Three Secrets and a Scandal (Regency Secrets and Scandals Book 2)

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  Sophie cast him a fulminating look. “It is uncharitable to complain when it was you who insisted on accompanying me!” she threw at him, her eyes stormy. “I didn’t ask for your help, beyond getting to Bath. I didn’t ask you to stay with me at the White Hart, it was you who insisted! I would have been happy to travel on the stage yet it was you who dissuaded me! I was a fool to agree and now you are finding my company a trial. Very well, if you feel like that, leave me here. I didn’t need your help before and I don’t need it now!”

  Her biting tone jolted Theo to his senses. He strode towards her, saying haltingly, “Sophie! No! I beg your pardon! It was a mistake…I spoke without thinking. I didn’t mean it that way—”

  He was forced to stop when the landlord came bustling in, accompanied by a footman and the tapster. The landlord surveyed the wreckage of his coffee room, his eyes widening when they fell on the prone figure of Mr Melville who was still lying on the hearth, eyes closed, breathing noisily through his open mouth and untroubled by the faint aroma of singed cloth.

  The landlord threw out his arms and hurried into speech: “Mr Cavanagh, I am mortified. That you and your guest should have had to endure such inconvenience under my roof!” He shuddered visibly. “Miss Devereux told me what had happened. This idiot,”—he waved a hand in Melville’s direction—“shall be ejected at once and will not cross the threshold again! We run a respectable house here.” He sniffed, each syllable dripping with disdain as he observed, “I suspected from the outset he was not a member of the Quality.”

  He then ordered the footman and the tapster to remove Mr Melville. They undertook their task with vigour, picking Melville up and carrying him out of the room none too gently.

  Afterward, the landlord continued to express his regret, begging these events would not result in Theo or his family refusing to patronise The Castle in future.

  Theo, acutely aware of Sophie’s silence and pale complexion, reassured him and said the only reparation required was that his curricle be ready to leave within five minutes.

  The landlord promised this would be done and bowed out.

  Theo’s gaze sought out Sophie once more. She had moved to the window, as far away from him as possible, and wrapped her arms around her chest in a protective gesture. He hesitated for a moment before striding over to clasp her by the shoulders.

  “Sophie,” he ventured in a voice edged with desperation, “what I said a few moments ago was unforgivable—”

  Sophie’s cheeks were drained of colour, but she regarded him directly, her tone firm but icy as she cut in, “Are you still willing to take me to London?”

  Astonished, his hands fell back to his sides. “Why do you ask? Of course I am! I gave you my word.”

  She nodded and wheeled away. “Then I must continue in your company even though it is against my better judgement. You are obviously regretting your decision, but are too polite and honourable to admit it. If I wait here for the next stage coach, it will delay my journey and I can’t allow that.” She swung back to face him, adding, “But I give you my word you will be rid of me the instant we reach London, and I will try to avoid embroiling you in any more scrapes during the time we have left together!”

  Theo opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. It was useless to say more at present. She was in no mood to listen and he couldn’t blame her. He saw the hurt in her eyes, the way her complexion had paled. How sudden doubt had crushed her vivacity. She hadn’t been able to hide it. He was shocked by his outburst, emotionally driven though it was, and desperately wished his comments unsaid.

  But it was too late. His feelings had got the better of him and she had been wounded by his words. The truth was that far from wanting to avoid her company, it was becoming difficult for him to do without it.

  Chapter 4

  Sophie realized they were being followed as they travelled through the Savernake Forest some fifteen miles from Newbury

  Trees flanked the road on either side, forging a dense curtain of shadows which cut out the late afternoon sun. The road was still busy—they had encountered several post-chaises and carriages— but the surrounding woodland deadened the noise, creating an eerie, threatening microcosm.

  She had been vaguely aware of the curricle behind them for some time but assumed it would drop back as Theo gathered pace. Instead, it had matched their speed and maintained its distance. She had glanced over her shoulder from time to time to observe it and her conviction they were being followed grew.

  Had her absence been discovered sooner than expected? The carriage was too far away to see it clearly, but perhaps Perry had somehow found out she was travelling with Theo and was even now in close pursuit?

  This seemed unlikely. Even allowing for Peregrine’s new carriage, it was difficult to see how he could have caught up so quickly. And, if he had managed to find her, he would overtake them rather than hold back. Despite the implausibility of this theory, Sophie could think of no other explanation. Perry was the only person with reason and the means to follow her. The thought of an imminent confrontation made her shiver.

  She stole a look at Theo.

  An uncomfortable silence had followed their departure from The Castle. Although she felt guilty he had been drawn into a brawl for her sake, she was confused, upset and angered by his manner afterwards. The situation had not been of her making. She could have ignored the boy’s plight and thus perhaps escaped Melville’s attentions, although she doubted it given the way the man had been looking at her, but it was not in her nature to do so.

  He must be regretting his decision to help. In such circumstances it was mortifying to have to rely on him and if there had been another way of reaching London in good time, she would have taken it. Unfortunately, she had no option but to remain in Theo’s company and endure the strained atmosphere as best she could.

  Should she tell him about the carriage? A blush rose to her cheeks. She did not want to appear foolish or cause another argument, but it seemed right to tell him.

  “Mr Cavanagh,” she began, in a hesitant voice, “it may seem a fanciful notion, but I believe we are being followed. The carriage behind has been keeping the same pace and distance for some miles now.”

  Sophie waited for his denial and curt observation that she had windmills in her head.

  Instead he replied, “You’re right. I’ve been aware of it since shortly after we left Marlborough.”

  She blinked in surprise. “You have? I did not think you had noticed! I-I was worried you might laugh at me for suggesting it.”

  “I wouldn’t. Despite what you may think, I don’t behave like an idiot all of the time.” Theo uttered a beleaguered sigh. “Sophie, I’m truly sorry for what I said. Dash it all, I never thought I’d say this to a woman, but it’s deuced uncomfortable not talking to you! I don’t like it at all. You won’t have forgiven me yet and I can’t blame you but, please, can we at least call a truce?”

  Sophie bit her lower lip, considering. She still believed he was regretting taking on the role of escort, but she was not vindictive. His apology appeared heartfelt and made in good faith. And it was better to complete their journey on amicable terms rather than arguing or enduring long, awkward silences.

  “Very well,” she murmured at length. “Truce.”

  Relief lit up his features. “Thank you! Let us then consider who is following us. Do you think it is your cousin?”

  “It seems unlikely given the timing but we will know soon enough. Peregrine’s carriage is distinctive.”

  Theo glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t think we will. The driver is staying far enough away to prevent us getting a good view. I’m not even sure if he is alone or not.”

  “What should we do?”

  Theo shrugged. “Continue on to The Pelican. If the driver had wanted to catch up with us, he would have already done so. We’ll get through Savernake as soon as possible though. I’d welcome a meeting with your cousin, but not in these surroundings.”

>   She studied his profile, a frown creasing her brow. “But I have no idea who else it could be other than Perry.”

  “Nor I.” A whimsical smile touched his lips. “Are there other secrets you haven’t disclosed? Maybe you have a diamond necklace hidden in your reticule and the Bath Fox has learned of it?”

  Sophie jumped, startled by his comment. “I don’t own a diamond necklace.”

  “Then it cannot be our infamous thief. And I haven’t upset any travellers enough to have them follow us, other than the appalling but currently indisposed Melville.” Theo’s expression became thoughtful. “Hmm, let us see how eager our pursuer is to stay with us.”

  With a crack of his whip, Theo urged his team to a gallop. He negotiated the ruts in the road, increasing his speed until the curricle was bowling over ground. Sophie gripped the side of the swaying carriage out of a need to steady herself rather than from fear. She had no qualms over his driving skill even at this pace. After a mile, she thought they must have outrun the other carriage, but when she peered behind her, she saw to her dismay it was matching their speed.

  “The fellow’s persistent,” shouted Theo, raising his voice to be heard over the drumming of the hooves. “He’s got a wellsprung carriage and a good team. I can’t lose him.”

  Sophie gave a deep groan. “It must be Peregrine!”

  As Theo slowed his carriage to a steadier pace, determination gleamed in his eyes. “If it is your cousin, I’ll make sure he doesn’t trouble you further. He will not stop you going to London.”

  Sophie had to be satisfied with this, although the prospect of Theo meeting her cousin was disturbing. Perry was generally lazy but he would be furious she had slipped away from Ludstone. She crossed her fingers in her lap, hoping that if they did meet it would not result in another brawl.

  They reached the toll gate at the end of Savernake and travelled through Froxfield, past Halfway House and up Speen Hill without incident. By the time they headed past Newbury’s main street, the pursuing carriage had disappeared. It seemed it was not Peregrine after all, but this did not cheer Sophie much. If it wasn’t him, then who on earth was it?

  Theo turned his curricle under the archway of The Pelican and it was not long before ostlers had seen to the horses and rooms had been bespoken for the night, along with a parlour to dine in.

  Once in her room, Sophie peered out of the window. There was still no sign of the other carriage, leaving her feeling puzzled and uneasy. After a change of clothes and the chance to tidy her hair, she was ready to go back downstairs. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation at the thought of dining alone with Theo.

  She found him waiting for her in the parlour, where the covers had been already laid. He had shed his driving coat and changed his shirt and cravat. The summer twilight had not yet given way to moonlight, but candles had been lit and placed about the room, their glow reflected in the rich hue of his hair and in his eyes, which met hers the moment she walked in.

  Her heart gave an unmistakeable leap at the sight of him, a reaction that brought a rueful smile to Sophie’s lips. Mr Cavanagh might be secretly wishing himself elsewhere but she could not bring herself to feel likewise, in spite of knowing she was on her way to James. Her every nerve ending felt abraded and her skin tingled. Beneath her gown, heat swept over her traitorous body.

  Theo, too, was pleased with what he saw. More than pleased. His heart thumped faster as it seemed to each time he looked at Sophie, and his breath caught in his throat. She had exchanged her pelisse and travelling dress for a plain but faded muslin gown that clung to her curves. Her hair had been brushed and gathered into a knot held in place with the cornflower-tipped pin. Several wisps had escaped to tickle her neck. She was as fresh and fragrant as a flower and when she looked at him, a smile curving her mouth and lighting her eyes, it reminded him of the sun coming out on a winter’s day. He could not banish the memory of her body against his, nor could he forget how her scent had assailed his senses, just as it was now. Sophie Devereux was an exquisite temptation.

  Desire, raw and unfettered, crashed through him like a tidal wave and he cursed inwardly, knowing it was going to be a struggle to contain his response. His awareness of her was unbearably acute.

  Theo, who had always considered himself a gentleman, knew the sudden and overpowering urge to behave like rake.

  He was used to ladies throwing out lures—he might only be the younger son of an earl but he was still considered an eligible catch—and while a few had aroused his interest, it had soon dissipated. This felt very different.

  Every minute he spent with Sophie, he wanted her more.

  If their circumstances had been otherwise, he would have embarked on a serious courtship for the first time in his life, but it was out of the question. He could not abuse the responsibility he had shouldered. He swallowed, mustering as much self-control as he could and acknowledging he must keep his feelings to himself, at least until they had reached London and she was out of his care. Giving no hint of his inner turmoil, he led her over to the table and the servants began to serve the meal.

  Later, when the plates and cutlery had been removed, a tray of tarts and candied fruit was placed at Sophie’s elbow and a decanter of brandy and glass next to Theo. He declined her offer to withdraw to her room while he enjoyed his brandy, so Sophie stayed, sighing contentedly as her fingers hovered over the sweetmeats.

  “That was delicious,” she said. “Is the food here always so good?”

  “Always,” replied Theo, watching her. “The Pelican is famed for its comfort and hospitality.”

  A mischievous twinkle gleamed in her eye. “Perhaps I should have asked for weak tea and bread and butter to restore my shattered nerves but, as you are aware, my nerves are resilient and they demanded better sustenance!”

  “Glad to hear it,” he said, laughing. “Why anyone would want to unsettle their stomach with that rubbish is beyond me!”

  “My aunt does occasionally, but it’s more for effect than any other reason.”

  ‘Speaking of your family, there are matters we need to discuss.”

  ‘Such as who was following us earlier?”

  “Yes, that…and other things.”

  Sophie swallowed the last of an apricot tartlet and brushed the crumbs from her fingers. “Oh? I thought I had told you everything.”

  “You have not said who you are going to stay with when you reach London.”

  A slow blush stained her cheeks. “I suppose I should—you will be obliged to take me there after all—but I fear you will think me foolish.”

  “I am not so eager to find fault as you seem to think.”

  “Very well then, I’ll tell you. I’m going to London to get married.”

  Theo had been leaning back in his chair but at this, he jerked forward, almost knocking over his glass in the process.

  “Married!” he expostulated hoarsely. Then, he drew in a deep, ragged breath, cleared his throat and echoed, “Married? To whom? You said your aunt had deterred all your admirers!”

  ‘She did, those in Bath, but I’m going to marry Lord Verney. James was…is…my childhood sweetheart.” Seeing his stunned expression, she hurried on, “James and I swore an oath to marry when we were children. His father’s estate bordered ours and we were inseparable until he left for Eton. We exchanged occasional letters during that time, and I know he went up to Oxford after finishing school. After that, I believe he planned to go on the Grand Tour, although I’m not certain because we lost touch. If he has been abroad he may not know of my father’s death or my move to Ludstone.”

  “When did he leave Oxford?”

  “Three summers ago, I think.”

  Theo’s brows rose. “I know him! Verney left Oxford the year before me.”

  “Did he?” cried Sophie, pleased. ‘Then you already appreciate what an excellent man he is!”

  “We were never introduced, but from what I recall he seemed a reasonable sort,” he admitted. “Heard he went on
the Grand Tour after Napoleon’s defeat.”

  Sophie nodded. “That would explain why I haven’t heard from him recently.”

  “But how do you know he’s back?”

  “I saw a notice in Aunt Eudora’s copy of the Morning Post which said James and his mama were in London for the Season. I hope they are still there and haven’t gone to Brighton or one of the other resorts by now.”

  “You mean he doesn’t realise you are coming?” he said, incredulous.

  “Well, no,” confessed Sophie. “But how could I have sent him a letter? Aunt Eudora and Peregrine check all the mail and if I had written to him, they would have been suspicious. I thought it would be easier to speak to James in person.”

  “Easier to appear on his doorstep and suggest marriage?”

  Sophie flushed darkly. “I knew you would think me stupid!”

  “Not stupid, never that, but you must admit it’s impulsive.”

  “Yes, you’re right. Olivia thought so too.” She made a helpless gesture with her hands. “But what else could I do? Despite our childhood pledge, I dare say I would not have thought of marrying James if my situation had not been so desperate. I’ve already told you what Aunt Eudora and Perry are like. They force people to fall in with their plans in the most odious way but I am determined not to oblige them. James is the only person I can turn too. He is also the man who means most to me.”

  “But marriage!” Theo’s hand clenched into a fist. Then, a moment later, he asked in a husky voice, “Do you still care for him?”

  “I was immensely fond of James,” she mused. “That has not changed, and marriage to him would be infinitely preferable to being married to Perry.”

  “And what of Verney’s feelings?”