“Arguing. Exchanging words in a heated manner. Verbal altercations. I’m assuming you would not enter into any physical altercations.”
“I’ve no intention of getting within ten feet of her,” Nathan said, meaning every word.
“Probably for the best. She’s unmarried, you know.”
He stilled. No, he hadn’t known. Not that it mattered. He shrugged. “Can’t say as I’m surprised. I pity the poor bastard who finds himself leg-shackled to that puffed-up bit of talkative goods.”
An image rose in his mind of silky dark hair and laughing blue eyes, and a plush, delicious mouth. In spite of being fully aware that she was testing out her newly minted feminine wiles on him, he’d found himself charmed by her combination of innocence, flirtatiousness, and nervousness in his presence, and had been unable to resist stealing a kiss. He’d meant it to be nothing more than a teasing way to end her nervous chatter, but it flared into an inferno, stunning him. Virginal Society misses barely free from the schoolroom had never been to his taste, and he hadn’t counted on his reaction to that kiss. Or her reaction. Both had taken him by surprise, and he wasn’t a man who liked surprises.
But those few stolen moments were in the past, and as he’d learned, memories and regrets were best buried in the deepest crevasse one could find. Over the past three years he’d convinced himself that Lady Victoria had matured into nothing more than a peer’s typical empty-headed daughter, able to converse about nothing save fashion and the weather. A nose-in-the-air hothouse flower reeking with self-importance and affected manners. A woman who pouted and sulked to get her way-indeed, he’d firmly categorized her as the exact sort of woman he could not abide.
And now he would be forced to endure her company. To protect her. But from what? Whom? And for how long? According to Lord Wexhall’s encoded letter, he’d secreted information in Lady Victoria’s luggage-information that would answer those questions and that could help him solve the mystery of the missing jewels that had plagued him and his conscience for the past three years. Recover the jewels. And regain everything he’d lost.
“Even if he believes her in danger, it’s odd Wexhall would send his daughter all the way to Cornwall,” Colin said. “I think he’s likely trying to get her away from some unwanted suitor. Probably hopes to marry the chit off, in which case it seems he’s chosen you as the victim, er, lucky man.”
Nathan simply stared. “Impossible. He would want her to marry the heir, not a second son.” Especially one whose reputation was tarnished. He wondered how much Lady Victoria knew about his past-how much her father might have told her, or if he’d been the subject of gossip in London. “And I cannot imagine Lady Victoria wanting anything less for herself.” Nathan’s brows rose and he shot his brother a speculative look. “Yes, indeed, perhaps he is hoping to rid himself of the chit. In which case, you would certainly be the intended victim, er, lucky man.”
“Yet his wishes are for you to look after her. And I’ve no intention of allowing you to fob her off on me.”
“Given your status as the heir and mine as the poor, second son who is paid for his doctoring services in farm beasts, I’m certain I won’t need to fob her off at all. I suspect she’ll run directly in your direction.”
“How fortunate that I am fleet of foot.”
“And how fortunate that I have neither the title nor estates that would lure an heiress, or even make marriage necessary, as I’ve no need to produce an heir. I’m afraid all the family marriage hopes fall on you, Lord Sutton.”
“You would need to marry if the title was yours.”
“But it’s not, thank goodness.”
“Yet it would be if I failed to produce an heir.”
“Only if you died, and you appear to be in excellent health. And if that should change, luckily I am a superior physician and I shall see to it that you live to a ripe old age. And marry. And produce many children.” Nathan smiled. “All while I remain a carefree bachelor.”
“Do you recall how I used to toss you in the lake, little brother?”
“I do. It’s how I learned to swim.” He gave Colin a pointed head-to-toe look. “You’ll note I’m not so little anymore. You’d have one hell of a time throwing me in that lake now.”
“Perhaps.” Colin nodded toward the pen. “Are you nearly finished?”
“Another hour or so should do it.” He looked at Colin’s pristine white shirt, brocade waistcoat, Devonshire brown jacket, buff breeches, and polished boots. “I don’t suppose you’d care to lend a hand?”
“I don’t suppose I would. I’m off to Penzance to meet a lady. A lovely lady, who, unlike your Lady Victoria, would never be described as a supercilious child.”
“She is not my Lady Victoria.”
Colin merely laughed. “I’ll be home in time to join everyone for dinner this evening.” Then, with a wave, he entered the stables, leaving Nathan to stare at his back, with an odd lump tightening his throat.
God, he’d missed his brother. Hadn’t allowed himself to think about how much, but seeing Colin again brought it all roaring back. Those hints of the camaraderie they’d once shared made his chest ache with loss, but also gave him a ray of hope that this visit might, if nothing else, mend the rift with his family.
With a sigh, Nathan picked up another nail, set it in place, then hit it sharply with his hammer. The vibration radiated up his arm, and he repeated the action, while he speculated what the upcoming weeks might bring.
When he’d left the Crown’s employ under a dark cloud of suspicion and his reputation in tatters three years earlier, he’d vowed that nothing would entice him back into the fold-except the opportunity to clear his name. Yet when he made that vow, he hadn’t suspected that the opportunity would ever arise. He’d buried the past, built a new life in a new place, and existed in peace-a marked difference to the life he’d left behind. Yet now that the opportunity had arisen to possibly recover the jewels and restore his reputation, his feelings were more than a little ambivalent. Someone had once told him to be careful what he wished for as his wish might come true. He hadn’t truly grasped the meaning until now. To add to this sudden wrinkle in his peaceful existence was the fact that he’d have to see Lady Victoria again.
Well, his interaction with her would be minimal. Indeed, he had the entire scenario planned. He’d secure the information she carried with her, then, as soon as possible, send her back to London. He’d hopefully clear his name, then return to his peaceful cottage in Little Longstone and resume his calm existence. Yes, it was indeed an excellent plan.
Three
Today’s Modern Woman should at first exhibit an aloof manner toward the gentleman she wishes to ensnare. Men enjoy the hunt, the challenge of winning a lady’s favor. If he is interested, wild horses will not stop him from pursuing you. However, once he is firmly ensnared, it is no longer necessary or desirable to remain quite so aloof.
A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of
Personal Happiness and Intimate Fulfillment
by Charles Brightmore
After finally finishing the animal pen, Nathan introduced his menagerie to their new, temporary home. He bestowed encouraging pats to Reginald’s solid girth, and was rewarded with snuffling oinks. Petunia gently butted his thigh, and he fed her a handful of her favorite flower. “Do not, under any circumstances, tell the gardener,” Nathan warned, running his palm over the goat’s pale brown coat. After making sure his friends were comfortable, Nathan shrugged into his shirt, then walked across the lawns toward Creston Manor. His arms and shoulders ached with fatigue, but it was a sensation he relished, as it kept his mind from wandering to areas he wished to avoid.