A Kiss for Lady Mary (15 page)

 

Eunice tripped lightly down the steps to the hall where Brian awaited her. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that Mary’s friends are here. It relieves me of all my chaperone responsibilities.”

Her heart fluttered as he smiled down at her, placing her hand on his arm after he’d slowly kissed each finger.

“I share your joy.” They walked out to the drive where his curricle stood.

She could scarcely breathe, her heart was galloping so wildly. She wanted him to kiss her lips and so much more. Oh my. Imagine being affected like this at her age. She was sure someone would say it was inappropriate. “Where are you taking me?”

“I thought you might like to see the property I mentioned.” He helped her into the carriage, climbing in the other side. “Unless it is too soon for you, that is?”

“No, your timing is perfect.” Having her niece’s friends here and watching how happy they all were had given Eunice time to think of hers and Brian’s marriage. She really did not wish to wait much longer.

They were half-way down the drive when he asked, “Have Mr. Featherton and your niece decided when the marriage will be?”

She tried to stifle the sigh but was unable to. “No. The truth is, Mary says she will not wed if she’s not sure she is in love.”

“It creates a problem, but I can’t say that I blame her. I’m surprised Featherton hasn’t been able to get her to agree.” Brian was still for several moments as he feathered the turn onto the road toward Rosebury. “Didn’t you tell me you and your husband had a love match?”

“Indeed we did. Yet unbeknownst to us, the marriage had been arranged.” Eunice thought back ruefully to the day she had confronted her parents. “I was young and very rebellious. When I discovered there was a plan afoot to marry me off, I was certain my father had chosen another gentleman. Someone the very opposite of me, who would try to tame my spirit.” She couldn’t help grinning at the memory of her young self. “Consequently, I very dramatically stormed into his study and announced I would wed Roger or no one. Papa nodded calmly and said that was a fortunate circumstance as he’d signed the betrothal agreement the previous day.”

Brian let out a bark of laughter. “That took the wind out of your sails.”

“It did, rather.” She smiled. “I’m not sure I ever remembered to thank him.”

“Did their other matches turn out as well?”

She thought back to her other brothers and sisters. “Yes. Those who are alive are still very happy. I believe Mama had something to do with Barham’s marriage, as well as the eldest girl’s. Still, she’s never been this obvious before. The only reason I can think of for her behavior is that the cousin must be a much more serious threat than we’d previously thought.”

A comfortable silence fell, until Brian turned into a well-maintained drive lined with hedgerows. “Here we are.”

In a few moments, an elegant manor house built in the local, light yellowish-brown stone appeared. “It’s lovely. How clever to have placed a round flower bed in the middle of the drive.”

“I was told the owner built the house for his grandson who, instead of marrying a local girl, wed a young woman whose father owned a shipping company and had no son. The man has made Bristol his home.” He drew the gig to a halt at the Georgian-style portico. “There is apparently every modern convenience.”

“That, I’ll be interested in seeing. I suppose it’s one of the advantages of building a house rather than having one handed down over the centuries.” Eunice put her hands on his shoulders as he lifted her down, setting her lightly on her feet. She stood still for a moment, breathing in his very male scent of leather, horse, and musk.

“Eunice, my love.” His voice was low and seductive. “If we remain here, I’ll kiss you in front of God and whoever is here.”

Although she couldn’t see anyone . . . he was the rector and they shouldn’t take the chance. “Lead on, sir.”

The house was indeed modern, with Rumford fireplaces in all but the main drawing room, where two marble fireplaces intricately carved with Greek figures anchored each end of the room. The dwelling had been tastefully and expensively furnished. “Does the furniture come with the house?”

“I believe the owner is willing to sell it as part of the whole.”

Crystal sconces lined the walls. “These almost look like the new gas ones.”

“They are, but they’ve been altered so that candles can be used until we get gas up here.”

“How forward thinking. Is there a ballroom?”

“I don’t know.”

They walked through all the ground floor rooms, impressed by the pocket doors used so that rooms could be combined if needed. A ballroom was found on the side of the house with most of the formal rooms. It jutted out into a garden, and gave the appearance of a conservatory with three glass walls set at angles. She was surprised to find that the panes of glass opened. “How lovely and clever. Just what one needs on a warm night.”

They didn’t spend too much time looking at the bedchambers on the first floor until they got to the master’s bedchambers. The apartments included two bedrooms, each with its own dressing room. She glanced at a door that did not lead into either of the bedrooms. “What is this, I wonder?”

Brian opened it, allowing her to enter first. Light flowed through windows built high on the walls, which were covered in pale yellow glazed tiles. A stove, covered in elaborately decorated multicolored tiles stood centered on one wall and next to it was a large, pink marble shell-shaped bathing tub complete with pipes for water. It was as if the Romans had constructed it.

Brian flushed, and when he spoke his voice was gravelly. “The birth of Venus.”

“I’ve never seen anything so decadent in my life.” Eunice laughed. The sound echoed around the chamber. “I’m quite sure my dresser would declare this scandalous.”

“No wonder the price is so low.” He ran a finger under his collar. “We probably ought to see the remainder of the house.”

She whirled around, unable to resist teasing him. “Perhaps we should give it a try. You know, just to make sure the water pipes work.”

“Eunice.” Her name came out in a strangled tone.

“What?”

He turned toward her, backing her up to a wall. Leaning in, he anchored his hands to the tiles on either side of her head. “I’m doing my very best to keep from taking you here, against the wall. The least you could do is not tempt me. Unless”—his lips touched hers, and she could feel his barely repressed lust—“this is where you want our first time to be?”

Her breathing quickened. Was that what she wanted? Her nipples ached for attention, and need coursed through her. It had been so long, so very long. She took a breath. This was the first time she’d seen him out of countenance, and she loved that he had such passion for her. As to the bathroom, definitely sometime but not their first mating. “Oh, very well. Though I do want this house. If you don’t buy it, I will.”

He straightened, hustled her out of the room, and quickly closed the door behind them. “If you want it, you shall have it.”

“Wonderful.” She turned to him, went up on her toes, and kissed him. “How soon may we wed?”

“Considering I can barely keep my hands off you, we should let it be known we are betrothed and will marry almost immediately.”

“Come to think of it, with Mary and her friends going to Edinburgh, we can put it about that she and Mr. Featherton are leaving for an unknown period of time, making it necessary for us to wed soon.” She tilted her head, watching him study her. “To-morrow perhaps? I’ve always wanted to elope to Scotland.”

Brian caught her around the waist as she danced away, bringing her flush against his hard body. “You, my lady, will be the death of me. The morrow is not possible, but in a few days we can leave. Fortunately, the rector in the next parish owes me a favor. He can stand in for me on Sunday.”

“What a fabulous idea.” Their lips touched, and she opened to him, slowly stroking his tongue with hers. “I have plans for our new bathing vessel.”

He nipped her ear. “You’re not the only one.”

M
ary was with Kit and their friends, on the terrace discussing possible entertainments in Edinburgh. Huntley knew there was a theater, and she hoped they could attend a performance. It had been so terribly long since she had been.

The weather had warmed nicely, and the stones of the house radiated the sun’s heat. She sipped a glass of chilled champagne, the first she’d had in ages. This was a celebration of sorts. It was time for her to move on with her life.

Kit hovered near her, as if he knew her plans might not include him.

Eunice strolled out through the French windows holding hands with Mr. Doust, who snatched two glasses from the footman, handing one to her aunt.

He cleared his throat. “We have an announcement. Lady Eunice has done me the great honor of agreeing to be my wife.”

A cheer went up from the men, who descended on Mr. Doust, congratulating him on his lucky catch. The ladies joined Mary in hugging her aunt.

“Oh, I’m so glad for you.” Mary kissed Eunice’s cheek. “You’ve never looked happier.”

“I never thought to be this blissful again.” Eunice returned Mary’s embrace, blinking back tears of joy. “You will be shocked, but we plan to leave in the morning, and wed in Scotland. I don’t think it is appropriate for me to remain here alone with you away. You have your friends; you don’t need me. As luck would have it, when we stopped in at the rectory, a friend of Brian’s, who is also a clergyman, had arrived begging a place to stay. If not for that, we would have had to wait a few days longer.”

“I shall miss you, but I don’t want you to delay your happiness because of me.” The one thing she couldn’t see was her aunt residing in the rectory. It was much too small. “But where will you live?”

Eunice’s smile grew larger. “We’ve only just come from viewing a house for sale not far from town. Mr. Doust has already made an offer for it. Although he didn’t tell me that until after I threatened to buy it if he didn’t.”

Kit was again next to Mary, handing her another glass of champagne as he addressed the rector. “If Mary agrees, until the property transfer is complete, you may both stay here. No one will think that at all improper.”

Mr. Doust inclined his head. “Thank you. We’ll take you up on your very kind offer. I don’t know what they were thinking when the rectory was built. The residence is more suited to an office than a home for a couple.”

“How soon will you depart?” Kit asked.

“To-morrow.” Mr. Doust raised Eunice’s hand to his lips. “I’ll see you at dawn. It will take the better part of the day to reach Coldstream.”

“Is that the closest border town?” Mary asked.

“Indeed.” His eyes never left Eunice’s face as he continued. “The road going there is not as good as the North Road, but it’s ten miles closer, and there is a decent inn.”

“Unless you’ll upset your cook,” Kit said, “you are invited to dine with us this evening.”

“Yes, please do,” Mary added.

Mr. Doust still held Eunice’s hands and gazed at her face as if she were the most important thing in his life. If only a gentleman would look at her in that way.

Finally he glanced at Mary and Kit. “As I’ve no cook to offend, I’d be pleased to join you. My housekeeper makes meals for me a few days a week, and that keeps me for several days.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll tell Simons to set another place.” She signaled to the footman, giving him the message.

Kit poured more champagne for everyone. He stared at her, and his brows quirked as he raised his glass. “To marriage and new beginnings.”

Was something wrong with her? When he turned to Mr. Doust, Mary surreptitiously ran her hand down her bodice, making sure she hadn’t spilled any of the wine. It was dry. How very strange. What could he have been looking at? How could she think of seducing him, when he peered at her as if she had something between her teeth?

Rutherford held up his glass. “Here’s to the parson being caught in the mousetrap.”

Kit’s fingers curled into a fist. He’d attempted to catch Mary’s gaze so that she’d know he meant to include them in his toast as well, but she acted as if there was something amiss. This wooing wasn’t going at all as he’d intended. Instead of becoming closer, she was slipping away from him. Somehow he had to find a way to stop her from getting away.

He sidled next to her. “Is everything all right?”

Her startled gaze flew to his. “Yes, of course. I’m very happy for Eunice. It is what she wanted.”

He bent his head so only Mary could hear. “Would you like to be there when she marries?”

Her shoulders drooped. “I would. Though I understand her desire to wed as soon as possible. If only we would hear from Huntley’s aunt, but that’s impossible.”

Receiving an answer so quickly would be impossible, yet he’d do everything in his power to make this right for her. There had to be a way. “If your aunt and Doust could put off the trip for a day or so, we could all travel together. In fact, now that I think about it, we’d be much better off departing before Sunday. Otherwise we shall be expected in church. Your aunt said you attend services regularly.”

Mary’s fingers toyed agitatedly with her long pearl necklace, drawing his attention to a curl dancing near her delicate shell-like ears.

She gave him a small, tight smile. “I hadn’t thought about that, nor should we be seen traveling on Sunday.”

It was the same thing his mother would say. Kit was glad he’d guessed correctly. “No.”

She cut a worried glance at him. “Still, we must wait to hear from Lady Theo.”

Kit wanted so badly to take her in his arms and kiss away her concerns. “Let me see what we can do. Why do you not ensure everyone is ready to go in the morning, while I discuss our problem with Huntley?”

“Of course. Though I think we are mostly packed.”

Kit watched Mary rejoin the ladies before he sauntered over to Huntley. “How soon do you think we’ll hear from your aunt?”

“Caro said the letter was sent by special messenger shortly after breakfast.” He thought for a moment. “Assuming he has no trouble finding her house, and she is home, I’d say the earliest we’d receive an answer is to-morrow late afternoon. Why?”

“Mary wishes to see her aunt wed. If at all possible, I’d like to depart in the morning. That way Lady Eunice and Doust can have the ceremony when we reach Scotland.”

“Hmm.” Huntley rubbed the side of his face. “I can’t see the messenger going cross-country until he reaches Alnwick. Before then, he’d stay on the Great North Road. If we leave early enough, we can catch him. As I said, I do not believe my aunt will say no to the additional company. If she does, I’m sure we can find an inn or hotel large enough to accommodate our party.”

Kit called Doust over. “We are thinking of going with you so that Lady Mary can support Lady Eunice. If I recall correctly, there is a small village, Lamberton, which is directly across the border north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Its tollhouse is a well-known wedding spot. Would that disrupt your schedule too much?”

“Not at all.” He grinned. “As a matter of fact, if we’re going to have an irregular marriage, we should have as many witnesses as possible. Though my original plan of Coldstream will be faster.”

Thankfully, the matter was decided quickly. Before Simons had announced dinner, all and sundry had agreed to escort Lady Eunice and Doust to Scotland and attend the wedding.

A part of Kit had expected and wanted Mary to fall upon him with gratitude.

He smiled when she came up to him. She gave him a polite smile in return. “Thank you for arranging for me to be with my aunt when she marries. It was very kind of you.”

Kind!
A tick began in his jaw. He was starting to hate that word. He’d never before wished to break something, but he did now. Somehow he maintained a pleasant countenance and gave a slight inclination of his head. “It was my pleasure.”

Damn and drat
. That hadn’t worked either. All they were doing was leaving for Scotland sooner. Now what the deuce was he supposed to do to attract her? Other than take her in his arms and maul her, and that he would not do. Maybe Huntley was correct; Edinburgh would give Kit an advantage he did not appear to have here. No Scot alive could match him in polite behavior. He would devote himself to her and keep the Scottish rascals away.

 

 

 

The bedchamber Constance had been given overlooked the main street and one side of the inn. Stars still twinkled in the antelucan sky. Lately it wasn’t only Gawain Tolliver who was watching wherever she and Lucinda were staying; another man was, as well.

Unfortunately, Lucinda had been unable to find any way to disable the blackguard’s carriage long enough to escape for more than an hour or so. He must be getting desperate. Be that as it may, Constance was heartily sick of being the subject of his attention. She and Lucinda must be on their way north without Mr. Tolliver in tow.

“Do you see him?” Constance asked her dresser.

Anderson glanced back over her shoulder. “No, and he’s not been skulking around in the past day or two. Leastwise not so I could see.”

Perhaps Gawain had gone, and that was the reason for the other man. The problem was, Constance didn’t know if that was good or bad. Surely he couldn’t have discovered where her granddaughter was. At the same time, she did not think he had given up his hunt. He must be planning something else, and she did not wish to remain here until she knew what his next step was. “I think we should make a dash for it.”

“I’m not sure any of us are dashing around these days, Your Grace. What do you have in mind?”

Constance tapped a finger against her chin. “You take the other servants and the luggage while Lady Featherton and I walk around the town. To-day is market day. There will be a great deal of traffic. Then, when we’re sure he’s not watching, she and I will slip away.”

Anderson pulled out the traveling trunk from the corner. “Maybe have the coach meet you at the other end of the town.”

“Excellent idea.” Constance tapped her cane on the floor. “I’ve been saving my horses, but both Featherton and Barham have cattle stationed along the Great North Road. We can keep going as long as need be.”

Her dresser narrowed her eyes in thought. “If you’re planning to move fast, you should keep a couple of the footmen with you, Your Grace.” Anderson’s lips twitched. “Just to make sure you can make it to the other end of town.”

Constance hurled a pillow at her maid, missing when the woman ducked. “I should send them with you,” she retorted. “You’re not that much younger than I.”

“That may be true.” Anderson sniffed. “But I haven’t taken to using a cane to walk. I told you before you’d start relying on it.”

Drat the woman if she didn’t have a point. Constance glanced at her elegant swan-headed cane. She had started carrying it as a small conceit, but lately she’d been having to depend on it too much. All this traveling probably didn’t help either. Mayhap when all this was over, and Mary and Kit were safely wed, Constance would take the time to learn to walk without it again. Bath would be a good place for that. The waters were vile for drinking, but bathing in them seemed to help people.

“If you want my advice,” Anderson said, “you’ll let me get you some plainer clothes and you could walk without your cane. You’ll want the footmen to be in street clothing as well. That way the blackguard might miss you if he’s still around.”

“Go in disguise?” Constance stared at her dresser. “What a brilliant idea. I’ll talk Lucinda into it as well.” An image of two old ladies in faded black came to her. “Get us some widow’s weeds. That ought to work.”

Just over an hour later, Constance and Lucinda were dressed as middling country ladies. Their coachman had suggested blacking the gold crest marking the coaches, and Constance agreed. Their lady’s maids left with the first carriage, and the baggage coach departed a half hour later. The footmen were dressed in clothing bought from the landlord. She twined her arm with one of the young men. “I haven’t had a lark like this in years.”

Constance headed off first out the back of the inn, down the alley behind it, and thence to a small road full of traffic going into the town. Lucinda would meet her at the butcher’s shop. From there they’d act like old friends meeting unexpectedly. Even that would be a new experience. Neither of them had ever been in a butcher’s shop before.

Constance and her footman followed the directions the landlord had given them. “Do you see anyone pursuing us?”

“No, Your Grace. I had a look out the common room’s window before we left and saw the man, but I haven’t seen him since.”

“Let’s hope he’ll still be there waiting for a long time to come.” Before they reached the butcher’s, people were staring at them. “What do you think is wrong? I look like everyone else.”

“Beg’n your pardon, Your Grace, but you don’t sound like them, and you walk different. Not like an old country woman.”

So much for her ruse. “Let’s find Lady Featherton and depart. I don’t want to leave a way for
that man
to find us.”

A few moments later, she saw a female who looked like Lucinda peering into a shop window. Her shoulders were hunched a bit, and when she spoke it was not with her usual clipped consonants. How had she known to do that when Constance had not?

As soon as they were close enough, Constance whispered, “We should depart immediately.”

Her friend raised a brow.

“I’m drawing attention.”

Lucinda linked arms with her. “Then let me do the talking. Round your shoulders a bit, and shuffle your feet some more.”

“Where did you learn to do that?”

“Oh”—her eyes twinkled with laughter—“my eldest sister and I used to escape from our governess and learned to blend in with the locals. It came in very handy on May Day when we attended the festival to look at the handsome local boys.”