Tempting Bella (Entangled Scandalous) (23 page)

“Susan, you look well.”

The way Susan flushed and cast her eyes downward made her look achingly young and fragile. “Despite my shame, I am thriving here. Thank you for bringing me.”

“There is someone I want you to meet.” He touched his hand to Bella’s lower back. “Susan, this is my lady.”

Susan turned her attention to Bella, and dipped into a low curtsy. “My lady.” She gave a shy smile. “We are all so pleased Mr. Sebastian’s lady wife has come home at last.”

Bella felt a rush of protectiveness toward the girl. She possessed an innocent, childlike quality so at odds with her stunning beauty. It was a combination a ruthless rake could easily take advantage of. The very idea infuriated her. “May I ask when your babe will come?”

“I am six months gone with child, my lady.”

“Susan, am I the father of your child?” Sebastian asked abruptly.

Red suffused the girl’s face, her distress apparent. “You know you are not, sir. You would never take such liberties.” She cast an almost accusing look at Bella. “Everyone knows Mr. Sebastian is too good to do something like that.”

“I do know it,” Bella assured her before hitting him with a hard look. “That was unnecessary.”

“Perhaps,” Sebastian said idly. “But I felt it best to put the issue to rest. One never knows when Orphus will make another accusation.”

Bella bristled. “You are well aware that his name is Orford. And he is only looking out for my best interests.”

“I think he is looking out for his own selfish interests.”

“Orford?” The sharp tone in Susan’s voice caught their attention, forcing Bella and Sebastian to abandon their bickering. “Cary Orford?”

Surprised, Bella said, “Why yes.”

“Do you know Orford, Susan?”

Obvious anger pointed Susan’s features. “Did he accuse you of fathering my child?”

“He suggested the possibility to my wife. Your refusal to name the father has given rise to unfortunate rumors about my character. Some believe you protect the gentleman out of a misplaced fondness for him.”

“I am not fond of my child’s father.” Bitterness laced Susan’s voice. “And Mr. Orford knows it.”

The hair on Bella’s neck tingled. “How exactly do you know Mr. Orford, Susan?”

Susan chewed her lip. “He said no one would believe me.”

Bella’s chest constricted. “Orford?”

An angry energy simmered beneath Sebastian’s controlled surface. “I believe you, Susan.” He laid a gentle hand on the girl’s arm. “Pray tell us the truth.”

Her dark eyes glistened with unshed emotion. “Mr. Orford is the father of my child. He told me I was special. He brought gifts and promised many things. He said my pleasing appearance could bring me a much better life than that of a serving girl.”

The words barely penetrated for Bella. It sounded like ocean waves were breaking in her ears. Orford? How could it be? The revelation hit her like a wallop to the stomach. He wasn’t only a liar, but a cad who took ruthless advantage of innocent girls. “How did you make his acquaintance?”

Susan brushed away tears in a quick rough motion. “He came to call on his lordship, but the marquess was away to the country. I’d returned from an errand. Mr. Orford was leaving from the front stairs. He spoke to me all nice like. Asked a lot of questions.”

“What sorts of questions?”

“He wanted to know all about you, sir.”

“What precisely?”

“Whether you took Cyprians to your bed.” She flashed an apologetic look at Bella. “Pardon the language, my lady.”

Bella swallowed down the heat burning her chest. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on Orford. “It is quite all right. Please go on.”

“He came around a lot after that. Always seemed to be there when the housekeeper, Mrs. Peters, sent me on an errand. He began to turn up on my day off. It started with walks, but then we went for a picnic and he…I…” She shook her head.

“It is all right, Susan, you don’t have to share all of the particulars with us,” Sebastian said.

Susan’s eyes met his and she seemed to find strength in his steady gaze. Taking a breath, she continued, lowering her voice so as not be overheard. “Afterward, he said I could be the finest courtesan, that the best gentlemen would want me.” Her voice trembled. “He would handle the money matters, he would take half and give me half. Said he deserved some coin for his efforts.”

“Naturally,” said Sebastian, his voice dry.

“I thought he had a care for me.” She knuckled away the tears in her eyes. “Mr. Orford wanted to set me up in a house and bring gentleman callers there. He expected to continue to enjoy my favors while I did…that…with other men who would pay.”

“And when he learned you were with child?” Bella asked gently.

“He was so angry. He said he didn’t want a babe off a whore. Mr. Orford told me he plans to marry a great lady very soon.”

Fury curled Bella’s fists, her nails digging painfully into the flesh of her palm. No longer able to contain herself, she erupted. “Why that scoundrel! I will take care of Mr. Orford.” She pulled an obviously surprised Susan into a fierce embrace. “He will not be allowed to get away with this. I promise you that.”

…

Noting Bella’s strident steps in the direction of their waiting coach, Sebastian surmised his wife had decided to cut the tour short.

“You should have broken his perfect nose when you had the chance at Gentleman Jack’s,” she said without breaking her stride. “It would have served him right, the blackguard.”

“You’re quite right. I should have. I only restrained myself because I knew it would upset you.”

“If only you had knocked out some teeth while you were at it, marred that handsome face of his.”

He’d be happy to oblige. When he had the chance, he planned to pummel Orford within an inch of his life. “You are a bloodthirsty thing, aren’t you? Remind me not to get on your bad side.” He caught her in his arms, interrupting her determined gait. “Handsome? So you think Orford is appealing?”

Clearly not in the mood for games, she wriggled loose. Pity. His body stirred at the fire in her eyes and the intense energy undulating off her.

“Aren’t you going to say I told you so?” she snapped. “You’ve always taken Orford for a cad.” She halted in front of the coach and allowed him to hand her up.

He climbed in behind Bella, settling across her in the backward-facing seat. “No need to. You just did.”

She eyed him. “How can you be so calm? Aren’t you beyond furious? He ruined that poor, sweet girl.”

“Control is something I have had to cultivate my entire life.” He allowed a grim smile. “Being the bastard son, it was imperative that I be perfect.”

Her face softened. “Truly?”

Sebastian shifted his gaze toward the window. “I felt if I excelled in everything, then, perhaps, my father would be better able to bear my presence.”

Her tone lost all of its anger. “Did it help?”

“No, it seemed to make him angrier. I think he would have gained satisfaction in my being a colossal failure.”

“He was cruel. I wish I had met him. I’d have at him for treating you so.”

“My Amazon warrior.” He smiled at her. “Perhaps this is not the ideal time to discuss this matter, but I received word of important news while you were on your walk with your friends.”

“What is it?” she asked without particular interest, still appearing distracted and shaken by the revelation about Orford.

“It concerns the man who attacked Tabby.”

Her gaze sharpened. “That beast Dominick Howard? What of him?”

“It seems he offended one person too many. Howard succumbed after a duel yesterday morning near Primrose Hill.”

“How did it happen?”

“A dispute over an insult to a man’s mount.”

“He died as a result of a disagreement over horseflesh? Surely you jest.”

“And it might interest you to know who finished Howard off.”

She learned forward. “Who is this hero who cut down that useless cur?”

“None other than Baron Edgemont.”

Her eyes widened. “Tabby’s long-ago betrothed?”

“Satisfying his honor, I expect. Howard did him a grave insult in ruining his intended.”

Bella sat back against the squabs in a huff. “Trust a gentleman to make a woman’s pain all about him and his honor.”

“He didn’t publicly shame Lady Tabitha by naming her as the reason for the duel. Hence, the claimed insult against the baron’s mount. Apparently, Howard said something untoward about the steed.”

“I don’t care how it happened. At least Tabby will be forever spared from Howard’s disgusting attentions.” Her expression turned contemplative. “I should tell her before she hears of it elsewhere. Poor Tabby. To learn of this and Orford’s deceit at the same time.”

The coach pulled up to their townhome and Bella alighted quickly, rushing up the stairs. She paced into the foyer, pulling off her pelisse, and handing it off to Davison, who passed it to a waiting footman. “Welcome home, sir, my lady.”

Sebastian handed his overcoat to the footman. “Thank you, Davison. Is Mr. Orford in residence?”

“He is, sir. He and Lady Tabitha just called for tea in the garden.”

Bella charged off in the direction of the garden with Sebastian following. They found Orford sprawled in a chair, his legs propped up on a footstool. His handsome profile tilted upward to bask in the gentle sunshine, bringing to mind a lazy, self-satisfied cat.

Tabby sat across from him at her easel, frowning in concentration as she brushed watercolors across her canvas.

Squinting against the sun, Orford turned his head at their approach, greeting them with a languorous look. “Here are our generous hosts.” Seeming to take in the tension in Bella’s stiff posture, Orford’s questioning eyes sought hers. “Is anything amiss?”

Red flushed Bella’s face. She reached over and shoved his feet off of the stool, unsettling Orford’s relaxed position. He startled into a sitting position. “I say, Bella! What the—”

Fury made the golden highlights in her almond-colored eyes spark in the sun. “You are worst sort of lying cad.”

Tabby’s brush froze in the air. “Bella, whatever is the matter?” Her gentle face paled at Bella’s obvious fury. “Whatever Orford has done, surely it cannot be that bad.”

“You are wrong about that, Tabby. You have no idea what this rogue is capable of.”

Orford’s eyebrows shot up. “Rogue?” He flashed a disdainful look at Sebastian. “What has your husband done to convince you of my debauchery, perhaps to detract from his own?”

“Shut up, you idiot,” fumed Bella. “How dare you impugn his good name with your false rumors? Sebastian has more decency in his little finger than you have in your entire worthless self.”

Tabby stood up. “Bella, please calm yourself.”

Sebastian went to her. “Lady Tabitha, what Bella has to say to Orford is not appropriate for a gentlewoman’s ears.” He offered his arm. “Do allow me to escort you inside.”

“Go Tabby.” Bella’s harsh gaze remained fixed on Orford, color high on her cheeks. “What I have learned about Orford’s character is most distressing.”

Tabby’s quivering mouth flattened with determination. “I am no innocent, as we are all aware. I shall stay.”

Taking in her proud stance, Sebastian dipped his chin. “As you wish.”

Orford shifted lazily in his seat. “Do get on with it. Tell me, what it is that I am supposed to have done that’s got you all roiled up.”

Bella’s face twisted in anger. “What you have done to Susan is beyond despicable.”

Genuine confusion clouded his eyes. “Susan?”

“Is it possible you are such a blackguard that you could ruin a girl and not even remember her name?”

Understanding flashed in Orford’s eyes. “Oh, is that all? Darling, surely you are aware that it is not unusual for a gentleman to take his ease with a certain kind of woman.”

Her cheeks were awash with color; her eyes shone brilliant in her outrage. She looked magnificent. “With a lightskirt, perhaps, but not an innocent like Susan. Using her like that is abominable.”

“I don’t know what lies Stanhope here has told you, but the girl’s a wanton. She begged me for it. And since Stanhope here had already sampled her—”

“Why you—” Bella grabbed the teacup by Orford’s side and flung its contents into his face.

Orford leaped to his feet. “Bella! What the devil?” Liquid dripped from his curls, dribbling down his face, splattering against the white of his shirt. “You could have scalded me. What if you had marked my face?”

“I wish I had. It would serve you right. Now, get out of my sight. You are not welcome in this house, and we are no longer friends.”

“Clearly you are distraught, my dear. Once you have calmed—”

“You have one hour to pack up your things and depart. The poor girl thought you had a care for her.”

His features stiffened. “That is absurd. As though I would condescend to using her as anything other than…a passing amusement.”

“You, too, should know your place.” Her words vibrated with fury. “And it’s no longer here.”

“You are the only woman for whom I have ever genuinely cared,” Orford said urgently. “She means nothing to me.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better? If you do not remove yourself immediately, I’ll have Davison toss you out and send your possessions to the foundling home. Is that clear?”

“Perfectly.” His gaze found Sebastian’s and hardened into something much colder, like a snake biding its time before it strikes. “If you will excuse me.”

He ambled toward the house as though his altered circumstances were of no concern. Sebastian followed, relieved to be rid of Orford at last. But first he had his own lesson to teach the guttersnipe. His hands curled into fists. The type of lesson he had in mind was best accomplished outside the presence of ladies.

…

Bella turned to Tabby, who had gone pale. “Are you well, dear?” she asked gently. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“I sometimes forget the true nature of men.”

Bella wrapped an arm around the girl’s narrow shoulders, knowing she thought of the man who had violated her. “Not all men, dearest. Sebastian and Monty would never behave thus.”

Tabby shivered. “But one never knows, does one, until it is far too late.”

She guided the girl back to her seat. “There is something I must tell you.”

Tabby’s large hazel eyes fastened on her. “Is it so very bad? You appear most serious.”

Bella patted her friend’s arm. “It could upset you.”

Worry deepened the subtle lines in Tabby’s face. “Has something happened to Monty?”

“Monty? No, Josette says he’s away in the country tending to estate business.”

“Then do tell me what is the matter before I have an apoplectic fit.”

“It is about that scapegrace Dominick Howard.”

Tabby flinched. “He hasn’t found me?”

“No, of course not. He is dead. He will never harm you again.”

“Dead?” The girl paled. “But how?”

“It was a duel. Edgemont challenged him.”

“The baron?” Tabby whispered. “Why would he do that?”

“To avenge you most likely. You were his betrothed.”

“Oh.” Tabby’s eyes filled with tears. “You don’t think this means he still wants me, do you? I couldn’t bear for any man to touch me like that.”

Bella hugged her with fierce protectiveness. “He probably just wanted to satisfy his own honor.”

“I hope that is the case.”

Bella tightened her arms around the girl. “It doesn’t matter what he wants. You are safe here with us.”

“But if he comes for me—”

“Sebastian will not let him take you. Neither will Monty, for that matter.”

“But they have no standing to act as my protectors.”

“Nonetheless, both are the best of men who would shield you with their lives.” She kissed the girl’s cheek. “As would I.”

…

Monty escorted Bella through the front doors of Barclay’s Bank. “How do you plan to convince them to give you access to the account?”

“I have no idea,” she answered, fighting her nerves. “My only plan is to act as if it is my right to retrieve the information.”

“Ah, you’re going to play the duchess card and intimidate it out of them.” Monty chuckled. “That explains the finery.”

She was dressed to awe in a silk, metallic-colored pelisse adorned with smart military-style braiding across the high neck and bodice. Full, generous sleeves tapered to a snug fit from the elbow down to velvet-trimmed wrists. Her matching bonnet, flamboyantly adorned with braiding and feathers, perched at a jaunty angle atop her head. “I’ve no choice but to brazen it out. Orford couldn’t find a clerk willing to assist us, even though we promised a generous show of gratitude.”

Monty’s brows lifted. “A staff that is too honest to be bribed? Perhaps I should move my monies here.”

“Another clue into the mysterious Monty,” she mused, momentarily distracted. “Have an abundance of funds, do you?”

“A bit,” he said easily. “Why do you not dispense with this cloak-and-sword business, and ask Sebastian directly about the funds? The two of you seem to have reached an understanding.”

“We have, but that is the problem.”

“Getting on well with your husband is a problem? How so?”

“I fear I’ve fallen too far under his spell.” Guilt roiled in her chest to be going behind Sebastian’s back in this way. “I’d want to believe anything he tells me. By coming here on my own, if he is innocent, I’ll find proof of it independently and put the matter forever to rest.”

Monty turned an eye to a man who rushed over to them as soon as they entered the lobby. “The performance begins,” he said under his breath.

Bella lifted her chin and looked down her nose at the pale-faced man of middle years who approached them. “I wish to speak with the manager.”