LESS THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS
MAY, 1824
Less than twenty-four hours ago, Lady Natalie Spencer had been an engaged lady—a future duchess. Today she was the object of London’s latest scandal. And on this particular morning, the esteemed daughter of the Earl of Ravensdale was like any other girl, awaiting her father’s punishment and the lecture he was sure to dole out.
For yesterday, only one week before the wedding, she’d broken off her engagement to the Duke of Cortland. Despite the extenuating circumstances, she was a jilt. It was time to face the music. Her parents had demanded her presence in the study first thing this morning. After handpicking and then practically courting the duke himself, her father was none too happy.
Natalie’s maid, Mrs. Tinsdale, helped her dress for the occasion with care, admonishing her to neither appear overly pleasednorterribly distraught. The day dress they settled on was well cut but unimaginative, fashioned from a dull lavender muslin. It was a gown a lady might wear if she were in half-mourning. Natalie’s blonde hair was pulled back from her face, braided tightly, and wound about her head. With the accentuatedpaleness of her face and the circles under her eyes, Natalie felt her appearance was appropriate for the solemn mood the occasion demanded. Over and over, Tinsdale urged Natalie to try to be demure. “For your own sake, dearie,” she said.
And so Natalie sat straight-backed, with her feet flat on the floor and her knees pressed together. Twisting her hands in her lap, she took a deep breath when Lord and Lady Ravensdale stepped in and quietly closed the door behind them.
Her father’s presence filled the room. He did not sit but stood behind his imposing desk with his hands clasped behind his back. Her mother dropped into the chair adjacent to Natalie’s. Thank heaven her mother was not the vaporish sort! Her father did not require further aggravation.
Following Natalie’s emotional outburst the previous day, his lordship had promised shewouldbe held accountable this morning. Her mother shrugged and smiled tentatively in encouragement. Her father cast his eyes downwards and scowled.
“Well, my girl,” her father began, using his very serious voice (the one he used when he wished to inflict the greatest amount of guilt on one of his children). “I am none too pleased at the disgrace you’ve brought upon your family. What in God’s name were you thinking? You promised yourself to the duke! I expect a daughter of mine to keep her promises.” With a quick glance at her mother, he asked, “Has notice of the broken engagement been sent to all the papers?”
In her normal calm and efficient manner, Mama responded, “First thing this morning, dear.”
Lord Ravensdale nodded before turning his attention back to his daughter. “We will remove you from society for what remains of the Season and then confine you at Raven’s Park for the summer. There will be no house parties for you, young lady. No traveling. No suitors and no balls—not even country assemblies.”
“But Papa?—”
Her mother broke in to reassure her, “But it is believed, Natalie, by Aunt Eleanor and myself, that if you remain above reproach this summer, you may participate in the Little Season this autumn. Then, assuming you behave properly of course, you may take up your position, once again, in society next spring. With your dowry, there will be no shortage of suitors, darling. I have no concerns on that point.”
Hearing mention of the dowry, her father winced. “Cortland won’t sue for breach of contract. A saving grace, for certain.” Lord Ravensdale’s voice was less cajoling than his wife’s. “But you must regain the approval of thetonif we’re ever to land you a husband half as suitable as the duke.” An expression akin to physical pain crossed her father’s features. He was undeniably very sorry to have lost the Duke of Cortland as a son-in-law. “A perfect match broken—such a shame.” And then, recalling his previous train of thought, he continued, “Otherwise, I could not care less what those old biddies think.”
“Broderick.” Her mother shot the earl a warning look.
Her father pinched the bridge of his nose. “What I would like to know, daughter, is why you consented in the first place. I had always thought you were a young lady who knew her own mind.” Before she could begin to answer, he went right on speaking. “Your indecisiveness has wasted a great deal of time and money for the duke, the solicitors, myself, and your mother. In addition to all of that, you have tarnished your reputation and the good name of this family. I chose a man who would treat you well, a man I could trust. By jilting him, you’ve made me look a fool! What were you thinking, girl?” In the midst of his tirade, he began pacing. And then, clenching his jaw, he ceased moving and fell silent.
Natalie stared at her father innocently. She did not feel guilty for her decision, only the timing of it.
“Do you wish for me to answer your questions, Father, or are they rhetorical?”
His eyes narrowed. “I would have an answer,” he said curtly. Her tone had obviously not pleased him.
Summoning a meeker countenance, Natalie schooled her features and stared solemnly at the colorful rug upon the floor. “I accepted the duke’s proposal, Father, because I did not wish to disappointyou.” She raised her gaze to his face and pouted. “At the time, it all felt very sensible. Father chooses a governess; I mind my governess. Father says I am to have my come out; I make my entrance in society. Father chooses me a husband; I marry the husband. But a marriage is not the same thing, is it?” She held her eyes open wide as she pleaded with her father. “It is not! And the wedding date was getting closer and closer and I…” She swallowed a not entirely feigned sob. “I did not want to disappoint you, but I could not go through with it. Marriage is for life. I want to love my husband, just as you love Mother.” She looked over at her mother. “And just as Mother loves you.”
She could hardly blame her father for feeling thwarted. Shehadconsented, after all, when the duke proposed—despite her reservations.
Like a child, she’d been more concerned with pleasing her papa than considering her future as the Duchess of Cortland. The farce of her engagement had proceeded far too long. Any longer and she might have jilted him at the altar.That would not have gone over well.
And then she thought of Lilly. “Would you have me marry a man who is in love with another woman, Papa?” Natalie dared ask. She was not the only one at fault. Why must she take all the blame?
Her father’s voice thundered. “He is a man of honor. We had already signed the contracts. It would not have been an issue.” He did not appreciate it when his children challenged his decisions—especially if said child was his only daughter.
Natalie took a breath to argue further, but her mother put out a hand and interjected.
“What the duke would or would not have done is not our concern. Our concern is restoring Natalie’s reputation and moving beyond this scandal.” Her mother’s voice had a calming effect on the earl, but Natalie’s eyes still glared defiantly.
After an uncomfortable silence, her father cleared his throat. “Very well.” But he continued his tirade. “We shall leave for Raven’s Park immediately following Joseph’s nuptials. At least all the money I’ve put out for the ceremony and reception will not go to waste.” Late last night, it had been decided that Natalie’s brother, recently engaged himself, would utilize the church on the date Natalie and the duke were to have been married.
“Is that all then, Father?” Natalie stood, ready to escape, hoping the interview was concluded.
“It is not. Sit back down. I’ve a few rules you will follow until we leave London.” Not giving in to the urge to sigh loudly, Natalie dropped back into her seat and made herself comfortable.Demure, be demure.
Her father and mother then listed a litany of requirements to be adhered to in order to minimize her social fallout.
