The Most to Lose

by Landon, Laura

  “What is it?” Celie asked, refusing to turn around. From the worried expression on Amanda’s face, Celie was sure she already knew what she saw. The prickling of the tiny hairs on the back of her neck confirmed it. “Tell me Haywood isn’t here,” she demanded, clutching one of Amanda’s hands.

  “Very well. Haywood isn’t here.”

  “Now tell me you aren’t lying.”

  “Very well. I’m not. But that would be a lie.”

  Amanda’s eyes were like large blue orbs, and when their gazes met, Celie saw more than a hint of worry on her friend’s face.

  “What are you going to do?” Amanda asked.

  “Me?”

  Amanda hesitated. “Oh, very well. What are we going to do?”

  Celie breathed a sigh that lacked any semblance of surety. “I don’t know. What’s happening now?”

  She couldn’t bring herself to turn around. Instead, she sat ramrod straight in her chair and waited for Amanda to warn her when disaster was about to befall them.

  “Lord Haywood is talking to Viscount and Lady Remmington.”

  “How does he look?”

  Amanda shrugged. “Stunningly handsome. But you already know that.”

  “I don’t mean how does he look,” Celie said with a hint of frustration. “I mean, how does he look. Does he seem nervous?”

  Just then, a group of guests at the back of the room laughed. She recognized Jonah’s laughter.

  “No. I wouldn’t say he’s nervous. In fact, I would say he is having a most pleasant time.”

  “Perhaps he doesn’t realize Hadleigh is here.”

  “Then he’d have to be blind.” Amanda gave Celie another worrisome look. “Your brother is standing not ten feet from him.”

  “How does Hadleigh look?” Celie asked. “And don’t say he’s stunningly handsome. He’s my brother. I already know that he’s passable.”

  “Passable?”

  “Very well. Stunning. But how does he look?”

  “You mean, does he look angry enough to run a sword through Lord Haywood?”

  Celie swallowed. “Yes.”

  “Yes, but I don’t think he’ll do murder.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “At least, not here—not tonight. I’m sure he’ll wait until morning.”

  “You mean challenge him to a duel?” Celie became more nervous by the second.

  Amanda looked thoughtful as she studied the two men at the back of the room. She pried Celie’s fingers from her hand, then patted her in a consoling manner. “I don’t think there’s cause to worry that there will be a duel.”

  Celie breathed a sigh. “Oh, good.”

  “Hadleigh would never stoop to dueling. I think it’s more likely he’ll simply hire an assassin to do the deed for him.”

  Celie wanted to hit her. That last comment was so absurd she knew Amanda had been stringing her along the whole time. “Ooh,” she said through clenched teeth. “How could you?”

  Amanda giggled. “How could I not? You are so pathetically obvious.”

  “Obvious?” Anger slowly replaced the worry. “Obvious about what?”

  “Your feelings for Lord Haywood.”

  Celie sat back in her chair and folded her hands in front of her. “I don’t have feelings for Lord Haywood. I simply want to avoid a repeat of what happened three years ago. Wanting to stop a feud before it starts doesn’t mean I have feelings for Lord Haywood.”

  “Then why have you been calling him Jonah?”

  Celie stuttered. “Well…because he asked me to.”

  Amanda smiled that familiar grin she wore when she had some news to impart. “Which means that he must have feelings for you, too.”

  “No,” Celie said in a hushed whisper. “It means no such thing. He only feels a friendship because he and Hadleigh were childhood friends, so he feels comfortable around me. The only reason he asked me to accompany him was because he is in desperate need of a wealthy wife. Someone who will come to him with a large enough dowry to pay the bills his father and brother amassed in staggering amounts, if the rumor mills can be believed. He simply thought I could assist him in that.”

  “What if he considers you to be his choice?”

  Celie shot Amanda a look that said they’d discussed this topic before and Amanda, more than anyone, should know Celie’s determination that she would not be chosen for her dowry.

  “Don’t look at me like that, Celie,” Amanda said with an all-knowing expression on her face. “Just because Lord Haywood is an extremely handsome man—”

  “Who could have his pick of any one of a dozen beautiful females who are tripping over each other to gain his attention,” Celie interrupted. “Do you think just because Lord Haywood asked me to accompany him one afternoon that I’m foolish enough to believe he’s considering me for his bride?”

  “There is that possibility,” Amanda ventured tentatively.

  “There most certainly is not.”

  Celie looked around to make sure no one had taken any of the seats close enough to them that they could be overheard. “Even if there were, do you think that I’d allow myself to become so besotted that I’d throw caution to the wind and consider marrying a man who was my brother’s mortal enemy? That fact alone should eliminate him from consideration.”

  “Should, but will it?”

  “Of course it will. Lord Haywood has no interest in me.”

  “Then why did he ask you to accompany him?” Amanda demanded.

  Celie lifted her chin in determination. “To test the water, so to speak. To give society the impression that the war between the two of them has come to a cease-fire. I’m positive there won’t be a repeat of yesterday afternoon’s invitation. Lord Haywood accomplished his goal. He can now proceed with his mission to find a wife in a way that will not include an association with me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Celie rolled her eyes heavenward. “Of course I am. In fact, I’m sure Haywood is already looking over the gathering of young ladies here tonight and deciding with whom he’d like to spend the evening.”

  “I imagine you’re right,” Amanda answered, releasing a heavy sigh. “In fact, now that you mention it, I’m sure that’s exactly what he’s doing. Or has already done.”

  Her words caused more pain than Celie wanted to admit. Even though she realized Jonah had asked her to accompany him for no reason other than to stamp down any unnecessary gossip concerning him and Hadleigh, she couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit hurt that she’d performed her purpose. He was now free to continue his search for a wife with the perfect dowry.

  But that didn’t mean she wasn’t interested in which females garnered his interest.

  “What is Lord Haywood doing now?” she asked, not quite sure she wanted to hear all the details.

  “He’s stopping to speak with Lord and Lady Puttnam.”

  “Is Chastity with them?”

  “Of course. She’s always with them. As their only child, they dote on her.” Amanda paused. “Lord Haywood seems quite taken by her. Even though she’s only the daughter of a viscount, she’s the daughter of a very wealthy viscount, and one day she’ll be a very wealthy woman.”

  Celie felt her heart plummet to the pit of her stomach. She could think of nothing to disqualify her. Chastity would make a perfect wife for Jonah.

  “Oh,” Amanda said, grabbing Celie’s arm none too gently.

  “Oh, what?”

  “Oh, the earl must have another target in mind. He’s already abandoned the Puttnam circle.”

  “Where’s he headed?”

  “There’s a gathering of debutantes on the side of the room next to the open terrace doors.”

  “Who of note is in it?”

  “No one,” Amanda said with a nonchalant shrug, “except…Oh, no!”

  Celie grabbed Amanda’s hand and squeezed her fingers.

  “Ouch,” Amanda said. “That hurt.”

  “It was meant to. Stop torturing m
e. Who has he focused on now?”

  “The Bedman sisters.”

  Celie breathed in a gasp. “No. Surely he’s been warned that they’re not suitable. Everyone is aware of their reputations.”

  “Perhaps he hasn’t heard.”

  Celie fought the concern building inside her and made a promise that, the next time she saw Haywood alone, she’d tell him to avoid the Bedman sisters at all cost.

  “Is he still there?”

  “No,” Amanda sighed. “He’s walking away from them.”

  “Good,” Celie said with a sigh of relief. “Now where’s he going?”

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather watch him yourself?”

  “No. I don’t want him to think I’m interested in whom he chooses.”

  “But you are.”

  Celie rolled her eyes. “But I don’t want him to know I am.”

  “Oh, very well,” Amanda said, discreetly looking around Celie’s shoulder.

  “Oh.”

  “Oh, what?”

  “I think he’s made his final choice,” Amanda said, ducking back so Celie blocked her from being seen.

  “How do you know?”

  “He’s walking like a man with a purpose. He just walked past several groups of guests without stopping to talk, and his gaze is focused on someone in particular. I’m certain he’s made his choice.”

  “Who is it?”

  “Oh, no, Celie,” Amanda said, lowering her gaze as well as her voice. “This is even worse than the Bedman sisters.”

  Celie’s nerves stretched taut. It was one thing to know Jonah had found someone he wanted to get to know better. It was another to know he’d made a terrible choice.

  “Who, Amanda? Who has he chosen?”

  Amanda kept her eyes lowered and shook her head, as if the person Jonah was targeting were too horrible for words.

  “Turn around and look, Celie. You have to see this for yourself.”

  “I can’t. I don’t want to see who he’s chosen. Just tell me.”

  “Very well. But you aren’t going to like it.”

  Celie’s stomach roiled. “She can’t be that bad. No one can be that bad.”

  “This one is. She’s without a doubt the most undesirable female here.”

  “Who is it?” Celie said much louder than she intended.

  Before Celie could demand Amanda tell her, her friend lifted her gaze and placed the warmest smile Celie had ever seen on Amanda’s cherub-looking face.

  “Good evening, ladies,” Jonah’s deep, rich voice said from behind her.

  “Good evening, Lord Haywood.” Amanda’s voice brimmed with innocence. “We were just talking about you.”

  “Were you?”

  Celie wanted to die. She wanted to fall through a hole in Lady Cushing’s floor and disappear. She wanted to physically hurt Amanda. Instead, she slowly turned in her chair and lifted her gaze.

  Her gaze locked with his and her heart skipped a beat when he smiled.

  Celie found herself staring into a face even more handsome than she remembered from their drive.

  “Good evening, Lady Cecelia.”

  “Lord Haywood,” she greeted softly.

  Amanda cleared her throat to draw attention. “Cecelia was just telling me how much she enjoyed herself yesterday afternoon.”

  “I’m glad.” His smile broadened. “I enjoyed myself as well. It was a lovely day, and I was blessed with the perfect companion.”

  “I’m so glad,” Amanda interrupted, “because I hear the weather is supposed to be perfect tomorrow, too. I’m sure—”

  “Amanda,” Celie warned.

  “What?” Amanda feigned a convincing look of innocence. “I’m simply telling you that the weather tomorrow is predicted to be perfect for a drive, too.”

  Celie shot daggers in Amanda’s direction. “How can you possibly know what the weather will be like tomorrow?” She growled her words between her clenched teeth. “Do you have a crystal ball to look into?”

  “I don’t need a crystal ball. I have Hodgkiss.”

  Celie couldn’t believe her ears. “Your butler?”

  “Yes, his knees always tell him when it’s going to rain, and he told me as I left tonight that he felt so limber he was certain he could do a jig.”

  Celie stared in disbelief. The very devil danced in Amanda’s eyes.

  “In that case,” Lord Haywood said, “perhaps we should take advantage of tomorrow’s guaranteed weather as well, Lady Cecelia.”

  Celie’s cheeks blazed with embarrassment, but she had no choice but to accept. “Thank you, my lord. I’d be delighted.”

  Amanda cleared her voice again. “Do you have plans to sit with anyone else tonight?” she asked, leaving Celie to founder in a sea of discomfort. The devilish gleam in her friend’s eyes shone brighter.

  “No, I was just going to find a seat.”

  Celie held her breath. It was hard to tell what Amanda would do next. But it didn’t take long to find out.

  “Please, we’d love to have you join us. Wouldn’t we, Celie?”

  Celie stumbled over the words tripping her tongue. “Yes, please.”

  “Then I’d love to. Is this seat taken?” he asked, indicating the chair next to Celie.

  “No,” Amanda answered for her. “In fact, Lady Cecelia just mentioned that she hoped you’d honor her with your company.”

  “Did she?”

  “Oh, yes,” Amanda said, looking around Celie with a broad smile on her face. “She said she enjoyed conversing with you yesterday ever so much.”

  “As I enjoyed conversing with her.”

  Celie wanted to die of embarrassment. He had to know Amanda was conniving to throw them together, that she was making up her tale as she went, and Celie thought she would die of mortification.

  She tried to speak but couldn’t find her voice.

  She tried to kick her friend in the shins to shut her up, but she couldn’t wade through her layers of skirts to reach her.

  She tried to pretend she wasn’t helpless against Amanda’s efforts to humiliate her, but she had no choice but to suffer in silence.

  Celie fanned her burning cheeks. They were on fre, nearly as heated as her rising temper. Lord Haywood drew her attention back to him.

  “I haven’t mentioned that you look especially lovely tonight.”

  “Thank you,” Celie managed. “And I am glad you decided to attend the musicale. Miss Zunderman is reportedly one of the finest vocalists of our time.”

  “So I’ve heard, which is why I came. I could hardly miss such an opportunity.”

  He smiled again, and even though it was evening, Celie felt like the sun had come out to shower down golden rays. “I recall that you and Hadleigh enjoyed going to the opera when you were in Town,” she said.

  “I’m surprised you remember such a minor detail.”

  “Oh, Celie has an excellent memory,” Amanda interrupted. It was obvious she wasn’t about to leave well enough alone. She took great pleasure in Celie’s discomfort.

  Celie turned her head and focused a hostile glare in Amanda’s direction. “Yes, I do,” she said through clenched teeth. “An excellent memory. Which might be a wise point for you to remember.”

  The sly grin on Amanda’s face said she was enjoying herself entirely too much to be worried—yet.

  Celie clenched her teeth, then gave Amanda the deadliest glare she could muster. “My flawless memory is why you can trust me to remember the oath I took a few minutes ago.”

  A frown deepened across Amanda’s brow. “Oath? What oath?”

  “The oath I took to make you suffer a thousand deaths for embarrassing me.”

  Chapter 5

  Lord Haywood laughed.

  The sound was rich and deep, and filled with sincere humor. Celie felt every pair of eyes turn to stare at them, but she didn’t care. The warmth that rushed through her evaporated any embarrassment she might have felt.

  She turned to Amanda. “Why
don’t you get something to drink, Amanda? Some hemlock, perhaps? Arsenic?”

  Amanda shifted in her chair and lifted her chin. She tried to look affronted, but failed. “You know very well that, if I leave now, I’ll lose my chair.”

  “There is always that possibility,” Celie said, giving Lord Haywood a half smile so he knew their comments were light banter.

  “Do you see what kind of personality our Lady Cecelia has, Lord Haywood? No wonder her brother, the duke, has given up trying to reform her.”

  “Who says I’ve given up?” a deep voice said from behind them.

  Celie’s breath caught, and both she and Amanda darted looks in the direction of the voice. Only Haywood didn’t seem affected by the Duke of Hadleigh’s presence.

  “Hadleigh,” Lord Haywood greeted after he’d risen to his feet.

  “Haywood. Lady Amanda.” The Duke of Hadleigh acknowledged them with the dignity befitting his title, but his voice contained a great deal of stiffness.

  The two enemies glared at each other for several tense seconds before Hadleigh spoke. He directed his question to Celie even though his intense stare didn’t shift from the Earl of Haywood’s face. “You realize you’ve attracted the attention of the entire room, Cecelia, don’t you?”

  Celie stopped herself from glancing around the room. Their joking banter, as well as Jonah’s laughter, may have drawn a bit of attention, but nothing compared to the attention Hadleigh drew by joining his sister and the Earl of Haywood.

  “I believe, if I’m not mistaken,” Celie said with a cordial smile on her face, “that you and Lord Haywood glaring at each other as if one of you might issue a challenge are attracting more attention than if I’d scream at the top of my voice. Perhaps both of you might be interested in taking your seats. There’s an empty chair to Amanda’s left, Hadleigh.”

  Celie took several breaths, praying that the tension around them would dissipate.

  It seemed to take forever before her brother made the first move. Only then did Haywood follow suit.

  “May I?” Hadleigh asked, indicating the chair beside Amanda.

  “I would be pleased,” Amanda answered.

  The duke sat in his chair as if he were chiseled from stone. He held his back regally straight and folded his arms across his chest.