by Candace Camp
Venetia’s only answer was a wail as she cried even harder. Simon pulled out his pristine white handkerchief and handed it to her. She took it, gulping and sobbing, and pressed it to her eyes.
“Now calm down and tell me what’s the matter.”
“I—I can’t,” she said, her sobs subsiding as she wiped the tears away.
“Of course you can. You can tell me anything. Lord, Venetia, do you think I could condemn you? Have you—Well, that is, is there someone besides Ashford?”
Venetia gaped at him. “You mean, am I having an affair?” Her voice vaulted upward, ending on a screech. “Simon! How could you think that of me?”
“You know I don’t think anything badly of you. Have some sense, Venny. It’s just that you’re being so secretive….”
“It’s Reed!” Venetia snapped, and began to cry again, burying her eyes in the handkerchief. “Oh, Simon, I don’t know what I’m going to do!”
“Faraday Reed?” Simon’s eyebrows drew together, and his face darkened. “What has he done? Has he been bothering you? Did he dare to make advances?”
“No! Not advances. I could deal with that. It’s worse, much worse. He—he threatened to tell George! I had to pay him to keep him quiet. And now he wants more, and I don’t know what to do! I gave him everything I had. I’d have to sell my jewels, and I can’t do that. George gave me most of them, and the rest were Mother’s. I can’t give up any of them!”
“He’s extorting money from you?” Simon looked thunderous. “That bloody bastard! I’ll kill him!” He turned and started for the door.
“Simon! Wait!” Venetia shrieked, throwing herself after him and grabbing his arm. “Don’t. You can’t kill him.”
“All right, I won’t,” Simon said impatiently. “He’s not worth it. But I’ll by God put a stop to his taking money from you.”
“How? Simon, I don’t want a scandal. George can’t know about it! And I don’t want you hurt.”
“Don’t worry about my getting hurt,” Simon retorted scornfully. “That worm couldn’t hurt me. He hasn’t the nerve. He remembers what happened last time, and, believe me, he won’t want that experience repeated.”
“But he would tell George!”
“He is not going to reveal what happened between you. There is no benefit to him in that. You wouldn’t pay him again, and odds are George would thrash him.”
“But George would hate me!” Venetia wailed. “I can’t risk it!”
“I doubt it. The man has been desperately in love with you for seven years.”
“But he doesn’t know the truth. If he did, he would hate me!”
“I’m telling you, George will not know. Reed would never risk telling him. He knows what I would do to him, and he’s too much of a coward to face that. I don’t think Reed would have followed through with telling George or anyone else. If everyone learned what he did to you, he would be just as ruined as you. No decent lady would let him in her house again. No, Reed has too much to lose. Once I’ve let him know I’m on to his game, he will stop threatening you. I promise. Just let me take care of it.”
“Oh, Simon!” Venetia’s face was suddenly radiant. She had felt as if her life were over, certain that she would be found out, that her husband would hate her, that she would be an outcast from the people she knew. Now Simon had cast her a lifeline. She had utter faith in him. He had saved her before from Reed; of course he would be able to do so again. “You’re right. I should have told you earlier. I wasn’t thinking. I was so scared….”
“Of course. But stop worrying now. I will take care of it—I’ll do it this evening. He’ll stay away from you. And if he doesn’t, write to me at Deerfield. I will return.”
Impulsively Venetia flung her arms around her brother’s neck and hugged him. “You are the best brother. Absolutely.”
Simon smiled and nipped her chin between his forefinger and thumb. “Then perhaps you can put in a good word for me with Charity. I fear she thinks I’m something of a tyrant.”
“I’m sure not,” Venetia protested, but Simon shook his head and bent to kiss her on the forehead.
“Don’t worry,” he assured her. “At least she promised to heed my advice—something she has not done in the past.”
There was something in that fact that warmed him, though he wasn’t sure what. It wasn’t so much that Charity had bent to his wishes. Simon had no desire to see her turn into a milk-and-water miss who would not move a step without his permission; he enjoyed her spirit, and even found her defiance damnably arousing, somehow. No, what was important was that…that she had trusted him. Yes, that was it; she had not wanted to, but had agreed to because he had asked her to believe him, to trust that he had a good reason, even though he could not explain why.
The thought tempered his fury with Faraday Reed, and the act of searching for him gave Simon enough time to cool down, so that when he finally ran Faraday to ground at his club in Pall Mall, Simon did not commit the social solecism of pulling Reed out of his chair and pounding his fists into him, which was what he wanted to do. Instead, he strode purposefully through the mahogany-paneled rooms, looking grimly to left and right for his quarry, ignoring the curious glances thrown his way.
Finally he found him in one of the smoking rooms, standing and chatting with another man. Reed seemed to sense his presence, and turned. He stiffened when he saw Simon’s set face, and glanced around a trifle nervously. But, reassured by the presence of other members not too far away, he faced Dure and stood waiting for him, arms folded negligently across his chest and a faint smile playing about his lips.
“My lord Dure.” He greeted Simon with a sardonic bow. “How nice to see you again. We had so little chance to chat earlier this afternoon.”
Simon, scowling, looked toward Reed’s companion. “Herrington. Good to see you. I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse Mr. Reed. He and I have a few things to discuss.”
“Of course, of course,” the other man said quickly, backing away. “Don’t mind at all. Reed.” He nodded his head toward Reed and was gone.
Reed looked after his retreating figure, then turned back to Simon, raising one eyebrow sardonically. “You certainly have a way with people. Are your manners as charming with your fiancée? No wonder the poor girl enjoys my company.”
“My fiancée is none of your concern,” Simon told him in a grating tone.
“Any beautiful, bored young lady is my concern.” Faraday smiled suavely.
“Stay away from Charity.”
Reed heaved a bored sigh. “Has no one ever told you how thoroughly tiresome you can be?”
Simon’s smile was more a baring of teeth. “You will find me far worse than tiresome if you persist in dangling after my fiancée.”
Reed’s eyebrows rose to a peak of surprise. “My good fellow, I would not attempt to interfere with another man’s marriage.”
Simon grimaced. “I know you. I am well aware that you would welcome the chance to do me an ill turn. It doesn’t matter. I am capable of taking care of myself. But I will not allow you to harm my wife in any way.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Faraday pressed his hand to his chest in an exaggerated way, opening his eyes wide, but his wolfish grin belied the innocent look. “How could I possibly hurt such a…delightful young woman?”
“I think there is very little of which you are not capable. However, I trust that your instincts for self-preservation will keep you from indulging in this particular bit of spite.”
“Or what?” Reed asked languidly. “Will you challenge me to a duel over your fiancée?” Reed tsk-tsked mockingly. “Such a scandal would hardly do the girl any good.”
“I wouldn’t lower myself to duel with a worm like you,” Simon returned contemptuously. “A whip on your backside would be more appropriate, I think.”
A flush stained Reed’s cheeks, and his hands clenched at the insult. Simon waited, ready, balanced lightly on his feet, his hands curving into fists. But Reed relaxed
his stance into its former languid, rather insolent grace and forced a smile onto his face.
“No,” he said swiftly. “Do not think that I will rise to your bait. There are always other means of dealing with you, Dure.”
“Yes, I know your instincts run more to treachery and guile. That’s what I came here to warn you about. My sister has told me about your extortion threats. You won’t be receiving any more money that way.”
“Indeed? You think she would rather face society’s scorn?”
“She won’t face anyone’s scorn. I know you won’t do it. You would be as ruined socially as she would. None of those silly matrons whom you’ve so charmed would let you near their houses again. Moreover, I’m sure you know that neither Lord Ashford nor I would take the slur to Venetia lightly. Lord Ashford may look placid, but I think you’d find him quite handy with his fists…or a gun. And if he did not finish you, you can be sure that I would be waiting. I think you’ve had enough of that experience.”
Reed paled. His collar seemed suddenly far too tight for his neck; he wanted to run a nervous finger under it, but he managed to keep his hand by his side. He was aware that everyone in the room was staring at him and Dure; he could not let anyone see the fear that boiled inside him at Dure’s words. Through lips that trembled slightly, he managed to say, “Neither of you would be willing to face the scandal.”
“What scandal? If you had already ruined Venetia by spreading that rumor around, why would we hesitate? No, you will have hoisted yourself on your own petard if you reveal what happened eight years ago.”
“You are being absurd.” Reed strove for a lofty tone. “I never threatened Venetia. And I wouldn’t stoop to taking money from her. She simply misunderstood a small jest I made.”
“Oh. Of course.” Simon’s smile made it clear how little he believed Reed’s face-saving statement. “Well, I suggest that you be a little less free with your jests.” Simon turned and started to walk away, then swung back around. In a cold, crisp voice, he added, “Just keep in mind what I have told you…if you care for your skin.”
Simon turned and left the room.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
REMEMBERING HER PROMISE to Simon, Charity managed to avoid Faraday Reed the next day. It seemed cruel, when he had never done anything but be pleasant and helpful to her, and she felt very guilty about it. But she would not go back on a promise to Simon.
Two days later, Venetia arrived at Aunt Ermintrude’s house at an unfashionably early hour and asked to see Charity.
Charity hurried downstairs and into the morning room, a more casual room where the ladies of the house often spent their time together when they did not have visitors. “Venetia! How pleasant to see you.”
Venetia’s smile was a trifle forced. “You are most kind to say so. I know it’s horribly early in the day, and I apologize. But I had to make sure I saw you before you left to make calls or had visitors. It’s important that I talk to you alone.”
“Is something wrong?” Charity looked at the other woman closely. Venetia was pale, and there was an odd look in her dark green eyes, so like Simon’s.
Venetia cast her an almost haunted look. “Yes, I—That is, no—Oh, I don’t know where to begin. Charity, can we talk undisturbed here?”
Charity blinked, surprised. This sounded serious indeed. Quickly she said, “I’m not sure. Mother or Aunt Ermintrude is apt to come in, particularly if they learn that you are here.” She thought for a moment. “Let’s go to the library. No one ever uses it, and it even has a lock on the door.”
Venetia’s grateful smile was more natural this time, though she continued to look pale and strained as Charity led her out of the morning room and down the hall to the library.
It was immediately apparent why no one made use of the room. The library was dark and gloomy, with meticulously arranged shelves of books and stiff, uncomfortable furniture. But Venetia seemed not to notice the surroundings. She sat down on the leather couch, then bounced back up and began to pace around the room, twisting her hands nervously. Charity, watching her, was more puzzled than ever by her behavior.
Charity turned the key in the lock with a decisive click and went to Venetia, saying, “What is it? You seem so…distracted.”
“I—This is not easy for me. I would not have come here, except—well, you see, Simon has done so much for me. I had to at least do this much for him. But it’s difficult. I knew the other day, when we saw him, that I should tell you, but it’s difficult. I am afraid you will hate me for it.”
Charity stared at her. “Venetia, what are you talking about? How could I hate you? You are a sweet, kind woman, and you’ve been a good friend to me.”
“Not good enough. At first, you see, I didn’t know that you knew Faraday Reed.”
“Mr. Reed!” Charity’s brows rose. This was the last thing she would have expected Venetia to start talking about. “Well, yes, we met him at Lady Rotterham’s ball.” She hesitated. “Did Lord Dure ask you to discourage his calls?”
“No, Simon doesn’t know I am here. He would never ask me to tell you this, any more than he would reveal it to you himself. As I said, at first I didn’t realize that you even knew Mr. Reed, until that day I saw him here, when we had been shopping. I should have told you then, I know, but I hadn’t the courage, and I hoped that Simon would discourage you from the association. Then Simon told me that Reed was still trying to fix his attention with you.”
Charity chuckled. “Don’t be silly, Venetia. Mr. Reed is a married man. He is not trying to win me. He has merely been a good friend to me. But I told Simon that I would not go riding with him again, or dance, or anything. He didn’t need to tell you.”
Charity could not suppress a sense of indignation that Simon had taken the problem to his sister. It was embarrassing to think that someone else knew all about their argument and that Simon had not trusted her to follow through on her promise.
One look at Charity’s expressive face told Venetia what she was thinking, and she hastened to explain. “No, really, Simon did not ask me to come. He told me that you had said you would not see Reed again. But I knew I should have told the truth earlier. This situation has created a rift between you and Simon, and it is all my fault. You deserve to know the reason Simon insists on your not seeing Reed.”
Venetia’s face hardened, and she continued, “Faraday Reed is trying to win your affection. Believe me, his married state would not stop him from that. And he is doing it to revenge himself upon my brother.”
“Surely you are mistaken,” Charity said slowly. She found Venetia’s words difficult to credit, and she could not understand how any of this could be Venetia’s fault. “Lord Dure obviously detests Mr. Reed, but Mr. Reed has not said a word against him.”
“That is because Faraday Reed has no honesty in him. He is playing a game with you, Charity. You are a pawn in some scheme of his, and I am certain that the object of that scheme is to hurt and disgrace Simon.”
Venetia walked a few rapid paces away, then turned, her arms stiff, as if she were bracing herself. “Simon did not tell you why he hates Reed because it was not his story to tell. He would never betray me so, because he is a man of honor.”
“Betray you!” Charity gasped. She felt suddenly weak in the knees, and the suspicion that she had been an awful fool began to creep through her.
“Yes, me. I was foolish when I was younger.” Venetia’s pale cheeks suddenly flamed with color, and she looked away. “Faraday Reed courted me. Simon did not like him, and he warned me not to trust the man. He sensed what a serpent Reed was. But I was too much in love to pay heed to him or to see the signs of wickedness that Simon saw in Reed. Reed wanted to marry me, but my grandfather would not consent. Reed had no money, you see, and Grandpapa and Simon were convinced he was a fortune hunter. They were right, but I wouldn’t believe them. I was furious and heartbroken. I said terrible things to Grandpapa and Simon, things I still regret.”
She pressed her hands to
her flushed cheeks. Charity went to her saying quickly, “You needn’t tell me any more. This is too difficult for you. I believe you. I will no longer speak to Mr. Reed, and I will tell Mother that we must refuse to receive him.”
“No.” Venetia dropped her hands and looked straight at Charity, her gaze firm. “I have to tell you all. You must understand how wicked the man is, so that you will not be inclined to believe any lie he might tell you. So that you will understand exactly how deep his hatred of Simon is, how far he will go to revenge himself upon Simon.”
She drew a shaky breath and continued. “Reed begged me to run away with him, to elope. He said my grandfather would have to accept our marriage. I was so angry with Grandpapa, so foolishly in love with Faraday, that I agreed. It was only after I had slipped out of the house and gotten in the carriage with him that I began to realize what an awful thing I had done. How I would bring disgrace upon my family. I began to regret my hasty decision. It had all seemed terribly romantic when I thought about doing it, but in reality it was rather—sordid.” Venetia sighed. “Anyway, I told Faraday that I wanted to turn back, that I could not marry him this way. He tried to persuade me not to change my mind, but by that time I was insistent. He said that when we stopped at the next inn to change horses, we would turn around and go back. But when we stopped, he ordered a private room for us to eat a little dinner. And he…”
Venetia’s voice dropped lower, and she turned her face aside. “He tried to seduce. When I would not do what he wanted, he—forced me.”
Charity gasped, horror-stricken. “Oh, Venetia, no! I am so sorry! What a horrible thing!”
Impulsively she reached out and took Venetia’s hand, squeezing it.
Venetia smiled weakly and pressed her hand. “Thank you. You are such a sweet girl. I imagine most people would have been shocked at my improper behavior and said that it was only what I deserved.”
“No, surely not. Why, how could you have known?”