Prologue
“Have you heard?”
Miss Rachael Simmons did her best not to overhear, having tucked herself away in an alcove to recover for a short while from the heat of the ballroom.
“Are you about to tell me some delicious rumor?” the other lady said, giggling, though Rachael rolled her eyes. “Do tell me quickly! You know how much Iadoresuch things as that!”
Rachael closed her eyes and leaned her head back, quite certain that she was well hidden and would not be seen. No doubt the two ladies speaking in such friendly yet conspiring tones would be shamed into silence should they discover she was nearby, though they would then simply find another place to share their gossip. Rachael herself was not inclined to either listen to, or take part in gossip, finding it both a distraction from what was being offered to her during this wonderful Season and also, to her mind, most unfavorable to whoever was being spoken about. It was never any good news that was spoken of but always dark, whispered things or, as it often turned out, fabrications that then injured whichever parties were involved.
“It is about Lord Blackmore.”
Keeping her eyes closed, Rachael sighed inwardly and wondered how long it would take for the two ladies to take their leave. She would soon be required to return to her mother and father, the Viscount and Viscountess Grant, though her mother knew where she had gone, and had granted her permission to find a quiet place for a few minutes to regain her composure. After all, she had declared, the redness in Rachael’s cheeks had been a littletoobright and would deter gentlemen should they see it. A wry smile crossed her face as she shook her head, wondering at her mother’s considerations. Would the color of her cheeks truly affect her chances at happiness?
“I have heard that there is asecretbetrothal between himself and a lady of theton,” the first lady continued, making Rachael scowl. Lord Blackmore was one of her acquaintances - she did not know him particularly well at all, though he was certainly a reputable gentleman. Gossip would not aid him in any way at all.
“A secret betrothal, you say?” exclaimed the second, as Rachael imagined the first lady nodding fervently. “Why is it secret?”
“Because,” the first lady replied, her tone lowering, “there is areasonfor this betrothal to be secret. There cannot be any time between their betrothal and marriage, do you see?”
A prickling ran down Rachael’s spine. She had no doubt what it was that this first lady was attempting to suggest, and even the thought of it made her uncomfortable.
What if there is some truth to it?
Rachael shook her head to herself, scowling in frustration. She was not about to let herself become mixed up with gossip, and would not let herself ruminate on such things. It would be fruitless.
“You do not mean to say that she is with child?”
The hissed whisper of the second lady had Rachael’s hands curling tightly. Whoever this lady they gossiped about was, sheprayed that the first gossiper did not know her name for, if she did, then the news would surely soon spread throughout all of London. Besides which, it might not even be true!
“That is what has been said. This young lady was seen coming out of Lord Blackmore’s townhouse in the early hours of the morning, at the very beginning of the Season and, thereafter, there are whispers of a betrothal! There can only be one reason for such a thing.”
“Good gracious.”
Rachael swallowed hard, her brow furrowing. To have a young lady leaving his townhouse in the early morning hours did not speak well of Lord Blackmore but, then again, that in itself might also be nothing more than a rumor. Her eyes closed again.
I wish I did not have to listen to this.
“What is the name of the lady? Is it someone known to us?”
“I knowofher,” the first said, quietly. “I am not acquainted though, I must say, I am surprised to see her dancing and laughing with the gentlemen here, as though all is well.”
“And does she not look as though she is with child?” the second lady asked. “There must be some altering of her appearance by now, surely?”
“There are ways to keep such things hidden for a long time.” The answer was given with some authority, as though she knew precisely what she was talking about. “No doubt she will soon have to take her leave of London, though once the betrothal is announced, it will simply seem as though she is returning to her father’s estate for her preparations before her wedding – though no doubt it will also be to hide the fact that she is increasing from theton.”
“Goodness!” The shock in the voice of the second lady made Rachael scowl. Why was she so quick to believe the first? Surely there would be some questions in her mind, some wondering as to whether or not such a thing would be true? “What is the nameof this unfortunate lady, then?Dotell me! You cannot keep such a thing to yourself.”
The first laughed softly.
“Very well, I shall tell you. The name of the lady is one Miss Rachael Simmons. She is the daughter of Viscount Grant – he is here this very evening, which means she must be present also! I cannot imagine what she thinks she is doing at present, behaving as she does when she is with child! If it were me, then I think I would be hiding myself away from society rather than parading myself about!”
Rachael blinked, the words coming to her slowly, their impact gradually beginning to deaden her heart as she took them in, one phrase at a time.
They are speaking about… me?
It was not possible, surely? Why would they be speaking of her? She had no connection to Lord Blackmore, no interest in his company or even in acquainting herself further with him! She had certainly not left his townhouse at an early hour of the morning – in fact, she had never set foot in his townhouse! So why now were people suggesting thatshewas the one who had done such a thing?
“Sheis with child? Goodness, how could such a thing be!”
