Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (27 page)

“Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.” Lady Dohve chuckled. “I told myself there was only so much you could take from me and once you had depleted everything, you would have no choice but to abandon your thievery. I had nothing of great value any longer, so I looked the other way.”

“W-wot makes ya think
I
took yer jewels?”

“I never mentioned jewels, you simpleton.” The baroness’s voice was hardened and sharp. “But I was wrong, wasn’t I? Once you depleted my valuables, you didn’t leave me alone.”

“I don’t know wot yer sayin’.”

“You’ve besmirched my nephew’s name, Reggie. Or should I refer to you as Lord Bollrud?”

“That was Betsy’s idea. Everything,” he said, his voice rising in pitch. “She planned the whole thing.”

Lana pursed her lips. How like a brother to blame his younger sister.

“Ah, yes. Thank you for the reminder of another loss at your hands, my darling Betsy.” Lady Dohve’s calm tone sent a shiver down Lana’s back. “You corrupted my little girl, Reggie.”

“She was yer
maid
, you batty old woman. Not your daughter.”

“Perhaps not by blood, but Betsy was only an infant when she came to Choate Manor. I’ll never forget the feel of her in my arms. Betsy fulfilled my deepest wishes.”

“Yer mad,” Reggie snarled. “You should be locked away.”

“You stole her from me, Reginald.
You
killed her.”

“I did not. Betsy got ’erself caught and betrayed me.”

Lady Dohve’s laugh was nothing more than a hollow imitation. “A carriage ran her down in the street, my dear boy. I imagine she didn’t see its approach, because she was trying to evade capture.”

“That’s a lie.”

“How I wish that were true. But stealing from me, ruining my great-nephew’s reputation, and even taking Betsy from me wasn’t your worst mistake, Reggie, my boy.”

He scoffed. “Indeed? An’ wot might that be?”

Tension saturated the air as Lady Dohve remained silent, leaving Lana with the eerie feeling that once she responded, Reggie wasn’t going to care for the lady’s answer.

Lady Dohve cleared her throat. “I know you took Lord Dohve’s dueling pistol.”

“Is that so?” Reggie said with a derisive snort. “And ’ow is
that
a mistake?”

“You should have taken both of them.”

“Wot the—?”

A bone-rattling bang shattered the air, and Lana cried out. An immediate thud shook the floor and then there was silence. Had the baroness just shot Reggie? She must be beside herself. Lana dashed to the drawing room to check on the poor lady.

Lady Dohve looked up when Lana appeared in the doorway. The pistol rested on the side table and she had returned to her needlepoint. “There you are, my dear. Did you locate my spectacles?”

Lana shook her head, speechless.

The baroness flicked a dismissive hand. “That is quite all right, dear. I keep an extra pair of spectacles in my sewing box.”

***

Drew’s blood froze in his veins while the rest of him broke into a sweat when he heard the gunshot. He pushed the stallion into a gallop, reaching the manor house in a matter of a few seconds. Pulling back on the reins, he leapt from the horse and dashed inside. Rich wasn’t far behind.

Lana stood in the foyer, wrapped in her father’s embrace.

“What happened, peach?”

She glanced up at him with wide, green eyes. “Lady Dohve shot Reggie.”

“The hell you say,” he said under his breath and continued to the drawing room to see for himself.

The baroness sat in the drawing room working on her needlepoint, smiling when he and Rich entered. “Lord Richard and Lord Andrew, how nice to see you again. I do hope you enjoyed your ride. Choate Manor boasts the most beautiful vistas.” She nodded toward the body. “Do watch your step, gentlemen.”

Drew and Rich exchanged glances before proceeding to Reggie’s crumpled body to check for signs of life. His brother knelt, placing his hand in front of the man’s nose.

“No breath,” Rich mumbled. “He’s dead.”

“Yes, quite dead I imagine,” Lady Dohve answered. “I shot him through the heart. Dohve made an excellent teacher, and he boasted that I was his most adept student. Do you think you might assist me with removing his body? Such a bloody nuisance.”

Drew balked. “My lady, what happened?”

“I heard the vermin sneaking through the back door, the one he always uses, so I sent Miss Hillary to the library.” She looked up as if just remembering Lana. “She is a delightful young woman. I would love to have her extend her stay. Do you think she might?”

The lady had lost her mind. A pistol lay beside Reggie on the Aubusson, out of place in the once pristine drawing room.

“It appears to have been self-defense,” Rich commented.

“Oh, no,” Lady Dohve interjected as if discussing the weather. “It was justice. He deserved what he got as payment for all he took from me.”

Maynard hovered in the doorway. “Don’t listen to her, my lords. She has grown a bit addled in her elder years.”

Lady Dohve skewered her servant with a furious glare, but then returned her attention to her thread and needle, humming a happy tune as she worked.

“I heard the entire exchange, and it was self-defense, my lords.”

“What did I miss?” Jake asked from the foyer. He had brought the magistrate with him.

Mr. Hillary repeated what they knew with certainty. Lady Dohve was an excellent markswoman.

The magistrate, a brawny fellow with windblown black hair, ambled into the drawing room, his dispassionate eyes taking in the scene. “I take it this is the kidnapper.”

He walked to the body and pushed the man’s arm with the toe of his boot as if to reassure himself he was dead. With a swipe of his hand across his forehead, he stared down at the gruesome sight. “What happened here?”

Maynard stepped forward. “Her ladyship defended herself and her guest against my grandson. He waved a firearm at the baroness and threatened her. He would have shot my mistress if she hadn’t fired first.”

Lady Dohve rolled her eyes and continued her needlepoint.

“We believe she’s in shock,” Rich explained. “Perhaps a doctor could be summoned for her ladyship.”

“Along with the undertaker,” the magistrate agreed, “for the body, that is.”

Unable to stomach any more, Drew left the drawing room. He wanted to hold Lana and be reassured she remained unharmed. But when he arrived outside, she sat in front of Jake on his horse.

“I’m taking her home, Forest. Lana has been through enough. She will feel better once she’s back in familiar surroundings.”

Drew should be the one carrying her home. “At least cover her better.” He shrugged off his coat and tossed it to Jake. Lana’s brother accepted his offering and wrapped it around her shoulders.

“I’ll come to Hillary House as soon as I can leave here,” Drew said.

Lana met his eyes and gave a small nod.

“Take good care of her, Jake.”

“I always do. Just hurry with clearing up matters here so I may turn the responsibility over to you. I don’t know if my nerves can take another day.”

“I’m sitting right here,” Lana grumbled. “You do realize I can hear you.”

Drew chuckled. He hoped being back in London among the comforts of home would erase some of the trauma she had experienced over the last two days, but from what he could gather so far, Lana would be fine.

Mr. Hillary rounded the side of the house. “Your black stallion is in the mews. I’m leaving with Lana and Jake, but come by as soon as you return.” Lana’s father grabbed him in a rough hug. “You have my undying gratitude, Drew. I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to her.”

“Me either, sir.” Thank goodness none of them would ever have to find out.

***

Back home, Lana sank into the hot tub, welcoming how the water enveloped her aching limbs. With no lady’s attendant any longer, she’d accepted her mother’s offer of help. Her mother’s silence and gentle touch surprised her. She never asked Lana about her experience. Her mother had changed within the last two days, opening Lana’s eyes to how much she must love her and how terrifying everything must have been for her, too.

She captured her mother’s hand and pressed a kiss to it. “Thank you, Mama.”

“It’s nothing, my darling daughter.” Her mother choked out the words.

But it wasn’t nothing. Lana’s mother had kept her promise. She hadn’t retreated into her sadness, and she was here for her when Lana most needed her.

“I love you, Mama.”

Tears flowed down her mother’s cheeks. “I love you too, Lana. More than you will ever know.”

Once Lana had finished her bath and dressed in a clean gown with her mother’s help, she went to her father’s study. Over the last couple of hours, she had considered her relationship with Drew. She loved him completely, which meant she couldn’t see him miserable.

She stood at the doorway. Her father sat behind his desk, holding his head in his hands. “Papa?”

He startled, but his face broke into a radiant grin. “Lana. Please, come in.”

She entered his study. Even with the warm bath, a chill resided in her bones, so she chose a chair close to the crackling fire. Her father stood and came around his desk to lean against it.

“I suppose I shouldn’t grow too comfortable with your presence at Hillary House. Soon Drew will take you to his home.”

How could she broach the subject with her father without feeling like a failure? She cleared her throat. “Papa, I believe Lord Andrew may wish to bow out of our betrothal.”

Her father’s eyebrows shot up, but he held his tongue.

“If this is his wish, I would like him to be released from our agreement without penalty.”

“Why, Lana? I thought you fancied him.”

“I do. I love him, Papa, which is why I must let him go. I suspect he offered for me out of a sense of obligation.” She shuddered when she glanced up to discover her father’s eyes burning with great intensity.

“What type of obligation? What are you suggesting, Lana?”

“It’s hard to explain. I… We…” Tears burned her eyes and a knot formed in her throat, making it impossible to confess her transgression.

Her father sighed. “I see.”

Lana’s head fell. She was a horrible daughter, a huge disappointment. “I’m so ashamed, Papa.”

Her father’s hand on hers brought more tears. “My darling, you are not the first, nor will you be the last, to surrender to passion. Do you carry his child?”

She shook her head. “B-but he believes I do. And I cannot allow him to marry me for this reason. I’d rather die than have Drew resent me for forcing him into marriage. Just look how horrid it has been for you and Mama.”

Her father grasped her chin gently. “Your mother and I were not forced to marry.”

“But, I thought—”

“Your mother told you she had no choice.” When Lana nodded, he released her chin and turned away with a huff. “Marrying was mutually beneficial for both of us. I assure you we were not forced.”

He spun to face her again with hardened features, but his anger dissolved quickly. “When a man… um… exhibits a—Well, when he shows certain tendencies or… um,
interests
, this indicates…”

Her face heated and she squirmed, reaching a new level of embarrassment.

“Damnation, Lana. This is difficult for me. Could you please accept my word that the young man loves you?”

Lana couldn’t discuss Drew’s
interests
with her father without dying of mortification, but his interests extended beyond her. She was simply the only one foolish enough to risk pregnancy. Plus, there was the matter of discovery that had prompted his courtship.

“I must know he wants me for me, and not to fulfill a sense of duty. Please, Papa, if he wants out of the agreement, will you release him?”

Her father stared until Lana began to fidget again. He issued a tired sigh. “I wouldn’t have you marry someone who doesn’t love you, my girl.”

The squeezing in her chest moved upward until her throat was almost too constricted to swallow. She experienced no relief at learning of her father’s agreement.

“Would you like me to be present when you speak with Lord Andrew?”

Her eyes flew to his stern face. “Heavens, no.”

“Will you speak with him today when he calls?”

Lana twisted her fingers in her lap. She couldn’t face Drew yet. “Just one more day? Tell him I’m resting, please.” She needed one more day to gather her courage.

Her father frowned. “You shouldn’t keep him waiting long. The poor gent has been tortured enough the last several days.”

Lana nodded. Drew had been through a lot with almost dying.

“Very well,” her father conceded. “When he calls today, I’ll request he return early tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

Lana rose with the sun, her nerves a tangled mess. Her father had informed her before she retired to bed Drew would call at nine o’clock. In three hours, she would offer to release him from his commitment.

She shuffled through Hillary House as if in a thick fog, barely touching her breakfast, unable to concentrate on any task. At nine o’clock, she waited in her father’s study, sitting primly on an overstuffed leather chair. She sat on her hands, fighting the urge to run, when there was a light tap on the door.

“Enter,” her father called.

Hogan opened the massive oak door and crossed the room to offer a card to Lana’s father. “His lordship requests an audience.”

Her father’s questioning gaze shot to Lana. “Are you certain you want to do this?”

Her mind screamed no, but she took a deep breath and nodded.

His thinning lips and tight expression served as evidence of her father’s disapproval of her decision. “Show Lord Andrew in right away.”

“Yes, sir.” Hogan’s steps seemed reluctant. How much did the butler know about this meeting?

Her stomach churned with the violence of a tempest, and she readjusted her position.

When Drew stepped into her father’s study, her hand fluttered to her chest. He looked splendid, the most dashing fellow in all of England. His gray breeches molded to his muscled thighs, his pristine white shirt and expertly tied cravat stood stark against his tailored-to-perfection navy jacket. His polished hessians gleamed. Even his toffee waves were as tamed as she’d ever seen them. Most appealing of all, he wore his dimpled smile. His only flaw was the nick on his cheek, but it had begun to heal and would likely disappear within the week. Lana suppressed the urge to fling herself into his arms.

It would be easy to marry Drew, continuing the pretense, but she couldn’t ask him to commit to her without knowing she didn’t carry his child.

“Welcome, Lord Andrew,” her father greeted. “Please, come in.”

She didn’t miss the coolness in her father’s tone, but she couldn’t fault him given her confession.

Drew sauntered into the room and remained standing, his eyes never leaving her. She returned his gaze, her cheeks heating under his scrutiny.

“I’ll leave you alone,” her father announced before looking at Lana, “but I’ll be close if I’m needed.”

Lana’s heart hammered as her father crossed the room and pulled the door closed.

“Your father said you wished to speak with me, peach.”

***

Drew admired the sight before him. Lana was as beautiful as he always found her. He would never lose his desire for her; the hunger simply bound him tighter to her.

After receiving a blistering set down from Mr. Hillary for compromising his daughter, the man had taken pity on him and suggested he come prepared to convince Lana to continue their engagement. In reality, Mr. Hillary would not allow his daughter out of the marriage, but he’d impressed upon Drew the importance of leaving no doubts as to his constancy.

“Why have you summoned me, Lana?”

She wiggled on the chair, and Drew held back his grin. Damn, how he’d love to have her wiggling on his lap instead.

Lana took a shaky breath and let it out slowly. “My father has agreed to release you from the engagement if you so choose.”

He ambled toward her, rubbing his chin with his thumb and index finger. “Hmm, I imagine it would be quite a scandal if we chose to remain unmarried.”

Her eyelashes fluttered and an attractive blush colored her cheeks.

“Yes,” he continued, moving closer, “it would shock the
ton
, especially when I intend to keep you in my bed for days on end.”

Her gaze shot to his, and he offered a seductive smile. Her nervous movements increased as she adjusted her position on the chair again.

“Please don’t toy with me, Drew. I know you offered to marry me out of obligation.”

He moved closer until his knees brushed against hers. “Are you clairvoyant, love? You never revealed this little talent. Do tell me. What am I thinking at this moment?”

Lana’s green eyes stole a look, and her breath caught in an audible hitch. Good, she still desired him. He counted on that to help him show her the error of her thinking.

Drew hauled her to stand in front of him, making sure her body touched his. Capturing her face, he caressed his thumb along the ridge of her ear. She leaned into his touch, her eyelids growing heavy.

“I-I don’t know wh-what you’re thinking.”

He brushed his lips against hers and she quivered. It took all of his willpower not to devour her right there. “Not even a guess?” he whispered against her lips. He didn’t kiss her again, but placed his hand on her waist in preparation.

He saw no fear, only a flicker of passion waiting to ignite.

“No,” she replied softly.

He breathed in Lana’s scent, airy and fresh, one he would forever associate with love. As he slid his hand to cup her bottom, her body arched into his. “You have no guesses at all, peach?” His voice sounded strained, as it should. Lana Hillary pushed his self-control to the breaking point.

She chuckled softly and relaxed a little in his arms. “I-I have
some
idea.”

“So that there’s no misunderstanding, I’ll tell you anyway.” He nibbled her earlobe. She shivered in response. “I’m fantasizing about making the only woman I’ve ever loved my wife.” This time he pecked her lips. “And
then
, I’m going to strip every article of her irksome clothing so I can lavish her with endless adoration.”

“Oh,” Lana said on an exhale. “Does… does she know about me?”

Drew dropped his forehead against hers and chuckled under his breath. “That’s one of the things I love about you, peach. Not a sentimental bone in your gorgeous body.”

She laughed too, and he gathered her against him. Lana buried her face in his neck and wrapped her arms around his waist. They stayed that way a long time. She tried to break contact when she eased from his embrace, but he kept hold of her hands.

“Drew, I know you desire me, as I do you, but that doesn’t make for a solid marriage.” She pulled her hands again and he released her, for the moment. She wandered to the fireplace and stared into the flames. “I’ve spoken with my father. He has agreed to allow you out of the marital contract.”

He blew out a deep breath, exasperated by her inability to hear him. “Lana, I’ve proclaimed my intentions repeatedly. Why do you push me away?”

She glanced over her shoulder, her bottom lip trembling and tears welling in her eyes. “But in the cottage…”

Drew rushed forward, sweeping her against him. “Lana, don’t you realize I lied? I would have said anything to keep that bastard from hurting you. It was torture watching him maul you, but I couldn’t allow
him
to know.” He rubbed his cheek against her silky hair, loving the feel of it against his skin.

A gasping sob broke free from her, and he pulled her snug against him, running his hands along her back and kissing her temple. “My poor darling, I thought you understood. It was all a lie. I love you.”

They held each other, swaying back and forth in a comforting dance until Lana’s tears subsided. He loosened the embrace and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

She examined the darkened spot on his jacket, her cheeks turning pink. “I’m sorry for dampening your jacket.”

“That’s quite all right. I hope to shed it soon.”

She dabbed her eyes and took a shuddering breath. “Drew, there’s something I must know. Did you propose marriage to save me from ruin?”

Drew pinched the bridge of his nose. For heaven’s sake, of course he had in the beginning, but he’d fallen in love. He refused to answer a pointless question. “I love you, Lana. I want to marry you and raise our child together. That’s the only thing relevant.”

Tears pooled in her eyes again. “I’m not with child. I… discovered this at the cottage.”

“Oh.” He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to sort his feelings. She had seemed certain only a week ago. “I’m sorry, love. I can see how this upsets you.”

Her emerald gaze locked on him. “But what about you? How does this knowledge affect you?”

He debated being honest with her, fearing she might not appreciate his feelings, but he wouldn’t begin their marriage on a lie. Lana sat on the settee as she awaited his answer.

“Naturally, I’m disappointed, but if I may be honest, I’m relieved also.”

Lana’s back stiffened. “Which is the reason I must release you from our agreement. There is no child. You’re under no obligation to marry me.”

She turned her head away when he kneeled before her.

“Lana, don’t be silly—”

“My chances of securing another match are nonexistent, but I can’t bring myself to marry anyone else. I’ll retire to the country and live the life of a spinster.” Lana attempted to pull away, but he wouldn’t allow it. Not anymore.

“If you would allow me to explain, love. You could at least extend me that courtesy as your betrothed, couldn’t you?”

Her troubled gaze landed on him, and eventually, she inclined her head.

“I realize I am being selfish,” he said, “but I’m relieved, because I don’t wish to share you yet. When the time is right, we’ll have our children. I wish to cherish this time with you. I want you as my wife. The only thing dictating my decision is my heart. But what about you, Lana? Do you love me, or did you agree to wed because you thought you were with child?”

Her eyes rounded, and she sucked in a sharp breath. “How could you even ask such a pudding-headed question?”

Leave it to his peach to find
his
question ridiculous while hers were perfectly logical. “Then it’s settled. We will marry,” he said.

“Agreed. We shall marry.”

Drew lifted her in a hug. “Thank God. I thought I would be an old man before you finally married me.”

Lana tossed her head back with a giggle. “Drew.”

“It’s true, peach. You’ve changed your mind with greater frequency than a lady changes her gowns.”

She broke into a heart-stopping smile. “Yes, yes. Enough of your whining. How long must I wait for your endless adoration to begin?”

“Not long.” He covered her lips with his.

***

When Lana allowed Drew to guide her out of her father’s study, her mother’s presence caught her off guard. Her body heated at the thought of her mother overhearing such an intimate moment.

Drew handed Lana over to her mother. “Mrs. Hillary, if you would be so kind as to escort my bride to her chambers to ready herself for our nuptials, I’d be forever grateful.”

Lana gasped. “We’re getting married today?”

“Within the hour. The vicar has other engagements today, after all.” Drew turned toward her mother. “Promise you won’t allow her out of your sight.”

“Not on my life, Lord Andrew.” Her mother linked arms with her before pulling her up the staircase.

Lana had never suffered from a lack of beautiful dresses, especially since she visited the most exclusive modiste in Town. She selected a Pomona green gown, one of her favorites. Ivory ribbon trimmed the capped sleeves and crisscrossed the bodice, making her appear more endowed than she actually was. Her mother’s maid placed tiny sprigs of baby’s breath from the hothouse in her hair, and a string of pearls adorned her neck.

“I’m ready, Mama.” She wheeled around to discover her mother with tears shining in her eyes.

“You look lovely. Shall we find your groom?”

Lana couldn’t hold back a smile as she reached out to grasp her mother’s hand.

As Lana entered the drawing room, Phoebe rushed to hug her. “Thank heavens you’re back safe and sound.”

All of Drew’s family had come to witness the exchanging of their vows, including his eldest brother.

The vicar inspected the mantle clock while blotting beads of sweat on his upper lip with a handkerchief. “Shall we begin?”

Drew offered his hand and she placed her smaller one in his. Standing side-by-side in front of the clergyman, they pledged their commitment. When she recited her promise to love, honor, and obey, Drew winked, bringing heat to her cheeks and solidifying his place in her heart. Despite her initial embarrassment over their secret vow, she welcomed the chance to fulfill her promise every day for the rest of their lives and grinned like a fool.

After the ceremony, everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast. The simplicity of the celebration pleased Lana, and for once, she ate everything on her plate: eggs, ham, sliced peaches, and a roll. She knew from experience she would need sustenance for the coming night, if she and Drew made it that long.

Lana’s mother approached her toward the end of the meal. “I had my lady’s maid pack a few things for you. You may take her with you, if you like. We’ve known Jane for ages and know she may be trusted.”

Lana’s hand fluttered to her chest. Her mother’s gesture was overwhelming. “Thank you, Mama, but what will you do? Won’t you miss Jane?”

“You mustn’t worry about me. I don’t mind losing her to you.”

She hugged her mother and kissed her cheek. “You are a lovely person, Mama.”

Once in the carriage, Drew pulled Lana onto his lap and whispered in her ear, “I’ve rented a room for us until the house is finished.”

She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “I want to see the house.”

Drew sported an uncharacteristic scowl. “Now?”

“Oh, please, Drew. I can’t wait any longer.”

“Very well,” he grumbled before delivering his orders to the waiting servant. “But I can’t wait much longer either.”

The carriage lurched as he took possession of her mouth, his hot lips igniting her passion. She indulged herself, drinking in his kisses, allowing his tongue to probe the recesses of his mouth. She loved his smell, rich and decadent like the finest dark chocolate.

His hand cupped her breast as his thumb swept across her nipple. Lana murmured her approval as he drew circles around the hardened tip, making her squirm with pleasure, wanting more.

Drew broke the kiss, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “I don’t want to take you in the carriage.” A miserable groan accompanied his words.