He was still at sea. No, I do not understand why you and she could not have waited until she knows her own mind better. Its not as if some heavy-handed patriarch is going to arrange a match for her, willy-nilly, like in olden times. Nowadays a female should be mature enough to make such important decisions for herself. Susanna is still an infant.
His mother shook her head, then removed the heavy turban, revealing still-shiny black hair untouched by gray. She wants what every woman wants: a home of her own. A handsome man by her side. Babies.
Great gods, she is a child herself!
She is almost eighteen. And no one claims she should marry immediately. A respectable courtship takes months, for the young people to know their own minds, as you said. And for that first infatuation to ripen into lasting affection, if it is going to. The wedding itself can take almost a full year to plan properly. Why, you were born when I was not much older than Susanna is now. Lady Cora smiled, remembering. You did arrive a bit early, I must admit. Long engagements are such a trial when you are in love.
Mother! The notion of his baby sister with a man was bad enough. But his parents anticipating their vows? Lord, he needed something stronger than tea in a fragile cup. He looked around, but did not see any decanters or bottles. Just one more reason he wished he were back in his rented rooms.
His mother was lost in her own musings. You might wish to consider starting your own nursery, you know. Ive never pressed you, but it wouldnt hurt you to look around at the other debutantes while we are out and about.
Those simpering little twits in pastel ruffles? What would I want with one of them?
Babies, she firmly stated. A son to inherit the manor. A daughter to cuddle.
More responsibility. Daniel shuddered, remembering Rexs twin infants. They had put the girl in Daniels arms at the church christening. He was her godfather, after allan honor, everyone said. Why they couldnt have made him the boys godparent instead of Harry, he did not know. He could teach a lad to ride and shootno, Harry was better at both, and he supposed Rex was thinking Daniel could fend off those rakes and fortune hunters better, with his size.
But a female? A tiny, red-faced female? Why, hed broken out in a sweat fearing hed crush her in his big, clumsy paws. Or get her dirty in that trailing white lacy thing she wore. Or make her cry. That would be the worst. No, misplacing her like he did his gloves would be worse. Jupiter, a baby girl of his own?
Ill, ah, be content with Rexs hatchlings. And Harrys.
Well, I wont be, you gudgeon. I want grandchildren of my own. Yours and Susannas.
Daniel used his napkin to dab at the bead of sweat he could feel forming on his forehead. Then he tried to speak softly, without shouting or foul language. I am not in the petticoat line, Mother.
She patted her own lips with her napkin, barely hiding her smile. That is not what we hear in the country.
Now he did shout: Those are not ladies, and we shall not speak of my private affairs! He winced at the last word, stood, and strode to the hall. Dobbson was waiting there, as Daniel knew he would be, likely taking in every embarrassing word. Dash it, a good butler would have anticipated the need for stronger sustenance when discussing weddings and babies. Brandy. Now.
When Daniel sat across from his mother again, she was already compiling mental matchmaking lists; he could tell by the speculative gleam in her eyes. He kept his voice lowered in case Dobbson was on his way back. I tell you, I am not ready to marry.
Of course not. A gentleman never is, until he cant wait for the day.
Daniel ignored that bit of feminine illogic. Besides, no female in her right mind would have me.
Piffle. You are handsome
Not nearly as good-looking as Harry. Or Rex before he was scarred.
Bosh. You three are like peas in a pod with your black hair and bright blue eyes. She preened a bit. The same as mine. And Royces, although my brother has gone sadly gray. I say you are the best-looking of the lot, although that may be a mothers prejudice speaking. You are certainly better built than either of your cousins.
He had to laugh. Well built for a bull, you mean. A delicate female would cringe in fear of being trampled. But he had lost some of the recently gained weight, boxing at Jacksons, fencing with Harry before he left Town.
His mother was not finished. You are easily able to support a wife in elegant fashion.
My pockets arent half as deep as Rexs.
Few mens are. Not every miss can wed into an earldom, and youre better off than most wellborn bachelors. Better connected, at any rate.
I may be gentry-born, but women look for a title. The vultures crave a lady in front of their name.
His mother raised one eyebrow. I didnt require a title from your father.
Of course not, you had one of your own. My apologies, Mother, but I am not husband material, so set aside your schemes. My reputation alone
You were a war hero, an aid to the Crown.
You are forgetting the last few years. Accept it, dear Mother. I simply am not one of your Town beaux. I am a disgrace. My manners are rough, my language crude, my wardrobe built for comfort rather than style. I eat and drink too much, and Id rather use my fists than spar with words. I am too clumsy to dance and have no conversation fit for a ladys parlor.
We are having a conversation right now, and you have not uttered one foul word.
He did now, but under his breath. Mother, listen to me. You must not make me part of Susannas Season. Ill only disappoint you.
She stood and came to touch his cheek. I have never, ever been disappointed in you.
Daniel waited for the rash to appear. Nothing happened, no itch, no welts. His mother spoke the truth. He was lost. Ditched. Trapped. Netted and gutted.
And I shant be now.
His mother loved him, just the way he was. Then she proceeded to make him over in the image she kept in her heart, a perfect gentleman, squire, and escort. Dobbson returned in time to be consulted about hiring a valet, which tailor to patronize, what style of haircut would look best.
Daniel took the glass from the tray Dobbson held; then he took the decanter, too.
Dobbson glanced down. And boots.
Daniel started to say there was nothing wrong with his boots, but gave up in favor of savoring his uncles excellent brandy. Hed forgotten the earl had connections with the smugglers around Dover, part of controlling the flow of information, gold, and spies to France in the war.
Lady Cora sent Dobbson off for paper and pencil, to compose a list. It wouldnt hurt for you to practice a bit with Susannas dance instructor, either, Daniel.
Daniel refilled his glass.
His mother moved the decanter. You will have to dance with both girls at our own balls, but youll also need to lead them out if no one else offers. They must not appear to be wallflowers, you know.
Our own balls? Girls? They?
Oh, did I forget to mention that Susanna thought shed feel more at ease if she had a friend with her?
He scowled at his mother, who was pouring out another cup of tea, so she did not notice. Somehow that tiny item escaped your letters. I do not need another silly, frilly chit to look after. Let her own brother play duenna.
Im afraid she has no brother, dear. And before you can shout loudly enough for her to hear upstairs, her father is not in Town. Nor is she the least bit silly.
Daniel narrowed his eyes. Just who is this friend of Susannas youve dragged to Town?
Miss Corisande Abbott.
The crystal brandy goblet slammed down onto the table. Send her home. I wont have that female here.
Need I remind you this is not your house? This is my brothers home and I invited her, as is my right. Nay, my duty. Corisande is my goddaughter, named after me, as you well know. Her dear departed mother and I were best friends. It is my responsibility to see her launched into society.
Your responsibility should be to your own daughter. That female can be only a bad influence on Susanna with her wild ways, if her reputation doesnt get you all banned from society. Hell, I thought my name was besmirched enough.
His mother set her teacup down with a decidedly unladylike clatter. Corisande was young and made a mistake. What, three years ago? Thanks to you and her father, no one knows anything about that unfortunate incident.
You know. I know. The deuce, I helped her father track her and that dastard Snelling down after they ran off. Mother, when we found her, she was in bed with her lover! Yes, I made certain he would never speak her name again, but not even you and the vaunted Royce name can foist soiled goods off on some unsuspecting suitor.
Corisande swears the, ah, act was never consummated.
Daniel swallowed the last of the brandy in his glass. And you believe her? A wanton jade who disobeyed her father, stole the household money, and lied to everyone in three counties?
Lady Coras sapphire blue eyes pierced her sons similar ones. You can ask her yourself.
Daniel might as well start itching now. As if she would tell the truth. As if I could ask a female if her maidenhead is intact. Devil take it, maam, she is not a fit companion for my sister!
Susanna loves her as dearly as I do. And Miss Corisande Abbott shall have no difficulty attracting suitors. She is the only child of a wealthy landowner. She is well educated, with pleasing looks and manners. Her dowry is respectable, and her reputation is unsullied to everyone but you. I wish to see her well established, and so I shall. She is my goddaughter.
Daniel glared at the woman, who sat so straight, stirring her tea as if they were discussing the latest play at Drury Lane. She is a whore.
Lady Cora glared right back at him. Do you recall what I said about your never disappointing me? She reached for the decanter and poured a dollop of brandy into her teacup. I take it back.
Chapter Three
D
obbson cleared his throat before coming into the room with the writing supplies.
You heard nothing, Lady Cora said, an order, not a question.
Not a thing, my lady. The butler bowed, avoiding looking at Daniel, who was scratching his ear.
Lies on top of lies. That is what I hate most about this damned place, Daniel said when Dobbson bowed himself out of the room. Then he grabbed the decanter back before his sweet, loving, gentle mother could finish the brandy. He was about to bring the bottle to his lips, ignoring his glass and his parents
tsk
, when the door opened again.
We found your sewing basket, Lady Cora. It was packed with theoh.
The woman in the doorway was taller than Daniel remembered. She must have continued growing since hed seen her last. She was no longer the angry, frightened child of three years ago, but a woman. Her hair was the same light brown, but neatly braided into a coronet now, not trailing down her shoulders in wanton disarray. She was a lot prettier than he remembered, but her face had been flushed and swollen from crying then, from her fathers tirade as he dragged her out of the room, leaving her lover for Daniel to deal with.
His glance lowered, then widened. She was a woman grown, all right. Your bodice is too low. People will think you are fast.
Daniel! his mother shouted.
Miss Abbott gasped and went pale. Then all the color shed lost rushed back, starting at the top of her nearly nonexistent bodice, Daniel noted, and up her neck to her high-boned cheeks. She raised the sewing basket to block his rude stare.
Daniel, his mother repeated, this time in a wail. It was his turn to blush scarlet for his words and his ogling. Instead of apologizing for insulting a female he hardly knew, in his own mothers parlor no less, he turned to the instigator of the whole sorry scene. Now you see why youd do better without me, Mother. I told you I am not fit for the drawing room.
Then his sister skipped past Miss Abbott, ran toward him, and kissed his cheek. You are acting like a looby, Daniel. Low necklines are all the thing. Mine is even lower than Cories.
By gad, it was. While his sister had their mothers slight stature, dark hair, and blue eyes, shed inherited some of their fathers heft, all in one place, it appeared. Lord, did it appear. He looked around for a lap throw to toss over her shoulders. Lord knew a napkin wouldnt cover enough. When the devil did you get bosthat is, when did you get so beautiful?
Susanna showed her dimples and kissed him again. Amanda says my bust is my best feature, and Simone assured me all the ladies are lowering their necklines.
Rexs wife, Amanda, had been imprisoned for a murder charge; Harrys Simone was a half Gypsy whod hired herself out as his mistress. Those were the two women whose example innocent little Susanna was following? Heaven help them all.
