Sweeter Than Sin

by Andrea Pickens

  "Oh? Is there something wrong with your mood this morning, Lord Matherton?" asked Harriet coolly.

  A flicker of irritation marred his mask of gentlemanly virtue for just an instant, but he quickly resumed his polite smile. "If there was, it was quickly put to flight by the presence of three beautiful ladies."

  Ignoring the florid compliment, she turned to Kyra. "We are just returning to Northfield by a shortcut through the orchards. Why don't you come along and join us for tea."

  "That would be lovely."

  "Hero is of course invited, too," said Theo as she exchanged caresses with the hound. "Isn't he a delightful dog, Lord Matherton?"

  "Delightful," growled her former fiancé through gritted teeth.

  Hero wagged his tail and gave Theo's hand another wet kiss.

  "If you'll excuse us, sir, we ought to be going." Theo fixed him with a frosty smile hat did not begin to reach her eyes. "My aunt tends to fret if we are late." A small laugh. "As if there are predators lurking in these fields and forests."

  "But of course." Matherton touched a hand to the brim of his hat, but the gesture did not quite hide the petulant scowl. His expression, however, quickly changed to a sneer as he added, "Thank you again for the invitation to call on you at home, Kyra. I will do so without delay, for I'm quite anxious to pay my respects to your father. Indeed, it will be delightful to renew the re-acquaintance—I've sorely missed his company."

  Kyra felt the air squeezed from her lungs. Dueling with the Devil was dangerous. He wielded weapons with far more skill than she did.

  Harriet linked arms with her. "Good day, sir," she said firmly, then turned for the fork in the path.

  Theo took up position on the other flank, and off they marched, Kyra wryly feeling like a downy chick guarded by two mother hens. It was, she realized, a very comforting sensation.

  After checking over her shoulder that Matherton had disappeared in the opposite direction, Harriet came to a sudden halt. "Sit," she ordered, gesturing to a fallen tree trunk. "You are pale as a pot of cream."

  To her dismay, Kyra felt her limbs were trembling as she dutifully obeyed the order. "Sorry," she murmured. "I will be fine in a moment."

  "Ballocks," swore Harriet. "You won't be fine until whatever threat that dastard is holding over you is rendered toothless."

  "She's right," chimed in Theo. "If you tell us what it is, perhaps we can help."

  Her emotions must have been more tightly wound that she realized, for Kyra all of a sudden burst into tears. "Oh, dear. I am not in the habit of turning into a water pot," she stammered in between sobs. "But I am a little overwhelmed by your kindness. I am unused to having f-friends, especially female ones."

  "You had best become accustomed to it," replied Harriet dryly. "The League of Wallflowers has officially adopted you as one of their own."

  "And as ladies are far wiser than men, we know that bearing a burden is made much easier by sharing its weight." Theo sat down beside her and patted her shoulder. "So as Calliope Wolcott would say—by the by, you would like Callie very much—it's time for you to spill the beans."

  That turned her sniffles into a watery laugh.

  "And to let us help you sort out the rotten ones and put the rest back in the jar," offered Harriet dryly. She, too, sat down.

  "Would that it was so easy." Kyra sighed. "I fear that in telling you, I may be drawing you into danger. Lord Matherton is not only a very disreputable man, but he is also desperate."

  "All the more reason to involve others. It will make it harder for him to implement whatever evil plans he has in mind. There is, you know, an old adage that says there is strength in numbers."

  Kyra nodded thoughtfully. "As to that, I was actually on my way to Hendrie Hall." For an instant she hesitated, a little shy about revealing the reason. But her new friends had earned her unconditional trust. "To confide in Mr. Greeley. Contrary to what you think, some gentlemen do encourage sharing troubling secrets."

  "He does strike me as very sensible," remarked Harriet.

  "Very," agreed Theo. "He is an excellent ally. And so are we."

  "I... I..."

  Her two friends waited patiently while she dithered.

  "I would greatly welcome your advice, if you are sure you don't mind the risk."

  Harriet muttered a very unladylike word.

  "You know, of course, that Lord Matherton and I were engaged. Just as you know the rumors about my ruinous behavior are true."

  "And just as I can guess that it was he who seduced you," said Theo.

  Kyra nodded. "Not only that, but he recently admitted that he had started the rumors in order to put an end to our engagement after the accident. Apparently he had found a richer pigeon to pluck, and as my sister's death and my own injury made it uncertain when any wedding might take place, he decided to cut his losses, so to speak, and pursue the heiress."

  "I should like to cut a certain physical appendage from the dastard's worthless carcass," muttered Harriet. "It would be no loss to the ladies of England."

  A chortle slipped from Theo's lips.

  "Be that as it may, I assume his suit was unsuccessful," continued Harriet.

  "Yes. Apparently her father got wind of Matherton's empty pockets and mounting debts, and whisked his daughter off on a prolonged sojourn to Scotland. And so, on hearing that I was recovered enough in both body and spirit to be venturing out in public again, he decided that I might be foolish enough to still harbor a tender for him."

  Kyra drew in a steadying breath, still ashamed of what a ninnyhammer she had been to fall for his false charm in the first place. "When I refused his offer to renew our engagement, he then resorted to blackmail."

  Harriet frowned. "What sort of hold does he have over you? It is not as if he can threaten to ruin your reputation. He's already done that."

  "True, there's nothing left to shred." The ironic smile quickly faded. "And so he plans on despoiling the memory of my dead sister. As he points out, two such scandals might likely send Papa into permanent decline. At the very least, it would be a horrible humiliation." She knit her hands together. "He wants very much to be invited to join the Royal Historical Society. More unpleasant rumors would likely put a dagger to that hope."

  "Matherton is even more despicable than I imagined," mused Harriet. "It will make it even more satisfying to see to it that his reputation in Polite Society is irrevocably destroyed."

  "But how—" began Kyra.

  Harriet waved her to silence. "I suggest that instead of returning to Northfield for tea, we go straight to Hendrie Hall and convene a council of war with Lord Leete and Mr. Greeley. Given their military prowess, I think they will some ideas on strategy." Her eyes narrowed in a look that might have given Matherton pause for thought had he seen it. "I, of course, have some ideas of my own, but as Newgate Prison is said to be rather uncomfortable, it might be best to come up with a more subtle attack."

  * * *

  "I trust that my skillful maneuvering of the troops yesterday afternoon was not all for naught." Cradling a steaming cup of spiced hot chocolate, Jack entered the library and perched a hip on Rafael's worktable. "Clearing the field for you deserves some sort of accolade." He grinned. "Or maybe a batch of your cream confections made with brandy—all for myself."

  "You are becoming quite the epicurean." Rafael looked up from the page he was transcribing. "Which is quite pleasing to Uncle Aubrey, so despite your sarcasm, I shall continue to feed you rich treats. He is happy to see your frame is filling out."

  "I had better not acquire a taste for sweets, else I might grow too stout."

  "That seems an unlikely danger," he replied, eying the still sharp-boned contours of his cousin's face.

  "And what of the more worrisome danger?" asked Jack. "Did you manage to win any ground in the fight for Kyra's trust?"

  "Yes, I did." Rafael pursed his lips. "It was a major victory, in fact, though our four-footed comrade chose an inauspicious moment to rush in to lend h
is support."

  Jack chuckled. "Yes, I can see where two heroes might make things confusing to a lady."

  "He did warn of her father's approach, which was fortunate, given the moment. But I do believe I've finally overcome Kyra's fears and that she is ready to confide her secret to me. Later today I plan on paying a visit—"

  The butler's knock cut off the rest of his words. "Your pardon, sirs. Lady Kyra and her friends from Northfield apologize for the early hour, but wonder if you might be free to receive them?"

  "By all means, show them in," responded Jack. He set down his cup and raised an inquiring brow.

  Rafael shook his head, equally mystified.

  They weren't left to puzzle on it for long. The trio swept in, Harriet in the lead, with Kyra and Theo close behind.

  "What a pleasant surprise," greeted Jack. "May I offer you ladies tea?"

  "Tea would be welcome," answered Harriet. "The three of us could use a fortifying beverage."

  Kyra flashed a quick look at Rafael, but despite her tentative smile, he saw that her skin looked pale and was pulled taut over the bones of her face, making her look very fragile.

  "But as you have likely guessed, this isn't really a social call, Lord Leete," finished Harriet.

  "Then let us dispense with pleasantries," said Rafael, feeling a clench of alarm. "Please sit and tell what us what has precipitated this visit."

  "Lord Matherton accosted Kyra this morning, while she was walking alone," said Theo as soon as they were all settled in by the hearth.

  He shot from his chair with a low oath.

  "In word, not deed," Harriet hastened to add.

  Jack took hold of his arm. "Let us hear them out before rushing for pistols and powder."

  He sat back down, still muttering invectives. "I will have his guts for garters."

  "The dastard deserves no less," agreed Harriet. "But perhaps there is an even better revenge. But first..." She looked to Kyra.

  "I was coming here to... to continue our discussion of yesterday, Mr. Greeley, when Matherton appeared from within the shadows of the glade," began Kyra. "He renewed his threats, and demanded that I agree to announce our engagement at Jack's ball."

  "Why that's only six days from now," exclaimed Jack.

  She nodded. "He hasn't a feather to fly with, and needs my dowry."

  "He must feel he holds a very strong bargaining chip to think you would agree to that," said Rafael softly.

  Another nod. "Innuendo and scandal—Matherton wields then with rapier-like precision." She met his gaze, and proceeded to explain everything.

  "The depths of his depravity apparently have no bottom," he observed once she had finished.

  "So we must bury him in the blackness of his own muck," said Jack. "But for that we must be as diabolically clever as he is."

  "You gentlemen are far more experienced than I at warfare," ventured Harriet. "But an idea did occur to me."

  Jack's lips twitched, whether in amusement or admiration, Rafael wasn't sure. "Do go on, Miss Farnum."

  "Matherton is a conceited coxcomb who has woven a spider's web of lies, false charm and deception to achieve what he wants in life. I suggest we play on his overweening pride and avarice to trap him within the silky threads of his own manipulations."

  "That sounds awfully intriguing," mused Theo.

  "And awfully dangerous," added Kyra quickly.

  "I should like nothing better that to see the dastard destroyed by his own creation,” said Rafael. “But—"

  "But how are you suggesting that be done?"

  Rafael noted that Jack now sounded genuinely curious.

  "Kyra has said that Matherton disgraced her in order to seduce a richer young lady,” answered Harriet. “Supposing word went out that a very wealthy heiress was staying here in the area to attend the ball. I would imagine Matherton would turn his attentions to her. Especially if there were whispers that Lady Kyra's dowry had suffered a great reduction because of her disgrace."

  "Yes, Matherton might well be interesting in a plumper purse," agreed Jack. "But there are two rather gaping flaws in your plans."

  "I see only one," shot back Harriet. "The heiress, of course. And I was just about to get to that." She fluffed her skirts and grinned. "My great uncle, the black sheep of the family who went to India and became a fabulously wealthy nabob, was recently killed by a cobra's bite. The will has just been read and lo and behold, it leaves his entire fortune to me."

  "Do you have a great uncle in India?" asked Theo.

  "Yes." Harriet smiled. "Uncle George has, by all accounts, done very well for himself, and thankfully he was hale and hearty at the time of his last correspondence. But the point is, there enough veracity to the story to attract Matherton. Kyra has indicated he's desperate. He'll be willing to take a chance."

  "That may deal with one of the flaws," replied Jack. "But you still have not addressed the second one."

  Harriet frowned.

  "You have neglected to consider that your friends may not agree to stake you out like a helpless lamb in order to draw a vicious wolf into a trap."

  "I am far from helpless, Lord Leete," came the tart reply.

  "Your abilities are unquestioned," intervened Rafael. "What my cousin means is, gentlemanly scruples, however misguided, prevent us from putting you at risk."

  "Maybe we should allow Harriet to finish explaining what she has in mind before we rush to a decision," suggested Theo.

  "I can't in good conscience allow Lord Matherton to threaten anyone else," said Kyra. "He is the opposite of our gentlemen companions—he has absolutely no scruples, and no honor. I don't think you comprehend how truly chilling that is."

  "My point is, that we will use that coldly calculating attitude as our greatest weapon against him," answered Harriet. "There will be no danger to me, save for the fact that I will want a hot bath to scrub away the taint of his sordid presence."

  "Do explain what you have in mind," urged Theo.

  Rafael shot a mute appeal to his cousin. But to his surprise, Jack merely crossed his arms and waited.

  "Theo's aunt is having a supper party the day after tomorrow for some of her neighbors and their London guests who've come down for the ball. We've already learned that Lord Matherton and his hosts are invited. It will be easy to mention my new turn in fortune. I don't doubt that he will seek to strike up an acquaintance. I, in turn, will encourage it."

  "He's seen that we are friends," pointed out Kyra. "And you weren't overly friendly to him this morning."

  "That will play in our favor," answered Harriet. "A man of his vanity believes he is irresistible to women. That his charm can melt my reserve is something that he will take for granted."

  Because of his war experiences, Rafael thought himself well-versed in human nature, but apparently the political world taught its own worldly lessons.

  As if sensing his thoughts, Jack murmured, "I hesitate to ask how you know the foibles of such reprobate rogues."

  "A diplomat's daughter meets all sorts of men," replied Harriet simply. "Many of them aren't very admirable."

  "Let us grant that you will have no trouble attracting Matherton's interest. Then what?" asked Rafael as he glanced at Kyra. "He's pressing to have the engagement announced at the ball—which makes me suspect he desperately needs to have some promise of future good fortune to keep his creditors at bay."

  "There are a number of local entertainments planned for the coming week leading up to the ball. I plan to allow him to get me alone at one of these, and then..." Harriet paused for breath, "the three of you will happen to hear my cries of distress, and come find me sobbing hysterically and accusing Matherton of having tried to force himself on me when he found me alone. That it is a lie won't matter. My bodice will be torn, and with the three of you as unimpeachable witnesses that I was trying to fight him off, he will be disgraced and shunned by Polite Society. Which will make his threats against Kyra harmless. No one will listen to his vitriol anymore."


  There was a short silence as the three ladies all looked to him and Jack for a reaction.

  This would, decided Rafael, require a very tactful reply. The plan was bold, clever—and far too dangerous to allow. But the concept must be quashed with more than sarcastic laughter to avoid...

  "It is," announced Jack gravely, "a very well thought-out plan. You have sensed the enemy's weaknesses and figured out a perfect way to exploit them. There are however, some tactical elements which need consideration."

  Harriet edged forward in her seat.

  "Both Rafe and I have learned through our military experience that one may draw up a perfect strategy, but things rarely go according to plan. For example, how do you intend to coordinate Matherton's finding you alone and our being close enough to hear your cries."

  "I... er..." Harriet hesitated.

  "It is no easy matter to arrange," pointed out Jack. "And there is always the chance that if you stir his interest, he may choose to press his advances on you unexpectedly, assuming you will welcome them. What then?"

  "I... should fight him off," replied Harriet. "I have been taught some very effective measures for fending off unwanted male attention."

  "Have you ever tried them under duress?"

  She flushed. "No."

  "Theory is all very well, Miss Farnum," explained Jack. "However they are not as easy to perform against a bigger, stronger opponent when you are under attack."

  After a moment or two, Theo broke the uncomfortable silence with a tentative question. "Have you gentlemen any alternative to Harriet's plan?"

  "As a matter of fact, I do," replied Rafael calmly. He looked to Kyra and waited for her to meet his eyes. "I, too, applaud the boldness and bravery of you ladies. But in this instance, I ask that you trust me to handle Lord Matherton. I promise you, by the time the clock chimes midnight on the eve of the ball, he will not be a threat to any of you ladies."