Emma huffed an exasperated sigh.
“Since they are already muttering amongst themselves, why don’t we give them something to gossip about tomorrow?” Hudson raised an eyebrow as he issued the challenge.
Emma’s eyes grew wide and she began to protest, but he slid the hand at her back over to her side and pressed into her ribs, causing her to take in a sharp breath.
“Please…”
Emma’s tortured expression caused Hudson to pause. Was she truly so deeply concerned over attracting attention? He released his firm hold and allowed her to step back to the proper distance. Her absence affected him acutely, as though missing the warming of the sun when it was hidden by a sudden cloud on a spring day.
She cast a few glances at the crowd as the music ended. “Thank you,” she murmured as she followed him from the dance floor.
“Miss Kingsly… it is and has always been a pleasure to dance with you.” Hudson nodded then added in a low voice “Forgive me if I caused you unnecessary alarm. T’was all in good fun, I assure you.” He smiled, hoping his sincerity was evident.
Her blue eyes studied him, curious and calculating as if evaluating the authenticity of his statement. She glanced down and then at the people milling about them.
“I know.” She gave him a sad smile and then excused herself.
Hudson watched her leave, curious and intrigued. What was it that had made the stubborn and defiant Emma become so fearful and meek? Had she been hurt or rejected by a lover? Immediately Hudson’s fist clenched as his muscles flexed. The thought of her belonging to someone else was unthinkable. From the age of nine, he had wanted to claim her for himself. Perhaps that was his answer. Maybe there had never been a choice at all. Because when it came to Emma Kingsly, he was powerless to do anything but pursue. Even when he knew rejection was very possible in his future.
****
“Who was that handsome man you were waltzing with?” Sadie asked the moment they entered the carriage for the trip home.
All Emma wanted to do was unlace her wretched corset, find a good book, and read until she fell asleep. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about Hudson, the Earl of Daventry — especially to her sister.
“That was Hudson Cade, The Earl of Daventry.” Emma sighed, closing her eyes and hoping Sadie wouldn’t quite hear the full name.
“Daventry?” Sadie’s shocked voice echoed throughout the closed carriage.
“Yes.” Emma opened one eye, then the other. She leaned forward and grasped her sister’s hand.
“He looks like Emmett. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.” Sadie’s tone was soft, wistful, and fully miserable.
“Somewhat. Though I think he takes after his father more.” Emma tried to take away the association with Emmett, Hudson’s late older brother. Sadie didn’t need any reminders.
“Perhaps.” Sadie gave Emma a brave smile and leaned forward. “But he was handsome, and his gaze followed you all night. At least that’s what the gossip has already declared.”
“Please tell me it’s not true.” Emma groaned and then leaned back into the plush velvet of the carriage seat.
“It seems as if another gentleman is after the unattainable. I’m sure there’s already a wager started at White’s to determine how long it takes for him to give up… or for you to.” Sadie smiled but the joy didn’t reach her eyes.
“Whoever bet the shortest amount of time will soon be declared the winner. I refused Huds— er, Lord Daventry when I was nine and I can certainly resist what small amount of charm he’s attained since then.” Emma flicked her hand in a dismissive gesture. The ivory glove encasing her hands met a sliver of moonlight filtering through the carriage widow and seemed to glow a pale white.
“Nine? I must have missed that.” Sadie’s tone was full of suppressed mirth. Had it not been so dark, Emma knew her sister’s expression would have been quite amused.
“It’s not important. I’m not getting married. Ever. Lord Daventry will have to accept that. But that’s making the grand assumption he’s interested at all.” Emma sniffed and glanced outside at the passing buildings.
“I think it’s safe to say he’s interested. I saw the waltz. He wasn’t just dancing with you. He was seducing you on the dance floor. It’s a wonder the dowagers weren’t scandalized.”
“It was not that bad.” Emma huffed.
“Sister, dear… you didn’t see what we saw.” Sadie leaned forward, the moonlight illuminating a full grin. Emma heaved a sigh of relief. She’d gladly do anything to keep that smile on her beautiful sister’s face. It had been gone for far too long. Stolen.
“Perhaps this season will be more interesting than I thought.” Sadie lifted a shoulder and leaned back.
“Not if I can help it,” Emma whispered. Yet, deep inside she had the suspicion that Sadie was indeed correct and all the blame for that would lie at Hudson’s feet.
Chapter Three
Early the next afternoon, Hudson stood outside of Hewett’s residence, hoping to find his friend at home. He approached the tall stone structure and knocked. The boxwoods next to the door were perfectly manicured and still carried drops of water from the earlier rain.
“Yes?” the graying butler who’d opened the door asked with a raised brow.
“Lord Daventry to see Lord Hewett.” Hudson placed his card on the silver tray.
“Just a moment, my lord.” The butler disappeared inside the house and Hudson turned to study the street. Hewett lived just outside of Hyde Park. The fashionable hour would soon be upon them, and the now sparsely-populated green acres would be teeming with gentry, all flirting with each other and showing off their prize horseflesh.
“Please follow me, my lord.” The butler opened the door wide and Hudson followed him inside. At the end of the hall the butler paused and opened the door to what appeared to be Hewett’s study.
“Daventry! Delighted to see you! Care for some tea?” Hewett stood from behind his desk and walked toward him.
“Yes, of course.” Hudson nodded, and watched the butler bow then leave.
“So what brings you here? Not that you need a reason, of course.” Hewett gestured to a horsehair chair.
Hudson sank into the cushion and leaned forward with his hands resting on his knees. He waited until Hewett sat down.
“I have a few questions and I’m hoping that you’ll be able to assist me in understanding something.” Hewett nodded and leaned forward as well.
“I’m wagering it has to do with Miss Kingsly?” Hewett asked.
“You would win that bet, my friend.”
“Perhaps I should increase my wager at White’s.” Hewett chuckled and relaxed back into his chair.
“White’s?” Hudson asked, distracted.
“Yes! After your attention last evening, the newest — and most popular, I might add — wager is how long you’ll last in your pursuit of Miss Kingsly. Personally, I wagered that you would go a full two weeks but don’t tell my wife that.” He chuckled. “She’d tell cook to put salt in the sugar cup during tea if she knew I had even thought such a thing. She and Miss Kingsly are dear friends and I must say I’m quite fond of her myself. But a gentleman can’t pass a wager such as that one… far too much fun.”
“I’m thrilled to increase your personal amusement.” Hudson spoke dryly as he leaned back.
“Don’t take it personal, old friend. Just a bit of fun.”
“Perhaps I’ll start my own wager. How long your lovely wife will lock her door at night when she finds out you bet against her friend,” Hudson challenged with a chuckle.
“You always were a cruel one.” Hewett narrowed his eyes. “I’ll remove my wager. Happy?” He slapped his knee and grinned.
“Giddy.” Hudson spoke sarcastically.
“Truly it’s wise. My wife just might lock me out of her room… although she doesn’t spend much time there…” Hewett smirked.
A plump woman entered the study carrying a tray laden with st
eaming tea, scones, and sandwiches. She poured for both gentlemen and left.
Hudson blew across his tea. “So, back to my question.”
“Ah yes, Miss Kingsly.” Hewett nodded.
“It’s clear that Miss Kingsly is not searching for a husband,” Hudson began.
“And I believe I already told you that,” Hewett interrupted.
“Yes. All credit goes to you, my friend,” Hudson replied impatiently.
“Thank you, proceed.” Hewett gestured with his free hand, then grabbed a sandwich.
“What I was wondering, is why? Why the decision to not marry? You must admit that it is quite odd. Scorned by a lover, perhaps?” Hudson clenched his teeth after speaking the words that provoked a fiery jealousy.
“Heavens, no! That would be far simpler. Now, I’m afraid that you’ll have quite the upward battle if you intend on pursuing the young lady. You, of all men.” Hewett shook his head.
“What do you mean?” Hudson furrowed his brow.
“Now, you should know that I’m not fully privy to the sordid details.” Hewett lowered his chin and speared Hudson with a warning glance.
Foreboding filled Hudson and his stomach clenched, rebelling against the warm comfort of the tea. Why him, of all men?
“It was all very strange and not many know the full details. I suspect Lenore knows the full story, but I’m not sure. Nor…” He speared Hudson with a pointed look. “…will I ask her.”
“Understandable.” Hudson nodded.
“But it would seem that Miss Kingsly’s reluctance to marry comes from her sister’s disaster of a marriage.”
“Her sister?”
“Yes, Sadie. She was married to the now late Lord Hodge.”
Hudson glanced down at his Hessian boots. Sadie’s courtship to Lord Hodge had begun shortly before he’d left for India. From the beginning it was rumored to be a love match. He turned his gaze back to Hewett.
“But I seem to remember that courtship being singular in its attachment. I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Hudson’s glanced to the ground in confusion. Miss Sadie Kingsly’s debut had created quite a stir. His older brother, Emmett, had been quite taken with her and even asked her father for her hand. When his suit was rejected, it had begun a downward spiral in his life that eventually cost his life. Even now his mother wouldn’t speak of it. All of it had happened while he was in India, and he hadn’t received word until long after the events had passed. A monsoon had wiped out all missives for weeks and by the time the original letter from his father had arrived, another one had come telling him it was better for him to stay in India. His father had mentioned some sort of scandal, but none of it made sense. When Hudson had asked his mother, she’d abruptly changed the subject.
“Daventry?” Hewett called his attention.
“Forgive me. I was simply trying to recall any details.”
“What everyone knows is that Lord Hodge was indeed in love with the elder Miss Kingsly, but what was soon discovered was that she was not the only one he had married.”
“Pardon?” Hudson felt his eyes widened in shock.
“Indeed. It would seem that he had eloped to Gretna Green a few years before his marriage to the elder Miss Kingsly, just after the death of his mother. Married a widowed baroness and lived with her in Scotland for a few weeks before deserting her there without a coin to her name. No one had known about his secret, ‘til his first wife arrived in London to find him married again. The gossip said she cornered the new Lady Hodge, Sadie Kingsly, and showed her the marriage certificate. When Lady Hodge refused to believe her, the woman scorned went to the gossip papers. Within a few days London was buzzing with the news. But it gets far worse.”
“How could it possibly get worse?” Hudson spoke through his hands as they now covered his face.
“Lady Hodge was in quite a predicament. Was she indeed married? Was she now ruined? It was all very confusing and the ton shunned her, though the fault was not her own. Now here is where I’m not sure of all the details… but you remember your brother’s fervent pursuit of her, correct?”
“Yes. He was nearly inconsolable when his suit was rejected.” Hudson nodded and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, listening intently. His skin prickled with the awareness that everything he knew was about to shift.
“Well. It would seem that he offered Emma’s sister… comfort? In what form I’m not privy to knowing. They were indeed seen together, though they kept it secretive. I only know because I saw it with my own eyes — but only once.”
“And?” Hudson encouraged.
“And late one night just around the corner from Portman Square, an accident occurred that changed everything.” Hewett paused and took a long swallow of tea, wincing. “Blah! Cold tea. Nothing’s worse.” He proceeded to warm his cup with new.
“The corner of Portman? You mean next to the bordello?”
“Precisely.” Hewett sat back with his refreshed cup.
“Two gentlemen died that night, one crossing the street from the bordello, one riding recklessly toward it.”
“Lord Hodge?” Hudson guessed.
“Yes… and your brother.”
****
“Emma, I’m just going to leave without you. I’m so sick and tired of—”
“Here I am.” Emma opened the door, effectively interrupting her sister’s statement of impatience.
“Does it actually take that long for you to get dressed? One of these days I’m just going to barge into your room and help. In the end, we’d be hours ahead of schedule! We do have lady’s maids for a reason, you know.”
“I know, but I prefer to have some time alone.” Emma tossed the retort over her shoulder as she began to walk away.
I’m more charming than funny,” Sadie teased as she caught up with her younger sister and linked arms.
“Charm is deceitful,” Emma tossed back, quoting one of their favorite proverbs.
“Yes, Emma dear. But beauty is vain. So where does that leave us?” Sadie challenged.
“Deceitful and vain.”
“Lovely. I’m sure our mother is thrilled.”
Emma giggled and they made their way down the long staircase and out front where they began their short walk to Hyde Park.
“It might not rain… quite amazing,” Sadie commented as she glanced up at the beautiful sky.
“Let us make the most of it then,” Emma urged, and she picked up their sedate pace.
The sky was filled with wispy clouds that highlighted the sun’s radiance. And the large trees created a whispering music as the breeze shook the millions of leaves that had recently grown. They nodded to several ladies out and about and made their way to the edge of the Serpentine. Gentlemen were spotted on Rotten Row, not far away, as they showed off their horseflesh. It seemed as if the entire ton had the same idea to enjoy the beautiful weather, however long it lasted.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” Emma turned around upon hearing the familiar voice of Lord Hewett. Yet when she turned, it was not only Lord Hewett and his wife, but Hudson, Lord Daventry.
“Good afternoon Lord and Lady Hewett, Lord Daventry.” Emma nodded. She resisted the urge to glare at Hudson, and instead exchanged a mischievous glance with Lenore. After all, Lenore despised having her friends call her Lady Hewett! She’d much rather be called by her first name, but manners dictated otherwise. Of course, if Emma had the same mother-in-law as Lenore, she wouldn’t want to share the name either! Hewett’s mother was known for her gossip, love of men, and brazen nature. Lenore felt the name “Lady Hewett” carried those same connotations. Effectively labeling her everything Lenore was not.
“Miss Kingsly.” Lord Hewett bowed.
Emma glanced at Hudson, to find him watching her intently. His chocolate brown eyes were gentle as they studied her face and conveyed a kind of understanding. Emma felt her eyes narrow in suspicion, though a warm security tried to overwhelm the misgiving.
“Er… Lord Daventry, have y
ou been introduced to Lady Hodge?” Lenore spoke after a moment.
Blushing furiously, Emma broke the locked gaze that she had been holding with Lord Daventry. When she glanced back up, he was still watching her, this time with a small smile playing on his lips.
“Yes. I’ve had the honor of knowing Lady Hodge for quite some time. Indeed a pleasure to see you again.” His gaze finally traveled to Sadie who extended her hand. He bowed and released her, turning his attention back to Emma.
“It’s a beautiful day, is it not Miss Kingsly?”
“Indeed. It was a pleasure to see you again, Lord Daventry. We’ll not detain—”
“Oh, you’re doing no such thing! On the contrary, I find that nature is best observed in the presence of feminine beauty.” He nodded and then gave her a rakish tilt of his chin.
“I find its best observed in solitude.” Emma shot back, earning her a chuckle from Hudson.
“Indeed, I utterly agree with you, Miss Kingsly. Would you perhaps share with me when you enjoy nature in solitude? I’d love to experience it as you do.”
Lord Hewett coughed and Emma glanced over to him. His cough seemed like more of a laugh.
“I’d rather not.” She drew out the words.
“Pity.”
“For you perhaps.” Emma shot back and glanced to her sister.
Sadie was watching the full exchange. Her gloved hand was hiding a wide smile. Her eyes danced with restrained laughter and Emma’s heart rejoiced.
“Will you at least permit me to escort you on your walk?” Hudson asked with a humble bow.
Emma glanced at him, then back at Sadie. Was he worth the irritation? If he made Sadie smile, indeed he was.
“That would be wonderful, Lord Daventry.” Emma curtsied and gave him a bright beaming grin.
Hudson didn’t return her smile, but studied her suspiciously. Emma loved that she had thrown him off and she hoped for another occasion to do it again soon.
“Lovely.” He recovered and excused himself from Lord and Lady Hewett.
To Refuse a Rake Page 3
