The Care and Taming of a Rogue (26 page)

Or she could find another copy of Langley’s book, go visit the captain at ten o’clock on the pretext of seeing his silly dead animals and obtaining an autograph, and take that one opportunity to look for Bennett’s journals. With or without discovering their location, she could still be home in time for their drive. And then she could say she’d done her best—and mean it. Even more importantly for her, she could say she’d had an adventure, risked…something, and it would be true.

Since Olivia had taken the barouche and her father the coach, Phillipa opted to hire a hack. Her first stop was to the bookstore to purchase another copy of
Across the Continent
, however little she liked the idea of further supporting the book or its supposed author. Then she had to turn all the pages, break the spine, and do whatever else she could think of to make the book appear well-read.

“If you dislike that book so, Lady Flip,” Mary said, watching from the opposite seat of the hack, “why did you purchase it?”

“I do not dislike this book,” Phillipa returned, sitting on it and wiggling to loosen the bindings a little. “I adore this book. You’ve barely seen it out of my hands since I purchased it—which was weeks ago. Make certain you remember that, Mary. Will you?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Good. Now when we reach Langley House, I want you to hang back a little. Captain Langley needs to be able to speak to me freely. And if I should…vanish from the room at some point and Langley notices, you are to say that I went seeking a privy. Is that understood?”

“I think so, my lady.”

Mary looked as though she would rather have been off toting boxes for Livi, but it couldn’t be helped. Without a maid she couldn’t go calling at Langley House. If the captain’s parents didn’t also reside there, she wouldn’t have been able to go at all.

When the hack jolted to a halt and the driver rapped on the roof, she rubbed a hand against her suddenly constricted throat. This was for Bennett, and it was for her, she reminded herself. All she needed to do was watch Langley and take a quick look about for the most likely hiding place of the journals. Once she had that information, Bennett could do with it as he pleased. The important part was that she go looking, that it not be her cowardice toward this and toward life that made him stay in England.

Captain Langley pulled open the door of the hack just too late to catch her sitting on his book. “David!” she exclaimed, with what she hoped was a bright smile. He must be eager to see her, which was good—however uncomfortable it made her feel.

“You are very prompt, Phillipa.” He took her hand and helped her down to the drive. “I’ve heard that your friends call you Flip. May I also have that honor?”

Anything that set him more at ease. “I would like that.”

“Flip it is, then.” He placed her hand over his arm as they walked past the butler and into Langley House. “Your sister couldn’t join us?”

“Oh, no. Livi had a prior engagement.”

“Well, that leaves more time for just you and me, doesn’t it? Splendid.”

As they ascended the stairs Phillipa couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d walked unarmed into the enemy’s stronghold.
Relax
, she ordered herself. She couldn’t panic and be charming at the same time, and she needed to be charming.

“I brought your book,” she said, trying to sound breathless and excited rather than wary and nervous. “I do hope you’ll inscribe it to me.”

“I would be delighted to do so. Did Captain Wolfe sign his books for you?”

She flipped her hand dismissively. “You know, I looked for our household copies after he reappeared, but I couldn’t find them anywhere.”

“Perhaps the servants used them to level the furniture.” He laughed, so she joined in.

“So you didn’t welcome his attentions at all, Flip?” They left the stairs and traveled along the balcony to the west wing of the house.

“Truthfully, he is quite handsome,” she replied, “and people do notice him. For the first few days it was interesting.” Phillipa stopped herself before she could begin to wax poetical. “But he’s so…unrefined. In fact, I’d begun to worry that I would find you to be the same. Thank goodness it’s not so.”

“I imagine you can take the savage out of Africa, but you can’t take Africa out of the savage. Or however that saying goes.” They stopped before a set of double doors. Stepping forward, he threw them open and moved aside. “Thankfully, I am not a savage.”

Phillipa took a step inside the room. And stopped.

To her right a large crocodile reared on its hind legs, its jaws agape and menacing. On the left, a leopard stood with its tail arched over its back, a household cat grown to giant and deadly size. The room was the house’s library, she realized after a moment, the center of it gutted to make room for at least two dozen stuffed animals of various sizes.
Not a savage, indeed
.

“Oh, bless me!” Mary exclaimed behind them. “I ain’t going in there. I’ll never close my eyes again as it is, seeing those beasties!”

“Why don’t you wait down in the foyer for me?” Phillipa suggested, torn between interest and horror herself.

“Go down to the kitchen and have some tea,” Langley amended, otherwise ignoring the maid. “My display has that effect on some people.”

“It’s very…primal,” Phillipa forced out, as she took another few steps forward and came face-to-face with a pair of vervet monkeys perched on a trunk and both staring at her, glass-eyed. Oh, thank God it was Bennett who’d found Kero. But David still claimed that he and the monkey had begun as friends. Anything she could learn to prove him a liar could be helpful. “These aren’t Kero’s parents, are they?”

“What? Oh, no. I shot these before we met up with Kero.” He took her arm and pulled her forward. “I’ll wager you’ve never set your eyes on one of these before.”

Briefly praying that it wouldn’t be an African tribesman, she went with him. What she saw was a small creature with short legs and a very long tail, a catlike head, and faint spots running from its ears and darkening as they progressed down its back. It had been posed as though it was about to pounce on something. “What is it?”

“No idea. I thought it might be a new kind of weasel, but Wolfe seemed to think it lives in the trees. I shot it while it was devouring a bat.”

She swallowed. “It sounds as though you and Bennett argued about it.”

“We argued about a great deal.” He pointed a finger over his shoulder, indicating the vervet monkeys atop their trunk. “Those especially. He didn’t see the point. I told him that just because an animal is known, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be collected.”

Phillipa forced a warm smile as she faced him. “You’re very proud of these, aren’t you?”

“They’re better than the beads and bones and carvings Bennett boxed up. I know that.” He held his arms out in an encompassing gesture. “This is Africa. Come in here at night and see if your heart doesn’t race a little.”

“My heart’s racing right now.”
Though not for the reasons he thought
. “Would you mind if I browse for a bit?” She handed him the book. “Perhaps while you think of something…personal to write for me?”

He grinned. “I do like a chit who appreciates the primal. I’ll be back in no time. Remember, they don’t bite. During the day, at least.” With that he gave a jaunty salute and trotted out of the room.

Unfortunately he’d left the door open, but she couldn’t take the time or risk being noticed by shutting it. This room was his pride and joy. This was where the journals were most likely to be.

She leaned behind a large antelope, but the books on the shelf behind it were all almanacs. The poor beast stank, as well. They all smelled. She would be taking a bath before her drive with Bennett. That was for certain.

The fact that this was an altered library with a great many of its books remaining didn’t make her search any easier. Neither did the fact that the smaller animals all stood upon faux boulders or authentic-looking crates and trunks, no doubt David’s way of reminding everyone that he’d been the one to kill the beasts and bring them back. They blocked her view, made her feel watched, and left myriad additional hiding places.

She swept her gaze along the shelves, practically running. Nothing, nothing, and nothing. Then she stopped. Whatever his book claimed, Langley
hated
Kero. Probably as much as he detested Bennett. No doubt if he’d had his way, she would be looking at a trio of vervets rather than a pair. A pair perched on a large trunk.

Glancing at the door, Phillipa approached the monkeys. It was all very Shakespearean, hiding one enemy’s treasure beneath the bones—or skin, rather—of an equally hated enemy. She reached out, reluctant to touch the small animals that looked so much like slightly larger versions of Kero.

“Oh, dear,” she breathed, then resolutely took one around the waist and set it on the floor, followed by the other. Surprisingly they were heavier than Kero, but it likely wouldn’t do to have stuffed monkeys tipping over every time someone walked by them.

She knelt down, then opened the lid. Nearly a dozen leather-bound journals lay inside, together with innumerable sketches and maps. Bennett’s treasures. She’d found them. Thank goodness. Now all she needed to do was go tell him that he could find his journals beneath the monkeys, and then if he wanted them, he could retrieve them. She wouldn’t be the one keeping him in England. He would be doing it, because he chose to do so.

“Well, isn’t this interesting?”

With a gasp, she twisted around. David Langley leaned against the door frame, her book in his hands and his light blue eyes gazing at her.

“I’m going to have to change some plans,” he continued, and walked forward.

Chapter Twenty-one

He and Jack—and Kero—sat close by the window, where he could at least see the out-of-doors. “And there’s a waiting list to become a member here?” he asked, slicing his way through an overcooked pheasant.

“Yes, and keep your voice down. You’re not terribly popular at the moment, and I don’t want to be run out of the club at the point of a pistol.” Jack downed half his glass of wine.

“I think I’m behaving quite admirably,” Bennett returned. “And I am grateful to you for sponsoring me.”

“I’d be more grateful to you if you’d bother to tell me why you suddenly want to join all my gentlemen’s clubs.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Is this part of the same plan wherein Flip charms David Langley?”

“No.” Bennett reached for his own glass and drained it. When Kero clicked her teeth at him, he handed her a slice of the peach he’d requested for her benefit. The footman had seemed happy to comply; evidently the monkey was more popular than he was, despite the fact that he’d only bloodied a nose while Kero had attempted to remove an ear.

“How goes that plan, anyway? Is she out chatting with him as we speak?”

Bennett narrowed his eyes, anger grinding into his gut. “That plan is over with. She was worried that I would regret staying in England and wanted me to have my journals. I told her that I’m staying in England regardless.”

“I’m somewhat relieved she’s done with it then, because frankly I didn’t like the way Langley looked at Livi.”

“At Livi? That’s your own damned fault, Jack.”

“
My
fault? I didn’t punch anyone in the nose and make an enemy.”

“No, but you’ve been mooning after Olivia for too bloody long. It’s time to fish or cut bait, don’t you think?”

“I keep telling you, it’s a delicate process. I have to prove myself steady and considerate, undemanding yet available.”

“You sound like an Irish setter.”

Jack sat forward. “Just because you roar into Town and claim the first chit you set eyes on doesn’t mean you’ve the right to criticize those of us who are following the rules of civility.”

“I don’t see the point of hanging back and watching someone else sweep in and take what I want.” Bennett scowled, knowing what Jack was going to say about that. “And Phillipa has no interest in Langley, so don’t throw that in my face. She was only trying to do a good deed for me.” And that one night of torture had been more than enough for him.

“What do you do now, then? Aside from joining clubs.”

Bennett shifted. He didn’t like revealing his hand before he’d played it, but Jack was a good friend. A trusted friend. He reached into his inside breast pocket and pulled out the ring. It was a delicate little thing, crowned with a single blue-tinted diamond, and it had once belonged to his mother. One of the few things of hers he’d been able to keep with him over the years. “I sent to Tesling for this better than a week ago,” he said, evading Kero’s grasp and her excited chittering at seeing something sparkling.

“Well.” Jack looked at it for a moment. “So you marry Flip and spend your afternoons here eating pheasant? I wouldn’t waste a penny on that tale, Bennett.”

Why the devil did everyone have such a difficult time believing he could stay in England? Just because he’d never chosen to do so before didn’t mean he was incapable of the action. “With her or without her,” he said aloud, “I’m not going to be heading any expeditions for some time. And considering that I adore her, I find marriage to be the wisest and sanest and most acceptable action on my part.”

Jack eyed him over his glass of wine. “I truly hope you’ve thought this through, my friend. Because I’m quite fond of Flip myself, and practical as she may be, she has a very tender, untried heart.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“And you know she’s never come close to having a beau before this. Much less marriage. If you disappoint her, or hurt her, I’ll have to come after you. And I’d really rather not do that.”

“You’re safe, Jack. I will do anything to make certain she doesn’t regret meeting me.”

He closed his eyes for a moment. Yes, he wished Phillipa wasn’t quite so happy to read about adventures rather than experience them, but she’d certainly never attempted to mislead him on that count. He could drag her along with him, he supposed, but that would leave both of them miserable and resentful.

Bennett shook himself, pulling out his pocket watch. Twenty minutes of two. “I need to go. Do I receive an engraved card, or does someone teach me a secret handshake if I’m admitted to the club?”

“You’ll receive a letter.” Jack stood when Bennett did. “I think I’ll follow along and visit Livi while you’re proposing.”

“That sounds romantic.” They left the club together. “You’re risking becoming her pet rather than her lover, you know,” Bennett offered as he stepped up to the curricle’s seat. Kero climbed down his shoulder to sit beside him.

Jack swung up on Brody. “Why don’t we simply agree that different women require different approaches?”

“Fine.” Although he would never have had the patience to watch for months, much less years, while other men attempted to win Phillipa’s affections. Never.

At one minute past two he left Usiku and the curricle standing with one of the Eddison House grooms and walked up to the front door. He supposed he should be nervous, but what he actually felt was anticipation. Beneath that, well buried where he meant to keep it, was also the smallest bit of pain and panic. Not that she would refuse him, but that he might not be able to live up to his part in all this.

For the first time he wondered if that was what had become of his father. Had Randall Wolfe tried to settle down with a wife and a young son, and had he failed? Had he fled England simply because he’d tried and been unable to remain in one place?

Jack clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You look a bit pale. Haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

Bennett shook himself. “No. I just realized I’m asking for Phillipa’s hand without getting Lord Leeds’s permission first.”

“The fact that that even occurred to you at all stuns me. You
are
becoming civilized.”

The front door opened as they reached it. “Lord John, Sir Bennett,” the butler said as he inclined his head, “good afternoon.”

“Barnes. I’m looking for Lady Olivia, and he’s after Flip.”

“If you’ll wait in the sitting room, I shall inquire.”

As soon as they entered the front room, Kero jumped onto the back of the sofa. From there she inched her way forward to peer at the pair of fish swimming in the bowl by the window. He’d debated whether to leave Kero with Geoffrey, whom she’d apparently adopted, but Kero was his charge, and she would be a part of the future he and Phillipa would have.

“Damn,” he muttered, as he caught sight of the bouquet on the end table. “Roses. I should have brought red roses.”

“That didn’t work out so well the last time.”

“Yes, well, I’ve worked back up to them this time.”

The sister pranced into the room. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she said, smiling at Jack and sending Bennett a suspicious look. Considering the discomfort the chit had caused him last night, he wasn’t feeling terribly friendly himself.

“Hello, Livi. I was wondering if you’d care to join me for a stroll.”

“Oh. I’m actually sorting out my hair ribbons. You’re welcome to join me, John.”

Bennett lifted an eyebrow as Jack glanced at him. If his friend had required evidence that he was not being looked at romantically, Olivia had just provided it.

“Livi, you have a maid for that,” Jack said, squaring his shoulders. “I want to go walking with you.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “Well, I suppose I could stand to get some air. But you know I’ve been sorting all by myself, because Mary’s gone off somewhere with Flip.”

Across the room, Bennett went very still. “Gone off where?” he asked carefully. Phillipa knew he would be calling at two o’clock. And although he hadn’t given a specific reason for the visit, she would have figured that out. Had she changed her mind about him? Or was he overreacting because he was a damned idiot? After all, this wasn’t the Congo. A missed rendezvous didn’t mean disaster or death here in London.

“I don’t know where she went. I invited her to go shopping, but she never wants to do that. I wish she hadn’t taken Mary, though, because I detest untangling ribbons.”

“When did you last see her?”

With a frown, Olivia looked at the mantel clock as though realizing for the first time what the hour was. “I left early, to see the new hats at Madame Costanza’s. A little after nine o’clock, I think.”

Five hours ago. In two long strides Bennett reached the doorway. “You,” he snapped at the butler, “when did Phillipa leave this morning, and did she say where she was going?”

“I hired a hack for Lady Flip at approximately half nine,” Barnes returned. “She did not say where she was going, though I presumed it to be one of her reading clubs.”

“There’s no need to be hostile, Sir Bennett,” Olivia put in from behind him. “I don’t think it’s possible for Flip to remember the clock when she’s reading. Or discussing what she’s reading.”

“No. She wouldn’t forget today.”

He’d survived for most of his life by virtue of his instincts. And the tension in his muscles, the clench of his heart, the chill running down his spine—all told him the same thing. Something was amiss. And with Phillipa absent, his thoughts went to one man, one reason for her not to be where she said she would be.
Langley
.

“Why do you think it was a reading club she went to?” he asked the butler, doing his damnedest to keep from hurling people about the room.

“Perhaps we should inform Lady Leeds of your concerns.” Looking a bit unsettled himself, the butler started for the stairs.

His one source of information was not going anywhere. Bennett grabbed the servant by the collar and shoved him against the nearest wall. “Answer my bloody question,” he snarled, ignoring Olivia’s alarmed yelp.

“I—I heard Lady Flip tell Mary they needed to stop and purchase a book. Please let me go, sir.”

Bennett released him. “Kero!” he barked, and the monkey scampered into the foyer and onto his shoulder.

“Bennett, where are you going?”

“I’m going to Howard House for my horse and my rifle, and then I’m going to find Phillipa.”

“With your rifle?” Olivia squeaked.

“If I’m correct, she’s with Langley. And if she’s not there willingly, I’m going to kill him.”