The Hero Least Likely

by Darcy Burke

  “Exactly! Imagine my pristine cousin being caught out in the open engaging in such atrocious behavior. I, for one, am so proud of you. Congratulations, Perry. You’re human after all.”

  His wife turned to Mister Robinson, hands on her hips. “Was this your doing?”

  He placed a hand to his heart, his jaw dropped. “Agatha, I am hurt, truly I am. I had nothing to do with this. This charming and witty lady came up with that kiss all by herself.”

  Paula’s face flushed and she lowered her gaze, unable to make eye contact with any of them.

  “No, it wasn’t her,” Perry said, reaching around her and retrieving his cane. Rising to his feet, he added, “It was me. She’s innocent. I-I took advantage of her.”

  At that, Mister Robinson burst out laughing. “No one will believe you’re clever enough to lure an innocent out here to kiss.”

  “Christopher,” Agatha warned through gritted teeth.

  “I like her,” he told Agatha, pointing to Paula. “She’s exactly the kind of wife my cousin needs. Finally, there will be some excitement in his boring world. Now going to his dinner parties will be something we can both look forward to.”

  Her face grew pale as she glanced at Perry. “We have always enjoyed your dinner parties. Christopher doesn’t know what he’s saying.”

  Christopher rolled his eyes and said in a low, monotonous voice. “Lord Roderick, I discovered a new chess maneuver today as I twiddled my thumbs in the library, waiting for dinner. Care to hear it?” He pinched his nose and continued, “Of course, I do, Lord Clement. Playing that dull game is the only thing that interests me. Well, besides giving that no-good Christopher grief.” Then he let out an evil laugh.

  Agatha groaned. “This is what I get for not taking you out to the country when you wanted.” She walked over to Perry and Paula. “Please forgive my husband. He hasn’t gotten enough sleep and thinks everything he says is funny.”

  “I don’t get enough sleep because you keep me up all night, my dear.”

  She closed her eyes for a moment then shook her head before opening them. With a smile, she continued, “I’m sure this wasn’t what it looked like. No one needs to know about this.”

  Christopher snorted. “If we do that, he’ll never make it to the altar. I’m telling everyone what I saw.”

  “Christopher,” Agatha admonished, but he was already in the ballroom. With a sigh, she lowered her voice and told Perry, “I think he’s afraid that what happened with my sister will happen again.”

  Paula studied Perry then Agatha, wondering what they were talking about.

  “Why does he delight so much in scandals?” Perry muttered under his breath.

  “Boredom,” Agatha quickly answered then laughed. “He bores so easily.”

  Paula’s eyebrows furrowed. She sensed that Agatha was covering something up. Perhaps Agatha knew Christopher had allowed her to be out here on the veranda alone with Perry and didn’t want Perry to find out?

  “I suppose there’s no stopping him,” Perry said and looked at Paula. “I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry?” Paula asked. Was he sorry he was stuck marrying her?

  “You did nothing wrong,” Perry told her then offered Agatha an apologetic smile. “I admit that acting as unbecomingly as I did isn’t something I’d ordinarily do, but I came out here and…and…” He cleared his throat and twirled his cane. “I was overcome by her beauty and acted inappropriately.”

  So that was what he was doing. He was trying to make it so people would assume he was the one who took advantage of her in an attempt to protect her reputation as much as possible. She breathed a sigh of relief. Good. He would marry her. And that meant she didn’t have to marry the Duke of Leavenshire.

  Not surprising, her brother rushed out of the ballroom and over to her, his face carefully controlled to hide his anger. She knew he wouldn’t like the latest developments, but there was nothing he could do about it, especially since Christopher was telling everyone that she was caught kissing Perry, which was a smart maneuver on his part. She couldn’t help but admire his quick thinking.

  “What happened?” her brother asked, glancing from Perry to her.

  “This is my brother, Mister Leighton,” Paula told Perry and Agatha. “This is Lord Clement and—”

  “I don’t care who they are,” he interrupted and pointed to the corner of the veranda. “Get over there so I can talk to you.”

  “No.” She crossed her arms.

  His face grew red. “No?”

  “No. I’m not under your authority anymore. I’m under Lord Clement’s authority now since we are to be married.” What a relief it was to say that!

  Perry winced. “I don’t know if I’d use the word ‘authority.’”

  “But it’s true,” she insisted.

  “Can’t we say you’re my betrothed instead? It sounds more pleasant than saying you’re under my authority,” he said, his eyes meeting hers in such a gentle way that it made her very pleased she’d chosen him to replace the duke.

  “Betrothed is just fine,” Agatha said then smiled at Paula’s brother. “Mister Leighton, I assure you that Lord Clement is an honorable gentleman.”

  “Then what was he doing deflowering my sister on the veranda?” her brother snapped, gesturing to Perry.

  Perry balked at the accusation, and Paula couldn’t blame him. A kiss was hardly as personal as making love.

  Agatha laughed. “Lord Clement was hardly deflowering her.”

  “I can handle this,” Perry told Agatha then turned to Paula’s brother. “Mister Leighton, it’s not my intention to do any damage to your sister’s reputation. I will marry her.”

  Her brother grunted. “Her reputation? Don’t you know who she is?”

  Perry glanced at her. “She’s your sister.”

  “That’s enough,” Paula told her brother, knowing exactly what he was getting at. “Lord Clement, I’ll be very happy to marry you,” and she meant that in ways that didn’t have anything to do with the duke.

  Christopher stepped back out onto the veranda, a wide smile on his face. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to my cousin. I’m so glad I could be here to witness it.”

  “And what’s so great about it?” her brother demanded, turning to him.

  “Everything,” Christopher replied as if the answer was obvious. “This is the happiest day of my life.” He glanced at Agatha and winked. “Besides the day we got married, of course.”

  Agatha sighed.

  “I must talk to my sister.” Her brother shot Paula a pointed look. “Alone.”

  “There’s nothing to say,” Paula replied, edging closer to Perry. “Nothing can be undone. Besides, Lord Clement was just suggesting he take me to Gretna Green at once.”

  “He what?” her brother demanded.

  “I what?” Perry asked in shock.

  “Bravo!” Christopher clapped his hands. “Quick on her feet and beautiful. Perry has done well this time, wouldn’t you agree, dear?” he asked Agatha who rolled her eyes.

  Her brother’s jaw clenched for a moment before he forced a smile in Perry’s direction. “Will you and,” he glanced at Christopher and Agatha, “your friends please excuse us for a moment?”

  Perry shifted from one foot to the other, tapping his fingers on the tip of his cane. “Since I’m going to be her husband, I believe it’s my right to stay here and address any concerns you have.”

  Paula was so relieved—and happy—that Perry decided not to leave her alone with her brother that she almost kissed him again. The only reason she didn’t was because a group of onlookers had gathered onto the veranda. She’d already created enough gossip for the busybodies. There was no sense in adding to it.

  Her brother closed his eyes for a moment then opened them in a way that indicated he wished he could get what he wanted but didn’t know how. Finally, he relented. “I suppose my concerns can wait. We’ll discuss them another time.”

  Perry nodded, hi
s expression void of any emotions as her brother headed back into the ballroom.

  As much as she wanted to ask what he thought of her brother, she didn’t dare. She’d done enough damage already. So far, everything was going much better than she expected. If she could do her part to ease him into the marriage from this point forward, that would be all the better.

  “Perhaps we should go back into the ballroom,” Agatha suggested. “There’s no sense in staying out here all night when we can enjoy our time inside.”

  “I agree.” Perry turned to Paula, his arm extended to her. “I might not be able to dance, but we can discuss the details of our wedding while reclining in two chairs.”

  “Why not recline with her on your lap, cousin?” Christopher asked, a wry grin crossing his face.

  “You’ve done enough for one night,” Agatha muttered to her husband. “Miss Leighton, I wish to be the first to welcome you to the family. The gentlemen might have their quirks, but they are honorable and well-deserving of a lady’s love.”

  “Ah, thank you,” Christopher replied. “I’m flattered you speak so openly about your love for me.”

  “I was referring to Lord Clement as well.”

  “Yes, I know. He was the quirky one. I was the one who was honorable and deserving of your love.”

  “As you can tell,” Agatha told Paula who was fighting the urge to laugh at their good-natured banter, “you are going to be a part of a very interesting family.”

  “Thank you,” Paula said, already liking Agatha and Christopher immensely. “We’ll have to have a dinner party so you can get better acquainted with everyone.”

  Perry frowned. “By everyone, do you mean Lord Edon will be invited, too?”

  “Of course. I’d like to find out what mischief Lord Edon’s up to these days.”

  Paula felt Perry stiffen and glanced at him, surprised that his cousin’s statement should bother him, but she gathered from the amused expression on Christopher’s face that he enjoyed provoking Perry.

  Agatha placed her hand on Christopher’s elbow and said, “We’ll send an invitation when you return from Gretna Green,” before she led Christopher back inside.

  Perry offered her an apologetic smile. “He used to be my ward before he married her.”

  She slowed her pace to match his as he limped to the ballroom. “He says things in hopes it’ll bother you.”

  “I know. I tell myself not to let him know when he bothers me, but that’s easier said than done.”

  “Well, maybe one of these days, you’ll be able to do it.” Feeling the tension ease from his muscles, she smiled, very glad that Christopher had led her to such a wonderful gentleman.

  FOUR

  Perry knew Christopher had something to do with the scandal that just ensured he’d finally get married, but this was one time he didn’t mind Christopher’s mischievous behavior. Had this happened a year or two ago, he would’ve been appalled that his cousin had arranged for him to get married this way. However, after going through many frustrating Seasons and a failed engagement, he was more than willing to go along with his cousin’s latest scheme.

  And he had to hand it to his cousin. He had a good eye for beauty. Miss Leighton was breathtaking with her wavy dark brown hair that framed her heart-shaped face. Her cheeks were flushed at the moment, no doubt from all the activity. Her full lips were slightly open, reminding him of how much he’d enjoyed the kiss she’d given him on the veranda. Yes, his cousin had chosen well, and Perry decided he could forgive him for all of the grief he’d put him through as his ward.

  As he led Miss Leighton to the side of the ballroom, Nate hurried over to them. He figured his friend would want to talk to him as soon as he learned about the scandal, but he hoped to have a moment to talk to Miss Leighton first, to explain that he meant it when he said he’d marry her and that he wouldn’t tell anyone she had initiated the kiss.

  “My lady,” Nate greeted, quickly bowing to Miss Leighton. Before she had time to utter a greeting in return, Nate turned to Perry. “May I have a word with you in private?”

  “I’m not sure now is a good time,” Perry slowly replied. “I have to discuss some things with Miss Leighton first.”

  “I won’t take long.”

  Perry hesitated, glancing at Miss Leighton. He really didn’t want to leave her alone, especially after watching the tense exchange between her and her brother.

  “I’ll be fine,” she assured him and gestured to a nearby chair. “In fact, I wouldn’t mind sitting over here for a few minutes.”

  “I don’t know,” Perry murmured, scanning the ballroom for her brother. He didn’t see him, but that didn’t mean her brother wasn’t still here.

  “My wife can keep Miss Leighton company,” Nate offered as Claire strolled over to them.

  Perry guessed Nate had found Claire and asked her to talk to Miss Leighton so he’d be able to whisk Perry back to the veranda.

  “I don’t mind,” Miss Leighton insisted, offering Perry a lovely smile.

  He really couldn’t imagine how any lady could be more attractive than the one standing before him.

  “Well?” Nate pressed, bringing Perry’s attention back to him.

  With a sigh, Perry nodded. “All right. Miss Leighton, I’ll return shortly. If your brother returns—”

  “We’ll deal with it then,” Nate interrupted and patted his friend on the shoulder. “I need to talk to you. Now.”

  Perry had time to nod to Claire before he felt himself nearly being pushed in the direction of the veranda by a very impatient Nate. “My cane, Nate,” he muttered under his breath.

  “Sorry.”

  Nate slowed his steps so Perry could keep up with him as they walked to the veranda. Whatever his friend wanted to talk about, Perry had a nagging suspicion that he didn’t want to hear it. But to his credit, Nate didn’t say anything in front of the other people and for that, Perry was relieved.

  As soon as they were on the veranda, Nate stood in front of him, looking like a gentleman who was preparing for some bad news. “Are the rumors true?”

  Rumors? Perry couldn’t help but wonder exactly what rumors were going around regarding him and Miss Leighton. “The rumors?”

  “Yes, the ones about you and Miss Leighton.”

  “Exactly what are the rumors?”

  With an exasperated sigh, he stared at his friend. “You know very well what people are saying in there. The fool who used to be your ward is going all over the ballroom spreading them.”

  “Christopher is only explaining what happened.”

  “So it’s true? You lured Miss Leighton onto the veranda and thrust yourself upon her?”

  The choice of words Nate used made Perry laugh. “Lured her out here? Thrust myself upon her?”

  He crossed his arms. “I don’t see what’s so funny about any of it.”

  “I know Christopher has a tendency to exaggerate, but even that one was unexpected.”

  “All right. He might not have used those exact words, but he made it clear that you were too friendly with Miss Leighton.”

  “I’d say she was the one who was too friendly with me.”

  Nate released his breath. “I knew it wasn’t your doing.”

  “But I don’t mind that people think I instigated the kiss.”

  “What?”

  “Actually, it was rather flattering. She could have chosen anyone to get caught in a scandal with and she chose me.”

  “Are you daft?”

  “Not at all. My wits are still intact.”

  “She just trapped you—intentionally—into marriage.”

  “Yes, that about sums it up,” Perry agreed.

  “And you don’t mind?”

  Leaning on his cane, he shrugged. “Why should I mind? Did you see how beautiful she is?”

  “A beautiful lady doesn’t come up to you and kiss you unless she’s after something.”

  “Granted, that’s true.”

  “Doesn’
t that bother you?”

  “Nate,” he began, wondering how he might explain it so that his friend would understand, “I’m tired of going from one Season to another without finding a wife. I’m tired of people snickering behind my back and saying I’m the earl who’ll never get married, no matter how hard I try.”

  “And now they’re all going to say you created a scandal so you would get married.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “But it’s a scandal.”

  “Just about everything we do can become a scandal.”

  Nate gasped, stepping back. “You’re not the same gentleman I’ve known since childhood. The thought of being caught in a scandal used to frighten you.”

  “And look at how well that worked for me,” Perry pointed out then gestured to him. “You were caught in a scandal with Claire, and you’re happily married. Not only that, but you have an heir. Lord Edon made up a lie about him and Lady Catherine being engaged and the next thing we all know, they’re married, too, and he has a child on the way. It seems to me that playing by the rules has gotten me absolutely nowhere. Then suddenly something unexpected happens, and I’m finally engaged, and not only am I engaged, but because of the rumors, Miss Leighton won’t be able to end the engagement like Agatha’s sister did.”

  “Not every marriage begins with a scandal. Christopher wasn’t involved with one when he married Agatha.”

  For some reason, Perry still found that one hard to believe, especially since Christopher delighted in causing mischief. “He might not have been caught in something, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a little bit on the rakish side in order to secure Agatha’s hand in marriage.”

  Nate opened his mouth to protest but then relented. “Probably. Otherwise, someone as refined as her would never have agreed to marry him.”

  Perry smiled at his friend. “It’s nice to know I have a friend who will do everything he can to help me avoid scandal or marriage to a lady I don’t want.”

  “Marriage is one of those things that will make you miserable if you don’t have the right lady.”

  “And lucky for me, I have the right lady waiting for me in the ballroom.”

  “I hope so.”