“Surely you don’t intend to try again now that the new earl has arrived?”
Beth had gasped in horror when Louisa described her narrow escape as she helped her prepare for bed the previous evening.
“I have yet to decide what to do. If only Mother hadn’t written of her feelings and shared them with that rogue.” From experience, she knew berating her mother for her recklessness would do no good. Her mother’s passionate nature had landed her in trouble several times since Louisa’s father had died, much to Louisa’s dismay.
She sighed. “I’ll need to tell Mother I failed.”
Beth said nothing as she drew back the drapes and added coal to the fire to warm the chilly room.
Louisa sipped her chocolate and nibbled at the toast as she considered her options. “Mayhap the new earl will enjoy an evening out in the next few days, and I can try again.”
Beth spun to stare at her, obviously aghast at the idea. “That holds far too much risk, my lady. What if he catches you again? He might have already found the letters and placed them elsewhere in case you think to try once more.”
“But I need those letters.”
“Why not ask him for them?”
Louisa scoffed at the thought. “He’s a Wright. A rogue through and through. I might not have ever met him, but his reputation precedes him. He’d never hand over the letters of his own accord.”
The idea of asking the handsome man for such a favor had her shifting uneasily. The single candle flame hadn’t been enough to make a thorough study of him, but she’d seen enough. His dark good looks and arrogance spoke of a man used to having whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. She couldn’t imagine asking him for the letters. If he was anything like his uncle, he didn’t have a sympathetic bone in his body, let alone an honorable one.
She couldn’t help a little shiver at the memory of him holding her tight. His close regard as he pulled her toward the candle had sent butterflies dancing in her middle. If he had that much effect over her in dim light, what would it be like to have him study her in daylight?
Surely her reaction was due to the situation rather than him. She’d been caught breaking into an earl’s desk not to mention his house. She was lucky she’d escaped when she had. If he’d called the authorities and held her until they’d arrived to question her...
She couldn’t bear to complete that thought.
Telling her mother the bad news would be unpleasant. Her reaction would no doubt prod Louisa into taking additional action to recover the letters. Louisa hadn’t told her when she was going to make her attempt so hadn’t shared her failure the previous night. It was bad enough that one of them had lost a night’s sleep.
She set aside her chocolate then threw back the covers, eager to have the conversation over and done. Beth assisted her into a warm morning gown and affixed a cap over her hair to help confine it.
With a deep breath, Louisa walked down the hall to her mother’s bedchamber and tapped on the door.
“Enter.”
“Good morning, Mother,” Louisa said, forcing a smile as she joined her.
The Marchioness of Whirlenhall had aged well, much like her mother before her. With blonde hair a shade lighter than Louisa’s, smooth skin, and a curved figure, she could’ve easily passed for a woman of forty rather than two and fifty.
“Good morning, Louisa.” She offered her cheek from her position propped against the bed pillows in a pale blue dressing gown decorated with delicate lace and ribbons. The white lace cap she wore should’ve made her look dowdy but emphasized her blue eyes instead.
Louisa kissed her cheek then pulled a nearby chair closer to the bed.
“What brings you to visit me so early in the morning?” her mother asked as she enjoyed her chocolate.
Though Louisa was filled with regret at her failure, she refused to take all the blame. Her efforts the previous evening wouldn’t have been necessary if her mother hadn’t felt the need to pour out her feelings to the earl. What made the situation even more frustrating was that her mother had decided prior to the earl’s death that she hadn’t truly been in love. Why couldn’t that have happened before she wrote the letters?
She loved her mother dearly but worried she wouldn’t be able to save her this time. The thought of the new Earl of Granger only made her more certain that all was lost. If he found the letters and decided to share them with the world, her mother would be humiliated at the least. Depending on what she’d written to the married earl, she might even be ostracized by Society.
For her mother, such an outcome would be devastating.
For Louisa, it would be equally so.
She wanted a family of her own, though she had yet to find a man she thought she could live with for years to come. She secretly feared she shared her mother’s fascination for rogues and scoundrels. As her mother liked to say, men who misbehaved were so much more interesting than those who didn’t. Louisa’s father had been a charming rogue in his younger days, though he’d quickly reformed after meeting Louisa’s mother. His nephew had inherited the title but had yet to marry. He preferred the country to London, at least for now.
“I fear I have bad news,” Louisa began as she folded her hands in her lap. “I attempted to retrieve your letters from Clarke House last evening but failed.”
“Granger didn’t keep them after all?” Her mother sounded almost disappointed at the thought.
“I don’t know. I was searching his desk when the new earl discovered me.”
“But he wasn’t supposed to arrive until today at the earliest. Wrights are never early.”
“Apparently, this one is.”
Her mother reached out to take her hand. “What happened? Are you well?”
“Quite.” Though she hoped his hand still hurt from her hairpin. “He startled me. We exchanged a few words after which I escaped.”
“Does he know about the letters?”
Louisa licked her lips, wishing she hadn’t told him. At the time, she hadn’t felt as if she had a choice. He would eventually look through the desk. If the letters were there, he’d find them. Maybe even read them. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“Oh.” Her mother drew back her hand to cover her mouth in shock. “Then all is lost.”
Louisa’s heart sank. Her mother tended to be overly dramatic, but in this instance, she might well be right.
“I suppose we’ll know within the next few days,” her mother said, her voice barely a whisper. “Now that Parliament is in session, more of the ton will be in town. Christmas isn’t far away. That means more gatherings.” She paused, blinking back tears. “And more opportunity for Granger to share what he learned about this widowed marchioness.”
Louisa reached for her hand to hold it with both of hers. “There’s always a chance he’ll do the right thing and destroy them if he found them.”
“He’s the Earl of Granger. Of course, he won’t do any such thing. My days in Society are numbered. Whatever will we do?”
“We don’t know that for certain. Perhaps nothing will come of the situation, and we’ll have needlessly worried.”
Her mother cast a disbelieving look at her. “Now you sound like your father. He was such an optimist.” She sniffed delicately.
Before her mother changed the subject, Louisa took the opportunity to attempt to caution her once again. “I ask you to please temper your behavior in these situations. To take a moment to think through the various scenarios that might occur based on your actions.”
“I’m sorry to be such a burden to you,” her mother said as big tears escaped her eyes. “I don’t mean to cause anyone harm, most of all you.”
Her tears made Louisa feel like a toad for bringing her more distress. But in the past few years, they’d had similar conversations more often than Louisa could count.
If only her father had lived. He had held the key to her mother’s happiness. His humor and spontaneity had kept her guessing. He’d never stopped courting her, despit
e their many years of marriage. From what Louisa had discovered of men, he’d been unique.
“You know I love you and want to see you happy, Mother. But if you could hold back from making grand gestures until we have a chance to discuss them—”
“I must follow my heart, Louisa. I would urge you to do the same.” With the passion Louisa longed to eliminate within herself, her mother pressed her hand on Louisa’s chest. “The path to happiness can only be found by following your heart.”
Louisa gritted her teeth. Of late, her mother’s strong emotions had only led to trouble, embarrassment, and humiliation. She had no desire to involve herself in any such encounters that might end in disaster. Her mother did enough of it for both of them, and Louisa’s nerves couldn’t take the additional worry.
~*~
Louisa stayed by her mother’s side the following evening as they greeted the Marquess and Marchioness of Delham, who were hosting a dinner party. Though she knew her mother feared the worst, she hid her concern well. Louisa couldn’t help but search the other guests’ expressions for some sign of derision. Much to her relief, she saw nothing to cause alarm.
They exchanged pleasantries with several acquaintances, but the tightness around her mother’s eyes revealed her continuing concern, at least to Louisa.
“I simply don’t know if I can do this,” her mother whispered soon after they’d arrived.
“I realize it’s difficult, but we must remain strong.”
“Waiting to see if anyone knows of my transgression is unbearable.” Her gaze swung over the thirty plus guests, a hint of panic in the depths of her eyes.
“Calm yourself, Mother.” Louisa reached out a gloved hand to clasp her mother’s. “You look lovely, and no one seems to be the wiser of the situation. There’s no need for panic.”
“No need for panic yet.”
“Everyone is far too busy discussing Napoleon’s defeat and speculating how Europe will move forward to worry over a few letters.” How Louisa hoped this was true.
Thankfully, her words seemed to calm her mother who drew a deep breath then released Louisa’s hand as a friend came forward to visit.
Why couldn’t her mother remember moments like this when she was about to do something untoward, such as write inappropriate letters to a married man? With a sigh, Louisa smoothed her satin gown, one of her favorites. The silver embroidery along the hem, the deep blue bodice, short full sleeves, and rounded neckline with more silver embroidery bolstered her confidence, something she’d feared she might need this evening.
“Louisa, your gown is gorgeous,” Annabelle Gold said as she joined her.
Louisa turned to greet her cousin with a genuine smile. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”
“I didn’t either, but Caroline insisted.”
“How is the soon-to-be countess?”
Caroline, Annabelle’s older sister by two years, had become betrothed to the Earl of Aberland in May, much to her dismay. One moment alone on a terrace in a compromising situation had forced Aberland to propose and her to accept. To both their surprise, they’d discovered themselves enamored with one another. Louisa was envious of Caroline’s love match, despite Aberland having the reputation of being a terrible rogue.
How had Caroline seen beyond his behavior to the man beneath? No matter, Louisa reminded herself. She wanted a husband she could depend upon from the start. Not one who’d cause her to doubt his every word and action.
“She should arrive at any moment.” Annabelle perused the guests. “There she is.”
Louisa followed Annabelle’s gaze to see Caroline beside her betrothed as they greeted the hosts. Her happiness glowed within her, making her even more beautiful. She and Aberland shared a tender look so filled with love that Louisa sighed.
“I know,” Annabelle said softly. “I’m so happy for them but envious at the same time. Love is grand, isn’t it?”
Louisa smiled as she watched Caroline and Aberland draw near. “They are well suited. But I think I’d prefer a calmer match.”
Something in her tone must’ve given her away. “Has something occurred?” The concern in her cousin’s tone tempted Louisa, but how could she share anything about her predicament without betraying her mother?
“A bump in the road. ’Tis nothing of consequence.” At least she hoped not. She turned away to search for her mother and found her safe for the moment, visiting with friends.
“Lady Louisa. Miss Annabelle,” Aberland’s deep voice began, and Louisa turned to greet him, only to see a man all too familiar standing next to him. “May I introduce a friend of mine, Benjamin Wright, the Earl of Granger?”
Louisa’s world narrowed to Granger, unable to utter a word as she stared at the man who held her and her mother’s futures in his hands. His practiced eye swept her over from head to toe, reminding her all too well of his previous close perusal.
Her stomach dropped. Would he reveal all and cause her family’s ruin this very evening?
Chapter Three
Benjamin could hardly believe the odds of meeting his midnight visitor during his first evening out since arriving in London. He’d watched her from across the room, amazed at how different she looked compared to when he last saw her. Yet he had no doubt of her identity.
Her gown was the height of fashion, the neckline offering a small sample of her creamy skin. Honey-colored curls lay along her forehead and temples to frame her face with the rest of the tresses drawn into a knot of ringlets at the back of her head. A bandeau of pearls formed a crown of sorts then twisted artfully around the ringlets. The blue of her bodice made her eyes all the more striking. A single pearl drop necklace drew his gaze to the hint of her breasts.
Quite different and much more demure than the woman disguised in lad’s clothing who’d acted so boldly. Which was the true person?
He’d been pleased to watch her from a distance, but when his long-time friend, Richard Walker, the Earl of Aberland, offered to introduce him, he hadn’t been able to resist. She’d held court in his thoughts for the past two days despite reminders that he didn’t need the trouble such a woman would inevitably cause.
From the bits of gossip he’d overheard this evening, her mother, the Marchioness of Whirlenhall, tended to act brazenly. No doubt her daughter was following in her footsteps based on what he’d witnessed. Though the old Benjamin would’ve been tempted to see just how far she’d venture down that path, the new Benjamin couldn’t risk it. He sighed with regret.
“Lady Louisa. Miss Annabelle.” He bowed as the two attractive women curtsied. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Lady Louisa. He appreciated having her name.
“I’m terribly sorry to hear of your recent loss,” Miss Annabelle said, unaware of Louisa’s shock at seeing him. “How tragic to have lost all of your family at once.”
Benjamin replied with what he hoped was an appropriate response. His full attention was on Louisa. By the flare of her nostrils, she was quite upset to see him. The thought made him smile.
“Forgive me, my lady, but you look familiar.” Benjamin couldn’t resist teasing her. Obviously, he needed to work harder on his self-control.
“Oh?” She raised a brow, her cheeks once again a delicate rose that heightened her beauty. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced before this evening.”
Damn if he didn’t appreciate the fire in her eyes, as if she dared him to tell the truth.
“Hmm,” he murmured. “I’m certain the reason will come to me. I have an excellent memory.”
Her expression, including her deliciously full lips, twisted into a scowl briefly before smoothing out, as if she’d donned a mask to smother her genuine reaction. She offered a polite smile then shifted her attention to Aberland and his betrothed, Miss Gold.
“I thought you might leave London for the country over the holiday,” Lady Louisa said.
“Caroline doesn’t want her father to travel as he’s not in the best of health, so we are spend
ing Christmas in the city.”
“You’ll remain in the city as well, won’t you?” Miss Gold asked Lady Louisa. Benjamin held his breath, hoping she’d agree.
“Yes. Mother prefers to spend Christmas in London. The country house reminds her too much of Father, and my cousin, who inherited the title resides there.”
The conversation continued with him adding very little, mostly because he had difficulty thinking of anything other than Louisa. Watching her proved a delightful pastime.
After the guests had mingled for a time, supper was served. Benjamin found himself seated not far from Louisa—too far away for conversation but not so far that he couldn’t observe. She intrigued him. Was it only because he’d found her breaking into his library? Surely there was more to it than that. Beauty, elegance, and wit all wrapped into a charming and courageous package. Or was she merely foolhardy?
Either way, he was in serious trouble.
Why had fate placed such a woman in his path? To test his resolve of reforming? The bigger question was what to do about it. How could he consider her as a potential wife when she took it upon herself to act in a risky fashion? He had no intention of breaking his vow to put his roguish ways behind him.
Which left him where?
He clenched his jaw and turned to the lady who sat on the opposite side of him, determined to put the lovely Lady Louisa from his mind. Aberland’s influence was the only reason he’d been invited to the dinner party. His behavior this evening needed to be above reproach and set the tone for his new life.
But within a few minutes, his gaze returned to Louisa. He was quite certain she had yet to look at him. The realization annoyed him.
The meal dragged on overlong, at least for Benjamin. At last, the ladies rose to leave the men. Unfortunately, having Louisa out of his line of sight didn’t keep him from thinking of her.
Benjamin forced himself to concentrate on the conversation, which centered on the shifting political map of Europe. Aberland, who sat a short distance away, acted as though he paid little notice to the comments from the other men, but Benjamin knew he listened carefully. The earl was a far better spy than Benjamin had ever been. Of course, he’d been at it much longer. Benjamin doubted any of the other men at the table realized Aberland’s role in the cat-and-mouse game of political intrigue.
A Rogue's Reputation (The Rogue Chronicles Book 2) Page 2