A Lesson in Pride (32 page)

“Come by for tea tomorrow if you can,” she said, then bent down to kiss him lightly before turning to enter the house. Grant stood there until he heard the lock in the door.

As he made his way back to his home, he had time to consider his decisions. With his brother's death, he could marry any person he chose. He could have Alysanne now, but still he held back. He was mature enough to admit that part of him wanted to punish his father for his autocracy. The old man thought to force him to marry for money, just so he would never have to support him again. It was time Bedford learned that you reaped what you sowed.

He was also too much of a gentleman to end his engagement simply because his circumstances had changed dramatically. He could only imagine how Miss Horton would feel to be tossed aside at the last minute because he was no longer in need of her money. Aside from the humiliation, it would destroy her or her family's chances of ever being accepted into polite society.

On the other hand, there was Alysanne. He had wanted her since the previous year. Her earnest and inflaming lovemaking this night only bolstered his resolve that she was the only girl who would ever make him happy. There had been so many lovers over the years, but none like Alysanne. Even with Persephone's innocence, their bed play would never amount to what he'd had with Alysanne.

He entered his home, his stomach roiling over the decision he'd made. There was no going back now. All he could do was focus on his new future and hope for the best.

“Grant, is that you?” a voice called from his parlor.

“Yes, Robert. What has you up so late?” Grant asked as he entered the parlor and immediately poured himself a drink. He saw that Robert already had a glass filled halfway with some amber liquid.

“I was studying some texts that Mr. Horton had given me.”

Nodding, Grant took a sip of his whiskey and took a seat.

“I saw you leave with a young lady. Do you usually entertain women in your apartments?”

Grant stiffened. Did Robert know it was his sister? They spoke so little and her head was covered. It was entirely possible that he had no idea.

“No,” he answered. “As a matter of fact, you will not witness that again. I am soon to be married and would not entertain a lady in my own home.”

“I guess you will be moving soon, with what happened to your brother.”

“Yes, but I own the lease on this place until the end of the year. You are welcome to stay here until then. You would have to provide your own servant, but I would not charge you any rent.”

“That is very kind of you.” Robert's eyes glazed over as silence descended over the room. They both had much to consider.

Grant finally asked, “How is the position? Are you fitting in well?”

Robert came back to himself. “Yes. I find I like it very much. I have already learned so much. Mr. Horton says that I remind him of when he started out.”

Grant smiled and nodded. Malcolm knew about the boy's past and how little confidence he had because of it. That was one more point in Horton's favor. His struggles over the years had made him more of a gentleman than most people Grant knew.

“I am happy for you, Robert. It might not be the life that your father had always envisioned, but it is honest and decent. You have much to be thankful for.”

“I had wanted to see Alysanne and thank her in person, but I work such long hours. Maybe I will stop by her home on Sunday. Would you care to join me?”

Grant finished his drink and stood. “Perhaps. I must retire. Good night, Robert.”

“Good night, Grant.”

Chapter 39

“I cannot believe you purchased that hat, Hope,” Charlotte said with a twinkle in her eye. “It is positively atrocious.”

“Oh, it is not bad at all, Charlotte,” Hope replied. “It is all the rage in Paris.”

“This is not Paris,” came the retort as the two sisters teased one another.

“At least I did not choose that dreadful dark-purple fabric for a ball gown. You will look like a giant aubergine.”

Gasping, Charlotte covered her mouth with hand to stifle a giggle. “I beg your pardon, but that color brings out my eyes.”

“That silly dressmaker would tell you anything to be able to unload that awful fabric.”

Ginny sat in the carriage only half-listening to her stepdaughters. They continued to rib each other playfully, allowing Ginny time to think about what was happening in her own world. The previous evening still played heavily on her mind. Her skin was still sensitive to any touch. Grant was the one, but she was still forced to wait.

“Ally, are you listening?” Hope asked, waving a hand in front of her face.

“Yes, I'm sorry. What did you say?”

“Are we expecting anyone to tea today?”

Ginny shook her head to clear it. “Grant might stop by, I think. Other than that, I don't think so.”

“Mr. Pierce will be by as well. Now if we can only find someone for Hope.”

“No, thank you. I should be very surprised if I found someone acceptable this Season.”

The two girls began their discourse again and Ginny zoned them out. She should worry more about Hope, but she couldn't at the moment. Her own problems loomed too large.

Upon returning home, Ginny found Mr. Frommer waiting to take their coats. He indicated that he needed to speak to her alone. Both girls went on their way up to their rooms and Ginny stayed behind.

“What is it, Mr. Frommer?” she asked as the girls disappeared up the stairs.

“Mrs. Horton is here to see you, my lady. She insisted on waiting for your return. She appears quite upset.”

“Where is she?” Ginny asked, suddenly worried that something bad had happened to Persephone.

“In the small parlor, my lady. I ordered a tea tray, but I doubt she has partaken.”

“Thank you, Mr. Frommer,” Ginny said over her shoulder as she made her way to the back of the house.

Her pretty, little sitting room was doused in light. Mrs. Horton stood by the back window, staring at the gardens. She was stiff as a board.

“Georgina, are you all right?” Ginny entered the room and walked immediately to the older lady's side.

“Oh, my lady, thank you so much for seeing me.”

“You don't have to thank me. What is it?”

“I believe the engagement is off, my lady.” Without any more details, Mrs. Horton broke down and began to cry. Ginny led her to the nearest chair and sat her down. Then she closed the door to the parlor and grabbed a napkin off the tea tray for the woman.

Ginny pulled another chair closer and held Georgina's hands. After a few minutes, she was able to control herself, take the napkin, and wipe her eyes.

“Tell me what has happened,” Ginny stated.

“Persephone has run off with another man. She claimed to be ill yesterday and missed our dinner. She must have left shortly after Malcolm and I did. We had no idea until her maid came to us after noon today and handed us a note.”

“Who is the other man?” Ginny asked, not nearly as confused as she should have been. She saw it coming and even welcomed it.

“He is a clerk in Malcolm's office. When Persephone and I would visit, she would often speak to him. I had no idea they had formed a
tendre
for each other.”

“I want to ask you a question, but I don't want you to take it wrong.” Why Ginny was about to rub salt in the poor woman's wounds, she didn't know. What she wanted was make the other woman not hate her own daughter. “Is this such a tragedy?”

At first, Georgina pulled back in surprise. But after a moment, she leaned closer, searching Ginny's face with sad eyes, and responded, “No.”

“Persephone came to me the other day. She told me about Grant's brother and that he was now the heir. She was terrified of becoming a duchess. Not to mention, she hated the idea of marrying someone who only wanted her for her money.”

Using the napkin again, Georgina dabbed her eyes. “I want her to be happy. The clerk she ran off with is one of Malcolm's favorites. He is always gushing about how smart the young man is and how ambitious.”

“And that is how you should play this, Georgina. Despite the poor way of going about it, Persephone and this young man haven't changed. He will still be ambitious and smart. And your daughter will be happy.”

“I do hope so, my lady. I hope we did not drive her into this other man's arms because of our insisting she marry into the gentry. I did like Lord Grant, but I harbored some doubts as to the appropriateness of the match.”

“How angry is Malcolm?”

“Oh, my. He insisted on rushing after her, but I convinced him otherwise. He had little chance of catching up to them. The damage was done regardless. Lord Grant would never have consented to the marriage now.”

Ginny knew otherwise, figuring that Grant would still have married the girl. He was so hell-bent on his newfound honor that he would have taken Persephone even if she showed signs of insanity. All that no longer mattered. What mattered was what he would do now that he was no longer engaged.

“Have you told Lord Grant yet?”

“No. My husband will contact him today. I can only surmise that his father will be very pleased.”

“Yes, he probably will. I just hope that you and Malcolm can be happy with her choice.”

Georgina heaved a sigh. “If Persephone is happy, then so shall we be. I will simply have to remind Malcolm of how much he loves his daughter and how much he respected Henry.”

Ginny smiled and nodded. Yes, it seemed as though everything was falling into place. Grant was now free to marry whomever he wished. Her father would no longer be an issue. At least one stepdaughter was going to marry happily. She just had to wait for Grant to catch up.

********

Grant stared at his future father-in-law, his drink halfway to his mouth. Malcolm Horton had shown up at his doorstep insisting on a meeting. Grant assumed the man wanted to discuss the wedding or the contract, but instead he imparted the most surprising news. His fiancée had run off with a lowly clerk and was on her way to Gretna Green to marry him.

“Persephone ran off with a clerk?” he asked stupidly, knowing full well what the man had said. His brain needed to hear it again to make it register.

“I am terribly sorry, my lord. I cannot think what had gotten into her.”

“Could they be in love?” Grant asked, knowing that he loved Alysanne and had been about to let it all go.

“Perhaps,” Malcolm responded, shaking his head, then taking a large gulp of his whiskey.

“You are in love with Mrs. Horton, I think.”

“I am,” the older man said wondering where Grant was going.

“You would want that kind of happiness for your daughter.”

“What I wanted for her was to be accepted into society despite her unfortunate parents.”

Grant rose from his seat and grabbed the decanter from the sidebar. “Unfortunate? Please, Malcolm, I know of no one I respect more. My father is a duke, but he has not one ounce the respectability you have.”

Malcolm's response was a snort.

“No, really. My father stands on high over his own little kingdom, caring little for everyone around him, including his own sons. He is never generous and usually despicable. You, on the other hand, would give your shirt to a beggar on the street. You give away much of your money to aid your charities. You treat those who work for you with respect and kindness. I should rather know you than my own kin.”

Sad eyes met Grant's. “I thank you for the compliments, but it hardly signifies. My daughter has knowingly broken our contract and I should compensate you accordingly.”

There was a time when Grant would have required it, but his life was different now. No, he would not accept any financial compensation from a man whose daughter mostly likely followed her heart.

“Malcolm, I will not accept any payment from you. As you know, my circumstances have changed and I have no need for your money. My reputation will not be hurt by this incident, and since I have no care for what the ton thinks, it matters little.”

“I am not certain that I could be so generous in your place. I would think this would be rather humiliating.”

Grant laughed. “Being rejected by a young girl for a working man? I imagine most will give me some ribbing over it. Nothing I care much about.”

Malcolm stood and held out his hand. “I thank you for your understanding. I appreciate your kindness toward my family.”

Grant took his hand and stated, “A kindness I hope to continue. I shall be using your knowledge to help strengthen my holdings.”

Returning the smile, Malcolm nodded. “Of course. And may I say that you should marry Lady Essex as soon as possible.”

“What?” Grant was alarmed by the man's ability to see his feelings so clearly. He might have been prepared to sacrifice himself for his honor, but he had hoped no one else knew it.

“Oh, come now, my lord. It has always been obvious that there was something between you two. I may have respected you for honoring your commitment to my daughter, but I knew you were giving up something very precious.”