The Vixen in Red Read online

  “Why have you not returned sooner?” she asked.

  “My parents…” He swallowed hard. He didn’t like to talk about them. “They died near my estate. It’s hard for me to be near where they passed away.” Taking her to her aunt’s cottage would help him avoid it a little while longer.

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I love my parents, and while I’m currently annoyed with them, I cannot imagine not having them in my life.” She glanced away, and he wished he knew what she was thinking. He didn’t ask though.

  “You never did say how long you’d be in Peacehaven.” He wanted to keep her talking. “Surely your parents gave you some indication of how long they would make you suffer.”

  She sighed. “My mother took great pleasure in delivering my punishment. It was frightening how much glee she actually found in it. She’s quite terrifying when she wants to be.” She shook her head. “I used to think my father was more diabolical. I mean, he used to be a spy, but he has nothing on my mother.”

  Collin had forgotten that the Marquess of Seabrook used to work for the home office. He’d been a spy during the war. That bit wasn’t common knowledge—Collin had overheard a conversation once between the marquess and Collin’s brother-in-law, the Earl of Shelby. Shelby’s father had been close to Seabrook, and they’d been reminiscing. “I think all mothers are capable of delivering a punishment of that sort. At least the good ones.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know I’ve said that already. I keep going on and on about my parents, and you lost yours. I’m going to quit complaining.”

  “It’s all right,” he said. “They died a long time ago.” No matter how many years passed, he’d never get over their loss. He didn’t want her to feel bad though. It was nice that she was empathetic and concerned about him though. It made him feel…good.

  “My mother said I would have to stay here until midsummer,” she told him. “But I suspect I can probably return to Seabrook when they retire there after the Season. My father will likely want to return home sooner. I think perhaps I’ll be here a month, two at most.”

  “That doesn’t sound too terrible.”

  “No,” she agreed. “I wish they had allowed me to go to Seabrook. It was what I wanted though, so I suspect that is the reason they banished me to Aunt Seraphina’s.”

  Collin guided the curricle down a path that led to her aunt’s home. He may not have returned to Peacehaven in years, but some things a boy didn’t forget. He’d played at the cottage often enough as a child. Her aunt had been wonderful. Her house wasn’t too far from his home. He pulled the carriage to a stop in front the small dwelling. “We’ve arrived,” he said.

  “I suppose we have,” she said quietly. “Thank you again for everything.”

  She stepped out of the carriage without asking him for assistance. That didn’t surprise him. A lady that dared to ride in breeches would want to do what she could for herself. He’d have a servant help with her trunk and leave her to see her own way inside. After that, he’d finally return to his home…

  Chapter 4

  After the harrowing day Charlotte had arrived in Peacehaven, everything else had gone…better. Not that she was happy to be at her Aunt Seraphina’s, but at least she hadn’t come across any more trouble. The carriage driver had been able to get the wheel fixed and return to Seabrook after he brought her trunks to her. She wished she could have gone with him…

  Peacehaven, the little she’d observed of it, seemed to be a decent enough town. She hadn’t been able to relax or feel anything like she did when she was at home. Charlotte had not been able to write. She had stared at a blank parchment for hours. The words would not come, no matter how much she tried to conjure them. The struggle to do the one thing she’d wanted more than anything… None of this had figured into her plans. What if she failed?

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Somehow, she would have to find her muse. Perhaps she should set her writing aside for a little bit and spend some time with her aunt. Charlotte had been a bit bratty since her arrival and hadn’t bothered to be courteous. It wasn’t Aunt Seraphina’s fault her parents had banished her to Peacehaven. She should apologize and maybe then she could find a way to write her novel.

  Charlotte set her pencil down on the writing desk in her bedchamber and then left her room. Her aunt would probably be in the sitting room preparing for midmorning tea. She would join her aunt and have tea and scones. She was feeling a bit puckish. Perhaps that was why writing anything proved difficult. After she had something to eat, she’d try again.

  She went into the sitting room. Her aunt sat in her favorite chair near the window. A full service teacart had been brought in, including scones, butter, and jam. Charlotte moved over to her aunt and sat on the settee next to her chair.

  “I’m so glad you decided to join me,” Aunt Seraphina said. She lifted her lips into a congenial smile. “You’ve been pouting long enough.”

  “I’m not pouting,” she said, a little affronted.

  “Oh?” Her aunt lifted a brow. “What do you call secluding yourself in your room for three days and only coming out for meals?”

  “Adjusting to my new surroundings,” Charlotte replied with a lift of her chin. “If you must know, I’ve been attempting to write a novel.”

  She hated that her aunt thought her a petulant child. It didn’t help that it hit the mark. She had been moping in her room and cursing her parents for sending her to Peacehaven. A part of her couldn’t help wondering if her writing would have suffered so at Seabrook. Charlotte hated any undue alteration to her life, and this was perhaps the biggest change she’d suffered in a long time.

  “What a wonderful idea,” her aunt said. “What is your novel going to be about?”

  Charlotte beamed. Her aunt was taking an interest in her writing. She should not have been surprised, but couldn’t help feeling it. No one else in her family seemed to think anything would come of her endeavor. The problem was she had no idea what her novel was actually about. Every time she sat to think about it, her mind went blank.

  What should she tell her aunt? She boasted about writing, and had done…no writing. “I don’t wish to jinx anything,” she told her aunt. “When it is finished, I’d love for you to read it though.”

  “How wonderful,” her aunt repeated. “I look forward to its completion then.”

  Aunt Seraphina picked up her tea and sipped it. Charlotte took the opportunity to pour her own and prepare it as she preferred. Once finished, she sat down and took a long sip. The warm liquid traveled down her throat and calmed her. She forgot how much she enjoyed a good cup of tea because she’d been so focused on her writing. Charlotte hadn’t take the time to just sit and enjoy tea, and the time visiting during teatime. “Aunt Seraphina,” Charlotte began. “What are your days like? I mean that is…”

  “How do I spend my time?” Her aunt sipped her tea again. “Most days are like this. A calm day watching as the world goes by out the window... I don’t get too many visitors. I do have a sewing circle that comes once a week. Not much happens in Peacehaven, I am afraid.”

  That was what Charlotte had feared. This sleepy little town would lead to ennui. She blew out a breath. “It cannot be as dreary as you are making it sound.”

  “Oh, it has its charms,” Aunt Seraphina said and then smiled. “The Earl of Frossly has returned to set his estate to rights. Seems like the lad should have done so years ago, but I don’t really blame him. Tragic what happened to his family.”

  Charlotte frowned. “What happened?” He had left immediately after bringing her to the cottage.

  “It’s not for me to say. Perhaps you should ask him when you next cross paths. It was so nice of him to help you the day you arrived—I recognized him when I peeked out the window. An affable young gentleman... There should be more men such as him in the world.”

  The Earl of Frossly… He’d been the one to help her? She had forgotten she’d meant to ask her aunt about him.
He never had introduced himself to her, but she couldn’t help being curious about him. All he had mentioned about himself was his parents had died. How did one bring up that subject with a person? Oh, by the way, what did happen to kill your family? That was quite rude. Charlotte would not ask him that. She might have to become friendly with some of the townspeople and ask them. That wasn’t quite as rude, but at least she was unlikely to offend the Earl of Frossly.

  “Thank you for having me here,” she said to her aunt. “I’m sure my unexpected visit was not something you thought you’d have to endure.”

  “It’s a pleasure to have you here,” her aunt said softly. There was a touch of fondness in her tone. “I am glad to have someone to visit with. It can be lonely here at times.”

  Now she felt horrid. “I’m also sorry for my attitude since I arrived. I’ll aim to do better.” She had been acting like a sullen child because she hadn’t gotten her way. Charlotte would attempt to do better.

  “That’s lovely, dear.” Her aunt set her teacup down. “I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

  “Anything,” Charlotte said earnestly.

  “I have a package that needs to be picked up at the bookshop. Do you think you could retrieve it for me?”

  “I’d be happy to,” Charlotte said. She finished her tea and then set her cup down. “I’ll go and get my pelisse and walk into town now.”

  “Thank you, dear,” she said. “I appreciate it.”

  Charlotte left her aunt in the sitting room and went back to her bedchamber. After she donned her pelisse, she left her aunt’s cottage and started toward town. The walk would do her good, and perhaps, when she returned, she’d try writing again.

  Collin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The estate was far worse than he expected, and it would take months to restore it. At least one month to make it somewhat livable. The roof was in tatters. Vermin had taken residence in the kitchens and the basement area where the servant quarters were. The only place remotely serviceable was a cottage on the property. He suspected that was where the estate manager had lived until he stole from the Frossly coffers and left the country. Collin had been staying there as he inspected everything over the past couple of days. The library was probably in the best shape. Also probably because the estate manager had utilized it while he lived there. The more Collin learned, the more he hated that man.

  He needed to leave, take a long walk, and consider what he should do. Maybe he’d go into town and have a meal. He certainly was not getting any food at his estate. His first task would be to hire some workers to clean out all the rot in the house, then find contractors to start the work. It would cost a lot of money and drain a good portion of the estate’s funds. Why had he let this go on for so long? He sighed and started to walk out of his family home. Collin couldn’t help hating himself for what he allowed to happen.

  It didn’t take him long to reach town. He could have arrived faster if he’d ridden his horse, but he’d need the exercise and time to think. He walked past the inn where he could have found a hot meal and instead wandered into the bookshop. He couldn’t say why, but he felt the need to go in.

  It was a small shop, as most little towns would boast. He supposed he should be glad that they had a bookshop at all. Not all towns did, though some did have some sort of lending library. He moved farther inside and almost ran right into a lady as she turned a corner. He reached out and steadied her. “My apologies,” he said.

  She grinned. “Lord Frossly,” the lady greeted him. “We seem to bump into each other often.”

  “Lady Charlotte,” he said, surprised. Someone must have given her his name. He’d forgotten to when they’d last parted. “How wonderful to see you. Have you adjusted to life in Peacehaven?”

  “As much as anyone is able to in a small country village,” she said with a bit of humor in her tone. “Are you looking for something to read?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not certain why I decided to wander in here. Bored, preoccupied, a little of both…” Collin shrugged. “Truthfully, I’m overwhelmed and had to find a little bit of an escape. Perhaps I do need a smashing novel to help me get out of my own head.”

  “Is that so?” She tilted her head to the side. “Or maybe you need someone to discuss it all with. I’m a good listener.”

  Collin met her gaze. She really was quite lovely, and he could stare at her forever and never tire of the sight. That didn’t mean he wanted to tell her what an arse he was and how he’d allowed his estate to fall into ruin. He hated the idea of her thinking ill of him. He shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help how he felt.

  “I like the idea of a book better.” That came out a little curt…the smile fell from her face and made him feel like the worst sort of person. “Perhaps I can help you instead. What brings you to the bookshop?”

  She moved away from him and stared at a couple books the seller had on display. He hated that his words had made her go so quiet. Collin liked her more spirited personality. She stopped and then glanced at him. “My aunt sent me to pick up a package for her. I don’t require any assistance.”

  Now he really felt awful. She lost that little light in her eyes that drew him to her. “Then perhaps you’ll allow me to escort you home.”

  She shook her head lightly. “Not today, my lord.”

  The bookseller came out from a back room. “My apologies,” he began. “It took me longer than I thought it would to locate your aunt’s order.” He handed Lady Charlotte a wrapped package. “Please tell Lady Seraphina that her other books will arrive next week and to let me know if there is anything else she requires.”

  “I will,” Lady Charlotte replied. “Thank you.”

  With those words, she left the bookshop. Collin stared after her and sighed. He’d blundered, and badly. It might take a lot to make it up to her, but he strove to try. He liked Lady Charlotte. Perhaps more than he should when he had little to offer. His whole world was in shambles, and even if he wanted a wife, he’d make a terrible husband. Perhaps he should instead endeavor to stay far away from the beauty and work on fixing what was wrong in his life.

  Chapter 5

  Collin stared at the hole in the ceiling. This was perhaps the worst room in the entire house, and he needed it repaired first: the kitchen. If he had any hope of hiring staff for the house, he needed rooms for them to work in. He wanted the kitchen and staff quarters fixed first. Then they could start working on the family rooms. He would be perfectly fine living in the estate manager’s cottage while the work was being completed.

  “This is a fine mess, milord,” a man said as he came to stand beside him. “You sure you want to be fixing this?” Mr. Robins was the contractor he’d contacted to hopefully do the repairs on the manor house.

  Sometimes, he thought it would be better to have the entire house torn down and rebuilt. The only reason he’d decided against it was because his father would be disappointed in him if he did. He had to respect his heritage, and that meant repairing the damage. “I am certain,” he said dryly. “Do you think you can manage to restore the house?”

  The older man scratched his head and stared at the ceiling. It had cracked in several places and the paint had chipped, some of it had fallen to the floor. The walls near the stove had blackened. There must have been a fire there at some point for that damage to be noticeable. The shelves were covered in filth, but they at least showed no actual damage. Collin feared the cost would be exorbitant. “Aye,” the man replied. “But I cannot begin yet, I’ll need at least a sennight.”

  Collin cursed under his breath. “I had hoped that you could start sooner.” He would rather have the man begin immediately. “Is there any way you can begin sooner?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Mr. Robbins said. “I have other commitments, and I would not be in business long if I stopped honoring them. If you wish me to do these repairs, you’ll have to wait a sennight.”

  There was no helping it. Collin let a long, suffering sigh. This
was his lot in life, and he had to handle it accordingly. If he hadn’t been so negligent, the house wouldn’t be in a huge disrepair. “Very well,” he told him. “Can you at least make a list of the necessary supplies you will need? I can start having everything gathered and ready for you when you are able to start.”

  Mr. Robbins scratched his head and stared at the ceiling again. “I’ll need an hour to go back through the house and make the list.” He shook his head lightly. “It is going to be costly.”

  “I expect so,” Collin replied. “It will definitely deplete the funds, but it has to be done.” He held back a sigh. The urge to do so on repeat had been ingrained him since he arrived in Peacehaven. “This house is the center of the Frossly seat. It should be put back to rights.” It never should have become this sad building. “When you’re finished with the list, leave it in the cottage I’m staying in. I need to go for a ride and think.”

  “Very well, milord.” The man nodded. “I’ll set it on the table in the foyer. I’ll be in touch when I’m finished with my other project.”

  Collin took a deep breath. “Hire as many men as you think you’ll need. I’d like the house completed as soon as possible.”

  “It might still take several months,” Mr. Robbins warned. “These things take time if you wish them done correctly.”

  “And I do…” Collin tugged at his coat sleeves. It was a nervous tick he developed after his parents’s death. “I would still like you to try to be expedient.”