The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “God forgive me. I did. Once is all, but I did. I’ve lived with that guilt ever since.”

  “My life changed forever,” Damon said. His hands curled into fists. “I no longer had the money for the normal activities of a young man in town.” He gave a harsh laugh. “But more important, I lost my father and there were no funds to take care of my estate and the people who depended on me.” He glared at the older man. “I held my dead father in my arms.” Damon’s cold voice rang out.

  “Your father was consumed with grief after your mother died. Losing to me was not the only reason he shot himself,” the earl countered.

  Damon stood and leaned across his desk. “You were responsible. Your greediness to get his money and set yourself and your family up in a richer lifestyle led to the crumbling of my family and its resources. I hold you directly responsible.”

  “Again, I ask what you want, specifically.”

  “To start with you will allow me to court your daughter with the understanding that she will marry me. Soon,” Damon added.

  “No.” The Earl of Halsford shook his head. “I cannot force my daughter to wed you. Nor do I want to.”

  “When you explain that you and your wife will be faced with complete financial ruin unless she complies, then I think she will agree.”

  “Obviously, you do not know my daughter. I will not compound the wrong I have done by selling my daughter to you. Also, rushing a courtship and suddenly announcing a betrothal would bring on the type of speculation that I would think you preferred to avoid. You do have a sister just coming out this season.”

  Damon sat back and stared at the earl. “Perhaps you are right. But, you will at least agree to my courting your daughter. When she accepts my proposal, you will act pleased to have me as you future son-in-law.”

  “Caroline has a mind of her own and will make her own decisions. I will not tell her of your demands, so I’d be very surprised if she has anything to do with you,” Lord Halsford said defiantly.

  “We shall see.” Damon stood, collected his hat and cane, and then formally bowed to the older man. “I hate to cut short our interesting conversation, but I have another appointment.”

  “Wait.” Lord Halsford stood in front of him. “There is something I need to tell you. I had started on my way to your estate. I planned to give your father back his bank note when I heard of his death.”

  Damon’s eyes darkened and flashed angrily, “A likely story at this point. Your attack of conscience comes too late. Good day.”

  Outside, Damon took a deep breath and unclenched his hands. He felt out of control. He didn’t like the feeling. He didn’t know where he wanted to go, just away from here. Briefly, he closed his eyes and heard his uncle’s words. “Do not let the tragedy of your father’s death change you. Bitterness destroys whatever it touches.”

  But, he refused to let himself feel any compassion for Halsford. But what about his daughter? Irritated with his thoughts, Damon strode aimlessly along the walkway.

  “Damon, I thought I saw you from across the street. I’m heading to Mayfair to pick up my sister. Will you join me? We’ll go to White’s after I return her home.” Rook looked down from his carriage.

  Damon hesitated. “All right, but I’ll follow you. I’ll walk back and get my curricle. My sister, Hannah, was going shopping today. Maybe I’ll see her.”

  He hurried back to his office and curricle, and then followed Rook. His head hurt. He ought to feel elated. His plan was going to succeed. However, so far the taste of success was bitter.

  * * * *

  Caroline noted her parents’ worried expressions. This morning her mother had warned her to be wary of the viscount. She’d given some vague reason. Caroline would never have known the truth if she hadn’t eavesdropped last night.

  During the night Caroline had resolved what she must do to try and save her parents from becoming destitute. They had always given to her generously, now it was time for her to pay them back.

  Dressed in a walking gown of sturdy wool, she and Mary headed to the Mayfair shopping district. Later today, she had a number of like-minded ladies concerned for the welfare of children coming to her house to visit and talk. Her carriage slowed. She saw they were at the dress shop. The driver assisted her and Mary down and they walked to the door. The bell tingled as she stepped into the dressmaker’s shop.

  “Mademoiselle, how may I help you today?” Madame Charmaine, a tiny French woman with short, curly black hair, flashed her bright smile at Caroline.

  “Mama insists I need a new gown for the Billingsham ball. Perhaps you might suggest something for me.”

  “Ah, would you allow me to use my own taste, mademoiselle? I know you prefer a certain restraint in your outfits, but I think you should surprise the ton with a whole new approach. Let me show you what I have in mind.”

  She stood behind Caroline and draped a swath of midnight blue silk across her. “This would be the front of the gown.” Then she reached and pulled another swath of light silver material, covered with tiny, diamond-shaped, shiny jets dangling from it. “This would be the outer layer. With every step, you would sparkle and tantalize the gentlemen.”

  Caroline stared at her reflection. Her walking dress was in a light blue trimmed in black, very conservative. Dare I make such a drastic change in my appearance? His ego would have him believing I did it for him. Her heart beat quicker as a familiar tingle shimmered through her at the thought of his touch.

  Lord Royston made her body feel in ways she didn’t want. When he held her bound with his cold, blue eyes, she’d felt powerless. She hadn’t liked it at all.

  If she wanted her plan to work, she had no choice but to entice him. Maybe that way she’d have the upper hand. Not that she had any experience in attracting a man. She’d watched other women flirting to get attention. But the idea of trying to charm Lord Royston was on the same scale as trying to pet a caged tiger.

  “What do you think, mademoiselle?” Madame Charmaine’s voice broke into her thoughts.

  Caroline studied the beautiful fabric. “Can you have the dress ready for the Billingsham ball?”

  “To see you looking your best, we will work all night if necessary, chérie.”

  “I don’t like to think of you or your employees working so many extra hours. Not simply because of a new gown for me.”

  “I am aware of how you help so many, my dear. You have only to ask, and I will assist you in any way I can.”

  “Thank you.” Caroline blushed. She was uncomfortable when people acknowledged her work. She did it because of the injustices she saw in her society, not for acknowledgment. She preferred to work from the sidelines, but too often found herself drawn into situations which demanded her personal attention.

  On leaving the dressmaker’s, Caroline stepped aside as Damon’s sister came through the door.

  “Lady Caroline, it is nice to see you again.”

  Caroline smiled, said hello, and continued out the door.

  “Please.” Hannah stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Won’t you come back in and help me decide on a dress for the upcoming ball. My aunt is sick, but she insisted I come and choose something special. It is said the Regent himself might attend.”

  “Yes, I have heard the rumor. I’m sure Madame Charmaine can guide you much better than me.”

  “Actually, I am rather lonely today. My brother, Damon, is out on business and with my aunt sick, I am at loose ends.”

  Caroline had to smile. She was a lovely young woman. She couldn’t help it if her brother was the man who had unsettled Caroline’s life.

  “Would you like to come to my home for lunch? I will help you with your gown, if you will join me afterward. You can meet some ladies who will be coming by to discuss our concerns regarding London’s street children.”

  “I would love to. Are you organizing a group to help the children?”

  “Possibly.”

  “How daring of you.” She looked worried and bi
t her lip. “I don’t know if Damon would approve of my joining an organized group.”

  “We may not do anything like that. Today is just to talk. Do you always do only what your brother approves of?” Caroline asked.

  “But of course,” Hannah replied. “I know he has my best interest at heart.”

  “It is up to you.” Caroline kept her tone cool. “Perhaps you will still join me for light refreshments.”

  “Definitely, I accept.”

  * * * *

  Damon drove briskly through the crowds of people and other horse-drawn carriages. He saw Rook stop and get down to greet his sister, Claire. Two other ladies stood to the side. Damon sat back to wait on Rook, but then he recognized the other two ladies, Hannah and Caroline.

  When Hannah saw Damon, she waved happily. Damon threw his reins to his tiger and stepped down to join the group. Caroline frowned when she saw him.

  “Excuse me.” Caroline started to move away from the others and go to her carriage.

  “Running away?” He stepped in front of her.

  “Of course not. I need to return home,” Caroline said testily.

  “If you are ready to leave, Lady Caroline, I am ready.” Hannah appeared at her side.

  “My sister is going home with you?” Damon’s eyebrows came together.

  “Lady Caroline was nice enough to help me chose a gown for the Billingsham ball, Damon. Aunt Elizabeth is sick and sent me alone. Caroline invited me for lunch and to attend her meeting with some ladies interested in helping children of the street.”

  “I’m sure your brother is not interested in our ladies’ meeting.”

  “I’m interested in anything that concerns my sister and you.”

  Damon’s tone sent a chill down Caroline’s back. His eyes were dark, and his eyebrows drawn together in a frown. “You do not need to concern yourself about me, as I have told you repeatedly,” Caroline said in a firm tone.

  Hannah glanced from him to Caroline. Her brow wrinkled, showing her puzzlement at the tense atmosphere between them.

  “Come, Hannah, I’ll drive you home. You should check on Aunt Elizabeth.”

  “You are right. How thoughtless of me. Perhaps we can visit together another time, Lady Caroline?”

  “Whenever your controlling brother agrees,” Caroline snapped.

  Damon leaned toward her and spoke in a soft voice directed solely at Caroline. “Be careful, my lady. Don’t push me too far. I am not one of your soft and reasonable gentlemen.”

  Caroline stepped back abruptly. She raised her chin.

  “Taming you will be so much fun,” he whispered.

  She turned away. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  Damon listened to Hannah’s happy voice as she shared with him the details of her visit to the dressmaker and the kindness of Lady Caroline. His body was tense with anger and desire. He didn’t want to think of Caroline as kind.

  How dare she suggest Hannah attend her meeting. A strange woman’s group, and she had wanted to include Hannah. In addition, she was encouraging Hannah to rebel against him. He’d not forget this altercation when he had her under his control.

  The heat that surged through him every time they met had him worried. Just touching her arm or hand sent desire surging through his body. His cock ached. He wanted to bury himself in her hot pussy. Soon she’d be his, and he’d bury his cock in her softness and plunder her mouth until she responded equally to him. But he would not allow himself to truly care for her.

  He didn’t mind if her feelings were involved. He had seen the desire in her eyes when he kissed her and felt her trembling body move against his.

  He knew how to increase her hunger for him. Showing attention to Lady Marguerite might help fan the flames. She had certainly let him know she was open to a little light dalliance.

  “Damon, I don’t think you’ve heard a word I said.”

  “Yes, I did, Hannah. I’m sure you will be beautiful in your new gown. I find I’m quite anxious to attend the Billingsham ball myself and see all of the lovely ladies at their best.”

  Ah yes, the Billingsham ball would be quite exciting. He would keep Lady Caroline dancing on a string of anxiety and conflicting emotions. She was young and inexperienced and had no protection from his knowledge and fierce craving.

  * * * *

  Caroline strode to her carriage and once inside collapsed against the back of her seat. The sides of the carriage hid her from any onlookers. Her hands trembled. Whether from anger or fear, she wasn’t sure. She was relieved to feel the motion as the carriage moved forward to take her home. How dare he? Who was he to threaten her? Only the man she had to marry. That was, if she planned to save her parents.

  Slipping into the house, Caroline took off her bonnet and gloves. She started to walk back to the sitting room but saw her father in his study. He sat with his head bowed.

  “Papa, are you all right?”

  “Come in, Caroline. I’ve been waiting for you.” Her father lifted his head.

  The room was dark with the curtains drawn. Usually her father had the windows open and his pipe lit. But today the atmosphere in the room made her shudder.

  “You have been shopping?” her father inquired.

  “Yes. Mama thought I should have a new gown for the Billingsham ball. Can I help, Papa? I can see you’re upset.”

  “Sit down. I have to tell you a story, and I am not proud of my part in this tale.”

  Caroline went to her father where he sat slumped in his chair. She hugged him. “You know I will always love you, Papa. Nothing will ever change my feelings.”

  He raised his head and tried to smile. “You are a good daughter. You do not deserve the problems caused by my past behaviors. Actions I’m not proud of.”

  Caroline went to the door and requested tea and scones be brought to them. “We both need a bit of refreshment. Nothing ever seems as bleak with food in our stomach.”

  Her father tried to laugh, a harsh sound coming from his throat. “It would be wonderful if a spot of warm tea and a scone could cure this ill.”

  Jenny, the downstairs maid, brought in the tea tray and set it before Caroline. “Thank you, Jenny. Please close the door and make sure we are not disturbed.”

  Caroline concentrated on pouring the hot tea. Her hands still shook slightly. She handed a teacup and a plate with two scones to her father.

  They drank their tea and Caroline was glad to see her father bite into one of the scones. The silence wrapped around them. She hated to admit to listening by the door last night, but she couldn’t let him go through telling her what she already knew. He was upset enough.

  “Papa, I think we must talk about what is distressing you. First, let me confess that I eavesdropped at your study door last night.”

  Lord Halsford raised his head, surprise on his face. He got up and walked to the window pulling the curtain open. Afternoon sunlight spilled into the room.

  He turned back to her. His face still in the shadows. “I’m relieved I don’t have to repeat what is an unpleasant story and certainly not favorable to me. I hope you won’t think too harshly of me. Although I deserve it.”

  “You were in the wrong, Papa, but so was Lord Royston’s father. He must have known he needed to stop playing. Nevertheless, you said you cheated. I see the regret and guilt in your face.”

  “He was still despondent over the loss of his wife, and he was about to lose all his money if the cards did not turn in his favor. At some level I realized that, but I ignored my conscience and not only continued to play but, in the end, I cheated. I can’t expect his son to forgive me when I can’t forgive myself. I’ve tried to forget what happened over the years, but it was always at the back of my mind. I deserve what Lord Royston is doing. But you and your mother are innocent pawns in his game.”

  “His father lost everything?”

  “All but his estate.”

  “Lord Royston told me he’d come home rich. He apparently made his
fortune back. Surely that makes you feel better.”

  “Lord Royston hates us.”

  Fear gripped her throat. “Surely not, Papa.”

  “Yes, he does.” Her father sat back behind his desk and ran his hand through his thinning hair. When he raised his head, his eyes looked haunted. “I tried to explain to Royston today. I told him I had traveled to his estate to give the banknote back to his father but heard of his death on my way.”

  “Did he accept the explanation?”

  “No, and he is right. I should have given the banknote to the son right after his father’s death, if I was sincere. I wanted the money, and I am damned for it.”

  Caroline poured more of the tea into her cup, giving her hands something to do. An ordinary task felt comforting in a suddenly upside-down world. The chore helped to hold the fear at bay.

  “Is there anything that can be done to satisfy him instead of his current plans?”

  Her father started to answer her. He closed his mouth and shrugged. “No, nothing.”

  * * * *

  Caroline paced up and down his office. She was such a lovely young woman. He wished she were already married. Then she’d be out of Royston’s reach.

  “There must be a way to resolve this problem. I can understand Lord Royston being angry. He must have been a very young man at the time of his father’s death,” Caroline said.

  “He was eighteen, handsome, likable, and the ton loved him. He left it all behind and went far away to recoup his fortune.” Lord Halsford sighed. “I suppose I always knew he would return. I did not expect him to be this bitter and seeking revenge. I foolishly hoped he’d be happy with what he’d achieved.”

  “Excuse me, Papa. I have to change. Some ladies are coming to visit this afternoon. Plus, I need time to think about our conversation.”

  His heart sank, as she avoided his eyes and hurried from the room. Their relationship might never be the same. He rubbed his hand over his heart. He didn’t expect his folly to hurt the people he loved the most. At that moment he hated himself far more than Royston ever could.