Scandalous Miss Brightwells [Book 1-4]

on has been like the days of our childhood, but now he’ll be gone for a long time.”

Katherine glanced at him to see if there was an undercurrent to his words, but he looked surprisingly guileless. George usually had a furtive look if he were testing her or planning something.

She’d have to be very careful, Katherine decided, but was determined that nothing was going to stop her from being with Jack for his last night on English soil. She’d treasure the memory forever. Nor should her mother be surprised if Katherine returned to London for a second season. She didn’t think she had the heart to continue her husband-hunting so soon after her closeness with Jack.

George relinquished his cousin with the usual reluctance and churning in his belly. Lord Derry was lined up to dance with her next. No doubt Mr Marwick would follow. He was in line for a viscountcy, so George would eclipse him with an earldom when Quamby fell off his perch.

He just wasn’t sure that the title alone would do it. For the whole of George’s life, his uncle, George Bramley, had spoken so slightingly of Katherine’s mother, Lady Fenton. Common dandelion, climbing and grasping for position, were phrases that came to mind. George used to think he was so much better than Cousin Katherine, but even when they were children, he’d grow fiendishly jealous when she showed a preference for the company of Jack, the foundling. Now Jack was Mr Jack Patmore, adopted son of friends of his parents, and so, in some people’s eyes, on a more equal footing in society.

George was glad his old friend was off to the West Indies. If he hadn’t been about to make the journey that would take him out of Katherine’s orbit permanently, he might not have found it so easy to be polite and accepting of Katherine’s predilection for his company.

Of course, Marwick was another kettle of fish, and here he was, bearing down on George now, casting a furtive look over his shoulder at Katherine who was dancing with Lord Derry. When Marwick intercepted George’s own gaze he laughed. “She doesn’t care for you, George. Not as husband material, if you don’t mind my speaking plain, old chap.”

George was proud of the way he retained his dignity. “What makes you think that?”

“Because she’s going to wed me.”

“She said so?” He glanced at Katherine, who looked as enamoured of Lord Derry as any man he’d seen her with. Bile stung the back of his throat but he managed with commendable calm, “She’s said nothing. You’re lying.”

“I won’t be if you help me.”

“Help you? Good God, why would I do that?”

Marwick grinned, and in that moment George actively hated his moustache. “Because you haven’t a chance,” Marwick replied.

“Sorry, old chap, but I have a much better chance than you. I caught some of your exchange the other evening. You’re her cousin; she’s fond of you. There’s an end to it. Whereas I…” He nodded. “It’s in the betting book at White’s.”

“That you’ll marry Katherine?” Of course, George knew wagers were written up all the time, but this seemed somehow shocking. Katherine was the woman he loved.

Marwick nodded. “Two hundred pounds if we’re married before the end of the season, a thousand if we elope.” He tucked his thumbs into his waistcoat. “Which means that, naturally, we must elope.”

“Elope? Good God, you’re out of your mind! Why would Katherine elope with you when she could wed you with all the due pomp and circumstance that would accompany such a union? It’s not as if your suit would be frowned upon.” George hated to admit this last part, but it was true.

Marwick shrugged again. “No other reason than that there’s a great deal more money in it if we elope. A title in the offing doesn’t mean a fellow couldn’t do with a bit of blunt if he can get it.”

Rigid with moral indignation, George asked, “Do you even love her?”

Marwick’s features softened, and he actually sounded sincere. “I adore her. The feeling is mutual. Well, it certainly was a few days ago when we enjoyed a little tryst beyond the ballroom.”

George clenched his fists as the blood roared to his head. “She’s only just been launched. Katherine is discerning, don’t you know?”

“Oh, I know it very well. Very unlike her mama, hence the bet which was proposed by someone who obviously felt he had an old score to settle on those grounds.”

“Who?”

“Why, your uncle, in fact, old chap. Mr George Bramley. He never could get over the way your aunt Lady Fenton gave him the brush-off. Now, as I’ve told you, I intend to carry Katherine off as my bride and make her the happiest woman in all England. I have a great incentive to do it soon and do it unconventionally. But I’d be grateful for your help.”

George contemplated the matter. He wanted Katherine. He didn’t need money. But he wanted respect and if he couldn’t have Katherine, he might earn Warwick’s respect—and consequently that of his cronies— if he threw his energies into helping secure Marwick’s desires.

He bit his lip. He didn’t want to hurt Katherine but she’d made clear how little she cared about him. So, despite a certain warring of his conscience, George inclined his head. “A wager? Yes, a wager will get the ball rolling. And you need results, soon?” He sighed. It was wrong but if Katherine had kissed Marwick, she might as well marry him. She’d made it clear she was not going to marry George. “I’ll make sure it’s a wager the like of which Boodles Betting book has never seen before,” he muttered.

Chapter 11

Jack opened the door with a mixture of apprehension and the greatest pleasure. He’d wanted Katherine to come. Desperately. Yet he knew that if she were discovered, they’d both pay a high price. Katherine’s, though, would be higher. He’d be leaving in the morning and sailing on the high tide the following day to a strange land, the beginning of an adventure whose pull had been so strong. Until the past two days.

Falling in love had been decidedly inconvenient. Hearts and feelings would have to be denied but Katherine was right. One last night of stolen moments would be a memory they’d carry forever. It would sustain Jack through all the loneliness and toil and discomforts he fully anticipated would be thrown at him as he made his way in the world.

“Oh Jack, I’m going to miss you so!” Katherine cried, before he’d fully opened the opened the door but already she was hurling herself into his arms.