Regency: Mischief & Marriage: Secret Heiress / Bartered Bride

‘Well, I have told you of the marquis’s intent,’ she said, recalling her duties. ‘Lady Sarah will be waiting for me.’

‘When shall I see you again? Do you attend the assembly tomorrow evening?’

He had moved closer, as if he would physically prevent her leaving. She saw his expression, the hot glow in his eyes, and her heart caught. There was something about him that told her he wanted more of her but she instinctively knew that he would think only in terms of a brief affair… a few kisses and more if he could persuade the foolish little companion to forget her modesty.

‘I am not certain. I believe we attend the theatre this evening. Lady Sarah wishes to see the production of The Taming of the Shrew.’

‘One of my favourite of Shakespeare’s works,’ Daniel declared and smiled. ‘It is also my intention to see this production. Who knows, perhaps we shall meet there, Miss Bancroft?’

‘Yes, perhaps. Now, if you will excuse me, I really must go.’

‘Must you?’ His gaze made her tremble. She almost thought he would seize her and kiss her in the street and drew back. He laughed and stood away from her. ‘Yes, I suppose you must. Yet perhaps one day I shall have my wish.’

Eliza was not prepared to ask him for an explanation. She walked away, head high, very conscious of his eyes watching her. Lord Seaton had done nothing to make her believe she was special to him, yet she was certain his decision to attend the theatres was an impulse. He had changed his plans so that they might meet for a short time. It was all they could have, just snatched moments of time when she was out walking or they both attended a function. Had she been a young lady of fortune, she would have suspected him of courting her, but as a companion she could not look so high.

Daniel watched her walk away. He knew that he was playing a dangerous game, risking everything by delaying the inevitable. His best interests clearly lay with Susanne Roberts, but he could not bring himself to speak to her or her father.

Amused by his own foolishness, Daniel turned to discover a gentleman he considered one of his best friends advancing towards him.

‘Hastings,’ he saluted him with a grin. ‘What brings you to Bath? I thought you settled in the country for a few months.’

‘Necessity,’ Jack Hastings grimaced. ‘Mama came to visit. She nagged me constantly for a week and so I brought her to Bath. I am told it is time I took myself a bride and set up my nursery. So I must find a suitable girl I can admire—preferably pretty, good-tempered and an heiress, though the money is not as important as the rest.’

Daniel nodded. His friend was dark-hared with grey eyes and a pleasant countenance. Popular with the ladies, he should have no difficulty in finding the right bride.

‘Then we are in similar straits, Jack. I need to marry well, though at the moment I have little inclination for it.’

‘You seemed vastly entertained by the young lady I saw you talking to just now.’

‘Miss Eliza Bancroft?’ It was on the tip of Daniel’s tongue to tell him that Eliza was a companion and therefore not suitable but an imp of mischief made him withhold the information. ‘Ah, yes. She won’t do for you, Jack. Besides, I saw her first, so you have no chance.’

‘Caught your fancy, has she?’ Jack Hastings instantly took up the challenge. ‘Miss Eliza Bancroft, eh? I suppose she is an heiress?’

‘I couldn’t possibly say…’

‘Keeping her all to yourself? You sly dog!’ Jack chuckled. ‘Well, all is fair in love and war, so they say. We’ll see who she prefers. Where is she staying?’

‘In the Crescent with Lady Sarah Manners.’ Daniel relented. ‘I do not think Miss Bancroft is your type, Jack. Cheadle is in town. I rather thought you liked Miss Marianne?’

‘Yes, I do.’ Jack looked gloomy. ‘She had her eye on a duke—at least, her mother did. I may inherit a fortune one day, but I’ll never be more than a baronet. Marianne wants more than that.’

‘Well, if the duke doesn’t come up to scratch she may turn to you. If I wanted her, I would go after her—sweep her off her feet. She will fall in love with you and forget about marrying nobility.’

‘Do you really think so?’ Jack Hastings looked thoughtful. ‘I believed she liked me for a while, then she went cool and wouldn’t look at me. Will you walk to the club with me, Daniel? I have a business proposition I want your advice on—if you would oblige me?’

‘Yes, of course, though I’m not sure I am the man to ask about money.’

‘It concerns setting up a racing stable. With your experience and guidance I think I might just give it a go. I should like you to look some horses over for me and see if you think they would be any good for racing. There are some yearlings and a horse I’m told has huge potential over the hurdles.’

‘In that case I should be delighted to give you my advice.’

‘It was a stroke of luck meeting you,’ Jack said, clearly pleased. ‘We could take a look this afternoon, if you like?’

‘Why not? I have nothing in particular to do, though I am going to the theatre this evening.’

‘We should be back in plenty of time.’

Daniel was pleased that his advice had been sought, because he was considered a good judge of horse flesh. It might be fate that had brought his friend to Bath. He would do well to concentrate on helping Jack to set up his stables and put Miss Eliza Bancroft out of his mind.

The letter from the Bow Street Runner he had employed was waiting for Daniel when he returned to his lodgings. He had been making exhaustive inquiries and thought he was on the trail of something important.

If my instincts are right, and they seldom fail, my lord, I believe we may have uncovered some very nasty goings on. You were on the right track, but this may be much bigger and more widespread than we imagine. I must go down to Bristol, for I think Jed Bailey may provide us with a clue, and it is my information that the girl Molly is with him. They may be in fear of their lives, but I shall write again as soon as I have something more positive.

Daniel frowned over the letter. He had hoped he was wrong, that his agent would say there was no foundation for his suspicions, but it looked as if this affair could turn out to be much worse than he had guessed—and that might result in a terrible scandal. Unless he could keep his cousin’s name out of it and somehow bring the culprits to book without giving his uncle more heartbreak.

He would have to give the matter a lot of thought. Something like this could be dangerous, both for him and the man he had employed. He must write and warn him to take no risks. If necessary, Daniel would have to employ more than one Runner to make certain this did not get out of hand.

Eliza knew that she should not let herself hope Lord Seaton would visit their box at the theatre that evening, but the possibility hovered at the back of her mind. She tried to be sensible, for she was enjoying herself and had become fast friends with Kate and her mama, though she suspected they both liked to gossip rather more than was wise.

They spent the afternoon visiting and, rather to her surprise, Eliza found herself warmly received by everyone. Even a chance meeting with Lady Roberts at the home of a mutual friend proved much pleasanter than on previous occasions. The lady gave her some intent looks and her thin lips formed a smile as she nodded to herself, seeming to confirm something in her mind. She mentioned in passing that her nephew would be in town the following week.

Eliza wondered why the lady would think it necessary to give her this information, but there was no doubt that her manner towards Eliza had undergone a distinct change.

Lady Sarah remarked on it as they drove home to rest and then change for the evening.

‘Not that I am surprised my friends should take to you, Eliza. You have charming manners, my love. I am certain they must make you acceptable to everyone.’

‘You treat me so generously, ma’am. I am sure that is the reason people are being so kind.’

Lady Sarah shook her head, but smiled to herself, seeming satisfied with the explanation.

‘My friends have accepted you for my sake,’ she said.

Eliza agreed that it must be so.

Lady Sarah was very close to the truth, but she might have been shocked had she realised the story that had begun to circulate. Fortunately, as yet it was only being whispered of by a few ladies and had not reached the ears of the gossipmongers.

However, Eliza could not help being aware that people turned their heads to look at her as she and Lady Sarah took their seats that evening. In the few minutes before the lights were dimmed, she sensed curious looks directed at her. However, she forgot all about them as the curtain went up and the play began.

It was during the first interval that something surprising happened. Not one, but four gentlemen visited their box, two of whom were unknown to Lady Sarah and Eliza. They came with friends and asked to be introduced to Miss Bancroft and Lady Sarah.

In the second interval, Lord Seaton and a friend he introduced as Jack Hastings arrived. Jack was gallant enough to go in search of drinks for them all while Daniel took a seat at Eliza’s side.

‘Are you enjoying your evening, Miss Bancroft?’

‘The play is excellent,’ she replied. ‘We have had a stream of visitors. I think Lady Sarah must have a great many friends, though she claimed not to know some of the gentlemen who visited.’

‘Indeed?’ Daniel frowned as a suspicion came to his mind. ‘I had noticed some interest in this box myself. It is a little curious, unless—’ He broke off and looked thoughtful. ‘I shall discover what is going on and tell you tomorrow afternoon. May I ask if you and Miss Henderson would care for a drive in my curricle? I could ask Mr Hastings to accompany us…’

‘I think that would be pleasant.’ Eliza leaned forwards to tap Kate on the arm and put the suggestion to her. Kate glanced round at Lord Seaton and gave him an amused glance, agreeing that a drive would be delightful. ‘We should enjoy such an outing, sir. At what time will you call?’

‘Shall we say two in the afternoon?’

‘Yes. Kate must take nuncheon with us. You will, Kate?’ Her friend nodded and she looked at Daniel. ‘We shall be ready when you call.’

Mr Hastings returned with a waiter and their champagne. The cork was popped and they toasted one another, laughing and smiling.

‘I say, that fellow is rather rude,’ Jack said, giving a young buck in the audience a frown for his impertinence. ‘He had been ogling you for the past ten minutes, Miss Bancroft. Shall I go and tell him to mind his manners?’

‘Oh, no, he is probably admiring Kate,’ Eliza said. ‘She has many admirers.’

‘Yes, I am certain she does,’ he agreed. ‘She is very pretty—but of course you are beautiful, Miss Bancroft—or may I call you Miss Eliza?’

‘Oh…’ She was flustered by his request. ‘If you wish it, I see no reason why not, Mr Hastings.’

‘You must call me Jack,’ he said and grinned at her. ‘I am certain we shall all be great friends. I shall ask Mama to invite you all to her dinner next week.’

As the bell to announce the end of the interval rang then, Eliza was saved from making a reply as the gentlemen left. She caught the mischief in Kate’s eyes, but refrained from asking what she thought so amusing.

The third interval brought another stream of visitors to their box, all of them gentlemen, or, in one case, a lady known to them with her nephew, who had just joined her in Bath. Eliza hoped that Lord Seaton might return, but he did not; though she enjoyed the performance very much, she was disappointed not to have seen more of him.

He was much in her thoughts when she went to bed that evening, but she slept peacefully without dreaming.

Next morning was spent running small errands for Lady Sarah, and greeting Kate when she arrived for nuncheon.

‘I am looking forward to our drive this afternoon,’ Kate said. ‘Mama told me she intends to visit Lady Sarah so you must not worry that she will be alone.’

‘Your mama is very kind,’ Eliza said. ‘Lady Sarah wished to stay home for once, but she will be pleased to see Lady Julia—they are such good friends.’

‘Yes, they are,’ Kate agreed and put on an innocent air. ‘Mama has known her all her life. They remained friends after… the trouble with Lord Manners. Lady Sarah has no secrets from my mother.’ Kate’s eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘Mama generally tells me most things, but she has merely hinted at something concerning you… she thinks she knows your secret, Eliza.’

‘My secret?’ Eliza’s heart pounded. Could Lady Julia have discovered that she was a lovechild? ‘I have no secret, Kate. I cannot think what you mean.’

‘You need not be afraid. Mama has not told me exactly, and neither of us would wish to harm you—but you may confide in me, you know. You are not quite what you seem—are you?’

‘Kate…’ Eliza’s cheeks burned—it seemed that Lady Julia must know the secret of her birth. ‘Please do not mention… I would not wish it generally known.’

‘I knew it,’ Kate crowed and squeezed her arm. ‘Not a word shall pass my lips, I promise. Now, tell me, what did you think of Mr Hastings? Does he not seem an agreeable sort of man?’

Eliza was relieved to have the subject changed. She could not imagine how Lady Julia knew that the Bancrofts were not her parents, but it seemed that she did somehow.

‘Mr Hastings seems very agreeable. I think he and Lord Seaton are close friends.’

‘Yes, that is a fortunate thing,’ Kate replied. ‘I do hope we shall be invited to dinner. I should like to see more of the agreeable Mr Hastings—would not you?’

‘What bee have you got in your bonnet now?’ Eliza was determined to put the embarrassing moment behind her. Kate had promised not to reveal her secret, and though the girl loved to gossip, she would surely keep her word?

Kate smiled and shook her head. Eliza laughed, because she suspected her friend thought Mr Hastings might make Lord Seaton jealous.

When the gentlemen arrived they were both driving smart phaetons with beautiful horses, and both had a young tiger standing up at the back. Kate walked confidently towards Mr Hastings’s rig and was assisted up the steps to sit beside him on the driving box. Eliza approached Lord Seaton’s phaeton with less confidence, feeling a little shy. She had thought they might all go together in an open landau driven by a coachman and was unsure it was a good idea to be seen alone with a gentleman. It was perfectly acceptable for Kate, of course, because the tiger was there for propriety’s sake, but Eliza was a companion and she feared it might look as if she were getting above herself. A gentleman of Daniel’s rank would hardly be courting a humble companion.

However, Lord Seaton’s smile made her forget her fears. His expression was warm, if a little troubled, and he showed great consideration in seeing her settled.

‘I do not think it will be too cold for you,’ he said as she took her seat beside him. ‘However, my tiger has a blanket should you need it.’

‘I am sure I shall not be in the least cold. The sun is very warm and the breeze is most welcome.’

‘How little fuss you make on any account.’ Daniel smiled at her, but she saw a shadow in his eyes. ‘Are you always so forgiving, I wonder? I think what I have to tell you this afternoon may prove upsetting, Miss Eliza… I hope I may call you by your name, as Jack does?’

‘Yes, certainly, my lord.’ Her eyes opened wider as she looked at him curiously. ‘You sound very serious?’

‘I am. Do you think you could call me Seaton, as my friends do? I think Daniel in private, but that may be a step too far just yet?’

‘I think it might be inappropriate, my… sir,’ Eliza said and felt her cheeks getting warm. ‘There is a distance between us, even though you have been kind enough to make nothing of it. Perhaps you should tell me what is in your mind? I think you are troubled—is it on my account?’

‘You are always so perceptive.’ Daniel glanced at her as they left the busy main street and turned off into a quiet country lane. ‘It might have been better had I waited until we could walk alone—but my tiger may be trusted. Even if he could hear us, he would never breathe a word. Would you, Will?’

‘What’s that, my lord?’

Eliza smiled. ‘Are all your servants so well trained?’

‘I rescued Will from the streets of London, where unscrupulous fellows were preying him on. He is grateful for some reason. I really do not know why. I am not an easy master to work for.’ A smothered laugh turned hastily into a cough told Eliza that the tiger’s hearing was perfectly sound. ‘So we may speak freely.’ Daniel hesitated, then, ‘A rumour has started in Bath concerning you, Miss Eliza. I am sorry to tell you that stories are circulating concerning your fortune.’

‘Concerning my fortune? I have none.’ She looked at him in surprise. ‘No, how foolish! Where do the gossips get these stories?’

Hearing an expelled breath, she turned her head to look at him. ‘You do not mean… you could not have thought…’

‘If I am the cause of the rumours, it was a careless remark I made to an acquaintance Carstairs on the evening of the assembly,’ Daniel said. ‘I believe the gown you wore made some people think you were one of the débutantes and he was curious as to who you were. He asked me if I knew your fortune and I told him it would not be enough for him. Unfortunately, he took it into his head that I was trying to put him off, because I intended to make an offer myself. The story has spread, and, as with all such tales, it has grown. You are now believed to be a secret heiress.’

‘But that is terrible,’ Eliza cried, shocked by his words. ‘That must be why all those… how shallow people are…’ Her hands trembled in her lap, but she clasped them firmly together. Had that been what Kate meant? She had thought something different. She would take the first opportunity of disabusing her friend of the idea that she was an heiress. ‘To make so much of a careless remark…’

‘I wish I had bitten off my tongue rather than cause you distress, Eliza. Please forgive me. I did not intend this to happen, believe me—but I should have remembered what a wicked tongue Carstairs has. He is looking for a rich wife, so you may expect him to call.’

‘How awkward,’ Eliza said. ‘I fear he will be much disappointed when he discovers the truth.’

‘You will not tell him, surely?’ Ahead of them the other carriage had pulled to a halt at a point of advantage to admire the view. Daniel did the same. His tiger jumped down and he assisted Eliza to the ground. ‘There is no need for anyone to know.’

Eliza was prevented from replying by Kate, who called to them to come and admire the view a little further along the rise. Eliza gave Daniel a speaking look and walked to join the others, he a step behind her. For some minutes they all admired the view of Bath as it lay below them bathed in sunlight.

Eliza’s thoughts were confused, but she quickly had them in order. Had she been looking to marry, the situation might have been awkward, for she must have told any suitor the truth and it would soon have been common knowledge, but since she was not thinking of marrying anyone the rumour could not really harm anyone.

When Kate and Mr Hastings wandered away to explore a little further, Eliza turned to her companion.

‘I believe you may be right, sir. In time the truth is bound to come out, but for the moment it is probably best to ignore it. Lady Sarah’s friends know I am her penniless companion and will soon set the gabblemongers straight. It would not be proper for me to mention the rumour to anyone, let alone a gentleman who is inclined to speak too freely.’

‘I doubt if he would believe you,’ Daniel said and frowned. ‘Once these idiots get an idea into their heads it is useless to deny it, because they think you are trying to cover it up—though why you should wish to conceal your fortune if you had one is a mystery.’

‘I suppose I might be afraid of fortune hunters.’ Eliza suggested and gave a gurgle of laughter. ‘How silly people are, Seaton. Why can they not judge someone for what they are rather than what they have?’

‘I could not agree more,’ he said. ‘You can see the amusing side to this situation. I admit that I feared you would be angry with me.’

‘In part, Lady Sarah and I are to blame. She has bought me such lovely clothes, clothes a débutante might wear. I did ask her if she was sure I ought to wear a gown like that, but she insisted. I hope it will not upset her when she learns what some people are saying. I am sure she will squash the rumours immediately. If some refuse to believe her, they have only themselves to blame. Besides, it cannot matter—I have no intention of accepting an offer from anyone.’

‘Indeed?’ His brows arched. ‘Do you never wish to be married? Have you a strong dislike of the institution of marriage?’

‘No, certainly not. My parents were happy together…’ Eliza frowned. Her adopted parents had been the perfect couple, but she knew nothing of her true mother or father. ‘I suppose I might marry in the right circumstances, but that is something for the future. While Lady Sarah needs me as a companion I would not think of leaving her.’

‘Ah, I see. Your sentiments are commendable, Miss Eliza. She seems extremely fond of you. It is a shame that her generosity towards you has given some the wrong impression.’

‘Yes. However, if you and others deny the story, I believe it will soon be forgotten. I may not be so popular next time we attend a ball or the theatre, but I shall not let it overset me.’

‘You are such a sensible young lady. I fear a denial may turn some of the old tabbies against you. However, if you smile and say you do not know how the rumour started, I dare say it will go away.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Eliza agreed. If only he knew she was not sensible at all, for she was very much afraid she had fallen in love with him. ‘I am glad you told me, sir, for I am prepared and I shall make a point of telling everyone that I am merely Lady Sarah’s companion.’

‘Perhaps you need not go so far. I am sure that if I drop a few hints about your fortune having been exaggerated the speculation will die a natural death. After all, Lady Marianne Cheadle is in Bath and she is beautiful and an heiress.’

‘I believe she may soon be engaged. I think her parents expect it.’

‘So much the better. It will give the gossips something more interesting to discuss.’ He offered his arm. ‘Shall we stroll in the direction of our friends, Miss Eliza? I believe we ought, do you not agree?’

‘Yes, certainly,’ Eliza replied and smiled at him. ‘You are forgiven, sir. Please do not trouble yourself further on my account. I am certain you have more important things to tease you.’

‘I cannot think of anything more important than the comfort and reputation of a friend,’ Daniel replied. ‘However, I must tell you that I am going out of town for a day or two. Jack wants my advice in the matter of setting up a racing stable. He has been offered some horses and I am to help him purchase them and engage the services of a trainer.’

‘Are you a judge of these things?’ Eliza’s eyes were bright with interest. ‘I have always loved to ride, though I have not been able to for a year or two.’

‘That is a shame. When I return to Bath I shall hire a suitable mount and we may go riding—if you would care for it?’

‘Yes, perhaps—if my employer does not need me.’

‘Your employer seems to wish you to enjoy yourself as much as possible.’ Daniel frowned as she turned her head to call out to Kate. Something about her profile made him think she reminded him of another young girl… but that was impossible. Or was it? He recalled the ring he had taken from Cheadle in that card game and the ring he had seen briefly as Eliza handed it over before he returned it to her. They were very similar in design, though one was obviously meant for a lady’s finger. He thought the inscriptions were identical, though he could not be certain the same person had commissioned them. It was perfectly possible that two different individuals had asked for a similar inscription—and yet in a certain position there was a definite likeness.