Never Trust a Scoundrel (7 page)

She was caught in the awareness of him, in the memory of his chest on hers and his lips giving her such pleasure.

“Have a good ride, miss,” Will called, darting outside toward the house.

Daniel's mouth quirked.

Grace lifted her chin, trying to look composed, but she couldn't think of a thing to say.

“Will is your only servant?”

She frowned at him. “Yes.”

And then he came toward her, stalking her just like last night. There was still a post between them, and she stayed on her side of it.

“You're not very talkative this morning,” she said quickly.

“Talking isn't part of our challenge.”

“Women like talking,” she said. “I don't think you're very good at seduction. I think you're used to women falling into your lap.”

His laughter was low and intimate, and it was difficult not to join him.

He reached for her, keeping to his side of the post, and she eluded him.

“Or money,” she said. “You throw money at them.”

“Money makes things easier sometimes. Is that what you want from me, Grace?”

She had no money of her own that she could touch. If there wasn't a deadline to their challenge, and it played out long enough, she'd have been desperate for her own money to survive.

But she wasn't there yet. She still planned to win the violin.

She turned, saw the mounting block perfectly positioned, and used it to vault into the sidesaddle. She went racing out the back into the alley behind the courtyard, passing Daniel's tethered horse. By the time he caught her, there would be witnesses that he was pursuing her. Again.

He caught up to her in the park, and to her satisfaction, she saw several riders make note of their entrance. This made two mornings in a row they had been seen together. It was true, at first people might assume he pursued her as a possible mis
tress, since it was his pattern. But she would make certain that everyone soon knew differently.

“You are quite the skilled rider, unlike yesterday,” Daniel said dryly, tipping his hat as they rode past another couple.

She gave him a smug grin.

“How old are you?” he asked.

She frowned, wondering where he was leading her with such a question. “I am twenty-three.”

“So certainly not in the first blush of youth.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Why have you not married?”

“I have not had a proper Season, unlike most young ladies. The village had a limited selection of young men.”

“But I'm certain you must have had some of them courting you.”

“Sometimes.” This was cutting too close to her foolish mistakes. “None of them were appealing. So how old are you?”

“That's a change of subject,” he said.

“Not really. Just reciprocating.”

“Very well, I am twenty-nine.”

“Ah, ancient for a bachelor. Shouldn't you be married by now? Or have your mistresses taken up too much of your time?”

He frowned, as if he were giving her question serious consideration. She didn't think he would answer something so personal, and sure enough, he said, “Do you want to race?”

She stared at him, the challenge filling her. He was an unusual man. Even the thought of besting
him made her pulse race and gave an added spark to her day. She knew it was making her forget about other things, and right now, she was glad for that.

She was still so very aware of him, wondering what he was thinking, what he planned next—and the thought gave her a secret thrill—but she was also contemplating her own strategy.

Having Daniel seen gallantly rescuing her and dancing with her at a ball, might eventually make him seem like he had become a marriageable man in Society, but it would not make him a better man. And that's what she'd told Edward she meant to do. She had to succeed, or Edward would ask too many questions about how she'd really won the violin.

So it was time to think about trying a different tactic. She would have to call upon Miss Parker, the famed spinster and head of charitable organizations.

“Daniel, you're not changing the rules of the challenge, are you?”

“No, why would you think a race would do that?”

“Maybe you're becoming desperate. You have not convinced me to be your mistress. You'll have to do better than what you've tried.”

“Oh believe me, I have several more ideas to pursue.”

She shivered with anticipation.

R
eturning from a call on Beverly, Grace let herself in the front door. She heard the unmistakable sound of several voices from down the corridor, none of which sounded like Edward.

How many strangers could invade a town house in just a few days? she wondered with exasperation.

“Hello?” she called.

At once, a man dressed formally in black livery came into the entrance hall.

“You must be Miss Banbury,” the man said. “I am Woodley, the new butler.”

Had Edward won so very much last night? she thought in surprise. “I didn't know you'd been hired, Woodley,” she answered honestly.

“Our registry office was contasted this morning, miss, by your brother's assistant.”

An assistant?

“We have already been paid for the first month, Miss Banbury, and we certainly appreciate such thoughtfulness.”

“We?” She swallowed heavily. How could Edward have afforded to hire more than one servant?

“There's myself and my wife, who is a fine cook and housekeeper, miss. This is a cozy home—we're all you need. And there's a fine bedroom for us right behind the kitchen.” He bobbed his bald head. “We appreciate not having to climb the stairs.”

She couldn't help but smile at his friendliness. “I'm glad you approve.”

“Tell me you're hungry, miss, because my wife can have a roast turkey ready soon. Will Mr. Banbury be dining this evening?”

Already her mouth was watering. “No, I'm afraid my brother and I both have plans. But I look forward to tasting your wife's cooking soon.”

She felt a momentary pang, wondering what Edward was doing, but she had long ago told herself she could not constantly worry about him.

The day became even better when her lady's maid arrived soon after from the country, along with several small trunks of Grace's wardrobe. Woodley and Will left the trunks in Grace's room, and the two women were finally alone.

Grace hugged her maid and stepped back to look at her with delight. A redhead, Ruby Grover was short and plump and mischievous.

“Miss Grace, ye took off so fast from home I feared someone was sick,” Ruby said, playing up her disappointment. “And ye didn't even let me enjoy the fun.”

“It wasn't fun at first, believe me,” Grace said, as the two of them began to open the trunks and remove gowns to be ironed. “So tell me, did Mr. Throckmorten send his own steward to our manor? I hope he didn't try to change too much.”

“Mr. Who?” Ruby said, puzzled. “No one came to visit us, Miss Grace. And who would have the nerve to change somethin'?”

Grace straightened in surprise, a pair of linen drawers dangling from her hands. “Nothing has happened at home?”

“Well, your mother be gone on a trip, but ye knew that before ye left.”

“Then…you don't know why my mother left?”

“No, miss.” Ruby wrinkled her upturned nose. “Is somethin' wrong?”

Grace took her hand. “My mother lost the deeds to both our homes in a card game, Ruby. I came here to see if my brother and I could somehow…fix things.”

The maid blew out a sigh. “'Tis sad news, Miss Grace, and I'm so sorry to hear it for yer sake.”

“And I'm sorry for
your
sake, and for all the good people who work—worked—for us. I don't know what's going to happen, but at least the new owner hasn't tried to change things immediately.”

“So this Mr. Throckmorten is the new owner.”

“Yes.” Grace smiled without humor. “He was really only after the violin. His family is musical.”

“Your papa's violin is gone, too? Oh, miss!”

Grace squeezed the maid's outstretched hand. “Don't worry about me, Ruby. I have a plan.”

“Of course ye do,” Ruby said. “So what is it?”

No one was going to know the true challenge but herself and Daniel. “I'm going to win back the violin by making Mr. Throckmorten into a better man.”

Ruby frowned. “And ye say he really
wanted
the violin? That doesn't make sense, Miss Grace, if ye don't mind my sayin'.”

“Did I mention he is quite the rake, Ruby?”

“No, ye didn't, but that explains why ye feel you can change him. Then ye're goin' to turn him over to some other young lady, and he'll be so grateful, he'll give ye back the violin?”

“And then I'll sell it and rent a town house.”

“Sell yer papa's—” She broke off. “Ye have another plan, Miss Grace, ye got to, because I can't see this one workin'.”

“We'll see.” Grace went back to unfolding garments. She might as well start her own private wager for how long she could keep Ruby in the dark.

She was just beginning to plan what she'd wear to Beverly's house for dinner when she heard the pounding of boots up the stairs. She flung open her door, and then fell back as her brother strode in and closed it behind him.

“I thought you couldn't access your dowry,” Edward said, hands on his hips.

She blinked at him. “I can't. What made you think otherwise?”

“Then how did you hire two new servants?”

After gaping at him, she managed, “I thought you hired them.”

They stared at each other for a moment, and then he ran a hand through his hair. “Damn, it must be a mistake.”

“I don't believe so. They said they were hired by your assistant.”

“I don't have an assistant!”

“But—then who?”

“Mother? Out of guilt?” he said hesitantly.

She shook her head.

He sank down on the edge of the bed. “Could your plan for Throckmorten have worked already?”

“I don't understand.”

“You're trying to redeem him, aren't you?”

She hesitated, knowing that that was only for the public's eye—and to quiet Edward's suspicions. “You think Daniel—”

“Calling him by his first name already?”

She saw his jaw clench, knew he was grinding his teeth together, his longtime method for trying to hold on to his temper.

“I misspoke. But you can't believe that Mr. Throckmorten is behind this.” But was he? Did he think that by giving her an easier life, she would be more inclined to favor him? To lose control when he touched her?

“First he allows us to live here, and then he hires servants. He's taking care of us as well as pitying us.”

She winced. “It isn't like that, Edward. I…assume he doesn't wish the place to be in poor condition if he takes it over.”

“You mean
when.
”

“No, I don't. I'm going to beat him at this game. You have to have faith in me.”

“Then I'll have to,” he said bitterly, “because I have no more faith in myself.”

“Oh, Edward—”

“I want to refuse this pitying gesture of his, but I can't consign you to cleaning this entire house yourself. And it's
his
house.”

She didn't know what to say that wouldn't make things worse. How many more blows could Edward take before he was overwhelmed?

Part of her wanted to refuse Daniel's “gift,” because it made her feel even more like a kept woman. But perhaps he wasn't doing it for that reason. Deep down inside, could he have a conscience? Did he feel guilty for his part in their family's demise?

And could she use this unexpected side of him to her advantage?

 

Daniel approached Edward Banbury while he was eating dinner at their club, and the younger man noticeably stiffened and put down his spoon.

Daniel sat down across from him. “I have some things I want to discuss with you.”

“I don't see what we have to discuss,” Banbury said coldly. “You saw that I couldn't afford ser
vants to make life easier for my sister, so you decided to provide them.”

Daniel hadn't thought his part in it would stay hidden long, but a couple of hours wasn't much. “I'm not doing this to help you.” He hadn't thought that his actions might be another blow to Banbury's already wounded pride. But what else could Daniel have done? He hadn't wanted to become so involved, but Grace was alone too much in a house that was being watched. Did Banbury even know?

“Helping Grace is even worse,” Banbury said. “Unless you plan to marry her.”

Daniel couldn't help but smile. “I'm not marrying her, and she certainly wouldn't want to marry me.”

Banbury slammed a hand down on the table.

This had gone far enough, Daniel realized. “Someone is watching your house.”

Banbury's defensiveness fled. “What? Why?”

“I don't know. Your groom spotted him first, and I saw him once, but not again. I assumed it was because of a debt.”

Banbury shook his head. “My vowels are minor. Why would someone need to watch our house?”

Daniel rubbed his jaw. “I don't know. But something seems wrong to me.”

“Until I know what's going on, I won't leave Grace alone at night.”

Daniel nodded.

“I don't like this control you have over her.”

Daniel waited, wondering if he was about to be
challenged over something he hadn't even done yet.

“I want to buy the violin back. I know Grace has these plans to get it back from you.”

Daniel couldn't believe Banbury would be this calm if he really knew all the details. “Grace might want a say in this,” he said dryly.

“But for family honor, let me try to earn enough to buy it back. Don't let her do whatever she's got planned. I've never been able to stop her once she's set her mind to something. She wants me to trust her, and I do. But I can't trust you, not with my sister. She's been hurt before.”

Daniel nodded. “I understand.” He rose to his feet. “By the way, if you're looking for a good investment, try the railways.”

Banbury gave him one last penetrating stare and went back to his soup.

Daniel felt like an idiot. What had he said that for?

 

When Grace arrived at Beverly's house before the rest of the dinner guests, Beverly came down from the nursery to join her in the drawing room.

“I am so glad you were able to arrive early,” Beverly said, sitting down beside Grace on the green-striped sofa. “My husband only just arrived home, and I had to tell you what he saw just this evening at his club. Mr. Throckmorten and your brother sitting down together at dinner.”

Grace frowned. She had asked Edward not to
interfere. What could they be telling each other about her? Or were they discussing a gambling event they would both attend? Either possibility was terrible.

“I cannot believe that Mr. Throckmorten is already discussing his intentions toward you with your brother,” Beverly continued, a look of anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

“He's not,” Grace said.

Beverly's shoulders sagged. “Oh. I had so hoped that he was smitten with you already, especially after his behavior here two days ago. But then, he did refuse my invitation for tonight.”

Now it was Grace's turn to sag. “Oh.”

“Now, now, men will be difficult and try to withdraw as they realize they're falling under our spell.”

Grace laughed humorlessly. “He's not falling under my spell, although he is trying to make sure I fall under his. But apparently, he doesn't care enough to be here.”

Guests began to arrive, halting their discussion. Grace was introduced to several married couples, a few with eligible daughters, and then several bachelors, one extra to partner with her.

To take Daniel's place.

Grace was annoyed. She had promised not to avoid him and his seduction, and here he was avoiding her. She grudgingly realized that she had looked forward to seeing him. What did that say about her?

Although he was not in attendance, the ghost of
him was, because it was all anyone wanted to talk about with her.

And perhaps that could be used to her advantage.

“Oh, no, I'm not disappointed that Mr. Throckmorten isn't here,” Grace said to the elderly Mrs. Radburn, who leaned on her cane and watched her with interest. “I have only just met him, you know.”

“But you somehow persuaded him to dance,” Mrs. Radburn said.

Grace could only shrug and smile.

Lady Putnam, tall and stately, said, “I think he did not come because of the scandal of the new earl of Martindale.”

Several people who'd gathered around them nodded solemnly.

“What scandal?” Grace asked, telling herself that she was more curious than worried.

The older ladies gave her that faintly pitying stare again, but their daughters did not. Grace imagined that if Daniel showed interest in them, they wouldn't care about his scandals. These girls didn't want to be seduced as a man's mistress, and if they knew the truth—

They'd find a man's single-minded attention far too exciting, as she once had.

She of all people knew what could happen when a man got what he wanted. Right now, she might have Daniel's attention, and his secrets, but what would happen when he was done with her? How could she ever trust that in some card game,
or when he was drunk, he wouldn't reveal the terrible secret that bound them together? She might live her life always wondering.

“The new earl just inherited the title,” Lady Putnam continued, looking around importantly at the expectant faces. “He's young, only twenty-one, and it is his duty to renew the entailment on his land, so that the next two generations cannot sell the family property.”

“But his family wealth has been decreasing for decades,” Mrs. Radburn said in a hushed voice.

Lady Putnam nodded importantly. “So rather than do his duty by keeping the land in the family, he sold the country estate to Mr. Throckmorten.”

There were aggrieved nods all around.

Into the silence, Grace asked, “And how does this make Mr. Throckmorten to blame?”