Chapter Three

After several depressing days going through the charred remains at Maple Hall, Garrett was grateful to leave it behind.

Stone had predicted rightly. The estate’s dilapidated condition nearly overwhelmed him. After inspecting that which was still intact and beginning repairs to what was left of the stables, Garrett was more than ready for a reprieve. Although he refused to grieve his father’s death, he lamented the condition of his birthright.

The damage from the fire was expected; the godawful tenant conditions were not. Good, hard-working men were living in dilapidated shacks with their families.

Garrett wished the hatred he felt for his father could have died along with the man himself. Anger, he was finding, could be exhausting.

As Rumble, his longtime steed, climbed the last rise, the large Edwardian manor situated in a protected valley beckoned. For several miles, he’d been passing through well-tended fields separated by stone fences and well-groomed hedges. Now though, the patchwork of tidy holdings gave way to a landscaped park, which provided the perfect setting for Ravensdale’s stately mansion. The whitewashed limestone of the exterior created a pleasant contrast for the greenery surrounding it. Vines of ivy grew over the façade of the mansion, which was surrounded by copses of trees and lush lawns. The woodlands appeared untamed at first, but if examined carefully one realized this was not the case. For the thick forest was artfully trimmed to allow access to the large lake it encircled. Despite the estate’s size, it was pretty and homey. In comparison to Maple Hall, Raven’s Park was indeed a little slice of heaven.

Following the drive leading to the entrance, Garrett braced himself despite Stone’s reassurances. Would they turn him away? Would Lady Ravensdale rescind her son’s invitation? As quickly as the thought arose, it faded when Stone stepped out of the mansion and ambled down the marble steps to the drive. A groomsman appeared as Garrett brought Rumble to a halt and dismounted. Handing over the reins, Garrett then patted his horse on his hindquarters somewhat reluctantly. He normally took responsibility for the care of his own mount, but knowing the Spencer men as he did, Garrett was confident the lad would give Rumble a thorough rubdown and a clean stall. The Earl of Ravensdale would not employ lazy or inept stable hands.

“You’ve made good time. Decided to travel ahead of the baggage coach?” Stone grasped Garrett’s hand and patted his shoulder in a friendly greeting. His friend’s eyes sparkled with an honest and warm welcome.

It had been a long time since he’d met with a welcome anywhere.

“I did.” Garrett pondered the grand house. “You are certain my presence will not cause discord?” The effects of disgrace could be contagious. Scandal was infectious, and no one immune. “I do not wish to cause—”

Before Garrett could complete his sentence, Stone was shaking his head. “All is fine, Castleton…er, Hawthorne now, I guess.”

Garrett grimaced. “Horrid name to go by.”

“Time will change that.” Stone sounded matter-of-fact as he led him toward the door. “Make it yours. That’s what my father said he did when he inherited.” He led Garrett inside as the butler held the door wide for them. “I imagine you’d like to wash up. I’ll show you to your chamber, and then you can join me downstairs for a late nuncheon. My mother will have something appetizing set out in the dining room.”

“Lodging in the main house isn’t necessary. I’m more than happy to bunk in the bachelors’ quarters.” Garrett hoped to avoid the family as much as possible. In fact, he’d counted on it. And as for Lady Natalie, he intended to evade her completely.

“Well, old chap, there’s something you never learned about mothers. They get these crazy ideas about looking to your well-being. Like it or not, mine believes you need cossetting and has insisted you be welcomed into the fold.” They climbed two flights of stairs before Stone turned left along a richly carpeted corridor. Garrett followed reluctantly. “Besides, the bachelor cottage is in need of repair. Trust me, this will surpass the comfort of those lodgings by far.” He opened the door to a well-kept room with masculine décor.

“With Joseph marrying a few weeks ago, his room is not in use. Mother’s had it readied specifically for you. She’d have my hide if I put you anywhere else.” Glancing at his fob watch, Stone backed out of the room. “I’ll leave you for now. Ring if you need anything and then come down when you’re ready. Nuncheon is an extended casual affair, so no need to rush.”

Garrett tossed his saddlebag on the bed and turned to Stone. “None of this is necessary, you know. I’ve no need for any of this.”

Stone put out his hands, as though to stop him from saying anything further. Staring down at the carpet, he took a moment to think before looking back up at Garrett. “I want you to know there are people who can separate you from your father. It will take time, but all will be well. Allow matters to rest.”

Appreciating the sentiments, but doubting Stone’s optimism, Garrett thanked his loyal friend with a nod. “I’ll see you downstairs then. Is your fishing hole well stocked? Been looking forward to that all week.”

Stone nodded solemnly. “Downstairs then.”

Garrett cleaned up using the cold water by the wash basin, took a swig of the whiskey he carried with him, and then decided he might as well begin his “holiday.” If Lady Ravensdale found it necessary to house him in Joseph’s chamber, there must be other guests. Good Lord, the woman was probably hosting some sort of house party. Most assuredly, Stone would not have mentioned it. Had he done so, Garrett would have refused the invitation outright.

Wonderful.

As he entered the corridor, an adjacent door opened as well.

Of course. Who else would it be?

Although, admittedly, he’d acted rudely toward her in the park, her outright disgust at his offered escort festered. He’d dealt with blatant disdain from many a spoiled debutante and not cared one fig, but the scorn he’d seen in Lady Natalie Spencer’s eyes that day still rankled. And feeling rankled drew the worst out of him.

Unfortunately, now a guest in her parents’ home, Garrett would show very poor taste indeed to act upon his feelings.

Which, where Lady Natalie was concerned, were mixed.

Damned if she didn’t look ravishing and regal in a pale-yellow dress. Just the right amount of color to enhance her creamy skin and golden hair. Just the right amount of lace to disguise her frosty superiority. As she heard his door close and turned to see who had joined her in the corridor, Garrett braced himself. Would she acknowledge him?

This time she did not look away. This time her gaze held his.

This time she smiled.

Surely, hell had frozen over.

“My lord, welcome to Raven’s Park.” Her voice rang softly in the corridor. A slight blush rose on her cheeks before she dropped into a delicate curtsey. Not only was he surprised by her smile, but an enormous tug of unwanted attraction ambushed him.

Garrett bowed in return. He’d not made it a practice to be charming to society chits. He was in unfamiliar territory.

“My lady.” His words were followed by an awkward pause. Her greeting had startled him. He’d expected disdain or rudeness or, at the very least, aloofness. More than a little suspicious, he nonetheless offered his arm. “May I escort you downstairs to the dining room? I presume that is your destination?” He did not smile in return. Would she run from him again?

He ought to have opted for a nap.

Natalie had known he’d arrived. Stone had informed her a few minutes earlier. What a different turn of circumstances this was from their last meeting. A quiver scuttled down her spine despite the warmth of the afternoon.

Lord Hawthorne’s demeanor was distinctly different today, as he offered her his arm. He did not speak sarcastically. He seemed, she thought, rather wary instead.

Although the man must have washed, for his hair was still damp, he remained in his traveling clothes. This was obvious as a considerable amount of dust clung to both his jacket and fitted tan breeches. Despite the condition of his clothing, his scent was not unattractive. She caught a whiff of soap and sandalwood, and—well—man.

Feeling petite, she noted he was lean but well-muscled and quite tall. She hesitated a moment before taking his arm.

“I hope my brother informed you nuncheon is casual. Cold meats, cheese, breads, and fruits are the standard fare. You need only ring if you have want of anything. My mother, of course, hopes you feel very much at home while you’re here.” Natalie addressed him cordially as she would any of Stone’s friends. After pondering her brother’s advice regarding the new earl, she’d decided to give him a second chance.

She’d so often found herself vexed by his demeanor, she failed to remember him being—hmm, not really handsome, that was not the right word—arresting fit better. For he wasn’t classically proportioned. His chin was hard, and his nose appeared to have been broken a time or two. His eyes gave nothing away. They weren’t cold, rather too hot, exuding sensuality and tension. His arm felt firm and warm where her hand lay along the sleeve of his jacket. Such proximity inspired an inward shiver as he escorted her toward the grand staircase. It reminded her of the shock she’d felt when he’d taken her hand in the park. And what he’d done with his mouth…

“You’ll have to tell me where we are going, or I will have us wandering in circles.” He was trying to be pleasant. How bizarre! She looked up to see his expression. Of course, he was not smiling. Grimacing perhaps…

“My lord, would I be correct to assume your valet is expected later today with your baggage coach?”

The earl slowed the pace of their steps and turned to look at her. “I haven’t employed a valet for years. A waste, if you ask me. Damned ridiculous if a man can’t dress himself.” His expression betrayed his annoyance that a mere girl would take it upon herself to harangue him about his attire. Natalie did not allow him to alter her intent.

“I will speak with my mother. We’ll assign one of the servants to valet for you,” she suggested confidently. She already had a candidate in mind. Marcus would kill to valet for somebody, anybody.

“My dear lady”—his voice conveyed acute irritation—“I shall hardly require the services of a valet for a few weeks of hunting and fishing. I am here for a quiet holiday and some sport, nothing more.”

Halting their progress, Natalie removed her hand from his arm and turned to face him. She steepled her hands in front of her lips and looked skywards seeking the right words to get her point across. Men! They really could be foolish in the extreme!

“My lord, are you aware my mother is hosting a house party?”

He raised one dark eyebrow. “And this concerns me how? I’ve no plans to participate. I requested to bunk in the bachelors’ lodgings, but the countess insists I reside here instead. I do not expect, nor wish, to be included in any events.”

Natalie drew in a deep breath. His bluster did not intimidate her. In fact, she found his scowl rather endearing. But oh, how this man needed her assistance!

“My dear Lord Hawthorne, whether you wish it or not, you are being presented with a unique opportunity—especially for a gentleman in your…er…present circumstances.” Without thinking, she placed one of her hands over his. Yes, he was an earl, and yes, he possessed a certain rugged appeal, but his circumstances were somewhat pathetic. “My mother is very good friends with the highest sticklers in the ton. And under this roof, for the next two weeks, several of them are my parents’ honored guests.” She squeezed his hand with a sense of urgency. She didn’t know why it mattered, but for some reason it did. Perhaps if she were to focus on another person’s troubles, she could forget her own for a while. She put her words together carefully; this rake would not take kindly to pity.

“My parents are showing these people that they trust you in their home, amongst their family and guests. For heaven’s sake, your room is on the same floor as their only daughter’s! This is an opportunity for you to impress upon these people that you are not your father. This is a chance for you to have doors opened to you that have been closed for years. Doors that may never open for you again due to present scandals.”

Her tirade, an attempt to persuade the earl to put forth his best efforts, seemed to anger him instead. He pulled his hand away and stepped backward.

“Dammit!” He snapped his head to the side as though to gather himself, or perhaps because he was too disgusted to even look at her. “My apologies, my lady, but if I am expected to—You cannot have the slightest idea as to how repugnant your suggestion is. I did not come here for this.” His eyes looked pained, but his expression revealed barely controlled fury. “I shouldn’t have come at all. I will collect my belongings and return to my estate.”

Natalie’s eyes went wide. Obviously, she had gone too far. Stone would never forgive her if his friend left because of something she’d said. And after she’d promised to be on her best behavior no less! “Oh, no, I’m not saying you are required to put forth some sort of effort on your behalf! I’m merely saying it is an opportunity for you. What you wish to do with it, of course, is up to you.”

She watched his face as her words settled into the charged atmosphere. Dark circles were etched under his eyes, and for just a moment, she felt sorry to berate him so. He could not really turn around and leave. To do so would offend both Stone and her parents. And really, the man was in no position to offend anyone who befriended him right now. “I beg you to reconsider. You are most welcome to spend your time however you wish.” She winced before adding, “Stone will have my head if you leave because of something I’ve said.”

Natalie held her breath and awaited his response. A full thirty seconds must have passed before he relented.

“There will be no valet”—he spoke between clenched teeth—“as I have no need.”

Natalie watched his profile. The tensely corded muscles of his neck and his broad shoulders gave away the tension within him. He gave her the sense of a wild animal, trapped but not defeated. His voice was firm as he spoke again.

“I will not give in to this occasion by licking anybody’s boots.” He looked at her crossly. “Nor by having a servant polish my own.”

Natalie fluttered her lashes and tilted her head to the side. “So you will stay then?” At her obvious ploy, he seemed to relax and then rolled his eyes heavenwards.

“Are you going to show me where this damned nuncheon is being served or not?”

Natalie could not help but laugh in relief. This was the rogue she had been expecting. Relieved she hadn’t scared him away, she took his arm and gestured toward the back of the house. “Right this way, my lord, right this way. If you prefer to carry on as an uncouth brute, then so be it. But later, when you realize how wrong you are, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”