What a Wicked Earl Wants (25 page)

With one last deep breath, she walked downstairs, where she encountered Justin.

“You look very pretty tonight, Mama,” he said.

She found it endearing when he offered his arm to her. “Will Sarah be attending the party?”

He smiled. “Yes, she will. Sarah promised to play backgammon with me if there is a board there.”

Laura remembered the day she and Bellingham had played. He’d flustered her with the accidental brush of his fingers when he handed her the dice. It seemed like an age since that day. Justin had been so difficult during that period. Now, looking at her son’s smile, she couldn’t help but think he was a very handsome young man. Phillip would have been very proud of him.

When Justin opened the door, Laura’s lips parted. Lady Atherton sat on the sofa with a glass of sherry, and Bellingham stood at the sideboard with a glass of brandy.

Laura’s breath caught as she met his blue gaze. “I didn’t know you had returned to London.”

A slow smile spread across his face, and then he regarded her with that slanted grin of his. “You are stunning,” he said.

Lady Atherton regarded Laura with a crafty expression. “He insisted upon the escort, and I could not persuade him otherwise. You know he is quite determined when he wishes to have his way.”

Laura suspected Lady Atherton’s hand in this arrangement, but she kept that to herself.

“I think Justin and I shall be the most envied men this evening, as we will be escorting the two most beautiful women to the party,” Bellingham said.

“Ha!” Lady Atherton said. “I am old and wrinkled, you scamp.”

“You are elegant and wise,” Laura said. “And few ladies of your years have maintained their youthful figure as you have done.”

“Lady Atherton, I have heard that you were the most sought after belle in your youth,” Bellingham said.

“Well, I admit I was popular with the gentlemen. I never lacked for a dance partner, but I only had eyes for Alfred.”

Laura noted the faraway look in her friend’s eyes. In spite of the difficulties, she had married the man she loved.

Laura’s confidence waned as soon as they entered the large drawing room set up with card tables. She kept a serene smile on her face. After surveying the room, Laura did not see Lady Rentworth. That meant nothing, however, since a late arrival was considered de rigueur among the ton. Her nerves jangled as she imagined that woman glancing at her while making accusations. Laura worried that somehow the gossip would make its way back home and cause problems for her family.

“Oh, there is my friend Mrs. Berrington,” Lady Atherton said. “I must consult with her about her dear Oscar.”

“Is her husband ill?” Laura said.

“Oh, no, it’s her pug. He’s off his food. Mrs. Berrington is beside herself. She dotes on Oscar, even though he has a nasty tendency to chew the legs on her furniture.”

Laura and Bellingham exchanged amused glances.

“May I get you a sherry or a cup of punch?” Bellingham asked.

“Sherry, I think. Lady Atherton has persuaded me that a thimble of sherry in the afternoon is an excellent restorative.”

He led her to the sideboard and poured her a sherry and two fingers of brandy for himself. Laura looked about the room again. She would be jumpy all evening, wondering when Lady Rentworth would appear.

“Lady Rentworth sent late regrets,” he said.

Laura looked at him. “How did you know?”

He smiled a little. “I have friends and considerable influence.”

“What specifically do you mean?” she said under her breath.

“My allies informed Rentworth that his wife was engaged in an adulterous liaison with a younger man. He knew about it, but he only cared when others expressed concern that he was being cuckolded.”

“I don’t know whether to be frightened or impressed,” she said.

“Don’t feel sorry for her. She’s smeared other ladies in the past. I’ve heard she will soon be languishing in Scotland. She deserves her banishment.”

“Why would she set out to wound others?”

He shrugged. “Misery loves company, I suppose.”

“It’s little wonder that George’s bad character is fixed.”

The card party progressed well, mostly because the Duchess of Wycoff forbade Colin and Angeline to compete in any games together. Angeline did make a nuisance of herself by peering over Colin’s shoulder to see his cards.

Laura played whist for a while, but she found it difficult to concentrate. She was a bit weary and her back ached a bit. She must have bent over too much while embroidering this afternoon. She was probably about to start her monthly cycle.

She found a comfortable spot on a sofa and felt a bit better.

“May I join you?” Bellingham asked.

She nodded. “Your journey went well?”

“Yes, I went to Devonshire to meet with the land steward. He instituted a new drainage system, and I wished to inspect it.” He smiled at her. “Did you miss me?”

She met his gaze. “Did you miss
me
?”

“Yes.” He leaned down. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

Despite her fatigue, she was tempted, but she had to resist. Going to his bed would only make matters harder on her. “I think I had better not.” She yawned. “Oh, dear, I’m undone.”

“You are very tired. I hope you are not ill.”

“No, I’ll be fine after a night’s rest,” she said.

“Allow me to take you home. I’ll ask Colin to escort Lady Atherton and your son in his carriage.”

“You will miss the entertainment.”

“I insist,” he said.

She was too weary to resist any longer.

Laura rearranged her shawl for more warmth in the carriage. Bell followed her inside and knocked his cane on the roof.

“It’s chilly,” he said. “You must be cold.”

“A little,” she said.

“I’m shameless and beyond redemption,” he said. “Pretend to be outraged as you crawl onto my lap.”

“What?” she said.

He picked her up and sat her on his lap.

“Bellingham.”

“Andrew,” he said, wrapping his greatcoat around them. “Think of this as a survival measure. We’re sharing our warmth.”

“You are ridiculous. I am pretending that one of your marauding ancestors kidnapped me. Help, help.”

“I captured the castle, and you are my reward. By the by, that was a very weak cry for help.”

“You got a bad bargain with this wench.”

He laughed. “No, but I fear you did.”

She placed her hand on his chest.
What are you afraid of, Andrew?
She would not voice the words. He was a man, and men almost never admitted their flaws and fears. They were supposedly the stronger sex, but only in brawn. Women discussed their flaws and fears, because by confronting them, they could understand them.

He tightened his hold on her as the carriage rolled along. “I wish you would stay with me tonight, but I know you’re tired.”

Even if she weren’t tired, she wouldn’t go back to his bed again, because it would only make things harder for her. She had to adjust her mind now to the fact that he meant to leave her. He had made the decision, and she had to accept it.

“You seem preoccupied,” he said. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” She couldn’t tell him and that made her sad. He would never know that she loved him, and it hurt to know that she was only a temporary lover. But she’d known all along that he would never offer marriage and happily-ever-after.

“You are so quiet and seem dispirited.”

“It’s nothing but a little fatigue. I will be myself tomorrow.” But she would never be the same, because of him. Little by little, he’d captured pieces of her heart. It hurt because she loved him, and she could never tell him, would never put that burden on him.

She had no doubt that he cared about her and Justin, but they would never see him again when the season ended. He wasn’t a cruel man; he was simply a man who would never commit beyond a season. When he pressed her head to his shoulder, she gave in to the fatigue and closed her eyes.

Disoriented, she lifted her head and realized she was alone in the carriage. She wrapped her shawl around her and moved over on the seat when the door opened.

“Bell,” she said, still groggy from sleep.

He climbed inside, sat beside her, and knocked his cane on the roof.

The carriage jerked and rolled into motion.

“What is happening?” she said.

He took her hands. “Montclief gained entrance to your town house. He ransacked Justin’s room and yours. Thank God neither of you were there.”

“You think he was looking for valuables?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry, Laura. Reed said he took a box of your jewels.”

“I don’t care. All I want is to ensure Justin’s safety.”

“Montclief is obviously desperate, but Reed reported he is very angry that Justin wasn’t there. I don’t want you alone in the town house tonight. We’re going back to the Duke of Wycoff’s house. I’ll send Justin with Harry and Colin to Thornhill Park in Devonshire, tonight if possible. Then I’m taking you and Lady Atherton to my town house for your protection. I instructed Reed to have the maids pack trunks for you and your son. We’ll leave at dawn.”

“I feel hunted,” she said.

“We’ll be safe on the roads and most especially at Thornhill Park. As long as Justin is on my property, Montclief cannot touch him.”

Laura sat in the Duke of Wycoff’s study with Lady Atherton and the gentlemen as they made plans.

“I’m sending outriders with you for extra security,” the duke said to Bell. “You are too important of a statesman for us to take any chances, and we must be vigilant for the ladies.”

Bell looked at his friends. “Harry and Colin have the letter from me to show the butler. Our journey at dawn will be slower with the addition of the trunks. With good roads and hopefully decent weather, we can make the journey in three days. Is there anything I’ve forgotten?” he asked.

“I’ll have to bring Brutus,” Harry said.

Lady Atherton squinted at him. “Who, might I ask, is Brutus?”

“My collie,” Harry said. “Can’t leave him all alone.”

“The dog stays outside,” Bell said. Then he turned to Laura. “Is there anything you wish to say?”

“Thank you,” she said.

Bell turned to Justin and said something to him.

Laura rose from the chair, feeling wearier than she could ever remember. Even though she had confidence in all of the plans, her spirits were depressed. Then her son wrapped his arms around her and her heart welled. “I love you,” she whispered.

“It will be an adventure, Mama,” he said. “All will turn out well. Bellingham will see to that.”

Bell climbed the stairs. As he passed by one of the guest chambers, he heard snoring. Then he eased the next door open to check on Laura. He’d been concerned about her, because she’d seemed unusually fatigued. She lay curled on her side with her hands beneath her cheek.

He stood there for a moment, tempted to cross to the bed and kiss her forehead, but he didn’t want to chance waking her. She needed to rest as much as possible for their dawn departure. He pulled the door closed and continued on to his room.

Bell reared up in bed with a gasp. His heart pounded and cold beads of sweat trickled along his temples. He shoved his hands through his damp hair. The terror still gripped him. He remained still, waiting for his harsh breathing to slow.

“Fuck.” He hated the loss of control, the sheer stupidity of the fear when he knew it wasn’t real.

He pushed the covers aside and stood. His skin prickled from the cold. He walked over to the ewer and poured cold water into the basin. Then he splashed cold water over his face, shivered, and fumbled for the towel. Bell walked over to the glowing coals, moved the screen, and raked them. He lit a candle and checked the clock. It was three in the morning. He held his cold hands out, seeking warmth from the fire.

Bell was loath to get into bed again, but the nightmare had left him depleted. He crawled back into bed and stared at the canopy. The nightmares had started four years ago, after he’d left England. He never knew when they would come back, but they always did.

He knew it was because Laura and Justin had come too close to harm tonight. If they had not been at that card party, Montclief would have taken Justin. God only knew what the man might have done to Laura.

Bell would not rest easy until they were well away from London and out of Montclief’s reach.

S
he wanted her sewing basket.

“I must have some occupation or I shall grow mad,” Laura said.

Bell stood on the pavement with Laura and Lady Atherton. The servants were riding in a separate carriage with the trunks piled on the roof. “Everything is ready, Laura,” he said. “We have a long journey, and I don’t wish to delay.”

“Please, I need something to keep me busy.”

“Surely it won’t take more than a quarter of an hour, probably less at this ungodly hour,” Lady Atherton said.

He sighed. “Very well.” Bell strode over to the other driver with instructions to meet them outside the square where Laura lived. Then he returned to the ladies and helped them negotiate the carriage steps.

Bell sat with his back to the horses and knocked his cane on the roof. The carriage rolled off. The outriders would meet them at the Swan’s Inn twelve miles outside of London, where they would change horses. Bell had a pistol hidden in a secret compartment beneath the seat in the event they met up with brigands.

When the carriage rolled to a stop, Bell turned to Laura. “I remember seeing the sewing basket near the sofa. I’ll fetch it.”

“No, I can—”

“Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He climbed out of the carriage and strode up the walk. He didn’t know the extent of the damage from Montclief’s thievery last night, but he didn’t want her to see it. He’d thought of having Montclief brought up on charges for thievery, but Montclief might counter by charging Bell and Laura with kidnapping. The last thing he wanted was for Laura’s name to be smeared in the papers.

He met Reed in the foyer. “I hope Montclief won’t return. Bar the door to him. I recommend you hire a couple of brawny footmen for protection and have one of them posted in the foyer in the event Montclief comes back.” He pulled a card out of his coat pocket. “Here is my address at Thornhill Park. You may reach me there.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“I’m going upstairs to fetch Lady Chesfield’s sewing basket.”

The front door opened. Laura walked into the foyer.

Bell fisted his hands on his hips. “I asked you to remain in the carriage.”

“I wanted to tell Reed good-bye, and while I’m at it, I will retrieve my workbox and sewing basket.”

“What is the difference?” he asked.

“The sewing instruments are in the workbox. The fabrics and notions are in the sewing basket.”

“Stay here, I’ll get them.”

“For heaven’s sake, you don’t even know what you’re looking for. She marched off, but he was close on her heels. When they reached the landing, he opened the drawing room door, and she proceeded inside. He strode ahead of her, knelt on one knee by the basket, and accidentally knocked it over. “Sorry,” he said.

Oh, God, she didn’t want him to see the handkerchief. “Let me.”

“I’ve got it.” He piled yarn and fabric swatches inside. She saw the handkerchief and her heart knocked against her chest. When he picked it up, she winced.

He looked at the embroidery. She turned her head away and covered her heated cheeks. Oh, why had she not tucked it safely away? She’d never wanted him to know how she felt about him. He would not welcome her feelings for him. She couldn’t look at him.

“You made this for me?” he said.

“Forgive me for the presumption.” She was mortified.

“Thank you. I haven’t received a gift in a long time.”

His words pierced her heart. She turned to face him, her embarrassment fading.

He scowled. “Don’t look so stricken. I’m a very rich man and can afford whatever I wish to buy.”

“I know.” He was proud and didn’t want anyone’s pity. “You have done so much for Justin and me. So I…I wanted to give you a gift.” Her voice trembled. Now she felt so foolish, because he would know that wasn’t the reason.

He tucked the handkerchief inside an inner coat pocket, grabbed the workbox, and escorted her down the stairs. She’d been embarrassed, and he’d gotten a bit gruff after admitting he hadn’t received a gift in a long time. Now he wondered if she’d developed tender feelings for him. If it were any other woman, he’d distance himself immediately, but Laura would not expect marriage.

She carried the basket and seemed determined not to look at him. When they reached the marble floor, he stopped, kissed her hand, and looked into her eyes. “Thank you.”
I don’t mind if you’ve developed a bit of a tendre for me.

She looked up at him from beneath her long lashes. “You’re welcome.”

When they reached the foyer, she addressed Reed. “Thank you for your excellent service above and beyond your normal duties. You were loyal and helpful in even the most trying of circumstances. I will send word when matters are settled.”

“Very good, my lady,” Reed said. “It has been a pleasure to serve you. I will look forward to your return.”

Bell led her down the pavement. Her face was still flushed, so he decided to divert her. “Now you will have some occupation during the journey.”

“My mother says that the devil finds work for idle hands.”

“That is ridiculous,” he said.

“What will you do on the long journey?”

“I will nap. The devil will be delighted to find that for the length of the journey, I will have idle hands.”

She smiled a little. “You are bad.”

He’d managed to smooth things over. “I have no choice but to behave since we have Lady Atherton as a chaperone.”

“You presume I would allow you liberties?” she said with raised brows.

“No, but I would be very tempted to tempt you.”

“Put temptation out of your head. We’re almost to the carriage.”

He helped her climb inside. Then he followed with the intention of sitting on the bench with his back to the horses. But Lady Atherton wrapped a voluminous shawl around her and reclined on the seat with a pillow under her head.

Bell frowned at her. “Your back will be to the horses.”

“No, it will be on the leather seat. It’s early, and I need my beauty rest.”

Bell sat beside Laura and wondered if Lady Atherton had purposely arranged for the two of them to sit together. When the carriage rolled off, she closed her eyes. A few minutes later, her lips parted, and she snored softly.

Laura set the infant gown on her lap and threaded a needle. “She is elderly and probably did not sleep well last night in a strange bed.”

“She is having no trouble sleeping on the bench.”

“Well, I’m glad she’s comfortable,” Laura said.

“We will stop at the Swan’s Inn to change the horses,” he said. “The distance is twelve miles.”

“Oh, we can take tea,” she said.

“We will wait for the next change. It’s only twelve miles.”

“Speak softly. We don’t want to awaken her.” Laura poked the needle into the fabric. “Lady Atherton may wish to freshen up.”

“Freshen up what?” he asked.

Laura gave him an exasperated look. “I meant use the facilities…after we have tea.”

“I think it would be better to wait. The next change is a better inn.”

“I did not suggest we tour every inn on the king’s road. I meant we might have some refreshment to sustain us for the long journey.”

“A quick cup of tea,” he said. “We will stop for luncheon at the Boar’s Inn. The food is plain but edible. They have excellent ale.”

“You chose to stop there because of the ale?”

“Yes, I always stop there when I travel.” He bumped her shoulder. “We won’t starve.”

“I know.” She pulled the needle through the cloth. “Will you stay at Thornhill Park for the summer or return to London?”

“I plan to invite Harry and Colin to travel with me to the Continent.”

“Oh, where will you go?”

“Paris, and wherever else the wind blows us,” he said.

“How long will you travel?” she asked.

“Only for the summer. And you?” he asked.

“I will return home as soon as things are settled,” she said.

“I’ll see you next spring in London,” he said.

She kept her attention on her embroidery. “I won’t be there.”

His chest tightened a little, but he told himself that this was bound to happen. When the season ended, they would both resume their old lives. He thought about asking if she would agree to a correspondence, but the question he’d asked himself before popped into his head.
To what end?

When the carriage rolled into the inn yard, Laura was anxious to visit the facilities. Perhaps it was that second cup of tea she’d drunk this morning.

Bell was speaking to a man about the horses. “We will meet you inside,” she said.

He frowned. “Wait. I’ll be just a moment.”

Laura took Lady Atherton’s arm. “I can’t wait.”

“Oh, dear, I hope you haven’t been uncomfortable too long.”

“I am now,” she said, hurrying her step. Once inside, she applied to the innkeeper’s wife, who showed her to the facility. She relieved herself and splashed her hands in the water in the basin. When she returned to the entrance, Bell was pacing about. Lady Atherton raised her brows in answer.

He strode over to her. “I asked you to wait.”

Her face heated. “Obviously I couldn’t.”

“Oh.” He looked a bit abashed and led them into the dining parlor. There were all manner of people inside. They were by far the wealthiest customers. Naturally, the innkeeper was solicitous and focused all of his attention on “his lordship.”

A busty woman wearing a stained apron appeared at the table and regarded Bell as if he were a joint of beef she’d like to gnaw. Laura sniffed and lifted her chin. Bell requested tea for her and Lady Atherton. “I’d like a tankard of your good ale,” he said.

The tavern wench hurried off, and Laura yawned.

“Tired already?” Bell asked.

“Probably from the motion of the carriage,” Lady Atherton said. “Always puts me right to sleep.”

“Are you comfortable enough?” Laura asked.

“Oh, yes, but perhaps you would like to lie down on the bench.”

She shook her head. “I will be fine.”

“You were exhausted last evening,” Lady Atherton said. “I hope you are not unwell.”

“I think it is all the vexation over the last few days,” she said, “but I feel better knowing that my son will be safe.”

“We will stop for the night at the Bear and Bull Inn. It is clean and the beds are not too uncomfortable. There is the noise from the yard, but hopefully you will be able to sleep,” Bell said.

“That reminds me,” Lady Atherton said. “You had better take a second room for me. One of the unfortunate effects of old age is snoring.”

“Very well, three rooms it is,” Bell said. “The servants can share.”

The tavern wench set a tankard in front of Bell and managed to display even more of her large bosom for his inspection. After she left, Laura glared at him.

He sipped the ale. “What is the matter?”

“You ogled that tavern woman’s bosom,” she said.

“She practically stuck them in my face.”

Lady Atherton snorted.

A few minutes later, the tavern wench reappeared with the tea. She put her hamlike hand on her hip and regarded Bell. “Anything else I can do for you, your lordship?”

“I wish to settle up quickly. We must be off soon.”

“Well, that’s a shame,” she said. “We don’t often get gents as handsome as you.”

After she left, Laura narrowed her eyes.

Bell shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t blame me.”

Laura sighed and poured tea for herself and Lady Atherton. “Well, it’s not the best tea, but I’m grateful for it.”

When she poured a second cup, Bell frowned.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Don’t drink too much,” he said. “I’d like to just do a quick change of horses at the next inn.”

Lady Atherton set her cup aside. “Bellingham, I realize you are a bachelor and unaccustomed to traveling long distances with ladies, but may I remind you to act in a gentlemanly manner?”

His ears grew hot. “I beg your pardon.”

“It makes little difference what time we arrive at the Bear and Bull Inn,” Lady Atherton said.

He thought it would make a big difference if they arrived only to find there were no rooms available, but he kept that to himself. He looked over his shoulder and lifted his hand in a signal for the ticket.

“Please excuse me,” Laura said, rising.

He stood and frowned, wondering if it was normal for a female to visit the facilities so often. Perhaps all of his complaining had made her anxious that he wouldn’t stop often enough. He cleared his throat. “I will check on the horses. Please take as much time as you need.”

He had not traveled with females since boyhood and did not realize that women had to empty their bladders more often. He had deduced their bladders were small, because they frequently had to “freshen up.” They might avoid the problem by drinking fewer cups of tea, but he was smart enough not to make that suggestion again.

He thought about his old traveling days with his male companions. No inns were necessary for their large bladders, which truly made no sense at all to him. If a human needed privacy to void their bladders, the bladders ought to be larger in order to accommodate their lack of external organs. Naturally, he did not share such thoughts with his female companions, who would think him coarse and unmannerly. They did not know that all males were coarse and unmannerly when ladies weren’t about.

When they returned to the carriage after yet another stop, Bell thought they would be lucky to reach Thornhill Park by Christmas. But when he climbed inside, he saw the fatigue in Laura’s eyes and felt like a devil for being so impatient with the ladies. “You look thoroughly exhausted.”

“I will be fine,” she said.

Lady Atherton sat up. “I insist you lie down, Laura.”

“No, I’ll curl up on the seat.”

He set her sewing basket and workbox in the compartment beneath the seat to make more room. Then he knocked his cane on the roof.

When the carriage rolled off, he beckoned her. “Take off your bonnet and lay your head on my shoulder.”

She curled up next to him, and he put his arm around her.

“I’m so tired,” she said. Then she closed her eyes and slept.