by Claudia Dain
Drew nodded. “And after she said no, Elmstead tossed me out on my arse.”
Ian took a sip of his whisky as though letting the situation settle somewhere in his mind. “Well, ye doona have the best reputation, my friend. Ye’ve probably spent more blunt on doxies in the last six months than I’ve lost at the gamin’ tables, and then there’s yer family’s legacy.”
The legacy of madness and attempted murder. Lucy’s eyes had widened the night before when she learned his name. Was it possible she just didn’t want to be known as Lady Brookfield and face the same scrutiny Drew did everyday? His heart squeezed at the thought of that possibility. “She said she wanted an adventure,” he said, clinging to that bit of hope.
“An adventure?” A laugh escaped Ian. “If the lass is lookin’ for an adventure, who better than ye to give it to her?”
Who, indeed? Drew was a giant fool. Why hadn’t he thought of that earlier? Why couldn’t they have an adventure together? But, no. He’d spoken of letting her run his household and supplying him with an heir when he needed one. And while he would make certain she thoroughly enjoyed any adventures in the bedchamber, his tarnished reputation in that regard might frighten any innocent. Besides, that wasn’t the sort adventure she had in mind. Not yet, anyway. Why hadn’t he thought of promising her one adventure after another? He was a damned idiot.
“I think I’ve ruined the one shot I had at winning her.” After all, Elmstead would be vigilant about keeping Drew from Lucy from here on out. His mind spun, hoping to find some way…
Wait! He had it.
Elmstead wouldn’t let Drew near Lucy, but he wouldn’t keep Ian away, or more specifically a proper Scottish lady, would he? “Didn’t Lucy say she was acquainted with your sister?”
“I doona like the look in yer eye.” Ian sat back against his chair and lifted his whisky glass to his lips. “Or the way ye said that.”
Drew couldn’t help but smile, his chest filled with renewed hope. “But you’ll help me anyway?”
“What sort of friend would I be if I wouldna?” Ian released a sigh. “There’s just no tellin’ what Elspeth will demand in return.” He shook his head. “Are ye sure ye want to marry the lass?”
And he was sure. The idea of waking every morning with Lucy in his arms, the idea of sharing one adventure or another with her, the promise of a better future than he’d ever hoped for bloomed in his heart, and a calming peace washed over him. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so certain about anything in my life.”
The wailing at Elmstead House had only diminished after the baroness had fallen asleep the night before. And it had promptly resumed with the lady’s awakening this morning. Lucy’s association with Lord Brookfield would tarnish all of their reputations. They shouldn’t expect to receive invitations to the best homes any longer. Doom and gloom was all they would enjoy from here on out until the end of time.
It was complete and utter rubbish.
All anyone really knew was that Lucy had danced with the apparent reprobate at the Staveleys’. No one knew the viscount had proposed, and even if someone should find out, she’d rejected his offer. The idea that the honorable house of Elmstead should shudder in fear was a ridiculous one.
Unfortunately, Rupert didn’t seem inclined to listen to reason. He hung his head in abject horror, and when he did happen to glance at Lucy, it was only to spear her with a look of such acute accusation she felt it in the core of her soul.
So when an invitation from Lady Elspeth MacLaren arrived, asking Lucy to accompany her to the museum that afternoon, she could have wept with joy. But as there had already been so much weeping in Elmstead House that day, she managed to refrain. She dressed in her happiest daydress, the white one with little blue and yellow flowers stitched in the muslin, and made the hastiest departure for MacLaren House that she could make.
Upon arrival at the MacLaren townhouse, she was quickly shown into a gold parlor where the Scottish beauty awaited her. Elspeth’s long blonde locks bounced as the girl leapt from a brocade settee. “Oh! Lucy, I’m so glad ye’ve come!”
Lucy was glad too, but she didn’t quite understand Elspeth’s obvious joy. The two had always been friendly, but they weren’t bosom beaux. Not that one would know that to see Elspeth MacLaren positively glow as she reached out her arms to Lucy in greeting.
“Me too,” she replied cautiously.
Elspeth embraced her warmly. “I’ve had the most delightful day!”
“Oh?”
The Scottish lass pulled back, her lips quirked in a most mischievous grin. “I’ve achieved quite the feat today.”
“You have?”
Elspeth nodded, her curls bouncing with joy. “I’ve actually gotten my brother to promise to attend the rest of the season’s events with me. Is that no’ wonderful?”
“I’m certain Chloe Springate will be pleased.”
Elspeth rolled her eyes. “Chloe Springate is ninnyhammer.”
That was quite possibly true. And though it wasn’t the nicest thing to say, Lucy couldn’t help but laugh just a bit.
“Speakin’ of ninnyhammers, Mama insists we take Catriona with us today. I am sorry.”
Lucy shrugged. “That’s all right.” She didn’t know Lady Catriona terribly well, but the girl wasn’t bothersome. Exuberant and energetic, which could be taxing after a while, she supposed, but the excursion to the museum would only last so long.
“If she gets too annoyin’ we’ll leave her with Ian. I doona ken if ye’ve met my brother before. He can be quite elusive, but he’s promised to escort us to the museum today as well.”
Before Lucy could reply, a deep voice from the threshold said, “I have had the pleasure of meetin’ Miss Potts, Ellie. And I’ll thank ye no’ ta talk about me behind my back. Elusive, indeed.”
Lucy spun around to find Lord Ericht standing in the doorway. She could see why Chloe was so enamored with the earl. He was a strapping man with the most compelling green eyes and warm smile. “My lord.” She dipped a curtsey. “So nice to see you again.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Potts. I hope ye doona mind me joinin’ ye on yer sojourn to the museum today.”
Honestly, Lucy did mind, not that she could say as much. Seeing Lord Ericht only made her think about Lord Brookfield, as did the idea of visiting the museum for that matter, and it was already difficult to get the viscount off her mind. Whenever a silent moment caught her, though they’d been few and far between at home, she’d wondered if she’d made a mistake in refusing his lordship’s offer.
The memory of Lord Brookfield’s kiss could still warm her to her toes, but she wanted more than warm toes. She wanted to love the man she’d eventually marry, and equally important, she wanted him to love her too. Without love she couldn’t even contemplate marriage. A little voice in the back of her mind whispered that falling for her adventurer wouldn’t take any effort on her part. And if she paid that voice any mind at all, she’d have to admit that she was most definitely already in love with Lord Brookfield. Andrew. Drew. He’d asked her to call him Drew.
But Andrew Yeats didn’t love her, and that just wouldn’t do. How could she be expected to guide his staff and pine away for a husband who didn’t love her? She just couldn’t. That sort of union might even be worse than the awful situation Rupert had married into.
“Miss Potts…?” Lord Ericht’s voice broke into her thoughts.
Lucy blinked at the Scottish earl. “I beg your pardon, my lord. I must have been woolgathering.”
“Are ye sure ye’re all right, my dear?”
“Ye do look a little pale, Lucy,” Elspeth added, cocking her head to the side as though to better examine Lucy’s features.
Lucy forced a smile to her face. “I’m fine. Truly.” Or she would be. The more time that passed, she wouldn’t think about Lord Brookfield or his offer. The more time that passed, she’d feel like her old self. The more time that passed, everything would be back to normal, not that she truly wanted h
er life to be back to normal.
“If ye’re certain,” Elspeth said with a concerned frown.
“Of course I’m certain.” Certain her plan for escape was more necessary now than it had ever been.
Drew stood just inside the threshold of the museum’s reading room, the exact location from which he’d first spotted Lucy. The longer he stood there waiting for her to arrive, the harder his heart pounded. What if she’d had a change of heart about the excursion? What if she’d sent her regards to Lady Elspeth, and Ian hadn’t been able to inform him? What if...
The sound of giggles from the stairway broke into his thoughts, and Drew sighed with relief. He’d know Lady Catriona MacLaren’s girlish giggle anywhere. The chit found nearly everything amusing. And while he usually found that aspect of the girl slightly annoying, today he’d never heard a more delightful sound. For Lady Catriona’s giggle could only mean one thing… Lucy had arrived.
Drew waited as patiently as he was able for Lucy and the MacLaren siblings to reach the top of the stairs. She seemed so intent, her head bent toward Lady Elspeth’s that Lucy hadn’t noticed him, which allowed him the opportunity to study her for a moment. Her dark hair was knotted and trailed over one shoulder, drawing his eyes to her neck and scooped neckline. Damn it all, she was enchanting, and with any luck she’d soon be his for all time and eternity.
Ian caught Drew’s attention and nodded his silent greeting. Drew replied in kind. He’d owe Ian the rest of his days for this, and he’d gladly repay the debt ten times over.
“I want to see the fellow who throws the disc.” Lady Catriona bounced on her toes, her light red curls bobbing up and down.
“Aye, I ken,” Ian grumbled. “Ye said as much all the way here, Cat.”
“But ye said ye dinna want ta see it.” The youngest MacLaren thrust out her lower lip.
Lucy laughed. “I know the way,” she said, linking her arm with Lady Catriona’s. “Follow me.”
As the three girls started for the room that housed Townley’s marble, Ian started for Drew. The earl gestured towards his sisters and Lucy with a flick of his wrist. “Ellie will draw Cat away once ye get in there,” he said after the girls were out of earshot.
A nervous laugh escaped Drew. “Be sure to thank Lady Elspeth for me.”
“Ach!” Ian winced. “Ye can thank me instead. The enterprisin’ lass has secured my escort for the rest of the season. I think she spends her spare time negotiatin’ with barristers just to keep in practice for when she wants somethin’.”
It was more likely that Ian was simply an easy mark. No matter his blustering, he did adore his sisters. “In that case, watch out for devious ladies hiding behind potted palms.” He quirked a grin at his friend.
“I’ll be on the lookout.” He clapped a hand to Drew’s back. “Good luck, my friend.”
Drew nodded his thanks. “I’m afraid I’ll need it.” Then he heaved a steadying sigh and made his way toward the marble room. He stopped on the threshold and couldn’t help but smile at Lucy. Though her back was to him, just being in her presence made him breathe a bit easier.
Lady Elspeth glanced over her shoulder, and a grin spread across her face when her eyes landed on Drew. A moment later, she whispered something in her sister’s ear and then yanked the little redhead toward the far side of the room. Lucy’s head followed the pair, but she stayed in her spot, staring up at the Townley’s Discobus, just like she’d done when he’d found her that first day.
Hoping for a bit of courage, he crossed the room and stopped just a few feet from her. “If I were you,” he began softly, “I’d jump the first frigate headed for India.”
Lucy spun on her heel to face him. “Lord Brookfield!” A pretty blush stained her cheeks, and for the first time that day Drew felt better about his chances.
“Drew,” he corrected.
“What are you doing here?”
“But first,” he continued without acknowledging her question, “I think we should race for the Scottish border for our first adventure. What do you think, Lucy?”
Her hazel eyes narrowed slightly. “I think you’re mad.”
“Sadly, that is the blood, but I think I can hold it off for a few more years, at least until we’ve racked up three dozen adventures or so.” Then he winked at her. “Come on. I’ve got my coach right outside. We can be off before anyone is the wiser.”
Lucy shook her head, looking at him as though the Yeats madness had already taken him. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” She started to back away, but Drew reached out his hand and caught her arm.
“You said you wanted an adventure, Lucy. I can promise you a lifetime filled with them. Marry me.”
“B-but, I…I,” she stuttered.
“Yes?” He pulled her closer to him, so close her rosewater scent tickled his nose. He’d never found the innocent scent intoxicating until now.
A panicked expression settled on her face. “I… Well, I want more than just adventure, Drew.”
Drew. His heart lifted at hearing his name on her lips. He wouldn’t ever tire of the sound, of that he was certain. “What is it you want, my dear? I’ll promise you the world, just tell me what you desire.”
She blinked up at him, her hazel eyes looking quite terrified as though she wasn’t sure she should confide her wants to him. “It would never work. My brother doesn’t like you, you know?”
Of that Drew was most definitely aware, though he doubted there was anything he could do to rectify that matter. Still, it was inconsequential. They wouldn’t be staying in London in any event. “And you don’t care for his wife. I’m assuming he didn’t ask your permission before her married that harridan of his, did he?”
An unladylike snort escaped Lucy. She tried to smother it by lifting her free hand to her lips. “Of course not. But he’s my guardian. I’m not his.”
“Well, I’m fairly certain I have a faster coach than he does. We can make Scotland in record time. Just trust me, Lucy.”
She still didn’t look ready to rush from the museum and ride for the border, and she certainly didn’t look like she trusted him. But she would in time. At least he hoped she would.
“What is it, Lucy?”
“Love,” she blurted out. Then her blush darkened, but she didn’t look away from his gaze. In fact, she stood a little taller, her head held high. “Love, Drew. I want my husband to love me. I’m sure that sounds silly and quaint, but I want it just the same.”
Love. A twinge of pain stung his heart at the word. How would it feel to be loved? It wasn’t something he’d contemplated since he was a boy headed off to Eton for the first time. The memory made him wince just a bit as he admitted, “I don’t know the first thing about love, Lucy. I’ve never had it. But if it’s important to you…”
Her pretty mouth fell slightly open. “You’ve never been loved?” she whispered in disbelief.
Drew felt, all of a sudden, like the most ignorant of men, exposed for all the world to point at and ridicule. He felt like that boy headed to Eton all alone once more.
“Drew,” she said softly, interrupting his maudlin thoughts.
He shook his head, hating how uncomfortable he felt under her scrutiny. “You don’t have to look at me like that. I’m not a deprived child, Lucy.”
Her eyes softened and she rested her hand on his chest, warming him from the inside out. “You want me to run away with you?”
“That was the idea.” He nodded, relieved their topic had finally gotten back on course.
“You want to race across the border and get married over a blacksmith’s anvil?”
“Sounds like the beginning of an adventure, doesn’t it?” he asked hopefully.
Her lips curved up into a soft, reassuring smile. “The first of many adventures?”
Drew nodded, smiling in return, feeling much more like himself. “The first of many,” he agreed.
“We’ll see tigers and elephants in India?”
He nodded once again. �
��And the pyramids and ride camels in Egypt.”
She bit her bottom lip then said, “And you’ll let me love you?”
Damn, they were back on that again! He should have never admitted such a thing to her. The last thing he wanted from his wife was pity. He’d managed quite well without love in his life thus far. There was no reason he couldn’t go on like that for the rest of it.
“You see, I think I might already,” she confessed. “So your answer is rather important to me.”
Drew’s mouth went dry. She couldn’t possibly be serious. “I beg your pardon?”
Lucy shook her head, looking slightly down as though now she was embarrassed. “You want me to trust you, to leave my brother, my home…”
“You’ve wanted to escape since the moment I met you.”
“That’s beside the point.” She tugged his cravat, looking once again in his eyes. The sincerity in her depths nearly stole his breath. “You trust me and I’ll trust you, Drew.”
Perhaps madness ran in both of their families. “Trust you?”
“You share your adventures with me, and I’ll share my love with you.”
She was serious. He could see it in the stubborn set of her jaw, that pretty jaw right beneath her pretty lips. Let her love him? He’d had worse offers in his days. “’Til death do us part?”
“’Til death do us part,” she agreed.
Drew pressed his lips to her brow, and warmth filled his chest. Was it possible he loved her too? He’d never experienced such a feeling before.
He pulled slightly back from her, reveling in the expression of sheer joy and excitement on her face. He definitely felt something in his heart, something he’d never thought to experience. Somewhere deep in his soul, he had the feeling that loving Lucinda Potts might just be the greatest adventure he ever dared take. And now he’d have the rest of his life to love her, to cherish her, to share the world with her.
“Come on!” She slid her arm around his, settling her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s hurry, Drew. Scotland awaits.”
