“Do you have a plan then?”
“Not yet.” Serena bent over to smell a crimson rose the color of blood, inhaling the power of its fragrance. “But I have several ideas.”
“Thank God!”
Serena straightened to give her friend a saucy look. “I can assure you, Mrs. Osborne that God will be the last one I would consult for this enterprise. Though if I have my way, your husband will send up a few prayers for His mercy by the time we’re done.”
“Oh! You do say the most shocking things, Lady Wellcott!”
“If I have already shocked you, then I fear what your reaction will be to my next suggestion.”
“Please. Speak without fear.”
“Mrs. Osborne, I need you to become unavailable to your husband. Starting today, he must find no relief in your bed and no avenue for his desires.” Serena waited as her blunt request struck home.
Delilah nodded assent, a blush creeping up her throat to touch her cheeks. “James is—it is not easy to dissuade him, madam. His appetite for…marital relations is…quite vigorous.”
“Good. Then its withdrawal will make it easier to work against him.” Serena smiled and motioned for them to continue walking. “Tell him you have your monthly flow or better yet, confess that you harbor some nebulous hope that you are carrying his child which makes you fearful of the exercise. From what I’ve observed, he still has great ambitions that a son of his will overtake Sir Warrick as head of your family one day. Especially if Sir Warrick remains unmarried, am I right?”
“It is true,” Delilah whispered. “Though I suspect he is equally anxious that Cousin Phillip marry well and fill the family’s coffers. It is a dilemma of conscience for James.”
“Then we have him on both fronts. He may protest being banished from your bed but he won’t cross it. And if his libido is as strong as you say, then it’s a matter of days before his desires will make him ripe for the picking.”
“As easy as that?”
Serena shook her head. “It does seem a bit too simple. But it never hurts to have a man’s own blood working against his nerves before you move against him.”
“Are you going to seduce him, Lady Wellcott?” Delilah asked in horrified astonishment.
Serena shrugged her shoulders. “Perhaps. But only to scratch his face for it and scream for the magistrate, Mrs. Osborne.”
“Oh, that would be—brilliant!” Delilah sighed. “But the scandal! Would you not be publicly ruined in the course of it?”
“That is for me to manage, Mrs. Osborne.”
“I am so grateful.” Delilah’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “If I had the strength to act alone…”
“You are very strong, Delilah. Do not doubt your courage—or your wisdom. Guard what light and grace you can in your soul for it is precious and irreplaceable. There is no shame in summoning someone who can shield you from the worst and withstand the blows. I have no light left to mourn its loss, Mrs. Osborne. But I can admire women who possess it and take pride in defending the goodness in them when I can.”
“You refer to yourself as if you are a lost cause.” Delilah shook her head. “I do not believe that, Lady Wellcott.”
“You are too kind,” she said and the gravel’s song beneath her feet grounded out a noise that to her ears sounded like, “Too kind, too bad, too kind, too bad.”
Let us hope that Mrs. Osborne does not lose that belief before this is all over.
“I should get back to the house,” Delilah said. “I’m to go over the menus with the cook and I wanted to ensure that Dell is holding up under the strain.”
“By all means. I am enjoying the exercise and will see you tonight at dinner.”
Delilah kissed her on the cheek and left her at the entrance to a long vine covered walkway. Serena watched her go until she was out of sight and closed her parasol to enter the shaded archway.
Privacy was a thing to savor. Serena forced herself to ignore the maelstrom that was her past and instead concentrate on the challenge of bringing James Osborne to heel. If his perverted inclination was to prefer taking a woman by force, then openly flirting with the bastard would probably be counterproductive. Perhaps a suggestion of—
“If you’re up to something, if you intend to harm me by ingratiating yourself to James or Delilah, I’ll have you know that—“
Serena turned at the sound of Phillip’s voice, briefly startled before she laughed to cut him off. “My goodness, Sir Warrick! What a ridiculous thing to say!”
“It’s not ridiculous! I haven’t forgotten what happened, Raven Wells. I haven’t forgotten what you…are.”
“And what am I?” she asked, her expression calm, her eyes clear.
“You’re a grifter and a con-artist! You and Trent would have had me publicly ruined if I hadn’t finally seen through the scheme!” It was an old wound but it still stung. She’d hurt far more than his pride and there wasn’t a day since when he hadn’t thought of her, either to curse her or ache with the memories of young love.
She shook her head slowly and deliberately walked back out into the sun drenched path. “I don’t know what surprises me most. That you are still somehow so self-righteous to believe yourself the wounded party in that long ago drama or that you think I’m going to crumble after you sputter and spit insults at me.” She opened her parasol with a practiced flick of her wrist and rested it on her shoulder, framing her face and shielding her from the sun.
If it was calculated to enhance her beauty, it had worked but the effect made him feel even angrier. “You’ll crumble after they toss you out as an imposter!” he countered.
“An imposter?” Serena looked at him in dramatic shock. “But that’s ridiculous, Sir Warrick. I am, in fact, Lady Wellcott and I am, in fact, quite wealthy—rich far beyond your family’s meager holdings. The name and title are legally mine and I can provide countless references to prove all, if you require them. I am exactly as you see and while I hate to disappoint you, I honestly had no idea of your connection to Mrs. Osborne when I accepted her invitation. A rare mistake I won’t repeat.” She shrugged her shoulders prettily. “As for Trent, I haven’t seen him since that time. It seems you have something in common with the earl.”
She tipped her head to one side as if studying him and Phillip couldn’t help but remember the familiar tip of her chin and the way she’d once studied how best to please him.
“Do I?”
“Yes, more than you know. For you both took what you wanted and never bothered to look back.” She took a small dismissive step back. “As for the current awkwardness, by all means, let us go in and tell your cousin of our sordid connection. I am sure they will be riveted to hear of your liaison with a seventeen year old girl without resources or family and of your intended elopement. Engagements are broken so often these days without much scandal, perhaps they won’t blink to learn of your skills at seduction and kidnapping.”
Damn.
“There was—more to it than that.”
“Of course. But you don’t really want to have that conversation, do you, Phillip?”
He held his ground. “You deliberately deceived me. Lord Trent was your ally and you… You were not who or what you seemed. Don’t play it now as if you were innocent in—“
She leapt like a cat closing the distance between them, her eyes sparking with a fury that caught him off guard because part of the shine in her gaze was unshed tears. “I was innocent! I was—“ She clapped her fingers against her lips to stop her own speech, turning away from him to hide her face. “This exchange is at an end. Make your confessions to your family if you wish. I’m not interested in hearing them.”
She walked away and he realized that his mouth was open like a fish.
Chapter Five
Serena returned to the house, ignoring several questioning looks from the servants on the stairs and in the hall, as she practically raced to the sanctuary of her chambers. It was a testament to her monumental self-discipline that she
didn’t slam the bedroom door behind her but even in her rage, she knew better.
She’d already made a show of leaving him in the garden and slamming doors like a spoiled child would only fuel the servants’ gossip. And forfeit any ground she’d gained in their encounter.
Seven years.
Seven years since she’d seen him or heard his voice or been within reach of his hands…
She couldn’t count how many times she’d played out potential exchanges or daydreamed about what she would say when she finally met him again. In most of her fantasies, she’d been in command of the situation or revealed herself after an elaborate trap had been sprung to destroy him. In dark daydreams, with a multitude looking on she had a heeled boot on his neck while he whined of his undying remorse and unworthiness for hurting her…
Why did I not think of something so mundane as meeting him in a drawing room or walking in a garden? Why did my wits desert me when I needed them most?
“So he’s here? Your Sir Warrick?”
“He’s here and he is most decidedly not my anything.”
“Well, I admit I didn’t think he’d pop up so quickly. If he’s here then won’t that interfere with any plans you have for—“
“It changes nothing. He means nothing. I’d have dealt with him soon enough but for now, my commitment to Mrs. Osborne is unaltered. Let him stew and fret.”
“Will he not say something to Mr. Osborne?”
Serena shook her head. “No. He can’t without exposing his own transgressions in the affair and…” She slowly opened her jewelry chest, the gleam and glitter of her treasures coming to life in the candlelight. “I am counting on Mr. Osborne’s ambitions to keep him in check. Phillip may be the male heir and head of the family but it’s his Achilles heel as well. They’ll see me as a potential catch and keep a tight hold on the reins if he starts to growl or fuss.”
She lifted out a diamond-encrusted choker she usually saved for extremely formal parties. “We shall dress to impress, Pepper, and make sure Sir Warrick understands who holds the whip hand.”
The diamonds were a wise choice, Phillip told himself grudgingly. Raven was playing the lady with a flair that denied even a breath of suspicion. James was so enthralled by the glittering show of wealth at his table, the man was practically salivating. He watched her in reluctant appreciation then glanced over at his cousin Delilah who was looking at him in silent supplication to behave better toward her new friend.
And there’s the answer.
Oh, I can behave ‘better’. In fact, I can play the part that will send James into paroxysms of joy and ensure that whatever schemes the witch is cooking will come to nothing but ashes. You should have run, Raven, while you had the chance.
“I must say, Lady Wellcott,” Phillip interjected at the first pause in the conversation. “Had I known that Aphrodite herself was going to grace this house, I would have brought a better wardrobe.”
Serena smiled. “Is it your opinion that the goddess of love would be swayed by a better waistcoat?”
“It may not hurt.”
“What shallow flavor of love are you aiming at, Sir Warrick?” she countered, not giving him an inch.
“Then school me, Lady Wellcott. What does sway a woman of substance?” he asked.
“A man out of his waistcoat is always a good start.” The look she gave him was so potent with heated challenge that Phillip had to shift in his chair at the surge of stiffening blood rushing to his cock. “And naturally, an invitation to take a grown man to school strikes me as a thing that has an appeal all its own. Would you not agree, Mrs. Osborne?”
“Oh!” Delilah exclaimed. “I—have no opinion on such things.”
Lady Wellcott lifted her wine glass to her lips and set it down slowly. “Oh, well. Do not fear. Your cousin makes a show of flirting with me but like most men, he will shy away from any real challenge.” She picked up her knife to make an elegant slice across the venison on her plate. “Men easily speak of goddesses and then manage to look so handsome in their surprise when a woman demands to be worshipped. But don’t worry, Sir Warrick. I neither expect you to build me a temple nor recite a single ode to my ankles. I am only mortal and not worth the trouble.”
Trouble is the only currency you value, woman. Phillip clenched his jaw in frustration but then forced himself to smile. If she wanted to punish him for confronting her in the garden, then so be it. But he wasn’t going to abandon his course.
Two can play at this game.
“My poetry skills are a little rusty, Lady Wellcott. I would have to see the ankles in question before I could compose a few lines. Lift your skirts and let’s see if I’m inspired.”
The sound of crystal shattering to the floor as one of the footmen dropped his tray was rewarding but the flustered look of shock on Serena’s face was like the gates of heaven giving way.
I’m going to enjoy this, your ladyship.
And take you to school this time around.
**
“Phillip!” Delilah caught him on the stairs. “Explain yourself! For in all the years that we have known each other, I have never heard you speak to a woman that way!”
“I apologize, dear cousin.” Phillip turned back to address her, exhaustion forcing a sigh from his lips. “James has already given me an earful of disapproval. It has been such a long day and I…meant to do better.”
“Lady Wellcott assured me that she wasn’t offended but I cannot see how that is possible. What possessed you?” Delilah asked.
“Lady Wellcott appears to enjoy a bit of verbal sparring. I thought to play along. I’ll admit I may have overshot the mark but if the lady has already opted not to complain, may I not get a pass? I would never wish to spoil an evening or anger a guest under your roof. I shall plead a headache or temporary insanity and tomorrow at breakfast, I swear I will be the most charming version of myself that not a single plate is lost.”
Delilah smiled. “Very well. If no more of my best china or crystal is sacrificed, I do not see how I can refuse you.”
“There’s my saintly cousin,” he said and leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. “Good night, Delilah.”
“Good night, Phillip.” She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “I am so glad you are here.”
“Is…everything all right, cousin?”
“Yes. Yes, of course.” She stepped back. “Go on and get some rest. I want to see that irresistible charm in the morning.”
“Are you not coming up yourself?”
“Not yet,” she said and took another step away from the staircase. “I have to have one last conversation with the housekeeper about getting some new tapers. The ones in the dining room were smoking so horribly I kept expecting a fire to break out.”
Phillip shook his head in amazement. “How is it that women are so adept at the details? I never noticed but I leave it to your capable hands. Good night, cousin.”
Phillip headed up the stairs aware that he would be lucky to reach his room before falling asleep. The long ride out had dented his physical reserves but the emotional upheaval of the return of Raven Wells had proven more than he’d bargained for.
And despite his assurances to Delilah, Phillip knew that while he might attempt a slightly more subtle approach in the company of others, he was not going to abandon a winning tactic. He would protect his family at any cost.
He opened his bedroom door and didn’t bother with a lamp. He stripped out of his clothes and fell into the bed. I’ll keep you close, Raven. Hell, I’ll keep you in my bed and naked if that is what it takes.
It was his last thought before a dreamless void claimed him.
Chapter Six
Serena sailed into the dining room wearing a morning dress of pale blue with silver threads to echo her own eyes. It was a deliberately flattering selection and she reveled in the look of raw admiration it wrested from Phillip. The man did not look well-rested and her smile widened at the small hint of his discomfort.
�
��What a lovely breakfast setting!” she sighed as she took her place at the table. “I am positively famished!”
“Did you sleep well, Lady Wellcott?” Delilah asked.
“Like a babe,” Serena replied. It was a bold-faced lie but Pepper was an alchemist at the dressing table and Serena knew that her face was as fresh as a rose to any observer. “There is nothing like the quiet of the country to provide such heavenly sleep. I am a new woman!”
Phillip choked a little on his eggs but she was the only one to notice.
“Have you plans for the day, Mrs. Osborne?” Serena asked sweetly.
“Not really. It promises to be so fine, I have asked the housekeeper to set up a shade tent in the garden where I might sit and sew. Dell is going to teach me a new embroidery stitch.”
James smiled. “She is such a good girl and so…skilled. See that you pay close attention to her lessons, my dear.”
Delilah’s color changed to a ghostly hue and Serena leaned forward. “And you, Mr. Osborne? Will you hide inside today?”
“I have work to do but I am committed to riding out with my land manager. There is some nonsense about ditches but I’ve put it off too long.” He shifted back after taking another muffin. “Sorry to leave you at loose ends, Cousin Phillip. But I wouldn’t invite you along to what promises to be a spirit numbing afternoon of sheer boredom.”
“I’m sure I can entertain myself.” Phillip sipped his coffee and leaned back in his chair. “What of you, Lady Wellcott? Will you embroider in the garden and wile away the hours in female conversation?”
“I might.” She selected a poached egg from a tray along with some toast. “There are worse ways to spend a day.”
“Have you other hobbies or pursuits, Lady Wellcott? Do you not ride?” Phillip asked. “For I would love to take the horses out for a run across Southgate and show you the land. We can easily take advantage of the grand weather and spare you from confinement.”
Lady Rises (The Black Rose Trilogy Book 2) Page 4