Page 5 of The Taming of the Countess

CHAPTER FIVE

F or the first time in years, Evangeline was looking forward to a ball. Not for the possibility of marriage—quite the contrary. Instead, she had decided to dress as the most unmarriable young lady in London. Her mother appeared pained by the idea, while her father thought it was great fun.

Hubert Buchanan, Viscount Dunwood, had renewed his courtship, and Evie wanted to deter the man in every way possible. He still treated her as if she should be honoured at his attentions, when she found him to be condescending and horrible.

He’d married a sickly young woman a year and a half ago and was already a widower. Despite the requisite mourning period, he’d begun sending Evie notes and flowers. He had set his sights upon her dowry again, and she was determined to push him away and convince him to leave her alone.

Tonight, she’d chosen the ugliest gown she could find. She had lied to the modiste and claimed that it was for a masquerade. The greyish-brown silk made her appear sallow, and the neckline rested at her throat, covering every inch of skin. A large bustle formed behind her, making her backside appear enormous. Last, she’d asked her maid to arrange her hair in a style befitting a spinster, tightly drawn back.

Instead of behaving like a well-bred lady, she intended to behave in the opposite manner. She would express every opinion and say whatever was on her mind. She didn’t care if it ruined all future marriage prospects. Men like Lord Dunwood were only interested in her dowry, so it probably wouldn’t make a difference. But tonight, she intended to be entirely herself. If that was unappealing to a gentleman, so be it.

Lily appeared confused by her attire, though she said nothing. In contrast, her best friend wore a lilac-coloured ball gown and had tucked violets into her hair.

‘You look lovely tonight, Lily,’ Evangeline said. ‘Especially in that colour.’ For so long, her friend had been a wallflower beside her because she had given her heart to Lord Arnsbury. Evie had thought the two of them still planned to be together, but Lily’s eyes appeared shadowed, as if she no longer knew what would happen between them.

‘Have you…changed your mind about finding a husband?’ Evie ventured.

‘Not at all. Thank you.’ Her friend’s voice was cool and disinterested, which made her wonder what had happened.

An awkwardness settled between them, and Evie wished she hadn’t asked. Even a few weeks ago, Lily had seemed eager to wed Lord Arnsbury. But now—something had changed. What was it?

Lily paused a moment and finally asked, ‘I do not mean to offend, but was this truly a gown of your choosing?’

A smile broke over her face. ‘It’s perfectly dreadful, isn’t it?’ Evie remarked. ‘I asked the modiste to find silk the colour of mouse fur. Now I can safely remain a wallflower, and no man would dare ask me to dance.’

Especially Lord Dunwood. With any luck, the man would stay far away from her.

‘It is…certainly a different colour than any I’ve seen before.’

Which was precisely why she’d chosen it. ‘My mother was horrified. She thinks I should make a greater effort to find a husband, but why would I want a man to govern my life with his own rules? I am perfectly happy with my books. And my father seems content to let me remain a spinster.’

Lily managed a nod, but they both knew it was the truth. Cain Sinclair considered no man worthy of his daughter. And Evie knew if her father had the slightest idea of what had happened between her and Lord Penford two years ago, Cain would have shot him.

At that moment, the earl crossed the room and joined his sister. Evangeline pretended as if he wasn’t there, and Penford did not acknowledge her presence. But there was still an invisible tension between them. She was entirely aware of the way his jacket outlined his muscular form and the faint sandalwood scent of his skin. She remembered, too well, the taste of his mouth against hers.

‘Lily, would you care to dance?’ the earl asked his sister.

‘Not just now, thank you,’ Lily answered. A smile of mischief lifted her mouth. ‘But I am certain Evangeline would be happy to take my place.’

Oh, no. Not that.

She wanted to throttle her friend for even suggesting such a thing. The thought of being in James’s arms again was unthinkable.

She turned to the earl and answered cheerfully, ‘I would sooner stand in a corner and peel wallpaper. But thank you for the offer.’

James’s posture stiffened, and he coughed as if he were trying not to laugh. His eyes suddenly gleamed with mischief of his own. And strangely, she felt as if she’d just thrown down an invisible gauntlet. ‘I see your manners have not improved, Evangeline.’

Oh, he had no idea just how rude she could be. She fully intended to accept that challenge.

‘Forgive me,’ James apologised to his sister, ‘but I am trying to avoid being matched up by the meddling mamas.’

‘Matchmaking meddling mamas,’ Evangeline repeated. ‘Now there’s a phrase I’d wager you couldn’t say three times without twisting up your tongue.’

‘I don’t recall that you are part of this conversation.’ James gave her a teasing sidelong glance, as if daring her to fire back at him. It was an open dare, and one that she accepted willingly.

‘I don’t know that I want to be part of a conversation with you .’ Without another word, she spun and strode away, disappearing into the crowd.

Was it terrible that she had enjoyed their verbal sparring?

You shouldn’t , she warned herself. You’re only trying to destroy any wayward feelings you still have.

But even as she turned down another man’s invitation to dance, she caught Penford watching her from across the room. Whether he’d admit it or not, there was a slight smile on his face, as if he’d enjoyed himself as much as she. And somehow, he’d talked Lily into dancing with him, to avoid the matchmakers.

Evangeline accepted a glass of lemonade from a footman serving at the refreshment table and watched as the pair of them danced together. Once, she would have gladly taken Lily’s place. Her brain warned that it wasn’t a good idea.

No, her decision to stay away from Penford was the right one. And perhaps someday, she would be able to look at him and not remember the searing heat she’d felt in his arms.

She finished her lemonade and took another stroll to the opposite side of the room. Unfortunately, Lord Dunwood was waiting and greeted her with a sardonic smile. ‘You look lovely this evening, Miss Sinclair.’

Why, oh, why had she allowed herself to be distracted by James instead of paying attention to who was waiting for her?

Evangeline suppressed a groan. She honestly didn’t want to talk to him. And though it was terribly rude, perhaps that was the best way to handle the situation.

She hadn’t forgotten the way the viscount had mocked her during their first meeting, and it irritated her that he still seemed to think she should be flattered by his interest. Although she supposed he was passably handsome, it was his arrogance that made him hideous.

‘Miss Sinclair?’ he prompted. ‘Did you hear what I said to you?’

Unfortunately. She weighed her options, wondering if she should simply mutter a thank you and continue walking. But no. Why should she be polite to a man she was trying to get rid of?

Instead, her good sense went out the window, and she blurted out, ‘It seems that my attempts at deterring your interest have failed. Or you may need to see a doctor about your eyesight, Lord Dunwood.’

He ignored her remark and asked, ‘Would you care to dance, Miss Sinclair?’

‘Not in a thousand years, thank you. But I believe Miss Brown might be delighted.’ She nodded towards a young, giggling maiden who lacked the sense God gave a goose. Only she might be able to endure his company.

‘I would prefer to dance with you.’ His smooth smile was as empty as his compliments.

Evangeline highly doubted that. ‘No, sir, I imagine you would prefer that I entertain the idea of a future with you. But I would have to be completely desperate to wed a fortune hunter, such as yourself. And I assure you that I would rather be a spinster for the rest of my life.’

A darkness slid over his expression, though he masked it with another smile. ‘It’s been two years, Miss Sinclair. Have you had a single offer of marriage other than mine?’

She’d had plenty of courting gifts from gentlemen. She’d even had a poem from one suitor who had praised her hair, comparing it to sunlight…though her hair was so dark, it was nearly black. Evangeline guessed that he had probably sent the same poem to every unmarried lady.

‘There has been no shortage of offers from impoverished gentlemen who want my dowry.’ Sadly, it was the truth. ‘And you, yourself, were married for several months.’

‘I am out of mourning now,’ he said. ‘And I need an heir.’

Not from me , Evie thought.

She dismissed Lord Dunwood by saying, ‘I think it’s time for you to turn your charms upon someone else.’

She had nearly escaped him when he suddenly reached out for her wrist. He squeezed it tightly and drew her back.

Without thinking, she slapped him with her fan. ‘Do not touch me, sir.’

‘One of these days, you’ll come to regret your rudeness, Miss Sinclair.’ He did release her hand, but she suspected the skin would bruise.

‘I highly doubt it.’ But she did regret speaking to him. And what did he mean she’d come to regret being rude? It sounded like a threat, and that was something new from him. She was beginning to wish she’d walked away the moment she’d seen him.

Evangeline strode past Lord Dunwood, keeping her head held high, so as not to appear afraid. She looked for Lily and then saw Lord Penford dancing with Miss Brown. She was smiling prettily, laughing in delicate little trills that made her curls bounce. Although the earl retained his own smile, she suspected that Miss Brown’s giggling was beginning to wear upon his mood.

The earl’s gaze caught hers, and she wondered if he’d seen her strike Lord Dunwood with her fan. There was a look in James’s eyes as if he wanted to approach her.

The dance ended, and he bowed to the young woman before making a hasty retreat. Evangeline tried in vain to move out of his path, but he moved towards her and said, ‘Are you all right, Miss Sinclair?’

‘I am, thank you.’ She tried to behave as if nothing were wrong, but he appeared doubtful.

‘Good. Then you can dance with me.’

Dance? Why would he want to do that? The very thought flustered her. ‘I believe we’ve already discussed this. The answer is no.’

He smiled warmly at her. ‘Oh, you needn’t worry that it means anything. I need to escape the matchmakers.’

‘And what if I don’t want to be used like that?’ She was indignant that he was once again treating her like a sister. ‘I ought to take you over to the matchmaking mamas and introduce you. I could tell them how much you are looking forward to meeting their daughters and finding a wife.’

‘You’d feed me to the tigers?’

‘Without hesitation.’ She smiled at him, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He took her hand and placed it on his arm as they strolled through the ballroom.

‘Why did you hit Lord Dunwood with your fan,’ he remarked. ‘What did he do?’

‘He made the mistake of trying to grab my wrist.’

Lord Penford’s expression darkened with annoyance. ‘He should know better. Do you want me to speak to him?’

‘I already did,’ she said. ‘And you’re not responsible for me.’

He gave a slight nod of agreement. ‘As you say.’

‘But if he asks me to marry him again, I might borrow Lady Allston’s ear trumpet to ensure that he actually hears me when I refuse.’

‘So, you’ve no wish to indulge in matrimonial bliss?’

‘Not with a fortune hunter like Viscount Dunwood.’ She began fanning herself, for it was becoming rather hot. ‘What of you? Are you still avoiding marriage?’

‘With every bone in my body.’

His words relaxed the tension she didn’t know she was carrying. ‘You do realise that your avoidance will only make the matrons even more determined to wear you down? You’re far too desirable to remain a bachelor.’

‘Let them try. I’m less suited for marriage now than I ever was.’ Though his tone was light, she suspected there was a shadow beneath the words.

For that reason, she tried to keep her own questions conversational. ‘Because you still wish to travel the world?’

‘No. I’m happy to remain in England for the rest of my life. But let us simply say that our travels in India left their own scars.’

His honesty surprised her, for she’d not expected him to reveal that truth to her. Though she wanted to probe deeper, to ask him what he meant by that, his expression appeared haggard. And the James she knew would never reveal any weakness. If she asked what had happened, undoubtedly, he would refuse to speak of it. Even Lily and Rose had revealed nothing; they’d been intensely private about their brother’s return.

Although she understood that they were protecting Penford, she couldn’t help but be curious about his travels. And what were the scars he spoke of? She sensed that they were not physical scars, but something else entirely.

And yet, she reminded herself that this was not the time or place for such a revelation. Not during a wedding celebration.

‘I suppose we both have the same goal, then. To avoid marriage.’ Evie fluttered her fan, averting her gaze.

‘I thought there was a time when you wanted to find a husband.’

Once, that had been true…when she’d hoped to marry him. But instead, she answered, ‘Not any more.’

His expression grew concerned. ‘It’s my fault that you changed your mind, isn’t it?’ He let out a harsh sigh. ‘I’m sorry.’

For a moment, she didn’t quite know what to say. It had begun that way, but then she had found a different purpose during their two years apart. She’d found a hidden part of herself, and she refused to give up that independence in exchange for marriage vows.

‘You did break my heart,’ she agreed. ‘But no, my decision not to marry is for another reason. A husband would never allow me to continue managing Aphrodite’s Unmentionables. It’s my family’s legacy, and I’ve enjoyed the challenges of maintaining a business. It’s entirely inappropriate for a lady…but I was surprised to find how much I’ve enjoyed it.’

‘And you think a husband would make you give it up?’

‘I know he would. A titled lord would likely be ashamed of me and insist that I have nothing to do with it—but only after he’s spent my entire dowry, of course.’

He eyed her with interest but merely nodded in agreement. They both knew it was true. ‘Then I’ll bid you luck in your quest to avoid matrimony. The dress was a good choice. I’ve never seen anything uglier.’

‘It’s perfectly hideous,’ Evangeline agreed. ‘I asked the modiste to give me fabric the colour of mouse fur. I would say she succeeded.’

‘Indeed.’

* * *

After spending several days in his father’s study, trying to make sense of the family accounts, James was left with one inevitable conclusion. He was going to have to pay a call upon Evangeline’s father, Cain Sinclair.

He’d read through the ledgers half a dozen times, and he kept finding the same answers. His mother had given over a huge sum of money to the man to invest a few months ago, and God only knew why or what had happened.

Although he trusted Evangeline, he knew very little about her father. And why Iris had given an acquaintance their money was a mystery he intended to unravel.

His driver brought him across town to the Sinclair residence. When James disembarked, he was surprised to find gentlemen waiting outside the townhouse. Most were carrying bouquets of flowers, while others held gifts of different sorts. They were all here to court Evangeline, so it seemed. Was this an everyday occurrence to have such a queue outside her house?

He started to walk past the men when one called out, ‘And just where do you think you’re going? You’ll have to wait like the rest of us.’

‘I am here to pay a call upon Mr Sinclair.’ James ignored the men and crossed to the front of the group. But when he was nearly there, he saw Viscount Dunwood among them. The man sent him an irritated look, and it was clear that he was frustrated at having to wait.

It seemed that Evie’s refusal had indeed fallen upon deaf ears.

When the footman opened the door again, James repeated his request. ‘I am the Earl of Penford, here to see Mr Sinclair.’

The footman raised an eyebrow but led him to the hallway, along with the next suitor in line. ‘You can both wait here.’

James cast a sidelong glance at the suitor, who appeared to be twenty years older than Evangeline. In his hands, the man held a brown paper parcel.

‘What did you bring her?’ James asked.

‘That’s none of your affair,’ the suitor answered. He lifted his chin and stared at the drawing room.

‘How long have you been waiting to speak with Miss Sinclair?’ he prompted.

‘An hour,’ the man answered. ‘And I promise you, she will not see us both at the same time.’

‘As I said before, I am not here to see Miss Sinclair. I am here to speak with her father.’

But just then, Evangeline arrived, along with her mother. Margaret Sinclair’s eyes gleamed when she saw him. ‘Lord Penford. It is good to see you again.’

‘And you, Mrs Sinclair,’ he agreed. He turned to Evangeline, who was wearing a gown the colour of dead leaves. Her hair was severely drawn back into a tight arrangement, and she appeared ready to do battle against the suitor.

He couldn’t stop himself from smiling at her. ‘Is that your latest gown, Miss Sinclair?’

She sent him a murderous glare. ‘It is.’

‘And you look absolutely breathtaking,’ the suitor interrupted. ‘I have never seen a more lovely lady than yourself.’

‘Lies,’ James countered. ‘I have never seen an uglier gown in all my life. Aside from the one you wore at the ball the other night. What was it? The colour of mouse fur? And what would you call this one? The colour of horse dung?’

Margaret Sinclair appeared horrified at his words, but Evangeline broke into a laugh. ‘I believe you’re right.’

The merriment in her eyes accentuated her features, and he couldn’t help but return the smile.

Margaret nudged her daughter sharply, and Evangeline muttered to the suitor, ‘Thank you.’ To James, she said, ‘I thought we had agreed not to see one another again.’

‘True enough. I didn’t come to see you. I came to speak with your father.’

Her face turned curious. ‘And why would you do that?’

‘To find out why my mother gave him over half our family assets,’ he said. ‘And, I suppose, to thank him for ensuring that her investment turned a profit.’

‘Ah, I see.’ Evangeline gave a nod.

‘Evie, I think we should go into the drawing room,’ Margaret said. ‘There are many gentlemen waiting.’

‘I wish you great fortune in achieving your goal,’ he said to Evangeline with a wink. She rolled her eyes, though he meant her goal of avoiding marriage.

‘Good day, Lord Penford,’ Mrs Sinclair said politely.

He gave a slight bow, and Evangeline sighed as she followed her mother inside. But not before she sent him one last look. It almost appeared as if she wanted to be rescued.

After a quarter of an hour, her father strode down the hallway. Cain Sinclair still had hair that was longer than was fashionable, tied in a queue down his back. The dark strands were shot with grey, but there was no denying the physical strength of the Highlander. His broad shoulders strained the seams of his jacket, and he crossed his arms.

‘And just why have you come to see me, Penford? It’s no’ about my daughter, is it?’

‘Indeed, no. I am unworthy of your daughter, and we both know it.’

At that, the Highlander cracked a smile. ‘We agree on something, then. Come, and we’ll talk outside in the garden.’

James followed the man down the hallway, and it was then that he noticed the subtle touches of wealth. The stairway was carved with leaves and finials, and the polished floors gleamed with exotic woods he’d not seen before.

It surprised him that Mr Sinclair wanted to speak outside when it was November. But then he saw targets set up in the garden along a stone wall. The winter air was clear and crisp, and he saw a row of pistols upon a table.

‘Do you shoot?’ Sinclair asked.

‘Only while hunting.’ It had been some time since he’d fired a weapon.

‘If you’re wanting to practise, be my guest,’ Sinclair invited.

‘After you,’ he offered. While the man chose a weapon, James began, ‘I wanted to ask you about the investments my mother made with your help.’

Cain’s expression sobered. ‘Lady Penford did no’ take your father’s death well. It…shattered her mind in her grief.’

He’d seen glimpses of that already. His mother still seemed lost and lonely, as if she were barely hanging on to her place in the world. ‘Unfortunately, you’re right. I don’t know why she came to you.’

‘She was grieving and needed help. Your sister Rose fell ill, and your sister Lily was pining for Lord Arnsbury,’ Sinclair admitted. ‘Lady Penford was worried about your father’s debts and asked me to invest on their behalf.’

‘And you agreed to this?’ He kept his voice calm and deliberate, but if Sinclair had dared to take advantage of their family, he wouldn’t hesitate to set things right.

The Highlander loaded his pistol, took aim at the target, and fired. There was a clean hole in the centre of the target. ‘Your mother was kind to my family when so many others were not. Even now, we are no’ welcome in many ballrooms.’ He glanced around at their house. ‘My Margaret is the finest lady I’ve ever known. And your mother, Lady Penford, stood up for my wife and daughter against those who wanted to spread lies about them. When she came and asked for help, I was only too glad to give it.’

He reloaded the pistol and took aim again, blowing a second hole through the centre of the target. ‘I used the investment money she gave to help expand our family’s business. And I doubled her profits within a year.’ The Highlander’s voice softened. ‘We also helped many women find work so they could feed their families.’

He finished by saying, ‘I returned everything to Lady Penford, along with the profits. Your sisters now have generous dowries.’

There was a subtle censure to his tone, as if James ought to be more grateful.

And he was, in truth. ‘Thank you for your assistance, Mr Sinclair,’ he said. ‘I know things were difficult for my family after my father passed and I was away.’

‘Your mother is no’ well,’ he said. ‘I suppose she’s wanting to live in a world where your father is still alive.’

James nodded. ‘We all miss him.’ He paused a moment and offered, ‘If we were to…invest again in your family’s business—’

‘You’d have to speak with Evie,’ Cain answered. ‘She is the reason why you earned such a profit. Never seen anyone with such a head for numbers as my lass.’ A sly look crossed his face. ‘Should I go and ask her to join us?’

‘I wouldn’t want to intrude upon her suitors,’ he answered. ‘You can simply tell her that I’ll speak with her later.’

‘Speak to me about what?’ came Evangeline’s voice from the doorway. Her gaze narrowed upon him, and she let out a sigh. ‘Please don’t tell me that I was the subject of your discussion with my father.’

‘Indirectly,’ he answered. ‘Rest assured, I am not here to request your hand in marriage.’

‘Thank goodness.’ Evangeline hurried down the stairs. ‘I’ve had enough of gentlemen for one day. Especially after Lord Dunwood, who still cannot seem to grasp that I despise him and would never consider him as a husband. I told Mother to send them all away.’ Her expression turned interested when she saw her father’s pistol. ‘Are you practising your shooting? May I join? I feel the need to shoot something right now.’

‘Go on then, lass,’ her father answered. ‘Lord Penford is considering investing more money in Aphrodite’s Unmentionables. If you’re willing to allow it.’ He leaned down and kissed the top of his daughter’s head. ‘I’ll leave the pair of you to discuss it.’

‘Without a chaperone?’ James pointed out. ‘Is that wise?’

The Highlander cracked a smile. ‘I’ve given my daughter a pistol. I’d say that’s chaperone enough.’ He placed a few bullets in Evangeline’s palm, and his eyes gleamed. ‘Make good use of it, lass.’

Her face brightened, and she loaded the weapon. Her father retreated to the house, leaving James to wonder what sort of discussion this was going to be.

‘Were the suitors that terrible?’ he ventured as she loaded the pistol.

‘No, they were the same as always.’ She took aim at the target. ‘Empty compliments, along with their mistaken belief that I am unmarried because I had no offers.’ Slowly, she squeezed the trigger and struck the centre of the target. ‘If anything, I have too many. But I tell them what I think of them, and they usually go away. Except Lord Dunwood.’

He wasn’t at all surprised. Although Evangeline Sinclair might have been a shy wallflower at one time, that young woman had disappeared. ‘And what did you say to him today?’

‘I told him that he ought to try listening to a woman, instead of telling me all the reasons why I should be grateful for his proposal.’ She set down her pistol and winced. ‘Do you know, the first suitor tried to sing to me.’

He tried to suppress his smile. ‘That sounds like torture.’

‘It was. And he simply wouldn’t stop.’ A look of mischief crossed her face. ‘That is, until I joined him in singing. I sang loudly and very, very off-key.’

‘It sounds as if he deserved it,’ James said. ‘But why do you take their calls if you don’t plan to marry?’

‘My mother holds out hope that one day I might change my mind.’ She reloaded the pistol and studied the target a second time. ‘But I won’t.’ She offered him the pistol. ‘Your turn.’

He aimed and took his shot, but although it struck the target, it was not quite in the centre. Evangeline sent him a slight smile.

‘You’re still a better shot than me,’ he admitted.

‘My father and Uncle Jonathan taught me everything I know.’ There was pride in her voice, and he couldn’t help but feel the same way. ‘They both wanted to ensure that I could always protect myself.’ Her mouth twisted in a wry smile. ‘Honestly, Papa would be happier if I carried a loaded pistol in my reticule.’

‘Thank goodness it’s not large enough,’ James said. Then he turned back to his true reason for paying a call. ‘I’d like to hear more about your family business. Your father thought I should speak to you about investing. It sounds as if this is about far more than earning a profit, isn’t it?’

She nodded. ‘It’s a way for women to earn money with their needle. They can feed their children.’ Her tone softened, and she added. ‘It may be a scandalous business, but I’ve seen the good it can do.’ She turned to face him. ‘And I won’t allow anyone to take that away from me. Or them.’

He saw the sincerity on her face, and it did seem that the investment was not only a sound one, but a charitable one. ‘Then I am interested in investing once again.’