Chapter Five
Wylder
Wylder clenched his teeth, squared his shoulders, and entered the front parlor ready to do battle.
There was only one reason why Simon Blackthorne was waiting for him. The man must have discovered that his sister was currently sitting inside Wylder’s coach and was now ruined beyond all redemption.
Wylder cautiously shut the double doors behind him, ignoring the startled glance his butler cast his way at the abandonment of protocol.
Then he turned and faced his friend, bracing for the possibility that Simon would forgo the formality of a direct challenge and shoot him where he stood.
“There you are, Wyldewood. I say, you had me worried.” Simon raked a hand through his thick, dark hair and plopped down into a chair with a hefty sigh of relief.
“What are you talking about? Of course, I’m all right.
What possibly could have occurred since I last saw you two hours ago?
” Wylder stepped to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of water.
He took a healthy gulp, thanking God that Simon apparently did not know Emily waited for him just down the hall.
Simon laughed softly. “I know my intrusion at this time of the morning is unusual; however, Madam Brussard told me that you left her establishment shortly after our last game of faro. That you did not take advantage of the number of beauties clamoring for your attention is so unlike you that I worried you had fallen ill or beset by some manner of misfortune. I could not in good conscience return home without inquiring after your health. I am heartily relieved to see you are well.”
“As you can see, your concern was unfounded. I won quite handily at the tables and enjoyed my time there. I trust you did as well?”
Simon cocked his head, his eyes narrowed on Wylder.
“You did not find any of the women there to your liking? There was not one among that impressive selection that interested you enough to bed? Hell, man, I enjoyed three of those beauties tonight. They were most accommodating and expertly skilled in their profession.”
Wylder shook his head. “I had no interest in female companionship at the time.” Pouring himself another glass of water, he regarded Simon with an eyebrow raised high. “This? Or something stronger, perhaps?”
Simon shuddered. “The thought of liquor quite honestly turns my stomach at the moment.”
Pouring Simon a glass, he handed it over and stepped over to the fireplace to stoke the coals in the grate. “Should we add The Grinning Cockrel to the rotation, then? It sounds as though you enjoyed yourself. And I had a fine evening winning a small fortune at the tables.”
Damnation, how much longer will Simon stay? I can’t be assured Emily will remain where I’ve placed her for much longer without my intervention.
“It is certainly an establishment worth visiting again. Madam Brussard assures me that we are always welcome. She believes that our patronage will elevate the club’s reputation and increase clients.
” Simon slumped back in the chair, swirling the water in the tumbler and flashing Wylder a tired grin.
“I highly recommend trying at least one of the three women I was with. Each one was a delectable little pigeon ripe for the plucking.”
“I shall, indeed, based on your recommendation.” Wylder watched his friend as he drained the glass of water. “It’s been a pleasurable evening for the two of us, in different ways, of course. Now, I find myself more than eager for the comforts of my own bed.”
“As do I,” Simon groaned in commiseration, and with a sigh, he rose and crossed to the sideboard to set his empty glass down.
“I hope you will pardon my intrusion and the foolishness of my unfounded concerns, Wylder. I should have known there was naught wrong with you, but I could not ignore the niggling thought that something was… amiss.”
Oh, there is certainly something amiss. Only twenty minutes ago, my hands were beneath your sister’s skirts and my tongue deep inside her despite my best efforts to resist her. Now, she waits for me in my damned library, and God help me, I will likely do the same again if she allows it.
“The hallmark of a true friend is his concern for others. You’ve no need to apologize, Simon.
I would have done the same.” Wylder stepped to the parlor door in a subtle attempt to hurry the earl along.
Discreetly swiping a hand over his mouth, he savored the trace of his little minx that still existed in the corners.
He prayed that Emily was still in the library, not only for his own selfish desires but also because of the trouble she’d cause if she explored a bit while waiting.
What if Simon ran into his reckless sister as he was departing?
As unobtrusively as possible, Wylder made sure he was the first to enter the center hallway.
His gaze darted down the wide, elegant corridor and nearly breathed aloud a sigh of relief to see it was empty.
The only sound was the steady tick-tock of the long-case clock and the almost startling chimes marking the six o’clock hour.
“Bloody hell, daybreak already?” Simon groaned, raising a hand to try and straighten his wrinkled ascot.
“That it is,” Wylder agreed, waving at the elderly butler to come forth. “Paulson? The door, if you please. Lord Camden is taking his leave.”
“Very good, milord,” Paulson replied, jumping to his post at once while also executing a stately bow.
“Shall I see you at the Jacobson ball? Should be quite the crush.” Simon took his hat and gloves from Paulson and waited for Wylder to respond.
“I’ve no intention of being elsewhere,” Wylder said calmly. Hopefully, we will not find ourselves on opposite sides of the field in the heart of Hyde Park by the end of the evening.
“Good. Mother is insisting I attend. Fresh influx of debutantes and all that.” Simon glanced about the entry hall with an appreciative eye.
“I’ve not pressed the matter, but I do believe I should consider securing my own place.
It’s become a dreadful bore returning to Blackthorne after nights like this.
Enduring Father’s disapproving glares over afternoon tea is beyond tiresome.
Yes… I think I shall have my solicitor inquire as to which of my family’s town properties are unoccupied and suitable for occupancy. ”
“A capital idea and one I’m surprised you’ve not undertaken before now.”
“Yes, well, no time like the present,” Simon laughed. “Good day, Wylder. I will see you at Jacobson’s if not sooner. Perhaps a game of cards at White’s before then?”
“I look forward to it. Safe travels.” Wylder nodded, and only when the door closed behind the earl did the tension leave his body.
He began down the corridor, his stride eager.
“Paulson, please have Cook prepare a tray of coffee and tea, along with some toast and biscuits and deliver it to the library at once. I’m positive our guest waiting there will appreciate it. ”
“Begging your pardon, milord, but there is no one in the library,” Paulson informed him in an apologetic voice.
Wylder paused, turning to look back at the butler. “She’s not there? You put her in my study, then?”
“No, milord.” Paulson swallowed. “Milady never came inside the house. Mister Robert informed me that the lady insisted on walking home.” When Wylder’s expression turned thunderous, the butler hurried to say, “But not without an escort, Your Lordship! One of the groomsmen was tasked with ensuring that she safely reached her destination.”
Angry disbelief mixed with bemusement bubbled up inside Wylder. That little minx. Her bold recklessness was not surprising, but the fact that she’d so blatantly defied him had his palm itching to exact punishment on her sweet, round bottom.
“I’m sorry for the disappointment, milord. Mister Robert is waiting to relate the whole incident and to answer any questions you may have.”
“Show him to my study at once, Paulson.” Regardless of why Emily had left, there remained the fact that she’d explicitly been instructed otherwise.
And while waiting for Robert to join him for an early morning discussion, Wylder was already planning her punishment for when he saw her next.
“And do not bother with the refreshments as there is no one to enjoy them.”