A Winter Scandal

by Candace Camp

  “There must be a reason; we simply cannot find it.”

  “I applaud your faith in rationality. I hope you are right. But I should go now. I need to talk to the others so we can start looking tomorrow.” He took Thea’s hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it rather more warmly than was customary in departure. “I fear I will be out riding most of the day.”

  “Of course.” Thea was determined not to show her disappointment at the thought of not seeing him the next day.

  Still holding her hand, Gabriel moved a step closer. Thea turned her face up as he bent closer. At that moment, they heard Daniel’s voice in the hall, speaking to Sally. With a muttered oath, Gabriel stepped back.

  “If there is any news …” Thea said, primly polite.

  “I will come as soon as I can,” he promised. With a quick bow and a last glance at her, Gabriel left the room.

  Gabriel spent the next two days crisscrossing the land around Chesley with the help of his three friends. He managed, though, to find the time to visit Thea each evening after they had finished searching. Unfortunately, the first evening was spent in a stilted, all-too-brief formal call, for not only was Thea’s brother, Daniel, in the sitting room when Gabriel arrived, but also Mrs. Cliffe and her two oldest daughters as well. Thea had to cover a smile when she saw the flash of horror in Gabriel’s eyes as they lighted upon the Squire’s family, and she was not surprised when Gabriel left after twenty minutes of meaningless social chatter.

  The next evening, he hesitated outside the door when she answered, casting a wary glance down the hallway behind her. Thea laughed and reached out to take his hand, pulling him inside.

  “There is no one here. My brother has gone to pay a visit on old Mrs. Brenham. And Mrs. Cliffe is safely at home—I sincerely hope.” Thea led him back toward the sitting room. “Come in and tell me your news.”

  “I have none to report, really. Or at least, nothing but failure. We have searched every foot of land around here, I think, and none of us spotted any sign of Jocelyn or Hannah.”

  “I am so sorry.”

  Gabriel sighed and sank down into the nearest chair. “Either she is too well hidden for me to find or she is not here.”

  “What will you do now?”

  “I have to keep looking for her. I gave up too easily before. It occurred to me that perhaps Jocelyn is not here. What if she left the baby here, then went to one of the other villages near here? Maybe she only sent Hannah over here the other day to see what she could find out about the baby. For all I know, Jocelyn has been in some other town this whole time, and she just sent Hannah to Chesley with the baby. Maybe Jocelyn was never at the ruins. That would seem more like the girl I knew.”

  “Do you think she could be waiting to see how you receive Matthew before she comes here herself?”

  “I would like to think she will come home, but I cannot count on it. In any case, I must explore farther afield.”

  “Perhaps I could drive with you to Nyebourne, as we did to Bynford.”

  He turned to her, his eyes heating. “I thought about it. I even considered borrowing Lady Wofford’s closed carriage, so you and I could ride together inside, closed off from all eyes.”

  “Gabriel!” Thea could not help but smile even as her voice registered shock. Just the thought of what could happen inside a closed vehicle with Gabriel was enough to start a coil of warmth deep in her abdomen.

  “What?” He widened his eyes innocently. “Surely you don’t think I meant to propose anything shocking or improper? Miss Bainbridge, I do believe it was your mind that immediately went to the possibility of something lewd transpiring in Lady Wofford’s carriage.”

  “Me?” Thea laughed. “It was you! I could see what you intended in your eyes.”

  “Miss Bainbridge, really …” He assumed a pious face. “You are imputing your own wicked thoughts to me. Whatever did you think we might do in a carriage, all alone?”

  He reached out and took her hands, pulling her up and over onto his lap.

  “Gabriel!” Thea cried out in protest as she wriggled and twisted, shoving halfheartedly at the arm he clamped across her waist to hold her down. “Someone might come in.”

  “You just said your brother was not here.” He interspersed his words with kisses up the side of her neck. “And I’ll warrant it’s too late for Mrs. Brewster to still be about.” He seemed fascinated now by her ear, kissing and nibbling at it while his hand began to roam over her breasts.

  “But … um …” Thea lost the train of her thoughts as his fingers began to circle her nipple in a most interesting way. “Oh, Gabriel.”

  She could feel his breath on her skin as he chuckled, and it sent more shivers through her. His tongue traced the curves of her ear, and his hand slipped down to bunch up her skirts and slide beneath them, his fingers trailing up the inside of her thigh. He let out a low sound as he found the hot secret center of her, already damp with desire.

  “Thea …” He breathed her name, burying his face in the juncture of her neck and shoulder. “I would like so much to take you with me. I dare swear we would have no rest the entire trip. And we could partake of a long lunch at the inn.”

  His fingers stroked her gently, almost lazily, as he talked, sending shudders of unabashed hunger through her. Thea moved instinctively against him, and she felt him harden beneath her. She thought about turning and sitting astride him, imagining his reaction if she did.

  From upstairs came the sound of footsteps, and Thea let out a groan of frustration.

  “Lolly. Lolly is here with Matthew. And, of course, Peter, the footman you sent over.”

  “Blast. We could lock the door.”

  “It doesn’t lock,” Thea said regretfully. “Not to mention that it would be quite scandalous.”

  Reluctantly, Gabriel released her. Thea stood up and moved away, making sure her clothes were straight and giving her cheeks time enough to cool.

  “We cannot do it. Go together to Nyebourne, I mean.” Gabriel’s voice was clipped as he stood and went over to the fireplace, poking at the fire rather harder than was necessary. “Much as I would enjoy a trip with you, I cannot take the time for a leisurely journey. I need to cover as much ground as possible.”

  “Of course,” Thea agreed colorlessly.

  “I plan to go to all the towns around Chesley one after another. ’Twill be faster not to return home each day.”

  “Oh.” Thea’s heart sank lower. “Then you will be gone several days.”

  “I fear so.” The expression of regret and frustration on his face picked up Thea’s spirits a bit.

  “Are you planning to return?”

  “Of course!” Gabriel strode over to her, grasping her by the arms and looking down at her fiercely. “Believe me, there is nothing I look forward to more than coming back to you. And I promise that when I do, we will find some way to be alone and private.”

  “For longer than a half hour?” Thea tossed back saucily.

  Something in the smile he returned was wolfish. “For longer than a few days. It will take at least that much time to do all the things I keep imagining doing with you.”

  Casting a quick glance past her out into the hallway, Gabriel pulled Thea to him and kissed her thoroughly. Finally his mouth left hers, and he held her tightly against him for a moment before letting her go.

  “Hopefully I can live off that for a while.” He smiled faintly.

  “Will your friends go out to look, too?”

  “Myles offered, but I told him I wanted him to stay here and make sure you and Matthew are all right. We cannot trust that the fellow who took Matthew will not try again. So if you need anything or are frightened or suspicious for any reason, send a note to Myles at the Priory.”

  “Very well.” Thea felt warmed by Gabriel’s making sure that she and Matthew would be protected. “But I am certain Peter will be more than enough. Nothing else has happened. You must have frightened him off.”

  “Perhaps. Al
an, I think, has decided that the lights of London are calling him,” Gabriel went on with a smile.

  “Chesley has proved too dull?”

  Gabriel’s smile widened. “I think it is more that Lady Wofford has civilized life at the Priory.”

  “Oh. I see.”

  “But he promised me he will check at the inns in the first few towns on the road to see if Jocelyn is there. Ian will take the northern road for me … provided he can withstand his lady’s determined pleas to return to Fenstone Park for Twelfth Night.”

  “Will you be back for Twelfth Night?”

  “I am resolved to. I do not intend to miss dancing with you. Or seeing how bewitching you look in a mask.”

  “What nonsense.”

  “Not nonsense at all.” He kissed her again and released her with a sigh. “Now, I must go.”

  He made it to the doorway before turning around and coming back for another kiss … or three. Finally, he set her aside and strode from the room determinedly. Thea heard him in the kitchen, issuing last-minute instructions to Peter. She climbed the stairs and went to the window to watch Gabriel ride off down the street. With a sigh, she turned away, trying not to think about how lonely the next few days would be without him.

  Before long, she knew, Gabriel would leave Chesley for good. His true homes were in London and on his estate. The Priory and Chesley—and she—were only diversions for him, ways for a bored aristocrat to amuse himself. To dare dream anything else would be setting herself up for misery.

  Thea opened a dresser drawer and drew out the small box Gabriel had given her. She gazed at the set of garnet earrings inside the box, touching the jewels with a tender finger. What had this present meant to Gabriel? She was afraid to put too much hope in such a thing as a gift. After all, even a vicar’s sister from a small village was worldly enough to know that wealthy bachelors often gave jewels to the women they set up as their mistresses. It was entirely possible that the earrings were simply in return for her having given herself to him, a sort of sophisticated thank-you. Or perhaps it was what a man such as Gabriel did to ease the sting of parting.

  She slipped the earrings out of the box and into her ears. She was not going to wear them anywhere, but it couldn’t hurt to just try them on. Thea turned her head, admiring the way the light caught the deep-red jewel, the glittering gold. They would look splendid with the dress Damaris was lending her.

  Thea shook her head impatiently. She could not let herself think this way. She pulled the earrings from her ears and set them back in the box, closing the lid firmly. They must stay hidden away, just like her relationship with Gabriel. Nothing could have spoken more clearly about any future she might have with him than that fact—she and Lord Morecombe were a cause for gossip, for scandal, because everyone knew that there was no chance of marriage between them. If he dangled after her, he would not be looking for a wife.

  She had known that from the beginning. Perhaps Damaris was right, and she was not so plain. But Damaris was wrong in suggesting that Gabriel had any long-lasting interest in Thea. He was a sophisticate; she was a church mouse. This was the most wonderful, exciting period of her life, but to Gabriel it was only a brief interlude, easily forgotten.

  Thea sighed and turned away from the dresser. The next few days were, she feared, going to be only a foretaste of what her life would soon be like. A life without Gabriel.

  Seventeen

  With a great deal of surprise, Thea answered the knock on her front door two days later and found Lady Wofford standing on her doorstep. Belatedly, she realized she was staring, and she stepped back. “Lady Wofford. Please, come in.”

  “Thank you, Miss Bainbridge.” Lady Wofford nodded and swept in, taking her hands out of her fur muff and glancing around expectantly.

  Thea realized that the woman was looking for a servant to take her outerwear from her. Thea smothered a smile and reached out for the muff. “Here, allow me.”

  “Oh. Oh, of course.” Emily handed her the muff, followed by her fur-trimmed pelisse, clearly somewhat uncomfortable at her hostess’s performing such a menial task. She gave Thea a determined smile. “Things are so much more … informal in the country, are they not?”

  “Indeed, Lady Wofford, I am afraid I have little to compare it to. I have lived here all my life.”

  “Yes, of course.” Emily’s smile wavered a bit, but she went on, “It must be quite … reassuring to have known everyone here all your life. I grew up in London, you see. I am a bit of a fish out of water here. I fear that perhaps I have made the wrong impression on you. So I hoped we might start again. We are, after all, cousins, are we not?”

  Thea softened. She had, perhaps, judged the woman too harshly. Chesley must be quite a change from London. And the circumstances under which Lady Wofford had met Thea had been decidedly peculiar; she could not blame her, she supposed, for looking at Thea rather askance.

  “Of course.” Thea offered a more genuine smile to her unexpected guest. “Would you like some tea?”

  Thea showed her to the sitting room, then popped into the kitchen to ask Mrs. Brewster to bring the tea tray. She suspected that Lady Wofford found it odd, too, that Thea had not simply rung for a servant. Thea settled down on the chair across from the other woman, and silence descended on them.

  Finally Thea said, “I hope you are enjoying your stay in Chesley.”

  “Indeed, Lord Morecombe is an excellent host. Of course, he and Lord Wofford have known each other since they were children. He comes from an excellent family.”

  Thea made some murmur of agreement.

  “Do you know his family?” Emily asked after another short silence.

  “No, I have not had the pleasure.”

  “His sister is a lovely girl. I was quite surprised when she became engaged to Lord Rawdon. Very long lineage, of course, but, well … somewhat suspect, nevertheless. I am sure you know what I mean; you are one of the Bainbridges, after all.”

  “One of the lesser branches, I’m afraid.” Thea managed not to add anything sharper.

  “Oh, dear, have I offended you? Are you a friend of Lord Rawdon?”

  “He has not offered me a reason to dislike him. I cannot say that I know him well.”

  “Of course.” Lady Wofford glanced around, and Thea suspected that she was counting down the minutes until she could politely leave. Thea was rather counting them, as well.

  Fortunately, Mrs. Brewster brought in the tea tray, and they were able to expend a few minutes on the ritual of tea before the silence became awkward again.

  “How is the … um … child?” Lady Wofford asked. “The one you found in the church? Such a remarkable thing. I am not sure I have ever heard the like.”

  “Yes, it was most unusual. He is well. Would you like to see him?”

  Alarm touched Lady Wofford’s face and was quickly covered. “Oh, my, no, no reason to disturb him. I gather no one in the village saw who left him there.”

  “No. No one that we have found.”

  “Well, we must not dwell on such unpleasant topics. Do you plan to attend Mrs. Howard’s Twelfth Night party? Sir Myles and Lord Morecombe seem to be quite looking forward to it.”

  “Yes, my brother and I will be there. Will you and Lord Wofford attend, as well?”

  “If we are still here, I suspect we will. No doubt it will be most entertaining. However, I know that Lord Fenstone is most eager for us to return to the Park. Such a lovely place, even in the winter. I believe you have been there?”

  “Yes, a few times.”

  “A beautiful estate.” Lady Wofford’s smile was a more genuinely pleased one than Thea had seen on her face before. “Now, there is an elegant ballroom. And the long gallery—I enjoy strolling there and looking at all the former earls and countesses.”

  This seemed an odd pastime to Thea, but she refrained from saying so. She merely smiled and nodded during the woman’s detailed description of the gown she would wear to the Twelfth Night ball if they remai
ned in town. Thea found it a great relief when Emily made her polite good-byes a few minutes later. Thea arose from her seat, hoping that the movement did not look too much like a leap for joy. She saw the woman to the door, helping her on with her pelisse and handing her the muff and hat. When Lady Wofford at last started down the path toward her carriage, Thea closed the door and leaned back against it with a sigh of relief.

  Lady Wofford had been more pleasant, it was true, but the result had been, well, boring. Thea could not help but wonder if Lady Wofford’s style of conversation was typical of the ladies of the ton. Was Lady Wofford a true example of her breed? If so, Thea thought with some dismay, nothing could demonstrate more clearly the enormous gulf that lay between her world and Gabriel’s. He might enjoy Thea while he was here, but his real life, the one that awaited him back in London, would have no place for her.

  Gabriel strode past the ruins of the abbey, glad to be off his horse after three straight days of riding, broken only by going into inns to question the innkeepers. He had stopped at the Priory only long enough to stable his mount and clean up before he set out for the vicarage. He was a trifle stiff and tired, but none of that weighed against the hunger to see Thea.

  If anyone had told him a year ago that he would miss any woman as much as he had missed Thea the past few days, he would have laughed. Much as he enjoyed the company of women, never had one’s absence caused him more than a twinge of regret or loneliness. After all, there had always been another woman to take her place, whether she be a lady or a lightskirt. Never before had he sat by himself in front of a fireplace of an evening mooning over a woman, instead of going to the tavern to entertain himself with drink and a hand of cards—and probably a tavern wench for his bed, as well.

  Each evening of his journey, he had gone into the public room of the inn to have an ale and ask the patrons if they had seen Jocelyn or Hannah. But invariably he found himself thinking what Thea would say about this tavern guest or that and what he would answer in reply. He wanted to tell her what he had done that day and what he had learned. Any attempts at cards or dice soon palled, and the tavern wenches seemed much too dull-witted for him to enjoy flirting with them. Once he had discovered all the information he could, he soon went up to his bed.