Jilted by a Scoundrel

by Cheryl Holt

  She hadn’t presumed she was scared of any man, but she might be scared of him. He’d warned her to shut her mouth, and she would. There was no need to poke at an angry tiger.

  She clomped down the stairs and tossed her things on the bench, then she stripped to chemise and drawers and climbed into the hot pool. She waded to the middle and dropped to her knees, and the healing water surrounded her like a blessing.

  She closed her eyes and offered up several prayers: for herself, for Jane and Bobby, for their half-sister, Daisy. She wondered about Daisy’s aunt, Miss Bates.

  Winnie had eagerly answered Miss Bates’s letter, but there had been no reply, and she fervidly wished she’d receive a response. They’d been around the same age and had seemed to possess the same sort of background. From the outset, Winnie had thought they might be friends, and she still thought that. It would be marvelous to have a friend.

  Footsteps reverberated on the stairs, and the noise frightened her. If Mr. Townsend marched in, what would she do? But when she glanced over, she was relieved to discover it was John. Yet she was irritated too.

  Melvina had claimed they were betrothed, and Mr. Townsend had told her the very same, but John vehemently denied it. What was true? What wasn’t? How was she supposed to guess?

  When he saw her, he grinned wolfishly, as if he’d finally caught her right where he wanted her. With a few flicks of his wrists, he removed his shirt, boots, and stockings, then he jumped in and came directly over to her.

  He didn’t pause. They didn’t speak. He simply kissed her as if they’d been separated for years. She joined in reluctantly, but he didn’t notice. She’d like to not participate at all, but where he was concerned, she couldn’t ignore the tempest he stirred.

  “I have been hunting for you all day,” he said as he drew away. “Where have you been?”

  “I went over to Dunworthy town.”

  “For what reason? Were you causing trouble?”

  “Yes, that’s me. I’m such a troublemaker.” She snorted with amusement. “What if someone follows you down? We should behave.”

  “I won’t be followed. I sent out orders to let me bathe in peace.”

  “Are you always obeyed?”

  “Always.”

  He was wrong, but she didn’t argue the point. His kin were a sullen, slothful bunch. They did as he bid them—when he was present, when he was watching. Otherwise, they slinked away the moment he exited a room.

  He had to realize how recalcitrant they were, and she couldn’t decide why he didn’t care or react. Perhaps he had bigger worries. Or perhaps he figured it wasn’t worth it to fight with his relatives.

  He shifted her so her legs were wrapped around his waist, and he pushed with his feet so they wound up at the rock bench carved into the wall of the pool. He sat on it, and he positioned her so she was on her knees and hovered over his lap.

  “You look sad,” he said. “Don’t tell me you are. You can’t be morose when we’ve found a minute to sneak off like this.”

  “I’m not sad. I’m just tired.”

  Her mind was awhirl. She was desperate to confide all that had transpired. Should she? Or would she only make matters worse? If she tattled on any of her adversaries, John would take her side, but it would merely create more conflict with the others. She didn’t want that.

  He started kissing her again, and she was excited for the diversion, but exasperated too that she could be so accursedly gullible. She’d heard—from two different people—that he was engaged to another woman, but she was content to dally with him anyway.

  He was gradually stripping her, first her chemise, then her drawers. He threw them over her shoulder, and they floated away. She was mostly concealed by the water, so it wasn’t exactly risqué, but she was in a pool used by all the occupants of the castle, and she was trifling with a man who wasn’t her husband.

  When she was being so reckless, any calamity could arise.

  “That’s better,” he said once she was naked.

  “Better according to who?”

  “According to me, of course.”

  “Why do I let you coerce me?”

  “How am I coercing you?”

  “Others may come down to wash.”

  “I told you no one will.”

  “You always assume you’ll be heeded, but what if a cousin wanders in?”

  “He or she will definitely get an eyeful.”

  He laughed at the notion, then he nibbled a trail to her bosom and began playing with her breasts, licking and sucking on her nipples. The water—and the chance of discovery—added an extra element of stimulation. Every touch, every kiss, was fraught with danger.

  He unbuttoned his trousers, and with very little maneuvering, he centered himself and entered her. It was still shocking to feel herself impaled, to recognize how complicit she’d been in her downfall. Apparently, she was delighted with her sinful conduct, but how could she refuse him? How could she reject him?

  He teased and aroused her, so she was quickly overwhelmed by a wave of the wicked pleasure he was so adept at delivering. She soared to the heavens, and he joined her and soared there too. He rocked them to the end, their slippery skin providing increased sensation that made it all seem incredibly decadent.

  She collapsed onto his chest, and she rested there for an eternity. They were silent, and he stroked a lazy hand up and down her back.

  “You are sad,” he said after awhile. “Tell me what’s wrong, and don’t lie and claim it’s nothing.”

  “It’s not nothing, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “How could you think—for one second—that a reply like that would satisfy me?”

  “I mean this in a very nice way: Could you let it go for once?”

  “No. Tell me.”

  “All right, but don’t you dare bark at me.”

  “I never bark.”

  “Ha! It’s all you do.”

  “Well…maybe, but I won’t bark this time. What is it?”

  “Are you planning to marry your sister-in-law?”

  “No.” He scowled fiercely. “Haven’t we had this discussion before? What? You didn’t believe me?”

  “I believe you, but I don’t believe you too.”

  “Why wouldn’t you?”

  Suddenly, she felt as if she might burst into tears. Ever since their affair had begun, she’d been an emotional wreck. She was constantly on the verge of weeping, and her negligence had painted her situation in stark relief.

  She’d walked out onto such a perilous ledge with him. How could she ever crawl back to a safer spot?

  She gazed at him, wishing he’d propose again. She’d like to raise the topic herself, but couldn’t figure out how. Was the prospect rattling around in that obtuse male head of his? After he’d first mentioned it, had he ever thought about it again?

  “Melvina and I were quarreling,” she admitted.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “She said you’re betrothed to her, and I shouldn’t have any designs on you because you’re hers.”

  He breathed out a heavy sigh. “She is mad as a hatter.”

  “She insists the whole castle knows we’ve been misbehaving.”

  “She hinted much the same to me, but how would they know that?”

  “It’s a small place, and there aren’t any secrets.”

  “If gossip has spread, are you upset?”

  “Yes. You can strut about and commit sins in every direction, but you’re a man, so it’s allowed. I’m a woman, and I don’t have that luxury.”

  “You poor girl.”

  “I’d like to fit in, but everyone hates me.”

  She sounded whiny and pathetic, and he chuckled. “Everyone does? That’s quite a list, but for the record, I don’t hate you.”

  “Your relatives loathe me. My presence is threatening to them.”

  “I don’t mind. They need a bit of threaten
ing.”

  “It’s easy for you to joke about it, but I feel awful.”

  “I’ll speak to Melvina,” he said. “I’ll order her to leave you alone.”

  “How would that help? You’d simply give her more reasons to be horrid to me.”

  “If she irks you too much, I can send her over to Dunworthy town to live with her mother. I don’t have to keep her here, and she’s aware of that fact.”

  “Can I tell you something?”

  “Isn’t that what you’ve been doing?”

  “I tried to tell Melvina, but she wouldn’t listen, and it’s about Ellen. I’m worried about her.”

  “You’re not the only one. She should have gone away to school, but Melvina wouldn’t let her. If Ellen had left for a few years, she wouldn’t be so claustrophobic.”

  “That’s probably true,” Winnie said.

  “But how has she alarmed you? I hope it’s not too terrible.”

  “She’s romantically involved with a man over in town. He’s a stranger who’s passing through.”

  “My goodness, what shocking news.”

  “I found out by accident. I bumped into them, and…ah…it turns out I’m acquainted with him. He’s much older than she is, and he’s dodgy and untrustworthy. I’m sure he doesn’t have her best interests at heart.”

  “He might ruin her?”

  “I can’t guess his ploy, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I warned him to stay away from her. I warned her too, but they both ignored me.”

  “What was Melvina’s response?” he asked.

  “She didn’t believe me. She called Ellen into the room, and Ellen lied and claimed I was the liar and my story was false.”

  “Was it?”

  “No!”

  She’d been derided enough times for one day, and she wiggled off his lap. She was attempting to rescue Ellen from a very hazardous situation. If her family didn’t care about it, why should she?

  He reached out and grabbed her to pull her back, and his fingers landed where Mr. Townsend had gripped her a bit earlier.

  “Ow!” she complained.

  “What’d I do?”

  She glanced down, and as she’d suspected, Mr. Townsend had bruised her. The marks were very clear, and John appeared enraged.

  “What happened to you?” he asked.

  “It was nothing. It was just…just…” Her voice trailed off. Her initial instinct was to deny the encounter, but she quickly changed her mind. She wasn’t eager to pick a fight with Mr. Townsend, but he’d had no right to manhandle her. “Your friend, Mr. Townsend, was angry with me.”

  “About what?”

  “He’d heard my allegations about Ellen, and he told me to shut up.”

  “He injured your arm?”

  “Yes. He seems to think he has some authority in the castle. He also told me to never talk about Ellen’s beau, but I shouldn’t be silent about him.”

  “Who is her beau? You mentioned you’d known him in the past.”

  “His name is Holden Cartwright.”

  He froze, then exhaled slowly. “Did you say Holden Cartwright? Is that who you said?”

  “Yes…ah…do you know him?”

  “Oh, yes, I know him.” He pondered, and for a long while, he stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. Finally, he asked, “Have you any idea where he’s staying?”

  “He rents a room over a tavern. The one on the wharf?”

  He nodded. “Let’s head out. I need to deal with something, and I won’t leave you by yourself.”

  “What’s wrong?” she inquired.

  “Don’t worry about it. Freddie and I have some old issues with regard to Holden, but it’s between Freddie and me.”

  “Have I caused more trouble for you?”

  “You haven’t caused any trouble.”

  “How are you acquainted with Holden?”

  “He and I have a…history.” He gestured to the bench where her towel and gown were waiting. “Hurry now.”

  She hesitated, anxious to continue their discussion. It was obvious she’d ignited a fuse, but she wasn’t certain how. What fire would it start? How hot would it burn? What ashes would remain once it was snuffed out?

  “I don’t have any clothes on,” she said. “Close your eyes.”

  “It’s all right if I see you naked.”

  “It’s not all right with me.”

  He laughed, some of his dangerous mood waning. “Get going.”

  “No peeking!”

  “I won’t peek.”

  He turned around, giving her the privacy she required to scoot out of the water. She swiftly dried herself, then pulled on her dress.

  “I’m decent,” she called to him after she’d finished.

  She spun to face him, and, rat that he was, he’d been watching her the whole time. She was so gullible! A man could tell her any lie, and she’d believe him. Would she ever learn?

  “I’ll be busy tonight,” he said. “I have some matters to handle, but I’ll track you down tomorrow. I promise.”

  “What do you have to handle?”

  “Don’t concern yourself. It’s men’s business.”

  “Tomorrow, you’re hosting your big party.”

  “Will you dance with me?” he asked.

  “You know how to dance?” she cheekily retorted.

  He smiled such a delicious smile that it left her weak in the knees.

  “I’m the best dancer ever,” he boasted. “Now go. I’ll find you tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “Sit down.”

  Ellen and Melvina glared at John, but neither of them moved, and he barked more furiously, “Sit down! Now.”

  They were in his office, and he was standing behind the desk. They peeked nervously at each other, then plopped down. The looked mulishly defiant, as if he had no authority over them, as if he was a stranger who’d blustered in by accident.

  Because he’d loved his brother, he’d been kind to both of them. Melvina was his sister-in-law and Ellen his niece. He had a special duty to them, but with his being a Dunn, he recognized an even deeper obligation.

  The deceased lord’s widow enjoyed enormous respect throughout her life. His children too. John was particularly grateful to Melvina for her management of Dunworthy in the years he was away.

  He valued Ellen too for her sunny personality that had resulted in her intercession on Winnie’s behalf. If Ellen hadn’t reminded him to be a gracious host, he’d have sent Winnie away.

  But…

  His patience wasn’t unlimited. He’d had enough of their antics, and they definitely had to remember who was in charge.

  “Tell me about Holden Cartwright,” he said to Ellen.

  On hearing Holden’s name, she blanched and quickly struggled to devise a string of falsehoods she must have figured he’d stupidly accept.

  “Don’t lie to me,” he fumed. “When did you meet him? How did you meet him? How are you involved with him? Tell me everything, and tell me at once.”

  He usually forgot how young she was. She was sixteen and had always lived at Dunworthy, so she was very naïve. A girl like her—who’d never crossed paths with a snake—wouldn’t understand how painful a venomous bite could be.

  She hemmed and hawed, but his irate glower wore her down without too much effort.

  “I’ve known him for a few weeks,” she admitted.

  “He’s been in Dunworthy all that time?”

  “Ah…yes?”

  “Why has he tarried? What excuse has he given you?”

  “His funds are tied up in a coal mine. He’s waiting for an investment to clear, then he’ll leave.”

  John snorted with disgust. “What part is he expecting you to play in retrieving his money?”

  “I’m playing no part,” she insisted. “We’re friends, that’s all.”

  “You’ve visited him in his room? Alone?”

  Sh
e blushed bright red. “Yes. He invited me, and I’m not a baby. I don’t see why I shouldn’t have.”

  Melvina turned on her. “Are you really that thick-headed? It’s dangerous to be sequestered with a man. What is wrong with you?”

  “Nothing happened,” Ellen insolently said. “He’s been a perfect gentleman.” She shifted her livid gaze to John. “Who tattled about this? It was Miss Watson, wasn’t it?”

  “I can’t believe she bothered you,” Melvina added. “Not after we warned her to butt out. She has some gall, poking her nose into our private business.”

  “I won’t deny that Miss Watson informed me,” he said, “but I’m glad she did.”

  They bristled, and Melvina said, “She’s a tart and a busybody. How long will you allow her to remain among us?”

  He eased down in his chair, and he studied her, his focus caustic and threatening. “If I decide she can remain forever, it’s not your place to complain, is it?”

  Melvina scoffed. “You can’t be serious. She’s a born troublemaker, and she’s proved it by creating this problem for Ellen. My daughter and I shouldn’t be lectured by you because of Miss Watson. Whose side are you on?”

  “I’m on my own side,” he sharply stated. “Holden Cartwright and I have a lengthy and difficult acquaintance, so I’m entitled to have an opinion.” He scowled at Ellen. “There’s no civil way to ask this, so I’ll just come to the point. Are you ruined?”

  She gasped. “No! I told you he’s been a gentleman.”

  “Holden Cartwright has never been a gentleman. Not a single day in his pathetic life. Has he demanded anything? Has he promised you anything?”

  “No! How often must I repeat myself? He’s an interesting, handsome stranger I met over in town. We became cordial, and I won’t apologize for it.”

  “Since I’ve been home,” he advised her, “I haven’t had many chances to interact with you. You’ve provided no basis for me to fret over your conduct.”

  “There’s no reason you would have. I always behave.”

  “Well, unfortunately for you, I don’t trust your claims of innocent association. Your clandestine mischief forces me to intervene.”