The expression in Mercy’s eyes stayed with him as he took his leave. Was it hurt, disappointment, or suspicion?
He sighed. There was nothing he could say in his defense, and dammit, he had nothing to apologize for. Yet the thought that his relationship with his intended had taken a backward step niggled.
* * *
“Honor!” Mercy rushed forward to embrace her half-sister.
Honor so seldom came to London, because she disliked leaving her young son, Lucas, and the farm. But she had come to Town with her husband, Edward, who had just been elevated to an exalted position in the law. Elegant in her magenta silk gown trimmed with black braid, and looking young for a mother of thirty years, she returned the embrace.
“How is young Lucas?”
Honor’s expression softened. “He is such a lively child!”
“Where is Edward?”
“He’s talking to a fusty group of legal men.” Honor grinned and shook Mercy’s hands. “But look at you! Our youngest and most unruly sister has become a lovely debutante. I came tonight specially to see you. We haven’t spoken since your engagement.”
Mercy gazed into her half-sister’s calm brown eyes. Honor had become her heroine when she’d triumphed over adversity and married the man she loved against Father’s wishes. Mercy grinned. “Are you planning to employ your talents with the cards tonight?”
Honor shook her head. “Perhaps one game of whist.”
“Surely Edward does not object?”
“No, but it wouldn’t do to remind everyone of my brief stint as a card shark and the subsequent rumormongering. I should hate to embarrass Edward given his new appointment.”
“A King’s Counsel. I’m not surprised, for he is a brilliant lawyer. I daresay it will bring you to London more often?”
“Assuredly.” Honor laughed. “I don’t intend to allow my handsome husband to spend much time alone in this corrupt city. But let’s talk about you!” She took Mercy’s arm and drew her to a sofa. The small salon was almost deserted. “I am thrilled for you, dearest. Just think, one day you will become a duchess.” Her brow creased. “But your letter did not indicate that you were gloriously happy with the match.”
Mercy managed a tremulous smile. “Our union was arranged.”
Honor’s eyes widened. “I suspected as much! So, your father finally managed to arrange a marriage to suit him, after his four daughters all married for love despite his efforts to the contrary.”
“Honor, that is not entirely fair. Our sisters all married the men they loved. And Father was very patient and reasonable with Charity.”
“That is true,” Honor said, grudgingly. “But I’ve always suspected he had a hand in Charity’s marriage to Robin.”
Honor had not always got on well with her stepfather. They clashed often before she married Edward, who, at the time, did not measure up to Father’s expectations.
“What about your fiancé, whom I am yet to meet? Do you care for him?”
When Honor studied her carefully, Mercy knew she could hide little. “I fear he believes I trapped him into marriage. And Honor, he has a mistress.” Mercy explained it all, ending with a description of how the widow had accosted her at a ball, and that she saw Northcliffe with Lady Alethea, a few moments ago.
Honor narrowed her eyes. Thoughtfully, she patted her dark hair arranged in a stylish chignon. “Unmarried men are within their rights to take a mistress. And I’m afraid marriage seems no barrier to others.”
Mercy gasped. “Honor!”
“You don’t know if Northcliffe intends to continue in this affair after you marry. I most certainly hope that he does not. Lady Alethea’s indiscreet behavior is unforgivable. I would not like your marriage to begin with this lady still in the picture. I’d like to confront her and give her a piece of my mind. But that would be foolish. You have to outwit her.”
Mercy bent her head to hide her dismay, as visions of that woman inviting Grant into her bed flashed before her. “How can I do that?”
“This woman will not marry Northcliffe. You will. You have a distinct advantage over her, and she knows it. Perhaps that’s why she is taking such risks.”
“But after we wed, Northcliffe intends me to live in York with his grandfather. I image he’ll come to London to see her,” she said, biting her lip.
“When he leaves you, make sure that his mind is filled with lustful thoughts of you and not her.”
Mercy widened her eyes. “What do you mean, Honor!” She put her hands to her cheeks. “I am blushing!”
