by Dawn Brower
Belinda shook her head and headed out of the sitting room. “Meet me in the foyer. I’ll go find our chaperones for our walk.”
Abigail shook her head lightly. Her younger sister thought she knew everything, but she didn’t. There were some things far more important than having a fine husband. Abigail wanted something more meaningful in her life. She loved books and learning new things. If she married her husband might not like her doing those things. Once a woman became a man’s wife she would be forever under his rule. She became the man’s property. Something about that always bothered Abigail. Other women liked to belong to someone, to be taken care of, and never having to worry about anything. That wasn’t so easy for Abigail to do. It would be nice to be loved and appreciated, but a society marriage didn’t always include those things. Love was a rare emotion in marriage.
She’d dwelled on everything far too much. Abigail retrieved her book and carried it to her room. Once there she placed the book on her writing desk, then went to her armoire to find her pelisse. It might be a little chilly out and she didn’t want to be cold on her walk. After she found it she went back down stairs and found her sister waiting for her in the foyer. Bessie and one of the footman were also with her.
“Finally,” Belinda said with exasperation in her voice. “We can depart. Whatever took ye so long?”
“I didn’t realize I’d dawdled.” She held back the urge to roll her eyes. Belinda could be so dramatic at times. “Please lead the way dear sister.
Belinda opened the door and exited. Abigail, Bessie, and the footman followed behind her. The pace her sister had set was far faster than Abigail had expected. She had to wonder if her sister had another reason for wanting to go to Rotten Row. Had she perhaps met a man she hoped would court her? When they arrived she’d be able to ascertain the answer. Maybe it would be her, not Belinda that uncovered something titillating. Her sister hoped to discover something of a secret about her. Well, maybe her dear sibling had something of her own to hide and was deflecting. She smiled to herself. Now that she had a mystery to solve she was rather looking forward to their little jaunt in Rotten Row. She usually loathed their outing there. This time there would be something far more intriguing to keep her attention. It almost made up for her interrupted study time…almost.
***
Charles sat astride his horse and kept it at a light walk as he steered him down the path at Rotten Row. George was beside him on his own horse. They had decided to get some exercise and attempt to breathe something resembling fresh air or what London offered as such. Dashville had been able to locate the Earl of Shelby and had delivered him to Coventry Manor. They’d sobered him up and put him to bed. He’d been sleeping ever since. They had yet to have a conversation with him about his future as one of the wickedest of earls England had to offer, and well, joining the exclusive club that Coventry had helped to create and maintain.
“How is he doing?” George asked. His lips tightened into a thin white line. “Do you think he’ll be able to have a lucid conversation about joining the club later today?”
Neither one of them were particularly happy about the state of Shelby’s state of mind. They might already be too late to save him, but George believed it was never really too late. Charles wasn’t always so optimistic. There were some things a man could never return from. Losing a wife, one that was adored, was one of them. Shelby wasn’t the same man they’d attended school with. They’re Eton days were so far away they almost seemed like they happened to someone else entirely. “He should be all right by tonight. I’ll make sure he’s ready to have a serious discussion. Make sure you come over before nightfall and we’ll have a conversation with him about his future. I hope he’s receptive.”
“As do I,” George said and then sighed. “It’s so sad what’s happened to him.”
Charles hoped he never found himself in a similar state. He never wanted to fall in love. He adored women, but he’d never loved any of them. Charm went along way to gain him the things he desired most. He didn’t need love to have a fulfilling life. From the way Shelby was destroying his life he suspected it was the one thing capable of doing the exact opposite. No, love was not something he wanted to find. “His situation is wretched,” Charles agreed. “But lucky for Shelby he has a good friend like you.”
“And you,” George supplied. “We’ll make sure he finds his way back to living a more sustainable life. At the very least he has to make sure his two children are cared for. Gregory and Samantha need him.”
“I can’t imagine being responsible for a child.” He wasn’t sure he ever wanted to be a father. Charles would probably marry at some point. He’d need an heir to carry on the title after he was gone. A part of him thought it would be better to let the title go to his cousin. Children were an even bigger responsibility than a wife. They would expect far more from him, perhaps more than he was capable of giving.
“I love my son,” George replied quietly. “Jonas is a blessing I never could have imagined having, but there is a duty to him that I had to commit to. You’ll be all right with it one day.”
“Perhaps,” he said noncommittally. He stared toward the path where members of the ton were walking. The gleam of bright red hair caught his attention and he narrowed his gaze. It might be the lady from the previous night, the one who’d failed to introduce herself. “George do you know those two ladies coming toward us on the walking path?”
George looked at where he’d directed him and shook his head. “I did notice them at the Loxton ball, but I’m not acquainted with them. Sarah may be. Do you wish me to inquire? Has one caught your fancy?”
In a way, the red-haired lady had. It was more she intrigued him. Why had she run away so fast? Had she been there to meet someone else and he’d interrupted her assignation? Something about her having a clandestine meeting with another man rankled him. He didn’t like the idea of her in someone else’s arms. “No,” he answered. “She seemed familiar is all.”
He doubted George would believe his excuse, but he didn’t want to admit the truth. Any other lady of the ton would have been throwing themselves at him. It was refreshing to find one that didn’t want anything to do with him. That could be part of her scheme too. Maybe she was acting disinterested to gain his interest. It worked if that was her intention. Charles fully intended to discover everything about her that he could. But first he would need her name.
“There is an easy way for us to answer your question,” George supplied.
“How so?” He turned to meet his friend’s gaze.
“We dismount and go over to talk to Lady Marvelle,” he answered. “She’s with them now.”
Charles swung his gaze around to where he last saw the mysterious lady. Sure enough, her and the blonde lady she was walking with were in a rapt conversation with Lady Marvelle. It would be an easy enough answer to the dilemma of her unknown name. Lady Marvelle was a way to gain a proper introduction since she was his godmother. George was a genius. “All right,” he agreed. “Let’s dismount.”
George chuckled and slid off his horse, and Charles did the same. They grabbed the horse’s reins and led them over to where the ladies were talking. Soon he’d have a name to go with the face. After that he’d find out everything he could about her. Mostly, he wanted to discover what it was she was scheming inside her pretty head. Charles refused to be a dupe and no lady would ever make a fool of him. If this one thought he’d marry her she’d soon discover the error of her thinking. Charles had no intention of marrying anyone, at least not yet. He needed several years of bachelorhood before he subjected himself to one woman for the remainder of his days. For now though, he’d settle with some flirtation with a gorgeous, intelligent woman. Because he had no doubts about either one of those things in regards to the red-haired lady...
Chapter 4
Lord Coventry was heading in their direction. Abigail did her best to ignore his approach but she was aware of each step he took. Her heart beat heavily inside her c
hest and her cheeks heated. She was far more attracted to the earl than she liked or cared to admit. They had been in town for weeks and she’d not seen him once, but now she’d crossed paths with him twice in a matter of less than a day. Was fate trying to tell her something? She shook that thought away. No, there was no higher being or mythological entity steering her down a specific path. That was ridiculous and she wouldn’t entertain that thought any longer. Abigail believed in facts and things that were provable. Fate was not something that could be studied and verified.
“Isn’t that the gentleman that caught yer attention last night at the Loxton ball?” Her sister asked and nudged her with her shoulder. “I think he’s coming this way. Dae ye suppose he wants tae converse with us?”
Lady Marvelle glanced at the gentleman approaching and then smiled. “Ah, it’s Lord Harrington and Lord Coventry. Coventry is my godson. He probably wishes to say hello.” She turned her attention back to Abigail and Belinda. “Did you mention one of them caught your eye? Harrington, of course, is already wed so he’s not eligible, but Coventry needs a wife. I’ll introduce you.”
Wonderful. Abigail couldn’t admit that she’d already met Lord Coventry because their introduction hadn’t been proper. It would likely give Lady Marvelle the vapors to learn she’d been alone with the earl. “That would be lovely.” There was not much else she could say to her other than that. It would be perfectly rude to tell her she had no desire to be introduced to her godson. Besides it would be a lie anyway. She did want a proper introduction. That way if they did cross paths with him again she could converse with him. She realized she was being contrary in her thoughts but Abigail always did her best not to lie to herself. She may not want to marry; however, the earl did intrigue her. The very least she could do was discover what it was about him, other than his handsome visage, that she found so interesting.
The gentleman approached and bowed. “Lady Marvelle,” Lord Harrington greeted her. “Coventry and I noticed you strolling with these two young ladies and felt it necessary to pay our respects.”
“As you should,” Lady Marvelle said and then beamed at them both. Her smile grew in large degrees she was pleased that they’d singled her out. Abigail wondered how many times in the past they’d ignored the elderly lady. “How was your ride this afternoon?”
“Pleasant and uneventful,” Coventry replied smoothly. “We’ll head back to Mayfair soon.” The earl slid his gaze to Belinda, and then Abigail. His lips twitched slightly as he boldly stared into her eyes. “And who are your two companions.” He didn’t look back at Belinda at all. His focus was completely on Abigail. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“If you attended more society functions you would meet many eligible ladies,” Lady Marvelle chastised him. “I did hear you were at the Loxton ball last night. What made you decide to attend?”
It was Abigail’s turn to have her lips twitch slightly. His eyes darkened at Lady Marvelle’s words and he didn’t seem too thrilled that she hadn’t introduced them. She had to wonder what the older lady was planning. Before the two lords approached she said she’d introduce them, and that had been the perfect opportunity to do so.
“Nothing like you assume,” Coventry replied. He scrunched his eyebrows together and shook his head slightly. “I accompanied Harrington and his countess. I was feeling a bit ennui. Don’t concern yourself about it my lady. It won’t likely happen again as I have no desire to seek a young miss as my intended.”
Lady Marvelle sighed loudly. “A rogue never does seek out love my dear. It finds you when you least expect it to.” She smiled almost haughtily. “But that’s a discussion for another day. You wished to meet my companions.” She turned to them and said, “This is Lady Belinda Wallace and Lady Abigail Wallace. This is their first season so they’re perfectly safe from you as you said you’re not looking for any young misses to make your countess.”
Abigail lifted her hand to her mouth to stifle laughter from spilling out of it. Lady Marvelle put her godson in his place. He had no reason to inquire about her or her sister’s identities when he didn’t wish to court either of them. It was only polite to be introduced, but other than that they had nothing to offer each other. Lord Coventry didn’t appreciate being reminded of his earlier words.
Instead of taking Lady Marvelle’s chastisement gracefully he chose to ignore it. “There are other reason’s to have a conversation with a lady other than courting, my dearest godmother.”
“Oh?” She lifted a brow. “I suppose you’re right but I can’t recall any. A young unmarried lady should only spend time alone with a gentleman if he is courting her unless that male is her father, brother, grandfather…I trust ye follow my meaning.” She lifted her chin. “Coventry the way you keep looking at Lady Abigail is akin to a wolf about to devour a sheep. If you don’t have good intentions regarding her stay far away.”
Abigail jerked her gaze toward Lady Marvelle. She hadn’t realized how astute the elder lady was. Abigail had felt as if Lord Coventry’s gaze was rather intense, but thought maybe she was reading it wrong. Surely he wouldn’t be overly forward with her in polite company. She smiled lightly at Lady Marvelle and then said, “My lady ye needn’t worry about Lord Coventry leading me astray. He doesn’t have anything tae offer me tae make me forget myself.” She turned to meet his gaze and boldly stated, “If he had any sway over my emotions he’d have succeeded last night at the Loxton ball. No man can or will make me forget who I am or what I desire from life.”
“That’s not reassuring,” Lady Marvelle answered. “However, you’re also not my charges. I’ll speak with your chaperone about her lax in duties. I’m afraid I must leave. I’m expected for tea at the Duchess of Montford’s in an hour.” She turned to Harrington. “Give a hug to that darling boy of yours for me and keep my godson out of trouble. His charm might lead him somewhere he will regret one day.” With those words Lady Marvelle strolled away leaving Abigail and Belinda alone with the two earls.
With Lady Marvelle a safe distance away Coventry turned his attention back to Abigail. “No influence at all?” He lifted a brow.
“Not at all.” Her gaze didn’t waver once. “But dinna let that concern ye my lord. There are plenty of ladies that would appreciate yer attention. The entire ballroom was awed by yer grand appearance at the ball. It was quite titillating.”
Harrington groaned at her words. “She’s quite right. You’re all they discussed last night. Of course they stopped when Sarah and I approached, but we still overheard it all. You really should attend more functions and they won’t become so excited when you do appear.”
Belinda giggled and then shrugged lightly. “I’m grateful he did appear. My night was dreadful until then.”
Harrington turned to her and asked, “How did his arrival help your evening?” He had a perplexed expression on his face.
“Abigail and I are the newest edition of wallflowers. No one ever asks us tae dance.” She glanced at Abigail and frowned. “I think she scares them away with the scowl she always has on her face.”
Coventry took that as his cue to once again join their conversation. “But it’s a lovely scowl. It should intrigue them and not frighten them off. A true gentleman would enjoy the challenge.”
“A true rogue ye mean,” Abigail retorted. Coventry was a charmer and if she didn’t remain careful he’d coax her down a path she might come to regret. “A gentleman would respect a ladies wish tae be left alone.”
“Can’t a man be a gentleman and a rogue?” Coventry asked. His lips tilted upward into a sinful smile. It sent shivers down her spine and her heart fluttered, skipping several beats as she tried to regain control of her traitorous body.
Abigail squared her shoulders and did her best to remain firm. “Not at the same time. A rogue has the potential tae be a gentleman, but once he gives in tae his baser instincts that façade slips away and the truth is revealed. It’s either one or the other and never at the same time.”
“For
an innocent miss you sure do seem sure of this.” He stepped a little closer and she had to resist the urge to take a step back in return. “How many clandestine meetings have you had in your short time out in society?”
“None,” she answered automatically. “No gentleman are interested in me and even if they were I wouldn’t allow myself tae be lured away.”
For several moments it seemed as if it was just her and Coventry. Her sister and Harrington disappeared and she had to remind herself to breathe. The intensity between them was overwhelming and she didn’t know what to do with it. She needed distance, lots and lots of distance. What was it about this man that made her want to do things she knew was a bad idea. Abigail needed time and more information before she could discern the answer to that question. Coventry might not give it to her and if she really wanted that space to uncover what the unwanted emotions meant she’d have to demand it.
“Do you wish to wager on it?” Coventry lifted a brow.
“Wager?” She scrunched her eyebrows together. What was he speaking about now? “I’m afraid I dinna understand.”
“On your ability to be lured into sin of course.” His voice was a low rumble that vibrated over her skin. Abigail didn’t think anyone else had heard him. Somehow he’d stepped closer to her without her noticing. “I’m willing to bet that I can entice you to experience desire—with me.”
She turned toward him. There was less than a foot separating them now. Abigail swallowed hard and then answered, “I dinna need tae wager anything tae discern the answer.”
“No?” He frowned and then stepped back. “That is too bad. It would have been amusing to become more acquainted.”
“I’m not one of yer doxies my lord. I’m not a toy placed on yer path solely for yer pleasure.” She glanced at her sister but she seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with Harrington and didn’t pay any attention to the discussion she was having with Coventry. Appearances could be deceiving though. She suspected Belinda would want to discuss this development when they returned home.