by Lora Thomas
“What is she doing here?” Iris seethed. “I thought I would not have to deal with that pariah Catrina Wilcox in London.”
“That is a little rude of you to say, Iris,” Thomas reprimanded.
“It is true. Every event in Eden, she was there. Everywhere I went, there she was. I swear it was as if she were stalking me.”
“I do not think she was stalking you, Iris. Eden is small with few events. It was inevitable that the both of you would be at the same events at the same time.”
“And you?”
“What about me?”
“I find it curious that every event you attended after your arrival, she was there. If I did not know better, I would swear it was you she was stalking, Thomas.”
“That would be most absurd. As you know, her brother and I cannot tolerate each other.”
“And yet, here she still is. Do you think she will be attending Lord and Lady Hamilton’s ball? I do,” Iris piqued, answering her own question.
Thomas did not respond as he observed Catrina. She was still laughing. A radiant smile came to her. She said something to Hawke, and the baron motioned for her to join him. Elena stood, and Catrina sat down. Catrina’s fingers drifted across the ivory keys with grace. Hawke began playing as well. Each pianist played a different song. Catrina’s fingers moved faster, and Hawke followed suit. Faster Catrina played. Hawke tried to mimic her speed but fell behind. Thomas pulled his arm free from Iris’s grasp and eased towards the dueling pianists.
“I win,” Catrina said, a delighted laugh leaving her. “Again.”
“I must say, if I am to lose this game, let it be to the two most beautiful women in all of England.”
“You are too kind, Joshua,” Elena said.
“I speak only the truth.”
“And you can easily twist that truth to your own accord,” Thomas jested.
Catrina swallowed nervously as her heart fluttered. Tilting her head to the right, she nodded politely. She could not contain her excitement. And then it came crashing down around her as Lady Iris approached and draped herself around Thomas’s arm.
“Lord Huntsley,” Catrina spoke coolly. “Lady Iris.”
Thomas nodded politely. “Miss Wilcox. What game have you coerced Hawke into playing?”
“It is quite something, Huntsley,” Hawke said. A twinkle of mischief came to the baron’s eyes. He stood. “You must try it.”
“Thomas does not have time for such foolishness as games. Isn’t that right, Thomas?” Iris replied drily. “Games are for children.”
“Then, if he does not want to participate, allow him to be the one to state as much,” Hawke retorted with contempt. He’d never cared for Iris, but since her engagement to Thomas, he liked her less and less. Iris had started becoming more demanding of Thomas and more demeaning of Thomas’s peers.
Thomas could feel the tension between his fiancée and the group present, yet he still did not want to leave. Catrina was the reason. He could not fathom why she had such control over him. For some reason, he wanted to be near her. To make her smile. To hear her voice. To feel her body pressed to his again.
“What are you playing?” Thomas asked.
“It is a delightful game that Miss Wilcox invented. Two different songs are played. After each verse is played, you must increase the tempo. Whoever cannot keep up loses.”
“Or whoever messes up their song,” Catrina added.
“And how did you come up with such a delightful game?” Thomas asked.
“Well, actually, Elena helped in the invention while we were attending Miss Eddy’s.”
“Ah, yes, the unique governess,” Thomas noted.
Catrina beamed. “I am impressed you remembered.”
“Well, you did so eloquently describe it to me, in detail.” Thomas sat down. “So, who chooses the song?”
“We each do.”
“And if we should choose the same one?”
“That is highly improbable. But if it does happen, then it is whoever can successfully play the song the fastest without missing a note.”
“And the purpose of playing two different ensembles?”
“It makes the game more challenging. Our minds are complicated. We know what we need to play. However, we must focus on what we are to play without hearing the other song. It takes focus and concentration.”
“And playing on the same pianoforte?”
Catrina shrugged. “Why not? Well, actually, that is not the answer. There was only one pianoforte at Miss Eddy’s. So we had to improvise.”
Thomas placed his fingers upon the keys. “Then let us begin.”
Catrina placed her fingers on the ivory. “Very well. Start playing after I count to three. One, two, three.”
Thomas and Catrina began playing.
“I do not recognize your song Lord Huntsley,” Elena said.
A sheepish smile came to Thomas. “Most likely, Miss Eddy never taught the arrangement of A Soldier and a Sailor.”
Catrina giggled. “A bold song to play.”
Thomas gave her a sideways glance. “You know it?”
She cast him a coy look. “I did not tell you of all my adventures at Miss Eddy’s.”
Thomas threw his head back and laughed. “Egad, Miss Wilcox, you are a cheeky one, are you not?”
“Thomas,” Iris snapped. “Have you had enough of this foolishness?”
“Not yet, Iris. I have not won. Yet.” Thomas’s fingers moved faster.
Catrina’s moved faster as well; her song more suitable for mixed company. Then again, who would honestly know for they were not singing the lyrics?
Iris’s eyes flared wide as a slow simmering rage settled inside. Catrina was good. That little tart knew precisely how to manipulate Thomas. Had Thomas taken Catrina to his bed yet? From the way the little slut was looking at him, most likely. Thomas still had that lustful gleam in his green eyes. That gleam that said he had sampled Catrina’s goods and desired to do so again. And Catrina was flirting masterfully. Smiling and laughing. Batting her lashes coyly. Leaning forward just so to give a teasing glimpse of her bosom. Catrina Wilcox was good at this game. It would not take her long to get Thomas into her bed again.
“You play superbly, Lord Huntsley,” Catrina commented.
“You as well, Miss Wilcox.”
“Shocking,” Iris threw out. “Considering who aided in her training. Miss Eddy is subpar.”
“Depends upon your point of view,” Catrina said, her fingers never missing a note. “You may consider someone employed as a gong,” she said, referring to the person who was paid to empty the cesspits, “to be beneath your standards. However, those individuals have an essential job. For without them, the stench of the cesspits would make London unbearable.”
Iris’s eyes were mercilessly cold as she glowered at Catrina. “I can see how someone in your position would find a gong a necessity.”
“You would too if there was no longer someone to fill that position.” Catrina did not miss a note. She looked up from the pianoforte and made her eyes as innocently wide as she could. “Unless you like the smell of your own excrement.”
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“You seem to like to dish it out.”
Thomas’s fingers faltered upon Catrina’s insult.
“You missed your note, Lord Huntsley,” Catrina said but did not stop playing.
A disdainful sniff came from Iris. “Typical of your kind to say such.”
“Oh, did I insult you, Lady Iris? That was not my intention,” Catrina said with false sincerity.
Hawke looked between Catrina and Iris. He had to hand it to Catrina. She was dealing with Iris superbly, insulting the bitch without actually saying the slurs. Artfully executed. The cold fury in Lady Iris’s eyes led Hawke to believe a scene was about to be made. He could not allow that to happen. He liked Catrina and knew that Iris would not be above forcing the Hamlins to ask Catrina and Elena to leave. He could not allow that to happ
en for he planned on spending a good portion of the day with Elena.
“You lose, Huntsley,” Hawke decided to say.
“So I did,” Thomas acknowledged. He could feel the fight in both women escalating. And for some reason, he believed that if given the opportunity, Catrina was not above coming to blows. She was a Wilcox, after all.
“Miss Wilcox, thank you for a delightful game.”
Catrina gave a flirtatious smile. “Anytime, Lord Huntsley.”
Thomas stood. “I believe you have met your match with these two, Hawke. Call me if you should need reinforcements.”
“I think I will pass on that one.” Hawke’s mouth twisted into a wry smile as he gave an unpleasant glance at Iris. “What better way to lose than to the two most beautiful and intriguing women in all of England?” And for spite, he added, “If you were only so lucky, Huntsley.”
Complacently, Iris raised her chin higher. “Come, Thomas. If Lord Hawke feels like he needs to lower his station by associating with these dregs of society, let us not stop him. We have more important people to see.”
Thomas held in his desire to reprimand Iris. Now was not the time or place. He hated public displays of emotional outbursts, and he did not doubt that Iris would enjoy making a scene if it made her look like the victim.
Iris approached and placed a hand upon Thomas’s shoulder. “Come, Thomas.”
Thomas gave one last glance at Catrina. Her eyes revealed her true feelings. Hurt. Insulted. Betrayed. He wanted to pull Catrina into his arms and tell her that was not how he felt about her but admonished himself against the actions. Society demanded that he behave as a gentleman.
“Thank you again, Miss Wilcox,” Thomas said, standing.
Catrina did not speak. She gave a small nod and returned to playing the pianoforte.
Once Thomas and Iris had left, Elena looked at Hawke. “Joshua, would you be a dear and get Catrina and me a glass of punch?”
Hawke looked between the two women. He could see the hurt welling in Catrina’s eyes, and it angered him. What was wrong with Thomas? Why did he not reprimand Iris for her hateful words?
“Joshua?” Elena repeated.
Hawke nodded. “Of course.”
When they were alone, Elena sat beside her friend. “Are you all right?”
Catrina stared woodenly at her hands. In a tortured whisper, she managed to say, “I am fine.”
“No, you are not. You are angry, Catrina. And with good reason. That woman called us rubbish.” Elena flipped her hand in the air angrily. “I want to claw her eyes out myself.”
“I am fine,” Catrina replied forcefully. “Absolutely fine.”
“Catrina—”
“Look, Elena. I know what you are trying to do, and there is no use. Thomas will marry that courtesan at the end of the month. I will be on my way to Swindon by then.”
“Courtesan? She is the daughter of an Earl.”
“Courtesans are prostitutes who only have sex with rich or important men for money. Lady Iris did it for a gold band. Whether she is an Earl’s daughter or a dockside doxy, it matters not. She had a goal, and that was marriage to an important rich man. She sold herself to maintain the lifestyle she is accustomed to. She had carnal relations with a man out of wedlock and then lied to him. Told him she was carrying his child. I cannot compete with that, Elena. I am not that kind of person.”
Elena shook her head. “No, you are not. You are a good person. You think too much of yourself to lower yourself to Lady Iris’s standards.” Elena took Catrina’s hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. “You are a better person than I am.”
Catrina returned the squeeze and looked around the room. “I see your beau coming. He is a good man. You have done well, Elena. I wish you nothing but happiness.”
“What of you?”
“I will be fine.”
Hawke handed the two glasses of punch to the pair. “Why the long faces?”
“No reason.” Catrina took the cup. “Just reminiscing about an old friend.”
Elena sipped her drink, and a twinkle came to her brown eyes. Catrina needed happiness. She knew just what she needed to do.
After Joshua brought Elena and Catrina home from the tea, Elena gripped his arm tightly and dragged him into her family’s gardens.
“What is the rush, Elena?” Joshua asked.
Stopping at the edge of the gardens, Elena glanced around. “Are we alone?”
Joshua looked around. “It appears so. Why?”
“I have something I need to tell you, and you must promise me you will not tell anyone where you learned this information.”
Hawke nodded. “Of course. Is something the matter?”
“Yes and no. Lady Iris is with child.”
Surprise came over Hawke’s handsome features. “Why would you say that?”
Elena gasped. “You already knew that, didn’t you?”
“Yes. But how did you learn of this?’
“That does not matter. What matters is that it is not Lord Huntsley’s child.”
A startled breath left Hawke. “Are you certain?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“How do you know this?”
“Beatrice told me. She heard it from the servants. They said that Lady Iris had…had her…her…well…” Heat crept up Elena’s cheeks. This was not a topic to discuss in mixed company.
“Her what?” Joshua asked, already knowing the answer.
“Her womanly issues just after Huntsley left for Swindon. But since then, she has not. And she has had several male visitors during that time. None of them Lord Huntsley.”
Hawke pressed his lips together. He knew it! “Are you certain?”
“Yes. Beatrice would not lie about something as important as this. You must tell Lord Huntsley.”
Joshua ran a hand over his mouth in thought. He knew Lady Iris could not be trusted. And this proved just what sort of lengths she would go to in order to become the next Viscountess of Huntsley.
“Who else visited her?”
Elena stared at Joshua, her mouth open but no words forming.
“Elena? Who?”
“One was Catrina’s brother. Beatrice did not mention the names of the others.”
Hawke mumbled a curse under his breath. No wonder Branson Wilcox detested Thomas so. They both were having relations with the same woman.
“Thomas will want proof,” Joshua informed her.
“Proof? What sort of proof?”
“Lady Iris will need to confess that the child in her womb is not his.”
“The devil take it, Joshua.”
“Huntsley is honorable. He will not believe me, especially if he knows the source of my information.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“He knows how close you and Catrina are. Lady Iris will twist this and tell Thomas that it is a lie because of the source.”
“Not if you do not tell him the information came from me.”
“I cannot lie to him, Elena. He is my friend.”
“A friend who is making a grievous mistake. Lady Iris is a lying harpy. You saw them together. He is miserable. And imagine his misery should he realize later that he was forced to raise another man’s child as his own.”
“Why the sudden interest in Huntsley?” Joshua quirked a brow upward.
“Because.” She could not tell him that it was because Catrina was in love with Thomas. It would make her revolution sound planned. “You saw how happy he was at Eden. He was carefree and laughed frequently. He danced and helped Mr. Heath without complaint.”
“Oh, he complained when helping Artie.”
“That is not the point, Joshua. Lady Iris makes him miserable. He is your friend.”
“Are you certain this has nothing to do with Miss Wilcox?”
Elena squirmed ever so slightly. “She is part of the reason.”
“Hmm. You know your candor does not help matters any.”
“What does my honesty have
to do with anything?”
“It makes it sound like you only want to stop this marriage so that Thomas and Catrina can be together.”
“I cannot help it. My mother always said my mouth would get me into trouble. But I cannot lie to you…about this.” She stepped to him and placed a hand upon his arm. A warm feeling crept over her at the feel of his muscles straining under his jacket. “Please, Joshua.”
He turned to face her and placed a hand upon her cheek. “Why is it I can never tell you no?”
She smiled coquettishly. “I do not know.”
Joshua pulled her to him, and a playful gasp left her. He cupped her chin and tilted her face to his. “I do. Because you are the most intriguing creature I have ever met, Elena. You have vexed me to the point I question my sanity. You drive me mad with desire. No other woman can compare to you, Elena. From the first moment I saw you, I knew I wanted to make you mine.”
She nervously licked her lips. “Joshua—”
“I love you, Elena. I know we have only known each other for a few weeks, but I cannot deny these feelings. There is no other explanation. I do not want any other woman in my life but you.”
“Joshua,” Elena said, tears misting her eyes.
He gently caressed her cheek. “I want to know, Elena. Are my feelings returned?”
She nodded and whispered, “Yes. I love you, too.”
Joshua’s lips drifted over Elena’s. It was a slow, gentle kiss that conveyed his heart. He lifted his head and placed his forehead against hers.
“I have asked to speak with your father alone this evening.”
Her eyes widened as her heart hammered in her chest.
“Do you think he will give me his blessing?” Joshua asked.
“If he does not, then I will make his life miserable.”
Joshua laughed. “Egad. Do not make me regret my decision.”
Elena returned his merriment and ran her finger along the top of his gray cravat. “I can make it up to you.”
“I truly hope so.”
Joshua gave Elena another tender kiss. “Now, my love. I must go. I am to meet Thomas at four. Afterward, I will need to go home to refresh myself before returning here by seven.”
“But dinner is not until eight.”
