The Hellion and The Heartbreaker

by McNare, Jennifer

  Now however, as they made their way up the front walk to the duchess’ opulent London residence, Scarlett’s nerves suddenly seemed to be getting the best of her.

  Noticing Scarlett’s anxious expression, Alec took her hand in his and smiled encouragingly. “Don’t worry, they are relatively harmless,” he assured her.

  Though his words were reassuring, it was the touch of his hand that gave her the most comfort.

  When they were shown into the duchess’ front parlor a few minutes later, Alec no longer held her hand, but his mere presence at her side gave her strength just the same. Despite whatever anger he still harbored toward her, she knew that he wouldn’t feed her to the wolves, or in this case, to two very powerful women who most assuredly held a very low opinion of her.

  As it turned out, she needn’t have worried. Alec’s mother and grandmother were surprisingly warm and welcoming as he made the introductions. Though Scarlett and Olivia had in fact met before, years earlier, it had been a brief and uneventful encounter.

  “Well, I see the rumors are true,” Alec’s grandmother said, grasping Scarlett’s hands in an unexpected display of affection. “You are quite a beauty. And I dare say,” she began, turning her eyes to Oliver, “that this young lad is by far the handsomest little fellow I have seen since Alec was a boy.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace, that is very kind of you,” Scarlett said, beginning to feel slightly more relaxed, as the older woman led her to a richly upholstered settee.

  “Oliver, come and sit next to your mother,” Gwendolyn instructed, motioning to the empty space between them.

  Dutifully, Oliver did as he was bid, and settled himself between his mother and the older woman with the kind, violet hued eyes.

  “I asked cook to prepare a special treat for you,” she said to Oliver, motioning to a silver tray laden with sweets on the table beside them. “Would you care for one?”

  “Yes please,” Oliver said, his eyes widening at the sight of the delicious looking tidbits.

  Handing him one, she then looked fondly toward Alec, who had taken a seat next to his mother in one of the two matching chairs set opposite them. “Our Alec always had a fondness for the sweets, didn’t he Olivia?” she said, glancing toward Alec’s mother, who had been watching Oliver with a gentle smile on her face.

  “And still does,” Olivia noted with amusement, as Alec grabbed a sweet from the tray and popped it into his mouth, smiling as the scrumptious sugary delicacy connected with his taste buds.

  He gave Oliver a conspiratorial wink. “Nothing wrong with the occasional sweet tooth is there, Oliver?”

  Oli enthusiastically nodded his agreement, his mouth full of the sugary confection.

  Scarlett couldn’t help smiling at their easy interaction. They were so much alike, not just in appearance, but in personality as well. So many of the qualities she had grown to love about Alec were already evident in her son, their son.

  With everyone aware that Oliver had yet to be told the truth of his relationship to Alec, their ensuing conversation revolved primarily around safe, generic topics, and of course Oliver’s favorite subject, horses.

  During that time, Scarlett found her gaze resting frequently on Alec’s sinfully handsome features. Occasionally he would catch her looking at him, meeting her gaze with an intense, smoldering look of his own. She had hardly been able to sleep the night before; unable to keep her thoughts from replaying what had happened between them in the coach. To be honest, she was a bit surprised at just how quickly their passion for one another had been rekindled. She told herself not to get her hopes up in regard to Alec’s affection, but it was difficult not to. Even if he forgave her for deceiving him about Oli, she doubted that much had changed regarding his views on love and marriage. In fact, it was possible that the situation they now found themselves in had made him even more cynical. But, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but hold out a small, secret hope that it hadn’t.

  Before long, Oliver began to grow restless with the adult conversation and started fidgeting in his seat. Duchy, as she had instructed Scarlett and Oliver to call her, soon noticed and promptly rang for one of the servants.

  Responding to the summons, a pretty young girl with a kind smile and a head full of riotous brown curls appeared at the threshold.

  “Oliver, this is Lucy,” she said, motioning the girl forward. “It just so happens, that Lucy knows where Alec used to keep his toys when he was about your age. If you’d like, I am sure she could show them to you, and perhaps let you pick some things out to play with and perhaps take home with you.”

  “May I, Mama?”

  “Of course, darling, you go on with Lucy,” she told him, smiling in gratitude at Duchy’s thoughtfulness.

  That being all the encouragement he needed, Oliver practically leapt from his seat and moved quickly to Lucy’s side. Taking the young maid’s outstretched hand; he eagerly followed her from the room.

  Watching his son, the pride on Alec’s face was evident. However, taking a sip of tea from the cup his mother had just handed him, he was quickly distracted, nearly chocking on the warm liquid at his grandmother’s next words.

  “As much as I adore Oliver, do see to it that my next great-grandchild isn’t born until at least nine months after the wedding, won’t you dear,” she said, pinning Alec with a pointed stare.

  While Alec coughed and attempted to keep himself from choking to death, Scarlett blushed to the roots of her elegantly upswept auburn tresses. Alec’s mother seemed to be the only one not completely surprised by Duchy’s offhand remark.

  “Honestly, Duchy, must you be so vulgar?” Olivia queried, shaking her head at the older woman’s coarse comment.

  Gwendolyn looked toward Olivia with a knowing smirk. “You know you were thinking the exact same thing, Olivia Weston, and don’t you deny it. In fact, if we were to leave the two of them alone I’d warrant they couldn’t keep their hands off each other for more than five minutes.”

  Mortified, Scarlett silently prayed for a hole to open up in the floor and swallow her whole. Was their physical attraction to each other so obvious?

  “Duchy really!” Olivia admonished, glowering at her mother-in-law, her own cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. “You will have to excuse Alec’s grandmother my dear,” she said, turning to Scarlett, her expression nearly as mortified as Scarlett’s. “She seems to think her age has given her license to say whatever’s on her mind, be it appropriate or not.”

  “Oh twaddle,” Duchy said, looking not the least bit remorseful.

  By that time Alec had recovered from his choking ordeal and sent his grandmother a wry glance. “Truly Duchy,” he began, his tone more amused than anything, “Scarlett’s not as accustomed to your candor as mother and I are. If you’re not careful you are going to send her running back to the countryside before the banns are read.”

  “Oh I doubt that,” Duchy responded with a chuckle, turning to Scarlett. “I think our girl is made of sterner stuff than that. Aren’t you dear?”

  “Well, I would certainly like to think so,” Scarlett replied, her tone light, though her cheeks were still decidedly pink.

  “That’s my girl.” She smiled and gave Scarlett an approving nod, then turned to her daughter-in-law. “Now as to the wedding, Olivia, have you completed the guest list?”

  Forty minutes later, as Olivia and Gwendolyn stood at the front window watching Alec’s curricle pull away from the curb; Olivia noted the self-satisfied smile on her mother-in-law’s face.

  “You seem awfully pleased about something.”

  Linking her arm through Olivia’s, Duchy regarded her with a smug grin. “Despite the cynicism, that you my dear, had a hand in so foolishly imparting upon my grandson, I believe our darling boy has landed himself in the midst of a love match, whether he intended to or not.”

  “What makes you so certain?” Olivia inquired dubiously.

  “Because my dear, not only do I have eyes, I have faith in
my grandson. Mark my words, Olivia Weston,” she said with assertion. “That young lady is going to bring more joy to his life than he could have ever hoped for. He may fight it, but eventually he will succumb to the inevitable, and then our dear boy will finally have all that he deserves.”

  Later that evening, Alec and Colin once again entered the lobby of White’s side by side. As on their previous outing with Conner, the sight of them together was certain to illicit some good-natured ribbing from their peers, but now that Alec and Scarlett were appearing together in public, it was more important than ever for the two of them to act as if they were still the best of friends.

  Shortly after arriving, they were waylaid by the Marquis of Hatfield, eager to get Colin’s opinion on a well-known racehorse he was thinking of purchasing. Knowing Colin could easily talk horses all night, Alec excused himself after only a few minutes, and went to procure himself a drink. Eventually they would end up in one of the card rooms, but until then, it appeared that he would have to find another way to amuse himself.

  Noticing the Marquis of Fordham across the room, Alec grabbed his brandy and began making his way through the throng of titled gentlemen milling about; stopping occasionally to converse with those that beckoned his attention. As he did, he found himself the recipient of a great many questions involving Mrs. Scarlett McKinnon. Those who hadn’t seen them together at the National Gallery with their own eyes, had clearly heard the rapidly spreading gossip, and their curiosity had definitely been piqued.

  By the time he reached William Morton, he had alluded to several of his peers that he was paying court to Scarlett with her brother’s blessing, without coming right out and saying it. Colin would of course affirm Alec’s insinuations, and before long, everyone would know that he and Scarlett’s courtship was official. Then, in a few weeks’ time, they would be able to announce their engagement.

  “Good evening William,” Alec said in greeting as he approached. The gentleman William had been speaking with just moments before had moved off, probably to one of the card rooms and no one else was close enough to hear them, which was for the best. He intended to make it clear, in case the marquis hadn’t gotten the message the night before, that Scarlett was no longer available.

  “Worthe,” William responded, nodding politely in response.

  “Did you enjoy the exhibit last night?”

  “Indeed. It was an impressive collection.”

  “Scarlett enjoyed it as well. She seemed particularly fond of the landscapes.” No use beating around the bush, he decided. William was no fool and his expression told Alec that he knew exactly where the conversation was leading. The marquis’ next words caught him off guard however.

  “Did she?” He took a sip of his drink, the motion slow and relaxed, before he continued. “We spoke this morning when I stopped by the McPhearson residence, but the exhibit didn’t come up.”

  “I see.” Though his outward appearance reflected nonchalance, on the inside Alec felt anything but indifferent. Why in the hell hadn’t Scarlett mentioned anything to him about William’s visit? Despite her willingness in the coach, he suddenly couldn’t help wondering if Scarlett had developed feelings for William Morton as well.

  William regarded him in casual observation. “It would appear that congratulations are in order.”

  “Meaning?” Alec queried, certain that Scarlett wouldn’t have been so careless as to mention their impending engagement.

  “Meaning, you are a fortunate man to have garnered the affections of someone like Scarlett. She is an amazing woman.”

  Even as the rational part of his brain told him he was being ridiculous, Alec couldn’t help wondering if there was something more to William’s comment? Was there a reason Scarlett hadn’t mentioned Morton’s visit, and if so, exactly which of Scarlett’s amazing qualities had the attractive and charming marquis discovered? “I am well aware of Scarlett’s attributes William. However, I can’t help wondering just how aware of them you’ve become.” The sudden tightening of his features, and the cold, steely glint in his eye, clearly suggested that he was referring to more than just Scarlett’s captivating beauty, and enchanting personality.

  William’s own features turned hard at Alec’s crass implication. “I consider Scarlett a friend, so rather than adding another bruise to that disgustingly handsome face of yours, I am going to do you a favor and pretend that you didn’t just say that.”

  It was fortunate timing when a passing attendant happened to stop in front of them to take their empty glasses, handing each of them a full one in return. Silently, Alec cursed himself. What had he been thinking to suggest such a thing? Just because he had crossed the line of propriety with Scarlett on more than one occasion, didn’t mean William Morton was capable of the same deplorable behavior. Not only that, he had grossly and unjustly maligned Scarlett’s character as well. What the blazes was the matter with him? “Please accept my apology, William, I spoke without thinking,” he said, his expression contrite.

  “Yes, I believe you did.” His features relaxed somewhat and when he spoke again his voice was calm. “Apology accepted.”

  The two men stood in silence for a moment, to all outward appearances seeming like nothing more than two acquaintances sharing a drink. However, William’s next comment hit Alec like a blow to the gut.

  “He has your eyes.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t worry, she didn’t tell me. I figured it out on my own. And of course, you have my assurance that I will never speak of it to anyone else.”

  “What exactly are you implying William?” Alec asked, reeling from the offhand comment, spoken with such calm certainty.

  William looked him squarely in the eye, his expression revealing his earnestness and sincerity. “Like I said before, you are a fortunate man Alec. She obviously loves you a great deal. Most people don’t get second chances; don’t take this one for granted.”

  Before Alec could respond, Colin approached, finally having broken away from his discussion with Hatfield.

  “Fordham, how are you this evening?”

  “I’m drowning my sorrows,” he said affably, holding up his crystal tumbler. “Despite my interest, I fear your lovely sister has set her sights on Weston here,” he said, slapping Alec good-naturedly on the shoulder.

  Colin did his best to hide his surprise at William’s astute observation. Had Alec said something, he wondered. “Well, you may be right about that, but I hope you know how much we all appreciate the kindness you’ve shown her this past week.” He looked at William in genuine appreciation. “You helped make Scarlett’s entrance back into Society a resounding success and we owe you a great deal of gratitude for that.”

  “I’m sure she would have done just fine without me, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless.” Glancing back and forth between Colin and Alec, he smiled genially. “Now gentlemen, are we going to stand here all night, or shall I attempt to lighten both of your pockets?”

  “You can certainly try,” Colin responded affably.

  Chapter 22

  Over the course of the next two weeks, Alec and Scarlett were seen together at the theater, at the opera, in the company of the duke’s mother and grandmother, at several dinner parties, two balls and even the races at Ascot. No one seemed to have the slightest doubt that an engagement would be announced any day, and when the formal announcement finally appeared in the paper, the upcoming nuptials quickly became the most highly anticipated event of the season.

  For Scarlett, despite her outward display of happiness and excitement, the days leading up to the engagement had been fraught with turmoil. Though Alec was as charming and attentive as ever, and seemingly at ease about their upcoming marriage, she couldn’t help wondering what he was really feeling. He was obviously looking forward to furthering his relationship with Oliver, but as to his feelings toward her, she wasn’t certain. Ever since that momentous night in the coach, following their visit to the National Gallery, Alec had been
acting the perfect gentleman. He was obviously still attracted to her, but even so, he never made any reference to what had happened between them that night, and from then on, had only touched her in the most polite and courteous manner.

  Though he did an admiral job of disguising it, Alec was experiencing his own inner turmoil. The more time he and Scarlett spent with each other, the more he seemed to be falling under her spell. Their conversations had grown less and less strained in the past weeks, and more often than naught, they found themselves talking and laughing as they had in the past. Scarlett was like a breath of fresh air, and he was beginning to see just how much he wanted her, how much he needed her, in his life. Was he falling in love with her? The question seemed to enter his mind with increasing frequency, though he tried his best not to think about it.

  Despite the sexual tension that was almost always present between them, they didn’t speak of it, nor did they succumb to it as they had that night in the coach. It was almost as though by some mutual, unspoken agreement, they had decided to wait for their wedding night to reacquaint themselves with the overwhelming passion that seemed destined to consume them once again.

  Once the engagement had been announced, Duchy and Olivia quickly appropriated the majority of Scarlett’s time. She saw less and less of Alec as wedding plans seemed to occupy her nearly every waking minute. Although she would have been more than happy with a small, private ceremony, Duchy and Olivia had been horrified at the thought. Alec was a duke, a member of one of the oldest and most prestigious families in England, and a small, simple wedding was apparently out of the question.