“Good morning, Wallace. Are you feeling better?”
“Of course not, you idiot. My leg is shattered, and it’s all Mansley’s fault.”
Nina did not like being called an idiot but let it pass. “How is it his fault?” she asked, choosing to sit near the fire, feigning the need of its heat.
“He cut corners with his designs, and I tried to tell him it was a mistake. We had a discussion about the matter, and when I went up to show him what I was referring to, the boards gave way.” Wallace shifted in his bed, enjoying the full attention he was given, his hands punctuating his tale. “After that, it’s been nothing but pain and agony.”
“Last night, you mentioned the doctor wanted you to try and get out of bed. Shall we try it this morning? The sun is warm by the window. Maybe you’ll feel better. Why, we could play a game of hearts or bridge. It will make the day go faster.”
“You twit, didn’t you hear me? I can’t leave this bed.”
“Wallace, maybe if you tried,” she started, only to be cut off by his now anxious mood.
“I want my medication, that’s what you can do for me, and then leave me alone. I need to rest.”
“I’ll see Daylen about your medication and leave you to rest,” she whispered, thankful to get away from him.
Nina knew the outcome of this whole situation wouldn’t improve by trying to rationalize it while she walked outside. Wallace wasn’t willing to help himself and apparently was addicted to the laudanum. The man she’d seen in the last two days was not the man she’d been promised to.
She was now thankful her letter home mentioned that fact and wondered if her father would let her out of the contract. She held little hope for that, however, knowing her new stepmother felt uneasy with her living at home. She would not appreciate Nina and Wallace living there, especially for the long term while he convalesced.
An older man approached her in the garden, introducing himself as Daniel Barker, the project architect. He reminded her of her father, being about the same age and height. Mr. Barker was a bit rounder and had a bit less hair, but he seemed a likeable fellow.
“Miss Harbin, I’m Daniel Barker, Lord Mansley’s architect.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Barker.” Though Nina was at first slightly uncomfortable without a chaperone, she reasoned that he was an older gentleman and decided her reputation was not at stake. They passed pleasantries about the garden before Nina asked the question that was troubling her. “Will you tell me the truth, Mr. Barker? How was Mr. Arret injured?”
He shook his head slightly as if deciding what to tell her. “You may not like the truth, Miss Harbin.”
“I can handle the truth better than most women, I assure you.”
“What have you been told?”
“I’ve heard Mr. Arret’s side and Lord Mansley’s side. I’m inclined to believe his lordship was trying to protect my feelings. Only it’s important for me to understand to help Mr. Arret.”
“You know he fell from the scaffolding,” the man said, obviously uncomfortable.
“Yes. Lord Mansley said he’d been fired the day before and was drunk. Wallace says he was in charge of the job and that the viscount was cutting corners. Won’t you tell me the truth?”
“I will, but you won’t like the answer. Come, there’s a bench near the pond.”
When she was seated with her skirts arranged for modesty, she turned to Mr. Barker. “I’m inclined to believe Lord Mansley’s version that he was hired as laborer and was fired for incompetence. Was he drunk?”
“Yes, he was. He should have been let go weeks before, but Mansley hoped he’d come around. To be blunt, Miss, I will tell you that it wasn’t an accident. My crew along with lord Mansley and myself witnessed his drunken walk on the boards. They didn’t give way under him and never collapsed, rather Arret…”
“Please, you’ve come this far, I must know.”
“It’s an unpleasant task for me to tell you this, but he complained about being fired and told Mansley he’d get even with him. He jumped from the boards, landing in a pile of debris. It wasn’t a fall, Miss. He jumped to injure himself.”
“Oh, my,” Nina said.
“He’s been milking the injury long since the doctors told him he’s healed. I rather think he likes the situation. He has no responsibilities and is treated like a king. His attitude changes as his medication wears off.”
“Medication he no longer needs?”
“Apparently,” Baker said.
“I see. So bringing me here was an attempt to get him off Lord Mansley’s hands.”
“Had it been my home, I’d have sent him on his way months ago.”
“Thank you for being honest with me. I’ll do my best to get him up and about as soon as possible.”
“It’s a shame, you know. He has the brilliance to be a wonderful engineer, yet he carries the notion that he should have been born to higher class, not having to work for his living.”
“That seems to be the consensus.” Nina stood and gave him a half bow. “I thank you forgoing the formalities, sir, and appreciate your time and honesty.” She rushed through the gardens and house, reaching her assigned room just before her tears sprang forth.
“This is not the man I want to spend the rest of my life with,” she said aloud to the empty room. The cry did her a bit of good and she dropped off to sleep on the divan in the dressing area, only to be awakened by Wallace’s tirade of his medication.
When she reached his room, Daylen was just leaving, assuring her he’d been given the correct dosage. She moved beside his bed as he drifted into the drugged haze.
“Wallace, we have to make plans to leave her soon. I’ve written to Father about your injury and asked him to make a room ready for you to rest in.”
“Leave here? Are you stupid? Why would I leave here? Mansley owes me, and I’m going to get all I can. You’d better stop trying to goad me otherwise.”
“But Wallace, don’t you want to get better so we can get married and start our own home?”
“Not now, Mimsey, I’m tired. Rest with me.” He patted the bed beside him as he fell into a deep sleep.
Nina left him sleeping and went back to her room. In her journal, she started jotting notes, trying to keep the puzzle straight in her mind. Yet she found herself writing the strangest things.
Never before had she thought about a man touching her, yet here she was actually writing about her longing for Lord Mansley to make love to her. To feel his touch to her skin, to allow him the freedom to take what he needed as a man, to show her the path toward fulfillment.
She tossed the journal aside, disgusted with herself for having thoughts of that nature. When tea was brought to her room, she was thankful for the maid’s suggestion of a hot bath before supper.
Lying in the luxury of the heated water, Nina let her hand drop to her lower lips, her fingers grazing against her skin. Her nipples budded tight, and she started to feel the same strange tingle she’d felt at the first sight of Lord Mansley. The maid’s knock on her door ceased all thoughts of desires and she accepted the girl’s help in dressing. Elsa was very quiet and efficient.
While Nina wanted to ask who Mimsey was, she knew it was a question for her host, not a maid who might have a loose tongue. Nina chose the light blue silk for dinner, mainly because the neckline was lower and didn’t choke her. With her hair freshly braided and covered with a snood in matching fabric, she was ready to face Lord Mansley.
She tugged her fingerless crocheted gloves into place and wondered whether there was a Lady Mansley. If she existed, it was odd that she hadn’t been at breakfast and no one had mentioned her.
Perhaps Viscount Mansley wasn’t married.
Perhaps, he was free…
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Four
The door to the parlor beside the dining room was open, and Nina heard voices. She hesitated in the doorway, glancing to see Lord Mansley and Mr. Barker having a d
rink. Their conversation ceased when she cleared her throat to announce her arrival.
“Miss Harbin, you look lovely tonight. Blue suits you,” Lord Mansley said, openly appraising her appearance.
She nodded and entered, hesitating before he added, “Join us. Would you like a sherry before supper?” He said it with a half smile that made her warm inside before the sherry could.
“We were discussing the final details of the new addition,” Barker added.
“What will the building be used for?” Nina asked as she took a seat in the armchair Lord Mansley indicated.
“It’s an extension of the stables. Lord Mansley is known in this part of the country for his fine breeding stock.”
“I wasn’t aware.”
“Do you ride, Miss Harbin?” Mansley asked.
“Yes, I often enjoyed riding through the park when I was younger.” She didn’t add that her riding had ceased when Wallace arrived. After their arrangement, her father decided it wasn’t necessary. There were a lot of things he felt weren’t necessary now.
“Then we must arrange for you to enjoy it again while you’re here.”
“Thank you, that’s most kind, but I should stay close looking after Mr. Arret.”
“He naps in the afternoon. I’m sure he wouldn’t miss you for an hour or two.”
“If you wouldn’t mind,” she said, sipping the sherry and feeling the heat flow through her, noting the difference from the heat provided by Lord Mansley’s smile.
He stood beside the fireplace, one leg propped on the hearth. In full evening dress, he was quite a sight. Paired with a dark tailcoat and matching trousers, his white cravat offset his dark hair and eyes. The tailored coat did nothing to hide the bulk of his shoulders and broad chest. Her gaze dropped to his privates. With a sigh, she glanced away, remarking on the gardens although she wanted to reach out a hand to touch him. She realized her thumb was running along her fingertips in anticipation.
The meal was unlike anything she had experienced. The food was wonderful, and the atmosphere light and easy. The men joked openly about horses and buildings. Both seemed surprised when she asked technical questions of the new stables. After she explained that she had read some books so she could converse with Wallace about his work, the viscount quipped she’d learned more from her reading than Arret had from years of university. What could have been a tense moment was lessened when Mr. Barker laughed, agreeing with his boss. The meal ended too quickly, and Mr. Barker excused himself, leaving Nina feeling obligated to do the same.
“Thank you for a lovely evening,” she said, taking her leave of Lord Mansley.
She climbed the stairs slowly, stopping to glance back to the parlor doorway and wonder what he was thinking. Thank goodness he hadn’t seen her look back. That would have been quite a faux pas.
Entering Wallace’s room, Nina tried to seem concerned and comforting. His attitude was less than pleasant, and he made no attempt at amiable conversation, rather choosing bluntness.
“Now that you’ve arrived, you’ve spoilt everything. Mansley won’t allow us both to stay on much longer.”
“I should think you’d prefer to go home to London and regain your health.”
“I suppose we have no other option,” he sighed. “Your father will see to it I get better medical care. They’ll understand my pain.”
“I should warn you, Wallace, some things in London have changed.”
“What are you talking about?”
It was the first real emotion she’d seen him experience. Fear made him look quite childlike.
“My father remarried some months back. Actually, when we received Lord Mansley’s letter, he sent me here so they could have the house to themselves for a bit. So you see, we must get you back to health so we can be married and start our own home.”
“What? That old fool went and got married?”
“He was well within his rights; he’s been widowed over ten years. He has the same need for companionship as anyone else. I did write to you about the ceremony,” she added defensively.
“The old fool. She probably only wanted to get her hands on his money.”
“And you didn’t?” Nina couldn’t believe she’d said the words aloud but refused to apologize for them.
“Do you really think I’d make a marriage contract with you for any other reason? Be realistic, Nina, you’re no prize. Only your father’s bank account sealed our contract.”
“I see. Then you are well and truly disappointed on several fronts.”
“Watch how you talk to me, Nina. I’m still your fiancé, and I can and will make the rest of your life miserable if I don’t like your tone.”
Nina wanted to spit tacks at him but drew a breath, holding it for long seconds before turning the conversation. “Wallace, who’s Mimsey?”
He wasn’t prepared to answer, and instead he moaned about the pain coming back and needing his medicine.
“Wallace, who’s Mimsey?” she repeated. “You thought I was her earlier. Who is she?”
“She’s none of your business,” he yelled, so loud it made her shrink from him.
“In London, she will be, and you’d better be prepared to be the husband you contracted for, Wallace, or I’ll tell Father the engagement is off. Where will you go then? To your Mimsey? Will her bank account take care of you?”
Nina had never spoken to anyone in such a temper before, but tonight, Wallace had gotten on her last nerve. Now that it was apparent he was only using her for her name and father’s money, she doubted she’d marry him under any circumstances. For several long, exasperating minutes, they were both quiet.
“I’m in pain, Nina. I need my medicine.”
“I’ll ring for Daylen. I’m sure you’ll want to rest, so I’ll leave you. Good night, Wallace. Sleep well.” Nina swept her skirts in her hands and moved quickly from the room, pausing only to pull the bell for the butler.
She was not prepared to find the viscount waiting in the hallway for her, nor was she prepared for the fit of laughter he let out.
“Why, Miss Harbin, you actually have a bit of backbone. I’m quite surprised. I’d figured you a pushover, being engaged to such a milquetoast.” His laughter continued as he took her arm, directing her towards the stairs. “Come, let’s have a drink and talk. It’s apparent Arret hasn’t thought to shield your feelings.”
“Thank you, I should like a brandy.”
She allowed him to guide her down the steps and back to the parlor, where she accepted the brandy he poured for her.
“Please call me Nina,” she started, deciding it was time to take control of her life.
“All right. I’m Jacob, and you’re highly annoyed at the situation, judging from your conversation with Arret. And before you ask, I don’t usually listen at my guests’ doorways, but his tone was insulting and reverberating through the halls.”
“I’m sure you’ve experienced worse from him. How does Lady Mansley put up with him as a house guest?” The question slipped out, one she’d wanted to ask but hadn’t.
Jacob studied her before answering, making her slightly uncomfortable. “There is no Lady Mansley.”
“Oh,” was all she could manage.
“Oh? That’s all? No probing questions as to why I haven’t taken a wife?” He paused to study her, making Nina want to fidget, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“Apparently, you get enough of them already.”
He froze for a moment, but then he laughed, letting her relax back in her seat.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just my mouth works before my brain can stop it sometimes.”
“Rather a bit of spirit, have you?” he asked, smiling over his glass.
“More than my father would have preferred.” Nina smiled openly for the first time since she’d arrived at the manor.
“What will your father think about the situation once he gets your post?”
“I’m not sure. A few months ago,
he remarried. Since then, his responses to most everything seem backward.”
“Ah, a man with his new bride at his side. Is she defensive about you all being under the same roof?” Nina wondered how he understood her situation so quickly. She really had no idea what anyone at Dartmoor thought about her.
“In the beginning, she seemed not to mind. My engagement gave her reason to hope I’d be gone soon. Now, I don’t know what they’ll think.”
“What do you think, Nina?”
“I’d prefer not to say, my lord. In actuality, I’m sure a proper lady doesn’t have the sorts of thoughts I have, especially with the situation being what it is.”
“Do you still want to marry him?”
Nina put her glass on the side table and stood, wandering to the fire, warming her hands. “I’m not sure I ever wanted to marry him. I didn’t really know him, rather it was the idea of marriage and family that appealed to me. He asked, and Father seemed relieved.” She’d gone this far with her honesty and knew she was probably going to cross the line of good manners but asked him the question she needed to know. “Who is Mimsey?” she whispered.
“Mimsey is a local woman who works at the pub.” His words were clear and concise.
“I see. May I ask if she’s been to visit him here?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“I’m sure you’re aware of most things that go on about you. Your home is run quite efficiently, Jacob. Under other circumstances, I would have enjoyed being a guest.” She paused, then added, “I’m sure you’d rather have none right about now.”
“Under different circumstances,” he answered. “Did you bring a riding habit?”
“Yes, I have a costume with me.”
“Perhaps tomorrow afternoon, I’ll take you out and give you a tour of the grounds.”
“I’d appreciate the tour, if it won’t take too much of your time.”
“Be ready around two. Arret will have had his afternoon dose and be resting.”
“All right, I’ll be ready. Thank you for your hospitality.” Nina turned and saw him in the shadowed light. Her stomach fluttered, and she decided not to drink any more brandy. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll retire for the night.”
Lovely Deception Page 3
