Spencer and Bella rode in his open phaeton in the park. She reveled in the warm breeze trying to take her bonnet off and sending wisps of hair across her face, tickling her.
Spencer drove Rotten Row like an expert. She’d never seen so many people riding in carriages, on horseback and strolling on foot through the park. Sunshine poking through the clouds brought Londoners out in the masses.
“Lady Bella,” Spencer said as he slowed the vehicle down, pulled off the track and came to a halt. “You’re quiet. Is something bothering you?”
Courage, Bella, courage. She breathed in deep and let it out slowly before she spoke. “Spencer, you remember several months back when you offered to help me make Myles jealous. Can we continue with the plan even though I have no right to ask it of you?”
Spencer sat up straighter in the seat, and in her heart, she knew she injured him with her words. Bella knew Spencer cared for her, but she needed him to know nothing could come of it. She would not string him along as Myles had done with her. She valued their friendship too much. She did truly love him, however, only as friends. Life would be easier if she did love him, then what Myles did to her wouldn’t hurt so much. It wouldn’t matter to her because she’d be in love with Spencer.
“If that is what you wish? But don’t you think he’s seen through our ruse by now?”
She reached over and squeezed his gloved hand holding the reins to his horse. “Probably. And I realize it’s not a nice thing to do to him, but I’ve run out of ideas and options. And please forgive me if I ever led you to believe we were anything but friends. I apologize. I value the relationship we have built during the past months and don’t want to lose it.” Bella spoke from the bottom of her heart, and she hoped he understood.
Spencer squeezed her hand back as he looked at her with a lopsided grin. “Not at all, we are friends, the best kind. I said I would help you before, I’ll continue on. Is that why I received your invitation asking me to take you riding today? Do you expect Myles?”
He might be smiling at her, but in the depths of his blue-green eyes she saw pain and disappointment. “If it makes you uncomfortable to continue our agreement, you don’t have to.”
He squeezed her hand again. “Nonsense, it will be my pleasure. But if Myles hurts you again, the gentleman in me will vanish.”
At his words, Bella laughed and the tension in her muscles relaxed. “While we continue to make Myles jealous, perhaps I can help you find the perfect wife. It is past time you married and had children. You are almost forty, are you not?”
Easy laughter filled the air. “Not quite, thirty-six. But since you’ve broken my heart, I suppose you could help me find a dutiful woman to marry.”
“Dutiful.” She giggled, glad their easy camaraderie returned. “You would never be content with someone meek and dutiful. You need a lady with a mind of her own. Otherwise you’ll be bored within a year of marriage and take a mistress.”
“Perhaps I already have a mistress.”
Belle’s cheeks scorched. “Perhaps we should not discuss mistresses.” Why on earth had she brought them up? Her mother would take to her bed for days on end if she heard her right now.
“Don’t look back,” Spencer interrupted. “I see Norwich with one of his sister’s in a phaeton much like mine coming down the path. I don’t believe he has seen…never mind. He’s pulling up beside us.”
Spencer, always one to show his good natured self, spoke first, “Norwich, nice to bump into you today. Please tell me which lovely sister accompanies you? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
“Lady Caroline, may I present, Mr. Stuart Spencer, cousin to the Earl of Bridgeton.”
Spencer could not believe Lady Caroline stood in the vehicle and curtsied to him. Of course, Myles gently pulled her down into the seat. Spencer quickly removed his hat and bowed while sitting. He didn’t dare stand up while he held the reins to his feisty horse, who already appeared antsy to move on.
“Lady Caroline,” Spencer said. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Someday I hope to meet all the lovely Northborough ladies.”
His comment caused Lady Caroline to blush quite becomingly. “Thank you, Mr. Spencer. Myles tells me you have two sisters. I hope to meet them someday.”
Norwich glared at him. Was the look because of Bella or his sister, who he had to admit was enchanting? And something about her fresh and unassuming personality pulled at him.
“Perhaps your brother could accompany you to tea one afternoon. I’m confident my sisters would love to meet you.” Spencer didn’t think for a moment Myles would bring her, but the gentleman in him had to extend the invitation nonetheless.
“I’ve not had my coming out,” Lady Caroline said as she glanced at her brother. Almost as if she waited for him to remind her of the fact.
“Lady Caroline.” Spencer gripped the reins tight, trying to keep his horse still. “I’ve only invited you to tea. I believe it’s allowed before your come-out. Your mother and sisters are welcome as well.” He paused then blurted out, “When will you be having your first Season,” before he could stop the words from escaping.
“Next year. I’m old enough, but Papa’s making me wait another year. He’s hoping to marry Marissa and Catherine off first.”
Spencer had a hard time holding back a chuckle at Caroline’s honesty and innocence. If he had let it out, he no doubt would have received another deadly glare from Norwich. Even though Bella, who sat quietly beside him, wasn’t much older than Caroline, she possessed a maturity beyond her years.
“Caroline,” Norwich admonished. “We do not share such topics outside in public. Something such as this doesn’t leave the privacy of our home.”
Spencer didn’t chuckle but he did smile. Norwich sounded much like he did with his sisters. Would Caroline be obedient and good natured like Mary or headstrong like Elizabeth? If his intuition proved correct, she would be a nice combination of both.
Do not entertain thoughts of her. She’s too young and innocent for you. But, damn if she wasn’t adorable with her auburn hair peeking out of her bonnet of the palest green, which even from this distance complimented her dark green eyes.
Several freckles scattered here and there across her cheeks and nose added to her allure. When she had stood she appeared curvy in all the right places.
“Spencer,” Bella scolded. “You’re leering at Lady Caroline and Myles looks ready to call you out. Besides, how can you show interest in me, when you ogle his sister like a caveman meeting a cavewoman for the first time?”
Spencer tore his eyes from Caroline’s lovely face and tipped the brim of his hat to Norwich. “Good day to you, Norwich, Lady Caroline.”
He flicked his wrists and he and Bella continued along the path. “Sorry. There is something appealing about her.”
“I agree. However, I think our ploy to trick Myles into believing we are taken with each other is over. You all but ignored me. I don’t think we fooled him then or now. Which brings something up, do you know how young Caroline is?”
“No. Do you?”
“Yes. Seventeen.” Bella laughed. “Too young for you. Myles will never allow you to court her. You’re twice her age.”
Spencer laughed too. “And you’re so old at twenty-one. Besides, Bridgeton is twice your sister Amelia’s age. It might have bothered Wentworth in the beginning but other things troubled him more. Perhaps Norwich will not mind the age difference.”
He paused and glanced at Bella, horrified at the conversation. “What am I saying? I’m not interested in a young bride right out of the schoolroom. When I marry, I’ll marry a widow who’s still young enough to give me children.”
“If you say so.” Bella smiled and tilted her head up into the sun. “I witnessed Cupid working his magic today. You can deny it all you want, but Caroline looked at you as though Zeus himself had come down from Mount Olympus and declared his love for her. And you,” she laughed, “couldn’t stop staring. I’m surprised you hadn’t needed your handkerchief to wipe the drool off your chin.”
Spencer’s laughter rang out into the air, causing quite a stir amongst the other occupants of the park. “It’s time I took you home. You must need to rest before tonight’s masquerade ball at Lord and Lady Somerville’s?”
“Yes, I would like to relax. Are you going to grace us with your presence this evening?”
“Of course. Please save the first waltz for me. Maybe we can salvage what happened today and continue with our plan.”
“No,” Bella replied. “I’m finished.” It was high time she grew up and admitted the truth. If Myles truly cared for her, he would profess his love on his own.
“Oh,” Spencer said, looking crestfallen.
Bella immediately reassured him. “Not our waltz or our friendship. Those I cherish. I have decided to give him an ultimatum. And please don’t advise me against it. I know it could backfire and ruin everything, but I have nothing to lose anyway.” She didn’t know where she got the idea from, but she would implement it and hope for the best.
By now they were outside her home in Mayfair. Spencer waved the groomsman off and helped Bella down himself. “Don’t be foolish, you have everything to lose and much to gain. Be patient.”
Bella contemplated Spencer’s parting words. Be patient. She’d been patient for three years. She had run out of patience where Myles was concerned. Tonight she would deliver her ultimatum. If he didn’t act on it then she would finally know the truth and be able to plan her future alone.
The ride back to his family estate, right outside of London proper, seemed overly long today. His father didn’t have a residence in Mayfair like most of the aristocrats. He liked to keep some distance from London. Myles understood, but on days like today the ride seemed tedious. Caroline chatted constantly causing his head to throb. She wanted to know everything about Spencer and his sisters. Myles hadn’t been born yesterday. He knew something of the workings of a female mind. And he knew Caroline really only wanted information about Spencer. Asking about his sisters was a deception.
When he arrived home, neither his mood nor his headache improved any when he witnessed Sophie and Gerard whispering together in the receiving room. The hairs on the back on his neck rose up.
He didn’t trust the two of them. They were up to something. And as far as he could tell, they didn’t seem to be doing anything pertaining to the renovations to the London townhouse Gerard supposedly purchased. Was it all a lie?
The following day he planned to seek out Mr. Smythe, the best Bow Street runner in all of London, and request his help. He wanted information on Sophie’s parents and her so-called dead husband. Myles shivered as a cold chill crept up his spine. Was he truly responsible for the gentleman’s death? Wouldn’t he know if he was? Wouldn’t he have been struck down by now?
As for his cousin, Gerard. He was a bumbling idiot. Handsome as the devil, dumb as a dog. He took his comment back. Dogs were more intelligent. What did Sophie possibly see in him? The title of countess. He’d bet his inheritance that’s what she sought. Over his dead body would she become Countess of Northborough? Actually, it would be over his and his father’s dead bodies. The chills he experienced now were not contained to his back. They travelled up to his head, causing the room to sway beneath his feet.
“Is he gone?” Sophie asked her obedient husband.
“Yes. Myles has left. I presume to prepare for tonight’s masquerade.”
Sophie patted the cushion on the settee beside her. “Come husband, sit with me, but close the door before you do?”
Gerard did as his wife bid. Sophie did not think she could spend the rest of her life married to such an obedient man. But then again, she didn’t plan to. Did you procure what I requested?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Did you disguise yourself as I requested?”
“Yes. I wore the wig you gave me, kept my hat down low and didn’t look at anyone directly.”
“Splendid.” Sophie rubbed her hand up and down her husband’s muscular thigh. There were things which made being married to Gerard bearable—his superb looks. His body resembled a Greek God. And he knew how to please her between the sheets.
“You shall be rewarded this evening.” A smile curled her lips as her husband’s arousal became evident. And to tease him a tiny bit more, she lightly traced the outline of his hardened cock with her fingertips and murmured in his ear, “Tonight.”
He answered with a loud groan.
How fortunate for her she met Gerard upon the crossing from America. In her opinion, fate played a hand in it. Her mind relived the life altering trip.
Sophie Bernier, the daughter of the Conte and Contessa de la Com Du LaFleur was not used to travelling alone. She did now since her husband’s murder at the hands of the Englishman, Myles Fredrickson, and her parents’ fall from New Orleans grace, which left her no choice. Her le pere gambled the family fortune away. She shivered and hugged herself, her beloved le pere killed himself with his pistol, but not until he’d done the same to her la mere. Tears flowed unnoticed down her cheeks. She blamed Norwich for her parents’ troubles as well.
She left all traces of her past in the French Quarter. This new adventure would bring her to London and her nemesis. She’d sworn on her husband, of two weeks, deathbed she would avenge him. So she travelled the Atlantic Ocean to wreak havoc on Norwich. At times she wondered what happened to the polite, shy and happy la femme she’d been. Too much death killed all the emotions living inside her body, mind and heart. Revenge fueled her now.
Her plan—make Norwich fall helplessly in l’amour with her. Shouldn’t be too hard as he’d sworn his undying l’amour to her two years past. Get him to propose. Once again should be easy to accomplish. After their marriage, she would enact her silent, but deadly revenge—poison.
After struggling with her evening gown and hair, she paced the small cabin sparsely furnished with a tiny bed, wooden chair and small desk with a cracked mirror hanging over it on the wooded planked wall. Her source of light came through the small, round porthole. Moonbeams shined in now. Would she be so lucky as to have a storm free crossing? With her luck lately, probably not.
A knock on the door had her smoothing down her skirts and patting her hair before she opened it. Standing with his hat in his small, dirty hands was the Captain’s cabin boy.
“The Capin’ sent me to fetch ya for dinna.”
“Merci,” Sophie said with what she hoped was a smile. “It was most gracious of the Captain to send an escort for me.”
Sophie followed the unwashed cabin boy down the short hall to a large wooden door at the end. The Captain’s quarters consisted of a wooden table and six chairs, a large desk covered with maps and a bed tucked against the far wall.
“Welcome Mrs. Bernier.” The captain seated her at one end of the table, then proceeded to sit at the opposite end. It made her wonder what he planned. She’d taken advantage of him for her passage. Their families had been neighbors in New Orleans. She travelled on his kindness. She had money sewn into the hem of several of her gowns, more than enough to pay for her passage. But why pay when she could charm her way aboard for free.
Albeit, by the way he leered at her made her wonder if he expected her to share his bed? Not in this lifetime.
The captain’s deep voice pulled her out of her woolgathering.
“I would like to introduce those gracing my table this first evening at sea. To my right sits Mr. and Mrs. Bedford, they’re travelling home to London to visit family. On my left are, Mr. Gerard Fredrickson and Viscount Bradley.
“Across from me is Mrs. Sophie Bernier from New Orleans.”
He gestured to the platters of food just placed on the table by the cabin boy. “Please, as there are no strangers at my table now, fill your appetites. Toward the end of the voyage, we’ll be living on potatoes, onions and dried beef. But first.” He took his newly filled wine glass in his hand. “A toast.” Everyone at the table raised their glasses.
“May God keep us safe on this voyage and we thank Him for this nourishing meal.”
Sophie looked over the rim of her glass directly at the Captain. Their eyes met. He nodded his head ever-so-slightly, then downed his glass signaling a refill to his cabin boy.
Sophie placed her glass on the table, patted her lips with her napkin and froze. What had the captain said the name of the gentleman to her right was?
Gerard Fredrickson. Could he be related to Norwich? He did not possess the dark auburn hair, but their facial features were similar if her memory served her correctly.
“Mr. Fredrickson,” Sophie said with her sweetest, most innocent voice. The one she had used most of her life when she was indeed, sweet and innocent. A tone of voice she didn’t use often anymore. “Are you by any means related to a Myles Fredrickson, Baron Norwich?”
The startled look on Mr. Fredrickson’s face answered her question. He cleared his throat, took a sip of wine and replied. “Yes. We are first cousins. My father was Norwich’s father’s younger brother. Twins actually.”
Her mind raced with a new scheme. “Which means you must be second in line to the Earldom?”
He coughed yet again and tugged on his cravat. “Yes. But I highly doubt I’ll inherit. My uncle’s in fine health, and Norwich…” He paused, his green eyes widened. “How did you know?”
Sophie leaned back in her chair and smiled. “I met your cousin, Norwich, two years ago in New Orleans. He confided in me he had all sisters.” She paused and took a slow seductive sip of wine. “That does make you second to inherit.”
Mr. Frederickson brushed an imaginary piece of lint off his sleeve. “As I explained before, I don’t plan on ever becoming the earl. I came to terms with it early on in my life.”
Sophie replied with a warm, interested smile. “I understand.”
As dinner turned to dessert and sherry, she’d come up with a new plan of revenge. This new plan involved Gerard Fredrickson falling in l’amour with her and marrying her the minute they stepped on English soil. She needed to seduce Gerard, bed him and convince him he couldn’t live without her. Failing in her revenge was not an option.