by Jane Charles
“You have riches and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you waste them on a wife and children. I’ve given you everything a gentleman could ever want and you don’t even have the pressure of producing an heir.” Jordan grimaced, hearing his father’s words echo in his head. “Don’t disappointment me by starting to believe in love,” his father had practically spat. “It is a waste of time and doesn’t exist. Focus on what is important and the simple pleasure of being between a woman’s thighs.”
His stomach churned recalling that last argument. It had taken place a month before his father’s death.
Jordan sipped from the glass of wine and stared at the beautiful blonde across the ballroom. Her hair was pulled up and away from her face in a style similar to most young ladies, but ringlets escaped, caressing her shoulders and neck. What had he done to make Miss Audrey Montgomery hate him with such venom? If he knew he would certainly apologize, but the chit wouldn’t tell him. Hell, she barely acknowledged him this past fall when he visited his brother, Matthew, with the exception of when she tried to slap him because she assumed he had seduced Grace, his now sister-in-law. Jordan had never seduced an innocent in his life, and never would. Why was it necessary when there were so many experienced ladies willing to share his bed? Why would he want inexperience when such talented hands, and mouths, were eager to give pleasure? The only innocent he planned on ever bedding would be his wife, on their wedding night.
And what the hell did Millicent have to do with anything? She apparently figured into Miss Montgomery’s rejection of him but he didn’t have the foggiest idea how.
He glanced around the room looking at all the ladies though there was only one Millicent that he knew of and she was married to Lydell. That chit had been the bane of his existence last Season. She had been Lady Millicent at the time and had hounded his steps to the point that Jordan almost gave up going into public for fear she would somehow compromise him.
Jordan barley knew the chit but she must be the one Miss Montgomery referred to because the two were often in each other’s company last spring. Jordan had made the mistake of dancing with her on a few occasions, but that is only because he had first asked Miss Montgomery and it seemed rather rude to ask one lady and not the other but that was as far as his relationship went with regard to that Millicent and he could think of no others. Apparently that was all the encouragement the young woman needed before she showed up wherever he found himself. His only escapes last spring were his clubs, the Inns of Court, Gentleman Jackson’s or the privacy of his own home. Jordan hadn’t been cruel in his rejection. Actually he hadn’t rejected her at all, simply did not encourage her and never asked her to dance again.
So, how did she figure into all of this?
He had been on the verge of courting Miss Montgomery. He didn’t know her well, if at all, but the few times he danced with her held promise. He had left but for a few short weeks with every intention of officially calling on her upon his return to London only to find her not at home to him. His plan was to take her driving in the park, ices at Guenters and all the normal things gentlemen did when courting a lady to see if they would suit but he never got the chance. After his return he was only able to secure one other dance and that is because he had practically stolen it from his brother, Clayton. Yet, even during that last waltz she refused to speak with him.
If he could get some answers he would at least be able to offer an explanation, apologize or finally be able to move on without Miss Montgomery inhabiting his thoughts every night. Maybe he would be able to forget about her.
His obsession made absolutely no sense either. What could anyone tell of another person from a few shared dances? Yet he was obsessed. If it were simply desire he would find a substitute. He never suffered from a lack of female companionship, but he didn’t want anyone else. He wanted Miss Audrey Montgomery despite the fact that she clearly hated him.
Miss Montgomery laughed at something Grace said. Meanwhile, Matthew, his brother and former vicar, smiled at Grace, the warmth of love in his gaze. It made Jordan nauseous.
Hell, admit it to yourself. He was jealous of each of his brothers and their wives and the love each couple shared. Jordan downed the contents in the glass and searched for a servant. He would need more than one glass of wine to get him through tonight. Even his younger sister, Madeline was married and over the moon for her husband, Brachton.
A footman came within sight and Jordan strode over and placed his empty glass on the tray and picked up another.
Why was he here? He glanced across the room. Because she was! He and Miss Montgomery would either come to an agreement by the end of the Season or he would learn why she hated him. Then he could put her behind him and find a lady of his own.
The question was — why did he care? Why did he even wish to pursue a woman who wanted nothing to do with him? It was just one of the many questions he had asked himself over the past year but he couldn’t move on until he had answers.
Could it be that it was simply because she was the only lady who had ever rejected him?
No. There was something about Audrey Montgomery that intrigued him, far more than simply rejection.
Audrey Montgomery sighed and relaxed when Mr. Jordan Trent finally left. She wished he wouldn’t watch her so. His smoldering blue eyes sent shivers down her spine. Why had she allowed that man to kiss her just now? She knew what he was! He was a scoundrel who would break her heart in an instant, yet she had fallen into his arms easy enough. She should have slapped him for the liberties he had taken but in truth she rather enjoyed them. This was exactly why she needed to avoid Jordan Trent!
She had hoped he was the one last year. Granted, they only shared a few dances, but after the last dance he had escorted her to the side of the room, looked down at her, his blue eyes darkened and a hesitant smile came to his lips, just barely enough for the dimple to show.
“Miss Montgomery, I would like to call on you when I return.”
Her heart had stopped for a moment before it began an erratic beat. She had hoped but feared he only wished to dance with her.
“May I?” His cobalt eyes bore into hers.
“Yes.” Her answer came out breathy as if she had been running and her pulse certainly felt as if she had just completed a race.
His grin grew wide and be bowed. “I look forward to my return.”
Mr. Trent had returned her to her aunt and uncle and left the ball not much later. The only person she had told was Millicent. Her friend hadn’t been as thrilled as Audrey. “I wouldn’t set my heart on him,” she had said. “I am sure Trent visits many ladies.” She looked at Audrey with sympathy. “He has even shown an interest in me.”
Why couldn’t her friend have allowed her a few moments of happiness? Jealousy had eaten at her, especially since Millicent and Trent would be attending the same house party while she continued on in London.
It wasn’t that he had been gone for so long that upset her; it was what he had done in his absence. Had she known his true character, or listened to the warnings from friends, she would not have been so hurt by his actions. Further, she probably should have expected it of him and she should be thankful she escaped before he managed to ruin her as well. Yet she almost fell back into that very trap this evening.
She still bristled at what he had done. How dare he ruin Millicent?
Audrey glanced up at her dance partner, Viscount Renway. He was a kind gentleman of about eight and twenty. He would never dream of seducing an innocent, nor had he even attempted to make advances on her person. Renway was everything Trent was not. He was a gentleman and Trent was a rogue. Trent had stolen a kiss when nobody was looking. Renway barely brushed his lips across the back of her gloved hand. Her skin burned where Trent touched, even if there were layers of clothing. Renway didn’t even warm her that one cool night when he stood close to her on a balcony. Where Trent was firm, though not forceful, Renway was delicate in the way he touched her, such as how he held her hand now. His g
rip was almost non-existent. Renway did dance divinely. He was light on his toes and swept her from one end of the room to the other.
She just wished he were more masculine. Audrey sighed and looked past Renway’s shoulder. She could do worse, but the man was almost as feminine as she was. While she didn’t want someone rough, strength held much appeal. When Trent partnered her, his hand at the small of her back was firm and guided her across the floor and he held her in a secure grip which was far from painful. Audrey‘s glove was getting damp from Renway’s sweaty palms and it was all she could do not to yank it away. Trent never perspired.
A smile pulled at her lips. Yes he did. When he was engaged in manly pursuits such as boxing or riding, and she only knew of those occasions because she had spied him leaving Gentleman Jackson’s once and witnessed a horse race between him and a few friends. Perspiration from such exertions did not bother her, sweaty palms of suitors however, made her uncomfortable and she was ready for the dance to end.
At least now Trent was gone from the ballroom and was, if she were correct, gambling in the card room. That was more suited to him and much safer for the innocent young ladies being presented this year, who knew nothing about the dangers lurking beneath his disguise of a handsome reputable gentleman. Audrey was certain that once Jordan Trent had his fill of gambling and drinking he would be on his way to the nearest brothel, not giving her another thought. Still, it wasn’t Trent she should be thinking of, but Millicent, whom he seduced last spring and refused to marry.
Rage boiled within her at the injustice. Poor Millicent had been forced to marry Lord Lydell. Thank goodness the child Millicent had conceived from the encounter was a female so there were no issues of inheritance or succession of title. And of course, nobody knew of these circumstances except for Millicent’s immediate family, her husband, and Audrey, who would never breathe a word of the truth and risk ruining her friend.
Audrey glanced to the side of the room. Millicent stood with her husband, a false smile on her lips. It was a shame Millicent couldn’t find happiness and had to marry a man who wanted her only for her dowry. And the situation could have certainly been worse. Millicent might not have married ever and her daughter would have been forced to live with the stigma for being born on the wrong side of the blanket. Regardless, her friend was unhappy and it was all Trent’s fault.
As the dance came to an end, Audrey curtseyed and Lord Renway bowed.
“Would you care for a cup of punch?”
Though she was parched, Audrey had no desire to spend any more time in Renway’s company. “That is very kind of you, but I need to speak with Lady Lydell.” Audrey nodded to her friend across the room.
Renway’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, but he nodded and stepped back so that Audrey could go to her friend.
Millicent brightened as Audrey approached. It was a shame her friend was so unhappy and Audrey could only hope that Millicent one day became content with her life.
After losing more than he cared to count, Jordan pushed back from the table. He couldn’t concentrate on his cards, or the conversations occurring around him. Not when Miss Montgomery was out there, dancing and flirting with each gentleman who paid her a compliment. Why should he remain away from her? Why shouldn’t he demand answers? She at least owed him an explanation.
He lifted a glass of wine from a footman’s tray and strode further into the ballroom. Miss Montgomery was in conversation with Lydell’s wife.
He still didn’t know how she and Lydell had ended up married, but Jordan wasn’t going to question his good fortune. Or, Lydell’s for that matter since the chit had the one thing Lydell needed more than anything—plenty of blunt.
Mr. Bilkin approached Miss Montgomery but she rejected his request. Jordan wondered what was wrong with the chap since Miss Montgomery had danced almost continually since she arrived. Or at least she had before he went into the card room.
Jordan mentally reviewed her dance partners for the evening. Each was an unattached lord or an unattached gentleman who would one day inherit a title. Mr. Bilkin did not have a title and never would. Was that why she dismissed him last spring? She wanted a title after her name?
It didn’t matter what Miss Montgomery wanted, as long he received the answers that had plagued him for almost a year.
Jordan tossed back the rest of his wine and took a step in her direction only to be brought up short by a hand on his arm. Jordan glanced down to his left, noting the sparkling rings on long-delicate fingers. He knew that hand well and a smile formed on his lips. Jordan let his gaze follow her arm, to her breasts, practically spilling out of the burgundy gown, up her long slender neck until he reached her emerald eyes, sparkling with laughter. “Lady Rothsbury, how are you this evening.”
“Delightful, Mr. Trent.” Her smile widened. “And you?” A thin, russet eyebrow rose with the question.
“Much better than before.” Jordan turned to face the fairly young widow. Her husband had been killed in a hunting accident some three years ago and Lady Rothsbury had made no effort to remarry, as far as he knew. And why should she? Widowed at the age of five and twenty, with already an heir and a spare, her life was hers to do with as she pleased.
She linked her arm through his and drew Jordan across the room until they stepped out onto the moonlight veranda. “I understand you have been keeping a secret,” she murmured.
Jordan leaned in and whispered. “To which secret are you referring?”
At one time they had enjoyed the other’s company, after she came out of mourning. There were many nights Jordan had spent in her bed to their mutual satisfaction. At the time he wasn’t ready for a wife, not that his father would have allowed it anyway, and she wasn’t sure if she would ever marry again. It was the perfect relationship with both taking what they wanted, enjoying the other, without the need of commitment. Their association ended with the death of his father and when Jordan vowed to become a respectable gentleman. Who would have known such a feat would be so bloody hard?
Lady Rothsbury laughed. “I understand you are a solicitor and have been for a number of years.”
“Not a number,” he corrected. “Only three.” This wasn’t the first time he had been approached when someone learned of his profession, but this was the first Season he didn’t find himself hushing the other person, insisting they keep it quiet. Prior to his father’s death, Jordan simply denied the belief and only told the truth in private, and if he knew he could trust the person making the inquiry not to tell his father that Jordan had a profession. Actually, it was worse than a profession, he was in trade.
In his mind, a solicitor was as respectful as a barrister, but a solicitor actually took money whereas a barrister received payment from clients through solicitors so as not to be sullied. It was an idiotic belief that a man was less than a gentleman because he was paid for his services when a number of solicitors came from families within society. With his father’s passing, Jordan no longer needed to guard or keep the secret, yet he wasn’t sure he wanted his profession to be fodder for gossip either so he still kept his activities quieter than most men would.
“Long enough,” she insisted. “I am rather hurt you hadn’t told me before.”
“But there were so many more pleasurable things to talk about, and do.” He grinned down at her. “Is there something I could help you with?”
The corners of her eyes crinkled with humor as she studied his body from head to toe. “Yes, but that isn’t the reason I pulled you out here.”
Though the attraction for Lady Rothsbury was rising, Jordan had no desire to enter into an affair again.
“I think my brother-in-law is stealing from the estate.”
Jordan stilled. “Mr. Creighton?”
“Yes.” All earlier humor was gone from Lady Rothsbury. “He controls the purse strings, and allows me only so much in pen money.”
Was this simply a matter of the woman wishing for more funds and being denied?
�
�I’ve made inquiries and learned he is behind in payments to the staff and his debts are mounting.” She pulled him further into the garden. “A friend told me that he has been frequenting the hells.”
That concern did give one pause. Though Creighton should not have the ability to spend his nephew’s inheritance, simply manage the money, there was nothing that truly kept him from bringing the estate to the brink of financial ruin. “I will check into the matter if you would like,” Jordan found himself offering.
Her eyes bore into his. “Please be discrete. He gets very angry when I question him and I don’t wish to have what little funds he does allow cut off.”
“Why were you outside with Trent?” Millicent demanded as soon as her husband was gone and Mr. Bilkin had been sent on his way.
“I wished to tell him to leave me alone.”
Millicent’s features softened. “You would do that for me?”
It wasn’t exactly for Millicent but it was because of her. “I didn’t want the conversation to be overheard by the gossipmongers.”
Millicent patted Audrey’s arm and nodded. “That is very wise of you.” Millicent turned away and once again watched the door leading to the garden. She had been doing so since Trent had gone outside.
“He must not be interested in Lady Rothsbury,” Millicent noted with almost glee before she starting patting her hair and tugging her gown to lower the bodice more. She was liable to pop free from the gown if she pulled it down much further.