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Authors: Mary Jo Putney

BOOK: Nowhere Near Respectable
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To spare himself a cut throat, Mac lifted the razor away as he remembered what a very lovely handful Kiri was. After a deep breath, he resumed shaving. “If the wrong sort of man sniffs around her and her dowry, I’m sure Ashton and General Stillwell will run him off.”
“I believe that has happened a time or two. I doubt there’s a girl in London who has more formidable guardians.”
That was good, Mac told himself. Lady Kiri was vivid, unique. She deserved devoted male protectors who would keep men like Mac away from her.
He was glad she was so well guarded. That would save Mac from his lower self, and that was good.
Wasn’t it?
Chapter 9
Since measles might still be rampaging through her parents’ house, Kiri had the carriage take her to Ashton House. Her brother’s London residence was so vast that she could wander for days without being in the way. It was Kiri’s second home, and she’d become great friends with both Adam and Mariah.
The butler greeted her fondly. “So good to see you back in London, Lady Kiri. The duchess is out, but if you would like to see your brother, he’s in his study.”
“I always like to see my brother, Holmes,” she said breezily. She was carrying Mackenzie’s cloak and should have given it to the butler, but—she didn’t want to let go of it. She was an idiot.
She tapped at the door of the ducal study, entering when Adam called permission. He glanced up from his desk, then stood and gave his slow smile. “Kiri. What an unexpected pleasure. How did your visit to the home of the prospective husband go?”
She had intended a lighthearted comment about how they’d decided they wouldn’t suit, but to her shock, she dissolved into tears. “Oh,
Adam!
”
Her brother closed the space between them and enveloped her in his arms. He was only average height, not much taller than Kiri, but his strength and kindness made him a safe port in an emotional storm.
Growing up, she’d known she had an older brother who was a duke on the other side of the world. She had daydreamed about her mother’s lost son, wondering if they would ever meet. But she hadn’t realized that a big brother could give her so much friendship, comfort, and wise advice.
He patted her back as she buried her face in his shoulder. “I gather things didn’t work out well?”
“An understatement.” She forced her tears to stop as Adam led her to his deep-cushioned leather sofa. “I overheard Godfrey’s mother telling her sister that my dowry made me acceptable as wife to a younger son, but barely. They said I was vulgar and cast out lures and always had men sniffing around me. And they were
awful
about Mother!”
Adam gave her his handkerchief as he swore under his breath. “I had hoped you would never run into that degree of prejudice, but I suppose it was inevitable.”
Kiri blotted her tears. “Lady Norland was always rather cool, but I thought she was just concerned for her son’s happiness. I had no idea how much she despised me.”
“Inferior people often despise those who are different,” Adam said calmly. “It’s the only way they can feel superior.”
That surprised a watery chuckle from Kiri. “I expect you’re right. But it was still lowering to find that I was a vulgar creature tolerated only for my dowry. Perhaps you shouldn’t be too generous in the portion you intend to give me.”
“Nonsense,” her brother said. “You are as much the sixth duke’s child as I am, so you are entitled to a dowry equal to your rank. Money does draw fortune hunters, but you have good sense.” He gave a glinting smile. “And a protective family that will need to be convinced that a prospective suitor is worthy of you.”
She was reminded of Mackenzie’s comment that her brother was one of the most dangerous men in England. She tended to forget that since he was amazingly even-tempered and very fond of the family he had only just discovered. But Mackenzie was right: The Duke of Ashton was not a man to cross. “Such protection is a mixed blessing,” she said wryly. “Your standards may be too high. What if you and the general don’t agree with me on the subject of worthiness?”
He grinned. “Then we negotiate. Time tends to cure unfortunate infatuations, while finding the strength of true feeling.”
That sounded reasonable. In a fortnight, she’d have largely forgotten Mackenzie. But for now . . .
She saw that she’d dropped Mackenzie’s cloak near the door when she started crying, and had to restrain herself from rushing over to pick it up. “There’s more to the story than being insulted by Lady Norland and her equally dreadful sister. I was so furious that I immediately took the best horse in the stables so I could ride to Dover and book a coach to London. But it was late in the day when I started, night fell, and I ran into a group of smugglers moving illegal goods.”
Adam became very still. “And . . . ?”
“I was kidnapped and taken to their hideout on the coast. They were drinking and wondering what they might do to me when one of their London clients showed up and helped me get away. Interestingly, he was an old schoolmate of yours.”
Adam grinned. “Let me guess. Damian Mackenzie?”
She frowned. “It can’t be good for Mackenzie if everyone in London knows he deals in smuggled goods.”
“I doubt anyone has proof of that. It’s more a matter of knowing he couldn’t possibly serve such excellent wines and spirits if he weren’t dealing with contraband,” Adam explained. “But you needn’t worry about him too much. Most of the top politicians and diplomats in London go to Damian’s regularly and will happily overlook the source of their drink because they enjoy the place.”
She hoped Adam was right. Editing the events of the night, she said, “Mackenzie escorted me to the Westerfield Academy as fast as he could and handed me over to Lady Agnes. Would my reputation be hopelessly tarnished by the mere fact of having spent several hours riding with him? He seemed a gentleman.”
“He’s Will Masterson’s brother, so he’s basically sound, but the club is very fashionable and not entirely respectable,” Adam observed. “It was good of him to take you to Lady Agnes, then quietly disappear so he wouldn’t tarnish your reputation.”
“Lady Agnes seems to think well of him,” Kiri said a little defensively.
“She loves all her old boys, for which I’m deeply grateful.” Adam’s brows drew together. “Are you going to tell your parents what happened?”
She hesitated. “I don’t like to be deceitful, but I don’t want them to be upset. Mother will feel hurt by what I overheard, and the general will want to go down to Grimes Manor to crack heads. Perhaps it’s best if I just tell them that I decided Godfrey wouldn’t do, so I left quickly rather than cause awkwardness.”
“A version of the truth is usually best,” Adam agreed. “I think the measles quarantine will be lifted in a day or two, but it’s best if you stay here for tonight at least.”
“You are the
best
of brothers!” she said soulfully.
Adam laughed. “You and Thomas know each other so well that it’s harder to be admiring, so I haven’t much competition for the title.”
The door opened, and two beautiful blondes wearing similar shades of spring green entered the room. The Duchess of Ashton and her identical twin sister had returned from an expedition. Kiri rose and gave her sister-in-law a hug. “Every time I see you, it’s easier to tell you and Sarah apart.”
Mariah laughed and patted her swelling abdomen. “I keep looking at Sarah and reminding myself that someday, I might once again look as slim and lovely as she does.”
“When that day comes, you won’t need to nap as much, either,” Sarah Clarke-Townsend said firmly. “Adam, Mariah was dozing in the carriage on the way home. She needs to go upstairs and rest. ”
“That’s not necessary!” Mariah said with exasperation. “Everyone fusses so. Bearing children is perfectly natural. Kiri, I need someone to argue on my side!”
“It won’t be me,” Kiri said with a grin. “Having children is natural, and so is being fatigued by the process. Resign yourself to being pampered, Your Grace.”
“And if you refuse to be pampered, I shall carry you upstairs against your will,” Adam said with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “I’d rather enjoy that.”
Laughing, Mariah took her husband’s arm and let him escort her from the room. When they were gone, Sarah said with a sigh, “Is it terribly wicked of me to be so envious of my sister for having a wonderful, doting husband?”
“If so, I’m wicked, too.” Kiri felt a twinge that made her think of the dratted Mackenzie. “There are other good men around. It just takes time to find the right one.”
Sarah’s eyes shadowed. Kiri remembered that the other girl had been betrothed, and her intended had died before they could marry. Wanting a distraction, Kiri pulled the bell cord. “Let’s have tea. You must also be tired if you’ve been shopping.”
“Excellent thought.” As Sarah sat on the leather sofa, she glanced curiously at Mackenzie’s cloak, which still lay on the floor.
Kiri retrieved the garment and folded it over the back of the chair. After ordering a tea tray when a footman entered, she said, “I noticed that the orange notes are starting to dominate in the perfume I made for you. Is it time to go back to the mixing bowl?”
Sarah sniffed her wrist. “You’re right, it is smelling more orangelike as I wear it longer. You have the most amazing nose. I rather like this, actually, at least for day wear, but if you have the time, would you be willing to come up with a richer, more alluring version for evening?”
“I’d love to. Every woman should have a wardrobe of perfumes that fit different moods. It’s interesting how this scent is different on you than on Mariah.” Kiri surrendered to curiosity. “Speaking of identical twins—this is an appalling question and feel free to ignore it if you don’t want to answer. But I’ve wondered. Given how much you and Mariah resemble each other, are you a little bit in love with Adam?”
Sarah looked startled, and certainly distracted from any memories of her lost love. “Not in the least. Or rather, I love him, but as a brother. He’s wonderful, and he and Mariah suit splendidly, but he doesn’t make my heart beat faster.”
“That’s fortunate.” The tea tray arrived, so Kiri poured for them.
Sarah sipped her tea thoughtfully. “Mariah and I look very much alike and we have many similarities, including the way we choose the same colors for the same occasions.” Sarah gestured at her light green morning gown, almost exactly the same shade as her sister wore that day.
“But since we were raised apart, we grew in our own separate ways. Mariah has that bright charm that dazzles everyone who sees her. Since Adam is reserved, they balance each other beautifully.”
“If balance is your ideal relationship,” Kiri said, intrigued, “what does that mean for the kind of husband you would like?”
“Mariah was raised rather irregularly and was always having to adapt to new circumstances, so she loves that Adam is so solid and reliable,” Sarah explained. “I, on the other hand, had the most calm and respectable of upbringings and have a rather mousy temperament, so I find myself drawn to men who are a little wild.” She made a face. “I suspect this is not a good thing.”
“You’re not mousy!” Kiri exclaimed. “But I see you’ve thought seriously about the subject. I’m still trying to decide what kind of man would suit me best.”
Sarah helped herself to a ginger cake. “Since you’re still looking, I gather that you decided Godfrey Hitchcock won’t suit?”
“Most definitely not.” Kiri’s voice was edged.
Sarah frowned. “What happened?” When Kiri hesitated, Sarah said, “If something dreadful happened and you told Adam, he’ll tell Mariah, and she’ll tell me, so you might as well tell me directly.”
Kiri laughed. “You’re right. As long as you don’t tell anyone else.”
“I won’t,” Sarah assured her. “Your story will end with me.”
Knowing Sarah’s word was good, Kiri gave a terse summary of why she had bolted from Grimes Manor, and what had happened later. The other girl listened raptly.
When Kiri finished, Sarah said wistfully, “Imagine being rescued by Damian Mackenzie himself! I’ve been hearing about his club ever since it opened three years ago. It’s the most fashionable evening spot in London.” She consumed an almond cake in two bites. “The masquerades at Damian’s are famous. The last one of the year is two nights from now. I’d love to go, but my mother would be horrified.”
“So would mine.” Kiri paused with her teacup halfway to her mouth as inspiration struck. “I just had the most wonderful idea! We could go to the masquerade together. I must repay the money Mackenzie spent on buying my freedom, and we can take the opportunity to see the club.” She also needed to see the man in his normal world if she was to get over him.
Sarah’s eyes widened with shock. “I couldn’t possibly do such a thing!”
“Of course you can. Damian’s is on Pall Mall near royalty and the best other clubs, not in some horrid waterfront stew,” Kiri said persuasively. “With a domino to cover head and body and a mask over half our faces, no one will recognize us. We’ll leave before the unmasking.”
“Going there secretly would be dreadfully wicked.” The other girl bit her lip. “I
long
to be wicked! But how would it be done?”
“While we’re both of age and can do as we choose, it would be better to go undiscovered.” Kiri pondered. “Since I’m staying here for the next several days, why not say you want to stay as well to keep me company?”
“That would work! With Mariah increasing, she and Adam usually withdraw to their quarters not long after dinner. We could leave after they retire.”
“I’ll ask Murphy, the head groom, to drive us to the club and wait. I think I can persuade him not to give us away until later.”
Sarah frowned. “Would he risk his job if he helps us?”

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