Page 6 of One Scandal Too Many (Havenwood Academy #1)

T he library at Havenwood Academy was extensive. Each bookcase was a rich oak with cherubs carved on the top and along the sides with lion paws for feet. Each bookcase had several shelves that were so high they nearly reached the ceiling. There was a rolling ladder that could be moved around the stacks with ease. The carpet in the library was a rich navy brocade trimmed with gold, and the walls had been painted in similar shades. Charlotte adored the library. If she had to spend time indoors, she would prefer to be surrounded by books.

She needed a distraction and thought the library would provide it. So far it had not gone as she had hoped. The book she had chosen hadn’t been able to hold her attention. It frustrated her that she could not concentrate on anything. Why did she have to be so fascinated with a man who appeared to believe her beneath his notice?

Three days had passed since Charlotte’s excursion into the marquess’s garden. She had thought about that night repeatedly, and could not shake it from her mind. He had wanted to kiss her. Nothing could convince her otherwise. She did not know why he had decided against it, but she’d been disappointed when he hadn’t actually pressed his lips to hers. What would it take to have that man give in and kiss her? Charlotte was determined to discover what his kiss would be like. She had a feeling it would be as decadent as the man himself.

“Have you actually read a word, or are you hoping that you will be able to absorb the story by staring at the page long enough?” Jaclyn asked her. Her lips twitched a little as if she fought a smile. Knowing Jaclyn as she did, Charlotte didn’t doubt for one minute that her friend wanted to laugh. She didn’t know what held her back, though. Usually nothing kept Jaclyn from doing as she wished, damn the consequences. Charlotte actually admired her for that. She wished she could be as brave as Jaclyn. Not that she didn’t have her own acts of defiance... Jaclyn encouraged her to give in to those often, and when she did, it was amazing.

Charlotte sighed. “I haven’t read a word,” she admitted. It was time to give up on the attempt and close the book.

“Is it not to your liking?” Jaclyn asked. She gestured to the many shelves in the room. “Because you can always make a different selection. Something in this room has to appeal to your needs.”

“This is true,” Charlotte agreed. “However, it isn’t the book’s fault I cannot appreciate it. I’m afraid there is something else pressing my thoughts for its attention.” Should she tell Jaclyn about her altercation with the marquess? Jaclyn would never judge her for her actions, but Charlotte wasn’t certain she wanted to discuss what had happened yet.

“What is troubling you?” Jaclyn frowned. “Is it what happened in the woods?”

Charlotte nearly swallowed her own tongue at Jaclyn’s question. How had she known? She gaped at her friend as if she were somehow a foreign entity. “Pardon?” She didn’t know what to say. How could she even begin to explain what had happened, and how had Jaclyn learned of her actions?

Jaclyn blew out a breath. “I should never have encouraged you to walk with me. I had my own reasons for wanting to go to the pond.” She glanced away. “Though I must admit I never expected we would stumble onto the sight we witnessed.” Her cheeks turned a lovely pink. Charlotte had never seen Jaclyn blush before. Had she been embarrassed by the marquess’s nudity? The other two gentlemen had never fully undressed. “And then we got in trouble... I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t do anything I regret,” Charlotte reassured her. “You did not force me to walk with you. I willingly went along with you because I wanted to meander through the woods with you.” She shrugged. “Besides,” she began. “How could I ever forget such a sight?” She waved her hand over her face as her own cheeks heated. “It was quite memorable.”

“Indeed.” Jaclyn giggled and then fanned her own cheeks with her hand. “Such a fine sight indeed.” She started to laugh harder. “I wonder if the marquess was embarrassed we saw him naked. He didn’t seem too happy that we were there.”

The marquess had been glorious to behold. Charlotte almost wished they had stayed a little longer and watched them all. She would ask him what he thought about their voyeurism later. He might want to avoid her, but he would not be so lucky. They were going to cross paths again. Easton Abbey was far too close to Havenwood Academy for him to avoid her entirely.

“I doubt that man is embarrassed by much,” Charlotte said. “He’s far too sure of himself for that.” She wrinkled her nose. “Along with arrogant and overbearing.” He sure seemed to think he had a right to give her orders and expected her to heed them without question.

Jaclyn furrowed her eyebrows. “I didn’t think you spoke to him that much. What haven’t you told me?”

A lot. She hadn’t told Jaclyn about the conversation she’d had with him outside after the meeting with Mrs. Havenwood, and definitely hadn’t mentioned their late night meeting in his garden. Should she tell her all of that now? It would be simpler if she confessed her transgressions, and then she wouldn’t have any secrets. “I did speak with him after he came to the school.” That was not everything but not a lie exactly, either. “I wanted to thank him for not telling Mrs. Havenwood the whole truth.” She nibbled on her bottom lip in contemplation.

“You did?” Jaclyn frowned. “When?”

“Before class,” she said. “I sneaked outside and went to him before he departed.”

“And what did he say?” Jaclyn asked.

She could not tell Jaclyn about some of the crude remarks he had spoken to her. “He told me thanking him was unnecessary because he didn’t explain everything out of any concern for our well-being.” He’d been a complete arse. “He had his own self-preservation to consider, and he had no desire to cause a scandal.”

“And as students at the school for unmarriageable young ladies,” Jaclyn began, “we clearly have no issue with scandals and wicked behavior.” She rolled her eyes. “I understand why you don’t like him much. He might be gorgeous to behold, but I don’t think I want to further our acquaintance.”

Charlotte wished she could say the same. There was something about the marquess she found far too intriguing. Maybe she would be able to forget about him over time. “I suppose,” she said noncommittally. “He’s not worth discussing anymore.”

“Ladies,” Miss Abernathy said as she strolled into the library. Her raven black hair was pulled back into a stern bun that made her pale green eyes seem more stark against her alabaster skin. Miss Abernathy was the daughter of a vicar and had strong opinions she had no qualms sharing. Charlotte liked that about the instructor. She was almost too lovely and intelligent to be sequestered at Havenwood. “I would like you to meet Miss Georgina Williams. She’s going to be your new roommate,” Miss Abernathy explained.

Jaclyn and Charlotte glanced at the young woman. She had light brown hair streaked with gold, and her eyes were an odd blue that almost appeared violet. Her gown was a cornflower blue that brought out that violet shade even more. That is, when she actually glanced up long enough for Charlotte to see her eyes. She seemed exceptionally bashful. That couldn’t be a good thing for a lady in search of a husband. Was that why she’d been sent to Havenwood?

“Welcome to Havenwood,” Jaclyn said and then smiled at their new roommate. “Have you seen our room yet?”

“She has not,” Miss Abernathy answered for her. “Will you please escort her to your room and show her around the school? She will be staying the summer with the two of you.” She pinned both of them with a look. “And I trust she will be welcomed into your room with no difficulties.” Charlotte barely refrained from sighing. They’d only driven one roommate away, and the teachers would never allow them to forget it. Lady Daisy had been a horrid girl, and they had not wished to share their room with her. Luckily, the girl had gone to another wing of the castle and found a room with another student.

Not all of the students would remain at the school for the summer. Many would return home for the month-long break before the next term began. Jaclyn and Charlotte were amongst the few that stayed all year at Havenwood. “Of course,” Charlotte said. “We would be happy to.”

Jaclyn stood and walked over to Miss Georgina Williams and held out her arm. “I predict we are going to be great friends.” She nodded at Charlotte. “This is my dear friend Charlotte, and I am Jaclyn.”

“Hello,” she said in a tone so quiet it was almost inaudible.

Jaclyn pretended it had been a bellow and led Georgina down the hall. Charlotte grinned and followed behind them. “I think you are going to like it here. Charlotte and I are always here. At least until our families decide we can come home.” She wrinkled her nose. “We’re both running from scandals we don’t speak about. So if that’s why you’re here...”

“It isn’t,” Georgina said hastily. “I mean...” She opened and closed her mouth several times. “You really caused a scandal?” Her tone held a hint of awe in it. “What is that like?” Her cheeks filled with color as she spoke. “No one ever notices me. I probably could dance naked and they would look right through me.”

“Now that would be an interesting experiment,” Jaclyn said. “We might have to try it and see what happens.”

Poor Georgina. “Don’t listen to Jaclyn,” Charlotte said. “At least not too much. We wouldn’t want you to find trouble so soon upon your arrival.” She winked. “If you didn’t cause a scandal, why are you here? Especially as the term is ending in a few days.”

“My season was unfavorable.” She sighed. “And my father thinks I need more deportment and sent me here. He was tired of looking at me and didn’t care if the term ended. He wanted me gone.”

“It appears that we all have that distinct commonality,” Charlotte said. Her tone held a hint of sadness as she spoke. “We’re a disappointment.”

“That may be true,” Jaclyn said. “But we have each other. We don’t need to please anyone but ourselves.”

Charlotte wished it could be that easy. She knew better, though. She adored Jaclyn, but life was never that simple. She still had to tell her about the marquess, and she would. But for now, they had a new friend to welcome to the fold. The rest could wait until later.

*

Declan lounged in his study and stared at the ledgers on his desk. His estate manager had left them for him to go over, but he could not concentrate on the numbers before him. He had to approve the changes that the estate manager wanted to implement at Easton Abbey, and his inability to concentrate would not aid in that endeavor.

He needed a drink. Probably several, actually. The dilemma he faced had nothing to do with the legers or any improvements to his estate. His issue had everything to do with a blonde hellion that invaded his thoughts and hadn’t left his mind for days. He should have kissed her. Perhaps if he had, he wouldn’t be so obsessed with the shape of her lips and not knowing if she tasted as delectable as he imagined.

Damn her for not listening to him.

It was time for that drink. The ledgers would have to wait. He probably wouldn’t be able to make any clear decisions for some time. Declan went over to the bar and poured two fingers of brandy into a glass and downed the contents. The burn that traveled down his throat distracted him long enough he could actually think. He poured more brandy, and this time he sipped on it.

“There you are, dear,” his mother said as she strolled into his study.

Declan closed his eyes and prayed for patience. His mother was being her usual demanding and annoying self. He loved her. She was his mother, after all. But he also hated her... or rather, he hated spending a lot of time with her. He much preferred keeping some distance between them. Declan found he liked her a whole lot better when they talked less. “I have been in here all day,” he said in a grave tone. “It isn’t as if I’ve been hiding.”

“Have you?” His mother waved her hand dismissively. “How unlike you.” She strolled farther into the room. “I never claimed you were hiding, dear.”

He slowly turned to face her. She wore a day gown of brilliant yellow that complemented her honey-gold hair. She was perfectly put together without a hair out of place. His mother believed appearances were everything. Even if chaos descended upon her, it was best not to show that it affected her.

“Did you need something?” He hoped not. And if she did need something, he prayed it wouldn’t take much of his time.

“Yes,” she told him and took a seat on the chair by his desk. She narrowed her gaze on him and frowned. “Are you drinking? Really dear, at this hour.”

It was well into the afternoon. She was acting as if he sipped his brandy like she did her morning chocolate. He gritted his teeth but held his opinions in check. He would not argue with her. Declan didn’t believe in futile endeavors, and his mother was the queen of such acts. Instead, he took a long draw of his brandy and met his mother’s gaze. “What do you need, mother?” He kept his tone even and without emotion.

“I am going to plan a house party.”

“No,” he interrupted her. “I do not want guests here.”

This idea of a house party was clearly a ruse for what she hoped to gain. He would not agree to it. His mother wasn’t nearly as sly as she believed. Declan saw right through her. A house party. He nearly snorted. Why in the blazes would his mother actually believe he’d give his permission for such an endeavor?

“Dear, be reasonable,” she implored. “You must understand why this is necessary.”

He rolled his eyes. She acted as if it was imperative for their very survival. No gathering was that important. He would not succumb to her demands. Declan doubted he would ever readily agree to have his house invaded.

“I don’t understand at all,” he told her. He kept his tone even and calm as he spoke. If he raised his voice in any way, she’d become shrill in her responses. “What is so necessary about a house party?”

“It’s summer,” she told him. As if that was the answer to everything.

God help him. Declan sipped on his brandy and prayed for patience. He was losing his and fast. His mother always brought out the worst in him. After he was done with this discussion, he would seek out his friends and go for a ride. He had told them he would be busy going over the ledgers and they should see to their own amusements. Declan regretted that now that he had his mother sitting in his study. He should have gone riding much earlier. Perhaps then he could have avoided this conversation.

“What does summer have to do with a house party?” he asked her in a bored tone. He finished the brandy in his glass and set it on his desk.

“That is generally when one has a house party. During the warmer months, many like visiting the country and leaving London for their estates.” She smiled at him as if this answered the need for her request. “So I want to have one.”

“No,” he said again. “I did not return to Easton Abbey so you can have a house party. I wanted solitude.” Too bad he didn’t get that at all. First, Lady Charlotte Beckett had invaded his life and mind, then his mother had come to the abbey to add to his troubles. Was it too much to ask to be left alone in his own head?

“You really should reconsider,” she told him. “You’re clearly upset and prone to ostentatious moods when you’re like this. We can discuss this later.”

“I’m not going to change my mind, Mother,” he told her. He squeezed the bridge of his nose between his fingers. He could not believe she was attributing her normal behavior to him. She was the one who often fell into histrionics when her demands were not met. “It doesn’t matter how many times we discuss this.”

“We will see,” she said in a cryptic tone. “I’ll leave you alone to consider it.”

Bloody hell. “Do as you wish mother. But there will be no house party.”

He had a feeling he was not going to win this war. His mother usually did get her every desire. He would fight it as long as possible. Damn it all to hell. Declan really did not want to have guests in his home. It would be chaos of the worst sort. Not that any chaos was good... still, he did not like it.

“Have another glass of brandy, dear,” his mother said. “You are too tense today. It might help you relax a little. We will talk again soon.” She sashayed out of his study as quickly as she had entered it.

She had probably already sent out invitations. His mother never much cared what he wanted. She’d declared there would be a house party, and he would have one. It did not matter that he had said no or that he would not like it. He cursed under his breath and did the one thing she had suggested: pour another drink.

He drank the contents and then poured more. At this rate, Declan would be foxed before the evening meal. At least his mother had given him something else to think about. His obsession with Lady Charlotte Beckett had been taken over by the idea of a damned house party. Perhaps he should visit Havenwood and pay a call on his blonde vixen. He rather liked the idea of seeing her again. He wanted to kiss her.

Hell, he wanted to do a whole lot more than kiss her. Declan might as well face the truth now. He wanted her, and much like his mother, Declan usually got what he desired. It was a matter of when, not if... he sighed and finished his brandy.

He would go find Foxmoore and Amberwood before he drank an entire decanter of brandy. Becoming inebriated would not help him. He doubted much would, but at least a ride would clear his head. Unlike the brandy—that would lead to pain and many regrets.