by Wendy Vella
“I have always liked that young man.”
Shorter than Beth by several inches, Aunt Jane was sweet natured, and had been there for her when she’d most needed it. Aunt Jane had moved in with Beth two days after life as she had always known it had been torn out from under her. Broken and bruised, of both body and spirit, Beth had latched on to the gentle, softly-spoken woman, and never let go.
“Yes, he is a wonderful man,” Beth lied. In fact, she wasn’t sure how she felt about Leo anymore. Theirs had always been a relationship based on annoyance, but now that had changed in the space of a day.
“You shall have fine children,” Aunt Jane said, smiling. “I shall finally hold one of your babes, dear Beth.”
When she’d told her elderly relative the news, the woman had been overjoyed, increasing Beth’s guilt over the deception tenfold; this simply added to that. Beth wanted neither a child, nor to partake in the getting of one… ever!
“So many callers today, we are quite the rage in London now.”
“Yes, let us hope someone else does something to draw the interest away from me.” Beth sighed.
Most of her callers had not been well-wishers; in fact all they’d wanted to know was how her betrothal had come about, as until it was announced society had believed Lord Vereton and Miss Whitlow anything but friends.
“But my dear Miss Whitlow, to have chosen you at your age, one wonders why?” Mrs. Radler had stated loudly. Having two young, as yet unwed daughters, she was not pleased that one of London’s most eligible bachelors was supposedly off the market.
Lying, Beth realized, was fatiguing, and after today, she was now quite convinced it was better to have this fake betrothal done with. She wanted no more kisses or touches. No more confusion and fear.
“I shall be in my room, dear.”
“Of course, Aunt.” Beth climbed to her feet and kissed a soft, thin cheek. She then walked her aunt from the room, and handed her into the care of her longtime maid.
Theirs was not a large townhouse. After the death of Beth’s father, and at Nick’s insistence, as he was the rightful heir to her father’s money and property, they had sold the larger one, and purchased this. Entering her rooms, she looked around, but did not feel the usual peace the room usually gave her.
It was decorated in peach and cream. She’d picked everything herself, right down to the rugs on the floor. This was her haven, the place where Beth could be herself. Today all she felt was unsettled.
Leo had kissed her, and her first reaction had been to lean into his large, solid body and take more. Then she’d remembered.
“Lord, I should not have allowed that to happen.” Beth moved through her rooms, touching things, but not seeing them as she remembered the feel of his mouth on hers. And then he’d pulled her closer, the pressure had increased, and she’d retreated in shock.
A man had hurt her unbearably when she was younger. Beth had never forgotten, nor wanted to. Men were not to be trusted; they let their passions rule them, and thought of woman as chattel. There were, she had come to understand, a few men who were not like this, her cousin for one, but she would never take the chance of another man doing what had been done to her… never again.
Pleased to be interrupted from her troubled thoughts by the knock on her door, she hurried to open it and took the note her butler handed her. Taking a seat, she read it.
I know your secrets, Miss Whitlow. Your father’s blood is on your hands. There is only one word for a woman such as you. WHORE!
Beth stared at the words, hardly daring to believe what they said. Fear slithered down her spine as she read on.
Instructions will follow about where and when you will make payment, so I am not forced to tell others your dark secret.
“Dear Lord!”
Only four people knew what happened that day. Her aunt would never tell. One of them was dead, the other she’d believed was in France. Had he returned?
She sat there in numb silence as memories of the darkest day of her life swamped her. What should she do?
Beth rose and began to pace her room.
Were it just her, then yes she could stand the shame and leave society. But it is not just me, Beth thought.
Pressing a hand to her eyes, she tried to push aside the painful memories of what that man had done to her—a man her father had thought a friend, and allowed into their house—but it was no good, they would not be dispelled. She was back there again, alone and frightened, the day her innocence was ruthlessly ripped away. The same day her father was killed by “a poacher.” No one was ever found responsible. Beth knew differently, however. She knew who had killed him, but shock had held her silent.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“How is Eric doing?”
“Good, my lord. He’s learning fast, and I’m keeping an eye on him. No one has come calling so far.”
Leo nodded to his stable master as he swung himself up on his horse. Eric bowed, then threw him a smile, and Leo thought that the boy already looked healthier, his eyes brighter.
“Good morning to you.” Lifting a hand, Leo urged his horse out of the stables and into the gray London morning. It was early again, which annoyed him, but as he’d not been able to sleep since he’d kissed Beth four days ago, he’d given up trying, and ridden most mornings instead.
He certainly achieved more in a day rising early, he had to admit. The excitement around his betrothal had yet to wane, and that was not helped by the fact he had seen Beth only once since their kiss. Nick told him she had a chill and was staying in bed, but Leo had a feeling there was more to it than that, and he was part of the more.
Letting his horse have its head, he held the reins loosely, and made his way through the streets. Guilt had settled on his shoulders as he realized that perhaps Beth was avoiding him. He’d announced their betrothal, found out one of her secrets, and then he’d kissed her, when for years they’d avoided each other. The problem now was, he couldn’t seem to get her out of his head. Plus, there was the matter of the fear in her eyes when she’d pulled away from him.
Because I know what it is to be scared and alone.
That thought kept rolling around inside his head. Who had hurt her?
Taking a detour, Leo thought food may improve his mood before he headed to Night Street to meet his friends, where they ran an investigation agency. Of course, no one knew it was four noblemen who did so… actually, not entirely true, there were a few people who were aware, but they were trusted with the secret. The wives of his friends and colleagues.
Walking up a narrow lane, he turned left. At the end of this lane was Renn’s Bakers, and there he would find food. He saw a woman ahead, dressed in a stylish bonnet and long, deep red coat. In one hand she had a small girl, who was skipping at her side. On the other side walked a young boy, who if Leo was guessing right, was about six or seven. Another woman walked at the rear.
The lane was narrow and as he approached he opened his mouth to let them know he was about to pass, when the woman turned.
“Beth?”
Surprise was etched in her pretty face as she looked up at him. The little girl smiled, flashing dimples; the boy bowed.
“What are you doing out here with two children?”
He dismounted, and moved closer.
“Good morning,” the little girl chirped.
“Good morning.” Leo could never resist a child.
“I am Scarlett, and this is Joseph. We are going to the bakery to buy a treat. I get gingerbread and Joe a currant bun. Miss Whitlow has a bun also, as does Amanda.”
“Yes, thank you, Scarlett. Lord Vereton is a busy man, we shall let him pass.”
Leo watched as Beth urged the children and maid, who he presumed was Amanda, to the side with her.
“Actually, I am bound for the baker’s also. I shall keep you company, if that is agreeable to you, Miss Scarlett?”
The little girl giggled, as little girls did for no apparent reason, and bobbed her head.
“Oh I don’t think—”
“I think it best you don’t think,” Leo said to Beth as he handed the reins to the boy, who had moved closer to his horse, and begun patting him. “Would you like to ride him, Joseph?”
“Could I?” The boy’s eyes grew impossibly wide.
“Have you sat a horse before?”
The boy nodded so fast Leo feared for his neck.
“Then of course you may.” Leo lifted him into the saddle. “I shall lead you. He is even-tempered, and will give you no trouble.”
“You shouldn’t let him get up there, he could fall.”
Leo looked at the boy after she spoke. He appeared comfortable, and his seat good enough.
“I will not let that happen,” he reassured Beth.
“I wish to ride also.”
“Do you now,” Leo said, reaching for Scarlett and lifting her up in front of her brother. “Hold her steady now, Joseph.”
The boy nodded, placing an arm around his sister, while his eyes remained on the horse’s head.
“Ready?” Leo said. The children nodded.
They began walking, and he held out his arm. Beth could do nothing but take it.
“You are impulsive.”
“Yes,” he agreed, “but never reckless.”
“I am not reckless, if that was your inference.”
“It was not, but I find if someone defends themselves vehemently as you just have, there is a shred of truth to the denial.”
“Did you follow me again?”
“Not this time. This time I merely wanted food.”
They walked a few steps, and he could feel the tension in her.
“Relax.”
“I have no wish to relax.”
“Do you ever?”
“Of course, but rarely in your presence.”
A bark of laughter had the children looking Leo’s way.
“Will you tell me how that boy you took back to your stables is faring?”
“Very good, actually. Eric is fitting in well according to my stable master, who is a crusty old devil and would let me know if he wasn’t.”
“I’m glad he is doing well.”
“And now perhaps you can tell me why yet again you are up at such a ridiculously early hour?” Leo looked at her, and noted the shadows under her eyes then, and the tight look to her face.
“What is wrong?”
Something flashed across her face, and the only label he could put on it was anxiety, but then it was gone.
“I assure you, my lord, I am quite well.”
“Something has upset you, I can see it in your face.” Leo leaned closer, but she pulled away.
“I have recently become betrothed, and I am finding the matter extremely taxing, as is the constant stream of morning callers.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No,” she waved a hand about. “I agreed to this charade even though I originally had no say in the matter. The furor will pass in time. I just need something equally juicy to happen, and society will move on.”
Leo knew what society was capable of, and especially some of the more carnivorous members. He was sure Beth and been subjected to quite the inquest, and once again felt guilt for what he had put her through.
“There is also the matter of you discovering my secrets. Secrets I may add, that no one knows about.”
“And this unsettles you?” He eased her closer as another horse passed.
“Of course!” She glared at him. “I hardly know you.”
“I have promised to keep your secret safe. Having said that, I still believe you should tell Nick about your house and shop, Beth. He would applaud you, not censure you.”
“Perhaps.”
“Who are these children and why are you walking with them?” Leo decided on a change of subject.
She huffed out a breath, which was something, he realized she did often, he’d just never paid attention before.
“They are my butler’s children. His wife passed away last year. I take them out with me sometimes.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“You make it sound like I do not know how to be kind.”
“I wonder how I managed that when I only said, ‘that was very kind of you’?” He gave her a smile; she, however, was focused on the children. “They are fine, Beth, rest easy.”
She looked beautiful as she always did, but something was not quite right. Why he thought this Leo was unsure, but still, it niggled at him.
“Is your aunt unwell?”
“No, as I have stated, it is merely the extra visits from well-wishers that has me out of sorts.”
He grimaced. “I shall call it off today if that is your wish?”
“It is not. But it is most annoying that now women, and some men, are paying me calls simply because I have managed to catch the hand of one of London’s most eligible bachelors.”
“Thank you.”
“It was not a compliment!”
“I stand corrected.”
“Do not make fun of me, my lord. I am in no mood for it.”
He looked down at her, studying the profile she presented him, the sweep of her long black lashes and arch of a feathered brow. Her cheeks were a soft line and her skin smooth and creamy. Small nose, and pink lips. His eyes lingered on that mouth, remembering how it had felt beneath his a few days ago. A curl had settled on one shoulder, and he resisted the urge to tweak it. He was suddenly very aware of this woman, and Leo realized she was beginning to disturb him, which was odd, considering he’d not been able to stand the sight of her before.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Beth was not a person who lived on her nerves, in fact she loathed women who constantly bemoaned the state of their health, but right at that moment she could sympathize. She did not need the large nobleman at her side asking questions when she could not give him answers, and the act of pretending all was right in her world was fatiguing.
Four days had passed, and in that time she had watched and waited, and yet no other note had arrived. Was she to be blackmailed, or simply tormented? Was he back in London, and if so should she be very afraid? Was he a threat just to her, or what of Nick and Grace?
She had gone over and over the entire situation countless times, but could not come up with a satisfactory resolution.
“Is that frown simply because I am keeping you company?”
“You think too much of yourself.” Beth dismissed Lord Vereton’s words.
“Very possibly, but I like to have a woman’s attention when she walks with me, and yours is far from here, is my guess.”
“Ah, but I did not request your company, Lord Vereton, therefore you will have to put up with what you see.”
“A quick-witted woman is both a delight and trial, it has to be noted,” he drawled.
“But then surely you have been outwitted many times, my lord?” Beth thought if she sparred verbally with him, as she always had, he would not continue to ask her what was wrong. Because he may tell Nick, and that would be disastrous.
“You really are an onerous woman, Miss Whitlow. To jab at me constantly with your extremely sharp verbal lance, and I… a mere defenseless male who wishes only to bask in your beauty.”
Beth’s snort turned into a yawn before she could stop it.
“I feared for a moment there you would displace your jaw. Do you wish to ride the horse too? I could help you up there, and you can rest a while.”
“Very amusing.”
“So you help those vulnerable young women, and today you are out walking your butler’s children to the bakery. There seems to be another side to you, Miss Whitlow, that I was not aware of. Will I find you in a tenement tomorrow?”
“Not all of us wish to be indolent noblemen, Lord Vereton. Some are very aware of those who go without—”
“And you believe I am one of them… an indolent nobleman?”
The words had been spoken calmly, but Beth heard the anger beneath each.
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br /> “I don’t know you, how can I form any opinion of your character, other than what I have seen?” Although she had seen him rescue that boy, so perhaps, like her, there was a great deal more to Lord Vereton than she first thought.
“Just as I believed you an annoying, snooty woman who had little but an acid tongue to recommend her.”
Beth found herself laughing, which was surprising as minutes before she’d had little to laugh about.
“Touché.”
“You did not attend the Bledisloe soiree last night, Beth. Is your chill better, as I believe Nick told me that was the excuse you gave.”
“It was not an excuse, and I did have a chill, but now am better,” she lied. Truth be told, she was not ready to face him or society.
They walked a few more steps, and Beth saw the bakery, much to her relief.
“Do not take up lying as an occupation, you will not earn a penny.”
She felt his eyes on her, but as they now stood at the bakery door, he soon looked away.
The scents were enticing as she and Leo walked inside, the air redolent with sweet spices, and the baking of bread.
“Good morning to you.”
“Good morning, Mr. Renn. I shall have four currant buns, and two gingerbread men, please.”
“And I shall have ten currant buns.”
“Who are you purchasing those items for?”
Leo gave her a smile that made something flutter in her stomach.
“Actually I could eat the lot, but I am visiting friends, and shall allow them one each.”
Once they were outside again, Beth handed over a bun each to Joseph and Amanda, and a gingerbread man to Scarlet.
“Well, good day to you, my lord. We are to return to the house now.”
“I shall walk with you,” he said, already eating one of the buns.
“We have no wish to delay you.”
“You will not. I have no fixed time for my arrival.”
“But surely you have no wish to walk all the way to my house?”
“It is a fifteen-minute walk at best, Beth. I fear it shall not tax me overly.”
He gave her a smile that told Beth he knew exactly what he was doing, annoying her with his continued insistence that he keep company with them.