Tenacious Trents 01 - A Misguided Lord

by Jane Charles

  A small hand came to his shoulder and she clutched him tightly. He deepened the kiss and she allowed it. His body heated and he throbbed with desire. He needed to stop this now before he found himself ruining the woman. She had enough worries without him adding to them.

  Slowly he drew away and looked down at her. Miss Westin’s eyes slowly opened and looked into his. They widened and she gasped, stepping away from his embrace. “Whatever came over me?”

  He grinned. “Hopefully the same thing that came over me.”

  “Really, Lord Westin, please don’t think poorly of me. I’ve, well, not, it is just that…”

  He chuckled and placed her hand back on his arm. “I understand.”

  He should return her to the ballroom, or at least to an area where there were more guests about. Unfortunately, he could not enter a completely lit area until his desire for her waned a bit. Not that he could explain his condition to her. All Clay could do was walk slowly back and hope the coolness of the night dampened his ardor.

  *

  Eleanor fell back in her bed and stared up at the canopy. This day was unlike anything she had ever encountered. First Benjamin came down with the measles, and since no messages had arrived, Eleanor could only assume he had not worsened and prayed for a quick recovery.

  Then there was the unexpected kindness of Lord Bentley. Truly, she never thought he would be the type of gentleman to help her out unexpectedly as he had. And then there was that kiss. She rolled over and sighed. Such a kiss. She had only been kissed once, and that was by Drake. His had been short and left no emotion behind. Whereas Lord Bentley’s sent heat flowing through her veins and longing throbbed deep in her belly. She had never experienced anything like it before.

  Why had he kissed her? It was so unexpected. Until today, she was fairly certain he didn’t even like her. What was he about? Did she want to know?

  Yes.

  He already knew of her family and had still pulled her into conversation, walked with her in the garden, and finally, had delivered the most delicious kiss anyone could ever receive. Was he set on courting her or just being kind? Oh she wished she knew, but it was too soon to get her hopes up. Just because he showed her attention today did not mean he was considering her for a more important position in his life. She must just wait and see what the next few days would bring.

  However, if he did want to kiss her again, Eleanor was certain she would not object.

  Chapter 6

  Clay glanced up when John stepped into the room. “Could you close the door?”

  John did as asked and sauntered over to the desk and took a seat. “I haven’t been summoned to this room in a very long time. Pray tell, what have I done?”

  Clay sat back. “Nothing that I am aware of.”

  John glanced around and grimaced and Clay didn’t blame him. When in London this was where their father worked, and the only time any of the boys were in here was to be punished. The room did not hold pleasant memories, but he couldn’t very well relocate the library, nor could he work in the sitting room. “I threw out all of the switches and boards.” He grinned.

  “Thank goodness.” John relaxed and looked back at Clay. “Is something on your mind?”

  “Do you still have contacts in Paris?”

  John sat forward and tilted his head. “Why?”

  Clay picked up the documents he had found and handed them to John. While his brother read, Clay poured each of them a cup of coffee. A few moments later John whistled. “They never died?”

  “No. I questioned the solicitor.” He handed John a cup and relayed what he had learned.

  “Why do you want to find them now?”

  “What if Adele decides to return? When society finds out she is not dead and there was no divorce, then Rose’s marriage is invalidated and that would leave Madeline a—.”

  “Bastard,” John answered for him and threw the documents on the desk. “This is just like something Father would do.” He stood and began to pace. “To think, we have a sister out there. Who knows what kind of life she has had.”

  “That isn’t the point,” Clay argued.

  “The hell it isn’t. I don’t care about Adele, but I do care about a sister we thought was dead.”

  Clay should care about Julia too, but all he could think of was the scandal and the harm to his step-mother and Madeline.

  “Did father think nobody would ask questions if he had brought Julia back here?”

  John’s agitation was rising. It was no different than the reaction Clay has suffered upon learning the news. He stopped in front of the desk again. “What did Jordan say?”

  “I haven’t told him.”

  “What?” John pushed his fingers through his hair. “Our brothers have a right to know.”

  “I agree. I only just learned of this two days ago and it has taken me that long to become used to the idea.”

  John sank back in the chair. “If I can locate her in Paris, then what?”

  Clay clenched his jaw, anticipating that John would not like his decision. “I want to make sure she stays out of London. Out of England. I will not have her ruining Rose and Madeline’s life.”

  “Agreed.”

  Clay straightened. He had expected John to want a reunion, for things to be made right within the family.

  “At least until Madeline is married. It is a shame we can’t see Julia again, and see what type of woman she became though.”

  “She is probably married, and possibly with children of her own. She would be four and twenty now.”

  John nodded. “Who knows what story Adele told her. We shouldn’t upset her life either.”

  “But, you will still try to locate Adele.”

  John grinned. “Consider it done.”

  *

  Eleanor straightened from Benjamin’s bed. He was still feverish and complained of itching and achiness, but there was nothing they could do. She and Mrs. Hartley tried to make him as comfortable as possible and Eleanor slipped out when he drifted off to sleep.

  When she came down the stairs Mrs. Hartley was peeking out through the curtains.

  “Whatever are you watching for?”

  “I was seeing if that bloke was out there again.” The woman grinned.

  “You mean Lord Bentley?”

  “Who was he?” Leigh asked. “He is so handsome and waited the longest time for you.”

  What could she say about Lord Bentley? She certainly couldn’t mention that kiss. Her face heated just thinking about it. “I met him at a ball and he was kind enough to assist me yesterday, that is all.”

  Mrs. Hartley narrowed her eyes and nodded her head. Goodness, that woman was far too perceptive.

  “Is he courting you?” Leigh persisted in her questions.

  “No, he is not.”

  “But…”

  “I wouldn’t mind if he did. There, are you happy now?”

  Leigh grinned widely. “I hope it is so. Then we can all be together again.”

  Tears sprang to Eleanor’s eyes. She would like nothing better than for them to be all under the same roof. She just wasn’t sure if it was going to be Lord Bentley who put them there.

  *

  Never one to make rash decisions, Clayton continued to call on Lady Anne but the more he was in the presence Miss Westin, the more he compared the two ladies. If Father were picking his bride, it would be Lady Anne without question, and the betrothal would already be announced. But, Father was dead and Clay was the person who would need to live with the woman for the rest of his life. No matter how many times he tried to pull Lady Anne into a conversation on any topic, other than the weather, plays or operas, she had nothing to say. Did she have no opinions? And, if she uttered the words “If you believe so” one more time he was going to break something. It was one thing to marry a pleasant woman who was agreeable. But, he didn’t want a wife that would simply accept what he told her.

  Whereas with Miss Westin, she had far too many opinions for one w
oman, but at least her conversations were lively. And, she would bring joy to the household and their children would not be ignored or regulated to the care of nannies.

  He couldn’t envision Miss Westin not being involved with her children.

  Clay also dwelled far too much on the prospect of having her beneath him and enjoying the very activity that would create children. He envisioned Miss Westin with her lips parted in passion, nipples tight in arousal, thighs clutching his hips, rising to meet him as he thrust, carrying them higher and over the brink. While a man should not lust after his wife, he should at least find the idea of bedding her palatable, shouldn’t he?

  From his place by an open door he watched both ladies as they waltzed past with other partners. Yet, wasn’t Lady Anne the type of woman he was supposed to marry so past mistakes weren’t repeated? He turned and stalked out onto a balcony and into the cool of the night and tried to envision a future with Lady Anne. No demands, no arguments, no opinions. When he came to her bed she would probably lay silent and still as he lifted her gown and got the deed over with as quickly as possible, and praying for an heir so it didn’t happen too often. He could not imagine in an spark of passion from Lady Anne. The two times he attempted to kiss her she had stiffened and turned her cheek. And, it wasn’t on account of propriety, but Clay got the distinct impression she did not want to be touched. Did he really want that for a marriage?

  Clay pivoted and looked into the ballroom. No. He didn’t. His eyes strayed to Miss Westin. He already desired her and knew that if they married, there was a chance he would spend more time in her bed than out of it. That would not do for a marriage, either.

  Currently she was standing with Jordan. He said something and she laughed. Jordan had an easy charm and ladies were always falling in love with him. Clay’s gut tightened. He didn’t want Miss Westin in love with his brother and he most certainly did not want Jordan in love with Miss Westin.

  Why did Jordan have such an easy way about him? Was it simply because he was a second son? Despite being brothers only a year and a half apart, they had been raised differently. Father concentrated on Clayton, making sure he knew the importance of his future, the type of earl to be and the type of woman to make his countess.

  But, he wasn’t his father. Yet, did he risk marrying a woman who had an easy laugh, who was happy and ran in parks? A woman he lusted after?

  No. He turned his back on the room and stared out into the dark garden. There was a reason he needed to marry someone who was sweet, kind and biddable. It was necessary for his peace of mind and peace within the household.

  Yet why was it Miss Westin who invaded his dreams at night? He barely knew her, yet she was in his thoughts when he least expected it.

  Perhaps if he found a lady more suitable to be his wife than Lady Anne, he could forget the hoyden across the room. Yes. That was it. He simply needed to find a more suitable lady. With those thoughts, Clayton returned to the ballroom and began to look once again for the lady to become his countess.

  The perfect candidate stood not far away. She wasn’t titled and came from a humble background. Clay racked his brain for a name. Oh, yes, Miss Audrey Montgomery. She was a lovely lady with golden hair and soft brown eyes. Her smile was radiant and she was at ease with herself.

  Clayton pulled away from the wall and sauntered over for an introduction. She wasn’t as lovely as Miss Westin, but prettier than Lady Anne. Her figure wasn’t as full as Miss Westin, yet she wasn’t overly thin as Lady Anne. And, while she wasn’t outgoing as the woman who plagued his thoughts, Miss Montgomery did converse often, and outside of her chaperones earshot. Yes, she seemed to just what he needed.

  There were five other gentlemen in her company at the moment and Clay begged an introduction from the young woman’s uncle, Lord Everston.

  She smiled shyly and dipped into a curtsey. “It is an honor, Lord Bentley.”

  Clay bowed. “Might I have a dance?”

  She held her dance card out to him and Clay had it in his fingers but a moment before Jordan was at his side, yanking it from his hands.

  “Of all the nerve,” Miss Montgomery hissed.

  Jordan grinned, unrepentant and penciled his name in the one and only dance left available, which happened to be the last waltz of the evening. He grinned and handed it back to Clay. “Sorry, old chap, she doesn’t have any dances left for you.”

  Clay arched a brow at his brother. This was quite out of character for Jordan.

  “I have no objection to crossing out Mr. Trent’s name and adding yours, Lord Bentley.” She shot Jordan a look that could kill. “Especially since I already rejected Mr. Trent’s offer to dance earlier this evening.”

  Something was going on between these two and Clay was not about to step into the middle. “I will leave that honor to my brother, Miss Montgomery.”

  “Brother?”

  “My younger brother, who apparently needs to still learn some manners.”

  Jordan didn’t even flinch. Instead, he executed a courtly bow to Miss Montgomery. “I will count the minutes until we waltz.”

  She gritted her teeth and forced a smile.

  Clay bowed and walked away, Jordan at his side.

  “Do me a favor,” Jordan said low. “Cross Miss Montgomery off of your list of potential wives.”

  Clay looked at his brother. “You wish her for yourself?”

  A slight blush came to Jordan’s cheeks and he glanced about. This was a very interesting turn of events. He’d never seen his brother blush before.

  “Truthfully, I don’t know. The woman has practically cut me each time I’ve tried to dance or talk to her. It is really quite disconcerting. I have no idea what she has against me. She doesn’t even know me.”

  “Perhaps your reputation proceeds and she has already decided against you.”

  Jordan stepped back rather affronted. “That is not very fair, now is it?”

  Clayton could only laugh. “Perhaps you should change your ways if you wish for a respectable young lady like Miss Montgomery to want your company.”

  Jordan frowned. “I am not sure I wish to go to that extreme.”

  “Then perhaps you don’t really desire a dance with Miss Montgomery.” Clayton turned on his heel and walked away from his brother. Regardless of whether Jordan got his dance or not, Clay would not approach Miss Montgomery again. She may be a lovely lady and perhaps perfect for his purpose, but Jordan had already set his sights on her and no lady was worth the bother if she pitted brother against brother.

  But this also left him with the problem of finding another lady whom he could consider for his wife. As he scanned the room his eyes lit on Miss Westin once again. Damn and blast. Why was she always where he did not want her to be, pulling him to her as a bee to flower? He had to end this infatuation he had with her or it would be his downfall.

  Maybe he should simply make her not like him. That should be simple enough. Then he could avoid her and the danger she posed to his sanity and life.

  *

  Eleanor tried not to frown when she noted Lord Bentley walking toward her, a stern look upon his face. The man was a conundrum. She used to believe that the Lord put people in your life for a purpose. For the life of her, she could not begin to understand what Lord Bentley’s purpose could be, unless the Lord thought to provide her with irritation. First, he was rude and pompous but lately it seemed as though he was courting her, and was rather pleasant to be around. Yet, now he looked at her as if would sooner bite her head off than dance. After his short visit this afternoon, she had begun to anticipate a courtship.

  She quickly shook the thoughts away. A walk around a ballroom, tea in the afternoon and a few dances did not truly qualify as a courtship. If it did, then she was being courted by almost a dozen men. Besides, he now bore a look that she was the last person he wished to speak with.

  His appearance alone did put her other suitors to shame. Oh, they all were attractive enough. It was just that Lord Bentley’s d
ark hair, green, penetrating eyes and strong jaw added an essence the others lacked. Of course, it could also be his height, broad shoulders and the ability to choose fabrics for his coats that flattered his coloring. Eleanor shook herself again. She was positive Bentley gave no thought to such frivolities of his wardrobe. He paid servants to see to that unimportant task. She just wished she could understand why she was attracted to him above all others when he had the least pleasant personality. Not that he was unlikeable, or at least not lately, but he certainly didn’t try to charm, flirt or flatter. In fact, it would seem almost odd coming from him.

  He paused before her and bowed. “I believe this is our dance, Miss Westin.”

  She took his offered arm and allowed him to lead her out with the other couples. Any warmth she had glimpsed over the last two days was gone and he treated this moment no differently than one would a business venture. Or, what she assumed business ventures were like. They were at a ball. He should be enjoying himself, not look as if he was about to partake in a most distasteful act.

  “Why are you so somber, Lord Westin?”

  “Probably the same reason you are so frivolous. The difference in our gender,” he countered.

  Her lips had quirked with a smile. “Oh, you see I don’t view everything in such a manner.” She attempted to sound serious. “One certainly can’t consider you frivolous. You take yourself much too seriously.”

  She knew she risked angering him by making such a statement but Eleanor was beyond caring and she didn’t try and guard her words where Lord Bentley was concerned. He was far too hard to understand with his constantly altering moods. Besides, he had everything he could wish for in life, yet he found no joy in his blessings. Yes, he had troubles she didn’t doubt. He was a peer, with responsibilities that he took more seriously than anyone else she had ever encountered. One of the few traits she did admire in him.