The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (3 page)

Eighteen-year-old Hannah Royston rushed into Damon’s study. The door, as usual, banged against the wall as she entered. Damon winced, and then smiled at his sister.

Hannah whirled around in the drawing room. “Everything is so lovely, and my new friend, Dora, is living three houses down. I met her at the dressmaker’s today. I can hardly wait for the ball tonight. How do I look? I had difficulty deciding which of my new ball gowns to wear.”

“Beautiful, you look much like our mother.” His eyes observed her, from her bright blonde curls and down over the lovely white gown. Her slippers matched the blue ribbons in her hair and the trim on her dress. Long white gloves covered her small hands and reached up to her elbows. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy.

“You will have all the young men fighting to meet you.”

“Have I said thank you? Thank you for our lovely new homes and so many elegant gowns, but most of all I’m so glad you have returned for good. I missed you.”

“Yes, you have thanked me quite enough. I’m also glad to be home, little one.” Damon watched Hannah twirl around. Then she charged out of the room. He smiled. His sister had only two speeds, fast and faster. She grabbed life with happiness and exuberance. He envied her.

When he spent time with Hannah, the ache in his belly was less noticeable, but it had not gone away completely. The campaign for his enemy’s ruination had already started.

Damon had been surprised and pleased at the gullibility of the Earl of Halsford. Given stray bits of investment information from relative strangers, the earl seemed quite willing to invest without proper research. The reports Damon received from his inside man indicated Halsford’s finances were already on a downward spiral.

He took a swallow of whiskey and looked out the window at the back garden of his new townhouse. These last few weeks had been busy. He’d set the stage.

The house in the country had been furnished and decorated before his last voyage. He’d recently purchased this townhouse to use when in London. Being back with Hannah filled his heart with joy, especially seeing her happiness. He enjoyed watching her delight in everything.

“Damon.” The familiar voice made him turn from the window.

“Uncle Christopher, I’m glad to see you.” Damon put down his whiskey glass and greeted his uncle.

“I wanted a chance to speak with you alone, to explain about Atelstone Hall and why I didn’t have it torn down as you requested.”

“The last time I went to inspect the new house, I rode over there,” Damon said, interrupting his uncle. He looked back out the window, not seeing the trees and flowers, but remembering his reaction when he went inside his childhood home.

“I stood at the door to father’s study unable to turn the door knob.”

“It’s understandable, Damon. You were the one to find your father after he shot himself. It would be a shock for anyone, especially an eighteen-year-old boy.”

“I should have been able to go inside. It’s been years.” Damon turned to his uncle and spoke harshly. “After all it’s only a room.” He paced across to the fireplace and spread his hands toward the warmth. “I will never live there, even if I decide not to have it torn down.”

His uncle placed his hand on Damon’s shoulder. “Give yourself more time to think about what you really want to do. You may change your mind now that you’re home for good.”

Turning to face his uncle, he found they were at eye level with each other. Concern shown in the older man’s eyes.

“You’re right, there’s really no reason to worry about it now. Whatever I decide, you and Aunt Elizabeth already have the heirlooms stored for Hannah, and I have the painting of mother.”

“You want nothing else of your parents’ possessions?”

“No.”

“All right. I’m going to find Hannah and take her to the Sylvester’s. She’ll dress for her ball there. Don’t get busy and forget to come,” his uncle said.

“I won’t. I’m aware I’ve stayed away from as much of the social gatherings as possible. This one is important. I’ll remember.”

After his uncle left, Damon sat in his large, comfortable chair staring at the flames in the fireplace. His old home loomed over him as a reminder of the life he’d lost. Nothing could bring back the joy and love he’d had as a child living at his family’s estate surrounded by loving parents. He shrugged and his thoughts turned to other things.

Aunt Elizabeth, his mother’s sister, had arranged for Hannah’s presentation to the court shortly after they had arrived in town. He was eternally grateful to her. Standing in a crowded room waiting for this season’s debutantes to be introduced to the Royal couple would have driven him to distraction.

Edward Sylvester, one of his closest friends, and Edward’s wife had offered their large ballroom for Hannah’s coming out ball. That left Damon with only having to appear at the appropriate time.

Damon reached for his pipe and tobacco. After taking the first puff, he raised his head and studied the portrait of his mother. The picture had frozen her in time, young and beautiful. She’d had a sweet and gentle nature. If she were here, he knew she would attempt to talk him out of his plan. Her eyes seemed to gaze down on him now with mild reproach.

But he had waited too long to appease his anger. Nothing or no one would deter him. Then, he pictured Halsford’s daughter and her fierce fight for the chimney boy. She was no shy miss. He planned to see their paths crossed again, soon.

Shadows had fallen across the room. It was time for him to dress for the ball. The stage was set. His plan was in full motion.

He must be careful and clever so as not to hurt Hannah’s position with his actions. However, the waiting was over. A surge of cold anger flowed through him, and then a feeling of satisfaction.

Albert, his valet, helped him into his dark-blue coat. His clothes were simple in design, but expensive. The trappings of his wealth were all around him. To some this might be enough. Why couldn’t it be for him? After he had achieved his revenge, would he finally find peace? Hopefully, he’d at least find contentment.

He anticipated the
ton
wouldn’t reject Hannah because her brother had worked to rebuild his fortune. Money, lots of it, and a title should be enough to have them opening their arms to Hannah and him.

“Don’t wait up, Albert. I may be late.”

“Very good, my lord.”

The ride to the ball was short, but a long line of carriages stretched in front of his. It would take too much time to wait. He signaled his driver and got out.

“I’ll walk the last block.”

The best way to get inside unnoticed was through the back of the house. He darted around the corner and let himself in through the side gate, then the kitchen door. Heads turned and stared, but when the servants recognized him, they went back to work. As soon as he stepped into the corridor, he ran into the butler.

“This way, my lord.” He directed Damon around several corridors until Damon saw the Sylvesters and his aunt and uncle standing with Hannah in the receiving line. The butler excused himself. Damon watched as his lovely sister graciously greeted her guests. Tonight, more than any other time, she reminded him of their beautiful mother.

Deciding it was best to stay in the background, he waited where he was for the right moment to make his appearance. The uneasiness of how he’d be received worried him more than he’d thought, not for him, but for Hannah’s sake. Would seeing him at Hannah’s side remind the fickle
ton
that he was a businessman? They might turn on his sister and not accept her. His aunt and uncle had paved the way for her. The
ton
saw her as related to them, more than him. Still, the worry didn’t go away.

* * * *

“Caroline, quit fidgeting.” Her mother snapped her fan shut. “You would think you were eighteen and going to your first ball. Why are you so eager to attend this dance?”

“I’m not overly eager, Mama. Sara and Joan will be here. I haven’t seen them in almost a week. I’m anxious to chat with them.”

“Just remember what your father and I told you last week. You must decide on a husband soon, or we will be forced to make the decision for you.”

Caroline looked over at her father. “I don’t remember those exact words, Papa.”

He sighed. “I hate to agree, but your mother is right. We have been too lenient. Three years is long enough to make up your mind on a husband. If you can’t, then we will make the choice for you.” The expression on his face was guarded. As if his thoughts were on more than the present conversation.

Caroline knew her parents loved her and that they couldn’t really force her to marry. But to go against them in such an important decision would be difficult and create other problems.

She smoothed her hands over her new gown’s silver lace overskirt with its light gray silk underskirt and gray satin trim. The colors accentuated her gray eyes and perpetuated her refined style, hence her reputation for being cold and haughty.

Most young men wanted someone outgoing and bubbly, so they’d left her alone. She had to find a man she preferred, or her parents would make the choice for her.

Caroline looked out at the many carriages waiting in line in front of the Sylvester mansion. In one of those carriages, her future husband might be waiting. A cold shiver went down her spine, and she pulled her cape closer around her shoulders.

She didn’t care. One man was much like another. Unbidden, she thought of the man who had stepped forward on Bond Street. A flush of heat warmed her, and she unfurled her fan to cool her face. Perhaps she was mistaken and all men were not the same.

Finally, Caroline and her parents got out of their carriage. After another wait they went through the receiving line and joined the other guests in the crowded ballroom. The band began to play as people milled around greeting each other.

The room had become overly warm. Caroline let her shawl slip down around her arms. She cooled herself with her painted fan while she watched the crush of people for a familiar face.

* * * *

He’d hidden long enough. Damon joined his sister and led her into the noisy ballroom. Heads turned and voices died down to a whisper. All eyes were on Hannah and him. Damon stiffened his spine and purposely stared at the guests closest to them.

A movement began in the crowd and two people, a man and woman, stepped forward. He recognized the Duke of Osbert, although he’d only met him once many years ago.

“Lord Royston, it is good to see you back home,” the duke said. “May I introduce my duchess?” The duke took his wife’s hand and she stepped forward, smiling.

“I do hope you both will come to the afternoon tea I’m having tomorrow. It is rather a last-minute invite, but since I’ve just met you perhaps you’ll forgive the lateness. I shall see an invitation is sent to you early tomorrow,” the duchess said.

Damon bowed over her hand. His eyes met hers and saw the kindness. “Thank you, Your Grace. You honor us.” He turned to the duke. “I remember meeting you many years ago when you came to my mother’s funeral. It is good of you to remember us.”

Behind them, conversation had started again and only a few still looked in their direction. Damon knew that the duke’s acknowledgment had smoothed his way back into the
ton
. No one would give the cut to an acquaintance of the duke. The ache in his gut eased slightly.

“And thank you, Your Grace,” he said, and smiled at the duchess. “I’m sure my sister would be pleased to attend. I have several appointments that can’t be changed.”

“I completely understand,” the duchess replied.

When the duke and duchess moved on, Damon and Hannah greeted several couples that came forward. Then Damon turned his sister over to his aunt. He strolled across the room to greet a few of his male acquaintances, then moved to one side of the group and joined his friend, Rook. He observed the throng of people walking into the ballroom and strolling around the perimeter.

Then he saw her. His enemy’s daughter. She stood right across the room. A jolt of desire deep in his gut surprised him. He took a deep breath to regain his control.

She was lovely with her creamy velvet complexion and a slight flush on her cheeks. She wore her golden hair in an arrangement of braids with several small diamonds sprinkled throughout. They shone bright in the candlelight. Long diamond earrings fell from her small ears. A dainty diamond necklace with a tiny ruby heart encircled her neck above the low-cut neckline of her silver gown.

Damon smiled. She looked very different this evening from the woman he had seen on Bond Street.

“I presume that is her father beside her,” Damon said to Rook as he nodded toward Caroline.

“Yes, that is Lord Halsford.”

Of course. Now he recognized the man. Damon had only seen the earl once, a long time ago, and only from a distance. Tonight, he would finally meet his enemy face-to-face.

He turned his attention back to Caroline. He saw from the expression in her eyes that she remembered him.

“Introduce me,” Damon spoke sharply to Rook.

“Believe me, it’s not worth the effort.”