The Wicked Wallflowers

by Tammy Andresen

  Dryden gave Wes’s hand a long look. “I’m proud of you. I had a lot of help getting myself here and you’ve done it alone. I would have helped you more, if you’d let me.”

  Wes shook his head. “I needed to do this myself.” Truth be told, he did most things in life alone. He’d been too ashamed of what he’d become. “But I could use a hand now. I know you have doubts and I don’t blame you. But spend some time with me. Let me prove I am a man of worth.”

  Dryden turned his head to the side, his neck giving a crack. “Time to prove yourself is what you’re asking?”

  “Yes. That’s it.” Then he hesitated. He’d learned he had a few gaps in knowledge. This was a chance to correct those. “And perhaps a lesson on balancing books. If I am to avoid the same pitfalls, I must learn skills I didn’t have the first time I attempted to be a proper earl.”

  Dryden nodded. “What else did you struggle with?”

  Wes placed his hands on his knees. “I had an accountant who was stealing from me. He came with the property. In all honestly, I don’t think it was just me, I think he’d been pilfering from the earldom for a long time. But without knowledge of the books, I couldn’t prove it.”

  Dryden straightened. “All right. First thing tomorrow, we’ll head to my accountant and then my barrister. I’m issuing you a line of credit to get started.”

  Wes winced. He shouldn’t need a loan, but he wasn’t in a position to deny the money either. “I’ll see every coin paid back.”

  Dryden gave a tight nod. “Reeves is a difficult man but honest and exceptionally good at his job.” He gave Wes a long look. “And we’ve got to find you something else to wear. This ensemble does not look like something in which a man of your station should be attired.”

  Wes grimaced, smoothing out his stained shirt. “No man of any station should have this on.”

  “I didn’t want to say it.” Dryden pulled one corner of his mouth up into a definite smirk. “Let’s start with a bath.”

  A bath. That did sound delightful.

  * * *

  Two days later, Penny sat staring out the window, the book she and her friends had begun in front of her. They had named it, The Art of Dealing with Rogues, at least for the time being. Penny started with her parents’ tale. A cautionary one to be certain.

  She wasn’t ready to discuss Lord Preston in its pages. The feeling that her inheritance and the proposal were a dream hadn’t left. In fact, she was certain she’d imagined the entire affair. She’d gone back to Caroline’s home that her friend shared with her aunt and resumed her life. Sewing, tea, reading, studies led by Annabelle on English sea creatures, dinner, bed. And of course, working on the book. That had been added into the day.

  It was as though the proposal never happened. Though clearly the event had occurred, since her friends could speak of little else. He was an earl, and a handsome one at that, but he looked no better than a beggar on the street. That wasn’t true, he looked every bit the tall and stately lord. Except his patchwork clothing told the story of a man who’d faced real struggle.

  Her father had been the same. His vice had been gambling rather than drink but it had robbed him of every penny, stolen her future, or nearly so. How could she trust a man like that?

  Her thoughts swirled in circles until a knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” she called. The butler entered with a note on the tray. “Thank you, Allister,” she said as she retrieved the sealed parchment.

  Scanning the contents, she let out a long breath. Chloe. Her friend wanted her to come to dinner tonight. Penny already knew the reason; to convince her to use Preston as research.

  But that prompted another thought entirely. Perhaps she could do some research of her own. Not on rakes but on Preston’s true character. Wasn’t that what courting was for?

  She rose and penned a quick reply, assuring Chloe that she would attend. She needed Chloe to set up another meeting with Preston. At best, she’d learn if he was a man of value. At worst, she’d get Chloe additional information for her book. What was the harm in that?

  Returning to her room, she set about finding a dress that might work for dinner with the Drydens. Most of her gowns had been reworked, but then again, she and Chloe were close friends. Her friends wouldn’t mind if she wasn’t in the height of fashion.

  After settling on a red silk gown, she touched the worn parts of the fabric. The garment had belonged to her mother. Penny loved the color of the silk, but she’d likely have to retire the dress soon. Having reworked it many times, the fabric was worn in several places. She ran her hands down the butter soft silk. She remembered her mother in this very gown, looking lovely, as she’d gone out for the evening with Penny’s father. That was before they’d retired to the country. Before every item but her mother’s home had been taken away.

  After her mother’s death, her father had moved them back to London. She sighed to herself. He’d told her that he’d needed the chance to restore their former life. In reality, he’d gambled away every last possession that he could get his hands on. She had assumed the house had been sold along with everything else. When there was nothing left, and he faced debtor’s prison, he’d taken his own life.

  Penny leaned against the post on her bed, her eyes closing. If not for Chloe, Caroline, and Annabelle, she’d be destitute. Living on the street or in a workhouse. A slight shudder travelled down her body.

  She squeezed her eyes shut. She had to watch Lord Preston carefully. Some men weren’t built to provide, only suck the people around them dry. Her father had been handsome and charming and her mother had eventually given every last ounce of herself over to him. Penny wouldn’t make that same mistake. She’d rather be alone.

  She straightened, then began to ready herself for the evening. Caroline had plans to attend a dinner with the part of her family that still socialized with her, so Penny would take one of the maids as a companion. She didn’t have her own personal attendant, though Caroline had offered to hire one for her. It was Penny’s belief that she should make herself as inexpensive as possible so that her friends didn’t tire of caring for her.

  All the more reason she needed to give Preston serious consideration. If not him, his plan was a good one. Perhaps she could find another suitor willing to make a similar deal. She looked into the mirror as she stuck a pin in her hair, her stomach fluttering with a bit of excitement. She had to confess that even devising such a plan was a point in Preston’s favor. Her father would never have come up with something so clever, nor would he have volunteered himself for such hard labor.

  After rising, she left her room and headed down the stairs. Caroline had taken her carriage. Making her way down the stairs, she turned to the butler. “Can you find me a hack, please?”

  “No need, Miss Clearwater,” Remy said. “Lord Dryden has sent his carriage for you.”

  She shrugged into her pelisse, a relieved sigh falling from her lips. Thank goodness, she only had a few coins in her reticule. “Very good. Fetch Mary for me, if you please.”

  “Of course,” Remy answered.

  The carriage ride was short and she’d chosen Mary because the girl was quiet. Penny wasn’t one for a great deal of idle conversation, normally, but tonight especially, her thoughts swirled in circles. As the carriage pulled up to the Dryden’s estate, Mary craned her neck. “It’s so big,” she whispered.

  Penny smiled. “It is, isn’t it?”

  Mary cleared her throat. “If you marry the earl who proposed, would you live in a house like this?”

  Penny shook her head. “I don’t need a house like this, Mary. I’d settle for a man who just kept food on the table and a roof over our heads.”

  Mary leaned forward. “Amen to that.” She twisted her hands together. “I’d like to marry someday.”

  Penny winced in sympathy, her mouth pressing together as it came down at the corners. A servant’s life was difficult. “I hope you do.” She reached for Mary’s hand. “Let’s say a quick prayer that
life works out for both of us.”

  The carriage came to a stop and a moment later, the door snapped open. Penny drew in a breath, releasing Mary’s hand. Turning toward the exit, she stopped.

  A devastatingly handsome man stood before her. Perfectly groomed in spotless evening wear, she barely recognized him. “Lord Preston?” she asked as she smoothed her worn skirts.

  He quirked a small smile, making him appear roguishly charming. Leaning over he gave her a small wink. “Don’t be fooled. Dryden lent me the outfit.”

  She paused for a moment and then a small giggle escaped her lips. “Tonight, it’s me who’s at a disadvantage.” Chloe hadn’t even mentioned Preston would be here. The trickster. Her friend had set her up. Here she’d been scheming to coax Chloe into another meeting.

  Preston reached for her hand. Slipping her gloved fingers into his, a riot of tingles rippled down her arm. “Why is that?” he asked.

  Even in his ragged clothes, he had a distinguished appearance. Broad shoulders, lean muscles, an aristocratic nose. With his hair trimmed and brushed back, his blue eyes shone in the setting sun, his full lips even more prominent. He took her breath away. “I didn’t know you’d be in attendance.”

  Her slippered foot touched the ground and he squeezed her hand gently. “I suppose I do have the advantage then. I knew you’d be here, and I intend to convince you that I’m a good candidate for your hand.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest as she stared up at him, words failing her. Dear Lord, she was in trouble.

  He let go of her hand and proceeded to hand out Mary.

  “Penny,” Chloe gushed from behind Preston. How had she not noticed that Chloe and Dryden were also waiting for them on the drive? “You look lovely this evening.”

  Penny’s mouth pressed together as she moved next to Chloe. “Thank you, though I might have borrowed a gown from Caroline had I known the nature of this dinner.” She reached for her friend’s hand, leaning closer. “You played me for a fool.”

  Chloe blushed, Penny could see it even in the dusky light. “That red is perfect on you.” Chloe looked in the other direction. Then she turned back. “Don’t be cross. I was afraid you wouldn’t attend if you knew that Preston would be here.”

  Penny held in a sigh. Chloe was trying to help and Penny appreciated that but she’d have liked to make that decision herself. But, what was done was done. “Thank you for helping me, Chloe. You’ve been a good friend.”

  Chloe gave her a soft smile. “Thank you for not getting too upset with me.”

  Penny’s shoulders slumped. “Who could be mad at you?” It was true. Chloe glowed with love and good intentions. It was impossible to be upset with her. Even now, her warm gaze pleaded with Penny not to be upset.

  Preston came to her other side, holding out his elbow. “May I?”

  She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, the fluttering in her stomach beginning again. They made their way inside and settled into a sitting room to chat before dinner.

  “You’ve obviously had a productive day today.” She looked to Preston, marveling at his transformation once again.

  He wiggled his brows. “You don’t know the half of it.”

  Dryden leaned forward. “We saw an accountant and a barrister today. I’m proud of you, Preston.”

  Preston gave a small nod, his eyes on her. “I like working hard. Always have. It’s idleness I don’t do well with.”

  Penny’s heart jumped in her chest. She wanted to believe those words. This man, his plan, they were casting a spell on her. She could not fall for a fairy tale.

  “What happened to your lands that are attached to your title?” she asked. The question might be rude, but she needed a reminder as to why she should be cautious.

  Preston didn’t look upset, however. His face was soft as he answered, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I mentioned part of the story already. Two years ago, there was a drought. Then a flood. We lost that year’s crop and I didn’t have the funds to support the people or provide more seed to replant.” He sat forward, his hands clasping. “I’ve done a poor job of managing my holdings. I take responsibility for that. I should have had money for an emergency.”

  Sympathy welled in her chest. She could hear nothing but sincerity and honesty in his voice. But admiration filled her too. He was being honest when that meant painting himself in a poor light. But under both of those emotions was a growing awareness of him and the way her body reacted to his nearness.

  “But my cousin, Gavin deWolfe, replanted for me. In exchange, he kept three years’ worth of the profit. I came out with nothing but the people. At least, they were provided for. I’ll take over next season when I have the financial means to do so.” He cleared his throat. “Provided you accept my offer.”

  “I see,” she replied, clasping her hands in her lap. She wanted to reach out and hug him. Provide some sympathy. To all accounts, he’d done right by the people, but he’d done it by temporarily giving up his share. The question, she supposed, was could he see the proposition he made with her through to the end? “You’re lucky to have such a committed family member.” She didn’t know, but all she could do now was observe and hope to figure out the truth about Preston.

  “I am. He’s done an admirable job. I’m sure he’ll be able to continue my education after I leave London. Your home is in Kent?” His hands clasped in front of him. “My land is in Norfolk.”

  Penny pressed her lips together. He weaved a web about her. “Close,” she murmured, resisting the urge to say more. Looking at him, she could just say yes. Accept his offer and slide into his very strong arms.

  His gaze penetrated deep into hers and she shifted in her seat. “Indeed,” he murmured. Penny had the sensation that he was pulling her closer no matter how much she wanted to resist.

  Chapter Five

  Dinner was lovely, conversation excellent, and the food delicious. After the meal, the men opted not to smoke and instead came out onto the veranda in the crisp night. Dryden and Chloe led the way as they stepped off the stone and onto a gravel path.

  Penny shivered as the cool damp air hit her skin. Preston wrapped his arm about her, pulling her close. Instantly, she warmed, his heat seeping through her dress. Or perhaps the blood just began rushing though her body at his touch. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  He stopped, turning toward her. “Penny,” he said, her name rolling over her with its deep baritone chords.

  “Yes?” she asked, peering up at him for an instant before she looked away again. He was almost too handsome to meet his gaze.

  “I’ve had a lovely time with you tonight.” His breath fanned across her cheeks, warm and soft, like a caress.

  Being this close, all she could do was answer honestly. “I did too.”

  He trailed his fingertips along her cheek. “I’ve been honest with you and you should feel free to be so with me. Are you considering my proposal?”

  She hesitated. She knew she was, but she wasn’t certain how much she should give away. Her attraction to him clouded her judgement. “I am.”

  He dropped his head lower, so close that he was nearly touching his lips to hers. She forgot to breathe as she looked up into his eyes. Softly, he placed his lips lightly on hers, a small touch, gentle and kind, but it made sensation ricochet through her body, a riot of live nerve endings pulsing to her core. Her breath caught and her knees weakened. He was most certainly a rogue to kiss her like that.

  Without a word, he lifted his head again and then began moving them down the path, his arm about her waist propelling them both forward. What had just happened?

  Penny blinked. For the first time in her entire life, she understood the force that had moved her mother to marry her father. Was she making the same mistake? Her spine straightened.

  Her head jerked back and she stopped walking as she stared up into his eyes. His gaze met hers and crinkled in a question. “What’s wrong?”

  She gave her a head a small shake
. “Nothing is wrong. I just…” She just needed to keep her head. She would not end up like her mother, a slave to a rogue. “I’m quite cold. Do you think we might return inside?”

  “Of course,” he answered, but then he unbuttoned his coat and, in a quick motion, the jacket came off and landed on her shoulders. It was warm and buttery-soft and it smelled of him. Like fresh sandalwood soap, cigars, and some spice she couldn’t identify. Intoxicating. She attempted to hold her breath.

  Memories of her parent’s relationship assaulted her. As a child, her father would disappear for long stretches and return to them, looking haggard and worn. Her mother would nurse him, feed him, and in return, he’d tell her what a wonderful woman she was. He’d lavish her with attention that she’d bloom under, giggling like a school girl. Once he’d improved, he’d beg her mother for money. He always had some scheme that was going to make their lives better if only her mother would just help him get started.

  Penny’s lip curled as bile filled her stomach. She might very well be falling into the same trap. Sure Preston was attentive now, but how would he be after the paperwork was signed and the house, her dowry, became his?

  She closed her eyes. She didn’t mean to paint him as the man her father was. Though Preston’s own past was cause for concern. But she needed to use her mind and not her heart to make this decision.

  “Any better?” he asked, leaning close again.

  She attempted a smile. “Much. Thank you.” Inside, however, her stomach continued to churn with uncertainty. She could not end up in the same situation as her mother.

  * * *

  Wes was aware that something in Penny’s demeanor had changed. He shouldn’t have kissed her. He’d pushed too fast too soon.