Treacherous Temptations(17)

“Thank you, Countess. Then I must now take my leave of you both.” He rose and brushed the grass from his breeches, but then turned once more to Mary. “Miss Edwardes, since you have such a fondness of flowers, perhaps you would care to explore the Palace Gardens at Kensington? I understand the new queen commissioned a folly and an artificial lake since I left England. I have yet to view them myself.”

“Lake?” The countess snorted. “Is that how they refer to Caroline’s great ditch? They dug up half of Hyde Park to create that moat-like monstrosity.”

Mary noted the arch of Lord Hadley’s brow as he remarked, “I take it the new queen does not receive you?”

“La!” Barbara gave a careless laugh. “What do I care about that back-biting Hanoverian court anyway? But I suppose an outing would do the girl some good. What say you, my dear? Do you accept Lord Hadley’s gracious invitation?”

“Y-yes. I would be most honored, my lord.” Mary bobbed a shy curtsey.

“Lackaday, my dear! How much you still have to learn! A fashionable lady should always make it clear that it is the gentleman’s privilege to have her company.”

Mary glanced uncertainly at Lord Hadley.

“It would indeed be my honor,” he replied. “Do you care to join us, countess?”

Lady Blanchard’s gaze darted between Mary and Lord Hadley and settled back on her stepson. “Someone once told me that in England, three is considered de trop.”

Hadley returned a queer look that Mary couldn’t interpret. “Still, the girl requires a chaperone.”

“Then I suppose that Jenny-creature will have to suffice.”

“Very well, my lady.” Lord Hadley took her hand, kissed the air above it, and repeated the same with Mary. “I am your servant, Miss Edwardes.” He held her gaze with a smile and lingered just a moment before releasing her hand.

When he turned, Mary fought the urge to follow his retreating back.

“It appears you have made quite a conquest of my stepson.”

“I hardly think a chat in a garden is anything to remark upon.”

“Yet you both seem to have a peculiar penchant for botany, for you were alone together for quite some time.” Lady Blanchard eyed her narrowly.

“Not so very long,” Mary protested. “And hardly alone, for there was the gardener—”

“A gardener makes for a poor chaperone, my dear,” Lady Blanchard scolded. “Thank goodness Lord Hadley is a gentleman. Another might have taken unseemly advantage of you and destroyed your reputation. A young woman is nothing without her reputation. You must guard it at all costs.”

“Yes, my lady.” Mary sighed. Why must she always disappoint Lady Blanchard? Even in the simplest things.

“I suppose there’s no harm done—this time.” The countess patted Mary’s hand. “My stepson is quite charming, is he not? ‘Tis a pity one from such a long and illustrious line has been reduced to earning his bread.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did he not tell you? Well I suppose he could not. It’s a matter of pride, you see, for Lord Hadley is quite penniless. The Earl, my dear departed husband, left us near destitute after losing everything in the South Sea Company.”



“How unfortunate,” Mary said. “But I understand many people shared that woeful fate. My father warned many of his friends and associates about the speculation frenzy, but most would not listen. I think that’s why my guardian is so concerned with my welfare, out of gratitude to my father for his advice.”

“Speaking of Sir Richard, he is coming to call on you this afternoon. Dearest, it would be best under the circumstances to make no mention of Lord Hadley. My stepson is desirous of keeping his presence quiet, at least until he decides whether he will stay in England or go back abroad. Of course if he were to wed, he would have a very good reason to stay.” She gave Mary a significant look.

“Does he seek marriage?” Mary asked.

“I am not in his confidence regarding the matter.” Lady Blanchard added archly, “But any man can be persuaded with…proper motivation…and Hadley is quite in need of money.”

Mary digested the countess’ words. She had come to London with only the faintest hope of finding a husband she could care for, and already her thoughts had fixed on him. She had no need of a wealthy man, but with no true title, properties, or connections, Sir Richard would never approve of Lord Hadley.

Come along now, Mary Elizabeth.” Lady Blanchard grasped Mary by the arm, trodding thoughtlessly on the remaining flowers.

“But—” Mary gestured to her unfinished potting.

“Really,” the countess sighed. “A lady does not dirty her hands. We have gardeners for such menial tasks. And look at you without even a bonnet!” she further chastised. “It is unfortunate enough that you have been cursed with a dairymaid’s complexion, but do you really wish to encourage those wretched brown splotches? With such atrocious neglect the lemon juice will do you no good at all!”

Mary felt more conscious than ever of her short-comings. Is this what she had to look forward to? A lifetime of social failures and disappointing others’ expectations? It seemed the harder she tried, the more dismally she failed…except with Lord Hadley. He hadn’t seemed to find her wanting. On the contrary, he’d been so kind, patient, and utterly charming.