Dakota Dreams (Historical Romance) (23 page)

Rye would like to have protested the housekeeper's insolence, but she was not yet sure of the woman's status in the house. She would wait and bide her time.

A gleam came to her eyes as she thought of what the future might hold for her. Was it possible that the Viscount was unhappy with his lady? She had heard that his wife was comely, but perhaps she did not suit his taste.

Rye smiled to herself. She would endeavor to be everything this exceptional man wanted in a woman. Just for a moment, she entertained the thought that she might one day become the Marchioness of Weatherford!

***

For Breanna, time passed slowly. She had not heard from Dakota since his departure four weeks earlier, but then she hadn't expected to. She had hoped he would be home by now and wondered what could be keeping him in London.

During Dakota's absence, she had come to know Levi even better. He was a dear old man, and she developed a great affection for him.

Breanna worked her hands into her gloves as she descended the stairs. The weather had turned cold, and there was a light fog, but that would not deter her from riding Joya. She was walking past the sitting room when she heard her maid, Etta, talking to Polly, one of the downstairs maids.

Breanna paused in the doorway with the intention of telling Etta to lay her lavender gown out for dinner.

The two maids had their backs to Breanna and were not aware of her presence.

Etta's voice was raised in anger. "I never would have thought it of his lordship, seeing as how thoughtful he's been to Lady Breanna."

"Well," Polly speculated, "that's a man for you. A woman gives them everything, and they end up breaking her heart."

"It makes my teeth ache to tell my sweet lady what's going on behind her back," Etta stated loyally.

"But you promised you wouldn't say anything" Polly protested. "If Mrs. Hopkins finds out I read her mail, shell have me dismissed without a reference!”

"I won't say anything," Etta promised. "But only because I don't want to see her ladyship hurt. Tell me again about the letter," she urged.

Breanna stood as if frozen. She didn't want to eavesdrop, yet she couldn't leave. She had to know what Dakota had done that had caused the servants to gossip in corners.

"Well, I had to read the letter in a hurry, fearing Mrs. Hopkins would catch me," Polly continued, "but I got the gist of it. It was from the London housekeeper, Mrs. Crowder. I met her once when the old Marquess had several of us go to London when they remodeled the house there. She's a stern one, not given to gossip. I gathered from the letter she was angry and indignant at what's going on right under her nose. She wrote that she had even considered telling his lordship she would resign her post if he didn't send that woman packing. She says his lordship has bought Lady Rye Saffron jewels and clothing and has installed her in one of bedrooms at the townhouse."

Etta looked distressed. "But that's monstrous. It would be shocking for his lordship to bring any woman into his house, but the sister of a sworn enemy is unspeakable."

Polly nodded indignantly. "I can tell you right now that Lady Rye Saffron is no lady, if you understand what I'm saying. I've also heard that she is beautiful and has high aspirations. It will be hard for our sweet Viscountess to compete with her kind of woman, because they use all sorts of seductive powers on a man."

"But how could his lordship prefer that woman to our lady?"

Breanna did not know that Levi had been standing behind her in the hallway and that, like her, he had overheard everything the two maids had been discussing. She stayed to hear no more. Quietly she moved down the hallway and out the front door.

Feeling numb, she stood on the steps, trying to find some reason for what she had just overheard. She knew this wasn't merely servants' gossip, not if it had driven the dour, but loyal, Mrs. Crowder to the brink of relinquishing her post.

Breanna had to get away from the house so she could think this through. So deep was her hurt that she felt like a wounded animal that needed to be alone to heal its wounds. Her footsteps took her in the direction of the stable.

Frazier tipped his cap and smiled at Breanna, unaware that she was upset. "Joya has been waiting for you, my lady. She's sure getting spoiled, thinking you will give her your attention every day."

Breanna did not smile at the dear little man as was her custom. "I will not require you to accompany me this morning, Frazier," she said as he helped her mount.

"But, my lady, his lordship said that—"

"Never mind that. I will be riding alone today."

Frazier scratched his head as he watched Breanna ride in the direction of the hunting lodge, thinking she had been disturbed about something.

Breanna dismounted at the hunting lodge and looped Joya's reins through the hitching post. With a heavy heart, she walked down the steep trail that led to the beach. She felt as if her whole world had caved in. Had she had been forsaken? Surely there was some mistake. Dakota was too honorable to blatantly and openly take a mistress. Of course, she had heard of men having mistresses, but never would a gentleman allow his mistress to reside in his own home. Her heart felt as if it had been trampled. She could not bear to think of Dakota holding another woman in his arms as he had once held her.

As Breanna stared out at the ocean, she remembered the happy times she and Dakota had spent at the hunting lodge. Glancing up the cliff, she felt the rain on her face as it mingled with her tears. She remembered the beautiful night Dakota had truly made her his wife. Had he grown tired of her already?

She sat down on a rock and watched the restless waves wash to shore. Like flowers of remembrance pressed between the pages of a book, Breanna allowed her mind drift back to the happy times she had dwelled here in this paradise with her husband. Now those memories were soiled, besmirched, and she had only been living in a fool's paradise.

Dakota could not have cared for her at all or he would never have taken a mistress so soon after their marriage.

It started to rain harder, and she walked along the beach, weighed down with unhappiness. It didn't matter that the rain had soaked her to the skin. Nothing mattered anymore.

In a daze, Breanna glanced up and realized she had walked all the way to the caves. With a heavy heart, she retraced her steps. She had faced trouble before, and she would do it again, but oh, it did hurt so terribly.

Breanna looked up and saw the sun was getting low on the horizon. She had not realized she had been here so long. She remembered that Joya was still saddled and chided herself for neglecting her horse.

When Breanna reached the cliff top, she was surprised to find Levi sitting on the steps of the hunting lodge, whittling on a piece of wood. She was grateful to see that the dear old man had unsaddled Joya for her.

He stood up and handed her a wooden horse he'd been whittling, then watched her examine the delicate woodwork. "You about ready to go home?" he asked. "You are soaked clear through and are sure to catch your death."

"How long have you been waiting here?" she wanted to know.

"About three hours. When you didn't come home, I knew where to find you." His wise old eyes locked into hers, and she saw they were filled with compassion.

"You know, don't you, Levi?"

He didn't pretend to misunderstand her. "I don't know nothing, and you don't either, Breanna. You only know what you overheard."

"How do you know what I overheard?"

"If you hadn't been so upset, you'd have looked behind you and seen me standing there. I'd have followed you right away, but I thought you might need time to sort things out in your mind. Knowing you were of above normal intelligence, I figured you'd realize that what you heard was nothing but a lot of misinformation."

"You don't believe Dakota took that woman for his mistress?"

"No, I don't. I know Dakota a might better then most people, and he would never do what he stands accused of doing. He's about the most noble and honorable man I have ever met."

Breanna felt hope stir to life in her heart. "You don't believe what Mrs. Crowder wrote in her letter?"

"I don't think the London housekeeper deliberately tried to mislead Mrs. Hopkins. She just got her facts all wrong."

Breanna turned and gazed out to sea. "There is one way to find out, Levi."

"Yeah, I thought you might be wanting to go to London. I don't suppose there's any way I can talk you out of it?"

"No, but you can come with me if you like. I would like your company"

"I'll go with you" He closed his knife blade and poked it in his pocket. "When we get to London, you'll see that Dakota hasn't betrayed you."

Breanna looked at the hunter with tear-brimmed eyes. "I hope you are right, Levi. Oh, I do hope you are right."

He lifted Breanna's saddle from the hitching rail and plopped it on Joya's back. "Let's get back to the big house, and you can decide what you want to do after you have eaten. It isn't good for you to make a decision of such importance on an empty stomach, Breanna."

For the first time in hours, Breanna smiled. "Perhaps, but I can almost assure you that I will be leaving for London early in the morning. No one wants to prove the gossip false more than I.”

22

John had spent the last month at a friend's estate outside London. His anger had cooled, and he realized he had been too harsh on Dakota. Hoping to make amends with his cousin, he returned to the townhouse.

After inquiring about his great-uncle and finding his condition had not changed, John handed his hat to the butler. He stood in the entryway, puzzled by the sound of a woman's laughter coming from the salon.

When he entered the salon, John was astonished to find Lady Rye within. He had met Rye Saffron on several occasions, but she had never been the slightest bit interested in him, since he was light in the pockets, so their acquaintance had been a limited one. He had often observed her, however, while she was flirting and beguiling young gentlemen until they made fools of themselves over her. ' He wondered what Lady Rye was doing here with Dakota since the Remingtons and Saffrons were known enemies.

"Good evening, cousin," John said, moving casually into the room. "I have been told that my uncle's condition has not changed. I see how you have been entertaining yourself while I have been away."

Dakota was seated near the window and Rye had pulled up the stool to sit at his feet. Gowned in bright yellow velvet, Rye was beautiful, John had to admit, though a little too dark for his taste.

Dakota came to his feet with a relieved look on his face. "John, I am glad you have returned. Do you know Lady Rye Saffron?"

John could see the irritation in Rye's dark eyes, and he assumed that she was displeased by his intrusion. He bowed stiffly to her. "Indeed I do. How are you, Rye? It's always good to cross your path," he said out of politeness.

"I haven't seen you in some time, John, but then I suppose we don't frequent the same establishments," she replied, trying to cover up the animosity she felt because of his ill-timed interruption. "I had no idea that you were staying in London." She smiled maliciously. "Have you found some wealthy widow to take you in?"

He ignored her barb. "I take it you don't know that Dakota and I are cousins."

Rye sprang to her feet. "I had no notion the two of you were related." Anger was quickly covered up with a sly smile. "How nice for you to have a relative you can depend on to shelter you in your need."

"Yes, pity you don't have someone yourself."

Dakota could sense the strain between John and Rye and he wondered at the reason for their sharp words. He had been in the woman's company for two weeks, and he was glad John had returned because he was beginning to find her tiresome. In truth, he didn't know what to do about the lady.

"John, Lady Rye was robbed on her way to London, so she is staying with us until she can make arrangements to return home" he explained, wondering why the look his cousin gave him made him feel as if he had done something wrong.

John's face whitened, and he quickly glanced at Rye. "Can this be true?"

"I can assure you it is," she said smoothly.

He turned back to Dakota. "Where is Breanna?"

"She's still in the country, John. You know I didn't intend to bring her here."

"I don't think you are aware that by allowing an unmarried woman to stay under your roof, you have committed a terrible breach in etiquette, Dakota."

Dakota looked puzzled. "But she had no place to go, and her clothing had all been ruined."

John's eyes gleamed as he turned to Rye. "Let me guess, Dakota. You generously offered to replace the lady's clothing and allowed her to stay here?"

"Yes," Dakota admitted. "How can it be wrong to help a friend in trouble?"

Rye smirked. "Yes, John, how can that be wrong? After all," she said, tossing her head, "Dakota seems to take in all sort of strays, does he not?"

John slowly shook his head, blaming himself for deserting Dakota when he needed him most. "This is unthinkable, and you know it, Rye. Dakota doesn't know what consequences can result from this action, but you do. Why in heaven's name did you allow this to happen?"

Rye was clever enough to realize John Donegal could be a real threat to her plan. She saw indecision in Dakota's eyes and decided to play on his sympathies once more. Dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, she sobbed. "How can you be so cruel, John Donegal? I have nowhere to go. Would you have your cousin toss me out in the street?"

"That will not happen," Dakota said, unable to stand the sight of the woman's tears. "If anything is amiss, I take full responsibility, John."

John looked from one to the other in disbelief. "Dakota, I don't think you know what is going on here. Have you considered Breanna in this? What will she say if she should learn that you have a Woman staying here with you?"

"Breanna would not want me to turn away someone who is in need. And I believe she will have trust in me."

Rye's eyes darkened. She was beginning to feel frustrated because Dakota had not, as yet, taken her to his bed. Even though she had tried to bring him around, he had cleverly sidestepped her every move. Now that his cousin was here, her task could prove even more difficult. "I do not want to cause any trouble," she sniffed. "I will pack my belongings and leave at once." She knew Dakota well enough by now to realize he would not allow her to go like this.

"You will do no such thing," Dakota stated. "You are welcome to remain here for as long as you deem it necessary." He glanced at his cousin. "My grandfather's solicitor is waiting for me in the study, John. I will expect you to apologize to Lady Rye before I return."

John did not miss the satisfied gleam that passed over Rye's face as she watched Dakota leave the room. "What game are you playing, Rye?" he demanded. "What do you hope to gain by insinuating yourself in my cousin's life?"

She brushed a delicate finger over the heavy silver candlestick. "We all do what we must to survive, John. You should know about that. Haven't you attached yourself to your wealthy cousin?"

"Not in the way your think, Rye. My main purpose in being with Dakota is to protect him from unscrupulous people who will try to take advantage of his generous nature," he said pointedly. "You have no future here, because he will never turn to you, Rye."

"How can you be sure?" she purred. "I take heart in the fact that he left his bride so soon after meeting her."

"Don't take comfort in that thought, because you would only be deluding yourself. Breanna is a lady, and you don't have a chance in hell of replacing her in Dakota's affections."

"Oh, so the lady has a champion in you. How gallant. Does Dakota know how you feel about his wife? Perhaps you would like me to end up with Dakota, so you would be free to have his wife."

John could see the spiteful and malicious glint reflected in Rye's eyes, and he recognized the danger she might represent to Dakota. "I would not mind if Dakota bedded you as he would any whore, but you wouldn't be satisfied with that, would you?"

"I believe we understand one another."

A slow smile played on John's lips. "How old are you, Rye? Thirty? Thirty-five? You are beautiful, but your age is just beginning to show in your face. I suppose you could attribute the slight lines at your mouth and around your eyes to the kind of life you lead."

Rye was not amused by John's observations. "I suppose you are trying to make a point?" she gritted out.

"Yes, I am. Have you seen the Lady Breanna?"

"No." Rye smiled. "It would seem her husband prefers to keep her in the country and away from prying eyes. Perhaps she is a shy little bird."

John moved to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of brandy. He paused before bringing it to his lips. "I don't think that's Dakota's reason for not bringing Breanna to London, Rye. You pointed out a moment ago that I might be interested in the Viscountess, and you weren't far from wrong. If she weren't married to my cousin, I would be the first to plight her my troth. You see, she has youth, beauty, and innocence on her side. If you want my opinion, Dakota is one fortunate bastard. No, he will not be interested in you, Rye."

She shoved him out of the way and poured herself a liberal amount of brandy and downed it, coughing to catch her breath. "We shall just see about that, John Donegal. We shall just see."

Now John laughed. "I believe I note a touch of frustration in your voice. Can it be that Dakota has spurned your attempts to get him into bed?" John saw her eyes flash with anger. "No, it's more than that, isn't it? He doesn't even know you are offering yourself to him." Seeing he had hit on the truth, John's laughter filled the room. "Give up, Rye. Take what spoils you derived from your association with Dakota and leave."

Rye's face became distorted with anger. "Ill see you in hell first, John."

His laughter was now amused. "Very likely, Rye. Very likely."

She took another sip of brandy, and John saw something more in her eyes. "You love him, Rye" he said in an astonished voice. "You love my cousin." There was something akin to pity in his eyes now. "You can never have him. He is far above you, and he is everything you and I can never be. He believes in honesty and is capable of feeling deeply about the woman he loves. You mistook his generosity to you as something more. I pity you, Rye, because he is as far out of reach for you as Breanna is for me. Leave them alone and allow them to find happiness together."

She spun around, her crinoline swaying with the violent motion. "How magnanimous of you to sacrifice your love for the sake of honor. I assure you I am not motivated by the same sentiments. No, I will have Dakota one way or another. And he is interested in me, you shall see!"

John was weary of the conversation. This woman was like a viper in the house, and he intended to stand guardian so she couldn't spread her poison. It wasn't likely he could convince Dakota to throw the woman out, but perhaps he could explain that any gossip about him and Rye would hurt Breanna. He had to persuade Dakota to give the woman money and send her on her way before any real harm was done, if it wasn't already too late.

He only hoped it wouldn't be necessary for him to pretend to woo Lady Rye. There was only so much one should be expected to do for the sake of the family honor.

***

It was dark when the carriage bearing Breanna and Levi pulled up to the front door of the town-house. Levi helped Breanna up the steps and pushed open the door for her to enter.

As Levi helped Breanna remove her velvet cape, Mrs. Crowder appeared. "My lady," she said in astonishment. "We were not told to expect you." The housekeeper's voice held a warmth that Breanna had not heard before.

"Good evening, Mrs. Crowder, is my husband in?"

"Yes, my lady." The elder woman looked as if she would like to bar Breanna's path—in truth she wanted to shield the Viscountess from any unpleasantness.

Breanna could tell by the housekeeper's expression that she was upset about something.

"His lordship is dining with . . . friends. Allow me . . . To announce you, my lady."

"That won't be necessary, Mrs. Crowder. I would like to surprise my husband," Breanna said as she moved past the housekeeper toward the formal dining room, Levi following close behind her.

Before she pushed open the door, Breanna heard a woman's laughter. Drawing on her courage, she opened the door and moved into the room.

Silence fell heavily as three pairs of eyes studied Breanna. Her eyes moved first over her husband's face. Was that the warmth of welcome she saw in his eyes? She nodded at John, and he came to his feet to stand beside her.

"Breanna," John said, moving closer to her, wanting to protect her. "What . . . when did you arrive?"

"Just now," Breanna answered. She noticed that the woman dressed in a ruby-red gown was lovely beyond belief. She had a certain sophistication that Breanna knew she would never be able to achieve.

Sitting to Dakota's right, the woman suddenly leaned closer to him, showing a generous amount of her bosom and laying a delicate hand possessively on Dakota's.

Pain ripped through Breanna's heart, and she swayed toward John. Levi stood on Breanna's other side, casting a startled glance at Dakota.

With a courage Breanna did not know she possessed, she proudly raised her chin. "Dakota, will you not present me to your guest?"

Dakota brushed Rye's hand off and stood up. His joy at seeing Breanna was tempered by the feeling of strong undertones in the room. John had made him understand this afternoon that it was not accepted in polite society for Rye to reside under his roof, and that Breanna would be hurt if word of this reached her ears.

Dakota, realizing he had committed a faux pas, had decided to ask Rye to leave in the morning. John had been right when he said Breanna would be hurt. He could see her pain, and it became his pain. The one person in the world he would never want to hurt was his beloved Breanna.

John, thinking to save the situation, intervened. "Breanna, may I present a friend of mine, Lady Rye Saffron. Dakota so graciously invited us to dine with him."

Breanna looked into John's honest blue eyes and saw that the lie came hard to him. With dignity, she turned to Rye. "I believe we are neighbors in Cornwall, Lady Rye. Are we also neighbors here in London?" Breanna prayed that the gossip had been wrong. Let the lady deny her suspicions and exonerate Dakota.