''She knows about your scheme with the other two, and she is desperately worried that if it becomes common knowledge, her reputation will suffer. After all, I think you may understand if you give it some thought, that men, wagering money over a lady, is hardly good for her reputation. It is marginally akin to prostitution. ''
''Oh, what a terrible situation. It was a silly agreement. I hardly knew Miss Emily then. We were in high spirits, and it all happened so quickly. I don't know what I am able to do about it. I cannot change it now. A gentleman's agreement is final.''
''Of course, Sir. Miss Emily fully understands your predicament. It is just; she needs your assistance. Of the three, she is most drawn toward you. She does understand, however, that because of your circumstances, there could never be a liaison between you. However, your actions have caused a danger to her reputation, and I must ask you to make amends.''
''Amends? How may I do that?''
''By stepping out with her until the whole sordid business is finished. If society sees her courting with a single man in a steady, proper manner, it will be much less inclined to call her reputation into dispute should your sordid agreement become public. They will think it a rumor when they look at the two of you.''
''But I am pauper and no use to her at all.''
''It is not common knowledge that you are a pauper. Indeed, it is only in your honesty toward Miss Emily, that you have revealed it to anyone. Society thinks you are the well to do son of the Earl of Rochester. You must make amends for you actions and step out with her until you and the others have concluded your actions.''
*****
Emily removed her bonnet as the sun beat down on the two cousins. ''This garden is the nicest I have ever seen,'' Beatrice said. ''Your mother is the perfect gardener.''
''And you, my dear cousin, are the most perfect schemer?''
Beatrice looked at her with a humorous look on her face. ''Why Emily, how on earth could you think that?''
''Because I have noticed that Charles Carrington will visit me tomorrow. What on earth did you say to him.''
''He is a man of honor and I just called upon that honor. What of Mr. Masters? How did you find him?''
''Quite agreeable. In fact, he is handsome, witty and knowledgeable.''
''That is marvelous. Then you want him to win the auction?''
''I am not sure. He is let's say, a little too well versed in activities of the bedroom for my liking. I believe he has, in all probability, had a lot of women, and I am not certain I would ever be able to fully trust him to be faithful to me. Thus far, dear cousin, Mr. Carrington has made the best impression on me, and his circumstances won't allow us to be any more than friendly toward each other.''
*****
Charles looked at Emily as the maid placed the tea tray on the delicate table. He waited until she was finished and had left the room before he spoke.
''Miss Emily, how can you ever forgive me? Miss Beatrice told me you have knowledge of our silly wager and that you are desperately worried about your reputation.''
''Yes, Mr. Carrington, she was correct, I am apprehensive indeed.''
''Please call me Charles. Miss Beatrice rightly pointed out that such activities have a habit of becoming common knowledge. She also stated that should that happened, you would be protected if society believed you to be in a courtship of substance. I am prepared to make that pretense, to protect you. But I must tell you that my circumstances have not changed since the last time we met, and I cannot allow you and I to become any more than friends.''
''Charles, you have put my mind at ease. I have been desperately worried during the past few days. I cannot thank you enough for having the courage stand by me in this difficult time.''
''You do of course realize that I am unable to take part in this auction with any significant sums and that one of the other two will win? Are you prepared for that?''
''Yes entirely. Once a winner has been declared, I shall accept his advances in good faith. I must add Charles, that it is such a shame that you have no chance of winning.''
*****
''The river is remarkably high for this time of year,'' Emily pointed out.
''Yes, there has been so much rain recently. It is a delightful pathway we are walking. It is as if we have been whisked away to a planet of our own. It's so serene.''
''If we wanted to, we could walk all the way to York along it. I have never done so, I keep within an easy distance of home, but I do like to explore some of the smaller paths leading from it. But Charles, enough of paths. I want to know why your father saw fit to disinherit his only son. Tell me why.''
''It is a very private matter and one that I have not spoken of, to anyone but my mother.''
''Please forgive my intrusive nature, I really am intolerable sometimes.''
''I attacked my father in such an aggressive way, he was hospitalized for a short time,'' Charles blurted out.
Emily was shocked. ''You attacked your father? Why?''