CHAPTER NINE

 

 

Alone in his carriage, Edmond slouched in the seat and stared off into the darkness with unseeing eyes. Despite the satisfaction sexual release had brought him, his mind remained turbulent, thoughts of both Colin and Penelope robbing him of the pleasure he ought to be experiencing reliving the explosive encounter.

Colin wanted to wed Penelope, and while Edmond knew she felt attraction for him, he wasn't foolish enough to believe he could compete. In the end, his friend would win, and Penelope would become his wife. And he … he was a bloody idiot. While they married and lived out their days in comfort and happiness, he would be trapped with the guilt of knowing he had broken the most sacred rule of friendship between men. A kiss might have been forgiven, but this … this went beyond anything that could be pardoned. He hadn't just fucked Penelope; he had done so with an almost callous sort of satisfaction, and very little thought to the consequences.

At least, he had stopped just short of spilling his seed inside her, a decision that had taken a great deal of effort. Pulling out of that tight, wet sheath had proved one of the hardest things he'd ever done in his life.

Even after she had left, her scent remained—feminine arousal mingled with some sort of rose oil. Closing his eyes, he inhaled, unable to stop himself from picturing her spread out on the carriage seat, her eyes heavy-lidded with desire. Just the thought brought his cock to life again, causing it to grow thick and painful, throbbing with a need only she could satisfy.

It was the single, most idiotic thing he could have done, because he could not pretend it would not happen again. He'd all but promised her it would, despite the fact that he had been recruited to help Colin win her over to his side. Now, he found himself torn between his best friend and a woman he desired more than he'd ever wanted anyone.

It's only for a short time, he told himself.

He must wed someone with money by Season's end, and if he hadn't missed his guess, Colin would have successfully snared Penelope by then. Despite their physical connection, he knew she loved his best friend and had never stopped … even if she did not yet realize it. A few months of enjoyment and no one ever had to know, save he and Penelope. He supposed she would deal with the remorse in her own way, and he would do the same.

This was how it would have to be, because he couldn't possibly tell Colin the truth, nor could he resist the magnetic pull he felt toward Penelope. Even if he could have fought it, he knew deep down that he did not wish to. Being with her had felt too bloody good.

 

***

Colin descended the front steps of Worthing House and smiled, a feeling of excitement washing over him at the sight of his belongings being carted away in wagons, several footmen accompanying it. Tonight, he would sleep in his own bed for the first time since returning from Belgium. His injury had required constant care, and his mother had insisted he receive it under her roof. While he loved his family, being the third son had taught him to value solitude and independence. His elder brother, Wesley, would inherit the title, and fill Worthing House with a wife and children someday. He never wished to be underfoot when that day came, so he'd taken rooms in one of the many gentlemen's lodging at St James Place. While life in his family home was decidedly more luxurious, there was something to be said for living in one's own residence, no matter how small it might be.

Besides, at the moment, he only required enough space for himself and his valet. If he had his way, the end of the Season would change things, after which he looked forward to securing a townhouse for himself and Penelope—one large enough for them and a growing brood. The idea brought a smile to his face as he recalled the picnic at Richmond Park with a great deal of amusement.

He hadn't needed Edmond to inform him that Penelope had grown jealous over his association with Sybil Beauchamp. He knew her well, able to detect the subtle facial expressions representing her various emotions. The problem remained that while she might be jealous, her pride would never allow her to admit it. His mission would eventually become wooing her until she cracked, because he could accept no other outcome. Penelope would be his, forever, the ugliness of their past left behind them once and for all.

"I certainly hope your departure is not a sign that you intend to resume your old scapegrace behaviors."

Biting back a scathing retort, he turned to find that Wesley had joined him on the front steps, dressed for driving. Avoiding Colin's gaze, he watched as his phaeton was brought around, taking the place of the departed wagons.

"Of course not," he replied, knowing his brother's concerns over his behavior were not completely unfounded.

However, he wished everyone could see that his time in the army had changed him. He was he libertine third son of a viscount no longer.

"My living situation is only temporary, at any rate," he continued. "I intend to be married by Season's end."

Wesley turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. "Really? Any particular chit in mind? I've heard you're spending a lot of time with Miss Sybil Beauchamp. That would be a fine match, Colin. She's a beautiful young woman, and comes from a good family. Not a wealthy heiress, but her dowry is adequate. Managed well along with your army pay and allowance, you could form quite a comfortable life with her. It is the sensible thing to do."

Colin's jaw ticked in annoyance. He knew Wesley only mentioned Sybil to discourage him from pursuing Penelope. As the heir, he had always been a stickler for propriety. If at all possible, he'd been angrier about his error with Penelope than even their father.

"Miss Beauchamp is only one of many options I intend to explore. Never worry, the lady I marry will come from a good family, but not so good as to compete with whoever your future viscountess happens to be."

Wesley's nostrils flared as he fought to keep his expression passive. "Colin, whatever you are up to, I strongly advise you to cease. You ruined any chance you might have had with Lady Penelope three years ago, and anything you do now could only call more attention to you both and incite the scandal we worked so hard to cover up in the first place. Do not make a fool of Father by disgracing our name. If you do, when he asks me what is to be done about you, I will do everything I can to convince him you are to be disowned."

As his own vehicle arrived behind Wesley's, he tightened his grip on his walking stick and leveled his coolest stare at his brother.

"I realize that you have a certain responsibility as the heir, and your first obligation is to our family and your reputation. However, allow me to make you privy to something. Your name and cold stare might intimidate lesser men, Wes, but you do not frighten me. Not any longer. Not since I went to war and learned what it is to stare death in the eye, to smell my own blood as it leaves my body, to hear the cries of dying men. I have faced far greater foes, and received the honor of Captain before my name—not by running or cowering, but by fighting. While you were here before the fire with your port and cozy sense of entitlement, I was freezing my bollocks off in Belgium, lying in wait for my enemy to come and kill me. So, I say again, you do not frighten me in the least. If you feel you must punish me for my slights—past, present, or imagined—then you go right ahead. Do your worst."

Without waiting for a response, Colin descended the steps, climbing onto the perch of his gig. Wesley's stony gaze followed him as he took up the reins, but Colin ignored him.

He had a pleasant afternoon planned at Gentleman Jackson's, where Edmond had promised to meet him for sparring. Afterward, he would escort Sybil on a ride through Hyde Park, where he hoped to encounter Penelope.

Tipping his hat to his fuming brother, he gave the reins a snap and went on his way.

 

 

***

"Her."

Edmond followed the discreet tilt of Penelope's head to the small cluster of ladies striding in their direction. There were three, each one with plain, milky faces and bodies draped in childish lace and frills.

"Dear God, please tell me you're referring to someone behind them."

Despite their unfortunate appearances, she had it on good authority that each of these women came endowed with large dowries. However, there was one particular chit she had in mind for him.

Smiling, she gave his bicep a light squeeze. They strolled together in Hyde Park, the perfect place for him to engage potential mates in conversation.

"Now, now, Edmond. Be good. The lady in the middle … Cassandra Lane. She is perfect for you. Young, but not too young; this is her second season. A marquis' daughter with quite a hefty dowry. She's also quite shy and demure. With your charm, you'll capture her interest in an instant."

Sighing, he fixed a smile on his face—a lazy movement of his lips she had come to recognize as his public façade. It was nothing like the private smile he gave her when they found themselves alone.

"I'd much rather drag you behind the nearest shrub, throw you down on your hands and knees, and mount that beautiful arse of yours. But … if you insist."

His words caused her cheeks to grow hot as she imagined the scenario. "I thought I told you to be good."

Arching a dark eyebrow at her, he smirked. "Very well. I'll be good … for the nonce."

Plastering her best social smile upon her face, she led him toward the approaching ladies. "Miss Chadwick, Miss Lane, Miss Beecham" she said to all three. "How lovely it is to see you this afternoon. Have you had the opportunity to meet Lord Ingham?"

Cassandra Lane's cheeks flushed as Edmond turned the full force of his wicked smile upon her.

"The pleasure is all mine," he murmured, executing an elegant bow.

"While you become acquainted, I believe I shall go over and greet Captain Worthing and Miss Beauchamp. I'll return shortly."

Edmond nodded in response, going back to Miss Lane, while Penelope walked toward Colin and Sybil, who strolled at a leisurely pace on the opposite side of the path. The sight of the young chit's arm linked through Colin's set her teeth on edge, but she forced a smile as she waved in greeting, hailing them from her side of the path.

"Oh, Captain Worthing, Miss Beauchamp! How lovely it is to see you this afternoon."

They paused, moving aside from the other walkers to meet her in the middle of the lane. Sybil's smile was radiant as she released Colin's arm.

"Good afternoon, Lady Penelope. Isn't the weather just perfect today? My, don't you look lovely!"

Penelope skirted a glance toward Colin, who watched her with curious eyes. She fought back a smirk as she noticed the slight tick of his jaw, and the spasm of one hand at his side. His discomfiture brought her a smug sense of satisfaction.

"Thank you, Miss Beauchamp, you are looking well. Captain, good afternoon."

Colin cleared his throat and joined them, edging toward her as if she were a lioness who might maul him at any moment.

"My lady, how do you fare this afternoon?"

She extended her gloved hand to him with a smile, careful to keep the slip of paper she hid against her palm in place using her thumb. Shock briefly flickered across Colin's face at her pleasant tone, but he recovered quickly and took her hand. He seemed to feel the note in her palm, his gaze darting up to meet hers as he bent to kiss the air above her knuckles. He curled his fingers around the note just before releasing her hand.

"I am well, thank you," she replied. "Now, do excuse me. I am walking with Lord Ingham, and I must get back to him. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

She gave Colin a coy smile as she backed away, then turned to find Edmond. His gaze followed, hot on her back. Approaching Edmond and Miss Lane, she found them parting ways, as well. Offering her his arm once again, he led her along the path, continuing in their previous direction.

"Well?" she prodded. "How did it go?"

He shrugged. "Well enough, I suppose. I secured a dance with her at Almack's this evening."

She nodded, glancing back over her shoulder to find Cassandra and her friends giggling and darting glances at him.

"A step in the right direction. Her behavior indicates that she is already besotted with you. Dance a bit of attention upon her this Season, and you'll secure a betrothal agreement in no time. A summer wedding at St. George's, a wedding trip to the country …"

"Sounds thrilling," he remarked, his tone dry. "Shall I see you at Almack's tonight? It'll be far more interesting with you there. I can whisper naughty words to you during a few dances, and take you home at the end of the night. I could tuck you in."

While she hated Almack's and had not attended an assembly since her first Season, his end of the night proposal would have coaxed her into suffering through it if she did not already have evening plans.

"I'm sorry, darling," she murmured. "I already have plans for the night.

"Then forget Almack's," he replied. "Tell me what time you intend to return home. Leave your window open for me, and I'll come to you."

Her breath hitched, her nipples hardening beneath her walking dress at the thought of Edmond appearing over her windowsill, hair tousled by an evening breeze, eyes smoldering with lust for her. Just the idea of him fucking her with her parents just down the hall sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. Perhaps he'd even gag her again to keep her quiet.

You are in control here, not Edmond, she reminded herself.

He and Colin had thought to manipulate her, but she would not allow them. Her encounters with Edmond would happen on her terms, not his.

"Tomorrow night," she decided. "I have no notion of when we might return. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting."

Approaching one of the park entrances, they exited out onto the sidewalk, Edmond turning them in the direction of her home.

"Fine, then. But I will punish you for making me wait, Penelope, so you may as well prepare yourself."

A slow pulsation began between her thighs in anticipation. Her face grew hot at the thought of Edmond's large palm smacking her arse as he had in the carriage. If that was the sort of punishment he had in mind, Penelope decided keeping him waiting might just be the smartest idea she'd ever had.