Lord Castleford's Fortunate Folly (Fortunes 0f Fate Book 2)

by Tabetha Waite

  “Are you ready to tell me what’s bothering you?”

  Fanny glanced over at Lord Castleford, who was eyeing her steadily from across the slight expanse of the carriage, his hands resting on his thighs. His hat was sitting on the seat beside him and a lock of dark hair threatened to fall over his forehead. This only angered Fanny further, for not only did he suddenly act like the arrogant son of an earl, he looked the part.

  She lifted her chin. “I don’t think you want me to answer that.”

  “Actually, I do,” he countered. “I thought we were having a perfectly pleasant afternoon, but you haven’t been the same since we left the inn.”

  “You might not like what you hear.”

  “I’m sure I’ve heard worse,” he countered dryly.

  Fanny took a deep breath. “Very well.” He asked for it. “It honestly sickens me how you are opening that mine to pretend as though you are doing something honorable, and only then on the ramblings of a fortune teller from a traveling fair. Have you even stopped to realize the struggle those people have to endure on a daily basis?” She paused, her voice vibrating with anger. “Do you even care about anything other than your own, selfish desires?”

  She eyed the man across from her, expecting him to deny her accusations, or to hurl his own insults at her, but he merely clenched his jaw. His green eyes glittered like emeralds, and while she waited for the inevitable explosion, it never came. Instead, when he finally did reply, it was so much worse. In truth, she would have rather he shouted and railed at her, instead of speaking in such a cold, distant manner.

  “I see that you have me all figured out, Miss Grouseman.” Every word he said was carefully pronounced. “But what you’ve failed to deduce is that, in fact, I do care about those less fortunate than myself. I have brought up several issues in London regarding the poor living conditions in the East End.”

  He smiled, but it was without a touch of warmth. The indolent rake had returned. “However, since you would not know about of any of these things, I will allow your slight on my character to be atoned to ignorance, as well as your obvious prejudice against someone with a few more advantages than yourself. And while I will further admit that Cornwall was not on my list of places to visit without due provocation, I have decided to make the best of it since I am here. I’m sure that, given your hostile view of my intentions, you will continue to doubt my sincerity, but rest assured, your opinion, or that of my father, will continue to elude my conscience, as it is clear of guilt or remorse.”

  He tapped his knuckles on the roof of the carriage, causing it to slow to a halt. “Now, if you will excuse me, I will remove my undesirable presence.”

  With that, he swung down to the ground.

  Lady Marwood’s ladies’ maid entered moments later with a wide-eyed expression. “Gor, what did ye say to Lord Castleford? He looks nigh on murderous.”

  For answer, Fanny just burst into tears.

  ***

  Jonathan tried to harden himself to the sight of Fanny’s red-rimmed eyes as she hastily exited the carriage and disappeared inside her family’s cottage upon their return to the village. But as much as he wanted to cling to his irritation, he had to admit that there was a certain amount of truth to her accusations. When he left London a week ago, he had been a rather insouciant rogue with little care for anyone but himself.

  But the moment he arrived in Cornwall his entire way of thinking had begun to shift. Even if he hadn’t met that mysterious fortune teller, the moment Fanny Grouseman had literally fallen at his feet, he’d felt…different.

  No doubt his father would be highly amused at this turn of events. Then again, he had never given Jonathan much thought beyond the occasional rant about mending his roguish ways. The earl had his perfect son at his side — his heir, Edward — the one he had always been able to depend upon. So what use did he have for the spare?

  Jonathan shook his head. He would not travel this path again. He had been down it too many times. The past was gone and should be forgotten.

  And the present — as well as Miss Grouseman — along with it.

  The moment he returned to Killigarth Manor, his dark mood must have been mirrored on his expression, for Elliot caught sight of him in the foyer and winced. “Was it that bad?”

  Jonathan began to reply that Fanny was just as sharp-tongued as she was beautiful, but then he stopped himself before he did so, realizing that his friend was speaking of the mine and not some irritating female.

  “Actually, Mr. Santon assured me that things are going rather well, considering the shape the mine had been in. Apparently, the worse was only on the surface. Underground, there is a wealth of clay to be had.”

  Elliot grinned. “Well that is certainly wonderful news! You shall make a tidy return on your investment while giving work to the people of St. Austell. Although it makes me wonder what has caused such a glower on your face.”

  “A rather insufferable lady, to be sure,” Jonathan ran a hand through his hair. “I need a drink.”

  “Naturally,” Elliot returned dryly. “When it comes to the fairer sex, we usually do.”

  ***

  “Fanny! Have you heard anything I’ve said?”

  Her mother’s sharp voice cut through Fanny’s reverie, causing her to sit up straighter in her chair in the dining room, where she’d been staring outside, lost in her thoughts. She was supposed to be helping prepare dinner, but the carrots for the stew were still sitting in front of her, sadly uncut. Even they seemed to be accusing her of prejudice. At least her sisters were gone to the market where they couldn’t ask her any more incessant questions about her day with Lord Castleford. “I’m sorry, Mama,” she returned with a heavy sigh.

  Mrs. Grouseman shook her head. “I daresay I don’t know what has come over you. You’ve walked around this house in a daze ever since your outing with Lord Castleford yesterday, and now you refuse to attend him any longer.”

  Fanny shrugged. “I simply didn’t see any reason to continue the lessons since he doesn’t appear to suspect anything.”

  “He may not — yet,” her mother countered, as she sat down in the chair across from her. “You know that the threat of discovery is still very real. We can’t take any chances.” Taking Fanny’s hands in her own, she eyed her steadily. “What exactly happened when you went to St. Austell with Lord Castleford? Did he do something… untoward?”

  Fanny hesitated. She wanted to lie and tell her mother that he was a rake, for if she did she knew the matter would cease, but she could not portray Jonathan in such a dark light when there was no truth to it. “No. He was a perfect gentleman.”

  “Then what is the problem, Fanny? Why have you severed your association with him so abruptly?” She paused. “Are you starting to have feelings for him?”

  Fanny turned away from her mother’s perceptive stare. This was the question she had been dreading, for how did she answer it? Could this mess of emotions inside of her be attributed to something deeper than guilt?

  She let her head fall into her hands. “I… don’t know.”

  Her mother squeezed her arm. “In that case, don’t you think you should make sure where your heart lies, instead of ignoring it entirely?”

  “What good would that do?” Fanny stood abruptly and began to pace the room. “You know Lord Castleford is not suited to life in Cornwall, nor would he be content with a woman like me.”

  “And what does that mean?” her mother countered. “Surely you’re not suggesting that you aren’t good enough for him?”

  Fanny swallowed. “He’s the son of an earl and accustomed to the city, whereas I haven’t even been to London. I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to act in polite society.”

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Fanny. If Lord Castleford cares for you as much as you seem to care for him, the rest will fall into place.”

  She picked at a stray string on the cuff of her dress. “It doesn’t matter any longer. I… misjudged him ter
ribly, and I fear he won’t speak to me.”

  “And he won’t,” her mother agreed. “Unless you give him a chance. Try to talk to him. It sounds as if you owe him that, at least.”

  With a kind smile, her mother walked back to the stove, leaving Fanny to consider her words. Moments later, she gave a sigh and grabbed her bonnet and pelisse from a hook near the door.

  ***

  Nearly a quarter of an hour later, as Fanny was walking the road to the manor, she heard the steady drum of hoof beats behind her. She turned around to see a gentleman reining his mount to a halt. The sun temporarily blinded her, and for a moment, her heart began to race, thinking that it might be Lord Castleford. But as the man tipped his hat to her, his identity became clear.

  She stiffened as he offered a wide grin.

  “Miss Grouseman, is it?”

  While some might consider Mr. Robert Linneman charming, or even handsome, with his strong jaw and aristocratic features, especially her youngest sister, Agnes, Fanny had never particularly cared for him. Not only was he a revenue officer sent to patrol the area for smugglers, but he had a certain manner about him that made her uneasy.

  “Indeed, sir,” she offered the briefest of curtsies. “If you’ll excuse me—”

  She turned to go, but he rode up beside her. “Might I give you a lift to your destination?”

  Fanny shook her head. “No, thank you. It’s a lovely day, and I prefer to walk.”

  “A lady who enjoys fresh air and a bit of exercise,” he murmured. “I like that.”

  She didn’t reply, just kept walking. She hoped that he might take the hint and leave. Instead, she heard the saddle creak as he dismounted.

  His presence became tangible as he walked up alongside her, leading his horse. “I believe I’ll join you for a bit, if you don’t mind.”

  Fanny offered him a tight smile, for she couldn’t very well refuse without appearing rude, and if there was one man whom she might do her best to distract from what would be transpiring on Saturday night, less than a week from now, it was Mr. Linneman. He was the largest danger to Polperro — and her father.

  “Where might you be going on such a pleasant afternoon?” he asked politely enough, but she heard the edge to his voice. No doubt he was growing annoyed that his time in Cornwall had yielded no arrests after nearly three months.

  She yearned to tell him to mind his own business, but she reluctantly admitted, “I was on my way to Killigarth Manor.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Indeed. I wasn’t aware you were on such intimate terms with Sir and Lady Marwood.”

  “It’s actually Lord Castleford that I mean to call upon. He’s been giving me a few dance lessons in preparation for the ball.”

  He eyes slowly raked over her form, causing Fanny to feel as if she was exposed, even though she was fully clothed. “I can’t imagine you should need any assistance with the waltz, but if you are need of tutoring, I would be more than happy to help—”

  “Surely you don’t mean to imply that Lord Castleford’s abilities are lacking, Mr. Linneman,” Fanny interrupted sharply.

  His mouth twisted upward into the semblance of a smile, although his gaze lacked any humor. “On the contrary, Miss Grouseman. I was only offering my services in case Lord Castleford became occupied with more pressing matters.”

  “That is very kind, but quite unnecessary, I assure you,” Fanny returned evenly.

  “Are you sure you won’t reconsider?” He stroked his hand down her arm, causing her to shiver in revulsion. “I would consider it an honor to teach you, Miss Grouseman.”

  “Again, I must decline, Mr. Linneman. Now, if you will excuse me, the hour grows late, and I really must be on my way.”

  But when Fanny tried to quicken her pace, he grabbed her arm.

  She stared daggers at him. “Unhand me this instant,” she said firmly.

  In reply, he dared to step closer. “Or what? You’ll scream?” he nearly purred in challenge. “This stretch of road is rather deserted. Who do you think might come to your aid?”

  “You dare to threaten me?” she returned, trying to keep her sudden panic at bay.

  “On the contrary,” his eyes were direct and held a touch of malice. “I merely require a bit of information, which I feel you are able to provide.”

  His grip tightened at her elbow, and he began to lead her away from the road. The air in Fanny’s lungs grew tight. She didn’t think Mr. Linneman was the type of man who might accost a female in the middle of the day, but she wouldn’t put anything past him.

  When she heard the sound of an approaching rider, she sighed in relief, for Mr. Linneman paused. Fanny didn’t care if it was Mr. Thackery, the least liked man in the village for he was known to mistreat his wife, she would insist on going with him for she knew her chances of survival were greater.

  As a gentleman in a black greatcoat came into view, he noted their presence and reined in not ten feet away. His horse snorted at the delay, while the man sitting atop the mount observed them with a glittering, green gaze — particularly the hand clutching Fanny’s arm. “Is there a problem here?” Lord Castleford asked smoothly.

  Robert slowly relaxed his grip before allowing it to fall to his side. He glanced at his opponent with an arrogant expression. “Naturally not, my lord, the lady and I were just conversing.”

  Jonathan dismissed him as his eyes shifted to Fanny. “Is that true?”

  Fanny gave a stiff nod. She didn’t wish to make an enemy of Mr. Linneman at this point. “Yes.” Then again, she didn’t want to encourage his attentions either. “However, Mr. Linneman was just leaving.”

  Robert shot her a dark look, but he tipped his hat in farewell, his lips lifting in the corners with a decided promise of retaliation.

  Fanny put a hand to her stomach and watched him disappear in a cloud of dust. She was afraid she’d just made a terrible mistake, but there was nothing for it now but to accept the consequences.

  “It’s not wise to keep company with a man like that, Miss Grouseman.”

  Fanny turned to face Jonathan. “I was doing no such thing. I was merely out for a walk when he came upon me and invited himself.”

  He glanced behind her where the village of Polperro lay in the distance. A frown touched his brow. “It can be dangerous to wander so far alone when there are dishonorable men like that lurking about.” His eyes lit on her once more. “Why did you not take the carriage?”

  She hesitated. “Walking helps me to think.”

  “I see.” He crossed his arms over the pummel of the saddle. “And what might you be pondering so strongly?”

  “Actually,” she watched him steadily. “It was you.”

  “Indeed?” If possible, his eyes seemed to grow even brighter.

  “Yes. I… wanted to apologize.” She glanced down at the ground, finding it easier to confess when she wasn’t looking directly into those mesmerizing green orbs. “I was out of line yesterday. I said some things that I had no right to say. I was on my way to Killigarth Manor to see you in the hope that we might repair our friendship.”

  When he remained silent, she dared to glance up to gauge his reaction. She nearly gasped, for his face held desire, pure and raw. “You are not the only one who spoke out of turn, Miss Grouseman,” he returned huskily. “And while I humbly accept your apology and beg you to accept mine in return, I fear that friendship is no longer an option between us.”

  Fanny swallowed heavily with disappointment. At least they wouldn’t be parting on ill terms. She would simply have to content herself with that.

  But just when she was starting to convince herself that he wished to remain distant, he dismounted and walked over to her.

  He reached out and took her face in his hands, and then he kissed her soundly on the lips.

  Chapter Eight

  Jonathan was sure that he’d never tasted anything as sweet as Fanny as his mouth moved over hers. He had denied himself of her for too long. While in London, he had kept h
is liaisons temporary to ensure nothing ever went further than the bedchamber. But he was starting to find that Fanny was different from the rest, and curiously… refreshing.

  When he’d sat in Elliot’s study the day before, sipping on a brandy, he realized that no one had ever challenged him like Miss Grouseman.

  As he reluctantly pulled back from her now, those dark eyes slowly opened on a swirling mix of desire and pleasure. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to keep her in his arms.

  Perhaps forever.

  It was a sentiment that was completely foreign to him, and one that was particularly disturbing. He should be retaining his distance, and yet he hadn’t liked the sight of that revenue officer’s hands on her either. Not. One. Bit.

  Until he could figure out what it was he wanted, for now, he was content to look into that lovely face. He tucked a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear with a gentle smile. “You didn’t show up for your dance lesson today.”

  She colored adorably. “I wasn’t sure if I would be… welcome.”

  “I think I just proved that you are.” He crooked his arm to her. “Shall we resume?”

  Fanny hesitated before she accepted his offering. “I shouldn’t wish to detain you if you were heading somewhere.”

  His grin widened. “The reason is already here.”

  The blush that had touched her cheeks blossomed, causing his chest to constrict with something foreign, something rather… pleasant.

  Without a word, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her onto his saddle before he climbed on behind her. He heard her gasp lightly as his arms encircled her waist to grab the reins. Feeling entirely too wicked, he allowed his forearm to brush the side of her breast. He was rewarded with a sharp inhale.