A Matter of Convenience

Apunak, the man who taught me the importance of dreams,

and

to Bob, the man who's made most of my dreams come true.

Prologue

Lowell, Massachusetts, 1787

      Come here, darling.

Corinna edged up to the bed. Her mother looked pale and worn, not at all like the rosy-cheeked woman who laughed at butterflies and taught her the names of stars. She slipped her hand into her mother’s. The cold skin surprised her.

I have something to give you. Burrowing her free hand under the pillow, her mother drew out a coin. She handed it to Corinna.

What is it?

A good-luck charm. I want you to have it.

The child turned the coin over in her hand. The coin was nearly black, but hints of silver shone through in spots. On one side was a woman dressed in a flowing robe and holding a mirror. On the other side, a swan swam in a tarnished pond. Around the edge were words. Corinna held the coin closer. The letters were faint and difficult to read. Numquam tuas spes dedisce.

What does it mean?

That, my little Cori, you will have to learn on your own. When I am well, I shall tell you how I lost that coin and your daddy found it. A fit of coughing seized the woman, and she turned her head away.

Mama?

Stand back, Cori. Her father’s strong hands pulled her away from the bed. You can come back later.

No. Her mother struggled to sit up in the bed, even as more coughing assailed her.

We can’t let her stay.

Corinna watched in confusion as her mother’s eyes filled with tears.

I know, but I just want to see her one last time.

One last time? What did Mother mean? She would get better. She had to tell the story of the coin.

Promise, Corinna, promise me you’ll learn the meaning of those words.

I promise. She would promise anything to get her mother well.

Go on, Cori. Your mother needs to rest. Her father pushed her toward the door.

Corinna glanced back over her shoulder. I’ll see you later, Mama.

Yes. Later. I love you, Cori.

I love you, Mama. Corinna Towers left the room and wandered to the parlor. She didn’t like it when Mama was sick. This time the doctor was here almost all day long, and people talked around her in hushed tones. Corinna wandered into the parlor and sat. She examined the coin in her hand. It was old, and the writing wasn’t English. Daddy would help her learn what it meant. Daddy knew so many things.

She looked again at the letters. They looked funny, and they didn’t contain many vowels. NVMQVAM...

A shadow fell across her lap. She looked up. Her father stood in front of her. Tears glistened in his eyes. Daddy never cried. She looked toward her mother’s room and back at her father. Fear and sorrow rose up from her stomach and throttled her.

No, Daddy. Corinna shook her head. No, Daddy. She said she’d tell me the story.

Her father bent down and hugged her. His body jerked with sobs.

Mama, she whispered and clutched the coin in her fist. Her own tears blinded her vision, but she sought out heaven with her gaze. I promise, Mama. I promise.

Chapter One

Boston

February, 1798

Sir, perhaps you’d best let me drive. The man clutched the seat with both hands. His knuckles were white from the effort.

Nonsense, Matthew. The roads are empty here, came the response.

Aye, sir, but we shall reach the center of the city soon, and I thought—

Do I pay your wages?

Of course, sir.

Then enough talk. I wish to drive. Stuart Grant snapped the reins and urged the horses to a greater speed.

His black queue of hair streamed out behind him as the vehicle moved ever faster. Stuart could feel the irritation he had harbored since leaving the wharf loosen in his chest. The business transaction proved fruitless, as the man he wanted to see had brought his wife and daughter with him. Probably at the wife’s urging.

Stuart scowled into the wind. Blast those mothers with their unmarried daughters. As if he had no more important thing to do than meet every eligible virgin in Boston. Women had their uses. God knew he never had trouble finding a willing one to sate his needs. But a wife? Someday, when he was ready to sire an heir, but he didn’t have the patience or temperament yet. He marveled that any man burdened with a wife could get business done at all. Wives certainly interrupted his often enough, usually with their children. No wonder he hated coming to the city. If it weren’t for social expectations, he would forgo tonight’s affair as well. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about Edward’s fiancée and her mother. They had already snared a man.

Sir, if you might consider slowing the coach just a bit… Matthew gripped the board and swallowed hard as the coach tilted as they rounded a corner.

At the sight of his coachman’s pinched face, Stuart laughed. Very well, Matthew. We’re in the city anyway.

Why he hurried, Stuart didn’t know, but he hated wasting time. Perhaps if he saved enough time, he would have the chance to stop at Falstaff’s Antiquities. Mr. Falstaff might have something interesting to show him, something to add to his collection. That was the one advantage to being in Boston—he could indulge his hobby.

He turned the corner a bit faster than he intended. Matthew gasped on the seat beside. Stuart grinned. The streets weren’t so crowded that he needed to slow much more than he already had. Further in the bowels of the city, he was sure that would change.

*** *** ***

I’d like a dram of this scent, please. Corinna Towers waited for the woman behind the counter to move. When she didn’t, Corinna took the money out of her purse.

Yes, yes, of course. The shopkeeper’s eyes widened with ill-concealed surprise, and she straightened to gather her measuring cups.

Will you put it in a pretty bottle? It’s for a wedding present.

Naturally.

The woman reached behind her and picked out a blue bottle with a glass stopper. Corinna nodded. She could have blamed the woman for her earlier hesitation, but she knew her dress appeared worn and fit poorly. Although of good quality, it was one of her cousin’s discarded frocks. All her dresses were. Corinna did her best to alter the garments, but her clothes always retained the imprint of their former owner.

The woman handed her the package and counted out the penny in change.

Thank you.

Cradling the bottle, she walked out of the shop. This will make a nice wedding gift for Katie, but not for the wedding Aunt Charlotte plans.

As she wandered past the many shops near the Common, her thoughts wandered along a different course. Even posting the letter that would help her cousin did little to improve her mood. The thought of the new gown she’d receive for the ceremony only dampened her spirits further. She’d have little joy after Katie was married.

And after Aunt Charlotte found out what she’d done…

Oblivious to her surroundings, Corinna started across the muddy street. A series of shouts roused her from her deep meditations. Startled, Corinna looked up to find a coach bearing down upon her at great speed. Panic welled up in her. Her foot slipped in the wet slop of the road. Her terror mounted as the coach came ever closer. Unable to find purchase, Corinna gaped at the oncoming vehicle. At the last moment, she jumped out of the way and slipped into the mire.

The coach skidded to a halt, splashing more mud over her. In her fright, she dropped the perfume. The glass shattered, and the strong odor of spilled scent washed over her.

One man climbed down from the coach, leaving the other to inspect the wheels. With long, angry strides he marched over to her. Have you no regard for traffic, woman?

Enraged, Corinna looked up at him—and straight into the coldest blue eyes she had ever seen. She gulped for air, sucking in the reeking perfume until she coughed. The man grabbed her arm and pulled her upright.

Corinna yanked her arm out of his grip and faced him. And have you no regard for the innocent victim of your reckless driving?

His eyes widened at her response. If only her eyes could scorch him with the rage that burned within her. She narrowed her gaze at him. He in turn took in the rest of her appearance. He started at the top of her head. She held herself up. She knew she was taller than most women. Then his gaze reached her dress. His lips crinkled. A quick glance down confirmed her worst fears. Her clothes, covered in dirt, held no hint of their former elegance, and the tight-fitting bodice pushed up her breasts in a way that was almost indecent.

A brief look of wry regret flitted across his face. His mouth twisted into a crooked smile. You have a quick tongue to match a quick anger. What inn allows its girls such airs?

Corinna gasped at the insult. I am not a serving wench, sir.

And a display of spirit in addition to the rest. His gaze moved over her in an interested fashion. I’d love to discover if your spirit extends to all your talents.

His insinuation struck Corinna like a blow. Seething with fury, she raised her hand to slap the smug face.

He caught her arm in an iron grip. Alas, I fear I’ve no time for such pleasurable pursuits. Stuart tossed a gold coin at her. Buy yourself a clean dress, wench.

Stunned, Corinna stared at the money lying at her feet. She picked up the gold, and threw it toward the coach.

The coin hit the man in the forehead.

His deep laugh rumbled through her. A woman who wants neither my attention nor my money. I don’t believe I’ve met one of those.

Her spine stiffened. If your behavior is any indication of your upbringing, I’m surprised you receive any attention at all.

Far too much, I’m afraid. However, you are correct. I apologize to you. He bowed.

Corinna almost believed him, until she caught sight of his grin. "Spare yourself the effort, sir. I’m sure a wench as lowly as myself couldn’t appreciate it." She whirled from him and stormed off. His laughter followed her down the street.

How dare he. Anger boiled and roasted at her insides until she feared she would explode. She stopped before she reached the Common and looked at her dress. Her wrap showed no speck of its color, and its dampness did more to chill than warm her. Mud and dirt covered the front of the skirt. Although it was an old dress, it had been in good repair, but that vulgar oaf had ruined it. And since she owned so few garments, every dress had to last as long as she could mend it. Perhaps she had been hasty throwing away that gold coin.

The brute was right. She did look more like a serving wench at an inn than a well-bred woman. And what young lady wandered about town without a companion?

You certainly can get yourself into trouble, Corinna.

Well, she could do naught about it. Never one to dwell on her problems, Corinna allowed herself a sigh and walked home, wondering why the once clement day now seemed so cold.

She reached home in plenty of time to prepare herself for the evening’s activities. Corinna had hoped to get to her room without detection, but her aunt sat in the front parlor.

Corinna! Aunt Charlotte’s screech rang through the house. Jumping to her feet, the woman cornered her niece. What have you done to your dress? The woman sniffed the air. And you smell like a—a common trollop.

As would you if an entire bottle of scent spilled on you.

Are you calling me a—

If you will excuse me, Auntie, I need to change and clean up before the guests arrive.

Your gratitude leaves much to be desired. Aunt Charlotte followed her to the stairs. We feed you, house you, clothe you, and yet you show such blatant disregard for our goodness and charity. You have never respected or honored your home here with us. I’m glad we don’t waste money on clothing for you, since you obviously cannot care for your garments. You may go to you room. Do try to stay clean and out of trouble until our guests arrive.

Heat rushed into her cheeks. Corinna clenched her fists at her side, and continued up the stairs. Sometimes arguing with her aunt wasn’t worth the effort. This accursed incident was causing her no end of trouble. A ruined dress and an excuse for her aunt to torment and belittle her. And in a few days...after Katie left, this house would hold no refuge at all. But where could she go? What could she do? She could go into service. Yes, find a position somewhere, maybe as a governess or a companion. The idea appealed to her. When Katie left, she would leave, too.

Before Corinna could shrug out of her dress, Katie appeared in the door of the garret. I don’t know if I can bear it much longer.

The sight of her cousin made Corinna’s heart ache. Red rimmed the girl’s eyes, and her shoulders drooped. Corinna crossed the bare wooden floor. Poor, Katie. She opened her arms to hug her cousin, but the girl backed off.

What happened, Cori? Katie stared at the dress.

A misunderstanding between a coach and myself. Corinna unhooked the garment and stepped out of it. She kicked it into the corner.

Sniffing the air, Katie asked, And what is that smell?

Perfume. I bought you some, but it spilled in the accident. Her eyes narrowed at the memory.

What happened?

Some reckless fool drove his coach too fast through the street as I crossed. When I jumped to avoid him, I slipped and dropped the present. The coach slid through the mud, the result of which you can see on my dress. Corinna felt no need to go into the rest of the confrontation.

Oh, Cori, you could have been hurt.

I suppose, but it’s over now, and only my dress was harmed. And my pride.

Were you able to. . .?

Yes. The memory of the task she had completed diminished her anger. Corinna smiled with genuine warmth at her cousin. Next week you’ll be a married woman.

Katie threw herself on the narrow bed. But what if something goes wrong?

Before another word left Katie’s mouth, Corinna shut the door to the garret. Shhh. Someone might hear.

Tears spilled from Katie’s eyes. I can’t marry a man who looks at me as if I were a… a… fallen woman. My mother must notice, yet she does nothing. Sometimes I wish I were an orphan.

Being an orphan doesn’t solve any problems. Corinna’s voice held a gentle admonishment.

With a gasp of horror and a hiccup, Katie stopped crying. Oh, goodness, Cori. I forgot that you… I wasn’t thinking.

Never mind, Katie. I know you didn’t mean it. Now, gather your strength. Edward will be here soon, and naught must be amiss.

Katie wiped her eyes. You’re right. I suppose I should get dressed for the dance. You’re coming tonight, aren’t you?

I really don’t know.

You must. I can’t go without you. A frightened grimace distorted Katie’s face.

Don’t worry so, sweet cousin. If I can at all attend, I shall.

Katie left, still hiccuping slightly. Corinna shook her head. Poor thing. To have a mother like that…

The rumpled dress in the corner caught her eye. Well, she could wash it and use it to wear when she cleaned the house. Setting all thoughts of it aside, she poured water into the basin and washed her face and hands. She would have preferred a proper bath, but she knew that Aunt Charlotte would only fuss if she requested hot water. Corinna washed her long hair in the basin as best she could, then gave it a vigorous brushing until the dark tresses shone from her effort.

Opening her wardrobe, Corinna looked through her clothes. Although her aunt probably wouldn’t allow her to attend tonight’s ball, Corinna decided to dress for the occasion. She pulled out the gray satin dress she had received last year from her cousin. The waist was a bit loose and the bodice was a bit tight, but it was still her best gown. She shrugged into the dress, fastened the laces as best she could, and adjusted the material around herself. The bodice really was tight.

As she pinned up her hair, a few stray wisps curled around her neck. Her one piece of adornment was a simple gold necklace adorned with three small garnet stones left to her by her mother. She reached for her favorite scent, then laughed. She certainly didn’t need any more perfume tonight.

The sound of the front door opening downstairs and the announcement of guests told Corinna she had taken too long. Her hand touched the silver coin she kept on the top of the small table. I could use some good luck tonight. Not that she believed in luck. Her father had told her some outrageous story about the coin being magic. According to the legend, the owner of the coin was destined to lose it, but it would be found by the her true love. Right. She didn’t believe in fairy tales either. Then she picked up her skirts and dashed out of the room. A murmur of muted voices floated up the stairs. At the bottom of the last flight, the voices from the parlor became clear. She swept through the door and stopped short.

A tall man stood in the center of the room. His physique dwarfed the other occupants and dominated the view. His dark hair tumbled around his collar. The line of his jaw gave his visage strength and arrogance. The others in the room melted in to nothingness.

The gaze of his blue eyes captured hers without mercy. Corinna drew in a sharp breath.

There stood the reckless brute who had nearly killed her today.

Chapter Two

Corinna knew she should move, she should breathe, she should flee, but she couldn’t. Why was he here? How could he be here? Who was he?

Before Corinna regained her composure, her aunt called from across the room. There you are. Our guests have been waiting to see you.

Aunt Charlotte crossed the room and grabbed Corinna by the arm. She hissed into her ear. You’re late, you spiteful chit. If you try to embarrass me tonight, you will regret it.

Corinna spared her aunt no attention. The man occupied her every sense. When she had first entered the room, he had raised an eyebrow. Now he sent a crooked half smile at her.

He was amused. How dare he mock her.

Come, Corinna, meet our dear Edward’s family. The shrillness of her aunt’s voice tainted the polite words. You remember Edward’s father, of course.

Corinna tore her gaze away from the younger man and turned to face the elder Grant. As if she could ever forget this repulsive, short, fat man. His head hardly reached her nose, and his dark eyes shone out of his face like a rat’s. She suppressed a shudder. How do you do?

Taking Corinna’s hand in his fleshy palm, Richard Grant pressed a moist kiss upon her skin. She saw Richard’s gaze take in the tight bodice pressing up the full roundness of her breasts. His tongue ran over his lips as he bent forward to take a better look. How lovely you look tonight, my dear. Even more lovely than I remembered. How fortunate Edward is to marry into such a family. His fingers twitched as if he was having difficulty restraining the urge to touch her.

Corinna shrank back from him. Edward had inherited many family traits from his father. Both seemed ill suited to the expensive clothes they wore, and both seemed ill suited to polite company. Edward Grant might be wealthy, but all the money in the world couldn’t make him a gentleman. He was rude, uncouth, and terribly vain. Corinna could barely repress a shudder of disgust. What must that bode about the third man? If he were anything like Edward and his father, the evening would be miserable.

Much to her dismay, Richard took her by the arm and steered her to the tall man. Miss Towers, may I present you to my other son–

I am not your son.

No, no, I forget sometimes, Richard said, a flush rising to his cheeks. Corinna, this is Edward’s brother, Stuart Grant.

She knew the name, of course. Who didn’t? Corinna looked up into the ice blue eyes that sparkled with amusement.

Such a pleasure to meet you…formally, Miss Towers. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

Corinna couldn’t name the feeling that raced through her and sent a shiver down her spine. She tried to snatch her hand away from him.

Laughter shone from his eyes as he relinquished her hand. I never realized there were such lovely ladies in this family.

Knowing he remembered his words of the afternoon, Corinna glared up at him. You… you… hypocrite.

Stuart bowed.

Apologize at once, young lady. Aunt Charlotte looked aghast by the exchange.

That’s not necessary, Stuart said. I almost ran over her today in my carriage. I was most impolite, and I’m afraid I ruined her dress.

Well, I’m sure it was all Corinna’s fault, Aunt Charlotte said. She’s irresponsible and headstrong. The trouble she causes us…

Corinna’s cheeks heated at this public rebuke. She held her head a little higher and faced Stuart. A retort rose to her lips but froze there as she saw an unreadable expression in his eyes.

’Twas I who was irresponsible. I drove far too fast for public safety. My coachman told me so only minutes before the accident. I’m only grateful no harm came to Miss Towers.

At that moment, a servant entered to announce dinner. Stuart offered his arm to Corinna. Without thinking, she took it. She was too busy wondering about his defense of her to question whether she wanted to accompany him into the dining room.

Aunt Charlotte looked at the pair. Her mouth hung open. She closed it with a snap as little splotches of red stained her cheeks. Drawing herself upright, she cleared her throat. Leaving her husband’s side, Aunt Charlotte took Richard Grant by the arm and led him into the dining room. Do come to the table, dear sir. Since we are soon to be related, you must call me Charlotte.

Staring at her aunt’s back, Corinna allowed Stuart to lead her to the table. She could make no sense of his actions.

Dinner was an elaborate affair. The ornate silverware bespoke the garish taste of Aunt Charlotte. The pattern of the linen tablecloth competed with the pattern of the china for attention. Although the setting was hideously expensive, it did little more than show Aunt Charlotte’s desperate attempt to seem elegant and important.

Leave it to Aunt Charlotte to try to outdo the Grants. The thought brought a wry smile to her lips.

Her amusement didn’t go unnoticed. Stuart watched her. Corinna turned her head away, and the smile disappeared.

Stuart wondered what had caused her merriment and realized he wanted to see her smile again. Gazing at the lovely profile she presented to him, Stuart found himself inexplicably drawn to her. That gown, short in length and loose in the waist, showed her height and slenderness, but that bodice gave ample evidence of her curves. Her dark hair and flashing green eyes proved an enticing combination. Her unique beauty outshone the whim of fashion. But even more than her beauty, this girl had a fire, a spirit that all but challenged a man to approach her.

He shook the thought from his mind. He was only here because he felt it his duty to meet Edward’s fiancée. And now he had. The girl was pleasant enough, even if he found her meek. But this one, the cousin… Stuart frowned. His half brother’s relation, no matter how attractive she was, held no interest for him. Although he wondered how she might react if he kissed her. Perhaps a little interest.

Although the meal was sumptuous, Corinna toyed with her food. The tall, rude, and powerfully attractive man sitting to her left made her nervous. No one had ever had such an effect on her. Never mind. After next week, they will disappear from your life for good.

When the interminable dinner ended, Aunt Charlotte stood. Shall we move to the parlor? My husband has an excellent brandy for the gentlemen. My servant can tell us when the coach is ready to take us to the soirée.

Surely we’ll need two coaches, since there are so many of us, Stuart said.

With an indulgent glance at her husband, Charlotte giggled as if Stuart had said something witty. No. My husband doesn’t like these affairs. And Corinna won’t be attending. With a smug glance at her niece, Charlotte smoothed a loose hair back onto her elaborately coifed head.

Nonsense, Stuart said. I insist that she come with us. I’ll send for my coach to give us enough room.

Panic threatened to engulf Corinna. No, really. I’ll be fine here at home. Under any other circumstances, she would have eagerly attended the dance, but tonight she wanted to stay home. She didn’t wish to face these arrogant Grant