Lovely Deception Page 2

  “How long ago was your fall?” From the letter, she’d assumed it had been days. His answer surprised her.

  “It’s been three months, and already they want me to try and move. They’re all crazy, the lot of them. They even seek to limit my medications.” His voice lowered, and his finger beckoned her closer. “Nina, you could get it for me. The butler keeps it. All you’d have to do is tell him you’ll take care of it.”

  “Wallace, I’ve no medical training. I’m sure Mr. Daylen is following the doctor’s orders.”

  Nina had been unhappy about the trip, but now she became wary of the man before her. He seemed sinister and snide rather than the polite charming man she’d danced with.

  She wasn’t prepared for the tirade he loosed on her. “You whore, you’re more baggage than you’re worth. Bloody tart.” He coughed several times and let out a heavy sigh.

  Nina backed away, unable to believe he would utter such foul words in her presence.

  Muttering to himself more than to her, he continued, “Just my bad luck the mousey strumpet has a bank account.”

  Nina didn’t stifle her gasp at his tone.

  “If you’re going to hover than be of some use, you lousy titmouse, get me my medicine!”

  This was a side of Wallace she’d never experienced and hoped to never see again.

  She froze in place when he took the water carafe from the bedside table and threw it in her direction. The short scream left her throat before she could stop it, the glass shattering all around the bedside, the water seeping into the fine carpet.

  The door swung inward seconds later. It was the first time Nina saw the man she assumed was Viscount Mansley in person. She found her mind went blank, and she wasn’t able to utter any comprehensible words.

  “Arret, I’ve told you before, stop harassing my staff or I’ll throw you in the barn.” He glanced toward her and paused, realizing she wasn’t one of his staff.

  “Then get me my medicine!”

  “You’ve had your evening dose. Just calm yourself and go to sleep.” Reaching his hand toward Nina, Lord Mansley added, “My lady, why not leave him to rest? Tomorrow he will be in a better humor.”

  She took his outstretched hand to help her around the broken glass. “Thank you,” she managed, surprised by his calloused fingers.

  “It was just too much to have visitors all day” he said, escorting her from the room.

  In the hallway, Nina stopped dead. Her patience was long gone, and she couldn’t hold her tongue. “I would gladly have left him to rest, except my meals were brought to me in there and no one told me where I might freshen and sleep.”

  She knew talking to any man in this fashion was unacceptable, but couldn’t stop herself. His laughing aloud wasn’t what she expected.

  “I see an oversight on our part.”

  “Please don’t misunderstand. I don’t mind sitting with him. I just didn’t know where else to go, and it seemed rude to start wandering the halls.” She drew a breath while staring at him, something a lady never did. “When it’s possible, I’d like to talk with his doctor or whoever knows about his situation.”

  “I’ll show you to your room, I’m sure you’ve had a long journey. Tomorrow at breakfast we can discuss his … injuries.”

  Nina walked beside the tall stranger, trying not to study him too overtly. He stopped beside a door next to Wallace’s and pushed it open. “Just ring if you need anything. Will you need a maid’s help this evening?”

  She managed to whisper, “No.”

  “I’ll see you for breakfast. Good night, Miss Harbin.”

  “Good night, my lord. And thank you for taking care of him.”

  He turned and walked away, muttering, “As if I had a choice.”

  She shut the door and let out the sigh she’d been holding since he entered Wallace’s room.

  The same warming pulsed through her. Now it was established he was the lord of the manor, she’d have to be very careful to think before she spoke. Just because her pulse quickened, and she forgot her words and manners at the sight of him couldn’t distract her.

  Her hardened nipples ached under the confines of her corset, and her private area pulsed warm and slick. She fanned her face with her hand at the overbearing heat filtering through her body.

  Never before had she reacted to meeting any man in such a wanton, unladylike fashion. And heaven help her, she didn’t know what to make of any of this.

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  Chapter Two

  Exhausted and alarmed, she dropped onto the bed, neither undressing nor performing her normal toilette. Instead, she buried her face in the bedding and cried.

  Traveling from London to Southampton had taken several long, unpleasant days, even in the luxurious coach Lord Mansley sent for her. Her father’s willingness to send her alone had been another unwelcome surprise despite his explanation that his new wife of six months would need all of his staff. While she appreciated the quiet, it wasn’t proper for a young lady to travel unaccompanied. Then, she’d been locked in a sick room with Wallace for the entire day.

  That was what frightened her most. Not that he’d been injured, but rather his attitude toward the doctor’s recommendations and her arrival. Never had anyone thrown glassware at her. Pain and medication could be to blame, but it didn’t seem Wallace was willing to help himself.

  In the morning, she’d find out the depth of the situation. She allowed herself to drift into a deep sleep while still lying above the covers, fully dressed.

  Morning came early. Too early, she realized, hearing Wallace through the walls, hollering for his medicine. Glancing at her broach watch, she saw it was only four, much too soon to awaken. Pulling a pillow over her head, she still heard his muffled tirade until heavy footfalls entered the room next door. Words were exchanged, and within moments, quiet fell. Nina dropped back to sleep, but her dreams disturbed her and she woke with a start. Her dream disappeared, and she realized she must meet Viscount Mansley at breakfast shortly.

  She got her first real look at the beautiful room while bathing and dressing, which was no small feat without the help of maid to lace her in. The beige and brown room was light and airy, her privy well appointed with rich silk fabric brocaded in light pinks and blues that accented the beige. While she wanted to crawl under the fluffy bed covers, she pinned back her hair and set a fresh day net to cover it.

  Thankfully, someone had unpacked her cases, and her day dress was presentable. The dark brown silk with contrasting black trim complimented her skin tone. Its wide pagoda sleeves were worn over white undersleeves. The high lace neckline matched the undersleeves but scratched at her throat. Nina found herself tugging at in whenever she was alone.

  The knock on her door was a welcome relief as a young maid entered, introducing herself as Elsa, and quietly helped lace her into the dress.

  Put together as well as she could be, she left her room.

  In the darkness of the previous night, she’d not seen the rich red carpeting nor the ancestral portraits hung between doorways. She was tempted to stop and admire each one, but she didn’t want to be late to breakfast.

  Nina’s stomach sickened as she passed Wallace’s door, the smell of illness seeping through the thick wood. Ahead was a large center staircase, and she carefully navigated the rich wood treads so as not to trip herself on her crinoline.

  At the bottom, she paused to take in the front hallway. It was beautifully appointed with wood inlays complimenting the stone walls. Several doorways led from that point, and she turned to make her choice. As luck would have it, Lord Mansley approached from the right, letters in his hand. He halted and acknowledged her presence only after almost walking right past her.

  “Ah, Miss Harbin, breakfast is this way.” He pointed for her to continue with him, and she paced her steps to keep up with his long strides.

  The dining room was all mahogany wood, the fireplace surround stone to match the building. Its warmth drew
her immediately, and she moved towards it. From beneath her lashes, she glanced to see where she should sit, then moved to the seat the viscount was pulling out. The aroma of food waiting in the covered dishes on the sideboard drew her attention almost as much as he did.

  Last night, he’d obviously been distressed by Wallace’s outburst, and she had been too shaken to really appraise him. In the morning light, she watched as he continued with his letters, sipping absently from his china cup. His dark hair was lightly streaked with gray at the temples. His eyes were a dark brown, matching his tanned complexion. His jaw was a bit square, his nose a bit big for his face, but it all seemed to flow together, giving him the appearance of a well-heeled nobleman who knew his importance and accepted it with grace.

  He also possessed a small scar on his left cheek near his ear, long ago healed. Nina decided it gave him a sturdy look.

  He wore a fine cotton shirt, its upstanding collar encircled by a blue necktie looped into a loose knot, accented with a gold bar stickpin. His casual sack coat of dark blue wool suited him, as did his matching trousers.

  The viscount was quite a specimen of man, Nina decided. Her inner self reacted to him, and she pressed her thighs together to stop the pulsing.

  Nina knew the exact moment she fell in love with him. He reached for his cup only to find it empty. Pausing to put his letters aside, he glanced up at her, and her pulse skipped. She understood she was an interloper in his home, and apparently Wallace wasn’t a good patient, but she couldn’t help wondering what this man’s touch would feel like against her skin. He had large hands, work-worn, not slick and polished like Wallace’s were. A shiver worked its way through her body at the concept of Jacob touching her, and she saw he noticed. All she could hope was that the layers of clothing she wore hid her budding nipples.

  “Ah, Miss Harbin, I apologize for my slight.” He lifted the small brass bell beside him, and a footman appeared to fill their cups. He then portioned out a plate and slipped it in front of her.

  Nina waited until a second plate was placed before her host.

  “Thank you, that will be all for now.”

  The footman left without a word, leaving them both to stare at their plates.

  “Lord Mansley, I would like to know the details of Wallace’s accident. It’s all a bit confusing.”

  “Yes, I suppose it would be. May I ask how long you’ve been engaged to Arret?”

  A flush of heat rose in Nina’s cheeks, and she looked at her hands folded in her lap. “My father set the bargain seven years ago, on my eighteenth birthday.”

  “And in those seven years, how much time have you spent with him?”

  “Very little, my lord. We met only five times before he spoke with my father. I saw him at Christmas that same year, then twice after that. He was away finishing his degree in engineering. Father felt it best he finish university before we wed so he could provide for us.” This was her pat answer to the same question, no matter how it was worded.

  “Did your father not think it unusual for it to take him twice as long to complete his course?”

  “Father doesn’t discuss matters with me, rather he prefers to make decisions and for me to abide by them.”

  “I see.” He paused to lift his fork. “Please, eat while it’s hot,” he added, taking a bite of the fluffy eggs before him.

  It was the only signal Nina needed to tuck into her eggs and toasted bread with gusto. The sausage was an additional, spicy treat. Enjoying the flavors, she didn’t realize how quickly she was eating until it dawned on her that she had finished her plate before her host. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment a second time, and he laughed aloud. When he did, small lines surrounded his eyes, making him look less foreboding.

  “Help yourself to seconds, Miss. I’m afraid my staff is used to making plates for ladies with bird like appetites.”

  She only shook her head, but deep inside she wanted a second helping. “I’m fine, thank you. May I pour you more coffee?” It was a simple act she accomplished every other morning, but today her hands shook.

  “Are you in love with him?” Lord Mansley asked.

  Nina sat back and appraised him. The truth would hurt her eventually, but she couldn’t form the normal defensive statements.

  “Love doesn’t generally enter into a marriage contract.” She held back the sigh that pushed forward, knowing a love match was not meant for her.

  “I suppose you’re right,” he mumbled.

  “My lord, if I may ask again, please explain what happened or tell me whom I should talk with for the details?”

  “You might not like the answers, Miss Harbin”

  “Regardless, you sent for me for a reason, and I can only assume it’s to nurse Wallace to health. To do that, I must know…”

  “What if you don’t like the answer?” he snapped.

  “I have little choice, as you’re acutely aware,” she snapped back.

  Tossing his serviette from his lap to his plate, he pushed back in his chair and studied her. “I hired Arret on four months ago as a laborer.”

  “As a laborer? I was given the impression this was his apprenticeship, and once completed, he’d be licensed to strike out on his own.” Nina knew she’d said too much but couldn’t pull back her words.

  “Is that what you’ve been told?” He sighed and turned to face her. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you’ve been given false information. Arret never finished his courses; rather, four years ago, he left the university and started hiring on as labor.”

  “Hiring on? I don’t understand. All this time, I thought he was gaining his credentials.”

  “Apparently that’s what he wanted you and your father to think.”

  “What else don’t I know?” Nina suddenly wished she hadn’t asked, wasn’t sure she was prepared for the answer.

  “His accident was his own fault.”

  He stared at her, but she schooled her features, holding her posture high and stifling the scream of frustration that wanted to fall from her lips. “Please continue,” she managed.

  “He’d been fired the day before for shoddy work. He’d been warned by my architect but didn’t seem to care. He took his last pay and left. The next morning when the work crew was arriving, we found him drunk on the scaffolding.” The viscount paused and cleared his throat.

  “And?” she prompted, closing her eyes as if the words wouldn’t hurt quite so much.

  “And after several attempts to talk him down and several of his verbal tirades, he … fell.”

  “His leg was broken? Is that his only injury?”

  “As far as the doctors can tell.”

  “Than why does he claim to be in so much pain? Last night, he said the doctors weren’t medicating him. He said they wanted him to leave the bed, but his leg isn’t healed enough. I truly don’t know whom to believe, my lord.”

  “Granted. I am a stranger to you, and I do have an ulterior motive for bringing you here.”

  “You want me to nurse him to health and take him away.”

  “Yes. He’s been a drain on my household from the first day he set foot on the land, chasing—” He stopped abruptly and looked away, obviously discomfited.

  “Go ahead. I’d prefer to know what I’m dealing with than be treated as a child. I can handle the truth, my lord.”

  “Fine. He’d been chasing the maids and stayed drunk most of the time. Since his accident, I believe he’s become addicted to the laudanum first given to him for the pain. In all honesty, Miss Harbin, his leg is healed enough for him to walk with assistance. He chooses to feign otherwise, enjoying the benefits of the care he is given.”

  “I see. Do you believe I can persuade him to leave here?”

  “I’d hoped seeing you would motivate him.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, then. He didn’t seem happy to see me, nor was he cordial when I refused to intervene on his behalf for more medication.”

  “Just do the best y
ou can, Miss Harbin.”

  “I’ll try. I’ll write my father to apprise him of the situation and ask him to make arrangements at home for Wallace’s recuperation.”

  “That would be most welcome.” He stood to leave, turning back to add, “Feel free to enjoy the house while you’re here. I don’t expect you to stay in his room all day, only to visit him occasionally when he’s wakeful.”

  “Thank you. Your gardens did seem lovely from my bedroom window. Perhaps this afternoon when he sleeps, I’ll take some air. First, I must get a letter written to Father.”

  “Give it to Daylen when you’re done, and he’ll see it goes out on the next post.”

  “Thank you,” Nina said, managing to hold back the onslaught of tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

  “You may use the library for your letter writing.”

  She had no more words, merely nodded in agreement. Lord Mansley left without further words. She sat, shocked bybybbb what she’d learned, yet not. After yesterday’s outburst, she could understand why the viscount wanted Wallace out from his roof. But that meant he also wanted her out.

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  Chapter Three

  Nina completed her letter home and handed it to the butler. He smiled only once in her presence and made no attempt at conversation when she asked several questions about the manor.

  Her morning visit to Wallace fared little better than yesterday’s. That unwelcome task finished, she pulled a folded shawl of brown paisley wool over her shoulders and wandered the gardens of Mansley estate. Although it was October, blossoms still clung to their stems. Just to be outside in the fresh air was exhilarating.

  She wandered around the outskirts of the large house, past the stables, and stopped outside the work area of a large building being constructed. Once noticed by the workmen, she quickly turned and headed to the house. It was hard not to replay the morning’s unpleasantness in her mind.

  She’d forced a calm façade and full smile as she entered Wallace’s room earlier. His breakfast tray was empty, and his bedding and night clothing had been freshened.