A Regency Baron's Bride: To Catch a Husband... / The Wicked Baron

‘You do not need to disclose anything further, Miss Wythenshawe—’

‘But I want to!’ she said quickly. ‘I thought it might help you to understand why, why I acted as I did. Why I was so rude to you when we first met.’

‘Very well. If you wish to talk, I will listen.’

She paused, gathering her thoughts.

‘I was very excited by the thought of coming to London. The gown I was wearing the day we met was a new one. It was my only walking dress. At that time I did not know Lady Leaconham, that she would buy me another gown and positively shower me with gifts and clothes. She is so very, very generous. I was nervous, you see: so eager to make a good impression when I arrived in London that I am afraid I quite forgot my manners on the journey.’ She looked up suddenly and said with spirit, ‘You will admit, sir, that you were extremely dirty!’

‘I cannot deny it. I had spent a night on the moors, in the rain.’ He spoke gravely, no hint of a smile, but she perceived the softening of his look.

‘I thought you very ill mannered, and I was afraid that … contact with you would make my gown dusty.’

His lips twitched.

‘I did much more than that, and I am very sorry for it.’

She waved aside his apology.

‘If I had not been so uncivil to you—! I was puffed up with conceit, as if I had been a very fine lady, which I am not.’ She settled into her chair, determined on a full confession. ‘If you will allow me to explain: Mama is the widow of a gentleman, a very good man, but unfortunately a series of ill-judged investments meant that when he died suddenly, poor Mama was left with almost nothing and we were obliged to live with my aunt in Fallridge.’ She held up her head and added, a hint of defiance in her voice, ‘Mama and Aunt Jane earn a living with their sewing.’

‘Very commendable,’ remarked Daniel.

‘Yes, it is,’ agreed Kitty. ‘Mama used all her savings to ensure that I had an excellent education and that I learned all the accomplishments a young lady might require—dancing, singing, playing the pianoforte. I speak French excellently and know a smattering of Italian—’

He put up his hand to stem this recital.

‘I have not been in Town very long, Miss Wythenshawe, but I know that many young ladies get by with far fewer accomplishments.’

‘Yes, but they have dowries,’ replied Kitty drily. ‘It is much easier to find a husband if one has a fortune.’

Daniel settled himself back in his chair.

‘Is that why you came to London, Miss Wythenshawe, to find a husband?’

‘Yes. Mama taught me how to make my curtsy to a duke or to an earl, to hold my fan just so and how to address everyone, from a duchess to a dairymaid.’ She took another sip of her wine. The sweet nutty flavour of the Madeira was very pleasant and she was beginning to feel a warm glow spreading through her. ‘Everything, you see, to make me fit to marry a lord. It has been my dream since I was a very little girl.’

‘I fear you are aiming at the moon, Miss Wythenshawe.’

She put up her chin.

‘Perhaps, but I have been given this opportunity and I must make the most of it.’

‘Of course.’

A little of her certainty drained away. She said pensively, ‘I am Mama’s only hope, you see. I have to marry well, because I need my future husband to make such settlements that Mama and Aunt Jane will be able to live out the rest of their lives in comfort. Mama said it is very important that I act like a lady, because she is very particular about the sort of husband I should have.’ She saw his brows twitch together and added, ‘I know, it sounds quite ridiculous, but you see, Lord Harworth has been so kind to me that Lady Leaconham is encouraged to think an alliance might be possible and she has written to Mama to say so! And he is her nephew, so she cannot think me too unsuitable, can she?’

‘Is that why you went off into the woods with Harworth this afternoon?’

Kitty nodded.

‘Godmama suggested I should be friendly, and it is not at all difficult, for Lord Harworth is most agreeable. He was most kind, explaining all about the park and the woods at Wormley, and the new planting he wants to do there—’ She broke off as Daniel gave a shout of laughter.

‘Are you telling me that he took you along that secluded path and did nothing but talk of landscaping the gardens? What a cod’s head.’

‘Why, yes, he—’ She broke off, her eyes widening. ‘Do you mean he should have flirted with me?’

‘It’s what any man would do with a pretty girl.’

‘Oh …’ She blushed, momentarily diverted. ‘Do—do you really think I’m pretty?’

His eyes rested on her for a moment, a look in them that she could not interpret.

‘As a matter of fact, I do.’

‘Oh,’ she said again. ‘Well, perhaps he did flirt with me, and I didn’t know it.’ She got up and walked to the window, staring out into the yard, which despite the late hour was still bustling with activity beneath the light of a dozen flaming torches.

‘What did he say to you?’ he asked.

She frowned, trying to remember.

‘I really cannot recall, we merely strolled along the path.’

‘And did he walk very close to you?’ asked Daniel.

Kitty did not need to turn her head to know that Daniel was standing behind her; his body was only inches from her own. She could feel his presence, it made her spine tingle. She kept her eyes fixed firmly on the view from the window and forced herself to stand still.

‘I held his arm,’ she said carefully.

‘But did he at any time stop and direct your attention to the view? Like this, perhaps.’

He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders. His touch was warm on her skin and it took all her willpower not to drop her head to one side and rub her cheek against his fingers. She was so tense she felt as brittle as glass. At any moment she might shatter. She had to struggle to answer him.

‘No, he did not.’

‘Then the man is most decidedly a fool,’ murmured Daniel.

The vibration of his warm, deep voice was carried through his hands and into her bones. Her insides became an aching void, the ache spreading quickly into her thighs. Even her breasts felt taut. She knew she should make some flippant comment, slip out from under his hands and put distance between them, but she was no longer in control. She heard herself saying, ‘Oh, and why is that?’

‘Because from here it is the work of a moment to turn you, like this, and then.’

Gently he pulled her round to face him. Kitty turned, like one in a dream, and obedient to the pressure of his fingers beneath her chin she raised her head and found herself gazing up into his face. She watched the amused glint disappear from his dark eyes. They seemed to blaze, burning into her. The aching void was instantly filled with white-hot fire. Daniel swooped down, enveloping her. He crushed her against him, imprisoning her lips beneath his own, his arms binding her close. She was overwhelmed, confused, as if she was flying, drowning and burning all at the same time. Her knees felt weak, she clung to his coat, and all the while her senses were reeling under the onslaught of his kiss. It was as savage and wild as the Yorkshire moors and it drew from her a shuddering response. When Daniel loosened his hold and raised his head she gave a little cry and threw her arms about his neck, pulling him back to kiss her again.

Daniel found himself locked in a fierce, passionate embrace. Being alone in the candlelight with a beguiling young woman was certainly a temptation, and he had given in to it, but he had intended nothing more than a light kiss. However, when he had pulled her into his arms all conscious thought disappeared and a violent, uncontrollable desire ripped through him. That had surprised him, but what had completely thrown him off balance was that when he had tried to apologise for frightening her, Kitty had pulled him back and shown herself eager for his kisses. He found her inexpert but ardent response more arousing than the practised arts of any courtesan. She was so damned alluring. Dangerously so. He summoned every ounce of his will-power to break away. Gripping her arms, he pushed her gently but firmly back into the chair.

‘Did, did I do something wrong?’ She looked up at him, her eyes troubled.

‘No, sweetheart.’ He dropped to his knees in front of her and gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. ‘I am at fault for taking advantage of you.’ His hands slid down and he caught her fingers. ‘I should never have allowed you to sup alone with me.’ Shouts and the clatter of hooves in the yard made him look up at the unshuttered window. ‘I only hope the stable lads were too busy with their work to notice what was going on in here. Thankfully it is brighter in the yard than in this parlour.’ He glanced back at Kitty, his heart turning over when he saw the anxious look on her face. He said bluntly, ‘I am afraid I may have damaged your reputation, Miss Wythenshawe.’

‘Because you kissed me?’

He squeezed her fingers.

‘Just being alone here with me is enough to compromise you.’

She considered this for a moment. He was pleased to see the bemused look had gone and she was more in control of herself.

‘I am sure Lord Leaconham and my godmother will not wish to talk about this evening.’

‘But there is the landlord, and the servants.’

She shrugged.

‘I am not known here, sir, neither are you. Who are they likely to tell?’

‘A few judicious coins in the right hands might secure their silence. Are you willing to trust that no one will find out about our being here together?’

She gave him a little smile.

‘What is the alternative, Mr Blackwood?’

He shrugged.

‘That we marry, I suppose.’

Daniel cursed silently even as the words left his lips. Devil take it, what was he saying? He had surely imbibed more than he had intended tonight! He saw her eyes widen, felt the little hands tremble and a moment later she gently withdrew them from his grasp.

‘Out of the question, sir,’ she said crisply, leaving her chair and walking away from him. ‘Why, we hardly know each other. And I am sure your family has no idea of your marrying a penniless bride.’

Daniel rose to his feet, not knowing if he was more relieved or disappointed at her response. Did she think so little of him that he was not even to be considered as a husband?

‘No, of course not, but neither would they have me compromise a young lady.’

She was standing with her back to him but at this she turned. The lighted candles behind her framed her dark head with a golden halo, but the shadows concealed her expression.

‘Then we must hope word does not get abroad,’ she said quietly. ‘Perhaps you would be good enough to—what is the term?—grease a few palms to ensure it does not. I shall retire now, and in the morning we may behave as if this evening never occurred.’

‘If that is what you want.’

‘It is.’ She added lightly, ‘Have I not told you that I intend to marry a lord?’

She gave him a little curtsy and went out, leaving Daniel staring at the empty space.

Chapter Six

Kitty entered the bedchamber quietly to find Lady Leaconham still sleeping soundly. She undressed quietly and slipped between the sheets, careful not to disturb her godmother.

The noise from the street had died away almost completely but despite this and the lateness of the hour, it was some time before Kitty fell asleep. Her body was still tingling with the excitement of being crushed in Daniel’s arms, her lips still bruised from his kiss. It had been shocking, yes, but she had not been frightened. She had found it fiercely exhilarating. Even now she felt more alive than ever before. She did not want to sleep, she wanted to stay awake and relive that startling, earth-shaking embrace over and over again. The mere thought of it sent an aching excitement shooting through her. She turned on her side and curled up, hugging the feeling to her. She wanted to remember for ever those few short hours spent with Daniel, because they could never be repeated. It was not allowed for respectable young ladies to kiss gentlemen they were not going to marry, and Daniel had no intention of marrying her. He had suggested it, but only because he thought he had compromised her—had he not agreed that his family would not want him to take a penniless bride? And her own family, her mother, Aunt Jane, Godmama—they all expected her to make a very good match. She had been sent to London with the express intention of finding a husband, and she knew that in her mother’s eyes at least, a mill-owner’s son was not an eligible suitor. Kitty sighed and closed her eyes. Images of Daniel Blackwood filled her mind and another delicious tingle ran through her.

Stop this, she told herself fiercely. His actions were not those of a gentleman. No man of honour would have pounced on her in such a savage way. A man of honour, she decided, would have treated her with respect and even if he had been violently in love with her—which Daniel most definitely was not—he would have suppressed his feelings and done nothing more than plant a fervent kiss upon her fingers.

Kitty put her hand to her lips. There had been nothing suppressed about Daniel’s embrace. He was clearly not an honourable gentleman. She had the daunting feeling that no honourable gentleman would ever be so exciting.

Despite the clatter of traffic from the street below their window, Lady Leaconham enjoyed a good night’s sleep, waking refreshed and eager for news of her son. In contrast, Kitty’s spirits were heavy and lethargic but she tried to conceal this as she helped her godmother to dress and then followed her down to the private parlour, where they had been informed that Lord Leaconham was waiting for them.

They found Garston and Daniel seated at the table, which had been laid for breakfast. Although Garston replied breezily to his mother’s anxious enquiries, Kitty thought he looked decidedly pale and drawn. By comparison, Daniel appeared full of vigour and vitality and it was with some trepidation that Kitty took her seat beside him. In the bright light of a summer’s morning the parlour seemed a different world from the cosy, candlelit room she and Daniel has shared, but she was painfully aware of him beside her, his long fingers wrapped around a coffee cup where last night they had been warm on her shoulders. His very presence was like a magnet, tugging at her body. She wanted to lean towards him, to be touching him …

‘Kitty, my love, you are shivering,’ observed Lady Leaconham. ‘Perhaps you should run upstairs and fetch your shawl.’

‘I am quite warm enough, ma’am,’ said Kitty hastily, aware of Daniel’s keen eyes turned towards her. ‘I am a little tired, that is all.’

‘That is no wonder,’ remarked Lady Leaconham, helping herself to a slice of bread and butter. ‘I woke some time before midnight and you were not in your bed.’

Beneath the table Daniel’s knee touched hers and Kitty jumped. Her whole body was a tingling, jangling mass of nerves. She stole a glance at Daniel. He had not looked up but his studied indifference made her wonder if the contact had been accidental. She struggled to concentrate upon her reply to Lady Leaconham.

‘I came downstairs for a little supper, ma’am.’

‘Oh? And what did you eat? After Garston’s experience yesterday I am reluctant to break my fast here, but I cannot think there is any danger in taking a little bread and butter.’ She cast a doubtful glance at her son’s plate, piled with thick slices of ham and cold beef. ‘You certainly seem to have regained your appetite, my love.’

Garston’s mouth was too full to reply but Daniel said coolly, ‘I believe a good breakfast will aid Lord Leaconham’s recovery.’

Garston gave him a rather sheepish look and swallowed hard.

‘Aye, it will indeed,’ he agreed. ‘Just what I need. I shall be well enough to travel back to Town with you today, Mama, never fear.’

‘And I shall ride with you,’ said Daniel. He turned to Kitty. ‘May I pour you a little more coffee, Miss Wythenshawe? And perhaps you would like another bread roll?’

‘Coffee, thank you, but no more to eat.’

‘I hope your … supper did not prevent you from sleeping,’ he remarked as he filled her cup.

Kitty felt the blood rushing to her cheeks.

‘N-no.’ His countenance was impassive but she observed the glint in his dark eyes and added firmly, ‘I slept very well. I know of no reason why I should not do so.’

‘Do you not?’

The blush on Kitty’s cheeks deepened and she could only pray that the others were too intent upon their breakfast to notice her discomfiture. She shot Daniel an angry look.

‘No,’ she said in a tight voice. ‘Nothing worthy of comment at all.’

With a smile, Daniel returned his attention to his breakfast. Was it cruel of him to tease her? Perhaps, but she looked so delightful when she was flustered. The touch of her leg against his had not been deliberate, she was far too respectable for that, but it had taken all his will-power not to react. That brief contact had sent a warm thrill rushing through him, reminding him again of the excitement he had felt when he kissed her. But he must be careful. He picked up his cup. There would be the devil to pay if last night’s little encounter should be discovered. Doubtless he would be expected to marry the chit.

It was a sudden shock to realise that the idea rather appealed to him.

‘Mr Blackwood, you have spilled your coffee!’

Lady Leaconham’s voice recalled his wandering thoughts.

‘I beg your pardon.’ He looked down. The coffee had slopped on to his empty plate. ‘That was very careless of me.’ He shot a quick, apologetic glance at Kitty. ‘Thankfully there is no harm done. This time.’

She met his eyes fleetingly.

‘You must be careful to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’

Her tone was cool but he was certain she was not talking about the spilling of his drink but of that blazing, explosive kiss they had shared last night. They had agreed the matter was best forgotten but after a night’s reflection Daniel found he did not want to forget it. Kitty’s reaction when he had kissed her convinced him that she was not indifferent to him, but could he be wrong? Was it possible that she had put the matter from her mind? He did not think so. He wanted to talk to her but she gave him no opportunity to do so, staying close to her godmother for the remainder of the morning and ignoring him when he tried to hand her into the carriage, turning instead to Leaconham to perform that duty. After that he could only ride beside the carriage, knowing Kitty was only feet away from him.

‘I trust Lord Harworth will not be too put out with you for your absence last night, sir,’ said Lady Leaconham when they arrived at Portman Square and she took her leave of him. Kitty, he noticed, said nothing, merely standing on the doorstep with her eyes downcast.

‘I sent a messenger to him yesterday evening, to explain the situation.’

‘Ah, of course. And I hope you will escort my son to his rooms—’

‘Dash it all, Mama, I ain’t in need of a nursemaid!’ cried Garston, poking his head out of the carriage window. ‘I am perfectly capable of getting myself home. Drive on, Dawkins!’

He dragged his hat from his fair head and waved it towards the coachman. Daniel nodded to Lady Leaconham.

‘You need not worry, ma’am. I’ll see him home safely.’

Then with a nod of his head he turned his horse and rode off. There would be no tête-à-tête with Miss Kitty Wythenshawe today. Perhaps that was for the best, he thought as he rode out of Portman Square, for the very unsettling idea was taking hold of him that where Miss Wythenshawe was concerned, he was standing on the edge of a precipice.

‘Well, there is no doubt about it,’ declared Lady Leaconham, leading the way into the house, ‘Mr Blackwood is much more gentlemanly than I had at first thought. To be sure, he does not smile a great deal or go out of his way to make himself agreeable, but his stopping at the inn to look after Garston, and escorting us home was uncommon kind!’ Her brows drew together. ‘Do you think he has formed a tendre for you, my love?’

‘F-for me?’ said Kitty, forcing a laugh. ‘What an absurd idea! He never speaks to me but to pick a quarrel!’

‘Well, I am relieved to hear it,’ said her godmother. ‘Pleasant Mr Blackwood may be, but he is nothing compared to Lord Harworth. He is in trade and thus not to be considered at this stage. I think we had best concentrate on securing Bertram’s interest in you. Ah, Meakin, there you are.’ She turned to address her maid who was hurrying down the stairs and she continued in a much weaker voice, ‘I need you to help me to my room. What with the anxiety over my son, and being obliged to remain overnight in a common coaching inn, my poor nerves are in shreds.’

She tottered to the stairs and into the arms of her waiting dresser. Realising that her assistance was not required, Kitty made her way to the servants’ hall. She was far too tense to lie down in her room so she decided that she would take Titan for a walk and enjoy a little solitude in which to examine her own reaction to the previous evening.

The memory of Daniel’s kiss kept jumping into her mind, bringing back that weakness in the knees and the feeling of her bones turning to water. She had no experience of being kissed before, and the thought that these sensations occurred every time a young lady allowed herself to be embraced by a gentleman alarmed her. No wonder anxious parents warned their daughters never to be alone with a man. It was also very daunting to think that not only had she allowed Daniel to kiss her, but she had responded in a most unladylike way. Indeed, she could not deny that she had enjoyed the sensation of being in his arms.

For the rest of the day guilt and shame raged within Kitty. She dare not tell anyone of her transgression, but she was determined that nothing like it should ever happen again. She would make sure in future that she was always suitably chaperoned. She would avoid the company of all men and especially, especially Daniel Blackwood!

Lady Leaconham was laid low with her nerves for a few days following the picnic and Kitty was glad of the excuse to remain indoors, even declining an invitation to drive out with Ann Harworth. However, the following week brought no hint that the events at the Rising Sun were known by more than those closely involved and Kitty was encouraged to hope that no one other than she and Daniel knew of their taking supper together.

She had not seen Daniel since that night and was nervous of meeting him again, so when Lady Leaconham informed her that her sister had invited them to the opera she was reluctant to accept.

‘But, my dear, we must go!’ cried Lady Leaconham. ‘It is so near the end of the Season this may well be our last opportunity to visit the theatre. And Lord Harworth has hired a box for us all.’

‘But I thought you were not a lover of opera, Godmama,’ said Kitty, clutching at one last straw.

‘Well, in general I am not, but this is a new working of Dido, and the review in the Herald says that there is to be a procession with an ostrich and an elephant! There, that will be something to see, will it not, my love?’

‘Yes, it will indeed. Do you know who is to be in Lady Harworth’s party, ma’am?’ Kitty asked, trying to keep her voice casual.

‘Well, Ann will be there, naturally.’ Lady Leaconham gave a little chuckle. ‘I have no doubt the two of you will have your heads together as soon as you meet.’

‘And … and will any gentlemen be present?’

Kitty flushed as Lady Leaconham reacted to her question with a knowing smile.

‘My sister does not say but I have no doubt that Lord Harworth will be escorting us. So we must make sure you are looking your best!’

Kitty did not reply. To ask more questions might make her godmother suspicious. She could only hope that Daniel Blackwood was not musical, and would stay away.