Chapter 6

R ebekah gazed out the window as the coach swept down the drive to a huge mansion of dark grey stones. She'd never seen anything so big in her life. The walls flowed in every direction, with towers at each corner. Lord Greystoke must be wealthy, indeed.

She had no need of money. Like she told Papa, as long as they had each other they had everything they needed. Lord Greystoke would see her as a gold digger for sure.

The arrogant poop. Was he playing with her when he denied being the earl and accusing her of setting a trap for him? He signed the blasted contract or neither of them would be in this mess. She had no intention of getting married, but she wanted to give him some of his own back. He was a nobleman. Before she was through with him, he would beg for mercy.

The tall structure intimidated. Dear heavens. What had his childhood been like growing up in a dreary monster like this. She should not feel sorry for Lord Greystoke. She was here to teach him a lesson. At least he had not denied her when she informed him she was coming to Greystoke Manor. But then, she'd not allowed enough time for him to receive her letter before setting out on her journey. What sort of welcome would she receive?

The coach came to a halt. She inhaled a deep breath for courage and waited for the footman. He held her hand as she alighted from the rented vehicle—charged to Lord Greystoke, of course. She looked up to see a man dressed in butler finery waiting at the open door of the three-story manor.

Meeting the lion in the lion's den.

She drew in another breath, hoping her courage would not fail her.

The steps led to a grand walkway the length of the house. Flowers in stylish pots were placed here and there, giving a cozy-bright atmosphere unlike the eerie darkness at her first glance.

"Good day, madam. My name is Josiah. I am Lord Greystoke's butler."

"Good day. Would you please tell Lord Greystoke that Rebekah Hayes is here."

"Of course. He is expecting you. Please follow me to the drawing room."

Expecting me? Rebekah glanced over her shoulder at the footman carrying her luggage.

"Don't worry, Miss Hayes. I will have your luggage sent to your room. This way, if you please."

At least he wasn't going to throw her out in the street. A large staircase swept up to the next floor. Good heavens, it was made of marble. She followed the butler to a beautifully decorated room of cream and soft blue. The large hearth had a fire burning, making the room nice and cozy after being outside in the chilly air.

The butler closed the double doors as he left to get Lord Greystoke, giving her time to look around. Her nerves were about to jump out of her skin. She took a deep breath and decided Lord Greystoke would not distress her. She was cornering him in his own home. Let's see him wiggle out of this one.

She stepped closer to the great hearth that was tall enough she could easily stand inside. A metal grate held back the logs. Flames danced tall, and vibrant colors beckoned the observer nearer. How lovely the blue and orange twisted and mingled giving beauty as well as heat.

She caught herself mutilating the handbag she carried. She'd found it in her mother's trunk, along with the dress she was wearing. As for her luggage, she didn't own much. Her clothes were not appropriate for nobility. She'd been fortunate her Papa had held on to her mother's gowns.

She took in the floral-patterned settees resting on a magnificent Persian carpet. The matching draperies in cream and blue gave the room an elegant touch, what one would expect of the nobility. This was the grand life her mother had come from. Rebekah realized now that all the times she played the game of culture graces, her mother had been teaching her about the aristocrats. She wondered if she was sophisticated enough to pull off this charade.

Footsteps echoed right before the doors opened. The time had come. She turned so she wouldn't miss the expression on his face when he saw her.

The tall, overbearing man smiled. "Miss Hayes. Welcome to my home."

Who in the world is this man? His home?

"Forgive me. Allow me to make the introductions. I am Nathaniel Greystoke, Earl of Greystoke Manor."

Dear heavens. This was Lord Greystoke? He was not … Had Aaron given a false name?

"My wife wanted to be here when you arrived. She is with my aunt. She will be sorry she wasn't here to greet you."

Your wife? He's already married?

Rebekah felt the walls closing in. The room began to spin.

"Miss Hayes? Oh my. Here." Lord Greystoke stepped to her side and placed a hand under her elbow. "Let me help you sit down. You've had a long journey. Perhaps you would like to rest."

"May I be of service, my lord?"

"Josiah. Perfect timing. Have Anna bring tea and cake immediately." He turned back to Rebekah. Would you care to rest, and perhaps freshen up? My wife will be home directly, and you can meet her then."

"You are the earl?"

"I am Nathaniel Greystoke. Earl of Greystoke"

"Forgive me, Lord Greystoke. I'm afraid I have made a grave error. You see … I thought … that is …"

"You thought you were meeting Aaron, my brother."

Rebekah stared. Her mind whirled, images of two men coming together. Yes, the resemblance was obvious, now that she had time to think. A brother.

Aaron had been telling the truth.

"Miss Hayes. I understand your dilemma. Please do not think I or my brother intended to mislead you. I believe you thought my brother, Aaron, was the Earl of Greystoke. I'm afraid that responsibility is mine. I had hoped to— Never mind. The fact is, I am the earl, and my youngest brother is Aaron. He is the one your father wrote about in his letter."

A maid entered carrying a silver tray holding tea and small cakes.

"Corinne. Would you pour Miss Hayes a cup of tea? And put some of those cakes on a plate.

The maid did as he asked, then he carried the teacup to Rebekah. "Here, Miss Hayes. Would you care for sugar in your tea? And, please have something to eat."

Rebekah's face flushed with embarrassment. Her father had assumed … Dear heavens. "I'm sorry, Lord Greystoke. What you must think? I am embarrassed."

"No need for that Miss Hayes. I'm sure after you rest from your journey, we will work everything out." He held a dainty cup on a thin saucer. "Your tea."

She accepted the China cup, admiring the delicate set with gold trim. She added sugar and used the silver spoon to stir.

"I apologize, Lord Greystoke, for showing up on your doorstep. Does…" She had to think of the name Lord Greystoke used. "Uh, Aaron, does he live here?"

"Actually no. But don't let that worry you. Serena, my wife, and I were expecting you."

Oh yes, his wife. Well, that explained that. But still.

"Please, Miss Hayes. Do not give circumstances another thought. You are welcome in our home."

She ate in silence, wondering what in the world she should do. The tea was hot, and most welcome. It gave her time to gather her wits.

The butler came back. "Excuse me, my lord. Alice has Miss Hayes's room ready."

"Miss Hayes?" Lord Greystoke addressed her. "Are you feeling well enough to climb the monstrous stairs to the next level?"

Her face flushed again. "You expect me to stay?"

"Of course, Miss Hayes. As my wife is not here at the moment, allow me to offer you our hospitality."

Who was this man? Good Heavens, he would think her a sick ninny. What had she gotten herself into? Where was the man who came to her home? She had no choice but to go along with things until she could figure out what to do.

She rose. Was she supposed to curtsy? Or was that for dukes? "Lord Greystoke. I thank you for your kindness."

"Think nothing of it. I will notify you as soon as my wife returns."

She dipped her head in polite acquiescence. It was obvious Lord Greystoke was a commanding presence. She wondered what his wife would be like.

A footman followed Serena into the house, overloaded with packages and boxes. The smile on her face smacked Nathaniel in his gut the way it did every time he saw her.

"I see you and Aunt went shopping."

"Yes, and I'll have to tell you all about it." Serena pulled off her bonnet.

"I have a surprise for you, my love."

"You know I love surprises—" Serena jerked to a stop. "Is she here?"

Nathaniel gave her a nod. "Miss Hayes is up in her chamber."

"Oh no. I wanted to be here when she arrived."

"There's no way we could have known the exact date and time. She didn't send word she was close, but she is here now."

"I hope you didn't frighten her."

"Serena, do you not think I can be cordial to a guest?"

"Cordial, yes. But your size, and if you were wearing that scowl … At least she didn't run away."

"You need work on soothing my ego."

Serena rose on her toes to give him a kiss. On the cheek. A brief one at that.

"I did not put a guard on her door. I can only presume she is in her chambers."

"Well? What is she like?"

Nathaniel frowned. "A woman."

Serena swatted him.

"I don't know. Nor do I care." He pulled his wife to him and wrapped his arms around her. "The only woman I care about is you."

"That's lovely, Nathaniel. But—"

Before Serena could say more, he kissed her. He would never tire of kissing his wife."

She responded so nicely, he forgot for a moment they had a guest in their house.

"Nathaniel, behave." Serena gently pushed him away. When she tugged on her clothes, he realized he had completely forgotten everything.

He desired his wife. It didn't matter the time of day or night. Or even where they happened to be. Being near her, touching her, he was immediately filled with lust.

"We can go upstairs, if you like."

"I would like you to tell me about our guest."

Bollocks.

"Don't tell me you are tiring of me, Serena."

She gave him her coy—come-hither smile. "Never. However, you must remember we have a guest."

Damnation .

"Very well." He strode to the sideboard for a whisky. "Would you like a sherry, my dear?"

"Yes, thank you. Penelope helped to prepare the seamstress for Miss Hayes' arrival. Just in case, you know."

"In case what?"

"Well, the lady is not of nobility. Perhaps she will need some things. Like a wardrobe."

Nathaniel handed his wife the sherry. "Aunt is making preparations for Miss Hayes?"

"We know nothing about her. We want to make her comfortable. And it is possible she might need, oh, I don't know. Penelope is lining things up, the way she did for me."

"Lining up what things?"

"I'm not exactly sure what Penelope has in mind. But when I first came here, Penelope made me feel at home. I believe she is attempting the same for Miss Hayes."

"Does Aaron know about Aunt?"

"You know your aunt. I sincerely doubt she has confided anything to him. After all, he is against the marriage." Serena sipped her sherry, then sat on the sofa.

Nathaniel picked up his brandy and joined her.

"It seems Aunt is going along as if the two are to be married."

"I'm not sure if that is it."

Nathaniel took a hefty swallow of his brandy. "Oh?"

"Penelope doesn't want to scare the woman away, until she finds out if there is something between Aaron and this woman."

"According to Aaron, nothing."

"I don't think he would tell us if he was involved with a woman."

"You mean romantically? You're right. However, I've not seen any sign that Aaron is interested in any one woman. He likes them all."

"Your brother is not a rogue."

"Which one?"

Serena punched him.

"Ooff. All right. My brothers are not rogues."

"I remember another time when a woman came here and asked for your help."

Nathaniel raised his brow.

"Joyanna," Serena said softly.

"Yes. I had no idea Edmund was involved with a woman, let alone he was madly in love with her."

"Perhaps there is more to Miss Hayes and Aaron than we know."

"With all this business with Bellingham, I've not paid attention to …" As soon as the words left his mouth, he wished them back. His wife's face wrinkled with concern.

"Do you have news, then?"

"I'm sorry, Serena. No. There has been nothing. We just can't be sure he is gone."

She looked down to her sherry, and said no more. Nathaniel wanted to bring the light back to her face. He finished off his brandy and then rose.

"What do you say, my love? Why don't I help you carry these boxes up to our chamber? You can get ready to meet our guest." He wiggled his brows.

Serena giggled. "I know what you have in mind. Now, be a good husband, and help me gather these packages."

Nathaniel followed his wife up the polished staircase, copiously admiring her backside.