by Lora Thomas
Iris smacked at the woman assisting her. “Get your hands off me. I can manage on my own.”
“Ya know, miss, we can all pull her under and claim the tide carried her away,” the dipper said, watching Lady Iris and the other dipper.
“Do not tempt me.” The instant the words left Catrina, she quickly said, “Sorry. That was not very ladylike.”
“It’s quite all right, miss.”
“What is your name?”
“Claudia, miss.”
“I am Catrina. It is nice to make your acquaintance. Again.”
A surprised expression came to Claudia. “I am surprised you remembered me, miss.”
“You were kind to Elena and me. I always remember those who are kind.”
“And those that are unkind?”
“More so.”
A wave crashed into Iris, causing her to scream in frustration. She sputtered and wiped the water from her eyes and flung the seaweed of her cap. Catrina had a hard time hiding her delight. That could not have happened to a more deserving person.
“Get me out of this wretched water!” Iris demanded.
Claudia looked at Catrina. “I guess this time of sea bathing is over.”
“For her. I have yet to have my fill,” Catrina said, raising her chin with determination. “Lady Iris can simply wait in the bathing machine.”
“Get out of my way,” Iris complained as she pushed her way past Catrina to get to the bathing machine. Once at the step, she ordered, “Come on, Miss Wilcox. I am leaving.”
A resolute expression came over Catrina as she turned to address Lady Iris. “No.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“I said, no. I have not had my fill of sea bathing yet. Feel free to sit in the bathing machine until I am finished.”
“I am finished.”
“Well, good for you. But I am not.”
“Get into this infernal contraption now. I am leaving,” Iris screeched. “Now!”
Catrina turned to face Lady Iris. The beautiful lady’s features were now ugly and contorted in anger. If only Thomas could see Lady Iris like she was now, then he would have never offered for her hand.
“I will not! I will not get in there. I am staying right here.”
A malicious sneer pulled Iris’s lips into a thin line. “Fine. Driver! We are finished!”
“What?” Claudia said.
“Driver!” Iris said again. The coach moved.
“Wait! No!” Claudia yelled. “We are not finished.”
The driver pulled back on the reins.
“Driver!” Iris yelled. “Get this contraption back onto the shore, or I will make certain that you are placed on the next transport to Australia. And do not stop until we are on dry land.”
The driver snapped the reins over the horse’s back, causing the bathing machine to move forward.
Claudia grabbed hold of the handrail on the bathing machine and turned, reaching her hand out for Catrina.
Catrina reached forward; however, a wave struck her from behind, causing her to stumble. Catrina watched in horror as the bathing machine moved out of her reach.
“Wait!” Catrina yelled.
“Hurry, miss!” Claudia called, stretching her hands out as far as she could.
Reaching out for Claudia, Catrina tried to run, but the weight of the water upon her bathing gown was too much. She felt like she was running in place. Her heart hammered in her chest as panic began to set in at the notion of being left this far from shore. She could not swim!
“Wait!” Catrina called again. Her breathing changed to rapid pants. “Wait!”
The bathing machine did not stop until it pulled onto the shore. Claudia rushed to the driver just as Iris exited from the back. Iris walked to the front and began speaking to the driver.
“Help!” Catrina shouted as she struggled to walk. A strong current pulled at her dress, pulling her away from the shore. “Help!”
People were scattered about the beach, seemingly unaware of her peril.
The waves rushed around her, and the current pulled her farther out to sea.
“Help me!” Catrina screamed again.
Fear gripped her, causing her heart to pound and tears to stream down her cheeks. Catrina was not aware of anything except the fact that she was getting pulled out to sea. She did not see the man approaching her until she felt his hands upon her.
“I have got you.”
Relief flooded her as she felt a secure grip around her waist. Strong arms wrapped around her body and lifted her from the water. Instinct caused Catrina’s arms to wrap firmly around the neck of her rescuer.
She buried her face in the crook of her rescuer’s neck and tightly squeezed.
“Not so tight,” a strained voice said. When she did not loosen her grip, a calming, “Catrina, I’ve got you,” caused her to look up.
“Thomas,” she said, somewhat surprised, her anger at his betrayal momentarily forgotten.
“What are you doing out here alone?” Thomas asked.
“I wasn’t. The bathing machine left without me.”
“They did what?” Thomas asked, his voice tight with anger.
She opened her mouth to tell him the reason but snapped it shut. What good would it do her to ruin his marriage with Lady Iris? Catrina had no hope of ever having Thomas thanks to her brother.
Suddenly, she became all too aware of his bare flesh upon her hands. The feel of his arms under her knees and upon her back caused her eyes to widen. She looked down and noticed that he lacked a shirt. The defined muscles in his chest glistened as a trail of water trickled over them. Heat flooded her loins, causing her to swallow hard. She should be furious with him. He had used her for his own personal gratification only hours after asking for Iris’s hand. Yet, she found she could not be. She wanted to be with him. Even after everything, she longed to be in his company. Hear his voice. Smell his scent.
“Are you naked?” Catrina asked in a strained voice.
The corner of his mouth curled upward naughtily. “That is the reason men and women sea bathe separately.”
Heat crept up her cheeks.
“Relax, Catrina. We have seen each other, but I promise to stay mostly submerged.”
“How did you know I was in danger?”
“I was swimming and heard your cries for help.”
Her brows drew together with confusion. “But how did you get here so quickly?”
A devilish twinkle came to his eyes. “Well, Hawke informed me this morning that you were going sea bathing today. I thought to pay you a visit.”
“Lord Huntsley! That is unheard of! That is…is…”
“A scoundrelly thing to do?”
“Yes. And put me down.”
“Why? The current is still powerful here. If I put you down, it will drag you back.”
“Because… because you took advantage of me this morning. Because we should not be together. Because you are engaged to Lady Iris!”
Thomas furrowed his brow, creating a deep crevice. “Who told you that?”
“Do you deny it?”
“No.”
His confession caused her heart to constrict in pain. Blinking rapidly, she fought the tears in her eyes.
Her voice was strained as she replied, “Then what does it matter who told me?”
“Catrina—”
“Do not try to apologize for your actions towards me today. You warned me about your reputation. You warned me.”
“Cat—”
“I must look like the biggest kind of fool to you.” Anger punctuated her words. “Is this a way to seek revenge against my brother? Cause his sister to fall from grace and have a great laugh about it with Lady Iris?”
“No,” Thomas defended. “Why would you think such a thing?”
“Why? Because you kissed me last night? Because you bid on me last night at the auction and we had a wonderful evening together? Because you made love to me in the cave? Because Lady Iris took great
delight in informing me of your marriage?”
“Come off it, Catrina.”
“You have no right to call me by my given name.”
He ignored her reprimand. “Did you not tell me that you were to be married?”
“That is not the point.”
“Hypocrite.”
“Hypocrite! My marriage is not of my doing. Yours is. You kissed me even though you knew you were going to ask Lady Iris for her hand. You took me in that cave and allowed me to give myself to you after you had asked for Lady Iris’s hand. You are a scoundrel and a rake.”
His voice was cold and caustic. “Is that your final decision?”
“Yes.”
“Then there is no more to say about the issue. Your way to shore has arrived.”
Catrina craned her neck to peer to her left. She had not noticed the bathing machine had returned. Thomas released her legs, allowing them to dip back into the water. When she released his neck, he turned and swam away. Catrina watched Thomas leave, and for the first time in her life, she truly felt empty and alone.
Chapter Twelve
Artie viewed his reflection in the mirror in Thomas's room. He adjusted the olive-green cravat around his neck and replaced the cravat pin. After smoothing down the front of his black jacket, he turned to face Thomas.
Thomas was still sitting in the same chair as when Artie arrived, a glass of brandy in his hand, barely touched.
“You have been unusually quiet this evening,” Artie said.
“I have a lot on my mind,” Thomas said, placing the cup to his lips.
“Would you care to discuss what is on your mind?”
“Not particularly.”
A knock on the door stopped Artie’s meddlesome questions. He approached the door. Before he could turn the knob, it opened.
“It is a grand evening, is it not?” Hawke said, bursting into the room with a spring in his step.
“It is,” Artie answered, followed by Thomas’s. “It could be better.”
“What has the burr up his arse?” Hawke asked.
“I haven’t the foggiest. He has been sulking in that same chair for the past half-hour. The least he could do is drink his brandy. Instead, he huffs and puffs, places the cup to his lips, but never drinks.”
“I see,” Hawke said, nodding sagely. “I believe I know the reason.”
“Then, please enlighten me.”
“He has asked for Lady Iris’s hand.”
Artie’s mouth fell open. “You have got to be bloody kidding me.”
“I am not.”
“How the hell did you find out?” Thomas snapped.
“This afternoon, I had a very lovely carriage ride with Miss Paxsley.”
“I already knew that,” Thomas interrupted.
“Allow me to finish. Anyway, upon our return, we spotted Miss Wilcox wandering the countryside. The poor girl was in shambles. She was rambling on about nearly drowning and how all men should never be trusted. She then proceeded to tell Miss Paxsley and me of how Lady Iris left her to drown after informing her of how you”—Hawke pointed at Thomas—“asked Lady Iris for her hand just hours after kissing her at the ball. Of how this morning, the two of you were alone at the caves.” Hawke quirked a concerned brow at Thomas.
“Bloody hell,” Thomas mumbled, running his hand through his thick black hair.
“You kissed Miss Wilcox?” Artie repeated.
“Out of that entire story, that is what you focused on?” Hawke replied drolly.
“How could I not? Miss Wilcox is a very handsome woman. And more suitable for Huntsley than Lady Iris. They had an enjoyable time at the caves and were inseparable at the ball.” Suddenly Artie’s eyes widened. “Egad! Why in God’s name did you ask Lady Iris for her hand? I mean, you claimed you had no desire to marry her.” He then drew his brow together. “Since you asked for Lady Iris’s hand, would you mind if I called upon Miss Wilcox?”
“What? Don’t be absurd. I could care less who you call upon. You can’t. I won’t allow you to ruin her,” Thomas snapped. But truth be known, he did not want Catrina to be with anyone but him. However, her words today indicated that she did not feel the same and it wounded Thomas. Instead of clarifying his statement, he decided to address the other question. “And I did not ask for Lady Iris’s hand.”
Hawke approached the looking glass and preened his hair. “That is not what Lady Iris is spouting.”
“What did you ask her, then?” Artie asked.
“I told her when we return to London, I intended to speak to her father about our future.”
“Shit, Huntsley! Why the hell did you do that?” Hawke said, turning to face his friend, the concern evident in his eyes.
“I have to marry, Hawke. What other prospects do I ha—”
“Miss Wilcox,” both Artie and Joshua said.
“Miss Wilcox is not a possibility,” Thomas growled.
“Why?” Artie asked.
“Because her brother has arranged a marriage for her. Because I have just a hair over two months to find a suitable woman and marry her. Because if not, then that shrew of a mother I have will get my remaining inheritance. I cannot—no, I will not—allow that to happen.”
A deflated sound left Hawke. “So, both you and Miss Wilcox are at the mercy of others.”
Artie’s lip curled. “No.”
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean, Lady Iris is so ill-suited for Thomas. If he is to wed, why not marry a woman whose family drives his mother mad?”
“Get on with it, man.”
“Catrina Wilcox.” Artie beamed.
“We have already discussed that issue, Artie,” Thomas barked.
“I thought you just decided you were interested in the chit?” Hawke reminded.
Artie ignored Hawke’s question and the anger in Thomas’s voice. “It makes sense. She needs to marry. You need to marry. Why not marry each other?”
“She is her brother’s ward, Artie,” Thomas reminded. “We would need his permission.”
“Well, there is that.”
Thomas downed his drink and stood. “I have made up my mind. Lady Iris would be a most suitable wife. She is refined and pleasing to the eye.”
“And as exciting as an old shoe.”
“Not from what I heard,” Hawke said.
“What do you know?” Artie asked.
“It seems that Lady Iris is a skilled actress.” Hawke turned to Huntsley. “Did you know that Lady Iris ordered the driver of the bathing machine to leave before Miss Wilcox could even get inside?”
“No,” Thomas said.
“Did you know that Lady Iris threatened the driver with bonded servitude should he stop?”
“No.”
“Did you know she continued to threaten him even after he returned to shore?”
“I did not.” Thomas furrowed his brow. “How did you learn of this?”
“Miss Wilcox. She was rather distraught. She collapsed to the ground, visibly upset by the events. I thought I was going to have to carry her back to the hotel. She did not even notice I was there, Huntsley. When Miss Paxsley disembarked the phaeton, Miss Wilcox threw herself into Miss Paxsley’s arms. She wept and told Miss Paxsley everything. And I do mean everything, Huntsley.” A disapproving scowl pulled Hawke’s brow downward.
“Everything?” Thomas’s voice was low. “She spoke of what transpired?”
A deep breath left Hawke. “Implied. But I understood her ambiguous meaning, Huntsley. I cannot attest the same for Miss Paxsley. After escorting Miss Wilcox back to the hotel, Miss Paxsley told me what she knows of Lady Iris, and I am here to tell you she has had us all duped. She is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She likes to play the demure lady when in truth she is a viper waiting to strike. Did you know her family is nearly destitute?”
“I had my suspicions,” Thomas said. “Let me guess, Miss Paxsley told you this?”
“Yes. Lady Iris is only after your money, Huntsley.”
“But—”
“You cannot change my mind about this, Hawke. If I am to wed a gold-digging bitch, let it be one that is pleasing to the eye, good in bed, and—”
“You bedded Lady Iris?!” Artie blurted out.
“Yes,” Thomas replied with no remorse.
“But—” Hawke’s words were stopped by Thomas.
Thomas’s words were sharp and curt. “Enough. Not all of us can marry because of love. Not all of us have parents who did. Now come along. We will miss dinner.”
Artie and Hawke looked at each other as Thomas walked out the door.
“We have to stop that wedding,” Artie said.
Hawke nodded in agreement. “The question is, how?”
Catrina sighed again as she exited the hotel. She knew she should have told Elena where she was going; however, she did not want to burden her friend with her worries. All evening, Lord Hawke was at Elena’s beck and call. The pair dined and laughed all evening. All Catrina could do was watch them brokenheartedly for Thomas and Lady Iris were across the table from them.
Thomas ignored her all evening, keeping his focus on Lady Iris. The only reprieve Catrina could hope for was for the ground to open up beneath her. Yet, it did not happen. She had to endure two hours of Lady Iris’s overly boisterous laughter and vulgar flirtations directed at Thomas. She had to endure two hours of Thomas openly doting on Lady Iris. Two hours of sheer hell.
Catrina could have kicked herself. Why did she care if Thomas was making a fool of himself over Lady Iris? Why did she care if the two were to be wed? Why did it feel like she couldn’t breathe when she heard him whisper Iris’s name? She and Thomas barely knew each other. When they did meet, their conversations were rarely cordial. He was rude and condescending and hateful. Then there was the night of the ball and the kisses. Then the cave happened. Those events changed everything. And it was not for the better. Thomas had given her a glimpse of happiness and then ripped that hope from her grasp by betrayal.
Stopping at the shoreline, she turned her gaze to the stars twinkling brightly above her. How far away they seemed. How small and alone she felt. Sitting down in the sand, she looked out at the dark ocean. Perhaps, she could leave. Sell a few possessions and book passage to America. A fresh new start. Branson would never dream of looking for her across the pond. Perhaps with Thomas thousands of miles away, she could get him out of her thoughts. Since their first fateful encounter, she had not been able to get him out of her mind. He was entirely too handsome with the sun shining behind him as he assisted her. Now she knew that was all he was—a handsome face and nothing more.