Wicked Wager (22 page)

Clearly, he’d put his foot in it and offended her by the reminding her of his own motivation for marrying her. Well, it
was
the reason he intended to wed her. That he found her irresistibly attractive was a delightful bonus, but it was not the main reason.

But in light of her cool response, it seemed he should soften his remarks. “That’s not to say it’s
impossible
some man might want to wed Lily. But I don’t know quite how to go about finding this individual. We could take her to a few parties and see what sort of man takes an interest in her. But really…” He shook his head. “The men I associate with…I’m afraid it’s very unlikely. What we need is to find someone in trade, a craftsman, someone of more humble circumstances. And I’m not certain how to arrange for her to meet men like that.”

Penny nodded, chewing her lower lip in the way she often did. At least she no longer appeared angry with him. This was his chance to turn the conversation a different direction. “Lily’s problems aside, what did you think about the play?”

They discussed the theatrical production as Bowes and Jerome brought in the late supper: cold roast beef, tomatoes and boiled eggs.

After eating, they started upstairs. As he walked her to the door of what was formerly his bedchamber, he wanted to ask her if he could come inside. But he’d heard Bowes say he was sending Maggie up to help Penny undress. Again he wondered at the conventions of his class that a woman was normally assisted in undressing by her maid, rather than her husband. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and wished her goodnight, then set off down the hall to the spare bedchamber.

****

Penny paused inside the door of the bedchamber, frowning. It was ridiculous. She’d spent nearly all day with Revington and at one point they’d been as physically close as two people could be. Despite that, she really didn’t know his mind at all. Before saying goodnight, he’d lingered near the door, as if he wanted to come in. Was it possible he wanted to make love to her again?

She wouldn’t have been averse to the idea. Her body yearned for his. It was as if she couldn’t get enough of being close to him.

With a sigh, she dismissed the idea. A moment later, there was a knock on the door. “It’s Maggie, miss. Bowes sent me up to help you undress.”

Good thing she and Revington hadn’t yielded to their urges! “Please come in, Maggie.”

Maggie entered, beaming broadly. Inside the door, she stopped and gestured to herself. “My new clothes came. What do you think? Do I look like a fashionable lady’s maid?”

“You do indeed,” said Penny, smiling back. The muslin dress was simple but showed off Maggie’s voluptuous figure to great advantage. Instead of her usual mob-cap, Maggie wore her coppery curls swept away from her face and gathered in a knot on top of her head. While she didn’t exactly look like a lady—her many freckles prevented that—she did look very attractive in a wholesome sort of way.

“I’m impressed,” Penny told her. “I especially like what you’ve done with your hair.”

“It’s a bit of challenge.” Maggie preened. “Takes a lot of time and dozens of hairpins. But I think the result is worth it.”

“It is indeed.”

Maggie approached Penny, back to her no-nonsense self. “Shall I help you undress now, miss?”

Penny nodded and turned around so the maid could undo the hooks at the back of her dress.

“So,” said Maggie. “How did your day go? Bowes said you went to the theatre.”

Sensing the maid’s eagerness to hear the details, Penny described the play and the incident with Lily and Brakestoke afterward.

Maggie’s cheerful mood vanished. “How terrible! That man actually struck her, even while she carried his babe in her arms?”

“He did, indeed.” Just talking about it made Penny angry all over again. “Then when I stepped in to defend Lily, I thought he was going to strike
me
!”

“He didn’t, miss? Did he?” Maggie looked aghast.

“No. I think he realized that would be going too far. But he did threaten me. Said he would make me pay for interfering.”

Maggie gasped. “Does Mr. Revington know this?”

“No. And I don’t want him to.” Penny gave the maid a stern look. “This man—Brakestoke—I think he could be dangerous. Not merely to me but to Mr. Revington.”

Maggie frowned. “I think you’re wrong, miss. Mr. Revington strikes me as a man who could take care of himself.”

“If the conflict was fair, yes. But I very much fear Brakestoke might do something underhanded and devious. A man who would strike a woman carrying an infant obviously has no sense of honor.”

Maggie nodded. “I suppose you’re right, miss. But I still think Mr. Revington should know this man threatened you.”

“He probably reacted in the heat of the moment. I doubt he truly means to pursue the matter. If anyone is in danger from him, it would be Lily. And I believe she’ll be safe at James’s.”

“Mr. Ludingham’s house? That’s where she’s staying?”

“It was Revington’s idea. He pointed out that James’s house is larger than this one. It makes sense. Lily and the baby need their own room.”

“I wonder what Mr. Ludingham thought of that.”

“I think it will be good for James. He’s nice enough, but rather stuffy at times. Having a baby around might help him relax and enjoy himself.”

“Perhaps that’s what Mr. Revington needs as well. Having a baby around might be just the thing for him.”

Penny tried to imagine Revington with a baby. It was almost as amusing as the thought of James having to deal with Lily’s child. But maybe she was underestimating her fiancé. She’d never have guessed he was such a skillful and considerate lover. What other ways might he surprise her if she gave him a chance? “Perhaps,” she said.

She looked up and suddenly realized how Maggie was looking at her. The maid wasn’t talking about Lily’s child, but about
her
having a baby with Revington. “We aren’t even wed yet,” she informed Maggie sternly.

“Ah, but you will be. I can see how you’ve softened toward the master. At one time you were scheming every minute, trying to get him to forget about marrying you. Now, here you are, worrying about him.”

It was time to change the subject. “I’m not the only one who’s distracted by a man these days. I saw you and Jeremy together the other day, looking quite cozy.”

Maggie blushed so intensely, her freckles almost disappeared.

Chapter Fifteen

As she made her way downstairs the next morning, Penny thought about Maggie’s remark. It was true; her attitude toward Revington
had
changed. Although it had only been a few hours since they’d parted, she couldn’t wait to see him again. Just the thought of being in the same room with him made her breath quicken.

When she reached the breakfast room and he wasn’t there, she felt a rush of disappointment. Had he already left the townhouse?

As Jerome helped her into her seat, she asked, “Have you seen Mr. Revington?”

“No, miss. I’m not sure he’s come down yet.”

Maybe he’d risen late. He might be tired after everything that happened the day before. She repressed a smile as she recalled their vigorous lovemaking.

A few moments later, Revington entered the room. She felt ridiculously pleased to see him.

“Good morning, Penny.”

“Good morning.”

He took the seat across from her. As Jerome served them, Revington said, “What would you like to do today? Do you want Jerome to get some horses so we could ride in the park?”

He was genuinely trying to please her. A great change from the controlling, inconsiderate man she’d first met. She wondered at the reason for his transformation. Was it because of the intimacy they’d shared in the bedchamber, or was it something else? Could it be he was actually coming to care for her?

“A ride in the park sounds delightful. But I really think we should see how Lily and the baby are faring.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“And James,” Penny added with a smile. “He seemed a bit overwhelmed last evening.”

****

What bachelor wouldn’t be overwhelmed with a woman and baby landing on his doorstep, Marcus mused as he took a bite of egg. Having Penny here had turned his life upside down. He couldn’t imagine how much the addition of a baby would change it. Of course, if Penny and he kept having sex, there was every reason to think they
would
have a baby to disrupt their lives.

The idea made him feel strange. A tiny creature who was part him and part Penny. What would the child be like? He rather fancied having a girl, as long as she looked like Penny. His mind’s eye was filled with the image of a slender, blue-eyed girl, graceful as a wood sprite.

He reminded himself that such an event was long in the future. Penny and he weren’t even wed yet. He was as bad as some of the fools he gambled with, counting his winnings before the game was over. The thought aroused the memory of his wager with James. He didn’t like losing. Maybe with the distraction of Lily and the baby, James would forget their discussion.

Little chance of that. James never forgot anything. But maybe he could bargain with James. Find some way of taking care of this difficulty of Lily and the baby. Maybe that would be enough to sway him.

They ate breakfast, talking of things of little consequence. Afterward, Penny fetched her wrap and he called for the carriage. A short ride later, Vincent welcomed them into James’s house. “Mr. Ludingham is in the library,” he announced as he led them down the hall.

“Probably hiding out,” Marcus muttered.

But when they reached the library, they found James pacing back and forth with the baby in his arms. James transferred the infant to his left arm and held a finger to his lips. “Little mite just fell asleep,” he whispered.

Marcus stared at his friend in astonishment. James continued to move around the room, swaying slightly, rocking the baby. Finally satisfied the infant was asleep, he started toward the door. “I’ll put him to bed,” he murmured as he moved past them.

“He seems to have things well in hand,” Penny said after James had left.

“Indeed. I’m rather astonished. I had no idea he knew what to do with an infant. Frankly, I’m terrified of babies and small children.”

Penny smiled at him. “I am, too, I’m afraid. Having had no younger brothers and sisters, I haven’t had much experience with infants, at least the human kind. I’ve bottle fed a few foals over the years.”

“Bottle fed?” asked Marcus. “You can do that?”

“There’s no other way if the mare dies or is too weak to let the foal nurse. It’s exhausting, but if several people take turns, it’s not impossible. Believe it or not, that’s what we did with Hero.”

Marcus had an image of a young Penny holding a bottle for a small black colt to suckle. No matter what she said about being afraid of babies, he could tell she’d be a wonderful mother.

James returned. “Charles isn’t much for sleeping at night. Poor Lily’s exhausted.”

“Charles?” Marcus asked.

“That’s what she named the baby. I guess she hoped that by giving the child Brakestoke’s Christian name, it might help him accept him as his son.” James grimaced. “Apparently there’s no chance of that.”

“Indeed,” Marcus said. “That’s what we came to discuss.”

“It’s very good of you to help Lily like this,” Penny said.

James shrugged, “I had four younger brothers and sisters, so I’m fairly well-acquainted with babies.”

“I’d have never guessed it,” Marcus said.

“Other than tired, how is Lily?” Penny asked.

James’s expression grew harsh. “Still a bit shaken. I can’t believe that beast actually struck her. What sort of man hits a woman? Especially when she’s holding a baby!”

“Brakestoke’s a black-hearted fiend,” Penny agreed.

“Someone needs to make him pay for what he’s done,” James shot back. “I have half a mind to call him out!”

Marcus was astonished. While he’d initially had the same reaction, he was surprised at his friend’s vehement response. “Penny and I actually discussed my doing that very thing. We decided a direct confrontation with Brakestoke might end disastrously. He’s hardly a man of honor. If it did come to
pistols at dawn
, what’s to stop him from shooting before his opponent’s ready?”

“I suppose you’re right. But it makes me furious just the same. Lily is a sweet, decent young woman. She deserves far better.” James’s face was flushed, his eyes bright with outrage.

Marcus regarded his friend with a mixture of astonishment and amusement. Who would have guessed that mild-mannered James could be aroused to such heights of emotion?

A sudden thought came to him. Penny and he had decided that the best way to help Lily was to find a man to marry her.
Why not James?

Why not, indeed? James was a gentleman, but his background was modest, which meant there wasn’t any pressure from his family to marry well.

Marcus glanced at Penny. From the faint, satisfied smile on her face, he wondered if her thoughts weren’t moving along similar pathways. A moment later, she said, “Perhaps once Lily is rested, I could take her shopping. I’m sure she could use a few things. And she’ll need supplies for the baby as well.”

“An excellent idea,” James said. “It’s been rather difficult. Cook came up with some rags to use as nappies, but poor Lily has nothing but the clothes on her back. Apparently, her family threw her out, blaming her for her disgrace.” He shook his head. “I can’t understand the callousness of some people. Lily is an innocent young woman who was cruelly used by Brakestoke. There’s no reason to blame her.”

“Of course not,” Penny said. “She deserves a chance at a decent life. And so does the child.”

James nodded, still frowning.

“Perhaps you should go and check on her,” Marcus suggested. “See if she’s awake yet.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

As soon as James left, Marcus said, “James seems quite taken with Lily.”

“Yes, he does.”

Marcus gave her a conspiratorial look. “Perhaps this will resolve itself on its own.”

“What do you mean?”

“Perhaps James will decide to marry Lily and adopt the infant.”