Botheration! The men who had not gone to the races were the steady sort, not gamblers, not ones to leave their wives and children and responsibilities to jaunt off with their cronies. She did not want one of those sports-mad Corinthians who went to cockfights, foxhunts, and fishing trips to Scotland to kill things for pleasure, with ladybirds along for more pleasure. She told herself to pick one of those who stayed in Town to oversee their investments or conduct government business, or look after their families. That was what she wanted, so she had only to decide, then charm an offer out of the lucky man.
So why hadnt she done so? It wasnt as if she were waiting to fall in love with one of these serious-minded gentlemen. She did not have the leisure or the luxury to hold out for love. She wished only to like her future partner, and perhaps feel some physical attraction. How could she kiss a man she did not like, or share the more intimate aspects of marriage? Some women did, she knew, considering the act a duty, a fair exchange for a home and family. Corie could not imagine taking a stranger to her bed, a stranger who owned her, body and soul.
The very thought made her pull away when a gentleman became too familiar. That stiffness was not going to win her any proposals, she knew, but she couldnt help her reaction. Shed survived the wondering looks; she could survive being considered standoffish and cold. The problem was, finding a position or settling in a cottage by herself did not have the appeal it used to. Marriage to a stranger was not so attractive, either. Which left . . . ?
Which left showing their faces at Almacks again, as the missing gentlemen returned from the races with their pockets empty enough that finding a rich wife was critical. A fortune hunter was not what she wanted, especially with her dowry in her fathers greedy clutches.
She did not know what she wanted.
Corie told herself that was because she had not met him yet. She wouldnt listen to that niggling voice in her head that said she was lying, a great sin in the Stamfield household. That was why, the pinching, pulling ache inside told her, she compared every man to that dunderheaded Daniel.
No, she insisted to her own inner self. She had not felt that heart stirring, that world shattering, that first glance of a Grand Passion. That was how Susanna described True Love, straight out of a silly novel or a bad poem, where the beloved was always perfection personified. Daniel Stamfield, perfect? Ha! Shed just have to put all thoughts of him out of her mind. He set her aside easily enough as soon as he found enough partners for her at whatever dance they attended. One duty dance with her, at his mothers insistence, and he was off to the cardrooms, or outside for a cigarillo, or in the corner with Trowbridge and some of his official-looking friends.
Shed wash her hair again, that was what shed do, and put on a pretty gown, with her pearls, not the diamonds that made her feel cheapened each time she wore them, cheapened and betrayed. And shed go to Almacks to find her true love. Or the next best thing, a willing husband.
Almacks was easier the second time around. The introductions were not as long, the names and faces coming together. The ladies all had friends now, other women they could converse with without the fears of wallflowerhood. They all had partners without needing one of the patronesses to intercede on their behalf with some hapless youth dragged in by his mother, the way Daniel was.
Before he could escape to safer grounds, he was dragooned into spending a set with a rotund little sparrow who laughed like a crow and danced like a two-headed chicken.
Hed done so well with Miss Thomlinson, seeing her established with his friend Chadwick, that Princess Lieven told him, You might even steal a bit of our thunder, making so many matches. She inclined her befeathered head toward his mother and Trowbridge, Susanna and Haversmith, Lord Morgan and Miss Reynolds, Corie andwho the deuce was that man with the hair parted in the middle slobbering over her hand? If he squeezed her poor fingers too hard, he was dead.
Him? Oh, that is the Duke of Haighs cousin Haggerty. The duchess called him back from Epsom just to meet your Miss Abbott.
Not my Miss Abbott, he grumbled, my mothers goddaughter.
But youre the one looking after her, arent you, scrutinizing her suitors? He will come up to scratchexcuse the expressionif Her Grace tells him to. She holds the purse strings in that family, you know.
Hes not in line for the title or anything. I dont see why hes still living at their sufferance, on their financial support. A grown man ought to be self-sufficient, doing something besides keeping his hair part straight.
The princess waved her hand at the gathering. How many men here actually work for a living, Mr. Stamfield, other than military officers, some well-connected clergy, or cabinet undersecretaries? Our bachelors are mostly younger sons, or cousins like Haggerty, whose job is to make his tailor look good and marry well.
Daniel excused himself before they could reach the next ugly duckling someone thought he could turn into a swan. I see my mother beckoning to me. That is my commission for tonight, keeping her content.
His mother hadnt raised her hand or her eyebrow, but she sat stiffly, listening to the dukes connection while Corie and Susanna went off with their next partners. Trowbridge was nearby speaking to his government counterparts, and Lord Morgan was dozing on his chair, forbidden to drink, dance, or smoke.
Ah, Daniel, I was hoping you were free, Lady Cora said. Mr. Haggerty has been telling me about his trip to the racecourse.
His mother wouldnt give a groat to hear about what horse finished first. After brief introductions and briefer bows, Daniel said, Yes? What news from Epsom?
I was trying to tell Lady Cora about a tale I heard from an old friend of yours, Viscount Snelling.
The man is no friend. Daniel must have spoken louder than he intended, because Lord Morgan woke up. Trowbridge looked over from his discussion and stepped back toward Lady Cora. Susanna and Clarence Haversmith returned to the group of gilded chairs when they realized the dance was a waltz, and she had still not received permission to take part.
A few other heads turned to see what new delicious disasters the Stamfield contingent caused tonight. Daniel lowered his voice. That is, I met him once, which was enough.
Haggerty raised a scented handkerchief to his nose and chuckled. So I gathered. But the viscount did mention a troublesome tale, one that especially concerns me, now that I have met the delightful Miss Abbott.
Daniel wanted to say that nothing about Miss Abbott concerned this mincing prig. Instead he folded his arms across his chest and put on an affected, bored look.
His sister giggled. You look like you swallowed a worm in your apple.
Hush, Sukey, Clarence whispered to her. Hes trying to look nonchalant.
Thank you, Clarence, Daniel said, frowning both of the youngsters into silence. I am glad you pointed that out to everyone. Go on, Haggerty. What Banbury tale did Snelling spout now?
Well, he was in his cups, so I disregarded him at first. But the man kept losing, and I felt sorry for him.
Now, that got Daniels interest. He looked over to make certain Trowbridge was not missing any of the conversation.
The older man nodded. Lost a lot, did Snelling?
Haggerty laughed, almost as high-pitched a cackle as Daniels last dance partner had. A fortune. Ive never seen a man so unlucky. It was as if he picked the slowest horse in every race.
Of course he did. Daniel asked, What did he say, that he was playing the odds?
Why, yes, in fact. Thats just what Snelling said, that he was hoping for a big payoff.
And he paid right there, Id wager, in pound notes.
Now Haggerty began to look uncertain. Why, yes, how did you know? Most other chaps wrote vouchers, to settle when they returned to London. Thirty days is usual. But not Snelling. He came rich and went home poor.
Oh, Id guess he has plenty more blunt where that pile came from.
Trowbridge tried to signal to Daniel, reminding him that this was not public information yet. And they still had no proof. An unlucky, foolish bettor wasnt necessarily a counterfeiter.
Daniel ignored him. Go on, he said to Haggerty.
Well, he started bandying Miss Abbotts name around, and yours. Now, I had just received ordersthat is, a suggestionthat I return to Town in time to meet Miss Abbott. So I asked him about that unfortunate event my valet swears took place three years ago when he worked for Sir Nevillethe event Her Grace decided to consider a pack of nonsense, considering Sir Nevilles age and condition. Snelling swore he had a letter from his dead brother, which gave credence to my valets version.
Daniels bright blue stare was fixed on Haggertys puce waistcoat, as if wondering which embroidered hummingbird covered his black heart. Were you one of the gentlemen fortunate enough to win from Snelling?
Why, yes, but what has that to do with Miss Abbott?
I suggest that you inspect those pound notes. They will prove as worthless as the lies he spoke.
What? Haggerty squawked, which drew even more attention to their conversation.
Trowbridge coughed and glared at Daniel.
The man is a swindler and his brother was a snake.
You say his coin is false? Haggerty went pale. I used it to pay my tailor and my boot maker.
Then you could be charged with the same crimes as the counterfeiter when we catch him, passing forged documents. It is a hanging crime, you know.
But I didnt . . . I never . . . Snelling? You are accusing Snelling?
Not at all. Trowbridge stepped in front of Daniel. Weve noticed some slight imperfections in a few of the recent bank issues. The Finance Ministry is looking into it, I assure you, as is the royal exchequer. The Bank of England stands behind its currency.
Haggerty wiped his forehead. Well, that is a relief. Now he sneered at Daniel. There was no need to start a panic about the bills. People will stop using them and demand gold or silver instead.
Quite, Trowbridge confirmed, with another glare toward Daniel. No need for the least concern. He placed his arm around Haggertys thin, padded shoulders to lead him away.
The man was willing to go, anxious to inspect the remaining bills in his inside pocket, for the high-stakes card game he intended to join later. Before he left, however, Haggerty felt he had to excuse himself to Lady Cora. If my winnings are good, my debts are not as pressing now. That is, I do not feel I can offer for Miss Abbott until this elopement story is settled one way or the other. Her Grace would not want any dirty laundry hanging on the ducal family tree.
I do not believe I gave you permission to address Miss Abbott, Daniel practically spit out, coming between Trowbridge and Haggerty. In fact, I do not. Not for a dance, not for a glance.
Haggerty stepped back, farther from Daniel and his clenched fists. When he reached what he thought was a safe enough distance, he warned, Id be careful were I you. When Snelling gets back, hell demand satisfaction for the slurs you cast tonight. And you dont have to warn me off the wench. No one will offer for the Abbott female, anyway. There are too many doubts about her whereabouts that night.
Daniel growled. You are doubting my mothers word?
N-not at all. Haggerty bowed in Lady Coras direction. She turned her head away, the cut direct. Trowbridge reached down, as if for a sword at his side. Lord Morgan wheezed something about calling out the impudent puppy himself, while some smooth-skinned youth held back Lady Coras daughter from clawing his eyes out. Stamfield was growing all red in the face, and Miss Abbott herself was returning to her party.
Haggerty tried to smile as if he had not just offended every one of them. II am just withdrawing the offer I made to Lady Cora, when you were not available, Stamfield. Your pardon, Miss Abbott, but I do not wish to wed at this time.
Corie raised her chin. And I would not marry one who lets his cousin select his bride, sight unseen, or who proposes marriage after one dance. For that matter, I will not wed a gentlemanshe did not try to keep the sneer from her voicewho does not ask me himself.
A few more steps and Haggerty felt hed escape with his skin intact. He was confident enough to call back, Well, you wont be so particular when no man offers.
Princess Lieven and the other patronesses hurried over, likely to evict the Stamfields and their friends from the premises. It wouldnt be the first time for Daniel, but hed be damned if anyone was going to treat his womenfolk so poorly. Hell, if they were thrown out here, now, Susanna might have to marry Clarence after all.
So he rose to the occasion, took Cories hand in his, and loudly proclaimed, Miss Abbott needs no other offers. I am pleased to announce we have an understanding.
That was no lie. He understood she needed a husband. She understood he was insane.
An understanding?