Page 91 of The Make-Believe Marriage
Marigold was the sweetest of them all and firmly believed in the power of love to overcome all woes.
“Tell us everything,” Gory insisted.
All of the ladies listened attentively as she related what happened on the night she tried to steal into Sir Henry’s townhouse. The dowagers must have seen and heard a lot in their day, for they were not overly impressed by her attempt to destroy proof of her father’s debt to Sir Henry.
“That was quite foolish of you,” Lady Dayne said, her reproof mild because the lady was too kind to ever condescend or berate her. “You might have fallen off that slippery roof and hurt yourself, not to mention Octavian might have been seriously hurt when he fell off.”
She nodded. “I know. But I was desperate. I loathed having to bow to my father’s wishes and marry the odious Sir Henry. But I could not leave my father in danger, either. I thought destroying those vouchers would give him some bargaining power.”
Lady Withnall shook her head. “Sir Henry was a villain through and through. Realizing those vouchers had been stolen would only have enraged him. Did you not consider that he would take his rage out on your father?”
“That’s what Octavian said.” Heat crept up her cheeks, for she was ashamed to admit that she had given this possibility little consideration. Her father was a little weasel who always managed to slip out of his problems, as Octavian often remarked.
“I’m sure you only meant to provide your father more time until you came up with a better plan,” Marigold said, and gave her a comforting pat on the hand.
Syd nodded. “Yes, that was my hope.”
Gory pursed her lips. “I wish you had come to me. We could have killed the old goat and buried his body somewhere he would never be found.”
Syd’s mouth gaped open. “Gory!”
The others responded with equal shock, especially Marigold who was too gentle to even hurt a mouse.
Gory rolled her eyes. “For pity’s sake. I’m jesting! Do you honestly believe I am capable of killing anyone? Believe me, if ever I went on a murderous spree, it would be my uncle I’d go after first. But I would not be obvious about it. An obscure poison is what I would use in order to make his death appear natural. Is this not the cleverest way to murder someone? A murder no one suspects ever occurred?”
Sophie grunted in disapproval. “We all know your uncle is a toad. But dreaming up ways to dispatch him? That is not at all the thing, Gory.”
Gory sighed. “I would never actually do it. But what is so wrong with hoping he gets back a little of what he deserves? He is not a good man. In fact, he’s gotten involved in some very shady dealings lately. The class of gentlemen coming around to our house these past few weeks is enough to chill your blood. I only call them gentlemen out of politeness.”
Lady Dayne frowned. “This sounds serious, Gory. Have these men frightened you? Or approached you inappropriately? Do you need our help? Come stay with me if you are worried for your safety.”
“Thank you for the offer, but I am capable of taking care of myself.”
“Still,” Lady Withnall said with a shake of her head, “it sounds like a bad business. Do not hesitate to come to me or Lady Dayne if ever you feel at risk. We have big, empty houses now that our children are grown and have their own homes. We would enjoy having your companionship.”
“Thank you. That is very kind of you, and I will take you up on the offer should the need arise.” Gory then purposely changed the course of the conversation. “Oh, yum. Ginger cake.My favorite. I’ll have a slice, Syd. Now, tell us more about your adventures with Octavian.”
Lady Dayne wagged a finger at Gory. “Your ploy to distract us will not work. In fact, it has made me even more determined. With Syd now married, there is no reason to put off our sponsoring you this Season.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Lady Withnall said. “It is time we spoke to your uncle about our taking you under our wing. Is this not sensible? Your home life sounds deplorable and possibly dangerous, so move in with me or Lady Dayne without delay. You’ll need a new wardrobe, of course. And there’s to be no more talk of cadavers or digging up graves while dancing with any young men. You purposely do this to scare them away. That ghoulish talk must end. Is that clear?”
Gory smiled as she nodded. “Quite clear.”
“And you are to wear soft colors when going about in Society,” Lady Dayne added. “No more walking around looking like the harbinger of death.”
“I like dark colors,” Gory grumbled. “Besides, is it not proper for me to be in mourning for my parents?”
“It has been well over a year now,” Lady Withnall shot back, but gave Gory’s hand a gentle pat. “I know you miss them. But they would not be happy to see you behaving as you are.”
After a little more discussion about Gory’s future, something of which they all held opinions, the topic returned to Syd and her dash to Scotland with Octavian. “I knew he was in love with you,” Lady Dayne insisted.
Lady Withnall nodded. “I knew it, too. So ridiculously obvious. Dozens of women flitting about him like butterflies, some brazenly propositioning him, and he had no interest in any of them from the moment he set eyes on you, Syd.”
Syd had just taken a sip of her tea, and now coughed as it went down the wrong way. “I know he cares for me,” she said, quickly recovering.
“As you do for him,” Lady Withnall stated. “You must not hide your feelings from him any longer Syd. He must be told what is in your heart, or…”
“Or what?” Syd asked.
