The Wicked Wallflowers

by Tammy Andresen

  For just a moment, she wished to stay in the carriage, hide from the rest of London, but her gaze fell on Marksman. If she didn’t go in and do her research what was she going to do with herself?

  They finally made their way up the drive, the long line of carriages making their progress slow. The two men climbed out, to help them down. As Marksman slipped her hand into his larger grasp, she took a deep breath, relaxing. At least she’d be facing the world with him next to her. “Thank you for coming with me.” She tucked her hand into his elbow wishing she could rest her head on his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  He pulled her a touch closer. “So am I.” They moved with the crowd, Chloe and Fin just in front of them.

  “How were you able to garner an invitation to this event for me?” she whispered, swallowing a lump. “I normally manage to attend small affairs with family friends.”

  He leaned down, saying in her ear, “I’m joining Dryden’s club. The director’s wife is hosting the ball. She said she’d be delighted if we attended.”

  Caroline shook her head. “No one is ever delighted when I attend, Lord Marksman.”

  Marksman scratched his chin. “My name is Pierce.” His breath tickled her ear. “And I might have insinuated that I was considering courting you. Everyone loves a story of redemption.”

  Her breath caught and her heart thudded in her chest. They did indeed. Her own thoughts danced with the idea of being redeemed. Not that she cared that much about London society but a life of her own? A home with Pierce and children snuggled next to a fire made her pulse flutter wildly. “Clever,” she breathed, barely able to push out the word.

  They moved through the entry, and started up the stairs to the ballroom. The crowd pressed in as they moved indoors and her hip grazed his outer thigh. A throbbing started between her legs. “Do you see any potential candidates?”

  “For me or for you?” he asked scanning the people on the stairs. “Never mind, the answer is no.”

  She shouldn’t feel relieved, but she let out a long breath, her breast brushing his arm. He leaned down again, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. “If this trend continues, we may have to fake an engagement so that you’ll have access to all the parties.”

  Nibbling her lip, she didn’t reply. This was exactly the reason she’d tried to stay away from him to begin with. He filled her with hope, the kind that would only end in disappointment. “I’d forgotten how crowded these events could be.”

  They reached the ballroom, and began edging toward the wall to find a spot. Chloe and Fin were still just ahead of them, but the crush of people made it impossible to speak with them. “Let’s do a slow circle and see if we find any gentlemen you’re interested in talking to.”

  She let him lead the way, only half paying attention to the people she passed. The man she was with had consumed her thoughts.

  “Hello,” someone called from nearby. Caroline didn’t look up, sure no one was speaking to her. “Lord Marksman,” a woman called, waving her kerchief.

  Pierce snapped his head up as Caroline stopped. Just to their left was Lady Blakely and her daughter, Lady Clara Brownwater. The next name on Marksman’s list.

  Chapter Ten

  Damn it all to hell, Pierce thought as he stopped walking, drawing Caroline closer. Now was not the moment that he wanted an interruption. Caroline was folding into him, he could feel it. It was in the press of her body, the way she held his arm, the heat she emitted.

  He didn’t want any interruption, but certainly not from a woman on his mother’s damned list. “Good evening, Lady Blakely. A pleasure to see you again.”

  “And you as well, my lord. Have you met my daughter, Lady Clara?” Lady Blakely gave her daughter a nudge.

  The girl stepped forward, her round face creased in a large smile. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord.” She dipped into a curtsey, knocking into two gentlemen behind her.

  Pierce bowed. “And you as well. Do you know my friend, Lady Caroline?”

  Both women looked at her, their smiles vanishing. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Lady Blakely said between taut lips.

  Caroline let go of his hand to dip into a proper curtsey. “A pleasure.”

  Lady Blakely turned her face to Pierce as though Caroline did not exist. Lady Clara, however, openly stared at Caroline, her eyes narrowed into slits.

  Lady Blakely cleared her throat. “I’m so excited for our upcoming dinner party. It will be a pleasure to have you and your mother in attendance.”

  His mother? What had the woman done now? He felt Caroline’s shiver despite the fact that they weren’t touching. “Dinner? She hadn’t informed me.”

  Lady Blakely snapped open her fan. “Oh, my apologies. It’s this Sunday. Of course, if you can’t attend…” The fan waved back and forth in front of her face.

  His jaw clenched. “Of course, I’d be delighted.” He couldn’t make his lips form a smile and he’d no intention of actually attending. His mother did not now or in the future dictate his social schedule. Her meddling had gone on long enough.

  The fan stopped, as Lady Blakely let out a trill of laughter. “How wonderful.” She stepped closer so her fan covered her face from Caroline as she leaned in conspiratorially. “My family can deliver you a woman of quality.”

  His teeth snapped together in protest and he heard Caroline suck in her breath. Lady Blakely turned and left, making their way through the crowd as he and Caroline stood watching their progress. He balled his hand into a fist and he longed to tuck her behind him in protection. “What the bloody hell was that?” he muttered, looking down at Caroline.

  Her lips trembled as she still stared at the women who’d just left. “Happens all the time. It’s nothing to be concerned about.” But her voice shook.

  “I’m concerned. They were disrespectful. Rude.” He held out his elbow again and began leading her through the crowd toward the balcony. He wanted to tuck her close. Hell, he’d like to hug her in comfort.

  “It’s my fault. I wanted to write that book so badly I forgot how women could be. I…” she stopped, drawing a long breath as they stepped out onto the small overhang.

  He pushed her away from the door so they were shielded from view. “It is not your fault that they have no manners.”

  She shook her head. “It is. I’ve been trying not to think about it. Because when I do I’ll have to face what a fool I am.” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t have come here. I shouldn’t have involved you.”

  Then she pushed away from him, and with a flourish of skirts, entered the ballroom again.

  * * *

  Caroline pushed through the crowd, not caring who she bumped or jostled. She’d made a terrible error. She hadn’t wanted to relive her experience with Lord Parks because when she did, she’d have to accept that she’d ruined her life forever and it wasn’t his fault. It was hers.

  She’d allowed emotions to rule her better judgement. Lord Parks had all but told her with every interaction that he was not a man of worth. He’d spoken of her beauty, of how he longed for her body. But he’d never talked of a future. Avoided the topic. Nor did he seek her out at parties, it was always her who had found him. Would he have protected her if another man had been inappropriate as Pierce had protected her? She snorted, a most unladylike sound that drew several sharp gazes in her direction.

  “Pardon me,” she mumbled. That was the worst of it. If she could do it over again, with another rake, perhaps she could prove that she was worth a real man’s time. Because, right now, she wasn’t. Look at what she did to Pierce. Her presence made his wife search harder, not easier. Lady Blakely was right. She was no good for him, not even in this capacity.

  Finally, she spotted Chloe near the wall, craning her neck this way and that. Caroline made a dash for her friend, wishing she could return home this instant.

  Chloe caught sight of her, her eyes widening as she assessed Caroline’s face. The moment she reached Chloe, Chloe grasp
ed her hands. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” she said, shaking her head. “I know we’ve only just arrived but I’d like to leave. Coming was a mistake.”

  “Mistake?” Fin growled, coming to her side. “Did Marksman do something?”

  Caroline started. “No. Of course not. It’s not him, it’s me.”

  “Caroline,” Marksman said just behind her, panting as though he’d chased after her. “What was that? What’s the matter with you?”

  “What happened?” Fin demanded, grabbing Marksman’s jacket. “What have you done?”

  “Everyone,” Chloe called over the noise as they pressed into a corner of the ballroom. “Calm down.”

  Caroline drew in a shaky breath. “Fin. Pierce didn’t do anything. I swear.”

  “Pierce?” Dryden’s eyebrows lifted. “It’s Pierce now?” Fin stepped in front of Pierce. “We need to step outside and have a chat.”

  Oh dear. This was the problem exactly. She couldn’t do anything without causing trouble. She’d hoped to make her past right but she was only making the present worse. “No.” She stepped between the two men. “There will be none of that.”

  “I don’t need you to protect me, Caroline. I should be keeping you safe. Step out of the way. If Dryden wants to take a swing, let him.”

  “No.” She turned to Pierce. “You can’t fight with Fin. Connecting the two of you, which I didn’t really even do, is the only good I’ve ever come close to even doing. Please. I want you to have those connections.”

  “The only good you’ve ever come close to doing?” he repeated, his face puckering in confusion.

  “What does that mean?” Chloe asked. “Caroline, you’re nothing but good.”

  She shook her head. “Lady Blakely is right, Pierce. I am terrible for you. You shouldn’t associate with me any longer,” she said. “It will only make your search for a real wife harder.”

  “Lady Blakely?” Fin repeated. He released Pierce’s jacket. “Lady Caroline. Would you do me the honor of dancing the next set with me?”

  “What?” She asked turning back to him. “Why would you want to dance with me?”

  But he was already pulling her away. “I’ll bring her right back, Marksman. Sorry for grabbing your coat.”

  What was Fin doing?

  Chapter Eleven

  Caroline stared at Fin, wondering what was going on. “Fin,” she hissed in a whisper. “Slow down.”

  He didn’t release the pressure on her arm but he did draw in a deep breath and allow her a moment to catch up. “Apologies.”

  “What’s wrong?” she asked as he slowed to a more leisurely pace.

  He didn’t speak as he found a spot on the dance floor. “There are several things we need to discuss. Unfortunately, the dance floor only allows us to address one or two.”

  “Several?” Her eyebrows raised as he began moving about the floor. “Such as?”

  “Lady Blakely is full of horse manure for starters.” He leaned down to look into her eyes.

  Her cheeks heated. She understood that Lady Blakely was unkind but that didn’t make her wrong. “Thank you for trying to make me feel better.”

  “I’m not. Well, I am but I’m not just saying that to appease your feelings, it’s the truth, Caroline. One kiss in the garden does not make you less of a person nor does that tiny act make you unfit to be a wife. Honestly, Chloe aside, you are one of the gentlest, most caring people I know.”

  Her head dipped. She appreciated his words but they didn’t ring true. Not for her. The truth was Pierce needed a woman with a sterling reputation which did, in fact, make her unfit to be his wife. She’d dreamed of marrying but since meeting Pierce, her fantasy had gotten rather specific. “Thank you, Fin.”

  “Caroline,” his voice was gruff. “Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. My mistake was to fall down an opium pipe and nearly kill myself all the while failing the thousands of people who depend on me. Think about that and compare our sins. Do you think that I don’t deserve Chloe? That I shouldn’t marry? I’ll tell you honestly that I did, so I wouldn’t blame you if you find me lacking.”

  Caroline’s mouth fell open and her gaze snapped to his. Never had she heard him speak like this. “Fin, I don’t find you lacking. You’re a wonderful husband to Chloe.”

  He turned his head to the side, assessing her with a long stare. “If you see my value, why not your own?”

  Oh, that did make her stop to think. What value did she have?

  * * *

  Pierce shifted from his left foot to his right and then back again. What the bloody hell was Fin doing on the dance floor with Caroline?

  “You’re fidgeting,” Chloe said next to him, placing a hand on his arm.

  “Why did he drag her onto the dance floor?” He let out a quick breath as he dragged a hand through his hair.

  Chloe raised her brow. “What are you so worried for?”

  Well that was a good question. “Why aren’t you concerned?”

  Her brow went from high on her forehead to low over her eyes. “Concerned about Fin? Why should I be concerned?”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “We’re never getting anywhere if we keep asking questions.”

  She touched his arm. “I’m not in the least bit apprehensive because Fin cares for Caroline the way he might a sister. And because I trust him completely.” Then she gave his arm a squeeze. “Your turn to answer a question.”

  “Which one?” One corner of his mouth turned down.

  “Whichever you like.”

  He paused, scrubbing his cheek. “I’m worried about Caroline.” Then he stopped. “I’m answering the ‘why are you fidgeting’ question.”

  Chloe gave him a large smile. “I assumed. May I ask why you’re so concerned?”

  He shrugged. “She doesn’t see her own worth. It’s something I can sympathize with and I wish I could make it better for her.”

  Chloe raised her shoulders. “Perhaps you can. If you’ve a mind to do so.”

  “What does that mean?” He stilled as he watched her.

  She clasped her hands, looking down at the floor. “You care about her. You’re attracted to her.”

  Ah. He saw where this was going. “I could marry her and save her from the ruin she’d faced.”

  Chloe nodded. “You could marry her and teach her what it feels like to be valued and loved.” Then she reached out and touched him again. “And she could teach you the same.”

  Those words hit him in the gut. Mostly because he’d been pecking around them himself. Yes, he’d started to make connections on his own. But even if he hadn’t, Pierce was beginning to wonder if Caroline might be what his heart needed. Not just a woman who made the rest of the world value him but a woman who made him value himself. “Do you really think that sort of relationship is possible?”

  “Now we’re getting to the good questions.” Chloe tilted her head to the side. “If Fin and I are any indication then it’s most definitely possible.”

  He knew a little of the couple. Actually, he’d heard a great deal about Dryden’s past. The man had been an opium addict. But Chloe, he’d heard that she’d been mute before she’d met Dryden. “You didn’t speak before you married?”

  Chloe shook her head. “I spoke. But never in public. With Fin, though, I can be my best self.” She leaned closer. “We’re going to be a family.” A smile split her face, lighting her features with a soft glow. “In all my dreams, I never imagined something so wonderful.” She gave her head a shake. “There might have been men that everyone else would have deemed better but for me, but no one could ever make me happier.”

  His heart squeezed within his chest. “Thank you for sharing that, Lady Dryden.”

  She gave a nod. Then she stepped closer still. “Listen. There is one more thing.” She pressed her hands against her stomach. “Caroline has never actually told us what happened with Lord Parks. Even now, when I ask, she changes the topic. I’m worried that she isn’t faci
ng what happened and that she blames herself. If the opportunity ever arises, can you try to get her to speak with you? She needs to share with someone.”

  He jerked his chin in ascent. “I’ll try.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “But I’ve asked her and she’s refused to answer.”

  Chloe bit her lip. “When she trusts you, she’ll open up.”

  He looked out over the dance floor, catching a glimpse of Dryden. Why didn’t she trust him already? Then he shook his head. That wasn’t the question. The question was…did he deserve her trust?

  Chapter Twelve

  The next morning, Pierce sat in his study, reviewing his ledgers, his mouth curved in satisfaction. His holdings were steadily growing. Not enough that his mother would be happy, of course. But they pleased him to no end. And next month, when their shipping venture launched, things would be even better.

  He sat back in the chair, his fingers threading behind his head. He was doing what he’d thought impossible. Slowly, but surely, he was fixing his brother’s mistakes and turning his legacy to right.

  A knock sounded at the door. “My lord,” Billings called. “A carriage has just come up the drive.” He heard the pause. “It’s your mother’s.”

  Damn. He snapped his chair straight, sitting up and dropping his hands to the desktop, then pushing himself to standing all in one motion. He tugged his jacket into place, then straightened his cravat and crossed the room. “Thank you, Billings. I’ll come to greet her myself.”

  He opened the door and slid out in front of the other man.

  “Of course, my lord.” Billings said as he fell in step behind Pierce.

  The men fell into a silent walk, the air heavy about them. Or perhaps, Pierce thought, that was just their own dread. Though the weather was cooler, the sun shone bright as a slight breeze ruffled the leaves that had begun to change color. He made his way down the stairs, just in time for his butler to open the door.