Before the Season Ends (17 page)

“I would not recommend it.” He spoke lightly but with such utter
weight to his words that Ariana’s aunt knew she was defeated and threw up her hands.

“Then what shall we do, Mr. Mornay? I beg you to find some answer for us!”

Another silence descended, and all eyes turned to the Paragon. His reputation forbade him to do anything for anybody except himself, but he had helped Ariana down from the tree and protected her from humiliation. She still suspected that he had indeed allowed Lady Sherwood to win at cards in order to do them some good. She watched him now, certain that if anyone could refute the falsehoods, it would have to be he.

Mr. Mornay met Ariana’s gaze, and then looked to her aunt. “It would not do for me to simply deny Lady Covington’s accusations. Society would humour me, perhaps, but not believe me, and Miss Forsythe would remain in social disgrace. Likewise, if Miss Forsythe simply denies them, no one will believe her.”

A sense of frustration settled over Ariana. It seemed there was nothing she could do to help her situation. He cleared his throat.

“I am forming the opinion as we speak that only a drastic action will answer.” The company waited breathlessly to hear what the “drastic action” would be. Mr. Mornay did not keep them waiting long.

“Lady Covington is depending upon me to behave in my usual cavalier manner, and to keep my distance from your niece. Indeed, under normal circumstances that is precisely how things should have turned out, for it is simply my style. Naturally that would not be taken as a reflection of her character, but only of mine. In light of the countess’s accusations, my attitude toward your niece will decide all. It goes without saying I would publicly avoid her at all costs if the charges were true. Therefore, my usual manner of conduct would be taken, regarding Miss Forsythe, as a confirmation of the allegations.”

Every word the Paragon spoke increased Ariana’s feeling of helplessness. The thought came to her, however, to ask for Divine help. She could pray, at least. Silently she began to pray from her heart:
Father
God, even Mr. Mornay cannot decide my fate—only You can! Send me the help I need. Clear my name!

She had not prayed eloquently or gratefully, but out of desperation. And yet, the next moment she heard Mr. Mornay saying words she knew came in response to that prayer.

“The only answer which will serve is to convince society that I have determined to court Miss Forsythe. If they believe she has been foolish enough to set her cap at me then they must be made to believe I return the sentiment. If I am seen to behave in a proper manner toward her, no one shall entertain the notion of an impropriety. No man of my position would court a woman he has already abused.”

While the others digested this startling conclusion, Mr. Mornay, contemplating the matter added, “They must be convinced that I am, shall we say, smitten?”

T
o the astonished faces around him, Mr. Mornay smiled neatly and then crossed his legs comfortably.

“Bravo, Mornay! That will turn the tables on Lady Covington, I daresay! She will be happy to forget Miss Forsythe’s existence—if she can!” His lordship looked around for agreement. Mrs. Bentley dabbed at one eye, which did not seem to be wet after all.

“Ingenious, Mr. Mornay!” She waved her little white handkerchief in the air. “Ingenious! And so generous and good of you. I am quite overcome with gratitude.”

“And you, Miss Forsythe?” Ariana had been quiet since his announcement, and Mr. Mornay looked at her now. “My intention is to outmanoeuvre the countess, which will serve to rescue your reputation. I cannot abide to see her succeed in her vicious scheme. But I care very little about what is said regarding me; you must be eager to do this, or I am content to let the matter lie where it will.”

Ariana looked across the little circle of furniture at him.

“It appears I am at your mercy, Mr. Mornay. I should be greatly obliged to you for your invaluable help in the matter. Instruct me on what I must do, and I will, I promise you, do whatever you say.”

“Very good, my gel!” Mrs. Bentley was relieved that her niece had spoken with meekness and humility, as befitted her station.

In her heart, Ariana almost wished to be ousted from the exacting but hypocritical society she found herself in. But not due to shame; not
to lies. No, she would have to stay and fight. She thanked God that the volatile Mr. Mornay had come to her aid—again. There was an awkward silence in the room for a few moments while the two beheld each other, and then the men rose to their feet. Ariana and her aunt rose also, but the chaperon had an alarming thought.

“Mr. Mornay!” Her hand was over her heart. “What will we say when there is no event?” This was a circumstance that no one had thought of. His eyebrow rose in the way it tended to, and a faint smile appeared on the handsome face.

“I suppose we will have to account for that,” the Paragon conceded.

“That should pose no dilemma, ma’am,” piped in his lordship. “When Miss Forsythe accepts another proposal, it will simply be given out that she and Mornay decided they did not suit.”

He smiled, looking around for approbation, but Mrs. Bentley asked, dryly, “Another proposal? Whom do you suppose will dare to approach her if Mr. Mornay is believed to have taken a serious interest in her?”

Lord Horatio said, “I could, I suppose, myself…that is…”

Ariana’s cheeks grew instantly warm. Mr. Mornay was not similarly affected and stated in a firm tone, “When the scandal has been sufficiently quenched, Miss Forsythe will be free to take a disgust of me.” The others smiled, and he turned to Ariana. “Which should present little difficulty for one who is already
fully convinced of my overwhelming depravity.
”

Ariana looked away hurriedly. Although she had thought him terrible, he was fast acting in a fashion to change that impression.

“Ariana! I should hope Mr. Mornay is mistaken,” Aunt Bentley scolded. “Certainly you cannot hold him in such a thought as that.”

“No, ma’am, I am sure I do not.” She answered quietly, forcing herself to meet his eyes. His expression was faintly bemused, but not injured. He offered a short bow. He often had that near-smile on his face, she was beginning to realize. Perhaps he was not as irascible as he pretended. Perhaps most people were too frightened of him to notice that he barked, but did not bite.

“When may we begin?” Mrs. Bentley was eager to see the tide of societal approval turn in their favour.

“The sooner the better.” Lord Horatio was ever helpful.

“Perhaps Miss Forsythe and I could take a drive right now,” Mornay offered. “ ’Tis past five-thirty and the park will be teeming. Our triumph over the evil countess,” he grinned, “can begin.”

“Yes, of course!” Ariana felt suddenly breathless. It had not dawned upon her until that moment that she would of necessity be spending time with Mr. Mornay. Perhaps alone. The fluttering in her stomach had subsided, but now returned in full force.

“I’ll take you home, Horatio,” Mornay said, “and then take a leisurely pass through Hyde Park with Miss Forsythe.”

Mrs. Bentley’s face lit up. “I have it! Let my carriage convey his lordship so that the two of you may be seen together at once.”

And so it happened.

Since Mr. Mornay had not brought a servant, one of Mrs. Bentley’s footmen jumped on the back of his open curricle, to act as chaperon. Despite it being an open equipage, a chaperon was deemed necessary in light of the rumour regarding the pair.

Wishing to avoid the traffic on Oxford Street, Mr. Mornay took the carriage west, passing Hanover Square and Brook Street, part way around Grosvenor Square (the other side of which housed his own residence) and onto upper Brook Street, and then a turn onto Park Lane. They followed the lane for a few impressive streets, while Ariana enjoyed viewing the succession of mansions. She glanced at her companion who was intent on manoeuvring the curricle, and thought what a shame that Phillip Mornay could be so good-looking and intelligent and gentlemanly—at times—and yet averse to marriage. (Not that
she
wanted to marry him! No, indeed!)

After all, was he not nearing thirty, and yet had never been associated with a single engagement? As she watched the way he smoothly handled the team, a pair of elegant matched chestnuts, she mused that someone so nice in appearance ought to possess less aloofness of character.

They made a sharp left turn onto Tyburn Turnpike and then a
right, passing easily through the wide Cumberland Gate entrance to Hyde Park, Ariana rippling with excitement at her first visit to the famous spot.

“Here we are,” Mornay said. “Just in time to find the place teeming.”

Teeming, indeed. The number of equipages on the open lanes of the park surprised her. Here was a popular pastime the likes of which she’d had no idea of. People were literally everywhere. On horse, on foot, and in carriages, of all styles and sizes. Mr. Mornay stopped their vehicle by Hyde Park Lodge, from where he made innumerable careful introductions, always allowing that Miss Forsythe was honouring him with her company. Ariana met many a peer and like luminaries, most of whom shortly halted upon spying the pair, to come and give their greetings. To those too afraid to approach the Paragon, he occasionally nodded or motioned them forward, and they came, like subjects to a king. Ariana felt she could imagine being a queen.

Raised brows and astonished faces were swiftly followed by impressed looks—and invitations. Ariana could not help but to enjoy the bewildered respect she received. Without exception, she was treated like royalty.

“Why, Mr. Mornay! Miss Forsythe! What a pleasure! And such a
surprise!
” Mamas with their daughters did not know if they were more surprised to see Mr. Mornay accost them in a friendly manner, or that Mr. Mornay with Miss Forsythe had done so. Was this not the outcast Miss Forsythe? The same Miss Forsythe Lady Covington severely disapproved of?
What was a mother to think?

All the women promised sincerely to call at Hanover Square at the soonest convenience. Ariana was much heartened to see relief on many faces; a fact that meant she was genuinely liked. People had been frightened away by Lady Covington’s lies, but they were happy to find her in society with the Paragon; this meant they could safely enjoy her company again. In addition, instead of appearing as a grasping female hoping to win a prize, she was now seen as the object of affection by the singular renowned bachelor.

He seemed well satisfied when they exited the park a good hour later. He drove Ariana back to her aunt’s home. As he pulled to a stop, he turned his dark eyes thoughtfully upon her. He paused, thinking before saying, “I shall call for you on Saturday evening, say, at half-past nine?”

“Tomorrow evening? Yes, if—if you wish.”

He gave her a bemused look. He had expected a warmer reception to his invitation.

“I do wish.” He wore that half-smile; was he poking fun at her? Since she wasn’t sure whether he was, or whether she ought to laugh or not, she decided to just smile demurely and then turned to leave.

“Wait,” he ordered, jumping down on his side and going around to help her down. With his hands about her waist he set her lightly upon her feet. They surveyed one another. Mr. Mornay still wore that bemused expression, as if he found her amusing. Rather like an appealing little puppy, she thought, later. Appealing, but infinitely inferior…. But she smiled politely.

“I am much obliged for the drive and… for all of your help.”

He nodded. “Until tomorrow evening, then. And wear one of your finer evening dresses.”

“One of my finer?”

“Yes.” He paused, studying her. “Do you have a satin and gauze?” He was referring to a sophisticated style in which the underdress of satin was worn beneath a coverlet or overdress of net or gauze. The satin underneath showed through and, depending on how the bodice was cut, the gown could either be a sweet or tempting confection.

“I believe I do.”

“Let us hope so.”

Her large eyes sparkled with curiosity regarding what he had in mind for the evening, but she felt suddenly too timid to ask.

“Anything more?” She gave him a smile, and was pleased when he surprised her with one of his own, making her acutely aware that she had never seen him smile fully before.

“That should do it. I have seen enough of you to know that you either have a knack for fashion or your mama does.”

“It is my aunt who has the knack.”

“Of course.” He nodded, knowingly. With that, Ariana curtseyed and then walked self-consciously toward the steps of the house. She felt the strange, beautiful eyes of Mr. Mornay on her and did not take a good, deep breath until Haines had closed the front door and was helping her off with her spencer.