“Watch yer step, you fool.”
Jasper drew back and blinked, trying to focus his blurry vision. “Forest, what happened to you? You look like hell.”
“What are you mumbling, you drunken idiot?”
Jasper blinked, unsuccessfully clearing his vision. He could see he’d made a mistake, however. The man, more akin to a street thug, couldn’t be his friend. Jasper examined the crest again then he returned his attention to the man’s face. “You’re not Andrew Forest, are you?”
The man sneered. “Are you blind as well as cork brained?”
Forest had never insulted him in such a manner. Clearly, this man was… Jasper had trouble completing his thought, but he knew the coach belonged to the Duke of Foxhaven.
He craned his neck to see inside the carriage. “Have you abducted the duke and duchess?”
The man bumped him as he tried to pass. Jasper stepped aside, but they moved in the same direction. This happened a few times until it appeared they engaged in a clumsy dance of sorts.
“I should have known you weren’t Forest,” Jasper complained. “Ever since he took up with that widow lady, no one sees him anymore.”
The man froze in place. “What widow lady?”
“I felt certain it was a sure thing. Now, it appears I’ll lose the bet.”
“Tell me what you’re talking about,” the man shouted and Jasper drew back. The burly fellow spoke again, but in a softer tone. Jasper appreciated his lowered voice since he was developing a headache. “I beg your pardon. Please tell me what widow you mean.”
“Well, Lady Audley of course. I placed my bet at White’s. Forest is only diddling the lady again, but a few fools want to part with their money and insist he plans to marry her.” He leaned close to the man. “Don’t take that bet, sir. I’ve known Forest for years. He’ll never get leg-shackled. He would chew his own limb off first.”
The man wrinkled his nose in disgust and moved away. “I think you may be right, sir. Maybe wedding bells aren’t in his future.”
Jasper poked his finger against the man’s chest. “You may count on it.” Squinting, he tried to make out the man’s identity. “Who are you again?”
“No one important.” The man stalked toward Madam Montgomery’s, disappearing through the front doors.
Thirty-seven
Lana stretched in bed and smiled at the ceiling, not seeing the lengthening rays of late morning sunlight so much as picturing Drew’s glorious mane. She couldn’t wait to run her fingers through his unruly locks upon waking every morning once they married, if he ever allowed her to sleep. A giggle bubbled from her chest.
Today she would become Drew’s bride, forever entwined, and forever loved. And well loved. Her scandalous thoughts made her blush. With no wedding breakfast or other celebration to attend, nothing would delay consummation of their marriage. No doubt, this was Drew’s plan. She appreciated a man with a sharp mind.
There was a light knock. “Enter.”
A chambermaid bustled inside. “Pardon me, miss, but there is a gentleman requesting an audience with you. He says it is urgent. A Lord—”
Lana squealed and threw the counterpane aside. “Tell him I’ll be there in a moment.”
“Very good, miss. He waits in the blue drawing room.” The girl swept from her chambers as quickly as she had entered.
Lana yanked the bell pull to summon Betsy. Why, Drew had arrived earlier than she had expected. She should’ve started her toilette already. Her lady’s maid came in to the room.
“I need your help dressing. I have a visitor.”
“So early?”
Lana smiled in response and lifted her arms, waiting for her maid to remove her nightrail. They raced through her preparations. Lana caught her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks boasted a rosy glow. Pinching them was unnecessary. She licked her lips before dashing for the door.
She skipped to the drawing room and pulled up short. “Lord Bollrud, what are you doing here?”
She backed toward the doorway, but he dashed between her and the door, blocking her path.
“I have a matter of importance to discuss with you, Miss Hillary.”
She offered a stern look to hide her uneasiness. “I’m sure nothing you have to say is so important it cannot wait until a decent hour.”
He closed the door and leaned against it. “It is of vital importance, I assure you. Please, Miss Hillary, hear me out.”
She crossed her arms and tapped the toe of her slipper against the Oriental carpet to mask her quivering limbs. “Do make it quick. I have much to do today.”
Lord Bollrud’s eyes narrowed for a fraction of a moment before his face reverted to a neutral expression. “I’m afraid I discovered something distressing last night.”
Lana frowned. What made the gentleman believe any news affecting him would interest her?
“I crossed paths with a good friend of Forest’s.” He took a step forward. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, Miss Hillary, but your betrothed is involved with another woman. He is playing you for a fool.”
Lying about Drew having an affair was low. “Hmm, and did the gentleman indicate which female is the object of my betrothed’s affections?”
“It brings me no pleasure to tell you this, my dear. Please, believe me.” He moved closer again and spoke in a soft voice. “It’s Lady Audley. And this isn’t their first liaison.”
Lana’s eyes widened. “W-why would the gentleman say that about Lady Audley?”
Lord Bollrud captured her hands and squeezed. “Everyone is saying the same. There is even a bet on the books at the gentlemen’s clubs. Some are betting Forest will marry the lady while others believe it is nothing more than a dalliance. Either way, everyone is certain of their involvement.”
She jerked her hands from his grip. “There is no proof in what you’ve said. Those men are nothing but drunken imbeciles who will place a bet on anything.”
“I thought the same, so I did some investigating this morning. I learned Forest owns a town house in Piccadilly where he has been meeting his lover every day for the past few weeks.”
“A town house?” Drew had led her to believe the house was uninhabitable. Why would he lie? Did he intend to keep a place without her knowledge? A place for clandestine meetings? She shook her head. No, this was a ridiculous rumor.
“My darling.” Lord Bollrud swept her against him, capturing her chin between his thumb and index finger while his other arm encircled her back. His rough finger scraped against her sensitive skin. “I would never abuse you as Forest has, my love.”
“Let me go.” Lana pushed against his chest with both hands, struggling to break his hold. “Let me go at once, or I’ll scream.”
She almost fell when he released her. “Forgive me, Miss Hillary. I… I became… overwhelmed, by my passion… for you.” He rubbed his face with both hands. “Bloody hell.”
Lana hugged herself, unable to control her shaking. “Lord Bollrud, I think it is best you leave and never come back.” When he moved aside, she raced past him to wrench open the door and run.
Once Lana had escaped, she paused outside of Jake’s chamber door. Uncertainty was a difficult place to be. Should she ask about the bet? Surely, the odious Lord Bollrud made up the entire story in a feeble attempt to win her.
Jake would be able to calm her fears. She raised her hand to knock on her brother’s door just as it flew open. “Oh.”
Jake jumped back. “Blast it, Lana. The only time you actually knock before entering and you frighten me.”
Lana’s cheeks warmed. “It’s still morning. I couldn’t be sure if you were decent.”
He scrutinized her face, before stepping aside. “Would you like to come inside? I was going down for breakfast, but I can wait.”
“Thank you.” She wrung her hands and walked into his chamber to sit on the edge of one of his chairs.
He followed and sat too, watching her quietly for a long time. “Won’t you
tell me what is troubling you?”
She released a pent-up breath. “I’m sure it is nothing, but…”
Jake’s brows drew together with worry, but he didn’t rush her. In fact, he exhibited great patience and didn’t speak at all.
“I had a visitor this morning. Bollrud.”
Her brother’s jaw clenched. “What did he want?”
“Jake, I need to ask you something. And I want you to be honest. I believe Bollrud is lying, but if he’s not…”
“Tell me what he said. I’m always honest with you.”
“I know you are.” And he always had been. Yet, part of her feared he might fly off in a rage. “You have to promise to remain calm when I tell you.”
His eyes narrowed. “Now I know it’s something bad. I can’t make any such promise.”
“Then I cannot confide in you,” she replied and stood.
“Wait, sit down.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “I promise to do my best. I promise.”
Lana sank back onto the Chippendale chair and cleared her throat. “Bollrud said he crossed paths with one of Drew’s friends last night. He said there is a bet on the books at the gentlemen’s clubs.” She swallowed, embarrassed to say the words. “They are betting on whether or not Drew will marry or if he is just dallying again.”
He scoffed. “Well, the fools will know soon enough. Word of your betrothal is likely making the rounds this morning.”
“Jake, they don’t mean me.”
“Then who? Forest has been here most evenings for near a month.”
Perhaps this was a bad idea. “Indeed, Bollrud must be lying.”
The scowl on Jake’s face showed his displeasure. “Lana Hillary, tell me whose name is linked with Forest.”
“It’s Amelia, Lady Audley.” She winced as soon as the name left her lips.
“Pardon?” He sat up straight, his knuckles turning white from gripping the arms of the chair. “What proof do they have?”
“It is rumored she and Drew have been meeting daily, at Drew’s house. He told me it was unlivable.” Her stomach churned until she feared she might be sick. “You haven’t heard anything?”
“I haven’t been to the clubs in a while, not since my injury. But I’ll get to the bottom of this rumor.” He launched from his chair and stalked from the room.
“Wait.” Lana scrambled after him. “Don’t do anything foolish.”
“I’m doing something I should have done long ago,” he snapped. He moved faster with his leg healed, but his size alone wouldn’t have allowed her to stop him anyway. He stormed from the house and left her with her heart in her throat.
***
Jake marched to his destination, ignoring the increasing ache in his leg. When he reached the town house, his anger hadn’t dissipated in the least. He reached the door and pounded on it with his fist. He banged on it a second time before the door swung open to reveal a very displeased butler.
“Sir, do you have any idea of the time?”
Jake pushed past the man, knowing he could be intimidating. “I’m a personal friend.”
“Bradford, what is the commotion?” Amelia’s soft voice made his heart skip a beat.
Jake swallowed hard. Amelia’s golden tresses tumbled around her shoulders and bounced as she moved. He had never seen her hair down, and he winced as his groin tightened painfully.
The butler made to leave the room. “I’m sorry, my lady. I shall have him tossed out immediately.”
“That is all right, Bradford.” Amelia, his lovely Mia, frowned. “Mr. Hillary, what brings you by this morning?”
“I’m sorry to barge in like this, my lady. Perhaps I should come back later.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You are here, so come in. You may leave us, Bradford.”
The butler hesitated as if weighing the wisdom in leaving his mistress alone, but he eventually followed her orders.
She waved her arm toward another part of the house. “I was having breakfast. Would you care to join me?”
“No, I don’t wish to be a bother, my lady.”
She smiled sadly. “Jake, you may drop the formality. It’s not as if we are mere acquaintances. Please, join me.”
Her blasé attitude cut him deeply, but he followed her to the breakfast room, trying not to stare at her curvaceous figure but having little success. God, he still wanted her after everything. He couldn’t stomach the thought of her with Forest, nor any man besides himself.
“What are you about, Amelia?” His voice sounded gruff and accusatory.
She whipped around with wide eyes, her mouth formed into a perfect O. Her pink lips begged for kisses, but he smothered his impulse.
He forced his gaze away from her. “Have you no respect for your husband’s memory? Running about like a wanton woman.”
Amelia fell back a step. “A wanton?”
Jake reached out to steady her when she wobbled. She recovered and slapped his hands away.
A fresh wave of anger swept over him. “How long before you allowed Forest to bed you?” he asked. How long had Jake been in Sussex?
“How dare you question my morality?”
“Tell me the rumors are untrue, Amelia. Please, tell me you aren’t involved with Forest again.”
Her hands settled on her hips, sparks shooting from her large blue eyes. “I don’t owe you any explanations. You are not my husband.”
Her argument knocked the wind from his sails, and he heaved a great sigh. “Indeed.” He wasn’t her husband, nor did she wish him to be. She hadn’t even extended the courtesy of answering his letters from Sussex. “I’m sorry to have bothered you. I’ll take my leave.”
He limped toward the entrance, his leg bothering him even more now that his anger was subsiding.
“What rumors?” Her quiet voice surprised Jake. He hadn’t realized she had followed.
He turned to study her countenance as he delivered the news. “People are talking. They say you and Forest are engaged in an affair. You’ve been meeting daily at his town house in Piccadilly.”
Her eyes widened momentarily before glistening with unshed tears. “I suppose everyone believes the worst about me. You obviously do.”
His heart lurched at the sight of her crying. “I don’t want to believe anything untoward about you, Mia.”
“It isn’t true.” She brushed away her tears. “At least not as the gossips are insinuating. The home is a surprise for Lana, a wedding gift. I’m simply overseeing the remodel. I needed something to occupy my mind.”
Jake cringed. He’d made a complete cake of himself. “I see.”
“You must know I would never do anything to hurt your sister. I know how you care for her.”
“Well, my apologies. Sorry to have disturbed you.”
He gripped his hat in his hand and hurried through the open front door.
“Jake, wait.”
He didn’t stop. He was too humiliated to look back.
Thirty-eight
Drew bounded from the carriage as soon as it stopped in front of Hillary House. He only needed to convince Lana’s father to allow them to marry today, and she would be his by the afternoon.
Inside, he handed his card to the butler and requested an audience with Lana first. He wanted to approach her father with her by his side.
The butler showed him to the drawing room, and he positioned himself where he could spot her as she approached the room. The clicking of heels moving in his direction made him smile with anticipation, but one glimpse of Lana’s somber expression caused it to fade.
“Peach, is something wrong?”
She hesitated inside the door, looking as if she might turn and run. Instead, she dashed across the room and threw herself into his arms. “Oh, Drew. I was so frightened.”
Her cheek nuzzled against his chest, and his arms tightened around her. He sensed her heart pounding, causing his own to race in alarm. “What frightened you?”
“I thought Jake might have found yo
u. He left in a temper. I was afraid…”
Trying to soothe her, Drew rubbed his hands along her back and kissed the top of her head, drawing in her sweet scent. “Everything is all right. I’m certain he’ll calm once he has had time—” He held her at arm’s length. “Pardon? Your brother is angry with me?”
Lana dropped her arms from his waist and licked her lips. “Drew, I must ask you something unpleasant.”
He propped his forearm on the chair back, curious as to what she might ask and clueless as to the nature. “Ask whatever you’d like.”
The worry line between her brows softened. “Is it true about the property in Piccadilly?”
He blew out noisy breath. “Who ruined the surprise?”
“Surprise?”
“The place was in shambles. I couldn’t ask you to reside in bachelor quarters or with my kin. A gentleman should provide for his wife.”
“I don’t understand. Is the house in Piccadilly inhabitable or not?”
“Only halfway, I’m afraid. I had hoped to have the remodel completed before our wedding, but I don’t wish to wait any longer.”
She collapsed in a chair like a rag doll. “But rumor has it you meet Lady Audley there daily. Drew, please tell me if you still have feelings for her.”
“I don’t…” He went to Lana, lifted her, and then sat in the chair with her on his lap. “As depraved as I know this will make me sound, I’ve never had tender feelings for anyone except you. I would do nothing to jeopardize what we have.”
“You haven’t been meeting Lady Audley?”
Drew dropped his head back against the chair and groaned. “Not in the way you think. Lady Audley has been in charge of remodeling the residence. I had no idea it would spark these rumors, although I should have anticipated it.” He frowned, unhappy with his own stupidity. “It’s been two years since her husband died. Lady Audley confesses this is a difficult time of the year.” Drew held her gaze. “Lana, I’m sorry. I wanted to pay her a kindness, to make peace with my past. I never meant to cast a shadow over us.”
Lana’s wide smile eased his worries. “So, it’s untrue. You aren’t involved with her.”
Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel Page 25