“Good heavens, Mr. Hillary.”
The puddle of red soaked into the white linen, changing to a lighter shade of rose as it spread. Looking up, Jake’s gaze landed on his sister staring at him in alarm with her spoon paused in midair. At least Forest pretended not to notice instead of smirking in the irritating manner he possessed.
A footman rushed forward to blot the mess while another hurried to replace Amelia’s wine. A flash of doubt crossed the wine steward’s face as he refilled Jake’s goblet. Jake held his gaze until the servant looked away.
“I beg your pardon, my lady,” he said, as he returned his attention to Amelia.
She sat with her spine stiff, refusing to look up as she took dainty sips of the fish soup.
Daniel smirked at him over the top of her head then leaned to whisper something to Lady Kennell. The viscountess snickered and craned her neck to peer at Jake.
Amelia refused to acknowledge him for the remainder of dinner, instead turning her back on him while answering Daniel’s questions about the foundling house renovation.
He suppressed a frustrated sigh. All of ten minutes in her presence, and he had proved himself a first-rate gaby.
At the conclusion of the torturous meal, his father pushed from the table and rose when Jake’s mother stood.
She gestured toward the door. “Ladies? Shall we leave the men to discuss their politics?”
Daniel was on his feet within seconds to pull Amelia’s chair out. His fingers grazed the bare skin of her shoulder.
“Thank you, Captain Hillary,” Amelia said. She held herself rigid as she stood.
“My pleasure, Lady Audley. Perhaps we shall cross paths later. I should like to contribute to your worthy cause.”
“Certainly, Captain.” She didn’t spare Jake a glance as the women glided from the dining room.
A low growl rumbled in Jake’s chest. His brother met his glower and smiled. Jake clenched his fists against his sides to refrain from delivering a dowse to his chops. In addition to the scandal, Mother would disapprove of staining her Aubusson with Daniel’s blood. But as luck would have it, Gentleman Jack and the patrons of his boxing saloon were not as persnickety. Tomorrow Jake would teach his brother a lesson about leaving be what didn’t belong to him.
“Gentlemen, shall we retire to the blue drawing room? Cigars and brandy await.”
The men followed his father from the dining room.
Daniel matched pace with Jake. “Lady Kennell has a commonplace mind. I admire that in a lady.”
“I’m glad you are enjoying your last night of walking.”
His brother laughed and dropped to the settee, propping his arms across the seat back. He appeared as a giant on the diminutive piece.
“Aren’t you surly this evening? I hesitate to request your advice, but I do have a dilemma,” Daniel said. “No denying Lady Audley is attractive, but Lady Kennell is a tempting armful, too. How am I to choose between them?” He winked as he lit the cigar clenched between his teeth. “Perhaps I won’t be forced to limit myself. They seem close.”
Jake dropped his chin, meeting his brother’s direct gaze in challenge. “Stay the hell away from Amelia or there’ll be the devil to pay.”
Daniel took a drag on his cigar before blowing the pungent smoke in Jake’s direction. “Ah, so it’s Amelia, is it?”
“Lady Audley to you.”
His brother cocked a grin. “I’ve made a few deals with the devil. Maybe that’s a price I’m willing to pay.”
“Leave her be.”
Daniel’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, little brother, I say we settle the matter tonight. Sign her dance card before the first waltz or she’s mine. I refuse to wait any longer while you dangle after her.”
Jake’s muscles twitched as his fists tightened at his sides. “And if she dances with me, you stay away from her forever.”
“Such high stakes attached to the lady. I do believe you care for her.”
“And you care nothing for her, so do her a favor and leave her alone.” Jake turned on his heel and stalked across the hazy room where Forest was leaning against the sideboard, appearing bored with everything.
He lifted his snifter as Jake approached. “Couldn’t help but to overhear. Your brother is as big an arse as I recall.”
“He makes you look saintly.”
Forest clunked his drink down and reached for the decanter. Glass clinked against glass as he poured a hefty portion of scotch into a tumbler and passed it to Jake. “I can’t say I have attained sainthood, but I am on the path of righteousness, my good man.”
“Lucky for you, Forest.” Jake accepted the glass and sipped the amber heat, trying to calm his riotous breathing. “Otherwise my sister would serve your bollocks for breakfast.”
Forest flinched. “Hell’s teeth. Damned lucky for me I’d say.”
Three
Amelia sat alone on a Pomona green sofa while Bibi visited the retiring room. Ladies she had known for years surrounded her, but no one spoke to her. Most wouldn’t meet her eye.
She was not oblivious to the consequences of her association with Bibi. Although her friend had always been impertinent, her troubles with a certain baron a few months ago had made her brazen beyond the pale. Lord Banner didn’t help matters by poking the grumpy goose, so to speak. His wife was less than pleased by his blatant interest in Bibi and made it her charge to punish Amelia’s friend at every opportunity. If the overbearing woman had her way, the entire ton would shun Bibi. Fortunately, Lady Banner’s influence was not far reaching beyond her circle of well-dressed minions.
Amelia sat up straighter and adjusted her skirts. Bibi would never turn her back on her, and she wouldn’t abandon her friend to win favor with the haute ton. Still, the evening was a disappointment. If no one would even look at her, how would she garner their support for the children? Mrs. Hillary had assured her there were members of the Mayfair Ladies Charitable Society who had praised her efforts at their last meeting, but those ladies didn’t appear to be in attendance this evening.
“There you are.” A kind voice broke through her thoughts. Amelia glanced up to discover Lana Forest standing by the settee. She returned the younger woman’s warm smile.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Lana asked.
“Please do.” Amelia scooted to make room for Jake’s sister on the tufted piece.
Lana had a way of bringing cheer to a gloomy room, and Amelia could use some cheering.
“How go your efforts on behalf of the foundling hospital?” Lana asked.
“Not as I had hoped.”
“Take heart. Forest will lend his support, as will several other gentlemen of his acquaintance.” Lana’s smile was wicked as she leaned close to whisper, “I have convinced him to call in their vowels.”
“Their vowels?”
“Gambling debts owed to my husband.”
“Lana.” Amelia chuckled at the young woman’s cleverness.
“Only what they can afford to spare, of course.” She set her skirts to rights then folded her hands. “Do you mind if I speak plainly, Amelia?”
She paused for a beat, a flutter starting in her belly, before shaking her head to indicate Lana had permission to be candid. One could never be certain what the lady might say from moment to moment.
“I noticed my brother was friendly with Lady Kennell.”
Amelia released her breath, sinking against the cushion. “Yes, you may want to dissuade Captain Hillary. Bibi can be… difficult to please.”
“Then I shan’t worry for Lady Kennell. Perhaps my brother has met his match. But I feel it is only right to caution you.”
Amelia drew back. “Me? Why caution me?”
“Daniel can be charming when he wishes, which is not often enough in my estimation. He plays the doting suitor well, but he tires quickly of a lady’s company.” Lana placed her hand over hers. “Amelia, he watched you at dinner when you weren’t paying notice. He will approach you next.”
&
nbsp; Her body heated at the insinuation. Did everyone believe her to be such a willing bed partner? She did practice discernment.
“You paid me a similar kindness at Irvine Castle,” Lana said. “I would like to return the favor.”
Amelia smiled, but she couldn’t look at the young woman. She had done her best to caution Lana against Andrew Forest, to disallow him to ruin her chances of finding a decent husband.
“My advice was off the mark,” Amelia said. “Your husband is quite doting.”
Lana sighed and furrowed her brow. “And I wish I were wrong about Daniel. Heed my warning; he cares for no one but himself.”
Amelia nodded, unsure how to respond given she had no interest in Captain Hillary. “I will take your warning under advisement. Thank you.”
“Splendid. The matter is settled then.” Lana tossed her head, causing wispy tendrils of auburn hair to slip from the pins. Her lively green eyes sparkled. “Now Jake, on the other hand, is a different breed of man. Extremely loyal and not given to whimsy. I would venture he would make a delightful husband.”
Oh, good heavens. Amelia flicked open her fan and waved it to cool her hot cheeks. Lana had a reputation for successful matchmaking, but she apparently knew nothing of her brother’s disdain for Amelia. “Yes, well, thank you for your kind guidance, Lana. I will make note of your concerns.”
Jake’s sister sank back against the cushions with a slight frown. “Indeed? You have nothing more to say?”
Amelia almost regretted thwarting the young woman.
She spotted Bibi and hailed her, eager to end any conversation that might encourage Lana to meddle further in her affairs. “Ah, Lady Kennell. You return.”
Bibi grinned at Lana. “My lady, your brother is a gem, and so very handsome.”
She returned Bibi’s greeting with a polite smile. “So I am told, Lady Kennell.”
Bibi lowered into a chair, removed her long white glove, and held her hand out to study her fingernails. “I’m eager to become better acquainted. Perhaps we’ll even become close, intimate friends.”
“Yes, I see,” Lana said.
Bibi’s slender brow lifted, and she flashed a mischievous grin. “Captain Hillary is a handsome swell, too.”
Amelia bolted upright. What was Bibi implying? If she thought to pursue Jake Hillary, she would receive blistered ears for her trouble. He might not be Amelia’s to defend, but she wouldn’t allow her lusty friend to devour him. Why, the idea left her downright indignant.
Lana gawked at Bibi. “Uh…”
Amelia cleared her throat. “Of course, Captain Hillary is more to your liking, wouldn’t you agree?” She hoped her friend would follow her lead and stop hinting at her desire to make Jake her next conquest. She couldn’t imagine Lana would take kindly to Bibi toying with her favored brother.
Bibi’s cocoa eyes darkened. “I disagree, dear Amelia. I find Jake Hillary undeniably enticing of a sudden. I’m entertaining the most enjoyable thoughts about him right now.”
Amelia silently pleaded with Bibi to be quiet.
Lana flushed bright red, her chin jutting forward. She seemed as protective of Jake as he had been of her before she married, which did not bode well for Bibi.
Amelia’s gaze flickered back and forth between the two ladies. She held her breath. Perhaps she should intervene, but aligning herself with either against the other wouldn’t do. Lana’s complexion slowly returned to its normal shade of ivory, and she replaced her scowl with a neutral expression. “Lady Audley, visiting with you has been a treat this evening. I hope you will excuse me.”
Amelia offered her widest smile, eager to make up for Bibi’s offensive behavior. “I enjoyed our visit as well, my lady. And thank you for your kind support of the foundling house renovation.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
Once Lana left, Amelia whipped around. Her friend’s cheeks pinked under her intense scrutiny. “What are you about, Bibi?”
“You may offer your gratitude later.” She tried to hide behind bravado, but her rosy complexion communicated her chagrin.
“Why must you push everyone away?”
Her friend picked at her nail and scoffed. “Those ladies care nothing for us. We are outsiders, impure women set on corrupting their steadfast husbands. If that is what they think, why disappoint?”
Amelia sighed and shook her head. “I think Lana may be different.”
“Doubtful.” Bibi’s demeanor changed in an instant. She lit up like a firework and clapped her hands. “Great heavens! I was serious about Jake Hillary. His brother leads me to believe the man is inexperienced in the bedchamber.”
Amelia gasped, her gaze darting around to be certain no one overheard. “Bibi,” she whispered fiercely, “that is a horrible rumor to spread about Mr. Hillary.”
“Horrible? What’s horrible about his state of purity?” Bibi’s eyes narrowed. “You are behaving oddly, as if you don’t wish for me to seduce him. Do you fancy the gent for yourself?”
“Absolutely not!” Amelia had never shared information about Jake’s visits. She had told herself it was to protect against rumors. After all, she had been in mourning when he visited her at Verona House bearing gifts from his mother. But the truth was Amelia had kept their association secret out of fear if she spoke of him to anyone, he would disappear. A ridiculous superstition since he had vanished anyway.
Bibi clasped her hands to her chest and grinned like a child with a new toy. “Splendid, then I lay claim to him. I have never had the pleasure of educating a young man in the art of lovemaking.”
Amelia’s stomach squeezed painfully. She couldn’t hear another word of Bibi’s inane chatter over the rushing sound in her ears. If her friend thought to use and dispose of Jake like a used frock, she had never been more wrong. If indeed he required education—and Amelia couldn’t believe for one minute that he did after the way he had kissed her—Bibi would not be his tutor.
***
Jake’s fingers tightened on the punch glass, the cut crystal imbedding diamond patterns into his palm. He drew in a deep breath, trying to ignore the tempest in his belly. Across the ballroom, Amelia chatted with her dark-haired friend, Bippi or something equally bizarre, who kept glancing in his direction with a smile stretching her bloodred mouth.
What was so funny that Lady Kennell watched him with obvious amusement? With his luck, the lady knew of Daniel’s challenge and had already shared it with Amelia. Perhaps Amelia whispered all the ways she might humiliate Jake as she gave him the cut direct. Even if he deserved her contempt, he wouldn’t enjoy the ridicule of his fellow gents on the morrow. He could only go so many rounds in the boxing ring.
Jake sniffed, disgusted by his doubts. It was a dance. She wouldn’t dare deny him one dance. The act required little on her part. He would do all the work, leading her around the floor with his hand on her back. Several respectable inches from her tiny waist, which innocently served as a transition from her splendid breasts to her curvaceous hips and rounded bottom.
Jake groaned under his breath and wheeled around. He couldn’t approach Amelia with his breeches tenting like the pyramids of Egypt. Why mere thoughts of Amelia accomplished what the accommodating widow Mrs. Lovejoy had failed to do on two occasions baffled him. He had begun to fear something was broken, and while he was relieved to learn all was in good order, perhaps he should send around an apology to the widow.
The start of a melody floated on the air. He didn’t have much time. The first dance had begun, and the fourth was a waltz. An image of his brother with Amelia cooled his ardor in a hurry, although it flared his temper.
He turned and plowed into his sister. Lana teetered and flung her arms wide to regain her balance.
“Lana!” Jake lunged, catching her around the waist before she toppled backwards, but he didn’t have his footing. She gasped as they twirled and slipped. Frantic and fearful of hurting her, he held on tight and managed to plant his foot before they crashed to the floor. Although no
t as noticeable as falling on his sister, his display drew enough unwanted attention.
“Damnation,” he muttered.
Forest hurried over followed by Daniel, Lady Kennell, and Amelia.
Reaching Lana’s side, her husband wrapped his arm around her waist; a fretful line creased his forehead. “Are you injured?”
Jake’s sister laughed. “Jake and I are a touch out of practice, but I think we still show a good flair for dancing.”
“I’m sorry, Lana. I should have been watching where I was going.”
Forest drew her to his side. “I’ve never met a gent as luckless as you, Hillary. Nevertheless, your sister is unharmed.”
“Yes, don’t fret. That was the most exhilarating event of my week.”
Forest frowned at her. “Indeed? The most exhilarating?”
Lana hugged his arm and beamed. She always smiled these days. To see his younger sister happy made Jake’s heart swell with tenderness. She deserved joy after everything she had experienced.
Daniel slapped Jake’s back. “That was the worst footwork I’ve ever seen.” His boisterous voice boomed in the great room. “No lady who values her toes will consent to dance with you after that demonstration.”
“Don’t be so sure, Captain Hillary.” The silken tones of Lady Kennell’s voice demanded Jake’s attention. “I would take great pleasure in a turn at Mr. Hillary.”
The dark-haired beauty slanted her head, her heated gaze roving over his body. Lady Kennell was a brazen one, convincing him the rumors circulating about her at Brook’s had merit.
His eyes narrowed and a pulse of resentment surged through his veins. Had she influenced Amelia’s decision to take up with another gentleman while he was away? “Indeed, Lady Kennell? You wish to dance?”
“Yes, indeed.” She batted her dark lashes, a lazy smile spreading across her lips. The lady misread him greatly. “Well, Mr. Hillary? Would you like to claim the waltz?” She flicked her dance card toward him, clearly expecting him to take it.
He caught the slight shake of Lana’s head then glanced toward Amelia. Apprehension clouded her blue eyes as she studied him with such graveness, he hesitated in his response. He wouldn’t hurt her ever, and from her expression, he was treading on sensitive ground. Unfortunately, he didn’t know which action would be the inciting factor: snubbing her friend’s advances and setting tongues to wagging, or dancing with another woman who promised more than a dance.
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