Both Lilly and Glenda looked to Aunt Eleanor to say something, anything, which would explain the dreadful article and silence Glenda’s awful fears.
“Lilly, expect visitors today, I imagine. We shall discover exactly what Mr. Joseph Spencer is made of. And Glenda, you had best put cucumbers on your eyes so they aren’t bloodshot and swollen when your fiancé presents himself.”
This statement drew a wail from Glenda.
“Don’t start that again. If I know that family, and I do, an article such as this won’t be cause for anything drastic. My guess is young Joseph will come to reassure you. So get yourself repaired.” At that, Glenda dashed out of the room.
Turning to Lilly, Aunt Eleanor added, “That young Danbury needs to step up to the plate now as well. If his attentions were worth anything, it’s a fine time for him to offer you his protection.”
“Surely there is no need?” she asked her aunt helplessly.
“There is every need.” Gesturing toward the article lying on the table, her aunt suddenly looked much older than she had the day before. “This sort of folderol can only be forgotten if you receive a very strong show of support.” And then, rubbing her hand on her forehead, “Hopefully, Josephine and Broderick see past this.”
Lilly dropped her head back hopelessly. Danbury would no more offer for her than Michael had. “What have I done?” she said again.
Aunt Eleanor shook her head. “I will send a note round to Danbury. It can only be hoped his attentions to you were in earnest.”
“No!” Lilly said, her fist pressed against her mouth. She could not do it. Even if Danbury were to offer for her, she would not marry again.
She was so close to freedom.
How could she give her person over to a man for any reason other than love? Not everyone realized the magnitude of what a woman gave up when she married. If women knew what she knew, daresay there would be fewer marriages.
The viscount had been pleasant and friendly. He had acted the perfect gentleman, never once giving Lilly cause to doubt his motives or intentions. But she did notknowhim. She did not know his heart.
She could not do it.
She would not do it.
Just then Jarvis entered the room and addressed his mistress. “The Countess of Ravensdale is awaiting you in the drawing room. She says you are expecting her.”
Lilly and Eleanor looked at each other forebodingly. This was not the visit of a young man wishing to reassure his intended.
They rose and smoothed their skirts.
Entering the drawing room, they found the countess pacing back and forth. Her mouth pinched, worry clouding her eyes.
Lady Eleanor let out a loud sigh and then gestured toward the sofa. “I think we should have a seat, don’t you, Josephine?”
Lady Ravensdale nodded graciously.
Lilly wanted to rush to speak, to deny the contents of the article. But she could not claim to be innocent. The information was true. Lady Eleanor spoke first.
“I suppose you are here to discuss that bedamned article.”
“Oh, Eleanor,” Lady Ravensdale said. “This is horrible, absolutely horrible.” And then she paused. “Broderick and Joseph are in violent disagreement with each other. Joseph had intended to come over here at once, but that blasted stubbornhusband of mine would not allow it. This business with the Corn Laws has him coiled like a snake.”
She addressed her longtime friend, Lady Eleanor. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes. “He told Joseph, considering the circumstances, it would not be dishonorable for him to cry off. The vote on Cortland’s amendment is to be held tomorrow morning, and Broderick is beside himself. They’ve worked on it for months now, and he insists we absent ourselves from any possible scandal.” Dabbing at her eyes, she continued, “Joseph is enraged. His father has threatened to cut off his funds if he defies him on this.” She sniffed. “I daresay, it has not been a pleasant morning.”
Lady Eleanor squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Lilly felt herself being backed into a corner.
“I’ll send a note round to Danbury. If he affords Lilly the protection of his name, I think we can ward off a great deal of fallout.” Lady Eleanor could be very practical when matters called for it. “It’s important we show a united front. The last thing we need now is a groom crying off. What’s that damn fool of your husband thinking?”
Lady Ravensdale rose her eyebrows at the older woman’s comments and then grimaced. “I’m afraid all he is thinking about right now is that amendment.”
Lilly’s chest tightened. She couldn’t seem to get enough air. The walls were closing in on her. Surely Danbury would not make an offer. And if he did, there was no way she could accept.
