Scandalous Scoundrels

by Aileen Fish

  Remember me kindly?

  Daisy didn’t want Gabriel replaced by a fond memory. She wanted to be with him, grow old with him, have dozens of children with him, some golden-haired and tawny-eyed like their father and perhaps one or two with her dark curls and vivid blue eyes.

  Remember me kindly.

  Would she ever see him again?

  To her frustration, she couldn’t tell her family of his secret mission, not that she knew much about it anyway. However, she would tell her father and Uncle George the little she knew in a couple of days, for she couldn’t have them believe he’d abandoned her. She suspected that Uncle George knew quite a bit more than he was letting on. She hoped Graelem would provide more details once it was safe to do so.

  Gabriel... her husband. Oh, that sounded so sweet!

  She frowned, wondering what Polite Society would think once it was known that Gabriel had left his new bride alone on their wedding night to go on the hunting trip he and the Duke of Edgeware had supposedly planned. No doubt the marriage-minded mamas would nod their heads and agree that a forced marriage to the daughter of a wealthy merchant was a laughable affair. Gossip would abound, everyone believing that Gabriel was set in his rakehell ways and would never be a dutiful husband to her.

  A shudder ran through her, for they might be right. She still had time before all eyes were on her. At least she could hide out with Laurel and Graelem for the next few days, thereby avoiding the friendly congratulations calls and those meant not to be so friendly.

  By the time word leaked that Gabriel had left London, she would come up with another excuse to explain his absence. Her head hurt just thinking of the necessary deception, but her heart hurt as well, for she was worried about what would happen when he returned.

  Daisy felt the ache well up inside her. She had forced him into this marriage and ruined his chance to find true happiness. “Mercy,” she muttered softly. Perhaps her parents had reason to be worried about her. She was a reckless fool who’d made a complete muddle of love and marriage.

  She closed her eyes and shuddered at the thought of the horrid whispers certain to spread across the fashionable London salons. Rakehell forced into marriage at the point of a gun. Abandons new wife on their wedding night.

  Oh, Lady Withnall would run wild with that!

  The sharp-eyed snoop amused herself by revealing the most intimate secrets of the Upper Crust. Daisy would not allow the little harridan to indulge at Gabriel’s expense. He had come to her rescue, married her to protect her from the Malinors. Of course, he’d also married her to protect the secrecy of his mission.

  He’d married her for every reason but love.

  “Do you think Father has declined Auguste’s offer by now?” she asked Laurel. It was early afternoon; only hours had passed since her hastily planned wedding. She wondered how the Malinors would respond to the news of her elopement. With anger? Relief? Auguste would be relieved, for he hadn’t really wanted her.

  “If I were in our father’s position,” Laurel said, giving thought to the question, “I’d delay my answer as long as possible. Why rush to face the wrath of the Malinors sooner than necessary? He’ll need to gather his allies, as well. Graelem will stand with Father. So will Uncle George. Although he doesn’t wish to involve Rose and Julian, I know they will insist on helping out, so we’ll have the Emory family with us. We Farthingales will get through it.”

  Daisy shook her head and sighed. “I hope so.”

  Laurel cast her a grim smile. “And here I thought I was the rebellious, undisciplined daughter. You certainly outdid me, blew right past me on a gale force wind, or should I say, a Gabriel force wind? No mean feat. I’m proud of you. Never thought you had it in you, for you were always the one who settled arguments, kept the peace. But you’ve certainly rattled your saber and everyone has noticed. Napoleon wouldn’t stand a chance against you.”

  Daisy spent the rest of the day in quiet exile at her sister’s home. Each passing hour felt like an eternity, though she tried to occupy her mind by plunging into the task of organizing Laurel’s household. She suspected Laurel had purposely disorganized her belongings in the hope of distracting her.

  Finally, as the day wore on and evening approached, Daisy set down her book and stared across the library to her sister and Graelem, who were cozily nestled on the sofa by the fireplace. Laurel’s head was resting on her husband’s chest, and she was purring as contentedly as a kitten while Graelem gently caressed her hair.

  Oh, the pair were so in love!

  Feeling a trespasser on their privacy, Daisy turned away. What did she have to show for her love but a terse farewell from Gabriel? He would be across the Channel and in France in a day or two.

  He was smart and determined. Nothing would sway him from his duty. And Graelem had finally revealed that the plan was to ride north toward the Duke of Edgeware’s hunting lodge, then head east to the ship hired to sail him to France once they were certain no French spies had been following them. Apparently, Lord Malinor had been aware of the plan as well, and his confrontation in the park with Gabriel had been a well-rehearsed ruse to further throw Napoleon’s spies off his scent.

  However, what hadn’t been rehearsed and caught all of them by surprise was the attempt on Lord Malinor’s life. Or was it on Gabriel’s life? No one was certain, and no one knew who’d ordered the attack, a concern that weighed heavily on Graelem’s mind. She could tell by the way his brow would furrow as he attempted to puzzle it out.

  Daisy was about to mention that odd-looking man she’d seen with Gabriel at the Royal Society and again in the park, but Laurel’s sudden gasp brought her straight to her feet. “Another contraction, Laurel?”

  Graelem put his arms around his wife, his gaze a mix of love and utter panic. “Sweetheart?”

  Laurel laughed lightly. “What a pair of old women you are! No cause for alarm. I shifted onto my knitting needles by accident.” She drew them out from under one of the decorative pillows thrown onto the sofa where she nestled with Graelem.

  Daisy eased back in her seat with a sigh, smiling at the look of relief that washed over Graelem’s face. The man was big and strong, built like a warrior. Fierce. Yet docile as a lamb when it came to his wife. He loved her with a deep, abiding conviction.

  Would Gabriel ever feel half that love for her? Her father’s parting words this morning resounded in her ears. Though he has done right by marrying you, I fear Lord Dayne is incapable of honest feeling. He has refused to accept commitment or responsibilities of any kind for too many years. Such a man will not change his ways now. Beware, Daisy. Your good intentions will never fix him. He’s a broken man.

  A broken man? Not her Gabriel, she decided for the thousandth time today. He was perfect.

  She yawned and rose from her chair as the hour approached midnight.

  “Where are you going? Don’t leave,” Laurel called out, clumsily raising herself to a sitting position.

  “Why not? It’s late.” Daisy sighed. “Are you worried about me? I’ll be fine. I’m rather enjoying the peace and quiet.”

  There it was again, her sister and Graelem exchanging worried glances. Did they know something she didn’t?

  At first, Daisy worried that there might be trouble with the baby, then realized Laurel would not be sitting contentedly in her husband’s arms if something were physically wrong with mother or child. She wasn’t about to upset them by suggesting there was.

  “Very well, I’ll sit with you a little longer.” She returned to her seat, picked up her book and resumed reading where she’d left off.

  Laurel eased back once more and rested her head against her husband’s chest.

  A short while later, Daisy tried again to leave the lovebirds alone. Again, they refused to allow her out of their sight. She adored her sister and Graelem, they’d made her feel more than welcome, but being together for the entire day was quite enough. Didn’t they desire privacy? Or did they believe she was too unbalanced to be left
alone? Goodness! They couldn’t!

  Daisy snapped her book shut.

  Her sister let out a snore.

  “Take her to bed, Graelem. She obviously needs her sleep.”

  Nodding, he nudged his wife upright and lifted her into his arms. “It’s late, my love,” he said when she stirred.

  “Oh, I must have dozed off. Where’s Daisy? I must stay with Daisy.”

  “I’m right here. What is going on? Will one of you please tell me?”

  It happened again. The pair turned to each other, exchanged knowing glances, and then turned back to her.

  “There, you’ve done it again. Why do you keep doing that? Do I have red spots on my face?”

  Laurel laughed nervously. “Of course not. What a silly thing to say.”

  “You keep giving me these pitying looks. I will admit I was quite overset this morning, but I’m better now. The crisis has passed. Father has refused Lord Malinor... and I don’t care about missing the Washburn’s ball tonight, or missing Lady Ashton’s musicale tomorrow, not that I’d be welcomed there anyway, even as Gabriel’s wife. Lady Dayne. Goodness, that sounds so odd. A wife and a lady. Nice, but odd.”

  Laurel cast her an indulgent smile. “You’ll reconcile with the family as soon as they’ve had the chance to calm down. All will return to normal within a few days... that is, what passes for normal in the Farthingale household.”

  Graelem chuckled as well, but his merriment quickly faded. “I know this next month will be rough on you. We’ll do our best to help you through it. I think you’ll be good for Gabriel. He thinks so too or he wouldn’t have married you. You’ll work it all out if he returns.”

  “You mean, when he returns.” Daisy clenched her hands around the book she was still holding.

  “Isn’t that what I just said?” Graelem tried to sound casual, but Daisy saw that he’d paled a little upon realizing his mistake.

  “Of course.” Daisy tried to dismiss the comment, but in her heart she knew that Graelem had said what he’d meant... what he’d feared... that Gabriel’s mission was dangerous, the odds heavily stacked against his survival.

  If he returns.

  Oh, mercy! That explained their looks of pity. Neither of them believed Gabriel would survive.

  ***

  Gabriel and Ian spurred their horses to a gallop as they approached the White Stag Inn shortly after midnight, eager to be out of the unrelenting cold that was accompanied by a driving rain. The inn, located inland about a day’s ride north of London, was on the well-traveled road between Luton and Peterborough. Gabriel had taken the detour north as a precaution, on the chance they had been followed. At daybreak, they would continue north, then swing sharply eastward and ride hard toward the seaport of Harwich, where he was to board a ship waiting to sail him to France.

  Two lanterns burned brightly above the inn’s entrance, a welcoming beacon in the night. The proprietor, familiar with Ian, heard their approach and rushed out to greet the riders. “Come in, Yer Grace! And yer friend be most welcome!” he said, smiling at Gabriel. “Leave yer horses in me son’s capable hands. He’ll take excellent care of them fine beasts. Ye must be hungry and thirsty. Will ye be wanting... er, the usual female attentions?”

  “No,” Gabriel said, receiving a surprised look from Ian. “That is, not for me. His Grace will speak for himself.”

  Ian shot him a questioning glance and nodded thoughtfully, seeming to understand this was not the time to tease him about Daisy. Their jovial banter would be saved for the next society ball, if he lived to attend another ball. To his surprise, Ian also refused the offer of a girl to warm his bed.

  “What do you think?” Ian asked later, once they had finished their meal of smoked quail and roasted potatoes, and washed it down with some excellent dark ale. “Did you notice anyone behind us?”

  “No. Seems our plan is on course.” He quickly scanned the common room, giving it a final look, but no one had come in after them and the travelers already present seemed harmless enough.

  “Then it’s off to Harwich in the morning.” Ian glanced at one of the pretty serving maids and sighed. “Too bad I’ve decided to follow your example and become a monk. She would have given me a soft ride tonight to take the edge off the hard ride awaiting us in the morning.”

  Realizing the duke would not ask for her, the girl went off with another traveler, giggling as the gentleman tossed her a shiny coin and led her upstairs.

  Gabriel poured himself another ale and one for Ian. The two of them sat in companionable silence watching the fire flicker in the hearth and listening to the rain fall on the thatch roof in muffled splatters. Wind howled in the distance, but the inn was well built and protected against unwanted drafts.

  “Well, are you going to say something or must I?” Ian asked, finally breaking the silence. “Go ahead. We’re alone now. Everyone, including the proprietor, has retired for the evening.”

  Gabriel glanced around. In truth, he’d been too lost in thoughts of Daisy to notice.

  “Get it out of your system before you sail, Gabriel. I don’t want that seething anger of yours to jeopardize the mission. Once you’re in France, your only goal, your only concern, must be to destroy the French supply lines. Shall I help you along?” He shifted in his chair and leaned forward. “Old Malinor’s a bastard.”

  Gabriel arched an eyebrow. “We’ve known that all along. He’s always been a bastard.”

  “So’s his son.”

  “He’s even worse than the father.” Gabriel gripped his mug of ale so tightly the handle threatened to break. “The conniving whelp, what does he want with Daisy? He doesn’t love her.” He slammed his fist on the table. “He can’t love her.”

  “It doesn’t matter. She refused him, married you instead. Hell, I still can’t believe it. You, married. I suppose our sacred pact is shot to pieces.”

  “No broken hearts, no grieving widows,” Gabriel said quietly. “That’s the worst part of this assignment, knowing I’ll soon make her a widow.” He didn’t bother to hide the pain in his eyes as he met Ian’s gaze. “I’ll need you and Graelem to look after Daisy for me. I don’t trust those Malinors. Auguste wants something from her, or wants to hurt me... or her... or both of us. Hell. She’ll be vulnerable. He’ll try to use it to his advantage.”

  Ian shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about Daisy. The little baggage has such faith in you, such love for you. She’ll cut him to ribbons if he tries anything.”

  It was quite something that she loved him, felt so good to have her stand by him even as false rumors of his character spread. He’d felt empty for so long, he’d forgotten that feelings such as pride, happiness, or respect still existed. “She is something special,” he said with a light grin, “even if she did almost destroy our mission.”

  Ian shook his head and let out a genuine laugh. “Imagine, the course of the world completely undone by a pair of soft, blue eyes.”

  Gabriel felt the ache in his heart. “Ah, yes. Helen of Troy and Daisy Farthingale. Daisy hasn’t quite changed the world yet, but she’s changed me. I returned home wanting to die and the little nuisance somehow gave me reason to live.”

  “You might want to mention that to her upon your return,” Ian said, his voice suddenly sounding tight. Perhaps it hadn’t been quite the right thing to say to Ian, a man who’d gone through life without anyone to care whether he lived or died. Not even Ian seemed to care about his own survival.

  Gabriel nodded. “Protect her until then.”

  “I will. I promise.” Ian smacked his palms against his thighs and rose. “Since I don’t have that special someone to make my life complete, I’ll have to make up in quantity what I lack in quality. If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment with a buxom redhead called... oh, damn, I turned down the offer, didn’t I?” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Guess I’ll retire alone to my quarters.”

  Gabriel grinned. “You could find yourself a snoopy Farthingale of your own.”<
br />
  Ian gave a mock shudder. “No. And don’t think to do me any favors. I’m perfectly content to remain a bachelor for the rest of my days.”

  Gabriel stayed behind to watch the fire die in the hearth before walking upstairs and settling into his sparse but clean room. He collapsed onto the bed, too fatigued to do more than kick off his boots. Breathy female moans, masculine growls, and the sound of wooden bed slats creaking filtered in from next door, no doubt the maid Ian had passed up now with another traveler. He tried to shut out the noise, but his last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were of Daisy and how perfectly she would fit in this bed beside him.

  Chapter 19

  A lady must never countenance a rake’s illicit paramours.

  “Laurel, you look ashen.” Daisy set down her fork and pushed away from the breakfast table. She stared at her sister, then at Graelem. The pair were seated across from her, Graelem shoveling his breakfast into his mouth as though he hadn’t eaten in weeks. No doubt it was a ruse to avoid talking to her. More to the point, to avoid answering her questions about Gabriel and his mission.

  She had meant to ask more about it, but Laurel’s condition was of greater concern at the moment. Laurel hadn’t touched her food, an alarming circumstance since until this morning, she had been inhaling portions large enough to feed a regiment.

  “Sweetheart?” Graelem set down his fork as well and was about to raise his teacup to his lips, but stopped to study his wife. “Aren’t you hungry? Do you feel ill?”

  “I’m fine,” she insisted, scowling at both of them. “I wish you two would stop fussing over me. Daisy’s the one who ought to be fussed over.”

  “No, I’m not.” Quite the opposite, Daisy wished to remain quietly on her own, but not before she had more answers from Graelem. As she was about to toss him more questions, Laurel suddenly bent over and let out a soft gasp.

  Daisy forgot about her own woes and quickly reached over to clasp Laurel’s hand. “It’s time, isn’t it?”