by Laura Landon
“They’re all a good deal younger than us, Hugh, and we did happen to miss a couple of Seasons with that little altercation in the Crimea, as you may remember. But I’ll tell you what I know,” Caleb said, filling his cup from the fresh pot of tea a footman brought in. “One of her sisters—Lady Brianna— is married to the Earl of Wesley.”
“Lady Wesley is her sister?”
“Yes. Another of her sisters—Lady Colette—is married to the Duke of Vanderman’s third son.”
“That beautiful creature is the Earl of Lyman’s daughter?”
Caleb nodded.
The more Hugh discovered about Lady Annalise, the more of an ass he felt. “I remember when Lady Colette had her come-out. She was the most sought-after debutante of the Season. Every buck with a title wanted to snag her for his wife. In the end, she chose a lowly third son, although his father does happen to be a duke.”
“And then there’s—”
“You can stop. I don’t need to hear any more.” Hugh placed both hands on the mantel and lowered his head between his outstretched arms. “I behaved like a two-headed ass.”
“What are you going to do?” Caleb asked.
“I’m going to get cleaned up, then pay a visit to the woman I insulted so horribly last night.”
“Do you need someone to accompany you? In case her father threatens to shoot you?”
Hugh tried to smile but failed in his attempt. “A bullet to my head wouldn’t hurt any more than it already does.”
Caleb laughed, then rose. “I’ll leave you to your misery then, my friend,” he said and walked to the door.
“Cal,” Hugh said before he’d opened the door. His friend turned. “Did anyone see me kiss the lady?”
That question had gnawed at his gut from the moment Caleb had told him he’d kissed her. If anyone had witnessed what he’d done, his fate was sealed. He would be getting a special license and finding the nearest clergyman, as well as offering an apology.
Hugh held his breath until Cal answered.
“No, Hugh. No one saw you. The four of us and the lady are the only ones who know what happened.”
Hugh released his breath. “There is that,” he sighed. Although he wasn’t clear from every catastrophe. Lady Annalise could still claim he’d dishonored her . . . which he had . . . and demand he marry her . . . which he was obligated to do.
Hugh had resigned himself to marrying in order to avoid living out his life in the country. After his actions last night, it was possible that not only would he be living his life in the last place he wanted to be, but he’d be married to the last woman he wanted to be with.
Chapter 4
Nellie stared at the small ledger she carried with her whenever she was in London. It was impossible to concentrate on the columns of numbers. How could she when all she could think about was the kiss she’d shared with a perfect stranger? She knew she should be mortified, but instead, she was overwhelmed by emotions she didn’t know existed.
Over and over she’d relived the events of the previous evening. She’d heard voices from the terrace, then cries of fearful warning, then a loud thud, and finally a deep moan. She knew someone had fallen over the terrace railing, and she’d rushed to see if there was anything she could do to help.
She’d fallen to her knees beside the figure on the ground and looked down on the most handsome man she’d ever seen that close. She’d touched his cheeks praying that God hadn’t taken such a perfectly gorgeous man from the world. It was Hugh Wythers. The Hugh Wythers.
She’d lifted his head and laid it in her lap to comfort him. He’d moaned, then opened his eyes, and Nellie’s heart skipped a beat when he looked up at her.
Then he’d wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her head down to his. And he’d kissed her.
Nellie breathed a shuddering sigh and brought her hands up to her face. She closed her eyes to blot out the feelings that had surged through her at that kiss. She thought she might burst into flames.
She reached for several pieces of paper from her desk and waved them in front of her face. She was being silly. She was being stupid. She was acting like she’d never seen a handsome man before. She was acting like a lass of nineteen instead of a woman of twenty and nine. Besides, he’d uttered the most scathing words.
Nellie called herself several unflattering names, then turned her attention back to the ledger. A knock on the door interrupted her before she had time to make progress.
“Yes, Timble.”
The Lyman butler opened the door. “You have a visitor, my lady.”
“A visitor?”
“Yes, my lady.” Timble held out the silver salver he’d carried to her.
Nellie took the card from the tray and read the name engraved on the card. Her heart stopped for at least two beats, and air ceased to enter and leave her lungs. “Tell Lord Wythers I’m not in, Timble.”
“Are you quite certain, my lady?”
“Yes. Yes. I’m not well. I’m not receiving.” Nellie threw her hands up in the air. “Oh, tell him whatever you want. Just don’t let him in.”
“Very well, my lady.”
Timble left the room, and Nellie wrapped her arms around her middle and squeezed tight. She waited to hear the outside door open and close, but instead, Timble rapped again.
“The gentleman refuses to leave, my lady.”
“He what?”
“He refuses to leave. He said that if you won’t see him now, he’ll return in thirty minutes. Then again in another thirty minutes. And again, until you are home and receiving.”
Nellie felt the air leave her body. She wasn’t sure she could face him after what had happened the night before. But it was obvious he wasn’t going to give her a choice.
“Very well, Timble. Show Lord Wythers in.”
Nellie rose from behind her desk and smoothed her skirt. Why had she worn this old mauve thing? It was the color that least favored her. The devil take it. She should have kept him waiting until she could change.
Her heart pounded like the beating of a thousand drums. She was so nervous her blood roared in her head. And she clutched her hands at her side until her nails dug into her flesh. Then the door opened.
“Lord Wythers, my lady,” Timble said.
“Thank you, Timble. Have a tray prepared if you will, please.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Timble left the room, and she and the man she’d kissed last night were alone.
“Please, Lord Wythers, do come in.”
Nellie focused on the very tall, very broad shouldered man as he came near her. He was even more handsome than she remembered.
His cheekbones were high and his features chiseled as if from marble. His eyes were wide set and dark as midnight, although she noticed a redness that was a telltale sign of the liquor he’d consumed the night before.
He had a broad forehead and a slight curve to his nose as if it might have been broken at one time. His eyebrows were as dark as his thick, neatly combed hair. There had been creases on either side of his mouth when he’d smiled last night. Those creases weren’t visible now, because he wasn’t smiling. In fact, from the serious expression on his face, Nellie might have doubted he was capable of smiling. But she’d seen the up-curve of his mouth a second before he’d kissed her, and she would never forget that glorious sight.
Then she saw something she hadn’t noticed in the darkness. There was a cleft in the center of his chin. She wondered how she could have missed such a magnificent feature. It gave his ruggedly handsome face a sturdy strength that she found mesmerizing. The air left her body for a moment before she regained control.
“Please, have a seat, my lord.”
“After you, my lady.”
Nellie sat in the chair behind her desk, then watched as Lord Wythers folded his tall frame into the chair in front of her.
“I’m certain you know why I’ve come, my lady. I’m here to make your acquaintance and to offer you my most a
bject apology.”
Nellie bristled. He’d behaved like an absolute cad the night before. She wasn’t sure how to answer without shaming him terribly, or horribly embarrassing herself. But then, her unbecoming youth had tempered her reactions. She would accept his apology, of course. She had no reason not to, but it embarrassed her to be confronted by a man with whom she’d shared such an intimate kiss. A man who undoubtedly regretted his actions. Who had come here to tell her he would undo what had happened last night if he could. Even though she was glad he couldn’t undo anything.
She was spared from having to respond when Timble entered with a tea tray. He placed the tray in the center of her desk, then left the room again.
“How do you prefer your tea, my lord?” she asked as she stood to serve.
“Simple,” he answered.
No milk. No sugar. Perhaps it was a self-imposed penance for his misdeed. Nellie handed him a cup of tea. He nodded his appreciation and took a swallow.
“I’d offer you something stronger, but after last night I don’t think that’s advisable.”
His gaze shot up to meet hers. There was a hardness in his features, and his face held a shocked expression that indicated his confusion. At first, Nellie thought he might be offended that she’d indelicately mentioned the mishap. Then, the corners of his mouth lifted, and he smiled.
“No, my lady. Anything stronger than tea is hardly in our best interest.”
Lord Wythers took another swallow, then set his cup and saucer on the desk. “I want you to know how deeply I regret my actions last night. I have no excuse for my behavior other than I was not myself.”
“I accept your apology, my lord,” Nellie said, lowering her gaze to her lap.
Lord Wythers continued. “I have been assured that no one witnessed my inexcusable behavior, my lady, so your reputation remains completely unblemished. Unless, of course—”
Nellie held up her hand to stop him. She wanted to laugh. “I am not concerned about my reputation, my lord. A woman of my years and, as you so honestly pointed out, my lack of beauty, doesn’t need to concern herself that Society will believe she’s been compromised by someone of your superior looks.”
Her words made the point she’d intended. His words indicated his understanding.
“To my dying day, I shall regret having spoken with such abominable rudeness. There was no excuse for saying what I did other than I was . . .”
“Drunk, my lord. You were thoroughly foxed.”
Her words brought a smile to his face. “Yes, my lady. I was totally, ashamedly . . . foxed.”He crossed one ankle over the opposite knee and sat back in his chair. “May I ask you a question, my lady?”
“Yes. Although I can’t guarantee I’ll answer it.”
He smiled again, and the creases on either side of his mouth deepened. The look created a most heart-stopping profile. It was a sin for any one man to be so handsome.
Nellie experienced a wistful longing that was utterly alien to her. She knew from his words last night that he was in search of a bride. Whoever he chose would indeed be a very lucky woman, and not just because of his looks. But because Lord Wythers seemed an honorable man. A less honorable man wouldn’t have bothered to come in person to apologize. Yet he had.
“Why are you making this so easy for me? After my reprehensible behavior last night, I didn’t expect to be received so kindly. Nor do I deserve your understanding.”
“You thought I would lash out at you?” Nellie asked.
“I thought perhaps you would. I anticipated I would receive the wrath of your temper. Or perhaps be met at the door by your father with a pistol in his hand.”
Nellie laughed. “The only thing you have to fear Father will ever throw at you is a book. He is a lover of the written word, and I’m not sure he’s ever handled a gun. Certainly not to harm anyone.”
“Well,” Lord Wythers said with a smile. “That’s a relief. And you have been much more gracious than I deserve. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had demanded a public apology.”
Nellie looked at him and suddenly realized what he was saying, what he’d feared. “You anticipated that I’d demand that you make an honest woman of me, didn’t you?”
“I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had.”
“Oh, my lord. I appreciate your distress. No, you have no cause to fear. What happened will be forgotten the moment you leave.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Nellie tried to imagine that she didn’t see a sigh of relief from Lord Wythers, but she did. She tried not to be hurt, but it was difficult. She’d had nine and twenty years to accustom herself to how handsome men reacted to her.
Lord Wythers shifted in his chair, and Nellie realized he was about to leave.
“Before you take your leave, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course. Although I can’t guarantee I’ll answer it,” he said, smiling.
They both laughed.
“Perhaps you won’t wish to answer, as this is quite personal.” She paused. “Last night, you mentioned that you were desperate to marry. May I ask why?”
He hesitated, and at first, Nellie thought he might not answer. When he did, he said the last thing she expected.
“Because I’m being blackmailed.”
Chapter 5
Hugh focused his gaze on the shocked expression on the very plain, very ordinary Lady Annalise’s face. He tried to determine why he felt the need to explain himself to her when Caleb had been the only person to whom he’d explained at least part of his reasons for his actions last night. But, surprising as it was, he felt comfortable with her. Or maybe he thought she deserved to know why he’d behaved so rudely.
“You’re being blackmailed?” she gasped. “By whom?”
“Would you believe my father?”Hugh pushed himself to his feet and walked to the window. “What I’m about to tell you isn’t something I’m the least proud to admit. Nor is it something I would ordinarily share with a stranger. But after my actions last night, I feel I owe you an explanation. And . . .” Hugh paused. “Somehow I feel you’ll understand.”
Hugh locked his hands behind his back and stared out onto the empty street. “Since my return from the war, I’ve spent a great deal of my time living life to the fullest. You see, in the Crimea, I saw so many fine young men—with their entire lives before them—die before they had the opportunity to enjoy what should have been the best years of their lives. The war showed me how precious every day is and how quickly life can be taken from us. I think that—without realizing it—I decided I wouldn’t let that happen to me.”
Hugh turned. “As a second son, I had no responsibilities that forced me to change my style of living.” He took a deep breath. “Until my father chose to step in and alter my future.
“Until a few weeks ago I had been living on a more than adequate allowance that my father provided. Suddenly, that was gone. He informed me that he was tired of my lack of responsibility and decided I needed to earn my own way in life. He handed over control of one of the properties that wasn’t entailed and informed me that the profits from the estate were to be my sole source of income.”
“In other words,” Lady Annalise said, “your father cut you off.”
Hugh focused on the lady. There was a hint of humor in her eyes that puzzled him. “I take it you agree with my father’s decision.”
“Only in part, my lord. Had I been in your father’s shoes, I would have made that decision the year following your return from the trenches.”
Hugh was hit by the humor in her words. As well as the seriousness. She was scolding him like she might scold a recalcitrant schoolboy. She was pointing out what had been evident to Hugh for several years but that he’d ignored. His father had always been too lenient with him.
“May I ask what has you so fearful, my lord? Are you afraid the estate will not be profitable enough?”
He turned to face her. “The property in question is Red Oaks Estate. It’s
located a few hours to the north and west of London. Have you heard of it?”
Lady Annalise’s eyebrows lifted. “Red Oaks is a beautiful estate. It’s an enviable property with limitless potential.”
“It would be . . . if it weren’t in the country.”
“Excuse me?” she said.
The confused look on her face nearly made him laugh.
Hugh made his way back to his chair and sat facing her. “I do not enjoy the country, my lady. In fact, I detest it. I would much rather spend every day and evening in London and never step beyond the City’s borders.”
“I see,” she said on a sigh.
“Oh, it’s not that I enjoy the rounds of balls and functions many in Society enjoy. It’s more that I enjoy people. I enjoy being with my friends. I enjoy the theater. The opera. All the forms of entertainment that are absent in the country. I find it impossible to tolerate the solitude and the boredom.”
Her expression looked as if she’d just heard him expound blasphemy. “From your shocked look, I take it you don’t share my sentiments.”
“No, my lord. If the choice were mine, I would never step foot in the City again. It contains everything I find distasteful.”
“And what things are those?” he asked. Hugh found it unbelievable that there was a female who didn’t enjoy city life.
“The crowds. The noise. The smell. The poverty. The pomp. The pretense of the nobility. The snobbery. The—”
She stopped when he held up his hand. “May I ask why you are here, then? Is it only to introduce your sister into Society?”
“Yes. Frannie is quite a beauty, and several gentlemen have shown an interest in her. She has thankfully met an acceptable gentleman with whom she is quite taken. If I am fortunate, she will become betrothed before the Season ends, and I will never be forced to return for another Season in London. But that will be Frannie’s choice to make. It’s most important that she find the right man to marry and that she is happy.”
Hugh watched her eyes light when she spoke of her sisters. It was obvious she loved them very much and had taken over as mother to them. He also noticed how her features changed every time she smiled, which was often. There was something pleasing about her looks, although it would be a significant exaggeration to call her pretty.
