She slowly backed out of his reach, her eyes narrowed, moving restlessly around the courtyard; she was forced to stop suddenly when she backed into something. Glancing quickly over her shoulder, she let out a deep breath when she realized she had backed into her cousin. Turning suddenly she exhaled a deep breath when she looked into Chester’s eyes. Piper tugged unconsciously on her ear as a sudden pounding began in her head.
“Whoa, Pi…George!” Chester glared at her as she caught his almost slip. “My valet will be quite upset if you scuff my new boots.” Looking up his eyes met Graydon’s, “My lord,” bowing elegantly, “Fine day for a sale.” His eyes gleamed with excitement. “You are planning on bidding today?”
“Portland,” He acknowledged, nodding his head. “I might.” Graydon’s eyes never left Piper. “I’ve recently met someone who loves to ride. I was thinking of adding an extra mare to my stables for future use.”
“A new lady friend, Rockwell?” Chester grinned.
“Perhaps.” His eyes seemed to glow more brightly as he looked deeply into Piper’s eyes.
“Well that don’t surprise me,” Chester returned. “You’ve always had the finest ladies on your arm,” he said absently, looking around all goggle-eyed. He was content to be standing next to Lord Rockwell himself.
“Rock, Rock!” A faraway voice called. Piper gasped, recognizing her brother’s voice.
“Blast!” Piper cursed audibly on a groan. “Can this day get any worse?”
Glancing up Graydon spied Piper’s brother, Peyton, Lord Peregrine heading straight towards him. Quickly he pushed Piper behind him and hissed, “Turn around and face the wall. No questions just do it! Wait for me. Promise you won’t leave until I come back for you.”
Not waiting for an answer, he stepped forward intentionally blocking her brother’s view, “Perry, what are you doing here? Surely you haven’t aspirations of outbidding me today?” he said with a chuckle, watching as Portland’s eyes grew bigger and bigger, not knowing what to do.
“Perry.” Chester gulped visibly.
“I would never try that, Rock. Is that even possible?” Peyton glanced over Rockwell’s shoulder with a frown. “Who’s that?”
He shook his head negligently. “Some country bumpkin.” He glanced over his shoulder with a slight grin. “Never met an earl before, he is fawning. My devilish reputation has preceded me with this new crop in town.” Graydon waved his hand dismissively.
Turning to Portland, he inclined his head, “Excuse me, I’ll return in a few moments.”
“Come over here with me and take a look at this piece of horseflesh I have my eye on. Tell me what you think.” Glancing over his shoulder his amber eyes bore into hers. Piper felt the blood drain from her face and all she could do was stand with her mouth gaping open, shocked to her core.
Graydon hated walking away from Piper, but he didn’t want her to get caught, at least not before he was done with her. He adroitly steered Peyton to the other side chatting along the way about the horseflesh up for auction that day.
Her knees so wobbly they could barely hold her, she fell back against the wall. Her pulse was racing. She felt flushed all over. She shifted her gaze and hurriedly scanned the crowd trying to see which way Peyton and Rockwell had walked.
……………..…………
Graydon paused with a slight frown, “Do you know that gentleman leaning against that post?”
Peyton raised his brows. “You’ve obviously not been to the hells recently. That’s Frederick Whitman. He’s been throwing away blunt as if it was rotting sewage.” His brow lifted inquiringly, “He acts as though he is rich as Croesus, some distant relative to some baron in Norfolk or Suffolk, one of those ‘olks.” He chuckled tapping his chin thoughtfully, “Can’t seem to remember who his father is.”
“I was just at the hells with your brother and didn’t hear a word of this man. I seem to keep bumping into him.”
…………………………
He knew.
He had to know.
Why else would he be taking the time for an obvious flirtation? She felt giddy with relief. He had been teasing her this whole time, teasing her. Then protecting her from the obvious censure she would have received by hiding her from her brother. And he touched her. She could still feel the heat from where his hand had so recently been. No one had ever touched her so intimately. Pushing herself away from the wall, she headed towards Chester with a wide smile on her face.
As she walked towards Chester she caught the eye of Mr. Whitman. The gentleman she had met at the Wrothingham ball, the same man who had confronted Rockwell at Vauxhall. His dark piercing gaze followed her every move. Did he know? Something about his look made Piper uncomfortable, wary. She could feel the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand at attention at his silent scrutiny.
Putting her back to the man, she spoke quietly to Chester. “Do you know who that dark-haired gentleman is in the fawn coat and cream pantaloons?” She gave a small gesture with her hand.
Surreptitiously looking at the man, “That is Frederick Whitman.” His eyes darting back to the horses being paraded around the courtyard. “I’ve heard he is related to a Baron Littlebury of Norfolk.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Not much to be said.”
“I’ve never heard of a Baron Littlebury, but I guess I’ve not heard of everyone in England. He keeps staring straight at me,” she stated flatly.
“You’re just being paranoid,” Chester quietly chuckled, “If you were in a dress, you wouldn’t think a thing about him looking at you.”
“You are quite right, Chester, but I’m not in a dress. His eyes are so cold.” She shuddered. “As if he were angry with me.”
Changing the subject, Chester tapped her arm, “What do you think of that hunter being paraded around?”
Piper nervously glanced around grateful right now for the innocuous conversation that floated from her cousin. He was always good at changing subjects. “I think you should wait for Lord Rockwell to return. You are always such a poor judge of horseflesh. You do remember that black you purchased last year.” She glanced at him with a twinkle in her eyes. “Knock kneed or something.”
“Quite right.” He shook his head with a slight self-deprecating smile. “Here Rockwell comes now. I’ll ask him to look the horse over with me.” Waving his hand in greeting, he talked over his shoulder. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
…………………………………
Graydon made his way back to Portland and Smith. For years they had never spoken, it had been enough to see her during the season. To fantasize about her innocence. He’d thought the pressure in his chest unbearable before, but the pressure was only getting worse.
After the auction and all the arrangements were made for Rockwell’s new horse to be delivered to his own stables, he pulled Portland to the side.
“If you don’t stop her, someone might uncover her true identity. It would be more than mere whispers, she would be ruined.” He slapped him on the back congenially before he made his farewells.
He walked past her without a backwards glance. Piper pushed her spectacles up nervously and stared after him in confusion.
Pivoting she stomped over to Chester. “What is he about?”
Chester scratched his chin. “Damned if I know.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Being wicked is never dull.
Piper’s journal
25 July
STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEPS, CHESTER STARED UP AT ASHFORD HOUSE. This house was like a second home for him whenever he was in town, but today it felt more like walking into gaol.
Chester shuddered, knowing he hadn’t been summoned by Parker for a social call.
He reached his hand towards the knocker , when the door swung open in anticipation of his arrival.
“He’s waiting for you,” Bertie said, receiving Chester’s hat and gloves and handing them to the waiting footman.
Chester grimaced as he straigh
tened his coat of blue superfine.
He followed Bertie nervously down the long hallway, ending up in the dark wood paneled walls of Parker’s study.
Before the door was fully closed, Parker roared in disbelief, “Do you have any idea how reckless and irresponsible this stunt was?”
Parker’s sudden question startled Chester; with a horrified expression on his face, he stammered, “I couldn’t let her go alone…” He started pacing back and forth in front of Parker’s desk because he knew exactly what stunt Parker was referring.
Parker cut off his explanation with a wave of his hand.
“…but she was determined to proceed!” Chester cried in his own defense, gesturing exasperatedly toward his cousin. “What was I to do?” He made the mistake of saying.
With a reprimanding look directed towards Chester, Parker then slammed his palm down on his desk, disturbing the neatly stacked papers he had been working on. “Did it ever occur to you to come to me?” He leaned forward and fixed Chester with a dark gaze. “Even Peyton, Piper’s reprobate of a brother, would have conducted himself with more sense.”
Chester slumped dejectedly in one of the chairs across from Parker and closed his eyes wearily.
“Do you have any idea how dangerous this was?” Parker repeated in a voice that brooked no argument. “Between Poppy’s imprudent behavior over the summer, Peyton’s attempts at dissipation…” Parker shoved a hand through his dark curls, rumpling them further and glared at his cousin, “…nd now Piper’s scandalous masquerade?”
“But Parker, no one noticed.” Chester tried to sound hopeful.
“Is that so?” Parker’s glare dared him to say another word. “Then how do I know?”
Chester paused, trying to come up with a suitable reply. “Piper told you?”
“Not every man is a dunce, Chester.” Parker vehemently replied. “And a true man knows a woman when he sees one.”
Chester visibly swallowed, hoping that his chair would swallow him whole.
“Don’t mention to Piper that she has been found out.” Parker’s expression was just on the very edge of a smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “I want to see how well she behaves.”
Chester remained quiet.
“Do you understand?” Parker’s voice was fierce.
At that moment a light tap interrupted Parker’s interrogation and the door was flung open. Piper walked into the room with her usual exuberance and grace, but stopped abruptly when she noticed Chester’s flushed, anxious face peering around his chair.
She shoved her spectacles up the bridge of her nose, a nervous habit she was trying to break. “Did something happen to your new boots, Chester? You look extremely upset,” she inquired with studied innocence, a hint of a smile on her lips.
“Why don’t you have a seat, my dear?” Parker smiled warmly.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I refuse to take my eye off the reward.
Piper’s journal
29 July
THE MOMENT PIPER AND HER MAID ENTERED THE GRAND ENTRANCE HALL, they was greeted by Harris, Hawksley’s new London butler.
“I shall be in the kitchen, my lady,” Bridget said, taking herself in that direction.
“Tea is being served in the garden.” He bowed before he showed her along a corridor to a set of French doors.
Piper stopped on the threshold and gasped. A riotous wildflower garden that rivaled Poppy’s mini haven at Rosebriar surrounded the small wrought-iron table and chairs situated near the lively marble fountain.
Poppy looked up at her gasp. “Piper, dearest, do come and sit down.” She held out her hand in greeting. “I would stand, but ‘tis becoming more difficult each day.”
Piper spun in a circle to take in the beauty of the garden. “This is absolutely breathtaking.”
“I know, isn’t it gorgeous.” Poppy happily responded. “As soon as Declan knew my proclivity for wildflowers he sent word to his London gardeners to prepare this special place just for me.” She smiled brilliantly. “Isn’t he a dear?”
“It would appear so.” Piper sat across from her sister. “I wouldn’t expect any less of your husband.” She popped a biscuit into her mouth.
“Did you come alone?” Poppy asked, looking over her shoulder.
“Bridget went to the kitchen.” She grinned. “She loves to hear the latest news.”
Poppy rolled her eyes. If you hear of anything exciting let me know. I seem to be last to know anything juicy anymore.”
Piper chuckled. “How tiresome you must find it being an old married lady.”
“How are the plans for the literary club?” Poppy asked between bites of biscuits.
“Piper sighed. “Not as well as I’ve planned. I seem to have become distracted.”
Poppy leaned back her hand splayed gently over her burgeoning stomach. Her eyes narrowed, staring inquisitively at her twin. “So the rumors I’ve heard about Rockwell are true?”
“You too?” Piper laughed on a groan, it was a brittle sound that did not reach her eyes.
“Am I wrong?” Poppy asked, staring directly into her twins troubled eyes.
“I don’t know what to do.” She admitted softly.
“Well, don’t think that because I am now a married lady that I magically have an abundance of sage advice to offer.” Poppy flashed a sympathetic smile.
Piper winced, “Ouch!”
“It’s true,” Poppy answered without a moment’s hesitation.
Pinching off another bite of her biscuit, Piper popped it into her mouth. “You could at least pretend empathy for my predicament...”
“What predicament?” Declan asked as he sauntered out into the garden, leaning over his wife, kissing her tenderly on the head. “Hello, Piper.”
“Good morning, Hawksley.” Piper grinned over her teacup.
Looking from one twin to the other as he dropped into his chair, one of his eyebrows lifted. “Well?” Grabbing a biscuit he stuffed it in his mouth.
“Ummm…” Piper stammered; her eyes opened wide searching for help from Poppy.
“Do you remember the picnic, darling?” She shot her husband a significant look.
“The picnic?” Declan lifted a quizzical brow.
“Poppy, did you tell him?” She sat with her cup poised half-way to her mouth.
“Ah…Rockwell...” He nodded, dragging out the name. “I remember now.”
Piper’s lips parted with surprise. “I cannot believe you told him about Rockwell.”
“You were obviously upset when you heard the news.” Poppy shrugged. “I wanted to know if Declan was also an acquaintance of Rockwell.” She dimpled. “And he is.”
Piper looked over at him. She took a deep breath, pressing her fingers against her temple.
“No need to worry,” Declan retorted when he saw her visibly stiffen. “I’m not going to say anything to him.”
“Marriage seems to agree with you.”
Reaching across the table he covered Poppy’s hand with his own. “Yes it does.”
“He is a licentious libertine,” Poppy interjected.
“I was considered a licentious libertine.” Declan wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “That is until you tamed me.”
Poppy put her cake down. “What if he doesn’t intend to be tamed?” Concern evident in her bright blue eyes. “What if he is just attempting to have his wicked way with her?”
“Good lord!” Declan laughed.
“Well, I can assure you that Piper wants no part with a man of his reputation.” Poppy wagged a finger at her husband.
“I can assure you that those rumors were the machinations of a desperate woman,” he replied matter-of-fact, one eyebrow lifting a fraction. He devoured a whole cucumber sandwich before sipping his tea. “Don’t judge the man unjustly, my dear. He is a friend after all.”
Reaching across the table, Poppy patted his hand tenderly. “I would never speak spitefully of your friends. My concern is solely for Piper.”
Piper watched as Declan leaned towards his wife, forgetting that she was sitting right across the table and captured her lips in a light caress.
Piper scrutinized their display from across the table convinced more than ever that she had to take what she wanted. She couldn’t wait for it to be handed to her.
She took a deep breath and cleared her throat, interrupting their romantic interlude. “Why does everyone feel compelled to discuss my situation as if I’m not even in the room?” She sipped her tea.
Declan’s head popped up and his eyes darted to hers. She could have sworn a hint of pink enhanced his high cheekbones.
Harris cleared his throat, discreetly offering his silver salver on which a folded square of parchment lay. He accepted it with a nod, then unfolded the note, reading it with a furrowed brow.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Declan rose and executed an elegant bow. “Something urgent has been brought to my attention.”
“Of course, darling,” Poppy said, lifting her face to receive his kiss. She watched until her husband left the gardens.
“What was that all about?” Piper questioned, her puzzled eyes followed Hawksley out of the room.
“Men and all their secret meetings,” Poppy said with a smile before taking a sip her tea. “Always acting as if they are saving the world.”
“Perhaps they are.” Piper grinned. “One glass of brandy and one cigar at a time.”
“Don’t forget the cards,” Poppy chimed in.
“Let’s not forget the billiards.” Piper’s eyes danced.
“Of course not.” Poppy giggled, nodding enthusiastically. “England would have fallen centuries ago without billiards.” Suddenly Poppy’s tone changed. “Are you sure about Rockwell, Piper?”
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