Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (17 page)

“Send word to me soon, Lana.”

Lana experienced mixed emotions as she entered Hillary House. She had always possessed a lighter spirit upon her return when she’d been away a long while. This time, however, loneliness swept over her.

The butler stepped forward to accept her bonnet. “Welcome home, miss.”

“Thank you, Hogan. Where might I find my brother?”

“I believe he has retired to his chambers.”

She offered a wan smile before plodding up the marble staircase. At Jake’s door, she knocked once before barging inside.

Jake perched on a wingback chair, his splinted leg propped on a stool. He barely glanced up from his book. “Lana, I have directed you to never enter my chambers without permission.” Despite his gruff tone, he sported a delighted smile.

She swept across the chamber and hugged him. “Indeed, you have. And where are your toy soldiers? If I recall, you forbid me to touch those as well.” Jake’s greeting had been all in fun, and he returned her enthusiastic hug.

“How are you, dear brother?”

“It has been terribly dull without the hassle of keeping you from mischief.”

She dropped onto an adjacent chair. “You need your own life, I fear. How much longer are you out of commission? I thought you would be healed.”

Jake grimaced. “As did I. Do you tire of Mother’s chaperoning? I can navigate decently with a crutch.” A wry smile twisted his lips. “Has Mother secured a husband of her choosing for you, or are you destined to become a bitter spinster?”

“And why must I be bitter? I should think a spinster light of heart given she has no husband to order her about.”

“Enough,” he conceded, snapping his book closed. “I can’t endure another heated round on this topic.”

She feigned a scowl. “Because you have no leg to stand on.”

“I still have one and can hop over there and whip you if need be.”

She stuck out her tongue.

Jake settled against the chair with a satisfied sigh. “Do tell. Was there truly no one of interest at Irvine Castle or have you brought a gentleman up to scratch?”

“You
must
be bored to solicit gossip like a dowdy old aunt.” She hesitated. Should she blurt everything and deal with his reaction? Fatigue left her reluctant, but perhaps introducing the subject could prepare him for her revelation.

“I was surprised to see Lord Andrew Forest in Northumberland. I had been under the impression he never traveled north.”

Lana’s eyes widened as red spread up her brother’s neck.

“Did the scoundrel bother you?” he asked.

“Of course not. Why would he?”

“I should’ve insisted Father cancel the visit.” His gaze narrowed. “Forest must have known of my injury, and he sure as hell knew I wanted him nowhere near you. He traveled north to spite me.”

She balked. “How ridiculous. The gentleman has more important things to do besides scheme ways to make you miserable.”

“What do you know of Forest or his habits?”

She shrugged. “Nothing, but I know you are acting paranoid.”

Jake crossed his arms over his chest. “I have been acquainted with Forest since Eton. He is a manipulative reprobate and powerless to back down from a challenge.”

“How is any of this relevant to his presence at Irvine Castle? And people can change, you realize.”

“Forest will never change.” His jaw tightened stubbornly. “He traveled north simply to prove a point. I saw him at Brook’s the night I broke my leg and demanded he stay away from you.”

Lana huffed. “Might I add you are completely ridiculous?”

“I should have known better than to wave a red flag in his face.” A look of great intensity crossed his face. “Lana, please tell me he didn’t get to you.”

“Do you take me for a fool?” she managed to eke out.

Jake was wrong about Drew. He loved her. It was ludicrous even to suggest he had bedded her in order to rile Jake. “I’m retiring for the evening. The journey has left me weary.”

“Understandable.” A moment later, his severe expression eased into a smile. “I am pleased you’re home.”

“So am I,” she responded automatically although she lied. The conversation with Jake illustrated the challenge she faced in choosing Drew. She wished they could go back to last night and stay there.

***

Lana gripped her brother’s arm to steady his gait as he escorted her into the theatre.

“I’m not an invalid,” Jake protested, but she didn’t loosen her hold. Lana fretted over his wobbling ascent of the stairs. Her brother might not be up to the task despite his claim.

Lana had been in Town almost a week and had received no word from Drew. Although this had been her request, she was disappointed he hadn’t attempted contact. He could be resourceful when he chose to be. Without the reassurance of his affection, doubts wiggled their way into Lana’s heart. Seeing Drew this evening would restore her confidence, or at least she hoped.

Her lady’s maid had carried a message to Drew earlier, but Betsy hadn’t waited for a response. Lana didn’t know whether to expect his attendance or not.

Settled into their box, Lana lifted her glasses to scan the crowd. Her stomach plunged when she located the Foxhaven’s empty box.

It’s still early
. Lana studied the theatre, noting several fellow Irvine Castle guests had also returned to Town, although most of the
ton
wouldn’t return until the spring. Her family chose to reside in London year-round with the exception of a few holidays Mama enjoyed in the country. Lana lowered her glasses. Of course, her mother’s holidays were simply a ruse for when she needed to convalesce. Apparently, it had fallen to the eldest son to provide safe haven when Mama suffered one of her spells.

Lana checked the Foxhaven box again, but there was still no sign of Drew.

As the lights extinguished and the first strains of music rose on the air, tears of disappointment pricked the backs of her eyes. She blinked to hold them back. Leaning toward Jake, she whispered in his ear. “I must visit the retiring room.”

“At this moment?”

“Please, stay seated. I will return posthaste.”

He frowned but didn’t stand to escort her from the box. Lana suppressed her tears as she whisked down the hallway. Only presumptuous ninnies cried over minor disappointments. She sniffled.

“You are the worst of the ninnies,” she mumbled.

She was surprised to find no attendant in the retiring room, but the silence relieved her. She didn’t want to engage in the pretense of happiness when her stomach tangled into knots. Plopping in front of one of the dressing tables, she cradled her head in her hands. Unbidden thoughts of Drew invaded her thinking. She hated being ignorant of his whereabouts or what entertainments earned his attention.

The soft clicking of the door opening and closing reached her. She averted her gaze. Hopefully the lady would see to her needs and be off without paying Lana any mind.

“Alone at last, peach.”

Lana spotted Drew’s reflection in the mirror. His dimpled grin melted her heart. She leapt from the seat and launched herself into his arms before lavishing his entire face with enthusiastic kisses.

Drew chuckled. “And I had hoped you would have missed me a little.” Her lips silenced his. He cupped her buttocks and slid his tongue into her willing mouth. Lana sensed his arousal when he pulled her against him. Vaguely, it occurred to her how recklessly they behaved. Nonetheless, she returned his kisses with vigor.

Drew gently broke the kiss but kept her secure in his arms. “This separation is killing me, Lana.”

She held him tight. “I missed you, too.”

“I need you.”

He kissed her deeply until her thoughts scrambled. Would he make love to her here, in the theatre?

The soft click of the door and an audible gasp jerked her from her lustful stupor. She and Drew swung toward the entrance to find Lady Audley gaping in disbelief. Her bottom lip trembled as she hovered inside the gilded room, viewing their embrace. Tears washed over her cheeks, and the hurt on the other woman’s face wrenched Lana’s heart. She must have looked the same when she had discovered Drew with that barmaid.

Turning her back to them, the lady fumbled with the door handle.

Lana reached toward her. “Amelia, wait.”

The door flew open and Amelia dashed into the hallway.

“Drew, give chase,” Lana urged. “You must talk to her. Please.”

He appeared to wrestle with the decision.

“Hurry while you might still catch her.”

With a determined set to his jaw, Drew bolted through the doorway.

Drew caught Amelia by the elbow at the theatre entrance. Her cheeks glistened with tears, and she struggled to break free. He had never been present to witness the aftermath of his careless affairs. The destruction he’d left behind had been easy to deny. Amelia’s obvious humiliation shamed him.

“Shh, Amelia.” He threaded her hand through his arm and held it firmly. “Could we speak in privacy? I’m overdue for an explanation… and an apology.”

Her shimmering blue eyes regarded him warily. He had never before realized how young Amelia was. He’d always considered her older given her widowhood, but there couldn’t be a vast difference in age between Lana and the widow. Amelia nodded once and dabbed her tears with a handkerchief.

“Very good. We shall take my carriage. Do you have a shawl?”

“I left it in my box.”

“Are you here alone?”

“I arrived with guests, but I will make my excuses.”

While Amelia returned to her box, Drew ordered his carriage brought round. He kept watch for Lana, but the lobby remained deserted. When Amelia returned with her shawl and reticule, he escorted her outside before anyone discovered them together.

Drew assisted her into the carriage and gave the driver instructions before taking the seat opposite. Shadows obscured Amelia’s face, but he sensed her watching him. She reminded him of a porcelain doll, feminine, innocent, and beautiful. Her outward appearance could never explain his lack of enthusiasm toward her. He simply hadn’t fallen in love with her.

Now he knew his heart had belonged to Lana, even before their encounter in the Eldridge gardens. He was unapologetic over loving Lana. Yet, he had brought pain to the young woman across from him, and he regretted his actions. Perhaps for the first time in his life.

When the carriage stopped in front of Amelia’s Park Lane home, Drew followed her inside. She directed him to the drawing room, settling into the role of gracious hostess.

“Would you like a drink? I have port, brandy, or scotch.”

“I’ll have a scotch, thank you.” Drew waited for her to pour his drink and take a seat before selecting his own. He swigged the fiery liquid, welcoming its familiar warmth. Amelia demurely held her glass to her delicate lips and sipped, watching him over the rim.

Setting his drink aside, he took a deep breath. “There is much I should say to you. Words I should have spoken long ago.”

She gripped her glass with both hands.

“I am profoundly sorry for the treatment I bestowed on you. I’m shamed by my selfishness.”

Tears moistened her eyes again. “You never misled me, my lord. You warned our association would be fleeting, but I chose not to listen.”

He winced. It had been clear from their first encounter Amelia still loved and missed her deceased husband. Yet, Drew had selfishly convinced himself she would escape an association with him unscathed. Had he even used the knowledge of her loneliness to press his cause? Shame slammed into his gut. He gulped his drink, hoping to chase away his guilt.

“I was wrong to suggest such an arrangement. You deserve to be cherished, not treated like a passing fancy.”

Amelia puckered her lips, a spark of anger lighting her eyes. “What about Miss Hillary? Doesn’t she deserve the same?”

Drew met her direct gaze. For once, he cared what another person thought of him. He needed Amelia to understand Lana was special, that he wasn’t toying with her. “I have offered marriage.”

Amelia started. “I see.” She stood and wandered to the fireplace. “I wasn’t privy to your betrothal.”

How could he explain so this made sense? “Miss Hillary has discouraged me from speaking with her father yet.”

“Indeed? Why? I’m assuming from her receptiveness this evening she is amenable.”

Drew blew out a weary breath. “Lana is concerned how her brother will take the announcement. It’s no surprise Jake considers me an unacceptable match.”

A slight frown marred her features. “Yes, well. Mr. Hillary can be unpredictable. What will you do?”

“I’m attempting to remain patient while Lana delivers the news gently. In the interim, I will attend the usual events to be close to her.”

Amelia closed her eyes and uttered a deep sigh. “You cannot know how relieved I am.”

Drew furrowed his brow. Amelia’s reaction puzzled him even as it lessened some of his guilt. “Could I ask you to explain?”

A half smile graced her lips. “I had thought myself a fool for believing you capable of love, but it seems I detected something redeemable in you after all.”

“I beg you not to spread such vicious rumors about my person.”

She chuckled and lowered to the settee. “Your secret will be kept in the strictest confidence.” She leaned forward, her smile fading. “Don’t be anxious about tonight. I won’t repeat what I saw. Mrs. Hillary has been kind to me since Audley’s death. I have no desire to bring her grief.”

Amelia’s friendship with Mrs. Hillary seemed an odd match, but he appreciated her discretion, whatever the reason. “You are a good woman, Amelia. Some man will be fortunate to discover you one day.”

Sadness flickered in her eyes but disappeared as quickly when she hit her hands against her knees. “Goodness. You have no home of your own, do you? Where do you plan to keep your lovely bride?”

“I have the town house in Piccadilly, but as I am sure you are aware, it isn’t fit for habitation. Lord Overton let it sit vacant for the past four years.”

“Your godfather, correct?”

The question passed across her face, the same one he noted any time someone spoke of his inheritance. Why would the Earl of Overton leave his fortune to Drew? Lana had been the only one with the nerve to ask him outright. Overton, the last of his line, had taken a liking to him practically from his birth, but even Drew had been surprised by the contents of the earl’s will.

“Yes, my godfather’s town house. A complete remodel is being undertaken.”

“Well, I never thought I would see the day. Allow me to congratulate you.”

He grinned like a child at Michaelmas. “It’s a surprise for Miss Hillary.”

Drew would love to have the home completely refurnished and decorated when he brought home his bride.

Of course, he had no interest in taking on the task, unlike Rich who insisted on having a hand in every decision when preparing Phoebe’s chambers for her use. He glanced around Amelia’s drawing room with an assessing eye. He hadn’t noticed until that moment, but the room looked quite nice. Amelia had excellent taste.

“Lady Audley, I’m wondering if you might grant a favor? You have a beautiful home. Since the Piccadilly home requires extensive redecorating and I possess no talent in this area, would you refer me to your decorator?”

“My decorator?” she squawked. “Good heavens. I didn’t employ a decorator. All of these choices were mine.”

“My apologies. I meant no insult.”

She waved her hand. “I will do better than a referral. Allow me to assume the task. I have grown quite bored and need something to fill my time.”

He narrowed his eyes. Was this a ploy to keep him close?

Amelia appeared to be the picture of innocence with her hands folded in her lap.

“I’m unconvinced it’s a good idea to involve you.”

Her jovial mask slipped, revealing an underlying sadness. “Please, allow me to assist. The second anniversary of Audley’s death is next month. I would be grateful to have something occupying my mind.”

Amelia didn’t owe him forgiveness, much less gratitude.

Hell’s teeth, when had he become such a tenderhearted fool? He hoped he wouldn’t regret this. “I would be honored to accept your assistance, my lady.”

He collected his hat. “Please forgive my abrupt exit, but I must return to the theatre before the performance ends.”

***

Lana resumed her place beside Jake in the darkened theatre box.

“What delayed you?” he whispered then added, “Never mind.”

His attention drifted to the stage, and she suppressed a sigh of relief. Lying to her brother didn’t come easily. She had trusted Jake with all of her secrets since she was old enough to have any. In addition, Jake was perceptive. He always had been. Even when she wanted to keep things from him, he knew something was amiss, so she was grateful for the dark and the distraction of the play.

Unfortunately, Lana couldn’t focus on the actors when her mind replayed the true-life drama she had just experienced. Had Drew reached Lady Audley in time to apologize? Whether he had intercepted her or not, he should occupy the Foxhaven box by now.

Lana held her glasses up again and discovered it remained empty. She tipped forward slightly and gazed at Lady Audley’s box. Only one seat was empty. Lady Audley hadn’t returned either. A jolt of uneasiness rattled her nerves. Had she made a mistake in sending Drew after the widow?

She laid the glasses in her lap and threaded her fingers, twisting them back and forth. She checked four more times over the next half hour, but neither Lady Audley nor Drew appeared in their respective boxes.

The widow was incredibly stunning, the most beautiful woman Lana had ever seen. What if Drew realized he had made a mistake in ending their affair? What if the two of them were making love at this moment?

Lana’s gut twisted. She shook her head to dislodge the notion. Drew wouldn’t treat her that poorly. Just because he had engaged in disreputable behaviors in the past didn’t mean anything. Drew had changed. Why, many reformed rakes led perfectly respectable lives, although their names escaped her at the moment.

She peeked at Jake, who didn’t believe in Drew’s reformation. In fact, he hadn’t hesitated to discount the idea of reformation. Perhaps she had been too hasty in rejecting Jake’s opinion. After all, he possessed more experience with Drew than she did.

Blast!
Had she truly sent Drew after his former lover? She groaned under her breath.

Jake’s forehead wrinkled in puzzlement. “Lana, are you in distress?”

She didn’t trust her voice not to betray her, so she nodded.

He turned his whole body to face her, his demeanor growing more anxious. “Are you ill? Should we return to Hillary House?”

“Could we?” Her voice came out as a pitiful squeak.

He struggled to his feet, and she handed him the crutch. This time he didn’t complain when she grasped his arm to help him descend the stairs. She searched the area once they reached the lobby, nearly running into a column from lack of attention to where she walked.

In the carriage, Jake broke his silence. “Your behavior is rather odd.
Are
you ill?”

“It’s nothing, Jake.”

“
Nothing
? You dragged me from the performance for no reason?” Anger laced his voice and raised her hackles. “Tell me what troubles you, Lana. I’m not an imbecile.”

“Everyone says the same, yet it is obvious some are mistaken given the number of imbeciles overpopulating the world.”

“Lana.” His voice held a subtle warning.

“I
said
it’s nothing. Please, cease your badgering.”

Jake glared, probably regretting his solicitous behavior a few moments ago. Lana should feel more remorse for her words. But blast it. If her brother were less stubborn, she wouldn’t have to keep her love for Drew a secret. Lady Audley wouldn’t have discovered them together. And
Lana
wouldn’t have sent Drew away with another woman.

After a while, the tense silence began to grate on her. Jake might continue his silent treatment for days unless she gave in and supplied an answer. She crossed her arms and huffed. She hated when he punished her in such a way. His reticence often spoke louder than words.

It would take no time for her father to notice Jake’s silence and begin to question them both. She loved that their father was sensitive to his surroundings, unlike their mother, but she didn’t wish to undergo an interrogation.

“If you must know, I’m having
female
issues,” she lied.

“Oh.” She knew Jake’s face burned red-hot under the mask of darkness, and she turned away with a smirk. Her brother had developed an arsenal of weapons over the years to get at what he wanted, but she had developed her own counterstrategies. And they proved effective at shifting his attention.