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Though what did it matter. Society had passed judgment, and there was little he could do to correct its false assessment.
“Which is why I’m taking a little too much solace in your excellent cognac,” he replied, wondering why she would deign to speak to him when no one else would. Unless it was to tell him he was no longer welcome. It would not surprise him.
“It must be uncomfortable to be so obviously shunned.” Lady Quamby sent him an appraising look. “Perhaps this is the wrong kind of society for you, Mr McAlister.”
He knew that the alternative to which she referred was the daring underworld which is where rumour had it that Lord Quamby’s proclivities lay. But Theo was no longer the wild youth he had been. Gambling hells and brothels held no appeal for him. Now that he was only a few years off thirty, and he had been burned by life’s evils, he truly wished to direct his energies towards something worthwhile.
But having gambled away the majority of his landholdings during those desperate few months surrounding Jane’s death, his options were limited.
“Thank you, Lady Quamby, but I am of a more sober temperament than society would paint me. Quiet evenings in front of the fire are more to my taste, believe it or not.”
“And you are on the lookout for a wife, no doubt. How fortuitous then, that you should be in receipt of an invitation to our little festivity.” Her pretty teeth gleamed in the candlelight. “My sister and her husband think I should not have invited you, though as you’d know, your grandfather was a regular visitor to Quamby House.”
“I know that, Lady Quamby.”
“But you have little in common with your grandfather, they tell me.”
“I have more in common than you’d suppose. I have little in common with my father,” he corrected her.
“Your father was a gambler and…” She glanced about her but perceiving they were not being overheard, added, “an inveterate womaniser.”
“I told you, I am nothing like my father.”
“Society says otherwise, of course, given what happened last year. I’m surprised you think you could protest the charge.” She paused, fanning herself as she studied him. “I wonder if any young lady has caught your eye, Mr McAlister.”
“I danced with several very pleasing young ladies, but I am not the catch I once was.” He looked away a moment, before adding, “And my reputation does not bear scrutiny. I do not think I will find a wife this Christmas though I thank you for the invitation. It has been a lonely few months.”
Lady Quamby made a moue. “Poor Mr McAlister. You sound very forlorn, but I cannot admit but that you’re right. A shame since you’re such a handsome young man—as I think you know.” She hesitated. “You haven’t seen Miss Scott this evening?”
Theo stiffened. “I do not recall.”
Lady Quamby studied him a moment. “You understand she is to marry Mr Dalgleish?”
“I understand that a lady can choose whom she wishes to marry.” He hadn’t meant to sound so combative.
“You do not appear to like Mr Dalgleish very much.” Lady Quamby swirled the liquid in her glass. “I couldn’t help observing that you avoided him entirely.”
“I think he’s a libertine and Miss Scott would do best to avoid him. But if she wishes to marry him, that’s her affair.” Strange how distasteful those words sounded on his tongue when why should they? He had no interest in the chit. “Just as I trust you took account of the way Miss Scott avoided me since you are clearly keeping a close watch on proceedings.”
“Many people appear to be avoiding you, Mr McAlister. Your reputation precedes you, and I’m sorry for it. We all make mistakes.” Lady Quamby smiled. “Perhaps I must introduce you to a lonely, comely widow so that your time with us is not entirely without its enjoyments.”
“Please don’t, Lady Quamby.” He knew he sounded too curt when she was the kind of woman who liked to be perceived as doing the generous thing. But the brandy was having its effect. He sighed. “My apologies. I was rude. But the truth is that I am ready for a union that is…from the heart.”
“But love alone will not suffice when a fortune is what is needed.” Her eyes gleamed. “Forgive me for speaking plainly. Generally it would be of no account to me, but I have been charged specifically by my sister to warn you against making up to Miss Scott, who is very young and, as you know, promised to Harry Dalgleish.”
“I do not believe that a marriage between them has been announced.”
“No, but it will be. It is a good match for Lizzy and my sister does not wish to see anyone meddling.”
“Meddling?” Theo sent her an ironic look which she met with an acknowledging smile.
“All right, I admit I am doing my share of meddling, but you cannot deny that others look askance at you when your misdemeanours are still fresh in their minds. Especially when you are seen in company with the sister of the very young woman with whom you tried to elope last year.”
He hid his rage. “You do speak plainly, Lady Quamby.”
“Let me just say, Mr McAlister, that my sister is determined that no heiress will be snatched while under this roof and she wished me to convey that to you.”
“It sounds like your sister is more concerned for her reputation than she is the well-being of the heiress in question.” Theo drew himself up proudly. So, he was being watched. He felt awkward and uncomfortable. “She would do as well to consult the wishes of the heiress rather than the friend who suddenly is deemed a villain for events of long ago, misconstrued, and misreported too, I might add.”
