Page 17 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Sixteen

G race smoothed the soft strands of Dane’s hair from his brow. He nestled his head a little closer to her chest. They still hadn’t moved from his bed. They’d made love twice more that night, and he’d been so generous and gentle in his care afterward. He’d brought in a basin and linen toweling to clean her. Then, he’d brought in a tray with bread, cheese, and fruit. He’d said he needed to keep up his strength after their lovemaking.

Tears had filled her eyes when he’d opened a delicious bottle of wine and had toasted the night and them. Every romantic gesture had reminded her of the old Dane from her past in so many ways.

It was hard to believe that just two days prior, he’d been so ill that he collapsed to the floor. She pressed a kiss to his forehead. Thank heavens, his strength and vigor, along with Mrs. Grimalkin’s tonic, had propelled his speedy recovery.

She didn’t mention her plans last evening, but she had to leave for London today. There was no avoiding it. When Dane followed, hopefully, she would have soothed Marbury’s ruffled feathers and ensured he knew she didn’t want his money. She would also ask him to keep her confidence about nursing Dane. No good would come from that information coming to light in London.

Hopefully, that would end the matter. It would leave her free to concentrate on her remaining clients. She glanced down at him sleeping next to her. In slumber, he looked like the boy she used to follow everywhere. In their youth, they had been so entangled that she didn’t know where he began and where she ended. But then it all changed, and their friendship had grown more profound until he’d walked away.

Grace closed her eyes, willing herself to live in the moment. For the first time in years, loneliness didn’t haunt her. Fear didn’t threaten to choke her. Perhaps she was too sanguine about her future, especially when the past demanded her attention. For years, she’d watched Dane navigate society, never showing a hint of interest in marriage since he’d asked her. Once, she’d believed in the fairy tales and happy endings that he had once promised. If she committed her heart, she’d again place her happiness into his hands, which terrified her.

He was a gambler, just like her father. Yes, Dane was wealthy. Or was he? How could she trust him with her future if she didn’t know? The man she’d trusted most in the world had betrayed her by gambling away her inheritance and dowry. What if Dane gambled as incessantly as her father?

If she lost Dane, she would also risk losing the Ardeerton sisters, the only real family she’d had since she left home. Not to mention that if she walked away, she'd be crushed the first time she saw him with another woman. She doubted if she’d ever be able to put those pieces back together again.

What she needed was a cup of strong tea. Perhaps she’d be able to make sense of it all. Grace made her way across the bed with snail-like speed until Dane tightened his grip on her.

“Where do you think you’re going?” His murmur reminded her of buttery leather stretched and repeatedly tanned until you wanted to wrap yourself in it and luxuriate in its decadence.

Before she could answer, the door suddenly opened. Instinctively, Grace drove under the covers. It wasn’t Winston because he would have announced himself. The footmen or maids would have knocked. Dane sat up and placed a hand on her hip, anchoring her in place.

“Bloody hell, Pelham.” A male voice boomed across the room. “We rode like the devil from London to help you convalesce, and you have a woman in your bed? Were you even ill?”

Dane’s grip tightened. “Do not say another word if you value your life.”

“He has a woman in his bed,” the intruder announced.

“Pelham, this is bad form. Even for you,” another male voice called out.

“What have you done?” a female said curtly.

“I’m going to kill him,” Another female retorted.

“Calm down,” Dane hissed. “You’re in my bedroom, and I’ll not tolerate all this caterwauling. You’re giving me a headache.”

“That’s the least of your worries,” a female hmphed.

“When your footman arrived in London to fetch a doctor, he told Honoria you were gravely ill. We expected to find you on your deathbed.”

No. No. No. This couldn’t be happening. Though the voices were muffled, she recognized Trafford and Honoria. Even though Grace was under the covers, she slammed her eyes shut. That meant if Honoria was there, then the other woman was Pippa.

“Dane, I think Honoria asked the question of the hour. I don’t care who is under those covers. What about Grace?” Pippa huffed.

“Leave this to me,” Dane murmured, squeezing her hip.

“I’m just so disappointed in you,” Honoria announced.

“Oh, for the love of all sisters everywhere,” Dane scoffed.

“It’s not a trivial matter, Dane,” Pippa said. “Perhaps you should see your guest out of the bedroom so we can chat. I still want to know how you will explain yourself to Grace.”

Grace slowly drew the covers from her head but held them close to her chest. She was as guilty as Dane about their night together. “He doesn’t have to explain anything to me.”

“Grace?” Honoria took a step closer.

Pippa shook her head at her brother. Her nostrils flared, signaling how riled she was. “She’s our friend. I will not allow you to treat her this way.”

Trafford put his hand around Honoria’s arm to stop her from coming closer to the bed. “Let Ravenscroft and I handle it.”

“Nonsense,” Honoria pulled away from her husband and came right to the side of the bed with her arms crossed. She tipped her chin as she regarded Dane. “I love you to the ends of the earth, but this is unseemly.”

“Oh, this is rich,” Dane mumbled under his breath.

“Remember when you caught Marcus and me at the hunting lodge and threatened him with a duel?”

“Like it was yesterday.” Dane pursed his lips to keep from smiling. “Don’t challenge Grace to a duel. This isn’t her fault.”

“I’m not going to challenge her, Your Grace .” Honoria’s sarcasm rang through the room. “I’m challenging you.”

“I’m going to be her second.” Pippa cried as she stood next to her sister. “After she finishes, then I’m going to challenge you next.” She turned to Ravenscroft. “Do you have your gloves so Honor and I can slap his face, or did you give them to the footman when we arrived?”

As if this couldn’t get any more embarrassing, Winston whipped around the corner with a speed that belied his age. “I apologize, Your Grace.” He suddenly stopped, then ran his hands through his white hair, putting every wayward strand back in place. Without missing a beat, he straightened his waistcoat, then smoothed his morning coat, immediately donning his proper English butler persona. “I wasn’t aware that your family had arrived.”

“I don’t think you could have stopped them,” Dane replied, then arched an eyebrow as he stared at his sisters. “What family challenges its members to a duel?”

“The type who has their friend’s best interests at heart,” Pippa sniffed.

“Pippa, do you remember when your brother came to your shop and discovered us there?” Ravenscroft chortled. “Then he brought me to my knees the next day in his study?”

“I do.” Pippa’s gaze softened as she looked at her husband. “I was so proud of you for not retaliating.” She turned to her brother and narrowed her gaze. “That was wrong, Dane.” She waved her hand palm side up across the bed. “But this, taking advantage of Grace? It’s beyond the pale even for you. This is scandalous.”

“Ouch,” Trafford exclaimed as he raised his shoulders defensively. “Good luck with that, old man.”

Dane rolled his eyes. “This is between Grace and me. If it’s a scandal, it’s a simple one.”

Honoria propped her hands on her hips. “There’s only one thing to do.”

“Tar and feather him?” Ravenscroft offered with a laugh.

“It would depend upon how hot the tar was,” Honoria replied. There was no hiding the anger in her voice. “But seriously, you need to acquire a special license. That doesn’t give us much time to plan who will attend the ceremony and how many to invite for the wedding breakfast.”

“Or create and sew a proper dress that will do Grace’s beauty justice,” Pippa uttered.

“Exactly, my darling,” Ravenscroft agreed. “The only way to define your brother’s behavior is?—”

“That’s enough,” Dane bellowed. He turned to Winston. “Would you please escort my family out of my chambers? I don’t care where you put them. The barnyard might be an appropriate place for all their braying we’ve heard this morning.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Winston bowed, then turned to Dane’s sisters. “Lady Trafford and Lady Ravenscroft, if you’ll accompany me?”

“What do they call this?” Ravenscroft tapped his chin as he tilted his head to stare at the ceiling. “Ah ha, I have it.” He snapped his fingers. “Karma.”

Trafford raised an eyebrow in a manner that reminded Grace of Dane. “And I’ve heard she can be especially challenging if you have misbehaved.”

“ Out .” Dane pointed to the door.

When Honor and Pippa marched out of the bedroom with their heads held high, their husbands had the good sense to follow them.

When the room quieted, Grace let out a sigh. “What a catastrophe.”

Dane smiled as he embraced her. “I think it’s rather charming. I’m quite delighted they are concerned for your welfare.”

“Even at your expense,” she asked incredulously. “And I am supposed to be the definition of…”

“Prim and proper?” Dane finished for her. “I much prefer you like this in my bed and naked. Besides, it’s all theatrics, sweetheart. Trafford and Ravenscroft are only trying to return the favor from when I caught them with my sisters in dishabille.” He winked, then pressed his lips to hers. “I’m happy to see them, but is it wrong to want you all to myself for a while?”

“No.” Heat bludgeoned Grace’s cheeks. This man treated her as if she was his entire world. “But we’ve had our fun and games. Now it’s time to face reality again.” She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. “I’m thrilled that you’re feeling well.”

“I’m right as rain.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Ready to make love again. Perhaps we’ll try for four times today.”

She swung her legs off the bed while holding a sheet to her chest.

Before she could stand, Dane wrapped one hand around her waist and pulled her close until her back rested against his chest. He nibbled on her shoulder blade. “This view of you is irresistible. We may not leave this bedroom for a month.” He pushed her hair aside and kissed the sensitive skin of her neck.

“I must return to London.” She closed her eyes as he continued to kiss and caress her as if it was nothing at all upsetting that his entire family had seen them both naked in bed. “I don’t know how we’ll face them,” she said softly.

“Darling, look at me,” he coaxed softly as he cupped her cheek and turned her so their gazes met. “This is between you and me. Not our family.”

It was such a sweet sentiment that they were her family. Hot tears threatened, and she tried to blink them away. “I consider your sisters a godsend, but I’m not a part of your family,” she protested faintly.

“A matter of differing interpretations. They officially will be your family as soon as we marry,” he murmured as he pressed a gentle kiss to her nose.

Before she could discuss his fever-induced proposal, a knock sounded.

“Your Grace, I’m here to help you dress, ” a muffled voice called out behind the door.

“That’s Kendrick, my valet.” He quickly kissed her lips and started to move off the bed. “I shall ask Winston to assign you a maid to help you bathe and dress.”

“Dane. Wait.” She grabbed his hand. “About marrying. Nothing has changed between us.”

He stilled instantly, then blinked slowly. Then he blinked again. “A moment,” he called to the door, then turned back to Grace. “I must have not heard you correctly. Would you mind repeating what you just said?”

She dropped his hand and lowered her gaze. “I do not hold you to your promise of marriage.” She laughed in an attempt to sound lighthearted, but her heart felt the unbearable weight of her predicament. “You had a fever. Frankly, you can’t remember half the things you spouted that evening.”

Dane’s voice turned into a low growl. “I beg your pardon, but I remember everything I said that night.” A muscle twitched in his jaw, betraying his aggravation. “If you’re worried about a scandal, I know exactly how to stop it. We’ll give people an up close and personal view of us. That’s what they want to see. I’ll host a ball announcing you’re mine.”

“What about what I want?” What she needed was a home of her own. She fisted her hands, scraping together every ounce of courage she possessed. “I want security. I want to know that I have a home at the end of the day.” She tightened her fist and pounded it softly in the middle of her chest. It was beyond humiliating to say the words aloud, but he needed to hear it. “I want a home that I will never worry about losing. To have that, I need my clients. I need to be the Governess . That’s why I must return to London and ensure Marbury doesn’t say anything. I can’t have my livelihood threatened. He told the villagers here. Who knows what he’ll say in London.”

His nostrils flared. “You don’t think I can give you security and ensure your reputation?”

“I honestly don’t know.” He cringed, but she would not capitulate. “I don’t hold you to a promise you made when you were not lucid. Let us not turn this into…” Flustered, she stood with the sheet around her and started to pace. “I’m not the woman you proposed to all those years ago.”

“What are you talking about?” He pointed at her, his nostrils flaring again. “I knew exactly who that woman was when I proposed to her all those years ago, and I knew who she was two nights ago. At this very instant, she’s standing before me.” He lowered his voice. “In my bedroom, I might add. You are right here. You have fought with me since we met in that godforsaken field.” He shook his head. “That’s not correct. Even before I asked you to marry me, we’ve bickered. I know what you’ll say before you say it.” He threw his hands in the air. “What is this, Grace?”

“You hired me to find you a wife.”

He propped his hands on his lean hips. “You’re not still trying to find me a match on the marriage mart. If you are, let me dispel you of that notion. I don’t want any woman you’ve introduced or will introduce me to.”

Desperate to end this discussion, she tilted her head up in defiance.

“There she is,” he murmured with a laugh. “ My Governess in all her glory.” He stalked her much like a panther determined to catch its prey. “I can see by the look in your eyes you want to teach me a lesson. I would welcome it. Any time. Any place.” His voice dropped to that seductive tone she could never resist.

But this time, she would. She closed her eyes, but she didn’t lower her chin. If only she couldn’t hear him, she could remain steadfast. Perhaps she should hold her hands over her ears so she couldn’t hear him speak, even if it were childish.

“Shall I bend over so you can teach me some obedience?” He was practically purring as he circled her. “Explore your naughty side with me. You could tie me up.” He widened his eyes and grinned. “Or I could tie you up. I think you would enjoy it as much?—”

“Dane, stop,” she hissed.

He shook his head as if trying to shake off his confusion. “If you are worried about my sincerity, I promise that you are at the forefront of my thoughts. Always. What about the letter I left explaining my presence at the Jolly Rooster?”

“What letter?” She straightened her shoulders.

“The one I left for you. I gave it to Winston to give to. . .” He plowed his hands through his hair. “I meant to give it to Winston to give to you. It must still be on my desk.”

“You were ill and can be excused for the letter. However, I’m not speaking about that.”

“I thought you forgave me.” He bowed his head. “Please tell me this isn’t about my apology. If it is, tell me what to do, and it’s done.”

The forlornness in his voice made her heart pound against her ribs, trying to reach him.

“Oh, Dane.” She lowered her voice. “You walked away from me once.” She closed her eyes and remembered the hurt from all those years ago.” Her voice broke. “How do I know it won’t happen again?”

What if he lost everything just like her father? He’d have to walk away from her.

Or she would have to walk away from him.

Only after a moment did he slowly raise his gaze to hers. “All I beg is that you allow me to prove that it will never happen again.”