A Lot Like a Lady (21 page)

****

Once alone, Grey let out a string of profanity. A fire gnawed at his gut but it had nothing at all to do with Lucien’s antics.

“Magpie.” Grey’s knees weakened. Her face had gone to ash and her eyes had clouded over. He’d hurt her with his words. Curse Lucien and his propensity for spouting whatever foolishness crossed his mind out his blasted mouth.

He fumbled with the button on his shirt, finally getting the ruddy thing through the hole. He scraped his hand through his hair and pulled in a long shaky breath before attacking the next button.

He needed to talk to her… explain himself.

But how?

Irritation sparked. Truth be told, he wasn’t the one who had the explaining to do. It was not he pretending to be someone else. And even if he did love her—

His hands stilled, fingers still wrapped around the button.

Love her?

He staggered and threw an arm against the armoire to steady himself. How in blazes could he love her? He didn’t even know who she was. For all he knew she could be part of some scheme concocted by Regina and Dawes to fleece him out of funds.

No!
He thrust the thought away. Jon would have warned him if the chit was up to no good. Except he’d awakened to Higgins informing him the letter he’d sent off to Lord Seabrook had been returned unopened, Jon apparently having departed from Haselmere.

That left Stowe’s investigation. Grey’s gut twisted. He’d deliberately kept mention of his stepsister out of his last maddening conversation with the man. But if Regina and Annabella had become involved with Dawes’ schemes, Stowe would find out.

And he’d find out Magpie’s true identity.

Grey stopped breathing. Had he been too hasty setting Stowe in the direction of Wyndham Green?

Why had Jon not brought Annabella to London so Grey could confront the girl about her deceit? Or more importantly, why hadn’t Jon at least mentioned the identity of the imposter?

Do I really want to know who she is?

He shook his head. He needed to focus on the matters at hand. Lucien… his finances… speak with Magpie.

At the soft knock on the door, Grey jerked his head up. “Yes?”

Higgins stepped into the room, keeping his hand on the knob. “Mr. Harper is here for your meeting, your grace.”

“Thank you, Higgins. Please tell him I will be down momentarily. See to it that my uncle is informed I expect him to be waiting outside my study as soon as I finish my meeting.” Grey paused, an idea forming in his mind. “And would you please send someone to the stables and have Clyde saddle Satan and Adair.”

The butler bowed. “Of course, your grace.” He backed from the room, closing the door as he went.

Having a plan steadied him. At least he could finish dressing without shaking so badly the buttons went awry. Shrugging into his coat, Grey yanked the door open. He made it to the top of the steps and hesitated. It would be a simple matter to send a message requesting Magpie join him in his study.

He spun on his heel and strode back along the hall. Three sharp raps later and he stood waiting outside his guest suite.

Lady Charity swung the door open, blinked in surprise, and then favored him with a heated glare. He took a hasty step back.

No, this was his house, and he’d about had enough of feeling like he was an intruder in his own home. Grey cleared his throat. “Have your niece meet me in my office in half an hour.” With that, he turned and headed toward the stairs.

“I’m sorry, your grace. I don—”

He jerked his head around. “I am not
asking,
Lady Charity. I will come and fetch her myself if necessary.” After one step he paused again and looked over his shoulder. “Tell her—” He expelled a slow, calming breath. “Ask her, please, if she will attire herself in something suitable for riding a horse.”

Charity’s glare disappeared as she sighed and brought her hand to her chest. “O-of course, your grace.”

The matter settled, Grey gave her a curt nod and continued down the stairs. “Of all days,” he muttered under his breath.

He would dispense with his business matters and figure out what to do about Lucien. He sighed. Then he’d spend the rest of the day with his magpie.

My magpie.
He smiled. Oh yes. She would be his. But first he would ask — not demand, but ask — her to tell him who she truly was.

But do I really want to know? Does it matter?

Well, yes… it does matter… and yet…

Pushing the questions away, he hurried into his office. Harper sat on the edge of the chair beside the desk. As soon as Grey entered, he stood.

Grey walked straight to the cabinet behind his desk and retrieved the two problematic ledger books. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Harper.” He opened his master ledger and ran a finger along the margin. “I’ve noted here where the accounts appear to go astray from one another.”

“Hmm…” Harper leaned over the book and nodded. “Yes, yes… there appears to be a pattern of short receipts… er, short-noting the funds received. But it’s by a subtle amount… hmm.”

The slow clopping of a horse just beyond the window behind him drew Grey’s attention. A breeze fluttered the golden brown braided cord that held back the damask draperies, reminding him of Magpie’s golden hair. Would she wear it loose?

“Yes, yes. See here?” Harper pointed at one of the columns. “You have expenditures here that appear to be duplicate entries, but they don’t repeat in the master account ledger.”

The numbers swam together until they resembled nothing more than Percy’s scratches on his polished floor. Could it be that simple? Accounting errors with duplicate entries? He should have seen that.

But he’d been distracted.

By a guest from Wyndham Green. Grey pinched the bridge of his nose. Had that been the intent all along? The laughter of a young child filtered through the window.

No. Magpie wasn’t a part of the foul mess with his books. He’d find out who she was. And when he did, he’d have his explanation for her pretense. But it would have nothing to do with Dawes. The child laughed again, the sound tugging at his heart.

Enough!

He’d remain distracted until he spoke to Magpie. “Mr. Harper, I apologize, but I have to cut our meeting short. I have a pressing matter I must attend to.” Grey closed the books and slid them in front of his accountant. “I would very much appreciate it if you would continue to go over my ledgers, and pay particular attention to expenditures involving Mr. Dawes.”

“Of course, your grace. Whatever you need.”

Grey drew a deep breath, knowing his next request would be viewed as extreme. “And Mr. Harper, for the time being, all requests for additional funds by Mr. Dawes — or by the Duchess of Wyndham are to come to me first.”

Harper’s birdlike eyes widened but he nodded. “Yes, your grace.”

“Thank you. Now if you will excuse me…”

“Certainly, your grace. I’ll perform the audit straight away.” With the ledgers tucked under his arm, Harper stepped to the door and opened it.

Magpie stood on the other side, her hand raised to knock.

“I-I’m sorry to interrupt. I—”

“No need to apologize, m’lady. I was just leaving.” The steward bowed and continued out the door.

The emerald green wool of her riding habit was tailored to a perfect fit. It was well made but simple, perhaps a bit old fashioned, and the fabric not as fine as he was accustomed to seeing. The white cravat tucked into the dark green velvet collar covered her neck to the base of her chin. Her hair was pulled up, most of it hidden by the black straight-side hat.

Oh my… She’s stunning… a lady.

His father had owned a green coat in a similar shade as her habit. Unwanted, a pang brushed Grey’s heart, but it left quickly. The dress pulled tight just beneath her bosom and the modest jacket covered the gathers.

She stood unmoving in the doorway. Unable to find words, or even draw more than quick short breaths, Grey crossed his arms over his chest. She lowered her gaze to the floor and stood quietly… waiting.

He tightened his arms across his chest, willing the ache in his heart to abate. They needed to talk. He needed answers.

And he’d get them… but in proper time.

“Magpie, are you up to some excitement?” He held his breath.

Slowly, she lifted her face and he eased out his breath. Her eyes had lost much of the wariness he’d seen earlier. She drew her lower lip into her mouth and nodded twice.

“I have a special surprise for you, if you’d like to see it.”

“A surprise?” The rest of her tension drained, replaced by that special light of merriment he enjoyed so much. “Oh, yes!”

He closed the distance between them barely aware of his steps, and offered her his arm, smiling down at her. “Well then, shall we?”

She gave him her dimple-cheeked smile and bounced her head up and down enthusiastically as she draped her arm through his and stepped into the foyer with him.

Grey pulled the door shut just as Lucien lumbered to the bottom of the main staircase.

“Nephew, I—”

“We will speak when I return, Lucien.” Grey waved him off. It was horribly rude to ask his uncle to his study and then leave without seeing him. Oddly, Grey didn’t care. The footman pulled open the front door and Grey sailed through with Magpie on his arm.

****

The sky overhead showed itself in rare blue splendor, the mists of the morning having been chased away by the brilliant midday sun. It would provide the perfect background for the perfect outing. When Lady Charity had instructed Juliet to put on her riding habit and see the duke in his study, she’d worried that the aunt had misunderstood. He must have meant her to put on her traveling clothes. There had been no mistaking that hard look he’d sent her, nor his words that he wasn’t in love with her.

But Charity had insisted she’d understood his grace quite well and urged Juliet to hurry. With knocking knees, Juliet had slipped into her riding habit, the only thing of her own she’d brought with her to London. Her mother had made it for her as a gift the Christmas before last, perhaps in the hope she would wear ladies’ clothing just once when she rode the horses.

And when she presented herself to Grey’s study, his gaze had slid over her body with a hunger she’d come to recognize. Everywhere his eyes lingered had tingled with the need for his warm touch.

Easy with it, girl. He’s asked you on an outing, nothing more. He’s likely embarrassed that you were witness to his uncle’s indiscretion and maybe he wants to make it up to you for Lucien’s outburst.
So she would enjoy the day and treasure the memory for the rest of her life.

His stride was long, and Juliet hurried her step to keep up. “Are we truly going to the stables? Will we go for a ride?”

He sent her a long intense stare. Finally, his lips curled gently. “That had been my plan, Magpie… unless of course you prefer not to.”

Joy burst through her and she squealed, clutching his arm tighter. Lady Rossington, just exiting the sleek town coach bearing her family crest, gave them a tight, thin-lipped nod and heat rushed to Juliet’s face. Yet again she’d managed to draw unwelcome attention to him.

But instead of tensing, Grey merely tipped his hat as they passed. Then he smiled at Juliet. “Would you like to do that again? I am not quite certain they heard you on Piccadilly Street, Magpie.”

“I’m sorry, your gra—”

“Grey.”

His insistent tone brought her head up sharply. He gave her an even stare. So he was going to be that way again.

She heaved an exasperated sigh. “Very well.
Grey
. I’ve been longing to see Satin again.”

He rolled his eyes. “Satan. The horse’s name is
Satan
.” Then he shrugged. “And you had but to ask and I would have gladly let you visit.”

Her heart gave a little jolt. “You would?”

“I hardly think I would have risked getting my shins bruised by refusing you,” he said with a smile.

Secretly thrilled by their private joke, she laughed and tightened her grip on his arm. “Had I known that, I would have insisted on visiting him every day.”

He laid his hand over hers and gave it a pat. Love surged, overflowed. She’d never felt such intense emotion.
If I remember nothing else, I want to remember this feeling forever
.

Might he one day return her feelings? She sighed as they strolled past Lowndes Square.

And if he did? Then what?
The light breeze seemed to whisper the question through the trees in the square.

Grey tapped her hand and pointed to a pair of sparrows fluttering in and out of the hedgerows. “Oh…” she breathed. She waited for the pang of missing her home to squeeze her heart. Instead, happiness bubbled up. Surely he’d remembered her love of birds. Why else would he make certain she saw them?

The occupants of the square were busy and yet somehow lazy at the same time. Two young women in plain dresses shared a bench. Nurses perhaps, as several children scurried about the square.

The laughter of children caught her ear and she scanned the grounds until she found the source. Two youngsters, boys of perhaps six or seven, chased one another in and out of the hedges much like the sparrows.

Grey chuckled softly. “Will and I used to chase each other like that, playing in the fields at Wyndham Green. I was two years his elder, and often put in charge of looking after him… keeping him out of trouble.”

Juliet gazed at him sidelong. “And were you able to do that?”

He seemed surprised by the question, meeting and holding her eyes but not speaking right away. “No,” he whispered. “I suppose I was hardly ever successful.”

****

He waited for the bite of pain her question would stir. Nothing happened. The younger boy in the square tripped and the older boy instantly crouched at his side, touching him on the arm. That could easily have been him and Will.

“Grey?” Her soft voice brought him spinning back to his surroundings. She angled a glance at him. “You seemed to be very far away. Is everything well with you?”

Nothing was well with him. Nothing except her. Magpie was the right in his life full of wrong. Without her… but he didn’t have to be without her.

He smiled. “Everything is quite well, Magpie.”

They approached the livery and rounded the corner, then walked the length of the stables. He hadn’t told her anything that he’d planned to say as yet, hadn’t found the opening to talk with her. When they reached the back of the livery, Clyde and another groom waited outside with the horses.

Magpie gasped. “Oh, my! Grey…” She tilted her face up to look at him. Tears shone in her eyes. A smile lit her whole face. To his surprise, she reached up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. The feather-light touch set his blood on fire as it pulsed through his veins.

I hope to always be the reason for your happiness, Magpie.

“I take it you approve?” Grey barely managed to choke the words out over the emotion lodged in his throat.

“He looks magnificent… and so
happy
,” she whispered in a broken voice that tore at his heart.

He had to do something, had to move or he’d gather her up and carry her off to some private place. He cleared his throat. “And in need of exercising. Would you care to go for a ride through Hyde Park, m’lady?” He executed a bow, gesturing toward the horses.

“Do I get to ride Satin?” she asked, mischief shining in her eyes.

“Do not push my limits.” He tapped her on the nose. “I do believe you will find Adair to your liking. Shall we?”

Her head bobbed up and down and she all but dragged him to the horses. Grey helped her into the saddle, letting his fingers linger on her waist. Then he hoisted himself onto Satan’s back and they left the stable yard at a sedate walk.

Some of her honey-gold ringlets slipped from beneath her hat and the light breeze toyed with them. Grey swallowed hard. Perhaps it was just as well they were in public… though a part of him most definitely did not agree with that conclusion. She carried herself completely relaxed, yet she sat with her back straight and her head high, looking every bit the part of a noblewoman… a lady.

A lady, however, who appeared to possess the inclination to ensure he took note of everything she saw. This wasn’t the excited girl at the museum, though. She kept her voice modulated, perhaps so as not to spook the horses. He sometimes found himself straining to hear the soft words she whispered to her mount.

Adair twitched his ears in her direction.

“You do have a way with a horse,” Grey said before he could stop himself. It was ridiculous… being jealous of a horse. “I do believe I may be jealous of the conversation you seem to be holding over there.”

Magpie’s face dimpled into a smile. “Why, since he’s going to the trouble of carrying me, I decided I should introduce myself.”

The tiny prick of jealousy sharpened, no longer seeming so ridiculous. Of course, she’d introduce herself to the horse, but not to him. He sighed and forced his shoulders to relax. He wouldn’t mar the day with his misgivings.

“Indeed, I do not believe I have ever seen Adair so interested in the things his rider has to say,” he said, forcing a smile.

Fingers of golden sunshine caressed the red brick of Apsley House as they rode past and through the gates of Hyde Park. The house had developed a troubled history, and he’d heard an idle rumor of yet another possible sale. The city was changing.

Magpie sighed. “It’s quite warm today, isn’t it?”

“It will be cool along this way.” Grey led them to a tree-lined bridle path. The green canopy met overhead and blocked the direct sunlight, providing immediate relief from the early afternoon heat.

With a frown, Grey pushed his troublesome considerations from his mind. He usually paid little mind to the streets along which he traveled, preferring only that he get to his intended destination in a timely manner and in one piece. Today, though, he began to see the streets of his home through the eyes of… wonder.

Odd how he’d never noticed the greenery of the park and how like an oasis it seemed compared to the overbearing stone and brick structures lining London’s streets.

Even the silence that sometimes fell between them was comfortable. Grey occasionally nodded a greeting to someone he knew or teased Magpie, but for the most part, he contented himself with watching the beauty beside him as she so obviously enjoyed her ride. She was a countrywoman — far more suited to Wyndham Green than to the streets of London. With her at his side, he could face the gaping void created by his father’s death and spend time in the country again.

Grey lost himself in daydreams of Magpie and Wyndham Green, and the trail through Hyde Park became the country lane in Haselmere. They would ride every day if she desired it. Anything she wanted would be hers for the asking… so long as they spent their days together.

“Grey?”

His own name washed over him like a soothing balm and he smiled at how easily it came to her lips now.

“Your grace!”

Her sharp exclamation jerked him from his reverie. “Yes, Magpie… er, is something amiss?”

Sunlight splashed over her, gilding her face with an orange glow. She stared at him with her head tilted, a gentle smile curving her lips. “I believe this is where we must turn?”

He dragged his gaze from her face and checked the trail, surprised to find they’d made the circuit. “Oh… yes, I suppose it is.”

They passed a gentleman on a fine gleaming chestnut colt and Grey nodded a cordial greeting. Other people acknowledged him on the return trip and he nodded, aware he should know who some of them were but unable to put names to their faces. He’d not yet spoken to Magpie and now he realized he needed to take her back home, ask to see her in the privacy of his office. He’d show her the message from Jon and let her know he was aware she wasn’t his stepsister… and tell her he didn’t care.

“This has been the most wonderful day,” said Magpie with a long sigh as they turned the horses and entered the mews leading to the stable yard.

Grey dismounted and handed the reins to Clyde. He turned to Magpie and smiled. What a lovely sight she made sitting so gracefully on Adair. She answered his smile with one of her own and slid from the saddle into his waiting arms. Again, he allowed his fingers to linger on her waist, tightening his grip just slightly before he released her.

She rested her hands on his arms and her gaze connected with his, sparking warmth in the vicinity of his heart. “Thank you so much for this.”

“Thank me with a kiss.” He held his breath, didn’t dare move, silently cursing himself for asking her to kiss him and praying she would.

After what seemed an eternity, she lifted her face and touched her lips to his. Tentatively at first, then her arms slid around his neck, pulling him closer. Warmth filled him but he fought to control the need that twined through his blood. He needed her to set the pace, though his body screamed for him to jerk her into his arms and devour her. When her tongue darted out and touched his, he lost his resolve and deepened the kiss, pulling her up tight against his body. Desire sprung to life, its demand so strong he lost the ability to think, could only feel… the physical things her softness did to his body… the burgeoning emotion that threatened to explode his heart.

He twined his fingers through her soft curls and poured himself into the embrace. The moment burned into his heart, his soul. He wanted to hold onto these feelings for the rest of his life. Content, settled… a whole man.