Part 39 (1/2)
Doubtless he planned it that way and probably has a disgusting perversion for exposing himself with any unfortunate female he tricks. There are many who have taken a disgust of Brentmoor, but they hesitate to publicly denounce him because they do not wish to be involved.
However, as my mother said, anyone with a conscience will lend support to a cause when someone, particularly a mistreated lady, is maligned. In order to clear Lady A's name, it will be necessary to gather as many gentlemen and ladies who are willing to support her and her family. I cannot a.s.sure you that the plan to restore her reputation will work, but I do believe it is worth the effort. Bellingham is standing at the ready. His influence will make an enormous difference. Send word when you intend to travel to London.
P.S. For what it is worth, my mother suggests marriage to a wealthy and t.i.tled gentleman would do the trick, but you know females always think marriage is the answer to all of life's problems.
Colin blew out his breath. Now he knew it was worse than he'd expected, but he was determined to vindicate her honor and see Brentmoor brought to his knees.
He opened the next letter, which was considerably shorter and to the point. Colin would have recognized Bellingham's style anywhere.
Colin, To put it bluntly, Brentmoor is no better than a sewer rat. It infuriates me to know that an innocent lady has been vilified by those who ought to know better. For now, it is necessary to concentrate on turning the tide for Lady A.
I wish to be there the day you blacken Brentmoor's eyes and break his nose. Harry has given me the particulars about how this happened. I am startled that Wycoff should fall for Brentmoor's lies, but I understand the fiend is like a charismatic snake and has fleeced more than one man out of his money with tales of his underserved misfortune at the hands of his sire. He has also demanded money from the fathers of ladies he's meddled with, and most have paid to keep him from ruining their daughter's reputations. I've investigated the man's activities and discovered he has more than a few victims. Clearly it is for the good of all society to expose this man for his evil schemes. You may count on my support. I a.s.sure you I have more than a few friends and acquaintances who will stand behind Lady A.
P.S. Laura suggests you marry the lady posthaste and says you will be much happier once you are a married man. Do forgive me for including her opinions, but she insisted. Laura is with child again and frankly not always rational. I have found it best just to agree.
Colin counted himself a lucky man to have loyal friends. He huffed remembering Angeline's horrified reaction to the story of how he and Harry met Bellingham. They'd had some amusing times at White's last spring.
A tap sounded at the door. Colin answered and was more than a little surprised to see his father. ”Come in.”
”Thank you. I see you've been reading your letters.”
”Did you need something, Father?”
”No, but I'm fairly certain your friends wrote to you with news about Brentmoor and advice about Lady Angeline.”
He sighed. ”Have a seat.”
”Your expression leads me to believe it's even worse than you thought.”
”Read the letters. You'll see the details. I warn you, it's bad.”
His father removed his spectacles from his inner coat pocket and read both letters without comment. ”It comes as no surprise that there have been other victims. Obviously, Brentmoor is adept at winning over the sympathies of others and then taking advantage at just the right moment.”
”He has to be stopped,” Colin said. ”No lady should be treated in such a revolting manner.”
”I agree,” the marquess said. ”When will you travel to London?”
”I'll stay until Wycoff and his family members depart.”
The marquess's brows rose. ”That is surprising. I thought this would be the perfect excuse for you to speed away and kick up your heels in London again. I was sure the lures of actresses, lightskirts, and gaming h.e.l.ls would tempt you.”
He smiled a little. ”I have my reasons for staying.”
”Angeline?” the marquess said.
”She lent her expertise and was supportive of my claim to Sommerall.”
”I see,” the marquess said. ”If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. Oh, and by the by, I could not help noticing the ladies advised you to marry Lady Angeline. I found it rather amusing, given that the pair of you have been at odds forever.”
He said nothing. If he married her, she would be able to attend some society entertainments, but it wasn't enough. Worse, she'd made it clear she didn't want to marry him. He meant to change her mind, but first she must take her rightful place as Lady Angeline and then G.o.d willing, she would consent to marry him and become Lady Ravens.h.i.+re. If he was really lucky, she would make frequent private appearances as a famous courtesan in the boudoir. The idea of marriage was becoming more enticing by the day.
”I'm sorry about Sommerall,” the marquess said. ”I've wracked my brains trying to figure out a way to refuse to sell it to Faraday, but I've yet to come up with an honorable solution.”
”Thank you for trying,” he said. ”I take the blame. I took Sommerall for granted. It might have been mine years ago if I'd made efforts to show I deserved it, but I didn't. It's a lesson I won't soon forget.”
The marquess opened the door and then looked back at him. ”Son, I'm proud of you.”
”Thank you, Father.”
”Carry on,” the marquess said, and closed the door.
Colin sighed. He would never be able to take possession of Sommerall now. In the light of day, the secret engagement seemed a rather cold business. At the time he'd suggested it, they had both been desperate enough to seize upon that witless plan. But he'd grown attached to Sommerall and was sorry his quest to possess the property hadn't worked out. He'd lost it forever, but he would carry the memory of making love to Angeline that stormy night for the rest of his life. She was an incredible woman, and he certainly wasn't going to let her get away. She had a big heart and a saucy retort always at the ready.
He wanted to clear her name completely and freely, but it seemed rather daunting. He had no illusions about the difficulties she faced, but he knew how much it would mean to her to attend her sister's debut. Perhaps at the very least, she could attend quietly with support from a handful of true friends.
She should be able to choose her spouse rather than have to settle for an arranged marriage, but it was complicated. He did not want to lose her, but he feared he might be too late. He might have to do something drastic, although he wasn't sure what that might be. Angeline deserved a proper wedding, and G.o.d knew he would be ready to settle down after he used his fists on Brentmoor.
Sunday morning Colin tugged on his cravat and ducked his head in his father's study. ”Oh, good, you're not working.”
”Is this another special occasion?” the marquess said. ”It's seven o'clock in the morning. I expected you to be in bed after a nightlong debauch.”
”Alas there is a dearth of debauches in the country, so I'll have to settle for church.”
”G.o.d save us.”
”May I come in?”
The marquess regarded him over his spectacles. ”Yes, of course. Be seated.”
Colin slouched in the cross-framed armchair. ”Is Margaret really that strict about the Sabbath?”
”Oh, yes. Now, I'll give you a tip about women since it appears your friends' mothers and wives are urging you to leap into matrimony. Never lie to a woman. They can sniff it at fifty paces.”
”So, did Margaret catch you not working?”
”I always knew you were clever. What is on your mind, son?”
He cleared his throat. ”Well, two things.”
”Start with one,” the marquess said.
”I was thinking of looking for a property in the neighborhood.”
The marquess put his hand behind his ear. ”Repeat that please before I fall off my chair.”
”You heard me. I wondered if you have any recommendations.”
The marquess set his pen aside and crossed his arms on the desk. ”Are you unwell?”
Colin laughed. ”No.”