Married to the Rake (The Wallflower Brides Book 1)

by Samantha Holt

  “What is all this noise?” Mrs. Waverley stepped through into the hallway and stilled at the sight of them all gathered in the room. Her eyes widened and her skin paled, making her look wan against her dark, gray-streaked hair. “Oh goodness.”

  “Mother, all is well,” Brook assured her.

  “It is not bloody well!” Mr. Waverley spluttered. “Margaret, go fetch my shotgun,” he demanded.

  Mrs. Waverley remained frozen, her gaze darting between them all. Chloe drew in a shaky breath. She should have known this would not be easy but she had rather hoped it would not go as far as both fathers fighting in a duel.

  “If you want to shoot me, then shoot me, Waverley,” her father barked. “I don’t think you have the balls.”

  “Marcus!” Her mother clapped her hands over Chloe’s ears. “Not in front of the children!”

  “I’ve been wanting to shoot you for decades.” Mr. Waverley’s knuckles whitened as he gripped his cane.

  “Likewise,” her father shot back.

  Chloe tugged her mother’s hands away from her ears and stepped forward, placing herself directly in the middle of both fathers. “We will be gone in a trice,” she promised Mr. Waverley, “and if you choose, you may never have to see us again. But both of you need to hear this.”

  “I do not need to hear any word from a Larkin’s mouth.” Mr. Waverley motioned to Brook with his cane. “I told you she was trouble.”

  “Father, just listen for once in your life.” Brook put a hand to his father’s cane and forced him to lower it.

  “I would rather—”

  “It is about Julia,” Chloe said hastily.

  Mr. Waverley’s red cheeks paled rapidly. “What did you say?”

  “Julia,” her father muttered and Chloe shot a quick glance at her father to see him looking a little faint. Her mother clasped his arm tightly and gave Chloe a nod.

  “I found her diary at our house,” Chloe announced. “It was written from before her marriage to my father to just before her death.”

  “Damn you to hell, Marcus,” Mr. Waverley muttered.

  “I had nothing to with her death!” her father rejoined.

  “Please,” Chloe begged, “just listen.” She flicked open the diary and began to read. “My greatest regret will be the rift I caused between Marcus and George. They are both fine men and I wish I had the strength in me to mend their friendship. I wish I had not left it so late. My only hope is that they share their grief for me and help each other once I am gone.”

  She lifted her gaze to look at both men. A silence hung over the room, punctuated only by the muffled footsteps of a servant somewhere upstairs.

  “She loved you, Papa,” Chloe said softly. “And you, Mr. Waverley.” She turned to Brook’s father. “She did not know how to choose between you both but she followed her heart. No one was stolen from anyone but she understood how much she had hurt you, Mr. Waverley.” Lifting the book, she held it out to him. “You should read this. As should you, Papa.”

  Mr. Waverley’s chin wobbled as he gingerly took the book from her. His wife came to his side and gave his arm a squeeze. “I think perhaps both of you should take some time together. Mrs. Larkin and I can have tea with the children.”

  “But—”

  “For Julia,” Chloe said.

  Mr. Waverley exhaled and eyed Chloe’s father before giving a slight nod.

  “Papa?” Chloe pressed.

  A few heartbeats passed, no one moving a muscle.

  “Marcus?” her mother prompted.

  “Very well,” her father finally agreed, his voice gravelly.

  “Do you know Mrs. Somerset?” Mrs. Waverley asked as the two men slunk off.

  Chloe shook her head, not really hearing the words as she watched her father and Mr. Waverley leave. Tension fizzed in the air and both men held their postures tight but at least they were not fighting. Lord, she hoped this was it—that this really was the end of it all. Beside her, Brook groaned, though Chloe could not fathom why. She was not ready to relax but it seemed their fathers would not kill each other and she was convinced Julia’s words would be the perfect remedy to their discord.

  “Mrs. Somerset is quite delightful and happens to be having tea with me today,” Mrs. Waverley continued. “I am certain you shall enjoy her company, Mrs. Larkin.”

  Chloe’s mother smiled, though it did not quite reach her eyes. She still seemed a little stunned by the whole scenario but Chloe was not surprised. Brook had professed his love in one of the more dramatic ways, details of her father’s past had been revealed that could be uncomfortable for her mother, and they were in the Waverleys’ home for the first time. Still, her mother did a fine job of nodding politely and following Mrs. Waverley through to the parlor room.

  “Chloe,” Brook hissed but she ignored him in favor of appearing as polite as possible. After all, his mother did not yet know of their plans and she could not help but want to make her future mother-in-law like her.

  Following the mothers into the drawing room, Chloe smiled at the elegantly designed room—trimmed with floor-length pale pink curtains and furnished with a dark wood and chairs in matching fabrics. A piano and harp sat in one corner by a drawing desk. Brook’s mother clearly had excellent taste.

  Her gaze landed on the unknown guest, currently seated by the fireplace. “You,” she said before she could stop herself.

  Judith gave a vague smile, as though she had never seen Chloe before. “I heard some shouting,” Judith said sweetly. “Is all well, Mrs. Waverley?” She rose from the delicate seat on which she’d been perched and came to Mrs. Waverley’s side. “I think you should sit. You look a little flushed. Why do I not—”

  Brook’s mother waved a hand. “I am well, I am well.” She turned to Chloe and her mother. “Do you know Mrs. Larkin and Miss Larkin?”

  “I do not believe—”

  “Well, that’s a bloody lie,” muttered Brook.

  “Brook!” his mother scolded.

  “She knows Miss Larkin quite well, Mother, I can assure you of that. In fact, she had the audacity to lay her hands on my fiancé only the other day.”

  “Lay her hands…? Fiancé…?” His mother put a hand to her mouth.

  Chloe winced. This was not the way she had envisaged breaking the news to Brook’s family.

  Her mother cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should leave Mr. Waverley and his mother to talk?” she suggested, taking Chloe’s arm.

  “No, I should much rather you stay here and explain this all to me,” Mrs. Waverley said firmly.

  Judith stood. “Well, I can see this is a family matter so I think perhaps—”

  “You stay too,” Brook’s mother snapped.

  Judith dropped swiftly onto the chair with a thump, her cheeks red. She kept her gaze lowered while Mrs. Waverley motioned for them all to sit. Chloe sat on the sofa with her mother while Brook occupied another single chair near the fireplace—the only one that looked vaguely masculine in the whole room. Mrs. Waverley remained standing.

  “Mrs. Larkin, I think I must ask, did you know of this engagement?”

  Her mother nodded. “But I only just found out. I was as shocked as I am sure you are.”

  Mrs. Waverley turned to Brook. “Tell me now, as your mother, are you sincere in this? I love you dearly, you know I do, but I am not blind to your behavior. If you are—”

  Brook lifted a hand. “I am sincere, Mother.” He sent a look Chloe’s way. “I love Miss Larkin very much.”

  Chloe looked away as warmth spread up into her face. How wonderful and odd it felt to hear him declare it aloud.

  “How did you two…? When did…?” Mrs. Waverley finally dropped into the chair next to Judith. “Never mind. I am not sure I wish to know.”

  Chloe’s mother leaned over and patted the back of her hand. “I think your son and my daughter are very much in love.”

  Mrs. Waverley glanced between the two of them. “So it seems.”

  “Well
, this is preposterous,” Judith spluttered. “How can you love someone like her? Everyone knows what you are like, Brook. Do you really think she shall make you happy?”

  Quiet muffled the room for several moments. Chloe opened her mouth but Brook spoke first. “She will. She does,” he confirmed.

  “But…but she’s a wallflower. She’s not even pretty.”

  “Judith,” Mrs. Waverley snapped. “I expected better from you.”

  “Well, she isn’t.” Judith folded her arms across her chest and sank further into her chair.

  Chloe could not even blame Judith for her words. She was no society beauty and most certainly a wallflower but Brook made her feel beautiful every moment of every day and she did not doubt his feelings for her.

  “Mrs. Waverley…” Chloe looked to her mother. “Mama, I know this is a shock and we did not intend to keep this a secret but with the disagreement between Papa and Mr. Waverley, we did not know how to tell you.”

  Her mother gave a light laugh. “It will be even more interesting when we tell your fathers.”

  Chloe made a face. “I am trying not to think of that.”

  “I think perhaps Mrs. Larkin and I should handle this,” Mrs. Waverley suggested.

  “Yes, a fine idea.”

  “Why don’t you two go and take a little walk in the gardens? Mrs. Larkin and I can discuss how we should move forward.” Mrs. Waverley made a shooing motion.

  “Oh, I should probably—” Judith went to stand.

  “You can stay here and explain exactly what happened when you touched my soon-to-be- daughter,” Mrs. Waverley ordered.

  Chloe managed to keep her smug smile to herself until they left the room and stepped out onto the veranda, blinking in the bright sunlight. The gardens stretched out in front of her, a long path cutting down the center of a carefully managed flower bed and stone plant pots. It was the first time she’d ever seen the garden at the Waverleys and it was beautiful. She released a long breath and shared a smile with Brook.

  “That could have been worse,” he said.

  “Yes, it really could have been.”

  “With any luck, that shall be the last time Judith is seen here.” He took her hand. “I am still deeply sorry for what happened—that my past caught up with me.”

  “I hope there are no other heartbroken lovers waiting to attack me.”

  “Oh, only a handful,” he teased, leading her down the steps into the formal gardens. Flowers teased her ankles, a beautiful array of yellows and purples. The scent wrapped around her, reminding her of their time in her own gardens, when he had proposed and, well, done other things.

  “You are blushing, Chlo.”

  “I was just thinking of…well, it does not matter.”

  Brook whirled her around so that she twirled into his arms. She sighed and sank into his embrace. She had not been sure she would feel this again—his strong arms, his firm torso—supporting her and making her feel loved in a way she never thought possible. She rested her head against his chest, closed her eyes and felt his solid heartbeat—steady and reassuring.

  “Do you think our fathers will become friends?” she asked.

  “If not friends, then they will have no choice but to become acquaintances once we marry.”

  She lifted her head away from him to peer up at him. “I think our mothers will become friends.”

  He nodded. “I think so too.”

  “And now we no longer have to elope.”

  His lips tilted. “A shame. I was rather looking forward to doing something scandalous.”

  “I, for one, rather like avoiding scandal.”

  “Well, I hope you are ready to join me in a life of scandal, Chlo. It shall never be boring, I promise you that.”

  She grinned and rose on her toes to kiss him briefly. “I was counting on that.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The strains of a country dance cut through the excited buzz of chatter. The daylight faded fast with streams of amber light dappling in through the tall windows of the ballroom. Chandeliers glittered and highlighted the guests’ finery. Brook shook his head to himself with a grin. It was a fine engagement ball indeed.

  And Chloe was missing the whole thing.

  He searched out her friends who were seated together on the edge of the dancefloor. Joanna caught his eye and gave a little shrug. None of them were surprised that Chloe had vanished.

  Neither was he. But he’d be damned if he’d spend the evening without her.

  Before he could stride off, his father approached with Mr. Larkin. It could not be claimed they were the best of friends yet but both men were trying hard to mend their relationship. The end of the argument over the land had already benefited both men who appeared less tired and a darn sight more relaxed.

  “I was hoping Miss Larkin might be with you,” his father said over the chatter.

  Mr. Waverley grimaced. “She is probably—”

  “In the library,” Brook finished for her father.

  Mr. Larkin chuckled. “You know her well it seems.”

  “We can talk more on this in the morning but Marcus and I wished to let you and Miss Larkin know that we have decided on an engagement gift for you both.”

  “Uh…” Brook peered around. Now he wished Chloe was at his side. She would be much better at saying all the correct thank yous.

  “We are gifting you the land.” Mr. Larkin’s smile widened.

  Brook glanced between both fathers who appeared proud of themselves indeed. “The land?” he echoed.

  “Indeed. The much-contested land.” His father clasped his hands behind his back and rocked briefly on his heels. “It will be gifted with certain clauses, ensuring that it shall remain equally yours and Chloe’s.”

  “So you see, it will be both Larkin and Waverley land.” Mr. Larkin’s grin grew even bigger.

  “Ah.”

  “Ah? Is that all you can say, Son?” his father asked.

  “Forgive me. It is an excellent idea.” He patted his father’s arm. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Hopefully I can speak for Chloe when I say she will be happy that we have a resolution too.”

  “We thought it a rather fine idea.” Mr. Waverley shared a proud look with Brook’s father.

  Brook smiled and shook his head. When he’d wanted the two men to make up, he’d never anticipated they’d end up plotting together to fix centuries of discord over the land. He was only a little annoyed he had not thought of the resolution himself.

  “Well, we shall leave you to your celebrations. Hopefully my daughter shall make an appearance soon.”

  Once both men had eased back into the crowd, Brook used the opportunity to slip through the well-wishers to the edge of the ballroom before anyone else nabbed him for conversation. He gave Elizabeth and Benedict a little wave then he headed toward the library, marching quickly until he reached the door. He eased it open and allowed himself a smile. With her head bent low over a book, her legs curled up to one side and her shoes kicked off revealing her stockings, Chloe made quite the picture. Indeed, it was a picture he had imagined many times since their engagement. He looked forward to moments like these—personal, private moments that revealed the true Chloe.

  She had already surrounded herself with a few books, like a little fortress. He only hoped she would let him in.

  “Oh.” She lifted her head and made a face. “I am sorry, Brook. I tried very hard to remain but everyone wished to speak with me and…”

  He closed the gap between them swiftly. “You do not need to apologize.” He sank onto the oriental rug next to her, allowing himself a moment to admire her in the lamplight. The golden tones highlighted her red hair and softened lips that made him ache to kiss her. Rubies glinted in her ears and around her neck.

  He wanted to kiss her there too.

  He wanted to kiss the damned woman all over. The sooner they were married the better. Seeing her like this just reminded him how much he loved Chloe Larkin—even if she did
abandon him at their own engagement ball.

  “I know I should have stayed,” she said softly.

  “It is well enough.” He took the book from her hands and laid it gently away from her so that he could shift closer and cup her face.

  “I know, but—”

  “Chloe, I do not mind,” he insisted, stroking a thumb across her impossibly soft skin. “In fact, I confess to feeling the need to escape too.”

  “You did? You do?”

  He nodded. “Why would I wish to be with a hundred strangers when I could be with you?”

  “But you love balls!”

  “I love you more.”

  She gave a shy smile. “Are you certain? Brook, I—I will try harder next time. I promise.”

  “No. Don’t. Just be you, Chlo. That’s all I ask.”

  She shook her head and leaned into his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her and held her close for several moments, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment. She eased away and peered up at him.

  “You can go back to the ball if you wish. I do not mind. And I promise to put in an appearance before everyone leaves.”

  “And leave you? Like hell.”

  “Brook,” she scolded.

  “Why would I wish to dance and dine and gossip when I can be here, being scolded by you.”

  “Brook,” she said again, tapping his arm.

  “See? This is much more fun.”

  “Not yet it is not.”

  He frowned then grinned at her mischievous look. Chloe would keep him on his toes, of that he was certain. Who needed balls when he had a feisty, intelligent, wallflower to keep him company?

  Leaning in, he pressed a whisper-soft kiss to the corner of her lips. She inhaled sharply and wrapped her hands around his shoulders. He shifted to angle himself better, pressing more kisses along her jaw and down her neck. She tilted her head to allow him better access and he inhaled her violet scent and savored the softness of her skin. He ought to tell her about what their fathers had planned but he was fairly certain that could wait. Right now, lavishing her with attention was far more important.

  He eased her back onto the rug, admiring the way her dress splayed out against the fabric and her hands rested by her head just so—waiting for him. He paused for a moment and she frowned.