“One hears such nasty gossip,” Bella said. “It is said Lord Eaglestone shot a man in a duel. And that he’s a rake.”
“I can believe he’s a rake. I find it hard to believe he shot a man in a duel. An Eaglestone wouldn’t bother to fight a duel of honor. Such events never interested them. Not that they weren’t capable of shooting straight.” She adjusted her shawl over her shoulders. “Big, sporty men, most of them. Christian’s horsemanship was lauded. He was always winning races in his phaeton. It’s ludicrous to think his son fought a duel. They were outlawed years ago. Why, he would have been forced to leave the country or been imprisoned.”
“It does seem farfetched. Another rumor is more concerning.”
Gran tilted her head like an inquisitive bird. “What about?”
“I heard an attempt has been made on his life.”
Gran wound the wool around her finger and nodded thoughtfully. “I wonder if it might be a family matter. Lord Frederick had control of young Derrick’s estate before he came of age. He died some years ago. His son, Hector, is a complete and utter scoundrel by all accounts. Frederick married a mad woman who would have ended up in Bethlem Asylum had she lived. It’s said his son is tarred with the same brush.” Her sharp blue eyes studied Bella’s face. “You like this viscount, don’t you?”
Fear for Eaglestone tightened her ribcage. “His lordship’s been most generous, but what I think of him is hardly of any consequence.”
“And why is that?”
“Papa plans for me to marry Lord Maudling. And I doubt Lord Eaglestone is interested.”
“Look in the mirror, gel.”
“Oh, Gran, London is full of attractive women. And Papa isn’t a member of the peerage. He made his money in industry.”
“He was knighted for his contribution to society.”
“Years ago,” Bella said thoughtfully. “I wonder why he resists my efforts to do the same.”
“He has financial concerns, and there’s been your mother’s health to distract him. Your sweet nature and pretty face are a prize for any man, and don’t forget it, Bella. Never sell yourself too cheap.”
Bella refrained from admitting she had little say in whom she married. Gran was the one person she could confide in, but even so, there were things better kept to oneself. For what could Gran do? She rose and kissed her papery cheek. “Thank you, Gran. I do love you.”
Gran pattered her fondly. “If you marry an Eaglestone, I’ll be more than happy. They are vital, interesting men. They won’t expect you to become part of the furniture, merely there to make their lives more comfortable. Life would never be dull.”
Bella sighed. No chance of that. She wondered if Gran’s life had been less than satisfying and whether her father’s childhood had been miserable. Her mother’s father, by comparison, had been a generous soul. He’d always been in Bella’s corner.
“I’m leaving for Bath tomorrow for a week. Mrs. Watson and I plan to take the waters,” Gran said. “Keep me abreast of any good news. Your father will furnish my direction.”
“I will. I promise.” Apart from any correspondence from Eaglestone, she doubted there’d be much good news to impart.
Her father entered the room with a glass of sherry for Gran. “We leave for the country tomorrow,” he said to Bella.
She gasped. Might he have overheard their conversation? “Oh, not so soon, Papa. Weren’t we to remain in London until your trip to Brighton?”
He studied her coolly. “I’ve changed my mind. Go and assist your maid to pack your clothes.”
Bella went to her bedroom, her legs leaden. Her father obviously intended to bring her and Lord Mauling together. Their country house lay a few miles from Maudling’s. He was their nearest neighbor and often dined with them while they also attended parties at his mansion. He never missed an opportunity to put his chubby hands on her. Once he’d pinched the flesh of her upper arm, as if judging a bird for the pot. She wished Gran would be there. Bella didn’t want to upset her mother; her illness had left her delicate.
The next day, her father, with steely determination in his eyes, swept them off to Surrey.
Several days passed without word from Eaglestone. She checked the silver salver on the hall table again. Nothing. Disappointed, she donned her wide-brimmed hat and set out for a long walk. Climbing a stile, she crossed a field where black-and-white cows watched her with calm, black eyes. She reached her favorite spot by the river, a copse of willows, and rested her back against a tree, opening her book. She tried to read Jane Eyre as her thoughts wandered to Lord Eaglestone’s tawny eyes. His smile completely altered his face and made him dreadfully handsome. She sighed, leaned back, and closed her eyes. The book dropped into her lap.
“Ah, here you are. I thought I spied you earlier.”
Flustered, Bella jumped to her feet. “Lord Maudling! Did you follow me?”