His Perfect Lady

by Jenn Langston

  “Just Dudgery, but I will win the funds back. He’s not very skilled.”

  The pleading in her cousin’s voice almost made her feel sorry for him. From Uncle Toban’s reaction, this wasn’t the first time they shared this conversation. Why did her cousin continually put himself in this position? By experience, surely he knew he wouldn’t earn his losses back.

  “If he plays poorly, and you lost to him, what does that say about your skills? Don’t answer. There may be hope this time.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Dudgery has developed an interest in your cousin. With the idea of a possible match with Catherine, he may be willing to forgive your debt.” Uncle Toban sounded pleased with the thought.

  Catherine’s mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe her uncle would use her to attempt to forgive Kenneth’s debt. He’d never learn to quit gambling if he suffered no consequences. She closed her mouth and bit down on her lip in an effort to not barge in and make her opinion known.

  The conversation continued about how they would approach Lord Dudgery. Her stomach hurt simply hearing the plan. Pushing from the wall, she made her way to the drawing room. Her mother’s cousin, Vanessa, planned to visit today, and Catherine found herself anxious to see her. She had lacked the counsel of a woman for too much of her life.

  Sitting and staring out the window, she didn’t know her uncle entered until he cleared his throat. Considering what she overheard, she wasn’t sure she wanted to see him at this moment. But she had no choice. He smiled. She bristled. As if he hadn’t just concocted a scheme to use her.

  “Are you excited to host your first At Home? I understand we will have several guests.”

  “I understand my cousin, Vanessa, plans to join us, but I’m not aware of any others. May I ask who else you are expecting?”

  “We shall see,” he answered cryptically before settling down in the chair across from her. “I don’t think you will be disappointed.”

  Her first thought flew to Jonathan, but she immediately dismissed it. Uncle Toban would never agree to host him in their home. Besides, the thought of having Jonathan here making polite conversation with them seemed too farfetched. He was too much man to engage in frivolous behavior. In addition, she could not imagine Linwood being pleasant to Berwick, or the other way around, under any circumstances.

  “My lord,” Chavin called from the doorway. “Lady Vanessa Matrick has arrived.”

  “Lady Vanessa, it’s so wonderful you could come,” her uncle greeted as her cousin shuffled forward.

  “Thank you, Lord Berwick.” Vanessa inclined her head then turned to Catherine. “And Catherine, I have longed to see you again, especially after exchanging all those letters.”

  “Me, too.” Catherine lightly squeezed her cousin’s hand as they sat down. “I appreciate you making the visit, considering you just returned to London.”

  “Certainly. The trip to Bath allowed my tired soul to rest. I feel young again.”

  “Bath, you say?” Uncle Toban chimed in. “I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting. Is it as beautiful as I’ve heard?”

  Vanessa shot Catherine an annoyed look before facing Uncle Toban. “Yes. I do recommend making the trip. You’d benefit from Bath.”

  From her stiff tone to her tolerant smile, Vanessa clearly didn’t care for Uncle Toban. But why? To date, she’d never met anyone who could resist Uncle Toban’s sweet and charming demeanor.

  His answering smile indicated he didn’t notice anything amiss in Vanessa’s behavior.

  Chavin’s arrival halted any further conversation. “Lord William Nighale, Earl of Dudgery.”

  “Dudgery, please come on in. We’ve been looking forward to your visit.” Uncle Toban’s wide smile indicated he’d been anticipating Lord Dudgery’s arrival.

  Although Catherine accepted his greeting and compliments with a smile, she didn’t feel moved by his presence. As her uncle made his endorsement clear, she had little doubt the earl would become her third husband. She’d allow Uncle Toban to handle the matter without any objection from her, for she didn’t care whom she married, as it wouldn’t last long.

  After a few minutes of exchanging pleasantries, Uncle Toban invited Lord Dudgery to his study. Catherine couldn’t contain a wince, knowing exactly what they would discuss. Part of her wanted to warn the unsuspecting lord, but she resisted. The outcome of the conversation wouldn’t alter her future.

  “Well, I see he doesn’t make a secret of his preference,” Vanessa said, drawing her attention.

  “What are you referring to?”

  “Your uncle clearly intends to endorse Lord Dudgery’s pursuit of you. Why?, I can’t even fathom. The man is almost twice your age and highly unattractive.”

  Catherine shrugged. “He seems nice enough.”

  “So you are content to allow your uncle to decide on your future husband?” Vanessa asked, her voice incredulous.

  Biting her lip, Catherine debated telling her cousin about the particulars of both her past husband’s’ deaths. Very few people knew, which is how she preferred it. Dropping her gaze, she wondered if she should tell Vanessa.

  Thankfully, Chavin’s deep voice from the doorway saved her from making a decision. “Lord Jonathan Alastair, Viscount Linwood.”

  Jonathan sat across from Catherine and her cousin, Lady Vanessa, cursing the rash decision to come here today. He’d not seen Catherine since their experience in the closet at the theater, and he’d wondered what she thought of him. Judging by her stunned and uncomfortable glances, it wasn’t much.

  “What brings you here, my lord?” Lady Vanessa asked, her eyes alight.

  The older woman appeared pleased to see him, and he intended to press his advantage. Focusing his attention on her, he smiled, earning a giggle. Why couldn’t Catherine react in the same manner?

  “I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to spend my time with beautiful women.”

  “Then you should have chosen a different location,” Catherine chimed in, her voice full of anger. “My uncle will have something to say about your visit when he returns to the drawing room.”

  “Life is more interesting when it’s full of danger.” He winked at Vanessa, catching a glare from Catherine in the process.

  “How do you intend to explain yourself when he arrives?” Catherine demanded.

  “Yes. Do tell,” Berwick called from the doorway. His fists were balled, and his face held a hint of a purplish shade, but he appeared to be holding his temper. Spotting Dudgery standing further back, Jonathan understood the baron’s restraint.

  “I have come to offer a white flag of surrender. Let’s not allow our family’s past to affect our future any longer.” Although having no fond feelings for Berwick, his hatred belonged to the late baron, Catherine’s father. Unlike the viscounts’ before him, he saw no reason to allow his anger to pass on to the next titleholder.

  Berwick’s mouth fell open, but he didn’t respond.

  “Good man.” Dudgery pushed himself around Berwick to enter the room. “Says a lot about the young man’s character, don’t you agree, Berwick?”

  Jonathan worked hard to conceal his grin. Dudgery had a skill for manipulation, and he knew the baron wouldn’t dare defy the earl. Although uncomfortable with the earl’s obvious interest in Catherine, Jonathan couldn’t help but feel gratitude for his presence. Little did Dudgery know, but his aid only served to assist him in his pursuit of Catherine.

  “It certainly does. If you ask me, I’d say the time to end this feud has long passed.” To Berwick’s credit, his words sounded sincere.

  Dudgery clapped both men on the back. “This is a historic day. In honor of forging new relationships, we should have a celebration. Care to join me at Ravenhurst this evening? No better brandy can be found in London.”

  “I’d be delighted.” Jonathan smiled, pleased with the location choice.

  Although not widely known, Jonathan owned Ravenhurst. The club had begun with three, but he remain
ed the last man standing. A touch of sadness soured his memories of the place. Since his two friends sold their portions to him, Ravenhurst hadn’t felt the same.

  However, he couldn’t blame them for their decision. Something about the state of marriage made Richard and Greyson change their preference regarding ownership. Of course, the threat against their wives brought about by the club had played a part in their decision.

  “I will join you as well.” Berwick’s tolerant smile slipped slightly.

  Glancing back at Catherine, Jonathan nearly broke out in laughter. Her wide eyes regarded him with a hint of suspicion. What did she think of his desire to end the feud?

  He wished he could remain and talk to Catherine as he’d hoped for upon coming here, but with Berwick and Dudgery in the room, he’d lost his opportunity.

  As his eyes touched the faces in the room, he caught approval and a glimmer of something else in Lady Vanessa’s face. When taking his leave, his mind recalled that look. Lady Vanessa had a reputation of being meddlesome. He hoped her newest plan didn’t involve him. One matchmaking woman in his life was enough. Aunt Mildred had already sent him two letters spelling out her expectations.

  When he entered his house, Kamins told him Stanwick awaited him in the study. Confused by the summons, Jonathan handed his butler his gloves and made his way to the study. As expected, Stanwick sat tapping his foot. Judging by his constant movement, he felt ill at ease.

  “Stanwick, I didn’t expect you to return from Rosetta’s so soon.”

  His brother drew himself to his feet. “Yes, well, I had business to attend to. Mr. Spinner indicated a desire to see me this morning.”

  “Oh.” Jonathan slid the brandy from the shelf and raised the decanter toward Stanwick in a silent question. After his brother shook his head, Jonathan poured himself a glass. If the purpose of this conversation was for Stanwick to complain about the funds left by their father, Jonathan would need the brandy to provide the patience to endure the talk.

  “I’ve hired him to oversee the management of my funds.”

  “Wise decision,” Jonathan said, settling back in his seat. “You’ll find him to be intelligent and shrewd.”

  “I’m sorry you had to find out that way. I meant to tell you about the arrangement in Father’s will regarding the funds for myself and our brothers, but . . . I couldn’t find the right time.”

  “That’s all right. I’m sure you found out in a similar manner.”

  Stanwick’s head dropped. “Actually, Father told me of his intention years ago. At the time, I harbored anger for you and his claims seemed logical. Then considering you . . . Regardless, I didn’t think he’d actually follow through with it.”

  Jonathan’s hand gripped the glass much too tightly for its delicate construction. Loosening each finger, one at a time, he relaxed, then downed the remainder of the liquid. After placing the glass on the desk where it would be safe, he surveyed his brother.

  In all these years, he never realized Stanwick’s opinion of him had dropped so low. Their father’s ability to poison someone’s mind came without question. At least his brother had moved past their father’s beliefs. He also appeared to be remorseful, so Jonathan couldn’t fault him.

  “That doesn’t matter. Leave the past back where it belongs.”

  Stanwick let out a long breath. “Father had no idea how wrong he’d pegged you.”

  “Well, perfection is hard to peg.” Jonathan shot him his teasing grin, ignoring the sadness creeping up from within.

  Stanwick obviously felt appeased. As he excused himself, leaving Jonathan to his loneliness, his brother’s step appeared lighter. Not for the first time, Jonathan envied his brother. As the favored son, he had no obligations or duties weighing him down. Despite spending years fighting said responsibilities, Jonathan knew he had to face them now.

  Sliding a heavy box forward, he lifted out the first stack of papers and began shuffling through them. He sighed and poured another brandy. This would be a long day. Regardless, he had to get to the bottom of the insufficient funds at Linwood sooner or later.

  Throughout the day, as he scanned the books and documents, his mind continually drifted to Catherine. If she continued to lie to herself and deny her attraction to him, his job would be more difficult. He rubbed a hand across his face, wondering at his determination to have her considering how she abandoned him all those years ago.

  He remembered that embarrassing evening with surprising clarity. The night had been uncommonly dark and cold. Through his excitement, he hadn’t realized the weather had been a bad omen. Time had ceased existing for him as he paced the border of Berwick and Linwood, waiting for her.

  The final blow, however, didn’t arrive until the next day. When he asked her why she hadn’t come, she’d laughed. Her amused face still affected him to this day. She loudly declared she’d never loved him and wouldn’t marry him even if he were her only option. Then she’d walked away without looking back. So he’d done the same thing, straight to London.

  A knock at the door saved him from reliving the painful memories any longer. When he granted entrance, his voice came out harsher than he intended. Taking a deep breath, he put on a smile for his visitor while bottling his memories.

  “Lord William Nighale, Earl of Dudgery, is requesting an audience,” Kamins announced from the doorway.

  “Show him in.”

  Confusion at the earl’s arrival removed the last of the melancholy from his mind. Considering they were to meet in a couple of hours, Jonathan could not fathom a reason for the visit.

  “Linwood, thank you for seeing me.”

  “Have a seat.” Jonathan indicated the chair set before the desk. “Brandy?”

  “No. I want to discuss business with you, and I think better with a clear head.”

  His interest piqued, Jonathan leaned forward and steepled his fingers. “What kind of business?”

  “An investment. The word around is that you enjoy a good opportunity.” Excitement lit Dudgery’s eyes.

  Jonathan inwardly groaned. Typically when acquaintances approached with an investment, it never ended well. He hadn’t amassed his wealth by being a fool. However, since Berwick’s quick acceptance to end the feud had been gained through Dudgery’s aid, Jonathan decided to at least hear him out.

  “If it suited me at that moment.” Jonathan shrugged noncommittally, drawing upon his carefree reputation. “Pleasure can’t be gained at all times of the day.”

  “Then for your sake, I hope this is the right time. I know a man who is beginning a shipping company, he only lacks a ship. If he—”

  With a hand Jonathan silenced him. “Not only am I not feeling in an investing mood, but a shipping company without a ship is risky. Don’t waste your funds.”

  “That’s not an option. I have already invested, and your father intended to do so as well. Everything went on hold when he fell ill, then . . .”

  Jonathan caught himself before his mouth fell open. Linwood didn’t even have enough funds to support itself, so how his father thought to afford a risky investment eluded him. Jonathan made a mental note to look into his father’s investments to see if bad decisions had brought on the estate’s downfall.

  “I’m sorry my father couldn’t honor his agreement, but—”

  “Before you discount me, please let me finish.” He continued at Jonathan’s nod. “The man, Paul Sideon, worked for a shipping company that fell under hard times. The owner took off with everything sellable, leaving Paul with nothing but connections. Lucrative connections, I might add.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he surveyed Dudgery’s expectant face. The trace of desperation made Jonathan uncomfortable. Either the earl had invested much more than wise, or he had a personal stake in the matter. Overall, Jonathan knew the deal was a bad idea.

  “Paul Sideon, you say? Why don’t you give me some time to look into the matter? Who knows? Tomorrow I may feel like parting with some of my funds.”

  �
��Of course, my boy. Take all the time you need.”

  As Jonathan watched the earl leave, he wondered if there was more to the man than he knew. Regardless, he intended to turn the research over to Mr. Spinner. At least then he would be able to make a decision with absolute certainty.

  After that, he would do whatever he could to help Dudgery out of the situation he got himself into. However, any loyalty he felt toward the earl wouldn’t stop his pursuit of Catherine. Until someone claimed her as his betrothed, she remained available, which was the only thing that mattered.

  Exhausted, Catherine fell back into a chair. The night was pleasant and the dance partners abundant, but for some reason she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Although she wanted to blame her lack of excitement on anything else, she feared Jonathan’s absence caused it.

  She still couldn’t believe he wanted to end the feud between their families. Part of her entertained the notion that his decision some way signified he’d forgiven her. Although she didn’t regret her refusal to marry him, she hated how much she’d hurt him.

  “Worn out already?” Evelyn asked, a hint of amusement lacing her question.

  Catherine lifted her gaze to the malicious little cherub face. With her sweet blond curls and porcelain skin, Evelyn could have men and women alike vying for her attention, but instead she warded them off with her hate.

  “I’m simply taking a break.”

  “Not surprising. At your age, I’m amazed you are still able to participate in so many dances. You are well over twenty, are you not?”

  Pulling herself to her feet, Catherine regretted her petite stature as she gazed up into the young girl’s face. “I don’t see how my age is your concern.”

  “It is my concern when you think to pass yourself off as marriageable. You might be fooling some of the gentlemen, but just so you know, Lord Dudgery will soon tire of your tricks.”

  Evelyn targeting her now made sense. She hoped to marry the earl. Although his age and looks didn’t guarantee favor among the women, his title, wealth, and properties spoke highly of him.