Eliza, for the life of God and country, could not settle her nerves in seeing the earl on Friday. Whatever possessed her to accept his invitation of attending the assembly with him was beyond her and comprehension. What if Amelia follow him to Devonshire? Sir William Barnaby was a respected man in these parts. To dishonor him by deliberately sabotaging his ball with some sort of nonsense was inconceivable. Perhaps it was her nerves that made her unsteady, or was it her new-found feelings for the earl that left her breathless? Her sudden need for that man was indescribable.

“Mistress, this just arrived for you. The driver did not stay long and only said that his master wishes you well.” Her housekeeper passed her a neatly wrapped bundle.

She unwound the ribbon and pulled the paper about to reveal a lovely bundle of fabric adorned in lace and, upon closer inspection, the gown looked like the one she declined to purchase at the modiste shop when Mary initially took her.

Eliza pulled out the gown with her housekeeper’s assistance. She could not deny the gown was exquisite in every possible way but for a public assembly, good Lord! What on earth was the man thinking?

“My lady, this gown is divine. You will be the talk of the assembly.”

“They will be talking, but I hardly see any good coming of it.”

That’s when they both noticed another bundle sitting on the small table near the door.

She wrinkled her nose wondering what it could possibly be. There was no second part to this ensemble.

“Bertha, spread this gown out on my bed while I see what this other package is. I have a terrible feeling about it.”

“It might not be so terrible, my lady. The earl seems to have a penchant for surprising you. Perhaps it is a little something silkier and for when no one else is around” her housekeeper added with a girlish giggle.

“He would not dare.”

“Of course, he would. He is a man of means and is probably accustomed to getting what he wants. There is no shame in accepting a gift from a man you already adore and you are entitled to keep your own company as well. You are not an unmarried miss.”

Her housekeeper left her to contemplate the package. Evan was certainly full of surprises and she was not sure how or what this next one was.

She unwrapped the package to reveal, what had to be, the thinnest and most revealing night rail and wrapper.

Her housekeeper gasped from the door. “I daresay, my lady, that is the most scandalous shred of muslin I have ever seen.”

“It must be silk,” Eliza said. “This could hardly be the fashion now, can it?”

“The style certainly appears to be French. I think your earl has other plans for you, my lady, if you do not mind my saying so.”

It certainly appeared Evan had his own plans about their evening together, though she couldn’t imagine what was traipsing through his mind. She supposed all would be revealed on Friday, yet she suspected her nerves would finally get the best of her.

However, the knowledge he did indeed follow her to the country and wanted her to accompany him to the assembly spoke volumes of his interest. Mary’s scandal, of course, would find a way into the town’s gossip mongers’ lips, one did not have to guess that the scandal was a well-kept secret. Absolutely no one had the foresight to see the affair had been ongoing for many years.

She wondered what would happen if Annabelle did not find a husband. Evan could only protect her for so long. The ton could be cruel, even to those within society ranks. Annabelle was a lovely young woman, vibrant, and passionate.

Eliza did notice there was something brewing between her and Evan’s friend, the viscount. She would use their time alone on Friday to discuss the matter with him. Perhaps the answer had been in front of him the entire time. That gave her a brilliant idea in helping bring the earl’s sister and the viscount together quite naturally.

She sat down in a chair near the window and called out for her housekeeper.

She appeared in the doorway. “Yes, my lady.”

“Would you fetch me my writing box, please? I will also need James to deliver it personally as it is of great importance.”

“Yes, madam. I will let him know so that he can prepare for his travel.”

Eliza thought a charity picnic for the orphans at the vicarage would be smart way for Annabelle and the viscount to spend time with each other in a public way. The picnic, of course, was a way to distract society from the current talk of her former intended running off and her being ruined. One could say it would also distract the ton from what Lady Amelia was spewing about the earl, too. At least, she hoped this picnic would help more than just the orphans.

The children needed new clothes and provisions to help them succeed once they moved on. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins did not have a very large farm, either, so to feed that many mouths was a tremendous strain. Those children deserved a fair chance at success, even if their station primed them for roles of service.

She would confer with Evan, of course, if he would agree to hosting the picnic and while she did not think he would object to the idea, one never really knew the answer unless they asked.

How she desired matching Annabelle with the viscount and Evan on approving such a match.

* * *

Evan waited in his library, patiently. Annabelle prattled on endlessly about the horrid things she had overheard at the ball. From Lady Amelia setting her cap at being the new Countess of Chisholm to Haversham’s announcement. Then the countless speculations of what lie in between he and Lady Winston; was she his lover or was he courting her?

Not that any of the speculation mattered, for it was no one’s concern. Yet, something miraculous had happened in all that had since transpired. Society seemed to have moved beyond the scandal of his sister’s ruination. Though, with Amelia’s assistance, if she did not have her way she was bound to stir the scandal up again one way or another.

“Annabelle, if you are done, can you go and see what cook has planned for dinner?” he asked. “I have a guest arriving any time now and he will be staying on for dinner.”

“Of course, brother. Who have you invited to dine with us?”

“Emberly.”

She smiled and turned away quickly. He thought he even saw her skip as she left the room. His sister; how he hoped she would be happy with the arrangement he was going to make. He would even add to her dowry that their father had already set aside. A small property on their land and he would add an additional ten thousand to the twenty thousand his father had drawn up.

Evan hardly thought Emberly would turn Annabelle down, but he hoped the man would take care of his sister and remain loyal to her. He feared his own sister would not be able to handle some of his most favorable past times, historically speaking.

His butler entered the room. “My lord, Viscount Emberly is here.”

“Show him on in and see that there is a room made up for him.”

His servant nodded and left. Moments later, Emberly entered the library and took a seat across the desk from him.

“You summoned me, Radcliffe. I cannot imagine why ever you would have me pulled out of bed at this ungodly hour.”

Radcliffe grinned, yet was not amused. He cannot imagine his friend has ever went to bed at a decent hour since he took up two mistresses.

“Up late, again, were you? Have things been mended between the ladies then?”

“Pshaw. No. In fact, they both tossed me out over a week ago. It was quite sad really… I think I am losing my touch.”

His friend frowned and he could not help chuckling at Emberly’s dismay.

“I think that is the greatest thing I have heard these last few months. I summoned you here on business.”

The viscount leaned back in his chair and cautiously glared at him. “Go on. I am curious to hear your proposal, though I make no promises.”

“I would like to propose an arrangement of marriage between you and Annabelle. Your uncle, on more than one occasion, has expressed that now is the time for you to take a wife and, for obvious reasons, Annabelle is needing to be married quite quickly as you are aware.”

Emberly pressed his lips together and his eyes narrowed. He at least could tell his friend was entertaining the idea.

“Her dowry is substantial and I will have my solicitor draw up the changes to her dowry which includes an additional ten thousand and the old manner on the other side of our lands.”

“I have heard she is ruined but is she with child?” Emberly asked.

The question took him by surprise. Emberly had been around enough lately to know the answer.

“While I am no physician, my sister is not, from what I can tell, and is in perfect health. All I ask is that you remain respectful to her. She has had more than her fair share of hurt, all thanks to Wickham.”

“When have you ever known me to be disrespectful to your sister, Radcliffe? Never. I would never think of hurting that sweet girl.”

“Shall I draw up the papers then?” he asked firmly, silently praying his friend would accept.

“Yes. I accept. When shall we make the announcement?”

“After dinner, you may take a turn in the gardens with my sister and officially propose if you would like. As for the public, I will have the banns read in our parish starting on Sunday, and on the first Saturday of next month shall be the wedding day. That is, unless you would rather procure a special license and have this finished sooner?”

The viscount chuckled. “The banns are fine. Besides, it will give her time to collect herself and ready for her new life.”

“Excellent. I believe a drink and some fishing is in order.”

Evan couldn’t have been more pleased with the viscount’s agreement. After all these scandals, things were beginning to look up, or so he hoped. He still had to visit his mother and give her the news, but he would wait until the papers were drawn up and things were finalized.

He rang for a servant to attend and had drinks poured for them both. He could not wait to give Eliza the news in two day’s time. She would certainly be happy for them all, he only hoped she would be happy when he proposed to her, as well. That announcement though would have to wait a few more weeks until this business with Annabelle was settled. His aim was to avert a second disaster with his sister and this time he would oversee every detail from start to end with his mama’s assistance.

“That reminds me, Radcliffe, how are things with Lady Winston?” Emberly asked. “I have heard she moved back to the country after that disaster of a ball the other day. Is it true?”

He snorted. “Yes. The woman did not tell a soul except for the servant who helped with the arrangements. I sought her out the next day, and she had the gumption to be upset with me because I went to check on her welfare.”

His friend rolled his eyes heavenward. “Just like a woman… I keep telling you, they do love a merry chase.”

“I do doubt it was intentional though. With so many scandals following me around and that one with Haversham and Mary, I can see why she departed for the country.”

Evan took a sip of his brandy and walked to the window.

“You know, Emberly, there are days I wonder what life would be like if she had not entered my life.”

“Not much different I don’t think. You would still be avoiding Amelia, and your mama and you might still have been looking for a convenient husband for Annabelle.”

Evan laughed. “I suppose the only difference would be I would not be driving all over the countryside looking for a wench.”

“Exactly,” Emberly chimed in merrily.

If it had been obvious to Emberly his affections toward the woman, then all would know what his intentions were. The most disconcerting thought was to what extent would his ex-lover go to demonstrate her displeasure with his decision. She most certainly had a hand in sending Dodds and Hubert over at the ball to keep Eliza busy, and all London knew how dishonorable those two were. What would be next?

Her holding Eliza hostage just like that prostitute Mary Elizabeth did a year ago to the Countess of Wendelhem? Lord, he hoped not. That was some sordid business and remained in the gossip rags for many, many months. All he desired was for everything to move forward.

“What are you thinking, Radcliffe? Your thoughts appear to be thousands of miles away.”

“I would be fibbing if I said I was not worried what Amelia would do next to ensure she got her way with becoming countess.”

“The wench will get her comeuppance, my friend. I last heard she was offered a new situation by some wealthy Scotsman a few days back, but she rejected the offer. I cannot believe she turned down living in a castle. What can she possibly gain from sabotaging your efforts with Eliza?”

Evan shrugged. “I do not know, nor do I wish to speculate. She will be reduced to nothing if she continues in this harassment. I would dislike having to bring the constable into this matter.”

Their discussion was interrupted when Annabelle walked in.

“My lord, brother, I was wondering, shall we invite Mama to dinner tonight? I am sure she would love to visit with me.”

Evan smiled. “Go ahead and tell the servants to place another setting for tonight and if you so wish to go and visit her and tell her the news yourself.”

“Thank you, Evan!” She curtsied and left them to their privacy.

“Do you suppose she knows?” Emberly queried.

“It would not surprise me in the least if she had been eavesdropping. Which leads me to ask, how long have you been interested in my sister?”

Emberly smiled, “I am not certain, but I can be sure I have never ever been disrespectful. I suppose my wholesome image of her is forever ruined by what Wickham did, but that does not make her any less human. How many times have we tempted women into doing things when ought to not have?”

And there was the truth to all his recent troubles. They were all prone to making mistakes, but that did not define their characters. It was how they handled their misgivings and repented for them. Not once did he hear his sister cry or complain after Wickham left. Nor was she contrite. She had made her mistakes and learned to deal with the aftermath knowing she now had to marry quickly in the event a child is born from the affair.

Evan had no doubt in his mind she was not with child, however, they could not risk even more damage to their family’s reputation by not addressing the possibility.

“How about we go and find some fishing poles. I could use some fresh air now that we have this business aside,” Evan said.

“Indeed.”

Now to come up with a way in convincing Eliza to become his countess. He would have to leave her with a pleasant memory of their evening on Friday. Oh, how he looked forward in educating her in some carnal pleasures. It would be an evening she would never forget.