Her Devilish Marquess

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  She smiled. “I sense you have a way of making everyone feel better, and I bet that goes for their mood as well as their health.”

  “I don’t give compliments unless I mean them. I only hope, given enough time, I’ll deserve you.”

  Her smile faltered. “Why are you talking this way? You know I already love you.” In fact, falling in love with him had been the easiest thing she’d ever done.

  He cupped the side of her face with his hand and leaned forward to kiss her. “I don’t have anywhere to go for the next two hours. May I spend that time with you?”

  “Of course, you can. I enjoy your company immensely.”

  “Good. What would you like to do?”

  “Well, I’ve always wanted to go horseback riding at Hyde Park, but Regan and my mother don’t care for horses. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to do it?”

  “Sure, I will. I love horses.”

  “You do?” she asked, surprised since he hadn’t mentioned this before.

  “Horses are much easier to understand than people, and better yet, they don’t hold grudges.” He gathered her embroidery and put everything into her basket. “What is this for anyway?”

  “My vanity. I thought it’d be nice to replace the old covering I have.” Then, feeling a bit playful, she teased, “Would you like me to make one for your vanity?”

  He chuckled and turned to face her, his eyes twinkling. “How should I politely decline your offer?”

  “Just tell me you’re a gentleman, and gentlemen don’t have feminine things in their bedchambers.”

  “All right. I’m a gentleman, and the only thing feminine I want in my bedchamber is you.”

  His comment was so unexpected she burst out laughing. “Derek, in so many ways you remind me of Regan. I can never guess what you’ll say next.”

  “Since you two are friends, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It is. You two are my favorite people.”

  “My wish is that it’ll always be that way.”

  What a curious thing for him to say. Of course, it would always be that way. But before she could give it any more thought, he helped her to her feet.

  “If we’re going to ride those horses, we better get dressed for it,” he said and kissed her nose. “I can’t be late for my appointment with Mr. Ward. There’s nothing serious that ails him, but he feels better when I stop by to assure him he’s not ready to leave this world yet.”

  “Do you ever have someone whose condition is serious?” she asked as they left the drawing room.

  “Sometimes I do. I never enjoy watching anyone’s situation get worse. What I’ve learned is that it’s important to take each day as it comes and get the most out of it. That’s why I don’t want to waste my time at White’s. I’d rather spend it with you.”

  Her face warmed with pleasure. “There’s no one else I’d rather spend the time with either.”

  “Then it’s a good thing I came home when I did.”

  “It is.”

  Together, they went up the stairs and changed into their riding clothes.

  ***

  Late the next morning, Derek took the opportunity between appointments to pay Regan a visit. He wasn’t sure if Malcolm would be at the townhouse, but even if Malcolm was, there was no changing what had happened at White’s.

  Undoubtedly, Steinbeck had already told Malcolm what he’d said. If Malcolm told Regan, she might decline to hear him out. Which would be her right. He couldn’t begrudge a wife standing by her husband. But he had to try. So it was with a mixture of hope and unease that he knocked on the door of the townhouse.

  The footman answered the door, and it was on the tip of Derek’s tongue to come up with some lie to get out of seeing Regan. He could say he’d come to the wrong townhouse by accident. But when Regan passed by the entryway with Leonard, she took note of him and waved him in.

  “Derek! What a pleasure it is to see you,” she said, leading her son over to him. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit?”

  “I’m doing well,” Leonard said.

  Derek glanced from Regan to the lad.

  “Yes, he is,” Regan replied. “Thanks to you, he got over his upset stomach and had a good night’s sleep.”

  Since Derek couldn’t think of anything to say, he ventured for a simple, “That’s good.”

  “Why don’t you come into the drawing room?” Regan turned to the footman. “Please bring us some green tea.”

  “I will do as you wish, my lady,” the footman replied then gestured for Derek to enter the townhouse.

  Derek did as they requested. Her seeing him when she did was a sign. He had to tell her the truth about what happened. It might be the only way to help soothe things over so Danette wouldn’t be disappointed with him.

  Regan waited until they were all seated before she asked, “Did you come to seek my advice about Danette?”

  Derek adjusted the cravat around his neck. Goodness but the thing had a tendency to get restrictive at times, especially when he had to weigh every word he spoke. “Is your husband here?”

  “No. Malcolm went to White’s,” Regan said. “Ever since I’ve known him, it seems to be his favorite place. Sometimes I wish I could go into the club and find out what’s so fascinating about it.”

  Despite the situation, he felt a chuckle rise up in his throat. “There’s not much to it. All the gentlemen do there is play games, gossip, and read.”

  She frowned. “Is that all there is to it?”

  “I’m afraid so. You’d get more excitement out of watching people at a ball or Hyde Park.”

  “When you put it that way, it’s just as well I’m not there. Malcolm only goes because he enjoys making business plans with his friends. I knew what he was doing wasn’t all that exciting, but it’s unfortunate some gentlemen there aren’t doing anything worth discussing. Though, I hear everything that happens at White’s stays at White’s, so even if something interesting did occur, I would never know about it.”

  “But you’re married to one of the members of the club. Surely, Malcolm tells you some things that go on there.”

  “Well, he does, but it’s all vague. It’s mostly things about Warren or Robert. Lately, he’s been talking about Anthony.” When Derek’s eyebrows furrowed, she offered an apologetic smile. “You might recognize them by their titles. Steinbeck is Warren, Dunnaby is Robert, and Worsley is Anthony. Anthony is the new member of their very,” she rolled her eyes, “important group.”

  “Oh, yes.” Derek cleared his throat. “I met Warren and Anthony yesterday when I was there.”

  “Did you?”

  He noted the spark of interest in her eyes, but the butler came into the room, carrying the tray of tea and crumpets. Derek waited until the butler left and she had poured them both a cup of tea before speaking. “Did Malcolm tell you anything about yesterday?” he asked, accepting the tea from her.

  She poured Leonard a cup and gave him a crumpet. “He didn’t go to White’s yesterday.”

  That explained why she was more than happy to welcome him into her home. He shifted in the chair and released a long breath, hoping he would be able to word things in a way that might inspire some sympathy from her.

  “Actually, yesterday might have been an exciting day,” he began. “That is, depending on how you look at it.”

  “Really?” she asked, turning her attention to him.

  “What did you do?” Leonard piped up.

  “Leonard, it’s not polite to interrupt adults when they’re talking.” Then, as an afterthought, she added, “Why don’t you go over there and play a game?” She pointed to the corner of the room where a couple of children’s games were neatly stacked along the wall.

  Leonard frowned. “Do I have to?”

  “You don’t want to hear boring talk,” she told him.

  Not fooled in the least, he gave her a skeptical look. “It doesn’t seem boring.”

  “Leonard, you need to do as I say
,” she replied. “I’m your mother.”

  Every child, no matter who their parents were, couldn’t get around this line of reasoning, so Derek wasn’t the least bit surprised when Leonard let out a disappointed sigh as he went to the other side of the room. Derek wished he could tell the lad being an adult really wasn’t all that fun. It seemed children had the best of things. They had few worries and were often distracted by toys. Plus, none had to bother with what others thought of them.

  Regan lowered her voice so Leonard wouldn’t overhear them. “What happened yesterday at White’s?”

  Derek took a sip of the tea then leaned toward her. “When I feel provoked, I tend to say things to upset people.”

  “Yes, I know. Your reputation precedes you.” She laughed and shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, one of my favorite memories was that evening you removed your shirt at the Duke of Rumsey’s ball. I never laughed so hard in my entire life. My husband at the time wished he’d had your kind of courage. You were a hero to him.”

  “Your husband at the time?”

  “Lord Cantrell. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long after that evening. But that’s not why we’re talking about White’s. Tell me, what could you have done to upset anyone over there?”

  “I blurted out that Steinbeck—Warren—and his friends were miserable people.”

  She gasped. “You said that to his face?”

  “He wasn’t happy when I said it.”

  “Oh, I imagine not.” She covered her mouth and chuckled for about a minute. When she managed to catch her breath, she said, “Shame on you, Derek. I thought you said nothing exciting ever happened at White’s.”

  “Well, when I went there, things seemed rather boring.”

  “But with you there, things got interesting. Oh, how I wish I had been there to see you tell him that.”

  He studied her, and there was nothing in her demeanor that indicated she found his behavior insulting. “Just so I understand things correctly,” Derek began, “are you actually happy I told Warren that he and his friends are a miserable lot?”

  “I’ve been wanting to tell Warren the same thing, but since I’m married to someone who thinks the world of him, I don’t dare. The last thing I want to do is upset Malcolm.”

  “Then you can understand my dilemma. I don’t want to do anything to upset Danette, but since you’re Malcolm’s wife, I’m afraid that’s exactly what will happen if she finds out.”

  Her smile widened. “It sounds like you love her.”

  He nodded. “I do, and the last thing I want is to give her a reason to regret marrying me. She took a risk in becoming my wife. I haven’t heard of a single thing that’s tainted her reputation, but mine is less than ideal. A person’s reputation means everything in London.”

  Regan seemed to consider his words before she offered, “A reputation means everything to certain people, and I do agree the Ton is especially fickle when it comes to what we should say and do. But there’s more to a person than their reputation. What good is a pristine reputation when you’re unpleasant to be around? As you so eloquently pointed out to Warren, some people can be downright miserable. Quite frankly, I pity the lady who marries him.”

  “I only hope Danette never feels she ought to be pitied for marrying me.”

  “Oh, I don’t think that could ever happen. You’re a wonderful gentleman. You want the best for her, you’re good with children, and you do honest work. Few ladies could ask for more. But,” she added when he opened his mouth to say those traits meant little to the Ton, “I won’t speak a word about yesterday to Danette. If Malcolm brings it up, I will suggest he do the same. You did a good thing by helping Leonard with his stomachache. He owes you one.”

  Something in her matter-of-fact tone assured Derek she would manage to smooth things over with Malcolm, if Malcolm insisted on creating a fuss about it. As for Danette, Regan had agreed to keep the matter silent. Relaxing, he returned her smile. “Thank you.”

  “There’s nothing to thank me for,” she replied. “Danette’s happier than she’s ever been. As for me, I got the pleasure of knowing someone had the nerve to stand up to Warren. From where I sit, everything’s better because of you.”

  If only all people thought this way. But it was more than enough Regan had decided to support him, and he wouldn’t take that for granted.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Later that day while Leonard was taking a nap, Malcolm trudged into the townhouse. Regan was ready to call out a greeting to him as he passed the drawing room, but he didn’t even look in her direction. He merely proceeded on down the hall, shoulders slumped, his gaze cast down.

  Her eyebrows furrowed. That was odd. He’d never done this before. Granted, they hadn’t been married for long and she had a lot to learn about him, but even with how upset he was when they first married, he hadn’t acted in such a way. One would swear he learned he was going to die.

  She put her book down and followed him to the den. He didn’t even glance behind him as she closed the door. He only went to the chair in front of the fireplace, put his feet up on the ottoman, and let out a mournful sigh. It took all of her willpower not to give into the urge to laugh. In all her life, she’d never seen such exaggerated despair.

  “You have piqued my curiosity,” she said as she went over to the ottoman and sat by his feet. She placed a comforting hand on his thigh and offered him a reassuring smile. “What’s troubling you?”

  “I can’t say,” he mumbled. “It happened at White’s.”

  “Don’t be silly. Of course, you can tell me.” If she was right, then this matter involved Derek and Warren, but she’d rather hear Malcolm explain the matter. “I can keep secrets. You don’t need to worry I’ll tell anyone.”

  “I know you wouldn’t tell anyone.” He rubbed his forehead. “It’s just… I don’t know how things got to be so complicated. A month ago, everything was so clear. I knew exactly where I fit in. Now I don’t know where I belong.”

  Not having expected this, she couldn’t hide her surprise. “I don’t understand. What does this have to do with White’s?”

  “Everything. So much business happens there, and there are influential gentlemen who have important connections. It’s necessary to make the right kind of friends.”

  “I thought you had those friends.” God knew she did everything she could to help him with those friendships, even if it pained her.

  “I do, at the moment. But,” he finally made eye contact with her, “what happens if I can’t bring myself to agree with a certain friend? What happens if I’ve done something to betray him?”

  Her jaw dropped. “You did something to betray Warren?”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “Why do you assume I’m talking about him?”

  “Are you?”

  “Yes, but how did you know?”

  “Maybe it’s because I know you’re a caring gentleman who is capable of looking at both sides of the issue. Whereas with Warren,” she shrugged, “he acts as if the world revolves around him. He thinks everything he says and does is perfect. He doesn’t have any sense of humility.”

  “Logan has said the same thing about me.” His frown deepened. “Do you think I was like that when we first married?”

  Her smile softened as she sought to reassure him, “You’re not as bad as Warren.”

  “As bad as Warren? That doesn’t seem like a compliment.”

  “I know it doesn’t seem like a compliment, but it is. Malcolm, I married you because I knew that, deep down, you would make a good husband. I don’t believe Warren will ever make a good husband. He doesn’t have the capacity to think of anyone but himself. But you cared about Leonard, and from talking to your sister, I knew you were devoted to your family and friends. You’re not like Warren. Warren is only devoted to Warren.”

  He straightened up in the chair, looking as if he was ready to argue, but then, he let out a resigned sigh and collapsed back into it. “I know some people find hi
m difficult to like.” Then, his expression growing sad, he added, “And it’s difficult for people to like me, too.”

  “You can’t please everyone, Malcolm. You can’t possibly get along with everyone you meet. We all have different interests, and some personalities mix better together than others.”

  “But I am a lot like him. I don’t understand how you can love me.”

  “You two might share an abnormal pleasure for making money, but when I talk to you during a dinner party, you have the sense to acknowledge me. Besides, you are much more fun than you let on when we’re in public.” Hoping to lighten his mood, she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at him. “Just as I sensed you’d be the evening I met you.”

  “I did nothing to encourage you that evening.”

  “But you danced with me.”

  “To be polite.”

  She shrugged. “Or perhaps you wanted some excitement in your life but didn’t realize it. Either way, it doesn’t matter. We’re together and we’re happy.”

  He finally smiled and took her hand in his. “Yes, we are.” After a moment, he added, “You want to hear a secret?”

  His voice was so low she had to scoot closer to him. “What is it?”

  “There was a vote at White’s not too long ago, and the gentlemen were voting on whether or not to let Lord Edon bring your book there.”

  It took her a moment for her to realize which book he meant. “That book?”

  He nodded. “The results were very close. In fact, it was by one vote that the book is still allowed at White’s.”

  “Really?” Never in a million years would she have expected the gentlemen to vote on such a thing. She’d thought all gentlemen would welcome it. Well, almost all gentlemen anyway. “I take it that Warren didn’t want the book there.”

  “No, he didn’t. He wanted it banned.”

  “Why is that considered a secret? I already knew he has no interest in making a lady happy.” And that was in, or out, of bed.