“By God you’ve been seeing that loathsome cad everyday behind our backs, I can’t believe how sly and deceitful you are.” Ruth’s tone was full of condemnation. “To think that detestable man is related to lord Brown. The blackguard was probably only seeing you because of his cousin and only wanted to steal you away from a decent and honorable man.”
“You’re wrong, Aunt Ruth. lord Brookes never knew about lord Brown because I never told him. Besides, I had no choice but to put up with lord Brown’s detestable company. The man continuously made a nuisance of himself. The only reason lord Brookes and I were seeing each other was because we like each other and over the weeks we began to care for each other deeply.” Laura wondered if she’d burn in hell for all the lies she was telling, but it was obvious to her if she denied any involvement with lord Brookes both her aunt and father would try and find some way to end the engagement and force her to wed the man they had chosen for her.
It was a relief when no more was said, she was feeling utterly drained and weary. They must realize that nothing was going to change the situation now that she’d confessed how long she’d been seeing lord Brookes. She was grateful when they finally arrived home and once in the house she bid them a hasty goodnight and hurried up the staircase to her bedroom. When she saw her maid waiting for her, she sighed as she leaned back against the closed door. “Congratulate me, Jenny. I’m engaged.”
“Oh, miss, truly?” Jenny stared at her mistress in horror.
“Yes, but there’s no need to look so dismayed. It isn’t lord Brown, it’s his cousin lord Brookes.” Pushing away from the door, she strolled over to her dressing table.
“His cousin! I don’t understand.” Jenny began to undo the buttons on the back of her mistress’s gown.
“Nor do I, Jenny. I went to find Lisa’s diary and I did. The next thing I knew I was being kissed by a complete stranger and found in a compromising position.” She sat down on the stool after her gown was removed.
“Oo, what an exciting night you’ve had, miss. At least you can be grateful you’re not going to be forced to wed that fortune hunter and I’ve heard whispers that lord Brookes is extremely handsome and his an earl. Lord Brown’s only a measly baron and a poor one. I hope you don’t mind me saying so, miss, but your father and aunt are horrible to want you to wed that cold, money-hungry bugger.” Jenny picked up the brush and drew it through the long mahogany, heavy locks.
Amused by her maid’s outrage, Laura grinned. “They both believe that marrying me to a man who’s devoured of emotions and will be strict with me that he’ll be able to curb my waywardness. And let’s not forget my wildness or any passion I might harbor. I suppose being caught in a compromising position with a well-known rake put an end to their dream, still, I don’t want to marry him either. I’m going to have to think of some way out of this horrendous engagement before it’s too late.”
“I don’t know if that’s wise, miss. They could still force you to marry lord Brown. I say just play along with it for now. Make lord Brookes agree to a long engagement.” Jenny suggested.
Grateful for her maid’s advice, Laura nodded. “Thank you, Jenny. I appreciate your help. Now why don’t you run along to bed, it’s late and no doubt we’ll be having a very busy day tomorrow.”
Jenny placed the brush down on the dressing table and curtsied. “Very well, miss. Try not to worry everything will turn out fine in the end.”
Murmuring a goodnight, Laura stared her reflection when the door closed behind Jenny. She shook her head and grimaced, her maid was right, lord Brooke’s was definitely a gorgeous looking man. Long thick, ebony hair brushed against his collar and matched his brows and long, thick lashes. His eyes were mesmerizing and the shade of sinful black. They shone with dark, wicked promise. He had high cheekbones and a perfectly straight nose.
And Lord, help her, how could she forget that mouth, it had sent pounding waves of desire through her. It had taken a supreme effort not to lose herself completely under the influence of his intoxicating kisses. It had been her first taste of passion and it had been unbelievable. Her lips twisted in a smirk, she could only presume he was a consummate lover and excelled at seduction. A man with his reputation with the ladies would have to be, she supposed. Not that it mattered, but Jenny was right. If she denied knowing him or broke off the engagement, she could still end up married to that detestable man. Tapping her lip thoughtfully, perhaps her fiancé would be agreeable to a nice long engagement.
Six months from now, she could find some excuse to end it. Her shoulders drooped in utter weariness. Rising to her feet, she quickly stripped off the rest of her clothing and donned her nightgown. After turning out the lamp, she crawled beneath the covers and sighed miserably. She’d managed to extricate herself from despicable engagement only to find herself in another. At least this man wasn’t after her money, there were rumors that he possessed a fortune and owned numerous properties. Not like the baron who had only a rambling old country home, that was in dire need of fixing and a rather modest townhouse in the less desirable parts of London.
The man also had a clinging, overbearing mother. One that never stopped winging or complain about someone or something. The woman also had a nasty disposition and would have made her life hell. After being warned she would be spending long hours praying on her knees for all her supposed sin, she was more than desperate to plans being made for her. She grew clammy just thinking about horrendous life she would be forced to live. She’d be denied riding her mare, reading or just having some fun.
Contempt twisted her mouth; it would be ten times worse than living with her father and aunt. They barely let her do anything as it was, but now she was determined things were going to change. She was through with them degrading her, browbeating her and ruling every part of her miserable life. Now she was engaged things were most assuredly going to be different. Pleased with her decision, she drifted off to sleep.
***
Up early the next morning, Garth ate a hurried breakfast, sent a note of to the times announcing his engagement. Summoned his lawyers and after speaking with them for over an hour and signing the documents of his betrothal contract, he was now armed with certain facts about his fiancé’s family. He had been surprised when he learnt that her father was dependent on his daughter and owned nothing. It had been easy to discover the truth since his fiancé’s mother had used the same firm of solicitors he did. He suspected it was the reason the man had been agreeable to marry her off to his cousin.
No doubt between the two of them they’d hatched a plan to steal everything from her. It was very doubtful she knew about the arrangement or that her father and aunt would be homeless and penniless without her. The meeting with the man was going to be quite interesting and he was looking forward to discovering what he was going to offer for part of his daughter’s wealth. Not that he was going to give the thieving scoundrel a penny, but it would be beneficial if he knew. Dressed for the meeting, he was just coming down the staircase when someone started banging the knocker on the front door.
A smirk twisted his mouth, he had a very good idea who had come calling. He’d just stepped down on the tiled foyer floor when the door was opened and his blighted cousin stormed inside, he arched a dark brow. “What has you so all fired up?”
“You know damn well what’s wrong you bloody bastard. How dare you steal her away from me? I’m not going to allow you to. She’s mine, damn you. I haven’t spent weeks courting her and forced to put up with her churlish company for nothing.” Walter clenched his fists at his sides while he glared at his cousin in murderous rage.
“I say for a man who’s demanding to wed the chit your remark about her being churlish is rather rude.” Garth goaded and wasn’t surprised when his cousin took the bait.
“Well, she is. She’s not only sullen, but behaves most improper and she also says things that upsets mother. It’s beside the point though. She’s mine and you’re not taking her from me. I won’t allow it.” Walter
raged aloud.
Disinterested, Garth looked down at his cuff and straightened it, then slowly his gaze went back up and smirked. “Ah, your sainted mother. I’m surprised she’s agreeable to the match if there’s so much wrong with the chit. She usually doesn’t like to share you with anyone. Everyone knows how possessive of you she is. Rather odd don’t you think that she’s now willing to share you?”
“My mother cares for me and is happy with the match and will help me tame the chit. We’ll have her biddable within the month.” With a snarl, Walter stepped closer. “You’re going to back out of the engagement and keep away from her.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I compromised her and the only honorable thing to do is marry her.” Garth was growing wearisome with the conversation and wanted it ended.
“You honorable! Don’t make me laugh, it’s the very last thing you are. I’m not interested in how you two met and how long you’ve been seeing each other. It doesn’t matter and I don’t care, she mine. It’s not important how many times you’ve seduced her, I still want her. She can’t help being a strumpet just like her mother was and I’m willing to forgive her.” When his cousin was suddenly towering over him in wrathful fury, Walter stumbled backwards.
“Listen to me, you sniveling, little prat. I will not have you insulting my fiancé with your vicious lies about her conduct or your snide remarks. I’ll beat you to a pulp if you besmirch her name. Just so you know I have never laid a hand on her until last night when we sealed our betrothal. As for giving her up and letting you and your mother destroy her, never. We both know very well what you truly want and it’s not her. And I have no intentions of backing out or walking away from my responsibilities.” Garth’s fingers flexed with the need to wrap them around his cousin’s throat and squeeze the miserable life out of the pathetic sod.
“You insufferable bastard. You think you’re better than mother and me just because you have several tittles, all the money and properties. Grandfather should have left everything to her since she was the eldest child and not your cur of a father. I’m going to make you regret stealing her away from me, don’t see if I don’t.” Walter back up several more steps as his cousin kept coming forward.
“We all know why the old man didn’t leave anything to your vindictive, sanctimonious mother and you can try all you like to make me pay, but you’ll never succeed and we both know it. Now I suggest you leave and by the way, don’t expect an invitation to the wedding. I’d hate for the most wonderful day of my life to be ruined by you and your mother’s loathsome company.” Before his cousin could say anymore, Garth had the pleasure of slamming door in the man’s rage, twisted face. He turned to grin at his gaping butler. “If that offensive blighter turns up again you have my permission to do the same.”
“Ah, very good, my Lord and ah, congratulations on your engagement.” Thomas answered warily.
“Thank you and there’s no need to look so apprehensive. My fiancé is a lovely, young woman. Nothing like my cousin Walter described.” With a dismissive nod, Garth turned strode into his study and quietly closed the door behind him. He was in a blistering rage. He breathed deeply trying to calm himself down before he went off to face his future father-in-law. He suspected by the afternoon he’d have his nasty, holier-than-though aunt calling on his doorstep and would sour the rest of his day.
The woman would be demanding he give up his fiancé just as her sniveling son tried to. Well, they could both go to hell. For years he’d suffered their constant verbal abuse, their disparaging remarks and loathing. A sneer twisted his mouth, it was time he cut all ties with the both of them. They could sink or swim for all he cared, from now on they wouldn’t be receiving the monthly allowance he paid them. Every few months their greed increased and more fool him, he only paid because he’d promised his dying father to take care of them.
Well not anymore, not after everything he had discovered today. They were going to have to find the money to pay for their over inflated lifestyle, hell, they lived better than he did, they certainly spent more than he did. With a shake of his head in disgust, he went behind the desk, gathering up the documents and tucked them in the inside pocket of his jacket. He was now ready for his next confrontation and he didn’t think it was going to be any pleasanter than his last one. After it was over he’d take his fiancé out for a walk and they would discuss the date of their wedding and become better acquainted.
Chapter Three
Seated at the breakfast table, Laura looked up as her father and aunt came into the room. From their glaring disapproval, she could only assume she was going to be in for another round of insulting remarks about her behavior and conduct. She gave a dismissive tip of her shoulders. After so many years she was immune to their disparaging comments, but when they started slurring her mother it was another matter entirely. Today though, she had no intentions of letting them anger her. She plastered a bright smile on her face when they sat down. “Good morning. It’s such a lovely day, don’t you agree?”
“How can you be so happy and sit there and discuss the weather after not only ruining your reputation, but your chance to have a decent husband? Don’t you have any remorse, you ungrateful child?” Ruth glared furiously at her niece.
After sipping from her cup of tea, Laura placed it back down on the saucer. “I didn’t ruin my reputation. I did nothing more than seal my betrothal with a kiss.”
“Damn it, daughter.” David thumped his fist down on the table and set the dishes rattling. “You were caught in a compromising situation with a rake when you were about to be engaged to another man.”
“At the time I didn’t know I was about to be engaged to someone else. No one mentioned it to me. You wanted me to find a husband and I did. You’re just angry because it’s not the one you wanted and it’s too late now. I’m sure just about everyone at the ball last night knows I’m betrothed to lord Brookes.” Leaning back in her chair, she saw her father spluttering with outrage, but before he could say anything the butler arrived to announce they had a visitor and she had to smother her groan when the man stalked into the room.
“Please forgive my calling so early, but I came as soon as I heard the deplorable news. I hope it’s not true and Lady Laura you didn’t let my fiend of a cousin seduce you. I couldn’t bear the thought that he compromised you, my dear. I’ll call him out if he did.” Walter had been livid when his mother told him that the woman he’d been planning to marry had been caught with his cousin alone in a room. He was even more outraged after speaking to the despicable reprobate.
David rose up out of his chair. “I’m sorry, Lord Brown, but I’m afraid it’s true. The foolish chit was found in the blighter’s arms by half a dozen people. She’s say they’ve been seeing each other secretly since the first week we arrived in London.”
Scowling, Walter couldn’t believe what he was hearing, the blasted woman and his cousin had been secretly seeing each other that long. “When, how?”
“We met by accident and we meet every day.” Laura could see lord Brown was fuming and was having difficulty keeping it contained.
“Every day! How could you let this happen, Lord Wilson? Have you no control over your wayward daughter?” Walter waved his hand in the air. “Well, it doesn’t matter I’m still willing to marry her. Between Mother and myself she’ll soon learn to act appropriately and do as she’s told.”
Before either her father or aunt could reply, Laura jumped to her feet and glared at the offensive lackwit. “I’m afraid you and your sainted mother won’t be teaching me anything, Lord Brown. If I wasn’t already engaged to wonderful man I wouldn’t accept your proposal if you went down on your knees and begged me.”
“That’s enough, Laura. You will apologize to lord Brown.” Ruth demanded.
Turning to her aunt, she smirked. “Why should I? After all it’s the truth. I have no intentions of ending my engagement to lord Brookes, nor do I intend to marry lord Brown just because you want me to.”
; “We’ll see about that, young lady. I intend to speak with my mother and she will make him withdraw his offer. When he does you’ll be engaged to me.” Walter informed them all in a tone that was filled with determination.
Her mouth turning up in distaste, Laura shook her head. “You’re delusional if you think I’d ever marry you. Even if my father agreed to the match I wouldn’t.”
“You’ll do as your told, daughter. I’ll wait to hear from you Lord Brown and when you return we’ll make the arrangements for the ceremony.” David nodded satisfied that everything was going to work out and disaster had been prevented.
With narrowed eyes filled with furious rage, Laura watched lord Brown grin confidently and stride out of the room. She turned to her father. “I don’t care what you say or do I will not marry that man.”
“Oh, yes you will. As your legal guardian I can marry you off to anyone I want. Come along Ruth and we’ll start making the arrangements for my daughter’s wedding. Best we have the deed done quickly before she can destroy any more of our plans.” David helped his sister out of the chair and they left the breakfast room.
In open mouth disbelief, Laura watched them leave. Her hands curled into tight fists of rage. There was something going on here, she was missing something, but for the life of her, she couldn’t think what it was. Why were her father and aunt so adamant that she wed lord Brown? What could the man be offering them? She sat back down to think. Would lord Brookes break the betrothal once he spoke to the man’s mother? She wasn’t certain. All she could do was pray he wouldn’t. It was becoming even more imperative that he didn’t.
If he ended it, she would have to find way to prevent herself being forced to wed lord Brown. If such a deplorable thing happened, she’d have to do something desperate before the ceremony. She started drumming her fingers on the table as she tried to think away out of this horrendous mess. If lord Brookes still agreed to be her fiancé instead of having a long engagement, they might have to marry quickly. She had a premonition if they didn’t, she’d end up being lord Brown’s wife by foul means and force. And her father and aunt would do nothing to stop it. Even when her mother was still alive, she’d always known that neither of them cared for her. She had never understood why, but after so many years, she no longer cared.
Cupid's Arrow Book One Bewitching The Earl Page 2