Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman (18 page)

“But surely you can see why she would consider herself as such and why she wouldn’t accept your offer, although you were generous, especially since you despise her.” His lashes drooped to conceal his expression. “For the sake of peace you might try to improve your relationship with her to ease the situation and offer again. At this moment she feels rejected by her brother.”

Laurel was almost speechless with dungeon before she finally found her voice. “You don’t give a rat’s foot about her causing Robert to reject me and Jamie. Well to blazes with the both of you,” Laurel yelled and stomped out of the library.

Adron had stepped in it with both feet. He’d made a serious blunder but he didn’t quite understand how. He hadn’t meant he wished the Will had never been found or that Rhonda had remained the beneficiary. Being in sympathy with her plight, he’d only found the necessity to tell Rhonda of her misfortune disturbing. After all she is family.

“Blasted females anyway—always unreasonable and high-strung. Taking offence at the least thing,” he uttered with a savage oath.

Then he remembered Robert had all but shoved Laurel aside in favor of Rhonda. Robert had even allowed Rhonda to remain, as mistress of Landings when by rights that should have been Laurel’s position. Her fury with him shouldn’t have been surprising and he should have realized her need for reassurance was greater than Rhonda’s.

Every time he inched forward with her, she jumped back a foot or two. He sighed because this too was his fault. Would he ever learn? Adron wanted to take her to Landings with him to woo her gently and show her how much he cared, but the past scene had burned a hole in that notion. He didn’t want to leave her with such ill will between them but he was anxious to continue the investigation. As long as the thief remained at large, Laurel’s danger still lingered.

That evening, Adron held his grandmother’s chair as she sat down to dine while George did the same for Laurel. Adron cleared his throat. “Rhonda has chosen to remain in her chamber.” He sat down and unfolded his napkin. “She can’t bring herself to eat a bite with her spirits so low. Her words, not mine.”

“Adron you should demand a little more restraint from that gel. Her and her sensibilities,” Heloise snorted. “Pining away over something that she can do nothing about is ridiculous. You shouldn’t encourage her to pout, either.”

Adron’s lips thinned. “Robert is dead. Rhonda lost her brother and now she feels she’s lost everything else. Surely my sympathy for her isn’t misguided.”

Heloise stared at him for a long interval as if trying to read his thoughts. “That’s all nonsense but I can see you’re determined to allow her to enact a drama with her as the downtrodden, vulnerable cousin to your hero.” She threw up her hands and grumbled, “Men.”

Adron didn’t answer but he glowered at Heloise before lifting his glass to his lips. The charged atmosphere threw a damper over the conversation so only the ping of crystal and china prevailed. No one mentioned the newly discovered Will or the changes in Laurel’s circumstances.

Laurel barely glanced at Adron and slightly turned away while lifting one shoulder in a defensive posture against him. She lavished all of her attention on George. “Tell me about your day. What does a gentleman about town do all day?”

He laughed. “A mystery, my dear. We hold our secrets close and never tell a lady. The mystic would soon melt away and you would discover a very ordinary day with not much happening.”

The stilted conversation gave way as Heloise rose from the table. “Shall we leave the gentlemen to their port?”

“Bring the entire bottle,” Adron directed the footman. He filled two glasses and passed one to George. “I don’t know what I shall do to help Rhonda. There’s no reason for her to be so despondent simply because her fortune is tied up in trust. Her father set a safe guard in place to discourage any worthless fop or fortune hunter she might choose. Her husband, when she chooses, can’t cast her wealth away on the gaming tables. I don’t know what else she expects.”

“I would think she’s merely resentful that her brother had the audacity to consider anyone besides her sweet self,” George drawled.

Adron’s fingers tightened on the stem of his glass and he spilled a few drops of port on the table covering. “Surely you jest. Rhonda always did what she thought best for Robert, even to remaining at Landings when she could have had a home of her own ages ago.”

“I beg to differ.” George’s glance sharpened. “If I remember correctly, at her come out she was as wide as she was tall with a face cover in spots. Not surprising the offers she received were not pleasing to her. Mostly fortune hunters.”

“I dare say. You seem to remember a great deal,” Adron grumbled.

George leaned back in his chair. “If you’d take my advice, she should be encouraged to hire a place in London and join society even if she is a little old. Go to parties, live a little and look about for a suitable partner now that her looks have improved beyond measure.”

“At the moment, Rhonda can’t be my main focus. I must get to Landings and investigate the jewel theft. I feel Laurel is still in danger.”

That brought to mind a request he needed to put to George. Something to keep his friend well occupied and away from Laurel while Adron traveled to Landings. “I need a favor if you will oblige me.”

George sipped from his glass and raised his brows. “Certainly. What is it?”

“I must go to Landings to continue with my investigation. Try if you may discover the craftsman that created the paste jewelry. I feel you would deal a sight more successfully with the jewelers than a servant. Take a piece or so with you. Show it around and perhaps one of the jewelers might recognize the work.”

“Sounds reasonable.”

Adron muttered, “I don’t want to bring the Runners in on the theft again if I can avoid it. Still, I might hire a couple of them if things come to a halt.”

“Happy to oblige.”

Adron smiled and placed his glass on the table. “Let’s join the ladies.”

When Laurel retired, Adron followed her and before she opened the door to her chamber he caught up with her. “Laurel, a word.”

She hesitated with her hand on the knob and gazed at him. Her eyes were filled with disquiet and a spark of anger lingered, but there was an element of longing reflected as well.

“I’ll be leaving for Landings early in the morning.” He hesitated and held her gaze with a level stare. “With all that’s between us, I’m not exactly positive how I should handle this but I wanted to remind you how much I need you. You need me as well if you’d only unbend a little. I’ve compromised you with my behavior and I apologize for that. But you are mine now, committed to me by your own actions.”

She stared at him and a moment of stunned silence stretched between them. Her lips thinned and her breath rushed out as she turned toward her door. “Indeed.”

He caught her by the shoulder. “That came out wrong. What I really wanted to say was please give us a chance. Don’t throw away the good thing between us. I need you.”

Beneath his hand, her shoulder relaxed and he turned her to face him again. Strong emotions glitter in his eyes. “I want you. You want me too. If I kiss you, you’ll respond. That’s the nature of the beast. Desire.”

She gasped and stiffened again.

“I seem to trip over my own feet. Just please think of me while I’m away.” Adron gathered her in his arms despite her slight struggle and kissed her with a long drugging kiss. He grinned, well pleased with her bemused expression.

“I wanted to remind you of what we have together.” He stepped back. “Think of that while I’m away.” Gently touching the end of her nose with one finger, he whistled softly as he retreated.

Laurel stared after him with her fingers to her lips. She quietly slipped inside her chamber shutting the door and leaned against it. Her passion had urged her to except his strength, his kisses and more but her mind had shouted caution. She’d listened to her emotions and her impulses before and where had that taken her? To the brink of disaster, that’s where. This time around she intended to listen to her head, to examine each action, every feeling and to test the strength of its worth.

Adron desired her, stirring her passion in turn. Being wanted and sought after by such a man was hard to resist, but she wouldn’t succumb. She promised herself she would not. He said he needed her, wanted her, but nothing was said of love.

Without love, when would he set her aside for another? She would undoubtedly be sharing his attention with Rhonda as she did at present and that happened to be more than she could swallow. At every turn, he automatically jumped to Rhonda’s defense. She’d had that relationship before in her marriage. No thank you.

She sank in a chair covered in rose brocade beside the hearth. Viewing her new room, she still couldn’t accustom herself to the luxury of the wine colored satin spread and window hangings of the same rich shade. A thick rug, patterned in roses, warmed the floor. His try at winning her over would never work regardless of his persuasive tactics. Much, much more was required; three little words she might never hear.

Laurel slid into bed and tucked the pillow beneath her head. Although she was thankful Rhonda had rejected her offer of a home, she fumed because her sister-in-law dared be offended. Rhonda’s harping voice buzzed in her memories. The accusations, the lies, the innuendoes and her nitpicking tumbled around in Laurel’s mind. Laurel could never forget Rhonda’s success in drawing Robert away from her.

Laurel despised Adron as well for considering Rhonda’s plight. Although Rhonda is his family, his condescending tone had set Laurel’s teeth on edge. Not expecting him to turn his back on Rhonda, the blighter could have commiserated a little less and allowed her to accept the reality of her situation as Laurel had been forced to do. Still offended, she despised herself for exposing a chink in her own armor merely because he had shown concerned for Jamie and his broken toy.

Pushing thoughts of Adron aside, she fluffed her pillow, turned over and considered her improved circumstances. There would be several changes at Landings to be sure. She was free to do as she pleased and without consulting another soul, she intended to replace the furnishings in the drawing room. Sweeping changes at Landings would help her gain a new foothold.

Laurel considered for a moment, a new color, possibly shades of peach, would best suit her in her bedchamber. Grinning she stared up at the ceiling, listening to the oak on the west lawn of Kendlewood flutter leaves against the windowpane. Free. That word was precious. Then suddenly she realized, she wasn’t free at all and her heart sank. Adron was still Jamie’s guardian. It was best to nurse her anger, to avoid those moments of longing and softness toward him.

Chapter 17

At Landings the next afternoon, Adron changed his apparel and strolled past the open door of the drawing room. He halted, staring at the Pomona green of the sofa and shuddered with distaste. His last mistress had purchased a gown of that exact shade which had cost him the earth. Adron despised the entire garment down to the flounce about the hem.

Peering further into the room he spied Mrs. Essie Calhermin, Rhonda’s widowed second cousin. She huddled in a green overstuffed chair close to the window pouring intently over a book. Being a little dab of a woman with graying hair, the chair seemed to swallow her and with a paisley shawl about her hunched shoulders, he thought she appeared somewhat forlorn. The droop at the corners of her mouth added to the lonely picture but having misjudged Laurel by the outward image she presented, he would be the first to admit appearances could often be deceptive.

Essie wasn’t the downtroddened person she seemed. From his last visit to Landings, he knew well she could talk the horns off a billy goat. Besides, he’d witnessed mischief dancing in her eyes and freely admitted he’d avoided her presence as often as possible. Still, he wasn’t so high in the instep he could dismiss Mrs. Calhermin, however talkative, with less than common courtesy. Being a gentleman, it was his duty to be gracious to Rhonda’s relative. He entered the room.

She glanced up from her book. “Lord Gladrey, I’m delighted you’re back so soon.” Appearing reluctant, she laid her book aside as if resolved, patting the cover and gave him a tepid smile.

Her rather off-putting smile reminded him of an unpleasant truth he’d recently learned about himself. His rigid stance on his rules of acceptable behavior and his judgmental attitude as well as his inability to trust whole-heartedly had nearly cost him a future with Laurel. Returning Essie’s smile he acknowledged for the first time that not everyone could measure up to his standards, but that didn’t make a person less worthy of consideration. In future he must bear that lesson in mind. He sighed inwardly longing to make an escape
but he supposed it wouldn’t kill him to take tea with her if he could endure her rambling discourse and her chattering tongue that long.

He bowed. “If you’d care to join me, I’ve ordered tea.”

“How kind of you to take tea with a little old lady,” she tittered. Her piercing, deep blue eyes were sharp and focused on him. “Mrs. Parsons informed me you were about.” She brushed her mousy hair back and peeked up through the fringe that still lapped over her eyebrows.

“What with Rhonda never staying still for one moment, running here and there, I read more than is good for my old eyes. The novel I’m reading has a dashing hero and the damsel in distress. She’s always fainting. Something I don’t hold with.” Essie sniffed.

Choosing a chair on the other side of the window he suppressed the swift smile that tugged at his lips. “I’m surprised you’re content to remain here alone. I would suppose you’d be frightened.”

“How droll. I’ve enjoyed my own company for ages but if dear Rhonda has need of me, it’s my duty to oblige.” Essie grinned and added, “However, I should adore a good fright.”

“A good fright?” Lifting his brows, he waited for her to explain.

“Correct, young man. Makes an old lady know she’s alive.” Her sharp eyes twinkled up at him.

The rattle of china cups binged against the sterling tea service as a maid pushed into the room. Glancing at the servant, Adron exhaled, gratified by the interruption. He wouldn’t say Essie was more of a chatterbox than before, but she sounded slightly dotty now.

Essie poured the tea and sipping a swallow, she watched him over the rim of her cup. “May I ask after dear Rhonda?”

“To my knowledge, she enjoys excellent health.” He relaxed back in his chair and picked up his cup.

Disapproval stiffened her features and her lips tightened. “You know I’m quite perturbed with her. Being a respectable widow, a relative in fact, I’m here to halt the wagging tongues of all the old tabbies. I declared she won’t become the latest on dit in the neighborhood as long as I’m above ground.” Essie lifted her chin. “Nothing to gossip about while I’m in residence. But the minute I arrive, she dashes off to Kendlewood.” Essie sighed. “Fair makes me dizzy.”

“I’m sure she appreciates having a female relative about.”

“How kind of you to say so, but I was obliged. Herbert Laningham, the twin’s father . . . of course you would know he was their father. When I was widowed, he provided me with a small sum, enough to keep me comfortable with careful handling.”

She fanned herself with her hand. “I beg pardon. Rhonda accuses me of being a sad rattle, always running my tongue but I still adore her. My second cousin you know. Rhonda was a taking little thing, all dark curls and rosy cheeks. Her mum’s favorite. Naturally I cared for both children but my Robbie with his sweet little smiles had my heart. I never had a child of my own you see.” Her voice had become wistful and she had a far-away look in her eyes.

“Indeed, children can be a blessing.” He’d been correct in his assessment. Essie was a dead bore and his duty done, he could take his leave with a clear conscious. However, he did have a twinge for her lonely state. Expecting to make good his escape, he sat his cup aside.

She took several swallows from her cup and her eyes narrowed. “Do you suppose that uppity Percy Dimty is after my Rhonda’s wealth? Her sweet papa left her well fixed you know.”

“I did know.” Evidently Percy wasn’t high on the list of everyone’s favorite. A mention of Percy brought to mind his uncle and since Adron had come to Landings to discover if Percy’s uncle was involved in tampering with the estate jewelry, his interest was piqued. He moved to the edge of his chair.

“What a dolt I am. You’re the trustee.” She spoke in an undertone, “That’s not a secret but there’s plenty of secrets in this place.”

He lifted his brows. “Secrets you say. You’re jesting.”

Essie leaned a little closer and cocked her head to the side. “Secrets and strange goings on. That Percy Dimty, nothing proper with that one. He may be a friend but servants should stay in their place and that uncle . . .” She threw up her hands. “Always snooping about. He nearly caught me when I accidentally stopped by the door to a room where he and his nephew were whispering. Him with his shifty eyes peering round, he gives me the shivers.”

Hoped flared and Adron quelled his excitement. Perhaps he could glean useful information from her fount of indiscreet tales. “Why is that?”

She placed her fingers over her mouth and giggled. “He and his nephew have secrets. I couldn’t make out exactly what. But give me time.”

Adron drew back with a warning. “That could prove dangerous.”

Her eyes sparkled. “No need for concern. I’m careful and I trust you. That’s why I hinted at the secrets. You’re a man of wit, so charming and full of character. A true gentleman.”

Adron was momentarily at a loss for words. “Indeed you may trust me.”

Mrs. Calhermine giggled again. “I adore a man that knows what’s what.”

An awkward silence blanketed the room, but finally with a disarming smile, he headed for the door. “Thank you for having tea with me. I must be about the day’s business.”

She clasped her hands together at her narrow chest. “So charming. So kind. I was honored by your presence.”

Hard pressed to keep a straight face, he headed for the estate office. Adron intended to obtain answers and he strode forward with purpose, but when he entered, no one was there. He rounded the desk and was at the point of searching the top draw when Percy strode into the room.

“Milord, may I be of assistance?” Percy seemed alarmed and apprehensive.

“Ah, yes. Is your uncle about?”

“I don’t believe so.”

“When do you next expect him?” Adron settled into the chair behind the desk and fixed Percy with his most intimidating stare. He tightened his lips.

“I couldn’t say. He’s away at the moment. May I help you find something?”

“I’m most anxious to speak with him.” Adron pulled a sheet of foolscap from the drawer and pushed it across the desk. “His direction please.”

Percy swallowed and plucked the quill from the inkstand. “Certainly, Milord.”

Adron folded the paper and slipped it inside his vest pocket. “I’ll shall be occupied for a while. I’ll let you know when you may return.”

Percy’s face flushed but he bowed stiffly and left. Adron started his search with the desk and moved to the shelves but found nothing to point to solving the mystery. Frustrated, he cursed the thief, the situation and his responsibility toward the missing jewelry. If Oather failed to materialize tomorrow at the latest, Adron intended to visit his rooms in London.

Deep in thought, Adron strode out to the stable ignoring the cloudless day. He intended to be in London as soon as possible but he had a plan he must set in motion first. He would be at Kendlewood by nightfall and he could hardly wait to see Laurel again.

He stepped inside the building and glanced at the head groom, a mature man with gray at his temples, dressed in a heavy shirt and pants. “Thomas, I’m leaving here in a few minutes. Have one of the lads saddle Brutus for me.”

“Here boy,” the groom called. “His lordship wants Brutus saddled and be quick about it.”

Adron gazed after the lad then turned back to the groom. “Are you acquainted with Oather Dimty?”

“Some. He creeps about any time day or night disturbing honest folks as works hard and needs their rest.” The head groom started to spit on the ground but glanced at Adron and swallowed.

“Excellent. I have an assignment for you. When next he arrives, send one of the stable lads for me. I’ll be at Kendlewood.” Adron tapped his chin. “I plan to travel to London so if I’m not at my estate have the message sent on to London. By chance I miss him and he returns here, keep an eye on him. Here’s my direction in London in case you find it necessary to follow me to town. It’s important.”

“Certainly, Milord.” He slipped the card into his pocket and headed to the back of the stable. “I’ll get your horse.”

Adron mounted his stallion and on the point of riding out, his horse sidestepped, flinging his head in the air. Adron brought his mount under control and urged him over the cobblestones onto the drive. Before he entered the lane, he glanced at the house and he thought he saw Percy peering down at him from an upstairs window, but the impression vanished in an instant. He kicked his horse into a canter and his spirit lifted. He would be at Kendlewood before nightfall.

Laurel sat beside the lake with Jamie in her lap content to watch a breeze dance across the water while Adron waltzed through her thoughts. Her head kept whispering, caution but her heart longed to be restored to his arms. She wanted to forgive him, to be loved and desired but she squelched her emotions. If she were to analyze his abominable treatment of her from the first, she would never listen to a word he had to say again.

Adron had insisted he needed her and she found it more than flattering to be needed by such a man. For several minutes, her thoughts dwelled on him, the way his hair curled on his neck and his devastating smile that made her knees tremble. She sighed and considered his questions.

Had she ever seen Oather Dimty at Landings? Memories flickered to the surface of the night Robert had taken his life and he’d given her the jewels for safekeeping. She’d gone immediately to hide the casket in the false bottom of her trunk thinking no more about the incident until this moment. Laurel had stepped out into the hall on the way to the storage room when she noticed Percy at the other end of the hall. Robert and his strange behavior had occupied her mind so Percy’s presence barely registered other than it seemed odd he would be about and in that particular area of the house. Could that have been Oather?

Recalling Percy’s moss-green eyes, she caught her breath on a gasp. Percy’s eyes were always hidden behind his wire-rimmed spectacles but when she thought about it, that distinctive color of green could not be ignored. The thief’s eyes were that exact shade but the surrounding skin had been somewhat weathered. Could Oather Dimty be the thief?

Laurel couldn’t decide on the best course of action. If she rushed to Landings to confront Oather Dimty, she could be courting disaster. Certainly if he were the thief, she would be in danger and what if Adron was no longer at Landings to offer her protection? Should she wait until he returned?

“Blister it if I will.” She needed to clear her name and being a woman didn’t mean she lacked sense. The more she thought about it, the more she suspected Oather Dimty. She could do nothing so late in the afternoon, but tomorrow she intended to discover if he was the green-eyed thief.

Intent on her dilemma, Laurel failed to notice Paige until the young girl flopped down next to her.

Laurel glanced at Paige, noting her distressed expression. “Is something wrong?”

Tears gathered in the young girl’s eyes. “Rhonda is my cousin, but sometimes she’s hateful. Rhonda said I mustn’t wear my mother’s locket.” She glanced down and gathered the necklace in her fingers. “She said that a girl my age would be considered fast if I continued to wear it. I don’t know exactly what she meant, but it sounded nasty,” Paige concluded.

“Paige, I’m sure no one would object to you wearing your mother’s necklace,” Laurel soothed.

Paige sniffed and wiped her cheeks. “I think she’s jealous. Edmond—I mean Mr. Sinclair had been talking to me, admiring my locket and he told me I was charming.” She blushed. “That’s when Rhonda said what she did.”

Laurel considered her words before she spoke. “Perhaps she is jealous, jealous of your youth and your budding beauty. Wear your locket with pride. That’s the only way to beat her at her own game.” Laurel patted her hand.

Paige’s quick smile became a trifle smug. “Mr. Sinclair told her not to harp, that my locket was not all that expensive, mere trumpery he called it. But he winked at me all the same.”