Chapter 11
Having asked a footman for a glass of brandy in favor of the champagne that everyone else was drinking, Daniel looked out over the crowd of people who had thronged together at Grover House and decided that he was positively sick of attending balls. Every inhabitant of Mayfair, it seemed, was in attendance, no doubt curious about the woman who would soon become Duchess of Grover.
The footman returned with the brandy, and Daniel took a long sip. Having arrived late, he’d yet to catch a glimpse of Rebecca, who was probably somewhere deep within the crush. If only he’d asked her to run away with him as soon as she’d agreed to do so, they could have been married by now, but he’d wanted to give her time to prepare, certain that there were things she wished to take with her. How was he to know that Grover would make a change of plans? At least Rebecca had left a note, though he’d almost missed it in the darkness, wedged as it had been between the window and its ledge. And then Laura had arrived at the small apartment he rented on Hill Street. Without crossing the threshold, she’d handed him an invitation for this evening, along with yet another note detailing Rebecca’s plan in the hope that he would still be willing to help. Of course he was, not just because he needed a wife but because he’d begun to realize that he was completely mad for this lively woman who’d decided to take her future into her own hands.
“We meet again, Neville.”
There was no need for Daniel to turn his head to recognize that voice. Starkly. “What a coincidence.”
“No such thing,” Starkly said. “I say, is that a brandy?”
Daniel didn’t bother answering that question with words but took another sip.
“I’d kill for one of those instead of all this bubbly stuff that everyone else is so fond of.” Stopping a passing footman, Starkly made his request. He then turned his attention back to Daniel. “So . . . come to wallow in a bit of self-pity, have you?”
“You must be in your cups, Starkly. You’re making no sense.”
“Ha! As if Grover isn’t about to marry Lady Nuit, otherwise known as the lovely Lady Rebecca that you were chasing after at the Kingsborough Ball. At least I can find comfort in knowing I wasn’t the only one who lost her to that weathered old toad.”
“As if you ever stood a chance,” Daniel muttered.
“No, I suppose not,” Starkly said, his voice taking on a bitterness that Daniel had never heard from him before. “It’s difficult to compete with any man who’s as rich as Croesus.
“Especially,” Starkly continued, “when he promises to depart this earth at any given moment and leave everything to her.”
“She’s not mercenary, if that’s what you’re implying,” Daniel said, not bothering to glance in Starkly’s direction.
Starkly chuckled. “No, I suppose not.” His voice was heavy with sarcasm. He patted Daniel on the shoulder. “Never mind, though. There are plenty of other ladies present this evening. I’ll see if one of them might be willing to take a walk with me in the garden.”
Once he’d gone, Daniel pulled out his fob watch. Twenty minutes to ten. He still had a bit of time to spare but decided to stay put. The last thing he needed right now was to get stuck in that crowd. Downing the remainder of his drink, he stepped back out into the hallway instead and began heading toward the back of the house.
“Well, well, well,” a smooth voice said. “What a pleasure it is to find you here.”
Stopping in his tracks, Daniel peered into the murky darkness of an alcove to find Lady Vernon seductively reclining on a window seat. She was one of the more notorious widows, known for her sexual appetites, which were so ravenous that even Daniel had found her exhausting at times. There was something predatory about her this evening that quickly put him on edge. He could not afford this sort of distraction right now and certainly didn’t wish for Rebecca to find him in her company.
“Thank you, my lady, but I have a pressing matter to attend to. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Surely it can wait five minutes,” she said, stopping him again with her words. “After all, it’s not as if it will take much longer than that for us to do what I have in mind.”
“In case you are not aware, we are in the Duke of Grover’s home.” He had to get away from her, and the faster the better.
Lady Vernon chuckled. “As if such an inconvenience has stopped either of us before.” Rising, she sauntered toward him, her hips swaying gently beneath the folds of her gown. “May I remind you of the pleasure we once shared behind a Chinese screen at the Thakerry Ball? Or how about at the opera when we—”
“That’s quite enough,” Daniel told her as he glanced around. “Someone might hear you.”
When he looked back at her, he saw that she’d stepped closer. She leaned toward him, so close that their lips almost touched. Daniel tried to step away, but the lady latched onto his arm. “Have you abandoned your rakish tendencies completely then?” she asked. “I confess that I did hear a rumor, but I failed to believe it.” One of her hands came up to caress his cheek.
“Don’t,” he ground out.
“Are you sure I can’t entice you? We used to have such fun together, if you recall.”
Do I ever?
Now was not the time to contemplate his past liaisons. He had to get rid of her before Rebecca found him in her company. “Meet me outside in the garden in half an hour and I’ll show you that I have not forgotten how to please you.”
In a swift move that Daniel had not anticipated, Lady Vernon’s lips met his, hard and demanding. He’d never felt anything but lust for the woman, but even that was no longer the case. Instead, she left him cold and with a feeling of disgust not only for her but for himself as well. There was only one lady who could stir his blood these days, and to his horror, he found her glaring back at him as Lady Vernon sashayed away. “I can explain,” he whispered when Rebecca was close enough to hear.
“Later.” The clipped word was like a bucket of ice water dumped on his head. The last time he’d seen Rebecca, he’d kissed her. It had been magnificent, and now this. He longed to tell her that Lady Vernon meant nothing to him and that she had kissed him, not the other way around. But Rebecca was right—they had to hurry if they were to accomplish their goal. An explanation would have to wait until later.
Side by side, they continued toward the servants’ stairs, where they found Laura waiting. “The staff is busy this evening, so as long as you move quickly, I doubt that any of them will raise an eyebrow,” Laura said as she handed Rebecca a brown woolen cloak and then held out a satchel for Daniel to carry. “I’ve packed a few necessities—clothes in particular—along with your watercolors and the other items we discussed. As agreed, I will remain behind in case further distraction will be required. That is of course unless your ladyship has changed her mind and would rather I accompany you.” Laura’s expression was stern. Had she perhaps noticed her mistress’s displeasure with Daniel? He suspected that she must have, and he found himself holding his breath while he waited for Rebecca to answer. She was hesitating, a clear indication that her trust in him had just been diminished. By how much, he dared not even guess.
“No,” Rebecca finally said as she wrapped the cloak around her shoulders and pulled the hood over her head. “We cannot change the plan. It’s far too risky.”
“Very well then.” Laura met Daniel’s gaze with flint in her eyes. “Just promise me that you’ll take good care of her.”
“I’ll guard her with my life,” he told her.
Laura didn’t smile but nodded quickly before hurrying away. Daniel pulled open the stairwell door and ushered Rebecca inside, where they almost collided with a footman who was carrying a tray of canapés up from the kitchen. “Watch where you’re going,” he said, recovering from a near stumble. With his attention riveted upon the tray and its contents, he paid no heed to who the people were who had almost made him fall and just
continued past them, muttering an oath. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief.
Below stairs, everything was in upheaval. If Daniel hadn’t known better, he would have suspected that a war was going on, with servants forming troops and carrying out orders issued to them by a very pompous-looking man and a woman who came close to Lady Grifton in austerity. These were undoubtedly the first and second in command, otherwise known as the butler and the housekeeper.
Looking about in search of the exit, Daniel gave Rebecca’s hand a hard tug. The last thing he needed now was to be questioned by either of these two people. But of course, that was too much to ask for, and when he turned back around, he found the butler staring down his nose at him. “I believe you must have gone astray,” he said. “This is the kitchen.”
“I am well aware of that,” Daniel replied with an edge of arrogance to match. “Perhaps you’d care to tell us how to get out of here.”
“May I suggest going back the way you came? The ball is, after all, upstairs.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow. Did the man think him an idiot, or was he just particularly fond of stating the obvious? Time to make his excuses. “Right you are. However, I am hoping to leave here in the company of this lady.” He lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned toward the butler. “She has just now agreed to become my mistress, you see, and since her reputation is of the more questionable variety, I thought it best if we tried to leave without causing a stir. However, if you think it would be better for me to drag her through the ballroom instead, then—”
“Down that corridor and to your left,” the butler said, looking slightly flustered.
With no intention of lingering for another second, Daniel pulled Rebecca after him at a brisk pace, arriving quickly in the street behind Grover House, where a groomsman awaited with a phaeton.
“Wouldn’t a landau have been better suited?” Rebecca asked a short while later as they drove past Regent’s Park and out of London.
Daniel whipped the reins, urging the horses into a gallop. “This is faster.” His pride stopped him from admitting that it was also the only carriage he owned. “It’s a Roberts, just so you know.”
“I’m guessing that’s a good thing?”
“It’s a very good thing in this case, since they manufacture the best carriages in England. I’m surprised you don’t know them—they’re based in Moxley.”
“A town that I’ve seen very little of,” she said, reminding him of everything she’d had to endure under the guardianship of her aunt and uncle. If an opportunity for him to right his wrongs had ever presented itself, then this was it.
“No matter. The point is that I’ve raced many opponents in this vehicle without losing once. I’ve every confidence that we’ll make it to Scotland without impediment from either the Griftons or from Grover.”
Their conversation died and Daniel gave his attention to the horses. He could tell that Rebecca was piqued with him, for there was a tenseness about her posture, forcing him to wonder if she might be regretting her decision to run away with him. That notion made it even more important that he clarify the situation she’d witnessed between himself and Lady Vernon, but now was not the time for such a serious discussion, no matter how much he hated the uncomfortable silence that had descended upon them.
It was midnight before Daniel dared to stop for a break, but he’d exhausted the horses by pushing them past the twenty-mile limit and had no choice but to change them. “Do you think they’ll catch up with us?” Rebecca asked as he handed her down from the carriage at one of the many posting inns along the North Road.
“I doubt it.” There was no question as to who they referred to. If the duke was in pursuit, the Griftons would be with him. “It would have taken at least ten minutes before your absence became known, and even then the duke would not have been able to leave his guests immediately without causing a stir. The phaeton’s also faster than whatever vehicle he chooses—a landau, I suspect—affording us at least a good half hour’s advantage.”
Rebecca nodded and said no more while a groom exchanged the horses for fresh ones. “Would you like me to add some more oil to your lanterns?” he asked Daniel.
“Please do,” Daniel told him. Pulling out a couple of coins, he paid the man and handed Rebecca back up.
“Do you plan to continue straight through the night?” Rebecca asked an hour later. As annoyed as she was with what Daniel had done, the silence between them bothered her. She wasn’t used to being quiet for such long stretches of time, least of all when she wasn’t alone, but seeing him kiss that woman had brought to life a jealousy that irked her in every conceivable way. She didn’t want to be jealous, because that would mean that she’d started to have deeper feelings for this man—feelings that bordered on the possessive. She had to try and tamp them down, because the last thing she needed was to fall in love with a man who in spite of his promises and good intentions was very much the rake he’d always been. What a fool she’d been. When he’d told her how much he appreciated her for being different, she’d allowed herself to believe that there could be something more between them—that he had begun developing a tendre for her just as she had for him. But the woman he’d been kissing was everything Rebecca was not—blonde, with a pale complexion. She probably had blue eyes as well, though Rebecca had not had a chance to notice.
She sighed. Nothing had changed, except that he now needed a wife just as much as she needed a husband. But if he couldn’t say no to another woman mere minutes before eloping with her, then how was he going to be faithful for the duration of their marriage? Regret surfaced briefly, but Rebecca forced it back. The alternative was inconceivable. At least where Daniel was concerned, he was young and fun. She was also confident that he would treat her kindly, but she would do well to remember that theirs was a practical agreement, nothing more, and once they were married, she would do her best to accept him for who he was, provided that he didn’t bring his paramours home with him. Perhaps she would take a lover as well . . . or maybe two or three?
“Are you woolgathering?” Daniel’s voice jerked her back to awareness.
“I beg your pardon?”
His eyes never strayed from the road as the phaeton continued onward. “You asked me a question which I’ve long since answered, but you haven’t replied to mine.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry. I suppose my thoughts must have been elsewhere. What did you say?”
“I was merely wondering if you were tired, because if you are, then you’re welcome to lean your head against my shoulder and try to get some sleep.”
Sleep?
She’d just left her fiancé to elope with a rake and was presently traveling north at breakneck speed, and Daniel thought she might be capable of sleep? “I’m fine,” she said, “but if you’re growing weary of driving, then I’d be more than happy to relieve you.”
Daniel laughed. “I’m sure you would, but a phaeton is not so easy to manage. Have you ever driven one before?”
“No, but I’m a quick study. How hard can it be?”
“Even in daylight many have been known to lose control of the vehicle. Given the speed at which we’re traveling, toppling over would be life threatening. I’d rather not risk it, but perhaps on the way back you can have a go. Is that acceptable?”
It was better than what she’d expected, and the fact that he was willing to at least let her try improved her mood dramatically. “Thank you, Daniel. I would like that very much.”
He chuckled. “Yes, I know. Don’t think I’ve forgotten your adventurous inclination. I just hope I’ll be able to keep you out of trouble once we’re married.”
She knew he was joking, yet she couldn’t resist saying, “That’s rich, coming from a renowned rake.” Her tone sounded far too snide for her own liking.
“Having second thoughts?”
All humor had abandoned his voice, and Rebecca found he
rself in one of those situations where she dearly wanted to apologize and make things right between them but couldn’t seem to stop herself from lashing out. He’d hurt her, and the acknowledgement of it fueled her resentment of him. “No,” she said. “My options are limited and you are the better choice, no matter your flaws.”
“I see. Because if you’d rather go back, then all you have to do is say the word and I’ll turn these horses around.” He sounded angry, but what reason would he possibly have for that? “After everything I’ve done for you, the least I’d expect is a little bit of gratitude, not for you to make insinuations about my character.”
Well, that was probably a pretty good reason.
“My apologies,” she said. No sense in arguing when she’d already decided to accept him for who he was. “You’re absolutely right, and believe me, I’m very grateful to you for coming to my rescue the way you did. It was most gallant of you.”
“No need for you to overdo it,” he said, his tone softening until she was certain he had to be smiling.
“I only speak the truth.”
“Well, if that is the case, then it’s time for me to be honest too. I know you saw me with Lady Vernon, and I—”
“Oh, is that her name? Well, it’s no matter. You really needn’t explain yourself. Of course, I can’t deny that I was momentarily surprised, but on second thought I see no reason why I should be. You’ve led quite a colorful life before me, and considering our unique circumstances, it would be unreasonable for me to expect that to change. After all, it’s not as if either of us is in love with the other, though I do hope we can be friends.”
“I, er—”
“Just be honest with me and treat me with respect, and I’m sure we’ll have a splendid time together.”
“You’re missing the point, Rebecca.”
“Am I? Because as far as I could tell you were quite busy kissing Lady Vernon mere minutes before eloping with me, and that’s discounting the kiss that you and I shared just three days ago, so no, I don’t think I’m missing the point at all. You’re the sort of man who wants to enjoy whatever pleasures come your way, and however much you’d like to convince both of us of the contrary, the fact remains that you don’t possess the sort of willpower required to avoid temptation. Don’t worry though; I’m perfectly fine with it as long as you keep your liaisons discreet and away from me.” She nudged him playfully in the side, hoping the gesture would convince him of her sincerity—a sincerity she wasn’t remotely close to feeling. The very idea of him frolicking in another woman’s arms made her stomach churn, but if that was what he intended to do, then she might as well accept it rather than waste her time pining for the fidelity of a man who would never give himself to her alone.
The Scandal in Kissing an Heir Page 11
