Chapter Nine
Quin reached Miss Delphi just as she lost consciousness, snatching her up into his arms to prevent her from hitting her head on the marble floor. Modestly, he lifted her into his arms, and backed into the shadows, where he waited for Augusta to join them. Luckily, the corridor was empty and he didn’t have to wait long. She walked determinedly toward the hall, careful not to attract attention, then scurried past. Unsure how to proceed, he followed, impressed by Augusta’s ability to stay calm under great duress.
She led him to a door on the right. Pausing, she placed her ear on the door, and after assuring herself that no one lurked within, she turned the latch. “Quickly. In here.”
He carried Delphi across the threshold, transporting her further into the room. Fortunately, it was a library filled with books, candelabras, and plenty of seating—overstuffed chairs and settees. Laying her down on one of the sofas and adjusting her head on the pillows, he took a step back to give Augusta room.
She quickly sank to her knees and attempted to revive her ailing sister. “Delphi.”
Demmed, but he hated feeling useless. Give me work and I am content. But this? All he could do was stand idly by and watch, giving the two sisters privacy. He didn’t know why Delphi had collapsed, and therefore had no idea how to help her.
He turned to survey their surroundings. A large mahogany billiards table, twice as long as it was wide, commanded one corner of the room waiting for a game of hazard. Cue sticks were shelved, chalk at the ready, and bright ivory balls reshaped for the first stroke. Bookshelves and reading nooks lined the opposite walls. Wood paneling and damask throughout provided the space luxury and calm. The overstuffed furniture and sideboards conveniently clustered together by the hearth provided ample room for leisure.
There, Augusta leaned over her sister, the sorrowful tones in her voice piercing his soul. “Delphi.”
Drawn to Augusta like a moth to a flame, he was just about to put a supportive hand on her shoulder when her lookalike slowly roused. Stepping back with relief, he heard Augusta sigh openly. She cupped her sister’s face, brushing her hand against Delphi’s forehead, and wiped away perspiration beading there.
“Delphi, you gave me a start.”
Delphi’s glassy eyes opened. She gazed at her sister disoriented and drained, but coherent. “I did it again, didn’t I?” Again? How many times had the young woman lost consciousness? “I am sorry,” she said, grabbing Augusta’s hand and holding it close to her chest. “I have no idea what came over me.”
“You are unwell. That is all we need to know.”
“We?”
Augusta leaned back, providing her sister a view of Quin over her shoulder. “We are in Mr. Prendergast’s debt.” The momentary panic bottled up inside him begged for release. He did not deserve such high praise. “He got to you just in time.”
“Thank you, sir, for coming to my aid.”
“Naturally.” He bowed his head, mindful that all he’d done was catch the young woman before she fell. Although that in and of itself was a good thing, there were other factors involved like being in the right place at the right time. “Any man would have done the same.”
“You are wrong.” Augusta’s appreciative eyes searched his, filling him with a bottomless peace and satisfaction. “You are the only man who acted quickly enough to help my sister.”
Her praise was high praise, indeed. Nevertheless, it fed his pride, something he could not allow. Throughout his adult life, he’d fought a constant battle to remain humble, to never forget where he came from. But there was more, and it was as clear as the large ornate mirror hanging over the fireplace. If Delphi was in trouble, Augusta suffered. And if Augusta suffered, he already knew he would likely ride the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to remedy her plight.
And this after he’d almost kissed her in front of the ton—desiring her more than anything he’d ever wanted before.
He surrendered a moan and tugged at his cravat, the curve of Augusta’s rosy lips and the enchantment they provided increasing his longing. “I should go.”
“No! Stay, Mr. Prendergast,” she said more softly. “Please, sir.” She rose from her position by the sofa and removed a pouch from a hidden place in her gown.
He lifted a quizzical brow as she placed the small sack in his hand. “What is this?”
“This is a tonic powder, and I need your help.”
“What’s in it?” He had never heard of such a thing. “Who is it for? What does it do?”
“It is a mix of bitter herbs like gentian, bark of the cinchona tree, orange peel, and several other things that have helped relieve my sister’s condition during episodes she suffered in the past.”
He gazed at the bag, astounded by her claim. Folklore medicine? Why had an apothecary not been called, or a surgeon? “You trust this concoction?”
She lifted her chin and boldly met his gaze. “A man digging with Papa brought it with him from Peru.” She untied the ribbon and opened the pouch. “Quickly. Mix these herbs with whisky and a tad of water. It only takes a minute to steep, and she must drink it fresh.”
“You brought this to a ball?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Gesturing to her sister, she worried her bottom lip. “You see my sister lying here.”
“I do.” Misery weighed heavy on his chest.
“Thank you,” she said, swiveling slowly to return to her sister.
He nodded obediently, then headed to the sideboard. Witchcraft lore aside, the twin’s uncanny ability to feel the same pain, thoughts, and emotions perplexed him. To do for one was to do for both, he’d been told. The powerful pull to please Augusta sank deep into his bones, however, and he busied himself at the sideboard, listening to them converse. Removing the stopper of a carafe, he poured two fingers’ worth of whisky into a tumbler and set the pouch in the liquor to brew.
Delphi hailed him, bringing him up short. “My sister is here for me, but I wonder... who will be there for her after I am gone?”
“Delphi!” Augusta turned vivid scarlet with raw and primitive grief. “Do not say such a thing.”
“Why not?” Closing her eyes to hide her tears and/or stave off pain, Delphi inhaled deeply, discomfort visibly transforming her face. “Mr. Prendergast?”
“Yes?” he called over his shoulder, trying not to appear as if he was eavesdropping. He discarded the pouch and carried the steeped concoction across the room. Augusta snatched it from him and swiftly tipped the glass to her sister’s mouth. When she appeared satisfied that Delphi had consumed the entire contents, he asked, “What more can I do?”
“Give me your word,” Delphi said, “as a gentleman.”
He took a deep, unsteady breath, pride gripping him. To be seen and recognized by a viscount’s daughter as a gentleman meant the world to him, especially after all the snubs he’d received. “I promise to do everything within my means to help you in any way I can.”
“Take care of my sister.”
He went still, unsure exactly what she was asking of him. “I—”
“I know you have just been introduced, but she means... she means more to me than life itself.” One corner of Delphi’s mouth pulled into a slight smile. “I also know that you are the man from the park. I stood beside my cousin and witnessed the looks you exchanged that day. Experienced the lasting impression you made on my sister for over a fortnight. The same connection exists between you. I saw it as you danced tonight.”
“You are talking in riddles,” Augusta said. “Mr. Prendergast and I hardly know one another. Besides, I can take care of myself. Indeed, you need not worry about me, but yourself. You must get through the evening. Mama and Papa are out that door, waiting for us in the crush beyond. They will worry when they cannot locate us. Shall I help you to stand or should I send Mr. Prendergast for them?”
Yes. Name the favor. Give me something to do.
“No!” Delphi exclaimed, the effort taxing her strength. She raised her eyes to find him watching her. “Forgive me, Mr. Prendergast. But they cannot know. Promise me you will not tell them.”
“Very well.” He was helpless to do anything other than agree, even though he thought Delphi was being foolish. “You have my promise, on one condition.”
Augusta glanced over her shoulder, capturing his stare with a tenderness that pierced his soul.
“Such as?” Delphi asked.
“You must promise me you’ll get well.”
“Thank you.” Augusta silently mouthed the words before turning back to her sister. “Mr. Prendergast is amiable and chivalrous. We should not trifle with him.”
“At least he did not kiss you before all and sundry.”
“I did not,” he said swallowing back regret.
“Delphi!”
“I would not put it past Lord Boothe to insist that you did.”
“Who is Lord Boothe?” he asked trying to follow along.
Augusta pierced the distance between them. “A man spreading vicious lies about our elder sister.”
He mulled over the information as he limped to a chair, seeking to ease his physical discomfort. He’d seen the newspapers. Put little stock in hearsay. But if their sister was half as beautiful as Augusta, he understood the chances a man would take for a kiss. He’d wanted to kiss Augusta’s plump, rosy lips since the first moment he’d met her.
Bollocks!That made him a cad. It was the height of indecency to focus on his own desires when Delphi’s health was in jeopardy. The focus now had to be on ensuring she had the right diagnosis.
Did Bess know about Delphi’s condition? That seemed unlikely when the list had been set up for both the Misses Steere. Did Grey? More improbable when the young woman’s own parents weren’t even aware.
This new information made perfectly clear that if he did not proceed with the plan to marry one of the Misses Steere—and fast—the repercussions might be catastrophic.
What was stopping him from sharing his intentions then? He desired to marry, to produce an heir, and end his days with a beautiful woman clutching his hand to the end, promising undying love. Two problems stood in his way, however. One, who would marry Delphi now that her health was an issue? Two, he wanted to marry Augusta.
A great man would forgo love to rescue a woman perched on the abyss.
“Mr. Prendergast is a gentleman.” Augusta’s voice penetrated his thoughts. “And he has treated me with the highest respect.”
This was what he’d been waiting for—the admiration of a nobleman’s daughter.
“Which is exactly the reason you must marry him, sister.”
“Shhh!” Augusta’s mortificationwas complete. She had hoped to marry the man from the park eventually, but Delphi’s announcement threatened all her hopes as she spoke the words aloud. “Mr. Prendergast and I have only just met. This is not the time—”
“Perhaps I should leave the two of you alone,” Mr. Prendergast suggested matter-of-factly. He rose and moved for the door.
“No!” Delphi struggled to rise from the settee. “There is no better time than the present to do what needs to be done.”
She spoke of the scandal associated with their elder sister, of course. And how that reflected on their futures. “What needs to be done?”
“Nothing,” Augusta hastily said, “but ensuring Delphi’s good health returns.” She managed a small, tentative smile and quickly turned back to her sister. “What matters now is that you get well. Do not concern yourself about tomorrow or next week. I want to know what happened to you. What caused your collapse?”
Delphi stole a look at Mr. Prendergast then sighed. “I do not know where to begin. Perhaps it was the heat or the excitement.” She paused and closed her eyes. “I remember feeling a sick feeling in my stomach, my mouth going dry, the light becoming impossibly bright, and the room spinning like a top.”
“Could anxiety of the moment have caused this?”
“What anxiety?” Augusta asked, her heart drifting from its dock on a paralyzing journey of unimaginable fear. “It is a case of the vapors, nothing more, Mr. Prendergast.” But she knew that was a lie. Her sister’s condition was dire. She felt it. Knew it keener than the bond they shared. “You only need a moment to compose yourself. Once you are refreshed, we will return to the ballroom.”
“There’s no reason to pretend,” Delphi said, her voice fragile and shaking.
“Perhaps,” Mr. Prendergast interjected. “Is it possible the city air causes this malady?” He approached them, slowly. “Did you ever experience this condition in the country?”
Augusta met her sister’s stare, unable to remember Delphi ever experiencing issues with her health at their country estate.
“I ask because several of my acquaintances in the shipping industry have assured me the sea is a primary source of fresh air for the lungs and spirit.”
“The sea.” Delphi moistened her dry lips, her countenance lifted. “Our aunt lives in Lyme.”
“But Lyme is so far away. It is—”
“Time, Augusta.”
“No.” The hands of Fate closed around her heart. She shook her head, Delphi’s declaration filling her with a sense of doom. “You cannot mean—”
“To thank Mr. Prendergast for helping us, ninny. If you have not noticed, we are alone. Now is your chance to thank him for his assistance with a kiss.” She winked mischievously, a sign she was feeling better. “I dare you.”
Shock flew through her. “What you suggest is—”
“Unheard of? Inappropriate?” She smiled tentatively, lowering her voice. “Thenie and Kilverstone discovered their amiability with a kiss. This might be your one and only chance to discover if Mr. Prendergast is the right man for you.”
Augusta bit her bottom lip, consumed with indecision. Performing such a risky and indecent act in the Claremont’s library was wrong, surely.
“I beg, do not hesitate. You are suitably chaperoned.” Delphi placed her hand over her heart and made the sign of the cross. “I swear it.”
She shook her head, caught off-guard by Delphi’s entreaty. The last thing they needed was another kissing scandal. “I cannot.”
“Do not let fear stop you. Walk into this with your heart wide open.” Delphi touched her cheek. “For me.”
Wild grief ripped through her, but she forced a smile, rose, and turned to greet Mr. Prendergast, rubbing her palms on her gown.
His grin flashed briefly, dazzling against his dark skin before his countenance visibly altered. “Is something wrong? Has your sister taken a turn for the worse?”
“Yes,” she said moving toward him. “It seems I have forgotten something important.”
He spread his arms. “Name it, and I shall see it done.”
“To say thank you.” She moved into his arms. Lured by the heat of his stare and the serenity and peace he offered, she was breathless and eager to be near him, casting propriety to the wind as she wrapped her arms about him, hardly noticing the way he stiffened as she buried her face against his throat. “You are a gentleman, and I could kiss you for helping my sister.”
“That would not be wise,” he said, his voice like silken oak.
She pulled back, tilting her head to look up at him, forgetting time and space. Their gazes locked and the surrounding air intensified. He captured her face between his palms, tenderly rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks. She inhaled sharply at the contact but did not resist. Shocked by an irresistible longing to feel his touch, she quivered at the sweet tenderness of the near-kiss of his mouth as he lowered his face to hers.
“Do you know what you are doing to me?”
“No.” She closed her eyes, longing to find out. “Tell me.”
“If your sister was not in the room, I would show you.”
“I am not here,” Delphi’s voice rang out.
He chuckled, the vibration of his laughter penetrating her gown. “Do we dare?”
“I fear she will not stop interrupting us until we do.”
“Perhaps we should.”
His lips touched hers, a delicious, heady sensation weakening her legs. She held onto him, molding her body to his, savoring the moment. How wicked and wanton!
Suddenly, the chamber door opened. They parted, startled and embarrassed. Augusta quickly turned away as her parents and Lord and Lady Claremont strode into the room.
“What is the meaning of this?” Lord Claremont demanded.
Waves of apprehension washed over Augusta. The very thing she had tried to avoid—scandal—was now attached to her name. Her stomach recoiled.
“Lord and Lady Claremont.” Mr. Prendergast chivalrously placed himself between her, her parents and their hosts, shielding her from scrutiny. “Lord and Lady Steere. I can explain.”
“Mama!” Delphi shouted, waving. “It is all perfectly fine. I am here... on the settee.”
Delphi’s presence could not deflect from the fact that they had been caught kissing in Lord Claremont’s library. Panic rioted within Augusta.
“Delphi?” Mama rushed to her daughter, her skirts swishing across the floor in her haste. “Boothe saw you being carried into this room and went in search of us, quite beside himself, I might add. What has happened? And what are you drinking?”
“Whisky,” Delphi said, gripping her tumbler.
“A medicinal brew,” Augusta said, speaking for the first time. There was nothing to be done but tell the truth. Mama needed to know what had happened. “In this instance, Lord Boothe is correct. Delphi got the vapors and Mr. Prendergast carried her into this room so that we could attend her without causing a scene.”
“People saw him.” Lord Claremont’s mighty voice boomed. “Your efforts were for naught if you were trying to avoid a scene.”
“The entire ballroom is talking of little else.” Lady Claremont harrumphed. “And I, for one, have seen enough.”
“I agree with my wife.” Claremont said gruffly. “I would demand satisfaction, if I were you, Steere.”
“All is well, Lord Claremont. Everything is perfectly right, I assure you.” Delphi set the whisky on the tabletop, then, with Mama’s help, rose to her feet. “I am sorry for disrupting your ball. Truly, I am. It was not my wish to swoon or cause a scene. I am better now, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Prendergast. And it gives me great joy to announce that I have just witnessed Mr. Prendergast’s proposal.”
“Proposal?”
“Yes, Papa.” Anything was better than allowing Mr. Prendergast to be accused of impropriety. Surely, the gentleman would agree that his reputation was in jeopardy. She had to protect him, especially after she had initiated the kiss, even if Delphi had dared her to commit such a scandalous act. If the situation was too abhorrent for Mr. Prendergast, the arrangement could be ended at a later date. Though the thought of doing so filled her with regret, Mr. Prendergast was the man from the park and his name was on Papa’s list of would-be suitors. She reached for Mr. Prendergast’s hand, posing a united front. “And I have accepted.”
Predictably, Mr. Prendergast’s speechless surprise changed to cool acceptance. “The pleasure is mine.”
“That is what disturbs me. But as I can see, you were not alone unduly chaperoned.” Claremont pointed to Delphi, who smiled like the cat got the cream. “I will share the good news, Steere. Let us pray it keeps the vultures at bay, this time.”
Without further ado, Lady Claremont stomped out of the room.
“I am indebted to you, Claremont.” Papa bowed stoically. Claremont acknowledged him, then followed his wife out of the room. “You have no choice but to marry my daughter now, Prendergast,” Papa said. “The whole of London will know about this by tomorrow.”
Mr. Prendergast nodded stiffly. “I do not run in the same circles, of course, my lord, but will appreciate any help in this matter.”
The door opened again as if it spun on wheels. Lottie and Grey ambled in, deftly closing themselves in.
“Is it true? Are you engaged?” Lottie asked, rushing forward with open arms. “When Lady Claremont told me, I simply had to come congratulate you.”
Augusta grimaced. “Well, yes, but Delphi—”
“Good heavens!” Lottie abandoned her to envelop Delphi in her arms. “I heard that you fainted. Do you need to sit down?” She looked to her aunt. “Is she unwell?”
“Delphi’s swoon,” Grey said, “is the talk of the ballroom. I’m afraid to say some are even suggesting that Prendergast took advantage.”
“That is a lie!” Delphi cried as Lottie and their mother ushered her back to the settee. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
“Delphi.” Augusta struggled to dispel the delicious shivers continuously sweeping over her. She had kissed him. The act mixing terror and delight into a cocktail of passion and pleasure she fought to ignore. Her heart thumped erratically, and she wondered if Mr. Prendergast was affected too. She’d never experienced such a galvanizing tremor that left her dazed and dizzy, breathless and beguiled. “The sad truth is nothing we do or say will change anyone’s minds. But there is one thing you can be sure of. Mr. Prendergast is a gentleman.”
“For that I am grateful,” Papa said. “The two of you will be married quickly. But there will be no hope for Delphi after this. I must send her away.”
“Where?” Augusta asked nearly strangling on the word.
“Far from here.”
“I shall visit my aunt,” Delphi bravely told Lottie. “I very recently heard the sea air would do my condition good.”
Augusta shot her betrothed a worried frown. She was grateful for his suggestion of a seaside convalescence, which would most assuredly do her sister good. But could they endure the separation? And would Delphi’s quick-witted plan to announce their engagement ruin any affections of the heart Mr. Prendergast might have developed for Augusta?