The Best-Laid Plans Read online

  “Do not remind me. It seems I can’t escape that man.”

  They had reached the front entryway, where Artemis’s brother was waiting, his wife at his side. “Am I the one you’re so upset you can’t escape? If you would prefer, I could send you back to Falstone Castle, then it would be our brother-in-law you could not escape.”

  Artemis quite dramatically made a show of being horrified at the possibility. Mr. Lancaster laughed. Mrs. Lancaster smiled at their antics.

  The tone amongst them remained light and teasing all the way to the Beauford Square. Ellie hadn’t the first idea how they were meant to find the Hugheses in the large theater, but her companions did not seem to be suffering under the weight of the same ignorance. They moved through the crowd of theatergoers without hesitation or uncertainty and were soon in the company of the very people they were looking for.

  Their welcome was that of dear friends reunited. Even Ellie, who had met the Hugheses only briefly at a ball, was received with warmth.

  Newton always looked handsome, but he was dressed particularly well this evening, and his smile was warm and personal. The seven of them stood in a friendly, intimate clump.

  After a moment, Mrs. Carter passed and offered her greetings to Mrs. Hughes.

  Mr. Hughes spoke first. “Mrs. Carter, are you acquainted with the Lancasters and Miss Ellie Napper?”

  Mrs. Carter nodded slowly, her gaze narrowing with curiosity. “We hail from near the same village. I heard you had become acquainted with Miss Ellie.”

  The Hugheses exchanged looks of confusion before returning their gaze to Mrs. Carter.

  “She is a friend of the family,” Mrs. Hughes said. “Why do you assume our acquaintance is of short duration?”

  Oh, they were adept at this dance. With that simple question, Mrs. Hughes had undermined the rumor and put one who had been embracing it on the defensive. And she had managed it without being rude or unkind.

  “Forgive me,” Mrs. Carter said. “I had not realized the connection was of long standing.” She turned and looked at Ellie. “A pleasure to see you again.”

  Ellie dipped a curtsy. “And I you.”

  The same thing repeated a few times. Sometimes the Hugheses took the lead, sometimes the Lancasters. The encounters played out in different ways, but the point was always the same. It would not take long for the whispers in Society to shift. The next day, ladies would be talking over their teacups, not about poor put-upon Newton Hughes being so mercilessly tricked by a presumptuous mushroom, but about how the gullible among Society had actually believed those rumors, conveniently ignoring the fact that most of those doing the whispering had believed the gossip themselves.

  The group was still surrounded by friends, acquaintances, and the curious when Lillian had the audacity to thrust her company upon them all.

  She looked at Ellie with what could only be described as pity. “Mother and Father were worried you would be here,” she said, doing a remarkable job of making herself seem as though she actually cared about her sister. “I promised them I would come see if you were in attendance and attempt to extract you from this unfortunate plot of yours.”

  “And what plot would that be?” Artemis asked.

  Lillian pressed a hand to her heart. “You cannot be ignorant of Elfrida’s plan to ensnare Mr. Hughes. I only wish I had realized it sooner.”

  “I fear you will have to be more specific.” Artemis was not giving an inch.

  “I cannot bear the thought of her playing Mr. Hughes such a dirty trick. He’s a good, kind, and caring gentleman. He ought not be treated this way.”

  “Are you suggesting my son is a dunderhead?” Mrs. Hughes asked, her tone both icy and challenging.

  “Oh, heavens, no.” Lillian didn’t pause for even the length of a breath.

  “Then what is it you are implying?”

  Lillian eyed all the gathering, clearly determining whether or not she had an attentive audience. “Ellie has designs on your son. She has been pushing her company on him, forcing a connection that does not exist.”

  “Whatever do you mean?” Mrs. Hughes asked. “A connection certainly does exist. Indeed, I have been telling these good people, ‘Look how good of a dear friend she has been to our family.’”

  They were wielding their shields, but was it working?

  Lillian turned to Ellie once more. “Why are you keeping silent while they say these things? You know it is not true. Surely, they know it isn’t.”

  The shields were proving insufficient. The time had come to return fire. “Step carefully, dearest sister. You are tiptoeing terribly close to calling Mrs. Hughes a liar.”

  For the first time, Lillian showed a little hesitancy. “I am certain she realizes that was not my intent.”

  Mrs. Hughes stood in firm silence.

  Mr. Hughes spoke on her behalf. “I confess, I began to worry myself that you were about to make that precise accusation, Miss Napper.”

  Lillian’s eyes pulled wide, clearly uncertain what to do next.

  “I would like to add,” Artemis said, “you know I am privy to a tidbit about your behavior toward Mr. Newton Hughes that I am absolutely certain you wouldn’t want to be generally known. Unlike the rumors and whispers you have been instrumental in spreading, my information is entirely true. Proceed with caution, for my reach is far greater than yours.” Artemis spoke that last sentence chillingly, with an authority that could not be questioned.

  Lillian slipped away, swiftly and without her usual grace. Ellie, though grateful her name was beginning to be cleared, did not for a moment believe she had endured her final reckoning with her sister. When her sojourn in Bath was over, she would return to Shropshire. To her family home.

  To her vindictive, angry sister.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Newton was beginning to breathe more easily. A week had passed since Lillian’s rumors had made their debut. A week in which Artemis, her family, Ellie, Newton, and his parents had been hard at work countering the whispers. Artemis had predicted a fortnight would be required to manage their ends. She had overestimated. Ellie was already being warmly received by all of Bath’s hostesses. Newton had, himself, heard her referred to as “a friend of the Hugheses.”

  She was well received, well-liked, and welcomed. Newton’s parents had even warmed to her, something he’d not have thought possible a month ago. They would not be overjoyed or even vaguely approving of the idea of a match between himself and Ellie, but he found more and more that he would not dislike such a match. Not in the least.

  How easily he could imagine himself sitting down with her after a day spent studying the law and telling her what he’d learned. He knew enough of her clever mind to be certain they would never struggle for conversation, even on topics unfamiliar to one or both of them. With the large selection of bookstores in London at her disposal, Ellie would enjoy devouring literature and academic texts. And being in London, she would have the company of Artemis and the Huntresses. She would be able to participate in the Season. She would be away from her family and away from her sister.

  Life would change so quickly for her and so entirely. He knew he hadn’t any real right to place himself in the future he hoped she dreamed of, but he wanted to believe there was a chance he was part of that already.

  They had first met as part of a ruse. From that bit of deception had grown a friendship as real as any he had experienced. And from that friendship had come love. Though it had taken him a while to admit it to himself, he loved her. He could not imagine not having her in his life.

  He did not consider himself a coward, but he was struggling to summon courage enough to go to the Lancasters’ home to tell her how he felt, tell her of his wishes and dreams. How often those in new or uncertain relationships were lectured for not simply “telling the other person how you feel” or “just talking more.” It wa
s easy to offer that kind of advice when someone else’s happiness was at risk. Relationships always seemed simple when viewed from the outside.

  The door to the book room, where he had been sitting while his thoughts spun in endless circles, opened, and the butler appeared in the doorway. “Your presence has been requested in the drawing room.”

  Newton dipped his head in acknowledgment. “I will be there directly.”

  He welcomed the distraction. He’d come to no useful conclusions about how to proceed with his newly identified feelings for Ellie. A change of scenery and company other than his own would do him good.

  He made his way to the drawing room, unsure who was calling but not particularly worried. The distraction would be welcome no matter who provided it. Inside, conversing with his parents, was a gentleman he recognized immediately due to a striking family resemblance. This was one of Charlie’s brothers. Jason, if he was not mistaken. Jason, the one he had sent a message to in London. The barrister.

  “Mr. Jonquil,” Newton said, holding out his hand. “A pleasure to see you.”

  Jason had risen and shook Newton’s hand. “And you.”

  They were quickly situated. Jason, true to character, spoke without awkwardness or pretense. “I was most intrigued by your letter,” he said to Newton. “I, of course, am quite partial to the law myself and will always encourage any gentleman of sense, determination, and integrity to pursue that occupation if he is able. Your letter showed you have given the matter great thought, which bodes well. Too many gentlemen take up the law simply because they need a profession and don’t care for the dangers of the army or the boredom of the church. I’m always pleased to hear it has been chosen because it is preferred rather than because it is what is left.”

  Father and Mother were both watching Newton with curiosity.

  “You wrote to Mr. Jonquil of your ambitions?” Father asked.

  Newton nodded. “I felt he could provide me with the best understanding of what the pursuit involves and the type of gentlemen I’m likely to interact with, as well as what will be expected of me while I pursue that goal.”

  Mother shook her head the tiniest bit, an affectation she employed when baffled by something. “You have spoken of pursuing the law, but I had not realized you were so determined to do so. I suppose I had always assumed it was more of an idle curiosity.”

  How could his parents possibly think that? He’d spoken of it for several years, with increasing focus and emphasis over the last six months. Just since being here in Bath, he had discussed the idea with them more and more. Of course, until recently, he had tended to back down from disagreements with his parents. Ellie’s bravery had taught him the value of being firm in his own defense. Artemis’s tutoring had taught him how.

  “I assure you it is anything but an idle curiosity,” he said. “I fully intend to pursue this, and I mean to do so in as logical and intelligent a manner as possible. Charlie has always spoken highly of his brother Jason, and no member of his family has ever seemed the least ashamed of having a barrister among them.”

  Jason, who had been watching this exchange with the focus and intrigue of a man with a natural inclination toward analysis, reentered the conversation. “Your son did express in his letter your concerns with this profession. I can tell he does not wish to bring any sort of dishonor on your family, nor does he want to cause you pain. His thoughtfulness impressed me. Many gentlemen from remarkable families populate my profession. It is not looked down on. It does not prevent any of us from receiving social invitations or from being part of Society. When my children are of age, they will not be prevented from making their bows. If Newton chooses to pursue this, you will suffer no disgrace. Assuming, of course, he conducts himself in matters of the law with integrity and honesty.”

  Mother ruffled up a bit. “Of course he would. Our Newton has an unwavering sense of integrity.”

  Jason sat in calm stillness, but Newton had known Charlie too long to not recognize the twinkle in those Jonquil eyes. The brothers were different from each other in many ways, but they were so alike in so many others. Jason had known that casting the tiniest bit of a cloud over the question of Newton’s moral fitness for pursuing this profession would bring his parents to his defense faster than trying to drag them there with arguments in favor of the profession.

  Jason turned his attention to Newton. “Do you know which Inn of Court you wish to attach yourself to for your studies?”

  Newton kept his expression as neutral as Jason did, participating in the discussion as if it were academic and not fraught with pitfalls. Jason himself, after all, was attached to an Inn of Court professionally as a working barrister. To name any one other than his would be something of an insult. Fortunately for Newton, Jason belong to Lincoln’s Inn, which was the one he most wished to be connected to. “My highest aspirations are for Lincoln’s, of course. But I do not know if I’ll be so fortunate as to find someone who will speak for me when I apply there.”

  “I am not my oldest brother,” Jason said. “You needn’t undertake a verbal sparring match to gain my approval or keep my interest. Lincoln’s Inn is a fine place to begin your education. And I would be happy to stand as your champion there.”

  Newton maintained his composure, limiting himself to words of gratitude. He could tell by his parents’ expressions that they did not fully understand the enormity of what had just occurred. He had, with a single letter and a single conversation, secured himself the recommendation he needed to begin his studies, something many gentlemen struggled to obtain. It was the first of several steps placing him on the path toward the future he wished for.

  Jason continued with as much directness as ever. “The matter of your education will take two or three years, depending on how quickly you take in the information you need and how much time you spend in this pursuit. During those years, you will not be able to undertake any other sort of profession in order to obtain funds to live on. I do not imagine that will be an issue, considering your family’s financial stability. However, I feel it prudent to at least mention that particular difficulty in case there are extenuating circumstance of which I am unaware.”

  This time, it was Father who spoke in his defense. “Our estate is quite profitable, and all of my children are provided for generously from that estate. Newton would have ample to live on without any profession, including the law. He could most certainly support himself while studying whatever he wished.”

  Again, Jason dipped his head and maintained a neutral expression anyone truly acquainted with his family would be able to easily see through. “While I realize your family has a residence in Town, it has been judged best by a majority of those studying at the Inns of Court to reside in close proximity to their selected Inn. Many newly arrived gentlemen obtain lodging together, allowing for comradery between them and opportunities for discussing what they have learned and studied. For some, it is also a means of stretching their lean incomes. You will not need a vast deal of room, as you will not have time for entertaining callers. You will spend countless long nights reviewing topics you have learned about in lecture and whilst listening to discussions amongst the professionals at the Inn of Court.”

  “I understand,” Newton said.

  “And while the vast majority of those undertaking a legal education are single gentlemen in no hurry to find themselves attached or married, it does happen on occasion that a gentleman’s romantic pursuits overlap with his professional ones. That, I will warn you, would complicate things. You will not have a great deal of time, and any young lady you wish to court would likely feel neglected by that.”

  Mother waved that off. “He does not have an understanding with anyone. He is quite unattached.”

  Jason eyed Newton a little sidelong. He did not, however, say more on that matter. What had Charlie said to him? What did Charlie think he knew? Newton had only recently acknowledged to himself a
preference for Ellie’s company. At the time Charlie left, Newton had not truly understood the depths of those feelings himself.

  Newton thought it best to change the topic. “We mean to remain here in Bath another fortnight. If I hie myself directly to London afterward, would that timing allow me to begin my studies forthwith?”

  Jason nodded. “Simply call on me at my office. I will see to it you can begin immediately.”

  “I cannot thank you enough. This is something I’ve dreamed of but did not know how to make happen.”

  Jason smiled, something Charlie insisted he didn’t use to do often. “I had help and encouragement when I began my pursuit. I’m happy to do the same for someone else.”

  They all remained and chatted amicably for a little bit longer before Jason declared that he needed to be on his way, as he was expected back in London in a couple of days’ time. He had, then, made the trip from Town specifically for this discussion. He might just as easily have sent a letter. That, Newton had no doubt, was Charlie’s doing.

  After their guest left, Mother and Father wasted no time speaking of the visit. They declared it remarkable that Jason had made the trip specifically for a visit to this house. They discussed in tones far more approving than they had before Newton’s wish to study the law. He did not doubt they were still not entirely enthusiastic about the idea of one of their children in a professional pursuit, but they had warmed to the idea enough that he could, with confidence in their support, pursue it.

  He wished he could speak to them of his thoughts about Ellie, but he could not clear his thoughts of Jason’s words of warning.

  He wanted to build a future with Ellie, but perhaps he’d best not do so until he could give her all of himself, not merely what he could manage outside of his studies. She deserved to be courted and loved, to have the full attention and time of the gentleman of her choosing. He would not be able to avoid a degree of neglect. He could not bear the thought of causing her pain by spending two or three years in such a state of distraction.