Page 14 of Two Secrets to Surrender (Blackwood Legacy #2)

Chapter Thirteen

T wo days later, Gigi was taking tea with her brothers and sister-in-law at the Leaning House. The group included her eldest brother James, the Earl of Manderly, who’d come from his estate a few hours away. At thirty-three, he was a younger version of Papa with his bronze-colored hair, grey-blue eyes, and brawny frame. Ever the impeccable heir, he had nary a wrinkle on his charcoal frock coat and black wool trousers, and his claret cravat formed a perfect knot beneath his square chin.

Mrs. Pettigrew had given them the best table next to the bow window, which offered privacy and a view of the square. Unfortunately, the view now included a large monument. The obelisk dedicated to Abel Pearce dominated the scene; the wintry sunlight gave the stone an unpleasant glow that made Gigi think of fleshy worms after a rain.

“What a remarkable addition to the square. And to think, Ethan.” James raised his cup of Assam tea. “We have you to thank for it.”

“How was I supposed to know what the monument would look like?” Ethan grumbled.

Of her brothers, Ethan was the one Gigi most physically resembled, as they’d both inherited their mama’s coloring. As a girl, Gigi had gone to Ethan first when she had a problem for, despite his overprotective nature, he was the most understanding of her siblings. While his injury had, understandably, turned him into a brooding curmudgeon for a few years, his marriage had restored his disposition.

“Didn’t Mrs. Pearce inform you?” James inquired.

Ethan scowled. “Her voice is like a badly tuned piano. Whenever she speaks, my ears close. It is instinctual—an act of self-preservation.”

Beside him, Xenia giggled, and a wry smile tugged on James’s lips.

While Gigi was happy to see James, she found it worrisome that he hadn’t brought his wife, Evie. When the pair had first wed, the sweet, shy blonde, had accompanied James everywhere. In the past year, however, Gigi had seen less of her sister-in-law, and whenever she asked James about it, he brushed it off or claimed that his wife, a budding botanist, was busy with her greenhouse.

Gigi sensed something was amiss with the pair. Just like she knew that Owen, who sat beside her, was still struggling with his demons. At times like this, her intuitive nature felt like a curse. Like the Cassandra of mythology, her ability to predict disaster was overshadowed by the fact that no one listened to her. She was forever treated like the baby sister who was loved and coddled but not taken seriously. Because she knew her family’s protectiveness came from a place of love, she didn’t hold it against them. But for Conrad to underestimate, nay demean , her abilities…that was too bitter a pill to swallow.

How dare he treat me so shabbily? It was not as if I expected gratitude, but a word of thanks or a “well done” would have sufficed. And I was beginning to…to like him, too.

A week had passed since their rendezvous in the caldarium. Luckily, no one knew about their indiscretion…except for Miss Letty. Out of necessity, Gigi had awakened her friend that morning and confessed to the events leading to the discovery of the caldarium (minus certain intimate details). While Miss Letty had been ecstatic over the existence of the secret chamber, she had also grasped the scandalous consequences if word got out that Gigi had been alone with a man. The spinster had vowed to take that secret to the grave.

Gigi’s reputation was safe for now. If only she could say the same for her sanity. Her righteous fuming over Conrad’s behavior was constantly interrupted by other memories of that night. The hot flick of his tongue, the teasing suction of his mouth, the way he’d ground his…his cock against her. Just thinking the word made her hot all over. She’d never felt anything like it…never known such pleasure existed . At night, she tossed and turned, trying to get those memories out of her head. Trying to ignore the ache between her legs. To block out his rough and undeniably arousing words.

I cannot wait to feel your drenched pussy squeezing my prick.

In the shadows of her bower, feverish curiosity had consumed her. If what he’d done on the outside , with layers of clothing between them, had felt so blissful, how would it feel to have him doing such things inside her?

It wasn’t just the pleasure she remembered. There were also the demons that had chased him through his dreams, and the vulnerability she’d glimpsed beneath his pitiless exterior. He was a complicated man with hidden depths, yet for a brief instant, he’d seemed to be letting her in…

It doesn’t matter. He’s made no effort to contact you, even though he has taken up residence in Honeystone Hall. You mean nothing to him.

Through the village grapevine, she’d learned that Conrad had leased a manor not far from the spa. She didn’t know his intentions, and she told herself she didn’t care.

“You are awfully quiet, Gigi.” James’s voice cut through her thoughts. “What mischief are you plotting, I wonder?”

She started, realizing that all eyes were upon her.

“I’m not plotting,” she said hastily. “Nor am I involved in any mischief whatsoever.”

James arched his brows. Growing up, she’d found him the most intimidating of her brothers, not only because of their age difference but also because he was the most proper…and perceptive.

“Me thinks our sister doth protest too much,” he drawled.

Gigi fought her rising blush. “I am not protesting. I haven’t been up to any trouble.”

“Stop teasing her, James.”

Surprisingly, it was Owen who came to her rescue. While he had apologized to Ethan and patched things up, Gigi felt his residual brooding over the matter. Ethan, on the other hand, was too busy flirting with his wife to be grumpy. His dark head bent, he murmured something for Xenia’s ears only. She, in turn, gazed at him as if he’d hung the stars in the sky for her. It was clear that the rest of the world had ceased to exist for them.

It was like that with Conrad in the caldarium. For a little while, he was different. Then he had to ruin everything by reverting to his boorish self.

“It was an honest question.” James rotated his cup a precise quarter-turn in the saucer. “By ‘mischief,’ I was referring to our Gigi’s ‘job’ at the infamous bath.”

Oh, right. He’s talking about the spa. He doesn’t suspect my, ahem, other activities.

Sensing an opportunity, Gigi decided to take it.

“Miss Letty and I were making excellent progress,” she said brightly.

James took the bait. “Were?”

She gave him an innocent look. “Until Ethan barred me from going there.”

“Why would he do that?”

James addressed the question to Ethan, who was too occupied with Xenia to take notice.

“Will this newlywed phase never end?” Casting his gaze heavenward, James cleared his throat loudly. “Ethan, old boy, did you see the pig that flew by?”

Ethan tore his gaze from Xenia.

“Pardon?” His indigo eyes were distracted. “Something flew by?”

“Never mind. I was just trying to get your attention,” James said. “Given my charming competition, that is a Herculean task.”

Xenia blushed, looking charming indeed in her red wool walking dress, which matched her fiery curls. Looking rather smug, Ethan picked up Xenia’s hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.

“Why don’t you stop flirting with my wife and tell me what you want?” he said mildly.

“I was asking why you would prevent Gigi from going to the spa,” James replied.

Ethan’s expression darkened. “Because I am her older brother and she is my responsibility, that’s why.” He lowered his voice. “And I will not allow some scoundrel to dally with her.”

“Scoundrel?” James’s urbane facade vanished in a blink. “What’s this about, Gigi?”

You opened this Pandora’s box for a reason. Make it worth it.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Gigi said quickly. “A fellow named Mr. Godwin was visiting Miss Letty’s spa, and there was an accident. He caught me as I was about to fall into the pool. Xenia saw us at an inopportune moment, but nothing happened.”

She turned pleading eyes to her sister-in-law. “Please, Xenia, won’t you vouch for me? You know how much Miss Letty and her spa mean to me. In this final stretch before the reopening gala, she needs my help more than ever.”

Xenia bit her lip. “The reopening is important?—”

“Nothing is more important than Gigi’s well-being,” Ethan said.

James nodded. “On that, we agree.”

“Hear, hear,” Owen added.

Perfect. The one time these three agree on anything, it is on restricting my freedom.

Gigi scowled at her brothers. “Why must I be treated like a prisoner? Why can’t you trust my judgment? It’s not fair. I am twenty-two years old. At my age, James was on the Grand Tour, Ethan was giving concerts all over England, and Owen…”

Too late, she realized her slip. In the heat of the moment, she’d referenced the painful period in Owen’s life that had the power to trigger one of his explosive episodes. Filled with guilt and dread, she shot a wary look in his direction.

Owen’s storm-colored gaze met hers. He was as handsome as her other brothers, but the ordeal he’d suffered had left its mark. Lines aged his face, permanent shadows smudged beneath his soulful eyes. Although he’d gained some much-needed weight since coming to Chuddums, he was still too thin. His brown hair was shaggy and needed a trim.

Hitching his shoulders, he said, “Life isn’t fair, is it?”

Seeing that his expression was ironic rather than haunted, she let out a slow breath. As did everyone else at the table. Except for Owen, who took a gulp of tea and popped a bite-sized ham and mustard sandwich into his mouth.

“We do not make the rules, Gigi.” Now that disaster was averted, James took up the refrain. “As an innocent young lady, you are bound by the dictates of society.”

I am not that innocent . Rebellious pleasure quivered through her. And what if I am tired of society’s stupid dictates?

“It is our duty as your brothers to keep you safe.” Ethan added his brick to the tower they were building around her. “We are looking out for your best interests, Gigi. You know that.”

Dash it all. Was there any explanation more annoying than, It is for your own good?

“Surely there can be a compromise,” Xenia said. “What if, in place of Colette, I accompany Gigi to the spa and promise to keep an eye on her at all times?”

“You wouldn’t mind?” Gigi breathed.

“Not at all,” Xenia said warmly. “I know how much the spa means to you.”

“What about the sonata you were helping me with?” Ethan asked. “I compose better with you by my side.”

“I can do both. I shall accompany Gigi during the day and help you in the evening.”

“Then I shall look forward to your nighttime assistance, my love.”

At Ethan’s devilish smirk, roses bloomed in Xenia’s cheeks.

Before Gigi could celebrate her victory, James said, “Who is this Godwin fellow?”

Botheration.

“It’s Conrad Godwin,” Ethan said.

James’s expression hardened. “The industrialist? The cove’s a shark in his business dealings. Not to mention a rake?—”

“That’s the one,” Ethan said dryly. “You see why I kept Gigi away from the spa?”

“Is he still here? Have you paid him a visit?” James demanded.

“Ethan has not,” Gigi burst out. “Because I begged him not to make a mountain out of a molehill. And will you please stop talking about me as if I weren’t here?”

James looked briefly nonplussed. “We were doing no such thing.”

“I’m a grown-up and capable of handling myself. Nothing happened that day. My reputation is safe, so please don’t go looking for trouble.”

“Regardless, it’s not safe for you to go to the spa,” James insisted. “Even chaperoned by Xenia.”

Her frustration boiling over, Gigi opened her mouth, but Owen spoke first.

“I’ll escort Gigi and Xenia,” he said.

Everyone stared at him, including Gigi. While Owen did occasionally venture into the village, he didn’t stay long. He preferred the solitude of Ethan’s estate.

Gigi drew her brows together. “Are you certain you are up to it?”

“It is not as if I have anything better to do.” Shrugging, Owen bit into a jam tart.

After tea, Gigi and Xenia stopped at Mrs. Sommers’s small but tidy dress shop. Gigi had an appointment for a fitting of the gown she was to wear to the spa’s gala. Along the way, they collected Duffy, whose opinion was invaluable in such matters.

Exiting the dressing room, Gigi twirled to show off her new dress.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“That ball gown is perfect on you,” Xenia declared.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Mrs. Sommers.” Duffy circled Gigi with a critical eye. “The design is exquisite. The embroidery at the hem mimicking waves of water is an inspired touch. Brava, madam.”

“Your suggestion of the pale-blue satin gave me the idea, Mr. Duffield.” Mrs. Sommers, a petite lady whose manner and appearance were as neat as her shop, bowed her head. “We both deserve credit.”

“If I may make a further suggestion?” Duffy asked.

“Please do,” Gigi said.

“What do you think about lowering the slope of the bodice by half an inch?”

Mrs. Sommers pursed her lips. “A bit more dashing but demure, nonetheless. An improvement, I think. Lady Gigi?”

“I put myself entirely in your and Duffy’s capable hands,” Gigi said happily.

When Mrs. Sommers went to show Xenia some gloves that had just arrived, Gigi had a moment alone with Duffy.

“Any news from Godwin?” he asked quietly.

During her last visit to the draper’s shop, Gigi had disclosed most of her dealings with Conrad. Duffy hadn’t been too surprised when she admitted her attraction. His exact response had been, “ Well, look at the man. Who could blame you? ”

“No,” she said. “And I’ve decided not to spare him another thought.”

“Good for you, darling. He doesn’t deserve you.”

“How about you? Any developments?”

“As a matter of fact.”

Seeing Duffy’s hazel eyes light up, Gigi had to squelch an excited squeak.

“You spoke to him?” she said in hushed tones.

“When Oscar threw a shoe”—Oscar was Duffy’s dappled stallion—“I took it as a sign that I should give things one last chance. I went to the smithy, and it was just me and Mr. Keane. I made chitchat while he worked on the shoe. He didn’t say a word, of course, and I was despairing that I’d made a mistake when out of nowhere, he said, ‘ Patrick .’”

“I don’t follow.”

“Neither did I. Until he clarified.” Duffy’s chiseled features glowed with elation. “He wanted me to call him by his given name—Patrick.”

“Oh my stars.”

“And garters,” Duffy agreed happily. “I asked if he will be attending Miss Letty’s gala, and he said yes. And then…”

“Then what happened?” Gigi asked breathlessly.

“He said, ‘ See you there .’”

They sighed at the same time.

She touched her friend’s shoulder. “I’m so happy for you.”

“That makes two of us. Now I must get back to the shop.” Duffy winked. “Hopefully, I’ll have more news soon.”

With a smile on her lips, Gigi returned to the dressing room. Mrs. Sommers’s niece and assistant, Mattie, was pinning the bodice for the alteration. Seeing the twinkle in the buxom brunette’s eyes, Gigi sensed that Duffy was not the only one for whom love was in the air.

“You look like the cat that got the cream,” Gigi said lightly.

“I’ve a new follower, milady.” Mattie pinched a pin between her fingers, her eyes dreamy. “But please don’t tell my aunt about it. She’s already cross with me, saying I pay too much attention to beaux and not enough to what I’m doing.”

Eyeing the sharp pin hovering by her decolletage, Gigi cleared her throat.

“Perhaps it is better to focus on the task at hand,” she said. “Don’t worry, I shan’t breathe word of your follower.”

A few minutes later, Gigi was returning to the front of the shop when a small, sandy-haired boy appeared in the corridor. It was Kenny, Mrs. Sommers’s youngest.

Seeing the purpling bruise beneath his eye, she gasped. “What happened, dear?”

“Bullies,” he said succinctly.

“Oh. I’m sorry.” Her heart ached for the little lad even as she inwardly raged at the brutes who’d hurt him. “Your mama knows about it, I assume?”

“She does, milady. But a man must take care of his own problems.”

Seeing the way he threw back his thin shoulders, she was tempted to smile.

“While that is true,” she said with care, “a man must also know when he needs help.”

“I have help,” Kenny said. “I also have this…for you.”

Pulling a crumpled note from his pocket, he handed it to her and scampered off.

“What on earth?” she murmured.

There was no name on the front, and the decorative wax seal did not identify the sender. Brow furrowed, she broke the seal.

Duchess,

Of all the words in the English language, these are the hardest for me to say: I am sorry. While I don’t deserve another chance, I nonetheless humbly ask for one. I owe you an explanation for my behavior, which I would like to give in person. Would you do me the honor of meeting me outside your home at midnight? If you choose not to come, I will understand and bother you no more.

I remain your servant,

C