A Rake's Redemption

by Cynthia Breeding

  She wasn’t going to make this easy. Alex was tempted to take another gulp for fortification, but he put the glass down instead. He gestured toward the armchairs. “Please have a seat.”

  Although she didn’t perch on the edge, neither did she settle in and look comfortable. He supposed he wouldn’t, either, given the news that someone she didn’t even know had tried to kill her. He took a chair near hers.

  “First of all, rest assured that Fern will never set foot in this house again. I suspect she will be spending a number of years in Newgate.”

  “What about Lady Benton?” Inis asked.

  Alex had wanted to ease into that, but he should have known Inis would not want to wait. “Miranda has gone to Bath to take the waters,” Alex said. “Two officials have been dispatched to fetch her back for questioning.”

  Inis gave him a skeptical look. “Just how much questioning do ye think a magistrate is going to do with a countess?”

  “She will be held to account.”

  “Nobility is rarely held to account. Besides, isn’t her husband also a good friend of your brother’s? Your brother, the duke,” Inis added for emphasis. “Dukes wield a lot of power. No one will dare touch her.”

  Touching Miranda Locke was what had led to all of this, but Alex was not about to bring that up. He set his jaw. “I am going to follow through on this.”

  His first reaction earlier had been to ride directly to Benton’s and demand answers from Miranda, but the magistrate had insisted he allow the law to proceed. Alex had agreed, realized that bursting into Benton’s house and accusing his wife of trying to kill Inis would have raised the question of why, which in turn would have forced Benton to call Alex out. Avoiding a direct confrontation with Benton would allow the man to save face. At least, that’s what Alex hoped.

  “So, why did she do it?” Inis asked.

  “Why? I don’t know.”

  Inis sighed as though she were dealing with a very dim-witted child. At the moment, he felt like one. He really didn’t have any idea why Miranda had gone to such extremes.

  “I realize the countess was a member of your…club,” Inis said, which made Alex wince. “Was she somehow special? I ken it is nae my business.”

  “No, it is not—”

  “I should nae have asked,” Inis said and started to rise.

  “Please stay,” Alex said sharply and then softened his tone. “Please.” Inis looked dubious, but she settled back and he continued. “I did not mean it was not your business. It is your business, especially after…” His voice trailed off. Was it only last night that he and Inis had made love? It seemed half an eternity had passed. “What I meant was I don’t know what caused Miranda to become so obsessed. It is true that she was on my conquest list, but there was only one time with her. Just like all the others.”

  Color swept across Inis’s cheeks, and she looked down. “Doona send me a negligee. I will nae accept it.”

  “What? Why would I…” Alex stopped abruptly. Good God. Did Inis think she was just another woman on his list? He was certainly making a muddle of things. “You’re different, Inis. I hope to spend many more nights with you.” When she didn’t look up or answer, he felt a surge of panic. If the idea hadn’t shocked his brain so much, he might have laughed at the irony of a notorious rake being turned down. But he’d never felt less like laughing. “I want you to be my woman.”

  Inis looked up then, her eyes flashing fire. “I told ye before, I will nae be your mistress. I will nae be kept by any man.”

  God’s teeth. Could he possibly make any more of a blundering mess of things? “Then I’ll marry you. Someone tried to kill you because of me. I have a responsibility to keep you safe.”

  “Nae.” Inis scowled. “Do ye think I want a husband who marries me because he feels it’s his duty?”

  Apparently, he could make a bigger mess of things. The conversation was rapidly turning into a fiasco. “I care about you, Inis, and not because we spent the night together. I like you as a person. That’s not something I’ve ever said to any of the…” He paused. “That’s not something I’ve ever said to anyone.”

  Inis studied him for so long he almost squirmed under her gaze, which was another first. She finally nodded.

  “I like ye, too, Alex Ashley. I’m not sure ye realize what honorable qualities ye have.” She gave him a smile. “And I will welcome ye to my bed again if ye wish to come.”

  Wish to come? She probably didn’t mean that the way it sounded. He put a hand in his lap quickly to keep his overly enthusiastic cock from standing to immediate attention. “There is nothing I would like—”

  “But only if ye understand we will cease talking about marrying me or making me your mistress.”

  Alex nodded, wisely keeping his mouth for once. Who was he to argue? He’d just been offered something every living man dreamed of.

  …

  Inis was surprised how apprehensive she felt as they approached the entrance to the Duke of Dansworth’s Mayfair mansion. She had certainly attended such events in Dublin. In spite of the fact that she had spent several nights in Alex’s bed this past week—or maybe because she had—she was uneasy, not sure of what role she really played.

  Curious gazes turned to her as they were announced by the butler, but there was no flurry of skirts hurrying toward them to be the first to discover who Alex’s mysterious houseguest was.

  “I doona—do not—think anyone is paying us mind,” Inis said, switching to a more refined English accent that Caroline had practiced with her.

  “Only because the news of Miranda’s disappearance is more titillating at the moment,” Alex answered.

  Inis supposed he was right. The officials the magistrate had sent to Bath had returned with the news that she hadn’t arrived there. The Earl of Benton had found Miranda had used their private carriage only as far as Piccadilly. Bow Street runners had been hired, but so far, no one had found a trace of the countess. The gossip vacillated between Miranda having met foul play and her body dumped in the Thames to having run off with a lover. Her husband declined to opine and had withdrawn to his country estate. Inis didn’t think either theory was true, but at least the attention was not centered on her. Before she could breathe a sigh of relief, however, she saw a beautiful woman with platinum-colored hair headed their way.

  “I think you spoke too soon,” Alex said drily. “Here comes Amelia.”

  Inis tried not to let her surprise show. This was Amelia? Caroline had not prepared her for someone who looked like a Grecian goddess. Her ivory silk gown enhanced the pale creaminess of her skin. She moved with feline grace, the silver and gold net overlay of the skirt shimmering ethereally around her as she came closer.

  “Alexander.” Her voice was low and modulated, perfectly accented. “I’m glad you decided to attend.”

  “Your Grace.” Alex bowed slightly. “I present my houseguest, Miss Inis O’Brien.”

  Amelia lifted one delicate eyebrow as she glanced toward Inis. She recognized the haughty look, since Dublin aristocrats, including her own aunt, used it, too. It was meant to convey station and status without vulgarly saying anything. Inis suppressed a smile and lifted her chin instead of curtseying. “Your Grace.”

  Amelia’s smile was as cool as her glacier gaze. Her eyes sharpened almost imperceptibly as she looked over Inis. “The duke and I have wondered who his brother is housing.”

  “Housing” sounded as though Inis were being kept as a pet for someone’s amusement. If she hadn’t already had the conversation with Alex about not being kept, she might be irritated. The statement was meant to insinuate she was his mistress, and Inis recognized it for the ruse it was. Before she could comment Alex responded.

  “And where is my dear brother? Rather rude of him not to greet us, is it not?”

  “Viscount Linford needed a word with George. I’m sure he’ll be out shortly.” Amelia smiled at Alex. “Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to talk later. If you’ll excuse me
for now?”

  “Of course,” Alex said, returning the smile. “I look forward to our conversation.”

  Inis glanced up at him in surprise as Amelia left. She knew Amelia had jilted him, and she’d gotten the impression Alex did not care for the woman at all. He’d sounded so sincere just now, but then rakes were known for being notoriously glib. Perhaps he was playing a role this evening as well.

  Caroline joined them as they made their way through the crowd, and Alex excused himself to get them some punch.

  “I see you have met the Ice Queen,” she said.

  “Aye. I could nae put it better myself.” Inis grinned. “I mean, yes, I was introduced to Her Grace. It was quite interesting.”

  Caroline grinned back. “She was sizing you up, somewhat like the flagship before the rest of the fleet of gossips descend.”

  “I got that impression.”

  Caroline sobered. “Do not worry. Either Alex or I will be close by the entire evening.”

  “I am nae fashing…that is, I am not worried,” Inis said. “I think I might enjoy playing a bit of cat and mouse myself.”

  “Be careful, Inis. The ladies of the ton have claws that rival any cat.”

  “Aye, I am aware of it,” Inis said. She’d seen those claws often enough at home. “But ye have trained me well, nae?”

  “I hope so.”

  Just then, a small group of debutantes near them began squealing and fanning themselves rapidly when another joined them. The newcomer gestured dramatically and placed one hand over her heart.

  “The brigand actually took the liberty of kissing me,” she said, her voice wispy as she placed the back of her other hand to her forehead. “I nearly swooned and certainly would have fallen had he not been holding me fast.”

  The bevy of fans fluttered faster.

  “The audacity.”

  “Scandalous.”

  “An outrage.”

  “But it was the Midnight Marauder?” one asked.

  “Oh, yes. I have no doubt,” the first one answered.

  Their voices faded as they fluttered off like so many colorful butterflies toward the punch bowl. Inis gave Caroline a quizzical look. “The Midnight Marauder?”

  “A highwayman who has become somewhat notorious,” Caroline said.

  Inis frowned. “A highwayman? Doona they usually rob people of coin and jewels?”

  “This one is unusual,” Caroline replied. “It seems his band stop only private coaches, and while the men are being divested of coin, the leader gives the ladies a choice of giving him their jewels or a kiss.”

  “He does this after midnight?” Inis asked.

  Caroline looked confused for a moment and then she shook her head. “No. He is called that because he dresses totally in black, including a mask that color.”

  “How long has this been happening?”

  Caroline shrugged. “At least a year, maybe longer.”

  Inis raised a brow. “And he has nae been caught?”

  “Not yet,” Caroline answered. “The problem is, no one knows when he will strike again. Things have been quiet this Season. I thought whoever it is had moved on.”

  “Who moved on?” Alex said as he rejoined them and handed each a cup.

  “Supposedly the Midnight Marauder has struck again.” Caroline rolled her eyes. “The debutantes are all in a twitter.”

  Alex laughed. “I think all the girls wish the man would kiss them. They’d probably like some excitement in their lives.”

  His gaze drifted to Inis, and she felt herself blush. The past week had certainly been exciting for her, although she had a few more words to describe their bed play. Something in her expression must have given away her thoughts, because Alex’s eyes darkened.

  “Ah,” Caroline said as there was a commotion at the ballroom entranceway. “The Prince has arrived.”

  The duke and Amelia greeted the Royal at the door and then were practically flattened by the onslaught of the ton, all of whom wanted to be next to speak to him.

  “Do you wish to join the crush and meet our next monarch?” Alex asked.

  “Nae,” Inis said quickly, and then remembered that making sure the Prince actually saw her was part of Alex’s original plan. Once it was disclosed, in a day or two, that a mere commoner had attended a duke’s ball and been passed off as a lady, Alex had wanted the Prince to recall who that woman had been. Since the Prince had never visited her uncle in Ireland, he would not know who she really was, so she’d agreed to it. She sighed. “We might as well get this done.”

  Alex gave her a contemplative look. “Do you want to change your mind?”

  Inis shook her head. “I agreed to do this.”

  He offered his arm. “It will not take long.”

  As the Prince was escorted into the ballroom, the ladies swarmed after him like so many buzzing bees. His arrival had been well timed, at least as far as Inis was concerned, since it saved her from being subjugated to an endless stream of questions from the gossip seekers. A special seat had been reserved for the Regent on a small dais placed across the room from where the musicians played. Alex and Caroline took their place in line with Inis to meet the Prince.

  Alex introduced her to the people standing closest to them while they waited, but he and Caroline both kept the curious from asking too many questions.

  At last, it was their turn. The duke, standing next to the Prince’s chair, gave Alex a cold look and then lifted his chin and looked down his thin nose at Inis. Alex grinned at his brother, which made George sniff, and then made the introductions quickly. When the Prince asked Caroline to repeat her name, Alex took the opportunity to whisk Inis away.

  “That was not so bad, was it?” he asked when they were out of earshot.

  “It went better than I expected,” Inis replied, “but I wonder why the Prince detained Caroline.”

  Alex shrugged. “Probably to make some comment about her father. He serves the Court.”

  Caroline did not look especially pleased when she joined them.

  “What is wrong?” Inis asked.

  “The Prince Regent said one of his entourage wanted to be introduced to me later.” She frowned and looked at Alex. “You know what that means.”

  “It might not mean what you think it does,” Alex answered.

  Inis looked from one to the other. “What are ye talking about?”

  Caroline’s frown deepened. “My father has been talking about wanting to marry me off to one of the Prince’s set. I want no part of it.”

  Her friend’s plight aroused instant sympathy in Inis. She had escaped Ireland so she wouldn’t have to marry Silas Desmond. “Ye should be able to choose your own husband, nae have one foisted on ye.”

  “I wish it were so simple,” Caroline said.

  “Well, ye can run away with me to America,” Inis said, ignoring the look Alex gave her. He’d tried to broach the subject of setting her up in a house with expenses paid more than once in the past week, but she was adamant she would not accept. More and more, though, with each night that passed in Alex’s bed, she found her resolve weakening. Which was just one more reason to leave quickly.

  “Do not tempt me,” Caroline said darkly.

  The conversation was cut off as the musicians struck up a reel and the people who were still not waiting to speak to the Prince quickly formed two lines for the dance. Although Inis would have preferred to stay on the sidelines, she knew that dancing was something else Alex wanted her to demonstrate this evening. She had to act every inch the lady and be convincing.

  She lost sight of Alex and Caroline as the steps began and couples changed partners. When the music changed to a quadrille, she found herself with an English partner who looked vaguely familiar, but the dance began before he could do more than bow.

  After another set, Inis decided she’d had enough. She excused herself, saying she needed to retire to the ladies’ resting room. As she headed toward the hallway, she saw Jeannette going in the same dir
ection. She changed course and searched the crowded room for Alex. He was near the door to the hallway. She started toward him and then stopped, remembering that Amelia had gone there just minutes ago. She really didn’t want to run into the woman again.

  And then, as Inis watched, she saw Alex pause, look around furtively, and step through the doorway into the hall.

  Was he following Amelia?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  What the hell could Amelia possibly want with him?

  Alex had hardly believed his eyes when a waiter handed him a folded note from Amelia asking that he meet her in the library down the hall. A secluded hall, away from the public rooms.

  Amelia was hardly the type to arrange a private assignation with a paramour in her own house. Not that he was, or ever had been, her lover. She’d always cleverly dangled the possibility of bed like bait just out of reach of a hungry dog. Oddly enough, he wasn’t remotely interested in such a possibility anymore. Inis was all the fiery, passionate woman he needed. His brother was welcome to the Ice Queen. In any case, Amelia relished her title of duchess too much to risk George’s ire.

  So what the hell did she want? To find out who Inis really was, maybe?

  The door to the library was ajar. Alex stepped through and glanced around. Amelia was seated in one of the big leather armchairs near the hearth from where a banked fire sent feeble light and warmth to the room. From what he could see in the darkened recesses, they were alone.

  “Shut the door,” Amelia said.

  “I prefer to leave it open.”

  She made a hissing sound like water sprinkled on fire and rose to shut the door herself. Alex moved to light the oil lamp that sat on the desk.

  “Leave that out,” she said as she sat back down. “Do you think I want anyone to find us?”

  Alex turned, raised a brow, and gave her his most rakish grin. “You tell me.”

  Amelia looked slightly annoyed. “I want to keep this between us.”

  “I agree.”

  “Good. This is very personal. If word should get out that I—”

  “I understand completely. George is a bit of a bore.” Alex widened his grin, deciding to play along with her game. “He never has had much of an…imagination.”