Love's Guardian Read online

  Two women and a bevy of servants poured out of the front doors. The older woman bore a striking resemblance to Declan. Was she his mother?

  Morgan let out a low whistle. “I wondered who was going to play chaperone.” He winked at Alex. “You don’t know what you’ve accomplished, Wee One. Worthington never asks his family for anything.”

  “Is the auburn-haired woman his mother?”

  “His aunt. The girl is his cousin.”

  “You’re mistaken, Lord Worthington would never let Lady Lochsdale stay at his residence.” Catrina appeared flushed under her powder. “It’s unheard of.”

  “I suspect his family will be staying for the duration of her visit.” Morgan couldn’t keep the amusement out of his voice. “Lady Lochsdale will be well chaperoned.”

  Catrina huffed and shoved past them when the footman opened the door. “We’ll see.” Her voice floated back to them, sickening in its sweetness. “Lady Bradford, how nice to see you again.”

  “Lady Catrina, I didn’t know you were coming, and Lord Morgan.”

  Morgan helped Alex out of the carriage. Before she could take a step, the black-haired woman came over, took her hands, and stood back to look at her.

  “You must be the Countess of Lochsdale. I’m Lady Bradford, Declan’s aunt.” Her eyes were kind. Alex liked her immediately. “I’m sorry about the loss of your grandfather. Lord Lochsdale was a special man.”

  “You knew him?”

  “We had mutual acquaintances. He was always spoken of with the highest regard.”

  “I see you’ve met my aunt,” Declan said.

  Alex hadn’t heard him come up behind her, but she could feel his presence. It was oddly comforting in these new surroundings.

  “She’s a beauty, Declan.” Lady Bradford dropped her hands and turned to Declan’s cousin. “May I present my daughter, Lady Anna.”

  “Lady Lochsdale.” Anna giggled and bobbed a slight curtsey.

  “It’s a pleasure.” Alex could see Catrina’s coldly polite smile over Anna’s shoulder. It was a strange contrast to Anna’s enthusiastic grin.

  “Let’s all go inside.” Lady Bradford led the way. “I’m sure the journey was fatiguing.”

  That was an understatement. Lady Bradford couldn’t begin to imagine what she’d been through the last three days.

  Catrina had seen herself as an instructor of social etiquette. Alex had been subjected to hours of how to eat, what to wear, and whom to socialize with. Thank God it was over, and she hadn’t drawn her knife once.

  Perhaps her hand had drifted toward her boot a couple of times, but in each instance Morgan’s look stopped her. How he knew what she was going to do when he appeared to be asleep, she couldn’t guess.

  They followed Lady Bradford. The hallway appeared as awe-inspiring as the outside.

  Light green marble covered the floor, a perfect contrast to the mahogany wainscoting. Deep green silk decorated the upper section of each wall, along with the gilt-framed portraits of the Devereaux family.

  It was a decidedly masculine décor, right down to the staircase, which wound up the right side of the hall. The stairs were wide enough for two women in court gowns to descend side by side. Ornately carved spindles led upward toward two landings, but what drew her eye was the winged lion at the base.

  Unlike the lions out front, this one was far from benevolent. It appeared to be made of some kind of oak, the body carved as though ready to spring, its face menacing. Amber eyes seemed to follow her every move. She hoped she never had to come downstairs after everyone else had gone to bed.

  The group made their way past the lion to a drawing room on the left. A woman’s touch could be seen here; the fabrics were light and cheery. A small fire burned in the fireplace, taking the chill off the late spring afternoon.

  She gratefully sank onto a chair without arms. The hip pads Catrina had insisted she wear would never fit in an armed chair. At least this seat didn’t rock and sway with each bump in the road.

  “Williams, will you bring tea, and let Cook know there will be two more joining us.” Lady Bradford sat next to her daughter on the rose brocade settee.

  “I didn’t know you were visiting Lord Worthington.” Catrina’s low voice held polite interest. “Was it a sudden decision?”

  Lady Bradford glanced at Declan, who leaned against the fireplace. “We’d been staying at our townhouse for the Season, but then we got Declan’s note asking us to visit. We see so little of him. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

  “Will you be staying long?”

  Lady Bradford gave Declan a look Alex didn’t understand. “As long as he’ll let us.”

  Declan turned away.

  “Lady Anna, how might you be finding your first Season?” Morgan asked as Williams returned with the teacart and Lady Bradford began to pour tea. “Are the young bucks keeping you busy?”

  Anna blushed to the roots of her sandy colored hair. “It’s been wonderful. There are parties every night, and the entertainments are astounding.” Her eyes sparkled. “We went to Vauxhall Gardens, the theatre, and in two weeks there’s going to be a masquerade ball.” Anna turned toward Alex. “You’re going to attend, aren’t you, Lady Lochsdale?”

  “I—”

  “Of course she will.” Declan’s eyes met Alex’s across the room. “As a matter of fact, Anna, I’d appreciate it if you took her to all the parties. Lady Lochsdale doesn’t know many people in town yet.”

  “I’m sure I could secure invitations to any event you’d like,” Catrina offered. “Make up a list of what you want to attend, and I’ll send it around.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid my wardrobe is limited at the moment.” Alex was glad to have an excuse not to attend too many parties. They’d always bored her.

  “Nonsense.” Lady Bradford paused in the middle of pouring tea. “We can go to the drapers tomorrow. You could have several new gowns by the end of the week.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but the funds—”

  “Are at your disposal whenever you need them.” Declan raised an eyebrow in her direction. “You do remember the reason for your visit?”

  “That’s right, I wouldn’t want all my education to go to waste.” Catrina preened like she’d just married a Duke, although in this case she was settling for an Earl. “In fact, if you’d like, I’d be happy to go with you to the drapers tomorrow.”

  “No.” Alex hadn’t meant it to come out quite so sharp, but if Catrina went with them, there was no telling what kind of clothing torture she could devise. “I don’t want to bother you. Besides, I’d like to do a little sightseeing.”

  Lady Bradford passed her a plate of biscuits. “Why don’t Anna and I go with you in the morning and show you the sights in the afternoon?”

  “I’d like that.” Alex let out a small sigh. She must be more tired than she thought.

  “It’s settled then,” Lady Bradford said. “Right now I think I should show you to your room so you can freshen up.” She and her daughter both stood.

  “If you’ll excuse me,” Anna said. “I have a previous engagement.”

  Alex almost laughed when Anna left the room at a very unladylike pace. Declan’s cousin was going to be a joy to have around.

  “Morgan, could you escort Lady Catrina home?” Declan asked. “I have a few things I need to catch up on here.”

  “Be glad to. Might I be seeing you at White’s later?”

  “I’ll be there.” Declan took Catrina’s arm and escorted her from the room. Morgan followed behind.

  “Will you attend Lady Renlow’s soirée as well?” Catrina’s throaty question carried back to Alex. “I’d really like to see you.”

  Alex couldn’t hear his reply. Why should it bother her if he wanted to spend time with Catrina? He intended to marry her, didn’t he? She stared after them until Lady Bradford gave her a thoughtful look.

  “I really am rather tired.” Alex didn’t relish the chance to rest
as much as she wanted to be alone.

  Lady Bradford led her to a room at the top of the stairs. It was beautiful, with blue brocade bed curtains, chairs, and pillows. Fresh spring flowers stood on the carved table by the bed. Instead of a window seat, she had a bench that allowed for storage underneath. Her trunks stood open, and most of her things were already unpacked.

  “I’ll leave you alone.” Lady Bradford smiled and patted her arm. “I’ve assigned a maid. If you need anything, just ring for her. Dinner’s at eight.”

  “Lady Bradford?”

  “Yes?”

  “Is Lord Worthington’s mother living?”

  “No, my sister died bearing him.” Lady Bradford’s eyes filled with regret. “He’s so like her.”

  “I take it he hasn’t remained close with the family.”

  “No, in part I blame myself. He must have felt isolated as a boy and now...Well, he’s developed into a very private man. I’m hoping your being here will give us all a second chance.”

  “How?”

  “We’ll finally get to know him.”

  There was a crush at White’s. Declan searched the dimly lit club, stopping occasionally to greet an old acquaintance. The hour was late, so Morgan may have left.

  Declan was about to turn around, when he spotted him at an alcove table seated with a large, blond gentleman.

  “Morgan, I thought you’d gone.” Declan greeted his friend as he approached the table.

  “Almost did, but then I ran into Lord Bradford. It’s a strange thing Worthington, seeing all your family in one day.”

  Declan nodded to the other man. “Bradford, I didn’t know you were in London.” He never ceased to feel amazement at the difference between his cousins. Anna was high spirited and fun loving, while Adrian Leighton bordered on serious. With his white-blond hair and unusual light grey eyes most people thought him older than his years.

  “I just got back. There were some problems with one of our estates up north.”

  Declan sat down. “Anything serious?”

  “Not really, but I would like your opinion on a couple of things. Mind if I drop by tomorrow?”

  “As you wish.” He felt satisfaction in the arrangement he shared with his cousin. In all actuality, he enjoyed helping Bradford with estate problems, and Bradford reciprocated by keeping him advised of commercial opportunities. They’d furthered both their fortunes. “It will give you a chance to see your mother and sister.”

  Bradford’s glass paused halfway to his mouth. “They’re staying with you?”

  “Did I neglect to tell you?” Morgan lifted his glass in Declan’s direction. “Your cousin has just been named guardian to a twenty-year-old beauty. He’s asked your mother to chaperone.” He raised the glass high. “Here’s hoping he survives the experience.” In one swallow he downed what was left of his drink.

  “I’m glad you’re here, Bradford.” Declan leaned back in his chair as a footman came by with another round of drinks. After the man left, Declan continued. “Have you ever heard of a Lord Addington?”

  “The name’s not familiar.”

  “I wonder if you’d ask around?” Declan had every confidence that if there was something to learn, Bradford would uncover it. He’d developed an information network most of Society did not even know existed.

  Bradford inclined his head. “Might I know why you’re interested?”

  “The man tried to put a bullet in him,” Morgan said.

  “I believe he hired someone to make it look like a hunting accident.” Declan swirled the amber colored contents of his glass. “The assassin just wasn’t prepared for the Countess of Lochsdale.”

  “Countess?”

  “My ward, she took the bullet for me.”

  The minute raise of Bradford’s eyebrow was all that indicated his surprise. Unlike Anna, Bradford didn’t believe in displaying excess emotion. “Exemplary girl, but why was someone shooting at you in the first place?”

  “To get me out of the way. He wants to marry her, and I was making it difficult. From what I gather, he came into his title without an estate.”

  “Would your ward have him?”

  “Even if she agreed, I wouldn’t let her. My gut tells me there’s more to all this. I don’t trust him.”

  “Consider your questions asked, but it might take a couple of weeks.”

  “I doubt Addington will make his move before then. As I brought the Countess of Lochsdale here, I suspect he’ll show up in a day or two. It should make things easier. I’ll let you know when he arrives.”

  Bradford leveled his steel-gray gaze at Declan. “How long are my mother and sister staying with you?”

  “Only until I get Lady Lochsdale safely married.”

  “Mother must be pleased.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” Declan’s relationship with his family was tenuous. He’d only associated with them since his father’s death. Asking for help had been, difficult, especially from his aunt.

  If only he could trust Alex to stay out of trouble, he’d put her up in her grandfather’s townhouse, but he knew better. This was the only solution.

  “I take it you attended Lady Renlow’s soiree.” Morgan gave a shudder. “It’s a trial, the things a woman will be putting a man through. I stay away from the marriage mart myself. What about you, Bradford?”

  “I would find marriage inconvenient at the moment, but I imagine I’ll get around to it eventually.”

  “You should meet the Countess of Lochsdale. I’m thinking you’d make time.”

  “Morgan.” Declan’s voice held a warning.

  “Well, isn’t that what you’d be wanting? To get her married off as soon as possible.”

  “Bradford’s not interested.” Declan glared at his cousin, and Bradford was wise enough to keep quiet. “He’s too old for her.”

  That wasn’t true. His cousin was his junior by a year, but Bradford wasn’t the right man for Alex.

  Morgan smirked. “I’ll be curious to see whom you consider the perfect man for her.”

  “I’ll know him when the time comes.”

  “I’m guessing you know him quite well already.” Morgan swallowed down his drink and winked at his friend.

  Declan ignored him. Morgan never made sense when he was drunk.

  Nothing had changed since Declan last visited Madame Colette. The chair he sat in, the décor, the service. Everything spoke of the finest quality. No wonder the Ton considered the shop the most elite draper establishment in London.

  Alex stood on a platform surrounded by his aunt, cousin, and several seamstresses. She wore a fitted garment that accentuated her curves. He remembered how those curves felt, and his fingers itched to trace their path once again. He clenched his fists and rested them on his knees.

  “Mademoiselle, could you raise your arm a little higher?” A sharp-faced woman began to measure around the top of Alex’s breasts.

  He refused to watch.

  Two of the women in the shop were whispering and casting suggestive glances his way. He acknowledged them, which made them titter. God, he hated that reaction in a female. With a shake of his head, he returned his attention to his ward’s face.

  “Will it be much longer?” Alex’s voice held a tinge of impatience.

  “It is almost finished.” Madame Colette stepped back from the platform. “There, now the gowns will fit and make you look like a princess.”

  He hoped the woman didn’t see Alex cast her gaze toward heaven. A smile curved his lips. One more item to add to the list of things his ward didn’t like—being fitted for gowns. Judging from the sparse number of trunks she’d brought with her, she’d aptly managed to avoid that activity.

  He’d come along to make sure she didn’t order a shirt or a pair of breeches, but now that they were here, he had the strangest urge to dress her in finery. It almost felt as if she belonged to him. Fear shivered up his spine, and he concentrated on tapping his gloves against his thigh. She wasn’t his. He needed to
remember that.

  “I realize pastels are all the rage, but mademoiselle would look much better in jewel tones.” Madame Colette was a tall, attractive woman, with yellow blond hair and laugh lines at the corners of her eyes. Part of her success was due to the way she treated each of her customers, making them look their best, instead of outfitting them in the most current fashion.

  He’d used her in the past, whenever he needed a gift for a mistress. Experience had taught him he could trust her judgment.

  “Mama, how about this one?” Anna slid a brilliant turquoise silk from amongst the bolts of material.

  Alex’s eyes lit up. “Oh Lady Anna, it’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, it would make a nice gown for the theatre.” Colette brought it over for Alex to examine. “You will be needing several gowns, no? I would also suggest the dark green brocade shot with black and the coral silk. Done a l’Anglaise.”

  “What about the masquerade? Have you decided what you’ll go as?” Anna’s eyes were filled with mischief. “I’m going to be the goddess Athena. I’ve had my costume for weeks.”

  Alex glanced over at him and grinned. He wished she’d stop doing that. It made him want to kiss her.

  “I know just what costume I’d like, but it’s a secret.” Alex turned to Madame Colette, leaned down, and whispered in her ear.

  “Perfect. I could not have made a better selection. Leave the materials to me.”

  The seamstresses finished Alex’s measurements. She scrambled from the platform, left the room, and returned a short time later in her normal attire. He mourned the close fitting gown.

  She turned toward his chair and gave him an inquiring stare. “I’ve ordered a new habit, morning dresses, and ball gowns. I think I now own a piece of clothing for every occasion. Have I missed any, my lord?”

  “A wedding gown?”

  A hush fell over the small group until Lady Bradford spoke up. “Declan, don’t you think she should find a groom first? It just isn’t done.”

  “Call me an optimist. I want her to have one.”

  Alex’s cool voice came to him from the platform. “Any particular type, my lord?”