Seven Nights of Sin: Seven Sensuous Stories by Bestselling Historical Romance Authors Page 10

  “There are many in society who don’t think as you do, Father.”

  His eyes shadowed, he rubbed his furrowed forehead. She hadn’t noticed his sideburns had greyed. He’d never looked as vulnerable as he did now, as if he carried the world on his shoulders. The sight tugged at her heart and, for a moment, made her question herself.

  He put up a hand to cup her cheek. “You are so pretty, my dear, with your glorious fair curls. I don’t know why you can’t be like other young women and involve yourself in gowns and balls, marrying, raising children. It is what nature intended after all. You must wed while the gloss is on the rose. And, of course, you must marry well.” He gave her a gentle push. “Go and be pleasant to Lord Maudling.”

  Anger made her compassion for him evaporate. “Surely it would be better if Lord Maudling came to find me. Men like—”

  He held up a hand. “Don’t tell me what men like. I am a man, am I not? Go.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  DERRICK LEFT EARLY. He grew quickly bored at these affairs, especially when the host was a hypocrite of the worst kind. Maudling had made it clear that Derrick wasn’t entirely welcome at his table but acceptable enough to advise him in his investments. Derrick was glad he’d come however. He’d been tempted by the charming Miss Lacey at the ball some weeks ago. That full bottom lip of hers promised much. After their dance, he’d mused for a pleasurable few moments, visualizing a riot of wheat-colored curls tumbled over his pillow. With a tinge of regret, he’d decided it was foolish to pursue her and turned to ladies who knew what was what and welcomed his advances.

  When his secretary showed him her letter, he’d thought he’d read a subtle invitation behind the words. She was an innocent, of course, but instinct told him there was more to this than she revealed. He still held that view, even though tonight she’d succeeded in holding him at arm’s length while extolling the virtues of becoming a patron of her cause. A most interesting young woman who would prove an absorbing challenge for a brief time.

  ***

  Cheapside, where Hartnoll House was located, was shabby and, only a few blocks away, degenerated into dangerous slums. Fortuitously, her mother did have a prior engagement. Annoyed, she insisted her maid, Mary, accompany Bella. The coachman was to bring them home at two o’clock after a detour to collect two new hats from the milliner. She would have little time to spend with Lord Eaglestone and gain his promise of assistance.

  St. Paul’s Cathedral rose in splendor above the rooftops as the carriage negotiated the busy thoroughfare. In the summer heat, the air was ripe with the unpleasant odors of the slaughterhouse. After they passed Honey Lane, the streets narrowed, with dark corners, low passageways, and ramshackle houses.

  Bella was grateful that last night’s rain had washed the air clean of soot. Puddles filled the potholes in the blackened street, where ragged urchins ran about the slippery cobbles, splashing water over each other. It was in just such a place that she’d found her latest addition to the orphanage, Henry. She was very fond of Henry. He’d been all skin and bone when she’d found him, cast out after he’d grown too big to sweep chimneys. Henry had been living on the streets and picking pockets for some rogue. He’d filled out and grown an inch since he’d been with them. Under her care, he’d promised faithfully to reform his bad ways and, so far, had kept to it. If she were able to supply him with the skills to earn a decent living, he would never have to go back to that life.

  The carriage drew up outside the ramshackle old house. “I grew up in a place just like this,” Mary said.

  “Really, Mary? How did you get your start in life?”

  “A kind benefactor, Miss Lacey. A ladies maid taught me the skills, and her mistress gave me a character. Now, my fella, Will Butler, who works at the foundry, and I are saving up to marry. We want to have an inn one day. I hope the children here have the same luck.”

  Bella huffed out a sigh. “As do I, Mary.” After alighting, she stood in contemplation of the house’s shortcomings. Over a hundred years old, the dwelling had never had pretensions to grandeur. The desperate need for its renovation always brought an anguished sigh to her lips. There was so much to be done. Passing through the rusty gate, Bella took in the sagging guttering and paint-stripped woodwork. She and Mary carried the two laden baskets up the steps. The interior was even more in desperate need of repair. The roof leaked in most of the attic bedrooms, and the cellar flooded every winter. Fighting the mold had become a full-time job.

  She drew her apron from her basket as Mrs. Armitage, the housekeeper, came into the hall to greet her. “Good morning, Miss Lacey.”

  A widow in straightened circumstances, the lady now lived here with the children. Bella could sense the list forming in the august lady’s mind. So many requests and so little money to fill them. As they chatted, she tied the apron around her waist. There was time before his lordship arrived. If he really meant to come. First, she would inspect the house from top to bottom to ensure Mabel had swept and mopped the floors and performed the other chores expected of her. Her housekeeper had enough to do.

  A motley group of children of indeterminate ages scurried down the corridor with cries of welcome. Bella greeted each of them, checking for signs of illness or distress before handing the basket of freshly baked iced buns prepared by Cook and one of oranges to a gangling boy of eleven.

  “Kindly distribute them in the yard. One each, thank you, Henry.”

  With eager shouts, the children rushed after Henry.

  “You may go and assist him, Mary,” Bella said.

  As the corridor emptied of children, Bella ran up the stairs.

  Several minutes later, having assured herself that the maid was doing her work, she came down to find a man at the open door.

  “Good day, Miss Lacey.” Immaculate in a camel frockcoat and brown trousers, with a tan-and-cream striped waistcoat, Lord Eaglestone made her feel hot and dusty.

  She quickly untied her apron as she went to greet him. “Thank you for coming, sir.”

  Bella was warm with relieved surprise to find that not only had he come as he promised he’d arrived early, at the time she’d initially requested.

  The world weariness she’d noted in him when surrounded by men at Lord Maudling’s supper party was not evident today. There were flecks of gold in his amber eyes, which were keen with interest. Her confidence grew.

  “My pleasure, Miss Lacey. Now, show me the rest if you please. I fancy a ride in the park on such a pleasant day.”

  Bella suffered a jolt of disappointment. She motioned to the staircase. “Please come this way. I shan’t keep you long.”

  “I rather hoped you’d join me on that ride, Miss Lacey.”

  “Thank you. Unfortunately, I won’t have time.” She raised the silver watch pinned to her ruched bodice. “My father’s carriage returns for me at two.”

  He plucked his gold watch from his waistcoat pocket with long fingers. “That gives us more than two hours. I’ll have you back here by two.”

  What if she was seen and her father heard of it? He’d need little reason to ban her from coming here. But she couldn’t risk Eaglestone going off alone. “A drive sounds most pleasant.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  DERRICK’S GAZE ROAMED over Miss Lacey’s pleasing form. Her demure dress with the high ruffled collar failed to conceal her full rounded bosom and neat waist. Her small hat pitched forward over her brow with lavender ribbons tied under her chin. Caught by the gentle sway of her hips in her lavender-grey gown, he applauded the demise of the bustle and followed her up the stairs, impatient to get the business over with so that they might be alone.

  She led him from shabby rooms to rooms in even worst stages of decay, her enthusiasm never waning. Remarkable. Her eyes shone as she espoused her ideas for improvements. In his opinion, the place should be pulled down, but she made the whole thing so appealing it was infectious. He actually began to take note of the rotten timbers and sagging ceilings while considering what wo
rkmen could do to restore them. Some waifs with grubby faces followed them around like unruly puppies. The children unsettled him and pulled at his heartstrings. He found himself admiring Miss Lacey in an entirely different manner. Any lustful thoughts concerning her were in danger of fading, but he was confident, as he admired her bottom on the stairs, the small ruffled train of her dress sweeping behind her, that such urges would soon return.

  ***

  Lord Eaglestone offered no comment as she led him through the house while explaining the children’s needs. After a dispiriting visit to the sour-smelling cellars, where she pointed out the need for proper drainage, she led him upstairs into the light and waited, holding her breath, for some indication of his intentions. Annoyingly, he was still not forthcoming.

  When they reached the front hall, he turned to her. “Now, shall we take that drive?”

  “Certainly.” It seemed she would need more time to gain his promise. “I’ll fetch my maid.”

  He frowned. “I prefer to discuss business privately. Perhaps your maid could wait here for your return?”

  Bella paused. Bringing Mary along might prove awkward and stifle conversation. She smoothed her collar. “Of course.”

  Mary expressed her pleasure at remaining with the children. She was teaching them a game of hopscotch on the garden path with the use of chalk. Bella bid goodbye, running a quick eye over each of them, before Eaglestone assisted her into his sparkling, royal blue brougham.

  Bella looked back. “I wish I could afford a nurse. Abbie has a nasty cold sore on her lip.”

  “The children seem well nourished.”

  “Yes. That’s something I insist on.”

  The brougham rolled away through the streets, and she raised her lacy white parasol to shade her face.

  “Allow me.” Lord Eaglestone reached across and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “You have pretty hair.”

  “Thank you, my lord.” While she welcomed his compliment, she thrust it away, determined for things to remain on a business footing, at least until his patronage was assured. “You’ve not expressed an opinion of Hartnoll House.”

  “It’s a huge undertaking.”

  She frowned. “Not an impossible one, however.”

  “The need to do good works has become more popular but surprising in one so young, Miss Lacey. Most young ladies of my acquaintance seem focused on finding a husband.”

  “I expect to marry in due course and hope for children of my own.” She glanced at the elegant man beside her. At least, while in his company, she could successfully banish Lord Maudling from her thoughts.

  Lord Eaglestone fired several pertinent questions concerning Hartnoll House at her as the carriage threaded its way through traffic.

  Bella took the opportunity to seek his opinion on certain matters. By the time they reached the clean, quiet streets of Mayfair with their expensive houses and squares and drove to Hyde Park, she had gained some helpful advice.

  Having the children taught to read and write, and for a doctor to call routinely and check their health, might be one step closer, if only he agreed. He had yet to give any indication that he would, however. Was he was merely a hard-hearted rake and toying with her? Her father said where there was smoke fire was sure to be found. Was she foolish to spend time alone with Eaglestone before she had his word? She had to admit he was hard to read, but so far, his conduct had remained within the bounds of propriety.

  The carriage pulled up at the park gates, and the groom leapt down to open the door. She checked her watch again. “Are we to get out and walk?” she asked. “Oh, I’m not at all sure I have time…”

  “Nonsense.” His lordship took her hand and helped her down.

  The groom removed a large wicker picnic basket and a rug from the storage compartment. If she didn’t arrive home in time, any freedoms allowed her would end.

  “I don’t believe I—”

  “A small luncheon. Something to tempt your appetite, perhaps.” Lord Eaglestone took her elbow and led her into the trees. “Like your orphans, you also require regular meals. Is that not right?”

  Luncheon was served at home every day punctually at two o’clock, and she would be expected to partake of several courses. To mention it seemed unkind when he’d gone to so much trouble. They strolled through the trees.

  The groom spread the rug on a sunny patch of grass and put down the hamper before melting back into the trees.

  Lord Eaglestone gestured. “Please sit, Miss Lacey.”

  Bella glanced uneasily around. She hadn’t expected a tête-à-tête in broad daylight. Hyde Park was not very far from home. What if someone saw her? Lord Eaglestone came from a class who set their own rules, but those did not apply to the gentry. At the thought that Lord Maudling might hear of it, she lowered herself onto the blanket, glad that the current fashion allowed more freedom of movement. She tucked her plaid skirts neatly around her tan boots.

  Lord Eaglestone opened the hamper. “Now what do we have here?” He drew out a frosty bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes.

  The champagne was delicious, and she drank thirstily. Holding the half-empty flute, she took in the trees in summer leaf and banks of bright flowers. It was quite perfect. At the thought of Lord Eaglestone attempting to seduce here on the blanket, her toes curled. It must happen during the night and would require perfect timing. She took a deep sip of champagne, thinking of what was hopefully to come.

  Eaglestone showed little inclination to seduce her. He began to remove plates, silverware, and napkins from the hamper. Delectable foods followed.

  She sipped the champagne while watching him pile her plate. “Oysters!”

  He pinned her with his gaze. “You like oysters?”

  “Yes, very much.”

  He took a small penknife from his pocket, wiped it clean, and levered open a shell.

  “Why then, the world’s mine oyster,

  Which I with sword will open.”

  Surprised, Bella laughed. It seemed incongruous for him to quote from Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.

  “You find that amusing?” A smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He was very appealing when he smiled.

  The wine banished her nerves and loosened her tongue. “Most appropriate. I must confess I didn’t expect to hear Shakespeare quoted from someone who denounced verse so ruthlessly last night.”

  “You are quite wrong. I only denounce my own paltry attempts.”

  He leaned over and held the oyster shell to her lips. When she parted them, he tipped the oyster in. “Swallow it whole,” he said, his eyes on her mouth.

  Her mouth filled with the smooth, salty taste. She closed her eyes as the oyster slipped down her throat. “Mmm, lovely.”

  “You look very lovely eating it,” he said in his husky voice. He leaned forward and kissed her.

  With the light touch of his lips, Bella’s breath caught. Her hand fluttered to his shoulder before common sense prevailed. “Sir!” Flushing, she drew back. He must first agree to her request.

  “Merely a small kiss between business associates, Miss Lacey.” He lay back on his elbows on the rug like a sleepy panther, watching her.

  Bella’s whole body tingled. The kiss, brief as it was, had turned her insides to honey. Was he laughing at her? She sensed he wasn’t as relaxed as he made out. Fighting to keep hold of her objective, she forked up a piece of chicken from her plate. “Do you often picnic in the park with a lady?”

  “Not as a rule.” The sight of him biting a chicken leg with his strong white teeth made her feel hot, imagining him nibbling on her.

  That he was here with her made her suspect she’d become part of an exclusive group of women who’d gained his attention. She couldn’t help but be flattered, although she wasn’t fooled into believing she was any more special to him than the rest. It hardly mattered. After one night, they would part. She drew in a breath; she really must stop her mind racing ahead to that night.

  “I
read that the government has brought in a new law to extend opportunities for education, making it available to the children of the poor,” she said, trying to draw them onto safer ground. “Schools controlled by the churches are sorely inadequate. Don’t you agree?”

  He looked surprised. “I do, Miss Lacey.’

  She raised her eyebrows. “I wish the act made schooling compulsory.”

  “It is a step in the right direction. Compulsory schooling will come.” He smiled. “Your interest is admirable, Miss Lacey.”

  “It is a particular interest of mine. I prefer to keep up with current affairs.” He made her feel young, and she searched his tawny eyes for a sign that she amused him. “I read my father’s copy of The Times every day.”

  He nodded. “I value the editor of that esteemed newspaper as a friend.”

  Bella widened her eyes. “John Walter is a friend?”

  He laughed and handed her a plate of strawberries laden with cream. “I do believe the best way to seduce you is to discuss current affairs.”

  Her heart thudded. Was today the beginning of a planned attack to seduce her? He would not get her so easily. Not until she had his promise. “Seduction, my lord? We must not forget why we are here. This is a business arrangement. And you have yet to commit yourself to my project.”

  “And if I do, Miss Lacey? What then?”

  Her confidence faltered in the act of biting into a large juicy strawberry dripping with cream. Was there an unspoken understanding that by supporting her charity he would then gain access to her body? Perversely, even though she’d planned to seduce him, she didn’t want to think of it that way. She admitted that she hadn’t seen the situation in quite that light. It felt like a dash of cold water, for it would be tantamount to prostitution. She’d been naïve, foolish. He was toying with her, amusing himself at her expense. He had made no promise to support her children.

  “There’s that unhappy look again. I much prefer to see you smile. I trust I haven’t said something to produce it.”