His Perfect Lady (16 page)

“When are you going to take us fishing again?” Lawrence asked around a mouth full of food.

“Perhaps after our guests have departed,” Jonathan replied.

“Good. Although she’s pretty, Catherine doesn’t know about fish— Ouch!” Lawrence glared at Darin. “Why’d you do that?”

Jonathan’s grip tightened on his glass at the mention of her name. Why would Catherine have gone fishing with his brothers? He felt everyone’s eyes upon him, so he lifted his drink to his mouth in an effort to exude calm. When the liquid touched his lips, he replaced it on the table, knowing the water would not make it past the lump in his throat.

“I wasn’t aware you had gone with our neighbor.” Jonathan silently applauded his disinterested tone. “When did this take place?”

“I don’t know. It was several times.” Lawrence jerked toward Darin. “Stop it.”

“Don’t you remember? It’s supposed to be a secret.”

Working hard to keep control over his reaction, Jonathan silently allowed Aunt Mildred to handle the boys’ argument. Why had Catherine come to spend time with his brothers and kept it a secret from him? He couldn’t think of anything she could gain from it.

“Then if it’s a secret, you’d best not discuss it, particularly in front of our guests,” Jonathan informed them.

“Sorry.” Lawrence dropped his head.

“Stanwick,” Jonathan said. “Why don’t you regale us with stories from London? Being out in the country, we don’t have much access to the newest gossip.”

As Stanwick did as bid, Jonathan made eye contact with Darin. At the first opportunity, he fully intended to obtain every detail. Catherine would learn she could not keep secrets from him.

Rounding the corner, a familiar excitement welled inside of Catherine. Each time she met with Lawrence and Darin for fishing, she learned so much about Jonathan and his relationship with his family. Part of her felt guilty for sneaking around Jonathan, but she couldn’t stop herself.

She truly enjoyed spending time with people whose only care was not letting the fish get away. However, to date, her luck had held out and every fish had managed to escape unhooked. She wasn’t sure what she would do if they actually pulled one of those wet, wiggling things from the water.

Nearing the bank, she didn’t see either blond head leaning over the rushing water. She cast her gaze further up the bank and froze. A figure stood there leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. Unfortunately, his blond head didn’t belong to either of the boys she had come to see.

“Care to go fishing?” Jonathan asked.

Her heart pumped wildly in her chest. She wanted to pretend she didn’t see or hear him, but it was too late. After dismounting, she took the time to control her breathing as she led Daisy closer to Jonathan. What was he doing out here? Did Lawrence or Darin reveal their secret?

“I don’t fish,” she stated, stopping just within the shade of the trees.

“That’s not what I hear.”

Drawing her head back at his anger, she straightened her shoulders. Although she’d kept her interactions with his brothers a secret, she’d done nothing wrong.

“I much prefer to watch. Your brothers are fine teachers, but they can’t convince me to touch one of those worms.” She glared at him as his eyes darkened.

“I’m beginning to believe I need to rescind my offer for you to trespass.”

“Do as you will, my lord.” She spun around and grabbed the pommel of her saddle. Tears sprung to her eyes. Not only did she not deserve his frosty welcome, but he planned on taking away the one part of him she had left.

“I’m sorry, Catherine,” he said from much closer than she expected. “I just don’t understand why you would come here to spend time with my brothers and ask them to keep it a secret from me.”

She lowered her head before turning back to him. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have. I just enjoyed spending time with them. They are so sweet and not demanding. We sat there fishing for . . . I don’t know how long. It was peaceful.”

He nodded and peered out over the water. “That’s the best part about fishing.”

“Don’t worry about me trespassing in the future. I’ll keep to Berwick lands.”

“No. You are welcome here.” Jonathan ran a hand through his hair. “Would you care to go on a walk?”

Pleasure struck her in the chest, and she could barely respond. “Yes.”

Taking his arm, she allowed him to escort her down the river. The sun shone down, promising to keep the day bright and clear for them. She smiled as all her troubles melted away. For some reason, when she stood beside Jonathan she felt safe, as if his presence kept predators at bay.

Jonathan squeezed her hand. “I can’t remember the last time you and I enjoyed a relaxing stroll and were awarded pleasant weather.”

“It is lovely. I only wonder what your new lady would think of the two of us out here.”

His body stiffened, and she peeked through the corner of her eye to see his lips were a thin line. Clearly he had no desire to speak of her. Catherine wondered if his reluctance meant he’d developed an affection for the girl. Anger sizzled to the surface, heating her cheeks and increasing her breathing.

“I can’t see why she would object to me enjoying a walk with an old friend.”

His words struck her in the stomach, replacing some of her anger with hurt. He was right. She had been reduced to nothing but a friend to him. By her own doing. Life was so unfair. She wished she could undo the curse and accept his proposal. If she could, would it be too late to have Jonathan?

“Do you intend to tell her?” The question popped from her mouth before she could stop it.

Jonathan surveyed her with one brow raised.

She didn’t care. She wanted him to answer.

“I don’t see why I should. Although, if she asked, I will not lie.”

The answer didn’t dispel or ensure his feelings for the mystery woman. If he admitted a desire to tell her, Catherine would have known he cared for the lady enough.

Part of her wanted to fight. To win back his love. But it would serve no purpose. Indecision raked her. Gazing deep into his eyes, she decided she had to try. Perhaps if he still loved her, they could make it work. She could live in a nearby house where he could visit her daily. Life couldn’t be that bad if she and Jonathan were together, right? Joy bubbled inside her at the thought, and her relief made her want to laugh. She could have Jonathan.

“Jonathan, I—”

“There you are,” a male voice called from behind them. “I’ve been searching for you.”

“What is the problem, Stanwick?” Jonathan’s tone gave only a hint of irritation. However, it was enough to inspire hope within her.

“I need you back at the manor at once. Lady Wegan and Miss Glace have been waiting for you.”

Jonathan faced her again. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“Mrs. Gates”—Jonathan’s brother’s eyes fastened on her—“if you would like, I can escort you home.”

Jonathan’s grip tightened on her arm, but he didn’t respond.

“Thank you for your kind offer, but I can manage on my own.”

After assisting her onto Daisy’s saddle, the two men left.

Was Miss Glace the mystery woman? Jonathan sure wasted no time in hurrying to her side. Catherine determined to find out. She wouldn’t let him go without a fight.

Every muscle within Jonathan tensed as he resisted the urge to run to the drawing room. After a week of not seeing her, he still couldn’t believe Catherine was here. Stuck in a room. With his aunt and Miss Glace, no less. Of course there were other guests, but their presence would not affect Catherine.

Aunt Mildred, as he’d learned, had planned a yearly gathering of ladies to help sew blankets before the harsher winter months. Seeing how Lady Stonemede and Lady Merrick were their guests, the invitation extended to them. However, Jonathan had never imagined they would request Catherine attend as well.

“You appear to have some good friends,” Rawson observed while settling in a chair in Jonathan’s study.

“Yes. I have known them for many years.” Jonathan didn’t care for pleasantries at the moment. When Rawson brought Catherine for the gathering, the man indicated he had something of importance to discuss.

“Did you make their acquaintance in London?”

“I’m sorry, but I thought you had something more specific to discuss. Am I mistaken?”

Rawson leaned back in his chair and cocked his head. “I do. I simply wanted to ascertain if your friends would be willing to stand with you.”

“Why do you ask?”

“When you approached Dudgery about your father’s involvement, you angered him. Jackson came to me afterwards and—”

“Jackson? I’m not familiar with him.”

“Well, I suppose you would know him as Paul Sideon. He changed his name since his violent reputation would make the scam less believable.”

Closing his eyes, Jonathan rubbed his temples. He remembered his solicitor’s concern over a possible relationship between Paul and Jackson. To find out they were the same man had soured Jonathan’s opinion of Dudgery further. Why was he so anxious for this investment that he would hire someone so volatile?

Putting aside his concern, Jonathan focused on Rawson. “What did Jackson want?”

“Dudgery is becoming desperate. He wants the funds now. I’m afraid my father promised enough to ruin Berwick, and I’m positive Dudgery wants the same from you.”

Jonathan nodded. If the earl wanted the amount listed on his father’s secret account book, Linwood would be destitute as well. Was that Dudgery’s plan? If the earldom suffered, the amounts from both the estates could easily reestablish the power. And even offer the possibility to extend his land.

“If Berwick ran out of funds, would your father sell the land?”

Rawson nodded. “It would be the only logical choice.”

“I, too, would do whatever was necessary to preserve as much of Linwood as possible.” The man’s eyes widened, obviously coming to the same conclusion as Jonathan. “Dudgery is seeking to acquire both Linwood and Berwick.”

“That kind of wealth and land would give him more power than he should have.” Rawson shook his head slowly. “As my father has already agreed to the investment, there is nothing we can do to stop him.”

Catherine tried to keep her eyes from trailing to Miss Glace, but she constantly failed. The fact that the girl resembled her in no way didn’t escape her notice. Had Jonathan purposely chosen someone who is the opposite of her? The thought made her sick.

“Are you all right?” Brianna whispered to her. “Your mind has strayed from your sewing more than once.”

“Sorry. I’m just daydreaming.”

Abigail eyed her critically. “From the pained expression on your face, I’d easier believe you’re in a nightmare.”

“You could have declined the invitation. I just thought it would be nice to see you again.” Brianna set her sewing aside and focused her attention on Catherine.

“I truly am fine.”

“We’re so insensitive,” Abigail declared. “She doesn’t wish to be in Jonathan’s home. I knew we should have made the journey to Berwick instead.”

Catherine cringed, hoping no one overheard. As she peered into both women’s eyes, she realized how brilliantly they’d set her up. Curiosity shone on their faces. Although she would relish the opportunity to confide in them, they could not help her. No one could.

“What is this talk about not wishing to be here?” Miss Glace asked as she gracefully glided over to join them. She couldn’t have been more than twenty years of age, but she held a maturity beyond her years. Everything about her made Catherine jealous.

“You misunderstand,” Brianna interjected. “It’s only that we don’t wish to infringe on Lord Linwood and Lady Holmes’s hospitality.”

Abigail leaned toward Miss Glace in a confidential manner. “Yes. Not only did we obtain an invitation by default, but we invited Mrs. Gates as well.”

“I see.” Miss Glace smiled. “Do not fret. My mother and Lady Holmes are great friends. I guarantee they welcome the extra help. With Lord Linwood in residence, this gathering has more than doubled from previous years.”

“Thank you for your assurances,” Brianna said. “I, for one, feel much better about my presence here.”

Catherine and Abigail nodded as well, but instead of excusing herself, Miss Glace settled in a chair. Inadequacy already overwhelmed Catherine, and sitting beside the girl’s tall form didn’t help any. Glancing away, Catherine decided to simply not look at her.

“Mrs. Gates, how are you enjoying Linwood? I understand you have not had much of an occasion to visit.”

Clamping her lips closed, Catherine managed to keep her mouth from falling open as shock prickled her skin. Was there a hidden meaning or did Miss Glace not know of her past relationship with Jonathan?

Taking a deep breath, Catherine responded, “It’s lovely.”

“I have always found it to be.” Miss Glace looked around the room as a proud parent would survey her child. “My mother and I visited frequently throughout my childhood.”

“So, you know the family well?” Brianna’s eyes lit up. “Tell me about the previous viscount. Was he as formidable as they say?”

Miss Glace turned as red as a beet. “I didn’t mean to insinuate a close relationship. I am mainly acquainted with Lady Holmes.”

“But you know the current viscount,” Catherine pointed out.

The girl’s face deepened in color, making Catherine worry Miss Glace would faint. There would be no denying the girl had a connection to Jonathan extending beyond friendship.

“He and I have shared some time together.” Miss Glace glanced back at her mother. “Please excuse me.”

As the girl hurried to her mother’s side, Catherine wondered at her retreat. Her head spun, and her stomach rolled. Was Miss Glace hiding something? Had Jonathan proposed? Or worse, had he taken her to his bed? She couldn’t accept that this girl would remain here, living the life Catherine should have.

“That was odd,” Brianna observed, under her breath.

“She clearly has designs on Jonathan.” Abigail held her sewing up to muffle her words. “Did you see the way she surveyed the drawing room?”

“What are we going to do about her?” Brianna then turned to Catherine and Abigail followed suit.

Catherine gulped. “What are you talking about? There’s nothing ‘to do about her.’”

“You’re right,” Brianna acceded. “It’s Jonathan we must work on. I still don’t understand how he could possibly think that girl—”

Catherine’s chest constricted, so she stopped listening. Somehow these caring women had gotten the wrong idea about her and Jonathan. Although she completely agreed with them about Miss Glace, Jonathan deserved to be married. Deserved to find happiness somewhere.

After she made her excuses and returned home, she couldn’t dispel the traitorous thoughts flowing through her mind. Surely those women knew the pain they caused her. Her breathing increased as tears threatened to fall. Hoping for an escape to her bedchamber, she hurried to the stairs but was stopped.

“Mrs. Gates, your aunt would like to see you.”

Shock echoed in her body and dried her tears. Aunt Pearl, who resided in the dowager house to avoid contact with anyone, hadn’t requested to see Catherine since her return from London. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she received an audience with her aunt.

Intrigued, Catherine headed directly to the dowager house. Even as she sat in the uncomfortable chair peering down upon the petite woman, she couldn’t fathom her purpose.

“I can see you’re wondering why I called you,” her aunt began.

“I understand you suffer greatly, and I have no wish to increase that.”

Aunt Pearl smiled and patted the bed for Catherine to join her, which she did. “Although you are of no blood relation to me, I am quite fond of you. Over these years, you have acted as a good daughter in spite of our non-familial connections.”

Catherine’s cheeks heated. She never knew her aunt felt that way. “Thank you.”

“Because of this, I have decided to offer you advice.” Aunt Pearl wiped a weary hand across her brow before continuing. “My husband visited me last night. Since you have exiled Lord Dudgery from the house, he intends to do the same to you.”

Sucking in her breath, Catherine froze. Her head spun while spots danced before her vision. Uncle Toban had threatened this, but she hadn’t actually believed him capable of sending her away. The fact alone that he approached his wife proved the severity of the situation.

“What am I to do?”

Aunt Pearl cocked her head. “Why haven’t you married?”

“I have been married, Aunt. Twice,” Catherine reminded her, wondering if Aunt Pearl’s memory had been affected by her illness.

“Yes, but that was a long time ago. You have had plenty of opportunities since then.”

“Considering both my husbands died on our wedding night, I’m not anxious to repeat the experience.”

An unladylike snort came from Aunt Pearl. “Surely you have a better excuse than that.”

Catherine’s mouth fell open as she stared, wide-eyed, at her aunt. “How could there be a better excuse than the fact that I’m cursed?”

“A curse? That’s rubbish.”

Bringing a hand to her chest to press on the pain, Catherine whispered, “It’s true.”

“It’s only true if you give it credence.”

“How can I wed again knowing my husband might die?”

Aunt Pearl gently touched Catherine’s shoulder. “Trust in your love for him. I understand you didn’t share deep feelings with the previous men, but you have experienced it for someone.”

“How can I be sure?” Catherine ignored the silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

“If you love him, and he loves you, marry him. Marry him and get away from here. Marry him before it’s too late.”

Jonathan tossed a rock into the river and watched it sink to the bottom. He felt like that rock. No matter what he did, his life continually sank, until he, too, would reside at the bottom of the lake.

Ever since he’d agreed to dress similarly to Miss Glace, she’d become clingy and too self—assured. At times, he felt as though she’d already begun redecorating the manor house in her mind. It didn’t sit right with him.

And his friends were no help. Their pity had somehow dissolved, and now both Richard and Greyson seemed intent on changing his mind about marriage. Jonathan sighed. He knew the torment would end if he told them about his second botched proposal to Catherine, but he couldn’t bring himself to do that. Utter humiliation wouldn’t help his state of mind.

“Do you mind if I joined you?” Catherine’s voice blew with the wind to caress the back of his neck.

He sat, unmoving on the bank, not knowing how to respond. Part of him wanted to jump up and offer her anything she wanted to make her stay, but the other side couldn’t take the torture any longer.

“As you wish.” He didn’t turn his head as she settled herself beside him.

“A lovely day, don’t you think?”

He shrugged. If she wanted to exchange pleasantries, she could do it without him. The traitorous breeze lifted the delicate lavender scent off her skin and directly into his nose. He flared his nostrils, desperate to collect every bit of her he could.

“Why did you come here?” he couldn’t help but ask.

“For an escape. With you I can be myself and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist. It’s like we become transported back in time, and I’m a carefree eighteen-year-old again.”

Stiffening from her lack of acknowledgement of how her presence would affect him, he turned and studied her profile. Her attention focused on the water as if she couldn’t look at him and confess such a thing. As the breeze blew the loose blond waves around her face, he couldn’t help but smile. This was his Catherine. He desperately wanted to be transported back as well. The only trouble would be he knew how it would end. Nothing good ever lasted long.

“Have you had any luck with Kenneth?” As her eyes slowly traveled to his face, he saw a sparkle in them. “Or do you need another payment?”

Dropping his gaze to her lips, Jonathan wished he could claim his due for assisting her cousin, but he couldn’t. It would be unfair to her. His demand that she pay him in the first place had been wrong.

“Considering Rawson’s fate is tied to my own, you have no reason to compensate me. The two of us will see the matter through to the end.”

The light in her face died. “What do you mean? You’re in danger?”

He smiled at her concern. “Nothing I can’t handle.”