How to Ravish a Rake

by Vicky Dreiling

  Will’s prediction that others would take over their lives had begun immediately after their rescue from the wine cellar.

  “I’ve always said a cup of tea will smooth over even the most difficult of times,” Hester said as she poured for them.

  “My mother says the same thing.” Amy bit her lip. Right now, she wanted her mother and father very much, but she also dreaded the moment when she must face them. They would not lecture her, though she believed it would be far easier than watching them try to be cheerful and brave for her sake.

  Yesterday, she’d managed to write the letter to her parents without shedding tears, thanks to Hester’s pragmatism. Amy had faltered only once, but Hester had reassured her that all would work out well. That moment would be forever burned in her memory. There would be many more in the coming days, and she would have to put on a brave face during all of it.

  Amy wondered if the letter had arrived yet. She kept picturing her mother breaking the seal in the parlor and reading it aloud to her father. She envisioned her mama stumbling over the word compromised. Papa would push up from his favorite chair and rummage for his spectacles. Then he would sit beside Mama, take the letter, and read the astonishing news, because he would not believe it until he saw the words.

  He would take Mama’s hand and try to reassure her. Her parents would speculate about the man she must marry. They had never met William Darcett and probably did not even know of his existence, because until recently, he had been gone from England for many years.

  At some point, her father would amble over to the window. Amy knew him well. He would blame himself for not escorting her to London this year. Papa would believe he could have prevented his only daughter from being harmed. Her chest hurt thinking of her poor parents receiving such shocking news.

  “So, you are to marry William.”

  Hester’s voice recalled Amy to the present. She could think of nothing positive to say, so she remained silent.

  “I remember when he was born,” Hester mused. “Louisa and her husband were elated to have another boy. They waited several years for the arrival of their spare, though I think that an awful way to refer to younger sons.” She sipped her tea. “Like all young men, he’s spent several years sowing his wild oats, a few too many on the Continent in my opinion. His mother feared he would never return home. Louisa will be glad to see him married and settled.”

  “They cannot be happy about the circumstances,” Amy said. Neither could he, she silently amended.

  “Oh, my dear, these things happen. You must not be fearful. William has a good heart,” Hester said.

  He’d been kind to her last night, but no matter what his aunt said, he was known for his dissolute lifestyle. She had no illusions about how difficult this marriage would be.

  “You will learn to make the best of your situation,” Hester said. “You are marrying into a wonderful family. I think it is lovely that you and Julianne will be sisters by marriage.”

  “Yes, that will make me very happy,” Amy said. She had always wanted a large family, and to be part of one with Julianne would be wonderful. “I am very much looking forward to knowing all the family better.”

  “I knew that would cheer you,” Hester said.

  “There is still so much that must be decided. I do not even know when we will marry or where we will live. It is so unsettling,” Amy said.

  “All will be worked out in good time, and probably far more quickly than you may be prepared for. You will make the adjustment. It will be easier if you establish a routine. There is comfort in that for both husband and wife.”

  She swallowed. “I know so little about him.”

  “But soon you will,” Hester said. “He will call after luncheon to propose. You must wear your prettiest frock.”

  Oh, dear God. It is real and irrevocable.

  Her stomach tightened. Everyone said they must marry, but she knew very little about him, and none of it was positive. She tried to imagine living with a man she didn’t know, and everything inside her wanted to flee. Amy tried to tell herself that he had been kind last night and concerned about her, but that did not reassure her in the least. She could only imagine what was in store for her. His reputation was terrible, and she suspected very little of it was exaggerated. How could she marry a hedonistic man? How could she live with a man who would undoubtedly be unfaithful and profligate? But if she did not marry him, her reputation would be in shreds, and she would bring even more shame upon her parents than she had already done.

  The bell rang. A few minutes later, a footman entered. “Express mail for Miss Hardwick.”

  Amy ripped the seal with shaking fingers. The letter from her parents was short and to the point. Do not despair. We love you and will make haste for London. Chill bumps erupted on her arms. “My mother and father will arrive tomorrow,” Amy said, blinking back tears.

  “Of course,” Hester said, reaching over to pat Amy’s hand. “By the time they arrive, you will already be engaged to William.”

  She wished with all her heart that she could turn back the clock and start yesterday over again. How could she marry the worst rake in England?

  “Ah, my dear, I wish I could do more, but you are stronger than you know,” Hester said. “You will prevail, no matter what comes.”

  Early that afternoon

  The butler walked in. “Mr. William Darcett.”

  Amy rose. Please God, help me get through this day.

  He strode in, wearing a green coat, fawn trousers, and polished black boots. When he bowed, Amy curtsied.

  “Aunt Hester, thank you for receiving me,” he said.

  She lifted her quizzing glass. “Shocking.”

  He grinned. “What?”

  “Your eyes aren’t glowing red, and I see no traces of horns or a forked tail.” Hester dropped her quizzing glass.

  He laughed. “It’s a sad day for the scandal sheets.”

  Hester snorted. “You gave them enough fodder to last for a month. No doubt the papers will embellish every detail.”

  Will winked at Amy. “I hope they include the Gypsies,” he said. “That was my favorite part.”

  “Your mother is a sweet woman, but she was always fanciful,” Hester said. “Well, that’s the kind explanation.”

  Their interaction intrigued Amy. Clearly, they were close-knit and accustomed to teasing. She’d imagined that everyone would react somberly to last night’s scandal. Instead, they were jesting as if nothing of great import had taken place. But it had, and her life and his would never be the same.

  “I will leave the two of you alone on the condition that you do not run off to Gretna Green or take up with Gypsies,” Hester said.

  Amy managed a little smile. Will bowed as his aunt ambled out of the drawing room.

  When the door closed, Amy’s anxiety climbed. How could she accept him when only yesterday she’d had little respect for him?

  He clasped her hands and gazed into her eyes. In the sunlit room, amber hues reflected in his dark eyes. He had lush black lashes, but his thick dark brows and prominent cheekbones were the portrait of masculinity.

  He was the sort of man who turned feminine heads as he strolled through a room. He was the sort of man who could charm a woman out of her petticoats in a flash. He was the sort of man who could have his choice of beautiful women.

  At that moment, she felt certain that this striking man regretted having to marry her. He did not want her. How could he? Then again, she didn’t want to marry him, either. Oh, God, this would be the greatest test of her fortitude. Every other obstacle and heartache paled in comparison to this marriage of convenience. She wanted desperately to find one good thing to cling to, but she couldn’t fool herself.

  She bowed her head, knowing this would be a disaster. How could she go through with this sham of a marriage? She was taller than many men, and far too thin. Everyone would look at the two of them and pity him. But he would not want for beautiful, willing women. She knew how
most ton marriages worked. Gentlemen took mistresses. Many were quite blatant about their liaisons. How would she bear the humiliation when he rejected her and turned to others?

  “You’re trembling,” he said.

  She sought words, but as always, her brain froze when anxiety pulsed through her veins.

  “Please look me in the eyes.”

  She lifted her gaze to him. He was so handsome he took her breath away.

  “There is something I need to ask you,” he said. “Lord Boswood called this morning to inquire about us. After I reassured him that all was well, he told me something that we must discuss.”

  “What is it?” she whispered. God, what else could go wrong?

  “I learned this morning that there is another man in your life.”

  She blinked. “You mean Mr. Crawford?”

  “Do you have an understanding with him?”

  “No,” she said.

  “Boswood said he writes to you.”

  “Mr. Crawford asked my father for permission to write to me without my knowledge.”

  “I see.”

  She sighed. “Mr. Crawford courted me for a short time, but I ended it before leaving for London. I also wrote a letter telling him that we do not suit. I do not believe he will write again.”

  “I’m relieved,” he said.

  He’d stunned her. She would have thought that he would grasp at an opportunity to avoid marrying her, but then it occurred to her that he was probably relieved because marriage to her would allay the scandal.

  “My parents will arrive in London late tomorrow,” she said.

  “I know,” he said. “I wrote to your father. He will call on me at Ashdown House tomorrow. I will formally request your hand in marriage then.”

  Her gaze flew to his. “Why did you write to him?”

  “I don’t have the best reputation,” he said. “I hoped to reassure your father. It probably did little good, but I felt it worth making the gesture.”

  “Thank you,” she said, more than a little stunned. The letter he’d written indicated he wasn’t completely without feelings or scruples. Of course, people weren’t simple. They all had good and bad qualities. Amy knew her father would not be pleased that she was marrying a rake, but William’s gesture showed that he cared, at least to some degree, about others and that gave her hope.

  “I obtained a special license,” he said. “We will marry the day after tomorrow.”

  She couldn’t breathe for a moment. “So soon,” she whispered.

  He cleared his throat. “My family insists we must hush up the gossip quickly.”

  Two days. There would be no time to have a special gown made up for the occasion. But she had many others. She must think of the blessings, but for a moment, absolutely nothing came to mind.

  Then she remembered how much she’d worried that she would never marry. Now she would have a husband. It was frightening to know so little about him, but he must feel very much the same way. Perhaps they could help each other though the difficult times.

  “I wish there were a map that we could consult to help us navigate our lives,” he said. “We’ll have to create our own and do our best when we must travel over rough terrain.”

  She suspected they would face a great many bumpy roads over the years. “Will we live at Ashdown House?”

  “Only temporarily. After the wedding, I will consult my brother’s man of business and ask him to suggest suitable properties near Richmond. I will work as my brother’s steward for the next year. Perhaps you would accompany me and help select a suitable property.”

  The prospect cheered her. “Oh, yes, I would enjoy choosing furnishings and decorations.”

  “Right. You draw gown designs,” he said.

  She kept her expression as serene as possible. At least he’d not objected to it. She couldn’t bear to give up her dress designs; it wasn’t who she was, but it was an important part of her life. The thought that a man could take something away from her that she cherished made her uneasy. But he had not objected, and she would not borrow trouble.

  She was more troubled that he did not know she had agreed to accept compensation for her designs. There was no doubt in her mind that he would disapprove of her involvement in shop matters. While certain professions were considered respectable for gentlemen of the ton, a lady who accepted coin for her work would be considered inferior. Society would shun her if they knew.

  Amy thought the attitudes outmoded and pompous. More important, she did not know if Will was responsible with money or not. The day might come when she would be thankful that she’d saved the money she earned. Part of her thought the deception a poor way to start a marriage, but this was no love match. Neither of them was under any illusions that this was anything other than an attempt to salvage their reputations.

  Was she making excuses or was she making a smart decision? Considering his reputation, she concluded that it was in her best interest to set aside a nest egg.

  “I have something that belongs to you,” he said. “I’ve been meaning to return it.” He rummaged inside his coat and withdrew the silk red rose that had gone missing since the Beresfords’ ball.

  “Where did you find it?”

  “On the carpet in the Beresfords’ library,” he said. “I don’t know why I kept it.”

  A stray thread was still attached to it.

  “I thought you might need the rose so that you could wear the gown again,” he said.

  “Thank you.” She didn’t tell him that the gown was so renowned that she could never wear it again unless she changed the ribbons, lace, and roses.

  He lowered his gaze and scuffed the toe of his boot on the carpet.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “I don’t have a pretty speech prepared.”

  He’d just won a tiny corner of her heart. “You do not need one.”

  He clasped her hands and kneeled. She gazed into his dark eyes and her heart squeezed. Why did she feel perilously close to tears? Because this man would be her husband until the end of their days. She found herself blinking back tears. In the past twenty-four hours, she had become a veritable watering pot.

  His eyes were shining as he met her gaze. “Amy, will you make me the happiest of men and marry me?”

  “Yes, I will marry you.” Lord, please walk beside us.

  Will stood. When he cupped her cheeks, he wiped the stray tear streaking down her face with his thumb. “May I kiss you?”

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  He kissed her gently on the lips.

  She wanted so badly to believe that it would work, that they could forge a life together and be happy.

  They would be married for the rest of their lives. Until now, she’d thought all of her choices were gone, but she realized she did have a choice. She could decide to make a mockery of the vows she would take or she could do everything possible to make this marriage work.

  She must be brave and exert herself. He would be her husband soon, and if she focused on his needs, she might be able to make him happy. In turn, he might reciprocate. God willing, this marriage of necessity might stand a chance. She met his gaze and her skin prickled a little. “I will do everything in my power to see to your comfort and happiness.”

  He lit up with that thousand-candle smile. “I like the sound of that.” He draped his arms round her and pulled her flush against him. She gasped, making him chuckle. The hard contours of his muscular body were pressed all along her thighs, stomach, and breasts.

  “Put your arms round my neck,” he said in that rumbling voice she’d come to recognize.

  She did his bidding, and when he angled his head, she was glad to have his shoulders as an anchor. He kissed her openmouthed and her knees felt a little weak. She parted her lips for him, and as their tongues tangled, his hands slid down to her bottom. His mouth was wet, and his body emanated heat through the layers of his shirt and waistcoat. Against her belly, she could feel something hard. She�
��d heard unseemly talk in the ladies’ retiring room and knew he was aroused.

  Her breasts suddenly felt heavier and heat traveled to her most intimate place. She wanted something, needed him to possess her. And she wanted to run her hands over his body, but she wasn’t quite that brave.

  He broke the kiss. His breathing was labored and fast. “I think we’ll do very well together,” he said. “Very well, indeed.”

  She prayed he was right.

  Chapter Seven

  Harry Fordham’s rooms, that evening

  A toast to your engagement,” Fordham said.

  “Here, here,” Bell said.

  “Cheers.” Will sipped the champagne and sprawled in one of Fordham’s cast-off leather chairs. He didn’t much feel like celebrating—not when he knew he’d changed the course of Amy’s life and taken away her choices.

  “You’re a lucky dog,” Fordham said. “Down twenty thousand, and then you bag a bloody heiress.”

  Will gritted his teeth and set the glass on the side table. He was breathing harder than usual.

  “Old boy, is something wrong?” Fordham said.

  “She’s going to be my wife,” he gritted out.

  Fordham grew still and eyed Will warily. “My apologies for the bit about bagging an heiress.”

  “Accepted,” Will said.

  Bell regarded him with a keen expression. “You surprise me.”

  “I didn’t bag her.” He leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs. “We got locked in a bloody wine cellar all night. Friends and family insisted we had to marry to tamp down the scandal.”

  “No offense to the future Mrs. Darcett, but you are coming into a fortune,” Fordham said.

  Will thought about the scared look on Amy’s face the day after. She’d had every right to be wary of him after he’d actually tried to compromise her.

  “Let us go to White’s,” Bell said. “We’ll get Will foxed.”

  He didn’t want to celebrate the fortune she would bring. Not long ago, he would have reveled in getting exactly what he wanted. But she’d looked frightened when she’d accepted his proposal. He’d felt awful, because she was a respectable, innocent young lady and deserved better. She didn’t want him, and he couldn’t blame her.