Earl of Destiny

by K. J. Jackson

  “And you as well, Lady Rebecca,” Lily said, her head swinging to her other adversary. “The sound beating will be yours to own as well.”

  Brianna held her breath, but the whole table laughed. What her sister managed to get away with—merely by her sweet voice—never failed to boggle Brianna’s mind.

  Lord Newdale picked up the cards, shuffling them.

  “Tell me, Miss Lily, about where you grew up,” Luhaunt asked. “I understand from Rowe that you lived for many years with Viscount Friellway? That your father was his solicitor?”

  “We did. But Papa was so much more than his solicitor.”

  “How so?”

  Lily smiled with obvious pride. “Papa was the viscount’s most trusted advisor and friend, and we lived at the viscount’s estate in Norfolk for as long as I can remember. Papa guided the viscount’s holdings into tripling their worth, and was rewarded thusly—which is how the Silverton estate grew. They were grand friends—one was rarely without the other. And the viscount was much more akin to a beloved uncle for Brianna and me.”

  “So a happy childhood?” Luhaunt asked.

  “Yes. It was just the four of us—papa, the viscount, Brianna and I for many years.” Lily picked up her glass, sipping the last of her sherry. “We have no other family. The viscount did marry a number of years back, but his wife died in childbirth soon after. A tragedy.”

  Brianna poked Lily in the back. Her mouth was running fast again.

  Lily reached for the fresh sherry glass that had appeared by her hand. Brianna eyed the overzealous footman that had placed it there, silently cursing him.

  “Incredibly sad,” Lord Newdale said, shaking his head as he passed out the cards.

  In one long sip, Lily drained a third of the sherry. “Yes. We were happy. So very happy.” Her hand waved in the air. “Until everyone died, that is.”

  Brianna bent next to Lily, her voice a low hiss. “Close your mouth, Lils.” She snatched the glass from Lily’s hand, red liquid sloshing onto the table.

  “Bree, you are making a scene.” Lily looked up at her, miffed.

  “Please, excuse us.” Brianna set the glass on the table and grabbed Lily’s elbow, looking around the table. “May I interrupt the game and steal my sister away for a moment? I have sudden need of her in the hallway.”

  Both men were to their feet in an instant.

  “Of course, Miss Silverton.” Lord Newdale gave a slight bow.

  Brianna didn’t give him a chance to say anything else as her fingernails dug into Lily’s elbow and she dragged her to standing, then steered her out of the room.

  She had hoped to make it down the corridor and into the library before Lily exploded.

  They only made it halfway.

  Lily tore from Brianna’s grip in the hallway, her feet planted.

  “How could you, Bree? You have embarrassed me beyond all decency in front of Lord Newdale—and his sister—and his mother—and his other sister. And this is only their first real evening here.”

  “Lils, you are overreacting.” Brianna’s palms went up, trying to sneak onto Lily’s shoulders.

  Lily slapped her hands away. “I am not. You cannot stand it that I have a man showering me with such attention—two men if Lord Luhaunt’s actions tonight are included. You are jealous—jealous of the entire season and of what I can have and what you cannot.”

  “You know that is not true, Lils.” Brianna fought to keep her voice calm. “You have just had too much wine tonight and you are not thinking well.”

  “Too much wine? You are to judge me? You?”

  “Lils, I am only—”

  “You are only what? Bitter?” Lily snorted a hard chuckle, her arm swinging wide. “That I already know, Bree. Ever since Gregory, you will do anything to make sure I do not find happiness.”

  “Do not, Lily. Do not.” Brianna’s head shook, the words coming out hard. “I am doing all of this to make you happy. To get you what you want.”

  Lily scoffed. “What I want? What would you know about that? You have already ripped away every bit of happiness from me.”

  “I am doing all of this for you, Lils. For your happiness. The season. Being here at Notlund. Entertaining Lord Newdale and his family. All of it is for your happiness. This is what you wanted.” Brianna stopped, taking a deep breath. She could tell not one of her words reached Lily. “What do you want me to do, Lils?”

  “I want you to walk. Walk out of here. Leave me alone. For one blasted moment, just leave me alone.” Lily’s voice vicious, she spun away from Brianna, almost stumbling to the floor. She managed to catch herself on the stone wall before she went down. “Better yet, I will leave.”

  “Lils…” Brianna’s voice faded as her sister staggered down the hall, veering back and forth.

  Heart hurting, Brianna watched her, wanting to go after her sister, but confounded about what to do.

  Lily disappeared around the corner at the end of the long corridor.

  Brianna’s hands came up to her face, both palms rubbing her eyes and forehead.

  Loss. She was at a complete loss.

  She had only been trying to stop Lily from embarrassing herself. And she had gone through this particular scene in the hallway too many times to count.

  “You were overly generous with her.”

  Brianna whipped around, only to see Luhaunt with his arms crossed over his chest. He leaned against the stone wall under a hanging lantern, the candle-light flickering on his dark hair.

  The absolute last thing she needed at the moment.

  Swallowing a groan, her hands dropped to her sides, her chin going up as her spine straightened. “You do not know a thing about it, Lord Luhaunt.”

  Pushing off from the wall, he stepped from the light, moving toward her. “You are right. I do not know a thing about it, only what I overheard.”

  “And just what did you overhear?”

  “Your sister apparently blames you for everything that is not right in her life.” He stopped in front of Brianna, looking down at her. “And she likes her wine.”

  “Well then, you must know her quite well.” Brianna did not bother to hide the sarcasm in her voice. “That should be advantageous for you while attempting to court her.”

  An odd smile crossed his face. “Your sister is upset. Do not be so sure it is you she is upset with.”

  “I am quite certain it is me.” Brianna met his brown eyes, sighing. She did not have the energy for this. “What is it you came out here for, Lord Luhaunt?”

  “Escape. It became somewhat awkward in the drawing room after you two exited. Wynne is scrambling to put cheer on, and Rowe is just sitting back, silently amused.” He turned, motioning with his hand to the drawing room. “But now that you are free once more, maybe you can help to restore the balance inside? I will walk you back.”

  Brianna glanced over her shoulder to where Lily had disappeared. What she really wanted to do was sneak up to her own rooms and sit in the dark. But that was not an option for her—that was an option reserved for the drunk and dramatic.

  She nodded in agreement, starting forth.

  Luhaunt stepped in line with her, his hands clasped behind his back. “You play the harp exceptionally well, Miss Silverton.”

  The compliment caught her off-guard, and she glanced at him. “Thank you. I was happy to find the duke had a pedal harp in residence—my father always much preferred listening to me play the harp over the harpsichord, so it is what I am most comfortable with.”

  “But you do not sing?”

  “I croak like a toad.” She shook her head. “Lily is a true talent when it comes to voices. I am happy to merely be the accompaniment to her voice.”

  “In other words, you like to hide in the background?”

  “It is easier for all involved.”

  “How is that?”

  She looked at him, wry smile on her face. “Did you yourself not say I treat people with ‘open and utter distaste’ when forced to
interact?”

  He chuckled. “That I did. But I think I limited the comment to misguided gentlemen foolhardy enough to stand next to you.”

  He opened the door to the drawing room, stepping aside to let her in.

  Her voice dropped to a whisper as she passed him. “So why, Lord Luhaunt, are you bothering to stand next to me?”

  His chuckle, low and hearty, followed Brianna into the room.

  ~~~

  The backs of her legs cramping from sitting on her heels for too long, Brianna slid backward, her bottom hitting the rocks lining the edge of the stream. She gingerly stretched her legs out in front of her, letting the blood flow back to her toes.

  Lungs still on fire after the brutally exhausting ride she had just jumped from, she leaned forward to sink her handkerchief into the stream. The fabric sopping, she slapped it onto her forehead, trying to cool the throbbing skin.

  Her jacket had come off hours ago, and she was still boiling. Thank goodness she had given up on wearing a stifling hat long ago—she had lost far too many of them over the years with her swift rides.

  After escaping the castle just as the sunlight had broken through the sky, she had made it to and from the closest town, Pepperton, fast enough to afford herself a moment of quiet—a moment purely for herself.

  But it was hotter than blazes—hotter today than Brianna had ever remembered it being. Maybe that was why the toads were loud this morning, croaking out loud grumbles every few seconds.

  Still, it wasn’t enough to break her concentration on what she had learned earlier.

  Meeting her hired bow street runner by Pepperton had been her only option—she couldn’t very well invite Mr. Flemming up to Notlund. The man had needed to deliver pressing news on one of the things she had him investigating, namely the discreet debts Lord Newdale had racked up at three gaming halls in London.

  Brianna watched gurgling bubbles of water swirl behind a fat rock in the middle of the stream, her mind churning. By itself, the total sum of the debts reported by Mr. Flemming wasn’t enough to remove Lord Newdale as a possibility for her sister. But Mr. Flemming also had several leads he was to follow next, the most interesting being Lord Newdale’s ongoing visits to four separate brothels.

  A mistress that was disposed of at marriage was one thing, but a man with a history of visiting random women at various brothels was an entirely different matter.

  This exact information was why she particularly liked Mr. Flemming. Gruff and straightforward, he told her exactly what he discovered without trying to shield her female sensibilities. And if that meant reporting about brothels and mistresses to her, he did so in a matter-of-fact manner.

  Unfortunately for Lily, if the leads were founded, Brianna was going to have to remove Lord Newdale as a marriage possibility. Brianna could already see that Lily favored Lord Newdale the most, but if she had to break Lily’s heart over the matter, she would. She’d done it before.

  Brianna picked up a rock, whipping it into the water.

  Lily would forgive her. She always did.

  Her hand holding the handkerchief to her forehead dropped. The wet cloth was now just as hot as her forehead.

  She eyed the water, pondering the option of stripping down and plunking herself into it. She was filthy from the ride. And until Lord Newdale was truly eliminated as a suitor, she had to maintain the veneer of utmost propriety. That meant composing herself before she got back to the castle—not showing up drenched in sweat and trail dirt.

  Plus—she had to admit—the water would be delicious.

  She looked over at Moonlight nibbling on juicy grass a few paces downstream. The horse was content, and Brianna knew Moonlight wouldn’t wander too far.

  Without another thought, she removed her boots and stood, quickly unbuttoning her deep blue skirt and stripping off her white shirt and short stays, then tossing them away from the splash of the water. For a second, she thought to remove her shift as well, but then thought the better of it.

  Wading into the stream, she was mid-thigh in the warm water before she found a spot where it cooled by her toes. She sank, going to her knees as the water rolled past her.

  Heaven. Absolute heaven.

  Her arms swung back and forth beneath the surface, letting the water reach all the nooks and crannies that she could feel still holding fast to heat. Pulling the pins from her knot, she tousled out her hair before taking a deep breath and sinking her head.

  Breaking the surface, she leaned back to keep everything but her face submerged. She stared at the hazy blue sky for some time, only the sound of rushing water in her ears.

  Her thoughts quieted for a moment, so she stayed in the position, lost in the blankness of her mind for as long as she dared—too long, and she knew it.

  Reality drew her back, and she sighed, the air popping her ears under the water. Now she would have to contend with her wet hair when she returned to the castle. So much for primness. Maybe if luck—for once—was on her side, she wouldn’t encounter Lord Newdale or his mother or sisters along the way.

  Brianna pulled her head out of the water, finding her feet and standing.

  An instant scream yelped from her mouth.

  Luck was not on her side.

  Sitting streamside, forearms relaxed on his bent knees, Lord Luhaunt watched her with curious interest. His peculiar devil smirk sat obvious on his face.

  Her eyes darted past his shoulder as she sank into the water, her arms covering the top part of her body the best she could. Her clothes lay five steps behind him.

  In control before the second scream in her throat escaped, she forged the haughtiest face she could manage while being nearly naked and trapped in the middle of a stream. “This is grossly rude, Lord Luhaunt. How long have you been sitting there?”

  “Long enough to make sure I am the only one stumbling upon you.” He pointed to her horse downstream. “Where have you been all morning, Miss Silverton?”

  “It is none of your business, Lord Luhaunt.”

  “No?”

  “If you think to blackmail me to get close to my sister, you are sorely mistaken in your intentions, Lord Luhaunt. I have no regard for my reputation, and I believe the duke will look more unfavorably upon your grossly inappropriate ogling, than he will upon my taking an innocent swim on a hot day.”

  “That does not answer my question, Miss Silverton.”

  She shook her head, eyes to the sky. “Why do I imagine it is too much to ask you to remove yourself? That you clearly have no honor as a gentleman.”

  “Where have you been?”

  Her look dropped to him, eyes narrowing. “I was on a long ride.”

  “You left before the break of dawn, and have been gone for five hours. Both you and your horse look like you have travelled hell-bent for days. So where did you go? I only caught your trail an hour past on the eastern border of the forest.”

  Jaw dropping, her eyes went wide. “You have been following me?” This earl was far, far too much.

  “Yes. So where were you, Miss Silverton?”

  “It is absolutely none of your business, you arse.” She looked down at her chest. Even through the water, she could see her white—now transparent—shift did nothing to hide her skin. Blast it. She looked back to him, venom pouring from her eyes. “Remove yourself from my sight this instant.”

  His smile only widened. “You are a prickly one, Miss Silverton.” His limbs languid, he stretched himself into standing. “But I am not about to leave you here alone, prey to any unscrupulous passerby.”

  “You are the only unscrupulous passerby, Lord Luhaunt, and you know full well you are purposely blocking my path to my clothes.”

  He glanced over his shoulder to her pile of clothes. “It would seem I am.”

  “You need to leave, Lord Luhaunt. Please, on all that is holy, leave.”

  Slowly, he turned from her, stepping away. Brianna sighed in relief. But then he stopped, picking up her clothes and spinning back to her.
/>
  Shaking her head in disbelief, Brianna set loose a vicious low growl.

  “I do promise not to look.” Arm outstretched, he held up her skirt, stays and shirt as a barrier between them, turning his head to the side.

  “You are impossible, Lord Luhaunt. Cruelly impossible.” She gave one last futile glance about the stream bank, praying for a boulder to appear and roll over him—or lightning to strike him—or his horse to trample him.

  None of that seemed likely.

  She was stuck.

  Chest pounding, she angled one arm across her breasts, used her other hand to cover her pelvis, and Brianna moved out of the water, stepping up onto the slippery rocks.

  “Why? Why do you insist on harassing me so, Lord Luhaunt? It gets you no closer to my sister.”

  “I do not want your sister, Miss Silverton.” His head stayed turned to the side with nary a blink in her direction.

  “No?” Her eyes squinted at him as she stumbled across the rocks. She shook her head. “No, I do not believe you.”

  Just as she reached out to grab her skirt, his head swung toward her, his brown eyes intense on her face.

  Brianna froze, her fingers in mid-air.

  “Quite simply, Miss Silverton, I want you. Only you.”

  She shook her head, forehead scrunched. “What?”

  “I want you, Brianna.”

  ~~~

  Sebastian watched with amusement as it took several seconds for his words to sink into Brianna’s brain. And then several more seconds before she managed to reach out and grab her skirt.

  Clutching the dark blue cloth to her chest, it covered the front part of her, but Sebastian could still see the lean outline of her body through the thin shift.

  He had been a cad, waiting, watching her from afar after following her for an hour. But she had looked exhausted, and then so utterly peaceful when she sank into the water, that he was entranced and could nothing except sit down to watch her. She would be his soon enough as it was.

  Her face suddenly snapped into control, and she snatched her shirt from his hand. Her short stays dropped to the ground, but she didn’t pick them up, instead stepping backward away from him. No matter that it sent her back into the stream, water rushing over her ankles.