A Lady's Virtue Read online

  “Family lives under the same roof. As you have chosen to leave us behind and behave like a servant, I see no reason to treat you like family. It is enough that you are afforded the honor of taking tea with us.” Felicia Dowder could be cruel when she felt wronged, and in the case of Sylvia leaving home after her ruined engagement, Mother was hurt, and this type of backlash was not unusual.

  Still… “If that is how you feel, our weekly visits can be suspended. There is no need for you to toil with the servants.”

  Gertrude brought in the tea and gave Sylvia a smile. No one spoke until the petite gray-haired maid left the parlor.

  “You are here and still my daughter, regardless of how you choose to live. I know I did my best with you. I explained about men. If that Walter Gautier had just stayed alive for another few months, you would be a viscountess.” It was the best Felicia could do.

  Sylvia made a curtsy for Mother. “I’m sure Lord March would have liked to remain among the living. I’m sure being married to Hunter would have been an unhappy state, since now we know his character. However, I am grateful to come to tea, Mother. I do love you and would hate to think I would never see you again.”

  “Unhappy? You would be married…”

  Serena gasped. “Come and sit, Sylvie. We have the most delightful treats with our tea. I think Cook made your favorite biscuits too.”

  “That was very kind.” Sylvia sat on the divan next to Serena, who gripped her hand too tight, almost desperately.

  “What is new at the Everton Domestic Society?”

  “I have a new assignment. I am to be hostess for the new Earl of Grafton. He needs some assistance with a few parties and the like.” The mention of Anthony sent a bubble of excitement through Sylvia that she squashed down as quickly as possible.

  “We heard that Anthony Braighton had earned the title after his cousin’s death. I felt quite sorry for Lady Collington. She has always been kind to me.” Serena rarely had a cross thought about anyone.

  Mother, on the other hand, was not as benevolent. “An American with an English title is an atrocity. Don’t get any ideas about an earl, Sylvia. Men are all the same. He will ruin you and toss you aside just like March. These men only care for possessions, and we have only enough to dower Serena after your disaster. All those years wasted keeping you in finery so Hunter would propose. All that money that might have been used to dower you both had you secured him more quickly. I should have demanded a special license after your engagement.”

  “First of all, Hunter did not ruin me. He only created a small scandal and behaved badly. You could not have known he would betray us. Second, there is nothing between Lord Grafton and me. I work for him, nothing more. As far as him being American, he lives here now, and his father was English. Besides, he came by the title honestly. He was the next male heir. I cannot think how they could have denied him his due.” There was no need to defend Anthony, yet she couldn’t help herself.

  With a huff, Mother sipped her tea. “How do you manage to play at hostess without ruining what’s left of your reputation?”

  The bite and implication of the question sent the hair on the back of Sylvia’s neck on edge. “I have a widowed lady who works with me to keep everything above board. You know that, Mother. I have explained the workings of the Society to you.”

  “That Society of yours is an abomination. Stealing nice girls away from their families with hope of independence and money of their own. I should have chained you to the house, locked you in the bedroom, and your poor father…” Felicia dabbed fake tears with a bit of lace handkerchief.

  The scathing reply on the tip of Sylvia’s tongue was stopped by Serena. “Mother, Sylvie and I are going to walk in the garden. You mentioned letters you needed to write. We don’t want to keep you from that task. We know how much you enjoy your letter writing.”

  Looking at the small lady’s desk in the corner, Felicia took a long breath. “Very well. I know you girls want to catch up on gossip. Sylvia, I would like it if you would accompany us to the Wainwright ball on Friday. Your sister has several suitors who will be attending, and it would be nice if the entire family supported her.”

  While her mother’s expression resembled a woman who’d eaten bad fish, the pleading in Serena’s eyes made Sylvia cave in. “I will be there. Thank you for the invitation.”

  “Try to look like a lady.”

  “I shall do my best.” Sylvia’s chest burned with a thousand scathing remarks.

  Serena took her hand and yanked her out the door and toward the back of the house. Once in the garden, she kept hold but stopped pulling. “It does no good to provoke her. You and I know she is wrong about nearly everything, but why argue when you can just enjoy the good weather?”

  Slipping her arm through the crook at Serena’s elbow, Sylvia gave a squeeze. “You are right. She knows just how to fire up my temper, and you have always been the sweeter twin. I wish I could have just rolled on with my life after Hunter broke off our engagement. It would have been simpler.”

  “Maybe, but you would have been unhappy.”

  “I thought you would want me to stay at home and cry in my pudding.” Sylvia held her shock at bay. Serena had wept openly when Sylvia had told her she was leaving home.

  Leading them down a crooked path that led to a gazebo where they always sat and shared their secrets, Serena sighed. “I would never wish you to be miserable, Sylvie. When you told me you were leaving, I was selfish. I wanted you to stay for me. However, in the months since you went to Everton Domestic Society, I have noticed how happy you seem. Your life is not what we expected, but it seems fulfilling and exciting. I’m not like Mother, no matter what you may think.”

  “I never thought you were like her.” Sitting on the bench in the gazebo, Sylvia faced Serena and took both her hands. “If I could have gone on as before, I would have done it for you. I just couldn’t. Mother was so disappointed and blamed me for Hunter’s behavior. I couldn’t take it.”

  “I know.” Like lifting a shade up, Serena smiled and shook off the unpleasantness. “I’m so happy you will be at the ball on Friday. I have two prospective suitors: Lord Stansfield and Sir Henry Parker. They are both very nice, but Lord Stansfield might be too stuffy.”

  “How do you mean?”

  With of cock of her head, she gave a stare that meant it should be obvious. “I cannot marry anyone who would forbid me from seeing you, Sylvie. I’m not saying Stansfield would do that, but I need to find out before I let Mother get her claws into him. He is an earl, and I can’t forget what March did to you.”

  A tight knot formed in Sylvia’s chest. It hadn’t occurred to her that her sister’s husband might reproach her choices to the point of keeping them apart. “I would appreciate it if you would not marry anyone who would be so cruel, and not just because I would hate to be separated from you, Serena. A man who would keep twins apart is not a nice man. I hope you will marry someone kind and caring, maybe even someone who loves you.”

  “Love would be nice, but it might be too much to ask at our age.” She shrugged and laughed.

  While she and Serena were identical twins, a few people noted subtle differences. It was easy to fool a new nanny when they were young. After a time, they would notice Serena’s left eyebrow was slightly higher, or that Sylvia had a small scar on her jaw where she had fallen from a horse and hit a rock. Serena’s smile was a bit wider, and she tended to show more teeth. These were little things, and people rarely could tell them apart. As Sylvia watched Serena, she realized they were more different than she’d ever thought. For all his betrayal, Sylvia had loved Hunter, and he’d broken her heart. At the very least, she thought she loved him. In retrospect, it was more wanting to be in love than being in the state.

  “I’m not sure I could do without love in my marriage, Serena. Are you sure you can?”

  “I love you, Sylvie, an
d that is enough. I needn’t love a man and have him hurt me the way Hunter hurt you. They are unfeeling and unkind by nature. I would do best to find one I can tolerate, and who leaves me to live my own life. That is all I want.” There was no deception in Serena’s expression. She fully believed what she said.

  “It makes me sad that my experience and Hunter’s deplorable behavior have soured you on love.” A dull ache started in Sylvia’s gut. This was all her fault. She should have been a better fiancée. Then the person dearest to her would not be in this state.

  “Don’t be. It was a valuable lesson. The same thing will never happen to me. Not only will I never allow any man to touch my heart, I shall demand a short engagement. I’ll be married and out of this house before the season is out. Mark my words.” Serena gave a definitive nod, indicating there was no talking her out of her goal.

  “Then I shall stand by you as you are married, Serena. It will be a wonderful day and the beginning of the life you wish for.”

  The conversation turned to gowns for Friday’s ball, and an hour later, Sylvia took a hack home without ever seeing her mother again. It was just as well. Even at the ball she would have to politely greet Felicia then avoid her.

  * * * *

  Several times between Tuesday and Friday Sylvia considered not going to the Wainwright ball. Ultimately, she couldn’t disappoint her sister and when her parents’ carriage pulled up to Everton House, she was dressed in a green gown that was darker than was fashionable for a debutant but not so dark it would turn heads. The color made her think of springtime and how the new leaves fill in the winter branches.

  She removed her pelisse, and her mother said, “I thought you might wear something more appropriate, Sylvia.”

  “You look lovely,” Serena said before Sylvia and her mother started a row in the foyer.

  Mother pursed her lips. “I see Sir Henry is already here. Perhaps you might introduce your sister once he seeks you out, Serena.”

  Taking Sylvia by the hand, Serena hurried them into the ballroom.

  Within two minutes, a tall fellow, with golden hair cropped short and a navy coat that showed off his broad shoulders, navigated the crowd and found them near the hearth. He never glanced at Sylvia but studied Serena before he bowed. “You are looking very lovely this evening, Miss Dowder.”

  “Thank you, Sir Henry. May I introduce my sister, Miss Sylvia Dowder?”

  There was a moment when his face, which was generally handsome, grew ugly, then he bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Sylvia.”

  Perhaps she had imagined it. He was the perfect gentleman in every other way. “Nice to meet you, Sir Henry. I hear only nice things about you from my sister.”

  “I’m sure Miss Dowder is too kind. Though I am pleased to hear she has a good opinion of me. To that end, Miss Dowder, might I ask for the first dance?”

  Serena blushed. “Yes, I would be delighted.”

  After a bow to them both, he took long strides toward a group of young men on the other side of the room. After a moment, the men turned and looked in their direction.

  “I think they are talking about us,” Sylvia said as lightly as she could manage.

  “Hmm. I think Sir Henry is not as much of a gentleman as he pretends to be.” The blush was gone from Serena’s cheeks and replaced by a narrowed gaze.

  “Serena, you can’t toss off men because they disapprove of me. In the ton you will be refusing them all. I shall never be liked by men of good standing because of my choices.” She would not allow any of these people to hurt her, and she would try to keep them from injuring her sister as well.

  Before Serena had time to respond, Anthony Braighton bowed before them. “Miss Dowder, Miss Sylvia, it is good to see you both.”

  If he had not spoken with his American accent, he could have easily passed for the most dashing Englishman in the room. His dark hair shone in the candlelight, and his warm skin was just a shade lighter than olive. He was all grace and charm in a black jacket and tan trousers. His very fine legs were well defined, and every woman in the room turned to watch him. “I did not expect to see you here, my lord.”

  “William Wainwright is a good friend of mine. He asked me to come at his mother’s behest.” He pulled a sour face that made her giggle.

  Serena turned sharply at the sound then looked at Anthony. “I have been wanting to congratulate you on your new title, my lord, and to tell you how sorry I was to hear about your cousin’s passing. I hope your aunt is not suffering too badly.”

  “Thank you, Miss Dowder. My aunt is the strongest person I know, but it is hard on her to have lost my father and now her son. She complains that an entire generation has fallen before her eyes and yet she still remains.” Caring and sorrow burned behind his eyes, and it endeared him even more than his charm and wit.

  Sylvia shook off thoughts that would do her no good and could lead to disaster. “It is fortunate she has you and your sister to comfort her.”

  “My momma also spends a lot of time with Aunt Daphne. She is well attended, and as I said, very strong. Miss Sylvia, may I ask for the second dance? I’m afraid I promised William I would dance with his sister for the first.”

  Saying no would be the prudent thing to do. “You have no obligation to dance with me, my lord.”

  His smile could melt the most hardened lady. “Dancing is never an obligation. It is a pleasure.”

  “I—thank you, my lord.” She had no other choice but to curtsy and accept his invitation.

  With a bow, he walked away. The music was about to start, and he found Lillette Wainwright and took the floor.

  Serena raised a brow. “Now I wish I had said no to this first dance, Sylvie. I think I want to hear more about the newest earl in England.”

  “There is nothing to tell. Go and dance. Here comes your partner.” Sylvia had no idea what she would tell anyone about Anthony. He was the most unusual man.

  Determined not to watch her sister dance or Anthony turn about the floor with Miss Wainwright, Sylvia surveyed the room for someone she knew and was happy to discover the Countess of Marlton smiling at her from across the room. Sophia was always nice to her, and despite her being Anthony’s sister, she would make a good distraction.

  As Sylvia approached, Sophia’s smile brightened. She and Anthony looked very much alike with those arresting golden eyes and dark hair. “Miss Sylvia Dowder, how wonderful to see you. How are you?”

  “I’m surprised you can tell me from my sister, my lady. Most people cannot.” Sylvia curtsied. There was something wonderful about the naturalness with which Americans approached every conversation. It put her at ease.

  “I will admit that I guessed based on your gown. Your sister tends toward paler shades. I understand you are to help my brother with his venture into earldom.”

  People of the ton rarely took note of anything other than their own concerns, or perhaps something they could gossip about. It was nice to be noticed for herself. “His lordship is my assignment and I will do what I can to help him.”

  “I think you will do very well, Miss Sylvia. You have always impressed me as a woman with a keen sense of humor and a sharp mind. Anthony needs to be amused, or he gets distracted. His new title has given him more attention from the ladies than is healthy, I think.” She glanced over the dancers and grinned.

  “He seems capable of amusing himself, my lady. I am only hired to arrange his parties and decorate his house to suit him better, and I have no wish to control his social life.” Sylvia couldn’t say why the implication that Anthony had a short attention span annoyed her. Sophia was his sister, and she very well might be teasing.

  “My brother is out of his element, is all I meant. He will do well for himself and those entrusted to him. I have no doubt.” Her smile never dimmed. “I understand your sister is all the rage this season.”

  “I hope she
will have an offer soon. It is what she wishes.” Finding Sir Henry and Serena striking a fine figure of a couple as they danced made Sylvia ponder the unpleasant look that had crossed Sir Henry’s face.

  Sophia inched closer. “I’m pleased you have not mourned the loss of Lord March. I never thought him good enough for you.”

  Taken by surprise, Sylvia didn’t know what to say. “That is kind of you to say.”

  “It is the truth. His brother was a bore, but a good man. It is tragic that he was not of a stronger constitution. The younger brother has proved himself to be untrustworthy, and you are far better off without him.”

  “I wish my mother shared your opinion, my lady.” Keeping quiet would have been prudent, but the Countess of Marlton had opened the door, and Sylvia would not be still.

  Instead of the censure she’d expected, Sophia’s grin brightened. “You will do well, Miss Sylvia. I have noted ladies who choose the Everton Domestic Society are made of strong stuff. I have no doubt you will succeed.”

  The music ended, and Anthony escorted his partner to her friends before walking toward them. Several ladies stopped him to flirt, and he obliged each one. It took him several minutes, but he finally managed to join Sylvia and Sophia. “Are you talking about me?” His bright teasing tone lightened Sylvia’s mood.

  Sophia slapped him on the shoulder with her fan. “You are not the center of the world.”

  “Yet I should be.” He exaggerated a sad face complete with puppy dog eyes and protruding bottom lip. It was adorable.

  “You will have to be satisfied with being the center of Momma’s world, Tony. The rest of us have our own lives to live.”

  He bowed dramatically. “Where is Daniel?”

  At the mention of her husband, Sophia’s gaze softened, and a warmth entered her eyes. “He and Tom went to White’s. I came on my own as a favor to the hostess.”

  The master of ceremonies cleared his throat and announced a waltz.