Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage] (16 page)

Still massaging her temple, she couldn’t help the smile that teased the corners of her lips. “It sounds as if you’ve met my father.”

“Nay. Just a few fathers now and again. The rules for them are far different than any rules might be for their daughters. And I hardly blame him. Although I won’t
ever have children, I daresay that if I had a daughter, I’d likely lock her in her room and never let a man within ten feet of her.”

She blinked. “You won’t ever have children? Not any?”

“If you hadn’t noticed, Edwina, I’m not exactly the kind of man for marriage and I’ll certainly not cause my children the undue hardship of being born out of wedlock.”

“Not the kind of man for marriage?” She straightened. “You seem exactly that kind of man to me.”

“Very amusing.” His tone was irritated. “Just because I allow ladies to give me gifts does not mean that I’m for sale.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, Prescott—”

“That’s neither here nor there, I suppose,” he retorted, looking away. Staring off into the trees, his face was expressionless, his body taut.

“I’m being sincere, Prescott. But I am a bit shocked, I confess, by your utter rejection of the marital state. Is it because you feel that you haven’t had the benefit of seeing your parents’ marriage?”

His brow furrowed as if he couldn’t quite believe she was pursuing the topic. Well, neither, exactly could she. But she couldn’t stop; it was like a bruise she felt compelled to poke, even if it hurt.

“It’s because I wouldn’t be any good at it.” His tone was gruff. “I’m just not that sort of man.”

“I must respectfully disagree. You’re a first-rate listener, a highly uncommon trait in the male species, I’m afraid. Moreover, you’re good-humored and dependable. I consider those admirable virtues for any husband or father, for that matter.”

“Was your husband any of those things?”

“No, actually…he was not.”

“My point exactly. Women don’t want good listeners. They want money, status, ambition or in the best of circumstances, all three. I have none.” His tone grew heated. “Moreover, I’ll never put up with all of the idiocy that goes along with being leg-shackled to a woman.”

She straightened, shocked by the strength of his conviction. “I had no idea you had such a negative view of women.”

“Oh, I love women. I enjoy them immensely. I’ll just never count on one for anything, and certainly not for the rest of my life.”

Heavy silence draped over them, only to be broken by the birds’ chirping in the trees and the shouts of the children playing nearby.

Edwina shook her head, upset by his declaration. “I wonder, Prescott, who has wounded you to the point that you make such a sweeping condemnation of my kind?”

He turned away from her then, taking off his hat and running his gloved hand gently through his hair. Staring off through the trees at the Serpentine beyond, he did not answer. The afternoon sun glistened on his auburn mane, streaking copper in the brown.

“Was it Catherine Dunn?” she asked quietly.

“I learned a lot at Andersen Hall.” Turning back to face her, he set his hat back upon his head. “She was only one of my instructors.” His tone brooked no further inquiry, and Edwina bit her tongue, despite her raging curiosity about Prescott and Mrs. Catherine Dunn.

His eyes were cold as marble. “So you can rest assured, my lady, that I will not hold you to the engagement.”

Somehow this comment hurt Edwina more than the dowager’s slap to her face.

Extending his arm, he did not meet her eye. “I need to get back to Andersen Hall and check on Evie. It’s been too long. And I’m sure Dr. Winner would like a word as well. Shall we?”

With a sadness she didn’t quite comprehend, Edwina slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and moved in step alongside him, the sun seemingly less bright and the day far more somber than just moments before.

H
olding aside the drape, Edwina peered out the window, looking for any sign of Prescott. Their discussion during the promenade at Hyde Park yesterday had left her feeling unsettled, and she was hoping for an opportunity to restore matters between them. They hadn’t exactly quarreled, but the silence in the carriage ride home had been unnerving, to say the least. She felt his detachment like a splinter stuck deep in her finger; whenever she explored it, it stung like the dickens.

It was her own fault, really, for being such a nosy-body. The man had suffered greatly in his life and his convictions obviously reflected that fact. Who was she to question his choices? Yet, deep in her heart she just
knew
that he would make a wonderful father. And husband for that matter. He was so astute and considerate and good-natured…She was certain that with just a little encouragement…

She straightened.
What was she thinking?
She certainly wasn’t going to marry him and yet she became fairly jealous when he even spoke another woman’s Christian name! She must be going daft from all of the Machiavellian musings about the blackmailer. That had to be it. Why else would she be tying herself up in knots?

It was her friendship with Prescott that mattered; it had become quite precious to her during their short acquaintance. Lord it felt like much more than mere handfuls of days. That probably resulted from the fact that before she’d even met him she’d spent days investigating his makeup. Yet her studies had hardly scratched the surface of the wonderfully complex character that was Prescott Devane.

He was certainly forbearing enough to forgive a little prying, wasn’t he? All she needed to do was apologize for being such a nosy ninny and all would be sunshine and roses between them. It had to be, or else…or else…She bit her lip as a shadow of doubt slithered across her heart.

The door to the blue room opened and Ginny peered around the wooden entry. “Ah, there you are, my dear.” As she approached, her lacy blond skirts swooshed with every limping step. “Hiding out from the applicants?”

“Uh, yes.” Quickly Edwina turned away from the window and dropped the drapery. “Um, I had no idea there’d be so many.”

“We offer something they cannot get anywhere else: a safe haven where they get the encouragement to explore topics otherwise barred from them. A few even seem interested in our good works.”

“We’re drawing too much attention to the society, Ginny. I fear we may end up suffering for it.”

Ginny held open her hands. “How? You own the house, we are all here of our own volition. If someone chooses not to be a member, there’s nothing to keep her from leaving.”

Edwina shook her head, worried. “If people feel that we are influencing their daughters in negative ways, then our lives could become exceedingly difficult. Besides, I don’t want to be the cause of pitting daughters and their fathers against each other.”

“Don’t you mean parents?” Ginny’s smile was gentle.

“Of course.” Edwina looked down at her hands. “Although when the issue arises, I can’t help but bemoan the discord my father and I suffered. If there’s a way to avoid it, then we should do our utmost.”

Ginny grasped her hand. “And if you had to do it all over again, would you not have founded the society?”

“If I had it all to do again I would’ve managed things better. Especially with my father. The way I told him about what I was doing with the society, the arguments, the shouting, the crying…” Pressing her face into her hand, she groaned. “When it comes to him I often feel like a caged bird smacking against the bars. And I’m not exactly…rational.”

“He’s your father; it hurts that he doesn’t understand you.”

“But I push him. I wish that I knew some way to handle things more diplomatically.” Sighing, Edwina wondered if things might be different since she now had the benefit of Prescott’s friendship. Mayhap she could learn from his example how to deal with people?

“Somehow I doubt diplomacy would work very well with the Earl of Wootten-Barrett.” Ginny rubbed Edwina’s back. “Have you had any word from your father?”

“Nay.” Edwina brought her mind back to reality. “I’m praying Lady Ross was making idle threats about writing to him.”

“And when he does find out?”

Shrugging, Edwina looked up. “It will be long over and my father will be counting himself blessed that he avoided such a carriage wreck to his precious lineage.”

Ginny’s brow furrowed and her pale blue eyes looked troubled. “But what of you, Edwina? Will you be counting yourself blessed that it’s ended with Mr. Devane? You seem much attached.”

Edwina opened her mouth to protest, but Ginny held up a hand. “I see how you stare out the window when he’s expected. And how you blush every time his name is even mentioned. But it’s the way that you light up when he enters a room that makes me wonder if you’re as detached as you claim.”

Edwina’s cheeks flamed; she was mortified that Ginny had noticed. Who else had observed her reactions?

“To everyone else it’s a perfectly reasonable response for a woman in love, which suits our ruse just fine. But I know you, Edwina, and acting is not exactly your forte.”

“So I’m a bit smitten.” Edwina shrugged and gave Ginny a reassuring smile. “But it’s a lighthearted flirtation, nothing more.”

“You, lighthearted? That’s like calling Janelle lovable.”

Edwina forced a smile. “Prescott Devane can charm the paint off a fence, Ginny. It’s hard
not
to like him. But that doesn’t mean that my heart’s engaged.”

Grasping Edwina’s hands in hers, Ginny shook her head. “Please understand that I have nothing against Mr. Devane. I simply worry about you. When you care about someone, you commit everything, Edwina. He’s a man with the reputation for enjoying many different women’s company. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Dropping Ginny’s hands, Edwina turned and stepped over to the window to stare down at the street once more. “Well, you need not fear, Ginny, for Prescott is already making plans for his future, and they don’t include me. What we have is a short time together to clean up this nasty blackmail business and then he’ll be gone.” At the reminder, a pinch of anxiety pricked her chest. She’d better repair things between Prescott and herself as there was so little time! “We’re just friends.”

Ginny pursed her lips, her gaze thoughtful. “If you say so.” Then she exhaled and her face cleared. “I told the ladies who wish to be considered for the society that we’ll make all decisions within the month. I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds on that one.”

Forcing away all wistful thoughts, Edwina turned. “Of course not. That should be plenty of time for us to sort things out.”

“Don’t you mean sort them out?” Ginny raised a brow. “I worry that some of the applicants are not quite…”

“Earnest in their quest for improvement?”

“Exactly.”

“I agree, it’s a bit of a challenge to separate the
wheat from the chaff. On the one hand we don’t want to turn away a woman who is truly interested in enrichment and learning. But then again, if we take in too many people, especially if their interest is superficial, then it might dilute our foundation, and I would hate to lose the sense of community we’ve developed.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more, Edwina. But how to manage the whole business? There’s no handbook on such things, is there?”

“There seems to be one for just about everything else…” Edwina muttered. Then she shook her head, feeling at a loss. “I will think on it. This is a critical juncture in the history of our society, Ginny. I would hate to make a misstep.”

“There you are!” Janelle called from the threshold. She waved an ivory card in her hand as she glided into the room, her teal muslin gown swooshing with every step. “We’ve got it!” Her greenish blue eyes were bright with excitement and a satisfied smile played over her lips. “Pack your bags, ladies, for you’re going to the country!”

“Edwina’s gotten the invitation to the Kendrick estate?” Ginny reached over and grasped Edwina’s hands.

Janelle waved the ivory card in the air. “Yes, she has.”

“I can’t believe it!” Edwina threw her arms around Ginny and hugged her close, pressing her nose into Ginny’s soft hair. The delicate scent of lavender her friend wore washed over her.

“That means we’re all invited now,” Janelle declared.

“We? But I thought you weren’t coming?”

Janelle made a face. “I’m certainly not shipping you two off to face the lions alone!”

Ginny reached for her friend and pulled her into the circle with Edwina. Despite Edwina’s face being crushed into Janelle’s rose-scented shoulder, it felt wonderful.

“Oh, you know how I loathe sentimentality, Ginny.” Janelle moved away and pulled a linen from the knitted reticule hanging from her wrist. Pressing it to the corner of her eye, she sniffed.

“Are you crying?” Edwina’s eyes were wide with wonder.

“Of course not.” Janelle stuffed the linen away. “It’s simply a reaction to the dreadful perfume you’re wearing.”

Ginny caught Edwina’s gaze and smiled. Edwina felt her heart warm in response. This vile scrape had brought them closer together than Edwina had ever thought possible. That, and Prescott Devane.

As if conjured up from her mind, Winnows stepped into the room announcing, “Mr. Devane has arrived. Shall I show him in?”

A thrill rocketed in Edwina’s chest, but she tried to temper her reaction, saying quietly, “Please do.” There was nothing, however, that she could do about her faithless cheeks.

“Oh, I can’t wait to tell him.” Janelle exhaled. “And show him the map of Kendrick manor.”

“You got a map? From where?” Edwina asked, amazed.

“It was Prescott’s idea to find out if any renovations had been made recently and to see if we could see a copy of the architectural diagrams. The Lynnwood Ar
chitectural Society had copies of the most recent renovations to the great hall, done in 1801.”

“Why that’s ingenious! I wish I’d thought of that!”

Janelle wagged a raised finger. “And we were able to get some sketches of the gardens as well. Mr. Francis Butterfield designed the gardens just last year and published his sketches in a pattern book. They have a very picturesque feel and I look forward to exploring them myself. Perhaps you and I can take one of those invigorating walks you like so much, Edwina.”

Would wonders never cease? “Of course,” Edwina replied, blinking. “That would be lovely.”

“Mr. Devane,” Winnows announced.

Prescott strolled into the drawing room and Edwina’s heart fluttered in her chest and her cheeks warmed, as did the rest of her body as if lit to flame. She had to contain herself from rushing forward to greet him and instead dipped slightly with a nod in greeting.

He looked notably handsome today in a bishop’s blue morning coat with bright brass buttons leading down to his slim waist where the fronts sloped off, showing tight white breeches tucked into glossy Hessians.

Edwina was relieved to see that his handsome face was smooth and carefree; gone was the dark cloud that had permeated his mien yesterday.

“Hello, ladies,” he drawled in that deep rumble that Edwina felt low in her belly.

Ginny and Janelle nodded in welcome.

Edwina smoothed her lemon yellow skirts, hoping that she hadn’t wrinkled the delicate muslin. Then she looked up and caught the amused glint in his emerald
gaze. Her belly flipped, but she managed to raise a brow.

“You look lovely, Edwina. That color becomes you.”

Perhaps Prescott wanted things to be all well and good between them also. He certainly seemed more genial toward her than when they’d parted.

“Enough about Edwina’s new gowns.” Janelle waved the card. “I have the most wonderful news! We’ve secured the final invitations to the Kendrick manor. Now we’re all going!”

“That is auspicious news, indeed.” Striding toward them, Prescott reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sheaf of foolscap. “And I’ve managed to procure the guest list.”

Edwina clapped her hands. “How wonderful!”

Handing Prescott the invitation, Janelle moved to stand beside him. “The architectural plans are in the library, awaiting your review. Lucy should have the pattern book with the garden sketches later today.”

“Excellent work.” Prescott nodded. “I think you might have the makings of a Bow Street Runner, yet.”

Tilting her head, Janelle practically preened. “Oh, it was nothing, really.”

Ginny stepped forward, wringing her hands. “Is there anything else we can do to prepare? I feel like everything is such a rush, how can we have everything we need?”

“Don’t fret for Edwina, Ginny,” Prescott soothed. “Against the four of us, the blackmailer doesn’t stand a chance.”

Janelle shot the two women a warning glance not to
correct him, then moved toward the door. “I will call for tea and we can review the guest list.”

Prescott handed her the foolscap. “You and Ginny go ahead. Edwina and I have an appointment.”

Edwina straightened. “Really? With whom?”

With his emerald eyes twinkling, he offered her his arm. “It’s a surprise.”