The Scandal in Kissing an Heir (20 page)

There was a slight gasp, not from Solange, who was glaring back at him now with pure venom, but from Rebecca, who’d probably been horribly embarrassed by what he’d just said about her. He wasn’t sorry he’d done it though. There was just something so utterly satisfying about telling Solange that his wife was a better bedmate than she’d ever been. Pulling himself up to his full height, he gave her his most threatening look and said, “Now, if you will please excuse us, we should like to be on our way.” And with that, he led Rebecca past Solange, who looked as though she might start spewing insults after them as they left, toward the exit as quickly as he could manage.

Once in the street, he looked around for an available hackney, but all the carriages were either private or occupied. For a fleeting second he considered sending Rebecca back inside until he’d managed to procure a means of transportation for them, but then he thought better of it. They were not on a deserted street, after all. Surely she’d be safer at his side than alone in a hell full of foxed men and loose women, not to mention the unpleasant thought of what else Solange might say to her if he wasn’t there to put her in her place. “Come, let’s walk over to Regent Street. Hopefully we’ll have better luck there.” Without a word, Rebecca allowed him to lead the way. He knew he had to say something to address the situation that had just taken place inside Riley’s. Deciding that an apology was probably a good beginning, he simply said, “You shouldn’t have had to endure that. I’m sorry.”

“I must confess I’m not accustomed to being verbally assaulted like that. It was . . . shocking.”

Daniel stopped in his tracks and turned her toward him. “What exactly did she say to you?” he asked. He didn’t want to know, and yet he
had
to. There was no getting around the issue.

Rebecca looked away. For a long moment she said nothing, but then she took a big gulp of air and the words suddenly poured out of her. “She told me that I’m exactly what she imagined me to be—incredibly beautiful, but young and inexperienced. She said she could see it in my face, that there was a certain element of wonder and naiveté in my eyes that would eventually vanish with age, more quickly, she reasoned, as I got to know you better and became better acquainted with your . . . needs.” Rebecca’s voice had softened to barely a whisper, and Daniel wanted to stop her from saying more.

Dear Lord, it was worse than he’d imagined. Solange had deliberately tried to terrify Rebecca, perhaps even poison her against him. “Whatever else she might have told you, Becky, it’s—”

“She said she’d be happy to take my place in your bed if I ever grew weary of pleasing you, or if I decided that I didn’t wish to comply with some of your more . . . unusual requests, whatever that might mean. Frankly, I’ve no desire to contemplate it, Daniel.”

“She lied to you, Becky. She knows she’s been tossed aside and is now lashing out in the one way that might be able to hurt me.” Rebecca met his gaze, her eyes wide and soulful. “By placing doubt in the mind of the woman I replaced her with,” he explained. “Becky, I would never expect you to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with, and I would certainly never go to her or anyone else instead. I’ve told you this before—I’ve promised myself to you and you alone because you deserve to have a husband you can trust and because, truthfully, I’ve no desire for anyone else. All I want is you.”

Her expression softened and her lips trembled just a little until she eventually smiled. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. “Please don’t doubt me,” he said as they resumed walking, the streetlights casting a yellow glow across the pavement. “What I told her in there is true, you know—you’re more than capable of attending to my needs.”

He could practically feel the heat radiating off of her. He’d embarrassed her once again, but it couldn’t be helped. She had to understand how much he desired her, and he would say whatever he must in order to make that happen. Besides, she’d quickly become the closest friend he’d ever had. The last thing he wanted was for someone to hurt her by filling her head with mistruths. For a split second the idea of losing her flittered through his mind, accompanied by a cold dread. It was probably the most unpleasant thought he’d had in years, if not ever, and he instinctively tightened his hold on her. Rebecca was his. He . . . cared for her and knew he’d be miserable without her company, something he’d grown very used to over the past two weeks. Heavens, was that really all it had been since he’d met her for the first time? It felt like he’d known her forever.

Daniel was still pondering the significance of this when a gruff voice interrupted his thoughts and he noticed that a large man stood blocking their path, knife in hand.

What the devil?

“Ye look like a wealthy pair, out for a lovely stroll,” he said. “Now empty yer pockets and I won’t have to harm ye.”

Taking a moment to size the man up, Daniel contemplated his options. He could tell Rebecca to get behind him while he took his chances with the man. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d gotten into a brawl, and with Starkly’s warning in mind, he’d brought a weapon of his own along with him just in case—a dagger strapped to the waistband of his breeches. One thing was clear. He had to protect Rebecca. She was a liability now, and whatever happened, he couldn’t risk placing her in harm’s way. If the man somehow got to her and threatened her with the knife, or, worse, overpowered Daniel and kidnapped her . . . dear God, he’d never had to consider another person’s safety like this before and found himself fearing not for himself but for her. He had to keep her safe at all costs, even if it meant giving up his winnings.

“You make a convincing argument,” he said as he reached inside one of his pockets and pulled out a stack of bills.

The man, eyes glistening with greed, moved toward Daniel, ready to grab the prize, when Daniel heard a steady
click
. “I suggest you beat a hasty retreat, sir,” Rebecca said, her hands shaky on the small pistol she was holding. Daniel stared at her and then at their assailant, who’d stopped in his tracks and was now looking very much afraid. “From what I hear,” she continued, “these things have a tendency to go off without much provocation, and as you can see, I’m not very calm at the moment. I’d hate to fire upon you by accident.”

Without uttering another word, their assailant took her advice and backed away slowly before turning on his heel and taking off at a run. He disappeared down the first side street. Once he was out of sight, Daniel turned to Rebecca, whose whole body was shaking, her hand still holding the pistol in an outstretched pose. Reaching for it, Daniel pried it from her fingers, placed it safely in his own pocket and hugged Rebecca fiercely against his chest, not caring who might see such a public display of affection and think it inappropriate. They could all go hang for all he cared.

“You were marvelous,” he whispered against the top of her head. “Absolutely, bloody marvelous!”

He felt her breathing return to a steadier pace as she calmed herself, and then he felt her chest vibrate against his own and realized that she was laughing. Pulling away, he looked down at her and was met with a broad grin that forced a smile to his own lips. “What’s so amusing?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she managed between giggles. “I suppose the thought of such a large and terrifying man being so thoroughly frightened by a woman wielding a pistol. And to think that I’ve never been quite so scared in my life.”

“That’s probably what convinced him to run away,” Daniel mused as he took her by the arm and started hurrying her along. He was eager to get Rebecca home, where it was safe. “A pistol in the hands of an unpredictable person can be a frightening thing indeed, and you, my dear, looked very unpredictable just then. Tell me, have you always carried a weapon in your reticule?”

Rebecca shook her head. “It was a gift from Lady Trapleigh. When I told her of my plan to escape, she warned me that the world can be a dangerous place—London in particular—and suggested I always carry the pistol on me wherever I went. It’s a very handy little thing, don’t you think?”

Daniel couldn’t help but laugh. “It certainly is, and thank God for Lady Trapleigh and her invaluable piece of advice. She may very well have saved our lives!”

“Oh, do you really think it could have come to that?” Rebecca asked, all traces of humor vanishing from her voice.

Daniel didn’t. He was confident that the villain would have run off as soon as he’d gotten some money. Risking the hangman’s noose in the middle of Piccadilly was probably not on his agenda. “I don’t think so, but he would have taken our money, and then where would we be? I daresay he was mistaken in assuming that we are wealthy.” Speaking of their financial situation left him with a bitter taste in his mouth. He hated living like this, with the constant worry of what tomorrow would bring. Yes, he was good at gambling, and his winnings were enough to sustain them until his investments started making a profit, but what would happen if he lost, or if the companies he’d invested in didn’t do as well as he was hoping they would?

Rebecca must have shared his concerns, for once they’d returned home and settled themselves in bed, she quietly said, “There has to be another way for us to get by until your investments start earning us money. I’m not comfortable with going back to Riley’s again. It’s too dangerous.”

“A bit
too
adventurous?” he teased, attempting to calm her fears by making light of the situation. She didn’t laugh this time, so he reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, saying, “I must admit that I agree, Becky. Which is why next time you’ll be staying home, where it’s safe.”

“
What
? You can’t be serious, Daniel. When I spoke of the risk, I was thinking of you as well.” He heard her voice hitch a little, and then she swallowed, as if struggling to find the words. “What happened tonight . . . Dear God, if you’d been alone and . . . and . . . no, I cannot think of it. I
will
not think of what could have happened if we hadn’t managed to scare that man off. Don’t you see? I . . . I . . .”

Daniel found himself holding his breath as he waited for her to continue, but her words trailed off and she took a deep, shuddering breath before quietly saying, “Please don’t go there again, Daniel. We’ll find another way. There has to be another way for us to manage without either of us risking our safety. Please don’t make me sit at home and worry for you—I don’t think I could bear it.”

Overwhelmed by her honesty and how deeply she seemed to care for him, Daniel hugged her against him and pressed a kiss against her temple. “I promise,” he whispered, more concerned with making her happy than he was with the lack of income this would signify. They would find a way, she’d said. Hopefully she would be right.

Chapter 20

“I
’m so pleased that you were able to join us,” Judy said as she welcomed Rebecca and Daniel into the Landboroughs’ private box at the Royal Opera the following evening. “May I introduce you to my husband?”

A lean gentleman with kind features stepped forward and offered Rebecca a bow. “My wife has told me a great deal about you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Turning to Daniel, he said, “From what I gather, you’ve caused quite the stir, Neville. Ordinarily, I probably wouldn’t approve, but I also believe that every situation ought to be judged individually, as each is unique.” He looked pensive for a moment. “The
ton
has been trying to flog you for years on the basis of all your alleged exploits—the majority of which lacked merit, if you ask me. In fact, I never once saw any proof of the lowly character they were trying to paint you as, which means that eloping is probably your first viable offense. Considering who you’re up against, I must admit I’m on your side—can’t stand Grover myself.”

“It’s very kind of you to say so,” Daniel said, “and a relief to find someone who’s willing to keep our company.”

The duke’s expression turned remarkably serious. “I understand the threat of scandal all too well, but there are few who are brave enough to shoulder it as they fight for what is right and just. I admire your courage—yours too, Lady Rebecca. What you’ve been through cannot have been easy, and it is our hope, my wife’s and mine, that by offering you our support publically like this, you will soon be granted entry to the drawing rooms and ballrooms of Mayfair.”

“Thank you,” Rebecca said. She looked at Judy, who was smiling back at her. Rebecca was still surprised that she had been the one to come to their rescue, proving once again that help could come from the most unlikely places.

“Come,” Judy said as she took Rebecca by the arm and started toward the front of the box. “Let’s have a seat over here, right in the middle, where everyone can see us.”

“Are you not the least bit concerned about your own reputation?” Rebecca whispered.

“I have had the good fortune of marrying a very powerful man. There are few who would dare say a word against either of us, since doing so would mean exclusion from some of the annual events we host. But if anyone should decide, after seeing us together here this evening, that they would rather give me the cut, then that is their business. I for one mean to stick by my friends, and I will never forgive myself for not doing so sooner.”

“You mustn’t be too hard on yourself, Judy. Children can be cruel, not out of spite but because of their own fears and weaknesses. I cannot deny that what you and your friends did all those years ago hurt at the time, but I do believe that we can put it behind us and start a new friendship.”

The music started, and they settled into a companionable silence while their husbands took their seats next to them. Almost an hour later, they were all enjoying a bit of champagne during intermission when an elegant woman whom Rebecca did not recognize entered the box. “I hope I’m not disturbing,” she said, “but I thought it high time that I offer my brother and his wife my congratulations on their marriage.”

“Audrey,” Daniel said as he rose to greet her, “what a welcome surprise. Is Chilton here as well?”

“He was detained just outside our box by Lord Shelby, who wished to discuss something of a political nature. I decided to abandon the pair of them, so here I am.”

Daniel turned to Rebecca, who had come to stand beside him. “I would like to present my sister, Lady Chilton.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Rebecca said. “Thank you so much for coming over.”

“Well, I had been thinking about paying you a social call at your home even though Uncle advised against it, but then I saw you here together with the Landboroughs, and I decided that anyone who disapproves of me talking to my own brother and his wife can go to the devil.”

“Dear me,” Daniel grinned. “Does your husband know about this rebellious streak of yours?”

“He condoned it,” Lady Chilton said with a proud tilt of her chin. “In fact, he’s quite impressed with the effort you’re making to, as he put it, become an upstanding citizen.”

Daniel laughed, and so did Rebecca. The way her ladyship had said it was just too comical. Her expression grew serious and she reached for Rebecca’s hand, clasping it in her own. “I know you’ve been through a lot, and I should like to help in any way that I can. We are sisters now, so if you need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, my lady, I—”

“Please call me Audrey. It is only fitting now that we are family. Don’t you agree?”

“Only if you will call me Rebecca in return.”

“I should be delighted to,” Audrey said as she made to leave. “Feel free to call on me any time. I love company, and yours will be most welcome.”

It was with an immense feeling of gratitude that Rebecca said good-bye to Lady Chilton. Yesterday morning, she’d had no friends at all besides Daniel. She now had two who were willing to be seen with her publically. It was nothing short of encouraging.

“I
’ve been thinking about our conversation last night,” Daniel said after he and Rebecca arrived home and started getting ready for bed, “and I’ve decided that I’m going to sell the phaeton.”

She turned toward him so she could meet his gaze, her own appearing troubled beneath a slight frown. “But you love the phaeton, Daniel.”

“Yes, but taking care of you is my first priority now, so if selling the phaeton is what I must do, then so be it.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to be responsible for you having to give up on the things that you care about. Are you sure I can’t convince you to use my dowry?”

He nodded. “I’ve taken the easy route for so long, relying on those around me for support and shirking my duties. This time I’m going to do it the hard way.” When it came down to it, the phaeton meant nothing compared to Rebecca, and he’d gladly part with it if it meant that he would be able to take care of her.

There had been a time in the not-so-distant past when he’d thought of no one but himself, but this had changed dramatically since she’d come into his life, brightening his days with her cheerful disposition. It was difficult for him to imagine a life without her in it. Just thinking about it filled his heart with dread. He squeezed her hand again and placed another kiss against her cheek. For whatever reason, fate had smiled on him the night of the Kingsborough Ball, and Daniel was not about to risk ruining that. It was time he grew up and made whatever sacrifices necessary to ensure a happy future with his wife.