Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (19 page)

She nodded.

He picked up the reins with a sigh. Neither of them spoke as he drove them back to Hillary House. Once in front of the town house, he climbed from the carriage to assist her. He escorted her to the door but stopped at the threshold, loath to let her walk away from him again.

Lana moved inside but then turned back. “Are you not following?”

“Oh, you want me to come with you?”

Her grin made his heart skip. “I won, remember. You must pay your debt.”

She grasped his hand, led him into the library, and closed the double doors. Drew had a feeling he had won as well.

“I prefer to collect my winnings in kisses,” she announced and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Then I shall always let you win.” He pulled her close and covered her lovely lips with his own, the scent of lily of the valley filling the air. He had missed her sweet kisses. The combination of her soft lips, supple body pressed against his, and contented sighs made him light-headed.

The stolen moment with Lana and her promises to see him again the next day preoccupied Drew’s thoughts as he left Hillary House. Bounding through the front door, he collided with Jake. The man stumbled back and Drew’s hand shot out to grasp his waistcoat to steady him.

“Sorry, old chap,” he offered.

Jake sneered. “You’re back? I thought you would have tired of my sister by now.”

His fist gripped Hillary’s waistcoat tighter. “Don’t you dare disrespect my future wife.”

“Let go of me, you prick.” Lana’s brother pulled away and Drew released him. “If you hurt her too, I’m going to kill you.” Jake’s eyes blazed with unrestrained hatred.

“I won’t hurt your sister. And you have my permission to kill me if I do.”

“I won’t require your permission.”

Drew blew out an exasperated breath. “The way I see it, we have a lot of years where we must endure each other’s company, because I’m staying. Do you really want to continue this animosity?”

Jake made to move around him, but Drew stepped into his path. “Do you think Lana will go unscathed if two people she loves are at each other’s throats?”

“I’m unconvinced she loves you, or that you love her.”

“You are mistaken,” Drew stated, staring him down. “I can appreciate your doubts, but you are dead wrong. She is the
only
woman I have ever loved.”

“That makes you an even more contemptible bastard.”

Drew’s jaw dropped, and Jake took advantage of his shock to slip inside Hillary House.

After leaving Lana, Drew met Amelia at the house in Piccadilly to allow her access so she might draw plans for the redesign. She wandered the first floor, stopping every few minutes to jot something on a sheet of foolscap while bracing it with a book. Since Drew had apologized, his guilt had lessened, but he still had an itch to escape her company. His gut bound itself into a tangle of nerves as if he betrayed Lana by being alone with Amelia,
Lady
Audley
.

Drew scoffed. Everything he did was for Lana. He had no cause to feel guilt.

“It is a charming town house, Lord Andrew. I’m positive your betrothed will love it.” He followed at a distance as she continued her tour. “The natural lighting in the drawing room is wonderful. I picture a pale yellow on the walls.”

Drew paid little attention to what she said, his mind preoccupied with fantasies of his life here with Lana. He had never believed himself capable of love, yet here he stood in a house he wished to make a home for the one woman who had captured his heart.

Lady Audley’s voice cut through his musings. “And then,” she said, sweeping her hands in a grand gesture, “a gilded mirror to the ceiling flanked by huge bouquets of peacock feathers in Ming vases.”

Drew recoiled.
Feathers?

Lady Audley’s hearty laughter brought a smile to his lips. “Lord Andrew, you didn’t hear a word I said. Woolgathering, I take it?”

He shrugged and grinned. “My apologies. All this discussion of color and fabrics isn’t my cup of tea. I trust in your judgment. Please make whatever changes you deem appropriate.”

“Are you certain you trust my choices?”

He handed her a key. “Explicitly. Just no feathers, please?”

“Agreed.” She accepted his offering with a smile, appearing happy for the first time since he had met her.

Leaving Lady Audley to wander the residence and make her drawings, he left for Talliah House. As soon as he entered his father’s home, he knew his family was back. Gone was the oppressive silence that had bothered him since his return. The house vibrated with liveliness as maids rushed around the ground floor carrying vases of flowers and throwing open draperies while the footmen set about building fires in the grates.

“I take it my parents are back?” he asked a passing maid.

“Yes, my lord. They arrived twenty minutes ago, and with a guest.”

A
guest?
Drew scratched his head. Whom would his parents invite to stay with them? His father was likely livid with this additional disruption to his routine.

He went to his mother’s chambers and knocked on her door.

“Enter.” He swung open the door and watched as his mother buzzed about the room directing the servants, before he walked inside. “I wish for my evening dresses to be placed in the larger wardrobe this time. My day gowns can go in the other.”

“Mother, it’s great to have you in Town before Easter for once.”

“Oh, darling, I wish your father felt the same. He has been grumbling the whole trip.” She bustled across the room, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. “I am sure you will get your ears blistered over taking his horse. It’s all he has talked about for days.”

Drew returned her kiss and took a seat to watch her in action. He had missed her constant chatter. For a woman who barely reached five feet in height, and that wearing heels, she commanded with the confidence of a general. “Trish, take those gowns on the bed and have them ironed.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” The girl curtsied and hugged the bundle, her arms barely encircling the load. He wasn’t sure she could see over the pile and hurried to open the door for her.

“Why the change of plans?” he asked once he and his mother were alone.

His mother collapsed into a chair. “Several reasons. For one, my newest grandchild will be born in a matter of weeks, and I have no intention of missing the blessed event.”

Drew smothered a chuckle. He could imagine his mother attending the birth, shoving the midwife aside and shouting orders.
You, baby, we haven’t got all day. It will be teatime soon, and we have the Hollisters’ ball tonight.

“Then there are preparations to be made for Gabby’s coming out.”

He sat up straighter. “Indeed?”

His mother’s cheeks flushed pink. “I considered our conversation, and conceded your argument may have merit. I don’t wish to alienate my daughter. And she behaved herself at Irvine Castle.” A slight smile graced her lips. “Besides, your father has agreed he will not grant permission for her to marry until her second season, but this way we both get our wishes granted.”

“A nice compromise.” Of course, Gabby might not abide by the agreement.

“Your sister will need an entirely new wardrobe, so we’ll visit the modiste right away. And something else…” She tapped her jaw with her index finger. “Oh, yes. A much less important reason for coming to London, but a reason all the same. Lord Philip Bollrud has returned from Northumberland as our guest.”

Drew lightly shook his head. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. “Bollrud, you said?”

“Yes, Lord Bollrud. He has been out of the country and has no residence in London. He intends to search for rooms to rent, but in the meantime, he will stay as our guest.”

“What of Lady Dohve’s residence?”

His mother frowned. “According to rumor, Lady Dohve has fallen on hard times and was forced to sell her town house, although I am uncertain if Lord Bollrud is aware of her financial hardships. He mentions nothing of offering his assistance to his aunt, but it is a private matter and Lady Dohve’s pride is legendary.”

Another reason to dislike the prig. If he possessed the means, he should assist his aunt, though Drew suspected the count didn’t have two shillings to his name. “Haven’t you extended enough hospitality in the last several weeks?”

His mother heaved a great sigh as if she had already explained herself several times. “As I have tried to tell your father, this is a favor to Susan Hillary.”

“A favor? What kind of favor?”

“She is discouraged by Miss Hillary’s lack of interest in securing a husband.”

Drew clutched the arms of the chair until his knuckles turned white.

“Susan has promised Lord Bollrud he may have Miss Hillary’s hand.”

He jumped from his seat. “Pardon?”

“Darling, I’m not certain Susan is thinking clearly.”

“Mother, how is it you are friends with that woman? She seems quite dotty.”

Disquiet flitted across his mother’s features. “Our connection goes back many years.” She offered no other explanation. “Susan hasn’t spoken with James, and I fear he will be in a temper when he learns of her promise. I’m afraid he will disapprove of the young man, even if Miss Hillary seems fond of him, but perhaps when he sees the two of them together at dinner tonight—”

“Bollrud is
not
marrying Miss Hillary.”

His mother startled. “
Andrew
, what has gotten into you? You are bellowing like your father.”

“Miss Hillary—Lana—is marrying me.”

“
You?
”

“Yes,
me.
Mother, what have you done?” There was no official agreement between them to marry. What if Lana changed her mind? She had shown a preference for the dolt before Drew laid claim to her, and even though he was somewhat confident in her feelings for him, he didn’t need any competition for her hand.

“Darling, how was I to know? I thought I was assisting a friend. And you have always maintained the position you would never marry.” A happy glow lit her face and she clapped her hands. “My youngest son is getting married? We’ll have the grandest wedding celebration.”

“Mother, could we please keep everything quiet for now?”

“I suppose we must make it through tonight’s dinner first.” She bit her lip. “I must rearrange the seating. I couldn’t possibly expect Miss Hillary to sit beside Lord Bollrud given the circumstances.”

“Lana goes by me tonight,” he demanded, “and every dinner until the end of time.”

His mother scoffed. “And to think you used to be my most pleasant child.”

***

Lana alighted from the carriage first when they reached Talliah House and wrapped her pelisse closer to deflect the chill from the wind.

Inside the Foxhaven town house, the butler led them to an exquisite plum drawing room draped with intricate tapestries. Lana adored the duchess’s excellent taste in furnishings. She perched on the edge of a plush chair that provided a view of the doorway. Drew treaded heavily into the room with the oddest expression. She might describe him as dour, which contradicted his nature.

Lana stood as the duke and duchess entered.

“Splendid of you to come, my dear friends,” Her Grace gushed. She glided to Lana’s mother, lightly pecking each cheek before moving in front of Lana and gathering her in an exuberant embrace. “Miss Hillary, what a pleasure to see you again, my dear.”

The woman’s enthusiastic welcome made her giggle. An observer might think them the best of friends separated for years. Speaking of friends, Lana noted Phoebe’s absence.

“Do you have word of Lady Phoebe?” she asked.

The duchess spoke in low tones. “The baby may be on its way. Phoebe suffers pains on and off.”

“Oh, dear. It is early still.”

Drew’s mother patted her hand. “I believe they miscalculated. Phoebe appears to have swallowed a small pig, not that my grandchild will be anything less than perfect.”

Lana giggled again as she sought out Drew. The Forests produced gorgeous children, and with Phoebe’s added beauty, the baby would be the
most
perfect in all of England.

Her Grace squeezed Lana’s hand. “I await many more grandchildren, my dear.”

Drew’s mother knew of their association? Lana nervously licked her lips. Was she also aware Lana could be with child?

A prickle at the back of her neck alerted her to the presence of another person. Turning toward the doorway, she suppressed a gasp.

“Please forgive my late arrival.” Lord Bollrud stood in the threshold, one corner of his mouth slanting upward and a gleam in his eyes.

“Oh, dear,” she murmured.

***

Drew’s hand brushed discreetly over Lana’s knee under the table. Happiness shone in the green depths of her eyes, mirroring his sentiment.

“Miss Hillary, what entertainments would you recommend for a gent new to Town?” Bollrud asked.

Lana tensed beneath Drew’s fingertips. “I suppose that would depend on your interests, sir.” She sampled her soup and offered nothing further.

A flicker of irritation crossed Bollrud’s features. “And what interests
you
, Miss Hillary? We must share similar likes.”

“Do you enjoy needlework, my lord?”

The man’s mouth formed a thin line, but he persisted despite Lana’s discouragement. “What about carriage rides? I haven’t visited Hyde Park since I was a child.”

“It’s rather cool this time of year, but a slight chill shouldn’t deter you. Solitary reflection on childhood memories can be an enlightening experience.”

Drew hid his smile in his glass of burgundy. Bollrud was no match for his peach.

“There’s not much activity off season,” Jake said. “I fear you arrived in London too late.”

Drew appreciated the emphasis on the words too late. Perhaps Jake was coming to accept him after all.

Bollrud threw a disgusted look at Jake before refocusing on Lana. “I am to understand theatre productions continue. Do you enjoy the theatre, Miss Hillary?”

“I prefer the companionship of a good book.” Her innocent smile was most convincing. “Do you enjoy reading, sir? Perhaps the circulating libraries interest you.”

He flicked his hand. “I care nothing for books.”

Lana shrugged one delicate shoulder. “My apologies, but not being a gentleman, I fear my recommendations fall short. Perhaps Jake would be so kind as to offer his suggestions.”

Bollrud’s glower could fell a man.

Mrs. Hillary cleared her throat. “Do not be discouraged, my lord. My daughter receives many invitations. Perhaps she will allow you to escort her on occasion.”

“I would be honored.” Bollrud smirked.

Drew’s jaw hardened. It would be a cold day in Hades before the blackguard accompanied Lana any place.

Mr. Hillary changed the subject, albeit to one that only interested Drew’s father. “How was hunting this season?”

For the remainder of dinner, the duke inundated them with tales of foxes and hounds. The only thing more tedious than hearing hunting stories was hunting itself. Drew suppressed a sigh when the women adjourned to the drawing room. He would much rather join the ladies than endure more of this insipid conversation.

He removed himself to a corner and observed Bollrud. His awkward manner suggested he didn’t attend many dinner parties. When it was time to rejoin the ladies, Drew trailed at a distance, adopting Jake’s slower pace.

“Who
is
that pompous prick?” Lana’s brother mumbled.

“Philip Bollrud is Lady Dohve’s nephew.”

“Why don’t I know him?” Jake frowned as if Drew held some responsibility for his lack of familiarity.

“His parents moved to Bavaria when he was a child. Bollrud only returned to England recently.”

“Why doesn’t he have an accent?”

Drew shrugged. “He is English and born to an English mother.”

“I like him even less than I like you.”

“Finally, we have discovered common ground.”

Jake frowned. “At least Lana appears happy when she’s in your presence.” His admission seemed grudgingly given. “This Bollrud gent makes her nervous. I don’t care for him at all.”

He suspected Lana’s brother would disapprove of anyone courting her, but he agreed with Jake’s assessment of Bollrud. “Shall we put our differences aside long enough to oust the gentleman?” Drew asked.

“I believe an alliance is prudent in this instance. Do not think, however, my opinion of you will alter.”

“Of course not. Please, feel free to continue your blatant animosity as soon as we dispose of Bollrud.”

Jake almost grinned. “Agreed.”