Chapter Five

 

Serena returned to the house, ignoring several questioning looks from the servants on the stairs and in the hall, as she practically raced to the sanctuary of her chambers. It was a testament to her monumental self-discipline that she didn’t slam the bedroom door behind her but even in her rage, she knew better.

She’d already made a show of leaving him in the garden and slamming doors like a spoiled child would only fuel the servants’ gossip. And forfeit any ground she’d gained in their encounter.

Seven years.

Seven years since she’d seen him or heard his voice or been within reach of his hands…

She couldn’t count how many times she’d played out potential exchanges or daydreamed about what she would say when she finally met him again. In most of her fantasies, she’d been in command of the situation or revealed herself after an elaborate trap had been sprung to destroy him. In dark daydreams, with a multitude looking on she had a heeled boot on his neck while he whined of his undying remorse and unworthiness for hurting her…

Why did I not think of something so mundane as meeting him in a drawing room or walking in a garden? Why did my wits desert me when I needed them most?

“So he’s here? Your Sir Warrick?”

“He’s here and he is most decidedly not my anything.”

“Well, I admit I didn’t think he’d pop up so quickly. If he’s here then won’t that interfere with any plans you have for—“

“It changes nothing. He means nothing. I’d have dealt with him soon enough but for now, my commitment to Mrs. Osborne is unaltered. Let him stew and fret.”

“Will he not say something to Mr. Osborne?”

Serena shook her head. “No. He can’t without exposing his own transgressions in the affair and…” She slowly opened her jewelry chest, the gleam and glitter of her treasures coming to life in the candlelight. “I am counting on Mr. Osborne’s ambitions to keep him in check. Phillip may be the male heir and head of the family but it’s his Achilles heel as well. They’ll see me as a potential catch and keep a tight hold on the reins if he starts to growl or fuss.”

She lifted out a diamond-encrusted choker she usually saved for extremely formal parties. “We shall dress to impress, Pepper, and make sure Sir Warrick understands who holds the whip hand.”

 

The diamonds were a wise choice, Phillip told himself grudgingly. Raven was playing the lady with a flair that denied even a breath of suspicion. James was so enthralled by the glittering show of wealth at his table, the man was practically salivating. He watched her in reluctant appreciation then glanced over at his cousin Delilah who was looking at him in silent supplication to behave better toward her new friend.

And there’s the answer.

Oh, I can behave ‘better’. In fact, I can play the part that will send James into paroxysms of joy and ensure that whatever schemes the witch is cooking will come to nothing but ashes. You should have run, Raven, while you had the chance.

“I must say, Lady Wellcott,” Phillip interjected at the first pause in the conversation. “Had I known that Aphrodite herself was going to grace this house, I would have brought a better wardrobe.”

Serena smiled. “Is it your opinion that the goddess of love would be swayed by a better waistcoat?”

“It may not hurt.”

“What shallow flavor of love are you aiming at, Sir Warrick?” she countered, not giving him an inch.

“Then school me, Lady Wellcott. What does sway a woman of substance?” he asked.

“A man out of his waistcoat is always a good start.” The look she gave him was so potent with heated challenge that Phillip had to shift in his chair at the surge of stiffening blood rushing to his cock. “And naturally, an invitation to take a grown man to school strikes me as a thing that has an appeal all its own. Would you not agree, Mrs. Osborne?”

“Oh!” Delilah exclaimed. “I—have no opinion on such things.”

Lady Wellcott lifted her wine glass to her lips and set it down slowly. “Oh, well. Do not fear. Your cousin makes a show of flirting with me but like most men, he will shy away from any real challenge.” She picked up her knife to make an elegant slice across the venison on her plate. “Men easily speak of goddesses and then manage to look so handsome in their surprise when a woman demands to be worshipped. But don’t worry, Sir Warrick. I neither expect you to build me a temple nor recite a single ode to my ankles. I am only mortal and not worth the trouble.”

Trouble is the only currency you value, woman. Phillip clenched his jaw in frustration but then forced himself to smile. If she wanted to punish him for confronting her in the garden, then so be it. But he wasn’t going to abandon his course.

Two can play at this game.

“My poetry skills are a little rusty, Lady Wellcott. I would have to see the ankles in question before I could compose a few lines. Lift your skirts and let’s see if I’m inspired.”

The sound of crystal shattering to the floor as one of the footmen dropped his tray was rewarding but the flustered look of shock on Serena’s face was like the gates of heaven giving way.

I’m going to enjoy this, your ladyship.

And take you to school this time around.

 

**

 

“Phillip!” Delilah caught him on the stairs. “Explain yourself! For in all the years that we have known each other, I have never heard you speak to a woman that way!”

“I apologize, dear cousin.” Phillip turned back to address her, exhaustion forcing a sigh from his lips. “James has already given me an earful of disapproval. It has been such a long day and I…meant to do better.”

“Lady Wellcott assured me that she wasn’t offended but I cannot see how that is possible. What possessed you?” Delilah asked.

“Lady Wellcott appears to enjoy a bit of verbal sparring. I thought to play along. I’ll admit I may have overshot the mark but if the lady has already opted not to complain, may I not get a pass? I would never wish to spoil an evening or anger a guest under your roof. I shall plead a headache or temporary insanity and tomorrow at breakfast, I swear I will be the most charming version of myself that not a single plate is lost.”

Delilah smiled. “Very well. If no more of my best china or crystal is sacrificed, I do not see how I can refuse you.”

“There’s my saintly cousin,” he said and leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. “Good night, Delilah.”

“Good night, Phillip.” She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “I am so glad you are here.”

“Is…everything all right, cousin?”

“Yes. Yes, of course.” She stepped back. “Go on and get some rest. I want to see that irresistible charm in the morning.”

“Are you not coming up yourself?”

“Not yet,” she said and took another step away from the staircase. “I have to have one last conversation with the housekeeper about getting some new tapers. The ones in the dining room were smoking so horribly I kept expecting a fire to break out.”

Phillip shook his head in amazement. “How is it that women are so adept at the details? I never noticed but I leave it to your capable hands. Good night, cousin.”

Phillip headed up the stairs aware that he would be lucky to reach his room before falling asleep. The long ride out had dented his physical reserves but the emotional upheaval of the return of Raven Wells had proven more than he’d bargained for.

And despite his assurances to Delilah, Phillip knew that while he might attempt a slightly more subtle approach in the company of others, he was not going to abandon a winning tactic. He would protect his family at any cost.

He opened his bedroom door and didn’t bother with a lamp. He stripped out of his clothes and fell into the bed. I’ll keep you close, Raven. Hell, I’ll keep you in my bed and naked if that is what it takes.

It was his last thought before a dreamless void claimed him.