“Yes.” Julia nodded. “We both are lucky in love. Now then, let us venture into a shop before the entire street stops to stare at us.”
She led the way toward a shop displaying ribbons and lace in the window and opened the door for Grace and Lettie.
The three wandered through several shops, making small purchases here and there, sharing bits and pieces of themselves along the way. Grace paused outside a shop door to slip some coins into an elderly woman’s gnarled fist, who looked as though she could use a good meal.
As both Julia and Lettie were planning weddings, that topic took up a large portion of the conversation. Their joy and love for their respective fiancés was heartwarming to Grace, even if it emphasized her own aloneness. Though she wouldn’t call herself lonely, she certainly felt separated from others. Thank heavens she had Matthew.
Some of her longing must’ve shown on her face for Julia reached out and took her hand. “I’m so sorry. Here we’ve been going on and on about our weddings when you recently lost your husband.”
“It’s quite all right. You are both obviously happy, and I appreciate you sharing it with me.”
Lettie stepped closer. “I can’t imagine how difficult it’s been.”
“It is difficult, but...” Grace hesitated, wondering how much to say. But as much as the two of them had shared, how could she not offer something personal as well? She glanced around to make certain no one could overhear. “I don’t believe we had the same relationship that you both have with your men.”
“What do you mean?” Julia asked. Her expression held no judgment, only curiosity.
“We were more friends than anything else. I cared for Daniel, of course, but I married him at the prodding of my father who was failing due to an illness.”
Lettie smiled gently. “It was kind of fate to give you someone when you were losing your father.”
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if Daniel hadn’t offered for me. When our son came along, I was ecstatic. But our relationship was quite different than either of yours.” She lifted a shoulder, uncertain how to explain. “I miss some aspects of life with him though at times I have to admit that he stifled my opinion.”
Lettie nodded solemnly. “I’ve felt that way with my family at times. As though my opinion doesn’t matter.” She leaned closer. “There were times when I no longer knew what my beliefs were.”
Grace was relieved to think she wasn’t alone. “I’m working on my preferences now.” She pointed to a row of hats in the millinery shop. “I still don’t know what I like or what looks best when it comes to things like this.”
“That is so surprising.” Julia studied her closer. “You looked marvelous the other night at the ball.”
“Thanks to a wonderful seamstress at my modiste’s, Miss Katherine Flitchard. She has excellent ideas.”
“I’d also recommend asking Julia’s opinion,” Lettie added. “She has a remarkable ability to make selections that help you look your best. She’s done it for me many times.”
Looking at the hats, Julia retrieved two from the shelf. “Either of these would look wonderful on you.”
After trying on both, Grace selected one. The ladies sent their purchases to the carriage so they didn’t have to carry them.
“I have one question I have to ask,” Lettie said when they were outside again, eyes narrowed as she looked at Grace.
“Oh?” Grace couldn’t imagine what that might be.
“Your relationship with Nathaniel’s brother.”
“That wasn’t a question,” Julia pointed out.
Lettie only raised her brow. “He’s almost approachable when he’s with you.”
Grace could only stare in surprise. “Why would you think he isn’t approachable? He’s always been incredibly kind to me.” She hoped the heat creeping up her cheeks wasn’t noticeable. But the thought of how approachable he was brought to mind their moment of passion.
While she liked her new friends, she had no intention of sharing how much she cared for Tristan. Not when he was betrothed to another woman. That only made her feel like some sort of courtesan. Her longing for Tristan needed to remain locked tight in a box.
Along with her heart.
The thought slipped unbidden into her mind. Oh, dear. It was true. Her heart was already entangled with Tristan.
But that was her problem, not his. She had to contain her emotions as best she could.
Lettie shook her head, seemingly oblivious to Grace’s reeling emotions. “Nathaniel says his brother has always been very much like their father. The former earl was apparently gruff and harsh, especially to Nathaniel. Adair looks like him, sounds like him, and for the most part, acts like him.”
“But Tristan and his brother seem to have both affection and respect for each other,” Grace said.
“I do believe they’ve grown closer since Nathaniel’s return from the Navy.” Lettie smiled. “I like to think it’s in part because of The Seven Curses.”
Julia shook her head as she chuckled. “We may as well stop at the book shop and purchase a copy for you. It’s inevitable that you read it,” she told Grace
“What is it?”
“The Seven Curses of London is a book that shares the author’s opinion on the seven worst problems plaguing our city. Nathaniel and I happened to both be reading the book when we met.”
“Aren’t you going to tell her how you met?” Julia’s mischievous smile raised questions in Grace’s mind.
Lettie lifted her chin. “That is a topic for another day.”
Julia chuckled, but Lettie ignored her and continued, “At any rate, Nathaniel mentioned the book to his brother, and he began to read it as well once he realized what Nathaniel was doing.”
“What was Nathaniel doing?” Grace asked, fascinated by the conversation.
“It’s a long story, but, in summary, he was helping children who were being taken advantage of by an unsavory character. Whether it was concern for Nathaniel or mere curiosity, Tristan also started reading the book.”
“I’m pleased Oliver became involved in it as well. But we’re wandering off the original topic,” Julia pointed out.
Lettie frowned.
“Adair’s gruffness,” Julia clarified.
“Ah, yes.” Lettie nodded. “Even Nathaniel remarked on how different Adair was the other night while you were present.”
Grace shook her head, astounded at the thought. “It has nothing to do with me. Surely, he’s that way around Lady Samantha.” When Julia and Lettie shared a look, Grace couldn’t help but ask, “What is it?”
“Lady Samantha is difficult—” Julia began.
“No, she’s one of the most obnoxious women in all of London,” Lettie interrupted.
“Keep your voice down.” Julia glanced around them again to make certain no one listened.
“She’s a terrible person. She’s mean spirited and I hate the idea of Adair marrying her.” Lettie’s distress over the matter couldn’t be denied.
Grace was taken aback. “Why would he propose to her if she’s so terrible?”
“I’m not certain. Nathaniel has pleaded with him to reconsider as he has been witness to the lady’s cruelty. Nathaniel mentioned some term in their father’s will, but it’s almost as if he thinks he deserves her.”
“I hope he doesn’t believe that. He’s a wonderful man. He’s been so kind to Matthew, and Matthew adores him. He’s never seemed unapproachable or gruff. In fact, he’s gone out of his way to help us.”
“Exactly. He’s completely different when he’s with you.” Lettie glanced at Julia. “We saw it for ourselves the other night at the ball.”
Grace’s heart—the very one she’d told herself to shut away—twisted painfully. How could she possibly have any effect on Tristan?
Lettie and Julia had it all wrong. He’d made a tremendous difference in her life. His kindness to her and Matthew would be something she’d always cherish, but nothing more could come of i
t.
They were friends of a sort, nothing more. She couldn’t allow him to have an impact on her heart.
Now she need only convince her heart of that.
Chapter Seventeen
“We are informed that within the year 644 vagrants were arrested and taken before a magistrate, and that of this number 311 were committed, and 333 discharged.”
~The Seven Curses of London
Nathaniel approached Tristan at the Bradley’s party the next evening, cane in hand, a speculative look in his eye.
“What?” Tristan asked as his brother continued to stare at him.
“I heard the most delightful rumor, but I can’t believe it could be true as I didn’t hear it from my own brother.”
“I have no idea of what you’re speaking.” Tristan glanced across the crowd, well aware of the stares he was receiving this evening.
While his response to Nathaniel was a lie, he didn’t want to discuss it. That meant admitting Nathaniel was right—that he’d made a mistake by proposing to Samantha. Tristan liked to think he was changing but wasn’t ready for complete honesty with his brother.
As he’d entered the Bradley’s townhome, he could practically hear the murmurs that swelled before him, quieted as he approached, only to rise again as he passed. He also took it as a good sign that his brother had heard something. After all, his brother was not given to gossip. He would be one of the last people to hear any news.
“Oh, I’m certain you do. Shall I offer congratulations or condolences?”
Tristan looked at his brother. “Based on your previous comments, along with your current pleasant mood, you don’t seem upset by the news.”
“So it’s true then,” Nathaniel pressed.
“I don’t know. What did you hear?”
Tristan had met with Samantha’s uncle again. Predictably, he’d been livid. No doubt, he’d been hoping to make his niece someone else’s problem. Even the generous settlement Tristan offered had done little to calm the man.
They hadn’t determined what excuse Samantha would use to call off the engagement, only that she’d do so. In many respects, Tristan didn’t want to know, yet he nearly shuddered to think what she might say. Still, it was a small price to pay to be free of her. Relief had lightened his mood considerably. He already had more patience despite the fact that he was anxious to have all this behind him.
His only regret was losing Crawford House. But the terms of his father’s will were clear—marry before his thirty-fifth birthday, which was in two weeks’ time, or lose the estate.
“I heard Lady Samantha has called an end to your betrothal,” Nathaniel continued.
“And?” That much he already knew. It was the reason she’d given that had him curious.
“Due in part to you being ‘impossible.’”
Tristan did his best to hide his smile. “Impossible, eh?”
“That is only the beginning of her list of grievances.” Nathaniel shook his head. “It seems you have no regard for her feelings, and you’re lacking in passion.”
Tristan sighed. Trust Samantha to make it complicated.
“You don’t keep your word,” Nathaniel continued. “You’re a cad.”
“Hmm. That’s quite a list.”
“Those are only the ones I happen to remember.” He glanced around as though searching for someone. “I’m certain Letitia will be able to repeat the entire list.”
“No need to find her. I have heard enough.”
Nathaniel placed his hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “I don’t care how she explains it. I am just relieved.” He held Tristan’s gaze. “Somehow I doubt that she was the one who changed her mind.”
Tristan didn’t reply. He was touched that Nathaniel had guessed the truth so easily. As far as the list of grievances Samantha was spouting, what purpose would it serve to contradict anything she’d said? He didn’t want to cause her harm, and he had no doubt she’d retaliate and draw out the whole thing further. He wanted it over immediately and would do almost anything to make it so.
“How did the other conversation you had go?” Nathaniel asked. “I thought Langston’s report quite helpful and assume you did as well.”
“I’ve yet to find Stannus at home. Short of sitting outside his residence, I’m not certain how to do so.”
“Do you think when you have the chance to speak with him, that he’ll listen to you and leave?” Nathaniel asked.
“If he has any sense, he will.”
“Unless the fear of his creditors outpaces his fear of you. From Langston’s report, it’s obvious he’s involved with some unsavory characters.”
Tristan hadn’t considered such a possibility. “That is an excellent point.” With a scowl, he added. “I need to determine if he’s gone or merely hiding.”
“No easy task. I can have some of the men I know keep an ear out for him.”
“My biggest concern is that he leaves Grace alone.”
“It sounds as if he views her as his only possible source of funds.”
A chill coursed through Tristan. “Desperate men often take desperate actions. Surely she would’ve told me if he’d called on her again.” But he hadn’t seen her for three days. Not since he’d almost had his way with her. Though he had a reason for keeping his distance, it might have put her in danger. That was a terrible thought.
He searched the crowd, wondering if she might be here. The crowd stirred at the far end of the room and he watched to see who might be the cause of the commotion.
His breath caught in his chest as he watched Grace enter. He’d recognize the shimmer of her dark hair, the curve of her face anywhere, even from across the large room. A footman stepped forward to take her cloak, revealing a stunning gown.
This one was as beautiful as the one she’d worn at the ball yet so different. The blue-grey color should’ve been unremarkable by any terms. What made it unique was an overskirt of some kind of sheer fabric that made the gown sway gently as she moved, drawing the eye.
The bodice of the gown displayed the creamy swell of her breasts and had his body tightening in response. Unaware he’d started toward her, he was surprised to feel a hand on his arm.
Nathaniel smiled. “I don’t think it wise that you be seen with the lovely widow when your engagement has so recently ended. Do you?”
Tristan muttered a curse under his breath. How could he remain within sight of her but stay at a distance when her presence beckoned him on every level? Nor could he leave and be left wondering who was approaching her and what they might be saying.
Debating his options, he studied her again. She tipped her head back and laughed at something someone said. While he’d thought her beautiful from the moment they’d met, she’d transformed herself.
Confidence. That was part of it. Tonight, she looked like a woman who knew her own mind and was prepared to take what she wanted. It was quite refreshing when compared with the many debutantes each Season. And very seductive.
Several men gathered around her. Her eyes widened in surprise though he’d guess only those who knew her well would notice the subtle change in her expression. The idea that he did, indeed, know her well had him pausing. Yet it was true. After all they’d been through together, he knew her quite well. But he wanted to know her better.
He took a step forward again before he’d realized it.
“Wait,” Nathaniel whispered. “I have an idea.” He glanced about as though searching for someone only to smile when he looked Grace’s way again. “That certainly makes things easier. Come along then.”
Not understanding to what he referred, Tristan followed his gaze and saw both Letitia and Julia on either side of Grace. Allowing a smile to curve the corner of his mouth, he walked beside Nathaniel toward the three women.
Lucky for him, Samantha had not yet arrived. He hoped she’d decided not to come but supposed she would eventually appear just to be contrary.
He promised himself that he’d leave as soon as he spoke w
ith Grace. But he had to see her—to drink in her presence however briefly it might be. Doing so in a group setting with his brother watching was surely the safest way.
Nathaniel reached the group surrounding Grace and quite cleverly used his cane to move aside those he deemed unwanted. It worked remarkably well.
“Good evening, Viscountess Chivington,” Nathaniel said as he moved to stand beside Lettie.
“Captain Hawke. How delightful to see you again.” While the phrase might be a common one, the warm inflection in Grace’s tone was unmistakable.
It took a long moment before her gaze moved to Tristan, though she showed no surprise at his presence. She seemed to be acting as casually as possible. He dearly wanted to ask if she’d heard of his broken engagement. He’d had a difficult time the past two days in not calling upon her to tell her the news himself. But that was far too risky.
After the attention she’d gathered this evening, he feared it was even riskier to allow her to find out on her own and wonder why he hadn’t told her himself.
The men Nathaniel had batted aside with his cane remained nearby, watching. Every primal male instinct within Tristan made him want to make a bold move, declaring her as his own.
But no. The situation with Samantha would only become more complicated if he did so. That wouldn’t aid him or Grace. Time would serve him best in this situation.
Therefore, he remained where he was, with Nathaniel blocking any chance of drawing nearer to her. He felt her regard once again, and he watched her, hoping to convey with his eyes what he couldn’t say with so many others around them.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she caught the intensity in his. Then she quickly looked away as Julia said something to her.
He released his breath, searching about the room for something to distract him before he embarrassed himself with the desire coursing through his body. Yet unable to help himself, he looked back at Grace.
Only to see her watching him. Was that longing he saw in her eyes?
An elbow to his ribs had him shifting his attention to Nathaniel. The warning glare his brother sent made him grimace in response.
Rescuing the Earl (The Seven Curses of London Book 3) Page 18
