Gentle readers, “showing one’s cards” has a whole new meaning
since the Northumberland Lady Nemesis is in town.
She really is desperate.
One would almost feel pity if she wasn’t a murderess.
Respectfully yours,
The Midnight Cryer
The yellow salon, the most formal sitting room within Langham Hall, made the perfect venue to introduce Theodora to Will’s friends. He’d sent out invitations to the three men, and immediately, acceptances were sent in reply.
Out of the three Will considered two were his best friends. Mr. Devan Farris, the brother of the current Earl of Larkton, and Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson. He’d also invited Lord Frederick Honeycutt, a viscount in his own right, and a man of high moral standards, who would inherit an earldom one day.
Will had stayed in close contact with Devan throughout the years. As the fourth son of the previous Earl of Larkton, Devan didn’t have any choice but to join the church as he had no money for a commission in the military. As a vicar, he’d been assigned to various parishes throughout the countryside and special assignments from the church bishops. But his latest position had been in Northumberland, not a great distance from Aunt Stella’s estate.
The Marquess of Grayson had been Will’s friend since they were young boys. However, Will didn’t have the opportunity to see the marquess as often as he’d liked. Grayson’s time in London had been limited. He’d inherited an ancient and well-respected title, but one that had been poorly managed for the last fifty years under the previous marquess’s supervision. Unfortunately for Grayson, the coffers of the marquessate were practically empty. He needed to marry an heiress quickly to keep the estate viable and out of bankruptcy.
Will’s friendship with Honeycutt grew from their years at university. His friend’s loyalty was second to none.
If Thea chose any of those men as a suitable husband, she’d have a happy and contented life. He was sure of it.
Will fisted his hands as if preparing for a practice match at Gentleman Jackson. He admired his friends, but what Thea planned to do this afternoon still didn’t sit right with him. It was nothing more than if she were on display like a prime haunch of venison in the butcher shop’s window. All afternoon, he’d tried not to dwell on such thoughts, but it’d been impossible.
He wanted Thea safe and happy, particularly after she’d shared so much with him earlier this morning. It was becoming impossible to keep his distance from her. She didn’t see what a kind and generous person she was. All she saw were her failures. In direct contrast, all Will saw were her strengths. Her dedication to her grandfather was heartbreaking and loving.
Who was he fooling? The truth refused to be denied. He was deeply attracted to her, even as he knew that nothing could come of it. He exhaled his frustration. Even if she didn’t want him, he’d do his damnedest to ensure that only the best man would win the honor to be her husband.
As she stood between him and Grayson, Thea could only be described as resplendent in a shimmering spring-green silk gown with black satin ribbon around her waist, bodice, and hem. The gown’s skirt was slightly fuller and gave her the appearance of a regal queen holding court. Devan and Honeycutt stood facing them.
“Lady Eanruig, it’s my understanding your estate is right next to Lady Payne’s in Northumberland,” Lord Honeycutt said. “That means you and Lord William are next door neighbors.”
“Indeed,” Thea answered as her gaze locked with Honeycutt. “I expect our friendship will continue to grow closer. He’ll undoubtedly need my advice on farming and managing such a great estate. I plan to spend as much time as necessary to see him succeed.” She slapped Will’s arm with her silk fan. The crack of the mother of pearl frame across his arm was a little harder than necessary.
Though the men around them didn’t notice or understand the meaning, he did. Her outward poise indicated a calm demeanor, but he sensed her nervousness. In her hand, she clutched several folded papers which crumpled in protest against her tight grip.
Will tilted his lips in a feigned smile. Nevertheless, Thea’s flirting prowess continued to improve. Honeycutt kept glancing at her, and Thea kept grinning at him.
Honeycutt took a step closer to Thea and caught Will’s gaze. “Are you throwing your good fortune in our faces, Lord William? You only invited us to gloat.”
She lightly touched Honeycutt’s arm and smiled. “I’m not at all certain what you mean.”
“He has the pleasure of your company here at Langham Hall while you’re in London,” Devan said in a silky voice. “He invited us over to meet you, knowing full well we’d be envious of his unrestricted time with you.”
“Lord William would never be crass. He’s hosting this event as a favor for me.” The soft lilt in her voice caused Will to tighten his torso for a direct punch. “Lord William invited you all here today so I could see for myself who the finest men in London are. I think that’s always appropriate if a lady might be looking to marry. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Will’s stomach roiled in protest once again. The men laughed in answer, but Will felt the color drain from his face.
She smoothed the wrinkles from the papers she held in her fist, then efficiently distributed a copy of each to their guests. Her gaze darted from the lone page she’d held in her hand to Will.
For a moment nothing existed except the two of them, and she searched his eyes as if looking for an answer or approval. He smiled gently in encouragement. She returned his smile briefly, then nodded once.
“This might explain my situation better.” With a deep breath as if collecting all her courage, she turned her attention to the men. “I prepared a summary of my assets along with the privileges and positions that come with my title.” She glanced at the paper in her hand once. “You see here a complete listing of my lands, estate, and my dowry. With my title, there are certain appointments my husband would receive. After Scotland and England united, the king appointed the Earl of Eanruig the Assistant Constable of the Royal Horses. It’s a ceremonial position, but my husband would appear by the Prince Regent at every opening session of Parliament. He’ll be the local magistrate on my lands in southern Scotland. As a woman, I can’t be appointed to those, but my husband would. They’re very prestigious positions.”
As the words tumbled from her mouth, the shock of what she was doing hit Will with the full force of a battering ram. Instead of allowing the men to be charmed by her delightfulness and intelligence, Thea thought she needed to persuade them she was suitable for marriage by what she’d bring to their union.
“You can even call yourself Earl Eanruig like my ancestors did when their wives were the titleholder.” As the last words of her speech faded from the room, silence descended.
Devan’s eyes widened as he read the list. Usually, he’d be the first to say something if there was any sense of awkwardness. Instead, Will’s friend remained quiet.
Grayson stared at the paper, then slowly he raised his gaze to Will. The marquess cleared his throat as if to say something, then shook his head, clearly flabbergasted.
Thea released a pent-up breath, then folded her paper. “I’ll be more than happy to address any concerns you may have. Perhaps it’d be efficient for all of us if you share whatever questions you might have in front of each other. That way everyone will be on an even keel in a manner of speaking.”
“Hmm, yes. Good idea.” Honeycutt lifted a brow. “This is an impressive list. But there’s no mention of your stables? I’d be interested in the number of hunters and hounds you have available. For hunting parties, you understand.”
“Honeycutt,” Will growled.
“I don’t understand.” She tilted her head, the movement accentuating her long neck. The pulse at the base of her neck fluttered, betraying her unease.
“William, no offense meant.” He turned his attention to Thea. “My lady, normally, these things”—he waved a hand at the list—“are negotiated through solicitors. I’m afraid my glib comment was an inept attempt to hide my … surprise.” He bit his lips to keep from smiling.
Devan finally lifted his gaze from the sheet of paper he was holding. “This is unbelievable.”
Thea nodded curtly. “I forgot to include the trust my parents created for me.”
“Thea.” Will cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should discuss all this later after you have an opportunity to talk with my friends more.”
She trained her beautiful eyes on him. “Emma made mention that courting would be easier if women wore a card with their dowry pinned to the front of their gowns, meaning that women should be more forthcoming of their worth.” She clutched her paper to her chest. “I thought there was practicality in her idea, considering how quickly I need to find a husband. Yet, gentlemen, I’m sure we all agree that a woman is worth so much more than her dowry. But I want to make one thing clear, this is just a contingency plan if I’m forced to marry. But if any of you have another opinion.…” A deep crimson colored her cheeks when she noticed Honeycutt laughing softly.
“I’m envious. Contingency plan!” Honeycutt announced with a chortle. “No, a better description is that I’m green-eyed.” He turned his full attention to Will. “You’ve pulled one over on us, haven’t you, William? But I don’t understand the list explaining the wealth Lady Eanruig brings to you? Are you rubbing your good fortune in our faces?”
“That’s enough,” Will warned. He didn’t care for the smug look on the viscount’s face. “I’ll not tolerate anyone besmirching Thea.”
“Careful there, my friend. No insult intended. I’m referring to today’s lead article in The Midnight Cryer. It reported that at your parents’ soirée, you’ll be announcing your betrothal.”
Devan’s eyes popped wide. “Is that true?”
Grayson shook his head and smiled ruefully. “Why didn’t you tell us? Congratulations.”
Thea blinked twice as if trying to get her bearings. “That can’t be.”
Will’s own smile vanished. “What?”
“Felicitations on your happy news.” Devan smiled in relief, then clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. “Lady Eanruig is simply enchanting. Perhaps I’ll steal her away from you.”
Thea recovered more quickly than he did. “Perhaps I’ll jilt him for the right man.”
Will cringed at the word jilt.
Thea glanced in Will’s direction. The smile on her face didn’t reach her eyes. Normally, they flashed in brilliance when she was happy.
“Be careful what you wish for, my lady.” A charming grin tugged at Grayson’s lips. “I take that as a challenge.”
Will smiled blandly, but blood pounded in his veins.
“I quote the article’s headline, ‘A Match Made in Heaven.’” Honeycutt chuckled.
A storm was brewing in Thea’s unusual eyes as they’d darkened to an emerald green. “What else did it say?”
Things were going from bad to ruinous in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, her face paled considerably. Without a second thought, he took her hand, willing her to look at him. He inched his way closer to her side. She straightened her shoulders.
That damnable Midnight Cryer would not upset her again. Even if he had to personally tear apart the paper’s offices.
“Well … nothing of import,” Honeycutt stammered.
“My good man,” Devan crooned, clearly trying to change the subject. “Love has finally found you. The lovely Lady Eanruig has charmed you silly with her extraordinary cleverness. That’s why you called us over today.”
Thea’s gaze shot to Will’s, and the grin on her face turned wooden. “I wouldn’t call it a love match,” she murmured.
Before him, her magnificent eyes faded to a light green as if her confidence from earlier was slowly being extinguished. “Thea, shall we stroll around the room a bit?”
She either didn’t hear him or refused to acknowledge him. She dropped his hand, then turned to Devan. “Mr. Farris, it’s not what you think. Will invited you today so I could meet you and hopefully persuade one of you to marry me if I need a husband,” she stated calmly.
Will slowly blinked. This was the Thea from Northumberland. All of her earlier polish from her society lessons had evaporated into thin air. He had to stop her before everything exploded into chaos. “Thea—”
She waved him off. “You’ll find that my charm doesn’t lie in my wit or even my conversational skills or even the rumors that swirl around me. My appeal lies in my estate. All totaled, it’s worth well over one hundred thousand pounds. My grandfather, the previous Duke of Ferr-Colby, provided a sixty-thousand-pound trust and a twenty-five-thousand-pound dowry. I also inherited an additional fifty thousand from my parents.” The strength in her voice belied the hurt in her eyes. “I hoped it’d be enough to interest one of you in marriage.”
“Thea,” Will murmured. “Perhaps we should discuss such details later?”
“Why?” She turned to Will.
“Because it’s not a suitable subject for women to discuss,” Honeycutt said as he flushed a brilliant red like a hothouse rose.
“Women don’t discuss money?” She shook her head slowly as if coming out of a dream. “Of course, if I secure my title, I won’t need to marry … but I’d like to have a family.” She offered a tentative smile. “I can pay if any of you are interested.…” She let the words trail to nothing as another blast of heat colored her cheeks.
Will took a step between Honeycutt and Thea. “The idea that women don’t discuss finances is provincial thinking. My sister, the Countess of Somerton, discusses money every day at her bank. Why can’t women discuss it? It’s their future.”
How could he have thought the viscount suitable for Thea? Honeycutt would not insult her in Langham Hall or anywhere else as long as Will was by her side.
“Well … I—” Honeycutt stumbled with a response.
“He’s right, Will.” She turned to his three friends. “I apologize for my vulgarity to speak of money. You now see who is the crass one between Lord William and me.” Her pulse throbbed at the base of her neck. “Gentlemen, I’m in desperate need of some fresh air.” Without a glance his way, Thea gracefully walked to the French doors that led to Langham Park.
He closed his eyes. How could everything have gone awry so quickly? He wanted her safe and happy with a good man. Instead, with Honeycutt’s stupid retorts about her lists and The Midnight Cryer’s words, she’d been gutted—her humiliation plain across her face. Never in his life had he seen a woman hurt this way. The throbbing pain inside his chest threatened to knock him to his knees.
Before he could chase after her, Grayson had exited the same door as Thea.
“Sorry, old man.” Honeycutt bowed quickly, then left as if the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels.
Devan stood staring at him with disbelief plainly written on his face.
To make matters worse, Aunt Stella entered the room as Honeycutt reached the door. “Out of my way.” She scolded the viscount as she waved several editions of The Midnight Cryer in the air.
“What just happened?” Devan asked. “Is what she said the truth? Is that why we’re here?”
“I’m not really certain what happened.” Will could only answer his first question. The rest of his inquiries would have to wait as all clarity in his thoughts turned into a murky muddle.
“Is this some sort of a joke between you and Lady Eanruig?” Devan asked.
“No, you misunderstand. She wanted to meet you.” Will shook his head to object.
“What I understand is that she was mortified.” Devan glanced at the French doors while gently shaking his head. “You’re her friend. Go to her.” He turned back to Will. “She’ll need you.”
Will nodded. He had to find her, then deal with his friends later. If he could hold her hands and look into her eyes, perhaps they both could talk through what had happened.
“William, you need to see today’s Cryer.” Aunt Stella’s voice rang through the room as she came to stand by his side. Without another word, she handed him a copy.
The House of Langham’s perennial disappointment, who we affectionately call the Damp Squib of Love, Lord William Cavensham, has finally found romance. His notorious reputation for failure in the matrimonial market has finally come to an end with his own “match made in heaven.” Unfortunately, he’s betrothed to the Nemesis from Northumberland. One piece of advice for the spare heir—don’t fall asleep in Lady Eanruig’s presence. You might never waken.
“Where’s Thea?” The lines around Stella’s eyes tensed. “She needs to see this before anyone says something to her.”
He wanted to drive his fist through the wall. He should have never agreed to introduce his friends this way. “I’m afraid it’s a little too late for that, Stella.”