The Lady and the Vixen Read online

He sipped his now lukewarm coffee and waited while the couple stopped whispering to one another. A stinging sensation settled low in his belly when Abbie told Aidan she loved him.

  The look she gave Aidan held love and desire, which Aidan returned with a hungry stare. The two finally broke apart, and Abbie left the room. Aidan watched her leave. Colby did the same, the sting in his stomach turning to a burn.

  Aidan clapped him on his back and squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks for keeping a watch on my girl. It’s good to count on someone like you who doesn’t have designs on her body.”

  He almost spit out his coffee. He swallowed and cleared his throat. “I would do anything for you, and for Miss Hale.”

  “That’s good to know.” Aidan cocked his head to the side as he sent Colby a fixed stare.

  A chill spread through him. Aidan couldn’t have any idea how he felt for Abbie. He had hidden his feelings well. Or maybe the alcohol in his system was responsible for his sudden paranoia? Before he inquired if something was the matter, Aidan grinned.

  “Walk with me. I have a business proposition I would like to discuss with you.”

  He hopped off the stool but lost his footing. Aidan grabbed him before he made a fool of himself and tumbled to the floor.

  “How much have you had to drink?” Aidan steadied him on his feet.

  “Too much, apparently.” He snorted and tugged on the hem of his jacket. “Miss Hale asked the same thing. She’s very insightful. You’re lucky to have her.” He hiccupped and begged his pardon.

  “Did she now? I’m not surprised.” Aidan’s voice sounded somewhat remote as he guided Colby from the room.

  “Maybe it’s for the best if I go home. I miss my bed.” He yawned. Hopefully, Chase wouldn’t bother him. If he passed out drunk, then he wouldn’t have to see his family or awaken in a cold sweat from the nightmares plaguing him.

  Aidan towed him along. “We can always talk tomorrow when you’re sober.”

  “Sounds good, my man.” He blinked, the candlelight hurting his eyes. He could barely stand up as it was, and if not for Aidan’s help, he would have fallen to the floor, laid out for anyone to find him.

  Aidan snapped his fingers in front of Colby’s face. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “What?”

  “I’ll have your carriage brought around for you. I would stay, but I have to meet with Teague. Take care of yourself now.” Aidan slapped Colby’s cheek lightly with his palm.

  He nodded and yawned again. Aidan waved farewell and disappeared. The room spun, and his stomach cramped. He bent forward, inhaling deeply before he vomited all over himself. Somehow, he would have to walk the few steps to the front door and outside for his carriage. But first, he would sit and rest his—

  “Colby!”

  He jerked straight up as the world tilted. He had to be hearing things. There was no way Lucy would be here.

  As he dropped to the floor, a woman in a comely green gown and a white mask knelt beside him, sounding exactly like Lucy, whom he missed and longed to see.

  * * *

  Lucy wanted to cry. Her poor baby brother looked horrible! Not only was he intoxicated, but he had aged ten years since they last time they saw one another at Rue’s wedding. He was an utter mess!

  “Oh no, not again.” Chase knelt next to her and shook his head. “He does this too often.”

  “What do you mean? He always gets drunk and passes out?” She couldn’t stop the hysteria rising in her voice. She shook Colby by the arm. He sneezed and rubbed his nose, staring at her in a daze.

  “Hullo there, pretty lady. Want to dance?” He held out his arm.

  She took his hand while Chase lifted him. Together, they helped him stand, but barely.

  Chase pulled Colby’s arm around his shoulder and hitched him up. “I’m going to find his carriage and take him home.”

  “To Father’s?” If she had to stay up the whole night watching Colby, she would.

  “He’ll do better in his own bed. I’ll take care of him.” Chase hefted Colby up higher. “Will you be all right in your carriage alone?”

  “Yes. Let’s go so we can put him to bed.” She followed Chase as he carried Colby out the door.

  Before she went outside, someone touched her elbow. She turned, coming face to face with Tisha.

  “What do you want?” She hugged her waist.

  Tisha held out her hand but then dropped her arm to her side. “I’d rather you not leave so we can talk about what happened between us earlier, but your brother needs you more than I do. I would like to see you again.”

  “That’s impossible. I can’t come back here, and I certainly can’t be seen with a woman like you.”

  Tisha winced, a hurt expression crossing her face.

  She wanted to apologize for her rude remark, but she had more pressing concerns. Making time to chat with this woman was not even a priority.

  “So that’s how it’s going to be, then?” Tisha snarled and lifted her chin. “Fine, Miss Snob. But I might have something important you’ll want to know about your drunk of a brother and your dying father.”

  How could this be? She grabbed Tisha’s arm. “What do you know?”

  Tisha barked out a laugh and wrenched her arm away. “Oh, now you want to talk? Sorry, I’m too busy now. When you pull the stick out of your arse and finish coddling your brother, come see me.” She rolled back her shoulders. “But you can’t be seen with a woman like me. You weren’t complainin’ when I made you fly apart thanks to these nimble fingers.” She lifted her hands and wiggled them.

  When Tisha sucked on one of them, Lucy backed away, her face burning and her dress constricting her breathing. She was out of her league with Tisha, whom she had insulted. She was curious as to what this saucy woman knew about her father and Colby, but her mind was in such a muddle she couldn’t concentrate.

  “I-I have to go.” She hurried to the door.

  “You do that. But if you want to talk, I may not be so forthcoming with what I know.” Tisha called out in a singsong voice that sent chills down Lucy’s spine. “You know how to find me.”

  She halted and turned back around. Women and men strolled past her, blocking her view of Tisha. Lucy wet her lips, trying to find the right words, but failed. She shook her head, “I’m sorry,” and scurried away.

  She expected Tisha to stop her, but she didn’t. Her carriage waited in front of the building and she hurried down the steps, practically jumping inside. As the carriage moved, she snuck a peek out the window. Tisha stood on the top of the steps, watching Lucy drive away.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Lucy finished pinning back her hair, inspecting her reflection in the mirror before she joined Aunt Sera and Rue for breakfast. She had returned around midnight, only to be met by Aunt Sera, who had stayed up waiting after she found out from Freddy where Lucy had been. She explained why she was dressed the way she was and where she and Chase had gone. Surprisingly, Aunt Sera didn’t think she had gone too far with her outlandish plan after everything had been explained.

  Now, nine hours later, she was in her widow weeds and sensible boots. She had decided to leave her hair in a more lax knot, rather than her usual taut bun. The only disconcerting marks from her disguise last night were some red lines under her eyes and near her hairline where she had worn the mask. She had scrubbed thoroughly, washing away the sweat near her torso, under her arms, and sponging away any other unsightly residue in between her legs. During her bathing, she spotted a small purple bruise near her collarbone. Memories of Tisha sucking and licking her there came back, and she wiped the mark, as if that would make it disappear. If she went out later in the day, she would wear her shawl to cover it up. But then she realized she had left her shawl in the room she and Tisha had been in. Unless she sent a message asking for it back or went to fetch it, she would have to do without. Instead, she wore a dress with a high collar.

  She left her bedroom, her mind in turmoil not only about Colby and Father, but Tisha, who m
ade her fully aware of her shameful attraction she thought would never rise in such a manner again. She would have to take more care, especially if she came in contact with Irena at any point during her stay.

  She entered the dining room, where Aunt Sera and Rue ate their breakfast. Both women appeared bright-eyed and happy, while she felt rundown. Hopefully, she could nap later.

  “Lucy, I’m glad you are able to join us after your late night.” Aunt Sera waved her over.

  She sat next to Rue and hugged her. “I’m usually up as soon as the sun rises. It’s not often I stay up so late,” she explained and thanked the maid who poured her coffee.

  Rue patted her mouth with a napkin. “Aunt Sera told me what you did last night. You’re brave for entering such a den of inequity.”

  “How could you tell Rue?” Lucy admonished her aunt.

  “Don’t get upset at Aunt Sera. I had gone to your room before bed and it was empty,” Rue explained. “Freddy said you went out with Chase last night. Aunt Sera told me where only a short time ago.”

  “It wasn’t as depraved as I thought it would be. Most of what I witnessed was people dancing and drinking. I didn’t investigate the game rooms or on the upper levels. I wore a mask the entire time, so there shouldn’t be any negative gossip from our friends and neighbors.” She crossed her fingers. There were only two people she had to worry about spreading rumors.

  “I would have loved to see you in my gown. Freddy told me you were striking.” Rue patted her hand.

  She sipped her coffee. “The gown was beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn such a garment. I’m sorry for not asking to borrow it in the first place. I wasn’t sure how you would react.”

  Rue curled her fingers around Lucy’s hand. “I’m just happy you were able to find Colby and no harm came to him.”

  “No harm?” Aunt Sera snorted. “The boy was intoxicated and had to be carted home by Chase. I don’t understand why he’s acting this way.”

  “He’s been acting up for over a year now, ever since he found the Pythos club. Nothing good can come of that place.” Rue shook her head. “At least Lucy is here to talk some sense into him.”

  She bit her jam-covered toast and chewed slowly. She hated how Rue and Chase wanted her to handle Colby. Why had this responsibility been placed on her shoulders?

  “I can’t do it alone. I think it would benefit Colby if we all talked to him. Later today, Chase is going to bring him by. We can all sit and talk—”

  The doorbell rang, and the sounds of the door opening and two female voices carried into the room. Walter walked in with the visitors behind him.

  “Excuse me, but the Misses Keyes are here to see Mrs. Endcott,” he announced and bowed.

  Lucy left the table and met Viola and Polly Keyes, her neighbors from down the street. She ran into their waiting arms, and they all gave one another kisses and happy greetings.

  “We’re delighted to see you again! Sorry we’ve come so early this morning, but we couldn’t wait to see you. It’s been forever.” Polly, the younger of the siblings, smiled cheerfully.

  “I wish we could have visited under better circumstances.” Viola’s eyes shone with sympathy. “How’s your father faring?”

  “He can’t talk or barely move.” She lowered her voice. “We’re not sure how much more time he has.”

  “Oh, Lucy,” both the sisters said and embraced her.

  She blinked back her tears and turned, indicating Aunt Sera and Rue. “My Aunt Sera has accompanied me from Dorset. You’re more than welcome to join us for breakfast if you like.”

  “Yes, please take a seat.” Rue rose and winced, arching her back. “I’m going to relax in the salon where it’s more comfortable. Aunt Sera, would you like to join me? I can show you the latest fashion magazine from Paris and the most adorable baby gowns I would love to purchase for this little Dalton.” She rubbed her protruding stomach for emphasis.

  “I would love to.” Aunt Sera stood and nodded at Viola and Polly. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies. Lucy has mentioned you both many times and has shared your letters.”

  The sisters beamed in pleasure, and Lucy smiled, ecstatic they had come for a visit. All three had been close growing up, and she missed that camaraderie. She didn’t have any close friends in Dorset like the Keyes sisters.

  After Aunt Sera and Rue left the room, Lucy sat with Viola and Polly and welcomed the conversation to forget about her family’s current drama and concentrate on the friends who always made her laugh.

  * * *

  When Polly and Viola invited Lucy to join them in a shopping excursion, she accepted. They cheered, telling her to grab her reticule and whatever else she needed for their outing. At first, she almost refused because she felt guilty for spending the day with her friends while her father suffered, but she decided fresh air and the company of these two bubbly women was just what she needed. Rue and Aunt Sera agreed when she told them she would be going out. They waved her away and told her to have fun. Lucy and her friends ended up on Regent Street, where most of the shops she used to frequent years ago still resided.

  While Viola and Polly inspected a bonnet displayed in the front window of a milliner, Lucy drifted to a nice selection of scarves and shawls in the back. Unless she figured how to send a message to Tisha, asking to return her shawl, she would have to purchase a new one. A yellow cashmere caught her fancy.

  She rubbed the fabric, enjoying the way it felt, and was pleased by the price. She lifted the shawl, ready to wrap it around her shoulders, when she heard her name. The shawl dropped to the floor. Irena had found her.

  “Lucy, turn around,” Irena ordered.

  She held her breath and faced the woman. Irena was still as beautiful as she had been the last time she had seen her. It was almost five years ago when Irena, recently widowed, had visited Dorset with the purpose to see Lucy once again and renew their friendship. She had been weak and welcomed Irena back into her life, which had disastrous results because of their affair that had run the course of the summer.

  Irena had always worn red well. It was her favorite color. Her dress today was a dark burgundy with small velvet bows lining the front. The swells of her breasts were displayed perfectly, and Lucy averted her eyes before she focused on them too intently. She had touched and tasted the ample flesh on more than one occasion. Irena had done the same with Lucy’s bosom, pressing soft kisses on every inch of skin, admiring her nipples that had always tightened under such scrutiny.

  They did now, and she cursed her reaction. She started to wrap her arms around her waist to cover her body’s reaction but halted the movement. She didn’t want Irena to know how she still affected her.

  “You look different without the mask.” Irena eyed Lucy’s chest covered adequately like most of her dresses she owned. “Although I prefer the daring gown you wore last night. You looked ravishing in it.”

  She could lie and say she had no idea what Irena meant, but it was no use. She grabbed the shawl off the floor and studied the pretty fabric. “Yes, I was at that club last night. I went to find Colby, who frequents there far too often. He’s needed at home because of our father, who has fallen ill.”

  “Yes, I heard of Geoff’s illness. I’m sorry to hear it.” Irena traced Lucy’s arm with her finger.

  She shifted to the side to escape Irena’s touch. “Please don’t do that. It makes me uncomfortable.”

  “Uncomfortable?” Irena snorted. “You never used to complain before. Why, I can remember when we explored the woods near your husband’s property and it was warm enough that we disrobed and took a dip in the lake—”

  “Shh!” Lucy hissed and glared at her. “I can’t stand here and make nice with you after all that has happened. I need to go—”

  Irena’s arm shot out, stopping her from leaving. She fell back on her heels, staring past Irena’s shoulder. Polly waved, and Lucy smiled in order to hide her distress.

  “You’re correct. We can�
��t stay here and talk. We need to discuss matters alone.” Irena dipped her face closer. “This separation of ours has gone on long enough. We must talk things through. You’ll make your excuses to the ladies you’re with and come home with me. We can have luncheon and catch up.”

  She wouldn’t put it past Irena to make a scene. She had done it once before, in front of Giles, which led to his mistrust and anger. Irena didn’t like the word no, least of all from her.

  “I’ll have lunch with you, but to talk, nothing else. Understand?” She lifted her chin, daring Irena to argue.

  Irena laughed and blew in Lucy’s ear. She shuddered, and, pushing Irena aside, went to pay for her purchase and to explain to the Keyes siblings that she forgot about another appointment.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Colby’s head wasn’t pounding as hard as it had when he woke this morning. At least the inside of his mouth didn’t taste like a dead rodent—not that he would have any idea what rat carcass would taste like. And his stomach had settled after his first cup of coffee. He poured another and slouched in the booth he had commandeered in the coffeehouse he patronized multiple times a week. It was a place for him to hide, where no one bothered him, least of all Chase.

  He had risen around noon instead of his normal time of two. But that didn’t stop Chase from berating him for his behavior last night. He told Chase to shove off and leave him alone. He wasn’t going to Pythos tonight anyway, but Chase didn’t believe him. And when his self-righteous brother ordered him to their father’s house later this afternoon to talk with Lucy, he had stomped out, cursing Chase to the skies.

  Now he sat alone, enjoying his dark-roast coffee as he nursed his blasted headache and sour stomach. For the next few days, he would stay away from gin and stick to wine or ale. Wine never left him so out of sorts after he imbibed such large quantities.

  The front door opened, and the bell overhead rang. He glanced up and set his cup in the saucer. Abbie approached the counter with Benji trailing behind her. She smiled at the women behind the counter and pointed to a bag of coffee. Benji inspected a display of tins filled with cookies.