Lydia froze, unable to think of a reply. Matthew had assured her his mother was living in a London townhouse now; what could she possibly be doing here?
The old Countess sauntered down the stairs slowly, looking Lydia up and down. She came uncomfortably close and Lydia noted how the butler stepped back, giving the old woman a wide berth.So much for the loyalty of the staff, Lydia thought bitterly.
“So you have the fortitude to show your face in my house,” the Countess said in an eerily quiet voice. “It would appear, if you are indeed married to my son, that your uncle failed in his attempt to prevent your shameful wedding.”
“Yes, My Lady,” Lydia said in a shaky voice. She darted her eyes to Williams, who shook his head very slightly. Straightening her shoulders to match her posture to her new station, Lydia said, “Indeed, Lord Paxton and I are married, and he has sent me ahead of him while he attended to urgent business. I shall send for my things from Bronson Manor very soon.”
The butler gave her a reassuring look that spoke of his satisfaction with her answer, and Lydia felt much encouraged. The Dowager Countess, however, was nonplussed with Lydia’s reply.
“So you would move in and take my home, my title… and my son?” she asked, her voice reminding Lydia of a coiled snake about to strike.
“It would appear so, My Lady,” Lydia answered, still looking straight ahead and avoiding the woman’s eye. It took all of her strength to keep from cowering before the old woman, but something told Lydia that if she ever did, all would be lost.
“Well, we shall see about that,” the old woman said, coming to stand uncomfortably close to Lydia and speaking almost in her ear. She leaned closer and whispered, “I would not trouble myself with unpacking my things if I were you.”
Without another word, the Dowager Countess turned and walked away slowly, climbing the steps and returning to her chambers. After she had gone, Lydia looked to the butler, who could only nod supportively while hiding his look of embarrassment.
“I don’t think that went very well at all,” Lydia said, her voice cracking with fear.
“My Lady, I can offer you no advice save this,” the butler answer uncomfortably. “Keep clear of Her Ladyship as best you can until Lord Paxton has returned.”
“And should he not return, but go about his business abroad?” Lydia asked.
Williams looked at her with a mixture of confidence and pity. “Then you might want to reconsider taking up residence at Paxton Hall.”
Chapter 22
Julius rode the distance to Lockwood with a feeling of dread. He would be hard-pressed to make Vincent see reason, but he was certain he could accomplish it given adequate time… and assuming the Viscount was in a solemn mood. Should his reaction prove to be filled with rage, Julius didn’t know what he might do.
“Good day, My Lord,” Vincent’s butler said formally, opening the door for Julius. He took Julius’ card and bid him wait in the drawing room, and it was not long until Vincent arrived.
“I trust you have welcome news for me,” Vincent said by way of greeting. Julius noted the reserved look he wore.
“Of a sort,” Julius admitted. “I was not able to arrive in Gretna Green in time, but—”
“Have a safe journey home, the butler will see you out,” Vincent said, turning around and striding to the door.
“Wait but a moment!” Julius called out. “All is not lost, I do have a plan that can help us both.”
“I’m listening,” Vincent said, though he still stood in the doorway, ready to quit the room.
“It will require a generous act of goodwill on your part,” Julius explained, “though I am certain you are up to the task. You must only bear in mind that both our fortunes depend on your willingness to forgive Lady Lydia.”
“Forgive her? After she made a fool of me? And now you tell me she is already married to someone else,” Vincent replied. “So far as I’m concerned, that means there is nothing more to discuss unless it is Lady Lydia who comes to me seeking the forgiveness.”
“She will, My Lord, I will make sure of it,” Julius answered quickly. He looked away to cover his obvious lie, knowing entirely too well that he had no authority to force Lydia to do anything.
“I should like to reserve my judgment of that until I know the particulars of this scheme. After all, I’ve played my part for you rather well so far, and have nothing to show for it,” Vincent said, coming to sit down on a sofa and gesturing for Julius to do the same.
“Yes, I’m well aware,” Julius began, taking a seat.
“And at this point, there are already two black marks associated with her name,” Vincent said, leaning back and looking at Julius warily. “First her reputation is ruined, and now she would require at the very least an annulment. A divorce would be unthinkable, you know.”
“Yes,” Julius said, trying to contain his exasperation. “I know that as well. But I am not talking about a divorce.”
“Oh? Then how do you intend to remove the inconvenient husband and restore Lady Lydia to my good graces? Or I suppose, I to hers?” Vincent asked, looking askance.
“That is what I’ve come to speak with you about. Permit me to explain,” Julius began before launching a tale so winding that even Vincent had to sit forward to listen and comprehend.
