Chapter Two
A fter dinner, Ariadne told Val she needed to speak with him. Her mother retired to her bedchamber, and their father said he was going out. That left them alone, for which she was grateful.
Settling themselves before a fire in the library, she said, “I made the acquaintance of a most unusual man this afternoon.”
Val scowled in disapproval. “Hasn’t Mama discussed with you the rules of social engagement, Ariadne? You are not to address anyone—male or female—whom you do not know. It takes a formal introduction from someone who knows both you and the other party before it is acceptable for you to—”
“Would you stop?” she demanded. “I do not need a lecture. I am not a child. What I am trying to do is confide in you.”
Stubbornness remained in his eyes. “And I am your older brother. I am here to protect you. I will not see you ruined before you can even set foot in a ballroom.”
“Hush, Val, and let me speak freely. It is because you are my trusted brother that I am confiding in you.”
Looking somewhat mollified, he nodded for her to continue.
“I was ready to stretch my legs after our travels today.” Before he could interrupt, she added, “Yes, I know to take Tally with me if I walk, but this was merely across the way. I wanted to investigate the park on our square. I did not think I needed her to do so. I took a book and thought to sit and read a while.”
“Go on,” he said.
“The park is lovely. A little oasis where I am certain to retreat to when I am overcome by all the excitement of the Season. It has some delightful landscaping, and I cannot wait to see what flowers will bloom when warmer weather comes. Scattered benches are available, so I will have a place to think or read.”
“I have been inside it and am familiar with it. Is this where you met this man?”
Ariadne nodded. “He was sitting, lost in thought. I did not want to appear rude, so I introduced myself.”
Val grimaced. “First mistake. If it ever happens again, either nod politely without speaking and move on or simply avoid eye contact and turn around to go home. The park is only for residents of our square, so either it was Viscount Burgess, whose townhouse is directly across from ours, or Lord Aldridge. I have heard he has been in ill health for some time, so I doubt it was he.”
“It was Aldridge,” she confirmed. “The new Lord Aldridge.”
“Then the old man must have passed away. I did not see the death notice in the newspapers. Hmm. He had no children, despite being wed thrice. I wonder who this heir is?”
“That’s the thing, Val. He was a bit cryptic, but he mentioned not being of this world. Our world. His manners were certainly lacking.” She hesitated. “Yet I felt a bit sorry for him. He dressed the part of a marquess, but he seemed so out of place. He did not even know if he belonged to a club.”
“He sounds rather odd. Not someone I would have you around, Ariadne.”
“I told him I would send you over to meet him.”
“Me? Why?”
“He needs a friend, Val. I do not know his background, but I think he is lonely.”
A knowing look came into his eyes. “You have always had a tender heart, Sis. Looking after strays. Injured birds and animals. Do you think this peer is your new undertaking?”
“Would you do this for me? Help him? Please?”
“I see he made an impression upon you.”
She laughed. “To be truthful, not a very good one. He was beyond prickly. Yet I think he’s a bit lost. I have no idea as to what he did before he inherited his title, but he could use some polish. And a friend. He is going to attend the Season for the first time. I wouldn’t want him to blunder or make a misstep that would haunt him.”
Val chuckled. “You want me to befriend him and then make certain he’s presentable for Polite Society?”
“Well, yes.”
“What if I don’t like him?”
“You might.” She smiled at him.
“You think one smile, and I will do your bidding?” he teased.
She shrugged. “It always has worked before.”
He hugged her. “You are too hard to resist. All right, Sis. I shall send a note to Lord Aldridge.”
“Find out if he is a member of White’s. If he is, take him there. Introduce him to others.”
“Oh, the Marquess of Aldridge is most definitely a member of White’s. The former marquess was.”
“Thank you for taking care of him, Val.”
He studied her a moment. “Why is this so important to you?”
Ariadne bit her lip in thought. “I cannot say why. Something about him touched me. I think he will be lost if no one takes him in hand.”
“I’m not a wet nurse, you know,” he grumbled, but she heard the teasing in his voice.
“No. You are a wonderful big brother who has lots of friends and can guide this new peer. After all, he is our neighbor. You would be doing a neighborly thing.”
Val laughed heartily. “Only you would find a stray your first day in town and then expect me to care for it.”
“He’s not some mongrel off the streets,” she told him. “He is a marquess. Lord Aldridge merely needs a little guidance.”
“You will owe me for doing this.”
“What price shall I pay?” she mused. “Oh, I suppose I could introduce you to several of the lovely girls making their come-outs with me. Mama said I should make several friends within this group.” Ariadne laughed. “She told me be nice to the pretty ones, for they will be the ones who claim the most eligible bachelors and will one day rule Polite Society. Then Mama said I could be friends with the plainer ones because they would never be a threat to me.”
“My advice?” he asked. “Never listen to a word that comes out of Mama’s mouth. Make friends with those you wish to be friends with. While I know the finish to your Season is most likely to end in matrimony, I do believe you will find some girls who will become lifelong friends to you.”
“I hope so. I adore Tia and Lia, but I would like to meet others and become friendly with them.”
“I will write to Lord Aldridge first thing tomorrow morning,” Val promised. “Of course, I will keep you apprised of the outcome.”
“Thank you, Brother. Now, would you like to lose to me in chess?”
“Just because you beat me the last time we played, you do not have to lord it over me.”
“It was the last three times—but who is counting?” Ariadne said, heading to the chessboard.
She was glad her brother had agreed to her request, and hoped Val could take Lord Aldridge in hand and help get him ready for what lay ahead.
*
Julian allowed Paulson, his valet, to dress him. When he had first inherited the valet from the previous marquess, his thought had been to dismiss the man. It appalled him that the rich thought they needed someone to dress and undress them. Yet Paulson had proven to be a fount of information, subtly guiding his employer. Paulson had explained to him how to handle servants and tenants, which had proven invaluable. He also had given Julian advice on what was appropriate for a marquess to wear.
He had opted to use the Alderton village tailor when he first assumed the marquessate. Even that word had been unknown to him. Paulson had gone along with Julian, advising him on the appropriate materials for the tailor to use as well as for the pieces to be made up. The valet explained to Julian that he must look the part of a marquess as well as act as one, whether he believed he deserved the title or not.
Paulson had also limited the wardrobe the tailor made, saying when they got to town, Julian would need to see a tailor there for the latest fashions. When he protested that he didn’t care about fashion, Paulson rejected his argument, once again saying he owed it to the title to appear properly dressed. The valet stressed that for a great many members of the ton , appearance was everything. If he were to be accepted, he must dress in an appropriate manner.
Julian would have argued that he didn’t care for acceptance, but he would be lying. Now that he had unimagined wealth, he wanted approval from others, and that included his peers. He also wanted to do good with his fortune, but he hadn’t acted upon that just yet. He needed to feel his way and not rashly spend his fortune unwisely.
His thoughts drifted to Lady Ariadne as he dismissed Paulson and ventured downstairs for his breakfast. He had been disagreeable during their encounter, which he now regretted. The park had become a retreat for him in the brief time he had been in London. No, town. That was another odd tidbit Paulson had shared. Those in Polite Society always referred to the great city as town and never by name. He hated these strange, unwritten rules.
As he perused the morning newspapers as he dined, he thought Lady Ariadne must be different from most ladies of the ton . She had called him out for his poor behavior. He doubted other ladies would have done so. Because of that, she intrigued him. He assumed their paths would cross when the Season began next month, but he doubted she would show any interest in him. In fact, she would probably tell others of their brief encounter and what a boor he had been.
No, that was assuming the worst of her. She had seemed kind. She had even offered to have her brother come and visit him. That probably would not come to pass. Why would some duke’s son want to know him?
Grigsby approached, a silver tray in hand. “Today’s post, my lord.”
“Thank you,” he said, taking the stack and setting it next to his plate as a footman refreshed his coffee. “Thank you,” he said again, knowing it wasn’t expected of him to thank a servant for something, but happy for the small service he received. The fact he had all he could eat and drink still astounded Julian at times.
He finished his meal and took the newspapers and mail with him to his study. A fire was already lit, and he sat in a chair close to it, finishing his reading. Paulson had emphasized that Julian must learn about daily affairs, both in England and the world, saying it would help him as he listened to debates in the House of Lords and voted accordingly. The newspapers were a constant surprise to him, as full of news as they were gossip.
Finally, he went through the post. He had no secretary to do so for him, and his valet had encouraged him to hire one. The old marquess had let his go when his health grew worse, and he no longer attended social events.
Most were invitations for upcoming affairs of the Season. He set those aside, not certain which he would attend. One note intrigued him, however. Glancing at the signature at the bottom, he saw it was from the Marquess of Claibourne, Lady Ariadne’s brother. So she had spoken to her brother after all.
My dear Lord Aldridge–
It has been brought to my attention that you have recently inherited your title. Since we are neighbors here in town, we should at least become acquainted with one another.
I shall be going to White’s this morning and am inquiring if you wish to accompany me. The coffee and tea are plentiful, the newspapers and journals always updated, and you never know who will be there that you might find interesting.
If you are agreeable, I shall leave our square at eleven o’clock. We can stroll a few blocks and catch a hansom cab to White’s.
Your most humble servant,
Valentinian Worthington,
Marquess of Claibourne
Julian’s heart began racing. “Why am I excited as a schoolgirl?” he asked himself aloud. “It is only an invitation to a club.”
But it was the only one he had received. He knew not only was business done at these clubs, friendships also could blossom. He was sorely in need of a friend. At eight and twenty, he had never had a single friend.
It was time that changed.
Quickly, he dashed off a note to Claibourne, accepting his invitation. Julian took it a step further, however, saying his carriage would call for the marquess at eleven o’clock, hoping that wouldn’t be too presumptuous. He sealed the note, pressing his insignia to the warmed wax.
Ringing for Grigsby, he handed the note to his butler, saying, “This is to be delivered to the Marquess of Claibourne at once. Make certain my carriage is readied, for I will be taking Lord Claibourne to White’s with me this morning at eleven o’clock.”
Even Grigsby could not hide a smile. “Very good, my lord.”
Glancing at the clock, he saw he had three-quarters of an hour before his engagement with Claibourne. He was grateful the marquess was following through with his sister’s request. He looked forward to seeing Lady Ariadne again in person.
Because he intended to also convey his gratitude to the very intriguing young woman.