A Lady's Vanishing Choices Read online

  She raised her brows. “No such thing. However, I dare say this room cries for a woman’s touch.”

  The tea tray arrived in time to save Royce from a reply. He forced back a sigh. Nosey little madam. Although she had a point.

  “I’m to play mummy, I suppose. I still say you have need of a wife.” Sara poured the tea and passed the cups around.

  The rattle of china rang in the tense silence for a moment. Royce swallowed a mouthful of hot tea. “Strange you should mention such a subject. I was thinking along those lines myself.”

  Sara beamed at him while she stirred her tea. “Since you are no longer at war, and are a lord of the realm, you must secure your position.”

  With a thread of mockery, John intervened, “Indeed, especially since he is almost at his last prayers. Give over, Sara.”

  Her eyes filled with amusement. “Shall I look about for eligible partners for you?”

  “You dare,” Royce hissed between his teeth. “I have someone in mind. Eleanor Littleton.” He bit back a curse. Now why had he allowed Sara to goad him into a declaration? Her family hadn’t yet been cleared of treason. First things first. He glanced at John, certain his cousin would consider his declaration part of the scheme. For the moment, he wished his assertion to remain a measure of the plot. The deeper he reluctantly plunged into this traitor situation, the deeper his doubts grew about marriage to a Littleton.

  “Littleton. That name sounds familiar.” Sara shook her head. “I cannot recall. I’ve lost touch since John and I have been out of the country for so long.”

  “Birdelwood Manor and the Littleton family are my nearest neighbors. Perhaps your memory will return at the soirée I’m giving three days hence.” Laughter threaded his voice. “I’d be pleased above half if you were to assist my secretary with the arrangements.”

  John chuckled. “That should keep you busy and out of trouble for the next few days.”

  She made a face at him and turned to Royce. “Exactly how large a party are you planning?”

  He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Not above ten couples. There will be dancing, of course. Perhaps we can set up the parlor for a game or two of loo. Not silver loo, however. This is a small party for a few neighbors and whatever gentry we can entice with an invitation.” He glanced at John. “The ball for the entire area will follow in a fortnight. That should give us time to arrange everything.”

  John nodded and sipped at his tea. “When the others arrive, there will be need of a Venation breakfast, perhaps, and there must be fowling.”

  Annoyed, Royce frowned and allowed sarcasm to drip from his tone. “Do you have any other suggestions?”

  “Not at the moment.” John turned to his wife. “Will all the arrangements be too burdensome for you, Sara?”

  She smiled and stood. “I’ll be fine. It’s all that traveling. I need to retire until dinner.”

  After Royce rang the bell, a mature woman, neat in appearance, bustled into the room and curtsied.

  “If you require anything, anything at all, please let my housekeeper, Mrs. Tackler, know.”

  Sara caught his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you.” She grinned at both men. “I know when the two of you are together, you want to be private. I’ll take myself off.” With that statement she trailed Mrs. Tackler out.

  “At least this room meets somewhat with Sara’s approval.” Royce glanced at his cousin before he poured a measure of whiskey into his tea. “Want a dash of spirits to liven your tea?”

  John extended his cup. “Yes, please.” He moved to the edge of his chair. “What trouble is the young pup in now?”

  Royce grinned. “You know me well.” Pouring a little whiskey into John’s cup, he swallowed a mouthful of his own drink. “Perhaps I’m worrying for nothing. It seems Perry has developed a completely inappropriate tendre for Bethany Littleton. Such an alliance will never do. For all I can uncover, she could possibly be at the center of the treason. I shan’t allow him to step into that sort of danger.”

  John raised his brows in question. “Is that mere speculation or firm fact?”

  Royce held his teacup in one hand without taking another swallow, finally placing the china on a nearby table. “Nothing is set in stone, of course. Tension fairly fills the air when she is about. She’s terrified of something or someone.” With a studied, casual glance, he added, “Someone tried to run her over with a gig.”

  He wanted John’s reaction. Am I more involved than I would wish? The horror of watching her as the gig nearly ran her down directly in front of his eyes still made his palms sweat. Perhaps that influences my opinion, rather than looking at the incident with a clear view.

  “Does that prove she is somehow involved?”

  “Certainly not, but it is suspicious.” Am I being too cautious where she is concerned?

  John shrugged. “She could be afraid of her uncle or some such thing. Are you certain someone deliberately tried to kill her?”

  Royce gave him a level stare. “I witnessed the entire incident. He tried to run her down on purpose.”

  “That is certainly strange and must be taken into account. But if this accusation proves groundless, what shall you do?” John’s expression mirrored his skepticism.

  Royce gritted his teeth. How could he explain his hesitation without revealing his own attraction to her? He didn’t want her to be guilty. That went without saying, but he didn’t wish to be attracted to her either. She didn’t fit into the pattern card he held for a lady.

  “You seem overly concerned for a disinterested party.”

  “I assure you, I’m interested in catching a traitor.” The curst, probing curiosity of his cousin ate at Royce’s last nerve. Perhaps being attracted to her had led him down the wrong path. Why couldn’t John leave it alone?

  Annoyed that he must explain, he ground out, “She is a poor relation without social graces, threadbare and downtrodden by her family. She could never cope with the sort of social life Perry enjoys. Sitting at home and bearing children is not the role my brother shall require of a wife. Perry and Bethany won’t suit.”

  “Perhaps you shall have no choice.”

  “There is always a choice.” Royce firmed his jaw. “I shall never accept her as my sister-in-law.”

  For several soul-searching moments, the two men probed deeply into each other’s eyes before John broke the silence. “It’s like that is it? Two brothers in love with the same woman.”

  Blister it. How had John discerned so much in a single glance? Not that it was true, but still. “Nonsense. My aim is in an entirely different direction. But a problem remains even with that. The Littletons are under suspicion. The entire family must be cleared before else may be considered.”

  “I agree. Perry should not try to fix his interest with the lady until after the traitor is caught.”

  With a relieved sigh, Royce settled more comfortably in his chair. “Perry is so defensive about the whole thing, I dare not say too much. It might push him in the wrong direction merely to show me he’s a grown man. You know how he is.”

  “None better.” John frowned at Royce. “I know how you are as well. All of us grew up together.”

  “Don’t you start,” Royce admonished with disgust. “Charles has already reprimanded me for protecting him from every wind that blows.”

  One corner of John’s lips lifted in a half grin. “My thoughts exactly, and if my suspicions are correct, you’re trying to protect yourself as well.”

  Royce gave John a significant, disgruntled stare and chose to change the subject. “I suspect you’ll meet the entire family at the soirée.” He dismissed the Littletons with a wave. “You haven’t inquired about the report, but you’re quite anxious to hear it all the same.”

  A reluctant laugh escaped John. “Y
ou have me there.”

  Royce regarded his cousin under level brows. He made a steeple of his fingers in front of his chin. “I’ve set Hopkins on the trail of any information. Have you discovered anything new?”

  “You are the one responsible for any discreet inquiries.”

  “John,” Royce warned, smiling broadly. “Give over.”

  The teasing light in John’s eyes disappeared. “The brother’s trail definitely leads to Bath. Your place is a perfect distance away, so we won’t make the pair suspicious. Nothing more can go forward until tomorrow. Until then, we wait.” He held up his cup and swallowed a sip of his drink.

  Chapter 10

  The next morning Bethany headed down the bridle path, a short cut through the neighboring estate from the house to the village. A leafy canopy of green shaded the trail with only a slight breeze rustling the leaves overhead. A bird’s song floated through the boughs, but the sense of danger stalking her increased. She tried to cast away the sensation with a shrug of her shoulders. Soreness reminded her of her encounter with the errant gig. She shuddered.

  Casting a quick, uneasy glance over her shoulder, she became aware of the pounding thuds of a rapidly approaching horse. Her heart picked up speed, but before she could duck off the path, Royce appeared mounted on a large, black stallion. A crooked smile curved his lips, and a twinkle lit his eyes. He swung down and strolled towards her.

  Heaving a sigh of relief, she allowed her clenched fists to uncurl and her shoulders to relax. The threat of danger ceased upon his arrival—except the peril to her senses. His devastating smile sent tremors to her knees, but before she allowed her opinion to change overmuch, she decided to hear what he had to say. Thinking on the matter, she suppressed a mocking trill of laughter at herself. She’d already succumbed to his charms.

  He raised a brow. “Trespassing?”

  She sucked in a breath. “Beg pardon. I-I was only taking the shortcut. No harm meant.”

  Royce pointed through the forest. “My hunting lodge is a few feet beyond those trees. What if you disturb my birds or any of my other game?”

  “Game?” She stared at him in the liveliest astonishment.

  “Game,” he repeated. “Rabbits, pigeons, and the like.”

  Embarrassed by her thoughtlessness, she averted her gaze. “There hasn’t been hunting since Lord Athon became ill. How careless of me. I’ve traveled this shortcut for ages. Please forgive me. I’ll take the main road in future.”

  “Not necessary for the present. But in a few days I’ll have guests arriving for a house party. Some of the men will be housed in the hunting lodge, and with the shooting and such, perhaps the main road would be a better choice.”

  Royce kept pace with Bethany’s shorter steps. “I understand from your cousin that you’ll be attending my soirée tomorrow night.”

  She tentatively glanced at him and gave a slight nod, waiting. She’d always suspected he’d never intended her to attend his wretched party. She waited for a blow to land, not a physical blow, but a blow, nonetheless.

  He exhaled slowly. “A fair warning. Perry is a flirt and never serious for long. Please don’t fall for my brother’s well-intended actions and be misled into thinking it shall lead you into becoming a member of my family.”

  His words couldn’t have been more painful if he’d punched her in the face. So offended she couldn’t speak, she glowered at him for a full minute. He obviously considered her beneath his precious family.

  He shook his head. For the briefest moments, something unreadable flashed in his eyes. In a soft voice, a little above a whisper, he murmured, “I couldn’t tolerate such a match.”

  For a single instant, she searched his features, uncertain of his meaning. Had she heard wistfulness or doubt in his tone? Don’t be a dolt. The conceited oaf had warned her off. Finally, she managed to subdue her anger enough to keep her voice level. “What has led you to believe I wish to be a member of your family?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose it was something Perry said.”

  That brought her up short. Could all of this nonsense stem from Perry extending the hand of friendship? “We were friends when he was a boy, but that was years ago.”

  “Exactly so. He’s a man now with a gentleman’s view of the world. He’s charming, but less forthright, shall we say.”

  She couldn’t contain the sarcastic words that flowed out. “Since he is so untrustworthy, I’m likely to run the other way if I see him again.”

  “No need for extremes. Heed my warning and all shall be well.”

  The urge to slap the derisive grin off his handsome face came close to pushing her over the edge. Being a lady kept her from giving in to her foolish notion.

  “Duly noted.” With a narrow smile, she added under her breath, “Your high and mighty lordship.”

  He must have heard. One corner of his mouth lifted in a gesture that could be considered a smile, but didn’t reach his eyes. He half turned away, but halted. “Before I go, take these.” He reached in his pocket and drew out several yellow strips of cloth. “Those are markers to locate downed game. If you wear one in your hair, you’ll be much easier to see.” He laughed wryly. “Then no one can mistake you for fair game.”

  “In my hair?” In a panic, she stared at the yellow ribbons that dominated her nightmares and tried to draw back. She found it impossible to take the offending items. Besides, she wanted nothing from him—not a single thing.

  “Yes, to keep you safe. Next time you pass through here, wear the yellow ribbons.” He grasped her hand in his and placed the cloth in her palm. “I must be off. I came to inspect my lodge and check on the condition of the place.”

  He bowed his head and, with one fluid motion, gained his saddle atop his mount. Tipping his hat, he rode down a dim trail toward the stand of trees he’d pointed toward earlier.

  Bethany watched as he rode away. Why didn’t I tell him about the body or what I think was a body? I must be daft. I allowed my pride to dictate my actions again. And his charming smile hides the soul of a—I don’t know what. I’m not attracted. I’m not. Tears gathered at the back of her eyes.

  She glanced down at the yellow strips in her hand. Yellow ribbons to keep her safe, she scoffed, recalling the yellow banners coiled in the form of serpents and crawling after her in her dreams.

  Did he hold a slight suspicion Perry might have committed a murder? Without betraying his brother, had he tried to warn her away to protect her, or was there another reason entirely? If every soul carried hunting markers as Royce implied, perhaps Perry wasn’t guilty after all. Murder and killings along with those curst yellow ribbons circled in her mind until she wanted to scream.

  Why hadn’t she reported the murder before? Because she couldn’t be positive there had been a murder. Several other horrifying questions occurred to her. She shook her head, not willing to subject herself to more ridicule and contempt. Best leave things alone. The culprit most likely had done his foul deed and departed the area. Yes, she had better leave well alone.

  Yet there was still the question about the gig that tried to run her down. She gave a convulsive shudder.

  A few days later, Bethany dared to sew a ruffle of her own lace at the sleeves and square neckline of Aunt Gertrude’s refurbished gown. Although the fabric had a faint sheen, the tatting added a bit of elegance to the over-wise simple, brown frock. The touch of ivory color enhanced the gown even further. Much pleased with her efforts, she trailed her fingers down the skirt to the hem as she draped it across a chair. If she must attend the soirée, at least she’d be presentable.

  “Betha, you must instantly attend me,” Gertrude called from the foot of the stairs.

  Bethany heard her aunt’s strident call but chose to ignore her summon. She would wait until her aunt’s voice reached a certain pitch of annoyance. />
  “Why do I pay for a maid, when none can be found?” Gertrude’s grumbling floated up from the hall below. “Betha.”

  Yes, that’s the shrill tone. She brushed her skirts, entered the hall, and passed a maid on the way down the steps.

  Gertrude stood at the bottom of the staircase with her hands on her hips. “All this botheration. My minutes are precious to me. I don’t have the patience to deal with one of your defiant moments. I want to be assured you won’t disgrace the family tonight at Lord Rivton’s little soirée.” She threw her hands up. “I believe it was at his younger brother’s insistence that you were invited.”

  What was she on about? And what has Perry to say to anything? It seemed everyone was ready to take up cudgels against her if she dared to think he might be interested.

  “Young men, always ready to play the gallant, never consider expectations may be raised. Take heed. Simply because a gentleman seeks you out, you mustn’t let it go to your head. You were raised as a lady, but indigent, dependent on others, without one ounce of grace in your entire awkward being and little or no sense of style.”

  The words stabbed Bethany, as her aunt intended, no doubt. She’s so concerned I may make an advantageous marriage, she can hardly contain herself. I certainly didn’t encourage Perry to call, but I doubt I could convince her of that. I wasn’t even here. Eleanor received him.

  “You have no dowry to entice a suitable match. You must be content to remain with your uncle and me. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Aunt.” Dear Auntie, you may think I have no choice, but one day, I’ll be free from your sharp tongue. When I turn twenty and one, whatever it takes, I’ll flee this place. A lady always has choices. She lowered her lids so Gertrude couldn’t read the expression in her eyes.