by Cheryl Holt
She sighed. “That’s what I was afraid you’d say, and Sarah is penniless.”
“It’s a sad state for such a beautiful woman.”
“Yes, it is. I’ve decided to work on getting her married this year.”
He grinned again. “You sly dog. I didn’t realize you fancied yourself as a matchmaker. Has she guessed?”
“No, and don’t you tell her.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“In the meantime, it would improve her mood to engage in an innocent flirtation. She’s had some difficulties in the past, and she deserves some fun and excitement.”
He scowled. “Are you suggesting I flirt with her?”
“No, I’m simply commenting that I’d like her to have an enjoyable summer.” She studied him in a way that made him incredibly nervous. “We’re heading to Bath after Clayton’s party is over. I stay until September.”
“How nice,” he blandly replied.
“What are you doing after the party ends?”
“I hadn’t really chosen a destination. My schedule is free.”
Actually, Clayton’s guest, Michael Fenwick, was a wicked charlatan, possessed of all of Nicholas’s worst traits. Nicholas had planned to glom onto the younger man to discover what sorts of mischief they could accomplish together. He thought they could pry a fortune out of somebody.
“I love to have callers,” she said. “If you happen to be in the neighborhood while I’m in Bath, please stop by.”
“I will.”
“I’ll be expecting you.”
She stood and left, and he sat, staring at the spot where she’d been.
It appeared he’d been manipulated in some fashion. He had no desire to dawdle in Bath, and he certainly had no desire to pursue a romance with a destitute lady’s companion.
But Sarah Barrington was a Henley, and Mildred was a Farnsworth. What could it hurt to socialize with both of them? And if he had been manipulated, he was a master at deceit. Whatever game Mildred Farnsworth was playing, she’d never win against him.
It sounded as if he might spend a few weeks in Bath after all.
* * * *
“Hello, Miss Farnsworth.”
“Lady Middlebury.”
Desdemona nodded at Mildred Farnsworth, and she forced a smile, eager to look friendly and approachable, but cordiality was difficult to manage. When she was so exalted, it was exhausting to pretend she cared about the petty little lives of others, but Mildred Farnsworth could serve a valid purpose.
“It’s perfect weather for a morning stroll, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Yes,” Miss Farnsworth responded.
“What brings you out to the lake? I wouldn’t peg you for a walker or nature enthusiast.”
“There was some nude swimming last night. I’m trying to see if the risqué adventure is being repeated.”
“Nude swimming? My goodness. I can’t imagine Clayton would allow such scandalous antics.”
“Can’t you?”
Desdemona’s cheeks colored, her embarrassment acute, and she had to glance away. She’d been one of the naked women with Nicholas. Normally, she wouldn’t have participated, but she’d had too much to drink, and when she was intoxicated she made bad decisions.
She’d known him for several months and had been dangling an affair, but she couldn’t convince him to proceed.
Being buxom and curvaceous, she’d assumed—if he noted how shapely she was—he might have been goaded into reacting. But her recklessness had been for naught. He was no more interested in her than he had been previously, and in fact he’d focused all of his attention on Sarah.
Desdemona had awakened grouchy and aching. She was itchy and wishing she could relax with her opium pipe, but she’d run out of the delicious drug and hadn’t been able to purchase more before she’d left town.
Hoping she might stumble on Nicholas in the garden, she’d headed to the gazebo, but she couldn’t find him anywhere. Instead, she’d encountered Mildred Farnsworth, which might prove beneficial. As they sauntered toward the manor, she had an important topic to raise.
“I noticed my cousin, Sarah, is working for you,” she casually stated.
“Yes, she is.”
“It’s kind of you to employ her. She’s lucky to have found such a stellar post.”
“I am the one who is lucky,” Miss Farnsworth claimed. “She’s enchanting, and we get on famously.”
“I’m relieved to hear it. She has a sharp tongue so she hasn’t succeeded in her various jobs. She doesn’t have the proper attitude for a servant. She can be extremely bothersome.”
Desdemona had no idea how Sarah performed out in the world, but she disliked all three of the Henley sisters. They were such snobs, and they despised Desdemona for marrying Jasper and stepping into the role of Lady Middlebury. But what did they expect?
Jasper had been next in line after Hayden, and the British laws of inheritance couldn’t be changed just for them. It was time for the Henley sisters to accept the inevitable and move on. Desdemona certainly had.
“She’s not bothersome in the least,” Miss Farnsworth said. “She’s delightful and charming, but then I knew her mother, Margaret. She was amazing, and Sarah is exactly like her. Were you acquainted with Margaret?”
“No, I never had the pleasure.”
“Oh, that’s right. Your husband was a distant cousin.”
Miss Farnsworth’s expression was bland, her voice modulated, but Desdemona recognized an insult when it was hurled directly at her. She and Jasper constantly had to battle the condescension from some of the old families who didn’t feel he should have ascended to the title.
At the moment, she wasn’t about to quarrel over it. Nor would she defend her station. She simply wanted to throw a wrench in Sarah’s future. If she could scuttle Sarah’s posh situation, she’d be thrilled.
“There’s a detail I ought to mention,” she said.
“What is it?” Miss Farnsworth asked.
“Sarah has some odd proclivities. Mostly, she’s a renowned flirt.”
Miss Farnsworth didn’t seem concerned by the revelation. “Is she?”
“Yes, she’s lost other positions because of inappropriate behavior.”
“Really? I hired her through an agency, and I was informed she was their best girl.”
“Perhaps it’s a new agency, and they’re not aware of her history.”
“Perhaps.”
“Anyway, I thought I should warn you that I saw her sneaking off into the garden last night with a gentleman.”
“Would that be Mr. Swift?”
“Ah…yes.”
“I told him I didn’t care.”
“You told him to dally with her? You allowed it?”
“Yes. Sarah is very sensible, and they are such an arresting couple. Their attraction will be difficult to fight. They might as well act on it.”
Desdemona had never heard such a shocking comment. “Miss Farnsworth! Mildred! May I call you Mildred?”
“No, you may not,” Miss Farnsworth curtly snapped. “Now then, you must excuse me, but I’m very busy this morning. I can’t waste more of my time loafing with you and listening to your gossip.”
“My gossip!”
“It’s barely ten o’clock, Lady Middlebury, and I can smell alcohol on your breath. Have you been drinking? Is that why you’ve spoken so contemptuously to me about your cousin?”
“I have not been drinking,” Desdemona huffed, even though she’d already had three glasses of whiskey to calm her shaking hands. “Madam, I assure you that liquor has no bearing on my remarks.”
“Shall we bet on it?”
“I know what Sarah is like,” Desdemona insisted, “and it’s astounding to me that you would employ a person of such low character. She’s a flirt! She’s openly flirting with Mr. Swift! Why aren’t you upset about it?”
“I like females with spirit, which s
he has in spades. Good day to you, Countess.”
She imbued the word countess with an enormous amount of disdain, as if Desdemona didn’t deserve the title. Then she rushed off to the manor.
Desdemona stood on the path, watching as she climbed to the verandah and went inside. It occurred to her that she might have been too adamant about Nicholas. Maybe she shouldn’t have named him as the culprit.
“Stupid witch,” she muttered.
She presumed she’d figured out how to ruin Sarah to Miss Farnsworth, but she hadn’t succeeded. Desdemona was an aristocrat’s wife! Everyone heeded her. Mildred Farnsworth was a pompous cow who had never been taught to respect her betters.
Well, there were other ways to get even with the old crone. If she was so in love with Sarah, Desdemona would be even more determined to destroy her cousin.
Sarah could not be permitted to tarry at Clayton’s party for the entire week. Desdemona intended to have Nicholas all to herself so that, by the end of the gathering, he’d be completely ensnared. Sarah would be a temptation and a distraction.
What was the quickest route to be shed of her?
She decided to return to her room and have a few more whiskeys to clear her mind. Without too much effort, she’d devise a viable plan.
* * * *
Sarah had slept late, and she was embarrassed to have proven herself a sluggard. She felt as if she was failing Mildred by taking advantage of her pleasant nature. She was crossing the front foyer and headed for the breakfast parlor when Mildred stomped in from the rear of the house.
“Good morning, dear,” Mildred said in greeting. “How are you?”
“I’m becoming a sloth.” As Mildred neared, Sarah saw her color was high, her expression cloudy, and Sarah asked, “Are you all right? You look angry.”
“I’ve been up for little more than two hours, and I have been scolded by my nephew and insulted by your cousin.”
“I’m so sorry to hear it.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault.”
“I hope you won’t let them spoil your day.”
“They already have so we’re leaving for Bath.”
“Now?”
“Yes. I’ll find the housekeeper and get the maids busy with packing our things. Have you eaten?”
“No, I was just about to.”
Mildred waved her on. “Fill your tummy, then meet me upstairs. And don’t hurry. The maids here aren’t that competent, but I’m positive they can pack a bag without you hovering. Enjoy your breakfast.”
“Are you certain we should go? I hate to have them chase you away.”
“They’re not chasing me off. I simply refuse to tolerate miserable people. I had too much of that sort of vitriol when I was a girl. We’ll be much happier in Bath.”
Mildred continued on, and Sarah went in the other direction. It wasn’t up to her to pick when they left, but she’d been expecting to sneak off with Mr. Swift a few more times.
She was confused as to why she’d permitted him to lead her out into the dark garden, but their stirring kisses had her breathless with anticipation. She was contemplating all sorts of naughty behaviors so it was lucky she was prudent and not prone to reckless conduct. Otherwise, she couldn’t predict what she might have allowed in the future.
She and Mildred would depart, and she’d probably never cross paths with him again so she’d like a chance to say goodbye. How could she arrange it?
She arrived at the dining room, and as she stepped inside he was standing there—as if he’d been waiting for her. He was casually dressed: tan trousers, knee-high black boots, a flowing white shirt. It was unbuttoned to expose a bit of his spectacular chest, and the sleeves were rolled to reveal his muscular forearms.
On seeing him, her pulse raced. She was that smitten.
They paused, a wonderful sense of excitement in the air. Then he reached around her to close the door so they were alone. Before she could utter a word, he was kissing her like a fiend. She didn’t hesitate, but pulled him to her, their bodies crushed together in a way that made her moan with pleasure.
He backed her up to the wall, and he gripped her thighs and lifted her off the floor. Her skirt was rucked up, and she was balanced on his thighs, their loins pressed tight.
It was the most scandalous, delicious thing that had ever happened to her, and she didn’t worry about her raucous participation. Shortly, they would part, and she was determined to remember every detail about him.
But as abruptly as the embrace began, it ended. Behind them, the servant’s door was opening, a servant about to enter the room. He nimbly set her on her feet and shifted away, but he was holding her hand.
A footman bustled in and put a tray of muffins on the sideboard. Mr. Swift didn’t turn to acknowledge him, but kept his hot gaze focused on Sarah. If she lived to be a hundred, it was a look she’d never forget. It promised passion and devotion and adventure, and she could have dawdled forever, basking in the glow of his searing attention.
“Can I get you anything special, Mr. Swift?” the footman asked.
“No, we’re fine. That will be all.”
The footman was no idiot. He had to have noticed he’d interrupted a salacious scene. He scurried out, and they were alone again.
For a moment, they were silent, stunned by their ardent connection. There were sparks shooting between them, almost as if they might ignite the whole world.
“I missed you,” he said.
“I can tell.” She laughed. “I missed you too.”
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No. I was going to have a quick bite.”
“Sit down, and I’ll dish up a plate for you. There are many choices. What are your favorites?”
“I can’t eat now. You’ve overwhelmed me too thoroughly.”
He chuckled. “Well, I am a very overwhelming fellow, but you can’t starve yourself for me.”
“I’m glad I bumped into you. I was hoping I would.”
“I intend to spend the entire day with you so you needn’t have fretted. I was about to search until I found you.”
It was such a sweet comment, and it rattled her. She viewed herself as being very pragmatic, and she understood there could be no valid reason to socialize. Deep down, she was no different from any other female. If they fraternized, she’d start to dream and plan, and she would ignore the pesky fact that Fate never smiled on her.
“We’re leaving in a few minutes,” she told him.
“Leaving? You and Miss Farnsworth?”
“Yes. We’re heading to Bath. She rents a house there in the summer.”
“I thought you were staying all week.”
“I thought we were too, but she changed her mind.”
At the announcement, he was genuinely disheartened, and she was thrilled. She couldn’t remember a man ever missing her or pining away. Perhaps no man ever had.
“What happened?” he asked.
“She quarreled with her nephew and with my cousin, Desdemona, but don’t tell anyone, would you?”
“I won’t.”
“I’m not sure if she’d want others to be apprised. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“I’ll always keep your secrets,” he vowed, “and she and her nephew are constantly at odds. I doubt people would be surprised to learn that they’ve argued.”
“I doubt it too.”
They studied one another, and at the prospect of separating from him she was quite bereft, which was silly. Yet it seemed as if she’d always known him, and they were destined to be together. It made no sense, but there it was.
“I guess this is goodbye,” she said.
“Actually, Miss Farnsworth invited me to join you in Bath.”
“She did?”
“I think she’s engaged in some matchmaking.”
“What a scamp she is.”
“She believes we’re a lovely couple, and it’s her duty to e
ncourage us.”
“We shouldn’t let her interfere in our lives.” Tentatively, she added, “Should we?”
“I can’t decide what’s best.” He was as perplexed as she was. “Would you like it if I came?”
“Oh, Mr. Swift, I have no idea how to answer that question.”
“There’s something grand bubbling up.”
“You feel it too? It’s not just me?”
“No, it’s not just you, but is there any point to my chasing after you? There can’t be a relationship between us.”
“You’re correct. I’m certain there can’t be.”
“I’m a confirmed bachelor, and I would never pursue a respectable female such as yourself. I don’t have any money or moral inclinations toward others—especially not unattached maidens.”
“I don’t have any money either.”
“So…it’s hopeless.”
“Yes, hopeless,” she agreed.
He grinned. “Should I come anyway?”
She might have been standing on a cliff and racing toward it. “Yes, you should definitely come anyway.”
He pulled her to him and delivered another steamy kiss. When he finally released her, her knees were weak, and she could barely breathe with wanting him. It was futile to yearn and crave, but for once she wouldn’t worry so much.
She had an entire summer to fritter away in Bath. Mildred wasn’t her mother or governess. She wouldn’t be upset if Sarah had a fling, and it wouldn’t have to be decadent. She and Mr. Swift could simply be friends. Close friends. Kissing friends.
She was so happy she could have exploded from gladness.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” he said.
“I will absolutely waste away until then.”
“You’ve already figured out how to stroke my ego.”
“I’m a woman of many talents.”
“I’m eager to discover what all of them are.”
There was a hot gleam in his eye, and he might have kissed her again, but the door opened and two of the other guests strolled in to have breakfast.
“I’d better go,” she mumbled. “Mildred will be waiting for me.”
“You should eat on the road.” He grabbed a muffin and a napkin and gave them to her. “You’ll need to keep your strength up. You’ll be busy in Bath.”