Chapter Two

S terling had no idea why he had been invited to a house party hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Seaton. He had never even met the pair, who had been the talk of last Season. The duchess, formerly Mrs. Josiah Grant, had shocked Polite Society after her husband's death. Not only had Mr. Grant left the shipping empire to his widow, but she actually also ran it herself. When she married the duke, many a tongue had wagged, especially since Seaton's family owned Strong Shipping Lines, chief competitor to Mrs. Grant's Neptune Shipping.

While the ton assumed the duke wed the widow merely to get his hands on her company, Seaton had shocked London by deliberately allowing his bride to keep her business in the marriage settlements. According to gossip, the ducal heir would inherit Strong Shipping, while any other children—male or female—would own Neptune Shipping.

Even though Sterling didn't know the couple personally, he was eager to speak to both. People who refused to play by the rules of Polite Society interested him, especially since he took delight in breaking as many as possible. Still, house parties were notorious for producing multiple betrothals between couples. The Seatons hosted this party in honor of the duke's cousins, twin girls who had yet to make their come-outs.

One of the duke's sisters, had, though. Sterling had thought Lady Georgina Strong a diamond of the first water. She was beautiful, calm, and intelligent. They had danced once, but she only had eyes for the scarred Marquess of Edgethorne. He didn't really know the former officer, but he had seen Edgethorne at events and heard the vicious gossip about him. The fact that Georgina Strong had ignored it and followed her heart intrigued him even more about these Strongs. Perhaps Lord and Lady Edgethorne might be in attendance at the house party and would agree to spend some time with him.

He only came today because one simply did not turn down the invitation issued by a duke. From what he gathered, however, even though the Seatons were the nominal hosts, it was the former Dowager Duchess of Seaton who had planned the activities. She was as much a beauty as her daughter had been, and Sterling had seen the wedding announcement in the newspapers of her recent marriage. To his shock, the former duchess had wed a sea captain.

Yes, the Strongs of Shadowcrest were a most unusual lot. Though Sterling had no desire to make a match with either of the Strong girls, he thought this house party would prove to be quite entertaining.

He glanced to his companion in the carriage. Silas Chase, Viscount Blankenship, had been a boon companion of his for a few years. Though the viscount was a Cambridge man and Sterling an Oxford one, they had been cut from the same cloth. When Blankenship arrived in town after finishing his university years, he had been as wild as they came and a perfect friend for Sterling. They had cut quite a swath through London society, gambling and rutting, until Blankenship had a sudden change of heart.

This past Season, his friend had cut ties with Sterling and their crowd of rakes. Instead, he had entered the Season with his eye on the Marriage Mart. At one point, Sterling thought Blankenship might have made a match with Lady Georgina, but it proved not to be the case. He wondered if the viscount would pursue another Strong female at this house party. His gut told him it was likely the event would end with a betrothal announcement regarding his former friend.

"I am surprised you wished to share a carriage with me," Sterling said. "You haven't wanted a thing to do with me in months."

"When I heard you were invited to Shadowcrest, I thought I might try and make amends with you, Carroll. I am afraid I did not do a good thing, cutting you from my life so abruptly. For that, I apologize."

"Apology accepted," he said breezily. "I am not one to hold grudges, Blankenship. What happened to you?"

Sadness filled the viscount's eyes. "My uncle died. It left me truly on my own. I decided it was time I began acting my age and assuming the responsibilities I should have long ago."

"Does that include finding a wife?" Sterling pressed.

"Yes, it does. I am eager to wed and have children. The Season did not play out quite as I expected. This house party will give me an opportunity to get to know a few young ladies in a better setting. Hopefully, my future viscountess will be amongst those in attendance."

"You already lost one Strong female," he said, seeing if he would get a rise out of his former friend. "Let's hope you can hang on to one here."

Blankenship didn't take the bait. "I had thought to make a match with Lady Georgina Strong," he admitted. "But I was delighted when Edgethorne stole her heart. You see, we were the closest of friends at Eton and Cambridge and even shared rooms while at university. Edgethorne is the brother I never had." He smiled. "We were randy as they came and had many good times together before he left for the war. I am only glad that he is home again and has the love of a good woman."

He hadn't known the viscount and marquess were longtime friends.

"I will leave the matchmaking to others," he said airily. "I hope you find what you are looking for, Blankenship. As for me, I do not plan to wed until I absolutely have to."

They fell silent again. At least the air between them had been cleared. He didn't think Blankenship wished him ill. His friend had simply moved on to another chapter in his life, one which did not interest Sterling in the slightest. He had many more years of adventures to write in the story of his life before he thought of settling down.

As for him, he would be polite and charming to the other guests, male and female. He doubted any of the young misses invited would be suitable bed partners, but there were always their chaperones. When the house party ended, he would proudly stand with his freedom intact and head back to town.

Their carriage turned onto a lane and about five minutes later, they reached the main house itself. As it came to a halt, he noticed neither the duke nor duchess were present to greet their guests. The beautiful dowager duchess was present, though, along with two other women who resembled one another. They were of a similar height, though the one with sable hair was slightly taller than the woman with russet hair. They favored one another closely in the face, but the shorter one was small everywhere, including her breasts and waist.

It was the dark-haired one who drew Sterling's attention now.

She had curves in all the right places and a ready smile. He had always been attracted to a woman with curves. Being that she stood with the dowager duchess, she had to be either Allegra or Lyric Strong. He knew enough not to get caught in an embrace with an innocent, but Sterling definitely planned upon kissing her. At a house party, he would have plenty of opportunities to pull this Miss Strong into some nook or cranny and at least enjoy the taste of her.

Glancing to Blankenship, he saw the viscount also looked out the window, his gaze fixated on the other Strong girl. He liked Blankenship and the good times they had spent together. If he were interested in the russet-haired woman, then Sterling would keep his hands off her as a courtesy.

The vehicle rolled to a halt, and a footman quickly placed stairs down, opening the carriage door for them. He allowed Blankenship to descend first and then followed.

"Lord Blankenship," the dowager duchess said, giving the viscount a warm smile. "How good it is to see you again soon. Thank you again for coming to the wedding."

"Thank you for having me, Your Grace," Blankenship replied. "It did my heart good to see my friend and Lady Georgina marry. Are they still honeymooning in Scotland?"

"They are. And I am Mrs. Andrews now, my lord." She looked to Sterling. "Good afternoon, Lord Carroll. Thank you for accepting our invitation."

He greeted the former duchess. "I am honored to visit Shadowcrest," he said smoothly, finding it a shame that this woman had recently wed because she was still quite the beauty. He would have enjoyed a romp in bed with her.

"May I introduce you to my nieces?" she asked. Turning, she indicated one. "This is Miss Lyric Strong. And Miss Allegra Strong."

So, the one he was attracted to was Allegra. Because of that, Sterling deliberately greeted the other one first.

"It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Strong," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. Then turning, he added, "And you, as well, Miss Strong."

When he took her offered hand, though, something struck him. An awareness rippled through him as she looked at him with those large, cornflower eyes.

"I am happy to make your acquaintance, Lord Carroll," she said, her voice low and musical, causing desire to shoot through him. "But please, address me as Miss Allegra. Aunt Dinah said it would be too complicated for Lyric and me to both be Miss Strong."

He still held her hand. She tugged on it, but he wasn't ready to release it yet.

"Miss Allegra," he repeated, bending and kissing her fingers a second time.

When he looked at her, he saw how flushed her cheeks had grown, making her even more attractive.

"I am partial to this hand, my lord," she said lightly, tugging again, causing him to release it.

"You may have it back. For now," he flirted, already wanting to kiss her.

"Come inside," Mrs. Andrews told them. "Miss Forrester will see you to your rooms. Hot water is already being sent up now for you to freshen up after your journey from town. Once you are settled, make your way to the drawing room. You are the last to arrive, gentlemen. It is almost teatime. You can visit with the other guests there."

"Thank you, Mrs. Andrews," Blankenship said. "Come along, Carroll."

They went inside the house, and while he saw Miss Lyric escorting Blankenship up the stairs to a bedchamber, Miss Allegra motioned to a footman and asked that he take Lord Carroll upstairs to his guestroom. The servant did so. Already, his trunk had been placed in his room while he spoke with his hostess, and his valet awaited him, unpacking it. He untied his cravat and stripped off his coat, waistcoat, and shirt.

"Have fresh ones ready once I have washed," he instructed.

Sterling did so, glad to have new clothes after the heat of the carriage. He then redressed with his valet's help. When he stepped into the corridor, he saw Blankenship had done the same, emerging from the bedchamber across from him.

A waiting footman said, "I will escort you to the drawing room, my lords."

The two lords followed the servant. When they entered the room, his eyes swept over the women present. He had met Lady Lida and Miss Markle but had no idea who the plain woman was who spoke with them. Miss Lyric was speaking to Lord Lamkin and Lord Tillings, two men he knew from White's.

Miss Allegra was engaged in conversation with Lord Motley. The earl was a widower, about two years Sterling's senior. Miss Allegra laughed at something Motley said.

And Sterling didn't like that one whit.

He moved in the general direction of everyone, but his goal was to separate Allegra Strong from Lord Motley, the sooner the better.

Because he was reacting to this woman in a manner he never had before—and Sterling was determined to figure out why.

*

Allegra sensed Lord Carroll's presence before she saw him. She kept her attention focused on Lord Motley, nodding encouragingly so he would continue with the story he told her.

But her skin prickled and her breath quickened as she saw Lord Carroll cross the room from the corner of her eye.

"Good afternoon," the earl said, joining them.

Coolly, she said, "Have you met Lord Motley, Lord Carroll?"

"It was quite a while ago." Carroll offered Motley his hand, and the two men shook, though Allegra noticed Motley's frown and wondered why the earl would disapprove of Lord Carroll.

Turning, she wanted to introduce Lord Motley to Lord Blankenship, only to see the viscount had approached Lyric and Miss Bancroft.

"You will have to wait a moment to make Lord Blankenship's acquaintance, Lord Motley," she said to the earl.

"I know of him," Lord Motley said. "Blankenship was at Eton when I was, but he was several years behind me. I believe I read in the newspapers where he lost his uncle before this past Season started."

Aunt Dinah claimed everyone's attention, making the necessary introductions, and then said, "We are so happy to have you here with us at Shadowcrest for this party."

Just then, James and Sophie entered, Sophie moving slowly because of the size of her belly.

"And here are your true hosts, the Duke and Duchess of Seaton," Aunt Dinah proclaimed.

A shuffle began, with guests moving in small groups to meet their hosts and the others present. Once several teacarts were rolled in, Sophie asked if they would all find a seat. While the drawing room easily seated everyone present, they could not all sit together, so people began moving to the smaller seating groups scattered about the room. Aunt Dinah had already told her nieces when this situation occurred to make certain they split up so that there would be someone from Shadowcrest to pour out within each group.

Allegra moved to her right and found Lady Lida, her mother, Lord Motley, and Lord Carroll joining her. She didn't quite know how he did it, but Lord Carroll maneuvered everyone into sitting so that the two of them wound up together on a settee.

"Oh, these sandwiches look delicious," Lady Crowell exclaimed. "And these teacakes! I cannot wait to sample them, as well."

She poured out, giving Lord Carroll his serving last and then filling her own cup. By now, Lady Lida and her mother were discussing gardening with Lord Motley, leaving her to entertain Lord Carroll.

She swallowed, her insides racing. Never had her heart beat quite so fast.

"You did not make your come-out this Season," the earl observed. "If you had, I would have noticed you."

"I did not. Plans changed. There were to be five of us from this household doing so—and only one actually did."

Curiosity filled his face. "What happened?"

"My cousin Pippa and our neighbor, the new Viscount Hopewell, fell in love even before the Season began. Lord Hopewell is a former sea captain, and Pippa has always had an adventurous spirit. Their honeymoon is one which is taking them around the globe."

"How interesting," Lord Carroll said, sipping his tea, his gaze burning into her, making her cheeks heat.

"Pippa and my cousin Georgie are twins. Georgie did make her come-out as planned."

"And wed Lord Edgethorne. I think the entire ton witnessed them falling in love."

Allegra nodded. "Their honeymoon has taken them to one of Edgethorne's properties in Scotland. As for my cousin Mirella, she broke her forearm and elbow just before the Season began. If anyone enjoys dancing more than Mirella, I have yet to meet them. Since the doctor forbid my cousin to dance because the plaster would have her off-balance, she has chosen to make her come-out next spring. She, my youngest cousin Effie, and Aunt Matty are now touring the Lake District."

"It is a large family. Full of females," the earl noted.

"Well, there is Seaton," she pointed out. "He is head of our family."

"I find I enjoy the company of women," he said, his voice warm and seductive, despite them being in a drawing room full of others. "I hope you and I will be able to enjoy one another's company during this house party, Miss Allegra."

Now she understood why Lord Motley had been cool to this man. From his elegant dress and smooth talking, she realized that Lord Carroll was a rake. Why Aunt Dinah had invited such a rogue to this house party puzzled her, though. Yes, she and Lyric were eager to meet all kinds of people, but at the same time, it was understood that this house party would give them the advantage of getting to know a small group rather quickly. Rakes weren't known for committing to any woman, much less offering marriage.

Allegra decided to call him out and be done with him.

"Have you always been a rake, my lord?" she asked softly, not wishing for the others to hear their conversation.

His eyes widened in surprise, but he recovered quickly. "Have you always been so bold in speaking your mind, Miss Allegra?" He paused. "Especially when speaking to a rake such as myself?

"I am outgoing," she said. "A bit impulsive at times. But not so careless as to want to be bedded by the likes of you underneath Shadowcrest's roof."

With that, Allegra turned to the others present, knowing she had stunned the earl into silence. "Tell me more about your daughter, Lord Motley. I believe you said her name is Viola?"

She knew the girl's name, of course, because she had spent time in the nursery showing her various dolls the Strong girls had played with during their own years there. But she knew allowing Lord Motley to talk of his daughter would be a new topic of discussion and would easily draw in the others in their grouping.

Except for Lord Carroll. A rogue wouldn't be one to talk of children. By intentionally introducing this line of conversation, she deliberately excluded the earl.

And she knew that he knew exactly what she did.

"Yes," the earl said with enthusiasm. "And I cannot thank His and Her Grace enough for allowing me to bring Viola and her nursery governess with me to Kent. My daughter has just turned two and is quite attached to me."

Allegra continued to converse with Lord Motley, Lady Crowell, and Lady Lida. She made no effort to draw Lord Carroll into the conversation once they began talking of the various activities in the coming days, and he made no attempt to enter it. She had already crossed the rogue off her list of potential suitors—and would warn Lyric and the other ladies present of the wolf in their midst.

But first, she would confront Aunt Dinah about her reasons for asking such a man to Shadowcrest.