My Wicked Earl: Wicked Lords of London Book 6 Read online

  She should argue. As the oldest here at home, she should be taking care of Jacob. But all she could do was nod as the two stood and left. Once the door closed behind them, she stood from the chair and stretched out on the chaise. A touch of dizziness had set in, likely from the smoke, and her eyes stung. Best just to rest them for a moment while she waited. But after she lay down her head and closed her eyes, sleep overtook her.

  * * *

  Rex followed Jacob back down to the kitchen but his thoughts were with Petal upstairs. Lady Daffodil. Did the family call her Daffodil or just Petal? He hoped Petal. It fit her, capturing her delicate, velvety-soft beauty.

  He’d like to explore some of her other soft features. Her curves promised delights while her mouth near begged to be kissed. Not that he would.

  He’d promised Theo, swore an oath really, that he’d not touch her. Even if he hadn’t, Rex would never dally with such a woman. A man of his stature did not touch ladies unless they intended to marry. And he had no intention of marrying ever again.

  Marriage had been the greatest debacle of his life.

  The kitchen was still filled with smoke but it had cleared enough to make out blurry details.

  Jacob set to work on cutting the meat while Rex found the larder and pulled out some potatoes and carrots. Finding a sturdy cast iron pan he began to fry them in duck fat, turning them frequently. Soon a more pleasant odor than burnt meat filled the kitchen.

  Jacob fixed a plate and headed up the servants’ stairs. “I’ll collect Petal and bring her down for dinner. We haven’t kept the dining room. It seemed unnecessary.”

  “Of course,” Rex nodded. “But I’m famished. I’ll get Petal while you bring Mrs. Fields her dinner. We’ll meet back here in five minutes.”

  Jacob scratched his chin. “I shouldn’t. Petal needs a proper chaperone.”

  Rex waved his hand. “The duke sent me as her escort. I can assure you, she is perfectly safe in my company.” It was true, though Theo had warned him to keep a proper escort about at all times. He was already breaking a rule but Rex assured himself that nothing would happen.

  Leaving the pan off the stove, Rex returned the way he’d come. Heading up the servants’ stairs and then the main hall, he found the sitting room where she’d directed him earlier. Opening the door, Rex realized the interior had darkened and only silence met his ears. “Lady Daffodil?”

  No answer came. “Petal?” Stepping into the room, he finally noticed her stretched out on the chaise, one arm flung over her head, her ample bosom rising and falling with her breath.

  The position also accentuated the tiny width of her waist and the lovely curve of her hip. Her skirt rode up past her delicate ankles, revealing shapely calves.

  His body tightened as he moved closer. Her features were achingly sweet in sleep and he almost hated to wake her. Gently, he sat next to her on the chaise, his hip pressing into hers. For a moment, he wondered if he could steal the smallest kiss. She’d never even know. But he gave himself a shake. He was being ridiculous. He would know. “Petal?” he whispered.

  She didn’t move. Not even a tiny twitch.

  “Petal,” he called louder. Still nothing.

  He reached out a hand to shake her shoulder. He’d held her in his arms already, but being above her like this made the touch much more intimate. His body had hardened to stone.

  Her eyes jerked open and she stared at him for a moment before she bolted up. “What the bloody—” then she stopped, clapping a hand over her mouth.

  “Sorry to frighten you, my little flower, but dinner is ready.” He reached for her hand and pulled her to standing as he held in his chuckle. For some reason, he liked her all the more for nearly cursing. Here she was, not a wilting flower but a vibrant one trying to stay so in a trying situation.

  “Dinner,” she groaned. “Don’t make me eat my own cooking.”

  Laughter floated up his throat. “Jacob did a fine job of carving it. And I’ve made some potatoes and carrots to go with it. They’re quite good if I do say so myself.”

  He held out his arm to her and she slipped her hand into the crook. He’d like to hold her again but it was just not acceptable. Not if he was going to keep his promises.

  “You can cook?” she asked. “Where did you learn how? Can you teach me?”

  “I learned on board a ship. When the cook takes a day off, it’s every man for himself. And I can teach you but you won’t need to learn it. You’re about to be related to a duke.”

  “I’m the daughter of an earl,” she quipped. “That didn’t stop me from needing to know now.”

  He shook his head as they started down the stairs, marveling at her resourcefulness and her ability to see the world for what it was. “That is an excellent point. I don’t know when I’ll be able to teach you. We’ll leave tomorrow and then the wedding—”

  “We can’t leave tomorrow.” She stopped on the stairs. “We have to stay.”

  “Why?” He pulled her into motion again. They were starving here, why wouldn’t they want to leave?

  “Mrs. Fields. She can’t be here alone and she can’t travel with us. She’s hurt her ankle.” They stepped into the kitchen and began walking through to the servants’ dining table.

  “Did the doctor say she must stay abed? For how long?” Rex helped her into her chair, as he crossed to the one directly on the other side. Jacob joined them, sitting at the end.

  “We barely have enough coin to buy food.” Daffodil’s eyes cast down to her plate as her shoulders slumped. “How was I to pay a doctor?”

  Rex swore under his breath. As Daffodil served them, he reviewed his options. He could leave her and Jacob with money and return to fetch Violet and Theo. That seemed like a great deal of wasted travel. He could stock the house and have the doctor come out to attend the servant. Then, depending on her condition, he could hire a caregiver for Mrs. Fields and a chaperone for his little flower. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. To give such gifts was rather leading for a gentleman of his station. He shouldn’t give her gifts unless he was courting her. But perhaps Theo would reimburse him. As a new family member, it was completely appropriate for Theo to fund such matters. This was turning into a delightfully complicated favor. “Well, we’ll have to fetch the doctor and more provisions in the morning.”

  Daffodil’s gaze snapped to his. “I couldn’t ask you to—”

  “I’ve offered and worry not. Your new brother-in-law will see that I am reimbursed.” He gave her an easy smile of encouragement. Whatever he did here to help her would be shared with no one but Violette and Theo.

  Her eyebrows drew together as her mouth turned down but she didn’t argue further as she sat once again to eat.

  He remembered a storm they’d encountered while crossing the ocean to return home. The seas had raged for two days and they’d had to tie themselves into their bunks to sleep. This little trip to pick up the sister of the bride was proving nearly as interesting. He wondered what else his little flower had in store.

  Chapter Three

  Daffodil watched Rex eat from across the table and her stomach twisted with all sorts of unfamiliar feelings. While her insides tightened with awareness, her mind let out a warning not to fall into his trap. He’d admitted to being a rake. And now, he was spending money on her family?

  A lady did not, under any circumstances, accept gifts from a gentleman she didn’t intend to marry.

  He’d caught her in a moment of weakness when she’d allowed him to carry her upstairs. But she’d have to be far more careful. His devilish good looks only added to her worries that he could slip past her defenses.

  The rest of the meal passed pleasantly enough and she had to admit, a full stomach eased some of her worry. As they began to clear the dishes, she turned to their guest. “As soon as the dishes are done, I’ll make up a room for you.”

  “I’ll help,” he answered giving her a wink.

  Her eyes narrowed. “That won’t be necessary.” Alone
in a bedroom? Butterflies danced in her stomach. Hardly. “Jacob will help me.”

  He raised his brows. “Petal…” He moved close. So close she could feel his heat through his clothing. “I’ve told you that I will be nothing but a gentleman.”

  “The word of a rogue,” she fired back.

  “I must confess, you are one of the most…” he paused, tapping his chin, “intriguing females I’ve met in some time. The next few days will not be dull.”

  She let out a small huff. That hadn’t sounded like a compliment. They made quick work of the cleanup. The roasting pan on which she’d cooked the meat was declared hopeless. Then she started up the back stairs with supplies in hand to ready a room.

  She heard Jacob start up the stairs behind her and she nearly sighed with relief until she heard a second pair of boots hit the steps. Drat. The man was following them. “We don’t need any help, my lord,” she called over her shoulder. Then added, “You are our guest.”

  “I’ll start the fire at least. I won’t be waited on by the two of you,” he replied. “If you work, I work. That’s the rule on a ship. We stay afloat together.”

  Jacob crowed with approval and Daffodil pressed her lips together. She’d nearly complimented him, because it was an excellent answer but she remained silent. She was still suspicious of him and his motives. Point in fact, she was more so. He was winning over Jacob, he was attempting to win her over too. One of the only assets she had left was her virtue. She wouldn’t allow a thief in the night to steal it from her.

  They entered the room that she’d chosen for Rex. It was in the family wing, which was less than appropriate, but at least Mrs. Fields was two rooms down. The rest of the corridors were so covered in dust, she didn’t dare banish him to one of those.

  Entering the room directly across from hers and next to Jacob’s, she began pulling down dusty sheets from the bed as she ran the duster along the wood. She’d put fresh linens on the bed but that was best she could do for tonight.

  As she reached up to dust the upper crosspieces of the four-post bed, Rex sauntered over to her. “Let me help you with that.” Then he reached for the duster, his hand brushing hers.

  She yelped and pulled hers back. “I don’t need your help.”

  “Do relax, Petal. I’m a good deal taller than you and trying to help.”

  Glancing over at Jacob, he arranged wood in the fireplace, oblivious to the exchange. She handed him the duster, and then placed her hands on her hips. “You, sir, are far too familiar.”

  “Rex. And yes, I am.” Then he began dusting, giving no other explanation or assurances. “But your sister is about to marry my best friend. That makes you practically my family.”

  Spinning about, she started pulling sheets from the chairs and tables. Who did this man think he was? Besides an earl. And a rake. A sailor and a cook. Drat. He was talented, she supposed. What did she have to show for her life? Violette was saving the family and Jacob would secure the future of their name, the family’s legacy. She could hardly even embroider.

  Jacob stacked wood in the fireplace, lighting a flame. It would take time before the room warmed and Daffodil rubbed her hands together as she began stripping the bed. Rex moved to the other side to help her. She didn’t look at him. Kept her head down as they worked. It didn’t seem right to be on opposites sides of a bed with a man.

  Once the old linens were removed, she shook out the fresh sheets and blankets. Without meaning to, she caught Rex’s gaze. “There is a certain satisfaction in doing these tasks, is there not?”

  Averting her gaze to the fire, she shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about it. They need to be done, so I do them.” It was a lie. She did like being busy, except of course for the cooking. She had oft times wondered what she’d done with herself all day when the house had been fully staffed.

  “Really? Not once have you wished to have your old life back? Or taken pride in a job well done?” He came around the post of the bed to stand in front of her, his gaze intent as he looked down.

  Daffodil didn’t meet his eyes as she finished making the bed. Spreading the last blanket, she looked about the room. Anywhere but at him. It wasn’t perfect, but he could sleep there for the night. “This should keep you. See you in the morning.” She knew she’d been rude not to answer his question but it was best to keep him at a distance. Rakes were a dangerous sort. So charming, a lady might not even notice she was being drawn in until it was too late.

  * * *

  Rex gave a small growl of frustration as she left the room. Petal was damn interesting and now that she was gone, there was little to do but stare into the fire. “If you don’t need anything else,” Jacob called from his spot at the grate, “I should get myself to bed.”

  “Already?” Rex turned to the boy. He’d nearly forgotten there was a third person in the room, but Jacob would make better company than just a fire and besides… he might be able to needle some information about Petal from the lad. “Stay a bit and keep me company. The carriage ride was endless without conversation.”

  Jacob gave him a winning smile. “All right then.” He pulled one of the armchairs up to the fire and stretched out his legs. “What do you want to talk about?”

  Rex scratched his chin. “How did your family end up in this situation?”

  Jacob shrugged. “My father didn’t inherit much to begin with, I guess. What he did, he sold to live. This house is all that’s left.”

  Rex winced on their behalf. It was easy enough in this life of leisure to grow complacent. “So your other sister went off in search of a husband?”

  Jacob rubbed the back of his neck. “Violette had a small dowry still but Petal has none. So Violette hoped to secure a match with a man who could at least guide us. If I could just figure out how to make money, I’m sure I could provide her with dowry enough to find a good husband. Violette is strong and smart but Petal…” Jacob straightened his shoulders. “She’s taken care of me most of my life. She deserves a chance to have her own.”

  Rex’s chest tightened. She did indeed deserve a life of her own. She likely deserved the best sort of life. “You’re a good brother for caring about her the way you do.”

  Jacob looked at the ground. “I’ll be a good brother if I can provide for her before she’s too old to make a match of her own.”

  Rex didn’t want his heartstrings to tug but they did. He hadn’t spent very much time with their older sister,Violette, but these two loved each other. What was more, they were working exceptionally hard to provide for each other. “Jacob, it’s all going to work out. Theo, Violette’s new husband, will help you. I’m sure of it. You’re an honest, hardworking young man. You’ll be a success.” He walked over to Jacob, then clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ve changed my mind. Off to bed with you. I’ll need to wake early tomorrow so that we can find a doctor and gather supplies for the house. Will you escort me?”

  “Escort you?” Jacob sat straighter, his chest puffing out. “You’d need my help?”

  “You know this neighborhood far better than I do. I’m certain you could take me to all the best shops.” He gave the boy another quick pat on the arm.

  “I could.” Jacob bounced up and stuck out his hand. They shook and then Jacob stopped. “What Petal said about gifts… You’ll have our new brother-in-law reimburse you and then I could reimburse him when I’m able?”

  Rex gave a stiff nod and then walked Jacob to the door. As he shut it, he scratched at his scalp. His stomach was turning circles and he didn’t know why. Was it Petal’s meat? But thoughts of Petal had his mind working. She was the sort of woman who should be getting the best in life. Beautiful, hardworking, virtuous, and kind. She deserved to be covered in silk and pearls while some man worshipped the ground on which she walked.

  It wasn’t him. He wasn’t capable of giving her that life. Of that, he was certain.

  Returning to his chair by the fire, thoughts of another woman, a specter from the past, rose in his mind. Mar
y had also been kind and virtuous. Perhaps she hadn’t sparkled the way Petal did but she’d made a decent and caring wife. And what had he done with her affection? He’d tossed it carelessly to the side.

  He ran his hand through his hair to wipe away the memories as he tossed another log on the fire, closed the screen, and made for the door. He couldn’t sit in here all night. He needed to move and escape these painful memories.

  Chapter Four

  Heading down the hall, Rex made his way into the kitchen where he found the servant’s door. The weather was slowly warming but the night was still cool as he stepped into the alley. Moving around the house, he found a gate to the garden. Stepping inside, the garden was still bare and surrounded by other townhomes, but a bench sat in the center with a small view of the sky.

  Sitting on the bench, he gazed upward and glanced at a window where a candle flickered upon a table. A silhouette of a woman moving about the room. Either Mrs. Fields was feigning illness or Petal was still awake.

  He stood and moved closer. It was Petal. As if she knew he was there, she moved to the window and rested her elbows upon the sill. Then one of her hands lifted to cradle her cheek as she stared out into the night.

  What was she dreaming of? A knight in shining armor who came and rescued her? A low rumble emitted from his chest. Would she throw herself in his arms? Beg him to take her?

  Everything in his body tightened, particularly his nether regions. Drawing in a deep breath, he tried to refocus his thoughts. He didn’t want to stand down here and wonder what she might be thinking. He wished to ask her.

  Without giving a second thought, for if he did, he might very well change his mind, he began climbing up the side of the house. A trellis helped him make it to the second floor, but from there it got trickier. He used a windowsill and then a loose brick to make it halfway up but then he couldn’t find another foothold. Nor, did it seem, could he lower himself back the way he’d come. He tried several times but couldn’t find the foothold.