Nash's Niche (Behind Closed Doors) (11 page)

Chapter Sixteen

Nash lifted his head and stared his brother in the eyes as he unpicked the knots Felicity had used to bind his hands. He was going to have to teach her how to tie them and apply them correctly. If he hadn't wanted to know what she could do, he'd have freed himself within seconds. A
s it was, even before Felicity had scrambled to her feet, and moved a step further away from his brother, Nash was free. He stood up, tucked his cock back in his breeches and took hold of Felicity's hand.

"Stop conning it
. Perry, you were no more affianced than Harry is. I however am a different matter. Whatever you say Felicity and I are to be wed."

Peregrine moved further into the room. For someone who had just announced his affianced was taking part in some strange sex-ritual and not with him, he seemed mighty cool. Only the tic next to his eye and the way he clenched one fist showed otherwise.

"Do we duel?" Peregrine asked as he walked to the cabinet and poured himself a goblet of brandy. "Pistols at dawn? Or do I bow out gracefully?" He waved the decanter. "For you?"

Nash nodded. "For me and port for my lady. And you bow out, or I shoot you. I am the better shot."

"Your lady? That is a moot point, dear brother." Nash noticed Peregrine didn't mention shooting.

"Balderdash, stop it
, both of you. Nash, stop doing your best to antagonize Peregrine. He had a right to be annoyed." Felicity stamped her foot. "Grow up."

"Thank you." Peregrine bowed and handed her a glass.

"Don't bother thanking me." Felicity took the glass and downed the contents without so much a splutter or a blink of the eye.

Nash wondered where she'd got the practice.

"You're as much at fault as Nash, you're baiting him and for no reason. I say you have a right to be annoyed because of my papa’s arrogant assumption that I would accept such a stupid betrothal."

"Stupid?" Peregrine's voice rose.

Nash opened his mouth but Felicity forestalled him. "Stupid," she said again. "He married my mama for love, and knew I would only do the same. Whatever all these ulterior motives were, we need to find out. Him, you, stupid Lord Welland et al. Why is it so important we marry? Are you of Harry's persuasion, and need to be safe from blackmail?"

Peregrine flushed. Nash wondered if Peregrine did prefer men, though there had been no sign up until then.

"No, it's not that," he said—rather stiffly, Nash thought. "But I think certain people thought if we were married, I would tell you things within the throes of passion. And you, as an innocent woman, would repeat them, say to your cousin, who in turn would pass them onto her husband. He could then share them where they did most good, or evil."

"Well, how dare they
?" Felicity's eyes sparked and her bosom strained against the tight dress she wore. She paced across the room and poked Peregrine in the chest. He looked more amused than alarmed.

"I'll have you both know I am no tittle-tattle. What's spoken in bed stays in b..."
She put her hand over her mouth.

Nash couldn't help it, and he burst out laughing. Even Peregrine's lips twitched.

"I'm pleased to hear it. I am likewise," he replied. "I was only surmising what I thought others might have decided. They are not my thoughts, I assure you."

"Hmm." Felicity tapped on
e hand on her arm. Nash decided it best to intervene.

"Love
, let's all go into the study and think. I presume Harry and Martin have retired?"

"I assume so." Peregrine led the way into the study, and pulled up a chair next to the settee. "Damn
, I forgot the brandy."

"I have it." Nash put the bottle on a side table, along with two glasses.

"I have my port." Felicity sat down, and rubbed her stomach. "I'm hungry; is there any way we can get some food without waking the household up?"

"Under the muslin cloth," Peregrine said. "I brought it up with me. Basic but good. Bread
, meat, and cheese. Will that do?"

Felicity nodded, as Nash went to the platter and loaded a plate for her. She tucked in with gusto. He loved how she did everything with so much enthusiasm. Ate, rode, made love.
Don't go there
. He willed his cock to stay quiescent. It wouldn't do to show how even the thought of Felicity and him could affect him so.

Then let
's talk." Nash hoped his impatience didn't show too much. "How much did you hear, love?"

"Not enough," Felicity muttered around two slices of bread full of beef and horseradish. She swallowed. "I was detained for a short while, and then only you have perfect diction." She turned to Peregrine. "I never realized what a low voice you had
, My Lord."

To Nash's amusement, a flood of color spread over his brother's face. "I cultivate it," he said stiffly. "It can be advantageous to speak in a low voice so you are not overheard."

"Not when I'm in the cupboard trying to eavesdrop," Felicity said. "Anyway, I heard something about a fire and a woman, that is it."

"That is almost it," Nash told her. "Harry and Martin were ambushed
. Martin got free and found Perry. Harry escaped but not before he set the old cottage on fire. Their attackers are looking for a package, which we don't have, and we think that the man who is behind it all—"

"Is a woman," Felicity finished his sentence once more. "I realized that as well, it was the way he, er she, held him, her, it, oh damn
, themself. The worst thing is both Judith and I am sure we should know who she is. There is something familiar but neither of us can put a finger on it."

"Harry thinks she comes from Derbyshire if that is any help," Nash told her. "He says he should have it narrowed to a small mileage once he has time to think."

Peregrine snorted. "With his brain not his …I beg your pardon Felicity, I had forgot you were not my sister."

"Then I take that as a compliment. I have had heard about Cecilia and to be thought of like her is one of the greatest compliments I can imagine. And I am of a like mind."

"Since when have you spoken about such things to Cecy?" Nash asked. He was intrigued. He'd never have believed his stuffy brother could think like that, let alone voice those thoughts.

Peregrine tugged his ear. That gesture Nash hadn't seen since Peregrine was a schoolboy. "Since she
... oh no, it is not mine to tell. She will visit soon, and she says she will explain all."

Nash hoped so. "Therefore, what happens next? I'm telling you Perry, there will be no thought of you and Felicity wed. She is mine, in every way imaginable. We had thought to elope to Gretna."

"And take Harry and Martin as witnesses? I believe that has to be their next address. Well, Scotland anyway. Life is too hot for them here, and I don't mean setting your cottage on fire. That ruin will be no loss I assure you." Peregrine turned his attention to a large piece of Melton Pork Pie. "This is good. I thought Andre was lovesick and unable or unwilling to produce edible food?"

Felicity giggled and Nash laughed. "He is
. I have an arrangement with the landlord of the inn."

Perry grunted. "Thank the lord. I almost left you all to suffer when I remembered what happened last time." He put his plate down
and brushed crumbs from his jacket. "Now let's sort this mess out as best we can."

"Can we?" Felicity leaned forward, and put her hand on Nash's thigh. The warmth that tiny touch created gave him strength. His stomach churned. He didn't think it was the curd tart he'd eaten. That came from the inn as well.

"I should hope so," Perry said. "I don't want any nephew of mine born on the wrong side of the blanket. I judge by your faces now, and what I almost saw before, I can only assume that is a distinct possibility?"

So did Nash. He rolled one shoulder. "Unless my musket has no shot in it."

"Well," Felicity giggled again. "If what I feel is anything to go by, you have plenty of shot. Goodness, now you have me being indiscrete."

"It's a family trait," Perry replied in a solemn voice. "Welcome to the family."

"But not as your wife."

"No," Peregrine agreed. "Not that."

Nash decided it was time he had his say once more. "Now you have both sorted our future out, do you have any idea how we achieve it?"

"I do believe I may." Perry looked toward the truckle of cheese set out on the sideboard. "I think I might need to try the cheese."

Nash growled as best a human could. Perry raised both eyebrows this time.

"You spoke?"

"No, I growled. What are we to do?"

"Well, get married of course." Peregrine spoke as if he was surprised Nash had needed to ask.

Chapter Seventeen

Felicity took one look at Nash, decided he was about to commit bodily harm on his brother, and rushed into speech. "Yes, but where and how? Do you really think Gretna is the place to go?"

"Of course not. Sadly
, nor do I think Gretton Court or here is, either. I suggest you head to Devon, and see Randall and Cecy. No one will think to follow you there, and Cecy has a tame vicar she can call on." The look on his face dared either of them to argue. "I've taken the liberty of sending Jessop ahead to request Cecy set the ball rolling. Before you ask, he left a few hours ago, once I realized that Felicity and I would not suit."

"No chance," Nash muttered. "Whether you thought that or otherwise, Felicity was never for you."

"Devon is safest," Peregrine said, as if Nash had never interrupted him. "Dartmoor. Go and see Cecy's new abode. It's remote and will be perfect for you to hide out in. She'll enjoy the company. And with you there, it will give me time to try and sort all this mess that Harry has brought with him."

To Felicity it made sense apart
from the number of days it would take to get there. However, if it meant time alone with Nash, she was all for it. She looked at Nash. His face was thunderous. Did that mean all his words of love were empty? A lead weight filled her stomach, and shivers of a nasty type ran over her skin.

"Then…" she said, and was interrupted by Nash.

"Preposterous. I have a kennel to run, and a hunting season to oversee. A quick trip north would fit in far better." Nash began to pace. "I want to marry now, to make Felicity mine, before anyone else tries to interfere. And well, perhaps before any little Brigstocks make an appearance. Don't we have a tame vicar around here you can exert a little pressure on?"

He does want me.

"Not if we want the ceremony to proceed without a hitch." Peregrine ran his fingers over his chin. "There are too many opportunities for foul play. Devon it must be."

"Well then." Nash turned and looked at Felicity. The smoldering glance curled her toes and sent a hot wave of anticipation through her. She hardly noticed Peregrine standing to one side with an expression of what she decided was envy on his face. Then she forgot Peregrine altogether as Nash stopped pacing in front of her.

"I never asked," he said. "I just assumed. I should know better. Lord knows, I have railed long and loud about people behaving in such a manner toward me." To Felicity's amazement—and secret delight—Nash went down on one knee. "Felicity, love, I have to ask, don't I? Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?"

The sound of the door closing made her look up to see Peregrine leave the room. It seemed he felt they needed this precious moment together, alone, with no onlookers.

Felicity tucked her head to one side and stared at him until his ears went red. Then she relented and grinned, as she also went down on one knee, so she could kiss him and hug him tightly. His lips met hers and his tongue thrust into her mouth. It wasn't easy but Felicity managed to pull back enough to speak.

"It will be my pleasure," she said and then squealed. "Yes. Oh
, yes. When?"

Nash laughed, and kissed her again. "According to the acting head of our household, when we get to Devon."

"Acting?" she asked him. "You mean Peregrine? But surely your papa is alive, so why does Perry need to act so?" Felicity wondered at the flash of pain that crossed Nash's face. Had his papa died and no one knew for some reason? Or was so incapacitated he was no longer able to function? It was a rather indelicate question to ask.

"It's a long story, perhaps one to be told to pass the hours on our journey south. Now, sad though I am to say it, perhaps you should sleep? If we are to make that hellish journey, then we need to set off as soon as we can. Before your
papa turns up, or whoever it was who tried to do Harry and Martin an injury decides that as they are no longer about, we are the next targets."

"But they are about, surely? They can't have left yet?" Even with stealth, a journey caused some disruption, and Felicity had seen or heard nothing out of the ordinary for the middle of the night.

"No, but very soon, and then things will heat up. I want you well away from here then, in case the cottage isn't the only thing they try to destroy."

The snakes of fear she'd held at bay began to s
lither over her once more. Felicity shivered as her skin felt too tight for her frame. It was a horrible feeling, and it left her mouth dry. "Is that likely?

Nash shrugged. "It could be, who knows
? Peregrine is worried about something that might affect the security of our country. It is so complicated, I don't know where to start."

"I do." Perry had entered unheard, carrying a basket and a cloak.

"For the lord’s sake Perry, stop creeping up like that," Nash said in an indignant voice. "We could have been doing anything."

"I checked," Perry said.

Felicity hid her head in her hands. These brothers seemed determined to mortify her. Although, she admitted to herself, it was rather fun to feel part of such an unusual family.

"Perry, you embarrass Felicity," Nash said. "She is yet to get used to our ways. I apologize for my brother
, love. He seems to have forgotten any manners thrashed into him as a youth."

"Thrashed?
" It sounded terrible. Felicity knew school for boys could be brutal, but it had never been brought home to her just how so. "That is barbaric."

"Just so, and I was the good scholar," Perry said. "But school didn't differentiate
. It was thought we all needed strict discipline and they doled it out accordingly."

Nash rubbed his arse and rolled his eyes. "Oh yes. And I dare say for all the times we were punished, for no reason, there was a time we should have been caned and were not. It did us no harm."

Felicity wasn't so sure, but chose not to say so. There was a closed look on Peregrine's face, and his eyes had clouded.

"Enough of the past. We need to move on. I have heard that the danger to us all is still very real. Devon really will be best for you. Not only that
, Felicity, your papa has left his home and no one seems to know where he is. Likewise Welland. Before you start to worry, I've arranged for his wife to be taken somewhere safer, and to be cared for. Things are moving fast. Nash, you do need to go soon, as in within the hour. You need to be away before dawn."

It hit Felicity that something was very wrong. Nash and Peregrine seemed to understand each other without further words, because Nash nodded and turned to her.

"I fear your slumber will be in a coach with my arm as a pillow, not in a bed with my…." He winked. It looked an effort, but Felicity appreciated he was trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"With you
r what?" she asked in the same vein.

"My chest
, of course."

“
Ah, of course. So." She turned to Peregrine. "Tell me what I have to do. What should I pack?"

"Nothing. There is no time. When I said within the hour, I meant everything was ready. I have a decoy coach waiting just in
case it is needed. Nash will take you cross the park to where your coach awaits, and you will hopefully leave without any problems. The sooner you both go, and the sooner I get Harry and Martin on their way north, the sooner I can sort this mess out."

Felicity was glad she wasn't his enemy. His implacable face bode ill for the miscreants.

"Then let's go." She turned to Nash, who was unusually quiet. "Nash? I'm with you in all we do."

She didn't think he even heard her.

"My kennels?" The urgency with which he emphasized his words shamed her. She'd spared no thoughts to his livelihood, or worse to his hounds.

The air was heavy, and the silence only broken by a coal as it shifted in the grate. The scrap as it moved against another one made her jump.

"My hounds?" Nash's voice was harsh and Felicity watched the pulse in his neck beat erratically. He lifted his arm toward Peregrine and dropped it. "My hounds?" he asked again.

"Will be safe. You have my word."

For a long moment Nash stared at Peregrine. Then he nodded. "Then we will go."