Regina Scott (15 page)

But, truth be told, Meredee would have liked nothing better than to stay. The thought of returning to the little room at the inn, of missing the closeness that had sprung up between her and Chase, made her ache.

Chase saved her from a response. “Phoebe, we have imposed on Meredee long enough. You can’t ask her to stay here while you go off to amuse yourself.”

Phoebe hopped off her chair. “Well, I like that! You don’t want to impose on Meredee yet you gladly impose on me. Am I to have no fun this summer, no moment to myself?”

“It shouldn’t be but a few more days,” Meredee felt
compelled to put in. “I have a feeling your brother will heal quickly now that the fever’s broken.”

“A few days!” Phoebe cried. “That’s a lifetime!”

“You’re being ridiculous,” Chase said. “The matter is settled. We will send Meredee back to her step mother at the first opportunity.”

“Very well,” Phoebe said, nose in the air, “but you can be certain the first opportunity will be several days from now!” She flounced from the room and slammed the door behind her.

Meredee had risen from her seat to follow, but Chase waved her back. “Sit down, Meredee. She never listens when she’s in a pet.”

Meredee sank onto the seat. “I’m sure I can stay longer if needed.”

“No,” he said. “Phoebe has to learn to take some responsibility.” He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Meredee frowned. “Does your head ache? Dr. Newcomb left a tisane.”

“I fear the headache never leaves where my sister is concerned.”

“I think you are too hard on her. She’s managed the household while you were ill, and she’s been dealing with questions regarding the estate.”

He closed his eyes. “God help us. The tenant cottages will all be painted pink.”

“Perhaps,” Meredee said, “but I have it on good
authority that they’ll have new roofs before the fall rains come.”

“Very likely because the steward suggested it.”

“You persist in expecting the worst of her,” Meredee protested. “I assure you she’s more capable than you know.”

“More capable or better at winning hearts? I may have been the son and heir, but Phoebe was the darling, her least wish granted. Father adored her; Mother doted on her. I wasn’t much better at first, but I tried to see her educated. I thought surely she’d mature with age.”

“She’s not so very old. You cannot expect her to grow up overnight.”

“Nor do I. But she’s had weeks, months, and I see no improvement.”

She already felt as if she’d exceeded her bounds in this argument. Yet she could not help thinking that it wasn’t just Phoebe he expected to be useless, but most of womankind. Maybe even her. “Perhaps,” she said, “you would see improvement if you did not watch her so closely.”

He grimaced. “You think I hover? I suppose I do.” He gestured down his long form. “I never know when this affliction will strike, and while I’m under its spell, I cannot protect her.”

Was this illness the fear that drove him? He had to see that he didn’t have to bear it alone. “You have
a dedicated staff, my lord. Surely they can see to Phoebe’s needs when you cannot.”

He shook his head. “It’s not so simple. Let me tell you the truth about my sister, Meredee. After all you’ve done for our family, you deserve to know.”

M
eredee stared at him. Chase’s face had paled, as if remembering hurt, and he rubbed one hand absently down the soft wool of his blanket. When he swallowed twice before continuing, she reached for the crystal decanter of spa water and poured them each a glass. “It sounds as if you need fortification.”

He chuckled. Oh, how she’d missed that sound! “I might at that.” He took the glass she offered, held it up in salute and took a deep draught. Meredee sipped hers, the metallic taste strong on her tongue, and made herself sit calmly in the chair. The dark room enveloped them like a cloak. She could hear Valcom behind her, busying himself with Chase’s dressing table as if trying not to listen.

“Phoebe first came out a year ago,” Chase started. “She no doubt would have come out sooner, but our mother passed away when my sister was seventeen, and we elected to wait a year out of respect.”

Meredee felt a smile forming. “You elected, or Phoebe elected?”

He chuckled again. “You know us too well. I elected, and Phoebe fretted. But I didn’t think she was ready, and I knew I wasn’t. With both parents gone, I had to be part of the whole affair.”

“My father hid during the requisite calls and visits,” Meredee remembered. “I’m sure most fathers and brothers feel the same way.”

“No doubt. But I tried to do things right. We hired a chaperone, a woman of impeccable character; a French hairdresser; and no less than two ladies’ maids. Phoebe had enough dresses to gown every young miss in her season twice over. Half of London was at her ball.”

It sounded wonderful and awful. She’d hated the balls that became crushes, but Lady Phoebe had probably adored being the center of the feverish pace of action.

“Between Phoebe’s natural animation and the rumors of her fortune,” he continued, cradling his glass in his large hands, “she was soon besieged by suitors. Several came to beg me for her hand. If I didn’t know them personally, I had Sir Trevor investigate them.”

“Sir Trevor?” Meredee frowned at him. “Why?”

Chase spread his heads, the candlelight catching on the glass of spa water. “He has connections in
a number of circles. There’s little that escapes his notice, in society and out.”

Was that why the baronet had asked her so many questions the first night she’d dined with Chase? Had she been under investigation? “I imagine some people might take offense,” she murmured.

Chase shrugged. “I’d rather risk offense than risk putting my sister into the hands of a wretch. And her suitors proved a lackluster set. I refused them out of hand. But word got out that I didn’t wish her to marry. Some took that as a challenge. When I proved immovable, they simply went around me. And I promise you, Phoebe was not nearly as demanding of them.”

“Phoebe loves the attention,” Meredee allowed. “I imagine it wasn’t difficult for them to be encouraged by her.”

“So encouraged, one of them tried to abduct her.”

She felt as if someone had thrown the spa water into her face. “Oh, Chase, no!”

He met her gaze, eyes hard. “Unfortunately, yes. I didn’t see it coming. Victor Delacorte may have been ten years her senior, but he was the second son of a good family. I didn’t have Trevor investigate him until it was too late. The only reason I initially refused him was that his older brother felt he was a hothead. I feared he and Phoebe together would be explosive. No one realized he had darker motives in sneaking
around with Phoebe. I daresay she found it wildly romantic.”

She seemed to find it just as romantic now. What was wrong with the girl that she’d court disaster again?

“But you caught him,” Meredee said. She forced herself to relax her grip on the glass. “Lady Phoebe was unharmed.”

He set his glass down. “Thanks to Trevor, we caught him before Phoebe even knew she was in danger. He was the one who saw them out in public together. Trevor also learned that Delacorte had lost a considerable sum gambling; he was desperate. He developed an elaborate plan to steal her away while she was walking in Hyde Park and make for the Scottish border. He’d already promised his creditors payment when he returned and used the last of his ready cash to bribe the coachman into looking the other way should Phoebe put up a fight. When we caught him, he had enough laudanum to put an elephant to sleep and a set of ropes to hold her captive.”

How horrible! She could imagine Lady Phoebe alone and afraid, calling out for help when none would come. “Small wonder you worry for her,” Meredee said. She set the glass on the table lest she do it violence and clenched her fingers in her lap instead.

Chase must have noticed her agitation, for he reached out and covered her hands with his. Under the warm and gentle pressure, her fingers relaxed. It
was as if he was protecting her now as he had protected his sister then.

“I worry all the more because we only found out by the grace of God,” he said. “Even Trevor wasn’t sure what Delacorte planned. But the coachman had a conscience; he came to me with the story. Mr. Delacorte took ship for the Continent rather than face me across the field of honor.”

“The duel,” Meredee realized, meeting his gaze. “He was the man who fled because of you.”

Chase raised a brow and released her. “You heard gossip?”

Her fingers felt cold, and she rubbed them along her skirts. “Someone mentioned you were known to duel, yes.”

“I don’t make a habit of it. But I will not stand by and see an innocent like Phoebe abused.”

“Of course not. But surely not every man who courts your sister is such a villain.”

“Not villains, but far from heroes. Her latest inamorata was a fop. He had fewer thoughts in his head than coats in his closet. I didn’t bother Trev with investigating him.”

She was painfully aware of who he must mean. “Perhaps he had a loyal and kind heart,” she tried.

Chase snorted. “His loyalty extended to his tailor and not much else. When he came to profess his un-dying devotion, all it took was the hint of a duel to send him flying.”

“But what did you expect?” Meredee protested, raising her head once more. “You cultivate a reputation of refusal, even vengeance. Of course the fellow gave up!”

“If he truly cared for Phoebe,” Chase countered, face tightening again, “he would have stood his ground.”

“Outmanned and outgunned? You claim him an imbecile, my lord, but I begin to believe he was a wise man.”

He frowned. “You think I was too harsh?”

Would she if she didn’t know Algernon? Lady Phoebe had been betrayed, nearly destroyed, by a man who had seemed harmless. How could Chase know that Algernon was any different?

Yet she knew it. Her stepbrother would never hurt Phoebe. Surely he had a right to prove that to Chase.

“I know you did what you thought was best for Phoebe,” she assured him. “But perhaps, having once found a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you now see wolves grazing with the flock.”

He puffed out a sigh. “In truth, I had begun to wonder the same thing. Twice I even thought I saw the fellow here.”

“Um,” Meredee murmured and reached out to take a long sip of her water.

He leaned back against his pillows. “You’ve given
me a great deal to think about, Meredee. I appreciate your insights, and your candor.”

Meredee rose to let him rest, but she couldn’t help smiling wryly. “It’s not difficult for me to offer you my opinions, my lord. After all, you can’t challenge
me
to a duel.”

Chase didn’t get much chance to consider his approach to protecting Phoebe. He’d fallen asleep shortly after Meredee had shut the door and, when he woke late the next morning, Valcom stood ready to shave and dress him for the first time in days.

“And may I say what a pleasure it is to be doing so, my lord,” he said as he helped Chase pull a shirt over his head.

Even so little a task nearly wore Chase out, but he refused to admit it. “Valcom,” he said as his valet busied himself with shaking out a blue satin-striped waistcoat, “do you consider me a harsh man?”

He caught a look of surprise on his valet’s face before the fellow wiped clean all expression. “Certainly not, my lord,” he said, helping Chase shrug into the waistcoat.

“And would you say anything else if it were true?”

“Certainly not, my lord,” Valcom said calmly as Chase turned to face him, but the valet’s dark eyes twinkled.

Chase doubted he’d get any more insights from his
other servants. Trevor might feel too beholden to be completely candid. Phoebe, he was certain, would be happy to regale him with his shortcomings. It seemed the only person he could trust to give him an honest, objective assessment was Meredee, and she’d already taken his measure.

He had just settled himself in the library and dismissed the hovering Valcom when Beagan announced Trevor’s arrival.

“Come in,” Chase called, motioning him to the leather-bound chair next to his. Of all the rooms in the house, he liked the library best. The dark wood paneling and bookcases made the space feel solid, defendable. The hunting scene over the mantel, dusky-green carpet and hint of leather and pipe tobacco reminded him of a gentlemen’s club. The crimson drapes were pulled aside to allow sunlight to spear into the room, and a small fire warmed the space.

Trevor moved to join him, eyeing him speculatively. His friend had apparently survived Chase’s decline unruffled. His coat was pressed, his cravat crisp and his boots gleaming. “You look as if you’re starving for the sight of a friendly face,” he said, taking a seat.

“Perhaps not friendly so much as a fellow,” Chase replied.

“Bit too many petticoats rustling about, eh?” Trevor chuckled as he spread his feet to the fire. “I
tried to come to your rescue earlier in the week, but the dragon guarding your bower wouldn’t allow it.”

Chase smiled. “Miss Price is determined to see me well.”

“I understand, but I had a message that I couldn’t entrust to another.” He leaned forward, hands on the thighs of his buff trousers. “Delacorte left London three days ago. Odds are he’s on his way north, to face you.”

The room felt colder, but he knew it wasn’t his illness this time. “He ran last time. Should I be concerned?”

“Normally, you’re more than a match for him, but after this illness…” Trev didn’t finish, but Chase felt the implication. If Delacorte arrived at the door today, Chase would be in no condition to meet him.

“Find out where he is,” Chase said. “And keep an eye on Phoebe.”

Trevor inclined his head. “My inquiries are already in progress. The local constable has a likeness, and I’ve dispatched copies to York and Leeds. And I intend to chaperone Phoebe until you’re out in society again.”

Chase shook his head with a smile. “You’re a good man to have as a friend.”

He thought Trevor would shoot back a glib reply, but the baronet merely cocked his head. “And as your friend, I need to caution you about another acquaintance of yours—Miss Price.”

Chase eyed him. “Explain yourself.”

“Do you not find her devotion a bit…excessive?”

His friend hadn’t seen him in the grip of the fever. He didn’t know how helpless Chase had been, how dependent. Meredee had never made him feel ashamed of his weakness. She’d been patient, cheerful, her whole focus in seeing to his needs.

“She nursed her father for two years,” he told Trevor. “She knows her way around a sickroom.”

“I’ve no doubt of that. But why should she serve in yours? Isn’t that Phoebe’s place?”

Chase snorted. “Phoebe? Do you wish to see me in the grave?”

“No. Nor do I wish to see you leg-shackled to a devious female.”

Chase shook his head, suddenly tired. “Miss Price isn’t devious, Trev. She has been kindness itself and has never asked the least reward.”

“Not yet,” Trevor insisted. “But people will talk. Mrs. Barriston has already started her campaign at the spa. An unwed lady, unrelated to you by family bonds, alone with you for days?”

“And me insensible most of the time. I assure you, all my interests were fixed on survival. Besides, we were never alone. A footman, Valcom or Phoebe was always with us.”

“So you say, but you also say you were insensible. You cannot know what happened every moment.”

Chase raised a brow. “What do you think, Trev, that she stole the silver?”

“Not the silver, but it wouldn’t surprise me if her stepmother didn’t show up crying compromise and demanding marriage.”

Marriage to Meredee? The prospect was not unpleasant. He had no doubt his home would be well run, his least need anticipated. Phoebe would have a chaperone he could trust, a mentor to guide her to maturity. He would have a companion with whom to discuss nature and politics.

“Stop smiling,” Trevor ordered. “This isn’t amusing! The woman cannot be the selfless creature she seems. No one is that kind to no purpose.”

Chase focused his gaze on his friend’s face. Trev’s dark brows were gathered, mouth in a firm line. “Do you include yourself in that statement?”

Trev met his gaze. “For anyone but you, yes. You know my income comes from selling what I know. I wouldn’t be a baronet if I hadn’t done my…a person in high position a favor he felt compelled to repay. And the end result was that I had to leave London for a time to avoid the scandal. But that just proves my point.”

“What cynical fellows we have become, my lad,” Chase said with a sigh. “Is it not possible that someone might choose to do a kindness with no expectation of a reward other than the satisfaction of having been of help?”

Trevor dropped his gaze. “Possible, but, by your leave, unlikely. In my experience, people may be moved to help the less fortunate. They are rarely moved to help their betters unless they expect something in return.”

“Not Miss Price,” Chase insisted. “I have never met her like.”

Trevor narrowed his eyes. “Have you conceived a passion for her, then?”

Had he? He’d wondered what it would be like to kiss her, to press his lips to hers, feel her curves nestled against his body. Yet when he thought of Meredee, he more often thought of simply being together.

He grinned at Trevor. “I cannot say, but there are worse sights a fellow could awake to than Meredee Price bending over him in caring concern.”