A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) - Darcy Burke Page 0,77

purpose of driving Thomas to Thea. That revelation had come only a few days before Thea’s death, at Chamberlain’s aborted wedding to Miss Pemberton’s sister of all people.

Thomas had thought it was the final insult, that he ought to consider establishing a separate household from his duplicitous wife. But that had been before the she’d sent that most poisonous arrow into his heart: that Regan wasn’t actually his daughter.

If only he’d married Miss Pemberton.

Except then he wouldn’t have Regan at all, and he simply couldn’t imagine that. Nor did he want to. She might not be his blood, but Beatrix had known the truth—she was his daughter in every way that mattered.

Thomas opened his eyes, suddenly realizing that Miss Pemberton, now she was Lady Colton, was blonde and perhaps an inch taller than Beatrix, who was also blonde, as Thea had been. And he’d estimate Thea was an inch shorter than Beatrix. Did that mean he was drawn to women of a certain appearance?

Could it be that he was also drawn to volatile people? Not that Jane had been volatile. He hadn’t come to know her that well, but he recalled her being charming and witty—more like Beatrix than like Thea. Was Beatrix volatile?

He turned and saw that she was asleep, or seemed to be anyway. Her features were relaxed in repose, her lips curved in the barest hint of a smile, as if she was already dreaming of him. That was assuming he made her feel even half as wonderful as she made him feel.

She’d been a fraud and a thief, but he’d never seen evidence of volatility. He wouldn’t count their encounter with the footpads. She’d behaved defensively and bravely. Brilliantly was how he’d describe it best.

That she comported herself with such calm and purpose was in itself remarkable. She’d certainly led a life that would push anyone to their limits. Just her father’s abandonment and the way he’d treated her recently would be enough.

Thomas kissed her forehead and gently stroked her hair. “You’re very brave,” he whispered.

She inhaled through her nose but gave no indication that she’d heard him.

He watched her for a while longer. Her blonde lashes fluttered, and occasionally, her pink lips pursed slightly. He wanted her again with a ferocity that scared him.

Easing from the bed, he dressed. When he was finished, he returned to the bed and pulled the coverlet higher, to just beneath her chin. Hopefully, a housemaid wouldn’t find it odd that Beatrix was nude. Or maybe Beatrix always slept naked.

He grinned, thinking that with her, it was not an impossibility. She was surprising and singular. He’d never met another woman like her and doubted he ever would again.

But he was a man who’d relied too much on emotion and hope, and he couldn’t do that this time. He had to be certain, and the only thing he was sure about right now was that Regan needed him. She must come first, and she would.

Thomas touched Beatrix’s hand through the coverlet. Exhaling softly, he turned and went home to his daughter.

Chapter 15

The designated area for Lady Exeby’s picnic in Hyde Park on Thursday afternoon was just inside Cumberland Gate, situated between two paths amidst trees on a lush expanse of lawn. Selina and Harry were enjoying their time at home as newlyweds, so Beatrix arrived in the company of their friends Jane, who was the Viscountess Colton, and Phoebe, who was the Marchioness of Ripley. Jane’s sister, Anne Pemberton, was supposed to have joined them, but had decided to stay home. Though it had been three weeks since her wedding to Gilbert Chamberlain, who was Lady Rockbourne’s brother, had been interrupted by Chamberlain’s arrest for extortion, she was not yet ready for a Society event.

Both Phoebe and Jane were founding members of the Spitfire Society, and of course Phoebe owned the house where Beatrix currently lived. Their husbands had also come along, but they left to join another group of men almost immediately.

“Is this what happens after you wed?” Beatrix asked, looking at the separate groups of men and the groups of women. There was one area where men and women mingled, and upon recognizing a few of them, Beatrix realized they were unmarried.

“Somewhat.” Phoebe said, exchanging a look with Jane and then laughing. “I feel fortunate, however, because after we visit with our friends, we always find our way back to each other as soon as possible.”

That sounded so lovely. And romantic. Beatrix perused those gathered in search of Tom.