After my conversation with Freddy, I had planned to go to the Pump Room the next morning. There, I had found Sir William and begun a conversation. The rumors of my courtship with Mr. Campbell were surely still swirling through town, but I had made sure to speak casually of him to Sir William, conducting myself with my finest manners, and laughing at nearly every joke he made. To my surprise, I had managed to receive a bouquet of roses from him the next morning.
He had informed me that he would be attending the illumination of Sydney Gardens that evening, and had expressed his hope that I would be in attendance. My plan was progressing perfectly, yet the knots in my stomach refused to settle.
Our carriage stopped at the end of the row. Aunt Julia followed me out onto the path. Sydney Gardens felt different from the rest of Bath, softer and quieter. Flower beds, hidden benches, trees, and neatly trimmed shrubs lined the various paths that wound through the gardens. On the open lawn, hundreds of people gathered to watch the fireworks that would later fill the dark sky.
I felt slightly underdressed in my simple silk gown, but the pale gold fabric shimmered in the faint glow of the lanterns. Kate had told me that she would be attending, but locating her amid the crowd would be a challenge.
How did Sir William plan to find me? I stopped with Aunt Julia on the outer edge of the lawn. Music drifted through the air, and a couple held hands as they walked on the path alongside the canal. There were many hidden alcoves and tall hedges in the gardens, even mazes and other structures that couples might hide themselves behind for a moment of privacy. As dark as it was, escaping a chaperone would be far too easy for any conniving young lady.
And I was perhaps the most conniving young lady there.
During my intense planning, I had concluded that I could not afford to waste time on another courtship.
In order to speed up the process of securing a husband, I would have to ensnare one.
My conscience didn’t agree with the practice, but the idea of Freddy’s execution was enough to silence it.
I had visited Kate that morning, and she had agreed to assist me. If I could lure Sir William out to a hidden corner of the gardens, Kate would ensure that we were seen not only by herself, but by the Viscount and Viscountess Huntington. My task was a little more difficult than hers, of course. There would have to be something slightly scandalous taking place if Sir William were to be forced into marrying me.
A kiss would suffice…if I could manage to do it. My heart pounded as I anticipated the details of my plan. I did not want to kiss Sir William. I knew it wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable as kissing Clark. I knew how very betrayed my heart would feel, but the sooner I was engaged to someone else, the sooner I could forget him.
The sooner Freddy would be safe.
Sir William was a good man. If we were discovered, I had no doubt that he would do the honorable thing and marry me, even if he hated me for it. I had no doubt that after we were married he would fulfill the demands of Freddy’s loan.
All I had to do was play my part. And then it would all be over.
CHAPTER 26
CLARK
“Get up, you sluggard.”
I had barely managed to open my eyes when the blankets were torn off me. I sat up, groaning as Colin held his bright candle close to my face.
“What the devil…” I muttered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“You are coming with me.” Colin’s voice was demanding, as usual.
I blinked, staring up at him in dismay. I hadn’t slept at all the night before, and so I had retired quite early that evening. I had finally silenced my emotions enough to drift off, only to be awakened so harshly. Colin might as well have dumped a bucket of water over my head.
Ever since I had returned from my conversation with Arabella at Pulteney Bridge the night before, Colin had been acting strangely sympathetic, watching me with uncharacteristic concern. He hadn’t bothered me, though. Until now.
“I don’t believe I have to do anything you ask,” I said in a hoarse voice. I was still too drowsy and emotionally spent to think clearly. “My debt is repaid.” I turned to fall back into my pillow, but Colin snatched it out from under me.
I whirled around with a burst of anger. “What are you?—”
“I am going to the fireworks at Sydney Gardens, and you are coming with me.”
The reality of his words caught up to me. “Are you mad?”
“No. I am fully sane, and I wish to introduce you to society.”
I studied his stern features. He was serious. Dressed in his tight jacket and overly starched cravat, he seemed prepared to drag me out of bed and put me at the mercy of Morris. I shook myself free of my confusion, sitting on the edge of my bed. “You do realize the absolute chaos that will ensue if there are suddenlytwoof you strutting about in public.”
“I look forward to it.” Colin’s lips quirked upward before falling flat again. “At any rate, it will distract society from gossiping about Miss Sharp. I still don’t like her, but I will honor your wishes to protect her reputation from further harm.”
At the mention of Arabella, my heart stirred with longing. And a great deal of pain. I had returned home the night before and told Colin about my proposal. To his credit, he had refrained from gloating about how right he was about Arabella’s intentions. My timing had been poor, but that didn’t change the words she had spoken before leaving me there at the bridge.
