The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount

by Hildie McQueen

  “There’s my sister. I must speak to her.”

  Indeed, across the salon were Vivian and Mr. Yarnsby. When her sister snatched her dance card from the man and stormed away, Clara could not believe her eyes.

  Her normally gentle sister rarely lost her temper. “Will you excuse me?” she said to William. He nodded, his expression stormy at her lack of acquiescence.

  Vivian stood just outside the salon doors. Her serene expression almost caused Clara to miss the hard set of her mouth and slight lift of her chin.

  “What happened? Did Mr. Yarnsby insult you?” Clara took her sister’s hands.

  “Mr. Yarnsby is dimwitted.”

  It took all her willpower not to laugh. “What did he do?”

  “Nothing. He never does anything.”

  “Oh?”

  Vivian let out a long sigh. “Never mind. Let’s go back inside. I must find Glenda. I hear she may be back from India and here tonight. You and I should arrange an invitation to have tea with her.”

  Unbeknownst to their mother, the sisters regularly enjoyed tea with their dear cousin. Although just a couple years older than them, Glenda Grant was well traveled and experienced in more ways than one would expect. The information they’d gleaned over the last couple of years had drawn them to return often.

  When Glenda announced a trip to India with her husband, Clara had been disappointed. It seemed now was the perfect timing for her return.

  “We must find her. I have questions.” Clara took her sister’s hand, but didn’t move. William and Mr. Yarnsby stood just inside. “Let’s go back through the other door.”

  Once inside, the distraction of the music and dancing helped Clara calm down. Glenda was not there. She decided it was best to discuss the matter with William. However, as the minutes ticked by, it became obvious William had either left or was in the gentlemen’s area.

  Finally, after an hour, Clara was incensed. It was their first appearance as an engaged couple and he was nowhere to be found.

  “Walk about the room with me,” she prodded Penelope who’d just returned from dancing, her cheeks flushed from the heat. “I haven’t seen William anywhere.”

  While Penelope chatted about the men she’d danced with, obviously unaware of Clara’s dark mood, they walked every inch of the ballroom and even down the hallway to peer into the library where men lounged smoking cigars.

  William had left. It was then it occurred to Clara that the woman, Rachel, had disappeared as well.

  * * *

  The ride back home was done mostly in silence. Mr. Yarnsby accompanied them back. Although he made excuses for William’s absence, it was obvious the man had no idea where his friend had gone.

  Chapter Eight

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” William struggled to sit up, but he’d been bound with ropes around his torso and legs. “If it’s money you want, you may as well forget about it. I’ve instructed my family not to ever pay a dime.”

  The smell of rotten fish made him struggle not to gag. It wouldn’t do to throw up and then lay in it.

  Although there was shuffling of feet, he couldn’t turn to see who his captors were.

  “We’re just keepin’ you for a bit,” a man said, his scratchy voice telling of many years of bad living. “Already been paid for it, too.” There were chuckles combined with coughing.

  “Who hired you?”

  Footsteps retreated then the unmistakable sound of a door closing.

  “Let me out now!” William called. But he was drowned out by the sounds of fishermen’s calls outside.

  A few moments later, one of the men returned and wrapped a dirty cloth around his mouth. “That should keep you silent for a bit.” He laughed and walked out.

  * * *

  What seemed like an eternity later, his captors finally returned. By then, it was dim outside. He guessed it to be early morning. They untied his now numb arms and legs.

  The men then left, mumbling about finding something to eat.

  For a long while, he was unable to stand. So, he sat on the ground and waited for feeling to come into his arms and legs. He had no idea who would have wanted to hold him captive for an entire night and not demand anything in return.

  No doubt, his parents and Alexander assumed he’d gotten an invitation from a woman and had left the party.

  Hopefully, they knew him well enough to realize he’d never do it without telling someone, or at least escorting Clara home.

  Clara. He wondered how she’d reacted to his absence. No doubt, she was angry with him.

  Finally able to stand, he walked out onto the docks. A few men sat about drinking and chatting. They watched him with curiosity, but none made any comment or spoke to him. Obviously his disheveled appearance wasn’t an oddity. No doubt, this was a location to bring someone kidnapped.

  “Unbelievable,” William muttered.

  “Where have you been?” His mother met him at the door, brows furrowed. “Your father and Alex have been out looking for you all night.”

  She sniffed at him. “Goodness, Son, you smell horrible.”

  “I was kidnapped,” Alexander snapped. “A pair of idiots hit me on the head, took me to the docks and bound me. Then, without explanation, they released me just now.”

  His mother’s eyes widened and she placed a hand across her chest. “Oh, my. Are you injured?” She reached for his face. “Charles, call a doctor immediately.”

  Face etched with concern, Charles hurried to them. “Yes, My Lady.” He looked to William. “Come this way, My Lord. I’ll see about cleaning you up and promptly throwing out those clothes.”

  Later that day, he’d been examined to exhaustion, thoroughly questioned by the police and given several glasses of brandy. His mother would not allow him to do much more than recline as she constantly hovered over him.

  Alexander looked on. “Have you decided whether or not to send word to Clara? She was most put out last night.”

  “That makes two of us,” William replied. “I am not sure what to do about all of this. It makes no sense and, honestly, I fear looking like a fool.”

  His friend nodded in understanding. “Perhaps sending a note of apology or, better yet, paying a visit would be advisable.”

  * * *

  The next day, he felt better although he’d woken with a start not quite sure of where he was.

  On the way to visit Clara, he decided it was best to invite her for a ride in the park and then he’d retreat to Berkhamsted for a couple of weeks. Whoever was out to harm him would have a hard time finding him there. It made no sense what the objective of his abduction was. However, he didn’t want to take a chance that it would affect Clara.

  A solemn butler ushered him to the parlor. He didn’t have to wait long before Clara appeared. “William.” She gave a slight curtsy. “Good morning.”

  Her formality did not surprise him. Obviously, she was quite angry with him. “Clara. I owe you an apology for my disappearance last evening.”

  Instead of a reply, her left eyebrow rose and she looked at him in question. “I can’t wait to hear what you have to say, My Lord.”

  She’d never addressed him formally, even upon learning of his title. William had to clear his throat. How was it possible this young woman unsettled him so? “You see, I became ill and was forced to leave immediately.”

  “Is that so?” She studied him for a moment. “You seem to have recovered well.”

  “Yes...well, I feel much better...” He wasn’t sure what else to say. On the way there, he’d prepared with the name of the doctor who’d come to his home. However, now it seemed that the more he said the less she’d believe him.

  “I came to invite you out for a drive. It’s a nice day out.”

  “I would love to, however, my sister, Vivian, and I have an engagement this afternoon.” She stood as if dismissing him.

  “Clara.” He approached her, not liking that she stiffened at his proximity. “I am truly sorr
y for leaving last night. It was completely out of my control.”

  Although she remained angry, her eyes moved down to his mouth. Clara was attracted to him and desired his touch. Just as much as he desired her.

  Although, William conceded, he wanted much more than a kiss from his fetching fiancée.

  “Allow me to kiss you, Clara.” He approached, not waiting for her to reply and pulled her against him. Although she remained still, Clara did not protest.

  When he leaned in to kiss her, her lips parted in expectation. It was all the invitation he needed. At the moment, William wanted to feel alive, to taste her and take what was offered.

  Their mouths met, and William could not help letting out a sigh at the taste of her. He was not gentle. He needed to show her how much he desired her. The kiss deepened. She released a light moan when he slipped his hand down her bodice to cup her left breast. She was well endowed, her soft flesh overfilling his palm.

  Clara lifted up to her toes and he covered her mouth once again to muffle her soft moan when he ran the pad of his thumb over the tight bud of her nipple.

  Her fingers clutched at his lapels when he thrust his tongue into her mouth as he continued to stroke her breast.

  It was more than he could take and unfortunately William became aroused and hard. Releasing her breast and breaking the kiss, William let out a long breath. “I cannot wait to marry you.”

  “I am not sure what to say right now. I am still angry about last night,” she replied with a lift of her pert nose. Her chest heaved with each breath.

  He smiled at her and pressed a kiss the tip. “I understand. However, I cannot begin to explain my absence. I do assure you it was not something I planned, nor desired.”

  Her beautiful eyes narrowed. “I’d prefer if you’d not insult me by making up excuses. It’s obvious that regardless of the fact there is a physical attraction between us, our engagement is nothing more than a social obligation.”

  “It is more than that,” he snapped, not sure what, exactly, he meant by it. Hopefully, she’d not ask.

  Clara huffed and rolled her eyes. “You should go. I have things to do.”

  “As you wish. However, I will tell you this. I do not make it a habit to shirk from what is expected of me.”

  Her gaze moved past him to the far wall and William wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her.

  “I suppose I shouldn’t take more of your precious time. I will take my leave. I am going to Berkhamsted for a few days to see about a matter that needs my immediate attention. Upon my return, I will come to see you promptly.”

  “A few days?” Clara’s eyes widened. “What about our social obligations. We’ve accepted invitations to at least three upcoming events.”

  “Please ensure to go. Enjoy yourself.”

  “Ugh.” Clara set her jaw. “I will not make excuses for you,” she retorted.

  “What is the matter? I can hear you down the hall.” Her mother entered and looked to William and then to Clara. “Already having a row?”

  Clara huffed. “He is leaving. Returning to Berkhamsted for a few days. Despite our social obligations.”

  The matriarch met his gaze. “I do find that rather alarming.”

  “I do apologize. I promise to be swift about returning.”

  His fiancée stalked away from him. “Perhaps this engagement is a bad idea. I think you proposed rashly and are now changing your mind.”

  “We both know I have not changed my mind about you at all.” He met her gaze and then lowered his eyes to her breasts.

  She colored and looked away.

  “Yes...I see,” her mother stuttered obviously having guessed what had transpired between them. “My Lord, I suggest you make haste and return as soon as possible. Tongues will wag otherwise.”

  “I’m sure with a certain two people missing at the same time last night, the tongues have already been loosed,” Clara said. When she looked down and clutched her hands together, it was obvious how much the incident had hurt her.

  “Who else was gone?”

  She didn’t reply. Instead, she turned her attention to the doorway. “Have a pleasant trip, My Lord.”

  * * *

  Riding back to the townhouse, William was torn about whether he should leave or not. He’d never been a coward to run from a threat. Although the incident had been disturbing, he’d not been hurt or worse.

  London was oppressive, he couldn’t think clearly. Yes, perhaps, his fogged brain had something to do with the slip of a girl he was engaged to. However, the fact he was threatened was not something to take lightly given the fact he’d soon be responsible for not only his welfare, but Clara’s as well.

  * * *

  Back at the townhouse, William sought out his cousin.

  “So you have no idea who would do this?” Alexander asked.

  “No. However, Clara alluded to someone else leaving the party at the same time. Any idea who that that could be?”

  His friend shrugged. “There were many in attendance. Who were you speaking to last?”

  “A couple who had been to Berkhamsted and contemplated purchasing an estate there and Clara. Of course the hosts.” William stopped and sat up.

  “Clara was speaking to Rachel Witting at one point. I drew her away, hopefully before the woman said too much.”

  “Do you think she would do something like this?”

  William had no idea what Rachel was capable of doing. However, she had been put out with him when he’d turned down her offer of continuing their assignation.

  “A woman scorned is quite dangerous,” Alexander quipped. “Perhaps you should have a word with her.”

  William dismounted and tethered his horse. It had been folly to ride on that dreary day. The light drizzle had permeated through his thick coat and, although he wasn’t wet, the dampness of the clothes made him shiver.

  Too restless and annoyed to wait for a carriage to be prepared, he’d sought his favorite horse, Zeus. The huge beast was always at the ready to be released from the stables. Like him, the horse was not keen on remaining in the city.

  Making quick work of the steps up to the front door of the townhouse, William knocked and waited for the butler to open the panel. An austere man with a face that drooped on the left side stood in the doorway, his eyes flickering with recognition.

  “My Lord, please come in. It’s quite cold outside.” He looked past him to Zeus, who pranced in place. “Should I have a footman see about your steed, My Lord?”

  “No, thank you. I won’t be long.”

  “Very well, I will announce your presence to Mrs. Witting.”

  William almost groaned out loud as the man took one step and then another, seeming to hesitate between each. The butler should have retired years ago; even then he was as slow as a turtle.

  “This way, My Lord,” the butler said when he finally returned.

  If not for his foul mood, he would have laughed at having to remain behind the man to enter Rachel’s parlor.

  Rachel looked up as if in surprise. She lifted an eyebrow. “What do I owe this visit to? Did you change your mind and expect me to fall backward and accept your body?”

  “Not in the least,” William replied and remained standing. Even if the woman had invited him to sit, he would have declined.

  She lifted a cup of what he presumed was tea to her lips, but didn’t sip. “Now you have piqued my curiosity.”

  As always, Rachel was overly made up. For the time of day, the rouge and kohl lining her eyes made her appear harsh. She could be described as attractive. However, since his return, he found she’d aged and there was something different about her. A cloud seemed to hover over her.

  “I want to understand the reason behind the men attacking my person,” he said without preamble.

  Rachel didn’t pretend not to understand. Instead, her gaze raked over him. “I don’t see any kind of injury.” She focused on a light bruise on his jaw. “The purpling on your jaw doe
sn’t mar that pretty face much.”

  “Answer my question.”

  He almost took a step back when she dropped the teacup to the floor without care and stood. “I don’t owe you any kind of explanation, Viscount Torrington. As a matter of fact, I’m tired of the expectations of entitled men like you.” Her eyes narrowed until they were almost slits.

  “Year after year, I have laid on my back for you and others only to be treated as a stranger in public. Every single one of you has discarded me once you grew tired or bored.”

  Not about to allow her to pile her bitterness on him, William let out a huff. “We had an agreement from the very beginning. If I remember correctly, it was you who first mentioned a desire for a discreet arrangement with no attachments or expectations.”

  Her gaze shifted, but she snarled after a moment. “Of course. Otherwise, you would have dashed from me. It was what you expected.”

  The accusations made little sense. He studied her and realized something was wrong. Her eyes were unfocused and her cheekbones more pronounced. Her coloring was off as well.

  Rachel Witting was very ill. If he were to guess, she was not long for this world. Why would she wish to cause harm and not enjoy what time she had left?

  “I won’t remain here and argue with you. If I hurt you in any way, I offer my apologies. However, as you may remember, I live away from London and did not wish to return to the city. I informed you of this so that you’d understand my absence.”

  Her shoulders rounded as she lowered back to sit. “I don’t care for apologies. What I do care about is that if I can ruin just one of your lives, it will be a little bit of fairness.” She looked to the door. “You shouldn’t have come to annoy me.”

  The chuckle that came next made William’s hair stand on end. It was so filled with hatred. Rachel’s lips curved. “I doubt that idiotic, naïve girl, Clara Humphries, will want to marry you after this. After all, she comes from a perfect home, with perfect parents. Why would she want to marry someone as imperfect as you?”