Regency Romance Collection From Christina Courtenay (14 page)

CHAPTER SIX

Ianthe was in a quandary. She had no more remotely attractive dresses to wear, and the green gown, which she had planned to use again, was beyond repair according to Dupont. Appealing to her mother for help would be no use, as Ianthe knew very well there was no more money.

No, she would have to take matters into her own hands.

When Serena and Lady Templeton went out to pay a morning visit, Ianthe crept into Serena’s room and opened the wardrobe which was bulging with garments. Ianthe quickly looked through them and found what she had been searching for, thrust into a corner. A cerulean blue ball gown of shot silk which Serena had declared too frumpish for words because it was embellished with huge pink fake roses round the hem and neckline.

‘I’m sorry, Mama, but nothing in the world would persuade me to wear that. Send it back,’ she had decreed.

Of course, Lady Templeton could do no such thing since the dress had been made to her exact specification and already paid for. Instead, it had languished at the back of the wardrobe for several weeks, while Lady Templeton hoped Serena would change her mind. Ianthe pulled it out and returned to her room, calling for Dupont.

‘
Oui, Mademoiselle? O
h là là
,
what ’ave we ’ere?
Quelle horreur!
’

‘Yes, isn’t it awful, but I thought that if I remove the roses, it would be quite elegant. The only problem is that I’m taller than Serena, so it’s not long enough. Could you help me find something to lengthen it with, please?’

‘
Mais oui
, I will ’ave a look.’

Dupont unearthed an old gown with a wide silver lace trim around the hem. ‘Look, this will be perfect,
non
? I will cut it off.’

‘Oh, yes, brilliant. Do you think if we work together we can have it finished by this evening? Otherwise I can’t go out. I simply can’t wear my old gowns again. Not now that …’

She stopped herself from revealing the exact reason why she wanted to look good. There was no need for Dupont to know that. The little Frenchwoman smiled, however, as if she could guess. ‘Don’t worry, we can do it and you will look wonderful,
je promesse
.’

‘I can’t thank you enough.’

Dupont leaned closer and whispered, ‘Just promise me if you ever marry, please to take me with you when you leave. Your
Maman
, she is nice lady, but very …’

‘Demanding? Impossible?’ Ianthe smiled. ‘Of course. I wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind.’

On purpose, Ianthe didn’t go downstairs until the very last moment, when the others were already waiting in the hall and the carriage had been called for. Serena was talking to their mother, but broke off to frown at Ianthe as soon as she caught sight of her. ‘Isn’t that …? It is! Mama, she is wearing my gown, and … what have you done to it? Go and take it off at once, I won’t have you stealing my things.’

‘I had nothing else to wear since you saw fit to ruin my only decent gown,’ Ianthe said coolly. ‘Besides, there’s no time to change now, is there Mama? We don’t want to be late.’

‘Indeed,’ Lady Templeton agreed.

‘But, Mama, she’s stolen it, been in my room, gone through my things! It’s intolerable.’

‘Enough, Serena. You have more gowns than you can possibly wish for. Surely you can spare your sister one? And one, moreover, which you refused to wear, if my memory serves me. Now let us be on our way and I want no more foolishness from either of you.’

Lady Templeton sounded unusually stern, so much so that even Serena did her bidding without further protest. Ianthe was astonished, but pleased, that her mother had taken her side for once, but judging by Serena’s expression, she felt she might come to regret her
coup
. Time enough to worry about this later, however.

Mrs Etchilhampton’s rout was not quite as crowded as that lady would have liked, but it was nonetheless well attended and Ianthe couldn’t immediately spot Wyckeham when they arrived. Quite why she wanted to see him again, she couldn’t say. If he was going to humiliate her by offering her a
carte blanche
, she ought to stay out of his way, but somehow she thought she must have misunderstood. It was not the done thing to ask respectable young girls to be one’s mistress, no matter how impecunious they might be. And although he’d said he had to live up to his reputation as ‘Lord Wicked’, she was sure he was joking. She felt strongly that the real Wyckeham was a true gentleman.

As she stood with her mother and sister, only half listening to Serena’s flirtations with all the young men who flocked to her side, she noticed the marquess’s relative, Gervaise, enter the room with Lord Robert in tow. The two seemed on remarkably good terms and headed straight for the card room rather than towards the young ladies waiting for partners. Ianthe frowned. It seemed unlike Lord Robert to be so rude.

‘So you noticed it too, then?’

The smooth voice was barely audible behind Ianthe’s right shoulder, and she realised Wyckeham wanted no one but her to hear him. His softly spoken words sent a frisson of pleasure shooting down her spine. She turned to see him scowling after Gervaise and Lord Robert, before he sighed and looked at her instead, his gaze softening.

‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t burden you with my problems,’ he said. ‘Did you save me a dance?’

She nodded. ‘The one you asked for.’

‘Good girl.’ He scrawled a W on her card and handed it back. ‘I’ll speak to you later then. For now, I’ve got my work cut out keeping Rob out of mischief.’

He was gone almost as quickly as he had appeared, and since Serena and their mother were still engrossed in conversation with the Earl of Somerville and one of his friends, they hadn’t even noticed Wyckeham’s presence. Secretly, Ianthe was glad as it meant he hadn’t asked Serena for a dance too.

‘So did you manage to find Lord Robert?’ Ianthe asked when she and Wyckeham sat down to eat their supper at a small table in a corner. It was hidden away behind a pot plant and Ianthe had a suspicion the marquess had bribed one of the footmen to keep it free especially for them. She wasn’t complaining, however, since it kept them away from Serena.

Wyckeham sighed. ‘Yes, but unfortunately he seems to consider Gervaise his new best friend and the fount of all knowledge. Nothing I say registers. I had warned him to be on his guard against older men who try to inveigle him into gaming and, er … such like, but because Gervaise is family of sorts, Rob thinks he’s different and won’t listen to me.’

‘And is he? Different, I mean.’

Wyckeham regarded her with one raised eyebrow and a sardonic smile. ‘What do you think?’

‘I have to confess I took an instant dislike to him, but I don’t know why.’

‘Then you are more astute than my brother.’ Wyckeham shook his head. ‘No, Gervaise is no saint, far from it. Sadly though, I’ve got to let Rob make a few mistakes on his own. It’s the only way he’ll learn.’

‘Are you his guardian?’

‘Not any more; he’s turned twenty-one. But even if I was, I doubt he’d take my advice this time, although normally he would. Our father died when he was ten and I’ve done my best to protect him. He’s never been to London before though, and I should have known how easy it would be for someone his age to be led astray.’ He sighed. ‘Let’s not talk about that though. We have more important matters to discuss.’

‘We do?’ Ianthe felt a small stirring of unease and butterflies danced in her stomach. She wasn’t sure she was going to like what he had to say.

He smiled, which made the butterflies redouble their efforts. She took a bite of her lobster patty in order to try and settle them down, but found it hard to swallow.

‘Are you still certain you’re not afraid of me? I know you must have heard all the rumours by now.’

‘No, I’m not afraid.’ As she looked into his honey-coloured eyes, she knew this was the truth. She was absolutely certain he would never hurt her, although quite how she could be so sure, she had no idea.

‘Excellent, because I can assure you none of it is true. Well, only the part about me hating my wife. Elizabeth was a spoiled termagant and I was happy to be rid of her.’

‘I … should you be telling me this?’ Ianthe didn’t think it was the done thing to talk about one’s dead wife in such terms.

‘Yes. I feel nothing but the truth will do between us. I know you are as straightforward as I am, so I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending something that isn’t true.’

Ianthe nodded. She appreciated him not underestimating her understanding. ‘Why did you marry her then?’ she asked, curiosity overtaking her scruples.

‘I was young and stupid. She was beautiful and an expert at deceit …’ He shrugged. ‘I never saw her true colours until it was much too late and just like Robert, I refused to listen to wiser counsel. It’s a common story.’

‘Yes, so I’ve heard.’ She couldn’t help glancing over to where Serena was seated with Lord Somerville and Wyckeham chuckled.

‘You’re thinking that poor Somerville is going to end up like that, aren’t you. Do you think we ought to rescue him?’

‘No, no, Serena’s not all bad. I’m sure once she is married she will make her chosen husband very happy. She’s just enjoying being the centre of attention at the moment.’

‘Hmm, well you know her best I suppose.’

‘Either way, it’s none of our business, is it?’

He smiled again. ‘You’re right. I think he’ll have to learn the hard way, poor man. But never mind, let us return to our previous subject of discussion.’

‘Oh, yes, well …’ Ianthe felt the butterflies return with a vengeance.

‘What I was trying to ask you in the park before that fool Gervaise interrupted me,’ he continued, ‘was, if you were married to someone, would you mind spending most of the year in the country with him rather than in London?’

‘M-married?’ Ianthe felt relief flooding her. If he was only speaking metaphorically and mentioning marriage, he couldn’t be thinking of any other arrangements. ‘Oh, in that case I wouldn’t mind at all. I told you, I’m not enjoying town life much.’

‘Excellent. I’m only asking, because that’s the way I see it too and it’s not something I’m prepared to compromise on. I despise London society.’

Ianthe waited for him to continue, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Was he saying what she thought he was?

He made sure no one was looking their way, then leaned forward and took one of her hands in his. ‘So if I were to ask your father for your hand in marriage, you wouldn’t refuse me on the grounds that you’d miss out on the social whirl?’

‘N-no, certainly not,’ she managed to stammer out. ‘But you barely know me. I mean, how can you be certain that we’ll suit? We only met a few days ago.’ There were a dozen other questions whirling round her mind that she wanted to ask him, but dare not. Why her and not Serena? Was he really serious? Did he love her? She shook her head slightly to clear it. It was all too much to take in.

‘I know enough to realise we would suit very well, but I know you are very young and if you’d rather I waited a while and courted you properly, I will. Only, I feel the same way you do about these infernal balls and parties, and I’d rather not stay in London a moment longer than I must. I shall if you want me to, though.’

‘No! No, please, go ahead and … um, speak to my father. I mean, if you’re sure that’s what you would like.’

‘Is it what
you
want?’

She looked into his eyes and saw a flash of desire which should have frightened her, but strangely enough didn’t. ‘Yes. Yes, I do.’ He may not have declared his undying love for her, but the prospect of spending the rest of her life with him, on whatever terms, was an opportunity she simply couldn’t pass on. She knew she would never want to marry anyone else in any case, now that she had met him.

He held her gaze for another heartbeat before letting go of her hand. ‘Good, that’s settled then,’ he said. ‘I’ll be away for a week or so, but as soon as I return I’ll come and see you and we can make plans.’

She couldn’t trust herself to speak, so she simply nodded acquiescence and prayed that her father would give his consent.

CHAPTER SEVEN

A week and a half had gone by and there was no sign of Wyckeham. Ianthe had begun to think that perhaps she’d dreamed their entire conversation or if she hadn’t, he had thought better of such a crazy idea and changed his mind.
Why would he want to marry me, anyway?
she wondered. She had no dowry and not much else to recommend her either as she wasn’t an acknowledged beauty like her sister.

When Serena suggested that she come along on an outing to Richmond Park, Ianthe decided she may as well. She had nothing else to do and if she stayed at home, she would only dwell on the marquess’s continued absence. As she came out of the house on the Wednesday and saw who their companions were, however, she almost had second thoughts.
Gervaise and Lord Robert!
But the two Misses Gardiner were present as well, and this reassured her somewhat. There was safety in numbers and as Serena was helped into Gervaise’s phaeton, she breathed a sigh of relief. If he was dazzled by her sister, like everyone else, she wouldn’t have to spend any time with him.
Thank goodness!

‘Is it not a lovely day, Ianthe?’ Anne Gardiner enthused as Ianthe stepped into the second carriage, a more stately barouche, helped by Lord Robert who was an interesting shade of grey.

‘Indeed. The sun is very bright though, perhaps a trifle too much so for Lord Robert here?’ Ianthe couldn’t resist teasing the young man. It was very obvious that he’d had a late night and was suffering the consequences.

He tried to smile, although it looked more like a grimace. ‘No doubt some fresh air will do me good. All these ballrooms and um … other establishments are so stuffy, you know.’

He didn’t add much to the conversation on the way, however, but sat and stared fixedly at the road through the window, as if he was willing his breakfast to stay down. Ianthe almost felt sorry for him, but remembered Wyckeham’s words – the young man had to learn things the hard way.

They had a pleasant enough afternoon and Gervaise could be entertaining when he set himself out to be. He regaled them with stories of his travels and mishaps on the Continent and the Misses Gardiner never stopped giggling. Even Lord Robert perked up after some lunch and a few glasses of champagne and Ianthe found that she didn’t have time to dwell on any distracting thoughts.

‘Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Ianthe?’ Gervaise had come up behind her as she stood by the edge of a pond later, throwing left over pieces of bread to some ducks.

‘Indeed, sir, it’s nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of London.’

‘I take it you are not a social butterfly like your sister?’

Ianthe shook her head. ‘No, I’m afraid we don’t have much in common, as is probably obvious to most people.’

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ He looked her up and down in a disconcerting way. ‘You are both beautiful young ladies, albeit slightly different. One cannot help one’s disposition and if you prefer the company of books, then I’m sure that is not a crime. A lady as lovely as yourself should surely be allowed to spend her time doing whatever she wishes.’

Ianthe felt uncomfortable with his fulsome compliments and wasn’t quite sure how to answer. In the end, she merely said, ‘Thank you, but I fear not everyone thinks that way.’

They were interrupted by Serena, who as usual couldn’t bear to be excluded from any conversation, and Ianthe was happy to go back to the others. There was something about Gervaise Warwycke that made her uneasy and she now wished she hadn’t come.

‘I suppose we had better set out for home,’ Serena sighed. ‘We ladies will need time to make ourselves beautiful for tonight’s ball.’ Ianthe saw her glance flirtatiously at both Lord Robert and Gervaise, but Gervaise was the first to reply to this unsubtle fishing for a compliment.

‘Surely it won’t take you more than a few moments, Miss Templeton,’ he said. ‘Nature cannot be improved upon, you know.’

Ianthe turned her head away in disgust.

On their way back to the carriages, Serena suddenly stumbled and fell with a little shriek of pain. Gervaise and Lord Robert rushed to her side, as did the Misses Gardiner, before Ianthe had a chance to reach her.

‘Oh, my ankle! There was a rabbit hole, I didn’t see it,’ wailed Serena. ‘Stupid animals, must they be forever digging? Ah, no, don’t touch it!’ She batted away Lord Robert’s questing hands.

‘Please, Miss Templeton, let me have a look. I have some experience of these things,’ Gervaise said calmly.

Serena nodded. ‘Oh, very well, if you must.’ Her bottom lip wobbled slightly and a tear trickled out of the corner of one eye. He felt her ankle under her skirts, obviously trying to probe as gently as he could, but she still winced.

‘Hmm, yes, it’s a bit swollen, but nothing broken I think. Probably just sprained. Allow me to carry you to the barouche. You mustn’t put any weight on it.’

‘If you say so.’ Serena held up her arms and he lifted her, staggering slightly under her weight, but refusing Lord Robert’s offer of help.

It wasn’t until Serena was ensconced in the carriage with Lord Robert and the Misses Gardiner that Ianthe realised what this meant. She began to smell a rat.

‘You must ride with Mr Warwycke in his phaeton, Ianthe,’ Serena said imperiously. ‘I need my friends here with me, and dear Lord Robert will be a tower of strength.’

Serena was playing the wounded martyr to the hilt, but Ianthe recognised it for what it was now – playacting. ‘I really don’t think—’

‘For heaven’s sake, Ianthe, we will be right behind you. There will be no impropriety. Please, I just want to go home.’ Serena managed to squeeze out a few more convincing tears and after sending her sister a narrowed glance, Ianthe gave up.

‘Oh, very well.’

She allowed Gervaise to help her up on to the high seat of the phaeton, but tried to put as much distance between them as she could. He sent her an amused glance.

‘I don’t bite, you know, and I’m accounted quite a good whip.’

‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Ianthe replied, then stared straight ahead while he set the horses in motion.

They rode in silence for a while and Ianthe glanced back towards the barouche from time to time, to make sure it was keeping up with them. It was a slower conveyance, however, and with four passengers it wasn’t able to travel as fast as the phaeton, which began to draw ahead. After they rounded a sharp bend, Gervaise suddenly whipped his team into a gallop and they set off at a cracking pace. His tiger, the diminutive groom who perched on the back of the phaeton and usually jumped down to hold the horses’ heads whenever they stopped, had to hang on for dear life.

‘No, stop! What are you doing?’ Ianthe cried out, but he just threw her a triumphant smile and encouraged the horses to run even faster.

‘One should always travel quickly in a carriage such as this,’ he shouted, but she could barely hear him over the din of the horses’ hooves and the whooshing noise of the wind. She had to hold on to the side with both hands so the swaying motion didn’t throw her out altogether.

Gervaise kept up this crazy pace for quite some time, until Ianthe thought the poor horses were going to expire, but then he suddenly turned sharply on to a smaller road, and soon a dilapidated inn came into view. There was no sign of the barouche, but then Ianthe hadn’t expected there to be. As they came to a halt outside the inn, Ianthe felt her stomach muscles clench in fear. There was no doubt Gervaise was up to something, and she was sure that whatever it was, she wasn’t going to like it.

She swore to herself that if she ever set eyes on her sister again, she would make her pay for this.