His Wicked Lady Read online

  Marriage by Arrangement: Book 1

  His

  Wicked

  Lady

  Ruth Ann Nordin

  Wedded Bliss Romances, LLC

  His Wicked Lady - Smashwords Edition

  Published by Ruth Ann Nordin at Smashwords

  Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Ann Nordin

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cover Photo images Period Images. www.periodimages.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

  Cover Photo images Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

  Wedded Bliss Romances, LLC

  http://www.ruthannnordin.com

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Coming Soon: Her Devilish Marquess

  Other Regencies

  All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

  Find More About Ruth Ann Nordin

  Dedication: To Samantha Anne Sink, for sharing with me how beautiful love is when the right man comes into your life. Your story was such an inspiration and makes me appreciate romances so much more. Thank you!

  Chapter One

  June 1817

  Mr. Malcolm Jasper had just taken a drink of his brandy when his father barged into his den and blurted out, “When are you going to get married?”

  Malcolm almost spit out his drink. Almost. But he couldn’t bring himself to soil his new clothes. After he managed to swallow, he turned to his father. “What is this nonsense you’re sputtering?”

  “I think you heard me the first time.” Without an invitation, his father plopped down in the chair across from him and crossed his legs. Leaning back, he set his gaze on Malcolm as if he’d decided to make a careful study of him. “You’re twenty-five. It’s about time you got married and had some children. Life is more than work and money.”

  “I haven’t met the right lady.”

  “It’s hard to do that when you haven’t attended any balls since your sister found her husband.”

  With a grimace, Malcolm put his glass down. “Can’t we have one conversation where you don’t mention that blasted husband of hers?”

  “Watch your language.”

  “If that cad said ‘blasted’, you would laugh. If I say it, you criticize me.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Yes, it is. My brother-in-law can get away with anything.”

  “Logan isn’t as horrible as you make him out to be.”

  Malcolm shivered. “I asked you not to say his name in my home.”

  “Sorry. I forgot.” His father leaned forward, waiting until Malcolm met his gaze before continuing with, “It’s time you went back to the balls. Find a nice, reputable lady. If you don’t bore her, I’m sure she’ll accept your proposal.”

  “It’s nice to know what you think of me. You honestly believe I’m a dullard?”

  “You’re not a dullard to me, but then I enjoy discussing investments. Ladies, however, are more interested in what money will buy than how to acquire it.”

  Malcolm let out a loud sigh so his father would know how much he was bothering him. Truly, if he’d known his father was going to do this, he would have told the butler to forbid him entrance into his townhouse. But since his father had never approached him on this subject before, how could he have anticipated it?

  “I know you think I’m being unreasonable,” his father said, leaning toward him. “But I only have your best interest at heart.” When he rolled his eyes, his father continued, “It’s true. I care very much for you. You’re my son. I’m invested in your happiness.”

  “What is this really about? It can’t be about my finding a lady to marry.” He narrowed his eyes at him. “Is this about grandchildren? Now that Melissa’s given you one, you want another one?”

  His father gasped in what he suspected was mock indignation. “Grandchildren have nothing to do with this.”

  “Oh, don’t lie to me. I’m more intelligent than you give me credit for. I’ve seen the way your eyes light up whenever Mathias is around.”

  “I love my grandson. I won’t deny it. The lad may only be one month old, but I admit, he’s already got your mother and me wrapped around his little finger.”

  Malcolm shot him a pointed look. “And what could be better than having two, right?”

  “It’s more than that.” His father gestured to the room. “Look at all the fine things you’ve collected over the years. The artwork, the sculptures, the books, and the furniture. They’re all expensive.”

  “A gentleman has the right to use his money as he sees fit.”

  “Of course, he does. I’m not arguing that with you. But there’s only so much money a gentleman can make before he gets bored.”

  “I’m not bored.”

  “Not now. But then, you’re still young. You have your entire life ahead of you. I, however, am not young, and I can tell you from experience the best things in life are those you can’t buy. A good wife and children will bless you in ways money and possessions never can.”

  Good heavens, but his father wasn’t going to give up! He had that determined look in his eye, and that look only spelled trouble. Letting out a bewildered laugh, Malcolm asked, “What are you going to do? Request the Duchess of Ashbourne’s services to help me find a wife?”

  “That’s not a bad idea.”

  “I was merely jesting, Father. I wouldn’t use her services.”

  “But she did a wonderful job in finding your sister a husband.”

  Malcolm snorted. “The duchess had nothing to do with it. Logan came up to Melissa and kissed her before I had time to stop him.”

  “But she could have married Lord Waxman. Remember, she had a pending proposal, and that was because the duchess helped her.”

  Malcolm hid his grimace. Considering the fact that Lord Waxman was caught in a compromising position with an older lady, he was hardly worth an endorsement of the duchess’ ability to help anyone secure a good marriage. For the sake of peace, though, he kept quiet. It was enough his father was pestering him about finding a wife. He didn’t need to add Lord Waxman’s lack of moral standing to the argument.

&n
bsp; “At least consider marriage,” his father said after a long moment of silence passed between them. “If nothing else, it certainly is more enjoyable to sleep after you’ve made love.”

  “I think Logan has influenced your speech too much,” Malcolm muttered.

  “A gentleman doesn’t have to be a cad to know lovemaking is one of life’s best activities.”

  This time Malcolm didn’t hide his grimace. Of all people, his father was the last one he wanted to talk to about the bedroom!

  “I can tell when you’re not listening.” His father rose to his feet. “I’ll see myself out.” He turned to leave but stopped and faced Malcolm. “Before I go, I have one more thing to say.”

  Oh no, there was more? Malcolm forced his expression to remain neutral as he looked at his father.

  “When you die, who will inherit all the wealth you’ve built?” Seeming satisfied with his question, his father tipped his hat then left the room.

  Malcolm released his breath and closed his eyes, resting the back of his head on the chair. Just what he needed. Of all the things his father had said, the last one was the only one he couldn’t argue.

  ***

  Regan Alger, the Lady of Cantrell, twirled a strand of her blonde hair around her finger in boredom. Sure, the music was lively and couples were dancing, but there was no denying the restless feeling she’d been dealing with for the past year was only getting worse.

  Leaning in the chair, she glanced at her friend who seemed content to sip her sherry. “Are you really happy to be at this ball, Danette?” Regan asked.

  Her friend’s eyebrows rose as she turned to look at her. “Do I seem miserable?”

  “No. You seem happy. That’s why I asked the question.”

  Danette laughed. “What’s wrong with being happy?”

  “Nothing. I’m just surprised. It’s not like anything interesting ever happens at Lord Roderick’s balls. I would have had more excitement if I stayed home.”

  “To be fair, Lord Roderick did have some excitement last Season when the Duke of Ashbourne kissed Lady Seyton in front of everyone. Then there was the kiss Lord Toplyn gave Miss Jasper later that same evening.”

  Regan pretended to yawn, but it quickly became a real one. Goodness, something was truly wrong when a lady ended up yawning for real.

  Danette took another sip of her sherry then said, “A kiss is scandalous. The Tittletattle even put it on the front page for two weeks.”

  “A kiss is not exciting. It’s barely even noteworthy.”

  “Then what do you want someone to do?”

  “Well, it was exciting when Dr. Westward took off his shirt at Rumsey’s ball. That was definitely worth seeing. He’s got a nice chest. He does more than take care of patients to get muscles like that. Do you ever imagine what it’d be like to run your hands along his body?”

  Danette gasped and put her hand to her cheek. After a long moment, she relaxed and said, “I know what’s troubling you. When you return to your townhouse tonight, you won’t have someone in your bed. It’s been three years since Frederick died. Why not marry again? Your mourning period has long since passed.”

  “I know, but is it wrong to marry just so I can have someone in my bed? It’s not why I married the first time.”

  “If I recall right, you married Frederick because you were in your first Season and wanted to please your parents by marrying a titled gentleman. The bedroom never once crossed your mind.”

  “Yes, that is true.” Back then, she’d been a virgin and hadn’t known what to expect. Two years of marriage had changed all that. She knew very well what to expect, and more than that, she had enjoyed it—thoroughly. “Frederick was an excellent lover.”

  Her friend’s lips curled up. “So you told me on more than one occasion.”

  “Well, he hadn’t started out that way. He had to be taught.”

  “You’ve told me that, too.”

  Sensing her friend’s amusement, Regan sighed. “Do you really think it’s fair for me to marry again? What if Leonard thinks I’m trying to replace his father?”

  Danette’s expression grew serious. She set down her glass and placed her hand over Regan’s. “Leonard’s four. He doesn’t even remember Frederick.”

  “I know, but I want him to know about Frederick.”

  “He can learn about his father even if you marry again. You don’t have to sacrifice the one to have the other.”

  “But he’d have to be good with children. I’d want him to be good to Leonard.”

  “Of course, you would. Any mother would want that for her child.”

  There was a lull in their conversation, so Regan turned her attention back to the people in the room. Only with her dear childhood friend Danette could she speak so openly about her feelings, especially in a public place such as this. But no one overheard them. No one even glanced in their direction. Regan couldn’t believe it.

  At twenty-three, she was a wallflower. Danette, having never married, considered herself a spinster at twenty-four, though Regan thought she could easily find a husband if she’d put any effort into it. But her friend was hesitant after two failed engagements, none of which were her fault.

  With a groan, Regan slapped the arms of her chair and stood up. “Come. Let us ask some gentlemen to dance.”

  Danette shook her head. “No, we can’t!”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it doesn’t work that way. They are to ask us, not the other way around.”

  “Says who?”

  “Society.”

  Regan waved her hand. “Society? What does society know? You really think all those people are enjoying themselves?” She gestured to the dance floor. “Most are only pretending they like their dance partners because they’re supposed to. Why, look at….look at…” She scanned the crowd and saw a dark-haired gentleman who seemed as if he was about to fall asleep while he listened to the lady he was dancing with. “Look at him. He’s having a hard time keeping his eyes open. Sure, he’s smiling, but it’s not genuine.”

  The music ended, and he bowed to his companion.

  “I’m going to go over to him and bring some excitement to his evening,” Regan decided.

  “Better you than me,” her friend said.

  Realizing her friend was determined to spend all night in the chair, Regan marched right over to the gentleman in question. It didn’t matter one whit who he was. She just needed to do something, even small, that was out of the norm, something to ease the feeling of being trapped in a box. Even if it was for this one moment, she was going to do something unexpected.

  The dark-haired gentleman was in the process of heading for the refreshments, but she grabbed his hand, spun him around, and led him to the dancing area before he had a chance to protest. She faced him and curtsied as the music started.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” he finally managed once he overcame his shock.

  “Waiting for you to lead the dance,” she replied then gestured to the couples around them.

  He stood still, his dark brows, which matched his thick hair, furrowed, as if he couldn’t make up his mind on what to do. He was very pleasing to look at. No wonder she’d picked him on a whim. At the time, she’d thought it was because he seemed bored, but the rush of excitement at being close to him told her otherwise. It’d been a long time since she’d felt any spark of attraction for a gentleman, and she’d forgotten how pleasant it was.

  She took his hand and winked. “I won’t hurt you. I promise.” Then she picked up on the step to the dance.

  All at once he seemed to snap out of his shock and began to dance. “You do know it wasn’t appropriate of you to drag me over here like this, don’t you?”

  With a shrug, she offered a coy smile. “Maybe you were so handsome I couldn’t resist.”

  He paused in his step, so she nudged him in the side to remind him to keep up with the others.

  “If a lady wants to dance with a particular gentleman and
he hasn’t asked, then what else is she to do?” she asked. “I could have pined for you all evening, or I could have taken matters into my own hands and met you. So…what should I call you?”

  After a moment of moving his lips but not saying anything, he finally blurted out, “Mr. Jasper.”

  “Not a tilted gentleman then? No wonder you aren’t more persistent in finding a wife. You have no title to worry about passing on to the next generation.”

  “Have you been watching me all evening?”

  She thought about letting him believe it. It would, no doubt, boost his confidence, but it wouldn’t be right to lie. Not to him. “I’ll tell you the truth. I just noticed you a moment ago. But,” she continued when he seemed ready to reply, “you’re a good looking gentleman, so I thought, ‘Why not dance with him?’”

  Though a hint of red graced his cheeks, he said, “I don’t think you should be so bold. What if you get us into a scandal?” He glanced around them. “You’re fortunate no one noticed the way you hauled me over here.”

  She laughed. Oh, but he was just darling. Despite his age, which she supposed to be in the mid-twenties, he had such an innocence about him. “Mr. Jasper, when I get you involved in a scandal, it’ll be worth it.” Then, simply to see what his reaction would be, she winked suggestively at him.

  He gasped and made sure no one saw her. “I demand you stop this at once. I don’t wish to be the subject of a scandal. I have a good reputation in this town, and I wish to keep it that way.”

  “You’re so adorable.”

  He hushed her. “I don’t want to be adorable.”

  “Why not?”

  “Adorable is for children and pets. It’s not for grown gentlemen.”

  “But you are adorable. It’s a refreshing change from my otherwise dull life.”

  “I’m not here for your amusement,” he replied, not softening at all under her attempt to lighten the mood.

  Maybe she should have been adequately discouraged by his response, but for her, it was quite the opposite. In him, she had a challenge, and there was nothing like a challenge to make her feel alive. “Why are you here if you don’t wish to marry?”