Page 33 of Wickedly Yours
Her brother looked down at her from his great height, his mis-matched eyes, one blue and one brown, twinkling in the light filtering through the trees. She knew most of London feared her Nick and indeed her entire family. All those old stories of witchcraft and selling one’s soul to the devil. The mis-matched eyes were considered the mark of Old Scratch himself. Once she’d even seen an elderly woman make the sign of the cross when he approached, declaring him the devil. But to Arabella, Nick was her adored older brother. The only person in the world who truly knew who she was and still loved her. Protected her.
My brother deserves to be happy.
And Nickhadfound happiness, despite her attempts to ruin that joy because she didn’t understand it. Or wish to share him. The Duke of Dunbar’s honor had only been part of why she’d acted so horribly.
What a terrible person I am.
The thought stung. How could anyone want her? Especially Malden?
When Arabella didn’t answer, Nick frowned and plopped down next to her, sliding up and butting against her shoulder as he had when they were children. Nick was in a good mood. Cheerful. A mischievous smile cut across his face. Perhaps he was beginning to forgive her.
“I’ve received the bad news that I’m to attend the opera tomorrow night. Doesn’t anyone realize I detest the opera? Reminds me of a bunch of cats wailing. Jem must be put out with me to demand such a thing.”
Arabella shoved him back. “I’ve also been commanded to appear.”
Her brother raised a brow. “Commanded? You? How interesting. I’ve never known anyone to order you about; not even Grandfather dared. Is that why your cheeks are flushed? From being ordered about?”
“I’m overwarm.” Nick was far too perceptive by half.
“It’s quite chilly out here despite the sun shining.” The big body quivered as if he were freezing. “Not a trace of warmth. Perhaps you’re coming down with something. Are you trying to get out of attending the opera? Don’t you dare. If I must suffer, so must you.”
“Send me to the Continent, I beg you, Nick. I’ll study the ancient buildings of Rome and learn to paint.”
“You detest painting. Your poor teacher… what was his name?”
“Mr. Sebastiani.”
“Didn’t you dump your oils over his head in protest to drawing a bowl of fruit? Your lack of artistic talent is only trumped by the absence of any musical ability.”
“The piano was never properly tuned. It wasn’t my fault.”
Laughter boomed out of her brother, his large form shaking with merriment. “Oh yes, I remember well. My poor piano. It never recovered from your ill treatment and stayed out of tune for years.”
Arabella sighed and grasped her brother’s hand. “Malden owes me nothing, especially not marriage. No one dishonored me. I can refuse.”
Nick squeezed her fingers. “The world is not kind to a woman who is perceived to be ruined. I am grateful it is only your association with Malden that has come to light. Any mention of Corbett and his death and youwouldbe banished to the Continent, mayhap for the rest of your life. Left to an apartment in some obscure Italian city until you grow old and fat. You don’t even like the Italians. And I won’t be able to visit.”
Arabella looked at him in question. “You won’t?”
“You know how I feel about warm sunshine and pleasant people.” A sigh escaped him as his gaze held hers. “Society is unforgiving to any woman in this predicament. Doubly so for you. How ecstatic thetonwill be to devour another scandal from our family.”
“You fear for Jem.” It was hard to keep the bitterness from her tone.
“And you.” He looked away from her for a moment. “I’ve never told you that Jem’s reputation was ruined in Bermuda. Completely destroyed. Because of me. We were seen together,” he cocked his head, “although in my case, Ididthoroughly ruin her.” He shoved against her shoulder again. “Don’t be shocked.”
“Good Lord, that Icouldbe shocked. Do you not remember who our parents were?”
“Point taken, Bella.” A sorrowful look crossed his strong features and Arabella could hear the pain in his voice when he continued. “When I left Bermuda, Jem was shunned.Cast out. Treated no better than awhoreby people who’d known her all her life. People who claimed to love her.” He looked Arabella in the eye. “And Jem was the richest heiress Bermuda had ever seen. The cream of island society. I would not have that for you, Bella.”
“You never told me.” She couldn’t miss the regret in her brother’s eyes. And Nick was right. Thetonwould fall on her like a pack of wolves and enjoy tearing her to bits. She’d lately been reminded of how few friends she truly had. “Nick, I am deeply and truly sorry for what I did. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for I behaved quite terribly.”
“I do forgive you, Bella. It’s the forgetting that is difficult.”
They sat in silence for the longest time with nothing but the sound of the birds chirping in the trees. Finally, Nick said, “Malden is a very interesting man, wouldn’t you agree? The longer I know him the more intrigued I become.”
“Indeed?” Arabella was becoming more intrigued as well.
“I sense a mercenary beneath his polished and charming exterior. One would never guess given the cheerful rake he pretends to be. He is skilled at cards but allows himself to be fleeced. Until he doesn’t.”
