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Chapter 26
Crispin was devastated. They had spent yet another evening watching and waiting, hopeful that Charlotte would be caught trying to sneak away. But whether by her own sudden intellect or by the cunning nature of her mother, she had failed to come outside in order to meet with her blacksmith.
“You know that it is because of Lady Rachel,” Beatrice said, shaking her head in anger. “She is perfectly aware that if her daughter is caught, she will lose everything. She can’t risk that. She’s terrified that she will end up being found out. I would not be surprised if she was the one who urged her daughter to begin all of this nonsense anyway.”
“Precisely,” Miss Anne added, sipping her tea.
Along with Miss Lambton, they were gathered in the parlour at Crispin’s estate, trying to figure out their next steps. They had failed three nights in a row at trying to catch Lady Charlotte. It seemed that fortune was against them now.
“But what are we to do? What if Lady Charlotte has ended her affair entirely? How may we convince Lord Comstead of what has been happening?” Crispin asked, more desperate than ever to solve this problem.
“I doubt that she has ended anything. Lady Charlotte was sneaking out to be with him at least four nights a week for an entire year. I saw her go out often enough that if she is not now, it is only because of her mother,” Miss Anne said.
“But if she was pursuing a match with me, perhaps she really did end it,” Crispin said. “Did she think I would not notice her leaving once we were married?”
“I am quite sure that she would have counted on you not suspecting anything. Her mother was likely aware of the relationship, but you were not. So why would you have any doubts about your bride?
I am sure Lady Charlotte felt that if she could marry you, it would mean that her mother did not have to keep watching her. Then, when you were not at home, she could have her affair,” Beatrice said.
Crispin was overwhelmed, listening to these women share their opinions and wisdom on the matter. He had never expected that he might be the excuse of one woman to engage in an improper relationship with another man. He was meant to be the one hiding her secret through their marriage?
It was awful to think about.
“So, what are we to do next? I cannot let this go on any longer. We must get her out of that house at once. Please, ladies, I need your wisdom. I need your help. Aid me in finding a way out of this,” Crispin begged.
But there were not many ideas to be had and Crispin was at a loss. After Miss Anne and Miss Lambton departed, he sat with Beatrice and placed his head in his hands.
“I know you are overwhelmed, Crispin, but we will find a way,” she said.
And yet, he had thought that before and it had not come to pass. Although he was grateful that his sister was trying so hard to find options, there seemed to be none left to them.
A moment later, the maid entered the room and quickly curtseyed. “Lord Hanbrooke, Lord Woodhall is here to see you.”
“Ah, Harry! Thank goodness. He must have just returned from his trip,” Crispin said.
“I shall leave the two of you for the moment,” Beatrice said, standing and leaving the room.
When Harry entered, Crispin was overcome with joy, thankful that he could see his friend once more.
“Goodness, it appears as though you are in quite dire straits. Has something happened?” Harry asked.
“It has been a difficult couple of weeks, my friend. I know that you have been busy with your own interests, but I find that there is nothing so challenging than arguing with a man who believes that he knows all and has answers to all, while trusting a woman who is full of selfish intent,” Crispin said.
“Good heavens, what is this all about? Your Lady Mary? Miss Lambton wrote to me, asking me to come to your aid as soon as I returned. She mentioned that Lady Mary was facing difficulty, but she did not tell me everything that happened,” Harry said.
With that, Crispin told him about everything that had taken place since the night Lady Charlotte claimed Lady Mary was secretly engaged. He shared how they had tried everything, hoping to convince Lord Comstead of the truth and he refuted it because of his wicked wife.
“It would seem to me that Lady Rachel is the most devious woman of whom I have ever heard. Have you approached her in any of this?” he asked.
Crispin scoffed. “And go around Lord Comstead? No. The man detests me as it is. I think if I were to approach his wife on the matter, he would find a way to strike me down and ensure that I was never heard from again.”
“Well, that is a bit of an overstatement, I am sure. But you would be wise to be careful. No man likes to be told that he is a fool or that he is listening to lies. And what of Lady Mary? You have not been able to see her since the day in the garden that you mentioned?”
“No, I have not. Miss Anne received a letter from her through secret channels. Apparently, she is being kept in her room and is unable to come out freely. It would seem that her family has made every effort to prevent her from being allowed to see those who would advocate on her behalf,” he explained.
“Then why have you not gone and asked for her hand?” Harry asked.
“Her hand?” Crispin repeated, surprised by such a question.
