To make matters worse, the light glow from her window suddenly extinguished. She’d blown out her candle and was going to bed.
“Petal,” he whispered but got no response. “Petal,” he called louder. Still nothing. Finally, he gave a near shout. “Petal!”
He’d nearly given up hope when he heard a window open above him. “Rex?” she called back.
Looking up, he could see her scanning the garden below. “Below your window.”
Her eyes darted down to his and then widened. “Merciful saints, what are you doing?”
He’d have shrugged if he wasn’t clinging to a wall between the second and third floor. Instead, thinking quickly, he made something up. “I thought I smelled smoke. I was worried there was a fire in your room.”
“So you scaled the wall of the garden?” she cried. “Please get down from there. You are rather frightening me.”
“I find I am frightening myself.” His fingers were beginning to ache. “If I should fall, there is a satchel of money in my coat pocket across my bed. Use it to reach your sister.”
“Fall?” she cried and then disappeared from view.
“Petal,” he yelled now. For the first time since he’d found himself stuck, fear trickled down his spine. He’d been in higher places before. But usually there was a method of descending. Perhaps it had been a mistake to tell her about the money. “Please tell me you’re not leaving me here.”
“Don’t be absurd,” she yelled back and then stuck her head back out the window. “Though, you are helping me to do laundry tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry?” he asked.
In response a rope of blankets came sailing out the window. “I’ve tied it to my bedpost. I think the knots will hold.”
“Think?” He swallowed a lump in his throat. Very slowly he let go of the crack in the brick that his fingers clutched and used one hand to test the knots. They didn’t slip at all as he tugged but he wouldn’t know until he actually attempted the climb.
“I’m not a sailor. My skills in knot-tying are limited,” she called. “Give a good tug down and I’ll pull up. We’ll see if it holds.”
He did as she commanded and, to his surprise, they didn’t budge. “Here goes.” He brought the sheet toward his body and let go with the other hand to grasp the fabric.
She pulled as he climbed, though he wasn’t sure how much it helped. He absolutely would not point that out, however. Her quick thinking may very well have saved him tonight. A wave of appreciation washed over him. How many women would have been so resourceful?
She was…special. As his hand clasped the sill of her window, she grasped his wrist with both her hands, pulling until he’d leveraged himself up and through the opening.
He wished his landing had been more graceful but between her tugging and his lunging to avoid death, he fell forward, knocking into her and sending them both crashing to the ground.
Wrapping his arms about her, he managed to twist in midair so that it was his shoulder that hit the floor and not her back. As he grunted in pain, her soft curves crashed into his body, sending both pain and desire sizzling through him.
Grasping her tighter he rolled onto his back and then kept going until she was underneath him. “Petal, are you all right?” He knew she was. He’d protected her. But she felt like no woman he’d ever known underneath him and his current goal was to stay in this position as long as possible. His shoulder ached but he couldn’t care less.
“I’m fine. You?”
She tilted her chin to look up at him and he nearly lost his breath. The air bottled in his chest. Nearly falling to his death hadn’t made it catch like that.
“I’m quite well, thanks to you. How did you think of that so quickly?”
She pressed her lips together but it didn’t quite hide a smile. “You’re not the first person to become stuck on that wall.”
Who else had tried to climb into her window? Had it been a man? A rumble erupted from his throat. He’d kill him if he found out who it was. “Who?” he asked, his voice rough with jealousy.
Her lips spread into a grin. “Jacob. But he was only ten, which is a bit more understandable than a grown man attempting to scale my garden trellis.”
His eyebrows lifted and for a moment he just stared down at her. She was absolutely stunning. Her large eyes sparkled with laughter as her full lips parted in a grin. Though on the floor, he felt a great deal lighter than he had in a very long time. “Petal, you are the sort of woman who would drive scores of men to attempt to scale your garden wall. I am trying to remember when I’ve met a more lovely creature.” Then he dropped lower, his mouth hovering just above hers.
She drew in a shaky breath. “Please let me up, my lord.”
“What?” Rex attempted to process her words. Drawing away, he could see her smile was gone. In its place, her mouth had tightened.
Petal turned her face away. “This is not at all proper. You must get up.”
“As you wish,” he rumbled, but pain—and regret—made his movements slow. As soon as he’d lifted off of her, she scurried away from him and stumbled to her feet, crossing the room to stand on the other side of the bed. A vein pulsed in her neck as she drew in a shaky breath. She wasn’t completely immune, which was comforting to know.
Once there, her eyes assessed him with unwavering attention as one might look at a snake about to strike. “You must leave, my lord.”
He gave a single jerk of his chin. “Can I help you remake the bed at least?”
“That won’t be necessary. Please go.” Then she pointed to the door.
* * *
Rex gave her a long look, his chin dropping so that his eyes were intent upon her. She nearly squirmed under the gaze. Instead, she straightened her shoulders and added, “Please.”
His mouth pinched as he began walking toward her, or the door, she couldn’t be certain. Drat. Why had she placed herself between him and the only exit that didn’t involve a three-story drop?
He stopped a few feet in front of her. “But don’t you wish to know why I was two-and-a-half stories up the wall outside your window? Aren’t you even a tiny bit curious?”
A little huff of breath escaped her lips. She was curious and he knew it. He was certainly using that against her now. “That has nothing to do with you leaving.”
One corner of his mouth quirked up. “I disagree. Now is the time for us to have a private conversation.” Then he stepped closer. Gently, he reached his hand toward her and brushed back a stray lock of hair from her face. “I have a fair number of more private questions I’d like to ask.”
She grabbed his hand and pushed it away. “There will be no private conversations. Go.”
“You were more than happy to rest in my arms this afternoon, my little flower.” He quirked a brow as moved another half step closer.
Daffodil refused to step back. His proximity was creating a riot in her body, it ached and fluttered, her breath coming in quick gasps. To move away would be a relief. But she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d caused such a reaction. “I was half dead with smoke inhalation.”
He let out a low chuckle that danced along her nerves sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. “I’ve told you, Petal, I’ll behave. I’ve made a promise to Theo and he is the one person in this country I’d not disappoint.”
“All the same, you should go.” Daffodil pointed to the door. “Sleep well, my lord.”
“Rex,” he repeated as he turned on heel and marched toward the door.
It clicked closed behind him; Daffodil’s shoulders sagged. She was relieved, of course. But as her fingers trailed down the piece of hair that he touched, she wondered if those shoulders had betrayed her and slumped in disappointment.
Chapter Five
Rex rubbed his eyes for the third time in as many minutes as they traipsed down the damp London street. Not that he minded getting up with the sun, but more because thoughts of a certain little flower had kept him awake m
ost of the night.
Jacob had already knocked upon the doctor’s door and the man had agreed to attend Mrs. Fields later that morning.
Now, they were off to the baker and the butcher to have a decent amount of food in the house.
“I think we should get a duck or several quails for tonight’s dinner,” he said.
Jacob shot him a look. “But they’re more complicated,” he said.
“I did promise to teach Petal how to properly cook meat,” Rex replied. And that would require an extensive amount of time in the kitchen so she’d have to stay with him for a lengthy lesson.
It was dastardly, he knew that. He should do as she clearly wanted and leave well enough alone. She needed a husband and he…well, quite honestly, he needed to return to Barbados. He’d come back to England with Theo only to make sure that his estate was being properly managed. His island holdings now represented a significant portion of his earnings and, frankly, his life was less complicated there.
The sun burned away all the memories that plagued him here in the mother country.
“The butcher is just around the corner,” Jacob called. The boy turned back to him giving a warm smile as his light step kept him just ahead of Rex.
“Excellent,” he replied as he marveled at Jacob and Petal’s ability to remain so fresh and upbeat in what were clearly difficult circumstances. “May I ask you a question?”
Jacob slowed his pace. “Of course.”
“Your sister. Does she have any suitors?”
Her brother shook his head. “Why would she? She’s not been formally introduced to society.”
“I understood that much. But sometimes there is a standing agreement.” He gave Jacob a sideways glance. It was wrong to ask these questions. He wasn’t available and should leave well enough alone. But his curiosity had been piqued and she refused to share.
“She’s no dowry, never has. There are no agreements.” Jacob’s sad smile slipped from his face with his words.
“Even without a dowry, she’s beautiful and charming. I’m sure some arrangement could be—”
“My sister will marry, sir.” Jacob had stopped walking, lifting his chin higher as he assessed Rex. “If you suggest anything else, then I will have to ask you to leave our home.”
He’d touched a nerve. That much was clear in both Chase siblings. “I only meant there are plenty of men who would marry her based on her other attributes. She’s a lady with a good name, a beautiful face, and a marvelous disposition.” He didn’t mention the curves fit for sin. Best not talked about with her brother.
Jacob’s stance relaxed. “My apologies.” Then the boy began walking again. “My mother would agree. She said once Violette was married, Daffodil would be easy to match. But I want her to be happy so I’ll give her the best dowry I can,” he said, determination dripping from his voice.
“A man who admires her for her will make your sister happy, dowry or no.” He gave the boy a stiff pat on the back. “I must confess, I am curious. Petal also seems rather touchy about men of ill intent. Did something happen to her?”
Jacob’s step faltered and his face twisted even as his mouth turned down. “You really shouldn’t call her Petal. It’s too familiar.”
“I apologize.” Damn. The boy’s face had turned stony as he assessed the cobblestone underneath their feet. “Is there a man you need to kill?”
“I should have killed him. My mother wouldn’t let me.” Jacob kept his gaze on the ground. Which was good because then the boy did not see the wild anger that bloomed in his own. His fists clenched at his sides.
“Who?” His voice came out as a throaty growl.
Jacob’s head snapped. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s a family affair.” Jacob swallowed. “I failed her.”
“Failed her how?” He managed to keep the rumble out of his voice.
“I should have protected her, defended her.” Jacob turned to him, his brow drawing together even as his body stiffened.
“What did the man do?” He forced his breathing to remain slow.
Jacob’s fists clenched. “He kissed her.”
“Is that all?” Rex let out a long breath, relief making him limp. Then he straightened again. Why was this bothering him so much? But he knew. She was a sparkling jewel of a woman who should be cherished, not abused.
“Isn’t that enough? But no, that wasn’t all. He made her promises. About marriage, then he tricked her into that kiss and refused to honor his word.” Jacob slammed his fist into his open palm. “I should have demanded he marry her.”
“Did anyone find out?” Rex stepped closer, dropping his voice, though it was a tad late now.
Jacob shook his head. “No, no one found out and Petal says it’s a blessing she didn’t marry him, but still, I failed her.”
“Who was he?” He kept his voice soft and light, letting none of his aggression and anger filter into his voice. He needed the boy’s trust.
“Lord Rathemore.” Jacob hit his hand with his fist again. “What I’d like to do to that man.”
Rex straightened. Once upon a time, he’d called Rathemore a friend. The man was a drunken gambler and a lout with the ladies. But he didn’t share that with Jacob. Instead, he clapped the boy on the shoulder. “You’re too young to take on a fully grown rakehell like that. But who knows. You might get your chance one day.” Unless Rex hadn’t already torn that slippery bastard into pieces.
He knew, strictly speaking, it wasn’t his fight. But the way he saw it, it was now Theo’s. As Petal’s brother-in-law, he had a duty to watch out for her. And Rex would act on Theo’s behalf. Besides, hadn’t she saved his life yesterday? He’d be returning a favor.
They managed to complete the rest of their errands without incident and after they entered the kitchen, arms full of goods to stock the larder, a knock sounded.
Placing the food upon the prep table, Rex returned to the door. An elderly man he assumed was Dr. Mayweather stood upon the small stoop.
“Good morning to you.” The man gave him a friendly smile as he removed his hat.
“Are you Dr. Mayweather?” Rex asked, standing in the doorway blocking the path to the kitchen. Jacob had gone straight to the barn so he couldn’t confirm the man’s identity.
But the other man nodded. “Jacob called for me this morning.”
Rex gestured for the man to come in.
A slight huff of breath told him Petal had joined them in the kitchen. Turning, he caught sight of her standing just on the other side of the table. She’d been lovely yesterday but today…she was a vision. Dressed in a fine wool gown and adorned as a lady of her station should be, she took his breath away.
She, however, seemed less enamored to see him. As their eyes met, her mouth turned into a deep frown.
* * *
For a moment, Daffodil looked at Rex, giving him the best glare she could muster. Now he was answering their door? What would the doctor think?
Rex was far too familiar. Scrunching her face at him one last time, she turned to the doctor. “Thank you for coming, Dr. Mayweather.” Daffodil gave him what she hoped was a genuine smile. Annoyance that was meant for Rex was still coursing through her. “I’ll take you upstairs to see Mrs. Fields.”
“Yes, my lady,” Dr. Mayweather glanced around the kitchen. “How have you fared?”
Daffodil straightened. She knew the house showed signs of their financial state. “Very well. My sister, Violette, is engaged to marry.”
The doctor gave her a genuine smile. “Excellent news. Anyone I might know?”
“The Duke of Waverly,” Rex interrupted.
“Oh.” The doctor’s eyes widened. “How wonderful.”
Daffodil fisted her hands in her skirt. Wonderful wasn’t the word that came to mind at this exact moment. Because her future brother-in-law had saddled her with a known rake. One who was skirting the very edge of propriety. “It is.” She gave a falsely cheerful grin. “Lord Casterly has come to escort us to the
wedding, but we cannot go without a proper chaperone.” She gestured toward the stairs. “Perhaps we can see if Mrs. Fields will be up to the journey sometime soon?”
“Lord Casterly?” Dr. Mayweather glanced at the other man. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“You as well,” Rex rumbled like the rake that he was.
“I’ll see myself upstairs. I know the way.” The doctor gave them a final nod before disappearing up the back stair.
“You’re upset with me.” Rex started moving around the table toward her.
She held up her hand. “Stay where you are.”
When he stopped, she lowered her arm, but only to prop it on her hip before she continued. “You answered my door as though you live here.”
Scratching his head, he raised a brow. He had to confess, she had a point. He’d been gone from England a long time and Barbados had a much less strict code of ethics. Not that he’d ever cared for rules all that much. It had been his custom to break them whenever possible. “So you’re angry about something different this morning than you were last night?”
“You say that like it’s my fault you can’t behave yourself.” She shook her head. “You had to be rescued from the wall of my garden.”
“And you had to be rescued from your own cooking.” He pointed a finger at her. “It seems to me we’re even.”
She let out a little squeak. How dare he? “I was trying to provide for us. You, however, were…what exactly were you doing?”
“Ha! You are curious.” He started moving closer. “I knew it.”
“I am not.” She was. Completely curious. “I only meant to establish that my motives were altruistic while yours…” Her eyebrows drifted up to make her point.
“I thought your room was on fire again,” he said quickly, though that was far from the truth. “How was I to know? Perhaps you make a habit of lighting blazes in the house.” He shrugged even as he moved closer.
My Wicked Earl: Wicked Lords of London Book 6 Page 3