What a Wicked Earl Wants (18 page)

Justin leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Well?”

He’d planned to give him impersonal advice and leave out his own history, mostly because he didn’t like to talk about his lost family to anyone. But Justin’s father had died, and in effect, the boy had no male figure to guide him. Bell knew that just telling him that he shouldn’t do this or that wouldn’t have sufficient impact on the boy. It would be difficult to talk about his father, but he also knew that it was something he had to do if he were to have any influence on Justin.

He took a deep breath and released it. “Ideally, your father would be sitting here and giving you the advice that every young man needs. He’s not here, but I am. My father had this talk with me when I was a year younger than you. I know he didn’t plan it, because my actions precipitated the talk.”

Justin frowned at him. “What did you do?”

“When I was sixteen, I met a tavern wench. All I could think about was how to get under her skirts.”

Justin snorted.

“Naturally, my father found out. He was livid. My ears burned while he proceeded to give me a blistering lecture. Of course, I would only admit to kissing her, but there was more than a little touching going on. Then my father proceeded to scare the breeches off of me. He told me the tavern wench was taking coin from dozens of men in exchange for a toss in the sheets. He told me she likely carried diseases from her many lovers, and the only cure was hideous mercury treatments that don’t always work.”

“Did he punish you?” Justin asked.

“Oh, yes. He made me muck out the barn every day for a fortnight. I’ve hated flies ever since.”

Justin laughed. “I figured he’d taken a switch to you.”

“Oh, no. The switch would have ended too quickly. He wanted to make sure I was humbled and never forgot a word he’d said.”

“My father didn’t believe in physical punishment,” Justin said.

Bell nodded. “Good for him.”

Justin eyed him. “So did you ever get in trouble again?”

“Of course I did. When I was eighteen, my friends and I were in London for the season. We decided to visit a bawdy house. My eyes almost fell out from all the flesh displayed, but on closer inspection, the whores wore a lot of cheap perfume and it didn’t disguise the unpleasant smells.”

Justin looked at him. “Did you bed one?”

He shook his head. “Unbeknownst to us, my friend’s older brother saw us go inside. He and his friend jerked us out of there by our collars. To be honest, I was relieved because I worried my friends would poke fun at me if I didn’t go upstairs with one of the whores.”

Justin looked at the ground. “George claimed he’d been to a bawdy house, but I think he was lying.”

“The ones who boast generally are,” Bell said. “The thing is you’re too damned young to lie with a woman, but when you get older, use a French letter. It will prevent disease and pregnancy. And stay away from prostitutes. They don’t enter the profession because they’re eaten up with lust. They are women and sometimes just girls who are down on their luck. They sell their bodies because they don’t have any other choice.” He looked at Justin. “Do you have any questions?”

“How old were you…the first time?”

“Twenty,” he said. “She was five years older. I was scared and humiliated myself, but she taught me a few things.” He paused and then said, “For me it was pure lust, but she was widowed, and I think a little lonely. One day, I just didn’t go back.” He’d felt bad about it, but he’d been young and didn’t know what to say.

Justin scuffed his boot on the gravel.

“All I ask is that you remember what I told you today for your own protection,” Bell said. “And trust me, you won’t go blind using your hand.”

When Justin pulled a face, Bell laughed. “Come along. I’ll take you home.”

Bell had meant to stay in the carriage while Justin climbed out, but Laura emerged from the town house and hurried toward them. He stepped out to greet her, but he would not linger or follow her inside. He was spending too much time with her. Even his friends had taken to teasing him about her, and his name was publicly linked with hers. They had agreed to friendship, but he wondered if he hadn’t waded in a little too deep.

“Justin, did you enjoy your fencing lesson?” she asked.

“I’m progressing,” he said.

“He is being modest,” Bell said. “Your son is a quick study.”

Justin gave him an enigmatic look. “Thank you.”

Bell wondered if he’d meant more than the fencing lesson, but he’d never know.

“I need a bath. I stink,” Justin said.

“Go on,” Laura said, laughing. She shaded her eyes and watched her son stride inside the house.

He was reluctant to leave her, but that only spurred him to do so. “I’ll be off, then,” Bell said.

She turned and smiled at him, and something unfurled inside of his chest, though he couldn’t identify the feelings. All he understood was a persistent urge to be near her.

“You were gone a long time,” she said. “I worried something had gone awry.”

“I took him to Hyde Park and had a man-to-man talk with him, as I promised you.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed pink.

“He listened, and even asked a few questions.” Bell drew in a breath. “It went much better than I expected.”

“I am grateful to you,” she said.

He shook his head. “Laura, I
wanted
to help him.”

Her eyes misted. She blinked rapidly and averted her face.

He touched her arm. “What is it?”

She brushed her fingers at the corners of her eyes. “You’ve been so kind and given so much to us. And you have gotten nothing in return.”

“Friendship shouldn’t have strings attached,” he said.

She smiled a little. “Yes, I agree.” She moistened her lips, drawing his attention. He vividly remembered the way she’d felt in his arms as he’d kissed her that night in the billiards room. Since then, he’d fantasized about making love to her slowly, savoring each thrust into her body and looking into her eyes. He was torturing himself, but he couldn’t help wanting her.

“Will you come in for a cup of tea?”

He wanted to accept, but he thought it would be in both of their best interests to put a little distance between them. Because he feared that he was inadvertently creating expectations. A woman like Laura needed a husband to make her happy, and a man like him could only give her a temporary liaison. “Thank you, but I have a mountain of paperwork awaiting me.”

A
s she moved through the receiving line, Laura was very glad that Lady Atherton had insisted upon taking her and Justin to Lady Norcliffe’s ball. After her last encounter with the ladies of the ton, Laura was none too keen on mingling with them. If they snubbed her, she would simply ignore them. After the season ended, she and her son would return to Hampshire, where her family and friends would welcome her. She had seen a bit of the booming metropolis and could safely say she preferred the country.

They had not progressed far when Harry, Viscount Evermore, came to greet her, Justin, and Lady Atherton. Justin’s wary expression troubled Laura somewhat, but hopefully he would not be too bored this evening.

“You must meet my cousins, Justin,” Harry said, and proceeded to introduce all six. “My youngest cousin, Sarah, is out for the first time this season.”

The dark-haired Sarah blushed and lowered her lashes. Laura noticed her son watching her, transfixed. Someone came to stand beside Laura. She turned to find Lord Bellingham.

“My lady,” he said, bowing much lower than necessary.

She wondered if he meant to send a message of some sort, but this was neither the place nor the time to ask. Perhaps she would be better off not asking at all.

Then Bellingham strode over to her son. The two were conversing. Laura had no idea what they were discussing, but a moment later Justin took a deep breath and walked over to Sarah. She blushed and curtsied and then looked at him as if he were the moon and the stars. Not long afterward, Justin led her toward the dance floor.

Bellingham looked at Laura over his shoulder and smiled. Her heart turned over. He’d planned to encourage Justin to dance tonight. She lifted her white satin skirt and joined him. “I think you just did something wonderful for my son.”

He met her gaze. “I remember the first time I attended a ball. It took me three tries before I got the courage to ask a girl to dance.”

“I hope she accepted.”

He nodded.

“You must know what that meant to me.” She’d thought her heart well guarded. If it had been something for her, she could have resisted. But how could she contain her tender feelings when he’d demonstrated his thoughtfulness for her son? She would, because she must conceal it from everyone, especially Bellingham.

He looked out at the dance floor. “I wanted to do something special for you. I turned to my friends for advice. They asked me what meant the most to you.” He returned his burning gaze to her, and he did not have to say a word.

She blinked back the moisture in her eyes as he escorted her closer to the dance floor so that she could watch. Justin led Sarah to the bottom of the line and turned with her.

“Oh, he’s so much taller than Sarah,” she said.

“Watch how he makes the adjustment to her lack of height.” Bellingham met her gaze. “Someone taught him well.”

His words made her feel a little breathless, and everything inside of her bubbled up until she really was in fear of losing her heart to him. But she knew there were limitations on what he was willing to give. Most of all, she knew he shielded his own heart, and that alone should douse her ardor.

Tonight she would allow herself to bask in his attentions, but tomorrow in the light of day, she would remember that it was only friendship and nothing more.

“The dance will end soon,” Bellingham said. “Let’s walk away so they don’t realize we’re spying.”

She took his arm and immediately noticed others staring at them. Laura suspected that he was a much-hunted prize among the single ladies, and quite probably the married ones, too. Doubtless they resented her for usurping him, but she would not worry about them tonight. A year from now, she would remember this special night he’d given her.

He led her to the punch bowl and poured her a cup. At that moment, Lady Norcliffe rushed forward. “Do not drink it. I caught Harry dumping brandy in it.”

While Lady Norcliffe directed the servants to cart off the strong brew, Colin joined them. “It’s Harry’s annual tradition to spike the punch bowl at his mother’s ball. He insists the strong punch is the only reason anyone attends.”

“You never know quite what to expect with Harry except the unexpected,” Bellingham said.

Tonight that applied to Bellingham as well.

An older man approached them. Bellingham introduced him as one of his political allies. When the gentleman mentioned a bill in parliament, Laura knew she must mingle with others or there would most certainly be rumors about her and Bellingham. She craned her head and saw Lady Atherton. “Please excuse me. I see my friend.”

Bellingham caught her hand. “Before you go, will you promise the first waltz to me?”

Oh, dear. This would definitely be a night to remember. “How could I say no?”

He kissed her glove and let her go.

Laura joined Lady Atherton in one of the chairs near the wall and unfurled her fan.

“What are you doing here?” Lady Atherton said, holding her own fan up to shield her words. “You were making a conquest of Bellingham and walked away.”

Laura wafted her fan. “You know we are only friends.” Oh, if only she weren’t such a terrible liar.

Lady Atherton snorted. “I saw what he did for your son, and I also saw the look on your face. You’re in love with him.”

“There is no future for us, but tonight I confess I’m a little infatuated.” She gave her friend a wry smile. “How could any woman resist such thoughtfulness?”

“I daresay you have a flair for making gentlemen long for your company,” Lady Atherton said. “Pembroke is hunting for you as we speak.”

“Oh,” she said. “Bellingham forewarned me.”

“Did he? That is very interesting.”

“I’m grateful he told me. Apparently word has spread that my husband left me a fortune.”

“Do you think Pembroke is a fortune hunter?”

“No. He is a very nice man, but he is almost too obliging.”

“The bald spot is unfortunate, I’ll give you that,” Lady Atherton said.

Laura shook her head. “I am not so shallow as to judge a man by his hair.”

“Well, you are a better woman than me.”

Laura clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.

“Pembroke is coming this way,” Lady Atherton said. “My, my, he is eager.”

Laura released a long sigh. Pembroke had called upon her twice. The first time, he’d regaled her with Bellingham’s lengthy list of conquests, which had ended up sounding like childish tattling to her. The second time, however, he’d concentrated on himself and listed all of the excellent qualities he possessed. By the time he’d finished, she’d been tempted to ask him if he were a candidate for sainthood.

“Lady Chesfield, how fortunate to meet with you again so soon,” Pembroke said.

“Good evening, Lord Pembroke,” she said.

“I hoped to secure the first waltz,” he said.

“I beg your pardon, but I have already promised that to another gentleman.”

“Who?” he demanded.

Lady Atherton snapped her fan closed. “Pembroke, have you forgotten your manners? How dare you ask such a question? If you had wanted that dance, you should have asked earlier.”

He bowed and his hair flopped over his bald spot. “Please forgive me.” When he rose, he hurriedly adjusted the thin strands of hair. “I just cannot bear to think of another man enjoying a minute of your wonderful company when I might possess you.”

“My lord, I am not a possession.”

He put his hand over his heart. “Of course you are not. I only meant for the length of the midnight supper. Do say you will do me the great honor of accompanying me?”

Laura desperately tried to think of an excuse, but he was a nice man, even if he was a bit too eager. “Very well,” she said.

“I shall count the minutes,” he said. Then he walked away with a jaunty air.

“If I had known he was so foolish, I never would have insisted you dance with him at my ball,” Lady Atherton said.

“Granted, he does carry things a bit too far sometimes, but overall, he does wish to please.”

“A bit too much, if you ask me,” Lady Atherton said.

“Oh, look, there is Justin and Sarah,” Laura said. “Doesn’t he look debonair leaning against the pillar?”

“He is a handsome young man and likely to be a favorite with all the young ladies,” Lady Atherton said.

“I hope so,” Laura said. “I always thought I saw a bit of Phillip in him.”

“Look, there are late arrivals,” Lady Atherton said. “The Duke and Duchess of Shelbourne.”

“Oh, yes, you introduced me to her recently,” Laura said. “What a dashing couple they are.”

“Their love story is most unusual,” Lady Atherton said. “I would venture to say that it was the most romantic proposal that anyone can remember.”

“They look very happy,” Laura said wistfully.

Lady Atherton sighed. “Some couples are meant to be together.” She regarded Laura with a knowing smile.

Bellingham saw Laura speaking to Harry’s numerous female cousins. There was something infectious about her laughter, and when she smiled, she lit up from within like a candle flame. He’d made her happy tonight, and now at last he would claim her for the waltz.

As he threaded his way through the crowd, Laura turned round. Bell kept his eyes on her as he strolled toward her. A moment later, Pembroke dashed through the crowd and accosted her.

Bell gritted his teeth and strode over to her in time to hear Pembroke attempting to usurp his dance with Laura.

“Well, I see you are still waiting for your partner,” Pembroke was saying. “You mustn’t worry about the earl’s negligence. It is one of the signs of a rake. Now, I will gladly take his place.”

Bell tapped Pembroke on the shoulder. Harry’s female cousins hid their smiles behind their fans as Pembroke turned.

“Oh, you’re late, Bellingham,” Pembroke said. “I have already offered to partner Lady Chesfield.”

“She promised the waltz to me earlier.”

“I’m sure she did not know how to refuse you.” Pembroke turned toward her. “Lady Chesfield, allow me to escort you.”

“You must wait your turn,” she said. “Now please excuse me.”

Bell offered his arm. She took it, and they strolled away.

“I thought Pembroke a sensible man, but he certainly forgot his manners,” Laura said.

Bell leaned his head toward her. “He has the notion that we’re in competition for you.”

“What? That’s silly,” she said.

“Every time I go to White’s, he makes a point of telling me that he called on you or plans to call on you.”

“He stayed overly long yesterday,” she said. “Today I informed Reed to say that I was not at home.”

Bell grinned. “I’m happy to hear it.”

She gave him a pointed look. “You will not compete over me.”

“Very well. May I try to impress you?” he said.

“You know that you did tonight,” she said.

They reached the dance floor, and he leaned closer. “I want to please you.”

She lowered her lashes, because his words held a sensual meaning. “You confuse me sometimes.”

“Can it just be enough for tonight?” he asked.

The orchestra played the opening bars. “For tonight,” she said.

He clasped her waist and her hand. As they turned to the one-two-three rhythm, he thought they danced well together, despite the differences in height. He imagined he could sweep her up in his arms so easily.

When he turned in ever-widening circles three times, she laughed. “You’re making me dizzy,” she said.

He shortened his steps. “Who taught you to waltz?”

“Phillip,” she said, averting her gaze.

He’d asked the wrong question. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she said. “Who taught you?”

All the muscles in his arms tightened. “My mother.” He’d stupidly opened up the topic, but he didn’t want to talk about her.

She looked up at him. “I taught Justin.”

“He’s lucky.” That was all he could manage.

“I’m the lucky one,” she said. “If not for you, I would be dancing with Pembroke.”

He smiled a little. It struck him that she knew how to lighten the mood at the right time. She’d probably had to do it on a daily basis for her late husband.

He turned her in a wide circle until they reached the end of the dance floor, and then he offered his arm. Bell caught Pembroke staring daggers as he escorted her off the dance floor. “I’ll take you to the refreshment table for a cup of punch.”

“I think we should separate,” she said. “If we spend too much time together, we might stir gossip.”

“Of course,” he said. Then he reluctantly let her go, because it was the sensible thing to do. But for once, logic held no appeal.

Laura needed to be alone to sort out her feelings for Bellingham. “Lady Atherton, I must go to the ladies’ retiring room. I need to freshen up a bit.”

“Go on, dear. You’re smart to do so. These balls can be exhausting if you do not take a bit of time to rest.”

“Thank you. I will return shortly,” she said. Perhaps one day soon, she would ask her friend’s advice. Tonight her emotions were bouncing up and down. She needed time alone to reflect on everything that had happened with Bellingham in the last fortnight. Laura was a little frightened of her feelings and very unsure of Bell’s intentions. But that was the problem. He likely had no intentions, other than friendship. Then why would he encourage her? There was no mistaking that he had done so.

When she stepped out onto the landing, Pembroke was waiting. He was the last man she wished to see right now, but he made a beeline for her. “There you are,” he said. “I grew concerned when I saw you leave Bellingham’s side. I hope he did not say anything to vex you.”

She had no intention of explaining to him. “I beg your pardon,” she said. “I am on my way to the ladies’ retiring room.”

He started walking on the stairs with her. “Tell me what he did, and I will have a word with him.”

“I do not need you to interfere,” she said.

“Of course, I did not mean to pry. I was only concerned, given his reputation.” Pembroke continued to natter on, but she ignored him. When she reached the next landing, he kept walking alongside her down the corridor. Finally she halted. “Lord Pembroke, you cannot follow me to the ladies’ retiring room.”