Tenacious Trents 01 - A Misguided Lord (11 page)

Though Eleanor now detested Lord
Bentley more than ever before, at this moment she could also kiss
him. He had just solved all her problems and she didn’t even have
to enter into a loveless marriage to obtain what she
needed.

A smile pulled at her lips and she
jumped up to go to her room and pack. She and her family would
return home as soon as Benjamin was well enough to travel. Besides,
her grandparents would be glad to see her go. Grandfather already
complained the Season had not worked out as he planned and the
thought of Bentley in the family made his stomach churn.

July, 1813

The last three months had been the
most peaceful Eleanor had known in a very long time. The debts of
her stepfather were paid and the remainder of the funds from
Bentley were set aside for the future. Most of the new London
clothing had been remade into more suitable dresses. A few gowns
were held back in the event she found herself at another societal
gathering, though few such entertainments occurred in Monmouth.
Several of the ball gowns that she had not worn were purchased by
the local dressmaker along with the matching shoes. All in all
their financial troubles seemed to be behind them.

Yet, Eleanor did not alter how they
lived. She still took in mending to put food on the table so she
wouldn’t have to touch their savings. Leigh cleaned the vicarage
and taught the younger children in the village on Sunday
afternoons. Eleanor also continued with piano lessons two
afternoons a week. The earning were enough to see to the family’s
needs, especially now that the debt was no longer a
concern.

The only mar in her life were her
dreams, or perhaps better put, nightmares. Why did Lord Bentley’s
face continue to appear when in her dreams? She wished she could
put the man from her mind awake and asleep.

*

Clay thought that when Miss Westin
left London he would soon forget her. Such had not been the case.
She appeared in his thoughts when he least expected it and too
often in his dreams at night. This obsession was not something he
had any experience with. He was too disciplined in his work and to
his title that nothing should ever interfere with his schedule.
Yet, this young lady possessed him somehow. Lady Anne had seemed
even duller after Miss Westin left and Clay completely gave up
considering her for a wife. And as much as he tried, not one lady
made him want to even think about marriage, let alone courtship.
So, the Season ended without a betrothal and he returned to his
country estate.

He had been positive he would forget
her there, yet Miss Westin followed him regardless of how involved
he was with estate business. Why? He couldn’t begin to guess. He
knew her for what she was; a conniving young woman set to trap a
rich gentleman into marriage before he knew what was
happening

Hadn’t she taken his money quickly
enough?

Still, he was attracted to
her, still lusted after her and there appeared to be no escape.
Perhaps if he could locate her, enjoy the charms, his obsession
would come to an end and he could once again put his mind to
finding a
proper
wife. It was that reason he had returned to London only a
month after he had left. The loneliness of the country drove him
insane along with his unreasonable obsession. Clay hoped something
in London would distract him. There certainly had to be more
charming and agreeable ladies available. How could he desire a
woman who was so conniving?

“
Bentley, can I believe my
eyes? Who would have thought you would be in London after the
Season ended?”

The laughing voice brought Clay from
his brooding thoughts and he turned his head to see who was
addressing him. A genuine smile broke on his lips and Clay stood to
greet his long-time friend. “Acker, it is good to see
you.”

“
It is good to be home.”
Viscount Acker settled into a chair across from Clay.

“
Did you enjoy your
travels?”

“
I am not fond of the sea,”
Acker groaned before ordering a drink.

“
When did you
return?”

“
Almost a week ago. I am
leaving for the country tomorrow. Mother is finally allowing me to
go but doesn’t care to join me.”

“
Why should she? Lady
Acker’s friends are here and from what I observe, still thick as
thieves.”

“
I didn’t know you would be
in London. Or I would have sent the invitation to your
townhouse.”

“
What
invitation?”

“
I am having a house party,
beginning in a week.”

“
You only just returned?”
Acker had never been one to throw a party.

“
Yes, I know.” He laughed.
“I found myself missing my friends while I was away.”

Clay mulled over the idea. A house
party in the country might be exactly what he needed.

“
Why don’t you join me now?
We can get caught up before the others join us.”

“
Leave
tomorrow?”

Acker laughed. “Oh, I had forgotten
your rigid schedule. I do hope you can get away in a few days
however.”

Clay studied him. In truth, his
schedule was open, another problem he lay at the feet of Miss
Eleanor Westin. Because of her haunting, he had accomplished little
over the last weeks and failed to plan for anything. This, of
course, explained his presence in Boodles’ this afternoon.
“Actually Acker, I am entirely free. What time shall we
leave?”

Acker’s mouth dropped open in
surprise. “Mother said I have changed. Apparently, I am not the
only one.”

*

Clay had forgotten how long the trip
from London could be, but glad he had come.

He had enjoyed a peaceful nights rest
in one of Acker’s many guest chambers. Besides, he had intended on
making a trip to this county to check on one of his mills. He would
be able to do that while staying with his friend. Acker talked of
his travels and kept Clay’s mind occupied during their long ride
and he found he hardly thought of Miss Westin at all. A complete
change of scene at an estate he had not visited before, was exactly
what he needed to bring his life back in focus. He lifted a cup of
tea and looked down. In fact, the breakfast before him was the most
delicious meal he had eaten in weeks. Yes, this was exactly what he
had needed.

“
I am going to ride after
breakfast. Care to join me?” Acker offered

The thought of riding across the
valleys he had seen sounded pleasurable indeed. “Yes, I
would.”

“
I will be making one
visit.”

“
Oh, to whom?

“
Someone I have missed very
much.” Acker smiled.

Clay’s lips quirked. A lady? “Perhaps
I shouldn’t intrude on your reunion.”

Acker laughed. “A lady, yes, but not
the type you infer. This particular lady happens to be a very dear
friend.”

Clay had forgotten Acker had a female
friend and couldn’t for the life of him recall her name. That
wasn’t what led him to accompany Acker. It was the unbelievable
thought that a gentleman and a lady could be close friends, and
only friends

Clay was too cynical to believe in the
possibility so he had to see it for himself.

The ride lasted only five minutes
before Acker turned down a shaded drive. Behind the trees stood a
two story home in sad need of repair. Flowers grew in front and he
could see a stable to the side. Acker dismounted and paused to
listen before he turned and smiled at Clay. “She is in the back.
Come and meet Elle.”

He reluctantly followed. Elle, yes
that was the name he had forgotten. He rounded the house to view
the lady himself and stopped. Eleanor. She hadn’t noticed either of
them as she was intent on hanging laundry on a line strung from the
stable to a tree at the corner of the house. Clay stepped back into
the shadows.

Acker was so focused on seeing her
that he didn’t even notice that his friend did not follow. “Elle,”
he called when he was close enough for her to hear.

Miss Westin had been bent over the
basket when she heard her name. She glanced up and stilled
momentarily before a smile formed on her face. She dropped the wet
laundry and ran to Acker. “Drake, you’re home.”

Clay watched Miss Westin embrace
Acker, who hugged her close, lifted and twirled her around before
setting her back on the around. Such familiarity had him wondering
if Acker was Jamie’s father.

“
How have you been?” Acker
finally asked. “I’ve missed you.”

Miss Westin’s smile was bright. “I’ve
been well.” She hugged him again. “Oh, it is so good to see
you.”

“
Mama?” A child pulled on
her skirt. Still smiling, she looked down and picked Jamie
up.

“
Ah, Jamie.” Acker
grinned.

Did Acker father
Jamie?

Acker studied the lad. “He is the very
image of James.”

Miss Westin’s smile faltered. “Yes, he
is.”

It was a relief to know Acker hadn’t
fathered the child. If he had, then Clay’s own pursuit of the lady
would have been impossible. Besides, now that he had found her, he
had no wish to hide away. This first meeting would be awkward, but
the sooner they got past it the quicker they could come to an
understanding.

“
Elle, I have a friend with
me.” Acker stepped aside for Clay.

All color drained from Miss Westin’s
face. “Lord Bentley.” Her tone could have frozen the sun. She
curtseyed before him stiffly and awkwardly since she was still
holding Jamie.

“
Miss Westin,” Clay
returned, bowing to her.

Acker glanced between them. “I see you
two are acquainted.”

“
It is hardly worth
mentioning.” Miss Westin placed Jamie on the ground and spoke to
the child. “Go inside, Jamie.”

The child happily ran off and Miss
Westin stood to face the gentlemen.

“
I remember each of our
encounters quite clearly,” Clay offered.

“
I didn’t say they were not
recalled, simply that they were of no significance.”

It was clear that she did not care for
him. Or perhaps she was still angry. He would have to go a long way
in softening her opinion of him if he was to finally put an end to
his desire for her.

“
Obviously you didn’t make
a favorable impression on my friend, Bentley?” Acker attempted to
lighten the mood.

Miss Westin didn’t give him a chance
to reply. “I am surprised you would have such an ill-humored
friend, Drake.”

“
As you will recall, Miss
Westin, serious was the correct description.”

She raised an eyebrow in surprise. He
hadn’t taken the bait to insult her once again. “Ah yes. Forgive
me.” She smiled and turned her attention to Acker. “Please forgive
me for not having time to visit.” She walked over to the laundry
and picked up the basket. “I have a number of frivolous pursuits to
attend to.” Turning on her heal, Miss Westin marched into the house
and slammed the door behind her.

Acker looked at Clayton oddly.
“Frivolous?”

Clay groaned. “I believe I called her
frivolous on more than one occasion.” He well understood the insult
now. The lady was not as she had appeared in London. Either she was
mistress of this modest home with no servants for help or she was
one of the servants. On that account he had been wrong. If this was
her life prior to and subsequent London then he could well
understand her gaiety at the balls and routs. Still, it didn’t
change the fact that she was not the innocent, privileged woman she
had presented to society.

Why did her grandfather allow her to
live in this manner? He knew Stanhope stored every quid, but even
these living conditions were a bit much for him. And, why didn’t
she live with her grandfather. When her family resided in modest
dwellings in London, he assumed they all resided in better
accommodations in the country. Stanhope should at least see that
his granddaughter wasn’t living in a place about to crumble about
her ears. Had Stanhope learned of the child and sent her
packing?

Despite her circumstances, Acker
thought highly of Miss Westin, had known her for years, and Clay
would have to tread carefully if he were to woo her into becoming
his mistress.

Eleanor leaned her back against the
door, dropped the basket at her feet and let the tears fall. For so
long she had waited for Drake to come home. She needed to confide
in him and ask his advice. Now Bentley had ruined even that for
her. Was there no end to that man’s interference in her life? She
had thought to leave him behind in London. Oh, she had tried but
the miserable man had haunted her even here, before his physical
appearance. She knew his character too well, insultingly well,
which kept her contempt for him alive. It was good she felt this
way or she would still be reliving the kiss and his strong hands on
her waist. How could she enjoy the physical so well when she
disliked the man so very much?

It was much later in the afternoon
when Drake returned. Eleanor was kneading bread when he appeared in
her kitchen doorway. She offered him a sad smile. “I am so sorry
for my behavior earlier.”