No Place for an Angel Read online

  “I am not an angel: only a fallen woman forced to turn to the stage.”

  In the eyes of society, famous actress Catherine Jones is the virginal Angel of London. Her spotless reputation is essential if she’s ever to get her son back from his overbearing grandparents. But her secret desire for the dashing Lord Valbourg could threaten to destroy everything she’s worked so hard for….

  The moment he hears Catherine sing, Valbourg is intoxicated. As guardian for his newly orphaned nephew, a dalliance with an actress is out of the question. With so much at risk, can these two burdened hearts find happiness in each other’s arms?

  Valbourg turned and drew her against him, one hand gently grasping her chin and tilting it back.

  His fingers were warm against her skin, the scent of him sweet in her nostrils. Catherine tried to pull away, but he held her too firmly. Then his mouth closed over hers—and she had no desire to go anywhere.

  Desire exploded like a dried-up seed bursting in the welcome rains of a long-awaited storm. The touch of his mouth, the slow, sensual caress of his lips, set her blood pounding and made her heart race, so that in an instant, the protective wall she had built around herself shattered, leaving her vulnerable and exposed.

  But oh, how she wanted this. To feel the strength of his arms around her and to experience the mastery of his kiss. It was everything she had imagined it would be, and more. Equal parts heaven…and hell.

  * * *

  No Place for an Angel

  Harlequin® Historical #381—June 2014

  Author Note

  For the final book in the Gryphon Theater trilogy, I decided to focus on two characters who made their first appearance in No Occupation for a Lady: the dashing Lord Valbourg, eldest son of the Marquess of Alderbury, and the beautiful Catherine Jones, a gifted actress whose ethereal voice earns her the nickname Angel of London.

  Catherine has come a long way from her humble beginnings in remote Wales. Celebrated now as one of London’s finest talents, she lives life on her own terms, refusing to take lovers or be cast in the role of rich man’s mistress, as so many actresses do. But her reasons for remaining chaste aren’t prompted by a desire to maintain her virginal reputation. Something far more important is at stake. Something Catherine isn’t willing to put at risk.

  Valbourg, too, has reasons for keeping the beautiful songbird at a distance. As sole guardian of his late sister’s child and heir to his father’s title, he knows what entering into a relationship with her would do. But when it comes to love, logic seldom enters into it. Sometimes the only way of keeping what you have is by giving up what you desire most.

  I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the world of Regency theater, as I did with creating the cast of characters who populated it. Then, as now, it is a vibrant world filled with gifted performers, eccentric characters and diverse personalities. I hope the characters whose lives revolved around the Gryphon Theater engaged and entertained you as much as they did me.

  GAIL

  WHITIKER

  No Place for an Angel

  Available from Harlequin® Historical and

  GAIL WHITIKER

  An Innocent Deceit #136

  A Scandalous Courtship #155

  Blackwood’s Lady #170

  A Most Unsuitable Bride #186

  Courting Miss Vallois #319

  *No Occupation for a Lady #342

  *No Role for a Gentleman #359

  *No Place for an Angel #381

  *linked by character

  GAIL WHITIKER

  was born on the west coast of Wales and moved to Canada at an early age. Though she grew up reading everything from John Wyndham to Victoria Holt, frequent trips back to Wales inspired a fascination with castles and history, so it wasn’t surprising that her first published book was set in Regency England. Now an award-winning author of both historical and contemporary novels, Gail lives on Vancouver Island, where she continues to indulge her fascination with the past as well as enjoying travel, music and spectacular scenery. Visit Gail at www.gailwhitiker.com.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter One

  The Gryphon Theatre, London—summer 1828

  The single rose arrived precisely on schedule, exactly one half-hour after Catherine Jones took her bows and walked off the stage at the Gryphon Theatre.

  The rose, cut at the peak of perfection and tied with a white satin bow, was brought to her dressing room by the same young man who appeared after every performance; an envoy sent to deliver the long-stemmed tribute on behalf of an admirer who preferred to remain...anonymous.

  ‘Curious, don’t you think, Lily,’ Catherine mused to her dresser, ‘that after all this time, the gentleman still refuses to identify himself.’

  ‘Downright queer, if you ask me, miss,’ Lily said bluntly. ‘The other men who send you gifts all want you to know who they are in the hopes you’ll offer them the appropriate thanks. Why not this one?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Catherine drew the velvety pink petals across her lips. ‘Perhaps he is married and does not wish his wife to know he has been showering roses on another woman for the better part of five months. I know I wouldn’t.’

  ‘I’m not sure rich men care about that sort of thing, miss,’ Lily said. ‘And he must be rich, given what he’s spent on all those flowers. Lord, what if he’s a duke...or one of those handsome Arabian sheiks!’

  Amused that the girl would think one as significant as the other, Catherine smiled. ‘It can be of no consequence to me what he is. A dear friend once told me I can encourage neither prince nor pauper, no matter how rich one or poor the other. And she was right.’

  ‘But why? You’re not married or engaged, so why shouldn’t you enjoy the company of gentlemen the same as everyone else?’

  ‘Because I have responsibilities and obligations others do not,’ Catherine said quietly, preferring not to think about the meeting she was to have in two weeks’ time with the man who had taken control of her life five years ago. A man who might have been her father-in-law had a terrible accident not happened to prevent it. ‘Never mind that. What’s this I hear about you and Mr Hawkins walking out together? Is it true?’

  The question, introduced as a way of diverting Lily’s attention, launched the girl into a blushing recital of the young man’s attributes, allowing Catherine—who wasn’t expected to answer—to close her eyes and let the sound of the girl’s voice drift around her. She didn’t mind that Lily enjoyed the occasional night out. The girl had a good head on her shoulders and knew better than to let any man take advantage of her. Still, it was difficult at times not to feel a little envious of her dresser’s amorous adventures.

  What wouldn’t she have given, Catherine mused, to be able to flirt with a gentleman without fear of reprisal? To have the freedom to spend an evening in his company and not have to worry about who might be watching. To indulge in a few hours of harmless pleasure for a change.

  But such choices were no longer hers to make. The errors of her past dictated the path of her future, and the price for straying from that path was too high. She had already sacrificed more than any woman should have to...

 
‘I mended the tear in your rose-coloured silk,’ Lily said now. ‘And I added a new piece of lace around the neckline. But I don’t know why you would want to wear that gown tonight when your turquoise satin is far more fashionable.’

  ‘Yes, but it is also a great deal more revealing and, given that I shall be performing in front of the Marquess of Alderbury’s entire family, I think it best I appear in something a little more conservative,’ Catherine said. Plunging necklines and diaphanous gowns were all very well for her performances on stage, but for private concerts like the one she was giving tonight, she preferred a more modest appearance. One never knew who might be watching.

  She glanced at her rose again and stroked the petals with a lingering caress. Who was he, this mystery man who bestowed such exquisite flowers yet refused to show his face? Someone who had no desire to reveal his identity—or someone who dared not?

  ‘Are you sure you’re up to singing at Lady Mary’s reception tonight, miss?’ Lily asked. ‘You’ve already been on stage the best part of four hours, and Mr Templeton’s scheduled an early rehearsal for the morning. You should be home resting.’

  ‘I will have plenty of time to rest when I get back from my trip,’ Catherine said, slipping the rose into the vase with the others. ‘Besides, I have only been asked to sing six songs. Hardly an arduous task.’

  ‘I might agree if you hadn’t performed twice that many in the last four hours,’ Lily said, pinning the last of Catherine’s golden curls into place. ‘Still, I suppose you know best. Is it to be the pearls or the rubies tonight?’

  ‘The pearls, I think. They look better with the gown.’

  ‘Either work nicely.’ Lily unlocked the jewellery box. ‘Both make you look like a lady.’

  Yes, Catherine reflected, just as jewels and costumes had made her look the part of a siren, a goddess, a street waif and a witch. All roles cast by the charismatic theatre owner, Theodore Templeton, and for which she had achieved a level of fame unimaginable five years ago, when she had left Miss Marsh’s house in Cheltenham with few hopes and even less money. Now she had the wherewithal to afford a house in a decent part of town, the staff to maintain it and the clothes necessary to play the part. She might not be as well known as the illustrious Mrs Siddons, but many favourable comparisons had been made in terms of their acting abilities.

  But it was her voice that had catapulted Catherine to the forefront of the industry, her incredible four-octave range making her one of the most talked-about performers of the day. She had even been invited to sing before one of the royal dukes on his birthday.

  Sometimes it was hard to remember she had been born the only daughter of a governess and a schoolmaster, so far had she risen from those humble beginnings.

  ‘Here’s your shawl, miss,’ Lily said, draping a lightweight silk wrap around Catherine’s shoulders. ‘I’ll just get my things and we can be off.’

  ‘We?’ Catherine glanced at her dresser in confusion. ‘It isn’t your job to accompany me to private engagements, Lily.’

  ‘I know, but you had to send poor Mrs Rankin home early, and I know she doesn’t approve of you going out on your own,’ Lily said, referring to the widow who had been Catherine’s companion since her arrival in London. ‘So I thought I would go myself.’

  ‘But you told me you were seeing Mr Hawkins this evening.’

  ‘I was, until Mrs Rankin fell ill. Then I told him I wasn’t available.’

  ‘Well, go and find him and tell him you are available,’ Catherine said, slipping the strap of her fan over her wrist. ‘I doubt he will have left the theatre yet. He’s likely still helping Mr Templeton take the sets down.’

  ‘But what if that man Stubbs sees you gallivanting around Mayfair without a chaperon?’ Lily persisted. ‘Mrs Rankin told me he makes notes of everything you do and everyone you see.’

  ‘I will hardly be gallivanting and so I shall tell Mr Stubbs if and when I see him,’ Catherine said, surprised the normally tight-lipped Mrs Rankin had been so forthcoming with information. ‘Lord Alderbury is sending a private carriage to collect me, and at the end of the evening, I shall take a hackney home. Now go and find your young man.’

  Lily did not look convinced. ‘I don’t think Mrs Rankin is going to be very pleased about this, miss.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Lily, everything will be fine. I shall go to Lord Alderbury’s house, sing for his guests and then leave,’ Catherine said confidently. ‘You’ll see. There won’t be any trouble at all.’

  * * *

  ‘Are you going to read me a story tonight, Uncle Val?’ the little boy asked. ‘I’m really not very sleepy.’

  ‘You never are, even when you don’t have a fever,’ Valbourg said, stowing the last of his nephew’s toys in the large wooden box. ‘I would be quite worn out if I did all you do in a day.’

  ‘Is that because you’re old?’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ Valbourg straightened. ‘Who told you I was old?’

  ‘Aunt Dorothy. Right before she told Grandfather it was time you were married.’ Sebastian gazed up at his uncle with wide, trusting eyes. ‘Are you getting married, Uncle Val?’

  ‘I wasn’t planning on it, no.’

  ‘It would be all right if you did. I mean, as long as you didn’t send me away.’

  ‘Send you away? Why on earth would I do that?’ Valbourg asked, sitting down on the edge of Sebastian’s bed. ‘This is your home now and has been for the past two years.’

  ‘I know, but Aunt Dorothy said the lady you marry might not want me to stay here any more,’ the boy whispered, his flushed face evidence of the fever that had only recently broken. ‘She said she might prefer to have her own children around her rather than someone else’s.’

  Anger swelled like a balloon in Valbourg’s chest. Damn Dorothy! Why couldn’t she mind her own business? She should have known better than to say something so hurtful in front of an impressionable young boy. ‘I am not going to send you away, and you mustn’t listen to anything Aunt Dorothy says. I shall marry when I am good and ready and not a moment before. So let’s have no more talk about you leaving, understood?’

  ‘Understood,’ Sebastian said, relief chasing the shadows from his eyes. ‘I’m not getting married either. I think girls are silly,’ he proclaimed with all the certainty of a six-year-old. ‘Don’t you?’

  ‘They certainly can be.’

  ‘Uncle Hugh doesn’t think so. He said I’ll come to like girls very much when I am his age, because he started liking them very much when he was mine.’

  Valbourg sighed, wondering if there was any member of his family he wasn’t going to have a word with. ‘I think we’ll leave that discussion for another time. Your aunt Mary’s betrothal ball is this evening and she won’t be pleased if I am late.’ He tucked Brynley Bear, Sebastian’s loyal companion, into the bed next to him. ‘Nanny Lamb will be in to read you a story, all right?’

  ‘Yes, all right,’ Sebastian said, though Valbourg could tell from the expression on the boy’s face that his thoughts were still distracted. ‘Don’t you want to get married, Uncle Val?’

  ‘I suppose, when the right lady comes along. But for now, it’s just going to be you, me and Brynley Bear rattling around in this big old house. And here’s Nanny Lamb to read you a story.’ Valbourg leaned forward and kissed his nephew on the forehead. ‘Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.’

  ‘Uncle Val?’

  ‘Hmm?’

  ‘I’m glad you don’t want me to leave. I do miss Mama and Papa, but I’m happy I came to live here with you rather than with Aunt Dorothy,’ Sebastian confided. ‘She looks a lot older than you and, sometimes, she smells funny.’

  Valbourg’s mouth twitched. ‘Yes, she does, but it isn’t polite to tell ladies things like that, so we’d best keep that to ourselves, all right?’


  ‘If you say so. Goodnight, Uncle Val.’

  Valbourg ruffled the boy’s dark curls and then vacated his seat on the bed. He regretted not being able to stay and read Sebastian a story. Reading to his nephew had become one of the highlights of his day. The childishly innocent stories took him back to his own untroubled youth, and the quiet time he spent with Sebastian was a reminder of what really mattered in life. It was only when he had an important engagement like this evening’s that he let Nanny Lamb take over.

  It might seem a surprisingly domestic arrangement for the Marquess of Alderbury’s eldest son and heir, but Valbourg had no complaints. Having Sebastian living with him was the best thing that could have happened to him—even if it had come about as the result of the most unfortunate circumstances and a promise rashly given to his youngest sister six years ago.

  A promise he never thought he’d be called upon to fulfil.

  ‘Ah, good evening, my lord,’ Finholm said as Valbourg arrived at the bottom of the stairs. ‘Is Master Sebastian feeling better?’

  ‘I believe so, though Dr Tennison said he would stop by again in the morning,’ Valbourg said. ‘If you need me, just send word to Alderbury House.’

  ‘I’m sure everything will be fine,’ the butler said. ‘Master Sebastian is a plucky little lad. I doubt there will be any cause for concern.’

  ‘I hope not, Finholm. Goodnight.’

  With the butler’s reassurances ringing in his ears, Valbourg set off for his sister’s engagement celebration, content in the knowledge that he was leaving Sebastian in good hands. It was amazing how completely the responsibility for raising a child changed his priorities. Before his nephew had come to live with him, Valbourg had lived a life as irresponsible as most; gambling too often, drinking too much and amusing himself with a string of beautiful young mistresses. He had given no thought to his future because he’d had no reason to expect it would be any different from his past.