Scandalous Scoundrels

by Aileen Fish

  He had no wish to strike the final key, for doing so would bring the end of her singing. Nonetheless, he brought the song to its conclusion. “You have the voice of a nightingale. I could listen to it for the remainder of my days and never grow weary.”

  After three more songs, he placed an arm around her. “Let us move to the sofa. You can rest while I read.”

  “I should enjoy that.”

  She snuggled up to him as she had the previous evening. With her settled, he reached for the leather-bound book on the side table. The Last of the Barons. A pleasant surprise.

  “I do hope my choice of reading material suits you.” She fluttered her lashes as she stared up at him.

  “As it happens I am currently reading the same selection.” He opened to the place she had marked. “Only I am a few Chapters ahead of you.”

  “Do not give anything away.”

  “I would not dare.” He began reading, his attention moving between her and the pages of the story. Ever so often, he caught her with her eyes closed, but most of time she watched him. Her attention did not unnerve him as he would have expected. On the contrary, it seemed natural, as if they had done this all of their days.

  He read three Chapters, then marked her place before setting the novel aside. “Now we are on the same page and can finish the story together.”

  “A delightful suggestion.” She captured his hand in hers.

  “You are an exceptional musician. Both your pianoforte skills and your singing are resplendent. What other talents are you hiding?”

  “When I was young I used to dabble in art. Sketching and painting. Mother always said I was quite good at it.”

  “Why did you stop?”

  She frowned. “Akford forbid it. He said it was a waste of time and finances since I was no great talent.”

  Anger unfurled in Henry. How else had the man berated her? He tightened his hold on her. “I wager he did not know enough to judge your skill.”

  “It matters not. What is done shall not be undone.”

  “Do you miss your art?” he asked with caution, not wishing to cause her distress.

  “It is of no consequence. I have not held a paintbrush in years nor sketched the simplest thing. After all this time, I doubt I would be any good.”

  “I would wager you are mistaken.” He lowered his head closer to hers and inhaled her feminine perfume. Vanilla and roses, a combination well suited to her.

  “And what of you? Have you interests beyond horses and the pianoforte?”

  “I am told my dancing is rather tolerable when I am not stepping on my partner’s slippers.”

  In truth, he was not half as clumsy as he used to be. There was a time he would have wagered on the likelihood of stomping his partner’s feet. His dance master had all but quit him, insisting he would never polish his skills until he learned to be at ease around ladies.

  She laughed. “Do be serious.”

  “I assure you, I am.” He smiled down at her. “It happens far less now than it once did, but on occasion, I still misstep.”

  “Perhaps you have not found the right partner.”

  “Shall we put your theory to the test at Lady Sully’s ball?”

  “I will save two sets for you.”

  “And if I should step on your slippers?” he asked playfully.

  “You will owe me a boon.”

  Chapter 16

  Claudia stepped into the entry hall with the Duchess of Abernathy. She had just enjoyed a pleasant stroll through Hyde Park with her friend, during which she invited Her Grace to stay for refreshments. She removed her pelisse and bonnet, then handed them to a footman while her butler saw to the door. “Have lemonade and sweetmeats sent to the drawing room.”

  “Right away, my lady.” The footman bowed, then gave directions to a nearby maid.

  With their things properly seen to, she and the duchess began toward the drawing room.

  “My lady.”

  She looked at her butler. “Yes?”

  “Lady Wexil called while you were out. She is waiting in the library.”

  Claudia was pleased to have her cousin and the duchess here since she did not expect Henry to call this afternoon. He had estate matters to tend that would keep him away. Company made it harder to miss him.

  “Very good. Have her shown to the drawing room.” The butler cleared his throat, causing her to turn back. This inappropriate behavior was most unusual for her stoic servant. “Was there something else, Bentley?”

  “A large crate was delivered as well.”

  “From whom?” She had not placed any orders and could not imagine who would have seen fit to have something sent to her. Perhaps Vivian had gotten her a gift. Such a thing would explain her presence.

  The butler cast his eyes down at the floorboards and shuffled his feet. “The crate was sent by Lord Shillington.”

  “Where is it now?” Claudia glanced at Duchess Abernathy before returning her attention to Bentley.

  “I had footmen move it to the drawing room. Shall we send it back?”

  Claudia’s pulse quickened. Returning it was the last thing she wished to do, but it would also be the proper way to handle the situation.

  “Nonsense.” Duchess Abernathy interjected. “Let us open it and see what he sent.”

  Claudia understood the impropriety of the situation, but perhaps the gift would be in good taste. No harm could come of inspecting the contents. “Indeed, send a footman to open the crate.”

  “As you wish.” Bentley gave another bow before seeing to Claudia’s wishes.

  She could not help but wonder over what Henry may have sent and how her cousin would react as she and the duchess made their way down the hall. Vivian was delighted over Henry’s continued courtship of her, but was not likely to approve of him sending large gifts. Alas, there was no way to keep it from her.

  She looked at the duchess. Surely, the gift was unsuitable for a courtship. She could not imagine an appropriate one arriving in a large crate. “Whatever he bought can be sent back after we have had a chance to see it.” Pain gripped her heart at the very idea, but she could not scandalize the duchess and Vivian.

  “Drivel. Whatever it is, he wished for you to have it, and have it you shall.” Duchess Abernathy waved her hand in front of her.

  “I do not wish to tarnish anyone’s reputation.”

  The duchess laughed. “You need not worry for us. Much more than a gift would be necessary in order to scandalize me. Lady Vivian will recover. She is family after all. Regardless, we will say nothing of it.”

  The duchess’s friendship was a blessing. Her Grace did not subscribe to malicious gossip, nor did she pass judgment on those around her. She simply lived her life on her own terms without offering apologies. It was rather unfortunate Claudia’s remaining peers were not so genuine.

  She stepped into the room, searching out the crate. There was no need to look far. The object of her excitement sat near the sofa. One could fit any number of things inside the huge crate. “Whatever could it be?”

  “It does not signify. You are sending it back.” Vivian came to stand in front of her. “Are you not?”

  “I have yet to decide.”

  “You cannot be serious.”

  “I assure you, I am quite serious.” Claudia flipped open her fan to cool herself.

  The duchess stood nonchalantly by the crate. “There will be no harm in accepting the gift, unless you plan to gossip about it, Lady Vivian.”

  Vivian seemed to deflate before Claudia’s eyes. “Of course I would never feed the gossip mills at my cousin’s expense.”

  “I thought not,” the duchess said as two footmen entered the room.

  Claudia watched as her servants pried it open.

  “That will be all.” She dismissed them, eager to see what waited for her.

  Claudia’s heart alighted at the treasure within. An easel, canvases, paints, brushes, pencils, and paper peeked up at her. She had never received
such a thoughtful gift. Henry not only heard her words, he cared about them.

  “Art supplies. What an odd present.” Vivian said.

  “A very thoughtful gift,” Claudia corrected her.

  Duchess Abernathy moved to the far side of the crate. “Do you paint, dear? I never had an aptitude for it myself.”

  “I once did, but that was a long time ago.” She held one of the canvasses to her chest. “I am not sure I would show any talent for it now.”

  Vivian feathered her fingers over the edge of the crate. “Such twaddle. A talent like yours does not simply vanish. One of your sketches still hangs in Mama’s personal parlor. You never told me you had given up on your art.”

  “Why did you cease it?” the duchess asked, sitting on the sofa.

  Claudia returned the canvass to the crate, then sat in a chair across from the duchess. “Lord Akford insisted that I do.” Before she could say more, a servant entered with refreshments.

  “What a pity.” Vivian shook her head.

  Claudia nodded at her cousin. “It is of no consequence now. He is gone and I am free to try my hand once more.”

  “How right you are, my dear.” The duchess accepted a glass of lemonade.

  “Let us talk of tomorrow night’s ball,” Vivian changed the subject.

  Claudia sipped her lemonade and interjected her opinions on occasion, but her guests did not have her full attention. It came as a great relief when they took their leave. She wasted no time in having some of her new art supplies carried into the garden.

  The air was warm as she sat on a blanket, sketching a rose bush. Her hand stilled when Henry dropped down beside her. She had been so lost in her art she did not notice his approach. “I thought I would not see you until the ball.”

  “Am I interrupting? I can leave.” His eyes danced with amusement.

  “Do not dare leave. I am pleased to see you. If I were not afraid of prying eyes, I would kiss you now.” She was flooded with the urge to press her lips to his, but the risk of being seen was much too high out here in the open air.

  He graced her with a teasing smile. “Am I to assume you are happy with my gift?”

  “Yes. This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  His smile faded. “That is a shame.”

  She gave a little shrug.

  He peeked at her sketch then. “I was correct. You do possess a talent for art.”

  “Truly?” She angled her head, glancing between him and her rendition of the roses. Her sketch did share a likeness, but her skills were a bit rusty. With practice, she believed she would regain her previous aptitude.

  “I would not mislead you, Claudia. When I speak, I mean what I say. My words are my honor.”

  “You flatter me.” She could not stop the smile that tugged at her lips. Henry brought so much happiness into her life. How would she ever let him go? The very thought stole her joy.

  “I grant no flattery that you have not earned.” For her own sanity, she needed to steer the conversation to safer ground. If they continued along this path, she would lose all resistance. Her mind already wandered into the dangerous territory of imagining what it would be like to wed him. She could not allow herself to forget the dangers of matrimony. “How did your estate business go?”

  He leaned back on his elbows and stretched his legs out in front of him. “Better than I had expected. I am pleased to report my tenants are producing above average yields this year and they are pleased to be getting assistance with some drainage matters. As a result of the higher yields, I am able to put money back into the lands.”

  There he went being kind and compassionate again. Akford would have never given his tenants anything. She closed her eyes and drew in a breath. There was no comparison between Henry and Akford. How could she continue to guard herself from such a wonderful gentleman? “That is generous of you.”

  “Perhaps, but more importantly, it is the right thing to do. It is my duty to take care of my tenants.” He picked a blade of grass and twirled it between his fingers.

  “I suppose you are right and I am quite certain your tenants appreciate you.” She set her sketch aside and turned to him.

  “Indeed. I try to visit all of their homes monthly. It gives me a clear idea of how they fare and what I can do to improve the estate. The practice benefits everyone involved.”

  Claudia’s breath hitched at the sincerity she saw reflected in his eyes. She had no doubt he truly cared for the people of his estate. The fact he went against societal strictures to care for his lands and the people who lived there warmed her heart. Heaven help her, the more she learned about him, the more she fell in love with him.

  Chapter 17

  Henry made his way across the crowded ballroom intent on spending time with Claudia. She stood near an intricately carved white column, her body draped in rich blue silk and her auburn hair pinned back from her face. He could wait no longer to be back in her company. The dancing would soon commence as well, and he was determined to take her first set and last waltz of the evening. Were it up to him, he would dance every set with her, but propriety would not allow such an occurrence.

  He came to a stop and bowed to the object of his affection and her cousin. “Lady Akford, Lady Wexil.”

  “Good evening, Lord Shillington.” Claudia fought to suppress a smile.

  Lady Wexil nodded.

  Ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest evening clothes moved all around them, but he paid them no mind. His attention remained riveted on Claudia. “Tell me your dance card is not full.”

  “What a tease. No one has begun signing them yet and you well know it.” Claudia presented her card.

  Henry signed it as he had planned to do before signing Lady Wexil’s card, too. When he looked up, he caught sight of Jane in a cluster of ladies by the far wall. He should take one of her sets as well, lest she hold up the wall all night. He met Claudia’s gaze. “If you will excuse me for a moment.”

  After signing Jane’s dance card, he sought out Lady Luvington and the Duchess of Abernathy, taking a dance from each before returning to Claudia’s side. “Lady Akford. I believe our dance will start presently.” He proffered his arm.

  “Indeed, my lord.” She rested her gloved fingertips upon his coat sleeve.

  He led her toward the dance floor, excitement stirring his blood.

  She leaned toward him. “I hope having the Luvingtons here as well as me does not make you uncomfortable.”

  “On the contrary.” He offered her a fleeting smile. In truth, he was pleased to have his old friends back in London and looked forward to spending some time with Sarah. He had come to trust Claudia, to love her. He no longer saw the past as a threat. “Does their attendance bother you?”

  “Not in the least.”

  They took their position on the dance floor in time for the quartet to strike the first chords of a minuet. He studied her, counting the heartbeats until they could touch again.

  His hand warmed when she placed hers in it to begin the dance. When they separated, he ached for her touch. His heart soared each time the slow steps of the minuet brought them back together. She taunted him with twinkling eyes and flirtatious glances that heated his blood and left him breathless.

  Though being here with her gave him a vast amount of satisfaction, he had a sudden strong desire to leave the ball early. Being here amongst the ton could hardly compare to being alone with her.

  She gave his hand a promising squeeze before she released it again to move into a slow turn. He swallowed hard and attempted to focus on the dance steps. Being with her proved a delicious sort of torture he could not get enough of. She had become as important to him as the very air he breathed.

  The minuet concluded and she took hold of his offered arm. “Might we find a moment or two alone this evening?”

  She held her fan in front of her lips. “Meet me in the library at eleven.”

  Henry nodded, then led her from the dance floo
r. The next hours would pass in agony as he watched her dance with other gentlemen. He had never been one to skirt the rules of polite society, had never even considered doing so, but Claudia made him wish to break them all.

  He drew Claudia to a stop near Lady Wexil, then lifted her hand and placed a kiss on top of her satin glove. The last thing he wished to do was walk away from her. Alas, he had no choice. “Until later.”

  “I shall count the minutes, my lord.” Her cheeks tinted a becoming shade of pink.

  Henry danced a reel with the Duchess of Abernathy, then sought out his sister. He enjoyed a country dance with Jane before returning her to her post near the wall and retiring to the gaming room. A glance at the tall clock revealed it was still early. Mayhap a few hands of cards would pass the time while he awaited his dance with Sarah. After their set, it would be close to eleven.

  “Shillington.” Keery waved him over.

  Henry moved to the table and sat next to Luvington. “Deal me in.”

  Luvington shuffled the cards in his hands. “I see you followed my advice in regards to Lady Akford.”

  “And ignored mine.” Keery tapped his fingers on the table.

  Henry shot Keery a menacing look.

  The rake chuckled before lifting his snifter for a drink.

  “Pray tell, what advice did you give, Keery?” Luvington dealt the cards out in a counterclockwise fashion.

  “Only that I would be happy to have the beautiful widow warm my bed.” He scooped up his cards and held them before him.

  “Always the rogue, Keery. It is nice to see some things did not change while I was away.” Luvington lifted his own cards.

  Henry’s jaw ticked. He cared not for Keery’s tone or words. “That may be true, but I must insist you cease speaking of Lady Akford in such ways.” He peered at Keery, daring him to insult her integrity again.

  Luvington clapped his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Keery jests. Do not take him seriously.”