Tainted Bride Read online

  “Oh, I feel fine. I couldn’t ask for a more pleasant room. Thank you, Aunt Daphne.”

  Daphne waved a hand and kept her expression stern. “You may explore the house today if you wish. I generally take a walk in the park each day after calling hours. You may join me, if you feel up to it.”

  “I would like that very much.”

  Daphne nodded and returned to her paper, while sipping coffee.

  A cup of chocolate arrived via footman and Sophia was grateful to Marie for thinking to inform the cook of her preferences.

  “Stupid girl” Aunt Daphne muttered.

  Sophia’s heart raced. She had not chipped the fine china or even scratched one delicate flower from the edge of the plate. How had she managed to disappoint so quickly? “I beg your pardon?”

  Daphne handed over the newspaper. “Elinor Burkenstock has ruined herself. Her poor mother must be beside herself. She will never get that nit married off now. You should take note, Sophia. That type of behavior will not be tolerated while you are in this house.”

  Sophia breathed.

  This reporter has it on good authority that the fine gathering at the Addison’s Ball was marred by dreadful behavior. Sources say Miss EB was caught in a compromising position with Sir M, by none other than Lady P. This reporter is shocked by the blatant disregard for propriety displayed by Miss EB…

  The account went on, but it was so confusing, she stopped reading and looked at Daphne. “I don’t understand all of this Miss EB, Sir M and Lady P business.”

  “It is a rather silly code the paper uses to avoid being outright slanderous. Meaningless, really, since everyone knows everyone else, at least by reputation. Miss EB is, of course, Elinor Burkenstock. Sir M is Sir Michael Rollins, a man of questionable honor and, by all accounts, little means. Lady P is Lady Pemberhamble, the most outrageous gossip in all of England. It really is a shame. The stupid girl will be put on the shelf, or if by some miracle her father can force a marriage with Rollins, she will then be married to a libertine.”

  “I’m surprised this gossip interests you, Aunt.”

  Lady Collington’s lips tipped up in what might have been a smile, but it vanished. “I do not perpetuate gossip, my dear, but reading about it is part of how we get by here in London without being bored to tears. Besides, the girl’s mother, Virginia Burkenstock is a particular friend of mine. Was it so different in Philadelphia?”

  Three years ago, people she’d thought were her friends had abandoned her at the first sign of scandal. Sophia’s father had squashed the truth, but still, rumors circulated for a season. “No. I suppose not, but I don’t like the malice behind such rumors. For all we know, there might be little truth to the story. But because her family was unable to hush it up and it made it to print, she’ll be ruined.”

  “What would you suggest, Sophia?” Aunt Daphne raised one imperialistic eyebrow.

  Sophia smoothed the fine white tablecloth. “You said Mrs. Burkenstock is your friend. So, you know this girl. Is she worth helping?”

  The second dark grey eyebrow joined the first. “She is a lovely little thing, if not the brightest of the season. She probably was lured away for a kiss and Lady P was waiting in the wings to catch them.”

  Sophia shivered with memories and her skin roiled as she rubbed them away. A stolen kiss was minor compared to her experience, but this Miss Burkenstock would suffer and Sophia’s heart wrenched. “Would you be opposed to my helping her?”

  “It is risky to associate yourself with someone whose reputation is soiled, especially since you are just arrived in town.” Daphne looked out at the street and smoothed her hair from temple to chignon. “But, I believe this little misstep might be swept under the carpet, if she had friends willing to stand by her. I’ll support your desire to help, as long as Miss Burkenstock does nothing else to embarrass herself or her family.”

  Sophia’s heart leaped, not only because she would be allowed to help a stranger, but more so, because her stern aunt had shown a softer side. She jumped up, rounded the table, and kissed Daphne’s cheek.

  “It is very uncommon, this constant show of affection, Sophia.” Daphne’s tone returned to its prior harshness.

  Sophia’s cheeks warmed. “I apologize, aunt. Would you prefer I did not kiss or hug you?”

  “I did not say that.” If Daphne had feathers, they would be ruffling. She pursed her lips, which drew her cheeks in severely. “I merely noted it is uncommon.”

  “Yes, Aunt.” Delight warmed the rest of her. Her great aunt was exactly as papa and mamma had always described. “May we call on Miss and Mrs. Burkenstock this morning? It would be good to show immediate support, don’t you agree?”

  “Are you certain you are up to going into society today?”

  “I would not want to attend a ball just yet, but I think a morning call would not be too taxing and I should have an appropriate day dress.”

  “Very well. Get ready and I shall have the carriage brought round in one hour.”

  Chapter 2

  Sophia’s parents had said London would be damp and dreary, but so far, that was not the case. The sun warmed her and nothing was as wonderful as standing on terra firma. The Burkenstock townhouse stood only a few blocks away from Collington House and would have been an easy walk, but they took the Collington carriage emblazoned with the crest for all to see. Daphne informed her walking to pay a call was not done.

  A stooped butler with bushy gray eyebrows met Sophia and Lady Collington at the door. Wide-eyed, he stared at them. “The lady of the house is not taking any calls today.”

  If they were left standing in the doorway, she was to blame for the embarrassment it would cause Aunt Daphne. Her stomach churned like she was back on the sea.

  Lady Collington gave him a scathing look. “We will be admitted. Go and inform your lady I am here and don’t you dare leave me standing on the stoop like some chimney sweep.”

  He turned sheet white, seized her card, and admitted them. “Please wait in the red parlor, my lady. I shall inform Mrs. Burkenstock of your arrival.”

  The home was not as ornate as Collington house, but it was charming and simple pieces made it homey. The red parlor had only one red chair amongst all the brown and green furniture.

  Daphne sat straight as a tree with her hands in her lap, her face a mask of serenity.

  Sophia tried to sit still, but it was impossible. She walked to the window. The house sat close to the street and the parlor faced only the side of another townhome. “Perhaps we should not have come, Aunt.”

  “Be still, Sophia. It is as if you are a rabbit caught in a trap. It is only a morning call, not the inquisition. Try to act like a lady.”

  The door opened and a woman with blond hair pulled back in a chignon trudged in wringing her hands. Red swelling ringed her blue eyes and flushed her cheeks, but Mrs. Burkenstock displayed a practiced smile. “Lady Collington.”

  Aunt Daphne remained sitting and nodded. “Mrs. Burkenstock, may I introduce my niece, Sophia Braighton?”

  Sophia curtsied.

  “How do you do, Miss Braighton? I’m afraid you have caught us on a difficult day.” Mrs. Burkenstock said and her voice broke.

  Sophia forced a smile.

  “Virginia, sit down and call for tea. Tea always makes things seem a bit more tolerable.”

  Virginia sat near Aunt Daphne. Tea arrived and she poured. Virginia relaxed as if the tea had indeed made something better.

  They sipped their tea speaking of the fine weather and people Sophia did not know until a girl arrived, her blue eyes and pert nose red and swollen.

  “Miss Braighton, this is my daughter Elinor.”

  Elinor curtsied with the grace of a swan. “Nice to meet you, Miss Braighton. Hello, Lady Collington. It was nice of you to call this morning.” With the same hair as Virginia, her skin was fair and bright.

  Aunt Daphne nodded. “Sophia is my niece from America. I think
the two of you will get along well together.”

  Taking a seat across the room, Elinor separated herself from the conversation area.

  Sophia joined her on the settee. “I have just arrived from America.”

  “Yes. Your aunt said as much,” Elinor whispered.

  “I haven’t any friends in London.”

  Elinor met Sophia’s gaze directly. Her eyes narrowed.

  The stare continued until Sophia found herself fidgeting. She clasped her hands together to keep still.

  “Why have you come?” Her tone was politer than the question.

  “Well, I have no friends and it seemed you need one just now.”

  A weak grin touched Elinor’s lips, but a tear escaped down her cheek.

  “Shall we take a turn in the garden while my aunt and your mother chat?” Sophia asked.

  Elinor nodded and blubbered an explanation of where they were going. They rushed out of the room before her tears flowed uncontrollably.

  The gardens were a bit unkempt, comforting, compared to the tailored gardens outside her new window at Collington House. They found a small bench. Elinor drooped down and wept into her hands. Golden ringlets bounced around her face as she shook.

  Sophia patted Elinor’s back. Crying wouldn’t help the situation. “That will do, Miss Burkenstock.”

  “You should call me Elinor, if we are to be friends.” Elinor gasped between sobs.

  “Wonderful and you will call me Sophia. I understand you have had a difficult few days, but you can’t sob the rest of your life away because some libertine stole a kiss.”

  Elinor blushed and turned her chin down toward her shoulder. “He did not exactly steal it.”

  “Oh? You like Mr. Rollins, then?”

  Elinor sighed. “He is so beautiful and charming and he dances like a dream. Mother said to forget him, since his father squandered all their money, but I just thought to have one real kiss before I found a suitable husband.”

  “Do you have a dowry?”

  Elinor sniffed and wiped her tears. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

  “Do you think, perhaps, he is merely a fortune hunter?”

  Elinor looked into the trees, as if this were the first time she’d considered the possibility. “I do not care. He has land and if he needs money, then why should he not marry into it? Women go about marrying for money and position all the time and no one faults them for it. For that matter, so do a lot of men. Perhaps he has a mind to build up his family fortune again? After all, it is not his fault his father was irresponsible.”

  “Perhaps he has a mind to gamble, drink and who knows what else,” Sophia said.

  Elinor frowned. “I wish I knew which it was. Then, perhaps, I may convince my father to let me marry Michael. I do not wish to be a fool in front of all of London.”

  Few fools worried about appearing foolish. Sophia liked her honesty in spite of all the dramatic weeping and fretting.

  A young woman about Sophia’s age stood a few feet away listening to the conversation. She swept amber-gold hair off her brow. Intelligent green eyes didn’t blink as she stared back at Sophia.

  Elinor jumped up, threw herself into the girl’s arms and began howling all over again.

  Sophia sighed and stood. “I had just gotten her to stop.”

  She half-smiled as she patted Elinor’s back. “Stop crying, dear. It will all be fine. Introduce me to your friend.”

  Elinor straightened and wiped her face. “Oh goodness, you must think me the worst hostess.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Lady Dorothea Flammel, Miss Sophia Braighton from America.”

  They both curtsied, dipping their heads slightly.

  Dorothea glared. “When did you arrive in London, Miss Braighton?”

  “Yesterday morning.”

  “And how do you know Miss Burkenstock?” She smoothed her impeccable skirt.

  “We have just met. You must have seen my aunt, the Dowager Countess of Grafton when you arrived.”

  “Indeed.” She stood like a statue looking down her pretty nose at Sophia. “What brings you out today? You must be quite exhausted after your journey. Where did you say you were from, Australia?”

  Elinor gasped.

  “America, as I’m sure you heard a moment ago. May I ask you a question, Lady Dorothea?”

  She nodded and waves of golden hair bobbed gently as if commanded to before settling back into a perfect frame for her heart-shaped face.

  Elinor looked from one to the other with a mix of wonder and anxiety.

  If Sophia had not been so focused on Lady Dorothea, she would have laughed. “Are you intentionally being rude because you are worried that I mean Miss Burkenstock ill will, or is this your normal disposition?”

  “Would it make a difference?” The amusement in Dorothea’s eyes didn’t reach her lips.

  “Of course it makes a difference.” Sophia needed to make acquaintances, though she hoped she would find a friend or two. She’d found a friend and an adversary. Not a bad morning. London would be a forlorn place if she were friendless at every ball and picnic. “If your rudeness is only to protect Miss Burkenstock, then I’ll make every effort to prove to you I mean no harm. I saw the article in the paper this morning, as I’m sure you did and I felt Miss Burkenstock needed a friend. I spoke to my aunt, who told me she was a fine young lady and my aunt agreed to show her support.”

  “My goodness, that is so kind of you.” Elinor’s tears flowed again.

  Sophia and Lady Dorothea continued to meet each other’s gazes.

  Sophia pretended there was a spec on her white gloves. “However, if this level of rudeness is how you normally go through your day, then I have no time or desire to get to know you better. Therefore, I’ll hereafter ignore you to the best of my ability.”

  “My, but you do make speeches, Miss Braighton.” Dorothea smiled. “I think we shall attempt a friendship, if that would suit you. You are the first interesting person I have met in an age. I would be pleased if you would call me Dory.”

  “Thank you, Dory. I’m Sophia.”

  “Oh, thank heaven that is over.” Elinor took a dramatic breath. “Now, what are we to do about my reputation? After all, I’m the one who is ruined.”

  “Indeed.” Dory nodded. “Tell us exactly what happened, Elinor.”

  Her fair skin turned bright pink, but she spoke excitedly, as if she’d waited a lifetime to tell someone her news. “Well, Michael and I danced at the Addison ball two nights ago. Actually, we danced twice. I would have danced with him a third time—he is such a wonderful dancer and so nice to look at—but mother forbid it. It was quite hot in the ballroom and he asked me if I would like to go out on the veranda.” Elinor’s eyes glazed over with the memory of a man who had destroyed her chances of making a good match.

  Sophia forced herself not to scoff aloud.

  “Of course, I agreed. It was stifling hot and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by his closeness. I thought some air might be just the thing. But, when we reached the veranda, Michael said it was too crowded and there was no place for us to talk and wouldn’t I like to have some quiet?”

  Dory smoothed the already crisp skirt of her morning dress. “I’m surprised you would have agreed to this, Elinor.”

  “I knew I should have said no, but his eyes were so warm and sweet. He really seemed to like me and I like him so much.” She wrapped her arms around her middle and watched a butterfly settle on a pink rose. “We found a small parlor, which was empty. When he took me in his arms, I just couldn’t bring myself to push him away. In truth, I did not want to. We kissed and it was as if my entire world had been whittled down to that moment in time.” She flung her hands up. “Then, that awful woman came in. She smirked at us and left without a word.”

  Sophia didn’t understand how anyone could want to be that far out of control. Anger over being caught by Lady Pemberhamble, she understood. The part a
bout not wanting him to stop and the world shrinking, bah, what bunk.

  “What did Mr. Rollins do then?” Dory swatted at a mosquito.

  “He kissed my nose and told me not to worry. He said everything would be all right and I should trust him. Then he brought me back to my mother.”

  “Perhaps he intends to offer for you,” Dory said.

  New, louder sobs erupted from Elinor. “He left town. He sent a note and left town.”

  How such a grating sound emerged from such a pretty girl, was a mystery. “Stop crying!” Dory and Sophia said in unison. Suppressing giggles, they grinned at each other.

  Dory rolled her eyes and pulled a handkerchief from her reticule. She handed it to Elinor who blew her nose loudly. “What did the note say, Elinor?”

  “It said, ‘I must leave London for a while. Trust me, Michael.’” She wept louder. “But, how can I trust him? Why did he leave town? What am I to do?”

  Dory stood and put her hands on her hips. “First, you will stop this crying, as it is beginning to try my nerves. I know you like him, but he has little means, according to the gossip, so he is not really a good match. However, you have money, so it might work. The fact that he has left town puts you in an awkward position. Since we do not know his intentions, we shall proceed to repair your reputation without regard to Sir Michael Rollins. Are you attending the Watlington ball?”

  Elinor gaped.

  Sophia covered a giggle with a cough.

  “I…I was supposed to, but now mother thinks it’s best if we do not go out in society. I’m…to…be put on the…shelf.” She gasped around her sobs, before screaming with renewed tears.

  Resisting the urge to throttle her, Sophia patted Elinor’s hand. “You’ll not be put on a shelf, dear. You can’t stay in this townhouse indefinitely. That will only confirm what the paper reported. I’ll ask my aunt if we can attend the Watlington ball and you will convince your mother you should also attend. Then we’ll begin to repair the damage.”

  Dory nodded and the three rejoined the women in the red parlor.