Page 9 of The Baron’s Halo

“Beatrice is still living, that is true. However, she lives so far to the north, in Carlisle, and is so infirm. I doubt she could provide a proper home for you, my dear. Certainly not one to rival the home you could have with a husband, especially one such as Lord MacKay.”

Isabelle sighed. From what she had learned about Lord MacKay today, he appeared to be the least objectionable gentleman to show an interest in her. Not that many had during the Season when Mama had dragged her out into Society. Lord MacKay had shown a particular partiality for her in just two days, she couldn’t deny it. Moreover, he seemed a truly good and kind gentleman, if a little wild still. And Isabelle couldn’t exactly find fault with that. A little wildness every once in a while was a good thing, or so she thought.

If only she wished to marry… In such a case Isabelle would be very desirous of his attentions. “From what I know of Lord MacKay, I would say he is the most agreeable gentleman of my acquaintance. And the least objectionable as a prospective husband.”

“Oh, Isabelle! I knew it. I simply knew it, my dear.” Her mother burst out into the most radiant of smiles and threw her arms around her, rocking them back and forth. “I knew you could learn to love someone if you just gave yourself a little time.”

“Mama, I can scarcely claim to love a gentleman whose acquaintance I made only last night.” And under very suspicious circumstances, although her mother must know nothing of that.

“But you may very well come to love him in time, Isabelle. If you continue to meet him and allow your affections for him to grow…well, who knows what may happen. A Christmas wedding, perhaps.”

Oh, there was no turning Mama back now.

Isabelle patted her mother’s back, wondering just how far Lord MacKay’s penchant for chivalry extended and whether he might need to be called upon to champion her after all.

Chapter Four

“Lord MacKay! Just the person I was seeking.” Lady Bascomb’s wispy voice had been uncharacteristically raised in order for him to hear her over the substantial din in the hallway of her elegant London townhouse.

“My lady.” He bowed low. “You are looking ravishing this evening as always.” The lady was well into her fifties, rather plump, and short of stature, but she was a dear friend of Sandy’s mother and anything he could do to make her evening bright he was bound to do it. She did look extremely well this evening, attired in a silver gown with a silver lace overlay and a necklace of diamonds around her neck whose price would buy half of Tattersall’s cattle. “I am certain you are pleased with the turnout this evening.” He glanced around the rooms that led off the main hall, where he’d stationed himself to await Miss Devereaux’s arrival. “You seem packed to the gills.”

“Oh, yes, my lord. Quite a successful evening if I do say it myself.” His hostess paused for breath. “Of course too much of a good thing can try one’s soul. I was seeking you, my lord, to make up a table for whist with your cousin, Lord Boxtd and Lady Augusta Hardy. Lady Augusta had asked for you particularly.”

That was an odd request. He was well acquainted with the lady, although they were not on a first name basis. His cousin Julius’s plight to marry her, despite her disinterest in him, was all too familiar to Sandy. Poor Jules. He’d had quite a time of it since April with the lady leading him a merry chase. Now Sandy supposed he’d somehow end up embroiled in their courtship, if you could call it that.

Sandy sighed. All he wanted to do was wait here for Miss Devereaux to put in an appearance. However, one could not say that to one’s hostess and not be considered a boor. “That sounds splendid, Lady Bascomb. If I may wait here for Miss Devereaux she can make up the fourth at our table.”

“An excellent idea my lord. Your cousin and Lady Augusta are in the Egyptian room.” His hostess was then distracted by Lord Fenwick, already deep in his cups, weaving through the crowded room unsuccessfully, bumping into everyone and everything.

“I’ll bring the lady along as soon as she appears, my lady. If you need to tend to … anything else, I’ll be fine just here.”

Fenwick could be a handful, depending on when he’d started drinking. Lady Bascomb would always invite him though because he was her cousin.

“Thank you, my lord. Edward!” She hurried toward her wayward guest just in time to save a pretty pink vase holding a huge arrangement of roses from crashing to the floor when Fenwick bumped into the table on which they sat.

Family could be such a trial.

Dismissing Lady Bascomb, Lord Fenwick, and the responsibilities of family duty, Sandy was finally rewarded for his patience when the door opened to admit Miss Devereaux and Mrs. Grey. After the ladies gave their wraps to the footman posted there for that sole reason, Sandy paused a moment to appreciate Miss Devereaux’s lovely form. Her pale blue gown, shot through with silver made him think of a star in the early night sky. When she moved she sparkled, the candlelight hitting the metallic threads and making them twinkle. He could simply stand here and gaze at her the whole evening and be content. But that was rude and he would have a much better time conversing with her instead. Indeed, the young lady was already looking at him quizzically.

“Good evening, Mrs. Grey, Miss Devereaux. I am here to fetch Miss Devereaux to cards with my cousin, Lord Boxtd, and Lady Augusta Hardy. We have been specially requested.” Not exactly the truth, but Sandy had been summoned and he wished to partner Miss Devereaux, so according to his way of thinking she had been requested as well.

“Good evening, my lord.” Mrs. Grey’s broad smile as she curtsied told him he’d have no problem whisking her daughter away. “I am certain dear Isabelle is eager to play cards this evening, aren’t you my dear?”

Miss Devereaux’s expression was somewhat less enthusiastic, still she curtsied and nodded in agreement. “That is why we are here, Mama. To play cards and…” she cut her gaze toward Sandy, “to hopefully win wagers.” She turned to stare directly at Sandy. “Is that not right, my lord?”

“My very sentiments, Miss Devereaux.” The lady seemed prickly tonight. He’d have to attempt to smooth her out during their game. He offered his arm, marveling once more how perfectly they fit together. Her head came up exactly to his shoulder, so if he faced her, her mouth would be in exactly the proper place for a kiss.

Sandy shook that notion out of his head. A daydream for another time and place. Instead, he led her briskly toward the Egyptian room, so named because all of Lord Bascomb’s treasures from that country were housed in that one room. Rumor had it that Lady Bascomb had refused to have the “heathen” antiques distributed throughout the house, and so the two had settled on a single room to hold them all. As a result, the decorations overpowered the small chamber, the dark blue wall painted with gold-leaf trim making it almost tomb-like. That room usually sent a chill of foreboding down Sandy’s back, making him wonder if something sinister had occurred there at some point in time.

Tonight, however, when he and Miss Devereaux entered, the only thing sinister about the room was the petulant look on his cousin Julius’s face matched by the defiant one on Lady Augusta’s, who sat next to him at the square card table. Next to him, not across from him as partners were always positioned.

His cousin rose as soon as they entered the room, a sullen look on his face.

“Good evening, Julius, Lady Augusta.” From the dagger-like glances that flew between the two Sandy could surmise it was to be anything but a good evening. “Miss Devereaux, may I introduce my cousin, Lord Boxtd? And Lady Augusta Hardy?”

“How do you do, my lord, my lady.” Miss Devereaux curtsied, shot Sandy a dubious look, then continued. “I am told we are to make up a set for whist. I do love to play cards so this should be quite an entertaining evening.” She glanced from one angry face to the other. “I see I am to partner Lord Boxtd.” With seamless grace, Miss Devereaux smiled warmly at his cousin. “I hope you are a keen player, my lord. I’ve been told the wagering is fierce in your family.”

Julius’s brows arched in a question to Sandy, then deepened into a frown when he flashed a look at Lady Augusta. He then seemed to come to himself and sent a genuine smile to Miss Devereaux. “I see my cousin has been telling tales out of school, but you have heard correctly. I can assure you, we will play to win, no matter the wager.”