Beguiling the Barrister Page 3

  So how the deuce did Jackson know of his emotional attachment to Flick? Of his disinterest in all the young ladies his mother paraded in front of him because none of them was Flick? He wanted her with a hunger that had only increased with the passage of time. Perhaps that hunger was fuelled by the knowledge that he could never have her? Flick had turned down a marquess and two earls in her first season last year. She would never accept a comparatively poor barrister—even one who became a King’s Counsel—whose income probably didn’t equate to the annual interest accruing on her large dowry.

  In the unlikely event that Flick would accept him, he’d never propose to her unless he could keep her in the style to which she was accustomed, without the benefit of her dowry. And, damn it all, Jackson appeared to know that. He was right. If he became King’s Counsel he would be a lot closer to achieving that ambition and feel more on a par with Flick and her family.

  Darius sighed and headed for his apartment in the Inner Temple. He knew he was his own worst enemy, and he could go a lot further in his chosen profession if only he would defend a different class of clients. But he couldn’t do it. Some—most—of his colleagues laughed at him behind his back. He could quite understand why. They’d been doing this for longer and had become resigned to never changing a system that was resistant to change. Unfortunately Darius couldn’t help what was in his heart. He hated injustice and inequality, and if that gave people cause for amusement then so be it.

  Darius flexed his jaw. Was Jackson right? Did it really matter if he believed in his clients? Yes, it did. The Cuthbert case was an opportunity of a lifetime but Jackson would just have to find an ambitious sycophant prepared to dance to his tune. God alone knew the Bailey overflowed with enough candidates.

  Chapter Three

  Flick tapped on Beth’s door and bustled in without waiting for a response. Beth’s young, newly appointed maid was just putting the finishing touches to her hair.

  “You look lovely,” Flick said. “Pale blue is definitely a good colour for you.”

  Beth nodded her thanks to the maid, dismissed her and twisted round on her stool. “But I shall fade into insignificance beside you,” she said, smiling. “You have excelled yourself.”

  “You always know precisely the right thing to say.”

  Flick smoothed imaginary creases from the rose damask skirts that flitted about her legs, as light and insignificant as gossamer. The bodice of her new gown was perhaps a little lower than it ought to be for a young lady about to embark upon her second season. Still, needs must. Her breasts were one of her better features, and if she showed them off tonight she just might finally make some progress with Darius.

  “I do so dislike being short,” Flick complained.

  “You’re not short,” Beth said loyally. “You’re just perfect the way you are.”

  “Thank you, darling, but I don’t see it that way.”

  “People seldom see themselves as others do. Leah never took the slightest interest in her appearance, thought she was plain and uninteresting and never intended to marry. And yet she attracted your brother, a highly eligible marquess, without even putting any effort into it.”

  Flick had her own ideas on how Leah had won Hal’s heart. “Leah is one of the few ladies in the land qualified to keep my bossy brother in order, and he had the good sense to recognize those qualities in her.”

  “Yes, I rejoice in seeing her so happy.”

  “Everyone assures me that it’s fashionable to be short and that I’m perfectly proportioned.” Flick screwed up her nose. “Like a ripe peach ready for the plucking was how I once overheard a gentleman describe me. I think he intended it as a compliment, which told me all I needed to know about his soul.”

  “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Beth asked.

  “I can’t help wondering what I’m supposed to do when it’s no longer fashionable to be short.” Flick lifted her bare shoulders in a gesture that would have earned her a sharp reprimand from Miss Archer, had she been there to witness it. Come to think of it, if Archie—or, worse yet, Hal—could see her gown she would probably be restricted to the house for the next ten years. “I mean, I can hardly grow an inch or two at the whim of fashion, can I now?”

  “High shoes?”

  “Already done that.” Flick lifted her hem to prove her point. “And I had my maid style my hair a little higher.”

  “I don’t need to ask why you’ve gone to so much trouble,” Beth said, smiling. “Lady Bishop’s party is of great interest to me since I’ve never attended such a grand assembly before, apart from Leah’s wedding, of course. You, on the other hand, do this sort of thing all the time.”

  “Darius is being too stubborn for his own good,” Flick said, pouting. “He simply refuses to look on me as anything other than Rob’s tiresome little sister.”

  “Tiresome?”

  “Well, I did escape from Archie at regular intervals and follow them about the whole time they were on holiday from school. They played at soldiers in the grounds of the Hall, and that was a great deal more interesting than the pursuits that were deemed suitable for me.”

  “Accounting, presumably, for your fall from the infamous oak tree?”

  “Precisely. Which was when I made up my mind to marry Darius.”

  Beth quirked a brow. “When you were eleven?”

  “Absolutely.” Flick adopted a worldly-wise expression. “A lady is never too young to know her own mind.”

  “Well, if you haven’t changed it after a season of being feted by the elite of the ton, then I must assume that you do know your own heart.”

  “Much good it’s done me so far.” A feeling of defeat washed through Flick. “Darius smiled at you today but he spent the whole time scowling at me.”

  “Oh, Flick!” Beth stood and embraced her, careful not to crush their gowns. “His eyes barely left your person the entire time we were together.”

  “You exaggerate.”

  “Indeed I do not.”

  “But he was angry with me.”

  “And why do you suppose that was?”

  “He probably imagined Rob would think he had invited us to the Bailey.” She grimaced. “As though Darius would do anything of the sort.”

  “Didn’t you see his expression when he asked you to save him a dance tonight?”

  “Well, yes, I suppose his eyes did soften a little. Did you notice their lovely rich colour, by the way?”

  “I left it to you to gaze into them,” Beth said laughing. “But I did hear him tell you he was angry because he cared. I also heard him say he was concerned for your safety because the Bailey wasn’t an appropriate place for well-bred young ladies. Those are encouraging signs, surely?”

  “Well, I suppose, if you put it like that.” But Flick’s heart was still full of uncertainty.

  “He appears to use his intellect to try and do some good for the underprivileged. He probably didn’t welcome the distraction we caused him.”

  “I didn’t mean to distract him.”

  “But it seems that you did, which is another encouraging sign.”

  “It would be so easy for Darius to take cases that pay a lot better,” Flick said. “One of the many things I love about him is his determination to follow his conscience.”

  “I’m sure a lot of other barristers feel the same way as your Darius but are restricted by monetary constraints from doing the right thing.”

  “And I’m unsure what else I can do to express my interest in Darius. I tried my best at Hal’s wedding, thinking that if romance was in the air, the malady might be catching. But nothing came of it.” Flick sighed. “The outing to the Bailey today was supposed to show my interest in his career but it didn’t go at all to plan.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  Flick refused to be placated. “Short of coming right out with it and telling him how I feel, I’m all out of ideas, and patience.”

  “Don’t you dare tell him!” Beth wagged a finger and Flick
and then linked her arm through hers as they left the chamber together. “You must not pursue him. If he stills thinks of you as Rob’s little sister, then you’ll just have to remind him that you’ve grown up.” Beth’s smile broadened. “That gown is an excellent way to start.”

  “But will it be enough?”

  “If other gentlemen seek your company tonight, which they are bound to do, then make it seem as though they have your complete interest. Don’t so much as glance at Darius. That’s the surest way to make him wake up and come after you.”

  “But what if he doesn’t?”

  “He will. No man could possibly resist you for long. You are beautiful, personable, witty and charming. I don’t mean to be indelicate here, but it’s also well known that you have a substantial dowry. If your physical attributes weren’t enough to attract the attention of single gentlemen—which of course they are—then the thought of all that money certainly will be.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” Flick smiled with newfound confidence. “When did you get to be so wise?”

  “I get it from Leah. Some of her common sense must have rubbed off over the years.”

  “At least Darius isn’t as tall as my brothers, which is a blessing. I do so hate being the runt of the litter.”

  “Flick!”

  “It’s true. Darius is the perfect height for me, especially in my tall shoes.”

  “Who will be there tonight?” Beth asked as they descended the stairs. “When it comes to tonnish society, I still feel like an infiltrator. Lady Bishop was lovely to me at the wedding and on the two occasions we’ve met her here in town, but still, I—”

  “She was an intimate of my parents,” Flick said, a feeling of sadness for all she’d lost briefly washing through her. “And is now the closest thing to an aunt I possess. She’s adorable and was a wonderfully supportive sponsor when I was presented. You and Leah will find her a fountain of knowledge when your turn comes this season.”

  Beth winced. “I still find it hard to believe that I’m actually to be presented. At any moment I expect to be told that it’s all a huge mistake and be asked to leave the ton to those who belong there.”

  “Don’t be silly. Your sister is now a marchioness. Of course you’re to be presented. And my brother has settled a generous dowry on you so you shall marry the man of your heart and live happily ever after.”

  “Oh, Flick, you’re such a romantic.”

  Flick pulled a long-suffering face. “Much good it does me.”

  “Were you frightened when you met the queen?”

  “Excited, more like.”

  “Well, unlike me, I suppose you were bred to expect it.”

  “It was a dreadful crush, if you want the truth. All those white gowns, wilting feathers and flowing trains. I was convinced I would trip over mine when I made my curtsey and then had to walk backwards.” Flick smiled at the memory. “It is the most ridiculous tradition but thankfully it was over with very quickly. Besides, everyone else was shaking too. At least you’ll have Leah there with you.”

  “That’s true. I’m sure my sister will take it all in her stride. Let’s just hope she doesn’t think of something she absolutely has to know and strikes up a conversation with the queen.”

  Both girls laughed. “Even she wouldn’t go that far, would she?”

  Beth shuddered. “I sincerely hope not.”

  Rob greeted them when they entered the drawing room.

  “Good evening, ladies.” His gaze landed on Flick and he did a double take. “I say, Flick, I’m not sure that gown’s entirely appropriate.”

  “Oh, don’t you think so?” Flick put on her most innocent expression. “Lady Bishop was with me when I ordered it and I thought she might like to see the finished article.” She crossed her fingers behind her back as she spoke. Desperate times called for desperate measures, or at the very least, a white lie.

  “Well, in that case, I suppose—”

  “I think she looks lovely,” Beth said loyally.

  Rob rolled his eyes. “She’ll be the death of me yet.”

  “You might at least admire Madame Sinclair’s efforts,” Flick said. “She’s all the rage and it cost Hal a fortune.”

  “Very nice,” he said diplomatically.

  “Typical,” Flick complained. “Very nice makes me sound like a painting.”

  Rob laughed. “How have you spent your time today, ladies? More shopping, I shouldn’t wonder.”

  “I had no idea how many possessions are necessary for a single season,” Beth said. “The list seems endless.”

  Flick thought it better to let her brother think that was all they’d been doing and changed the subject. “Did you win?” she asked, referring to his chess game.

  “I managed to scrape through to the next round of the tournament.”

  “I should like to play chess,” Beth said, “but I fear I’m not clever enough.”

  “It’s more a case of having a good memory.”

  “You look very handsome, Rob.” Flick raked his body with her gaze. “I believe that’s a new coat. I approve of the deep blue.” She wagged a finger beneath his nose. “If I didn’t know better, I might suspect that you were trying to impress a lady.”

  Robert quirked a brow. “At Lady Bishop’s?”

  “Ah, yes, there is that, I suppose. No one much is in town yet.”

  “Exactly. And even if I had fixed my interest on a lady, you would be the last person to learn of it.”

  “Why?” Flick asked. “I’m sure I could help the romance along.”

  “Precisely my point.” Rob grinned at her. “Come along, ladies, let’s get along.”

  * * *

  Darius was still pondering Jackson’s proposition when he made his bow to Lady Bishop that evening. Jackson’s thinly veiled warning that Darius’s career would stall if he didn’t dance to the government’s tune hadn’t left him in a congenial frame of mind. In point of fact, he was still fuming about it. Were it not for the opportunity to dance with Flick—to say nothing of keeping her within his sights—he probably would have avoided the party altogether. He was in no mood to socialise. Watching her with other men, knowing he had nothing that could compete with their wealth and status, was a self-inflicted torture that perfectly suited his foul state of mind.

  In spite of it not being the season yet, Lady Bishop’s drawing room was surprisingly full of fashionably attired people. Anyone of note who did happen to be in town wouldn’t reject an invitation from such a well-connected hostess. There must have been close to one hundred people spilling from the drawing room into the adjoining salon, the doors to which had been opened wide. Established at one end, a small ensemble prepared to provide music for what Lady Bishop described as impromptu dancing. Darius managed a brief smile. Lady Bishop’s idea of impromptu ranked right up there with military precision.

  “Congratulations,” Darius said to his hostess. “You have persuaded everyone who matters to show their faces.”

  “Oh, I don’t deserve much credit for that.” Lady Bishop chuckled as Darius kissed her hand. “Out of season, those who are in town feel obliged to attend these little gatherings. If they didn’t, they would become the subject of conversational fodder, and well they know it.”

  “I’m hearing good things about you,” Lord Bishop said, slapping Darius on the shoulder. “I admire your courage, lad. It can’t be easy sticking up for the common man in these unsettled times.”

  Darius was both surprised and flattered that someone of Lord Bishop’s ilk would take the trouble to follow his career. “Thank you. It’s an uphill battle but someone has to do it.”

  “Quite right too.”

  “Do make yourself at home,” Lady Bishop said, beaming. “We’re quite informal tonight, as you can see. Flick is here somewhere with Miss Elliott.”

  “Then I shall see if I can find them before Flick does or says something that lands her in trouble.”

  Lady Bishop’s smile was openly affectionate. “S
he wouldn’t be Flick if she didn’t speak her mind.”

  “Yes, but sometimes she’s a little too free with her opinions.”

  Darius made his way into the throng. One side of the room was completely occupied by tables groaning beneath the weight of the food piled onto them. Every seasonal delicacy appeared to be on offer. People were already helping themselves, while liveried footmen circulated, assisting those who needed it and distributing brimming glasses of champagne.

  Darius spotted Flick before she saw him and so he took a moment to study her. Her gown afforded him some surprise. For himself, he wasn’t about to complain since it displayed her figure in a graphic manner that made all sorts of forbidden thoughts spring to mind. But at least he could keep his emotions in check. God alone knew he’d had enough practise. That was more than could probably be said for the young bucks who had her completely surrounded. What was Rob thinking, allowing her to wear that gown?

  “Darius!” She saw him and waved a greeting as he made his way towards her. “You came.”

  “I said that I would. You look...er, sophisticated.”

  “And why shouldn’t I? In case you’ve forgotten, I’m about to embark on my second season. I’m an old hand at this, and positively ancient into the bargain.”

  Darius was pleased that the damning glances he sent in their direction had caused some of her admirers to drift away. Only the most determined remained at her side, attempting to join in her conversation with Darius. Young Lord Hollingsworth was one of them. Darius despised the man for no other reason than that he was rich, handsome and entirely suitable for Flick. The same could be said for Viscount Price, damn his eyes!