She sat up straighter. Could Aunt Delia be correct? If so, Father was to be sorely disappointed, for no matter how charming the earl and viscount might prove to be, she would never consent to entering into a marriage that would bind her, by law, to a man who could-and most likely would-relegate her to the desolate wilds of Cornwall. A shudder ran through her at the mere thought.
“I recall that we met Viscount Sutton in London several years ago,” Aunt Delia said. “Handsome young man.”
“Yes.” Exceptionally handsome. Yet it was Lord Sutton’s younger brother who had so thoroughly unsettled her. “But it wouldn’t matter if he were the most comely man on the planet. I am not interested.”
“We met his younger brother on that occasion as well,” Aunt Delia said, her brow creasing. “Dr. Oliver. Bit of the devil in that one, you could tell at a glance.”
The image she’d tried so hard to banish from her memory instantly materialized in Victoria’s mind. A tall, broad-shouldered young man with thick, wavy sun-streaked brown hair, intriguing, flirtatious hazel eyes, and a wicked smile that had inexplicably-yet undeniably-fascinated her the instant they’d met in London three years ago at the Wexhall town house. Even now her heart seemed to skip a beat-no doubt a result of the severe irritation the mere thought of Dr. Oliver brought.
With the image of him now firmly in her mind, the haunting memories of that night three years ago assailed her. She’d recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday and had been flush with feminine confidence from her fabulously successful first Season, confidence that had soared even higher at the unmistakable interest that flared in the eyes of her father’s sinfully attractive guest. Her imagination had immediately cast Dr. Oliver as a swashbuckling, rakish pirate who absconded with her and brought her back to his ship to kiss her and… well, she wasn’t quite sure what else, but certainly whatever it was that brought a fierce blush to her maid Winifred’s cheeks whenever she mentioned Paul, the handsome new footman.
Victoria’s instantaneous attraction to Dr. Oliver had been heady, and breathtaking, unlike anything she’d previously experienced, although it had frankly confused her for she’d certainly seen handsome gentlemen before-handsomer gentlemen. His own brother, Lord Sutton, who’d stood not ten feet away from her, was by far the handsomer of the two, and appeared much more gentlemanly and proper.
Yet while she was at a loss to explain her reaction to Dr. Oliver, there was no denying it. There’d been something about him… perhaps his hair was a bit too long, his cravat just a bit mussed, the hints of mischief lurking in his gaze and the corners of his lovely mouth that had captured her fancy. Made her want to touch his hair, smooth his cravat, and ask what he found so amusing.
But mostly it was the way he’d looked at her that had set her heart fluttering and arrowed heated tingles of pleasure to her toes. He’d gazed upon her with a combination of warm amusement and an unabashed flirtation that skimmed the borders of propriety. She should have been appalled, but instead was entranced. He was unlike anything or anyone she’d ever before experienced, and when he suggested that she give him a tour of the portrait gallery, she’d instantly consented, rationalizing that it wasn’t really improper. Her aunt and Lord Sutton would be in the next room. The adjoining door would be ajar…
Once alone with him, however, Victoria’s normal aplomb deserted her. To her horror, her efforts to impress Dr. Oliver with her maturity, new gown, and conversation went completely awry. She found herself chatting in a breathless, nonstop manner she couldn’t control. Everything she’d ever learned about deportment seemed to flee her head and she babbled like a river overflowing its banks, unable to stop the nervous torrent of words bubbling from her. Her mind told her mouth to cease, to raise her chin and gift him with nothing more than a long, cool stare, but for reasons she couldn’t understand, her lips continued to move and the words to spill out. Until he’d silenced her with a kiss.
Heat coursed through her at the memory of that kiss… that incredible, heart-stopping, breath-stealing, wits-robbing, knee-weakening kiss that had ended far, far too soon. She’d opened her eyes and found him looking at her with a crooked smile. “That did the trick,” he’d murmured in a husky rasp. When she’d remained mute, he cocked a brow and said, “Nothing more to say?” To which she’d managed to whisper one word: “Again.”
Something dark and delicious had flared in his eyes, and he’d obliged her with a different sort of kiss. A slow, deep, lush melding of mouths and breath, a stunningly intimate mating of tongues that awakened every nerve ending in her body. She’d clung to him, filled with a desperation and longing she didn’t understand, other than to know that she wanted more, wanted him to never stop. But stop he did, and with a groan he’d untangled her arms from around his neck and set her firmly away from him.
They’d stared at each other for several long seconds. Victoria had tried to interpret his intense expression, but it was impossible, as she was so very dazed. Then his lips had tilted in a devilish smile and he reached out. With a flick of his long, strong fingers, he adjusted her bodice, which she hadn’t even noticed was shockingly askew, then brushed the pad of his thumb over her still tingling lips. He looked as if he were about to say something when his brother had called from the adjoining room. Dr. Oliver had raised her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against her fingers. “A most unexpected, pleasurable, interlude, my lady,” he’d whispered, then, after a rakish wink, had swiftly left the room.
Afraid to face her aunt before she’d gathered her wits, Victoria raced to her bedchamber. Standing in front of her cheval glass, she’d been stunned by her own reflection. Her perfect coif was wildly mussed, her gown wrinkled, her skin flushed, her lips red and puffy. But even without those outward manifestations of her passionate exchange with Dr. Oliver, the look of wonder and discovery shining in her eyes would have given her away in a thrice.
Her common sense demanded that she be appalled at her shocking behavior, at the liberties she’d allowed him, but her heart was having none of it. How could she be expected to think clearly when, for the first time in her life, all she wanted to do was feel? She hadn’t allowed any of the numerous gentlemen who’d sought her favor during the Season to kiss her. She’d dreamed of her first kiss-indeed had carefully planned the entire scenario, as she did with everything in her life-it was to take place in the formal gardens, after the gentleman had asked for and been granted her permission. But in an instant all her plans evaporated into a wisp of steam. Never in her wildest imaginings had she conjured up anything like the incredible, magical moments she’d shared with Dr. Oliver. She couldn’t wait to see him again, and after what they’d shared, she knew he would contact her.
She had never been more wrong in her life. She’d never seen nor heard from him again.
Now, looking out the carriage window at the endless verdant hills dotted with thatched roof cottages marking yet another small village, Victoria closed her eyes and inwardly cringed at how foolish she’d been, at the idiotic expectant hope that had ruled her for weeks afterward. She had searched for him at every soiree, waited impatiently for the daily delivery of letters, jumped every time the brass door knocker sounded, announcing a caller. The truth she’d been too blind to see didn’t finally hit her until one morning at breakfast, six weeks after Dr. Oliver had stolen that kiss, when she casually brought up his name to her father. In a single sentence Father had squashed all her hopes. Dr. Oliver had returned to Cornwall the morning after visiting the town house and had no intention of returning to London.
She still vividly recalled the fever of humiliation that had scorched her. What a fool she’d been! Here she’d hinged all these romantic, heroic ideals on a man who was nothing more than a cad! A man who had kissed her senseless with no intention of ever even speaking to her again. A man who had stolen her first kiss, a kiss that to this day she’d never been able to erase from her mind, whereas he no doubt would not even recall the exchange. It was the first time in Victoria’s li
fe she had ever been so summarily dismissed, treated so shabbily, and she had not liked it one bit. Rude, insufferable man. He may have been born a gentleman, but clearly his education and moral fiber were severely lacking, for he possessed no manners at all.
Well, by the time she left Cornwall, he would remember her. She’d been young and dazzled, and he’d clearly been experienced enough to know he was taking advantage of her naпvetй. He’d toyed with her in a way she surely would have forgiven and accepted the blame for if only she’d been able to forget him. The idea of revenge had never occurred to her until this unwanted trip at her father’s request had come up, coupled with her recent acquisition of the Ladies’ Guide. But thanks to both, she would now see to it that Dr. Oliver was forgotten. The Ladies’ Guide advised avenging such cads, then burying them in the past where they belonged, and she had every intention of doing so. She would flirt with him and kiss him as ruthlessly as he’d done to her, then abruptly depart, leaving him with memories that haunted the long, dark hours between nightfall and dawn. She’d blithely return to London and marry one of her earls, the entire Dr. Oliver episode finally behind her. Yes, it was an excellent plan.
Aunt Delia’s voice pulled her attention away from the scenery. “According to your father, Dr. Oliver is a very fine physician, an assessment I’m sure is correct.”
“Why is that?”
Her aunt’s eyes twinkled. “ ‘Twas obvious he’d have an excellent bedside manner. Your father also mentioned Dr. Oliver’s interest in scientific matters.”
Victoria barely suppressed the grimace that tugged at her lips. Most likely he enjoyed pinning the wings of insects to boards and such. And as for his profession? Humph. Just further proof that he wasn’t a true gentleman, for no true gentleman would pursue a trade.
The coach slowed to a crawl, and the coachman’s deep, booming voice rang out, “Ye can see the side view of Creston Manor, beyond those tall trees on the right, my ladies. Just need to follow this road around to the front. We’ll be arriving within the quarter hour.”
The conveyance then resumed a brisker pace, and Victoria and her aunt craned their necks to look out the window. As they moved past the trees, an impressive manor house came into view. The brick facade, faded to a delicate creamy rose, appeared to glow in the soft gilding of golden, late afternoon sunshine. Nestled amongst soaring trees and emerald lawns, Creston Manor looked at once inviting and imposing. From her advantageous side view, Victoria could see the formal gardens and stables in the rear, and a sparkling blue pond in the front that reflected both the surrounding trees and the house, the building’s austere design softened by the rippling water.
A movement near the stables caught Victoria’s attention, and she leaned forward. Two men stood near the open stable doors. One of them, a gentleman with dark hair, was dressed in riding attire. He seemed to be speaking to the other man, who was clearly a servant, as he was shirtless and held what appeared to be a hammer.
Victoria’s gaze fastened on the man’s bare back, which even from a distance she could see was broad and gleamed with a sheen of sweat. Warmth crept up her cheeks, and although she tried to force herself to look away, her suddenly stubborn gaze refused to move. But certainly only because she was scandalized. Of course. The servants at her family’s country estate would never go about their chores half naked. She couldn’t help but wonder what the man looked like from the front, given that the rear view was so very… captivating.
Aunt Delia raised her quizzing glass. “I do believe the dark-haired gentleman is Lord Sutton.”
Victoria forced her gaze back to the other man, then nodded. “Yes, I believe you are correct.”
“And the other man,” Aunt Delia said, leaning so close to the window her nose was nearly pressed against the glass, “good heavens, none of my servants look like that at all. ‘Tis enough to make one want to do nothing more than think of excuses to summon the dear shirtless boy.”
Victoria’s lips twitched at the outrageous comment. “That’s one of the things I love most about you, Aunt Delia. You speak your mind-even when your thoughts are…”
“Naughty? My dear, that is precisely when it is the most fun to express your thoughts.”
“I’m sure he dons a shirt before entering the house,” Victoria said, still trying to pry her gaze away and keep the wistful note from her voice.
“Pity. But I suppose he would.” Their carriage rounded a corner and the man was no longer visible. After they’d leaned back in their seats, Aunt Delia said, “I imagine he’s left a trail of broken hearts in his wake.”
“I imagine so,” Victoria murmured, instantly sympathizing with those women, as she knew precisely how they felt. But thanks to the Ladies’ Guide and her well-thought-out plan, she was going to see to it that her heart-and pride-no longer lay in the dirt.
Two
Today’s Modern Woman must recognize that once she asserts herself, she will face many temptations. Sometimes this temptation takes the form of a delectable gown, or a delicious confection, which, depending on her financial situation, she should perhaps resist. However, sometimes this temptation takes the form of a delectable, delicious gentleman, in which case she should never resist.
A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of
Personal Happiness and Intimate Fulfillment
by Charles Brightmore
Nathan hammered another nail into place, banging on the small metal head with a satisfying thump.
“Pounding out your frustrations?” asked a deep voice from behind him.
Nathan tensed at his brother’s question. He then drew a deep breath and forced his shoulders to relax, wondering when, or if, the awkwardness between him and Colin would ever dissipate. After exhaling, he whacked the nail head with a final grunting stroke, then looked over his shoulder. Impeccably dressed in riding attire, immaculately groomed, and exuding the image of a perfect gentleman that Nathan had long ago given up emulating, his brother regarded him with his usual inscrutable expression.
Nathan turned and grabbed his rumpled, discarded shirt to wipe his damp forehead. The sun warmed his bare back, and he welcomed the cool, sea-scented breeze that brushed over his heated skin. “Pounding out my frustrations,” he repeated. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.”
“Based on the amount of hammering I’ve heard all morning, you must be frustrated indeed.” Colin jerked his chin toward Nathan’s handiwork. “Quite the animal pen you’re building.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I arrived at the estate with quite a number of animals.”
“Would have been damned difficult not to notice, what with all the mooing, baaing, clucking, barking, meowing, quacking, oinking, and… what sort of noise does that goat make?”
“That goat has a name. It’s Petunia.”
Colin pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. “I find it nearly impossible to understand why you think it necessary to keep such a menagerie, and even more impossible to comprehend why you would bring it-them-all the way to Cornwall. But what I truly cannot fathom is why you would burden the unfortunate beast with a name like Petunia.”
“I didn’t name her. Mrs. Fitzharbinger, my patient who gave her to me, named her Petunia.”
“Well, clearly Mrs. Fitzharbinger possesses no sense of smell whatsoever because never in my life have I ever caught a whiff of anything that less resembled a flower than that filthy beast.”
“I’d mind my words if I were you, Colin. Petunia is sensitive to insults and fond of butting the arse of those who speak ill of her.” He shot a glance at his goat, who, upon hearing her name, lifted her pale brown head from the patch of flowers upon which she munched and stared at him through obsidian eyes. Telltale purple flowers and stems protruded from the sides of Petunia’s mouth as her scruffy chin worked back and forth. “She has a particular fondness for petunias, thus her name.”
Colin looked skyward. “If she were named by her favorite foods, then she also could have just as easily been dub
bed ‘Handkerchief,’ ‘Button,’ ‘Vellum-’”
“Yes, she loves to eat paper-”
“As I discovered this morning when she ingested a note I’d tucked in my waistcoat pocket. At which time I also lost a button.” He sizzled a heated glare at Petunia. Petunia continued to chew in an unconcerned fashion.
“What about your handkerchief?”
Colin’s eyes narrowed. “That was yesterday. Doesn’t that beast know she’s supposed to eat grass?”
“Actually, goats prefer to eat shrubs, bushes, leaves, and gorse.”
“Seems to me she prefers to eat anything that isn’t nailed down. At every opportunity.”
“Perhaps. But she won’t appreciate you saying so. I’d watch my arse if I were you.” Nathan cocked a brow. “Your note must have been from a young lady. Petunia harbors a great appetite for love letters.”
“Because she can read, I’m certain.”
“In truth, I wouldn’t be shocked to discover she could. Animals are much more intelligent than we give them credit for. I’ve discovered that Reginald can differentiate between apples and strawberries. He does not care for strawberries.”
“I’m certain Lars and the entire gardening staff will breathe a collective sigh of relief at the news, especially given the current sad state of the petunias. And which of your brood is Reginald? The goose?”
“No, the pig.”
Colin’s gaze shifted to where Reginald lay sprawled on his side in porcine glory, beneath the shade of a nearby elm. “Ah, yes, the pig. Another gift from a grateful patient?”
“Actually, he was payment from a grateful patient.”
“A patient who most likely thought he’d provided you with a feast of pork, ham, and bacon.”
Not Quite A Gentleman Page 2