by Aileen Fish
Chapter 1
London 1843
Lord Henry Shillington strode across the music room of Lord and Lady Morse’s country estate intent on locating his sister. The force of someone bumping into him sent him stumbling backward. He whirled around, auburn curls catching his gaze as he reached out to steady her. “Excuse me.” He offered a slight bow but did not release his hold on her.
The lady peered at him through narrowed, fierce green eyes the color of emeralds. “You should watch your step. Kindly unhand me.”
Henry met her icy glare. She radiated the sweet scent of champagne. It clung to the air around her filling his senses as if she had used it for perfume. “Good God, you’re foxed.”
Her earbobs danced and sparkled as she leaned in close, the fire in her eyes growing more intense. “My state is not your concern.” She jerked free of his hold and took a step back. Her blue jewel-toned gown swooshed with the sudden movement.
He grabbed her arm, halting her. His pulse pounded through his veins. “You cannot stay here in your condition. You will cause a scandal for yourself and our hosts.”
“What concern is it of yours?” She rounded on him.
He had to prevent her from causing a scene. “Allow me to escort you outside. We can stroll through the garden.” Part of him worried for their hosts, Lord and Lady Wexil were dear friends, but, if he were being honest, he would have to admit he wished to know more about this beauty. Something about her captivated him. Perhaps her unusual eyes or the misery he saw in them.
A slow smile spread across her full lips. “Very well.”
She swayed and clung to his arm as he led her out through the veranda doors and into the country air. What would compel a lady to become foxed so early in the evening? The sun had yet to give way to the moon’s glow. And who was she? Surely, they had never met before.
He turned her down a path lined with flowers and green foliage. The details of who she was and why she’d overindulged did not signify. She was clearly in distress, and he intended to help if he could. He studied the profile of her delicate face.
“Might we sit...what is your name?” Her exhilarating laughter floated through the empty space.
He had never heard a sweeter sound. “Lord Shillington. And yours?” He stopped in front of a cast iron bench. He couldn’t look away as she lowered herself onto the seat in a flutter of skirts. She was a mystery he wished to solve.
“Do sit with me, Lord Shillington.” She patted the bench next to her.
Henry positioned himself near her, but not too close. Being out here with an unchaperoned lady was scandalous enough. It was not his desire to compromise her--or himself. Given her state, he had no choice but to remove her from the gathering. However, he also had a responsibility to control the propriety of his own behavior.
A cool breeze ruffled her elegant skirts, drawing his attention to her body. Heat fanned through him as he studied her. She was tall and lithe, yet she possessed curves in all the right places. He offered a polite smile. “Your name, my lady?”
She looked at him through hooded lashes. “Lady Claudia Akford.”
His heart skipped a beat as his throat tightened. The notorious Lady Claudia Akford. The very one who had caused trouble for his friends, Lord and Lady Luvington? He should not be anywhere near her, least of all attempting to aid her. This scandalous woman brought on her own troubles. He should simply leave her to them.
He shot up from the bench. “I will not be a party to your scheming. Lord and Lady Luvington are my friends, but I suppose you already knew that.”
She stood and took hold of his arm. A crestfallen expression darkened her lovely features. “Indeed I knew nothing of the sort, nor am I scheming. Go if you must, but know you are mistaken about my motivations.”
He jerked his coat sleeve free and walked away.
A soft sniff made him freeze. Do not turn around. After another step, a small cry rent the air. He glanced over his shoulder, unable to stop himself. Bloody hell. Lady Akford sat upon the bench, head hung low, shoulders trembling. With a deep inhale, he moved back to her side.
At least the risk of compromising her no longer existed. It was perfectly fine for a widow to be unchaperoned. Regardless, he was too much of a gentleman to leave her alone in such a delicate state. He would see her sober, or at the very least, safe in her chambers, before abandoning her. Surely, no trouble could come of assisting her this one time.
She lifted her head. “I am not the heartless harlot they make me out to be.”
He held his silk handkerchief out to her, not trusting himself to speak.
She shook her head, and he tucked the silk square back into his pocket.
“I know what the ton says about me, but they have it all wrong.”
Somehow, he doubted they did. Lady Sarah Luvington would never make up a tale to injure another person’s reputation. She had told him all about Lady Akford after the vixen traipsed into Lord Luvington’s townhouse stirring up trouble. She had thrown herself at Luvington. Then, when she discovered he had married, the chit went so far as to beg him to keep her as a mistress. The ton did not have knowledge of that particular incident, but he had firsthand accounts. In light of it, he could only assume her previous scandals involving Lord Luvington and Lord Akford, to be accurate. He would see her sobered, then be done with her.
“You believe me, Lord Shillington?” Her gaze locked with his.
The pain in her expression compelled him to pat her gloved hand. He could not give her the cut direct, regardless of what he believed. “Tell me why you are so deep in your cups at this early hour? Do you continue to grieve your late husband?”
She shook her head. A hiccup escaped. “Some men are monsters. Lord Akford was such a man. Do people not celebrate when monsters are slain?”
Henry swallowed past the lump in his throat. “You are…celebrating?” Her words concerned and confused him at the same time. Perhaps the lady was mad.
She laughed bitterly and waved her fan. “No, but nor do I grieve his loss. On the contrary, I was pleased to see him gone. I never fancied Akford. He tricked me into marriage, then mistreated me for years. May his soul burn in hell for eternity.”
“I...” Henry had never heard a lady use such strong language. Words escaped him.
“You need not say anything. Just hear me out.” She squared her shoulders and angled her body toward his.
Gads, her cheeks were far too pale. He took a deep breath and steeled himself for her story.
“Lord Akford knew I intended to marry Julian, the Marquess of Luvington, and ruined me on purpose. He spied on Julian and I, then when Julian proposed, Akford witnessed us sharing a kiss. We would have married if not for Akford’s underhandedness. He spread gossip about what he had seen all over, then went to my father and arranged for his own marriage to me. I had little choice other than to accept. Father threatened to disown me if I refused, and all of London already saw me as a fallen woman.” She wrapped her arms across her midsection. “I will not share the details, they are too painful, but Lord Akford was a brute. There was no love lost between us.”
Henry rubbed the back of his hand across her warm cheek. “You need not go on. I have heard enough.” Did she speak the truth? He could not fathom the idea of her inventing such a tale. If Lady Akford were being honest, she had been through hell. He owed it to her to help if for no other reason than she was a lady and he a gentleman. But what could he do?
She stood, turning away from him. “I require another flute of champagne. Do join me.”
“That is the last thing you need. Let us speak of something more pleasant,” he challenged her. Perhaps if he could keep her here for a while, the fresh air would sober her.
“Very well.” She plopped back down in an unladylike fashion. “Shall I tell you how memories of Julian kept me sane during my years under Lord Akford’s hand? Or would you like to hear how Julian cast me aside when I came back to him?”
A look of mortification crossed her featur
es as the last word she uttered left her lips. She must have realized she had said too much. Henry closed his eyes and exhaled. She would not be the first person he had met whose pain drove her into a bottle, or who said things when inebriated she would never say under normal circumstances. Her awareness of her mistake somehow softened him.
“Lord Luvington married Lady Sarah. They are in love and expecting a babe. He could not very well toss her aside.” Henry attempted to reason with her.
Lady Akford released her breath with a huff. “But I deserved to be?”
“You have misconstrued what I said. Did you listen to my words? He married another before you returned.” Henry rubbed a hand across his jaw. The lady frustrated him beyond belief.
“Yes, I am not feather-witted. I have come to accept his choice, but it does nothing to ease my heartache.” She leaned in, stopping inches from his face. “Perchance you could ease my pain.”
He met her gaze once more. “I am afraid I do not follow.”
She brought her lips to his. His blood tingled with desire as she scooted closer to rest her hand on his thigh. When she ran her tongue across his lower lip, need coiled within him. He parted his lips as she angled her head granting him better access. She moved her hand brazenly up his thigh.
He jerked away. “I am a gentleman, Lady Akford. Not a toy, and surely not a rake.” Making mistakes when one was hurting was one thing, but this… He turned and strolled away, his cheeks burning, heart hammering. She’d played him like a bloody game of chess!
What had he been thinking to allow himself to spend even a moment in her company? He should have left at the mention of her name. She would bring nothing but trouble. He would not allow her to lay ruin to him. Nor would he allow her to use him. No matter how much she tempted him. No matter what her lips tasted like. And her kiss was divine. Soft and sweet. His blood heated thinking of the sensations she had caused to course through him. He shook away the memory. The lady was off limits.
He entered the smoking room and then retrieved a glass of port. How would he avoid her? For heaven’s sake, they were attending the same house party.
After draining his glass, he poured in two more fingers of port. He simply could not allow her to get to him.
“What has you so addled, Shillington?” Lord Keery sidled up to him and refilled his own glass.
Henry turned to his old acquaintance. “Nothing. I am perfectly fine.”
“Does this nothing happen to have auburn curls and sparkling emerald eyes?” Keery grinned.
Henry’s face warmed, whether it was due to Keery’s astute observation or the port, he could not be sure. “How did you guess?”
“I saw you depart the music room with her. Lady Claudia Akford, if I am not mistaken.” Keery took a drink.
Henry raised his glass as if to offer a toast. “The very same.”
“What I cannot fathom, is why you seem so rattled. What did the lady do to you?” Keery chuckled before setting his empty glass on the sideboard.
Henry tugged his cravat in an attempt to loosen it. He had no wish to repeat what had happened. It would suite him fine if he never spoke of or to the lady again. “I…I was simply caught off guard. I had not made the lady’s acquaintance previously. I am thankful that Lord and Lady Lovington are not in attendance.”
Keery arched a speculative brow. “Lovington settled his affairs with the lady, and his new wife has forgiven all. I cannot imagine she would hold a grudge against Lady Akford. It is not as if Lady Akford knew of their marriage when she showed up at Luvington’s townhouse.”
Henry took another sip. If by settling his affairs, Keery meant that Luvington had tossed Lady Akford out of his house, then he supposed so. Still, he could not image Lady Luvington would wish to share a roof with Lady Akford. Hell, he did not wish to share a roof with the disreputable lady. “Indeed. All the same, I am glad Lord and Lady Luvington are not in attendance.”
Keery rested a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “You worry over much. Lady Akford is a beautiful widow. Enjoy her if given the chance.” He moved his hand back to his side and gave a knowing wink. “It is what I would do.”
Henry stared after Keery, the rogue’s words tumbling around in his head. Enjoy her. He set his glass on the sideboard. Like one might enjoy a toothache, he imagined.
Chapter 2
Claudia’s feet froze in place and her stomach sank when she found Lord Shillington sitting at the large mahogany table. His golden hair and warm, brown eyes peeked over the top of the news sheet he held. She had not expected to find anyone lingering in the breakfast room at this late hour. In fact, she had purposely dallied in her room until she was certain all of the houseguests had departed for the early afternoon activities.
Between the pounding in her head and her embarrassment over the way she behaved the prior evening, she did not wish to keep company with anyone. She planned to break her fast then spend the day tucked away in her room, far from prying eyes and judgmental glances.
Embarrassment threatened to consume her when Lord Shillington’s gaze collided with hers. He regarded her with cool indifference as he stood. Perhaps she should simply take her leave. Her actions yesterday had been abhorrent. Ladies did not overindulge in their cups and they never threw themselves at gentlemen, yet she had done both.
She squared her shoulders and took a tentative step toward the sideboard. He was only a man, besides, it would serve no purpose adding insult to the injury she had already inflicted upon him. She would stay and deliver the apology she owed him.
Maybe he would accept the incident for the weak moment it was. She had allowed herself to wallow in past hurts and self-loathing, a bad combination, but no more. Today she would start anew. Forge a fresh life without Julian, Akford, or the scandal they had wrought down upon her. They were her past and she harbored no desire for looking back.
Head high, Claudia stepped up to the sideboard searching her mind for the proper words to speak. The heat of Lord Shillington’s stare threatened to singe her gown as she placed boiled eggs and ham onto the gold-trimmed, china plate. He surely despised her, and she could not blame him considering what he must have heard about her. The way she tossed herself at him in the garden could not have helped matters in the least. She swallowed back her trepidation and moved to the table.
“Lord Shillington.” She offered up a smile.
He took a step away from the table. “Good day, Lady Akford.”
“Wait.” She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Please allow me to apologize for my savage behavior yesterday.” She clutched her plate in her gloved hands.
He averted his gaze. “All is forgiven. Now if you will excuse me.” He took another step, bumping into his vacated chair in the process. As he reached for it, he tripped, falling to the floor with a thud. A servant rushed forward.
Her heart jumped, a small squeak emanating from her throat. She moved around the table, then crouched beside him, ignoring propriety. “Are you hurt?” She reached out a hand to assist him.
Red splotches bloomed on his face and neck. He pushed himself up, ignoring her offer.
A stab of regret stung her. She glanced up at the servant, not sure how to proceed. After such a nasty fall, it made sense he might be injured. “Do you require a physician, Lord Shillington?”
He stood and smoothed his day coat. “I am quite all right.”
Claudia placed a hand on his arm. “Are you certain?”
“Only my pride suffers.” He stepped out of her reach and moved toward the door.
She called out, “Do not leave on my account. You have my word, I will do nothing ill-mannered. Please stay and finish your drink.” She focused on the dust dancing in the sunbeams that streamed through the floor length window as she awaited his reply. Why she cared whether he stayed was beyond her, but somehow, it mattered. His opinion of her mattered. She looked furtively at him.
He studied her, his expression revealing nothing as his gaze swept across her.
> A small thrill shot through her at the way he seemed to be taking measure of her. “I should like for us to be friends. Please say you forgive me?”
He walked cautiously across the room and retook his seat. He lifted his glass, accidently clanking it against his plate, sending liquid over the side. A lopsided grin spread across his face as he sopped up the puddle with a linen napkin. “I suppose we all make mistakes from time to time.”
“All the same, I wish to make it up to you. Tell me, is there something I can do?”
“I think you have done quite enough, Lady Akford.” He looked away. “I…my apologies. That did not come out quite right.”
“I believe you said precisely what you were thinking, Lord Shillington, and I cannot disagree. Allow me a chance to change your opinion where I am concerned?” She stiffened her back against the sting of his assessment. His thoughts clearly did not match his words, but given the opportunity, she knew she could change his mind.
***
Henry thought he must be mad, agreeing to spend one more moment in Lady Akford’s company. And now, to be considering her plea, it was sheer madness. What could come of spending more time with her? Of forging a friendship with her? Still, the lady intrigued him. She was beautiful and charismatic and the way she hurried to his side when he fell, proved she had a heart. Perhaps he rushed judgment on her.
He met her gaze from across the table and stewed over his clumsiness. As if tripping over his chair were not enough, he had to follow up the act by spilling the contents of his glass. Beautiful women had always rattled his nerves, turning him into an ungraceful clout. It seemed Lady Akford was no exception. His reaction to her only made her more dangerous. He would proceed with all due caution. “Very well. Let us become friends.”
A slow smile spread across her face. “You will not regret this, Lord Shillington.”
Why did he feel as though he had just made a bargain with the devil herself? He swallowed back his trepidation. They would only be here for a fortnight; he would simply be careful not to fall into any traps. After all, agreeing to be her friend was not the same as agreeing to spend all his time with her. This was a house party with several of his peers in attendance to keep him occupied. He would be pleasant in her company but would not seek her out. He reached for the news sheet and flipped it open once again.
