Rakes and Rogues

by Boyd, Heather

  "I cannot wait to hear more! Perhaps I shall surprise Hugh this afternoon with my newfound knowledge."

  "I daresay he shall be surprised." Georgiana paused. "Especially if he is not the wastrel he once was, and is now quite the staid, respectable sort—"

  "I prefer stuffy," Felicia said with a giggle. "Or toplofty. Though I know it is for his daughter's sake. He worries so about her being born on the wrong side of the blanket."

  "Perhaps he must be convinced that you are the right sort of mother for his daughter. Once you relieve his mind of that worry, everything else will fall into place as it should."

  "It makes perfect sense. Although," she confessed, "I also want his heart. I fell madly in love, instantly, but this family curse does not appear to have affected Hugh in the same fashion."

  "He may need more time. As I did, with Simon."

  Georgiana's unabashed happiness made hope swell anew in Felicia's heart. She had consoled her best friend when it seemed all was lost, yet Georgiana and Simon had found their way around the obstacles keeping them apart. Surely Felicia and Hugh could do the same.

  "I can only hope it will not take as much time as it has with Great-Aunt Uproar."

  And she proceeded to fill Georgiana in on the gossip about her favorite relative and the family curse.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  "Lucinda, I believe it would be more prudent if we waited for your Papa."

  Felicia was fairly certain the groom was taking longer than usual to saddle the horse. She wanted to thank him for his assistance in delaying the headstrong little girl's plans, and assure him he had nothing to fear regarding his future employment. She would also ensure a generous bonus was soon on its way to him.

  Lucinda bounced on her toes, her excitement nearly toppling her over. "Papa will not be upset," she said with the confidence of a young girl who had her Papa in the palm of her hand.

  "Are you so sure, poppet?"

  Hugh lounged against the stable door, his arms crossed, doing his best to appear stern. He might have stood a better chance if Lucinda hadn't run to him with her arms held high, the very picture of genuine excitement.

  "Papa! I am going to ride the pony." She thrust her arm out towards the groom. "See?"

  "Lucinda," Hugh began.

  The minx kept her head turned away, as if fascinated by the process involved in checking the fastenings on the saddle.

  Hugh cleared his throat. At the same time he cast a look at Felicia that made her knees buckle. She had done her best to stay away from him the entire morning, so that she would not be tempted to recommence their interrupted wedding night. However, the heat in his gaze was melting her resolve.

  Fortunately, Lucinda had provided Felicia a very good reason to keep away from Hugh, along with an opportunity to demonstrate what a good mother she could be.

  Unfortunately, Lucinda had proved more of a handful than Felicia had anticipated.

  "Lucinda," Hugh said once more. This time he grasped her stubborn chin and tilted it his direction. Felicia smothered a giggle at how hard the child struggled to resist. At the same time, she sympathized, for she had been possessed of a similar strong will at her age.

  Some would say she had never outgrown her stubbornness.

  "Yes, Papa?" Lucinda answered with a bright voice. She even added a smile, as if hoping to distract her father from his lecture.

  Hugh's lips twitched, but only Felicia was able to appreciate the gesture.

  "You are not permitted to come to the stables, or to ride, without me present."

  "But—"

  "Which means you should only be here when you accompany me."

  "But—"

  "It is for your safety, poppet. I would perish if you were to come to harm." He squeezed her tight, his eyes closed as if to shut out the thought of her in peril. Felicia felt a chill race up her spine. She was so attached to the little girl already, and she loved Hugh so much. She could not bear the thought of him losing what he held most dear in all the world.

  Lucinda patted his head. "But I knew you would be here."

  "You are the most accomplished liar," Hugh said, laughing.

  She giggled too. "May I ride the horse now?"

  "Do I have your word you will not come here without me?"

  She nodded vigorously, making her curls fly in every direction.

  Hugh called out to the groom, who walked the horse over, holding the reins while Hugh sat Lucinda atop the patient animal.

  Lucinda's joy was palpable, for even the groom could not hold back a smile as she grinned and patted the horse's neck. She swiveled to find Felicia. "Look! I am riding the horse all by myself."

  "I can see that," Felicia croaked out, surprised at how nervous this entire experience was making her. "Hugh, you have a firm grip on her, do you not?"

  "Indeed I do," he answered. He turned her direction and winked. In the next moment, his lips lifted in the most beguiling fashion, as if he was imagining her in her nightrail. Her heart galloped madly, for she could not help but remember those delicious moments from last night.

  She shook off the wayward thoughts. She must focus on her parental responsibilities rather than the marital pleasures awaiting her in the hopefully-near future.

  Though it almost seemed as if Hugh were bound and determined to derail her efforts.

  Felicia watched Lucinda do her best to stay atop the pony by herself, pushing at Hugh's tight hold on her. Felicia had to keep her fists clenched at her sides so she could not give in to the urge to grab the little girl and hold her close.

  Being a mother was a more nerve-wracking proposition than she had expected. No wonder her brother had always been such a fusspot. Felicia knew she had not been an easy child to raise.

  She also felt a swell of sympathy for all that Hugh had taken on with the unexpected role of parent. It was bound to contain a great deal of anxious moments, especially with this adventurous child.

  Lucinda's delighted squeals caught Felicia's attention once more.

  "Faster, Papa. I want to go faster."

  "I know you do, but your Papa is not quite as brave as you are."

  He continued to lead the horse at a slow pace. Lucinda did her best to spur the horse on to greater speed, but the animal merely gave her an exasperated look over its shoulder.

  They made another circle and when they passed by Felicia, Lucinda cried out, "I want to go faster, Mama. Tell Papa to make the horse go fast."

  Hugh nearly stumbled, quickly catching his balance and then looking at Felicia to gauge her reaction. Felicia's heart thudded, harder than it ever had.

  Lucinda had called her Mama.

  She had not contemplated that Lucinda would consider her as a parent so soon. The child had barely lost her mother. Felicia had hoped that perhaps one day—

  She heard an insistent clap of baby hands, intent on pulling her out of the trance she had fallen into. She took a deep breath and did her best not to smile. The little minx would never listen to any guidance if she knew how amusing her antics were.

  "Lucinda, I can understand your desire to go faster. But as you can see, your poor Papa is about to swoon at the mere thought of it."

  He tossed her another devilish grin that Lucinda could not see. Fortunately Felicia was clasping the rail of the riding corral so she could not faint away at the gesture.

  "But—" Lucinda attempted.

  Felicia returned a determined stare. "We are just concerned for your safety. We want you to have many opportunities to ride Blossom here."

  Lucinda's lips pushed out in her trademark pout, and Felicia could see from the frown on her forehead she was digging for a rebuttal that would convince her parents to change their minds.

  To head off any further dissent, Felicia said, "How about we take a trip to Astley's Amphitheatre? You can see many horses there, along with acrobats and trick riders. I have not been in ages, but it has always been an amusing adventure."

  One corner of Hugh's lip pulled down, so
he was not enamored of the idea for some reason. But Lucinda squealed with delight, and Felicia instantly knew she was in trouble.

  How could she ever say no if this was Lucinda's response to yes?

  ~ * ~

  Lucinda's boisterous enthusiasm about Astley's had finally worn her down, and Hugh managed to persuade her a nap was in order, despite her repeated yawning assurances that she was not at all sleepy.

  Once he and Felicia were finally alone, Hugh had planned to show Felicia he was not just a staid, sour parental sort who could not stay awake on his wedding night.

  Unfortunately, he was forced to demonstrate he was a staid, sour parental sort who did not agree with her suggestion of an outing.

  "But why not?" Felicia asked. "Since Lucinda adores horses, she can enjoy them without either one of us fearing she shall come to harm. I can only imagine her delight when she sees all of the tricks the horses are reputed to do."

  "It is another harm to her that concerns me."

  He paced the room, to ensure the minx could not distract him. Although merely thinking about her was distraction enough. He strode to the farthest side of the room.

  "I do not understand. What sort of harm?"

  Felicia made her way closer, and Hugh told himself not to watch her. But how could he hope to resist the sight of her bosom rising and falling as she closed the gap between them? Unbidden came the memory of her dressed in far less than she wore now, though the material was likely just as sheer.

  He held up a hand, halting her. "Felicia, I do not wish to sound like a prude—"

  She snickered.

  He decided to ignore it. "But I am not sure you appreciate the difficulties Lucinda faces."

  She shook her head. "I am entirely perplexed, Hugh. Please tell me."

  "She was born on the wrong side of the blanket, as you are well aware, and I do not wish the ton to mock her or shun her, all because of my failings. It is very likely to occur if we attend Astley's, as it will be the first time she has been seen in public by anyone."

  Felicia's shock was plain to see. "Surely you cannot expect her to stay inside this house until she reaches her majority."

  Hugh gave her a rueful look. "I had hoped so."

  Felicia laughed and then barreled into him, wrapping her arms around him. He had no choice but to do the same to her.

  "Hugh, do not punish Lucinda for the shortcomings of the ton. Let them discover what a delight she is. They cannot do anything but love her. Just as I do."

  She nestled her head against his chest. Hugh felt hope taking root, close to his heart, and he was powerless to resist it, or Felicia's brand of logic. He gave one last attempt, however.

  "I could not bear for anyone to cause her even the slightest heartache."

  "Nor could I." She tilted her head back to look into his eyes. "And it would break her heart if we were to say now she could not attend, merely because we fear the ton's reaction to the circumstances of her birth."

  Felicia's reasoning warred with Hugh's need to protect his daughter. Still, he did not want to be the source of Lucinda's disappointment, especially for something that was his fault, not hers.

  Felicia must have seen him wavering, for she added, "Just to be certain, we shall gather reinforcements."

  "Such as Great-Aunt Uproar?"

  Her lips twitched. "I have always found it helpful to have another diversion on hand, to deflect attention from my own situations. She will prove most useful in that regard. Though I actually have another formidable weapon in mind."

  "Ahh, Flighty Felicia herself."

  "No, you silly goose," she said, hugging him tightly. "You shall just have to wait and see what I have in store."

  Her confidence that they could protect Lucinda, while giving her an enjoyable excursion, melted the last of Hugh's resistance. It also made him realize how stifling Lucinda's existence would be without Felicia's exuberance balancing his constant need for caution.

  Hugh tightened his arms around her. Now he was eager to heed some more sage advice: the recent counsel from Simon about enjoying his bride.

  Hugh lowered his mouth to hers, and relished the way she clung to him, opening her mouth to his without hesitation. He pressed her even closer to his very aroused body. To his delight, she moved slowly against him, back and forth, as if needing even more of the contact.

  His brain was filled with numerous licentious thoughts, and his body was ready to act on every one of them. Felicia appeared eager to follow wherever he might lead her. He glanced around the library, tempted to set her atop the desk so he could explore her passion further. It would not do for Felicia's first time, however. Perhaps later, once they had been lovers for a long while.

  The soft sounds coming from her lips nearly drove him mad. He plucked at the edge of her bodice, but it did not give way.

  "This is not proving cooperative," he murmured.

  She smiled, her lips still against his. "It is the latest in chaperone design."

  He gave her a mock scowl. "You have no need of chaperones now, Lady Weyson."

  Her exposed skin pinkened, and she shivered, just slightly. Perhaps it was from his fingertips brushing even lower on her decolletage than previously. Or perhaps she found their playful banter as arousing as he did.

  He stopped, moving back a pace so he could gather his wits—before he convinced himself they could indulge themselves right where they were.

  "Hugh," she pleaded.

  "Felicia—"

  Just then the door opened slowly, and Lucinda peered around the corner. She was clearly excited about the upcoming excursion, and wanted to talk about what they might see and do. Hugh gave Felicia's bodice a regretful glance.

  Felicia gave him a quick peck on his cheek before rushing over to chatter with Lucinda about what Astley's held in store.

  Though his body was disappointed at Felicia's departure, Hugh's heart filled with more emotion than he thought he could bear, just from watching his wife entertain his daughter. Felicia continued to surprise him, in many ways, and for the first time he began to believe everything would work out as he had always hoped.

  Yes, it seemed he had no cause for worry after all.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  It was just as dreadful as he had feared.

  Hugh wanted to groan when he saw everyone's heads snap their direction, their jaws dropped in shock. He kept his eyes straight ahead as he led Lucinda and Felicia to the private box he had booked ahead of time.

  Lucinda was too excited by her surroundings to notice people gawking, whispering behind their hands, or worse, turning aside with a cut direct. He gripped his daughter's hand firmly, to reassure himself more than anyone.

  "Hugh," Felicia whispered, sliding her hand into the crook of his elbow. "We shall weather this."

  Her words were strangely calming. He had experienced enough scandal to last ten lifetimes, but it meant nothing compared to what Lucinda might have to endure.

  "Does your plan include a fast carriage and a race for the border?"

  "No," she said with a laugh. "At least not yet."

  He nearly sagged with relief when they finally arrived at the entrance to the private box. He ushered Felicia through, and once she was safely inside, he led Lucinda to the edge of the railing, to give her a better vantage point.

  "Papa! The horses!"

  Lucinda's squeals could likely be heard in the next shire, especially since the entire crowd had quieted the minute she had uttered the word "Papa".

  Hugh straightened his shoulders, and somehow managed to refrain from growling at everyone staring their direction. He was not about to let anyone, not even him, spoil his daughter's enjoyment of the day.

  He lifted her into his arms, holding her aloft so her view of the arena was not restricted. She turned back to say something to him, and all at once her face lit up with unabashed glee. She squealed again, only this time she squirmed in his grasp.

  "Papa, look who is here."

  If Felicia
had not giggled just then, Hugh would have guessed the King himself had strolled in. Instead, it was the next best possibility: Felicia's brother, the Duke of Enfield.

  "Lucinda, it is such a delight to see you once more." Julian sauntered into their box, and in full view of the crowds leaning to get a better look, raised Lucinda's chubby fingers to his lips. "I hope I shall be invited to another tea party in the near future. I so enjoyed our last one."

  Predictably, she blushed and hid her face in Hugh's neck. In the next instant, she reached her arms out toward Julian. The man did not hesitate. He scooped her into his arms and bounced her jovially, as though he had done it for years.

  Hugh could not help but laugh, watching his bachelor friend play the proud uncle, dispelling Hugh's fears for his beloved daughter.

  All at once, a crowd made their way into the small confines, intent on making Lucinda's acquaintance. Julian cheerfully made the introductions, and Lucinda entertained everyone with all the grace of a miniature duchess.

  Somehow a bevy of debutantes had managed to surround Felicia as well, chirping and chattering, delighted that their idol was in their midst once more.

  Hugh stood outside the circle of his wife's admirers, bemused. Of all the things he had fretted about this outing, having it turn into a veritable crush had not even occurred to him.

  He divided his attention between watching Lucinda's new admirers, and observing the jubilant crowd around his wife. He did not attend to the young misses' conversation—until one of them exclaimed, "Have you heard the latest on dit? Miss Lansdale has eloped!"

  Hugh's gaze snapped towards Felicia, but she merely nodded and smiled at the news he found utterly surprising. When she noticed him regarding her, she gasped, a little too theatrically. "Indeed? And when did this occur?"

  Hugh could not hear the answer, what with all of the women rushing to be the first to relate the specific details. He would learn more about it soon enough.

  But first there were horses and acrobats for his daughter to enjoy. His eyes darted back towards his wife. He could not resist the chance to enjoy Felicia in her element as well, a prelude to later pleasures he had in mind, ones which had been delayed much too long.