not going to propose.”

She sighed. “No, he is not, and honestly, I'm very thankful. He needs a great deal more money than I have.”

“I have never understood why men allow themselves to be put into that position. My own father fell victim to gambling and living beyond his means.”

“We have all lived the consequences of our parents' actions.” It felt strange having this conversation with Nathaniel. Usually he was her severest critic. He took pleasure in baiting her.

“I'm glad you made your peace with your sister.”

“I take it you overheard our conversation?”

He nodded. “You do realize that she has always had your best interests in mind.”

“Despite the way things have appeared, I've always known. I just didn't show it.”

“I am here to help you upstairs to your room before our guests come into the house.”

“We are all guided by Anne's hand.”

Nathaniel laughed. “I would not have it any other way.”

Sophia stood and took his arm.

“Perhaps Ian McDonald would suit?”

“You really are trying to marry me off, aren't you?” She studied his face, looking for humor. He was serious. “You aren't joking.”

Nathaniel shook his head. “He likes you a great deal. He has for a while.”

“He's a sheep farmer, Nathaniel.”

“He's extremely wealthy. You could do worse.”

She did like Ian McDonald. She liked him a great deal. She didn't want to delve deeper into her feelings for him. He was handsome. He was rich. He liked sheep. Those three things didn't seem to fit together in her mind. She liked Town. She wasn't sure she could settle in the middle of the country and breed. She would miss the theater, the shopping, the musicales, and the gossip. “Since Mr. McDonald hasn't proposed, my response is not important.”

“He will propose.”

Sophia glanced up at Nathaniel. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. “How are you privy to this information?”

“The man has it bad. Anyone can see it.”

She wondered how Lady Catherine felt about that. If Nathaniel noticed, the entire party knew it. Her brother-in-law was not the most observant person.

“Would you say yes?”

Would she? If anyone had asked her just days ago, she would emphatically have said no. Now, she wasn't so sure. Ian was attentive, protective, and fun. She was addicted to the feel of his mouth on hers, his touch on her skin. “I don't know.”

Nathaniel squeezed her hand. “At least you didn't say no. Thank you for giving me hope that perhaps you might someday marry.”

She elbowed him in the ribs.

* * *

Dinner was a quiet affair. Sophia was noticeably absent from the party. Mrs. Matthews had insisted that she spend the evening in her room. Ian missed her. It wasn't because he was forced to communicate with Lady Catherine. It wasn't the knowing looks Nathaniel was giving him, as if he knew a secret Ian wasn't privy to.

Ian stood as the ladies made their way to the parlor so the gentlemen could enjoy their port. He took his seat again and accepted a glass from the butler. “How is Miss Townsend? Recovering from her ordeal?”

Bateman swirled his glass. “I do not understand why she had to run in front of the target while my sister was practicing.”

“She was protecting my son.” Nathaniel practically growled the words.

“Where was the child's nurse?”

Ian met Nathaniel's glance and shook his head. There was no point in arguing with Bateman.

“Lord Bateman, when you have boys of your own to contend with, you'll understand why the nurse was not able to contain the boys' excitement when the saw the opportunity to shoot arrows.”

Captain Smith-Williams laughed. “I'm surprised she held them back that long. As a boy, I would not have been able to resist the lure of archery.”

Ian had to agree. The lure of weapons was irresistible.

“I noticed you weren't present for archery, Smith-Williams,” Bateman said.

“I've taken an interest in the work Mr. Tony Matthews is doing at Horneswood.” Crispin Smith-Williams tossed down his port.

“It's not as if you have an estate to work with, Smith-Williams.” Bateman practically spat out the words. “Why waste your time?”

Ian stiffened as anger coursed through him. He shot a glance at the captain. “I don't know, Bateman; if you'd taken more of an interest in what your tenants were doing, you might not be in the position you're in.”

The room was silent and he knew he had gone too far, revealed too much, but damn, the man could goad him better than anyone else.

Bateman stood. “I think I'll join the ladies, where there is more civilized conversation.” He stormed out of the room.

Captain Smith-Williams stood as well. “Gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I think I will also join the ladies.”

Nathaniel waited until they were alone before speaking. “Well done, McDonald. You've managed to chase them both away.”

Ian swirled the last of the port in his glass. “The man irritates the hell out of me. He always has.”

“Has he agreed to sell you the land?”

“As a matter of fact, he did today. I've already sent a post to my attorney to draw up the papers.”

“Now maybe he'll leave, and take his sister with him.”

“With any luck, he will.” Ian laughed.

Nathaniel tossed back his port and placed the glass on the table. “Do you still plan to marry Sophia?”

“If she'll have me.”

“Why Sophia Townsend?”

Ian laughed. “You're joking surely?”

“No. I'm not.”

Ian fought the urge to squirm under Nathaniel's regard. “You've known I've wanted her to be my wife for a long while now.”

“Yes, but I never heard your reasons.”

“She is beautiful, smart, and very popular in Society.”

“In other words, you're looking for an ornament for your arm.”

When Matthews put it that way, it didn't sound so well. “I like her a great deal.”

Matthews was quiet for a long moment. “McDonald, you are aware that while Sophia is of age and doesn't need my permission to marry, I am still the closest thing to a male relative.”

“She has a brother—”

“Who is away. According to Anne, you've been meeting her alone in the garden after everyone has gone to bed. Is she ruined?”

Anger welled up. “You overstep.”