by Sandy Loyd
Markham chuckled, now convinced his brother played a part. “I’m going to find out once the man arrives, so you might as well tell me what’s what. That way I’ll have some time to come up with a strategy for dealing with him.”
“I’ve nothing to confess.”
“Don’t take me for a fool, and I’ll return the favor,” the duke stated, containing his annoyance.
“I have no idea why the earl wants to see you.” Geoff raised his chin.
“Now why don’t I believe that?” With eyebrows raised, the duke kept his eye on Geoff, causing the younger man to flinch under such close scrutiny. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Geoff, what’ve you done?”
“Nothing. You pull me out of bed at the crack of dawn to ask such questions? Really, Markham? Have you nothing better to do with your time?”
“That’s just it; I’ve too much to do and no time to waste on your silly games. If you’ve done something to have that man on my doorstep, I’ll know within the hour.”
Geoff remained mute, his expression insolent and uncooperative.
“Has this anything to do with Lady Penelope?”
Noting the pink slowly working its way from his brother’s chin to his forehead, Markham sighed. “I know she means something to you, that you used to be thick as thieves, but times change. You’ve got to let her go. She doesn’t concern you now.”
Geoff didn’t say anything for quite a while. When he spoke his voice was just above a whisper. “You’re so sure?”
“It’s out of our control. I can’t go against her parents’ last wishes. Please, Geoff, what’ve you done? Just tell me, and I’ll do what I can to help.”
Geoff’s expression was torn. His sullen silence prevailed until he finally relented. “I haven’t done anything but meet with her.”
“That’s it?” Markham prodded. “Why would the earl be up in arms over her meeting an old friend? It doesn’t make sense. There has to be more to it.”
“I may have given her a few pounds.”
“You gave her money?”
“The man was holding her prisoner and I had to do something to help. You weren’t doing anything.”
“He wasn’t holding her prisoner. The earl is her legal guardian. It’s his duty to protect her.”
“And who’s to protect her from him?”
Markham’s exhale came out in a frustrated huff. His younger brother had a point. He’d felt much the same way, but his hands were tied. Robert Lytton, the Earl of Lytherton, hadn’t been an idiot. His friend and neighbor would not place his precious daughter under the earl’s control without having just cause. Markham had to trust Robert’s judgment on this.
From all outward appearances, their match did seem like a good one. Still, Markham had done what he could to give Lady Penelope time to get used to having the man as her husband, because from the first moment he’d met the earl, his intuition told him something wasn’t right. It galled him now that over the course of these past months, his concerns had only grown, rather than abated. Oh, the earl appeared proper enough on the outside, but something in his eyes made him wonder. And now this.
Glancing at Geoff, whose expression was now blank, he figured his brother hid much more, but he’d get nothing further from him than he was willing to tell. With this in mind, he asked, “When did you meet her?”
“A couple of months ago. I can’t see how an innocent meeting would cause any problems. We met purely by chance.”
Markham chuckled. “Good story. Is that how you want me to relay the information?”
“I’m telling you the truth. I had no idea she was in London until I happened to see her riding in the park.”
That much was probably true. Markham had kept the news of the lady living in London to himself, fearing Geoff’s knee-jerk reaction.
“We met again a week later and that’s when she asked me for help. I gave her what I could at that time and I’ve not seen her since.”
“How much money are we talking about?”
“Two hundred pounds. ’Twas a loan.”
“Good God, man.” Markham shot out of the chair. He began pacing. “That’s enough to disappear on.” He stopped and nailed his brother with a hard gaze. “Where’d you get all that at one time?”
“I was lucky at cards, and happened to have it on me.” When Markham’s focus didn’t falter, Geoff’s face darkened with red once more. His tone turned accusing. “I knew she was planning on escaping, but I’ve no idea where she went.”
“That’s it? You know she was planning on escaping, and you’ve no idea where she went?” he asked incredulously.
“No, I don’t.” Geoff remained silent, his gaze steady, his chin inching higher. “That’s all I know.”
“I’m willing to bet there’s plenty more, but that’s all you’re giving me.” Markham broke eye contact and sat back down, realizing the futility of his actions. Moving his attention to the floor, he studied the designs in the rug. When he spoke, his voice held contemplation. “All right. I see nothing illegal in what you’ve done, provided that’s the extent of your help. Meeting a childhood friend and loaning money isn’t against the law. You have to know that because of your part in this, I’m honor bound now to help him find her, don’t you?”
“I understand. There’s no way the earl can connect me to Lady Penelope’s disappearance. Besides, if I did know something I wouldn’t tell you, only to have you track her down and force her to marry the vile man.” Geoff met his gaze and asked belligerently, “Are we through?”
“For the moment. But stay close at hand in case I have questions after I’ve met with the man. I’m already behind schedule. I won’t be pleased if I have to waste more time searching your favorite haunts if you’re not available.”
The air of command in Markham’s voice was unmistakable, and Markham’s amusement grew as Geoff relied on a tactic he’d used in the past two years to irk him. Straightening, Geoff gave a perfect bow and said in a subservient, mocking manner Markham hated, “As you wish, Your Grace.” Then he turned and sauntered out of the room.
Markham shook his head and smiled. Insolent pup, he thought, wondering if his attitude would be so impertinent if his allowance was cut.
His thoughts shifted to Lady Penelope Lytton and the problem at hand. If she did indeed disappear as Geoff had intimated—and he had a pretty good suspicion that’s why the earl was pounding on his door—his biggest question was, why? And what was he to do about it? Then he shrugged. Nothing could be done until he met with Kentworth.
At nine thirty sharp, there was a knock on Markham’s study door.
“Yes?”
The door opened and Putnam announced, “The Earl of Kentworth has arrived, Your Grace.”
“Very good, Putnam. Escort him in.”
A moment later, Gerald Knightsbridge stormed into his office, not bothering to hide his fury or offer civil greetings. “What have you done with my ward, Wyndham?”
Markham stood and walked negligently around from behind his desk. Leaning against it while crossing both arms and legs, appearing relaxed and wearing his usual aloof, bored expression, he asked, “Why? Has she gone missing?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know.”
“So I take it from your response, the lady is truly missing?” He flashed a smile.
“You know damn well she’s missing,” he hissed.
“My, Kentworth, you do seem to have a problem on your hands—a missing heiress. Still, why come here and accost me?” The duke kept his bored expression intact.
“Because you’re involved somehow. I know so.”
“Why would you assume I’m involved with Lady Penelope’s disappearance?”
“You’ve been interfering for months. And then I find out your brother met with her.”
“Oh?” He glanced at an imagined object on his hand before returning his gaze to the earl’s angry countenance. “Exactly what has that do with me?”
“He was probably doing
your bidding,” he said, his tone accusing.
Markham chuckled. “My brother doesn’t do my bidding, much to my dismay.”
“So you say. But I know he aided her in escaping.”
“Escaping? Sounds like you were holding her against her will.”
“Of course not,” the earl denied too quickly. “She’s just a bit unruly, still being willful is all. She is free to come and go.”
“Really?” Markham caught Kentworth’s gaze and held it.
The earl fidgeted under such close scrutiny. He straightened and cleared his throat. “Yes. There’s nothing untoward in my behavior if that’s what you’re implying.”
“I merely made an observation of your words.”
“Quit twisting this around,” he ground out. “My ward’s gone missing, I’m worried about her. I want her returned posthaste. Do you understand me?”
“I do understand. The lady is gone and because of that, you have no heiress to marry. But like I said, I can’t help you. I don’t know where she is.”
“I’ll bet your brother does and that he’s responsible for her disappearance,” he sneered. “He’s involved. So deep, it’s up to his neck. I can feel it.”
“That’s purely conjecture.” Markham shook his head.
“I know he had contact. They were seen together in the park.”
“A chance meeting between childhood friends. If Geoff saw her, he’d never ignore her, nor would she him. You’re making something out of nothing.”
“She just happens to disappear after this chance meeting.”
“Mere coincidence.” He rejected the notion with the wave of his hand. “You’ve no proof Geoff acted inappropriately.”
“Her trail leads to your brother and I don’t mean to stop until I find her.”
“I understand. You need your heiress back,” Markham mocked in a scornful tone with a derisive smile on his face.
“If you’re involved, Wyndham, I’ll bring you up on charges and make you rue the day you interfered in my life,” he lashed out angrily. “You’ve done so for the last time.”
“If you’re through making veiled threats, I believe we’ve nothing further to discuss.” Markham sat behind his desk and nodded toward the door. “I’m a very busy man, Kentworth. Continue to harass me, and I’ll be forced to take action.” He returned to his correspondence, totally ignoring the man.
“Your Grace.” The earl bowed his head briefly, his demeanor becoming more polite and deferential, as if realizing he may have pushed too far. “If you hear of anything, I’d appreciate it if you’d pass on the information.” He then turned and walked out.
Markham’s gaze stayed on the empty doorway. The man wasn’t bluffing. If Geoff had offered more help than what he’d admitted, Kentworth would cause trouble. He waited until he heard the front door open and shut before he quickly turned and yanked on the bell cord, summoning his butler.
When Putnam appeared at the door, he barked, “Get Geoff down here. Now.”
Chapter 6
The ship lurched and yawed. As Penny made her way to the officers’ dining room, she grabbed on to the polished wood beams for support. After a fitful sleep, memories of her actions the night before continued to plague her. She’d fled from Parker Davis as fast as her legs could carried her, with full knowledge she’d run not only from him, but from herself as well.
How had she willingly allowed him such liberties? Even more mortifying—she hadn’t wanted his kisses to stop. The tingling sensations she’d come to associate only with him still coursed through her system.
Warmth engulfed her face. She closed her eyes, working to forget her stupidity, only her mind wouldn’t cooperate.
She touched her lips, remembering the pleasure. For too many days, she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss him. The reality of it had been so much nicer than conjecture. His mouth had been tender and gentle. Geoff’s kiss never affected her in such a way.
His golden image came into her mind just then and self-revulsion roiled in her belly. She’d wantonly and knowingly kissed another man! He’d not forced her to endure his touch, as she’d had to suffer Gerald’s. She’d been instructed numerous times to call the vile man by his given name and that’s how she thought of him. Yet the captain’s brother wasn’t Gerald, an indisputable fact considering she’d loved his touch.
Heavens above! She didn’t want to think about Mr. Davis anymore. It was bad enough to find him attractive. And now she’d done the unthinkable. She pounded her fist with more resolve. Geoff was her beloved and she meant to make him a good wife.
When she entered the dining room she felt Parker’s gaze, but didn’t make eye contact. Shameful heat suddenly washed over her as renewed thoughts of the minutes in his arms flashed through her mind. She pushed out her musings and sat next to Mindy, eyes straight ahead, seeing only the table with different, less formal utensils and place settings than those used their first night.
The more durable metal plates and wooden cups weren’t as pretty, but still held expensive details. Even when calm, like now, the ship pitched and rolled and the dishes and silverware tended to slide from side to side. In rough weather it was next to impossible to sit at the table without holding on to the plate. As they sailed closer to their destination, the seas did seem a little choppier.
“Miss Layton, you’re later than usual today,” Lucas said. “I thought maybe you’d been overcome with seasickness.”
Penny glanced at the captain and smiled, praying conversation might divert her disturbing thoughts. “No, I had a bit of trouble sleeping last night and overslept. Hopefully it’s not a problem.” Yet no matter how she tried, thoughts of the man and the kiss wouldn’t budge from her brain. In the light of day and with him sitting so close, the images grew.
Since that first morning, he’d sidestepped her every attempt to be alone with him, avoiding her like the plague. She sensed his avoidance wasn’t born of disinterest. Not when she’d looked up too many times to catch him staring, his bold gaze moving over her like a caress, touching her everywhere, leaving her breathless and also leaving her with no doubts about his thoughts. She’d always sent a knowing smile in return, instinctively understanding what he wanted and that he was denying himself.
Penny had no illusions as to her motives. She’d played with a fire. Heavens, at times she’d felt like a pyromaniac wanting to stir the flames. Without a doubt, the man sitting across from her held on to unleashed power. Power that could burn and still his fire drew her. More than anything, the adventurer inside of her had wondered what would happen if his fire ever fully erupted. Penny mentally snorted. She’d gotten a pretty good dose of flames last night.
“Of course ’tis not a problem. We’re not so strict with our schedules that we can’t accommodate a little tardiness,” Lucas teased, pulling Penny back to their conversation. “I’m only happy you haven’t succumbed to the mal de mer.”
The thought of her being seasick had her grinning. “I can’t imagine why I couldn’t sleep, but seasickness definitely isn’t the reason.”
Parker grunted, which drew her gaze. His challenging stare caught and held hers.
When he flashed a sardonic grin, his expression clearly indicating he knew why she couldn’t sleep, her smile died and more heat rose up her face. Unable to withstand his mocking perusal, her gaze sought her hands and she remained silent.
If anything unseemly had happened and others found out, her reputation would be in shreds, along with her plans. Geoff wouldn’t want her. Parker might even have felt honor bound to marry her once he discovered her status, and she had no intentions of marrying a man such as he. Not a man with so much power and virility stored inside him. She sensed he was like a keg of powder waiting to blow. The thought of it blowing in front of her might have sounded exciting to begin with, yet in truth, she’d come to realize she had no control over it.
Penny needed control in her life much more than fire.
No, Geoff was perfect for her. S
he’d known him forever, and they loved each other.
Completely oblivious to the battle taking place in her mind, Lucas stood. “Well, I’m sure Jacques has no problem with your tardiness. He’s always happy to have company when he eats.”
Thankful for another distraction, Penny’s attention wandered to the captain’s back as he left the dining room. Still, her brain wouldn’t shut off.
Since beginning her journey, concern over the earl finding her had diminished. The hundreds of miles the ship had sailed provided safety. However, ebbing fear was only part of her inner transformation. She truly began thinking of herself as a new person, a person without such strict bonds of her station in life. Penny Layton, the American, didn’t have to worry about her parents’ last wish as Lady Penelope Lytton, the English heiress, did. She was becoming a woman of independence who could now take care of herself.
“I’m sorry you weren’t able to sleep, Penny,” Mindy said. “Seems that since I’ve gotten used to the motion, I sleep like a baby.”
“I’m glad I didn’t wake you with my sleeplessness.” Thank heavens her voice sounded calm. Still sensing Parker’s gaze, she ignored the tightening in her stomach and smiled warmly, patting Mindy’s hand. “I’m thankful you’re feeling better.” For a while there, Penny was really worried.
“So am I.” Mindy grinned. “I can’t tell you how horrible seasickness is. At one point, I truly wished I could die. Hopefully I’ll endure the rest of the voyage without it.”
Penny nodded.
Suddenly the galley door swung open when Jacques burst through with his usual energetic zeal. He placed Penny’s breakfast in front of her. Then he sat and took a deep breath before saying, “Bonjour, mademoiselles, Parker. Such a magnifique morning.”
“Thank you, Jacques.” Penny offered a semblance of a smile, striving for cheerful. “The porridge smells heavenly. And it is a beautiful day. I’m enjoying the warm, sunny weather.”