Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (10 page)

Lady Audley’s tinkling laughter made Lana grit her teeth. If there were a subtle way for her to crawl under the table, she would do it, just to see if Drew’s hand rested on Lady Audley’s thigh. The blasted scoundrel offered an insolent smile, and Lana turned away to speak with Lord Henley on her left. There was no need for Drew to flaunt his proclivities at the dining table or taunt her from afar.

Was she too inexperienced for his tastes? Her cheeks heated. Only a fool would fall for a rake, and she had never considered herself a member of that organization, at least not until now.

When the torturous dinner concluded, Lana heaved a great sigh. She must find a way to bow out of the ball to follow. If Drew attended, she’d be as jittery as a cat in a room full of booted men, as Papa always said. But if he was absent… Lana shook her head, forbidding all thoughts of kissing and beautiful widows.

Outside the dining hall, she glanced around for Phoebe. Perhaps Lana would allege a headache and return to Shafer Hall.

“Miss Hillary, there you are.” Lady Gabrielle claimed her, whisking her to the drawing room. Really, the young woman’s habit of clinging reminded Lana of a parasite.

Phoebe approached them with a wary smile. “Gabby, do you mind if I speak with Lana alone?”

“Not at all, Phoebe.” The young woman bounced away, unaffected by the dismissal.

Lana hugged her friend. “Thank you, Phoebe. Your sister-in-law seems to have taken an unexplained interest in me.”

“So I noticed,” she replied with a giggle. “Will you sit with me?”

Lana followed her friend to a seating area for two. Phoebe awkwardly lowered herself into a chair. Despite her increasing bulk, she remained beautiful.

“Pregnancy is a nice accessory on you, my lady.”

Phoebe waved her hand to dismiss the compliment. “I feel like a fatted calf.”

“Well, you appear as glorious as a fertility goddess.”

“I happen to find those idols quite hideous, but I’m sure you meant it as a compliment, so thank you.” Her friend’s smile radiated warmth. Phoebe always reminded Lana of sunshine. “Back to Gabby… It appears she is with you often.”

Lana sank into the brocade Queen Anne chair. “Yes, Lady Gabrielle seems rather attached to me. It’s puzzling, because I barely recall interacting with her when we met a couple of years ago. Yet, she acts as if we are the best of friends.”

“I noticed as much. Of course, that also means Drew must spend time with you as well if he’s Gabby’s chaperone.” Phoebe’s brow wrinkled, and she tapped her fingers against the armrest. “Lana, I know you probably think you know him, but Drew can—”

Lana held up her hand. “Please stop, Phoebe. You mean well, but—how can I say this delicately—I don’t want you to meddle in my affairs.”

Phoebe drew back with rounded eyes. “Oh, I see—”

“Please don’t misunderstand. I appreciate your desire to protect me, but I’m a grown woman. I don’t require anyone intervening on my behalf.” She smiled and folded her hands in her lap to convince Phoebe she remained unaffected by Lord Andrew. “I have no interest in Lord Richard’s brother, and he has none in me.”

At least the latter part of her assertion was true.

“Lana, I must persist in discouraging you. Drew can be charming, and… then later he…”

Lana grasped Phoebe’s hand and gently squeezed. “Thank you for caring for me as you do. You are my dearest friend. But, rest assured, I’m not in any danger.” She would have to be desirable to be in danger, and clearly, she wasn’t. Lana mentally cringed recalling how rigid Drew had held himself, as if he found touching her distasteful.

She suppressed a sigh of despair. She wouldn’t be a source of amusement for Lord Andrew any longer, not without suffering dire consequences. Her mother was correct. It was time to secure a husband before the last opportunity slipped through her fingers. And Lord Bollrud had something to offer her besides a broken heart. Mama said he wanted to make her his bride. So why did the prospect feel like a boulder dropped on her shoulders?

A footman entered the drawing room to announce the time had come to move to the great hall.

Lady Gabrielle linked arms with Lana and Phoebe. “I do so love dancing.”

How wonderful for the young woman. Lana dreaded the coming dance with the same intensity as an encounter with a guillotine.

Hundreds of candles twinkled in the chandeliers and wall sconces inside the great hall. Opened French doors allowed easy access to the veranda, and the scent of roses wafted on the air. It was a night designed for romance.

Lord Bollrud caught her eye and meandered her way. A horrible churning began in her stomach, and she drew in a slow breath to quell her nerves. Must she always experience that sick feeling when gazing upon the man she would eventually marry?

“May I have the first dance, peach?” Drew’s warm breath brushed the edge of her ear, sending shivers racing along her skin. She willed her heart to stop its incessant pounding. She’d not make a cake of herself any longer. Better to put an end to their association and salvage what she had left of her pride.

Ignoring Drew, Lana forced a gracious smile for the gentleman who had just reached her. “Lord Bollrud, what a pleasure to see you this evening.”

His shocked expression almost brought her to genuine laughter. She supposed the man had never received anything other than a distantly polite greeting from her in the past.

“Uh, may I have this dance, Miss Hillary?”

“Of course, my lord.” Lana glanced back at Drew before allowing the most uncoordinated man on the premises to escort her to the floor, the man destined to become her husband. May God have mercy on her toes.

***

Drew never took his eyes from Lana as Bollrud jerked her around the ballroom floor. How could she be interested in that simpleton? He paced back and forth, his muscles tensing with each step, as he waited for the dance to end.

Lana wore an apricot-colored dress that, from a distance, made her appear as if she wore nothing. Although Drew liked the illusion, his fists tightened with a desire to pound Bollrud for his part in appearing to touch her nude body.

As soon as the music stopped, Drew pounced. He reached Lana at the edge of the dance floor in four strides. “Excuse us, Bollrud.”

Lana’s lips parted in surprise. “I’ve promised the next dance to—”

“He begs your forgiveness, but he had to leave.” Drew placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her back to the floor.

Lana bestowed a resentful glare. “You didn’t even give me a chance to name the gentleman. How do you know he has left the ballroom?” Still, she took position for the waltz as the music began to swell.

Drew pulled her close, no longer caring what his brother or anyone thought. If the
ton
believed he desired Lana Hillary, they wouldn’t come close to guessing the intensity with which he longed for her. “That wasn’t nice, peach, the way you cut me.”

Lana’s graceful movements seemed rote, as if she’d received extensive instruction in dance. “I asked you to refrain from referring to me in that manner,
my
lord
.”

His lips turned up into a half smile. She made his courtesy title sound downright disrespectful, and he admired her gall. “What’s wrong with my pet name for you, peach?” Drew grazed his lips against her ear.

She slanted her head away from his mouth. “It’s not clever. I would think you could come up with something more creative. Peach isn’t much different from the other names I’ve been called all my life. Let’s see… there was carrot, pumpkin, and tangerine. It’s always a food.”

“You think I’m mocking you.”

“What else am I to think? I have orange hair. Ha, ha. I comprehend your reference. I look like a peach.”

He twirled her, drawing her as close as he could without actually making love to her on the ballroom floor and scandalizing everyone. “I think you smell delicious like a peach, and I’d love nothing more than to devour you.”

Lana’s sharp intake of breath made him smile. There were a thousand ways he could leave her breathless. “You’re my forbidden fruit, Lana, and I don’t like that I can’t have you.”

“Why… why can’t you?” The way she boldly met his gaze in spite of the quiver in her voice sent his blood rushing. “And wasn’t the fruit in question an apple?”

“I don’t care for apples.” The music ended and he led her from the floor to a settee in a quiet corner.

They sat in silence, his bouncing leg betraying his agitation. Lana had shown a preference for Bollrud, snubbing Drew. Had she misled him in her attitude toward matrimony? Did she want to marry Bollrud, to grant him issue? The very idea made him want to thrash the man. “You and Bollrud make a dashing couple, what with your eyes all shiny and his dull as a lump of coal.” He smirked to give the impression the answer to his next question didn’t matter. “He intends to make an offer for you. Do you plan to accept his proposal?”

She wrinkled her nose, a reluctant grin on her lips. “It’s not my desire to marry Lord Bollrud.”

That wasn’t a complete denial as Drew had hoped. “Hmm. That’s reassuring. Have you set your sights on some other poor chap?”

Lana swiveled to face him and grimaced. “I’d rather not have this conversation. Can’t we leave it be?”

“Marriage would bring you security, and perhaps you would be happy with the
right
gent. It’s possible. Just look at Rich and Phoebe.” Drew wanted to kiss Lana in the worst way, but he forced himself to keep distance between them on the settee. “Good God, Lana, any man would count his blessings every day if you agreed to be his wife. What are you thinking settling for Bollrud? You can do much better.”

She studied her hands. “You mention your brother and Phoebe. They are made for each other. It’s unfair to use them as an example. Their happiness is a fluke.”

“Don’t you believe in love?”

She nailed him with a glower and crossed her arms under her bosom, distracting him from their conversation. “Do you?”

When he didn’t respond, she shook her head as if giving up on him. “Tell me the reason you avoid marriage, Lord Andrew. No, wait. Allow me to contemplate.”

“By all means, Miss Hillary, take your time. I’m anxious to hear your thoughts.”

She tapped her finger to her bottom lip several times. “
You
hate women.” She sounded so proud of herself, Drew couldn’t help but chuckle.

“
That’s
what you think? I hate women? Quite the opposite, Miss Hillary. By history, I’ve loved women too much to select only one.”

“I don’t believe you,” she stated with a defiant tightening of her jaw.

“What’s not to believe? I surround myself with women at every opportunity.”

“Clearly, it is untrue you take advantage of all women,” Lana challenged. “I’m a woman.”

Drew couldn’t hold back a grin. “An undeniable fact.”

“And you have been nothing but a gentleman in my presence. I believe your renown as a rake is overstated. Besides, I haven’t seen you talking to any woman for more than a few minutes at most, aside from Lady Audley, but I get the distinct impression that association has ended.”

He cocked a smile. Cheeky and beautiful. How was a man to resist her? “Is that so? You do realize discretion is essential in any liaison.”

She gasped. “Are you saying…? No, never mind. I don’t want to know.” She catapulted from her seat, but sat back down just as abruptly and glared. “Why did you promise to keep your hands off me?” she whispered.

Drew’s jaw dropped. “Good heavens, woman. The things that come from your mouth…”

Lana’s shoulders slumped forward. “Seriously, my lord, if you are a scoundrel, why did you agree to leave me be? Am I lacking in some way?”

“You lack nothing, my sweet. You’re beautiful.”

How could she think otherwise? Didn’t she view her image in a looking glass? But beauty aside, Drew couldn’t have Lana, and this knowledge caused a wrenching in his chest. She belonged with someone who would love her forever, not bed her once and toss her aside.

“If you must know, Miss Hillary, I do have standards, although low they may be.”

Her arched brows shot upward. “A scoundrel with standards? I like that in a scoundrel. Do tell.”

He wanted to wipe the adorable impish grin from her face with a passionate kiss, but that would violate his rules completely. “I never seduce an innocent, Miss Hillary,
never
.”

Her merriment vanished, and she lowered her voice to a whisper. “What makes you think I’m an innocent?”

“Virgins are off limits,” he replied bluntly. “They always fancy themselves in love, and I don’t wish to bring heartache to anyone. No virgins. It’s an unbreakable rule.”

“Again, Lord Andrew,
what
makes you think I’m a virgin?”

The impudence. This entire conversation was inappropriate for mixed company, yet Lana Hillary didn’t blush, swoon, or exhibit any other typical reactions he would expect. Perhaps he had pegged her incorrectly.

“For starters, you’re a respectable young woman from a good family.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, and I’m certain
that’s
written in stone. Are you telling me you’ve never met a respectable young lady from a good family who behaved a bit recklessly?”

“No,” he admitted with a smirk. “I suppose all young ladies don’t fit the same mold.”

“Then I rest my case,” she stated triumphantly, a smile lighting up her face.

Drew clapped. “Bravo. Excellent argument, Miss Hillary. Enough of this nonsense. As much as I want to monopolize your time engaging in impolite conversation, I better allow you to dance with some of the other gentlemen.” Just not that bugger, Bollrud.

“I don’t want to dance with other gentlemen,” she grumbled as he propelled her back toward the crowd.

It was Drew’s turn to feel triumphant. He didn’t want any other man near her either, even though he was loath to admit it.

Rich and Phoebe huddled together beside the mahogany desk, waiting for Drew when he entered the study. Drew groaned. He was in for another lecture, an undeserved one given he’d restrained himself with Lana yesterday.

Phoebe stood with arms akimbo. The weight of the baby growing within her caused her to arch her back.

Drew crossed the room and bent down to speak directly to her tummy, which allowed him to avoid eye contact with either of them.

“How’s baby today? Uncle Drew can’t wait to teach you all sorts of fun things.”

When he finally looked up, Phoebe’s face had softened and her hands instinctively caressed the top of her stomach.

“I’ve never seen you look more beautiful, Pheebs,” he said and meant it.

Rich cleared his throat. “Do you mind removing your hands from my wife?”

Drew wandered to a vacant chair and collapsed onto the soft cushion. “Funny how you’re always telling me what I
cannot
touch, old man. You’re worse than Mother when we were little boys and weren’t allowed to finger the figurines.”

“And you never learned the lesson.”

Drew rested his right foot on his left knee and slouched in the seat. “Shall I start the lecture for you? Let’s see… I’m acting irresponsibly. I’m a threat to all young women. I’m a disgrace to the family. What is it today?”

Phoebe’s eyes clouded with disappointment, making him feel like a cur. “Oh, Drew, you are not a disgrace. We all love you very much.”

“Speak for yourself, love,” Rich groused. “Drew, you know why we’re talking to you. I asked you to stay away from Miss Hillary, but instead she is the only female receiving any of your notice.”

“And you’re worried a riot will break out amongst my jealous admirers?”

His brother’s face darkened. A tirade would soon follow, but Phoebe intervened to keep the peace again.

“We are worried about Lana. We don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Neither do I, Pheebs.” He didn’t, so he had used every ounce of his willpower not to bed her. She would be easy prey, but the thought of manipulating her, using her for his pleasure, sickened him.

“But all this attention…” Phoebe argued. “Surely she will come to the conclusion your intentions are honorable.”

Drew’s hands gripped the armrests. “Are you implying I have dishonorable intentions?”

“That’s not what she is saying,” Rich said. “You are sending the message you want more from Miss Hillary, and an innocent young woman will assume that is marriage.”

“You don’t know anything about Miss Hillary’s thinking.” Neither did he, for that matter, but surely he had been clear with her. “She is not expecting a marriage proposal from me.”

Phoebe drew in her breath. “You and she… You didn’t… Oh, Drew. Please, tell me you didn’t.”

Had his sister-in-law lost her mind? “Rest assured, our association is purely platonic. Nothing more.”

Richard snorted. “When have you ever regarded a woman as anything other than a conquest?”

Drew shot out of the chair. “For starters there’s Mother, then Gabby, Liz, and Katie.” He slapped his hand down in his upturned palm with each name to emphasize his point.

“Family doesn’t count,” Rich said.

“Don’t forget Phoebe.” Drew stalked to the door. “And I’m telling you Lana fits in that category.”

“Lana? You’re on a first-name basis now?” Rich started after him, but Phoebe grabbed his arm.

“Let him go,” she murmured.

Rich spun to face her. “Why?”

“Just let him be, Richard.”

Drew didn’t need any other invitation to leave their company. He bolted from his brother’s study and slammed the door behind him.

On his way to Irvine Castle, Drew slumped in the saddle, blindly staring at the rutted lane. What if his brother and Phoebe were correct and Lana expected an offer of marriage? He had rarely met a woman who didn’t hope for something more than a wild romp.

Perhaps God created females too differently. Even when they thought they wanted nothing, a part of them couldn’t help contemplating the future. Either that or the women Drew had known had hoped to change his mind over time, but it had never happened.

A groom met him in the stable yard. “Will you be joining the hunt today, my lord?”

“Not today.”

Drew joined the other guests milling around the buffet tables inside the castle. He and Lana had formed an easy camaraderie. Granted, she stirred his lust often enough, but he found her amiable as well. She deserved better treatment than he seemed capable of doling out. Lana had a right to love, to have a home, a family if she wished. She would never have any of those things with Drew.

Pushing his plate away with a loud exhale, he stood a beat before Lana glided through the doorway. Her flaming tresses fell from her coiffure already, and tendrils framed her pretty face. She’d donned a green walking gown but had removed her bonnet. A dazzling smile lit her features, and she wandered toward him.

“Good morning, my lord.” Her ever-changing eyes were green this morning, and they sparkled with delight. “I believe you’re slowly abandoning your corrupt habits. Early to bed
and
early to rise. Don’t tell me you are becoming respectable.” She feigned a shudder.

“Would that bother you overmuch, Miss Hillary?” He studied her countenance for signs of optimism and detected a flicker of what he believed to be hope.

“To each his own,” she responded, a teasing gleam in her eyes. “Do you have any covert meetings planned for us today, my lord?”

His gut clenched with regret. Lana was his for the taking, but he couldn’t bring himself to collect his prize. Drew must end what he’d set into motion.

“I’m afraid you must proceed without me, Miss Hillary. I’m joining the hunt. Good day.” He brushed past her in his haste to escape before he changed his mind.

***

“It’s your
turn
, Miss Hillary.” Lady Audley’s impatience showed. This was the fourth time one of the ladies reminded Lana to play her hand since she’d sat down for a round of whist.

“My apologies.” Lana absentmindedly tossed a card on the table and lost the hand. Thoughts of Drew and his cool greeting preoccupied her mind. What could have transpired between last night and this morning to change his manner toward her? As far as she recalled, she hadn’t said anything remotely upsetting.

Lana shifted on the chair. She had spoken freely with him, but he had to know she teased, didn’t he?

She threw another card at random before lying her cards face down on the table. “I’m afraid I am not much challenge today, ladies. Perhaps you would excuse me from the game?”

Lady Benton offered a gracious smile. “Certainly, Miss Hillary.”

“I believe I will concede as well,” Lady Audley announced and stood when Lana did. When Lana moved away, the widow fell into step with her. “Would you care to stroll through the gardens, Miss Hillary?”

Lana wanted to decline, but she didn’t have the energy to create an adequate excuse. She followed the widow through the glass doors and down the stone stairs to the garden.

They walked in silence for several minutes until Lady Audley disturbed the peace. “You seem rather glum, Miss Hillary. I hope all is well.”

“Thank you. I’m feeling a little under the weather, but I’m certain I shall be fit again soon.”

They wound their way through the purple and white phlox-lined path. Lana glanced sideways at the widow. She was breathtaking, more beautiful than Lana could ever hope to become. And yet, Drew had ended their relationship.

Lady Audley’s soft voice broke into her thoughts. “He does that. Makes you feel like your feet will never touch the ground again before sending you crashing back to earth.”

She stopped and stared, trying to determine her companion’s motivations. Lady Audley returned her gaze with sadness shining in her blue eyes.

Lana didn’t pretend to misunderstand. It seemed too unkind. “My heart goes out to you. I believe Lord Andrew has hurt you more than he realizes.”

Why didn’t the widow notice how Jake held her in such high esteem? Lana’s brother would cherish the lady if given the chance. They fell into step again as Lana debated broaching the subject of her brother.

“I know your assessment of Lord Andrew is correct, Miss Hillary.”

“Please, call me Lana.”

The corners of the lady’s lips curved gently. “Thank you, Lana. I would like it if you referred to me by my given name as well. Out of curiosity, are you familiar with the tale of the lamb and the snake?”

“I believe I might have heard it long ago. Please, remind me.”

“A lamb discovered a snake while walking in the field. He had been trampled, and he gasped for breath, his body broken. Feeling compassion for this dangerous creature, the lamb gently carried him to safety. Day and night she tended the injured serpent and grew to love him.”

Lana bit her lower lip. She recalled the tale with more clarity, and it did not have a happy conclusion.

“The lamb was pleased with her efforts to nurse the snake back to health, and one day the snake regained his former strength. As the lamb reached to tend him, he mortally struck her. The lamb felt such deep betrayal. ‘How could you strike me? I’ve nursed you back to health. I’ve loved you and treated you with such kindness. How could you do this to me?’ With no malice, he said—”

“I’m a snake,” Lana finished, a frown on her face. “Do you truly believe it’s Lord Andrew’s nature to hurt anyone who tries to love him?”

“I think it’s within the nature of women to hope otherwise, but history suggests men like Lord Andrew are incapable of love or fidelity.” Amelia stopped to rub her fingers over the petals of a red rose before breathing in the light scent. “Miss Hillary, you are a beautiful, intelligent woman. Your future awaits you. Don’t toss your chances of securing a match by dallying with Lord Andrew. He will hurt you in the end.”

In the face of Amelia’s sadness, Lana couldn’t help but to feel sympathy. “I suppose you are warning me he is not worth it.”

The lady’s hand dropped back to her side. “I wish I could convince myself this is true. But it isn’t too late for you. At least I don’t think it is.”

Her response didn’t bring Lana peace. Amelia obviously believed Drew had been worth the heartache. How was Lana to turn away from her heart’s desire?