Miss Kathleen's Scandalous Baron (Honorable Rogue Book 2)

by Vikki Vaught

  Kathleen would rather have gone upstairs to her room. Her nerves were frazzled to say the least, but she could not escape. “What an excellent idea.”

  Their Graces left for the ball, and Andrew and Alex discussed the possibility of him investing in her brother’s shipping company. The evening went better than she’d expected. Listening to her intended as he discussed business allowed her to see another facet to Andrew’s character. He sounded quite knowledgeable when it came to investing and running an estate. It relieved her mind to know he did take care of his responsibilities.

  At ten o’clock, Andrew stood. “I’m glad we decided to forgo the ball. It provided me an opportunity to become better acquainted with you, Mr. Hawks.”

  Alex rose and offered his hand. “I agree. So glad I came to town to meet you. I’ll have my man of affairs send you the information concerning your decision to invest in my company.”

  “Very good, I shall look forward to hearing from him.” After shaking her brother’s hand, Andrew turned to her. “Kathleen, I apologize. I’m sure you were bored to tears with all this talk of business. I promise to make it up to you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll hold you to that,” she replied. “I’m just pleased you could meet each other.”

  He smiled at her, then spoke to her brother. “Sir, I’m sure you need a full night’s rest before your trip back to Devonshire in the morning. I look forward to seeing you again at the wedding. My dear, why don’t you walk me to the door?”

  “Of course, I would love to. I’ll return in a few minutes, Alex.”

  Andrew turned to her as soon as they reached the front door. “I like your brother. He kept me on my toes when he grilled me concerning my feelings for you. However, it does seem that I convinced him.”

  She sighed as relief surged through her. “Thank goodness. He seems much happier, now that he’s spoken with you.”

  He chuckled. “You surprised the dickens out of me when you greeted me so enthusiastically earlier this evening.”

  Feeling more relaxed then she’d felt in days, she grinned. “We are supposed to be in love.”

  He playfully grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, then kissed her fingers. The fine hairs tickled the back of her neck. Oh, dear, his slightest touch affected her so.

  “I know the romantic feelings are not real.” Then meeting her gaze, the color of his eyes deepened and turned serious. But I do want to earn your trust and respect, and I want us to be friends. If we try, perhaps we can make this marriage work.”

  She met his gaze. “Marriage is for a lifetime. I don’t want enmity between us, so I agree, we should be friends. I’ll try if you will.”

  “That’s all I ask. Well, I shall see you tomorrow at one.” Then he kissed her forehead and went out the door.

  After Andrew left, Kathleen slumped against the door. Her knees shook so badly, she feared she might not make it back to the drawing room. Alex would probably want to continue discussing her betrothal. Although she wanted to fling herself on her bed and have a good cry, she did not have that luxury.

  With her brother’s blessing, the wedding was definitely going forward. No way she could back out now. She pasted what she hoped was a cheerful smile on her face and made her way back to the drawing room.

  Alex stood as she entered. His brows grew together in a frown, an expression which usually preceded uncomfortable questions. “You’re flushed, darlin’. I certainly hope you haven’t allowed that man liberties.”

  Taking a direct approach—it always worked best with her brother—she replied, “My betrothed behaved like a perfect gentleman. He kissed me on the forehead. That’s all. I promise. He hasn’t attempted to take any liberties. Please don’t worry. The duke and duchess are excellent chaperones.” Then wanting to direct the conversation away from her and her intended, she added, “I’m pleased Mama is coming. When do you think she will arrive?”

  “I plan to travel straight through, so I should make it back in three days. It will take Ma at least five to get here. I would guess she should be here by the twentieth, if all goes well. While she will be sad you’re going to be staying in England, she wants your happiness, and you’ve convinced me you’re in love with Billingsley. It’s hard to imagine, my sister, a baroness.”

  “That bothers me the most. However, I suppose I can tolerate it. After all, one must accept the bad with the good. Andrew told me he spends quite a bit of his time in the country managing his estates. I’m glad his home is close to the water. He tells me it’s similar to the Devonshire coast. He also has a well-stocked stable and loves to ride. I do wish I could have my mare, Ellie, with me though.”

  “I’ll tell you what,” he replied. “I’ll bring her back in the fall. I already plan to bring Blazer, so it won’t be any trouble.”

  Kathleen rushed to him and gave him a big hug. “Oh, thank you. That would be wonderful.”

  Hugging her close, he smiled at her. “Anything to make you happy, darlin’. If I’m going to get an early start tomorrow, I need to retire. Oh, and Anissa should be ready to travel the first week in May, so we should be here by the tenth. I need to spend a couple of weeks getting the shipping office in order before I leave for Baltimore anyway.”

  Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. “I’m glad I’ll have a chance to spend some time with Anissa and the children, especially Anthony. I can’t wait to see him. I’m sure he’s a beautiful baby.”

  “Oh, he is.” His face glowed with a father’s pride. “You will see him when we arrive. Well, darlin’, I need to retire.”

  Arm in arm, they went upstairs to their bedchambers. At her brother’s door, she squeezed his arm before letting go, then said, “Good night, Alex. Give Anissa my love and kiss Melanie for me. I would say kiss Harry, but he would think it was gross.”

  Laughing, he told her, “You have that right.” He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug as he opened the door. “Since I’ll be leaving well before you arise, behave yourself, but know I do wish you all the happiness in the world. Night, darlin’.”

  When Kathleen entered her room, she sent Louise on her way as soon as she had helped her remove her gown. Once the door closed behind her maid, she allowed herself to fall apart. Throwing herself on her bed, she wept bitter, heart-wrenching tears. It felt as if her heart were being ripped from her chest. All her hopes and dreams of a life with William lay in ashes, and the thought of giving up her country tore the breath from her body. Andrew stood for everything she despised about England’s aristocracy.

  How in God’s name did I allow this to happen?

  Oh, why did I go to that library alone?

  Certainly Mr. Mandrake’s attentions had been intolerable that evening, but she should have ignored them and gone to the duchess instead. She would have sent him away forthwith. Obviously her stubborn independence had landed her in a much worse situation than the annoying Mr. Mandrake could have ever placed her in.

  Marriage to Andrew would split her life asunder. She would suffer the consequences of her appalling actions that night for the rest of her life. Fury rolled through her faster than a wildfire. However, it was fury directed at her actions. She had betrayed William by giving in to that man’s kisses. She would have to live with her deplorable lack of judgment the rest of her life.

  This overwhelming attraction she felt for Andrew troubled her greatly. When she had spent time with Mr. Jones, she’d never felt a moment’s temptation. Of course, he always behaved so properly. He’d never tried to steal a kiss. Perhaps the reason she responded so fervently to Andrew was because it was her first kiss. Well, other than the peck William had given her on the night of their betrothal. If it had been Mr. Jones kissing her, she might have responded the same way.

  Kathleen sat up straight. This entire debacle could be laid at Andrew’s feet. If he had not come in the library, intent on behaving scandalously with Lady Holcombe, doing all manner of wicked things—things she could only imagine—none of this would have happened.r />
  She was not wanton. Andrew was the problem. What chance did she have against a known seducer of women? Anger coursed through her, making her clench her fists and pound them on the mattress. She would no longer feel responsible for what had happened between them. She would put the blame squarely on the baron’s broad shoulders where it belonged.

  With this resolved in her mind, she snuggled with her pillow and fell asleep, sleeping more peacefully than she had since the whole nightmare began.

  The next morning, as Kathleen went through her morning ablutions, she hummed a slightly off-key tune and felt much more energized than she had in over a week. When she went to the breakfast room, she had her appetite back and piled her plate with generous servings of eggs and bacon, sausage and kippers, along with two croissants.

  When the duchess joined her at the table, she glanced at Kathleen’s plate. “You must feel better. Your cheeks have more color, and I see you are eating again. I have worried for your health. What is different this morning?”

  Kathleen grinned. “I had a revelation last night. I’m not to blame for what happened the night of my come-out ball. It was Lord Billingsley’s fault.”

  “Goodness,” she replied. “I had no idea you blamed yourself. Of course it is Billingsley’s fault. Kathleen…at this point does it really matter? I think you need to put this animosity behind you and try to get along with him. This bitterness and resentment shall not make a happy marriage. If you are going to be this unhappy, perhaps I was wrong to advise it. Although, I do not know how we could have stopped the gossip any other way.”

  “No, I’m glad you explained it to me. I would never intentionally cause Alex and Anissa harm. I’m resigned to the necessity of marriage to Lord Billingsley. At least now I no longer feel guilty. The baron and I talked, and we have both agreed to work at becoming friends. I will put the incident behind me.”

  “Are you sure, Kathleen? I still hear a prodigious amount of anger in your voice. No one would want you to be miserable.”

  Goodness, she needed to do a better job of hiding her true feelings. She didn’t want her kind hostess to feel bad for telling her how her indiscretion would affect her family.

  She plastered a big smile across her face as she assured the duchess all was well. “I promise, I’m fine.” Then she changed the subject to avoid further discussion. “Now, since I’m getting married in a few short weeks, we need to start planning the wedding. Lord Billingsley feels it is important for us to have an elaborate affair to help put the gossip to rest. I know this is a huge inconvenience for you. The baron mentioned he would be happy to have the wedding breakfast at his townhouse. He also said we could use his secretary to help send out the invitations.”

  “It shan’t be a bother. I want to do this for you, my dear. I have talked to His Grace, and we want to have the wedding breakfast here. Our sponsorship will go a long way in alleviating the gossip. It is nice of Billingsley to offer his secretary though, and I shall be happy to have the assistance.”

  “I will tell him we accept his offer when he takes me on the picnic this afternoon. May we go to Hookham’s this morning, Your Grace? I’ve finished the recent book I borrowed and would love to find another one, if it would not be too much of an inconvenience?”

  “Certainly. I am also ready for another book. I will order the carriage, and I shall meet you out front in fifteen minutes.”

  Kathleen spent an enjoyable morning with the duchess going to the library, and then discussing her upcoming nuptials. They planned to go to Madame Clarisse’s establishment the following Monday, so she could select the gown she would wear at her wedding. She decided that even though this wasn’t how she planned to marry, she might as well enjoy it, since it would be the only wedding she would ever have.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Shortly before one o’clock, Kathleen rushed upstairs to dress for the picnic. The footman came to let her know Andrew had arrived. She went downstairs and found the baron in the drawing room talking to the duchess.

  When she walked into the room, he smiled. “Good afternoon, Miss Hawks. Are you ready for our picnic? I think you will enjoy seeing Richmond Park.”

  With Her Grace watching so closely, Kathleen beamed at him, hoping to mitigate her show of temper at breakfast. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Andrew turned to the duchess and bowed. “Your Grace, I shall have Miss Hawks back by four. Since I brought my phaeton, there is no need for a maid to come along.”

  “I agree, Billingsley,” she replied. “I know Miss Hawks is in good hands. Enjoy your afternoon.”

  Once they were both seated in the phaeton, Andrew merged into traffic and headed out of town. Soon they were in the countryside, and the clean scent of freshly sickled grass filled her lungs. “Ah, it smells wonderful here. London is such a dirty city. I much prefer the country.” After adjusting her pelisse, she asked, “My lord, could you please tell me more of your home? After all, it will be my home as well, in a matter of weeks.”

  Andrew met her gaze and his starling blue eyes called to her. “Remember, my dear, you’re supposed to call me by my given name. We will be husband and wife in less than six weeks.”

  Knowing he spoke the truth, she acquiesced. “As you wish…Andrew. Now tell me of your home.”

  “Grainger Hall is not far from Dorchester, barely eight miles. There’s a spectacular view of the ocean from the back of the house. What will be our suite of rooms has a balcony that faces the sea. When I’m in residence, I usually ride along the shore each morning. I believe you’re used to living near the ocean, correct?”

  “Not the ocean, but I do live by the Chesapeake Bay. Oh, by the way, my brother is going to bring my mare, Ellie, to me. I hope that will not be an inconvenience. I love to ride and miss her terribly.”

  “Not at all. However, she shan’t be here until fall. In the meantime, I have a sweet going mare you can use. Kathleen—” He paused a moment, then spoke again. “I want you to feel comfortable in your new home. If any of the rooms are not to your taste, by all means feel free to change anything you want. My mother moved out three years ago, and I haven’t done any decorating myself. Other than the master suite that is.”

  Andrew was trying so hard to be pleasant, Kathleen found herself relaxing in his company more than she had before. It was nice of him to suggest she redecorate his home.

  Determined to be as pleasant as he, she replied, “Thank you for your kind offer. I’m sure I will be comfortable. And I appreciate the chance to use the mare as my mount. I adore riding and would love to go with you on your morning excursions, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course, I would love to have you accompany me. I’m glad to hear you enjoy riding. Have you ever participated in a hunt?”

  “I haven’t,” she replied. “While I’m sure I would enjoy the challenge of riding to the hounds, I would not want to be in on the kill. I love animals far too much for that.”

  He slowed down the phaeton as they arrived at their destination. “It’s good you like animals because I have quite a few dogs and several cats. As a child I would take in every stray I found. Since my father didn’t spend much time at the Hall, and my mother never paid much attention to what I did, I accumulated a large menagerie of pets.”

  What a surprising twist to Andrew’s character. She would have never dreamed he would be such an animal lover. That gave them something they could build upon, a common ground. “I grew up with all kinds of animals. I even had a pet goat at one time. Poor Bluebell died a few years ago, and I miss her terribly.”

  He walked around to her side of the phaeton and assisted her down. Then he grabbed a blanket and a basket from the back. After giving instructions to his tiger to remain with the horses, he offered Kathleen his arm and they strolled down a path out of sight of the carriage. “Here we are. Help me spread the blanket. I don’t know if you’re hungry, but I’m famished.”

  Kathleen looked around, drinking in the beauty of the park. A profusion of
vividly colored flowering shrubs were in full bloom, and the scent of them filled her senses. A stream ran by the spot Andrew had chosen and the tinkle of a waterfall close by could be heard. “It’s beautiful here. Thank you for bringing me.”

  She knelt and helped him spread the blanket on the ground. When she unpacked the basket, she discovered roasted chicken and potatoes, several types of cheeses and bread, with strawberries and apples for dessert. A bottle of chardonnay with two wine glasses had been included as well. “Hmm, this looks delicious.”

  “I think you will find my French chef is excellent. Now, what were we discussing?” he asked, and then he laughed. “Ah yes, you were telling me about Bluebell. I’m sure we can find you a goat if you would like another one as a pet.”

  She giggled. “I think I’ll stick to horses, and maybe some dogs and cats, now that I’m grown.”

  “You can have your pick when we go to my estate, except for Rolf. He’s my dog, and I’ve had him for at least six years. Jesting aside, Kathleen. I do want you to be happy. I know you’re being pushed into this. We’re both young to be getting married. I just turned four and twenty in March…I thought it would be years before I settled down. Although, I promise I will endeavor to be a good husband.”

  Andrew looked so sincere as he met her gaze. Her heart did a little flip. This man would be her husband in a matter of weeks, and she needed to give him a chance. It would be hard, but she had to forgive him. He must feel as trapped as she, and four and twenty was young for a man. The majority of men waited until they were closer to thirty before marrying.

  “And I promise to be a good wife to you. If we work together we can have a congenial marriage.”

  “I’m relieved you’re willing.”

  They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, then he asked, “Was your grandfather part of the Hawks family that hails from the Lake District? I looked the name up in Debrett’s, and the family seat is located near Ambleside. Several males were listed as sons of the baronet during the time of your grandfather. All the men in the line were deceased, except the current baronet. There was one listed as unknown. His name was Henry Oliver Hawks.”