Romancing the Rogue (39 page)

Oliver’s breath caught in his throat. Yes, it was true. And yes, he’d told his father. But to have the words spoken out loud to someone else, especially that someone being the girl’s own father, sent shivers up his arms. It made it all seem so real. But then, it
was
real. And today would determine what happened next.

“What? In love with her. That’s preposterous.”

Oliver had had more than enough nonsense from the blustering fool. He stood and walked across the room. Stopping to stand in front of him, Oliver crossed his arms. “With all due respect, Mr. Ashbrook, I’d prefer that you not speak of the woman I love in such terms, whether or not she’s your daughter. When in your home, you have the right, I suppose, to speak however you choose. But here, in our home, you will not.” He raised one eyebrow and stared at Mr. Ashbrook, refusing to blink before the other man did.

And Mr. Ashbrook did.

Repressing the satisfied smirk that longed to come out and play on his lips, Oliver took a half step closer. “That being said, I wish to marry your daughter.”

“She’s already betrothed.”

“To a twit.”

“Be that as it may.”

“Sir, your daughter does not love him. She does not even like him.”

He shrugged. “That matters not to me.”

“But it matters. To her. And to me.”

“I already have… ahem… things in place for, well…”

“Are you trying to say money is changing hands, Mr. Ashbrook?”

“It’s not the first time it’s been done, you know.”

“Of course not. It’s done all the time.”

He leaned forward on the settee, glaring at Oliver. “If you want to marry my daughter so badly, you’ll have to make it worth my while.”

Oliver glanced at his father, who nodded. “That is exactly what we wish to discuss with you.”

Ashbrook paled. “There’s another… problem, I’m afraid.”

“And what would that be?”

“You see, when the money changed hands for Lucy, well…”

Oliver frowned. “Please go on, Mr. Ashbrook. I’m confident that whatever problems you perceive can be overcome.”

He nodded. “Lofton had discovered something about me. Something… illegal.”

“I see.” Oliver crossed his arms.

“Along with Lucy’s inheritance, I was paying him for…”

“His silence?”

Ashbrook let out a deep breath. “Exactly.”

Oliver turned to his father and raised his eyebrows in question. His father nodded again.

“Mr. Ashbrook, I love your daughter very much. I’m quite certain I can make Lofton see reason. If I pay him enough. And as for you, I assume it’s safe to say you’ll end your illegal business endeavor immediately?”

Ashbrook sat up straight and nodded rapidly.

“Then we have a deal.”

Lucy smoothed the
fabric of her new dress. Nervous shivers ran over her skin. Today, at Anna and Richard’s wedding, would be the first time Lucy would visit the Bird Sanctuary since… She swallowed against a large lump in her throat. Would Oliver be there? Conrad had insisted on going to the reception with her.

Since they were now… betrothed.

Every time that though crossed her mind, nausea threatened her stomach. Married. To him. Living. With him. Sleeping…

Why did things have to be this way? Her life was ruined. All because of her father’s greed. Because that’s the only reason he was forcing her to marry Conrad. It was so unfair. And just when she and Oliver—

No
. It would do no good at all to dwell on him. Which might be difficult if he was working at the Sanctuary. Would he acknowledge her? Give a smile and show that marvelous dimple? Or would he ignore her presence? Slight her? That’s what she deserved. At least in his perception it might be. Because he knew nothing other than she stopped visiting the Sanctuary and hadn’t seen or spoken to him since.

If she were in his place, she’d be devastated.

Confused.

Heartbroken.

Who was she fooling? She already was all of those things. And more.

Knock. Knock.

“Yes?” She placed her hat on her head and turned toward the door to her bedroom.

The door opened a few inches, and Alfred stood peering in.

“Yes, Alfred? Is Anna nearly ready?”

“She asked me to tell you that she needs some assistance from you.”

“Thank you. I’ll go now.”

With a click, the door closed. Lucy scowled at the thick wooden structure as if it were Alfred himself. She had a very strong feeling that the sneaky butler had aided in Conrad continually knowing just when she would be at the Sanctuary.

Slimy man.

She left her room and made her way toward Anna’s. Was she nervous? Excited to marry Richard? They were so sweet together. As if they had always been a couple. Amazing how quickly that had all come about. But Anna had told her that Richard had married his first wife even more quickly than that.

Her boots tapped as she walked down the long hallway. Reaching Anna’s room, she knocked.

“Lucy? Is that you?”

“Yes.”

“Come in, dear.”

The door creaked as she pushed it open. “Oh, Anna. You’re lovely.” Her maid stood in the middle of the room in an off-white dress with flowers and lace at the bodice. “Alfred said you needed help, but you look perfect to me.”

A blush stained Anna’s cheeks. “Thank you. I need…”

Lucy stepped closer and took Anna’s hands in hers. “What? What do you need?”

Stiff fabric rustled as Anna shrugged her shoulders. “I’m nervous.”

“Oh, Anna. Don’t be embarrassed. Of course you are. You’re a new bride.”

“But at my age? It seems silly.”

“Anna, the last few weeks as I’ve watched you with Richard, you’ve seemed young and vibrant. I don’t think it matters about a person’s age, but what’s in their heart.”

“I needed to hear that.” She smiled. “Thank you, love.” She blinked. “Also, I’m going to miss living here with you. I love seeing you every day.”

“We’ll still see each other often. I promise.”

“Do you?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’m relieved. Truly.”

“Now, shouldn’t we be getting downstairs to the carriage? The time is drawing near for you to become Mrs. Richard Warner.”

~~~~

The carriage stopped
in front of the Bird Sanctuary. Lucy’s heart hammered in her chest. Was he there? Would she see him? What would she say if he spoke to her?

“Ready, darling?” Conrad leaned toward her, his reptilian, icy blue eyes turning her insides cold. How was she going to marry the toad? She wasn’t even sure how to get through the next little while at Anna’s wedding luncheon with him by her side.

And if Oliver saw them together…

Her first response to him would have been something sarcastic. But then she thought of Anna right before leaving for the wedding. How her cheeks had flushed a pretty pink. Eyes had brightened with anticipation. Hands clasping and unclasping in nervous excitement. She could not do anything to mar Anna’s happiness.

She wouldn’t.

“Yes. I am ready.” They’d only waited a short time for the newlyweds to arrive after their private wedding, but to Lucy it had seemed a lifetime.

They walked the short distance to the grove of trees under which Richard had proposed to Anna. They wished to have the reception in the same place.

Anna had wanted Lucy to be a witness at the wedding, but Lucy’s father would have none of it. He said it wouldn’t be appropriate given their difference in class. Unfortunately, he was probably right. Even though it didn’t seem right to Lucy.

Richard was standing beneath a lovely oak tree, lush and full of large green leaves. And next to him was…

No… Oh no.

How could I have been so stupid? Of course, Oliver would be a present for Richard. They’re very close.

Oliver spoke to Richard, stopped mid-speech, and turned his head. Toward her. How had he known she was approaching? She hadn’t said a word. Had he somehow sensed her presence?

His eyes, dark and kind, gazed at her as if she were the most precious, beautiful being who ever lived. One corner of his mouth rose, forming the dimple that was always her undoing.

He can’t show that dimple. Not today! Not with me standing here next to…
Her gaze slid to her left. To the reptile who slithered up next to her. He placed his hand around her shoulders. She squirmed and gave him the evil eye, but he simply smiled his alligator smile and turned his head. To Oliver. And glared.

Lucy gasped. How rude! It was Conrad, after all. Too bad the cuckoo wasn’t nearby to do a repeat performance on Conrad’s… well, everything, again.

But then, that might ruin Anna’s special day, and as much as Lucy would love to see Conrad get his comeuppance again, she had no wish to spoil anything for the bride.

A peek from under her lashes at Oliver showed him to be smiling even wider than before. Not at all what she’d expected! Did he enjoy being the object of another man’s scorn?

He seemed not to mind in the least. In fact, his countenance was quite jolly. But perhaps he was overcome with joy for his good friend Richard. Yes, that must be it, for no one would look upon being glared at by someone, anyone, as a positive thing.

Anna and Richard stood side by side in front of the reception table. Lucy’s mind drifted as they accepted good wishes from friends and acquaintances. Try as she might, she couldn’t get her thoughts from Oliver. He was standing just a few feet from her, after all. How was she supposed to concentrate on anything but him?

Richard leaned down and gently, tenderly, pressed his lips to Anna’s. Had their kiss during their wedding ceremony been their first? Or had they shared one prior to that morning?

Lucy bit her lip. She and Oliver had come close, oh so very close to doing that very thing. He’d stepped closer. Leaned forward. His scent had mingled with the outdoors and sunlight where they stood. She’d been ready. So ready for his kiss. And just as their lips were no more than a whisper apart from pressing together…

Anna had called to her to announce her betrothal.

Lucy stole yet another glance at Oliver. How many did this one make in the short time since they’d arrived at the Sanctuary? Perhaps it was best not to think about what nearly happened. What she’d wanted to happen. Longed to happen.

Because it could never be.

Never.

Melancholy enveloped her heart. She might as well accept the inevitable, because her father would not be moved. Lucy had given thought to Anna’s suggestion of running off with Oliver, but there was a large problem with that idea.

He had not asked for her hand.

Had not said he loved her.

Had not even pledged his heart to her.

As attracted as he seemed to be to her, she had no way of knowing absolutely that he did indeed love her and have intentions toward that end.

What was she to do?

A tap on her shoulder startled her out of her reverie. Conrad stood quite close. Entirely too close. He leaned toward her. What was he doing? Did he think to kiss her? Here? Now?

She took at step back, away from those pale lips. Away from the thin, claw-like fingers. Away from everything having anything
to do with the disgusting creature. Why wouldn’t he leave her alone?

Because you are betrothed. You’ll have to allow him to touch you at some point
.

A sigh escaped her lips. But not today. Not now. Not with Oliver present. Yes, because of her father, she was bound to Conrad, but she would die before she would allow him to kiss or fondle her in front of Oliver.

No!

He leaned in a second time. Was he mad? In public? She frowned and turned her head. And looked directly into Oliver’s eyes. What must he be thinking? How hurt he must be! He tilted his head, as if studying her, and then blinked. Then, with the barest tap on Richard’s shoulder, he leaned in to whisper something in the other man’s ear.

What was that about? Something to do with his being a witness for the wedding?

Anna hurried toward Lucy, all smiles, and hugged her close. “Oh, my dearest Lucy, thank you so much for attending my reception. It means the world to me.”

“I couldn’t imagine not sharing your special day with you, Anna. You are my family, in every way that counts.”

Anna dabbed her already moist eyes with a lacy white handkerchief that Lucy had given to her as a wedding gift. “Bless you, dear girl.” She pulled away and touched Lucy’s cheek, as she had often done for the past few years. Ever since Lucy’s mother had passed away. Lucy would miss living in the same house with Anna. It seemed they were both going to be living elsewhere. With their husbands.

She glanced toward Conrad, who was now engaged in conversation with Richard. And looking none too pleased about it, either. What in the world would Richard have to discuss with Conrad? And where was Oliver?

“Are you enjoying the day, Miss Ashbrook?” That voice. That wonderful, beautiful silky voice.

She turned, and there he stood.
Oliver.
Wearing a suit much like the one she’d seen him in when he’d been in her father’s study. So had he not borrowed it after all? Did he own the expensive clothes?

His eyebrows raised, he smiled. Wait. He had asked her a question, hadn’t he? He must think her daft.

“Oh, um, yes. Certainly. A lovely day for a lovely event.” Could she have sounded more trite?

“I agree.” He glanced to his right and then back toward her. “Would you… care for a walk?”

She frowned. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”

“Oh? And why would that be?”

“I’m…” Heat raced from her neck, over her cheeks, and to her ears. “Engaged.”

“Yes. I did hear something like that.”

A gasp erupted from her throat. “You… you did?”

His jacket bunched at the shoulders when he shrugged. “Of course.”

He didn’t seem upset. Why didn’t he seem upset? He’d nearly kissed her, not very far from this spot. It would seem that in that case, a man would take offense to a woman he nearly kissed being engaged to someone else so soon after the fact.

But Oliver wasn’t. Instead, he smiled. Creating
two
dimples. Now how on earth was that fair? He’d asked her for a walk, and then showed not the usual one, but two dimples.

No, she could not in good conscience take a walk with him.

“All I’m asking for is a simple walk, Lucy. We’ve taken them together in the not so distant past.” He glanced around. “It’s a lovely day. Wouldn’t you…” his glance fell to her lips “…care for one?”

She swallowed.
No.
This could never be. She would never be with Oliver. Never hold his hand again. Or speak to him again.

And he would never kiss her.

Today was likely the last time she would ever see him.

Conrad turned and stared at her. And Oliver. Standing together.

Tears blurred her vision. “I’m sorry, Oliver. So, so sorry.” She spun, and without another word to anyone, fled the Sanctuary.