Rake & Romance

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  Unexpected Encounters

  JULIET WASN’T USUALLY GIVEN to flashes of anger, but her hand seemed to act of its own accord. Before she thought twice, she slapped him full across the face.

  “You despicable cad!”

  Despite the physical rebuke, Cody’s grin barely slipped. Past furious, she used both hands to shove him backward. He lost his balance and ended up sitting in the chair once more, none too gracefully.

  “Come now, Miss Beaucroft! You enlisted my cooperation in a ruse. If I’m a cad, what does that make you? Furthermore, despite my sister’s characterization to the contrary, I’m not a rake.”

  “What?”

  “Stephanie has always been protective of her elder brother and routinely tries to ward off anyone I might find remotely attractive.”

  “But Stephanie hasn’t a duplicitous bone in her body!”

  “Rest assured, it’s done quite unconsciously on her part.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “What’s more, you had no compunction about risking my reputation just to allay theoretical concerns about what a group of harpies might say about you. To my way of thinking, you got what you deserve.”

  Although Juliet was angry at Cody for making a fool of her, she couldn’t deny the truth of his assertions. Her dignity in shreds, she sought to extricate herself from the situation as graciously as possible. She smoothed her gown and lifted her chin.

  “Forgive me for imposing on you, Mr. Gryphon. We shan’t speak of this again.”

  “Don’t apologize completely. I confess, I rather enjoyed myself.”

  Her eyes narrowed at his impertinent remark, but there was nothing more to say. She wrenched open the library door and fled down the hall toward to the drawing room. Since everyone’s attention was focused on the charade participants, she had no trouble slipping through the doors and joining the onlookers in the back.

  As Juliet pretended to watch the game, she felt as if she were the most foolish girl ever born. What must Cody think of her? When he slipped into the room a few minutes later, she refused to glance in his direction. She would pretend—as much as she was able—that nothing had occurred between them, despite the fact that she’d enjoyed his kisses more than she could have imagined in her wildest daydreams.

  To Cody’s amusement, Juliet was seemingly riveted on the game of charades and was actively ignoring him as much as a human being could ignore anything. He could scarcely blame her, really. When she’d made her absurd suggestion, he should have flatly refused to participate at the outset. Instead, he’d been curious just how far she meant to take her ruse. Maybe, if truth be told, he had acted the cad, but he was only human after all. Once she’d sat in his lap, he would have said anything to taste her sweet lips.

  As the charades went on, amidst much laughter and frivolity, his eyes kept returning to Juliet’s profile. A slight frown creased her brow, and it pained him to realize he was the cause of it. With a sigh, he folded his arms across his chest and wished she would return his gaze. Certainly, a few stolen kisses weren’t worth the loss of her regard forever. On the other hand, hadn’t she been all too willing to toss his reputation aside to save her own skin? Of course, he could probably hold his breath and turn the color of a plum before she’d ever apologize for it—or for calling him a rake. Asking his forgiveness for imposing on him wasn’t the same thing whatsoever, especially since she’d been trying to extricate herself from an awkward situation.

  Despite his grievance, Juliet’s confession regarding her platonic feelings for the earl pleased him—admittedly not just on Stephanie’s behalf. When they’d been alone together in the library, her revelation had practically aroused a raging beast within him. As his blood stirred at the memory, he pushed the recollection aside. With a Herculean effort, he averted his eyes from Juliet’s creamy complexion and lustrous hair and stared at the nearby decorative brass coal hod instead. Any train of thought which led in her direction would come to naught. No woman, no matter how exquisitely lovely, or arrestingly intelligent, would change his plans for the future. As soon as his sister was wed, he meant to set sail from England and never look back, whatever temptations might remain on English soil.

  Augustus spent most of the journey to London deep in thought. He’d spent several days examining the financial condition of the estate and speaking with Mr. Kelly about his plans going forward. To his disappointment, he discovered his father hadn’t overstated the problem. Kelly had proposed quickly and quietly putting the worst-performing properties up for sale, which Augustus heartily endorsed. Unfortunately, transactions of that magnitude would take time he didn’t have.

  He was not altogether convinced that marriage to Juliet would lead to financial ruin. Nevertheless, drastic and potentially mortifying economies would be necessary. With Kelly’s help, he’d drawn up a list of austerity measures to present to his father, who was the only one legally entitled to act on it. In Augustus’s opinion, expecting him and Juliet to bear the brunt of this calamity was deeply unfair. Therefore, he was determined to marry where his heart led him, and nowhere else—despite the consequences. Perhaps his actions could be termed reckless and selfish, but he didn’t care.

  At the edges of his mind, however, persistent doubts lingered. It would be difficult to watch his father leave Meadow’s End and suffer a loss of prestige, but inconceivable to force his dear mother to do the same. Furthermore, if his father was obliged to sell the note on Grovebrook to raise funds, Philip would have absolutely no leeway in making payments to the new creditor. Since his younger brother had worked so hard to purchase the property, it would grieve Augustus very much if he and Kitty lost it due to a lackluster quarter.

  By the time his train reached London, Augustus had changed his mind so often, his head ached. Ultimately, however, he absolutely decided in favor of Juliet. She had a right to know his financial situation before she accepted him, however, so he would tell her without embellishment or obfuscation. They would face the consequences together, as the future Lord and Lady Elbourne.

  Outside the rail station, he hailed a cab to take him to the residence his father had recently purchased. He had been accustomed to staying with his cousin, Lady Trestlebury, whenever he came to town. Unfortunately, Lord Trestlebury had barred any of the Butlers from his home. Ever since Philip assisted Lord Trestlebury’s daughter, Prudence, with her elopement, there had been a deep schism in the family. Although the new Mayfair residence was befitting the stature of the Butler family, Augustus now bitterly regretted the expenditure. No doubt the residence—named The Aerie—would have to be sold before any of them could really enjoy it.

  He ate a late lunch in the dining room of his gentlemen’s club, but had little appetite. Ordinarily, a man on the cusp of proposing would feel apprehension as a matter of course. In his case, however, the prospect was far less appealing than usual due to his looming financial disaster. Juliet would undoubtedly have some encouragement to offer. Just being near her would steady his nerves. He slipped his hand into his coat pocket to make sure the engagement ring was there. The cool circle of gold and opals had been his grandmother’s favorite ring. When he was quite young, he used to lean on her knee, the better to admire the fiery inset stones. Now it was time to present the heirloom to his future bride.

  After changing his shirt for a fresh one, Augustus took a cab to the Beaucroft’s Belgravia residence. With the clip-clop of horse’s hooves ringing in his ears, he rehearsed exactly what he was going to say until he had it down perfectly. All that remained was for him to deliver his proposal and wait for Juliet’s answer.

  Juliet spent the day in her bedroom, confused. She knew she was out of her senses, but she couldn’t seem to marshal her thoughts. No matter how much she tried lose herself in a book or in writing a letter, the memory of Cody’s kisses distracted her so much she couldn’t concentrate at all. The remainder of the party had consisted of her avoiding the man and counting the seconds until she could take her leave.

/>   Midafternoon, a tap came at Juliet’s door, and a maid appeared. “Miss Beaucroft, Lord Elbourne has come to call.”

  An incomprehensible mixture of pleasure and dread accompanied the announcement.

  “Has he?”

  “I wouldn’t have disturbed you, but neither Mr. nor Mrs. Beaucroft are at home. Shall I send him away?”

  “No.” She closed her book and rose to her feet. “I’ll be down momentarily, Alice.”

  After the maid left, Juliet hastened to the mirror to smooth her hair and to dab a moistened handkerchief on the skin underneath her eyes. She sighed as she examined her reflection. Her appearance was certainly less than perfect, but it would have to suffice.

  When she entered the drawing room, her brother-in-law was pacing in the center of the room, clearly agitated.

  “Augustus, I’m so glad to see you.”

  She crossed to him and gave his hands a squeeze. His expression was strained, and dark shadows encircled his eyes. All things considered, she decided against feigning ignorance of his situation. That much of his burden she could shoulder.

  “Your papa came to see us the other day, and told us of your difficulties. I’m sorry for your troubles.”

  His eyebrows drew together and a flash of anger animated his face. “He’d no right to come here without conferring with me first!”

  “Perhaps not, but I’m glad he did. You need supportive friends around you now, more than ever.”

  “Well…I’m relieved that you know.” He frowned. “I came to ask you something, Juliet, but I—” he was obliged to take a deep breath before he could continue “—I came to ask you to marry me…but I can’t.”

  Bittersweet joy exploded in Juliet’s chest. “Oh, thank heavens. I’m so glad.”

  “What?”

  “Knowing you as I do, I couldn’t conceive of any circumstance in which you’d turn your back on your family. No matter what the difficulty, you’ve always been a man of the highest character, Augustus. I can’t tell you how happy I am not to be your downfall.”

  He gazed at her face in wonderment for several seconds. “You’re extraordinary.”

  “Not really. I admit I was disappointed to learn I would never become your wife, but now I see it as a blessing in disguise. You and I are so much alike, I think we’re better off as friends. If you examine your feelings for me carefully, I suspect you’ll come to the same conclusion.”

  “Better friends than lovers?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Perhaps you’re right.” He enfolded her in his arms. “I do love you, Juliet.”

  “As I love you, Augustus. Never forget, you’ll always be my dearest confidant.”

  When he stepped back, his eyes were moist. “I must marry someone else, and quite soon.”

  “Yes, I know. As it happens, I’ve met Miss Stephanie Gryphon and approve of her without reservation. She and her family are staying with Lady Lovejoy, and the countess asked me to befriend her. I like her very much.”

  “You do?” He sighed. “I suppose that’s something in her favor.”

  “Give Stephanie a chance, Augustus, for her sake as well as your own. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you fall in love with her.”

  “I can’t imagine such a thing, but I’ll try.”

  The earl kissed her on the cheek, retrieved his hat and left the house. Juliet was relieved that she and Augustus had let each other go more easily than she’d anticipated, but she wasn’t looking forward to the aftermath. His public courtship and subsequent engagement to Stephanie Gryphon were sure to provoke a barrage of impertinent and uncharitable remarks. Her ability to catch a husband would be brought into question, and there was nothing to be done about it except wait until next Season and hope memories would fade.

  Kitty’s image smiled down at her from the family portrait. Why had her sister managed to employ a romantic ruse successfully, while Juliet had fallen short of the mark? Probably because Philip had been willing to cooperate, whereas Cody hadn’t. Obviously, the man hadn’t found her attractive enough to ruin—at least not publicly at any rate. Perhaps the unflattering gossip she dreaded was all too accurate and she would end up on the shelf after all.

  Augustus dismissed his cab after he emerged from the Beaucroft residence, choosing to walk the two miles back to Mayfair so he’d have time to think. As he walked along the pavement, however, he decided to call on Lady Lovejoy before returning home. If he was obliged to wed Miss Gryphon, he oughtn’t put off meeting her any longer. Indeed, since he had his grandmother’s ring in his pocket, he’d present it to the girl, along with his proposal. Hopefully, he’d muster up some warmth and enthusiasm, despite his lack of sentiment. No doubt Miss Gryphon would be equally apprehensive about him, and he didn’t want to seem resentful or ungentlemanly. After all, she wasn’t the cause of his problems…only the solution.

  Juliet had managed to soothe his distress admirably, in the uncanny way she’d always had. Although it was difficult for him to view his economic disaster as providential, deep down he suspected she was right about their romance. Their marriage would have been comfortable and harmonious, to be sure, but Juliet deserved better than to marry a man with such an imperturbable nature. Since he so completely lacked passion, an arranged marriage was probably the perfect fit. His wife wouldn’t expect him to display any fervent ardor for her, and he wouldn’t feel compelled to engage in pretense. After all, not every couple could be fortunate in love.

  He veered into Hyde Park on his way to Lady Lovejoy’s Mayfair residence. Not more than a half minute later, he saw a pup racing toward him, trailing a rope. Running behind him was presumably the creature’s owner, a pretty young woman clad in a billowing baby blue gown with white trim. In the distance, a plump older lady in a plain gown and apron was struggling to catch up.

  When the young lady spotted Augustus, her expression grew animated and she waved her arms. “You there! Will you catch my dog?”

  He knelt as the little terrier mix approached, intending to catch him, but the pooch made no effort to evade his grasp. Instead, the creature jumped up to lick Augustus’s face. Chuckling, the earl picked up the winsome pup and waited for the girl to arrive.

  “Oh, thank you!” She took the squirming animal from Augustus. “The little devil got away from me back there and I was worried he’d be crushed by a horse or carriage.”

  Augustus eyed the slender rope she was using for a leash. “You might want to loop the rope around your hand.”

  “Yes, that’s a good suggestion.” She wrapped the end of the rope around her gloved fingers several times. “Now he can’t escape!”

  As she laughed, he couldn’t help but admire her white teeth, lustrous dark hair, and snapping blue eyes. He couldn’t place her peculiar accent, but there was no opportunity to ask about it. The girl’s maid had arrived, huffing and puffing from her exertions, and was giving him a level look. Of course, he took no offense at the rebuke. Having not been properly introduced to the young lady, he was committing a breach of etiquette by engaging her in conversation.

  Augustus lifted his hat and sketched a courtly bow. “Good afternoon.”

  The brunette curtsied. “Good afternoon.” When she smiled at him, a pair of dimples appeared in her creamy complexion.

  He continued on his way, a slight smile on his lips. Would his future bride more closely resemble the vivacious, attractive young woman he’d just encountered, or her dour, plump maid? Perhaps it was best to expect the latter and hope for the former.

  Although the puppy whined to be let down, Stephanie was fearful of his safety and decided to hold him in her arms until she and her maid, Emma, had crossed the busy street adjacent to Hyde Park and arrived safely on the far side. Having reached the pavement, she allowed the dog to continue the rest of the way at the end of the leash. Although she was enjoying the outing, her poor maid was blotting moisture from her forehead with a bit of cloth.

  “How much farther is it, Miss Gryphon, if you don�
��t mind me asking?”

  Stephanie produced Juliet’s letter so she could refer to the return address on the back.

  “I don’t exactly know, but the butler told me it was only a short walk from Hyde Park to Belgrave Square.”

  Emma rolled her eyes. “Mr. Yeats has longer legs than most.”

  The maid’s comment reminded Stephanie of the tall man she’d passed a few minutes before.

  “That gentleman in Hyde Park had a very kindly manner, wouldn’t you say?”

  A sound of assent. “That he did.”

  “He was rather handsome, too, in an elegant fashion.”

  “That he was.”

  Stephanie frowned. “If only my future husband were turn out to be half so amiable, I wouldn’t mind being married to him.”

  “I wouldn’t worry overmuch. Didn’t you say Miss Beaucroft praised Lord Elbourne to the skies?”

  “Yes, but she was likely only trying to make me feel better. What sort of friend would she be to frighten me with the truth?”

  The dog yanked on the leash and Stephanie hastened forward. Fortunately, the Beaucrofts’ address was only a short distance off and easy to locate. As she knocked on the door, she glanced down at the happy pup wiggling at her feet. Hopefully, Juliet would think the dog was as winsome as she did.

  Juliet was sealing a letter to Kitty when a maid came to the drawing room to announce Miss Gryphon’s arrival. Almost before she could stand, a gamboling puppy streaked into the room and begged for attention. Stephanie appeared shortly thereafter with an apologetic smile.

  “I’m so sorry! I let him slip away from me again, I’m afraid.”

  “Who is this pretty fellow?” Juliet sat down again and let the creature jump into her lap.

  “I haven’t named him yet. I rather thought you might like to do it, if you wish to keep him.”

  Startled, Juliet blinked. “Keep him?”