Banished to Brighton by Sydney Jane Baily

Chapter Eleven

“Miss Talbot, you arean absolute vision of loveliness and have obviously recovered to splendid good health from your earlier ordeal.”

Lord Dodd had come upon them and spoke without first acknowledging James, which immediately put his back up. Plus, the man’s words were overly flowery, even oily, smacking of insincerity if he ever heard it.

“Yes, my lord, I am well,” Miss Talbot replied, seeming to welcome Dodd’s intrusion. “Thanks to my friend, Lord Hargrove.”

Her friend? Is that what they were?He supposed she was correct. They enjoyed a temporary friendship secured by Prinny until Aberavon arrived to claim her, or James left.

At last, Dodd’s attention took him in. “You were there at the beach, too, weren’t you?”

James rolled his eyes. The man very well knew he’d been there. What’s more, he could tell Dodd was sizing him up as a rival. Letting him think James was interested in her might provide Miss Talbot with a measure of safety from other bucks. On the other hand, when her fiancé turned up and people assumed she had been free with her favors, her reputation might suffer. Thus, he decided to warn the man off.

“In the absence of Miss Talbot’s fiancé, I am happy to provide her with my protection, be it at the beach or here at the theatre.”

Dodd blinked, taking in James’s meaning.

“I see. How magnanimous of you to look after another man’s lady,” Dodd said.

“Lord Hargrove has been most helpful,” Miss Talbot agreed, making James feel like a spinster chaperone.

“Where is the fortunate fiancé?” Dodd asked, and James wished he would take himself off somewhere, like into a deep well. He’d been enjoying his private time with her more than he cared to admit.

“Lord Aberavon shall reach Brighton sometime soon, I am sure,” she said, sounding unconcerned. “Are you enjoying the performance?”

“Very much so. And you?”

“It is delightful,” she said enthusiastically. “Are you here alone? Where are you seated?”

To James’s horror, when Miss Talbot found out Lord Dodd was by himself, she invited him to join them for the remainder of the play.

“After all, there are empty seats in our box. I don’t think anyone would mind if you switched your location.”

James most certainly minded!After the past couple of days, he had thought she held him in a higher regard than merely any old nob. Yet it seemed she didn’t mind the company of mangy, too-smooth Dodd.

“It would be my pleasure, Miss Talbot,” Dodd said, as James knew he would. The theatre manager rang a bell, and people began to shuffle back into the auditorium.

To James’s surprise, the interloper offered her his arm.

To his greater surprise, she took it.

“Let’s go,” she said, looking absolutely cheerful, even when Dodd shot James a vexing grin over his shoulder.

Suddenly, James wished they were seeing Hamlet. Then when the lights went down, if he timed it correctly, when he strangled Dodd no one would hear his cries blended with those of the actors. Pity!

***

GLYNNIS COULDN’T BELIEVEher good fortune. First, she was escorted by Hargrove, making for a tingly and pleasant evening, and then Lord Dodd, a potential suitor, joined them.

Moreover, his presence seemed to bother Hargrove, making her wonder if that avenue to marriage was still open to her. Brighton was suddenly treating her well.

The remaining two acts were as good as the first, and she hadn’t laughed so much in a long time. Terror over one’s future tended to make one less inclined to frivolity and laughter. And having a handsome man on either side of her only increased her pleasure.

“Gentlemen, that was wonderful,” she said, rising to her feet after the actors last bow and the applause was dying out. “I wish it hadn’t ended so soon.”

“The evening doesn’t have to come to an end,” Lord Dodd said. “There must be some place we can go.”

“I wish you’d go to...”

Glynnis was certain Hargrove was muttering something rude.

“Lord Hargrove and I were going to take a late supper.”

“Where could you possibly go?” Lord Dodd asked, looking perplexed. “With the fairer sex involved, options are limited to the hotel dining rooms or the public houses. None of the other restaurants will allow you entrance.”

Glynnis looked at Hargrove. What was his intent?

“The Old Ship dining room,” he proposed.

She wished it wasn’t so easy for him to put it on her account.

“Perhaps the Castle Hotel?” she suggested.

“Nonsense,” Lord Dodd said before Hargrove could respond. “We shall go to my house. It’s on the Steyne.”

Was it Glynnis’s imagination or was Lord Dodd puffing up his chest like a stuffed partridge? It was sweet he wanted to impress her, even humorous, but Hargrove didn’t look amused.

“We wouldn’t want to intrude on short notice,” Hargrove began, appearing all mulish and frowning.

“It’s the least I can do,” Lord Dodd insisted, “after you allowed me to join you in your box.” He spread his hands in supplication. “I was going to eat anyway.”

“But three instead of one,” Hargrove pointed out. “That can put a cook in a very bad humor. Besides, it is not in the lady’s best interest to be alone with two men in private should it be discovered.”

Glynnis pursed her lips. He was determined to ruin this, and yet she was even more resolute in her wish to go to Lord Dodd’s home. He was a perfect catch from what she knew. Granted, that was very little, but he was good-looking and well-spoken, and with a rented house on the Steyne, he had enough money to make her happy.

Or at least he might be able to remove that persistent nagging fear of insecurity she’d had since about the age of seven when she’d overheard her parents fretting over funds.

Before she could attempt to overthrow Hargrove’s reservations, Lord Dodd smiled and fixed everything.

“It will be four instead of two actually. My aunt is staying with me, enjoying the sea air. She’ll enjoy having your company and will make the perfect chaperone. What’s more, I have an excellent cook and can guarantee it will be a better meal than at a hotel.”

With that settled, they began the short walk to the Steyne.

“Why didn’t your aunt accompany you to the theatre?” Hargrove wanted to know, still sounding testy.

“She has only recently arrived. The journey from London left her spent.”

Glynnis pictured an elderly aunt sitting by the fire in Lord Dodd’s drawing room, her feet on an ottoman and a glass of sherry in her hand.

“I look forward to meeting her.”

However, a few minutes later when they entered the drawing room of his three-story home, the satin-clad woman who was stretched out on the sofa with her stockinged feet dangling over the arm at one end was anything but elderly.

“The aunt” was probably about the same age as Hargrove and Lord Dodd. Looking up with a wolfish smile at seeing company, the woman lowered her newspaper. Moreover, she didn’t stand or even have the sense to look discomfited when being caught in a state of deshabille.

Glynnis glanced uncertainly toward Lord Dodd.

“There you are Isabelle,” he greeted, as if he’d misplaced her. “These are my new friends. They’ve come to dine with us.”

With her glittering glance taking them both in, the woman slowly swung her legs to the floor.

“I’m thrilled we have company,” she said. Her tone was welcoming, yet her gaze swiftly passed over Glynnis to rest upon Hargrove. Who could blame her?

Then the so-called Isabelle held out her hand to Lord Dodd, who took it and drew her to her feet.

“Introduce them to me, Hugh,” she said softly.

“This is Miss Talbot and that is Lord Hargrove.”

“I don’t believe I’ve met you before,” she said to Hargrove. “Either of you,” she amended, glancing again at Glynnis.

“No,” Hargrove agreed. “I would have remembered.”

Glynnis didn’t like the way Isabelle and Hargrove were taking one another’s measure.

“Were you in London of late?” Glynnis asked her.

“Not recently,” she said, and nothing else, keeping her attention on the viscount.

“I hope we are not intruding,” he said.

“No, of course not. As I said, I’m thrilled.” With that, she let go her hold on Lord Dodd and moved directly to Hargrove, wrapped her arm around his and said, “I believe the meal is ready to be served. Let’s forgo wine here and have it with our dinner.”

And then with her free hand, she gestured for him to escort her.

Glynnis couldn’t help but notice how Isabelle pressed her bosom against Hargrove’s forearm. Then Lord Dodd took her arm.

“I knew she would be pleased,” he said.

“Your aunt?” Glynnis queried, unable to help from sounding doubtful when trailing behind the swaying backside of the full-figured blonde woman.

“By marriage,” he explained. “We don’t share a drop of blood. It’s a long story. Difficult to believe I am her nephew. Wot-wot.”

“Yes,” Glynnis agreed. “Difficult indeed.” Thinking it rude to pry too far, she asked no more than, “What is her surname? Perhaps I know her family.”

“Montrose,” he said without hesitation. “Quite a few of her family about.”

Glynnis nodded although she didn’t know any of the woman’s family. They took their seats at a long table, laid for four.

“I keep it ready for company,” Lord Dodd explained, glancing at Isabelle.

She smiled. “And a good thing, too,” the woman said. “One never knows when one will be fortunate enough to have company.”

They were an amiable pair. After the gentlemen had drawn out the chairs for the ladies, Lord Dodd took one end and Isabelle the other, while Glynnis was seated across from Hargrove. She’d hoped to flirt all night with Lord Dodd and perhaps secure an invitation for a walk or a ride on the morrow. Seeing his home, albeit a rented one, she was still impressed, and so far, nothing gave her pause except his “aunt” staying with him.

“Disappointing about the prince’s assembly tonight at the Castle,” Isabelle said while they all received a glass of wine.

“Would you have felt up to it after your long journey?” Hargrove asked.

“Of course, why not?” She smiled at him.

“I only ask because you were not at the theatre tonight. Lord Dodd indicated you were weary from your travels.”

“Pish,” Isabelle said. “It was nice to stretch out, certainly. But mostly I don’t care for silly theatre. If it had been something with gravitas, like...,” she trailed off, considering.

“Like Hamlet,” Glynnis supplied, and shared a smile with Hargrove.

“Yes, exactly,” Isabelle agreed. “Only a simpleton could find that froth by Congreve to be amusing.”

Glynnis recalled how much she’d enjoyed it, glancing warily at Hargrove in case he agreed with Isabelle’s opinion.

Reassuringly, he winked at her. “I thought Love for Love to be not only charming,” he declared, “but also witty.” Then he smiled, entirely unbothered by what Lord Dodd’s aunt thought.

“Never say it,” Isabelle said. Then leaning far over to rest her hand upon Hargrove’s in a gesture of familiarity, she laughed. Her large breasts jiggled, and her nipples were plainly outlined under the filmy material of her bodice.

Both men’s eyes were fixed upon them. It was a good thing the woman hadn’t been at the theatre, Glynnis thought. If she laughed in such a fashion, the male audience would have been too distracted to watch the actors.

“I thought it very amusing,” Glynnis put forth bravely. “Not Shakespeare, to be sure, but with the sailors involved, it seemed a fitting comedy for Brighton. Will there be fresh fish?” she asked Lord Dodd, deciding to change the subject.

“Yes,” he replied. “One of the kitchen staff goes to the beach and meets the boats most every morning.”

“Fish!” Isabelle said. “Is that our next topic?” She laughed again, and Glynnis thought her rude.

“Very well, Miss Montrose. What topic will you put forth?”

“Call me Isabelle,” she said, a glint in her eyes, “and I shall call you...?”

“Miss Talbot,” Glynnis reminded her, with no compunction to become any less formal.

Hargrove’s eyes widened slightly at the snub, but Isabelle only smiled.

“A proper, starched miss,” she remarked. “I see how it is. That’s all right. And what about you, Lord Hargrove? Are you mired in social etiquette and hamstrung by propriety?”

“Not at all,” he said, his gaze drinking in the woman as if she were fine wine, and Glynnis wanted to kick him under the table if she could only reach. “You may call me James, if you wish.”

“I do wish,” Isabelle declared.

Glynnis knew she’d lost that battle, seeing as how Hargrove had not yet given her leave to call him by his first name. And now she wouldn’t even if he did!

“As for a topic, let’s discuss the Prince Regent and what you’ve already seen of him,” Isabelle suggested, directing her questions to Hargrove as if Glynnis hadn’t been keeping close company with Prince George, too.

Regardless, she was only too happy when Lord Dodd engaged her in a separate conversation, asking after her family in a friendly way. And in return, Glynnis found out more about his residence in London near Hyde Park.

“And do you always rent this house when you come to Brighton?” she asked.

Isabelle overheard. “I suggested Hugh would like it. I’ve stayed here before.”

Glynnis bet she’d stayed many places, but she merely nodded politely.

“And I was right. He finds it to be absolutely perfect, don’t you, Hugh?”

Lord Dodd allowed as he did. Glynnis wasn’t sure she could marry him knowing he was related to this flash female. What kind of man let his aunt rule his dining table and pick out his residence?

On the other hand, Lord Dodd’s cook put out a fine dinner from the pottage to the pudding course. And Glynnis was content by the time they returned to the drawing room. She dearly hoped Isabelle wasn’t going to put her feet up again, and then realized the woman had dined without shoes.

If it weren’t that she was waiting for some sort of sign of admiration from Lord Dodd, Glynnis would be ready to leave at once, eager to converse with Hargrove over what he truly thought of the outrageous Isabelle Montrose.

She decided on ratafia when asked, while Isabelle asked for brandy like the gentlemen, and then they played whist. Lord Dodd insisted on partnering with Glynnis, which she thought a good sign, particularly when he praised her when she won the first trick. Unfortunately, they ended up losing to Hargrove and Isabelle.

Finally, when they were all taking turns yawning, Glynnis looked bleary-eyed at Hargrove and he said they were going to take their leave. She thought it a good time and hoped at their next meeting, she could decide whether Lord Dodd was someone by whom she would like to be compromised, and then marry. Moreover, was he the type of man who would step up if pressed?

Perhaps she ought to try harder with his aunt, who might be a wealth of information as to Lord Dodd’s character and his preparedness to take a wife.

“Will you be at the Castle Hotel assembly tomorrow evening?” she asked Isabelle.

“If Prinny doesn’t call it off again, then yes.”

“May I escort you to the assembly, Miss Talbot?” Lord Dodd spoke up, catching Glynnis off-guard.

Without thinking, she glanced at Hargrove. For a moment, she wished he would claim that privilege for himself. However, he did little more than shrug. It wasn’t his place to grant his permission, nor was she asking for it.

“I would welcome such an occurrence, my lord.”

“Although,” Lord Dodd added, “I cannot imagine how you will possibly look as beautiful as tonight.”

Luckily, Glynnis still had a few splendid evening gowns to carry her through.

“I’m sure Miss Talbot will be as perfect as tonight,” Isabelle remarked, and Glynnis thought there was the smallest hint of tartness to her tone.

“And who shall escort you?” Hargrove asked her.

“Why, James, how sweet of you to wonder. I expect I will simply cross the street by myself. It’s only a stone’s throw, after all.”

There was a moment’s thick silence, and Glynnis was certain she and Isabelle and even Lord Dodd were waiting for Hargrove to offer to accompany her. He didn’t, nor did he look the least bit uncomfortable.

In another few minutes, Glynnis had her hand tucked into the crook of Hargrove’s arm as they strolled the Steyne back down to the oceanfront, and she had to ask the first question on her mind.

“Why didn’t you offer to escort Lord Dodd’s aunt—?”

“Aunt by marriage,” Hargrove interrupted.

“That signifies nothing,” she said. “Wouldn’t it have been the gentlemanly thing to do?”

“She’s an odd gander, that one,” he said, and Glynnis instantly relaxed. She wished it wouldn’t have bothered her if Hargrove had been complimentary over the lady, but it would have.

“I thought so, too. And she ate dinner without her shoes.”

He laughed. “I suppose she felt comfortable in her own home.”

“But it’s not. It’s Lord Dodd’s.”

“And he’s an odd goose, too.”

Glynnis was taken aback. “Whatever do you mean? He seems perfectly normal. Keeping a well-run household.”

“Staying with a woman who is not really his aunt, but passing her off as such. Why?”

“What are you suggesting?”

He laughed. “I don’t wish to shock you. What did she call you? A proper, starched miss.” And then he laughed some more.

“I am not,” she protested.

“Oh, I know that,” Hargrove said too quickly. “Only too well.”

She would have to let that go for now — mostly because whatever he thought she’d been doing in London, he would be correct.

“What are you insinuating about Lord Dodd?”

“I doubt he behaves as if he’s her nephew, and I’ll leave it at that.”

If Hargrove was saying what she thought he was, then...

“Why would he offer to escort me to the Castle Hotel tomorrow night, and in front of Isabelle?”

Hargrove held the door to the Old Ship open and ushered her inside.

“For appearances, perhaps?”

“Are you implying you don’t think he can actually be attracted to me?” Without thinking, she nodded to the night manager and climbed the stairs, assuming Hargrove would see her to her door.

“Of course he is! Any man with eyes is attracted to you,” he said to her back, ascending close behind her.

Glynnis smiled. How wonderful to hear him say such a thing!

Then he added, “But any man with an ounce of sense will fight that attraction.”

She grimaced, which he also couldn’t see.

“Anyway, whether Dodd is attracted to you or not should be irrelevant. After all you’re engaged. The question is, why did you accept his invitation?”

She hesitated, and they’d reached her door. Facing him, she leaned her back against it.

“I accepted because it seemed polite. He’d invited us to dinner and we all got along well. Lord Dodd knows I’m engaged, so he must have offered to escort me simply to be friendly.”

“Perhaps to take the burden from me,” Hargrove added, leaning an arm on the door frame beside her head.

“The burden?” Glynnis wanted to clobber him again. “How rude! May I remind you that you were the one who invited me to the theatre tonight?”

“Yes, I did, and I enjoyed myself.”

She had a notion they could enjoy themselves quite a bit more if he weren’t so wary of her. She sighed, and his glance fell to her rising and falling chest, before raising again to her face.

“As did I,” she confessed. “I never considered I was a burden to you.”

His gaze held hers. She thought he had something more to say, but he remained silent. Then this handsome man, tall as a tree, with shoulders that made her feel small and protected, this viscount who smelled like fresh laundered linen hanging outside on a sunny day, this nobleman with his perfectly tied cravat leaned toward her.