by Jane Charles
Westin remained silent until the dance ended and began to escort her back to Lady Stanhope. He stopped halfway and turned to Eleanor. “I shall take my leave of you Miss Westin.” With a nod of his head Lord Bentley turned and stalked away.
Eleanor was left staring after him. He was a waste of time and she refused to let him affect her further. She would never understand that particular gentleman. His personality changed with the wind.
*
Clay rose early to ride in the park with thoughts of Miss Westin forefront in his mind. He was beyond rude last evening. Why did she bring out the worst in him? Why couldn’t she be the same as all other ladies of the ton seeking a husband, one he could view with indifference? Why did she have to be beautiful, intelligent and make him want things he knew better than to want? Why did she have the power to make him long to taste her lips again?
Knowing that he couldn’t be with her angered him and the next thing he knew he was insulting the woman. The more he wanted her, the more frustrated he became, and he ended up biting the head off of anyone he spoke to. This was not the way to go about. He needed to find a lady that he didn’t long to throw on her back and have his way with every time he laid eyes on her. Nor could he pursue a lady such as Lady Anne, who didn’t even tempt him to kiss her, let alone toss up her skirts. He needed to find a woman whom he could desire, but at the appropriate times and locations, such as a bed chamber at night, and not in the middle of a ballroom or the center of Hyde Park.
He should stay away from Miss Westin. If this is how much she got under his skin when they barely knew one another and had only shared one kiss, how much havoc would she wreak on his life if he courted her, or worse, married her? That would not do.
A man lusts after a mistress, not his own wife. It ruins a marriage. His father’s words continued to haunt him. But Clayton paid heed to that advice. Of his father’s three marriages, the two that were happy were marriages where his father had not lost his heart, or his sanity.
Clayton needed to break from Miss Westin. If peace of mind was what he wanted in a marriage then Miss Westin was the last woman he should marry. If only he could stop wanting her. It would be easier to put her from his mind if she didn’t visit his dreams each night.
Clay blew out a frustrated breath. Lust. He lusted after Miss Westin and wanted her in his bed. The only way he would earn that privilege is if he married her.
*
Eleanor gave the ballroom one last glance as her grandmother oversaw the servants place candles and flowers. For two weeks she had attended functions yet she had not met one possible candidate. She refused to consider Lord Bentley as a potential husband. He was far too hard to understand, and his moods changed too quickly. She doubted the elusive gentleman she should marry would be here tonight either. Suitors were not the problem. They flocked to her house daily. The problem was none of them, well, suited. Only Bentley added to her evenings. Drat that man. He should simply disappear so she could concentrate on what was important: finding a husband who would not drive her to Bedlam.
Why was she attracted to him? None of it made sense to her. She never had a clear idea on the type of gentleman she would like to marry one day, but she was fairly certain it wasn’t someone as staid as Bentley. So why did she wish he would kiss her again?
A clocked chimed down the hall and pulled her from her thoughts.
She raced out the door. She was in such a hurry that she barely remembered her cloak. Eleanor chastised herself all the way down the steps to the waiting hackney. She should not have stopped to help with some of the preparations for the ball. What would the children think? She saw them very little as it was and guilt engulfed her for not being with Benjamin through this illness. All she could hope for was their forgiveness.
*
Clay halted his horse when he saw the lady of his thoughts emerge from her grandfather’s home. She hurried to the corner and entered a common hackney. Had Benjamin worsened? Had her other brother caught the disease? Clay should just continue on, but he found himself trailing after the hackney. Someone should be there if Miss Westin needed assistance.
He had a tight schedule today which didn’t involve following a young miss. It would be the first time since he was ten and four that he dismissed his plans on a mere whim. The last time he had done so he had received a rather unpleasant beating from his father. Well, his father was no longer alive and for the first time in a very long time Clay followed his own desires.
Miss Westin had just paid the hackney and walked toward the door when a boy of no more than two came running out with his arms up to be held.
“Mama, mama,” he cried.
Miss Westin stopped and leaned down to pick him up, carefully balancing the packages. “Oh Jamie, you mustn’t call me that,” she chastised and gave a quick glance around to see if anyone was about before she entered the house.
Clay sat in the shadows, shocked rage poured through his body. So, Miss Westin was a mother. An unwed mother at that. He knew she wasn’t a widow. That status would have been noted in society. It wasn’t possible the lad was another brother. Jordan had said her parents died at least three years ago and Clay would bet the horse he was sitting upon that the boy was no older than two.
This enlightenment certainly added a new perspective to matters. Obviously the lady was no innocent. That being the case, perhaps he and Miss Westin could come to an agreement pleasing to them both. Perhaps a relationship of short duration would be just the thing to remove her from his mind. Finally he would be able to deal with the lust he had for her and set about finding a proper wife.
What bothered him most was the admonishment to the child not to call her mother. She was no different than Adele and he should have stuck with his original judgment of her. His instincts had never been wrong before. Regardless, it didn’t lessen the lust, which he could now address.
Chapter 7
Eleanor was not enjoying herself tonight. Far from it. She could still hear Jamie crying long after she had returned to her grandfather’s home. He was too young to understand why she should be gone so long, and so often, or that she wasn’t his mother. She needed to find a husband soon. Tonight, if at all possible. Who would have thought it could be so difficult in London?
The laughter and heat finally drove her to the garden for fresh air. It was unwise, which she knew, but she couldn’t get Jamie’s tear streaked face out of her mind and Benjamin’s fever still hadn’t completely broken. She should not be here. She should be with her family and it was impossible to pretend all was right with the world.
“Have your suitors finally become too overwhelming, Miss Westin?” Lord Bentley asked from the shadows.
Startled, she turned toward him. She wanted to be alone and not knowing his mood, she wasn’t so certain she wanted to be around Bentley at the moment. Eleanor turned to leave but was brought up short when he stepped into the light of the lamp. It wasn’t his presence that surprised Eleanor but the odd quirk of his mouth that could almost resemble a smile. She had seen it so rarely. And his eyes were a darker green than usual as he watched her with an intensity the warmed her from the inside.
“I confess I have too much weighing on my mind to find much enjoyment this evening,” she said evenly. What was he about? Was this another of his many moods she had not yet seen?
“What brings you to London now, may I ask? I would estimate your coming out should have been some three or four years ago.”
Eleanor stiffened before she answered “It was inconvenient, if not impossible. And not that it is any of your concern. My introduction to society should have been five years ago.”
Bentley looked at her oddly. Was he trying to come up with a comment to remind her of her inferiority, or was he going to be considerate and pleasant again? Regardless, she lacked the patience for his ever changing personalities. “If your mathematic skills are troubling you, I am four and twenty. Practically on the shelf, I suppose.”
“Why come to London now?”
&n
bsp; “Why does any young, unattached lady come to London during the Season?”
“A husband of course.” His lips quirked.
“Not just any husband. A wealthy husband.” Eleanor waited for his reaction.
His hands clasped her waist and he drew her against his body. She could feel his breath on her cheek. Memories of his kiss flooded her mind. Her pulse quickened in anticipation. She flattened her hands against his chest. Before she could ask what he was doing, his head swept down and kissed her with a passion she never would have believed him capable of.
Bentley lifted his head. “We both desire and should not deny our attraction for each other.”
Eleanor didn’t get a chance to comment because his lips were on hers again. It was true. She did desire him and his kiss did queer things to her body. How could such an inconsistent and confusing man kiss so wonderfully? If she didn’t end this soon she would be lost.
Bentley broke the kiss, yet pulled her tight. It was impossible to be any closer. “Marriage is such a permanent union. A woman of your charms could certainly appreciate opportunities in other, rewarding relationships,” he whispered in her ear, his cheek pressed against to hers.
What he was saying? This was all very confusing. Eleanor pulled back to look at him. Lord Westin was actually smiling. He was very handsome when he smiled. “Marriage offers security a single state lacks.”
“Though the security is temporary, other types of unions could be extremely profitable. I doubt you would be alone long between relationships.” He bent to kiss her nape. Shivers slid down her spine. It was impossible to concentrate on what he was saying while her body succumbed to so many delicious sensations. They were talking about marriage, but he wasn’t offering. Her clouded memory tried to make sense of his words. “How can there be any security in courtship?”
“Miss Westin,” Bentley kissed the other side of her neck. “You and I both know I am not proposing courtship.”
“You are not proposing marriage either.” Eleanor looked into his green eyes. It was slowly dawning on her what he was suggesting. She was too shocked to be outraged.
“No, of course not.” His lids dropped and seemed to focus on her lips. “However, I do desire you with an intensity that surprises even me. You are free to name your terms. When we tire of one another, I’ll give you a substantial settlement and we will both go our separate ways.”
“How dare you suggest…” She trailed off not sure of the proper terms.
“I suggest because I know you are not the innocent society believes you to be. You may be able to fool them, but as you well know your husband would learn the truth on your wedding night.”
She had never been so outraged or insulted in her life. “Yes. He would,” she stated with all the dignity she could muster.
“Then why don’t you save yourself the pain and humiliation and agree my alternative has much more promise.”
If she could get her hands freed she would slap Lord Clayton Bentley. Instead, he bent and took her lips once again before she could protest.
“Bentley, I demand an explanation immediately for this display with my granddaughter.”
Both Eleanor and Westin stiffened at being caught. Bentley pulled away and turned to Stanhope. “Your granddaughter and I were just discussing future events.”
“I should say there is certainly a future to discuss and I expect you to present yourself before me tomorrow at eleven. Is that understood?”
*
Eleanor paced in the front parlor. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Lord Bentley had what she needed most. Financial security. He was the absolute last man she could marry. Who was he to judge her, and whatever possessed him to believe she wasn’t innocent?
Goodness! Even she knew, lacking the basic understanding, that it took much more than a kiss to take ones innocence. He had implied that she had already lain with a man outside of wedlock. She should marry him out of spite, just to prove him wrong. But she wanted more from a marriage. She didn’t plan on, or even hope for love, but revenge and force would be worse than any type of union.
As tempting as the wealth he brought, Eleanor couldn’t go along with her grandfather’s plan to force a marriage. Bentley didn’t like her and he had few redeeming qualities. He probably wouldn’t even let her keep her family close. To save them all from being miserable for the rest of their lives, she would reject him. Surely the kiss in the garden hadn’t ruined her so completely that another man wouldn’t offer.
*
Clay rehearsed his speech over and over in his mind. He had stepped into the very trap his father warned of, and all because of lust. Now, he just needed to release himself before they exchanged vows. On the other hand, what exactly could Stanhope force? Even if Stanhope knew nothing of Miss Westin’s child, all Clay needed to do was tell the man, then he would see there was no need that the two marry to protect her reputation. However, honor demanded that Clay not discredit her in such a manner. He simply wanted to get out of this marriage and go on his own way, and forget he ever met Miss Eleanor Westin.
If she did not agree that they did not suit he would threaten to expose the child. Even she knew that would ruin her beyond all redemption, or she wouldn’t be hiding the child, but it would also bring scandal to his name. He and his father had fought for years to remain above reproach. The family reputation was already in danger because of Adele, and Jordan skirted propriety more than he cared to count. Clay didn’t need to add further damage and needed to bring this potential betrothal to quiet end.
As he suspected, Miss Westin waited for him. Clay had expected a triumphant smile as she thought she was getting a wealthy husband. Instead her worried features greeted him. He dismissed her concerns from his mind and decided to forgo pleasantries as well. “We should discuss your grandfather’s probable plans.”
“Yes, we should.” Miss Westin remained in the center of the room where she had been when he arrived.
“You know I had no wish to marry. I told you as much last night.”
“Before you insulted me,” she finished for him.
“I only spoke the truth. There is no use in denying it.”
“What truth?” She asked him in a raised voice.
“I know of Jamie. The boy who calls you mama.” Clay wanted to waste no more time with her denials of lost innocence.
Her expression changed to surprise and confusion. “Jamie? What do you know of Jamie?”
“That you are his mother. Having never been wed, the simple evidence of a child puts your virtue in question.”
Her face brightened, nostrils flared and her chin went up. “How dare you insult me or Jamie in such a manner!”
Clay grew impatient. Her overemotional state was irritating. The task was distasteful enough as it was. “How much?”
“How much for what?”
“How much to end this farce. My honor and family name prohibit me from ruining you in the eyes of the ton. I also wish to avoid a scandal.”
All color now drained from her face and Miss Westin sank into a chair. She bit her lip and studied him. Clay was pleased he had taken her off guard and waited for the answer to show how mercenary she truly was.
“How much are you willing to pay to rid yourself of me?” She asked in a hateful tone.
“Ten thousand pounds.” It was approximately half the amount he anticipated spending on a mistress. He would have needed to find her a townhome, horses, a carriage at her disposal, servants, wardrobe and jewelry. The cost could have actually run much higher. Instead of buying pleasure he would purchase a scandal free existence. His father would have approved.
Miss Westin fell back in her chair. There was a look of pure astonishment on her face.
“I would also ask that you leave London. I am not sure if anyone knows what occurred last night but your departure will silent the gossipmongers, especially if your grandfather offers a reasonable explanation.”
For several moments Miss Westin didn’t mov
e or speak. She only stared at him, her mouth slightly agape as if in shock. He was certain this was not what she had expected, but it was the best alternative. He hoped she saw it that way as well. After a moment she stood and approached. Her hand held out to him. “I accept your terms on the condition you never mention Jamie to anyone.”
Clay nodded his head. He had been prepared to bargain higher but she gave in quickly enough. Now this distasteful business was behind them. “My solicitor will be by this afternoon.”
*
With that he left the house and Eleanor sank onto the settee. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. At first she had been angered and intended to set him free on principal.
That was before he had so strongly insulted her once again. Fate had turned out differently and she needed the funds. How did he learn about Jamie? Jamie hadn’t been in the park nor had Bentley come into the home where her family resided. And, how in the world had he jumped to the conclusion that Jamie was her son?
Was it wrong to take the money? What if no one knew and I swore never to tell a soul of the kiss? But grandfather knows and he demanded Bentley do the right thing. With the funds, I can leave London and return with my family to the country.
Surely she had heard incorrectly. That sum would clear their debt and leave a bit to live on for a short time, if she were frugal.
Though Eleanor now detested Lord Bentley more than ever before, at this moment she could also kiss him. He had just solved all her problems and she didn’t even have to enter into a loveless marriage to obtain what she needed.
A smile pulled at her lips and she jumped up to go to her room and pack. She and her family would return home as soon as Benjamin was well enough to travel. Besides, her grandparents would be glad to see her go. Grandfather already complained the Season had not worked out as he planned and the thought of Bentley in the family made his stomach churn.