The Temptation of Lady Serena (26 page)

“No. It was a letter from Castle Vere,” Marcus said. “St. Eth was so aggravated, he practically flew out of London. The
only
reason we kept up with his breakneck pace was to be here when he arrived in order to help.”

“Tell me the worst,” Serena said.

Marcus glanced at Serena. “Henry wrote your brother asking for the details of your portion. St. Eth received a very impertinent letter from Vere concerning the settlements. He said as no one thought to consult him about your marriage—which he was not happy about—and since you were long past your majority, you could handle the settlements on your own. He also thought you could do better than a viscount.”

“That letter shows Mattie’s influence,” Serena said sadly. “I wish I’d thought of this earlier. I’ll have to send to my solicitor in Edinburgh and to my man of business in London for the documents we’ll need. Robert, I am sorry. I’ll write the missives immediately and have them sent by express post.”

“There’s no reason for you to apologize. You’ve had more than enough to keep you busy since you arrived. All my information is ready.” Robert’s brow furrowed and he looked at Phoebe and Marcus. “Marcus, didn’t I hear that you settled Phoebe’s property on her?”

“Yes, I’d no need of it,” Marcus said, and playfully added, “and she had no intention of giving it up.”

Robert turned to Serena. “There’s nothing stopping us from doing the same, is there, my love?”

Serena shook her head. In fact, it was a very good idea. “Do you know, I’ve never given the settlements the least bit of thought? If I’d considered it at all, I would have insisted on keeping my personal possessions, but the rest, if I am to keep it, how does it work?”

“Quite easily.” Phoebe put down her cup. “A trust is set up to hold all your property. The only provision is that Robert must agree to the trust before the wedding.”

“I will agree.”

“Good. You’ll make Uncle Henry much happier. Once he has a look around and goes over your financial records, he should be in a very good mood. Now, tell us what you’ve been doing since you got here. Everything looks in such good skin.”

They spent the time until luncheon discussing the changes wrought at the Hall.

“I would’ve never thought to burn down the cottages.” Robert proudly praised Serena’s skills. “If you ride out with us to-morrow, you’ll see all she’s accomplished.”

“I can’t take all the credit. You allowed me to do as I wished. No matter what it cost you.” Serena smiled.

Other than the brief problem with the coach that day, he really had encouraged her to take charge whenever she’d seen a need. “Phoebe, I’d like you to come with me to the rectory to-morrow. We have a meeting with the new school administrator later in the afternoon and, of course, you have much more experience than I.”

“I’d like nothing better,” Phoebe said. “Is Mrs. Stedman the former Lora Ashhurst?”

“I believe she is,” Serena replied. “Do you know her family?”

“I know Lora. I remember when she came out,” Phoebe said. “Even though she’d told her father she’d already made her choice, he insisted she have a Season. Lora took quite well, but none of the gentlemen could hold a candle to John. I’m delighted to hear Lora is doing so well. Where are Catherine and Freddy?”

Robert’s eyes sparkled with undisguised glee. “They’ll be here in time for luncheon, along with Lord Malfrey, I imagine. Freddy is marrying him as soon as my secretary returns from London with the special license. They left early this morning to inspect the Grange, Lord Malfrey’s estate. I’m not the only one sporting his blunt on his property.”

Finster announced luncheon.

Serena rose. “We should go.”

The two couples were walking down the corridor to the family dining room as Catherine, Freddy, and Edward arrived.

“You’re cutting it close,” Robert remarked. “St. Eth is here.”

Catherine’s eyes opened wide. “Oh no, maybe I shall take a tray in my chamber.”

“Why would you want to do that?” Phoebe asked. “Don’t you want to see Uncle Henry?”

Catherine pinched the bridge of her nose. “He is the best of brothers, but he is going to be so upset with me.”

“Just don’t mention any potential problems unless he asks. I cannot think he would be so indelicate,” Freddy said.

Catherine shuddered. “He would. The man doesn’t care a fig for delicacy if one of his family is involved, and I’m not sure he’ll agree with your decision.” She frowned at Serena. “He hasn’t asked you, has he?”

“No, he was too upset over my marriage settlements.”

Phoebe knitted her brows. “I have no idea what you are all talking about, but if it will upset Uncle Henry, don’t, I pray you, say anything about it until we’ve discussed Serena’s settlements, and he’s in a better frame of mind. We already had to leave Aunt Ester and Lady Beaumont on the road to appease him.”

Freddy’s jaw dropped. “You left Mama on the road?”

While the ladies huddled in the corridor together discussing the trip from London and the reason for Henry’s bad humor, Marcus leaned close to Robert. “What is it Catherine doesn’t want St. Eth to discover?”

Robert said, chagrined, “It seemed a good idea at the time, and we do have a special license.” Trying to change the subject, he said, “By the by, where’s Arthur?”

“He’ll be along in an hour or so.” Marcus’s eyes narrowed. “What have you done?”

“Serena is in the viscountess’s chambers.”

“Wha . . .” Marcus quickly turned Robert away from the ladies, his voice a harsh whisper. “Are you out of your mind? What the devil did you think you were doing?”

Robert looked around to insure no one was listening “It wasn’t my decision alone. Serena agreed and we asked Freddy. She agreed as well, and if something were to happen to me, we’ve signed a special license, so Serena is protected.”

“That’s something at least,” Marcus grumbled. “Why did you think you needed to protect her?”

Despite all his efforts not to, Robert smiled.

“Ah, I see.”

“I rather thought you would. What do we do about St. Eth?”

“Keep him involved in the settlements until your grandmother and Aunt Ester arrive. I have great faith in the ladies to come up with something.”

“My lord,” Finster said, bowing. “Lord St. Eth asked that you begin without him. He will be down directly.”

“Thank you, Finster.” Robert turned and addressed the ladies and Edward. “St. Eth will be a little delayed. Shall we go in?”

With the table in the small dining room now full, Robert led Serena to the foot of the table where Finster held the back of the chair.

Catherine’s brows came together and she had a worried look. “Oh, my dear, do you think you should? With your uncle here?”

Suddenly unsure, Serena glanced at Robert.

He smiled charmingly. “Do as you wish. Everyone at the Hall, including me, thinks of you as its mistress.”

Serena nodded. “Aunt Catherine, I shall go on as I have done since I’ve arrived, and how I intend to go on. Uncle Henry will just have to accept it.”

W
hile touring the house, Henry stopped a footman to inquire about luncheon. Informed that the meal was about to begin, he made his way to the front of the house and was close enough to hear Catherine’s dismay at discovering he was at the Hall.

He backtracked and, thanks to a very good sense of direction, regained his chamber without too much of a problem. “Griffin,” Henry said to his valet. “Find out for me what is going on here.”

Griffin bowed. “Yes, my lord.”

“Tell whatever footman you find I have been delayed and will join them presently.”

“Certainly, my lord.”

Griffin returned about twenty minutes later.

“Well?” Henry asked.

Griffin fixed his eyes above Henry’s head and began sonorously. “It appears, my lord, much refurbishing has gone on in the past two weeks—to include new hangings, a new stove, and new tenants’ cottages, as well as other items that needed to be replaced or repaired. There is talk of a new school, as well, my lord. The changes, my lord, are attributed to Lady Serena. Lord Beaumont encouraged her to do as she saw fit. I was attempting to question a parlor maid, when the housekeeper, a Mrs. Norton, appeared. A most formidable lady, my lord, however, not quite what we are used to dealing with . . .”

“Griffin, get on with it,” Henry said. “There is nothing in what you’ve related that would cause me concern.”

“No, my lord. As I was about to say, the only unusual occurrence is that Lady Serena has taken over the viscountess’s chambers. I was assured by Mrs. Norton, who then summoned Miss Mac Duff, Lady Serena’s dresser, and Mr. Henley, Lord Beaumont’s valet, that nothing untoward has occurred. It was made plain to me that Lord Beaumont sleeps in his bed and that Lady Serena has not seen the viscount’s chamber at all.”

Henry pursed his lips thoughtfully. “What does the staff think of Lord Beaumont and Lady Serena’s arrangement?”

“The staff is most attached to Lady Serena and thinks of her as their mistress, my lord. They are very much looking forward to the nuptials. Mr. Henley also made mention of a special license, although I was not made privy to the details.”

“Very well. Excellent job, Griffin.”

Griffin bowed. “I am always happy to be of service, my lord.”

Henry entered the dining room and did not, by so much as the flicker of an eyelash, betray that he found anything odd in Serena’s sitting at the foot of the table. Between the butler hovering solicitously near her and Beaumont’s proud grin when he glanced at her, it was plain Serena had found her home.

She smiled, genuinely happy to see Henry.

He fixed his gaze on Beaumont. “Have you discussed the settlements?”

Robert met Henry’s gaze, and nodded toward Serena. “
We
have decided Serena will keep what is hers. I understand it must all be put in a trust.”

“Settlements on girl children and younger sons?”

Robert inclined his head. “Whatever you deem fit. The bulk of the estate is entailed. However, I have private funds left to me by my mother and an aunt.”

“Are you prepared to discuss your financial details?”

Robert smiled politely. “At your pleasure, my lord.”

Henry was pleased. Beaumont was behaving exactly as he should. “After luncheon then.”

“Good.” Serena turned to Henry. “Now, if you are finished for the moment, we may continue this discussion later. Uncle Henry, try the fish. Cook has a way with it.”

When they’d finished eating, the entire party, with the exception of Freddy and Edward, repaired to the study. Freddy whispered to Serena that she and Edward were off to Yorkshire to visit his solicitor, who, she said, would no doubt be shocked at her being present.

“You’ve given us some food for thought, my dear. I congratulate you on handling St. Eth so well. We’ll see you before dinner.” Freddy hesitated and her eyes filled with sudden tears. “You fit perfectly here at the Hall.”

Serena hugged Freddy. “I feel right here. It feels like home. Now go or we shall both be crying and our gentlemen will think we mean to run away.”

 

Lord Arthur, Phoebe and Marcus’s eleven-month-old son, arrived and had to be admired before they finally made their way to the study.

Phoebe exclaimed at the large partner’s desk. “How beautiful and how enormous.”

Serena was delighted. “If you look on the sides you’ll see how the spaces for the ledgers are fitted in. It makes it so much easier.”

Marcus stood next to Robert. “You spared no efforts.”

“Once she was here, I had to find some way to convince her to stay.”

Robert opened the files containing his accounts and placed them before St. Eth, already seated at the desk. “Would you like a sherry, sir?”

“Please.” St. Eth glanced up at the group. “You may all sit while I review Beaumont’s information.”

The room became quiet as five pairs of eyes focused on him. Although Robert knew his accounts were in order, having St. Eth study them made Robert feel like a callow youth.

Finally, St. Eth pushed back the chair. “This is better than I expected. Beaumont, if you tell me who your solicitor is, I shall instruct mine to contact him. Serena, I’ll need a letter from you, authorizing me to act on your behalf.”

“My solicitor is Mosley, sir,” Robert said.

St. Eth chuckled. “That will make things easier. Mosley represents our family, as well. Now,” St. Eth said and stood. “I’d like to see that great-nephew of mine again.”

Beaumont reluctantly gave Serena’s uncle the baby and wondered how long it would take before Serena was increasing. Robert hoped it would be soon.

 

After dinner and tea, Serena and Robert showed Phoebe and Marcus into the viscountess’s parlor. Upon entering the room, Serena directed Phoebe’s attention to the view from the windows. It was nine o’clock and weak light still poured in from the west.

The room was furnished with an old French secretaire, two sofas, a number of chairs, and two large, soft armchairs, a daybed, and a few marble-inlaid tables. Bookshelves covered the inner wall. Bright Persian rugs overlapped on the floor. Very improperly, the ladies, after having been given glasses of brandy, had taken off their slippers and curled up next to their gentlemen.

“This is a lovely room,” Phoebe said. “Do you use it much?”

“No, it’s actually the first time I’ve been in the room,” Serena replied. “I like it. Who decorated it? Do you know, Robert?”

“We’ll ask my grandmother when she arrives.” He drew Serena closer. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am St. Eth is no longer upset.”

“The only person who could bear to be around him on the trip was his valet,” Marcus said. “I’ve never seen Henry as exercised as he was after he received Vere’s letter.” Evesham glanced at Robert and Serena. “You two seem happy.”

Robert looked at Serena. “We are.”

Phoebe studied them for a few moments. “Do none of your servants think your living arrangement a little precipitant?”

“Phoebe, are you being impertinent?” Robert joked.

“No, I am being shamelessly curious.”

Serena chuckled softly. “Henley, Robert’s man, and Mary, my maid—though I’ve been informed I must call her my dresser now that I am to be a
viscountess—
took it upon themselves to insure Robert’s bed is slept in every night. He must leave me in sufficient time to prove he’s in his own bed when his morning wash water arrives.”

Marcus frowned at her. “I don’t understand what being a viscountess has to do with it. You’re already an earl’s daughter.”

Serena widened her eyes, and assumed a prim demeanor. “Ah, but I’m not an
English
earl’s daughter.”

Robert, who had been languidly stroking Serena’s shoulders, suddenly sat up, dislodging her. “Who said that to you?”

Serena shook herself and met Robert’s frown with one of her own. “Who said what to me?”

He growled. “Who said a
Scottish
earl’s daughter was not equal to an
English
earl’s daughter? That is not a distinction you would have thought to have made.”

“Ah.” Serena started to rearrange herself comfortably against Robert again, but he held her off, capturing her gaze.

“I don’t even know who they were. I was in the ladies’ retiring room at Almack’s when I heard them. They were bemoaning the way you looked at me, my love. What does it matter?”

Robert settled her next to him again, holding her protectively. “Harrumph. Spiteful cats. Is it any wonder I eschewed the
ton
for years?”

Serena cuddled into him. “There is no point in thinking of it now. All of it is long past. Where do you plan to take us for the picnic to-morrow?”

“The ash grove.”

“With the stream?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

Phoebe smiled at Marcus, then looked at the clock. “Oh my, look at the time. We must be off, else I’ll not be up to nurse Arthur and accompany you to-morrow. Serena, would you mind showing me your bedchamber before we leave?”

Marcus said, “Robert, let me see that bathing chamber you told us about.”

Once they’d gained Serena’s bedchamber, Phoebe took her hand and towed Serena to a small sofa against the wall. “Everything is good? I see that you look happy, but I need to ask.” Phoebe searched Serena’s face. “You cannot think how many times I’ve blamed myself for introducing the two of you.”

Tears of joy filled Serena’s eyes. “Everything is wonderful. He was so funny when he finally told me he loved me . . .”

Phoebe laughed. “How typically Robert.”

Once in the bathing chamber, instead of admiring it, Marcus regarded Robert for a few moments.

“Marcus, if you want to talk, we’ll have to go into my bedchamber. This room echoes.”

“Very well.” He followed Robert.

“What’s on your mind?” Robert asked.

“Not mine so much as Phoebe’s. She’s been worried since you left France. You do love Serena?”

“Do you know, Marcus, you are the only man I know who would ask me that question? Yes, I love her. I more than love her. I can’t imagine my life without Serena.”

“Good.” Marcus started toward the door.

Robert stayed him. “Wait. There is something I need to know, and I don’t know who else to ask.”

His friend turned.

“You know how uncertain life can be. I thought of something this morning I wanted to tell Serena, and I didn’t. Then I thought, what if I never have another chance to tell her?”

“Tell her when you think of it. For as much as she didn’t quite have her feet under her in London, she does have them here. Consider how she handled Henry. Serena is a strong woman. I’m not saying you won’t need to protect her in London. But, with you, here she can be herself.”

“Thank you.”

Robert walked Marcus out to the corridor where Phoebe and Serena were talking.

Phoebe grinned at Robert and Serena. “We’ll leave you here. I think we can find our way to our chambers.”

Serena laughed. “I have no doubt, considering you’re just down the corridor.”

Robert stood behind her as Phoebe and Marcus left. “I have something to tell you.”

Turning, Serena glanced up at him. “What is it?”

“I love it when your legs give out.”

 

Serena carefully removed Robert’s arm and climbed out of bed. They needed to start betimes to-day if Uncle Henry wanted to see the estate.

Mary was in the dressing room. “You’re up early.”

“Yes. Please tell Henley he may fetch his lordship. I’ll dress in here.”

Her maid set up the wash basin and slipped out of the room. A little while later, Henley’s voice reached her.

“My lord, I was instructed to wake you.”

“Where is . . . ?” Robert groaned. “Very well.”

The door to the bedchamber closed.

Serena finished dressing and met Robert in the corridor.

When they arrived in the breakfast room, Finster held her chair. “We’ll have a warm day to-day, my lady.”

“Thank you, Finster. That will be welcome after all the cold weather we’ve had.”

Robert’s eyes narrowed at her seated at the far end of the table. “I don’t like you sitting so far away.”

Serena tried to keep from laughing. “You told me to do as I wished.”

Robert scowled. “Can’t you sit next to me at breakfast?”

Well, it was breakfast and they were the only ones there. “If you desire it, my lord.”

“I do, my lady. Finster, please help her ladyship move.”

Finster’s lips twitched, but he contrived to maintain his countenance. “Yes, my lord. My lady?” Finster led Serena to the chair next to Robert’s.

Before Serena could sit, Robert fixed his butler with a look. “Finster, don’t you have something to do in the corridor?”

“I believe I do, my lord. I shall attend to it at once.”

Robert stood, drawing Serena to him. She tilted her head up as he captured her lips. “You’re mine. For the rest of your life, you’re mine.”

“I’m yours, as long as you’re mine.”

“Do you think I’d ever want another woman?” Robert asked, surprised.

“Not now, no. Yet, I know I’m not as experienced . . .”

Robert kissed her again. “You’re mine to teach, and I’ll teach you everything you need to know. I’ll never stop wanting you.”

Serena sighed. She didn’t know from where her sudden uncertainty came. She kissed him as if it was their last kiss, desperately, greedily. Robert responded. His hand on one of her breasts, he backed her up to the wall and rucked up her skirt.

Someone knocked and Serena pushed him away. “Robert!”

With great effort they regained their places before the door opened.

Serena bowed her head over her plate, taking deep breaths and calming herself.