Page 52 of Redemption

Chapter 11

“Really Percy, must you scowl so fiercely? Surely you didn’t find the play that tedious.” Percy met his sister’s amused gaze as she tilted her head in an inquisitive manner. “I’m beginning to see what Jamie meant the other night.”

“I am not scowling,” he said through clenched teeth.

“Yes, you are.” Rhea, seated next to Constance, contradicted him. Percy disagreed with a shake of his head, which made both women laugh. Seated beside him in the carriage, the Earl of Lyndham leaned into Percy.

“I’ve learned it’s best not to argue with Constance,” Lucien murmured. “I think she is the most stubborn of the Rockwoods.”

“I heard that, my lord,” Constance said with obvious disapproval. Her husband grinned unapologetically.

“You were meant to, my darling.” At his teasing, the countess laughed.

“You are a wicked man, Lord Lyndham.” Constance laughed then smiled adoringly at her husband.

Percy glanced at Rhea who was observing the affectionate exchange with a wistful expression. The moment his gaze met hers, the pensive look vanished from her features. He studied her for a long moment attempting to discern what she was thinking.

“You must forgive my brother, Miss Bennett. The entire family is baffled by this cross nature he’s developed recently,” Constance said in a pseudo-whisper.

For not the first time this evening, Percy deeply regretted telling Aunt Matilda he was taking Rhea to the theater this evening. The matriarchal figurehead of the family had immediately suggested Constance and Lucien join him and Rhea at the theater. Before he knew it, his plans had been commandeered to the point where his sister and husband had accompanied them not only to the theater but to dinner as well.

At every point possible during the evening, Constance had teased him with unmerciful, yet sisterly, affection. The fact was not lost on him that the evening would have been much more pleasant if he’d gone straight home from Sherrington House instead of stopping to see Sebastian this afternoon. His gaze met Rhea’s, and when she smiled at him it stirred an emotion that had been growing in strength every time he was near her.

He’d refused to reflect on his feelings simply because he knew Rhea would resist any emotional involvement. She had no reason to trust any man. She’d been betrayed by her father and suffered at the hands of Ruckley. It was humbling to know she trusted him enough to let him help her with her rescue efforts. But he also knew that trust was a fragile one. And he’d jeopardized that trust with his behavior earlier this afternoon.

Rhea’s reassurance that his touch had been welcomed and pleasurable had not eased his guilt. It didn’t help matters either when he remembered the way she’d responded to his kiss and the intimacy of his touch. Hell, she’d pleaded for his touch. If he’d not been cognizant of where they were, he would have satisfied his own needs by burying himself inside the slick heat of her.

The memory of her velvety smooth passage made his cock stir in his trousers. Attempting to ease the sudden craving surging through him, Percy glared at his sister as he tried to remember what Constance had just said. As his sister’s words came back to him, he frowned. She’d been scolding him for being cross. With great effort, he forced himself to smile.

“I’m as pleasant as I’ve always been.” His response made Constance release a small noise of amused disbelief.

“It’s quite possible I’m the reason your brother has been irritable of late, my lady,” Rhea interjected as she directed a smile at him. “I also have a rather stubborn nature, which I believe is a source of great exasperation to Percy. However, in spite of his frustration with me, he’s been nothing but solicitous since we met at Melton Park.”

At her words, Percy gave a start. Had she just come to his defense? His sister apparently believed so as delight and surprise crossed her face.

“I see,” the countess said with a smile.

Percy wanted to groan at the approval in his sister’s voice. When Constance glanced in his direction, he scowled at her. His silent response made her smile widen, and an inaudible sigh of frustration escaped him. There was little doubt in his mind that Constance would relay this small exchange back to his family. Clearly the female contingent of the Rockwood family was planning a full frontal assault when it came to interfering in his life.

He didn’t offer a response to Constance’s observation, which she offered up like bait to a fish. The sudden expression of complacent, sisterly affection was a familiar one. It said she was setting a trap. Born solely out of sisterly love, no doubt, but a snare nonetheless.

“Tell me Miss Bennett, has my brother mentioned anything to you about Sebastian’s birthday party next weekend?” The question made Percy’s body become rock hard in a split second. This wasn’t a trap, it was a bloody ambush.

“I’ve not had the time to speak with her about Patience’s request,” he said coldly. “Primarily because the women in my family seem hell bent on interfering in my personal affairs.”

Constance had the decency to flush with embarrassment, while Rhea appeared puzzled. Beside him Lucien chuckled, which earned him a severe glare from his wife. His brother-in-law shrugged.

“Percy’s correct, sweetheart.” Lucien smiled at his wife whose expression changed to regret. With a nod Constance tipped her head toward Rhea.

“I apologize, Miss Bennett. The Rockwood women often find themselves treading where even angels fear to go.” Constance looked at Lucien. “Darling, would you tell the driver to take us home first. That will give Percy time enough to explain his agreement with Patience.” This time Percy didn’t bother to silence his growl of disapproval.

“Blast it, Constance. Even when you try not to interfere, you still do.” The anger in his voice made his sister frown in disgust.

“I was not trying to interfere, Percy. I simply thought—”

“You, and the rest of the family, have been doing too much thinking of late,” he said tightly. Constance flinched and despite his anger, Percy released a sigh of regret. “But since you’ve raised the subject I will address it after we’ve delivered you and Lucien to your doorstep.”

Constance eyed him with remorse, and he closed his eyes for a moment. If there was one thing his sisters were good at, it was making him forgive them quickly. Especially since he knew they wanted to see him happy. Patience in particular was concerned that he was allowing Nellie’s death to prevent him from finding a wife. Perhaps she was right. Guilt was a powerful emotion, and he still experienced regret whenever Nellie entered his thoughts. But he’d never thought of his regrets as a reason why he’d not made any effort to marry. Beside him Lucien opened the small window that allowed him to communicate with the coachman. As his brother-in-law gave new orders to the driver, Percy met his sister’s gaze and shook his head. Satisfied that she was forgiven, Constance smiled happily. Rhea, in an obvious effort to change the subject to something less volatile, turned to Constance.