by Joanna Shupe
Their relationship hadn’t been romantic, though, at least not from her side. While he’d been in love with her, he planned to wait until her debut before declaring his feelings. The chance never arrived. At a ball one night, he overheard how she truly felt about him and he’d left early, setting forth a chain of events that would change his life.
Kit still appeared fascinated by whatever was happening on the ground. “I’m almost jealous. Look at some of these gorgeous ladies. How will you choose?”
Kit was one of Harrison’s closest friends, along with Preston Clarke and Forrest Ripley. Four rebellious outcasts of society families who became like brothers in college. He clapped the other man on the shoulder. “Glad you’re here, Kit.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. You, wooing a bride? That I must see firsthand.”
“You have seen me woo plenty of women.”
“Indeed, I have. What a grand time we had in Paris.”
It had been fun—drinking, gambling and cavorting like men possessed. “We certainly did.”
“God knows, after meeting Esmée I can understand why you never wanted to leave.”
Esmée had been Harrison’s mistress in Paris for almost two years. Vivacious and beautiful, Esmée had appetites that matched his own, and her sharp wit made her the perfect companion. There had been deep affection but no love between them. Whatever heart Harrison possessed had long been given over to Maddie, even if she didn’t realize it. “She called you the American wolf,” he said.
“She was not wrong,” Kit said with a chuckle. “However, I still don’t understand why your mother is anxious for you to marry.”
Harrison decided on the truth. “They’re broke.”
“Who?”
“My family.”
Kit’s head swiveled, his expression disbelieving. “Are you joking?”
“I am not. My father lost everything after the Panic. Thomas can keep them afloat for just a few more months.”
“And you must save them by marrying an heiress.” Kit’s gaze sharpened. “It’s not like you to save them. What are you up to?”
“I plan on ruining them.”
“Fucking hell. That’s why you need an heiress.”
Harrison didn’t bother correcting his friend. Admitting he had money would lead to explaining why he needed this house party—and Harrison was not ready to tell anyone of his plans for Maddie.
“Does anyone know?” Kit asked.
“No.”
“Not even Maddie?”
“I haven’t spoken to her since we played tennis the other morning. She’d call a halt to the house party if she knew.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. Jesus, no wonder you need an heiress quickly. Now I’m even more glad I came.”
They both turned back to the window, lost in their own thoughts for a moment.
“Good God,” Kit said suddenly. “Look at Red Dress down there. Bold thing, isn’t she?”
A woman in a red silk day dress had emerged from a carriage, her face obscured by a wide hat. An older lady trailed her, wringing her hands and speaking, looking as if she were almost pleading with the younger woman. Red Dress waved off whatever was being said and turned to the footman attending to the luggage. Whatever the young woman said made the footman’s face go up in flames.
“Well, well.” Kit clapped Harrison on the shoulder. “I think we have our first contender.”
“For a partner to warm your bed?”
“No, idiot. For your bride. That one is a bold mystery wrapped in delicate silk and lace.”
“That is your type,” Harrison said. “Not mine.”
The door opened after a brief knock. Maddie’s face appeared in the crack, her eyes narrowed to slits. “I knew I saw your shadows in the glass. Stop watching them. You are looming up here like a pair of unseemly specters.”
“Boo.” Kit waved his fingers dramatically.
“I am serious.” Maddie came in, and the door snapped shut behind her. She wore a cream dress with blue stripes, and Harrison tried not to notice the way the cloth hugged her curves as she moved—more curves than she’d possessed three years ago. She put her hands on her hips. “This is terrible of you both, making assumptions about them based on how they look. Harrison must get to know their personalities for this to work.”
“Which I will do over the next several days,” he said.
“Who was the woman in red?” Kit asked. “The one who just arrived.”
Maddie huffed in frustration. “This is exactly what I am talking about—and I am not telling you. Figure it out for yourselves.”
“Oh, he will,” Harrison murmured.
“You two are revolting. How would it feel if you were attending an important event and a pair of women were up here ogling you as you arrived?”
Harrison shrugged. “Wouldn’t bother me.”
“I’d like it,” Kit said. “I’d preen a bit, give them a proper show.”
“God, you are both hopeless.” Grabbing their elbows, she dragged them away from the window. “My friends are not here to entertain you. This is very serious for them. A girl’s worth in this world is determined by the match she makes. I won’t have you mistreating them or causing them discomfort.”
That comment gave Harrison pause. Was that why Maddie allowed the duke to court her, to prove her worth? It seemed unlikely, considering she was one of high society’s most popular girls. She could have her pick of any eligible man, title or not. He tried to appear apologetic. “We shall be on our best behavior.”
“Don’t make promises on my behalf,” Kit said. “I am not the one looking to get married.”
Maddie pointed at Kit. “Do not seduce any of them. Not one. They are off-limits, Christopher.”
Harrison smothered a smile. Maddie was as fierce as ever, in command and unafraid. Some things never changed, he supposed.
She continued, “You two had best be kind to these ladies. This is serious, not a circus for your amusement. Have I made myself clear?”
“Clear as glass,” Harrison said. “Should we come down?”
“No, stick with the original plan. My father will take you both sailing today while the heiresses settle in. Then you’ll meet everyone before dinner during cocktails.”
“All right.” Harrison shoved his hands in his trouser pockets and tried not to think about how much he wanted to touch her. How much he wanted to test the softness of her skin, the silkiness of her hair. To make her sigh and moan.
Soon.
Maddie misinterpreted his reaction because she said, “Harrison, this will be fun. I know these women, and I swear you’ll like them. Well, at least one or two.”
Doubtful, not when he wanted only her. Still, she had gone to a tremendous amount of trouble on his behalf and he didn’t want her annoyed with him any longer. “I promise not to embarrass you. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
She headed for the door. “Good. Now I must return downstairs. Daddy will meet you at the boat at eleven. Do not be late—and I expect you to keep your word.” Maddie disappeared, the sound of her skirts rustling as she hurried down the corridor.
Kit wandered back toward the window. “Are you ready for this?”
Harrison stared at the spot where Maddie had been, the scent of her—lavender and sunshine—lingering in his nostrils. “Indeed, I have never been more ready.”
Maddie glanced at the empty doorway for what seemed like the hundredth time. Where on earth was that dashed man? Everyone save Kit and Harrison was already there, even her father. The trio had gone sailing this afternoon, so she knew the boat hadn’t capsized. What was the delay?
The heiresses were mingling and laughing in the salon. No one appeared to care about the late arrivals except for her. But only twenty minutes remained for conversing before dinner was served. Perhaps a visit to Harrison’s room was in order to find out what was taking so long.
Mama appeared from nowhere to block Maddie’s path. “Where are you going?
We have a room full of guests.”
“I want to move Harrison along. He is late and it is embarrassing.”
“Nonsense. No one has even noticed.” Mama gestured to the room of chattering guests. “You are just impatient, worried about your schedule. Furthermore, you cannot go barreling into his room. You aren’t children any longer. Now relax and have a glass of champagne.”
“I would knock first—and he is being rude. We need to get this under way.”
Mama sipped her drink. “He is not being rude. He is acting like a young man forced to marry so his family doesn’t cut him off. For heaven’s sake, give the boy a chance to breathe.”
“You always took his side, even when we were younger.”
“I admit, I have a soft spot for him. I never cared for his family.”
Maddie, either. The Archers were truly the worst. Their parents had given Harrison’s older brother, Thomas, every advantage. The best boarding schools, holidays traveling the globe, extravagant Christmas gifts. While Harrison had been tutored at home and given books and journals, things to make him “sit still,” in his father’s words.
His parents had done everything possible to crush his spirit. It hadn’t worked. All their cruelty had accomplished was solidifying a deep-seated hatred for his family.
“Besides,” her mother continued. “I always knew the person responsible for the trouble you two caused—and it wasn’t him.”
“I was a perfectly behaved child.”
Mama snorted, somehow making it elegant. “That is what you’d like everyone to believe, I’m sure. Let’s hope the duke never hears of your—”
Movement in the drawing room doorway caught Maddie’s attention.
Finally.
Harrison and Kit stood there, overlooking the scene. “Excuse me,” she said to her mother and rushed to greet them.
Tall and fit, the two men were quite handsome in their black evening clothes. Harrison had tamed his hair with a bit of oil, which made it appear darker, setting off his sun-kissed skin and rugged jaw. His mouth hitched in a half grin when he saw her approach, and her insides fluttered. She quashed the silly reaction.
Stop. It’s just Harrison.
“About time,” she said when she reached them. Then the smell of whiskey hit her nose. “Good God. You’re drunk.”
“Kit is drunk,” Harrison corrected. “I am only half-drunk.”
“It’s your father’s fault,” Kit said. “We merely tried to keep up with him.”
Irritation swept along the nape of her neck, burning her skin. They hadn’t even begun and nothing was going according to plan. “This is hardly the ideal first impression for your future bride, Harrison. What will she think?”
“That I have a higher tolerance for spirits than Kit?”
Kit snickered but Maddie merely glared at Harrison, her annoyance multiplying. “You are not amusing.”
His grin turned positively wicked. “Admit it, I am a tiny bit amusing.”
“Are you even taking this seriously?”
“Of course I am. Lead on. Let’s meet these friends of yours.”
She took Harrison’s arm. “Kit, stay out of trouble and remember what I said. These ladies are off-limits. Come along, Harrison.”
They started across the room, and he dipped his head toward hers. “Don’t be angry, Mads. I cannot stand when you’re angry with me.”
Her heart thumped and skipped in her chest, and she instantly wished to kick herself for the reaction. He doesn’t mean anything by it. He hadn’t given her a second thought after he left—and she couldn’t forget that.
“Maddie, are you ill?” Her friend Lydia Hartwell touched her arm. “You look flushed.”
The Hartwells owned most of Montana, and Lydia was good fun, with a solid head on her shoulders. Harrison could do a lot worse. Maddie quickly performed the introductions to Lydia and her mother.
Harrison bowed. “Miss Hartwell. Mrs. Hartwell. A pleasure.”
“Mr. Archer,” Lydia said. “It is nice to finally meet you. Maddie has told me so much about you.”
“All of it good, I hope.”
Lydia brought a hand up to partially cover her mouth, as if sharing a secret. “She said you are the one who taught her to ride without a sidesaddle.”
“Indeed, I did. Do you ride?”
“I grew up in Montana. I could ride before I could walk.”
Mrs. Hartwell stepped closer to Maddie, angling the two of them away from everyone else. “Tell it to me straight,” the older woman said under her breath. “Is he diseased? Did he pick up the French pox over there?”
Maddie’s mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon?”
“Is he broke? Divorced? Illegitimate? There has to be something wrong with him. What is it?”
Maddie should have known that some of the mothers would question the motives of a hasty marriage. Most were too polite to ask it outright, but Mrs. Hartwell never stood on ceremony—one of the many reasons Maddie liked the Hartwell women. “Nothing is wrong with him. He returned from Paris to find a wife and I decided to help him.”
“Balderdash. I know something’s afoot.” Mrs. Hartwell tapped her nose. “I was raised on a farm and we know when we smell something off.”
Maddie shook her head. “Why on earth would I invite you here to meet him if I did not believe he was a good man?”
“I have no idea, but my Lydia won’t marry any bounder.”
“We’ve been friends since childhood and I can firmly say that Harrison is not a bounder.”
“Really? Because I’m told he fathered two bastards with his French mistress.”
Pain lanced through Maddie’s chest, making it hard to breathe. Mistress? Children? The room tilted, her mind reeling. It couldn’t be true. Someone—Kit or Preston, at least—would have mentioned it to her. That was too big a secret to keep, wasn’t it?
She fought to appear more dismissive than she felt. “Utterly untrue. I never heard that.”
“Well, you are fortunate to have landed your duke,” Mrs. Hartwell was saying. “And such a fine one, too.”
“It is not yet official,” Maddie mumbled, though her brain was still tumbling over the idea of Harrison fathering children with a mistress.
“Only a matter of time, from what I hear. You’re very lucky. Lockwood was the finest prospect this season.”
Precisely why Maddie had set her cap for him. She was not accustomed to settling for second-best in anything.
She smiled politely at the other woman. “I certainly thought so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should probably continue the introductions.”
“Doesn’t appear necessary. Seems he’s carried on without you.”
Maddie glanced over her shoulder. Harrison and Kit were in the center of the room, surrounded by young women, with the mothers observing from a few feet away. The men were obviously telling a story, their hands moving, expressions quite animated, and the heiresses were rapt. “Indeed, it seems he has,” she murmured.
Chapter Four
Maddie sat next to Kit for dinner, but she covertly watched Harrison as he entertained the group at her mother’s end. And it was working. The heiresses nearby—two banking and one railroad—made calf eyes at him, thoroughly entranced.
Maddie signaled to the footman for more wine.
“Something wrong?” Kit asked from her left side. She had purposely seated him next to her in the middle of the table.
“No. Why?”
“For starters, I’ve never seen you have more than one glass of wine at dinner.”
“Perhaps I am taking up after you and Harrison.” Though Kit hardly seemed inebriated any longer. He had been clear-eyed and steady since they’d arrived in the dining room. She lifted her now-full glass and swallowed a mouthful.
“Does this bother you?” Kit tilted his chin toward Harrison.
“What? Dinner?”
“Watching Harrison around other women.”
“Of course not,” she sai
d instantly. “It is the entire reason for the house party.” The question of Harrison’s illegitimate children burned on her tongue, but it was hardly proper dinner conversation.
“Good. That would certainly complicate things, with your pending engagement and all.”
Right. Lockwood. She was being ridiculous. Harrison would choose one of these women to marry and Maddie would sail off to England as a duchess.
Ignore what is happening at the end of the table.
She focused on Kit. “Have you discovered your lady in red?”
“No. Any chance you’ll give me her identity?”
“None.” She knew, of course, but it was too much fun to torture him.
“I think it’s the blonde fourth down from Harrison.”
He studied her face but she gave nothing away. “Interesting.”
“Dash it, Maddie.” The older woman on Kit’s left gasped, and he quickly shifted to apologize for his language.
Stifling a laugh, Maddie glanced at the young woman on her right, a shy shipping heiress from Boston. “Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Lusk?”
“Indeed, I am,” Alice Lusk said as she cut into a roasted parsnip. “Though I’m not very good at making conversation with men my age. You seem to excel at it.”
“There is not much to it. Men are interested in simple things. Food, sports, horses . . . and Mr. Archer likes all of those, if you find yourself at a loss for conversation.”
Alice heaved out a sigh. “I almost didn’t come, I was so anxious. But my mother insisted.”
Maddie had never liked Mrs. Lusk, who took every opportunity to inform her daughter of her supposed faults. This was the precise reason Maddie had seated Mrs. Lusk away from Alice at tonight’s dinner. “You’ll do fine. Harrison is—was—my closest friend and he’s a good man. No matter what happens here or in the coming months, you will end up with a wonderful husband who deserves you.”
“I’ve had two seasons,” Alice said, color staining her cheeks. “Mother says I may have to take what I can get.”
“Nonsense.”
