Best Laid Plans: A Gentleman of Misfortune, #2

By Bethany Swafford

What could possibly go wrong next?
 

With the recent drama of his family behind him, Lucas Bywood wants nothing more than to stay out of trouble and pretend he is not pining over the absent Miss Darkin. What better plan than to visit Bath, the largest social town outside of London? However, it quickly becomes apparent he has picked the wrong friend as a traveling companion.
 

Mr. John Ward has eyes only for the card tables and shows no interest in shielding Lucas from Bath's debutantes and matchmaking mamas on the hunt for a bachelor. But matters shift from annoying to alarming when Ward's determination to seek justice gets them both suspected of murder.

As they say, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry" and Lucas' plans weren't terribly well-laid to begin with...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lilac Petal Press
• Release date: Mar 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9781648712722

Bethany Swafford

For as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors are Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.  When she doesn’t have a pen to paper (or fingertips to a laptop keyboard), she can be found with a book in hand. To get notified about new releases and any news, sign up to Bethany's Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2Hg7KJw

Book preview

Best Laid Plans

A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2

Chapter One

C ome on, old boy! You can do it! Come on!

My words of encouragement blended with the sound of hooves hitting the ground. The wind rushed past me as Phaeton's powerful strides carried us along the road. My mount’s sides heaved with exertion . I leaned over his neck, urging him to go faster. To my right, Mr. John Ward was keeping pace beside me on his own mount, Tesoro.

Unless there was a sudden change, it looked as though it was going to be a tie between us. Again.

After our initial attempt at a race, Mr. Ward and I had made three more attempts to prove which of our horses was superior. Each time we had been evenly matched and despite our efforts, nothing had been settled. In fact, I believed a few of the more intelligent of my family’s tenants had even made bets on whether there would be another tie, earning themselves some extra coins.

Ahead of us, I could see the crossroad that marked the end of our race. There were fewer spectators gathered there compared to previous races. I couldn't blame them. There was little excitement in observing a race where the two participants had already shown themselves evenly matched.

As soon as we crossed the finish line, I pulled back on the reins to slow Phaeton down. Mr. Ward straightened up in his saddle as he did the same. Well run, Bywood, he said.

Same to you, Ward, I said with a nod. I hope Geoffrey was watching closely. If I had to guess, it was close once again. Too close, I would wager, for any definite ruling.

He let out a laugh, which took me aback for a moment. There had been very few moments in our admittedly brief acquaintance when he appeared to actually enjoy himself. If that is the case, it seems we have no choice but to accept that Tesoro and Phaeton are evenly matched and cry quits on the matter.

We walked back to where Geoffrey, my family’s faithful groom, was waiting. He was already shaking his head before we even reached him. I’m sorry Mr. Lucas, he called out. From where I was standing, you both crossed the finish line at the same time. The race is another draw.

Though I had expected as much, I couldn’t hold back a sigh of disappointment. It would have been nice to settle the matter, but a tie was better than losing. Well, that’s that then. We both have excellent mounts. 

You’re not going to try again? There was a hopeful note in the groom’s voice that made me grin.

Ward and I agree it’s probably for the best to let it be. We’ll just have to find some other boasting gentleman to defeat.

Ward shook his head and gestured towards the surrounding area. We’re not going to have much success with that around here, he said. I do believe most every one of your neighbors has at least heard about our friendly competition. I doubt any of them are willing to challenge either of us.

He was absolutely right, but I wasn’t overly worried about the matter. As it was, all of my family’s neighbors knew of the Bywood penchant for excellent mounts. It had been years since one of them challenged us to a race. Only visitors did now, and it was rare that any of them found victory. The one time I’d seen a stranger defeat my father, Father had purchased the horse from the owner.

A glance around showed that everyone was drifting away to return to their daily routine. Geoffrey mounted his own horse and headed back to Bywood Hall. I shifted my focus to the next potential activity and asked, What plans do you have for the rest of the day, Ward? Would you care for a bit of fishing?

My friend rejected my invitation with a shake of his head. Not today, Bywood. I must attend to important business correspondence that I have been neglecting for too long. Perhaps another day.

Without waiting for me to respond, he turned Tesoro around and set off. Of course he would have business to see to. It seemed everyone had something to see to, and I did not.

The investment of my inheritance was sound and did not require my constant attention. I had no estate to manage, nor a spouse to care for. With my return home, I found myself with plenty of free time and little to do.

Suppressing a sigh, I nudged Phaeton into a brisk trot. Perhaps my sister’s children would provide some entertainment.

◆◆◆

Once upon a time, there was a young man of modest fortune, constantly plagued by the demands of his family. The constant demands became a burden and he felt like he could never meet their expectations. Feeling overwhelmed and defeated, he eventually passed away and all who knew him lamented the loss of a good fellow. The end.

On either side of me, my niece and nephew giggled at my dramatic words. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of my sister, Jane Castleton, shaking her head disapprovingly. Good heavens, Lucas Bywood! she said, her tone reproving. Is that really an appropriate story to tell my children? No one ever died because his family gave him advice.

I hope you are paying attention, I said to the young ones who were listening with great interest. Your mama knows best about everything. You must never disagree or argue with her, or there will be dire consequences!

Luke, I’m close to losing my patience with you.

I knew when I had pushed my luck too far, and this was definitely one of those moments. Why don’t you two go find your Aunt Philippa and discover if she’s still visiting with Mr. Talbot, I said to the two children. I think they would be delighted to see you, and who knows, they might even have a new game for you to play.

What? No! Jane exclaimed in horror as Julia and Tristan took off running. Lucas! How could you do that to her? Philly needs time alone with her betrothed. It’s cruel to send my children to pester them. How would you feel if we did the same thing when you wished to have a private conversation with Miss Darkin?

Thoughts of Miss Olivia Darkin’s smiling face and sparkling eyes flitted through my mind. There is no time when I wouldn't be delighted to see my nephew and niece, I said, mentally pushing aside the memories. Besides, Miss Darkin isn’t here for there to be a situation such as you describe. Also, you forget I am not betrothed to her, so such an intimate setting would cause quite the scandal. I am astonished you would even suggest such a thing, Jane.

Why haven’t you proposed to her yet? Jane asked, crossing the room to be by my side. She put her hand on my shoulder, and her tone became wheedling. You had nearly a month to become acquainted with her. She’s a lovely girl, and after everything that has happened—

You’re hounding me again, Jane. Did you not pay attention to my tale? Soon I shall perish from so much advice!

I’m not hounding you. I just want to understand what you're thinking, Jane said, her tone frustrated. You seemed to really like Miss Darkin, and it’s quite understandable why you would. She’s a lovely young woman and I believe she will make you a perfect life companion. So why haven’t you—

I can already imagine the gossip, I said, unashamedly interrupting her. I raised my voice to a falsetto. ‘Oh, what a tragic fate for young Mr. Bywood. Who would have guessed he would die from his family constantly giving him advice and questioning him on everything he did? Have you ever heard of such a thing?’

Jane threw her hands up in frustration and turned away.I am done trying to talk sense into you. You are determined to be difficult.

Without thinking, I blurted out, Jane, Miss Darkin asked me to wait before pursuing a relationship with her. I didn’t want to let my older sister down, and I hoped she would understand the position I was in. She is a friend of Phoebe, you know. She did not feel it would be appropriate for us to pursue a courtship in view of everything that happened in the last month.

I’ve never heard anything more ridiculous! You made it clear you had no attachment to Phoebe Ramsey, whatever Father may have said on the matter. No one would have thought bad of you if you chose instead to pursue Miss Darkin, especially as Phoebe is now Mrs. Russell.

And what kind of gentleman would I have been to ignore a lady’s wishes? I asked, offended by the idea.

Well, I’m sure she had no idea that her siblings would fall ill and she’d have to return home to care for them, Jane said, sending a glare at me over her shoulder. You will lose your chance if you do not follow her.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her words. Follow her straight into a situation where I would be unable to see her due to her responsibility to care for her siblings? Not exactly the best time for romance, Jane. Really, your idea of helpful suggestions is dreadfully skewed.

Faint heart never won fair lady.

Neither have foolish actions.

It had only been a few days since Miss Darkin had left the neighboring estate. In that time, it seemed as though everyone in the family had inquired about my intentions toward the lady. Did I plan to continue the acquaintance? Was there a private agreement between us? Of course, they all thought she was a delightful young lady, and didn’t I agree?

When compared to the ill opinions of me most had given voice to earlier in the summer, these inquiries and declarations about not letting Miss Darkin slip away were more bearable. However, it hadn’t taken long for such words to become exceedingly tiresome, especially as I considered it a personal matter. Why were so many concerned about who I would marry? It wasn’t as if I were the heir and needed to provide a son to continue the family line.

I was fond of Miss Darkin, it was true. I might even go so far as to say that I liked her a great deal more than any lady I had ever met. She possessed a level-headedness that was lacking in many young women of our generation. Her sense of humor was similar to my own and most of the time we had been together had been spent in laughter. Even a fool could see we were well-matched, perhaps better than some married couples.

Although I was initially disappointed by her request to wait, I could acknowledge the wisdom behind it. I’d been ‘courting’  Phoebe Ramsey, now Mrs. Miles Russell, for several weeks. It would inevitably stir up gossip if I were to suddenly pursue another lady so soon after their wedding.

As I thought about my friend and his new wife, I couldn’t help but wonder how they were adjusting to married life. They had gone somewhere south for their wedding trip, and I knew they were expected to return to her parents’ home in a few weeks. With only each other for company, did they still regard each other with the same fondness? Or would the first flush of love have left them and they were disappointed?

Either way, I planned to be as far away from the neighborhood as I could reasonably manage to be by the time they came back.

There are times I would dearly like to box your ears. Maybe that would knock some sense into you. Jane’s exasperated tone snapped me out of my thoughts.

You’ve done so in the past. What’s keeping you from doing so now? I asked curiously.

You are taller than I, and I fear you would find some way to retaliate, Jane said with a hint of amusement tugging at her lips, although she tried to maintain a serious demeanor. Luke, be serious for a moment. Do you not want to be settled? Have your own family? A loving wife and children?

At two and twenty, I have plenty of time to settle down. I thought you were on my side, Jane! Did you not say it was good for me to take a Grand Tour and travel to see something of the world?

Yes, I did. However, the one does not have anything to do with the other, she argued. You’ve traveled, seen the world, and now you are back home. It is time for you to turn your attention to other matters.

If that’s how it must be, I shall simply have to continue my travels and leave other matters for later. After all, Napoleon has abdicated. Perhaps France would be my next destination.

My sister’s eyes widened in shock. Lucas! That is not what I was suggesting at all! After everything that has happened, after our country being at war with them for years, how could you possibly think that going there would be a good idea?

Jane! Jane! Phillipa's voice cut through the air, reaching both of us. Her tone was definitely one of annoyance. You must do something with your children!

It was the perfect distraction. I told you not to send them after her! One moment, Philly. Jane hurried to rescue Phillipa, leaving me to make my own escape.

◆◆◆

Unfortunately, though I had escaped my sisters, I was caught by another member of my family. I had just reached the stairs when my father's voice rang out.

There you are, Lucas. Might I have a moment of your time.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling a surge of tension in my shoulders. My father’s words were not a genuine request, despite being phrased as a question. I am more than happy to oblige you, sir, I said, turning to face my father. I trust nothing is amiss?

Do I need a reason to want to speak to my youngest son? Father's voice held a hint of annoyance as he led me into his study. He sat down behind his desk. As I took a seat opposite him, he asked, Do you have any plans, son?

Plans? I repeated warily. Was I about to have this conversation all over again? What do you mean?

Yes, plans. What do you intend to do with your life? You rejected becoming a man of the cloth, and your mother’s heart would break if you chose to be a soldier. You can't just expect everything to continue as it has been.

The topic of my future always seemed to be a pressing matter for my father. I was not aware such planning was necessary. My future is secure, Father, as I have made careful investments with my inheritance. I don’t foresee any need for me to seek any kind of employment. Everything is taken care of.

His jaw tensed, a muscle visibly twitching. So you plan on being a gentleman of leisure? One no better than the self-proclaimed dandies and Corinthians who go about without a care for the real world? Have you no ambition?

"I think you will find that dandies do in fact have a care or two, I said with a laugh. They can be quite vocal when something wrinkles their impeccable attire, especially their precious cravats. It is a thing to hear, I can tell you!"

This is not a matter to be taken lightly, Lucas!

After everything that had happened earlier in the summer, I had hoped for a better understanding between my father and me. I suppose things cannot change overnight, though. Sir, I assure you, I am not taking this lightly. I said, allowing my smile to fade away.

And yet you have not planned for your future.

I have always considered my investments as my plan, I said, my tone more defensive than I had intended. I have actually increased my funds despite all the traveling I have done.

I find that unlikely. Travel is costly.

Shifting in my seat, I resisted the urge to collect the papers and give him a detailed accounting. At my age, why should I have to prove anything to him? What do you suggest I do then? I am not for the cloth, have not studied the law, and shall not become a soldier out of respect for Mother’s feelings on the matter. Politics hold no interest for me and are far more complicated than I’m willing to tackle. What else is there?

If, as you say, you have the funds, purchase a small estate and settle down.

Why was I not surprised this was his plan for me? And if I do not have the funds for such an endeavor? I asked, keeping my voice low in an effort not to allow my feelings to be obvious.

My father’s stern expression softened. You must know I stand ready to assist you.

He meant well, of course, but I wanted to be independent, to not always be accountable to my father. I appreciate your offer, sir, but I don’t believe it will be needed.

There was a light tap on the door. That will be Stevens, Father said, referring to his steward. He raised his voice to call out, Enter.

Taking advantage of the interruption, I rose from my seat. I will leave you to your business, then. Until later, father.

For a moment, Father looked as though he wanted to object. Then, he waved his hand dismissively. I left the room as Stevens came in, making sure to shut the door behind me once I was out in the hallway.

If Father wanted me to make a plan, I would do so. I just didn't know what I wanted to do.

Chapter Two

Much to my great relief , I managed to leave the house without encountering another member of my family. Deep down, I knew they only meant well with their advising and questioning. For the most part, they were all settled happily in married life with Philippa well on her way to that state. George alone could not be said to be as pleased as he might be and I was curious as to how he had married Rosamund in the first place.

Not that I had any intention of asking my only brother any questions regarding his marital state. He held me responsible for his banishment to the tiny estate. Was it my fault his wife had meddled where she had no business? To him, the answer was yes.

These thoughts went round and round my mind as I rode Phaeton across my family’s land. If, after only a few months of being at home, I felt restless, was I ready to seriously search for a wife? Or would I only feel trapped and become embittered?

Bywood!

My newest friend, Mr. John Ward, rode towards me on his prized Tesoro. I greeted him with a smile and raised my hand in greeting before stopping Phaeton to wait for him. Well met, Ward, I said when he drew up beside me. What has you exploring the countryside today?

"The desire to escape weepy ladies bemoaning their loneliness for their