Page 8 of The Baron’s Halo

“You may depend upon it, Miss Devereaux.” Completely satisfied with the day’s outing, Sandy bowed and left, knowing he’d be counting each hour until he could partner her at whist. And if he played his cards right, by the end of the party they’d be yet another step closer to being permanent partners.

*

As Isabelle entered their foyer, she tugged at the ribbons of her bonnet and pulled it from her head, unsettled by how much she’d enjoyed her drive with Lord MacKay. She’d hoped the outing might have discouraged his interest in her—and hers in him. But she’d known when she’d put on this stunning carriage dress, his attention would be riveted on her. Oh, she’d promised Mama she’d wear it, but she could have changed into a less eye-catching ensemble and suffered her mother’s censure later on. But deep down she wanted Lord MacKay to think well of her, which might make things awkward for them in the future. If only the gentleman weren’t so engaging she could have put him from her mind as she’d done with the others. Now she’d gone and had a lovely time with him in spite of herself.

“Is that you, Isabelle?” Her mother’s voice drew her into the parlor where her mother sat looking as though she’d not moved a muscle since Isabelle had left.

“Hello, Mama.” Isabelle entered the room and went forward to kiss her mother’s forehead.

The avid interest on her mother’s face told Isabelle she would have to relay everything about her ride with Lord MacKay or have no peace at all this evening.

“Did you enjoy your ride with his lordship?” Eagerness filled Mama’s face.

“I truly didn’t expect to, but I have to admit I did.” Isabelle dropped her bonnet on a nearby table. “We went to Hyde Park, of course, although there was no one there to speak of.” That had seemed odd to Isabelle, although she was grateful not to have been interrupted while Lord MacKay regaled her with the tales of his wagering. The gentleman was nothing if not entertaining.

“Well, you were a bit early for the Grand Strut, unfortunately. It would have been so much better for you to have been seen going about with Lord MacKay, but I am glad you enjoyed yourselves.” She looked pointedly at Isabelle. “You did make yourself agreeable company to him, didn’t you, my dear?”

“I did, Mama. I truly am trying.” She spun in place so her gown swirled about her. “I wore the gown as you requested, didn’t I?” Her mother had bespoken the carriage gown specifically for Isabelle to wear should she be invited to drive with a gentleman. It was too singular for her tastes, but she had to admit it did catch the eye.

“I was so pleased to see it when you came down.” The smile on her mother’s lips held a touch of glee. “I believe Lord MacKay was quite taken with it as well. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

“Mama!” What upset Isabelle most was that she suspected Mama was correct.

“It becomes you so well. Here.” Her mother patted the seat cushion next to her. “You must sit and tell me everything about your drive.”

With the sigh of a martyr, Isabelle sat down as told and proceeded to disclose the particulars of their drive, down to the little details that always warmed her mother’s heart, including Lord MacKay’s penchant for wagers and his terrifying youthful escapades.

“Goodness, Isabelle. I hope his lordship has given up such wild ways.” Mama was just pouring their second cup of tea.

“He was twelve at the time, Mama. I daresay he no longer climbs trees.”

“Does he still indulge in such wild wagering?”

Isabelle sipped the soothing tea, contemplating the merits of informing her mother of Lord MacKay’s current wager. It wouldn’t do to get Mama’s hopes up, but if—no, when she heard about the Welwyn Marriage Wager she’d know Isabelle hadn’t been truthful with her and life would likely be utterly miserable for a time. “I’m not certain how wild it is, but he did inform me that his family is currently engaged in a marriage wager.”

Mama stared at her, her mouth falling wide open. “A what?”

Nodding, Isabelle launched into the particulars of the wager as she remembered them, until her mother sat with a broad smile on her face.

“Oh, my dear, this is wonderful. Just think, Lord MacKay has singled you out both last night and this afternoon. This is auspicious. Very auspicious given his family’s desire for him to marry this year.” Mama clasped her hands as though she could not contain her joy. “Oh, Isabelle, just think. You could be Lady MacKay this time next year.”

As much as she tried, Isabelle could not muster any enthusiasm at her mother’s excited words.

Mama peered at her, some of her happiness fading. “You do like Lord MacKay, do you not, Isabelle? You seemed rather distant when you left today, although you seemed more pleased when you returned.”

All at once Isabelle regretted accepting that ride today. Perhaps it was cruel to give the gentleman hope when there could be none.

“I know you said you are not ready to contemplate marriage, but might you not reconsider, Isabelle?” Her mother gripped her hands tightly. “Could you consider accepting Lord MacKay should he make an offer for you? I so want you settled in a home of your own. I am the only family you have, my dear, now that your father is gone.”

“My father died years ago, Mama. When I was a very small child. You seem to forget that.” That her mother had almost forgotten her first husband, Isabelle’s father, was a sore spot with her.

“But Ambrose raised you as his own, my dear. He provided for you like you were his own daughter.”

“He was not a very kind man, Mama. You know that.” If anyone knew that, it was her mother.

Tears appeared in her mother’s eyes. “Be that as it may, I do worry a great deal about you, Isabelle, for you have neither father nor step-father to protect you. Only me.”

“You forget Grandmama Devereaux too, I see.” It hurt abominably that her mother seemed to want to forget Isabelle’s father and his family completely.