Page 12 of Rescued from Betrayal
Edith’s usual placid expression lit with delight. “Is this not the most delightful crush?”
“It is, but it would be far more enjoyable if the numbers of ladies to gentlemen were flipped.”
“Agreed. And if they had not invited some of the rabble.”
Melior followed Edith’s pointed gaze to Miss Harris. Why did she dislike her so much? She did not have time to question, however, and pulled Edith down an unoccupied hall.
“Where are we going?” Edith asked.
“We need to talk.”
Edith followed without restraint. Once they rounded a corner and Melior was sure they could not be overheard, she said, “I need your help.”
“How so?”
“I must get Lord Caraway alone tonight so he can have time to declare himself.”
Edith frowned. “What makes you think he is going to offer for you?”
Melior ticked the reasons off on her fingers. “He has danced with me at every opportunity, taken me out on drives and walks several times this season, I get flowers from him regularly, but most importantly because I need him to.”
“Oh posh, Melior.” Edith smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. “You do not really need him. I am sure another well-connected gentleman will come along if Lord Caraway does not come up to scratch.”
“I do not have time, Edith. The first banns for my uncle and Lady Jillian’s marriage will be read tomorrow. Once the Ton realizes that my father may not inherit the dukedom, my value among my peers will be greatly diminished.”
“Is that not a bit dramatic?” Edith stepped back and glanced down the hallway. “You will still be the niece of a duke which is a far higher status than some of us can claim. Plus as the only daughter and niece, your dowry is extensive.”
“You do not understand, Edith. I need to gain the title my family is counting on, otherwise all my training will have been for nothing. I have been raised to this and it is slipping from my grasp.”
Melior stared at the top of her friend's head as Edith looked at the ground contemplatively. “Not only that, but my mother demands it. If I do not, I may be forced into another marriage.” The pleading in her voice was pitiful, but she was desperate. She’d like to believe her mother was bluffing about Lord Penbrose. She had made empty threats before, but she could not be certain this was one of them.
Her entire life had been a juggling act of trying to gain her mother’s approval while still fulfilling a few of her own dreams. Mother wanted title and fortune, but Melior secretly pined for a relationship reminiscent of her aunt and uncle with respect and mutual affection. Lord Caraway had the title and fortune necessary, but it was his easy disposition and good looks that made her desires for felicity in marriage possible. She was so close to fulfilling both their dreams that the idea of failing terrified her. She needed Edith’s help, even if she had to stoop to begging.
Finally, Edith’s head rose. “I will help you.”
Melior threw her arms around her. “I knew you would not let me down.”
Edith gave her back a few awkward pats. “Yes, well…what is it that you need from me?”
“I need you to keep track of Lord Caraway and let me know when he leaves the ballroom. I will try to do the same, but if I cannot then I will need you to alert me. Perhaps you could even tell him I have a message for him.”
“And what shall I say this message is about?”
“I am sure you can come up with something.”
“You want me to deceive him? Melior, are you trying to give him the opportunity to speak or are you seeking to trap him?”
“If my mother had her way it would be the latter, but I am not so unprincipled. I simply want to speak with him withoutgiving him time to become nervous about this large step we are making.”
Edith nodded thoughtfully. “And where should this conversation happen?”
“Some place natural.” Melior peered around the corner at the open ballroom doors, then back to their position in the hall. “This is not a bad place. It seems quiet enough. And if I recall, both retiring rooms are off separate halls near this one. At some point he is bound to come out of the ballroom doors and we can meet by happenstance.”
“Yes, complete happenstance.” Edith smirked.
“Sometimes one must guide fate, you know.”
“Or give it a big push down a dark hole.”
