Lillith brought the teacup to her lips, her glance shifting to the doorway. She nearly dropped the cup, spilling some of the contents onto the floor.
Katelyn followed her gaze…and felt her heart fall to her feet.
Lord Balliford stood just outside the parlor door, in the hallway. He was speaking to a servant, his voice firm and authoritative, and he was asking for her.
“Oh my God,” Katelyn said under her breath.
Marilyn leaned forward to see what had caused both her and Lillith’s reactions.
“Bloody hell, he has come hunting you down.”
Lillith set her cup on the table. “I cannot believe he would be so bold as to come here. The nerve of him!”
“You do not know him very well, then,” Katelyn said, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her. Why now? she wanted to scream.
The servant looked into the room and pointed at Katelyn.
Ronald entered, his gaze fixed on her. “There you are, my dear.”
She bit the inside of her lip to keep from saying what she yearned to. She felt physically ill. He looked so much older than she recalled. His hair seemed thinner, his face softer, more weathered. He was tall, but he did not have broad shoulders and his waist did not narrow or taper like Sinjin’s. Indeed, his waist had the same, if not wider, dimensions than his shoulders, and his legs were so spindly they looked like they could barely hold up his larger upper body.
He was so different than Sinjin, who truly was sheer perfection. She loved every hair on his head, every inch of his body.
Her pulse skittered. She loved Sinjin Rayborne, loved him with a passion. And sadly, now with Ronald’s arrival, she might never get another second alone with him.
“You look lovely, my dear.”
Marilyn nudged her, and she realized she had yet to say anything. Ronald had apparently noticed her silence, for his expression was one of concern—and a touch of anger.
Katelyn cleared her throat. “Thank you, my lord.”
“What a surprise,” Lillith said, her voice casual but cool. “I was not told of your impending arrival.”
Ronald actually looked somewhat embarrassed as his gaze shifted from Lillith to Katelyn. “I did not realize I needed your approval, madam.”
His voice dripped of sarcasm, and Lillith straightened her spine.
“I fear I missed Lady Katelyn so much that I came to take her back home to Rose Alley. In fact, I have asked the valet to have a female servant ready your belongings.” He looked straight at Katelyn. “We should be ready to leave within an hour’s time.”
Devastated, Katelyn had to bite her lip.
“I do not understand,” Lillith said, anger flashing in her eyes. “I arrived at Claymoore Hall to chaperone my nieces. I was never told that you would be arriving to take her away from the festivities.”
Ronald lifted his chin high. “I am her intended. I will do as I wish.”
Lillith cleared her throat loudly. “With all due respect, my lord, you are not her husband yet. Katelyn has come to Claymoore Hall to spend time with her sister. I do not see why her time should be cut short merely because you miss her. When you are married, you shall have the rest of your lives to spend together, and time with her sister will be rare indeed.”
Licking his lips, Ronald merely shrugged. “I am sorry you are disappointed, but I did not come all this way to leave empty-handed.”
“My lord, I wish to stay,” Katelyn blurted, and Ronald flinched as though she had struck him.
He abhorred when women spoke out of turn. Indeed, he had once commented that a woman should speak only when spoken to—and never, under any circumstance, should she start a conversation with a man. Katelyn had been appalled, while his sister had merely nodded in agreement.
Ronald watched Katelyn through narrowed eyes. “I see.”
“The party will be over in a week, and at such time I will deliver my niece to you myself,” Lillith remarked, looking cool as could be. The only sign that she was agitated was the bloom of color high on her cheeks.
Ronald forced a smile, completely ignoring Lillith. “Katelyn, we shall be leaving promptly.”
Lillith cleared her throat loudly. “Sir, apparently you have not heard a word I have said.” She managed to keep her voice calm, but with great effort. “Clearly we are in a quandary because I am afraid I will not budge on the matter. My niece has the rest of her life to spend with you. Can you not give her this final week with her sister?”
“Her place is at my side.”
Lillith took a deep breath, then released it. Her cheeks were flushed and her hands were fisted at her sides. “She is staying at Claymoore Hall, and that is my final word on the matter.”
He took a step toward Lillith, and to her credit, she did not flinch. She merely lifted her chin in order to look him in the eye.
“Perhaps we should discuss this elsewhere.”
Lillith’s eyes narrowed. “Why? I have nothing to hide from my nieces. I have told you my wishes and intention, and I would ask if you will comply.”
A nerve ticked in Ronald’s jaw. “Lady Katelyn’s mother thinks it is wise to bring her back to Rose Alley.”
“Yes, she would, wouldn’t she?” Lillith whispered under her breath.
“I beg your pardon?” Ronald asked, his brows furrowing together.
“Lord Balliford,” Lillith said, “my sister has not sent me word to that effect, and until she does, I must insist Katelyn stay on with me at Claymoore Hall.”
Ronald licked his thin lips and turned to Katelyn. “I will admit I am stunned. I imagined you would be most anxious to see me and return to your home.”
“Rose Alley is not my home.”
His eyes narrowed into slits. “But it will be.”
Katelyn bit the inside of her lip to keep from saying exactly how she felt, which was probably a good thing since Sinjin chose that moment to walk into the room with Victor fast on his heels.
Katelyn’s heart stuttered, and she resisted the urge to run into his strong arms. He looked positively gorgeous in leather pants that hugged his muscled thighs. His black Hessians were spotted with dirt, his long hair ruffled.
He must have been out riding with his brother, who was dressed in a similar fashion.
“Lord Balliford, my valet tells me you have just arrived,” Sinjin said in a cordial tone. “I am Sinjin Rayborne, Lord Mawbry, and this is my brother Victor, Lord Graston.”
Ronald inclined his head and gave both Sinjin and Victor the once-over. “A pleasure to meet you both.”
Victor glanced at his brother, who did not hide his surprise at seeing Ronald one bit.
“What do we owe the honor of this visit, Lord Balliford?” Sinjin asked, hands on narrow hips.
“I came to deliver my bride back to Rose Alley.”
Sinjin’s brows furrowed. “I am sorry to hear that, my lord, especially when the women were so looking forward to tonight’s ball and the coming events that my mother has so painstakingly planned.”
Ronald appeared uneasy. He had always had the highest regard for those who outranked him in title and wealth, and in this case, Lady Rochester and her family trumped him in every way. “You will be delighted to know that Lady Marilyn and Lady Nordland will still be staying on with you for the duration of the party.”
Katelyn folded her trembling hands before her, desperate to say what she longed to.
“Lord Balliford, could I interest you in a brandy?” Victor said, nodding toward a footman, who jumped to attention.
“I do not partake of alcohol,” Ronald said tersely. “It is the devil’s drink.”
Victor laughed, but covered it with a cough.
“Tea, then?” Sinjin asked.
Ronald pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. “I can spare half an hour, and then we really must be on our way.”
“Did you bring your sister by any chance?” Lillith asked, lifting her chin a fraction.
“No…I did not.”
Ronald tugged at his waistcoat, looking suddenly very uncomfortable.
“A shame,” Lillith said stiffly, glancing at Victor, who smiled at her with obvious interest. She quickly looked away.
“Who is serving as chaperone on the return journey to Rose Alley, then?” Lillith asked, her voice coming out stronger than expected.
Ronald puffed out his chest. “Katelyn requires no chaperone. She is traveling with me, and I would never dream of compromising her virtue.”
“That will not do at all, I am afraid. As my niece’s chaperone, I must insist she stay on with me until I am able to deliver her to Rose Alley personally…at the end of the party.”
Ronald’s cheeks turned red and sweat dripped off his forehead, onto his jacket.
Lady Rochester walked into the room, her smile warm. “Lord Balliford, what a delightful surprise.”
Suddenly, Ronald became all pomp and grace, nearly bowing to the floor. “Lady Rochester, it is an honor.”
“Will you be joining us for the duration of the party?”
“No, I fear not, my lady.”
Lady Rochester frowned. “No? Forgive me my ignorance, but why on earth would you come all the way to Claymoore Hall if not to join in on the festivities, my lord?”
“He is taking Lady Katelyn away, Mother,” Victor murmured, taking a seat in the nearest chair, crossing his long legs at the ankle.
Aunt Lillith bit her lip. Katelyn could tell her aunt ached to say something, but she did not dare in front of Lady Rochester.
“Oh, what a shame, for Lady Katelyn and Lady Marilyn have been favorites of mine since their arrival,” Lady Rochester said, looking and sounding sincere.
Favorites? She had barely even looked at Katelyn.
“Lady Marilyn shall remain,” Ronald blurted in an effort to appease Lady Rochester.
“But it will not be the same for her sister if she is to leave, will it, Lady Marilyn?”
Marilyn nodded. “Indeed, you are right, Lady Rochester. I would be devastated by Katelyn’s departure.”
“Well, there, you see, we cannot have Lady Marilyn devastated. That will not do at all, so therefore, allow Katelyn to stay on.” Lady Rochester tapped Ronald on the shoulder with a fan as though they were the best of friends. “Your future bride is meeting so many influential ladies—future brides of very powerful men like yourself. It is always good to have such connections, wouldn’t you agree?”
Ronald managed a nod. Katelyn could see his agitation build by the second. He thrived on being in control of every situation. “Perhaps I shall stay on at Claymoore Hall as well.”
Katelyn’s stomach dropped to her toes.
Lady Rochester smiled. “We would be delighted to have you stay on, my lord, though I fear most of our rooms are full.”
“I require no special treatment.”
“I will speak to my valet and see what he can do.” Lady Rochester smiled. “I shall see you all at dinner, then.”
“Thank you, Lady Rochester,” Lillith murmured.
Ronald managed a smile and bowed as Lady Rochester nodded and exited the room.
If only Ronald would leave.
“Gentlemen, if you will please excuse us, my nieces and I will retire to our chambers and prepare for dinner.” Lillith didn’t even look at Ronald as she motioned for Katelyn and Marilyn to follow her out of the room.
Katelyn could feel Sinjin’s stare on her as she walked out. She wanted so desperately to go to him, to bury her face in his chest and tell him to take her far, far away.
“Wait,” Ronald said, and Katelyn’s stomach tightened as he came toward her. “I wanted to give you this.” He pulled a box out of his coat pocket. “Perhaps you can wear it for me tonight.”
Katelyn felt her cheeks turn hot, aware of piercing blue eyes watching her.
She forced a smile, when all the while she felt like crying. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Well, open it.”
She opened the box to find a dainty string of pearls staring back at her. “They are lovely. Thank you.”
“I am so glad you like them, my dear,” he said, his voice far too intimate.
Ronald extended his arm, and Katelyn turned back to look at Sinjin. Jealousy flared in his eyes.
15
Lillith ripped a leaf off the branch, crushing it in her fist. How dare Ronald arrive at Claymoore Hall demanding to take Katelyn back to Rose Alley with him! He was everything she despised in a man, and if she had anything to do with it, her niece would never become Lady Balliford.
And to think that just this morning she had crumpled up the letter she had written Loraine and tossed it in the fire. Damn!
The leaf dropped from her fingers, and she pressed her hands against her stomach, taking deep breaths to regain her composure.
In the years since Winfred’s death, she had maintained her place in society, attending every event possible, acting the typical widow, saying little, staying to the background, and living day after endless day hoping that something in the future might change.
Men like Ronald and Winfred were the reason she would never give up her solitary lifestyle. She had earned it, after all. Fifteen years of facing a husband and his many lovers across the dinner table had taught her to smile through the pain, even if it nearly killed her.
She had become a master at pretending.
“You look angry.”
Lillith turned around, shocked to find she was no longer alone. Victor leaned against a tree, his arms folded across his wide chest, his head tilted at an angle as he watched her with piercing blue eyes. “Why do you keep doing that?”
“What?” he asked innocently.
“Sneaking up on me.”
“I thought you heard me; and for the record, I did knock last night. You just didn’t hear me.”
“I am sorry, Lord Graston.” She released a frustrated breath. “Truth be told, I am just at the end of my rope.”
“Do not apologize, Lily.” His gaze slid slowly down her body in a way that made her very aware of being female.
She cleared her throat, and his lips curved, his gaze finding hers once more.
“You do not care for Lord Balliford.”
It wasn’t a question.
She pressed her lips together, weighing her words. “It is not a matter of caring for him or not. I think it inappropriate that he arrived at Claymoore Hall without first giving notice, and then to demand to take Katelyn with him—well, it’s just too much.”
“I agree,” he said, pushing away from the tree.
What was she doing telling this man her innermost feelings? After all, he was a notorious rake who did what he wanted, when he wanted, with no thought of consequence. From the moment she had arrived at the party, Lillith had heard rumors about each of the Rayborne brothers, each more scandalous than the last. Knowing one of her nieces had fallen victim to such charm made her uneasy to say the least, and yet, she wanted Katelyn to be free to make her own choices.
Victor stopped inches from her, so close she had to bend her head back to look at him. He smelled incredible—a purely male scent that had her pulse tripping.
“How long have you been alone, Lady Nordland?” His voice was silky soft.
“What do you mean?”
“How long have you been a widow?”
“Three years.”
“Three years—and you have been alone all that time?”
She swallowed past the tightness in her throat, stunned he was being so bold, though given his reputation, she shouldn’t have been. “That is none of your business, Lord Graston.”
“Victor.”
Calling him by his Christian name was altogether too intimate. “I prefer Lord Graston.”
His gorgeous lips quirked. “Have it your way, Lily.”
Not liking the hooded look to his eyes, she stepped away. “You might speak to one of your young debutantes in such a way, but I would ask you not to use such a tone with me.”
His gaze shifted
over her face, making her increasingly uncomfortable. She knew the years were beginning to show.
“What are you afraid of?”
He was incredibly sexy, primal, beautiful, and young—at least a decade younger than she, perhaps more—and it had been ages since anyone had looked at her in such a way.
“I am not afraid of anyone, or anything.”
“Yes, you are.”
He was so aggravating!
She took another step away, her gaze scanning the horizon, seeing if anyone was watching. Given she was a chaperone, she could get away with being in the company of a man, but not for long. Everyone would start talking.
“Do not worry, we are all alone.”
She turned on him. “What exactly do you want from me, Lord Graston?”
He tried to look innocent but failed miserably. “Your friendship.”
“Very well, then. We are friends.”
“May I have a kiss?”
“You most certainly may not.” She could feel heat rush up her neck to her cheeks. “I am no young miss you can charm with your wit and good looks.”
“You think me good-looking?” he said, flashing a wolfish smile that made her insides tighten.
She ran a hand down her face and counted to ten twice. “Yes, I do.”
“I think you are beautiful.”
The words shocked her. Winfred had told her she was beautiful when he had courted her, and by the time he had died she had been convinced she was the most undesirable being in all of England. “Thank you, my lord. You are too kind.”
She stared at him, taking in the high cheekbones, the square jaw, the full-lipped mouth. He watched her in return, and Lillith shook her head, wondering what on earth was wrong with her to be so rude and gawk at him. “I really must be going,” she managed to say.
“I shall see you this evening.”
She nodded, and as she walked away, she felt his gaze follow her.
* * *
Sinjin swallowed the last of his brandy, enjoying the slow burn as it worked its way to his knotted stomach. Since Balliford had arrived, his thoughts were in chaos.
“You could take him in a duel.”
Sinjin turned to Rory, who leaned against the four-poster bed in Sinjin’s room. Both his brothers had come to console him before the ball, and though he was thankful for their thoughtfulness, it still did not help the dilemma he found himself in.
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