Dare to Love
Page 20
“No, yes…I’m…yes, I’m fine,” he ground out. Fortunately, the waltz was ending and he was able to escape. “Please accept my apology, madam. I’m afraid I have had a trying week. Excuse me.” He strode away, leaving her standing in the middle of the floor.
Before he was halfway across the room, Nivea’s stepmother laid a hand on his arm, her face a mask of concern. He stifled a growl of frustration. She was the last person he needed to see.
“Lord Landis, are you all right? When you didn’t join us for lunch or tea, we were concerned your injury had taken a turn for the worse.”
Give me strength, he begged silently. Just how much meddling could a man be expected to stand?
Taking a deep breath, he repeated the same excuse. “I’m perfectly well, madam. Several matters demanded my attention, and it took the better part of the day to address them.”
“Oh, good. I was afraid yesterday’s outing to the village had caused you distress.”
“Not to fear, I am fine.” He turned to leave, only to find himself face to face with Nivea.
Of course.
He stopped so quickly, his waistcoat rubbed against his wound.
Perfect. The pain was now excruciating.
She bobbed a curtsey, staring at his face with innocent eyes. “Good evening, milord. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m fine!” he barked. “Why won’t everyone stop worrying about my well being?” He felt great satisfaction as Nivea took a step back, her eyes wide. There, now perhaps she will leave me alone.
Maybe everyone would just leave him alone. If they could, for one minute, stop reminding him about his wound, maybe he could ignore it.
He stomped away.
God in heaven, when did it get so bloody hot in here? Air. He needed air. And a few minutes of peace.
He strode to the terrace doors and stormed out into the garden. There were couples strolling along the well-lit patio, with the more daring sort walking down the darker paths. If this evening hadn’t been so cursed, he would have been one of those men, in search of a dark corner with a soft, willing woman.
Instead he would settle for a quiet bench to rest upon, undisturbed. He headed for the most secluded trail, tromping loudly enough to give any licentious couples adequate warning. He had just entered the shadows when Satan took another poke at him.
“Dare?”
The scent of vanilla betrayed her.
He squeezed his eyes shut, drew a sharp breath, and turned around to face her.
“What?” he ground out between clenched teeth.
“Oh, Dare, what is wrong? I feel as though you have been avoiding me all day.”
He could barely see her face in the shadows, but he sensed the intensity of her gaze. “Nothing. I am just weary of all this concern over my health.”
Laying a hand on his arm, she asked furtively, “Is that all? Are you certain I have not done something to anger you?”
He jerked his arm free. It was time. He would adopt a cool demeanor and put an end to this insane attraction. “I assure you, Miss Horsham, I am fine. I don’t need your sympathy and I don’t need your concern. What I most especially don’t need is to be caught out here in the dark with you in the hopes of becoming a marchioness.”
She let out a gasp. “You know that is not what I am doing here. I thought we were friends. I am merely concerned.”
He stared at her in disgust and spat out, “Is that why your brother warned me to stay away from you? Because he feared for your concern of me? Don’t be coy, Nivea. It doesn’t suit you.”
“What? I’m not being coy.”
“No, then why are you here? What do you want from me?”
She looked up at him, her blue eyes swimming. “I was hoping you might dance with me.”
The sight of her tears almost caused him to relent. But he knew better. The price was too high. Instead, he would take this opportunity to end things once and for all.
He leaned closer and purred, “So, you want to dance with me. You know, I can usually be persuaded by your well-meaning friends to dance with you at least once an evening. Pity dance, you understand. But now that I think about it, I believe I’ve given you enough pity attention this week.”
She stepped back as though he’d slapped her.
Adopting a condescending tone, he continued, “Oh, I beg your pardon. Did you think I was infatuated with you? Come, come, Miss Horsham. Do not flatter yourself.”
“Dare! What’s come over you? Stop being so horrid.”
He stretched his mouth into a smile. “Horrid, am I? No, my dear, this is the real me. Perhaps you were just expecting too much. I’m not surprised, most women do.”
Her chin quivered, but she said nothing.
“As pleasurable as this trip has been,” he continued, allowing his eyes to rake over her, “I find I have grown bored in the country. I will be returning to London tomorrow. I have business to attend to.”
Instead of crying or begging, as he had expected, she set her jaw, nodded briefly, and responded, “I see. Yes. I’m sorry to have disturbed you. Go back to London then.”
He could see the glitter of tears reflected in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
“I will be remaining at Durham for the month. If you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me,” she choked, before turning on her heel and running back toward the house.
He let out a violent exhale.
There. It was done.
Over.
Chapter 30
Dare awoke early, restless and anxious. He needed to return to London and put this nightmare behind him. “Jackson! See that my things are packed up today. We will be heading home after the midday meal.”
“Very good, milord.”
“And ready my riding clothes. I would like to stretch my legs a final time before being cooped up in a carriage for days.”
“Yes, milord. Anything else?”
“Yes. Keep everyone the hell away from me. I’m sick to death of people’s company.”
“Certainly, milord.”
Once again, Dare caught the smirk on Jackson’s face before he disappeared. At some point, he should probably discipline the man for his impertinence, but today, he just hadn’t the energy.
The sun was hovering over the trees as Dare rode up the main drive. He had considered heading into the woods, where it was cooler, but didn’t want to run into Nivea practicing her riding. Not that there was anything special about Nivea. As he’d told Jackson, he didn’t want anyone’s company. There was no reason he spurned her presence more than others.
He gave the horse his head, and they streaked away from the house. As they neared the main road, a carriage came rolling up the drive. Dare gave way, slowing his horse and pulling him off to the side. No longer in motion, he realized both he and his horse were lathered. Not to mention there was a sharp ache in his side.
Giving into the feeling, he turned the stallion back to return home at a more sedate pace. He entered the yard and handed the reins to a groom. Careful to mask his pain, he took a deep steadying breath. At the sound of another horse entering the yard, he turned to see William’s wife, Betsy, grinning like a fool, astride a large, prancing grey. She jumped down, unassisted.
“Oh that was marvelous. I have been waiting so long to once again be on horseback. If I didn’t love little Anthony so much, I would have gone mad from the wait.”
At that, a large woman came trudging up the path from the house, a crying, flailing bundle at her breast. Betsy rushed over and scooped the baby into her arms.
“Beg your pardon, milady. He was fussy from the time you left. Refused a nap or even a biscuit. You are always able to soothe him.”
As Betsy cooed lovingly, the cries stopped.
The groom approached, “May I see the wee lad, milady?”
“Certainly, Ian.”
Uncovering his face, Betsy allowed him to admire her son’s round cheeks and strawberry blond fringe of hair.
“Look at me, boy. This is how you’ll no doubt turn out one day.” The groom laughed, running a freckled hand over his own flaming red hair.
Betsy laughed too and headed back toward the house.
Dare stood there, appalled by the level of familiarity between Betsy and her servants.
Shaking his head, he headed into the house only to find Nivea wrapped in the arms of another man.
“Oh, yes, Winnie,” she squealed with pleasure, “I’d be happy to join you for dinner.”
The gentleman’s round, red face beamed with delight.
“Excellent, my dear Nivvy. Come by Valendeer next week. I’ll show you my garden. It is wonderful this time of year.” He bowed and grabbed her hand, kissing it with vigor as Nivea smiled at him as though her world was complete.
Dare could barely contain his rage as he watched the lobcock saunter out, a besotted grin plastered to his face.
It was only once the door was shut that Nivea noticed him. Feigning innocence, she said sweetly, “Oh, Dare, I’m glad you’ve returned.”
“Are you?” he exploded. “Are you sure I didn’t interrupt? I could go back and give you and your lover a few more minutes alone.”
Nivea paled, obviously stunned to be caught. Dare couldn’t believe how quickly she’d turned to another man.
“Now I understand why you were so eager for me to go back to London. I didn’t realize you had a line of suitors, and I have overstayed my welcome. Please forgive my oversight.”
He had taken two steps inside when Nivea found her voice. “Dare, you know that’s not true. Winnie is…was…he’s one of my oldest friends. We were just… He’s married, for goodness sake!”
“I am not interested in him or you. I don’t know why you think I would have any interest in your personal life whatsoever. You are free to act the whore with whomever you chose.”
She just stood there, her face twisted in anguished horror. He didn’t care. It was obvious his dream was more prophetic than he’d feared. She hadn’t even waited until he’d left to betray him with her precious Lord Corknell. As fury ripped through him, he stormed toward the back of the house, almost running down William emerging from his study.
“Ho, sir, are you all right? I heard yelling?”
Dare strode into the room, sloshed a glass full of whisky, and downed it.
“Drinking at this hour? My, what has put you in such a temper?”
“Women!” He poured another drink.
William strolled over and said with a chuckle, “What is wrong with women? You are usually quite amenable to the fairer sex.”
“They can’t be trusted. Not a one. They are all disreputable, unfaithful liars.”
“Yes, so you’ve said, but you know I have to disagree.”
“Do you?” Dare turned with a growl. “You and your loving, devoted wife? You think you can trust her? Have you not noticed the striking resemblance between your son and the groom? I would attempt to put another heir in your wife’s belly in the hopes the next one look more like the Horsham name he bears.”
William froze, his face mottled with anger. “Take that back! You have no right to impugn my wife’s honor like that.”
“Don’t be a fool. She was able to satisfy her family and their stable of daughters by finally getting a man, with a title at that. Surely, you don’t expect her to be faithful, now that she has what she wants.”
The next thing Dare knew, he was lying on the floor.
William had punched him square in the face and was looming over him, yelling like a deranged lunatic. “Damn you to hell, Landis. I have defended you for years. Everyone in the ton has questioned our friendship, and I have staunchly stood by you, explaining how it was just an act. That you didn’t mean what you said. That you just enjoyed acting the pompous fool. But you have gone too far. Get out. You are no longer welcome in my house.”
At that, William stormed out of the room, slamming the door.
Dare rubbed his jaw. Well that was a surprise.
He could almost pity the poor deluded devil. When the little brat grew to look just like their redheaded groom, he would see Dare was speaking the truth. Until then, he would have to give William time to calm down.
It was obvious to Dare that this entire trip had been a mistake, one horrible episode after another. Stomping out of the room, Dare flew up the stairs and bellowed for Jackson.
Nivea heard Dare charging down the corridor past the door of her room. She had collapsed into a chair in her sitting area, shaking at the recent turn of events, trying in vain to suppress the pain.
How could he be so cruel to her? She hadn’t asked for anything, hadn’t expected anything. She only wanted his friendship.
But, no, that wasn’t true. Even after learning all his secrets, she still wanted his love. A special place in his life.
Was it possible he’d had his fill of her and was now returning to the welcoming arms of more beautiful, experienced women? Were they better able to meet his needs? The thought shot pain through her heart.
No, she argued. No one else had forged a connection like she had. No one else knew the truth. Surely, that was something.
Agitated, she paced her sitting area, listening to the servants removing Dare’s belongings. Once they had completed the task, she peeked out her door and crossed to William’s room. From there, she could watch his carriage parked on the front drive.
It wasn’t until she saw him storm outside, leap into the carriage, and drive off that the tears started. She ran back to her room, threw herself onto her bed, and let all the agony pour out. The only thing that kept her sane was the faint, slight, sliver of hope that one day he might return.
Chapter 31
Dare settled back into his life at his London townhouse. There was no need to reflect on any of the unpleasantness he left behind at Vincent Hall. None at all. He was home and ready to enjoy the pleasures in town.
While entertainment was limited during the summer months, he soon learned of a lavish rout that was certain to break up the summer doldrums. As he approached the house, Dare could sense the evening held countless possibilities. Designed like a gypsy camp, the grounds were surrounded by tents and bonfires. Jugglers, fortune tellers, and musicians strolled around, as did servants with trays laden with delicacies.
He’d barely stepped on the grounds, when he was greeted by a group of revelers.
“Landis, welcome back to civilization!”
“Hasn’t been the same without you here.”
Graves, Lazby, Highstone, and Courtlay gathered around him, eager for an evening of debauchery. They were the crème of the ton, wealthy, attractive, and titled, gaining them entrance to any ballroom, and most bedrooms, in London. Dare finally felt at ease.
“What do you say we stir up some excitement, Landis?” asked Graves, a devilish glint to his eye.
Dare took the glass of spirits handed to him and drawled, “What do you suggest?”
Lazby, the youngest of the crowd was eager to respond. “Let us head down to the tent on the water’s edge. I understand there’s a tasty morsel doing a gypsy dance.”
They turned to Dare for approval, and he nodded his head agreeably. Delighted, Lazby stumbled forward toward the tent and the others followed. He smiled as Lazby grabbed a tray of drinks from a startled footman before distributing them to his compatriots. Throwing himself into the festivities, Dare gulped down two in rapid succession, earning himself cheers from his friends.
Letting the younger men roam ahead, he paused at a table to sample a skewer of roasted boar. Graves joined him.“So, were you able to find a few willing wenches in the country to keep you amused?”
Dare had been friends with Graves since his early days in London. Together, they had embraced the rakish lifestyle, exploring the gaming hells and clubs in search of fight
s and women. They had often waged contests to see who could attract the more beautiful or scandalous conquest. Dare could imagine the reaction of his friend if he told him of his experience with the formerly virtuous and overly voluptuous Miss Horsham. It would hover between disbelief and horror.
Now that Dare was back home, he found it difficult to believe himself. Knowing that Graves expected some sort of tale, he resorted to an unusual and rarely called upon strategy. He lied. Extravagantly. “Actually, old man, it was quite an enjoyable interlude. Scored a winning hand—four queens.”
“You did not!” Graves shouted. “Two brunettes and two redheads? Quite a feat, even for you. Tell me more.”
Dare shrugged, warming up to the tale. “The first was Miss Berkshire, now Wilshire. A nice enough piece, to be sure, and hair as black as spades.”
“Ah yes. She has been cozying up to you since her first season. Was she worth the wait?”
“She had some talent. Unfortunately, she crossed me and won’t get a second chance.”
“Pity for her,” Graves smirked.
“Too true. Next was a wedding guest from a nearby shire. I fear she was hoping for a nobleman’s title, but only wound up with his staff.”
“Ho, Landis, you are the devil himself, aren’t you? And was she a redhead?”
“No, my queen of clubs had rather ordinary hair, brown and curly. The redheads were a special treat the night before my departure. Would you believe cousins, visiting from Galine? I managed to persuade Fiona to take a tour of the library. After sharing a glass of sherry, I discovered the couch, and the redhead, to be quite accommodating.”
Graves just rolled his eyes at this and waved at him to continue.
“After that, I strolled in the gardens with the delightful Miss Brynwyn, where we located a secluded temple. We found the Greek statues to be quite inspiring and she eagerly explored my ionic column.”
At that, Graves laughed. “You are a master at the double entendre, my friend, quite the turn of phrase. I’m sure you understand that I will need collaboration before I let you win this hand.”