Too Hot For A Rake. Pearl Wolf

about.”

      “The silly chit! I never liked Darlington for her, you know. Thought he wasn’t good enough for her. Turns out I was right. I only agreed to the match because she begged me for it. Women! Just wait till you have daughters of your own, Sebastian. When they grow up they’re bound to become a sore trial.”

      Sebastian buried his grin in his brandy snifter. His wife Olivia was the duke’s eldest daughter. If his future daughters were anything like his beautiful, spirited wife, then he’d never find the time to be bored, for they would certainly enrich his already lively life.

      “Helena will bounce back, sir. Mark my word. You are doing the right thing by sending her away for a time. She shouldn’t be subjected to the haughty stares and the cruel remarks of the London journals and the scandalmongers.”

      “I certainly hope it’s the right thing. At any rate, she’ll be back in time for Georgiana’s ball.”

      “Time enough for her to face the world with dignity once again. By then, the gossip will have shifted to a different scandal.”

      “I suppose you’re right.” The duke hesitated.

      “Something else on your mind, sir?”

      “I’m concerned about Waverley’s reputation. Am I putting my daughter in another kind of danger?”

      “I can understand your worry, but the marquis assures me he has turned over a new leaf. He’s pledged his word to me, sir. He’ll see no harm comes to her. Word of a gentleman.”

      The duke drained his glass. “Word of a gentleman, eh? That’s good enough for me. Shall we join the ladies?”

      Chapter 4

      Thursday, the Ninth of April, 1818

      The rain added to the lingering chill of the April winds when Helena’s carriage arrived at the door. Her driver Casper nodded to milady from his perch while Dunston let down the steps and waited with an umbrella for her ladyship to enter, after she said good-bye to the family.

      Olivia squeezed her sister’s hand as if to instill some courage in her. She handed her a small package. “I’ve a gift for you.”

      “What is it?” asked Helena without a flicker of curiosity.

      Olivia laughed. “Don’t go overboard with your enthusiasm, you goose. It’s a journal to help you while away the tedious hours of your long journey.”

      “Sorry.” She hugged her sister. “Thanks, Livy. I’ll miss you.”

      “No tears, mind. Time to say your good-byes to the rest of the family.” She gripped her in a fierce hug and whispered in her ear, “Be strong.”

      “Make yourself useful to the marchioness,” admonished the duchess. She hugged her and stepped back to allow the duke to escort his daughter to her carriage.

      “Well, Helena,” he began, but the words caught in his throat. He withdrew his handkerchief, blew his nose and composed himself. “Safe journey, my dear. Write to us, won’t you?”

      “Of course, Father.” She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed her eyes to prevent the tears from escaping. “You have been the kindest, most understanding of fathers. You never once scolded me for having made the wrong choice. If nothing else, know that I’m proud to be your daughter.”

      “See you at my ball,” said Georgiana cheerfully. “Order a beautiful gown for it, won’t you?” She kissed her and stepped back to make room for Mary.

      “Bye, Helena. I’ll miss you,” said Mary.

      “Me too,” said Jane. “Write me a letter all for myself. No one ever thinks to write to me, you know.”

      Helena laughed at this. “I will if you promise not to eat so many scones.”

      When Jane reluctantly agreed, Helena took her father’s arm and climbed the steps into the carriage. She fought back tears at being forced to separate from her family just when she needed them most.

      She took the seat opposite Amy and wondered why they were not moving. At last, she rolled down her window. “What’s wrong? Why aren’t we under way?”

      “We’re waiting for your escort, dear. Be patient,” said the duke. “You must have one, you know, to see to your safety.”

      Helena sat back in the coach and closed her eyes, trying to still her rapid heartbeat. It was harder than she’d supposed to leave the only life she’d ever known. At last, she heard the sound of a horse stopping beside her coach.

      “Ah, here he is at last. Safe journey, Helena,” said her brother-in-law.

      She glanced out of her window and stiffened in shock. Her escort was the Marquis of Waverley.

      “Morning, ma’am,” he said affably.

      Helena reddened when their eyes engaged. Mortified, she nodded and turned her head away. Was there to be no end to her misery? She forced herself to meet his eyes. “Morning,” she mumbled.

      He swept his beaver off and bowed to her. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma’am. Lord Waverley at your service.”

      Helena’s heart played havoc as it knocked against her ribs. Of all the men in England, why oh why had this man—this rake—been chosen to be her escort? Didn’t Sebastian know of his reputation? Her father could not have known, could he? If he had known, he would never have allowed it.

      How was she to bear his company for such a long journey when she couldn’t even bear the sight of him? When she longed to stop the carriage to wipe that idiotic grin off his face? When he was a painful reminder of the worst mistake of her life?

      She was so engrossed in fury, her abigail had to touch her knee to gain her attention. “Are you all right, milady?”

      “I’m fine,” she snapped. “What is it?”

      “Well, milady, I’ve asked you the same question three times and you haven’t answered me,” said Amy in a trembling voice.

      “Sorry. My thoughts were elsewhere. What is it?”

      “Do you not think our escort handsome?”

      “I hadn’t noticed. Beware handsome men, Amy, for they may be dangerous.”

      “Oh no. Really?”

      “You must protect me, Amy. Make sure the marquis doesn’t behave in an improper fashion.”

      “I will, your la’ship. Don’t you worry about a thing. Your Amy will take good care of you.”

      Helena’s smile was wan. “Thank you, dear. I’ll just close my eyes and rest a bit.”

      But the luxury of sleep eluded her. She felt lost, cut off from everything she loved. Seeking some respite from her grim thoughts, she clutched the reticule holding her new journal. Helena had always wanted to travel, but not like this. Not running away from the vicious tongues of the London gossips whose whispers could infect an already festering wound.

      For what seemed like the hundredth time, the humiliating scene of Darlington’s rejection flashed before her eyes. For what seemed like the thousandth time, she asked herself how she could have been so wrong about him. Had she forced herself upon him? She would never know the answer now. She knew only that he hadn’t loved her as she had loved him. Had Chris merely wished to wed the daughter of a duke to advance his diplomatic career? Helena sighed, searching for easier thoughts before the dismals sank her into madness.

      To ease her mind, she turned to her abigail and said, “Tell me about Land’s End, Amy.”

      “What would you like to know, milady?”

      “That’s where you were raised, isn’t it? Did you live by the sea?”

      “Near enough, milady. Me mum and me,