Chapter Thirteen

May 29, 1817

Hyde Park

Peregrine had already walked a large loop through Hyde Park, but as of yet he hadn't spied either Cora or Mrs. Bromington, for with Cora's hint from last night, his plan was to definitely "meet" with them "accidentally."

With a rumbling stomach, for it was nearing teatime, he pressed on with his walk, following the bridle path toward the arch at the entrance to the park near Rotten Row. While he did so, memories from the night before trailed through his mind. He and Cora had been a bit scandalous. While he had only wished to kiss her and perhaps exchange caresses, she'd been a willing participant. To say nothing of how much she'd looked so delicious draped on that library ladder that he'd temporarily lost his sanity.

And that session had gotten out of hand all too quickly. Yes, it hadn't been well done of him to compromise her in such a way—again—but he couldn't help it. She was all too tempting. He could still feel the warmth of her on his hands, his lips, his tongue, and the images of her manipulating his shaft, nearly taking him into her mouth, left him straining even now. Through it all, his admiration and respect for her—truly, his feelings for her—had grown.

It was useless to deny it: he was more in love with Cora than he'd been the first time 'round. Truly, it would only be a matter of time before he asked for her hand again, and they could finally have the life they'd been denied over three years ago.

A hail in Cora's voice wrenched him from his musings. With a look around, his gaze finally settled on her and the widow as they moved away from an open carriage.

Schooling his expression into one of surprise, Peregrine met them beneath the arch where far more fashionable people milled about, talking with each other.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Bromington, Miss Hasting." Nodding at each of them in turn, he dared much by taking the widow's hand and bringing it to his lips. "What a lovely boon to see you here." It was time to employ his charm on the dragon so she would let him spend time in Cora's company.

"Imagine that, Captain Wetherford." So much bitterness dripped from those words, he was shocked it didn't pool on the ground. "I wasn't aware you took regular exercise here."

"Why not? It is a lovely summer day, and rare enough that it isn't raining." He gave her a grin that he hoped would placate her. "One must take advantage of the weather when one can." Then he shifted his attention to Cora. "How do you fare, Miss Hasting?"

"Well enough, thank you." Though her smile was faint, it was there, and she was beautiful when she did so.

"That shade of blue is quite striking on you." Indeed, he might favor that periwinkle color, for it deepened the color of her eyes. When she blushed and murmured words of thanks, he moved his regard to her dragon. "Since we are all here together, perhaps I can escort you in a stroll, Mrs. Bromington."

"Don't think to employ flattery or flirting on me, young man." The frown she bestowed upon him was quite fierce. "I am far too old for you, and even if I weren't, I don't want another man besides."

"Well, while that is a bruise to my ego, I shall find a way to continue on." But he offered her his crooked arm anyway. "Come, Mrs. Bromington. The afternoon is wasting." He ignored Cora for the moment, for there was certain amusement dancing in her eyes, and he feared if he met her gaze, they would both burst into laughter.

"You might as well give into him, Mrs. Bromington. The captain can be quite persuasive," Cora said with a hint of laughter in her voice.

"Fine." There was a decided air of resignation as the widow bounced her attention between the two of them. "I suppose it couldn't hurt to have that stability, for I do wish to watch the activity on the Serpentine." She frowned at him. "But give me your other arm, Captain. I cannot take you seriously if I must gaze upon the wreck of your cheek."

As Cora gasped with outrage, Peregrine took the slight in stride.

"Of course, Mrs. Bromington." Once he'd shifted to her other side, he once more offered his arm. "There will be a crowd at the water this afternoon, for there is a bit of heat in the air."

The widow grunted but she laid the fingers of one gloved hand on his sleeve. "Far too many people in this world if you ask me."

Well, no one asks you about anything, for we already know what you'll say.

For the next several minutes, they strolled along the path that would eventually lead to the narrow portion of the Serpentine. Desultory conversation was held with the two women, but nothing of import came to light. The widow's posture remained stiff, and it might have been his imagination, but she relied more heavily on her cane. Otherwise, it was a partially pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

Eventually, the widow stirred. No doubt since she wasn't in control of the situation, she felt uncomfortable. "Don't think I don't know what's going on here, young man."

"Oh?" Refusing again to glance at Cora, he tamped down on the urge to chuckle. "What's that?"

"You are trying to get to Miss Hasting by flattering me."

This time he did chuckle. "I would never do such a thing." With a pat of her hand, he continued moving them along. "I merely thought you'd like to take in the air, and it's no doubt been an age since you were squired about by a man." He made a show of looking about, very much enjoying his role. "It's a good thing Miss Hasting is here as a companion, else I'd be tempted to kiss you."

"Good heavens, Captain, that is not well done of you," Cora managed to choke out amidst a poorly stifled giggle.

"I quite agree." Mrs. Bromington shook her head. She rapped his arm with her closed fan. "I am on to you, Captain. You won't defeat me that easily. Ah, there." With a gesture toward a grouping of trees near the banks of the Serpentine, there were a few wrought iron benches that rested beneath the wide boughs. "Leave me there. My legs are fatigued and are beginning to ache." Again, she rapped his arm with her fan's spine. "You have my permission to continue your exercise with Miss Hasting but keep her within my eyesight. I might wish to go home if my aches and pains grow worse."

It was a boon he wouldn't waste even if it wasn't quite being alone with her. "Ah. Very well. That is if Miss Hasting even wishes to continue her stroll." He dared to glance back over his shoulder at Cora, who flashed a quick grin at him with a nod.

"Don't play coy, Captain. We both know this is why you are here." The widow released his arm as she made her way toward one of the benches.

"She is, perhaps, not quite as uninformed as I would have liked to think, but that doesn't matter. I have what I wanted—time with you." Peregrine clasped his hands behind his back while Cora fell into step beside him.

"That was quite splendid of you trying to charm her." The tinkle of her laughter went straight to his stones. "However, in the event you wondered, she is far too sour to let any such thing affect her."

"So I am coming to see." As they walked, he shoved all thoughts of Mrs. Bromington from his mind. "How are you today, after…. What we did last night?"

A blush stained her cheeks. "Quite well, actually. And I had the best sleep of my life. Well, since taking the position with Mrs. Bromington, that is."

His grin felt all too smug. "That is good to hear."

"I wanted to add that I hope Mrs. Bromington's careless words about your scarring doesn't make you think everyone feels the same." Cora laid the fingers of her right hand on his arm and peered up into his face past the shallow brim of her bonnet. Nothing but truth reflected in the blue depths of her eyes. "Some of us don't mind."

"Of course I know that." Briefly, he laid a gloved hand over hers. "Do you wish to know how I came by the injuries?"

"Only if you want to." She squeezed her fingers on his arm. "Lord Maubrey said he saved your life."

"He did." How much to tell her that wouldn't be completely shocking and off-putting? Perhaps it was best to just share from the heart. "It happened during a naval battle with a pirate vessel in the Eastern Caribbean Sea."

"Pirates? I thought they'd been eradicated already."

Ah, her intelligence was only one of the things he admired about her. "They largely were, but a few had managed to escape capture." He couldn't help but lean his head closer to hers. "I adore a woman with brains," he whispered against the shell of her ear.

"Perry, stop!" She urged him away. "Anyone could see, and Mrs. Bromington is no doubt watching like a hawk."

"It is no secret I am courting you." But he sobered. "My ship had been tasked with chasing down the last holdouts of sea criminals. For weeks we searched in vain before we finally found one." God, that time was seared into his memories so badly he still smelled the acrid smoke in the air, heard the crackling of the wood. "One of the cannons on my ship had been hit with enemy fire. When it exploded, I was standing far too close, which meant I took the brunt of the flying shrapnel. Some of the pieces were quite large." When he would have traced his cheek, Cora held onto his arm, preventing that movement. "Hot metal and burning bits embedded themselves into my skin. Some penetrated my uniform."

She gasped. "You have scars on your body that match your face?

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Is that why I have never seen you sans clothing?"

"Not fully. We simply haven't had the time." Knowing that she wished to gaze upon his form had interest shivering along his shaft. "Regardless, I never wanted to retire so early from the navy, but I was given no choice. My injuries made it impossible for me to continue."

"I'm sorry. You obviously were quite fond of your position as well as the sea."

"Yes." He nodded. "If Charles hadn't been there, I would have burned to death in the general confusion that followed the battle."

"Then I will be certain to thank him the next time I see him." She squeezed her fingers on his arm. "I am glad you did survive, though."

"Thank you." He pressed his lips together. "I won't lie and say it wasn't difficult to reintegrate into society upon returning." For the space of a few heartbeats, he thought over his next words. "The side of my face is ghastly, Cora. More people fear me than tolerate me. None of the accolades I accumulated during my service matter if the general populace can't bear to look at me."

"Then stop searching for acceptance by the wrong people, for the right people will always support you and welcome you with open arms." She brought him to a halt on the grass then turned to face him. "Never think less of yourself because some people are far too superficial for their own good. Perfection in society is largely unattainable, and why would you want that?"

"Agreed." Those handful of words humbled him, and he was more certain than ever he was rapidly falling for her again, deeper this time and from a greater height.

"Have you been happy, though, since returning to London? You seem fairly well adjusted."

Peregrine shrugged. Telling the truth would need a gentle hand, for he didn't want to lie but he didn't wish to spook her. "Largely, yes. I have been… content. There are pockets of society who do appreciate me and what I have to say. Doing the pretty with the ladies is sometimes wearing, but I have managed to overlook that—mostly." As he released a breath, he dared to take her hand. "As I have told you already, I want to marry, perhaps have a family, but be advised, it is expensive to live in London on a captain's pension. Even with the coin I take in from speaking engagements, I need additional income. That is why I'm opening the shop. I want my wife to be proud of me."

Perhaps that had been why he'd run from marriage the first time. He hadn't been proud of himself, had gone off to the navy to make a name for himself, to have something unique to his name that a woman might brag about to her friends.

Compassion warred with an emotion in her eyes he didn't dare to identify. "While I realize coin makes the world go 'round, please don't think that is all a woman wishes from the man she will marry." She lifted a gloved hand, brushed her fingertips over the scared side of his face, then let it fall again. "None of us have much to offer that is attractive."

"Ah, sweeting, you have no idea…" It was too damn bad he couldn't kiss her, for there were far too many people about.

"Come along, Captain. We are too exposed here." Cora led the way back around the Serpentine, and before too long, they made their way back to where the widow still sat upon her bench, scowling at everyone.

"You have been gone an eternity, girl," Mrs. Bromington groused as she stood and tugged Cora away from his side. He didn't quite trust the gleam that suddenly appeared in her faded green eyes. "I'm peckish. Captain Wetherford, why don't you come to the house with Miss Hasting and me? We can take tea together, since you were so charming earlier."

"Oh, I…" He shared a shocked glance with Cora, who shrugged. "I would enjoy that. Thank you." What was the old woman planning, for she must be plotting. The sad fact was Mrs. Bromington simply wasn't that kind.

*

Though it wasn'tin Peregrine's nature to be mistrustful of people, he said very little while ensconced in Mrs. Bromington's drawing room, merely listened to the conversation between her and Cora. As he did so, he waited for the bad news to swoop down.

And it finally did.

"Argh!" The loud cry that issued from the widow's throat was enough to startle him. Before he could ascertain why she was in apparent distress, the woman dropped her teacup. "Oh, my legs!" She painted quite the dramatic picture as she clutched those extremities. "I don't think I can stand they hurt so badly." All the while, she implored Cora with her gaze as she listed to one side on her sofa cushion.

"Good heavens. Mrs. Bromington!" Because she was a good and caring person, Cora set her teacup down on the low table then swiftly moved to the widow's side. "Are you well? Does anything else hurt?"

Peregrine frowned as the Drury Lane production unfolded in front of him. He would wager the contents of his account at the Bank of London this was naught but an act, for the way she held her mouth told him she made jest of them all. Of course Cora didn't see it. When she pressed a palm to the widow's brow, then held her fingers to a pulse point to measure heartbeats, the widow acted as if she were two steps from an early demise.

"I cannot move my legs, girl!"

Very real horror etched over Cora's face. "Perry, help! We must do something for her!"

"This is true." In fact, the older woman needed a severe lecture, but that wasn't in his purview. Instead, he stood. "I'll call for the butler or any other staff that is close by." As he strode across the room toward the opened door, he shouted for Mr. Riley. When the butler hustled along the corridor, Peregrine bit back the urge to curse. "Mrs. Bromington is suffering from some mystery ailment. We need to take her upstairs."

Mr. Riley frowned, then peered around Peregrine into the drawing room. "I don't believe I can carry her. Shall I ring for a groomsman?"

The tears in Cora's voice as she questioned the widow pulled at his heart. "No need. I'll do it myself. Have the maids prepare her bed."

"Absolutely, Captain." Then the lanky butler shot off as if his heels were on fire.

Turning back into the room, Peregrine took command of the situation. "Cora, step aside. I'll bring Mrs. Bromington upstairs. Please order a warm water bottle for your charge's legs." Then, before either of the women could protest, he scooped the widow off the sofa where she'd been made comfortable, hauled her upward, and then set out across the room once more. No, she wasn't that cumbersome of a burden, but he would be damned if he'd let her continue the fa?ade.

"Put me down, young man." Frost had formed in the widow's voice as her cane clattered to the floor.

"I can't do that, ma'am. Your legs are paining you, correct? And you said you doubted you could walk, so since you are ailing, I'm taking you abovestairs so your staff can see to your care." As Cora trailed behind them, he lowered his voice so only the widow could hear him while he narrowed his gaze. "For you and I both know you are lying. It's the why that escapes me at the moment."

Mrs. Bromington declined to answer, for she was too busy pretending to drift in and out of a faint.

To Cora's credit, she called for the housekeeper and maids. Once those people arrived in the widow's bedroom, Cora issued orders as if she were a seasoned admiral. Peregrine laid Mrs. Bromington on her wide four-poster bed, then was promptly shooed to the side so Cora could tuck her beneath the covers.

Knowing there was nothing more he could do for now, he waited just outside the room until the frantic activity ceased, and everyone left the older woman alone.

Finally, Cora came out, pulling the door closed behind her. Exhaustion shadowed her face and worry reflected in her eyes. "I have given Mrs. Bromington a drop of laudanum in water. She'll soon drift to sleep, but I don't know anything about her affliction. It came on so suddenly."

"Of course it did." Despite his willpower, he briefly pointed his gaze to the ceiling before resting it on her. "Mrs. Bromington is lying to you in an attempt to keep you with her. So you won't leave." He slipped a hand about her upper arm and led her toward the stairs. "The woman is insanely jealous of the time you're spending with me, and quite frankly, she is selfish to boot. You know this."

"I don't think so." She shook her head as tears welled in her eyes. "I believe she's truly in pain. I asked her to move her limbs and she couldn't."

He snorted. "Or wouldn't."

"Stop it! You can't be that cruel." Cora smacked his arm. She was very nearly in tears. "If she is truly paralyzed, perhaps she's suffered an apoplexy."

"Then one side of her body would be affected as well. I have seen that a time or two while in the service." When she didn't appear convinced and wrung her hands, he blew out a breath. "Come here." Gently, Peregrine took her into his arms despite the fact the staff was in a frenzy of activity. "Cora, sweeting, she is a cold-hearted serpent at best. She obviously doesn't care for the attraction between us, and she knows if our courtship deepens, I'll have a chance at winning you." While he spoke, he stroked a hand up and down her back in the hopes of soothing her. "Which means you will eventually leave her for your own life."

"Surely that isn't true." His Cora was loyal to the last, but would it prove a stumbling block?

Now was not the time for lectures. "Have you ever wondered why her own children refuse to come 'round? Don't you think she's tried to manipulate them, control them so they would stay? Some women are like that because they are terrified of living by themselves. Or they simply enjoy playing puppet master."

He rather suspected the widow was the latter.

"I don't know what to do." Cora pulled away and lifted her gaze to his. Moisture spiked her blonde lashes. A few tears escaped to her cheeks. "That woman in there needs me, Perry." She sniffed and accepted the handkerchief he offered. "All my life I've been in the middle. Amelia was the oldest and the capable one, calm in a crisis. Gigi was the youngest and the wild one without a sense of responsibility. I was the dependable one always willing to help. How can I do no less now?"

Bloody hell.

It had already happened. Mrs. Bromington had successfully trapped Cora into a twisted, gilded prison and had turned the key in the lock. Heated panic rose in his chest. "What if I need you too?"

"Stop!" Shaking her head so hard a lock of hair tumbled from its pins, she pushed out of his arms and took a few steps backward. "You are jealous and just as bad as she is, for you don't want me to send you packing as well."

"I'm not, but I am trying to tell you that she's lying." How could he make her understand without entering into a huge argument born of high emotion? "Because you have a good heart, because you see the best in people and want to try and save them all, because you wish to fix what's wrong, she is preying on that spirit. It isn't a failing or a character flaw on your part, but people will take advantage of you."

"Including you?" Her chin trembled as she fought off a wave of tears. "As you did on what should have been our wedding day?"

Damn, but she knew how to wound. Hurt cut through his chest as if he'd been flayed open by knives. "I apologized soundly for that, you have forgiven me, and I've made strides to change. Mrs. Bromington has not, and her behavior continues to worsen." When he tried to come toward her, she held up a hand, and he huffed. "Surely you must see this. You are quite levelheaded when you wish to be. Don't let her take advantage."

For a long time, she looked at him. Finally, she sighed and dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief. "Please go," she asked in an agonized whisper. "There is much that needs done here, and a doctor should be called."

"All right." Obviously, she was too overwrought to think clearly, so he nodded. "Please send for me should you need help."

"I will." The delicate muscles in her throat worked with a hard swallow. "I hope she will be well after a rest."

"Mmm, time will tell." Peregrine grunted. He closed the distance, framed her head with his hands, then lightly kissed her lips. "I will call tomorrow. On you both." Then he plunged down the stairs and hoped to God Mrs. Bromington would make a mistake and that Cora would be able to see the truth.

If the dragon were a poker player, she had just upped the ante in the game he and she played, and the prize was Cora. Could he come up to the mark? Well, he had no intention of folding. If that woman was truly paralyzed, then he was Prinny's long lost and secret brother.

Yet Cora had chosen to believe her charge over him. Not that he blamed her. It must be hell to hold that position.

As he gained the front door, he slammed that panel behind him. Bah! The problems found on land were infinitely more difficult than they'd ever been at sea.