Forbidden Nights with the Viscount

by Julia Justiss

  Not at all pleased, she said, ‘Mr Hadley, what a surprise! I thought you had called upon my father.’ She looked pointedly towards the door. ‘He did not accompany you?’

  ‘No, he knew I had a matter of some...delicacy to discuss with you.’

  Was it the proposal she’d dreaded? Drat Papa for not warning him off! Although the man was so self-absorbed, he was probably oblivious to hints, even active discouragement. Incapable of believing she’d refuse him, unless the rejection came from her own lips.

  Well, it was going to—unless she could head him off. ‘I cannot imagine a matter so delicate you would not wish to discuss it with Papa present. As political friends and allies, we’ve spent many an evening talking over policy.’

  ‘A modest observation,’ he noted with an approval that made her grit her teeth. ‘Quite proper that a lady not be so forward as to anticipate more—though you cannot be totally unaware of my admiration for you.’

  Your admiration for Papa’s power and my money, you mean. ‘As I admire all those who dedicate themselves to serving their country. We share that esteem; anything more would be out of the question. I am quite content in my position as hostess and companion to my father, and have no wish to be anything else.’

  She could hardly make it plainer. But as she feared, he was not to be deterred.

  ‘Ah, but you could be so much more! A wife and mother, a helpmate to a man of rising prominence and power who could secure your position well into the future. Which, you must allow, a man of your father’s advancing years cannot. My dear Lady Margaret, becoming my wife would bring us both such advantages!’

  So after reminding her of her father’s eventual demise, and without any declaration of tender emotion—not that she would welcome or believe one—she was to accept his hand?

  ‘Sir, I pray you will not continue in this manner!’ she cried, exasperated. Catching him by the arm before he could go down on one knee, she said, ‘There is no need to say more. Though fully aware of the honour of the offer you were about to make, I cannot accept.’

  He patted her hand before she snatched it away. ‘Your father warned me you might have some missish reservations about a change in your position. But only consider the benefits! You would be allying yourself, not with a mere baron, but with the scion of a noble family of impeccable lineage, whom you could assist in continuing the important political work so cherished by your esteemed sire. Allying yourself to a man of youth and vigour, who can give you the children so necessary to the happiness of any woman. A man of means, who would maintain you in the style appropriate to your station. Nor do I have any objections to your continuing to call yourself “Lady Margaret.”

  She wagered he would not, since the title indicated he’d snagged a wife of higher birth than his own. And he might be a ‘man of means’ now, but when his father died and Giles inherited, gaining control over the income from the estate currently being lavished on the second son, he’d be using her funds to buy his hunters, pay his tailor, and maintain the household.

  Though she would like to tear him limb from limb for referring to her darling Robbie as ‘merely a baron’, she made herself say in a civil tone, ‘Benefits indeed, had I a desire to remarry. But I have not.’

  When that statement finally penetrated, he stared at her. ‘Not remarry? How could you not wish to? Even with a woman’s limited wit, you must realise how imperative it is for a lady of your...mature years to get herself settled while it is still possible.’

  ‘My “wit” is not so limited that I do not know my own mind,’ she snapped, struggling to keep her temper under control. ‘Beyond politics, we have little in common, Mr Hadley. I am convinced we would not suit, and I would appreciate it if you cease importuning me and accept my decision.’

  He finally seemed to understand what she was saying, for his smile faded. ‘You truly mean to refuse me—you, who have been on the shelf for six years? You may be a marquess’s daughter, but at your advanced age, you are unlikely to receive a better offer. Unless...’

  His eyes narrowed and his expression turned hostile. ‘You cannot believe that my half-brother would propose to you? I’m sorry to disillusion you, but I must warn you that though he trifles with widows, he doesn’t marry them. I heard about your little tête-à-tête in Chellingham! I would have thought your father would forbid your associating with a jumped-up soldier’s bastard, who has neither the training nor the breeding to assume a more elevated role!’

  ‘If he has not the training, that is more the fault of his father, the earl, than it is his,’ she flung back.

  ‘His father, the earl?’ he scoffed. ‘So he has drawn you in! I would urge you to stay away from him! Giles Hadley spoils and destroys everything he touches, and has from the moment of his birth. You must have heard how he ruined his mother’s life, turning her into an outcast shunned by all good society.’

  ‘He ruined her?’ Maggie shook her head, hardly able to believe she was hearing him correctly. ‘That’s ridiculous! He was only a babe, hardly responsible for the behaviour of the adults involved!’

  ‘Indeed?’ he said with a sneer. ‘I would have credited you with more wit than to accept his Banbury tales!’

  The wit you have already disparaged? she thought, incensed. ‘Enough! I will not be drawn into the quarrel between you and your half-brother. Since I have refused your most obliging offer, there is nothing left to say. Good day, Mr Hadley.’

  ‘You think to dismiss me like some...lackey?’ he cried, his handsome face distorting with anger. ‘I will not be treated thus by a mere female! You would do well to remember that what I want, I obtain, and woe to those who stand in my way! If you choose to ally yourself with Giles Hadley, you thrust yourself into more danger than you could possibly imagine.’

  ‘Put myself in danger?’ she echoed, her hands shaking from the effort to refrain from slapping him. ‘Surely you are not trying to threaten me?’

  ‘Warn, only,’ he temporised, and then summoned a smile. ‘Any danger would be swiftly dissipated, once you were sensible enough to accept my hand. What an outstanding team we would make!’

  Flabbergasted that he had the audacity to berate her in one breath and renew his suit in the next, she said, ‘I believe I have already made clear there is no chance of that. Now, once again, Mr Hadley, I must insist that you leave.’

  ‘A command that I second,’ came her father’s voice from the doorway. ‘Did my daughter not just order you to go?’ The marquess crossed the room to stand protectively beside her. ‘Then get you gone, sirrah—or do I need to summon a footman to assist you?’

  His expression transitioning rapidly from surprise, to incredulity, to the petulant frown of a child denied a treat he expects as his due, Hadley bowed stiffly. ‘As you wish, my lord, Lady Margaret.’ Straightening his shoulders, with an air of injured dignity, he walked out.

  Once the door closed behind him, her father gave her a quick hug. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘Quite fine—if a little out of temper.’

  ‘As well you might be!’ The marquess shook his head. ‘I could scarcely believe it, when Rains came to tell me Hadley was closeted with you.’

  ‘I do wish you had not inflicted him on me,’ she said ruefully.

  ‘I certainly did not intend to! You’d already made your feelings clear, so when he broached the reason for his visit, I told him quite plainly that you would not consider accepting his offer. I suppose I can’t blame an ardent suitor for wanting to confirm that disappointing news with the object of his affection, but from what I overheard just now, it appeared he did not want to accept the truth from you, either. You had to ask him more than once to leave? I only wish I had come down sooner!’

  She considered telling her father he’d also threatened her, but Papa was angry enough already. ‘Thank you, but I had the situation in hand.’

&n
bsp; ‘I have no doubt!’ her father said with a laugh as he ushered her to the sofa. ‘I am disappointed in Hadley, though. I knew he’d been much indulged, but I still expected him to be a gentleman.’

  ‘Hardly a gentleman! More like a spoiled child.’

  Her father gave her a penetrating look. ‘Are you sure knowing Giles Hadley is worth it?’

  Startled, she looked at him, trying to keep her expression bland. Just how much did he know about her relationship with the fascinating Giles? Not that he had any say in her behaviour—but she wouldn’t want to disappoint her father.

  ‘What has that to do with George Hadley’s offer?’

  ‘He gave me quite a harangue about making sure you were protected from his half-brother’s “evil influences”—at least until he could wed you and assume the vigil. I imagine he would be even more incensed if he were to hear that after thwarting his hopes, you continued to associate with his detested brother.’

  ‘Surely you’re not suggesting that I terminate my friendship with Giles Hadley,’ she said, choosing her words carefully, ‘because he has the misfortune to be related to a man who acts like a wilful child? Besides, would not my cutting his half-brother just encourage a bully?’

  ‘Perhaps, but it’s my daughter he’s bullying.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Papa,’ she told him, giving his arm a squeeze. ‘Remember, you taught me how to aim at vermin and shoot straight.’

  Her father laughed. ‘True, but I never intended you to have to use that skill on vermin the size of the Honourable George Hadley.’

  ‘Who turned out to be not so honourable,’ she said with a sigh.

  ‘Indeed. I shall write to his father, and ask that he be summoned home—as a favour to me. That should be enough to remind the earl that since his precious second son is not a peer and no longer sits in Parliament, he can be arrested. I won’t have him harassing my daughter.’

  ‘Thank you, Papa. But it’s late, and if I don’t consult with Cook soon, we’ll have no supper tonight.’

  ‘Goodness, can’t have you dwindle away to nothing, my sweet. Don’t worry your pretty head about any more unpleasantness with George Hadley. A word to his father, and we’ll table that bill before it leaves committee.’

  ‘I would appreciate that!’ Relieved to be able to transfer the problem of George Hadley to her father, she gave him a kiss and stood up. ‘Now, to order your dinner!’

  ‘Make it a good one! I’m going to study some notes Bathhurst made about the Reform Bill that’s nearly certain to pass. I’ll need something to cheer me.’

  ‘Cheering it is,’ she said, and walked out. She felt cheered herself, knowing that George Hadley would disturb her no more.

  Now, she could concentrate on the much more enjoyable prospect of her mornings with his half-brother.

  Chapter Eleven

  Later that afternoon, Giles had returned to his rooms at Albany to pick up some documents when he heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he found the porter on his doorstep.

  ‘There’s a gentleman to see you, Mr Hadley,’ the man said. ‘A Mr Angleton, from Romesly. He said you wouldn’t know him, but he’s from the county your half-brother used to represent in Parliament.’

  Wondering why the gentleman would seek him out at his lodgings, rather than at Parliament, Giles said, ‘Tell him I cannot spare much time, as I’m already overdue at committee, but I will see him.’

  Curious why someone from Hampshire would want to consult him, Giles waited impatiently until the porter escorted in a short, spare man dressed in the plain but well-made attire of a prosperous merchant or tradesman.

  The man made him a bow. ‘Thank you for seeing me uninvited, Lord Lyndlington. As I told your man, I’m James Angleton, of Romesly—a village within Abbotsweal, your father, Lord Telbridge’s, estate.’

  ‘Good to meet you, Mr Angleton,’ Giles replied, swiftly deciding it would be too much trouble to object to the use of his courtesy title by this man who’d probably never heard him called anything else. ‘What can I do for you?’

  ‘I—and the other electors in the county—need your help.’

  ‘I shall help if I can,’ Giles said, motioning the visitor to a seat. ‘But if this concerns Abbotsweal, you should rather address yourself to Lord Telbridge. As you must know if you live near the estate, I have no power there, and no influence whatsoever in the running of it.’

  ‘Aye, that’s true—for now. But as the heir, you will have both, one day.’

  Resistant as always to even thinking of a life beyond his duties in the Commons, Giles said, ‘Although the earl and I are estranged, I bear him no ill will.’ Which was not exactly true, but he didn’t intend to air his dirty laundry before a stranger. ‘I have every expectation that he will continue to direct Abbotsweal for many years to come.’

  ‘We, too, hope he continues in health and vigour. But in the interim, Lord Lyndlington, the electors in the county have a problem. As you doubtless have heard, we chose not to return your half-brother to Parliament. He...has never had much interest in the common folk, and displayed little knowledge of the needs of either tradesmen or farmers. I imagine the fact that we elected another man, rather than the earl’s son, came as an unpleasant shock. I very much doubt Mr Hadley will forget or forgive the slight, nor, I expect, is the earl very happy about it.’

  ‘Probably not,’ Giles replied. ‘But my acquaintance with the earl is slight—’ more like non-existent ‘—so my opinion about his reaction is no more informed than yours.’

  ‘Though you’ve not resided on the estate since you were a child, knowing you would one day inherit, we in Romesly have followed your career with great interest. We’re impressed and encouraged by your ideals, and your dedication in working to implement them. So, with the prospect of reform upon us, we decided to take a great risk, and throw in our lot with you.’

  ‘Throw in your lot with me?’ Giles repeated. ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. I represent Danford. What can I do that affects you?’

  ‘You represent Danford now, but when you inherit, you will represent us. In rejecting Telbridge’s son, we’ve effectively burned our bridges with the earl. There will probably be retribution, although it’s too early to tell yet what form that will take. The other electors nominated me to call on you and beg you not to wait until you inherit to come to Abbotsweal and get to know the district and its people. We are most anxious to introduce you around the area, so you can become familiar with it, and with us and our needs. If Lord Telbridge knows you are active on our behalf, it might blunt whatever retribution he might be contemplating against us.’

  ‘Would not having me tromping about the village and the surrounding countryside incense the earl even more? It might appear to him that you—and I—are anticipating his demise.’

  ‘Perhaps,’ Mr Angleton allowed. ‘But in the end, we agreed the benefit of having you up to snuff about the estate from the moment you receive your inheritance outweighed the possibility of further offending the earl. Besides, since you are going to inherit, there is nothing unreasonable about you visiting the village and freeholders thereabouts. Were you and your father not estranged, you would have been doing so since you came out of short pants.’

  ‘Probably,’ Giles admitted. ‘However, it doesn’t seem proper for me to be poking about Abbotsweal without having been invited by the earl, or at least informing him of my intent.’

  ‘You can certainly inform the earl if you wish, though we don’t consider it necessary. Lord Telbridge may own the land, but he doesn’t own us. Every farmer and merchant and tenant has the right to look out for his own interests, and to invite whomever he chooses into his home or shop. If we choose to invite you, that’s none of the earl’s business. I won’t press you now, Lord Lyndlington. But won’t you at least consider it?’

  Troubl
ed, Giles got up and paced the room. With everything in him, he resisted the very idea of reaching out to the earl, and despite the townsman’s assertion, he didn’t see how he could visit the estate without at least informing Telbridge of his intent. He turned back to Mr Angleton, intending to give him a regretful but firm refusal, and met a glance of such hopeful entreaty the words withered on his lips.

  Even the idea of ‘Abbotsweal’ burned in his gut like acid. But, sent by his anxious neighbours, the man had come all the way to London to see him. He could at least let them down more gently.

  Though let them down he would. Never while the earl still breathed would he set foot on the land from which Telbridge had cast out his mother.

  Maybe not even then.

  ‘Very well, Mr Angleton. I make no promises, but I will consider it.’

  The man broke into a relieved smile. ‘Thank you, Lord Lydley! I have other business in London that should me take a week or so. May I call upon you before I leave for your answer?’

  ‘Yes. Send me a note here to arrange a time.’

  ‘Good day, then, my lord. And may I add, I do hope we will see you at Romesly in the near future!’

  A vain hope, that, Giles thought as he ushered the man out. But he needn’t consider the disturbing matter any more right now—he had an important piece of legislation to draft. Putting the earl and his visitor out of mind, he packed up his papers and set off for the committee room.

  * * *

  The following morning, too filled with anticipation to sleep any longer, Giles Hadley rose before dawn and called for his horse. Tiptoeing through the common area of the rooms he shared with Davie, he sent a rueful glance towards the chamber where his friend dozed peacefully. Although Giles often rode early, normally he returned to breakfast with Davie and discuss the work they’d be engaged upon that day. Though his friend had as yet said nothing to him, it would take a man far less perceptive than Davie not to notice Giles’s continuing absence at breakfast and his repeated late arrivals in the committee room.