Fortune's fools (23 page)

Max shook his head and said, "Nothing. I was just thinking how lucky I am, and how very stupid I almost was."

"That makes two of us," she whispered.

The music ended a few minutes later, and Max and Kate found themselves beside Tristram and Philippa. When the next set started, they switched partners and joined one of the squares forming.

Their gaiety was remarked by all, and rumors were rampant throughout the large gathering. Mr. Beauchamp would say nothing, only smile and wink when anyone asked him about his daughter and her fiance.

After the quadrille was over, Robert Beauchamp gathered all four of the newlyweds together and herded them onto the small dais he had had constructed for his grand announcement.

A hush settled over the crowd as the musicians played a fanfare to gain their attention.

"My lords, ladies, and gentlemen. I feel like I have done this before," said Beauchamp, sparking a rash of laughter. "But I must tell you, there are different players in this piece tonight, and I could not be happier, because my beloved Philippa is happy at last.

"I know most of you were present when I announced the betrothal of Philippa to Mr. Darby—Mr. Maxwell Darby. I was delighted at the prospect of calling Max my son, but love has a way of changing things. I am here tonight to announce the marriage of my daughter Philippa to Mr. Darby—Mr. Tristram Darby."

Gasps rippled through the spectators. Mr. Beauchamp held up his hands for silence, though it took several seconds to attain.

"That is not all the news," he said. "Mr. O'Connor has given me permission to make another announcement tonight. This one concerns his lovely daughter, Katherine O'Connor, who has just become the bride of Mr. Maxwell Darby."

This was greeted by polite applause, though some of the younger men shouted, "Huzzah! Huzzah!"

Champagne was being passed around, and Mr. Beauchamp raised his glass. "To the happy couples!"

Everyone lifted their glasses and then proceeded to drink.

Suddenly, there was a shout from the entrance of the ballroom. "Married? What do you mean, married?"

Viscount Tavistoke shook off the hands of well-wishers and slogged his way through the crowd to the platform.

"It's a lie, Beauchamp! My boy didn't marry the O'Connor girl. Max, tell him he's made a mistake!" shouted the viscount.

At that moment, the dropping of a pin could have

been heard amongst the onlookers. Every eye was glued to the platform.

"Tell him, Max!" cried the viscount, almost in tears.

"Papa, it's true. I married Kate, not Philippa."

"Well, thank heavens one of us was man enough to bite the bullet," growled the viscount, glaring at his son and new daughter-in-law.

"What are you talking about, Papa?" asked Max.

"Me, that's what! I leave it to my sons to repair the family fortunes and what happens? Nothing, nothing at all! But I didn't shrink from my duty. You may thank me. Yes, both of you may thank me!"

"What for, Papa?" asked Tristram.

"For marrying Lady Anne this morning, that's what!"

"Congratulations, Papa!" said both Darby boys.

"A wise man," said Max, a smile playing on his lips. "Lady Anne will be the making of you, Papa. No more late nights, drinking, and gaming. Yes, you'll be much better off with Lady Anne to look after you."

"Yes, well, as I said, somebody had to sacrifice." The viscount looked down and blinked twice when he saw his new wife glaring at him.

"By the way, Papa, my marrying Kate was not the only news," said Max. Pulling Tristram and Philippa forward, he said, "I think you came in too late to hear the other announcement. Tris and Philippa were also married. Isn't that good news?"

"Tristram, my boy!" said the viscount, slapping his youngest son on the back and kissing Philippa on the cheek.

Suddenly, his smile faded, and his face turned a pasty white. Grasping Max's hand to steady himself, he howled, "You mean I did not have to marry Lady Anne after all? Hell and bl... ouch! That hurt!" Reel-

ing from the blow of Lady Anne's fan across his face, the viscount fell off the platform and onto his face.

"You'll pay for this, Tavistoke!" shouted his new wife. She ground his hand with her heel as she spun around and stalked out of the ballroom.

Max and Tristram hopped down and helped their father rise. Nursing his hurt hand and pride, he hobbled after her, shouting, "Anne, my dear, wait! I didn't mean it! Wait for me!"

After two seconds of stunned silence, the entire ballroom erupted in uninhibited laughter.

Max turned to his brother and said, "It couldn't have turned out better, you know. Papa will be living under the cat's paw for the rest of his life. He will not have a chance to get into trouble."

"Well done, my boys," said the Marquess of Craven-well, appearing from nowhere. "I couldn't have asked for a more amusing end to our little arrangement."

Tristram faced the old man and said stiffly, "I will have my solicitor bring you the balance of Papa's debt tomorrow, my lord."

The marquess waved his bony hand and shook his head. "No need. Lady Anne took care of all that this afternoon. You are released from any obligation to me."

Max held out his hand to the old man. After hesitating a second, the marquess shook it. "It has been a pleasure, gentlemen. Good-bye." With a bow to Philippa and Kate, who had appeared at their husbands' sides, the marquess turned and left the ball.

To everyone's surprise, both brothers gave a shout of laughter and threw their arms around their brides, kissing them thoroughly.

When they recalled their surroundings, Tristram said, "I'm glad we all realized the errors of our ways before

it was too late. We very nearly had a tragedy on our hands instead of a comedy. What was it Shakespeare's Romeo said?"

"I do hope you are not expecting me to answer that, halfling," said Max.

Ignoring this, Tristram continued, "When all was lost, he said, 'I am Fortune's fool.' We very nearly were, too."

"Not you, little brother," said Max, cuffing Tristram on the arm. "You are the smart one in the family. Now, enough of this philosophizing. I much prefer waltzing with my beautiful wife. Kate, shall we waltz?"

"Forever and ever," she whispered, taking his arm and following him onto the dance floor once again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julia Parks resides in Texas with her husband of thirty-plus years. She has three wonderful children, a delightful son-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren. She teaches high school French and loves traveling to Europe with her students and family. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys playing with her grandchildren, quilting, and reading.

She welcomes comments from her readers and can be contacted at Kensington Publishing or by e-mail at [email protected].

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