to me and any other expenses you incur while assisting my daughter.”
Haddon.
He was taking himself from her life. Just as she wished. But there was no elation. No feeling of relief she would be spared the temptation. Only a terrible, aching loneliness. “Thank you. I appreciate your consideration, my lord.” Now that he was leaving, Marissa had no idea how to fix things between them and take back the awful words she’d spoken.
I didn’t know. I didn’t realize.
Haddon strode to the door, purposefully avoiding her as Marissa pulled the tattered yarn of the blanket around her shoulders.
He didn’t bother to say goodbye.
12
“Miss Clare Higgins,” Arabella whispered to Marissa as they settled themselves into their seats at the Chenwith Society. A well-known physician, Dr. Linwood, was speaking of the health of those who toiled away below ground, especially children. After his remarks, there would be an auction.
Marissa was pleased to see an item donated by Lady Pendleton. A small egg of Blue John. Her nemesis would be here today just as Tomkin had informed her.
She smoothed her skirts and took in the room, filled to the brim with society’s wealthy ladies, all of whom had taken a break from their exhausting ritual of calling on each other to throw their support behind one of Arabella’s charitable causes.
A cause Simon, and his mother, Lydia, were supposed to give a fig about, given his efforts in Parliament. Though, Simon’s bills stopped short of actually caring for the physical well-being of the children who worked in the mines. But the Chenwith Society was very high profile, with many prominent donors. Viscount Pendleton had to give a show of support.
“She’s the daughter of—”
“The Honorable Sir Richard Higgins,” Marissa finished for her niece. “Member of Parliament and owner of several banking institutions in Cornwall.” Enderly had mentioned the name to her on more than one occasion when he’d escorted her about, though she’d not seen him since the evening at Lord Duckworth’s. “Sir Richard is well thought of, in addition to being powerful.”
“Quite so,” Arabella mused. “Miss Higgins also possesses an enormous dowry along with her political connections. Her father has a habit of collecting politicians and keeping them in his back pocket. I’m sure the thought of having a son-in-law to count among that number is making him positively lightheaded.”
Marissa plucked a loose thread from her bodice. She’d have to have a word with Felice. Her maid had manhandled the lovely new dress of striped brown silk.
Yes, but nothing compared to what Haddon did to the dress I wore to the park.
Pain nipped at the edge of her heart. No good would come of thinking of Haddon.
“He was made a knight several years ago,” Arabella continued, “and seeks a much loftier title to elevate his family, like that of viscount.”
“Sir Richard will be disappointed.” Marissa was adamantly opposed to Simon marrying little Miss Higgins. Her dowry would save Simon and Lydia the horror of their mounting debts, of which Marissa owned nearly all.
“How will you stop it?” Arabella whispered. “I know you meant to discredit Pendleton in some way but unlike most politicians, he seems a most honorable man.” Arabella paused. “Aside from his duplicity involving the Blue John mine. He has never set foot in Elysium or any other gambling hell I could name. He does not keep a mistress. No perverse tastes we could exploit. It is difficult to catch him in a compromising position if he never puts himself in one. Higgins will not be put off by Simon’s financial straits either, not when his daughter can be a viscountess.”
“I’ll find another way,” Marissa answered. Mr. Tomkin was still digging, but Simon, for all that he had stolen from her son for years, had otherwise not taken a wrong step. Marissa had at least managed to interrupt the courtship of Simon’s sister and Mr. Kendicott of Buxton. Shamefully, Catherine had been discovered with Mr. Doren, another gentleman caller, in flagrante, among the well-tended flower gardens of Brushbriar. Kendicott had been horrified and was busy ruining Catherine’s reputation all over Derbyshire.
Shortly after Kendicott had ceased his pursuit of Simon’s sister, another cartload of Blue John from Brushbriar had found its way to private auction in Castleton.
“Pity that more can’t be made of Catherine’s behavior,” Arabella said. “But she was known for her indiscretions during her marriage.” Her niece put a finger to her lips. “I can’t remember whose ball—”
“Lord and Lady Rutland’s,” Marissa answered automatically.
“Yes, Lady Rutland’s. Do you recall Catherine’s gown? The