The Contraband Courtship (The Arlingbys Book 2)

by Alicia Quigley

  “I would if I could,” said Helena frankly. “I do not mean to entangle you, my lord. It is just that—that you—that I - ” she hesitated.

  “Precisely. I believe you have expressed my feelings exactly.”

  Helena glanced up, and couldn’t resist returning his grin. “Shall we agree not to behave so again?”

  “I will agree to try.”

  Helena looked down, discomfited by the glint in his. “Will you attempt to catch the free traders tonight?”

  “I don’t see how I can. I don’t employ an army, and have no time to make preparations, or even notify the local riding officer to bring an adequate force to help. Moreover, stopping them tonight is unlikely to make much difference in the end. They would find another way to move their goods—perhaps across your land. No, I think it best to find out who is in charge. I must meet more of my tenants, and have some conversations with them.”

  “Do you think they are involved?”

  “Those men in the cave were local farmers, I am sure. They have either been pressed into service by the free traders through threats, or are happy to line their pockets with illicit gains. Either way, they are probably my tenants.”

  “Would Bulkeley be able to help?” suggested Helena. “Surely he must know what the farmers are up to.”

  “I don’t think it wise to involve Bulkeley. He tried to convince me there are no smugglers in the area. Either he was lying, or he is very blind. Perhaps he is paid to be blind, but in any event I doubt he is trustworthy.”

  “Oh,” faltered Helena. “He has been bailiff at Wroxton for many years. I did not suspect him at all.”

  “It makes sense that he might be. In my absence, he ran the estate, and should know what happens on the land. My neglect of Wroxton, and the general belief that I would continue to do so, no doubt made the opportunity to enrich himself irresistible.”

  “You are too hard on yourself. It is not your fault.”

  “On the contrary, I very much fear all this is indeed my fault,” said Malcolm pensively.

  Helena glanced up at him inquiringly, but they had reached the manor house, and Arthur and Stephen emerged as they approached.

  “Miss Keighley, your brother has been showing me your home,” said Stephen. “You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful setting. Though it is, of course, no lovelier than its mistress.”

  Helena released Malcolm’s arm and stepped forward, laughing. “You are a very accomplished flatterer, Mr. Delaney. Many people find Keighley Manor sadly out of date.”

  “It is the perfect setting for your beauty. I can envision you trailing through the garden, a bouquet of Tudor roses clasped in your hands.”

  “Red or white?” asked Helena with a laugh.

  “Both,” responded Stephen promptly. “At this point we have no need to choose between the houses of Lancaster and York.”

  “I have little time for trailing languorously through the knot garden, but thank you for thinking of me in such an ornamental way,” said Helena teasingly. “Arthur is more likely to need me to tend to the accounts or assist in the stables.”

  “Unfair,” interposed Arthur. “If you wish to trail about, Helena, you need only say so.”

  “I would be bored to death in a matter of minutes. But it is a pleasing thought, Mr. Delaney.”

  “How was your ride?” asked Arthur. “Did you find any evidence of the free traders?”

  Helena glanced at Malcolm, who stepped forward. “We did find some indications that the beach and caves on Wroxton land are being put to nefarious purposes,” he said.

  Stephen laughed easily. “I leave that to you, Mal. I have no experience with this sort of thing. If you need my assistance, I am sure you will let me know. In the meantime, I have invited Keighley here to Wroxton to dine with us tonight and enjoy a hand of cards. I hope you do not mind.”

  “Not at all; it is a splendid idea. Please join us, Keighley.”

  Arthur looked delighted. “I will be happy to. You don’t mind, do you Helena?”

  “Goodness, no. I’m very glad to have you make the acquaintance of some gentlemen outside our local circle.”

  “Then we shall expect you this evening,” said Malcolm. “Del, it is time we go. I’m sure Miss Keighley has had enough of my company for the day.”

  “A pity,” said Stephen. “I have spent so little time with you, Miss Keighley. Perhaps we can talk more another day.”

  “I look forward to it,” said Helena. She smiled as Stephen bowed over her hand, and then turned to Malcolm.

  “Will I hear from you soon?” she asked.

  “I will wait on you as soon as I have some news,” he answered. “But let me know if you hear anything of importance before I do.”

  Their eyes met briefly, then Malcolm turned away, clapping Arthur on the shoulder. “I will see you tonight, Keighley,” he said jovially. “Your servant, Miss Keighley.” Stephen at his side, he sauntered off towards the stables.

  “I can’t believe they have invited me to Wroxton,” burbled Arthur.

  “A true honor,” replied Helena, trying not to dampen his enthusiasm.

  “I know you don’t think much of Wroxton, but he is our neighbor, and it will do no harm if I am friendly with him. After all, we will have to deal with him for many years.”

  “It is not that I think ill of him,” said Helena hesitantly. “But I hope you will not model yourself after him. Steadiness of character is to be admired.”

  “I find him very open and honest. Mr. Delaney is also very pleasant. He is unmarried—I don’t suppose—”

  “No, do not suppose anything,” said Helena lightly. “I do not plan to marry Mr. Delaney, and I imagine he would be very surprised if such a thing were suggested to him. You should probably finish the accounts, and then you will want to leave for Wroxton.”

  Arthur nodded and headed back towards the house. “I will regale you with tales of my evening with the Wicked Earl at breakfast!” he promised.

  Chapter 15

  Helena watched him nearly run to the manor, shaking her head slightly, but smiling nonetheless. She paused a moment to give the yew tunnel a look of regret, and eventually found herself mounting the steps of Keighley Manor. As she did so, she heard the sound of an approaching horse, and looked up eagerly. She was not sure whom she expected to see, but her face hardened in anger when she perceived Lord Denby approaching. He reined in a short distance from her, and she turned her back on him, moving toward the entrance.

  “Miss Keighly, if I might have a word with you,” said Denby.

  Helena stopped, her back still to him. A footman had come out of the house and looked at her inquiringly.

  “You are not welcome here, Lord Denby,” she said clearly.

  “I am aware of that. I only want a word with you. I need not come in the house, if you do not wish it.”

  Helena turned around and surveyed him. “What do you want to tell me?”

  Lord Denby glanced at the servant. “If your man would hold my horse for a few moments, we can discuss this privately. Unless you wish everyone to know your business?”

  Helena paused for a moment, then nodded at the footman, who ran to take the reins of Denby’s horse. The baron slid from the saddle and walked up to her. As he did so, she took a hasty step back. He gave an ugly laugh.

  “I mean you no harm, Miss Keighley.”

  “You couldn’t hurt me if you wished to,” she said firmly. “We are not in London, but on my own land.”

  “Your brother’s land,” observed Denby. “Not yours.”

  Helena sighed. “Did you come here merely to insult me again, Lord Denby? I do not find this discussion amusing.”

  “Of course not. I only point out the obvious.”

  “Thank you for your concern,” said Helena icily.

  Denby glanced at the footman, who stood at some distance. “I would prefer to be alone with you.”

  “I’m sure you would.”

  Denby sighed. “Yo
u have always been far too strong minded,” he observed. “Miss Keighley, I came to warn you to beware of Lord Wroxton.”

  Helena stared at him in surprise. “To beware of Lord Wroxton?” she repeated. “You overstep the bounds of propriety, Lord Denby.”

  He glanced down. “I realize you believe yourself ill-used by me, Miss Keighley. It was wrong of me to force my attentions on you, though it was done in your best interests.”

  “My best interests!” Helena shook her head impatiently, suddenly aware she was repeating everything the baron said. But his words were so astounding, and so infuriating she couldn’t help it. “In what way was compromising me in my best interests?”

  “Our marriage would have been the best thing for you,” asserted Denby. “I would be able to assist you and your brother with your estate, and it made perfect sense, as our lands march together. You were too proud and stiff-necked to see that, and so, when you refused me, I thought to force your hand for your own good. Be sure, I meant to treat you very well.” His eyes raked over her, and she flushed with anger.

  “My brother and I have no need of the type of help you doubtless meant to give,” Helena said furiously. “No doubt the earnings from Keighley lands would go to build up the Denby estate. It’s no secret you’ve sadly mismanaged it, and I’ve no wish to see Arthur’s inheritance go into your pockets.”

  Denby glared at her, anger in his dark eyes. “You have been listening to inaccurate gossip, Miss Keighley. I have no need of money.”

  “Then you must have won at the gambling tables, or cheated someone at business. The whole county knows of your neglect of your home.”

  “I’ll not have some snip of a girl lecturing me,” snapped Lord Denby.

  “Then you shouldn’t have come here,” Helena retorted.

  There was a pause, as Denby visibly reined in his temper. “You are very foolish, Miss Keighley. But I do not want to discuss the past.”

  “No, you want to warn me against Malcolm Arlingby,” said Helena scornfully. “As though I would listen to anything you say.”

  “He is not to be trusted,” Denby assured her. “Wroxton is a dangerous man, who has spent many years far from England. He does not have your best interests at heart, nor does he understand our country ways.”

  Helena tilted her head, and found herself suppressing a chuckle. “You make him sound vastly attractive, though I doubt you intended to.”

  She could almost hear Denby grinding his teeth. “I speak out of concern for you, who I once hoped to marry, and for your brother, and Keighley Manor. The man thinks of nothing but his pleasure. Surely you know that becoming entangled with him would be fatal?”

  “Entangled?” asked Helena. “In what way could I be entangled with Lord Wroxton? He has been in Kent barely two days.”

  “There was a great deal of talk at the assembly last night of his interest in you. It was also said you enjoyed his attention.”

  Helena allowed the chuckle to escape. “Lord Wroxton has no interest in me, Lord Denby. Please believe me, and leave me in peace.”

  “I heard he was here yesterday, and saw him leave as I rode up,” persisted Denby. “You cannot tell me that there is nothing between you.”

  “On the contrary, I can tell you exactly that,” said Helena. “He is a neighbor, and naturally I must deal with him, particularly since he has not seen his lands for over a decade, and they march with ours. But that is all.”

  “It would be unwise to seek to enthrall him,” warned the baron. “He has far more experience than you.”

  “I have no desire to enthrall Wroxton, and I doubt I could if I wished to. You have an extraordinary imagination.”

  “You might hope to catch a greater prize than me,” observed Denby. “To be the Countess of Wroxton would be no mean thing.”

  “If I did not know better, I would think you jealous. But, as you do not like me, I must presume you to be insane, especially as it was your compromising behavior that rendered me unmarriageable. I have no expectation whatsoever of becoming the Countess of Wroxton.”

  Denby looked at her closely. “A good thing, if it is true. You would be no match for the women he has known. Moreover, I doubt Mrs. Lacey would take kindly to his lordship marrying.”

  “Mrs. Lacey?” asked Helena, knowing she should not.

  “His mistress,” said Denby shortly. “A very beautiful young matron, and quite up to snuff. Unlike you.”

  “You grow insulting.” Helena tamped down the sense of disappointment that rose in her at his words. So Malcolm Arlingby had a worldly and beautiful mistress; that was hardly surprising. The Wicked Earl would have nothing else.

  Denby collected himself. “You may not believe that I am thinking of your well being, but I ask you to consider carefully before you involve yourself with Wroxton. Remember, we know very little of him. It’s possible it is he who is in league with the smugglers; their activity has increased since his arrival. If you or your brother need assistance, I would be only too glad to help you.”

  “Thank you,” said Helena with awful sarcasm. “But I believe we can dispense with your support.”

  “Wroxton may stay here a week or two, but then he will be gone, and we will see little of him here. His life is in London, among the gaming hells and loose women. He has no fondness for the country—or for the people who live there.”

  “If you will leave now, I will promise to bear that in mind,” said Helena coldly.

  Denby sighed and turned away. “I have tried to warn you, out of friendship and nothing else.”

  “I have no need of your warning—or your friendship.”

  “You may regret that.” His voice was menacing.

  “I would rather regret it later than accept it now. Thomas,” she called out, “bring Lord Denby his horse.”

  The footman responded quickly, and the baron mounted, giving Helena one last insinuating look. But as the servant stayed close at hand, he said nothing, and rode away.

  Chapter 16

  Helena watched him go, her fists clenched with fury at Denby’s allusions and his impudence in accosting her. Doing her best to tamp down her anger, she entered the house and made her way to the drawing room, where some missives sat on the mantel. Her mind still half on Lord Denby, she sorted through them aimlessly until Damaris’ handwriting on one caught her eye. She tore it open eagerly.

  “Helena, dear,” she read.

  “I find myself bored beyond words, as George has not returned from London, and I continue to be alone. I intend to come to Keighley Manor tonight to dine with you; do not deny me! I know you will alleviate my boredom; I am desperate to hear more of the Wicked Earl! Do not fail me! Expect me at seven o’clock.”

  A laugh escaped Helena, and she headed to the kitchen, where she informed the cook that Mrs. Honeysett would be joining her for dinner. She was relieved, knowing that her friend would help keep her thoughts from wandering to either Wroxton or Denby.

  Malcolm and Stephen returned to the stables, where their horses awaited them. Turning toward Wroxton, they rode some moments in silence.

  “Was your morning with Miss Keighley informative?” asked Stephen finally.

  “Very,” replied Malcolm. “She was right about the smugglers using the caves to store brandy. It seems to be a sizable and well-organized operation. I have no idea how we shall root it out at this point.”

  “I’m sure I can’t give you any advice on that front, and it sounds tiresome indeed. But all this does allow you to spend time with the lovely Miss Keighley.”

  “You appear to have a lively interest in her, at any rate,” said Malcolm coldly.

  Stephen glanced at him, surprised. “She is beautiful, of course, and intelligent, and wealthy. But I barely know her, outside of one dance and a few minutes of conversation. It is you who are constantly in her company.”

  “Not by my choice,” said Malcolm firmly. “I’d be glad to return to London tomorrow.”

  “Then you’d not mind if I p
ursued my acquaintance with Miss Keighley?” asked Stephen teasingly.

  “Not at all. Though I’d not shackle myself to a woman like her, if I were you. You’d not have a moment’s peace.”

  “As lovely as she is, I’m not sure I’d want any peace.”

  Malcolm grunted. “You will do as you please, of course.”

  “I suppose I will.” Stephen glanced at Malcolm from the corner of his eye.

  The two men rode on towards Wroxton, Malcolm’s expression grim, while Stephen’s reflected only amusement.

  At the appointed time, Damaris swept into Keighley Manor, shedding her pelisse to reveal a dashing gown of heavy russet silk, with a green and gold ribbon cunningly threaded through the neckline and the edges of the sleeves. Tossing her hat on a table, she exclaimed, “My dear, how glad I am to see you,” wrapping Helena, who had entered the hall at the sound of her entrance, in a warm embrace. “With the exception of the assembly, I have been so dull these past days, and had it not been for the Wicked Earl, even that would have been sadly flat. I hope you will share of your far more exciting life.”

  Helena laughed. “It has only been two days since the assembly. What can possibly have happened in the meantime?”

  Damaris glanced at the butler, and then took Helena’s hand. “You shall tell me all about it in the drawing room, my dear.”

  As they moved out of the hall, there was the sound of footsteps, and Arthur appeared, hurrying down the stairs. He was dressed for his visit to Wroxton, and Helena allowed that he looked very fine in his well-tailored coat and breeches. He had clearly given his neckcloth extra attention, and a watch fob and seal could be seen hanging from his waistcoat, but his shirtpoints were moderate. He stopped short at the sight of Damaris and then came forward, bowing politely.

  “Mrs. Honeysett, I did not know you would be joining Helena this evening,” he said.

  “I was so bored I invited myself.” Damaris surveyed him. “You look very elegant for a night at home, Sir Arthur. Helena is fortunate to have a brother who cares so much about his appearance.”