The older lady blushed but did not seem to enjoy Natalie’s teasing. Some other unidentifiable emotion crossed the lady’s face.
A change of subject was unnecessary, however, when a commotion at the large double doors leading into the drawing room snared their attention. Dressed in travelling clothes and covered in dust, four young men stepped inside the drawing room. They obviously did not belong in the present surroundings. Their hair, matted from perspiration, stuck out in all directions as they removed their hats and stepped inside amongst the esteemed guests. They must know they were not welcome here.
Natalie did not believe for one minute that her parents would have invited Mr. Damian Farley and his associates to Raven’s Park—ever. Farley swaggered in and, catching sight of Natalie and the two other women, leered in their direction. Natalie did not drop her eyes but narrowed them defiantly at the cad. He chuckled to himself and returned her look with a mocking smile. He had lost one of his front teeth since she last saw him. She wondered if it fell out due to decay or violence. It very easily could have been either.
Before Natalie became betrothed, just a few weeks after her come out, Farley had attempted to trap her into marriage to himself. Joseph had been watching out for her, however, and foiled the man’s plan. It was onlyafterthis occurred that Natalie heard of his reputation.
She knew the identity of two of his companions but did not know either of them personally. The Viscount of Trident, although quiet, was stained with a reputation similar toFarley’s, but the younger man, the Marquis of Lockley, looked too good-natured to be a threat to anyone. The fact they were in Farley’s company, however, gave her reason to distrust the whole lot of them.
Except that Lord Danbury accompanied them. Danbury was a longtime friend of Stone’s and an even closer friend to her former betrothed. Just as that thought went through her head, Natalie watched with relief as Stone intercepted the lot of them and steered them back into the foyer.
Miss Crone commented suspiciously, “Wherever did those blackguards come from?” She looked over at Natalie with questioning eyes. “Surely they have not been invited?” Her disapproval was obvious in her tone of voice. Miss Crone had placed her hand atop Miss Wright’s fists, which were now clenched in her lap. Miss Wright had gone pale.
“Lord Danbury is a friend of Stone’s, but the other three would never be welcomed here. I’m certain Stone is removing them this very moment.” She reassured Miss Crone. “My family is aware of Farley and his disreputable ways.”
“Trident has more money than sense, apparently,” Miss Crone declared, “and now it looks as though Farley’s got his hands in Lockley’s pockets as well. Lockley came of age this past season. I cannot see his father approving of such a connection for his heir.” After a thoughtful pause, she continued, “I agree with you about Danbury, though. I can’t imagine what he’s doing in Farley’s company.”
Natalie watched Miss Wright closely. “There is nothing to worry about, Abigail. May I call you Abigail?” At Miss Wright’s barely perceptible nod, she continued, “They will not be allowed to stay. My brothers do not consort with such vermin.” Thinking that Abigail Wright must be a very sheltered woman, Natalie continued, “They’re likely sent back where they’ve come from already.”
But her motherhadallowedGarrett Castletonto come toRaven’s Park as a guest. This thought gave Natalie pause. She in no way connected Garrett with the likes of Farley and Trident. She considered him a rake, and yet there was something solid about him. He had almost always arrived attonevents alone. And she’d never actually witnessed him over-imbibing in the presence of ladies. Since his arrival at Raven’s Park, he’d exhibited an uncompromising determination to behave honorably toward her. And even though he looked at her with blatant sensuality, never had she felt she had anything to fear.
He seemed to be trustworthy. No, hewastrustworthy. The more she came to know of him, the more she felt this to be true. She would never again allow Mr. Farley to get her alone. No,that onewould, given the slightest opportunity, take full advantage.
Unlike Garrett Castleton. Where was that dratted man anyhow?
Garrett lefthis room feeling more optimistic than he’d felt in a long time. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. At the top of the stairs, he paused silently when he caught sight of Stone with a group of vaguely familiar men. They all looked to be travel weary.
Stone did not appear happy as he addressed Danbury through gritted teeth. Ah yes, Garrett recognized the viscount. Garrett and Stone had known him for years.
Not wishing to draw attention to himself, Garrett watched as Stone pulled Danbury off to the side and addressed him in a tight voice. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing bringing these bounders here? The lot of them are nothing but trouble.” Stone did not anger easily. Garrett braced himself to assist if necessary.
But Danbury looked sheepish. “I didn’t plan to bring themhere, Stone. Cortland left town, you know, and with the season at an end, I thought I’d remain in London rather than follow my mother and sister back to the country.” Even Garrett knew that Danbury’s mother and sister were the worst sort of matchmakers. It was a wonder the man remained a bachelor.
Pulling a flask from his pocket, Danbury took a long swig of God knows what before continuing. “And then the McDuff, Lockley’s father, asked if I would keep an eye on him, try to keep him out of any serious trouble. I owed him a favor…I had no idea who I would be up against!” Gesturing with his flask, he glanced toward the room the others had disappeared into. And then, as though remembering something, he drew his brows together. “What’s this I hear of Hawthorne being a guest of your parents, Stone? Does your father not know of the insanity in that family? Nothing against Castleton, but not even Wellington could live down Hawthorne’s actions.” He punctuated his insults with a belch.
Garrett chose that moment to make his presence known. “Danbury.” He sauntered down the stairs cheerfully. “Hadn’t thought I’d have the pleasure of your company again this summer.”
“Ah, well”—Danbury didn’t miss a beat—“town becomes uncomfortable during the warmer months.”
Garrett nodded, then folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the balustrade.
Stone, looking grateful that Garrett wasn’t resorting to violence, turned his attention back to Danbury. The normally well-put-together gentleman had dark circles around his eyes and a sallowness to his skin. “You aren’t looking good, my friend. How can I help you?”
Danbury shifted his eyes toward where his companions had gone. “Could you give us a few nights in your bachelors’ quarters? I need time alone with Lockley to convince him toforsake Farley’s company. If I can get him back to his father, I’ll consider my debt to the duke paid in full.”
Stone shook his head, reluctance on his face. “Very well. Take the lot of them down there, and do not, I repeat, do not allow them to come anywhere near the house.” At Danbury’s apparent relief, he added, “I’ll send a footman down with provisions, sandwiches, and spirits. But promise me you’ll keep them holed up. God knows what kind of trouble those two will make, given a chance.”
Danbury grasped Stone’s hand. “I’m in your debt for this, my friend.” Then, with a sly wink, he added, “Say hullo to your beautiful sister for me, will you? If I didn’t have to deal with these idiots, I’d be happy to soothe her wounded heart.”
“Don’t start, Danbury. I could change my mind yet.” Stone did not look amused.
Garrett was not amused either. In fact, he had the sudden urge to drive his fist through Danbury’s face.
Which made it all the worse that Farley, Trident, and Lockley chose that moment to return.
They did not, of course, allow Garrett’s presence to go unnoticed.
Farley had the audacity to comment first. “What kind of stench is this, Spencer? It seems your servants have forgotten to remove yesterday’s rubbish!”
