A Lady's Deception Read online

  When he finally lifted off her, he said, “I’m sorry, love. To prevent a child, you see.”

  Yes, she did see. Clearly, he was more concerned with the consequences than he’d been the first time they had made love. She was glad he’d had the presence of mind to withdraw. Hugh got out of bed and fished a handkerchief from a pocket inside his coat. He cleaned the mattress and threw the cloth to the floor. Eleanor watched him, knowing what he was looking for.

  “In the basket by the door. Fabric scraps.” He grabbed one and handed it to her, discreetly looking away while she tidied herself.

  He climbed into the bed and spooned himself around her, kissing her nape, running his big hands over her. Had anything ever felt this good? This perfect? They fell asleep like that, with his arms holding her close against him.

  …

  When Hugh awoke, the gossamer light of dawn was filtering through the window. Eleanor lay on her side, facing away from him, a wash of her dark blond hair flowing over the pillow. Leaning down, he dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder. She did not stir.

  They had company on the bed. Eleanor’s little dog, Bobby, had slept there with them at least part of the night. Now he was fidgeting, and Hugh thought he’d better let him out before he woke Eleanor. Not wishing to disturb her, he climbed carefully out of bed and pulled on his britches and shirt.

  After he let the dog out, he prodded the fire to life, added kindling and charcoal, and put the kettle on. He wondered momentarily where the kitten was. She hadn’t been around since he’d arrived last night. He’d ask Eleanor later.

  It felt exceedingly odd to be in this room without her, so clearly a ladies’ domain, so he stepped out into the garden and leaned against the fence. His thoughts turned instantly to Eleanor and what had passed between them last night. She had given herself to him, joyfully and with abandon. He loved her passionate nature, her fearless lovemaking. He hoped to hell she wouldn’t hold him at arm’s length, and there was every possibility she would choose to do so once again. It was part of her secretiveness, her melancholy, and she might not be able to let it go.

  There was more to the Jacob Abbot story than she’d admitted. She wasn’t the missish type who would be embarrassed to tell him what the man had said. He was of a mind to fire Abbot, despite Eleanor’s urging him not to. What could Abbot have said to upset her so? Hugh had the feeling it was related to the part of her she withheld from him. If only he could break down that barrier she’d built around herself. For her own protection, he assumed. But protection from what? The urge to know, to discover her secrets, was strong, but if he pressed her, she would retreat. And hadn’t he told her he didn’t want to know her secrets? He would need to tread lightly or run the risk of scaring her off. In his mind, they had reached a turning point. There was no going back now, not for him.

  The door opened. Hugh turned and glimpsed her standing in the doorway, looking uncertain. She wore her chemise and a shawl draped about her shoulders. Smiling, he ambled over to greet her. “Good morning, Eleanor.” Grasping her shoulders, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. She surprised him by gripping his arms, rising on her toes, and kissing him on the mouth. The kiss tasted of the sweet softness of morning, and yet it bespoke desire and longing. And it was incredibly arousing. Gathering her up in his arms, he drew her close and said, “You didn’t think you could kiss me like that without any consequences, did you?”

  “So you think I am seducing you? Again?” She laughed softly while he kissed his way down toward her breasts.

  “Oh, hell. Let’s do this the right way.” He picked her up and carried her inside to the bed. The very small bed. “The next time you seduce me, we’ll be in my bed, which was actually made to accommodate two people.”

  If last night’s lovemaking had been about the culmination of desire, the frenzied coming together of two people who had barely been keeping their attraction for each other under control, this morning’s was slow and sweet and achingly tender, and Hugh loved every minute of it. She smelled of rumpled sheets and languor. And the musk of a woman’s sex. He explored each of her perfect breasts, sucking lightly on the tips, delighted when she moaned her pleasure. Eleanor stroked his chest, and then ran her hands down his back and over his arse. Oh holy God. Her touch was going to send him to oblivion. He flipped her to her side, pulling her against him, stroking her thighs until she opened her legs for him. Dipping his fingers into her folds, he sought her wet center and her sweet bud. She was ready for him.

  When she reached back and wrapped her hand around his cock, he nearly leaped off the bed. Lips at her ear, he said, “Now. Please, now.” He entered her from the rear, and she gasped. Hugh went still. “Did I hurt you, darling?” he croaked out.

  “It feels…very full. But good. I like it.”

  He moved slowly, allowing her time to adjust. When she was ready, he found the core of her and stroked, and her whimpers whet his desire even more. “That’s it, love. Let go. Let go.” And she did, with a breath that burst out of her with such force it shocked them both.

  He couldn’t wait any longer. With his hands clutching her hips, he drove deep into her. Eleanor was perfect for him. She fit him like a kidskin glove. At the end, he thought the angels had come for him, his spasms coming long and hard and endlessly.

  They remained exactly as they were. Hugh dozed off and Eleanor must have as well. When, at length, she moved away from him, taking her warmth with her, he protested. “No. Don’t.”

  “Hugh, it’s late. I must dress, and you must leave.”

  “Oh hell. Truly?”

  “Yes. The girls will be here in no time.”

  “Couldn’t we at least have tea and the apple tarts?”

  “Just like a man, always thinking about food.” Hugh heard the smile in her voice. She was scurrying about, looking for her clothing. “Help me lace my stays,” she said, after pulling her chemise over her head.

  “My pleasure.” He climbed off the bed and donned britches and shirt, then laced her stays and did up the fastenings on her dress, a different one than she’d worn yesterday. “Not wearing the blue today. I’m exceedingly fond of that one.”

  Eleanor rushed him out the door, handing him an apple tart to eat on his way back to Longmere. He kissed her quickly, then remembered about the kitten. “Where is Beatrice? What have you done with her? You’re not one of those cruel people who drowns kitties, are you?”

  She laughed. “She is spending some time at the Broxton stables. I simply couldn’t have her here. But I’ll bring her back when she’s grown.”

  “One more thing. You and your parents should have received an invitation to a ball being held in my honor.”

  “Oh? When is it?”

  “Next week.” He cocked his head at her. “Please say you’ll come.” He stepped close and slid his hand through the hair at her temple, cupping her face with his palm. And then he whispered, “I would be sorely disappointed if you did not.”

  “Of course,” she said, smiling. “I’ll be there.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  After surveying the cottage interior and getting rid of all traces of Hugh, Eleanor brewed herself a cup of tea and settled on the garden bench with an apple tart. Euphoria prevailed. Was this what heaven was like?

  Sadly, Eleanor discovered euphoria was fleeting. She must face reality. She had a child with Hugh, and she’d kept that child from him. Lili’s foster father was primed to blackmail her, if her deductions were accurate. The man was already denying her access to Lili on occasion, or, at the very least, making her visits difficult and worrying. And she suspected one or both of her parents might be in collusion with Abbot.

  Things were spinning out of control, and she’d no bloody idea how to fix them.

  Her chest grew tight with gnawing dread. Drink your tea. Eat. She forced herself to swallow some of the strong brew and take a few bites of the tart, then she rose and paced around the garden. There had to be a way.

  By the time Jane and Minnie h
ad arrived, Eleanor had a plan. Was she brave enough to carry it out? Telling Hugh about Lili seemed the best course of action, despite the consequences for all of them. Hugh was the best of men. He might be angry at first, but when she explained her reasons for withholding the truth, perhaps he would forgive her.

  Once Hugh knew the truth, Eleanor didn’t know what would come next. He may not wish to acknowledge a child born outside of marriage. He may be too angry to forgive her deception. She must steel herself to accept his decision, no matter what.

  Perhaps he would insist on marrying her, after he’d had sufficient time to absorb everything. She’d thought she didn’t want to marry him, but now…well, now things were different. She liked him. Maybe even loved him. They were compatible physically, and they had always enjoyed each other’s company. They would be good parents to Lili.

  What was the point of dwelling upon a serendipitous outcome? Certain as she was that Hugh cared for her, his feelings could be upended by her revealing Lili. Speaking of Lili, it was time for a visit. Eleanor hadn’t been back since her daughter’s illness, and given all she’d learned about Abbot, she was worried about Lili’s well-being. If she completed the vandyking and rouleau trim on the muslin dress before noon, she would borrow the gig and head for the Abbots’. She hoped Jacob Abbot would be at Longmere and not at his home.

  A few hours later, Eleanor approached the Abbot home with fear knotting her stomach. How ironic, to experience such unpleasant feelings during what should be a happy occasion, both for herself and Lili. The door crashed open before she’d even stepped down from the gig, and Jacob Abbot strode toward her with a look meant to intimidate.

  He stopped, standing so close to her she could see the tiny red blood vessels in the whites of his eyes. Eleanor stood her ground. “Step back, Mr. Abbot.”

  He didn’t move. “What did you tell Grey about me?”

  “I won’t answer until you step back.”

  Grudgingly, he moved a few feet away from her. “Go on, then. Out with it.”

  “He asked me what you’d said to upset me. He wanted to sack you immediately, but I told him to give you another chance.”

  “I don’t believe you. If that’s true, why did the steward tell me to take the day off today?”

  “I have no way of knowing what passes between you and your employers, Mr. Abbot.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m here to see Lili.”

  When she tried to sidestep around him and walk toward the house, he said, “Not so fast. The little girl’s not available.”

  Eleanor wanted to scream her frustration, but she knew that would make matters worse. She kept walking until Abbot grabbed her arm and jerked her to a stop.

  “Let go of me! You cannot stop me from seeing Lili.”

  “You and me have matters to talk over.”

  So here it was. Though she’d feared his intentions, she’d been able—temporarily—to consign her worries to the back of her mind. “What can we possibly have to talk over?”

  “Looks like you and Sir Hugh are good friends. I’d wager he might like to know he’s got a little girl.”

  The words hit her like a blow. Reeling with shock, Eleanor grappled for words. This could be no more than a wild guess. “That is a ridiculous statement, as you well know. Now, get out of my way.”

  But he blocked her once again. “A friend of mine saw you sneak into the stables with Hugh Grey one night a few years back. And lo and behold, nine months later, you’ve got yourself a child. That’s no coincidence.”

  Could her heart be thumping any louder? Had Abbot known this for years, saving it up to use in some perverse way? And just who was this other person? “Your friend needs spectacles, Mr. Abbot.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Me and my wife have a lot of expenses, what with a baby coming soon. Seeing as you make a lot of blunt with that fancy dress business of yours, I thought you might want to help us out. What do you say?”

  “I say that smacks of blackmail. My father and I pay you generously, more than generously, to care for Lili. And you have employment with Sir Hugh. So, no, I’m afraid there’s no more money from me in the offing.”

  A sheen of sweat had broken out on his forehead. “You’ll be sorry about that decision when I tell Grey the truth.”

  Would Abbot sense the underlying fear in her words? “You don’t know the truth, Mr. Abbot. Speculation and lies have nothing to do with fact. Your threats are meaningless. And don’t forget, one word from me to Sir Hugh and you’ll be dismissed. He won’t hesitate for an instant.”

  Arms flailing, he said, “Get out of here. Now.”

  Any further arguing with him would not get her anywhere. Eleanor spun around and climbed onto the gig.

  All the way home, she thought of nothing besides telling Hugh about Lili. How she would do it, and when. She couldn’t put it off it any longer. Eleanor could no longer risk letting her child stay with the Abbots.

  …

  The following week

  Hugh hadn’t been in the Haslemere assembly rooms since the night of his unforgettable liaison with Eleanor more than two years ago. Tonight’s ball, in his honor, was a private one, by invitation only. Hugh arrived in his carriage, ahead of the guests. He’d been given a schedule of sorts. People would be presenting themselves at nine o’clock, and he must be ready to greet them.

  He strolled into the main room and surveyed the splendor. The scene couldn’t have been more different from his last visit. The organizers had gone out of their way to beautify the main room. The two enormous chandeliers were lit, and a fire blazed in the massive hearth. The musicians had already taken their places in the gallery at the far end. Violins, violas, horns, flutes. Garlands of greenery festooned the gallery up and down the room, and large urns of fresh flowers stood on high stands in niches, flanked by candelabra on either side. Perhaps the good citizens of Haslemere were finally prepared to acknowledge that he was his own man, not a copy of his father. Maybe some of them even liked him. He derived some satisfaction in that.

  Mr. Beckwith, the magistrate, bustled over to him. “Sir Hugh, welcome. Very festive in here, eh?”

  “My thanks for all you’ve done, Mr. Beckwith. I’ve never seen these rooms looking so grand.”

  Apparently, he’d said the right thing, because the other man beamed at him. “I’m glad you approve.” His gaze flickered away from Hugh. “Ah, here are the first guests. I believe it is your family, Sir Hugh.”

  Hugh’s back was to them. Unease pressed inside his chest, but he was determined to be every bit the gentleman tonight. To make up for the last time he’d seen his mother and brother. He turned slowly, and there they were, looking a bit guarded. Not that he could blame them. And, would miracles never cease, Hugh was damned glad to see them. He hastened to greet them.

  “Deborah.” Leaning in, he kissed her cheek. “You’re looking lovely tonight.” And here was his mother’s beau, Freddie Cochran. “Mr. Cochran, welcome.”

  His brother and Cass stood by, waiting. “Cass, you are a vision, as usual. You’re a lucky devil, brother.” That broke the ice. They all laughed, and Hugh shook hands with Adam.

  “How are you, Hugh?” he asked, looking his brother in the eye. “How does the home building progress?”

  “I’m well enough. The reconstruction is coming along nicely. Why don’t you see for yourself before you leave Town?” Then, looking from one to the other, Hugh said, “Won’t you join me in the receiving line?”

  He’d shocked them. Obviously, they hadn’t expected the courtesy. But in his heart, Hugh knew it was the proper course of action. The kindest one. And truth be told, he wanted them there. He’d rather not do this alone.

  Soon after they took their places, the guests began arriving. Hugh was first in the line, with his mother standing next to him. Adam might have been of more help in identifying people, but it would have seemed ill-mannered to place him before Deborah. Hugh shook so many hands, he lost count. But he
was gratified to realize that he remembered many of the friends of his youth, as well as their siblings and parents. The women congratulated him on his honor; the men clapped him on the shoulder.

  Ned Martin stepped up, tugging at his neck cloth and appearing altogether self-conscious in his ball attire. Hugh had to hold back a smile. “Ned, welcome. You look grand, my friend. May I introduce you to my mother?”

  Eleanor was the one person Hugh gave a damn about greeting, and she hadn’t come through the line yet. Since they’d made love, she’d been in his thoughts every moment. He was beginning to worry that the Broxtons had prevented Eleanor from attending, when at last he looked up and glimpsed them a little back in the line. Her parents were blocking his view of her.

  Sir William, wearing a powdered wig, approached him and shook his hand warmly. “Well done, my boy. Sir Hugh now, eh? One day you must tell me what you did to earn the honor.”

  Hugh smiled and thanked him for coming. He was shocked—and gratified—that the older man was so cordial to him. Maybe it was due to Adam. Or maybe Sir William had finally concluded that Hugh was all right. His wife, however, was less sure. Having Eleanor so close, while forced to keep his eyes fixed on her mother, was painful. “Lady Broxton, welcome. Thank you for coming. I’m honored.”

  “Sir Hugh,” she managed to choke out.

  Deborah seemed to sense the awkwardness and took charge. “Lady Broxton! How lovely to see you again. The house party, wasn’t it, when we last met?”

  And then Hugh quit paying any attention, because Eleanor stood before him. Oh God, she was so lovely. Her hair was swept up, but loose strands lay curling at her cheeks and brushed her nape. She wore a lemon colored gown with quite a daring décolletage, making it difficult not to stare at her breasts. If he had his way, he would rush her out to his carriage and back to Longmere. He would have her over and over in the massive bed he’d bought with her in mind.