Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager Read online

  Mrs Wilby came forwards as the butler ushered them into the drawing room. There were already a dozen or so people present, grouped around little tables, the same ones that had been used for cards, but they now held nothing more exciting than teacups. Gerald immediately headed for Susannah, who was sitting near the fireplace, dispensing tea. Jasper would have followed, but Mrs Wilby, conscious of her duties as a hostess, gently drew him aside, intent upon introductions. The stares and whispers that had greeted his entrance made it clear that the appearance of a viscount was an occurrence of rare importance. It was therefore some time before he was free to approach Susannah.

  Gerald was beside her, and hailed him cheerfully.

  ‘Come and join us, Markham. I was just telling Miss Prentess how we rode over to Bristol yesterday.’

  ‘I suspect you wish you were out riding now, my lord.’ There was laughter in her eyes as she regarded him, as well as a hint of an apology. ‘Some of my aunt’s friends appeared to be fawning over you quite disgracefully. And Mr Barnabus assures me that is not something you enjoy.’

  ‘Aye, I’ve told Miss Prentess that even if you are a viscount you are not at all high in the instep,’ added Gerald, grinning.

  ‘Very good of you,’ retorted Jasper.

  ‘Bath is now the home of a great many retired people,’ said Susannah, keeping her voice low. ‘Perfectly genteel, but not the highest ranks of society. I’m afraid some of those present are rather overwhelmed to have a viscount in their midst.’

  ‘Not overwhelmed enough to be tongue-tied, unfortunately,’ murmured Jasper. ‘The lady in green was particularly garrulous.’

  ‘Amelia Bulstrode.’ She gave a gurgle of laughter. ‘And her friend, Mrs Farthing. When my aunt told them you were expected they were exceedingly put out. They have sent their girls to dancing class today, you see. But it is no matter. Now they can claim acquaintance they will make their daughters known to you at the first opportunity. But you need not be alarmed,’ she added kindly. ‘They are very well-mannered girls, albeit inclined to giggle.’

  ‘Nothing wrong with that,’ remarked Gerald nobly. ‘They are very pleasant, cheerful young ladies.’

  ‘And one of their pleasant, cheerful mothers is approaching,’ muttered Jasper. ‘I shall retreat to that corner, where I see my old friend General Sanstead and his wife. I must pay my respects, you know.’

  Susannah’s eyes were brim full of mirth and she mouthed the word ‘coward’ at him before turning to greet Mrs Bulstrode. Jasper made good his escape, but behind him he heard the matron’s carrying voice.

  ‘If there is more tea, Miss Prentess, I would be happy to refill my cup. So refreshing, is it not? I do not believe those who say it does you no good. Why, they have only to look at you. A picture of health, if I may say so.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Bulstrode. This is a particularly pleasant blend...’

  He smiled to himself, appreciating the way she dealt with the overpowering matron. Enjoying, too, that warm, laughing note in her voice.

  ‘And you are a wonderful advocate for the benefits of tea drinking,’ continued Mrs Bulstrode. ‘You have so much energy, always out and about, like this morning, for example. I saw your carriage at the Borough Walls—’

  Jasper halted, under the pretence of removing a speck of dirt from his coat. Perhaps now he might find out what she was doing so early in the day.

  ‘No, no, ma’am, you are mistaken. I have not been abroad today.’

  He turned. Susannah was smiling serenely as she poured more tea for the matron.

  ‘No? But I made sure it was your carriage...’

  ‘Very likely,’ returned Susannah, handing her the cup. ‘I believe my aunt sent Edwards to collect some purchases for her. Is that not right, Aunt?’

  ‘What’s that, dear? Oh, oh, yes—yes, that’s it.’

  Mrs Wilby’s flustered response was in itself suspicious, yet if he had not seen Susannah in the carriage with his own eyes Jasper would be as ready as Mrs Bulstrode to believe her story.

  Schooling himself, he continued towards General Sanstead. It was clearly not the time to question Miss Prentess, but he would get to the bottom of this. Later.

  * * *

  The General, an old friend, was delighted to see Jasper and kept him talking for some time, asking after the family. The viscount responded suitably and once he had fetched more tea for Mrs Sanstead, he sat down and engaged them in conversation for the next half-hour while he observed the company.

  Jasper realised this was a very different gathering from the discreet little card party he had attended. Gerald was staying close to Susannah and Jasper couldn’t blame him, they were by far the youngest people in the room. Apart from Gerald, Jasper could see he was the only

  unmarried man present and for the most part the visitors were older matrons, who moved about the room, forming groups to gossip and disperse again.

  Jasper played his part and was much sought out by the other guests, who were all eager to claim acquaintance with a viscount. No one could have faulted his manners, but he was all the time watching Susannah, and when at last he found her alone beside the tea-table he moved across to join her.

  ‘No, thank you.’ He put up his hand as she offered him tea. ‘Are your rooms never empty, Miss Prentess?’

  ‘My aunt enjoys entertaining.’

  ‘And you?

  ‘Of course.’

  He looked about the room.

  ‘But this company is not worthy of you, madam.’ She looked at him, her hazel eyes puzzled and he continued. ‘Apart from Barnabus and myself it is all matrons and married couples’

  ‘This is my aunt’s party, sir.’

  ‘Perhaps your milieu is the cardroom.’

  She looked down, smiling.

  ‘No, I do not think so.’

  Jasper hesitated, wondering if he should mention seeing her on the bridge that morning and into the lull came Mrs Sanstead’s voice as she moved across to join the other married ladies.

  ‘We are missing Mrs Anstruther today, Mrs Wilby. Is she not well?’

  Immediately Miss Prentess was on the alert. Jasper could not fail to notice the way she grew still, nor the wary look in her eye. There was some coughing and shuffling and from the furtive looks in his direction it was clear this was not a subject for his hearing. He turned away, pretending to interest himself in a pleasant landscape on the wall, but not before he had seen Mrs Bulstrode turn quickly in her seat, setting the tassels on her green turban swinging wildly.

  ‘Lord, Mrs Sanstead, have you not heard? The Anstruthers have retired to Shropshire. They left Bath this morning.’

  ‘Heavens, that was sudden. When do they mean to return?’

  ‘Who can tell? Their daughter...’

  He could not make out the next words, but he heard Mrs Sanstead sigh.

  ‘Oh, you mean she is with child? Poor gel.’

  ‘Yes. I understand she refused to say who the father might be and Anstruther has banished her.’ Mrs Bulstrode’s whisper was easily audible to Jasper’s keen ears. ‘Thrown her out of the house in disgrace.’

  ‘Flighty piece, I always said so,’ muttered Mrs Farthing with a disdainful sniff. ‘My son William showed a preference for her at one time, but I am glad it came to nought. She has obviously been far too free with her favours.’

  ‘Whatever she has done she does not deserve to be cast off,’ murmured Mrs Wilby. ‘And what of the father? Do we have any idea who he might be?’

  ‘No one will say, although there are rumours.’ Mrs Farthing dropped her voice a little and ended in a conspiratorial whisper that somehow managed to carry around the whole room. ‘Mr Warwick.’

  ‘What? Not the young man we met here the other night?’ exclaimed Mrs Sanstead. ‘Why, he made a fourth at whist, and seemed so charming.’

  ‘The very same.’ Mrs Farthing nodded. ‘He denies it of course.’

  ‘Naturally,’ muttered Susannah.

  She had not joined the ma
trons, but she was listening as intently as Jasper. Now he heard her utterance, and saw the angry frown that passed across her brow.

  ‘But what of Anstruther?’ barked the General, with a total disregard for the fact that the ladies considered their gossip confidential. ‘If it was my gel I’d have it out with the rascal, and if ’tis true I would make him marry her.’

  ‘That certainly would be preferable to her being cast out and having to fend for herself,’ sighed Mrs Wilby.

  Susannah’s lip curled. ‘An unenviable choice,’ she said, sotto voce. ‘Marriage to a scoundrel, or destitution.’

  ‘You do not agree, Miss Prentess?’ Jasper kept his voice low, so that only she could hear him. ‘You would rather he did not marry her?’

  ‘If there is resentment on either side, the match is doomed to failure. But having said that, he should know the damage he has caused. Too many men think that women are put on earth purely for their pleasure.’ She looked up, a challenge in her eyes. ‘I would have the father face up to the consequences of his actions. But whoever he may be he will not do so, and the poor girl is cast off to make her own way as best she can.’

  ‘She will no doubt find her way to Walcot Street,’ said Mrs Farthing, overhearing. ‘It is a Magdalen Hospital, after all, and the right place for such women, though heaven knows there are more entrants than we can accommodate at the present.’

  Mrs Bulstrode fluttered her hands in agitation.

  ‘My dear Mrs Farthing, I am not sure we should be discussing this here, now...’

  Her eyes darted about the room, and Jasper quickly moved to the mirror to adjust his neckcloth. He saw her glance flit over Gerald, who was studiously brushing a fleck of dust from his sleeve and avoiding everyone’s eyes. Susannah was not so reticent. She stepped into the group.

  ‘If you fear for my sensibilities then pray do not be anxious,’ she replied, her head up. ‘I am no innocent miss fresh from the schoolroom and I think this is a subject that should be discussed in every lady’s drawing room.’ She turned her challenging eyes upon Mrs Farthing. ‘I believe you are on the committee for Walcot Street Penitentiary, are you not, ma’am?’

  ‘I am. We do our best to teach the inmates the folly of their ways...’

  ‘Inmates. Yes, I believe the young women there are more prisoners than patients.’

  Mrs Farthing’s thin lips curved into a patronising smile.

  ‘My dear Miss Prentess, these young women come to us in desperation and we look after them. In return, of course we demand their compliance. They arrive sick, often with child. We look after them, train them in an occupation and put them out to service where we can.’

  ‘We?’ Susannah’s voice was deceptively sweet. ‘You take an active interest in these poor women, do you, ma’am? Perhaps you take your daughters to visit them.’

  ‘Heavens, my dear, what can you be thinking of?’ declared Mrs Bulstrode with a nervous laugh. ‘Mrs

  Farthing didn’t mean that, I am sure.’

  ‘Of course not. Why, Mr Farthing would never allow me to set foot in such a place, let alone our daughters. It would be to risk physical and moral contagion.’

  Jasper saw the light of battle in Susannah’s eyes, but before she could reply Mrs Wilby swept forwards.

  ‘Dear me, where is that girl with the water? Mrs Sanstead, I am sure you would like more tea, and the General, too. This cold weather we are having is very drying on the throat, don’t you find?’ She bustled towards the tea-table. ‘Susannah, dearest, ring the bell again, if you please. We cannot have our guests go thirsty...’

  Jasper sauntered over to Gerald.

  ‘A skilful interruption,’ he murmured appreciatively. ‘Pity. The conversation was becoming interesting. Far better than the usual dull inanities.’

  Gerald gave him a distracted smile.

  ‘Indeed, but some of the guests are uncomfortable with the subject in mixed company.’

  ‘But not all.’ Jasper fixed his eyes on Susannah, who had approached with a cup of tea for Gerald. ‘Miss

  Prentess advocates more discussion about the Magdalen Hospital, do you not, madam?’

  She handed the cup to Gerald, saying as she did so, ‘It would do no harm for young women to be a little more informed on these matters. If they knew the risks of flirting with gentlemen they would be more cautious.’

  ‘You disapprove of flirting?’

  ‘It can be very dangerous.’

  ‘It can also be very enjoyable.’

  Susannah turned her head to find him regarding her, that familiar, disturbing glint in his eye. She discovered that her breathing was restricted, as if Dorcas had laced her corsets too tightly. Yet the sensation was not unpleasant. Enjoyable.

  He is flirting with me.

  Sudden panic filled her, turning her bones to water so that she was unable to move. Those intense, blue-grey eyes held her gaze. She felt like a small animal in thrall to some predator. She swallowed, desperately trying to regain her composure. The glint in his eyes deepened to pure amusement and a sudden spurt of anger released her.

  She stepped back, distancing herself. She could excuse herself and move away, but such was her perverse nature that she preferred to make a retort.

  ‘Enjoyable? Yes, if both parties know it is nothing more than a game.’

  ‘So you do not disapprove.’

  She forced herself to hold his gaze.

  Walk away, Susannah. Walk away now. Instead, she lifted her chin.

  ‘I disapprove of gentlemen who take advantage of innocent young women.’

  He moved closer, filling the space she had made between them and setting her skin tingling with anticipation.

  ‘But you are no innocent miss,’ he murmured provocatively. ‘You said so yourself.’

  ‘Jasper, do not tease her so!’ Gerald’s laughing protest hardly registered.

  Susannah’s brows lifted. She continued to give Jasper look for look.

  ‘Then you will not be able to take advantage of me, my lord.’

  ‘No?’ The gleam in his eyes became even more pronounced. If she was fanciful she could imagine twin devils dancing there.

  Devilishly handsome, Kate had called him. The faint, upward curve to his mouth brought the words rushing back to her.

  ‘Is that a challenge, Miss Prentess?’ His voice was low, sliding over her skin like cool silk and raising the hairs at the back of her neck.

  Gerald was watching them, his smile uncertain and a faint crease in his brow. Common sense reasserted itself, yet Susannah’s stubborn pride would not let her bow her head and move away. Instead she gave the viscount a haughty smile.

  ‘Of course not. I would not have you waste your time.’

  She excused herself and walked off, head high, hoping her knees would not buckle beneath her. What was she doing, responding to him in that way? As well tease a wild animal! The last thing she needed was to have him paying attention to her.

  Jasper watched her walk away and realised he was smiling. The blood thrummed through his body, a sure sign that he had enjoyed the interchange.

  ‘Jasper?’

  He looked up to find Gerald regarding him.

  ‘Jasper, I won’t have you pursuing Miss Prentess if you mean nothing but mischief. She is too good, too honourable, to deserve that.’

  He observed the slightly anxious look in Gerald’s eyes. Good? Honourable? Perhaps she was, but why then should she lie about being abroad in her carriage that morning? He still wanted an answer to that one, but he was experienced enough to know that he would not get it today. He shrugged.

  ‘Believe me, Gerald, I have never intended mischief towards any young lady. Let us take our leave. I have had enough tea for one day.’

  * * *

  ‘Oh heavens, I have never been so uncomfortable in all my life.’

  Mrs Wilby sank back in her chair and fanned herself vigorously once the last of their visitors was shown out. Susannah was standing by the window but she turned
at this.

  ‘No, ma’am, and why should that be?’

  ‘My dear, I never thought to hear such things in our drawing room. The talk of, of fallen women and by-blows—and with gentlemen present, too! I am sure General Sanstead did not know where to look.’

  ‘I thought the General took it rather well,’ mused Susannah.

  ‘But what of Mr Barnabus, and Lord Markham? I am sure they must have overheard the conversation.’

  Susannah frowned.

  ‘If it were not for gentlemen such as they, many of these girls would not be in such dire straits, and girls like Miss Anstruther would not be thrown on to the streets.’

  ‘Ah, yes.’ Mrs Wilby sighed. ‘That poor child. I do hope she is safe.’

  ‘There at least I can put your mind at rest.’ Susannah came away from the window, smiling slightly as Mrs Wilby’s mouth dropped open.

  ‘What! Never say she is...’

  ‘Yes, she is our newest client. I took her to Florence House this morning.’

  Chapter Five

  Jasper spent the following week doing everything he could to distract his cousin’s thoughts from Susannah. It seemed to work—he even persuaded Gerald to accompany him to the theatre rather than attend the card party in Royal Crescent. Gerald was happy enough to go with him and he never once mentioned Miss Prentess. Perversely, she was rarely out of Jasper’s thoughts. He told himself it was the unanswered questions he had about the woman and nothing to do with their last exchange, the way she had boldly returned his gaze, challenged him to flirt with her. That merely showed how dangerous she was to innocents like Gerald.

  He sent his valet off to make discreet enquiries about Miss Prentess. Peters was a loyal, intelligent employee who had proved his worth over the years in ferreting out secrets others would prefer to keep hidden. But on this occasion he was unsuccessful.

  ‘No one will say a word against the lady,’ he reported back. ‘The men know nothing, and the women—the maidservants I have spoken with—they have nothing but praise for her.’ The valet shook his head. ‘Odd, very odd, if you asks me, m’lord. There’s usually some juicy gossip to be had.’ He coughed. ‘There was one thing, though.’