Mischance

by Smith, Carla Susan

  Rian sighed. “Is that gossip still being passed around?”

  “So it is a falsehood.”

  “I’m surprised at you, paying attention to such hearsay,” Rian rebuked gently.

  “Ordinarily I would not,” Liam admitted, “but when it involves my brother and matrimony I think it would be remiss of me not to listen to what is being said.”

  Rian snorted in disgust. If society was to be believed, he had proposed to at least a half-dozen eligible young women in the past week alone. But the fact that his brother, residing over a hundred miles away from the nearest fashionable salon, was aware of such a rumor told Rian this was more than nonsensical gossip mongering. Something had given this particular fantasy some teeth.

  “I promise you, Liam, ’tis a falsehood. I am most definitely not about to take a wife.”

  “Perhaps I am not the one who needs to be told that.”

  Rian looked at the troubled expression on his brother’s face. “You think Isabel is the source of the rumor?”

  “I did not say that,” the younger Connor quickly amended, “but it’s my understanding she does not deny it, and has, on occasion, added her own embellishment.”

  Though he was aware of Isabel’s thoughts on the subject of marriage, Rian had never imagined her as the originator of this lie. Did she think that by planting such a story she would force his hand? A foolish strategy for such an intelligent woman.

  “From what I know of Isabel,” Liam added glumly, “once her mind is set on a thing, she will move heaven and earth to make it a certainty.”

  “Would it surprise you to know I have considered the idea of a union between us ?”

  A strained silence filled the room before Liam said, “Yes, actually it does.”

  “You do not think we would be a good match?”

  “May I be candid?” Liam asked. At Rian’s nod, he continued, “She’s not the right woman for you.”

  “Really?” Rian raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think that?”

  “I’m not sure I can put it into words.” Liam gave his brother a hard look, and Rian noticed he wasn’t the only one with lines on his face. “I will be the first to admit that she is beautiful and charming, and of course there is her wealth, though I know that is no lure for you, but there is something in her character that makes me uneasy. The idea of you taking her to wife…I admit, it does not sit well.” The smile he gave looked more like a grimace. “I apologize. When I am tired I speak nonsense. If you tell me that Isabel is to be my sister-in-law, then I will welcome her to the family, and ask you to forgive and forget my foolishness.”

  “Forgiveness is unnecessary, Liam, and your concerns are never foolish. Put your mind at rest. I considered the possibility of marriage, and discarded it.”

  “And Isabel knows this?” Liam asked cautiously.

  “We have not discussed the matter,” Rian answered, “but I have never given her any indication our relationship would go beyond what it currently is.”

  “Perhaps she does not realize that,” Liam told him. “When was the last time you saw her?”

  “Not since…” Rian gestured to the ceiling, indicating the master suite situated directly above them.

  “Good Lord, that’s been almost two weeks! Have you sent no word?”

  “Calm yourself, little brother. As I said, Isabel has been in the country with Lady Maitling, and was due to return—what is the date?” He wrinkled his brow as Liam told him. “Ah, then she has only been back a few days.”

  “A few days with no word from you? I am surprised that she is not even now beating a path to our front door.”

  Rian had the grace to look a little sheepish. “To be perfectly honest, my attention has been occupied elsewhere of late.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, man!” Liam chided, shaking his head in exasperation. “What do you suppose she will make of your absence, to say nothing of your silence?”

  Rian responded with a nonchalant shrug, amused by his brother’s agitation over this apparent social blunder.

  “Well, big brother, you had best think of something to tell her. I cannot imagine the formidable Lady Howard permitting you to go much longer without an explanation for what it is that keeps you from her bed!”

  “Liam, Isabel knew you were planning to visit, and has probably been told you are already here. Perhaps she does not wish to intrude on our time together.”

  Now it was Liam’s turn to snort, and he muttered something under his breath before suddenly asking, “Are you looking to end your affair with her? Is that why you’ve kept your distance?”

  “Do you really dislike her so much?”

  Liam dropped his eyes, unsure if he had gone too far with his condemnation of Isabel. It seemed prudent to hold his tongue.

  “If rumors of marriage have reached even your ears,” Rian said with a sigh, “then I fear my involvement with Isabel has become more complicated than I would wish. Perhaps you are right, and I should remind her the only future I can offer is one of friendship.” He met his brother’s concern with a wolfish smile. “A friendship with some admittedly delightful advantages.”

  The chiming of the clock reminded both men of the lateness of the hour.

  “I must be away early in the morning,” Liam said. “I will give your apologies to Felicity for not returning with me.” He got to his feet. “Why not send Catherine to Oakhaven as soon as she can travel? The change of scenery could be very beneficial, and I have a feeling being away from the city may aid in her recovery.”

  “Why is that?” Rian asked curiously. “Do you know something that I don’t, little brother?”

  “I’m not sure, but Mrs. Hatch tells me that city life holds no appeal for Catherine. She shows no more than a passing interest in talk of theater or museums or fine dining, but mention wheat yields and her face lights up.”

  “Now I know you are jesting with me!”

  “That’s exactly what I told Mrs. Hatch, but she swears it is the truth,” Liam declared, placing his hand over his heart. “Trust me, Rian; our housekeeper believes that Catherine is a country girl. Send her to Oakhaven, and we will see. Besides she will not be without companionship. Felicity will welcome her, and she is very gentle as you know.”

  “You will be newlyweds. It would be indelicate of me to impose on the privacy of a new bride. Felicity would never forgive me.”

  Though not an expert in all the subtle intricacies of marital bliss, Rian was still fairly confident that the best beginning for any newly married couple was the time they spent alone together before resuming their roles at the family seat.

  “I think you have been gone too long, brother,” Liam teased. “Oakhaven has more than enough rooms to guarantee the privacy of several newlywed couples. All at the same time.”

  Rian grinned. “Well, in that case, perhaps sending Catherine to the country would be an excellent idea.”

  Chapter 20

  Rian paced in front of the fireplace in Isabel’s parlor. It was late afternoon, but Lady Howard had not yet risen. Rian had made the suggestion, somewhat tersely, that perhaps she could be woken and told he was waiting. Was Isabel still abed? That he didn’t doubt, but sleeping? He made a rude noise to the empty room. He was being punished, and was secure enough to admit he deserved it. He had promised Liam he would call on Isabel the next day, but his brother had been gone a week and he was only now making good on his promise. Still, Liam could not chastise him for his unintentional oversight. Prearranged meetings with bankers and lawyers and men of business had commanded his time as he dealt with the management of his wealth. As a woman of independent means, he’d hoped Isabel would understand.

  It would seem not.

  At least his other female concern was not finding fault with him. Catherine was making remarkable progress, so much so that Dr. MacGregor had decided further visits o
n his part were no longer necessary. He had sounded positively mournful when he informed Rian of his decision, but the dour faced Scot was quick to point out that his attitude was not a reflection on his patient, but more the fact that he would miss the bountiful table he was always invited to share. Rian laughed. He had taken a liking to the physician and made a mental note to invite him to dine at least once a week whenever he was in town.

  Now he decided he would not help his cause with bad humor. Especially not when he had no one to blame but himself. He should have called on Isabel as soon as she returned from the country with Charlotte Maitling. He had sent flowers with his apologies, and received a carefully worded note in return. Isabel told him to call when his guest no longer occupied his time. The reference could have meant his brother, but Rian suspected this was Isabel’s way of telling him she knew about Catherine. He wasn’t surprised. Obviously someone had talked. Secrets and servants were never a good mix.

  Sitting in one of the large, walnut wing chairs by the fireplace, he waited for Isabel to grace him with her presence. She would appear when she was good and ready, and not a moment before. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. There was nothing he could do to hurry the process so he looked about him, admiring the subtle blending of blues and browns that were the dominant colors of the room. It had a strong, masculine feel, and he wondered if this was why he felt so comfortable. Isabel was very clever to have furnished it specifically with gender in mind, but then she was very intuitive about the opposite sex.

  “Rian darling, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting.”

  At the sound of her voice he got to his feet, and watched as she came toward him. Looking sleep mussed, she was busy tying the sash on her robe, and he thought perhaps he might have been wrong and she really had been sleeping. Then he wondered who was keeping her from her bed until the dawn hours. A thought he quickly pushed away. He had no right to reproach Isabel if she sought another’s company. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him. The scant pressure of her lips was notice she had not yet forgiven him for his neglectful behavior. “I apologize for not being dressed,” she said, “but I suspect I might still be wearing too much to suit you.”

  She punctuated the confidence she had in her own sexual allure with a throaty laugh, something that, at any other time, would have immediately set his libido racing. But not today. Instead he thought her laugh sounded brittle, and her attitude an irritant that scraped on his nerves. Although he could acknowledge the physical pull that drew him to her—it was just as strong as ever—now he also saw what was missing. Whatever flame burned between them, it no longer glowed quite as brightly. At least not for him.

  “Isabel, there’s something we need to talk about.”

  “My goodness, you’re being so serious.”

  Rian watched her face intently, searching for any sign that she already knew what he wanted to say. Though her expression revealed nothing, something in her tone made him think perhaps she had not been quite as asleep as he had been told. He became thoughtful, watching as she walked away and seated herself on the large sofa. She patted the cushion beside her. An invitation he declined by remaining on his feet with his back toward the fire. Isabel shrugged and tilted her head before speaking.

  “Hmmm, let me see if I can guess what might be on your mind.” Her expression turned petulant, and sarcasm coated her words as she continued. “The man I believed to be an ardent admirer of mine has chosen to ignore me since my return from the country. Ignore me to the point that I am left to wonder what might have transpired in the seven days we were apart, as well as the ensuing days that have passed since then.” She paused and gave him a smile that was more predatory than pretty. “Now in all fairness, I did receive a large bouquet with an apology attached, but no other communication to explain such mystifying behavior. No letter or card, not even a scribbled note in his hand, so I ask you…what on earth could you possibly have to say to me?”

  The realization that he had woefully underestimated the depth of Isabel’s anger dawned on him. Whether real or imagined, whether deliberate or accidental, it made no difference. More than Isabel’s feelings had been hurt by Rian’s apparent disregard. Her pride had been crushed and she felt humiliated. Accepting every ounce of disdain that laced her words, he made no excuse for his neglectful behavior.

  He guessed that Isabel had noted the cooling of his affection toward her the moment she walked into the room. He ran his fingers through his thick hair in frustration.

  A small wrinkle marred her normally smooth brow. “Good God, Rian, if it’s this bad, then we’re both going to need a drink.”

  She rose from her seat and went to the table where some wine and glasses had been placed. After pouring them both a drink, she came toward him, her robe opening with each step, displaying her shapely legs. Rian took a generous swallow as Isabel resumed her seat. Crossing her legs exposed her from mid thigh all the way down to small, delicate feet encased in high heeled red satin slippers.

  “I think you were about to apologize,” she prompted.

  A second swallow emptied the glass, and Rian came straight to the point. “I do offer my sincere apologies, Isabel, and I want you to know how much I have enjoyed our time together, but the time has come to end our relationship. It is for the best.”

  For the next few moments the only sound heard in the room was the brave ticktock of the ornate porcelain clock on the mantel. Rian watched Isabel closely, but her only reaction was to flare her nostrils slightly before asking, “Best for whom? No, don’t bother saying anything for I already know what your answer will be.” She paused and smiled. “Why don’t you want to see me anymore?”

  “I intend to return to Oakhaven after the wedding, and I am uncertain regarding my future plans.”

  “I see.” She dipped her forefinger over the rim of her glass into the wine and then put it between her lips, slowly sucking on it while at the same time giving the appearance of being lost in thought. “Forgive me, Rian,” she said with a querying look, “but I’m trying to recall when I asked to be included in your future plans. The moment escapes me. Do you remember it?”

  She was clever, he’d give her that. “In truth, you never have,” he admitted.

  “Did I ever embarrass you either publicly or in private?”

  “What? No, of course not!”

  “Am I to assume I am now a bore?” Rian shook his head. Isabel could never be considered a bore. “Then it must be my appearance. Is it my hook nose, pointy chin and hairy warts that you now take objection to?”

  “Isabel…” he growled, starting to lose patience with this game she was playing.

  She softened her tone. “But you no longer care for me?”

  “Of course I still care for you. I just think it would be better for us to part now.”

  Tilting her head, Isabel stared at him as though she was carefully weighing his words, and then she laughed. “I’m sorry, Rian, but you’re making absolutely no sense. Perhaps if you were to explain it once more?”

  He watched as she dipped the tip of her finger into her wine glass once more and this time there was no mistaking her intent when she put her finger in her mouth. He had been prepared to deal with an angry, spitting Isabel and found he was thrown off stride by the calm, reasonable woman sitting before him.

  And God, she looks gorgeous.

  The silky fabric of her robe molded itself perfectly to the contours of her body, a body he knew only too well, and she teased him by remaining perfectly still, allowing him to feast his eyes. The physical attraction flared stronger than it had ever before, almost as if his body was aware this was the last chance he would have to bed her. He could feel the lust rising as he caught the scent of her perfume. It was a tantalizing fragrance. Just like the woman who wore it.

  With an effort he turned away and stood before the large picture window. Paying no attention to the view beyond the
glass, he tried to decide how to proceed.

  Isabel toyed with her glass as she waited for him to speak.

  “The country has its own unique charms, but I fear such provincial delights would quickly bore a woman of your intellect,” Rian said, turning to face her. Though lame, the excuse did hold the ring of truth.

  She eyed him quizzically. “Shouldn’t I be allowed to decide that for myself? Even I might find the peace and quiet of country living quite intoxicating…given the right inducement.”

  “It really wouldn’t be fair.”

  The icy bite of her words belied the dazzling smile she gave him. “Your concern is most thoughtful.” Dropping her eyes, Isabel became engrossed with the pattern on the toe of her slipper. It seemed like an eternity passed before she finally looked up.“How is the health of your guest?”

  Rian was surprised she had waited this long before raising the subject. Still, unsure of how much Isabel knew, he feigned ignorance. “Liam was in excellent health the last time I saw him.”

  Isabel narrowed her eyes and a vertical line appeared between her brows. “Now you’re being insulting,” she snapped. “Let me offer you a piece of advice, Rian. If you want to know what is happening above stairs then always seek your information below them.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “So, no more games. Tell me about the girl.”

  “There’s really nothing to tell.” He balked.

  “Then it won’t take you long, will it?”

  Rian felt deflated, only he wasn’t sure why. Given their history, Isabel wasn’t being unreasonable in wanting to know about Catherine, but he was reluctant to share any information with her. On the face of it his disinclination was quite juvenile, but he couldn’t help himself, and so he gave only give the briefest account. It was disconcerting not knowing what facts Isabel possessed.

  “It was very Christian of you to come to her rescue,” she said after hearing his version of events.