by Reid, Stacy
She’d never imagined there were such pleasures to be had with a man. Nor had she envisioned a kiss would have traversed along such a wicked path. There was a part of her that was mortified to have allowed him such intimacies without any understanding, and another part, the rebellious wanton in her, celebrated in the joy she had felt in his arms. She had been so helpless against his kisses. If not for his restraint she would have been thoroughly ravished. In a moving carriage. And then on that dratted balcony.
She felt uncertain, off kilter, and desperately needed to confer with Adel.
Evie’s morning had heralded the same pleadings and threats from her mother to select a beau from the ton, a refined gentleman with at least thirty thousand pounds a year, with acceptable bloodline, connections, and reputation. Now was the opportune time to escape to visit her friend since her mother had taken it upon herself to call upon the new Countess Blade, who, if the rumors were true, was very scandalous indeed. Several weeks ago, Lord Blade had thrown his wife over his shoulder at a ball, creating the stir of the season. Then the society papers reported that Lord Blade was the author of the “In the Service of the Crown” series—delightful, scandalous, and provocative books Evie herself had occasion to read. The scandal that had erupted in the wake of such revelations had Mamma rushing off to visit several neighbors to partake in the gossip.
With a sigh, she opened the letter she had received yesterday and reread.
Dearest Evie,
Edmond and I are traveling to Rosette Park on Sunday. We’ve been away too long from the girls and the twins. Promise me you shall visit soon and spend a week with me. Please ask your dear mamma if she will spare you.
Faithfully, Adel.
Evie had been too mortified to share her intimate encounter with Adel at the ball held in their grand ballroom on Friday. Her friend had recognized she was unsettled, but she had stubbornly held her silence, and now Adel was away from London and might not return for the remainder of the season.
Bloody hell.
It felt so satisfying to curse in such an unladylike manner even if it was only to herself.
With another gusty sigh, she placed the letter on the small writing table in her room, collected her shawl, slipped her feet into slippers and exited. A long walk would do well to clear her thoughts. Halfway down the winding stairs, she paused as loud, angry voices filtered up.
“That blackguard, I have a mind to call him out,” her brother snapped.
Her eyes widened. A duel?
“Come now, let’s discuss this like civilized gentlemen over brandy,” her father replied. “My nerves also need to be fortified, for when your mother hears this news, she will take to bed with her salts.”
What had happened? Evie hurried down the stairs in time to see her father and brother disappearing into the library. She hurried after them, knocking on the door and entering before she was bid.
“There will be no duels with you, Elliot, and what has happened that will shatter Mamma’s nerves?”
Her older brother by six years could have passed for her twin, much to his annoyance. They shared the same golden hair and dark green eyes. He stood as she entered, amusement flashing in his eyes.
“Upon my word, my dear, wherever did you hear rumors of a duel so soon?” her father demanded.
She laughed lightly, moving into her brother’s outstretched arms for a hug. “I’ve heard no gossip. I heard it from this devil’s lips myself from the stairs.”
Elliot hugged her close before releasing her to lower his lean but powerful frame into the high-winged chair opposite the sofa her father sank into. Evie rang for tea and then sat on the sofa.
“What has happened?”
Her father grimaced. “Lord Ponsby has left for Paris.”
“And why would this news cause distress?”
Elliot cleared his throat. “We know some tendre was formed between you and the viscount, Evie,” he said gently. “His father is flummoxed by his sudden departure, and he has cancelled several business meetings without rescheduling. The townhouse he had been letting was ordered closed. This suggests he will be gone for a long, undetermined amount of time.”
Her father clasped her hands. “That means, my dear, an offer will not be forthcoming, and there will be gossip surrounding the event. Society was aware of his keen regards to you.”
She almost cheered at her good fortune. “Oh, Papa, I assure you, I am not distressed.”
“Evie,” Elliot said. “You are missing the most salient fact. Society knew of a tendre. There will be gross rumors of a jilting and breaking of promises. His father had even made it known at White’s that Ponsby had informed him of a future alliance with our family. There will be lurid speculations, and our mother will be most severely distressed.”
Mamma abhorred any scandal attaching to their family name. Evie had fallen into line, as a well-behaved daughter should after the scandal she had caused last season. Her mother had wept piteously for weeks and had railed about the disgrace Evie had caused to happen under Pembington Manor’s roof. She acknowledged the hypocritical nature of it because her mother relished gossip.
“I hardly think there will be a fuss as there was no offer from Lord Ponsby.”
A frown split Papa’s forehead. “I think it is best you visit our home in Derbyshire until the furor has died down.”
“Papa!”
“Hush now, Evie, it will only be for a week or two. I know you’ll be sorry to miss the many balls and routs, but there will be more fun to be had upon your return, so do not despair.”
A lump grew in her throat. “I would not despair to miss a few balls, Papa.” She allowed her gaze to encompass Elliot. “Is that what you believe of me?”
“We know these events are your life, Evie.”
“My life!” Dear Lord. “I…” Words deserted her. If her own family thought the sum of her life was so shallow… Her breath hitched on the memory of Richard’s words. Unable to sit still, she propelled to her feet and walked to the window, gazing sightlessly at the gardens. She spun around. “Papa.”
“Yes, my dear,” he said with a worried frown.
Good heavens, could he truly believe she would be distressed to be away from London for the season? The social season had always been thrilling and exhausting in equal measure, only this year, Evie merely felt tired. Or perhaps lonely. “It distresses me that you and Elliot believe the shallow pursuits of the season is the source of my joy and the depth of my character. I am appalled that my behavior could have contributed to such a belief.”
Her father gaped. “My dear—”
She shook her head. “Adel has traveled down to Rosette Park; may I visit her instead? She extended an invitation for me to call upon her for a few days. I so wish to see her, and this seems like the opportune moment.”
Elliot frowned, and she hoped he did not recall to mind that Richard owned an estate only an hour’s ride from Rosette Park, and rumors implied he lived there with his daughter.
Relief lighted her father’s face. “Very well, my dear. Have your belongings packed, and I will order the carriage. Your mother will be home in time for luncheon, and then you may depart.”
He stood, and she went to him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.” She hurried from the room, a most scandalous and terrifying plan forming.
…
Two days later, Evie arrived at Rosette Park, with Miss Rogers as her chaperone. Miss Rogers was to return at once with the carriage since Mamma needed her. Evie had reassured her mother that Adel would provide her with a maid and a chaperone if she needed to venture out during her stay at Rosette Park. Evie had slept for an hour to refresh herself from the long journey, and now she walked briskly along the corridor to the parlor to meet Adel for tea.
The door was slightly ajar, and she faltered at the passionate embrace Adel was locked in with her duke. His large hands cradled her nether cheeks, and his mouth ravished his wife with scorching expertise. Adel moaned, an
d Evie blushed. She must have made some sound for they broke apart, the duke reluctantly releasing Adel.
“Oh, Evie! You are awake,” she said, hurrying over to clasp her hands. Her cheeks were rosy, and her brilliant hazel eyes sparkled with wickedness.
It was moments like these Evie was eternally grateful she had slipped Adel the keys to the duke’s chamber when she had been determined to compromise another.
“Come, I shall ring for tea, and we shall have a long overdue chat.”
Evie exchanged pleasantries with the duke, and she swore there was a cool knowledge in his eyes whenever he looked at her. She hid a smile as the duke pressed a kiss to his wife’s lips. He murmured too low for Evie to hear, but her friend reddened and laughed, delight glowing in her gaze. He bid them farewell with an enigmatic smile.
Adel watched her husband until he exited, a soft smile playing about her lips. She shifted on the sofa and faced Evie. Her friend had a quizzical frown. Adel gracefully poured herself tea, evidently marshaling her thoughts to order.
“It’s best to just get on with it,” Evie said quietly.
Adel took a sip of her tea, observing her rather intently across the rim. “I am glad to see you, Evie, but it is not like you to hie yourself to the country during the height of the season.”
“I daresay I may call upon my dearest friend whenever I feel the desire.”
Adel arched a delicate brow. “And this has nothing to do with the fact Westfall has returned to Hampshire?”
A thrill burst in Evie’s heart. “I was not sure he had returned.” As succinctly as possible, she informed Adel of the possible scandal in London.
“Oh dear, I wonder what has frightened Lord Ponsby away? It is quite odd, don’t you think?”
“Perhaps. In truth, I have given it little thought. Nor do I believe the few times we danced and walked together will be much cause for gossip. I indulged Papa for my own purposes,” she said with a wince.
Adel grinned. “I’m all ears.”
Evie took a bracing breath. “I had hoped to use this opportunity to call upon Richard unchaperoned.”
Her friend’s eyes widened. “Evie!”
“I promise I shall be on my best behavior,” she said with a laugh. “I…I find that Richard is more himself when we are alone. Mamma would never consent to me calling on him, even with a chaperone, hence my subterfuge.”
Adel sighed and lowered her cup and saucer to the center table. “I confess Lord Westfall is not the odious man I’ve thought him to be, but neither is he Mr. Affable.”
There had been a time Adel had not liked anything about Richard, finding him cold and arrogant.
“So, he improves upon closer acquaintance?”
“Marginally,” she retorted dryly. “I find him honorable, and his kindness and commitment to those less fortunate does him immense credit. I quite admire his dedication.”
“It relieves my heart to know you no longer hate him.”
“Are you certain there is nothing you need to tell me?” Adel asked. Her almond-shaped eyes, which were a stunning shade of hazel, were dancing with amusement and bald curiosity. “At your mother’s ball, Westfall fairly devoured you from where he stood. I admire his restraint in not asking you to dance.” Her eyes rounded. “Upon my word, Evie, you are as red as a beetroot.”
She chuckled nervously. “Lord Westfall…” She cleared her throat delicately. “Richard kissed me…thoroughly.”
Though she smiled, concern curled in her friend’s eyes. “Was it all you had hoped it would be?”
Memories of the scandalous way he had kissed between her legs had heat flushing along her entire body.
Adel gasped softly. “I see it is safe to surmise he did more than kissing.”
“I did ask him to educate me in the art of seduction to secure myself a husband.”
“Yes, I did get your note explaining your delicate subterfuge.”
“I…I never expected such intimacy, and I was the one who encouraged our embrace. Since then, I have been a ship tossed in the tempest without a captain or crew. I am at a loss for all I am feeling. I have no notion what to expect between us going forward. Has our friendship been indelibly changed? Will our easy banter still exist or will there be this awful uncertainty and tension? I saw him at our last ball, and though we spoke briefly and even danced outside…something was so very different.”
“Has he said he will make you an offer?”
“You know his distaste for marriage.” Then why are there rumors of an attachment with Lady Honoria? An awful and peculiar foreboding slithered through Evie. Could it be that his aversion was to her?
Adel sighed. “Oh, Evie. And if I allow this reckless plan of yours and you are compromised?”
Evie frowned. “You were caught in bed with Edmond, and you are deliriously happy. Rumors have been circulating that Lord Blade recently wed Miss Olivia Sherwood because of scandalous behavior at a house party. I daresay, perhaps Richard needs to compromise me, and Mamma and society be damned.”
“You do know Westfall would be the last man to bow to society’s expectations.”
“I speak so only because I am frustrated and unsure. Mamma and Papa would be terribly hurt if I embroiled the family in such a scandal, which is why I promise to be very careful.”
“You know how dastardly the marquess’s reputation is, don’t you, Evie? An alliance with him will be enough to send your mother into heart palpitations, and that is what you are trying to secure from him, isn’t it?”
“An offer?”
“Yes.”
Once again uncertainty rushed through Evie as desire and duty meshed painfully within her soul. “I think, Adel…I want freedom, I want happiness. I want a family, and I want a husband whom I love and who would cherish me. Since the start of the season, I have felt adrift…and uncertain. I cannot find the words to describe the discontent in my heart.”
Sympathy flickered in the depths of Adel’s eyes. “You are lonely.”
“What have I experienced of life to be lonely?” Evie asked with a wistful smile. Yet she felt so empty and frustrated.
“Do not discredit the ache in your heart, Evie. I never realized how alone I was until I found Edmond and the girls. The joy of having my own family, children, and a man I love beyond measure is incomparable. I want that for you,” Adel said softly.
Evie lowered her cup onto the table and clasped Adel’s hands. Anticipation curled inside her. “Then allow me the freedom to visit Richard while I am here without worrying.”
“Oh, Evie, I simply cannot bear the thought of you suffering a broken heart.”
She risked more than a broken heart. She gambled her reputation, pride, and her chances of securing a favorable match to aid her family. There was the possibility she was wrong to believe in the admiration and desire he had for her, and her connection with Richard would be destroyed, causing her to lose a most cherished friendship. She was being reckless, and not a dutiful daughter at all, but how could she continue to exist without trying to seize her heart’s desire? “If I succeed in seducing his heart, my reward will be lifelong happiness with the man I love and admire.”
Adel clasped her hand gently. “And if you fail?”
“Ruination of all I hold dear.” Such a dangerous game she played, to capture the heart of one so cold and jaded like Richard, knowing with such a prey the chances of success were dismal. And even if she won his heart, complete ruination still hovered.
Evie ruthlessly suppressed that voice of doubt. I am willing to risk everything for love and a chance at happiness.
Chapter Nine
Kencot Manor, Hampshire
“The repairs on the third house in Derbyshire have been completed, my lord. Mr. James reports that nine women and eleven children have been moved from the rookeries near Ratcliffe Highway and are now comfortably situated,” Mr. Harrison Turner, his most trusted man of affairs, reported, pushing a sheaf of papers in Richard’s direction. “All fifteen rooms i
n the house are occupied, with some of the younger children sharing a room. The house has been staffed with a cook, a housekeeper, three maids, two footmen, and a gardener. As you requested, the stables are being repaired and the kennels cleaned.”
Richard reached for a few of the papers, scanning the immaculate and detailed report of the most recent houses that had been purchased and staffed. “I am not seeing the names and references of the governess and tutors that will take the children under their wings.”
The report detailed the children’s background, eight girls, and three boys, all ranging between three and ten. A few were fortunate to have their mothers with them, and the others had been living in an abandoned orphanage in Camden, trying to scrape for themselves after the institution had been recently closed due to lack of funding from their former donors. He’d bought the building and the grounds, but it would take several months for it to be transformed from the dark and oppressive place it had been to a warm and inviting haven with caring staff for homeless children.
“Mr. Pickering came highly recommended as a tutor. Interviews are being conducted for a suitable governess to work alongside him. The selection was narrowed down to two women, and the young lady I found most suitable was rejected by Mr. Dobson.”
Mr. Dobson was one of Richard’s solicitors. He employed a team of people and paid them well to ensure the smooth execution of his goals. There were several people of varying backgrounds on his payroll—solicitors, barristers, stewards, investigators, some who had formerly been Bow Street runners, and a number of agents who had contacts within the criminal echelon. He commanded their loyalty and dedication in the absolute, and though he rewarded them handsomely for their relentless work, he was ruthless with those who betrayed him, especially if their defection harmed the vulnerable under his protection.
