The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) (18 page)

He grinned. “It’s a gift, Lady Theodosia.”

“It must come in handy for a banker.”

“Oh yes, we bankers are a talkative lot,” he said in an overly somber manner.

“Really?”

He chuckled. “No.”

She laughed. “I’ll see you out.”

She took his arm and his muscles clenched beneath her touch. Good Lord, what was this woman doing to him?

They stepped into the front entry, his bags still beside the door. He took his coat from the rack and pulled it on. An envelope lay on the table beneath the mirror. He hadn’t noticed it earlier. Theodosia picked it up, glanced at the name written on it, then smiled.

“This is no doubt Sam’s note.” She waved the envelope at him. “It’s addressed to Mr. Beckley. Which is why Mr. Filbeck wouldn’t have opened it.”

“Then I am eternally grateful for the mistake.”

“Are you?”

He nodded. “If Sam hadn’t written the wrong name, Mr. Filbeck would have read the note. He wouldn’t have been so outraged and you wouldn’t have blamed me.”

She winced. “Not my finest hour.”

“Everything would have been calm and civilized and I would have left hours ago.” He smiled into her emerald eyes. “And I would have missed a lovely evening with a beautiful woman.”

She stared up at him. “You do say the most charming things.”

He stepped closer. “Are you charmed?”

“No.” She scoffed. “Perhaps . . . Yes.”

“Good.”

She drew a deep breath. “I don’t think you should go, to a hotel that is.”

“I can’t stay here,” he said in a tone a shade harsher than expected. “And you won, remember?”

“I’m not suggesting you stay here.” Her brows drew together. “We agreed that would be most inappropriate.”

“Then—”

“I think you should go back to Channing House.” She met his gaze firmly. “Your father now understands your feelings and I would suspect he will be much less . . . overwhelming.”

“It might be easier to return, at least tonight. It is late after all.”

She nodded. “Entirely too late to go looking for a hotel. I would feel quite dreadful to think of you wandering the streets, bags in hand, searching for a place to stay. Why, the guilt alone would be unbearable.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” He grinned.

“No, we would not,” she said firmly.

“I should go then.” Although he made no move toward the door.

“Yes, you should.” Although she made no move to step away. She was close enough that with the barest effort, he could pull her into his arms. And why not? What harm would a simple kiss do? He drew a deep breath.

“I’m going to kiss you again, you know.”

Her gaze locked with his, her eyes reflecting his own desire. “Yes, well, I suspected as much.”

“You should also know, there’s nothing random about it. I have been thinking about it . . .” His gaze dropped to her lips and back to her eyes. “Since we last kissed.”

“Have you?” She forced a light laugh.

He nodded and stepped closer. “Have you?”

“No, of course not . . .” She swallowed hard. “Well, perhaps. . . Yes.”

“The first time, you kissed me back.”

“Don’t be absurd, I was . . . I was simply surprised, that’s all.” It was obvious she didn’t believe her words any more than he did. She sighed. “Yes, I suppose I did.”

“And this time—”

“For goodness’ sake, Jack.” She huffed. “Do all bankers have to go on and on about a simple kiss before—”

He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers with a firm but gentle touch. Her lips were soft and pliant beneath his and his stomach tightened. And all his intentions about a simple kiss vanished the moment her arms slipped around his neck and her mouth opened beneath his.

She tasted faintly of orange and wine. Of summer and light and everything he’d ever loved, everything he’d ever longed for.

At last he raised his head and gazed down into her eyes, shadowed with passion and a need that reflected his own. He had kissed women before of course, but never had he felt a kiss that seemed to sear into his very soul.

“Oh my.” Her voice was breathless. “That was . . . there was . . .”

“Nothing simple about that?”

“Dear me, no.” Her chest heaved against him and she struggled to catch her breath. “You should probably, well, I should probably . . .”

“Yes, we should. Probably.” Reluctantly, he released her, an immediate feeling of loss washing through him along with the oddest sense that she was meant to be in his arms.

She took an unsteady step back and it was all he could do not to grin with satisfaction. She was as affected by their
simple
kiss as he was.

“I fully intend to see you again soon,” he warned. “Very soon.”

“Good Lord, I hope so,” she murmured, then her eyes widened as if she had just realized what she had said.

He laughed, grabbed her hands, and raised them to his lips. “You are indeed a gift, Theodosia. Tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow?” She gasped in surprise, then nodded. “Yes, indeed.” She cast him a brilliant smile. “Tomorrow.”

He grinned in return, released her hands, stepped back, and picked up his bags. She moved to the door and her scent drifted around him. Gardenias perhaps?

She grabbed the door handle, then paused and looked at him. “I too had a lovely evening, Jack. I’m not sure I have ever had an evening as, well . . .”

“Promising?” It was the first word that came to mind.

She stared at him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. “Yes, I do believe you’re right.”

She smiled and pulled open the door. Cold air flooded in and with it a female voice.

“Oh, good. We were just about to ring the bell.”

Theodosia sucked in a sharp breath and her face paled. “What are you doing here?”

“Good Lord, Theodosia, is that any way to greet your mother?” An older lady swept into the entry followed by a man of about Jack’s age juggling several pieces of matching luggage. “Do hurry with those, Simon,” Lady Sallwick said in a commanding tone. “It’s far too cold outside to linger and I don’t wish to catch a chill.”

“Wouldn’t want that,” Simon muttered and hurried through the door, managing to shut the door behind him with his foot.

“Simon?” Theodosia stared. “What?” Her eyes narrowed. “Mother, explain yourself.”

“It’s really very simple, dear.” Lady Sallwick began pulling off her gloves. Of indeterminate age she was an attractive, petite blonde with delicate features. It was obvious that at one time she must have been truly beautiful. She was shorter than Theodosia, and the resemblance to her daughter was vague but evident nonetheless. Especially in the determined set of her shoulders and the glint of annoyance in her eyes. “Simon came for a visit. Aren’t you going to greet him properly?”

“Of course.” Theodosia nodded at the other man. “Good evening, Simon. Lovely to see you again.” Her tone was polite enough and just shy of being curt.

“Theodosia,” Simon said with a smile. He set the bags down and took a step toward her.

She ignored him and turned toward her mother. “Simon’s presence was not an explanation.”

“I daresay I am not the one who should be explaining herself.” The older woman’s gaze flicked over Jack as if she was assessing his worth and found it lacking. “He is handsome enough, I’ll give you that.” Her gaze shifted to the bags in his hands. “I dearly hope this isn’t as bad as it looks. Why, what will poor Simon say?”

Poor Simon looked as if he wanted to say any number of things but was wise enough to keep his mouth shut.

“Well?” The countess’s brows drew together in a forbidding manner. “Go on, Theodosia, explain yourself. Who is he and what is he doing here?”

“Good evening,” Jack said in as pleasant a manner as he could muster and set down his bags.

The older lady gasped. “And he’s American!”

“This is a matter of a simple misunderstanding, nothing more significant than that,” Theodosia said through clenched teeth. “Mother, allow me to introduce Mr. Jackson Channing. Jack, this is my mother, Lady Sallwick.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Sallwick,” Jack lied.

“Hmph.” Lady Sallwick was a good half-foot shorter than Jack and yet was still able to somehow look down her nose at him.

“And this is Mr. Simon Winslow. Or rather . . .” A pained expression crossed Theodosia’s face. “Lord Sallwick. My cousin.”

“Mr. Channing.” Sallwick nodded.

“Lord Sallwick.” Jack nodded in return.

So this was the cousin Theodosia’s mother wanted her to marry. Not at all the ogre Jack had expected. In fact, he seemed a nice enough sort and might well be considered somewhat handsome. He was a few inches shorter than Jack with dark brown hair and regular features. Still, even though the man had scarcely opened his mouth, Jack took an immediate dislike to him.

“I’ll ask you again, Mother.” Theodosia’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you here? And why is Simon carrying your luggage?”

“Not just mine, Simon’s are in the carriage.” The countess glanced around the entry. “A bit stark to my liking but it will do, I think.”

“What will do?” Theodosia glared at her mother.

“There was something of a problem at the house,” her mother said coolly.

“A fire,” Simon said.

“A flood,” Lady Sallwick said at the same time, then cast an annoyed look at Simon. “First, there was a fire, and in putting out the fire, there was a flood. It was quite dreadful, especially as it happened shortly after Simon arrived.”

“Shortly after you received my note saying I was staying at Lady Hargate’s house, I suspect.”

“One in the same, dear.” Her mother smiled in a satisfied manner. “Needless to say, the house is uninhabitable for the time being.”

“You could have gone to a hotel.” Theodosia’s hands clenched at her sides. “There are any number of suitable hotels where you would be quite comfortable.”

“Goodness, Theodosia, and what would you have said then?” Lady Sallwick shook her head in a chastising manner. “Good hotels are not cheap. And I am trying my best to watch what I spend.”

Theodosia snorted in disbelief.

“Besides, I knew Lady Hargate would be most hospitable to the family of her dearest friend so we came here.” She raised a brow. “You’re not going to throw us out, are you?”

The look on Theodosia’s face said she would like to do exactly that. Instead, she drew a deep breath. “No, of course not.”

“I didn’t think so. In spite of evidence to the contrary”—she slanted a sharp look at Jack—“I did raise you properly. Besides, Simon has something to ask you.” She cast an annoyed glance at the other man. “Go on, Simon, ask her.”

The other man’s brow furrowed. “Now?”

“Yes, now,” the countess said sharply. “There’s no time like the present and apparently”—she nodded at Jack—“no time to lose.”

“This is not how I wanted to do this.” Simon glared at the countess. “I don’t think it’s at all approp—”

“Oh, don’t be a ninny.” Lady Sallwick huffed. “Just do it.”

“Mother.” Apprehension sounded in Theodosia’s voice. “I warn you. Do not push me too far.”

The countess ignored her. “Go, on Simon. Do it. Now.”

“Very well then,” Simon snapped. He squared his shoulders and met Theodosia’s gaze. “Theodosia Winslow, would you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife.”

“Excellent,” Lady Sallwick murmured with a smug smile.

Theodosia stared at her cousin. For an endless moment silence hung in the entry.

Jack hadn’t known her for long but he already knew her well enough to know she would not wish to hurt this man’s feelings. And he knew as well she would not be forced into a marriage she didn’t want. Still, her mother had pushed her into an awkward spot and escape seemed impossible. Surely, someone should do something . . .

What would his father do?

Sympathy and regret mingled with resolve in Theodosia’s eyes. She drew a deep breath.

At once the answer struck him.

Theodosia Winslow needed a hero. A knight, a man to ride to her rescue. Well, by God, if a hero was what she needed, a hero is what she would have.

“Simon,” Theodosia began in a firm but gentle manner. “I don’t think—”

“Lord Sallwick,” Jack interrupted. “What Lady Theodosia is trying to tell you, in as kind a manner as possible, is that she can’t marry you.”

“Jack!” Theodosia stared at him. “What are you doing?”

“Yes.” Lady Sallwick glared. “What are you doing?”

He ignored the older woman. “I’m saving you from an awkward situation.”

“Mr. Channing.” Simon frowned. “I daresay this is none of your concern.”

“On the contrary, this is very much my concern,” Jack said in his best vice-presidential voice. “You see, Lady Theodosia cannot accept your proposal because . . .” He flashed Theodosia a triumphant smile. “She has already accepted mine.”

Theodosia’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open, then promptly shut as if she was about to say something but thought better of it.

Lady Sallwick gasped. “She what?”

“Your daughter has agreed to be my wife.” Jack stepped to Theodosia’s side and took her hand. “And we have never been happier.”

“Ecstatic,” Theodosia said, her eyes glazed with shock.

“She doesn’t look ecstatic. She looks . . .” Lady Sallwick’s eyes narrowed. “Surprised.”

“Of course she’s surprised,” Jack said smoothly. “I only proposed a few minutes ago.”

“And . . .” Theodosia drew a deep breath. “We hadn’t planned on telling anyone quite yet.”

Her mother’s suspicious gaze slid from her daughter to Jack and back. “I don’t think this is at all—”

“Congratulations,” Simon said with a genuine smile and what might have been a touch of relief. “To both of you.” He stepped forward to shake Jack’s hand. “Well done, Mr. Channing. You should know you are getting a wonderful woman.”

“Thank you. I am well aware of that.” Jack shook the other man’s hand. He might like Simon after all.

“Theodosia.” Simon turned toward her. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed. I have always been more than fond of you and I thought we would have suited well together.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “I do wish you all the best.”

“Thank you, Simon,” she said with a weak smile. “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he said. “Things have a tendency of working out the way they are supposed to in the end.”

“Not in my experience.” Lady Sallwick glared. “Aren’t you going to fight for her?”

“No, Aunt Adelaide, I’m not,” Simon said firmly. “Theodosia has made her choice and it’s obvious to me that she is indeed happy.”

Lady Sallwick scoffed. “There’s more to life than happiness, young man.”

Simon met his aunt’s gaze directly. “Pity.” He turned to the others. “Now, as my bags are still in the carriage, I shall take my leave and head for a suitable hotel.”

“And perhaps you can find a footman to bring my bags to my room.” Lady Sallwick heaved a resigned sigh. “Although, it does now seem pointless.”

“Pointless, Mother?”

“Well yes,” She smiled in an innocent manner. “You see, I packed all these bags thinking repairs would take a very long time but, just as we were leaving the house, I was informed that all would be set to rights in no more than three days.”

“Informed by whom?”

“By the butler, of course. Jacobs managed to hire additional help to take care of the problem.”

“Then the damage was not as bad as it sounded?” Theodosia asked.

“It certainly could have been much worse. And believe me, I am thanking God that it wasn’t. Now then,” her mother said in a brisk, no-nonsense tone. “Which room should I take?”

“Whichever one you want, Mother. Although it seems you did not fully read my note. I said I was staying here to facilitate the rehiring of Lady Hargate’s staff.” Theodosia smiled pleasantly. “So I’m afraid there are no footmen.”

“No footmen?” Lady Sallwick stared in disbelief. “Why, we might as well be staying in a hovel in the forest.”

“It’s not as bad as all that, Mother. And it’s only for three days remember.”

“I’ll take her bags up,” Simon said abruptly, obviously realizing the sooner he had Lady Sallwick settled, the sooner he would be free. He collected the luggage and started up the stairs.

“Thank you, Simon.” Lady Sallwick raised her chin in a haughty manner and followed him.

Theodosia waited until the footsteps and voices faded up the stairs, then turned to him. Her voice low and intense, her eyes blazing. “What have you done?”

He grinned. “Why, I believe I have rescued you from an exceptionally awkward situation.”

“You
rescued
me?” She could barely choke out the words.

“You may thank me later.” Although he suspected she wouldn’t.

“I am not going to thank you at all.” She stared in disbelief. “I didn’t need to be rescued.”

“On the contrary.” He shook his head. “It seemed obvious to me that you did.”

“So you took it upon yourself to . . . to . . . to
interfere?”

“I prefer
intervene
. And most successfully I might add.”

“I don’t care what you call it, it was not necessary,” she said sharply. “I was perfectly capable of handling Simon without any assistance from you.”

“Were you?” He raised a brow. “And what precisely did you have in mind?”

“I didn’t have anything specific in mind.” She waved off his question. “I was simply going to say that while I did appreciate his offer, I had no desire to marry him.” She paused. “As nicely as possible of course.”

“I doubt that there’s any nice way to tell a man you don’t want to marry him.”

“I would have thought of something,” she snapped. “Short of telling him I was engaged, that is.”

“While you might have thought of something, I doubt that something would have been up to the task of avoiding hurt feelings. Which I assume, you wished to do.”

“Of course.” She sniffed. “Simon is not only a relation but a very nice man as well. Even though I have no desire to marry him, I certainly don’t want to offend him.”

“Let me tell you what would have happened had I not stepped forward.”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Channing.” She folded her arms over her chest and glared at him. “Do tell me what would have happened had you not taken it upon yourself to complicate my life.”

“Had I not rescued you, you mean.”

“That’s not at all what I mean but please go on.” Her eyes narrowed. “I can’t wait to hear your assessment of what might have happened.”

“Very well.” He clasped his hands behind his back and slowly circled the perimeter of the foyer.

“What are you doing?”

“I always think better when I pace.” He paused in midstep. “Does it bother you?”

“Yes! I’m not at all comfortable with someone circling me like a hungry tiger stalking his dinner.”

“Sorry,” he said and resumed pacing. “It seemed to me that, while you might well have thought that at some point Simon—” He glanced at her. “Do you mind if I call him Simon? Or should I refer to him as Lord Sallwick?”

“I don’t care what you call him!”

“Simon it is then.” He was annoying her but he couldn’t seem to help himself. It was a great deal of fun. Especially as it made her eyes flash and her cheeks flush. He wondered if she knew how magnificent she was when she was angry. And damn near irresistible. Odd, he’d never imagined an angry woman would be either magnificent or irresistible but perhaps passion was passion, no matter what its source. “After all I am engaged to his cousin.”

She scoffed.

“As I was saying, Simon’s proposal, here and now, took you completely by surprise. Did it not?”

“Well, yes,” she admitted reluctantly. “My mother’s doing entirely, really. It was obvious that the moment she saw you . . .” Her voice hardened. “The moment she saw you she realized there might be another man on the horizon so it was imperative that Simon act immediately.”

“Stake his claim as it were?”

“I’m not at all sure I like that analogy but it does seem accurate. Furthermore, one could say this was entirely your fault.”

“Simply because I was here?”

“Yes.” In spite of the vehemence in her voice, the look in her eyes said even she knew her charge was not on solid ground.

“I disagree that I am to blame . . .” He circled her slowly. “However, if I was, it would be up to me to remedy the situation, don’t you think?”

“Not necessarily.”

He cast her a skeptical look.

“Perhaps. I suppose.” She sighed. “Possibly.”

“As I was saying, Simon’s proposal was unexpected and unless I’m wrong—” He stopped and smiled innocently at her. “And do tell me if you think I’m wrong.”

“Oh, you may count on it.”

“No matter how hard you tried to be kind, you were about to say something that would have wounded the man’s pride at the very least. His heart at the very worst.”

“I don’t think—”

“There is no good way to tell a man you don’t want to marry him.” He shook his head. “No, indeed. Regardless of the reasons behind a proposal, it’s far better to let him think your affections lie elsewhere than to lead him to believe the objection wasn’t to marriage but to him.”

“And you know this because you have been in this situation?”

Had he? Lucy had never actually turned down his proposal because he had never actually proposed. With the not-so-subtle encouragement of their parents they had both simply assumed . . . Good Lord. Had Lucy realized this long before he had? And why hadn’t she mentioned it to him?

“No, Theodosia, I haven’t. But I don’t have to fall from the roof to know that even if it doesn’t kill me, it’s going to hurt like hell.”

“Well, yes, I imagine it would.” She thought for a moment. “What are we to do now?”

“What do you mean, now?”

“I mean now that my mother thinks we’re engaged?”

He paused. “I hadn’t considered that.”

“You hadn’t considered it?” Her voice rose.

“Not really.”

“Don’t you think you should have?” Astonishment widened her eyes. “Shouldn’t you have thought this through? Wouldn’t it have been better to have a plan rather than boldly leaping forward?”

“In hindsight perhaps but I liked boldly leaping forward,” he said firmly. “I don’t think I’ve ever done anything before without giving it due consideration. Although I did decide to come to England on little more than impulse—”

“Jack!”

“There was no time to consider the consequences, Theodosia. Simon proposed. You were about to break the poor man’s heart—”

“I doubt that.”

“You might say I rescued him as well.”

“Let’s
not
say that.”

“Immediate action was called for.” He set his chin in a determined manner. “And action I took.”

She stared in disbelief. “You’re proud of what you just did, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.” He grinned.

“Don’t you understand—”

“I understand that I hear your mother and Simon returning.” He shook his head. “And I understand this will be even more complicated should they suspect you and I are not the blissfully engaged couple we appear.”

She choked.

Lady Sallwick led the way back down the stairs. “I have a few questions for the two of you.”

“Yes, Mother.” Theodosia heaved a long-suffering sigh. “I imagine you do.”

“As much as I would like to hear the answers,” Simon said, edging toward the door. “I think it’s best if I took my leave.”

A few minutes later, Simon escaped for lack of a better word. Jack envied the man. But apparently if one was going to rescue a fair maiden, one was going to have to face the consequences. And the dragon.

“Now then,” Lady Sallwick began the moment the door closed behind the other man. “Where did you meet? Who is your family? How long have you known one another? What is your income—”

“Mother!” Horror sounded in Theodosia’s voice and a blush washed up her face.

“It’s quite all right, Theodosia,” Jack said. “Your mother has only your best interests at heart.”

Theodosia scoffed. “
My
best interests?”

“Of course I do.” Lady Sallwick paused. “Why, I know nothing about this man aside from the obvious. He’s an American. His apparel is of good quality. He’s not unattractive—”

Jack flashed her a grin. “I believe you said I was handsome enough a few minutes ago.”

Amusement shone in her eyes but her expression remained cool. “Did I?” She shrugged. “I don’t recall.”

He laughed.

“There is nothing amusing about this, young man,” the older woman said in a hard tone. “You intend to marry my daughter and there are any number of assurances I need before I . . .” Her brow furrowed. “Channing, did you say?”

“Mother.” A warning sounded in Theodosia’s voice.

Lady Sallwick ignored her. Her eyes widened with realization and she gasped. “You’re the American everyone is talking about. You’re Basil Channing’s son, aren’t you?”

“You needn’t make it sound like an accusation, Mother.”

Jack nodded. “I am.”

“The one raised in the wilderness by wolves?”

Theodosia groaned.

“You’ve met my mother then?” Jack said lightly.

Lady Sallwick ignored him as well and continued to stare. Jack could almost see the cogs and flywheels of her mind turning like a fine Swiss watch. “Then you’re the Earl of Briston’s heir.”

“So it would appear.”

“I see.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, her perusal ongoing although Jack was fairly certain she was no longer seeing an American caught in what might be considered a compromising situation with her daughter but rather the future. Theodosia was right. He hadn’t thought this through. “How . . . perfect.”

Theodosia stared at her mother. “Perfect, Mother?”

“Yes, of course.” Her mother nodded firmly. “This is a brilliant match, Theodosia. In spite of the circumstances we find ourselves in at the moment.” She cast a chastising look at her daughter. “Which I am willing to believe are completely innocent despite appearances.”

“Completely, Mother,” Theodosia said in a resigned tone.

“He is exactly the kind of man you should marry. Well connected, heir to a respectable title, and even if one didn’t know the financial resources of his family, one can tell just by looking at him that he is not lacking for funds.”

Jack’s brow rose. “Then I meet with your approval?”

“Oh my, yes.” Lady Sallwick beamed and held out her hands to him. He promptly took her hands in his. “Welcome to the family, Mr. Channing.”

Jack grinned. “Thank you, Lady Sallwick.”