Page 62 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“As for her, she wanted my money and nothing else. I’d had a moment of clarity one day. God granted me the gift of it one day as I walked by the water in heavy contemplation. I thought I should execute a test. I am ashamed of myself now as I remember it and as I tell it. But one day when we were together, I came very close to proposing. I said a lot of things that led her to believe that I was about to ask for her hand. I was a clever lad, if not too tactful. And just at the moment where I should have asked, I told her I had a confession to make. I told her that my father’s fortune had been squandered. I said that it was not all gone, but that I would have to lead the life of an ordinary gentleman for a while before I regained my wealth. Well, you should have seen the look in her eyes. You would have thought I had just struck her with my bare hand. A flood of rage poured from her. We parted that night. And do you know what? I went after her. In the night, I found her at her home. I told her I wanted her. I admitted my lie, and she chastised me for it. But she was grateful. I proposed then and there. We made it official the next day.”
“But,” said Madeline, “I don’t understand. What happened?”
“I’m getting to that. We had a gala to celebrate the engagement. The Earl of Mersey, your granddad, was present. His wife was ill so he’d taken the liberty of bringing his eldest daughter as an escort.”
“Mama!”
“Yes, child. I saw her, and that was it. All bets were off, as they say in the gaming rooms. I had no idea she was Lord Mersey’s daughter until he introduced her to me. But it didn’t matter. I saw her and I thought, ‘By God, there she is. There is the one who will be at my side for the long road ahead.’”
He looked at Madeline and smiled. “I was young and foolish, but luckily, I was right. She turned out to be something truly unexpected. Here was a woman who challenged me at every turn, but only for my benefit. She made me think better; she helped me make wise decisions, and she seemed to see the soul under my skin. She made me a better man. That was what drew me ever closer to her. She made me worthy of her love.”
“And what of Lady Elizabeth?” said Madeline, remembering the bitterness of the woman during her time of captivity.
“I called off our engagement in due time. We had a frightful argument about it. She accused me of everything from lechery to debauchery and beyond. I’d never seen a woman so scorned and enraged. I said some nasty things in return. I am ashamed of myself. The next day, I went and told some of the Almack’s stalwarts that she was nothing but a soulless creature in search of gold, and to stay away from her. I should not have done such a thing. It ruined her reputation in society. I may have been responsible in part for her total ruin. She had every right to thrive and change her ways. I do not believe she would have, but I had no right to interfere with that process. As far as I was concerned, I was done with that miserable woman. I had someone who truly loved me as much as I loved her, and for the right reasons. Well, Lady Elizabeth returned and did me one better. She attacked my beloved daughter, and would have taken you forever if it weren’t for brave Lord Peter.”
Madeline was silent for a time before she realised that Papa too had fallen very silent. She almost thought he’d fallen asleep.
“Papa?” she said.
He turned his eyes to her.
For a moment, she had to gather her thoughts. She knew what she was supposed to say. She was supposed to tell him that she forgave him for what he did to that woman that ultimately led to her—Madeline’s—terrible ordeal. But she couldn’t bring herself to say what she was supposed to say because it did not equal her feelings.
“What is it, child?” he beckoned.
“How could you?” was all she could say at first.
“I was young and foolish—”
“No,” she said sharply. “I mean, how could you stand there all those times always disapproving of Lord Oliver?”
“My child, that was—”
“Spare me the customary excuses, Papa! I know them all.I only want what’s best for my daughters. I love you, Madeline. I would give you the stars. Your happiness is my gift.It’s all tosh!”
“Now, child, that is uncalled for.”
“Maybe, but it’s true! You say you only want my happiness, but I see your face, Papa. I hear your little teasing remarks—or rather, what is underneath them. Hidden like snakes under fallen leaves is the message. You want Lord Peter because he is the heir to the duke.”
“Child—”
“Lord Oliver is every bit as brave, every bit as noble. He is laying ill right this very moment, and here you are, telling me the tale of how you jilted a woman who only wanted you for your position! You are a hypocrite, Papa! A hypocrite!”
She broke down at this last utterance, throwing an arm over her face.
She heard Lisbelle enter the room. “M-My Lord? Everything alright?”
“She’s overcome with emotion, poor child. Let her rest.”
She heard his heavy footsteps plod slowly out of the room. A cooling towel was placed on her forehead.
“There, there,” Lisbelle cooed. “Be still. Your father loves you, child, bless him. Loves you oh so very much ...”
Chapter 47
Foster padded into her room. This was a most comical scene for Lady Madeline, who had to stifle a giggle at the sight of the large man peering around the door like a timid cat, then skulking in as if wary of the inhabitant.
“Oh, M’Lady, I’m heartily glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?”
