Tales of a Viscount

by Eleanor Meyers

  Reuben surfaced again and then stared at the water. The determined look in his eyes made him utterly handsome. There were giggles from the crowd.

  Rachel crouched on the ground and whispered, “Reuben, it’s all right. You don’t have to do this.”

  But he wasn’t listening to her, and a moment later he was gone, giving himself once again, to the water.

  She stood.

  Lucille asked, “I could have the footman bring you a blanket, so that you may relax, my lady.”

  Rachel frowned and nodded. She had no idea how long Reuben planned to be in the lake, but had a strong feeling he would not come out until her jewel was found. He was stubborn and mad.

  And she realized she loved him. “And go to a nearby inn, and bring luncheon for three, and yourself.” The least she could do, was make sure Reuben and Nash were fed. She could see hints of the viscount’s white shirt, as he moved in the water. He would tire himself soon.

  Lucille left, and a footman returned moments later with a blanket. Reuben had surfaced at least five times, since.

  She sat, as Susanna said her goodbyes.

  “Your soldier seemed to have a single-minded devotion to your cause. I admire that. Do write me, whether or not he finds your headdress.”

  Rachel promised to do just that, not bothering to correct her friend about whether or not Reuben was hers, for if he asked again, she would court him. How could she not, after all this? Susanna only knew a little about Reuben’s tenaciousness.

  Lady Graves departed with her, and Rachel turned back toward the lake.

  A half hour passed, and the crowd began to move away. It was now past the fashionable hour to be in the park.

  Luncheon was brought, a stew with bread, and Rachel invited Lucille to sit with her.

  Nash had sat without asking, and had only grinned when she looked back at him.

  When an hour passed, Reuben approached the edge of the water, but didn’t get out.

  The crowd was gone now.

  Rachel moved to the very edge of the blanket, so that their faces were less than a foot apart. “Come out of that water, this minute.”

  “No.” His green eyes were focused on her, and then he looked at the blanket. “You brought food?” Water trailed closed to his mouth.

  “For you,” she whispered, and had to fight not to reach out and let her finger trail where the drop had been. “Come and eat. My footman has a towel for you.”

  He turned to her again. “I’m not getting out, until I find your mother’s headdress.”

  Her eyes widened. “You remember it was my mother’s?”

  “Why do you think I’m in here?” He nodded his head to the food. “Bring the food to me. I’ll eat quickly.”

  “You’ll get it wet, if you touch it like this,” she said.

  “Then feed me,” his gaze challenged hers.

  Rachel glanced around, and noticed that besides Nash and Lucille, they were truly alone, and both pretended to be occupied with the trees and the sky, ignoring her conversation with Reuben.

  She returned her gaze to Reuben, and then slowly moved toward the blanket. She grabbed the bread first, and brought it to him. As she fed Reuben from her hand, she couldn’t help but think of those paintings of servants who waited on their kings, in such a way.

  She watched as his strong teeth bit into it, his eyes locked with hers.

  She shivered as he chewed and saw the grin that spread on his face.

  REUBEN DOUBTED he’d find the headdress. He was watching the movement of the lake and calculating where it might have gone, but suspected he might fail.

  Yet, as he held Rachel’s eyes, he felt more like a champion than ever. He had her attention, and with it, he realized just how much he never wanted it to go away, how much he cherished it and could possibly do so, for the rest of his life.

  He finished the bread from her hands, and wondered when the last time anyone had ever cared for him this way. She smiled down at him, in a way that he could feel to the very depths of his soul. The air cooled his exposed parts quickly, but she warmed him with her presence.

  Perhaps his brother had been right, about doing what was most satisfying.

  Nash stood, at that moment. “You’ll be needing dry clothes when you’re done. I’ll go fetch them.” He was nearly gone, when the dutiful lady’s maid stood, as well.

  “My lady, would like me to fetch you your book from the carriage?”

  “Please,” Rachel said, before the lady’s maid retreated.

  The park was quiet except for the brushing of the grass, as Rachel moved to get the stew, and brought it Reuben’s lips. He balanced the bowl on his lower lip, and took as much of the savory meat and peas as he could handle, before backing away.

  He felt some slip down his chin, but didn’t worry for it. It would be gone the moment he went back under the water.

  Rachel laughed. Her hair had come loose when she’d lost her headband. It trailed in the air with the wind. “You have a little...” She produced a handkerchief from her pocket and then froze. Something passed in her eyes, and Reuben stilled as she leaned forward and brushed her lips along the corner of his mouth, and down his chin. Her soft tongue jutted out.

  His body caught fire, and he tilted his head to catch her mouth.

  It was the most pleasant kiss in his life. Her soft breaths and playful caress poured over and through him, like a balm to his very brokenness.

  He started from the water, rising with the intent of laying her out on the blanket.

  The brushing of feet on grass startled him, and he immediately pulled away, before dipping back into the water. He stayed close to the surface and could hear Rachel speaking, likely to her lady’s maid.

  He moved away as he thought more of his wishes for his future, and less about the jewel.

  And that was when he saw it. The new angle of the sunlight cut through the lake, and made the diamond glitter. He swam toward it, grabbing it from where it rested, halfway covered in rocks.

  When he surfaced he turned to Rachel, and found that not only was Lucille there, but of all people, Lord Dabney and another older gentleman, who stood beside Rachel. She looked slightly distraught.

  Both men looked over at Reuben. Dabney wore a frown, while his friend looked on in confusion. Had they seen the shared kiss?

  Reuben moved toward the shore and walked out of the water. His clothes immediately adhered to his flesh. He held out the jewel toward Rachel. “My lady.”

  Rachel took a shattering breath and lifted it from his hands. “Oh, Lord Eastridge. Thank you so much.”

  The gentleman Reuben didn’t know, laughed. “Oh, the old jewel loss. Your mother likely used that trick to gain the attention of more than one suitor.” He seemed in good spirits as he gazed down at Rachel, with more than a bit of open affection. He was gray and large, but clearly, wealthy.

  Rachel blushed at the comment. “I assure you, my lord. I did not lose it purposefully.”

  Dabney frowned. “One would hope not, my lady.” Then he looked at Reuben. “I say, Lord Eastridge, that was quite the show.” Though he didn’t sound like he approved of Reuben’s actions at all. “I can’t think of any proper lord who’d have actually dared to step in that filth, jewel or not.”

  Reuben didn’t regret going in. “It was a costly item, and one very dear to the lady’s heart.”

  “And for Lady Florentia,” the man speaking, was the one Reuben did know. “One might do anything. The headdress is an essential part of her custom.” His eyes twinkled at Rachel, but Reuben wondered if the man were seeing Rachel, or her mother.

  Rachel smiled. “Lord Eastridge, I can see you already know Lord Dabney. This is the Earl of Fosse.”

  Lord Fosse bowed. “My lord.”

  Reuben nodded his head to the man and made his greetings. Then he looked out and saw Nash heading their way. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  Rachel turned to him with wide eyes. “You’re leaving?”

  “
We’ll speak again,” he promised.

  She held his eyes and nodded in return.

  “Lady Lush,” Dabney called. “Allow we gentlemen to see you to your carriage.”

  Reuben watched Lucille gather Rachel’s things, and then turned to walk over to his brother.

  “Have you made a decision?” Nash asked.

  “Yes.”

  * * *

  25

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-FIVE

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  Rachel allowed Aunt Esther to take the lead as they walked through the pleasure garden, two afternoons later. All the while, she was very aware of the eyes that watched them. The pleasure gardens, while lovely, were more frequented by the working class, so whenever a lady visited, there could be quite a stir. Rachel and her aunt had been given the royal treatment since they’d arrived, having been served tea at the best table in the garden, and offered the finest of cakes. Rachel had chosen this one, The Lucky Inn, because it was owned by former residents of the Best Home, but also, because she felt bad for not taking Aunt Esther to see the art at the docks. Too afraid of running into Reuben again, she’d brought her aunt to a place where the sights would be almost as lovely.

  They were at the end of the west side of the hedges, when Rachel noticed the crowd growing thick. It was because of her, she knew. When word got around that a real lady was visiting, the Lucky Inn’s profits for the day would rise.

  The inn was located just north of the heart of the city, and the hour trip was worth the sights. This time of year, the flowers were in full bloom, and their fragrance was not diluted by the smell of the city.

  They’d reached the heart of the garden, a small fountain, before anyone approached them. A gentleman dressed in a pale blue jacket with tan breeches strolled right up to them. He was handsome, with fair hair and pale eyes. A stunning man, though Rachel had never met him.

  “Lady Rachel.” He bowed low. “I am Mr. Kimberly. I hope you don’t take any offense at my approach, but I saw you, and simply had to make my introductions.”

  The name was familiar, but not his face, and Rachel was sure his was a face she’d have not gotten. He was very beautiful, and his clothes, much the same.

  He held out his hand and she offered her fingers, allowing him to kiss the air above her knuckles before turning to introduce her aunt.

  Her aunt, who was usually a very social person in spite of her affliction, stiffened at the sight of Mr. Kimberly, and nearly looked unfriendly, which, in turn, made Rachel wary. “Rachel, do you know this man?”

  She shook her head and shouted in Esther’s ear. “No, we’ve just met.”

  Esther grabbed Rachel’s arm as she smiled tightly at Mr. Kimberley. “So nice to meet you. Good day, sir.”

  Rachel had no choice to move when her aunt did, but was startled when Mr. Kimberley moved to block their path.

  “A fine day, it is, isn’t it?” He looked around the garden, before returning to grin at Rachel. “The leaves shine within your eyes, my lady.”

  Rachel didn’t know what to say. The compliment was as tasteless as the man’s insistence. She was ready to call one of her roaming footman for aid, when she felt his presence before he spoke.

  “Mr. Kimberley, I didn’t know you had an appreciation for gardens,” Reuben said at Rachel’s back, seeming to come out of nowhere. She’d never been more grateful. She straightened, as though his being there, gave her strength.

  Aunt Esther relaxed her grip on Rachel as well.

  Mr. Kimberley paled at the sight of Reuben, blinking before he found his voice again. “Reuben, I—”

  “It’s Lord Eastridge now,” Reuben said. “Or does Lady Jacobs no longer receive the papers?”

  As if possible, Mr. Kimberley’s face paled further, and his mouth hung open, before he shut it. Then he bowed. “Lord Eastridge. Ladies. Good day.” Then he fled, as though the devil were at his heels.

  Rachel turned to Reuben and was awestruck by the lethal set of his eyes. He looked every bit as dangerous as the gossip made the soldier sound.

  And then he turned those eyes upon her, and though the expression didn’t change, she was unafraid, knowing in her heart that Reuben would never hurt her.

  It was Aunt Esther who broke the tension. “Oh, Lord Eastridge, I’m ever so glad you’ve come. We were just about to head to the east side of the garden, but I’d actually enjoy a respite by the fountain. Perhaps, you can Rachel could tour the other side?”

  Rachel turned to protest, but her aunt cut her off. “Don’t let me stop you from enjoying the company of this nice fellow. Go and enjoy.” She turned and took the few steps needed to take her the stone bench.

  As if waiting by, staff from the inn descended on Esther, offering her tea and other pleasures. One man even offered to read to her, which her aunt laughed at. She’d only come to the pleasure gardens for Esther’s enjoyment, and it seemed her aunt would do that, whether she walked or not.

  Reuben held out his arm. “To the east side, my lady?”

  She stared mutely at him, and debated how it would appear if she stomped away from this infuriating man. Two days, over forty hours of diligent waiting, and there had been no word from him at all. She’d spoken with his sister, and had been told he was working on something quite important, but Rachel was done waiting on this man.

  She wanted to stomp away, but with so many people about, it was likely to cause scandal that would reach the papers. So, she took his arm and allowed him to lead her away, deciding she would ask him the questions that pressed upon her heart.

  “YOUR SISTER said you were working?”

  Rueben looked down at Rachel, at the stiff set of her shoulders, and the coolness in her eyes, and decided he did not like this Rachel very much at all. He didn’t like the tension between them, thought he knew it was all his fault.

  He’d been working, not on finding the assassin, but on news of where his sister Rose’s father had fled. He’d been forced to leave London in order to speak with his informant. What he’d heard had given him pause. Reuben just hoped that what he’d discovered about Stonewhire would not upset Rose too greatly, yet all the while, he knew there was nothing he could do about it.

  And now he was back in London, to discover he’d made a mess of things with Rachel.

  They moved into the portion of the garden that had higher shrubs, but he knew they were far from being alone. They were being followed by men, women, and children who would all tell their family and friends about seeing a lord and lady that day. Reuben imagined he’d been the same way as a child, always surprised when he caught sight of beautiful people.

  Until the day he’d learned who his father was.

  “Where you, in fact, working?” Rachel asked, when he didn’t answer.

  “Do you not approve of a lord that works?” he asked, truly wanting to know her answer.

  Rachel stared forward, and even though she held his arm, he could feel the distance between them. “Well, a true lord wouldn’t work. Surely, he could partake in hobbies or politics, but it is the right of a lord to fill his days with those pursuits that are less laborious.”

  Her words cut him like a sharp razor. “Well, I’ve never been a true lord, and never will be.”

  Her fingers tightened on his arm, and she finally looked up at him, her expression softer than before. “That’s not what I’d meant.”

  “Yet you are not wrong. I’ll never be like other gentlemen.”

  “Reuben,” she didn’t finish her statement, instead electing to move on to other topics. “Who was that gentleman back there?”

  Reuben pressed his lips together. “He is not a gentleman, but a leech. He attaches himself to wealthy women, and then forces them to pay his way through Society.” And at one point in his life, Michael Kimberley had attached himself to Alexandra, forcing her to work from sunup to sunset, so that he could have the best of eve
rything.

  “How do you know him?” Rachel asked innocently.

  “We grew up in Best Home.” Reuben sighed. “You could say that he and I have much in common.”

  Rachel pulled on him until he stopped walking, until he turned to face her. Her gaze was vicious. “You are not a leech, in any way.”

  He shrugged. “But I’m not much a gentleman, either.”

  She frowned. “It takes more than just blood to be a gentleman.”

  “Not according to the ton.”

  She stomped her foot and he almost smiled at that. “What will it take for me to convince you that you’re as every bit a gentleman as any other lord?”

  He did smile then, as he thought about how formidable a wife Rachel would be. “I followed you here.”

  That shocked her, making her reel back, even as she tightened her hold on him. “Why?”

  He grabbed her free hand and wished he could do more, but they had an audience. “You know I would die for you, Rachel. You mean so very much to me.”

  Her eyes began to glitter. “Why?” she whispered, almost desperately. He knew what she was asking. Why had he pushed her away, only to follow her here, and to the party the previous night.

  “I want you.”

  Her face and neck flushed, and he could tell from the rise and fall of her chest how his words affected her. “I don’t believe you.”

  “The very thoughts I have of you, prove me to be ungentlemanly.” He was speaking from his heart. “But then there are other thoughts. The pleasure of catching your eye across a room, or at a dinner table. The joy my heart feels whenever you smile. Your laugh. The way your nose twitches when you’re upset. I…”

  She touched his cheek, as her smile widened.

  Reuben felt his heart begin to bleed. Her touch rendered his mind useless. His every breath was for her. It had been that way since she turned her eyes to him at Rose’s wedding. He was glad they’d stopped walking, for he was weakened by the pace of his heart. He could feel the black ugliness within him being banished under her sweetness and…