Once Upon an Accident 02 - Lessons in Seduction

by Melissa Schroeder

  “I heard more of the conversation than Lady Cicely believes. I saw her face.” He shook his head. “He planned on going past frightening her. I believe if I had not found them and interrupted, he might have succeeded in doing more than just compromising her.”

  “The man has no morals,” Bridgerton remarked. “I have heard he is a regular visitor to the House of Rod. Seems sadist tendencies do not skip a generation in that family, as his father was a customer also.”

  Sebastian’s eyes widened at that. “Who would have thought that of the little bastard?” His tone dripped with disgust. “I have a feeling I know what particular vice he goes there to fill.”

  “What do you need from us?” Bridgerton asked.

  “Seconds,” Douglas said.

  A muscle flexed in Penwyth’s cheek, and his gaze drifted to the fire.

  “You challenged him?”

  Douglas shrugged. “I had no choice.”

  Without moving his attention from the blaze, Sebastian nodded. “I knew I should have attended last night, but with going out to the Merryweather Ball tonight, well, Colleen and I hate to be gone two nights in a row.” He glanced at Bridgerton, then settled his gaze on Douglas. His piercing blue eyes sharpened with irritation. “Have you heard from his seconds?”

  “No. I believe today that we will find the knocker removed from the door and a notice that he has left for the country. Or better yet, the continent.”

  The earl sighed. “I find myself in your debt again.”

  Penwyth appeared older. Having four women in the house was bound to do that to a man. All of the responsibility. That on top of his duties to title and estate and those of being a new father.

  Douglas smiled, remembering how the earl had hated the fact he had been the one to find Colleen when she had been pushed down the stairs.

  At the time, no one but Douglas knew of his familial connection to Colleen.

  “Well, old man, how about my pick of that prime horseflesh you have on the estate?”

  He snorted. “I think not. Besides, Anna is in charge of the stables.

  For all her girlish ways, she is still horse mad. With the children, the estate, not to mention my wife, I welcome the help.”

  A grunt sounded from Bridgerton, who was now the one gazing broodingly at the fire. “Fat chance there. That chit would not part with one of her stable.”

  “You would know,” Penwyth remarked.

  With a dark glance in his friend’s direction, Bridgerton said, “You can depend on us for anything in that regard. I cannot stand Cummings, could not before this.”

  All humor fled Sebastian’s face. “You can count on it, Your Grace.

  The one thing we need to ensure is that my wife, mother and sister do not find out about this. Colleen would have a fit.”

  Douglas chuckled to cover the envy piercing his heart. He begrudged his friend nothing, especially knowing that Penwyth had almost lost Colleen. Still, witnessing their happy life stung. Jealousy of a married couple was a new and uncomfortable feeling for Douglas. Up until last night, he thought never to marry. His parents’ marriage had left him wary of the institution.

  The argument had been made by distant and not-so-distant cousins that he should marry and produce heirs. He’d felt no rush since he had a few cousins who had a multitude of offspring. Of course, that changed the night Cicely had kissed him. After that kiss, there was no going back, no switching course. She would be his…that was not a doubt. Knowing her own revulsion to the institution of marriage, Douglas decided the only way to change her mind would be through those lessons.

  “Nothing sadder than a henpecked husband.” Bridgerton’s amused voice brought Douglas out of his dismal plans.

  The smile returned to Sebastian’s face. “Ah, you should be so lucky, Daniel. Find yourself a good woman. Settle down. That is the true way to happiness.” Voices sounded outside the room. “And happiness is about to intrude.”

  Douglas nodded and stood as Sebastian and Daniel rose from his chair. With an explosion of both sound and force, the door burst inward.

  Anna led the pack. Behind her came Colleen carrying Charles.

  “I see that my family has decided to afford me privacy as usual,”

  Penwyth said but there was only warmth in his voice.

  “Oh, pooh, Sebastian.” This came from Anna, who smiled at Douglas and Bridgerton as she hurried around the desk to give her brother a quick peck on the cheek. “Fitzgerald said Douglas was here and he said his name in front of old Charlie here.”

  Sebastian’s sigh was long and dramatic. “Anna, I have asked you not to call your nephew Charlie.”

  “As I said before, pooh.”

  “Anna, quit trying to start a fight with Sebastian,” Colleen admonished. “Douglas. Daniel. It is so nice to see you both this morning.”

  Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against Douglas’ cheek. Even after two years, the action took him by surprise. Open displays of love were a new and different experience for him. The Wares seemed to not think twice about showing affection, something that had been disdained in his own household. Douglas had grown up in such a sterile environment. No one touched anything, least of all each other. It was unheard of.

  When Colleen pulled away, Charles leaned toward Douglas and he had no choice but to take the toddler from his mother. It was that or watch the pleasantly plump little boy plummet to the ground.

  “You just saw Douglas last night.” This came from her husband.

  Colleen gave him a glare then moved onto Daniel, affording him the same attention she had given Douglas. “I am going to have to quote Anna here and say, pooh.”

  Douglas barely noticed the byplay between the couple as Charles stared up at him. The deep blue Ware eyes studied him as if Douglas had the secrets of life and with an expectation that Douglas would share those secrets. The thought of having his own children, children both he and Cicely would share, tugged at his heart. Thinking he would not be a good role model for children, Douglas had not contemplated fatherhood.

  He’d had not one good example of how a loving father should act, at least while growing up. But now, now he wanted those children and he wanted them with Cicely.

  The object of his thoughts rushed into the room. She came to an abrupt halt just inside the door, her eyes widening almost comically at the crowd gathered there. Embarrassment flushed her face. She was breathing heavily, as if she had exerted a great amount of work to get to the study.

  Sighing, he shifted his weight, trying to ease the heaviness in his loins. Young Charles was good cover for his distress. The woman had him weaving between so many opposing emotions, Douglas was amazed he could think straight.

  “I can explain everything, Sebastian.”

  Utter silence greeted that announcement. No one seemed to know what to say to that. Even Charles stopped his chatter.

  Douglas froze.

  Her cousin shook free of his surprise more quickly than the rest of the group and broke the silence.

  With a smile, Sebastian asked, “Why don’t you explain all of it to us?”

  Chapter Eleven

  In which Lady Cicely must clarify.

  Cicely swallowed her nerves and faced her cousin. Not many people would take in a poor relation, especially one with a mother who had plotted to kill you and your wife. But Sebastian had done that and more.

  He had given her a family, somewhere to belong. She did not want to disappoint him. She shot a glare in Douglas’ direction—who stared at her expectantly—and then moved her attention back to Sebastian.

  “Do you want to explain what you are talking about, Cicely?”

  Sebastian smiled at her, a kind light in his blue eyes that made her feel even worse.

  She glanced at Douglas and realized with a start that he was holding Charles. Unfortunately the image of Douglas holding a young toddler was entirely too enticing. It reminded her faintly of her earlier dreams. She did not think she had dreamt of having the duke�
��s heir, but the process of acquiring one… Flustered, she turned in the direction of her cousin once again.

  When she found Sebastian studying her and then flashing a concerned frown at Douglas, her worry increased tenfold.

  “Colleen, could you take my meddlesome sister”—to which said sister huffed and mumbled something that sounded remarkably like pooh— “and our son and let me have a word with Douglas, Daniel and Cicely alone?”

  Although Anna complained loudly, Colleen ushered her out. On her way she stopped in front of Douglas and recaptured her small son, who protested even more loudly than Anna. His wails echoed a retreat out in the marble hallway. A smartly liveried footman closed the heavy doors, leaving Sebastian, Cicely, Daniel and Douglas sequestered in a beat of uncomfortable silence.

  “Do have a seat, everyone.”

  Cicely and Douglas settled into the matching boxwood and ebony George III chairs that faced Sebastian’s desk as Daniel sat on the settee.

  “Cicely, first you must understand that this situation calls for some sort of action. I know that is a concept both offending and foreign to you, however, it is one you simply must accept given the circumstance.”

  She frowned, her thoughts turning decidedly ominous. Damn Douglas and his blasted honor. She licked her lips. The idea he would risk his life…

  Cicely said, “I do not see why my opinion could not at the very least be considered. It does involve me.”

  Sebastian looked at Douglas as if waiting for him to intervene and when he realized he would have no help from that quarter, said, “These…situations are best handled by men. It would not do for you to be…” He seemed to hesitate as he searched for the word he wanted.

  “Sullied.”

  “Sullied?” Is that how Douglas saw her? Is that why he agreed to her lessons? Anger had her jumping out of her chair. “And just why is it, Cousin, that men get to decide? This directly affects me and I want to know why I do not get a voice in the matter.”

  “Cicely,” Sebastian sighed.

  “You have accepted me here, most graciously—”

  “Cicely—”

  “But I do not think that you need to concern yourself with this nonsense at all.”

  “Cicely!” Sebastian barked.

  She snapped her mouth shut.

  Using two fingers at each temple, he rubbed in slow, small circles. He had dark crescents under his eyes, making her wonder if it was recreation, her nephew, niece or some business trouble that had kept Sebastian from a full night’s sleep. Guilt held her tongue.

  “You are just as stubborn as my wife. This is a matter of not only your honor, but the duke’s as well. Douglas had to challenge Cummings and that is the end of it.”

  “It’s good to know I have so many looking out for my honor.”

  “Had I been in Douglas’ shoes, I, too, would have challenged the bas—rake,” Bridgerton said.

  She shot him a look of irritation, which was met with a smile. “There really is no need for this. Cummings is afraid of what His Grace will do to him, and as Douglas said last night, there is a good chance the bounder is gone.”

  “Cicely, there is no guarantee that he has left,” Sebastian insisted.

  “He did what had to be done and I am forever in his debt for being there for you.”

  While she appreciated his support and protection, she could not stand for this. “It was my fault for being alone and not being aware of my surroundings. And while it was not the most pleasant experience, I daresay I will survive. There is no need for His Grace to risk his life.”

  “I told you, Lady Cicely, it was not your fault.” Just the sound of Douglas’ gentle tone had heat curling in her tummy. She chanced a glance in his direction and found herself melting under his regard. His thick hair fell a bit haphazardly onto his forehead. It only increased his charm. His lips, lips that had only last night conveyed warmth and tenderness, twitched with amusement. “Men like Cummings are not fit for company and the sooner he leaves, whether by carriage or by bullet, the better for everyone.”

  She offered Douglas a tentative smile and the air between them thickened as detailed memories of the night before flashed through her mind. Heat flushed her face as she realized from his look that he was remembering the same thing.

  Sebastian cleared his throat, breaking the spell. When she could tear her gaze away from Douglas, she faced her cousin and had to fight a grimace at his dark expression.

  She decided to press her point. “I do not approve of the duel.”

  “I do not care.”

  The thread of irritation was evident in Sebastian’s voice. For all she loved about her cousin, when he made up his mind, there was little one could do to change it. Knowing that, and understanding that arguing with him would get her nowhere, Cicely thought it best to retreat and regroup before confronting either man again.

  Sebastian moved several papers on his desk, stacking them in a neat pile. “Being the coward that he is, I have a feeling Cummings will not show to face Douglas. Even so, I do not want you revealing this to Colleen and especially not to Anna. That girl cannot keep a single, blessed thing to herself.”

  Bridgerton snorted. “That is putting it mildly. There is not a secret she could hold for more than a minute.”

  Sebastian did not even look at his friend. Instead, his gaze bore into Cicely. “Are we in agreement about Colleen and Anna?”

  She nodded. “What do you propose we tell them we were all discussing? Anna will pounce on me the moment I leave.”

  All three men were silent. Sebastian grimaced.

  “History?” Douglas ventured.

  That would certainly put Anna off, even if she poked and prodded.

  Cicely began speaking of tomes and studies and Anna switched off, surveying the room for fabric samples.

  “Wise choice.” Amusement threaded Bridgerton’s tone.

  “Still,” Sebastian said. “I am the earl and the head of this household.

  Tell them history if you must but I’d rather you just say you cannot talk about it.”

  Deciding there was no arguing with them, and needing time to think, she stood to leave. “Very well. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to make it out before the streets are too crowded.”

  “Out?” They said in unison.

  She smiled sweetly. “Yes. Out.”

  As she slipped into the hallway, Anna, true to her prediction, leapt on her, pulling her away from Sebastian’s study and into the formal greeting room. “What was that all about?”

  “I cannot say.”

  Anna frowned. “Cannot or will not?”

  “Cannot. Earl decree backed by ducal threat. In a manner of speaking. There is nothing really to worry about.”

  “I was not worried. I just wanted to know. I had not thought to be worried. Should I be worried?”

  “No.”

  “Very well, then I just want to know.”

  Cicely laughed and offered Anna a hug. When she pulled back, Anna was staring at her curiously. It was then that she realized this was the first time she had offered affection openly.

  To cover her embarrassment, Cicely said, “Really, it was nothing.

  They had a historical question that I, with my contacts at the society, might be able to help them with.”

  “Oh.” Anna’s eyes glassed over as Cicely expected.

  “Do you want to go with me to the lending library?”

  Anna shook her head. A smile tugged up the corner of her mouth.

  “No. Dewhurst is stopping by for a ride in the park.”

  “Betsy said everyone was staying in today.”

  Anna laughed. “That had been the plan but he sent over a note requesting a ride in the park. Why don’t you come with me?”

  “No, I need to get to the library. And, if the house is quiet, I can spend some more time looking over the diary. I started in again this morning, but, well…”

  Anna nodded then leaned close, brushing her lips over Cicely
’s cheek.

  “I will see you later.”

  She watched Anna scamper off to ready herself for the ride with her new beau and Cicely could not help but feel a bit envious. Even at Anna’s age, Cicely had experienced no carefree courting, rides in the park or flowers the morning after balls.

  Shaking off her morose memories, Cicely ascended the stairs to her room. She needed a day out doing something she loved, something she coveted. Balls, courting and whatnot would just have to wait.

  “Is there something I should know about?”

  Sebastian’s voice cut through the silence threatening to strangle Douglas since Cicely had left.

  He turned the heavy gilded book over in his hand, examining the structural binding. Whoever had originally bound the book had taken great care in his work. Douglas admired the craftsmanship. “No. Why do you ask?”

  Sebastian paused, studying him, assessing him. Douglas hated the feeling because it brought back memories of being called into his father’s study, being reprimanded, and the lashes that always followed. His throat closed, choking him. He looked for Sebastian’s decanter. A good swill would help.

  “Colleen noticed your regard last night.”

  He returned the book to its precise position on the shelf and helped himself to a small one-finger pull. “My regard?”

  “You seemed to be paying particularly close attention to Cicely before you left for the musicale. I am wondering now if she had the right of it.

  There is something between you two.”

  He examined the weighty cut crystal. The light refracted from the sharp, cut angles, the amber liquid inside adding to the effect. “Indeed.”

  “Is there something we should discuss?”

  “Other than how she finds me pompous and overbearing? Or perhaps how she does not care for my meddling in her affairs?” The word affairs almost choked him. He quickly took a swallow to cover.

  Sebastian remained unmoved. “No. Not those things.”

  Douglas opened his mouth to deny it again, but decided against it. It wasn’t time to speak of his intentions. “Not as of yet.”