The Earl's Secret Bargain (3 page)

“Get ready to hand over your estate, Davenport,” a familiarly irritating voice called out at White’s the next day.

It wasn’t a question of if Toby had to look.
The question was how could he appear appropriately bored. With a long sigh, he lowered his cards and glanced over his shoulder, making a big show of trying not to yawn.

Not to be discouraged, Pennella strutted up to him like a proud peac
ock. Then he sat next to Toby. “It’s a shame you didn’t pick a lady who would be more challenging. In only one dance, I secured an afternoon with her at the museum. We’ll go there in two days.”

“That long?” Toby glanced at Orlando who hid his
grin behind his cards.

Pennella’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean ‘that long’? Considering I only met her last evening
, I wouldn’t say that’s a long time.”

“I meant I’m surprised it took you that long to get her to see you again. She agreed to go to Hyde Park with me tomorrow.”

His boast was rewarded with a round of laughter from the other gentlemen in the room. He would have taken delight in it had it not been for the scowl on Pennella’s face. It was a bold move to challenge him, especially in front of gentlemen. But he didn’t dare show any signs of weakness.

“Things just got a lot more interesting,” Lord Toplyn said, walking over to them. “The lady in question has agreed to let both of you call on her. I don’t know about anyone else,” he glanced at the others, “but I’d like to make a little wager on the wager. A hundred pounds says Davenport wins.”

“A foolish bet,” Lord Haynes snorted. “Pennella has more ladies vying for his affections than anyone in this room except for Edon.”

“I’ve changed my life since I got married,” Edon called out from where he sat with Mr. Robinson.

“Thereby allowing Pennella to replace you as London’s most notorious rake,” Toplyn countered, earning another round of chuckles.

“If you think a lady’s easily impressed by a rake,
” Edon began, “you have another thing coming.”

“Your wife regrets marry
ing you?” Toplyn asked.

“She was crying on their wedding day,” Mr. Robinson spoke up.

“Oh, go on and bet,” Orlando called out to them.

While the gentlemen gathered around them to make their bets, Pennella leaned toward him. “I wouldn’t get my hopes up. I’m the one wh
o suggested we meet in two days.”

Ignoring the gentlemen who gathered around a ledger to make their bets, Toby put his cards down and shot his friend a pointed gaze. “Just what was all that about?”

“What was ‘what’ about?” Orlando asked.

“You know very well what I’m talking about. Why did you encourage them,” he motioned to the gentlemen, “to make a bet?”

“They were going to do it anyway. Besides,” he shrugged, “it got their attention off of you and Pennella. That is what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

“Well, yes…”

“So I did you a favor. There’s no need to thank me.” He glanced at his pocket watch and stood up. “I should go. Remember that attractive brunette I danced with when you danced with Miss Giles?”

“The one who was flirting with every gentleman who came
near her?”

“Yes, that’s the one. I’m going to make it a point to see her again. She told me she’s going to be taking a nice stroll in the market today.”

“And she specified a time?”

“She might have mentioned being there around two.”

“I don’t understand why you’re so fascinated with her. She’d probably do that with any gentleman who shows her any interest.”

“Yes, and I’m dying to find out why.”

Toby watched as Orlando left the room. He debated whether or not he should stay there but then decided he’d rather not witness the group of gentlemen who were writing down their bids into the book. Whether most were choosing him or Pennella, he didn’t care. The only thing he cared about was making sure Miss Giles didn’t choose Pennella because if she did, Pennella would toss her aside like he discarded mistresses. Sure, he’d give her his name and ensure an heir with her, but he would never treat her as a lady. Toby already made the mistake of getting involved in this stupid wager. Whatever he had to do, he would make sure Miss Giles chose him instead of Pennella. Then he’d release her from any obligation to marry him. Only then would his conscience be clear.

***

“You’ll need to smile at anything he says, no matter how boring it may be,” Lady Seyton instructed as she paced back and forth in her drawing room.

“I understand,” Regina replied. That wasn’t shocking. Who’d want to keep talking to someone who yawned at whatever they said?

“Indeed,” her mother chimed in with an overenthusiastic nod. “The goal is to get him to marry you. Once you succeed in that, you can fall asleep while he talks.”

“Or
you can leave the room,” Lady Seyton offered a wicked smile. “Even while he’s still talking.”

Her mother laughed. “Oh, you are a sly one, my lady.”

“Once you’re married, you no longer have to concern yourself with making him feel as if he’s important,” she added. “Give him an heir and the rest is done. Then you are free to spend his money on beautiful gowns and jewels while you go to the ball or to the theatre or wherever else. Gentlemen do have their uses if they come with the right amount of money.”

“Agreed,” her mother said. “There’s no point in marrying if you can’t live a life of comfort.”

“And it’s even better if you rarely see him.”

Regina gave a hesitant smile while the two ladies laughed. What was the point in getting married if the goal was
to spend as much time apart from her husband as possible? It seemed like a lonely way to live. With a sigh, she picked up her cup of tea and drank it for no other reason than to have something to do besides feign merriment over this conversation.

“Securing a titled gentleman isn’t really that hard,” Lady Seyton continued. “All gentlemen want to be important. It’s in their blood. Even if he’s not a king of a country, he wants to be the king of his home. Make him think that you adore him
, and when you snap your fingers, he’ll come running to do your bidding. A simple compliment here and there can do wonders.”

“What if there’s nothing to compliment?” her mother asked.

“Oh, there’s always something.”

“What if he laughs like a hyena?”

“Tell him he has a marvelous sense of humor to find things he can laugh about. ‘It’s a gift, my lord, to find pleasure in the things around you.’”

This earned another round of giggles.

Regina forced a light chuckle. Her father wasn’t a titled gentleman, but he had accumulated significant wealth. No doubt it was his wealth that made her mother happy.

Though it was a shame, it wasn’t uncommon. Most gentlemen sought some gain from a marriage, as did most ladies. She couldn’t fau
lt them for it. And being the only child, Regina would give her future husband a sizable inheritance. It put her in an ideal position, really. She had her pick of titled gentlemen. Already two were showing an interest in her. She should be enjoying the whole process of picking the gentleman she fancied. But wasn’t it peculiar that in one evening two expressed an interest in her? She hadn’t gathered any real interest up to now.

Well, there was Lord Nestleton who asked to see her three times, but during that third visit
, it became apparent he preferred her mother. She had to hand it to her mother. She put a stop to the nonsense at once. At least, her mother was a faithful wife.

“You can do better than him,” her mother
said after she told Lord Nestleton to leave. “Titled gentlemen are everywhere. You miss one, another will come by.”

And now it seemed as if her mo
ther’s foresight had paid off.

“Regina,” her
mother said, breaking her from her thoughts.

She looked at her mother.

“Lady Seyton asked you to stand up,” her mother continued.

Regina rose
to her feet and faced the lady.

“Walk from that side of the room to the other,”
Lady Seyton instructed, pointing from the closed door to the window.

Her eyebrows furrowed. What did walking have to do with
getting a gentleman to propose? She thought to ask this, but the expectant look on her mother’s face stopped her. With a nod, she went to the door and traveled across the room. When she reached the window, she turned toward Lady Seyton who slightly frowned.

“Your walk isn’t bad,” she began as she tapped her finger on her lips. “But there’s room for improvement.”

“Which is true with anything,” her mother added. “No matter how much we polish our skills, we can always polish them up a little more.”

“Yes, that’s true.” She strode over to Regina and studied her. “You have wonderful posture. I can tell you’re trying hard to please your mother.”

At that, her mother’s face lit up in pleasure. The silent action startled Regina. She had no idea her mother cared if she tried to please her or not.

“Let’s try tilting your chin a little higher,” Lady Seyton said. “Not too high, you understand. You don’t want people to think you’re arrogant. Here.” She placed her finger under Regina’s chin and lifted it so slightly that Regina had trouble telling the difference. “Then let’s put your shoulders back like this.” She adjusted
her shoulders. “And then straighten your back a tad.” She pressed into the small of her back. “There. It doesn’t hurt to show off your best assets.” She winked.

It took Regina a moment to realize the lady was referring to her breasts which stood out more than before. Her face grew warm. Gentlemen didn’t really spend their time looking at a lady’s breasts, did they?

“Good.” Lady Seyton spun around so that her back was to her. “When you walk, give a slight swing to your hips. You don’t want to be obvious, of course. You want to give a hint. Make him think of more intimate matters.” She proceeded to stroll to the door, demonstrating the technique which Regina had to admit had a certain amount of grace to it. “Even if you don’t love him and he doesn’t love you, he’ll want to visit you in bed from time to time. If you can turn his mind in that direction, you’ll have an easier time securing the proposal.” She clapped her hands and gestured to her. “Now, you try it. Walk.”

Despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, she obeyed. The last thing she wanted either Lord Pennella or Lord Davenport thinking about when she saw them was having her in their bed. She glanced at her mother to see if she approved of this, but her mother seemed content as she sipped her tea.

“Much better,” Lady Seyton said when Regina reached her at the door. In a whisper, she added, “You have a good bosom. The gentlemen vying for your hand will like what they see.”

Her jaw dropped as Lady Seyton turned her attention to her mother. “Your daughter has an excellent chance of securing a
proposal within a month. She’s graceful, polite, quiet, and beautiful. I don’t think there’s anything else I can teach her.”

“Splendid.” Her mother put her cup down and stood from the settee. “What do I owe you?”

“Twenty pounds will suffice.”

As her mother took the money out of her reticule, Regina breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe now her mother would stop the lessons.

After her mother thanked Lady Seyton, she led Regina out of the house. “You’ve done very well, my dear,” her mother said, her smile wide. “I don’t believe in bragging, but I have one of the finest ladies in London for a daughter.”

“Really?” Regina’s steps slowed as she studied her mother, hardly believing her ears.

“Don’t look at me like that. While I don’t often say it, I’ve always been proud of you. From the moment you were born, I knew you were special.”

“I’m sure all mothers think that of their daughters.”

“They may think it, but I know it.”

Pleased, she smiled. “Thank you, Mother.”

“Don’t thank me until you’re married and living in a grand estate surrounded by exquisite gowns, jewelry, and servants.”

“There’s more to life than money.”

“But money certainly helps. Take it from someone who knows.”

Well, it didn’t matter if her mother couldn’t believe someone could be happy without a lot of money. The point was, she chose to give her several compliments that day. And that was something Regina never thought she’d do.

Toby stepped out of his carriage and took a good look at Miss Giles’ townhouse. He didn’t know why the thought of seeing her should make his heart leap in anticipation. Yes, she’d been utterly charming at the ball, but he wasn’t here to secure a marriage. Quite the opposite, he was going to prevent her from spending the rest of her life with an unsuitable gentleman.

And that included him. He was no better than the gentlemen she’d mentioned who wanted
to marry for money. But he wouldn’t marry her. He would set her free to marry someone who deserved her. Enjoying his time with her was merely his reward for doing the right thing.

He made his way up the steps to the front door and knocked on it. Glancing at the sky, he thought it’d be a good day for a walk. While there were a few clouds, t
here was no indication that it would rain. Even better, a cool breeze was perfect for the summer day.

The footman opened the door
.

Toby
smiled. “Good afternoon. I’m here to see Miss Giles.”

“She’s expecting you. Come this way.”

As he stepped into the entryway, he took note of the immaculate condition of the townhouse. Undoubtedly, her family had enough servants to meet their every need. He didn’t fare nearly as well. If she knew he could only afford a butler, she’d be appalled.

When the footman brought him to the drawing room, he had to stop himself from staring at the fine furnishings. All brand new. All the
current style. Even the drapes and rugs didn’t have years of wear and tear on them.

T
he butler brought in a tray full of tea and scones. The tray didn’t have a single scratch on it. Was it possible that everything in this place was brand new, or did this family take great care with their possessions?

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lord.”

Forcing his attention off the solid oak table the butler set the tray on, he saw Miss Giles curtsy. She was absolutely breathtaking. Despite what Orlando thought, there was nothing common about her. She had a captivating look, one that was the perfect blend of sweetness and seduction. He bet she had a passionate spark simmering beneath her polite exterior.

Shifting his thoughts back to appropriate matters, he bowed. “The pleasure is mine, I assure you.”

She gestured to the chair. “Please have a seat. My mother will be here shortly. Then we can go for a walk.”

“You have a lovely place,” he said as he obeyed and sat in a plush chair that hadn’t seen years of use. “I’m glad you agreed to walk with me.”

“Well, you were one of the few people I’ve ever met who didn’t take off running when I showed my cynical side.”

He chuckled at her joke. “It takes more than someone pointing out the truth to scare me away.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve come across other ladies who are as cynical as I am.”

Catching the teasing tone in her v
oice, he chuckled. “No, I won’t tell you that. But it is refreshing to find a lady who isn’t obsessed with finding a titled gentleman.”

“I think parents are more obsessed with it than most ladies are.”

“You’re telling me ladies don’t dream of being a countess or a duchess?”

“Sure. But not every single lady out there wants to be one. It’s a lot of responsibility. And who knows if she can guarantee her husband an heir?”

“Does that worry you?”

With a shrug, she adjusted her gloves. “If the gentleman has a daughter, no one blames him for it. They blame his wife for failing to give him an heir. If he gets a son, they congratulate him.”

“So your hesitation about marrying a titled gentleman has to do with the fear you might not have a son?”

“Wouldn’t that upset the gentleman I marry?”

“That depends on the gentleman. As you said, not every single lady desires a titled gentleman. Likewise, not all gentlemen require their wives to give them a son.”

“And what of you, Lord Davenport? Do you require a son?”

“No,” he softly said, “I don’t.”

She studied him for a moment then poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him. “I’ll take it for granted you’re telling me the truth. You seem to be the honest sort.”

He managed not to wince at her compliment. What would she think of him if she knew about the wager? Nothing positive, he was sure. Clearing his throat, he thanked her for the tea and sipped it as she added a spoonful of sugar to hers, leaning forward as she did so. It was highly improper, but his gaze lingered on the hint of cleavage her position allowed. When she straightened back up, he shifted in the chair to hide the evidence of his attraction to her. If he wasn’t careful, she’d know exactly what he’d been thinking. And he didn’t want that.

“Well,” she began before she sipped her tea, “since you’re brave enough to take a walk with me and my mother, it’s only fair I warn you that she’s likely to ask you all kinds of questions about who you know. She also follows the latest gossip and might try to wiggle some juicy tidbit from you. My suggestion is
to claim ignorance to everything.”

“I take it you don’t delight in gossip?”

“I don’t. I find it a horrible pastime. Why people can’t stick with matters that only concern them, I’ll never understand.”

If only she knew she had become the unwilling victim in a wager at White’s! Forcing aside the stab of guilt that pricked him, he drank more tea. “It’s certainly a pleasant day.”

“Yes, the air coming in through the window is refreshing. Sometimes I feel restless when I’m indoors.”

“Do you?”

“It’s not just because of my mother,” she said with a grin. “I like being outside and enjoying life.”

“Do you enjoy the theatre and circus?”

“No. When I said I like being outside, I meant outside of any building. My mother prefers to take a stroll through the market, but I actually prefer Hyde Park or out in the country. There’s nothing more peaceful.”

As he drank his tea, he came to the shocking conclusion that he liked her. Liked her immensely
, in fact. She was like a breath of fresh air. Not shy in the least when it came to stating her mind, something much needed in a society that prided itself on sticking with a formal politeness that came with constant backstabbing.

And though she didn’t let anyone close to her right away, he suspected that once she did, a gentleman would have a faithful companion for the rest of his life. He could trust that what she told him to his face was what she’d say about him behind his back. There was no deception with her. He finished the tea and tried
not to wince. If she knew about him, she’d throw him right out of her townhouse…and her life.

“Lord Davenport, I presume?” came a lady’s melodic voice.

Setting the tea down, he rose to his feet in time for Miss Giles to say, “My lord, you remember my mother, Mrs. Giles.”

He bowed. “It’s a pleasure.”

She curtsied and smiled. “Likewise, my lord. It’s my understanding that we are going to take a lovely stroll through the park.”

“Yes,” he replied, glancing
at Miss Giles who placed her cup on the tray and stood up. “Your daughter mentioned it.”

“If you wish, we could do something more to your liking,” Mrs. Giles offered.

“No. A stroll suits me just fine. The day is a beautiful one.” Almost as lovely as Miss Giles, but not quite. It was hard to match her particular beauty and grace.

Her mother’s smile widened. “Excellent.”

Taking that as his cue, he said, “My carriage is outside.”

He
followed the ladies outside, and while they walked down the steps, he couldn’t help but appreciate the nice curves Miss Giles possessed. She wasn’t a stick of a lady. No. She had a full bosom and hips. Charming wit and a wonderful figure. A gentleman couldn’t do better than this.

In that instant, he made his decision. He would go through with the wager and marry her, i
f she chose him over Pennella.

As they rode to the park,
he was grateful that of all the things he owned, he made sure to splurge for a good carriage. He hated to think of Miss Giles’ reaction when she realized his estate was in trouble. But hopefully—God willing—she wouldn’t mind it so much since he loved her. Maybe love could cover up a multitude of flaws.

After they arrived at the park, he was surprised when her mother started pointing out all the p
eople they passed, providing surprising details about them. It seemed the lady knew almost everything there was to know about anyone. She knew who had a title, how long their family had it, what their interests were, and a few stories she’d heard about them.

At one point, he wondered just how much she knew about him, and his gut tightened in apprehension. But then Miss Giles caught his attention and rolled her eyes, a silent “see what I mean abou
t my mother gossiping?” message. If her mother knew about him, it seemed that it didn’t bother either Miss Giles or her mother one bit. He relaxed

“Of course, I don’t know if it’s true that the Duke of Rumsey threatened Lord Edon with a sword,” Mrs. Giles continued rambling after they passed Lord and Lady Edon. “But I will say that Lord Edon cleaned up his act. He doesn’t engage in scandalous behaviors anymore. At least, I haven’t heard of any. Have you, Lord Davenport?”

Not expecting her to stop, Toby had to think over what she’d been talking about so he could properly answer her question. “No, I haven’t heard of Lord Edon engaging in scandalous activities ever since he got married.”

“I didn’t think so. His Grace must have put the fear of the devil into him,” she replied, her expression thoughtful. “Tell me, my lord,” she continued, “what is Lord Edon really like?”

“Mother,” Miss Giles spoke up, “I don’t see what good it does to speculate about Lord Edon. Let him be at peace.”

“Oh, you’re so serious about everything,” her mother said with a sigh. “All winter long I’m cooped up in the country with nothing to entertain me. I come to London to enjoy myself, and part of that is engaging with others.”

“Engaging with others is fine,” her daughter replied. “Being your own version of the
Tittletattle
is something else.”

Toby’s lips curled up as Miss Giles compared her mother to the scandal
sheets.

“I have to make it a point to know who these people are,” Mrs. Giles insisted, giving her daughter a pointed gaze. “You should only marry an appropriate gentleman.”

At that, Miss Giles’ face turned pink. “Then why not discuss only single gentlemen? Why talk about Lord Edon who is already taken?”

“
You’re right, dear,” her mother consented. But before Miss Giles had a chance to relax, her mother asked, “Who would you like to discuss?”

Toby noted the exasperation on Miss Giles’ face and almost laughed. But he managed to cover it up with a cough. Then, in hopes of making things easier for her, he said, “I hear Mr. Hastings is a fine opera singer. Word is he’s worth listening to at least once while in London. Have you had the pleasure of going to see him yet?”

“As a matter of fact, I have,” Mrs. Giles said, her face lighting up. “My daughter and I make it a point to experience everything worth doing when it comes to cultural endeavors.”

“So you know
what a rich voice he has?”

“I do.”

He didn’t. Paying the kind of money it would take to see someone as well-known and appreciated as Mr. Hastings was out of the question. But his plan had worked and Mrs. Giles was no longer making her daughter uncomfortable. In fact, after Mrs. Giles extolled the virtues of Mr. Hastings’ voice, she went on to talk about other fine singers she’d heard in the past. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought Miss Giles appreciated his efforts, if he judged her smile correctly. And he was glad he could make the afternoon enjoyable for her.