The Cinder Earl's Christmas Deception Read online

  They nodded at acquaintances but did not stop to speak to anyone. Gabriel tried his best to appear besotted with his bride—something that was not too difficult to achieve. She was beautiful. He could not engage in conversation with any of Cedric’s friends. They would know immediately that he was not Cedric and jig would be up.

  The door to the conservatory was close. He had to get out of this crowd. Gabriel drew Kathleen to the edge of the ballroom and tried the handle of the door. It opened easily.

  He touched his gloved finger to his lips and gave Kathleen a conspiratorial raise of his eyebrows. Her own lips twitched and she glanced around as if expecting someone to catch them in the act of sneaking away. Gabriel stepped into the cool room, drawing his companion with him, before catching the inside handle and closing the door with a snick.

  There were candles burning in the wall sconces and floating candles in the ornamental fountain in the middle of the conservatory. His father had good taste. For all his faults, the man had style. How the family’s sense of style had so badly skipped the duke’s eldest and youngest sons was a mystery to Gabriel. Kathleen’s bright eyes and parted lips were a testament to just how beautiful the plethora of flowers was. While the number of flowers was diminished because it was December there were still many flowers for the season. Reds, yellows and oranges with a few purples and blues. Foliage hung everywhere, and the scent of pollen hit Gabriel’s nostrils.

  “It is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me in here.”

  “Thank you for coming with me.” Gabriel moved in front of her, blocking her view of the conservatory. She raised her face, her rose petal lips stretching into a wary smile. Oh, she suspected what was coming next but was she excited, nervous, or was she horrified?

  “Kathleen, would it be very inappropriate for me to try to kiss you?”

  “Try? Have you never kissed a young lady before?”

  He chuckled. “Try may have been the wrong word. I assure you, I am quite practised in the art.”

  “Then I apologise that I am quite untutored, Cedric.”

  “Call me Gabriel, please. When we are alone.”

  He did not care if she made a mistake. He would gladly take a beating from his sire in order to hear he say his name at this moment. He just could not bear her to call him the same name as his ass of a brother when he was about to taste those cherry red lips.

  “I shall—Gabriel.”

  “Much better,” he whispered, against her lips.

  His thumb stroked her jaw, his fingers helping to angle her head as his lips caressed hers. Warmth flooded his belly, but he held himself back. Kathleen moved her lips over his experimentally and Gabriel had to quash a groan of need. For a first kiss, Kathleen needed a gentle introduction to the feelings he could draw from her, not a mauling as his brother would have given her. And then he forced the thoughts of his half-brother out of his mind and surrendered to the softness of her lips.

  Kathleen sighed as she parted her lips. Gabriel allowed his hand to drift around her neck so that he did not disturb her coiffure and have people gossiping about her. He pressed his tongue inside her mouth and eased himself a step closer, sliding his free hand around her waist. Devil take it. She tasted delicious. And she learned quickly.

  Her hands grazed over his waistcoat and up his chest before slipping around his neck as he swept his tongue around her mouth. She copied his movements naturally. He forced his hand to remain on her waist. The man in him wanted to move it down and urge her bottom until she rubbed against his growing hardness. But the gentleman knew this was her first kiss and his needs and desires were secondary.

  Kathleen moaned and pushed herself onto tiptoes. Tilting her head and adjusting the position, deepening the kiss still further. God’s teeth. He had not been this affected by a mere kiss since… well, he never had been this affected by a kiss.

  He withdrew until their lips barely touched and then he pulled away completely.

  Her lips pursed, Kathleen tried to follow him. It was almost comical. Then she seemed to realise the kiss was over and she opened her eyes, looking somewhat dazed and a little disappointed. He touched his forehead to hers. His own disappointment as keen as hers. He was just better at making it. He needed a moment to recover his wits, and it had to be time not gazing into those crystal clear blue eyes.

  “Was your first kiss enjoyable, Kathleen?”

  “It was… wonderful, Ced… Gabriel.”

  “It was wonderful. I wish we had time to prolong this assignation, but we have to get back.”

  “May I just apologise for the sound I made? I do not know what came over me. The feelings…”

  He lifted his head and shook it. She stopped speaking and gave him a quizzical look.

  “Never apologise for any sounds you make that are borne of pleasure. A sound like that gives a man heart that the lady is enjoying a gentleman’s kisses.”

  Her lips moved into a delightful little ‘o’ shape and he was tempted to pull her into another kiss. But he was not convinced that a second time he could be in such control. He was already growing hard with want and would have to think of Cedric in his inexpressibles to ensure that he got rid of the slight bulge in his silk breeches before going back into the ballroom.

  Yes, the thought of Cedric’s inexpressibles was definitely working already.

  “Thank you for your kindness.”

  “There was no kindness involved. The pleasure was all mine. Let us take a quick turn around the flower beds so our colour can return to normal. You look a little flushed. Then I shall return you to your mama.”

  “Thank you. You are obviously quite practised at secret assignations with young ladies.”

  He gave her a sidelong glance. Was that jealousy he heard in her voice?

  “No, not really.”

  “Oh, come now, Mr Onslow. You are a very handsome gentleman. The ladies must throw themselves at you.”

  “But you forget. I am a ba… I am illegitimate.”

  “But the recognised son of a duke.”

  “Mayhap but most mamas want at least a baron for their daughters. I shall never have a title unless I save the life of the Prince Regent himself.”

  “That does seem a little unfair.”

  “Ah, the vagaries of the hereditary peerage were never said to be fair, Miss Roberts.”

  And with that, he opened the door to the hothouse and swept her back out into the ballroom.

  Chapter 6

  “How the devil did you manage it?” Gabriel asked, feeling the pouch of coins in his pocket once again as they walked towards Hyde Park and Tattersall’s auction.

  “I just explained to your father how little he wanted society to know about his heir being kept as a servant while he treats his bastard sons better than the Prince Regent and allows them to gad about town, often lording it over… well… actual lords. Your brothers are not well liked from what I hear.”

  “Godfrey seems…” Gabriel waved his free hand. “Oh, I don’t know… pliable… as if someone could reform the poor bugger. He laughed at my Cedric impersonation. And when it was just him and me in the carriage, he dropped his fashionable ennui and became almost human. It is as if no one ever taught him how not to act like an ass.”

  “It is likely that no one did. He only had your father and Cedric to look up to and his mother is…”

  “She is evil.”

  “Is she? That is a pretty strong word, Gabe.”

  “She was evil to Christina. I think my punishment was her idea too. She never forgave us for being born even though we had no choice. My mother and father’s marriage was arranged as far as I can tell, though my father was in love with the daughter of a mere knight, and that was not good enough for his father. No matter that she was pretty and has a big bosom and loved my father back. Or that he had already ruined her.”

  “You noticed your step-mother has a big bosom?” asked Myles.

  “She’s not my step-mother. She never married my father. And of cou
rse I noticed. She does not hide it under a shawl. The woman does not know how to be demure. Do not say you did not notice.”

  “Well, of course, but one never likes to mention it.”

  “They are not something one can miss. A bit like her sons’… well, you know… in their inexpressibles.”

  “It is the ladies I feel sorry for. They must find it so difficult to know where to look.”

  “Well not down there, I would wager.”

  “Ah, here we are, now, let’s see if we can get you a decent gelding.”

  “I shall not be taking advice from you on horseflesh. Not after the state of my arse after that brute of yours threw me.”

  They entered Tattersall’s and Gabriel breathed in the smell of horse manure and hay. He had not been here since his university days. It felt wonderful to have some freedom again.

  ∞∞∞

  “Now we are alone, you can tell me honestly what you think of Gab, I mean Cedric,” Christina said to Kathleen as the carriage made its way to Bond Street and Lady Christina’s favourite modiste.

  “Oh, umm…”

  “Ha, there is no need to be coy. He is only my half-brother and I would never say a word to him.”

  “I like him exceedingly well. I must admit I was not sure upon first meeting him the other day when he came to our house to arrange the betrothal ball, but the poor man was not well. But at the ball, he was… charming.”

  “Charming? Indeed. I did notice you disappeared into the hothouse for a while with him.”

  Heat crawled up Kathleen’s neck. “Oh?”

  “I did. Only because I had feigned a turned ankle during my dance so that I could get away from my horrible dance partner to be with Myles and we wanted to sneak off but you and Gab… Cedric were already in there.”

  “Myles?”

  “Lord Stalwood.”

  “Oh. I… oh. You and Lord Stalwood are on given name terms. You are planning to wed?”

  “Well, neither of us has mentioned it but we do like each other exceedingly well and we deal nicely together. We are currently working on a… a… how do I put it… a project together.”

  “A project?”

  “Yes. I believe I have said enough on the matter, however. It is supposed to be a secret. One day I shall tell you and you shall be as delighted as I am.”

  How intriguing. Lady Christina was like a heroine in a novel, full of secrets and passions. Kathleen would not be surprised if she burned with desire for Lord Stalwood, though Kathleen was not quite sure what burning with desire felt like. She did wonder though if she had been given a taste of it with Cedric last night.

  “Ah, here we are. Madame Leclerc. She has the most delightful fabrics that will show off your décolletage perfectly. My poor brother will not know where to place his gaze. What fun. I do love tormenting the poor soul.”

  She chuckled as the footman handed her down from the carriage then waited as he helped Kathleen to disembark too.

  Lady Christina was correct. Madame Leclerc had the most beautiful fabrics, many imported from the East. Christina and she looked through the fashion plates and Christina, who insisted that Kathleen drop the honorific, urged her to purchase a few new gowns for the Christmas season. They also as good as chose her wedding gown, but Kathleen explained to Christina that she would have to bring her mother back for the final decision.

  “I could never purchase my wedding gown without my mother seeing what I was going to wear. She has been looking forward to this day for so long.”

  “Oh, is that an American idea? We choose a nice gown for our wedding day, but it is not so special we would insist our mama helped in the final decision.”

  Kathleen laughed. “I do not think so. I think it is just me.”

  “Well, I think it is lovely and Gab… Cedric will not be able to take his gaze from you.”

  A warmth grew in Kathleen’s belly along with a little knot of worry. The kiss had made her light-headed and given her butterflies in her stomach, but she still remembered him standing in front of her with those inexpressibles on and his anatomy fully visible underneath. It had not been threatening in the least. It just did not inspire the kind of thoughts his kisses had.

  “Kathleen, you seem unwell. We have finished anyway. Come, let us step outside for some air. It is rather warm and stuffy in here.”

  Christina led Kathleen by the elbow out of the modiste’s shop and onto Bond Street. It was rather busy, and Kathleen sucked in her breath as the cool air hit her lungs.

  “Oh, it is rather fresh today.”

  “Yes, it is a little chilly. Never fear we have lots of shops to visit.”

  Christina led Kathleen down the busy shopping street visiting several shops and purchasing all manner of things. By the time Christina declared them finished, the poor footman was laden under boxes of bonnets and gloves and jewellery. The lady took pity on her poor servant and ordered him back to the carriage.

  “Shall we walk to Gunther’s for tea or shall we walk back to the carriage? It is a little cold. I would not want you catching a chill before your wedding,” said Christina, looking with concern at Kathleen.

  “Cold? This is like summer compared to New Hampshire in winter. I do not mind walking, but if you would prefer the carriage, I would understand.”

  “Nonsense. Never let it be said the British were afraid of a little cold. Tomkins, go back to the carriage and tell the driver to meet us at Gunther’s.” The footman nodded, looked around, but hesitated and did not seem keen to leave the ladies alone. “Honestly Tomkins, no one will accost us in Mayfair.”

  “Chrissie.” They both turned, and Kathleen caught her breath and she looked up into dark eyes. She dared not look down for fear that the handsome man who enthralled her so was wearing those dreadful inexpressibles. “Miss Roberts.”

  Christina batted her half-brother with her parasol. “Would you not yell Chrissie at me in the street? It is so uncouth.” She then turned to the footman. “See? A couple of rogues with whom we are well acquainted have already been accosted us. We are quite safe. Lord Stalwood, how delightful to see you again. Would you accompany us to Gunther’s?”

  “It would be our pleasure,” said Lord Stalwood, bowing to Lady Christina. He offered her his sleeve and Christina took it with alacrity. Cedric offered his sleeve to Kathleen, and she accepted graciously though with less enthusiasm lest he thinks her fast.

  As they set off down the street, Cedric spoke. “Did you enjoy last night?”

  “Oh, exceedingly well. The ballroom was beautiful, and the dancing was such fun.”

  “Ah yes, the ball. That was entertaining too.” She looked up to his face and could see his mouth twitching as if he was trying not to chuckle. Was he thinking of their interlude in the hothouse?

  “Mr Onslow, are you having a private reminiscence?”

  “You are welcome to join me, Miss Roberts.”

  Despite the cold, Kathleen felt a warmth spread up from her belly. “Mr Onslow, stop being so scandalous in public.”

  “Once we are wed, I shall be much more scandalous in private, my love.”

  His voice was so quiet she knew only she could hear him, but it still sent a thrill of excitement through her.

  “Please, Mr Onslow. That is quite improper for public discussion.”

  “I know. That is why only you can hear me, Miss Roberts. Fear not, I would never subject you to public scandal.”

  “Unlike your father has done to your mother.” As soon as she had said the words, Kathleen wished she could take them back. Cedric’s jaw tightened, and he looked ahead as if considering a polite way to reply. She was just about to apologise for her faux pas when he spoke.

  “Lady Benwick and the Duke of Hartsmere and their personal lives are none of my concern. The ton excuse the behaviour of dukes because they are a mere step down from princes and the ton are hypocrites. You, as an American and a commoner, have no such cushion from their wrath. But as charming and clever as you are, I do not
doubt you will have all the grande dames wrapped around your finger in no time and the scandal of the birth of the Duke of Hartsmere’s eldest child will be nought more than a footnote in Debrett’s.”

  Kathleen thought it a little odd that Cedric sometimes referred to himself in the third person. It was always when he was discussing his family situation. She wondered if he was uncomfortable discussing it. She decided not to mention it again. It did not do to make one’s betrothed feel uncomfortable.

  They soon arrived at Gunther’s. The place was quiet due to it being the Christmas Season. Few people travelled to town for the festivities since the roads were usually impassable by carriage. The gentlemen led them to seats and a waiter took their order. Just as the conversation was turning to topics other than the weather, a couple of dandies arrived at their table.

  “Cedric, old chap. Missed you last night. It was a real hoot. We were all in our cups. Neville here almost mistook this young lad for a tart.”

  “Henry, there are ladies present. Do you mind?” The man who was speaking took out his quizzing glass and appeared to inspect Kathleen and Christina through it. His nose crinkled, and his voice turned more nasal than it had already been.

  “Your affianced bride and your half-sister? Really Cede, she shall have to get used to your ways. You shall not be faithful, for God’s sake. That is so… lower class.”

  Cedric seemed to bat his friends away like flies.

  “I do not know Hen. I find I am tiring of my old ways. Do you not find the life of an indolent wastrel to be somewhat intolerable? I am bored. And Miss Roberts is scintillating company.”

  Kathleen felt uncomfortable as Cedric’s friends leered at her.

  “I say you must have had a bump on the head, old chap,” put in Neville.

  “Mayhap. Or mayhap marriage shall agree with me.”

  “I am never letting my Mama pick out a bride for me. That is it.”

  The gentlemen said their goodbyes just as the ices arrived.

  “Well, that is a positive outcome at least,” piped up Christina.