Page 14 of The Marquess' Wicked Wager
“I am here to call upon Miss Worthington,” Albert said, meeting the man’s reflective eyes. “Is she receiving visitors?”
“Yes, My Lord.” The butler took a step back and snapped his heels together rather loudly, holding the heavy door wide open for them to step inside.
His stomach roiled as he moved through the door and followed the butler down the short corridor. He couldn’t help thinking it looked a little spare, devoid of tapestries, paintings, and sculptures but for the occasional lonely ceramic on a shining pedestal of mahogany.More evidence of a gambling problem, Albert thought. He consciously smoothed out the furl that twisted his lip.
When they reached a chamber door painted in bright white with tiny cherry blossoms nestled throughout, the butler stepped in first and announced him, “The Most Honorable Marquess, Lord Remington and Jonathan Miles, Earl of Gettinson.”
Albert followed in as he spoke the last syllable. Miss Worthington was there, looking rather pale and somewhat shaken. No less than he might have expected considering who had come to call moments before. Violet Rees was there as well, her arm draped over Miss Worthington’s shoulder. In her hand was gripped a painted fan which normally Albert wouldn’t have taken notice of except her knuckles were white from holding it so tightly.
He set his right hand lightly over his stomach and bowed very slightly. “Miss Worthington. It is a pleasure to see you again.”
He was struck by a sudden and illogical urge to reach out and take her into his arms as he used to do with his mother many years ago when her green eyes looked as sad and nervous as Miss Worthington’s did now. Albert clasped his hands behind his back.
“My Lord,” she said softly, affording him a slight nod. “Whyever are you here? I do not recollect having any business to conclude with you.”
“Don’t you?” Albert smiled and leaned in then turned his eyes to Violet. “Lady Rees. You’re looking lovely. I believe you know my uncle, Lord Miles.”
The woman’s heavily colored lips puckered under narrowed eyes when he addressed her but immediately softened when she glanced toward his uncle. “Jona—Lord Miles.” She allowed a small curtsey. “How unexpected. What can we do for you two gentlemen? As you can see it is not the best time.”
“My Lady,” Jonathan said, his voice wistful. Then he shook his head and put on a pleasant smile. “We’re very sorry to intrude upon you. If now is not an auspicious time, we’d be happy to return at a later date. We only thought that on such a beautiful morning perhaps you two ladies could be persuaded to accompany us to the rose gardens for an afternoon constitutional.” Albert smiled inwardly to see his lovesick uncle was entirely hopeless.
“A stroll through the gardens might very well be exactly what my goddaughter needs. What do you think, Edna? Some fresh air my do you good.”
Edna pulled herself straighter and kept her gaze on the far wall past Albert. “Absolutely not. No amount of good air can help when in the presence of bad company.”
Albert bit the edge of his lower lip and took a step closer to her. “Miss Worthington, if you would allow me the opportunity, I should like to apologize for my conduct at the ball the other night. I’m afraid you caught me rather off my guard. There is a small matter I would like to discuss with you.” He glanced down at his shoes then added, “In proper, proprietary company. In the sunshine and among the roses. Would you do me that honor?”
She let not a second pass before coldly replying, “No.”
He sighed. “Very well. In that case, I should like a quick word with your father, and then, I’ll be on my way."
“You may not speak with my father any more than you may speak with me.” She finally turned her blue eyes on him. “You and your family have done quite enough today already.”
“I’m very sorry you feel that way, but I’m afraid I have business with the Viscount unless you’d rather I discuss it with you first?”
“It may be wise, Edna child, to listen to the Marquess,” Lady Rees said, touching a hand to her shoulder and discreetly pulling up the sleeve. “As unsavory as his intentions may or may not be, if you want a say in your future, you should deal with your options directly.”
Edna looked up at her godmother as a silent exchange he wasn’t privy to took place.
“I shall be with you the whole time,” Lady Rees encouraged.
Edna sighed, casting her eyes to the floor. “Very well. If I must.”
“Excellent!” Jonathan cried, his voice so loud it startled everyone present. He shifted and settled into a little close-lipped smile. “I assure you, dear ladies, my nephew shall be on his absolute best behavior.”
Albert wanted to protest this unbecoming treatment but thought better of it before opening his mouth. He’d gotten what he’d come for. Now, all he had to do was find an excuse to get her alone, so he could tell her what he really wanted.
ChapterSeven
Edna did not want to stroll through the park with Albert. She did not want to stroll anywhere with anyone. She wanted to curl up in her bed, tell the maids to leave her be, and hide until she was as old as Violet. She felt betrayed by her godmother’s sudden willingness to converse with that wretched family and could not for the life of her understand what must have come over Violet.
Regardless, they were out, the four of them, strolling through the park, so the entire world could see her trapped.
She twisted her parasol back and forth so much, Violet’s hand snatched it to quiet it. “You are fine,” she said, but soon after, fell behind with Lordwhat’s his name, uncle to the Marquess of stolen kisses.
Edna snuck a glance at him, strolling so comfortably beside her. She wanted to ask what business he had with her but was also too prideful to speak at all. Was she not supposed to avoid being alone with this man? Her godmother was proving as fickle as figgy pudding at Shelton Manor.
She bit her tongue twice and forced herself to focus on the crunch of pebbles beneath their feet and the way the lacey shadow of leaves wove over the path. She would not speak first.
