by Tamara Gill
He didn’t look at her, merely continued to look bored. “Gentleman will still come, no matter how much you try and sabotage me.”
He was the most vexing man she’d ever met.
The dance continued on for a few more minutes, but by the time it came to an end, Cecilia had well and truly had enough being around Lord Aaron and his friends. Cecilia thanked him for the dance, curtsied and sought out the Duchess of Athelby. It was time she returned home in any case. She had an appointment at lunch to look over the paperwork for their new location, and she needed to have her wits about her.
She found the duke and duchess speaking privately, but Darcy as she knew her by when alone, smiled as she came closer and didn’t reject her company. “Did you enjoy your dance, Cecilia?” the duchess asked, looking past her, no doubt trying to locate Lord Aaron who was nowhere to be found. Thankfully.
“I did, thank you, but I must return home. As you know I’m looking at the new building we’ve found tomorrow, and I want to be refreshed and ready for my meeting.”
“Did you wish for me to attend? I admit I do not know much about contracts and what is legal, but having a duchess there could be beneficial if the vendor starts to increase his price or some such nonsense.”
“No, that shall not be necessary. My father’s business partner, Mr. White will be in attendance with me and will ensure all runs smoothly.”
The duchess’ lips flattened. “Mr. White is going to be there? In that case, I shall be in attendance.”
“Why so, my dear?” the duke asked, looking down at his wife, a small frown line between his otherwise perfect brows.
“Mr. White wishes to marry Miss Smith, my dear. Has so for some time. A chaperone is necessary I think.”
“Who wishes to marry Miss Smith?” Lord Aaron asked, coming to join them, with two glasses of whisky in hand. He caught her looking at them, and she didn’t miss the reluctance when he handed one over to the duke. Like that was what he wanted to do. Ha. He didn’t want to part with any of his fine wine or hard liquor if he didn’t have to.
“Mr. White, Hunter. Not that we should be discussing such things, here and so openly. I do apologise, Miss Smith.”
Cecilia could feel the heat start up her neck and tried to think of anything else other than the fact they were discussing her life and who wanted to be a part of it, if only she’d say yes.
“You’re to be married, Miss Smith. Well, aren’t you a sly fox. You didn’t tell me the wonderful news.”
“No, my lord, I did not. And the only thing around here resembling that animal is you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She turned to the duke and duchess. “Good night, your graces.”
They bid her farewell, and she ignored the burning between her shoulders. Lord Aaron could try and intimidate her as much as he liked, but she wouldn’t allow him to get the better of her. Unfortunately, she would have to make allowances to his lordship since he had a vice that seemed well and truly solidified in him. A man, who, unfortunately, was in his cups most of the time and did not and could not have his wits about him. A man who had learned to not care about anything other than his own self-worth.
Cecilia waited for the footman to collect her shawl and send for her carriage. She sighed in relief. At least that should be the final time she would have to deal with Lord Aaron.
Chapter 6
The offices of J Smith and Sons were busy today with in chambers work for upcoming court cases. Cecilia walked into the office her father had gifted her, not only to help him with matters pertaining to law but to have someplace other than their home to work on her charities.
The office had a delightful view of the footpath outside, and she sat behind her desk a moment to enjoy her solitude and her own little space. She’d always loved the room and most of all that her father had given her wall to wall bookshelves for anything she wanted to fill them with.
A light knock on the door sounded, and Mr. White peeked around the threshold, smiling in welcome.
Cecilia pasted on a polite visage and bade him enter, not that she wanted to go over the paperwork for the new location they’d found, and certainly not with him. There was a time when she had liked Mr. White, counted him as a friend, but not anymore. His advances since her father had given him leave to court her had sometimes gone beyond acceptable, and he seemed to think he had the right to touch her person, even clasping her hand to place on his arm or to touch the small of her back. Neither of which she wanted him to do, now or ever. Her objections did not seem to deter the man, and that lowered her estimation of him even further.
“Mr. White, thank you for helping me with these contracts. Please, do be seated. We’ll go over them before we head down to Pilgrim Street to look through the building with the vendor.”
He sat, his oiled hair slicked severely back made him look like a raven. Pity he wasn’t as smart as one of those birds, certainly not when it came to women at least.
“My pleasure, Cecilia, and let me say how fetching you look today. Is that a new gown?”
Cecilia looked down at her drab, brown dress that had no feminine features on it other than the fact it was a dress. She didn’t like to wear her best gowns when she came into the office, preferring to be comfortable over fashionable. “Thank you for the compliment, but as this is work, we should probably forget about our clothing and discuss the matter at hand. The purchase, remember?”
“Ah yes, now, I have been thinking over the matter. Your father gave me the contract to look over on the weekend, and while everything within it looks fine, I do not believe it would be a sound investment for your charity.” He leaned back in his chair, pulling out a cheroot from his coat pocket and proceeded to light it using the candle that sat burning on her desk.
“Please enlighten me as to why you’ve come to that conclusion?” The building was solid, not damaged or needing major repairs. The interior, of course, needed full refurbishment and upgrading to house the school and dorms for the children, but that wasn’t anything they’d not attempted and completed before in other areas of London.
“A woman of your age should be looking to other things to occupy her time. Like marrying, starting a family, looking after the offspring of her own, not worrying about the poor of London. Who, I might add, will take advantage of your charity and then proceed to do nothing at all with the education you give them. I see such expenditure as a waste of time.”
Cecilia stood and made her way to the door, picking up her shawl. “Pick up the papers on the desk and follow me. I don’t wish to be late for my appointment.” She walked from the room, her teeth clenched tightly closed lest she turnabout and tell this buffoon exactly what she thought of him. How dare he even suggest helping others was a waste of time. The pompous fool had not an ounce of empathy in his body.
What was with the gentleman of her acquaintance who all seemed to think charity was a waste of time. Was she the only one who cared, who had sympathy?
Cecilia ripped open the carriage door and jumped up into the firm’s coach and waited for Mr. White. He soon followed her out and into the vehicle, seating himself next to her instead of taking the seat across. A welcome reprieve from having to occasionally look at him during the journey.
“I did not mean to offend you, Cecilia, but I was talking to your father, and he agrees. This kind of lifestyle you’re leading is not becoming of a lady.” He paused, pulling at his neckcloth before he met her gaze. “Have you thought any more on the prospect of us marrying? If you agreed, we could be married within a month or so. I know I for one would wish for this very much.”
Cecilia held his gaze and for what felt like the hundredth time, picked her words wisely lest she offended the silly man who did not understand the word no.
“Mr. White while you’re an honourable gentleman I must repeat what I’ve said already to you. We would not suit and as sorry as I am to hurt you, my answer regarding your proposal is no. Please do not make our acquaintance any more awkward than it already is by asking
again.”
He clasped her hand, kissing it with an absurd amount of embellishment. Cecilia stilled and tried to pry her hand free without success. “Mr. White let go of my hand.”
“Marry me, Cecilia. I want nothing but to pleasure you in all ways. Let me love you as a husband should love a wife. Perhaps if you allowed yourself to kiss me, you may see I am the man for you, that we would suit.”
She tried to wrench free, and it was like trying to pull her hand from stone. “I apologise, but I do not see you in a romantic way, sir.”
He lunged, an ominous sound if ever there was one, before he pushed her up against the squabs, trapping her there. His disgusting, sloppy mouth took hers, and she gasped. The action was the worst thing she could have done, as he took advantage of the fact and kissed her deeply, more deeply than she’d ever been kissed before.
Vaguely she felt the carriage rock to a halt, all the while she fought to get him off her person. She couldn’t breathe, and panic started to rise in her stomach. What if he didn’t stop. What if he…
Cecilia heard the carriage door open and watched as the Marquess of Aaron ripped Mr. White from her, pulled the man through the door and throw him most unceremoniously onto the footpath.
For a moment she sat there, trying to regain her composure. Her blood pounded in her ears, her breathing erratic and sitting up, she clutched her hands together to stop them from shaking.
“Miss Smith, are you well?”
The voice, deep, cultured and one filled with concern lulled her from her shock.
“Miss Smith?” he asked again.
Cecilia turned toward Lord Aaron who studied her in a way she’d never seen before. He actually appeared genuinely concerned. She nodded, and a curl dropped beside her cheek. Reaching up she tried to amend her hair which had been terribly dishevelled during her scuffle with Mr. White. Oh dear lord, what would the marquess think of her?
“I am well.” She turned to his lordship and spied Mr. White standing aside from the duchess, his cheeks flushed red. “Thank you for removing, for helping me to remove…”
“You’re welcome, come,” he said, holding out his hand. “I accompanied the duchess today as she insisted she be here for the inspection and the duke was unable to escort her. I would say after what I just witnessed that it was a good thing we did come.”
Cecilia nodded, giving his lordship her hand as he helped her step down. “Are you not angry that we’re inspecting the building right next to yours, my lord? I hope you’re not here to outbid me on the property.”
“I am not here for that, I do have an alternate reason for coming.”
“And that is?” she asked, not sure she was fully comfortable with the caring, sober marquess. When he was like this, he was likeable and more handsome than she liked to admit.
“To apologise for my treatment of you the other evening. I was harsh and unkind, and I’m sorry for that.”
Lost for words, his lordship placed her hand on his arm, gesturing for the duchess to start toward their intended location. “But before we go any further there is a matter I need to address.” He came up to where Mr. White was standing and stopped. “Go ahead, Miss Smith. I will join you and the duchess shortly.” Cecilia did as he bade and came up to Darcy, who took her hand in support.
From where they stood Cecilia couldn’t hear what the marquess was saying to Mr. White, but whatever it was the man’s cheeks turned a darker crimson with every word. The marquess made Mr. White appear small, and he was a tall man himself. Cecilia couldn’t help but take in the marquess’s appearance and revel in it a little. For all his vices and opinions, he was dastardly good looking. A hellraising rake.
Mr. White looked over at her, glaring, and she refused to back down to his bullying and look away. How dare he try and make her feel like she’d done something wrong? When she returned home, she would inform her father of his inappropriate conduct in the carriage and have the leech fired.
The Marquess stood back gesturing to the carriage, and Mr. White stepped inside, and before long the carriage was gone, and Cecilia and the duchess were left with his lordship. A gentleman came toward them on the footpath and waved as he came closer.
“Miss Smith, how very sorry I am for being late. I was held up at the office.” He held out his hand, and Cecilia shook it.
“This is the Marquess of Aaron and the Duchess of Athelby, Mr. Conners.” Cecilia made the introductions, and comically the older gentleman’s mouth popped open and couldn’t form words for a moment. She supposed it wasn’t every day that the lawyer would meet such people of high rank.
Their tour of the building was brief as most of the interior was the same, run down and dark. It did have potential, but would cost more to repair than Cecilia’s first choice. There was plenty of room for sleeping quarters and large enough that the school could be kept separate from those areas. Cecilia clasped her hands before her, trying to stem their shaking. She would not let her altercation with Mr. White dampen her inspection of this site.
The duchess had moved into another area of the building with Mr. Conners, and Cecilia found herself alone with the marquess. Quite alone and in quite a dark little room, maybe a storeroom at one time. Unlike when she was trapped in the carriage with Mr. White, her stomach didn’t have a ball of uneasiness lodged within it, if anything, she felt protected and safe. How strange, but also perplexing wonderful.
“I still think my building is a much better option,” the marques said, taking out a silver flask and having a small sip.
“Have you changed your mind? I would purchase that one if only you weren’t such a greedy little lord,” she said, grinning a little to temper her words.
He chuckled, and a devilish light flickered in his cobalt coloured eyes. “There is nothing little about me, Miss Smith.”
She rolled her eyes and fought not to blush. The man had no shame. “Self- praise is never a virtue, my lord.” Cecilia chuckled and walked to a nearby window, looking over the street below.
His footsteps sounded behind her, coming to a halt near her back. “Did he hurt you?”
Although he didn’t ask who had hurt her, she understood who he meant. “He forcibly kissed me, wouldn’t let me go. I shall speak to my father about his conduct. Mr. White wishes to marry me, you see. I should amend, that is to say, he believes we will marry, it’s just a matter of time.”
“Will your father allow the gentleman to get away with such insult to your person. Do you wish for me to speak to him?”
Cecilia turned and met his gaze. “No, it’ll be fine, I’m sure my father will deal with Mr. White severely and immediately upon my return.”
“Has he tried to kiss you before?”
His lordship’s gaze dropped to her mouth, and the most delicious shiver rolled about in her belly. Did the marquess wish to kiss her too? Was that what he was thinking? Oh, yes please. He might vex her at every turn, but she’d rather have any other memory than that of Mr. White.
“He’s shown little signs of ownership of me in front of his work colleagues and my father, but he’s never tried to kiss me before. But then, we’d never been alone before.”
“Like we are now.”
Cecilia nodded. “Exactly, but I don’t think I have anything to worry about with you, Lord Aaron. We are not what you would call friends or anything near lovers.”
“Are we not?” he stepped closer still, and Cecilia caught the scent of sandalwood.
Oh dear, not only was he one of the most handsome men of her acquaintance, but he also smelt divine. Their eyes met and held. A Shiver of expectation ran through her as he leaned toward her. Cecilia followed his lead, and at the last moment, before their lips touched, she closed her eyes.
The chatter of the duchess’ voice sounded in the corridor outside and as slow as a cat, Lord Aaron stepped away as if nothing, in particular, had almost occurred between them. Cecilia took a calming breath, her blood thumping loud in her ears.
What was she thinking eve
n contemplating allowing his lordship to kiss her? Especially here where they were not entirely alone. She watched him, and he cast a quick glance her way, and her stomach flipped at the unsated need that burned within his cobalt gaze.
“I think the charity should put in an offer, Cecilia. This will be the perfect location, and it’s large enough with little structural things fixed on it, if I’m reading the report correctly that is. Of course, we’ll have your father’s law firm look over the contract, but I think it’s quite perfect. What do you say?”
Cecilia couldn’t agree more. “If father approves the contract we’ll place an offer Mr. Conners. We’ll be in contact again next week to let you know.”
With their appointment completed, they made their way back outside. Cecilia cursed Mr. White as the fiend hadn’t bothered to send the company carriage back for her. The carriage sporting the Marquess’s emblem on its door sat parked beside the curb, the driver seated atop with a large whip in hand. “Allow us to escort you back home or to the offices, Miss Smith.”
“Thank you, that is very kind,” she said, taking his lordship's hand, and climbing up into the equipage.
Once seated, they pulled away and the duchess glanced at her. “I have an appointment with the duke that I cannot be late to. Do you think you could drop me off first, Lord Aaron? I know it isn’t ideal, but we’ve spent longer than I thought we would at the building, and I’m now in danger of missing it.”
“That is no trouble, I assure you.” Lord Aaron turned toward where the driver sat and opened a little window inside the carriage and notified the driver of the change of direction. Closing it again he caught Cecilia’s eye and her stomach clenched in that odd little way that only he seemed to bring forth.
“Are you comfortable with me taking you back home or to your office, Miss Smith? We shall be unchaperoned for a few minutes at least. I do not wish to injure your reputation.”