Simon leaned against the wall next to the card room and watched the swirling couples moving about the dance floor. Tipping his brandy back, he finished his third glass for the night. He wanted to join the other men in the card room, but he knew he shouldn’t, so he remained here. Stuck between the two worlds and miserable.
Ever since his experience with Kaylee last week, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He’d tried to think of both Miss Jubal and Lady Amelia, but neither lady could elicit the amount of passion he felt simply by looking at Kaylee. It wouldn’t do for him to feel this way.
At a very low point last night after too much drinking with Anson, he even thought to visit a lady whose bed he had frequented at one time. He made it as far as her street before the idea had become too distasteful, and he turned back to his carriage. What had Kaylee done to him? Was he truly ruined for other women forever? He hoped this was only a temporary affliction for he truly loved women. Always had. If not, he was in store for rather lonely life.
As his gaze moved over the crowd, he detected a familiar figure and his heart stopped, then he lost sight of her. He blinked. Kaylee couldn’t be here. It was a combination of his lack of sleep and his obsession that had placed her here. Still, he couldn’t stop his feet from kicking off the wall and moving in the direction of the phantom.
He set his now empty glass on a tray of a passing waiter as he moved with purpose in the direction he’d seen the woman go. Then, he saw her. Truly saw her. It was Kaylee, but a side of her he’d never encountered before. From head to toe, this woman was styled and dressed by the best society had to offer. No paint stains or severe hairstyle. She was beautiful, soft, flirty, and all class. His mouth watered at the sight.
Unable to comprehend her presence, he stepped forward and their eyes met. Instead of pleasure at seeing him, he read fear in her depths. Was she afraid? Of him? She gently shook her head and her words from over a week ago returned to him. Silence. She wanted silence from him. This was what she had planned to do. Infiltrate society. But, why?
“Washburne, do you intend to stand there all evening and gawk at my sister, or do you have a reason to be here?” Amusement colored Viscount Whedon’s tone.
“Sister?” Confusion rushed through Simon, and he didn’t like the feeling. “I didn’t know you had a sister, and definitely not one as lovely as she.”
Glancing at Kaylee, he could see her cheeks color. Good. He didn’t want to think that men were over here fawning over her to the point that she was accustomed to compliments. The only man giving her such attention should be him. But, why was she here? And, why was Whedon claiming her as a sister when she worked like a woman who wasn’t born to privilege?
“Well, I do. As you see. After her season, my sister had escaped to the country, but she’s returned for a visit. Please allow me to make an introduction.” The viscount extended his hand toward Kaylee. “Lord Washburne, this is my sister, Miss Kaylee Shepherd, daughter to Alan Shepherd, the late Viscount Whedon.”
Simon gripped her fingers and offered a slight bow. “An honor to meet you.”
“Kaylee, this is Simon Highgate, Viscount Washburne.”
“As I am honored to meet you, my lord.” She curtsied.
This was a strange situation, and he needed to talk to her. Alone. “May I be so bold as to request your next waltz? I’ve always found that particular dance allows for a much easier time to get to know your partner.”
A strange look passed through her eyes. “Have you danced it with many ladies, my lord?”
Confused by her question, he spared a glance at Whedon, but he seemed to have no better idea as to the nature of the inquiry than Simon did. “I’m uncertain, as I’ve never thought to count my dance partners.”
“Then, perhaps I—”
“She’d love to share the next waltz with you, my lord,” the dowager Viscountess Whedon inserted herself into the conversation. “You must forgive my daughter for her question. Sometimes she allows her curiosity to get the better of her, but we are working on it.”
Simon wasn’t sure what was more unusual, Kaylee’s presence here or the fact that these people were speaking for her. She lowered her gaze, deferring to the woman who would be her mother, if the viscount was to be believed. Kaylee was not the kind of lady who allowed this. He didn’t like this situation one bit, and he wouldn’t stand for it.
“Then, what do you say, Miss Shepherd? Do you want to dance with me?”
Her eyes lifted as a smile touched her lips. “I suppose it will not hurt to spare you one dance. After all, if you lack the skill, I imagine I won’t have to endure the experience again.”
“Kaylee!” Her mother gasped, frantically fanning herself as she gripped Kaylee’s arm. “Please, excuse us, my lord.”
The dowager pulled her away, but Kaylee’s smile of amusement stuck with Simon. There was something about her that intrigued him beyond anything he’d felt before.
“That girl certainly has a mouth on her,” Whedon lamented.
“That she does,” Simon agreed, thinking of how pleasant that very part of her was. “Sometimes it’s nice to have a little spirit in a woman.”
The man laughed heartily. “Spoken like a true bachelor.”
Turning his attention to the man, Simon saw nothing of Kaylee in the red-headed, freckled man. The only similarities could be said of anyone. Both green eyes, small stature, and straight noses, but that was it. Was this a charade?
“Tell me more about your sister. The two of you look nothing alike.”
He lifted his glass in salute then finished it in one last gulp. The reddening of his nose indicated he had imbibed his share of those over the course of the evening. That was good. A healthy dose of alcohol always made the truth flow more easily.
“In looks and temperament we are nearly the exact opposite.” The man shook his head. “I suppose she takes more after her mother than our father, God save us. He couldn’t resist that woman. I was only three when he wed her, but I easily recall the household staff’s stories of how smitten he had become and so swiftly.”
Hearing the disgust in the man’s voice, the pieces clicked into place and Simon nearly staggered back with the full reality of the situation. Tonight wasn’t a charade, everything else was. As a stepsister, Kaylee had left her brother’s house to make her own living. Only to return to society now. Although he didn’t know her reasons, the story made complete sense.
His head reeled as he watched Kaylee return to the ballroom with her mother. She was of his class. Born to privilege. Eligible. Every aspect of his father’s will was satisfied with her. Not to mention, he wanted her like no other. For the first time since reading the damned will, his outlook on his future seemed so much brighter.
To further lighten his mood, his waltz began. He quickly excused himself from the viscount and made his way to Kaylee. As he watched her with new eyes, he noticed the evidence of her upbringing that he’d never bothered to notice before now. All the clues were there, but he’d been too distracted to notice them before. But, not any longer.
“Miss Shepherd, I believe this is my dance.”
She cut a glance at her glaring mother, then smiled demurely. “Of course, my lord. I’m so looking forward to it.”
He laughed as he offered his arm and gratefully led her to the dance floor. With as much flourish as he could muster, he spun her in his arms and held her as closely as propriety would allow . . . Well, perhaps a little closer than allowed, but he hoped it wouldn’t be noticeable.
“Considering you are an unaccountable rake, I truly didn’t doubt your dancing skills, so you don’t need to act so dramatically.”
He clicked his tongue. “It’s much too late for that, my dear. Now, it’s a matter of pride. You have issued a challenge. I have accepted.”
Contrary to her words, her
eyes sparkled. “Then, by all means, show me more.”
Grinning, he pulled her in tighter and then spun her in a circle, never missing a beat. To his amazement, she met his every step. She had the ability to teach at Lady Constance’s because she had the privilege of the best lessons. He felt like such a fool for not seeing it before.
“How am I doing? Do I pass your test?”
“I’d be lying if I said no, but we can’t make it a habit of dancing with each other.”
His smile fell. “Why not?”
She glanced around. “That is a question for another time.”
That didn’t sound good. “I find tonight has raised quite a few questions for me. Do you think we could talk on the terrace and discuss a few of the more pressing matters?”
“No. That will not be possible. It will be better for us to speak tomorrow.”
“Then, you can be assured that I shall be visiting the House of Reform tomorrow.”
When the dance was concluded, Simon reluctantly led her back to her mother. He wanted nothing more than to take her away and demand the answers he so desperately needed. It was nearing the seventh month mark on his deadline to wed, and he couldn’t put off the decision any longer. Kaylee was his choice, and he would do whatever necessary to have her.
“Good evening, my lord,” Lady Amelia purred beside him. “I saw you dancing out there, and I must say, I find myself quite impressed.”
Smiling, he pushed aside all his questions about Kaylee and turned his attention to the lady. After all, if fate was unkind and Kaylee wouldn’t accept him, he would have no choice but to wed Lady Amelia.
~ ~ ~
“What do you mean, you wish to suspend your classes? That isn’t how this works?” Constance demanded, her voice high.
Kaylee wrung her hands in her lap. This was going exactly as she had expected. At least Regina was busy this morning. Having to deal with only one of the women was difficult enough, and she knew Regina wouldn’t be very pleased with her decision either.
“I know that, but I have no choice. There are some complicated matters going on in my life right now, and I must attend to them.”
“Is that why you came in so late last night? Some of the girls even remarked on your clothing.” Constance let out a long breath. “Kaylee, I know we have made it a practice not to pry into each other’s lives, but I’m worried about you.”
Smoothing out the wrinkles on her skirt, Kaylee debated her choices. She, Regina, and Constance, all ran from similar lives. At the time, it had been a necessity for each of them, so she knew the other women wouldn’t approve of her decision to return to it. However, she had to tell them, otherwise, they’d never allow her to leave or rather, to return. She knew Constance would be the least understanding, but she also had to know to truth.
“As you know, I’ve been talking to my brother again. A lot has changed in the last few years, and he has requested my help.”
Constance’s mouth fell open. “And, you agreed? Three years ago we were beaten down by those people and now you welcome them back? You put those clothes back on and you put yourself at his mercy once again?”
Jumping to her feet, Kaylee felt anger rising within her. “It isn’t like that anymore. Benjamin wronged me, yes, but he has changed. There is no reason for me to punish him forever. As for the rest of society, we help them every single day. That’s what our business is built on.”
Her friend closed her eyes. “You’re right, and I apologize for my outburst. I forget your situation wasn’t the same as mine. Some sins are meant to be forgiven. And, some are not.”
The pain in Constance’s voice seeped into Kaylee. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Of course not.” Constance’s eyes snapped open. “I just want to make sure you know what you are doing. If you return to the folds of society, you are going to be approached by our clients. How do you intend to handle them?”
“I’ve already devised a plan for that.”
Constance nodded. “Of course you did. What happens at the end of this? Are you planning to wed or to return to your position here?”
Kaylee laughed. There was only one man she could see herself even vaguely considering altering her opinions for, but he already had another woman in mind for the position. Besides, she wasn’t even sure she could trust Simon enough to marry him. That was a huge step, and she wasn’t sure she was capable of making it.
“I’ll be returning, of course. Marriage isn’t for me. I can’t belong to a man. I refuse to give up my freedom for any gentleman, regardless of who he is. Looking at my poor mother, I cringe to think of becoming like her.”
“The viscountess? She always seems so happy to me.”
“When my father was alive, I suppose she was for the most part, but now her every movement is a battle. Although he managed to secure her life in his will, it isn’t easy. She is still dependent on a man for everything. And, it’s one who doesn’t particularly care for her at that. Once you have submitted yourself in marriage, you completely give up your freewill for life. No, marriage isn’t for me.”
Pausing, Kaylee waited for the inevitable lecture, but it didn’t come. Instead, Constance nodded. That was odd. Particularly coming from the woman whose ideas formed the establishment that brought about marriages.
“You’ll get no argument from me. Marriage is a ghastly thing.” Constance stood. “I need your help deciding which teachers to place your clients under.”
“Of course. I don’t anticipate any trouble in the substitutions.”
Constance lifted one eyebrow. “Really? The other night when you were locked in your studio, we found Lord Washburne waiting for you in a drawing room. Who knows how long the man would’ve been waiting for you or how long he’d been there?”
Not wanting to discuss that particular incident, Kaylee cleared her throat. “I don’t think he will be a problem either. I ran into him last night, and he is coming here to speak with me today. I’m sure we can work something out.”
The look on Constance’s face indicated she had little faith of that. In truth, Kaylee didn’t either, but she had to try. She couldn’t have Simon approaching her at balls and such as that would do nothing to serve either of their interests.
Not thirty minutes later, Kaylee sat in the drawing room across from a frowning Simon. Apparently, he wasn’t pleased about last night. She had thought she’d been clear about her desire to not share another dance with him, but he obviously hadn’t understood. That left her with no other option than to avoid him the remainder of the evening. Apparently, he hadn’t been pleased about it.
“So good of you to take your precious time to see me today.”
She rolled her eyes. “You can be as angry as you’d like, but I told you I wouldn’t dance with you again.”
“No. You said we can’t make dancing a habit. What you should have said was that you have no desire to be seen in my company publicly.”
“That isn’t it at all. Simon, I—”
“Stop.” He held up his hand. “Let’s take this at the beginning because I’m so confused I don’t know how to take any of this right now. So, obviously you’re Viscount Whedon’s daughter. Your blood is as noble as mine.”
Seeing no reason to argue, she nodded.
He flew out of his chair, and paced in front of her. “Why didn’t you tell me, damn it? Why make me believe you are something you are not? Have you not thought of the repercussions of what I did to you?”
Her brows drew together. “What are you talking about?”
“I ruined you.” He stopped, then faced her, his hands clenching and unclenching beside him. “I knowingly and willingly took your innocence. Your mother said you returned to society to find a husband, but you only have one option. You are going to marry me, Kaylee.”
Time came screeching to a halt and Kaylee could swear she could see the dust motes suspended in the air in that moment. The entire world had ended in that very second.
Of all the men in the world, Simon was the only one she would have been tempted to give the chance, but not like this. The anger and pain in his eyes broke her to the point she wasn’t sure she could even speak. Constance had spoken about unforgivable sins, and Kaylee had finally found one. And, the resulting pain.
She wanted to laugh at her naivety. The desire he’d felt for her had only been out of convenience. He was a lord, and she the lowly servant to be used. However, now that she belonged to his class, she was an obligation. Her stomach rolled. How could this be happening?
Steeling herself against the horrid emotions threatening to rip her apart, she put them in a box and settled her emotionless self in place. She’d done it many times over her life in order to survive. She’d manage this as well.
“My mother is mistaken. I’ll never marry anyone, least of all you. My presence back with my family is temporary and once done, I shall return here to teach. That’s why I have no desire to dance with you.”
He shook his head as he slid down to sit beside her on the sofa. “No. That’s not going to happen. I know the truth now. You can’t run from this.”
Unable to stand being so close to him and his blasted sense of duty, she rose and crossed the room before facing him. He had risen to his feet but hadn’t tried to approach her. She wasn’t sure if she should be happy or upset by that fact.
“You had so many questions for me last night, but today you only seem to want to force me to marry you. Was this what you had planned to talk to me about at the ball?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “The full reality of the situation didn’t hit me until this morning.”
“Then, you haven’t had much time to give this due consideration.”
To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2) Page 9