To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2)

by Jenn Langston

  Kaylee gritted her teeth as she nodded. The last thing she wanted was another person forcing her to marry. This whole society concerned themselves too much with women marrying. Unfortunately, it was looking more and more like she would be forced into such a union if she wanted to help her brother.

  After so many unsuccessful searches, she’d begun to believe her mother had sold the viscountess’s jewels and that was why she was refusing to give them up. However, the idea was farfetched. She couldn’t see her mother stooping so low. Part of her wanted to give up the whole thing and go back to her life, but she prided herself on keeping her word. The situation was no different.

  After she excused herself from Lord Hampton, she moved about the room and found Miss Jubal sitting by herself on the sofa by the fire. Seeing the look of despair on the woman’s face, Kaylee moved toward her. The instructor inside her longed to help the woman even though it meant allowing the woman to have Simon.

  From what little Kaylee knew of the girl, it was easy to see why she hadn’t been successful in finding a husband. Although attractive, it wasn’t in a classical sense, and she was painfully shy. Her manner of dress didn’t encourage attention in a positive manner either. In addition, it didn’t help to have an obtrusive, controlling mother.

  “Is this seat taken?” Kaylee pointed to the space beside the girl.

  Miss Jubal stared up at her blankly, as if the answer should be obvious. “As you see.”

  Lightly chuckling at her response, Kaylee sat down. “My question was meant to ask if I could join you.”

  Red rushed up the girl’s cheeks. “Oh, of course. I’m so sorry. Yes, I’d be delighted by your company, Miss Shepherd.”

  “Call me Kaylee.” She smiled, hoping to put the girl at ease since she looked anything but. “I don’t like to stand on formality with my friends.”

  With lips trembling, Miss Jubal nodded. “I’m Genevieve.”

  “How lovely.”

  “I hate it,” the girl blurted, then clamped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Drawing her brows together, Kaylee wasn’t sure what to make of the awkward girl. “What would you have me call you, then?”

  “Nothing, I mean . . . Genevieve is fine. Forget I said anything. I’m feeling a little off tonight. I’m supposed to have answers for Lord Washburne’s questions, and I never know when I’m going to see him.”

  “Questions?” Kaylee didn’t like the sound of that.

  Genevieve nodded. “Yes. He asks me questions when I see him, so that I can think on them and give him answers the next time we meet. I must admit, it’s rather stressful.”

  “Have you thought about telling him no? That you have no desire to play his little game?” Kaylee’s words came out a little more forceful than she intended.

  Fear passed through the girl’s eyes. “Of course not. I’ve been through two seasons already, and he’s the only gentleman to approach me. I couldn’t.”

  “So, you don’t wish to marry him?”

  “Of course, I do.” The girl looked down at her lap as her face reddened even further.

  “Why?” With her best instructor face, Kaylee speared her with a glance.

  “A number of reasons, but I don’t feel right discussing them.”

  Kaylee wished she had her reticule. If anyone needed information on Lady Constance’s House of Reform, it was Genevieve. And, considering the girl didn’t have stars in her eyes when she spoke of Simon, she wasn’t in love with him. No. This girl needed help.

  “I wonder if you and I could have a chat another time. Would you mind if I paid a visit to you and your mother later this week?”

  Genevieve appeared shocked, but she nodded.

  Although Kaylee hated to take away one of Simon’s prospects, she could instantly tell this lady wasn’t for him. The Marquis of Hampton was just speaking of happiness, and Kaylee knew Simon would not have it with Genevieve, nor would the girl find it with him. This was a service to the both of them.

  Perhaps she’d be able to help Simon next with his other lady. The thought brought an acute aching in her chest, but she pushed it aside. There was no reason for her to feel like that. Simon meant nothing to her and never could.

  Chapter 12

  Simon took a sip of tea, doing his best to concentrate on Lady Amelia. At this point he only had four months left before his twenty-sixth birthday and the approaching deadline. Yet, he still couldn’t bring himself to do his duty and simply ask for the lady’s hand. That was what he was here for, after all.

  As he set his cup down, he recalled Anson’s observation from earlier in the day. Simon had done his best these past eight months to hide his true feelings from everyone, but clearly he’d failed.

  His friend had noticed even in the depths of his own pain that Simon had been going through something of his own. That had been the final push he’d needed to force himself to make the decision to propose to Lady Amelia. Well, that and Kaylee’s distance. It was now overwhelmingly clear to him that she had no feelings for him beyond the physical. If she had given him but one sliver of hope, he wouldn’t let her go, but she hadn’t. No. He needed to move on.

  “Lord Washburne? Are you well?”

  Realizing he must have missed a question or comment, he cleared his throat and gave her a smile. “I am well. I was just thinking that with the weather being warmer, it would be pleasant to take a stroll in the garden. Do you suppose your mother would approve?”

  The responding smile told him his request would not be denied. While she excused herself to move to the other side of the room and obtain her mother’s acquiescence, he tried to calm the panic rising in his throat. This wasn’t supposed to be like this. He never imagined proposing marriage would be so difficult. In truth, it should be a wonderful day.

  “She has agreed on the condition that my sister attend us. I assure you she will give us a respectable amount of distance.”

  He nodded in agreement as a sibling was much better than her overbearing mother. “I look forward to meeting your sister.”

  She beamed a smile at him. “Then, we shall meet you in the garden, my lord.”

  After offering her a bow, he made his way to the garden. The weather was still cold, but the sun was warm and comfortable. However, the cheery weather did nothing to calm the torrent of emotions swirling inside him. Nothing could stop the fact that he didn’t want to be doing this.

  The sound of footsteps and female voices had him forcing his thoughts to the side. Regardless of what he wanted, this would happen. Then, all the worrying and torment would be over. No longer would he have a deadline to be concerned with. His family would be secure.

  When the ladies approached, he smiled, awaiting an introduction, but the young girl froze, looking at him in shock. Lady Amelia glanced back at her sister in confusion. Simon studied the girl’s face. She seemed to recognize him, but he knew he’d never seen her before. Quite odd.

  “Patricia? What is wrong?” Concern laced Lady Amelia’s voice.

  “It’s him.” Awe filled her tone. “Forgive me, my lord, but you are even more handsome in person.”

  Lady Amelia sucked in a horrified breath, but Simon grinned.

  “I thank you for the compliment, but you have me at a disadvantage. Where have you seen me before, my lady?”

  She giggled, a decidedly girlish sound. “You are Miss Shepherd’s mystery gentleman.”

  Immediately, he froze. That was not the response he’d been expecting, nor was it one he knew how to handle. Had Kaylee talked about him? But, the girl recognized his face, not his name. That meant she’d seen his portrait. The fact that Kaylee would show it to the young girl meant something. He needed to find out what.

  “Patricia!” Lady Amelia’s voice was stern. “I told
you we were not to discuss that subject any longer.”

  With wide eyes, the girl looked between him and her sister. “But, he’s right here and I heard what Kaylee said about him. She’s hurting. Maybe we can talk to him-”

  “That’s enough.”

  Before he could so much as utter another word, Lady Amelia took her sister by the arm and led her away. As the two of them exchanged words beyond Simon’s hearing, he thought over what had just occurred. Nothing he could think of gave him a good reason as to why Kaylee would have shown off his picture. And, she was hurting? But, why? She had rejected him. Time and time again.

  Then, Lady Amelia’s words came back to him. They were not to discuss it any longer. Meaning, she knew as well. He had no idea, but for some reason both women were in Kaylee’s confidence, and she had made the decision to talk about him. An unbidden smile crossed his face.

  With the hope of a future with Kaylee blossoming in his chest, he couldn’t offer for Lady Amelia. He felt lighter than he had in a long time. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Kaylee felt something strong for him. It was just a matter of coaxing it out of her.

  “I’m sorry about that.” Lady Amelia didn’t take his arm when she returned, clearly she’d lost the desire for a stroll as well. “You must forgive her. She is young yet and hasn’t mastered the skill of discretion.”

  “There is nothing to forgive. I have found at times it takes someone of pure innocence to show us things we were previously unaware of.”

  Her eyebrow raised. “Is that what you learned? I find it upsetting that you were unaware of Miss Shepherd’s presence before now.”

  “That’s not what I was blind to.” The joy inside him forced its way out, and he couldn’t contain his smile. “I have been very aware of her long before now.”

  Although, he hadn’t meant to give so much away, he couldn’t help it. At the moment, all he wanted to do was rush to Viscount Whedon’s townhouse and call upon Kaylee, and he knew his joy was radiating out of his very being.

  “I see. Miss Shepherd and I have known each other for many years now. I only want what is best for her, and I’m beginning to believe that is you. Not that you require it, but I offer my blessings.”

  Considering he knew the girl expected an offer from him, that meant a great deal to him. “Thank you.”

  As soon as he could excuse himself, he made his way to Kaylee. It was past time to talk to her again. And, this time he had a question to ask.

  ~ ~ ~

  “What do you mean, I can’t return to the House of Reform?” Kaylee jumped to her feet, her voice raising with every word.

  “Exactly that.” Her mother glared at her. “We have worked too hard to get you accepted back into society. I’ll not have that ruined. You have even received deference by the Marquis of Hampton. That bloody old fool hardly talks to the host of the party, but, he seeks you out.”

  Anger flooded Kaylee’s cheeks with heat. “What does that have to do with anything? I’m not marrying him.”

  Her mother’s eyes lit. “You could. His wife has been dead for a long time now. Although he already has an heir, you would still be a marchioness. Think about it. You—”

  “No. This was not part of the agreement.” Frustrated beyond measure, Kaylee balled her fists, wishing she had something she could hit. This was unfathomable.

  Rolling her eyes, her mother put her hands on her hips. “I don’t care about the agreement. If that woman wants the jewels, she shall have to do more than make her husband work out deals to get them from me.”

  Shocked, Kaylee’s mouth fell open. “Then, you have no intention of giving them to her? Ever? How could you do this to me? You know I haven’t wanted to be part of this, yet you made me. For what?”

  Her mother tried to take her hands, but Kaylee stepped out of her reach. “I’m doing this for you. In order to secure your future. You need a husband to support you and children to take care of you once he’s gone.”

  “What? Like you have?” Kaylee spit back. “You have no sons. I can take care of myself, but that’s it. And, Benjamin is only doing the minimum required in Father’s will. That’s what you want for me?”

  The woman shook her head vehemently. “Daughters will support you once they have means. Once they wed.”

  Realization dawned, and Kaylee’s stomach began to ache. All of this, every single piece, had been a ploy of her mother’s in order to get her to marry and then lean on the charity of her new husband to take her mother in. How could she even think of that?

  Benjamin. Her world spun, and she collapsed on the sofa. Hard. The jewels meant nothing. The viscountess likely knew nothing of their existence, if she didn’t already own them. The two of them had come up with a plan to rid themselves of each other, and Kaylee had been the unsuspecting pawn.

  The worst trouble was, her mother was right. She couldn’t go back to the House of Reform now. Her face was too well noticed and the clients didn’t exactly want one of their own to know they were seeking help. She was ruined.

  “And, what did Benjamin plan to do if my new husband refused to support you?” Her voice was monotone, but her mother either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

  “What man would refuse to help his new wife? Besides, I’ve been quite an accommodating chaperone, wouldn’t you say?” Her voice turned pleading. “Kaylee, don’t you want to help your mother? Benjamin doesn’t treat me with the respect I deserve, and he doesn’t wish to continue to support me. What am I to do?”

  “He doesn’t have a choice, Mother. Father provided for you in his will. Benjamin must see to your needs. If you don’t want to live in his house, you can move to the estate.”

  Her mother wrinkled her nose. “Heavens, no. I could never live my life in exile. I belong in London.”

  Kaylee couldn’t believe she was hearing all this. “So, you and Benjamin are forcing me to marry or I will not receive my dowry?”

  “Technically, it will revert to you, but there will hardly be anything left for you to live on as he must use the majority of it in order to support me in the future.”

  A knock at the door was a welcome interruption as Kaylee could no longer take the sight of the woman before her.

  “My lady, Lord Washburne is requesting an audience with Miss Shepherd.”

  The excitement in her mother’s eyes made Kaylee physically ill. She wanted to run from the room and tell Simon to leave. That it was a trap, but she merely sat there, lost in her own grief. She would be forced to sit and watch her mother flirt with him as she fought off her own sorrow.

  Then, an idea struck her. She scared off one of his marriage prospects, and he had offered for her once before. Although she hated herself for it, the time had come to accept his obligatory offer. That was, if he was still agreeable.

  “Mother,” the woman cringed, likely at Kaylee’s lackluster voice, “you claim to be an accommodating chaperone. Now is your time to prove it. I’d like an opportunity to talk to the viscount alone.”

  “Of course, my dear. We can go out to the garden, and—”

  “No. I want you to leave and close the door.”

  Her mother was silent for a long moment. “There is a difference between accommodating and reckless. This is the latter. The servants would talk.”

  “I don’t care. Either you do this or I have no desire to see the viscount today.” Kaylee tried to conjure at least a tiny bit of emotion into her words, but nothing came out.

  Regardless, her mother nodded and left the room. After a few moments, she heard voices in the hallway followed by her mother’s irritating laughter. Then, Simon appeared in the doorway. The very sight of him released the hold she kept on her emotions, and the second the door closed, she launched herself into his arms.

  He caught her to him without hesitation. “Kaylee, what�
��s all this about?”

  When her tears freely flowed down her face, he pulled her to the sofa, and cradled her in his arms as she allowed the torment to rake her body. The warmth of him helped calm her. He was a solid anchor and the only hope she had to make it through to a bearable future.

  “I’m sorry,” she breathed against him when she finally pulled herself together.

  The feel of his warm hand wiping away her tears further comforted her. “I told you, there is no need to apologize. I’m always here for you. Can you tell me what happened?”

  Pulling herself back, she looked into his handsome face. How could she tell him her entire world came crashing down? That she had been betrayed by both her mother and brother? Words could not adequately describe the depth of her depression.

  “I–I need your help.” She took a deep breath. “I know you need to marry soon, so I have a proposition for you.”

  His body stiffened. “A proposition? That doesn’t exactly sound favorable.”

  She pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, willing herself to get through this. “I believe it will be mutually beneficial. You mentioned a marriage of convenience before. Now, I understand you weren’t offering yourself as a husband for me, but I thought—”

  “Hold it right there.” Simon stood up and began pacing the room, anger dogging his steps. “You were crying just now because you decided to propose this to me? And, you expect me to accept? Bloody hell, Kaylee, I don’t know what hurts worse. That I made you cry or that you think I would put you through something so clearly distasteful to you.”

  The sound of his voice breaking stabbed her in the chest, and she stood, intending to go to him, but he took a step back.