His Perfect Lady (13 page)

“Mind if I join you?” Lord Minor asked, then immediately dropped himself into the chair Stanwick vacated. “I brought a bottle to share.”

The sloshing amber liquid teased Jonathan with its smooth burn and promise of addled thoughts. Although he didn’t need to add to his inebriated state, the desire to stop thinking wooed him.

“Please.” Jonathan raised his glass, as Minor brought the bottle forward. The clinking of the glass brought a satisfying sound. “What can I help you with?”

“Just thought I’d join your celebration.” Minor lifted his brandy in salute.

“Celebration?” Jonathan’s glass paused on the way to his mouth. The misery he wallowed in could not be described as anything else.

“Now that our investment attained a ship, the profits should pour in.”

“I didn’t invest.”

Minor drew his head back as if surprised. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. However, if you act quickly, it might not be too late.”

Setting his drink back on the table, Jonathan realized he’d imbibed far too much tonight. His mind ran slower than usual, but he couldn’t understand why the shipping scam continually resurfaced. Although Minor’s tone indicated Jonathan missed out on a great opportunity, his eyes were too eager. Regardless of their claims, they’d not see a shilling from him.

“I’ll look into it.” Jonathan shrugged, noncommittal.

“You’ll have more success if you don’t dawdle. I heard Berwick regretted his decision to leave so swiftly. I expect him to return any day now, funds on hand.”

Jonathan sat up straight. “Leave? To where?”

“He left London almost a week ago. Didn’t you know?”

Catherine was gone. Breathing slowly, Jonathan tried to control the aching in his chest. He knew she didn’t love him, but he’d hoped to be able to enjoy an occasional dance or conversation with her through the rest of the Season. Had leaving been her decision or her uncle’s?

“I’ve been out of touch with Society’s gossip lately.” Jonathan silently praised his voice for remaining neutral.

“I thought you would be the first to know. I can only imagine your relief to know Berwick’s niece is gone.”

Jonathan’s fists clenched the arm of the chair. “Why would you believe the departure of any member of that family would affect me?”

Minor grinned. “Don’t play ignorant with me. The girl clearly lost her wits over you. With her gone, you’re safe from her.”

“That and Dudgery.” Jonathan couldn’t hide the bitterness from his voice.

“What do you mean? Dudgery has no connection.”

“Perhaps not yet, but his interest toward Mrs. Gates was clear.”

“An interest to bed her, maybe.”

Anger boiled inside of Jonathan as heat clouded his vision. He’d kill Dudgery before he could lay a hand on her. “I understand he meant marriage.”

Laughter burst from Minor. “Not in this lifetime. Dudgery’s aspirations are set much higher than a baron’s used daughter.”

Jonathan jumped to his feet. Although his hands shook and his heart pounded as he stared down at Minor’s wide eyes, he managed to keep his temper in check.

“Please excuse me.”

Without wasting another minute on Minor, Jonathan fled the club. Too much had happened tonight. Brandy saturated his insides, making his steps uncomfortable and unsteady. As he stumbled down the walk and into his carriage, Catherine’s image would not leave his mind.

Did Dudgery truly wish to bed her and then leave? But Catherine had made her preference for the earl clear. Could her assessment of the man’s character be so wrong? Did
he
care?

Banging his head back against the wall of his carriage, Jonathan tried to clear the fog. Although he couldn’t have her, he loved Catherine. That left him with only one option.

Chapter 11

Catherine dipped her bare feet into the cool water, enjoying the good memories it brought. This lake had been a favored spot of hers and Jonathan’s. She closed her eyes and leaned on her elbows as she put her head back. Drinking in the warm sun, she tried to recall the myriad of excuses she had used when returning home soaking wet from a dip in the lake with Jonathan.

Her eyes began to burn as they normally did when she thought about him. Over two weeks had passed since she last saw him. Taking a deep breath, she tried to concentrate on relieving the tightening in her chest. Life was much too cruel for her to bear.

As a shadow passed over her face, she snapped her eyes open. Her breath caught. Her heart pounded in her chest. Jonathan. He stood before her, the light framing his face as if he were an angel. His sweet smile warmed her more than the sun, and she basked in the glow for a second before reality returned.

Scrambling to her feet, she ignored the fire of embarrassment thinking of the improper picture she presented—in a public place, no less. Noticing her stockings and slippers beside her only furthered her humiliation.

“What a surprise to run into such a lovely lady here,” Jonathan remarked, without a hint of acknowledgement of her disheveled state.

“It should come as no surprise considering we’re on Berwick land.”

Fire shot to his eyes as she knew it would. “You’re mistaken, my dear. This belongs to Linwood.”

She smoothed the creases out of her dress as she held her head high. “The papers can claim what they will, but we know the truth. This property belongs to my family.”

The argument had been replayed between them many times since they met under similar circumstances. She’d never forget the young lord who’d interrupted her swim with claims of her trespassing. Sadness enveloped her. Everything had changed so drastically between them since that moment.

“What you have always failed to grasp is that the paper proves ownership. However, I give you permission to trespass on my property at any time.” His eyes traveled her body and then settled on her stockings.

She knew he thought of her bare legs under her dress. “You, my lord, are no gentlemen,” she scolded.

He laughed. “I’ve never claimed to be. Now, if you would like, I can give you a moment to dress. Or better still, you could finish undressing.”

Her cheeks flamed and it had nothing to do with the sun. She couldn’t handle his devouring stare, nor could she deny how much she wanted him. Tossing her shoulders back, she kept reminding herself she was no longer available.

“What are you doing here? You’re missing the Season.” To her dismay, her voice came out weak.

“The Season is for people looking to marry. That fate isn’t for me.”

Although he shrugged it off, he averted his gaze. She’d clearly hurt him more than he would admit. The knowledge pierced her heart. She wished for nothing more than circumstances to be different. However, she couldn’t take a chance with his life.

“There are plenty of women—”

“Where is your betrothed on this fine day?”

Squeezing her lips closed, she resisted the urge to speak her mind. “I don’t see how that is your concern.”

“Ah.” He slowly nodded. “That explains a lot. Can’t say I’m sorry to hear it, though.”

“Hear what?”

“Don’t be ashamed. If you and Dudgery have decided not to wed, you will have no objections from me.”

Irritated with his cryptic words, Catherine stomped her foot. “What are you talking about?”

“A woman who has no desire to speak of her betrothed, combined with a man who has yet to announce the engagement, provides a clear indication that all is not well with the couple.”

She tried to ignore the pleasure spreading through her. He’d obviously been checking for news of her engagement. Lord Dudgery had decided not to make an announcement out of respect to his beloved cousin, who had fallen ill. As his cousin wasn’t expected to recover, Lord Dudgery wanted him to live the last of his life believing he held a chance to become the Earl of Dudgery.

“You’re mistaken. Lord Dudgery and I decided it best to wait before announcing our betrothal,” she explained.

He tilted his head and regarded her with curiosity in his expression. “Then please enlighten me. What reason could he possibly have for wanting to wait before making his claim on you known?”

Crossing her arms, she glared at him. “How dare you come here and interrogate me? Simply because I shared your bed doesn’t mean you have any right to me or to delve into my concerns.”

“Actually, you have yet to share my bed. An oversight that can easily be corrected, I must add. And I believe our shared past gives me enough rights.”

“You couldn’t possibly be more wrong.” Bending down, she collected her belongings. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way.”

As she marched toward her mare, Daisy, the dry grass and pebbles stabbed into her feet, but she ignored the pain. Jonathan posed too much of a threat to her sanity to remain in his company long. His very presence made her wish she could throw herself into his arms.

“Then I bid you a good day,” he called out from behind her. “But we aren’t done here.”

His threat made her shiver. When she arrived beside Daisy, she cast a glance behind her. He was gone.

During the entire ride back to the manor house, her mind overflowed with questions. Jonathan had no reason to be back in the country during the middle of the Season. Was it she who brought him here? And why was he preoccupied with her relationship with Lord Dudgery?

“Catherine, you’re late,” Uncle Toban pointed out when she dragged herself into the house.

“Is he here already?” Catherine sighed. She hadn’t realized she’d lost so much time.

Lord Dudgery had made a habit of visiting her daily, exactly an hour before luncheon. Although they hadn’t publicly recognized one another, he’d never missed a visit. Or an opportunity to try to persuade her to become more familiar with him. She’d grown tired of his slobbering kisses and not-too-subtle attempts to lure her into his bed.

Although not entirely presentable, she knew how much the earl hated to wait. Hanging her head, she made her way to the drawing room. She had to remind herself he’d be gone in less than an hour.

“I’ll not stand for this any longer,” Aunt Mildred declared loudly. “You have a duty to Linwood and your family.”

Jonathan rubbed his temples at the shrill sound of his aunt’s voice. Since his return, she’d dogged his steps and invaded his space. He sat on the verge of giving in to her in order to acquire some privacy.

“I realize that, but I still don’t understand how throwing a ball can fulfill either of those.”

She rolled her eyes heavenward as if seeking patience. “Not just a ball. As you’ve spent most of your time in London, I want you to host a ball that would rival one presented by the most elite of Society.”

“I stand corrected, but you still have not answered me.”

“The countryside may not be as varied as town, but we have a vast number of suitable young maids seeking a husband.”

Resisting the urge to beat his head against the desk, Jonathan shook it. He shouldn’t have been surprised his aunt’s suggestion led to marriage. For a number of days now, she’d become so fixated on the ball, he thought she’d given up her quest to see him married. Apparently he’d been wrong.

“So I’m to be a matchmaker? I’m sorry, Aunt Mildred, but I have too many duties to attend to without adding ‘husband locator’ to the list.”

She drew her hands to her ample waist. “Don’t be obtuse. You know very well I mean for you to marry one of them.”

“And why would I do that?” He leaned back in his chair as he steepled his fingers. Part of him wished Stanwick had returned with him so Aunt Mildred would have someone else to marry off.

“To secure your father’s line, of course. I’d die before I see anyone but an Alastair as the head of Linwood.”

“Considering I have three brothers, you have nothing to worry about.”

“Have you no pride? How can you sit there, in
that
chair, knowing you will fail at the most important task for Linwood?”

Before he could respond, the door burst open, bringing both Darin and Lawrence rushing in. His younger brothers’ smiling faces and carefree attitude resonated with Jonathan. Although his life no longer held those qualities, he would accept any opportunity to live in the past.

“Are you done yet?” Darin asked.

“You promised to take us fishing, but you’re taking forever,” Lawrence added.

Aunt Mildred clapped her hands. “Boys, did your father not teach you manners? Leave at once and do not return until you are summoned.”

Two pairs of eyes darted to Jonathan. Although he wanted to ignore his aunt and leave with his brothers, he knew he couldn’t. She would make him pay for it. He nodded toward the door, hoping Aunt Mildred wouldn’t expect his compliance in the future.

“Aunt Mildred,” Jonathan began when the door shut. “I will agree to host a ball, and I give you my permission to invite whoever you wish. However, I do not give my consent to wed any lady of your choosing. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have pressing matters to attend to.”

As he strode from the room, he felt her glare following him. She couldn’t complain as he offered her a compromise, but he knew she wouldn’t end her pursuit. After all, the whole Alastair family had a reputation for stubbornness.

An hour later, Jonathan sat on the bank with his brothers as they held their fishing rods over the rushing water. Had Aunt Mildred not been at his house, his return would have been a welcome change from London. The only problem being he couldn’t rid himself of her. If her threatening letters to Stanwick were to be believed, she intended to remain with Jonathan until he secured a bride. It would be an exchange of one unwanted woman for another.

“Why didn’t you come home sooner?” Lawrence complained. “When Barry takes us out here, he never allows us to get this close to the water.”

“Stanwick said it wouldn’t be easy. That you didn’t want to come home. Is that true?” Darin asked.

“Of course I wanted to come home. I’ve missed you two. Tearing myself away from London wasn’t as easy as I hoped.” Jonathan ruffled Lawrence’s hair.

“Because of the women?” Darin’s voice held a hint of interest.

Sighing, Jonathan set his fishing aside and studied his brother. Apparently Father hadn’t saved the young boys from his tirades about him. In addition, Darin’s curiosity brought a lump to his throat as he realized how swiftly time had passed. Over the past seven years, he’d allowed his father and Catherine’s rejection to keep him away from his home. Darin stood on the verge of manhood, and Jonathan refused to leave him to make the journey alone.

He needed to uncover the details regarding the monetary shortfall at Linwood and establish a life for himself here. As Aunt Mildred acted in no rush to leave, he’d keep her busy by making her run the house.

“It doesn’t matter now. I’m here now, and I don’t have any plans to leave.”

Lawrence jumped to his feet, almost losing his fishing pole in the current. “Can we go fishing every day?”

“Maybe not every day, but we can make a habit of it.”

“What about Aunt Mildred? Can she leave now?”

Not surprised to hear of their shared distaste for the woman, Jonathan had trouble containing his amusement. “Lawrence, she is family, and we look out for our own.”

“But she’s mean. She punishes us for doing nothing wrong,” Darin chimed in.

Jonathan thought twice about his decision to never marry. Did he owe it to his brothers to rid them of their aunt? Could he marry a meek woman he didn’t love in order to appease his family? He had nothing better to do with his life.

“Well, in that case, I might be able to help you.”

“I don’t understand why you can’t complete a simple task,” a male voice whispered angrily. “And I hate leaving London.”

Catherine pressed her body further down into the stall. She hoped Daisy wouldn’t grow concerned over her position. Something in the man’s tone told her she would be safer to keep unnoticed.

“You didn’t have to come,” Kenneth replied. “I told you in my letter that I have everything under control.”

“I don’t read,” the man practically growled. “But I’m here now, so I’m taking over.”

Kenneth sighed. “This isn’t going to work. They’re too stubborn.”

“Are you forgetting what it takes to get paid? Perhaps I don’t need you after all. Your uselessness is beginning to show.”

“If I can’t get their consent, what am I supposed to do? Rob them?”

“Whatever it takes. Or I will. And that option will not be good for you.”

Hearing footsteps trudging away allowed Catherine to release the breath she held. However, not knowing if both men departed, she remained crouched. She had no idea what Kenneth had gotten himself into, but it didn’t sound pleasant. She wanted to tell her uncle about it but wasn’t sure she should.

When her back began to ache due to the uncomfortable position, Catherine peeked over the stall only to find Andrew cleaning the stall across from Daisy. Inching further out, she made eye contact with him.