Rake & Romance

by Suzanne G. Rogers

  “I’ve just returned from calling on Prudence.”

  “How is she?”

  “Feeling quite blue, I’m afraid, but I think she’ll perk up in a day or two. It’s you I’m worried about.”

  “I-I can’t think what you mean.”

  “Yesterday, upon one of the occasions Philip and I were chased away from the berry bushes by bees, we decided to try the cherry orchard instead.”

  Juliet’s face grew hot. “Oh.”

  “It’s obvious you’re in love with Mr. Gryphon, and he with you.”

  “We’ve not said so…not with words at any rate. But after he left today with only a short note of farewell, I must assume he’s a rake who has intentionally misled me as to his feelings.” She shrugged, even as her vision blurred with tears. “Of course, our sentiments are beside the point anyway. It’s quite impossible to be in love with someone who lives on an entirely different continent.” Hadn’t Cody told her love should be impossible? Perhaps he truly meant it.

  Kitty put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “Don’t despair. I suspect Mr. Gryphon is only returning to London to speak with his cousin. You never know if he might not be at Constance Hall for dinner tomorrow night.”

  From across the grounds, Stephanie’s giggles reached their ears.

  Juliet gave Kitty a crooked smile. “Say nothing of this to Stephanie. She’s so terribly happy with Augustus, I don’t want my despondent mood to spoil things for her.”

  “I won’t say anything whatsoever because I’m convinced there’s nothing to say. Mr. Gryphon is a man in love, and a man in love can’t possibly be parted from his lady for long.”

  “I’d like to believe you.”

  “Be of good cheer, Juliet. I have the feeling everything will work out for the best.”

  Cody arrived at Lady Lovejoy’s residence midafternoon, and discovered his father reading a book in the library. Horatio glanced up when he strode through the door.

  “What are you doing here, Cody? Is anything amiss with your sister?”

  “Stephanie’s quite well, I assure you.” Cody brought him up to date on recent events, including the fact his sister was aware he wasn’t genuinely engaged to Juliet.

  Horatio blanched. “I’m amazed she didn’t insist on leaving Grovebrook, forthwith!”

  “She nearly did, but Juliet convinced her our intentions were good. Fortunately, Stephanie and Lord Elbourne are getting along famously, and I would be surprised if they aren’t engaged quite soon.”

  “Is that so?” His father visibly relaxed. “I’m exceedingly relieved.”

  “Have you found a house here in London?”

  “Oh, er, I’ve suspended my search for the time being. You see—”

  Lady Lovejoy sailed into the room just then. “Dearest, I’ve received an invitation—” She broke off. “Why, Cody! I’d no idea you’d returned to town.”

  Although he tried to keep his countenance, Cody couldn’t believe his ears. Unless the countess had been addressing the Greek statue in the corner, she’d called his father dearest. He slid a quizzical glance at Horatio, whose rosy complexion had turned positively ruddy. Furthermore, the man’s tongue seemed to be stuck to the roof of his mouth. Had he nothing to say for himself?

  Cody cleared his throat. “I’m in London on a matter of business, Lady Lovejoy, but I don’t know for how long. Since all my trunks are still here, may I trespass on your kindness for a few days?”

  “You’re always welcome in my house, dear boy.” The countess beamed. “I’ve begun to think of you and Stephanie almost like my own children.”

  A frozen smile covered Cody’s shock and dismay. Despite his father’s previous protestations to the contrary, apparently he and Lady Lovejoy had been getting along quite well indeed.

  Horatio rose from his chair and took the countess’s hand. “Lad, I suppose this is as good a time as any to say I’ve asked Adriana to marry me, and she’s agreed.”

  The blood seemed to drain from Cody’s extremities and his hands grew cold. “I-I wish you both every happiness.”

  His automatic and wooden response sent a wounded expression rippling across the countess’s face, and Horatio frowned.

  “I can understand your surprise, Cody, but there’s no call to be rude.”

  “Forgive me if I’ve given any offense. If you’ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.”

  He bowed, hastened from the library, and climbed the staircase as if wolves were nipping at his heels. Simmering anger trailed in his wake. Nothing could have prepared him to see his father keeping company with the countess, however amiable and worthy she might be. His behavior reeked of disloyalty to his mother’s memory, and Cody was glad Stephanie wasn’t there to see it. Even as he strode down the corridor to his room, he admitted his resentment was, perhaps, unfair. Horatio was in the prime of life, healthy, and had been without female companionship for many years. Even so, Cody found the notion of his father remarrying abhorrent…if not positively revolting.

  Nothing could induce him to stay in England now.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Unforgettable

  DRESSED IN HIS OLD WORK CLOTHES, Cody stood outside J. Morris, Butcher at closing time, waiting for Zachary to emerge. His cousin caught sight of him right away and sauntered over. Although the viscount looked as if he’d been eating more regularly, he still didn’t seem to be happy. In fact, he appeared to be spoiling for a fight. If truth be told, so was Cody.

  Zachary cocked his head. “You look as surly as I feel, cousin. What brings you around?”

  “Dinner and a few pints.”

  “Slumming?”

  “If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me.”

  Zachary gave him a crooked grin. “Let’s go.”

  They strolled through the streets of London, shoulder to shoulder, glaring at any young tough who looked at them sideways. After the third time, Zachary chuckled. “Ever been in a brawl?”

  “A time or two. Texas is known for them.”

  “Sounds like my sort of place.”

  At length, they wound up at O’Shanty Tavern again, in a corner booth. Cody curled his lip. “Tell me, Zachary, are there no other pubs in London?”

  “It’s not the finest establishment, but I know Angus, the barkeeper. More to the point, he knows about my little problem. Should my enemies be lurking outside, Angus would come to my aid.”

  “I guess that’s worth something.”

  Cody choked down a small amount of fish stew before pushing the inedible repast away in favor of ale. Zachary finished his meal completely before draining his own tankard. They’d not exchanged more than a few words all night, but the viscount finally gave him an appraising glance.

  “You didn’t seek out my elegant company for no reason. What’s on your mind?”

  “I paid Miss Haver a call, at her great-aunt’s residence in Little Brambleton. She’s a beautiful woman.”

  Zachary averted his eyes. “Indeed, she is.”

  “I’ll provide a dowry for Miss Haver, if you agree to marry her.”

  His cousin scoffed. “What could possibly prompt such generosity on your part? You don’t know her and you barely know me.”

  “Because her child will be a Gryphon by blood. And…because Miss Haver is Juliet’s friend.”

  “Juliet? You don’t mean Miss Beaucroft, do you?” He shook his head in admiration. “If you’ve managed to woo her away from Elbourne, I’m impressed.”

  “There was no need to woo her away from the earl. Lord Elbourne is to marry Stephanie, and Juliet is very pleased at the match.”

  “And are you and Miss Beaucroft to wed, then?”

  Cody frowned. “No. Look, I didn’t come to talk about my romantic problems. I’m here to talk about yours.”

  “Who better to offer advice than somebody with nothing left to lose?”

  “I don’t need your advice. As soon as Stephanie is married, I’m returning to Texas.”
/>   Zachary seemed perplexed. “What’s the allure of such a place?”

  “In Texas, an ordinary man can build his own empire, if he’s canny enough. I own four hundred acres of prime timberland near Nacogdoches. Once I’ve sold off some of the timber, I’ll graze cattle and buy more land. I can’t wait to leave England.”

  “If that be the case, why do you sound so bitter?”

  Cody drained his ale and signaled the server to bring more. “I’ve just learned my father is to marry Lady Lovejoy, if you must know. The prospect fails to delight me.”

  Zachary seemed taken aback. “I know Lady Lovejoy rather well. Have you some particular reason to dislike her?”

  “I don’t dislike her at all. It’s my father whom I resent for sullying my mother’s memory!”

  Zachary clucked his tongue. “Aunt Rebecca is gone, and your father is entitled to happiness. Return to your Texas empire if you like, but don’t do it out of anger with Uncle Horatio.”

  The barmaid brought two more tankards of ale. Cody drank deeply, wiped the foam from his lips with his sleeve, and glared at his ale as if it were responsible for his woes.

  Zachary shook his head. “Here’s another bit of sage advice for you: don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. If Miss Beaucroft cares for you, marry her.”

  “Ha! You’re one to talk. A beautiful woman, who’s having your child, is waiting for you. Instead, you choose to muck about in the underbelly of London—to what purpose? If you mean to punish yourself for past misdeeds, it’s time to move on.”

  “Time to move on? I could say the same to you. Do you really suppose your mother would want your father to be alone the rest of his days?”

  “Leave my mother out of it.”

  “For that matter, would she want you to walk away from Miss Beaucroft out of some misguided notion of loyalty?”

  Cody’s eyes narrowed. “If you want to see just how well I can brawl, keep talking.”

  Inexplicably, Zachary laughed. “Two Gryphons in fisticuffs? That would be a sight to see.”

  The corners of Cody’s mouth curled up at the edges, despite himself. “That it would.”

  The busty barmaid leaned over the table, the better to display her assets. “Can I get either of ye lads anything else?”

  When they shook their heads, the woman straightened. “Ye don’t know what yer missing.” She sashayed off.

  Zachary chuckled. “There was a day, not so long ago, when I would have taken the lass up on her offer.” His merriment faded. “Are you in love with Miss Beaucroft?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Cody frowned. “Juliet won’t leave England.”

  “Why should she? She hasn’t lost everything, like Violet and I have. There’s nothing here for either of us.” He sighed. “I might be a devil, but my regrets will haunt me the rest of my life. Look at me, Cody, in all my pathetic glory. Don’t end the same way.”

  Cody opened his mouth to argue, but Zachary cut him off.

  “Your mother’s memory lives within you, cousin. Not in Texas.”

  Deep down, Cody knew Zachary spoke the truth. As Juliet’s beautiful face swam before his eyes, he realized he would have to let go of one dream to catch hold of a better one. Everything he wanted was in England, including the woman he loved.

  He nodded. “You’re right.”

  “Since I’m not often right, I’d best savor the moment.”

  Cody chuckled. “I have something more tangible for you to savor, actually. It’s the deed to my ranch in Texas. Once you’ve married Miss Haver, I’ll sign it over to you. Take your wife to Texas, start your lives over, and establish your own empire. Her dowry will give you a means of support until the ranch begins to produce enough income on its own.”

  A gleam of hope lit Zachary’s eyes. “Why would you do something like that for me?”

  “Since I’m to have your inheritance one day, it’s only fair I give you something in return. Make no mistake; the land is beautiful, but it’s raw and undeveloped. It’ll take a great deal of backbreaking work to make it productive.”

  Zachary glanced at his calloused palms. “I’m not afraid of hard work. But do you really think, after everything I’ve done, Violet will have me?”

  “I’ve no doubt whatsoever.”

  His cousin smiled…and then he laughed. “I suppose I should clean myself up a bit before going to Little Brambleton, or I’ll frighten Violet off.” He rubbed the hair on his face. “I resemble a bear.”

  “You smell like one, too.” Cody chuckled. “I’d recommend a hot bath, a shave, and a change of clothes, at the very least.”

  “What are your plans?”

  “I’ll buy some land in the English countryside, and marry Juliet. Not necessarily in that order, mind you.”

  “Thank you, cousin.” Zachary reached across the table for a handshake. “Violet and I will travel to Gretna Green and return in a fortnight. Where can we find you?”

  “I’m staying at Lady Lovejoy’s residence this evening, but thereafter I’ll be at Constance Hall in Grovebrook. That’s where I’ll propose to Juliet and pray she accepts.”

  “Don’t take no for an answer.”

  “I won’t.” Cody dropped a handful of coins next to his empty tankard. “Shall we share a cab?”

  “You go on. I’m going to devise a pretty speech for Violet, while I finish my ale.”

  Laughing, Cody settled his cloth cap on his head. “See you soon, then, and best of luck.”

  He left the establishment, feeling lighter than before. A grin spread across his face as he contemplated asking Juliet to marry him. No doubt she’d be a little vexed at him for his hasty departure that morning, so perhaps he ought to wait a few days—until she calmed down a trifle. On the other hand, maybe he oughtn’t let the pot simmer overly long. If he rose early enough, he could catch the seven o’clock train north. Perhaps this time tomorrow evening, he and Juliet would be engaged—for real.

  Several paces from the front door of O’Shanty Tavern, a man blocked Cody’s path with obvious ill intent. Cody’s eyes narrowed and he brought his hands up, ready to defend himself if necessary. “Step aside, sir, or it’ll be the worse for you.”

  Oddly enough, the man chuckled. “I don’t think so.”

  From behind Cody, somebody called out, “Gryphon! We’d like a word, if you please.”

  He turned to discover a trio of men approaching, none of whom looked familiar. How could they possibly know his name? “Are we acquainted?”

  The shortest man chuckled. “Good one, Gryphon, but you’ve been hiding in the shadows long enough. Mr. Wickham sends his regards.”

  “I don’t know a Mr. Wickham.” A feeling of dread crawled down Cody’s spine as he realized they’d mistaken him for his cousin. “You’ve confused me with someone else.”

  “The only one who’s confused is you, for thinking you could cheat Mr. Wickham and get away with it.”

  The first man shoved him from behind, sending him directly into three pairs of fists. In the beginning, Cody did his best to return the punishment, but several vicious blows to the head sent him to his knees, reeling. Seemingly from a long distance off, he heard Zachary’s voice, shouting. Thereafter, he lost consciousness completely.

  The residents of Constance Hall returned from their outing at the lake in good cheer and my visit couldn’t be more congenial. At least, that’s what Juliet wrote in her letter to her parents. In truth, with Cody gone, she’d begun to feel like an outsider. Philip, Kitty, Stephanie, and Augustus made every effort to make sure she was included in each activity, of course, but she felt lonely just the same. Her cheeks were sore from the strain of smiling all the time, but she wasn’t sure she was fooling anyone.

  Juliet felt Cody’s absence so keenly, she’d begun to reassess her priorities. He’d only been in London for two days, but how would she feel once he was parted from her for years? Perhaps she’d been stupidly foolish to discourage his addresses. Indeed, she was so much in love, she
was increasingly doubting her resolve not to leave England. No, she couldn’t bear to live without him.

  On the other hand, how painful it would be for her to set sail across the Atlantic, able to communicate with her family only by letters which would take weeks or perhaps months to arrive? She’d miss the birth of Kitty’s children, and those of Prudence and Stephanie, too. Her children would likely not meet their grandparents until after they were grown. All the joys of life, and the struggles that were sure to come, would be experienced only secondhand from both sides of the Atlantic. The prospect was unimaginable.

  Either way she chose, heartbreak was sure to follow.

  The third morning after Cody’s departure, Juliet awoke, deeply unsettled. He’d failed to send a note to her or his sister, even to confirm he’d arrived safely. Although she realized there was probably little reason for worry, the lack of communication was remiss of him at the very least. Stephanie had mentioned her annoyance about it in passing, but she was too wrapped up in her relationship with Augustus to contemplate the oversight too much. Juliet, by contrast, had little to do but fret. Cody hadn’t invited her to correspond with him, but she decided to write him a letter after breakfast anyway, just to inquire about his health. Surely her missive would prompt a response by return post, and set her mind at ease.

  After Juliet was dressed, she and Stephanie went outside with their puppies, to let the little creatures into the garden for their morning activities.

  Stephanie yawned. “Does Kitty have anything planned for today?”

  “I think she mentioned shopping in Grovebrook. I’d like to pick up a present for my parents, if I can. Maybe something made by a local artisan.”

  “How thoughtful. Maybe you can find one of those beeswax candles Kitty mentioned?”

  “Oh, yes, that would be perfect. Perhaps I’ll also buy a jar of honey for Papa. He loves honey on his morning toast.”

  A loud gurgle made Stephanie laugh and she patted her stomach. “Speaking of toast, I’m starving!”

  Juliet laughed. “Peckish, do you mean?”