Love's Guardian (13 page)
Someone tapped on her door. “Come in.” Her voice sounded rough, but at least it worked.
Declan entered and crossed to her bed. He stood there gazing at her until she wondered if he was trying to commit her face to memory.
“How are you feeling?” His light voice seemed at odds with the tortured look that swirled in the dark blue depths of his eyes.
“I’ve been better, but I’m alive.” Alex smiled, but his expression didn’t change. She tried a different tact. “You lied to me.” At least that comment turned his worried frown into confusion. “You do rescue damsels in distress.”
The corners of his mouth twitched upward. “I make an exception for naked fencers.”
Her face heated, and she quickly turned away. She’d been trying to forget that she hadn’t been wearing anything when he’d saved her. She drew her blanket up under her chin. Her figure had never been something she dwelled on, but now she couldn’t help wondering how she’d compared to other women he’d known?
“I’m sorry, Lady Lochsdale. For some reason, you make it difficult for me to be a gentleman.” Declan crossed to the window, then stood, staring at something she couldn’t see.
He stayed like that for a long moment, his profile stark, and when he faced her, his bitter expression wasn’t as hard to take as the self-derision lacing his voice.
“I should have left, or at least turned my back when I discovered you at the lake. I knew the circumstances.” He held her gaze. “It was my fault.”
“No, it wasn’t.” Funny, two weeks ago she wouldn’t have imagined defending her guardian. Now, well, it wasn’t in her nature to let other people take the blame for what she’d done. “I shouldn’t have been swimming when the water was so cold. As for the other,” Alex said with a shrug, “I guess I was curious about what you’d do.”
The vision of Declan, naked to the waist, swam before her eyes. “I knew I should get out. But I wanted...”
Heat warmed his expression, and she had the feeling he knew exactly what she’d wanted. She dropped her gaze to the bracelet on her wrist. One of the small diamonds had fallen out, and she ran a finger over the gap. “It doesn’t matter now.” She looked up and tried to sound eager. “When do we leave for London?”
“Tomorrow morning, if you’re well enough to travel.”
“I shall be.”
Declan leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead. “Good, get some rest. We’ll leave at first light.”
“Lord Worthington?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for saving my life.”
Declan’s smile warmed the blue of his eyes. “You’re welcome. Shall we call it even?”
The deafening clatter in the courtyard gave Alex a headache. She was sorely tempted to cover her ears. Between servants calling to each other as they loaded the trunks and horses pawing the cobbles, you couldn’t think.
Then again, maybe her head hurt because she knew she’d be traveling in a carriage with Catrina. She felt as if surviving the next few days with that vain, pompous creature would take an incredible amount of patience
—
not one of her strong points.
Two enclosed carriages stood at the entrance to Oakleigh, the Lochsdale crest clearly emblazoned across the polished black doors. She had personally checked to make sure Blade was attached to the baggage coach. If things got really bad, she’d find a way to ride. Even if she had to do it sidesaddle.
A small group of servants and family had gathered outside to say goodbye. Berta held a coral pink shawl of the finest wool in her hands. She handed it to Alex. “Here, you’ll be needing this.”
“Berta, it’s beautiful.” She took the shawl and gave the old woman a peck on the cheek. “I’ll think of you whenever I wear it.”
“See that you do. And remember what I told you. I don’t want to hear about any more foolishness like yesterday. London’s a dangerous place. You don’t need to go looking for trouble.”
“I’ll be careful. I promise.”
Tears stood in Berta’s eyes. “Good luck to you, Lady Lochsdale.” She leaned over to give her a hug and whispered in her ear, “Hurry home, and bring a husband with you.”
Alex stepped back and gave the older woman what she hoped was an encouraging smile. She didn’t want to be reminded about the reason for this expedition. Especially as she had one immediate concern. Catrina.
Edgar spoke up. “Don’t worry about things around here, my lady.” He was fiddling with his neck cloth as though he suddenly found it too tight. “We’ll do just fine till you come back.”
“I have every confidence in you, Edgar.” She smiled at him and a dark red blush spread across his cheeks. He turned away, making a big display of checking one of the straps on the carriages.
Eleanor stepped around the piles of trunks still strewn across the courtyard and came over to her. “It’s a good thing you don’t have much of a wardrobe. Lady Catrina’s things are liable to take up all the space.”
Alex lowered her voice so only Eleanor could hear. “If I’m really lucky, there won’t be any room for me in the carriages, and I’ll have to ride.”
Eleanor smiled. “Now how would that further your growing relationship with Lady Catrina?”
Alex sighed. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She gave her cousin her best imploring look. “Are you sure you won’t come with me?”
“Who would take care of the estate?” Eleanor gave her a hug. “You’ll do fine. Do you have your list?”
Alex patted the pocket of her skirt. “It’s right here. I hope it helps. I don’t remember discovering any good husband material last time. What if they’re all the same?”
“You’re looking at them in a different way now. Just try to act like a lady.” Eleanor pinned her with a knowing gaze. “No breeches or knives.”
Alex hoped her expression didn’t give her away. Had Eleanor guessed she’d tucked a shirt and breeches in the corner of one of her trunks? There might come a time when she needed freedom of movement. Men were lucky. They never had to worry about skirts weighing them down, let alone panniers, corsets, and stays.
Catrina came out of the manor wearing a ruffled dress of pale blue. Lace frothed at the elbows and neckline. Her only concession to travel seemed to be the wearing of hip pads instead of panniers.
“How is she going to travel in that?” Alex stared at the outfit in disbelief, then down at her serviceable grey gown. The dress was a favorite when she traveled because all it required was an underpetticoat and no stays. If Catrina was miserable on this trip, it was her own fault.
“Some people are more concerned with appearances.” Eleanor gave Alex a searching look. “I know you despise Catrina, but following her example will help you fit in. It’s only until you marry.”
“If I marry the right man.”
“You will. Go on now. Lord Worthington looks like he wants to leave. Lady Catrina and Lord Morgan are already in the carriage.”
Alex gave Eleanor a hug. “Take care of yourself.”
Eleanor laughed. “I’m not the one who’s had two accidents in the last fortnight. Things are going to be very dull around here without you.”
“Think of it as a much needed rest after the last eight years.” Alex grinned at her, then headed for the carriage.
Declan stood waiting to hand her up through the door. He’d already informed them he’d be riding Knight. Alex wished she could ride Blade, but due to her recent injuries Declan had expressly forbidden it. Still, she had to try. “There’d be extra room in the carriage if I rode.”
“No.”
The tone left no room for argument. Alex took comfort in the replacement knife she’d placed in her boot, squared her shoulders, and allowed him to help her into the lion’s den.
In order to get a better view of the street, Alex drew back the dust-laden curtain and repressed a sneeze. She’d forgotten how many people seemed to inhabit London.
“Alex, come away from the window this instant. It’s vulgar to stare.” Catrina began to straighten her clothing in preparation for their arrival.
If she had to listen to one more “do this,” or “Alex wear that,” she’d scream. Why couldn’t she have been blessed with the ability to sleep most anywhere like Morgan? With as much sleep as he’d had in the last three days, he shouldn’t need to rest for a week.
She stole another glance out the window. London fascinated her. In spite of the suffocating smell from the sewage in the streets and the ill-kept appearance of many buildings, she liked the city.
The carriage passed Hyde Park, veered onto a tree-lined side street, then stopped in front of a massive home made of yellow stone. The color reminded her of the buildings she’d seen in the Cotswald region with her grandfather. The weathered structure gave the impression it had always graced that spot and always would.
Several steps led up to the entrance. Carved, brass knockers adorned imposing looking wooden doors, which Alex suspected were heavy enough to need two men to open them. Flanking the steps were stone platforms, upon which crouched mythical lions, their feathered wings unfurled. The sculptures enhanced the power and beauty of the mansion, yet added a touch of whimsy. It was an impressive building, but why were they stopping here?
She’d assumed they would be occupying her grandfather’s home near Westminster. They’d stayed there three years ago, during her first Season. Perhaps this belonged to Morgan.
Two women and a bevy of servants poured out of the front doors. The older woman bore a striking resemblance to Declan.
Was she his mother?
Morgan let out a low whistle. “I wondered who was going to play chaperone.” He winked at Alex. “You don’t know what you’ve accomplished, Wee One. Worthington never asks his family for anything.”
“Is the auburn-haired woman his mother?”
“His aunt. The girl is his cousin.”
“You’re mistaken, Lord Worthington would never let Lady Lochsdale stay at his residence.” Catrina appeared flushed under her powder. “It’s unheard of.”
“I suspect his family will be staying for the duration of her visit.” Morgan couldn’t keep the amusement out of his voice. “Lady Lochsdale will be well chaperoned.”
Catrina huffed and shoved past them when the footman opened the door. “We’ll see.” Her voice floated back to them, sickening in its sweetness. “Lady Bradford, how nice to see you again.”
“Lady Catrina, I didn’t know you were coming, and Lord Morgan.”
Morgan helped Alex out of the carriage. Before she could take a step, the black-haired woman came over, took her hands, and stood back to look at her.
“You must be the Countess of Lochsdale. I’m Lady Bradford, Declan’s aunt.” Her eyes were kind. Alex liked her immediately. “I’m sorry about the loss of your grandfather. Lord Lochsdale was a special man.”
“You knew him?”
“We had mutual acquaintances. He was always spoken of with the highest regard.”
“I see you’ve met my aunt,” Declan said.
Alex hadn’t heard him come up behind her, but she could feel his presence. It was oddly comforting in these new surroundings.
“She’s a beauty, Declan.” Lady Bradford dropped her hands and turned to Declan’s cousin. “May I present my daughter, Lady Anna.”
“Lady Lochsdale.” Anna giggled and bobbed a slight curtsey.
“It’s a pleasure.” Alex could see Catrina’s coldly polite smile over Anna’s shoulder. It was a strange contrast to Anna’s enthusiastic grin.
“Let’s all go inside.” Lady Bradford led the way. “I’m sure the journey was fatiguing.”
That was an understatement. Lady Bradford couldn’t begin to imagine what she’d been through the last three days.
Catrina had seen herself as an instructor of social etiquette. Alex had been subjected to hours of how to eat, what to wear, and whom to socialize with. Thank God it was over, and she hadn’t drawn her knife once.
Perhaps her hand
had
drifted toward her boot a couple of times, but in each instance Morgan’s look stopped her. How he knew what she was going to do when he appeared to be asleep, she couldn’t guess.
They followed Lady Bradford. The hallway appeared as awe-inspiring as the outside.
Light green marble covered the floor, a perfect contrast to the mahogany wainscoting. Deep green silk decorated the upper section of each wall, along with the gilt-framed portraits of the Devereaux family.
It was a decidedly masculine décor, right down to the staircase, which wound up the right side of the hall. The stairs were wide enough for two women in court gowns to descend side by side. Ornately carved spindles led upward toward two landings, but what drew her eye was the winged lion at the base.
Unlike the lions out front, this one was far from benevolent. It appeared to be made of some kind of oak, the body carved as though ready to spring, its face menacing. Amber eyes seemed to follow her every move. She hoped she never had to come downstairs after everyone else had gone to bed.
The group made their way past the lion to a drawing room on the left. A woman’s touch could be seen here; the fabrics were light and cheery. A small fire burned in the fireplace, taking the chill off the late spring afternoon.
She gratefully sank onto a chair without arms. The hip pads Catrina had insisted she wear would never fit in an armed chair. At least this seat didn’t rock and sway with each bump in the road.
“Williams, will you bring tea, and let Cook know there will be two more joining us.” Lady Bradford sat next to her daughter on the rose brocade settee.
“I didn’t know you were visiting Lord Worthington.” Catrina’s low voice held polite interest. “Was it a sudden decision?”
Lady Bradford glanced at Declan, who leaned against the fireplace. “We’d been staying at our townhouse for the Season, but then we got Declan’s note asking us to visit. We see so little of him. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
“Will you be staying long?”
Lady Bradford gave Declan a look Alex didn’t understand. “As long as he’ll let us.”
Declan turned away.
“Lady Anna, how might you be finding your first Season?” Morgan asked as Williams returned with the teacart and Lady Bradford began to pour tea. “Are the young bucks keeping you busy?”
Anna blushed to the roots of her sandy colored hair. “It’s been wonderful. There are parties every night, and the entertainments are astounding.” Her eyes sparkled. “We went to Vauxhall Gardens, the theatre, and in two weeks there’s going to be a masquerade ball.” Anna turned toward Alex. “You’re going to attend, aren’t you, Lady Lochsdale?”
“I—”
“Of course she will.” Declan’s eyes met Alex’s across the room. “As a matter of fact, Anna, I’d appreciate it if you took her to all the parties. Lady Lochsdale doesn’t know many people in town yet.”
“I’m sure I could secure invitations to any event you’d like,” Catrina offered. “Make up a list of what you want to attend, and I’ll send it around.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid my wardrobe is limited at the moment.” Alex was glad to have an excuse not to attend too many parties. They’d always bored her.
“Nonsense.” Lady Bradford paused in the middle of pouring tea. “We can go to the drapers tomorrow. You could have several new gowns by the end of the week.”
