The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  “No, Father!” Eve bellowed. Everything was happening too quickly. She wanted this madness to stop. “I don’t want to marry Lord Devonhurst. As a matter of fact, I would be more than happy if I never see his face again.”

  “You need to be quiet now, Eve, and allow me to handle this,” her father replied. “This man has taken your innocence and ruined your reputation. He will do right by you. He will give you his name.”

  “I won’t have him, Father. You cannot make me marry him if I refuse!”

  “Let us all calm down for a moment,” Cole said, trying to bring some peace to the room.

  “I’d rather you shoot me than have to wed your conniving daughter!”

  “Paxton!” Cole said in a tone that told his friend to shut up.

  “Trust me, I’d rather shoot you,” her father stated heatedly. “But my daughter would never forgive me for such an action.”

  Eve couldn’t take any more of this yelling, and before she said something she’d regret, like, “Yes, Father, please shoot Paxton,” she ran out of the room, out the front door, and continued running until she was far away from the house. She hailed a cab on the corner and climbed inside, grateful to leave the mess of her life behind her.

  ***

  “I don’t care what Society thinks of her. I won’t marry her,” Paxton stated adamantly.

  “Lord Stonehaven, perhaps you should follow your daughter. Lady Evelyn seems quite upset. I will speak with my friend and try to make him see the wisdom of your words.” Cole was obviously trying with all his might to be the voice of reason.

  “Well, someone should.” Charles turned and left but yelled when he was in the hall, “You’ll be seeing me soon, Devonhurst!”

  Paxton said nothing. He glared at Cole. “Don’t bother, Cole. I’m not marrying the scheming trollop.”

  “Paxton, she is not a schemer or a trollop, which is obvious from the blood stained sheets the two of you were rolling around upon.”

  At the sight of Eve’s virgin blood, Paxton felt a twinge of guilt in his gut, but he quickly dismissed it. “No matter. I still won’t wed her.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have bedded her.”

  Paxton laughed. “Now, if that’s not the pot calling the kettle black. She was aware of my position regarding marriage, Cole. Nothing’s changed. She knew damn well that I didn’t wish to enter into the marital state.”

  “I should think so. You made your stance very clear before she left. She…”

  Paxton interrupted. “I made it clear the first time I met her and every time after that.”

  “Very well.” Cole sighed. “Don’t you think you were a bit hard on her? Here she is, caught in the act by her father no less, the embarrassment alone enough to send a young lady running, but to compound the matter you ridicule her. Not well done, my friend. Think of her reputation. Her chances of procuring a good marriage were great until you bedded her. If you don’t marry her, you should at least think of some way to make things better for her.”

  “Fine. I’ll allow her father to kill me. Happy?”

  “Hell, if you don’t stop this self-pitying nonsense, I’m going to shoot you myself. At the very least you should explain to Lady Evelyn that it’s not her you’re against, but the institution of marriage. Try to let her down easy. She looked completely crushed when she left. I would never treat a woman so shabbily.”

  “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

  “I shouldn’t have to. I’m going home. Send for me if you need me.”

  “How did you know where to find us?”

  “The Stonehaven’s thought to check here because Lady Evelyn was with Henri last evening, and when they saw the note Eve left at your home, the viscount gathered the authorities and came here. I happened to stop by your house and then came here. I met Lord Stonehaven and the constable out front.

  “You should know Count Vernon was captured. It seems he had a ship waiting for him to return to France. Once he was taken into custody, the constable said the count boasted about having captives locked up in his house. Of course, I thought if you were actually one of the people being held, you would have escaped by now, which is why I tried your house first. I guess you weren’t in a big hurry to escape. I hadn’t counted on that.”

  “Didn’t you say you were leaving?” Paxton asked condescendingly.

  “Ah, yes. I’m going.” Cole walked out of the room.

  “Cole?”

  “What?” He didn’t bother to turn around.

  “Thanks for coming to my rescue.” Paxton smiled when he received a grunt in reply.

  ***

  Paxton took his time returning home. He stopped off at his haberdasher’s to replace his soiled trousers and shirt, and then he went to his club for a needed drink. He hoped Eve’s mother was no longer at his house, but he knew that, unfortunately, his mother would still be there. After tipping the driver, he made his way inside his domicile. He felt completely drained physically as well as mentally, and the last thing he wanted to do was argue with his mother.

  Entering the hall, he saw no servants and knew his mother was keeping them busy rearranging the house to her satisfaction. Grateful to be alone, he quietly made his way upstairs and into his room, or at least it resembled his room. It was obvious his mother had been busy in here as well. Where once was a pile of leather-bound books, there now sat a lace doily topped with a crystal vase filled with freshly cut lilacs. The smell wafted through the room. On his bed were four small lace covered pillows. The whole scene gave the room a feminine touch, which had him thinking of Eve again for the hundredth time since she ran out of Henri’s house in tears.

  He had plenty of time to replay the last twenty-four hours while he sat at White’s. He found he agreed with Cole. He had been too hard on Eve. He knew she hadn’t planned their kidnapping or their passions and didn’t understand why he would say something so cruel to her. Actually, when he thought about it, he did understand his behavior. He had the cheating, deceitful bitch, Lady Beverly to thank for his lack of trust in women.

  Now he felt awful about the hurtful words he flung at Eve. Yet even the words he now regretted didn’t change the fact that he didn’t want to marry her. Just looking around his once completely masculine room made him realize he had no wish to part with his things and didn’t want frilly womanly things in his domain. He didn’t want a wife.

  He cursed himself again for allowing this to happen. He was aware of the boundaries he set for himself where Eve was concerned. But he had wanted her, and so he took her, regardless of the consequences of such an action. The idea of them being caught naked had never entered his mind.

  The image of her upset and crying wouldn’t go away. He should find her and apologize… Or should I? My treatment of her was sufficiently bad she doubtless does not want to hear from me at the moment. Regardless, her parent’s would no doubt refuse him entry into their home. Hell, I wouldn’t blame them.

  Cole was right. Eve was the belle of the Season with an unlimited choice of future husband’s. Part of him blamed Eve for setting her sights on him in the first place, but then he didn’t exactly ignore her attentions. Indeed, he enjoyed them. He enjoyed her. He had encouraged her audacious flirting and returned her bold advances and comments tenfold.

  He was furious that she was crushed in the game they both loved playing, but he also told himself he was sure she’d come through this ordeal unscathed. She had too much spirit to be kept down long. She’d be back in the marriage market in no time. After all, she was the most desirable woman he had ever met.

  As for himself, he didn’t care what happened. He felt deserving of Lord Stonehaven’s wrath, and if that meant the end of his life with a pistol, then so be it. He would not fire his weapon upon Eve’s father. The viscount had every right to want him dead. If any man took advantage of
his sister Lydia in such a fashion, Paxton would make sure the man was dealt with accordingly, and when he examined what “accordingly” meant to him, death or maimed seemed adequate.

  In his heart, he knew Eve would never allow her father to harm him, if she could prevent it. Evelyn Manning loved him and he felt her love whenever he was near her. God knew he didn’t deserve her tender feelings.

  He was picturing her beautiful face when there was a knock at the door.

  “Go away! I want to be alone!”

  His mother walked in without hesitation. “When have you ever been able to rid yourself of me that easily?”

  “Please, Mother, not now.”

  “Oh no, son. I have far too much to say and it most certainly is going to be said now.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Evelyn stood in front of the back door of her family’s London home contemplating entry. She looked at the beautiful garden she had helped plant and nurture, which reminded her of their early arrival in the city. She and Cassandra had spent hours in the garden practicing their curtsies, walking straight, and of course, the art of flirtation. Look where all of that hard work got me. I am ruined. Of course, technically, Society was unaware of what occurred between Paxton and herself, but her husband would know that he had been cheated on his wedding night. She was no longer the cherished virgin. Her body trembled and she bit her quivering lip to ward off more tears.

  In truth, she was only a little upset about losing her innocence. She had wanted desperately to give herself to Paxton’s passionate embrace, and she refused to allow herself complete regret for the magic they shared. The problem was that she had no idea how to erase her memory of everything that happened afterward: the sweetest, most loving man she knew turning into the most incorrigible scoundrel she had ever met in a matter of minutes. He had turned on her when she had needed him the most. The fact that she felt that an unforgivable offense only caused her more tears.

  It had been hours since she ran out of Henri’s house, but she felt embarrassed by her actions and hadn’t wanted to return home to face her parents. After sitting in the park for a good portion of the day, hidden beneath a copse of trees crying, she now felt forlorn, depleted, and exhausted.

  To the devil with Paxton! If he didn’t want her, she definitely didn’t want him. She’d find a husband eventually. For now, she didn’t want one. She wanted to return to their country home in Kent and talk to her sister.

  ***

  Madeline watched her daughter from a nearby window. She had been frantic after she was told what happened and Evelyn still hadn’t returned home. However, being a woman, she understood her daughter’s hesitation. Although they had always been able to talk about anything, she knew Eve would be embarrassed as well as hurt, and so she waited patiently for her daughter to enter of her own accord. As soon as she did, Madeline wordlessly held out her arms to her oldest child.

  ***

  Eve thought her tears were well spent after the hours she spent in the park, but as soon as she was enveloped in her mother’s loving arms, they began to flow again.

  “Come, dear,” Mother said, not letting go of her as she led them into the favored parlor and shut the door behind them. Tea had already been set out. “Here, this will make you feel better.” Her mother poured her a cup.

  “I’m afraid I don’t have your optimism when it comes to the power of tea,” Eve stated while swiping the tears from her eyes with her dress sleeve. Taking the teacup from her mother, she took a small sip. “It’s cold.” She smiled, knowing her mother must have been waiting for her for a long time. Eve looked at the concern on her mother’s face and knew she could tell her mother what happened. And Lord knew, Eve needed to talk to someone.

  “Do you want to talk about what happened?” Mother asked hesitantly. Eve knew her mother wouldn’t push her into conversation.

  “Some of it,” Eve said quietly.

  “Then please do.”

  “You see, it all started when I began to question the count’s behavior toward me…” Eve then told her mother everything about her abduction, all the way up to the point when she woke up next to Paxton.

  Eve was silent as she recalled the moment she woke up. She continually ran Paxton’s accusations over and over in her head. He had said she ravished him, and indeed her dream of having her way with him while he was tied up was returning in hazy bits and pieces. Could the dream have been real? Could I have assaulted his person? The answer was always the same. Yes, she could have, and actually, it sounded like something she might have done given the chance. She liked him too much, this she knew. The thought immediately mortified her and blood rushed to her face.

  Mother didn’t mention her blush. She picked up Eve’s hand and gave it a reassuring pat. “There is no reason to be ashamed, dear.”

  “Actually, Mother, there is, but I’d rather not discuss it.”

  “Then you don’t have to.” Madeline released her hand.

  “If you and Father wouldn’t mind, I was wondering if we could return to the country.” She told her mother about the decision she made earlier at the park, when she had contemplated her future until her head hurt. “I think I would like to wait awhile before I choose a husband.” She looked at her mother, hoping to see approval.

  “If this is what you wish, dear. I don’t want you to feel rushed into marriage. We Manning women can handle the nonsense life throws at us on occasion without the aid of a man.”

  Eve grinned at her mother’s words of encouragement. “Thank you, Mother. I think I’ll go pack, take a bath, and retire for the night. I’m exhausted.”

  “I’ll have Tiffany pack for you. We will leave in the morning. And, Evelyn, please do try to sleep.”

  Eve didn’t think she’d be able to do much else for she felt dead on her feet. She did, however, manage to make it through her bath.

  ***

  Paxton was standing by the window of his room looking out at the park. He sighed when his mother slammed the door and insisted on being heard. He then sat on the long leather bench at the foot of his large bed and the Countess of Devonhurst stood in front of him with her hands on her hips, glaring at him with such tenacity he wanted to laugh. The seriousness of the situation prevented his amusement.

  “What you are doing to this young lady is shameful! You sully the family name with your lack of honor.”

  “Now she’s a young lady? I thought you labeled her a lightskirt?”

  “Now is not the time to mock me.” His mother began to pace in front of him. When Paxton remained quiet, she glared at him again. “Well? What have you to say for yourself?”

  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He knew he was going to have to say something or she wouldn’t leave. “Sorry I have disappointed you yet again.”

  “You don’t have to disappoint me. Marry the girl. I know you care for her. Your concern for her safety was telling, and Lady Stonehaven has told me Lady Evelyn’s enamored with you. Caring feelings between a couple is the perfect stepping stone for a successful marriage.” When he remained silent, his mother delved into a subject no man wishes to discuss with his mother. “You have already bedded her. What do you plan to do if she is carrying your child, the future heir of Devonhurst? You can’t allow your own child to be illegitimate! Oh, the thought! The horror! It would make your father roll over in his grave, indeed it would.”

  “Enough! I think you are getting ahead of yourself,” Paxton said in frustration.

  “Says who? You? Can you guarantee Lady Evelyn isn’t carrying your child?” She stopped in front of him, tapping her foot as his sister often did when impatiently awaiting his reply. When he didn’t answer, she threw up her hands and began pacing again. “What do you have against marriage? Your father and I were happily married. Did we not set a good enough example for you?”

 
“You know my feelings have nothing to do with you and Father.”

  “Then I guess your sister is right and you are forever emotionally scarred by Lady Beverly. She wounded you and so you scorn love for fear of heartbreak.”

  “How analytical of the two of you to thus interpret my life. Did it ever occur to you that I just don’t want to marry?”

  Veronica harrumphed. “No, as a matter of fact, such nonsense has never crossed my mind.” Sighing, she went to sit on his bed behind him. “If Lady Beverly isn’t the reason, then why are you so against a holy union?”

  Paxton smiled at her choice of words. His mother always tried to make marriage the core of one’s existence. He thought about what she asked, and after many minutes of silence, he finally spoke. “I admit I have a hard time trusting people, women particularly. I trusted Lady Beverly and she betrayed me. Father trusted his estate manager and the man swindled a great deal of money from our coffers. To allow a woman into my life would mean I trust her completely, which is something I can’t seem to do.”

  His mother moved closer to him. “You trust your sister and your mother.”

  “True, but you’re both family, and so you don’t count in this regard.”

  “So is a wife, dear. When you marry, she becomes your family. I’m not saying Evelyn is perfect for no one is. We all make mistakes. I personally don’t know her all too well, but her parents speak highly of her and she obviously trusts you or she wouldn’t have come to you for help. I think you are making a mistake by scorning her. She doesn’t deserve such treatment, and neither did you.” He knew she was referring to Lady Beverly again, most likely wishing vengeance upon the lady who deterred her son from marriage. He agreed Beverly was evil. He did not, however, share with his mother the fact that the crazy bitch was still plaguing him with desperate love letters of late.

  “When Lord Stonehaven came here to pick up his wife, he told us you crushed Eve with your harsh words. That isn’t like you, son. You’re a kind and caring man.”