Independent Brake (The Dominion Falls Series) (5 page)

Rightly so, as it wouldn’t be easy for her to get a divorce, and who knew what vengeful act Charles would impart if she tried. As it stood, Katherine feared for her friend based on what she’d heard of her husband’s drunken rages.

Katherine might have only known Delphine for a month now, but already she knew enough to worry.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Delphine chided. “We have the whole afternoon and evening to ourselves. Charles went to the casino with all of his savings. Fortunately he went to Jennings’ where I cut a deal with them. Once he’s lost so much they throw a whore on him. We have time to chat.”

“Good. You know, I was pondering a shopping trip today. I thought a new dress was in order, and then I’d planned to stop by the confectionary. Won’t you join me?”

“Will you let me be honest in my assessment of all the dresses you take note of?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

“Then I’ll join you.”

“Ice cream is on me.”

Delphine hesitated, but nodded. “Agreed. So long as I get to pick on atrocious frocks and uppity society I shall be happy.”

“We’ll go to Minnie Rose’s shop first. I honestly don’t know how she stays in business. I swear she’s color blind.”

“Oh, but dearie, her styles are all based on what is in London this second!”

Katherine rose and grabbed her reticule. “If that’s fashion, I’ll wear pants.”

“You could, you know.” Delphine winked as they stepped outside. “Sadie and Claudette would be thrilled to have another join their pantaloons ranks in the society.”

“I’d never thought to switch, but I must admit they do look comfortable.”

“I don’t know what I’d go so far as pantaloons, but I did stop wearing my corset. At least I tried. My back hurt when I stopped wearing it. I had to put it back on, although I wear it looser than I did.”

“I didn’t start wearing one until I was fourteen. My mother forced me to. I’ve always hated the infernal contraption.” Katherine grinned and nodded. “I should try taking it off. I haven’t worn it as long as you, and I’ve always kept it loose. I wonder if I should.”

“Next you’ll be wearing pantaloons. Just you wait and see.”

Katherine joined Delphine’s laughter as they continued down the street. They continued on in happy conversation, commenting here and there on those they passed in the street. All the way to Minnie Rose’s shop, they remained in high spirits.

Just before they reached the door, the familiar voice of Patrick Warner stopped them dead. “Ladies.”

Katherine glanced at Delphine out of the corner of her eye, and noticed her friend was doing the same. They both grinned and turned, but Katherine was the one to speak. “Mr. Warner. Your presence was missed yesterday by several young fillies. You disappointed them by denying them their daily ogle.”

“I shall have to make amends by appearing twice on Monday.” He tipped his hat. “It is good to see you both in good health this afternoon. Although, I must say I’m surprised to see you heading to Minnie Rose’s. I’d thought you had better taste.”

“Perhaps that is why we are going in there.” Katherine smiled. “After all, a woman with good taste should also know what to avoid.”

“Speaking of which. I do hope you’ll beg my pardon, Mr. Warner. I see a dress I must simply try for sheer horror.” Delphine smirked. “Keep an eye on the window, I’ll let you see the high fashion I choose.”

“No begging necessary. I look forward to this.” Mr. Warner chuckled and offered a half bow as Delphine turned to go inside.

Katherine shook her head. “I have a feeling this is going to be interesting. I’ve no doubt she’ll chose the most horrific dress in the shop.”

“That is what is fun, isn’t it?” He turned his attention back to Katherine. “I do hope you don’t think I was avoiding you, my fair Kat.”

“Weren’t you?”

He quirked a brow, and gave a small shrug. “If I was, it was only part of the reason for my absence.”

“I appreciate the candor, but I didn’t need your excuses. My only concern is that I embarrassed myself.”

“Never be embarrassed by being who you are. I took notice of you right away; I sense there’s more than the proper woman you’ve displayed at the bank. You confirmed it by admitting you grew up in a mining town.”

“I was a child. Children are allowed a certain amount of freedom in their behavior that adulthood is sadly lacking.”

“Too true.” He smiled and stepped closer. “I have been considering your proposition.”

“As I’d hoped you would.” Unwarranted heat rose to her cheeks when he stepped closer. She clasped her hands behind her back to keep them steady.

“I am intrigued.”

“Good. Just how intrigued are you?”

“Quite. What sort of time do you feel you need?”

“I wouldn’t know.” When she tried to duck her gaze away, he hooked a finger under her chin and drew her back to face him. “As long as I require, I suppose.”

“Don’t become shy on me now. You were bold enough to make this request. Remain bold enough to keep it.”

“I guess I’ll have to learn to do so.”

“I don’t think that will take you long at all.” His lips cocked in a crooked grin. “I have a feeling our only regret will be that you learn quicker than we’d like.”

“But that won’t stop us from ending our sessions. I’m certain you’ll have no lack of new women to corrupt.”

“Quite. They need to be wooed, though. You came to me. It’s a unique challenge, one I certainly will not turn down.”

“When shall we begin?”

“Now is good.” He leaned toward her, his lips close to hers. “If you’d like.”

“I believe I would, Patrick.” Before their lips could connect, a thump sounded on the glass beside them and they both jumped. Katherine burst into laughter at the atrociously colorful dress Delphine wore.

Every color of the rainbow was represented, and there were stripes and plaids in different panels of the bodice. Ribbons wove through the overskirt, and through the piles of lace that created the underskirt. Delphine was making a show of the dress, spinning and posing so they might see every angle.

Patrick held onto his decorum for almost a full minute, but soon enough his shoulders shook, and then his laughter unleashed. “I don’t think interesting covers it.”

“How on earth does Minnie come up with these dresses?”

“I don’t know, but I pray she never goes out of business.”

Katherine set her hand on her stomach, now sore from all the laughter. “Well why on earth not?”

“Because, the parties I attend would be terribly boring without one Minnie Rose dress to add amusement.”

“I would imagine so. I always found society parties boring myself.”

When Delphine disappeared from the window, Patrick turned back to Katherine. “I’m afraid your friend interrupted our talk.”

“And I did promise I would spend the afternoon with her.” There was a hint of regret she’d not be able to enjoy an afternoon with Patrick. After all, if she had time to think before the event, she might chicken out.

“We can’t have you breaking promises.”

“How about tonight?” Katherine bit her lip at the nervous squeak that accompanied her words. “If you haven’t any plans, of course.”

“I haven’t. I’ll send a carriage for you. The Crumbly Boarding House for Women, yes?”

“How did you know?”

He only smiled. “I’ll send a carriage at seven.”

She automatically curtsied in response to his bow. “I’ll look forward to it.”

“Kat.” He tipped his hat and moved closer, like he would step around her. Instead he paused at her side, one finger trailing down her arm. “Don’t be worried. My reputation is no lie.”

Goosebumps rose under his touch. She swallowed against her suddenly dry mouth. “Good to know.”

Then he was gone, and Katherine let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Excitement and fear clashed together in a mass of butterflies in her belly. She rushed into the shop to tell her friend, and get the reassurance she needed.

* * * *

K
atherine fidgeted with the edge of her bodice. The carriage drove her through the darkening streets toward Patrick’s home. She had no idea where he lived or what exactly would occur.

Or rather, she had some idea of what would occur. As she’d admitted, she wasn’t entirely obtuse and whores and men were not always discreet in their actions or tales. She didn’t know how Patrick would handle the situation, though.

Even though she’d chosen Patrick specifically because of the tales Delphine had relayed to her that spoke of his skill and care with innocent women, a glimmer of nervousness lingered.

An air of change settled around her, for she knew many things would change now. If they managed perfect discretion, things would mostly change only for her, but that was enough. Just as when she’d left home to come to Chicago, the fear she felt stimulated her almost as much as it held her back.

The carriage slowed to a stop in front of a simple, but stately stone-front home. The tall windows shimmered with light, but not a soul passed near them. When the carriage door was open for her, Katherine accepted the driver’s hand and stepped out.

Rather than give into her own hesitation, she strode up to the door straight away. Before she could even knock, the door opened to reveal a butler very unlike the one her parents had hired years back.

Instead of a stuffy, grumpy older gentleman, this man was young, and smiled warmly. He nodded in a quick bow. “Miss Wells. Please, come in. Mr. Warner is expecting you. May I take your shawl?”

“Yes, thank you.” She shed the wrap and offered the butler a smile.

“I’m Loren, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” Loren gestured to the room on their right. “Mr. Warner is in the parlor.”

“Thank you, Loren.” Katherine stepped to the doorway, but hesitated there.

In the room, Patrick sat with his back to the door. The corner of a book was visible around the edge of the chair. A glass of liquor sat beside him, a fire crackled in the fireplace in front of him. One the right was a settee under the closest window. To her left sat a piano, dusty from disuse.

“No one has touched it since my sister went and got herself married.” Patrick rose from his chair with a warm smile. “You don’t happen to play do you?”

“It’s been years, but I did have lessons when I was a child.” Katherine returned his smile and stepped into the room. “I don’t dare play for fear of hurting your ears.”

“Too bad. Please, come in. Would you care for a drink?”

“Please. I’m a bit nervous, I must admit.”

“Do you like whiskey?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve had beer and wine and champagne, and even a sip of brandy, but I’ve never tried whiskey.”

“And you call yourself a mining camp child,” he tsked as he crossed to his liquor cabinet. While he poured her a glass, he spoke, “I find that whiskey is good for a bracing blow of strength. It’s also good if you’re just out to get drunk.”

“I thought that’s what beer was for.”

“Beer is to get out of drinking bad water, made with bad water.” He handed her the glass. “It’s the everyman’s drink. So is whiskey, I suppose.”

Katherine eyed the glass, unsure if she should go forward. After a sigh, she lifted the glass to her lips and tossed back her head. The liquid burned down her throat, and she coughed as she handed it back. Once the burning sensation passed, a pleasurable shiver passed through her and helped her shake off her nerves.

“Better?”

“Yes, actually. Might I have a little more?” She didn’t bother to be embarrassed by his chuckle. On a night like this, liquid courage was required.

“I don’t usually explain my methods, but as this is a unique situation, perhaps it would help?”

“I believe it might.”

He returned with another full glass for her, and one for himself. After he’d guided her to the settee, he sat beside her. “I’ve spent the past day considering this unique situation. I’m used to lying with innocent women, but most of them are rather swept up in the romanticism and my charm.”

“And your humility,” she remarked drily.

“Naturally.”

When she managed to lift her gaze again, she joined in his laughter. “You might be charming, but that isn’t why I’m here.”

“Precisely. So you likely have more nerves than most. Also, I’ve considered your friendship with Delphine both a help and a hindrance. She has likely told you many things about what it might be like.”

“I’ve heard the first few times can be—uncomfortable.”

“Sometimes it can be. I imagine for Delphie with that roughshod of a husband it was no picnic.”

“You know Charles? And you have some familiarity with Delphie? Have you and she?” If they had coupled, it was news to Katherine.

“No. Delphie was married when we met and I don’t pursue married women. However, she is a good woman, and her husband is another whose reputation speaks for itself.” Patrick’s nose wrinkled. He drank some of his whiskey quick, like trying to remove a bad taste from his mouth.

Katherine herself drank a long, slow sip from her own glass to cover her surprise. Given all the talk of Patrick, she’d not expected to find such a personable man behind the layers of charm. She dared to think they could be friends, if what they planned to do didn’t defeat such a notion.

“As I was saying. Considering the unique situation, your nerves are more on edge. Between expectations and fears, I imagine you’re rather uneasy.”

“Anxious is a better description.”

“Tonight, you have no need.” He set down his glass and moved closer. “I won’t be doing anything like taking your innocence. My first step with you will involve nothing but pleasure.”

She let out an embarrassing yelp when he tugged at her skirts and his warm hand settled on her calf. Before it spilled, she set her glass on the table. After a shaky breath, she met his gaze again. “Pleasure.”

“Yes.” His hand slid up her leg toward her thigh, the tips of his fingers dancing along her skin in a feather light touch. “There are ways to experience pleasure without ever breeching the walls of innocence. For men, and for women.”

“I didn’t think men cared about such things.” Her arms trembled and threatened to give out in their support of her. The simple touch of his fingers on his flesh sent warmth throughout her body, and her breath began to falter.