His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 21

Alone in his study, Cedric slumped in a chair, legs stretched out in front of the fire. The embers crackled and spat, reflecting his mood. He had much on his mind, the safety of his sisters at the forefront. In one hand he loosely twirled his silver lion's head cane. It was an old habit, one that used to irritate his mother, God rest her soul.

The clock on the mantelpiece ticked in the heavy silence. The sound grated on his ears. He hated an empty house, truly hated it. Since his parents had died, it had just been him and his sisters. Often that was enough. But tonight he was alone and the dark thoughts that engulfed him were almost overwhelming. He shuddered, wracked with an uneasy sensation that something was wrong.

The cane fell from his fingers, thumping on the carpet below. He propped his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. Was it possible that his life was slowly unraveling? Audrey had her first come out this year during the Little Season in London, and far too many suitors had tramped through his door throughout October and November. Thankfully he had managed to frighten all of them off.

Audrey had wept quite piteously for weeks after her last suitor had fled when Cedric threatened to pull a pistol on him. If the dandy couldn't stand up to a simple threat then he was not worthy of his sister's time. Audrey needed a real man, not one who would spout drivel at family dinners and holiday gatherings. And children! He wouldn't let Audrey bear the offspring of a spineless sapskull. That would happen over his dead body.

Then there was Horatia. How could he ignore that prickly problem? He wouldn't mind in the least that she remain under his roof and never marry, but he knew that was selfish, and sensed a deep unhappiness in her. If only he knew what could be done to make her happy. He'd seen brief moments of excitement flicker in her eyes ever since Godric's wedding, but he wasn't quite sure what had caused them.

The door to his study opened. The butler stepped through, sighted Cedric and addressed him.

"You have a visitor, my lord."

"Oh? Who is it?" he asked, getting to his feet. Perhaps the evening was looking up?

"Lord Lennox, my lord."

"Show him in."

Cedric grinned as Ashton strolled in. His friend was a welcome sight.

"Ash, you devil. What brings you here?" Cedric clasped his hand in warm greeting. Even though it had been only a day since they'd last met, it felt like ages. Melancholy often had that effect on him.

"I thought I might enjoy the evening with you. Jonathan is having dinner with Emily and Godric."

"And Horatia," Cedric added. His sister had told him she'd made plans to dine at Essex House.

"Oh? He did not mention..." Ashton's brows drew together. "He must have forgotten."

"It was last minute as I understand it. Care for a brandy?"

"Yes, thank you." Ashton shrugged out of his dark blue coat. Had Audrey been here, she would have oohed and ahhed over the silver waistcoat's finely embroidered pattern of birds in gold thread. A fleet of swallows, if Cedric was any judge. While Charles was the most interested in fashion among their number, Ashton was always elegant and presentable. Cedric, on the other hand, tended to put on whatever his valet laid out for the day. He didn't give much thought to his appearance beyond that, much to his valet's horror. The poor man likely wished he had a master more appreciative in the time and care taken to set his wardrobe to rights, but Cedric couldn't find it in himself to care.

Cedric poured him a drink and the two men took chairs near the fire.

"And where is young Audrey this evening?" Ashton inquired.

"She is dining at Charles's."

"Oh?" The single syllable held such heavy innuendo that Cedric blinked and watched his friend more closely. He was up to something.

"She's gone to his home for dinners before," Cedric pointed out.

"She's not a little girl anymore, Cedric. She's a young lady out in society. A dinner with Charles without a proper chaperone is tempting ruination." Ashton's heavy tone was full of warning.

Cedric bristled at the implication.

"She went to dine there at the Countess of Lonsdale's invitation and took her lady's maid with her." Charles's mother should have shielded Audrey from any impropriety, but he supposed including a chaperone would have been one step better. One could never be too careful.

"On a related subject." Ashton waited until Cedric glanced up. "It just so happens I've been meaning to speak to you about Audrey."

Cedric raised a brow as he sipped his brandy. The warm burn in his throat soothed him. "What on earth about?"

"I believe you should see her settled soon."

Cedric knew what Ashton meant, but feigned ignorance to buy him a moment to secure his temper.