by Vikki Vaught
She nodded and he escorted her to his phaeton. He assisted her into her seat, then walked around and climbed in. The seat seemed too small once he sat next to her. She tried to scoot over, but she couldn’t avoid touching him. His strong, muscular thigh rubbed against hers, causing her heart to flutter.
Every time she felt his touch, electricity shot through her. This would never do. She did not want to feel this attraction to him.
The baron glanced at her and grinned. “You know, my dear, I promise I shan’t bite.” Then his expression turned serious. “Listen, I realize you detest me. As you stated yesterday, we will be spending the rest of our lives together. We can either make the best of it, or live in misery. Personally I would much rather find a way for us to get along.”
Kathleen sighed. “You’re right. I will try, if you will.”
“Good. Oh, by the way, I sent a notice to the papers, announcing our betrothal. It appeared in the morning papers.”
Cold chills ran through her body. There was no turning back now. “I didn’t see the papers. I would rather have waited until my brother received my letter. Surely we could have delayed the announcement a week or so.”
Andrew retorted, “It’s a good thing I did, since the scandal sheets are telling of our indiscretion, referring to me as the scandalous baron and you as the American miss. It’s imperative that everyone know of our plans to wed. That should alleviate some of the worst gossip.”
Oh, Lord, this is not going to sit well with Alex.
I certainly hope my letter reaches him before he sees it in the paper.
CHAPTER FIVE
As Lord Billingsley moved through traffic and turned in the direction of Hyde Park, Kathleen tried to calm her nerves. Her heart pounded so fast, she feared it would jump from her chest. She focused on her surroundings, as they made their way to the park, and her heartbeat slowed to a less erratic pace.
When they arrived in Rotten Row, he stopped the phaeton. His tiger jumped off the back perch and ran around to hold the horses. “I thought we could take a stroll. It will give us the opportunity to talk to people. Let me help you down.”
Kathleen hated idle chitchat, especially with members of the ton. Unfortunately, if they were going to convince anyone they were in love, they had to do it. It was more important than ever now that the scandal sheets had printed the debacle. She guessed it was a good idea Lord Billingsley had sent the notice to the papers.
Once she reached the ground, he offered her his arm, and they strolled toward the Serpentine. Kathleen was conscious of the stares they received. When she saw Lady Mary with her maid, she relaxed a bit as they approached.
Her friend stopped and beamed at her. “Good afternoon, Miss Hawks, Lord Billingsley. How wonderful to see you? I saw the notice in the paper. Congratulations.”
This made it seem all too real to Kathleen. She really was going to marry the man. Her heart pinched as she thought of how this would hurt William. She needed to write him right away and let him know she would be marrying someone else.
“Thank you, Lady Mary,” Kathleen replied, trying to keep her rioting emotions from spilling forth.
“Have you set a date yet?” she asked.
Lord Billingsley spoke up. “We’re tentatively planning to wed on the twenty-first of May. My betrothed needs to hear from her mother and brother before we can set a firm date. We have decided to hold the nuptials at St. George’s in Hanover Square, though. I want everyone to witness my marriage to Miss Hawks. It will be the happiest day of our lives, isn’t that right, darling?”
Giving Lord Billingsley what she hoped was an adoring smile, she said, “Oh, definitely, my lord. I look forward to being your bride with great anticipation.”
Even though Kathleen’s heart felt as if it were breaking in two, if the baron could act happy regarding their wedding, then she could too. While it might be hard to do, it was necessary if they wanted to convince society their union would be a love match.
He patted her hand as he interjected, “It does my heart good to hear you say that, my love. Lady Mary, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you, but I see some friends up ahead, and I want to introduce Miss Hawks to them. I hope you enjoy the rest of your walk.” Then with a polite bow, he led Kathleen away and toward a couple approaching.
Lord Billingsley stopped in front of the pair. “Good day, Renwick, good to see you.” Then turning to Kathleen he added, “Darling, this is my good friend, Lord Renwick and his sister, Lady Deborah.”
Trying to maintain a pleasant expression on her face, she replied, “I’m pleased to meet you, Lord Renwick. Lady Deborah and I met last week at Lady Wyatt’s garden party.”
Lord Renwick bowed. “The pleasure is all mine. I understand congratulations are in order. I wish both of you many happy years together. I never thought I would see the day when this rogue would settle down. I can see why he has though. You are lovely, Miss Hawks.”
“Thank you, my lord.” They stood and talked for several minutes, and then Lord Billingsley led her away. For the next thirty minutes, he introduced her to quite a few people. Finally, they made their way back to his phaeton.
Once they were seated, he turned to her. “I think that went exceedingly well. I believe we convinced everyone we’re excited and happy concerning our upcoming nuptials. Since we are now officially engaged will you call me Andrew? It seems silly to continue the formality. I think Kathleen is a pretty name, by the way. I hope you will allow me to call you that.”
Kathleen hesitated, then she realized he was right. “I suppose we should. It does seem ridiculous to be so formal. I’ve always loved my name, since it was my grandmother’s as well. She was the daughter of an Irish earl.”
He raised a brow. “Really? Was she your father’s mother?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My grandfather was a younger son of a baronet. They met when he went to visit one of his Oxford friends. His family violently opposed his marriage to an Irish Catholic lass, even if she was the daughter of an earl.”
Giving her a questioning look, he asked, “That means you have family here, does it not?”
“I suppose I do. My grandparents came to America because they were disowned by their families, she for marrying a protestant, and he for marrying a Catholic. I’ve never had any contact with any of them.”
“How astonishing,” he remarked.
She pulled on her gloves nervously, not sure how he would react to her next statement. “That is another reason why I don’t care for the aristocracy. I have to let you know, I’m not in favor of titles. I’m an American and proud of it. It’s going to take me time to get used to being addressed as a lady when we wed.”
As Andrew merged with traffic, he turned on Upper Grosvenor Street in the direction of Chilton House. “I’m sure you will adjust splendidly. I can understand why you’re proud of being an American. I admire your amazing country. I have a copy of your Declaration of Independence. I think your Thomas Jefferson is a brilliant man. I promise I will take you to America often, so you can visit your family. I’ve wanted to visit there. Now I shall have a good reason to go.”
With a wistful tone, she told him, “My brother and his family will be returning to America the end of May. I realize we can’t go with them this year. Perhaps we can go next year. Thank you for your willingness to take me home in the future. That means a great deal to me.”
As they pulled in front of Chilton House, Andrew replied, “My pleasure, my dear. As I said, I look forward to seeing America. Do you have any plans tonight?”
“We’re attending a new play in Drury Lane. I look forward to it. From what I’ve read in the papers, it’s supposed to be very humorous. Have you seen it yet?”
Andrew helped her from the phaeton. “I haven’t. I would like to escort you. It will be another opportunity for us to be seen together.”
When he took her hand, shock waves of sensations ran up her arm. This disconcerted her, since William’s touch had never affected her that
way. Why did the briefest brush of his hand cause those troubling sensations?
She would need to think of this once she was alone. Dismissing the thought for later, she recalled what Andrew had said, regarding her ties to England. She had never given her English or Irish family any thought. Would she want to meet them? Once she saw her mother again, she would ask her what she thought of the idea.
By this time, the butler had shown them to the drawing room, where the duchess sat waiting for them. “Ah, you have returned. Did you enjoy your outing? The weather certainly cooperated.”
Kathleen handed her bonnet and gloves to the waiting maid. “It was lovely. We met several people while in the park. Everyone congratulated us on our upcoming nuptials. Did you know the announcement appeared in the papers this morning? Lord Billingsley told me he had placed it, so I was prepared when people offered us their best wishes.”
“I found out after you departed,” she replied. “His Grace showed me the article and the one in the gossip sheets. Thank goodness, you knew ahead of time.”
Andrew spoke up. “I felt it was important that everyone learn of our upcoming nuptials right away. Obviously, the Duchess of Brentwood has spread what she saw to all her acquaintances. You know how titillating she finds gossip. The announcement should keep our indiscretion from becoming a full-blown scandal.”
The duchess nodded. “I am sure you are right. Now we need to make sure the two of you are seen together as much as possible. I think Miss Hawks is right. If everyone believes you are in love, they will be much more accepting of this debacle.”
She cringed when Her Grace mentioned what had happened the other night. All this talk brought home the seriousness of the situation. Her life had changed forever in a blink of an eye.
Andrew and the duchess continued to discuss the situation as he brought up the play she had mentioned during their drive. “I feel it would be wise if I accompany you this evening. It will give us another chance to be seen together. If the ton sees us with you and His Grace, they will know we have your approval. Would that be a problem, Your Grace?”
“That is a marvelous idea. I know I can speak for my husband. We would be happy to have you join us,” she concurred. “I do wish some of Kathleen’s family could be here to add their show of approval, but that cannot be helped.”
“If Alex feels safe in leaving Anissa and the babe, I’m sure he and Ma will be here shortly. He will want to make sure I am truly in love with Lord Billingsley. It’s going to be up to the two of us to convince him. I’m hoping the thought of having me in England will help him be more accepting. And at least, I’m now eighteen, which was the primary reason he opposed my marrying William—”
Andrew interrupted, “Who’s William?”
Kathleen met his intense gaze. “William is, or was, my suitor. We had planned to marry next year. My brother felt I needed to experience life first, since he thought I was too young to know my own mind. That’s why I agreed to a London season.”
The duchess stood and murmured, “I will let the two of you discuss this in private. I need to go check on my son anyway. Excuse me.”
After she left, Andrew stared at her. “Are you in love with this man?”
She sighed. “I…I thought I was, not that it matters now. He’s in America, and I allowed you to kiss and caress me. I should have stopped you immediately. Unfortunately, I didn’t. Perhaps my brother was right. I suppose I was too young to know my true feelings, or I never would have succumbed to your kisses.”
She felt her eyes grow moist. She refused to allow the baron to see her distress. Blinking her eyes several times, she turned away. Andrew moved next to her and raised her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the back of it. Her heartbeat sped up to twice its normal speed. Her reaction to him grew stronger each time he touched her.
He whispered, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I wish I could go back to that night and change what happened, but that’s not possible. My selfish, decadent ways got us into this mess. All I can promise…I shall make it up to you by being a good husband.”
“As you have said, I’m sure once we know each other better, we will find common ground. I need to dress for the theater tonight. The butler will show you out. Please excuse me, my lord.”
Kathleen rushed upstairs to her room, leaving a shame-faced baron behind. Throwing open the door to her chamber, relief washed over her when she saw it empty. She threw herself on her bed and gave into the tears she had refused to let fall earlier.
****
Andrew watched as his betrothed hurried up the stairs. He’d seen her distress and felt an even bigger scoundrel. He would need to make sure he treated her gently. Not only did she dislike him, her heart was engaged by some man in America. Although…she had responded passionately to his kisses. Perhaps what she felt for the American was infatuation. After all, she was quite young.
It would be up to him to woo her and make her fall in love with him. Of course, they needed to become friends first. While far from ready to give up his wild ways, he’d have to if he wanted to gain her affections.
He wondered why she’d taken him into such dislike? If he could find out, then he’d know how to proceed. While their relationship might have gotten off on the wrong foot, he did want her to love him, and he wanted to feel that emotion for her as well. If they were going to make this marriage work, that would go a long way in achieving that goal. Yes, love was the answer to their dilemma.
Going out to his phaeton, he continued to mull this over. Even though he was far from ready to wed, he did desire her. He pictured pulling her hairpins out and all those blonde curls tumbling over her delicate shoulders. He’d always been attracted to petite women with plenty of generous curves, which Kathleen had in abundance.
He would need to work hard at earning her trust if he was going to get her to come to the marriage bed willingly. Much could be accomplished in six weeks. Feeling confident in his powers of seduction, he gathered the reins and headed toward Gentleman Jackson’s, where he spent the afternoon working off some of his frustration over last night and this morning’s turn of events. Unfortunately, he didn’t run into any of his friends.
When he arrived home later that day, he handed his driving gloves to his butler. Masters took them, along with his walking stick, and Andrew bounded up the stairs to his suite. Ensley had his evening clothes laid out for him. He was supposed to meet his friends for dinner, but since he would be escorting Kathleen to the theater, he must hurry. He needed to go by the club and let his friends know he’d had a change of plans.
Andrew reached his club shortly after six, and Effinger was already there. He took the seat across from him. “Good evening. I’m glad you arrived early. I’m not going to be able to go with you this evening. I’m going with the Duke of Barrington and his party to a new play in Drury Lane. Can you tell Renwick and Blythe for me?”
“Of course, I shall be happy to.” Effinger leaned across the table. “I read the announcement in the papers this morning. Sorry, old friend. I can’t believe you’ve been trapped into marrying the girl. The gossip is out on the streets, and that article in the Tattler didn’t help. It said you were caught in a compromising situation with Miss Hawks. How in God’s name did you allow that to happen?”
Oh, God. I’m not ready to talk about this.
“It’s all a damn mistake. I had an assignation with someone else, as you well know.” Then he proceeded to tell his friend what had occurred. “Since Miss Hawks is in London under the Duke of Barrington’s protection, I had to offer for her. With the duke breathing down my neck and the gossip mongers shouting it to anyone who will listen, I had no choice. I did ruin the chit. At this point, my honor demands it.”
Effinger poured a glass of brandy and pushed it toward him. “Here, you probably need this more than I do. I know you’ve always said you would not marry until you were well into your thirties. What a mess.” He hesitated, then asked, “So, Miss Hawks accepted your p
roposal? I thought she couldn’t stand you.”
Andrew raised the brandy to his lips and took a sip, then sighed. “She can’t. She detests me, but she really doesn’t have a choice. She would be ruined if we don’t wed. It’s not so bad. At least she’s not an antidote, she’s actually quite pretty. I suppose I shall get an earlier start on my nursery than I had anticipated.” He stood. “If I’m going to make it to the duke’s in time, I had better leave. Let the others know, I will still be at Angelo’s tomorrow as usual. I shall see you then. Oh, and don’t find any more trouble, Effie. Have a good time, but keep away from the gaming tables.”
On the way to Chilton house, Andrew continued to ponder the situation. As he had told Effie, it could have been much worse. What if it had been Miss Parker, instead? Poor Miss Parker had protruding teeth, weighed at least twelve stone and was quiet as a mouse. He could never have bedded her.
Of course…if it had been her, he would have never been tempted by her kiss and neither he nor Kathleen would be in this position. Damn, life had a way of turning on a fellow when he least expected it. At least he could take solace in the fact that his intended was attractive, and he liked that she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. No, with Kathleen, he would always know where he stood.
Thank God his mother was in the country at Lady Smithington’s house party. She should not hear the news until her return next week. He could imagine what she was going to say regarding his upcoming nuptials. His mother was determined he marry someone of consequence.
She had said many times how he had an obligation to his title to marry well, and since Kathleen came from America, that would make it worse. As the daughter of an earl, his mother felt Andrew should marry an earl’s daughter or someone of even higher rank. The news that she had ties to the aristocracy could work in their favor. He definitely needed to look into that. If he remembered correctly, the Hawks family came from the Lake District, if it was the same branch. A connection to a baronet, however remote, could possibly appease his mother.