by Monica Burns
“After a rather lengthy and arduous authentication process,” the colonel said with restrained acrimony as he rose from his seat and shook hands with Percy.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Percy murmured politely, but his manner indicated he was far from sympathetic.
“As was I,” Dewhurst said with a distinct note of pique. “It seems there were questions as to the validity of my ownership.”
“Whatever the questions, the artifacts are now on display for others to enjoy,” Percy said with a small smile.
An awkward silence filled the air for a brief moment. In an effort to ease the tension that had taken root in the morning room, Arianna encouraged the two men to sit down.
Rhea returned to her seat next to her sister, and she darted a look in Percy’s direction. He was watching her intently, and it was impossible to read the emotion she saw glittering in his eyes. In his chair a few feet away, Colonel Dewhurst cleared his throat.
“And how do you know these lovely ladies, Rockwood?” Dewhurst smiled warmly at Arianna and Rhea.
“Lady Sherrington’s husband and I have been friends since our days at Radley.” Percy turned his head toward the colonel, his tone nonchalant. “Rhea and I have known each other slightly longer than my acquaintance with Lady Sherrington.”
Percy leaned back in his chair in a relaxed manner, projecting the image of a man completely at ease. But Rhea could see the tension in his body. She was certain he wasn’t happy to find the colonel here. Almost as if sensing her gaze on him, Percy turned to look at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes, while out of the corner of her eye, Rhea saw Dewhurst’s expression darken.
“Then you’re more fortunate a man than I,” the colonel said with a warm smile in Rhea’s direction.
“Quite fortunate, I can assure you.”
Percy’s response implied his relationship with her was something far more personal than the troubled history they shared. Percy’s gaze swung to her, and the wicked glint in his eyes slowly darkened. Immediately, her mouth went dry at the seductive gleam in his dark brown eyes. A taut web of tension hovered between them as everything in the room faded away and only Percy filled her senses. It was an unsettling sensation, and when the corners of his mouth tipped upward slightly, a slow fire rose to heat the skin beneath her cheeks. Her gaze flitted back to Colonel Dewhurst to see him watching her and Percy with suspicion. Her cheeks still burning, Rhea darted a glance at her sister who was staring at her with barely disguised horror.
“You mustn’t let Percy mislead you. I’m certain he’s found me to be little more than a thorn in his side for most of our…friendship.” Rhea prayed the breathless note in her voice would go unnoticed, but one look at Percy’s face said it had been quite noticeable.
“Despite Rhea’s somewhat obstinate nature, colonel,” Percy said as he held her gaze. “I can say without a doubt that our friendship, as she refers to it, has been a delight.”
Flustered by Percy’s words, she jerked her gaze back to the colonel who was clearly disappointed at the implications Percy had made. Eager to end the awkward moment, Rhea smiled at the man and immediately sensed Percy’s displeasure. The fact that she knew he was unhappy about her conciliatory manner with the colonel startled her. Even more surprising was the small part of her that took pleasure in knowing he didn’t like her attention being focused on Dewhurst. At the almost hopeful look on the man’s face, she took pity on him.
“Colonel Dewhurst saved me from injury last night, Percy. If not for him, I would have fallen and quite possibly been trampled by the theater crowd. He was quite gallant in coming to my rescue.” She smiled warmly at the colonel.
“Then I am in his debt for rescuing you,” Percy said with a condescending smile in the colonel’s direction. “Not only for his efforts in keeping you safe from harm, but for ensuring that our afternoon plans to visit the orphanage and have lunch with my sister need not be postponed.”
“I don’t—”
“Patience will no doubt be grateful for the colonel’s efforts to keep you safe. She will also be delighted to see you in spite of your mishap.”
The autocratic interruption made Rhea glare at him, but the moment their gazes locked, the air in her lungs disappeared. Something in his expression made her realize things had changed between them. The sudden memory of his reference to visiting her aunt made her grow cold. Had Aunt Beatrice told him about her efforts to rescue the children?
Dear God, had he met Vincent and Jack? Ginny? Worse, had he seen Lucy? Would he think her niece was her child? That she even asked the question made her stomach lurch. Percy Rockwood had become a dominating figure in her affairs in less than forty-eight hours. Even more troubling was her desire that he not think ill of her because of her past. The sudden need for his approval horrified her. Fear closed her throat until she was struggling to breathe. When she remained silent, Percy leaned forward to pin his gaze on her. The look caused her heart to pound violently in her chest.
“As I’ve already promised, I will keep Patience’s sisterly interrogations in check,” he drawled with amusement, which belied the hard light of determination in his eyes.
Suddenly, Rhea realized it was a two-prong attack to get rid of the colonel. The mention of his sister suggested to Colonel Dewhurst that her relationship with Percy was far more serious than she’d initially indicated. It was a clean warning shot across the colonel’s bow to ensure the man understood Rhea was otherwise engaged. Perhaps most disconcerting of all was the silent confirmation that Percy had no intention of letting her escape him or his questions. With one simple statement, Percy had eliminated the colonel as competition, while silently confirming he wouldn’t let her escape him or his questions.
“You must forgive Percy, Colonel Dewhurst. His penchant for arrogance is only outweighed by his sometimes reckless behavior.”
“Indeed,” the colonel said with a smug smile as he looked at Percy. “Doesn’t the Set refer to your family as the reckless Rockwoods?”
“They do. But there are few who dare to say it to me publicly.” Percy said softly. Once again Percy took the wind out of Dewhurst’s sails as the man blanched then cleared his throat.
“Forgive me, Rockwood. It wasn’t my intent to insult you or your family.” The man’s apology sounded sincere but Rhea heard something else she couldn’t decipher running beneath the colonel’s words. Percy studied Dewhurst for a long moment before breaking the tense silence with a sharp nod. The moment he put the colonel out of his misery, Percy turned to Arianna.
“The colonel’s reference to my family reminds me that my sister-in-law, the Countess of Melton, sends her greetings.” Percy’s charming smile coaxed Arianna into returning his.
“That’s most gracious of her ladyship.”
“She also encouraged me to invite you, Blake, and Rhea to supper Friday night before the Earl of Hardwick’s ball.”
“That’s very thoughtful of her—” Arianna was unable to complete her sentence as Percy interrupted her, his expression becoming even more persuasive.
“Then I’ll be happy to tell her you’re coming? Helen will be delighted,” Percy said with quiet confidence. “She was quite taken with Rhea and your aunt at Melton Park the other night. She’s eager to meet you as well.”
Clearly surprised by the unexpected invitation, Arianna glanced in Rhea’s direction. With a shake of her head, Rhea immediately rejected the idea. Ashford intended to bring the children to her aunt’s small Mayfair townhouse Friday night. Their plans had been in place for more than a week. She refused to be attending a dinner when the children would need her reassuring presence.
“That’s very kind of the countess,” Rhea said. “But I’ll be returning to the country Saturday morning and shall retire early.”
Percy’s mouth tightened, but he didn’t argue with her. His gaze shifted to Arianna and he arched his eyebrow in an imperious manner. It was a look that dared her sister to refuse the invitation. The man hadn’t even flinche
d when she’d refused his invitation on the behalf of this brother and sister-in-law. He was up to something.
“Blake and I would be delighted to join the Earl and Countess for dinner on Friday,” her sister said with a small smile.
“Excellent,” Percy said with immense satisfaction. “We dine at six.”
“Six,” Rhea exclaimed softly. At her surprise a shadow darkened Percy’s face. It was an expression of deep sorrow, and she experienced the urge to reach out and comfort him. As his gaze met hers, Percy’s expression became unreadable.
“Since losing my brother and brother-in-law more than a year ago, the family makes every effort to dine with the children whenever we can. Percy replied without emotion. “We realize how fleeting life is, and we no longer take things for granted. It’s actually the reason why I was unable to attend your wedding, Lady Sherrington. The family was in Scotland for my nephew’s birthday celebration.”
“I understand completely, Mr. Rockwood. Family is everything.” Sympathy softened her sister’s features as she nodded in agreement and touched Rhea’s hand in a gentle gesture of affection. As if suddenly aware the colonel had been shut out of the conversation for far longer than was polite, Arianna looked at the man. “Would you not agree, Colonel Dewhurst?”
“I do indeed, Lady Sherrington. My sister means the world to me. She’s the only family I have.”
The colonel bobbed his head in agreement, and Percy’s gaze settled on the man as he studied him with narrowed eyes. His dislike of the colonel puzzled Rhea. With a sudden movement, Percy reached into his breast pocket and produced a pocket watch. He flipped open the lid to check the time then snapped the timepiece closed and looked at Rhea.
“It’s almost noon, shall we?” The nonchalant arrogance in his voice made Rhea frown, but she reluctantly nodded her head in acquiescence. At her silent agreement, Colonel Dewhurst rose to his feet.
“I believe I’ve out-stayed my welcome, Lady Sherrington, Miss Bennett. Thank you for an enjoyable morning’s conversation.”
“It was kind of you to call, Colonel Dewhurst,” Arianna said as she rose to her feet. Rhea stood up as the colonel kissed her sister’s hand.
“Let me walk you out,” Rhea said with a smile.
The instant she spoke, she saw Percy scowl. His frown darkened as the colonel directed a smug look in Percy’s direction. She didn’t know whether to be amused or dismayed at Percy’s obvious displeasure. With a smile at Dewhurst, she walked the man out of the morning room into the hallway. As Marston offered the colonel his hat, Rhea smiled.
“Thank you for calling on us this morning, Colonel. And thank you again for your kindness last night.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said with a cheerful look that faded into an expression of rueful contemplation. “I would ask if you would take a ride with me tomorrow afternoon, but it’s obvious you are otherwise engaged.”
For a brief second, Rhea stared at the man in puzzlement before she realized he was referring to Percy. She grimaced. Percy’s earlier insinuations had been high-handed and unwelcome. But at the moment she was grateful for an excuse to avoid any entanglements. As much as she found the colonel’s company quite pleasant, she had no wish to encourage him.
It would be unfair to do so considering she had no desire to pursue a romantic relationship with any man. A small voice in the back of her head scoffed at her. She silenced the intrusive thought with calculated precision. The question now was how to explain Percy’s blatant suggestions that she was unavailable without backing herself into a corner and confirming his remarks. With the sigh, she shook her head.
“Mr. Rockwood and I have a…complex relationship.”
It was a truthful statement. She knew full well she was on a slippery slope with Percy. Even if she’d had the inclination to do so, a relationship with Colonel Dewhurst would shift the balance of her precarious connection to Percy. For some unfathomable reason, she knew Percy wouldn’t break his word, but another small part of her questioned why she had placed her trust in him. Colonel Dewhurst met her gaze with a fatalistic one then bobbed his head in comprehension.
“I understand. However, should the complexities of your current situation become more…simplified…I hope you will consider me a friend you can rely on.” The sincerity in his voice made Rhea step forward to take his hand and squeeze it in gratitude.
“That is a generous offer, and I will not forget it if I should have need of a friend.”
A wistful look on his face, Dewhurst kissed her hand and walked out of the house. Rhea closed the front door behind him and pressed her brow against the warm wood. When had her plan to rescue the children and retire to the country changed so dramatically? The sound of voices echoed into the main entryway, and she turned to see Percy and Arianna emerge from the morning room. Although her sister’s expression still held a trace amount of trepidation, Percy had managed to make her laugh. It was a sound that made Rhea feel indebted to him. Percy had obviously recognized Arianna’s wariness where he was concerned. As a result, it appeared he’d made a concerted effort to ease her sister’s fears and succeeded. As the two of them stopped in front of her, Percy met Rhea’s gaze.
“Your sister tells me you enjoy riding, Rhea.” Assessment and curiosity crossed his handsome features, and she bit down on her bottom lip. She needed to warn Arianna that she would have to be less forthcoming with the man. Percy Rockwood clearly had a talent for making people reveal their secrets. She’d already fallen into that trap herself.
“I did as a child,” she said crisply.
“Then it’s time you did so again. Why not join me tomorrow morning for a ride in the park. If Blake doesn’t have a suitable mount, then I’ll arrange for one to be at the doorstep.”
A stark memory of Bluebell galloping hard across the fields with her clinging to the small mare as tears streamed down her face filled her head. It had been the last time she’d ridden. A day later Bluebell had been sold. Rhea was certain her father had deliberately sold the horse. There had been a number of horses in the stables at the time, but her father had chosen Bluebell. The painful memory made her flinch. As her gaze met Percy’s penetrating one, Rhea schooled her features into an unreadable expression.
“Thank you, but I must decline. I haven’t ridden in a very long time, and I doubt my skills will allow me to ride even tolerably well.”
“You underestimate yourself, Rhea. If I recall, you also said you weren’t a very good dancer, and we both know that’s not the case.”
The gentle note in his voice made Rhea stiffen. What was it about this man that made her feel as though she could go to him with a problem, and he’d find a way to solve it for her? She quickly cast the thought aside. She might trust him not to betray her, but it was a narrow ledge she was on when it came to relying on Percy Rockwood.
With a shake of her head, she silently refused his invitation. It was bad enough he’d coerced her into the luncheon appointment with his sister. Heaven knew why he would feel the need for her to meet the woman. She could only assume Percy’s obvious antipathy for Colonel Dewhurst had been the driving force behind his subterfuge.
“I believe you indicated earlier that we have an appointment?”
At the accusatorial note in her voice he nodded without any sign of remorse for his coercive methods. The smile curving his lips made her grit her teeth. Confidence was the one thing Percy Rockwood possessed in abundance.
“I did. If you’re ready?”
“I simply need to retrieve my hat,” she bit out crisply.
His smile became a charming grin, which made some of her irritation disappear. On the verge of smiling back, Rhea quickly turned away and hurried upstairs to fetch her hat. She’d known from the moment she’d seen Percy in the ballroom at Melton Park that he would be trouble. She’d been right. But the question now was exactly what kind of trouble. The answer that flitted through her mind wasn’t one she wanted to consider.
Chapter 5
“
Percy Rockwood, where have you been? You were supposed to have been here almost an hour ago.”
Patience’s voice stressed her irritation as she walked into the small entryway of the orphanage. Her head bent over the sleeve of her gown, his sister didn’t bother to look up as she scolded him. The fingers of Patience’s scarred hand fumbled as she worked to adjust the cuff of her sleeve. As Percy took in his sister’s efforts to straighten the material around her wrist, he clenched his jaw.
He was taking a huge risk bringing Rhea here without warning Patience or for that matter without Rhea knowing about his sister’s terrible scars. But he was counting on the fact that his sister was stronger than she believed. He was also placing a great deal of faith in the an dara sealladh. In his visions, Rhea had exhibited a kind, generous, and protective nature.
There was also his visit to Green Hill House that reinforced his impression of Rhea’s good heart. He’d been greeted at the door by two boys whom Mrs. Fremont had stated Rhea had taken in as her own after finding them on the streets. Although Beatrice Fremont had made it sound as if Rhea had simply stumbled across the boys’ plight, Percy had no doubt the children were refugees from Ruckley’s gang of pickpockets.
But it was the more recent information he’d gleaned from Beatrice Fremont that had sealed his belief in Rhea’s compassionate nature. The risks Rhea was taking to free children from Ruckley’s gang made him admire her, while at the same time wanting to issue a severe admonishment for the fool-hardiness of her venture. He’d considered questioning her on the ride to the orphanage, but had decided against it given the chilly atmosphere in the carriage. All of it made him willing to wager Rhea would not be repulsed by Patience’s scarred features. The moment his sister looked up, she came to an abrupt halt. Panic flashed in her soft brown eyes as her mouth formed an O of alarmed surprise. Cold anger quickly replaced the look of horror on his sister’s face as she held his gaze for a long moment.