Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss: #2 The Whickertons in Love, page 26
Her brother inhaled a slow breath, something contemplative coming to his gaze.
Drake sighed, no longer in the mood to continue this confrontation. “She needed this,” he began, trying his best to explain without antagonizing his visitor. “Past mistakes have a way of reaching into the present and keeping us from moving forward.” For a moment, a spark of understanding flashed in the other man’s eyes. “I never left her side. I swear it. She was never in any danger. I would never have allowed that to happen.”
For another moment, Leonora’s brother held his gaze before he turned away and walked over to the window, gazing out at the street. “Why do you wish to marry her?”
Drake closed his eyes, knowing that if he could not say it now, he might never be able to. Still, a small voice deep down whispered that risking his heart was dangerous, potentially crippling and utterly devastating. Yet, without Leonora, Drake knew that his heart would never again feel alive in the way it did when she was near. “Because I love her.” A moment of shock followed those words. Drake felt it as though lightening had struck him, his muscles tensing painfully as his breath lodged in his throat. However, the tension quickly dissipated, and in its place remained nothing but peace and calm.
Leonora’s brother turned to look at him. “And you intend to ask for her hand?”
Drake nodded. “When you arrived, I was on my way to change and then head over to call on her.”
The other man nodded. “I’m afraid you might be too late.”
Drake flinched as though someone had struck him. “Pardon?”
Leonora’s brother inhaled a deep breath, his gaze assessing before he spoke. “As we speak, my sister is in Hyde Park, riding with Lord Gillingham.” He lifted his chin. “I have it on good authority that he intends to ask for her hand.” His brows rose, a daring gesture, demanding to know what Drake intended to do about it.
Drake felt like putting his fist through the wall. He could not imagine anything worse happening. Had he not stayed awake all night in order to speak to Leonora before she could speak to Gillingham?
But then he had fallen asleep. Had that been the Fates stepping in and guiding them down different paths? Or had it merely been a coincidence, one that perhaps need not change the course of their lives?
For an endless moment, Drake stared at the other man, wishing that he had misunderstood, wondering if he might be dreaming. Nonetheless, when the truth and meaning of this moment finally sank in, Drake knew what he had to do.
Without another word, he spun on his heel and charged for the door.
“Pemberton!”
Gritting his teeth, Drake jerked open the door, then turned to look over his shoulder.
“If you hurt her,” Leonora’s brother said calmly but menacingly, “I will end you.”
Drake could not help a smile from fighting to the surface. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Then he charged down the hall, hoping he would not be too late.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
An Unwelcome Proposal
The sun shone brightly, its golden rays in stark contrast to the dark cloud hanging above Leonora’s head. She tried to smile and speak with enthusiasm; still, the revelations of the past night still lingered.
It is you I want!
Oh, she had been daring to speak her mind, and yet, it had brought her nowhere. Drake had seemed deeply shocked at her words, no doubt overwhelmed by her sudden revelation. Perhaps it was safe to say that he did not return her affections, at least not in the same manner. No doubt, he cared for her, but he did not love her.
“You are a most proficient horsewoman,” Lord Gillingham commented, an affectionate smile upon his face as they rode down the path side-by-side. “Is there anything you cannot do?”
Leonora forced a kind smile upon her face, reminding herself that her companion had had no hand in her current predicament. “You’re most kind, my lord.” Nevertheless, she needed to tell him, to let him know that she could not marry him.
Not now.
Not ever.
Casting a look over her shoulder, she spotted Harriet and Christina racing their mounts across the lawns nearby. She knew they would not stray far, but merely allowed her some privacy to speak to Lord Gillingham.
“You seem absent-minded,” her companion remarked as they neared the small grove, its trees casting long reaching shadows. “Is something wrong?”
Leonora could barely bring herself to look at him, afraid to see his face fall, to know that she was the one who had hurt him. He deserved better for he had always been most kind to her. “I am fine,” she told him with another insincere smile. “Please do not worry about me.”
Lord Gillingham gave a short nod, then urged his gelding closer to her, a determined look coming to his eyes. “Lady Leonora, I must confess I invited you here today to put a question to you.” The corners of his mouth quirked upward, and Leonora felt her heart drop into her stomach.
“My lord, if I may—”
“As I’ve said before, I hold you in the highest esteem,” he continued on, seemingly unaware that she had tried to interfere. “Never have I encountered a lady more suitable to my own disposition and interests than you, Lady Leonora. I believe wholeheartedly that a union between us would be beneficial to my happiness as well as yours.”
Leonora’s hands tensed upon the reins as a shiver danced down her back. “My lord, please I must tell you—”
Lord Gillingham pulled his mount to a halt, then turned to look at her, a bright smile upon his face. “Lady Leonora, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand?”
Leonora felt ready to faint. Indeed, she ought to have insisted he listen to her. Now, she had to refuse his proposal, instead of simply letting him know that she had no intention of ever marrying. “My lord, I do thank you for your kind proposal.” She lifted her eyes off her hands and forced herself to look at him. “However, what I meant to tell you earlier was that…I have no intention of taking a husband…ever.”
His brows slowly drew down into a puzzled frown. “Pardon me?”
Leonora inhaled a deep breath. “We are all different in our ways, and I believe that I am not the kind of woman who desires marriage. My refusal of your kind proposal has nothing to do with you, I assure you. Indeed, any woman would be most fortunate to call you husband.”
His jaw tensed. “Then why do you refuse me?” His frown grew ever darker. “Is there another?”
Taken aback by his insistent questioning, Leonora knew not what to say.
“What woman does not seek marriage?” Lord Gillingham demanded, urging his mount closer still. “Any proper woman knows that there is no greater honor than securing a suitable husband.” Something dark came to his eyes as he regarded her, a sneer curling the corners of his mouth. “Why would you dishonor your family so? If not marriage, what is it that you seek?” His gaze raked over her from head to toe, and Leonora felt a painfully familiar sensation settle in her stomach, something sickening and repulsive.
“I simply…I…” Leonora cleared her throat, willing her gaze to remain upon his. She could not help it, but every fiber of her being suddenly felt weak and frightened. “I simply do not believe that marriage would contribute to my happiness, my lord. I ask you to respect my decision.” She glanced over her shoulder to where her sisters were chatting animatedly atop their horses. “I believe, we should return to the others.” However, as Leonora tugged on her reins, Lord Gillingham leaned forward and snatched them up, cutting off her retreat. “What are you doing, my lord?”
An evil sneer contorted his face, once and for all wiping away the kindness she had seen in him before. Had it ever been there? Or had she been a fool to believe so? “How dare you refuse me after everything I’ve done for you?” Again, he tugged on her reins, urging her mount closer to his until they stood side-by-side, his knee brushing against her skirts. “Did you not appreciate the return of your precious notebook?”
Leonora almost slid off her horse as the shock of his words barreled into her. It was as though the air was squeezed from her lungs, and she began to feel faint.
A part of her longed for the oblivion of unconsciousness while another urged her to remain alert, reminding her of the threat barely an arm’s length away. “You? It was you?”
Staring at Lord Gillingham, Leonora was unable to wrap her mind around everything. Yet, when she looked at him now, she saw his eyes through the holes of a mask.
A black mask.
Her breathing quickened, and her heart beat in a painful way against her rib cage. She could not stop staring, her mouth slightly agape as shivers raced up and down her skin. A wave of nausea rolled over her, an echo of how she had felt that night a year ago.
The night that had changed everything.
A triumphant grin came to his face. “I was wondering when you would figure it out,” he remarked, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “I thought the night we shared was quite memorable. Apparently, it was not memorable enough for you.”
Leonora knew not what to say or ask. She could not imagine why he was saying these things, why he was here with her now, why he had courted her all these weeks. What did he want?
“Why?” It was no more than a weak sound, but it was all Leonora could manage in that moment.
Lord Gillingham drew himself up to his full height, towering over her, his gaze directed downward at her. “It was sheer happenstance that I recognized you at the masquerade,” he began, a narrative tone in his voice that made the present situation all the more unbelievable for Leonora. “It was your notebook that gave you away, my lady.” Again, that sickening grin stretched across his face. “I admit I was most intrigued, and so I followed you. I was surprised that you led me into that alcove but pleased as well.”
“I led—?” Leonora swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. “I did not lead you anywhere. I simply…I was curious, and so I wandered around. I wasn’t even aware you were there.” It felt surreal to be speaking to the man who had attacked her that night, and Leonora once more tugged on her reins.
He would not release them though.
Lord Gillingham laughed. “That, my lady, I cannot believe. You appeared quite surefooted in the way you maneuvered your way through the crowd that night. I must say, I was surprised to find you there. I never would have picked you for the kind of woman to do something so utterly scandalous. Indeed, if anyone else aside from myself had discovered your identity, you would’ve been ruined.” He glanced past her shoulder. “As would your sisters.”
Leonora drew in a sharp breath. “What do you want? Why are you saying these things? It doesn’t make any sense. You berate me for doing something improper, and yet, only moments ago, you asked me to marry you.” She shook her head, staring at him as though he was a creature not of this world.
A slow grin came to his face, and he leaned closer. “I find you most intriguing, my lady. Yes, I do want to marry you because I believe we would suit each other well.” His brows rose in challenge.
Again, Leonora found herself staring at him, unable to believe that what she was hearing was the truth. Was he mad? Never would she consider marrying the man who had attacked her in such a manner. How could he believe she would be amenable? “Release my reins,” she demanded, once more giving them a sharp tug. “Now.”
The grin upon his face turned dark. “I suggest you consider your words carefully, my lady. Remember what is at stake here, what you have to lose.” Again, he glanced past her shoulder toward her sisters. “It is not only your life you’re throwing away. What if others, society at large, would hear of your nightly endeavors? Do you make it a habit of attending the Hamilton masquerade each year? At least twice, I have seen you there myself.” His brows rose in emphasis, telling her that only the night before he had been nearby. He had seen her.
Her and Drake.
A shiver danced down Leonora’s back as she wondered what exactly he had seen. Had her eyes fallen upon him as well, not knowing that it had been him?
“Who was that man with you last night?” Lord Gillingham demanded, a disapproving snarl tainting his voice. “Do you make it a habit of kissing strangers at a ball? Is that why you do not wish to marry? Because you prefer a life of loose morals and scandalous exploits?”
Leonora gritted her teeth, knowing that no matter what she said, it would not make a difference. One look into Lord Gillingham’s eyes told her that his words, his actions were not governed by reason. Perhaps he was the one mad. “I demand you release me at once. I cannot accept your proposal, and I never shall.”
“Don’t be a fool!” he snapped, once more jerking on her horse’s reins. “Can you not imagine what will happen if everyone finds out the truth about you? Or do you simply not care? If not about your own future, then what about your sisters?” He grinned at her in a most repulsive way. “They’ll be ruined alongside of you. Is that what you want?”
All Leonora knew was that she wanted him to release her. Her mare seemed of the same opinion for she pranced rather nervously, her ears flattening against her head as she snorted and tossed her head up and down. “I will not marry you,” Leonora said firmly, forcing herself to hold his gaze. “I do not care about your threats. Do what you must!” Leonora knew that she spoke with more bravado than she felt. Indeed, what if he did what he threatened to do? What would happen then? To her sisters? Her family?
Indeed, one word from him and rumors would start. The gossips would carry any word of her indiscretion onward until the whole ton knew, suspected. In truth, it did not matter whether or not she had done what she would be accused of. One word from him whispered into the right ears, and Leonora knew she would be ruined.
And her sisters would be, too.
Perhaps she ought to agree to his proposal after all, Leonora thought, instantly repulsed by her own weakness. Her father had taught her not to give into fear. Nevertheless, she doubted he had ever imagined such a decision forced upon her with so much hanging in the balance. How would he look at her, knowing that she had ruined her family’s future?
Leonora closed her eyes, feeling all blood drain from her face. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. She needed to think. She needed to contemplate every scenario. She needed time.
No doubt understanding the expression upon her face as something akin to surrender, Lord Gillingham’s tone softened. “Think it through,” he told her, and she could all but hear him smile, that satisfied smile she had come to loathe in the past few moments. “I shall see you at tonight’s ball. Indeed, it would be the perfect opportunity to announce our engagement.”
Leonora could not bring herself to open her eyes, wanting nothing more than to retreat from the harshness of reality. Yet, she could not shut out his voice. It continued to echo in her ears.
Then the soft nay of a horse drifted to her ears, a horse approaching from down the path. “Lady Leonora,” came Drake’s beloved voice, and her eyes flew open. “Are you well? You look awfully pale.”
Drake’s eyes were narrowed into slits as they swept over her before coming to linger upon her eyes. Then they momentarily dropped to where Lord Gillingham was holding on to the reins of her mare before the man could drop them, finally releasing her. Leonora could see the tension that held Drake, that had him grip his own reins painfully. He seemed alert, his gaze occasionally moving from her to Lord Gillingham, assessing, contemplating. She knew what he had to think and loathed the doubt she saw in his eyes.
“Pemberton.” Lord Gillingham offered Drake a quick nod, his gaze betraying his displeasure at the interruption. “I did not know you and the lady were acquainted.” A hint of suspicion swung in his voice.
Drake moved his gaze from Leonora and met Lord Gillingham’s without a moment of hesitation. “We are neighbors,” Drake replied, the look in his eyes still questioning, trying to make sense of the situation. “Only a few months back, I moved into the townhouse next to the Whickertons.”
Lord Gillingham nodded in acknowledgment, the look of suspicion fading from his eyes.
“I wish to return home,” Leonora blurted out, seizing this chance. “I admit, I do feel a bit faint.” She forced a smile onto her face and turned to look at Lord Gillingham. “There is no need for you to escort me back home, my lord. My sisters will see to me.” She glanced over her shoulder and was relieved to see Harriet and Christina heading toward them. At last, it seemed that they had taken note of something odd happening. Still, Leonora hoped they would not guess what it was with a single glance at her.
Although a hint of displeasure lingered upon Lord Gillingham’s face, he nodded. “Very well. I hope you will recover swiftly.” He turned his mount down the path. “Until tonight.” After a last word of farewell, he disappeared down the path.
Leonora breathed a sigh of relief, almost slumping down in the saddle, her balance hopelessly unsteady.
“What happened here?” Drake inquired, his voice tense and harsh. Yet, the look in his eyes held deepest concern as he urged his own mount closer. “What did he say? What did he…do?” Again, his eyes narrowed, and Leonora could see suspicions dancing in his gray gaze. “Did he—? Was he the one who—?”
“No!” Leonora rushed to assure him, suddenly afraid when she saw murderous thought begin to burn in his eyes. For so long, Leonora had been all but certain that they would never learn the name of her attacker. Now that she knew, she could not help but worry what might happen next. What if Drake found out? What if her family found out? Her father? Her brother?
All of them were deeply protective of her, willing to go to great lengths to shield her, to ensure her safety. It made Leonora feel cherished and treasured and loved, but it also made her fearful. After all, had Drake not called out men before? Would he do so again?
Tell me who hurt you, and I will put a bullet between his eyes. Had those not been his exact words?
No, he could not know. For his own safety and well-being, she could not tell him. Somehow, she needed to solve this on her own. But how?
