The Earl and the Highwayman's Daughter (13 page)

BRENDAN APPEARED to have gone out for the day, and Lady Beale was closeted with her husband. Eugenia, tired of wandering the house, left a note and donned her riding habit and the smart new hat with the curving feather. Pulling on her kid gloves, she asked the butler to send for a hackney to take her to Lady Genie’s house in Upper Seymour Street.

“I’m so pleased you came.” Genie entered the crimson drawing room where Eugenia waited, rendered awestruck by the walls hung with silk damask, the gilt moldings and the plush sofas, which were every bit as impressive as Brendan’s home. Genie took Eugenia’s arm and drew her over to the mirror. “We share a Christian name, and we also look rather alike, do you not think?”

Genie was in her late thirties, her face thinner, her chin sharper, but her hair was still a bright gold and her eyes the same blue-green, although a different shape. 

Eugenia smiled at her in the mirror. “There is a likeness.”

Genie drew her away and frowned. “I am sorry that I didn’t learn of your existence earlier. I still know very little about you. I hope you feel you can confide in me.”

“I should like to, when we know each other a little better,” Eugenia said. She wasn’t sure her history would be met with any degree of enthusiasm. Genie had been raised in luxury. She would never understand the life Eugenia had led. But even so, this kind lady might be able to advise her.

“I look forward to it. Come to the stables. I have the perfect mount for you. A chestnut, which will suit your coloring and bronze habit.” She laughed and smoothed her blue skirt. “I’ll ride the grey. We shall set the
haute ton
on their ear.”

Although it was early for the ton to arrive in force, the warm summer’s day drew many to the park. Ladies and gentlemen promenaded along the paths, others drove down South Carriage Drive in their landaus. Eugenia rode with Genie along Rotten Row, the warm sun on her back and the smell of clipped grass in the air. Friends greeted Genie while casting curious glances at Eugenia. They were polite, and some welcoming, but others, perhaps in loyalty to the duke, refused to acknowledge her.

“I doubt society will ever fully accept me,” Eugenia said to Genie as they walked their horses down the Row.

“Those that matter will,” Genie said. “Many are curious about you and will want to know you better in time.”

“I don’t believe I’ll remain in London for long. Lady Beale will soon be returning to Beale Park, and I cannot stay with my kind benefactor unchaperoned.”

Genie smiled at her. “Then why don’t you come and stay at Briar Place? I should love your company.”

“But your husband, Lord Sephton…”

Genie shook her head. “As he is busy with parliament he’ll be glad I have company. Promise me you’ll think about it.”

“I will. Thank you for the kind invitation.” Negotiating London society was exhausting. Eugenia was constantly on her guard, careful of her manners and her words. She could never be herself for fear of offending people. A sudden urge to disappear, was quickly tamped down. She could not do anything to hurt or worry Brendan, whom she dearly loved, and she’d grown most fond of Chloe. But to remain in London and not see him except at social engagements made her breathless. She was not at all sure her poor heart could stand it. Fighting to retain a calm demeanor, she held her horse a little apart as Genie chatted gaily with a group of riders. Her newfound relative seemed a warm-hearted soul. Eugenia should be glad of the friendship she offered, and not yearn to return to Lilac Court and Molly.

***

Brendan arrived home with the intention of riding to Mortland Hall. He walked into the salon and found Chloe working on an embroidery. “Where is Eugenia?”

“She left a note. She’s riding in the park with Lady Genie.”

“Genie? I wasn’t aware they’d met.”

“Mortland’s cousin called this morning and issued the invitation.”

He took a seat beside her. “I have learned more about Mortland. What I’m about to tell you will chill you to the bone.”

Chloe tucked her embroidery, needles, and silks into the basket. “Anything to do with that man is guaranteed to shock me.”

“He is a murderer.” Brendan outlined what Castlebridge had told him as Chloe gasped and leaned back in her chair.

“I can hardly believe it. Even of him.”

“I’m about to ride into Hertfordshire to see if anyone can shine more light on the tragedy.”

“Will that help?”

He widened his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t see how dredging up the past will help Eugenia now.”

“Dredging up the past? Mortland is dangerous. I need evidence to bring the law down on him.”

“And you believe you’ll find it after almost twenty years? Don’t you think anyone who had witnessed the fire would have been put off or rendered silent?”

“One might think so, but Mortland is arrogant and careless.”

“There is a better way to keep Eugenia safe. I believe that is your main concern?”

“Which is?”

She smiled. “Marry her.”

He stared at his sister. “Eugenia would get a bad bargain with me, even supposing she agreed to the marriage.”

“Pooh! Why a bad bargain? Oh, I agree you have been cast low these last few years, but you are no longer, Brendan.”

Amused, he raised his eyebrows. “Am I not?”

She placed a hand on his arm. “You love her.”

“My, but you are quite the oracle today.”

“Do you deny it?”

Drawing in a deep breath, he rose to his feet to stalk the carpet. “Eugenia deserves a Season. She needs to find her feet in her new life and meet many men before she decides on marriage. She has already begun, riding today with Genie.”

“I never thought I’d accuse you of this. You are afraid.”

Scowling, he swiveled to look at her. “You think me a coward?”

“Of course not, dearest. You think yourself unworthy of love. Anne did that to you, and I can never forgive her for it.”

He sat again and clutched his hands between his knees. “I believe I can make a woman happy in some ways, but Eugenia deserves a man with a loving heart, and mine has been severely damaged.”

“Let her mend it. She loves you.”

He shook his head. “She is grateful to me.”

“Nonsense. You are quite wrong. She adores you. And why wouldn’t she? There are many women who would be thrilled to marry you, should you look their way.”

“You flatter me.”

“They have often told me so. Some ladies have asked me what they might do to make you notice them.” Her faint smile held a touch of sadness. “You have preferred mistresses these last two years, Brendan. And I understand why an uncomplicated relationship appeals. You need give nothing of yourself beyond the physical and a few jewels. It is easy. It’s also unfulfilling. And you are worthy of much more than that.”

He stood. “Enough, Chloe, your husband would be rightly outraged to have you speak of my mistresses. If I want to reach Mortland Hall and be back before nightfall, I must go.”

The door opened.

Eugenia walked in, her cheeks pink from the fresh air. She was a golden vision from top to toe in her new habit, and his heart thudded. “Did you enjoy your first ride in Rotten Row?” He was disappointed, having wanted to introduce riding in the park to her himself.

She smiled as she sat on the sofa. “It was such fun. All of Genie’s friends wished to be introduced. They were so welcoming! We rode along Rotten Row. With the trees screening the roads one might forget for a moment one was in the city. And my mount! I’ve never ridden such a fine big horse. What a pleasure it was.” She leveled a speaking glance at Brendan.

He laughed. “Will I ever be forgiven for Grey Dreamer?”

The delicate skin on her forehead crinkled. “I hate riding side-saddle though. Must I?”

“While in Town you must, my dear,” Chloe said.

“I supposed that is so.” Eugenia peeled off her gloves. “I like my newly discovered relative very much. Genie has invited me to come and stay with her for the Season.”

Brendan glared. “Of all the effrontery…”

“After I told her that I can no longer live here,” Eugenia said with an anxious glance in his direction. “Lord Beale wants Chloe to return home. There’s no good denying it, Chloe. Your husband misses you, and your children must too.” She smoothed her skirts over her knees. “And I can’t live here without a chaperone.”

“You seem to have it all worked out,” Brendan said, in a clipped tone, ignoring Chloe’s unspoken urging, while a cold hand reached in and twisted his heart.

“But first, I would so love to return to the country,” Eugenia said with a heavy sigh. “I want to make sure Molly is happy. I do miss her. Is that possible? Are you planning to visit Lilac Court?”

“I imagine that can be arranged.” He decided not to tell Eugenia what he’d learned today. He was pleased to see her grow more assertive and confident, he didn’t want to cast her down. She was taking her place in society, and with her freshness and unaffected manner, she’d be much liked. But he would lose her. The thought was too painful to contemplate. He straightened his shoulders. She had brought sunshine into his life, rescued him and brought him back to himself, but it wasn’t merely gratitude he felt. He refused to let her go without trying his luck.

“You are correct about Lord Beale, my dear, Chloe said. “What a perceptive soul you are. And I do miss my children.” “I believe I shall go and organize the packing of my trunk.” Chloe eyed him meaningfully as she picked up her basket of silks. “Perhaps two heads can come up with the right solution,” she said pointedly. “I shall leave you to do so.”

The door closed behind her.

Brendan eyed Eugenia. Did she look less certain than she’d sounded? He’d grown to recognize her mannerisms, how she chewed her full bottom lip when uneasy or forced to say something she didn’t entirely agree with. “Do you really want to live with Genie? You hardly know her.”

She raised her chin. “I consider it a good solution to the problem. You can then take up the life you were enjoying before I came into it.”

He thought back to his life before the day he was shot in Olverston Wood. One of vengeance and hatred, which had filled his every waking moment and poisoned his dreams. He tested his desire for revenge, having learned of Mortland’s latest villainy. He was furious and determined to make the man face the full force of the law, but he no longer was consumed by bitterness. That kick of steely determination to fight him to the death he’d come to rely on was absent. The past was losing its potency. Eugenia filled his mind and his heart. If she left this house, he would lose her. He wanted to keep her here with him. And more, he wanted to wake up with her beside him every morning for the rest of his days. Might Chloe be right? She so often was. He cleared his throat.

Eugenia stood. “I must go and change for luncheon.”

“Stay a moment. There is something I wish to ask you.”

“Yes?”

Brendan reached for her hands. “Will you marry me, Eugenia?”

Her big eyes widened. “Why, Brendan?”

He carefully watched the play of emotions over her face, gratified to see a trembling smile on her lovely mouth. “Because I love you.”

“You love me?” she whispered.

All the nagging doubts from the past slipped away as he stroked her cheek with a finger. “I love your courage, your sense of fairness, your gentle heart. I love and desire you, Eugenia. I believe I have since I opened my eyes in that farmhouse and you were there.”

When her eyes sparkled with joy, he pulled her into his arms. “Do you think you could love me, Eugenia?”

“I do love you.” She cradled his face in her hands. “I thought you’d never realize it. That you didn’t want me.”

It was as if the shadows across his heart lifted. “Who in his right mind wouldn’t want you?” he muttered his voice gruff. He brought his mouth down on hers. She made a small sound in her throat, her fingers stroking the hair at his nape sparking desire and need and threatening his fierce control. His breath shortened as he claimed her soft lips in kiss after kiss. When she shyly opened her mouth for him, and her tongue and her sweet breath mingled with his, he wanted to pick her up and stride upstairs with her.

“I hope I don’t smell of horse,” Eugenia whispered.

“You smell like a flower garden in spring,” Brendan murmured.

“Well this is a welcome development,” Chloe said, coming into the room. “I shall remain long enough to see you two wedded, and then I’ll depart for Beale Park.”

“Thank you, my dear,” Brendan said, as his pounding heart slowed.

“I shall miss you, Chloe.” Eugenia drew away from him and went to embrace her. “You have been so very kind. How can I ever repay you?”

“My dear girl, you already have.” Chloe turned to Brendan. “Now we must plan the wedding!”

“A small, simple ceremony if Eugenia prefers it,” Brendan said aware of his sister’s preference for extravagant affairs. Their marriage would likely shock the
haute
ton
and be talked about for months. Not that he cared, he’d be proud to have the whole of London society witness he wedding. But he wished to protect Eugenia from anymore unpleasantness. A dark cloud still hovered over them. Mortland.