Wicked Wager (23 page)

Penny grinned at him. “You’re as bad as some sly, matchmaking old tabby.”

Marcus felt he must defend himself. “It all seems perfectly logical to me. Lily needs a husband, and James would suit quite well.” He ticked off the reasons on his fingers: “He’s well-off enough that he doesn’t need to marry for money. He has a comfortable relationship with his family, so they wouldn’t gainsay his choice. He appears to like Lily, and she’s the sort of woman he finds attractive.”

“How do you know that?” Penny laughed.

“Because he told me he favors women who are fair-haired and relatively petite, but with a shapely figure. Lily appears to have all those qualities. Of course, he did say he wanted a wife who was sensible and frugal. While I have no reason to think Lily is a spendthrift, I suppose having an affair with Brakestoke isn’t exactly something a sensible woman would do. But I’m sure she learned her lesson and will make future decisions more carefully.”

“It seems you and James have discussed exactly what you’re looking for in wives. What sort of woman did you tell him
you
had in mind?”

“When James and I had this discussion, I believe I told him that the only requirement I had of a wife was that she possess property and wealth.”

“Of course.” Penny’s smile faded, and Marcus suddenly wished he’d answered differently. He should have told her what a fool he’d been back then, and now what he desired in a wife was exactly the qualities she possessed: courage and loyalty, intelligence and beauty.

Before he could amend his comment, James entered the room. “Lily’s awake and tidying up. Then she must feed the baby. But once Charles is taken care of, she should be ready.”

Feed the baby
. Thinking of it, Marcus was rather embarrassed for Lily. In his experience only lower-class women nursed their infants.

James must have noted his expression, for he said, “I know it’s not exactly the thing, but when I suggested getting a wet nurse, Lily rejected the idea.” He shrugged. “It’s the natural way, certainly. Not to mention cheaper and more convenient, for everyone but Lily, that is.”

All at once, Marcus had the image of Penny with a baby at her breast. Like the thought of having a child together, the image aroused an odd throb of hope and longing in his midsection.

****

If we have a child together, will Marcus object to me nursing the baby myself?
Recalling the look on his face when James talked about Lily feeding the baby, Penny couldn’t help wondering. She wanted to tell him she understood exactly how Lily felt. Animals bonded with their offspring while nursing their infants. If she ever had a child, she would want that sort of closeness, even if it weren’t fashionable.

Once again, she was reminded of the differences in the way she and Revington had been raised. He’d been brought up with all the values of his class, which meant marrying for money and having a wife who was expected to do very little except look decorative. In his world, wives weren’t partners, except sexual ones, and then only until an heir was conceived. If a man sought real passion and intimacy, he kept a mistress.

Considering these things, a sudden thought came to her. What if instead of them marrying, he agreed to make her his mistress? That way she could keep her freedom, and preserve her relationship with him as it was now.

Such an arrangement would be perfect. The only problem was whether Marcus would agree.

Marcus.
When had she started thinking of him as Marcus, rather than “Revington”? The change in her thinking unsettled her. By thinking of him as Marcus, she was acknowledging him as someone she was close to, a lover.

Her troubled thoughts were interrupted when Lily entered the room. Penny had thought she was attractive the night before, but now, no longer tear-stained and disheveled, Lily’s loveliness was even more apparent. With her golden hair, cornflower blue eyes and curvaceous figure, it shouldn’t be that difficult to find her a husband. Marcus obviously favored James, but was that what Lily wanted? Penny decided she would find out.

“I’m ready to go whenever you are,” Lily announced.

“Excellent,” said James. “I’ll have the carriage brought around.”

When James left, Penny approached Marcus. “Shall I charge the items to your name?” she asked in discreet tones.

Marcus looked startled. Frowning slightly, he responded, “Yes. Unless you want me to go with you.”

“I think I’d like to talk to Lily alone.”

He nodded.

James returned. “The carriage should be here momentarily. What about you, Marcus? Will you be leaving or do you want to wait here?”

“I’ll wait here.”

****

“This is terribly generous of you,” Lily said as soon as they were in the carriage.

“You can thank Marcus. He’s paying for your new things.”

“I will, of course.” Lily took a sharp breath, appearing almost near tears. “You’ve all been so kind. I don’t know what I’d have done without your help. I dare say I’d have ended up on the street and who knows what would have happened to Charles then.”

Penny patted her arm. “Don’t think about it. You’re both safe now.”

“But what of the future? I can’t stay with Mr. Ludingham forever.”

You could if you married him
. “What do you think of James?” Penny asked.

“Oh, he’s wonderful. Such a gentleman. And to see him with Charles—he’s just lovely with him.”

“Indeed. I think he’ll make a fine father…and husband.” Penny gave Lily a meaningful look.

Lily immediately shook her head. “No, don’t even mention it. I’m ruined. A man like that—he’d never be interested in me.”

“Don’t be so certain. I saw how he looked at you.”

Lily sighed. “I’ve learned the hard way that arousing a man’s interest is far different than attracting a husband. But there is one thing I did think of,” she added, her face brightening. “I did consider he might be willing to make me his mistress.”

“But you have a child, and that child needs a name. If you become some man’s mistress, you’ll be much less marriageable. And that means Charles will grow up a bastard.”

“You’re right, of course. But I fear finding someone who will provide for me and Charles is the best I can expect. I can hardly imagine any man would want to give his name to another man’s son. I have no dowry, and you know as well as I that most men marry for money and property.”

Indeed, thought Penny. That’s exactly what Marcus was planning to do. “We don’t need to resolve your situation today. For now, let’s concentrate on finding you some clothing.” Although she didn’t say it, Penny thought that once Lily was properly turned out, her other problems might resolve themselves. After all, Marcus knew James quite well. If he thought James might consider marrying Lily, then Lily’s prospects were far better than the young woman thought they were.

****

“It’s such a shame,” James said as he and Marcus sat in his library. “Lily’s a lovely woman. If not for Brakestoke’s villainy, she could have had her pick of suitors, ended up marrying well and living a life of comfort and leisure.”

“There’s no reason she can’t still have those things.”

James frowned. “Really, Marcus, it’s not like you to ignore the truth, unpleasant though it might be.”

“Which is?”

“What sort of man is going to marry a woman whose reputation is utterly ruined? One who has a child as a result of the liaison? And no dowry, income, or settlement of any sort?”

“Not a young man with a title, certainly,” agreed Marcus. “But perhaps a prosperous business man…or an older man who already has an heir, but who is looking for companionship. Someone who’s willing to look beyond the obvious and see what a charming woman Lily is and what a fine wife she would be.”

James nodded. “I suppose it’s a possibility. Lily
is
quite fetching. But I don’t think we can allow her to marry just anyone. We must make certain the man will treat her well and accept Charles as his son.”

“We should try to think of acquaintances who might consider such an arrangement,” Marcus suggested.

James waved dismissingly. “I’m sure there will be time for that. For now, she needs to recover from her ordeal.”

“And you have no objection to her staying here?”

“Well, I…” James shrugged. “I guess I don’t. As horrified as I was last night by the prospect of having a young woman and a baby in my household, I’ve found it to be quite…quite…”

“Entertaining?” suggested Marcus.

“I suppose it does kind of brighten things up. It also gives me a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. My life was getting rather dull.”

“No chance of that with Lily and a baby around!”

“No, indeed.” James smiled broadly.

Poor James, thought Marcus, also grinning. His friend had no idea he might end up falling in love with Lily. Of course,
he’d
also been convinced he would never fall in love with Penny. And here he was, quite smitten. Love did strange things to a man.

Love, there was that word again. Was it truly love he felt for Penny? He very much feared so. And somehow he had to keep it from James. How ironic that by falling in love with Penny, he might well end up losing her. Talons of anxiety dug into him. If he gave Penny a choice of whether to marry him or not, he still worried she would choose her freedom. Despite the pleasure they’d shared in the bedchamber. Despite the fact he was trying desperately to please her. He’d simply have to try harder…and hope James was too distracted by Lily to notice how things had changed between him and Penny.

****

“Nothing fancy or expensive. I merely need a few practical day dresses and some new undergarments,” Lily explained to Madam Dubonet, as she nervously twisted the strap of her reticule.

Catching the modiste’s glance, Penny said, “Simple things, of course. But of good quality. Mr. Revington will expect your usual fine work.”

“I understand,
demoiselle
,” Madam Dubonet, responded, although from her questioning look, it appeared she didn’t. Turning to Lily, the modiste said, “Come with me. Let us get you measured.” She guided Lily into the back of the shop.

When she returned, the modiste said, “
Mademoiselle
Lily is quite pretty. It seems a pity to waste such beauty. Are you certain you want only plain, simple garments made for her?”

“I’m not certain at all.” Penny smiled. “She must have some practical things, of course. She recently had a baby and currently doesn’t have a lot of occasions for dressing up. But I’m certain she will need at least one dress suitable for an evening out. And for her everyday attire, I trust you will choose colors and styles that complement her natural beauty and charming figure.”

At the mention of Lily’s figure, Madam Dubonet smiled and nodded knowingly. “
Oui, demoiselle
. I understand what you mean. She may be a mother, but she is still a woman.”

“And since she is as yet unmarried, it couldn’t hurt to make certain the gentleman she’s staying with was aware of that fact,” Penny added.

Madam Dubonet nodded and smiled broadly in response.

The modiste returned to the back of the shop while Penny sat to wait. She’d only been there a moment when there was a tapping sound. Startled, she got up and was shocked to see her cousin Adrian through the shop window.

She hurried outside, feeling uneasy. “What are you doing here?”

He gave her a sneering smile. “Is that any way to greet your dear cousin?”

“What do you want?”

His expression turned even colder and more mocking. “My, my. You’re getting quite above yourself these days. Forgetting where you come from and who’s looked after you the past three years.”

“I’ll ask again: Why are you here? Did you follow me?”

He drew near, put his hand on her arm and squeezed. “I thought it was time to make certain you were looking out for
our
interests.”

“What interests might those be?”

She sought to pull away from him, but he held on tight. “Why, Horngate, of course. I thought you cared about your heritage. But from the way you’re cozying up to Revington, I’ve begun to wonder if maybe you aren’t enjoying the comfortable life of a fine lady so much you forgot all about Horngate and your precious horses.”

“Of course, I haven’t forgotten about Horngate! I’d go back there in a moment, if I could. How dare you imply I’d ever forget? It was your foolishness and greed that got me into this predicament in the first place. You have no right to imply I’ve become shallow and greedy!”

“Well what other reason do you have for throwing in with Revington if it’s not for the nice life that comes with marrying him?”

She spoke quite precisely: “I’ve found Mr. Revington isn’t quite the villain you made him out to be.”

Adrian’s fingers tightened on her arm, and his blue eyes gleamed with fury. “If you think you can join up with him and cut me out of everything, you’re very mistaken!”

“Why? What will you do? You lost any right to Horngate when you gave away the estate in a card game!”

He leaned nearer. She could smell his breath, rank with the scent of gin, although it wasn’t yet afternoon. “Something could happen to your precious Revington. Not everyone likes the bastard as much as you do. I’m certain I can find someone who would be pleased to help me get him out of the way.”

Penny felt a sudden frisson of fear. She’d never been concerned for her own safety at Adrian’s hands. After all, it was only through her that he had any claim to the estate. But Marcus was another matter.

“Penny? What are you doing out here?” Lily stood in the doorway of the modiste’s shop, her eyes wide.

Adrian’s grip on Penny’s arm immediately relaxed. He stepped back and said in a normal voice, “Delightful to see you, cousin. As always. I’ll be in contact to see how things are progressing.”

The next moment he was gone, walking swiftly down the street.

Lily approached Penny. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.”

“Is that really your cousin?”

“Yes…and my guardian. At least until I marry Mr. Revington.” Seeking to lighten the mood, Penny laughed. “He’s a bit of a bully at times, but essentially harmless.”