Scoundrel (Lost Lords of Radcliffe Book 4) (12 page)

“Doing what?”

“Doing…nothing.”

“I think this whole experience has addled your wits,” Faith chided. “We are novitiates with the Sisters of Mercy. Our lives are dedicated to duty and toil. We’re not ladies of leisure who can wile away the day being idle and flirting.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rowena muttered. “It’s precisely how I thought my life would unfold.”

“So go back, Rowena,” Faith snapped. “No one’s stopping you.”

But as always happened with Rowena, whining was easy. It was taking action that was hard.

If she parted with Faith to cast her lot with Mr. Robertson and Mr. Hubbard, she’d be tossing the dice in a perilous way. If the villa’s owner showed up and threw them out, the two men had no ties to Rowena. They had no obligation to protect her or get her home. Faith didn’t imagine Mr. Robertson would abandon Rowena, but she had her doubts about Mr. Hubbard.

He was a selfish scoundrel. He was proud of it. He might commit any horrid deed, and Rowena would be a fool to rely on him. In their world, a woman alone and without resources was constantly in grave jeopardy.

“I have to tell you what I discovered about Mr. Hubbard,” Faith said.

“What about him?”

“Yesterday, after he was fencing with Mr. Robertson, I was walking down the hall, and I saw him with a serving girl.”

“Engaged in what conduct? From the frown on your face, it must have been deplorable.”

“He was having illicit relations with her.”

“With a servant?” Even by Rowena’s low standard, it was abominable.

“Yes. Millicent saw him too.”

Rowena gasped. “No.”

“Yes. It was only for a moment, and she didn’t understand what was occurring. She simply assumed they were wrestling. I drew her away before she had a clear look.”

Rowena scowled. “A servant! I’m so appalled.”

“And listen to this. I confronted him about it later on, and he told me the girl was some sort of pleasure slave who’d been specifically trained to dally with a man.”

Rowena’s jaw dropped. “My goodness. I’ve never heard of such a decadent arrangement.”

“Neither had I, but it was impossible for us to remain there.”

Rowena glanced down and studied her feet. “Yes, I suppose it was.”

“They’re not who they appear to be.”

“I disagree. Mr. Hubbard might be a tad debauched—”

“A tad?” Faith interrupted.

“Maybe he’s quite debauched, but Mr. Robertson isn’t.”

“That may be, but how can it signify, Rowena? In his current condition, he’s forgotten whatever he previously learned about comportment and decorum. He’s living like a vagabond, and you have no connection to him. He owes you no duty. What if there was trouble? I can picture Mr. Hubbard rescuing the pair of them. But what about you? What if they left you behind?”

“They wouldn’t.”

“Are you positive? Are you willing to gamble everything to find out?”

Faith stared at the younger woman, wearing her down with her unwavering certainty. She was only five years older than Rowena, but she might have been decades older. She kept her gaze very steady, very firm, not wanting to give the slightest hint that she was distressed herself by their fleeing.

The prior night, she’d behaved in a manner she could never have envisioned. She’d allowed Mr. Hubbard incredible liberties. He’d kissed her, and she hadn’t prevented it.

She might have forgiven herself for that one moral lapse, but then he’d kissed her again, and she’d leapt into the fray, participating as if she was unencumbered and free to act however she pleased. The incident had rattled her, had her feeling raw and exposed. It seemed as if she was bonded to him now, as if they were united in ways she’d never intended.

It was the reason she’d crawled out of bed and begun making plans to leave. She’d promised him she wouldn’t, that she’d dawdle and consider other choices, but in the full light of day she’d recognized that she couldn’t remain in his presence.

The chances for ruination had been too dire. He’d proved she had a weak character, that she had no ability to resist dissipation when the stakes were low and no one was watching. In that, she was no better than Rowena. Clearly she might engage in any wicked deed if the cad persuading her was handsome enough.

No, there was no benefit to a liaison with Chase Hubbard, and the quicker she put distance between them, the more relieved she’d be.

“What’s it to be Rowena?” she asked. “Will you stay with me or not?”

Rowena pondered for an eternity, then mumbled, “I’ll stay.”

“I’m glad to hear it, but I insist you alter your attitude. I can’t have you nagging and nitpicking.”

“I won’t. I’m sorry. It’s just that Mr. Robertson was very kind to me, and it’s been so long since I’ve met anybody wonderful.”

“I’m sure he’s a fine young man.”

Faith had no idea if the statement was true. He’d been courteous and cordial, but she hadn’t spent sufficient time with him to be confident in her opinion. Mr. Hubbard on the other hand, she knew all too well and none of the information was good.

“I didn’t wish to depart,” Rowena said. “I was upset by your forcing us away.”

“It was a fantasy, Rowena—the villa, the servants, the indolent life. There were no rules to guide us or moderate our conduct, and we showed ourselves to be reckless. There was naught to be gained by tarrying.”

“Except my friendship with Mr. Robertson.”

“I understand,” Faith commiserated, and she had to bite her tongue so she didn’t add,
but you’re not free to act on such feelings!

They’d reached a peace accord, and she wouldn’t raise any issue that would have them bickering again.

“Let’s walk down to the harbor,” she said instead. “I thought the harbormaster was a decent enough fellow.”

“If you don’t count how he kept us locked up until our captain sneaked away with all our belongings. Do you suppose our captain paid a bribe so he’d be permitted to abandon us?”

“The notion never occurred to me. I’m sure he simply forgot us. He’d lost so much of his crew. He desperately needed more sailors so a group of bothersome females was probably the last thing on his mind.”

They went over to the girls, and they rested and ate a snack Faith had brought. Then they trudged down the hill.

It was the hottest part of the afternoon so the streets were deserted, the bulk of the population inside in the shade where it was cooler. As they approached the water, the temperature dropped many degrees so it wasn’t quite as stifling.

It took her some time to find the right building. Even though they’d been there only a few days previous, everything seemed different. Or maybe it was just that
she
was so different. The surroundings appeared changed, the world tilted slightly.

She had the girls wait outside with Rowena, and she entered alone.

The harbormaster wasn’t in, but there was another man seated at his desk. They stumbled with languages until they decided he spoke French and a little English, but his English was so thickly accented that Faith could barely decipher his words.

He wasn’t very old, perhaps thirty or so, but he was very fat, his face round, his belly too. He was wearing a white robe and turban, and his dark eyes studied her with a dismissive sort of regard. It wasn’t insolence precisely, but it was extremely aggravating.

“I need some help,” she explained. “We were on the quarantine ship that docked several weeks ago.”

“Yes,
mon sieur
,” he said. “I remember you. Was there no Englishman at the villa?”

“There was, but he couldn’t assist us.”

“What aid is it you seek?”

“I was wondering if there might be a Christian church in town.”

He clucked with offense. “Such a thing would not be allowed.”

“There’s not one?”

“No.”

“Does the town offer charity to travelers?” It wasn’t unheard of that strangers would be given support. Traveling was a risky business, no matter the country. “We require a place to stay, and I must write a letter and send it on to my convent in Scotland. I’d also like to talk with any ship captains who come ashore.”

“To what end?” he asked.

“I’m anxious to learn if any of them are bound for England. Or across the sea to Spain. There are Catholic churches and convents there. If a captain would take us, we could request refuge there while we wait for a reply from our sisters at home.”

He mulled her comments forever. She could almost see wheels spinning in his head as he tried to figure out how he might scheme against her to be compensated for his involvement, so she felt compelled to say, “We’re in dire straits, sir. As you probably recall, our ship sailed without us, and all of our possessions were lost.”

“Yes, I recall. When you were here before, you had some girls with you. And another nun.”

“Yes. They are outside.”

“The girls have no parents to watch over them?”

“No, they were living in Rome, and their parents passed away. We were with our Mother Superior, and she was their aunt. But she died on the plague vessel, and I’m acting as their guardian.”

He studied her again, and she thought his evaluation was shifty and suspicious, but then every man she’d met in the accursed town had seemed shifty and suspicious.

Ultimately he pushed himself to his feet. “I know of a location where you can reside until we resolve your situation. You’ll be comfortable there. You can rest, and I’ll begin making inquiries for you.”

“You’re very kind. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

She smiled, but he didn’t smile back. He gestured to the door. “I’ll escort you there now.”

“I appreciate it. I swear we won’t be any trouble.”

He snorted with what might have been amusement. “I’m predicting you’ll be quite a bit of trouble, but I’m positive you’ll be worth it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Chase awakened feeling grumpy and cross and randy as the dickens.

The previous evening, he’d kissed Faith until he couldn’t stand it anymore, and his mind was muddled as to what had occurred. She was a novitiate, on an eight-year road to becoming a nun. She was off limits and unavailable, but he was attracted to her as he’d never been attracted to another female. What was he to make of such a strange situation?

And what about her? Why would she dawdle in the moonlight and participate? He didn’t know how to behave any better, but she certainly did. Her involvement was completely insane unless perhaps she wasn’t quite as determined to be a nun as she claimed.

No matter her reasoning, the whole sordid business had him out of sorts. Their stirring tryst had his body begging for attention, and he needed a concubine more than ever, but he hadn’t asked the girl to join him. He’d slept by himself and had passed a miserable night tossing and turning and fretting over Faith and her entourage.

What was to be done with them?

He hadn’t a clue, but at least he’d convinced her to remain at the villa until they could work out a viable solution. At least for the time being, she was safe and out of danger.

Yet nothing good could come from having Faith linger. He was deliberately flirting with her, wearing down her defenses. What if he eventually succeeded? What if he pursued her until he caught her?

She’d be ruined, but he wouldn’t rectify her fallen condition. He hadn’t the funds to rectify his own pathetic circumstance, let alone anyone else’s.

He rolled onto his back and grinned up at the ceiling, thinking how fun the day would be. He’d find Faith and tease her and…

Suddenly his wicked ruminations were interrupted by Ralston pounding on his door. Before Chase could invite him to enter, he blustered in, which was definitely out of character. Ralston was very much a vicar’s son and shocked by the notion of licentiousness being perpetuated outside the sanctity of marriage, so he was still a virgin.

Chase had encouraged him to dabble with the slave girl. She’d have taught him what a fellow should learn before he stumbled into a wife’s bed, but he’d constantly declined any tutoring.

Chase found his prudishness amusing, but ridiculous too. A man needed guidance in the amorous arts, and Ralston hoped to wed and settle down. Why shouldn’t he start off the physical aspect of his union with some finesse? His bride would be happier for it.

Ralston’s refusal was silly to Chase, but then Chase had a different moral view of the world, so he was surprised to have Ralston rush in. Once prior, he’d hurried in when Chase had been in the middle of a very raucous carnal session, and the poor boy had nearly been struck blind.

“What’s wrong?” Chase asked. “Since you entered without waiting to hear if I’m otherwise engaged, it must be hideous.”

“You won’t believe what’s happened.”

Chase’s heart sank. “The owner arrived to kick us out.”

“No, it’s much worse.”

“Worse than losing our lodging?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?”

“Sister Faithful has taken Rowena and the girls and left.”

“What?”

“They left!”

“You’re not serious.”

“Oh, but I am. Rowena was to join me for breakfast, and I’ve been twiddling my thumbs for an hour. I simply thought she’d overslept, then a servant brought me this.”

He thrust out a piece of paper, and Chase grabbed it, quickly discerning it was a letter from Faith. He perused the words she’d penned, muttering aloud the final line, “Thank you for your hospitality.”

He crumpled the letter into a ball and tossed it on the floor.

The woman was mad as a hatter. She likely assumed her nun’s habit would give her protection that wouldn’t be afforded another female, but he had news for her. They were in a foreign land, filled with unscrupulous strangers, and none of them were partial to her brand of religion. Neither a nun’s habit nor any other factor would prevent a criminal from harming her.

“I talked to her last night,” Chase said. “She wanted to leave, and I persuaded her not to. She swore she’d stay until you and I could devise a plan.”

“She lied to you.”

“Yes, the pious little schemer lied to my face.”

“What should we do?” Ralston asked. “We can’t let them traipse off alone like this.”