How to Seduce a Scoundrel (23 page)

The devil take it. He wasn’t made out of stone. Her beauty would tempt any man, but his situation posed a monumental coil. He wanted her badly, but he couldn’t have her. Not without marrying her, and that was out of the question.

Worst of all, he couldn’t avoid her, even when she wasn’t present. Last night at the club, he’d gotten aggravated with the number of ladies and gentlemen who had expressed concern for her health. This morning, he’d encountered her forlorn beaux at the fencing academy. Beaufort had wanted to know all the details of Julianne’s sudden illness and stated that he would send her flowers
posthaste. Not to be outdone, Osgood had declared he would write a poem in her honor. Portfrey and Benton intended to send sweetmeats. Caruthers said he would arrange to have a basket of fruit delivered.

The five had all sighed and agreed the nightly entertainments weren’t nearly as much fun without Julianne’s presence. In their estimation, she was a “jolly good sport” and the liveliest single lady in the beau monde.

But that was nothing compared to the mention of her
mysterious decline
in the scandal sheets this morning. Damn it all. The last thing he needed was for Tristan to hear about his sister’s supposed illness. The old boy had enough to worry about with his wife’s confinement.

Hawk glanced at the clock again and groaned. The devil. He was no better than the cubs. His return to his old life had proven dull, and all he’d thought about was Julianne. Hell, he’d even felt guilty for restricting her activities. But most of all, he’d missed her laughter and even her sassy remarks.

Well, he’d make her happy today.

Moments later, Henderson returned and informed him the ladies would receive him. Hawk told him he could find his way to the drawing room. Then he bounded up the stairs, anxious to give her the good news.

Despite her exhaustion, Julianne could barely hold back her excitement. The publisher had requested the rest of her pamphlet yesterday. His enthusiasm had spurred her to write faster and faster. If she could continue this pace, she would finish the pamphlet before the week ended.

She drew out a fresh sheet of paper, dipped her pen, and started the next chapter: “How to Secure and Keep a Beau.”

Once you have a steady admirer, you may be tempted to discover his plans for the evening. Do so at your own peril, for he will surely believe you are rushing him to the altar. On the other hand, he may try to pin down your plans. If you wish to keep his interest, be vague about your planned entertainments. Do not lie about your whereabouts, but you are under no obligation to inform him which invitations you have accepted.

Hester entered. “May I interrupt?”

“Oh, your timing is perfect. I just finished another chapter. Will you read it and give me your opinion?”

“My nephew has called, but he can wait a few moments.” Hester lifted her quizzing glass and perused the chapter. “Oh, this is excellent. But now we must attend my nephew. You do not want to arouse his suspicions. Come along and greet him.”

Julianne wrinkled her nose. “I’d rather hoped he wouldn’t call for the rest of the week. I’m so close to finishing the pamphlet.”

“He will likely keep his visit brief,” Hester said.

Julianne released a gusty sigh. “Oh, very well.”

When they reached the drawing room, Hawk was commanding the dogs to sit. After they obeyed him, he rewarded them with a few crumbs.

Hester lifted her quizzing glass. “And they say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”

Caro and Byron scampered over to Hester. She let them jump onto the sofa beside her and ruffled their fur. Julianne sat on the opposite sofa and tapped her toe, drawing Hawk’s attention.

She stilled, realizing her impatience showed.

“I have news that will please you,” he said.

“Oh?” Perhaps he meant to leave town. She crossed her fingers in the folds of her skirt.

“I have decided to grant you a reprieve for good behavior,” he said.

Julianne’s lips parted. “A reprieve?” she repeated.

He nodded. “As of today, you may have visitors, and you may resume attending entertainments.”

“Julianne, this is wonderful news. Do you not agree?” Hester gave her a speaking look.

“Oh, yes,” Julianne said. “It is just so unexpected.” Drat him. Why had he lifted the restriction now when she needed it the most?

He scrutinized her. “I rather thought you would be ecstatic.”

“Well, of course she is happy,” Hester said.

Julianne desperately sought a way out of her predicament. She considered claiming a sore throat or some other ailment, but if she did, he’d probably send for a doctor.

“She has become accustomed to resting,” Hester said. “I think it would be best if she only attended evening events for the next few days—to reserve her strength.”

Julianne breathed a sigh of relief at Hester’s words. At least her days would be free to write the pamphlet.

Hawk arched his brows. “She was tapping her foot moments ago. That is a sign she is in need of exercise. In fact, a walk in the park would do her good. I’ll take her there in my curricle.”

Her jaw dropped. He spoke as if she were one of the dogs. “Do you plan to put a leash on me?”

He winked. “An excellent idea.”

“I prefer to stay at home,” Julianne said. Drat him. She needed every available moment to finish the pamphlet.

He frowned. “I thought you would be happy to be out of doors.”

“I have to make plans for this evening,” she said. “I’ve no idea what I shall wear.” Upon seeing his dubious expression, she made up yet another excuse. “After so much time indoors, I need a beauty treatment.”

He snorted. “You cannot be serious.”

“You have no idea the measures ladies must take to ensure their complexions are rosy and clear.” Julianne regarded Hester. “I purchased a new concoction. Virgin’s Milk is reputed to be one of the finest cures for the complexion.”

Hawk burst out laughing and slid down in his chair.

“What do you find so hilarious?” Julianne said.

He kept laughing until his thick lashes were damp. Then he drew in a breath and wiped his eyes. “Julianne, whatever price you paid for this absurdly named concoction, you wasted your coin.”

“I did not waste money,” she said. “And you insult me to say so.”

His golden brown eyes glittered as he gazed at her. “It was not meant as an insult. Quite the opposite. You are easily the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.”

Her lips parted at his words. Many gentlemen had complimented her, but he had never done so. She cautioned herself not to fall for his idle flattery, but her heart squeezed. Fearing he would see how much his words meant to her, she stared at her folded hands in her lap. She could not allow herself to take pleasure in his praise, for he would surely make a jest of it in the next moment.

“What entertainment will you attend tonight, Aunt?” he asked.

“Lady Dunworthy is holding a musicale this evening,” Hester said. “But we have not decided for certain yet.”

“I shall escort you and Julianne,” he said. Then he walked over to her and tweaked the curl by her ear. “If you play tonight, I will turn the pages for you.”

He’d not even asked; he’d just assumed she would be thrilled by his offer. His arrogance irked her, and she meant to take him down a peg or two. “Perhaps I will grant that privilege to another gentleman.”

His eyes filled with displeasure. “Cease fire, Julianne. It was a peace offering.”

She almost told him to have enough respect for her to ask in the future, but she suspected he had an ulterior motive for calling on her today. “You did not end my restriction for the reason you stated. I had no real choice in the matter, so my compliance was assured.” She gazed into his eyes. “Tell me, Hawk, what was the real reason you granted the reprieve?”

He looked momentarily taken aback, but he recovered quickly. “Why are you so suspicious? I thought you would be pleased.”

“You have not answered my question.”

His jaw clenched. “I have done you a kindness, and you cannot accept it. If I did not know better, I would think you are purposely goading me so that you can continue with the restriction.”

She had to distract him from this line of thought immediately. “If you would only treat me in a delicate manner befitting a gently bred young lady, I would not fall prey to vexation.”

He snorted. “Gently bred you may be, but you’re no delicate hothouse flower.”

“Marc, have a care,” Hester said.

He turned to his aunt. “I will call tonight.”

Hester sighed. “Marc, it is ridiculous for you to follow her everywhere. I will escort her.”

“It is my duty,” he said. “I will call at eight sharp.” He glanced at Julianne. “Be ready.”

“Marc, you forget yourself,” Hester said.

He ignored his aunt and kept his gaze on Julianne. “I suspect you’ve something up your puffed sleeve, but I advise you to forget whatever scheme you’ve invented.”

After he strode out the door, Julianne wished she’d thrown one of the Egyptian statues at his head. “Oh, I could cheerfully stamp on his boot.”

“Now, now. You must not overset yourself,” Hester said.

Julianne regarded Hester. “His conduct is beyond rude. He treats me as if I am a marionette. I am weary of him pulling the strings at his pleasure.”

“Well, then, we must find a way for you to thwart him,” Hester said. “We will follow your advice in the pamphlet. Never be where he expects to find you.”

That evening, Hawk arrived at his aunt’s house and regarded the elderly butler. “I’ll save you the bother and see myself to the drawing room.”

Henderson cleared his throat. “Lady Rutledge is not at home.”

Hawk frowned. “Is she not at home to me or is she literally gone?”

“My lord, I am instructed to inform you that her ladyship is not at home.”

Hawk fisted his hand on his hip. “I take it Lady Julianne is not at home, either.”

“My only instructions are to inform you that Lady Rutledge is not at home.”

Hawk rummaged inside his coat and untied a small purse.

Henderson drew back. “My lord, I cannot accept your… gift.”

“We both know it’s a bribe. How much for full disclosure?”

“I am not at liberty to reveal anything.” After a moment, he added, “My lord.”

Hawk respected the butler for refusing the bribe and returned the purse to his coat pocket. It wasn’t Henderson’s fault that his mistress’s staircase didn’t quite reach the attic. “Henderson, if I were to tell you that there is an emergency, would you then be willing to answer my questions?”

Sweat beaded on the old man’s forehead. “In an emergency, I would make an exception.”

“I consider this an emergency,” Hawk said. “It is a proven fact that females have smaller brains, and sometimes their thinking is hampered by their inferior ability to apply reason.”

“My lord, I have never given thought to Lady Rutledge’s brain.”

“That is probably for the best, Henderson. Now, did a Mr. Peckham escort my aunt and Lady Julianne?”

“Yes, my lord.”

His aunt had said they had not decided for certain to attend the musicale. “Did my aunt happen to mention their destination?”

“No, my lord.”

He let out a gusty sigh. “Is there anything else you recall that might be of use in this emergency situation?”

“No, my lord.”

“Are you certain you will not accept recompense for your help?”

“I am certain, my lord.” He withdrew a handkerchief and mopped his forehead. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”

“Only this. You and I never had this conversation. Do we have an understanding, Henderson?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Hawk donned his hat, strode out to the carriage, and gave the driver Lady Dunworthy’s address. Upon arrival at the musicale, he walked into the drawing room and winced upon hearing Miss Henrietta Bancroft’s off-key soprano. She drew in a lungful of air and screamed out the high notes. He fully expected the crystal teardrops in the chandelier to vibrate and shatter.

The exhibition mercifully ended. Hawk searched the drawing room, and as he’d expected, there was no sign of his aunt, Julianne, or Mr. Peckham.

Lady Dunworthy walked toward him. “Hawk, what a lovely surprise. I did not expect you after Lady Rutledge departed rather hastily.”

“That is unfortunate,” Hawk said. “Was something amiss?”

Lady Dunworthy drew closer. “Your aunt said she did not wish to damage her hearing by listening to Miss Henrietta Bancroft.” Lady Dunworthy sighed. “Her voice is terrible, but she is determined. But now that you are here, perhaps you would turn the pages for one of the other young ladies.”

“I fear I cannot,” he said. “I have news for my aunt that cannot wait.”

“Oh, dear, I hope your grandmamma hasn’t taken a bad turn,” she said. “At her age, heart palpitations are worrisome.”

In truth, his mother had written to inform him that Grandmamma’s heart palpitations had subsided, but she now suffered from
sinking spells
. “I do feel an obligation to inform my aunt. Did she happen to mention her destination?”