by Cheryl Holt
“Caleb has to know how to contact me. In case the Greys are awful to him, he has to be able to locate me.”
“I don’t think they’ll be awful, Annabel. After he grows up, he’ll control all the money so they’ll work to be on his good side. It’s how rich people view these matters.”
“I suppose.”
“Won’t you visit Aiden Bramwell before we head to the country?”
“I can’t. When I ran into him, he seemed friendly but his brother is earl. What if I stopped by Aiden’s home and his brother was there? What if he was as rude to me as my grandfather was?”
“You’re much older now. You could punch him in the nose and tell him he’s a pompous blowhard.”
Annabel laughed and took a last look around. “I liked living here.”
“It served its purpose, but Master Michael will earn another full purse, and we’ll find a new residence for you—a nicer one.”
“I’ll cross my fingers.”
“With me watching over you, maybe we’ll settle in for longer periods.”
“You make everything better, Peggy. Why didn’t you leave Lydia years ago?”
To her surprise, a brisk knock rapped on the front door. She couldn’t imagine who it would be, and she hoped it wasn’t an irate person seeking her brother.
She and Peggy exchanged a dark scowl, clearly wondering if they should be silent then someone called, “Annabel! Annabel, are you in there?”
Annabel gasped. “Isn’t that...Caleb?”
“It certainly sounds like it.”
Annabel rushed over and yanked the door wide. Caleb was standing there, grinning as if he’d played the best trick ever.
He resembled the lord he would eventually become as an adult. His hair was slicked back and tied with a ribbon. He was attired in a blue coat, tan trousers, and knee-high black boots that were buffed to a shine. Over top, he wore a great coat, fitted for a boy instead of a man, and she had to admit Soloman Grey was doing an excellent job with him.
He’d come in the Lyndon coach, the big crest on the side, and his outriders were dawdling in the rain, awaiting his next command.
It was a cold, drizzly afternoon that had perfectly matched her gloomy mood, but suddenly she was smiling with joy, so glad she could bust.
“Why are you here, you scamp?” she asked.
“Did you receive a nasty letter from my cousin, Benjamin?” Caleb replied.
“Ah...yes, I did.”
“My brother, Soloman, told me that he and Benjamin plan to keep us apart. I’m not to be permitted to see Miss Peggy or Michael either.”
She’d tiptoed out onto thin ice with him and was conflicted over what her response should be. She would hate to dig herself into a deeper hole with Captain Grey, but could she dig a deeper hole? He’d already moved on and had forgotten how fond they’d once been.
“Well, yes,” she said, “he mentioned our not fraternizing.”
“Soloman is being ridiculous. Of course we’ll fraternize. You’re my aunt.”
Annabel frowned. “Not really, Caleb. Not anymore.”
“Bah!” he scoffed. “You’re my aunt, and it doesn’t matter to me if others pretend you’re not.”
“Your guardian has a different opinion.”
“Soloman can say whatever he likes, but it’s up to me to decide what I want. Then he makes it happen for me.”
He was exhibiting the arrogance that had driven poor Mr. Boswell to his limit. When Caleb got an idea in his head, there was no dissuading him, and she almost felt sorry for Soloman Grey. Caleb would constantly overwhelm him with the full force of his personality.
“What is it that you want?” she asked. “What will Mr. Grey have to make happen for you?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You and Miss Peggy will live with me at Lyndon Hall.”
“Live with you?” she cautiously said.
“Yes, and Michael too. Is he here?”
“No, he’s gone to the country to a house party.”
“Can you contact him for me?”
“Yes.”
“Write and tell him he’s to come too. There are several suites you might like, and you can pick your favorite. The whole place is a bit of a mess, but I’m having it fixed for you.”
She blew out a heavy breath and glanced at Peggy, desperate for her advice. His snooty Grey relatives wouldn’t like her to arrive, but when had she ever let others determine her behavior? It was Caleb’s property. It was Caleb’s new life. He wanted her there. If Soloman or Benjamin Grey were upset, so what?
“Mr. Grey might kick me out,” she said.
“He can try, but he won’t succeed. I will always take care of you.”
She glanced at Peggy again, and Peggy shrugged. “Why not? What have you got to lose?”
Annabel couldn’t conceive of a single thing.
“What if I show up, and they’re angry?” she asked. “What if they’re angry with you and demand I leave?”
“Then I will demand that you not.” Commands rested easily on his shoulders, as if he’d been born to greatness—which he had. “Besides, I need you to be friends with Soloman’s fiancée. Lady Theo?”
“I don’t know her,” Annabel said.
“She’s much too shy and polite so she should be friends with you. It will be good for her.”
“I hope she thinks so. I hope Mr. Grey thinks so too. And what about Captain Grey? He’s quite a stickler for the proprieties. He might be the most incensed of all.”
“Don’t worry about Benjamin,” he insisted. “He can bark orders into infinity, but he could never force me to do what I don’t wish to do.” She hesitated, realizing it was probably the worst notion ever but she was so anxious to agree. He saw her vacillation and said, “Truly, Annabel. If Benjamin doesn’t like it, he can jump off a cliff.”
It was the perfect remark to persuade her. She’d been having the same sort of attitude about Benjamin for ages.
“All right,” she said. “I’ll come to Lyndon Hall, but if we stir a pot of outrage you better stand up and act as my champion.”
“Always, Annabel. Always.”
He went to the door and hollered for the footmen to fetch her things. Luckily, she was already packed, and in a few quick minutes they were loaded and in the carriage. They were laughing and merry, and despite what occurred at Lyndon Hall later on, just that moment life was brilliant.
’M NOT ENGAGED ANYMORE.”
“Is that good news or bad?”
Benjamin stared over at Soloman and shrugged. “I think it’s very good news.”
“How old is Veronica now?”
“Twenty.”
“The last time I saw her she was ten, and I can’t make myself view her as being grown up.”
“She still acts as if she’s ten,” Benjamin said. “I told her I wouldn’t spread this story, but I suppose I can share it with you.”
“Ooh, Veronica has secrets?”
“Not secrets precisely, but definite character issues. The past few weeks, she was pursuing a very serious flirtation with Michael Fenwick.”
“Fenwick? Isn’t he a confidence artist and charlatan?”
“Yes. Initially, he’d glommed onto Wesley which was unnerving, and I forbade Wesley to remain friends with him.”
“Did it work? Did he listen?”
“Eventually. Fenwick is possessed of every dubious trait, and if he ever shows up here, you might consider hiding the silverware.”
Soloman scowled. “Why was he flirting with Veronica? Was he after her fortune? Was he planning to elope with her? What was his game?”
“I’m sure it involved extorting money from someone. Most likely me.”
“She was betrothed to you when you were marching down the road to becoming an earl. She had to realize—if she was caught—it would have wrecked everything. It boggles the mind.”
“Yes, it does.”
Soloman smirked. “You’ve always been incredibly vain. You can’t have lik
ed hearing she fancied a frivolous boy over you. Is your ego completely deflated?”
“Not really. I’m actually delighted to be out of it. I forced her to retire to the country to reflect on her choices before she throws herself at some other poor sap.”
“She’s very rich so some idiot will latch onto her.”
“Yes, well, as I pointed out in very severe terms, she needs to mature a bit before she’s a bride.”
“Will she heed you?”
“Who knows? I tried my best to put the fear of God into her. Time will tell if I had any effect.”
They were at Lyndon Hall in the front receiving parlor. The room had quickly been restored to its prior grandeur. Evening had fallen, the day very short, and it was cold and rainy outside. A hot fire burned in the grate.
They were enjoying a whiskey, and soon he’d go upstairs to wash and change for supper. With Theo still in town, it would be a casual affair and he was looking forward to having a quiet meal with his cousin.
He’d just finished his trip to Scotland where he’d left Lydia Fenwick at the convent. He seriously hoped he never had to deal with her again. She was an odd, gloomy person who was mad as a hatter. When the convent gate had clanged shut behind him, he’d been so relieved.
He was anxious to continue on to Grey Manor, but he’d had banking and legal business to conclude with Soloman. The following morning, he would head home and lock himself in while he decided what his future should hold.
Though he claimed he hadn’t wished to be Lyndon, he was feeling adrift.
He’d been on a path to marriage, inheritance of vast properties and wealth, and a membership in the peerage. Then Annabel had burst into his life, Caleb had been found, and every boon had vanished. He wasn’t marrying. He wasn’t inheriting wealth or property. He wouldn’t be an earl.
What did he want to do next? What should he do? He hadn’t resigned his commission in the army, and he’d been debating whether he shouldn’t simply return to his regiment and carry on in the manner he relished.
But Wesley was intent on soldiering himself, and Benjamin didn’t believe the family should have both their men in harm’s way. And Benjamin was thirty. Shouldn’t he wed as was expected?
He hadn’t been overly enamored of Veronica, but there were hundreds of suitable females from whom he could pick. Shouldn’t he select another? Yet the whole notion of sifting through a slew of girls, of flirting and courting and finally choosing one was too exhausting.
And of course, after meeting Annabel, he couldn’t imagine any woman tempting him as she had. All others would pale by comparison.
“How was Lydia Fenwick when you departed?” Soloman asked.
“She was insane, and I was thrilled to be shed of her.”
“We should never be bothered by her again.”
“If we are,” Benjamin shot back, “you get to fuss with her. I deserve sainthood for offering to take her north.”
“You didn’t ride in the carriage with her, did you?”
“Gad, no.”
“But she’s settled?”
“As much as a lunatic can be. I’m not certain she understood what was transpiring.” They were sitting on chairs by the fire, a decanter of liquor on the table between them. He refilled his glass and casually inquired, “Have you heard from Annabel or Michael Fenwick?”
“Not a peep,” Soloman said.
“I’m surprised. I sent Miss Fenwick that letter you demanded I write, and I was very harsh in my tone so she’d grasp how determined you are to keep her away from Caleb. She’s stubborn though so I figured she’d show up just to spite you.”
“She hasn’t shown up so far. Then again, I wasn’t here much the past few days. Theo is still hiring staff in London, and we don’t have a butler yet so I haven’t been able to tell anybody to watch out for her.”
Benjamin scoffed. “If you think you could prevent her from doing whatever she pleases, you don’t know her very well.”
“And you do?”
He couldn’t stop his cheeks from heating. “I spent time with her so I witnessed some of her mischief.”
“Yes, Caleb mentioned you and she were very friendly.”
“I wouldn’t call it friendly,” Benjamin insisted. “She was merely a guest at Grey Manor when her brother was at my bachelor party.”
“Caleb said you were sweet on her.”
“Caleb said that?” Benjamin snorted with disgust. “He’s a boy. Why would he even notice such a thing?”
“He claims you were constantly following her and checking on her.”
“He’s as deranged as Lydia.” Benjamin was desperate to shift the focus away from himself and Annabel Fenwick. “How is Caleb anyway?”
“He’s quickly adapting, but he’s bossy and impertinent.”
“He takes after you and your father.”
“He has the new servants wrapped around his little finger. They obey him without question.”
“I suppose that’s a benefit.”
“Within reason,” Soloman said. “He went to London today.”
Benjamin frowned. “By himself?”
“He took the carriage and several of the footmen.”
“What was his mission?”
“I can’t persuade any of them to tattle. He’s sworn them all to secrecy, and they won’t betray his trust. They’ve pledged to never be disloyal to his grand self.”
“He’s ten,” Benjamin said. “I realize he’s an earl, but he’s a child and you are his guardian. They should remember who’s paying their salary. Yes, it’s Caleb’s money, but you can fire people without hesitating.”
“They all worship him. I can hardly terminate a servant for being incredibly devoted. That’s generally viewed as a positive trait.”
“Is he back from his jaunt?” Benjamin asked.
“Yes, and he informs me he’ll grace us with his presence at supper.”
“How magnanimous of him,” Benjamin sarcastically said. He pushed himself to his feet. “I need to change my clothes. My boots are wet, and I’m chilled to the bone.”
“Even though you’ve been sitting in front of the fire? Why didn’t you speak up? You didn’t have to dawdle with me if you were that uncomfortable.”
“Lydia Fenwick froze my extremities, and the rain on the journey didn’t help. I’ll be back down shortly.”
“I’ll tell the cook,” Soloman said.
“You have one?”
“Yes, I instructed Theo to make it her first decision. This property is awful enough. I wasn’t about to starve while I’m getting it repaired.”
“I’d feel sorry for you,” Benjamin chided, “but the horrid condition is all your fault.”
“I’ll have it all fixed before you know it.”
“I’m glad. I always loved this old house.”
Benjamin headed for the door as Soloman said, “Have you any idea how marvelously smug I am right now? It was so satisfying to stare those asshole bankers in the eye and force them to discuss Caleb with me.”
“You never believed the worst. You always thought he’d come home safe and sound.”
“Yes, I always thought so.”
Soloman raised his glass in a toast then downed the contents.
“I think your father’s ghost is hovering,” Benjamin told him. “I think he’s happy and resting easier.”
“I think he is too,” Soloman agreed.
Benjamin was smiling as he went to the foyer where the staircase was newly swept and polished. Several of the bedroom suites were ready for use, and he intended to sleep in the one that had been his as a boy.
There were candles in the sconces to light his way, and he climbed to the second floor and started down the long hall. Just as he reached his door, the door opposite opened, and Annabel stepped out.
He was so astonished that he blinked and blinked, not at all sure he wasn’t hallucinating. The entire journey to Scotland he’d contemplated naught but her. He wished he’d been acquaint
ed with Cecil Fenwick so he’d have had some sense of how she’d been reared. In a world where girls were praised for being boring and plain, she was like a shooting star blazing across the universe.
He’d pondered her until he was fixated beyond reason. Then he’d tried not to ponder her, but it had been impossible. Was she actually standing there? Or was she an illusion?
She confirmed her presence by striking a saucy, sexy pose. “Hello, Captain Grey. Fancy meeting you here.”
She was dressed for supper, wearing a fabulous green gown, the cleavage cut low and providing such a beautiful display of bosom that he was weak in the knees.
“Annabel?” He was aghast and delighted in equal measure. “What the hell are you doing at Lyndon Hall?”
“Why, I live at Lyndon Hall, Captain,” she haughtily retorted, “and I’m on my way to dine with my nephew.”
“You can’t be here,” he stupidly said when it was obvious she’d arrived and moved in.
“We can quarrel later, Captain. I’m certain you have plenty to say, but you can say it to Lord Lyndon. I’m certain he will have plenty to say too.”
She smiled her sinful, seductive smile and continued on.
ANNABEL WAS TREMBLING AS she walked away from him.
She’d understood—by coming to Lyndon Hall—she would eventually bump into Captain Grey, but she hadn’t counted on it happening quite so soon.
Instead, she’d been bracing to tangle with Soloman Grey. As Caleb’s guardian, she supposed—despite what Caleb might demand—he could have her evicted. But he didn’t realize how stubborn Caleb could be. He might be a Grey by birth, but he had a definite streak of Fenwick in his personality.
She hadn’t yet mustered the energy to spar with Captain Grey. He overwhelmed her with his caustic temper and boorish arrogance, and he was the sort of rude oaf who might physically pick her up and toss her out.
He’d been in the army too long and was accustomed to barking orders, but she was Cecil Fenwick’s daughter and she had never been good at obeying.
It was painful to be near him. He left her feeling maudlin and emotional. She yearned to grab him by the lapels of his expensive coat and ask, Why couldn’t you have chosen me? Why wasn’t I enough for you?
