Chapter 15 #2
Before Natalie became betrothed, just a few weeks after her come out, Farley had attempted to trap her into marriage to himself. Joseph had been watching out for her, however, and foiled the man’s plan. It was only after this occurred that Natalie heard of his reputation.
She knew the identity of two of his companions but did not know either of them personally.
The Viscount of Trident, although quiet, was stained with a reputation similar to Farley’s, but the younger man, the Marquis of Lockley, looked too good-natured to be a threat to anyone.
The fact they were in Farley’s company, however, gave her reason to distrust the whole lot of them.
Except that Lord Danbury accompanied them. Danbury was a longtime friend of Stone’s and an even closer friend to her former betrothed. Just as that thought went through her head, Natalie watched with relief as Stone intercepted the lot of them and steered them back into the foyer.
Miss Crone commented suspiciously, “Wherever did those blackguards come from?” She looked over at Natalie with questioning eyes.
“Surely they have not been invited?” Her disapproval was obvious in her tone of voice.
Miss Crone had placed her hand atop Miss Wright’s fists, which were now clenched in her lap. Miss Wright had gone pale.
“Lord Danbury is a friend of Stone’s, but the other three would never be welcomed here. I’m certain Stone is removing them this very moment.” She reassured Miss Crone. “My family is aware of Farley and his disreputable ways.”
“Trident has more money than sense, apparently,” Miss Crone declared, “and now it looks as though Farley’s got his hands in Lockley’s pockets as well.
Lockley came of age this past season. I cannot see his father approving of such a connection for his heir.
” After a thoughtful pause, she continued, “I agree with you about Danbury, though. I can’t imagine what he’s doing in Farley’s company. ”
Natalie watched Miss Wright closely. “There is nothing to worry about, Abigail. May I call you Abigail?” At Miss Wright’s barely perceptible nod, she continued, “They will not be allowed to stay. My brothers do not consort with such vermin.” Thinking that Abigail Wright must be a very sheltered woman, Natalie continued, “They’re likely sent back where they’ve come from already. ”
But her mother had allowed Garrett Castleton to come to Raven’s Park as a guest. This thought gave Natalie pause.
She in no way connected Garrett with the likes of Farley and Trident.
She considered him a rake, and yet there was something solid about him.
He had almost always arrived at ton events alone.
And she’d never actually witnessed him over-imbibing in the presence of ladies.
Since his arrival at Raven’s Park, he’d exhibited an uncompromising determination to behave honorably toward her.
And even though he looked at her with blatant sensuality, never had she felt she had anything to fear.
He seemed to be trustworthy. No, he was trustworthy. The more she came to know of him, the more she felt this to be true. She would never again allow Mr. Farley to get her alone. No, that one would, given the slightest opportunity, take full advantage.
Unlike Garrett Castleton. Where was that dratted man anyhow?
Garrett left his room feeling more optimistic than he’d felt in a long time. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. At the top of the stairs, he paused silently when he caught sight of Stone with a group of vaguely familiar men. They all looked to be travel weary.
Stone did not appear happy as he addressed Danbury through gritted teeth. Ah yes, Garrett recognized the viscount. Garrett and Stone had known him for years.
Not wishing to draw attention to himself, Garrett watched as Stone pulled Danbury off to the side and addressed him in a tight voice.
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing bringing these bounders here?
The lot of them are nothing but trouble.
” Stone did not anger easily. Garrett braced himself to assist if necessary.
But Danbury looked sheepish. “I didn’t plan to bring them here, Stone.
Cortland left town, you know, and with the season at an end, I thought I’d remain in London rather than follow my mother and sister back to the country.
” Even Garrett knew that Danbury’s mother and sister were the worst sort of matchmakers.
It was a wonder the man remained a bachelor.
Pulling a flask from his pocket, Danbury took a long swig of God knows what before continuing.
“And then the McDuff, Lockley’s father, asked if I would keep an eye on him, try to keep him out of any serious trouble.
I owed him a favor…I had no idea who I would be up against!
” Gesturing with his flask, he glanced toward the room the others had disappeared into.
And then, as though remembering something, he drew his brows together.
“What’s this I hear of Hawthorne being a guest of your parents, Stone?
Does your father not know of the insanity in that family?
Nothing against Castleton, but not even Wellington could live down Hawthorne’s actions.
” He punctuated his insults with a belch.
Garrett chose that moment to make his presence known. “Danbury.” He sauntered down the stairs cheerfully. “Hadn’t thought I’d have the pleasure of your company again this summer.”
“Ah, well”—Danbury didn’t miss a beat—“town becomes uncomfortable during the warmer months.”
Garrett nodded, then folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the balustrade.
Stone, looking grateful that Garrett wasn’t resorting to violence, turned his attention back to Danbury. The normally well-put-together gentleman had dark circles around his eyes and a sallowness to his skin. “You aren’t looking good, my friend. How can I help you?”
Danbury shifted his eyes toward where his companions had gone. “Could you give us a few nights in your bachelors’ quarters? I need time alone with Lockley to convince him to forsake Farley’s company. If I can get him back to his father, I’ll consider my debt to the duke paid in full.”
Stone shook his head, reluctance on his face.
“Very well. Take the lot of them down there, and do not, I repeat, do not allow them to come anywhere near the house.” At Danbury’s apparent relief, he added, “I’ll send a footman down with provisions, sandwiches, and spirits.
But promise me you’ll keep them holed up.
God knows what kind of trouble those two will make, given a chance. ”
Danbury grasped Stone’s hand. “I’m in your debt for this, my friend.” Then, with a sly wink, he added, “Say hullo to your beautiful sister for me, will you? If I didn’t have to deal with these idiots, I’d be happy to soothe her wounded heart.”
“Don’t start, Danbury. I could change my mind yet.” Stone did not look amused.
Garrett was not amused either. In fact, he had the sudden urge to drive his fist through Danbury’s face.
Which made it all the worse that Farley, Trident, and Lockley chose that moment to return.
They did not, of course, allow Garrett’s presence to go unnoticed.
Farley had the audacity to comment first. “What kind of stench is this, Spencer? It seems your servants have forgotten to remove yesterday’s rubbish!”
Lockley and Trident guffawed at the statement. Danbury winced at his cohorts’ words. He, at least, knew better.
Garrett, no longer feeling amiable, brushed at some invisible lint on his sleeve before looking up again.
Although his glare bore into Farley, Garrett’s words addressed Stone.
He refused to be baited. “I will not abuse your mother’s hospitality, Stone, by responding to your guest’s words tonight.
” He swept his gaze from Farley and Danbury over to Lockley and Trident before settling it back upon Stone.
“But if they do not step aside so I might pass, I’m more than willing to meet them in the park at dawn. ”
Danbury pivoted and pounded his head into the wall three times. Farley, more bluster than courage, stepped back, and his sidekicks followed suit. Garrett nodded in Stone’s direction and then brushed past them.
Entering the drawing room, he took a moment to bring his anger under control.
The buffoons he’d met in the foyer were of no consequence, and yet he was furious.
He was furious with Stone for inviting him here.
He was furious with Danbury for his comment about Lady Natalie.
But most of all he was furious with himself.
He was furious with himself for caring. When in London earlier this summer, he’d erected a wall of sorts. Over the past few days, however, it had crumbled.
Without thinking, he ran a hand through his hair and then grimaced as it came away with the pomade Marcus had applied earlier.
God dammit! He searched through his pockets, located a handkerchief, and then wiped away the annoying oil.
He’d been enraged by Danbury’s words implying that Lady Natalie would be receptive to his advances.
He clenched his hands to stop them from shaking.
And then a dainty, white-gloved hand settled atop his fists.
He didn’t need to look up to see whose it was. He knew her by her scent, by the sounds of her breath, the way her presence changed the air around him.
“They are of no account whatsoever.” She sounded annoyed.
“They have not been invited, and I’m sure my brother is this very moment seeing them back to their mounts.
He would not abide their presence here this evening.
” She went from annoyed to outright angry.
It was as though she wanted to protect him, Garrett Castleton!
This thought alone lightened his mood. Earnest blue eyes held concern as she peered up at him.
“You look beautiful tonight.” He didn’t know where the words came from.
They escaped of their own accord. But he could not help himself.
She wore her hair in a loose chignon, wavy tendrils caressing her nape.
And her dress, rather than compete for attention, enhanced her beauty.
Although the bodice was modestly cut, the embroidered design accentuated the delightful curves hidden beneath.
She blushed at his compliment. “My thanks to you. You are looking fine this evening as well, my lord.”
He liked it when she “my lorded” him. Not because it reminded him of the title he held, but because she said it when she felt flustered.
Tilting her head, she reached up a hand to his hair.
“Except you’ve mussed your hair here.” She removed her glove and plucked and smoothed his hair for just a few seconds.
The motion drew them closer together. He wanted to lean down and place his lips on the spot where her neck curved into her shoulder but of course could not.
He leaned into her, however, and inhaled her scent.
“There, that’s better.”
Garrett took hold of her hand. Using his handkerchief, he wiped away the traces of hair treatment, sliding the material between her fingers and then around her palm. He knew she was not unaffected by his touch. But that he could kiss each finger, draw each one into his mouth…
With the fabric still in her palm, she clasped it in her fist and lowered it to her side.
Awareness of their surroundings compelled her to look about nervously.
Garrett wondered, too, if their unusually intimate exchange had been witnessed.
As luck would have it, a large potted plant blocked them from much of the room.
Miss Crone and Miss Wright, however, had observed all.
Garrett nodded at them. Miss Wright looked away, obviously embarrassed at being caught, but Miss Crone merely shook her head and then turned back to her friend.
Natalie stepped away. She tilted her head to one side and regarded him again.
“I don’t believe I thanked you yet for helping me to shore this afternoon.
I am normally a good swimmer but never considered the hindrance my dress would cause me.
” She spoke in a calm manner, not at all willing to admit the peril she’d been in.
Garrett had been furious earlier, but now, seeing her all prim and proper and thanking him so graciously, he could not summon his anger back easily. “Glad to be of assistance, my lady. But I have a question for you.”
“I will answer it for you if I am able.”
“Does your pup, by chance, cry and whimper throughout the nighttime hours?”
“Oh, yes, he cries wretchedly!” As Natalie explained how she’d found the pup and then decided to keep him in her chamber, Garrett thought to strangle her. What he’d thought was her distress had prevented him from getting a good night’s sleep as well. Oh, hell… maybe he’d just as well deserved it.
“I would be happy to introduce you to Baby Bear sometime, if you wish—that is…” Her voice trailed off, suddenly unsure. “Perhaps after viewing your mother’s paintings?”
He’d nearly forgotten his promise to Lady Eleanor. Had that just been this morning? “I would be delighted.” Realizing the other guests were making their way to remove to the dining room, Garrett winged an arm at the lady beside him. “Shall we?”
Something shot through him when she took hold of his arm. Protectiveness? Pride? Tenderness? God help him but he felt all of those. Privileged to escort her, he spent the next few hours playing the part of gentleman to her lady. His father and the ton, be damned.