Jilted in January (5 page)

And now he probably thought her not only forward but fit for Bedlam.

The butler appeared by the door and cleared his throat. “Dinner is served, my lady.”

Great-Aunt Maude took Henry’s arm and led the way into the small dining room next door, which seated a dozen around the table. Rose set herself to endure the next hour while attempting both to be civil to her neighbors and avoid speaking to her ex-betrothed at all. Mr. Ford took the seat on her right, which immediately made her feel better. There was something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern for her that strengthened her resolve.

At the end of the meal, Great-Aunt Maude somehow contrived to send the majority of the guests onward to the drawing room for tea, which was quite a feat, considering she didn’t accompany them. The servants set out the port and brandy, and all left the room, which was also unusual. Rose began to suspect something was up as her brother smiled at her through the candlelight.

“We thought that considering your recent disappointment, you might prefer to speak to us privately this evening, Rose. “

She met his smile with one of her own. “Seeing as I have done nothing to be ashamed of, I wonder why you would think that? Any embarrassment surely lies with you for not protecting my honor and your friend for ignoring our betrothal.”

David tugged at his collar. “For goodness sake, Rose. Can’t you be a little more charitable?”

“Why should I?” She glanced over at Henry, who was frowning. “I have waited for your return for seven years.”

“Miss Leyton does have a point.”

Mr. Ford’s quiet voice made her look around. She’d almost forgotten he was there, as apparently had the rest of her family.

“Miss Leyton is the injured party.”

David ignored Mr. Ford and shared a quick glance with Henry. “As to that—we have a solution. After speaking to Aunt Maude, we found a perfect candidate for you to consider as a marriage prospect.”

Rose put down her fork. “I
beg
your pardon?”

“Great-Aunt Maude says you already have another suitor right here in the village.” David sat back as if the matter was all but settled.

“Are you talking about Mr. Potter?”

“I believe that’s his name, yes.”

“He is fifty years of age, twice widowed, and has nine children!”

“And owns the second largest property in the vicinity. Aunt Maude says he is very keen to make you his wife.” David nodded. “I intend to speak with him tomorrow, so don’t worry your little head, sis. I’ll have you comfortably settled in no time.”

Rose took a deep breath. “I am
not
marrying Mr. Potter.”

“Now, come on, Rose. You have to see things from my point of view.”

“Oh, I do, David. You want to sweep this embarrassing matter under the rug and go happily back to London with your best friend.”

“I’m just trying to make things right.”

“Then let’s wait until the new duke is found and ask for
his
opinion on this matter, shall we?” She glared at her brother. “He might have something to say about the situation I find myself in.”

Her brother’s amiable expression disappeared. “I have no intention of hanging around here, waiting for the appearance of the new duke!”

“And you do not need to.” She smiled. “I appreciate your concern, David, but I’m quite capable of finding a new candidate for my hand by myself.”

“That wouldn’t be seemly,” David objected. “You must consult with Great-Aunt Maude and your menfolk before making such an important decision.”

Rose got up, her hands fisted at her sides. “I trusted you once before, brother, and you chose to side with the man who broke his promise to me. Why should I listen to you now?”

She bobbed a curtsy in the direction of her aunt. “Pray excuse me, my lady. I am not feeling at all the thing and shall retire to my bed.”

By the time she reached the safety of her bedroom she was already in tears. She locked the door, flung herself onto her bed, and indulged herself in a good cry.

“Well, I say.” Lieutenant Leyton scowled at the door his sister had just slammed shut behind her. “I wonder what’s wrong with her? All I was trying to do was help.”

Colin pressed his lips tightly together as the urge to leap across the table and strangle Miss Leyton’s mutton-headed brother consumed him.

“She has a right to be upset, David,” Lieutenant Woodford said hesitantly. “No woman likes to be replaced by another—especially by an angel like my wife.”

Colin considered whether he had the ability to take on two seasoned soldiers in one attempt and sadly doubted it.

Lady Maude shook her head. “She is normally such a sensible girl. I have no idea what has gotten into her.”

“Do you think I should still see Mr. Potter tomorrow?” Lieutenant Leyton asked. “I could just drop him a hint that Rose’s circumstances have changed and leave things to fate.”

“I don’t see why not, my dear. She does deserve a husband after waiting so patiently for all these years.”

Colin carefully set down his wine glass. “She deserves far more than that.”

Lieutenant Leyton turned toward him. “I
beg
your pardon?”

“Miss Leyton has been sorely wronged. The best person to help her out of her dilemma is the incoming duke. Surely you must agree with that?”

“Whether I agree or not is immaterial,” the lieutenant snapped. “By what right do you insinuate yourself into a matter that concerns my family?”

Colin shrugged. “As a concerned observer and acquaintance of Miss Leyton, who appears to need a champion.”

“You consider my sister your friend?” Lieutenant Leyton scowled. “You are employed by the duke. When have you crossed her path?”

The condescension and suspicion in the lieutenant’s tone stung, but Colin persevered. “Miss Leyton has been gracious enough to help familiarize me with some matters concerning the estate. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her.”

“That is true, my dear David.” Aunt Maude spoke up for the first time. “Mr. Ford’s behavior has been above reproach.”

“But he still has no right to interfere in family matters,” Lieutenant Leyton grumbled.

“He is merely eating his dinner, David. I doubt he expected to become embroiled in a situation such as this,”

Colin recognized his cue to withdraw. “I do beg your pardon. I will leave you in peace to converse with Lady Maude. Good night, everyone.”

He stomped back toward the estate office. Miss Leyton’s brother and ex-betrothed were a pair of asses. How dare they treat Miss Leyton as if she were incapable of making a decision of her own! She was an intelligent, likeable woman who deserved the best.

But why were they so keen to get her married off? His steps slowed. He had to suspect they didn’t want the new duke hearing about what had happened to a member of his family or taking a legal position on the matter. A betrothal was a contract just like any other, and Henry Woodford had broken it.

Chapter Four

Rose walked confidently into the land agent’s office without knocking and waited until Mr. Ford looked up.

“Good afternoon.”

He blinked at her. “Are you certain you should be here?”

Her smile faltered. “You are sending me away?”

He put his pen down. “Your brother made it very clear that he resented my involvement in your affairs.”

She took a seat in front of his desk and folded her hands in her lap. “He said something similar to me at breakfast.” She looked up to meet his concerned gaze. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

He shoved his curls away from his forehead. “Someone had to.”

His kindness made her heart ache. “That is so sweet of you.”

His mouth kicked up at one corner. “I wasn’t feeling particularly sweet, Miss Leyton. Your brother and his companion are…” He blew out a breath. “None of my concern. I do apologize.”

She regarded him steadily for a long moment, but he said no more. She suspected that if she didn’t start a new topic of conversation he’d be expecting her to leave. Luckily, she had come prepared.

“I had a letter this morning from an old maidservant of mine who married and moved to Southampton.”

“Indeed?”

“She mentioned that she saw Mr. Morehouse hanging around the docks, looking to book passage on a ship.”

“Our Mr. Morehouse?”

“Yes. She remembered him from when she worked here.”

“Did she speak to him?”

“She tried, but he bolted when he saw her coming.”

“Typical,” Mr. Ford muttered. “Did he manage to sail away?”

“She wasn’t sure. Shall I write and ask her to find out?”

“I suppose that might be useful information for the solicitors.” He groaned. “Not that he’s been accused of any crime yet. Everything seems to be in limbo while we wait for the new duke.”

She offered him the letter to read, but he declined, so she folded it back up and slipped it into her pocket. Silence fell between them—which was disconcerting because they had always chattered away like magpies.

“Is your brother planning a long visit, Miss Leyton?”

“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because if he is, I might take the opportunity to post up to London to see the Beckworth solicitors and present my respects to the duchess.”

She pressed a hand to her cheek. “You would leave me alone with
them
?”

He frowned. “Surely Lieutenant Woodford will have the decency to take himself off as soon as possible?”

“Not that I have heard.” Rose forced a smile. She’d almost betrayed her dismay at losing his steadfast companionship. “But you are right. Perhaps you should go. I expect it will put your mind at ease to settle things with the Beckworth trustees.”

“Miss Leyton…” Mr. Ford shot to his feet. “Please do not misunderstand me. I have no desire to leave you to face your brother’s demands that you marry immediately, but I fear that my presence here—my inability to control my anger and disgust at his treatment of you—might cause more harm than good. I—”

He paused as the sound of booted feet came closer down the hallway and the door was flung open.

David strode into the room, gave Mr. Ford a perfunctory nod, and came straight over to Rose.

“Good, you’re here, Rose. I have news. Mr. Potter is willing to obtain a special license and marry you immediately.”

She stood up. “I will
not
marry him.”

David’s face darkened. “You will obey me in this, or—”

“Or what? You’ll lock me up in a tower? Be reasonable, David. I am under the protection of the Duke of Beckworth! You can’t do this!”

He grabbed her by the elbow. “You forget yourself. I am your nearest male relative, and I have the governance of you.”

“David, you’re hurting me. Let go—”

She gasped as her brother was yanked backward and sent sprawling to the floor by a swift right hook from Mr. Ford.

Mr. Ford rubbed his knuckles and stepped over her brother’s prostrate form.

“Are you all right, Miss Leyton?”

She nodded dumbly as David began to groan and stir.

Mr. Ford squeezed her hand and whispered, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll make this right.”

He stooped and offered David a hand. “I do apologize, Lieutenant, but I could not allow you to distress and alarm Miss Leyton in that manner.”

David sat up and touched his jaw, glaring ferociously up at her rescuer. “How
dare
you interfere, sir? You will be speaking to my seconds!”

Rose stifled a moan behind her hand.

“I’m sure you don’t wish me to respond to that remark, Lieutenant Leyton. No brother wishes to drag his sister’s name into a public and illegal duel.” David opened his mouth to interrupt, but Mr. Ford kept speaking. “Especially if he has misunderstood the circumstances.”

“And what circumstances might they be?” David demanded.

Mr. Ford glanced over at Rose. “That Miss Leyton had already agreed to be my wife, and thus I was simply protecting my bride-to-be’s honor.”

Silence fell, and Rose struggled not to gawp at the two men.

David turned to her. “Is Mr. Ford speaking the truth?”

She found herself nodding.

David hauled himself to his feet, his gaze still suspicious. “And when did this happy event occur?”

Mr. Ford inserted himself between Rose and her brother and took her shaking hand. “Not more than five minutes before you entered the room, sir. In truth, if you had been a few seconds earlier you would’ve discovered me on bended knee.”

He brought Rose’s limp fingers to his lips and kissed her bare knuckles and then turned her hand over to kiss her palm, his mouth warm on her flesh.

“I am more than happy to go over my financial details with you—or the duke, when he is found. I am a man of good family.”

“We can discuss all that later,” David said, his gaze also on Rose. “Are you sure you want to marry this man rather than the second richest man in the village?”

“Absolutely sure.” She managed a rather wobbly smile.

“That’s excellent news. I must go and tell Henry at once.” He nodded at them both and left the room, whistling happily down the corridor.

As soon as the outside door banged behind her brother, Rose snatched her hand away.