Too Hot For A Rake

by Pearl Wolf

  “Of course, sir.”

  With a sigh of relief, Waverley lay back on his pillow. “What would I do without you, Rupert?”

  Usually serious, the young man allowed himself a grin. “Works both ways, sir. What would I do had you not offered me such a fascinating position?”

  “Morning, your lordship,” said Dr. Fenwick cheerfully. “I’ve come to have a look at that wound of yours.”

  Waverley rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Morning, sir.”

  “Sleep well?” The doctor spread his supplies on the bedside table.

  “Like the dead, but I’m not fond of the drug-induced state.”

  “Don’t blame you in the least.” He cut the dressing off and examined the wound. “Bleeding’s stopped. No sign of infection, either. All to the good.” He cleaned the wound gently, applied fresh liniment, and bound it.

  “When may I resume activities, sir?”

  “If you feel up to it, you may leave your bed for a short time today. But remember that you must continue to be cautious until you recover your strength. Nothing too strenuous, mind. No horseback riding, mind you. I recommend short walks when the weather permits. Rest as much as you can. You’ll be fine in a week or two.”

  Waverley frowned. “As bad as all that, eh?”

  “Actually? Not bad at all.” The doctor could not resist adding, “You have only to consider the alternative, sir.”

  Waverley laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He watched the doctor pack his bag. “Thank you, sir. Will you inform Lady Waverley of your instructions?”

  “No need for that.” He nodded toward the door between the bedchamber and Waverley’s office. “I’m sure her ladyship’s heard my every word. Come in, ma’am. I’m finished for today.”

  “Thank you, Doctor Fenwick,” Helena said, “for allowing me to listen to your instructions. I have only one question. What do you recommend for his lordship’s diet?”

  “No restrictions. He may eat what he likes, in small amounts. I’ll be back in the morning. Good day to you both.” He made a courtly bow, then departed.

  “Well, Desmond.” Helena sat by his bedside and smiled.

  “Well, Helena.” He grinned back at her.

  “Have you had your breakfast?”

  “Not yet. I want to enjoy it in the morning room. The doctor said I might get out of bed for a time.”

  Helena rang for Rabu. “His lordship will take his breakfast in the morning room. I’ll send word to Cook while you help him up. His dressing gown will do.” She turned to Waverley and added, “Mind if I join you?”

  “Mind? I dare you to stay away!”

  The sun-filled morning room on the second floor faced south, where an unobstructed view of the sea could be had from its windows. The dining chairs were covered in blue and yellow patterned silk matching the draperies. All in all, the room provided a cozy setting much more intimate than the huge formal dining room on the first floor.

  Waverley entered on the arm of his valet. The marquis was dressed in casual pants and a shirt open at the neck.

  Helena threw up her hands in mock despair. “What’s this? No sooner do I turn my back, you disobey my instructions. I said dressing gown, not morning clothes, Rabu.”

  “Don’t blame Rabu, my dear. I chose this, though I could not manage a jacket, as you see. What’s that I smell? Bacon? I’ll have some with my eggs and toast.”

  Rabu helped him to a chair and hurried to the sideboard to fix his master’s plate, ignoring the annoyed footman who felt it his place to serve. “At once, your lor’sheep.”

  “I thought you went home to London,” Waverley said to Helena, mischief in his voice.

  “I decided to remain to see you well again, since I was the cause of your…er…infirmity. Of course, if you prefer, I’ll leave today. Nurse Hubley can see to your recovery.”

  He adopted a pained expression and groaned. “No, no. Don’t leave me to such a horrible fate. If you do, I’ll die.”

  A quiver of pleasure ran through her, but she did not let on. Instead, she pursed her lips and said, “I was about to enter my carriage when news reached me that you had been wounded.”

  “Does that mean…?”

  “It means what it means,” she snapped and changed the subject. “Eat small amounts, Waverley. Doctor’s orders.”

  He grinned and pushed his plate away. “He’s right. My eyes are bigger than my stomach, it seems. I cannot swallow another bite.” A vision of breakfasting every morning, his wife Helena fussing over him filled him with warmth.

  Helena made as if to speak but checked the impulse.

  “Something on your mind? What is it?”

  “Why did you delope? I’m…we are all glad you did, for it saved your life. That vile man was intent on murdering you.”

  He reached for her hand. “I did it for your sake.”

  “For…for me? What do you mean?”

  “You were so against the duel, I thought you’d despise me if I killed the man.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Good heavens, Waverley. And did you also believe it would please me if you had died?”

  “Would you have mourned me?” His smiling eyes betrayed him.

  “That’s nonsense and you know it. At any rate, you’re not dead and you’re not badly wounded. Saltash inflicted only a flesh wound. As soon as you are well enough, I’m going home.”

  Reason enough to feign continued illness, my adorable minx. I’ll not let you go home, my love, even if I have to tie you to your bedpost to keep you here. Aloud, he said, “Rupert informs me that Saltash has fled to France to escape arrest. He said Magistrate Wyndham threatened to prosecute him for attempted murder.”

  “He deserves it for his cowardly act,” she said. “Saltash took your French friends back to Paris as well. Shall you miss them?”

  “Don’t be cheeky. I had nothing to do with their visit. Are you still angry with me for my wicked past, love?”

  “How should I be? It’s your life to do with what you will,” she said, but there was disdain in her voice.

  “I’m done with all that, I promise you. You’ve shown me a better way to enjoy life. One I never thought possible. Will you redeem me from my past sins and agree to be my wife?”

  She smiled as if she were dealing with a silly child. “You’re delirious, sir. Perhaps a few drops of laudanum in your coffee will bring you to your senses.”

  “I was never more serious. Marry me. I love you, my darling.” He paused a moment. “When I faced death, I realized I had but one regret. I was afraid I would never have an opportunity to tell you how much I love you. I almost wished to die, for I thought I had ruined all chance of winning you.”

  Helena’s heart sang at his words, but she was saved from the urge to reveal herself to him when Paynter announced a visitor.

  “Good morning to you, Waverley,” the Earl of Glynhaven said in a hearty tone. “And to you, ma’am. No, no. Don’t get up from your seat, sir. How are you getting on?”

  “The marquis is doing well,” Helena said. She turned to Waverley and added, “The earl has already visited here twice for news of you.”

  “How kind,” Waverley murmured in an unconvincing tone.

  Glynhaven shook his head in sorrow. “Still weak, I see. I’ve already begged Lady Fairchild’s pardon for the bad manners of my guests. Unforgivable. I had no idea that Saltash would bring with him such a disreputable group of rowdies.”

  Oh, didn’t you? Aloud the marquis said, “That surprises me, Glynhaven. Lord Saltash has a reputation as a degenerate. He’s known for his mischief in Paris. I thought it known all over England as well. Perhaps it never reached your ears.”

  He had the satisfaction of seeing the earl’s face color.

  Helena hastened to intervene. “Thank you for your visit, my lord, but I must bring it to an end. The marquis needs rest.

  Doctor’s orders, you know. May I show you out?”

  London: Fairchild House

  “Well
, puss. What have you to say for yourself?” asked the duke when Georgiana entered the library. “You’ve set the whole household in an uproar in addition to disturbing my peace.” He eyed his daughter with what he hoped was an unforgiving expression. Without much success, as it happened, for this child was most like him, if not in looks, then certainly in temperament.

  Fast approaching her debut at the age of seventeen, Lady Georgiana Fairchild was, in a word, stunning. The acknowledged family beauty had perfect features, if her numerous paramours were to be believed. The young lads waxed poetic over her translucent ivory skin, her green eyes ablaze with mischief, her wide, sensuous lips, her dimpled chin, her figure, her walk, her…In short, she was a veritable goddess who overawed her admirers.

  Her wild ways, however, were another matter. Disapproving mothers warned their sons to beware such a devil-may-care temptress. Not good wife material, they whispered of her, though by that they meant she would not be an obedient mate for their darling sons. “She will empty your pockets with her gambling ways,” one said. “Just ask your sisters,” another warned. Not the best advice, for their sisters were out of reason jealous of this peerless nymph.

  Georgiana took the hand her father proffered and kissed it, but she did not let go. “Never say you’re angry with me, Father.” In one swift motion, she curled up in his lap, put her head on his chest and held his hand to her cheek.

  The duke found his daughter’s bewitching ways irresistible. None of his other daughters would dare to behave in such an impertinent manner. He resisted the urge to stroke her hair. “You’re an incorrigible minx, young lady. It was too bad of you to ruin Edward’s boots. Your brother would like nothing better than to rip you apart, you know.”

  She giggled. “Serves him right, Father. He’s become a pompous boor. Haven’t you noticed?”

  The duke laughed in spite of his resolve to remain stern. “Never mind that. Get off my lap, you disobedient chit, and sit over there while I determine what’s to be done about your imprudence.”

  “You can always lock me up in the tower and serve me bread and water for a month or so,” she suggested, smoothing her wrinkled morning gown. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “No. That won’t do. For one, we have no tower. And if we did have one, it might make my dear brother positively gloat with so much satisfaction, I couldn’t bear it.”

  “Be serious, Georgie. Edward demands satisfaction and he deserves it, don’t you think?”

  “All because I ruined his bloody boots? I’ll buy him a new pair.”

  The duke raised an eyebrow. “With whose money, may I ask?”

  “Will you lend it to me?” The look on her father’s face gave the answer. “Bad idea, hmm? What do you suggest?”

  “An apology is due your brother. And you must promise never to repeat your crime again. You know perfectly well that it isn’t proper for you to invade his room and steal his clothing. Can you apologize to him with sincerity?”

  A dangerous gleam lit her eyes. “I might, but only if he apologizes to me for having become such an odious stuffed shirt.”

  “Then you leave me no choice.” His stern tone brought her up short.

  “No choice? What do you mean, Father?”

  “First, Edward must report to me that he has received satisfaction from you in the form of a sincere apology. Second, I intend to send your favorite mount back to our stables in Brighton. Third, all our stable hands are under strict orders not to saddle up for you without my permission. They will be sacked without a reference if they disobey. And last, no allowance for a month.”

  “Harsh punishment indeed. How long will it last, Father?”

  “That’s for me to decide. And don’t attempt to borrow a horse from any of your friends. Until you apologize to your brother, you may not ride at all. Do I make myself clear?”

  Waverley Castle

  “It’s such a beautiful day, ma’am,” Glynhaven said as he and Helena descended the grand staircase. “Won’t you join me for a stroll in your garden?”

  She was caught off her guard, not having time to form a plausible excuse to refuse him. “If it pleases you, sir.”

  “It pleases me more than you know, ma’am. You could add to my pleasure if you would consent to call me Martin.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “That goes beyond mere friendship, sir. Will you settle for Glynhaven?”

  “A mere bone, but yes. I will if you allow me to call you Helena.”

  Again, she felt trapped in a snare being carefully laid, “Of course. We are friends, are we not?”

  When she led him to the terrace, she was comforted when she saw several gardeners at work nearby. They would not be alone—a good thing in her view, though what about the earl made her uneasy, she could not fathom.

  “Waverley’s gardens are enchanting.” He smiled, but his eyes did not.

  “They will be when the work is completed,” Helena said. “Lord Waverley has hired an inspired head gardener.”

  “Lucky man. An inspired gardener is hard to come by these days. By the way, you have earned my sincerest admiration.”

  “How so?”

  “You behaved most properly in the face of my unruly guests.”

  “How kind of you to say so.” She took a deep breath and added, “I’m going home to London shortly. Just as soon as the doctor says Waverley is well enough to fend for himself.”

  He stopped near a stone bench. “Will you sit with me a moment?”

  “If you wish,” she answered, yet she was again made to feel uneasy by the intent look on his face.

  He sat by her side, lost in thought. When at last he spoke, he said, “I shall come soon to London to ask his grace for permission to pay my addresses to his daughter Helena. Will you marry me, my dear?”

  She drew in her breath. “Glynhaven, did you not hear me? The last time you offered for my hand I refused you. I haven’t changed my mind.”

  “Perhaps your father can change it for you, then.”

  She stiffened. “My father, sir, is not in the habit of forcing his children into wedlock against their wishes.”

  “Then I suppose I shall have to win your love on my own, lovely Helena. And make no mistake—I love you and win you I will!” He pulled her to him with force and pressed his lips to hers in a bruising kiss.

  She struggled to free herself, but he held her in a fierce grip, one hand on the back of her head and the other round her waist. Desperate, she swung her foot around and kicked him in his shin as hard as she could.

  He yelped in pain and let her go, at which point Helena stood up and hovered over him, her arms hugging herself. “You…you brute! How dare you, sir! Didn’t your mother teach you how to behave toward a lady?”

  Glynhaven fell to his knees before her and clutched her gown. “I beg pardon, Helena dearest. I—”

  “How dare you! I. Am. Not. Your. Dearest! Let go of my gown. At once, do you hear!” She put her hands on his shoulders and pushed as hard as she was able. Hard enough for the earl to fall back and hit his head on the stone bench.

  “All right, Helena, but—”

  “And don’t call me Helena! You’ve lost that right by your unwanted assault.”

  He rose and reached for her, but she took a step back. “I warn you, I’ll scream. There are enough gardeners within hearing who will come to my aid, sir!”

  To her astonishment, a slow smile crept across his face. “Good God, Helena! You’re a bloody spitfire. Who would have thought it? If you think to deter my quest for your hand, you are mistaken, my love. We shall have some lively tussles together once we are married.”

  “That, sir, will be never.”

  “Never say never, my love. My sincerest apologies for being so clumsy, but I have never been in love before, you see. Give me time and I shall prove to you that I am worthy to be your husband.”

  “You needn’t bother. My answer will remain the same. There’s no longer any need for us to pretend friendship either, for you have woun
ded me beyond repair.”

  Glynhaven’s eyes narrowed. “It’s Waverley you love, isn’t it? Yes, I see it all now,” he said bitterly. “That rake has bested me since the days of our boyhood. And for no other reason than to show the other lads he could humiliate me.” Helena turned to leave, determined to hear no more of his vitriolic tongue, but he grasped her arm in a viselike grip. “No, don’t leave. And don’t scream for help. Stay and hear me out. That’s the last thing I’ll ask of you. I give you my word.”

  “Let go of my arm, then.” She said it gently, for his tone was dangerous and she felt afraid.

  “Won’t you sit down?”

  “No, thank you. I prefer to stand, but I will listen to what you wish to say.”

  “Waverley always had the edge here in Land’s End. Always. When we were children, he’d steal my friends from me. When we were old enough to want the young girls to notice us, it was always him they noticed. Not me. The other lads followed him as if he were the Pied Piper. And now he’s won the heart of the one woman in the world I want for a wife. Isn’t that ironic?”

  She ignored the anger in his eyes and said, “He hasn’t won my heart, sir. Nor have you. I’ll take my leave of you now, if you don’t mind.” She turned and strode away. His final words assaulted her ears.

  “Why so particular, my lady? How many more offers do you think you can garner, especially after everyone knows that Darlington jilted you?”

  Chapter 17

  Tuesday, the Fifth of May, 1818

  Glynhaven had terrified Helena. The recollection kept her tossing and turning until first light. She didn’t dare tell Waverley about the earl’s brutal assault, for fear he’d challenge the earl to yet another duel no matter the poor state of his health. When she woke, these unsettling events combined to cause her to suffer a violent headache and she groaned.

  “What’s wrong, milady?” asked Amy in alarm.

  “Oooh,” she wailed and held her head. “I have the worst headache….”

  “Never fear, milady. Cook knows how to make a special posset, the perfect remedy for headaches. I’ll run down and have her prepare it for you.”