Page 23 of Love with a Notorious Rake

“He strongly believes in helping those less fortunate. Although he is the third son of a viscount and has credentials enough, he was able to set up a fashionable and lucrative practice in London, though he has walked away from that life. For the past four years he has been moving about Great Britain, staying a year in each place, tending the sick and using his own fortune to finance his good works.”

Cristyn smiled. “He sounds wonderful.”

“Paris is a good man.”

“Why would he give up a profitable practice in London?” Cristyn asked.

“He mentioned a doomed love affair, but I’m not aware of the particulars. I suppose he is trying to take his mind off it by keeping busy. If I contact him, and he agrees to take you on, you must give me your word it will only be for a period of three months. I cannot spare you any longer than that. Besides, I would miss you terribly.”

“Oh, Dad. I will miss you as well. But I need to do this. I must stand on my own two feet.” Cristyn twirled the stem of her wineglass. “And forget how much of a fool I’ve made of myself over a man who didn’t return my feelings. Perhaps there is something wrong with me.”

“Blast it! I cannot and will not allow you to think you’re not worthy of love.” Her father slammed his napkin on the table. “I’m breaking a confidence, and it is not sitting well with me, but my dear, the attraction was mutual. Aidan confided in me that night at dinner.”

Her eyes widened in shock. Then a slow, simmering fury crawled through her at the reminder. At the fact it had not been merely in her imaginings. “He said he was attracted to me, and still left?” Her voice shook with anger.

“I agreed with his reasons. As I said earlier, he’s not for you. Aidan still has much to work through. He stated—rightly—he’s in no position to enter into any sort of relationship, and I concurred.”

Damn men and their high-handedness! Somehow, it hurt even worse to know Aidan was interested in her and departed anyway, as if what had existed between them wasn’t worth exploring. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at her father. How dare they discuss her over dinner, making decisions about her life without allowing her any contribution. “You had no right to pass a verdict on my feelings. Neither of you did. How arrogant. My opinion hadn’t mattered at all.”

Her father took her hand. “I am sorry. But try to remember: I’m aware of aspects of his past that you are not. Know that I acted in your best interests.”

Cristyn pulled her hand away. Perhaps it was best she would be leaving for three months. She was angry and hurt, and afraid of saying something she would regret. “In the future, allow me the courtesy of living my own life, on my terms, and if that means I take a misstep along the way, then I learn from it. You cannot run my life under the guise of protecting me. I won’t be smothered or manipulated.”

“Of course,” he murmured. “Again, I offer sincere apologies. You’re a grown woman, and I had no business interfering.”

Too late. Aidan was gone and they would never see each other again. They were not even given a chance. Blast her father! And damn Aidan for leaving without even discussing it with her, for keeping his past and present such a secret. Damn him for capturing her heart. Cristyn admonished herself for giving her heart so readily. It was a mistake she would never make again. She folded her arms and frowned, stewing about the entire situation.

Her father cleared his throat, no doubt uncomfortable under her withering look. Good. “Well, I should tell you where Paris is living at the moment. You’re still interested in your plan?”

“More than ever,” she replied coolly.

“I deserve that. At any rate, Paris is living in a village called Earl Shilton in Leicestershire, north of here, in the East Midlands. I will contact him at once.”

* * * *

During his first two weeks home, Aidan tried to follow the hall’s daily regimen and strict meal and tea times, but it was difficult fitting into a normal life once again. Though the family embraced him warmly, there was a definite aura of discomfiture hovering over everything.

Perhaps he was mistaken in demanding no one mention his fall from grace, as it was patently obvious when people were trying to avoid the topic.

He spent many hours in the stables, assisting Garrett and Jonas. He also came to know Megan and Abbie better. Having females in the house was strange, but entirely welcome, along with an energetic Scotch collie that enjoyed running through the halls. Aidan’s family had certainly changed. It was merely a matter of becoming used to the transition.

A meeting had been called in his grandfather’s study. On the sideboard sat trays of sandwiches and fruit, along with coffee and tea. The men helped themselves, then took a seat at the table. Martin, after seeing everyone had sufficient food and drink, sat next to the earl, ready to take notes. His grandfather kept meticulous annotations on all their major family meetings. People may scoff at the men’s gatherings, but it was a generations-old tradition that kept them close and involved in each other’s lives—and focused on mutual objectives.

Aidan gobbled up two sandwich wedges and reached for another. Working outdoors had restored his appetite, and he wouldn’t be surprised if he’d gained a pound or two in the past couple of weeks.

“We are here to discuss you, Aidan, for I have news on your cotton mill venture,” his grandfather stated.

Abbie and Megan walked into the room.

Garrett smiled warmly at the sight of his wife and daughter. “Come, my loves. Take a seat. Martin, if you would be kind enough as to serve the ladies?”

Martin stood. “Right away, Master Garrett.”

“This is a family meeting; all the members should be here,” Garrett stated.

“Of course. A decided oversight on my part. My apologies, Abbie, Megan. Chalk it up to my age and forgetfulness, for you are more than welcome.” His grandfather smiled.

“How exciting,” Megan said. “I cannot wait to hear about Aidan’s plan. And if there have been any developments on my suggestion for the private home for those with special needs.”