Catching the Baron

by Jenn Langston

  Clasping his hands behind his back, he paced the area. Ever since Samantha left him in Berwick, he felt like a caged animal. Nothing he did was right, and he couldn’t do anything to fix it. Life was determined to see him fail.

  He spun around to her, and his breath caught at the concern on her face. If she viewed him as a disposable lover, surely she wouldn’t worry over him. She most likely wouldn’t have granted him an audience today either. The knowledge gave him more joy than he had reason to enjoy in a long time. He straightened his posture as the sensation spread through him. Propelling him to her.

  “Samantha, I-”

  “Yes, Lady Grace. I do believe Samantha is out here,” the loud voice of Lady Laramie called.

  Kenneth froze. Grace was out here? From the sounds of footsteps, he knew they were close. He appreciated the warning. Had he not stopped Samantha earlier, he would have been under her skirts. Seeing the look of panic on her face, Kenneth knew she didn’t want Grace to see him here.

  After giving Samantha a nod, he rushed down another path, hoping to not meet up with the women. Once they were safely inside, he would have to find his own way out.

  Crouched in his position, he felt further gratitude toward the countess. He’d almost made a huge mistake and confessed his love to Samantha. She may harbor some sort of emotion toward him, but it wasn’t even comparable to his love for her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have panicked at the idea of Grace seeing him here. She intended to keep him as her secret. The knowledge stung.

  He could never tell her how he felt.

  Upon hearing Kenneth groan, Samantha halted from buttoning her dress and turned to face him.

  “You are going to be the death of me,” he lamented.

  “How is any of this my fault? I simply set up an innocent meeting in the library. You were the one who insisted we undress.”

  He stormed over to her, passion still swimming in his eyes despite his obvious anger.

  “Yes, but at the time I had no idea you intended to ruin my clothing.”

  Suppressing a grimace, she continued to right her dress. Honestly, she hadn’t meant to rip his shirt, but she didn’t want to admit it. He made her crazy, and their too few encounters were not enough for her. If she had her way, she’d meet him every night, but that couldn’t be.

  After his surprise visit over a fortnight ago, her grandmother had monitored her actions closely and didn’t hesitate to inform her when she made a mistake. In addition, Grace had become more interested in Samantha’s relationships. Unfortunately, her friend deduced she had a lover, but luckily was unable to determine his name.

  Thinking about all the secrecy made her head ache.

  Glancing back at Kenneth, she smiled to see him still glowering at her. “It only serves you right. Now you have to find inventive ways to hide the mark I put on you.”

  “That isn’t fair,” he growled. “Your dress covered you, and I enjoyed viewing your scarf collection the following days. I, however, arrived with my cousin and can’t leave immediately.”

  “I could loan you a scarf,” she teased, ignoring his distress.

  He put his hand out, the position emphasizing the rip created by the missing button. “How do you suggest I use it?”

  “You are being overly dramatic. With your waistcoat it only appears you missed a button when dressing.”

  “That is so much better,” he said dryly. “Let’s bring attention to the fact I recently dressed in a hurry.”

  She finished buttoning up his waistcoat for him, then rose on the tip of her toes to kiss his cheek. “Only if they notice. Then the women will be overcome with jealousy wondering what lucky woman had the privilege of undressing you. And the men will be in awe of your prowess.”

  “I’ll show you my prowess.” He grabbed her around the waist and spun her, making her giggle.

  She didn’t want to return to the ball, but they had no choice. Swallowing down her disappointment, she pasted on a smile. “Come. Let’s get back out there before we are missed.”

  As previously agreed upon, she integrated with the guests first. Catching sight of Monsieur Gerard, she accepted his offer of a dance. Kenneth wouldn’t like it, but she didn’t care. Part of her relished his jealousy. It paid him back for how she felt every second Miss Doutree spent on his arm.

  “Your mind is preoccupied again,” Monsieur Gerard stated, making her duck her head as heat climbed up her throat.

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m not one to talk and dance at the same time this evening.”

  He nodded. “I see through your excuse, but I’ll not blame you. The object of your fascination dances with the tall mademoiselle again.”

  Alarm pierced through her. “I don’t know who-”

  “Don’t be embarrassed. You watch him. I know. I see it. Just as he watches you.”

  Tired of all the lies, Samantha sighed. “I suppose everyone knows then?”

  “Not yet, but they will. They always do.” He shrugged. “But you love him.”

  She slumped her shoulders while trying to keep her feet in time with the dance. “Yes.”

  “Then you are for him and not me.”

  The matter-of-fact way he said it proved he didn’t harbor any strong feelings for her.

  “Will you stay in London?”

  “For now, yes. Although I’d rather be the one receiving your attention, I’m content for you to use me to make him jealous. Just know, there are far more effective ways than dancing.”

  He wagged his eyebrows, causing her to laugh. Monsieur Gerard was an unusual person, and she was glad he didn’t intend to return to France just yet. By the time he led her off the dance floor, and she met up with Grace, her steps felt lighter.

  “Enjoying your evening?” Grace asked, her eyebrows raised.

  “Yes. What about you?”

  Graced touched the back of her hand to her forehead. “I’ve had better.”

  “Is everything all right?”

  “I’m just tired of gentlemen who seek me out for my dowry or desire my connection to Stonemede.”

  “How can you tell what they are after?”

  Grace rolled her eyes. “How can I not tell? Changing the subject to brighter matters, is your lover here?”

  Surprised, Samantha began coughing. “Keep your voice down.”

  “No one is listening to us, and if they were, I’m sure they want to know too.”

  “I don’t know why you keep asking, because I don’t intend to tell you.”

  Samantha was spared the conversation when Kenneth approached with Miss Doutree. Although, when she saw Grace eyeing Kenneth’s shirt, Samantha wished him anywhere but here.

  “Lord Berwick.” Grace leaned in close to him. “You missed one of your shirt buttons.”

  He glanced down and ran one of his strong fingers against the spot. Samantha wanted to giggle remembering his concern over the rip in his shirt. What would Miss Doutree think if Samantha told them exactly what happened? Would she be jealous? Samantha couldn’t contain a smug smile at the thought.

  “The button must have fallen off.” Kenneth shook his head in a mournful manner. “Linwood’s housekeeper assigned a new maid to see to my mending. Unfortunately, her talent in that area is lacking.”

  With an understanding smile, Grace lightly touched his arm. “Don’t worry. It’s hardly noticeable.”

  Catching herself from lowering her mouth in surprise, Samantha turned away. She applauded Kenneth’s quick thinking. When she looked back, he winked at her.

  Something about the private acknowledgement made her flesh singe with awareness. Her chest tightened, bringing unshed tears to burn her eyes. She loved him too much.

  Would she be happy married to him if he only entered the state for her money? She didn’t know, but she couldn’t live without him. She had to tell him soon. Otherwise, he would marry Miss Doutree and be lost to her forever.

  Chapter 14

  “She asked me again, and frankly, I’m tired of denying
her,” Jonathan said as he poured Kenneth a brandy.

  “I don’t know why she keeps coming to you. When I spoke to her about it, she outright denied requesting money from you at all.”

  Kenneth was becoming increasingly agitated with his mother. Recently, she’d begun attending every event with him, then questioning him about everyone he spoke with. To make matters worse, he saw her talking to Miss Doutree at the last ball. Although Ms. Doutree laughed, claiming she knew all about overprotective mothers, he didn’t appreciate his friends being subjected to his mother.

  “I’m beginning to worry about you. Catherine is branching out on her search for the perfect heiress for you. She’s convinced you will fall in love with one of them. Then with your mother requesting very specific amounts of money, combined with your strange moods from day to day, I just don’t know what to think.”

  “I’ll handle my mother, but I can’t help you with Catherine.”

  “And your attitude?”

  With a shrug, Kenneth grabbed his brandy from Jonathan’s desk and allowed the burning liquid to coat his mouth before swallowing it. He was ready to move back to Berwick or anywhere that would absolve him from having to endure conversations like this.

  “I suppose I’ll address that as well.”

  Jonathan banged his hands on his desk, gaining Kenneth’s full attention. “Damn it, I don’t want your acquiescence. I want you to talk to me. What is going on?”

  Tired, Kenneth looked away from his friend. “The end of the Season is drawing near. Before then, I will select one of Catherine’s heiresses and return Berwick to the glory it deserves.”

  Without waiting for a response, Kenneth stood and headed to the drawing room. It was past time for his mother to depart for the country. Being in London didn’t suit her. For some reason, it brought out a different side of her. One he no longer cared to see.

  Luckily, he found her sitting quietly with Catherine.

  “Mother, can you join me for a walk? I’d like to speak with you,” he said from the doorway.

  Catherine jumped to her feet. “You two can stay here. I was just leaving.”

  With a nod to his cousin, he closed the door behind her.

  The look his mother gave him held no sign of motherly affection. He didn’t care. She wouldn’t like what he had to say any more than she liked him.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure of my only child seeking out my company?”

  He sat down across from her, meeting her steely gaze. “What do you require funds for?”

  “Have you gone mad? Berwick needs it, and you know it.”

  “That is not why you keep begging Jonathan for money. You want something. Considering the amount, it isn’t for Berwick. The estate wouldn’t last a day on such a sum.”

  She pinched her lips together and fastened her eyes on the wall behind him. Why wouldn’t she speak to him? Had she racked up a debt to someone?

  Standing, he glowered down at her. “If you refuse to tell me, I’ll send for a carriage to take you back to the dowager house right now.”

  Panic flashed through her eyes. “All right, I will tell you, but you must promise to listen.”

  Kenneth nodded, reclaimed his seat, and crossed his arms, waiting for her to continue.

  “Do you recall those stories your uncle used to tell about the second Baron Berwick?”

  “Vaguely, but he only did it to get a rise out of Father. The second baron wasn’t a pirate.”

  “You are wrong. What do you remember about him?”

  “He was the youngest son of the first baron. Together with the youngest of Viscount Linwood’s heirs, they set off to make their fortune as pirates.”

  Her bright smile spoke of her eagerness and excitement. “Piracy wasn’t what they planned. They fell into it, but that is irrelevant right now. What else?”

  While shaking his head, Kenneth shrugged his shoulders. He never paid much attention to his uncle. The man spent the majority of his time attempting to get back at Kenneth’s father. Considering Kenneth never expected to inherit, the history of Berwick hadn’t interested him.

  “They returned home to find both their family’s had been murdered by another band of pirates.”

  “Yes. And when they took their revenge, it only added to the riches they’d amassed.”

  “I don’t see your point in bringing all this up.” Impatience tugged at him. “When they took over as titleholders, they spent their fortunes, and the rest is uneventful.”

  “They never spent it. Worried about their enemies, they buried it on one of their estates. To be fair, each one took half of the map. Only together would they spend their treasure.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” he murmured dryly. “Honest pirates.”

  “They were loyal to each other until the end. It was their children who began the feud with their greed. Neither Berwick nor Linwood wanted to share, so they fought.”

  “Great, now-”

  “I found the map. Or rather, our half.”

  The words Kenneth was about to utter died on his lips. Could it be true? Were there riches buried somewhere on his estate or Jonathan’s? The thought of his problems being solved so easily seemed too good to be true.

  “If you are seeking a great treasure, why do you need money? And why wouldn’t you want to return to Berwick to begin your search?”

  Pink tinged her cheeks as she leaned forward. “I seek the other half. Lord Linwood offered me access to his library, and I have begun searching every book and document.”

  Gritting his teeth, he drew in a disappointed breath. “You are taking advantage of the viscount’s hospitality?”

  “But we have every right to the map. Even more since Linwood stood second to Berwick on their ship.”

  “We will come back to that. What about the money?”

  Her blush deepened as she glared down the floor. “That is none of your concern.”

  Anger propelled him to his feet once again. “The hell it isn’t. As head of this family, all your dealings are my concern. You have a few seconds to tell me before I have the carriage readied.”

  “One of Linwood’s staff members has agreed to search his estate for a fee.” She held up her hands, palms toward him. “Before the vein throbbing in your head bursts, hear me out. I don’t intend to steal it. I only want a likeness of it.”

  Too furious to even look at the woman any longer, he spun around and headed for the door. How could she see no wrong in taking something that could potentially benefit her niece?

  Before he could escape the room, he felt her hand on his shoulder. “Will you come back with me? We can find it together and save Berwick.”

  “I’m not ready to leave London.”

  Shrugging off her touch, Kenneth left the room. Regardless of this fortune, he couldn’t leave Samantha yet. If a treasure resided in the ground this long, it could stand another few months.

  Jonathan, however, couldn’t wait. He deserved to know about the map, and the baroness’s scheme. Kenneth hoped his friend wouldn’t turn them out. Although Kenneth wouldn’t blame him.

  Nerves attacked Samantha, causing her stomach to roll and her hands to shake. Today she would tell Kenneth she loved him and offer herself to him as an heiress. She only hoped he wouldn’t reject her.

  Early this morning, she had sent him a missive requesting they meet in Hyde Park and “accidentally” run into each other. His response had been immediate and affirmative. He had to know she wanted to talk to him. All day she amused herself by trying to determine what he would think the conversation would be about. Would he be pleased?

  “Lady Samantha,” the butler called, pulling her from her musings. “Lady Berwick is here to see you.”

  Shock ran through her body. “Please show her in.”

  Head reeling, she tried to keep her emotions off her face. The lady hadn’t spared her a second glance, so why did she want to talk now? Had she realized who Samantha was? Or had the woman discovered her relationship with
Kenneth?

  “Thank you for seeing me, Lady Samantha, as I—” the baroness cut off her words as she stared, open-mouthed at Samantha. Then her lips curved into a wicked smile.

  “Please, have a seat.” Samantha offered, trying to pretend she hadn’t noticed.

  With a nod, the baroness complied, so Samantha resumed hers. Lady Berwick’s previously apologetic attitude had been replaced by a smug superiority. Samantha imagined this conversation wouldn’t go well.

  “As I was saying, I’m really glad to see you again, Sam.”

  Drawing in her breath, Samantha fought to keep the terror from her face. Would her reputation be ruined so fast? Could she deny it? She regretted not confiding in her grandmother. The countess always had a way of fixing everything.

  “I beg your pardon, my name is Lady Samantha.”

  “Yes. But you can’t deny going by Sam as you slaved away in Berwick stables. I know the truth.”

  As Samantha straightened her back, she glared at the woman who believed herself to be of a higher caliber. Although Samantha didn’t delight in bowing down to the woman, her grandmother’s reputation was tied to hers.

  “What do you want from me?”

  Pleasure lit the baroness’s face as she leaned back in her chair. Clearly she knew she had won. Backed into a corner, Samantha could do nothing but comply with any demand in order to protect her secret.

  “For years I’ve heard stories of the balls Lady Laramie throws. In their extravagance, the expense must be great.”

  Tilting her head, Samantha regarded the woman with curiosity. “You came here to discover what my grandmother spends on her balls? Why?”

  The baroness chortled. An evil sound. “Certainly not. It was merely an observation made out loud. The expense would explain why she needs money.”

  Frustrated beyond measure, anger surged through Samantha. The woman must have gone mad. Normal people didn’t act in so strange a manner.