Page 32 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

Marcus, Lord Haversham

London

The Manse

May 25, 1820

Dear Lord Haversham,

While I am happy to learn that you arrived in the north unscathed by either ruffians or recalcitrant coaches, I believe our correspondence must not stray from its primary purpose, which is to give you an account of Lady Letitia’s behavior at ton gatherings. Please try to restrain yourself from other inquiries, especially those that touch on my personal life in any manner.

Unfortunately, since you asked about my enjoyment of Lady Dilwyn’s soiree, I feel it would be rude to ignore your question. Therefore, I will answer you by saying that I had a thoroughly disagreeable time, your sister’s company notwithstanding. If I am to blame for your lack of forethought in not bringing a suitable steward to Carlisle with you, then you are equally to blame for my utter boredom with all ton activities.

Had you simply had the good sense to send a replacement steward to the north, you would not have had to leave London, and I would not have ended up in want not only of a decent partner for dancing but also intelligent conversation, save my brother’s. And he seems most preoccupied at the moment—although I cannot fathom with what—so I am left to my own devices, which is never a good thing.

I must inform you that Lady Letitia pled a headache to beg out of going to Mrs. Tripplehorn’s musical evening last night. I believe she feared I would make her perform, which I would never have done—loathing such exhibitions myself, I would never inflict them on anyone else.

As a result, I have nothing to report save we did go shopping day before yesterday, and your sister found several very fetching bonnets she simply could not decide between. Therefore, I had to tell her she must take them all. I hoped the purchase would persuade her to go to Mrs. Tripplehorn’s entertainment, but alas it did not. I will try again tonight to encourage her to attend Lady Alcester’s ball. I’ve convinced Nathan to introduce Lord Pemberton to Lady Letitia tonight. I do hope they get on well.

Do not imagine I wish to worry you, or hurry your return, but Lady Letitia seems very taken with Bertie Symmons. Not that there’s anything wrong with Bertie—well, not much—still, I believe your sister can make a more advantageous match. She needs your guiding hand to navigate her through the murky waters of the Season.

Do you know yet when you may be starting your journey to London? Both Lady Letitia and I despair of a decent partner until your return.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Katherine Locke

Eden Hall

Too Near Carlisle

May 30, 1820

Dear Miss Locke,

My many and grateful thanks for your faithful correspondence regarding my disobedient sister’s lack of success at the various ton entertainments. I am certain you did your best—I suppose you could not have threatened her with some sort of dire punishment to ensure her cooperation, even though I would have immediately given you permission to do so had you asked for it—and although I will not cast blame on you, I must say I am disappointed you did not have more success with getting Letitia to dance or even attend the outings. Your powers of persuasion have always cowed me, but perhaps they work less well on the fairer sex.

You may find it comforting, therefore, that your duties in that respect will soon be lightened considerably. At last, I have secured a temporary steward who does not seem a total cake and engaged him until such time as Mr. Baines can resume his duties. I am happy to report that I shall be leaving Eden Hall in the morning and hope to reach London no later than Monday the fifth of June.

To that end, and in celebration of my return, I would ask that you and your brother join a party I am getting up—a visit to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for Letitia, Mr. Symmons (she seems very attached to the gentleman), Lady Celinda, Lord Finley, Aunt Alexandra, and you and Ainsley. I think my return warrants some fireworks, and what better place to enjoy them than Vauxhall?

I hope your acceptance will be awaiting me upon my return to my townhouse, and I look forward eagerly to annoying you in person once more.

As always, your obedient servant,

Marcus, Lord Haversham

Chapter 15

The myriad twinkling lights and paper lanterns that lit Vauxhall Gardens with a dreamy, romantic air gave Kate gooseflesh every time she looked at them. Something magical was going to happen tonight, she just knew it. Vauxhall was a place where magic occurred, and just because it had never happened here for her before, didn’t mean it couldn’t tonight.

Ever since Lord Haversham’s letter inviting her and Nathan to join his welcome home party, Kate had been atwitter. She’d missed Haversham’s company more than she’d ever believed possible during his time in the north, so she was very much looking forward to seeing him again. And what better place than Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. One of London’s most popular entertainments, it was also the most scandalous. Of course, there were the normal delights to see, such as the Turkish Tent, the Grotto, and the Waterworks. But there were also dimly lighted paths down which adventuresome young ladies sometimes strayed with a gentleman—and returned much wiser than when they’d gone down them.

Somehow the thought of those shadow-filled alleys had her on edge more so than any other time she’d visited Vauxhall.

As soon as she and Nathan had arrived, Lord Haversham had greeted them, looking scrumptious in a suit of navy blue, excellently cut to show off his marvelous physique, and immediately offered her his arm. Kate had taken it, thrilling to the touch of her hand on his sleeve.

Now they strolled along, taking in the sights and excited throng milling around, waiting for the fireworks exhibition to begin. Nathan had elected to walk behind them, so they must certainly be circumspect in their behavior.