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Kincaid waited for Charlie Sinclair to voice her objections. However, she never did. Instead, she stood with her arms crossed against her chest with her foot tapping a steady rhythm, and she tilted her head to the side as she regarded him. He grew impatient, wanting to learn what Jacqueline had promised her sisters that she hadn’t followed through with. But he waited like a gentleman for her to speak, instead of growling his question like a neanderthal.
“I underestimated you, Lord Kincaid.”
He arched a brow. “How so?”
“I took you for one of those proper gents with a pole stuck up his arse. But you have proven to be the complete opposite. Who knew the uptight viscount had a scandalous streak he kept hidden?” Charlie laughed at her own humor.
Kincaid had grown used to Charlie’s brash behavior since he’d taken an interest in Jacqueline. The depth of her love for her sisters always brought out her protective mother cub instinct when she defended them. He’d learned his mistake the hard way when he voiced his dislike for Charlie’s vindictive attitude toward Selina Pemberton. Even though they shared a friendship now, their cruelty had left casualties at one time. On more than one occasion, Charlie had overstepped with her revenge.
Jacqueline had closed off her bedchamber to him for a spell until he listened to her. She had explained the dynamics of her sisters, Gemma Holbrooke, and Abigail Cason, helping him understand their character and behavior. He now understood their personality traits and had come to care for them because of Jacqueline. While the lady before him had matured since her marriage to Jasper Sinclair, her true nature still shined through.
He smiled his amusement at her. “One must never judge a book by its cover, Lady Sinclair. Because hidden in the depths is a mystery ready to be discovered.”
Charlie grew confused at the viscount’s nonchalant manner. He didn’t even show his dislike at her bold declaration of his character. “And what is your mystery, Lord Kincaid?”
“Ahh, one must never give away what makes them unique.”
Charlie started nodding, finally understanding what attracted her sister to Kincaid. While she held skepticism about their relationship and not understanding her sister’s fascination with the lord, she now saw the very reason Jacqueline had fallen for the viscount. He offered Jacqueline the stability she had lost long ago. Not only security, but he also made her sister smile and enjoy life again. How were they blind not to notice that Jacqueline had fallen in love?
“You are correct, my lord. One must never divulge their secrets or those of others.” She winked at him before sauntering away.
Kincaid watched Charlie leave and realized she’d given him her approval of his conquest to win Jacqueline’s heart. He laughed over her quirky acceptance and the relief of another obstacle removed from his pursuit to win the lovely lady who had captured his heart. However, he never learned what Jacqueline promised, but he assumed it revolved around him. Since he’d won Charlie’s approval, the rest of her family would give their blessings soon.
Now he only needed to win the lady’s heart.
~~~~~
AFTER THE CARD GAME, Ralston and Worth followed Falcone out onto the terrace. They found him leaning against the balustrade, smoking a cigar. His arrival already showed signs of disruption. Falcone’s assignment was to locate Lady Langdale, not to visit the Colebourne estate and flirt with Lady Jacqueline and Miss Cason. But he was flirting and with a nonchalance that irritated Kincaid and Gray.
“What are you doing here?” Worth hissed.
Ralston laid his hand on Worth’s sleeve to calm him. “Worth, I will handle this. We thought you’d followed Lady Langdale to the continent.”
Falcone shrugged. “I lost her.”
“Then find her,” Worth gritted out between his teeth.
“I will resume my duties after I fulfill my obligation to Colebourne.” Falcone took a puff of the cigar.
“And what is your obligation?” Ralston asked.
“The kind where my refusal will not bear well with the duke,” Falcone explained.
“Not you too? Who does the duke not have performing his bidding?” Worth asked with sarcasm.
“Obviously not you,” Falcone muttered.
“What happened with Lady Langdale?” Ralston tried to redirect the conversation. It was pointless to argue over Falcone’s arrival because Colebourne held the cards concerning the marquess’s actions. Not so long ago, the duke had held control over Ralston’s every move. While no more, he understood the burden the marquess suffered.
“She kept a low appearance in Paris, not drawing attention upon herself. Then she hired a companion, a plain miss, who wore the drabbest of dresses. A most uncommonly wench,” Falcone explained.
“Did you attempt to make contact with the companion?” Worth inquired.
“I tried, but she slipped through my grasp. The following day, they disappeared. I searched everywhere and questioned anyone who met them. But it was like they never existed. One of my contacts is looking into some leads over in France. When Colebourne dismisses me, I will return to the continent to find her. Then we shall seek our justice against Lady Langdale.”
Ralston nodded his acceptance, but Falcone’s answer didn’t satisfy Worth. He grew impatient to return to London himself, to delve into where she might have disappeared to. But he had promised his family he would stay until after the fox hunt. Lady Langdale had wreaked havoc on many lives, and the more the ton realized her deception, the higher the price for her capture grew each day. He wanted their agency to deliver her to the authorities, and the longer Falcone remained at Colebourne Manor, the deeper she would take cover in her underground hideaways.
“Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I want to wish Miss Cason a pleasant evening.” Falcone strode away without waiting for their reply.
Worth glanced at Ralston. “Can we trust him?”
“We must. He is our only hope,” Ralston muttered.
~~~~~
GRAY ENTERED HIS FATHER’S study, ready to voice his displeasure at Lord Falcone’s arrival. However, he paused over the threshold, drawing back his fury, wanting to discuss this issue calmly. Over the past few months, his father had found pleasure in antagonizing him. If he stated his demand for Falcone to stay away from Abigail, his father would make it a priority to place them together at every opportunity. No. He refused to give his father any reason to subject Abigail to the scoundrel any more than necessary.
As usual, his aunt and uncle shared a nightcap with his father. Perhaps it was just as well they were present. Aunt Susanna would keep the conversation calm while Ramsay would distract his father. As he watched them interact, he felt the familiar pang of loss. Aunt Susanna resembled his mother, not only in her appearance but also in her caring nature. Losing his mother had left an unbearable ache that he and his father suffered greatly from. But at least his father never pushed him away to deal with his loss; instead, he’d kept their bond strong over the years. His father always supported his choices and took his advice on their holdings.
The only matter they crossed swords over was Abigail Cason. Every gentleman his father introduced her to wasn’t worthy enough. No, she deserved so much more. And Lord Falcone, like all the other gentlemen, wasn’t a wise choice. He planned to state his case once again. Gray only hoped his father would listen.
He sauntered farther into the study. “Good evening. I hope I am not interrupting.”
Aunt Susanna beamed at him. “Of course you are not. Have a seat and visit with us. Unless you want to talk to your father alone, then Ramsay and I shall say good night and retire to our room?”
Gray settled into an armchair. “No. Your company is a pleasant enjoyment to end the evening with.”
“Watch it, boy, ye are speaking the same shite as ye father,” Ramsay teased.
Colebourne threw his hands in the air. “Not only do you insult me, but now my offspring. And to think I gifted you with the lovely Lady Selina for a daughter-in-law.”
Ramsay scoffed. “Gifted? Me son won the heart of that fair maiden. But are ye not one to rub the salt in the open wound of ye own offspring? Look at the boy, he still bleeds with heartache.”
Gray shook his head at their mischief. When the two of them traded barbs, they showed no soul any mercy. Apparently, he was the amusement this evening. Not that he minded. He felt extreme happiness for his cousin Duncan and Selina. They were one of the lucky ones who had trusted in their love to help guide them through the troubles of the scandal their marriage caused. Meanwhile, he remained a coward for not taking the same chance with Abigail. He refused to acknowledge his affection for the lady. One might say he deserved the misery from watching one gentleman after another court Abigail since he refused to do the same.
“Gentlemen, your behavior is unfair to Lucas. Now, Lucas, how are you enjoying the guests who have remained for the hunt?”
Gray smiled at his aunt. “They are a pleasant diversion. I have enjoyed getting to know the Worthingtons better. I’ve never spent much time with his family through my years of friendship with Reese. They are very pleasant and at times a handful.”
Aunt Susanna laughed. “Yes, the youngest one, Maggie, is quite spirited. They will have a devil of a time with her when she comes of age. And your friend, Lord Kincaid?”
Gray grimaced. “Fine.”
Colebourne chuckled. “Fine? The bruises both of you boys are sporting speak otherwise.”
“The matter is of no concern to you.”
Colebourne narrowed his gaze. “Mmm. I think differently, but for now, I will allow it to settle, and I will address it a later time.”
Gray shrugged. “You always do.” Gray found it hard to keep his hostility in check. His father’s arrogance lately had provoked him to resist his authority.
Colebourne sighed. His son remained stubborn, and try as hard as Colebourne might to push him into action, Lucas only dug in his heels and refused to budge. Susanna kept urging him to try another approach with Lucas, but it didn’t matter because Lucas refused what was within his grasp because of his strict moral code that society demanded he follow. He thought if he refused Abigail, then she would never get hurt by others. In truth, she hurt from his rejection alone. Time slipped away from convincing Lucas how wrong he was.
They would travel to Scotland for the winter holiday. Then he must fulfill his bargain with Abigail. Colebourne had pleaded with her to stay and spend the holidays with the family, and if she did, then he would give his blessing for her to become a governess. A position she might have been born to, but one she was far superior to. But he’d watched her heartache during the season and blamed himself. In his attempt to keep her near, she suffered heartache from Lucas’s indifference. Colebourne had hoped his son would wake up and see the treasure before him. He realized he needed to let her find the happiness she deserved.
But it wouldn’t stop him from attempting to bring them together until then. “Abigail looked lovely this evening.”
“She always looks lovely,” Gray muttered.
“Yes. She is quite the beauty. Falcone must have thought so, too. I saw him making plans with her for tomorrow,” Ramsay baited him, shooting Colebourne a wink.
Susanna frowned at her husband and shook her head for him to stop. She tried to change the subject. “I hope the weather cooperates for the hunt on Saturday.”
Gray sat forward in his chair. “What plans?”
“A walk to the village,” Ramsay answered.
Gray scowled, his patient attitude evaporating at the mention of Lord Falcone spending any time with Abigail. “Lord Falcone is a poor choice for Abigail. He would make her a miserable husband.”
Colebourne arched his brow. “Who said Lord Falcone is for Abigail? Perhaps I invited him for your cousin.”
Gray scoffed. “You already secretly made a match between Jacqueline and Kincaid.”
“Is that the reason for your fisticuffs?”
Gray pinched his lips, refusing to answer. He still wasn’t thrilled about how his friend had betrayed him, but it was his battle to work through. He wouldn’t give his father any more ammunition against Kincaid. After watching Jacqueline all evening, Gray saw how she loved his friend, and he wouldn’t steal her happiness away. In time, he would forgive Kincaid for seducing his cousin. Hell, he’d forgiven Worthington. He might as well not hold a grudge against Kincaid.
No. In fact, he would help his mate along.
He rose, deciding against confronting his father about Falcone. Instead, he would seek redemption for his friend in his father’s eyes. Gray decided to throw them together and tag along to make sure they made amends. After Jacqueline and Kincaid’s wedding, he would resume his task of keeping any suitors away from Abigail.
“I stopped by to ask if you and Ramsay want to go fishing Friday morning?” Gray asked.
“Why do we not go tomorrow?” his father threw back at him
“I promised to visit the tenants and deliver cookies for Selina. It was a condition to apologize for running away before our wedding.”
Ramsay laughed. “The lass is devious. Are we lucky or what, my love?”
Susanna looked adoringly at her husband. “That we are, my dear.”
Gray smiled at them, finding joy at the love they shared, even wishing it for himself. He turned toward his father, waiting.
“Friday it is. What do you say, Ramsay, get in one more chance before you leave?”
“Sounds good to me. Perhaps ye might even catch one this time.” Ramsay snickered.
“I might be able to if you do not scare away the fish with your Scottish yapping.”
“It is better than ye English chattering.”
Their bantering never grew old, no matter the insult. He wouldn’t mention Kincaid, but he would make sure his friend joined them. His father wasn’t the only one who could play matchmaker in this family. He might have told a slight fib about his plans for tomorrow, but Selina would forgive him for using her if she knew the reason. Perhaps he would take a slight detour and deliver those cookies as a sign of his redemption. After all, he didn’t want his arrival in the village to appear as if he followed Abigail and Lord Falcone. No, it was best if he caught them unaware.