The Wicked Wallflowers

by Tammy Andresen

  Clever Mrs. Welsh. She understood Penny perfectly. “That sounds lovely. Thank you.”

  By the time she heard the clop of horses’ hooves, she was engaged in polishing the silver. The chore had distracted her, but relief made her shoulders limp as she rose up to cross the library and head down to the kitchen.

  She headed out the door, and crossed the yard to see Wes climb down, his wagon full of bags of seed. Her worry had been foolish; she rubbed her forehead at how she’d allowed the past to color her present. “What’s wrong love?” he asked as he crossed to give her a kiss.

  She didn’t want to be silly but she thought it best he understood. “I have to confess that I did not like waking alone. My father, he used to just leave and—”

  “Oh sweetheart,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to worry you. After last night, I just thought to let you sleep.”

  She reached for his hand. “Of course. It makes perfect sense. My emotions tend to lack rational motivations.”

  He gave her a ruthful smile. “I understand completely.” Then he leaned down and gave her a kiss. “I have to go see a Lord Harvey tomorrow. Would you come with me?”

  She blinked. “Lord Harvey?” She remembered the man. Jolly fellow and a wonderful friend. “Of course.”

  “Mr. Wright says he is the man to see about selling our crop.”

  That made her smile. “Excellent.”

  She turned back toward the house as he began unhitching the wagon. “Where are you going?”

  She turned back to him. “To see if I have anything suitable to wear.”

  He quirked a brow and stepped back around the horses. “You look ravishing in anything you put on.”

  “Flatterer,” she murmured, even as heat flushed her cheeks. He placed another kiss on the apple. Clearly, the heat had made them turn pink. “Thank you but I can’t go to Lord Harvey’s in my work clothes. He’s one of the most influential men in the county.”

  “He’ll see your beauty no matter what.”

  “Well thank you, but I want him to see your value. He’s a man with a great deal of influence.”

  Wes gave her a nod as he continued unhitching the horses. “I’ll put on my best face.”

  “I’m sure you will.” She drew in a deep breath. Tomorrow had to go well. It could make or break their future.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Wes looked at Penny on the seat across from him, her hands tightly clasped. “Should I be worried? You seem concerned.”

  “No. Nothing like that.” Her hands twisted but then she unclenched them, smoothing the folds of her muslin gown. She fiddled with a frayed edge, pulling the thread from the fabric. “He was always a good man but so much depends on this visit and…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Penny. We’re doing well. Try not to worry.” His voice was soothing but it turned down in concern. She had a point. Though his clothing, borrowed from Dryden, was more or less appropriate for a morning call, a bit formal to be sure, Penny’s outfit looked worn. He clenched his fist in his lap. A man should provide for his wife.

  “Of course,” she gave him a brave smile, her back straightening. “No matter what happens, we have each other. We’ll face it together.”

  Each other. Emotion swelled in his chest. “We do,” he answered then leaned over and reached for her hand. “Penny. You are still free to make whatever decision you wish but I want you to know that I want to stay with you. If I head north next year to farm my land too, I want you to come with me.”

  Her smile was soft as she squeezed his fingers. “I want to stay with you too.”

  How could they fail? Wes was certain he was exactly where he belonged.

  It took them more than an hour, but they pulled up to a large, well-appointed country estate. The large house towered above the open land, its freshly painted exterior and manicured lawns speaking of an affluence that once again made Wes wince with doubt.

  He could find another buyer, of course. But, if Lord Harvey agreed, they’d have completed another item on their long list of tasks and a local buyer would always maximize the profits, essential if he wanted to plant his own land next year.

  The carriage rolled to a stop and Stanley hopped down to open the door for them.

  To Wes’s surprise, the front door opened and several people stepped out, including a well-dressed older man and woman. He assumed they were Lord and Lady Harvey.

  His assumption was soon confirmed. “Are you Lord Preston?” A jolly old booming voice greeted him. “It’s a pleasure, old chap.”

  “I am. Lord Harvey, I presume.”

  Penny’s arm slipped through his, and they began to move toward the couple along with their arsenal of staff.

  “The very man. Lady Preston, a pleasure to see you again and so glad that you’ve returned. And not only that, but as a countess.” He reached for Penny’s hand and she grasped his, smiling.

  “Thank you, Lord Harvey. It’s good to be home.” Her other hand was holding his elbow and she gave it a squeeze. “And wonderful to be married.”

  “Oh my dear.” Lady Harvey stepped forward and grasped Penny’s shoulder, kissing both of her cheeks. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you.” Penny’s cheeks had flushed. “I know you were both friendly with my mother. She always appreciated it.”

  Lord Harvey waved his hand. “Your grandfather helped me tremendously when I took over the title. I tried to help your mother as best I could.”

  Penny’s cheeks went from pink to scarlet. “I wish she’d taken your advice.”

  Wes crinkled his brow. Was this why Penny had been nervous?

  “As do I.” Lord Harvey waved them forward. “But come in. I hear you have grain to sell me.”

  “Hopefully.” Wes answered, following. “We are trying to make a fresh start together and—” He didn’t want to say too much.

  Lord Harvey turned to him. “Let’s let the women have tea, shall we? I’d love to give you a tour of some of my property.”

  With a nod, they parted company with the women. Soon they were out the back and, on surprisingly spritely feet, Lord Harvey led him into his own plowed fields. “You’ve plowed too.”

  “I have. The signs are here this year to get the seed in the ground.” Lord Harvey turned to him. “You’ve farming experience.”

  “I do,” Wes answered.

  “Good. Consider the contract settled. I’ll give you a fair price and in return, you take care of our Penny.”

  Wes’s shoulders relaxed. “I’ll do my best.”

  Lord Harvey patted his shoulder. “I know you will, son. It’s in your eyes. You love her.”

  Wes’s own muscles clenched. He did, but his past was still a specter between them. Last night he’d dreamed of the mindlessness of alcohol. The way his worries slipped away. His hand shook just thinking about it.

  Lord Harvey shook his head. “I wish her mother had had some of Penny’s sense. She let that man break her one bit at a time.”

  Wes’s muscles tensed. He knew there were parts of Penny’s past she hadn’t shared but he hadn’t been totally honest either. “How so?”

  “The man never loved her. She was just a money source to him, one that he used until he’d drained her.” Lord Harvey shook his head. “Claire loved him with every fiber of her soul and every time he left again, it broke another piece of her heart away. She took to keeping vigils in the front parlor and she made Penny keep them too. They’d sit for days waiting for him to return just watching out the window.”

  The sitting room. No wonder Penny hated that room. “Sit for days?”

  Lord Harvey scrubbed his face. “She didn’t allow Penny to read or sew or even talk. A little girl. They’d just watch for him to return from whatever carousing he’d gone off to do.”

  Wes’s gut clenched. He thought of how upset Penny had been when he’d left without telling her. Her behavior made so much more sense. “I’m beginning to understand.”

  Lord Harvey’s eyes widened.
“I did not mean to overstep. I actually called you out for another reason.” Lord Harvey stepped closer. “I’ve heard about your troubles with Charles Southing.”

  His accountant. Annoyance streaked through his body. Was Lord Harvey worried about his business dealings? “I’m attempting to bring him to justice, and I’ve hired a new man to handle my affairs.”

  “I know. I have to confess that I did a bit of research on you when I heard you and Penny had arrived.”

  “Research?” Wes raised an eyebrow. His past was not a point in his favor. “And you’re still willing to do business with me?”

  Color rose in Lord Harvey’s cheeks. “As an earl,” his voice dropped. “Who was once a Wicked Earl, I am intimately acquainted with Lord Dryden.” Harvey took a deep breath. “I know of your dealings with Southing. I’ve heard that he has contacted several of his former clients, including two in this area, attempting to offer business deals where they give him sums of money as an investment.”

  “Bloody bullocks.” Wes’s insides clenched. “Here? Trying to drum up money?”

  “Perhaps someone has given him funds and he’s used it to sail to France.” Lord Harvey patted his shoulder. “But keep an eye out nonetheless.”

  Wes’s gut clenched.

  * * *

  Penny sat with Lady Harvey, wondering why she had ever been nervous to see her old friends again. She supposed she’d been worried they’d reject her choice of husband, consider him cut from the same cloth as her father.

  But Lady Harvey had been nothing but gracious. “You look stunning.” Lady Harvey beamed.

  Penny smoothed the folds of her gown. “You flatter me, surely. I’ve not properly outfitted myself for some time.”

  Lady Harvey grimaced. “I didn’t want to let your father drag you to London, but there was little I could do.”

  Penny shook her head. “Don’t fret. He was my father.”

  “I checked in on you after. Knew your friends had taken you in.” Lady Harvey reached for her hand.

  It warmed Penny’s heart to know. “Thank you. You and Lord Harvey were so kind to my mother and me.”

  Lady Harvey gave her fingers a squeeze. “I wish I’d done more. Harold is going to give your new husband a generous contract. It’s our way of helping you to get started.”

  Penny shook her head, relief and joy bubbling inside her. “You’ve done plenty.”

  Lady Harvey flushed. “I have one more thing I’d like to do for you.” She stood then and crossed the room, pulling the bell cord near the door. As she sat back down, the door opened and several boxes were brought in, and stacked next to her chair. “What is all of this?” Penny asked.

  “Clothing for you. Specifically, formal attire for the Baron and Baroness’s dinner party.”

  Penny grimaced. “That is too kind, but I don’t think we’ll attend—”

  “Oh, but you must. We want to see you again, and the connections with the other lords in the area would prove invaluable.”

  Penny opened her mouth to again refuse but a deep voice called from the door. “Excellent point, Lady Harvey.”

  Penny looked up, recognizing Wes’s voice even as the words cut through her. He wanted to go to the party? Why? She knew her husband appreciated her. But was his true affection with Lady Kitteridge?

  She didn’t want to think it. He’d given her little cause except of course for the fact that he’d hidden their past relationship. They both had a past that they didn’t want to share, she could understand that, but if he wanted to go then perhaps Lady Kitteridge was not part of the past at all.

  The doubts crept in. She remembered her mother’s mumblings, all those days that they sat in the front room waiting for her father. She’d worried that her husband had found someone new. That he’d taken a lover and run away.

  Those same thoughts swirled about Penny’s head as she stared at Wes. Finally swallowing, she forced her lips to move. “We agreed that we weren’t going.”

  “Nonsense,” Lord Harvey said as he stepped into the room, Wes following. “We’ve only just gotten you back, you have to come. Besides, the other lords will have invaluable information to secure your success.”

  “I agree,” Wes answered, then looked toward the fire, breaking their gaze.

  Tears stung at her eyes, but she blinked them away. She didn’t want to argue in front of the Harveys but Wes had made a decision to spend more time with Lady Kitteridge. Her fists balled in her skirts and she clenched her jaw.

  She said little as they had tea and then departed. She continued to be silent as they rode away.

  “You’re angry,” Wes stated as the silence stretched out.

  She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Penny,” his voice was soft as he reached out and touched her knee. “Why are you upset?”

  “You changed our plans without even consulting me,” she whispered, her throat tightening.

  His fingers gently squeezed her knee. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make a decision without you. I just wanted to make Lord and Lady Harvey happy. And I want to provide for both of us.”

  “We will provide for both of us. Remember? We’re supposed to be doing this together.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Wes swore softly under his breath. She was right, of course. He couldn’t have accomplished any of this without her and he should have checked with her before changing plans. “You’re right. I was alone for so long I’ve gotten used to making decisions on my own.” He stretched out his fingers to touch hers, but she curled them away from him. A muscle in his jaw ticked. Obviously she was still angry.

  “We can’t confer on every decision, I suppose.” Penny stared out the window, her mouth turned down.

  “But you wish we had on this one.” They had made the decision not to attend together, it was reasonable… His mind clicked, and he blinked in surprise. They’d made the decision not to attend because of Catherine. He cleared his throat. “You know I don’t care if I ever see her again, right? This has nothing to do with Lady Kitteridge.”

  She turned away from the window and her hazel eyes bore into his. They squinted, the lines around her mouth, tight. “I don’t know that actually.”

  Ahhh. He’d discovered the problem. “Penny.” He leaned forward, taking her hand despite her best attempt to snatch it away. “I don’t want anything to do with her.”

  Penny narrowed her gaze. “Is that so? Just like you hardly knew her?”

  Inwardly he winced. “I know how it seems. How it must seem. I wasn’t completely honest, but it was because I was embarrassed by the man I was.”

  She yanked her fingers away. “Are you that man still?”

  He’d experienced regret during this conversation, understanding, and even a touch of sadness. That comment made him angry. “I haven’t touched a drop of liquor. I’m out working from sun up until sundown and yet you want to know what kind of man I am?”

  It was her turn to wince, her mouth drawing into a thin line. “Forget I said anything.”

  He let out a long breath. Wes was highly unlikely to forget about this discussion. “I don’t want to forget it. In fact, I want to keep discussing your lack of trust in me and your worries over Catherine.”

  “Catherine? We’re calling her by her Christian name?” Penny’s voice rose in pitch.

  He clearly had made an error. “I didn’t tell you about her because I am ashamed. Not because I have any intention of renewing our relationship. She represents everything that was wrong with my life before. If I could, I would forget she ever existed.”

  Penny’s shoulders slumped even as her features twisted. “As would I.”

  Taking a chance, he reached for her other hand. When she allowed him to take it, he gave both of them a squeeze. “I will be in bed with you every night.”

  Her lip trembled. “Promise?”

  “I swear it,” he answered, leaning closer. “You’re the only woman for me.”

  A tear trickled down h
er cheek and she looked away again. “I’m tiresome, aren’t I? I’m sick to death of myself and my worries.”

  “No.” He slid from his seat, moving next to her as his lips grazed her temple. “You’ve a right to worry.” Emotion clouded their business deal or perhaps he should have proposed to her romantically. Either way, they were in this strange area where they had feelings for one another, but somehow, they didn’t quite know what was appropriate. “Wives and husbands are often jealous. It’s part of a normal relationship.”

  * * *

  Penny frowned. Part of a normal relationship? Had he been jealous? “Is it normal for a husband to give his wife reason to be worried?” Her voice held an edge. It was unfair that she was the only one who had to feel this way. Her mother had never given her father a moment’s pause. For the first time, Penny realized that she might have married another version of her father. No, Wes wasn’t off spending her money but would there always be some woman lurking in the background?

  “Are you asking because of your parents or because of me?” He leaned away, looking down at her even as she gasped in a breath.

  “What do you know of my parents?” She stood up so suddenly, she wacked her head on the ceiling.

  Wes reached out to steady her and then gently pulled her back onto the seat, tucking her in his arms. “Are you all right?”

  Her head throbbed in pain, but she’d live. “I’m fine.” She rubbed her fingers along the bump already forming on her skull.

  He brushed her hand aside. “Lord Harvey said that your mother used to make you wait for your father to return. He said that the man never loved your mother the way she loved him.”

  Her throat constricted and she swallowed to clear it. “Both true.”

  He titled her head back and softly brushed his lips to hers. “I’ll not leave you to wait for me in that room, Penny.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I don’t work without you, sweetheart. I’m better with you in my arms. Please try and trust me on this one.”

  All her anger melted away and she slumped against him. “I’m better with you too. It’s what frightens me.”