A Curious Heart (Love Vine: A Regency Series) (7 page)

"Why, to gain your regard, of course. You, who hold the keys to all I desire. Is Sir Gordon not in your confidence? Is he not your favored relative? Do you not hold some sway over his decisions?"

Allie mentally applauded Lady Eleanor as she had tipped her hand neatly, then gone to gaze out the window while awaiting a response.

"What do you mean, I hold the keys to your desires? I—I clearly do not understand." Lady Alana sounded sincere, and from what Allie could see, really did not understand. Her aunt now looked a question at Eleanor's back, caught in the intriguing moment.

"Oh do not be obtuse! You know as well as I do Sir Gordon is infatuated with me. And as it turns out, I find that I am rather more than infatuated with him. Quite a stew when you consider that the earl expects to wed me—and they are the best of friends. As it happens, I am in need of your counsel. Will you help me?"

Allie all but toppled over with excitement at this advantageous turn of events. She choked back the bubble of laughter trying to escape.

Lady Eleanor turned and gave Alana a beseeching look and Alana went forward and take Eleanor's hands in a reassuring grip. "Of course I will help you. The earl has no desire to quit your presumed alliance and I'm sure any attachment he may have for me—and I'm not saying there
is
one—is only momentary. You know his reputation. What can I do?"

"You can begin by continuing to draw his attention. I will do my part by continuing to discourage his suit. Our mothers will be the only ones disappointed here, you may trust me in saying.

"As for the earl's attachment to you, I've known Rothburn many years and he has never shown such a proclivity for any female. Normally he spends time at his club. He has never driven me in the park and truth be known, he seldom speaks of his parliamentary doings in my presence. I—I only said that to irritate you."

At Alana's raised brows, Eleanor explained with some petulance, "You looked so jealous—and you also looked as though you didn't like me. How could I resist baiting you?"

"Well, try to resist in future. If you and I are to be co-conspirators there should be a modicum of respect between us, and trust as well."

Lady Alana spoke with a laugh in her voice and the ladies quit the room, their chatter growing faint as they moved further away. Allie slipped into the chamber they had vacated and opened the door a small amount, still listening with a satisfied grin.

Her aunt sounded her normal, precise and no-nonsense self as she said, "Now, to begin with—I know for certain my nephew feels uncomfortable approaching you for the obvious reasons:  One, his lack of title and two, the earl, of course, is his best friend. Perhaps we should begin with The Countess of Rothburn—"

Allie, eager to hear more, was quite disappointed when their voices faded beyond her hearing. She knew she could not go chasing down the hall after them. They would know immediately from which room she had come and then they would know that she had heard them.

Oh well, she would have plenty of time to garner their plans later. Stomach rumbling, she partook of the now cold tea and slightly dry cakes.

She finished her small repast, and quite restored, she did not linger in the guest room. Her brain had begun to assess what she'd learned this day and how she could apply it in her own pursuit of Griffin George.

It would never do to tell him all, for he would then refuse to aid a cause already well on its way to a happy conclusion.

She would withhold her information—except to tell him she was certain the foursome needed help to realign their relationships. Having Griffin so much in her company could only further her own cause, as she would then be able to present herself in her very best light and show the young man just how caring she was of her family.

Also, it would serve to show him how clever she could be, though she was certain that
too much
cleverness might not win the heart of a fellow so against female intellect. His comments on the inappropriate behavior of bluestockings had made that point nicely.

Rejoining the ladies in the drawing room, Allie sat quietly. Soon, her aunt came to put a gentle hand on her brow, checking for fever.

"Are you feeling better?" Lady Alana smiled. At Allie's nod, she said, "We shall take our leave now."

Hiding her relief, Allie smiled prettily and made her goodbyes.

Lady Eleanor and her aunt exchanged knowing looks and nodded as though in complete accord on some matter or another. Allie wished she could've heard their entire conversation. As things stood, Allie knew only a plot was likely afoot to which she was not privy. It maddened her no end to be left out of an intrigue. Eavesdropping had culled her nothing but more unanswered questions.

"If you recall—we are having guests for dinner. I believe Rothburn is bringing that handsome young cousin with him."

"Yes. I recall," Allie replied as she brightened, yet tried her best to look casual. Anticipation crept into her voice, despite her efforts. Blast it! Her aunt had such a searching manner, it was disconcerting.

Chapter Six

~~

Lady Eleanor  sat with hands properly folded in her lap, eyes downcast in the manner prescribed for such an occasion. Across from her, Lady Susan, The Countess of Rothburn harrumphed with displeasure, eyeing the girl with her quizzing glass raised in a most formidable manner.

"Am I to understand that you are not interested in marrying my son?" Lady Susan's voice held an edge of disbelief, as though anyone who would refuse such an advantageous marriage would be mad to do so, and she said as much. "You must be dithered in the head young woman."

"Please, Madam, if you will just hear me out." Eleanor tried to keep the pleading note out of her voice, knowing to appear desperate would give the other woman an advantage. "I know you have planned this long while that Rothburn and I should marry. But in truth, he has said nothing to convince me it is his wish as well."

She lifted her graceful hand in supplication when the older woman would have spoken. "Rothburn and I do not suit, it is a fact."

"Do not suit? Are you only now coming to this conclusion? Last month you seemed well content with the arrangement." Countess Rothburn eyed the girl closely, her haughty manner unrelieved by her grim smile. "Well, I cannot force you to marry, of course. Whatever did you come here for, if you have no wish to become part of our family?"

"I have come to seek your aid. I know that my mother would be sorely disappointed were she to learn of this, but I cannot help myself. You see—my feelings are engaged elsewhere and as long as this alliance with Rothburn is taken as fact by the
ton
—"

Countess Rothburn interrupted, harrumphing again as was her habit when nervous or overset. "Your mother is one of my best friends. You cannot expect me to keep secrets from her, especially something of this nature."

Lady Eleanor, feeling the sting of the older woman's disapproval, shrank back in her chair, showing none of the bravado she'd displayed when confronting Lady Alana the day before. This plan, hatched by the two of them in a hasty discourse at the foot of the stairs, did not seem as good an idea now she was actually here.

"As for your feelings being engaged elsewhere, I cannot abide anyone not keeping their word. And while it is true there has never been a formal announcement of your engagement, there has been an understanding between our families for years that you two would eventually wed.

"I can appreciate your desire to see some sign from my son that he is interested and I'm sure that when I speak to him, as I intend to do, he will commit immediately to the match."

Her manner giving evidence she was satisfied that she had said all there was to say on the subject, the Countess sat back, lowered her quizzing glass and reached for her tea cup.

After a thoughtful silence during which she appeared to study Eleanor—who did her best not to fidget beneath Lady Susan's stare—she asked in a kinder voice. "And just who is the recipient of your affections, if not Rothburn?"

"Lady Susan, I cannot see that it is of any consequence if you will not help me. I would not have him incur your ill will." Lady Eleanor looked down at her clasped hands, her face burning with a blush at her implication that her hostess might do some harm to her secret swain. Having said her piece, however, she could not recall the words.

A long silence ensued, during which both women turned the situation over in their thoughts, the older one with some dismay in her countenance, and Lady Eleanor with much chagrin. Just as the quiet in the room would have become embarrassing, Lady Eleanor made a momentous decision.

She sat forward suddenly, staring with determination at the elder woman. "What if I were to tell you that Rothburn's feelings are also engaged elsewhere? And the lady he cherishes is just as suitable, perhaps even more so than I?"

"Are you certain?" Lady Susan queried the girl, then seeing her nod, asked, "If this is true why has my son not come to me? Why you? Has he taken to hiding behind the skirts of women? Not like the boy at all."

Although the Countess clearly felt some disappointment at the news she had just heard, Eleanor thought she was not adverse to change.

"I am not so old, Eleanor, that I cannot recall romance. Nor am I so cruel as to wish upon you young people a match that will bring you nothing but misery." Her voice held a note of wistfulness that surprised Lady Eleanor. "But I must know you are certain in this matter. I ask again,
are
you certain?"

When Eleanor did not answer immediately, Lady Susan fixed her with a quelling stare. "I am not unkind, Eleanor," she said, though her eyes held a modicum of chilly disdain.

Eleanor thought the woman unaccustomed to being thwarted in her plans. As well, she most probably felt it imperative to keep the upper hand when dealing with the younger generation. She'd heard Lady Susan remark as much to Lady Eleanor's mother, saying young folk were inclined to be lacking in judgment. She brought her attention back to the moment as the older woman next spoke.

"Arranged nuptials are the core of the peerage and I managed to make a success of my marriage to Lord Rothburn, rest his soul. Therefore I see nothing untoward in arranging one for my son. It's my duty as a parent."

"I know you are disappointed," Eleanor said, feeling her way uncertainly. "It is just that, well, we cannot—"

"What would you have me do young woman? If you will not tell me, I cannot discover what you want of me."

Eleanor plucked up her courage, happily surprised her voice did not quaver. "My wish is that you would put it about—discretely, of course, that Rothburn and I have changed our minds."

She took a deep breath, chanced a glance at the Countess, then plunged ahead, running her words together in her agitation. "You see, if you no longer expect the match, I will be free, and Rothburn as well. It would appear that we had just drifted apart and no damage will be done to either of our reputations."

"I cannot say that I like the idea. However, as I said, I cannot force the match if you do not concur, therefore I would have an alternative. You know well Rothburn will not wed until I have sanctioned his match."

Countess Rothburn preened slightly as she spoke, obviously well pleased with the control she assumed she had over her son. She queried the younger woman suddenly, "Who is the girl?"

"Lady Alana Fisk, Madam." Eleanor, though loathe to give her new friend's name, felt it imperative to the outcome of this conversation to be as frank as possible. "She is the daughter of—"

Lady Susan interrupted, a blotch of red spreading from her throat into her face. "I know who the girl is. Know her mother well, the scheming wretch. Is the girl anything like the mother?"

Without waiting for an answer, she said, "I recall Lady Grace's dark beauty and even darker soul." Lady Susan appeared distressed and less than enthused. "Well, is she?"

"I—I do not know The Countess of Champlay, Madam, so I cannot say. But I do know my friend Alana. She is bright and kind and very much admired among the
Haute ton
. I would vouch for her any time."

In a loud and voracious tone, the older woman barked at Lady Eleanor, "This girl is your friend? And she wants your betrothed? How strange you young people are. Although you are not officially engaged, I have always thought of you as such. Thus, I cannot so easily dismiss the arrangement that has long been an agreed item between our families."

"Madam—my dear Countess Rothburn—that is, I—" Eleanor lost courage and wished herself elsewhere as the older woman stared her down. When Lady Susan, Countess of Rothburn, assaulted one, one knew one had been assaulted, in spades. "I cannot think what to say—"

 The older woman watched with apparent satisfaction, evidenced by her cool smile and glacial gaze, as Eleanor blushed and stammered, trying to gather her wits. Content that she had adequately flustered the young woman, Lady Susan withdrew her attitude by slipping back in her chair and visibly relaxing.

Eleanor could not relax, however. She thought the woman took secret delight in flustering anyone weak enough to succumb to her dominance and she, herself, was no exception. It was a quirk of the older woman's personality—one of her few flaws. Beware those who didn't see it coming!

Eleanor could not help wonder what a meeting between this formidable woman and the indomitable Lady Alana would be like.

As though her thoughts had been discerned, Lady Susan said, "Bring Lady Alana to meet me as soon as you can arrange it. Send a note and I will make sure I am available. I would speak with her myself before I sanction a change in suit."

Lady Eleanor gathered her gloves at the dismissive tone and prepared to leave, effusing gratitude for the other woman's understanding.

The Countess stopped her with a last question, causing the girl to turn in alarm, her eyes flying to the other's face with some apprehension.

"Does my son and his friend, Sir Gordon, know that you ladies plot their downfall?"

"S—Sir Gordon, Madam? I cannot think what you mean."

Laughing lightly, Lady Susan fixed the girl with another of her smug smiles, and waved a hand in dismissal, saying only, "I have ears and eyes, you know, as much of society has. There are others who have noticed things lately, and I would have no untoward gossip. Keep clear of compromising situations until this matter is settled."

* * * * *

"Griffin, you must help me. Can you not see that without our help these four lovely people may go through their entire lives pining for lost love?" Allie begged, her hand holding fast to his sleeve as though he might try to withdraw before she had finished explaining.

Her sapphire eyes pleaded and her pretty mouth pouted artfully, he realized, in order to give him the full effect of her beauty. When he pulled back, she tightened her hold, creasing his sleeve. That she was determined, he did not doubt. That he found her enchanting, he did not doubt. That she was a bit immature and in need of a good spanking, he doubted not at all.

Gently, he removed her hand from the cloth of his coat and smoothed the wrinkles she had created, his eyes fixed on her loveliness, wanting to give her the world, but knowing he could not participate in such a mad cap scheme. He watched her face crumple as he spoke.

"But writing love letters and signing other people's names—well, it's just not done. Besides, do you not think they can work out their own lives? Adults, every one of them. Sounds a bit cracked to me."

Griffin, though captivated by Allie, was not in the habit of mixing into other people's business, especially  his cousin. He was uncomfortable just discussing such a plot, much less doing the things Allie suggested. He looked at her playfully, his mouth turning up in a smile. "Why do we not just allow nature to take its course?"

The words just spoken had a double meaning, and Griffin proceeded to show Allie just what he meant by the other side of that coin. He gave her a look designed to show his intent, spiced with pure adulation and wanton heat. He thought this guaranteed to draw even the most reticent lady. Scooting closer, he placed one hand against her cheek, the other coming up to tilt her chin at an angle just so. Lowering his head, he bussed her lips gently, gratified when her eyes closed and she sighed in a manner most blissful.

Griffin pressed closer and Allie wiggled on the bench, scooting toward him as well. With tender regard for her virginal sensibilities, he gently parted her lips with his tongue, felt her startled withdrawal, and retreated immediately to the more sedate and innocent kiss he had started with. Her inexperienced and tentative response drove him to madness and though she parted her lips slightly, he dared not attempt a deeper kiss, recalling her reticence just moments before.

Allie's response demanded a more passionate embrace, but he held firm, telling himself she had no notion of real passion, and she would rush away frightened if he pursued that course any further. When he finally lifted his head and pulled away from the embrace, her soft cry of displeasure gave him both a sense of power and a jolt of guilt. Power that he could elicit such a wanton response from an innocent, and guilt that he had done so. Turning on the bench to sit forward, he placed his hands upon his knees and breathed in deeply, nearly gasping.