What had she done?
Chapter Nine
Brothers!
The Peabodys had always been something of an impulsive lot. But this… Ruining Claire in the eyes of society… Well, that had just been reckless. Standing between Fairchild and Dorrill now, in Fairchild’s study, Ben hoped he wouldn’t live to regret the rash suggestion he’d made last night.
The notion of never seeing her again, though. Of being cut off from her enchanted light, the heightened awareness of life while in her presence. He’d experienced an acute and immediate loss at the prospect.
He’d realized that the only way he could prevent that disaster was to force her brother’s hand. Take the choice away from him.
Away from his own brother, as well.
Clemson might never speak to him again.
Only, knowing Clem, he’d likely twist the entire situation to their advantage somehow.
“Over my dead body,” Dorrill persisted in refusing to grant Ben permission to ask for Claire’s hand in marriage.
“That can be arranged,” Ben suggested, annoyed at Ethan Dorrill’s stubborn arrogance.
“Now, now.” Fairchild, ever the arbiter, took a seat behind his desk. “Sit. Both of you. The fact of the matter, Dorrill, is that your sister has been thoroughly compromised. If you don’t allow her to marry Peabody here, well then, you’ll want her out of sight. Going forward, she’d become more of a liability. The way I see it, Ben here is willing to step up. Wash your hands of her if you must, but don’t hurt your own prospects in the process.”
Ethan and Ben both spoke at the same time.
“You’ll do well to remember that’s my sister you’re speaking—”
“I’ll be damned if she’s simply sent—”
Ben couldn’t keep a smirk from appearing on his face. Apparently, he and Ethan Dorrill agreed on one thing. They both cared for Claire Dorrill.
“It would never work.” Claire’s brother dropped into a vacant leather chair, leaving Ben the only man standing. But as Dorrill brushed a hand through his unruly head of hair, Ben understood.
The man believed he’d have to cut her from his life completely if she married Ben. Just as Ben had grown up with mostly only Clem for support, Ethan Dorrill loved his sister. What with the feud between their two families, Dorrill might even find it necessary to disown her.
And God damn it, some truth existed in the notion.
Ben needed to speak with Clem. This war between their competing companies had gone too far. If he could bring Clem here to Elysium Fields, perhaps some sort of truce could be negotiated.
But how could he pull off such a meeting? He’d never get Clem to come knowing Ethan Dorrill would be in attendance. Perhaps with the assistance of Fairchild…a man whose company both of them depended upon…
“Let’s not be rash,” Ben suggested. “Speak with your sister. I’m quite certain she has an opinion in all of this.” More than certain, he wanted to chuckle. Claire Dorrill wasn’t one to sit meekly by when it came to deciding her future. “Meanwhile, I’ll make a quick journey back to London to speak with my brother. I’m certain we can work something out.” Ben also felt it necessary to add, “But I will be marrying Miss Dorrill.”
Ethan Dorrill’s nostrils flared at Ben’s last declaration, but, at least, he seemed to consider the rest of Ben’s words. Fairchild nodded enthusiastically.
“Three days,” Ben added. He could easily make it to London and back in that timeframe—and if all went according to his plan, he would return with Clem.
After what felt like an eternity, Ethan Dorrill dropped his chin in a nearly imperceptible nod. “I’ll give you three days, but don’t expect my opinion to change. I’ll inform her of your journey, but mark my word, when I leave, Claire will leave with me.”
Ben merely raised his brows.
“Take your time, Peabody.” Ethan sent him a scathing glance as he rose. “Won’t change a thing.”
When the door closed behind him, Ben met his host’s stare and shrugged. “My apologies for the upheaval.” But Ben would not apologize for taking necessary steps to ensure he wouldn’t find himself estranged from Claire Dorrill.
James Fairchild shook his head and chuckled. “Impudent pup. Reminds me of myself at your age. But good God in heaven. Taking on your brother’s biggest rival. Yours now, I imagine.”
Ben rubbed his jaw. “Not necessarily.”
“I’d like to hear your reasoning on this.”
“This…rivalry. It’s gotten out of hand. I’m thinking that perhaps with your assistance, you and I might negotiate something of a truce between Dorrill and my brother. If you’d be willing to exert some of your influence, refuse to play them against one another…they might realize they both stand to gain by setting some of their differences aside.”
The older gentleman tapped a pencil on his desk as he considered Ben’s suggestion.
“They undercut one another continuously,” Ben continued. “If a truce could be negotiated, both companies stand to profit. But I need your help in getting them to accept the wisdom of this.”
Fairchild nodded and then seemed to come to a decision. “Tell me what you need.”
After having Dolores work wonders with her hair and donning the prettiest gown she owned, Claire anxiously awaited a summons to Mr. Fairchild’s study.
And waited.
And waited.
When a knock finally sounded at her door, she thought she’d surely come completely unraveled.
Only it wasn’t the summons she expected.
Ethan stood in the foyer looking pained, but also slightly devious.
“How quickly can Dolores have you packed and ready to leave?”
His words didn’t register immediately.
Had Ben decided to take her to Gretna Green? He’d not mentioned anything of the sort. And wouldn’t he come to her himself? He wouldn’t send her brother with such an important decision, surely!
“What are you talking about?” She would not leave with Ethan before speaking with Ben. She had a betrothal to agree to…and eventually, she’d have a wedding to plan.
“Your most ardent suitor”—Ethan jerked his thumb in the direction of the staircase—“departed the estate less than twenty minutes ago.”
He wouldn’t!
No—no—no!
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not. Ask Miss Fairchild if you don’t believe me. Of course, I refused him an opportunity to ask for your hand. But he didn’t fight. I didn’t even order him to leave. In fact, the very idea was his.” Ethan sent her a piercing stare. “Left in quite the hurry, too.”
Claire shook her head in disbelief. “But…that’s impossible. He said… He promised…”
Ethan’s jaw clenched. “Why would you be so foolish as to believe a promise from one of the Peabodys? When will you learn to listen to me?”
None of this made sense.
Benjamin Peabody loved her. Oh, God, but he’d never admitted to so much.
A cold, empty feeling washed through her and settled into her heart.
He’d been the one to suggest the plan. He’d been the one to come to her chamber. He’d even been willing to face Ethan’s wrath.
When she’d been willing to lie with him—with embarrassing enthusiasm, no less—he’d told her he wanted to wait.
That first kiss had evolved into a series of tastes and touches which had nearly driven her mad. Claire had felt his arousal against her. And…she’d hungered for him.
But he’d denied them both.
So, none of this made any sense, at all. If Ethan was lying to her, she’d rip his billy goat ears right off that gigantic head of his.
But if he wasn’t… A strangled gurgle tore up her throat.
“I’ll ask Amy.” She lifted her chin. This wouldn’t be the first time Ethan had tried to manage her life.
“Go right ahead.” That devious look in his eyes hadn’t disappeared yet.
Claire swept
out the door and down the foyer. She’d learn the truth before making any rash decisions. Because leaving with Ethan would be rash, indeed. Even if she didn’t have a choice in the matter.
****
“You did what?” Clemson’s fists slammed down on the desk and his face contorted in rage. “Why on earth would you do something like that? What aren’t you telling me?”
Knowing his brother’s temper, Ben poured them both a few fingers of scotch and handed one of the glasses over. “Couldn’t help myself,” he told his confounded looking brother in a matter-of-fact manner.
“You couldn’t…? You…?” Clem shook his head in disbelief.
Ben fully understood his brother’s confusion. Because he, Ben, had always been the self-disciplined, levelheaded brother. Clemson was the impulsive, reckless one.
“The chit has ruined me for all others.” Ben tossed back the entirety of his drink. When he’d first made the decision to leave Fairchild’s estate, he’d thought it best to do so without delay. As he’d ridden, regret and foreboding both niggled at him.
He should have explained his departure to Claire himself. He ought not to have trusted her brother to convey the nature of his journey.
Although, Fairchild knew the truth of it. Likely, his daughter would, as well.
Still.
He ought to have discussed it with her. He should have made a point to bid her farewell. Already, his arms ached for her.
He’d done the honorable thing and now his body plagued him with regret. As did his mind.
She’d been willing and more than enthusiastic. His hands, his lips, he knew, had awakened sexual desire in her.
Such a sweet innocent. And yet Ben had denied himself. Despite this scheme he’d come up with in order to force her brother’s hand, in truth, he was unwilling to take advantage of her. He wanted to wait to make love to her. Doing otherwise, without knowing she fell under his protection, would place her in danger.
When he’d become such a bastion of goodness and morality, he couldn’t say. He only knew that Margaret Claire Dorrill deserved to be afforded the same respect as that bestowed upon the highest ranking duchess in all the land.
He’d relied upon all his self-control, clenched his teeth, and insisted upon sleeping on the floor. Not that he’d slept much, if at all. He’d tossed and turned, even been tempted to relieve his frustrations himself, but hadn’t wanted to wake her.
What response would she have had to that?
He couldn’t think of that. The thought of her eyes on him…
“You want to marry her?” Clemson’s words broke into Ben’s thoughts. “When did you say you met the gel?”
Ben laughed ironically at himself. “I’ve barely known her two days.”
Clem’s brows rose in surprise.
“I know. I know.” It seemed insane. The notion that he already knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life getting to know her. The notion that he already knew he wanted her to be the mother of his children. “It’s insane, but I just know.”
“Hm.” His brother just stared at him. “Ethan Dorrill won’t make this easy for you. Even with your ruining her.”
“I didn’t ruin her.” Ben wouldn’t hide the truth from Clem. “I only made it appear as though I did.” He went on to explain the nuances of his plan. “But Dorrill still opposes it. He’d rather his sister be sent away to live in obscurity than marry a Peabody. That’s why I need you.”
“I know what you’re thinking, and I can promise you he won’t be willing to make any agreements with us. Despite the savings we’d both achieve with economies of scale.”
“Fairchild has agreed to intervene.”
Clem sighed deeply. “Can’t hurt to try. Not every day that your baby brother falls in love.”
Falls in love…
Ben hadn’t thought in terms of that word but… He supposed that was what had happened.
He’d fallen in love.
Chapter Ten
Betrayed
“So, he has truly departed?” Claire had finally located Amy in the garden.
Amy nodded and Claire hated feeling the pity emanating from her friend. “Mother disapproved. She’ll be speaking to father, I promise. I cannot imagine why my father allowed him to get away after…” She frowned sympathetically. “Oh, Claire. What will you do?”
Claire blinked away the tears threatening to well up and overflow. Ethan had been correct. The blasted Peabodys were nothing but lying, bottom feeding swindlers and cheats.
He’d lied.
He’d promised they’d become betrothed. Had he simply changed his mind? Had she, Claire, done something to alter his opinion of her? She wished she understood.
He’d reassured her with his eyes before leaving her chamber that morning. Love had shown from those brilliant blue eyes of his.
Why had he changed his mind?
“I suppose I’ll have to leave with Ethan.” But Mrs. Fairchild had witnessed a man in her bedchamber. And Mrs. Fairchild was one of the worst gossips she knew. “I don’t suppose your mother has kept all of this to herself?”
Amy dropped her lashes. “Mama was with the Gibson sisters when she confirmed that he left. They all have quite strong opinions on the matter.”
So Claire truly had been ruined.
And then a horrifying thought struck.
He’d done it to hurt her brother! To hurt Ethan’s reputation and business prospects.
Benjamin Peabody had used her to hurt her brother. “He used me, Amy!” Claire’s hand covered her mouth to prevent a sob from breaking free. “He used me to hurt Ethan.”
The sobs escaped anyhow.
“I didn’t think he would ever do something like that.” Amy held Claire through her sobs. “I really did not. He’s always seemed such an affable sort. If it’s any consolation, I would have fallen for him, too.”
“I’m such a fool! Such a stupid, gullible fool!” He didn’t love her. He hadn’t even wanted to lie with her. He’d only wanted to ruin her! “Oh, God!”
“Miss Claire,” Dolores’s voice reached her from several yards away.
Claire stepped away from Amy and wiped at her eyes. She’d save her blathering for later.
“Mr. Ethan wishes to depart soon. I’ve packed most of your belongings, but wondered if you wished to change into a gown more suitable for travel.”
Claire glanced down at her gown. She’d wanted to appear pretty for Benjamin. She’d worn something special for the occasion of her marriage proposal.
Suddenly, she never wanted to see this gown again. She wanted to burn it. And she wanted nothing more than to go far, far away. Away from these people who would not only believe her to be foolish but also fast. A scandal was certain to blow up.
“I’m sorry if any of this affects you, Amy.” The consequences of what she’d done could possibly harm her friend by association. Acquaintances and friends would not be so forgiving of a young woman who gave her virtue so easily.
“Bah.” Amy waved one hand in the air, but Claire also saw concern behind her eyes.
Yes, it was best to depart as soon as possible. “You’ll let me know?”
“I’ll write you every day. You’ll be annoyed at the enthusiasm of my correspondence. Will you be in London?”
Claire sighed. “Perhaps. I’m sure my brother will forward your letters if I am not.”
The two girls embraced and then Claire made haste back to her chamber.
Only when they were on the road did Claire give in to tears again. It didn’t help when Ethan pointed at her sternly with the obnoxious comment that he’d told her so… Blasted brothers!
****
Clemson and Ben set off for Elysium Fields early the next morning. Of course, it would rain. Buckets and buckets. Dogs, cats…all sorts of mammals came tumbling out of the English clouds.
Clem wanted to delay their departure, but Ben was feeling an urgency to get back to Claire.
He’d never had feelings for a woman tha
t remotely resembled the tumult now tearing around inside.
Had he imagined her feelings for him? Would Ethan Dorrill easily dissuade her from marrying him? At the same time, he anticipated holding her in his arms, feeling her soft curves along the length of his body. Tasting her. Kissing her.
They’d marry soon. He didn’t want a long betrothal. There was no reason for one, really. He knew. She knew.
But did she? The doubts intervened quickly enough, his thoughts traveling in an endless spiral of angst.
In addition, a cold fear pressed against his heart. Fear that she would not be there when he returned. In Ben’s enthusiasm to smooth the way for this alliance, he’d trusted Ethan Dorrill to wait three days before giving him a final decision.
Ben hadn’t been overly bothered at the possibility that Dorrill would remain stubborn. He’d simply surmised that if her brother refused to give his permission, he’d run her up to Gretna Green.
But as Ben rode the long highway with his brother silently plodding along beside him, he ran through that last discussion he’d had with her brother over and over again.
Had Ethan Dorrill promised to stay at Elysium Fields for three days? Or had Ben merely heard what he wanted to hear? Had he attributed his own wishes to those of that bastard?
As lightning struck and thunder raged, Ben could not for the life of him recall Dorrill, in fact, declaring that he would not take Claire away before Ben returned.
She had to be there.
The thought of her not being there gave him chills. Because Dorrill could hide her away anywhere.
At this thought, Ben wanted to urge his mount into a gallop, but he knew better. The muddied road became dangerous for horses in conditions such as this. Besides, they couldn’t run indefinitely. He’d merely wear the poor beast out.
The miles passed slowly, and they didn’t arrive until after dark.
****
“What do you mean they’ve left?” Ben ran his hand through his hair. Clemson reached out a hand to clasp Fairchild’s in a friendly greeting.
Not Another Nob (The Marriage Maker Book 32) Page 6
