Courting Claudia

by Robyn DeHart

  “You’re talking nonsense.” She stood and walked away from him. Wanting to distance herself from his lies. “But if you’re talking about his previous marriage, then yes, I know about that.”

  “No, I’m talking about something Derrick wrote for his father’s paper and the result of it was someone’s death.”

  “Reporting the truth is the great purpose of newspapers. It does not make him responsible for a man’s life.”

  “I never said the story was the truth,” Richard sneered. “Only that it resulted in a man’s death.”

  What did that mean? That Derrick printed a false story? Impossible. Derrick wasn’t a liar. She knew him well enough to know that. Didn’t she?

  Richard closed the distance between them. “How did you meet Derrick Middleton?”

  “My relationship with him is none of your concern.”

  “From what your father said, you’ve made it everyone’s business.” He let his eyes roam down the length of her, and it was as if he’d actually touched her. She shivered in revulsion.

  “Had I known that you were so willing,” he said, “I’d have made advances myself.”

  With that he pulled her to him and pressed his mouth against hers. There was no tenderness or sweeping passion in his kiss, rather it was filled with anger and spite. She pushed against him, but to no avail. He continued his assault on her, pushing his tongue against her closed mouth.

  She wanted to scream, but his mouth against hers and the bile rising in her throat made it impossible to do so. Tears pricked her eyes, and she kicked at him as best she could with the hindrance of her skirts.

  Oh God, how could she get out of this?

  And then he was gone, off her as fast as he’d advanced. She opened her eyes and found Richard slammed facedown onto the blue carpet with Derrick hovering above him. He held Richard’s head by a handful of hair.

  “If I ever catch you again with your hands on Claudia, I will kill you. Is that understood?” His voice was low and even-toned, which made it all the more chilling. He meant those words, and fear and pride rivaled in Claudia’s blood. She didn’t know what to feel.

  “Get off me!” Richard said, his words muffled by the angle of his head.

  “Apologize to Miss Prattley.” Derrick jammed his knee into Richard’s back.

  “I’m sorry,” his words came out in a grunt.

  Derrick released him, and Richard climbed to his feet. He wiped at the blood dripping from his jaw.

  He gave a chilling smile. There was something horrible in this man that somehow she’d missed. “I know why you’re marrying her, Middleton. Got another news story?”

  “What the devil are you talking about?”

  Richard’s eyes narrowed. He looked from Derrick to her and then back again. “You don’t know, do you?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t report anymore. I run the paper; I don’t write anymore.”

  “Well, in that case, if you want the story of your life—let me know. The story that will explain all the mysteries from your last piece. I’ll sell it to you.”

  “Do you think I’m a fool? The last story you fed me was a pack of lies.”

  Richard nodded. “I will admit to that. But this time, it’s the truth. This time, I’m not working for anyone. It’s only me.” He shrugged. “As I said, if you’re interested, let me know.”

  He left them standing alone.

  “Did he hurt you?” Derrick cupped Claudia’s face and searched her skin for any markings.

  “No, I’m fine.” The rush of emotions nearly overwhelmed her. She blinked back tears. “I had no idea he could behave that way.”

  “Of course you didn’t. He was always on his best behavior. And it is not in your nature to see the less perfect side of people.”

  “The two of you have more of a past than I thought.”

  “Yes, well, as I told you before, I know things about Richard.”

  “Clearly you know things my father is unaware of. Perhaps once he’s not so angry, you could talk to him, tell him what you know about Richard. Then maybe he’ll be more accepting.”

  He ran his hand down her cheek. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

  She gave him a weak smile. “I’m fine.” Tears pooled in her pretty blue eyes. She waved a hand in front of her. “I really am fine, I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m just being silly.”

  “He scared you.” He pulled her to him and hugged her close.

  “Yes, I suppose he did.”

  “He won’t do it again.”

  Derrick kissed the top of her hair, then pulled her in front of him. He kissed each eyelid, then her nose, then placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

  “It’s not your fault,” she said. “But I’m glad you came when you did.” She paused before asking, “What did he mean that you wanted to marry me for the story? What story?”

  “I have no idea. He’s angry, nothing more. Pay him no mind.” He gave her a smile. “Have you and Poppy discussed the wedding plans?”

  “No.” She chewed at her lip. “I wasn’t positive. I mean, I still want to allow you to back out if you wish. I will be content alone.”

  “We’re not discussing this again. We’re getting married. You and Poppy decide on the plans—I have the ceremony set for Saturday.”

  “That doesn’t give us much time.”

  “You’re right. You had better get busy. One more thing before I go back to work. I came here to give you this.” He held out a ring. “To make our engagement official.”

  The gold band slid easily onto her finger. She looked down at it; three oval sapphires sat between two smaller diamonds. It was breathtaking.

  “The stones match your eyes,” he said, then averted his glance.

  “I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you.” She leaned up and kissed him.

  “You’re welcome. Are you positive you’re all right?”

  “Yes. He took me by surprise, but he didn’t hurt me.”

  “Very well. I’ll come check on you later.”

  Derrick left with the taste of her still on his lips. He knew he needed to tell her the truth. He hated to start a marriage on a lie. But he couldn’t risk her backing out now, not after meeting her father. He was a tyrant of the worst kind, and Derrick would be damned if he allowed her to go back into that house.

  So he would wait until after the ceremony, when she was safely his, and then he would tell her.

  When he’d arrived and found Richard on her, his world colored red before him. His only thought had been to get Richard’s dirty hands and mouth off her. Had he not arrived when he did, there was no telling what Richard would have done to her. The thought made his breakfast turn over in his stomach. Bastard. He’d kill him if he ever touched her again.

  Richard had mentioned a story. Implied that Derrick was marrying Claudia to discover the truth of some matter. Derrick had no doubt that Kennington hid a few secrets, most men of power did. It was unlikely though that Claudia knew about any of them, much less would she divulge them if she did. She would protect her father at all costs. Derrick knew that.

  And there still remained the truth that Derrick sought no such hidden story. He was marrying Claudia because he’d ruined her. Besides, it was not above Richard to completely fabricate something to take the focus off something else. That something else, no doubt, was the real mystery. But none of that mattered anymore. All that mattered was Claudia’s safety.

  She was safe now for the time being, and soon she would be in his protection, in his home, as his wife. He certainly hadn’t set out to get another wife, but fate had seen to it that he would have one.

  It felt strange to be that protective toward someone, but Claudia was to be his wife. She’d bear his children. And he’d do whatever he could to keep her safe.

  “What the devil are you doing here?” Derrick asked. Mason must have left for the day, else he’d have announc
ed the visitor.

  Richard, snide as ever, strolled into Derrick’s office and took a seat before Derrick could offer or decline one. “I have a proposition for you.”

  Derrick cocked one eyebrow. “Before you waste your breath, I’m not interested.”

  Richard gave him a snarl of a smile. “Oh, but I believe you will be. You see, it’s about your wife-to-be.”

  “I thought I told you yesterday to stay the hell away from her. Clearly I should have killed you on the spot.”

  Richard clicked his tongue. “And hang for killing an aristocrat? That’s hardly a way to begin a marriage.”

  “What the hell do you want?”

  “Money, of course.” He shrugged.

  “You are vile.”

  “Yes, well, I also hold the secrets to the biggest political scandal this country has ever seen.”

  “I doubt it. And what does that have to do with Claudia?”

  “No details, Middleton, not without payment. Do you think I’m daft?”

  “Yes, actually. I won’t give you one penny without knowing more details. I have no reason to trust this time will be any different from the last.”

  “There was a time when you trusted me.”

  “Yes. And I paid dearly for that. I won’t make that same mistake again.”

  “Very well. I’m sure you remember that little piece you wrote a few years back that indicted Edwards on those embezzlement charges.”

  Derrick fought the sudden urge to crawl across the table and rip out Richard’s larynx. Slimy bastard.

  “That story was only partially true, as you might have gathered. Although I must say that Society’s treatment of you and your father’s paper after that incident was quite unwarranted.” He sighed dramatically. “But when you have the chancellor of finance against you, what can be done?”

  “Get to the point, Richard. I have work to do.”

  “Yes, well, I have the real story. The complete truth, and believe me, it will solidify your paper’s reputation. I thought you knew about it. I thought you’d somehow discovered the truth and that is why you were sniffing around Claudia, but I was wrong. Although I can’t imagine you—or anyone—intentionally courting her for no valid reason.”

  Derrick’s jaw clenched. He squeezed the arm of the chair and mentally counted to ten. “You never intended to marry her, did you?”

  “It was not my preference, but eventually her father would have seen to it that we married. I was angry at first, but after some thought, I realized that you saved me. I should thank you, really. But without that dowry money, I’m afraid I can’t.”

  “Bastard.” Derrick stood. “Get the hell out of my office.”

  “Suit yourself. But do reconsider my offer. This time you won’t regret it.” He tossed his calling card onto Derrick’s desk and strode out.

  Chapter 12

  Kennington knocked on the door, then waited. After a moment with no answer, he knocked again, this time more forcefully with the end of his cane. Where was the stupid sop?

  Footsteps rapped a beat on the interior hall. No doubt Richard himself, since he could no longer afford servants. Worthless man.

  The door opened. “What are you doing here?” Richard asked.

  “That’s no way to greet an old friend. Invite me in.”

  “We’re not friends.”

  “Invite me in anyway. We have business to discuss.” He didn’t wait for Richard to move out of the way, rather he pushed the door open with his cane.

  “I spoke with Claudia earlier. You and I have no more business. Claudia is getting married.”

  Their business would be finished when Kennington said it would be and not a moment sooner. Kennington waited until they were seated in the tiny study. Papers littered the desk, and books were scattered about on the floor. He never would have suspected Richard was so disordered.

  “Lose something?”

  “No.” Richard smiled smugly. “I found it. Why are you here?”

  “You may think our business is finished, but I have another plan.” He needed Richard in the family, needed to keep him near lest the truth of Kennington’s past be revealed. But in his family, he could tighten the purse strings and ensure Richard kept quiet. “You give up too easily. You’re weak. That’s always been your problem. But there is still time. We can fix this minor setback in our plans. Go and get her. Take her across the border. Marry her tonight.”

  “Have you gone mad? Their engagement has been announced in the papers. Everyone is talking about it. Marrying her now would not save anyone’s reputation. Besides, I’m rather glad I don’t have to marry her. Never cared for her, really.”

  He stomped his cane on the floor. “We cannot allow her to marry that man.”

  “The truth of the matter is, I’m glad she’s marrying Middleton. I was angry at first; I hadn’t realized she was so willing with her favors. But I never really wanted her, you see. I only wanted what your status could give me, but that’s over with. No one listens to you any longer. I’m finished with you. I’m free to do as I please.”

  “What makes you think you don’t need me anymore?”

  “I am no longer in need of your assistance to better my position in Parliament. I have influence on my own now. People know me; they respect me.”

  “Don’t be foolish, boy. No one respects you. Don’t think for a moment that you can walk away from our arrangement. I own you.”

  Richard stood abruptly. “I sold the story. I told all the dirty little details of what you did.” He swallowed visibly. “Now I own you.”

  Kennington laughed. “Foolish boy. Do you think I’m an idiot? You have no proof to sell that story. No one would believe you.”

  “Oh, but I do have proof.”

  He rose to his feet. “What are you talking about?”

  “The letters.”

  “What letters?” Kennington tried to keep his voice from rising too loud; he wanted to remain in control.

  “The blackmail letters you wrote to Edwards. I have them.”

  “Liar.”

  Richard reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope.

  Kennington recognized his own penmanship instantly. “Where did you get those?”

  “I never gave them to Edwards. A verbal threat was all he needed to comply. I figured these might be useful someday.” Richard snickered. “I was correct.”

  Those letters would ruin him. Not only politically, but they could feasibly send him to prison or to the hangman’s noose.

  “I paid you to deliver those letters to Edwards.” He edged his way toward Richard. “You had no right to keep them.”

  Richard shrugged. “I am first and foremost loyal to myself and my needs. Keeping these letters served my needs, so loyalty to you fell by the wayside. You really should be more particular when you hire people.”

  Smug bastard. He held out his hand. “Give me the letters, or I’ll kill you.”

  “That’s the third time I’ve had my life threatened this week, and they’ve come to no avail.”

  “Don’t test me. Hand them over.”

  “Go to hell.”

  Kennington would not allow this idiot to ruin all his plans. He swung his cane and heard the metal knob crack against Richard’s skull. Shock etched in Richard’s features, and blood ran down his face into his eyes. He wavered a bit, then fell to the floor. Pulling back his cane once more, Kennington brought it down with all the force he could. Blood spattered against his pants leg.

  He rolled Richard over and reached into his coat pocket and withdrew the stack of letters. Seven of them. They would have destroyed him.

  He looked down into Richard’s lifeless face, eyes still open, blood pooling about his head and soaking into the Persian carpet. There would be no marriage between Richard and Claudia now, but with Richard dead, keeping him close was no longer necessary.

  “Stupid bastard.”

  He wiped the blood from his hands and the cane on his shirt—he would
burn it when he got home. Then he busied himself with making it look as if there had been a burglary. He took what little money Richard had on him and the few bank notes from his desk. He kicked the papers on the floor about and opened all the desk drawers. Then he took his cane and slammed it into the window for the final touch.

  With that, he turned on his heel and left through the back door.

  Claudia had never seen her friend in such a state. Poppy’s pretty eyes were puffy and red. Alistair had proposed, just as Poppy suspected he would, but his proposition had not been one of marriage. Rather, Alistair had proposed that Poppy become his mistress.

  He’d been fully prepared to give her every material thing her heart desired. He’d even offered to give her an allowance that would benefit her entire family, but he’d not offered marriage. He’d offered everything but his love and his name. And now Poppy’s heart was broken.

  Claudia had tried everything to convince Poppy that things would be right again, but there was no convincing her. She supposed she might feel the same way were she in Poppy’s shoes, but she was in an entirely different pair of shoes altogether.

  Claudia eyed her best friend sitting quietly beside the window. Her shoulders no longer shook, and tears no longer fell down her streaked cheeks, but she looked defeated and worn.

  “Is there anything I can get you?” Claudia asked.

  Poppy shook her head.

  What would happen when Lady Livingston arrived home from her afternoon tea and found her daughter in shambles? How would she react to such a scandalous event? A shiver pricked its way up Claudia’s spine at the thought of having to tell such a story to her father. Granted, he hadn’t taken the news of her pending nuptials too well either. She could hardly blame him; he must be mortified by her behavior. Despite her intentions, Claudia had made scandalous behavior an art form.

  Just then Lady Livingston entered the parlor. “Good afternoon, girls. How are we today?” The stately woman took one look at her daughter’s still figure and stopped moving. “Poppy, darling, what’s the matter?”

  Poppy turned to face her mother and burst into tears.