Tenacious Trents 03 - A Reluctant Rake

by Jane Charles

  “First, you must keep my confidence. You must swear never to tell a soul.”

  She blew out a breath and frowned at him. The only reason he would demand such a promise was because if she did ask she may find out he was lying to her. She nodded in agreement. It didn’t mean she would believe him but she wanted to hear his excuses.

  Trent thrust his fingers through his thick, dark curls. “As you know, I am a solicitor.”

  “Yes.”

  “I pride myself on keeping the affairs of my client’s private.”

  Was he honestly going to claim he was working for Lady Rothsbury and the brothel? Audrey stifled a snort. This should be enjoyable.

  “Lady Rothsbury’s brother-in-law is the guardian of her sons and in charge of the estate.”

  This was not a surprise. Ladies were never given control of their own children, especially when a son was also the heir.

  “Creighton, the brother-in-law, has been gambling away the child’s future.”

  This was not the type of story she expected, but it still didn’t explain the late night to early morning visits.

  “I’ve been helping her break the guardianship so that her brother can take over.”

  “And you can only meet with her at such odd hours?”

  Trent shook his head and sighed. “After Lady Rothsbury explained her concerns I went to find Creighton to see if he was doing what she accused him of. I found him in a gaming hell about to gamble away a piece of property he did not own. I hauled him away and gave him a warning.”

  “I don’t think he listened to you,” she said dryly, remembering the night Creighton had come to the ball full of anger.

  “No, he didn’t, but that is beside the point. After that incident I was on my way home and noticed lights in almost every room of Lady Rothsbury’s house so instead of waiting to call on her later I took my chance to see if she was still awake.”

  Though plausible, it did seem rather unlikely. “What about the second morning you left?”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Your curtains were closed.”

  She had him this time. How quickly could he make up an excuse? “I only closed them after I saw you crossing the square.”

  His eyes narrowed on her.

  “Were you delivering more news of Creighton that couldn’t wait?” Her tone, dry with disbelief.

  His jaw clenched and the muscles twitched. Was he angry with her? It didn’t matter. It was better to know the truth so they didn’t have this farce of a courtship between them.

  “No,” he said coldly. “I was summoned because Lady Rothsbury had been attacked and we assumed it was Creighton.”

  Audrey’s arms fell to her lap. Attacked? How? Wouldn’t she have learned about it?

  “That is why you have not seen her in public nor will you for some time. Whoever broke into her home cut her face from here to here.” He trailed an index finger not far from the corner of his eye to almost his lips.

  As jealous as she was of Lady Rothsbury and her supposed claim on Trent, Audrey would never wish the lady ill. “Who would do such a thing?”

  “We assumed Creighton hired someone but have nothing to prove that he did.”

  A chill ran down her spine. She certainly hoped that was the case. It was better than thinking a complete stranger had broken in and done such a thing. Lady Rothsbury’s home was directly across the square and if it were a stranger, it could have easily been her. Maybe she wasn’t as safe as she believed.

  “I hope they find whoever did such a horrible thing and he is punished.”

  “As do I.” Jordan slumped back against his seat.

  He may have been able to explain his visits to Lady Rothsbury, but he had said nothing about the brothel. Audrey glanced at him and tilted her head. “Are you in love with Angelique?” There, she had asked the question that had plagued her since she overheard those two gentlemen speaking. She needed to know, even if it shattered her heart.

  Trent chocked. “What?”

  “I heard rumor that there was a woman at the brothel, by the name of Angelique, that you were in love with. Is that true?”

  He chuckled and Audrey’s anger spiked. This was a serious discussion and he was taking it too lightly for her tastes.

  “I did love her, or thought I did, at one time.”

  Pain ceased her heart. She should have never asked.

  “Looking back, it was more of an infatuation.”

  “Looking back?”

  His eyes met hers. “I have a past, I will not deny that. Most of it I am not proud of, but it cannot be changed.”

  She swallowed. Perhaps she didn’t want his confession.

  “I was sixteen when I met her and I thought I was in love with her until I was about twenty.”

  Audrey leaned back. “You were visiting brothels at sixteen?” Goodness, gentlemen did learn about what happens between men and women at an early age.

  “It wasn’t my choice but at my father’s insistence, to set me upon the road to becoming the best rake London had to offer.”

  She brought a hand to her throat in horror. Weren’t fathers supposed to discourage such activity and raise their sons to be proper gentlemen? His brothers were gentlemen. Why was the second son treated differently?

  “It was the life he wanted but couldn’t have and so he insisted on it being my life.” Trent shook his head and frowned in disgust. “It couldn’t be Clay because he was the heir and had responsibilities. I was the spare, but needed no hindrances in the event I needed to step into my brother’s shoes. A rake suited that purpose as well.”

  No wonder Trent was the way he was. His father made him this way. “If you are no longer in love with her why continue to visit?”

  He frowned and studied her. “How do you even know I did?”

  “I overheard two gentlemen speaking.” He wasn’t about to turn the questioning on her. “Now answer my question.”

  “I haven’t visited the place for the purpose it is intended in well over a year,” he ground out.

  She wasn’t exactly sure what the purpose was except what went on was supposed to only occur between a husband and his wife in the privacy their chambers.

  “When my father died I wanted to finally become the gentleman I wished to be.” His eyes were dark and jaw tense. Was he speaking the truth?

  “Yet you were there the other night,” she reminded him.

  “It was the afternoon and it was to draw up a contract to change owners. That is all.”

  Was this a lie as well or had she misjudged him again? When would she learn to ask instead of assume or believe what the gossips say? Heaven knew they spoke more wrongs than truths.

  Trent grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close to him. Their noses almost touching. “Had I gone to the brothel for the purpose you insinuate, I would have not bothered to attend that ball but would have still been enjoying the company of Angelique when Everton danced you into the garden.”

  This side of Trent frightened her, yet she knew he wouldn’t harm her. He was simply angry. She tried to pull away but he didn’t lessen his hold.

  “I saw my work completed as quickly as I could so that I could make it to the ball in time to still see you and was rewarded with the sight of you with Everton of all people.”

  Audrey bit her lip and stared into his cobalt eyes. She knew in her gut he was telling her the truth. He probably hated her now. “I am sorry.”

  His hold loosened. “Would you please ask me from now on?” He slumped against the squabs. “You do have the irritating habit of believing or assuming things about me that aren’t true.”

  Audrey hung her head in shame. It would serve her right if he never spoke to her again and he probably wouldn’t waste any more kisses on her either.

  “I don’t fully blame you.” He pushed his fingers through his hair again. “I have a damnable reputation and I should assume people will never believe I’ve changed, or am at least trying to.”

  This time Audrey gr
asped his hand in hers. It was bold and forward but she had to do something. But it wasn’t anymore bold than the conversation they just had. A lady did not ask gentlemen about brothels or who they were associated with. Especially gently bred innocent ladies such as herself. But, Audrey didn’t care. If she was going to consider a future with Trent, even though it may be impossible now, she was not going to enter into such a relationship blindly and pretend things she didn’t like were not happening. Other ladies may be able to live in such a way but she refused. If it was inappropriate she didn’t care. Not when her future would be affected by a husbands actions.

  There was a flash of pain in his eyes and she had been the cause, along with his father who led him down the debauched path he had been forced to take.

  “I am truly sorry.” Damn, tears misted her eyes and she blinked them away. He may be lost to her but she would not make it worse by crying in front of him.

  Trent brought a hand up and caressed her cheek. “I know.”

  The carriage came to a halt and Audrey was surprised to find they had arrived already. “Damn and blast.”

  “What?” Why was he cursing?

  “We didn’t pull the shades. Now all of London, or whoever happened to look, knows we are without a chaperone.”

  Her stomach clenched. “It is alright. I will think of an excuse. You don’t need to be concerned.” The last thing she wanted him to do was think she was now going to try and trap him into marriage. He deserved to do things on his own terms, even if he chose a different lady to marry. Trent deserved that at least since he hadn’t had a say in his future until last year. Gentlemen did get away with far more than a lady.

  A smile pulled at his lips. “Darling, I am not thinking about me, but you.”

  Audrey smiled inside. He had just called her darling. Maybe he wasn’t too angry after all.

  “I would not have anyone speaking ill of my wife.”

  “But, I thought, that after this, my accusations…”

  He placed a finger against her lips. “Audrey, we have much to learn about each other and despite your low opinion of me earlier, I intend to marry you.”

  A thrill shot through her. This was the first time he had voiced his intentions.

  “I will call on your uncle tomorrow and I will court you in a way that leaves little doubt.” With that he opened the door and jumped to the ground. “Be waiting for me.” He winked before he shut the door.

  Jordan groaned as he rose from bed and stood. Just as he suspected, his legs and arse were as tight and sore as his arms usually were after a long workout at Gentleman Jackson’s. He had soaked in a hot tub last night and rubbed the special liniment into his muscles but it hadn’t seemed to help. Even his lower back hurt. Was this what it felt like to grow old?

  He shuffled over to the bell pull to ring for his valet. Though he was usually able to dress himself without assistance, today would be an exception. Perhaps soaking in hot water again was in order.

  He shrugged on his dressing gown and splashed water on his face while he waited. On the table next to the window was the deed to the property that held the brothel. He hadn’t told Audrey about the land. If he were to be a respectable married man, should he really own land that housed a brothel? What would Audrey think?

  He doubted she would approve and it wasn’t as if he needed the rent. Yet, if he sold the property, who is to say someone else wouldn’t sell it to Mac and the rent be raised more than the women could afford.

  Yardley, his valet, entered a moment later. “You rang for me.”

  Jordan turned suddenly to face the man and grimaced. “I will need your assistance today.”

  The man’s eyebrows shot up. He usually did little more than straighten the room, brush Jordan’s coats and polish his boots. Jordan even tied his own cravats.

  “I find it is difficult to move and I won’t be able to pull my own boots on.”

  The man bit his upper lip and Jordan suspected he wanted to laugh.

  “I would also appreciate a hot bath again. It might help loosen my muscles, and anything else you can think of.”

  “Very good, sir.” He bowed and exited the room. Jordan considered sinking into the chair by the window but feared the pain of getting back up. This was not going to be one of his better days and he would not sit a horse for a few more.

  Two hours later he stood in the hall looking down the stairs. Despite the bath and whatever was in the concoction Yardley provided, Jordan had not worked out all the soreness and stiffness. It wouldn’t be half as bad going down the stairs as climbing back up them at the end of the day. Maybe he should just return to bed.

  He patted his pocket, knowing it wasn’t an option. He needed to visit the brothel and then Audrey’s uncle. What irritated him most was that his future bride was probably suffering no ill-effects from the day before.

  Grasping the railing he slowly made his way down the stairs. Unless something miraculous happened between now and tonight, there was a very good chance that he would not be returning to his own chamber. At least the settee in the library was comfortable, and the room was on the main level of the house.

  The sun was shining and Jordan looked up to the blue sky. It was rare to see such a day in Town and he was going to enjoy it. Though he ached from heel to skull, he would not be daunted. Today he would visit with Audrey’s uncle and officially request the honor of marrying her and ask that a meeting be arranged with her father. His carriage waited by the curb and Jordan eyed it askance. It wasn’t so much the carriage itself that he found disapproval in, but the steps he would need to take to enter the conveyance. Normally he didn’t bother with asking the footman to lower the step but bounded inside to be on his way. Today he needed the assistance and nodded to the footman holding the door open as he gingerly made his way down the two small steps outside his home. Jordan glanced around quickly to make sure nobody noticed his discomfort. He didn’t want to have to explain, nor could he without inviting gossip about Audrey, nor did he wish to later hear speculation as to why he could not walk very well. Thankfully those on the street and walks were not paying him any mind.

  He grabbed the side of the carriage and hauled his body inside before collapsing against the squabs. This was going to be a very trying day.

  Audrey pushed the food around on her plate. Her stomach was in knots. What if her uncle refused Trent? Jordan did have a horrible reputation and her uncle may not wish her to be tainted. Yet, Trent hadn’t really done anything very rakish in well over a year, at least not that she was aware of. He had gone to the brothel, but that was for professional reasons.

  Her stomach tightened again. Was that all his time there entailed? Could she trust him? What if he was only telling her what he wanted her to believe instead of the truth?

  She shook the thought away. He had been too sincere and she must simply trust him.

  “What is bothering you today, Audrey,” her aunt asked from across the table.

  Should she tell them? At least then she would have an idea of her uncle’s reaction. Audrey lifted the cup of tea and took a drink while looking at them. They both studied her. Her aunt had gone pale and her uncle’s brow furrowed. What did they think was bothering her? Really, nothing as dire as their expressions seemed to indicate.

  “Mr. Jordan Trent would like to call on you this afternoon, Uncle.”

  Her aunt and uncle shared a look that was anything but relief. This did not bode well.

  “Is it a matter of urgency?”

  Urgency? “No.”

  Her aunt visibly relaxed.

  “He said he wishes to marry me.”

  “I would certainly hope so,” her uncle declared.

  “I’ve noticed that you have spent a good deal of time with him, Audrey,” her aunt said.

  They hadn’t spent that much time in each other’s company. Had they somehow learned about yesterday in the carriage? No, something would have been said to her, unless the driver reported back to uncle that Trent was a
passenger on the return.

  “And he does have a reputation,” she continued. “We feared—”.

  “—Never mind what we feared,” her uncle interrupted. “I’ll be happy to speak with Trent when he calls.”

  Other than their concern, Audrey still didn’t know what her uncle would tell him. Did she dare ask?

  Oh, she had to or she would worry all day. “What will you tell him?”

  A slow smile formed on his lips. “That all depends on how he answers my questions.”

  That did not bode well. What if Trent said something wrong? What if Uncle demanded a history, though the gossips could provide that as well?

  “Then I will have to write to your father, of course.”

  She sighed. Yes, her papa would need to be consulted but who knew when that answer would come. It was racing season. Would he even take time to read the letter let alone respond? She could still be waiting for the answer when the Season ended.

  Audrey would just have to make sure she wrote to her mother as well. If anything, the woman would be thrilled at the match and not give Papa rest until he responded.

  “I will await your answer.” What else could she say? She was a lady and had no control. It really was rather unfair.

  Jordan waited in a small parlor off of the main room. He had only been in this particular room a few times. It was usually used for small planned gatherings or private meetings. The settee was covered in white with gold thread embroidery while the matching chairs were upholstered in gold. The room was painted a light cream color in contrast to the dark wood of the furniture and floor. He paced, ready to be done with his work and return home. Though the furniture looked inviting, he had stiffened upon the short ride from his home. He didn’t dare sit again until necessary.

  The house was eerily quiet. Not that there would be much noise at this time of day. No doubt most of the girls were still sleeping from the late night of work. Hopefully he hadn’t woken Madame Devine by calling so early, but he wanted this business out of the way.

  There were whispers beyond the open door but Jordan could not make out the words. Did the servants spend their day in quiet so as not to disturb the ladies of the house? Certainly they couldn’t hear what was happening below all the way up in their chambers.