A Kiss for Lady Mary (27 page)

Huntley cleared his throat. “You may use my coach to take Cormac and Fee to wherever they are going.”

Simon nodded tersely. “Thank you. It will serve to further confuse anyone watching the house.”

“Good morning to you. Or is it?” Cormac entered the breakfast room and stood near the door, looking uncertain. “If you’re discussing something you’d rather I didn’t hear, I will leave.”

“Not at all.” Simon pulled out the chair next to him. “You’re involved.”

His son strolled forward and kissed Morna’s cheek before settling in the chair next to Simon. “Is it bad news?”

“Some of it is.” Simon couldn’t keep the gravity from his tone, then he grinned, because no matter what, he was that much closer to having his family out from beneath Freskin. “And some of it’s not.”

It would have been too much to hope that Simon would be able to tell the story his way. It was, after all, Theo’s plan, and she’d made most of the arrangements. At the end, she beamed at them all, and for the first time he had a good idea how much she’d worried about him, Morna, and the children. His sister wanted nothing more than to fry Freskin in his own fat, but would settle for her family being safely away in England.

“So then,” Cormac said. “Which one of us gets to string the old man up first?”

K
it leaned against the doorway as Mary’s maid put the finishing touches on her hair. He’d scandalized poor Mathers by insisting he be present during Mary’s toilet. What would the maid do when he insisted on watching his wife being dressed?

God, she was divine, and to think she was finally his.

Mathers began to pack Mary’s remaining items. Everything else had been sent to Charlotte Square earlier. Kit moved to Mary. “Are you ready, my wife?”

Her smile was the best thing he’d ever seen in his life. “I am, my husband.”

There had been several hours when he’d doubted the wisdom of remaining at the hotel, but somehow it had worked to their advantage. He couldn’t imagine being more in love than he was now. Still, after having watched his parents for the past several years, he knew his feelings would deepen and Mary’s would as well.

She placed her fingers in his hand. “I suppose we should go. There are only a few hours until the wedding breakfast.”

He bent his head and kissed her. If only they could remain here, in their own little world. “If it weren’t for the fact that I want to show you off to everyone as my wife, I’d be content to cry off.”

Mary placed her small palm on his face. “As would I, but I need to show all those Scottish ladies that you truly are not looking for a wife.”

“Looking for a wife?” He couldn’t believe what she’d said. “Why would anyone have thought that? The only woman I wanted was you.”

“Lady Theo put it about.” Mary linked her arm with his. “After I saw what the ladies here were like, I resolved to protect you.”

“I am eternally grateful you did, and extremely effectively.”

She slapped him playfully on his arm. “You probably didn’t even notice.”

“My only focus was you. I wanted to punch every man who danced with you.”

“If only I’d known.” She laughed. “I would have found excuses not to dance with them.”

Kit drew her into his arms. “If you’d known, we would have been wed long before this.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rose up and kissed him. “Yes, we would have. I cannot believe how awkward we were around one another.”

“Huntley and the rest of them told me to kiss you.”

“Anna suggested I seduce you.”

He laughed. “I’m amazed we finally got together.”

“Love has a way of sorting one out, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do. Let’s make a pact. Whenever one of us feels slighted by the other, we must tell the other person. I don’t want any more misunderstandings between us.”

She held him to her. “I absolutely agree. We both of us take the actions of the other too much to heart at times.”

“It looks as if our servants have gone. Shall we walk, or take the carriage?”

Mary shrugged. “How far is it?”

He kissed her lightly on the lips, then linked her arm with his. “Less than two miles.”

“Let’s walk. I have a feeling we’ll be back in a coach soon enough.”

They left the chamber, strolled down the main staircase, then out the door onto the street. He dismissed the coach waiting for them. “I think you’re right. At least it gives us some more time alone.”

They’d been walking for several minutes when Mary asked, “Where shall we go when we leave Edinburgh?”

That was a good question. “Would you rather return to Rose Hill, or journey on to Town?”

He glanced at her as she frowned. “Before I would have said London, but now I’m not sure. It would be disastrous to meet Diana Brownly. If she knew we were in Town, I don’t think she could help but mention us.”

“My mother has an idea to explain our marriage. The only thing is, I don’t know her plan.”

Mary stumbled, and he held her up. “Oh dear, I haven’t even considered how your family would take all of this.”

If only they were not in public, he could kiss her silly. “You have no need to worry. The moment my mother discovered my grandmother’s part in the scheme, she wrote to me. As far as she is concerned, you are as much of a victim as I am, and welcomed you to the family with open arms.” He smiled at Mary. “Although I must say, I don’t feel at all like a victim now. You are the most precious person in my life.”

She glanced up at him, her eyes full of love. “I know exactly what you mean. I never thought to be so happy.”

“Let’s go home to Rose Hill. We can make it truly ours.”

Sliding him a roguish look, Mary said, “But won’t the hostesses miss you?”

Kit tucked her closer to him. “I think I’m done being Mr. Perfect for the
ton
. I’d much rather be my wife’s perfect husband.”

“I do wish we were not on the street.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’d take you in my arms and kiss you.”

The hell with the rest of the world. If they wanted to talk, they could. He and Mary were walking through one of the many squares, when he brought them to a halt, turning her to him. “Then do it.”

A lovely rose appeared in her cheeks, yet she reached up and touched her lips softly to his. Wrapping his arms around her, he slanted his head, deepening their kiss.

Someone tsked, then an older woman said, “Liam, do you remember when we were like that?”

“My dearest love, we still are.”

Kit and Mary strolled past the couple, who must have been the same age as their grandmothers. She leaned in and whispered, “Will we be like that at their age?”

He glanced at the couple once more. “I’ll guarantee it.”

 

Mary couldn’t believe how much she loved Kit, being with Kit, being married to him. She felt dizzy, as if she’d drunk too much champagne. They seemed to agree on everything. Not only had they decided to put off going to Town until the Little Season but resolved to invite his family to Rose Hill. From what he’d told her about his parents, she was sure she’d love them.

They had just rounded the corner into Charlotte Square, and were at the bottom of the steps to Lady Theo’s house, when a large, middle-aged man stepped down from the door, fuming.

“
You!
” He pointed at them. “Tell the witch who lives there Lord Freskin wants his grandchildren and daughter back.”

Kit raised one brow. “I shall tell her no such thing, and I suggest you find a way to control yourself and speak to her in a civil tone.”

As the older man approached, Kit whisked Mary behind him. Lord Freskin stood only a few inches in front of her husband, assuming what would have been a threatening posture to anyone but Kit.

In a bored drawl, Kit asked, “Do you want something?”

Lord Freskin swung his fist up, and the next thing Mary knew, the man was on the ground cradling his jaw.

Turning to her, Kit shook out his hand. “Shall we?”

Mary glanced at his lordship, then back to her husband. She may not have been allowed to see animals breeding, but she had seen her brothers engage in fisticuffs, and that was the best flush hit she’d ever witnessed.

She placed her hand on his arm. “Indeed.”

Reed had the door open as if nothing untoward had occurred. “Welcome back, my lady, sir.”

“Thank you, Reed,” Kit replied as they entered the hall. He bent his head to her. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“Thank you, but my brothers were much worse and not nearly so skilled. Your science is wonderful.”

“You mean that display didn’t shock you?”

“Not at all. Quite the contrary. I actually love a good match.”

His palm cupped the back of her waist as they mounted the stairs. “You are an amazing woman.”

A footman showed them to their new chambers. “Her ladyship wishes to see you.”

“Thank you.” Mary removed her bonnet and glanced around the room. It was about the same as the one she’d had before, except for the bed. That was much larger. Well, Kit did take up a great deal of space.

He wrapped his arms around her. “I’d much rather remain here with you, but if we find out what Lady Theo wants, we might be able to carve out some time alone.”

“I think that is wishful thinking, my love.” Mary reached up and kissed him. “Did you forget the wedding breakfast?” She couldn’t help but giggle as he heaved a dramatic sigh. “Give you one night away from social obligations, and you’ve already become spoiled.”

Kit gave her a wicked grin. “It is you who make me not wish for them.”

His hand slid down over her derrière, and her breathing hitched. “Once we’re back at Rose Hill, we’ll have a great deal of time together. After all, your family won’t come until after the Season is over.”

“I’m not sure a lifetime of being with you is going to be enough.” His other hand caressed her breast as he nibbled her chin.

Never in her wildest dreams—well, perhaps in her very wildest ones—had she imagined being the sole desire of any man. That it was Kit made it all the better. The more time they spent together the more comfortable they became with one another, and the sillier all her previous doubts seemed. “You’re an evil man for attempting to seduce me when we must see our hostess.”

“You mean I haven’t accomplished it?” His voice was low and sensual. “I could swear your heart is beating faster. Perhaps if I slide my fingers between your lovely legs . . .”

Oh God!
She was ready to fall into bed with him. They’d never get where they needed to be at this rate. “Cease.” Reluctantly she stepped out of his embrace. “Let’s see what she wants.”

They arrived in the breakfast room to find all their friends, and Lord Simon’s family, present.

“I’m sorry for your confrontation with Lord Freskin,” Lord Titus said. “We knew he’d be angry when he was denied admission to the house, but I never thought he would attempt to assault one of our guests.”

Kit shrugged. “You can’t be responsible for his actions. How do you plan to get your brother and his family away?” After they told him what they’d decided, he said, “I believe you should allow Cormac and Finella to appear at the breakfast. Enough people will be here that they can slip away unnoticed while one of you creates a distraction, perhaps by having another round of toasts, giving them time to change into traveling clothing and sneak out the back.”

“You might even disguise them as servants,” Mary suggested.

Caro leaned forward. “A different hat and cloak would be all that is needed. Huntley and I can go out with them, as if they worked for us, and put them in the carriage.”

“Have the luggage on it,” he added, “and send outriders. After all, no one wishes their possessions to be stolen.”

“Armed outriders,” Simon said in a grim tone.

Mary glanced at Marcus and Phoebe, who were in quiet discussion. They seemed to have come to a decision, and Marcus said, “Instead of bringing the coach back here, we can rearrange our travel to compensate for the lack of one carriage and meet up with it at the tower.”

“That would certainly draw less attention if the house is being watched,” Huntley agreed.

“One more thing.” Marcus turned his attention to Lord Simon. “How many people know you have returned?”

He shook his head. “Hardly anyone at all. I was not announced at the only entertainment I attended, and we left early. What are you thinking?”

“This scheme would be better served by you not attending the wedding breakfast. It will make it easier for you and your wife to leave undetected. Otherwise, you’ll be the main focus of attention.”

Lady Theo fiddled with the strand of pearls around her neck as she took in the suggestions. “I’d almost think you had done this type of thing before, my lord.”

Marcus gave her an enigmatic smile, and Kit whispered in Mary’s ear. “He worked for the foreign office during the war.”

After several moments, Lord Simon nodded. “I believe it will work.”

 

A half hour later, Kit was finally alone with Mary in the small parlor next to their bedchamber. Her tub was being filled, and he thought back to the day she’d seen him in the corridor after his bath. He’d have to order a much larger bathing vessel for Rose Hill.

She laughed lightly as he slowly pulled her to him. “How much time do you think we have?”

“I’m not sure.” A teasing smile graced her lips as she rubbed her palms over his bare chest, where the banyan was unfastened. “Did you have anything in mind?”

He covered her mouth with his. “When it comes to you, I always have ideas.” No other woman had ever made him want her so badly. She was his sun and his moon. He walked her back to the desk. “I thought you might like to learn something new.”

“My lady, your bath is ready.”

Hell and damnation
.

Mary sighed. “I’d better go. We don’t have much time to change, at any rate.”

He held her fingers until they slipped away.

“Sir?” Piggott poked his head in the room. “I’ve got your tub set up in the dressing room.”

Kit strode out of the parlor. He couldn’t wait to get home and have Mary to himself. If he hurried, he could watch her being dressed.

Forty-five minutes later, he swore as he threw down another neckcloth, missing the pile on the floor. He was getting as bad as Brummell had been.

Piggott handed him another one. “Sir, if I might suggest you calm yourself.”

“I am calm,” Kit ground out.

“I think Piggott is right.”

Kit glanced around. Mary stood with her back against the door. All being in a hurry had done was cause him to miss seeing her dress. “You are beautiful.”

As she strolled forward, two champagne glasses in her hands, the sheer overskirt embroidered with white thread was unable to hide the way in which the pale-yellow silk gown outlined her hips. The bodice, also embroidered in white, sparkled as it caught the sunlight. “They look like diamond chips.”

“Nothing so extravagant.” She chuckled. “They are paste.” Her gaze roamed over his body, and his muscles tightened, wanting her. She touched the front of his shirt. “I must say I like the look, though I think some of the older ladies might be scandalized.”