Page 10 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Nine

G race took another sip of tea for fortitude. As soon as she finished the cup, she would have Theo take her to Dane’s home. It was best if they parted ways permanently. She could not afford to be seduced by his kisses. Nothing good would come from it except her own demise and destruction.

Last night in bed, she’d relived that kiss over and over until she was hot and had thrown off all the covers. That’s exactly what he did to her. He made her hot all over, and he was an expert in making her want things that she couldn’t trust.

Things such as his steadfast and resolute devotion to her.

When they’d had the confrontation on that field in Amesbury, Grace had been convinced he would return to her and beg forgiveness. But he hadn’t. He’d been as stubborn as she had been. Both thought they had the moral high ground. She was convinced hers possessed the highest peak. Yet, she’d learned over the years that the view might be spectacular, but it was a desolate place to exist alone. Meanwhile, he had found comfort in his gambling and millionaires’ club.

Yet, she had been determined to show him she could be a success in London. But, of course, Dane had never been there to see her triumphs. Nor her failures. Thank God.

There was no inheritance or dowry. Everything she’d thought about herself and her family was an illusion. Why didn’t her parents provide for her future? She’d asked herself the question a thousand times before and still had no answer. The truth was that she was still practically destitute.

“My lady, your carriage is ready.” Theo stood at her study door with his hat and gloves, ready to take her to the Duke of Pelham. “Again, I apologize for leaving the soiree last night early. The duke tried to be helpful and kind when he said I should return home. He thought it would be tiresome for me to put the horses up and prepare for the night if we arrived home after midnight. It was thoughtful of him.” In the darkness, his eyes twinkled. “He promised to see you home safely.”

“No need to apologize again, Theo,” she said curtly as she stood and walked to Theo’s side. “I’ve spoken to the duke about his behavior. It’s one of the reasons I need to see him this morning.” She stood from the desk and walked to the door. As they say, it was best to lance the wound. The quicker she finished the task, the clearer her future would be. She could go back to work without any distractions.

Distractions such as a handsome duke with wicked lips, a sharp and acerbic wit, and a roguish gleam in his eyes when he looked your way. Most thought him arrogant. And he was, but he was also playful and full of vigor. He was a joy to be around, but he wasn’t for her.

Grace pulled on her gloves and stepped outside. She pivoted on her foot as a commotion erupted. A man shouted as two others pulled him from the townhouse next door.

“Is that Mr. Hanson?” Grace stopped as she tried to understand what was happening to her elderly neighbor. “Who are those men?”

“They’re hired hands to evict him.” Theo frowned. “They posted the eviction several days ago.”

Grace’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. “Eviction?”

Theo nodded. “He told me that he would fight it.” Her butler shook his head as they watched the hired men throw Mr. Hanson’s clothing and personal belongings onto the street. “His rent is three months late, and his landlord won’t give him another chance.”

A chill slithered down her spine, a cold, creeping terror that tightened its grip with each passing second. Her steady hands began to tremble as the severity of the situation enveloped her like a heavy fog. The truth was starkly evident—she could end up exactly where she had been before, a place she had fought so desperately to escape.

Her mind reeled back to that awful night in London, the memory clawing its way to the surface. The shame had been suffocating, far too great to ask a friend for shelter. Pride had sealed her lips, making it impossible to seek out Dane for help, no matter how much she needed it. So, she wandered the streets, cold and hungry, with nowhere to go.

She remembered discovering a dilapidated church, its doors cracked open as if beckoning her to safety. Once inside, with her heart pounding, she found that safety was merely an illusion. The hard, wooden pew provided no comfort, and while she tried to sleep, every creak of the building and every distant bump and murmur jolted her back into raw, unyielding fear. The darkness enveloped her, thick and suffocating, as she lay there wide-eyed, muscles coiled tight. It became the longest, most harrowing night of her life. She was terrified she would be kidnapped or worse. Even now, the memory made her skin crawl.

She had promised herself, vowing with every ounce of her resolve, that she would never again fall into such a vulnerable position. Yet, fear sliced through her, threatening to drag her back into that same pit of hopelessness. It was a horror she couldn't bear to relive, and the very thought of it twisted her stomach into a painful knot.

If she hadn’t managed to engage Dane and Lord Marbury as clients, she’d have not been able to pay this month’s rent. Slowly, she raised her hand to the center of her chest. If she were ever evicted, where would she go? Her sister’s husband had made it crystal clear that she could not stay with them.

She had never approached her third cousin. Her brother-in-law had been the one to assure her that no love was lost between her father and the new earl. She couldn’t go to Honoria and Pippa. The shame would drown her.

Two men held Mr. Hanson by the arms as he cursed and then tried to take a swing with his fist.

“The Duke of Pelham won’t give him another chance? I didn’t think he’d be that cruel,” she murmured in shock.

“The duke doesn’t own that property. It belongs to Lord Grolier.”

This fact brought her some relief. A short, staccato breath escaped her lungs. The Dane she knew would never treat another person this way. Lord Grolier was a cruel man with little empathy for others. If she thought Dane was arrogant, Grolier occupied a realm of haughtiness all his own. He had delivered a direct cut to his mother when she joined the Women’s Literary Society, a group for women who loved reading and discussing politics. Unfortunately for his mother, Grolier deemed her political views unacceptable, and he considered the people she associated with to be beneath her.

He even refused to contribute to the new foundling home that Trafford and Honoria had established for the poor children of London.

Grace swallowed the thickness in her throat. She’d seen people like Mr. Hanson struggle before. Her father’s tenants had sometimes asked for leniency when the crops had a dismal season. Her father had always been generous to them.

Thank heavens for Dane’s generosity when he had come to her for help. He’d paid all her fees in advance, and that money had been a lifeline, a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty. Even though she had Lord Marbury and others as clients, it would never be enough to extinguish the fear that gripped her chest like a vise. She swallowed, her throat dry, but it did nothing to ease the knot of anxiety tightening in her gut. She couldn’t lose Dane as a client—not now. She needed that income and the safety it provided like she needed air to breathe. If she had to let him go, everything she’d built would crash into a pile of rubbish. The mere thought sent a tremor through her, a cold reminder of how close she was to losing it all.

She opened her reticule and took out whatever she had in her coin purse. “Will you give this to Mr. Hanson? Perhaps it’ll help in some way.”

Theo nodded. “I will, ma’am. I’ll ensure he has enough to pay for passage to his daughter in Essex.”

Grace returned to her study and didn’t even look at the garden, which provided solace when troubled. Instead, she looked at her account books. Perhaps there were more extravagances that she could eliminate from her monthly budget. It was unlikely, but after what she’d seen today, she would do everything in her power to stay in her home.

Before she could scour the pages, Theo returned and placed her money on the desk. “He thanked you for the offer, but he said that he didn’t accept handouts.”

Graced nodded solemnly.

A knock sounded on the front door.

“I’ll see who it is, my lady.” Theo’s gait was a little heavy as if seeing Mr. Hanson’s eviction had also affected him.

Grace shimmied her shoulders. She could not let fear overtake her. There were too many things she had to accomplish.

With a flourish of hellos, Honoria and Pippa entered her study wearing smiles brighter than the summer’s midday sun.

“Grace, we told Theo that you wouldn’t mind us seeing ourselves in,” Pippa volunteered as she embraced Grace.

When Pippa released her, Grace found herself in Honoria’s embrace. “We couldn’t stay away. We had to see you.”

Grace hoped the sisters didn’t sense her unease when she held on to them a little longer than usual. She stepped back and smoothed her skirt. “No doubt to see what shenanigans your brother got into last night, I presume?” Both sisters wore a sheepish grin. Thank heavens her friends were here. They would ease her troubles, at least for a while. She’d take any reprieve from worrying about her future whenever she could. “I take your expressions to mean you’ll not deny it.”

“Well, of course, we wanted to see how you fared last night,” Honoria chided.

Ever efficient and kind, Theo entered with a tea tray and a plate of cherry tarts.

“Are those what I think they are?” Pippa sat on the edge of her seat.

Honoria placed her hands in a prayer pose. “Theo’s superb cherry tarts, I hope?”

Theo blushed at the praise. “Yes, my ladies, they were just baked this morning.”

Grace stilled for a second as her guests continued to discuss the tarts with her butler. Perhaps that was an area she could trim in her budget. Sweets and baked goods of all kinds meant extra flour and eggs. She sighed because the truth was she adored Theo’s tarts, and he loved to make them. She knew how much it meant to him when he served them to her friends and clients.

“Now, about last night?” Pippa took a bite of her tart, then moaned. “They’re still warm.”

Honoria moaned in tandem with her sister as she chewed and then swallowed. “May I ask Theo to teach our cook how to bake these?”

“Brilliant idea,” Pippa cried, then slid a sly look Grace’s way. “Perhaps…we can steal Theo for a day and have him teach our cook as well.”

“As long as Theo agrees, I see no harm in it.” Grace feigned a look of concern. “But you know he is more than a cook. He’s my footman, coachman, gardener?—”

“He’s every woman’s dream, you mean.” Pippa placed her hands over her heart and stared at the ceiling.

Honoria picked up a pillow and threw it at her sister. “Theo’s mine, or I’ll tell Ravenscroft that you’ve found a new man to fancy.”

All three broke into fits of laughter.

There was no denying how right it felt to spend the morning with Pippa and Honoria. She felt closer to them than she did her own sister. If she had married Dane, then they would be sisters in truth. Her laughter died as she shook her head. She couldn’t dwell on such thoughts. This was precisely why she had plans to visit Ardeerton House in the first place and terminate their agreement. Even thinking about marriage to Pelham would lead to nothing but heartache.

“So…” Honoria placed her empty plate on the table beside her. “What exactly happened last night? Our brother was uncharacteristically quiet after we left your home.”

Pippa nodded in agreement. “We know that Dane hired you to help him secure a wife. But something more is going on between the two of you.”

Grace was shaking her head before the words were out of Pippa’s mouth. “There is nothing between your brother and me. It’s simply a business transaction that requires me to be pleasant to him and introduce him to eligible young ladies out in society.”

Honoria nodded her head. “That explains why you and he were alone…together…locked in an anteroom near the St. Albers ballroom.”

“That is the definition of being pleasant,” Pippa added unhelpfully.

Grace bit her tongue as she thought of a suitable riposte. But the women before her had been true friends to her over the years. If she couldn’t be honest with them, then who could she confide in?

“Actually,” she began.

Pippa and Honoria leaned forward as if Grace was about to impart some great wisdom.

“He and I argued.”

Pippa smirked.

“Typical Dane,” Honoria agreed. “Argued about what?”

“He sent Theo home and then said I should leave with him.” Grace blew out a breath, upsetting several loose hairs that surrounded her face. “I told him he was being highhanded and?—”

“Impervious to you.” Pippa turned to Honoria.

Her sister smiled tenderly. “He’s arrogant, overly confident…”

“Hugh believes he’s overly protective of Honoria and me,” Pippa shared.

Honoria nodded once, but her gaze never left Grace’s face. “Yes. Overly protective but also excessively affectionate.” She reached over and grabbed Grace’s hand. “He loves deeply. Once he gives you his heart, he’s true.”

Grace offered a small smile. Dane’s sisters thought the world of him, and they should. He had always put his sister’s welfare and future before himself for all the years she had known him. He always wanted what was best for them.

However, that same loyalty and love wasn’t for Grace. Perhaps because last night’s romantic dalliance hadn’t meant as much to him as it did to her, but she would never tarnish the pedestal his sisters had placed him on.

“That’s why I’m hoping your brother will find the match of the Season. It will solidify my position as the person people turn to when their daughters and sons are ready to marry.” If she could reach around her back, she’d give it a pat. Honoria’s passionate speech about her brother conjured memories of last night’s fiery kiss with Dane, but she had avoided addressing her response. She sounded remarkably calm even after changing her mind about ending her agreement with Dane. Witnessing a neighbor’s eviction makes a person think more clearly.

There was no denying that passion had never been a problem for her and Dane. Their fervor was so hot that they could set a barn on fire with only a glance.

Unfortunately, it also seemed to blaze between Dane and every other woman walking within his vicinity.

“Grace,” Pippa chided. “You’re more astute than that. He cares for you.”

“Deeply,” Honoria offered. “Only you.”

“I think you’re both seeing things that aren’t there.” Grace set her teacup and saucer on the table and clasped her hands in her lap as she regarded her two friends. “It’s my wish that he make a match.” She couldn’t believe that she was about to utter the words. “A match with Lady Athena would be in his best interests.”

Honoria and Pippa stared at her. The surprise was evident on their faces.

“Oh, Grace, no,” A glint of Honoria’s earlier humor returned. “Trust me on this.”

Pippa took Honoria’s hand in hers and squeezed. “Honor is correct.” Then, with a seriousness that belied her usual good mood, Pippa turned her attention to Grace. “He deserves true love. Just as you do.”

“I’m sure he would consider her a suitable match.” Grace examined her clasped hands before looking at the two beautiful sisters. Their features resembled those of their handsome brother. Despite enduring unimaginable trials and tribulations with their parents, the siblings remained steadfast in their devotion to one another. “He hasn’t mentioned that he wouldn’t consider her. However, if he did, I’d find him another suitable woman.”

“Oh, Grace,” Pippa murmured, shaking her head. “Perhaps you should ask him about that this evening.”

“Yes, we came today to ask if you’d come to dinner at my house this evening.” Honoria stood and walked to Grace’s sofa and sat beside her.

Pippa did the same, only on Grace’s other side. “Please.”

“Marcus wants to host a family dinner for once.” Honoria blushed slightly. “You know how much family means to him. And we consider you family.”

Before Grace could refuse, Theo knocked on the open door to get her attention. “My lady, Lord Aston and Mr. Powers are here to see you.”

“I wasn’t expecting them,” Grace said.

“They’re most anxious to see you,” Theo said.

“We should depart. We have business to attend to.” Honoria stood. “Come at seven, please. That will give us time to finish our conversation before dinner.”

“I can’t wait,” Pippa said. She leaned toward Grace and pressed a kiss on her cheek.

Honoria did the same.

Like two whirlwinds that appeared out of nowhere, they departed from her study, quickly saying their goodbyes. Grace could hear the sisters greeting the two men and then the front door closing.

“If you’ll see them in,” Grace said to Theo, then walked to her desk and waited for her visitors.

Her butler bowed, and in seconds, two distinguished men entered her study.

“Lady Grace, my name is Mr. Alfred Powers.” Dressed in a black morning coat and matching breeches, a tall, thin man approached her desk and took Grace’s hand.

“How do you do,” Grace answered as she evaluated him. His black hair was liberally peppered with gray. Yet, he was still handsome. It was easy to see that his daughter Adeline favored him.

“My daughter met you last night and was determined that I call on you today.” He chuckled as affection warmed his features. “She reminds me of myself at that age. Adeline knows what she wants and goes after it. She hoped you could introduce her to eligible bachelors, including a certain duke.” He cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed.

The other gentleman approached her desk and took her hand. “Allow me to introduce myself as well. I’m Lord Aston.” He bent over her hand and then released it.

Grace was reminded of Lady Candace by his features. While Mr. Powers was tall and thin, Lord Aston was slightly rounder and shorter. But even with his white locks, he was also a handsome man.

“Lord Aston, it’s a pleasure.” Grace came around from her desk and gestured toward the sofas where she had previously sat with Honoria and Pippa. “We’ll be more comfortable there. I believe the tea is still hot, and I’ll ask my butler to bring more tarts.”

Both men declined her offer.

Lord Aston cleared his throat. “My Candace asked if I would come today. She would like the same introduction to the duke and wanted me to enquire if you were interested in retaining more charges…I mean clients for the Season.”

Grace laughed at the word charges. “No need to say clients. I am the Governess , after all. However, you both should understand that a certain duke makes his own decisions. I can introduce your daughters to the Duke of Pelham, but he can only marry one person. That means someone or both will be disappointed.” Her stomach roiled slightly. Never before had she had so many young women interested in the same man. “Part of my services are introductions, but I will also introduce them to others.”

She had to push aside the thought that they were discussing Pelham and her access to him. No matter how uncomfortable providing access to the Duke of Pelham made her feel, she had to remember that this was her work, and everyone in the ton knew it, including Dane. She would be discreet so it wouldn’t appear as though she was violating Dane’s privacy. Her clients were paying for her services, and she would ensure she performed her duties to the best of her ability.

During the next half hour, Grace explained her services, which included introducing her clients to suitable men, matchmaking behind the scenes, and making social calls to the most influential ton members. All this was done to ensure her clients made suitable matches during the Season.

Both gentlemen readily agreed and promised to send the monies to Grace’s account as soon as they returned home.

After they both left, Grace pushed her unease about Pelham aside and walked to the bookshelf at the end of her study, picking up a new Minerva Press novel she had secured from the circulating subscription library. She deserved a little entertainment after the week she had. She hadn’t had time to read it yet, and it was due next week. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to cancel her membership to the subscription library.

Theo knocked on the door and cleared his throat. “Ma’am, Lord Marbury is here to see you.”

“Will you please bring him into the study?” Longingly, she smiled as she placed her book on the small drum table next to her favorite chair near the fireplace. Her reading time would have to wait.

“Lord Marbury, ma’am,” Theo said as he ushered in her guest.

“Good day, my lord.” Grace motioned for him to take a seat in front of her desk. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Marbury waited until Grace sat before he flicked the tails of his morning coat and sat down where she had previously directed. Grace clasped her hands in front of her, ready for business. She pasted a smile and waited, fully expecting the earl to berate her for allowing Athena to spend time with Dane.

The earl leaned back in his chair and regarded her with a smug smile. “I wanted to see how you managed the invite.”

“The invite, sir?” She was momentarily caught off-guard by the absolute glee in his voice.

“The invitation to attend the small house party hosted by the Duke of Pelham.” Marbury scooted forward in the chair.

He was so close to her that he could have rested his hands on her desk. She’d never seen the earl so happily animated before.

“Athena is over the moon. And so am I.”

Grace wasn’t enthralled in the least. In fact, she felt as if a coach and four had just run over her. The Duke of Pelham had invited Lady Athena Wescott to a house party at Pelham Hall but didn’t bother to consult her, let alone invite her.

Was it any wonder she was bemused? It felt like a betrayal. All that talk last night of kisses between them and their shared intimacy meant nothing to him.

She offered a smile as joyful as a melted blancmange.

“I don’t know how you secured the invitation or if it was your idea, but I’m pleased. Very pleased,” he reiterated. “I’m here to add a little incentive so the courtship moves forward quickly and with a resolution that will make everyone happy.”

Her smile faded. Marbury was overjoyed even though he was about to come to blows with Dane for simply flirting with Athena last night. But when she studied him, there was a sense that his exhilaration did not quite ring true. His eyes had a haunted look about them. Perhaps he was starting to realize his true feelings for Athena.

She drew her attention back to the conversation with a pleasant smile. “When did you receive the invitation?” Thoughts swirled in her mind as she waited for the earl to respond. Under no circumstances would she allow the earl to see that the news had devastated her.

Why had Dane not invited her? He’d hired her for this very purpose. Honoria and Pippa made no mention of a house party. Perhaps they didn’t know, and this was Dane’s way of taking control of his courtship.

“The invitation arrived by messenger while we were at breakfast. It was addressed to me, and the duke had included a brief note that he’d enjoyed Athena’s company last night.”

It felt like the same coach and four had run over her again to ensure she was utterly deflated. She had not received any posts today, including a note from Dane.

“Forgive me for being blunt, but I thought you didn’t care for the Duke of Pelham.” She leaned back in her chair and placed her hands in her lap to avoid drumming her fingers on the chair's arm.

Marbury took out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. It was a sign of nervousness, or he was lying.

“You were correct when you said that the duke was a man of good standing in the ton . I made assumptions and formed opinions that I had no right to.” He studied his hands in his lap. “May I be honest?”

Grace nodded.

“I need Athena married as soon as possible. I know she has feelings for me. But I can’t return them. I don’t want to be married this young.” He swallowed, his discomfort readily apparent.

“Let me be honest with you,” Grace countered softly. “I wonder if you might have feelings for her as well.”

“I can’t marry. I promised my father I wouldn’t rush into an endeavor without considering all the ramifications.” He fisted one hand. “What I feel for Athena has the makings of a disaster. Neither of us has much experience with society, or London, for that matter.”

“I see,” she said softly in hopes of comforting him. “I’m sure your father meant well in securing your promise. But in my experience, the heart does what the heart wants to do.”

“Only if we allow it, my lady.” He studied his fisted hand and stretched his fingers as if he’d clasped it so hard that it hurt. He feigned a smile. “Here’s what I want to offer you. If you can persuade the duke to offer for Athena’s hand during the house party, I’ll pay you an extra five thousand pounds. If you can have them married by the end of the social Season, I’ll pay you an additional five thousand pounds. Ten thousand in total.”

“I can’t take that offer. I haven’t been invited to the duke’s party.” She cleared her throat at the confession.

The earl waved his hand in the air. “That is not a concern. The duke mentioned to bring you. Athena needs a chaperone. You are a respected matron. This works well for all of us.”

Now, she was the one who fisted a hand. After the kisses and sweet words Dane had given her last night, it was inconceivable that he was throwing a house party and, as if an afterthought, suggesting Marbury bring her as a chaperone. She fought not to allow her lip to curl at the moniker of respected matron . “What about Lady Athena’s aunt?”

“Unfortunately, when the poor woman climbed into the coach to come to London, she fell. The surgeon believes that she broke her ankle. She’s bedridden.” He picked up his hat from the chair beside him and stood. “I hope you’ll consider my offer. We can accomplish everything we want if we work together. I plan on leaving in the morning.”

With that, he nodded, then left her there with all her thoughts tossed about as if lost in a whirlwind.

She swallowed hard. Obviously, Dane was considering a match with Athena, which was fine with her, especially since five thousand pounds was a fortune. That was practically half the amount she needed for a lovely house on the outskirts of Mayfair that would be hers. Ten thousand pounds, and she wouldn’t have to scrimp and save anymore. She could buy a home immediately for her and Theo and be content.

There would be no rent ever again to worry about.

There would be no more evictions to worry about either.

She would concentrate on investing for her old age. She wouldn’t feel the burden of accepting every client who wanted to secure her services. Did she even want to work anymore? How much money would she need to walk away from being the Governess ?

These were all questions that had to be answered.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. For a moment, she imagined she smelled the briny waves of the ocean. She and Theo should move to the Cornish seaside. Warm weather, sandy beaches, and long walks would be theirs any time of the day. They could eat fresh fish and make new friends. The ocean would be a comfort in and of itself. She and Theo would be safe and secure for the rest of their lives.

Yet, she couldn’t walk away from Honoria and Pippa. They were her friends. In many ways, they were her only family.

Rationally, she couldn’t refuse Marbury’s proposal. He and Pelham were paying her, so why not accept Marbury’s offer? If it worked, then she’d be the richer for it. If it didn’t, then she would continue to help Pelham and Athena with others.

Her throat burned, a raw ache rising as tears threatened to spill. How could it have come to this? She would lose Dane forever. The thought hit her like a punch to the stomach, leaving her dizzy with pain. He would belong to Athena or another, and the image clawed at her heart, leaving it bloody, bruised, and aching.

In her work, she helped each person find their perfect mate. She might push someone in a particular direction but never interfere with or hinder their interests. A deep, hollow dread settled in her bones. She wanted Dane more than she’d ever admit, but she did need him as well if she wanted security for her future. Perhaps she should feel guilty for pushing him toward Athena. However, he did invite the young woman. This was what he wanted. Grace had to remember she wanted this as well…until last night’s kisses.

She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She’d always prided herself on her common sense.

The truth was Grace had lost him nearly ten years ago, and now, she wondered if she wasn’t partly to blame.