Rake & Romance

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  “Problems?”

  “Just a few logistical issues to work out.” He gave Juliet and Stephanie a smile. “Don’t forget, we’ve two additional guests to welcome this afternoon. I’ll be back before then.”

  Stephanie giggled. “I can’t wait to see Augustus. And for your sake, Juliet, I’m so glad Cody could come along.”

  “It’s a wonderful turn of events.”

  As Juliet slid a surreptitious glance toward her sister, Kitty covered a smile with her napkin. When Philip had returned from London the day before, he’d spoken to them both about the demise of the arranged marriage between Augustus and Stephanie. Although Juliet was well aware she and Cody were to resume their ruse, she wondered if he would find it too distasteful to bear. Should worse come to worst, she could always announce she’d broken their engagement. If Cody wasn’t forced to pretend affection for her, perhaps he’d be more civil.

  “Stephanie, shall we practice ‘Sleeping, I Dreamed Love’ after breakfast?” Juliet asked.

  “Oh, yes, please do,” Kitty urged. “I’d like to have a salon tonight.”

  Stephanie wrinkled her nose. “Are you absolutely sure I won’t make a fool of myself? I’ve never sung for anyone before.”

  “With a little more practice, you’ll perform beautifully.”

  Kitty nodded. “I couldn’t help but overhear you singing yesterday, Stephanie, and I thought you did well.”

  Juliet nodded. “Just think how surprised and pleased Augustus will be at your performance.”

  “All right. Mercifully, the lyrics are short.” Stephanie sighed. “I’ll practice for an hour, but then I’d like to ride.”

  “What a wonderful idea! I could use the exercise. Kitty, would care to join us?”

  “Why not? I haven’t been on a horse since I arrived in Grovebrook.”

  “Here’s an idea; let’s practice our song later and go riding now.” Stephanie’s face shone with excitement.

  Juliet gave her sister a quizzical glance, and Kitty responded with a smile. “Let’s visit Prudence. It’s a bit early to be paying calls, but she always loves company.”

  A half hour later, the three ladies had donned riding habits and were guiding their mounts down the driveway. The route to town was edged on either side by burgeoning fields of wheat.

  “Just seeing all these crops reminds me of making corn husk dolls back home,” Stephanie said.

  Juliet and Kitty exchanged a puzzled glance.

  “What are those?” Juliet asked.

  “Oh, Indian women use husks and thread to fashion dolls. One of the squaws showed me how to do it when I was a little girl.”

  Kitty gave her a startled glance. “Indians?”

  Stephanie laughed. “Our ranch was in the southeastern part of Texas and didn’t encroach on Comanche territory, so they didn’t bother us. In fact, many Texian ranchers took women of Indian descent for brides.” She glanced at Kitty. “Speaking of territory, does all this land belong to Lord Philip?”

  “Yes, but most of it is let to tenants. A sheep farm is located about a half-mile from here and there’s also a vineyard on the far side of town. An apiary is located adjacent to the vineyard. The tenant—Mr. Atkins—will have a booth at the festival to sell honey and candles. We’ll be sure to purchase large quantities of each for Constance Hall.”

  Stephanie took in a deep breath of fresh air. “Cody will love it here in the country.”

  Her statement piqued Juliet’s curiosity. “Is Grovebrook anything like Texas?”

  “Not especially, but it’s far more picturesque and varied. In parts of Texas, you can ride for days and never see any living creatures but birds and prairie dogs.”

  “Or snakes.” Kitty giggled. “I’ve never seen Prudence go so pale when you mentioned snakes after dinner the other night.”

  “I don’t mean to pry, but Prudence mentioned an estrangement with her father.” Stephanie frowned. “I feel very sorry for her.”

  “Lord Trestlebury couldn’t accept her marriage to Lord Kirkham, I’m afraid,” Kitty said.

  “But Lord Kirkham is excellent company and exceedingly amiable! I can’t imagine anyone finding fault with him.”

  “Yes, but he’s also a viscount without any sort of fortune. Lord Trestlebury felt it was a tremendous comedown for Prudence and turned his back on them both. Fortunately, Lady Trestlebury is thrilled with her son-in-law. She’s been to visit several times, on her own.”

  “It hurts my heart to think Prudence’s father could be so cold and unfeeling.”

  Having recently been accused of the same flaw, Juliet felt compelled to argue the point.

  “I don’t agree with Lord Trestlebury’s decision, but you must look at the situation from his perspective. Prudence is his only daughter, and he wanted her to marry well. I have the feeling the man overreacted to her elopement and now doesn’t know how to mend the fence.”

  Kitty nodded. “You could be right, Juliet, but Philip informs me that Lord Trestlebury is quite rigid in his thinking. It will take a miracle to change his mind.”

  Chapter Ten

  Ivy

  JULIET, STEPHANIE, AND KITTY settled into Prudence’s cozy parlor, where the chairs were draped with white doilies. A knitting basket on the floor was heaped with an afghan-in-progress, and a large spinning wheel sat in the corner. Stephanie was particularly enchanted with the graceful device. “You can spin? You must show me how to do it sometime during my visit.”

  “I’d be more than happy to show you. I find spinning to be extremely relaxing.”

  Kitty peered at Prudence, concern etched on her features. “You’re most awfully pale.”

  Juliet had also noticed the bloom on Prudence’s cheeks was absent. “Are you unwell? Perhaps you ought to go lie down.”

  “I may have eaten something that disagreed with me, but I can’t decide what it may have been. Since the upset comes and goes, I’m entirely uncertain.” A brief smile reached her lips. “I actually made poor Freddie sleep in the guest room last night so I could get some rest, but it didn’t help.”

  Kitty rose. “Shall I ask Nettie to bring you a cup of tea?”

  A nod. “Thank you, yes. Tea is the only thing I’ve managed to keep down this morning.”

  As Kitty hastened from the room to go in search of the cook/housekeeper, Stephanie gave Prudence a sympathetic smile.

  “I’m so sorry we bothered you. It’s entirely my fault since I insisted on riding to town.”

  Prudence shut her eyes for a long moment and pressed a handkerchief to her mouth. When the wave of nausea passed, she breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’ve come, actually. It gives me something to concentrate on other than the location of the chamber pot.”

  Kitty returned. “The tea is on its way.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How long have you been married, Prudence?” Stephanie asked.

  “Oh, I suppose it’s been over six weeks now.” She managed a giggle. “Seems like it was just yesterday.”

  Stephanie cleared her throat. “Forgive me for being blunt, but have your courses been regular?”

  Prudence’s eyes widened. “I haven’t thought about it.” She frowned as she pondered the matter. “I’ve not been bothered with them since the wedding.” A flash of fear crossed her face. “Do you suppose that means there’s something terribly wrong with me?”

  “No, not in the least.” Stephanie gave Kitty a wry smile. “Do you have a midwife in Grovebrook? I expect you’ll have need of one in another eight months or so.”

  If the Texian had suddenly performed a magic trick, the room could not have been more astonished. Juliet and Kitty both gasped in surprise. Prudence peered at Stephanie, shock clearly registering on her pretty features.

  “But it’s too soon for something like that!”

  “Not at all.” She giggled. “In matters such as these, I’m far less sheltered than most girls my age. In Texas, the ladies banded together and shared all sorts of i
nformation that might make you blush. I think it quite likely you’re to have a baby by early spring.”

  Prudence’s hand dropped to her tummy, as if by doing so she could somehow discern the possible life within. “I-I couldn’t possibly be that fortunate, could I? Freddie will faint! Oh, but I mustn’t say anything to him until I’m absolutely certain. You must all promise to do the same.”

  “Since it’s your secret to tell, we’ll all keep your confidence,” Kitty said.

  Juliet nodded. “I wouldn’t dream of spoiling your surprise.”

  “Things should become more obvious in a month or two,” Stephanie said. “Fortunately, feeling ill usually passes after three months.”

  The tea arrived then, and the three ladies fussed over Prudence, fetching a footstool for her feet and a pillow to cushion her chair. By the time they said their good-byes, Juliet was pleased to see a little color had returned to the woman’s face.

  As Juliet rode back to Constance Hall with Stephanie and Kitty, her admiration for the Texian had risen even higher than before.

  “Stephanie, you don’t shrink from things which would give most girls the vapors,” Juliet said. “I’m rather in awe.”

  She waved away the compliment. “Thank you, but it’s just a reflection of my upbringing. I’ve even seen cows and horses give birth, so there’s not much that disturbs me anymore.”

  Kitty giggled. “Grandmama frightened me so much about marriage on the eve of my wedding, I had nightmares. I’m happy to report she was wrong.” She glanced at Juliet and Stephanie. “Love does indeed conquer all.”

  Juliet smiled, but fell silent thereafter. Love might conquer all, but why did it have to be so complicated? She’d believed herself to be in love with Augustus, but Cody had proved otherwise. Now she found herself infatuated with a man who both disdained her character and couldn’t wait to depart from England. Would she ever meet another man who excited her in the way he did, or was she destined to settle for a merely comfortable fit? Certainly, none of the gentlemen she’d met this past Season had stirred her senses whatsoever.

  Her hands tightened on the reins as she realized Prudence’s good news meant a more pressing problem had arisen. The fortunate lady might still be willing to accompany her to Little Brambleton, but Juliet didn’t have the heart to ask. In her current condition, the motion of the train might upset her stomach and the whole journey would be a disaster. How was she to visit Violet now? With houseguests to care for, Kitty was altogether too busy to leave Grovebrook. Juliet sighed. Even though the presence of an unchaperoned girl might raise the eyebrows of fellow travelers, she’d just have to manage the excursion alone.

  As Cody stepped from the hired carriage, he viewed Constance Hall with approbation. In fact, after he and Augustus had departed the Grovebrook rail station, very little had met with his disapproval. He’d enjoyed driving through the cheerful well-kept village, with its quaint architecture and friendly faces. In addition, the sight of flourishing fruit trees and crops gave the place a sense of prosperity and made him glad he’d come.

  “Why, Constance Hall is utterly charming! And it’s quite a manageable distance from the train station.”

  Augustus nodded. “Yes, everything I’ve seen reflects creditably on Philip. I’m impressed.”

  People began pouring from the house, from the butler and servants, to Philip, Kitty, Stephanie, and Juliet. Cody bowed to Philip, who introduced him to Juliet’s sister. Although Cody thought the woman was absolutely stunning, Juliet’s delicate bone structure and large, expressive blue eyes made him yearn to carry her off to a flower-laden bower where they could be alone. He’d been a fool for taking her to task the way he had, and he had no explanation for it.

  “Hello, querida. I’m very glad to see you.”

  “And I’m glad to see you.”

  The rote recitation of greetings was for his sister’s benefit, but the exchange fell far short of genuine sentiment. Would Stephanie wonder why the spark between him and Juliet was so restrained? When Cody bent to deposit a kiss on Juliet’s soft cheek, he was surprised she tilted her face to receive the gentle caress with seeming pleasure. Either she was a very good actress, or her attraction to him had not completely vanished. His eyes dropped to her luscious mouth, but he dared not risk stealing a genuine kiss. Juliet would undoubtedly slap his face in response and Augustus would probably thrash him afterward. His visit would certainly not be off to a good start.

  He didn’t realize he was staring at Juliet until Stephanie gave his arm a squeeze.

  “Cody, you’re looking at your fiancée as if you were starving wolf and she were a tender rabbit. Behave yourself.”

  “Oh, forgive me.” Cody felt his cheekbones burn, and he tried to cover his embarrassment with a joke. “Juliet does look delectable, however, and I’m longing for some tea.”

  Philip laughed. “You’ve arrived just in time then. Let’s go inside and I’ll have it brought around.”

  Stephanie linked her arm with Juliet’s on the way to the drawing room, and bent her head closer to whisper, “I noticed your quarrel with my brother was quickly forgotten!” She giggled. “He’s never been as enraptured with any girl as he is with you.”

  “I suppose we’re so glad to be reunited, our disagreement has been pushed aside for now.”

  “I’ll hope it stays that way.”

  Stephanie sank into a chair, and Juliet settled herself onto the horsehair sofa. When Cody sat down by her side, waves of pleasure coursed through her body. How could the man be so despicably handsome? He’d woven a spell like some sort of warlock, and she felt irresistibly drawn to him. It was only by an extreme act of will she hadn’t met his lips with hers in the courtyard.

  Augustus and Cody chatted about the journey, but Juliet was so preoccupied by her wicked thoughts that she scarcely paid any attention to what was being said. After the tea tray arrived, she nibbled on a slice of freshly-baked lemon cake, which was at once tart and sweet. A large crumb fell into her lap, and before she could react, Cody reached out to pick it up.

  “Allow me.” His fingers hovered near her mouth until her lips parted, then he put the crumb on her tongue. “Can’t have something so delicious go to waste, can we?”

  “No,” she managed.

  When her eyes met his, she saw the fire within them. Hers were apparently not the only wicked thoughts accompanying the tea! She averted her gaze, reminding herself how much she resented the man who called himself her fiancé. No wonder Stephanie had warned her away from Cody; he really was a wolf.

  Augustus put down his teacup. “I have news of some significance which you all ought to hear.” He produced a beautiful ring and held it up. “I brought this ring of engagement with me as a token of my intentions. Miss Gryphon, I came to Constance Hall with the intent to woo you, even though the necessity for our union no longer exists.”

  “No longer exists?” Stephanie echoed. “I don’t follow your meaning.”

  “My father’s estate isn’t in financial jeopardy and never was, as it turns out.” He nodded toward his brother. “Thanks to Philip, we uncovered a critical asset we’d overlooked. My father and Lord Horatio have agreed to cancel our contract of marriage, and you’re now under no obligation to accept me. Nevertheless, with your permission, I’d like the opportunity to court you properly.”

  Stephanie glanced at Juliet, as if gauging her reaction. Instinctively, Juliet knew if she showed the slightest hesitation or dismay, her friend would be terribly hurt.

  “What a fortuitous circumstance! I’m so pleased for you, Stephanie.” Juliet reached for Cody’s hand. “You deserve to fall in love, just like your brother and I have.”

  “I quite agree.” Cody brought Juliet’s hand to his lips.

  “I’m not asking for your answer to my proposal just yet, Miss Gryphon.” Augustus slid the ring into his pocket. “When you say yes, I want you to be absolutely sure.”

  “If that’s the case, I won’t give you my answer right now
.” She smiled. “But you do have my permission to court me.”

  The tense muscles around Augustus’s mouth eased, and Kitty and Philip breathed a visible sigh of relief.

  “Well, all things considered, I think a bit of sherry is in order.” Philip rang for a servant. “I feel like celebrating.”

  Augustus’s delighted expression made him look almost boyish. “Hear, hear.”

  When the sherry arrived, the servant handed glasses all around.

  “Here’s to courtship.” Cody lifted his glass by way of a toast and took a sip.

  “To courtship,” everyone answered.

  As Juliet drank her toast, she noticed Augustus give Stephanie a beaming smile. A wistful feeling slid down her throat along with the sweet wine. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to have Cody pursue her the same way.

  After tea, Philip offered to show Augustus and Cody the stables, and Kitty excused herself to confer with the cook about dinner. At loose ends, Juliet and Stephanie brought their dogs outside to a hedged-in side yard so the animals could play. As the pups tussled and chased one another across the velvety grass, Stephanie gave a contented sigh.

  “I’m so very glad you’re in love with my brother. Otherwise, when Lord Elbourne told me the arrangement between us had been canceled, I would have thought he meant to throw me over in your favor.”

  “You’re joking, of course.”

  “Yes, I’m teasing. Obviously, everyone can see how you and my brother are with one another. The way he regards you is almost scandalous!”

  “I confess, I enjoy it.” Juliet’s words rang true. Even though she was aware Cody was feigning his admiration, it was easy to get caught up in the pretense. The trick was to avoid being ensnared in it.

  “Lord Kirkham behaves the same infatuated way with Prudence, and Lord Philip acts as if there is no other woman in the world when Kitty is near.” Stephanie’s eyes sparkled. “I was ready to accept Lord Elbourne’s proposal, if he offered one. Now, however, I’m looking forward to the courtship. Out here in the country, nobody will disapprove of our little flirtations or gossip about our tête-à-têtes.”