Love With a Scandalous Lord

by Lorraine Heath

  “I know we all felt sorrow at the passing of the Duke of Harrington. Tonight we are honored to have his successor in our midst, and we welcome him. I have been informed he has a rather special announcement to make.

  “Make it count, Rhys, Camilla whispered. “Or your lady shall find this is the last ball she attends.

  “For you, Camilla, I shall follow in my fathers footsteps. He made his way toward Whithaven, realizing that indeed he had far more in common with his father than hed ever realized. He would marry one woman while forever loving another. How had his father managed to find the strength to do it?

  Years of marriage to the old Sachse had proven Camilla barren. Rhys did not have to concern himself with how his children would feel to know their father did not love their mother. For that he was grateful. He would find an heir elsewhere in the family.

  As he stepped onto the false flooring, he gave Whithaven a brusque nod before turning his attention to the crowd.

  “I am new to the title and certain to make many missteps along the way, he said, “but I am certain of this. I shall love only once and that it shall be forever. It is with honor that I announce my intention to ask Lady Sachse for her hand in marriage.

  Escape! Escape! It was all Lydia could think. She had to escape. Turning her shoulders this way and that, she wended her way through the crowd until she reached the doors that led into the garden.

  She had no strength in her hand as she struggled to turn the knob. No strength in her legs as she stumbled outside. She was trembling and nauseated, while chills cascaded through her. She staggered to the railing and gripped it with icy fingers.

  Hed sworn to her that he would never marry. And now he intended to marry Lady Sachse!

  Lydia had been such a fool. Shed asked him to teach her what her books didnt. And hed taught her how painful a shattered heart could be.

  Shed wanted to stay in London to have more time with him. Shed thought if he saw her in lovely ball gowns, if he saw that she was poised and graceful, if he saw that she truly belonged in this world, then hed cast his doubts aside.

  Instead hed cast her aside.

  “Miss Westland? Are you well?

  Lord Sachse. She recognized his voice, heard his concern for her. Tears stung her eyes. She took a deep, shuddering breath. She had to get control of herself. She swallowed hard, trying to eliminate the tingling in her jaw. She would not be sick here.

  “Yes, my lord, Im fine, thank you.

  “Are you certain? I saw you leave, and you seemed quite pale.

  “The crowds, she stammered. “Im not accustomed to the crowds. In Texas, you can walk forever and not run into anyone. In there, suddenly I felt like the walls, the people, the paintings, everything was closing in on me.

  “I thought perhaps it was the shock of the Dukes announcement, he said kindly.

  She shook her head quickly. “No, of course not. Why would I care who he intends to marry?

  “I noticed the way you looked at him while you danced. He cleared his throat. “I must apologize. I am an absolute buffoon, hardly well versed in protocol. Perhaps my bumbling efforts would best be served by bringing you a bit of punch. Then perhaps you would do me the honor of dancing with me.

  She nodded, wondering how in Gods name she would make it through the remainder of the evening. “Yes, yes, to both. She turned her head slightly, trying to be polite without revealing her tears. “Thank you. And youre not a buffoon.

  He bowed slightly. “You are most gracious. I wont be but a moment.

  He dashed off, and she gave her attention back to the garden smothered in darkness. She really didnt care if he never returned. She was torn between weeping uncontrollably and maintaining a measure of decorum. Weeping was winning the battle.

  “Lydia?

  Oh, God. Rhys. She wouldnt weep in front of him, wouldnt let him see how badly hed hurt her. She would rise to the occasion and show him what a true lady she was.

  “Your Grace. Congratulations are in order. She cursed her voice for quivering.

  “A dozen times Id considered telling you, but I was always at a loss for words, he said quietly.

  “You seemed to have had no trouble finding the words only moments ago when you announced your intention to marry.

  “I know you must think I took advantage

  She spun around, her fists clenched, her chest aching. “Why her? Why her and not me?

  “Its complicated.

  “Im not simpleminded, Rhys. Explain it to me.

  “I cant.

  She laughed, a hideous sound that erupted from within her and reached hysterical heights before she managed to control it. “You cant or you wont?

  “I wont.

  She looked past him to where Lord Sachse stood, crystal cup in hand, obviously not certain if he should intrude. She smiled brightly and held out her hand. “My lord, thank you.

  He approached cautiously and gave her the cup. She drank the contents in one long swallow, then ran her tongue around her mouth in a way that she was certain would make Rhyss gut knot up. She extended the cup to him.

  Startled, he took it.

  “If youll excuse me, Your Grace, Im going to go have some fun.

  She placed her hand on Sachses arm and allowed him to lead her back into the ballroom.

  “Well done, he whispered with a smile just before he took her into his arms for their dance.

  She might have believed him if it werent for the fact that she felt such a fool for loving so desperately a man incapable of loving her. Because if he did love her as he claimed, why would he not risk everything for their happiness?

  “Dear God, you love her.

  Standing in a corner with his intended beside him so that they could receive well wishes from the guests, he could not help but notice Lydiano matter where she was or with whom. She had danced every dance since she reentered the ballroom. A different gentleman each time.

  Her smile grew, her eyes sparkled, and she laughed lightly. If her heart was breaking, she was doing a splendid job of putting it back together. For which he was grateful. Better to have harmed her a little, than to have broken her completely.

  “I said

  “I heard you, he replied.

  “Youre not going to spend the remainder of your life comparing me to her, are you?

  He actually smiled, although he doubted his expression carried any mirth. “There is no comparison to be made.

  Lydia far outshone the woman standing beside him: in beauty, elegance, grace, humor, kindness, compassion. The list was without end. She possessed the finest aspects of a lady. Something she had not learned from her books. The intricate weaving of her soul that had created a woman he would love until he died.

  “She is a success tonight, Rhys. You should take comfort in that.

  “I fear I nearly broke her.

  “Dont flatter yourself. Shell get over you quickly enough.

  “I can only hope.

  As for himself, he would never get over her. She would be his last thought when he took his final breath. Beautiful Lydia who called out his name during the throes of passion.

  Sweet Lydia. A dreamer who had fallen in love with a realist.

  “He did what? Lauren asked, sitting up in bed.

  “He declared his intention to marry Lady Sachse, Lydia said, repeating what shed announced when shed burst into Laurens room only a moment earlier.

  Clutching her handkerchief, Lauren sniffed. “I dont understand.

  “And you think I do? Driving home in the carriage with him and that horrid woman was almost intolerable. I thought Id suffocate.

  “Lady Sachse is highly thought of.

  “Well, I dont think much of her. Lydia dropped into a chair, not softly as a lady ought to, but as someone facing defeat.

  Lauren blew her nose and settled back beneath the covers. “My head is so stuffed that I can hardly think.

  “Im sorry. I know I shouldnt bother you now

  “No, no. Lauren
fluttered her hand. “I didnt mean that. Im simply confused. I was absolutely certain that you held his heart.

  Lydia had felt the same. Shed thought all he really needed was time. Time to see that she wore the glitter of London well and that she belonged. Time to realize she belonged with him .

  “He says because he cares for me so much he wont marry me. He claims that hes done something hes ashamed of, something that would destroy me.

  “That makes no sense, Lauren said. “If that were the case, why risk harming Lady Sachse?

  “Exactly.

  “So, he must have lied to you about the possibility of scandal. Obviously, Lydia, hes toyed with you.

  Could that be? Could she be that nave? Hed frequently mentioned her innocence, but she didnt feel that hed taken advantage. For some reason, he would risk hurting Lady Sachse, but not Lydia. Why?

  “He toyed with you, Lauren continued, “and wanted to dash any hope you had of marrying him. Thus, his announcement that he intends to wed Lady Sachse. So you will move on to someone else.

  Yes, that made sense. He wanted her to move on.

  “Oh, Lauren, until he made his announcement, tonight was everything Id ever thought London would be and more. I danced every dance. The gentlemen were charming. The formality. The beautiful gowns. The orchestra. I adored all of it so much more tonight because I was accepted, drawn into the center of it all. I dont want to leave it.

  “Then dont. My goodness, Lydia, there are gentlemen aplenty. We shall simply have to find you one more deserving than Harrington. My stepfather can interview them for you.

  “No, Rhys offered to provide that service. I like the idea of forcing him to see that other men find me worthy.

  “Thats a girl!

  Lydia sighed, unable to embrace Laurens enthusiasm for the idea. She was trying to be strong, trying to be brave, when all she really wanted to do was crawl into a ball and weep. Strange, how at this moment she recalled the Duchess sitting beside her Duke. The woman had given no indication that shed abhorred the presence of their guests. Shed maintained her dignity.

  Lydia had never thought that she would hold the Duchess up as an example of proper behavior. Upon reflection, it seemed shed learned almost as much from the woman as she had from her son.

  It was easy to hold up her head when the world was to her liking. Lydia was determined to prove to Rhys that she was not easily defeated when things didnt go as shed hoped.

  And if at all possible, torment him in the process.

  Chapter 20

  A lady must recognize that levity in a gentleman is not to be tolerated, and therefore, must not be encouraged.

  Miss Westlands Blunders in Behavior Corrected

  T rue courtship was not at all as Lydia had envisioned it would be.

  She and her aunt had arrived at Rhyss house shortly after lunch. They were taking a stroll through the garden when the Earl of Langston had arrived. Lydia had been summoned. Her aunt had decided to continue to enjoy the garden. After all, Rhys was Lydias stepfathers brother. She trusted him. As Lydia knew, chaperones meant much more to the English than to the Americans.

  The Earl of Langston had been shown to the parlor, where shed quickly joined him. Now they both sat quietly and properly in plush chairs with a small table between them. He had a delicate teacup set on a saucer balanced on one thigh, his bowler hat on the other.

  She couldnt imagine any man she knew in Texas drinking from a teacup without breaking it, much less balancing it on his thigh. She hadnt dared to pick up hers for fear it would rattle and betray her nervousness.

  Although it wasnt the Earl who had her on edge, it was the Duke standing stiffly before the window, his back to them as though he wanted to give them privacy. Privacy for what, she couldnt imagine. English courting seemed to comprise little more than darting glances at each other and blushing.

  She judged the Earl to be not much older than she was, and he was extremely pleasing to look at. His blond hair formed a curly halo around his head. His long sideburns were more peach fuzz than true whiskers. His posture was beyond reproach, his clothes well tailored. If she believed in judging a book by its cover, shed have to admit the Earl might make a fine husband.

  But she found herself wondering how his kisses might compare with those Rhys had bestowed on her. Would the Earl be capable of heating her body with nothing more than a light touch? Did he possess the ability to make her laugh? Or even to smile? Would he over the years fill her with joy?

  Or as Rhys had also done, would he anger her beyond reason, betray her heart and call it compassion.

  “I say, Miss Westland, the Earl began in a deep baritone that nearly had her jumping out of her skin, “Ive often wondered why it was that North America went to war against South America. Perhaps you would be so kind as to enlighten me.

  She stared at the man with the raised eyebrow who seemed to be looking down his narrow patrician nose at her. She felt the color rise in her cheeks, because she didnt have a clue regarding the war to which he was referring.

  “Im sorry, my lord, but I dont recall that particular war.

  “You dont say? I rather thought it was all the talk some years back. I remember my father discussing it and mentioning the wars bitterness was responsible for the assassination of your President Lincoln.

  She angled her head thoughtfully. “Are you referring to the War Between the North and South?

  Smiling brightly, he nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, by Jove, I believe that was it. Why did North America take such an interest in a neighbor so far away?

  It occurred to her that he might be teasing her. Maybe he had a wry sense of humor, but the seriousness in his eyes indicated he was indeed searching for an answer to his question.

  “Not North America. The northern states of America. They fought the southern states.

  His smile dwindled. “Im not quite certain I follow what youre saying.

  She sighed, unable to determine exactly how involved he wanted the history lesson to be. “Well, the United States is divided into states, as Im sure you know.

  He neither nodded nor confirmed in any way that he did indeed know that little fact.

  “It was a very complicated war. Slavery divided the states, forced those in the South to decide they no longer wanted to be part of the Union, part of the United States. They wanted to establish their own government so they could govern themselves, establish their own laws.

  He began blinking rapidly and shaking his head. “But I distinctly remember it was the North against the South.

  “Yes, the northern states against the southern states.

  “North America against South America.

  She shook her head. “No, not really.

  “Then I dont understand.

  “Good God, man! Rhys bellowed from his corner, startling Lydia and causing her to issue a tiny screech.

  Apparently hed scared the Earl of Langston as well, because his cup and saucer landed at his feet with a small kerplunk and a faint ringing as china tapped against china. Thank goodness, the thick carpet prevented the pieces from breaking, although Lydia thought the cup might have chipped. The Earl now stared openmouthed at the Duke.

  “Have you never taken a history lesson? Rhys demanded to know. “Have you never gazed upon a map?

  “Certainly, Your Grace, Ive managed to accomplish both.

  “Then how is it you are unable to comprehend what Miss Westland has adequately explained?

  “Ihellip;I dont know.

  She watched in stunned fascination as Rhys withdrew his watch from his pocket, clicked open the lid, glanced at it, and snapped it closed. “Your time is up, sir.

  The Earl bobbed his head like an apple in a bucket of water. “Yes, Your Grace. He lunged to his feet, looked down at his teacup and up at Lydia, his face reddening. “Im frightfully sorry.

  She rose as well and smiled. “Dont worry about it.

  “It was my immense pleasure to visit with you, Miss Westland. Will you do
me the honor of allowing me to call upon you again?

  She was on the verge of saying yes when Rhys barked, “No, sir, we will not so honor you.

  “Very good, the young man said, repeatedly bowing as he scurried out of the room.

  When the door closed behind him, Lydia turned to her benefactor. “You were rude!

  “Hes densely slow. I was appalled by his lack of knowledge.

  “Because he doesnt know the particulars of a war that took place in another country and began nearly two decades ago?

  “You are an extremely intelligent woman, Lydia. I will not have you marry a man who will bore you to tears five minutes after hes placed his signature upon the marriage documents.

  She took a step toward him, angling her chin. “And youre going to be the one to determine who will bore me to tears and who will not?

  He took a step nearer to her. “Indeed I shall.

  She took another step closer. “What qualifications will you use to determine that he wont bore me?

  Another step. “Hell keep abreast of current affairs.

  She took another step, placing herself close enough that she could almost feel the heat of his body. “And you think that will be enough to keep me entertained?

  “Hardly. He shall also have a thorough knowledge of history, both British and American.

  “Do you intend to give him some sort of examination?

  “Perhaps I will.

  He dropped his gaze to her mouth. She parted her lips slightly and ran her tongue around the inner edge, watching as his eyes darkened and his own lips parted.

  “What else must he know? she asked, surprised by the husky nature of her voice.

  “He must know the arthellip; His voice trailed off.

  “Paintings, music, theater, she mused.

  “Of seduction. He lowered his mouth

  The door opened and he jumped back before his lips could press against hers. Having grown dizzy with anticipation, Lydia was surprised she remained standing as the room spun around her.

  “Yes, Rawlings, Rhys demanded.

  Hearing the dignified click of the butlers steps, she strolled to the window, looked out on the garden, and wished for a fan to cool her heated skin. Why was she so unable to resist himeven when she was furious with him?