Improper Miss Darling Read online

  A great deal naïve, Emma was tempted to say. There was a world of difference between life at Dove’s Hollow and the role she would be expected to fulfil as mistress of Ellingsworth Hall. Linette had never been exposed to society before. She had been to London once and had seemed happy enough to leave it. Her only social interactions since then had been at the local assemblies and dances that were held in the village of Little Moreton.

  What a turnabout now to find her engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors in the county!

  ‘I hope she knows what she is doing,’ Emma murmured. ‘I love Linette with all my heart, but she is a hopeless romantic and tends towards impulsive behaviour. What seems like a good idea one day is positively the worst the next, with scarcely a breath in between.’

  ‘I know, and only time will tell how genuinely happy the two of them will be,’ her father said. ‘But you will have an opportunity to see for yourself tomorrow evening.’

  ‘Tomorrow?’

  ‘We have been invited to dine at Ellingsworth Hall. Just a small gathering of the immediate family. Your aunt will have all the details. In fact, you had best run along now, my dear, I’m sure she and your sister are at sixes and sevens waiting to tell you all about it.’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure they are.’ Emma managed a smile as she slowly got to her feet. ‘Imagine, our little Linette engaged to the son of an earl. It is a tremendous match for her.’

  ‘Yes, though considerably less so for him. But they are not wed yet.’

  ‘Do you think one of them will cry off?’

  ‘My dear, when it comes to matters of the heart, I have learned that nothing is impossible.’ Her father retired to the comfort of his favourite chair beneath which Rory and Ranger slept and picked up one of his books. ‘A burning passion can be doused with a few ill-chosen words and undying love can, in fact, die a quick and painful death. Nothing is as fickle as love. We would all do well to remember that.’

  * * *

  For the next hour, Emma was treated to a complete and extensive list of the Honourable Peter Taylor’s qualities. According to Linette, he was the most handsome, the most charming, the most good-natured and the most patient of men. He was an accomplished rider, an excellent shot, spoke French like a native and even played the pianoforte.

  By the time Emma reached her room, she was beginning to wonder whether her sister was marrying a saint rather than just a mere man. However, since Linette was also happier than Emma had ever seen her, establishing the difference seemed unimportant. She had found the man of her dreams and tomorrow evening they were to dine with Mr Taylor and his family at Ellingsworth Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan house nestled in over one hundred acres of rolling English countryside.

  Not only that, two weeks later, friends and family would be arriving for an extended house party. It would commence with a grand ball on the Friday evening, followed by a series of outdoor events on the Saturday afternoon and a formal dinner that evening. Guests would likely begin leaving Sunday morning, and by the time it was over, Emma was sure she would know everything there was to know about the illustrious Peter Taylor and his family. Even her brother, Ridley, had been sent a note, strongly suggesting that he make himself available for the festivities.

  Emma thought longingly of her easel and brushes. It was a beautiful afternoon and she would have loved to spend some time enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, especially after the long, dreary hours she had been forced to spend with Aunt Augusta.

  However, it was clear that artistic endeavours would have to wait. Her sister was to be married to the youngest son of the Earl of Widdicombe. There would be a hundred-and-one details to sort out, and, knowing Aunt Dorothy’s tendency to tipple during times of high emotional stress, Emma suspected most of the decisions would have to be made by her. She would try to be as patient as possible, and make herself available for Linette in whatever capacity her sister required. Other than that, all she could do was offer up silent prayers that it wouldn’t be too long before the whole dizzying affair was behind them.

  Prior to leaving for the country, Alex stopped off in Mayfair to pay a call on his parents. He hadn’t heard from either of them since making them aware of his intention to travel down to Ellingsworth and he was curious to know if they planned on attending the dinner Peter was giving to introduce his fiancée to whichever members of his family were present. Considering his father’s sentiments about the match, Alex knew better than to consider his parent’s attendance a foregone conclusion.

  He found his mother seated at her desk in the Wedgwood Salon, going through a large pile of correspondence. Garbed in a morning gown of deep-turquoise silk, she looked the picture of serenity; but, upon closer inspection, Alex noticed that her complexion was pale and that she looked to have lost weight, something she could ill afford to do. He quietly crossed the room and bent to drop a kiss on the top of her dark, shining head. ‘Good morning, Mother.’

  ‘Alex!’ Lady Widdicombe jumped. ‘I’m sorry, darling, I was that caught up in my notes I didn’t hear you come in. How are you?’

  ‘Well. I’m on my way to Ellingsworth and thought I would stop by to find out if and when you and Father were driving down.’

  His mother sighed. ‘I shall be leaving tomorrow, but your father won’t be joining me. He’s worked himself into such a state over this engagement, I’ve had to call in Dr Harrow.’

  ‘Harrow? That can’t have made Father happy. What did the doctor say?’

  ‘That Richard could do with losing a little weight and have one less whisky before retiring. And that he was to rest for a few days.’

  ‘Sage advice for any man, I suppose,’ Alex said. ‘Is he in his study?’

  ‘No. He wasn’t feeling quite the thing this morning so he decided to remain in his room.’

  ‘Then I shall go and see him—’

  ‘Alex, there’s something I have to tell you,’ his mother said abruptly. ‘Something you need to know before you go upstairs…’

  It was bad news. Alex knew it from the way she suddenly refused to meet his eyes. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘It isn’t just Peter’s engagement that has upset your father. Last week he…collapsed, in his study,’ she said slowly. ‘Dr Harrow said it…could be his heart.’

  His heart? Alex was stunned. His father was only fifty-nine years old and as fit as most men half his age. When had he suddenly developed problems of this nature? ‘Has this happened before?’

  ‘I don’t know. He says it hasn’t, but you know he doesn’t like worrying us and he hates having to see the doctor.’ His mother sighed. ‘Naturally, he didn’t want me to say anything to you at all. He said there was no point in upsetting you because in a matter of days it would all be fine. And maybe it will be. But I felt you had a right to know before you went down to see your brother.’

  Alex walked slowly across the room, stopping by the long window. ‘What did Harrow suggest?’

  ‘That we restrict your father to a light diet. Boiled fish and broths, no rich desserts or sauces. And he must be kept as calm as possible.’

  Calm. With his youngest son about to marry a woman of whom he heartily disapproved. It was like telling a starving fox to ignore the rabbit jumping up and down in front of his nose.

  ‘On second thought, perhaps it’s best Father not come down to Ellingsworth just yet,’ Alex said. ‘At least not until I’ve had a chance to see how things stand. With luck, I’ll be able to rectify matters without Father ever having to be involved.’

  ‘Oh, that would be wonderful, Alex,’ his mother said. ‘I do want Peter to be happy, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. We know absolutely nothing about this young woman. Who her people are, where she comes from, what her background is. And naturally that worries your father very much. He is afraid Peter has engaged himself to some fortune-hunting social climber.’

  ‘We can’t deny that the possibility exists,’ Alex acknowledged, ‘but I’ll find out what I can. An
d I understand if you would rather stay here with Father than travel all the way down to Hampshire.’

  To his surprise, his mother shook her head. ‘There’s really nothing I can do here. Your father will be happier having Murdoch look after him. He thinks he’s more likely to get that glass of whisky. But I’ve warned Murdoch not to indulge him and Dr Harrow did say he would look in while I was gone. Besides, I promised Peter I would take care of the arrangements for the ball. Being a man, he won’t have a clue where to start. That’s what I’ve been doing this morning,’ she said, indicating the pile of papers on her desk. ‘And to be honest, I do want to meet this young woman without your father being there to glower at her. If Peter cannot be dissuaded from going ahead with the marriage, I want to know what kind of person I am going to be welcoming into the family.’ She sighed. ‘I would like to feel there is at least one area of my life over which I have some control.’

  * * *

  The earl was dozing when Alex walked into his room, and though only a few weeks had passed since his last visit, Alex could definitely see a change in his father’s appearance. His complexion was grey, his hands lay limp at his sides and there was a definite rattle in his chest when he breathed. Hard to equate the elderly-looking man slumped in his chair with the vital, powerful figure Alex had known all of his life. ‘Father?’ he ventured quietly.

  ‘Hmm?’ The earl’s head moved, his eyes slowly opening. ‘Oh, it’s you, Alex. Didn’t hear you come in.’ He tried to sit up. ‘Must be all this medication Harrow’s been forcing down my throat. Told him I didn’t want any of the damn stuff.’

  ‘If he’s giving you medication, it’s because you need it,’ Alex said, pulling up a chair next to his father’s. ‘And if you don’t take it, I shall force it down your throat myself. We cannot have you messing about when it comes to your health.’

  ‘Damnation! She told you, didn’t she!’ the earl railed. ‘I knew she wouldn’t be able to keep it to herself.’

  ‘Yes, Mother told me and she was right to do so.’

  ‘She was not right to do so and I’ll tell you now, it is not my heart! It was indigestion. Brought on by a bit of bad pork.’

  ‘A man does not collapse from indigestion,’ Alex said calmly.

  ‘Of course he does. I told Harrow as much too, the old quack! Said all I needed was a good glass of whisky!’

  ‘I trust he didn’t give you one.’

  ‘He did not. Neither did Murdoch, damn his surly Scottish hide! I’ve a good mind to send him packing.’

  Alex smiled. ‘That would be a mistake, Father. Murdoch’s been with you for nigh on forty years.’

  ‘Yes, and he’s getting far too uppity in his old age,’ his father grumbled. He briefly closed his eyes, took a moment to catch his breath. ‘So, what are you going to do about this situation with your brother?’

  ‘Too early to say, but I’m on my way to Ellingsworth now.’

  ‘Good, Alex, good, I have every confidence you’ll be able to take care of it. And your timing couldn’t be better. You know Peter’s planned a dinner for the chit and her family on Thursday evening.’

  ‘I heard.’

  ‘Trumped-up little harpy,’ the earl muttered. ‘It was likely her idea that he hold a celebratory dinner in her honour so that she can get a taste of what her life is going to be like once she’s lady of the manor. But we’re not going to let that happen, are we, Alex? We’re going to nip this in the bud long before it gets to that point.’

  Unwilling to give his father false assurances, Alex merely said, ‘I’ll do what I can, sir. I take it you’re not planning to be there.’

  ‘Ha! I’d as soon spit in her eye as see her sit at my son’s table. But Harrow has confined me to bed for a few days so I won’t be able to go regardless. But you know what’s what, Alex. You know we can’t allow this marriage to take place.’

  ‘It may be out of our hands. Have you spoken to Peter recently?’

  ‘What’s the point?’ The earl’s face twisted. ‘He says he loves her and that’s all there is to it. But we both know he’s marrying beneath himself. And mark my words, he’ll live to regret it.’

  Alex decided not to address that for the moment. Marriages between mismatched social partners often did work out, but it wasn’t easy and it usually required a considerable degree of sacrifice on one part or the other. ‘Do you know anything about the girl?’ he asked instead.

  ‘Not yet, though I’ve engaged someone to make enquiries. And you needn’t look at me like that,’ he said when Alex raised an eyebrow in surprise. ‘If there’s bad blood in the family, I want to know about it before my son puts a ring on her finger!’

  ‘It is possible you’re exaggerating things, sir,’ Alex said. ‘She may be a perfectly charming young woman.’

  ‘Really? Have you ever heard of the Darlings of Little Moreton? No, I thought not. Mark my words, she’s after his money and an easy life. Peter won’t believe that, of course. Reading his letter, you’d think she was an angel from heaven complete with fairy wings and a blasted halo! But I’ll wager she’s a common little chit with no breeding and bad manners. Pretty, but not at all suitable to being the wife of a Taylor.’

  And that’s really what it all came down to, Alex reflected drily. The appropriateness of the ladies his sons wished to marry. ‘Well, I’ll do what I can, but you should be prepared for the worst,’ Alex said, getting to his feet. ‘Peter’s sensible enough to make up his own mind—’

  ‘No man’s sensible when it comes to women,’ his father interrupted. ‘That’s why I’m so proud of you, Alex. You take your obligations seriously. Always have. Lady Glynnis Pettle is precisely the sort of woman your brother should be marrying. A woman who knows her place in society. One you’ll never have to worry about. She’s an earl’s daughter, after all.’

  Alex smiled. ‘Yes, she is, but she’s also a good friend and has been for a long time. As to the other matter, I’ll do what I can, but I’m not making any promises.’

  ‘I have faith in you, my boy,’ his father said. ‘You’ve been a good and dutiful son all your life. You’ve never once given me any reason to doubt you. If anyone is going to be able to resolve this mess and make Peter listen to sense, it’s you.’

  Chapter Two

  Ellingsworth Hall was an exquisite Elizabethan house perched prettily on the edge of a vast wood. Unlike many such grand houses, it had not been ruined by tasteless additions thrust upon it by succeeding generations; but had retained the dignity of its origins, the mellow gold stone reflecting warmth and welcome to all who came near.

  ‘The formal gardens in the back are exceptionally lovely,’ Linette said as the carriage drew to a halt under the portico. ‘Mr Taylor took me for a walk through them last week. He was remarkably knowledgeable about the names of the flowers. I just said they were all very pretty and that my sister would create the most beautiful arrangements if she had such a garden to draw upon.’

  Emma smiled, silently adding botanist to the growing list of her future brother-in-law’s accomplishments. ‘I am content with the selection I have in our own gardens, Linette, but I suspect you will be grateful for the variety. The need for flower arrangements will be that much greater in a house the size of Ellingsworth.’

  ‘Without question,’ Aunt Dorothy said. ‘Mrs Connelly told me the house has twenty-seven rooms, including twelve bedrooms.’

  And Mrs Connelly would know, Emma thought drily. The wife of the local squire made it her business to know everything that went on in Little Moreton. In a bucolic village where the arrival of the post was the most exciting thing to happen in a day, the upcoming marriage of a peer’s son to a local girl must have seemed like manna from heaven.

  ‘Can this really be happening, Emma?’ Linette asked in a voice of wonder. ‘Or shall I wake up to find that it has all been a dream?’

  ‘I certainly hope it is not a dream,’ Emma said. ‘Otherwise I shall have expended a great deal of time and effort getting dressed
, and all for nothing.’

  ‘It is never a waste of time to make oneself look pretty, Emma,’ Aunt Dorothy chided. ‘On such an auspicious occasion, we must all try to look our very best. Even your father has made more of an effort than usual.’

  ‘I have made no more or less of an effort than I would have for any other occasion,’ Mr Darling objected.

  ‘Nonsense, Percy, you look quite the thing in your new mulberry jacket. And I do like the way Jenks has tied your cravat. Simple, yet elegant. The hallmark of a gentleman.’

  Emma smiled, aware that how they looked would likely be of secondary importance to how they behaved. They were about to meet the Earl and Countess of Widdicombe, two of society’s most illustrious and influential members. Lord Widdicombe sat in the House of Lords and Lady Widdicombe was a close confidant of the patronesses of Almack’s. They owned an elegant town house in London, a sprawling estate in Kent, and likely several other establishments with which Emma was not familiar.

  By contrast, Emma’s father was a former tutor and her late mother was the daughter of a well-to-do merchant. They had acquired Dove’s Hollow upon the demise of Mr Darling’s older brother, Cyril, who had apparently won the house and all its contents at the faro table. After Cyril’s unfortunate death in a drunken brawl, the house had passed to Emma’s father, who had been only too delighted to move his young family in and take up the life of a gentleman. They were not well travelled, did not go regularly to the theatre or museums, and though Emma had been to London once, she had not been formally presented at Court, having had no one to sponsor her or cover the costs of a Season.

  Still, at least they made a presentable party as they climbed the steps to the front door of the house her sister would soon be calling home. Aunt Dorothy was wearing a stylish new gown of terre d’Eygpt sarsenet, Linette was radiant in white muslin trimmed with double bands of gold embroidery and Emma’s own gown was a shade of pale green she knew to be flattering to her dark hair and fair complexion.