Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel

by Samantha Grace

  Lana allowed him to hold her for a long time without moving. Had he hurt her? If he had known with certainty she had been pure, he would have been gentle. But she’d led him to believe she wasn’t a virgin.

  “You lied to me, Lana Hillary. You insinuated you were experienced.”

  Her spine stiffened and she pushed herself to a seated position. “What difference does my lack of experience make?” She reached down to gather her drawers from the carriage floor and stood to pull them on again.

  Drew frowned. “It makes all the difference in the world.”

  She stared for an endless moment before adjusting her dress. “Not to me, so why should it matter to you?”

  “How could you believe your virginity would make no difference to me?”

  “You needn’t bother yourself on my account, my lord. I was an innocent. I am no longer, and you are free to go your merry way.”

  Did their lovemaking mean nothing to her? Anger coursed through his veins. “Go my merry way?”

  “Yes, Drew, you’re in no danger. I haven’t fallen in love with you, so do not fret over breaking your unbreakable rule.”

  “Lana—”

  The carriage lurched and she tumbled into his lap.

  “Drew, we’re moving.” Her panic rang out in the enclosed space. “We’re moving. We’ll be discovered.”

  What was the blasted coachman doing? Drew hadn’t given the signal to leave.

  “Please, stop yelling. Let me think.” He could jump from the carriage, but they might pass the front door in seconds. He could leap into a crowd of guests for all he knew. Besides, with Lana’s mussed hair and disorganized clothes, it would be obvious she had been tumbled. He wouldn’t leave her to face the consequences alone.

  “Drew, my mama will be heartbroken.” Her tears flowed and the pain in her voice broke his heart.

  “We’ll have to marry, peach. That is all there is to it.”

  Her outraged cry startled him. “Marry? We don’t have to marry, you blackguard. I would rather be ostracized.” The carriage stopped and she flew out the door.

  “Lana, wait.” Drew raced after her, fastening his breeches at the same time.

  The look of shock on Phoebe’s face as she and Rich wandered out the front door of the castle fleetingly grabbed his attention. Lana ran up the stairs where Phoebe gathered her into her embrace.

  “Andrew,” his brother growled and tore after him, but Drew’s focus remained on Lana. Her shoulders hunched and her frame shook as she sobbed onto Phoebe’s shoulder. Rich’s fist slammed into Drew’s cheekbone, landing him with a thump on his backside. Stunned by the blow, he remained on the ground until Rich lifted him by his lapels and dragged him away.

  “Phoebe, you and Miss Hillary step into the carriage before anyone else comes outside,” his brother ordered.

  The realization that his brother intended to take Lana away woke him from his stupor. Drew struggled against Rich’s hold. “Let me go to her.”

  “You’ve done enough damage. Leave her be.”

  He continued to fight against Rich and almost broke free of his grip. “I need to speak with her. Take your hands from my person.”

  Rich slammed Drew against the castle wall, knocking the wind out of him. “We need to get her out of here. Stay the night at Irvine then come speak with her in the morning. Think of someone besides yourself, Drew.”

  He rubbed his face with his hands, weary. All the fight drained from him and he sagged against the wall in defeat. “Will you tell her…? Tell her I…”

  “I will apologize for you, but you must make everything right tomorrow.” Rich glowered. “And you will correct your mistake. Do I make myself clear?”

  His brother could be a self-righteous prig when he chose to be. “I make my own decisions.” He shoved away from Rich and lost himself in the fog.

  Twenty

  Lana slumped next to Phoebe on the carriage bench, allowing herself to be coddled. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes, but she swallowed her cry of anguish. She would never allow Drew to marry her out of obligation. He would resent her for the rest of his life. And even worse, she would grow to resent him when he continued to carouse about London. He had made it clear he loved his carefree bachelorhood and had no intention of abandoning his wicked ways.

  She would rather live in isolation than have her heart broken time and again. She could heal this once. Maybe not without scars, but she would survive this encounter with Drew. Her soul, however, would wither if forced to witness his indiscretions.

  Phoebe moaned softly.

  “Phoebe, are you all right, love?” Lord Richard’s anxiety alerted Lana that something was wrong.

  “Just a little tightening,” Phoebe answered. “It has passed.”

  Lana twisted toward her friend. “Is it the baby?”

  Phoebe patted her hand. “I’m sure it is nothing. Richard’s mama said it’s common to feel as if the baby is coming long before the actual time. She said it is the body’s way of getting used to the idea. I still have six weeks.”

  “Mother is not a doctor or midwife,” Lord Richard argued. “We are returning to London first thing in the morning before it’s too late.”

  Phoebe sighed. “Darling, you’re overreacting. I am fine.”

  Lana’s gaze darted to Phoebe’s stomach. Good heavens above. If anything happened to her dearest friend… “Perhaps you should listen to Lord Richard. It’s best to be close to good doctors. I’ll travel to London with you, if you don’t mind.” Getting away from Drew was in her best interest and the sooner, the better. Her mama might want to stay and finish her visit, preferring to avoid London, but Lana could travel without her since she would be in good company.

  Phoebe groaned once more and held herself stiff. Once the pain had passed, she released a weary sigh. “I suppose you are both right. But I won’t leave at the crack of dawn.”

  “You will if I command it,” her husband answered.

  “Of course, I won’t, my lord.” Phoebe’s argumentative tone shocked Lana. She held her breath, fearful of the gentleman’s reaction, but she needn’t have worried.

  Lord Richard chuckled. “You are going to be fine, love. Fate wouldn’t dare cross you.”

  At Shafer Hall, he assisted Phoebe from the carriage and escorted her inside while Lana trailed behind them. Her friend appeared as weary as Lana felt. She would rather drop into bed and forget the events of the evening, but there was an important matter to discuss with her host. And it couldn’t wait for morning.

  “My lord, might I have a word with you?”

  Phoebe glanced over her shoulder, her eyebrows raised in question.

  Lord Richard looked between his wife and her. His wrinkled forehead betrayed his worry for Phoebe and Lana, and his indecision on which lady needed him most.

  Lana would take the burden from him. “After you settle Lady Phoebe, my lord.”

  Phoebe waved her hand as if to dismiss both of their concerns. “I’m fine, really. Joanna will assist me. Please, Richard, give Lana an audience now. I will wait in the bedchamber for you.”

  “If you’re certain…”

  Phoebe stepped into his embrace and placed a chaste kiss on her husband’s cheek. “I am certain.”

  A profound sadness enveloped Lana like a heavy quilt. She would never experience love like the one they shared. If she had ever held out hope for a love match, it was shattered now. What a horrible fool she had been tonight.

  “This way, Miss Hillary.” Lana followed Lord Richard into the study. “Perhaps you should pull the door closed behind you.”

  She did as he directed and tentatively took a few steps into the room.

  “Miss Hillary, may I offer my deepest regret over my brother’s ill treatment of you?”

  “I don’t wish to discuss Lord Andrew.” She flinched in response to her sharp tone. “Please forgive my disrespect, my lord.”

  Lord Richard chuckled and filled a glass with port. “If I took offense every time
someone censored me, I would walk around in a black mood all the time. Would you like to take a seat?”

  Lana lowered herself to perch on the edge of a chair and folded her hands in her lap. “I have distressing news to share, Lord Richard. Tonight a rough character accosted me in the gardens. He didn’t appear to be a guest, because he spoke with a vulgar accent, much like the street vendors in London.”

  Lord Richard moved closer. “What did he do? Did he harm you?”

  “No, my lord, but I believe he would have if I had not escaped.”

  “No doubt he would have robbed you.” A worry line formed between his brows. “I will send word to my father immediately to search the grounds and post guards. Perhaps their presence alone will frighten the thief away, so no one else is at risk.”

  He stared for a long time as if contemplating saying something more. She couldn’t bear it if he reprimanded her for being outdoors alone. Being outside in the dark was the least of her sins this evening.

  “I’m grateful you were unharmed, Miss Hillary.” His sympathetic expression nearly brought her to tears again. They both knew his statement to be untrue. Her harm was beyond repair.

  Her eyes dropped to her lap. “Thank you, my lord.”

  ***

  The bloody toffs ain’t ’ere to save ya. Lana gasped and jerked awake. Her damp nightrail clung to her body, and she trembled as her mind flashed back to her harrowing run through the maze. Just as quickly, she recalled the warmth and security of being in Drew’s arms. Her hands covered her chest as if she could hold the broken pieces of her heart together.

  Several moments later, she tossed aside the covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Dwelling on her encounter with Drew wouldn’t change anything. He had offered to marry her last night, but only because they had been discovered together. Drew didn’t want a wife, and she didn’t want a rake. Tears welled in her eyes again. She also didn’t want the pain that came from loving a rake, but it was too late to remedy the situation.

  Sunlight streamed through the windows. She had best get dressed and ready herself to leave for London. After donning her travel gown with the assistance of Phoebe’s maid, Lana made her way to the breakfast room to find Lord Richard dining alone.

  “Good morning, Miss Hillary. I see you are dressed for travel, so I take it you haven’t changed your mind about returning to Town.”

  Lana slipped into one of the armless chairs at the table, leaving her hands in her lap while a footman served her poached eggs and ham. “No, my lord, I am determined to leave today.”

  He checked his watch and frowned. “Will you be ready for travel within the hour, Miss Hillary? It’s a long ride, and I will want to find an inn before nightfall where Phoebe may rest comfortably.”

  Lana spread the napkin over her lap and lifted her fork. “I’ll be ready.”

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of speaking with your mother.”

  The fork slipped from her fingers to clatter against the china dish.

  “It’s not what you think, Miss Hillary. I explained that you left the ball early to tend to Phoebe. I also suggested your presence on the return journey would be helpful.”

  “Thank you, my lord. Has she departed for Irvine Castle already this morning without saying good-bye?”

  A flush crept up his neck. “She seemed in a hurry to return after learning of the potential thief on the grounds. I did not inform her you were the victim.”

  Lana’s cheeks heated too, and she dropped her gaze to her plate. Her mother was eager to be the first to share the gossip, most likely, not realizing how close Lana was to being a participant in a mortifying scandal.

  “Mrs. Hillary would like to stay in Northumberland until Mother and Father leave next week. Father is allowing her full use of Shafer Hall.”

  “That is kind of His Grace.”

  Lana’s mind drifted to Drew. Was he still abed upstairs? Would he bid her farewell before she left? “Has your brother arisen yet?”

  Lord Richard’s lips set in a firm line. “He did not stay here last night, Miss Hillary, and I’ve not seen hide nor hair of him this morning.”

  “Oh.” She forced back the sadness that threatened to spill over and reveal itself. “I will go ready my belongings for travel.”

  Twenty-one

  Something tickled Drew’s nose again and he swatted it away. It came back. Growling his discontent, he slapped his face.

  “Ow,” he moaned.

  Giggles broke through his dream state. Opening his eyes, he discovered a feather duster advancing toward him and yanked it from his tormentor’s hand. More tittering followed.

  “Lord Andrew,” one of the downstairs maids teased, “you’ve outdone yourself this time.”

  “What happened to your face?”

  He palpated his sore cheekbone. Thanks to Rich, he probably looked a fright. Three young maids gathered in a semicircle around the settee where he sprawled. His back ached and his head hammered.

  “Where am I?” His voice sounded scratchy as if he had consumed half a bottle of broken glass instead of brandy last night. He pushed himself to a seated position and groaned. If he had eaten anything recently, he might spew it all over the pristine carpet.

  “You are in the west parlor, my lord. And you’re lucky no one comes here except at night. Why are you not in a bed?”

  “I don’t have a bed at Irvine.”

  More snickers assaulted his senses. “We’ve never known that to stop you, my lord.”

  Hell’s teeth. “I need to locate the facilities.”

  “This way, Lord Andrew.” One of the taller maids reached under his arm and helped haul him to his feet. She pressed her body against his side as she draped his arm over her shoulders.

  “I can walk, love, but thank you.”

  She hesitantly stepped away. “Of course, my lord.”

  “What time is it?”

  “It is nearing two o’clock,” the maid he thought they called Sheila said. “We allowed you to sleep as long as we could, but you are sure to be discovered soon if you continue to slumber.”

  Devil take it! He needed to get to Shafer Hall and speak with Lana if she hadn’t arrived at the castle already. “Could one of you lovelies arrange a bath for me?”

  “As you wish, my lord.” The small blonde raced to do his bidding.

  The taller maid stepped forward. “If you need help washing…”

  He sighed. “Thanks for the kind offer, but I am able to manage that on my own, too. You may check to see if Miss Hillary has arrived if you would like to be of assistance.”

  Disappointment clouded her expression. “Yes, sir.”

  In another thirty minutes, Drew lowered his battered frame into a steaming tub of water. He didn’t know how they had done it, but the chits had come through for him. They had also procured a bar of sandalwood soap and a tumbler of scotch to ease his suffering. By the time he finished his bath, he felt almost human again.

  One of the maids found a change of clothes for him too. He didn’t dare ask from where, but in case she had pilfered them from another guest, he slipped out of the castle as quickly as he could. As he had expected, Lana hadn’t come to the castle this morning, and he couldn’t blame her. He had behaved like a beast, allowing his lust to override his good sense.

  The groom noticed his approach and went into the stables to ready a horse. He led the black stallion by the bridle. “Your horse is ready, my lord.”

  On the ride to Shafer Hall, he considered his hurried conversation with Lana last night. He could see how his fumbling proposal might upset her. A lady expected romance and eloquent words. We will have to get married. Drew shook his head at his ineptitude. In his defense, he’d never once believed he would propose to anyone, so he hadn’t practiced how he might go about it.

  A broad smile spread across his face. How absurd to have believed he would be able to forget Lana once he’d bedded her. She plagued his mind more than ever this aft
ernoon. He anticipated making love to her again once he had properly offered for her and announced their intentions. On second thought, perhaps she wouldn’t insist on waiting until their betrothal was official; at least he could hope.

  When Shafer Hall came into view, his stomach twisted and he urged the stallion into a canter. His desire to see her again was almost unbearable. A footman met him outside to take the horse while Drew jogged up the steps.

  “Lord Andrew,” the butler greeted.

  “Good morning,” he replied happily. “Please inform Miss Hillary she has a caller requesting an audience.” He continued toward the library. That would be the perfect place to propose. He’d almost kissed her for the first time there, and would have if his lousy brother had not intruded.

  The butler cleared his throat. “My lord?”

  He swung around to face the servant, irritated with the delay. “Yes, what is it, man?”

  “I’m afraid Miss Hillary left for London this morning with Lord Richard and Lady Phoebe.”

  “Pardon? You say she’s gone?”

  “They departed several hours ago, my lord.”

  Bloody hell. She left me? Drew growled his frustration. What manner of woman bedded a gent then took off without a by-your-leave? He stormed from Shafer Hall, startling the footman outside.

  “Collect my horse,” he commanded. He would show Lana Hillary she couldn’t dally with him then toss him aside like an old hat. She would marry him, by God, and she would be happy. He wouldn’t accept her refusal. Mounting his black again, Drew urged him into a gallop toward London.

  Hours later, Drew’s horse plodded along the muddy lane as he huddled in the saddle attempting to stay warm. A bone-chilling rain poured down on him.