“What did you mean, Sophia? Honestly, I really want to know.”
She said nothing at first. She fiddled with her cup of tea and sighed heavily. “I apologize if my remark hurt your feelings.”
“Apology accepted, but you didn't answer the question. Am I some mongrel to be avoided by the ladies of the Ton?”
Sophia's eyes met his and hers widened. “IâuhâI mean, you are a fine gentleman, sir, but uhâ”
He leaned close enough to her to smell the floral scent of the soap she used and lowered his voice. “I could make you want to marry me.”
She laughed nervously. “You could try, but you wouldn't succeed.”
“Such confidence. Which is surprising, given your response to me last night in the library. Shall we make a wager on it?”
She had the grace to look wary. “What did you have in mind?”
“Instead of pretending to court you, I will do it for real. I wager I can make you want to marry me.”
“This is a joke, isn't it?”
Ian shook his head. “No joke.”
She narrowed her eyes. “So you think I can be manipulated into marriage through passion?” She laughed. “You, sir, are going to lose this wager.”
Ian smiled. “Here are the terms: If I succeed in getting you into my bed, I win and we marry.”
“You have a fairly high opinion of your skills, sir.”
“I've not had too many complaints thus far.”
Her blush deepened. “And if I win?”
“I'll leave you alone. I'll be out of your life entirely.” It heartened him a bit to see the surprised look on her face. Would she be sad to have him out of her life? He hoped so; in fact, the wager depended on her feelings being more engaged.
“What about your business dealings with Nathaniel and Tony?” Her voice was hesitant.
“I can deal with them without spending time with you. I shall be more at my estate for the next few years while I develop this new breed. There is always the post, Sophia. So do you agree to the wager?”
“I suppose I must. It would be inhuman to allow Lady Catherine to be saddled with you for the rest of her days.” Sophia reached for the last piece of toast.
Ian fought to keep the pain of her comment from showing. He'd learned that Sophia Townsend threw verbal knives at the targets that mattered most. He'd take consolation in that knowledge. He pointed to his plate. “You've eaten my breakfast. I'll gladly ask for more if you're hungry.”
She delicately dabbed at her mouth. “I always eat when I'm nervous.”
Ian fought the urge to smile. This was the woman he always sensed beneath all her bravado and sarcasm. “I make you nervous?”
“That is not what I said.”
Ian drained his coffee and stood.
“Where are you going?”
He came around the table to her. “I'm going riding before the rest of the party wake up and spoil the day for me.”
She frowned at him. “You don't like my guests?”
“Not particularly.” He smiled at her. “If you'd like to ride with me, I'll gladly have someone saddle your horse.”
He could tell she was seriously considering it, but then she shook her head. “Thank you but no. I must come up with activities for today.”
“Suit yourself.” He bent down and kissed her mouth quickly. “I'll see you later, then?”
“What?”
He chuckled. “You have dark circles under your eyes. Why don't you sneak back upstairs for a nap before the rest of the house wakes? You look exhausted.” He kissed her mouth again and left her sitting at the table staring after him.
* * *
Ian's kiss still lingered on her lips several hours and a nap later. Sophia made her way back downstairs, still feeling as if her head was in a fog. She was beginning to regret her decision to take Ian up on his wager. The wish would make keeping him at arm's length hard enough. Add to that the time they needed to spend together to thwart Lady Catherine and Sophia knew she was in trouble. He was like chocolate to her at this moment, decadent and irresistible.
Things would have been so much easier if she had held her tongue and wished for marriage to Bateman. Unfortunately, marrying him now would mean living in reduced circumstances. While he might go to Town for the House of Lords, his wife might have to stay behind because of the cost. Truly a fate worse than death.
Sophia entered the drawing room to find Miss Hamilton staring out the window.
“Good morning, Miss Hamilton.”
Theodora Hamilton turned to look at her. Her face was blotchy. Sophia wasn't sure she was capable of dealing with an emotional Miss Hamilton without additional tea. Sophia moved to her side. “Are you unwell? Shall I ring for a maid?
“I'm fine,” she said, pulling at her handkerchief. “It's Crispin. Captain Smith-Williams.”
Sophia felt her heart rate pick up. Could there be trouble in Bateman's paradise? “Captain Smith-Williams?”
“I shouldn't say anything,” Miss Hamilton said quietly.
Sophia took the girl's hand and led her to the couch. “Come and sit with me. You'll feel better when you tell someone.”
“My father and Lord Bateman have come to an understanding. I'm to marry Lord Bateman.”
Sophia felt her heart sink. “Has Lord Bateman proposed?”
Theodora shook her head. “We barely know each other. That's the reason I am on this trip to Carlisleâto give us a chance to get to know each other.”
Sophia fought back a twinge of guilt at the chance to manipulate Miss Hamilton and win the challenge. “He is a very nice man.”
“He is, and that is what makes this so difficult.”
“What?”
“I love Crispin,” Theodora said. “I have for a long time.”
“Surely your parents will want you to marry where you love.”
“We are in trade, Miss Townsend. It is my father's greatest wish to have a peer in the family.” Theodora dabbed her eyes. “To make matters worse, Crispin and I have argued. He wants to elope before we reach Carlisle”
“Why don't you?” Sophia couldn't stop the words from leaving her mouth. Encouraging Miss Hamilton suited her perfectly.
“Papa will cut off my funds if we do. He doesn't approve of Crispin.”
“The captain appears to be quite gentlemanlike. What does your father have against him?”
“He's not titled. He is the third son of a baron. Father sees the Ton accepting us if I marry high enough.” She sniffed again. “Papa also thinks Crispin is only interested in me because of my dowry.”
Miss Hamilton's father was a wise man. Such a large dowry was a huge inducement. Sophia patted Miss Hamilton's hand, suppressing the inner urge to crow. “It will all work out.”
“How? How am I to make everyone happy?” She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. “I must do my duty to my family.”
Sophia wanted to tell her to please herself, but the reality of the situation was that without money, the couple didn't stand a chance of survival. It would be a hard life of dealing with the ruination that an elopement would cause. Theodora was pretty and rich, but her parents being in trade was a strike against her. Sophia experienced an unusual feeling of compassion for Miss Hamilton. “I don't know what to tell you, Miss Hamilton. I do know that whatever decision you make should be for your own happiness.”
“Catherine told me that there were rumors that Lord Bateman was going to propose to you.”
“He paid a great deal of attention to me when I was lately in London, but there will be no proposal. He has made that perfectly clear. You have captured his heart.”
“I doubt that, Miss Townsend. Do you love him?”
There was the question of the hour. She wasn't sure what she felt for Lord Bateman. “I liked him well enough, I suppose.”
Miss Hamilton clasped her hand and Sophia felt odd at being comforted. “But you really should love him if you are to marry him.”
“It's different for me.”
Why had she said that? Why had she even thought it? The last thing Sophia wanted to do was bare her soul to a young woman she barely knew. She searched for the words to cover up her gaff.
“There you are, Theo. I've been looking everywhere for you.” Catherine came into the room. She was dressed in a light yellow muslin suitable for the heat. Her hair was perfectly arranged.
Sophia and Miss Hamilton rose from their seats. Sophia felt as if she'd escaped the gallows. There would be no unburdening of her soul to anyone. “Good morning. I trust you slept well?”
“Yes, finally. The room was so very warm last night. I could hardly tolerate it. I had thought we'd have relief from the summer warmth this far north.”
Sophia exchanged a look with Miss Hamilton. “The weather has been unusually warm of late.”
“I assume by your dress that we have nothing planned today? It's just as well. It is very hot.”
Sophia smoothed her hands down the front of her day dress, which was wrinkled from her nap. Why had she not thought to change? “I thought an outing later in the day would be more comfortable for everyone. The woods around the Lodge are lovely. Perhaps a stroll?”
“I cannot stay cooped up in this house all day.” Catherine turned to Miss Hamilton. “Theo, dearest, have you been crying?” She took the girl's hands and glared at Sophia. “Have you said something to make Miss Hamilton cry?”
Sophia stepped back from the venom in the young lady's voice. “I have not.”
Miss Hamilton looked up at Sophia like a frightened kitten. “Miss Townsend and I were just discussing a book she'd read that she found hysterically funny. They are tears of laughter.”
“I didn't hear any laughter.”
Sophia smiled sweetly. “We were just changing topics when you came in, weren't we, Miss Hamilton?”
Miss Hamilton gave a quick nod. The girl was positively cowed by Catherine.
Catherine dismissed Sophia with a wave of her hand. “It's of little matter. I thought we'd walk the gardens this morning, Theo.”
“Is Lord Bateman joining you?” Sophia asked.
“No, he's not. There was some agricultural thing going on. My brother and Mr. McDonald traveled to a nearby estate.”
“They must be at Horneswood. My sister lives there.”
“Come, we shall walk outside, Theo. Miss Townsend, will you be joining us?”
“I'm sorry, but no. Enjoy your walk.” She probably should go to protect Miss Hamilton, but the girl would have to learn to fend for herself once she married the earl.
Lady Catherine paused and turned back to Sophia. “Miss Townsend, what is Mr. McDonald to you?”
The question took her by surprise. “I don't know what you mean.”
“He seems to spend a great deal of time in your company. Do you have an understanding?”
Sophia hesitated. She'd agreed to help Ian in fending off Lady Catherine and here was a perfect opportunity. “There is no understanding as yet.”
“Do you think he will propose?”
If Sophia was honest, he'd done so at least twice in the last two days, but those didn't count. She really wasn't sure if he was mentioning the word for real or teasing. “I think he might.”
Lady Catherine's lips pinched together as she snapped her mouth closed over her words. She practically dragged Miss Hamilton to the front door and outside to take the air. Why did Lord Bateman come to Beetham if not to propose to her? Why stop at all?
Beetham was not directly on the route to Carlisle for them, so this was a special trip. Lord Bateman was practically engaged to Miss Hamilton, yet he had called here. None of this made any sense.
More interesting was the fact that Theodora Hamilton was in love with her captain, yet set to marry into an earldom. Sophia couldn't believe she'd choose to marry for love rather than for the title and all it entailed.
If she could urge Miss Hamilton to follow her heart, would that leave the door open for Bateman to propose to her? He would probably find another heiress to take Miss Hamilton's place. Men thought women interchangeable. Honestly, Sophia wasn't sure she wanted to bother with Lord Bateman at this point. The man was beyond fickle.
Still, it wouldn't hurt to help Miss Hamilton and her captain find happiness either. Perhaps Lord Bateman would have a change of heart, given how much fun they'd had together in London. Sophia knew she should be crowing at this new development, but she couldn't. Lady Catherine's comments about Ian tugged at her. She didn't like that the woman was so predatory toward him, as if he were one of his own prize sheep.
Chapter 8
I
an forced himself to smile, even though Catherine was plastered to his side. He could barely lift his fork without his arm rubbing against hers. It was not pleasant.
Nor was the smirk that seemed to remain on Sophia's face as she sat across from him. When she wasn't smirking at him, she was in deep conversation with Captain Smith-Williams.
Why did Sophia have to have the talent of making every man in the room want her? Jealousy was a bitter taste in his mouth. He didn't like feeling like this. Not one bit.
“Tell me, Mr. McDonald, what did you and the other gentlemen do today?” Lady Catherine asked. “It must have been important to have you gone all day.”
Lord Bateman paused in his conversation with Miss Hamilton. “It was quite informative, Catherine. We shall have to adopt some of these agricultural improvements on our own estate.”
Bateman had been excited to see what new developments they were testing on the Matthews estate. Ian had already implemented them on his own estate. Bateman quickly needed pencil and paper to jot down ideas.
“You mean raise sheep?” Sophia said.
“It's a good possibility for our northern estates. We will be able to put the land to use and help the tenants,” Lord Bateman said. “Mr. McDonald seems to think we can turn things around.”
Sophia shot him a look. “That is good news indeed, Lord Bateman.”
“Tell me more about your estate in Scotland, Ian,” Catherine said. “I love Scotland. It's so wild and beautiful.”
“I live in the lowlands, far from the highlands.”
“Sir Walter Scott writes so lovingly of Scotland,” Mrs. Matthews said from the end of the table.
“He has romanticized it quite a bit, ma'am.” Ian set down his fork. “But I must admit there is something mystical about Scotland, even the lowlands. The lush green of the hills that roll down into the pastures; the small stone buildings of the villages can be beautiful. The people are stubborn but also very generous.”
He looked across the table at Sophia, who appeared to hang on his every word. “Edinburgh is every bit as majestic and entertaining as London. Have you been to Edinburgh, Miss Townsend?”
She shook her head. “I've not had the pleasure.”
“It's a beautiful old city,” Miss Hamilton said. “My father has business there and takes us with him. The shopping is just as nice as in London.”
Ian picked up his fork.
“You are not from Scotland, are you, Mr. McDonald?” Sophia asked.
“I was born in England, but my father's family is from Scotland.”
Bateman set down his glass. “Mr. McDonald's father was our steward for the longest time. I don't know if you realized it, but Mr. McDonald spent his childhood at Bateman Abbey.”
“Indeed, I had no idea,” Sophia said, glaring at him.
The fat was in the fire now. Ian had forgotten to inform Sophia of his connection with Bateman. He shot a glance at Nathaniel Matthews, who was also glaring at him. Damn.
“Tell us about Bateman Abbey, my lord. Is it beautiful?”
“It's more old than beautiful, Miss Townsend.” Bateman looked down the table at Ian. “Wouldn't you say, McDonald?”
“It's been many years since I've been there; I could hardly say.” The place held nothing but bitter memories for him. After the death of his mother, his father had declined quickly. He'd died, leaving Ian to make his own way in the world. Though the old earl had funded his education, Ian had paid back every shilling. There was no way he'd be beholden to that family.
“Where is it located?” Sophia asked.
“In the midlands, near Northampton. It's been in the family since the sixteenth century.”
“Is the house in ill repair?” Miss Hamilton asked.
“It is in need of some repairs. I imagine it needs a few modern updates to make it presentable again.”
“The house is very large, with an abundance of windows. The gardens are immense,” Lady Catherine said. “One could walk for hours on the grounds and not see a single soul.”
Sophia glanced at Lord Bateman. “It sounds lovely.”
Ian watched as Sophia wove her magic around Bateman. The gloss of her dark hair, that full lower lip she had a tendency to bite, those dark, dark eyes that could turn into pools of melted chocolate when she wanted them to.
“It is lovely,” Bateman said.
Ian watched the looks that passed between Bateman and Sophia and felt his heart sink. How easily those two had fallen into their camaraderie again. All Sophia ever seemed to do with him was argue.
“Let's hope you can keep it that way, Brother,” Lady Catherine said bitterly.
The entire table looked at Lady Catherine, but she stubbornly refused to return the glare.
“Nothing like speaking the truth, is there, child?” Lady Danford said. “Cleanses the soul.”
Laughter surrounded the table and Ian felt sorry for Catherine. Her cheeks colored and she lowered her head. In that instant he could sense the fear in her for her future. He could understand how she'd feel that way. He'd felt something similar when he'd been at Bateman Abbey.
“I imagine it takes a great deal of upkeep for an estate that size,” Ian said. “I believe your estate is about the same size, Mr. Matthews.”
“With the help of my wife, we were able to turn things around.”
Ian smiled. He loved this story.
“Your wife?” Bateman said, looking at Anne sitting next to him.
“My husband greatly exaggerates my abilities,” Anne said with a smile. “He was more than capable of turning the estate around himself.”
“But not motivated until I met you,” Nathaniel said.
Envy was one of the many emotions coursing through Ian. He looked at Sophia, who was smiling sweetly at her sister. Another facet of her personality he liked.
“Stop, Mr. Matthews, you make me blush,” Anne said.
“You two are going to spoil my dinner with your silliness,” Lady Danford said. “In my day, we didn't discuss such things at the table.”
Laughter filled the room again. Ian turned back to his wine.
“My brother tells me that you've purchased an estate near our own in Dumfries, Mr. McDonald. Which estate did you purchase?” Catherine asked.
“I believe he purchased the Donald estate just south of ours, Catherine. Is that the one, McDonald?” Bateman said.
“Yes. It is.” Ian choked down another bite. “It is rather an old house.”
“Several centuries old, I believe,” Catherine said.
Sophia set down her glass. “Mr. McDonald, you've described Scotland as a magical place. Is it a castle?”
“Of sorts.”
“How can it be a castle of sorts?” Sophia said with a laugh.
Ian rested his arms on the table, his eyes pinning Sophia in place. “Like any castle, it has its old ruins, ghosts, and secret hidden places, but it lacks a tower.”
“I didn't think you were the type to believe in ghosts, Mr. McDonald,” Sophia said.
“You see all manner of interesting things in Scotland.” He picked up his fork.
“I've heard of a mystical place right here in Beetham,” Miss Hamilton said. “It's called the Fairy Steps. Is it close?”
Sophia choked on her wine.
“Are you well, Miss Townsend?” Lady Catherine asked. “I've not heard of such a place. Tell us more, Theo.”
“I don't know much. I found it in a book I was reading.”
“It's actually quite close,” Mrs. Matthews said. “We can walk to it from The Lodge.”
Sophia cleared her voice. “The Fairy Steps played a part in my sister's marriage to Mr. Matthews.”
“How romantic!” Miss Hamilton said with a smile.
“Depends on whom you talk to, Miss Hamilton,” Nathaniel Matthews said.
Ian watched Mrs. Matthews blush prettily.
“Shall we walk there tomorrow?” Sophia Townsend asked.
“I would like to, Miss Townsend,” Miss Hamilton said.
“Then we shall.” Sophia smiled indulgently at Miss Hamilton.
Ian picked up his fork and pushed at his food. Something was amiss. Sophia had always been indifferent to Miss Hamilton. Now they were close? He'd corner her later to find out what was going on.
* * *
The gentlemen were left to their port after dinner. Sophia followed Anne as she led Lady Danford into the parlor. Dinner had not been a total success, but she'd held her own, and Catherine Grayson had been embarrassed. Sophia was feeling quite pleased with herself.
“I think we need music tonight,” Lady Catherine said with a smile. “I know you lack the talent, Miss Townsend, but, perhaps Mrs. Matthews will indulge us.”
Sophia ground her teeth. Why hadn't she paid more attention to her music lessons? “Anne, would you mind playing for us?”
Anne tucked a blanket around Lady Danford's legs and patted her hand. “I should be delighted to play for you. Do you intend to dance?”
“I think a dance would be delightful,” Miss Hamilton said with a smile.
Sophia sat across from Lady Danford, silent.
Lady Catherine moved to the piano and thumbed through the music. “Do you have a waltz, Mrs. Matthews?”
Anne moved to the piano. “I'm sure we do. Here is one.”
“Do you think we'll be able to walk to the Fairy Steps tomorrow, Miss Townsend?” Miss Hamilton asked.
“I think so,” Sophia replied.
“You're going to climb those steps, child?” Lady Danford asked.
“Not necessarily to make a wish, but I don't mind taking the ladies to see it.” Sophia knew that climbing the steps again would not lead to breaking the current wish. She'd only anger the fairies, and as she'd not seen a single fairy, she didn't know if she believed in the legend.
“Perhaps a wish would be just the thing, girl,” Lady Danford said.
“I don't believe in wishes and fairies. If one of the other young ladies wishes to try to climb the steps for her heart's desire, why should I prevent them?”
“Perhaps it's dangerous to climb such uneven steps, Miss Townsend.”
Ian's deep voice came from behind her. “If I remember correctly, you stumbled several times on the steps. I was afraid you might be injured.”
Sophia turned to face him. “I was in a great hurry to avoid the storm, sir.”
“Perhaps we gentlemen should accompany the ladies to prevent any accidents.”
“You are most welcome to join us. I'm sure certain ladies in the group would be happy to have your help in climbing the steps.”
“Mr. McDonald, are you accompanying us tomorrow? How delightful. Brother, say you'll come as well,” Lady Catherine said. “Finally we are to have an adventure on this trip.”
Sophia fought the urge to roll her eyes. “I'm sure we can drum up some more adventures for you during your visit.”
“We've not been riding yet,” Miss Hamilton said. “I do love riding.”
“Then we shall add that to the list of things to do while you are here,” Sophia said.
“We should dance now. Mr. McDonald, would you do me the honor?” Catherine asked.
Sophia watched as Ian offered the lady his arm and led her to the center of the room. He smiled down at Catherine Grayson. They were well matched, his dark good looks to her paleness. Sophia didn't like the emotions churning inside her as she watched the couple move across the floor.
Lord Bateman and Miss Hamilton moved past her as they danced to the music. She didn't feel the same tug of jealousy now as she had with Ian. This mad tumult of emotions was so unlike her. She didn't like it one bit.
“If you're not careful, she'll waltz away with him,” Lady Danford said from behind her.
“Who do you mean?”
“Lady Catherine has her eye on Mr. McDonald and she is determined. If you're not careful, she'll steal him away from you.”
Sophia turned to Lady Danford. “What makes you think I have feelings for Mr. McDonald?” She was sure she'd given nothing away.
“I'm old but not blind. I see the way you two watch each other when each thinks the other isn't looking.” Lady Danford cackled. “It's a game as old as time itself.”
“You are mistaken, my lady,” Sophia said. “Mr. McDonald is just a friend.”
“Now you go on with that friendship nonsense. That man undresses you with his eyes every chance he gets. There's no friendship there.”
“Lady Danford, please keep your voice down,” Sophia whispered furiously, thankful the waltz was a lively one.
“Miss Townsend, may I have the pleasure of this dance?” Captain Smith-Williams said, appearing at her side.
“Captain, thank you.” Sophia dipped into a curtsy and took his arm as he whirled her into the mix of the dancing couples.
“Do you like to waltz, Miss Townsend?”
“I do indeed. And do you enjoy it?”
He nodded with a smile, and for the first time Sophia could see why Miss Hamilton was so taken with him. During the short time the man had been at the Lodge, he had seemed to glower at all of them. Tonight was different. He smiled easily, and his smile was infectious.
“You seem happy tonight, sir. I don't think I've seen you smile since arriving.”
He tightened his grip on her hand in response. “There is reason to hope for the future, Miss Townsend.”
“In what way?”
“I cannot say exactly.”
“Perhaps hope is the reason you smile. If it is, I'm happy for you.”
He whirled her around and they came to a stop as the music ended. Sophia clapped along with the rest of the partners.