by Dawn Brower
CHAPTER FIVE
MARIAN BROUGHT HER hand up to cover her mouth as she attempted to cover a yawn. She’d stayed out far later than she’d planned the night before and had remained awake even longer studying a medical tome she’d stolen from her father’s library. He had various written works available on any number of subjects and wouldn’t miss one. She was careful to take one at a time and devour whatever knowledge lay inside. Unfortunately, it was the last tome her father had that she’d not yet fully read. Most of them were old and probably outdated. She needed someone to teach her the modern techniques and aid in her quest to learn to be a real physician.
“Stop that,” Samantha scolded.
“What?” Marian asked, momentarily taken aback. What had she done?
“It’s unladylike, and we’re walking along Rotten Row. Everyone who’s anyone is here, and they’ll gladly judge you.”
Marian was at a loss. Judge her for what exactly? As far as she could tell, she’d done nothing wrong, and she really didn’t care what the ton thought of her. She wanted to do greater things than become some lord’s wife and mother of his future children. She agreed to walk with Samantha because she wanted to find out if she’d convinced her brother yet to escort them to the house party. The season was coming to an end soon, and it was one of the most sought after invitations. If she cared about such things, she’d have been more excited, but as she had a different reason for wanting to go, she was desperate to make it happen. “I’m afraid I was lost in my own thoughts. Explain what mishap I’ve managed to do while I woolgathered.”
Samantha sighed. “You didn’t listen to anything I was saying.”
“I apologize. Please tell me again—I promise to give you all my attention.”
“Shelby is being difficult,” Samantha began. “I did my best to persuade him to our cause. I am not sure if he’ll do it.”
“We must convince him,” Marian said. How had she failed to hear Samantha tell her this? “There has to be something that will lure him there.”
Samantha chewed on her bottom lip. They kept walking along Rotten Row. Several people were already socializing on the path. Many gentlemen were riding horseback, and a few were in fancy carriages. Marian could have taken the phaeton, but liked the idea of some exercise and decided against it. “I wish we didn’t need an escort to take us to the house party.”
“It would make things much simpler for us, but it just isn’t done.”
Life would be much easier if she could do whatever she wanted. She would already be a physician if it had been up to her, but no, she was a silly female and couldn’t possibly know her own mind. As if being male made them far superior—she’d met some males that defined the word idiocy. One’s gender didn’t determine intelligence and ability to reason. She blew out a breath of exasperation. “It’s the end of the season. Surely your brother will be looking for entertainment. Why not a house party? Have you appealed to his derelict side?”
“I did mention that it might be fun...” Samantha shrugged. “He stopped listening to me after a while.”
“Maybe we should somehow make him think it’s his idea to attend. I’ve observed that some males don’t take kindly to suggestions from a female.”
Samantha laughed. “That may be true. Shelby ignores almost everything I say. I wonder how he’d like it if someone did that to him.”
“Would he even notice?” Marian lifted a brow. Maybe she should get a puppy. At least a dog would be devoted and love her. It was rather sad that an animal would be more reliable than most of the men of her acquaintance. “I’ll talk to my father. Perhaps he can find me an escort to the house party.”
“Don’t forget to include me in your traveling party. I’m rather excited to attend.”
Marian hoped it all worked out as they required it to. She wanted to meet the Duchess of Weston and prayed she didn’t offend her by questioning the rumors they’d heard. More importantly, she wanted them to be true. If she was truly a trained physician, she might be in a place to teach her the skills she desperately desired to obtain. “I’d never leave you behind. Maybe we should include Kaitlin too. She could use some time outside of London, and I’m afraid if we leave her behind she’ll withdraw from everything. She has a tendency to hide in her room unless someone makes her come out.”
“That’s a splendid idea,” Samantha agreed. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
“If we can find a way there, anyway...” Frustration built inside of her and threatened to burst out. Every one of her expectations had been enveloped in Samantha’s ability to convince her brother to take them to Kent. Now she had to figure out another way, and she didn’t like being stalled from making her way to where she could meet the Duchess of Weston.
“We will,” Samantha said. Determination was etched through each word. “I have faith, and you should too. Somehow, we will find a way there, and you will meet the duchess. I won’t accept any other outcome.”
Marian frowned. She couldn’t help feeling dejected. Nothing had gone the way she’d planned for a while now. She had doubts aplenty and no conviction of seeing that change. She wanted to believe as wholeheartedly as Samantha did, but she failed to see the bright side of anything. It was hard to have faith when she kept hitting a figurative wall in her quest to become a physician. She stared at the path in front of them. Marian brought her hand up to shield the sun from blinding her. “Isn’t that your brother riding toward us?”
Samantha glanced in the direction that Marian had been looking and then smiled. “Oh, most definitely, and the handsome Earl of Harrington is accompanying him. Why don’t we gain their attention? Perhaps you can work your wiles on Lord Harrington. I do believe he fancies you.”
Her stomach soured at the idea. Lord Harrington was too tempting and could easily lead her down a path of sin if she let him. The sad truth was a part of her wanted him to. “I’d rather stab myself in the eye with an embroidery needle.”
“There’s no need to be so melodramatic,” Samantha said and then rolled her eyes. “If we can convince Lord Harrington, then perhaps my brother would also be willing to go. The two of them could escort us to Kent.”
“No,” Marian ground out. “Absolutely not.”
“What do you find so disagreeable?” A male said, catching her attention. She jerked her gaze upward toward the sound, and of course it was him. His voice was as husky as warm brandy. The one time she’d sneaked a drink, it had heated her from the inside out and left her feeling a little heady. Lord Harrington had a similar impact on her senses. She burned in places she’d never imagined possible and her heart fluttered with something unidentifiable. That invigorating sensation left her a little light headed and breathless—and she didn’t like it. “Perhaps I should ask what you don’t find disagreeable instead,” he offered. “I’ve yet to discover something you actually like.”
“The list isn’t very long,” she retorted. “Rest assured you’re not one of the things I favor.” That was a lie, and difficult to swallow. She liked him far more than she should. “Are you enjoying your ride?”
“I’ve had better,” he replied and then flashed her one of his famously wicked grins. “And I’ve yet to experience one that’s unforgettable. How about you?”
“Pardon me?” She tilted her head in confusion. “I’m not sure I understand. Do you mean the horse?” What was the man alluding to? “I don’t enjoy riding. Horses and I don’t get on well.”
He chuckled lightly and slid from the saddle. “Perhaps you haven’t met the right one. I’d be happy to help you until you enjoy riding as much as I do.”
“Uh...” Why was he being so nice to her? He never had before. In fact, whenever he visited her father he ignored her. She glanced at Samantha and her friend’s smile widened. Was this what she’d been referring to earlier? “I’m afraid I must decline.”
Lord Shelby reached them and stopped next to Lord Harrington’s horse. “Sorry,” he said to the other earl. “Grayson stoppe
d me and asked a question. Something about the club.”
“Is it something I need to be aware of?” Lord Harrington asked.
“I’ll tell you later,” he replied, then turned his attention to Samantha. He narrowed his gaze on her. His voice held a tinge of annoyance. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at home for tea?”
“It’s a pleasure to see you to brother,” she replied flippantly. “You’re the epitome of kindness and concern.”
“Don’t be glib,” he ordered and dismounted to join her. “Mother doesn’t like you out without an escort. I should know, as often as she makes me take you to balls and other society functions.”
Samantha stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Lord Shelby. Leaving her alone with Lord Harrington—well, alone wasn’t the right word, but it felt like it. “Isn’t that what a good brother would do? Take his sister to parties to aid in her search of a husband?” Samantha nodded at him. “It’s a shame really that you’ll be saddled with me longer because I must stay home.”
“It won’t work, brat,” he replied. “Mother must be missing you. Let me escort you to Shelby Manor.”
“I must say, I’m rather glad I don’t have a sister,” Lord Harrington said.
“Oh?” Marian pinned him with her gaze. “Don’t think you could handle a female relation?” The exchange between Samantha and her brother had been entertaining, but Lord Harrington’s reaction fascinated her more. Of course, the earl captivated her whenever he was around, so that wasn’t much of a surprise. She didn’t like it but had come to accept it. So, she couldn’t help baiting him. It was only fair to unsettle him too.
“I’m not that brave,” he answered. He moved so he was near her, leaving Samantha and her brother embroiled in their argument. The whole world seemed to disappear. It was just him, her, and the heat that simmered between them. She should step back, but she couldn’t figure out how to use her legs. “Do you have any idea what they’re discussing?”
Did he actually care, or was he making conversation? Marian could barely think because he was so close she could almost feel his hot breath on her skin. She cleared her throat before replying, “A house party she wishes to attend, and he is reluctant to leave his entertainments here in London.”
“Ah,” he replied. “Of that he has many. I doubt he’ll leave them for something as boring as a country gathering. He has more—eclectic tastes.”
“A fancy way of saying he’ll lack the company of females with looser holds on their virtue.” She laughed. “His reputation is well-known, and yet it doesn’t stop the debutantes and their mamas from trying to snare him.” She shook her head. “They should have higher standards.”
“He has money and a title,” he replied. “For some, that is all that matters. I’m not saying he isn’t a good person, because he is one of the best I know, but I, more than anyone, understand the minds of those ladies. They want security and nothing more. It can be difficult to be a gentleman at those soirees.”
Marian never really considered the other side of society. She’d only seen that a male seemed to have it far better than the ladies of the ton. Women depended on males to take care of them because they had no other choice, but it had to be difficult for them as well. What if they hoped to find love too? Had she misjudged Lord Harrington? “Why is it you’ve not married yet, my lord?”
“Marriage isn’t something I’ll ever do,” he replied with conviction. “It would make my grandfather too happy.”
“That’s no reason to remain unattached.” The more she learned about him, the more confused she became. Would she ever understand him? “Don’t you want to be happy or have a family?”
“I don’t need a wife or children to be happy. My life isn’t perfect, but its mine, and I rather enjoy it. That’s enough for me.”
“I see,” she said quietly. “I suppose I can relate to that at least.”
Samantha stomped her foot and then spun around to head toward Marian. “There’s no reasoning with him when he’s like this. Let’s go.”
“You’re not leaving without me,” Lord Shelby yelled.
“I’m leaving,” Samantha shouted back at him. “If you want to escort me home, you better hurry.”
Marian frowned and then shrugged. There wasn’t anything she could do but follow Samantha. She couldn’t stay in the park by herself. “I best not dally,” she said to Lord Harrington. “Have a good day.”
He laughed. “It’s already been pleasant. I’m not sure what could make it better.”
Marian didn’t reply to him. She wasn’t even sure what she could have said to that vague statement. Was he implying conversing with her had brightened his day? What game was he playing? He said he didn’t want marriage, and he had to know that was all a woman of her station could offer him. Add that to the fact he was a close friend of her father’s, and nothing made sense. It hurt her head too much to think about, so she pushed it out of her mind. Whatever the Earl of Harrington had planned, it wouldn’t include her. She would not be used. Nothing would come between her and the goals she’d set for herself. Lord Harrington would have to find someone else to play with.
CHAPTER SIX
If his life were different—if he were anyone else, Jonas would consider courting Lady Marian. Any gentleman in want of a wife would. She was intelligent, graceful, and beautiful. It really was too bad he couldn’t pursue her and make her his. She had a fire inside her that he prayed never extinguished. He shook his head and turned his gaze from the sight of her. It wasn’t the time to start wishing for things he couldn’t have. Lady Marian, any lady really, wasn’t for him. Staring after her wouldn’t change that fact.
He mounted his horse and settled into the saddle to return the stallion to the stable he boarded him at. There was a time when he didn’t have the funds to keep a horse in town, and now that he did, he rode whenever he could. Ares was one of his first purchases once his investments began to flourish. It had taken several years of meticulous planning, but he’d finally achieved all of his goals.
As long as he never married, his grandfather couldn’t touch him. He was set up to protect himself, and he could claim the Harrington estate without the duke stepping in. At the first opportunity, he planned to visit his childhood home and make any necessary repairs. He might never live there full time, but he wanted it restored to its former glory.
He motioned the horse to a walk to leave Hyde Park. He didn’t get far before Shelby called out to him. “Where are you going next?”
Jonas turned to him and replied, “Returning Ares to the stable, and then probably the club.”
“About that,” Shelby began. “I think you should visit Coventry at home.”
“Oh?” He lifted a brow and pulled Ares to a stop. “Why?”
Shelby brought his horse to a halt next to him. “It was something Grayson said earlier. He mentioned seeing him at Tattersall’s a week ago. He was—”
“What?” Jonas asked. What could possibly have happened to Coventry while bidding on a horse or two? Nothing spectacular ever happened at the auction block. Horses were bought and sold on a regular basis there. “Did he buy a new pair for his phaeton?”
“No, nothing like that. Well, I’m not sure if he bid on anything or not. Grayson didn’t mention that.”
“Then do tell what Grayson did have to say?” He tilted his head. “I didn’t realize he turned into a gossipmonger since he married and left the club.”
Shelby rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry he didn’t take up an apprenticeship with Lady X. The ton only has room for one gossip queen.”
“I’m glad,” Jonas said, then laughed. “It didn’t seem like the type of thing he’d decide to engage in. So what did occur?”
“Coventry became momentarily lightheaded and lost his balance. He almost fell to the ground, and might have if Grayson hadn’t caught him.”
That was odd... Coventry always seemed the very picture of good health. He was getting older, and maybe t
hings weren’t what they appeared to be. Perhaps Shelby was right, and he should pay a call on his mentor. Jonas didn’t like the idea something could be seriously wrong with Coventry and couldn’t imagine a world without the enigmatic man in it.
“Did Coventry explain why he was feeling off?” He had to understand as much as he could before he went to see him. “Was it a one time thing, or has he been hiding a long term illness?”
“I don’t know,” Shelby replied. “That’s all he told me, that and Coventry brushed it off as nothing. Grayson didn’t think it was and wanted one of us to know so we could keep an eye on him since he is no longer a member. We see Coventry more often than he does.”
Shelby had given Jonas a lot to think about. He didn’t know how to react to it. He’d figure it out later once he had more information. “I’ll see to it.”
“I thought you might,” Shelby said. “I’m going to return to the family home to make sure my rebellious sister actually went there like she shouted to all that could hear.”
“Why is she mad at you this time?”
Shelby was constantly arguing with his sister. Lady Samantha Cain had a stubborn streak unlike any other lady of his acquaintance. The only one who came near her level was Lady Marian. The two of them together were damn near unmovable. Jonas rather liked that about the two of them. Most ladies in society had little to say other than discussing the weather or their latest embroidery. It was part of the reason he avoided any soirees in polite society. They were tedious and dull. Shelby couldn’t avoid them because of his little sister and her need to secure a husband.
“She wants me to take her and Lady Marian to some house party in Kent. I don’t see why she has to attend a boring country party to find a husband when she didn’t find one all season here in London.”
“You could look at in a different way.” He’d hate to be tied down to a country party for a fortnight too, but if he had a sister, he might be more willing to brave one. “If she finds a husband there you would be free of your familial obligations once she’s securely married off.”