To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2)

by Jenn Langston

The thought of telling her about his failure with Kaylee didn’t sit well with him, but he didn’t see much choice. Besides, she was right regarding his lack of time. He’d taken too much of it already, and he needed to ensure his future and the future of his family.

  “Very well. Now, what are your thoughts on Weston?”

  Lana’s shifted in her seat. “I have reason to believe the man has developed a liking for me. In my dealings with him, I’ll admit, I discovered I would find marriage to him rather pleasant.”

  “Then, you would wish to align yourself with him regardless of the will?” Simon held his breath, hoping his sister’s answer was affirmative.

  A long pause stretched between them before she dropped her gaze. “Very well, yes. I fully intend to marry him if he offers, regardless of the will.”

  Simon let out the breath he’d been holding, then smiled. “In that case, I wish you well. Now that I know how you feel, I will give my blessing without reservations.”

  “Thank you.” Her relief was genuine. “Now, I hear Kaylee Shepherd visited Gina earlier today. Is there a reason for this?”

  Much as he didn’t want to, Simon shook his head. “Not any longer. I had hoped to offer for her, but after wasting too much of my time in an attempt to sway her to accept me, the lady has rejected me multiple times.”

  The slow smile spreading on his sister’s face did nothing to help his mood, then she laughed. Simon clenched his fists. Definitely not what he needed right now.

  “Do you mean to tell me the infamous rake, Simon Highgate, has been rejected? Truly? I wish I would have paid better attention to the girl when we’d been introduced, for I’m intrigued. Do you know why she turned you down?”

  “If I knew that, do you suppose I’d be sitting here telling you about it? I would think not.”

  She frowned. “So, this is your plan? To hide in here because Miss Shepherd rejected you? To let your birthright fall to another man?”

  “It was a thought,” Simon teased, “but then I knew I would have to suffer another of your lectures, so I changed my mind.”

  “That’s unfair.” She glared at him.

  He shrugged. “No more than your accusations. Now, in all honesty, I hate to do it, but I must honor Miss Shepherd’s wishes and leave her in peace. As such, I do have two other women I’m considering. One, I’m holding more preference to the other.”

  Lana’s mouth dropped open. “You truly are taking this matter seriously, aren’t you? I’m proud of you. I must admit, I expected you to act your usual manner and, at the last minute, open your arms wide and expect multiple women to fall at your feet.”

  Simon grinned. “Perhaps I may still do that, it sounds much easier.”

  With a long sigh, she leaned back in her chair. “I only lecture you because you never take anything seriously, and mother left me the burden to push you after she died.”

  Shock pierced through him. “Why? What did she say to you?”

  “She noticed how much you were turning out like Father, and she worried you would be exactly like him. You know it wasn’t easy for her to see him turning to all those women.”

  Angry that their mother thought so little of him, Simon turned his head away and clenched his jaw. “It wasn’t easy for any of us. The man was proud of his conquests. Then, when I got older he was proud of mine as well.”

  “That’s why his stipulation in the will was a shock to me,” Lana admitted.

  Simon shook his head as he realized what his father had done. “When I was eighteen, I was mad at him, and I threatened to marry the seamstress’s daughter. I told him we would run away to Gretna Green and muddy his line with common blood.”

  The rebellion had seemed so small back then, but now everything fell into place. He couldn’t believe his entire future had been colored by one stupid mistake in his youth. Although Simon had won that battle, in the end, his father had annihilated him in the war.

  “Goodness. I remember that. Was that the time when you disappeared for two days? I’ve never seen Father so angry.”

  Simon wanted to laugh at the memory, but in light of his current situation, he couldn’t even bring himself to crack a smile. “It was one night. I had a point to prove. Apparently, he had one as well.”

  With a nod, Lana’s face grew serious. “I’m wondering if he drew up this portion of his will that very second. He may have known about his illness then. After you returned home, he called us all into the study and told us that we had an obligation and we were not allowed to simply marry anyone. That he would decide for us.”

  And, his father had decided for him as well. He’d done nothing but encourage him to enjoy a varied number of women and put his duty off, but now that was all over. Regardless of what his father was, Simon would not be unfaithful to his wife. Whenever he pledged himself to a woman, it would be irrevocable and unbreakable.

  ~ ~ ~

  “I just don’t know why you don’t want another gown. Every time mother lets me, I have the seamstress sew me as many as possible.”

  Kaylee shook her head at Patricia’s words. The girl was clearly exuberant about such things. Not to mention, she was always stunningly dressed and immaculately put together. Glancing down at her own gown, Kaylee suddenly regretted her decision to wear one of her older, more serviceable dresses for the outing today.

  “You look lovely.” Amelia linked their arms together as they made their way down the street. “My dear sister has an eye for the latest fashions. It’s her calling. Not everyone shares her obsession, though.”

  “Thank you.” Kaylee smiled but didn’t point out the fact that Amelia’s outfit matched her sisters in style quite nicely.

  “As long as your mystery gentleman enjoys your costume, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says,” Patricia stated.

  Kaylee froze. “My what?”

  “You know. Your painting? The mystery gentleman you painted from memory? I do hope you are still seeing him.”

  Stunned beyond speech, Kaylee simply stared at the girl. This wasn’t supposed to happen. No one was to find out about the portrait. And, certainly not to believe she had some kind of secret relationship with Simon. Heat rushed up her cheeks. This was a nightmare.

  “I’m intrigued.” Amelia’s curious gaze searched her face. “I do hope you intend to tell me everything.”

  Clearing her throat, Kaylee tried to come up with an excuse to give. “There isn’t much to say.”

  Patricia giggled. “That’s because it’s a secret.”

  Dear God. Kaylee wished the sidewalk would open up and swallow her whole. The only thing that would make this moment worse would be to have Simon stumble upon them. Who knew if Patricia’s memory of the portrait was well enough to recognize him?

  Terror clawed Kaylee’s throat as she glanced around, expecting him to show up at any moment. “Why don’t we talk about this somewhere more private and perhaps warmer?”

  With a nod, Amelia led the group back to the carriage. As soon as they were inside, her friend pinned her with a look that indicated she would not let this go. Kaylee debated coming up with a story, but lying was always so much more work than the truth. It was better to offer some of the information without giving too much away.

  When they arrived at the earl’s townhouse, they removed their heavy winter coats and made their way to the drawing room. Kaylee couldn’t help but feel as if she were willingly walking to her doom. In addition, Amelia’s attitude seemed nervous and guarded as well.

  “First, tell me, is this mystery gentleman part of your life now or did he come before?” Amelia’s question was blunt.

  Kaylee took a deep breath. “Both. I knew him before, but he is a gentleman of our class, so our paths have crossed again.”

  “How wonderful!” Patricia jumped to her feet. “Then, you
didn’t have to leave him behind like you left the painting. This is so romantic.”

  “Incredibly,” Amelia replied dryly. “Patricia, I think it’s time for you to practice your music. Use the pianoforte in the ballroom.”

  “There will be time to practice later. We have a guest, and I would love to hear more about Kaylee’s mystery gentleman.”

  Amelia cleared her throat. “You will listen to me at once.”

  The look the girl shot her sister spoke of defiance, but she nodded and left the room regardless. Kaylee let out a sigh of relief. It would be much easier to get through this if she only had one woman to talk to. Besides, Amelia was much more level headed than her sister.

  “Thank you. Patricia seems to have formed the wrong idea.”

  “I thought as much.” Amelia tilted her head to the side. “Although I hate to pry into your private life, considering what my sister has said, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you a few questions.”

  Nodding, Kaylee ran her hands along the creases in her skirts, attempting to smooth it out. “I understand. And, it’s true, I painted a portrait of a gentleman and Patricia entered my study and saw it. The painting wasn’t intended for anyone but myself.”

  “You did it from memory?”

  Kaylee felt her cheeks burning. “Yes. Obviously, I am fond of the gentleman, but it matters not. His interest is not . . . Well, let’s just say I shoved the picture at the bottom of a stack of canvases and under a dirty cloth. That’s where it belongs.”

  Her friend nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that. Clearly you have some feelings for this gentleman. Do you suppose that will interfere with you finding an acceptable husband?”

  Swallowing, Kaylee shook her head. She didn’t want to marry. From the second she stepped back into this world, it seemed everyone was intent on matching her up. However, she was firmly on the shelf. At twenty-four, there was little hope for her. The dances she shared were few and not with interested suitors. Why did no one else see that?

  “I will not allow him to become a problem for my future plans.”

  “And, are you certain he can’t be persuaded to see you as more?”

  Kaylee shook her head vehemently. The last thing she needed was for Amelia to find out who the mystery man was and work on Simon’s behalf to help him persuade her to accept his suit. Rejecting him on her own had already been difficult enough.

  No. Her mystery man needed to remain just as he was.

  ~ ~ ~

  “You’ll be happy to know I’ve given your question a lot of thought.”

  Simon smiled at the sparkle in Miss Jubal’s eyes as they stood in the corner of the crowded drawing room at Lord and Lady Wortham’s townhouse. He did his best to ignore her mother hovering nearby, eyeing them closely. For once, Miss Jubal had actually thought for herself and clearly was proud of that fact. If only she could climb even further out of her shell.

  “I am pleased to hear that. Why don’t you begin by telling me the three things you love most about the city?”

  Her eyes widened, and she took a deep breath. “Of course. The city. Yes. I can begin there.”

  “Take your time, and you don’t need to worry about this. There is no right or wrong answer. I asked simply to get to know you better.”

  “Of course. The city has people. That’s my first point. My second would be the shopping. And, the last being that everything is a short carriage ride away.”

  Although it sounded as though she were reading off a memorized list, Simon nodded. He didn’t want her to think she had done something wrong after his assurances. He knew this luncheon wasn’t the best setting for this conversation, but she had been the one to approach him with anticipation, and he hadn’t wanted to turn her away.

  “Those are all wonderful things to love about London, and now the country?”

  Again, she took a breath and her eyes stared off into the distance. “The country has a significant amount of room to enjoy, it’s quiet, and the people are different, friendly maybe?”

  “You make the country sounds so wonderful, I wonder if I should change my choice,” he replied, realizing she’d only mirrored his response before.

  She straightened her back. “That would be a wise decision, my lord. You made me give it more thought than I had intended. I do believe I’d like to change my choice as well. My future is in the country.”

  The smile he offered her was genuine. Perhaps there was hope for her to seize what she wanted from life. He sincerely wished that for her.

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  “For the next question I’d like you to tell me three things that you are looking for in a husband.”

  Fear rounded her eyes. “I—I can’t do that. It isn’t a woman’s place to tell a man such things.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Give it some thought and let me know what you are looking for. As usual, I will be awaiting your response next time we meet.”

  The girl nodded and Simon could see she was already thinking about his question. Something in their motions had also triggered her mother, as Simon could see her moving toward them.

  Needing an escape, he gazed out over the guests at the luncheon and his sights fell on Kaylee. Their eyes met, and he swore he could read sorrow in their depths. Unable to handle the thought of her pain, he excused himself from Miss Jubal and her mother before making his way to Kaylee.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Shepherd.”

  She lowered her gaze. “My lord.”

  “Are you well?” He couldn’t help the concern shining through his words.

  “Yes, my lord. Thank you for inquiring.” Her voice was flat.

  “Lord Washburne,” Kaylee’s mother gushed with pleasure. “How wonderful to see you again. Our house has been bereft without your presence this week.”

  Simon spared a glance at Kaylee. Her face was a brilliant shade of red. The sight of her embarrassment on top of whatever she was currently going through stabbed him in the chest. Didn’t her mother see that? Something had happened to bring Kaylee pain, and he wouldn’t stand for it.

  “I’m truly sorry for my absence. With matters being what they are, I have found myself overwhelmed with duties.”

  “Well, you should be a gentleman and take some time for us deserving ladies.”

  “Mother,” Kaylee interjected. “The viscount is a busy man.”

  The woman nodded with a sly smile. “I can see he has time to spare at present. I wonder if you would do us the honor of showing us the portrait gallery. I’ve heard Lord Wortham has ancestors leading back to royalty. I would dearly love to see it.”

  Searching Kaylee’s face, she didn’t appear against the idea, nor did she seem excited either. “I’d be delighted.”

  As he escorted Kaylee with her mother following closely behind, he sent up a silent thank you for the opportunity. If the dowager viscountess wanted him to have a future with her daughter, surely she would allow Simon to have a private moment to talk to her. In addition, to all the onlookers, he and Kaylee were under direct supervision, so Kaylee had no reason to fear for her reputation.

  Most of the guests largely ignored their movements toward the gallery, but a few pairs of eyes took his notice. Leyson was clearly annoyed, which pleased Simon immensely, but Lady Amelia appeared confused. That troubled him. In truth, he should be spending more time with her, but he was reluctant to do so.

  He knew time with her would lead to a betrothal and it would end all association with Kaylee, as he couldn’t afford to even share a conversation with her. Although he knew he was being foolish and jeopardizing his own future, he couldn’t help himself when it came to Kaylee. He wished he understood why. For once, he sympathized with Anson’s obsession with Miranda.

  Before
they made it to the portrait gallery, the dowager viscountess opened up one of the doors along the hallway and looked inside. Simon exchanged a glance with Kaylee, but she didn’t seem to have any idea regarding her mother’s actions.

  “It’s vacant.” The woman announced. “Come along.”

  After ensuring they wouldn’t be seen, Simon led Kaylee into the room behind her mother. It appeared to be a sitting room, and from the appearance, an unused one. The musty smell combined with the appearance of dust told him much about the level of housekeeping required of the staff.

  “What is this about, Mother?” Kaylee didn’t sound amused.

  “Simply that it has come to my attention that I may have been remiss in my chaperone duties. As your mother, I should provide you with opportunities, such as this, to get to know the gentlemen who are seeking wives.”

  Kaylee’s face resembled a bright cherry. The dowager was proving to be a valuable ally, and Simon decided he wouldn’t shun this unique opportunity. After all, he may not get one such as this again.

  “This is not the way of things, Mother. Nor is it your duty to trick a lord into speaking to me privately.” She glanced at the door as if she would make a run for it.

  “I don’t feel tricked,” Simon objected. “And, I appreciate the opportunity. I do wish more chaperones were as accommodating.”

  He realized that wasn’t the correct thing to say when Kaylee’s eyes narrowed. At least her anger was much better than the depression she exhibited before it. Besides, he couldn’t be sure if this emotion was brought on by jealousy or something deeper. He could live with the former.

  “Now. I’ll leave you two for a few moments.” The dowager lifted her hand when Kaylee stuttered. “I know that’s not the way of things, but you hurt my feelings, and I need the time to collect myself.”

  With that, she was gone. Kaylee stood, staring at the door as if she expected her to return any moment. This whole situation was beyond ridiculous. He’d been alone with her in much more privacy than this. She had no reason for concern.