With a shrug, Simon set his glass down. “I’m sure Lady Washburne will accept my decision as a good, obedient wife should. Perhaps it is you who refuses to accept it? Is there a problem with the dowager that I should know about?”
The man’s eyes narrowed. “I’m merely trying to help you. And, just so you know, the other matter you should have looked into before marrying my sister is that she has no dowry.”
Unable to contain his shock, Simon’s jaw fell slack. Kaylee had been counting on those funds to sustain her once she ended their marriage. How could she have been so wrong? The previous viscount had been wealthy, surely his son couldn’t have spent every shilling.
“That can’t be possible. Surely, her father saw to such matters.”
As if unaffected by the idea of Kaylee’s ruination, Whedon lifted his glass and leisurely took a sip. “The old fool wrote a number on a piece of paper, but that’s useless once the funds are gone.”
Frustration welled in Simon’s stomach. This would destroy Kaylee. That was why her brother was anxious to rid himself of her and her mother. The man probably had planned on charging for his blessing. The idea made Simon sick.
Biting down his anger, Simon kept his gaze on the man. “What do you hope to achieve by this conversation? Your words will not save you a visit from my solicitor.”
Whedon slammed his glass on the table, gaining the attention from gentlemen seated nearby. “That will get you nowhere. I had hoped the two of us could come to an amicable arrangement, but I see you are only looking for trouble.”
“Is that a threat?” Simon spoke through clenched teeth.
“No. It’s a warning. I have no desire to bring harm to my sister, but I have obligations I must see to, and you have deprived me of my options.”
The calm manner in which the viscount spoke, chilled Simon’s blood. “You must know I won’t allow you to harm her in any way.”
A smile transformed the man’s face. “I imagined as much. It’s much easier this way in any case. My needs are simple. The funds are modest in comparison to your wealth, and I assure you that your wife will be pleased to have her mother at her side.”
Simon’s back went rigid. Blackmail. This was the response of a desperate man and there was never an ending. Once he had these funds, he would want another payment, then another. As much as his brain screamed that he needed to pay whatever necessary to keep Kaylee safe, he knew it would never be enough.
“And, if I refuse?”
The man shrugged. “It would be a shame if everyone found out where she’d been living for the past three years.”
Fuming, Simon tightened his grip on the arms of the chair. Kaylee didn’t deserve this. She worked so hard to restore her reputation, and would be devastated to watch it be torn down. Not to mention, she been counting on her dowry. There was no way he would allow this to happen to her.
“How long do I have to make my decision?” It was difficult to push the words passed the fury in his throat.
“Considering you deprived me of so much by eloping with my sister, I should demand an answer this very second. However, I’m a generous man, so I’ll give you one week. No longer.”
Unable to take the sight of Whedon any longer, Simon stood and left the club. He had a few days to come up with a plan as he suspected Whedon would want the funds enough to not prematurely destroy his advantage. Regardless, There was no way he was going to let any scandal touch Kaylee. In addition, she would never know her dowry was gone. He would provide one for her if that’s what it took when the time came.
~ ~ ~
Kaylee left the milliner’s shop feeling overwhelmed. In all the times she had visited the store, she’d never been treated thusly. The change in attitude toward her was astonishing and would be difficult to become accustomed.
Once on the street, she turned back and looked at the place, still surprised by the reception. As Miss Shepherd, the instructor, she’d been treated kindly just as the other patrons, and in truth, her elevation to viscount’s daughter hadn’t changed that treatment much. Then, everything changed when she’d married Simon.
“That was certainly an interesting show,” Amelia said as she walked up beside Kaylee on the street. “I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m slightly jealous.”
Heat flooded Kaylee’s cheeks. She hadn’t realized her friend had been in the shop. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t expected the milliner to be quite so enthusiastic by my arrival.”
“That she was.” Amelia chuckled. “So, I owe you felicitations on your marriage. Clearly, Lord Washburne knows how to treat his wife well.”
Feeling her cheeks burn hotter, Kaylee looked away from her friend. Simon certainly knew how to treat her. He also knew exactly what to do to make her the happiest. She still could hardly believe he had told the milliner she was to have six new hats commissioned. Excitement bubbled in her stomach at the prospect, but she tamped it down. She couldn’t get used to this, after all, their marriage was only a temporary one.
“It appears so.”
Her friend linked their arms and they began moving down the street. “You must tell me all about your exciting trip to Gretna Green. I must say, Patricia and I were surprised to discover your mystery gentleman was none other than Viscount Washburne.”
Shocked, Kaylee stopped walking. “What? Why do you say that?”
“Don’t try to deny it.” Amelia clicked her tongue. “The viscount was visiting, and he and I were enjoying a stroll in the garden and Patricia recognized him. I must say, the three of us were all quite astonished.”
Warning bells rang in Kaylee’s mind. “You told him about that? When was this?”
“You have no need to be cross. It was the day before the two of you disappeared to Scotland, so I imagine Patricia’s loss of judgement only aided you. And, from the looks of it, you certainly appear happy with your situation.”
Swallowing, Kaylee ran over that day in her mind. Simon had shown up unexpectedly and had reluctantly agreed to marry her. Why had he gone to her in the first place? Had his intention been to tell her to refrain from speaking about him to Amelia? That she never should have told anyone about the portrait?
Her head spun, and her stomach rolled. Dear God, he’d been there to tell her to leave him alone, and she’d forced him to marry her. Tears clogged her throat, but she somehow forced all the emotion off her face. It wouldn’t do to lose herself in front of her friend.
One question remained, and Kaylee wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer, but how could she continue without knowing the truth? As she tried to shove her feelings in the small box inside of her, she discovered they refused to remain hidden away. Frustrated, she bit down hard on her back teeth. Even her body betrayed her.
An image of Simon floated through her mind, and her heart nearly broke in two. She loved him. The realization destroyed her. She had no idea when this had happened, but she would never recover from it. And, the knowledge that she had inadvertently hurt the man she loved by taking away his ability to be happy crushed her.
“Kaylee, are you well?” Concern shone from her friend’s eyes.
Clinging to the knowledge of her friend’s needs, Kaylee managed to pull herself together. “Honestly, I’m a little shaken by all of this. I never wanted the viscount to find out about our discussion regarding him, but I suppose there is nothing that can be done about it now. So tell me, did he visit you often?”
The red streaks staining her friend’s cheeks was answer enough. “Lord Washburne was kind enough to stop in upon occasion.”
Unable to handle any more, Kaylee stopped walking. In truth, she’d deprived her friend from having Simon as much as she’d deprived him of Amelia. She was a horrible person, and she didn’t know why Amelia still wanted to be her friend.
“You had hoped he would offer for
you,” Kaylee stated, knowing there was no reason to even put up the pretense of asking. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea the two of you had grown close. He never said—”
Amelia held up her hand. “Stop it right there. I’m happy for you. At one point, yes, I had thought to become his wife, but this isn’t your fault. I want what’s best for you. We’re friends, remember?”
Overcome with guilt and love for her friend, Kaylee tossed aside propriety and gave Amelia a quick hug. “You have no idea what your friendship means to me. I wouldn’t have survived without it.”
“Oh, come on, you’re embarrassing me. Now, let’s go get something sweet. All this talk has made me hungry.”
As they made their way to the sweet shop, Kaylee did her best to put all thoughts of Simon from her mind, but it proved to be near impossible. The remainder of the visit, Amelia acted as though nothing had changed between them, but Kaylee couldn’t keep the guilt from weighing her down.
By the time she made it back home, she had decided it was past time to talk to Simon about this. She knew she should have brought up the subject before they had left for Gretna Green, but she’d been too focused on her own problems to consider what he was going through. It was time to pay for that mistake.
As luck would have it, Simon wasn’t home, so she left a message for him with the butler, then she sat in the drawing room to wait for him. Being left alone didn’t help with the state of her nerves, but she could do nothing to sufficiently distract yourself. She had always been a patient person, but this was something she was unaccustomed to and she felt each passing minute acutely.
“You wish to see me?” Simon appeared in the doorway, his eyes bright with an expectant look on his face.
The sight of his joy only served to further her depression. He’d done such a lovely thing for her, and she would repay him with a difficult conversation. Torment took ahold of her.
“Yes. Please join me.” Her voice was flat.
He walked in and crossed his arms, his brow wrinkled. “That doesn’t sound positive. Did the milliner not treat you well? I imagine I shall have to pay her a visit.”
Kaylee shook her head. “No. That’s not it at all. I was treated well, and it was a lovely surprise. Thank you, but I can’t accept it.”
“Why ever not?” Anger colored his tone. “If this has anything to do with your ridiculous notion that I only buy you hats to get you to—”
“Of course not!” She cut him off. “Today I just realized that I don’t deserve them, and that perhaps going to Gretna Green was a mistake.”
The pain on his face made her wish she could take the words back, but it was too late. Her heart broke at the sight of him standing there dejected. Was there no end to the hurt she would cause for the man she loved?
“Why, Kaylee? I may not have had the best example growing up as to what a husband should be, but I swear I can do better. Just tell me what I’ve done wrong.”
She shook her head as a tear escaped and trailed down her cheek. “You’ve done nothing wrong. As a matter of fact, you’ve been perfect.”
His jaw clenched as his emotions were wiped from his face. “Then, it’s me that’s the problem? I can’t be someone else for you.”
“That isn’t the trouble. I don’t want anyone else.” Her voice broke on the words.
He let out a sigh and closed his eyes. “I just don’t understand. What is going on?”
Unable to handle his sadness any longer, she stood and moved toward him. He opened his eyes and watched her warily, as if he expected her to cause him further harm. His distrust bothered her, but she deserved it. He had done nothing wrong, and he shouldn’t have to endure this pain from her.
“I ran into a friend today. As we talked, I realized that I forced you to marry me without giving you the option to refuse.”
His eyebrows rose as disbelief colored his features. “Is that what this is all about? That you believe you forced me into this?”
She shook her head. “I know now there is more to it than that. Tell me the truth, were you going to offer for Lady Amelia?”
“Why would you ask that?” The color drained from his face.
Another tear escaped from the corner of her eye. “It’s true then. You love her, and I took that from you. From her. From you both.”
Misery engulfed her as her shoulders sank. This was much worse than she thought. She couldn’t face him anymore. Grabbing her skirts, she ran from the room. He called her name, but she ignored him as she fled the townhouse. What could he say? She had been the one to make the mistake. And, it would have to be her who would be the one to fix it.
~ ~ ~
The loud noises of the club surrounded Simon, but they did nothing to bring him comfort or ease his mind the way they normally did. He’d even tried a few hands of cards, but his distraction made his skill nonexistent as it had done to Anson not that long ago. Simon had given up after losing every hand. Had this been some of the complicated frustration that his friend had endured with Miranda? It’s no wonder the man turned to the bottle.
Marriage was a difficult matter. One minute, Simon had been feeling as though he’d owned the world. Everything had been well, and he thought Kaylee had been happy. Then, she’d shown him how wrong he’d been.
After she’d run from him, Lana had cornered him, and he’d been unable to leave until Kaylee had completely escaped him. Although, he’d had every intention of going after her, he couldn’t regret the decision to stop in at the club instead. The burning of a good whisky combated a lot.
Did Kaylee truly regret marrying him because she thought he loved another, or was she simply looking for an excuse? The question plagued him. How would he even find out? He wished he had an answer for that. He tossed back another shot.
Casting thoughts of her from his mind, he scanned the crowd. To his surprise, he saw Leyson sitting at a table with Whedon. The sight of the two men who had wronged Kaylee sharing a drink sent anger spiraling through him. Of all the people, her bloody brother shouldn’t want anything to do with the man who had tried to violate her.
Although they seemed to be enjoying an amicable conversation, in one instant, it turned sour. Simon turned away lest he be caught staring. However, by the time he glanced back in their direction, both men were gone. Simon silently cursed. What he would give to know what had occurred between the two of them.
“We keep meeting like this,” Leyson said, drawing Simon’s attention. “I would ask if I could join you, but I suspect I already know the answer. Just so you know, this conversation will be significantly different than the last.”
Simon leaned back in his chair and studied the man. The anger in his eyes was undeniable. Considering the liquor Simon had imbibed hadn’t quite affected his abilities, he was spoiling for a fight. Perhaps Leyson was as well.
“Then, by all means, join me. I’ll even offer you a whisky.” Simon poured the man a drink.
With a long sigh, Leyson sat, then took the glass and downed it in one gulp. “I see you opt for the finer things in life.”
Nodding, Simon poured the man another. “With my whisky and my women.”
Leyson winced. “Yes. I heard you married the lady despite my warning. And, I suspect you learned the truth about my claims.”
Hearing a hint of unease in the man’s voice, Simon narrowed his eyes. “What exactly are you trying to say to me?”
“I knew she was pure the entire time. There is a reason for my every action, and I’ve decided to sell you that information.”
Simon laughed. “What makes you believe I have any care for your motivations? My concerns are for the future, not the past.”
“I can see why you feel that way, but this will also help your future. You see, years ago I was offered compensation to harass your wife, but I was never paid. If you see t
o that balance, I will have no reason to trouble her any longer as I will not be accepting any more requests in regard to her. Not to mention, you shall know all the details regarding my employment.”
The vein in Simon’s head throbbed as fury pumped through his body. “No. You shall not harass her again, or I’ll see to it that you are the one who shall pay.”
The man held his hands out in a defensive gesture. “I am not here to cause trouble for you. It’s actually the opposite. I suspect the knowledge I have will be a great help to you.”
Glaring at the man, Simon didn’t know if he should be furious or grateful. However, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to obtain any information that could possibly help Kaylee. It was difficult, but he kept his anger in check.
“Tell me everything.”
Leyson grinned. “Once you pay the fee, I’ll start at the beginning.”
Once the funds were settled via a promissory note, Simon pinned him with a look. “Now, who paid you to harm my wife?”
“First, I’ll have you know, you have purchased this one conversation, that’s it. If you rush off before I’ve finished my tale, then I will assume you don’t wish to hear anymore. And, our dealings are done.”
“Very well.”
“Now, a few years ago, Lord Whedon offered to pay me to—”
“Whedon?” Blind with fury, Simon nearly choked on the man’s name as he struggled to get out of his chair.
“Calm yourself. Remember, one time.”
Taking deep breaths, Simon sat back down and anchored his clenched fists on the arms of the chair to hold himself down. He could hardly hear past the rushing blood in his ears, but he needed to finish this conversation.
“Go on.”
To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2) Page 18
