The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride (26 page)

She’d fallen in love with the arrogant, annoying American. The man who was totally
and completely wrong for her. Because falling in love with a man who was all wrong
would be every bit as heartbreaking as falling in love with one who was supposed to
be entirely right.

And even worse, he knew she loved him. Bloody hell. What was she going to do now?
The man would surely break her heart.

But only if she let him.

It wasn’t at all difficult to avoid Sam for the rest of the day. Delilah had people
still in bed to attend to after all. Not that there was much attending necessary given
Lady Fairborough’s generous loan of servants.

Sam and Mr. Moore were occupied with the damage to the motorwagon and had practically
barricaded themselves at the carriage house. William did mention that Sam had conferred
with Grayson who had then insisted he was feeling too good to remain abed. He too
was now at the carriage house. William had also mentioned all three gentlemen wished
to take their meals there for the foreseeable future.

Camille insisted she was bored and tired of being by herself so she commandeered a
large, comfortable, overstuffed chair in Teddy’s room and the three women spent much
of the evening going over plans for the approaching wedding.

Delilah had paid scant attention to the mundane details of her own wedding, leaving
it in her mother’s capable hands. And while the details of Camille’s might well be
fascinating any other time, at the moment Delilah had entirely too much on her mind
to pay any attention at all. Fortunately, between Camille and Teddy, Delilah couldn’t
have wedged a word of her own in even if she’d wanted to. Still, she did smile and
nod when it seemed appropriate or in those rare moments when her sister or her friend
looked at her for agreement.

“Although the chapel really is rather small,” Teddy said thoughtfully. “I was wondering
if perhaps . . .”

It was to be an elegant affair, admittedly a bit grander than Grayson had preferred
and not as extravagant as Camille had wished. Still, it was to be quite festive with
an evening ceremony followed by dinner and a wedding ball.

It did seem to Delilah that there was very little left to discuss although Camille
and Teddy did go on and on about any number of things completely out of their control.
The interesting thing about a grand wedding was that once everything was selected
and arranged for, one could do nothing more until the event was very nearly at hand.
That was when disaster would strike or all would be well. Either the flowers that
had been ordered arrived as expected—which wouldn’t be until the day before the wedding
itself—or they did not. Either the pastry chef, whose arrival was expected in the
next few days, would prove worthy of his reputation and expense and create an unforgettable
wedding cake as well as confections for the wedding dinner or he would not. Either
the pale blue Worth gown Camille had ordered from Paris months ago, now in the hands
of an expert London seamstress approved by Mr. Worth himself, would either be absolutely
perfect or it would not.

“Why the flowers alone will be enough . . .”

As important as all this was to Camille, Delilah simply could not get her mind off
the question of what to do about Sam. There was no getting away from the truth of
the matter: Delilah had fallen in love with the man and he knew it. If she hadn’t
been terrified that he was dead, she would have kept her mouth shut and that would
have been that. She probably never would have acknowledged her own feelings and he
never would have known. It struck her that there was some flaw in her reasoning that
she couldn’t quite put her finger on but at the moment it scarcely mattered. All that
mattered now was what was she going to do about it? Her choices seemed relatively
slim. Indeed, only two came to mind.

She could certainly accept how she felt, acknowledge her feelings to Sam, and hope
they were mutual. And what then? He had never mentioned marriage and even if he had,
marriage between them would be impossible. They were such completely different people
and they wanted completely different things in life. Oh, certainly, she liked him
and yes, she did enjoy his company but beyond that they had little in common. Why,
they probably wouldn’t even be able to agree where they might live. She had no desire
to live in America and she certainly couldn’t imagine he would be willing to live
in England. He was so very American after all. And that was one of their minor differences.
What if they did marry? Could they truly spend the rest of their lives together?

“I think that’s an excellent idea. Beyond that, we could certainly . . .”

Oh, they might well be quite blissful in the beginning but sooner or later the differences
between them would prove their undoing. Each would grow to resent whatever compromises
they had originally agreed to. Everything good they shared would wither and die. Bitterness
would surely replace love. Hearts would break eventually. Hers or his or both.

The second choice was the most obvious and made the most sense, all things considered.
Certainly, there would be some pain involved but better now rather than when there
was nothing left of her heart at all. It was a small enough price to pay to avoid
sure and certain heartbreak. There was no choice really. It was best for both of them.

Delilah had to do exactly what she had attempted when he first arrived at Millworth.
She had to get rid of the man once and for all. She ignored the odd way her heart
twisted in her chest at the thought.

But this time she would be successful.

This time she would have help.

Twelve days before the wedding . . .

“You were remarkably quiet last night,” Camille said in an entirely too casual manner
and tore off a piece of lightly buttered toast.

“It’s really not at all like you.” Teddy sat across the table from Camille.

“I’m glad to see the two of you are back to your usual selves.” Delilah moved to the
sideboard and perused Mrs. Dooley’s breakfast offerings. Nothing looked particularly
inviting today. Still, she heaped her plate with eggs and sausages and a bit of everything
available. “I must say, I’m surprised to see the two of you at this hour.”

“It is rather late,” Teddy admitted.

“It’s nearly eleven and you are usually an early riser.” It was later than usual for
Delilah as well but then she’d had no sleep to speak of. And no idea if doing the
practical thing, the intelligent thing, was doing the right thing.

“Or are you surprised because we managed to bravely rise from our sickbeds even though
we are still exceptionally weak?” Camille popped the toast in her mouth. “And exceptionally
hungry.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Delilah took her place at the table and at once realized what
was different. “Good Lord, it’s all back to normal today, isn’t it?”

“Why yes, I believe it is.” Camille smiled. “The servants are back at their usual
stations, performing their usual duties. Clement said Lady Fairborough’s servants
left the first thing this morning. And Grayson is with Sam at the carriage house.
Apparently there’s a problem with the motorwagon. There was an accident yesterday.”

Delilah sipped her coffee.

“Oh, I’m sure Sam and Mr. Moore will put it right.” Confidence rang in Teddy’s voice.

“I don’t know.” Camille shook her head. “Grayson didn’t sound optimistic. The vehicle
sustained a lot of damage.”

Teddy’s brows pulled together. “How bad is it?” “Bad enough that their plans have
been set back. And it appears Sam will have to extend his stay in England.” She slanted
a quick glance at her sister. “Fortunately, Grayson and I weren’t planning on a wedding
trip until spring. I suspect he would feel inclined to cancel a more immediate trip
at this point. Although I can’t imagine he’d be of much help. As far as I know he’s
not the mechanical sort.” She paused. “Although it’s entirely possible he knows much
more about such things than I’m aware of.”

“When did you talk to Grayson?” Delilah asked.

“Last night.” Camille smiled innocently. “He too is feeling much better. He popped
in to see how I was getting on.”

“Good,” Delilah said with a half-hearted smile, ignoring the thought of exactly what
popping in
might entail.

Camille studied her sister casually. “Grayson said Sam hit his head in the accident.”

“He’s fine,” Delilah said shortly.

“That’s right,” Camille said slowly. “He said you were there.”

Delilah nodded.

“Grayson said Sam was thrown out of the vehicle.”

“Good Lord.” Teddy’s eyes widened. “That must have been dreadful.”

The horror that had twisted Delilah’s heart at the sight of Sam flying through the
air again stabbed her. She ignored it. “He’s fine.”

Teddy and Camille traded glances.

“Yes, you said that.” Camille stared at her.

Delilah shrugged.

“I understand you and Sam are getting along much better,” Teddy said in an offhand
manner.

Delilah nodded and pushed the food around on her plate. She really wasn’t hungry.

“Camille told me you and Sam have become friends,” Teddy began. “She says you’ve been
spending a great deal of time together.”

“The rest of you were indisposed.”

“I also mentioned that you like him,” Camille said.

“Of course I like him.” Delilah forced a light note to her voice. “There’s really
no reason not to like him. He’s a very nice man. Intelligent, amusing, well read—”

“Charming, dashing,” Teddy added.

“And quite handsome.” Camille grinned. “I find his dark eyes coupled with his blond
hair to be nothing short of delicious.”

“Why, I certainly wouldn’t have minded being the one forced to spend a great deal
of time with him.” Teddy smirked.

“It wasn’t by choice,” Delilah said in a sharper tone than she had intended.

Camille’s eyes narrowed. “What is wrong with you? Yesterday afternoon you were positively
lighthearted. But last night you scarcely said two words.”

“You were preoccupied and obviously concerned about something. And today . . .” Teddy
pinned her with a firm look. “You’re not eating. That’s not like you.” She glanced
at Camille. “The one sure way to know when something is bothering Dee is to watch
whether or not she eats.” She nodded at Delilah’s plate. “You haven’t taken a bite.”

Delilah could deny it but it was pointless. Besides, she needed their help. Unfortunately,
the price for their assistance would no doubt be complete honesty. She set down her
fork and sighed. “You’re right.”

“It has something to do with Sam, doesn’t it?” Camille said.

Delilah’s gaze shifted between her friend and her sister. “I need to talk to you both.
I have a, oh, a problem and I need your help.”

“What kind of problem?” Camille asked

“What kind of help?” Caution edged Teddy’s voice.

Delilah huffed. “Does it matter?”

“No. Of course not,” Camille said. “It doesn’t matter in the least. However, if this
help was of an illegal or immoral nature I would have to think twice.” She smiled
slowly. “But I would still help you.”

Teddy nodded. “As would I.”

“Still, I would prefer not to be arrested or jailed before the wedding.” Camille wrinkled
her nose. “That would be most awkward so I do hope it’s not terribly illegal. However,
I have no qualms whatsoever about immoral. Although Beryl is much better at that sort
of thing.”

“It’s neither illegal nor immoral.” Delilah pushed her plate away and drew a deep
breath. “And I have a plan . . . of sorts.”

“A plan of sorts? Oh dear.” Teddy grimaced. “Your plans are even worse when they’re
not well thought out.”

“Nonetheless, it is a plan. Or at least the beginning of a plan,” Delilah said. “Life
is always so much better when one has a plan.”

“I’ve always been fond of plans myself.” Camille smiled. “Are you going to tell us
or are we going to have to guess? I have a very fertile imagination and there are
any number of things that would come to mind if I had to guess.”

“Of course I’m going to tell you. But not here where we could be overheard by anyone
coming in for breakfast.” Delilah stood. “I’d much prefer to have this discussion
in Mother’s parlor.”

Camille’s eyes widened. “This is serious, then.”

Delilah nodded. “Quite serious.”

Teddy looked from sister to sister. “I don’t understand.”

“Whenever we had discussions of a serious nature, Mother would always call us into
the small ladies’ parlor,” Camille said. “It’s much more conducive to revelation and
confession and has been the site of all manner of unexpected disclosures in the past.
At least among the female members of the household.”

“Serious matters involving Father or Uncle Basil are usually conducted here in the
dining room,” Delilah added.

“Mother told us Father was dead in the ladies’ parlor,” Camille said.

“And we learned he was alive in the dining room.” Delilah shrugged.

“I see.” Teddy nodded.

“I beg your pardon, Lady Lydingham, Lady Hargate, Lady Theodosia,” Clement said, stepping
into the room. He looked fully recovered but he did appear older to Delilah’s eyes
than he had only a few days ago. Millworth Manor would not be the same when the dear
man finally decided to pass the mantle of authority to a new butler. “Lady Lydingham,
Mrs. Gilbert and her assistant have arrived with your gown.”

“Oh, how wonderful.” Camille jumped to her feet. “Would you see them to the upstairs
sitting room please and tell them I’ll be there in a moment.”

“As you wish, my lady.” Clement nodded and took his leave.

Teddy started toward the door. “I can scarcely wait to see—” She stopped and looked
at Delilah. “Oh, but you—”

“The gown can wait,” Camille said with a nod. “Delilah’s problem is much more pressing.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Delilah waved off the comment. “Besides, I am just as eager for
you to try on your gown as you are. Teddy and I have only seen a drawing of it after
all.”

“If you’re certain.” Doubt battled with eagerness in Camille’s eyes.

“Of course I am.” Delilah was in no great hurry to reveal everything she had kept
secret up to now. She hooked her arm through her sister’s elbow and started for the
door. “Disclosure of my plan can wait a few hours.”

“Well, if you insist.” Camille practically dragged her to the door.

A scant half an hour later, Camille stood in the sitting room all three sisters had
shared in their youth. A tall mirror had been brought in from a dressing room and
reflected Camille in the gown she would wear when she promised to share Grayson’s
life forever. The seamstress and her assistant stood off to one side beaming. Teddy
and Delilah perched on a settee and stared. The gown fit like a kid glove and the
overall effect was one of perfection itself.

Mr. Worth had outdone himself. The gown was magnificent, trimmed with ecru-colored
lace and edged with tiny pearls. Peach-colored satin rosettes, as perfectly crafted
as if they were real roses, were gathered on either side of the waist and trailed
down the back of the gown. As a widow, Camille would never wear white but the blue
silk was perfect for her. The color was a pale version of the blue of Camille’s eyes.
A small diamond brooch that Mother had worn when she had married Father was pinned
to the center of the bodice. With the fair color of Camille’s hair and the deep blue
of her eyes, her sister was every bit as magnificent as the gown.

“Well?” Camille studied herself in the mirror. “What do you think?”

“It’s quite simply stunning.” Teddy stared. “It’s perfect, Camille. Absolutely perfect.”

“Delilah?” Camille pulled her gaze from the mirror and glanced at her sister. “Will
it do, do you think?”

For a moment, Delilah was again a young girl staring at a beautiful older sister in
a glorious ball gown who, on those rare occasions, didn’t mind the presence of a younger
sister. Then, she never would have cared what Delilah thought. Now, well, now was
different.

A lump lodged in Delilah’s throat and she swallowed hard. “You look like a princess
in a fairy tale.”

“I do, don’t I?” Camille laughed with delight and her gaze met her sister’s. “Thank
you.”

Delilah cleared her throat. “Thank you for . . . for letting me be part of this.”

“You’re my only younger sister and you should be part of my life. That you haven’t
been in the past is nearly unforgivable. This is long overdue and I am so sorry.”

Delilah nodded and choked back what felt suspiciously like a tear.

“Goodness, I’ve never seen the two of you being at all sentimental,” Teddy said in
a teasing manner, then sobered. “I need to apologize as well.”

Camille’s brow rose. “Oh? Do you too have a younger sister you treated abominably
in the past?”

“No, I don’t have sisters, but . . .” Teddy blew a long breath. “Dee has been my dearest
friend for much of my life. I must confess I have always resented the way you treated
her.”

“You have been a good, true friend to her.” Camille studied the younger woman. “She
was lucky to have you.”

“And I was lucky to have her,” Teddy said. “And, while I admit I was skeptical when
she told me you and Beryl and she had agreed to be better sisters to one another,
this time spent with both of you has shown me that I was wrong to doubt you.”

“Thank you, Teddy.” Camille paused. “So are we friends as well now?”

“I’d like that.” Teddy smiled.

“Apparently, there’s nothing like an exquisite, expensive Paris gown to bring sisters
and friends together,” Delilah said wryly.

Camille and Teddy stared at her for a moment then all three burst into laughter.

Mrs. Gilbert cleared her throat. “I beg your pardon, my lady, but we do need to make
certain of a few more things and then we must take our leave if we are to return to
London today.”

“Yes, of course, my apologies. Besides . . .” Camille met her sister’s gaze directly.
“We have matters of a serious nature to attend to as well. Delilah, why don’t you
arrange for tea to be served in the parlor and Teddy and I will join you as soon as
we’re finished here.”

“Excellent idea. I’m famished.” It was amazing what having a plan, even one somewhat
less than solid, could do for one’s appetite. She took a step toward the door then
paused. “Camille, you are positively glowing in that gown.”

“That’s what marrying the man you love does for you, dear.” Camille grinned. “But
an extravagantly expensive Paris gown helps a bit too.”

Delilah laughed, bid Mrs. Gilbert and her assistant good day, then headed toward the
stairs. It wasn’t nearly late enough for tea, but biscuits and some of Mrs. Dooley’s
dainty sandwiches and perhaps tarts if they were available would be lovely.

It was hard not to envy Camille her happiness. She was at long last marrying her true
love. For Camille love was the beginning of happily ever after.

Delilah heaved a heartfelt sigh. In her own case, love would surely destroy everything.

“Lady Hargate.” William hurried toward her and met her on the stairs. “Mrs. Dooley
needs some instruction as to dinner tonight.”

“Yes, of course.” Delilah started toward the kitchen. Camille had been managing the
house but apparently she was only recovered enough to be the bride. She winced. Now
that was rude. She really did have to try to be a better person. She’d always thought
she was quite a nice person until recent months.

Until her blasted adventure!