Lord Runthorne's Dilemma: A Regency Romance (12 page)

CHAPTER SEVEN

Elizabeth stared out of the window. The lawn was dark with shadows thrown by the setting sun. Behind her candles blazed, reflected in the glass, and brightly dressed ladies chattered. There was a cacophony of laughter.

But
Elizabeth might as well have been alone. She was so confused.

What
did Lord Runthorne think he was doing?

Her conscience stirred.
What concern is it of yours?

Elizabeth
shook her head. It
was
her concern.
When she and Mary had returned from the garden he had appeared as though he had been lying in wait for her. Yet, he had said nothing to any purpose before hurrying away.

Then, at lunch, he had apparently ignored her completely,
but Elizabeth had felt his eyes on her whenever she looked away. She shivered. It was unnatural to be so aware of another.

It was torture.

Later he had approached her as she gathered windfall in the orchard.
Only the servants usually went there so she had thought it safe to hide there for a time, to regain her composure. It was the last place she had expected to see him.

Nevertheless,
he had accused her of following him.

It was unfathomable.
Surely she had done enough to convince him that he no longer haunted her dreams.

She turned away from the window.
The ladies fluttered like so many exotic birds and their chatter was as bright as the jewels flashing at their throats. Dinner was long over and the gentlemen began to arrive, refreshed by their port.

Captain Maybourne
and Mr Lacey were immediately engaged by their wives in a game of whist. It was one that required a great deal of intense discussion.

Here and there, there were areas of stillness.
In one corner a young lady and gentleman indulged in a little serious flirtation under the watchful eye of her chaperone. There by a table, Charles and Mary looked with apparent intensity at a book of paintings, their fingers brushing as they turned the pages. Finally, his shoulder propped against the wall, one ankle crossed over the other was Lord Runthorne.

He was
watching her.

Again.

Elizabeth
glared at him, but he had already turned away. Suddenly restless, she walked further into the room. A group of ladies fluttered and scattered in front of her.

“
Why, Miss Hampton, I have barely had a chance to speak with you this age,” a young lady Elizabeth hardly knew intercepted her. “How do you do?” Without waiting for an answer the young lady continued to gush, whilst Elizabeth wracked her memory for a name.

“
I had quite thought to renew our acquaintance during dear Aurelia’s theatrical rehearsals.”

“
I have no taste for playacting, Miss Richardson,” Elizabeth said, the lady’s name finally coming to her.

Miss
Richardson gave a tinkling laugh. “Oh, Miss Hampton, you must not use that as an excuse, why Aurelia can entice the best of performances out of even the greatest dullard. Why even that fool, Mr Compton is becoming almost competent under her tutelage. Of course, she is giving him a great deal of her attention.” Miss Richardson’s eyes sparkled, maliciously.

Elizabeth
suddenly remembered why she did not care for the other lady. “If you would excuse me, Miss Richardson, I see my aunt needs me.”

“
Do you think so, Miss Hampton? She appears quite happy. However, you are probably right. It would not do for you to neglect your benefactress.”

Elizabeth
inclined her head, ignoring Miss Richardson’s nasty laugh, and made her escape.

Approximately half way along the wall
there was a small couch, nestling in a shallow alcove. During the day it was well lit by the light that streamed in to the room and it was an excellent retreat for a young lady who wished to read quietly and unobserved.

Now, however, it was deep in shadow
. There was no room for a table that might bear a candle. Elizabeth sank down on the soft seat.

Now she could see
Miss Lacey, leaning against the pianoforte, her slender fingers idly playing over the keys. The soft candlelight burnished her hair and gilded her bare arms, giving her a soft, warm glow. Her long gloves were crumpled to her wrists. Wrists that Elizabeth noticed were bare of the sapphire bangles Lord Runthorne had given her.

Miss Lacey
’s head was tilted a little as she gazed up at Mr Compton and her lips were parted slightly. Elizabeth wondered what he was saying that proved so fascinating.

Next to Mr Compton,
she seemed even more ethereal. Mr Compton was flushed, smiling in a faintly dazed manner. He looked as though he had been given the keys to the gates of heaven. Miss Lacey laughed at something he said and waved her finger. Elizabeth grimaced and glanced away.

“
She is becoming very accomplished.”

Elizabeth
jumped a little. Lord Runthorne sat down beside her, without permission. His shoulder brushed hers and Elizabeth could feel the warmth of his long thigh through her skirts. She ran a nervous tongue over her suddenly dry lips

“
She is certainly beautiful,” she said.

“
Yes, a prize amongst women.”

Now
Elizabeth turned and glanced at him, surprised at the bitterness in his tone.

“
She is young,” she said, not quite sure why she was defending his betrothed.

He
gave her a long, thoughtful look. “Yes,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. For all that they were surrounded by people the alcove hid them from view, giving them the illusion of privacy.

Elizabeth
’s eyes dropped to his mouth. She half raised her hand. Whether it was to hold him off or to draw him in, she could not have said.

What are you doing?

Despite all her resolve, a moment alone in his company and he was slipping under her defences. Aunt Edina would condemn her as a halfwit.

She would be right to do so,
her conscience said.

Their eyes met
and held for a long moment.

With a low growl,
he surged to his feet so abruptly that Elizabeth almost fell. “Charles is a good man,” he said.

Elizabeth
blinked. “Yes, he is,” she said.

“
You should go to him.”

As abruptly as he had arrived,
Lord Runthorne departed, leaving Elizabeth bereft and not a little annoyed.

***

Elizabeth spent a restless night. Lord Runthorne’s actions had seemed inexplicable but, tossing and turning through the night, Elizabeth could not help remembering Miss Lacey’s behaviour. By the time the sun rose, Elizabeth thought she had solved the riddle and she finally slept.

She did not sleep long
, however. She had never been one for lying in bed and even a sleepless night did not break that habit. She dressed quickly, choosing a simple gown she could fasten without the help of a maid, and slipped from her room.

She had to speak to
Miss Lacey.

It was going to be another beautiful day.
Dust motes danced in the sunlight that streamed in through the windows and tickled Elizabeth’s nose. In the distance the great hall clock struck the quarter after nine.

Miss Lacey
, like most of the female guests, rarely rose early. It amazed Elizabeth that anyone would be happy to miss such a beautiful morning. Despite everything, she smiled and felt her tiredness ease.

It did not take long for
Elizabeth to reach Miss Lacey’s room. At the door she hesitated a moment. Elizabeth did not know her that well and the younger woman could, probably would, take extreme umbrage at Elizabeth interfering in her business. Elizabeth bit her lip. Then, in her mind’s eye, she saw his face.

He had already been jilted once
. That lay at her door. She would not let that happen again. Her resolve stiffened, Elizabeth knocked on the door.

A surprised maid opened the door.

“Is your mistress awake?”

“
Yes, Miss.” The maid dropped a belated curtsey.

“
I should like to see her.”

The maid glanced over her shoulder.
“I am sorry, Miss, but Miss Lacey does not like to be disturbed before she has dressed.”

Elizabeth
patted the maid on the shoulder. “I shall be sure to tell her that you tried to stop me,” she said, slipping into the room.

Elizabeth
sighed. Miss Lacey was one of those extremely fortunate ladies who were beautiful even when they had just woken. Elizabeth was all too aware that she resembled a scarecrow first thing in the morning.

Miss Lacey
gazed at her, her pansy eyes wide in surprise. A delicate lace cap adorned her blond curls and was tied with a jaunty bow under her left ear. Her cheeks were still lightly flushed from sleep and her skin was smooth. There was not a single pillow crease on her cheek. It was so unfair.

She
probably even snores prettily.

Miss Lacey
raised her cup of chocolate and took a sip. “What can I do for you, Miss Hampton,” she said. Her voice was still husky from sleep.

She might be young but she had the confidence of a mature woman and
Elizabeth decided to do her the honour of not prevaricating. “You do yourself a disservice by flirting with Mr Compton,” she said.

The younger lady
licked the corner of her mouth with the pointed tip of her tongue. “I see,” she said.

“
I do not think you do,” Elizabeth said. “You are engaged to Lord Runthorne.”

“
I am aware of that.” Miss Lacey’s tone was mild, as though she was humouring a child. Elizabeth felt her temper rise.

“
He is a good man and he deserves better than seeing his betrothed flirting with another man.”

“
Really?” Miss Lacey’s lips tilted in an amused smile. Elizabeth ignored her.

“
Not to mention that you are being most unkind to Mr Compton,” she continued. “What has he ever done to you that you should encourage him to fall in love with you? You will break his heart. Unless…” Elizabeth paused as a sudden thought took her breath. “Unless you have formed an attachment to Mr Compton?”

Miss Lacey
laughed and cradled her cup in her lap. “Oh dear, no, Miss Hampton, please do not raise your hopes. Unlike you I have no intention of jilting Lord Runthorne.”

“
You know?”

“
Of course.” Miss Lacey smiled. “Please do not worry. He did not tell me. Mother did.” She sighed as though she felt much put upon. “She can be quite trying at times, but Mother really does have my best intentions at heart. As for Mr Compton,” she smiled as she said his name. “Well, he is charming and rather handsome.”

“
He is certainly kind,” Elizabeth said.

“
Yes, he is.” Miss Lacey sighed. “However he has no title and I rather like the thought of being a marchioness. Runthorne will not regret the bargain, I assure you. Oh, my dear, you are shocked.”

Elizabeth
felt her knees weaken and she sat on the edge of the bed. “You sound so mercenary about it.”

Miss Lacey
seemed surprised. “Not mercenary, practical. Mother raised me to see things clearly. Or do you think I should fall ‘in love’?”

“
Why not?”

Miss Lacey
leaned forward and patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Miss Hampton, you are such a romantic,” she said. “Marriage is nothing more than a bargain. Runthorne knows that and, thanks to Mother, so do I. Unlike many brides, I shall not be disappointed when my husband strays, nor shall I reprimand him for it. Unlike those who fall in love, my heart will not be broken.” She nodded, seemingly content.

Elizabeth
shook her head, barely able to take in the younger girl’s words. “Even if what you say is true and Lord Runthorne is aware that your marriage would be nothing more than a soulless bargain, what of Mr Compton? I saw his face last night, he was entranced.”

Miss Lacey
glanced down at her hands, apparently finding her cup fascinating. “Was he?” A gentle smile tilted her lips. “He is rather sweet,” she said which, as far as Elizabeth was concerned, was no explanation at all. She rose, to leave.

“
I am not going to jilt him, you know,” Miss Lacey repeated. “I am not going to make your mistake. I will be the Marchioness of Runthorne.”

“
I wish you joy of it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Elizabeth.”

She
stopped and turned. “Charles. How are you this morning?”

“
I have never been happier,” he said. “May I have just a moment of your time? If you are not busy, that is.” Charles gestured to the basket Elizabeth held. She swung it, idly.

“
You are welcome to come with me.” She put the basket handle over her arm. “I am just on my way to the kitchen garden. I need to harvest some early greengages.”

Charles raised his brows.
“Good heavens, Elizabeth, why are you doing that? It is a job for a servant.”

Elizabeth
adjusted her chip straw bonnet. “Usually, yes, but there has been a clutch of sore throats in the town and I promised Mrs Turner that I would ask Captain Maybourne if I might let her have some. She makes a syrup from them that is very soothing. The servants are quite busy enough and they often pick ones that are too ripe.”

“
Still, surely it is not for you to do.”

Elizabeth
laughed. “Oh Charles, even if I did not know it, it would be obvious you were a bachelor. It is the mistress’ duty to ensure the health of those less fortunate. I am sure your mother did the same. Aunt Edina has so much to do with her guests that I offered to help. That is all.”

Charles looked dubious.

“I assure you, Charles, that Mary will do exactly the same for your people when you marry.”

“
Yes, that is what I wanted to speak to you about.”

“
Mary?”

Charles
glanced over his shoulder. “Not here, Elizabeth. Miss Lacey has been trying to persuade me to participate in her infernal play.” He shuddered comically making Elizabeth laugh. “I do beg your pardon, Elizabeth, but I consider us great friends and do not mean to stand on ceremony with you.”

“
I would be wounded if you did.” Elizabeth handed Charles her basket. “I see we must be discrete. Come, we shall go hide in the maze and you can tell me what great secret you are hiding.”

“
No secret, Elizabeth, but I do need your help. I am engaged to meet Mary soon in the library and I must persuade her to allow me to approach Captain Maybourne.”

Elizabeth
frowned in thought. “It will not be easy,” she said. “I love her dearly, and she is usually the most amenable of souls, but once she has made a decision, she cannot easily be moved.”

Charles smiled.
“She is everything that is good,” he said. “Kind, generous, beautiful and so wonderful.”

“
She is also stubborn.” Elizabeth laughed at Charles’ expression. “Come, my friend, we will put our heads together and make a plan of campaign.” She glanced over her shoulder. “However, if you wish to avoid being browbeaten into Miss Lacey’s play I suggest we start walking. I hear Mr Compton.”

“
Lead on, and quickly.”

Laughing,
Elizabeth and Charles scrambled, like naughty children, to the maze.

***

The fine weather broke after lunch. Now, rain streamed down the windows and a chill had penetrated the house. Runthorne kept to his own company all morning, concealing himself in one of the lesser parlours, determined to avoid Elizabeth. He had been disturbed only by a small maid who had come to light the fire when it had grown cold.

He
turned away from the warm blaze. It frustrated and annoyed him that, in Elizabeth’s company, all his good resolution went flying out of the window. When alone, he could convince himself that marriage to Aurelia was the only sensible, indeed the only honourable course of action, but one glance at Elizabeth’s face and he was like a moth in thrall to a flame. He ground his teeth. It was better that he avoid her.

Like a
coward.

The realisation stopped him in his angry pacing.
He could not risk being alone with her, but he would have to face her at some point.

“Damn the woman.”

He turned, resuming his pacing. Behind him, the parlour door eased open.

Lady Delphine
filled the doorway. She looked surprised. “Good gracious, Runthorne what are you doing hiding in here?” She bared her teeth. “Aurelia has been quite pining for you all morning.” She hid her hand in her satin skirts but not before he thought he saw that she held a heavy old key.

He bowed.
“Indeed, I am most distressed to hear it,” he said.

“
You should go to her.”

He
raised his brows at the command and Lady Delphine laughed a laugh that was far too young for her. The ornate ribbons on her cap trembled. “Forgive me, Runthorne, you will think me a veritable dragon. I am only thinking of Aurelia.”

“
I assure you, Lady Delphine, I know that you would do anything for your daughter.”

Lady Delphine
’s smile dropped. Then she pinned it back in place. “Perhaps you would like me to take you to her?”

Runthorne hesitated. Then he nodded. If he had to see Elizabeth, better it was in the company of his betrothed than alone.
“Thank you,” he said and gestured for her to precede him.

They walked in uncomfortable silence, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpets that ran down the centre of the corridor.
Lady Delphine led him quickly to the Yellow drawing room. The room was full of people and he wondered why she had not simply told him where to find Aurelia. Lady Delphine’s presence was not required as a chaperone when there were so many witnesses to their behaviour.

Aurelia stood in the centre of the carpet in an attitude of abject horror.
One arm was raised, her hand fisted against her brow, whilst the other hand clutched at her throat. A low moan came from her lips and her eyes were fixed on Miss Granger.

Groups of ladies and gentlemen stood around the room, watching.
Mrs Maybourne sat on a sofa, the nominal chaperone. She glanced up as he and Lady Delphine entered and gestured for them to join her.

“
Woooo,” Miss Granger said. “I am the ghost of your mother, most foully murdered.”

“
Aaaagh,” Aurelia screamed as she tottered slightly.

There was a pause.
Aurelia screamed again. “Mr Compton,” she said, after a moment, “that was your cue.”

“
Oh, gosh, I am most frightfully sorry,” Mr Compton said. “Your performance is so engrossing, that I quite forgot I had something to do.”

Aurelia
blushed. “Nevertheless, Mr Compton, if you would be so kind? And Mary, please try to sound more,” she waved a hand, “convincingly ghostlike.”

Aurelia
cleared her throat and screamed for a third time.

“
What evil manifestation is this,” Mr Compton intoned, his arm flailing wildly.

“
It is so clever,” Lady Delphine whispered in Runthorne’s ear. “Aurelia was quite inspired and I must say I am very proud of her.”

He
returned a non-committal murmur. The writing was, indeed, clever but, Aurelia aside, the performances left a great deal to be desired. Mr Compton seemed incapable of remembering his words and Miss Granger was lacklustre, her attention elsewhere.

“
Stop, stop,” Aurelia cried. “You are not trying, Mary.” She sighed. “Perhaps we should take a little break. Mr Compton, please read over your words again. We shall practise the ball scene after we have rested a little.” She turned and smiled at Runthorne as chatter broke out amongst those watching.

“
Runthorne,” she said, offering her hands, “how charming of you to join us. I had quite given up on you.”

“
Please accept my deepest apologies for causing you such distress,” he said, rising to his feet.

“
Nonsense,” Aurelia laughed. “However, given that you are not taking part in our theatricals, it is most improper for you to be here. It will quite ruin it for you when we present it.”

“
Had I known you were rehearsing in here, I assure you I would have avoided this room at all costs,” he said. “I thought you were rehearsing up at the folly.”

Aurelia giggled.
“Silly, Runthorne, we would all catch our death of cold out there now.” She shook her head. “Mr Compton saw the rain clouds build up and insisted we all return forthwith. He has taken great care of us all.”

“
Then I must certainly thank him.”

She
raised her fine brows. “So, now you have intruded on our rehearsal, how do you like our little play,” she said, finally.

“
I found it most interesting,” he said.

Aurelia laughed again, as
Miss Granger joined them. “We cannot claim to rival those of Drury Lane, can we, Mary dear? But we do our poor best.”

“Your best is better than I would have imagined,” he said. “I had not known there was so much talent in the room. I am merely grateful that neither Charles nor I are involved as we would surely ruin your endeavours.”

Aurelia smiled as he neatly prevented her from asking him again to participate in the theatricals.
Before she could elicit any further compliments, Mr Compton bustled over with a query about his words. With Aurelia distracted, he turned to Miss Granger standing at his elbow.

“
I have not seen Captain Fitzalan for some time,” she said. “I wonder, is he quite well?” She blushed.

Runthorne
smiled at her, although less than twenty-four hours was a strange definition of ‘some time’. “I have not seen him myself, but I am sure he is quite well.”

“
It is just that I did promise to show him the library today but Aurelia, Miss Lacey that is, was most insistent that I take a part in her theatrical and I have not been able to give him my excuses.” She gazed up at him with such yearning entreaty in her eyes that he grew quite uncomfortable.

“
As I say, I have not seen him, but when I do, I assure you I will give him your apologies.”

“
Not seen who,” Mr Compton said, his voice booming.

“
Captain Fitzalan,” Runthorne said.

“
Oh I saw him this morning,” Mr Compton said, rustling his pages. “Yes, indeed, he was walking with Miss Hampton into the maze. They seemed most entertained by something. You saw them, too, Lady Delphine.”

Lady Delphine waved her fan. “I am sure I do not recall.”

“Gosh, really? I thought you must have seen them, they passed quite close to you.”

“I daresay I was not attending.” Lady Delphine closed her fan with a snap.

“Oh.” Miss Granger’s voice was puzzled.

Runthorne
glanced over to the window. The rain had finally stopped, but it was still grey and cold. “I hardly think they will still be there,” he said, as much to reassure himself as to wipe the worried expression from Miss Granger’s face.

“
I hope not,” she said in her soft voice. “If Elizabeth caught another chill it would be very bad.”

He
filed that comment away for future consideration.

“
Perhaps we should just make sure,” Lady Delphine said. He glanced at her, surprised at the sly note in her voice.

“
I do not think that is necessary,” he said.

“
Oh, it might be fun, a breath of fresh air and all that,” Mr Compton said. “What say you, Miss Lacey? Now the rain has ceased would a little cool air and a gentle stroll aid our endeavours? I assure you we will keep to the drier paths.” He offered his arm.

Aurelia laughed.
“Perhaps it would,” she said, placing her hand on his forearm. “Come one, come all,” she said, gathering all her fellow performers. “We are on a hunt.”

With much laughter the room emptied, carrying
Runthorne and Miss Granger with them.

Outside, the cold hit them all like a bowl of freezing water.

“Oh, dear me no,” one lady cried. It was Miss Richardson. “Aurelia, my dear friend, I simply cannot continue. See my slippers are quite soaked through already.”

Miss
Richardson raised her skirt a little allowing a glimpse of her ankle. She tottered a little and laid her hand on Mr Compton’s. “Oh, what must you think of me,” she said. “Please, Mr Compton would you lend me your arm back to the house.”

Mr Compton
glanced at Aurelia. “Gosh, please accept my apologies Miss Richardson but Miss Lacey has a prior claim on me. I am sure one of the other gentlemen would assist you.”

“
Oh.” Miss Richardson did not seem pleased. “Of course.”

Lady Delphine took
Runthorne’s arm, hurrying him along. “Come along quickly, we really should check the maze. You too, Aurelia.”

Her strange behaviour was making
him uneasy. “Yes, perhaps we should,” he said.

The path was slick beneath his feet and next to him
Miss Granger stumbled. He grimaced and held back a curse, overwhelmed by a sense of urgency. He pulled his arm from Lady Delphine’s grip and supported Miss Granger until she steadied.