Alex was puzzled; she looked as if she had lost her last diamond. “I’m very sorry to hear that. Is there anything I might do to help?”
She pulled out a delicate lace handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “You may grant me my freedom, and your forgiveness!”
As Alex stared thunderstruck, trying to make sense of the scene being enacted, Sybil said tremulously, “Two years ago I formed atendrefor a man. Our two hearts beat as one, and we dared dream of a future together. But duty called him from the country, and disaster struck. He was reported dead, and all our dreams were vanished like the mist. Until I met you, I thought I would never love again.”
She considered sniffing again, then decided drooping was better, since it was no part of her plan for him to remember her with a red nose and eyes. Bravely raising her head, Sybil continued, “Then a month ago, a miracle took place when his lordship returned from the grave. When he found I was betrothed, his noble heart was nearly broken but he bravely wished me happy.”
With a pleading look she said, “Alas, I am just a poor woman. I found that all my love was reawakened, that I yearned for him as he yearned for me. I am sensible of the honor you did by offering for me, but I fear I can never love you as much as you deserve. I must end our betrothal.”
Alex stared at her in shock. Then, with a surge of unholy amusement he realized that Sybil must have received a better offer. It took all his control to keep his face suitably grave when he said, “You know I would never hold you against your will, my dear. You deserve far more time and attention than I can offer. I shall notify the newspapers immediately.” He stood and kissed her proffered hand. “May I wish you happy?”
She sighed deeply. “Such a noble and generous spirit! You will always have a place in my heart.” With just the right note of regret she added, “But it was not meant to be.”
Sybil watched with satisfaction as Lord Kingsley left the room. The poor man could hardly maintain his composure. While he had not been an adequately attentive swain, his agitated face indicated that he was now feeling everything he ought. As she drifted up to her room to decide on her costume for Radcliffe’s call, she reflected with pleasure on the fact that Kingsley would probably be yearning for her the rest of his days.
Out in the street, Alex could barely contain his laughter until he was out of sight of the Debenham residence. Around the corner he gave in to his mirth while his horse cocked its ears back in disapproval. Alex had thought that it didn’t matter whom he married if it wasn’t Christa, but it must matter or he wouldn’t be feeling this incredible, light-hearted sense of relief.
Clearly he would be better off as a bachelor than with a woman he didn’t care for. Jonathan would just have to marry and get an heir before he got himself killed in the army. Alex decided to have lunch with Annabelle to give her the good news.
* * *
The note from Annabelle had only one word:Done. With a broad smile of satisfaction, the Earl of Radcliffe folded the note and put it into his pocket. Without its assurance, he would have postponed his meeting with Miss Debenham rather than risk leaving Kingsley on the hook.
Sybil was at her most ravishing when she welcomed him, her celestial blue and silver gown enhancing her eyes, her golden tresses caught in a fetching feathered bandeau. Her face lit up as she stood and extended her hand. Charles took it and said exuberantly, “Miss Debenham, I owe you the greatest debt! Inspired by your wisdom, I took your advice and declared myself. If her brother approves, my dearest wish will become a reality.”
Sybil stared at him, the first tremor of shock filtering into her mind. “What on earth do you mean?”
He gave her a smile of transparent innocence. “Miss Kingsley looks kindly on my suit! The other attachment I feared no longer exists and if her brother does not object, soon you will find me the happiest of men.”
The earl looked at her with a touch of anxiety. “I have never met Lord Kingsley. Since you are betrothed to him, dare I hope that you might put in a word for me? Surely it must be his dearest wish to please you.”
Sybil regarded him with horror as he babbled on about Miss Kingsley’s superior beauty, sweetness, and character. Eventually he broke off and said apologetically, “But of course you know all this as soon you will be sisters.”
Seeing the white rage on Sybil’s face, Charles decided to throw a sop to her pride. “It’s quite noteworthy that the two most beautiful women in London will soon be connected by marriage. But I fear that I am a selfish fellow, speaking too much of myself. You said you would have some good news today. May I share it with you?”
Sybil stared at him blindly, only one thought clear in her mind. She must not let him think she had expectations of him, or she would be a laughingstock if the story got out. She said through clenched teeth, “My news cannot compare with yours in excitement. My congratulations on your success. Although,” she added viciously, “Kingsley is a man of uncertain temper, and you will find him out of sorts just now. He may reject your suit.”
Before the earl could reply, she said with a brittle laugh, “I fear I must ask you to leave, as I am expecting an important visitor in a moment.”
Still burbling his gratitude for her service, Charles took his leave. Sybil could barely wait until he left the room before she started breaking china figurines.Smash! A shepherdess and her sheep shattered into the fireplace.Crash! She wasn’t to be a countess!
Two children gathering flowers were next. Not even a viscountess!Clonk! A brass elephant followed the porcelain. She glared around her, wild-eyed, looking for moreobjets d’art. It was all Kingsley’s fault, he hadn’t eventriedto change her mind!The Luscious Loser—she was ruined!
* * *
As he went down the front steps of the Debenham town house, Charles encountered a dark-haired exquisite staring uncertainly at the windows as if wondering whether to seek admittance. Charles looked at him critically; the man was as elaborately rigged out as Sybil, and looked like a perfect match for her.
He waved cheerily and said, “Go on in, she’s expecting you.”
“She is?” The man jumped and turned pale at the sight of the earl, then took a deep breath, set his chin, and started up the stairs.
“Sir Edward Loaming.” The butler bowed the baronet into the drawing room, where Sybil Debenham stood with clenched fists and heaving bosom. Sir Edward stopped and gazed at her admiringly. She really was the most glorious creature! He had always esteemed Sybil, not to mention her substantial fortune, but he’d never tried his luck because she was known to be hanging out for a grand title.
The baronet had been hiding from his creditors in Harrogate for the last four months, and it had been a shock to see from an oldGazettethat the Incomparable Sybil was to marry his nemesis, Lord Kingsley, of all people.Kingsley! A great crude gawp like that, just because the man was a viscount!
Sir Edward had spent his exile racking his brains for a way to avenge himself on Kingsley, but had thought of nothing that would enable him to injure and humiliate a man who was rich, powerful, and a conscienceless butcher. He shuddered whenever he thought of the savage smile that had accompanied the viscount’s threats against the baronet’s person.
The news that Miss Debenham was going to throw her beautiful self away on such a barbarian caused a rage that resulted in a desperate plan. It was a very slim hope, but what had Sir Edward to lose? After four months of being betrothed to that gapeseed, she might just be in the mood for a real gentleman.
