The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) (23 page)

“You do realize that Jack will inherit Millworth someday,” Dee said in an overly casual manner.

“I was aware of that, yes, but thank you for pointing it out.”

Dee grinned. “I do what I can.” She sobered. “You know, as a strictly practical matter, this is not a bad time to remove yourself from London.” Dee shook her head. “It’s not particularly safe at the moment and Lionel fears the unrest is not at an end.”

“Don’t be absurd. I feel completely safe.” Teddy waved off the comment although admittedly Dee had a point.

Teddy was well aware of the rioting last month in Trafalgar Square that had begun as a protest against the appalling state of unemployment. Hundreds had been arrested, scores injured, and there had been at least one death as a result of the clash between protestors and police. She and Jack had discussed it at length and they were in agreement that men who wanted to work should have that opportunity. Jack had a very firm view of that subject, which struck her as unusual for a banker. But then he was an American after all and Americans did seem to have a different way of looking at things.

“And you did agree that you could use a holiday.”

“Yes, I did, although deceiving your entire family morning, noon, and night was not exactly what I had in mind.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Dee scoffed. “There is nothing my family likes better than a good farce.”

“I don’t know . . .”

“Sam and Camille and Grayson will be back next week as well. We shall all have a grand time.”

“I don’t doubt that but . . .”

“Very well, then. Don’t come. Stay in London and manage other people’s parties. Alone, comforted only by the knowledge that your obligations to your late father are nearly at an end. I must say it doesn’t sound at all like Christmas to me.” Dee heaved an overly dramatic sigh. “Still, I should mention that your intended—”

“He is not—”

“And his father are expected to return to Millworth next week as well. It won’t look good if you aren’t with him.”

“Dee,” Teddy said in a warning tone.

“How long did you say Simon was going to be in London?” An innocent note sounded in Dee’s voice.

“I didn’t.” Teddy clenched her teeth. “But you have made your point.”

“And rather well, I thought.” Dee cast her a smug smile. “I knew you’d come.”

“Hmph.” Short of confessing all to her mother, did Teddy really have a choice? Now that their engagement had been made public, there would be a great deal of talk if she and Jack were not seen together. In fact, they should now start appearing as a couple in the evening as well. She shook her head. “I had no idea a pretend engagement would be even more effort than a real one.”

“But well worth it, don’t you think?”

“I suppose I would do nearly anything to avoid continuing conflict with my mother. And she will not rest until I’m married to Simon or someone else.” Teddy blew a long breath. “Hopefully, she will see reason when the specter of Father’s debts no longer hangs over our heads.”

“One can only hope.”

“I’m more than hoping, Dee, I’m counting on it.”

“I knew you’d see reason.” Dee cast her a smug smile.

“However, if I am going to spend the next few weeks at Millworth, I am going to allow you to do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

“And what is that?”

“I’m going to allow you to loan me some of your gowns. And to make you feel even better . . .” Teddy grinned. “I’m going to let you pay for the alterations.”

One week later, December 1887,
Millworth Manor . . .

 

 

 

Teddy sat on the upholstered bench in the corridor outside her usual room at Millworth and paged through her notebook, patiently waiting until the maid assigned to her needs finished unpacking her bag. Although patient wasn’t entirely accurate. It was all she could do to sit still. Patience had never been one of her virtues.

She and Jack and Colonel Channing had arrived at the manor an hour or so ago. Her mother would not be arriving until next week, which was something of a relief. It was one thing to carry on her charade of an engagement in front of Jack’s uncritical family and quite another under the sharp eyes of her mother. Camille, Grayson, and Sam were expected to dock today and should arrive at Millworth at any time.

As soon as she was able to get into her room she intended to spend a good hour alone going over the plans for Sir Malcolm Hodgett’s dinner the week before Christmas although dinner was not as appropriate a term as banquet. The older gentleman had invited no fewer than twenty-three of his closest friends to join him. Elderly, well-connected, unmarried gentlemen were proving to be some of her best clients and as her reputation grew, so did her commissions. Teddy knew full well they were employing her services as much to have a suitable hostess of sorts as anything else. She suspected this particular aspect of her business would not be as successful if she wasn’t pretty. Hopefully, by the time her looks had faded, her business would be solid and her appearance would no longer matter.

“Lady Theodosia?” The young housemaid appeared in the door carrying one of Dee’s gowns. “Everything is put away. I thought if you wished to wear this for dinner tonight, I would press it for you.”

“It’s a perfect choice, thank you,” Teddy said gratefully.

Teddy and her mother had shared a maid in recent years in an effort to trim expenses and Teddy hadn’t had the services of a lady’s maid at all since she’d been staying at Dee’s house.

“I thought it would go nicely with your hair, my lady.”

“Indeed it will.” But then Teddy and Dee had carefully selected those gowns that showed Teddy off to best advantage. Not that she wished to impress anyone. It was simply always a good idea to look one’s best. “It’s May, isn’t it?”

“Yes, my lady.” May nodded. “If there’s anything else you need, please send for me.”

“I will.” While there was certainly something to be said for fending for yourself, having a maid to help one get ready for an evening was a luxury Teddy missed. “Perhaps you could help me dress for dinner?”

“I’m very good with hair, my lady.” May lowered her voice in a confidential manner. “I do hope to be a lady’s maid one day, Lady Theodosia.”

“I’m certain you’ll succeed admirably.” Teddy nodded. “I shall see you later then, May.”

“Thank you, my lady.” May bobbed a curtsy, then hurried off down the hall. It struck Teddy that here was another woman determined to succeed in life. On her own.

She stepped into her room, closed the door, and breathed a sigh of relief. This particular room with its ivory drapes and coverlet, pastel Aubusson rug, and windows that looked out over the back garden had been hers from her first visit to Millworth as a girl and always made her feel as if she had come home. Silly of course. This wasn’t her home and never would be.
Unless she married Jack
, an annoying voice that sounded suspiciously like Dee’s murmured in the back of her head. She ignored it and sat down at the lady’s desk near the window.

If she was going to stay at Millworth, she was going to have to be more organized than usual. Fortunately the plans for the last two events on her schedule before Christmas, Sir Malcolm’s dinner and Mrs. Hendrickson’s evening of music and dancing next week, really a small ball, were already well in hand. However, as experience had taught her, the success or failure of any social gathering was in the details.

She opened her notebook and spread out her notes and lists on the desk. It took her no time at all to realize she had indeed thoroughly prepared. Aside from some minor odds and ends that she would take care of when she went into London in a few days, both events were under control. But even with her mother’s questionable help, Teddy could not manage more than one affair in any given week. She settled back in her chair and gazed out the window, tapping her pen absently on her notebook. After the New Year, when her father’s debts were no longer an issue, she could put the money she usually set aside for repayment back into her business. Then she could hire an assistant or two, someone socially connected who needed either distraction or a relatively steady income. Widows perhaps. Just off the top of her head she could think of several widows who had been left with far less than they’d anticipated although they were all excellent at keeping up appearances. With more help, Teddy could handle more events.

Teddy smiled. It was actually Jack’s idea. He had suggested a number of ways to increase her business. The man had an excellent head for figures. But then he was a banker after all.

He was also an excellent fiancé. In the week since their engagement had become horribly public he had gone out of his way to prove what a perfect match they were. Accompanied by her mother or his father or on occasion both they were together nearly every evening that she was not otherwise occupied. They had gone to a rather dreadful play, the title of which mercifully escaped her the moment they left the theater. They had attended a lecture that had held Jack spellbound on the lost treasure of some South American country. There was indeed a lot of the colonel in his son. And even at Lady Wellby’s soiree, he had appeared at precisely the moment Teddy had been about to make her obligatory appearance to act as her escort. He was charming and amusing and clever and she couldn’t have asked for more in a fiancé—false or true. The man was most impressive. She overheard more than one lady comment on how he certainly did take after his father and wasn’t Lady Theodosia fortunate to have snatched him up before the rest of the world even knew of his existence?

Fortunate indeed, even if their engagement wasn’t real. The more time she spent with the man, the more she liked him. The more she wished . . . Utter nonsense. She had a purpose for her life and silly romantic notions had no place in it.

Still, she did wish he would kiss her again. And who knew where a kiss might lead?

A sharp knock sounded at the door. It opened at once and Dee burst into the room.

“Please come in.” Teddy twisted in her chair to face her friend. “Don’t let silly things like a closed door stop you.”

“Sam and Camille and Grayson are here!” Dee gasped for breath, shut the door behind her, and leaned back against it, as if to keep something horrible out.

“How . . . nice?”

“Yes, of course.” Dee waved off the question. “I’m delighted to see Sam. I can’t tell you how much I missed him. And I have promised myself the next time he travels to New York, he shall not be going alone.”

“Shouldn’t you be with him now?” Teddy asked carefully.

“Without question but you are my dearest friend in the world.” Dee raised her chin in a gallant manner. “And I should think by coming to you now, by thinking of your best interests rather than welcoming Sam properly, as both he and I would much prefer, I have proved what a worthy friend I am.”

Teddy drew her brows together. “Whatever are you talking about?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Dee said under her breath. “Fortunately neither Mother nor Father is here at the moment, which gives us some time.” Dee straightened and met Teddy’s gaze firmly. “You, my dear friend, are going to need a new plan.”

“What on earth—”

“A real plan, something more substantial than your last plan.
Nothing.
” She huffed. “What kind of plan is
nothing?”
Dee paced the floor. “Mother will be the problem or one of them. Father won’t be difficult to manage once Uncle Basil talks to him.” She paused. “Does he know?”

“Does he know what?”

“Does Uncle Basil know that your engagement isn’t legitimate?”

Teddy nodded. “Jack told him when it became public.”

“That’s something anyway. It will certainly help.”

“Help what?”

Dee stared at her for a moment, then drew a deep breath. “We have visitors or at least we will. They’re spending a few days in London before they come here. A surprise visit, Camille said. She told me all this. They met them onboard their ship.”

“What are you talking about? Who met whom?”

“Camille, Grayson, and Sam of course.”

“And?”

“And . . .” Dee paused, obviously reluctant to continue. “And they met Uncle Basil’s wife. Jack’s mother. Mrs. Channing.”

“Good Lord.” Teddy gasped.

“She’s apparently come for Christmas. Or to reclaim her son. Camille didn’t wish to speculate on that possibility although given some time, I’m certain she will.”

“That will certainly complicate matters. Does Jack know?”

Dee shook her head. “He and Uncle Basil are off riding. They weren’t here when Camille and the others arrived.”

“I should probably find him. He should be warned.” Teddy pushed back from the desk and stood. “I would hate for him to be taken unawares. I can’t imagine . . .” She narrowed her eyes and stared at her friend. “But you said
them.
”

“Yes, well, Mrs. Channing is not alone.”

“Did his grandfather come as well?”

“I don’t think so.” Dee shook her head. “It’s possible I suppose but Camille didn’t mention a grandfather. I daresay she wouldn’t overlook a grandfather.”

“Then who?”

“Mrs. Channing was accompanied by a young woman, a Miss Merryweather. She was introduced as . . .” Dee winced. “Jack’s fiancée.”

“His what?” Shock coursed through Teddy and her stomach twisted. “His fiancée?”

“Apparently,” Dee said weakly.

“His fiancée,” Teddy repeated. Surely not. “Perhaps Camille misunderstood?”

“I don’t think Camille would misunderstand something like that.”

“His fiancée,” Teddy said again. Try as she might she couldn’t quite grasp the concept of it. Jack had a fiancée? “How could he?”

“How could he have a fiancée?” Caution sounded in Dee’s voice. “Or how could he not tell you?”

“Both,” Teddy snapped. Anger swept through her along with a stunning sense of sheer betrayal. She turned and paced, fury fueling her steps. “How could he?”

“You said that.”

“It bears repeating!”

“I know this complicates the fake engagement between the two of you. And I can certainly understand why you might be annoyed.” Dee studied her closely. “But you are far angrier than I expected.”

“Of course I’m angry. I’m furious.” A voice of reason somewhere in a part of her mind not simmering with rage whispered that Dee was right. Teddy shouldn’t be nearly as angry as she was. She ignored it. “I can’t remember ever being this angry with a man before in my life.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Dee murmured.

“Even when I discovered the truth about Cyril, I wasn’t this angry.” But then hadn’t she always suspected that Cyril Goddard was not quite as he appeared? But Jack, Jack was a good man. The kind of man a woman could trust. With her secrets. Or her heart. Or so he had seemed. “The man has two fiancées, Dee. Two!”

“One of them is not exactly—”

“I thought Jack was one of the most responsible men I’d ever met. And trustworthy as well, the cad!” Her jaw clenched. “Obviously I was wrong!”

“I’m not sure that—”

“Bloody hell, Dee. The man’s a banker! Shouldn’t a banker be a bit too stuffy to have two fiancées?”

Dee stared. “You do realize you’re actually not—”

“And an honorable banker at that. Why, he should be entirely too straitlaced and stodgy for this sort of thing.”

“He doesn’t really have—”

“Two fiancées! Two! What was he going to do? Marry us both?”

“I didn’t think marriage—”

“One in America. One in England.” She narrowed her gaze. “What if he has one in every country? Who knows how many fiancées he has!”

“Don’t you think you’re being a bit irrational?”

“You’re right.” She waved off the question. “He’s not well traveled, he’s admitted as much. Not that what he says can be taken as the truth.”

“Teddy, I—”

“I wonder if he rescued her as well. He does that, you know,” she said darkly. “He rescues women who have no need or desire to be rescued. No need or desire for a . . . a hero!”

“I—”

“But then we all need a hero, don’t we? Or at least we all want one. Deep down inside where we are weak and vulnerable.” She moved to the wardrobe and flung open the door. “Are there still swords hanging over the fireplace in the billiards room?”

“As far as I know.”

“Good!”

“Why?”

“Just a thought, nothing important.” She grabbed her cloak and slammed the door shut.

“Teddy, this might not be the best time—”

Teddy pulled on the cloak, then realized where she’d heard that name before. “Did you say Merryweather?”

Dee nodded.

“Isn’t the name of Jack’s bank, Graham, Merryweather and something?”

“I don’t remember.” Dee stared. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so—”

“I daresay it’s not a marriage as much as it is a business arrangement.” She buttoned her cloak and started for the door. “Which he thinks is perfectly all right. Marriage, he said, has always been a business proposition.”

“Does that make it better or worse?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” Teddy stalked into the hall, Dee right behind her.

“Where are you going?”

“I am going to find Jack.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I haven’t decided that yet either.”