His Perfect Lady (2 page)

Shaking her head, she pushed off the memories. Her uncle insisted finding another husband was the right thing to do, so here she was, in London this time, seeking out a third.

Dropping her face to her hands, Catherine could not believe the bizarre direction her life had taken. She’d never imagined being in this situation, and if she were completely honest with herself, she would admit she didn’t want to marry again. How could she be certain it would turn out differently than the other two?

The creak of the door opening and closing behind her dissolved her melancholy thoughts. Not knowing what to do, she remained in her lowered position. Was she allowed to be in here? Her heart seized as the sounds of kissing filled the room, followed by the rustling of a skirt and feminine gasps. Heat flooded her cheeks. She wasn’t sure if she should make her presence known or hide and wait for them to leave.

A low moan echoed in the space, telling her she couldn’t bear to remain and listen further. Quickly standing, she turned toward the noise. A blond—haired man had a brunette pinned against the bookshelf as his hands roamed her body. Disgusted by the lack of respect for others who might enter the room, as well as for the books they were crushing, Catherine cleared her throat.

The man spun around and his sea-foam green eyes pierced her. Catherine’s breath caught. As the handsome face watched her, she didn’t wait for his recognition of her to settle in. If it did at all. She practically ran from the room, desperate to escape him and the memories he brought. It had been years, but she could never forget Lord Jonathan Alastair.

The time had come to retrieve Uncle Toban, for now even he would not object to leaving. The hatred her family held for Linwood and every person connected to them ran deep. So deep, in fact, no one could explain the origins anymore. Regardless, she would use it to her advantage.

Her uncle was easy to spot. A jolly round man with a laugh one could hear from a mile away, no one could miss him. That sound called to her from across the room. She headed toward the group of gentlemen feeling as though every eye focused on the purplish-red stain running down her blue dress.

“Excuse me, Uncle Toban,” she said, coming up behind him.

“Ah, Catherine, there you are. We were just discussing you. Lord Dudgery said how he’d been waiting for an opening on your dance card.” Uncle Toban clapped an older gentleman on the back. “Do you think you can make space for him?”

“I would love to, but perhaps another time. I’m ready to depart.”

“Give us a moment, Dudgery. I must speak with my niece.” He took her arm and led her away from the crowd. “Is this about your dress?”

“In part,” she admitted.

He smiled down at her, a twinkle in his eye. “I saw the whole thing, and I believe you should be flattered by the attention. As a debutante in her first season, Lady Evelyn should have no reason to be jealous of a woman your age. However, your beauty outshines every diamond in the room.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks burned at the compliment.

“You’re not going to allow her insecurities to ruin your evening, are you?” He cocked a brow at her, a challenge in his gaze.

His eyes pled with her, bringing her to the point where she almost agreed to stay. Then images of Lord Jonathan, the new Lord Linwood, wrapped around that woman invaded her thoughts. Straightening her back, she looked directly at her uncle.

“There is more. Lord Linwood is here.”

Uncle Toban’s eyes widened as they ran over the occupants of the room. When his gaze settled back on her, she knew she had won. He would not insist she remain here.

“I was assured by a reliable source that he does not attend events like this. Are you certain it was him?”

“Completely.” Although she wished her memory of him didn’t shine so clearly, she had never succeeded in putting him out of her mind. The more she tried, the more his image solidified within her. Lord Linwood was a difficult man to forget.

Her uncle’s efficiency pleased her. Less than ten minutes after seeing Lord Linwood, she sat in the carriage. The quick exit didn’t appear to damage Uncle Toban’s jovial state, as he could not cease from recounting all the new acquaintances he’d made over the evening.

“Your aunt would have loved this. If only her health would improve.”

She nodded in agreement, although she suspected illness had nothing to do with her aunt’s condition. Ever since she’d learned of her son’s gambling addiction, she hardly ever left her chambers. Catherine wondered how her uncle managed to continually settle all of Kenneth’s debts, but she never found the courage to ask.

When her father died six years ago, her uncle had inherited the title of Baron Berwick and all its entailments, which were not many. However, she never noticed a shortage of funds. In addition, Uncle Toban didn’t pause at the opportunity to visit London in hopes she would find another husband.

“What about you, my dear?” he asked. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“I did, until the end, that is.”

“Of course.” He shifted on the seat as if he’d forgotten the reason why they had to make an early exit. “Has any gentleman caught your eye yet?”

She laughed. “We have only been in London for a few days. I daresay it will take longer than that for me to find someone.”

“You never know. You could walk in a room and with one look know that is him. From some of the comments I received, or overheard this evening, a few gentlemen feel that way about you.”

Part of her wanted to tell him to pick one for her and get this over with. She could not endure seeing Lord Linwood everywhere she went. Not after what she did to him all those years ago. If he confronted her, she would be forced to marry the first man she saw and return to the safety of the country.

Her choice of betrothed didn’t matter. Regardless of who he was, her husband would die.

Chapter 2

“Are you going to tell me what happened last night?” Stanwick’s voice broke through Jonathan’s concentration.

Looking up from his correspondence, Jonathan faced his brother. “Is that a complaint? I thought I more than compensated for my lack of introductions. Besides, you should be happy I took you at all.”

“What you refer to as ‘lack of introduction,’ I call abandonment. I was dancing with Lady Evelyn and when I turned around, you were gone. Where did you go?”

A cold sweat broke out across Jonathan’s forehead as he thought about last night. “It doesn’t matter. I told you I would not be a good matchmaker for you.”

Stanwick had badgered Jonathan until he agreed to take him to a ball to gain acceptance into Society. The looks Jonathan had received last night from the unmarried ladies and chaperones made him panic. Grabbing the first willing woman, he made his escape to the library.

Then it happened.

In his experience, the library remained unoccupied during these events, unless the door was locked. After finding it open, he’d never thought to check for an occupant, and the lady he brought with him had no patience. He would never make that mistake again.

Then to make matters worse, the person who’d caught his gaffe happened to be the one lady he never wanted to see again. Catherine. He heard she’d married somewhere along the way, but he tried to ignore every bit of news mentioned about her.

“I don’t need a matchmaker. I just need introductions, and seeing how you know everyone, you can help me. If you don’t, I can send Aunt Mildred after you.”

Shuddering at the thought, Jonathan gave in. “All right. If you keep that harpy off of me, I’ll aid you in my own way. Our next outing will be something more to my taste.”

“I’m not sure I like the sound of that. Rumors of your lifestyle have reached far beyond London.”

“Rest assured, brother. I will not subject you to anything more dissolute than last night. How is Lady Anne, by the way?”

Stanwick’s blush extended from the top of his head to disappear in the collar of his shirt. Lady Anne knew her way around the bedroom, and, considering his brother’s reaction, Jonathan was pleased she agreed to come for a visit last night.

“Quite well.”

Jonathan laughed, enjoying his brother’s discomfort. That settled it. He would stick with his brother to ensure he experienced an enjoyable, carefree time in London. Stanwick was owed that. Their father’s decision to force his second born to grow up much too fast because he loathed his heir had never sat well with him.

“Anyway, I only thought of taking you to the theater. It’s a harmless outing and will not damage your reputation.”

“You have a box? How did you get the funds to afford one?”

Gritting his teeth, Jonathan ignored the challenge his brother’s words brought. Stanwick had no way of knowing Jonathan’s financial state, and he didn’t see fit to offer the information. If he wanted a box at the theater, it would not be the expense stopping him. When he arrived in London seven years ago, he’d been forced to live off his friends’ charity, but he would never have to do so again. He’d discovered he had a knack for investments.

“Why waste your time in a box when you can sit right in front of the stage? So close, in fact, you feel as if you are a part of the performance.”

“Are the actresses as beautiful as they say?”

Jonathan grinned. “Their beauty far exceeds anything words can describe. There isn’t a man who attends the theater that does not picture those heavenly legs wrapped around him.”

He tried to conjure up memories of Rosetta’s perfection, but the only vision coming to his mind was Catherine. No actress in the world could compare to her, or even come close.

“Then I’ll be pleased to go. Although, you understand this will not absolve you from taking me to events where I can meet my future bride.”

Leaning back in his chair, Jonathan knew that would mean running into Catherine. He needed to ask Stanwick about her, but he could not force himself to say her name aloud. However, if he were to survive this Season, he needed to discover her purpose here. He also needed to find a way to hide the fact her very existence still affected him after all these years.

“I’ll make the arrangements.” Jonathan took a deep breath and looked past his brother, not wishing to see his reaction to his next words. “On a different subject, have you taken up Father’s penchant for following all of Berwick’s moves?”

Stanwick sighed loudly and didn’t respond for a long while. “Why do you want to know?”

Knowing honesty was the only way to get answers, Jonathan braced himself and met his brother’s eyes. They stared back at him defensively but also held sympathy. Just the mere mention of any relation to Catherine and he had to endure this. He’d thought the amount of time and women since then would stop people from regarding him that way. Apparently he’d been wrong.

He shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the fact that Stanwick could easily recall every aspect of his humiliation.

“I saw her at the ball last night,” Jonathan explained, knowing he didn’t have to clarify the “she” he referenced. “After that, I lost my desire to return to the guests.”

“That is why you disappeared?” Stanwick asked. He continued after Jonathan nodded. “Since Father’s death, I didn’t see any reason to keep informed of Berwick’s activities. If they are in London, it was a recent decision.”

“That is unfortunate. They must be visiting for the Season,” Jonathan mused aloud.

He noted his brother’s intent stare, but Jonathan refused to show his true feelings. With his thoughtless comment, he’d already said too much. Throughout his adult life, he’d never had to edit himself. Beginning now would be difficult.

“I don’t see how their plans will affect us. Considering there are a great number of events occurring each night, I can’t believe our paths would cross very much.”

Pasting on a smile, Jonathan nodded in agreement. His brother was right. If luck stayed with him, the probability existed that he would not have to see Catherine again. But fate had always enjoyed teasing him. As a matter of fact, with his bad fortune, he would not be surprised if Catherine showed up on his doorstep.

Not wanting to speak of her any longer, Jonathan excused himself from his brother in order to make plans for their theater visit this evening. In addition, he needed to speak with his solicitor.

Mr. Spinner had been charged with handling Jonathan’s interests in regards to his father’s will. Jonathan knew stipulations in the document needed to be addressed. The other matters would have to be managed at a later date. He wasn’t ready to face them at this time.

An hour later, as Jonathan stared at Mr. Spinner in shock, he regretted his decision to come. As it turned out, his father’s desire to see him fail stretched beyond the grave. Jonathan wished the man still lived, so he could tell him his plan would be unsuccessful. However, he would have to suffice with putting it on his list of unsaid words he owed his father.

“What exactly did he leave me with?” Jonathan sat forward, barely breathing as he waited to listen to the damning words he didn’t want to hear.

“Only enough funds to sustain the property for a year. Then, considering the estate isn’t self—sufficient, especially without your monthly donation, you will have to put quite a bit more into running it.”

“I suspect my father didn’t believe I would see to my brother’s welfare, so he decided to provide for them himself.” Bitterness dripped from his words.

On one hand, he wanted to applaud his father’s thoughtfulness toward his brothers. The settlement to each of them could have come from a desire to see them succeed. Or, more likely, it came from a belief that Jonathan would not take care of his family properly.

“I would not take it too harshly, my lord. Remember the previous Lord Linwood didn’t know you were supplementing his monthly income. Perhaps he mistakenly believed the estate could manage without the cushion of funds in the account.”

Jonathan snorted his disagreement but didn’t voice his opinion on the matter. “All right, settle the amounts to my brothers out of my personal fund. Leave the estate account as is and continue the monthly stipend. I’ll get to the bottom of the deficit at Linwood when I visit after the Season.”

“And the investments?” Mr. Spinner handed him a piece of paper.

After studying it for a moment, Jonathan pointed out a few. “The usual amounts in these three only. Oh, and I would like you to drop some discreet hints around about Ravenhurst. If I decide to sell, I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

After all these years of owning and operating the club, he knew selling Ravenhurst would be difficult, but it may prove to be the best option. Considering the news of Linwood’s financial state, he may have to spend less time in London.

“Certainly, my lord. I’ll send for you when I have the information.”

Feeling beaten down, Jonathan stepped out onto the street and turned in the direction of the park. At the moment he had no desire to go back to the townhouse and face Stanwick. Surely he knew about the will and had not mentioned the arrangement on purpose. The idea of funds at his disposal must have been what prompted his brother to begin his quest for a wife.

The numerous fashionable guests enjoying the abnormally sunny day encouraged Jonathan to find one of the less popular trails through the trees. His tense body would not relax among the laughing people. He needed freedom.

He felt on edge, as if he needed to run. Unfortunately, his problems would remain, waiting for him to return. His flight had worked seven years ago when he left Linwood, but now he began to question how effective it was.

Fate once again interrupted his musings with her disgustingly horrible timing. Catherine stood before him. She didn’t notice him as her eyes were focused on the scenery around her. In a few steps, their paths would meet, and he would be forced to endure her company. Since she had not seen him, he had a second to change his direction and avoid her.

First, he had to force his limbs to accept the command.

Catherine inhaled, enjoying the fresh scent of the sun-kissed foliage. Losing herself along the paths of Hyde Park made her feel at home to a small degree. The never—ending parties and other engagements were not for her. A prickle of homesickness washed over her as she stopped to watch a lone bird bathing in a puddle.

“Good afternoon.” The silky smooth voice rushed over her, bringing awareness to her body. Without needing to see his face, Catherine knew Lord Linwood stood there. His voice always had a bedroom quality that made her melt.

She slowly turned toward him, trying to keep her reaction hidden. Her heart quivered to see his easy smile. She searched his eyes, surprised to see pleasure swimming in their depths. Was he actually happy to see her?

“Good afternoon, Lord Linwood. I didn’t know you were out here.”

“Of course not, otherwise you would have turned and run again. You seem to be quite adept at that.” His face remained open, but his words challenged.

She narrowed her eyes, refusing to argue. His answering smile spoke of victory. As the silence stretched, she became overly aware of the fact they stood staring at each other in clear view of onlookers.

“Would you care for a stroll?” He offered his arm.

“Certainly.” She forced a smile as she accepted his escort, wanting to make their interaction appear normal. The light contact made her body sizzle. Suppressing a shudder, she wondered if Lord Linwood was even aware of his effect on her.

As they navigated through the path, she could not refrain from glancing at his profile. He’d not aged much over the past seven years. She’d always liked his carefree attitude and easy smile and was pleased to see it remained with him. For a second she wished matters between them could go back to the way they were, but she immediately shook off the impossible dream.

Images of him wrapped around that woman flashed through her mind. She knew how he conducted his life in London. Not only had she actively sought out stories of him in the newssheets, but she frequently wrote to her mother’s cousin to request updates. Vanessa, knowing her history with Lord Linwood, was happy to send word of what she learned.

“This must be so hard for you,” she said, unable to resist.

“What exactly are you referring to?” His jaw clenched as his body tensed.

“Giving up your lifestyle. As Lord Linwood you can’t continue living like this.”

“In what way am I so offensive?”

She took a deep breath. Why did he want her to spell it out for him? It was painful enough just to read it. “You know. The clubs, the women, the drinking. I’m sure there are other vices I’m missing as well.”

“You have been following my activities?” Amusement laced his voice as his body relaxed.

“Of course not.” Feeling her cheeks heat, she looked in the opposite direction. She hadn’t intended to give so much away. Being around Lord Linwood always turned her mind to mush.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m flattered.”

Ignoring his comment, she returned to the topic. “My point is that after inheriting the title, you must seek out a bride and settle down.”

“Why? That would be my father’s choice. Considering he was unable to dictate to me while he lived, I don’t see why you believe he would have more success after his death.”

“I’m sorry.” She lowered her gaze as guilt engulfed her. It hurt her to hear him speak so callously of his father’s recent passing.

“Save your sympathy for someone who was affected by his death.”

She stopped and turned to study him. His eyes were guarded. Her heart ached to see him hiding his pain. She used to offer him freedom. He could always be himself around her. So much had changed.