His Reluctant Lady Read online

  Taking a deep breath, she managed to smile at the butler. “You may leave us.”

  The butler bowed and left.

  She waited for a few tense seconds before she strode to the door and shut it, ensuring their privacy. When she turned around, Mister Robinson was only a couple inches from her. Gasping, she jerked back, her backside hitting the door. “A warning would be nice,” she said.

  He leaned forward, his arms on both sides of her, sufficiently trapping her. She pressed her back against the door, but he was still too close to her. Despite her apprehension, she made eye contact with him. If she was going to face the consequences of her actions, then she’d do so with her head held high.

  “You found out my secret,” she said, hoping she sounded braver than she felt.

  “I told you about the wager between Lords Davenport and Pennella in confidence,” he softly replied, his voice alarmingly void of emotion. “Do you realize how much trouble you’ve caused?”

  She couldn’t tell what he was thinking by studying his face. Clasping her hands behind her back, she squeezed her hands to help relieve the tension in her body. “What will you do?”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “I’m going to give you a decision. Either you marry me or I tell everyone you’re Gerard Addison.”

  Blast it! He was surprisingly conniving and even though she would lose no matter which option she chose, she had to admire his ability to pin her down. “If I marry you, then you won’t tell anyone I’m Gerard?”

  “Your secret will go to the grave with me.”

  “I don’t suppose you’ll give me time to think about it?”

  “You have five seconds.”

  “I meant more time, as in a couple days.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose and chuckled. “Four seconds.”

  She gritted her teeth. She had no choice. If word got out about her association with the Tittletattle, her reputation would be ruined. “Fine. I’ll marry you.”

  “I thought you’d choose that one. You are, after all, an intelligent lady.”

  “And you’re a persistent gentleman.”

  “Who eventually wins when he wants something bad enough.”

  There was no denying that. “And apparently, you read the Tittletattle.”

  “Not as much as my friend Lord Edon does. You and Lord Edon are pretty close, aren’t you? I noticed the Tittletattle used to feature him on a regular basis. I didn’t think about it until after the Tittletattle was circulating through White’s today, but it’s strange how he wasn’t featured after he got married.”

  “Yes, well, his father-in-law insisted he be worthy of Lady Catherine.”

  “Ah, that explains it,” he replied. “Have you and Lord Edon been lovers?”

  “Good heavens, no. I have no desire to be with any gentleman that way.”

  “But you’re a widow. Surely, you spent time in bed with your husband.”

  “Yes, and that was enough to know my bed is no place for a gentleman.”

  “So you didn’t enjoy it?”

  Her countenance hardened as she lowered her gaze. “I hated it.”

  “Why? What did your husband do?” he softly asked.

  “Does it matter?”

  “Immensely, since I’m to be your next husband.”

  “If you wished to spare me any grief, you’ll find your pleasure with a mistress instead of me.”

  With a sigh, he cupped the side of her face with one of his hands and tilted her head so she was looking at him. “I don’t know the details of what he did or didn’t do, but I assure you that you’ll find pleasure with me.”

  He kissed her, his lips gentle, sending a promise she knew he couldn’t keep. It wasn’t called a wife’s duty for nothing. And now she’d have to endure it with a gentleman who probably wouldn’t have a fatal accident.

  He brushed her cheek then stepped back. “I’ll take my leave.” Reaching behind her back, he took her hand in his and kissed it. “Now that we’re engaged, I want you to call me Christopher. What should I call you?”

  “Agatha.”

  “Good because that sounds much better than Gerard.”

  Despite the grim situation, a slight smile crossed her lips.

  “It’s nice to know the lady has a sense of humor.” He kissed her hand again. “Until we see each other again, my dear Agatha.”

  After he left, she released a shaky breath and headed over to her desk. She thought of pulling out her story to continue working on it, but she’d never be able to focus on it. She went over to the window and saw Christopher walking down the street. He looked immensely satisfied and she had to admit he was very clever. In the future, she wouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating him again.

  ***

  On the evening Agatha was due to attend Lord Clement’s party, her stomach twisted into a bunch of knots. Despite the breeze drifting in through the carriage windows, she was unbearably warm. Knowing she’d have to face Christopher, who’d undoubtedly announce their engagement, didn’t make things any better. She was about to become a married lady for a second time, and she wasn’t looking forward to it one bit. But what choice did she have? Lose her reputation to a scandal or lose her freedom to a gentleman?

  Her carriage stopped in front of Sophie’s townhouse, and she waited for the footman to bring her sister to the carriage before she put a pleasant smile on her face. “How are you this evening, Sophie?”

  “All right.”

  “You don’t sound excited.”

  Sophie shrugged as she examined her gloves. “There’s not much to get excited about.”

  “I assure you this dinner party will be exciting.” At least it would be once Christopher made his announcement. She studied her sister, wondering if she should tell her. If she did, maybe Sophie wouldn’t feel so bad about marrying a gentleman she found no real interest in. “As it turns out, I,” she swallowed the bitter lump in her throat, “accepted Mister Robinson’s proposal.” That was harder to say than she thought it’d be.

  Her sister gasped and leaned toward her. “You didn’t?”

  With a slight grimace she hoped her sister didn’t see, she said, “I did.”

  “But why? I thought you detested him.”

  “I don’t detest him. I’m just not fond of him.”

  “So why are you marrying him?”

  She sighed, knowing full well she couldn’t tell her sister the truth. “I thought I’d practice what I preach. Marriage isn’t exciting but it can be practical. Every gentleman needs an heir, or at least a son to pass on his name. He can’t exactly do that with a mistress.”

  “But what about the wife? What benefit does she get from it?”

  “Well, if she has no money, then ideally she gets that. A titled gentleman will offer her a title as well.”

  “But Mister Robinson doesn’t have as much money as us or a title. What benefit do you get from marrying him when you could marry another gentleman?”

  Agatha thought over the question. The truth was, there was no benefit in it for her. Not really. Christopher was likely to forbid her from writing for the Tittletattle and if he found out about her stories, he’d likely put a stop to those as well. But if she didn’t have her reputation, then what good was she? Finally, she said, “I get to be close to my sister. You’ll marry Lord Clement and since he’s Mister Robinson’s guardian, we’ll see each other often.”

  “You’re marrying him because you want me to marry Lord Clement?”

  “Lord Clement is an excellent gentleman.”

  “Then why don’t you marry him? I’d rather marry his ward. At least his ward is interesting.”

  “I can’t make that switch,” Agatha said, even though she’d love to at this point. “I gave my word to Mister Robinson. Now, I must follow through.” No matter how painful that would be.

  Sophie groaned. “This isn’t fair. Must I marry Lord Clement if he asks for my hand?”

  The carriage came to a stop and Agatha
straightened in the seat. “Yes. You asked for my help and I’m giving it. Now, that’s enough talk about this. We both have our burdens to bear, but at least yours won’t be as heavy as mine.”

  The footman opened the door and Agatha peered up at Lord Clement’s townhouse. It was as impressive as she remembered. Her sister would do very well with him. She glanced at her and motioned for her to smile. After her sister did, she stepped out of the carriage.

  Chapter Nine

  “I have an important announcement to make,” Christopher said as Agatha and Sophie entered the drawing room.

  Agatha hesitated to step further into the room. Lord and Lady Roderick, Ethan and his wife, and Lord Clement looked over at Christopher who rose to his feet and walked over to her. She shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Did he really have to do this right now?

  Christopher stood proudly beside her and, with a smile that couldn’t be wider, said, “Agatha has accepted my proposal. Soon, she will be my wife.”

  Lord Clement visibly relaxed. “I thought he was going to tell us he got into some kind of trouble.”

  “Come now, cousin,” Christopher replied. “I do some things right.”

  “And you’re getting married to a reputable young lady. That’s even better. Congratulations, Christopher.” Turning his attention to Agatha, he added, “I’d ask what mischief my ward conjured up to accomplish such a feat, but I’m probably better off not knowing. At any rate, please call me Perry.”

  “Very well, Perry,” Agatha replied, hoping she sounded pleasant enough in front of everyone. She wondered if Christopher announced the engagement so she couldn’t back out of it? Knowing him, he probably would do something underhanded like that.

  “Please sit.” Perry motioned to the remaining chairs in the room.

  Sophie glanced around the room and sat between Perry and Lady Roderick, leaving a settee as the only place to sit.

  Agatha went over to it, Christopher settling next to her. She glanced at Ethan who stared at her as if he couldn’t believe his ears. She offered him a shrug. What could she say? Unless she found a moment alone to confide in him, she couldn’t explain why she decided to marry Christopher.

  “If Christopher gives you any trouble, just have him clean out the stalls,” Lord Roderick said. “Or better yet, the chamber pots.”

  Christopher’s face grew red from embarrassment. “Must you always bring that up?”

  Lord Roderick chuckled. “Well, it was the only way to get you to behave.”

  Lady Roderick tapped her husband on the arm. “Do you really think it’s appropriate to say that with everyone here?”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Christopher told her. “Once again, my lord, your wife proves to be your sole redeeming quality.”

  Agatha glanced at Ethan but realized he couldn’t explain what their conversation was about. Not that it mattered. She didn’t care why Christopher had to clean out stalls or chamber pots, though considering what kind of person he was, she supposed he’d do just about anything.

  “All right,” Perry interrupted. “Let’s keep things pleasant, shall we?”

  “You’re right, Perry,” Lady Roderick replied then smiled at Sophie and Agatha. “If we are to become better acquainted, it’s only fair we refer to each other by our first names. I’m Claire and this is my husband, Nate.”

  Though Christopher had already said her name, Agatha felt the need to say something in response. “I’m Agatha and that’s Sophie.”

  Ethan cleared his throat and gestured to his wife. “And this is Catherine. I don’t believe you’ve met her, Sophie.”

  “No, I haven’t had the pleasure,” Sophie replied, offering Catherine a smile.

  A long moment of silence passed between the couples before Christopher spoke up. “Agatha and I will be married within a month.”

  She tried not to grimace. That soon? For some reason, she thought he might want to be engaged for a while, if for no other reason than to practice how to handle lovemaking by seeking the services of a lady of ill repute.

  “You don’t waste any time when you set your mind to something, do you?” Perry asked.

  “Why should I wait?” Christopher asked, winking at Agatha. “My life will only improve once Agatha is my bride.”

  “A good lady can do wonders for a gentleman,” his guardian replied.

  Agatha wondered if Perry was thinking of Sophie when he said that. The two made a handsome couple. Yes, she knew how to match up the right people. Pleased with herself, she took comfort in knowing she had secured her sister’s future.

  The butler came into the drawing room and announced dinner was ready. Relieved, Agatha jumped up from the settee. Soon enough, the evening would be over.

  ***

  After the meal, Agatha joined the ladies in the drawing room. She kept thinking of the way she was wasting time at a dinner party when she should be at home writing her story. There was no chance of submitting it to a publisher as long as it remained unfinished. She wondered if Christopher would be one of those gentlemen who spent their time away from home. If so, then she shouldn’t have trouble writing, but if he insisted on being as attentive as he’d been so far, then she was going to be in a real bind. She didn’t dare tell him she wrote gothic horror. It was bad enough he knew she wrote for the Tittletattle.

  “Agatha?” Breaking out of her thoughts, she turned her attention to Claire who was looking at her, seeming concerned. “Are you feeling all right?”

  “She’s probably still in shock she’s marrying Christopher,” Sophie teased.

  “He’s not as bad as my husband makes him out to be,” Claire said. “True, he has a mischievous streak in him, but deep down, he’s a good gentleman.”

  “How well do you know him?” Catherine asked, straightening in her chair in interest.

  Claire shrugged. “I don’t know him all that well. It’s just that when I was first married, he was one of the few people who tried to help me.”

  “Help you do what?”

  By now, everyone was watching Claire in interest.

  She cleared her throat. “If I tell you, then it stays in this room. I don’t need my husband finding out I told everyone about it.”

  Sophie’s eyes lit up in excitement. “This must be good!”

  “Sophie, show some restraint,” Agatha admonished.

  Sophie groaned. “This is the most interesting thing that’s happened tonight.”

  “I don’t mind saying what happened,” Claire said. “As long as it stays in this room?”

  Agatha knew better than to let another bit of gossip that involved Christopher into the Tittletattle, so she had no problem agreeing with the others that she’d remain quiet. Besides, a part of her was curious about Christopher and what possible mischief he’d been up to with Claire.

  “When I married Nate,” Claire began, “he thought I created a situation where we were caught in a scandalous situation.”

  “Did you?” Agatha asked.

  “No, I didn’t, but it looked that way and we married because of it. Things between Nate and I were uncomfortable at first.”

  Agatha leaned forward in interest. “Uncomfortable how?”

  “We didn’t get along, at all. In fact, we spent a lot of time apart, especially when we arrived at his country estate. He made it a point of ignoring me and at one point left for a few weeks.”

  “It sounds like a good way to start a marriage.”

  Sophie glanced at Agatha and sighed. “No, it’s not. It’s horrible.”

  “She got a husband with a title and he left her alone,” Agatha said. “Did he leave you alone because you conceived right away?”

  “We weren’t intimate during that time,” Claire replied.

  “Really?” Agatha wondered how Claire got so lucky. A husband who ignored her and didn’t come to her bed? “What did you do to get so fortunate?”

  “I wasn’t happy during that time,” Claire said. “It wasn’t the kind of marriage
I wanted. While I wasn’t expecting love, I wanted to at least have an amiable relationship with my husband.”

  “I’m glad it didn’t take that long for me and Ethan to get along or enjoy the bed,” Catherine chimed in. “Lovemaking is a lot of fun.”

  “Is it?” Sophie asked with a hopeful smile.

  “Oh be serious,” Agatha replied. “There’s nothing fun about it.”

  “That’s not true,” Catherine argued. “I’ve enjoyed my time with Ethan immensely.”

  “And I’ve enjoyed my time with Nate,” Claire added. “Christopher might be an imp at times, but he cares very much for you and will be a considerate husband.”

  Agatha’s eyebrows furrowed. “You and Christopher have been talking about me?”

  “He adores you,” Claire replied. “It’s really very sweet.”

  Though Agatha failed to see anything sweet about being coerced into marriage, she didn’t say anything. It was obvious Claire thought very well of Christopher, even if her husband didn’t. There was no arguing with someone who already had her mind made up.

  “Tell us what happened,” Sophie encouraged. “What did you and Christopher do after you married Nate?”

  “Right.” Claire nodded. “After Nate left the estate to take care of some business, I longed to return to London and visit my family, but there was no one who was willing to help me do that, except for Christopher. He came up with a plan to get me out of there. He gave me clothes so I could dress up as a stable boy and had a horse ready for me so I could ride back to London.”

  Agatha couldn’t believe how foolish that plan was! “Didn’t it occur to him that something might have happened to you all alone out there? You could have been robbed or worse. And what if someone discovered you were a lady? He did you no favors.”

  “It wasn’t the best plan,” Claire conceded, “but Christopher’s heart was in the right place. If he suggested such a plan today, I wouldn’t do it. But back then, I was so desperate to get to London, I was willing to try it.”