“That I—” Regina’s blood froze.
She worried not for herself. She would not miss the balls and the dinners and the like. There was the fear of what it might take to maintain an income. Begging from friends and relying on charity made her stomach churn with humiliation.
But her sisters… her beautiful, stunning sisters. Natalie would wilt when she heard the news. Mr. Fairchild would never be able to marry Louisa now. Elizabeth’s sharp wit and fiery temper would become vices rather than amusing virtues.
And what of Bridget? Her sister had rallied them all together when Mother had died. What man would have her now?
Regina had wanted to keep Bridget all to herself but not like this. Not at this price.
Some of her horror must have shown on her face, for Lord Harrison’s brow tightened. “I am sorry, Miss Regina.”
Her mind raced. “What is to be done? How can this be salvaged?”
“Salvaged?”
“Yes. Surely there is something that we can do to preserve ourselves.”
“Well…” Lord Harrison thought for a moment. “Do your sisters have prospects?”
“My three eldest. One is engaged, although it is not common knowledge. The other two have many suitors.”
“Then tell them to accept one of them at once. Have their marriages without delay.”
“My sister’s fiancé cannot marry her. His aunt will not allow it. If they marry she shall rewrite her will to leave him nothing.”
“And will he stand by her when the news breaks?”
Regina shook her head. “I do not know.”
“If your sisters marry quickly, their husbands can provide for you and your other unmarried sister. Their reputations and income will preserve you until you can be wed.”
“How quickly will the news get out?”
“More quickly than you would expect.”
Regina passed her hand over her eyes. This felt like a nightmare. It couldn’t possibly be real.
But if this was a dream she wouldn’t have been able to conjure up a man like Lord Harrison. She couldn’t have dreamt such detail. And she could remember every step she had taken throughout the day.
This was all horribly real.
“I shall have to tell them,” she said. Her voice was thick and she swallowed quickly. She would not cry in front of a man she didn’t even know. “Father will bungle the whole thing.”
“Perhaps in the morning. They will be too exhausted to deal with it properly tonight.”
Regina nodded. “Bridget will know what to do.”
“Bridget?”
Regina looked up at him. Lord Harrison’s eyes had lit up in a look that she knew well. She had seen many a man look at Bridget in that way, and Natalie as well. It was how Mr. Fairchild looked at Louisa.
“My eldest sister, with whom you were speaking earlier. She manages our affairs. She’ll know what to do.”
Lord Harrison inclined his head again. “Well, please give my condolences to your sister and inform her that should she be in need of a suitor, I stand ready and waiting.”
“That is rather bold of you, sir,” Regina replied. She blinked, surprised at herself. She was not normally so snappish. Perhaps it was the stress. Or perhaps it was that she wanted to protect Bridget.
Lord Harrison chuckled. “There’s a feisty one inside of you yet, Miss Regina. And here I had heard that you were the mouse of the five.”
Regina swallowed. She knew that she was plain in features. And she knew that she was quiet. But to learn they called her a mouse…
It stung, honestly.
But she would not be a mouse where Bridget was concerned. “My sister is an accomplished woman,” she said. “Only the best of men could hope to win her hand.”
“And you clearly do not think I am the best of men,” Lord Harrison replied. He seemed amused by this, smiling down at her. Regina shivered at that, but not unpleasantly. He looked striking like this, smiling with the moonlight on his face.
“I think that I do not know you well enough to cast judgment. But if you wish to win Bridget, you’d do well to proceed with more delicacy.”
“Delicacy?” Lord Harrison chuckled. “Miss Regina, the time for delicacy is at an end. You and your sisters are, as of now, dependent upon the goodwill of others. You must learn to be bold.”
“In speaking plainly to you I think that I am being quite bold.”
“Miss Regina.” Lord Harrison sighed. He briefly clenched his hand into a fist in frustration. “I apologize if I have offended you. But my offer is genuine. You and your sisters need the protection of a husband since your father can no longer provide any. I am willing and happy to offer your sister my heart and my home. Please convey this to her if it please you.
“You must understand the danger you are now in. I do not wish to see five innocent women thrown out onto the street. My words may be direct but my intentions are good.”
He took his hand in hers. Regina was surprised both by the size of it and how warm it was. It practically encased her own. It felt oddly as though the warmth and weight of his hand was the only thing anchoring her.
Lord Harrison’s eyes bore into hers. She felt a bit like a mouse pinned by a snake, except there was no malice in his gaze. “Believe me, I am only trying to help you.”
Regina swallowed. “You have helped, sir, and I thank you for it. The night air has done some good. As has your advice.”
She took a deep breath to steady herself. “I must get to my father. My sisters shall stay. It will be remarked upon if we all retire so early. I shall take my father home. Mr. Fairchild will give my sisters a ride back. Then I will speak to them of this in the morning.”
“Good girl,” Lord Harrison said. He squeezed her hand. “Have a calm head and act quickly. It is the only way to save yourselves.”
Regina nodded. Yes. Stay calm and act quickly. She could do that. Or, rather, Bridget could. She felt certain that Bridget would know what to do.
Then she realized with a start that Lord Harrison was still holding her hand. She slid her hand out of his grasp. Immediately she missed the safe feeling it had given her and the warmth it had provided.
“Thank you again, Lord Harrison. I shall take my leave, if I may.”
Lord Harrison made a shooing gesture. “Do what you must. And remember what I said.”
Regina hurried back into the house. She could feel Lord Harrison’s eyes tracking her the entire way. It felt like they were burning into her back.
Chapter 4
Regina returned to the side parlor to find that all the men had cleared it. Save for Mr. Denny, who was sitting with Father.
“Mr. Denny, your kindness will not be forgotten,” she said, crossing to Father’s side.
Mr. Denny stood at once. “Anything for the Hartfields, Miss Regina. Are you quite well?”
“Yes. Lord Harrison forced me to take some night air. It did me some good.”
Regina knelt in front of Father. He had sunk back into his chair and still looked pale. He turned his green eyes to her. They looked watery.
“Father,” Regina whispered. “Are you quite all right?”