The Scoundrel Who Loved Me

by Laura Landon

  The duchess would have no reason to mention the pending marriage to a stranger. Which is what Lady Engle would be to her. The woman had lived in Bath for over twenty years and knew a great many people, but the Duchess of Somerset was not one of them. In fact, there was nothing about which to be concerned. And no reason not to believe Lady Aglaia would give him the heir he needed to keep his blasted nephew from inheriting.

  . . .

  Damon, Meg, and Mr. Paulet—was the man to always be around?—joined Laia, her mother, and sister for breakfast the following morning.

  “Your mother and Meg intend to visit the Pump Room,” Damon said. “Unless you wish to go and drink the waters”—Laia shook her head. She had heard the waters tasted horrible and at this time of year, there were unlikely to be many ladies her age present—“in that case, I propose we either order the horses to be brought round, or we explore Sydney Gardens. It is your choice. We will do whatever you like.”

  Laia glanced at her sister’s surprised face. Even on their birthdays they had never been given such freedom. And she knew just where she wished to visit. Sydney Gardens.

  Last night she had read the guide book the leasing agent had kindly provided and the garden was high on her list of sites to visit. “Sydney Gardens. I read that there are”—she recited from memory—“shady groves, grottoes, labyrinths, and waterfalls, gala nights, illuminations and public breakfasts in summer. May we see them all?”

  “So that is where the guide book went to.” Euphrosyne narrowed her eyes at Laia, giving her an angry look. “I searched for it for over an hour.”

  That sort of comment frequently preceded a squabble, but she was too old for that now. Raising her chin, she used her most grown up tone. “You should have asked me. We could have read it together.”

  “We may see as much as possible this morning.” Damon laughed. “But we must trust that your mother and Meg discover the dates of the gala night, illuminations, breakfasts, and what else Bath has to offer us.”

  Mr. Paulet dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “I have had the opportunity to visit Sydney Gardens. They are extremely interesting. I also took the time to discover the key to the labyrinths.”

  That was well done of him. Laia could think of nothing worse than being trapped in a maze. “When shall we leave?”

  “As soon as you and Euphrosyne are ready,” Damon replied.

  Laia pushed back her chair. “Give me twenty minutes.”

  “I as well,” her sister said following her out of the room. “Is the guide book interesting?”

  “I am not sure I would say that, but it does list a great many places to see and things to do. Would you like to look through it when we return?”

  “Yes, thank you.” They were half-way to their rooms when Euphrosyne said in a hushed tone, “Do you think Mama will allow us to read novels now that Father is not here to stop us.”

  Laia had not even thought of that possibility. All they were allowed to read at home were improving works and newspapers. “We shall ask, but try not to be upset if she refuses.”

  “I won’t.” They reached the top of the steps. “Mr. Paulet seems to be very nice.”

  “Yes.” Laia thought of his ready smile and twinkling eyes. Still, he had just about accused her betrothed of murder. That she could not like. Yet he gave her other things to think about as well. Did her father know how many wives Bolton had lost? “Yes, he does. I would imagine most of our brother’s friends are nice.”

  “Perhaps we shall meet more of them.” Her sister’s voice was wistful, and Laia knew Euphrosyne was wishing for a London Season. A Season that would most likely never come.

  Thirty minutes later, almost to the second, the foursome stepped onto the pavement in front of the Laura Place house and started up the hill to Sydney Gardens.

  Laia turned around to gaze down at the view of the town. “I have never seen a place with so many hills.”

  “You’ve never seen anywhere at all,” her sister retorted.

  That was something she hoped would change with her marriage. “Very true.”

  “Come, little one,” Damon said as he took her sister’s hand and placed it on his arm. “Paulet, please escort Laia.”

  “My lady.” Mr. Paulet bowed. “Escorting you would be my pleasure.”

  Ah. There was that smile again. This time she noticed the dimple on one side of his face. “Thank you.”

  Mama had made her brothers practice escorting her and her sisters, but she always felt as if she was being dragged along. Mr. Paulet adjusted his steps to her shorter ones making strolling next to him much more pleasant than with her brothers. Particularly as they were walking up hill.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Several minutes later, Laia caught her first glimpse of the gardens. Flower beds acted as colorful pillows against the green meadow. And in the distance, she could see a covered bridge. “How pretty it is here. What shall we view first?”

  He grinned down at her. “I think we might begin with the labyrinths, and as the morning becomes warmer we can visit the grotto.”

  Shortly before luncheon, after Euphrosyne got lost in the maze and Mr. Paulet and Laia had to go in and help her out, they had explored the grotto—which was, indeed, a welcome break from the rising heat—and wandered along one of the shady paths, Damon’s stomach grumbled loudly.

  “I’m for my luncheon,” her brother proclaimed.

  “When do you not wish to eat?” Mr. Paulet gave her brother such a look, Laia was hard pressed not to laugh.

  “Rarely,” Damon said in a lofty voice.

  “I’m hungry as well,” Euphrosyne said.

  Mr. Paulet glanced at Laia and sighed. “There is nothing for it. We must see these two fed. I know for a fact Hawksworth becomes a bear when he’s peckish.”

  “To be honest, my sister is not much better.” She and Mr. Paulet began to follow her brother and sister home.

  He had been the perfect gentleman, helping her over small stones and dips in the paths, and telling her about Bath and the surrounding areas. Despite what she had thought last evening, she enjoyed spending time with him and was sorry when her brother had put an end to their outing.

  Just outside of Laura Place, they met her sister-in-law and mother coming from the direction of town. “Did you drink the waters? Were they very nasty?”

  “Yes, and no.” Her mother laughed. “There are a great many interesting people at the Pump Room. You may accompany us tomorrow.”

  “Both Mr. King, who is the Master of Ceremony for the Upper Rooms,” Meg said, “and Mr. Guynette, who performs the same task at the Lower Rooms, informed us there are balls twice every week and an illumination is planned four days afterward.”

  Laia and her sister would never be allowed to attend the balls, but couldn’t help but to give a little bounce of excitement about the illumination. “I never dreamt it would be so soon.”

  “Did you come across anyone you know?” Damon asked as he took his wife’s hand, raising it to his lips.

  “Indeed we did.” Meg stared into his eyes for a moment and Laia felt like sighing to see them so much in love. Would she love her husband liked that? “Lady Sarah and Mr. Jeremy Bellingham are here with her brother Markville.”

  Damon’s eyes widened. “That is a surprise. I would have supposed Markville to be in Brighton.”

  “Oh, no. He doesn’t like the Carleton House crowd any more than we do.” Meg took her husband’s arm and turned him toward the bridge to the house. “They are staying at The York while they look for a house to buy.”

  “Who? Sarah and Jeremy or Markville?”

  “Markville is buying a house for them.” Meg strolled through the door behind Mama, grinning. “You remember that Quartus told us there was a misunderstanding of some kind between Sarah and her brother? It seems they have worked it out.” Meg handed her parasol and bonnet to Perkins. “We shall see them at the Pump Room tomorrow. It is quite delightful there. I also met Lady Engle, a friend of m
y grandmother’s. You will like her a great deal, I dare say.”

  Guy’s ears perked up at hearing Lady Engle’s name. Meg had been busy. The older lady’s granddaughter had been his uncle’s last wife, and the woman had no love for his grace at all. He would dearly love to arrange for Lady Laia to speak with the older woman. Guy wondered how many of Somerset’s cronies had been present at the Pump Room and if any of them would report the meeting. Then again, none of them knew what he did about his uncle.

  They were all in the hall now, and he began to take his leave of Lady Laia. “I had a delightful time this morning. I hope you will allow me to escort you to the illumination.”

  Her blue eyes lit up at his suggestion making him glad he had mentioned it. “If my mother agrees, I would like it above all things.”

  “Guy,” the duchess said. “Please join us for luncheon. I intend to press you into service as one of our evening escorts.”

  “Oh, yes.”

  Laia’s lovely, lush pink lips widened into a smile, and damn if he didn’t want to kiss her.

  “That would be wonderful. Please say you will.”

  “Of course.” He could not help but to return her smile. “I live to serve. My credit will indeed rise in the company of such lovely ladies.”

  A light blush colored her cheeks and neck drawing his attention to her ample breasts. Her mouth opened slightly, and it occurred to him that she had never had a gentleman admire her before. If they found they suited, he would, he realized, be her first for everything. And for some reason, that knowledge pleased him to no end.

  He held out his arm to her. “Allow me to escort you to luncheon.”

  She placed her hand on his arm, warming him where she touched him. “Thank you, sir.”

  “No. Thank you, my lady. I do not believe I have ever squired a more beautiful woman.”

  Her lips formed a perfect “O”, but recovered quickly. “I am not at all sure you should speak to me like that.”

  “No?” he asked raising one brow. “Perhaps not. Or perhaps that is exactly how I should address you.”

  Lady Laia’s cheeks reddened again, but as before she rallied. “Are you flirting with me, Mr. Paulet?”

  Ah, innocent she might be, but she was no one’s fool. “I am. Do you like it?”

  She didn’t answer until they had reached the breakfast room. “I think I do like it.”

  “Good. I intend to continue.” And be the gentleman to show her how to flirt.

  As they sat down to a cold coalition, the talk turned to other sites to be visited in the area. After discussing excursions to the ancient chapel at Farley Castle, the Roman ruins, and Badminton, the sisters decided to wait to visit the Pump Room and the other places the guide book mentioned.

  “Because,” Laia explained, “once we have seen all the places around Bath, we will probably be so fagged we will want to drink the water.”

  “I have no doubt you are right, my dear,” the duchess said. “However, I shall leave the sightseeing to you.”

  “But, Mama,” Euphrosyne cried. “We want you to join us.”

  “I know you do, my love,” the duchess said in her gentle way. “However, I have met some old friends with whom I would dearly love to spend time, and I must take time to look in on your brothers and sisters. Aside from that, I shall be with you in the evening for the balls and concerts.”

  “We’re going to be allowed to go to the ball?” Laia’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “A real ball?”

  “I believe I shall host a dancing afternoon,” Meg said.

  Guy wanted to plant Somerset a facer. How could that old man have denied them the pleasures all young ladies should enjoy. “There are no waltzes, but will you do me the honor of standing up with me for your first dance at Lady Hawksworth’s party?”

  Her head swung from her mother, who had nodded her permission, to him. “I would love to.”

  At her sister’s fallen face, Damon said, “Euphrosyne, I know I am only a brother, but will you allow me to lead you out for your first set?”

  Immediately, her countenance brightened. “Thank you, Hawksworth. You are the best brother ever.”

  “If no one objects, I shall ask Lord Markville as well as his sister and brother-in-law if they would like to join us when we ride to Farley Castle. They have just arrived in Bath as well and have not seen the sights.” Meg looked at her family as they nodded, then glanced at Guy.

  “That is an excellent idea.” The thought of giving Lady Laia the opportunity to meet another gentleman should not have upset him the way it did. He would simply find a way to keep Markville away from her

  The corners of her lips curved up. “That is what I thought. Aside from that, we really do need another gentleman to even our numbers.”

  “Very true,” Lady Euphrosyne agreed. “I am always left with no escort.”

  The excursion would also give Guy more time to come to know Lady Laia. Provided Markville did not try to cut him out. Guy really was becoming obsessed with that idea. He’d have to make it clear to his lordship where his interests lay.

  He glanced at her younger sister. Perhaps Markville would be interested in Lady Euphrosyne. Her coloring was not as fair as her sister’s, nor was she as beautiful, but she had a way about her Markville might like.

  According to Hawksworth, she was also of marriageable age, yet not as close to her majority as Lady Laia. The question was, would Somerset allow the match. Somehow, Guy could not envision Markville bolting to Gretna Green, no matter how enthralled he was with a lady. Did that mean Guy would? The thought disturbed him. A scandal, and that’s exactly what it would be, was no way to help his career. He’d have to ask Hawksworth just how close to her majority his sister was.

  Guy was being ridiculous. Making matches for a gentleman and lady who had not even met each other. Imagining that he might wed a lady about whom he was not yet certain. But he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

  He turned his thoughts back to Lady Laia. If she and Guy were to wed, neither duke could stop them or harm them in any way, as long as she had reached her majority. Even if her father or his uncle attempted to ruin his career, he had enough power and support to weather the challenge. In fact, once his uncle had realized that Guy’s politics were not the same as Bolton’s he had tried to replace Guy, and found he could not. If he married the lady, he had the means to protect her. And he might very well be required to do just that.

  . . .

  As much as Laia was enjoying Mr. Paulet’s attentions, she was not certain how to take them. All she knew was that she felt a thrill of pleasure when he gazed at her and his blue eyes seemed to simmer as they practically touched her body. When she had placed her fingers on his arm, she could not ignore his strength.

  She had asked if he was flirting with her, meaning the question to be a slight reprimand, but he had turned it into something else entirely. The problem was that she did not have the experience or the knowledge to know exactly what. Laia truly wished she had more experience with men. Yet, surely her mother or sister-in-law would have said something if Mr. Paulet’s behavior was not what it should be. She would have to trust their judgment. Damon, as well, liked the man and as protective as her brother was, he’d definitely step in if Mr. Paulet crossed a line.

  She pulled her thoughts to the here and now to find the very gentleman who occupied her mind was now seated next to her filling her plate with samples of meat, cheese, bread, and salad.

  This time when she placed her hand on his arm it was to stop him. “You must cease. I will never be able to eat all of it.”

  He glanced at her plate. “If you are sure. We have had a great deal of exercise today.”

  In the end, she finished her luncheon and when he asked if she would like a plate of strawberries, she was astonished he took his time selecting the fruits, cutting them into quarters before putting the plate in front of her. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He grinned, taking several strawberries fr
om the bowl and popping them whole into his mouth.

  Once again, Laia did not know what to think. Yet from the corner of her eye, she saw her sister-in-law’s look of approval. Well, if Meg did not see anything wrong with Mr. Paulet’s behavior, who was Laia, who had no understanding of men at all, to complain.

  Mayhap this was the type of experience Mama had meant when she said Laia must acquire some “Town Bronze.”

  She glanced at her mother, but Mama was speaking with Meg and Euphrosyne, paying no attention at all to Laia and Mr. Paulet. She blew out a small breath. As long as Mr. Paulet was putting himself out to entertain her, she might as well enjoy his efforts.

  “You are not eating your fruit.” His deep voice drew her out of her thoughts.

  She speared a section with her fork, took a bite and chewed. It was sweet and tart at the same time. “This is excellent. Do you know what type it is?”

  He almost preened. “As it happens, I do. It is called “chili.” It comes from my estate in Kent.”

  That was unexpected. For some reason she had gotten the impression that he was landless. “What part of Kent?”

  “The estate is near Newchurch.” He ate another berry. “It is very pleasant and quiet. I wish I could spend more time there.”

  “Why do you not?”

  “Between my position in Parliament and my other estates, I hardly have time.” He finished off his bowl of strawberries. “I do have several excellent stewards, but an absent landlord is a neglectful landlord. And that leads his hirelings to believe they may do what they wish.”

  Laia stared at him for a moment. Her father had said much the same. Unfortunately, he wasn’t nearly as good humored about traveling from estate to estate. “How many other estates do you own?”

  “At last count, ten.” He frowned slightly but not enough to banish his pleasant expression. “Unfortunately, they are spread all over England. There is one in Scotland as well.” His eyes began to sparkle with mirth. “I am renowned in my family for taking care of my possessions. Therefore, every time someone wishes to ensure their property is taken care of, they either leave it to me or give it to me.” He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “I have more than enough to keep me busy without ascending to my uncle’s dukedom.”