A Scandalous Wager Page 17

  ‘Do you not think I have pondered the matter thoroughly? If I did not think it right I would not have organised this meeting,’ she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

  ‘Fenwick will forbid me to ever leave the house again,’ Marie said in a hushed voice. She peeked over her shoulder at Lisbeth, worry and confusion etched on her face.

  ‘Thank you for trying, Grandmother,’ Lisbeth said. ‘I will leave. I do not wish to be responsible for any unhappiness between Marie and her husband.’

  Her sister turned a tear-stained face towards her. ‘I’m sorry, Beth, but I can’t.’

  Lisbeth felt like casting up her accounts.

  ‘I will not entertain this business again when you change your mind!’ Lady Fortesque warned.

  Marie turned away from Lisbeth to face her older relative. ‘She murdered her husband, Grandmamma,’ she said in a whisper.

  ‘Do you really believe that, Marie?’ Lisbeth asked in a voice that sounded strangled and off-pitch. Her emotions were starting to overtake her. She desperately tried to rein them in but the lump in her throat grew even larger.

  ‘How could I believe otherwise? It was all over the papers. It was months before we could even hold our heads up in society. It was horrible!’

  Lisbeth took a tentative step towards Marie. ‘You know me! I am your sister. Do you really believe I could do such a thing?’ Lisbeth implored, although she hardly knew why she was bothering. ‘I am innocent—surely you know that in your heart.’

  Marie focused on Lisbeth, her lip quivering just like it used to when she was upset as a young child. ‘I thought I knew you once, but I don’t know you, not any more. You changed after you married him.’ Marie wiped at her eyes. ‘After Mother died, you promised you would never leave me. But you left me, Beth. You left me…’

  She had promised, but how to explain to Marie, who had been only a child when she had married Nathaniel, that it had not been her choice. Nathaniel had kept her prisoner in the house and forbidden contact with her family. If any of them had seen the bruises he had inflicted, the weight she had lost, the fear in her eyes, would they have come to her defence?

  ‘I have already grieved for my sister.’ Marie’s voice cracked on a sob. ‘I will not do so again.’

  In that instant, she knew. Her sister did still love her. Lisbeth swallowed past the lump in her throat. Knowing this did not make the situation any easier. She felt the agony in Marie’s voice. Nathaniel had taken so much from her but he could not take away the love Lisbeth felt in her heart. Her love for her family had always been there. Even if she felt they had not loved her back.

  Lady Fortesque took Marie by her shoulders and shook her gently. ‘You must listen to me. I had heard rumours that Blackhurst was a club-fisted fool and I let her marry him anyway. He was an Earl with good family and a sizable income. I didn’t know he would make your sister’s life a misery.’ She looked past Marie to Lisbeth. ‘I can do nothing to rectify what I have done, except to bring you two back together.’

  Lisbeth felt her legs go weak. She felt Bellamy’s steadying hands at her waist and drew strength from his support.

  ‘Hold fast,’ he murmured in her ear. The soft, deep timbre of his voice was calming. He would not let her fall. She knew this instinctively. He had proven himself dependable in this respect, even if she had not always appreciated it, as she did now.

  ‘Lisbeth did the best she could under the circumstances,’ Lady Fortesque said. ‘I understand that now and so should you. Marriage is not all champagne and roses, as you well know, young lady. I believe now that Lisbeth is innocent and I would not say this without having done a lot of soul searching these past weeks. Having said that, I cannot be sorry Blackhurst is dead. He deserved what he got, whoever it was that did the deed.’

  Marie watched her grandmother with her mouth open. Clearly, she had not expected this confession. Neither did Lisbeth. Lady Fortesque walked away from Marie and was now standing in front of Lisbeth.

  Lisbeth looked up, eyes filled to overflowing. Her grandmother took Lisbeth’s hands in hers. Studied her for a moment. Gave Lisbeth an odd, sad sort of smile.

  ‘Can you forgive an old fool? I know now that we should have rallied around you, we who knew you best. I did what I thought I had to for the family at the time, but that meant sacrificing you. I regret my actions more than you can ever know. Forgive me.’ Lady Fortesque bowed her head and waited.

  Lisbeth’s whole body was shaking with emotions she knew not how to control. She felt Bellamy’s hand on her shoulder, warm and secure. She wanted to turn and bury her face in his chest and let him comfort her but there was still her sister staring at her like she could not quite believe this was happening. Lisbeth couldn’t believe it either but she wanted this so badly. Badly enough to forgive everything?

  ‘Yes,’ Lisbeth said. ‘Yes, I forgive you, Grandmamma.’

  Marie was flushed, her eyes glassy with unshed tears and no doubt confusion and anger. ‘What can I do? You ask too much,’ Marie said. ‘Defy my husband or go with my heart? He will not like the scandal.’

  ‘I will speak to Fenwick. He will see reason, even if he does not like it,’ Lady Fortesque replied.

  Oh, to have her grandmother’s confidence that everyone would do as she wished. However, Marie’s plea gave Lisbeth hope that her sister was not completely opposed to reconciliation. That fear of displeasing her husband, more than anything, was holding her back.

  ‘Do you really think he will listen?’ Marie said now, looking between both her grandmother and Lisbeth. Lady Fortesque nodded. Marie bit down on her lower lip, hope flaring in her eyes as she took a step towards Lisbeth.

  ‘Beth, I have dreamed of you so many times. Of bumping into you in the street or in a shop, anything just to see you. Even if I could not talk to you, just to see your face again was all I wanted for so long. On my wedding day I pretended you were there.’

  ‘It was my wish as well,’ Lisbeth said. ‘And I was there on your wedding day, outside in my carriage. I would never have missed your special day.’

  Marie released a sob and flew into Lisbeth’s arms.

  Lisbeth held her for a long time. Her heart was beating so fast she felt faint, but she didn’t care because she was so happy.

  ‘I’ve been such a coward. I’m so sorry, Beth, so very sorry…’

  ‘Shh, my darling. It wasn’t your fault. You were too young to understand. I will never leave you again. I promise.’

  Oliver had watched the scene before him unfold in a great deal of discomfort. He did not belong here. He walked out of the box as soon as he could and finally felt his breath return. Two disturbing interludes in as many days had given him palpitations. All these family reunions were well and good for Lisbeth, even if they were dramatically over-emotional. He was happy for her, but it brought home to him the sad fact there would be no family reunions for him and that he had limited time with the one family member he had left.

  He had never felt more alone than at this very moment. He closed his eyes and tried to picture his brother’s face, to no avail. He rubbed at his chest, at the familiar ache there whenever he thought of Henry. He’d lost his family; he knew how abandonment felt. But he had abandoned Henry, too. He had run away to war because he couldn’t stand being in the way with nothing to do. He should have stayed, helped Henry, learnt from his brother, and taken some responsibility. Instead he had left everything to his brother to deal with. Now he knew how hard it must have been for him.

  Lady Fortesque stuck her head out of the curtains and eyed him. ‘It is quite safe to return now, Bellamy.’

  He turned towards her and saw that she was smiling. It looked slightly peculiar on her, probably because her face was unaccustomed to the act. For Heaven’s sake, this smiling thing was beginning to be a habit for Lisbeth and her relations.

  ‘Are you sure? Because I am not sure I can handle any more tears.’

  ‘Honestly, I was beginning to think Marie addled. I am not used to b
eing questioned.’

  ‘Young ladies can afford to be addled in circumstances such as this. Don’t you think?’

  ‘Quite. And old ladies, too. There is hope for you yet, Bellamy. Come. The lights are going down.’ She waved him inside.

  Lisbeth came and took his arm, looking up at him to as if to gauge his demeanour. He smiled down at her, wanting to assure her that he was fine, even if it was not what he felt. She smiled and sat him on the left of her. He patted her hand on his sleeve and she squeezed his arm tightly.

  ‘Happy, Countess?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, very. Thank you for bringing me here.’

  ‘It had little to do with me. I simply do what I am told as per your always delightful schedule.’

  ‘Since when?’ Her eyes were all merriment and joy.

  He liked her eyes sparkling like this. He imagined even diamonds of the first water paled in comparison to the beauty of her eyes. ‘Since…well, fine you have me there.’ He gave her his cheekiest smile.

  Lisbeth raised a brow.

  ‘Principle, my dear. A man cannot be under the thumb, you know. It’s bad for his liver, or is that his spleen?’

  ‘And we can’t have that.’

  ‘Indeed, we cannot. Now, be a good girl and watch your opera. I will be asking questions later.’

  She smiled at him and even in the dimness of the box it felt like being hit by a thunderbolt. It was bliss and pain at the same time. He felt it in his liver and his spleen—not to mention other places.

  As he sat and stared at the stage below, he realised he could tick off another of his wagers tonight. His list was still in his pocket but with every passing day the thought of carrying out the list felt more and more abhorrent to him. He still needed the money, that hadn’t changed. And he still had Ashton on his back about Lisbeth’s part in the speculation. His life seemed to be filled with tasks he did not want to do.

  He glanced towards the sisters. They were holding hands with their heads close together, whispering. It was an endearing sight. He felt himself smile despite the ache in his heart that he never had the opportunity to talk with his brother before he died. Never got to tell him how much he meant to him, how much he loved him. How much he missed him still.

  ***

  Intermission came too fast for Lisbeth. Marie, still hesitant to face the crowd, would not let go of her sister. ‘I’ve decided I do not care what Fenwick wishes,’ Marie announced, her chin tilted up. ‘Let us go down and get tipsy on champagne.’

  ‘I will not have you punished for seeing me, Marie.’ Lisbeth was adamant that she would protect her sister from any unnecessary pain on her behalf.

  ‘Punished? Nonsense, Fenwick is not that kind of man,’ Marie stated with a smile. ‘The worst he will do is mumble that he is displeased, very displeased,’ she grumbled, in mock imitation of her husband, before giggling.

  ‘I’m glad.’ Lisbeth hugged her sister. Relief swept through her but still she would not be satisfied until she knew for sure that Marie would suffer no ill effects from their reconciliation.

  ‘Oh, he will no doubt sulk for a day or two but I know what to do to make him happy again.’ Marie winked and gave a tinkling little laugh.

  Lisbeth could only think how she had never been able to make Nathaniel happy, no matter what she had done to try to please him.

  ‘Then this is not such a disaster after all?’ Lady Fortesque asked Marie.

  ‘I am glad of it, Grandmamma. Thank you. I know I have acted ungratefully but it was so unexpected. I would have preferred for Fenwick to be here but it is done now.’

  Lady Fortesque nodded. ‘I will organise a luncheon so that Fenwick can meet Lisbeth for himself. That is if you do not have any objection?’ she asked, turning towards Lisbeth.

  Lisbeth shook her head. ‘I would like nothing better than to meet Marie’s husband and, of course, my new nephew.’

  Marie walked faster down the stairs dragging Lisbeth with her, chattering all the way, clearly excited. ‘Oh, Michael is the most magnificent child. He has Fenwick’s curly hair but my eyes and Papa’s chin…’

  Oliver didn’t like Lisbeth to be so far from him but perhaps he was just overreacting. He could hardly walk faster with Lady Fortesque on his arm.

  ‘You should bring your aunt —’

  A startled scream rent the air.

  Oliver instantly let go of Lady Fortesque and ran down the stairs but came up short when he saw that a man had bailed up Lisbeth and Marie. He was whispering something that had made both women look quite pale. Oliver slipped down the right side of the stairs. A small crowd had gathered.

  ‘I do hope you are not insulting these two ladies, sir?’ Oliver asked, coming to stand directly behind him.

  The man turned towards him. ‘Oh, look who it is. Lord Bellamy. Come to protect your mistress? How charming.’ It was obvious he had partaken of more than a little alcohol tonight.

  ‘I have not had the pleasure of meeting you before but I see you know me,’ Bellamy said.

  ‘This is my brother-in-law, the new Lord Blackhurst,’ Lisbeth explained.

  Oliver raised a brow. ‘Well, Blackhurst, you have made your presence felt, so I suggest you leave these two ladies alone.’

  Blackhurst’s expression was incredulous. His sneer so reminiscent of the portrait above Lisbeth’s mantel in the parlour.

  ‘I am not leaving. She should leave. Murderous whore. She insults us all by showing her face here.’

  ‘She is entitled to be here as much as anyone else,’ Marie interjected.

  ‘Why should she be able to parade around here? Flaunting herself, dripping in gems. Bought, no doubt, with money that was rightfully mine. If I had my way she’d be rotting on some ship bound for the colonies. Thieving bitch.’

  Lisbeth shoved Marie behind her in a defensive stance. Oliver watched as she narrowed her eyes on Blackhurst and summoned her courage. It was wonderful to watch and he knew he was not required to end this just yet.

  ‘These are my mother’s jewels, not that it is any of your business. As to your accusation,’ she added loud enough for the assembled crowd to hear, ‘you should really consult your memory, Lord Blackhurst.’ She stepped forward. ‘I was found not guilty in a court of law.’

  ‘Technicalities saved you. Everyone knows you did it. She killed my brother!’ he said to the crowd. The gasp was loud and in unison as those gathered around them moved ever closer. ‘You weren’t content just to get rid of my brother, you had to go and pauper us all in the process. You have ruined not only my family but countless others and yet you show your face in public,’ he spat. ‘It’s disgraceful.’

  Oliver grabbed Blackhurst’s jacket. ‘That is enough! You have insulted a lady. I demand you apologise.’

  ‘Bellamy, let him go, please,’ Lisbeth said, before turning towards her brother-in-law. ‘If you wish to dispute the judge’s decision you may take it up with the court. My conscience is clear. If you wish to contest the will, you should have done so. In the meantime, I wish you to remove yourself, and your vulgar tongue, elsewhere.’

  He turned to Lisbeth and pinned her with a dark stare, just as his cronies came to drag him away. ‘You took everything from me!’ he yelled.

  Oliver shook visibly with anger beside her. She turned and put out a steadying hand. ‘Don’t, please. I couldn’t bear it. Don’t call him out.’

  He looked at her and took a breath, nodding. She knew it was not in his nature to be passive, especially in the face of such hostility from her brother-in-law. She was in no doubt that Bellamy would shoot sure and true. She did not want to see him banished from England, or worse, for defending her.

  ‘The truth will out, you lying bitch,’ Blackhurst shouted over his shoulder.

  Lisbeth called after Blackhurst. ‘I live for that day, dear brother. I sincerely do.’

  Blackhurst growled an obscenity but was dragged down the hall and out of sight.

  Lisbeth wanted to fall to the ground and sob her
eyes out. Now, surely, Fenwick will never let Marie see her again. She looked around her, at the crowd of people staring at her, waiting. Their whispers seemed to swell around her. She saw their concerned expressions and wasn’t sure what they expected from her. When she did nothing but raise her chin, take her sister’s hand and begin to walk, they cheered. She looked at Marie, confused.

  ‘Bravo, dear sister! They love you,’ Marie said.

  ‘I feel sick,’ she replied, her hand going to her stomach.

  ‘Well, you were magnificent.’ Oliver kissed her hand, and guided her to a seat.

  ‘I thought you were going to challenge him for a moment there, Bellamy,’ Marie remarked, still looking pale.

  He looked at Lisbeth and then back to Marie. ‘I’m not one who generally likes to wake before dawn. However, if he had insisted, I would only have killed him a little.’ He gave Lisbeth’s sister a smile and a wink. She laughed. He turned then to Lisbeth. ‘Would you have worried for me, Countess?’

  She had no chance to answer because her grandmother had finally caught up to them. ‘Goodness! All those stairs. What was Blackhurst playing at?’

  ‘Nothing really. He dislikes me and thought I should know,’ Lisbeth replied.

  ‘Those Blackhurst’s never did have any sense of propriety,’ Lady Fortesque said a little breathlessly. ‘Are you two alright?’ She was looking them over with concern.

  ‘Oh, yes. Lisbeth gave him a piece of her mind and put him in his place,’ Marie said, patting Lisbeth on the arm in a show of affection that Lisbeth had dreamed of for so very, very long.

  Lisbeth took a sip of her champagne and held Oliver’s gaze for a few moments, her heart beating a tattoo against her ribs. The thought of him duelling over her, putting his life in danger, was not sitting well with her.

  Would you have worried for me, Countess?

  Yes, I would have worried for you, Oliver. I do worry for you.

  The second half of the opera was uneventful and they did not see Blackhurst again. Still, Lisbeth could not concentrate on the activities on the stage. What if Fenwick did forbid Marie from seeing her again? After what had happened with her brother-in-law, Lisbeth couldn’t really blame him. What if the consequences of this evening were too much for Marie to bear? For there would be scandal and it would be in the papers tomorrow. There would be no hiding from it.