A Rogue's Reputation (The Rogue Chronicles Book 2) Read online

  Many of those in France had fled to England at the start of the war, but their loyalty remained across the Channel. That made it difficult to know who to trust. Was Aberland as weary as Benjamin of the life and death stakes spying held?

  After several decanters of port had been emptied, the men rose to join the ladies. He wished he had the fortitude to leave before they did so. Instead, he followed the men to the drawing room, further annoyed with himself. He was no better than a moth lured by a pretty yet dangerous candle flame.

  They entered the room where the marquess’s daughter played the pianoforte with determination if not talent, and he found the lady who threatened his peace of mind. Louisa sat conversing with her two cousins. He paused near the doorway, debating whether to remain.

  “Granger, terribly sorry about your recent loss.” The Marquess of Delham studied him for a long moment with a guarded expression.

  “Quite a shock.” Benjamin turned his back on Louisa, wanting to make the most of this conversation. Delham was an influential member of the ton as well as the House of Lords and respected by many. Aberland had warned Benjamin that many members of Society had not liked his uncle. The previous Earl of Granger and his countess had received fewer and fewer invitations each year, though no one had snubbed them outright.

  Benjamin knew Delham wasn’t the only one who watched him with assessing eyes this evening. He expected that would be the pattern at each function he attended now that he’d inherited. He needed to prove he wasn’t anything like his uncle. His own previous indiscretions could be blamed on sowing the oats of his youth. But if he wanted to be treated seriously and live a meaningful life, this moment could be a good beginning.

  “I understand you’ve been abroad the past few years.” Delham’s eyes narrowed as if he thought this suspicious. No doubt he wondered why Benjamin hadn’t bought a commission and fought in the war.

  “Indeed.” He couldn’t share the reason for his travels, nor even hint at it. Yet the idea of travelling when his country was at war seemed frivolous. How could he discuss his ventures without sounding like an uncaring scoundrel? “I appreciated the opportunity to travel beyond the boundaries of Europe. The insight exploration provides is a priceless experience.”

  Delham’s furrowed brow suggested he hadn’t yet been convinced.

  “I hope to use my perspective in the House of Lords. Viewing the issues we’re encountering with the objectivity global travel offers is something for which I am grateful.”

  Aberland gave a subtle nod from a short distance away. At least Benjamin had his approval.

  To his relief, Delham’s concern eased, and he nodded with understanding. “I look forward to hearing more about your view on how we can navigate the challenges England now faces.”

  Benjamin hoped the marquess’s interest continued. Proving he was different from his late father and uncle would take time, but if he acted above reproach, surely others would begin to take him seriously as well.

  Delham introduced him to several other lords, and he did his best to hold his own in conversations without revealing the truth of how he’d spent the last two years. He declined the offer of another drink for the sake of his reputation and because he found the discussions stimulation enough.

  Though he managed to keep his distance from Lady Louisa, his gaze sought her out again and again. Viscount Stanich had spoken to her at length. The younger lord irritated Benjamin with the pomposity he’d displayed in the dining room. The man considered himself an expert on all topics. Apparently, Louisa thought Stanich fascinating based on the way he held her attention.

  She ignored Benjamin completely. Did that mean she’d given up on obtaining the letters? No doubt that was for the best. The evening had been a success, and he didn’t want anything to cast his behavior into question. Perhaps he should take his leave before he did something to jeopardize it.

  “I couldn’t help but notice your attention on Lady Louisa,” Delham said as he stepped closer. “Her mother, the Marchioness of Whirlenhall, always seems to be on the verge of scandal.”

  “Oh?”

  “As they say, blood will tell.” Delham’s gaze grew calculating. “Take my marchioness, for instance. She is the epitome of decorum, a trait clearly evident in our daughter. One has to wonder if Lady Louisa is cut from the same cloth as her mother.”

  Though he’d wondered as well, Benjamin preferred to make his own decisions about people. That included Delham’s daughter. He nodded but changed the topic, pleased when the marquess moved away to speak with someone else.

  “Did you find them?”

  He stilled at the feminine whisper then slowly turned to see Louisa next to him, partially facing away. Apparently, she didn’t want anyone to know they were speaking. “Yes.”

  Her shoulders stiffened as if he’d told her terrible news. Why hadn’t her mother approached him to retrieve the letters since she was the one who’d written them?

  “I’d be pleased to return them to you,” he said.

  His offer had her turning to face him. She smiled politely, but desperate hope shone in her eyes. “Truly?”

  “For a small price.” The words had passed his lips before he could halt them. He should’ve told her he’d send a servant with them. But he didn’t. Couldn’t.

  “Those are personal letters and not your property. You should do the right thing and return them.” The fire in her eyes pleased him more than it should have.

  “Don’t you want to know the price?” he asked even as he wondered to where his resolve had disappeared.

  “Whatever it is, I don’t wish to pay it.”

  “One kiss.” His heart hammered at his demand. What was he thinking?

  Her lips parted as those blue eyes widened in surprise.

  “Midnight tomorrow evening. My library. I believe you know the address.”

  “I’d be mad to take such a risk.”

  He decided against reminding her that she already had. “Do you want the letters?”

  Her angry gaze made her look much more like the passionate woman he’d discovered in his library, rather than the proper lady she’d been most of the evening.

  “I look forward to your visit,” he said with a smile and a bow. Then he took his leave, promising himself to work on his self-restraint as soon as he gave her the damn letters.

  ~*~

  Late the following afternoon, Louisa paced her bedchamber, filled with indecision. She shouldn’t go. She should’ve refused. What had she been thinking? Surely he wouldn’t do anything untoward with the letters.

  But what if he did?

  Worst of all, she couldn’t deny that part of her looked forward to the meeting. The part she’d been trying so hard to smother.

  The previous evening had been painful. She’d spoken to Viscount Stanich, a perfectly nice man who was attractive and intelligent. He seemed interested in her. So what if he was a bit arrogant? Most men of her acquaintance were. He’d told her about the horse he was considering buying. She liked horses. But when he’d gone on and on about it, she’d barely been able to keep her attention on what he said.

  Granger was to blame for that. His watchful gaze had unsettled her, prickling her flesh with awareness. With...anticipation. Even now, her breasts tightened at the thought of being alone with him again. Why did she have this primal response to him? As if her body intended to overrule her mind and seek him out.

  With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the thought. Ridiculous. Becoming involved with a man like him would only lead to trouble. He reeked of it. That sort of risk wasn’t worth taking. She’d be better off with Viscount— Her thoughts whirled as she realized she’d forgotten his name. Stannish. No. Stanich. That was it.

  She stopped pacing and closed her eyes. Those letters were all that mattered. She would meet Granger, take the letters, and return home before half an hour passed. She couldn’t focus on her own future with those in Granger’s hands. Those warm hands with long, strong fingers that had
been kissed by the sun...

  “Look at these, my lady,” Beth said as she entered the drawing room, holding a large bouquet of yellow roses. “Aren’t they beautiful? A package arrived for you as well.”

  Louisa smiled, welcoming the distraction. She took the thin package wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string. No note was visible. Setting it aside, she reached for the roses and breathed in their sweet scent. “How lovely.”

  She placed the vase on a side table and reached for the card. “Viscount Stanich. How kind of him,” she said as she studied the simple note. Surely she could find a few qualities she admired about him.

  “Louisa?” Her mother stood in the doorway. “Will you offer your opinion? I can’t decide which gown to wear this evening.”

  Louisa’s mind went blank. “This evening?” Had her mother somehow learned of her meeting with Granger?

  “The Thompson’s dinner party, remember?”

  “Oh yes, of course.”

  “What lovely flowers. Who sent them?” Her mother drew closer to touch one of the delicate petals.

  “Viscount Stanich. You met him last evening.”

  Her mother frowned for a moment. “Stanich. Yes. A nice enough young man.”

  “Nice enough?”

  “I only spoke with him briefly but, yes. He seemed...nice.” Her mother turned away only to turn back. “Though he’s not the sort of young man I’d select for you.”

  “What’s wrong with nice?”

  “Nothing. Though nice is boring.” Her mother patted her arm. “Come help me select a gown.”

  Time crawled by as she assisted her mother then dressed for the dinner party. Of course, she wasn’t disappointed to realize that Granger wasn’t in attendance. Nor was Viscount Stanich. Why was she relieved at that?

  When her mother suggested they return home early, Louisa was thrilled.

  “You hardly said a word this evening,” her mother said in the carriage on the way home. “Are you unwell?”

  “Not at all. The conversation was rather dull.”

  Her mother chuckled. “You’re just like me. Excitement is far more entertaining and uplifting, don’t you think? Good for one’s soul.”

  Louisa didn’t respond. Wasn’t that her secret fear? That she wouldn’t be content without some thrills in her life? She bid her mother good night and went to her bedchamber to change for the midnight rendezvous, unable to ignore the excitement that filled her.

  The danger added to her anticipation. Was this how her mother felt? That she wasn’t fully alive without the stimulation forbidden adventure could bring? Empathy speared through her. Perhaps she should be more understanding from now on when her mother acted impulsively.

  “Are you certain, my lady?” Beth asked as she helped her change. “Couldn’t you send one of the footmen for the letters?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Louisa said as she buttoned the jacket. “This is a family matter. I need to be the one to resolve it.” Though tempted not to bother with a disguise, she’d decided it was necessary. If someone saw a lady walking the streets alone at night, it would draw too much interest. A lad walking by himself wouldn’t garner a second look. Heaven forbid if she were caught either way.

  She pondered her feelings to determine whether she was more excited about the experience or the man.

  Or was it the kiss he’d demanded?

  Nerves danced in her belly at the thought. The kiss was definitely the problem.

  It needed to be brief. But not too brief. After all, this wasn’t her first kiss. She’d indulged in a few on darkened terraces and in a protected alcove at a ball. But never with a man like Granger. Having a rogue like him involved changed everything.

  Should she place her hands on his shoulders or against his chest? Or did she keep her hands at her side to prove to him that the kiss was of little consequence? What exactly should she say? Did she ask for the letters before the kiss?

  She shook her head as she sat to pull on the boots. This was growing more complicated by the moment. Why couldn’t she think of this as a simple transaction?

  Beth wrung her hands as Louisa stood. “If you don’t return within the hour, I’ll send a footman for you.”

  “Thank you, Beth.” She squeezed the maid’s hands. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Don’t worry. I will return shortly.”

  While Louisa didn’t trust Benjamin—or rather, Granger—she didn’t truly believe he’d hurt her, though she couldn’t explain why. Perhaps the belief was naïve of her. After all, she knew nothing of the man except his reputation and the devilish look in his eye.

  She hurried down the steps and let herself out the front door. The servants had already retired for the night. The evening air was cold, and she quickened her pace. The walk to Clarke House was a short one, and her tingling nerves made her walk even faster. She unlocked the garden gate with ease and passed through it into the garden, her stomach in knots. A faint glow from the hearth lit the library, but all else remained cloaked in darkness.

  Gathering her courage, she reached for the door, only to find it locked. She hesitated, unable to determine what game Granger was playing. Now what?

  Chapter Four

  Benjamin sat in a wingback chair before the fire, a nearly empty brandy glass dangling between his fingers. Doing the right thing was supposed to be its own reward, but he already regretted sending the letters to Louisa. He didn’t care for this part of turning over a new leaf. Nor had he realized temptation would approach so quickly. His foul mood could be placed squarely on her shoulders.

  He rose to place a few more coals on the fire. What he truly needed was a quick tumble with a woman to relieve his tension. But he’d promised himself no more of that. He needed a wife, not a mistress. He cast his thoughts toward the women he’d met at the dinner party but couldn’t say he was attracted to any of them. The idea of either of the ladies he’d met earlier at a party, Miss Simpson or Lady Adele, in his bed had him scowling. Surely there was someone out there who could converse intelligently as well as display passion in the bedroom.

  But only one woman came to mind. She was far too easy to imagine with those blonde tresses spread over his pillow, her luscious curves moving with him. His body tightened at the picture his mind so easily created.

  He ran a hand through his hair, trying to stop the path of his thoughts. Louisa’s hidden passion was all the more reason he should avoid her. Thank goodness he’d sent her the letters. A secret rendezvous with a hoyden would only lead to trouble.

  A tap at the door to the garden had him turning in surprise. Surely it wasn’t Louisa. But as he strode toward the door, he recognized the silhouette of a lad standing there. What on earth was she doing? He unlocked the door and opened it, puzzled as she entered. “I wasn’t expecting you. Is there a problem?”

  She stared at him in surprise. “You said to come at midnight.”

  “I sent a footman earlier today with the letters. Didn’t you receive them?”

  “No.” Then her eyes went wide. “A package. Wrapped in brown paper.”

  “That sounds like it.”

  Her mouth dropped open as a blush stole over her cheeks. “Another delivery came at the same time, and I set that one aside.” She looked up at him, embarrassment in her expression. “I didn’t realize...” Her voice dropped away, leaving him to wonder what she’d been about to say.

  “You didn’t expect me to send them?” How could he possibly be offended by her assumption? She didn’t know him and had no reason to think he’d act honorably when he’d already demanded a kiss in exchange for the letters.

  “No,” she said with a shake of her head. “I didn’t expect you to do the right thing. But I’m grateful you did.” Her surprise faded into something else. If he didn’t know better, he would’ve said admiration. But that couldn’t possibly be true. She looked away. “I can’t believe the package’s arrival slipped my mind.”

  The longer he watched her, the less will he had to kee
p his distance. He took a step closer and ran a finger slowly along her jaw. “I’m glad it did.”

  His gaze dropped to those full lips, and he moved the pad of his thumb against her lower lip. He couldn’t remember wanting a kiss quite as badly as he did right now. The old version of him would just take it. But the new version protested at the thought. Then his mind settled on something in between. Wouldn’t gaining the lady’s permission make it all the sweeter?

  He lifted his gaze to find her eyes had darkened. Could that be desire in their depths? “Am I to be rewarded for my good behavior?”

  “Good deeds are supposed to be their own reward.”

  “Hmm. I wouldn’t know. I’m relatively new at this.”

  “Would it reassure you to know that you’re doing well?”

  He considered her question. “Yes, it would.”

  She patted his chest, a teasing glint in her eye. “You are doing well, Granger.”

  “Please, call me Benjamin.”

  “You may call me Louisa.”

  “Is that all I’m to receive?” he asked with one brow raised, enjoying their banter more than he would’ve guessed. “Permission to use your given name?”

  She gave a mock sigh. “I wouldn’t want you to stop doing good deeds for lack of reward.” She lifted onto her toes and offered her mouth.

  He pressed his lips to hers, the sensation only fanning the flames of his desire. He wanted more. How much was she willing to give?

  Yet he hesitated. Louisa was a lady. And though he intended to enjoy the kiss, that was all he would take. The new Benjamin was determined to treat women with honor and respect.