Revenge.
As he stepped onto the portico, Nicholas turned when heard theclip-clopof horses’ hooves. A white carriage trundled up the drive. He was not expecting a caller.
The vehicle came to a stop. The driver leapt from his seat and opened the door.
Nicholas stifled a groan as Lady Ayles alighted, the skirts of her red dress flowing around her ankles and a wide smile on her lips.
“How wonderful,” she said. “It’s as if you were expecting me.”
“What are you doing here?” Nicholas demanded. “I thought we had an agreement. I’m beginning to feel as if we’re no better than children playing at Fox and Geese.”
“I’ve come with good news concerning Lord Tulk.” She pushed out her bottom lip. “But if you want to treat me like a servant, I’ll just leave.”
Nicholas nearly allowed her to do just that. He was in no mood for games, but if she had information about the marquess…
“I’m listening.”
Lady Ayles rubbed her arms. “I’m cold,” she whined. “Will you not invite me inside so I can warm up by the fire?”
Nicholas glanced over his shoulder. “No, Jane. The time has come to put an end to this. Tell me what you wish to say out here or not at all. It’s up to you.”
She let out a small laugh. “Oh, Nicholas, why are you always so rigid? Very well, we can speak out here. But after you hear what I have to say, you’ll be begging me to come inside and share a drink with you.”
Nicholas frowned. “Make this quick, Jane. I’m in no mood for callers.”
Lady Ayles gave him such a look of indignation that he may as well have slapped her.
“I don’t know why you must be so rude,” she said as she pulled on the fingers of a glove. “The marquess was at Father’s two days ago. They had both consumed a great deal of liquor, and I overheard Lord Tulk talking about some sort of arrangement he’s made with you. Something to do with a fleet of ships?”
Nicholas shrugged. “We’re discussing the idea, what of it?”
She frowned in thought. “He didn’t name him, but there is a third partner, whose involvement is crucial to his decision.”
“I’m already aware of that,” Nicholas said. “You’ve managed to tell me what I already know.”
Lady Ayles stepped over to a bush, its small branches bare. “Such a lovely shrub.”
“Jane, what is it you wish to say? My patience is running thin.”
Lady Ayles turned to face him. “Lord Tulk must be prodded. To feel confident and to trust you. I can help. I’ve considered what you told me about who Lord Tulk truly is and why you seek to ruin him. I wish to help you do this. I can guide him. He’ll listen to me.”
Nicholas studied her. Lady Ayles never did anything without expecting some sort of reward. “What do you want in exchange? Double your payment? Perhaps you wish to threaten to tell my fiancée that we’ll be traveling abroad together.”
She gave him a small smile and swayed over to stand in front of him, placing a hand on his arm. “I’ve decided we can marry. My husband’s estate pays me a small allowance, which is all I ever wanted from him. It’s just too bad that it isn’t enough for the upkeep of our house. But you can remedy my situation, and in turn, I can take your name and give you an heir.”
Nicholas pushed away her hand with a scowl. “You still don’t understand, do you? We have no future together. I’ve not the slightest desire to marry you.”
Her brows rose innocently. “Not even if it means ruining Lord Tulk?”
“Even if it means that,” Nicholas replied, drawing in deep breaths to steady his rage. “I’ll marry one day, but she’ll be a woman for whom I care. One who is as selfless as she is beautiful. Who wishes to better others rather than hurt them. She will have my children, not you.”
Lady Ayles chuckled lightly. “Do you mean the schoolgirl? You don’t think I believe the two of you are truly engaged, do you? A schoolgirl and you? An earl? Why the farce, Nicholas?”
“My reasons are my own, Jane,” he snapped before he could stop himself.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she ran a finger along his jaw. “I’ll leave now.”
As she moved to walk past him, he grabbed her by the arm. “If you bother her in any way, so help me, I’ll be greatly displeased. Do not doubt me in this regard.”