Helen Dickson - A Scoundrel of Consequence

‘Exactly.’

William looked at Miss Greenwood with renewed interest. ‘She is Lady Monkton’s niece, you say?’

‘Not quite. Her mother and Lady Monkton are cousins, but she has taken on the role of aunt to the two Misses Greenwood. The grand lady took both Cassandra and her sister under her wing when their father died. Intending to give both girls a Season, she was disappointed when the older girl declined—being of the unconventional type, if you see what I mean. It’s hard to believe that any man’s hands have ever touched that delectably soft skin of hers—and I doubt she knows what it feels like to be kissed.’

Though he would dearly like to silence Charles, from William’s own dealings with Miss Greenwood it was obvious that what he was saying was mostly true.

‘Any unattached bachelor who is foolish enough to show an interest in her, she sends packing.’

‘Including you, Charles, which is why you are so ready to point out her faults to me.’

Sir Charles Grisham lifted his arrogant brows, drawling, ‘Including me.’ He admitted, chuckling softly, ‘Indeed, I confess to having been afflicted with a touch of frostbite. Being a notorious rake, I naturally assumed I could seduce her—to initiate her into the art of love. It did nothing for my self-esteem when she added me to her string of rejections. Now you are back in town I can see that I and every other male smitten with the charming Miss Cassandra Greenwood will have to look to our laurels. With your breeding and looks—not to mention your wealth—your potent attraction to women has always been a topic of much scintillating feminine gossip. You do seem to have an extraordinary effect on them, William, but I very much doubt even you will melt that particular iceberg.’

Mild cynicism marred the lean handsomeness of William’s features as he refused to be drawn on what his thoughts might be concerning the young woman who had in all probability saved his life.

‘By the by,’ Grisham went on. ‘I saw Mark in town recently—upholding the family name while you’ve been chasing the Frenchies. I have to say he doesn’t improve with age—still the same old bore he was at Cambridge. With so much starch in his veins, it’s a miracle the man can sit down. It’s difficult to believe he’s your cousin. Is it true that he jumps to the tune of his wife?’

William smiled mildly, knowing of Grisham’s intense dislike of Mark—in fact, Mark’s austere, intolerant attitude did seem to put most people’s backs up. There were certain things about Mark that irritated even him—and the same could be said of his acerbic wife, Lydia. But being possessed of a fierceness to protect any member of his family, which had sadly dwindled to just Mark and Edward during the past five years, with the demise of both his parents and older brother in a riding accident, William would not therefore, speak against his cousin.

‘If he does, then it is entirely their own affair. I couldn’t have left my affairs in better hands, Charles. My cousin is a man of steadfast character and unimpeachable honour, and I would be grateful if you did not cast aspersions.’

‘I applaud your loyalty—though in my opinion he doesn’t deserve it. Loyalty is a rare virtue in either sex these days.’

‘Besides, Mark is next in line to the title and the estate—unless I marry and produce an heir.’

‘And is there a possibility of that on the horizon?’ Charles enquired, his eyes lighting with obvious interest, for with this devilishly handsome lord off the social scene, the likes of himself and his associates would stand in better favour with the ladies.

William’s eyes suddenly glinted with amusement. ‘Marriage is not high on my list of things to do just now. When I feel inclined to pledge my hand in order to produce an heir,’ he replied with grim humour, ‘I’m sure you will be one of the first to know.’

‘I shall be journeying to Hertfordshire tomorrow—I’m to stay with my aunt for a few days. I’ve neglected her disgracefully of late,’ Charles confessed. ‘I’m quite fond of the old dear.’

‘And her money,’ William uttered pointedly.

‘I admit it does hold some attraction,’ he said without shame. ‘I shall be close to Carlow Park and I’ve arranged to ride over to see Mark—though I intend the visit to be of short duration.’

‘Then, feeling as you do, why do you visit him at all?’

‘Two rather splendid horses you have in the stables—saw them on the hunting field in January and I was impressed. A chestnut full of quality took my fancy, although the grey was damned fine, too. I heard Mark’s selling them, so I approached him with an interest to buying one. He invited me to Carlow Park to look them over.’

William’s expression was bland when he turned and fixed him with a quizzical stare. ‘And these are Mark’s horses to sell?’

‘Damned if I know—although I don’t suppose they are, seeing as they’re stabled at Carlow Park.’

‘Their names?’

‘Monarch and Franciscan.’

William’s expression hardened. On learning of his brother’s death, from Spain he had asked Mark to keep an eye on the estate until his return. He hadn’t given him carte blanche to do as he pleased and he felt a faint stirring of antagonism over Mark’s having usurped his position by selling off his horses—in particular Franciscan, his brother’s horse. Although, on second thought, perhaps it had more to do with Lydia than Mark.

‘The horses are not for sale.’

Not to be outdone, Charles’s eyes narrowed and a calculating gleam shone in their depths as he moved close to William so that what he was about to say would not be overheard. ‘A wager I will make, William.’

Apart from one sleek dark brow cocked in question, William’s features remained impassive. ‘A wager? I wonder what you’re intending to propose, Charles. I’m listening.’

‘A wager that you fail to seduce the delectable Miss Greenwood before the Season ends in June.’

‘And why should I want to seduce her?’

Charles shrugged. ‘To prove that you can—that you haven’t lost your touch.’

The challenge was thrown lightly and William teetered on the brink of accepting when caution reared its head. Seducing virgins wasn’t his forte—never had been—but the lovely Miss Cassandra Greenwood had captured his attention and the challenge was intriguing. He was a man who must conquer, must win, whatever the odds stacked against him. Whenever he set his mind on having something, he was not easily dissuaded.

‘And if I don’t?’

‘Then one or the other of those splendid beasts in your stable will be mine.’

‘And what’s in it for me—besides the delectable Miss Greenwood, of course?’

‘A thousand guineas if you succeed.’

William rose to the challenge with a confident smile. ‘That’s unfortunate for you. If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s seeing my opponent lose.’

‘So do I. Think on it, William. To seduce a woman famous for her strict morals—a virgin, I have no doubt, and as yet untouched by world’s cynicism—a lovely rose, just waiting to be plucked. What could be more prestigious?’

‘What more, indeed?’

‘A wager it is then. No need to put it in writing. A gentleman’s agreement will do.’

When a well-satisfied Sir Charles Grisham had moved on, William watched Miss Greenwood move about the room with renewed interest. So, she was untouchable. Suddenly she had become an exciting enigma, a mystery, which had multiplied tenfold. Gentlemen of the haut ton hesitated to go near her, to take liberties with her. Suddenly she had become a challenge he could not resist.

William watched her pause to speak to this person and that, careful to be as charming and polite as her nature allowed, for it did not do to antagonise. She was well versed in taking hold of a situation and bringing it round to her advantage, since the future of the institute might depend on people such as these. Sharp and witty, she sparkled, encompassing them all with her brilliant smiles and laughter—a light and joyous sound that caressed him, enticed him—and animated chatter, all serving to project the persona of a confident and capable young woman. These people were like children, thrilled and flattered to the core to be noticed by this gorgeous woman. It didn’t matter if she schemed to capture their attention. She had it.