“Where were you tonight? Belle needed your assistance.”
“Did you help her?”
“Yes, but that is not the point. Your friend required your help.”
“I am aware of her needs, and that is the reason I sent for you to remove her problem. Since you succeeded, all is well.”
Wilde nursed his drink as he watched Sheffield’s disinterest about Belle’s troubles. Any other time, Alex would have risen to the occasion to help her, but this time he pawned it off on him to rescue her. He didn’t mind rescuing Belle, but he did mind the underhanded techniques used to prevent him from attending the Steadhampton Musical. A sense of doom overcame him as he realized his non-appearance resulted in his loss of Sidney. Why else would her friend Beckwith confront him in anger? His glance at Alex confirmed his suspicions. A man as confident as Sheffield sat relaxed as he drank his whiskey. He was a man who appeared victorious in an accomplished game of winning the hand of a lady by underhanded means.
“How was the musical?”
“Most enlightening, I must say.”
“How so?”
“Lady Sidney attended with her barracuda of a friend Lady Sophia.”
“I find Lady Sophia to be enchanting.”
“Yes, well, maybe you might have luck with her then, since Lady Sidney is quite disenchanted with you after this evening.”
“And why would that be?”
“Somehow, she heard the rumors of your visitation to Belle’s and what type of establishment you frequent.”
“Who would burn her ears with such gossip?”
“Who else?”
“This is far from over, Alex. I never thought you would slander your own friend for a chit, especially with a false rumor. You were fully aware of the reason for my visit to Belle’s. Hell you sent me there.”
“I have decided Lady Sidney will be my duchess, and I mean to secure her. Your secret meetings with her will end now. I don’t want to lose our friendship, but if you continue your liaisons with her, you will leave me with no choice but to ruin you.”
Wilde stood and straightened his suit jacket, tugging on the sleeves. “Well consider myself ruined. If you wish to discard our friendship so easily, then prepare yourself for a fight. You see, I aim to make her my marchioness. May the best man win.” He took a bow before Sheffield and wandered from the club, his whistle growing louder as he left.
HE LOOSENED HIS FISTS as he controlled his anger. Wilde wanted to punch the pompous look from Sheffield’s face but realized it would have been of no use. Alex changed the rules of the game tonight.
He either backed away from Sidney, or Sheffield would ruin him. It no longer mattered. His feelings for this lady were on another level, which would lead him on a path to happiness or despair.
Once she disappeared from the window, he let himself in through the garden gate and continued toward the bench. He glanced to her window again and wished for her to call out to him. When she didn’t, he laid a token of his apology to her on the bench, hoping she would discover it in the morning. He took another glance before he left for home. He would need to rise early, to stay one step ahead of Sheffield and any other gentleman who would call on her tomorrow. Sidney was no longer a game to him, but a challenge of love.
Chapter Nine
As Sidney trailed listlessly along the hallway toward the library, her footsteps halted as she heard her mother gush over a guest. A male voice drifted from the parlor in a low muffled voice. When her mother released a loud giggle, joined by Sophia’s melodious laugh, Sidney’s steps gathered speed as she rushed into the room. She stopped when she found her mother and Phee on the sofa, across from Lord Wildeburg, who sat in her father’s favorite armchair. He lounged in the chair as if he had countless times before and laughed along with the ladies.
When he noticed her, he leaped to his feet and flashed a flirtatious smile her way. In return, Sidney glared at him. However, her scowl only made his smile grow wider, if possible. As his smile grew, the twinkle in his eye revealed his amusement at her temper. He approached and offered his arm as he led her to the chair near the couch. The audacity of him to show his face in her home, where he knew she would not welcome him, infuriated her. As he returned to his seat, Sid felt the loss of his touch deeply. He only held her hands for a few seconds, but it felt as if it were for an eternity. Her attraction to him overruled her anger, which was something she needed to squash if she were to stay impartial on her thesis. Her glance slid to the sofa. Her mother smiled with glee at the marquess, while her friend looked guilty for consorting with the enemy. It would appear as if it would rest upon her to rid the marquess of their company. She didn’t want to draw suspicion to her mother by displaying rude behavior, but he must leave. He wreaked havoc with her emotions.
“Lady Sidney, you look lovely this sunny day,” he flattered her.
“Thank you, My Lord.”
“I wondered if you would do me the honor of taking a walk this afternoon?”
“I am sorry. I am otherwise occupied. Perhaps another time.”
“Nonsense, you must accompany Lord Wildeburg since he took time from his busy schedule to pay us a visit today. He informed me of his wish to spend time with you but has been unable to because of your other suitors. Today would be a perfect day for you to get to know the charming marquess,” her mother cajoled her.
Sidney turned her head and tilted it to the side as she regarded Wildeburg. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. When he sent a wink in her direction, she wanted to confess to her mother the many opportunities he had spent in her company. He knew she couldn’t reveal their moments together without ruining herself. She would be the one at fault, not him, which only infuriated her more and proved her thesis. The devil would play on her virtue for his own gain.
When Rory arrived in the doorway, she realized he would be her salvation. He took notice of the room and its occupants. The two ladies on the sofa sat charmed by the marquess, while Sidney glowered at the man, expressing her anger with him. When her eyes landed on Rory, she rose from the seat and sent him a silent message with her eyes to play along with her. Rory nodded as he sensed the vibe in the room.
“Mama, I cannot join Lord Wildeburg, as I have promised Rory a walk around the garden.”
“My loss, your gain, Beckwith. Lady Sidney I will feel the loss of your presence deeply. I hope you enjoy your stroll. Lady Hartridge and Lady Sophia, it has been a pleasure to share tea with you this afternoon.”
“We can’t make your visit go unnoticed. Perhaps you would enjoy a walk with Lady Sophia instead?”
“I would be honored if Lady Sophia accompanied me to the park nearby.”
Lady Hartridge placed Sophia in an awkward position, one where she either offended a peer of the realm or betray her best friend. Lady Hartridge, unaware of the tension floating around the room, sent an elbow into her side for her to rise and take the arm Lord Wildeburg offered. As she rose, she laid her arm on his, and he walked them to the doorway. Sidney and Rory blocked their path, as they both glared their frustration at the marquess’s manipulation. Only Wilde hadn’t manipulated the situation, Lady Hartridge had. Sidney’s mother would never have made the offer if Lord Wildeburg hadn’t shown his face at the Hartridges’ home today. When Sophia’s eyes met Sidney’s she expected anger. Instead, she watched tears gather in her eyes. She took a step forward when Sid shook her head in denial and stepped to the side for them to exit.
“Make your excuses, Wildeburg, and leave these ladies in peace,” Rory growled low.
“Enjoy your walk, Sophia,” Sidney said.
“Good day, Lady Sidney. Beckwith,” Wildeburg replied as he escorted Sophia along the hallway to the front door.
Sidney turned and stalked in the opposite direction, with Rory following in her wake. She pushed open the French doors leading outside and rushed into the garden. Usually the garden’s peaceful nature settled her troubled emotions, but not today. He had ruined the tranquility of the garden for
her too. Every turn she made, he was there. From the trellis climbing the house, to the spot in the garden under her window. She slowly turned in a circle as she tried to erase him from her heart. When her eyes settled on the bench he occupied a few days ago, she realized without a doubt it was worthless to remove him from her mind.
As she drifted toward the pull of the empty bench, she spotted a small object resting on the planks. She bent over and lifted a small bottle of perfume with a piece of butterscotch candy hanging from the ribbon. The bottle, wet from the morning dew, proved he visited during the night. He had come for her. Now, she was more confused than ever. Perhaps Sheffield was mistaken on Wildeburg’s whereabouts the previous evening and spoke falsely. His unspoken apology soothed her battered emotions.
“Sidney, we must talk.”
“Not now Rory, I must ...” Sidney slid the bottle into her pocket as she kept the gift from his eyes.
“You must what?”
“What?”
“Exactly, you stated we couldn’t talk because you must ...”
“What must I do?”
“That is what I asked you?”
“You are confusing me, Rory. Now if you will excuse me, I need to—”
“No, I will not excuse you, Sidney Hartridge. You must listen this instant.”
Sidney, taken aback by his authoritative behavior, paused. This wasn’t Rory’s normal attitude with her. He was always friendly and protective, not a bully. She then realized her unfair treatment of her friend and her need to apologize to him. As she took a seat on the bench, she patted the space next to her. Rory ran his hand through his hair in his frustration with her. His red locks turned brighter as the sun beat upon his head. Tiny flecks of gold glistened in between his dark locks. He was quite handsome to gaze upon, if you admired a rough look. Her friend settled next to her with a deep sigh. Sidney didn’t understand his frustrations, so she slid her palm inside his.
“What is it you wish to discuss, Rory?”
“Wildeburg.”
“What of Lord Wildeburg?”
“He is not the gentleman for you. You play with fire if you interact with him—and Sheffield for that matter. They will eat you up and spit you out, all for a game they like to play.”
“Nonsense. They are harmless. Perhaps I play a game with them.”
“Either way, I don’t wish any harm on you.”
“You know I can take care of myself.”
“At one time, yes. But anymore, I am unsure. You have changed into a lady I have never had the opportunity to understand.”
“You are talking in riddles, Rory.”
“Am I?”
“I am the same. Nothing about my personality has changed.”
“All the more reason to be cautious. You are unaware of your own vulnerability. Please heed my advice and beware.”
“How have I changed?”
“You have become softer.”
“How so?”
Rory smiled wistfully at her. “By becoming lost in yourself because of the false flattery the gentlemen of the aristocracy are famous for. I always figured you to be immune to their charms.”
“I still am. I realize their compliments are false.”
“Then please help me understand why your expression takes on a dreamy quality when Wildeburg is near you.”
“You speak nonsense.”
“Do I?” He let the question hang in the air between them as he rose.
“Thank you for rescuing me earlier.”
“It was my pleasure. Please err on the side of caution and end this farce.”
“I will in a few days’ time.”
“What will happen then?”
“You will know soon enough.”
Rory shook his head at her antics as he wandered into the house. Rory was a standing guest in their home during the day. His close association with her father’s research enabled him free rein. Her parents trusted them to be alone together, for they displayed nothing more than a friendship. His flirtatious behavior disappeared back into their relaxed companionship.
Sidney remained in the garden, awaiting the return of Sophia. They were to discuss Sidney’s attire for the ball. She wanted to wear a piece to make every gentleman stand and take notice on the last night of her research. Her appearance needed to make every man tempt her into the garden, Rory included. She took the vial of perfume out of her pocket and slid off the topper. When she lifted the bottle to her nose, a field full of lilies drifted across her senses. The light scent tugged at her heart He knew her perfume without asking her.
She imagined different scenarios if she had seen him the night before in the garden.
“YOU HURT HER WITH YOUR absence at the musical.”
“I know, but a dear friend was in need of assistance, and I couldn’t refuse.”
“Is that what you use for an explanation to visit a brothel? Really, whenever you do get married, you will need a better excuse.”
Wildeburg sighed his frustration. “Perhaps I can explain.”
“Please try. I want to plead your case to Sidney, but I am unable when you have hurt her.”
Wildeburg led Lady Sophia to a park bench and explained his reason for missing the musical. He also apologized for the sensitive nature of his excuse. When Belle sent for Sheffield to remove an overzealous earl from her establishment, the duke refused and sent for Wildeburg to clean up the mess. When he arrived at Belle’s, he found her girls in terror as a drunken earl brandished a knife. He threatened to cut the girl who exposed him to his father-in-law. The gentleman already beat a girl and left her frightened of her own shadow before he arrived. With the help of Belle’s bodyguards, they disarmed the man and escorted him from the premises.
Belle hoped Sheffield’s influence would frighten the man out of his shameful behavior. When Wilde appeared instead, it fueled the earl’s anger. For Wilde was known to have tasted the charms of the earl’s wife. A false claim, but one spread all the same after the wife discovered her husband’s love of brothels. Who else to enflame her husband’s anger than to whisper a rumor of an entangled affair with the charmer of the ton. He swore his innocence to Lady Sophia and hoped she believed him. When he knocked out the earl, he directed Belle’s bodyguards to deliver him to his wife’s father, the Duke of Marwood. The duke could handle the rest of his son-in-law’s mess.
He then calmed Belle and her girls by turning away any possible business for the night. It was late when he finished, too late to apologize. He didn’t discuss his jaunt to White’s and Sheffield’s smugness, or of his visit to Sidney’s garden. He hoped his story would clear any misconceptions regarding his character.
“Why didn’t Sheffield answer her summons?”
“I can only assume he meant to smear me in Lady Sidney’s eyes and keep me from her.”
“Yes, he displayed his arrogance as he disclosed your whereabouts. The conceited arse.”
Wilde laughed at her amusing description of Sheffield. “Can you explain my innocence?”
“Oh, leave Sidney in my hands. For that matter, leave Sheffield to me too. I cannot stand the man, but I will suffer through his company as I keep him from her.”
“You, my dear, are a priceless friend.”
Sophia waved his compliment away as she pressed her next question. “What of the girl, the one who the earl beat?”
“She will recover in a cottage outside of London.”
“Then will she have to ...”
“No, someone has offered her a stipend to help her establish a new life.”
“Courtesy of you?”
“I cannot say.”
“Mmm, your silence is answer enough for me.”
“What is the next event Sidney will attend?”
“The Havelock Ball.”
“Perfect. Can I assume you will lend me your help so I can have a few moments alone with Sidney?”
“You may.”
“Excellent. Now, I believe we should return.”
“I agree. Before you return me to Sidney, I want to tell you that your friendship enlightens me toward your care of others less fortunate than yourself.”
Wildeburg tipped his head as he acknowledged her praise. On their way to the Hartridge residence, they discussed small non-trivial matters. Instead of discussing Sidney, he inquired of Sophia’s interests and desires. Their talk formed a friendship, which was new for Wilde. He’d never had a female friend, except for Belle, so he supposed his character was evolving.
SOPHIA RACED UP THE stairs into Sidney’s bedchamber. She found her friend staring at a glass of perfume in the middle of her desk. She hoped to erase the troubled look on her face with her news of Lord Wildeburg. Phee understood her friend’s disappointment with his absence from the musical. However, she also hoped to change Sidney’s mind after she shared his story. When her friend didn’t raise her head at her arrival, she knelt to grab Sidney’s hand.
“What is it, Sid?”
“A bottle of perfume.”
“A new fragrance to try?”
“No, it is the same kind I always wear.”
“Lilies?”
“Yes. Did you tell him my scent?”
“No, Sid, I swear I did not,” Sophia exclaimed, crossing her heart as Sidney gave her a suspicious stare.
“Mmm,” Sidney murmured.
“Sid?”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. He’s revealed his philandering ways. He remains a subject, nothing more. This display of persuasion is a false token, one to draw me into a web of ruin. We shall see about that, Lord Wildeburg.”
“You are wrong, Sid. I believe the gift to be sincere. He explained the reason behind his whereabouts last night.”
“More lies, Phee. The man will charm his way out of any bad situation to make himself appear the victim.”
“No. Unfortunately, another person was a victim of last night’s situation, not him. However, he brought the action to a close when he saved others from being hurt. The injustice those women have to suffer to earn a living saddens me. No, last night he showed his true friendship to another, while the swine Sheffield used the opportunity to advance his game of winning your hand. The despicable duke needs to be taken down a peg or two, and I have decided I am the lady for the task.”
Whom Shall I Kiss... an Earl, a Marquess, or a Duke? Page 12