When His Kiss Is Wicked (19 page)

More grateful for Colette’s calming presence and sensible attitude than he realized, Lucien instantly agreed to her suggestion. “Yes, let’s do that, shall we?”

Colette shook her head and stepped away from him, her motive clear. “I really should be going. It was lovely meeting you, Lady Stancliff.”

He reached out and took her hand in his. Wrapping his fingers around hers, he squeezed her hand in appreciation, his eyes lingering on her. “Thank you, Colette.” To his surprise, she squeezed his hand back before pulling away from him.

“I’ll see myself out,” she said as she walked to the massive front door. As always, her graceful movements mesmerized him. He watched the door close softly behind her.

“She seems to be quite a lovely young lady.” His mother’s voice interrupted his errant thoughts, which had magnetically followed Colette from the house.

“Yes, she is,” he agreed. “Shall we?” Without another word she followed him to the front parlor. He wondered idly if it felt strange for her to be back inside the house which was once her home. He certainly knew it felt strange for him to have her here.

She seated herself on a burgundy velvet divan, nervously arranging her trailing peacock blue skirts flecked with golden thread. Choosing a high-backed brown leather chair across from her, Lucien waited patiently for her to explain herself.

“Is Miss Hamilton a close friend of yours?”

“I don’t wish to discuss her with you.”

“Fair enough.” She smiled anxiously at him, her hands twisting the gold-colored gloves in her lap. “My, but you’ve grown so much, Lucien. You’ve become a handsome man. You’ve definitely got the look of your father about you.”

He merely nodded.

Her voice became soft. “You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?”

“Make what easy for you, Mother?”

“My return. The fact that I wish to see you again and try to explain some things to you, now that you are old enough to understand—”

He interrupted her more heatedly than he wished to. “Understand what? Why you left us? Why you abandoned your ten-year-old son? No, I don’t understand, but maybe you can understand why I don’t wish to make this little tea party easy for you, because it sure as hell isn’t easy for me.”

After a pause, she looked back up at him. “Yes, you have every right to be angry with me. You were so young when I left, and couldn’t possibly understand my reasons at the time, but I am terribly sorry for what happened. You have no idea what a painful decision leaving was for me to make. And I know that you must have suffered dreadfully, Lucien. I know because I suffered, too. I lost all those years with my little boy, just as you lost them with me. I realize nothing can make up for the choices I made or replace the years we’ve lost together. I do wish for you to know that I missed you every minute and thought about you and worried about you. And that—”

Again Lucien interrupted her. “So worried about me that you never once wrote me a letter or a note in all this time? Do you know what that would have meant to me?”

“Yes, I…It’s just that…You see…” she stammered awkwardly.

Granger chose that moment to enter the parlor with the tea. As the butler silently busied himself preparing their refreshment, Lucien seethed with years of hurt and anger at his mother. How dare she waltz back into his life and expect him to make it easy for her! Did she think he could suddenly forgive her, just like that? Welcome her home with open arms?

Lenora’s hands shook as she picked up the teacup, spilling tea down the front of her gown. She gasped and dropped the cup on the carpet. Granger fussed over her, helping to clean up the mess, as the black liquid seeped into her peacock blue dress.

“I should go,” she murmured hastily, rising to her feet. “Perhaps you are right. I should not have come.”

“Sit down, Mother, and tell me why you are here.” Lucien’s tone of voice brooked no argument.

Slowly sinking back to the divan, his mother stared at him. After an uneasy glance between the two of them, Granger wisely left the parlor, closing the door behind him.

“You’ve written me three times in the past month, and you came here unexpectedly today because apparently you could not wait another minute to see us. After over fifteen years, what could be so damn important, Mother?”

She breathed deeply and looked as if she might cry, which Lucien fervently hoped she would not. How much was he to bear?

“There is no excuse for what I’ve done. None at all, so I will not try to make one. I only wanted to see you again, and to say that I am sorry, Lucien. I bitterly regret leaving you and your father. I owe you both at least that small offering. That is all.”

“Where have you been?” He had heard all the rumors, of course. Everyone had. Yet he wanted to hear the truth from her.

“In Europe. Italy mostly. I only returned to England last month. That was when I first wrote to you.”

“Have you always been with him?”

She had the decency to look embarrassed at his reference to the man she ran away with. “Yes, for many years.”

“And now?”

“Now he is dead. And I am alone. Although he left me a very wealthy woman.”

“Father was not wealthy enough for you?”

“Money was never the issue, Lucien…”

“Then what issue was strong enough to lure you away from your husband and child?”

A pained expression crossed her face. “That is between your father and me.” She paused. “Which I can now deduce that he never explained to you.”

“I didn’t need Father to explain to me. I didn’t need anyone to explain to me when every socially aware person in London knew what happened. You ran off with Count Acciani, breaking Father’s heart—”

“Breaking your father’s heart?” She rose abruptly to her feet, her face full of sorrow. “Breaking your father’s heart?” she echoed in disbelief. “There are two sides to every story, Lucien, and you have only ever heard your father’s side. He left me no choice. He forced me to go with Antonio!” She paused and asked breathlessly, “Is he still in his room?”

Lucien stood, and put out a hand in an attempt to calm her. “As I informed you in my letter, Father is not well. You cannot just barge in on him without warning. He has no idea you’ve returned. An upset like this would—”

Interrupting him again, her voice rising in pitch as she cried, “I don’t care! He is
still
my husband and I have a right to see him. He cannot keep me away this time. I came all this way to see Simon and I will see him!” She pushed his arm away and rushed from the parlor, running along the hallway. Stunned by his mother’s outburst, he followed her up the stairs and down the corridor to his father’s room.

With Lucien close behind, Lenora flung open the heavy doors intent on her mission to confront her husband. She suddenly halted, stopping in her tracks. Her eyes widened. She stared in shock at the drastically changed sight of a wizened Simon Sinclair sitting hunched before the fire with a shawl around his shoulders.

“Oh, Simon,” Lenora whispered, her expression one of utter devastation. Tears welled in her eyes. “I had no idea…”

Startled by the commotion, Simon glanced up, his expression one of confusion. If he was surprised at his wayward wife’s sudden presence in his bedroom, he did not show it. They both simply gazed at each other in silence, until tears began to trickle down his gaunt cheeks. Slowly and with great care, he stretched out his good arm to her. With a little gasp, Lenora fairly flew across the room to him, sinking to the floor at his feet. She buried her head in his lap. Simon’s hand stroked her hair.

Shocked by the scene in front of him, Lucien was speechless. Somewhere in the far reaches of his mind, he realized his mother was right. Whatever happened to cause her to leave her husband all those years ago was between the two of them, and only they understood why. Obviously his father forgave more easily than Lucien, and for his part, he did not know if he could ever forgive his mother. Feeling as if he were intruding, he softly closed the doors to his father’s suite, allowing them some privacy.

For some time Lucien stood motionless outside his father’s room, unable to move.

“Come now, Jeffrey, please tell me you’ll do it,” Juliette cajoled with her most winning smile as she stood behind the counter of the bookshop. It was rather late in the afternoon and the bookshop was devoid of people beyond the two of them.

“I don’t know if such a scheme will work.” Jeffrey smiled back at her even though he disagreed with her plan.

“Of course it will work!” she exclaimed in defense. A plan of her creation would not fail. “It’s obvious. Don’t you see they just need to be nudged in the right direction?”

“And you think jealousy is a tactic that will work on Lucien Sinclair?”

She arched an elegant brow at him and gave him a knowing look. “Jealousy works on every man, Jeffrey, no matter what his status or rank. Haven’t you learned that by now?”

He gave a low whistle. “You are a dangerous woman, Juliette Hamilton.” He shook his head in amazement, a helpless smile on his handsome face.

Ignoring his comment, she continued, “If Lucien thinks that you are seriously pursuing Colette, he will certainly want her enough to realize Faith Bromleigh is the most ridiculous choice for his bride.”

“How do you know I don’t seriously want to pursue Colette myself?” he challenged her.

Juliette scoffed at him with a laugh. “I would tell you that you are wasting your time. Colette is head over heels in love with Lucien Sinclair.”

“I don’t think she’s quite as far gone as you claim,” he said, his eyes not meeting her gaze. “She’s not immune to my charm, you know.”

Juliette observed him carefully. “No one is immune to your charm, darling Jeffrey. I cannot deny that. Except of course for myself, that is. I have the power to resist you, just as I can easily resist most of the male population.”

He rested his chin on his hand, flashing her a devastating smile. “Now why is that, Juliette?”

“For the reason that all of the men I’ve met border on complete stupidity, utter dullness, or total lecherousness. I’ve been unimpressed with them.” She amended agreeably, “Present company excepted.”

“Oh, I am honored to make your short list,” he gestured gallantly. “So then explain why you can resist me, since I am neither stupid or dull? Although I must admit to having some lecherous tendencies.” He gave her a sly wink.

Juliette laughed lightly at him. “Because, Jeffrey, you are not the type of man I wish to marry.”

“And what type would that be?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Juliette answered thoughtfully. “Someone different and unconventional. Perhaps even dangerous. When I meet him, I’ll just know he’s the one.”

“You are dreaming of a romantic highwayman, Juliette.” He paused before adding, “I hope you find who you are looking for.”

Juliette was surprised with his sincere tone. Perhaps she did have the makings of a highwayman in her mind. “Well, thank you, but we’re not talking about me. This is about Colette.”

“And your plan is for me to court your sister to make my best friend jealous?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure he’s in love with her?”

She nodded with conviction. “Of course he is. Who wouldn’t be in love with her? But he’s afraid of her and that’s why he’d rather have the insipid Faith Bromleigh, because she’s safe. He will be doomed to a life of utter dreariness if he marries her! Am I wrong?”

Jeffrey shook his head. “No. I’ve tried to talk him out of this alliance with Faith Bromleigh from the beginning, but he’s determined to go through with it. Lucien wants to marry while his father is still alive to see it happen, and he wants a wife who won’t upset his tea cart.”

“That’s exactly what he doesn’t need and why it’s up to us to wake him up before it’s too late. If he thinks there is a serious contender for Colette’s hand, he might realize what he stands to lose.”

“How do you know Colette is in love with him?”

“A sister knows these things, so believe me when I say that she’s besotted with him.”

“Shouldn’t we let Colette in on this little plan of yours?”

“Heavens no! If she knew, she’d have no part in it! She must not suspect you are pretending with her, Jeffrey. Neither of them must ever suspect what we’re doing.”

“I love that this is now ‘our’ doing. How are you so sure what ‘we’re’ doing will work?”

“I just know.” Juliette watched Jeffrey’s face closely as he considered her words. She needed Jeffrey’s help. Her plan would not work without him.

“I have a feeling I may regret this, but I’ll do it.”

She leaned across the counter and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “You are a true friend.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he uttered, his smile rueful. “I just hope this crazy scheme of
ours
doesn’t come back to haunt
me
. What about your uncle?”

“He has lightened up on us somewhat since selling the shop.”

“So he’s given up on you and your sister snaring rich husbands, has he?”

“For now, anyway.” Juliette shrugged carelessly. “At least until he needs more money.”

“Well, I can only help you for a little while. I’ll be leaving for France before the summer is over.”

Curiosity got the best of her. “Why are you going to France? Have you a secret love hidden there?”

“Yes, more than one actually.” His rakish grin disappeared and he added, “I have some important business to attend to.”

Juliette’s light laughter bubbled forth at his explanation. “Business? What kind of business? Following a pretty actress or a young widow to Paris is not business, Jeffrey.”

He gave her a deep look. “It’s business and it is very private.”

She tried to imagine Jeffrey working at something important and could not quite do it. He enjoyed pleasure too much to take anything seriously. She highly suspected there was a woman involved. “You are not going to tell me, are you?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Very well then, Mr. Mysterious. You may keep your little secrets to yourself. Just remember to uphold your part of the bargain.”

The door to the upstairs opened and Colette entered the shop. After exchanging a complicit glance, Juliette and Jeffrey immediately stood up straighter and guiltily assumed an air of feigned innocence.

“Good afternoon, Colette.” Jeffrey grinned at her broadly.

“Good afternoon,” she greeted them as she came closer. Juliette noted an enigmatic look on her sister’s face. Luckily Colette seemed too distracted to notice their sudden jump in posture and awkward expressions.

Colette announced, “You’ll never guess whom I just met.”

“Who?” Juliette and Jeffrey asked in unison.

Unable to keep the news to herself, Colette did not encourage them to name any possible contenders. She blurted out, “Lucien Sinclair’s mother!”

“You’re jesting!” Juliette cried. Of course she, like everyone else, had heard the scandalous stories of Lenora Sinclair, but had believed that the woman lived on the continent somewhere with her lover, the count of something or other.

Jeffrey responded more calmly than one would expect at hearing the news of his best friend’s mother. “I was aware that she had been in contact with Lucien recently, but I did not know she had arrived so soon.”

Colette began, “She surprised him and simply showed up unannounced at his door as I was about to leave. I was introduced to her just a short while ago.”

“Why were you at Devon House?” Jeffrey asked. Juliette did not miss how his blue eyes narrowed at the idea of Colette at Lucien’s house.

“I was reading to Lucien’s father and working in their library.” There was a defensive tone to Colette’s words that surprised Juliette. Her sister’s sensitivity to any mention of her and Lucien Sinclair was quite obvious.

“What was she like? Lucien’s mother, that is?” Juliette asked.

“She is beautiful, and I could definitely see a resemblance between them. I only stayed a short time because it was very tense between them. Lucien did not seem happy to see her.”

“Do you blame him?” Jeffrey questioned.

“Not in the least,” Colette responded. Her fine brows narrowed. “I actually felt sad for the two of them.”

“I wonder what caused her to return after all this time,” Juliette ruminated aloud. “Do you have any idea why she came back?”

Colette shook her head. “No, nor am I sure how Lord Stancliff will react to seeing her. If Lucien was not overjoyed, I doubt his father will be happy when he sees her. He’s so frail, I worry about him.” Colette paused and glanced between Jeffrey and Juliette, suddenly sensing something between them. “And what have you two been up to while I was gone this afternoon?”

“Oh, the usual,” Juliette answered carelessly. “We’ve been giving away kisses to anyone who buys a book. I kissed the male costumers and Jeffrey kissed the females. You wouldn’t believe how many books we’ve sold!”

Jeffrey held up his hands in mock seriousness. “But I only kissed the pretty ones, I swear.”

Colette shook her head in exasperation. “I don’t know what to do with the pair of you.”

“Well, I have no idea what you should do with your rapscallion of a sister,” Jeffrey began good-naturedly ribbing Juliette, “but I, on the other hand, am another matter altogether. I propose you join me at the theater tomorrow evening.”

Colette’s startled expression at Jeffrey’s invitation turned to one of seriousness as she considered his request. She glanced briefly at Juliette and then said, “Yes, Jeffrey, I would love to go with you.”

“Wonderful.” A warm smile spread across his face. “I shall come by with my carriage to pick you up then, around seven.”

“Thank you.”

Looking for all the world like the cat that ate the canary, Juliette grinned at her sister.