Goodrich/ Sordid Secrets/ Chapter 18/ Page 1

Goodrich/ Sordid Secrets/ Chapter 18/ Page 1

Chapter Eighteen

Her disposition now completely foul, Nicolette secluded herself by sitting far from the gathering. She had already been wearied by a restless night of sleep. Colin wouldn’t leave her thoughts or her dreams, so she spent most of the night pacing her room. On two occasions, Nicolette silently slinked down the hallway to spy if Colin was still awake. She saw that a light was constantly glowing from under his door. At first she was contented that at least he was having the same problem as she. But as she turned to return to her room, the seeds of paranoia began to sow and Nicolette began to wonder if he were still awake because he wasn’t alone in his room.

What was wrong with her? Why should it matter one way or another? Nicolette boiled it down to his proclaimed intentions towards her. It wasn’t that she wanted his attentions, but she didn’t want to be lied to and persuaded to doubt her own self for resisting him. She didn’t want to be made a fool of. That’s all it was. Nicolette assumed that Colin made such professions to any woman he wanted to bed—luring them in with his stocked piles of flattering lines and devilish grin. That he became obsessed with the chase should a woman be hard to get – like her. Again, she didn’t want to be made a fool of… that was all.

Nic knew that there was really no way to know for sure if he had found an easy substitute for the night, but to camp out near his door to see if any lady snuck out of his room before daybreak. But that would have been preposterous even for her, right? Yes, so she went back to her room and tried to sleep again, though he still haunted her there too.

Arriving late for the lavish brunch in the celarium, her Aunt Dora had snagged Nicolette before she could make an entrance. Her aunt sternly reminded Nicolette of her role in this week’s festivities. She was only here to assist Kitty and not to steal any attention or suitors from her young cousin. Nicolette could only guess that her aunt was upset Lord Cawood was so attentive to her the entire previous evening. If only her aunt knew how Nicolette wished for nothing more than to flick him from her side. But Dora relentlessly continued, reminding Nicolette that she would have many prospects at Kitty’s ball and the following days. But until then, she was to remain unobserved by the suitors who were currently present.

Nicolette wanted to please her aunt by staying out of the gathering’s foremost conversations, but nothing seemed to keep her veiled. Lord Wesley Cawood had been badgering her since her late entrance into the solarium, though she never entreated his attention. Constantly asking if she lacked any food or refreshment, he relayed many personal stories to either prove himself noble, to make her laugh or to intrigue her—none of which worked.

Finally she was able to send him from her and could sit without the pesky gentleman for the first time that morning. It was an enchanting day, which was only enhanced by Camilla’s exquisite solarium. An extravagant brunch had been laid out for all the guests as an indoor picnic. The room was packed with exotic plants and flowers—which were all prizes the Duke and Duchess loved to show off. But for the brunch, Camilla had decorated to room with extra tropical garland of bright green, purples and pinks. The colors lit up next to the dark and exotic pair of peacocks running about the glassed in house. The guests all sat on oversized, tapestry cushions brought especially for their meal. Kitty and Lord Newland Fetton shared one cushion. Nicolette’s young niece had chosen her suitor for the morning to cast her attentions. Kitty’s mother, Dora, sat near the young couple in close observation. Lord Marcus and Lady Cawood affectionately shared a cushion close by—Nicolette could tell that Marcus had made much headway with his pursuit from last night but was still unsure exactly how far he had already reached. Sir Patrick, Lord Cawood, Miss DeWitt and Lord Phillip were the only gathering near Nicolette. The gentlemen had begun to debate a recent horse show two of the gentlemen had recently attended in Glasgow. Olivia sat trapped in by the men,feigning interest. But Nicolette’s attentions were on the gathering in the far corner from her. Colin sat between Lady Sara and the Duchess Camilla, who had taken to an intense conversation in only whispers.

Adding to the tally of irritations thus far Nic had a restless night, questions of just how he had spent his past night, a scolding from her aunt and a pesky suitor—now this trio of intimate friends whispering in the corner added the fifth. Watching Colin closely, it was obvious he was ignoring her and completely engrossed in the conversation with his two beautiful companions. On the other hand, she should be grateful that this gave Nicolette the chance to recover from the last time their eyes had locked moments earlier. His piercing blue eyes seemed more severe, but passionate today. It was a look, which made her wish they were alone. She quickly shook her head of that thought, for of course she didn’t want to be alone with Colin. She quickly concentrated her attention on weaving a chain of flowers she had ripped from a nearby plant in her hand.

Suddenly, she felt that same intense stare again. Nic knew he was daring her to look at him. She took the challenge, but immediately wished she hadn’t. This time Colin didn’t move his eyes, but locked her gaze. A smirk slowly crossed his lips, as if he had won with the gaze across the room, but she could tell he could feel her uneasiness. How could he affect her in this way? No man should have the power to make a woman weak and senseless simply by staring at her.

Suddenly a new set of thought donned on her. Why hadn’t any other man made her feel like this? Nic had had so many suitors, what made Colin so unique? Was it just because she knew they could be together should she want to? Was it the danger of his last name that made the game more exciting? Or was she just missing her adventures from abroad and this was the only challenging situation currently in her life? That must be it. She was bored back in England and he filled that boredom. Why else would she ever feel anything real for such a venal cad?

Lady Sara turned her head to determine what had captured his attention. Upon seeing their silent stares, Sara sharply drove her elbow into his side, most likely hitting him between the ribs. Colin howled in response, falling back into the pillows. Nic couldn’t contain her abrupt laughter at his pain. She decided to not hide her boisterous noise as every eye turned to her curiously. Without explanation, she continued to smile and rose from her solitary pillow. Her foul disposition has begun to fade and she wanted to leave the gathering before anyone ruined her new sense of humor. Nicolette gaily left the crowd to begin preparing for their afternoon stroll through the nearby countryside.

Nicolette bounded down the stairs clad in a light lilac afternoon dressof cream colored lace about the shoulders and neck, as if it were creeping up to strangle her. A matching lilac sash also tied in a bow at the back of the dress just under her bosom. She hated this dress, especially the color. But it was something Alexander had chosen and Nicolette was in good enough spirits to now play her promised role of a well-behaved meek socialite. A walk through the countryside would complete her day, if only she could keep to her solitude. The stroll would only fill its purpose if no one spoke to her from their party, for the present company was bordering on more than a nuisance.

Nicolette had just reached the base of the stairs as two voices stopped her in stride. Not only werethe two masculine voices secretive nature, but it was also the name they utter which caught her foremost attention. She immediately darted to the left side of the stairs of which the two familiar men were murmuring behind the flanking doorway. Though she could not see their faces, Lord Marcus and Colin’s voices were as known to her as any in the house. Nicolette knew that she shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but she had clearly overheard her own name between them. She knew Colin had not told Lord Marcus about their past, but why would they be speaking secretively about her?

“Colin, the Avenry’s business has nothing to fear from the Noble family. Alexander Noble is their only threat, but he is only one man. The Avenry family makes up many, especially in tandem with my own family. You have the power of the Marquis behind you—something that will not change even when my brother takes over. So we can do much more and be in many more places all at once.” Lord Marcus assured hastily.

“But what of the other Noble son?”

“AsherNoble is nowhere to be found. Moreover, he’s a ruffian. You’ve heard the rumors about what he’s really doing with the Noble’s sailing vessels. No one would ever trust a man suchAsherNoble. Alexander is still our only threat and not much of one.” Marcus paused momentarily, but quickly continued with his voice even lower. “As for Nicolette Noble, there is nothing to worry for your family. She is just an unmanageable as AsherNoble. I’m unsure how Alexander can handle either of them, though he’s so desperate to reestablish their family’s character that he’s concentrating on using his sister as his means.”

“What do you mean?”

“At first I was worried. Nicolette Noble only becomes of use to her brother and against us if she marries well. Yes, she’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, but that doesn’t matter. Colin, I’ve been listening closely to the gossip which has been floating about this gathering. Nicolette Noble is tainted and any future alliance shall also be.”

Though only Nicolette probably noticed as she hid, Colin’s voice became defensive. “Beauty is a strong incentive, as I know. What does it matter if she is wild and unmanageable, it is not like she is ruined or anything.”

“Listen to me my friend, she is unattainable and every man in England knows this. The more she continues to run around Europe unchaperoned or fall into poor company the harder it will be for any man to believe that she is innocent enough to marry—if you get my drift.”

Nicolette winced at the vulgar suggestion.

As if Colin’s reaction had stopped him, Marcus continued after a pause. “The point is that she will never be decently matched. It was rumored that she was here this weekend to be matched by Lady Camilla’s influence. We will see over the next few days if this last resort will work for Alexander Noble.”

There was another silence and Nic was panicked to know what each of the men’s faces were relaying to the other. In a more subdued voice, Marcus prattled on. “It’s terrible that she can’t even retreat without raising speculation. Poor girl, I do feel sorry for her. Her name is being ostracized from notable circles, for the combination of her nature with her family’s name. Any alliance Nicolette Noble would now make would be for nothing.”

“Is she then prey for a fortune hunter?”

Marc’s voice edged to a rougher whisper and Nicolette could see his shadow move closely into his friend. “What fortune, Colin? The rumors of an exorbitant wealth are just that—rumors.”

“I’ve heard more than that. I’ve been given information that the Nobles wealth could rival any Prince in Europe, but the family keeps it stashed away.”

“Alexander has made the family a great deal of money, but it’s hardly worth what people suspect. I’ve had some friends of mine look into their funds.”

“But I know personally of the fortune Theodore Noble stole from my father—so what if—”

“But even that money is not in the family’s accounts, I tell you.”

Hearing Colin sigh, she fought to control her thoughts. Was this what all this was about? The money? The blasted money her father stole from his? Did Colin’s family send him to seduce her to get to the location of not only the stolen fortune, but also her rumored wealth? Nicolette was not dumb or deaf. She knew what people said about the Nobles’ wealth. Yes, Nicolette never went without anything since the Nobles leap into society. Moreover, she was able to fund her extravagant adventures without thought of how much it would cost. But Nicolette never understood if her family actually did steal from the Avenrys or if her brothers turned some other amount into something greater. She truly didn’t know. Nicolette assumed that with the esteemed suitors her brother strived to match her with, that her dowry must be provably large—why else would titled men consider her?

Colin’s continued, still unaware of their eavesdropper.“Could AsherNoble be behind the wealth or hiding the money?”

“I doubt it, but it’s a possibility.”

She couldn’t listen to any more. This was beyond nonsense! Nicolette stormed past their secret doorway not caring if they saw her, tearing down the hallway and out of the house. She had to think before she went mad. Colin was a true Avenry after all. It was clear the Avenrys had two agendas for Colin while he was at Stonefield. First, he was to seduce her in order to prevent her family from strategically matching her with anyone who would help raise her family’s social status. Secondly, Colin was to root out the truth and location of the Nobles’ fortune. He was deceiving her all along. Thankfully, she was wise enough to not fall for it.

But something else bothered her from the secret conversation. It was Lord Marcus’s assertion that the entire party was nattering on about her. The portrayal of her as “ruined” brought stinging tears to her eyes. She wasn’t ruined! She had never let a man really touch her; hell, she had only been kissed – really kissed – twice. First by Fernando in Lisbon which landed him with a punched gut; and the second time by Colin… which was… a lie, obviously since it was only meant to trap her. None of this was fair.

How dare everyone condemn her just because she didn’t follow their ridiculous rules. Why didn’t they see that their ostracization of her was the reason she had fled? Nicolette felt that her family had already paid for their father’s deed for seventeen years. When was it enough? Why did everyone have to harp on the past? When was it enough to say that a man would simply want to marry Nicolette because of her and not her family name or supposed hidden fortune? She knew that she would never get such respect. This is why Nic didn’t want to live in this world. This is why she rebuffed it. But now she had sworn to her brother to be a proper lady in order to help him fill her dream. Once back in society, a small part of her enjoyed playing the role of a lady again; but that was short-lived when she realized that no one had been genuine with her during her entire stay at Stonefield. Why did she allow this to upset her so?

Once on the other side of the courtyard, Nicolette leaned against the nearest tree to catch her breath. She pressed her hand against her chest, for her lilac lace gown seemed far too constricting all of the sudden. Why would everyone say such hateful things about her? She couldn’t be that dreadful, could she? Her tiny hand slipped up the side of her face to her hair. Frustrated, Nicolette yanked the matching lilac ribbon tying back the strands, letting the long sable curls tumble over her shoulders. She leaned her head back against the tree while pressing her fingertips against her temples.

She quickly turned upon seeing the other guests casually leaving the manor to stroll to the countryside near the ocean. She couldn’t let anyone see her upset, especially Colin. Nicolette dashed ahead of the group, acting as if she were just anxious to reach the ocean. The air would refresh her thoughts, though she was only concocting new reasons to hate Sir Avenry—and everyone else here. Nicolette felt a new sense of rebellion begin to smolder in her that morning.