by Tamara Gill
Liam smirked and Callum had the urge to knock him onto his pompous ass. If it were not for where they were, it was exactly where the high-handed miscreant would’ve ended. “Grandmother wanted me to ask, and so I have. I can see you still harbor bad feelings toward them all.”
A simmering anger sparked into a flaming temper and Callum fought not to hit him and be dammed where they were. “Grandmother made it perfectly clear, when I came into the title, what they thought of me and my family.” Arndel procured another glass of whisky from a passing footman, downing it in one swallow. “Why are you here, Liam? I certainly do not care for your presence, nor do Lady Alice or Lady Victoria, whom you seem so overwhelmed with. Why don’t you go back to Yorkshire and work on our family kissing your nether regions some more. You’re wasting your time here with me.”
Liam quirked his lips, laughing, and Callum gnashed his teeth. “I shall return soon enough. Perhaps with the delectable Lady Alice on my arm. She is a pretty one, if I may be so bold. Victoria is comely, too, but there is a wildness about Lady Alice that I find most pleasing. I believe she would be a bed mate to rival the best courtesans in London.”
“Watch your bloody mouth. I won’t have you speaking about either woman in such a disrespectful manner.” He looked about, thankful no one was listening. The two ladies were the best of women, always looking out for those less fortunate than themselves. God damn it, they had saved his neck from meeting the hangman’s noose. They had not had to, but had done so, if only for his daughter.
“Ho. Ho. Ho,” Liam said, holding up his hands in surrender. “Why so protective?” The man studied him a moment, before his face cleared with enlightenment. “Ah, so it would seem my older cousin likes one of the Worthingham girls. Oh, how jolly this will make Grandmother. It actually may make her view you more favorably, if you were to marry a woman of such high rank.”
“I will do no such thing, and I would appreciate you not speaking about my life, or those around me, to a family I care nothing about.” And never would, not after how they had cut his mother off without a penny to her name. A woman without family had not an easy life.
Liam grinned. “Give over and tell me what’s going on between you and Lady Alice. I would hate to impinge on your understanding, if there is one.”
Arndel fisted his hands at his sides. “I can assure you there is nothing going on, or ever will be, between Lady Alice Worthingham and myself.” Not that he didn’t wish for there to be. Already, not an hour since he’d held her in his arms, he again wished to hold her, watch her eyes darken with need, whisper his name on her lips. Alice had haunted his dreams for months, and now, after what they’d done tonight, his dreams would be nightmares. With every waking moment, she heated his blood in more ways than he ever thought possible, and that he respected and admired her made the emotion all the more fierce.
“Really,” Liam replied, disbelief painting his tone. “From the impassioned looks that are passing between the two of you, something is.” His cousin tapped his chin. “I wonder if it has anything to do with when you disappeared at supper, along with the delectable Lady Alice. I hope you’ve been behaving yourself, my lord. The family would dislike it very much if you fathered another child out of wedlock.”
“Amelia is no bastard, and should you state such a fact again, I’ll bloody your nose here and now.”
Liam shrugged. “Does Lady Alice even know you’re a father, that you were married before? That you killed your wife?”
Callum shook his head, unable to comprehend how vindictive his cousin was. “Maria’s death was no one’s fault, not mine or hers. How dare you insinuate such a thing to me, and not even in the privacy of my home, but at a ball being hosted in my honor. But then,” he said, scoffing, “I know why you’re being such an ass here and not at Kester House. You’re a coward. A man who prefers to hide behind the skirts of the women present, in the hopes that I will not strike you down for such insolence. Don’t be fooled, Cousin. Push me far enough, and I will hit you no matter where I stand.”
“As I said, I was merely curious as to what lies you’ve spread across the county.”
Callum took a calming breath, thankful the bastard standing beside him did not know of the Surrey Bandit and his association with the criminal.
“I must admit, I’m looking forward to the Season now. To think I shall be able to court the Worthingham women in London in only a few weeks makes the long journey from Yorkshire worth it.”
“I’m sure they’ll look upon the opportunity differently.”
“They are getting up in age, though, don’t you agree? There are certainly smile lines at the edge of both their eyes, but what’s that, when such a large dowry comes associated with the chits.”
“Neither woman would ever marry you. You’re a fool, if you think otherwise.” Callum tried to breathe through the simmering anger that roiled inside him. His cousin was baiting him on purpose, had done so for as long as he’d known him.
Due to the fact they had both grown up in the north, Callum had known his relatives who lived in the great house only five miles from home. He’d gone there as a boy once when his mama’s sister had married the Baronet Sledmere, and he’d never forgotten the cruelty of the baronet, or the nasty son from the man’s first wife, who had looked down on them as beggars in the street. The pain inflicted on his dear mama that day had made Callum realize he’d never seek out the family or fight for their acceptance. And when, as fate would have it, he’d unexpectedly inherited the estate, he’d taken what was theirs and never looked back.
“They would, if I charmed them. There are not many who would not. You’re the fool, if you think otherwise.”
“Why are you here, Sledmere? Cut the veritable dribble and tell me, so I may end this conversation and get the hell away from you.” His cousin grinned and Arndel wanted to smash the smile off his face.
“I hear the gentlemen you’re acquainted with in London grow impatient.”
Callum frowned. “Who grows impatient?” Dread pooled in his gut, and Callum had an inkling that what he was about to hear would not be to his liking. How did his cousin know?
“The debt our late cousin left the estate in is also partly mine.” Liam chuckled. “Poor old Robert, he really was a simpleton, always putting his finances on too high a regard than he ought. He offered to pick up some debts of mine from the moneylenders in the East End, had it added to his own. Stupid fool.”
“You bastard. I highly doubt you had the decency to pay back your debt before he died. I know I’ve never received a dime from you in relation to paying what is owed, so tell me, are you going to cough up the blunt, or leave it for me to pay back?”
Sir Liam took a sip of wine, nodding to a passing debutante who blushed furiously at the attention. “Our cousin was a fool and I never intended to pay back the debt. He owed me money and never paid it back. I merely thought it a means to equal the playing field.”
“But you’re happy to saddle me with your debt, along with his.”
“You inherited the estate and what was Robert’s is now yours, but I thought I should warn you, since we’re family, after all, that the men expect their payment by month’s end or they may visit you and your precious daughter in Surrey.”
A red haze dropped like a curtain before Callum and he sneered. “I have spoken to the gentleman you so kindly warn me of, and I informed them, as I will inform you, they shall have their blunt, but should they step one foot in my house, they will not be leaving it again, if you comprehend my meaning.”
His cousin bowed. “I comprehend you very well.”
“Ensure you do.” Callum walked away, lest he do something he would regret. He headed for the house’s main entrance, calling for his carriage as a footman came out to greet him. He would not stay and listen to another word from Liam, not under any circumstances. On the morrow, he would apologize to Her Grace for leaving early.
Watching as the carriage came to a halt before the doors, he stepped u
p into the vehicle and sighed in relief as he sank into the leather squabs. Restless fury coursed through him and the need to hit something, or do something strenuous and hard, consumed him.
The thought of the cottages entered his mind and he yelled out to the driver to head toward Ashford. There were a few chores that he could finish by the light of a candle, and it was well past midnight. In any case, morning would soon be here.
Callum leaned back against the seat, taking a deep calming breath, knowing that if he ever met with his cousin again, it would be too soon. The thought that Liam was somewhat responsible for the debt he now carried left him shaking with fury. How dare he come here and demand Callum pay the money as soon as may be, or else. Especially, when none of the financial woes he’d inherited were of his own doing.
It wasn’t to be borne, and he would die first before either of the Worthingham girls married anyone remotely similar to his bastard family member. After the reprieve they’d bestowed upon him, it was the least he could do.
Chapter Fifteen
Alice rose early the following morning, the restless night before made trying to get some sleep a moot point. Her dreams had been filled with the memory of Callum’s lips against hers. Of how he had pulled her hard against his flesh, making the ache between her legs unbearable. She wanted more.
So much more.
She cursed and pushed Juno into a faster gallop, needing to rid herself of the longing that bombarded her every thought, her everything. The feelings he evoked in her were not what she wanted. He was not what she wanted. All her life she’d prided herself on helping others in need, of being truthful and direct with anyone she met.
To want a man who’d stolen from her and others, and who had broken the trust of his peers, went against everything she believed in. His cutting remarks last season were nothing compared to his escapades as the Surrey Bandit. She could forgive him for being an ass, but a highwayman? A thief? She wasn’t so sure.
Damn Arndel and the emotions only he could arouse. It would take her weeks to get over what he’d introduced in the most scandalous and intoxicating way. That a man and woman, a husband and wife, could love one another in such a way, bring pleasure to the other by doing such things was something she’d never known about. Now that she did, well, she wanted to know what else his lordship could teach her, show her, bring forth in her. If only her conscience would allow it.
She slowed Juno as the outskirts of Ashford came into view, the sleepy village still dormant at this early hour. The birds had only just started to sing when she’d saddled her mount, not wanting to bother the young stable lad who only had Saturday mornings to visit his family.
Alice debated whether to go and check on the cottages, one in particular for which she’d recently received the bedding materials. Her mama had helped her pick what was most suitable for the families going into the homes. It would be one less task to do another day, if she called in now and finished off the rooms.
Being Saturday, no builders would be about, so she pushed her mount forward and cantered into town. Coming up to the first cottages, she was pleased that no one was around to see her attire, her breeches and riding jacket were not exactly deemed appropriate for a duke’s daughter, but in her unsettled mood, she’d seen no need to please others.
Riding around the back of the homes, Alice tied up Juno in the narrow alleyway, and pushed through a wooden gate into the courtyard each property came with.
Lifting a small brick beside the back door, she located the key and entered what would be the laundry that sat off the kitchen. Locking the door behind her, she left the key on the built-in kitchen table and headed upstairs, the smell of freshly cut timber, oils, and dust met her senses and she smiled. It was an odor she’d become used to, and it now represented change and progress—two things she loved most in the world.
Making the second-floor landing, she walked into what would be the parents’ bedroom and stopped. Her mouth opened and she snapped it shut before her shock was marked.
Lord Arndel stood and turned toward her, his own surprise at seeing her there clearly written across his features.
Alice didn’t know what to say, but her eyes certainly had a will of their own. Her attention snapped to his chest, his very shirtless chest, that shone with perspiration in the warm little room.
She’d never seen a man who was not her brother clothed such and the sight of him did odd things to her insides, left her lungs without air, and her lower belly somersaulting with nerves.
“Lady Alice.” He seemed to struggle for words. “What are you doing here?”
Alice walked over to the bed and picked up the paper packages stacked on the new straw-filled mattress. “I came to set up the room, as this cottage is almost complete. This room was cleaned last week and I wanted to check that everything had arrived that I needed to finish it off.”
He looked at the parcels and back to her. “I came here after the ball to finish off a few small jobs that required my attention. This room is indeed all set.”
“You haven’t slept?” she asked, wondering if he was as unsettled as she.
“I never tried, for I knew I would not.”
She nodded, knowing exactly how he felt. “Are you done with your work? I can leave, if you have more to do.”
“No, don’t go,” he said, holding out his hand to halt her. “I’m finished.”
Alice nodded, feeling awkward after what they’d done last evening with each other and now she wasn’t sure where that left them, or what was expected of her from this point forward, or if she wanted him to expect anything from her at all. It was all such a muddle.
Needing something to do, she started to untie the strings holding the paper packages together. “Did you want to help me with the linens? Unless you have somewhere else you’re supposed to be.”
“I can help you,” he said, coming to stand beside her, picking up another package and tearing it open. Alice smiled, noting how differently they went about their tasks, she with care, Lord Arndel with none whatsoever.
The linen was dark in color, as her mother had suggested for the working families. White cloth would never do in such households, and Alice studied it, liking the look of the fabric, even though it was nothing like what they had at home.
She walked to the other side of the bed and opened the bottom sheet, watching as Callum grappled to control his side of the bedding. “Tuck it under the straw mattress, the weight of the bed will hold it in place.”
He did as she instructed, walking over to the top sheet and copying her earlier action of throwing it over the bed. “I didn’t think a duke’s daughter would know how to make a bed.”
She grinned, throwing him a mischievous smile. “You would be surprised by what I know, my lord.”
“Callum, please. No one is here.”
Alice didn’t need the reminder of how very alone they were. The air all but shimmered between them with a magnetism that Alice was fighting with all her might. “Callum, then.” She smiled. “Mama thought we should know all about the running of a house, and there was a time when I was younger that I followed the maids about Dunsleigh, bothering them with questions and helping them with their chores. They tolerated me well enough, but I do think they were more than relieved when something else caught my attention.”
Arndel laughed, helping her with the woolen blankets that had also been posted up from London. “I can imagine you following about the maids, your golden hair in pigtails, your eyes bright with enthusiasm.”
He walked over to her, running a hand through her hair that had fallen down during her hasty ride earlier. “I think, should I have known you when we were children, I would’ve liked you, Alice Worthingham. Would’ve wanted to be your friend.”
Her heart beat in a rhythm that was beyond control, so much so Alice thought it may jump out of her chest. “And now? Do you like me now?” He moved closer still and her knees grew weak. She licked her lips, eyeing his naked chest that was too close, and y
et, not close enough.
“I do.”
The breath in her lungs expired. “I like you, too.” Her words were but a whisper, and even knowing all that she did of Callum, what she said was true. If anything, she liked him too much.
He stood before her, and why she decided it would be a good idea to reach up and touch his chest, Alice would never know. The hardened planes of his body met her palm and a headiness swept through her, hot and wanting. This moment, right now, was where she belonged and nothing had ever been so right.
Slowly he bent down and kissed her. Without qualm, Alice reached up and wrapped her arms about his neck, pinning herself against him. He reached around her, his strong, muscular arms holding her hard against his body.
Alice let out a little squeak when he lifted her off the floor and walked her backward toward a work table set up against the wall.
She pulled back, gasping as he stepped between her legs, the hardened length she had pleasured herself against only the night before tempting her yet again to sin. And she so wanted to feel what he could do for her, to have him caress her toward the mindless pleasure he’d bestowed last night.
A small frown line marked his brow and she reached up to wipe it away. There was no time for worrying thoughts, no time to think better of their situation. Alice knew very well what she was doing and the risk she took being here with him, and yet, she wouldn’t change her decision for anything.
Even her own morals were silent right now.
Here is where she wanted to be, and what she hoped they would continue in this small cottage room was what she wished for beyond anything else. “What’s wrong?” she asked, when he sighed, stepping back a little.
