A Breach of Promise (The Rules of Engagement #1)(15)

“I need no further guidance on that score, Mama. I am quite able to handle the lovely Lydia without your further meddling.” Marcus chuckled and kissed his mother’s cheek. “But my dear, I assure you I am only too glad to have you on my side.”

*



“My dear girls, I have quite the surprise for you,” Lady Russell beamed with self-satisfaction when Lydia and Mariah came to the solar for tea. “Marcus has just brought us an invitation to Woburn Abbey.”

Lydia looked blank.

“It’s the country seat of the Dukes of Bedford,” Lady Russell explained, pouring steaming hyson into three delicate cups of the finest Chelsea porcelain.

“What manner of invitation?” Lydia asked.

“Why, a house party, of course. After spending a king’s ransom on renovations to the manse and half again as much on his parterre gardens, the duke is eager to show it all off.” She handed the tea cups to Lydia and Mariah. “The main event, however, is a very important political dinner that Marcus must attend and we are to accompany him.”

“We?” Lydia asked, incredulous. “What has this to do with us?”

Lady Russell smiled indulgently. “You do have much to learn of politics, my dear, but I shall endeavor to teach you.” She took a sip of tea and then continued matter-of-factly. “The political world is built completely around personal alliances. Although Marcus is fortunate enough to have in the Duke of Bedford, one of the Ministry’s most powerful and influential men, as his chief patron, he cannot presume wholly upon this family connection. Marcus must build his own sphere of influence, and as his betrothed, you must help him.”

Lydia looked aghast. “But I have no intention of becoming his wife. How can I do such a thing when you know I wish to end our betrothal?”

Lady Russell smiled. “Would you really refuse this small boon when Marcus is in need of a beautiful and charming woman to help pave his way?”

Uncertainty marked Lydia’s face.

“Forget Marcus then,” Lady Russell pressed on. “Go for your own benefit. The exposure to such people can only do you credit and elevate you in society.”

Lydia still hesitated.

“Very well, my dear. Should you condescend to do this one tiny favor for me, you have my solemn word that Marcus will be completely amenable to your wishes.”

Lydia sighed. “My lady, you make it impossible for me to refuse.”

“Precisely, my dear,” Lady Russell said. “And it would behoove you greatly to learn from my example. Now,” she set her cup down decisively in its saucer, “let us see to the packing.”

*



The convoy departing for Woburn Abbey comprised Lady Russell’s immense traveling carriage, followed by Marcus’ lighter post chaise, trailed by the baggage train. Once all was determined ready for departure, Marcus handed Lydia up into his mother’s coach, and then turned to assist Mariah, whose first step upward was accompanied by a jerk backward and the sharp sound of renting taffeta.

“I am so very sorry, child.” Her ladyship looked painfully contrite at having trod on Mariah’s hem. “’Twas unforgivably clumsy of me! Let us have a look.” Mariah stepped back down to reveal a six-inch tear in the back of the skirt.

“Botheration!” Lady Russell cried. “I suppose there’s naught to be done now but to change your gown or to attempt to repair the damage.”

Marcus interjected, “Mama, I can hardly afford the delay.”

“But we shan’t be more than an hour,” Lady Russell replied.

“I’m sorry but I must be off at once. I cannot give Edward Montagu any more advantage over me than he already has. We are both vying for the position of Lord Sandwich’s First Secretary for the upcoming Peace Congress.”

“I suppose you are right. While ladies are generally allowed certain license in these matters, it would not do at all for you to arrive late. There is only one answer. You and Mr. Needham must proceed ahead of us in the chaise. Mariah, Lydia, and I will follow anon in the coach.”

“That will never do, Mama. I would never allow three ladies to travel unprotected. Nicholas will stay behind to accompany you.”

“But the vehicle will not hold us all. Someone must go with you, Marcus.”

Lady Russell looked to Lydia, who cast Lady Russell a panicked look. “But why me?”

“My dear, Marcus is right. The roads are so unsafe these days with brigands in the most unlikely of places. Mariah and I will have need of Mr. Needham’s escort for our safety.”

Marcus masked a smile at his mother’s complicity.

“But wouldn’t it be altogether improper for me to travel alone in the chaise with Lord Marcus?” Lydia appealed to Mariah for reinforcement, but her cousin only looked to Lady Russell with a helpless shrug.

“One would hardly judge it improper for an affianced couple to journey on a day trip, but of course Sally will ride along with you,” Lady Russell said.

“But there is only room for two passengers in Lord Marcus’ vehicle,” Lydia protested again.

“Easily remedied, child,” Lady Russell reassured her. “The baggage will simply follow with ours.” At a wave of her hand, a footman removed Marcus’ trunks from the rear of his post chaise to place them upon the baggage coach. “There now, a perfectly decorous arrangement for a ride of only a few hours.”