Convenient Proposal to the Lady Read online

  ‘That was the general idea,’ Ben said drily.

  The solicitor looked back and forth between Ben and Alyssa, his distressed expression saying he wished he could discuss the matter with Ben privately. Finally, leaning towards Ben, he said in a lowered voice, ‘I am sure that Lady Alyssa is a most competent young lady, not prone to...fits of fancy. However, I doubt she has any experience handling funds beyond the pin money allowed for fans and gloves and such. To give her sole discretion over what is quite a substantial sum... If she were to fritter it away, you would have no power to prevent her!’

  ‘I expect it will be quite the opposite,’ Ben said. ‘She’ll probably protect her funds as fiercely as a recluse with a sack of gold coins.’

  ‘In any event, Mr Chambers, it is only the bequest from my aunt in question,’ Lyssa interposed. ‘Over my dowry, which I’ve been told is even more substantial, Mr Tawny will exercise all the usual control.’

  Brightening considerably, the solicitor said, ‘There is that, of course. As you were correctly informed, your dowry is quite vast. Upon signing the parish register after the wedding, Mr Tawny will become a very wealthy man.’

  Ben frowned, not liking the image of himself as a fortune-hunter eager to get his hands on a windfall. ‘Could the dowry funds not be tied up as well—into a trust for children, or a widow’s portion?’

  ‘But I should like to allot some of it for you to use in furthering your Parliamentary career,’ Lyssa said. ‘That was part of the bargain. As a point of honour, I must insist on it.’

  Ben gave Lyssa a questioning look, wishing they’d discussed the matter more thoroughly before confronting the solicitor. On the one occasion they’d touched on the question, she had offered to turn over her dowry, as long as she could keep her aunt’s bequest, but he hadn’t imagined she’d consider conveying the funds an essential part of their bargain. As a mostly self-made man, the notion of claiming a fortune merely for having married her rubbed him on the raw—no matter that it was the customary way of things.

  But to his silent query, she returned a little negative shake of the head.

  ‘You feel strongly about this,’ he said at last.

  ‘I do.’

  ‘Very well, if you insist, I suppose a part of the funds could be set aside to meet Parliamentary expenses,’ Ben agreed, not wanting to brangle in front of the lawyer. ‘Approximately what is the total available, Mr Chambers?’

  The figure he named made Ben gasp and Lyssa emit an amused chuckle. ‘I didn’t realise Papa was that desperate to be rid of me,’ she murmured.

  ‘No more than ten per cent should be reserved for my use,’ Ben said. ‘Her ladyship should have an account set aside to meet her personal needs during my lifetime, with the remainder returned to her as a jointure upon my demise.’

  ‘Fifty per cent should be for you,’ Lyssa said.

  ‘No, that’s far too much! Fifteen, at most.’

  ‘Forty-five.’

  ‘Eighteen.’

  ‘I can’t accept your receiving any less than forty.’

  Ben sighed. ‘Very well, forty. Nothing says I actually have to use it, after all.’

  ‘Agreed.’ She held out her hand, which Ben shook solemnly.

  The electricity that cracked between their gloved fingers at that simple touch momentarily distracted him from replying. They gazed at each other, both once again startled by the strength of that connection.

  Belatedly releasing her fingers, Ben shook his head to clear it and reassembled his scattered thoughts. ‘So, Mr Chambers, please set up the funds from Lady Alyssa’s bequest into an account for her use only and allocate from the dowry an apportionment for her use, some for mine, with the rest to be held for the future—in some sort of investment, probably. We would appreciate your advice on what sort. Shall we give you several days to set up the accounts and draft the documents, then check back with you to finalise the arrangements?’

  The solicitor, whose incredulous gaze had been bouncing back and forth from Ben to Alyssa during their exchange, like a spectator following a tennis match, took several moments to find his tongue. ‘I...well, yes, I suppose I can establish funds in that manner,’ he said at last.

  ‘Very good. Shall we call on you in, say, three days’ time?’

  ‘You are certain you wish to proceed in this manner?’ he asked Ben. At his nod, the man shook his head. ‘Very well, I shall see you again in three days.’

  ‘Thank you for your kind assistance,’ Ben said, rising. ‘I’m sure Lady Alyssa’s funds will be in good hands.’

  ‘Yes, thank you, Mr Chambers,’ Lyssa said, rising as well. ‘We both appreciate your honouring our...unusual requests.’

  ‘I shall do my best to serve you both.’ Emerging from behind his desk, the solicitor walked them to the door, calling for his assistant to fetch them a hackney.

  As soon as they were settled in the carriage, Alyssa broke into a peal of laughter so merry Ben had to join in. ‘Poor Mr Chambers!’ she said between whoops. ‘The look on his face when you confirmed you wanted me to have funds over which you would have no control! I feared he might suffer a seizure of the heart!’

  ‘I imagine he’s never had an engaged couple in his office discussing the arrangement of their finances.’

  ‘I imagine he’s never had an engaged couple in his office at all. Such matters are usually settled by the respective fathers, or between the prospective groom and the solicitors.’

  ‘He’ll be marvelling about it for weeks,’ Ben agreed.

  ‘Probably dining out on the story, entertaining his solicitor friends. If he can dine at all. Thinking about some idiot female frittering away her wealth is likely to spoil his appetite.’

  ‘The hefty fee he’ll earn for making the arrangements will console him.’

  She chuckled. ‘I hope it makes him feel better.’ Her mirth fading, she looked up at him. ‘As your insisting he set it up as we discussed made me feel so much better. Thank you.’

  ‘I made you a promise, Lyssa, which I consider a point of honour to keep. Very soon, you will have the funds your aunt promised you and the freedom to use them.’

  Her beautiful eyes brightened. ‘It’s been nothing but a dream for so long, I can hardly believe it.’

  ‘Believe it.’

  Her expression turned regretful. ‘I just wish my freedom hadn’t come at the cost of yours. Even if I could induce you to spend all my dowry, it would still not be a fair exchange for what you give up—the ability to marry, or not, as you choose. I do promise to be as light a burden as possible and restrict your actions as little as I can. I shall be very proud, though, if any of the funds I provide help you to achieve more quickly the success your honour, commitment and ideals merit. Never have I met a man who deserves it more.’

  Impulsively, she leaned up to kiss him.

  That unexpected gesture turned from casual to carnal the instant her lips met his. As if startled by that instant connection, she gasped, pulled back...and then brought her lips to his again.

  His hands went automatically to her shoulders—before he remembered he’d vowed not to entice. Forcing his hands back to his sides before his rapidly disintegrating intellect could lose its grip over his control, he held himself rigid, letting her kiss him, resisting with all his strength the imperative thrumming in his blood to take her further, faster.

  With a little murmur, she drew away and back again, brushing her lips against his, as if she couldn’t quite force herself to stop. Sweat broke out on his forehead and trickled down his back as he fought the desire to part her lips, taste her, stroke her tongue with his. Finally, knowing he must end the kiss or risk having his control shatter completely, he pushed her away.

  Her breathing sounded as uneven as his own.

  ‘Sorry,’ she muttered unsteadily. ‘I did
n’t mean to...take advantage.’

  His chuckle was half-amusement, half-pain. ‘Please, take advantage whenever you like! You don’t have to deny what’s between us to claim your freedom, Lyssa. You are free to enjoy passion, too. I shall do my best not to “entice” you to anything you do not wish. But I am also delighted to offer—whatever you wish to take.’ Thereby contradicting his resolve not to respond to her, he thought with an inward sigh.

  ‘You are damnably hard to resist—but proceeding makes it even harder to stop,’ she said. ‘I shall have to be more circumspect about starting.’

  Not the reply he’d hoped, but at least she’d not retreated into chilly reserve. ‘I must confess to preferring you un-circumspect, but it shall be as you want. I keep all my promises, Lyssa. Even the ones I don’t want to keep.’

  ‘Thank you for that.’

  * * *

  Soon after, they reached the town house on Queen Street. ‘Should you like to come in?’ Lady Alyssa asked, turning back to him after the footman handed her down.

  ‘I would like to,’ Ben replied as he exited the carriage after her. ‘Unfortunately, I have some documents I must study before the Lyndlingtons return tonight. Once I inform them of our plans, I’m sure they will invite you and your mother to dine, so they may get to know the lady I’m to wed.’

  She paused before the entry stairs, her expression turning troubled. ‘I only hope they will not be horrified when they realise how ill suited a wife I am for a man in public life.’

  Ben couldn’t help it—he had to cup her chin and lift her head up to face him. Silently damning the father and brother who had instilled in her such a deep sense of her ineptitude in playing a traditional woman’s role, he said, ‘They will admire and respect you. As I do. You’ll see.’

  She gave him a sad little smile, not looking at all convinced. ‘Well, I shall be out of your hair soon enough after the wedding, so I won’t be an impediment to you—or them—for very long.’

  ‘You will be a delight to us for as long as we can persuade you to remain in London. But I’ll leave you to your mother’s care now and see you tomorrow.’

  Sighing, she made a face. ‘Mama is eager to take me shopping. You’re abandoning me to a torturous round of choosing trimmings, velvets, laces and being poked and prodded into half-made gowns that can be quickly finished.’

  ‘Make sure you select one ensemble that looks appropriately managerial, for when we return to finalise the details with Mr Chambers.’

  That made her chuckle, as he’d hoped it would. ‘Thinking about our interview this morning will keep my spirits up through the coming ordeal.’

  ‘Bravely said! I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  ‘Tomorrow,’ she agreed, nodding. As he turned to walk off towards Brook Street, she stayed him with a quick touch to his elbow. ‘Thank you for being a man of principle who keeps his promises.’

  Those intense eyes gazed up at him, both fierce and somehow vulnerable. Unable to look away, he lost himself in them, as something sharp and poignant twisted in his chest.

  He wanted to promise he’d keep her safe from every danger and help her realise the dream so dear to her. How he’d gone so quickly from disinterested concern for an unknown female, to an intense desire to protect and defend this particular lady, he didn’t know, but that imperative now beat as strongly within him as his physical desire for her.

  He couldn’t deny regretting the loss of his freedom, but marriage to this unusual woman would never be a burden. He expected to be surprised, beguiled, entertained—and if she ever let the passion within her win out, satisfied—for the rest of their lives.

  He doubted any syrupy notion of romantic love could offer a stronger basis for a successful union than that.

  Chapter Ten

  Two nights later, Ben handed the Lambornne ladies into a hackney as they set off for dinner at the Lyndlingtons’.

  ‘I see the shopping expedition was a success,’ he said as the ladies seated themselves. ‘That celestial blue becomes you wonderfully, Lady Aldermont. You are lovely, too, Lyssa. That gold trim on that green brings out the fire in your eyes.’

  While Lady Aldermont blushed and thanked him, Lyssa merely nodded. She also seemed as tense as she was lovely—as if already convinced the dinner would be a trial.

  ‘Too bad this will only be a casual dinner, with no dancing. I’d be the envy of the gentlemen, squiring two such lovely ladies across the floor,’ he said, hoping to set her more at ease. Without much success, for she only frowned.

  After a concerned look at her daughter, Lady Aldermont said, ‘Won’t you tell us who will be present tonight, Mr Tawny?’

  Hoping to set his intended more at ease, Ben said, ‘It will be a small group and you may well be acquainted with some of them, Lady Aldermont. Lady Lyndlington’s father, Lord Witlow, and her aunt, the Dowager Countess of Sayleford, will be there, along with my colleagues, of course. Giles Hadley, Lord Lyndlington, David Tanner Smith and his wife, Faith, formerly Duchess of Ashedon, and Christopher Lattimar.’

  ‘Your Hellions?’ Lady Aldermont asked. ‘I am acquainted with Lord Witlow—a fine, courteous gentleman. Lady Sayleford was quite the arbiter of fashion when I was coming out—all the girls on the Marriage Mart lived in terror of a blighting word from her! The younger set, I don’t know. Could you tell me a bit about them?’

  With a glance at Alyssa, who continued to sit in silence, looking grim as if girding herself for an ordeal, Ben continued, ‘Giles’s mother—as I’m sure you’ll remember, for it was quite a scandal—was divorced by his father when Giles was quite young. Like me, he spent his early days with her in an isolated cottage. After his aunt’s prodding, his father eventually was induced to send him to school and university. Whereas the Viscount sustained us in tolerable comfort—as much, I suppose, as can be expected for a woman who bears a child out of wedlock,’ Ben said, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice, ‘he also provided for my schooling, which is where I met Giles and Christopher, at Eton, and later David, at Oxford. With all of us having an unusual family background to set us apart from our fellows, we became fast friends.’

  He chuckled. ‘The ladies are equally out of the common way. Lady Margaret, daughter of one of the Tory leaders in the House of Lords, wed Giles, the voice of the Reform opposition in the Commons, while the Duchess recently scandalised society by marrying David, a farmer’s orphan. In her defence, he’s both a long-standing friend of the family and an exceptional man. When still a lad, his courage and initiative won the respect and esteem of Sir Edward Greaves, who sponsored him at school and in Parliament.’

  ‘You sound like a group of independent thinkers, who hold to principle rather than simply conforming to the norms of society,’ Lady Aldermont observed.

  ‘We are that. Which is why Lyssa will fit in beautifully.’

  He’d hoped that remark might lighten his intended’s sombre mood, but she barely glanced at him. Stymied, Ben cast about for some way of setting her at ease before they began an evening she was clearly dreading.

  The carriage arrived at their destination before he could come up with anything.

  He wasn’t the only one concerned, for as her mother followed her from the carriage, he heard Lady Aldermont whisper, ‘Why so uneasy, Lyssa? You’ve dined out among strangers many times!’

  ‘I never before cared whether people approved of me or not. Now my inadequacies will reflect badly on him,’ she murmured back.

  Drab...long on the shelf...no conversation and little wit, Ben recalled the description Denbry had given of her. If she believed this was how society saw her, no wonder she was not looking forward to meeting his friends.

  Such a deep-seated conviction wouldn’t be dispelled by his offering a few facile words of encouragement. He’d have to trust his friends to see and appreciate, as he did
, the uniqueness of this lady and let their reception demonstrate that her reservations were groundless.

  Not to his surprise, although Lady Alyssa nodded and smiled politely, after introductions all around, she made no attempt to enter the conversation in the drawing room where the arriving guests assembled. While her mother was quickly drawn in, blushing and smiling at Lord Witlow’s gallant remarks before being swept away by Lady Sayleford, even Christopher, renowned for his facility with the ladies, managed to draw only one brief smile and not a single word from Alyssa.

  Though Lady Maggie had seated him beside her at dinner, with the Hellions reassembled for the first time since their dispersal and with the reconvening of the new Parliament imminent, Ben was soon caught up in answering questions from Lord Witlow and his fellow Hellions about his assessment of what might be accomplished in the upcoming session. With both Giles’s lady and David’s wife keenly interested in politics themselves, and with Lady Sayleford deep in conversation with Lady Aldermont, there was only one lull in the discussion into which Ben tried to introduce the topic of Llyssa’s sketching. But to his exasperation, her monosyllabic answers and complete lack of enthusiasm in responding allowed the conversation to swing immediately back to politics.

  He’d often wondered how the woman he’d found so magnetic could have been so undervalued by society’s gentlemen and had concluded it must be because she was too out of the ordinary, too passionate and unconventional; most men preferred a more docile and biddable bride. But watching her tonight, he understood only too clearly why she’d been overlooked.

  Small, silent, with her eyes staring lifelessly into the distance or fixed on her plate, she really did seem to have no conversation and little wit. It was as if the vibrant women he knew had disappeared somewhere deep within herself, leaving behind this wooden manikin with her size and features, but none of her personality or passion.

  Told over and over by her contemptuous father and critical brother that she was hopelessly out of place in society, she made no attempt to participate. He needed to show her that not all in society were like the men and women who had been so dismissive of her, let her see that his friends would welcome and appreciate the woman she was—if she would only give them a chance.