Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
" Y ou did what ?" exclaimed the viscount.
"I'll not have it, my own son ringing a peal over my head." His father’s voice was querulous, its tone wound even tighter by the amount of port the earl had already consumed.
He reached for the bottle as he spoke, but Adrian knocked it from his hand. The glass shattered on hitting the floor, spreading a dark stain the color of newly spilled blood across the unswept wood.
Both men watched it begin to meander toward the threadbare Aubusson carpet beneath the desk.
"Now look what you've made me do,” cried the earl. "That floorcovering was purchased by by your grandfather and now it will be ruined."
"Ruined? You dare talk of Linsley heritage as if it actually meant anything to you?" Adrian knelt down and removed a handkerchief from his pocket. "Shall I remind you that until six months ago, this carpet graced the library of Hadley Hall, until you lost that estate to Strickley at the roulette table—or was it faro?"
With a ragged sigh he set to blotting up the sticky liquid. "I am heartily sick of always having to clean up after you, Father."
To the viscount's surprise, his father didn’t react with the usual show of indignation at having his judgment questioned. Instead, he collapsed in a nearby chair, his lower lip trembling.
"I have stood by while the family fortune carefully built up by our forebearers has been bled dry by your profligate habits, voicing only the most moderate suggestions as to how to keep things from utter ruin," continued Adrian. "And on more than one occasion it has been the savings from my own prudent investments that have bailed you out of the River Tick—at no small cost to several... projects that meant a great deal to me."
The Earl of Chittenden hung his head.
"In return, you made me a solemn promise." Adrian couldn't help but raise his voice several notches. "You promised never to wager the Hall on your cursed games, Father. That you chose to throw away your money and the rest of your considerable lands was not something I begrudged, as long as you left Woolsey Hall untouched. But now that you have broken that pledge and lost it all on the turn of a card?—"
"But I didn't," whispered the earl.
The viscount's lips compressed in contempt. "Ah, forgive me—was it the rattle of the dice instead?" he said with cutting sarcasm. "You may find such nuances of some importance, but I do not?—"
"Not dice either. Adrian, I didn't break my promise.” A cough. “Not exactly."
"Bloody hell, I care as little for your play with semantics as for your other games, Father! The cold fact is that Woolsey Hall is lost?—"
"But it isn't! N-not yet."
The viscount turned to stare at him. "What is that supposed to mean? You just were telling me how you wagered it to the Marquess of Hertford in some desperate attempt to recoup yet another round of losses."
The earl brought his hand to his brow. "I did, but it’s not what you think. The Hall is not yet lost. It is pledged, not on a game of chance, but rather one of... skill."
Adrian's eyes pressed close. "Good Lord. And what skills do you imagine you possess, other than becoming foxed in the blink of an eye or frittering away a fortune?"
"None."
The answer was barely audible and the viscount couldn't help but catch the welling of tears in his father's eyes before the earl bent to take his head between his hands. For some reason, it shook him more than he cared to admit.
"God knows, I have been a sad failure as the head of this family, and an even worse hand at being a parent." The earl's frail fingers raked through his graying hair. "The only thing of any real value I have done is to... produce you. But even for that I fear I deserve little credit, for you quite obviously didn’t inherit your good sense or excellent character from me."
Adrian found his anger slowly evaporating, just like the spill on the floor. Instead, his father's admissions filled him with an aching sadness.
"I can hardly blame you for holding me in disgust," the earl went on in a shaky voice. "I've given you precious little reason to think otherwise. If you want to know the truth, I think even worse of myself than you do."
He looked up, remorse etched on his still handsome features. "I've tried. God help me, I've tried to act with some restraint. I don't know why I am just not capable of behaving in a rational manner. But there it is. This time, perhaps it would be best to let me suffer the consequences of my own foolish actions. Surely I cannot be much more of a disgrace to you than I already am, no matter what the tattlemongers choose to say about me refusing to honor a bet."
The viscount gave a harried sigh and began to pace before the meager fire. "I've managed to pull you out of the suds before, so I imagine I’ll be able to figure out something this time around as well."
His mouth quirked upward in spite of the situation. "Indeed, there is another rather important reason I would prefer to avoid any egregious scandal at the moment. You see, I have just become betrothed and would rather not give my intended's father reason to cry off. He was skeptical enough of the connection without creating further cause for concern."
His father essayed a real smile through his guilt. "Why, I wish you happy, m'boy. And hope that you don't make as much a hash of it as I have done. But you won't. Too much common sense in that bonebox of yours. May I ask who the lucky lady is?"
"Lady Honoria Dunster."
"Hylton's chit? A Diamond of the First Water," he said with frank approval. "Real diamonds are rare in our little world of paste and false sparkle. And all the more precious for it. No doubt she brings a plump dowry as well, though it seems to me the lady is making quite the best of the match." He cleared his throat. "Have you set a date?"
"Not as yet, but it is my understanding that the family wishes to wait at least until the Little Season."
The earl looked vastly relieved. "So, ah, there is no reason why you cannot... travel in the next few months?"
The smile, however faint, disappeared from Adrian's face. "And why would I want to do that?"
"Well, you see, there is the matter of the, er, test of skill with Hertford. As luck would have it, it is to take place in Scotland?—"
"Scotland?"
"Er, yes." Out of habit, Chittenden reached for the bottle that was no longer there, then a sheepish expression stole over his features as his hand fell back to his side. "And it's—well, it's rather important that you be there."
Adrian felt a stirring of unease. "I think you had best explain just exactly what it is you have wagered, Father."
There were several moments of silence as the earl tugged at a corner of his waistcoat. "No doubt I was a greater idiot than usual to sit down at the gaming table with the damn fellow, who never seems to have a run of bad luck?—"
"Hah! Luck indeed! An experienced gamester such as you should know enough to suspect it is more than luck."
The Earl paled. "You think he... cheats?"
"I have no proof of it, but I have heard enough about his so-called luck that I should never be tempted to engage in any sort of dealing with the fellow."
There was a moment of awkward silence as Chittenden shifted in his chair. "Well, as to that..." He swallowed hard several times before going on. "I'm afraid that it is you who is pledged to meet him... in a sporting match."
" Me !"
The earl winced at the volume of the yelp, then gave a nod.
"You must be a candidate for Bedlam, to think I would ever be a willing participant in any of your wagers!" Adrian began to pace the floor, restraining the urge to kick each piece of furniture that he passed. After a moment, his brows furrowed in consternation as he considered his father's words. "And even if I was, I cannot quite understand why Hertford would offer such a challenge. As you noted, he rarely engages in any endeavor where the odds are not stacked in his favor."
He drew a deep breath and went on in a low voice, as if to himself. "It doesn't make sense. Surely he must be aware that I am accorded to be more than adequate with a pistol or the ribbons or my fives."
He paused by the mantel and picked up a small miniature framed in silver. Staring at the earnest young face depicted there, it struck him that even as a child he had felt the weight of the world on his small shoulders. The only times he had felt truly as carefree as a boy was romping through the stately rooms of the Hall or running through its magnificent grounds. Aside from the solitary dreams that had flowered there, he had, for the most part, had precious little to smile about.
Well, it was certainly not going to begin now, he thought with some resignation. Though resentment and anger still welled within his breast, it was tempered by a grudging forgiveness for the past. It was impossible to feel hate, only a pinch of sadness at a life that must, at bottom, be as empty as the glass that stood by the trembling fingers.
The earl's gaze was focused on the small painting as well. "You were always the strong one, Adrian, even as a lad," he whispered, a tentative smile ghosting over his lips. "I’ve always been so proud of you, though I could rarely express it."
He bowed his head. "I'm sorry. I had no right to entangle you in a snare of my own making. Perhaps I can convince Hertford to reconsider and accept another hand of cards. This time, I swear I shall come to thetable sober and be on guard for any?—"
"No!"
Chittenden fell silent.
"If Woolsey Hall is at stake, I prefer to trust to my own skills to wrest it free from Hertford's grasp. But on one condition, Father."
"Only name it."
"If I win, you will sell the Hall to me."
"Sell!" The earl made as if to rise from his chair. "Even I am not such a dastard as to make you pay for what will rightfully be yours anyway when I shuffle off this mortal coil. Consider it yours."
Adrian shook his head. "I am making you a business proposition, Father. It is the only way I can, in good conscience, permit it to be done."
The earl thought for several moments. "Very well, if it must be as you say, I imagine that you need for me to name a price."
Adrian's fingers tightened around the small frame.
"It will, naturally, have to be a goodly sum, considering the value of such a fine estate."
"Naturally."
"I cannot think of where you might get that kind of blunt," persisted his father. "I'm well aware of how paltry an inheritance was left to you by your grandfather." He hesitated for a fraction. "Just as I well know that you have never frequented the gaming establishments or other even less savory hells where money might be made. And however plump in the pocket Hylton is, I doubt his daughter's dowry will cover such a large expense."
A cynical smile played on the viscount's lips. "Not gaming, no. But I'm afraid I have been engaged in another pursuit that would be considered by many a far worse vice for a gentleman, though I've been quite discreet about it. Suffice it to say that I think I shall manage to meet your terms, so long as they are not unduly high."
The earl looked as if to say more, then bit off the words and began to drum his fingers on the table. "Well, then if you insist, here is what I propose," he said after a lengthy pause. "If you win at Hertford's game, you will redeem not only Woolsey Hall but all the other vowels in his possession. They are, I regret to say, considerable. And by all rights, they will belong to you for the victory?—"
"I don't want them?—"
It was Chittenden's turn to interrupt. "I have a modicum of pride, too," he said with some emotion. "If you will not accept Woolsey Hall from me outright, then I certainly won't allow you to wipe the slate clean of my debts. So, we are at a stalemate. Unless you agree to the terms I suggest."
"Which are?"
"You may return my vowels to me in exchange for the Hall."
"An even trade?" Adrian rubbed at his jaw as he considered his father's suggestion.
"Think of it as the business proposal you wish it to be. You will be paid for your efforts, that's all. It is a reasonable solution."
The viscount replaced the picture on the mantel and resumed his pacing.
"And fair, more than fair. To me, at least," continued his father. "Perhaps I might find the sense to take better care of my holdings," he added softly. "You would be doing me a great favor, Adrian, though I have little right to expect it. What say you? Do we have a deal?"
Adrian's breath came out in a harried sigh. "I suppose we do."
"Well, at least I feel I have made one good bargain in my life."
"That has yet to be decided," cautioned the viscount. He made another turn, then stopped to take up the poker and give the dying embers a good jab. "So what is it to be?" he asked dryly. "Sabers at dawn? Pistols at twenty paces? You still have not told me just what I must do to win this damn wager. "
"Oh, nothing so dangerous as that," replied the earl with forced heartiness. "Actually you are to play a round of golf. At St. Andrews."
"Golf! Hell's teeth, I've never played golf!" exclaimed Adrian. "And what the devil is a 'round' of it?"
"Dunno. But it's a game that involves hitting a ball with a stick—how difficult can that be?" reasoned his father. "You're a dab hand at cricket. You'll master it in a trice."
Adrian muttered something under his breath.
Chittenden couldn't repress a twitch of his lips. "Did my high stickler of a son just say what I thought he said?"
"Never mind." He had a mind to take a swat at the nearest object with the poker, regardless of whether it was round or not. "When, may I ask, is this event scheduled to take place?"
"In little more than a month's time."
The oath that followed was even more scathing than the first.
"St. Andrews is accorded to be a very civilized sort of town. University and all that, you know."
The viscount stalked to the sideboard to retrieve his hat and gloves. "Ah, well, then I should have no trouble finding a book on the bloody rules."
"Where are you rushing off to?"
"To check myself into Bedlam. Where no doubt I belong."
"Adrian, if you wish to reconsider?—"
"Just a little gallows humor, Father, though it appears I may well be strung up before this is over. Hertford has spent most every summer of his life in Scotland. I imagine he is an expert at whatever this game of golf entails, else he wouldn't have made the wager. Still, it looks as if I shall have to give it a shot, if I am to have any chance of keeping Woolsey Hall."
Tucking his walking stick under his arm, Adrian started for the door. "Hell's teeth, the timing could not be worse for certain of my other endeavors." He sighed. "However, there is nothing to be done about it now. I suppose I had better consider heading north as soon as possible if I am to entertain any hope of success. You had better wish me... well."
He chose to avoid the word luck, as he felt even less in charity with the word than usual..
" Golf!" exclaimed Rafael.
Adrian nodded glumly. "My sentiments exactly." He picked up a heavy leather cricket ball from his desk and hefted it from palm to palm. "How difficult can that be?" he repeated, mimicking his father's throaty tones with some asperity. "Easy for the old fellow to say." He tossed the ball high into the air, casually catching it with one hand as it came down. "Any idea how big a golf ball is?"
"Rather smaller than that."
"Hmmph."
"And stuffed with feathers, I believe."
Another snort sounded, followed by something that sounded suspiciously like a curse. "A sport for the birds," he muttered. "What sort of bat is used?"
"Club," corrected Rafael. "And there are more than one."
Adrian pulled a face. "The devil you say. Why?"
"It depends where the ball is lying."
The viscount's head jerked around just as the cricket ball began its descent. It caught him a glancing blow on the shoulder, then slipped through his fingers and bounced across the polished parquet. "You're joking. It's not moving? It just sits on the ground?"
"That's right."
"So you can just step up to it and give it a thwack?"
"Something like that."
Adrian stooped to retrieve the errant cricket ball. "How difficult can that be?" He resumed his game of catch. "So perhaps there is hope yet. After all, I have keen eye and steady hand."
His friend gave a dry chuckle. "Trust me, Adrian, it’s not quite as simple as it may sound. There’s some technique involved. And strategy."
"Oh, come now, Rafe, don't wax melodramatic. We are talking of striking a ball, not of Wellesley maneuvering his troops on the field of battle."
"We are talking of putting a ball in a hole—a rather small hole—in the face of the same sort of hazards that can flummox the best of generals—such as wind, rain, trees, ditches and the like. And you must do it with fewer strokes than your opponent." Rafael poured himself a glass of sherry. "Sounds suspiciously like a war to me." After a sip he added, "You know what competition is like. When the stakes are sufficiently high enough, it can turn the playing field into a real battleground."
Adrian pursed his lips and frowned. "It sounds as if you have actually played the game."
"Remember the trip I took with Bowmont last summer to visit his family in Kelso? Well, his father is an avid player. He actually has several holes laid out along an old Roman viaduct that crosses their lands along the River Teviot."
"Roxburghe plays golf?"
"Quite well I am told, though I'm scarcely one to judge. I took my hacks at it and felt rather foolish most of the time. Jamie, though, shares the Duke's enthusiasm and when we traveled up the coast, we stopped at St. Andrews for a few days so he could play the course there."
Rafe pulled a sour face at the memory. "Can't say I enjoyed it much. Every evening over our claret I had to listen to him either rave about a glorious shot he made or moan about some unfair twist of luck that had caused the ball to bounce askew."
The cricket ball bounced against the wood paneling with a resounding crack. "The devil take it, Rafe, what am I to do if the cursed game is truly so difficult to master? I have only a month's time before I stand to lose Woolsey Hall."
The glint of humor in Rafael's eyes died away, replaced by a flare of sympathy. "I think Jamie is still in Town," he said after mulling it over for a bit. "Perhaps we should pay him a visit. After all, he is well acquainted with the town and many of the locals, so he might have an idea."
Adrian looked dubious, but as he had nothing better to suggest, they took themselves off.
It took several hours to trace the Marquess of Bowmont's movements from a small dinner party with friends to the theatre to one of the rooms at White's. He was seated in a comfortable chair reading a newspaper, a decanter of rich burgundy by his side. At Rafael's greeting, he looked up from the pages.
"Rafe, how delightful to see you. What brings you to England?"
"I brought some military dispatches from Portugal to the generals at Horse Guards. I'll be here for several months while my cousin prepares to take up his commission in the Royal Dragoons, and then we'll be sailing for the Peninsula to serve with Wellesley's forces."
The marquess tossed the paper aside and motioned for them to join him in a glass of wine. "My best wishes to you and Jack. It's a daunting task, to battle Soult?—"
"Actually, we came looking to discuss a more pleasant subject than war with you," interrupted Rafael.
"Golf," explained Adrian.
Bowmont's eyes lit with a rather rapturous light." Ah, golf! Did I tell you about the marvelous course in Dornach, up in the Highlands, where I played in a roaring gale?—"
Adrian gave an inward wince, wondering how anyone could speak of such an experience as if it had been a pleasant experience.
Rafael cleared his throat. "Er, yes, I believe you did, Jamie. Several times, in fact. What we were hoping for, actually, was some advice..." He went on to outline their particular problem.
"Hmmm." Bowmont passed a speculative eye up and down Adrian's tall form for several moments. "Hmmm. Good set of shoulders. Strong legs." He steepled his fingers under his long, aristocratic nose and let his lids fall to half mast. “ I've seen you wield a racquet at Hampton Court and it appears you have balance and timing as well. Hmmm..."
Finding his usual reserve stretched past its limit, Adrian could bear the hemming and hawing no longer. "Well? Can you help at all?" he snapped.
The marquess smiled. "Patience, Marquand. Patience is one of the first things you must learn about golf. It does not do to get in a temper on the course."
"You need not worry on that score, Bowmont," he replied through gritted teeth. "I assure you that I am more than capable of keeping my emotions under tight rein."
"Adrian is top of the trees when it comes to facing down the odds," added his friend.
The marquess darted a quick look at Rafael. "So I’ve heard," he replied softly. "It takes a cool fellow indeed to face a crack shot such as Darlington and put a bullet in his shoulder."
"It was what he deserved. I don't have much tolerance for liars and cheats."
"Yes, I have heard that as well. Just as I have heard that you have little tolerance for the sort of debaucheries favored by a fellow like Hertford. Is that true?"
Adrian's jaw tightened. "I should hope my own reputation would be answer enough to that question." There was a perceptible pause. "If you are satisfied, perhaps if you could spare an hour or so, we could ride out to Houndslow Heath in the morning and you could show me a thing or two about knocking the ball?—"
"I'm afraid that would be of little help." He held up his hand to forestall the retort he saw forming on the viscount's lips. "First of all, I'm not so sure I would be very good at explaining all the nuances of the golf swing as I'm a neophyte at it myself. And most importantly, one of the keys to a good round of golf is being familiar with the course—the terrain, the prevailing winds, the position of the bunkers?—"
"Bunkers?"
"Pits of sand," piped up Raphael. "Nasty. Very nasty."
"My advice to you is to head to St. Andrews as soon as possible," continued Bowmont. "I know an excellent chap up there who is not only the finest clubmaker in all of Scotland, but an excellent teacher to boot. Although he's in great demand, at my request I'm sure he'll be able to rig you out with just the right mashies, spoons and niblicks for your size and swing."
Adrian was beginning to feel he was listening to a foreign language.
"And best of all, he is on intimate terms with all the local caddies?—"
"Caddies?"
"The fellows who carry your clubs," explained Rafael.
"Aye," added Bowmont with a nod. "But a good one is much more than a mere pack mule. In addition to helping find an errant ball and judge distances, he can save you several strokes a round through knowing the nuances of the course and the local conditions. That may well be the difference between victory and defeat."
He grinned. "Trust me, Marquand, for a man in your position, an experienced caddie will prove more than invaluable. I daresay he'll become the best friend and ally you have. And Philp will be able to make sure that you have the most skilled one of the lot. I shall write to him tonight and see to it."
"We can't thank you enough for your help, Jamie," said Rafael. "It's more than sporting of you."
The marquess took a long sip of his claret as he regarded the viscount. "You may repay the favor by thrashing that smarmy bastard's hide," he said quietly. "Hertford's unsavory reputation extends well beyond London, and his presence at his estate near St. Andrews is about as welcome among the local folk as a storm from the North Sea blowing down the Firth of Forth."
His voice dropped even lower. "There are murmurings that he's forced himself on more than one respectable girl from the town. The people there have become my friends, and if I had a shred of proof that would stand up in court, I'd see him clapped in irons just as quickly as I can swing a bottle-nosed driver."
His broad mouth compressed in a tight line, squeezing away all traces of his earlier good humor. "With such despicable behavior, it’s no wonder that the English, especially ones of title, are not much welcome across the northern border. So make short work of him, Marquand."
"I promise you I shall do my best, Bowmont. Of that you may be sure."
"St. Andrews?" Baron Hylton set down the delicate Sevres teacup in surprise and turned his startled gaze upon his daughter. "St. Andrews?" he repeated, his tone becoming even more incredulous. "In Scotland?"
"Yes, Father." Lady Honoria carefully rearranged the napkin on her lap. "That is what Lord Marquand's note said. He has written one to you as well."
Noting how his wife's pinched face had already tightened in concern, Hylton leaned his considerable bulk forward in his chair. "You haven't by chance already... quarreled with the viscount?" His eyes narrowed. "Good Lord, I've just sent the announcement into The Gazette?—"
"Hardly, sir. I should hope that I would never give His Lordship reason to quarrel with me," she responded primly. "He writes that it has something to do with a... a family matter."
A sigh of relief escaped the Baron's lips as he fell to slicing off a chunk of the broiled kidney on his breakfast plate. "Good gel, I know we may depend on you to act with the utmost of sense, especially now that you have managed to bring the fellow up to scratch."
"Yes. Of course you may," she murmured.
Her father smiled through his chewing. "To think that you will soon be a countess, my dear. And future mistress of one of the oldest estates in England." His expression then darkened considerably. "That is, if the old reprobate earl doesn't manage to make a muck of things by tossing what little he has left of his fortune onto the gaming tables. Especially Woolsey Hall. The devil take him if he ever?—"
"Fitzwilliam! Please reserve such vulgar language for your clubs," chided Lady Hylton.
"Er, sorry." He took a large swallow of tea and turned his attention back to his daughter. "But there is always the possibility that the old rakehell might squander away what is left of his fortune. In fact, I was almost of a mind to have you look to one of your other admirers for a proposal, given Marquand's recent family history."
"Don't be silly, Fitzwilliam, you know quite well that the Chittenden Earldom is one of the oldest and most respected titles in the land. It cannot be gambled away," spoke up his wife in a tight voice. She shot another quick glance at her daughter and seemed to be somewhat reassured by the absence of any visible emotion. "No matter that the behavior of the viscount's father is beyond shocking, Honoria did very well by attaching him. From all that we have seen and heard, he is a true gentleman and cares a great deal for his heritage, as well he should. I cannot think he would ever allow Woolsey Hall to slip through his fingers."
Honoria broke a crust from the untouched toast on her plate. "As to that, perhaps you had better read Lord Marquand's note, Father."
The fork hung poised in mid-air.
With a sharp intake of breath, Lady Hylton rang for the butler and ordered the silver letter tray to be brought in without delay. The baron broke the wax wafer and scanned the short note. "Hmmph!"
His wife grew a shade paler.
"Just as I feared. Something havey-cavey is going on." His eyes came up from the thick cream parchment. "It seems Marquand is required to leave for Scotland this very morning in order to engage in some... sporting endeavor to save Woolsey Hall." After another moment of careful perusal, he laid the note aside. "Well, I suppose we must consider it our duty to lend him a measure of support," he announced, spearing the morsel on the point of his knife. "I was already engaged to visit Jolliffe's estate near Kelso at the start of shooting season. It isn't that far out of the way to make a short visit to St. Andrews first. Might as well keep an eye on what is going on."
"All of us?" demanded his wife.
"Don't see why not." He shot a look at his daughter. "But if Marquand should fail, I've a good mind to tell him he's forfeited his chance and that you are going to cry off from the engagement. No matter how old and respected his title is, it ain't nearly as valuable without a grand country estate attached to it, eh missy? And with your looks, my dear, you can always look higher than an impoverished Earldom. Why, I could tell the Marquess of Pierson would be interested if given a little encouragement."
"But Father—" She caught herself and fell silent.
"He'd be a fine catch, even if he is a tad older than you are."
"If that is what you want, then I shall of course abide by your wishes," replied Honoria softly. Her father seemed oblivious to the subtle note of irony in her voice, but Lady Hylton cast a searching look at her daughter and fell to twisting at the rings on her fingers.
"Well," he continued after slurping off the last bit of his tea." I suppose it won't hurt to wait and see how Marquand fares before we make any final decisions. Time enough to cast him aside for a better prospect if things don't work out to our advantage."
Honoria ducked her head to hide her expression. Calmly folding her napkin into a neat square, she set it beside her plate. "Shall I begin packing?"