The Bachelor Duke (The Bachelor Series Book 1)

by Cecilia Rene

  Taking a gulp of his brandy, Remington turned to face Heartford. “I’m afraid to tell Livie about Lady Evers.” She hadn’t reacted well when the gossips named him as a possible father to Emily.

  Heartford joined him at the sideboard, pouring his own drink. “I do not see why. She’s levelheaded, more so than her cousin, in fact. Just inform her that you are doing me a great favor, which is true, as well as for that blaggard, Windchester. He is the real father, after all, and your cousin.”

  “Windchester is one of your oldest friends. Sometimes a man is blinded by love.” Remington’s voice was low as he swirled the brandy in his glass.

  Love. He still needed to tell Livie how much he loved her, that she was the only person in the entire world for him.

  “I’m glad you love her. I was worried it was all a cruel jest at first.” Heartford turned fully to his friend.

  Shaking his head, adamantly, “Never a jest. Maybe at first it was not my true intentions, but now…”

  He loved her, but admitting it to his friend before he admitted it to Livie wasn’t an option.

  Heartford slapped Remington on the back. “Good. Perhaps start with that when you tell her you have a famous widow and her illegitimate child staying at your home.”

  They glared at each other before laughing at the situation they now found themselves in.

  The Bachelor Duke’s secrets revealed!

  Livie rose late in the morning with a small headache from indulging in too much claret with the ladies. The previous night, Mother Di and Lady Hempstead had decided it was time to have the marital talk with her and Julia. It was a very informative night, filled with drawings and demonstrations. Although their night at Talbert Abbey had given Livie a slight advantage, she still was shocked at some of the information the matrons shared.

  “You’re all ready, my lady.” Helena put the final pin in Livie’s hair and took a step back. Julia had been too happy to loan Livie her maid while Abigail went to collect Livie’s wedding gown.

  Julia entered, looking as if she were wrung out with the laundry. “Aunt and Uncle want us to come down to breakfast right away. Something about spending our last days together as a family.”

  Livie gave Helena a small smile. “Thank you for helping me; I know you have other things to do.”

  The ladies walked out of the room, arm in arm. “What are we going to do when we live apart?” Livie had been so excited about her time with Remington, she had given little thought to leaving her closest friend behind.

  “We will make Henry or Remington bring us to the other as often as we would like.” Julia laid her head on Livie’s shoulders. “I can’t believe you’ll be married soon, and then I’ll be here alone.”

  “It will only be for a matter of days, and then you will be with Lord Heartford in your new home.” Livie reminded her as they descended the stairs.

  “With his mother and his uncle. I wish they were like Mother Di and lived separately. Perhaps she will marry again one day.” Julia’s voice was hopeful as they walked through the house.

  “That reminds me, we must have tea with Lady Evers.” Livie’s voice wavered slightly, as she tried not to hold what the gossips printed about her and Remington against the lady. “We could do it tomorrow or after my wedding, but perhaps days before yours?”

  “Tomorrow. After your wedding will be the week of my wedding, and I’m going to be too busy to entertain. I’m shocked you want to have tea with her at all. After everything they are printing in the gossips, her reputation is bound to affect yours,” Julia huffed out as they walked into the breakfast room.

  Livie’s parents sat together. Her mother was holding on to her head, while her father gazed at his wife lovingly. Livie’s thoughts went back to the previous night, and the teachings of Mother Di. The knowledge that her parents were more than likely engaged in marital acts the night before made her queasy.

  The maid entered with the mail and the gossips. Livie stiffened, not wanting to hear more rumors about Lady Evers and the potential father of her child.

  Livie was glad she hadn’t been participating in any balls or functions as of late, since she was so busy planning her wedding. It would be painful to see Bromswell again, especially after the incident outside of the modiste. She knew he was a foul man, but she could not help but to wonder what he meant.

  “Karrington mentioned going away for a wedding trip. You didn’t mention that to me?” her father questioned, looking up at her.

  “Really? I had no idea” Excitement began to replace the doubts she had about Remington’s intentions. He had planned a trip for the two of them, a sure sign of his commitment.

  “My lord! I hope you haven’t ruined a surprise.” Her mother shook her head at her husband.

  “Uncle, you must try to hold your tongue.” Julia reached for a roll.

  “I had no idea it was a secret. He mentioned it while we were all at O’Brien’s before he left with Heartford to assist his sister.” Lord Hempstead took a sip of his coffee.

  “The duke left to assist Lady Evers?” Livie tried to control the negative thoughts that threatened to take over her mind.

  “Yes. She was being evicted from her husband’s townhome by his son. A footman told O’Brien all the sordid details. Heartford insisted the duke go with him.” Lord Hempstead retold the story with little interest at all, but Livie caught every word.

  Her mother picked up the gossips, but then sat them down, looking around the table at her family.“I can’t believe this is one of our last meals together as a family under one roof.” She dabbed at unshed tears. “Both my girls wed their first Season. I saw Lady Jameson yesterday, and she couldn’t help but praise me on what wonderful matches my girls had made.”

  The family continued to eat breakfast, until Thomas entered the room. “Sir, Baron Bromswell is here to see you. He said it’s urgent.”

  Livie stopped chewing, apprehension taking over her at the mention of Baron Bromswell.

  “Whatever could he possibly want so early in the day?” Her mother picked up the gossip sheet and looked down. “Oh God.”

  Her face went ashen. Her father’s brows drew together in a frown as he read over her shoulder. Livie knew immediately it was about Remington.

  “I’ll call him out!” her father shouted before turning to Thomas. “Bring Bromswell in here.”

  Livie sat in her chair, refusing to move as Julia and her parents all read from the paper. She didn’t want to know what it said. It was no concern of hers. Whatever it was, they would get through it together.

  Julia came and wrapped her arms around Livie. “Oh Livie, it says Remington caused the death of a girl!”

  Gently but firmly, Livie pushed her cousin away, stood, and walked to her parents. She held her hand out in silent request for the paper.

  “Oh my darling, I’m so sorry.” Her mother passed it to her, tears in her eyes.

  Livie scanned the paper.

  “It would appear that our Bachelor Duke has a dark secret. A reliable source has informed us that the Duke of K was involved in the mysterious death of an unknown light skirt. Stay tuned as the saga unfolds, but our source says the duke is not what he appears to be.”

  “Baron Bromswell, Sir,” Thomas announced then exited swiftly.

  Livie looked up from the horrible article with tears in her eyes as Baron Bromswell entered the room looking smug.

  “What are you doing here?” Livie spit out unable to hold her disdain for the man any longer. How dare he come to her home?

  Baron Bromswell walked into the room. “I thought it was time your father knew the truth about Karrington, Lady Olivia.”

  She grounded her teeth together at the sound of his voice and how he said her name.

  Her father walked beside her, pointing to the paper. “Does it have anything to do with this trash!”

  “Yes, it’s all true. Karrington murdered a girl ten years ago.” Bromswell placed his hands on his hips, as if he wasn’t ruining Liv
ie’s hopes and dreams.

  Murdered?

  She couldn’t believe that Remington was capable of such a thing, it was like she knew nothing about the man that she was marrying in four days.

  She shook her head, not willing to believe the baron. The room was spinning, her stomach felt sick. “How do you know?” Her voice quivered.

  She hated how weak she sounded, but she was unable to be stronger.

  “I think you, Julia, and your mother should go.” Her father tried to reason with her, but she shook her head side to side.

  “No.” Everything was becoming increasingly difficult for her, speaking, breathing, everything.

  Her mother stood quickly. “Come along Julia, Livie, let your father handle this—”

  “I’m staying, Mother.” Livie held her head high when all she wanted to do was run far away from everything.

  Her father turned to object, but Livie glared at him, her head held high, shoulders firm. It was how Remington always presented himself in society, and she noticed it always commanded respect. She refused to be dismissed. This concerned her life, and she would not allow her father to make a decision without her.

  She felt as if her world was crashing in around her. The pain threatened to consume her entire being, but she wouldn’t let it, not in front of Baron Bromswell.

  Her mother and Julia left the breakfast room, and she waited for the baron to speak.

  Livie crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the man. Her father began nervously pacing back and forth, and she wished that she could go back to minutes ago when they were all happy as a family eating breakfast.

  “It may surprise you all to know that Karrington and I were at Eton together. When we left, we spent a great amount of time together, doing what young, rich gentlemen do.” The baron cleared his throat, his icy gaze on Livie.

  “One day, when we were out enjoying the company of some ladies at a place of ill repute—”

  “Livie, perhaps you should leave.” her father interrupted, looking at her.

  “I will not leave.” Her voice was firm, but inside she was crumbling into a million tiny pieces.

  Remington had never informed her of the connection between him and Baron Bromswell, but Livie knew there was mutual disdain.

  “As I was saying, there was an incident that happened between Karrington and a young woman. I’m afraid she did not survive—”

  “What?” Clearly, she had misheard. She could not comprehend the Remington she knew ever harming anyone, especially not a helpless woman.

  Her father glared at Baron Bromswell. “You do not mean he harmed her?”

  Livie shook her head repeatedly not believing that Remington would do such a thing. How had he harmed the woman, was it an accident?

  She didn’t think he was capable of violence, but perhaps she was fooled by his charm and handsome face.

  “I was not in the room. I only know that I heard the screams and came to investigate, only to arrive too late. The girl was undressed and dead.” The baron shook his head in horror.

  “Dear God!” Her father sat abruptly.

  Livie clutched the table next to her for support. The tears that she tried so hard to contain fell without her permission. It couldn’t be true, she knew Remington, didn’t she? He would never harm anyone.

  “That cannot be true. I know Karrington.” Her father’s words mirrored her thoughts.

  Livie balled her hands into fists, trying to stop them from shaking uncontrollably. Her tears continued to fall.

  “Forgive me, but it is true.” Baron Bromswell had a slight smug smirk on his face. “Forgive me, I know this must come as a shock to you all, especially with the wedding only days away.” He walked over to her father, placing his hand on the older man’s shoulder. “There is only one way to stop Lady Olivia from being ruined, and that is for her to marry, but I worry about her safety if she were to marry Karrington.”

  Livie couldn’t find her voice. So, that was his intention, to come here and gain her hand after no one else would have her.

  She closed her eyes, not wanting to hear any more. If she did, surely she would collapse from the pain. “Leave, you vile despicable man,” she yelled, having heard enough.

  “Olivia! I know you are upset, but you must control yourself. It is not Bromswell’s fault that we have been so deceived,” her father insisted, but she ignored him.

  Baron Bromswell looked taken back by Livie’s anger, but she saw a flash of amusement in his cold gaze. “There is no need for apologies. I do understand that Lady Olivia is shocked to hear such news about Karrington. I just hope that she will see that marrying me is the best course of action.”

  “I won’t marry you,” Livie gritted out through clenched teeth.

  Her father walked over and took her arm in a tight grip. “You will do whatever needs to be done to save your reputation and this family. I won’t live forever. You need to think about your future!”

  Livie stood up, facing off with her father.”I’d rather die a penniless spinster than be his wife. I won’t do it, and you can’t make me.” She glared at him, causing him to take a step back.

  “You will see that marrying me is your only option.” Baron Bromswell gave her a sneer that turned her stomach, nearly causing her to recall her breakfast.

  “Over my dead body.”

  Remington glanced from Hempstead to Bromswell and then finally to Livie.

  She looked broken, and it was all his fault. The very thing he didn’t want to do was happening, and he couldn’t reach her in time to tell her the truth.

  “What lies have you told them?” His body vibrated with anger.

  “I told them the truth. The pretense is over. I’ve informed Hempstead about your part in that girl’s terrible death all those years ago. The papers tell the entire story,” Baron Bromswell announced triumphantly.

  “You have some nerve coming here. My daughter is ruined! I trusted you Karrington!” Hempstead came to stand in front of Remington.

  He turned to Livie, her tears like swords to his heart. “I swear to you none of it is true, Livie.” His voice broke under the weight of her gaze.

  “We both know that all of it is true. You killed that girl ten years ago—” Bromswell began but stopped abruptly upon seeing Remington’s glare.

  “That girl? Her name was Lillian, you heartless bastard, and you killed her!”

  Bromswell took a step back, his gaze shifting around. Remington felt a small victory at the look on his face. He knew that Bromswell was not aware of his continued relationship with Lillian’s family.

  “Karrington! Control yourself.” Hempstead placed a hand to Remington’s chest to stop his pursuit of the baron.

  “Is it true? Did you kill Lillian?” Livie asked, her voice small to his ears.

  Rushing to her, he took her by the hand, shaking his head. “No, Livie. Please you must believe me.”

  She wrenched her hand free of his. “Believe you! How can I believe you when you’ve confided nothing to me?”

  Remington turned back to Bromswell. “You accused me of killing Lillian Cooper? Have you really stooped so low?”

  “It’s the truth,” Bromswell sneered.

  “We both know that is not the truth. You killed Lillian all those years ago.” Remington stalked the other man, intent on unleashing the fury of the Warren legacy on the vile creature.

  “It’s your word against mine.” Bromswell looked victorious. “You’re done, and now everyone knows that you’re not the saint you pretend to be. How does it feel to be low like the rest of us?” he asked, giving Remington a sinister smirk.

  His body vibrated with the urge to hit Bromswell again.

  “I think you should leave, Karrington.” The earl’s eyes were cold and void of emotion, a look that Remington had seen from his own father. It was strange coming from who he thought was a friend.

  “Hempstead, you can’t be serious. Bromswell is lying, and I will prove my innocence to you and
Olivia.”

  “Stop this façade, Karrington, there is no proof. Hempstead, if you want to save your daughter’s reputation from this mess that Karrington has made, you will give your consent to our marriage.” Bromswell’s triumphant stance made Remington want to kill the bastard.

  “I won’t marry you,” Livie said slowly, each word said with a fierceness that Remington had never seen before, and it filled him with pride. Until the stormy eyes he worshipped turned to him. “You lied to me.” Tears pooled in her eyes, causing his heart to break in a million pieces.

  He shook his head. “I didn’t lie. I was ashamed for my part in Lillian’s death. You must believe me, Livie. I did not kill her.”

  Livie straightened her shoulders, looking so much like a warrior to him. “You didn’t confide in me, your future wife. I had to learn everything from Baron Bromswell and the gossips! Do you have any idea how absolutely humiliating that is!” she yelled, taking a step back. “The wedding is off.” She walked past him and toward the door of the breakfast parlor. He rushed over to her taking her by the arm.

  “Livie please!” His voice broke, and he could feel tears in his own eyes.

  She stopped and faced him, the stormy gray eyes he loved so much, now dull and lifeless. “Goodbye, Your Grace.”

  She left the room, and Remington wanted to go after her and grovel at her feet. He loved her, and she wanted nothing to do with him.

  Anger took over him and he turned toward Bromswell and punched him in the jaw. “Damn you! Damn you and your lies.” He grabbed the other man by the lapels, slamming him against the wall.

  “Karrington!” Hempstead shouted, rushing over to them.

  “I buried Lillian Cooper three days after you brutally abused her and her friend Mary. So, don’t you ever accuse me of killing her. That was you, you’re the fucking monster, not me!” Remington shoved him against the wall before he released him.

  “You have no proof,” Bromswell sneered, wiping the blood from his lip.

  “I have proof, and they will vouch for me.” Remington swallowed, hoping that Livie would listen and know that he would never do such a thing.