“As I've noticed,” Ian said dryly. “Have you considered my offer?”
“It is too low.”
“It is more than adequate. I doubt you'll receive a better one. The land is isolated between our two estates.”
“But if I choose to sell the estate in Dumfries, the land would go with it.”
“Do you plan to sell?”
Bateman seemed bored with the conversation. “I've not decided yet. It was to be part of Catherine's dowry. Would that induce you to marry her?”
Ian tightened his jaw. “No.”
And there was the real reason Lord Bateman had descended upon the Lodge and its inhabitants. Ian felt the need to apologize to the Matthews family for having been manipulated by Bateman and his schemes.
Ian forced himself to relax. “How much money do you need?”
“Do you think to save the estate for me?”
Ian lifted his shoulders. “I was just curious, that's all. The estate did quite well when my father was steward.” He took pleasure in the anger in Bateman's face.
Bateman took a long time to answer. “This has been a long time coming. We've lived beyond our means for years.”
“Most do, I find.”
Bateman threw him a questioning look.
“How bad is it?” Ian had a feeling he knew what was coming. It was a common tale in Society, where many people lived beyond their means and gambled away what little hard cash they had. He'd never seen the point of it all. Life was so much more peaceful when you could pay your creditors on time.
“I might have borrowed money from some of the more unsavory lenders in London.”
“Bloody hell, what were you thinking?”
“I was funding Catherine's Season. I was hoping she could catch some old gent with a great deal of gold. Unfortunately, no one wanted her.”
“Do you have any care of your sister? Or anyone besides yourself, for that matter? Tell me you didn't go to one of those cent-percent men.”
“No choice.”
Ian walked into the room. The man was either stupid or desperate. “What could possibly require you to do that?”
“We have an image to maintain. If we didn't show up in Town for the House of Lords, people would suspect.”
God save him from keeping up appearances. “That explains why you need so much money.”
“I'm desperate. We've sold everything we could.”
“Do the lenders know where you are going?”
“Do I look like an idiot? I chose the Carlisle house because we never go there. We came this way to throw them off in case they followed us.”
“I suggest you marry Miss Hamilton. She is probably your only hope.”
“Maybe her father can come up with more money, for his grandson?”
There was no saving Geoffrey. “I'm late for an appointment.”
“You could buy the loans from the lenders. I'd rather owe you than someone who is going to break my legs if I don't pay.”
Ian paused. “And why would I do that?”
“You owe the family. Don't forget, my father funded your education.”
“An investment I paid back with interest.” Ian grounded the words out.
“You'd be nothing without that education my family provided you.”
Ian curled his hands into fists to prevent himself from slamming them into Bateman's face. He could barely stomach the condescending tone in the man's voice. “I owe you nothing, Bateman, but I do have some advice for you.”
Bateman lifted his weak chin, waiting for the answer.
“Learn to hide, because I'll not invest my hard-earned money to bail you out of trouble.”
Ian left the man sputtering in the library. Bateman had nerve to ask him to pay off those loans. The man should have known better. He owed the Bateman family nothing. They'd made his life a living hell while he lived there. Yes, the old earl had recognized his gift for numbers, but he also had manipulated it for his own amusement. He'd also worked his father into an early grave and left his mother without a pension. Ian made his way to the stables for his horse, just as Lady Catherine was also arriving.
“You're up early.”
“Ian. Good morning. I like a ride before breakfast,” Catherine said. “It's cooler during this time of day. Where are you off to?”
“Horneswood. On business. Perhaps I'll see you later.” He moved past her to enter the stables.
“Ian . . .”
He paused, waiting for her reply.
“I'm sorry for my behavior these past few days.”
“Apology accepted.”
“Geoffrey has told you our problems, then?”
“Yes.”
“So you will help us?”
“I'm afraid I'm not able to. You should discuss this further with your brother. If you'll excuse me . . .”
Her face danced between anger and disappointment. She would suffer more than her brother. She'd be sold into marriage to the highest bidder.
“I told Geoffrey you were a waste of time, but he thought you'd have more loyalty to the family for what we've done for you.”
Anger seethed within Ian. “Do not call my loyalty into question, madam.”
Catherine's face flushed.
Ian knew he should apologize, but he was done with both Bateman and his sister considering it their due that he was to save them in their present circumstances.
He moved into the gloom of the stables. “Is my horse saddled and ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
Ian followed the man outside and accepted the reins.
“Keep an eye on the sky, sir. It may rain today.”
“Thank you, I will. It would be a relief from this heat.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ian set off for Horneswood. He hoped work would settle down his thoughts and allow him to work through his emotions to reach a decision. That was what he needed right now. Hard physical work always eased his mind and his body when he had issues to work through.
Chapter 11
S
ophia had led the small party through the woods, past the cottage, and up to the top of the Fairy Steps. The day was warm, but in the shade of the forest surrounding the Lodge, the air was refreshing. A light breeze cooled their skin from the heat of the day.
The walk so far had been uneventful. Bateman had quickly claimed Miss Hamilton's arm. He had his oh-so-very charming mask back in place. Lady Catherine held on to Ian with a death grip. Sophia had taken Captain Smith-Williams's arm as they trailed behind the group.
“Is it much farther? This heat is almost unbearable.”
Sophia had to grind her teeth against the whine in the woman's voice. “Not much farther, Lady Catherine,” Sophia repeated for the seventh time.
“Do you walk this way every day, Miss Townsend? It seems like such a long journey,” Miss Hamilton said. “Though the woods are lovely.”
The woods were lovely, Sophia had to admit. The bright greens of summer were starting to fade to a subtler color. Soon the canopy of trees would be painted with the shades of gold, orange, and red of autumn. She'd never appreciated how pretty this area was.
“I think I could stay here year-round,” Crispin Smith-Williams said.
“It is nice. I don't know why I hadn't noticed before,” Sophia said.
“We tend to take for granted that which is right under our noses.”
She looked at the captain. “Very true.” And perhaps too late. Ian looked to be enjoying himself with Catherine.
“Do you love him?” he asked.
“Excuse me?”
“Lord Bateman. Do you love him?”
Sophia looked at Bateman walking with Miss Hamilton. He was charming her right out of her half boots. Theo laughed at something Bateman said and Sophia felt the arm beneath her hand tense. This must be torture for the poor captain. “No. I don't think I do. Lord Bateman is very charming. Can be very charming.”
“But you were expecting a proposal.”
Would this rumor ever die? “No, sir, I was not.”
He shot her a glance as if he didn't believe her.
“Fine, perhaps I was . . . just a little bit. He was paying a great deal of attention to me.” She followed Smith-Williams's glance to Theo Hamilton. “If you love her so very much, you should act before it's too late.”
“It is complicated.”
“Captain, it is always complicated, but if you love herâ”
“What would we live on? Her father would cut her off if she married me.”
Sophia had to concede that point. “Then let her go.”
Captain Smith-Williams pulled them to a stop so suddenly that Sophia had to grasp his arm to keep from falling. He held her there while the others moved farther ahead.
“I'm supposed to show them the way, sir.”
“Just one moment. I have to tell someone the truth.”
She looked up into his earnest face. “Captain, please don't unburden yourselfâ”
“She might be carrying my child.” He said the words so softly and so quickly, Sophia wasn't sure she heard him.
“Pardon?”
“You heard me.”
Sophia's head was spinning. This put a different light on things entirely. She honestly did not know what to say. Theo Hamiltonâwith child!
“I need your help, Miss Townsend. I cannot let Theo marry another man while carrying my child. It's not right.”
“How could you let this happen?”
He shrugged and his cheeks flushed.
“Oh, right.” She should have known this from the way her sisters had acted with their prospective husbands.
“Will you help us? Theo seems to think you can.”
Good heavens, this was an interesting turn. She'd never supposed that having a house party would equate to the plot of a gothic novel. Sophia patted his hand. “I don't know what I can do, but I can try.”
He squeezed her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Thank you, Miss Townsend.”
“Shouldn't we have gotten to the steps by now?” Lady Catherine's voice cut through the intimacy of the moment.
“They are just up ahead.” Sophia released her clasp on the captain's arm and moved toward the front of the group. She pushed through a few of the bushes until she could step out onto the flat top of the hill that formed the steps. “Here they are: the Fairy Steps.”
“What a lovely view of the village from here. Miss Townsend, is that Beetham?”
“Yes, Miss Hamilton. That is Beetham.”
“I should like to walk into the village before we leave.”
“We shall do that tomorrow then, my love,” Bateman said as he kissed Theo's gloved hand.
Captain Smith-Williams looked ready to punch Bateman in the nose. Sophia felt as if the entire outing was spinning wildly out of control.
“Shall we try to climb the steps?” She kept her voice bright.
“Oh, let's!” Miss Hamilton said. “What did you say the fable was?”
“If you climb the steps without touching the wall, a fairy will grant you a wish.”
“Up or down? Does it matter if we climb up the steps or down?” asked Ian.
“I don't think it matters either way, Mr. McDonald,” Sophia replied.
“Miss Townsend, have you climbed the steps without touching?” Lady Catherine asked.
“I have, Lady Catherine.”
“And did you get your wish?”
“Not as of yet, ma'am,” Sophia said with a laugh.
“How do we reach the bottom so we can climb up?”
“There is a path down the hill just through those bushes, Captain. Be careful, it is steep.” Sophia watched as the party went down the hill to try to climb the steps.
“Not going to give it another go, Sophia?” Ian asked.
“No, my days of believing in magic are over.”
They stood together watching the group struggle down the hill. “Think someone will climb the steps?” she asked.
“It's doubtful. Not on the first try.”
Sophia smirked. “We did it.”
Ian looked down at her and smiled. “We did, didn't we? If I remember right, you shouted your wish at me.”
“Please do not remind me.” She liked Ian when he was like this: friendly, comfortable. She could become used to the camaraderie, the teasing. If she were to be honest with herself, she could become used to his kisses.
“What are you thinking now?”
Sophia felt her face heat. “Nothing, really.”
“Your blush gives you away. You were thinking about me.”
“Your arrogance astounds me. I was thinking how comical it would be to see Lady Catherine land on her bum on that hill.”
“Wicked girl.”
“Miss Townsend! We made it? What next?” Miss Hamilton was on the first step.
“Now you must climb to the top without touching the side walls. If you touch them, you won't get your wish.”
“I'm determined to get my wish.” Theo placed her foot on the bottom step. She took a step and wobbled.
Captain Smith-Williams and Bateman both jumped to her aid. They stood glaring at each other like two bulls.
“What's that about?”
“Ian, please don't let them come to blows. Trust me, we do not need the truth coming out now.”
“We will talk about this later.”
“Go, quickly before things get worse.”
* * *
Ian quickly made his way down the hill to defuse the situation. What the hell was wrong with those two? By the time he got down the hill and back around to the bottom of the steps, Captain Smith-Williams had backed away, allowing Bateman to assist Miss Hamilton.
“You have to make her stop, McDonald,” the captain said.
“Captain, I see no harm in her climbing the steps.”
“But if she fallsâ”
Ian glanced between the two. “She'll be fine with Bateman. He won't let her fall.”
Captain Smith-Williams looked deflated.
“Captain, are you climbing?”
“I think I'll join Miss Townsend at the top.”
Ian glanced up at Sophia as the captain made his way back up the hill, his shoulders slumped. He pitied the man; he really did. Ian turned to Lady Catherine, who had her foot on the first step but looked unsure.
“Lady Catherine, are you going to climb the steps as well?”
“I will, if you will assist me. I'm afraid I might fall.”
Ian's own choices were limited. He could either allow Catherine to try to climb the steps herselfâa dangerous propositionâor risk Sophia's ire. Catherine won. He didn't want to be the one who carried her back to the house if she fell.
“What do I hold on to? These steps are so uneven!” Catherine complained.
“You have to find your balance Tilt yourself forward toward the next step to keep from touching the sides.”
“You've done this before?”
“Once, with Miss Townsend.”
“And did you get your wish?”
“No.” Nor was he likely to.
Catherine took the steps slowly, now that she'd heard Sophia had managed to climb them. Ian could feel her determination. She wobbled on a few of the steps but finally made it to the top.
The breeze picked up as they stepped on the flat part of the rock that formed the ledge at the top. The air was cooler. He looked at Sophia. God, he wished she was his.
Catherine turned in his arms. “Do you feel the breeze?”
“I think there's a storm coming. We'd best get back.”
Catherine looked disappointed.
“Did you make a wish?”
She shook her head. “What good would it do?”
Considering her situation, she had a point. “Come, we should join the others.” He offered her his arm and led her back toward the group.
Miss Hamilton was laughing, joking about having to touch the wall to keep from crashing into Lord Bateman. Catherine released his arm to join Miss Hamilton.
Bateman looked bored as he moved to stand next to Ian.
“Did she climb without touching?” Ian asked him.
“No, and she almost had me falling backward down the steps.”
“Lucky for all of us you didn't.”
“I imagine that more than a few problems would be solved if I fell.”
“Now you are being macabre.”
Bateman nodded. “A distant cousin would inherit the mess I've made.”
“Think where that would leave your sister, man.”
“Are there refreshments? I'm so very thirsty,” Lady Catherine said.
“I had the housekeeper pack us a basket of refreshments. I thought we'd sit under the trees in the shade.” Sophia ushered her guests to the area where a footman had spread a cloth and set out treats. As the rest of the group moved to help themselves to water and cold beer, Ian stopped beside Sophia. “What is going on with Captain Smith-William?”
“I'll not discuss it here.”
As she kept that serene smile on her face, he couldn't tell if she was delaying because of their company or because she didn't want to talk to him. Ian opted for the former. “Meet me in the garden tonight then, at midnight, after the house settles down?”
Her smiled faded. “Ian, what if we're seen? I cannot risk it.”
“Then come to my room. We have much to discuss.”
“And that is a better option? The garden is safer.” Sophia got that stubborn expression in her eyes. “The captain told me in strict confidence.”
Ian looked down at her in amazement. “Sophia, you've never let that prevent you from telling all before.”
“You are incorrigible.”
Ian spotted Lady Catherine coming toward him with a glass. “I thought you'd like some beer,” she said.
“Thank you, Catherine.”
“Someone must look out for you,” she said with a smile.
Ian turned back to Sophia only to find her moving toward the picnic. She accepted a glass of wine from one of the servants and sat beside Captain Smith-Williams, who was some distance away from Bateman and Miss Hamilton.
“Perhaps the captain has focused his attentions on someone attainable.”
Ian looked down at Catherine. “That's a rather harsh statement.”
“My brother is determined to marry Miss Hamilton. Her father is in trade, but the family is of good society.”
“You do not think Miss Townsend is of good society?”
“I've already told you what I think of Sophia Townsend.”
“I'm surprised your brother would consider lowering his standards to court Miss Hamilton.”
“Really, Ian, you surprise me. If her father hadn't settled such a large sum on her, she wouldn't be here.”
“So you are for a dynastic marriage?”
“I have no choice but to believe in the institution.” Catherine stared at her brother for a long time. “His position as earl won't allow him to earn a living.”
“Be realistic, Catherine. Had he taken care of the estates, neither of you would be in this position.”
“Father had a hand in it as well.”
“He did, but your brother has held the position for a good while and hasn't done anything to solve the problem.” Ian looked down at his cousin. “Do yourself a favor and find a nice man to marry.”
“I thought I had.”