Lady And The Cad Read online

  “And why is that? As you know, I have never been eager to marry. Why should I not wait for the best offer I can muster? If I ever accept one at all.”

  “But does he love you?”

  “Of course he loves me,” Olivia answered without hesitation. “But I do not love him.”

  Olivia’s admission made Eunice pity Olivia. From all appearances, she was a lively and popular London hostess. But was she happy? Eunice doubted she could be.

  “Oh, I like him well enough,” Olivia assured her. “He is pleasant company. But to marry him, well, that is another matter, indeed.”

  “If your wish is not to marry, then I am sure your decision is a wise one.”

  “You are a poor liar, Eunice. You think I am a fool.”

  Eunice remembered all too well the incident in the garden. If a man who was about to propose to a woman were to act in such a manner, then perhaps he did not love Olivia at all. “No. No, I do not believe you to be a fool.”

  “There is no need to distress yourself. I offered him a ray of hope. I told him I would reconsider if he will make himself into someone acceptable. Someone who can conduct himself in a way worthy of the title he holds.” She leaned toward Eunice. “All his life, Cecil has been drinking, patronizing the gaming tables, and. . .” She paused. “How might I say this to suit your delicate ears? Well, he has been known to give his affections to other women.” She leaned back in her chair.

  Eunice had witnessed his taste for drink the previous night and had heard him boast about games of chance. She had even experienced his bold flirtations. Satan could always find useless pastimes to occupy the idle. If only Lord Cecil had a purpose in his life! Perhaps then he would find useless endeavors less entertaining.

  Eunice kept her thoughts to herself and merely added, “Obstacles, to be sure.”

  “If he is to be my husband, he must give up all his bad habits. Then I might consider marriage.” She drummed her fingertips on the chair arms and cocked her head. “Or maybe I shall not.”

  For the first time, Eunice felt sorry for Cecil. How could her cousin make such demands with little intention of keeping her end of the bargain? “You are thinking of not keeping your word?”

  “I doubt I shall ever be faced with the decision. He told me he would make himself over in a year. I have no confidence that he can or will.”

  “What will you do if he succeeds?”

  “The answer to that, my dear, lies squarely in the future.”

  ❧

  A few days later, the carriage pulled into the long gravel drive leading to South Hampton Manor. Eunice looked at her new home with a mixture of awe, anxiety, fear, and dread. The house was as large as she feared. How could she ever hope to make herself feel at home in such a large place? Even worse, the rumors that Uncle Eric had let the house fall into disrepair as he pursued other interests were true.

  “Oh, my. We must do something about the grass and the gardens immediately,” Aunt May observed. “One would think Eric would at least have kept one gardener on staff. Apparently he didn’t have enough pride to keep up the outside, where all the neighbors can see.”

  Eunice observed the overgrown gardens. Weeds thrived among barren rose bushes. She remembered the elaborate maze where one could almost get lost on the front lawn. From the looks of the maze at present, a hapless adventurer might well meet a snake or rodent among the tall grasses.

  She thought about the stipend she was allowed out of her considerable inheritance from her uncle. “It was not as though he did not possess the resources to maintain the property.”

  “Precisely.” Her aunt let out a heavy sigh. “And I was so in hopes that we could host a ball come summer. From the looks of the place, I see no possibility for such an endeavor.”

  “No, we shall consider ourselves fortunate to host a small dinner party for a few intimates come Christmas.”

  “Christmas? Why, the holidays are nearly a year away.”

  “But the months shall fly like the wind, especially since we shall be busy preparing the house and the grounds.”

  “And prepare it well, indeed. We want to be ready to receive the finest families in the parish.”

  “I am not as interested in fine names as I am in fine friendships,” Eunice said.

  “Then you certainly need to make yourself visible among the local gentry. The only person here with whom you have corresponded with any degree of regularity is Abigail. And of course, now you have met that wretched brother-in-law of hers.”

  A picture of Cecil popped into Eunice’s head. She hadn’t mentioned the liberty Cecil tried to take with her a few nights ago in Olivia’s garden. No need to worry dear Aunt May. She would only chastise herself for not chaperoning Eunice closely enough—and the resultant tightening of the reins would only serve to make Eunice’s life more restrictive than it was at the present.

  “Oh,” Eunice said, “I am sure we shall not be seeing much of him. He spends most of his time in London, after all.”

  “And a good thing that is.”

  “In the meantime, I look forward to seeing my old childhood friends. I missed them while I was away at school.”

  “Never let it be said that your uncle did not do what was best for you,” Aunt May observed.

  Eunice didn’t answer. Although from all appearances, her uncle had spared no expense on his orphaned niece, she knew better than to think his kindness resulted from a spirit of generosity or compassion of heart. A lifelong bachelor, Eric had been simply at a loss to know how to occupy his adopted niece.

  After a childhood under a series of nannies and governesses, Eunice was soon shipped off to boarding school and then finishing school on the Continent. The fine people she called classmates expected her to wear frocks suitable to her station. But her uncle’s penny-pinching ways placed a low priority on ribbons, silk, lace, and bows. Her simple frocks, worn times too numerous to mention, gave her the appearance of a poor relation.

  This legacy carried itself into the present. She remembered with chagrin Olivia’s exclamation that her only gown was not the least bit suitable for a ball she was hosting and how her cousin had then tossed an unwanted blue frock her way. She was only grateful that no one seemed to realize she had to appear in Olivia’s dress from the past season. Or at least they were kind enough not to embarrass her by mentioning the fact.

  In truth, she couldn’t place the entire burden of blame for her unpopularity at school on her uncle. Her penchant for solitude with her books of learning and devotion did little to endear her to frivolous classmates. She hoped that over the years her old friends hadn’t become so silly. In light of her present condition, she wondered if her serious disposition would prove to be a blessing.

  What was left of the household staff—the cook and two maids—greeted Eunice and May upon their arrival. They could not delay in hiring additional staff.

  Memories, most of them only mildly fond, filled Eunice’s mind as they toured the old house. When she left years ago, Eunice remembered flawless paint and pristine if not cheerful wallpaper. Now the walls showed that no one had bothered to keep them clean for years. Doors creaked, and evidence of mice littered each room.

  “This is atrocious!” Aunt May said. “Even worse than I imagined.”

  “I must agree, Auntie.”

  “What a disgrace to our family name for this house to be in such condition.” Aunt May made a clicking sound with her tongue and shook her head. “I suppose poor Eric just did not feel well enough to give this house its proper due. Why, the memories I have growing up here.” She pointed to a vacant front room. “Mama and Papa always hosted grand balls and fabulous dinner parties. They were the talk of the parish. Everyone wanted an invitation to gatherings here at South Hampton. They must be turning over in their graves, God rest their souls.”

  “Do not worry yourself, Auntie dear. This house is only built of bricks and mortar. We can hire men to repair it, spruce it up, and bring it back to its former glory.”
<
br />   “I hope so. We have a lot of work to do. We’ll begin in the morning.”

  For the first time, Eunice was almost glad the house was in such a state of disrepair. Redecorating would keep her mind off her anxiety about what might happen should she encounter Lord Sutton again.

  ❧

  “Cecil!” Tedric greeted his brother. “So good to have you home again. I have already made arrangements for a group of us to go pheasant hunting at the end of the week.”

  The anticipation of such a trip filled Cecil with a cheer he hadn’t felt since the night of the ball. “Very good. I knew I could count on you to provide for a great deal of my entertainment.” He looked around the study as he settled into his chair. “You have the place looking especially welcoming.”

  “I am glad it meets with your approval. The servants have been working with diligence to see to it that the house sparkled for you.” Tedric took a seat.

  “I am aware that it is no small task to keep a house full of servants in order. You and Abigail have done a fine job here.”

  “Abigail does not surprise me. I do believe she has fallen in love with this place.” He smiled. “The maid shall be in soon with your glass of port.”

  Cecil fought a brief moment of temptation. A glass of the strong red wine sounded so appealing at the moment. The long trip had left him tired. The older he grew, the more travel seemed to exhaust him. If he could have only one small glass of port, he would be able to fall quickly into a sound sleep. But no, he couldn’t.

  “Thank you all the same, but I think I shan’t imbibe tonight.”

  “Shan’t imbibe?” Tedric threw back his head and let out a pleasant but hearty laugh. “Are you sure you are my brother?”

  Cecil chuckled. “Did I not tell you that I am turning over a new leaf?”

  “For Olivia.” Tedric nodded. “According to your last missive.” He folded his arms as though convinced of Cecil’s failure.

  “For Olivia.”

  “You must be quite smitten with her to undertake such drastic changes in your lifelong habits.”

  “I did offer her a proposal of marriage.”

  “And she gave you these conditions?” Tedric sent his gaze to the ceiling and back. “Really, Cecil, if she is making those types of demands upon you, this does not sound like a sure foundation for a lifetime union. As much as I would like to see you give up your less desirable habits, can you really succeed under such conditions? If you are only trying to please her and are not changing your ways because you have found it in your heart to do so, I do not see how you can succeed.”

  “You do not seem to believe my constitution—or my will—is strong enough.”

  “I think it will be for now, but what happens after you marry? Will you revert to your old ways?” Tedric asked.

  “Maybe,” Cecil admitted.

  “My point exactly. You are a popular man. Surely there are other women you can approach to give you an heir.”

  “Do you believe the production of heirs is the only reason for my decision to marry?”

  Tedric didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes, I do. You have enjoyed many years of bachelorhood, and I see no other reason for you to take such a step.”

  “Do you object?” Cecil asked. “After all, my heir could produce a change in your own circumstances.”

  “I enjoy security as much as the next man, but if a change is the will of the Father in heaven, so be it. Scripture says, ‘Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.’ ”

  “A wise proverb, to be sure,” Cecil said. “My brother, in your kind response, you have just passed my impromptu test. Regardless of how many heirs I produce, I do not anticipate a change in your living arrangement. My place in London is not suitable for a wife, but I plan to ensconce the two of us in a town house after our marriage.”

  “Olivia owns a home in London at present, does she not?”

  Cecil cleared his throat. “Yes, she does. So you see, you have no reason to fear.”

  “Your heirs might not feel as generous as you do, but until they are born and old enough to object, I thank you for your consideration.”

  “And speaking of consideration, please do your best to keep me away from all temptations.” He touched his forefingers together. “First, do not plan any events where I might be tempted to place a bet.”

  “Any type of bet?”

  “Correct. I plan not to wager a quid on any game from now on. And in keeping with that resolution, no strong drink. I shall consume hot tea and hot tea only from this moment on.” He wagged his finger at Tedric to show his determination.

  “But you will indulge in the occasional cigar?”

  “Olivia has expressed distaste for the aroma of fine tobacco.” He shook his head. “Frankly, I will never understand women.”

  “Her demands have left you with a tall order. I suppose my only alternative is to keep you locked up in a room all alone with nothing to do but stare out the window and read your Bible.”

  “Such a plan is enough to cause a man to drink,” Cecil joked. “No, that is not the solution. To be successful, I must change my ways within the context of my usual habits. I must continue to socialize, to show my friends and acquaintances that I am not a man of overindulgences. Once they realize the seriousness of the matter, they will cease to expect me to return to my old ways.”

  “That sounds like a wise idea,” Tedric agreed.

  Abigail knocked on the door of the study.

  “Ah, there you are, my dear,” Tedric said as he rose to greet his wife.

  Cecil followed suit. “How lovely to see you again, Abigail.” Abigail hadn’t changed since the day she married Tedric. If anything, motherhood had made her grow more beautiful. He hoped Olivia would react in like manner once she began producing heirs for him.

  “I trust your trip met with favorable conditions?”

  “Yes, thank you. The weather was pleasant and I found my carriage comfortable.” He motioned to the most padded chair in the study. “Please take a seat. Tedric and I have been discussing a matter of some importance to you since it involves arrangements for my comfort and discipline during my stay here.”

  Pained distress grew on Abigail’s face as Cecil informed her of the week’s developments and of his resolutions. “How will you ever change so many of your ways in such a short amount of time?” she wondered aloud. “As your relation by marriage and in the interest of your personal welfare, I beg your indulgence to speak without fear of reprisal.”

  Cecil braced himself for a loving but sure insult. “If I am serious about change, I must be willing to consider your frank opinion. Yes, you have my leave to speak, as long as your husband consents.”

  “Abigail is a wise woman whose opinion I value highly,” Tedric said.

  “Thank you. Cecil, you are so well known for your style of life, it has become a part of who you are. Your lavish entertainments and generosity to your friends and acquaintances are known everywhere. Those who have enjoyed your hospitality are sure to offer stiff resistance to any change.”

  “I agree,” Tedric said. “I must add, Cecil, that perhaps you might be better off without some of the people you consider friends, particularly if they never reciprocate your generosity.”

  Cecil swallowed. Indeed, how many of the people he knew would fall away if he decided to change? Just as the thought entered his mind, he mentally swatted it away as if it were no more than a bothersome housefly. “Miss Hamilton has never forbid me to host parties or to buy drinks for my friends. Rather, she encourages a healthy social life.”

  “So I hear,” Tedric muttered. He raised his voice to normal volume. “I am afraid your future wife has presented you with demands too unreasonable for any mere human to fill.”

  Tedric’s words stung. Could Olivia have made her demands absurd in hopes that he would meet with failure, giving her the perfect excuse not to marry him? The thought sent his stomach churning.

  “If O
livia believes I cannot meet her conditions, then she underestimates the sheer force of my will,” Cedric declared.

  “Now that, I do believe,” Tedric affirmed. “I have been your brother long enough to know that once you decide on a course of action, you will permit few obstacles to stand in your way.”

  “Obstacles, yes. By the way, there is one matter I failed to mention,” Cecil said. “Miss Hamilton has asked me to polish my manners as well.”

  Tedric let out a laugh that resounded throughout the study. “Cecil, I am afraid your situation has become quite hopeless.”

  Cecil bristled. “I beg your pardon.”

  “I do not mean any offense, brother, but your intended has asked you to change the very fiber of your being.”

  “I think the very fiber of my being is polite enough, thank you very much.”

  Abigail tittered. “Oh, Cecil. Do not distress yourself. Can we not all benefit from a little more polish?” She placed her hand on his arm. “I have a wonderful idea that will help you on your way. Now do not worry yourself any longer.”

  “What idea?”

  “Yes,” Tedric intervened. “I would like to know as well.”

  Abigail hesitated. “Let me write a letter first. As soon as I receive an answer, I will let you know.” She rose from her seat, and the men followed her lead. “By your leave.” She hurried out of the room as though she planned to carry out her errand that instant.

  “What could she possibly have in mind?” Cecil asked Tedric.

  “I wish I knew.”

  ❧

  As Cecil suspected, Abigail was intent on performing her task then and there. She rushed to the desk in a little room in the back of the house that was set aside for her to conduct the business of running the house.

  The room represented a triumph for Abigail. For years her stepmother, Griselda, had berated Abigail. She was convinced that Abigail would never be successful in managing the complexities of a manor house.

  True, the household didn’t run itself. Abigail was thankful for Mrs. Hawkins, the extraordinary housekeeper she hired soon after her marriage to Tedric. Mrs. Hawkins kept a good charge over the servants, but even under her close scrutiny, the staff did not conduct itself in a perfect manner. Forbidden amours occurred. Scullery maids, who were assigned the most unpleasant tasks, were forever quitting because of the grueling work or simply moving on to more prestigious positions. Servants, like all humans, suffered trials and sicknesses that interfered with their work. Though Abigail was made aware of these developments, at least the presence of Mrs. Hawkins shielded her from the need to make the problems her own.