Tonight it was easy to get caught up in the glitter of London when it sparkled so magnificently.
“This is one of the grandest events of the Season, Lauren whispered.
“Im surprised we were allowed through the door, Lydia said.
“Dont be silly. No one blames you for the Dukes indiscretions. Besides, it doesnt hurt to have the attentions of Sachse. Especially when Lady Sachse is a victim in all this scandal as well.
A victim? The woman had instigated and been responsible for most of it, as far as Lydia was concerned.
“How is Lady Sachse holding up? Lauren asked.
“Quite well, Lord Sachse responded. “I visited with her only briefly this afternoon, but she seems to be rising above all this.
“Im not surprised. In all matters, she places herself first, Lydia said quietly.
“Lydia! Lauren whispered harshly. “Your acceptance into polite society has been facilitated by Lady Sachses influence.
But at what cost to Rhys?
“Miss Westland?
Lydia turned to see Lord and Lady Whithaven. Glad for the distraction, she smiled warmly. “Lady Whithaven.
The Countess took her hands and squeezed gently. “My dear, you look lovely this evening.
Lydia blushed. “Thank you.
“My dear husband was hoping you would honor him with a dance later.
Lydia looked past her to the Earl. “Yes, Id be honored.
“The eighth dance would serve me well, Lord Whithaven said. “And you must comprehend the honor I am bestowing upon you, since I fully intend to dance every other dance with my wife this evening.
Beaming with joy, Lady Whithaven patted her husbands arm. “Isnt he simply delightful?
“Yes, he is, Lydia assured her. Much more so than when shed last seen them.
Lady Whithaven turned to her husband. “You were going to introduce Miss Westland to your cousin, were you not?
“Oh, yes, Whithaven said, as he glanced around. “A marquess, but I must find him first. So many people at this gathering. As soon as I spot him, Ill bring him right over. Hell want a dance. A most agreeable fellow. Above reproach.
Lady Whithaven again took Lydias hand and squeezed. “If you need anything, my dear, know we are here for you.
She and her husband walked away.
“That was interesting, Lauren said. “Its always been obvious Lady Whithaven loved her husband. Tonight he seems equally besotted.
Before Lydia could respond, she heard a voice that grated on her nerves.
“My dear Miss Westland.
She forced herself to smile. “Lady Sachse.
“If I may say, you look quite stunning this evening.
Lydia was taken aback. She heard no cattiness in the womans voice. “Thank you.
“My pleasure, dear. Miss Fairfield, you are equally stunning.
“Thank you, Lady Sachse, Lauren said.
“And Lord Sachse, the Countess purred, “you are as handsome as ever.
“And you, dear lady, are as charming as ever.
“Hardly. Its simply that everyone has been so kind to me this evening that I wanted to share my happiness.
To Lydias great surprise, Lady Sachse took her arm and led her a few steps away. Then she said in a compelling low voice, “Listen carefully to what I am about to say. Archie, bless him, and your American cousin have not the sophistication to comprehend the delicate situation in which you and I find ourselves. For us, ruin has been avoided. But under no circumstances, in any public forum, are you to ever acknowledge Rhys. It is imperative that you heed my words.
Lydia heard the unspoken words. Rhys would carry the weight of the scandal on his broad shoulders.
“Do you understand the gravity of what I am saying? Lady Sachse asked.
“Perfectly.
“Splendid. Lady Sachse stepped back and glanced around.
Lydia did the same and spotted the Duke of Kimburton striding toward them. He was indeed handsome and in many ways reminded her of Rhys. Confident, he wore his title well. He smiled at Lauren and greeted her before turning his attention to Lord Sachse.
“My mother would like to meet you, Lord Sachse. As well as your lady.
Sachse smiled. “We are honored, Your Grace.
Lydia slid her gaze to Lauren, who was beaming as though Lydia had somehow managed to accomplish something wonderful.
“Miss Fairfield, perhaps youd come with us as well, Kimburton said.
“Certainly, Your Grace.
“Will you excuse us, Lady Sachse? Kimburton asked.
“Of course. She leaned toward Lydia. “Remember, my dear, among the aristocracy we must always travel the hardest path and never reveal how difficult the journey. Rhys understands that well. Do not disappoint him.
Lydia wanted to ask her exactly what she was talking about, but the Duke was waitingas was his mother. As soon as introductions were made, shed seek out Lady Sachse and demand to know what she knew that Lydia didnt.
Lydia felt eyes coming to bear on her as she followed the Duke. She wondered briefly if this was how the animals at the zoological gardens had felt when Sabrina had gone to see them. Every aspect scrutinized and measured.
Shed studied her books, had wanted to make a grand impression. Suddenly she wondered why shed thought it was all so important. No one watched her as closely in Texas.
The Duchess sat in a large overstuffed chair as though it were a throne. The woman exuded regal bearing and gracejust as Lydia had expected of the aristocracy.
The woman smiled warmly. “Lord Sachse, I understand you are a scholar.
“Yes, Your Grace.
“Explain to me what is to happen to all of us with these American girls invading our shores.
“I suspect, Your Grace, we shall be the richer for it.
She laughed, a throaty sound of pure enjoyment. “You are either very wise or very foolish.
“Foolishly in love perhaps, he admitted.
Lydia felt her cheeks grow warm. He was kind, well-mannered, and charming. Any lady would be thrilled to have his attentions. While she was only mildly flattered.
The Duchess turned her attention to Lydia. “I must say, my dear, that you are very lovely.
“Thank you, Your Grace.
“There is scandal afoot, and yet you remain poised. I should think the Prince of Wales would like to make your acquaintance. Dont you agree, Kim?
The Duke nodded. “Yes, Mother.
“And you, Miss Fairfield. I have been watching you, or more precisely watching my son watch you.
“He is one of the most eligible bachelors in London, Your Grace. I imagine he watches a lot of girls, Lauren said.
“Yes, I suppose he does.
As the Duchess continued to speak with Lauren, Lydia couldnt help but feel as though shed somehow, in spite of everything, managed to pass her test. She might actually rub elbows with the royal family. What sort of elegant affairs would she attend then?
How would her stepfathers status rise? A man whose birth had denied him so much?
Lydia became aware of the din of surrounding conversation falling into silence like the ocean receding from the shore. Music ceased to fill the huge room.
“Well, this should prove interesting, the Duchess murmured. “I had not expected him to show.
Lydia glanced over her shoulder to where the Duchess was looking.
And there stood Rhys.
In the doorway, tall, proud, handsomeeven with his bruised face. Hed come. She hadnt really thought he would. Thought he would have spared himself this humiliation of feeling all eyes trained on him, of knowing the low opinion held of him.
She turned completely to look at him and felt a hand close around each of hersLauren on one side, Sachse on the other.
“Dont do anything rash, Lauren warned.
“You must not acknowledge him, Sachse said.
Not acknowledge him? Not acknowledge the man who caused her heart to beat, her lungs to breathe?
Ignore the man who had taught her what was not written in her books?
He stood there as he had been his whole lifealone.
She was on the verge of achieving everything she desired. All she had to do when he caught her attention was look away.
She had professed that his sins wouldnt change her feelings for him. She understood now that shed been mistaken, because she realized with startling clarity that knowing everything had caused her love to deepen. She could forgive him anything.
She turned to Lord Sachse. “My lord, you are an exceedingly kind man. But Ive discovered I dont wear the glitter and gold of London well.
“My dear, I believe love has the power to spin straw into gold.
Rising up on her toes, she kissed his cheek and whispered, “We shall see.
She gave Lauren a tremulous smile and squeezed her hand.
“Dont do it, Lydia, Lauren whispered.
“I have no choice.
She began wending her way through the crowd. She could see those who had already turned their backs on Rhys were suddenly looking to see why there was any movement at all.
She heard the first stirring of murmuring. She could sense curiosity piqued.
“My dear.
Someone grabbed her arm, stilling her progress. She looked to the side, and Lady Whithaven smiled at her.
“My dear, you have tears in your eyes, Lady Whithaven said. “Im certain youre searching for a handkerchief. Here, you may use mine.
Lydia started to shake her head, to tell her that she wasnt searching for anythingshed found what she wanted in Rhysbut her gaze fell on the handkerchief, on its solitary monograman R embroidered in red.
She suddenly remembered how surprised Lady Whithaven had been upon being introduced to the Duke of Harrington. And it all made sense. This woman had been with Rhys.
Lydia lifted her gaze to Lady Whithavens face. Tears sparkled in her green eyes.
“You mustnt go any farther, Lady Whithaven whispered. “Stay here with me, and all will be well.
This woman had known Rhyss touch, known his kindness. And yet shed already turned her back on him.
Lydia looked at Lord Whithaven. His cheeks burning red, he studied a distant corner of the room. She remembered how little attention hed paid to his wife before. Tonight he adored her, and Lydia couldnt help but wonder what role Lady Whithavens liaison with Rhys had played in the Earls change of heart.
She clutched the familiar handkerchief in her gloved hand. “Thank you, Lady Whithaven. I know now, without a doubt, that all will be well.
She barely heard Lady Whithavens gasp as she continued on.
And she knew the moment Rhyss gaze fell on her, felt it like a welcome caresseven though she was certain he had not meant it that way. She quickened her step until suddenly nothing was between them but open floor, secrets revealed, and hearts wounded.
But wounds could be healed, and in the process hearts strengthened. She stopped before him.
“Did no one explain to you that you are to turn away from me? he asked through clenched teeth, his lips barely moving.
“They explained. So did my books.
“Then do it.
Slowly she shook her head.
“Damnation! he hissed. “Do you not remember the first ball you attended? The sadness and disappointment you felt because you were not welcomed as youd hoped to be?
Oh, she remembered it. Remembered it well.
“What will follow will be ten times worse, he continued. “No balls, no dinners, no gentlemen calling. You will be ignored and gossiped about. To hold your dream of making a place for yourself among the aristocracy is within reach. Turn away from me.
“No.
“Lydia, you are worthy of a king, but not deserving of me. You need to return to Sachse.
“I need to follow my heart. She curtsied, gracefully, elegantly. Then she lifted her gaze to his. “My heart always leads me back to you.
“You dont know what youre doing.
She rose and smiled warmly. “Oh, but I do. Ive always dreamed of traveling to England and falling in loveand I did. I love you, Rhys. And nothing will change that.
She watched as tears formed in his eyes, and he swallowed hard. “I would do anything to see you happy.
She held out her hand. “Then take me away from here.
He wrapped his hand around hers, drew her against his side, and escorted her out of the ballroom. Away from the glitter and gold of London.
And toward her dream.
Inside his carriage, Rhys took Lydia into his arms and kissed her deeply, desperately. As long as he drew breath, he would never forget how shed looked as she walked toward hima lioness, a woman who would not be tamed by societys rules.
“You are a fool, he rasped as he rained kisses over her face.
“I love you, Rhys.
He leaned back, cradling her face between his hands. Hed never thought to be this close to her again. “Grayson will kill me. As will your mother.
She smiled. “No, they wont.
“You must understand. When Annie died, I tried to hide in Londons underbelly. Five years I wandered. A man can easily get lost in London. A young man eaten up with guilt could risk never finding his way out.
“But you did find your way out.
He nodded. “Eventually. I never did anything during those five lost years for which I was ashamed. I worked menial jobs for food and shelter. Hefting, carting around, building, cleaning. I wasnt particular. Then William got sick.
“He told me. I spoke with Lady Sachse as well.
“When Camilla made her offer, it seemed no hardship. What young man doesnt dream of women wanting him? You must understand, the things I said the other nightI wanted you to run. I did not want my past to hurt you.
“The only time it hurt me was when it kept me away from you. I love you so much.
“There is a good chance well have nothing. The Queen could take it all away.
“Then well have nothing together.
He removed his gloves, then slowly peeled hers off. He took her hands and pressed them to his lips, inhaling the sweet scent shed placed on her wrists.
“I have searched my whole life, not truly knowing what I sought. Until I looked into your eyes, until I saw your acceptance of me. I would see you happy at all costs. I love you more than life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?
She released a joyous laugh. “Oh, yes!
She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. With her, there would seldom be decorum. And yet when it was most neededas shed proven tonightshe had the regal bearing of a queen.
“Make love to me, Rhys.
How he was tempted to do just that. Instead he drew back. “No, the next time I make love to you, darling Lydia, it will be after weve signed the marriage agreement. Ill not have my son arrive only months after we are wed and have his mother whispered about. There will be whispers enough where we are concerned.
She kissed his chin. “I dont want to wait.
“Well send for your parents tomorrow.
She pressed her head into the nook of his shoulder. “Were going to be so happy.
He only wished he could be as optimistic.
“Youre quite ruined, Lauren announced.
Lydia closed her book. Shed been reading in the parlor for most of the afternoon, while Lauren had been sleeping. Shed gotten home rather late last night.
“But Im so happy, Lydia said.
Lauren sat down. “You were going to be introduced to the Prince of Wales.
“And instead Ill be married.
“Everyone was quite shocked when you left with him.
She leaned over and squeezed Laurens hand. “I love him, Lauren. I dont care that he pleasured countless of Londons ladies. I care only that he pleasures me.
Laurens eyes popped. “Did he? Last night? Everyone speculated that he did.
She shook her head. “No, we just drove through the streets of London, kissin
g, talking, and planning our wedding.
Lauren looked toward the doorway. “Yes?
The butler entered with tray in hand. “Some ladies are here to see Miss Westland.
Lauren took the cards. “Ladies Reynolds, Kedelbrooke, and Wrotham. She looked at Lydia. “Are you at home?
Lydia nodded. “Certainly.
The ladies entered with bright red cheeks and gazes that danced around the room as though they werent certain they wanted to look directly at Lydia. Lauren invited them to sit and offered tea. They all sat quietly sipping.
Finally, Lady Reynolds said, “Miss Westland, I hope you wont consider me impertinent, but we are dying to knowdo you intend to marry the Duke?
She smiled, wanting to express her absolute joy that she could answer as she was. “Yes.
Lady Reynolds looked incredibly delighted. “Splendid. My dear girl, you are so lucky. He has such wonderful hands. Honestly, once you are wed, you must have him rub your feet.
Lydia suddenly wished Lauren hadnt invited these ladies in. It had never occurred to her that she would speak to women and know that theyd known her loves touch. It was one thing to accept hed bedded some ladies. Quite another to sip tea with them.
“He rubbed your feet? she dared to ask.
Lady Reynolds nodded. “Id gone to see him because my dear husband was a bit hasty at times. Her blush deepened. “His Graceof course, he wasnt His Grace thenshared with me several strategies for curtailing my husbands eagerness, and the entire time he explained the matter, he rubbed my feet. It was quite delicious.
“He rubbed my back, Lady Wrotham admitted. “I sat on his lap like a child and bawled my heart out. Hence the reason I had his handkerchief, which my husband discovered. In my marriage, I found no semblance of the passion that I read in Jane Austens books.
“Yes, hed given me his handkerchief as well, Lady Reynolds said. “I wept abominably in the beginning, as I recounted my sad tale.
“He fed me chocolates until I thought I would pop, Lady Kedelbrooke offered. “It was a most pleasant evening.
“Pleasant? Lydia asked. Pleasant didnt begin to express what it was like to have Rhys make love to a woman.
“Oh, yes. He has a passion for books. As do I. We contrasted Dickens and Twain.
Chocolates and books. Foot rubs and advice.
“Have you told your husband exactly what transpired between you and Rhys? Lydia asked.
Love With a Scandalous Lord Page 28
