A Scandalous Ruse (Scandalous Series Book 6) Read online

  Goodness. It was almost as though Papa was saying he could only withstand Grandfather’s demands for a short time. Almost as though he knew his efforts would be futile in the end. Anxiety twisted her heart.

  Bella squeezed her father’s hand tightly. “Please don’t give into him, Papa. Please. My life would be miserable with Johann. I wouldn’t want to live it if that was my future.”

  His brow furrowed at her words. “Did you really know about that?” he asked. “About Johann? Were you eavesdropping?”

  Bella nodded slowly. It had been the worst conversation she’d ever heard. The memory of that pain stung her heart anew, and a lump lodged in her throat. She swiped at a fresh round of tears as she said, “He’s never quiet and you were in there for so long that day. And then…” More tears began to trail down her cheeks. “All the awful things he said about me and…”

  Papa pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. “Oh, my sweet Bella. I’m so sorry you heard any of that.”

  “He hates me because I’m so much like Mama.” She cried harder, holding onto her father, hoping with every once of her soul that she could count on his support. “I hoped you were going to come up with some plan to save me, but then you seemed resigned to my fate and…”

  “And then you found Avery and saved yourself.” he said, sounding slightly hollow, as though he should have done more, should have found a way to save her on his own.

  But Greg had saved her. She’d been in awe of him since that very first day, his strength, his honor, his green eyes that could turn her insides to mush. “I love him, Papa. I do. Please don’t take back your blessing. I’ll do anything you ask, just please, please…”

  “Shh,” he soothed, rubbing her back gently. “My sweet Bella. I won’t let you down, not this time.”

  Chapter 20

  The bellowing had begun the night before. And there had been no need to eavesdrop. Every word, every syllable uttered between Papa and Grandfather had echoed through Chatham House, and Bella had not slept well, not with all of the emotions and accusations that still hung in the air.

  When the arguing began anew the next morning, she was in such a state that only an escape from home had the hope of calming her nerves. And over the breakfast table, it seemed as though Prissa was in the exact same state.

  “Yes! He is my son and I will handle him on my own!” Papa’s furious voice trailed down the corridor, and Prissa flinched.

  Bella was truly surprised that Papa had not caved yet to Grandfather’s demands, and she prayed that he remained strong. Heaven help Elliott whenever he finally returned home. “Come with me to Clayworth House today,” Bella said when Prissa swiped at a tear. “Neither of us need to be here for a second day of this.”

  Her sister shook her head. “I don’t want to be in the way.”

  “Goodness, Prissa! You are my sister. You could never be in the way.”

  “Like you handled your wife?” Grandfather shouted from his study. “Like you handle that strange daughter of yours?”

  Strange. Bella’s heart twisted, hearing those words bellowed so loudly for the entire household to hear.

  “You leave Bella out of this. She’s done nothing wrong.”

  Prissa nodded quickly. “Clayworth House sounds wonderful.”

  As soon as Greg stepped into his sister’s home, laughter drifted down the corridor to greet him. Cordie’s laugh. He couldn’t help but smile at the sound. It was such a relief to hear his sister’s happiness, and he found himself hoping once again that she would be back to her usual self in all things very soon.

  “I can find my way, Higgins,” he said to the Clayworth butler and made his way down the corridor, stopping just inside the threshold of his sister’s green parlor to find an odd assortment of people filling the room. Bella, beautiful as ever, was already there, on the settee beside her sister. And Cordie and Clayworth, of all the damned people in the world, were in a set of chintz chairs opposite their guests. He shouldn’t have been surprised to find Clayworth there, he supposed. After all, it was the man’s house; but for the most part he’d successfully avoided running into the earl on his visits to Clayworth House, and he preferred to keep it that way. But there he was, the Earl of Clayworth, holding court in his own parlor; however, the smile from his face slid away once he spotted Greg.

  “Ah, Avery,” Clayworth said in greeting, sounding less than thrilled.

  “Greg!” Cordie pushed out of her chair. “You’re early.”

  Indeed, he’d risen first thing that morning and had gone straight to Lambeth Palace, and he even had the special license in his pocket to prove it. Then he’d headed directly to Clayworth House to talk the situation over with his sister, but Bella had still arrived before him.

  Greg turned his attention to the charming girl who had occupied his thoughts since almost the moment he’d met her. Just being in her presence seemed to lighten his heart. “My dear.” He smiled in her direction.

  “My lord,” she returned softly, before her gaze dropped to her hands, folded in her lap.

  Hmm…something didn’t seem right. Her smile didn’t reach her silvery eyes the way it usually did, and her hands were clenched rather tightly. Had something happened since he’d seen her last? Was she still embarrassed about Cordie having stumbled upon them the day before? No. No, if that was true, she’d have been late instead of early. Actually, why was Bella here so early today?

  “Greg,” Cordie began, “I thought we might venture to the British Museum since we’re fortunate enough to have Lady Priscilla with us today.”

  If it was odd that Bella had arrived so early, it was even more so that she’d brought her sister with her. Had she thought Lady Priscilla’s presence would prevent Greg from taking any more liberties? The young girl would serve as a better chaperone than Cordie had, but certainly Bella wasn’t uncomfortable with what they’d done the day before. They were to be married very soon. Certainly there was no need for Bella to bring her own chaperone. “The museum?”

  “For a change of pace,” his sister said. “It will give all of us an opportunity to know each other better.”

  “All of us?” Greg echoed as his gaze flicked toward his arrogant brother-in-law. The prospect of spending any amount of time with the earl was less than thrilling.

  “You’ll have to survive without me,” Clayworth said. “I actually have an appointment with my solicitor this afternoon.”

  That was a relief. Greg would take small miracles when they were offered.

  “Oh, come now, Brendan,” Cordie urged. “Arabella will soon be family and we should know her better. Besides, we have yet to see the marbles, you and I, and I’d hate to see them without you.”

  Clayworth flashed Greg an expression that said he was just as excited about the prospect of spending time with Greg as Greg was with him. “My love—”

  “Please, please, please say yes.” Cordie flashed her husband a radiant smile and batted her lashes just so.

  She did seem to be more like her old self, which Greg was happy to see. However, her old self was persistent to the nth degree when she was of a mind.

  Clayworth heaved a defeated sigh. “You know I can deny you nothing, mon minouche.”

  Perfect. A day spent with Clayworth. Greg managed to keep from scowling. He supposed it could be worse. After all, it would have to be better than someone removing his fingernails with medieval instruments, didn’t it? Probably. He wasn’t entirely certain.

  “Wonderful!” Cordie clapped her hands together. “We can spend the day talking over wedding plans as we all get better acquainted.”

  “Wedding plans?” Clayworth echoed. “Is it too late for me to change my mind?”

  “Yes.” Cordie scowled good-naturedly at her husband. “It’s entirely too late. You’ve already committed.”

  “The marbles are simply stunning,” Bella said. “If you haven’t seen them yet, you are in for a treat.”

  Greg hadn’t really cared about Elgin or hi
s marbles one way or the other, but the dark haired girl on the settee was an entirely different matter. Something was definitely not right with her, he would wager his fortune on it. He couldn’t put his finger on what was wrong exactly, but she did not seem like herself. “My dear,” he began, staring quite pointedly at her. “Might we have just a moment alone?”

  “Of course.” Bella nodded and then alighted from the settee.

  Her willingness belied Greg’s assumption that Lady Priscilla had been brought along to act as a chaperone. But as Bella was willing to speak with him, he breathed a sigh of relief.

  He lifted his hand out to her, and a calmness washed over him as she slid her hand into his.

  As soon as he led her into the corridor, she said, “You don’t want to spend the day with Clayworth?”

  Well, no. He never did. But he hadn’t thought he he’d been obvious about it. “We’ve never seen eye to eye,” he said quietly. “But I’m much more concerned about you. Is everything all right?”

  Bella took a breath as she shook her head. “Yesterday was awful, Greg.”

  Her words instantly pierced his heart and he felt a little numb. She’d changed her mind. “You don’t want to marry me?”

  “No!” Bella’s eyes widened in surprise. “I mean, of course I want to marry you.” She shook her head once more “Not that, Greg. Yesterday with you was wonderful, but after I returned home…”

  “Yes?” he prodded, breathing a sigh of relief.

  “Everything was awful.” She squeezed his hand. “Grandfather and Papa were still yelling at each other this morning when Prissa and I escaped.”

  That’s why her sister was there. Some sort of trouble at Chatham House. “What happened?”

  “Grandfather discovered some silver and jewelry pieces were missing. When he found the diamond earbobs in my chambers, he accused me of being the thief. “

  “Oh for God’s sake,” Greg muttered. Of all the ridiculous things in the world…

  “And then Prissa and I had to tell Papa everything we knew about Elliott and the lies he’s been telling.”

  She looked so anguished, so heartbroken. The poor, sweet girl. Greg pulled her into his arms and kissed the very top of her head. “I’m so sorry, Bella.”

  She tipped her head back to see him better and said, “And Grandfather is trying to get Papa to withdraw his blessing for us to marry.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Greg couldn’t keep the grumble out of his voice. Of all the…

  “Papa was holding his own when we left, but he said we should hurry. Though that hardly seems fair to you, and I know you wanted your brother in Ireland—”

  “To hell with Russell.” Aylesford was a weak man without any sort of backbone. How long could he possibly hold out? “I’ve already got the special license, Bella.” Was there any chance they could get a clergyman to perform the ceremony today? That would put a rather quick end to Chatham’s nonsense.

  She blinked up at him. “You do?”

  “I am quite anxious to have you all to myself,” he said truthfully. And just as quickly as possible under the circumstances.

  That blush of Bella’s that he adored so much stained her cheeks, distracting Greg from his thoughts and making him want to kiss every bit of color from her skin.

  “You really don’t mind rushing all of this?” she asked.

  “Not in the least.” Greg shook his head. In fact, waiting to have her would torturous. Quicker was most definitely better. “Why don’t we forego the museum and simply head to St. George’s right now?”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “Your sister has her heart set on a grand wedding.”

  Greg laughed. “My sister eloped in Gretna Green. She does not get to make demands about anyone else’s wedding.” Of course, this wedding would be Bella’s too. She should have more than a little say in how they did this. It was possible she’d always had her heart set on a grand wedding at St. George’s. “You don’t mind rushing, do you?”

  Bella shook her head and her dark curls brushed against her shoulders. “I wish I was already Lady Avery.”

  Greg cupped the side of her face and just looked at her a moment, the beautiful girl that would be his wife just as soon as he could manage it. Then he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.

  God in heaven, he loved kissing her. He could spend the day doing so and never get the slightest bit tired. But doing so today would not help their situation any. Tomorrow. After she really was Lady Avery, he could kiss her and hold her and he’d never have to let her go.

  Greg lifted his head and smiled down at her. “Shall we tell them we won’t be heading to the museum?”

  Bella nodded quickly in agreement.

  After all of the anguish and turmoil of the day before, just one kiss from Greg had righted Bella’s world. In fact, she thought it quite possible that she’d float right up to the clouds if he let go of her hand for even a moment.

  Today. She would be Lady Avery, Greg’s wife today. No more threats from Grandfather. No way her future could ever be tied to Johann’s. No need for her to fear anything else for the rest of her days. She would never be afraid of anything ever again, not after Greg became her lord and master. She sighed at the thought of marrying the strong, honorable, heroic Gregory Avery, of being able to love him every day forward and knowing that he would be hers forever.

  As they re-entered the Clayworth’s green parlor, Greg said, “Bella and I would prefer to go straight to St. George’s this morning.”

  His sister’s brow furrowed, though she did nod in agreement. “I did send Mr. Bailey a note yesterday, but visiting in person to make arrangements would probably speed things along.”

  “I have the special license on me, Cordie.” Greg shook his head. “Bella and I would prefer to say our vows this morning versus simply making plans to do so.”

  “This morning?” Clayworth echoed with a frown.

  But Prissa nodded her head vigorously. “That is brilliant.”

  “Is there a reason for such hastiness?” the earl continued. “I’m sure people will think—”

  “People can go hang,” Greg cut him off. “At least we’re not eloping.”

  Lord Clayworth frowned slightly at that, probably because he had eloped, but Bella didn’t think any more on it. They were going to rush over to St. George’s and by lunchtime she’d be Lady Avery.

  Chapter 21

  Blast and damn! Greg had managed, just barely, not to curse inside the hallowed walls of St. George’s, but just barely. With the number of weddings and two funerals being performed that afternoon, they simply could not fit another service into the schedule.

  “Is Mr. Bailey in?” Cordie asked, sounding like the voice of reason. She knew the rector fairly well and she must think she could convince the man to squeeze in one more wedding that day. After all, what was one more tiny wedding? They didn’t need an entire sermon, just a few moments to repeat their vows.

  “I’m afraid not, my lady,” the rector’s assistant said with a frown. “His mother took ill and he’s gone to Sussex to see about her. We are short manned today, but he’ll be back in the morning, I can schedule an appointment for you to see him tomorrow, if you’d like.”

  “And you’re certain no one else would be able to marry my brother this afternoon?” She actually batted her lashes at the man. Unfortunately, her flirting had no effect on the rector’s assistant.

  “I am sorry, Lady Clayworth, the schedule is booked. But I can make certain Mr. Bailey sees you in the morning.”

  A muscle ticked in Greg’s jaw, though his unease was smoothed away when Bella softly squeezed his hand. He released the breath he was holding. After all, he didn’t really have a choice, did he? “Very well,” he said. “We would like his earliest appointment.”

  “Ten o’clock it is, my lord.”

  As Greg turned on his heel to lead his little merry band out of St. George’s, his sister said from behind him. “One day isn’t so long.
”

  “Says the woman who raced to Scotland,” he muttered under his breath.

  “I heard that, Gregory Avery.”

  Greg glanced back over his shoulder at his sister and quirked her a grin. “I meant for you to, Cordelia Clayworth.”

  Cordie rolled her eyes. “Since we’re out and about anyway, we should head over to the museum after all, don’t you think?”

  “Elgin’s marbles?” Greg asked.

  His sister nodded eagerly. “Everyone’s gushing over them.”

  And they were already out. Greg sighed and glanced down at Bella by his side. “Would you like that?”

  His raven-haired beauty smiled up at him. “I don’t imagine you have amazing art museums in Notthinghamshire?”

  Hardly. Greg couldn’t help but laugh at the suggestion. “You should get your fill while we’re in Town, I suppose.”

  Across the coach, Bella couldn’t help but smile at the obvious love and affection between Lord and Lady Clayworth. Just the way the earl looked at his wife was mesmerizing. His midnight blue eyes softened, and there was a hint of a smile meant only for the countess. Complete and total adoration radiated between them. They had been a love match, something more than a fairytale, Lissy had said; and a tiny ping of jealousy pierced Bella’s heart. Though to want for more than she had would be unseemly. She did, after all, have more than most. Besides, she loved Greg, and it was always possible that someday he could love her just the same way Lord Clayworth loved his wife, wasn’t it?

  He’d said he thought he was too scarred, but Greg certainly kissed her with a fervor that made Bella’s toes curl. And the way he’d touched her, the way he’d made her feel… Well, it was a very good sign for their future that he wanted to marry her so quickly, wasn’t it? It was such a shame St. George’s was so busy and that Mr. Bailey was not in his church today. But tomorrow…

  “Oh, Greg,” Cordie began, looking across the coach at her brother. “I forgot to tell you. I received a letter from Eleanor today.”