The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride (9 page)

“Brighton?”

“Oh, my yes.” She bubbled with enthusiasm. “The crowds are gone now and it’s quite
a charming place.”

“Nonetheless, I have no desire to travel to Brighton or anywhere else at the moment.”
He glanced around the library. “No, I am looking forward to enjoying the peace and
quiet of the country here at Millworth.”

“Yes, well, I suspected as much.” She thought for a moment. “It might be awkward,
you know. For the two of us to be in such close proximity.”

“Because you never wanted to see me again?”

“There is that . . .”

“But then you told the others we have never met and I am not so lacking in chivalry
that I would point out a lady’s deceit.”

“Thank you. That is most appreciated.” The reluctant note in her voice belied her
words. “I would appreciate as well if we did try to avoid one another. It would be
easier to keep up the pretense of having just met.”

“You needn’t worry about that. I agree that avoiding one another is an excellent idea.”
He paused. “It won’t be easy though as there are only five of us here at the moment
and I imagine there will be any number of unavoidable instances when we are thrown
together.”

“Probably.”

“However, allow me to relieve your mind on another matter, Lady Hargate.”

“What matter?”

“Now that I have seen you again, I believe I have changed my mind.”

“Changed your mind about what?” Caution edged her voice.

“About seeing you again.” He shook his head. “Now, I think you’re right. We should
have gone our separate ways.”

She stared at him. “I am usually right.”

“So you have nothing to fear on that score.” He strolled to the table where he had
left his glass, picked it up, and drained the last of his whisky. “I have no interest
in a woman who is looking for nothing more in a new husband than wealth and title.”

She gasped. “I am looking for a great deal more!”

He cast her a skeptical look. “Love then?”

“Love is neither practical nor necessary. Love simply muddies the water and creates
problems where none should exist. Regardless, what I want is none of your concern.”
Her blue eyes flashed. “But you have just made my point as to why I don’t want anyone—anyone
at all—to know we have met. It was only this afternoon that I mentioned my plans and
already Camille has told Grayson. Who has obviously confided in you. You know about
my financial difficulties as well, don’t you?”

He nodded.

“Of course you do. There are no secrets to be kept in this house.” She swiveled on
her heel and paced the room. “Why, the very fact that I haven’t mentioned you would
be enough to have Camille and Teddy and probably Grayson as well wondering why I have
kept that fact to myself. And why you went along with me.” She paused and stared at
him. “They would jump to all sorts of conclusions, you know.”

“Some of them perilously close to the mark, I would imagine.”

“Camille especially has quite a fertile imagination.” She resumed pacing. “But whatever
conclusion she might reach will pale in compassion to what Beryl will concoct. And
once Beryl knows, or thinks she knows . . .” She shuddered.

“You don’t get along with your sisters, do you?”

“Well, I haven’t in the past but—” She threw her hands up in a gesture of surrender.
“And you already know that, don’t you?”

He winced. “Yes, I’m afraid I do.”

“As I said, there are no secrets here.” She shook her head in disgust.

“Except ours,” he said slowly. “You may count on me to keep it.”

“It would not be good for either of us.” A warning rang in her voice. “If the truth
came out, that is.”

He chuckled. “Probably not.”

“Very well then.” She drew a deep breath. “We are agreed?”

“We are.” He stepped close to her and held out his hand. “When I reach a verbal agreement,
in matters of business, it’s customary to shake a man’s hand.”

“I’m not a man.”

“Then your word is less honorable than a man’s?”

“What utter rubbish.” She huffed. “Do you say things intended to annoy me or is it
just part of your nature?”

He grinned. “Both.”

She took his hand and met his gaze directly. “Has anyone ever told you that you are
a most infuriating, annoying, bothersome creature?”

“Not to my knowledge and certainly not to my face.” He gazed down into her blue eyes,
nearly the same color as Camille’s. With the fair coloring of the older sister, blue
was not a surprise. But with Delilah’s deep, rich brown hair, the color of her eyes
was unexpected and remarkable. He had noted their color when they had first met and
now, gazing into the endless blue, he remembered as well how they had sparkled with
the excitement of flirtation and glazed with the throes of passion. “Most people would
hesitate making that sort of comment because it might be considered, oh, I don’t know,
rude?”

The corners of her mouth quirked as if she was trying to keep from smiling. “You do
this to annoy me, don’t you?”

“Shall I be honest?”

She shrugged. “We might as well try honesty.”

“I do.” He grinned. “I like annoying you.”

“You do it very well.”

She tried to draw her hand from his but he held fast and pulled her a little closer.

“It’s your fault, you know.” Close enough to bend down and kiss her should he be so
inclined.

“What is?” She stared up at him but made no attempt to move. He suspected, in spite
of herself, she would kiss him back.

“That I like annoying you.”

“Oh?” There was a breathless quality to her voice. Intriguing and nearly irresistible.

“I like the way your eyes spark when you’re angry. And the way you say one thing and
do something else entirely different. And I especially like the way you blush.”

“Nonsense. I don’t blush,” she said even as a flush colored her cheeks.

“And you thought I would be bored here at Millworth?” He chuckled. “On the contrary,
I expect to enjoy myself thoroughly.”

She stared at him for another moment and something flashed in her eyes so quickly
she probably didn’t realize it herself. Something exciting and promising and intriguing.

She jerked her hand from his. “We meet in the main parlor before going into dinner.
I’ll go now and you should join us in a few minutes.”

“Because we wouldn’t want to be seen arriving together.”

“Which would certainly arouse suspicion.” She turned toward the door.

“You do realize you’ll have to apologize again.”

“What?” Delilah turned back and glared at him. “Why on earth would I apologize yet
again? I believe I have apologized quite enough.”

“You can do what you want, of course.” He shrugged. “But it seems to me that unless
you apologize in front of the others, they will continue to wonder why you haven’t.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” She shook her head. “It can’t be helped I suppose.” Her
gaze narrowed. “As long as you understand that apology won’t be the least bit sincere
as I have already sincerely apologized.”

“You do want to make it look genuine and sound sincere.”

“Oh, it will look sincere to the others.” She favored him with a smug smile. “But
it won’t be.” She nodded and swept from the room.

Sam grinned. This was going to be fun. She was going to be fun.

His smile faded. But fun was all it would be. She obviously had no interest in more.
In picking up where they had left off. As much as that might have been a possibility
in the back of his mind when he had arrived, now he had to agree with her. He had
no interest in a woman whose sole purpose in life was to marry well.

He adjusted the simple gold buttons on his cuffs and considered the matter. While
certainly some spark still lingered between them, on her side it was obviously nothing
more than fear that his presence might ruin her plans. And anger that he’d had the
nerve to show up at all. She could deny it all she wished, but it was apparent to
him that whatever drew them together initially remained. Not that it mattered. Best
to nip this in the bud now. Regardless of the attraction between them, he absolutely
refused to give his heart to a woman who only wanted him for his money and his position.
He’d been down that path before. He would not step foot upon it again. He flicked
an invisible piece of lint from the arm of his evening coat and started toward the
parlor.

And ignored the annoying thought that just possibly that step had already been taken.

“Sam,” Camille said with a gracious smile. “If you would be so good as to escort me
into dinner, Grayson will accompany my sister and Teddy.”

“There is nothing I like better than being entrusted with the escort of two such lovely
ladies,” Grayson said in a gallant manner, belying the chastising look in his eyes
when his gaze met Delilah’s.

She smiled weakly.

Clement announced dinner the moment Grayson had finally appeared in the parlor, leaving
no time for Delilah to explain why she had failed to meet him. Yet another falsehood
she should feel bad about but didn’t. Dear Lord, what was happening to her? It was
rather difficult to pride oneself on one’s honesty if one wasn’t, oh, honest.

As much as she hated to admit it, Samuel was right. Apologizing in front of everyone
would prove she—they—had nothing to hide. Better to get it over and done with while
she had the chance.

“I would be honored.” Samuel smiled down at Camille.

He did have a nice smile. It was no wonder Camille and Teddy were taken with him.
That smile in combination with his dark eyes and the wicked twinkle that perpetually
lingered there, well, what woman wouldn’t be taken with him? Not Delilah, of course.
Not again anyway.

She drew a deep breath. “Before we go into dinner, there is something I should say.
To Samuel.”

Camille frowned and her anxious gaze shifted between her sister and the American.
“This really isn’t the time—”

“No, Camille, this is the perfect time.” Delilah turned to Samuel and cast him her
brightest smile. “Samuel.” She braced herself. “
Sam,
I owe you my apologies. I was beastly to you this afternoon. I’m afraid my mind was,
well, preoccupied I suppose. Still, that is no excuse. I am not usually so . . .
curt
. I don’t know what came over me but I do hope you can find it in your heart to forgive
me.”

A look of relief passed over Camille’s face. Goodness, what did her sister think Delilah
was going to say to the man anyway?

“There is nothing to apologize for.” He took her hand, raised it to his lips and gazed
into her eyes.

Delilah swallowed. This was really not appropriate. Still, it would be most
curt
to say so. And what could one expect from an American anyway? It wasn’t as if he
wasn’t doing it well. Indeed, the man was quite skilled at the kissing of hands. Still,
he was probably just trying to be annoying.

“I can certainly understand how unexpected . . . developments might affect one’s manner.”
He smiled in an entirely too engaging way. “And I owe you an apology as well. For
insisting we had met when I was so clearly mistaken.”

“We all make mistakes on occasion.” She pulled her hand from his without resistance
and ignored a twinge of annoyance that he released her so easily. That was that then.

“Now that this is settled,” Camille began. “We should go into dinner before Clement
feels compelled to return and stare in an accusing manner. As though we personally
destroyed Mrs. Dooley’s fine cooking.”

Teddy glanced at her and wrinkled her nose. The quality of Mrs. Dooley’s cooking had
been erratic of late.

“Shall we?” Samuel offered his arm.

Camille hooked her arm though his and they strolled into the dining room.

“Ladies.” Grayson offered his arm to Teddy on one side, Delilah on the other. He inclined
his head toward his future sister-in-law. “Very nicely done, Delilah. And most appreciated.”

“I owe you an apology as well, I’m afraid. I’m sorry I didn’t meet you. I was unavoidably
detained.”

Grayson studied her sharply then nodded. “I assumed as much.”

Teddy peered around Grayson. “I thought your apology to Sam was nicely done as well.”

“I do try,” Delilah said under her breath. Now that she had apologized in front of
everyone, hopefully she could get through the meal without being
curt
.

Or worse.

Dinner was far easier and far more pleasant than Delilah had expected. Samuel and
Grayson entertained the ladies with stories of their exploits and misadventures during
Grayson’s years in America. Samuel was charming in a natural sort of way and mildly
flirtatious with all three women but no more so than Grayson. American or not, one
could scarcely find anything to criticize him for. He certainly paid Delilah no particular
attention as if they had indeed just met. His gaze met hers no more often than it
met Camille’s or Teddy’s. Exactly as she wanted. Still, why was it that she found
very nearly everything he did so annoying?

Regardless, Delilah was startled to realize she was having quite a nice time. Somewhere
between the fish and the fowl she nearly forgot that she and Samuel had shared an
adventure. His fault entirely, much to his credit. Why, she was actually enjoying
his company.

Not that she should be surprised by that. She had enjoyed his easy manner, so different
from most gentlemen she knew, from nearly the first moment they’d met in New York.
A moment that had, in many ways, changed her life. But then she was ripe for change.
At least for a few days.

It had started innocently enough. Grayson had had some sort of luncheon meeting and
as Camille was to accompany him, he had asked Delilah if she would wait in the parlor
in his suite for an expected delivery of important papers regarding some matter of
business. Delilah couldn’t remember the details now and hadn’t really paid attention
then, she’d been entirely too busy planning her afternoon. Grayson did say the papers
would likely be delivered by an employee or assistant of a business associate or something
along those lines. Or at least that’s what she’d thought he’d said. He did mention
a Mr. Moore, but Grayson and Camille had been in a hurry to depart so that detail
had slipped by Delilah. Upon reflection, she should have paid more attention but it
had seemed a minor point. Not paying as much mind to details as she should had long
been her greatest flaw.

So when Samuel arrived bearing those papers instead of Mr. Moore, and explaining Mr.
Moore had some pressing problem to deal with, somehow Delilah had the distinct impression
Samuel was the assistant and not the associate. It was a simple enough mistake and
easily rectified but Samuel made no effort to do so at the time. Indeed, looking back
on it, he had appeared oddly amused.

“. . . and I would certainly never say that.” Teddy’s prim pronouncement belied the
amusement in her eye. “Although, I’m not surprised Grayson would.”

Samuel laughed. His gaze caught Delilah’s and he grinned. Delilah returned his smile
even though she had no idea what the others were discussing. From the snatches of
conversation that did register, she thought it had something to do with an incident
that occurred years ago regarding Grayson, a small dog, a lady’s hat, and a train.
Judging from the laughter around the table it was most amusing.

Samuel was indeed most amusing without being silly, she’d give him that. At their
first meeting, she had said something—she couldn’t recall what—and he had laughed.
A laugh that struck her as genuine and quite contagious. Perhaps it was the setting,
or the innate excitement of travel but before she knew it, they were engaged in a
most lighthearted discussion over the trials and tribulations of travel. It was not
at all like her to chat idly with a man she’d not been properly introduced to and
yet it was a great deal of, well, fun. In truth, she hated to see it end. Which was
probably why, in hindsight, she had introduced herself as Mrs. Hargate rather than
Lady Hargate. She’d suspected tall, handsome, amusing strangers were far more likely
to flirt with Mrs. Hargate than with Lady Hargate. Although admittedly, when the falsehood
had flowed from her lips she hadn’t given the why of it any thought at all.

That lack of consideration probably explained as well why, the next day, when she
was strolling in the park alone, which in and of itself was unusual for her, and she
happened upon him, again she did nothing to dissuade him from concluding she was a
poor relation acting as chaperone. She might even have encouraged that conclusion.
Nor had she felt the tiniest bit of guilt about her relatively insignificant deception.
What harm could it do? Besides, she would probably never see the man again.

They only spoke for a few minutes then and briefly encountered each other the next
day in the hotel lobby, when she had explained away the bags and boxes a doorman carried
as her sister’s. Their meetings were surprisingly unsatisfying, as if she had been
allowed to smell something delightful baking in an oven but would not be allowed to
taste it. And she had wanted to taste it even if, at that moment, she had no clear
idea what tasting it entailed. And why shouldn’t she? Hadn’t she planned on embracing
whatever adventure came her way? Spending a few minutes alone with a handsome American
was scarcely the stuff novels of adventure were written about.

“. . . and quite an adventure as I understand,” Camille said in a teasing manner.

Delilah’s attention jerked to her sister, who continued without pause.

“Grayson.” Camille pinned her fiancé with a firm look. “I suspect there is more to
this story than you have revealed up to this point.”

Grayson looked at Samuel, who was looking anywhere but at his friend. Then his gaze
met Grayson’s and both men burst into laughter.

“Oh come now,” Teddy said with a laugh of her own. “You cannot let us hang like this.
I can’t imagine either of you dressed in such a manner. And certainly not at a ball.
Neither of you are . . .”

It was the masked ball that was Delilah’s ultimate undoing. Mask or not, she knew
him at once and he recognized her. One might have said it was fate if one believed
in such a thing. Although she had never been one to believe in magic either and yet
. . . One dance led to a second, a second led to a third and before she had time to
think, she was in his room and in his arms and in his bed. No. In retrospect, she
could tell herself that all she wished now but it wasn’t true. She’d had plenty of
time to think, to consider what she was doing, to dwell on all the scandalous repercussions.
She simply hadn’t wanted to. Hadn’t cared about anything beyond that night. It wasn’t
at all like her.
Lady
Hargate certainly would have cared.
Mrs.
Hargate was entirely too busy to care, too busy throwing caution to the winds. Along
with her clothes.

She hadn’t come to her senses until it was too late. And while she was mortified by
her indiscretion, if she was being completely honest with herself, she had to admit
it was a glorious night. She’d never imagined intimacies between a man and a woman
could be quite so, well, delightful. She was no virgin, certainly, but the occasional
rare relations with Phillip for the sake of a possible heir had always been brief
and not particularly satisfying. And she had heard it mentioned by friends, it should
be satisfying and even enjoyable. With Samuel it had been most enjoyable. Now, she
could well understand why Beryl had once been so free with her favors.

Delilah had wanted adventure and adventure was what she had found. Pity, it had followed
her home. His presence here now only reminded her of what an awful mistake she had
made. It was most embarrassing to have a man—practically a stranger—who had seen her
naked now staying in her family’s home. Sitting across the dinner table. Flirting
with her best friend! Surely some of the previous long-dead inhabitants of Millworth
Manor were now turning over in their graves at this American invasion.

Regardless, she drew a deep breath, it was time to get on with her life and her plans.
As long as Samuel cooperated, what happened at the Murray Hill Hotel would be left
at the Murray Hill Hotel. Her night of sin would be left in America where it belonged.

“Tell us, Sam, what kind of business brings you to England?” Teddy began. “If you
don’t mind my asking.”

“Unless, of course, it’s boring.” Camille signaled to a footman to refill her wineglass.
“I must say whenever Grayson speaks of business, I find it quite dull and uninteresting.”

Grayson’s brow quirked. “Do you?”

“Don’t look at me that way, darling, of course I do. And you well know it.” Camille
scoffed. “You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way my eyes glaze when you go
on and on about stocks and bonds and deals and whatever else it is you go on and on
about.”

“And I thought that look was one of sheer admiration for my business acumen,” Grayson
said mildly.

Camille stared at him for a moment then laughed. “You did not.”

He chuckled. “Not for a moment. But I suspect you will find this interesting.” He
nodded at Samuel. “Go on, tell them why you’re here.”

“I’m here for your wedding of course.”

“And,” Grayson prompted.

“And to gauge interest among some of England’s upper echelon for, well . . .” Samuel
paused. “The future you might say.”

“Oh dear, then you shall surely be disappointed.” Teddy heaved a dramatic sigh. “Unlike
you Americans, we tend to ignore the future rather than embrace it. We are quite set
in our ways, you know, mired in heritage and tradition and all that goes with it.”

“As it should be,” Delilah murmured.

Samuel turned toward her. “You can’t possibly mean that.”

“Oh, but I do.” She cast him a pleasant smile. “There is nothing wrong with doing
things the way they have always been done.”

Samuel’s smile matched hers. “Unless there is a better way to do them.”

Curiosity sounded in Camille’s voice. “What better way?”

“Horseless carriages.” Samuel’s tone was casual but an underlying current of excitement
edged his words, as if he were announcing the way to salvation or the path to Nirvana
or something equally preposterous. “Very possibly the way of the future.”

Delilah stared for a moment then swallowed a laugh. Laughing would be rude.