The Defiant Debutante

From his vantage point at the head of the table Henry was more observant about what was passing between the two of them than either of them realised. He carefully noted the absorbed way Alex watched Angelina as she ate, recognising something in his expression that he hadn’t seen in a long time, and he was utterly delighted and encouraged by it.

‘You had a large complement of post while you were away, Uncle,’ Alex commented while they waited for dessert to be served, tearing his gaze away from the tantalising creature sitting opposite. ‘Was there anything of importance?’

‘No, just the usual—most of it from Mowbray Park. Oh, and I’ve received a letter from Robert Boothroyd—Sir Robert is a very close friend of mine, Angelina, who resides in Cornwall,’ he explained. ‘As you know, Alex, I had planned to visit him before I went to America, but on receiving Lydia’s letter it had to be postponed.’

Alex sensed his hesitation and threw him a questioning look. ‘Is something wrong?’

‘Robert has not been at all well. It’s his heart, I’m afraid. He doesn’t enjoy good health at the best of times, but this latest setback is causing both him and his family considerable concern. He has asked if I will go to Cornwall as soon as I am able—but of course I shall write and tell him it’s impossible for me to leave London at this time. I couldn’t possibly leave Angelina when she’s only just arrived in England.’

‘She could go and stay with Nathan and Verity at Hanover Square—when Verity returns from Surrey, that is. Failing that, she could go and stay with Aunt Patience at Richmond,’ Alex suggested. ‘Which she should do, anyway. It’s most improper for her to be living alone in a house with two unmarried gentlemen.’

‘Yes, I have considered that, but both Verity and Patience lead a hectic social life and Angelina would inevitably become drawn in. I would like to give her time to adjust—to settle into her new life gradually. I consider it too soon for her to go out into society just yet.’

Henry was not at all in agreement with Alex’s solution, for he had no intention of removing Angelina from his nephew’s immediate sphere. Before Lydia had died, he had promised her he would make the best possible match for her daughter, and he had known immediately who that would be. Angelina and Alex had much in common, both being wilful and spirited. Tragedy had touched them both at fifteen years old, and it was his hope that together they might find solace.

However, anyone listening to his ward and his nephew in verbal combat would say they were too much alike to ever come to a complete and harmonious understanding of one another. But Henry thought otherwise and was determined to bring them together. To achieve this it was important they spend some time alone away from London, and he had contrived for them to do just that.

‘Of course,’ he went on casually, taking a sip of his wine and deliberately avoiding his nephew’s eyes and looking down at his dish as he began spooning his dessert, ‘I suppose she could accompany you when you go to Arlington next week. And the country air will do her good.’

Alex’s arm froze midway between his dish and his mouth as he was about to eat his strawberry soufflé. He stared at Henry as if he’d taken leave of his senses, returning the spoon to the dish with a resounding clatter. ‘You are not seriously suggesting—’

‘I couldn’t possibly,’ Angelina objected in growing alarm, appalled at what her uncle suggested.

‘What in God’s name would I do with Miss Hamilton at Arlington? Really, Uncle, it’s quite impossible.’

‘I don’t see why.’

‘I do. It’s out of the question. Besides, it would be most improper for her to stay with me without a chaperon.’

Angelina glared at him. ‘Don’t worry, Lord Montgomery. The prospect is as distasteful to me as it is to you.’ Looking with concern at Henry’s downcast face, she hated being the reason that prevented him visiting his sick friend. ‘But, Uncle Henry, of course you must go to Cornwall. Perhaps I could accompany you?’ she asked hopefully, finding the prospect of being alone with his nephew absolutely horrifying.

‘Thank you, my dear,’ Henry replied with a smile, reaching out and patting her hand in a fond gesture. ‘But I won’t hear of it.’

Alex was suddenly contrite, knowing how fond his uncle was of Robert Boothroyd. ‘I’m sorry, Uncle. Of course you must go. Miss Hamilton will accompany me to Arlington. To still the gossip, I shall ask Aunt Patience to come and stay. With her and a house full of servants, that should be more than ample to uphold the proprieties.’

‘To protect me, you mean,’ Angelina couldn’t help retorting.

Having suddenly lost his appetite, Alex threw his napkin on to the table. He scowled darkly across the table at her and their eyes met and held, irresistible force colliding with immovable object. ‘Let me assure you that you do not need protecting from me,’ he said with scathing contempt. ‘By nature I am not a violent man, but if you inconvenience me in any way or disobey me, you may have good reason to seek protection from me. Is that understood?’

Angelina merely glowered at him.

Henry seemed to be torn two ways, but in the end he gave in to their persuasion to go to Cornwall—a little too easily, Alex thought, giving his uncle a narrow, suspicious look. Henry would join them both at Arlington at a later date. ‘And don’t worry, Angelina,’ he said when he saw the worried look in her eyes. ‘You will like Arlington—and, if you find Alex’s presence irksome, the house is so large that you can go for weeks at a time without bumping into one another.’

‘That sounds appealing,’ she responded, throwing Lord Montgomery a glance like a poison dart. ‘And after your visit to Cornwall, are we to return to London?’

‘Yes. It is important that we return to prepare for the Season in April. You will have to master all manner of accomplishments so we must allow ourselves enough time. I shall employ a tutor to instruct you in social protocol, conduct, polite conversation and that sort of thing. You must also have dancing lessons and arrangements will have to be made for a complete wardrobe—a responsibility I shall be more than happy to place in my dear sister’s capable hands. We must see that you are well prepared when you make your curtsy. I am convinced you will be a tremendous success and will be inundated with suitors. Eventually you will make a perfect match.’

Angelina felt a terrible, unexplained dread mounting inside her. The whole idea of the Season terrified her. ‘Uncle Henry, I know you think that what you are doing is in my best interests—and please don’t think I’m not grateful because I am. I—I do so want to be worthy of you, to make you proud of me, but…’

‘But what, my dear?’

‘It’s just that I have no interest in being paraded in front of society merely to acquire a suitable husband. Besides, I cannot see the point of going to all that bother and expense when I have no intention of marrying.’

Stunned into silence, both men looked at her.

‘If it’s all the same to you, I’m quite happy as I am. I don’t want to be married. I’m never going to get married.’

Henry was troubled by the intensity of her statement. It was said with deep conviction, and more than a little pain. Recalling what Will had told him about rescuing her from the Shawnee, he wondered what had happened to her that she refused to speak of. Whatever it was, she hid it well, and he was certain it had something to do with her decision not to marry.

‘Don’t be alarmed, Angelina,’ he said gently. ‘It is not my intention to make you do anything you have an aversion to. You need time to adjust to things. Perhaps, after a few weeks spent at Arlington, you will come to see everything in a different light.’

‘No, Uncle Henry, I won’t,’ she told him with a quiet firmness.

‘I do not believe you realise the seriousness of what you are refusing,’ Alex commented, listening with a great deal of interest to what was being said.

Angelina looked across at him calmly. ‘What are you saying?’

‘The point I am trying to make is that, as the ward of the Duke of Mowbray, when you fail to make an appearance when the Season starts people will want to know why. You will leave yourself wide open to a great deal of gossip and speculation.’

‘I have little interest in what people think.’

‘No, but my uncle has. There is more to this than you seem to be concerned about. There are standards to be upheld. Of course you must marry some time.’

‘No. I meant what I said.’

‘I applaud your honesty. Have you no desire for a family of your own—children? Is that not an incentive to marry?’

‘Not to me.’

‘Then what is it you want from life?’ he asked, his steady gaze locking on to hers.

‘I don’t know,’ she whispered, the sheer desperation and pain of the look she gave him making Alex forget all his hostility towards her. He was made uneasy by it. Something reached out and touched him in half-forgotten obscure places.

‘It would seem, Alex,’ said Henry, sensing the distress signals coming from Angelina and rallying to her rescue, ‘that someone else is of the same opinion as yourself regarding the honourable institution of marriage.’

‘On the contrary, Uncle. I’ve decided to marry after all.’

Henry looked at his nephew sharply, surprise registering in his eyes, and more than a pang of disappointment settling on his heart. ‘Really? Now that is a surprise. You have been busy while I’ve been in America.’

‘I imagine you are pleased that I have decided to marry and provide you with the heir you are constantly plaguing me about.’

‘That depends on the lady you intend to marry. Who is she?’

‘Lavinia Howard.’

‘Lord Howard’s eldest daughter?’

‘Yes,’ Alex replied, watching his uncle closely.

Henry nodded slowly as he digested the information. ‘I see. Well, she is eminently suitable, I grant you, and her father has been hankering after a match between the two of you for long enough. She is a fine young woman of excellent character. Have you spoken to her father?’

‘Nothing has been decided. I’m giving a small weekend house party at Arlington in two weeks’ time and I have invited her along with her parents and a party of friends. If I am still of the same mind, I will speak to Lord Howard then.’

‘His daughter will certainly preside over Arlington with grace and poise and has been trained to manage the demanding responsibilities of such a large house. However, it is evident to me that you are thinking with your head and not your heart, Alex. I see you are considering marriage to Miss Howard with the same kind of dispassion and practised precision you employ when dealing with your business transactions.’

Alex shrugged. ‘Did you expect anything else? I am no more sentimental about marriage than anyone else. It’s a contract like any other. Besides, considering my success in that area, the odds for our marriage being successful are highly favourable.’

‘I think “excruciatingly boring” would be a more appropriate term to use. In this you are ill advised, Alex. Marriage is not a business transaction.’

Angelina met Lord Montgomery’s gaze, amazed by his indifference to such an important matter. ‘You are not in love with Miss Howard?’

Henry chuckled softly. ‘Alex cast a blight on love a long time ago, my dear.’

‘Why, those are my sentiments entirely, Lord Montgomery.’

‘I’m glad we are agreed on one thing at least,’ Alex responded.

For a moment they regarded one another in silence, finding it strange that they were in accord over something that to everyone else was the most important thing in their lives.

‘Maybe we are. But I do feel that where something as important as marriage is concerned, then it is essential that the two people concerned love each other.’

Alex suddenly smiled. ‘In my opinion, that is sentimental nonsense. Aren’t you going to congratulate me on my forthcoming nuptials, Miss Hamilton?’

‘No. You said yourself that as yet nothing has been decided. When it has and Miss Howard accepts your proposal of marriage, I feel the only sentiment I shall be able to offer will be my commiserations.’

The following morning Henry’s widowed sister, Lady Patience Fortesque, arrived at Brook Street. She was eager to see her brother after his journey to America, and to meet his ward. Two years his junior, Patience resembled Henry in many ways. There was a fragile quality about her and she radiated a kindness and gentility that was immediately endearing to anyone who met her, but when she pleased she could be awe-inspiring.

Patience politely restrained herself from saying anything until Henry had finished telling her all about what had happened in America. The secret fears of what Angelina might have suffered at the hands of the Shawnee he kept to himself.

When he had completed his tale, he looked across at his sister who was calmly assessing what he had told her. ‘Well, Patience? Am I a sentimental old fool? Was I behaving like a lovesick youth when I went tearing across the Atlantic the moment I received Lydia’s letter? Should I have ignored it after all these years?’

‘No, Henry,’ Patience replied with gentle understanding. ‘Lydia meant a great deal to you, I know that. Is Angelina aware how deeply you felt about her mother?’

‘If you mean does she know I was in love with her, then the answer is no. Angelina is a remarkable young woman, Patience. When I first saw her and how proud she was, how resilient and brave after all she had been through, she stirred all my protective instincts. I find her such joy to be with. She is a rare jewel and with just a little polish she will outshine most of her sex. Lydia taught her well.’

‘I am concerned about the matter of Angelina’s grandmother. I know that since the death of her husband Lady Anne never comes to town. But there is the possibility that she will find out about her granddaughter coming to England when she makes her curtsy next year. It could be a major problem if she decides to see her.’

‘I know, but we will deal with that if it arises.’

‘What about Alex?’

The name seemed to hang in the air a moment before Henry replied. ‘Ah—Alex!’

‘Oh, dear! I take it from the tone of your voice that he does not welcome the intrusion of this American girl into his life.’

Henry chuckled. ‘You’ve hit the nail right on the head. Battle lines were drawn and the artillery positioned the minute they set eyes on each other. Already they’ve had their first skirmish. Angelina refuses to be subdued and is unimpressed by both Alex and his title. At present I do not want her to go out into society—and nor does she wish to. She refuses to consider a Season, but I’m hoping that she can be persuaded. I feel some time spent in the country will be beneficial to her until she’s had time to settle down—which is why I would like you to accompany her to Arlington.’

‘Arlington? But why not to Mowbray Park?’

‘Because I am to leave for Cornwall early next week to visit my good friend Robert Boothroyd. Besides,’ he murmured, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, which did not go unnoticed by his sister, ‘Alex is to go to Arlington in a few days to check on the renovations he’s having done to the house.’

Patience studied her brother carefully. ‘Henry, are you matchmaking by any chance? If so, you must think very carefully and proceed with the utmost caution. Alex will not take kindly to your meddling.’

‘Meddling?’ Henry arched his brows in mock offence. ‘I have no intention of meddling in anything. There is nothing I want more than for the two of them to wed,’ he told her, taking her into his confidence. He needed his sister’s unquestioning co-operation and willingness to comply with anything he suggested if he was to bring Alex and Angelina together.

Chapter Four

‘Come here, my dear, and let me look at you,’ said Patience with a gracious smile when Angelina entered. ‘I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you.’

Angelina moved towards her and found herself enfolded in a sweet smelling embrace. ‘I am happy to meet you, Lady Fortesque. Uncle Henry has told me so much about you that I feel I know you already.’

Patience stood back and smiled, approving of what she saw. Her features were delicate and pretty like Lydia’s, but there was something untamed and quite unique about this lovely young woman.

‘Your mother and I were close, Angelina. I was so distressed to hear of her death—and your father’s, my dear. Come and sit by me, and please call me Aunt Patience. We are related, after all.’

At that moment the door opened and Alex strode in. He was dressed in riding clothes, his crop still clasped in his hand. Angelina noticed how fiercely elegant he was in his immaculate coat and polished brown boots, and the way his breeches fit his thighs like his coat fit the breadth of his shoulders, without a wrinkle—and, if they were inclined to do so, they wouldn’t dare on so formidable an owner.

Closing the door and advancing into the room with ground-devouring strides, his cool gaze swept over the three occupants, pausing a little longer on Angelina before moving on to his aunt.

‘Why, Alex, how lovely to see you,’ said Patience, her face shining with adoration as she looked up at her handsome nephew.

Bending his tall frame, Alex lightly kissed her offered cheek, and as his head passed close to Angelina she caught the spicy aroma of his cologne mingled with leather and horses. As he was about to stand up straight he turned his head and looked at her, his eyes on a level with her own and no more than a foot away. Finding herself in such close proximity to him brought an indignant flush to her cheeks, which Alex observed and brought a slight smile to his lips, his silver eyes gleaming with knowing amusement.

Her contempt met him face to face until he straightened, looking down at her from his daunting height, seeing turbulent animosity burning in her dark eyes. She looked serene and almost coy, and yet he had the feeling that it was a charade, and that the environment forced upon her was too restricting for her ebullient nature. She made him feel alert and alive, and curiously stimulated.

‘I really should scold you,’ Patience went on, her eyes following her nephew as he strolled towards the fireplace, where he took up an infuriatingly arrogant stance beside Henry’s chair, resting an arm on the marble mantelpiece and crossing one booted foot casually over the other, looking every inch the master of the house. ‘You did promise to visit me at Richmond while Henry was away.’

‘Forgive me, Aunt. I had pressing matters to take care of.’

‘So I understand,’ Patience replied with a note of reproof, having heard all about his affair with Amelia Fairhurst. ‘I had hoped that with all your years of experience you would have learned to conduct your affairs with a little more discretion, Alex.’

‘The pressing matters I spoke of were purely business, Aunt. And if you are referring to my friendship with Lady Amelia Fairhurst, I assure you it was nothing more than a harmless flirtation and was blown out of all proportion. I did not think you paid any attention to gossip.’

‘I don’t, as a rule, and I’m certainly not going to become embroiled in your personal life. Next you will be telling me that you took pity on her and were trying to console her in her marital unhappiness. But what may seem amusing and harmless to you, dear boy, others may find offensive and insulting—which was the case with Lady Fairhurst’s husband by all accounts, when he demanded satisfaction and challenged you to a duel.’

Chagrin and irritation flickered across Alex’s face. ‘And no doubt you heard that the old fool died of an apoplexy the night before. Amelia Fairhurst is a proficient flirt. You should know by now not to worry about my reputation, Aunt. You must know that most of what you hear is nothing but gossip and wishful exaggeration.’

‘Are you telling us that you have been unfairly maligned, Lord Montgomery?’ Angelina asked, gazing at him with an amazingly innocent smile on her lips, and an insolent light in her eyes. ‘That what people say about you dishonouring every woman who is foolish enough to fall for your golden tongue is not true?’

Content to sit back and listen to the interchange in an amused silence, Henry met his sister’s smiling, conspiratorial gaze, each admiring Angelina’s courage for daring to speak out, while Alex favoured her with an icy stare that was meant to put her firmly in her place. But she merely held his gaze with open defiance, which told him that her proud nature knew nothing of compliance or submission.

‘Not entirely,’ he replied tersely, his jaw rigid. ‘I see you have met our colonial cousin, Aunt.’

‘Yes,’ she said, smiling at Angelina and taking her hand in an affectionate clasp. ‘I came just as soon as I received Henry’s note telling me he had arrived back in London with Angelina.’

‘And?’

‘And what?’

‘Is she all you expected her to be?’

‘Yes, she is. Angelina is very much dear Lydia’s daughter.’

‘Tell me, Uncle Henry—was your nephew obnoxious as a boy, too?’ Angelina asked boldly.

Her question earned her a broad smile of admiration from Henry. ‘Why—I do believe he was.’

She frowned, feigning sympathy. ‘How distressing for you all.’

‘So distressing that both Uncle Henry and Aunt Patience have complained bitterly over the years and threatened to disown me,’ Alex retaliated calmly, ‘but as you see, Miss Hamilton, as a family we have a way of sticking together.’

Angelina sensed there was a hidden message for her in his words, which she prudently ignored. Looking at Patience, she smiled shyly. ‘I can see Lord Montgomery’s affairs both concern and embarrass you, Aunt Patience—so you must be relieved to know that he is considering marriage.’

‘So Henry was telling me just before you came in. Is this true, Alex?’

‘That is so, Aunt,’ he replied, tapping his boot with his riding crop, sorely tempted to use it on the softest part of the chit’s anatomy. ‘I am considering it.’

‘Lavinia Howard?’

‘That is the young lady I have in mind.’

‘A sensible choice. The title and position she will acquire if she marries you will delight her family—especially her mother,’ she said with a faint trace of irony, ‘for she has long been desiring a match between you. However, I’m glad to know you are thinking of settling down at last, Alex.’

‘Thank you, Aunt,’ he replied drily. His smile was sardonic. ‘I shall endeavour to do my duty and produce an heir.’

‘Nevertheless, it will hardly be a love match,’ retorted his aunt with a note of disapproval in her tone.

‘No, but I have a high regard for Lavinia.’

‘Poor Miss Howard,’ murmured Angelina. ‘I doubt she knows what a cold and cruel fate awaits her if she takes you for a husband.’

Alex looked at her coldly. ‘There are very few men who love their wives, Miss Hamilton.’

‘Or women who love their husbands, it would seem. If Miss Howard will not be hurt by your indifference, she must be very unhappy or very cold.’

‘She is neither,’ Alex countered.

‘Henry tells me you are to give a small weekend party at Arlington to which she is invited,’ Patience put in quickly in an attempt to relieve the situation. ‘I shall look forward to meeting her again. In the meantime, I am so looking forward to getting to know Angelina better—which is why I shall be staying here until it is time for us to leave for Arlington next week.’

‘You are?’ Alex asked with some surprise.

‘Of course. Angelina cannot remain in this house with you and Henry alone. Her reputation would be beyond recall if it gets out.’

‘Then the obvious solution to that is for you to take her to Richmond. The park is lovely at this time of year. I’m sure the air will be more conducive to Miss Hamilton’s health and temper than it is here in town.’

‘There is nothing wrong with my health or my temper that a distance away from you would not cure, my lord,’ Angelina countered.