His Perfect Lady Page 16

Knowing the reason for Linwood’s shortfall existed within these pages made him press on. The only possible reason for the deficit he found was the low amount of rent they collected from the tenants. However, that alone could not account for everything. Making a mental note to check the tenants’ records later, Jonathan pushed back in his chair.

  After pouring himself a much-needed brandy, he swirled the liquid in his glass, watching as it coated the interior. He wanted the mind—numbing burn, craved it even, but he couldn’t bring himself to imbibe it. Although he didn’t want to, he needed to think.

  The ball last night had been very illuminating for him. Catherine had made it clear she had no intention of reconsidering her decision to marry Dudgery. Her request for his help with her cousin showed she still trusted him, but their relationship would not go further than that.

  He also realized how many silly young girls were seeking a husband. In all his experiences with women, he’d never spent much time around innocent ladies. Although he knew they would eventually grow up, the question remained if he were willing to wait that long. For the sake of his brothers, he would have to learn to live with one of them until she became bearable.

  A knock at the door brought Aunt Mildred in to plague him. He knew he was in a bad state, because he actually welcomed her interruption.

  “What can I help you with this fine morning?” Jonathan greeted as she sat in the chair across from him.

  “Did you enjoy the ball last night?” Her question sounded innocuous, but her eyes were too intense.

  “No more than I expected,” Jonathan diplomatically responded.

  “And the ladies? Were they not to your liking?”

  Jonathan sighed. “I don’t understand your line of questioning, as I made it clear I would not wed a lady of your choosing. In addition, I can’t imagine one night of introductions would bring me to my knees in a proposal.”

  She nodded slowly, as if the realization hadn’t dawned on her until this moment. “Well, I’d like to thank you for taking this matter seriously. Your attentiveness toward the young ladies didn’t escape my notice.”

  “I live to please you.” Jonathan placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head in an exaggerated manner.

  Her face turned bright red. “Now I know you have no desire to accept any of my choices, but I invited a dear friend over for tea. She has a young daughter she’d like you to meet. Would you mind joining us?”

  “I have already said—”

  She held up her hand. “I know. However, as this request is not from me, I’m not offering my approval or disapproval of her. You may decide that without my interference.”

  Looking at his aunt in exasperation, he shook his head. He couldn’t fault her as she attempted to appease him. In addition, no harm could arise from a simple meeting with the lady.

  “I can’t see any trouble in indulging you for now.”

  Her eyes glistened as she smiled. “You’ve finally grown into a man your father would be proud of.”

  His fingers tightened on the arms of his chair as he clenched his teeth. Nothing he did had ever made his father proud. As a child, he’d strived for such acknowledgment from the man, to no avail. Now that his father lay in the ground, Jonathan couldn’t be sure he wanted his deference any longer.

  However, the thought couldn’t leave him alone. Would his father truly be proud, or was his aunt manipulating him? An hour later, he still couldn’t come up with an answer.

  As he sat in the drawing room, he decided no amount of his father’s pride was worth listening to his aunt and Lady Wegan gossip. Glancing at the other occupant, Miss Glace appeared to share his sentiment. One way to escape the room existed, and he would be able to save the lady from this inane conversation in the process.

  “Miss Glace, would you care for a tour of the manor?” Jonathan offered.

  Her gaze slid to her mother, who nodded. Then her face lit with pleasure as she looked at him. “I would be delighted.”

  He took her arm and led her toward the portrait gallery. Although not one of his favorite places, most people found the past viscounts and their families to be quite impressive. All he ever saw was his father’s disapproval.

  “This is a beautiful room,” Miss Glace gushed as she spun around in a little circle as if wanting to take it all in. “My family only recently began commissioning portraits. I do wish they’d chosen to do so sooner.”

  “I’m glad you enjoy it. Linwood has always made a point to obtain likenesses of all the family, even if they passed before doing so.”

  Her wide eyes fixed on him. “How is that possible?”

  He laughed. “The painters were quite skilled and moved their brushed on the canvas based solely on descriptions.”

  “Amazing.”

  As she continued to slowly move through the room, Jonathan trailed behind her, taking the opportunity to study her. Her height almost matched his, and hairpins obediently held her black hair into place. Her nose stretched too long and her lips too thin, but she still held an appeal. He imagined he could find much worse.

  “Does your family reside solely in the country, or do you spend time in London as well?”

  “I’ve never been to London.” Disappointment laced her words. “It’s been a longstanding wish of mine to live there.”

  Jonathan nodded solemnly. He wasn’t surprised her wants didn’t match his own. Apparently finding a bride would come with some compromise. “London does have its appeal.”

  When he escorted her back to the drawing room, she stopped him outside of the door.

  “I have enjoyed myself today.” She placed her free hand upon his arm and leaned toward him. “Will I be able to see you again?”

  Catherine rode as fast as Daisy could manage, allowing the wind to blow her hair and whisk her troubles behind her. Lord Dudgery had not come yesterday, and she refused to remain at home in the event he chose to arrive today. He needed to learn she wouldn’t sit at home anxiously waiting for him.

  Uncle Toban wouldn’t approve, but after his conversation with the earl at the ball, he spent little time around her, or at home for that matter. She didn’t care, as he was the other party bartering with her life.

  Overwhelmed with the need to disappear or lose herself, she trespassed on Jonathan’s property as she rode to the maze. Not many knew the secret to reaching the center, but Jonathan had taught her years ago. When no one could find him, she always knew to look for him there. He had always enjoyed the place and the privacy earned there.

  After tying Daisy at the entrance, she navigated the paths, wishing she had brought a book along. Although the cool breeze and overcast sky proved she might not have a chance to stay long, she intended to remain as long as the weather allowed.

  Turning the last corner, she stopped abruptly. Jonathan was there with two young boys she could only assume were his brothers. Without making a sound, she spun on her heel, hoping to escape unnoticed.

  “Who are you?” one of the boys asked.

  Her heart stopped. She could not escape seeing Jonathan now. Slowly she continued the circle until she faced them again. Jonathan’s shocked gaze and two pairs of curious eyes met hers.

  “Catherine?” Jonathan’s voice sounded incredulous, as if he didn’t truly believe she stood there.

  Honestly, she could hardly believe she found herself in his presence either.

  “Well, you gave me permission to trespass whenever I like,” she reminded him.

  His face broke out into a smile, and he reached his arm out to her. “Come. Join us. This is Darin and Lawrence.”

  “Nice to meet you.” She curtsied.

  “I like her,” Lawrence admitted. “She’s pretty.”

  “Is this the girl you told us about?” Darin asked.

  Jonathan cleared his throat as his eyes shot to Darin. “No. This is Mrs. Gates, our neighbor.”

  Jealousy heated her face. What other woman? She clenched her teeth tightly to keep the question from flowing out.
He just arrived in the country, and he already met someone who reduced Catherine’s status to “the neighbor.” Part of her wanted to remind him he loved her, but she couldn’t.

  “Mrs. Gates, do you want to see the fish?” Lawrence pointed to the large fountain in the direct center of the labyrinth. “Stanwick and Jonathan put them here a long time ago.”

  “I’d love to.” She moved past Jonathan to stand beside the young boy. The fish he indicated were small and colorful. “They are beautiful.”

  “You can’t catch them, though.” Lawrence touched his finger to the top of the water, making the fish scatter. “They don’t like that.”

  She laughed, enjoying the innocence of the child. One day he would grow up to be a man and become just as frustrating as all the others of his gender. She turned as Jonathan came up beside her. Darin remained where he was, eyeing her with curiosity.

  “What brings you out here?” Jonathan inquired. “Have you made a decision since our last discussion?”

  Forcing her shoulders back, she met his gaze. His face displayed nothing but mild interest, and as she couldn’t see his eyes, she had no way of knowing what he wanted to hear. Immediately thoughts of the other woman invaded her mind and firmed her resolve.

  “I have.” If Lord Dudgery intended to use her as a bargaining chip, she owed him nothing.

  Jonathan’s eyes sparkled with the intensity she hoped for. “And?”

  “And we can speak at another time.” She smiled at both his brothers. “I’m sure they don’t wish to hear our boring discussion.”

  “You’re right.” Jonathan turned to Darin. “Do you remember the way out?”

  “I do!” Lawrence answered.

  “Maybe, but I’m not taking the chance that I’m wrong.”

  Jonathan nodded before addressing her. “Will you wait for me to return?”

  “But I know the way,” Lawrence pressed.

  “I’m sure you do, but I can’t chance that you’ll get mixed-up.”

  “I won’t. I promise.” Lawrence jumped up and down in excitement. “I can do it. Trust me.”

  Darin crossed his arms over his chest as he glared down at his younger brother. “I’m not going out there so you can get us lost.”

  “You won’t get lost. I dropped my marbles along the path.” He pointed down the path where a yellow marble sat.

  Darin grinned. “I’ll race you home!”

  Both boys hurried away, yelling and arguing as they went.

  Jonathan shook his head with an indulgent smile.

  What it would be like to have close siblings? she wondered. Most of her life she’d been alone.

  “So, now the audience is gone. What is your answer?”

  Questioning whether she made the right decision, she crossed the path to put some distance between them. Jonathan’s presence overwhelmed her, and she needed him to understand she didn’t give in due to her desire for him.

  “Putting everything aside, Kenneth is in danger and needs help. How could I possibly refuse doing my part for him?”

  Jonathan’s face remained unreadable as he slowly took a step forward. “So you are sacrificing yourself to me?”

  “Yes,” she replied, hoping her admission would discourage him. After all, he wasn’t the kind of man who took advantage of women. “Otherwise I wouldn’t agree to this.”

  One eyebrow lifted as he continued toward her. The slow motion seemed deliberate, as if he hoped to fill her with anticipation. His ploy worked. Her breath increased and her body tensed as she waited. He stopped and leaned down until his face was directly before hers.

  “Is that your way of trying to deter me?” His breath washed over her face. “You can’t stand there looking at me like that and convince me you don’t want me.”

  Her heart raced as she looked at his mouth. So close. He was right. She wanted him. Much more than she should. Her body smoldered and demanded she close the distance between them, but she couldn’t move. Impatience gripped her and brought pain to her muscles as she held herself back.

  When his eyes dropped to her mouth, his lips parted. She rejoiced. Soon he would satisfy the unbearable ache within her.

  A cold droplet of water landed on her face, dragging her from her passionate thoughts. As more rain fell on them, Jonathan laughed, a strained sound. What was the rain’s obsession with interrupting them?

  He grabbed her hand and led her out of the labyrinth. The sky opened up and pelted them with its wrath as they traversed the maze. When they reached Daisy, Jonathan untied her and lifted Catherine onto the saddle before settling himself behind her. Had the rain not assaulted them, she would have found Jonathan clinging to the back of the mare behind her sidesaddle amusing.

  Arriving at Linwood’s stables, they dismounted and handed Daisy off to the stable boy. Then Jonathan took her around the back of the stable, not toward the house. Confused, she wanted to question him, but she didn’t want to yell through the banging of the water on the earth.

  Jonathan suddenly stopped and tugged her into his embrace. His warmth overwhelmed her, heating her all the way to her bones as his lips crushed hers. Wrapping herself around him, she met him eagerly. As it had months ago in Hyde Park, the rain intensified her reaction.

  Her hand trailed down to his trousers. She boldly stroked over the length of him as her other arm secured him to her. Desire pooled between her legs, and she had an overwhelming need to experience making love in the rain. Fumbling at the flap of his trousers, she rejoiced to feel a button give way. Her goal came within reach.

  Abruptly, Jonathan wrenched back. His eyes darkened to almost black as he stared at her. His chest moved as rapidly as hers, making her wonder why he withdrew from her. Without a word, he led her along back up the drive to the manor house.

  Once inside, their clothing dripped, leaving a trail to the drawing room. Jonathan barked out orders for towels before settling her in front of the fireplace. As his deft hands tossed in logs and brought the fire to life, she could not shake her body’s need for him.

  “Much better.” He turned and grinned at her, but the slight smile quickly faded from his face. “You must not look at me like that.”

  She knew he was right, but she couldn’t school her expression. Her desire remained too close to the surface. Although she knew she would receive no satisfaction from him today, she would take pleasure from every moment with him.

  “What in the name of Heaven is going on here?” an older woman demanded.

  Catherine jumped back and stared at the woman as the heat of embarrassment enveloped her. At that moment, the housekeeper rushed in with their towels. After she wrapped the warm towel around Catherine’s shoulders, she did the same for Jonathan.

  “As you can see, Mrs. Gates and I took a turn about the garden in the rain, then decided to water the drawing room floor,” Jonathan answered, receiving a glare from the woman.

  “So, you brought a Berwick into our house.” She made a clicking sound with her tongue. “I imagine your father has rolled over in his grave.”

  “Haven’t you heard? I ended the feud. The new baron and I had a touching heart—to—heart conversation in London. Now we welcome them as our own family.”

  The woman sniffed in disapproval, but Jonathan continued.

  “Aunt Mildred, this is Mrs. Gates. Mrs. Gates, this is Lady Holmes.”

  “I suggest you ready the carriage and send her home at once,” Lady Holmes advised, before leaving the room.

  Much to Catherine’s surprise, that is exactly what Jonathan did.

  Jonathan swallowed the last gulp in his tankard, trying not to wince when Rawson ordered them another. So far his efforts to subtly get the information from Catherine’s cousin had failed.

  Thoughts of Catherine flooded his mind. He’d never forget her dejected face when he put her in the carriage. Taking a long drink of his ale, he attempted to wash the image from his mind.

  “So, how is your cousin’s courtship with Dudgery coming?” Jona
than didn’t disguise the disapproval in his voice.

  Rawson stiffened. “Very well.”

  “When should I expect the delightful news to be announced? I have been expecting to see it before now.”

  “This is why you asked me here? I can’t begin to speak for someone else.”

  Taking in his defensive tone, Jonathan dropped the subject. “I didn’t ask you to join me to speak about Mrs. Gates, but she is the reason behind the request.”

  Rawson crossed his arms. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s worried about you and wanted me to speak to you. I don’t know if you are experiencing any difficulties or not, but regardless, I’d like to offer my friendship, and my help if you require it.”

  With an unblinking stare, Rawson studied him without a word. Not wanting to influence the man’s decision, Jonathan remained quiet, returning the man’s gaze. After a while Rawson’s shoulders sagged, and he rubbed his forehead.

  “I accept your friendship, but you can’t help me.”

  Jonathan shrugged. “Perhaps not, but you never know. Am I right in assuming this is in relation to the fake shipping company?”

  Rawson’s eyes darted around the room. “Keep your voice down.”

  “Would you prefer to talk in a more private location?”

  “There really isn’t much to discuss. I already told you what I know when we spoke in London.”

  “Then why would Mrs. Gates be concerned with it now?”

  Sweat speckled Rawson’s brow. Catherine had been right.

  “My father has agreed to invest. I don’t know how, but Dudgery secured his agreement. That only leaves . . .”

  Not needing Rawson to complete his sentence, Jonathan finished for him. “. . . me.”

  “I don’t know why or what will happen. All I know is that it will not be good for either of us if you don’t invest.”

  Chapter 13