Page 56 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
“Mary, you can take a gentle stroll to those bushes. Henry and I have much to say to one another.”
To Caroline’s surprise, Mary said diffidently, “’S’cuse me, miss, but your mama were most particular that I do not leave your side if you happened to talk to any gentleman.”
“Good Lord, Mary, Henry is not just any gentleman—”
“Your mama said it was Mister Henry that I was not to leave you alone with,” Mary interrupted miserably. “She was quite particular.”
Caroline could not believe her ears. Henry blushed hotly. “I am sorry your mother does not consider me a proper gentleman, even though she has known me from the cradle.”
“Henry, I am so sorry.” Caroline drew him out of Mary’s earshot. “I know your greatest burden is being so unfairly tarnished—”
“My greatest burden is that I cannot be with you, and that honor will dictate I must marry your best friend rather than you… the only woman I love, the only woman I will ever love.”
He said it matter-of-factly, which conveyed more than passion and poetry would have done.
“Oh, Henry, I would do anything to be with you,” Caroline declared, gripping his hand. “I want to marry you, too, more than anything. But we both know we cannot do that if it leaves Venetia vulnerable to that evil man.”
“The only way we are to be married is if a kind and honorable gentleman offered for Venetia,” Henry said, his arm partially shielding her as if his greatest desire was to enfold her in his arms. “A man prepared to accept her without a dowry. A man who would accept her, knowing that she—”
“It’s all lies!” Caroline declared hotly before realizing she’d nearly revealed Venetia’s confidence regarding her aunt’s declaration of her illegitimacy.
“That she does not love him?” Henry asked.
“Oh, that is not a lie. No, Henry, everything else swirling around is a lie, and I am in despair that she will accept either Windermere, or follow through with marriage to you.”
Henry looked as grim as she felt. “If only some unknown gentleman, madly in love with her but unable to declare himself, would present himself. But with Venetia’s family so disconnected from anyone of influence, and with her lack of dowry, I’d say that was well nigh impossible.” He made a noise of frustration. “We haven’t even been able to ask Mr. Rothbury about the vague possibility he knows something about Venetia’s family that might throw light on the matter. The man has been most elusive.”
Mary, who had edged closer despite Caroline’s request, cleared her throat nervously. “Beggin’ your pardon, miss, sir, but I couldn’t help overhearin’…” She twisted her apron. “It’s just that my cousin Betsy, who works for the Rothburys, says her master—Mr. Edward Rothbury—he has a likeness of Miss Playford in his study. Don’t know why it’s there but in view of yer mentioning the gentleman, just thought I’d bring it up.”
Caroline and Henry turned to stare at her, momentarily speechless.
“And Betsy says,” Mary continued, emboldened by their attention, “that old Mr. Rothbury, before he met his maker, was thick as thieves with Miss Playford’s father and that Miss Playford’s father was as rich as Croesus. Mr. Rothbury managed his accounts or some such. Betsy says the young Mr. Rothbury’s as honorable a gentleman as ever lived, and all them what works for him says so. Never raises his voice, pays fair wages, and keeps to himself mostly.” She dropped her eyes. “Not that I were eavesdropping, but I just thought his interest in Miss Playford might be worth knowin’, is all.”
Caroline put her hands to her cheeks as she turned glowing eyes towards Henry.
“Why did I not insist that my sister-in-law accompany me to Mr. Rothbury’s residence to quiz him when we first heard of the connection?” she asked.
“Because there really didn’t seem much that he could help us with, considering he was only a lad who probably knew nothing since he joined the navy when he was fourteen,” said Henry. And although his tone was measured, Caroline could see he was growing excited.
“But, if what Mary tells us is true,” he said, turning to smile at Caroline’s maid, “it would appear that Mr. Rothbury has a great deal more interest in Venetia than would be expected on such minimal acquaintance.”
Caroline squeezed his hands, then, after a quick look about to ensure they were unobserved, launched herself into his arms.
“Oh, my darling Henry, we are on the cusp of discovery, I truly believe it!” she cried.
“I think we are far from the cusp, dear girl, but we are considerably closer,” Henry cautiously agreed. “And I think the sooner you can persuade Amelia—who really is a good sort—to take you with her to visit Mr. Rothbury, the sooner we can get to the bottom of all this. Now, Mary—” He motioned to the little maid. “Please turn your head away for just five seconds and promise you won’t tell Caroline’s mama you’ve seen me with her. Not that it’ll matter since we’ll be married within the month, come hell or high water!”
And with that marvelously earth-shatteringly wonderful promise ringing in her ears, Caroline happily succumbed as Henry kissed her deeply and thoroughly upon the lips.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
To Caroline’s relief,Amelia was easily persuaded. It seemed she was just as concerned by the rumors swirling around Henry, and held Lord Windermere in equally strong dislike.
Whatever the reason, the very next morning Caroline and Amelia were received by young Mr. Edward Rothbury, who, it appeared, had been reviewing the family ledgers which were spread on the desk before him. Though modest compared to the abodes of his wealthier acquaintances, the room reflected its owner’s character—orderly, unpretentious, but tasteful.
At least, this was how Caroline regarded young Mr. Edward Rothbury, who’d inherited his London townhouse from his father, she’d recently learned. They were a family whose members had distinguished themselves through service to Crown and country, most notably on the sea. Oh yes, Caroline had worked hard to discover all she could about Mr. Rothbury in a very short time.
“Miss Weston, Lady Weston,” the young man greeted them with a bow, rising as the maid announced them. “This is an unexpected pleasure.”
