Too Wicked to Woo: Chronicles of a Bluestocking Read online

  “Good afternoon, Lady Kitteridge,” she said as she crossed the room. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  Standing, Catherine flashed her a bright smile. “How lovely to see you again. Don’t you look just darling.” The words were kind enough, but the woman’s eyes were hard and her smile showed too many teeth. She looked more like a predator than a friend.

  “And you as well,” Penny murmured, refusing to smooth her dusty skirts. She wouldn’t let this woman know how vulnerable she felt. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

  “There are so few gentry in this area. I thought we must become acquainted.” The other woman let her eyes wander about the room. “What a delightful little house.”

  The corner of Penny’s mouth twitched. “Thank you.”

  “Shall we sit?” Catherine pointed to the settee, smirking. “I’m sure we’ll both fit despite the size. We’re small after all.”

  Penny narrowed her gaze. Catherine’s behavior bordered on rude. First, because it was Penny who should have issued the invitation to sit, and second, Penny was aware that the other woman meant to point out the lack of furniture. “That’s quite all right. Please seat yourself, I prefer to stand.”

  “You must,” the other woman answered. “And what a good wife you are.” She cleared her throat. “I must confess that I know something of Preston’s financial situation. Even when I knew him, it was tenuous.”

  Penny’s mouth turned down. This was not something she wished to discuss. She was already raw from the memories this room held. At least standing this way, her back was to the windows. “The past is the past,” she answered. “We are building a future.”

  Catherine smiled again, another toothy grin. “Oh, how charming. No wonder he married you. You’re going to save his future. Lucky man.” She leaned over, as though about to convey a secret and her voice dropped. “My husband also saved me, a fact I am eternally grateful for.”

  Penny’s spine was stiff as she pressed her lips together. She refused to ask any details. Somehow, that would only encourage Catherine and, her feeding her own curiosity would only serve to make her less in control. “How fortunate for you.”

  Mrs. Welsh gave a soft knock at the door as she entered with a tray of tea and cakes. Penny said a silent prayer of thanks to her cook for her impeccable timing. Serving up the tea to her guest, Penny was forced to ask Mrs. Welsh to bring in a chair from the library. Once done, Catherine gave her another overly bright grin. “Now, where were we?”

  Her mouth itched to say, you were just leaving, but instead, she returned to ridiculous grin. “Your husband? Lord Preston mentioned that they attended the same club?”

  “Did he?” Her eyes slanted into a catlike look. “I suppose they did attend a club together.”

  What did that mean? Penny set her teacup into its saucer. Her mind frantically searched for a question that might glean the information she wanted without alerting Lady Kitteridge that her statement had caused concern, but a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

  Wes stood in the door. “Lady Kitteridge. What brings you here?”

  Penny looked at her husband, tall, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, and flecks of water still dampening his hair. His skin now held a faint tan, which made him even more handsome to her.

  Lady Kitteridge made a purring sound deep in her throat. The hair on Penny’s arms stood up in objection and she crossed the room to stand at Wes’s side.

  For a brief moment she was afraid he might not accept her with the other woman here and her heartbeat roared in her ears. But he held his hand out, and she slipped into his embrace. His large strong hand comforting on her back.

  “I came,” the other woman stood, that odious grin finally gone, “to issue you an invitation to a dinner party we’re having in a few weeks. Since we are to be neighbors, I thought it would be nice for you both to get to know the other members of our station.” Then her eyes scanned the sitting room again as though to say, If you are of our station.

  Wes’s brows drew together as his eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “How kind of you to personally deliver the invitation.”

  She gave a tiny wink. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for such an old and valued friend.”

  Penny’s teeth snapped together. What was Lady Kitteridge trying to insinuate?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Wes clenched and unclenched his fingers. What was Catherine Kitteridge doing in their home? The urge to toss her body from the front door made his hands tighten into tight balls. Glancing down, his knuckles had turned white.

  Somehow, Catherine had the power to tear down all that he was building here. Penny had asked about the women in his past. He looked at his beautiful wife. The woman who was giving and kind. He wished he could be as pure as she was, coming to their marriage having never been with another person. The thought of all the things he’d done in the past made him feel dirty. His eyes shifted to Catherine with her smirk and her fancy dress. He cheapened himself and Penny with the knowledge that he’d ever touched such a harlot. That he’d been such a rogue himself. “We were never friends.”

  “I suppose we weren’t.” One corner of her mouth curved into a deeper smile as she gave him a wink on the side that Penny couldn’t see. Damn. He’d attempted to tell her that she meant nothing to him, but she’d taken it to mean that their relationship was more intimate.

  He couldn’t explain anything with Penny standing right there. Not that he wanted to. He never wanted to speak with or see Catherine again. “You have an invitation you wanted to deliver?” His best chance was to get this business done and send her on her way.

  Catherine crossed the room, her hips sashaying. He looked over Catherine’s shoulder to see a pale Penny gripping the mantel as she stared at the other woman’s back.

  Catherine opened her reticule and pulled the invitation from its folds. He unclenched his fist to hold out his hand. She stepped closer than was necessary. “I’m so glad to see you doing so well,” she whispered as her fingers slid along his in a clear invitation.

  He snatched the paper from her hand. She was glad? Had she helped him at all? Of course not, not that she should have. She had a husband. But he found the idea insulting that now he was back on his feet, she wanted to rekindle the relationship. “At the risk of being rude, Lady Preston and I have a great deal to accomplish before the evening is done.”

  Catherine turned back to look at Penny. “You’ll consider my invitation? It’s an excellent opportunity to meet the other gentry in the area.”

  Penny gave a tight nod. “Of course we will.”

  “Excellent.” Catherine beamed as she turned back to him and winked again. “I’ll plan on seeing you there.”

  His jaw tightened. That wasn’t what Penny had said and he had no intention of going to such an affair. “Lady Preston only meant that we would check our schedule.”

  “Oh don’t be ridiculous,” Catherine waved her hand. “It’s an excellent opportunity for you both.” Catherine finally stepped away from him. “It is quite late. I should begin the trip home. But I hope you come.”

  Hell would freeze over first.

  Penny watched Catherine walk out the door and tried not to cry. The thought of her husband touching that woman made her nauseous. Her stomach sloshed back and forth. But what made it so much worse was the knowledge that Wes had lied. It was evident in every unspoken gesture, in all the words between the words that Wes and Lady Kitteridge had implied. Never friends? Her stomach pitched again. No they hadn’t been friends, but lovers.

  She recognized the look on Lady Kitteridge’s face. It was the way Penny felt inside when Wes came into view. She covered her mouth as jealousy made her chest ache.

  The hurt compounded as she realized her jealousy was so acute because she was in love with Wes. He was the only man she ever wanted to touch, to be close to. Her heart thrummed in her chest. And here was another woman sidling up next to him as though she had some claim to his heart
too.

  Perhaps she did. Wes had never promised his affection. This was a business arrangement. One where they were free to part ways. She drew in a sharp breath as her stomach heaved violently. If they parted would he return to Lady Kitteridge? Would he share a bed with that woman sooner?

  She didn’t want to believe it but why would he have lied? He said that he’d been friends with her husband. Then her breath caught. Had he been friends with a man and slept with that man’s wife? She wished she’d known this before they’d married. She might have…what?

  She massaged her forehead with trembling fingers. Not gone through with it? Not married him? His back was to her as he watched Lady Kitteridge exit the sitting room, his broad shoulders larger than life itself. She closed her eyes, trying to picture herself in London, in Caroline’s home, living off her friend.

  She dropped her hand and straightened her spine. Penny had made her choice and she couldn’t change it now.

  “We are not going to that party,” Wes rumbled the moment the door closed. “There is no way in hell that I’ll step foot in that woman’s house.”

  His words did make Penny feel better, at least he didn’t want to see Lady Kitteridge again. “I thought her husband was an old friend.”

  He turned back to her, his mouth turned down. “That was a long time ago and it’s a relationship I have no intention of rekindling.”

  She gave a small nod, not meeting his eye. She should. Perhaps the truth lay in that deep blue gaze, but she was afraid to know. “We won’t go then.” Penny let go of the mantel, surprised that her legs supported her. She lifted the front of her skirt, then she started across the room. “If you’ll excuse me, I don’t feel well. I’m going to lie down.”

  She made to brush by, but he stepped in front of her, his hands coming to her waist. “Good idea, you don’t look well.” His lips brushed across her forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to melt into his strong arms. He slid his hands around her back. “Let me help you up the stairs.”

  “You’ve been working hard all day. You don’t need to—” But her response was cut off as he scooped her up into his arms. Turning, he made his way out of the sitting room.

  Penny breathed a sigh, so glad to be out of that room. She felt less vulnerable, just leaving its walls. Wes made quick work of the stairs and started down the hall. “Mrs. Welsh,” he called from the hallway. “We’ll take dinner in our room tonight.”

  “You don’t have to stay with me,” she said, as her cheeks heated. She had to confess she felt better that he wanted to. Without Catherine in her house, standing close to Wes, it was easier to dismiss her as part of the past. Wes didn’t want to go to the party. In fact, he wanted to have dinner with her in their room.

  He opened their door and then, stepping through, kicked it closed again. Then his lips captured hers in a long kiss. “I’m not leaving you.”

  Was that a promise? Did he mean tonight or forever? Her heart wanted to cry that she wasn’t leaving him either. That she’d stay with him forever if he’d allow her, but she didn’t say it out loud. Instead she kissed him back, giving every ounce of her love and her passion into that kiss. “Thank you,” she said.

  “Come,” he whispered. “Let’s take your corset off so you can breathe.”

  “Wes?” Her voice trembled. She wasn’t sure she wanted to ask but part of her couldn’t let it go. “Why was Lady Kitteridge so familiar?”

  His mouth pressed into a thin line. He still held her in his arms as he sat on the bed, settling her in his lap. “Penny,” he said as he drew in a breath. “I’m not proud of the man I was.” Leaning his head down, he placed his forehead against hers. “There are many parts that I’m not sure I want to share with you because I am ashamed.”

  Penny touched his cheek. That admission made her breathe easier. She’d like to ask more, to know for certain that Lady Kitteridge was only part of the past, but fear held her back. “I don’t mean to dredge up the past.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t apologize. My past has arrived at our door. But please believe me when I say that you are my future.”

  She did believe him. She had to. Her fragile heart depended on it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Wes held Penny in his arms as she slept. By all accounts, he should be asleep too. He’d put in a grueling day, but he’d completed the plowing. Still, he couldn’t sleep. He kissed his wife’s head and held her tighter until she finally rolled away. Tomorrow, he’d go to town and purchase the seed to begin planting.

  He was excited to begin this next step. More than that, he was so happy to have Penny by his side. Her features were soft in sleep, her body curled into his, warm and so lush against his own. He’d give anything to keep her happy, safe. Catherine was attempting to come between them but he’d be damned if he let that happen.

  Penny stirred, and he realized that his muscles had tensed. “Are you all right,” she murmured, her hand reaching over to trail down his arm.

  “I’m wonderful, my love.” He kissed her cheek, snuggling her closer.

  “Am I? Your love?” she whispered, her hazel eyes looking dove grey in the moonlight.

  “More than you can know.” He kissed her lips. “Penny. You are where I belong. I love you.”

  She turned so that she pressed against him, her chin tipped up to look at him. “I love you, too.” She brushed her fingers along his brow. “It frightens me, how much I care.”

  Cupping her cheeks, he kissed her lips in a long lingering kiss. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He rolled her onto her back, sliding on top of her as he kissed her supple lips again and again.

  Skimming her night rail up her thighs, he pressed against her warmth, finding her ready for him. A groan escaped his lips as he slipped inside. “Penny.” He held her cheeks in either hand. “Say you believe me.”

  He was afraid that Catherine’s visit had driven a wedge between him and his wife. He couldn’t have that now. With each passing day, he loved her more, needed her with him always.

  “I believe you,” she whispered, sliding her hands down his back.

  “I’m not going anywhere. My place is next to you for as long as you’ll have me there.” He kissed her again, moving inside her as her legs hooked about his waist.

  “Always,” she murmured.

  He swelled inside her, the closeness of the moment overwhelming him. This was where he belonged.

  They made love holding one another, hearts beating together, breath mingling until they were both spent. Rolling on his side, he held her close, falling into a deep sleep.

  He woke the next morning, to find her asleep exactly in the same position. Grazing his lips across her forehead, he slipped from the bed. She’d looked terrible yesterday and he didn’t want to disturb her. Grabbing his clothes, he made his way to the dressing room.

  Mrs. Welsh had a breakfast waiting for him and he ate quickly before heading out to hitch the wagon.

  The ride into town was an easy and Mr. Wright was already behind the counter of his shop when he arrived. “Good morning, my lord.” The other man smiled as he entered.

  “Morning,” he answered. “Pleasure to see you again.”

  “Same,” Mr. Wright removed his monocle, giving him a wide smile. “What can I help you with?”

  “I’m here to buy some seed.” Wes couldn’t help but return the man’s wide grin.

  “Good for you,” Mr. Wright slapped the table he worked behind. “This is a good time to plant.” The man came around the counter and disappeared into the back. “Follow me.”

  Together they grabbed several sacks and loaded them onto the wagon. “You’ve experience farming?”

  “Yes, sir,” he answered.

  “I can tell. You’ve got that look about you. I won’t give you any advice in the seeding or harvesting, but I do have some for the sale of your crop. Lord Harvey is the man you want to talk to.”

  “Lord Harvey?” He straightened.
r />   “Yes, my lord. Owns the property next to Lord and Lady Kitteridge. In fact, her ladyship came in looking for your address so that she could issue you an invitation to her upcoming party. I’m sure that Lord Harvey will be at the event.”

  Dissatisfaction rumbled in his chest. That was the last place he wished to go. “I might call on him sooner.” Wes rubbed his neck. “I’m eager to see this business done.”

  Mr. Wright gave a nod. “If I see him before you make it, I’ll tell him to expect you.”

  “I’d appreciate that. Thank you.” He had planned to begin planting tomorrow but he’d have to delay a day in order to make the house call. He’d do anything to avoid the Kitteridge party.

  Penny woke giving a shiver as cool air hit her skin. She reached across the bed to find Wes’s side cold. He’d been gone for some time. Why hadn’t he woken her?

  Normally, she wouldn’t care, but after yesterday, she wanted to renew their connection before he went off.

  Rising from the bed, she washed and dressed, taking the back stairs down to the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” Mrs. Welsh called from the stove.

  “Good morning,” she replied. “What time did his lordship leave?”

  “Close to two hours ago, my lady. In fact, I’d expect him back before too long. Why don’t I make you some eggs?”

  Her insides twisted. Sometimes her father would make a grand announcement before he left, but other times, he’d just slip out and they wake to find him gone. She covered her stomach as she shifted on her feet. “I’m not hungry but thank you.”

  Mrs. Welsh frowned over her shoulder. “Don’t be silly. You need to eat.”

  Penny shook her head. Half cook, half mother, Mrs. Welsh would not allow her to wallow. “Perhaps after we can take inventory in the pantry?”