A Kiss of Lies

by Bronwen Evans

  Her stomach churned at the thought of what was to come, and Hadley’s assurance did nothing to settle it. Christian’s face was grim and Serena wished she could remove his worry lines and make him smile again. He’d been cleared of rape and murder. He should be happy that his name and reputation were restored. Instead she’d burdened him with her own problems.

  Once the news broke, his reputation would be tarnished because he was helping her—a murderess. If it became known they were lovers, their position would be even worse. She’d be branded a hussy who’d killed her husband and then taken up with an infamous war hero for suspect motives.

  “Perhaps it would be better if I moved out of your house.”

  Hadley nodded. “I agree. It does her reputation, and case, no good, labeling her your paramour.”

  Christian’s face paled and his voice wavered. “Where do you suggest she go?”

  “I’ve already taken care of it. Marisa and Helen have agreed to have her as their guest. I’m sure Sebastian would allow it.”

  Serena shook her head. “Absolutely not. They are young debutantes. Think of what accommodating me would do to their reputations.” She bowed her head. “And what about Lily? She’s alone in a new country. She’ll think I’ve deserted her.”

  “Their aunt, Lady Alison Coldhurst, is in residence. Sebastian’s aunt is considered a pillar of the ton, and if we can convince her to defend Serena, not only will it maintain Serena’s respectability, but it will also ensure that the judge takes her good character into consideration.”

  Hope of an acquittal fluttered into life in Serena’s heart. “I was a favorite with Lady Coldhurst during my coming-out season. Perhaps I might be able to persuade her myself.”

  Hadley raised an eyebrow at Christian. “It certainly couldn’t hurt to try.”

  “God damn it!” Christian’s despair soaked the carriage. No one knew quite where to look. Christian rapped on the roof. The carriage halted and he gave the driver Sebastian’s address, his decision made. She prayed Lady Coldhurst would see her. She had no idea whom she’d turn to if the lady would not admit her. She only knew she could no longer stay with Christian. It wasn’t fair or safe for him. She didn’t like him having to shoulder her sins. And Lily … “What about Lily?”

  “I’ll explain everything to Lily and she can come and visit you every day.” Christian’s hand tightened its hold on hers. He raised it to his lips and pressed a firm kiss to her fingers.

  “We belong together. If Lady Coldhurst will help us, then I’m happy to be separated from you for a short time.” His hot, possessive gaze met hers. “But you will be my wife. Lily, you, and I will be a family. Never, ever doubt it, my love.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Christian arrived home from their meeting with Sebastian’s aunt. It had gone remarkably well. So well, in fact, that Serena had stayed on with her and he’d returned to his townhouse alone. He ordered the maids to pack her things and have them delivered to Sebastian’s house.

  In the morning he’d have to have a talk with Lily and explain everything. He hoped Lily would understand the change in Serena’s name and circumstances. Lily had already experienced more changes than any young girl should have had to face. However, Lily had also showed herself to be resilient. Lily would be happy to gain Serena as a stepmother, of that he was sure.

  His other thought was that he’d also have to advertise for a new governess. Surely a suitable governess would be easier to find here in London. Perhaps Lady Coldhurst could be persuaded to help in this regard as well.

  He walked to his study and, before taking his seat, headed directly for the brandy decanter. He poured himself a large glass. He glanced at the clock. It had been a very long day. Farnham had had him arrested at six the previous morning, and it was now almost two in the morning. He really could do with a bath, but he wanted to collect his thoughts now that he had a bit of peace and quiet.

  Who on earth would have gone to such elaborate lengths to discredit him? He sat in his large, high-backed chair and mentally went over the list of men he thought might want to see him brought to his knees.

  Joseph Trent, his father’s younger brother, was the only person who would benefit from his demise. Without a son, Christian’s title and estate would revert to Joseph. But the man was well into his sixth decade and had little interest in society. Christian didn’t believe it was him. Joseph had never married and therefore had no heir. Christian had always suspected Joseph kept to himself because he preferred men to the ladies. If this rumor was true, Joseph would not seek the limelight.

  No, it wasn’t Joseph.

  Had he grievously offended anyone recently or, for that matter, in the past? There had been the obvious manly fights, usually over women, but as he’d never before cared deeply about any woman, these were unlikely to be the cause.

  His head throbbed with a mixture of tiredness and frustration. Planning a strategic defense would be so much easier if he knew who his enemy was. At the moment, he was totally in the dark.

  The tumbler dropped from his fingers onto the table, luckily not tipping over. A sudden flash of inspiration made his stomach clench. Could this be about his father? Was it revenge on the Markham name because of something his father had once done? In all reality, this made more sense.

  He needed to make a list of potential perpetrators. He rubbed a hand over his face. Christ, it would be a long list. He’d need Roberts’s help, for the butler was the one who knew the most about his father’s crimes, those committed when Christian was a young boy as well as those perpetrated when Christian was an adult and living away from Henslowe Court.

  He sat at his desk and pulled out the folder containing correspondence and information from his lawyer. But the print swam before his eyes. Even in his exhaustion, his head was still full of Serena.

  His Serena. The thought of her made a small smile break over his lips. He drew in a deep breath. He could still smell her fragrance on his clothes. Her scent, her smile, her taste, was forever with him … God, how he wanted her.

  He should concentrate on seeing her free first. Then he’d fight to ensure she stayed his.

  Just as he’d begun to devise instructions for his lawyer regarding the appropriate strategy to employ in Serena’s case, his concentration was interrupted by a commotion outside his study. Minutes earlier, he’d heard the horses in the street below. He had assumed it was the neighbors returning from some ball or other. It was, after all, early in the morning.

  However, the commotion outside his front door continued, and shortly thereafter, a knock sounded at the study door and Roberts entered.

  “What are you still doing up? I will be working for a few hours more. You may as well go to bed.”

  “You have visitors, my lord.”

  “At this hour?”

  He glanced up and was surprised to see Hadley standing behind the butler. Hadley looked so somber, his heart almost stilled in his chest. He instantly knew that the men standing at his study door had come for Serena.

  She’d stepped forward to clear his name, at great risk of the hangman’s noose. He owed her everything for that, but more important, he loved her.

  He’d get them to agree to remand her into Lady Coldhurst’s custody until the trial. He would not let her be held in a prison cell. His title should count for something, along with his honor as a gentleman. He’d hired the best lawyer, and they would build a case of self-defense. Christian hoped she’d agree to tell her story in court. She’d need to be examined by a physician to provide evidence of the abuse.

  He sat back in his chair, trying to present a calm façade to face what was to come. He needed a clear head in order to win the first battle and, ultimately, the war.

  Before he’d had a chance to take a deep breath, the door to the study flew out of Roberts’s hand and opened wide. Roberts was desperately trying to block the doorway, but a tall, well-dressed stranger pushed Roberts out of the way. The stranger strode into the study, followed by
Hadley.

  Roberts calmly stated, “I’m sorry, my lord, the gentlemen wouldn’t wait to be introduced. I tried to stop them.…”

  “Thank you, Roberts. That will be all,” Christian said as two more men entered the study. Hadley looked angry, the other three menacing.

  Roberts bowed and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

  “I’ve come for my wife. Where is she?” the stranger demanded without any pleasantries.

  At the word “wife” Christian thought he’d heard incorrectly. Then he went cold inside, while his palms became clammy. He knew who this man was.

  Peter Dennett was alive and well.

  At first relief swamped him. She hadn’t killed Dennett after all. She wouldn’t have to stand trial and wouldn’t have to face the gallows. She could stay at Henslowe Court, with him.

  Then reality hit, and his heart rose in his throat. A series of curses issued silently through his lips. He could barely breathe.

  She was still married. Married to Dennett.

  She wouldn’t be for long, he told himself, not if he had anything to say about it. Dennett would never get his hands on her again. He’d kill the man before he’d let that happen.

  He had to play for time and signal Hadley to go and warn Serena to stay hidden.

  “I beg your pardon. I don’t believe we have been introduced,” Christian said, trying not to portray any emotion, keeping a grip on the bloodthirsty rage surging inside him. All he wanted to do was leap across the desk and throttle the man with his bare hands. Dennett had hurt Serena—defiled her, abused her, and caused her untold pain. But killing him, no matter how satisfying, would do Serena no good.

  “I’m Christian Trent, Earl of Markham, and you are …?” he uttered as if he were unperturbed, extending his hand to the enemy.

  “My lord, may I present Lord Peter Dennett from Virginia,” said Hadley, moving forward to make the introductions.

  Ignoring Christian’s outstretched hand, Dennett’s steely gray eyes looked right at him. “I don’t have time for this. Where is she?”

  “I don’t mean to appear rude, but as I don’t know you, I’m highly unlikely to have had the pleasure of meeting your wife.”

  Christian kept his eyes fixed on Dennett, who stared steadily back at him. He could feel the hatred pouring out of the man. Emotion was playing all over Dennett’s evil face—anger, hostility, and, yes, triumph.

  Christian took his measure. Dennett was in his late twenties, well dressed and exceedingly handsome. Christian’s mouth twisted in wry surprise. The way Serena had described her husband, he’d thought Dennett would be as ugly as hell. It appeared he was only ugly on the inside.

  Christian’s guts twisted at the thought of Serena having belonged to this man. Sickening images plagued his mind. It was as if his nightmares had sprung to life. Dennett couldn’t still be alive and here to claim her. This couldn’t be happening, he told himself, even though his mind knew the truth of it.

  “Are you sure you’re in the right house?” He had to buy himself time to think. How long would it be before Dennett learned she was at Sebastian’s house? He had to warn her.

  With a sly smile, Dennett ventured, “She told you I was dead, didn’t she? Silly bitch—she only knocked me out.”

  Christian offered no comment and watched with satisfaction as Dennett’s mouth grew taut in displeasure.

  “Lady Serena Castleton is my wife,” Dennett stated, “and she is legally bound to me. As you are clearly a gentleman, had you known of this, I’m sure you would have sent her home, where she rightfully belongs. Obviously this has come as a shock, and I forgive you your oversight. However, as I have now made the situation clear, would you be so kind as to summon her? I intend to take her home.”

  From the look in Dennett’s eyes it was clear he forgave nothing. If Dennett believed they had been lovers, he certainly wouldn’t forgive Christian for sleeping with his wife. Christian swallowed his bile. He knew who would pay for the affront—Serena.

  “I employed a Mrs. Sarah Cooper, and she left this household soon after she’d come forward as a witness to help clear up a misunderstanding surrounding me.”

  Dennett’s smile taunted him. “Don’t lie. I’m not some stupid lackey you can fool with your status and title. My brother is a marquis. Where the hell is she? Bring her to me!” He thumped his riding crop against his knee-high boots for emphasis.

  Thoughts ran wildly through Christian’s head, crashing and sliding and almost tipping him over the edge of sanity. How long could he hold Dennett off before the law would force him to hand her over? He had to get her away from here. He looked at Hadley. Hadley gave a slight shake of his head, as if to say, I can’t help you.

  Christian gulped at his brandy, hoping to wash down the bile that was threatening to choke him.

  He set the tumbler back on the desk. “I think you may be mistaken,” Christian coolly stated. “The only young female under my roof and protection is my ward. I think, Mr. Dennett,” he almost sneered, “you’d best take your leave.” That was all Christian could think to say on the spur of the moment; he had to get rid of these unwanted guests, and fast. He would die before he gave Serena back to her husband.

  “Sarah Cooper is Serena.”

  “That hardly seems likely, but as she is no longer in my employ”—that was the truth, she wasn’t—“it does not concern me. If you can’t keep hold of your wife—”

  The man standing behind Dennett interrupted, “She was here this morning. I saw her.”

  Christian chanced a glance at Hadley, who nodded. Christian prayed he understood his meaning—get to Serena promptly. Hadley, unobserved, edged closer to the door.

  “Are you calling me a liar?” Christian said, his tone icy.

  Christian knew the law. Serena had no rights here. Dennett could take her; she legally belonged to him. But they would have to go through him to do it. He’d been too young to protect his mother, but he would protect Serena, always.

  “Lord Markham, don’t take me for a fool. Serena is my wife and I know she’s here. I have sources, people who have seen her.”

  “I’ll admit a Mrs. Cooper was in my employ, but I state categorically that she is no longer employed in this household,” he said in a frigid tone.

  “Mrs. Cooper is Serena. I want the woman who is masquerading as Sarah Cooper brought in front of me now, or I’ll have my men search this house from top to bottom.”

  Christian didn’t move. He stood calmly, defying Dennett. He would not allow himself to lose his temper and let Dennett get the better of him.

  “I have missed her terribly. The nights have been so lonely without her.” Dennett grinned lecherously at Christian. “I have a lot of lonely nights to make up for.…”

  Rage roared in Christian’s head. Images of Serena and this man in bed possessed him. His stomach rioted with nausea. It took all his self-control not to leap across his desk and thrash Dennett senseless, but that would give the game away.

  “Mr. Dennett, there is no call for that tone. Lord Markham is a gentleman, and if he says Serena is not here, then we must take his word for it.” Hadley had finally come to his aid. “After all, it is not Lord Markham’s fault you have, ah, misplaced your wife.”

  Christian almost smiled.

  Dennett’s face grew purple with rage. “I should simply take his word because he is a gentleman?” he spat.

  “Well, as a gentleman, I should be asking you how you came to lose your wife in the first place. What would make her want to leave you, run from you, hide from you—attempt to kill you? Perhaps your wife did not find the nights as pleasurable as you did, Dennett.” Christian’s voice was cold.

  Dennett’s companions held him back as Dennett lunged at Christian. “You son of a bitch! You have Serena and I’m not leaving here without her, even if I have to tear this place apart stone by stone. Bring her to me now.” Dennett was ranting, mad, a man possessed by uncontrollable rage.

  In a d
angerously quiet voice Christian said, “You will take your men and leave this house immediately. My patience has ended. I’ve said Serena is not here. My word is all that matters in this house.”

  As if on cue, the door to the study opened to reveal two further Libertine Scholars—Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttelton, and Arend Aubury, Baron Labourd.

  Hadley smiled. “Did I forget to mention I’d invited these gentlemen for a nightcap?”

  “Can we be of service, Christian?” Maitland asked as he leaned nonchalantly against the door frame, filling it with his massive bulk.

  Seeing the two men, especially Maitland, the fight left Dennett and his men. “This isn’t finished. I will have my wife,” Dennett snarled. “Serena is not yours. She belongs to me, and I’ll never let you have her. I’ll petition the Crown if I have to. There is not a court in this land that will rule against me.” Peter Dennett turned and stormed out of the study.

  Hadley lagged behind, waiting until the three men had left the house. “They have no idea she’s at the Coldhurst house. I’ll follow them to see what they will do next.” He looked bleak. “This won’t end here and you know it. The law is in his favor. In their eyes, he has every right to take his wife.”

  “Not if we can prove abuse, surely. Do you think that would be the honorable thing to do? Hand her back to someone from whom she fled thousands of miles, risking life and limb and reputation?” Christian held his temper in check at the unfairness of the situation, but only just. He hung his head, running his fingers through his hair in exasperation and despair. “We’ll help her fight for a divorce. We can prove his cruelty.”

  Reaching the doorway, Hadley turned to Christian. He hesitated before saying, “May I give you some advice, Christian? Get Serena as far from here as possible. A man like Dennett does not fight fair. Who knows what he might do if he finds her,” and he quietly left the study.