Page 60 of If the Duke Dares
“It was. We decided to promenade this afternoon.”
“Mama mentioned Miss Barclay in her last letter, which I just received yesterday,” Francesca said. “She wrote that Miss Barclay didn’t arrive at Loxley Court as expected, that she was ill.”
“I imagine Mother also included the part where her parents, the Baron and Baroness Radstockdidcome to Loxley Court,” Acton said.
Francesca nodded. “She did. It’s all very odd. And Miss Pandora Barclay is the one Banemore compromised. I believe Cecily may have misspoken about which sister that was.”
“Yes, I did reference the wrong sister,” Cecily said with a faint grimace.
Francesca addressed Acton. “Honestly, you may want to cut a wide swath around the entire family.”
“Why would you say that?” Cecily asked. “Mama is loyal to her friends, especially those who have been loyal to her.”
“That doesn’t mean Wellesbourne must demonstrate the same loyalty.” Francesca shrugged. “Lady Radstock has always seemed to lack complete sincerity, in my opinion.”
Acton found his sister’s assessment of the baroness interesting. “I liked Miss Barclay upon meeting her this morning. I look forward to seeing if we will suit. Regardless of your opinion, the baroness is a friend of Mother’s. We should be helping their family, not avoiding them.”
“I suppose you are right.” Francesca turned back to the desk.
“I agree, Wellesbourne,” Cecily said. “Mama has always said that the baroness has been a good friend to her.”
Acton was still surprised by this given what he knew of Persey’s mother. He wondered what his mother found pleasing about the baroness.
“I don’t think Mama is aware of the scandal,” Francesca said. “I am just writing to her about it now, as she will want to know.”
Cecily set her book in her lap, keeping her finger between the pages as it closed. “Yes, she will want to support them. She wouldn’t want Miss Pandora to suffer unduly.”
“I do feel badly for Miss Pandora, but why would anyone think walking alone with Banemore wouldn’t end in disaster?” Francesca sent a look toward Acton. “I gather he’s your close friend, but you can’t deny his reputation is horrendous.”
Acton grimaced. “Is it really horrendous?” What did that make Acton’s reputation?
“It is now,” Francesca said.
Now was as good a time as any to ask about Bane’s betrothal. “Speaking of Banemore, have either of you seen an announcement or any news regarding his alleged betrothal?”
Cecily shook her head. “Not a word, and believe me, people are speculating. There will need to be an announcement soon, or people will think he was lying to avoid marrying poor Miss Pandora.”
Which was what Acton suspected. If that was true, then Bane would truly have earned hishorrendousreputation.
He diverted the conversation back to the promenade. “Can I count on you both to join us this afternoon, then?”
Cecily nodded. “Yes. I assume their aunt will be accompanying them? She’s delightful.”
“I’ll come too,” Francesca said. “I do enjoy Mrs. Barclay-Fiennes. And, honestly, it isn’t fair that Miss Pandora will suffer so badly for her poor choices. I have no doubt Bane is entirely to blame. For all we know, he manipulated Miss Pandora into being alone with him, and his advances upon her were completely unwanted.” She pursed her lips in disgust.
“That would certainly fit his reputation,” Cecily agreed.
Acton couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Ismyreputation that bad?”
“No, but you haven’t been caught in a blatant compromising position and refused to marry the woman.” Francesca gave him a pointed look. “However, if you did, you would certainly be relegated to the same club.”
Cecily sniggered. “The Blackguard Society.”
“Don’t give Wellesbourne any ideas,” Francesca said with a chuckle.
On the contrary, Acton wouldn’t want to be in such a club. However, it seemed he already was. And it was affecting his honest attempt at finding a bride. Persey was deterred by it, and he had to think other engaging, clever women would be too. Even more reason to ensure he changed his attitude and behavior.
“I pray my reputation will improve.” Acton inclined his head toward his sisters. “Particularly with the two of you to influence me.”
