Grace pressed her lips together. That was an excellent point. He escorted her to an empty table where a pot of tea was set in the middle. “What if they don’t get up for hours? Do we continue to London as though we didn’t know they were here?” she asked as she sat down. Had she managed to keep the hopeful note out of her voice?
“They’re searching for you. I doubt they’ll be much longer.” He rubbed his chin.
She tapped the table. “Why didn’t we run into Vice and Ada? You did say they were following you to my rescue.”
His eyes widened. “That’s an excellent question. We’ve been so busy, I forgot all about them.”
They had been busy. A blush infused her cheeks. And tonight, whether they made it to London or were just travelling with her family, they’d have to sleep apart. She swallowed down a lump.
It wasn’t just the fear. Though that most decidedly was a factor. It was also the feel of him. His muscles, his heat, the way he made her feel inside. She didn’t want to be without him. “Do you think we’ll reach London today?”
He shrugged. “Most likely.”
She took a large sip of her tea then carefully set the cup down. “Where do you live in the city?”
He cocked his head to the side. “On Bradbury Street. Why?”
Her shoulders slumped. She didn’t know it. “Where is that?” She wanted to know in case…well, in case she just couldn’t be without him.
He cocked his eyebrows. “You know that you can’t come traipsing to my house.”
“I can if we’re engaged,” she sniffed. “Which we are.”
He sat back in his chair. “It’s your choice. I told you that. But don’t make it too hastily. I don’t want fear to be the reason you choose me.”
She frowned. That was understandable. But she knew it wasn’t why. “I am afraid but it’s more than that.”
“Well, I’ll be,” a man’s voice boomed from the doorway. “We’ve found you after all.” Lord Darlington crossed the room.
“Grace,” her cousin, Minnie, squeaked behind him. “Thank goodness you’re all right!”
Grace stood and embraced Minnie. A mixture of delight and regret assaulted her senses. While she was so glad to be reunited with her family, she’d miss her time alone with Ben. “I am. Thanks to Lord Baderness. He staged a very daring rescue.”
“And Abernath?” Darlington asked.
Ben looked away. “Dead, I’m afraid.”
Darlington gave a sharp nod. “I don’t know if I should be happy or sad.”
Grace shook her head. “She was sick in body and mind. I’ve seen it before. Pox all over her hands.”
Minnie winced, hugging Grace again. “You poor thing.”
Darlington put his arm around his wife. “And Crusher?”
“Also dead.” Ben had moved closer and his hand came to Grace’s back.
Daring stared at the two of them, missing nothing. “Did you see all of this transpire?”
She gave a tentative nod and Daring’s face spasmed with regret. Ben let her go and leaned over to Daring. “She’s having trouble sleeping.”
That wasn’t true. She would have trouble sleeping, except a certain man had kept her wrapped tight in his embrace. “I’ll be all right.”
“Grace,” Diana called from the doorway rushing toward the group. “Thank the Lord.” She threw her arms about Grace, who nearly fell back, but Ben caught her, propping them both back up.
Diana unwound her arms from Grace’s neck and looked at Ben. “You’re rather familiar.”
Heat filled her cheeks at the truth in Diana’s words. Diana always spoke her mind and with her dark hair and statuesque beauty, people usually listened. But Grace reached for her sister’s hands. “I’ve made quite the nuisance of myself where Lord Baderness is concerned,” she said. “I’ve been a bit jumpy and he’s been very patient with my needs.”
Diana frowned. “He hasn’t taken advantage?”
Grace shook her head, not daring to look at Ben. “He’s been a perfect gentleman.”
Diana’s shoulders relaxed. “And Abernath?”
Grace cringed. She hadn’t been lying to the countess. Diana had felt a certain kinship with the woman. “She died, but don’t be upset. She was ill and relieved for her death to be over so quickly and painlessly.”
Diana stared at her sister. “Grace. Are you all right?”
Grace blinked. What did that mean? “Of course, I am. Don’t I sound all right?”
“Yes. Very reasonable. Which is not…really…you.”
* * *
Bad pressed his lips together to keep from laughing out loud. Diana had a way of putting a point on things.
When he thought about it, it wasn’t dissimilar to Grace’s manner and he quite liked it.
Grace, however, appeared less amused by Diana’s comment. “Oh please,” she said. “Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can go around telling other people how to behave.”
Lady Winthrop appeared in the doorway. “It would seem my daughter has been found and is unharmed. She’s already putting her older sister in her place.”
Grace gave a soft groan.
He leaned down. “Are you all right?”
Her lips pursed. “I’d rather face Abernath again.”
“And you were rescued by a handsome lord. Tell me daughter, is there another wedding in our future?”
“Mother,” Grace said. “Yes, I’m injured. A bit shaken still but managing to cope with the scare. Thanks for asking.”
Ben nearly choked from the effort to suppress his chuckle. He was beginning to understand Grace in a whole new light. She came from a family of outspoken women who were also all uncommonly beautiful.
“Yes, yes,” her mother answered as Lord Winthrop followed just behind his wife. “But still. The circumstances…”
Grace huffed a breath. “Lord Baderness should not be saddled with me simply because he was kind enough to rescue me.”
Her father cleared his throat. “That will be my decision not yours. Baderness, I’d like a word.”
He straightened, trying not to grimace. What was the man going to say? That Bad wasn’t fit to be the carpet under his daughter’s slippers? He might have a point, but it was going to hurt to hear it. “Of course, my lord.”
The man turned back and Bad followed. But he hadn’t made it a single step before a hand tugged at his arm. He looked back to see Grace, her blue eyes staring up at him. “Don’t let him strong-arm you.”
He swallowed a lump of emotion. “I won’t let him strong-arm you,” he answered, then continued to follow. So strange, he’d lived his entire life alone. At least what he remembered. He supposed he’d had parents when he was very young, he just didn’t remember them. After all this time, he hated to be apart from Grace.
Lord Winthrop led him into a private dining room and turned abruptly on heel. “You know what I wish to discuss?”
Bad swallowed the lump in his throat. “I have an idea.”
Winthrop stepped closer. “Listen, son. Marriage doesn’t have to change who you are.”
Bad scrunched his brow. “I beg your pardon?”
Her father shifted. “If it’s money you need, I’ve been spared three of my four daughters participating in society. There’s extra.”
“Extra?” He rubbed his face, trying to follow the thread of this conversation. “You aren’t upset with me for being alone with your daughter?”
It was Winthrop’s turn to look confused. “Upset? You saved her life. Right quickly too. But her reputation is at risk.” He placed a hand on Bad’s shoulder. “I know you came into the Barony unexpectedly. Grace would be an excellent match for you. Our bloodlines are impeccable and our social standing excellent. And you must have noticed that she’s lovely. She’ll make you beautiful babies.”
Ben’s stomach pitched and he nearly toppled over. A baby. His baby. He imagined Grace round with his child and his heart nearly stopped in his chest. “She would.” H
is voice was raspy and he barely found the air to push them out.
Her father nodded eagerly. “You’d be helping her. And in return, we’d help you.”
Bad cleared his throat, trying to calm his body. “I agree with all you’ve said.”
“Good.” He slapped Bad’s arm. “It’s agreed.”
But Bad raised his other hand. “It’s not me I’m concerned about. It’s Grace. As you said, I was not meant for the title. I wasn’t raised for it.” That was an understatement.
Her father shrugged. “You’ve got one now. And a woman like my daughter would aid your success.”
Winthrop was likely right. “Don’t you think Grace could have a duke or a marquess? Do you really want her to settle for a baron?”
The man squinted. “Becoming a baroness is far superior to being a spinster.”
Bad nodded. “I agree. And I won’t let that happen to her, but I wanted to give her a choice of husbands before she’s saddled with me.”
Her father frowned. “I’ll not pay for a season, knowing that a secret like this could ruin her at any moment.” The man stood straighter, still tall and fairly broad.
Bad said a silent prayer that Winthrop wasn’t planning violence, holding up his hands.
“I didn’t want to have to start your relationship like this but I’ll force the issue if I have to,” her father said.
Bad frowned. “I’ve already informed Grace that I will marry her.”
The man instantly relaxed, smiling at Bad. “Good. Perfect. Then there’s no need to continue this conversation.”
“I disagree,” Bad answered. “Take whatever extra money you were going to give me and use it for Grace to participate in this year’s season. If at any point people believe she’s ruined, we’ll marry. But give her a chance to find someone better.”
His heart cracked in his chest. Part of him wanting to take all those words back, agree with her father’s plan, and marry Grace at the earliest possible moment. She could be his.
Like lightning his feelings penetrated his mind. He was in love with her. He’d seen his friends fall one by one and yet he hadn’t recognized the symptoms himself. His inability to be without her, the way every part of her was appealing.
Her father grunted. “You’re willing to be the backup plan?”
“For her? Yes.” His heart stuttered again. In between the beats it cried that he was making a terrible mistake.
“I’m not sure I can support that, but I’ll think on it for a day.”
He gave a nod, ignoring his own pain. This was for her.
Chapter Twelve
Grace looked at the door for what had to have been the tenth time in the last three minutes. She was surrounded by people who loved her and would protect her no matter what, but she didn’t feel right without Ben.
Which only reaffirmed what she already knew. Her attachment to him was about a great deal more than safety.
Not that she didn’t know that, but still, every time he was away, it reaffirmed her feelings.
She took another sip of tea, her eyes sliding to the door again.
“Grace,” Emily chirped from her right, having joined the group a few moments prior. “Do you want to ride in our carriage?” Her eldest sister dropped her voice. “We all know how mother will be.”
Her heart began to thud wildly. She’d be separated from Ben the entire day too? Why hadn’t she thought of that? “I can sit with Lord Baderness. I’d hate to leave him with Crusher’s carriage.”
“Don’t be silly,” her mother answered. “You can’t ride with him, dear.”
Grace clenched her fist under the table. She’d been alone with him for nearly two days. It was on the tip of her tongue to say that they were engaged. But once she did that…
She didn’t hold back for her sake. She’d happily marry him tomorrow. Grace held back her words for him. “Mother,” she set her cup down, staring just over her mother’s shoulder, careful to not look her in the eye. “I may never ask this question again.” She swallowed, her insides churning. “But how could I improve myself? Be a better person.”
Diana drew in a sharp breath while Emily dropped her spoon in her tea, causing it to splash. Her mother stared for a moment before she reached for her hand. “Since you’ve asked, I—”
“No,” Minnie stopped her aunt before she could begin. “Grace. Why are you asking this?”
Heat flushed her cheeks as she twisted her hands. “Sometimes I wish that I was more like Cordelia or Diana or you, Minnie.” Her only known talent was beauty while Cordelia was so smart and Minnie terribly brave and strong. What did they say about her? Spoiled.
Minnie frowned, her brows drawing together. “Everyone sees the best of others and wishes to be more like those people.” Minnie leaned closer. “But you’re wonderful, Grace.”
Grace shook her head. “I know what you all think. I act selfishly, I speak without thinking, I—”
“Grace,” Diana soothed, her voice soft and gentle. “I speak without thinking. You speak with pointed accuracy.”
Grace shook her head. “I’m not bold.”
Emily grabbed her hand. “But you’re strong. Look at how you’re holding up in the face of all this insanity. What makes you think you need to change?”
She drew in a deep breath. “He’s attracted to me, but he doesn’t like me.” She gazed at her lap.
No one spoke, silence stretching out between them until finally Diana cleared her throat. “I have no idea if that’s true or not but I can tell you that the right man for you will like you exactly as you are. Do not change yourself for his benefit. That will not make you happy.”
Grace didn’t look up. “But I like him. In fact…” Did she dare to say the words out loud?
“In fact, what?” Minnie scooted closer.
“I think that I love him.” Grace nibbled her lip.
Diana cleared her throat again. “Is it possible that you’re just grateful for his rescue?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I felt this even before the kidnapping. This growing need to be near him all the time.”
Minnie raised her brows. “But the two of you argued constantly.”
Grace shrugged, finally looking up from her lap. “There was this energy between us and I didn’t know what to do with it so I would just tease him. I—”
Emily grabbed her hand. “Heaven help us, you are in love.”
“What do you think he and Papa are discussing?” Grace asked as the other women shifted.
“Your marriage, of course,” her mother answered. “He’s been alone with you.”
Grace drew in a deep breath. “Then I’ve no choice but to change. I love him, we’re going to marry. I can’t bear to have these feelings and not have them returned.” She drew in a shaky breath. “He says that he wants me to have options, but he’s been trying to get out of our union. What else am I supposed to think?”
Her family was silent. There was nothing to say. She was woefully correct.
* * *
Bad walked back into the common room to find the women huddled together, their heads bent, but no one spoke a word. Silent women were the worst sort because it wasn’t natural and therefore meant something had gone very wrong.
And right now, he knew what the problem was: him.
Had she told them what he’d done last night? Or had she shared his past? How he was a former poor orphan trying to bed a lady.
His insides tightened and he let out a soft groan. Grace’s eyes snapped to his and she stood so quickly her chair fell back, crashing to the floor.
The noise made the other women jump and Grace cried out, her eyes wide. He was at her side in an instant, righting the chair. “There’s no cause for concern,” he said, in a hushed voice that was meant to soothe.
“We were discussing which carriage I should ride back to London in, my mother’s or Jack and Emily’s. I…” She looked up at him, her lip trembling.
“We can’t go back to
London yet,” Diana interrupted. “We need to collect Lady Abernath’s body.”
“I beg your pardon,” Lady Winthrop inserted. “We do not.”
Diana held up her hand. “Listen. We’re going to say we all came out here because of what Crusher did to Abernath. Then we’re going to give her a proper burial. Not only does it serve us, but it helps Harry. And…” Diana paused. “The woman was ill and a victim in her own way. She doesn’t deserve a delinquent’s grave.”
Grace moved closer to Ben. Not only did this plan delay their return to London, it gave her more time with him. “I agree. It’s a solid plan.”
Lady Winthrop stood. “You can’t be serious. The woman stole two of my daughters and I haven’t the first clue why. Feel sorry for her? And why is your sister Cordelia raising her child? I want answers.”
Grace took another partial step toward him, her shoulder brushing his chest. Whatever had made the women quiet, they were over it now and he realized he’d like their silence back because these questions were going to crush him.
He brushed her back with his fingers, trying to give Grace the comfort she craved. Minnie and Diana both stared and he pulled back his fingers. They were two of the most intimidating women he knew. Together, they may very well swallow him whole.
“Lady Winthrop.” Daring approached the table. “I think it best that I explain. But first, I’d like a word with my friend, if you’d permit me.” Then he looked at Bad.
Bad let out an audible sigh. Again? “Of course,” he answered, his fingers brushing Grace’s back once again. She pressed closer.
“Lady Winthrop, can Grace accompany us as well? We’ll only go to the other room.”
Grace’s mother waved her hand. “By all means. Why should any of us stand on ceremony or follow a single social rule? I raised you girls correctly. What’s happened?”
Daring gave Lady Winthrop a wink. “They ran into a gaggle of scandalous lords, my lady. But fear not. They’ve done an admirable job of taming the lot of us.” He cleared his throat. “And that includes Grace.”
Baron of Bad: Lords of Scandal Book 5 Page 7