If their belongings weren’t among the crates being returned to Bridges’ warehouse, there would be no reason for her to ever see him again except to tell her everything was lost, but he could send a note just as easily.

  Geneviève’s heart squeezed. Surely it wasn’t over.

  Near panic began to set in. What if her saying there wasn’t anything further to talk about had ended all discussion, forever? Would he give up and decide they did not suit? Did he truly love her or was it the situation they found themselves in the brought those words? Would he regret them tomorrow and decide to leave her be?

  Their interaction, from the first moment she’d stepped into his warehouse, had been a whirlwind and it certainly wasn’t a normal courtship. It wasn’t even a courtship at all. They were two individuals caught up in circumstances. What if that was all they’d have?

  As heartbreaking as the thought of not seeing Bridges again was, she was the one who rejected his offer.

  Geneviève blew out a sigh and trudged up the stairs, only half-listening to the explanation John was offering to Bentley. She didn’t care what her older half-brother was told and it wasn’t any of his business what she had been doing, with whom or where.

  Bridges claimed to love her and she loved him, more than she thought possible, but she feared a marriage between them would never work. They wanted two different things and Geneviève wasn’t certain she could give up what she wished simply to have him.

  She stopped short at the threshold leading to the sitting room. Her entire family, siblings, their spouses, Rose and Acker were gathered in the room. “What is wrong?”

  “The rumors have begun,” Jordan announced.

  “Rumors?” She glanced about the room, noting the seriousness upon each face and the way Rose clutched a handkerchief in her hand. “Those rumors.”

  “It is all my fault.” Rose sniffed.

  “Mine as well,” Acker’s mother insisted.

  “No.” Rose shook her head. “I should have paid better attention to my surroundings.”

  “We were in the park. Nobody should have been hiding behind bushes.” Lady Acker exclaimed. “And, I am the one who should have known better. I’ve navigated London long enough to know that anything that is a secret should never be said outside of a private room and well away from servants.”

  Geneviève slid into a chair, no longer feeling as exhausted as when she first walked through the door. A new anxiety took hold. “I assume you were speaking of the family secrets?” She needed to be clear on what they were discussing before she let herself become worried.

  Rose and the dowager nodded.

  She wasn’t prepared for the ton to be speculating about her family, or about her. She liked being anonymous, which would end when society learned she was a Trent.

  “It doesn’t matter now. They were going to find out in a month or so,” Bentley comforted.

  Geneviève blinked. Bentley was not the comforting type, but how well did she really know him? She closed her eyes and leaned back, amending her thoughts. He had been comforting, concerned, caring, and helpful during her mother’s illness and the weeks that followed while she and her sisters grieved. It was when they returned to London and he started barking orders and insisting how she was to behave that she began to resent him.

  “I thought I would be ready for this by the time the Season arrived, but I won’t be,” Rose sniffed and dabbed her nose.

  “We don’t need to wait to travel,” Acker’s mother offered.

  Geneviève straightened. “Travel?” Were the two of them taking the trip she and Rose had planned? Was she being replaced with another companion? They couldn’t leave her here to face Society alone.

  She glanced about the room. She wasn’t alone. Geneviève knew that. But, she was the only one without the support of a spouse. Even if she wished to marry, the option would close now. Not that she wanted anyone but Bridges. Still, the idea of attending balls and having everyone look at you with interest, talk about her behind fans, and all manner of gossip until another scandal came along was not something she wished to endure.

  Rose looked to Geneviève. “I hope you don’t mind, dear, but I asked Lady Acker to join us.”

  Geneviève inwardly sighed. She wasn’t being replaced. “Of course not. It will be a grand time,” she said with forced enthusiasm. But, was she ready to leave yet? Things were not settled with Bridges. Or, at least, she hoped they weren’t.

  Oh, why was she so stubborn? She should have simply agreed to speak with him on their return and then she wouldn’t be left sitting here wondering about him and their future.

  “I will see about booking passage on a ship,” Bentley offered.

  Again Geneviève blinked at him in surprise. Not long ago Bentley had been completely against the idea. Unless he was going with them. Did it really matter? She would rather be on a ship, or island, and far away from London as Society learned the truth. Even if it meant having Bentley with them.

  “Have you decided on a destination?” He asked Rose.

  A slight smile came to her face and she seemed to relax. “The Caribbean.”

  A loving smile pulled at his lips. “Any particular island?” As much as her oldest brother may aggravate her to no end, Geneviève had to admit that Bentley did love his family and would do almost anything for them. That love had been extended to her and her sisters after only a short time and they hadn’t even been aware of each other a year ago.

  Rose’s smile grew. “I think we will sail to each so we can decide on which one we like best.”

  Lady Acker nodded in agreement. Bentley looked to Geneviève.

  “I think it sounds like a lovely idea,” she answered.

  He nodded. “I will make sure that you have more than enough funds and any information you need to make your travels without worry.”

  “Thank you, Clayton.” Tears pooled in Rose’s eyes.

  “Yes, thank you,” Geneviève said with sincerity. She needed to see to Rose, be away from England, and it was probably best if she was someplace where she didn’t risk seeing Bridges again.

  Jonathan straightened and stretched. The crates were finally identified and returned to the warehouses they had been stolen from. Those that belonged to him had been identified through invoices and the crates containing only smuggled items, such as wine, brandy, lace, and all manner of things that could not be imported from France were confiscated by the Thames Police. Against the far wall were those crates belonging to Geneviève and her sisters.

  He had located them the first day but had not yet shared the news with Geneviève. Once he did, he would no longer have a reason to call on her. She only sought him out in the first place because her mother’s items were missing. Once she had them, she had no reason to ever wish to see him again.

  Why was the woman so bloody stubborn? He should have ruined her. She had no objection at the time and he was the one who stopped before it was too late to go back. Didn’t she understand that they belonged together? She belonged to him.

  Jonathan pushed his fingers through his hair. He should just toss her over his shoulder and head to Scotland. A few days, alone, on one of his ships and a meeting over the anvil would ensure she would be by his side forever.

  But at what cost? Would she be miserable?

  She claimed to love him but refused marriage.

  Geneviève was a blasted confusing woman, but he wanted her nonetheless and by damned he would have her, even if he had to kidnap her to make it happen.

  These two days away from her had been difficult. At least he had plenty to keep him occupied but Geneviève was never far from his thoughts.

  Why wouldn’t she marry him? He loved her. She would never want for anything so why was she being so difficult?

  It stung. He had never offered marriage to a woman but he assumed when the time came the lady in question would also be receptive to the idea, especially if they had shared the intimacy he experienced with Geneviève. He had also never offered his heart before, but she rejected that as well.

  He glanced back at the crates. He should deliver her mother’s things but Bridges wasn’t ready to face Geneviève just yet. He wanted to see her. Hell, he wanted to hold, kiss, and make love to her, but knew it would not be possible. At least not with Acker or her brothers around. Yet, his need for her was strong.

  Besides, what if she rejected him again? Jonathan wasn’t ready for her to turn him away. Then he would no longer have a reason to call on her. To see her.

  Perhaps if he held onto her items long enough she would seek him out.

  He shook his head and turned toward his office. That would mean she would come here and the waterfront was no place for a lady.

  He paused in the doorway and glanced at his desk. Nothing had been done in here since he began helping Geneviève sort documents. Once again invoices and shipping orders were piled on his desk and needed his attention. The boxes that held the documents he, Geneviève, and the Trents had organized were stacked along the back wall. Those had not been filed appropriately either. Not that there was any room. Though the shipments had been dealt with, he couldn’t destroy the papers yet, but what to do with everything? His secretary always handled these tasks and currently, he was without one.

  Geneviève would know how best to manage this mess.

  He blinked and squelched the idea. He must be tired to have even considered having her come to the warehouse.

  Jonathan scrubbed his face with his hands. He would worry about his office tomorrow. Right now, he was too bloody tired to think about anything but Geneviève.

  With a sigh, he left his office. She deserved to know her items had been located and he would call on her tomorrow. If she rejected him again he would continue on as he had before he ever met her.

  Chapter 28

  Geneviève roamed about the rooms of Acker’s townhouse, unsure what to do with herself. Their ship would leave the day after next and she had already packed everything that she would need. A few essentials would have to wait, but it would be easy enough to toss them in a trunk before they left for the ship. Tomorrow night there would be a family dinner at Bentley’s and then she, Rose and Acker’s mother would leave for the ship so that they could sail with the morning tide.

  It had only been two days since she saw Bridges, but it felt like a year. He hadn’t come to see her but sent a short note that first day saying that he was going through all of the crates, with the assistance of the Thames Police. There were so many he wasn’t sure when they would sort everything out. But, he did promise to send word when her items were located.

  What if they weren’t?

  No, she couldn’t think that way. It would mean that all of this was for nothing. They had captured the smugglers and she had been of assistance but was it worth it all if she couldn’t have her family items. Worse, she would have lost more than keepsakes. She had lost her heart in the process.

  Oh, why did that man have to be so blasted stubborn? Bridges hadn’t even tried to convince her to marry him.

  Geneviève sank down onto the gold settee. Had he simply thought he loved her and realized the truth once they were back in London?

  That wasn’t the case with her. Despite their disagreement about her future, she did love him and wanted him. The one night in his arms had been bliss and she longed to experience it again.

  Could she leave London without seeing him again?

  It was probably best that she did simply sail away. Distance was the only thing that would heal her. Besides, Rose needed her. The woman had never traveled before and it was up to Geneviève to watch out for her. And, it gave her a new purpose. One she would enjoy if her heart wasn’t breaking.

  “Mr. David Thorn to see you,” the butler announced.

  Geneviève started and turned to the door. Blast, she had forgotten she was to help his mother complete the decorations of her house. “Please, show him in.”

  Mr. Thorn must have been waiting just outside because he entered before the butler could exit. “Miss Mirabelle, it is lovely to see you.”

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Thorn.”

  “Mother has asked me to inquire as to your availability to complete the decoration on the house.”

  She studied him. The one thing she did have, at least today, was time and it was the perfect distraction. “Would now be convenient?”

  His smile broadened. “I would be happy to escort you.” He offered his arm and Geneviève allowed him to lead her from the room. When they reached the foyer she announced to the butler her intentions.

  “I will have your maid sent for immediately.”

  Geneviève gritted her teeth. Even the servants were watching over her now.

  “Would you care to walk or take my carriage,” Thorn asked while they waited.

  Geneviève glanced out the window. The sky was clear though it was probably cold. Yet, it certainly couldn’t be colder than her swim in the Thames. “I believe I would enjoy the walk.”

  Her maid appeared a moment later, carrying Geneviève’s cloak and gloves and soon they set off after Thorn had sent his carriage home. The Thorn’s home was only two blocks away and it didn’t take them long to arrive. Thorn led her to the sitting room while her maid settled into a seat just inside the door. However, Lady Thorn was not waiting for them.

  “I apologize,” Thorn began as they settled into the sitting room.

  She glanced about noting the changes she had made last year and those that were made in her absence. Her brow furrowed. “I thought your mother hadn’t continued with the redecorating?”

  His face colored. “She attempted but her efforts fell short of your designs.”

  Once again she took in the room. “There is nothing wrong with her taste and the room is lovely.” She faced Thorn. “Why did you really wish for me to come to your mother’s home?”

  Thorn leaned forward and blew out a breath. “Mother missed you.” He offered a sheepish smile. “I missed you.”

  She blinked at him. “You can visit at any time, Mr. Thorn, as can your mother, without inventing reasons.” With that Geneviève stood. She did not like being manipulated.

  Thorn stood and came around the table. “Your family wouldn’t approve of my visiting.” He took her hands in his. “If they were aware of my true intentions, they would keep you from me.”

  She hitched a brow. “Exactly what are your intentions?”

  A slow smile spread across his lips and his eyelids dropped. Such a look might send most ladies reaching for the smelling salts or at least warm their blood, but not for her. She had no interest in Mr. Thorn but could appreciate how anyone else might fall under his spell.

  “I wish to court you, of course.”

  Geneviève pulled back. Court her? Why would her brothers object? It was reasonable and honorable, though she hadn’t really expected those to be Thorn’s intentions. He had brought her here, knowing his mother was away, to get her alone. Given his reputation, she anticipated an entirely different offer.

  Perhaps at one time she would have been flattered and agreeable, but he didn’t hold a candle to Bridges. Not that Bridges wanted anything to do with her, but the dratted man did hold her heart making it impossible to accept Thorn’s suit.

  Before she could reject his offer, Thorn pulled her close.

  Oh, dear! She brought her hands up and braced them against his chest to push him away but Thorn bent to kiss her. His lips were warm and firm but did nothing to her insides. When Bridges kissed her, Geneviève melted and grew warm and tingly. With Thorn, she simply waited for it to end.

  After a moment he pulled back and looked down at her, his eyes clouded with confusion. “You are not interested in my suit, are you?” His hands dropped away and Thorn took a step back.

  Geneviève smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

  He studied her. “It is my reputation, isn’t it?”

  She giggled. “No.”

  “Then why, may I ask.”

  She took a deep breath. Before Bridges, she might have been happy for Thorn’s courtship but she never even considered he might think of her as anything but a conquest. Unfortunately, Bridges had ruined her for anyone else. “I am afraid my heart belongs elsewhere.”

  He smiled sadly. “He is a lucky gentleman.”

  If only Bridges believed that as well.

  Tears stung her eyes and she turned from Thorn. A warm hand came to rest on her shoulder. “I hope he comes to his senses, whoever he is.”

  “I doubt he ever will.”

  Jonathan peered out the window and couldn’t believe his eyes. What the hell was Geneviève doing with Thorn? This was the second time he had seen them walking together and he knew in his gut that no matter what excuse Thorn offered, Thorn wanted Geneviève as much as Jonathan did. The difference was, Thorn wouldn’t offer marriage. He would see her ruined, satisfied with another conquest, and leave Geneviève alone to pick up the pieces.

  Thorn didn’t realize that in doing so he was courting death. Of course, there was no way Thorn could know of Geneviève’s family connections. If he did, the gentleman would put as much distance between himself and the Trents as possible. Jonathan had half a mind to warn Bentley that his younger sister was being escorted about town by a reprobate, but he couldn’t do that either. In alerting the lord, he would have to confess he knew the family secrets, which would only put him at odds with Mr. John Trent.

  Why had he asked his driver to bring him this direction? It had been his intention to go straight home from his offices and have an early supper and fall into bed. Instead, he instructed the driver to take him by Bentley’s home and then Ackers, in hopes of seeing Geneviève. He had no intention of stopping. He had worked in the warehouse today and his clothing was dirty, as was he. When he called on Geneviève again, Jonathan wanted to be put to rights. He just hadn’t counted on seeing her with Thorn.