“Were you looking for me for very long, Papa?”
“It’s always too long.” Father crossed the room to meet her and pressed a kiss to her brow. “Come in and talk to your poor old father. You’re looking a little flushed. Has something upset you?”
“No.” On an impulse, Fanny wrapped her arms around her papa and gave him a squeeze. He was one of the good ones, and good men were so very rare. He hugged her back, then set her apart from him. “What was that for?”
“I just needed it.”
He made a grumbling sound, but she could tell he was pleased. “Come and sit down with me.”
She made a point of looking around carefully. “Are you sure you want a woman in the library? I thought that was against the rules.”
He gave her a look. “Are you going to suggest putting flowers in this room?”
“No.”
“Lacy doily things on the tables?”
She smiled. “No. I know you hate them.”
“Then you can stay, but if you dare mention the room needs improvement, you’ll be out the door before you can blink, and I’ll never speak to you again.”
Fanny laughed. Father had changed too when he’d married Gillian. He was finally mellowing about his rules. “It won’t work, Father. You’re too tenderhearted to stay cross with any of us girls forever.”
He huffed.
“I’d never want to be at odds with you about anything anyway.”
His brow rose. “Tell me how you’re doing, my girl. Are you as happy as you seem?”
Fanny breathed a sigh of relief. Father didn’t know about Thwaite, Wilks or any blackmail. Jeremy had kept his world to let her at least handle that alone. She was thankful beyond measure for that. “I am happy,” she promised.
Father smiled. “Vastly content I would say, judging by that smile.”
“I suppose so,” she murmured, feeling not the least bit guilty. She had more or less dealt with Wilks who was a spineless worm in her opinion. The father was another matter. She would deal with Thwaite one day soon—in a way he’d never suspect her for, too.
“It had to happen eventually.”
“What do you mean?”
“All that money you inherited has worried me, for it only added to your burdens.”
She smiled. “I thrive on challenges.”
“I’ve always worried you’d work yourself to death to build your late husband’s fortunes, but no more. I’ve seen a side of you, on this visit particularly, that pleases me no end.”
“Weddings make for happiness. I am so pleased for Rebecca and Jessica, and you too, of course.”
“I am not talking about your sisters and I, but of you. You have made a change in your life recently that has only been beneficial, as far as I can tell.”
“What change would that be?”
“Mr. Jeremy Dawes.”
Fanny met his gaze…and saw a scold hovering in his expression now.
He inclined his head. “I’m not blind.”
“I never imagined you were.”
Father shook his head. “You’ve been discreet, I’ll give you that, but I know full well what goes on in my own house.”
“He has played his part very well,” she said. “There is nothing going on between us, I assure you.”
“Now that is a lie.” Father frowned. “Did I say I disapprove?”
Fanny blinked. “No but… Wealthy men take lovers all the time and no one bats an eye. I just assumed you would, too.”
“Most women do not take so many risks with their reputations. Women are expected to marry and live respectably.”
She shook her head. “I’ll not adhere to society’s rules and restrictions and suddenly become biddable just because we slept together.”
“So, he has shared your bed then?”
Fanny closed her eyes, annoyed that she’d fallen for Father’s little trick and revealed the truth of her association with Jeremy. He’d made a guess, a correct one, and she’d confirmed it. She’d thought she’d grown out of that sort of thing long ago.
But Father looked pleased with himself. “Can’t wriggle out of that confession, my girl. A few nights, I would you say.”
“Yes.”
“Of course, you know there’d be gossip about him,” Father warned. “He’s no connections or real wealth. You risk losing the respect of your peers. Marriage would of course make any scandal disappear.”
Fanny was shocked by her father’s suggestion. “I am certainly not going to marry to avoid a scandal.”
“Of course you shouldn’t when you have the choice of marrying for love instead. Imagine if he presented himself to his theater manager once word spreads, I bet he would land a starring role. Imagine the crowd he’d draw. The man who had tamed Lady Fanny Rivers. He’d be a valuable commodity.”
“He would not seek to benefit in that way,” she insisted.
Father seemed surprised by her response. “Why shouldn’t he earn his way in the world? Or have you paid him so well for his company that he might never need to perform again?”
“The sum I have given him is fair,” she promised. But it might be wise to revise the terms of their arrangement to ensure he wouldn’t seek to profit from a scandal.
“There’s more to him than meets the eye then, as you claimed from the beginning.” He shrugged. “Secret affairs do not last forever, and it is my fervent hope that Dawes will not cause a fuss.”
The idea of that happening sent a shiver down Fanny’s spine, but she gritted her teeth to hide her fear. Jeremy’s role in her life was fleeting. Father’s warning was timely for her not to forget that. Not to be swept away by her growing infatuation. She had no future with Jeremy. They were acting the part of friends and lovers. “Have you seen him this afternoon?”
“I saw him talking with Wilks earlier,” Father said in an offhand way. “I’m sure he’ll come back. He usually does.”
“Yes,” Fanny agreed, starting to climb to her feet.
Father smiled. “Well, I’d best go find my Gillian.”
“Yes of course. Give her my love.”
“I will.”
Father sauntered out ahead of her.
Fanny waited a beat then hurried upstairs, looking for Jeremy. She went first to her own chamber, finding it still locked, and then went to her safe. She’d made a careful study of Jeremy unlocking her safe, and she’d learned the trick of opening it up herself very quickly.
Once she had what she required, she slipped along to the guest bedroom Jeremy had been given and tapped on his door, then let herself in.
Jeremy appeared caught by surprise, quickly shoving whatever he’d been reading behind him.
Fanny narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing important.”
“Show me what’s behind your back.”
His cheeks turned red as he reluctantly produced a slim volume. Fanny snatched it up to read the cover.
It was a book for children, surely not his, but a well-read one taken from the family library downstairs. She handed it back. “Are you not a bit old for nursery tales?”
Jeremy grimaced. “What did you want to see me for?”
For so much that she almost for a moment doubted her decision. But it was the right thing to do to protect her reputation. He could stay in her life but he would advance his career because of his own hard work. She’d always doubt his affections otherwise and that would grow and spoil any friendship between them. “I want to honor your work.”
A frown creased his face, and he stood. “Why?”
“While my initial idea was a good one, unfortunately, your performance was a little too convincing for certain people.” She waved her hand about in the direction of his bed. “And what happened between us, while enjoyable, should not happen again.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “So just like that, you’re done with me.”
“Now, Mr. Dawes, we both knew it was a risk I was taking with my reputation
pretending you were my beau. Wilks has gone, Thwaite too. Letterford has set his sights on another. All the guests are departing today. From now on, I prefer a clear distinction between your performance here and the reality of our relationship.”
She waved their agreement in the air and committed it to the flames. “Good riddance. I’ll write another upon my return to London. One with better terms to see you rise through the ranks of the theatre.”
“I don’t need another agreement.”
“We both know your heart’s desire is to perform before an adoring audience in London,” she chided. She produced a wad of money from her reticule and held it out.
He looked at it with suspicion. “What’s that?”
“Your bonus for an outstanding performance here,” she told him. “You can count it if you like but I promise I’d never short-change anyone so talented.”
“Thank you, but no.” Jeremy turned away and started gathering up his possessions.
Fanny looked at her hand full of money, then at him. “What are you doing? Was it not enough?”
“I don’t deserve a single penny. I thought … I thought I had earned your respect, but it’s clear to see I don’t have any such thing if at the first argument between us has you throwing your money around.”
“I could pay you more if I must?”
“I don’t want more. I don’t want any.” He riffled through the closet but removed nothing before he shut the door. “I’ll leave all of this lot for your next stray, shall I? It shouldn’t be too hard to find a man of my build if you frequent the poorer parts of London. We’re all underfed and grateful for a rich lady’s charity.”
“My next? Sir, you go too far!”
“Too far with you. Everyone told me you’re fond of taking in strays. Perfumed imbeciles. Where are they now? Well-funded by your charity still. I’m nothing like those men.” He looked at her a long time, a look of hopelessness coming into his eyes she’d never seen there before. He brushed past her on the way to the door.
“Jeremy.” Fanny rushed after him. “Where do you think you are going?”
“What do you care?”
“I never said I didn’t care about you!”
He was suddenly towering over her. “You offered me that money because I shared your bed, admit it, not because of my performance in front of your friends and family.”
She grabbed hold of his arm. “Quiet. Someone in the hall might hear you.”
“What does it matter? I’ll be gone and forgotten in a moment anyway.”
She blanched. “Jeremy, calm down. Let’s talk about this.”
He perched a shabby wool cap on his head and pulled it low over his eyes. “It’s Mr. Dawes to you from now on, Lady Rivers. I’ve got my own code of honor, and the first item is to never fuck someone who wants to pay me for the privilege.”
“Jere—Mr. Dawes, please. There’s no need for you to be upset and leave in a huff. I am only living up to my promise to you.”
“A huff? Madam, I am deeply insulted.”
Fanny gaped. “What is so wrong with me doing the right thing by you? You need the money, don’t you?”
“Not as much as you must imagine.” Then, after taking one last look around, he snatched up a canvas sack and marched out the door without meeting her gaze again.
Chapter 14
Never again would Jeremy accept the patronage of a wealthy widow, unless she was a wizened old crone with no teeth. Just when he’d thought he had earned Fanny’s respect, he learned he’d never had it at all.
Jeremy marched toward the front door, full of righteous rage and disgust with her offer of money. How dare Fanny belittle his friendship, their connection, by offering to pay him more money just because he’d slept with her. He’d gone to her bed because he’d wanted her, not her money. Just her. The woman who he’d thought wanted him, too.
Apparently, he’d gravely mistaken the nature of her interest.
He was just a cock and a pair of willing lips to her. A pretend friend, a discardable commodity.
“Mr. Dawes! Just the man I want to see,” the Duke of Stapleton called out as he passed the entrance to the library.
Jeremy came to a complete halt inches away from escape and cursed under his breath. If it had been any other man, he would have ignored him. Jeremy pivoted slowly, finding the Duke of Stapleton emerging from the shadows of the chamber, as he’d done on the first day of his arrival at Stapleton Manor. He was even dressed the same. How had Jeremy mistaken his identity?
The duke looked him up and down, a frown growing on his face. “Going somewhere?”
Jeremy clutched his sack of few precious possessions under his arm. There was no point in pretending he wasn’t attempting to slip away. “Yes. Back to London. Like everyone else.”
The duke took a slow step in his direction. “To do what?”
“Return to the theater, I suppose.”
“Ah,” the duke murmured. “That is a surprise.”
“It shouldn’t be,” Jeremy said, glancing toward the door. Just a few more steps and freedom would be his. “You should be glad to see the back of me, I imagine.”
“You imagine wrong.” The duke gestured toward the library behind him. “Might we speak a moment before you go?”
Jeremy had grown to like and respect the duke and had time to spare, now the arrangement with the duke’s daughter had ended. Besides, the duke had housed him for the past week, largely without complaint. He could spare him a little time. “Of course.”
“Good. Come this way,” Stapleton ordered.
Once Jeremy was past the archway, the duke shut and locked the door behind them. That amused Jeremy so much, he grinned. There wasn’t a lock he couldn’t pick. This house, and all its treasures, could have been his if he’d wanted to remain a thief instead of trying to live as an honest man. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Do sit down.” The duke settled into a chair, appearing relaxed, and gestured for Jeremy to do the same. “Tell me what you remember of your parents.”
The duke had asked that question before, and Jeremy shrugged at his dogged hunt for information about him. “I really don’t know anything about them. They died when I was young.”
“Do you know where you were born and when?”
Jeremy tensed. “London. Somewhere in the city. Don’t know the date.”
The duke’s brows shot up. “You don’t know your exact age?”
“No. I’ve always assumed I was about three when they passed.”
The duke nodded, clearly mulling over that fact. “If your parents died so long ago that you cannot remember them, who raised you?”
Jeremy did not want to answer questions. He would rather forget there was no one in the world who cared about him. He moved to stand behind his chair, facing the duke. “I’m sorry I don’t have answers to the questions you’re asking.”
“I am, too. The past influences any chance of success in any future, as I’m sure you’re already aware.”
Jeremy glanced toward the door, knowing he should be on his way if he had any hope of catching the afternoon mail coach returning to London.
“I know you can pick that lock, son, and you are free to leave at any time you choose,” Stapleton promised in a low voice. “The door is locked to keep everyone else out while we talk about your future.”
Jeremy froze a moment, then whipped his head around to face the duke.
“If you won’t take the time to explain yourself, a father must do his own investigating.” The man smiled. “I know any discussion of your past is a discomfort to you and likely for very good reasons. I cannot begin to imagine what you must have endured. But if I am to help you, then I insist on full disclosure here and now. I cannot protect my family if I don’t know what might one day become a threat.”
Jeremy clenched the back of the chair. “I’m no threat to your family.”
“I believe you, and I am glad. Glad for you, and for my daughter, too.”
/>
“She doesn’t need to know anything else about me. Not now.”
“Fanny probably suspects a lot more than she lets on.” The duke smiled. “Raised among thieves, you’ve come a long way from Seven Dials.”
The hair on the back of Jeremy’s neck rose. “I never said that I—”
“Didn’t have to. You don’t get to be my age without developing the skill of reading between the lines. As I mentioned when we first met, my daughter is fond of taking in strays. The more hopeless the case, the better. She has a knack of bringing out the best in most people she helps, though.”
Jeremy scowled, angry at hearing yet again that he was a charity case. None of them would let him forget it. “Her so-called generosity will bring her nothing but trouble, you know.”
“I think so too, which makes you the perfect man for the position I have in mind.”
Jeremy frowned. “What position would that be?”
“As her husband.”
“I never… I didn’t.”
The duke smiled. “There they are. The words of a man terrified a father might call him out for kissing his daughter.”
Jeremy gulped.
“More than kissing?” The duke shook his head. “I don’t need to know how far along your courtship has gone, only that it is a fact—and I expect you to marry my daughter, or I will make your life extremely uncomfortable.”
Every muscle in Jeremy’s body tightened, ready to take flight. “You can’t be serious. You’d hitch her to a gormless diver just to spare her the shame of having everyone know I got under her skirts?”
“Gormless?” The duke stood abruptly and drew closer. “Never, ever let me hear you speak of yourself like that again. It is beneath you.”
Jeremy drew back. “It’s what I am. A thief. She thinks I’m no better than a wh—” But he failed to complete that sentence. “I haven’t a clue what she wants but it will never be me.”
“Let me give you a little bit of advice since you seem dense to certain facts: there are no men in this world who can provide a woman with everything they wants.”
“Then why would you want her wed?”
The Lady Tamed Page 14