by Aileen Fish
“Think no more about it.” He patted her leather kid glove-covered hand before he could stop himself. “I want to understand why you went to Lord Luvington after your time of mourning had ended. Why did you not seek out family instead?” He was a bloody imbecile. The one topic he should not discuss with her and he just threw the gates wide open. He glanced away, inwardly scolding himself for his stupidity.
Lady Akford cast her eyes at the ground. “It is a rather--”
“There you are,” a cheery, feminine voice called.
Lady Wexil strolled toward them waving her fan in the air. He glanced at Lady Akford. She nibbled her bottom lip, making no move to speak further. A sigh of relief slipped past his lips. He did not want to know the answer to his inquiry, did not want to discuss his friends with her, and now he would not have to. Thank heaven for the distraction.
“I have been looking all over for my dear cousin.” Lady Wexil came to stand near the bench. “I do apologize, Lord Shillington, but I simply must pull Lady Akford away.”
“Of course.” Henry stood and reached out to help Lady Akford to her feet. When she placed her hand in his, a barrage of tingles assailed him. Something about the dangerous beauty got to him. Dare he explore it further?
“Thank you, Lord Shillington.”
He could not pull his attention from her as she walked away, chatting with Lady Wexil. The sway of her hips mesmerized him, holding his attention captive as her singsong voice wrapped around him. When she disappeared around a bend in the path, he allowed himself to sink back on the bench.
He closed his eyes against the late afternoon sun and brought his chin to rest in his palm. He was a bloody fool. There was nothing else for it. Lady Akford captivated him. He could no more turn away from her than he could stop the sun from setting. Much as he wished to.
“Do not tell me you are taking up sun bathing now, Shillington.”
Keery’s voice snapped Henry out of his relaxed state. His chest hitched when he noticed his sister, Lady Jane, on the rake’s arm. He stood with haste to rescue his sister, though she did not appear to want his assistance. “Jane, what are you doing out here? Alone?”
“I am not alone. Quite the opposite. As you can see, I am with Lord Keery and my maid is a proper distance behind us.”
He shot Keery a scowl when the rogue dared to chuckle, then turned his attention back to Jane. “All the same, allow me to take you back to the house.”
Jane let her fingers drop away from Lord Keery’s arm. She offered a curtsy. “Thank you for the pleasant stroll, Lord Keery.”
“My pleasure.” Keery winked at Jane. He approached Henry and leaned closer to whisper near his ear. “Relax. I have no interest in your sister.” He straightened and turned his rakish grin on Jane. “Good day, my lady.”
Henry peered at Keery then proffered his arm to Jane. She glared at him but rested her fingers on his coat sleeve all the same. He turned her back toward the house as Keery continued in the opposite direction.
Her maid had yet to come into view. He would deal with the servant at his earliest opportunity. To think, his baby sister out for a stroll with a nefarious rake and her maid, who did not make a proper chaperone to begin with, was nowhere in sight. It was unconscionable. With such behavior, she would find herself the subject of the latest on dit, and sooner rather than later.
He turned his head, pinning her with his gaze. “Jane, you are not to keep company with Lord Keery unless you are well chaperoned. Even then, I would prefer you did not engage him. The man has a reputation and you well know it.”
Jane swatted him with her fan. “You are being overbearing, brother. I told you my maid was with us. Besides, Lord Keery is your friend. He would not harm me.”
“Your maid is nowhere in sight.” Henry made a show of glancing around. “Do tell, where has she gone off to?”
“I am afraid I do not rightly know. All the same, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Lord Keery was a perfect gentleman. He only accompanied me because Lady Gillian took ill while we were strolling. I assure you it was nothing more than a kindness.”
“Being my friend does not make him a good suitor.” Henry doubted very much that Keery’s actions had been honorable. He could only hope the rakehell had acted thoughtfully to gain the affections of some other lady. His dear sister did not know the first thing about men.
Despite her previous three seasons, she had yet to garner anyone’s attention. She would be defenseless against the charms of a skilled rake. Had that been what happened to Lady Akford? Had she been helpless against Luvington’s advances all those years ago?
Jane tugged on his arm. “Perhaps you should fret more about your own company and less about mine. What are you doing with that…that…. Oh, you know very well what she is.”
He drew them to a stop and turned to look at her. “Lady Akford is a fine woman who made a mistake in her youth. Had you been found alone with Lord Keery, you would be in the same position. Irrevocably ruined.”
Jane’s cheeks blazed. “She is a strumpet. Everyone says so.”
Her assessment upset him more than he cared to admit. The muscle in his jaw ticked as he fought to push down his rising anger. “Lady Wexil and Duchess Abernathy do not think so, nor do I. The rest of the ton is mistaken.”
“Very well, brother.” Jane’s eyes flashed with indignation. “It does not change the fact she is ruined in the ton’s eyes. You are the heir to an Earldom, a Viscount for heaven’s sake. You need a proper wife and should be spending your time looking for one.”
“I am more concerned with your prospects.” Henry turned and set them back into motion.
Though he did not wish to admit it, Jane was correct. He did need to wed, but she was mistaken about Lady Akford. Annoyance surged in him. What if his sister was correct? The fact he could not defend Lady Akford wholeheartedly only served to rankle him further.
***
Claudia reclined on the settee in Vivian’s dressing chamber as her cousin chattered on about the latest fashions. Vivian had commissioned two new ball gowns from Mrs. Brudette and now held one out to Claudia. The scarlet and black silk fell in pleats and cascades that shone in the candle light. A plum purple silk and lace gown of a similar style hung behind Vivian.
“They are so pleasing that when I saw them, I simply had to fetch you. How will I ever choose between them? The ball will be upon us before we know it and I must wear one of them.” Vivian hugged the red and black one to her breast. “Which do you prefer?”
Claudia could not stop the mental image of Lord Shillington twirling her across the dance floor. When had a man last captured her interest so completely? Her heart hitched at the answer. Julian, six years hence. She had loved him with her whole heart. A bird-witted musing. This was completely different. She did not love Lord Shillington, she merely fancied him. She would never allow herself to love again. The sentiment only led to heartache and she’d already had her fill of that.
“Claudia.”
She snapped out of her ruminations at the sound of her name. “The red one suits you well.” In truth, either of the gowns would look stunning on her cousin. Claudia just said the first thing that came to mind and Vivian happened to be holding the red one.
“I quite agree. It is settled then.” Vivian draped the gown across a wingback chair, then came to sit near Claudia. “You are distracted, my dear.”
She forced a smile. “Not at all.”
“You never could lie. Now tell me what has you so preoccupied?”
She could not argue with Vivian’s assessment; Claudia had always been a terrible liar. She met her cousin’s stare. “I would rather not discuss it.”
“Since when do you hide things from me?” Vivian shifted to sit closer. “There was a time when you told me everything. It seems I failed to realize that you are now keeping secrets.”
Vivian was like a hound on a foxhunt when she wished to know something. She would not tarry from her course until she caught her pre
y. There was nothing for it. Claudia would have to be truthful. “Lord Shillington.” A sigh floated from between her lips. “I was thinking about, Lord Shillington.”
“I knew it! I saw the two of you depart the music room together last night. Then this morning in the breakfast room…” Vivian’s eyes twinkled. “I suspected something then, but after finding you together again this afternoon… Oh, Claudia, I am so happy for you.” She reached out and took one of Claudia’s hands in hers, a broad smile stretching her lips. “I knew you would change your mind.”
“Change my mind about what?” Claudia flipped open her fan. She did not like the turn this conversation was taking.
“Marriage, you silly goose.” Vivian squeezed her hand.
“M-marry. Gads no.” Claudia felt the blood drain from her face. Of all the things Vivian could have said, she would not have guessed that.
Vivian let go of her hand, tilting her head slightly as confusion flooded her eyes. “If you are not marriage-minded, then what?”
Claudia waved her fan faster, her heart beating wildly. “I told you, I will never wed again.”
“Then why is Lord Shillington occupying your thoughts?” Vivian stared at her with her brows drawn together.
“I have a mind to take him as a lover.” Claudia stared at her cousin, daring her to challenge the idea.
Vivian sprang up from the settee. “A lover? Have you taken leave of your senses? You are a young widow. You need a husband.”
“Come now, Vivian. You are a married lady. You know what goes on between a man and a woman.”
Claudia stared at her cousin, partly amused by her reaction and partly vexed. Vivian had never judged her in all of their years. Even when Julian failed to fight for her and she was forced to wed Akford, Vivian stood by her.
“Yes, a married man and woman. What you are suggesting is…is scandalous. Have you not had enough of that in your life already?”
Claudia stood to meet Vivian’s towering height. “I am a widow, and I intend to enjoy my newfound freedom. Widows take lovers more often then you may care to admit. Sticking your head in the sand does not stop the practice. As for causing a scandal, it is not a concern, I will be discreet.”
Vivian stood and paced across the room. “That may be true, but Lord Shillington is not the type to take lovers. His reputation is spotless and he is heir to an earldom. He will be looking to wed. Mark my words.”
Claudia hugged her queasy stomach. “We shall see.” Her voice cracked, betraying her lack of confidence.
Chapter 5
Based on their earlier conversation Claudia wagered that Lord Shillington planned on taking an evening ride. She meant to join him. Dressed in her emerald riding habit and matching bonnet, she sat atop her horse scanning the surrounding area. When she and Vivian had ridden together, they cut across the west side of the property, into the woods, then followed the river. It seemed as likely a course as any other did.
She nudged her mount harder then she intended and the horse took off in a canter. With a start, she gripped the reins a bit tighter and focused her attention ahead. Even if she did not manage to find Lord Shillington, the ride would prove enjoyable. Warm summer air wrapped around her like a lover’s embrace and she leaned into it. There could be nothing more freeing than racing across the land upon a well-conditioned horse.
An old stone bridge came into sight spanning the distance of the shallow river below. She dismounted then secured her mount before strolling onto the bridge. The place awakened emotional memories from her past.
Julian first told her he loved her not far from this location. Back then, she had been a moon-eyed debutant and her hopes hung on his words. If not for Akford’s underhandedness, and the scandal he caused, they may well have. She sighed and ran her hand across the rough stones. She stopped in the middle of the bridge and rested her hands on the edge and peered over the side.
The sound of the trickling water relaxed her, pulling her further into her musings. She recalled how her heart had soared when Julian proposed. In the moments after she accepted his offer, she had believed they were destined for a life of happiness and true love. She had kissed him with utter abandonment and reveled in the way he kissed her back. And then…
Her heart jumped when the clickity-clack of hoof-beats reached her ears. She turned and gazed down the trail. A gentleman riding a bay approached, but she could not make out his features. Pray, let it be Lord Shillington. Her heartbeat sped up. She strained her eyes in an attempt to make out the gentleman’s features. Her blood tingled at the sight of Lord Shillington’s handsome face.
She waved at him. “Lord Shillington.”
He dismounted and led his mount to a spot next to hers. “Good day, Lady Claudia.”
“Indeed it is.” She smiled, but made no attempt to leave her perch on the old bridge. “Do, come join me for a moment.”
“I am delighted to.”
She watched the way his muscles corded, filling out his frock coat as he wound the horse’s reins around a tree limb, then tied a knot to keep the beast in place. When he straightened to his full height, she swallowed hard. All strong lines and muscle, with soft brown eyes, and his head topped in wavy, golden locks. It was a wonder no lady had taken him off the marriage mart.
Did he harbor some awful secret? He could be a brute like Akford. A chill galloped down her spine. In truth, she knew nothing about him. Perhaps she should abandon her ill-found plan. What would she do if she took him as a lover only to discover he was unkind? Cruel even. She looked back at the meandering creek below.
Perchance Vivian was correct in her assertion that Claudia should not take a lover. But then, Vivian had not objected to Lord Shillington as a match. Rather, her objection had been to Claudia embarking in a liaison. She was over thinking the matter. With a deep breath, she cleared away the unsettling thoughts.
Lord Shillington came to stand beside her. His masculine scent soothed her. He rested his hand on the ledge next to hers. She studied the span of his palm and his long fingers through the leather of his gloves. “Why are you not wed?”
He shifted beside her and rubbed his jaw. “I am taken aback you do not already know. It is no grand secret that I fancied the Duchess of Goldstone before she married the duke. I proposed to her minutes before he did.” Lord Shillington turned, resting his hip against the side of the bridge. “I had been biding my time, waiting for her to come out of mourning. We never courted, but I had my cap set for her all the same. She turned me away. Every dowager in London wagged their tongues for days after.”
Claudia tipped her chin up to meet his eyes. “I am sorry. I should not have asked.”
“You have no cause to apologize. I had no right to ask for her hand, no reason to believe she would accept my offer. My pride was wounded more than my heart.” One corner of his mouth curved up.
She thought she saw a flash of regret. Or was it pain in the depths of his eyes? “Do you still harbor a tender for the lady?” She pressed her lips together, stopping the flow of inappropriate questions.
“I am pleased to see her happily wed. She is a friend and always was. I want nothing but happiness for her, and the duke seems to satisfy that requirement.” Lord Shillington looked out at the landscape.
She should not press the matter. All the same, she could not let it go. Something deep within urged her to uncover the answers she sought. “Why have you not wed another?” She nibbled her lip as she awaited his response.
“I suppose I am unwilling to face another rejection.”
It seemed the two of them were more alike than she could have ever guessed. She placed her hand over his. She was no stranger to the sting of rejection. Despite everything Akford had done, she had tried to have a normal relationship with him. He had rejected her at nearly every turn. She often wondered if he’d married her to punish her for choosing Julian. Regardless, after their first few months of marriage, it became clear he no longer wanted her. “I understand.”
“I cannot imagine who would reject you.” Lord Shillington offered her a heartwarming, but reluctant grin.
“Akford did.”
In truth, Julian had as well, but she no longer blamed him. She had been a feather-wit to expect him to wait all of those years for her to be free. “It is true I never wished to marry Akford. After the scandal broke, it seemed my only option. I had accepted Julian’s proposal, but Father would hear none of it believing Akford to be the better man. In truth, I do not know whether Julian came for me or not. If he did, I have no doubt Father turned him away. Despite it all, I tried to be a good wife to Akford.”
“Akford was a bloody fool.” Lord Shillington’s tone turned hard.
The conversation had become too serious, too depressing. Her heart was heavy from the barrage of unpleasant memories. In an effort to lighten the mood, she pulled her hand from Lord Shillington’s and tapped his shoulder. “Tag.”
Claudia clutched her skirts in one hand, then ran across the bridge. As she stepped into the grass along the river, she glanced over her shoulder, checking for Lord Shillington’s position. He pursued her with a wide smile on his full lips. Her own laughter rang out around them.
“Catch me if you can,” she called over her shoulder.
His chuckle did strange things to her. Her blood heated and a throbbing started at the apex of her thighs. She contemplated throwing herself into his arms, but opted to run faster instead. His long legs gave him an advantage. Before she could get much farther, a light tap warmed her shoulder.
“Tag.” His voice washed over her.
She twirled around and somehow, her wild swing managed to make contact with his side. “Tag.” She laughed as she ran out of Lord Shillington’s reach.
“I will catch you, little hoyden,” he called after her, his tone playful.
Claudia did not dare look back. With a grin, she continued to run along the river’s bank. Whatever had possessed her to act in such a way, she could not credit it. What’s more, she didn’t care.