Jilted By A Cad (Jilted Brides Trilogy Book 1)

by Cheryl Holt

  The observation contained an incredible amount of innuendo, and to Evan, it was like a jab with a sharp stick. “Yes, it was quite a party. I’m sure he was up until dawn.”

  Newman gestured to the foyer. “He’d like you to come upstairs—if you wouldn’t mind.”

  “No, I don’t mind.”

  Evan was glad he and Peyton would confer in private. Evidently, they had numerous tricky issues to discuss, and he couldn’t bear to have Miss Bates hear any of them. He couldn’t continue to ignore the problem with Amelia. Nor could Peyton continue to prevaricate and delay.

  With Miss Bates arriving on the scene, they were beyond the spot where they could pretend naught had changed.

  “It was lovely to meet you, Mr. Boyle,” Miss Bates said.

  “And you as well, Miss Bates.”

  “I talked to the Earl a few minutes ago, and he was a tad grouchy. Don’t let him bite your head off.”

  “He wouldn’t dare.”

  She flashed a dazzling smile that caught him off guard. He didn’t want to like her, didn’t want to be fascinated, but she was irresistibly appealing, and he had no weapons to employ that would prevent him from being charmed.

  Newman left, and Evan followed him up to Peyton’s bedchamber. He was loafing in his sitting room, dressed—thank goodness—and having breakfast at a small table by the window. He waved Evan in and pointed to the chair across.

  “Have you eaten?” Peyton asked by way of an opening. “Shall I order a plate for you?”

  “As it is after one o’clock, I can admit to having eaten twice already.”

  “Where were you last night? I was called away for awhile, and when I came back, you and Amelia had departed.”

  “It was late, and she was exhausted, so I took her home.”

  He studied Peyton, anxious to glean an inkling of his mood, but he couldn’t deduce a single clue. Peyton was shoveling down food as if he were about to march to the gallows and it was his final meal.

  Did he understand how rude he’d been to Amelia? Did he care?

  “Miss Bates introduced herself downstairs,” Evan said. “She’s stunning.”

  “Isn’t she just?”

  Evan paused so Peyton could fill in the gap with some information about her, but he was maddeningly silent. Evan had to nudge him along.

  “She tells me she’s been friends with you for a month or so.”

  Peyton considered, then nodded. “Yes, I suppose that’s about right.”

  “You never mentioned her.”

  “It didn’t seem important.”

  “Is it important now?” There was another lengthy pause, then Evan asked, “Is she staying with you?”

  “Only until I can make other arrangements for her.”

  “Since she’s Miss Bates, she’s obviously unmarried, and you’re a bachelor. Isn’t it a tad improper?”

  “Yes, it’s all very improper.”

  “Aren’t you concerned for her reputation? Or maybe for yours?”

  Peyton scowled. “First off, no, I’m not concerned about that sort of thing—as you’re well aware. And second, who is there to complain?”

  “She must not have any male kin to watch out for her best interests.”

  “No, she doesn’t.”

  “Perhaps I should watch out for them and protect her from you.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s fine with me.”

  “Is she?”

  Evan’s tone was very sharp, but then, his disgust was very great. At times, Peyton could be an ill-mannered cur, and he wouldn’t even realize that he was behaving badly.

  It was just a simple fact that he was very vain, and he was never worried about what other people thought. He’d also been raised in a military boarding school where the social graces were never the most essential skill to be learned.

  He noticed Evan’s pique, and he put down his fork.

  “You’re in a snit. Why? What have I done?”

  Could he really be so oblivious?

  “I won’t tiptoe around you,” Evan said. “I’ll blurt it out.”

  “Please do. I can’t abide guessing games, and I won’t play them.”

  “I visited you because Amelia is upset and puzzled.”

  “Why?”

  “She walked in on you and Miss Bates down in the kitchen.”

  “Yes, it was all rather awkward.”

  “It seemed to her as if Miss Bates might be…ah…special to you.”

  “I like her very much,” Peyton blandly stated.

  “How long are you planning on her being here?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “Will it be a few days? A week? A month? What?”

  “She’ll be here until I can find somewhere for her to go. For the moment, that’s all I can tell you.”

  Evan’s temper was flaring, and he tried to cool down, but with Peyton being so flippant, it was impossible.

  “Who is she to you?” Evan demanded. “How close is she? Have you obtained a mistress without confiding in me?”

  “Gad, no.”

  Peyton scoffed at the notion, but his cheeks reddened, providing ample evidence that he was lying.

  “You agreed to escort Amelia to the theater tonight,” Evan reminded him.

  “Oh, I’d forgotten. I won’t be able to escort her. Will you see her this afternoon? Can you inform her for me? Or should I send a note?”

  “Why can’t you take her?”

  “Well, Jo has arrived, and I’m busy fussing with her.“

  “So it’s Jo, is it? Not Miss Bates? Not Josephine?”

  Peyton breathed out a heavy sigh. “You’re dancing to a pertinent point, Evan. What is it? Let’s get it out on the table.”

  “You told my sister you’d stop by early, that you had an important topic to address. We both know what the topic was to be, so don’t pretend to be confused.”

  Peyton stared at Evan for an eternity that was excruciating. Ultimately, he said, “I’m not confused, and I probably won’t be stopping by to ask her any questions.”

  “Today? Or ever?”

  Peyton eased back in his chair, and he debated his response. He’d want to avoid a quarrel, but in light of the ledge where they were suddenly perched, a fight couldn’t be avoided.

  Mr. Newman was hovering, ready to assist if needed, but eavesdropping too. Peyton gestured to him. “Would you give us a minute, Newman? Step out and shut the door behind you.”

  Newman hesitated, curiosity practically oozing out of him, but he couldn’t decline to obey. He sidled out, and once they were alone, a dangerous silence descended.

  There was a decanter of brandy over by the fireplace. Peyton grabbed it and brought it over. He poured some into his tea cup, and he used an empty water glass to pour some for Evan. He pushed the glass to Evan, but Evan didn’t reach for it.

  Depending on the next words that came out of Peyton’s mouth, this might be the last time they spoke, so it might also be the last time they shared a drink. But Evan was so incensed that if he’d tried to swallow any of the liquor, he’d most likely have choked on it.

  “We should have had this discussion ages ago,” Peyton said.

  “You’ve been sniffing around my sister for four years. When would we have had it?”

  “I won’t feign indignation over your accusation. I recognize that I haven’t always acted appropriately toward her.”

  “Acted appropriately?” Evan sneered. “She never allowed any other boys to court her—because of you. She sat in my mother’s parlor, waiting for you to propose.”

  “She shouldn’t have,” Peyton bluntly huffed.

  At the horrid comment, Evan gasped with affront. “I hope you didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

  “No, no,” Peyton hurriedly insisted. “I possess the highest regard for Amelia.”

  “Yes, your high regard will certainly keep her warm on cold winter nights
.”

  “I’m too damaged, Evan. You realize that I am. My childhood has left me broken, and there are empty parts that will never be filled. Why would you want your sister to wind up with me? I’d be an awful husband.”

  “She was counting on you!”

  “I should have told you sooner.”

  Evan snorted with derision. “Has it occurred to you that she doesn’t mind your damaged parts? Has it occurred to you that she’s in love with you and she’ll take you just as you are?”

  “You’re being absurd. She’s not in love with me. We’re very fond of each other, but we shouldn’t read more into this than there has ever been.”

  “Prick,” Evan spat.

  “Yes, I suppose I am.”

  “Is this because of Miss Bates?”

  “Not because of her precisely. She simply yanked me to my senses.”

  “Where had your senses gone?” Evan caustically asked. “I wasn’t aware they were missing.”

  “With my turning thirty, I’ve been wondering if I should marry, but with my ascending to the title, I’ve recently endured so many changes.”

  Evan nearly lunged over the table and pummeled his old friend. The remark had him that enraged.

  “Don’t you dare claim you’re too bloody good for Amelia now. If you try it, I’ll beat you to a pulp.”

  “I’m not claiming that. I merely think I should consider my options.”

  “What is it you’re considering? Could it be that Miss Bates has arrived, and you’ve noticed there are other pretty fish in the matrimonial sea?”

  “It’s not that.”

  “What is it then? You’ve been pondering Amelia for four years!”

  “I know, I know, but it’s not as if I have a father to guide me in this. It’s a monumental decision, and I’m on my own and floating free. It’s difficult.”

  “You poor thing! Your life is so hard.”

  “There’s no need for sarcasm. I’m attempting to explain myself so you’ll comprehend my reasoning.”

  “Oh, I comprehend it all right. While you’re considering, will Amelia’s name ever pop into your head? Or must I notify her that it’s over between you? Should I tell her to move on?”

  Peyton paused, and an eternity passed at a snail’s pace. They both understood—once Peyton replied—it would wreck what they’d had. Once he cut Amelia loose, once the words were uttered out into the universe, there could be no going back.

  Peyton’s shoulders slumped with what looked like genuine regret. “No, Evan, Amelia will not be who I’m contemplating. I’m sorry.”

  “You’re sorry!” Evan fumed. “Is it so you can lift Miss Bates’s skirt without feeling guilty? Is that it?”

  “I won’t dignify that comment with a response.”

  “Of course you won’t, you bastard.”

  Evan glanced down at his lap, and he stared at his hands, desperate to figure out how to finish the hideous encounter.

  They’d walked out onto their hazardous ledge, and Peyton had shoved him over. Evan was falling down and down, and it would be a very rough landing. When he hit bottom, he would be completely destroyed, and if he wasn’t, his sister certainly would be.

  A flicker of fury ignited in his belly, and he fanned it, being delighted to let it grow into an inferno.

  He thought of all the years he’d been kind to Peyton, that he’d been Peyton’s staunchest chum. He thought of all the cozy evenings spent at the Boyle’s house where Peyton had been one of them, like a brother to Evan, like a second son to Evan’s mother.

  Mostly, Evan thought of his sister and how she’d thrown away her other chances, being positive that Peyton would come up to snuff in the end.

  Part of it was her own fault because she possessed much of their mother’s gentle nature, but a bigger part of it was Evan’s fault because he’d wanted Peyton to be Amelia’s husband. He’d imagined them bouncing through the decades, happy and friends forever, with Peyton accepting the greatest gift Evan could ever bestow, that being his dear sister.

  And now, a beautiful girl—Miss Bates—had slinked in and ruined his plans. He yearned to hate her for usurping Amelia’s spot, but she couldn’t be blamed. She’d simply forced Peyton to realize there were better nuptial choices, and none of them were Amelia.

  No, Evan could never hate Miss Bates. He viewed himself as a knight in shining armor, a protector and defender of women.

  It was clear she was all alone in the world, with no male relatives to guard her from a cur like Peyton. Evan wished he had a connection to her, so he could step in, so he could shield her from whatever damage Peyton would ultimately inflict.

  “Prick!” he muttered again.

  He swiped his arm across the table, sending all the cups, glasses, and plates crashing to the floor. Much of the expensive glassware shattered.

  “Dammit, Evan!” Peyton leapt away so the teapot didn’t spill hot water in his lap. “Look at the mess you’ve made!”

  Evan jumped up too, and he wondered if they might brawl. They never had. Not even when they were boys.

  “Don’t ever stop by our home again,” Evan said.

  “You’re being ridiculous.”

  “No. Don’t stop by. Don’t contact my sister.”

  “I can’t agree to that. After all we’ve meant to each other, I should talk to her about this in person.”

  “After all we’ve meant to each other? If you would treat her like this, how can I believe she’s been special to you in even the slightest way?”

  “I have no idea what else to say, except that I’d like to visit her later this afternoon so we can resolve this face to face.”

  Evan worried the top of his head might blow off. “Are you mad? You actually imagine she’d listen as you explained yourself? And you don’t even have an explanation! You’re just being a pompous ass!”

  “I won’t let it conclude like this. Not with you or with her.”

  “Fuck you.”

  Evan had shouted the crude epithet, and Mr. Newman peeked in. “Is everything all right, gentlemen?”

  They ignored him, and Evan kept his deadly gaze locked on Peyton. “If you ever knock on my mother’s door, if you ever speak to my sister, I will kill you. I swear it.”

  “Evan!” Peyton scolded.

  “You think I’m joking, but I’m not.”

  “You need to get control of your temper. We’ll discuss this when you’re not quite so angry.”

  “We will never discuss this in the future, and I hope you’re happy with your precious Miss Bates. Good luck to both of you.”

  Evan whipped away and stormed out. Mr. Newman was in the doorway, and he staggered back or Evan would have run him over. He marched down the hall and down the stairs, and his mind was awhirl with how miserable the coming weeks and months would be.

  He knew Peyton, and Peyton knew him. Peyton would expect Evan to calm down and forgive him, that they would revert to the cordial relationship they’d previously enjoyed. But Peyton had forgotten the most important fact about Evan: Evan loved his sister and his mother, and he would do anything for them.

  Amelia was twenty-two and about to turn twenty-three. She was very old to not have wed, and Peyton’s actions would likely guarantee she would never marry, that she would live out her life as a spinster. What brother could excuse such a ghastly development?

  He’d reached the foyer when Miss Bates emerged from the parlor.

  “What’s wrong, Mr. Boyle?” she asked. “I thought I heard you quarreling with Lord Benton. Please tell me you weren’t.”

  Evan halted and studied her. She was young and pretty, and she appeared to be very vulnerable, a female in trouble who required a strong man to lean on. Evan could absolutely understand why a cad like Peyton might be swept away, but whatever his ploy, it could never be to her benefit.

  Peyton would take what he craved from her, and she wouldn’t be able to resist giving him what he
requested. Where would she be when he was finished with her?

  Evan went over to her, and he brazenly clasped hold of her hands.

  “Miss Bates,” he said, “promise me you’ll be careful.”

  She frowned. “Of course I will be. I’m always careful.”

  “It’s just that I’ve been acquainted with Lord Benton for a very long time, and I doubt he has your best interests at heart.”

  “I disagree. He’s been kindness personified, and I’m very grateful to him.”

  Evan could have told her about Peyton and his dalliances, about his lack of regard or loyalty for others. He could have enlightened her as to Peyton’s childhood, how facets were missing from his character. Peyton didn’t view the world as others did, and he never felt guilty about any act he perpetrated.

  But what would be the point of any declaration? She hadn’t been harmed by Peyton yet, so she’d never believe Evan.

  “Be careful,” he warned her again, “and be assured, if you ever need a friend, you can find me and I will help you. You needn’t rely on Lord Benton.”

  “Well…ah…thank you, Mr. Boyle.” His strident comment had her unsettled. “I’ll remember your offer of assistance, and I’m honored by it. I haven’t ever had much compassion bestowed on me, and I appreciate it.”

  “I’ll worry about you.”

  “You shouldn’t. I’m fine.”

  “Goodbye, and watch out.”

  He left, and he didn’t glance back.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  “I’m glad we’re here.”

  “So am I.”

  “How long will we be allowed to stay?”

  Jo smiled at Daisy and said, “I don’t know.”

  “I didn’t like that boarding house.”

  “I didn’t either.”

  Daisy sighed. “I wish we could live here forever. I wish we never had to leave.”

  They were in the bedroom that had been provided to Daisy. She had climbed under the covers, and Jo was sitting in a chair next to the bed and tucking her in for the night. It had been a wild few weeks for both of them, and Daisy was fading fast.

  The prior evening, Jo had stopped by Benton House almost by accident. She’d simply hoped to ask the servants for Lord Benton’s contact information in the navy. Instead, she’d stumbled on the Earl himself. He’d claimed to not have been part of Richard Slater’s scheme to evict Daisy, and in the end, she’d decided to believe him.