His Impetuous Deputante (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time - Book 1)

by Charles, Jane

  He didn’t wait for an answer and marched out of the house.

  * * *

  Phoebe stood at the window and watched Taylor ride away and brushed the tears from her face with the back of her hand. She hated fighting with him, even if it was pretend. It just didn’t set right with her. She turned at the quiet knock on her door. “Come in.”

  Noah stepped inside and closed the door behind him. “This went off better than we could have planned.”

  “Why?” Phoebe took a step toward him. She had thought the argument was a waste but Taylor insisted they keep up the pretense in the event someone was listening who would report back to London that the Sandlins had not reconciled.

  “Lady Willoughby and Lady Johnson are in the parlor having tea with Victoria.”

  Phoebe could feel her eyes go wide and she brought a hand to her mouth to suppress a giggle. “Oh, my. Those two will have this story spread before Taylor even makes it back to London.”

  Noah grinned. “Like I said, we could not have planned this better had you tried.”

  * * *

  The rumors were false. Even if the cousins had been at the docks, they were long gone. Taylor wished he was still with his wife, but it was best that he left when he did. A longer stay would have brought into question the rumors of their relationship and if it appeared his wife was allowing him liberties, it would put Phoebe back in danger.

  No, this was for the best. Even if it killed him.

  Once again Taylor made the rounds to the seedier gaming hells and brothels. Each night he bathed himself thoroughly to get rid of the stench. He wanted this over soon, tomorrow preferably, but his cousins had vanished completely. The last anyone had seen of them was right before the end of the Season, before the masquerade ball, but none of them were at that event, that he knew of. It was a masquerade so they could have been cleverly disguised, though Taylor doubted any of them had the intelligence or creativity to pull off such a feat. Still, it was enough to make Taylor continue to proceed with caution. In all likelihood, one of them was behind the fire and had then followed Phoebe and him to the country. Somehow, they had learned of his wife’s condition. For all those reasons, he would not relax his guard. He sent investigators into the country in search of the three cousins. At the moment, he was betting the Little Season would bring them back to London.

  * * *

  She was standing in the side garden when he rode up. A smile pulled at her lips and she took a step in his direction before she remembered herself. Her lips drew tight and straight, her shoulders back, spine straightened and finally, her chin in the air. Taylor fought to keep the laugh inside as Phoebe turned on her heel and marched into the house. He sighed and removed himself from the back of the horse, tossed the reigns to a servant and followed her inside.

  She wasn’t in the parlor but Phoebe’s younger sister, Philomena pointed up the stairs, her young face grim.

  Taylor didn’t bother to knock on the door but entered and closed it behind him. He didn’t have a chance to catch his breath before she was in his arms. His automatically went around her as he drew her close, her scent of lilacs wafted to his nose. He needed this. He needed her. How could he get through anymore weeks without her by his side?

  He pulled back and looked down. His beautiful wife had grown, or their child had, in his absence. He brought his hands up to caress the gently rounded stomach and felt slight movement beneath his hand. The fashion of today hid her condition well because he had no idea she had increased so much while standing outside. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to leave the house, however. Not that he was going to be the one to tell her.

  Her hand came over his. “Did you feel it?”

  He laughed when he felt the movement again, so slight it could almost be missed. “Stand back and let me look at you.”

  Phoebe did as asked but the gown fell perfectly so that he could not see what he had just felt and he drew her back in his arms.

  “This is the last time you will see me until either they are found or it is time for our child to be born.”

  Phoebe pulled him close and held him tight. “I don’t want to think about you going already.”

  Taylor kissed her temple. “I know, and it is only going to get worse.”

  “How?” Phoebe studied his face.

  He didn’t want to talk about this now. He didn’t want to sully this homecoming and the few short days they had together with the ugliness of what he was about to do. Instead of answering, he kissed her.

  Chapter 23

  Taylor glared at Noah as he tracked him down at Whites upon arriving back in London. “Well, it is over.”

  Noah stood and looked him in the eye. “Good.”

  “Are you happy that I am ruined? Are you happy that your sister will no longer live in the manner in which she has become accustomed?”

  “I will see that she lives quite comfortably,” Noah spit back.

  Taylor reached forward and grabbed him by the lapels. “Oh, I have no intention of dissolving our marriage. She made this decision and she will suffer right along with me. As soon as I return to the country, she will be back in my house and in my bed, even if it is too late for her future.”

  “There is still time,” someone piped up. Taylor and Noah glared at the man who sank back. “Doesn’t she?”

  “No,” Taylor bit out. “Unless you know of a means to bring a baby into this world in seven months’ time, and not the normal nine.”

  The man, red in the face and shaking opened his mouth to speak.

  “And I don’t mean by ways usually used by lying about a birthdate so the world doesn’t know the bride was expecting at the time of her wedding.” He was shouting and he didn’t care. In fact, it worked to his benefit.

  “I will not let you bring my sister down to the gutter with you. Look at how you have lived. Brothels, gaming hells and the like.”

  “She is my wife and I will do with her as I please.” Taylor spun on his heel and marched out of the establishment. Now, to secure a mistress and then he could go about finding his cousins. They have to return to London soon or he would go mad. On the other hand, only four more months and Phoebe will deliver his son. That would at least put her out of danger, but would it bring danger to his son if the cousins weren’t found?

  Invitations began arriving. His wife’s name was not included with his. So, for the nobility at large, it appeared everyone believed the rumors. Tonight he would be attending the opera with Chambers and two ladies. One in particular had overtly hinted she wouldn’t be against a mutually satisfying partnership with Lord Sandlin. Taylor had to think of a way to discourage the widow without raising suspicion. Following the opera, they were to attend a ball. His plans included being seen escorting potential mistresses about town. The problem lay in maintaining the proper balance between perception and truth.

  * * *

  As the days turned into weeks with no word from Taylor, Phoebe began a letter to him. She hoped to have the opportunity to get it to him, but even if she couldn’t, she still felt as if she were sharing what was happening with the baby in his absence and what little news she had of home. Unfortunately, life in the country wasn’t nearly as exciting as a London Season and there wasn’t much to add. Some horses were being trained to run at Ascot. No, before he asked, she was not assisting in their training, though she tended to supervise from a distance. However, that supervision was soon to come to an end as her condition was barely disguised, which amazed her, being only five months along.

  At the end of each letter Phoebe would make her way downstairs to her pianoforte where Mozart flowed through the room.

  * * *

  With no real desire to court potential mistresses Taylor attended another ball alone. Keeping up the appearance of being separated from his wife, looking for a mistress and trying to locate his cousins was exhausting. He had half a mind to leave and go home for a good night’s sleep, but couldn’t. After the ball, he needed to return to the gaming hells a
nd continue his search. The investigators he had sent scouring England for his family had reported back that they had found nothing. More were sent into Scotland and to the continent. Surely they had to be somewhere. But what if they weren’t? What if they had gone off to India, or someplace equally far? If so, that would mean they weren’t responsible for Phoebe’s accidents. Or, perhaps they were but had given up. Either way, he couldn’t assume, or relax until they were found and it was taking damn too long.

  Taylor was standing with Martin and Janine, when Lavins approached with a lady on his arm. Who was this lovely creature? It certainly wasn’t Richard’s wife.

  The woman studied Taylor, making him quite uncomfortable. If he didn’t know any better, and perhaps he didn’t, he was being sized up. Who was she and why was she doing this?

  “Sandlin, I would like to introduce you to Lady Bates,” Richard announced as he approached.

  Taylor took her offered hand and kissed its back. “It is very nice to meet you, Lady Bates.”

  Richard turned to Janine and held out his arm. “Shall we stroll?”

  She smiled up at him and linked her arm with his. “That would be very pleasant, thank you for the offer.” She looked over her shoulder and winked at Martin.

  Lady Bates stepped closer to Taylor, linked her arm with his and leaned in, ever so slightly. Taylor watched her from the corner of his eye. Had she sought an introduction because of the rumor he was looking for a mistress? He truly hoped not, though she was quite beautiful indeed.

  She turned to address Martin and in the same movement brushed her breast against Taylor’s arm. It took all of his control not to pull away, but this was perfect for the ton to observe. Who was she, though, and where did she come from?

  “I have just recently returned from America, Lord Meadows. My husband and I moved there oh, five or so years ago. I just recently decided to return to London.”

  That answers that question.

  “I just couldn’t stay away any longer and came looking for the excitement only a Season could offer,” she finished in a seductive tone and leaned closer to Taylor, if that were possible. She was already almost plastered to his side.

  “Would you care to stroll in the gardens, Lord Sandlin?” she purred up at him.

  “No, thank you, my lady. I have already been out this evening and it isn’t nearly as refreshing as one would think.”

  “There is a waltz coming up. No one has spoken for that particular dance, my lord.”

  “I am sure someone will ask, my lady.”

  “If I didn’t know better, Lord Sandlin,” she continued in a purr, “I would think you didn’t find me attractive.”

  Taylor looked down at her face without moving his head and raised one eyebrow. “Then I apologize for any insult. None was intended.”

  “Lord Sandlin, let’s deal honestly with one another, shall we?” she proposed, and pulled him away from the crowd.

  Taylor wasn’t given much choice but to follow. A beautiful lady draped on his arm served his purposes perfectly. However, this lady tended to be more forward than the others and was obviously after something. Him. In private he would be able to deal with the situation better.

  It took him just a moment to realize that instead of dragging him outside, she pulled him up the stairs to exit the ball altogether. He came to a stop just as she began mounting the stairs. She stood one step above him, turned and looked him in the eyes, a wicked smile on her lips. She leaned forward and placed both hands on his shoulders before she whispered in his ear, “You will escort me to your townhouse now, Lord Sandlin.” He started to pull back, but she held him in place. “If you care for Phoebe, you will do as I ask.”

  Chapter 24

  Who was this woman? She guessed that he cared for his wife. He didn’t think he had slipped. Perhaps she knew more than she let on. Had Lavins said something? No, he wouldn’t have said a word. Well, there wasn’t much he could do about it anyway. He wouldn’t have his answers until the woman was ready to speak. They rode in silence. At least she moved away from him now that they were alone.

  Once in his library, she shut and locked the door. “Would you care for something to drink, Lady Bates?” He didn’t attempt to disguise his irritation.

  “A glass of wine would be lovely. And please, call me Olivia, as we are going to become quite close.”

  Taylor slammed down the decanter and turned on her. “Who are you and what makes you think we are going to be close? I don’t appreciate you alluding to my wife, nor the fact that I may have some particular feelings,” he yelled at her, finally free to say what was on his mind. Maybe his anger would scare her, and she would run away. He could only hope.

  Olivia fell into the chair with laughter. “I had you worried, didn’t I? Were you afraid I would blackmail you into keeping your secret?”

  Clearly the woman didn’t scare easy. Perhaps she was daft. Taylor took an angry step forward and Olivia quickly sobered. “Please, Lord Sandlin, hear me out. I do apologize, and know I tend to overdo things a bit. Patrick is always complaining I’m a bit too dramatic at times. I think I would have loved being on the stage.”

  “Patrick? Who the hell is Patrick?”

  “He is my betrothed, but he won’t arrive from America until shortly before Christmas, so we won’t have to worry about his interference.”

  “Betrothed?”

  “Perhaps I should explain, but not until you give me the glass of wine you offered earlier.”

  Taylor retrieved the crystal and handed it to her, then stood back, arms across his chest and waited.

  “Oh, please sit down and quit looking at me like that. I have no intention of blackmailing you. I only have a bit of fun in mind.”

  “Lady Bates, I believe you have picked the wrong person for your fun.”

  “Oh, no, Lord Sandlin. You are the perfect person. Please.” She gestured to the chair. “Sit down and hear me out.”

  Reluctantly Taylor took a seat and waited for her explanation.

  “I needed to see for myself if you were the man I thought you to be or the one the ton is gossiping about.”

  “The purpose?”

  “I needed to know for sure before I made my proposition.”

  His eyebrows went up. “And what proposition would that be?”

  “To be your mistress until the end of the Season, of course. It is obvious you are looking for one, or so it would appear.”

  “I haven’t yet decided on a mistress, Lady Bates, but I’ll surely keep you in mind.” Taylor stood.

  “If I waited for you to decide, then I would wait forever, now, wouldn’t I. As would the others who are eagerly awaiting to fill the role.”

  She knew he had no intention of taking a mistress, yet she offered herself. What was she about?

  “Lord Sandlin, let me start at the beginning, then you will see how I will be perfect for the role.”

  Slowly Taylor sat, curious.

  “You might be interested to know that I am the younger cousin of Lady Felding. That would be Phoebe’s mother, in case you haven’t caught on.”

  The statement caused Taylor to fall into the seat, anxious to hear what else she would say next. It certainly couldn’t be more shocking than what he had just heard.

  “Years ago I married Lord Bates. We traveled to America and ended up staying, we liked it so well.” She took a sip of her wine and Taylor waited. “Two years ago he died, but I remained in our adopted country. A short time later I met Patrick Donahue, the man I will marry next year. I will be returning to America to live with my husband, but first I needed to come to London to sell off my properties and close out the estate.”

  Taylor finally found his tongue. “Then why would you offer to be my mistress? I am sure Patrick would not appreciate the idea.”

  “He would love it.” She dismissed him with a laugh. “On my way here, I stopped to see Victoria.”

  “Did you see Phoebe?”

  “I thought you didn’t care.�
� Her left eyebrow arched.

  “Obviously you know differently. How is my wife?” He did not appreciating her teasing tone.

  Olivia sobered for a bit. “I was only able to visit for a few hours. No, I didn’t see Phoebe. She was napping and didn’t emerge from her room before I left. Victoria confided in me because she is a bit worried because Phoebe seemed somewhat depressed and had stopped playing the pianoforte. I never did find out what that meant.”

  “Damn.” He stood again and began to pace in front of the fireplace. Once again he had been reminded how Phoebe was suffering from this. This should be one of the happier times in her life, if not one of the more worrisome, and she was left to deal with it alone.

  “I know you need a mistress. You cannot keep turning women down or people will begin to wonder.”

  He stopped pacing and looked at her.

  “Nobody remembers my connection to Victoria and, being a widow, I have the option of an illicit affair. I detest the ton and their gossiping tongues, but love the theater and the balls, and am in need of an escort.” Straightening, she looked him straight in the eye. “What I am proposing, Lord Sandlin, is that I become your mistress in name only.”

  It took a minute for her words to sink in. When they did, he threw back his head and laughed. It was the first time he had felt like laughing since he left Phoebe.

  “Should I be insulted at your reaction?” She asked with raised eyebrows.

  Taylor relaxed in the chair. “Of course not. This is perfect. At the risk of building your already inflated ego, you are a beautiful woman. Perfect for the role. And now I can stop pretending to look and concentrate on the more important issues.” He paused and looked at her. “Did Lavins know your intent when we were introduced?”