persuasion. He swallowed.
Hell, Weyland might not even let him in the house.
Hugh owed the man yet another huge debt. Weyland was the only bloody one who'd seen so clearly that Hugh and Jane needed to be together that he'd taken steps to see it done. He'd forced Hugh to confront his feelings—and, Christ, he'd prevented Jane from becomingengaged to another man.
Hugh had repaid him by sending his daughter packing.
As more guests continued to arrive, Jane smoothed the silk of her new emerald green gown and pasted on a fake smile. She was preoccupied, restless, and bored at this party her father had manipulated her into hosting—her and Claudia's own going-away celebration.
Though she and her cousin had decided weeks ago to take a trip to Italy, her father had stalled them at every opportunity. Finally, they were departing by steamer in the morning.
Though her father was furious with Hugh, she knew he still had hope for them, believing Hugh would return for her. Yet without receiving a word from him for weeks, Jane knew better.
When Freddie and Candace arrived, Jane's smile turned genuine. Not only was she happy for the laughing and obviously adoring couple, she also experienced a renewed sense of relief that she hadn't wed him. Once she'd greeted them and they'd moved on to speak with someone else, she breathed a sigh.
'Why the serious look, Janey?' Claudia asked, handing her a glass of champagne. 'You always liked elegant parties.'
'I know.' She loved the scent of the rose arrangements all over the house, the glitter of their chandelier fully ablaze, and the tinkling of crystal flutes kissing champagne bottles.
'Has anyone said anything about your marriage?'
She shook her head and took a sip. 'No. Everyone's been tiptoeing around it.' Most everyone here—a crowd of family and good friends—had heard rumors of Jane's hasty marriage, and just as hasty separation, but no one except her London cousins had dared to ask her about it.
'Well, then, cheer up! Tomorrow begins the adventure. We're actually going to leave this sodding little island.'
'Claudie, won't you be sad to leave your groom behind for months?'
'His eyes watered today,' she admitted, glancing away. 'And I had a moment when I thought about backing out. But we're not getting any younger, Jane.'
Jane exhaled. 'That's too true.'
When Belinda and Sam joined them, Claudia resumed taunting them. 'Admit it, you old matrons, you're jealous of our trip. We leavetomorrow , sailing toward sun, cuisine, and virility….'
From across the room, Jane caught her father's glance, and he gave her a quizzical look. She smiled at him in answer—she'd made an effort of late to be cheerful again, to get on with her life, but he'd been keeping a close eye on her tonight. He was continually worried, had been since she returned, and it showed. He'd barely agreed to let her go to Italy, until she'd reminded him that she didn't need his consent.
Suddenly, his face broke into a wide grin—which he immediately checked. His expression grew stern just as the crowd went silent.
She heard a commotion in the hallway—a banging, then arguing, then the booming:'I'm here for my wife.'
Loud, striding steps echoed down the hall behind her. No. It just wasn't possible.
'My God,' Belinda murmured. 'Janey, what did youdo to your Scot?'
Jane turned slowly to find Hugh at the doorway, seeming to fill it. Her eyes went wide at his appearance. He was soaking wet, his boots covered with mud, and his neck was bleeding readily from shallow lines where a branch must have struck him as he rode. He'd lost weight and his wet hair whipped across his face—his unshaven face.
But his eyes were what held her attention—they were black as night and burned with intent. He caught sight of her and his body tensed, like he was about launch himself at her.
Everyone was silent or gasping. Hugh just continued to stare at her as if he couldn't do anything else, his brows drawing together.
At length, when he finally dragged his gaze from her, he surveyed the crowded party in progress, swallowing because everyone here was dressed to the nines.
Except for him.
His expression turned grim, and his shoulders went back.
He'd just walked into a room full of people—normally punishing enough. But to look like hell washed over— and to be clearly embarrassing her? He swallowed again, wiping the rain from his face with his sleeve.
An older woman tittered. 'Thatis Jane's new husband?'
Jane swung her gaze on the woman and snapped, 'Oh, shut up.'
So it's to be another trial by fire?
Didn't matter. Hugh was prepared to do anything. He strode toward Jane, past speechless guests, who stared at him so hard he could feel it.
He held out his hand for Jane. 'Come, Sìne. I need to speak with you.'
Her cousins were glaring at him, urging Jane to demand that he leave, telling hernot to go with him. She didn't appear to be in any danger of the latter.
'I am sure this can wait,' Jane said. Had her accent ever sounded so crisp? 'Come backtomorrow . Afternoon.'
When some people nervously laughed at that, Hugh glanced around, brows drawn.
He met Weyland's gaze, trying to read the man—who was clearly trying to read Hugh as well. 'I just want tae speak with her, Weyland.' His brogue had never sounded so thick.
But then he spiedBidworth strolling into the room. Hugh gnashed his teeth, having never considered that Jane might take back up with her suitor. He'd also never imagined that Bidworth wouldn't heed Hugh's warnings to stay the hell away from Jane. The man caught sight of Hugh, blanched, and made a strangled sound.
If Bidworth had dared to touch Hugh's wife…With his fists clenched, Hugh strode forward.
Bidworth backed up to a wall. 'Bloody hell. He's going to hit me again, isn't he?'
Chapter Fifty
'This is not happening to me,'Jane muttered.
'Will he really harm Bidworth?' Belinda asked, eyes wide as Hugh stalked poor Freddie.
'Yes,' Jane hissed desperately, casting her father an entreating look. He wasn't going to do anything! He only studied Hugh and her, back and forth, eyes watchful.
'Fine.' Jane glared at her father over her shoulder as she hurried toward Hugh. 'I'llhandle this.' Once she'd reached Hugh, his hand shot out to clutch her elbow as if he feared she'd flee from him at any second. 'If you'll come with me to Papa's study?' He hesitated, so obviously wanting to thrash Freddie. 'Hugh, if you want to speak with me, I won't do it here.' He finally allowed her to lead him from the room.
In the front hallway, Hugh slowed and grated, 'Why in the hell is Bidworth here?' She saw him glance at her bare ring finger, and his tone went lower. 'Have you…have you taken up with him again?'
'Not that it is any of your business, but he's here with his new intended,' she answered calmly, letting him relax an instant before adding, 'to wish me well on my travels.'
'Travels?'
'Yes, you just ruined the party my family threw for Claudia and me to see us off to Italy for the winter.'
'When are you supposed to sail?'
'On the morning's tide—'
'No.'
She rubbed her temples. 'I clearly misheard you. For a moment, I thought you had just dared to insert
