Chapter 1 Schemes
If there lived a more dangerous, evil man ever to walk the Earth, Lavinia Hallowell did not know of his existence.
Her steps were slow, hesitant as she walked the cobblestone road leading to the foreboding mansion which loomed just ahead. She knew, inside that domicile, evil, in the guise of one, Gideon Stone awaited her arrival.
Lavinia dismissed her misgivings. Rumors were all she had to go on, after all. Stupid gossip in town overheard while purchasing fabric, buying ribbons for Violet’s hair.
Her younger sister was coming of age soon and now required more ‘management’ in the ‘upkeep department’ that all fourteen-year-old craved. New ribbons, more up-to-date dresses and such.
Lavinia’s brothers sent what they could to help out. The family had enough. The Hallowell's were once more than they were, true, but, Lavinia was not one to dwell on misfortune. She lived in the present and presently...she was to face her worst nightmare, it seemed.
Gideon Stone owned the countryside surrounding Blackwood-under-Edge. As far as Lavinia knew, the man’s holdings were not only vast in England itself, they branched out even as far as the Americas.
It was said he came from nothing. A mere farmer’s son. That a family tragedy sent a very young boy into Debtor’s prison where, over time, he was thought to have died of the Consumption ravaging such places in the day.
But, apparently, he did not die for in his twenties he appeared on the London scene, a young man out to make his mark. Where he obtained the capital to begin small business transactions that soon blossomed into major enterprising ventures, no one could say.
He was one of the top investors in any and all possible money making endeavors. Most risky and said to fail.
They did not fail, however and his fortune and reputation grew.
Now, in his thirties, an eligible bachelor any woman would seemingly wish to wed, he was also considered, a ruthless, cut-throat advocate of most things illegal and under-handed.
Showing no mercy, no remorse, no favoritism to anyone unfortunate enough to come into his sights. If he wished a take-over of some profitable enterprise, he always achieved his goal, most said, by any means necessary.
The young woman shook such musings, for she reached the main entrance of the manor, Blackwood Hall.
Lavinia lifted her skirts, to walk the five steps to the covered entrance way. Rich dark oak with brass handles and inlay met her eyes. The doors appeared massive. She swallowed hard, her small hand giving the off-putting wolves’ head knocker a few, determined taps.
Inside, the sound echoed throughout an empty foyer. It thudded about the expensive vases, elegant tables and richly brocade divans setting within the adjoining rooms.
Lavinia waited, attempting to calm her nerves. She smoothed the faded muslin of her once fashionable day-dress, fixing the frayed ribbon which adorned the high-waisted gown of sage green she wore.
She wore no bonnet this day, although her mother, Beatrice had chastised her severely for her lack of breeding. Her blonde hair was long, but neatly pinned into a rather fetching chignon. Soft tendrils had escaped the carefully coiffed style, framing a very lovely face.
Her deep, sea-green eyes scanned the neatly kept grounds and profusely brilliant display of English Lavender, whose spiky, vibrant purple borders lined the carriage drives.
The door opened, an austere servant, in stiff, formal wear looked down his nose, a brow lifting ostentatiously. “May I help you?”
“Miss Hallowell to see Mr. Stone, if you please.” she forced a smile, trying to ignore the obvious condescension offered over.
“He is expecting you.” the man stepped back, his head lifting proudly. He was instructed not to be overly familiar or welcoming to his female. He was following his orders to the letter. “You may wait in the sun-room.”
Lavinia did not wish to wait anywhere, in truth, having to hold her tongue that she not speak up, giving over her own preferences that: she would simply wait outside rather than enter this ominously depressive atmosphere.
Gideon Stone watched the small figure approach. Not even a carriage. The bitch walked the entire five miles.
A smile pulled at his mouth. Which was rare indeed but this day? Had been a long time coming. A cumulation of every carefully planned business deal which left the Hallowell name tarnished, disrespected...ruined.
It was not over, not by a long shot.
Julian, the eldest still retained an honorable reputation among some of the older, more established members of society that clung to Jacob Hallowell’s once impeccable name.
That would never do. Julian Hallowell must be brought low.
Alistair, the younger brother. Struggling in Cambridge to simply manage pay tuition. Violet, the youngest sister, awaiting her debut into society.
And this woman...approaching Gideon’s carefully laid trap. Lavinia, eldest daughter. The jewel that would seal the Hallowell’s final destruction.
All designed to break the fragile, respectable, beloved family Matriarch...Beatrice, widow of Jacob Halloween.
In all his many years developing this plan, Gideon had not once heard one disparaging word concerning Beatrice Hallowell, (nee, Somerset). A pillar of society still, even though the woman had since left off mingling with such a crowd after her husband's death.
Who did not think well of Beatrice Hallowell.
The thought sickened Gideon Stone.
The fucking bastard, Jacob, her husband, had died before Gideon could have his revenge on him but Stone would make certain, each person in London society and beyond remembered the downfall of this once proud, noble family’s line.
His family had been destroyed, layer by careful layer by Jacob Hallowell. Paybacks were hell, it was said. Gideon meant to make that statement a truth.
He was determined and once Gideon Stone set his mind nothing short of the next coming of the Messiah would change the course of his intent.
He debated for a moment when finally having arrived in his study. He kept her waiting, deliberately. Gideon surveyed the room with its luxurious vibe, scholarly shelves filled with expensive, leather- bound books. All first editions, of course.
The man himself, did not have the time to peruse the literature but he was assured, when purchasing, that each volume was of the utmost quality and prized by any serious aficionado.
He decided to sit, and remain sitting when she entered. An improper thing to do with any lady of good breeding. Yes, he would definitely remain seated. He would pretend he was occupied with a ledger and not look up for a very long moment as well.
That would give him a definite foothold of superiority to the twit. Only after he had made her sweat, would he deign to give over any attention whatsoever.
He suppressed the need to smile yet again. Gideon sensed the ‘rightness’ of this decision. He had not felt like smiling in so long a time, it seemed.
“Send her in.” he advised his manservant before going about the massive desk to take his place behind, at length sinking into the plush leather of his chair.
He heard the soft click of worn boots on the marble of his foyer then, moving closer. St. Clair, his manservant had left the door to the study ajar.
She was ushered in by a rather unfriendly Giles St. Clair who announced her dutifully.
Gideon merely continued with his ‘ledger’ work, motioning the issue and the man himself, aside.
He kept at his busy work, for he could do these damned ledgers in his sleep and often had, he imagined in the beginning when every hour was given over to his building of the life he now possessed.
She stood primly, he knew although he did not bother to acknowledge her...he could see out of his peripheral vision.
Lavinia glanced about the large room, smelling old leather, polish and warm sunshine which filtered in the drawn drapes behind the massive desk.
Row upon row of books met her eager eyes. How fortunate this creature was to have all these wondrous novels at his finger’s tips whenever he wished.
Lavinia treasured each scrap of parchment allowed her. How many times had she re-read, over and over, the meager selection she owned.
They had been forced to sell off all her father’s things, including his collection of books, maps and other paraphernalia the man owned when the debtors began arriving at the door.
Well, oft times life could be harsh but one surely must try to make the best of it. She in truth, did not note that she was being kept ‘waiting’ for the room alone was a fascination she could not deny herself.
She peered closer, taking one tiny step to make certain the title she read was correct. Did this ogre actually own a copy of Sense and Sensibility?
She drew in a small gasp of delight, hastily hiding such a reaction for it drew a dark scowl of disapproval from the man directly before her.
Vinia compressed her lips tightly, showing attractive dimples on either side of her cheeks, remembering her place. She lowered her eyes, resuming her quiet stance.
“Your mortgage payments are in arrears, Miss Hallowell. Were you aware?” Stone asked abruptly, his tone low, deep and menacing as was the deepening scowl. He stood slowly, holding her gaze easily.
“I...not so one would notice, Earl.” she hastened to lift her purse, extracting two heavy sovereigns, placing them on the solidness of his oak desk between his paper weight of pure silver, fashioned into a ship’s compass and the ink well and quill. “We are only a few days late, as it were.”
The man was surprised, more so than he cared to admit. That she had come up with any coin, let alone...most of it. His expression did not flicker. “That is only two sovereigns, you owe...three.”
“Yes.” she tried a smile but not very hard, for his manner was most off-putting. “I work, you see. I have a position but I do not get paid until...”
“That is not my problem...is it.” he lifted his brows a fraction, holding the sea-green eyes willfully. “If I were late with my debtors, do you know what would happen?”
She remained silent, but inside she answered the rhetorical question. ‘I would hope they would show a measure of human kindness and allow...’
“They would call the note immediately, seize my property or business for I had signed a contract saying, upon my word of honor...to pay on said day until the debt was erased.”
Lavinia had the extra sovereign but if she gave it over, there would be no food in the house for a goodly while, until she received her own wages from her benefactress, Madame Marian Rothchild.
She kept the fact from this man. This...hateful, insensitive bore.
“I...I am skilled at many things, sir.” She tried another route. “If you have a position, perhaps open within your household or...I sew very, very well...and...”
“I have no need of a seamstress, Miss Hallowell. But I am a businessman, and I believe in alternative arrangements. You may lease yourself to me.” he conceded, for the idiot had played right into his trap.
He lifted his head, his eyes allowed to roam ever so slowly...insolently, he knew for he meant his gaze to be offensive. “One year, say...” his muscular shoulders shrugged as the term was considered, his sensual mouth pulling into a nonchalant tug. “As my private... mistress,” the word was caressed with an all too familiar tone.
He cocked his head, examining her like an insect beneath a microscope. “and your family's debt is cleared, that simply.”
He waited, expecting hysterics...more, certainly.
But Lavinia Hallowell merely returned his stare, no maidenly blush, no gasps of indignation...no...nothing. Those green eyes merely stared at him and inside, the man began to sweat a bit.
For that stare held a wealth of weight and condemnation. It judged and sentenced. It was all too quietly sage.
When she spoke, it was in a dignified, almost soothing tone. “You are a bastard of the highest degree.” she stated simplistically, as if having expected nothing less. “I was willing to give you the benefit of a doubt but you, yourself have dictated your preferences in the matter.”
She picked up the sovereigns, replacing them in her reticule. “I will bid you farewell. My family and I will vacate the house but as contracted...we have until the end of the month, am I understanding the terms of the loan?”
Gideon gave credit where credit was due.
He swept her once again, this time the stare a more discriminating one. “Shabby-Genteel dress, worn walking boots...” his eyes dropped to the objects as he described them meticulously. “Arriving on foot, minus carriage...shall I go on?”
Lavinia lowered her head for a short beat then lifted it. “Your powers of observation impress and are accurate to a fault. I personally, wished to come in my everyday work clothes but Máma refused to allow it.” she did not seem any worse for the wear that he had noted her less than acceptable state. “You did not answer my question. Will you give to the end of the month for us to be out of the estate?”
“No.” he ‘answered’. “This is past due. Which breaks the letter of the agreement.”
Lavinia wanted to scream obscenities at the smug bastard but what she did was...offer over a sedate nod. “We will vacate immediately.” she turned, taking her leave, as simply as that.
Gideon arose hastily, his face a mask of disbelief which he quickly masked. “One night.” his tone was crisp and businesslike. “And all debt is cleared. I will sign the deed over to your keeping.”
The woman’s steps ...slowly halted. Lavinia was beyond devastated, but she refused to allow this son-of-a-bitch to witness her downfall. The thought that she had to go home, tell her mother they had to...
Beatrice Hallowell was not well. She claimed otherwise, Vinia knew. To keep up appearances that her children not fret over her. To add one more thing to their already burdened life was unthinkable to such a refined, gentle soul.
To disappoint Violet, to have to explain, no...they could not host a party for her fifteenth birthday because all coin would be needed...elsewhere.
To notify Alistair he must come home from University...
“One night, Madame.” Gideon knew, whether one night or a year of ‘pay backs’...made no difference.
She would be ruined in societies eyes for he would make certain all knew of her downfall. That she had spread her legs for him. That she had given over her virtue for a fucking damned piece of property that was already falling apart.
No upkeep had been able to be made to that worthless piece of shit dwelling. He had made certain creditors demanded payment in advance if coin was needed for this or that repair.
But it was all the Hallowells had left.
He had made certain of that as well. As payback. As payment in kind.
He waited, his active brain seeking other means of persuasion. “I will even allot a small monthly allowance for...upkeep to the manor.”
Lavinia stood, her back to him. Her brain was saying, do not trust the fucker. “And what guarantee do I have that...
“I will hand the deed over to you. Right now, if you wish.” he knew the document lay in the drawer below his eyesight.
“Then stop me from taking it when I leave.” she turned the side of her profile to him, for she was wise to such tricks. “After you have ruined my reputation and good name.”
“I am called many things, most true.” Stone allowed. “But my word has never been called into account. If you have heard the rest, surely...you have heard that as well.”
She had.
Once, it was said...he bet on a horse race and...lost. He immediately gave over his due, nothing was questioned, all coins were paid in full without exception. Right on the spot. The participants had not even gone to a bank.
“I do not trust you.” she resumed her steps. "As if I would."
“Take it.” he held the deed out, his eyes on the stiffly erect posture. “It is signed...by me, for I hold the note.” He added for good measure. “One of my men can deliver it safely to your home...put it directly into your mother’s hands.”
She turned slowly about. “And I should trust your man...why?”
Gideon gave her that. “I shall call for a General Post official. To deliver a missive. You may even write the note that is sent along with the deed. Seal it with wax, of course. With the stipulation, a return message be sent by your mother, in her own handwriting with a seal, to be delivered...directly into your hands, stating all is above board.”
None doubted the character of an employee of the General Post but more so, any infractions of the post were considered a hanging offense by the Crown. Sentences were immediately carried out.
“You may stay here with a duplicate deed ..signed, in your hand until the post arrives, if you wish...as my guest until such time the transaction is completed to your satisfaction.”
“Oh now, I am to be your ‘guest’.” Lavinia could see the irony of the statement. The woman’s perfectly arched brows arose. “How...quaint.”
“Be happy I offered over any alternative to your plight.” his mood shifted with her flippancy. Again, his gaze flitted over her state of dress, in a most condescending manner. “Most would not.”
“Most?” Lavinia differed instantly, instantly furious, showing her true emotions. “Most, sir, would have a modicum of civility...of compassion of...understanding. I offered most...most of what is owed. And assured of the rest in a very short interval. Most...” she stopped, gathering her wits and decorum. The silence fell heavy and awkward for her. “...Most, would not even have considered such a vile ‘compromise’.”
The impassioned statement touched nothing inside the man. “Your true colors showing, Miss Hallowell? Perhaps I am not the fraud here, in which case. I offered a clear, concise compromise. I never threatened, nor cajoled...it is a business deal. Nothing more.”
“Really.” she clearly doubted his veracity and sanity, if her look was any criteria by which to judge. “I wonder.”
Gideon settled a bit. “I have been away from. ..society for a bit. I do not like it here in your countryfied atmosphere. I only sought...diversion to bring me from my doldrums.”
“By ruining a woman’s reputation.”
He shrugged well-defined shoulders. “One never knows until one asks. You might have been agreeable. Most women in my acquaintanceship...are.”
“How fortunate for you.” she clipped. “I shall take my leave, with...his lordship’s permission, of course.”
Which...she did.
Gideon cursed his handling of the matter. He could hear her footsteps echoing on the marble of his immaculate floors.
Before he knew it, he was moving, even though he had not meant to do so.
Her hand was on the carve door handle when he finally reached her vicinity. "Name your price."
Lavinia jerked her head about, her expression incredulous. "My God, of all the audacity!" she let go of the handle, stepping the space separating them. Her green eyes flashed disbelief and anger. "When a lady says 'no'...it is proper and right and decent to accept her decree." those eyes held his easily. "You obviously hold no regard or respect for such things. I feel only pity for such a man, Sir. I will repeat myself one last tim--"
"You will explain that your pride kept you from an agreeable solution to your family's state of being? How will Lady Hallowell take such news, I wonder." he played the last card he had, holding those amazing eyes easily.
Gideon stood, towering above the diminutive figure, his expression giving no indication of just how desperate he was becoming. "Your mother, it is said...if very frail. Very..." he mused on how to remind her. "Fragile indeed. Is that not so, Miss Hallowell?"
Lavinia's features lost her ire, suitably reminded of the realities of her life. She downed her head, musing quietly. She played with the strings of her reticule, unaware her fingers shook. "Agreeable solution?" she repeated listlessly.
"For God's sake. How old are you, certainly beyond the age where a man should have taken you to his bed by now." Stone guessed her to be in her late twenties. "Women less your age are pushing out babies already and you balk at a simple biological function between a man and woman?"
Lavinia was shocked, her mouth falling agape, those green eyes widening with astonishment.
Which was something Gideon could work with. Finally a normal reaction. "You would have to give it up sooner than later, why not for profit. What sort of business person are you that you cannot see a good deal when it stares you in the face. I will throw in a few more concessions but you did not even negotiate, woman."
A sorrowful head was shaken. "I have said, I am bored. You have the upper hand here. Use it!" he demanded. "If it must be, which I assure you, in the end, you will agree...not for yourself but your precious family's sake. We both know this."
Lavinia stared, completely taken aback by such unorthodox behavior.
"At least bargain a good deal for yourself out of the debacle." he was clearly disdainful of such stupidity. "I, personally, would start with an annual allowance. Certainly that! Even the whores in the streets know to bargain for that."
"I am certain you would know all about the whores of the street, not that I look down on those poor unfortunate women for it was a man who put them in that predicament to begin with, I'm sure."
Gideon relaxed, the negotiations were resuming, he sensed.
