Post by Meomi on May 7, 2012 18:06:18 GMT -7
A WICKED PROPOSITION
..::Chapter 3::..
Catherine: How do you just sit back and let him destroy you, Lilly?
Lilly: I refuse to allow my sister to become my husband's mistress, even to save us all from disaster! We must deal with our situation, Catherine. You chasing Iverleigh about to end his attachment to Mrs. Farrand would be disastrous.
Catherine: I can do this Lilly!
Lilly: You would do such a thing? You realize you will be ruined?
Catherine: I will do what needs to be done to get him to end this ridiculous plan to set you aside! If it means I must do more than flirt with the man, so be it!
Lilly: What has it come to, dear sister?
Catherine: I will steal Lord Iverleigh away from the widow, but I want something in exchange. I want our brother's inheritance restored and an adequate allowance for both, until they are grown. I also wish myself to be named their guardian when I am of age.
Lilly: That is all you want? Consider it done. My barrister Mister Threadwell will draw up the papers immediately. While I applaud your selflessness, you may rethink the matter when you are ruined. Can you do this for all of us, Catherine?
Catherine: After what I offer you, marriage is no longer an option. I will be content to know Jaime's inheritance is restored and your position is secure.
Lilly: You may wish to reconsider. Surely you will wish to have children one day? Consider it all, my dear.
Catherine: There is no reason to concern ourselves with my future.
Lilly: We must figure out how to present you to His Lordship. I must think on this. We must hide you. You cannot stay here. The Earl rarely comes here but it is the servants I worry about. They will no doubt inform him of your arrival. I know a woman who will give you pointers as to how you will get the Earl's attention. We will talk more when you have rested.
The Earl owned several buildings nearby. One had been converted into a series of rooms to rent. It was decided she would stay there for the time being.
Mister Treadwell arrived at her room that week. He had the papers prepared. All was in order in regard to the transfer of funds. The papers were in regard to the guardianship and her rights restored once she came of age. She was spared reading them and signed each paper dutifully, all the while feeling she sold her soul. It appeared unless her sister remained married to Lord Iverleigh, they were all doomed.
Clarice: She agreed to it? How did you manage it?
Lilly: She thinks I mean to restore my brother's inheritance, the little fool. She has agreed. That is all that matters. Gabriel would never force himself on any woman. He is too much of a gentleman for that.
Clarice: Lord Iverleigh may not want her.
Lilly: If you saw her you would agree. I know my hustband, Clarice. She will please him. You getting paid will depend upon him wanting her.
Clarice: Why must it be her, Lady Iverleigh? Any one of my girls could do what you ask of you sister.
Lilly: Let us just say that it satisfies me.
Clarice: Secrets are a part of my business, Lady Iverleigh. Your final payment will conclude our matter.
Lilly: You will give me the diary then?
Clarice: That was our agreement.
Lilly: I want no other men visiting my sister while she is there, Clarice.
Clarice: As you wish, Lady Iverleigh, it is your money.
Lilly: We will discuss what is to be done with her later.
Clarice: You will not send her home?
Lilly: I think we both know that is not an option. If all goes well, you can have her when I no longer require her.
Clarice: Very well Lady Iverleigh, I will begin your sister's lessons tomorrow.
Gabriel was paying a call on an old friend. The housekeeper smiled brightly when she opened the door.
Gabriel: Is the captain awake yet, Maggie?
Maggie: No, my lord, he sleeps. His ship docked late last night. I can send Hennessey above stairs to wake him.
Gabriel nodded and showed himself into his friend's study. Captain Nicholas Van Ryker strode into the room at last. Nicholas looked like he had been out to sea much longer than three months.
Gabriel: I trust you are going to wash up before we step out this evening?
Nicholas: I will endeavor to appear civilized for your sake, but the ladies always prefer me best.
The mystery of the man's past was his own. Nicholas rarely spoke of his illegal activities. Men had attacked him unprovoked. Gabriel was left to assume it had something to do with his smuggling activities.
Gabriel: When will you allow me to help you invest it all? You can't smuggle forever, Nick.
Nicholas: You sound like my brothers.
Gabriel: I wouldn't like to see you get caught.
Nicholas: I have had many close calls. I'll quit when I have enough wealth put aside. Have no worries, I have plans.
Gabriel changed the subject.
Gabriel: You may be disappointed that blue collie you admired at Clarice's disapeared. We will have to find you a suitable replacement. Nan could always bring a smile to your face, as I recall.
Nicholas: When are you going to start trying for heirs, old man? Don't you have a title to worry about?
Gabriel: I have been trying to seperate from Lady Iverleigh for the last few years. It is a trifle late for starting a nursery.
Nicholas: How is that possible?
Gabriel: It is not unobtainable, if you know the right people. It is very expensive and a lenghty proceeding. I just want out of this farce of a marriage my father arranged.
Nicholas wisely changed the subject.
Nicholas: Where did Nan run off to?
Gabriel: Clarice claims she ran out on her debt.
Nicholas: Good for Nan.
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The love Gabriel had once had for Lilliane was destroyed, and with it, his ability to ever love again so freely. The horrible truth abouth Lillianne affected him profoundly. He had nearly taken a man's life over it. Gabriel walked in upon Lillianne with her newest lover. He challenged the man to a duel. The duel had cost Lord Lyndon his right arm when it festered where he'd been shot. The guilt of it still ate at Gabriel, knowing he had punished the man unduly for his wife's actions. Lord Lyndon retreated from society after the duel.
His wife took many lovers over the years. Unfortunately none were willing to come forward and testify in open court. She was careful in choosing lovers who had as much to lose as she. He reasoned it was just a matter of time. Lillianne would eventually make a mistake, and he would be free of her at last.
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Mimi Farrand was lounging on a plush settee when he let himself into her townhouse. She jumped up and rushed to him. Gabriel did not come here to spend time with her. He came to address the lack of interest he had begun to feel more and more of late. The fault was not Mimi's. She became more vocal and demanding lately.
Mimi: You always have an excuse to avoid taking me anywhere, Gabriel! I will not have it!
Gabriel: I think we should discuss your future. This arrangement has paled for both of us.
Mimi: How can you say that?
Gabriel: How can you not agree? Do not think I am unaware of the other men in your life, Mimi. Don't deny it. You cannot say you are happy with our arrangement anymore? You have done nothing but complain of me for weeks.
Mimi: It's over between us, isn't it? I believed we would marry when you are free.
Gabriel: I will not marry you, Mimi. I am sorry if that is what you thought. I will be generous with your settlement. You have no reason to worry about money.
Mimi: What of the house?
Gabriel: Keep it if you wish, or sell it. I will have Mister Thornton send you the deed.
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Gabriel hired an attorney who once worked for his father-in-law against everyone's advice. He was paying Edward Thornton a fortune to find the means to end his marriage. Without a credible witness, he had no proof. She had grown careful. Even the detective Edward hired had been unable to find anything he could use against her. The courts would not grant his petition on his word alone. He wished he killed her when he discovered her deceit. Imprisonment had to preferable than being married to her.
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To be continued...
Click for Chapter 4