Truce:TheHistoricNeighborfromHell

by

R.L.Mathewson

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Truce

BooksByR.L.Mathewson

TheNeighborFromHellSeries

PlayingforKeeps

Perfection

Checkmate

Truce:TheHistoricNeighborFromHell

Pyte/SentinelSeries

Tall,Dark&Lonely

WithoutRegret

Tall,Dark&Heartless

TheEMSSeries

SuddenResponse

HollywoodHeartsSeries

AHumbleHeart

AReclusiveHeart

CursedHeartsSeries

BlackHeart

Thisbookisaworkoffiction,createdbytheauthor.Names,characters,placesandincidentseitherareproductsof theauthor ’s imaginationorareused fictitiously.Anysimilarities toactualpersons(deadoralive),events,orlocationsareunintentional.Copyright©2013byR.L.Mathewson

Allrightsreserved,includingtherighttoreproducethisbookorportionsofthisbookinanyform.

eBookISBN9780988573222

Edited by: Robert Stephens, Stephanie Shaw, Jodi Negri, Jennelyn Tabios Carrion and R.L.MathewsonCoverDesignby:RochelleMcGrath

SpecialThankYouto……Mycakeladies:

LatreseandLaurenKinneywhomItriedtokidnapinFloridaonlytofindoutthattheCakeLadywasclosed

ThenextdaytheyhungoutwithusatBookBash,broughtuscakeandkeptusallveryentertained.Goodluckincollege,Lauren!

ToL.D.Davis,LisaHarley,GitteDoherty,RickiFieldbergWieselthler,RickandNickiLaCuestaandmanyothersthatIstalkformyownentertainment,thankyouformakingmyadventuresonFacebook

moreinteresting.Andlast,butnotleast,toKayleyandShane,mylittlebuddies,thebullieswhobeatmeandstealmy

chocolate,IloveyoubothandIhopelikehellthatyouneverreadanyofmybooks.

Aboutthisbook…..

DearReader,

ThankyouforbuyingTruce.IhopethatyouenjoythisbookasmuchIhave.

BeforeyoustartthisbookIwantedtoexplainafewthings.Thefirstthing,thisisahistoricalnovel,butIhavewrittenthebookinawaythatI’mhopingwillallowsomeonethatdoesn’tnormallyenjoyhistoricalstoenjoythisbook.Withthatbeingsaid,IwouldalsoliketoaddthatIalsodidmybesttoshowthisgenretherespectthatitdeservesanddidmybesttomakesurethatreaderswhonormallyenjoyhistoricalswon’tfeelslightedbythisbook.

Althoughthisisahistorical,Iwouldconsideritalighthistorical.It isnotJuliaQuinnlevelhistorical.I triedtomakethisanenjoyable,easyreadthatwilltakethereaderbacktothenineteenthcenturyandwatchastheBradfordmendeveloped.

A lot of readers havewritten tomeover the yearswith questions about theBradfordmen,wondering about their diets, personalities,familyties,etc.Itmademewonderhowitcouldhaveallstartedandmymindsnaggedontheideaofahistorical.ThisbookismeanttoshowyoujusthowitallstartedfortheBradfordmen.

Awordofwarning though, ifyouareexpectinga fullydevelopedBradford rightoff thebat,youwon’tget thatwith thisbook.Thisbookismeantoshowyouhoweverythingstarted,includinghowthefirstrealBradfordmalegothisstart.TheusualBradfordanticswillbepartofthisbook,butitwilltakealittletime,patienceandawomandrivingRobert,theoriginalBradford,outofhismind.

Withthatinmind,I’llletyougettothebook.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorcomments,youcanreachmeatrlmathewson25@gmail.com

Yourstruly,

R.L.Mathewson

TruceGlossary

Orangery:Buildingwhereorangetreesarehousedandkeptwarm.

Ton:Fashionablepeople,thenobles,etc.

Speciallicense :A licensebought inorder to forgo the requirementof reading thebannsbeforemarriage. Itallowed thebuyer togetmarriedquickly.

Governess:Hometeacher.

Footman:Liveriedservant.

Coach:Horsedrawncarriage.

Season:AtraditionalpartoftheyearwhennoblefamiliescametoLondonforballs,activities,etc.withthehopesofmarriage,catchinguponthelatestgossipandspendingtimewithfriends.

Betrothed:Promised,engaged.

Pudding :Asweetdessert.

Suitor:Amalewiththeintentionsofmarriage.

Alms:Charitablecontribution.

“Heirandthespare”:Termusedtodescribetheheirandthesecondmalechildwhowillinheritandcontinuethelineifthefirstbornmalefailstodohisdutyordies.

Bedchamber:Bedroom.

“Breakfast”:Breakingtheirfast,fastmeaningsincethenightbefore.Firstmeal.

Fortunehunter:Amanorwomanseekingmarriagewiththesolepurposeofobtainingafortune.

Stone (asinweight):It’saunitofweight.

Carriage :Horsedrawnvehicle.

Society:Groupofnobles,theirrules,expectations,customs,etc.

Sheath:Condom.

Minx:Canbeaninsultingterm,butinthisbookit’satermofendearmentforawomanturninghernoseupatpropriety.

Parchment:Paper.

Spinster:Anunmarriedwomanpastherprime.

“CutDirect”:Ignored,pushedoutofsocialcircle,theultimatesnub.

Parlor:Sittingroom.

Magistrate :Locallawenforcement.

Chamberpot:Containerusedasatoilet.

Mistress:Awomangivencomforts,money,giftsaspartofanagreementtobeavailablefortheattentionsofamanaspartofabusinessagreement.Noemotions,nopromises,justintimacy.

Bedlam:Psychiatrichospital.

Reticule :Awoman’spurse.

Prologue

PresentdayMassachusetts

“You’renotdoingitright.”Hewasgoingtostranglethesonofabitchwithhisbarehands,Jasondecidedasheignoredthe

bastard hovering over him. The party was in two hours and he wasn’t close to finishing Haley’spresent.Fourmonthsofworkingonthisdamnthingfirstthinginthemorningandlastthingatnightanditstillwasn’tdone.

ThankGodhisfatherhadstartedbuggingtheshitoutofhimsixmonthsagotogetthisdone.Atfirsthe’dshruggeditoff,decidingthatitcouldwaituntil thelastminute,butthenhisfather,unclesandafewofhiscousinsstartedtosharetheirhorrorstorieswithhimuntilhedecidedthatperhapsitwouldbebettertojustgetitoverwith.

Fourstitches,onecitationfortrespassing,twoseconddegreeburns,tenmigraines,onewreckedpair of jeans, two-thousandmiles on his car,more than a dozen sleepless nights later and hewascursing his great-great-great-great-great grandfather to hell and back for starting this bullshittraditioninthefirstplace.Woulditreallyhavekilledtheinconsideratebastardtogooutandbuyhiswifeanecklacefortheirfifthanniversaryinsteadofmakingoneanddoomingallhisdescendantstothis bullshit tradition?He really didn’t think so, especially since theman had supposedly been thebrotherofaverywealthyearl.

“Whatthehellisthatsupposedtobe?”Trevorasked,takingabigbiteoutof-

“Thosearemybrownies,youbastard!”Jasonsnapped,snatchingthehalf-eatenbrownieoutofhiscousin’shand.

Witharollofhiseyesandasmall,annoyedsigh,TrevorreachedoverandpluckedthebrownieoutofJasonhandandshoveditintohismouthbeforeJasoncouldstealhispreciousbrownieback.Manglednecklacemomentarilyforgotten,hestoodupandshovedhiscousinoutofthewaysothathecouldmakesurethattherestofhispreciousbabieswereokay.Hefelthisheartbreakashenearedthekitchencounterandsawwhatwas leftof theplatterofbrowniesHaleyhadmadehimforhismid-morningsnack.

“Howcouldyou?”Jasonaskedhollowly,pickinguptheemptyplateandprayingthathiscousinhadmissedadeliciousmorselortwo,buttherewasnohope.

Thebastardhadmostlikelylickedtheplateclean.“Iwasbored,”Trevorsaidwithashrugashesatdownatthekitchentableandleanedovertogeta

betterlookatthemanglednecklacethatJasonwasdesperatelytryingtofinishintimefortheparty.“Ifyou’rebored, thenhelpme,”Jasonsaid,shootinganervousglaceupat theclockandtrying

nottowinceattheamountoftimehe’dlostbitchingoverthelossofhisprecioustreats.

“Can’t,”Trevorsaidwithashrug.“Whythehellnot?”Jasondemanded,sittingdownnexttoTrevorandpickingupthesmallwhite

stonebeadthathe’dmadeoutofoneoftherockshe’dmanagedtostealfromthepoolareaofHaley’soldhouse.

Hereallywishedthattheyhadn’tsoldthehousetothatcrabbyoldbastard.He’dtakengreatjoyout

ofrefusingtogiveJasonafewrocksfromthepoolareasothathecouldmakeHaleyanecklacefortheir fifthanniversary.Actually,hereallywished thathe’dbroughtasteakwithhimlater thatnightwhenhe’dbeen forced to jump the fence so thathe couldgraba coupleof rocks.Thenagain, thesteakprobablywouldn’thavesavedhimfromthepsychoticlittledogwiththepinkbowthathadtakenhisjobasguarddogalittletooseriously.

“Because you have tomake the necklace by yourself from start to finish,” Trevor pointed out,unnecessarilysincealltheBradfordboysknewtherulesforthistraditionbythetimetheyweretenyearsold.

“Thepartyisinlessthantwohours,”Jasonpointedout,hopingthathiscousinignoredtraditionand helped him. He didn’t want to disappoint his wife and he sure as hell didn’t want to break atraditionthatthemeninhisfamilyheldsacred.

“Then I suggest thatyou stopbitchingandget threading,”Trevor saidwitha smugsmileashegesturedforJasontogetworking.

“Yourfifthanniversaryiscomingupsoon,asshole,soIwouldn’tgetsodamncockyifIwereyou.You’regoingtoneedhelp,”Jasonsaidpointedlyashegesturedtothethinsilverchain.

“Inthreeyears,”Trevorsaidinthatsamesmugtonethatwasstartingtopisshimoff.“You’llneedhelp then,”Jasonbitout tightlyashearranged the tinyplasticbags inorder,orat

least,whathehopedwasthecorrectorder.“Unlikeyou,Ididn’twaituntilthelastminute.AssoonasIrealizedthatZoecouldn’tlivewithout

me, I started to work on her necklace,” Trevor explained as he leaned back, making a show ofrelaxing.

“Didn’tyouhavetobeghertomarryyou?”Jasonpointedout,simplytopisshimoff.“Ijustleteveryonethinkthat.”“Uhhuh,”Jasonsaid,switchingthebagholdingasmallgraystonebeadwiththebagholdingthe

small dark, almost black, stone bead. He’dmade it from the stone he’d picked up from the bar ’sparkinglotwherehe’dcarriedHaleythatfatefulnightwhenshe’dreleasedheradorablefistsoffuryforthefirsttime.

“You’restillnotdone?”Jarred,hisfather,snortedindisgustashewalkedpastthemonhiswaytothekitchencounter.

“Almost,”hesaid,hopingthatitwasn’talie.“Wherethehellaremybrownies?”hisfatherdemanded.

“Jasonatethem,”Trevorsaidquickly,makingsuretosoundproperlyappalledastheratbastarddidhisbesttoscrewhimover.

“Youselfishbastard!”hisfatherhissedinoutrage,makinghimwishthathedidn’thavetofinishthisnecklacesothathecouldkickhiscousin’slyingass.

“Haley brought ten platters to the party,” Jason pointed out, hoping that his father and cousinwouldtakethebaitandgetthehelloutofheresothathecouldfocusonthetaskathand.

“Goddammit!” his father snapped, yanking a chair away from the table and sitting down inagitation.“Therewon’tbeanythingleftbythetimewegetthere,”hisfatherbitoutwithapout.Withamuttered curse, Jason rolled his eyes at his father ’swhining even as he frantically rearranged the

orderofthesmallbags.“Party’snotfortwohours,”Jasonpointedout,notbotheringtolookupasheplacedthehandmade

stonebeadsinwhatheprayedwasthecorrectorder.“Ifyouleavenow,Haleywillprobablyletyouhaveanentireplattertoyourselftoholdyouoveruntilthepartystarts,”hemurmuredabsently.

“Can’tleaveyet,”hisfathergrumbled.“Why the hell not?” Jason demanded, chancing a look up at the clock and wincing when he

realizedthatanothertenminuteshadgoneby.Shit!

“Tradition,”hisfatherandcousinsaidinunison,makinghimfrowninconfusion.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Jasonasked,shootingtheclockonthemicrowaveonelast

anxiousglancebeforelookingbackdownatthebagsofrockbeads.“Asyour father, it’smy job to tellyou the storybehind this tradition,”his father started to say,

onlytoshootTrevorawink,“itwillbemyjobtotellyouthetaleaswell.”

“I’ve already heard the story,” Jason said, sighing heavily as he stared down at two gray stonebeadsthathecouldn’tforthelifeofhimrememberwhichonewaswhich.

“Well, you’re going to hear it again, so stop your bitching!” his father snapped before hegrumbled,“I’mstarving,”andmakingJasonchuckle.

“Besides,”hisfathercontinuedinacalmertone,“yourUncleEthanistellingHaleythestoryevenaswespeak.”

“Tradition?”heaskedwithasmileashelookeduptofindhisfatherthrowingtheemptybrownieplatterawistfullook,nodoubthopingthatanotherbatchofbrownieswouldsuddenlyappear.

“Haley,leftasmallplatteroffingerrollsinthefridgeincaseIgothungry,”hesaid,takingpityonhisfather.

“Sityourassbackdown!”hisfathersnappedatTrevorwhenthegreedybastardshovedawayfromthetableandtookastepinthedirectionoftherefrigerator.

“I’mstarving!”Trevorbitched,buthedidsitdown.“Toogoddamnbad! I need sustenance if I’mgoing to tell this story,” his father said, sounding

irritatedashestormedovertotherefrigerator,grabbedtheplatterofsandwichrolls,leftovercherrypieandthegallonofchocolatemilk.

“That’sthekids’milk,”Jasonpointedout,returninghisattentionbacktomakingthenecklace.

Heheardhisfathergrumblesomethingasheshuttherefrigeratordoor.Whenhelookedupafewsecondslater,hewasn’tsurprisedtoseethathisfatherhadreturnedthemilkandgrabbedthegallonoficeteainstead.Themanmightbeobsessedwithfood,buthewouldneverwillinglytakefoodawayfromhisgrandchildren.NoBradfordmalewould.Theirchildrenandwivescamefirstandtheymadedamnsurethattheywerewellprovidedfor.

“Those lookgood,”Trevor said, gesturing to theplatter of sandwich rolls. “Can I haveoneofthe-“

“No!”hisfatherbitout,glaringasheshiftedthelargeplatterawayfromTrevor.

“I’mstarving!”Trevorwhined.

“Thenstarve!”“Youselfishbastard!”

“Canwegetonwithit?”Jasonsaid,cuttingoffhisfather,wholookedsecondsawayfromtakingTrevortothegroundinachokehold.

“Fine,”hisfathersaid, throwingTrevoronelastglarebeforehepickedupa tunasaladrollandreturnedhisattentiontoJason.Clearinghisthroat,hisfathershiftedinhisseatbeforehestarted.

“Onceuponatime…”

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”Jasonasked,shakinghisheadindisgust.“What?”Jarreddemanded,takingabitefromhissandwichroll.“You’rereallygoingtostartitlikethat?”Jasondemanded,sharingalookofdisgustwithTrevor,

whowasinchinghishandtowardtheplatterofsandwichrolls.

Hisfathernarrowedhiseyesonhim.“IfIwanttostartthisstoryoffwith‘Onceuponatime,’thenthat’showI’mgoingtodamnwelltellthestory!”

Jason rubbed his hands down his face.He really didn’t have time for this shit. “Fine, tell yourdamnstory,”hesaid,focusinghisattentionbackonthenecklace.

“Iwill,”hisfathersaidwithasnifffollowedbythesoundofahandbeingslapped.

“Ow!”“Thosearemysandwichrolls!”“Dad,”Jasonsaid,notbotheringtolookupashepromptedhisfathertogetonwithit.

“Oh,right,”hisfathersaid,pointedlyclearinghisthroat.“Onceuponatime…….”

Chapter1

1809

London,EnglandHydePark….alittleafter4pm.

Therehewas,herprince,Elizabethmused,sighinghappilyasshewatchedthemanthatshewasgoing tomarry.Shesmiledwistfullyandmovedaroundto theothersideof the tree togetabetterlookatJames,herJames,beforehergovernesscouldfindheranddragheraway.

Eventhoughhisfamily’sLondontownhousewasclosetotheirs,shehadn’tseenhimsincethey’darrivedaweekago.Theirtownhousesweren’tascloseastheircountryestateswere,butJamesrarelyevervisitedhis family there.Theonly timeshehad thechance toseehimanymorewaswhen theycametoLondonfortheseasonandeventhenshehardlyevergotthechancetoseehimasmuchasshewouldhaveliked.Hewasaverybusymanabouttownafterall.Knowingthatitwouldprobablybesometimebeforeshesawhimagain,shehadtotakeanotherlookatJamesandmakeitlast.

Could any man be more perfect? No, she didn’t think so. Only James, only her James wasabsolutely perfect. She bit her lip andwatched as he bowed over hermother ’s hand.He pressed agentlekisstothebackofherhandbeforereleasingit.Elizabethsighedhappilywhenhestoodbackup,mostlybecauseitgrantedherabetteropportunitytostareathim.Heworeastunningblacksuitwithacrispwhite shirt.Hisbrownhairwascut short today,but shecould stillmakeout the smallcurlsthatsheloved.

Hewas,inaword,marvelous.At twenty-four years old, he was beyond perfect. He was handsome, educated, wealthy, smart,

funny,andlovely.Everyonethoughtso.Menwantedtobehimandwomenwantedtomarryhim.Thatlast thoughtmadeherfacesquishup.No,Mamasaid thathewas tooyoungtomarry.Shesaid thatmostmen of his stationwouldn’tmarry until theywere older andmore established,whatever thatmeant.Allsheknewwasthathewashereandperfect.Withthatthoughtinmind,shereleasedanotherdreamysigh.

“Boo!”someonesuddenlyyelledjustasshewasshovedforward,makingherjumpandscreaminterror.Heartpoundinginherlittlechest,sheturnedaroundtoseewhatmonsterhaddescendedfromthetreetoattackher.

“You!” she mouthed the word perfectly, giving the little tyrant in front of her the coldest,haughtiestglarethatshecouldmuster.Thankfully,shehadtwooldersisterswho'dtaughtherwell.

The boy was momentarily dazed speechless by her reaction before he bent over withuncontrollable laughter. “Oh…..you….should…..see…..your….face!” he said through loud, ratherannoyingboutsoflaughter.

Elizabeth ranher small handsoverherpinkgownand lookeddownhernose at him.Well, shetriedtoatleast.Itwasratherdifficulttolookdownonsomeonetallerthanher.

“You, Robert Bradford, are a beastly boy!” she said loudly, perhaps a little too loudly if thelaughtereruptingaroundthemwasanyindication.

Robert’s face turnedan interesting shadeof redasElizabethnarrowedhereyesonhernemesis

and studied his face, hoping to find some proof that this boy was an imposter. It was simplyimpossiblethatsuchacrude,distastefullittleboycouldberelatedtoherJames.Thisboyhaddarker,almostblack,hair,greeneyesinsteadofJames’browneyesandwasn’tintheleastbitgoodlooking.Theboywasratherhomelylooking.Evenhermothersaidso,soithadtobetrue.

“Andyousmelllikethebacksideofamule!”Robertshotbackloudenoughforeveryonewalkingpastthemtohear.

Elizabethfeltherfaceflushhotly.Shelookedbackintimetocatchhersisterstryingtohidetheirsmilesfromtheiroverbearingmother.TheirmotherthrewthemonelookofwarningbeforeturningherattentionbacktoElizabeth.TheglarethatshesentElizabeth’swaywasaclearwarningtobehaveandnottomakeascene.

The other children around them stopped playing to watch as they giggled and pointed atElizabethandRobert.LadyBradfordlookedhorrifiedatherson’sbehaviororElizabeth’s,shewasn’texactlysureandshedidn’tcare,becauseatthisverymomentJameswaslaughing.

Ather!

Sheturnedawaybeforehecouldseethetearsstreamingdownherface.“Areyoucrying?”Robertdemanded,soundinghorrified.“Leavemealone.”

She tried to pushpast him, but beingonly sevenyears old itwas rather difficult to pushpast atoweringtwelve-year-oldboywho’dplantedhimselffirmlyinherpath.

“Iknowyoufancymybrother.Helaughsaboutit,youknow.Wealldo,”Robertsaidproudly.Shegaspedloudly.

Heknew?Helaughed?Ohno, thiswasbad.Thiswasverybad.Hadshebeen thatobvious?Herownfamilyneversaid

anything.TheysmiledatherwhentheyknewtheyweregoingtoseetheBradfords,butthatwasonlybecausetheylikedtheBradfords,wasn’tit?

Ohno,everyoneknew,sherealizedwithsomethingclosetopanic.Shehadtogetoutofhere,fast.ShemadeanotherattempttosteparoundRobertonlytohavehimmovequicklytoblockher.“What’stherush?Runningofftoplanthewedding?”heaskedmockingly.

Slowly,Elizabeth turnedaround to seeherparents, sisters,LordandLadyBradford, and Jameswalking towards them. Shewanted to cry all over againwhen she saw that her sisterHeatherwashangingon James’arm.Shewaseighteenand thiswasher first season.Shewasplain,boringandannoying,butatleastshegottotouchhim.Elizabethfeltherlittleheartbreak.

“Youknowthatyou’retheugliestsister,don’tyou?Andyou’refat,too!”Robertadded.Helookedaround,beamingatthechucklestheotherboysweresendinghiswayandclearlyenjoyinghimselfatherexpense.

Elizabethhadbabyfat,butshewouldgrowoutofit.Hergovernessandfatherhadpromisedherthatiswasjustaphase.Shecaughtoneoftheboysmakingrudegestureswithhishands,indicatingafatstomachbeforehepointedatherforhisfriends.

“Stopit!”shecried.

That onlymade them laugh louder andRobert grin hugely. She looked back, hopingMarywouldcometoheraide.Hersisterwasnolongersmiling.ShecaredaboutElizabeth,shetrulydid.Unfortunately,Marywasstillagoodtenyardsaway.Elizabethcouldtellthathersisterwasupset,butsheknewthatMarycouldn’trushoverandhelpher.Marriedwomanornot,theirmotherwouldbedevastated if any of them did anything improper that would bring the family embarrassment,especiallysinceitwasHeather ’sfirstseason.

Theydidn’tseemtobecomingtoheraidequicklyatall.Infact,theyappearedasthoughtheyweretaking a relaxing stroll through the park. They actually stopped to talk to Lady Newman. LadyNewman!Shewasthebiggestgossipoftheton!HerannoyingdaughterPenelopewaswithher.Shewasjustasmeanashermother.ShewasalsoglaringdownhertoothinnoseatElizabeth.

“Comeon,Beth,what’sthematter?Don’tyouwanttogooverandgiveyourbetrothedabigfatkiss?”

“Enough,Robert,”Jamessaid,chuckling.Elizabeth couldn’t lookback.No, shewouldn’t do it.Hewas laughing at her, again.Her sweet,

understandingJames,who’dkissedherscrapedelbowwhenshewasfive,waslaughingather.

Thatwasit.Shedidn’tcareifallthechildrenofthetonlaughedatherandmadefunofher.Shedidn’tcareifshewasthefattest,ugliestgirlintheworld.ShewouldnotbeforcedtostandhereandlistenasJameslaughedather.

ThiswasallRobert’sfault.Atthatmoment,shedecidedtodosomethingthatherparentshadspecificallyforbadehereverto

do.Infact,afteritwasdonesheknewthatherfatherwouldspankhersoundly,butitwouldbeworthit.SomehowsheforcedherselftostopcryingandsmiledsweetlyupatRobertasshepreparedherselfforamonthwithoutpuddingandasorebottom.

---Hissmilefalteredashelookeddownather.Herpudgylittlecheekswerepushedupbyasmilethat

wasratherunsettling.Shelooked….dangerous.Helickedhislipsnervously,wonderingwhatwassheupto.

“Robert, Idon’tunderstandwhyyou’rebeingsosilly rightnow.Youknowhowdangerous thatcan be,” she said, a little too loudly for his liking.All the childrenwatching them stepped closer,eager to see how this was going to end. Some of the adults also seemed quite amused with theafternoon’sentertainment,butnothim.Hesuddenlyfelttheoverpoweringneedtogetawayfromthelittlebrat.

Roberttriedtotakeastepbackandgetawayfromher,butElizabethtookastepcloser,refusingtogranthisescape.Shesuddenlylookedoddlydangerousinthatlightpinkdress.Lookingthoughtful,shetappedafingertoherchin.“IfIrecallcorrectlyyou’vebeentoldtobecarefulwhenyoulaugh,gettooexcited,nervous…”shestartedtoexplain.

Robertknewwhereshewasgoingwith this.Thelittlewitchwasabout tobreakthepromiseherparents had made to his. “Shut up!” he screamed as desperation and fear coiled in the pit of hisstomach.

Shecontinuedasifshehadn'theardhim.“Whenyou’reanxiousorupset,because,”thisiswheresheleanedinconspiratorially,butshedidn’twhisper,ohno,shedidn’twhisperit,sheyelledit,“youwillwetyourpants,again!Youknowwestillcan’tgetthesmelloutoftheparlorrug,butthenagain

itwasonlylastweekthatyouwetyourpantswhenmypuppyjumpedonyou!Infact,Idon’tknowwhatwasworse,yourcryingorthesmell!”

Loudhootsoflaughterseemedtofilltheparkashestoodthere,momentarilyfrozeninshockastherealizationthathisdeepest,darkestsecretwasouthithim.

“RobertLemonade!”shesaidinasingsongvoice,furthertauntinghimandmakinghimhatehermorethanevenhethoughtpossible.

The boyswere all pointing and laughing at him.Robert felt his lower lip tremble. These boysattendedschoolwithhim.Thiswasn’thappening,couldn’tbehappening.Thiswasbad,verybadandevenashehopedbeyondhopethatthiswasadreamheknewthatitwasn’t.Healsoknewthathislifewasgoingtobecomeintolerablenow.Suddenlyeveryboyaroundthempointedtowardshispantsandlaughedlouder.Manyofthemstumbledandfelltotheground,unabletocurbtheiramusement.

Robertwasn’tawareofthehotliquidrunningdownhislegsuntilthatmoment.Helookeddown,praying that itwas just his imagination, but itwasn’t.His brown trouserswere soaked thoroughlyaroundhiscrotch.

“RobertLemonade!”thechildrenchorused.“RobertLemonade!”HeturnedtoglareatElizabeth,whoworeapleasedlittlesmileonherface.Thiswasherfault!He

shovedhersoundly.Shestumbledback,butdidn’tfall.Hereyebrowscametogetherandshesteppeduptohim,lookingdetermined.Robertwaspreparedtoshoveheragainorpullherhairwhenhesawhersmallfistsailthroughtheairtowardshim.

He stumbled backwards, tripped over a root and landed on his backside. New laughter eruptedaround them.Notonlywashecryingandwethispants,butnowa seven-year-oldchubbygirlhadknockedhimdowninfrontofeveryone!

“Bettermakesuretobringyournannywithyounextsemester,RobertLemonade!”aboyyelled.“Yeah,don’twantanyunseemlyyellowstainsonthemattress!”“I’dhatetobehisroommate.Canyouimaginesmellingvinegarallyear?”theboysyelled,taunted

andteased.

Robertdraggedhimself tohisfeetandglaredatElizabethStanton.Oneday….onedayhewouldgetbackather.Hewouldhavehisrevenge.

Infrontofeveryonesheturnedherbackonhimjustintimeforherfathertodiscreetlygrabherandhaulheroff.

Robertstoodthere,hishandscurledupintofists,ignoringhisfamily’sconcerns,thelaughterandjeersandfocusedontherecedingimageofElizabethassheleftthepark.Onedaysoon…..

Chapter2

1824

“Thisisforyourowngood,Elizabeth!”“Yousaidthatlastyear,”shepointedout,notbotheringtoraisehervoiceorevenlookupfrom

herbookassheturnedthepageandsettledbackmorecomfortablyinherchair.

“And it would have been if you’d accepted a proposal!” her father stubbornly argued. HecontinuedtryingtoprythelibrarydooropensothathecoulddragherofftoLondonwhereshe’dbeforcedtoattendballsanddinnersnightafternightallwhileherparentsshovedeverysinglemanwithatitletohisnameinherdirection.

Shedidn’twishtomarryforatitle,buttheyrefusedtolistentohersonowshewasforcedtotakemattersintoherownhandsandbarricadeherselfinthelibrary.Itwouldn’tstopthemfromdraggingherofftoLondon,nothingwould,butatleastitmightbuyheralittlemoretimetorelaxbeforeshewasforcedtoendurethehustleandbustleofLondon.Itwouldalsoprobablygetherfatherto-

“Okay,”hesaid,soundingoutofbreath,“let’sdiscussthematter.”

Bitingbackatriumphantsmile,sheplacedherbookdown,smootheddownherskirtsandwalkedovertothedoor,butshedidn’topenit.Shewasn’tfoolishafterall.Therewasnodoubtinhermindthatherfathernowhadatleasttwofootmenstandingwithhimontheothersideofthatdoorwaitingtograbheranddragheroff.

“I’mlistening,”shesaid,leaningbackagainstthewallasshewaitedtoseewhathewaswillingtoofferincompensationifshewillinglywentthroughwithanotherseason.

Therewasaslightpausebeforeheasked,“Aren’tyougoingtoopenthedoor?”

Andmakethesamemistakethathertwooldersistershadmadewhenthey’dbeenforcedtotakethe same action? No, she really didn’t think that would be wise. Besides, unlike her sisters shecouldn’t be bought and he knew it. She didn’t care about dresses, silks, shoes, ribbons, jewelry,shopping or any number of things that the other females in her family loved and her father usedagainstthemwhentheneedarose.

Notthatshedidn’tappreciateprettythings,shedid.Shejustdidn’tcareenoughaboutthemtocavetoherfather ’sdemandsorjustifyspendingasmallfortuneonthem.Mostpeopleconsideredhertobeoddandperhapsshewas,butshetrulydidn’tcare.

“I’llgetthisdooropenedeventually,”hesaid,soundinghopefulthatitwouldbeenoughtoscareherintounlockingthedoorandgoingtoherdoomquietly.

Itwasn’t.“AndthenI’lljustfindanotherwaytoavoidgoing,”shesaid,smilingwhenheletouttheannoyed

growlthatusuallyworkedonhersisters.“Whatdoyouwant?”heaskedwarily,nodoubtexpectinghertoaskforsomethingoutrageous.

Heknewhersowell,shethoughtwithasmile.“Iwantmy independence,” she said,not terribly surprisedwhenhe letoutanotheroneof those

viciousgrowls.

“Thisagain?Really?”hedemandedinexasperation.“It’swhatIwant,”shesaid,wonderingjusthowearlyshe’dbeabletotalkhimintolettinghergo

tohernorthestate.

Technically, shewas supposed towait until her twenty-fourth birthday to accept control of herinheritance,butsincehermoneyandpropertywassupposedtobeunderhiscare,hecouldallowhertogowheneverhewanted.Unfortunately,hewasn’tanxioustoallowhisyoungestdaughtertomoveawayandliveunsupervised,whichwaswhyhewasdraggingherofftoLondon.

Hewasdesperatetoseehermarriedandherinheritanceinthehandsofacapableman.Actually,atthispointhewouldprobablybehappytoseeherinheritanceinthehandsofanymanthatwouldhaveher.Rightnowhecontrolledherlifeand,inhismind,kepthersafe,butthatwouldallchangeinjustafewshortmonthsandshecouldn’twait.

“Iwantyoutohaveonelastseasonbeforeyoudosomethingfoolish,”hebitout.

“AndIdon’twanttohavetostayfortheentireseason.”Alongsufferingsighreachedherearsandsheknewthatshe’djustwon……sortof.“I expect your full cooperation.Youwill attend every single ball, dinner andmusical that your

mothercangarneraninvitationfor.Youwillallowmentocourtyou,butyouwillfavorthementhatweapproveofwithyourtime.Youwillnotsabotagethisinanywayandinreturn,Iwillaccompanyyoutoyournorthestatetwomonthsearly,”hesaidandsheknewthatitwasprobablythebestofferthatshewasgoingtoget,butstill……

“Threemonthsearly,”shesaid,hopingthathe’daccepthercounteroffer.“I’mnotthatmuchofapushover,mydear,”hesaidwithasnortofamusement.Hereallywas,butshedecidedthatrightnowwasnotthetimetopointthatouttohim.Itprobably

also wasn’t the time to point out that he’d just agreed to let her leave when the season officiallystarted,shedecidedassheunlockedthedoorandpreparedherselffortwomonthsofpre-seasonhell.

---2WeeksLater…..

London,England

“Really,Elizabeth!”

Elizabethignoredhermotherasshesmileddownattheyoungmanshiftingnervouslyinfrontofher.Youngmanmightnotbeafittingdescriptionforaten-year-oldboy,buthewascertainlyactinglikeone.

“Ic-cancarryyourbags,m’lady.”thelittleboysaidashepushedhistoo-longhairbackwithdirtyfingers.

Elizabethleaneddowntolookthelittleboyintheeye.“That’saveryimportantjob.Doyouthinkyou’reuptoit?”

Theboynoddedenthusiasticallyashetriedhisbesttobitebackasmile.

“Hmm,Ihaveaverybusydaytoday.I’mgoingtoneedsomeonetowaitoutsidetheshopsformeandbringmybagstomycoach.That’sahardjobanditmaytakeafewhours.Doyouthinkthatyoucanhandlesuchabigjob?”sheaskedinaserioustone,bitingbackherownsmile.

“Icandoit!Honest,Ican!”

“What’syourname?”sheasked.

“Really, Elizabeth! This is beyond the pale!” hermother said in a huff. “Do hurry upwith thisnonsense.Wehavetoomuchtodotodaytowastetimeonthelikesofhim.”

She waited until her mother left, noting the little boy’s crestfallen expression. “Your name?”Elizabethaskedsoftly.

“Toby,m’lady,”hesaid,lookingdownatthegroundandsoundingmiserable.

“Well,ifyoustillwantthejobIneedagoodmantohelpmetoday.Now,asyoucanseemyfirststopishereatthisshoptomakesuremygownfitsjustright.IfyoucouldbeavailableinanhourIwouldtrulyappreciatethat,Toby.”

Lookingconfused,henoddedslowly.“WhatdoIdo'tilthen,m’lady?”

Shepulledoutfiveshillingsandhandedthemtotheboy.Hisfacelitup.“M'lady,that'stoomuchforcarryingbags!”

“Hush,Iwantyoutotakethatandgogetyourselfsomethingtoeatandstaywarm.”Shegesturedtothetwosmallboystryingtohidebehindacarriage.“Isuspectyourbrotherscouldusesomethingtoeataswell.”

Toby lookedback at theboys.His face flushedwith embarrassment. “They’re notmybrothers,m’lady.TheybelongtothefamilyIamstayingwith.”

“Justbebackinanhourandmakesureyoueatsomethinghealthy.Savethesweetsforlater,”shesaid,shoeinghimawaywithasmile.

Tobynoddedandtookoffrunning.ElizabethwatchedasTobygatheredtheboyswhocouldn’tbeolderthanfourandfiveyearsold.Itbrokeherhearttoseechildrenonthestreet.

Shethankedthefootmanholdingthedooropenforherandwalkedinsidetheshop,notsurprisedtofindhermotherandsisterfrowningather.

“Really, Elizabeth, Papa does not give you an allowance towaste on the likes of them.Hegiveshisalmseverymonth.Thisisinsultinghimtosaytheleast,”HeathersniffedasshetriedtolookdownherpudgynoseatElizabeth,butshedidn’tcare.

“Don’t bother asking your father for more money. If you chose to waste it, then that’s yourproblem,”hermotheradded.

“Ineverdo,”shesaidsoftlyasshepreparedherselfforthetorturethatshe’dhavetoendureover

thenexthour.

Herfamilydidn’tunderstandwhysheusedherallowancetohelpthelessfortunateinsteadofonnewtrinkets,ribbonsandsuch.Well,thatwasn’ttrue.Maryunderstoodperfectly.Shewastheonewho’dtaughtElizabethcompassion.JustthinkingaboutMarymadehersmile.Shewasgoingtoseehertonight.

Herparentsweredraggingher to everyball, dinner and social occasion they could find aspertheir agreement.Theywere acting a bit desperate even though shewas currently being courtedbyseveralmen.Itwasn’thardtoguesswhy.She’dturneddownfifty-fiveproposalsinthelastfiveyearsandherparentswerebecomingworriedthattheywouldhaveanotherspinsterontheirhands.

Itwasn’t thatshedidn’twanttomarry.Shejustdidn’twanttomarryforanythinglessthanlove.Maryfound loveandshewasdetermined toaswell.Therewasone thing thatshewassureof;shewasn’tgoingtofindloveatoneoftheton’spartieswiththesameolddrearylotthatshe’dgrownupwith.Sheknewthatshewasn’tgoingtofindlove insomedustyoldballroomoramongthegroupshe'd known all her life.When she found love, itwould be somewhere unexpected, she knew thatmuchatleast.

“Nowcomealong.Wehavea lot todo today.Weneed tobebackbeforefiveso thatwecanbereadyontime.Iwanttoarriveintimeforyoutodancethefirstwaltz.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrowat that comment.Whywashermother suddenlyworried about hermissingthefirstwaltz?Sheusuallylikedtoarrivelate,everywhere.Accordingtohermother,itmadeforabetterentranceandleftElizabeth’ssuitorsnervous,whichwasthewayasuitorshouldbeleft.Her mother expected her suitors to pine over her and be in despair if she didn’t arrive on time.Somethingwasgoingonandshewasafraid that shewasgoing to findout too late todoanythingaboutit.

Anhourlater,Elizabethandhermaidcarriedseverallargeparcelsoutoftheshop.Shestoppedinfrontofthestoreandlookedaround.Tobywasnowheretobefound.

“I toldyou,Elizabeth.You’re far too trusting,”Heather saidwitha sniff as shewalkedpasthercarryingnothing.Shewalkedarminarmwiththeirmothertowardstheirnextdestination.Afootmancarriedtheirlargepileofparcelstothecarriage.

“Iwassurehewouldremain,m’lady,”hermaidsaidwithasmilethatsaidotherwise.

“I was too,” she said, sighing heavily as she held the parcels higher. “No use fussing over it.What’sdoneisdone.”

In truth, shedidn’tmindonebit. Ifhe’d returned, shewouldhave foundaway togivehimmoremoneywithoutinsultinghispride,butifheneededtoleavethenthatwasfine.Shehadnodoubttheboywouldusethemoneytofillhistummyandthatwasallshecaredabout.

“M’lady!”asmallvoicecalledout,soundinganxiousandoutofbreath.

Elizabeth looked over her shoulder to see Toby running towards her. His brown hair was

windblownandhispalegreyeyeswereasroundassaucers.“I’msosorry,m’lady!”

Shenoddedandhandedherpackagesover to theboy. “That’s fine.You’reherenow,” she said,smilingdownattheboy,pleasedthathe’dreturned.

“Iwassoworriedyou’dfindanotherlad.IswearthatItriedtogetbacksooner,m’lady.”

“Whattookyousolong?”hermaidrudelyasked.

Elizabeth threw her a look ofwarning. That seemed towork, but unfortunately not beforeToby’shopefulexpressionturnedworried.

“I'msorry.Timmyisn’tusedtoafullstomachsoIhadtoseehimhome,"heexplainedinarush.

“That’sfine,Toby.Iquiteunderstand.Shallwebeoff?”Elizabethsaidwithasmile,hopingtochangethesubjectsothatTobywouldstopworryingaboutbeingreplaced.

Henodded.“Whichoneisyourcarriage,m'lady?”

Shegestured to theblackcarriage across thebusy street thatboreher family’s seal.With anod, Toby took off running across the street and nearly gave Elizabeth heart failure when henarrowlymissedgetting struckby a passing carriage.Hequickly handed the packages over to thecoachman, ran back to take hermaid's packages and delivered them to the carriage.Whenhewasdone,hereturnedtoElizabeth'ssideandwalkedwithhertothenextshop.

ForthenextthreehoursTobywasatherbeckandcall.Henevercomplainedaboutthenumberofpackagesorthelengthofthewait.WhentheyweredoneforthedayElizabethturnedherbackonhermotherwhiletheygotintothecarriage.Tobystoodinfrontofher,shiftingnervously.

“I'msorryIwaslate,”hesaidsoftly.

Shegavehimareassuringsmile.“It’sokay.DoyouknowwhereBelfordManoris?”

Hestoodstraightandnodded.“Well,ifyoucanfindBelfordManortonight,goaroundthebacktothe kitchen and tell themLady Elizabeth sent you. They shall have some very delicious treats foryou,”shepromisedhim,hopingthekitchenstaffwoulddomorethanjustgivetheboysometreats.

“Really?”

“Yes," she smiled, "and I suspect if youwere tooffer somehelp,you'd earn some food to takehometoyourfriends.”

"Iwill!I'llworkrealhard!"hesaidexcitedly.

Shereached intoher reticuleandpulledoutapoundnote.Shehanded it to theboy.“This is fordoingsuchafinejob,Toby.NexttimeI’mshoppingIshallaskforyoubyname.”

Hisfingersshookashereachedoutforthenote.Helookedasifhethoughtthismightbesome

crueljoke.“Goon,takeit,”sheencouragedhim.Hedid,slowly.

“Thankyou,m’lady,”hesaid,lookingupather.Elizabethhadtobiteherliptostopherselffromcrying.Tobysmiledshylyatherasifshewereanangel.

“Goonnow.Takecareofyourself,Toby,andmakesuretocomebyforsomefood.”

Henoddedfirmly.“Iwill,m’lady.”

Hewatchedassheclimbedintohercarriagewiththehelpofhercoachman.Hequicklyhidthenoteinhisshoeandwalkedaway,smiling.

Chapter3

“Oh,dostoppouting,Robert,”hismothersaidteasingly.He glared at her from across the carriage. “I am not pouting,” he said firmly. “I just don’t

understandwhy…no,letmefixthat,howyoumanagedtotalkmeintothis.”Withadelicateshrugofhershoulderssheexplained,“Whileyou’reintownyouwillspendsome

timewithyourfamily.Besides,you’retwenty-nineyearsoldandshouldreallymakeanappearanceortwoinsocietyifyoueverplanonmakingagoodmatch.”

He opened his mouth to once again point out that he had no plans of marrying unless heabsolutelyhadto,butshewasn’tdone.

“Itwon’tkillyoutoattendafewballs,dinners,andthetheatretohelpJamesfindanewwife.Itlooks good for him to have a close family. It makes mothers feel more at ease to have theirdaughter ’scourtedbysuitorswhocomefromagoodfamily.”

James groaned next to him and he couldn’t help but feel bad for his brother. Years ago theirmotherhadhoundedJamesincessantlyuntilhe’dfinallymarried.Roberthadafeelingthathisbrotherhadmarriedsimplytogettheirmothertostopharassinghim.Hell,hewoulddothesameifsheeverstartedonhim,butthankfullyshefeltthathewastooyoungtomakeanywomanagoodhusband.

SadlyforJames,he’dmarriedawomanhehadn'tloved.Actually,Robertwasprettysurethathehadn't even liked thegirl.Hecouldn’tblame James ifhehadn't.Miranda had been a vicious bitch.She’dpridedherselfonhavingthebestofeverythingandshamelesslyflaunteditineveryone’sface.ShedidherbesttogothroughherdowryaswellasJames’holdingsbeforeshediedthreeyearsago.

Ithadbeenanunfortunateaccident.Well,Robertlikedtothinkthatfatehadsteppedin,dispensingalittlepoeticjustice.Theincidenthadbeenentirelypreventableonherpart.Shesawawomanthatshefelt was inferior to her through the glass of a shop, speaking with a clerk while gesturing to abeautiful setofpearls.According toMiranda’s footman, shemuttered somethingabout thewomannothavingabettersetthanherandstormedacrossthestreet,completelyobliviousofthemailcoachrushingdownonher.

Sincethen,Jameshadenjoyedashortreprievefromtheirmother,butnowshewasinfullforce.Jamesneededtogetmarried,again.Hewasafterallnextinlineforthetitle.Itwashisdutytomarryandproduceanheir.Robertcringedinwardly.IfJamesdidn’tmarryandproduceanheirsoon,theirmotherwouldstartrantingabouthimbeingtheirlasthope,again.Thatwouldn’tdo.EvenifhehadtoknockJamesoutanddraghisbodytothealtar,Jameswasgettingmarriedagain.Endofstory.

“Didyouhearwhatyourmothersaid,Robert?”hisfatherasked.

“Huh?”Robert lookedup tosee twin looksofexasperationonhisparents’ faces.“Er,sorryno,woolgathering,”hesaid,gesturinglazilytohishead.

“IsaidthatthiswholenonsenseyouhaveaboutavoidingtheStantonsneedstoend.Forheaven’ssakeyou’renolongerachild,Robert.Idon’tevenrememberwhatthepoorgirlsaidordidthatupsetyouso.”

Oh, so theywere talking about theStantons again.That could onlymean that they expected theStantonstoattendtheballtonight.Thatwasfine.HeratherlikedLordNorwoodandhiswife…sortof,andhelikedMary,andhesortoflikedHeatheralthoughsheremindedhimofhermother.Theyacted

like twins.Theymade thesamecomments,dressed in thesamestyle,basically theywalked, talked,andactedalike.Hewouldprobablyavoidthosetwoasmuchaspossible.ThentherewasElizabeth.

Oh,hewoulddefinitelyavoidher.He’dbeendoingitsuccessfullyforoveradecade,soonemorenightshouldn'tbeatalldifficult.

“RobertLemonade,”Jameshappilysupplied.“Thankssomuch,”hesaiddryly,hopingthathismothersimplyletitbe.Jamesgrinnedhugely.“Thinknothingofit.”

“That’swhyyou’veavoidedthemliketheplague?Overaname?Ofalltheridiculousthings.Son,you’re twenty-nineyearsold. It’sabout timeyouacted likeamanandgotover thisnonsense,”hisfathergrumbled,soundingirritatedasheusuallydidwhenhegaveRobertthislittletalk.

“Well,”Jamesdrawled,“inRobert’sdefensethetwoofthemcannotbeinthesameroomwithoutcausingascene.”Hehelduphishandtostophismotherfromspeakingwhenitbecameobviousthatshewasdyingtosaysomething.“Irealizethattheyhaven’tbeeninthesameroominoverfourteenyears, butyoumustunderstand thatnoone, and Imeannoone,has forgottenhisnicknameor thecircumstancesaroundthename.Itfollowshimeverywhere.”

CatchingRobert’smurderousglare,Jamesshothimawinkandcontinued.

“But,Idoagreewithyou.Heneedstogetoverthis,especiallyifhewantstoescapethatdreadfulnickname.Hedoesn’tgooutintopolitesociety.Hekeepstohimselfandhisbooksand,whenhe’snotdoingthat,he’soutonhismanorworking.He’sfartooserious.”

“You’rejustjealous,becauseI’vemademyownwayintheworld,”Robertadded,tryingtoirritatehisbrotherenoughtodroptheconversation.

“Ihardlythinkyoumakingafortuneoffyourinheritancecountsasmakingyourownwayintheworld.”

“Itdoesif itwasmybirthdaysumwhenIturnedeighteen.Unlikeyou,Ididn’tspenditoncardsandwhor-“hisfatherpointedlyclearedhisthroattoremindhimthattheirmotherwasinthecarriage,“er,entertainment.Itookmymoneyandinvesteditandreinvestedit.NowIhavemyownfortuneandland.Idon’tneedtomarryformoneyortowaitforatitle.”Heshotasheepishgrinathisfatherwhenherealizedhowthatsounded.“Sorry,father.”

Hisfatherwaveditoff.“Iknowthatnooneiswishingmeilltogettheirhandsonmytitle.Weareallveryproudofyouraccomplishments,Robert.”

“Thank you, sir,” Robert muttered, embarrassed by the turn of conversation. He hated talkingabouthissmallfortune,especiallywithhisfamily.Itwasbadenoughthatthemothersofthetonwerestartingtoeyehimgreedily,eagerlyignoringhisreputationasarakeandabastardingeneralinthehopesofhavingtheirdaughterswellsettled.Littledidtheyknowthatitwouldneverhappen.

Hismotherhuffed.“Whatisit,Danielle?”hisfatherasked.ShegesturedtoRobert.“He’sdoneitagain,Harold.Hedistractedusfromthisconversation,don’t

you see?” She turned her attention back onRobertwith a look of determination that actually sentchillsdownhisspine.

“You will stay the entire four weeks that you promised me. I will not accept any sudden

emergenciesthatcomeupoveryourestateoranynotesfromyoursolicitor.Youwillbeonyourbestbehaviorandyouwillnotmakeascene.YouwilldoyourbesttogetalongwithLadyElizabeth.”Hereyesnarrowedonhim.“Andyouwillpromisenottofightattheball.”

Hegroundhisteethtogether.Histemperwasn’tthatbad.Hecouldn’tthinkofanyfighthe’dgottenintothathadn’tbeennecessary.Hismotherjustdidn’tunderstandwhatitwasliketobeaman.Somethingscouldnotbeignored.

“Ipromiseforyoursakenottofightinsidetheball.”Hechosehiswordingcarefully.Noneedtobreakapromisetohismotherwhenhecouldgetaroundtheparticulars.

Shenodded.“Evenso,IthinkI’llkeepaneyeonyou.”“Isthatwhyyoudidn’tallowmetobringmyowncarriage?”heasked,suddenlyverycertainthat

itwas the reasonwhy she’d browbeat him into accompanying her tonight.He knew this nonsenseaboutmissinghimandwantingtoenjoyhiscompanyduringtheridehadbeenabitmuch,evenforher.

She ignored him as she continued. “If you do not behave andmake the best of it so that yourbrother can find a newwife,” she narrowed her eyes to slits, “Iwill personallymake itmy life’smissiontofindyouawife.”

“OhdearGodinheaven,”Robertgasped.Itwasjustthesortofthreatthatwouldwork.Hedidn’twantawife,notunlesshisbrotherfailedtoproduceanheirandthejobfelltohim,leavinghimwithnootherchoice.

JameschuckledbesidehimastheirfathertriedhisbestnottolaughandwasdoingafinejobofituntilhemetJames'eyes.Heabruptlystopped laughingamoment laterandclearedhis throatwhenDanielleglaredathim.

Twocouldplayatthisgame.Henarrowedhiseyesandglaredrightbackather.“You’rebluffing.”Shesmiledsweetly,toosweetlyforhiscomfort.“AmI?”Hestudiedherforalongmomentbeforehegroanedindefeat.“Thisisn’tfair,”hecomplained.

“Toobad.”Fourweeksofballs,dinnersandthebullshitofthe tonwasnothisideaofagoodtime,butif it

meant that itwouldhelpget the smirkingbastard sittingnext tohimmarriedand savehim fromasimilarfate,thenperhapsheshouldconsiderremainingonhisbestbehavior,hedecidedasheleanedhisheadback,closedhiseyesandsighedheavily.

Thiswasgoingtobealongfourweeks.

Chapter4

ElizabethforcedasmilefortheyoungEarlwhowastryingtomonopolizeherattention.Thingshadn't changed.He’d tried the same tactics last season.Themomenthewalked into the room,he’dgiven her what she was sure he believed was a devastating smile before he worked the room,avoidingherforthenexthour.Everyfewminuteshisattentionwouldshift toherfacetoseeifshewaswatchinghim.Shewasn’t.SheonlyknewofhistacticsbecauseMarykeptherwellinformed.

Marywastheperfectchaperone.Sheknewabsolutelyeverythingthatwentonaroundherandhadallthelatestgossip.Herhusband,Anthony,whomElizabethabsolutelyadoredasthebigbrothershenever had, keptMary informedof all the latest information about every eligible bachelor.Hewasdetermined to make sure that no rake or fortune hunter got his hands on Elizabeth. He was veryprotectiveofher,almostasprotectiveasMarywas.

NowshehadtomakeconversationwithJonathan,theEarlof…well,shehadforgotten.He’dtriedto court her for threemonths last year. Every time he visited, she politely declined his offers forwalks,invitationstothetheatreandeveryotherexcusethathecouldfindtospendtimewithher.Theydancedatalmosteveryballonlybecauseitwaspolitetodoso.Heoffered,sheaccepted,becauseshedidn’thaveachoice.Itwasthatsimple.

“Iwaswonderingifyouwouldcaretotakeastrollinthegardenswithme?”Jonathanasked.“Oh?Now?”sheasked, tryingnot tosoundalarmed.Nohonorablemanwouldaskawoman to

takeastrollinthegardensatthistimeofnightandespeciallynotinthisfrigidweatherwithouthavingsomethingnefarious inmind.Awalk around the roomwouldhavebeen the appropriate andmorehonorableoption.

“Yes,”hemurmuredwithapleasedsmile,clearlyintentontryingtouseseductiontogainherhandinmarriagesincenothingelsehadworked.Shefullyplannedonrefusinghim,butshehadtodoitwithoutinsultinghimwhenshe’dratherboxhisearsfortheattempt.

Thankfully,Marywason topofeverythingasusual.She’dalreadydecidedwithAnthony’shelplast year that theEarlwouldnot do.Hewas a reckless rake andkeptmistresses until theybecameroundwithhischild.Theyweren’texactlysurehowmanyillegitimatechildrenhehad,butitwasatleastfive.

Societylookeddownonillegitimatechildrenasifitwassomehowtheirfault.Shedidn’tcareifamanhadanillegitimatechildaslongashedidrightbythechildandgaveithisnameandprotection.Thethingthatdisgustedhermostaboutthesituationwastossingapregnantwomanintothestreetlikeusedgoods.Shecouldneverbewithamanlikethat.

Notthatherparentshadanyideaofherplans.Theydidn’t.Theywerepushingforhertomakeamatchnowmorethanever.Infourmonthsshewasgoingtogaincontroloverherinheritance.Hergodmotherhadbeenacraftywomanwho’dburiedthreehusbands,buildingherfortuneandholdingswitheachman.She’dpassedawayfiveyearsago,leavingeverythingtoElizabeth.HerparentswantedtoseeherholdingsinthesafeandcapablehandsofherhusbandasifElizabethwouldallowanymantocontrolherorherinheritance.Didn’ttheyknowheratall?

“Elizabeth,Motherwouldliketospeakwithyou.”

ShegaveJonathanthesweetestsmilethatshecouldmanagewithoutgagging.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,itseemsthatIamneeded.”

Hebowed.“Ofcourse.”He tookherhandbeforeshecouldstepawayandpressedakiss toherknuckles.“Until later,mylady,”hemurmured,pressingasecond, lingeringkiss to thebackofherhand.

Elizabeth fought the urge to yank her hand away, forcing herself to wait for him to release itinstead.Shegaveacurtsyandwalkedaway,grippingMary’sarmtightly.“Ifyoueverleavemealonewithhimagain, I swear that Iwill tellTommyandMarcus every single prank that you and I everpulledsothatyouwillbewalkingoneggshellsforthenextfiveyearswithfearofwhatthey’lldo.”

Marylaughedsoftly.“Oh,mydear,Iamthemotheroftworambunctiousboys.Trustme,Ialreadylive in fear of what they’ll do. Did I tell you that one of the little beasts put a dead fish in ourbedchamberlastweek?Itwassodreadful.”Shetriedtosoundhaughty,butheramusedsmilegaveheraway.“Anthonyswearshecanstillsmellthefishinourroom.”

Elizabeth tried to give her an innocent smile. “Iwonderwhere they could have gotten that ideafrom?”sheasked,decidingthatitwasprobablybestnottomentionthattheyhadn’tfoundthefishthattheboyshadhiddenbehindMary’sdresser.

“Youwouldn’t know anything about that now, would you?”Mary asked casually. Theywalkedalongthewall,headingtowardsthecourtyarddoorswheretheirmotherwaswaitingforher.

“Me?WhyeverwouldIdothattoyou?”Shepressedherhandtoherchestinfeignedinnocence,butMarywasn’tbuyingit.

“Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps you felt that I was owed a little something for going along withMother ’sschemetomakeyouspendmoretimewithLordDumford.”

“Hmm,youknow,youcouldberight,”shesaidthoughtfully.Itwasexactlythereasonwhyshe’dsuggested the idea tohernephews.Hermotherwasdesperately trying tomakeamatchofher andLordDumfordandMarywashelping.Themanwasnearforty,baldingandboring.ThemanwasalsoaMarquee,which,inhermother ’sbook,meanteverything.

Mary was pushing the match for other reasons. The man would never hit her and wouldprobably have very little to dowithElizabeth once she gave him an heir and a spare. IfElizabethcouldn’tmarryforlove,Marywouldratherhavehersistersettledinasafematch.

Marylaughed.“Ishouldhaveknown.Anthonywillbelividwhenhefindsout.”“No,hewon’t.Headoresme.He’llthinkit’sgoodfun.Webothknowhe’lldosomethingtoget

backatme,probablybytheendoftheweek.”

Maryshrugged.“You’reprobablyright,”shesaid,clearlybitingbackasmile.ElizabethknewwhatevertheydidtoherthatMarywouldbebehindit.Thingswerelookingup.

AtleastwhileshewasforcedtoremaininLondonforthenexttwomonthsshecouldhavealittlefun.Thesightthatwelcomedthemwasenoughtosoberherimmediately.Theirparentsstoodnextto

LordDumford,whowaslookingrathersmug.Theirmother'spolitesmileturnedabsolutelypleasedwhenshespottedElizabeth.“Thereyouare,mydear.”

Elizabethforcedherselftosmile.LordDumfordtookherhandandbowed,pressingachastekissagainstherknucklesthatlefthercold.“Goodevening,LadyElizabeth.”

Withaforced,barely-theresmile,shecurtsied.“Goodevening,myLord.”Herfatherclearedhisthroat.“Elizabeth,LordDumfordhasbeentellingusofhislandsinthelake

region.It’sveryinteresting.”

“That sounds lovely, my Lord,” she said, trying not to cringe when she spotted several menwalkingtowardsthem,probablyhopingtostealherforadanceorawalk.Fiveofthemwereknownfortune hunters and the others were known bores. She wasn’t sure which was worse, but at themomentshewasinnomoodtofindout.

“Ifyouwouldpleaseexcuseme,IbelievethatIcouldusesomefreshair,”shesaidsoftly,relievedwhenherfathergaveherasmallnodofapproval.

“Should I accompany you, Lady Elizabeth?” Lord Dumford asked, looking expectant that shewouldagree.

Sheforcedapolitesmile.“No,thankyou.Iwouldn’twanttointerruptyourevening,myLord.Ishallonlybeamoment.”

“Perhapsyou’lldomethehonorofadancewhenyoureturn?”Herfathernoddedslightlyandsheknewthatherreprievefromthis torturewouldonlybeshort

lived,butshewouldgladlytakewhatevershecouldgetatthemoment.“That sounds lovely, my Lord. I look forward to it.” As she moved to leave, a few of the

matchmaking mothers turned their attention on her and gestured for their sons to approach her.Realizing that sheneeded to leave immediately if shehadanychanceat all, she turnedandwalkedslowlytowardstheterracedoors.Onceshemadeittothelawnandthesafetyofdarknessshegrabbedupherskirtsandmadearunforit,prayingthatnoonewouldfollow.

---

“Oh,Mr.Bradford,docomemeetmydaughters,LadyPenelopeandLadyEmma,”aratherrotundwomansaid.Robertcouldn’tforlifeofhimrememberhername,buthewaspositivethathe’dseenheratonetimeoranotherspeakingwithhismother.

Hepastedhismostcharmingsmileonhisface.“Itwouldbemypleasure.”HekissedthehandofLady Penelope and noted that she was rather fetching. He then greeted Lady Emma, who wasunfortunatelyhermother ’sdaughter.Hewaswillingtobetthegirlweighedtwostonesmorethanhimandshewasshort,makingtheextraweightallthemoretragic.

LadyPenelopeflutteredhereyelashesathiminaveryflirtatiousmanner.Eventhoughhehadnoplans onmarrying anytime soon, hewouldn’tmind spending a little timewith a beautifulwoman.“LadyPenelope,wouldyoucaretotakeaturnabouttheroomwithme?”

Shelookeddownshyly,anacthewassure.“Thatwouldbelovely,Mr.Bradford.Thankyou.”

Roberttookherhandandplaceditonhisarm.Hecouldbarelyfeelhergripthroughhisjacket.Itwas a shame that women of her class wore gloves everywhere. For once hewould like to feel awoman’sbarehandonhisarm.Afirmergripwouldn’thurteither.Hertouchfeltcoldanddistanttohim.Hehatedthesegames,buthewouldbewillingtoplaythemtomakehismotherhappy,orifitmeantthathecouldstealakissfromabeautifulwoman.

“LadyPenelope,haveyoubeenenjoyingLondon?”“Yes,theweatherhasbeendelightful,”sheanswered.Heranswerwasshortandproperandwithout

atraceofanoriginalthought.He’dbeenhopingtoengageinanactualconversationtopassthetime.No,perhapshehadn’taskedagoodquestion.Maybeshewasn’tliketherestofthesemindlessdrones

whocaredaboutnothingexceptfindingahusbandwithatitleandalargepurse.

Heclearedhisthroat.“Haveyoubeentothetheatrelately?”

Shesmiledbrightlyatthat.Heenjoyedthetheatrehimself.“Oh,I’vereallyenjoyedgoing.Papaallowedmetopurchasethreenewgownsjustforthetheatre.

Ihaveoneinlightpink,oneinlightgreen,andaprettyvioletdress.Also,Iboughtnewbonnetsandgloves.Itwassodelightful!”

Hecouldcry.Hereallycould.

“Whatplaydidyouattend?”heasked,hopingtherewasawaytosalvagethisconversation.“Pardonme?”sheasked,clearlyconfused.“Whatplaydidyouattend?Whenyouworeyournewdresses,whatplaydidyouattend?”

“Oh!”sheexclaimedas if thiswasanewandunexpected lineofquestioning.“Ididn’twearmynewdressestothetheatre.Iworemyyellowdress,becauseitwentbetterwiththegoldcurtainsinmyfamily’sbox.”

“Theplay,LadyPenelope,whatwasit?”Pleaseletherknowthis.Damnhimandhisstandards.Hedidn’tconsortwithwhores,marriedwomenorinnocents.Well,hedidn’ttakemorethanafewkissesfroman innocent.Theoneuniversalproblemhehad,he couldn’t stomach the companyof empty-headedwomen.

Asmuchasheenjoyedsex,andhetrulydid,theprospectofithadneverdrivenhimwildordistractedhimtothepointthathecouldignorehisridiculousstandardsandriskbeingwithawomanwith a penchant for drama. Then again, he’d never hadmuch of a choice in thematter thanks toElizabethStanton.Ithadonlytakenherafewminutesonesunnyafternoontoguaranteehimalifeofmisery.

Inamatterofminutesshe’dturnedhispleasantexistenceintosomethingofanightmare.Aftershe’d dubbed himRobert Lemonade, he’d lost all his friends, his reputation and his life had beenturned into a living hell. He’d been teased, taunted and humiliated thanks to her. He’d become aprimarytargetfortheotherboysatschool.

For twowholeyearshe’dbeenpushedaround,beatupandtaunted.Theyfoundgreatfuninhumiliatinghimandmadedamnsurethathewashumiliatedonadailybasis.Withouttheprotectionofatitle,theknowledgeofhowtofight,orfriendswhocouldhavedefendedhim,he’dbeenaneasytarget.Theyenjoyedthemselvesimmenselyathisexpenseuntilthedaythathe’dfinallyhadenoughandstartedtofightback.

Atfirsthe’dlostmorefightsthanhe’dwon,butitwasenoughtomakesomeoftheotherboysthinktwiceaboutthrowinglemonsathim,knockingdownhisbooks,orsneakingintohisroomanddrenching his bed and clotheswith vinegar.His sudden growth spurt hadn’t hurt either.While theotherboyshadgrownslowlyintomanhood,itseemedasthoughhe’dbeenshovedheadfirstintoit.

He’dgrownintoamanduringthesummerbreakofhisfifteenthyearjustshortlyafterhe’dfinallyhadenoughofElizabethStanton’sbullshit.Heshotupatleastafootandgainedafewstonesinmuscleswhiletheotherboysonlygainedafewinchesandahealthyfearofhim.Alongwithhissize,his temperhadgrownandheno longerputupwith jestsathisexpense.His temperand reputationfollowedhimthroughtheyears,makingmenfearhimandwomanwaryofhiscompany.

Ifithadn’tbeenforhisfamilyconnectionsandwealth,hehadnodoubtthatthetonwouldhave

turned their back on him long ago. He would have gladly welcomed the exclusion and sought adifferentlifeforhimselflongbeforenow.Lifeamongthetonsimplywasn’tforhim.Forhisparentsandbrotherhe’dtoleratedthisexistenceuntilafewmonthsagowhenhe’dfinallyhadenough.

Quitesimplyput,hehatedeverythingaboutthetonanditsmindlessdrones.Hecouldcarelessabout the latest gossip, the latest fashions and living his life by a set of ridiculous rulesmeant toexclude anyonewith an ounce of originality.His feelings on thematter had been the basis for hisrulesaboutsexandwomen.Hecouldn’ttoleratetakingawomanwithoutanoriginalthoughtinherheadtobed.He’ddoneitafewtimesandhaddetestedthecoygamesthatthey’denjoyedplaying.

Chapter5

“Mamasaysyouboughtanewestate.Howmanyacres?”Helookeddownatthewomanonhisarm.Thenewexpressiononherfacewascalculating.Bloodyhell.

“Howmanyacres?”sherepeatedmorefirmlythistime.“Alittleoverahundred,”hesaidcarefully,notcaringonebitforthenewgleamofinterestinher

eyes.Hedecidednottomentionthathe’dsoldthatestatealmostimmediatelyafterbuyingitoncehe’drealized that the bullshit from his past had followed him. Nor did he mention that he’d alreadypurchased a new estate inAmerica and that hewas leaving once he’d fulfilled his promise to hismothertohelpJames.

“Hmmm.”Shelookedoverhisclothesasifsheweretakinginventory.Heworethelatestfashion.Hedidn’tbuyclothesoften,butwhenhedid,hewentforquality.Sheseemedhappywithwhatshesawifthelittlenodofapprovalwasanyindication.

He desperatelywanted to change the subject before she inquired about his other holdings. “So,whatplaydidyouattend?”

Herfacetwistedupindisgust.“ItwasoneofShakespeare’sI’mafraid.Ifindthemalladreadfulbore, but this one was most appalling. Mother insisted that we leave at intermission and Iwholeheartedlyagreed.”

Hestoppedshort.Heratherenjoyed theBard’splays.Hecouldn’t thinkofanything inhisplaysthatwouldbeappalling.“Whatwaswrongwiththeplay?”

“Awomanwasdressedinmen’sclothing!Itwasobscene!”

“Wasthewomanpretendingtobeherbrother?”heasked,alreadyknowingtheanswer.“Yes!Itwasdreadful.”“Wastheplay‘Asyoulikeit’?”

“Yes.”Itwasoneofhisfavoriteplays.Thatansweredthat.“LadyPenelope,allowmetoreturnyouatoncetoyourmother.IfindthatIneedsomefreshair.”

Hergriponhisarmsuddenlytightened.“Freshairsoundslovely.”Shelickedherlips,invitingly.Christ almighty, the girl wanted to trap him. He practically dragged her back to her mother andwithoutanotherwordhemadehiswayoutside.

He avoided the garden andwooded areas. Those areaswere for lovers if theywerewilling tobravethiscoldnightforanaffair.Theorangery,softlyilluminatedbytheglowofseverallanterns,stoodahundredyardsawayfromthehouse.Itwastheperfectspotforanescapeonanightlikethis.In this cold he doubted anywomanwouldwillingly brave theweather to go there for a tryst.Theorangerywas thesafestspot forhimand itwouldbeblessedlywarminside thanks to thefires thatwerekeptlittostoptheorangetreesfromdying.

He ran the last twenty yards to escape the frigidwinds and nearly groanedwith reliefwhen heenteredthewarmorangery.Hecouldeasilyspendthenextfourhourshere,hedecidedasthesmellof

a burning fire and oranges teased him.He looked around the orange trees and nearly groaned indisappointmentwhenherealizedthatthisorangeryhadprobablyonlybeenrecentlybuilt.Thetreeswereabitsmallandheldorangesfarfrombeingripe.

Itwasreallytoobadhehadn’tthoughttobringabookorsomethingtoeat.He’donlyeatenanhouragoandhewasalreadystarving.Itwasnothingnew.Hewasalwayshungry.Itwassomethingthathis familyhadneverunderstood,but thankfully they’d stopped teasinghimabout it years ago.Fourhoursintheorangerywithnothingtodooreatwasnothisideaoffun,butthenagain,neitherwasattendingaball.

Several lit oil lampsmade it possible for him to at least see clearly enough. Thatwas anotherreasonloversavoidedthisplace,itwastoobright.Therewouldbenowhereforthemtohideiftheywereinterrupted.

Asoftnoisecaughthisattention.Curious,heslowlymovedpastseveralorangetreesandfrozeonthespotatthesightthatgreetedhim.Awomanwithbeautifulbrownhairthathadtobemadefromthefinestsilkthewayitreflectedthelightfromthelanterns,satonapaddedbench,softlylaughingasshereadfromasmallbook.

Herlaughterwaslikeabalmtohissoul,instantlyrelaxinghimevenashisheartskippedabeat.Itwasn’t until she released a small sigh as she turned a page in her book that he realized that he’dmovedcloser toher.Hehadnobusiness intruding.Thiswomanobviously camehere tobe alone.Reluctantly, he took a step back. In his rush to escape unnoticed, he knocked over a bucket anddisturbedthepeaceofthequietorangery.

“Who’sthere?”theyoungwomandemandedassheplacedherbookdownonthebenchbesideherandstood.

Robert’s breath caught in his throat at the first real view of her face. She was excruciatinglybeautifulwithpalebabyblue eyes.Easily themostbeautifulwomanhe’d ever laid eyeson andhewantedher.Hegavehisheadaslightshake.Hedidn’tevenknowthiswoman.Whatinthehellwaswrongwithhim?

---

“Icanseeyou,soyoumightaswellcomeout,”Elizabethsaid,placinghersmallbookonthecushionbesideher.

Shewatched as ahandsomemanwithvividgreen eyes stepped forward.Hisblackhairwas cutshortandstyleddifferently thanwhatwaspopular,but it lookedgoodonhim.Hisskinwas tannedlikehers.Itwasoneofthemanythingsthathermothercomplainedabout,butshelovedtheoutdoorstoomuchtocare.Shecravedthewarmthofthesunonherskintoomuchtobebotheredwiththefactthatitdarkenedherskinandmadeitunattractive.

“I’msorry,myLady.Ididn’tmeantobotheryou.I’llleave,”hesaidinadeepvoicethatshefoundsoothingashebowedslightlybeforetakingastepbacktodojustthat.

“No,please.Youdon’thavetoleave.IwouldbeheartlessifIsentyoubackintothecoldnightifyouwishedforaquietescape.Ibelievethisorangeryislargeenoughforbothofustoseekaquietrefuge,”shesaidwithasmile,hatingtheideaofturninganyoneoutintothecoldandforcinghimtoreturnbacktoaballthatshehadn’tbeenabletoescapefastenough.

---“Howdoyouknow that Iwas searching for solitude?Perhaps Iwasmeetinga lover?”he said,

regrettingitbeforethelastwordlefthislips.

What thehellwaswrongwithhim?Shewouldprobably slaphimor faintdeadawayathislackofpropriety.

Hetrulywasanidiot.Shelaughedinstead,sheactuallylaughed.Itwassoft,enchantingandreal.Itwasnothinglikethe

fakelittlelaughsandgigglesfromwomenlikeLadyPenelope.Womenlikeherfakedeverythinginlifejusttobeacceptedbythetonandtocatchahusband,whowantednothingmorethanawarmbodytoproduceanheiranddidn’twantthehassleofawomanwithabrain.

“What’ssoamusing,myLady?AreyousuggestingthatIcouldn’tcharmawomantomeetmeforatryst?”hedrawled,wonderingifsheknewjusthowenchantingherlaughwas.

Withasigh,shestoppedlaughing,butthankfullyshewasstillsmiling.“No,I’msorry.I’msureamanashandsomeasyouwouldhavenodifficultiesfindingawomantoshareyourtime.”

Robert couldn’t stop the stupid full grin that curled up his lips. Of course he’d been calledhandsomebefore,butforsomereasonthathecouldn’tcomprehendatthemoment,hearinghersayitpleasedhimimmensely.“ThenwhatbroughtyoutotheconclusionthatIwaslookingforprivacy?”

Sheshruggedasshesatbackdown,leaningtothesidesothatshecouldfocusherattentiononhim.“Well, there’s the fact that this particular orangery is far beyond the appropriate distance from thehouse. No man is going to come out here with a woman unless he’s looking to be trapped.” Hecouldn’thelpbutnodinagreement.

“Then there’s theweather. It’s quite coldout.Awomanwouldprobably complain about thedistance from the house to the orangery. Then again, she would probably refuse the suggestionoutright,knowing that itwas toocoldoutsideand that shewouldnotbeable to retrieveher shawlwithoutdrawingsuspicion.”

Onceagainhenoddedinagreement.“Thenofcoursethereistheobvious.”

“Whichis?”heasked,movingcloser.“Agentlemanwouldnotmeetawomanhere.Hewouldescorthersothatshedidn’thaveachance

tochangehermindoracceptanotherman’sinvitation.Itwouldalsotakebothpartiesfromtheballforfartoolong.Ifyouweretoarrivefirst,therewouldbethewaitingperiodandthentheactualtimeofyourmeetingnottomentionthetimeoneofyouwouldneedtoremainbehindsothatitwouldn’tappearasthoughthetwoofyouhadgoneofftogether."

Hecouldn’thelpgrinning.Thewomanwassmartaswellasattractive.Helookedaroundthelargeroomasathoughtoccurredtohim.“Hmm,you’vegiventhissomethought.Areyouperhapsmeetingsomeonehere?Ordidhealreadyleave?”heasked,makingsuretoaddateasingnotetohistone.

Hersmileweakenedabitassheshookherhead.“No,therehaveneverbeenanymeetingsformeandthereprobablyneverwillbe,”sheadmittedwithasmallshrugandawistfultonethathealmostmissed.

“Whynot?”“Idon’tplanonmarrying,”sheexplainedwithasmallsmile.

“Whydon’tyouwishtomarry?”heasked,forcinghimself tosoundcasual.Hewasn’toffering.

Oh,hellno.Marriagewasnotgoingtohappenforhimunlesshewasdesperateforanheirforhisfamily’ssake.Hehadnointentionsonbeingtieddowntoonewomanfortherestofhislife,someonethatwasconstantlyunderfootanddependedonhimforherhappiness.

Shelookedthoughtfulforamomentbeforeshespoke.“Idon’twanttobeanyman’sproperty."

“Ithoughtthat’swhythesethings,”hegesturedbacktowardstheball,“werethrownsothatyoungwomencouldfind themselvesahusband.So, theycouldselectanappropriatehusband,someone totakecareofthem.”

Sheshruggedindifferently.“Yes,Idaresaythatmanyofthewomenarehereforthatreasonandwould findme utterly foolish, because I don’twish to find a husband at one of these orchestratedevents.”

“Thenwhydidyoucome?”Hetookanotherstepcloser.

“Probablyforthesamereasonthatyoudid.”“Whichis?”heprompted.Hedidn’twanthertostoptalkingforfearthatoneofthemwouldhave

toleave.Hewantedtomakethislast,butmoreimportantly,hewantedtoseehersmileandhearherlaughonemoretimebeforehehadtodotherightthingandwalkaway.

“Well,” she looked thoughtful, “in your case I would assume that either your mother or yourfather persuaded you to attend. If I had to guess, I would say that your mother was the one thatexpectedyourattendance.”

“Oh?”Shenodded firmly. “Yourmother, definitelyyourmother. If itwasyour fatheryouwouldhave

simplymadeanappearance,dancedwithafewwomentomakehimthinkthatyouwerelookingforawifeandbedonewithit.”

Heagreed.“Ifitwasmymother?WhatreasonwouldIhavetoattendthen?”

“Mostmotherswish for their sons tomarry forasimple reason,grandchildren.Youcamehereeven thoughyouclearlydon’twant tobehere.Youcame tomakeyourmotherhappy,becausesherequested your attendance and you obviously care a great deal for yourmother. Instead of simplyleaving,yousearchedforaplacetohide.”

Hearchedaneyebrowat that.“Or itcouldbe that Icamehere inhercarriageandIamtrappedhereuntilshedecidesthatit’stimetoleave,”hedrawled.

Her eyes slowly moved down his body in an assessing manner, but not in the same way thatPenelope had looked him over. This woman’s gaze didn’t annoy him. Her gaze made him standstraighteraseverymuscleinhisbodyflexedunderherscrutiny,makinghimfeellikeanidiotevenashewonderedifshelikedwhatshesaw.

“You’reobviously amanwithmeans.Youcouldhavehiredahackand left.There’s always thecardroomforescapeoryoucouldhavesimplyleftwithafriend.”

“Orwalked,”headded.She smiled. “Imuchpreferwalksmyself.Yes,youcouldhavewalkedprovided thatyourhome

wascloseenough.”

“Twomiles.”“That’snottoofaraway.”

“No, it’s not.”He rather enjoyedwalks.He found himself takingwalks every evening. Even inLondonhefoundthatheenjoyedwalking.Thevulgarsmellsof thecityandcrowdsdidn’tseemtodampenhisenjoymentenoughforhimtostop.

Heeyedhercarefully.Herskinwasthecoloroflighthoney.Shelookedfit,butnottoothin.Herbreastsweregoodsize,nottoobig,butperfectforhishands,andfromwhatherecalledfromwhenshestood,herhipsweregenerous.Hewaswillingtobetherlegswerewelldefined,probablyfromhoursofwalking.

“So,you’reherebecauseyourparentswantyoutomarry,”hesurmisedfromwhatlittleheknewaboutherandwhatheknewaboutwomenofherstationingeneral.

Shegavehimadreamysmilethatmadehischesttighten.“WhenIwasalittlegirlIwantednothingmorethantohaveaseason.Itallseemedsomagical,balls,dancing,andbeingcourtedbyhandsomemen,”sheaddedthelastwithateasingtone.

Hegrinned.“Soundslikeeverygirl’sdreamtofindPrinceCharming.Whathappenedtochangethat dream?” he asked, coming closer. He was now standing only a few feet away from her. Hisoriginalthoughtthatshewasbeautifulshattered.Shewasnothinglessthanagoddess.

Shesighedheavily.“Anthony.”Hefeltatugofunease.Wasitjealousy?

“So,you’reinlovewiththisAnthony?”

PleaseGod,no.Shelaughed.“No.He’smybrother-in-law.Mysistermarriedforlove.Shedidn’tcareaboutatitle

ormoney.Hemadeherhappy,stilldoes.TheyarethehappiestcouplethatIknowandtheirboysareextraordinary.”

“Andyouwantthatforyourself,”hesurmised.

“Itwillmostlikelyneverhappenforme,”shesaidwithacarelessshrugthattoreathisheartandlefthimwonderingwhyhecaredsomuch.

Chapter6

Shewasnotgoingtotellthisstrangerthatshewasanheiress.Ifheturnedouttobeafortunehuntershewouldbeintrouble.Hecouldeasilysoundthealarmandshewouldbecompromisedandforcedtoaccepthishand.Shewouldn’tbeabletosurvivebeingtrappedinalovelessmarriage.

“So,ifyouwishtomarryforlove,whydon’tyouenjoyeveningslikethismore?”Shewavedherhandlazilyintheair.“This?Thisisallorchestrated.Peoplecomeherelookingfor

therightconnection,therightamountofmoney,andthebestgossip.Noonecomesherelookingforlove. I knew before my coming out that I would never find love at a ball. It would justhappen…..somehow,somewhere.”

Hetookanotherstepforward.“Butyoucameanyway.”She lookedwistful. “Until theday Imarry, I belong tomy father and then tomyhusband. I am

considerednothingmore thanproperty. If Iwish tohavecertain rightsorbenefits Imustmake themaninmylifehappyfirst.ThenifheisgenerousImightbeallowedtofollowmyownpursuits.”Ofcoursethatwouldallchangewithherinheritance.

Withoutaword,hemovedtositnexttoheronthepaddedbench.Heleanedforward,restinghiselbowsonhisknees.“Soundsunfair,butIdon’tunderstandwhattypeofpursuitsawomancouldhavethatamanwouldnotallow.Surelyyourfatherwouldencourageyoutoembroider,watercolor,playthepianoforte.”

“I’mafraidthatyouwouldfindmequiteunusualthen.”

“Tryme.”Hetiltedhisheadtothesidetowatchherassheblewoutadeepbreath.“IfIdon’tsmile,lookpretty,attendtherightfunction,accepttheattentionsoftherightgentlemen,

myfatherwillrulemylifewithanironfist.Idon’tliketoembroider.Iwouldrathersewquiltssinceit seems a better use of a skill to keep onewarm than tomake something look frivolous. I enjoycooking,butI’mnotsupposedto.Nowomaninsocietyissupposedtoenjoythat.We’resupposedtoenjoy ordering other people to do that for us,” she saidwith a conspiratorial smile that he foundutterlyadorable.

“Butnotyou,”hemurmured,smiling.“Ibetyoumakedeliciousbiscuits,”heteased.

Shegrinneddevilishly.“Mybrother-in-lawandnephewsswearbythem.”Hetookanotherlookatherslenderfigure.“Youdon’tlooklikesomeonethatenjoyscooking.”Sherolledhereyesinaratherfetchingmanner.“Iliketocook,nottoeat.”

“Myapologies.”Hecouldn’tstopsmilingnearthiswoman.Hewassurethathelookedfoolish,butat the moment he truly didn’t care. “So, tell me what other scandalous pursuits do you enjoy?Smuggling?Piracy?”heteased.

Shelaughed.“No,I’mnotquitethatshameful.Ienjoyreading,attendingthetheatre,takingwalks,gardening, shooting, and swimming."His eyeswidened in surprise at that. “I enjoy things thatmyfather believes are best suited for men,” she explained with an impish smile “I see.” He nodded,surprisedbyher listofpursuits.Mostwomenwouldbeoutraged tohearanotherwomanenjoyingsuch things.Hehad to admit thatmostmenwouldbe shocked aswell.He’dnever understood thatsincetheywereallworthypursuits.

“I’msurethatyoudo,”shemumbled.“I’mnotsupposedtotellanyonethat.MyfatherwouldbefuriousifhefoundoutthatItoldyou.NotthatitmattersanymoreIsuppose.”

“Whydoesn’titmatteranymore?”heaskedinasofttone.

“Itjustdoesn't,"shesaidwithashrug.Hewaswillingtoleaveitaloneforthemoment,buthedesperatelyneededhertocontinuetalking.

“Haveyouenjoyedbeingoutinsociety?”Shenodded.“I’veenjoyedspendingmoretimewithmysister.It’sbeennicebeingseenasafriend

andnotjustalittlesister.Shemeanstheworldtome.I’veenjoyedthetheatre,someofthedinners,andevenbeingcourted.”Shecouldhaveswornhefrowned,butitwasgonebeforeshecouldbesure.“Allthementhathavecourtedmehaveturnedintodearfriends.”

“Butyoustilldon’tlikebeingoutinsociety,”hehedged.Sheturnedherheadandmethisgaze.Theirfaceswere less thanafootapart.Robert fought the

urgetolowerhisgazetoherlips.“Doyou?”

“No,Idon’t.Idon’tlikethedeceptions.Ihategossip.Idon’tlikebeingpursuedformypositionormoney.Ihatehavingwomentryingtotrapmeintomarriage.IdespisethegamethatI’mexpectedtoplay.Idon’twantasimperingwomantobowtomyeverywhim.It’sridiculous.”

Shenoddedinagreementasshelookedaway.“Yes,itis.”Afterafewmomentsofsurprisinglycomfortablesilencehespoke.“MayIaskwhyyou’rehere

playingalongifyoudon’twanttomarry?”

Whenshelookedbackathimhiseyesdroppedtoherlips,herfull,deliciouslypinklips.Heraisedhisgazebackquicklybeforehedidsomethingthathewouldregret.

“Abargain,Isuppose,”shesaidsimply.“A bargain? Are they trying to force you into marriage? Is your family in need of money?”

Another thoughtoccurredtohim,onethatmadehisstomachtwist indread.“Youweren’tcaught…er…”Pleasedon’tletherbecarryinganotherman’schild.

Shelightlyswattedhisshoulderandlaughed.“No!Goodnessno.ThemenmyparentsarepushingmywayaretiresomemenlikeLordDumford.”

Henearlychokedonair.Hersmiledisappeared,instantlyreplacedwithaworriedfrown.“Ohno,he’safriendofyoursand

I’vejustinsultedhim,”shesaid,soundingtrulyupset.

Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughed.“LordDumfordafriend?No!Themanquotesbibleversesforfun.Icouldn’timagineafateworsethanspendinganhourinthatman’scompany.”

“Thanks.Yourwordshavebeenreallycomforting,”shesaiddryly,earninganotherchucklefromhim.Hecouldn’t remember the last time thathe’d felt so relaxed inanotherperson’scompany.Henormallykepthisguardup,refusingtoallowanyonetogetthebetterofhim.

“I’msorry,”hemurmuredbeforeasking,“Whythenareyouallowinghimtocourtyou?”

Shesighedheavily.“I’mafraidmyparentsaren’thappywithmystateoflife.I’mtwenty-threeandwhiletheyfeelthatIshouldbemarriedbynow,Idon’t.I’veturneddowneverysuitorwho’saskedfor

myhand.They’reafraidthey’llendupwithanotherspinsterontheirhands.”Theyalsodidn’twantherinheritanceleftinhercontrol,buttherewasnoneedtotellhimthat.

“Howmanymen have asked for you?” he asked. He knew that it wasn’t proper to ask, but hesomehowknewthatshewouldn’tmind.Shedidn’tseemthetype.Sheseemedhonestandforthright.Itwasawelcomechange.

Herfacescrunchedupdelightfully.“Fifty-five.”“Fifty-fivemenhaveaskedforyourhandandyou’reonlytwenty-three?Goodlord!”Sheshruggedindifferently.“I’measytogetalongwith.”

He liked that.He liked that she didn’t refer to the fact that shewas incredibly beautiful or to adowrythatshemighthave,althoughhewassurethatsomeofthemenwho’daskedwereafterboth.Ifshehadadecentdowry,shewouldbeawellsoughtaftertargetwithherbeauty.

“Ibelieveit.”Herhandfoundhis.Shegaveitasmallsqueezebeforereleasingit.“I’msorry.Youcameouthere

looking for some solitude.”She flicked her hand casually in the air. “I’ll leave you.”She reacheddownatherothersideandpickedupasmallbookwithawell-wornleathercover.

“Whatareyoureading?”heasked.Ithadn’tescapedhisnoticethatshe’dbroughtabooktoaball.“Yousneakoffalot,don’tyou?”

Shegavehimasheepishsmile.“I’mafraidthatIdohaveatendencyofmakingmyselfscarce.”Henoticedthedancecardonherwrist.Itwasfull,whichdidn'tsurprisehim.

“Andthebook?”Shehelditupandshrugged.“It’soneofmyfavoriteplays.Ithelpsmerelax.IhadafeelingthatI

wouldneedittonightbythewaythatmymotherandsisterwerebehaving.”Hecouldn’tquitemakeoutthewordsfromtheworncover.“Whichplay?”

Her whole face lit up. She obviously took great joy from her book. “'As You Like It’ byShakespeare.It’smyabsolutefavorite,”shesaiddreamily.

Robertgroaned.“I’mgoingtohavetokissyounow.”

Chapter7

Elizabethdidn’thaveachancetorespondbeforehislipsweretouchinghers.Shecouldn’tthinkashe brushed his lips softly against hers, the gentle caress taking her by surprise. Her handsautomaticallywenttohischest.Shewaspreparedtoshovehimawaysothatshecouldleavebeforesomeone found them and she was forced into a marriage that she didn’t want when somethingoccurredtoher.

Whatifthiswasheronlychancetoknowwhatitwasliketobewithaman,amanthatsheactuallywanted?Shedidn’twanttoliveherlifefullofregrets.Shedidn’twanttowonderwhatshe’dmissedoutonbynevermarryingifthat’swhatherfutureheld.Rightthenshedecidedthatifshewasgoingtoliveherlifeasaspinster,thenshewasgoingtoenjoythismomentwith….whateverhisnamewasandgiveintothisoverwhelmingattractionthatshefeltforhim.Afteramoment,sheallowedherself torelaxandtoenjoyhiskissesandthesensationsthatwereteasingandtormentingherbodyasshelostherselftohistouch.

Hebrushedhis lipsoverhersonce, twiceandonceagain.Hermouthwas soft and sweet,but itwasn’tenough.Heranthetipofhistongueoverherbottomlip.Shegaspedinsurprise,openinghermoutheversoslightly,butitwasenoughforhim.Hetiltedhisheadtothesideanddeepenedthekiss.

Elizabeth didn’t knowwhat to thinkwhen his lipsmoved against hers except that somehow forsome reason it felt right, perfect.His kissesweren’t frantic or sloppy. Theywere sweet.When heteasinglyslidhistongueinsidehermouthshewastoostunnedatfirsttoreacttotheinvasion.Thenslowlyshebegantomelt inhisarms.Herhandssliduphischest,enjoyingthefeelofhardmusclebeneathhiscoatuntiltheyfoundhisshoulders.

Hegroanedashepulledheragainsthim,enjoyinghimselfuntilhisdamnconsciencenaggedathim.Aswonderfulasitfelttokissher,heknewbytheunpracticedstrokesofhertongueandlipsthat shewas innocent.Hepulledbackand looked intohereyes,praying that shewouldn’tend this.Thishadtobeherchoice,becausehesureashellwasn’tabouttostopthisifhehadachoiceinthematter.

For a moment, neither of them moved. They watched each other, panting slightly as theywaitedfortheothertoputahalttothisinsanity.Slowly,hemovedin,givingherachancetostopthisevenasheprayed that shewouldn't.Whenhismouth touchedhersagain itwasanythingbut timid.Thiskisswashot,wild,andpossessive.Wordswerebeyondthem.Robertpulledhercloseruntilherbreastswerepressedmorefirmlyagainsthischest.

Elizabethranherfingersthroughhishair,enjoyingthesoftfeelofit.Hemovedhismouthawayfrom hers, nibbling on her ear and neck.He slipped his fingers beneath the top of her gown andslowlypulleddownthematerial,takinghershiftdownaswelluntilherbreastswerebaredtohim.

Stillneitherspoke.Heranhistonguefromherneckdowntoherbreasts,leavingawettrailbehindthathadhertoes

curling.Elizabethmoanedassheranherhandsdownhisback,encouraginghimtocontinuewhensheshouldbepushinghimawayandrunningasfastasherlegscouldcarryherbacktothesafetyoftheball.Heranhistongueinacircularmotionaroundonetautnipplebeforehepulledthehardpebbleintohismouth,effectivelykillinganythoughtsshemighthavehadofendingthis.

He reached up and cupped her other breast.Heweighed it in his hand, squeezed it, and ran histhumbaroundthefirmnipple.Heheldthebreastupforhismouthand,afteronelastlickofthenipple

he’d been worshipping, his mouth greedily accepted the offering. He licked and sucked the largebreastuntilshewasmoaninglouderanddiggingherfingersintohisshoulders,desperateformore.

Elizabeth thought shewas going to die from the pleasure he was giving her. It felt incredible.Betterthanshe’deverimagined,butsomethingwasmissing.Afteramomentsherealizedwhatthatsomethingwas.Sheneededtotouchhim,too.Decidingthatshewasn’tgoingtowaitforaninvitation,sheworkedhisshirtoff,desperateforthecontact.

Hewassurprisedwhenhefeltherhandsworkingthebuttonsofhiscoat,butimmenselypleasednonetheless. Releasing her breasts, he pulled his cravat off and shrugged off his outer garments,leavingonlyhisshirtuntilthattoowasgone.

Elizabethreachedoutwithtremblinghandsandranherfingersdownhischest,enjoyingthefeelof his warm smooth skin over hard muscle. She ran her fingers tentatively over one flat nipple,makinghimgroan.Herhandsmoveddown to trace themuscles thatmadeuphis flat stomach.Hegroanedagain,butdidn’tsayordoanythingtostopher.

Shewantedtokeeptouchinghim,butherarmswereeffectivelypinnedtohersidesbyherdress,limitinghermovements.Sheworriedherbottomlipnervouslyasshepulledherarmsoutandpushedthedressandshiftdownaroundherwaist.Shewatchedasheranhungryeyesoverher.Hisresponsegaveherthecouragetocontinue.Pushingasidehernervousness,sheleanedinandkissedhim.Robertgrabbedherwaistandheldherfirmlyastheykissedalmostdesperately.

Neverbreakingthekiss,hehelpedhertoherfeetuntiltheywerebothstanding.Hereachedbehindherandundidthebuttonsofherdisheveleddress.Heslowlypusheditdownandwaitedpatientlyuntilshesteppedoutofherdress,leavinghernakedexceptforherstockingsandslippers.Onlyonepersonhadseenhernakedbeforeandthathadbeenhermaid.Sheshouldbeembarrassed,butoddlyenoughwithhimshedidn’tfeelshyorself-conscious.Shefeltbeautiful,wantedandcherished.

Shewatchedashekneeleddowninfrontofher.Hegentlyrolledherstockingsdown,takingherslippersoffintheprocess.Hepressedhotkissestoherskinashemadehiswaybacktohermouth.Shepulledhimintoherarmsandkissedhimhungrily,unabletogetenoughofhim.

His hands roamed over her body, touching her arms, breasts, stomach, back, bottom and legs.Every touchmade her stomach tighten and the area between her legs ache. Shewantedmore, butdidn’tknowwhat.

Heseemedtoknow.Hemovedhismouthtoherneckandsuckledherskinonthewaybacktoherbreasts.Oncehefoundhernipple,hishandworkeditswaybetweenherlegs.Hecuppedherandranhisfingersthroughslickcurls.Shemoanedloudly,unabletohelpherself.

Whenheslippedafingerinsideher,hefoundherhot,wet,andready.Hegroanedandmovedhismouthback to herswhile heworked a finger in andout of her. Soon shewasmoving against hisfinger,herbodydesperateforrelease.Hecouldn’twait.Hecouldn’teventhinkofanythingbeyondgettinginsideher.

Hisotherhandworkedfranticallyathispants.Withagroan,hebrokeoffthekissandremovedhishandfromthehoneyedheavenhecouldn'twaittoexplore.Hereacheddown,pushedhispantsdownandpulledhisbootsoffuntilhewasnakedaswell.

His lips quicklymade theirway back to hers. Itwas a desperate need that he couldn’t deny.Hegasped and then moaned loudly into her mouth when he felt her fingers run curiously over hiserection.Neverinamillionyearshadhethoughtthatshewouldbethispassionate,hadn’tknownthat

itwaspossible.Hereachedbetweenthemandgentlywrappedherhandaroundhislengthandmovedit,showing

herwhathe liked.Shedid it,makinghimpant andgroan.He slidhishandbackbetweenher legs,slidingasecondfingerinsideheruntilshewasmoaningandcryingsoftlyintohismouth.Theystoodthereforseveralminutesaspleasuresoaredthroughtheirbodies.

Itwastoomuchforanysanemantotake.Hepulledhishandawayandpushedhergentlyontothelongcushionedbenchwithhisbodybrushingherhandaway.Hekissedherdeeplyashepositionedhimself.Partofhimwasawarethathewasverylikelyabouttotakehervirginity,buthedidn’tcare.Shewasn’tsayinganythingandneitherwashe.Theyweretoofar-goneatthemomenttocareaboutrules,proprietyortheconsequencesthatweremostlikelygoingtoteartheirlivesapart.

Robert aimed himself and pushed in unable towait any longer.He heard her gasp of pain andkissedher deeply, trying todistract her.The tipof his shaft came in contactwith theproofof herinnocence.Whenshedidn'tprotest,scream,ordemandthathegetoffher,hepulledbackandthrustinuntilhewasburieddeepinsideofher.

Somehowhewasabletoholdbackwheneverythinginhimdemandedthathemove.Onelookatherbeautiful faceandhewasknockedonhisass.Shewasheartbreakinglybeautifulasshe tried togive him a reassuring smile even as tears trailed down her face. He pressed tender kisses to hercheeks,kissingawayhertears,wantingtoreassureherthathewouldtakecareofher.

Hemovedhismouthbacktohersandhekissedherslowly,tryingtoshowherhowmuchbeingwithhermeanttohim.He’dneverfeltsomuchforanotherpersoninhisentirelifeandforsomeonehedidn’tknowitsurprisedhim.Heneverallowedanyonetogetclosetohim,didn'ttrustanyone.Hecouldn'tunderstandhowsheconsumedhiseverywishanddesire.Hewantedtoholdherallnightandkeephersafefromharm,somethingthathe’dneverwantedtodowithanotherwoman.

Soon,shegrewaccustomedtotheinvasionandbegantowigglebeneathhim,testinghiscontrol.He slowly rolled his hipsmaking sure that shewas truly ready for him.He could feel hermouthcurve intoasmilebeneathhisand that’swhenherealized thathewassmilingaswell,makinghimchuckle.For thefirst timeina longtime,hefeltcarefree.Hekissedherdeeplyasheslowlythrustinsideher,enjoyingthefeelofwetsilkenwallscaressinghiscock.

Elizabeth instinctivelywrappedher legs aroundhiswaist, trying to holdhim insideher.Robertcuppedherbreast,gentlysqueezingitashisthumbranoverherhardnipple.Moans,cracklesofthefire, and the sounds of bodies gently slapping against each other echoed throughout the dimly litorangery.

Robertcould feelherbody tighten likeavicearoundhim.Hegroanedashemovedharderandfaster,makinghercryoutinpleasure.Herfingernailsdugintohisback,buthedidn’tcare.Heopenedhiseyesandwatchedasherworldexploded.Heneededhertofindherreleasebeforehecouldpullout.Hewasdeterminedtomakethisgoodforher.

Herbodybegansqueezingruthlesslyaroundhis.Asgoodasitfelttohavehergriphiscocklikethis, it felt evenbetterknowing thathe’dbeen theone togiveher thispleasure.Hell,hewanted tolaughandscreamforjoythatthisbeautifulminxfoundhermomentwithhim.Hisminx.

The reality of themoment hit him hard. Shewas still squeezing him andmoaning.Hermouthfoundhisneckandkisseditgreedily,suckingandlickinganddrivinghimoutofhisgoddamnmind.Hecouldn’tholdback.Hedesperatelyneededtopullout.Itwasgettingtooclose.Justonemorethrusthetoldhimself,justonemore.

Ashisreleaserusheduponhim,hegasped,tryingtofindthestrengthtopulloutofher.Justashesomehowfoundthewillpowertopulloutshebegansqueezinghimagain,completelyshatteringhisresistance.Hisheaddroppedbackandhebitbackaroarofpleasureashefoundhisownrelease.Itwasthemostintensemomentofhislife.Hecontinuedtomoveuntilhewassurethatshewasdone.Whenhe felt herwalls squeeze gently aroundhimone last time, he fell on her, lazily kissing herneck,chinandmouth.Stillneitherspoke.

Robert was tooweak to speak. It was the oddest way to take a woman’s virginity, without anyspokenwordsofpromiseorexplanation.He’dalwaysbeenagentlelover,takingawomanslowlytoprolonghis release.He'd never even taxed himself before.Right nowhis bodywas exhausted andsoaked.Thiswasthemostintensesexualexperienceofhislifeandhedidn’tevenknowhername.

Not that he evermade love to an innocent before, but surely something should have been said.Namesshouldhavebeenexchangedattheveryleast.Itwaswithoutquestionthemostpassionatenightofhislife.He’dneverbeensomovedbylustorneedbeforetomakehimthisdesperatetomakelovetoawoman.

Hepulledbacktolookather,expectinghertocry,screamorhithim.He’dbeenacadtakingherinnocence.Butinsteadofdoingwhathe’dexpected,whathedeserved,shesmiledsweetlyupathimand pressed a tender kiss to his mouth. Robert turned the kiss into a slow, deep display ofappreciation, passion and need. He was still inside of her and surprised to discover that he washardeningagain.Hewantedheroncemore,desperately,buthecouldn’tdothattoher.

Hetookasteadyingbreathandslowlybegantopullout,however,herlegswrappedtightlyaroundhiswaistandtrappedhim.Heraisedaneyebrowinquestion.Thenshespokeforthefirsttimesincethey’dstarted.“Canwedoitagain?”sheaskedshyly.

Chapter8

Robertcouldonlychuckle.He leaneddownandkissedher.“Yes,minx,wecando itagain.”Hepunctuatedeverywordwithaslowthrustofhishardeningshaft.

He tookher slowly this time, enjoying every single thrust inside her body.Shewaspassionate,verypassionate.Shewasn’tcontentwithlyingtherewhilehebeddedher.Shekissedhismouth,chin,andneckgreedilywhileherhandsranthroughhishair,downhisback,andfinallycuppedhisass.Hecouldswearthatshemoanedwithpleasurejustfromtouchinghim.

Hebrokethekissandpulledbackjustfarenoughawaysothathecouldwatchherface.Shesmiledshylyupathim.Shewassodamnbeautiful.Heslowedhis rhythmandmadehis thrusts shallower,stressingeachmovement.Shelickedherlipshungrily.

“Youlikethat,don’tyou,minx?”“Y-yes,pleasedon’tstop.”Heshookhishead.“Never.”Hegentlytookherhandsandheldthemaboveherhead,entwiningtheirfingersashemadeloveto

her.Thegesturemadewhattheyweredoingfeelmoreintense.Soonshewasthrowingherheadbackandwhimpering.

Roberttookhermouth,kissingherdeeplyashequickenedhisthrustsinsideher.Shegrippedhishandstightly.Hefeltherbodytightenaroundhimonceagain.Therewasnopointinpullingoutnow.Thedamagewasalreadydone.Theyexplodedinthesamemoment.Hedidn’tbothertryingtohidehispleasurethistime.Theyweretoofarawayfromtheloudballroomforanyonetohearthem.Eveniftheyweren’ttherewasnowaytostophimnow.

“OhGod!”heroared.He collapsed on top of her, sweaty and sated.He didn’t knowmanywomenwho appreciated a

sweatymanontopofthem,sohemovedtorolloffherwhenhersmallwarmarmswrappedaroundhisshoulders.

Hisminxpressedasoftkisstohismouth.Shepulledhimcloserwhilesheranherhandsoverhisdamp back in a soothing motion. He kissed her cheek and was surprised when she sighed withpleasure.Hecouldn’thelpbutwonderhowwomencouldbesocompletelydifferent.

Elizabethmovedherheadbacksothatshecouldlookintohiseyes.“Thankyoufor tonight.I’llalwaysremember it.”She lookedandsoundedsograteful.Hecouldn’t imaginewhathe'ddoneforherbesidestakeherinnocencewithoutasking.Heshouldn’tbethanked.Heshouldbeshot.

Hesighed,shakinghishead.“Minx,-”

“Shhh,”shepressedafingertohismouth.“Idon’twantyoutofeelguiltyaboutthis.Itwasperfect.ThiswillalwaysbethemostpassionatenightofmylifeandIwillalwaystreasureit.Pleasedon’tbemad.I’mnot.”

“Minx,”hebeganagain,“youshouldbemad…whatwedid….whatIdidwasinexcusable.I-““No,nowords,noapologies. Just let it remain thisperfectmomentbetween twostrangerswho

foundcomfortwitheachother.”

Comfort? Itwas ahell of lotmore than comfort. Itwas intense, indescribable, andpossibly the

stupidestthinghe’deverdone.He’djustgothimselflegshackledtothisbeautifulstranger.Withrealregret,hepulledawayfromherarmsandstarteddressing.“Listen,weneedtotalk.”

“Aboutwhat?”sheasked,pullingonherstockings.Heforcedhimselftothinkabouttheirsituationandignorethoseverybeautifullegsofhers.

Heshookhimself.“Minx,Ijusttookyourinnocence.Weneedtomarrynow.Ithinkatleastproperintroductionsareinorder.Mynameis-“

Her small hand quickly covered hismouth. “Please, don’t. I need you to understand. I have noplansonmarrying.”Whenhepulledbacktoprotestshecuthimoffagain.“Ihavenowishtomarryyou.Whatyoudidformetonightwasaspecialgift.Iwillalwaysbegratefulforit.Pleaseallowmetokeepthisbeautifulmemory.”

Afteralongpause,hereluctantlynodded.Therewasnosenseinarguingwithher.Hewouldneverforce a woman to do anything that she didn’t want to do. He certainly wasn’t about to thank thiswomanforthemostwonderfulnightofhislifebyrobbingherofherfreedomwithoutjustification.

“If that'swhat youwish, but I should give youmy name in case,” his gaze dropped to herstomach,“youandImadeachildtonight,”hefinishedquietly.

Shegaspedsoftly.Shehadn’tthoughtaboutthat.Ababy?Shewantedchildren,desperately.Notthatitwouldeverhappen.Hermothertoldherthatitwasimpossibletobecomepregnantthefirsttime.Itwasunheardof.Sotherewasnothingtofear.

“There’snothingtoworryabout,”shesaidasshefinishedherhair,tryingtoreassurehim.Heronlyhopewasthatshelookedpresentable.Notthatitmattered.Assoonasshereturnedto

theball, shewas leavingwithaheadache.After suchawonderful timewithhimshedidn’twant toruinthememorywiththeinsipidmensheknewwaitedforher.

Hefinisheddressingaswell.“There’snothingtoworryabout?Minx,ifyou’recarryingmychildIwillcertainlyworryaboutit.Iwillneverstandbywhileanyofmychildrenareraisedwithoutme.I’mnotthatsortofman.”

No,shesomehowknewthathewasn’t.“Here,”hesaidsuddenlyashesearchedhispockets.Hepulledoutasmallpencilstubanda

small piece of parchment from his jacket pocket and wrote his name on it, knowing that he’dprobablybeoutofthecountrybythen.

Foramomenthethoughtaboutdelayinghistripforafewmonthstomakesurethatshewasn’tpregnant,butheknewthatitwasimpossible.Ifshelookedforhim,she’dbeabletoquicklydiscoverwhohisfamilywasandaskJamesforhelp.Jameswouldmoveheavenandearthtobringhertohimsothattheycouldmarryimmediatelyforthesakeofthebaby.He’dpullhisbrotherasidelatertonightaftertheylefttheballtodiscussthematter.

Hefoldedthenoteseveraltimesbeforehandingittoher.“Takethis.”“No.”“I’mnottryingtoruinthis.Ifyoushouldfindyourselfwithchild,openitandcontactmeormy

brother,please.”Whenshedidn’t take it,hecontinued.“Ifyoudon’t take it then Iwon’tbeable toallowyoutoleaveuntilIhaveyourname.”

Withaheavysigh,shetookthefoldedpieceofparchmentandplaceditinherreticule.“Happy?”

Hesmiled.“Extremely.”“How’smyhair?”

Thesmile tookonadifferentmeaningashe leanedforwardandpressedakiss toherforehead.“Perfect.”

“ShallIgofirstandmakemyexcusestoleave?”Herespectivelynodded.“Thankyouforamostwonderfulevening,minx.”

“Thepleasurewasmine,sir,”shesaid,smilingshylyassheturnedawayandheadedforthedoor.Oh,nodearminx,itwasdefinitelymine,hethoughtashewatchedherwalkaway.

---

Elizabethforcedherselftosmilepleasantlyandwalkataslowpacethroughthecrowdedballroomwhenallshewantedtodowasrunawayfromthecrowdandfindsomewherequietwhereshecouldcalmher racingheart.Somehowshemanaged to slip through thecrowdwithoutdrawingattentionfromanyofhermanyunwantedsuitorsand,moreimportantly,hermotherasshemadeherwaytoaretiring room.Withouthesitation,sheclosedand locked thedoorbehindherandsankdown to thefloor.

Inonlytookafewsecondsforrealitysankin.Herheartfeltasthoughitwasracinginherchest.She’djustlosthervirginitytoamanthatshedidn'tknowatacrowdedball.Aswonderfulasithadbeen,shecouldn'thelpbutthinkofwhatcouldhavehappenedifsomeonehadfoundthemorifhe’dturned out to be a fortune hunter. She could at this very moment be forced to announce herengagementtoamanthatshedidn'tknow.

Herentirefuturecouldhavebeenruinedinamatterofminutesallbecausesheallowedherselftobecarriedawayinamomentofweakness.She'dbeensofoolishandsoincrediblylucky.

Howcouldshehavedonesomethingsoirrational?Shehadaplanforherlifeanditmostcertainlydidn’tinvolvemakinglovetoamanshedidn'tknowinawell-litorangerywhereanyonecouldhavestumbleduponthem.Inamatterofmonthsshewasgoingtoturntwenty-fourandgaincontroloverherinheritance.Thenshewouldmovetohernorthestatewhereshewouldliveouttherestofherlifeawayfromthenonsenseoftheton.

She'd been such a foolishwoman tonight allowingherself to be swept awayby a deep alluringvoice, good looks, beautiful eyes and an overwhelming need to do the wrong thing. She'd beenhelplesstodenyhim.Whenhislipshadtouchedhers,itfeltlikeafirehadbeenlitinherbodyandshecouldn'tseemtogetenoughofhim.Hercheeksburnedwithhumiliation.Whathemustthinkofher!

Thethingstheydid!

Thethingsshedid!Aratherdisturbingthoughtoccurredtoher.Whatiftheyranintoeachotheratanotherballora

party?Wouldheexpectarepeatof tonight?Wouldsheallowit?Itscaredherhowquicklyshewasabletoanswerthatquestion.

Yes,shewould.

If she was given another opportunity to be in his arms, she would not hesitate even for aminute. She'd risk everything for anothermomentwith him.Knowing howweak shewaswhen itcametothehandsomestrangerandwhatwasatrisk,shedecidedtherewasonlyonecourseofaction

leftforher.ShehadtoleaveLondonsoonerthanshe'doriginallyplanned.---

“Thereyouare!”hismothersaidbrightly,toodamnbrightly.Robertglancedaroundthelargeballroom,hopingtofindhisminx.Truetoherwordshehadleft.

Nowhewasleftatthisdreadfulballwithmemoriesofher.Hecouldsimplyaskaroundabouther,butthenthatwouldputtheminanawkwardposition.Peoplewouldwanttoknowwhyhewasinterestedandtongueswouldwag.Maybeifhecontinuedtogowithhismotheroutonthetownforthenextfewweekshewouldrunintoher.Itwaspossible.

“Oh,Robert,LordandLadyNorwoodarewaiting to seeyou.They’re soexcited.Theyhaven’tseenyousinceyouwere-”

“Fifteen,”hesuppliedonaboredsigh.ThatwaswhenhefinallyputhisfootdownandrefusedtobeanywherenearElizabethStanton.Thatwasalso theyear the littlebratpoured ink intohisdamnteacup in front of the beautiful Eleanor Tidsby, who screamed her bloody head off before she’dfainteddeadawaywhenshesawhisblackmouth.He’dalmostkilledthelittlebratthenandthere.

“Thatsoundsaboutright.Comealong,”shesaid,placingherhandonhissleeve.Noonein thisballroomwouldsuspectthatshehadhisarminadeathgripthatwouldnodoubtleavealargebruise.Not that he minded. He would have other marks on his body from his minx. He barely stoppedhimselffromgrinninglikeanidiot.Shetrulywaswonderful,hethoughtjustbeforehespottedLadyStantonstandingnexttoafewyoungwomen,makinghissmiledisappearinstantly.

“She’snotwaitingwithhermother,isshe?”heasked.

“Who?”“Elizabeth Stanton,” he said tightly, in absolutely nomood for any of hismother ’s games, not

tonight.Shepattedhis arm. “No,mydear.She is somewhere around. It’s toobad.You’reboth somuch

alike.”

“Takethatthatbackoryouwillneverhaveanygrandchildrenbyme,”hethreatened,insultedthathismotherwouldsaysomethingsohorribleabouthim.

Sherolledhereyesandsighed.“Fine.Iwon’tmentionheragain.Sotouchy,”shesaidquietlyastheyreachedLordandLadyNorwood.

“Robert,myboy,”LordNorwood saidwith awarm smile as he reached out and tookRobert'shandfirmlyintohisown.Themanwasgraying,butstillanimpressivesight.

“It’sapleasuretoseeyouagain,myLord.”Out of the corner of his eye he saw LadyNorwoodwhisper something intoHeather ’s ear. He

couldn’tbelievehowhugethewomanwas.Maybethelittlebratwastoo.Ifonly,hethoughtwithaninwardsigh.Heathershothermotheranannoyedlookbeforeshecurtsiedandwalkedaway,clearlydispleased with whatever her mother said. His father and brother walked over and joined them amomentlater.

Oneglanceathismother ’spleasedexpressionandheknewthatshewasuptosomething.ShekeptlookingaroundthelargecrowdexpectantlyandthenbackatJamesbeforeshelookedathisfather,whonoddedslightlyasiftoanswerasilentquestion.Ohhell,poorJames.Theirparents,itseemed,

wereplayingmatchmaker.Heknewthatexpressiononhismother ’sfaceandactuallyfearedthedaywhenitwasfocusedonhim,whichwasanotherreasonwhyhewasleaving.

“Robert my boy, your father was telling me about your new estate. Congratulations,” LordNorwoodsaidwithawarmsmilethatwasnothinglikethefakesmilehiswifecurrentlyhadplasteredtoherface.

“Thankyou,myLord,”hesaid,notbotheringtomentionthathenolongerownedthatestate.OutofthecornerofhiseyehesawLordandLadyNorwoodpart.Asecondlaterayoungwoman

waspracticallyshovedbetweenthem.HesawJamesgaspandhiseyeswiden.Hismotherlookedverypleased,asdidhisfather.Robertturnedaroundtoseewhattheywerelookingatandsmiled.

Hisminx.

“James,Robert,yourememberouryoungestdaughter,Elizabeth?”LadyNorwoodsaidproudly.Oh,hell.

Chapter9

Elizabethranhereyesoverthemanstandinginfrontofher.Shewasnotgoingtofaintorscream,shedecidedasshe tried toremaincalm.Sheshovedherhandinsideherreticuleandpulledout thesmallpieceofpaperandopeneditwhilekeepinghereyesfocusedonthesmallgroupinfrontofher,smilingcharminglyas sheprayed that thiswasall amistake.Asdiscreetlyaspossible, she lookeddownatthepieceofparchmentinherhand.Shegroanedinwardly.OnthepaperclearlywrittenwasthenameofRobertBradford.

Thiscouldnotbehappening.......Robert’ssmiledisappearedonlytobereplacedbyasharpscowlinherdirection.Shewasaboutto

sayafewchoicewordstohimwhenJamessteppedforward.Goodlord,themanwasstillasighttobehold.

“Lady Elizabeth.” He took her hand and bowed over it. “You’ve grown into a lovely youngwoman.”ShecurtsiedevenashereyesshotbacktoRobert.Herfaceburnedwithembarrassmentjustthinkingaboutwhatthey'ddone.Hisscowlintensifiedwhenhenotedherblush.

“They’re about to begin the supper waltz,” her mother said none-too-subtly, intensifying hermortificationwhenshereallyhadn’tthoughtitwaspossible.

---“Ah,LadyElizabeth!”

Robert looked back and almost laughed. Lord Dumford was coming to claim her. Good.Therewasn’tanyonewhodeserveditmorethanthiswoman.Itsurprisedhimhowquicklyshewentfrombeinghisminxto thishorridwomaninhismind.All thosememoriescamefloodingbacktohim.God, he hated her. It didn’tmatter that he stillwanted her.He hated her and thatwas all thatmattered.

“May I have the pleasure of the supper waltz and then perhaps escort you to supper?” LordDumfordaskedwiththatdamnpompoustonethatgratedintheworstway.

“I’m sorry, my Lord. I’ve already promised another gentleman to dance and dine with himtonight,”shesaidsweetly,verykindlyactually.

“Who?”LordDumfordaskedratherrudely.“Me,”Jamessaidfirmly.

Damnit!

Jamesheldouthishand.“Ibelieve this isourdance,LadyElizabeth,”Jamessaidsmoothly.Theirparentswerepracticallygiddy.Thiswasplanned!TheywantedJamesandElizabethtogether.

Thehellthatwasgoingtohappen!Hewouldnotstandforit.

---Elizabethhadnochoicebuttoaccepthisoffer.Althoughshewouldn’tmindfulfillingachildhood

fantasybydancingwithJames,sheneededtospeakwithRobertandget theirstoriesstraight.Oncethatwasdone,shewouldhappilybeathimupsidetheheadwithherbook,shethoughtwithasmile.

“Ibelieveyou’recorrect,myLord,”shesaidasshetookhisofferedarm,leavingRobertbehindtoglareafterthem.

Theytooktheirplaceamongtheothercouplesonthedancefloor.Jamessmileddownather.“Imustsay,Elizabeth,youlooknothinglikethechildIremember.”

“Fourteenyearswilldothat,myLord,”shesaidcoolly,makinghimvisiblywince.“Ouch.IsupposeIshouldnowapologizeformyabsence.Ididnotdoittobecruel,mydear.Ihad

tosupportmybrotherandallthat.”“Ithoughtasmuch.Youwerealwaysclosetomyfamily.Iassumedyourabsencewasinsupportof

yourbrother.”

“Well,youcouldn’tblametheboy.YouwereclearlydrivinghimonthepathtoBedlam,”hesaidwithagrin.

Shetookprideinthat.Shereallyshouldn’t,butshedid.“Hewasn’tsuchanangelifIrecall,”shepointedoutjustasthewaltzbegan.

Hechuckled.“No,hecertainlywasn’t.Idorecallanincidentwherehecutoffyourhair.”

“Yes,Ibelievesomeoneputtarorsomestickysubstanceonhissaddle,”shesaidinnocently.James laughed heartedly. “Yes, I believe I remember that. Hewas forced to leave his breeches

behindandruntothehouse,wrappedinanitchyhorseblanket.”Sheshruggeddelicatelyastheyturned.“Istilldon’tseehowheblamedmeforsomeone’scareless

placementofsuchastickyitem.”

Hiseyes twinkledwithmerriment. “Howeverdidheget toyou? Ifmymemory iscorrect,youwerebothsowaryaroundeachotherandconstantlyonguard.”

“IwaswalkingbeneathatreewithMarywhenhereacheddownandgrabbedmybraid.Thesillyoafwashangingupsidedownfromabranch.Heheldontightly,ignoringMary’sslapswhilehecutmybraidoffwithadullpocketknife.”

Hecringed.“Thatmusthavehurt.”

Shesmiledsweetly.“NotasmuchasthatspankingyourfathergaveRobertlater.”“Ibet.”Helaughed.“Youtwowereawful.”“Iwasworse,”shesaidwithagleaminhereye.Hechuckledasheledheraroundthedancefloor.

Whenthedanceendedheledheroffthefloortowardsthesupperroom.Hewalkedwithhertoatablebythefarwallandheldachairoutforher.

“There you are,” Robert said, taking one of the extra seats at their table. He placed a plateoverflowingwithfoodandaglassofpunchonthetable.

“Pleasedojoinus,”Jamessaiddryly.

“Thankyou,IbelieveIshall,”Robertsaidcheerfully.“I’llgetussomethingtoeat,”JamessaidpleasantlytoherbeforehesentabriefglareinRobert’s

direction.ElizabethwatchednervouslyasJameswalkedaway.“Nevergoingtohappen,”Robertsaidaround

abiteofbiscuit.

---“What?”

“Youandmybrother. Jameswillalways thinkofyouas the fat littlepain in theass thatused tofollowhimaround.”

“Andyou’llalwaysbetheannoyinglittleboywhousedtoleavemorepuddlesaroundthehousethanmydog.”

Histemperflared.“Whyyoulittle-”

“Ah,LadyElizabeth,mayIjoinyou?”amanwithaneagerexpressionthatannoyedRobert,asked."No,goaway,"Robertsaid,glaringattheman.Themanopenedhismouth,butquicklyshutitashescurriedaway.

"Thatwasrude!"Elizabethhissedsoftly.Hemerelyshruggedashedugintohisfood.“Hereyouare.”Jamesplacedasmallplateoffoodandaglassofpunchinfrontofher.

“Thankyou,myLord.”“James.PleasecallmeJames.Ourfamiliesareoldfriends,afterall.”“James,thankyou,”shesaidpleasantly.

Robertrolledhiseyesandlookedbackdownathisplate.Damnthosebiscuitswereactuallywarmandprettygood.Notthenormforballfood.Hereachedoverandsnaggedthebiscuitoffherplate.“Thanks,”hemuttered.

Elizabethsimplerolledhereyes.“Robert,”Jameshissed.

“Oh, very well.” He reached over and snagged his brother ’s biscuit as well, couldn’t haveimproprietiesafterall.

“Areyouenjoyingyourselfthisseason,Elizabeth?”Jamesasked,pointedlyignoringhimnow.HereyesshottoRobert.Therewasthatblushagain.Heratherlikedthatblushonher.“Yes,thank

you.”

“Haveyouhadachancetoseethesights?”Jamesasked.Theybothknewthatshe’dbeencomingtoLondoneveryyearofherlife.Jamesreallyneededto

workonhisdinnerconversation,Robertdecided.“Notyet,”shesaidwithapolitesmile.

“You should really check out the orangeries. They’re very interesting,” Robert said before hecouldstophimself.Ah,wellatleastsheblushedagain.

“What?”Jamesasked,soundingconfusedasheshiftedhisgazebetweenthetwoofthem.“Nothing,”hemumbled.Thiswomanwashisenemy.Ifhekeptsayingstupidthings,theywouldbe

foundoutandthenhewouldbestuckwithherforeternity.Heshudderedatthethought.Fortherestofthemealheremainedquiet,limitinghimselftorefillinghisplatefivetimesinsteadofhiscustomarytensothathecouldkeepaneyeonher.Whentheywerefinishedwiththeirmealtheymetupwiththeir

parents.Plansfortherestofthenightwerequicklymade.Itwasdecidedthatbothfamiliesweregoingtohisfather ’shouseforagameofcardsandadrink.

RobertwaiteduntiltheirparentsandJameswereaheadofthembeforehegrabbedElizabethbythearm and dragged her towards the small hallway behind the grand staircase. Itwas dark and,mostimportantly,private.

“Getyourhandsoffme!”shedemanded.“Weneedtotalk,”hesaidthroughclenchedteeth.“Wehavenothingtotalkabout.”

“Ibegtodiffer.”Heforcedhimselftoignorehersoftwarmbodypressedupagainsthis.Shetriedtopushpasthim,buthewasn’thavingthat.Hegentlypushedherbackagainstthewall.

“Robert,letmego!They’llnoticeourabsence.”“Toobad.Iwanttoknowwhyyoutrickedme.”

“Noonetrickedanyone.Itwasjustamistake,onebetteroffforgotten.”Amistake?Themostpassionatenightofhislifewasamistake?Herfirsttimeandthat’swhatshe

thought.Thatgratedonhimintheworstway.“Isthatwhatyouthink,Beth?”“Don’tcallmethat.”

“Why,Beth?”“YouknowIhatethatname.”“Oh,sosorry,Beth.Idoapologize,Beth.”Hewasbeingpettyandheknewit,buthedidn’tgivea

damn.She’dalwaysbroughtouttheveryworstinhim.

Shereachedupandtwistedhisear.“Ow!”“Outofmyway,RobertLemonade,”shesaidcasually,pissinghimoffintheworstway.She releasedhis ear just as she steppedback into the foyeraftermaking sure that itwasempty.

“Goodseeingyouagain,Robert.”

Chapter10

He absently rubbed his ear as they rode through the city. His mother and father couldn’t sayenoughnicethingsaboutElizabeth.Hewantedtohurl.Jamesseemedtoagreewiththem.Henoddedquiteoftenandsmiled.DearGod,themanwassmittenwiththelittleminx.

James andElizabeth, the ideawashorrifying.Havingher as a sister-in-lawwoulddrive him todrink. Poor James, the bloody bastardwould be stuckwith her day and night. Night. The idea ofJames experiencing hisminxwas not comforting.Hisminx? Shewasn’t his anything. That didn’tmeanthathewantedhertojointhefamily,becausehedidn’tandshewouldn’tbe.Hewasn’tgoingtoputastop to itover jealousy.HehadfuturegenerationsofBradfords toworryaboutafterall. Justbecausetheideaofherwithanothermanmadehisbloodboildidnotmeanthathewasjealous.Justtheoppositeinfact.Hedidn’twanttoseeanymantieddownwithsuchahorriblewoman.

“What’s going on?” James suddenly asked, making him realize that he’d been glaring at hisbrothersincethey’dlefttheball.

“Fire!”theircoachmanyelledasthecoachcametoanabruptstop,joltingthemall.“Harold,it’sourhouse!”Daniellecried.“Nonsense,”Haroldhuffedasheleanedovertolookoutthesmallsquarewindow.“Itis!”

Robertwasalreadyjumpingoutof thecarriageandrunningbeforethelastwordwasoutofhisfather ’smouth.AheadofhimLordNorwoodand,damn it all tohell,Elizabethwerealso runningtowardsthelargeblaze.

Elizabethstoppedinfrontofthecryingmaids.“Johnny’sinthere!”“Who’sJohnny?”Elizabethasked,gettingtheattentionofthemaidclosesttoher.

“He’s thecook’sgrandson.He’svisiting.Oh,he’s so small!” themaidcried,herhorrifiedgazefixedonthetownhouseslowlybeingconsumedbyflames.

Shegrabbedthemaid’sshoulders,ignoringthesmokeandblazeforamoment.“Whereishe?”“Intheback!Intheservant’squarters!”

“Elizabeth,getback!”herfatheryelledfromthelineofmenhandlingthebucketsofwater.“You’resurehedidn’tmakeitout?”sheaskedthemaid,ignoringherfather'sdemands.“Yes!Hewascryingwhentheydraggedmeout!”

“Okay,thebackyousay?”“Yes!”Elizabethgrabbedapassingbucketofwaterandpoureditonherself.“MyLady?”themaidasked,

stunnedbytheoddbehavior,butElizabethwasalreadyoffandrunningintothesmokefilledhouse.

“Elizabeth!”“Beth!”Sheignoredtheshoutsandpressedherwetshawltohermouthsothatshecouldbreathethrough

thethicksmoke.Sheduckedlowandmovedforward.Hereyeswerealreadystingingbythetimeshe

madeittothefrontstep.Shehadnoideawherethefirehadstarted,butshehadagoodideathatithadstartedonthesecondfloorsinceshedidn'tseeanyhintofflamethroughthethicksmoke.Oldhouseslikethiswentupquicklyoncetheflametookholdsosheknewtherewasn’tmuchtimetoguess.Shemovedtothebackofthehouse,jumpingoverrubbleandavoidingthecrumblingceilingalongthewayassheprayedthatshewasheadedintherightdirection.

“Johnny!” she screamed, coughingas shemadeherway through the smokykitchen to thebackrooms.Shehadn’tbeeninthishouseinovertenyears,butshewasabletogetherbearings,sheknewitaswellasherown.

“Johnny!”sheyelledagainwhenshereachedtheservants’quarters.Sherememberedthecookhadtheroomat theendof thesmallhallwayandkeptwalking,praying thatnothinghadchangedsinceshe’dlastbeenhere.

Halfwaydownthesmallhallwayahandwrappedaroundherarmandpulledhertoastop.“Whatthehell doyou thinkyou’redoing?”Robertdemanded,yelling so thathe couldbeheardover theloudcracklingoffireandthesoundsoftimbercrashingcloseby.

Desperatetofindthelittleboy,shepushedathisarmuntilhelethergoandpracticallyrantothecook’sroom.She threwthedooropen.Throughthesmokeshecould justbarelymakeoutasmallbedmadeupononesideandasmallpalletonthefloorontheothersideoftheroom.Thiswastheroom.Ithadtobe.

“Johnny!”“Here,”asmallvoicesaid,soundingterrified.“Underthebed!”Robertyelled.

Theybothquicklydroppedtotheirknees.Elizabethleaneddownandpeeredunderthebedandnearlyweptwithreliefwhenshespottedthesmallboycurledupbeneaththebed.

“Comehere, sweetheart,”Elizabethsaidsoftlyaroundacoughassmoke threatened tosuffocateher.

Thelittleboyshookhishead.“Comehere,you’reworryingyourgrandmother.Youdon’twanttodothat,doyou?”

“No,”Johnnysaid,shakinghishead.“I’mscared.”“Iam,too.Ineedyoutocomeouthere,Johnny,andhelpme,”shesaidfirmly,hopingthedemand

wouldbeenoughtoconvincehimtocomeout.Theboythoughtitoverbeforereluctantlynodding.Hesitantly,hereachedoutandtookherhand.

Whenaloudcrackechoedthroughouttheroomafewsecondslater,thefrightenedboytriedtopullback,butRobertgrabbedhisarmandyankedtheboyouttherestofthewaybeforehecouldmoveback.Johnnyshriekedinsurprise.

“Good, let’sgo,”Robert said, reachingbackand takingherarm.Hepulledher towards thekitchenwheretheybothfrozeinhorror.Thewaythey’dcomewasnowengulfedinflames.

“Outtheback!”Elizabethyelled.Shetuggedonhishandandpulledhimtowardsthedoorthatledtothesmallgarden.ShemanagedtoyankthedooropenandfledthehousewithRobertintow.

“IwantmyGrandma!”Johnnysobbed.

Robert nodded sympathetically. “We’ll take you right to her.” He looked back at the house.

Thankfullythehousewasmadeofthickstone.Itwouldhelpslowthespreadofflamestootherhousesandgive themen a chance to put out the fire.They could hear themen shouting orders formorewaterwhileothersscreamedinfear.

“We’llhavetogoaroundthealley,”Elizabethsaid,hervoicerawfromthesmoke.

“Let’sgo,”hesaidinagreement.Johnnywrappedhissmallarmsaroundhisneckwhiletheychargedthroughthethicksmoke

thatpouredintothealley.Waterthrownontheneighboringroofstopreventthefirefromspreadingdrippeddownonthem.Thecoolwaterfeltgoodontheiroverheated,ashcoveredskin.

Elizabethsqueezedhishand,afraidshe’dlosetheminthesmoke.Shetuggednone-too-gentlytoget themonto thestreetwhere theybothcollapsed incoughingfits.Their lungscrampedunder thedemandforfreshair.

“Overhere!”amanyelled.Strong hands suddenly clasped Elizabeth by her arms and hauled her up. In seconds she was

cradledinsomeone’sstrongarms.Shelookedupexpectingtoseeherfather.InsteadshewaslookingatRobert’ssootcoveredface.Shewatchedamusclepulseinhisjawashestareddownather.

“Comeon,weneedtogetyououtofhere,”hesaidhoarsely.

“Where’sJohnny?”sheasked,closetopanickingwhenshedidn’tspotthelittleboy.Hadtheylosttheboyinthesmoke?

“Calmdown.He’sokay.HisgrandmothertorehimfrommyarmsbeforeIhitthecobblestone.”“Weneedmoremen!Moremen!”someonescreamed.

Theylookedovertoseewidegapsinthewaterbucketline.Withoutaword,shesquirmedoutofhisarmsandrantofillthegapatthefrontoftheline.“Elizabeth!”

She ignoredhim.As soonas she founda spot she jumped into the rhythmofpassing thewaterbucketstothefirstmanontheladderandtakingtheemptybucketsoutofhishandandpassingthemback.Outof thecornerofhereyeshesawRobert jumpinto theline.Heworkedhardandfast,butkepthiseyesonher.HerfatherandJameswerefurtherdownintheline,alreadysoakedtothebone.Thewomenintheirpartyweregonealongwithherfamily’scarriage.Itwasforthebest.Theywerecompletelyuselessstandingaroundswooning.

Severalwomen,maidsmostly,fromotherhouseholds, joinedthelineuponseeingher.Soonthewaterwasmovingfaster.Herarmsandbackweresufferingundertheconstantstrain,butshepushedon.Sheneveraskedanyonetorelieveherandneversloweddown.Thehousesweremostlymadeofstoneandagooddistanceapart,butiftheydidn’tgetthisfireout,therewouldbenothingtostopthefirefromspreadingfromrooftoptorooftopuntilitfoundawoodenbuilding.Thentherewouldbebigtrouble.

Sevenhourslaterthefirehadconsumedeverythingthatitcould.Menwereforminglinesintothehouseandputtingoutsmallerfires.Theywereveryfortunatethatthefirehadn’tspread.Thehousewasincompleteruins,butotherthanafewburns,noonewasseriouslyinjured.

Elizabeth and the fourmen completely covered from head to toe inwet soot traveled by LordBradford’scarriage toBethanyHouse,her family’sLondonseat.Noonewas surprised to find theparlor full of curious women. They nodded politely, but didn’t answer any questions. They werehungry,tiredandsore.AllRobertwantedatthatmomentwasahotbath,awarmbedandperhapsa

warmbodytohold.HisgazeshottoElizabeththesametimethathersshottohis.Theyheldthegazeuntiloneofthemenclearedhisthroat.

“I’vehadroomssetupforyouandhotbathsshouldbeawaitingallofus,”LordNorwoodsaid,hisvoicewasasscratchyastheirs.“I’llhavemealsbroughtup.Getsomerestandthenlaterwe’llsitdownand figureout some things.”Hisattentionshifted toElizabeth.SheswallowednervouslyandsteppedbackintoJames,whosteadiedherbycuppingherelbowwithhishand.

“Areyouokay?”hewhispered.Shenodded.“Thankyou foryourhelp,Elizabeth. Idon’t thinkwewouldhaveput the fireoutasquicklyor

wouldhavebeenthisfortunatenottoloseanyoneinthefireifthewomenhadn’tjoined,”Jamessaidsincerely.

“Y-you’rewelcome,”shesaid,abitembarrassedbyalltheattention.“Iwouldhavetoagree.Thankyou,mydear,”LordBradfordsaid,bowingtoher.Robertdidn’tspeak.HiseyesdroppedtowhereJamesheldherelbowbeforeheturnedaroundand

gesturedforafootmantoshowhimtohisroom.

Herfatherlookedbothproudandupset.Heleanedinandkissedhercheek.“Don’teverscaremelikethatagain.It’snotgoodforanoldman’shearttoseehisyoungestdaughterrunintoaburningbuilding.”

“Sorry,Papa,”shemumbledashekissedherforehead.“Runalongandgetcleanedup.”

“Yes,Papa.”Sheforcedasmileandmadeherwayupstairs.Anicewarmbedsoundedsogood.Anicewarmstrongbodytocurlupwithsoundedbetter.Shelookedtowardstheguestwingandsighed.Thatwouldhavebeenveryniceindeed.

Chapter11

“Goodmorning,LadyElizabeth,”heheardafootmansayingreetingtothewomanthathadn’tlefthisthoughtssincethemomenthe’dlaideyesonherintheorangery.

Hepausedmid-chew,wondering if he should do themboth a favor and sneakout the servants’doorandleavefortheday,butthemaidcarryinginafreshplatterofeggstookthedecisionoutofhishands.

With aputout sigh, hegot tohis feet andpickedup twoofhis emptyplates andheaded for thesideboard.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawElizabethenterthebreakfastroom,cometoanabrupthaltwhenshespottedhim, takeananxiousstepbackbeforea lookofdetermination tookoverherfeatures and she forcedherself towalk into the room.So, shewasn’t a coward, he thoughtwith asparkofadmiration,thatwasgoodtoknow.

Becausehejustcouldn’thelphimself,hetookhistimeloadingbothplateswithfood.Heignoredthe rather adorable homicidal glare that shewas sending hisway as she stood to the side of him,holdinganemptyplateasshewaitedforhimtogetthehelloutoftheway.Whenshestartedtotapherfoot impatiently,hedecided thatperhapshe shouldadda thirdplatenow, to save time later and toannoythelittlebrat.Hetookhistimemakinghisselections,wonderingjusthowfarhewouldbeabletopushherbeforeshestartedscreamingathimorthrewherplateathishead,buttohissurpriseshedidn’tsayawordwhilehemadeherwait.

Feeling slightly disappointed, he picked up his plates, careful not to drop a single deliciousmorsel,andcarriedthembacktohisseatatthetable.Asheate,hewatchedhermakeherselections,wonderingifshewasgoingtoleavetheroomentirelyorsitat thefarendofthetabletogetawayfromhim.Shedidneither,surprisinghimonceagain.

“Couldn’t stand to be away fromme?” he askedwhen she sat down across from him, becauseapparentlyhewasanidiot.Heshouldbeavoidingthiswomanandfiguringoutawaytoconvincehismotherthatheneededtoleavebeforehedidsomethingfoolishlikethrottlethewomansittingacrossfromhimorbendherover the table, lift up the skirts of her light pinkdress and relieve the achebetweenhislegsthatwasnowmakingitselfknown.

Insteadofansweringhim,shesimplysatthereeatingquietlyasshepretendedasthoughshehadn’theardhim.Hewasn’tsurewhythatpissedhimoff,butitdid.Giventheirhistoryitwouldprobablybefor thebest if they ignoredeachother, buthe reallywanted toget a reactionoutofher.He reallyloved it when she reacted, he thought, remembering last night when she’d been beneath him,fingernailsdiggingintohisbackasheslidinandoutofherincrediblytightsheath.

Withamutteredcurse,hefocusedhisattentionbackonhisfoodasheshiftedinhischairtotryandadjusthis already too tightpants.Lusting after thepain in the asswasn’t going tohelphim.She’druinedhislifeandhe’dbesmarttorememberthat,nomatterhowgoodshe’dfeltinhisarms.

“Good morning, Elizabeth,” his brother said as he walked into the room, sounding genuinelypleasedanddrawingRobert’sglare.

The betraying bastard, he thought, as he watched his brother walk over to Elizabeth, whowassmilingupatthebastard,andpressakisstothebackofherhand.

“Goodmorning,James,”shesaid,smilingandnotpissinghimoff.Not.At.All.

WhenhisbrotherreluctantlysteppedawayfromElizabethtofillaplateatthesideboard,Robert’seyesnarrowedonhim, taking in thewell-fitted jacket andpants that fit him toperfection and thendown to the borrowed clothes that he now wore and hated. They were too small, too tight and,unfortunately, too short.He looked ridiculouswhilehisbrother lookedevery inch the lord thathewas.

Alloftheirclotheshadbeenruinedinthefireandtheclothesthatthey’dwornlastnighthadbeenunsalvageable. Thismorning he had been faced with the choice of wearing the borrowed clothesfromGodonlykneworstaying inhis roomwearinghisdrawersuntil somenewclothescouldbemadeanddeliveredtohim.Heshouldhavestayedinhisroom,herealizedwithanannoyedgruntashereturnedhisattentionbacktohisfood.

“Whatareyourplansforthismorning?”Jamesasked.“Work,”hegrunted,notbotheringtolookupfromhisfoodasheansweredthebastard.“I was talking to Elizabeth,” his brother drawled, reminding Robert that the dumb bastard was

infatuatedwiththelittlepainintheass.

Elizabethclearedherthroatbeforesheanswered.“IthoughtI’dgoforawalkintheparksinceit’ssuchabeautifulday.”

“It’sfartoocoldforawalk,”hisbrotherexplainedwithalightchastisingtone.“Whydon’tItakeyouforaridethisafternooninmycarriageinstead?”

Ah,sothecourtingwasalreadybeginning,Robertrealizedwithdread,hisappetitesuddenlygone.Somehow he forced himself to sit there and shovel another forkful of food into hismouth as hewaitedforheranswer.

“That sounds lovely, James. Thank you,” Elizabeth said politely, sounding pleased and forcinghimtoabruptlystand,knockinghischairtothefloorintheprocess,andwalkoutoftheroombeforehedidsomethingthathemighttrulyregret.

---“It’sverycold,m’lady,”Janecomplainedonceagainthroughchatteringteeth.

“Itwillfeelwarmerafterafewminutes,”Elizabethsaidabsently,sendinghermaidareassuringsmileasshequickenedherpace,needingthefreshairandpeacethatwalkingprovidedher.

In truth, itwas quite a bit colder than it had been yesterday. Itwas a beautiful day, the sunwasshining,therewasn’tacloudinthesky,butunfortunatelyitwasalsocoldenoughtoformiciclesonprettymucheverything.Whenshe’dsteppedoutsidetenminutesagoandwashitwithablastofcoldair,she’dconsideredgoinginsideandspendingthedaybythefirewithagoodbook,butafterseeingRobertthismorning,sheneededtoclearherhead.

Thismorningshe’dforcedherselftogetdressedafterarestlessnightspentpacingherbedroomdespiteherexhaustionandwentdownstairs,hopingtousethelatenighttoheradvantageandbreakher fast alonebefore she secludedherself in the library for theday.Shewouldhavenever left thesafetyofherroomifshehadknownwhatwaitedforherinthebreakfastroom.

When she saw him standing there, filling his plate with an insane amount of food, wearing aridiculoussuitthatwastoosmallforhim,she’dfeltherheartskipabeatandhadanoverwhelmingurgetowalkuptohim,wrapherarmsaroundhisneckandpullhimdownforakiss.Knowingthathewouldn’twelcomehertouchhadfeltathousandtimesworsethanwhenJameshadsteppedoutofher

lifeandbrokenheryoungheart.She’dwantednothingmorethantorunuptoherroom,throwsomethingandperhapscryintoher

pillow as she bemoaned the unfairness of her situation, but she’d forced herself towalk into thatroomandpretend thatherheartwasn’tbreaking.After remindingherself thatshewasdealingwithRobertBradford,thehorridboythathadoncefilledherbureaudrawerswithsnakes,shewasabletoactlikehispresencedidn’tbotherher.

Butitdid.Shewastornbetweenkickinghimorkissinghim,neitheroneaverygoodoptionifshewantedto

convinceherfathertoallowhertoleaveLondononherown.“M’lady?”Janesaidthroughclatteringteeth.

“I’msorry,Jane,”shesaid, forcingher thoughtsawayfromRobert.“Here,”shesaid, removinghershawlfromaroundhershouldersandholdingitouttohermaid.

Janeeyed theshawlwith longing,buther trainingkeptherfromacceptingeven thoughher lipswerestartingtoturnaninterestingshadeofpurple.“No,thankyou,m’lady,”shemumbled,forcingherselftolookaway.

With a muttered curse about the ridiculousness of propriety, Elizabeth stepped behind thetrembling woman and wrapped the shawl around her shoulders before she stepped away andcontinuedwalkingataquickpace,needingtheexercise.

“Thankyou,m’lady,”Janemumbled,grippingtheshawltightlyaroundhershouldersasshedidherbesttokeepupwithElizabeth.

“You’re welcome,” Elizabeth said, looking over her shoulder to give the other woman anapologeticsmile.“I’msorrythatyouhadtocomeoutwithmeinthiscold.”

“It’snotrouble,m’lady,”Janedutifullysaidwhentheybothknewthatthewomanwouldratherbedoingjustaboutanythingelse.

Jane hated going forwalks,whichwaswhyElizabeth never asked for her companywhen theyresidedinthecountry.Outtheretheprotectionofaservantwasn’tneeded.Shecouldspendherdayswalkingherfather ’slandfreelywithoutworry,butinLondonshewasrequiredtohaveaservantwithheranytimesheventuredawayfromthehousewithouttheprotectionofarelative.Itwasaridiculousrule,oneshe’darguedaboutwithherfathereveryseason,butonethatshecouldn’tseemtogetoutof.

Fiveminutes later shewas regrettinggivingupherwarmshawl as the cold finallymanaged toseepintoherbones,makingitpainfultowalkorbreatheforthatmatter.Oh,whyhadn’tshestayedhomeandwaitedforJamestotakeherforaridelater?Because,shewasstubbornandfoolish,shedecidedasaviolentshivertorethroughherbody,makinghergrindherteethagainstthecoldassault.

“What thehell are youdoingout in this cold?”Robert snapped, startlingher just as somethingratherwarmwaswrappedaroundhershoulders.

Shelookeddowntofindherselfwrappedinathickwoolcoat.Beforeshecouldargue,whichshedesperatelywantedtodoonprinciplealone,Robertwasstandinginfrontofher,givinghernochoicebuttostopwalkingashefinishedpullingthecoataroundherandfastenedthebuttons.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she lied even as she gripped the inside of the coat to pull itmore tightlyaroundherself.

“Thenwhyareyourlipsblue?”heaskedsoftlyashegazeddownather.“They’renotblue,”sheargued,feelingherselftremblefromsomethingotherthanthecoldashe

reachedupandgentlypushedastrandofhairbehindherear.

“Why didn’t youwait formy brother?” he asked as he gently rubbed the back of his knucklesalonghercheek.

Becauseshedidn’twanttobecourtedbyJames,butshewasn’tabouttoadmitthattohim.Insteadshethankedhimfortheuseofhisjacketandmovedtosteparoundhim,buthewasn’thavingthat.He-

“Putmedown!” shegaspedashepickedherupand threwheroverhis shoulder like a sackofpotatoes,turnedaroundandstartedwalkingbackthewaythey’dcame.

“Justassoonaswereachyourhousesothatyourfathercanspanksomesenseintoyou,”hesaid,wrappingaratherlargearmaroundherlegswhenshetriedtokickherwaytofreedom.

“Putmedownthisinstant,Robert!”shesnapped,punchinghisbottomtoemphasizeherdemand.“I really shouldn’t be surprised,” hemused to himself, clearly uncaring that shewas currently

tryingtofightherwaytofreedom.

“Sir?”Janesaid,soundingunsure.“Helpgetmedown!”Elizabethpleadedassheshiftedsothatshecouldsendthemaidanimploring

look that was promptly ignored as the maid took in Robert’s size and determination. Noticeablyswallowing,Janeshookherhead,falteredbackastepandfocusedallofherattentiononthegroundaheadofher.

“Traitor,”shemutteredalthoughshecouldn’treallyblamethewoman.

“Tobehonest,”Robertwenton,“Ithoughtbynowthatyourfatherwouldhaveyoulockedup.”“Ihateyou!”shesnapped,punchinghisbottom.Ifherattackhurt,itdidn’tshow.“Hopefully,yourhusbandwillhavemoresenseandwillkeepyoulockedup.Maybeinaconvent

wherethesisterscouldbeatsomesenseintoyou.”

“RobertBradford,youputmedownthisinstant!”shedemanded,gladthattheparkwaspracticallyemptyandotherthanafewstreetvendorstryingtoselltheirwares,therewasnoonetowitnessherhumiliation.

“Sure thing,”he said,quickeninghispace,buthedidn’tputherdown. Instead,he forcedher tograbontothebackofthethinlawnshirtthatheworetostopherselffrombouncingallovertheplace.

Afewminuteslater,shewasforcedtotightenherholdonhisshirtashejoggedupthestonestepstoherfather ’shouse.Whenshesawthefreshlypolishedfoyerfloor,shesighedwithrelief,butitwasshortlived.

“Yousaidthatyou’dputmedownassoonaswereachedthehouse,”sheremindedhimasshetriedtowiggleoutofhisgrip.

“I was planning on it until a thought occurred tome,” he said, sounding amused and instantlyputtingheronguard.

Shewasalmosttooafraidtoask,“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Sinceyourfatherisprobablystillinbed,you’llhavetowaituntillaterforthatspankingthatyoudesperatelyneed,”hesaid,walkingdownwhatappearedtobethebackhallway.“Sincewecan’thave

yourunningaroundandcatchingyourdeath,I’mafraidthatIhavenochoicebuttolockyouupforyourowngood,”hesaidonalongsufferingsighthatdidn’texactlymatchhistone.

“Don’t.You.Dare,”shebitout,tryingnottopanicandfailingmiserably.

“IwishthatIhadachoice,Beth.TrulyIdo,butI’mafraidthatyou’veleftmewithnochoice,”hesaid,chucklingasherearsregisteredthesoundsoftheclickofalockandadooropening.

“I’mnotkidding,Robert!”“Now,youjustsitinhereforawhileandI’msurethatsomeonewilleventuallyletyouout,”he

saidashequicklyplacedheronherunsteadylegs.

Beforeshecouldpushpasthimordemandherrelease,heleaneddownandpressedakissagainsther stunned lips. It tookher a few secondsbefore she realized thathe’d shut thedoor, leavingherstandingtherelookingfoolish.Theclickofthelockbroughthertohersenses.Shegrabbedforthedoorknobandtriedtoturnit,butitwasgoodandlocked.

Amomentlater,sherealizedthathe’dlockedherintheoldmusicroom.Itwaslocatedinthebackofthehouseandhadn’tbeenusedinyearssincenooneinthehouseplayedaninstrument.Itwasalsofarenoughawayfromtherestofthehousethatnoonewouldbeabletohearhercriesforhelp,sherealizedwithagrowl.

“You bastard!” she yelled, uncaring that the declarationwas unladylike as she kicked the door.“You’llpayforthis!”

Chapter12

“Anyideahowthefirestarted?”LordNorwoodaskedashepouredfourglassesofport.ThethreeBradfordmenwerecleanandwearingfreshlytailoredclothesthankstoEdmondson’s,

their family’s tailor, twodays later.WhenEdmondsonheardof thefire,he took ituponhimself tostartonallthemen’snewwardrobes.Healreadyhadtheirsizesonfilesoithadn’ttakenhimlong.NoBradfordmanwentanywhereelseforhisclothes,notsincetheirgreat-great-grandfather.

“Mymanthinksitstartedonthesecondfloorinthehallway.Theybelieveacandletoppledoverorwasputdowntooclosetothewallandsetthesilkonfire,”Haroldexplained.

Themen took their port and sipped. Robert adjusted himself on the uncomfortable chair. LordNorwood’sstudywastoodamnfeminine.Thechairsweretoosmallanddainty.Everythingfromthesilkonthewallstotheupholsteryandrugswasdesignedwithimagesofflowers.Itwasobviouswhoruledtheroosthere,oratleastmadeallthehouseholddecisions.Hisoldstudyattheestatehe’dsoldinFairfordhadbeenwithoutquestionhisdomain.

Itwaseasilytheoppositeofthisroom.Alargemahoganydeskwithalargecomfortablechairhadtaken up one end of the room. Thewalls had been plain. The furniture had been large, solid andcomfortableandtherehadbeenbooksliningeveryshelf.Unlikethisroomwheretherewereonlyafewbooksscatteredabouttheroom.Hehadafeelingthatthebooksinthisroomwerefordecorationonly.

LordNorwoodsatdownonaratherridiculouslookingchaircoveredinrosesandlaceandsippedhisdrink.“I realize thatyou’replanningon findingaplace to rent so thatyoucan remain in townwhileyourebuild,butIthinkitwouldbebestforyouandyourfamilytoremainhere.”

“That’sverygenerousofyou,Richard.Wedon’twanttobeabother,”Haroldsaid.

Richardwaveditoff.“Please,Harold,we’reascloseasbrothers.Itmakesabsolutelynosensetodootherwise.Besides,DanielleandMargaretwouldenjoyeachother ’scompany.You’dbedoingusafavorreally.Heatherisleavingveryshortlytogoprovidecompanionshipforagreatauntandyourwife’scompanywouldhelpMargaretgetovertheloss.”

Haroldclearedhisthroat.“Shedecidednottomarry?Poorlass.”“Iknow.Ihadsuchhighhopesforher.ThankGodIwon’thavetoworryaboutElizabeth.”

James leaned forward as did their father. Robert couldn’t move. “She’s found someone then?”Haroldasked.

LordNorwoodwaveditoff.“No,Ihavenoworriesaboutthat.She’llmarrysoonI’msure.She’sneverbeenshortofcourters.No,hergodmotherlefthera….asmallestate.”Hiseyesshiftedtotheleftashespoke.Robertknewthenandtherethathewashidingsomething,butwhat?“So,evenifshedoesn’tmarry,she’llhaveahomeandincomeofherown.”

“Doesn’t she need aman to handle her estate?Are you handling it for her?” James asked, notbotheringtohidehisinterest.

RichardandHaroldlaughed.“No,mydearboy.Idon’tevenhandlemyownaffairs.Ihaveamanforthat.No,shehandlesherestateaffairsfromherstudy.”

“Shehasa study?”Robertheardhimselfasking. Itwasprobablymore feminine than thisone ifthatwasevenphysicallypossible.

“Yes,thelibraryishers.Nooneevergoesintherebuthersoitjustmadesensetoletherhaveit.Iofferedtohireasecretarytohelpher,butsherefuseshelp.Iwantnothingtodowithit,butitwouldbenicetoseethereinsofherestategotoamanthough.I’dfeelmorecomfortableknowingthatshewaswelltakencareof.”HiseyesdriftedtoJamesashespoke.Hedidn’tevenglanceRobert’sway.Interesting.NotunexpectedthoughafterhispasthistorywithElizabethandall.

“WemayneedtobeinLondonfortherestoftheseason,Richard.Areyousurewewon'tbeintheway?”Haroldasked,bringingtheconversationbacktothematteroftheirstay.

He smiled. “Of course I’m sure. It will be good for the women and help you relax. You haveenough to handlewithout the addition of another house tomanage.No, youwill all stay here andthat’sfinal.”

“Thankyou,myLord,”RobertandJamessaidinunison.He nodded and continued to sip his port, happy that was done. A scratch at the door before it

openedletthemknowtheyhadcompany.Alexandersteppedinsidetheoffice.

“AMr.JenkinsforMr.Bradford,myLord,”thebutlersaidwitharespectfulbow.Robertstood.“Thatwouldbemysecretary.IstherearoomIcoulduse?I’mafraidthatIhavea

fewthingstogooverwithhimsinceI’mgoingtohavetostayinLondonlongerthanIhadoriginallyplanned.”

Richard waved it off. “Of course, use Elizabeth’s study while you’re here. She won’t mind.”Robertwouldn’tbetonthat.HewassurethatitwouldirritateElizabethtonoendtoshareastudywithhim.Aslowsmiledspreadoverhisfaceatthethoughtofannoyingthelittlepainintheass.

“Thank you, my Lord. That is very generous. If you’re sure it won’t bother her?” he askedcongeniallyalthoughhehopeditwouldbotherthehelloutofher.

Herfatherchuckled.“Goon.It’sstillmyhouseafterall.”Theothermenlaughedaswell,knowingElizabethwouldn’tlikeitonebit.

After theothernightwhenElizabethhad finallymanaged toescape theoldmusic room,andhewasstillcuriousaboutthat,she’dmarchedintothedinningroomwherehe’dbeeneatingwiththerestoftheirfamily.He’dbeenmindinghisownbusinesswhenshe’dsnatchedaglassofredwinefromhermotherasshestormedpastherandproceededtopouritoverhishead.Thathadn’tbotheredhimasmuchaswhenthelittlebratreachedoverandsnatcheduphisplatefilledwithappletartsandturnedaroundtostormoffwithhisprecioustreats.

Whenhemadeamovetorescuehisdeliciousmorsels,hisfather,brother,LordNorwoodandeveryavailablefootmaninthehousetackledhimtotheground,probablythinkingthathemeant tokill the little brat over thewine.He couldhave cared less about thewine, but he verymuch caredaboutthefactthatshe’dstoppedinthedoorwaytoshoothimasmuglookassheateoneofhisappletartswhilehe’dbeenhelplesstostopher.

Atthatmomenthedidn’tcareifhehadtoworkonadeskcoveredinpinklace.Hewouldusethatroomjusttoannoyher.Itwasasickpleasure,butapleasurenonethelesstoaggravateher.

Alexanderledhimtoanordinarywhitedoor.Robertopenedthedoorandhadtobitebackagaspofsurprise.Theroomwasverymasculineandverysimilartohisoldoffice.Thedeskwasactuallybigger than his. The books lookedwell read and therewas nothing dainty in this room.Actually,everythinglookedrathernew.Elizabethdecoratedthisroom?Impossible.

Gregory,hismanofaffairs,wasalreadyseatedatasmalldeskinthecorner,working.HestooduponseeingRobertentertheroom.“Iwassorrytohearaboutyourfamily’smisfortune,sir.”

Robertwasstilllookingaroundtheroom.“It’snomatter.Myfamilywillrebuild,butI’mafraidthatwe’llalsostayherefortheremainderoftheseason,Gregory.”

“You’restaying,sir?IthoughtyouweretosailforAmericainthreeweeks.”“Changeofplans.Doyouthinkthatyou’llbeabletomanage?”heaskedGregory.Henodded.“Yes,sir.”

“Good.Let’sgettowork.”Hemovedbehindthedesk.Itwascleanandwellorganized.Hepulledback thechair, satdown,and sighed loudly. Itwas themost comfortablechairhe’dever sat in.Heleanedback.Itwasperfect.Hewasgoingtohavetofindthemakerandhaveonemadeforhimselforstealthisone,hedecided.HelookeduptofindGregorywatchinghimwithabitofafrown.

“Goodchair,”hesimplysaid.Gregorynoddedknowinglyandreturnedhisattentiontotheledgers.Robertstretchedhislegsoutbeforehim.Thespacewasdeepandwide.Heduckedhisheadtohave

alookbeneaththedesk.Itwasalsocovered,probablyagoodideaforawomansothatnoonesittingacrossfromhercouldseeherankles.Heratherlikedit.

“Comfortable?”RobertlookedupandgrinnedataveryirritatedElizabeth.“Verymuchso.Thankyou.”Gregory immediately jumped to his feet and gave an awkward bow. “My Lady,” he mumbled

nervously.

She smiled pleasantly in his direction and scowled in Robert’s. He chuckled freely, earning ahaughtyglarethatshecouldn’tquitepulloff.Shepracticallymarchedaroundthedeskuntilshestoodinfrontofhim.Heleanedbackrathercomfortably.

“Yes?”hedrawled,amusedbyherexpression.Elizabethsighed.“You’reinmychair.”

Helookedpointedlyaroundhim.“Hmm,Idon’tseeyournameonit.”Shegroaned.“Youknowbloo-darnwellthat’smychair.Now,areyougoingtomove?”“Hmm….no.”

“Move.”“No.”“You’reannoying!”

“Yes.”Hechuckled.“You’lljusthavetogetusedtoit.”“Why?”sheaskedcautiously.Hislipstuggedupslowlyintoahugegrin.“Becauseyourfatherhasdecidedtotakeusinuntilour

houseiffixed.”

“W-what?”sheasked,unabletohidehersurprise.“Lookslikewe’llbesharinganoffice,”hesaidwithawinkbeforehepointedlylookeddownat

hispapers.“Now,ifyoudon’tmind,Ihaveworktodo,”hesaid,watchingheroutofthecornerofhis

eye.SherolledhereyesandturnedtofaceGregory,givinghimaratherniceviewofherbackside.He

hadtroubleswallowing.Herememberedalltoowellhowthatparticularpartofherbodyfeltinhishands.Didsheknowwhatshewasdoingtohim?

“You,sir,havemydeepestsympathies,”shesaidtoGregory.“F-for what, my lady?” Gregory nervously asked. The man always had problems talking to

women, even his ownwife.A beautifulwomanwould damn near kill themanwith sputtering.Hepitiedthemanforsurelyanyattentionfromhisminxwouldsendhimtoanearlygrave.

“Forbeingsaddledwiththelikesofthisman.”

Gregory swallowed loudly, not sure how to respond.He didn’t want to upset Elizabeth, but hedefinitelydidnotwanttooffendhisemployer.“Mr.Bradfordisanexcellentemployer,myLady.”

Elizabeth lookedoverher shoulderatRobertwithahintofmischief inhereyes.Whatwas sheabout? he wondered as she turned back to Gregory and gave him another view of that beautifulbottomthathedesperatelywanttotouchagain.

“Whatisyourname,sir?”

“Mr.GregoryJenkins,myLady.”Shenoddedandsmiledas thoughthenamepleasedher.“Mr.Jenkins, I findmyself inneedofa

man in your position.What do you say to coming towork forme for let’s say an additional twopoundsamonth?”

Robertjumpedtohisfeet.Tryingtostealawayagoodemployeewasconsideredrude,buttodoitinfrontofthecurrentemployerwasaslapintheface.“Whatthehell?”Robertsnapped,notcaringthathewasswearinginawoman’spresenceorthatGregorywasleavinghisserviceinamatterofweeksanyway.

Gregorylookednervouslybetweenthetwoofthem.“M-myLady,I…”“Fiveadditionalpoundsamonth.Iassureyou,sir,thisisarealoffer.”“Butyouknownothingofme,myLady,”hesaid,shiftingnervously.

“Tenpounds,”Elizabethsaidwithoutbattinganeye.Robertsteppedinfrontofher.HeknewwithanofferlikethatGregorywouldhavetobeafoolto

refuse,especiallysincehehadachildontheway.Gregorylookedathimpleadingly.Hedidn’tknowwhattodo,butRobertsawthathewastempted.Damnit,hewasnotabouttolosethebestemployeehe’deverhadtoher.

“I’llmatchtheoffer,”hesaid,givingGregoryameaningfullooktolethimknowthathe’dmakesurethathisfather,whohewasprettysurewouldhireGregory,wouldmatchtheofferonceheleftforAmerica.Ahhell, themanwasworth it.He’dalreadyplannedongivinghimagoodsize raisesoonanywaybecauseofthebaby.

“I’llgiveyouthatplusoneweekoffayearwithpay,”Elizabethsaidinaboredtone.“I’llmatchthatandaddaweek,”Robertsaidalmostdesperately.Hewasnotgoingtolose,damn

it!Gregory’sfacereddened.“Butyouhavetoagreerightnownottoleavemyserviceandespeciallynottoher.”

“Iaccept,sir.Thankyou,sir,”Gregorysaid,strugglingnottosmile.“Good.Thentherewillbenomoreofthisnonsense.”

“No,sir.”“Good,”hesaid rather smuglyashe turnedaround to rub it inElizabeth’s face,but shewasno

longerstandingbehindhim.Shewassittinginhisseatwithasmugsmileofherown.“LookslikeIjustgotmychairback,”she

saidwithagrin,shootingGregoryawink.

Thelittleminxwinked!Ithithimthenwhatshe'ddone.She’dneverplannedonstealingGregoryfromhim.Inoneswift

moveshetookherchairback,humiliatedhim,andcosthimanextratenpoundsamonth,atleastforthenextmonthortwo.HelookedoverhisshouldertofindGregorysmilinginElizabeth’sdirection.Thedamnmanhadfigureditoutaswell.

Elizabethturnedaround,sighinghappily, inherchairandpushedasidehispapers.“Ifyoudon’tmind,Robert,you’reinmylightandprobablyinMr.Jenkins’slightaswell.Ifyouwantthepoormantobeabletowork,thenyoushouldreallymove.”

Whenhedidn’trespondshegotnervous.Shelookedupslowlytoseehimpracticallyshakingwithrage.Shegulped.Givinghimatentativesmilesheasked,“Toofar?”

Slowly,henodded.

Chapter13

“Ohdear.”She jumped to her feet and ducked just as he reached for her. For some reason shealwayswenttoofarwherehewasconcerned.Itreallycouldn’tbehelpedthough,itwassimplytoomuchfuntopassup.

She hiked up her skirts and ran as though her life depended upon it.With one look over hershouldersherealized that it justmight.Hewaschasingafterher.Sheshrieked,butdidn’tstop.Herfathersteppedoutintothehallinfrontofher,flankedbyJamesandLordBradford.

“Elizabeth?”heasked,lookingstunned.

“Too far!” she said as if those two words would explain why a grown man was chasing hisdaughter.Evidently theydid,becauseall threemenlaughedandnoddedknowingly.Shedidn’tstickaroundtoseeifherfatherwasgoingtohelpher.Therewasamadmanchasingherafterall.

“Beth!”Robertroared.Sheyelpedas she ran through thekitchen. “Stophim!” shepleaded to the servants.One lookat

Roberthadthemallsteppingback.Cowards.

She was out of breath and admittedly frightened. Robert as a boy was a formidable opponent.Robertasamanwasdeadly.Shescootedaroundthelongoaktable,hopingtokeephimontheotherside.

“Leaveus,”heorderedinacoldvoice.“No,don’t!”Elizabethpleaded.

Theyweren’tstupid.Theyfled.Shewouldhavetooifhe’dgivenhertheoption.Hmm,perhapshewas.Sheduckedandtriedtojointhefleeingservants.Hishandcamedownonhershoulderjustwhenshethoughtthatshemightbeabletosneakaway.

“Oh,notyou,Elizabeth.”Shelaughednervously.“Well,youweren’tspecific.”Sheduckedawayfromhim.

“Youwenttoofar,Elizabeth.”“I-I know,” she stammered as shewent back around the table.He followed at a predatory pace.

Thismanwasfrightening.Whyhadn’tshenoticedthatintheorangery?Hestoppedsuddenlyandlookedtohisleft.“Ohlook,it’slaundryday,”henotedinadeceptively

boredtone.

Shedidn’twanttomovehergazeawayfromhim,buthereyeswouldn’tlistentoher.Oftheirownaccordtheyfollowedhisgazetothelargelaundrytubfullofwater,clothesandsoap.

Beforesheknewwhatwashappeninghehadherscoopedupinhisarms.Shetriedtosquirmherwayoutofhishold,buttherewasnogive.“Letmego!”

“Ofcourse,myLady.Yourwishismycommand,”hesaidpleasantlybeforehereleasedher.

“Robert,you-”Herwordswerecutoffbyanintakeofcoldsoapywater.Shegaspedasshepulledherselfup.She

wassuddenlysoakedtotheboneandfreezing.Thelargefireseveralfeetbehindherdidnothingtochaseawaythechill.

Robert’ssmileslowlyfadedashiseyesnarrowedonherdress.Shelookeddowntodiscoverthather lightbluegownwasnowsticking toherandwassee through!Hernippleswerehardfromthecoldandwerepokingagainstthewetmaterial.ShewatchedasRoberthungrilylickedhislips.

Shescrambledtogetoutofthetubandawayfromthathungrylook.Shegrabbedadry,crumpledsheetfromthepilenearthetubandwrappeditfirmlyaroundherself,tuckingitinaboveherbreasts.He stepped forward almost as if he couldn't stop himself and just as she prepared herself for theworst,hismouthcamedownonhers.

---Shetastedofsoapywaterandminx.Insteadofslappinghimlikehe’dexpected,shepulledhim

closerandkissedhimback.Theirmouthsmovedinaperfectdance.Histonguetracedherlowerliprequestingentranceandshegaveit.

Afraid theservantsmightreturnatanymoment,heopenedhiseyes tomakesure that theywerestillaloneassheturnedthemaround.Hestillcouldn’tbelievethatshewaskissinghimafterwhathe’ddonetoher.

“Anyonecoming?”shemumbled.“No,noone,”hemurmuredagainstherlips.

“Good.” She ran her hands down his chest to his waist where she began to undo his trousers.Alarmandjoyshotthroughhim.“Minx?”heaskedbreathlesslyasshedeepenedthekiss.GoodGod,theyweregoingtomakeloveinthekitchen,herealizedwithapossessivegrowlashetookoverthekiss.

Hefelthispantsdropdownaroundhisbootsthesamemomentthathefeltsomethinghardbumpagainstthebackofhislegs.Shepulledback,smilingseductivelyupathim.Herhandstracedbackuptohischestwheretheyflattened.

“Ithinkyouneedtocooloff,”shesaidassheshovedhim.

“Wh-”Thanks to his pants around his ankles and the edge of the barrel behind him, he lost his

balance.Helandedintheice-coldtubofwaterwithhispantsaroundhisankles,makingitdifficulttoclimbout.

“Ibelievenow,sir,thatweareeven,”shesaidwithacurtsy.

“Youbrat!”heroared.She stepped back, biting her lip nervously. Perhaps just dumping him in thewater would have

madethemeven.Droppinghispantsmighthavebeentoomuch.Afterashortstruggle,hemanagedtoclimboutofthetubandyankhiswetclothesupwithgreateffort.Hequicklyfastenedhispantsjustintimetoosincetheirfathersstormedintothekitchensecondslater.Theytookonelookatthebothofthemandstartedlaughing.

“Run,”hesaidinaharsh,coldvoice.

“Exactlymythoughtsonthematter,”Elizabethsaidassheturnedandboltedpastherfather.“Toofar?”herfatherasked,laughing.

“Yes!”shesqueaked.Robertwatchedherleave.Ifhetookonestepafterher,hewassurethathewasgoingtokillher

with sex. Even after an ice cold bath his excitement for her wouldn’t diminish. God, she waswonderfulandhewasgoingtoenjoygettingbackather,hedecided.

“Idon’tlikethatsmile,Robert.Justpromisemethatyouwon’tkillher,”Richarddemanded,stilllookingamused.

“I promise,my Lord,” he said. That was the only promise anyonewould get from himwhereElizabethwasconcerned.

HisfatherslappedLordNorwoodontheshoulder.“Atleastourtimeherewon’tbeboring.”

Richardlaughedinagreementastheylefttheroom,leavingRoberttoplanhisrevenge.---

“That’slovely,myLady,”Jane,hermaid,said.

Elizabeth lookedherdressover.Thenecklinewas low,butnot too low to cause a scandal.Shelikedthecolor,lightgreen.ItremindedherofRobert’seyes,whichwasnotthereasonshechosetowearthisdress,notatall.Shehatedthemanafterall.

Itwashisfaultthatshe’dbeenforcedtohideinherroomforthelastweek,pretendingtobesick.Shewouldhavestayedlongerifherfatherhadn’tputhisfootdownandcalledheracoward.Shewasnotacoward.Shejustwasn’tfoolishenoughtocomeoutandfaceamadmanwaitingtokillher.Self-preservationwasatfaulthere.

Shehadtogoouttonightanyway.ItwastheBlackward’sannualballandhermotherwouldneverforgiveherifshemissedit.Itwasoneofthemorepopularballs,andonlytheelitewereinvited.Noonedaredmissit,ortheyriskedbeingsnubbednextyear.

At least for tonightshewasguaranteedaRobert-freenight.Earlier, Jane toldher thegentlemenwere all going to their clubs tonight, saying something about a card game.Good.Thatmeant shewouldbeabletoenjoyafewhourswithoutlivinginfear.

For thepastweekshe’d thoroughly inspectedallher foodforanythingnasty thathemighthaveaddedbeforesheateit.Shealsocheckedherbathwatertoensuretherewasn’tanydyewaitingtoturnherblue.Themanwasdeviousafterall.

Shequicklymadeherwaydownstairswhilekeepinganeyeoutfortraps.Hernerveswerefrayed.Damnthatman.Assoonasshewasdownstairsandshewaspositivethathewasn’twaitingforher,shewentstraighttotheprotectivebosomofhermotherandLadyBradford,whowerewaitingpatientlyinthefoyer.Heatherwasalreadygone.Shewasnowofficiallyaspinster.Itwasashameand,althoughitwasherfutureaswell,shewouldneverbeanyone’scompanion.Shewouldbeherownmaster.

“Shallwego?”sheaskedwithaforcedsmileassherushedthemoutthedoor.“You’re certainly excited tonight,” hermother noted approvingly.Normally it was like pulling

teethtogetElizabethoutofthehouseforoneoftheseaffairs,buttonightshewelcomedthesafetythataballoffered.Infact,shefullyplannedonstayinguntiltheykickedherout.

Shewaited anxiously as hermother andLadyBradford climbed into thedark carriagewith thehelpofafootman.Herjob,inhermindatleast,wastokeepalookoutforRobert.Hewassneakyafterall.

“LadyElizabeth?”thefootmansaid,waitingpatientlyforhertoclimbinaswell.“Thank you, Anderson,” she said, accepting his help. Once inside the dark carriage she

immediatelysawtheothertwowomensharingthebenchridingforward.Withaninwardsigh,shesatdownonsomethingratherfirmandwarmthatdefinitelydidn’tfeellikeabench.

“Ibelievethisseat is taken,LadyElizabeth,”Robertdrawled,startlingherandmakingher jumpoffhislap.SomehowshetrippedoverherskirtsintheprocessandwouldhavelandedonhermotherandLadyBradfordifhehadn’treachedoutandgrabbedherbythewaist.Beforeshecouldswathishandsaway,heplantedherontheseatbesidehim.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sherudelyasked,notreallycaringifsheoffendedhim.“Elizabeth!”hermotherhissedwhileLadyBradfordwastryingherbesttohideasmile.

“I’mheretoescorttwoverybeautifulwomentotheball,”hesaid,winkingacrossthecarriageandmakingtheotherwomengiggle.Heslidasidewayslookherwayandgrinned.

Shewasbeyondannoyed,but theotherwomendidn’tseemtonoticeorcare.Thatwasfine.Shecouldsithereandignorehisverywarmbodyandthewayhemadeherbodytinglewithanticipationofhistouch.Onceshewasattheball,shewouldavoidhimalltogether.

Well, itwould have been easy to ignore him if he hadn’t started to use hisweight to push heragainstthewall.“Stopit!”shehissed.

“Stopwhat?”heaskedinnocently.“You’repushingme.”“Youmustbeimaginingthings.Ihaven’tmoved.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Fine.We’realmostthereanyway.”Hepushedheragain.Shegroundherjawandacceptedit.Ifthiswashisideaofrevenge,thenitwaspathetic.She’dlethimhaveit.Itwassimplychildish.He’dcertainlylosthistouchovertheyears.

“We’rehere!”LadyBradfordsaidcheerfully.Good.Thefastershewasabletogetawayfromhimthebetter.

Robertjumpedouttohelptheotherwomenoutofthecarriagefirst.Whenitwasherturn,heheldhishandoutforherandshereluctantlytookit.Oncedownshestraightenedherskirtsandfroze.Wasthereadraft?

Chapter14

“Elizabeth!Backinthecarriageatonce!”hermotherhissed.“What?” shemumbled as hermother andLadyBradfordpractically shovedher inside.She fell

backontheseat.Whenshelookeddownshecouldn'thelpbutgaspinshock.TherewasalongteardownherskirtrightonthesidewhereRoberthadsat,showingherleginallitsglory.Hereyesshotuptohis.Helookedveryamusedandabitsmug.

“We’llhavetogohomeandchange,”LadyBradfordsaid,soundingdisappointed.

Elizabethheldupherhand.“No,please.Irefusetowreckeveryone’snightovermycarelessness.Imusthavecaughtthedressonanail,averysharponefromthelooksofit.”HergazeshottoRobert,wholookedoddlytriumphant.“Iapologize,”shesaidtightly.

“Areyousure?”hermotherasked,lookingtornbetweengoingwithherandenjoyingtheballoftheyear.

“Yes,I’llbefine.Pleasegoon.I’llreturnasquicklyaspossible,”shesaidquietly.Shewasupset,butshedidn’twantRoberttoknow.Thiswasherfavoritedress.Well,ithadn’tbeenaweekago,butthatwasnotthepoint.Hewasgoingtopayforthis.

Robertwasthelastonetomoveback.“Enjoyyourevening.”Hewinkedbeforeturningtoleave.Oh,shewouldenjoyitallright.Shestartedplottingherrevengeassoonasthecarriagerolledaway.

Shewas just formulating theperfectplan for revengewhen thecarriagecame toanabrupthalt,sending her flying forward into the opposite seat. “Henry?” she called to the driver, worried thatsomethinghadhappenedtothekindmanthatshe’dknowsinceshewasachild.Agunshotrangoutfollowedbyanother.“Henry!”

Secondslaterthedoorjerkedopen,drawingherattentiontothemanstandingtheresmilingather.“Goodevening,mydear,pleasantnightforanelopement,isn’tit?”

Oh no, not him. She thought she’d rid herself of him last year when he’d been chased out ofLondonbydebtcollectors.Thiswasverybad.Hewastheworstsortoffortunehuntertherewas.Hewasalsocruelandknowntodowhateverit tooktogetwhathewantedandrightnowhewantedtoforceherintomarriage.Shewasleftwithnootherrecoursebuttopullbackherfistandletitflyandthat’sexactlywhatshedid.

---Robertcouldn’tkeepthesatisfiedgrinoffhisfaceashepacedtheballroom.Heignoredtheeager

widowssendinghim invitingglances,eager to sharehisbed, theboredwives sendinghimsimilarlooks, thehusbandhuntingschoolgirlswilling todoanything tobesettledandkeptaneyeon theentrance,anticipatingElizabeth’sarrival.

Hecouldn’twait.Hewassodamngiddy.Thiswasgoingtobepriceless.Healmostwishedthathecouldhaveseenherfacewhensherealizedthatherwardrobehadbeencompletelycleanedoutexceptforabrandnewgaudy lookinggown thatwashideouslypukeorange.She'dhavenochoicebut towearitandmakehisnight.Lifewasgood.

Ashewalkedpasttheentrancestepstotheballroomacommotioninthefoyerbrokeout.Footmencamerunningastheyyelledformoreguns.Robertdidn’tthink,hejustran.Somethinginhisguttoldhimtomovehisassandhedid.

“Get them in the studyandplace amanat thedoor!”LordBlackwardordered. "Get everymanarmedandcallthemagistrate.SomeonegotoWhitesandgetLordNorwoodimmediately!”

“Getasurgeon!”amanyelledfromthestudy.

Dreadfilledhim.HeranpastthefootmenandastunnedLordBlackwardandfollowedthetrailofblood soaking the expensive rug into the study. He saw her bloodied light green skirts almostimmediately.

“Ohplease,God,no,”hemumbledasherushedinside---

“Henry,relax!”heheardElizabethsay.“Areyouokay,myLady?”Henryasked,tryingtosituponthedaintycouch.“Yes,youdidaverygoodjob,”Elizabethsaid,givingtheservantawarmreassuringsmileasshe

fussedoverhim.

Assoonashewascloseenough,Robertgrabbedherbytheshouldersanddraggedhertoherfeetsothathecouldlookherover.Thefrontofherdresswascoveredinblood,buthecouldn’tseeanyobviouswounds.

“Whereareyouhurt?”hedemanded.Whenshedidn’tanswerhimfastenoughheshookherandyelledit.Hehadn'trealizedhishandsweretremblinguntilhesawhershaking.

“M-myhandhurts,that’sall,”shepromised.Sheshowedhimthebackofherhand.Itwasalreadyswollen.Hiseyesmovedtohermessyhair,afewcutsonherbareshoulderandtowhereherdresswasripped,exposing toomuchcleavageforhissanity.Heremovedhis jacketandplaced itonhershoulders.

“Whathappened?”hedemanded.Shedroppedbacktoherknees,pushingherarmsthroughthesleevessoshecouldtendtoHenry.

“I’msosorry,LadyElizabeth.Ididn’tknowwhattheywasaboutuntilitwastoolate.”“Shh,nonsense.Youdidafinejob,Henry.Afinejob.Nowyoujustrelaxandletushelpyou.”

Heclosedhiseyesandnodded.Robertcould tell themanwas inagreatdealofpain,butdidn'twanttodistressElizabethanyfurther.“Gethimsomebrandy,”hebarkedoutatafootman.HelookedbackatElizabeth.“I.Want.A.Name,”hebitouteachwordevenly.

“EdwardThompson,he’sbeenafterm’ladyforawhilehehas.Triedtotakehertonight.Sheputupafight,shedid,”Henrysaidproudly,answeringhimbeforeElizabethgotachance.

Heknewthebastard.They'dattendedschooltogether.Hewasalsoadeadman.Noonetouchedhisminxandlived.Hegrabbedagunfromapassingfootmanandextrashot.“LordBlackward,wouldyouhappentohaveagoodhorsethatIcouldborrow?”

“Robert,whatareyoudoing?”Elizabethasked.“I’mgoingtokillEdwardThompson,ofcourse.”

---

“Areyousurethisiswhereheis?”LordBlackwardwhisperedoverhisshoulder.Robertnoddedtotheolderman.“Youheardthelandlady.He’shere.”

“Howdoyouwanttohandlethis?”LordBlackwardasked.HewaspracticallyontopofRobert.Hehadtoshiftagainandstepasidejustforsomebreathingroom.

“Haveyourmenblockthefrontandbackdoors.We’llgoinwithafewmenandgrabhim.”

“Youweren’tseriousaboutkillinghim,wereyou?”LordBlackwardasked,shiftingnervously.Robertdouble-checkedhisgun,makingsurethatitwasloadedandready.“Ifhetriestoflee,I’ll

shoot himdeadbefore he can somuch as take a step outside.Otherwise, I’m sureLordNorwoodwouldliketohandlethematterpersonally.Themandidtrytoabducthisdaughterafterall.”

“Right,right.Let’sgo.”LordBlackwardnudgedhim.Robertledthewayintothesmallroominghouse.

“Thisway,sir,”thelandladysaid,gesturingforthementofollowhertothesecondfloor.“Knockonthedoor,”Robertorderedsoftly.Aloudwhimperwastheanswer.Afteraslightpause,Robertopenedthedoor.Holdinghiscandle

highalongwithhispistol,hewalkedintotheroom.Thesmelloffreshvomitandsweatreachedhisnose,nearlymakinghimgag.

Thewhimperingcontinued.Helookedatthecotonlytofinditempty.Morelightfilledtheroomasmenenteredbehindhim,makingtheroomnearlyasbrightasday.

“Goodlord!”LordBlackwardgasped.Edward Thompson lay on the floor, curled up into a ball with both hands clutching his groin.

“She…wouldn’t…stop…..kicking…..”Hevomitedagain.Everymanintheroomshiftedandabsentlycoveredhisowngroinattheannouncement.

Robertcouldn’tbelievehisminxhadtakenthislargemanout.Worse,hecouldn’tbelieveshewascapableofthistypeofretaliation.Evenafteralltheyearsofbullshitthathe’dputherthrough,she’dneveroncewenttokickhiminthebullocks.ThankGodforthat!

Themanwasopenlyweepingnow.“Whatshouldwedo?”LordBlackwardasked,shiftinganxiously.

“Haulhimin.NormallyIwouldsaythathe’ssufferedenough,butifshe’smadehimintoaeunuchhe’sgoingtowanttokillher.Betterleavethistoherfatherandthemagistratetohandle.”

“He’scrying,”LordBlackwardsaidindisgust.“Iknow.”RobertbentoverEdward,keepinghisbacktotherestofthemen.“Edward,youtriedto

kidnapLadyElizabeth?”heaskedwithbarelyrestrainedfury.

Edwardnoddedfrantically.“I’lladmitit!Pleasejustgetasurgeon.Idon’twanttolosemyballs!”Robertrolledhimover.“ThisisforElizabeth,”hewhisperedbeforehepunchedthemansquarely

inthejaw,breakingitwithanaudiblecrackandknockingthemanoutcold.“Whatwasthatfor?”LordBlackwarddemanded.

“Hewascrying,”Robertsaidwithacarelessshrugasheheadedforthedoorbeforehedecidedtokillthebastard.

---

Elizabethwaspacing the foyerwhenRobert strolled into thehouse alongwithher father,LordBradfordandJames.Whenshespottedthemshestoppedpacingatonce.“Well?”

Themen lookedher over. Shewaswearing a longwhite cotton nightgown and awrapper.HerfatherandLordBradfordlookeddisapproving.Jameslookedamused.Robertlookedhungry,causinghertoshiftnervously.

“Gotobed,dear.It’shandled,”herfathersaidashekissedherforehead.“Pleasetellmethathe’sstillalive.”“Hewisheshewasn’t,”Jamessaidwithachuckle.

“Alittlebitofanoverkill,wouldn’tyousay?”Robertasked.Hiseyesneverlefthersashewatchedherpossessively.

“I-Ihadtomakesurehewasn’tgettingbackup.”TherestofthemenlaughedlouderatthiswhileRobertcontinuedtowatchher.“Oh,believeme,

mydear,he’llnevergetupagain,”LordBradfordsaid.

Herfacecolored.Shewasn’texactlysurewhattheyweretalkingabout,butshehadanideathankstothatnightintheorangery.Shehadkickedhimprettyhard.

Repeatedly.“Fromnowon,youdonotgoanywherewithoutanextramantowatchyou.Nowgoonuptobed

andhaveJanefetchyousometea.”

“Isenthertobedhoursago.I’lljustgotobed.”Shethrewonelastlookatthemen.Obviouslythemanwasalive.Thatwasallshecaredabout.ThatandRobertwassafe,butshedidn’twanttolooktoodeeplyintothat.

---Robertwaitedanhouruntiltherestofthemenwererelaxedanddeepintheircardgamebeforehe

excused himself for the night.Hemade hisway upstairs.After a quick glance around the upstairshallway,hewenttothefamilyquarters.

HealreadyknewwhichroombelongedtoElizabeth.Thanks toall the timeshe’dsnuckintoherroomtoplacesomethinggrossordeadinherbedheknewthewaybyheart.Helistenedatthedoorbeforeslowlyopeningit.Hisearsweremetwithlightsnores.Cutelittlesnores,hethought.

Thedoorshutquietlyenough.Afteraslightpausehedecidedtotakehisbootsoff.Hedidn’twanttowakeherashecreptovertoherbed.Theonlylightintheroomcamefromthefireplace,makingithardtoseewherehewasgoing.Hethrewonanotherlogandwenttothebed.

Elizabethwascurleduponherside.Shelookedlikeanangel,hisangel.Hisminx.Hehadtoholdher.Now.Heraisedthecoversandcrawledbeneaththem.Hecurledupagainstherbodyandgentlypulledheragainsthim,carefulnottowakeherandnotreallycaringifhedid.Finallyhereleasedthebreathhehadn’trealizedhe’dbeenholding.Shewassafe.Shewasheresafelyinhisarms.Withthatthoughtrepeatinginhismind,hefellasleep.

Chapter15

“Thatlookisn’tgoingtoworkonme,mydear.Askyourmother,”Richardsaidwithoutlookingupfromhisnewssheet.“Youarenotgoing.”

Elizabethstoppedpoutingimmediately.Itusuallyworked.Well,onlyifhermotherhadn’talreadyusedthesametactic.Hermothermusthaveaskedtoredecoratethepinksittingroomthismorning.Thatwasfinesinceherbackupplanneverfailed.

“You’reright,ofcourse,Papa,”Elizabethsaid.

Herfatherhuffedhisagreement.Shepickedupaplateandheadedtothesidetableandfilledtheplatetotherimwithmeats,cheese,sweetsandbread,notingthattheservantshadstartedputtingoutaspreadlargeenoughtofeedasmallarmysincetheBradfordscametostaywiththem.

Itwasatleastthreetimesmorefoodthanwasnecessary,butsheknewthatnotacrumbwouldbewasted,notwithRobertstayinghere.Sherememberedthathe’dalwayshadaratherlargeappetite,something that she’d teased him aboutwhen theywere children. The amount of food that hewentthroughinadaywasratherfrightening.Evenhisfamilyseemedtobetroubledbyhiseatinghabits.Shecouldn’thelpbutwonderhowhewasn’tfatbynow,butthatwasathoughtforanothertime.Rightnowshehadamissiontoaccomplish.

Whensheplacedtheplatedownatthespotnexttoherfather,shemadesuretheplateclatteredloudenoughtocatchhisattention.Assheturnedaroundtoreturntothesidetableforanotherplate,she sawher father peer around his paper to look at her plate.His eyeswidened considerably. Sheturnedherheadquickly tohidehersmileand filledasecondplatewithpudding,muffins leftoverfrombreakfastandafewsconesandtherestoftheraspberryjam.Sheplacedthesecondplatenearthefirstandsatdown.Herfathershifteduncomfortablyinhischair.

Elizabethignoredhimasshemadeabigshowofspreadingbutteronapieceofbrownbread.Shebroughtthesliceofbreadhalfwaytohermouth,gavealittleshakeofherheadandaddedmorebuttertoitbeforebringingittowardsherlipsonceagain.

Herfatherspokeupbeforeshemanagedtotakeasinglebite.“Isn’tthatabitmuch,mydear?”hetriedtoaskcasually,butfailedmiserablyandforgoodreason.ThiswasexactlyhowHeatherstartedherroadtospinsterhood.Shewentfromhavingafigureotherwomenenviedtobeingratherplumpallinarelativelyshortperiodoftime.

Hewasn’tworriedthatshewouldbepushedintothelifeofacompanion.Shewasfinanciallywelloffandwouldn’thavetoworryaboutmoneyadayinherlife.Herfatherwasgenuinelyconcernedabouther.Hewantedtoseeherwellcaredforandhecravedmoregrandchildren.

Shesighedheavily.Thiswasatrickshecouldonlyuseeveryfewweeks.Ifshedidittoooften,itlostitsaffect.

“Isn’t there something you would like to do instead, my dear?” he asked nervously, glancingtowardsthelargeplatesoffood.

“Well,yes,”shesaidonlytoshakeherheadandsighheavily.“No,yousaidIcouldn’tgowithoutyouormother.”Shegaveherfatherasweetsmile.“It’sokay,Papa.Icanmanagetogetthosethingsdonesomeotherway.”Shelookedbackatherplates.“Thesconeslookdelicious…hmm,Iwonderifthere’sextracake.”

Heputdownhispaperandclearedhisthroat.“Sweetling,let’snotbehasty.Themanisinjailand,withanextrafootman,youshouldbemorethansafe.”Heeyedtheplatesinfrontofheranxiously.“Givemea fewweeks to clearmy scheduleor comeupwith abetter alternative. I’msurewecanfigureoutawayforyoutogovisityourestateupnorth.”

Herhandstilledhalfwaytohermouthonceagain.“Areyousure?”

“Yes,yesIthinkyoushouldgoout.I’msureyouhaveplentytodo.”Hegentlypulledtheplatefullofsweetsawayfromher,afraidshe’deatitbeforeshemadeadecision.

Sheexhaledslowlyandputthebreaddown.“IsupposeIcouldgoout.”“That’sthespirit,mydear,”hesaidcheerfully.

“Well,”shepushedawayfromthetable,“IfI’mgoingtogetmyerrandscompleted,Ishouldgonow.”

Herfatherrubbedthebackofhisneck, lookingas ifhe’d justavertedadisaster.Shebentdownandkissedhischeek.Hemumbledsomethingbeforesendingheroff.

Shehadtohidehersmileassheleft.InafewweeksshewouldbefreeofRobertandstarthernewindependentlifeearly.Thingsweregoingverywellindeed.

---"Thatsmilecanonlymeanone thing,"Jamesmusedasheheld thefrontdooropenforherand

steppedtothesideasshesteppedoutontothefrontstoop."Oh?Andwhat'sthat?"Elizabethaskedassheacceptedhisescort.Sheplacedherhandonhisbicep

ashetookthelargebasketfromherandwalkedwithhertothewaitingcarriage.

"You'veeliminatedmybrotheronceandforallandevenfoundtheperfectspottodisposeofthebody,"Jamessaidwithawinkashehelpedherintothecarriageandplacedthebasketononeofthebenches.

Shesighedheavilyassheshookherhead,stillsmiling,"I'mafraidnot."Jameschuckledasheclimbedintothecarriageandsatacrossfromher.Onceshewassettledanda

maidjoinedthem,heknockedonthewalltwice,indicatingforthedrivertogo.

"Youdon'tmindifIinvitemyselfalong,doyou?"heaskedwiththatcharmingsmilethatusedtomakeherlittleheartskipabeat,butnowjustmadehersmile.

Itwasfunnyhowchildhoodinfatuationworked.Onedayhewasallshecouldthinkabout,wantedandwished for and the next.....the next she'dmoved onwithout realizing it.When exactly had shegottenoverhersillycrushonhim?Mostlikelywhenhe’dsteppedoutofherlifeforRobert'ssake.

Shewas just thankful that shedideventuallygetoverhim.She'dhate tobe thatobsessedoveramaneveragain.Actually,thinkingbackonhowsheusedtoactaroundhimwasquiteembarrassing.Thankfullyhe'dalwaysbeentookindtoteaseheraboutit,unlikeRobert,shethoughtwithaninwardsigh.

Once Robert figured it out, and now that she thought back on it she probably hadn't been asdiscreetasshe’dthought,he’dtormentedherwiththeknowledge.Afterthathorribledayinthepark,heseemed togooutofhisway tohumiliateher.Hewrote insipid love letters toJamesandsignedthemfromher,makingsure to leave themwhereanyonecouldfind them.HemadekissingsoundswheneverJameswasaroundandtriedtomakeitseemasthoughshewastheonemakingthosenoises.

HeopenlytauntedheraboutituntilitbecamesobadthatsherefusedtobeinthesameroomasJamesandRobert.

Robert's anticsprobably softened theblowofhaving James suddenlywithdraw fromher life. Ithadbeendifficultandsherememberedcryingmorethanonce,butitprobablywouldhavebeenworseifshe'dbeenfreetosecretlyadorehim.Inaway,Roberthadactuallyhelpedher,notthatthathadbeenhisintention.Thankstohimshecouldsithereacrossfromthedevastatinglyhandsomemaninfrontofherandnothavetoworryaboutbeingnervousorsayingsomethingfoolish.WhenshelookedatJames,allshesawwasagoodfriendinthemaking.Shecertainlydidn'twanttokisshimlikeshedidRo-Well, it really didn'tmatterwho shewanted to kiss. Shewas leaving soon and didn'twant anycomplications.She certainlydidn'twant anymore toe curlingkisses fromRobert. Since shedidn'tlikehimintheleast,shedidn’twantorcravehistouch.

Shedidn't."Where exactly are we going?" James asked, thankfully pulling her away from her rather

disturbingthoughtsaboutbeinginRobert'sarmsandhowgooditfelttohavehislipstouchhers."I'm taking a basket to a friend," she said distractedly as she once againwonderedwhy, out of

everymanthatsheknew,Robertwastheonethatmadehernervous,madeherwanttosmileandmadeherachetotouchhim.Itwasridiculous.Shedidn'tevenliketheman,butshecouldn'thelpthewayherbodyreactedtohim.

Itwasuttermadness!"Andwhoexactlyisthisfriend?"JamesaskedSheopenedhermouth to tellhimthatRobertwasn'ther friendwhensherememberedwhat they

weretalkingabout.Whyintheworldwasshedaydreamingaboutamanthatshecouldn'tstand,shewonderednotforthefirsttimesincehecamebackintoherlife.

"It'sforoneofthemaid’sniecesthat’sbeenill,"hermaidansweredwithasniff."Amaid’sniece?"Jamesasked, lookingconfusedasElizabethsenthermaidaglareforherbig

mouth. Janegaveher an apologetic smile even as shenoticeablywinced.Noonewas supposed toknowwhatshewasupto.Annabel,Heather ’soldmaidandnowahousemaid,wasworriedsickabouthernieceandforgoodreasonfromwhatshe’dbeentold,butherfatherrefusedtogivethewomanthedayofftocheckonherwithoutanexplanation.

"Shehelpsmefromtimetotime,"shelied,shootingJaneawarning.

Annabel’s niece had recently been tossed into the streets by her employer, Jonathan, the Earlof….well,shestillcouldn’tquiterememberhistitleandshedidn’tcare.Theonlythingthatshecaredaboutwas that thebastardhadusedthegirluntil itbecameobvious thatshewascarryinghischild.Withoutathoughtorapennyforthechild,he’dthrownheroutintothestreet.Shewasnowlivinginarundown rooming house in a section of town that was a bit dangerous. When Elizabeth haddiscoveredthesituationthismorning,she’ddecidedto take thegirlabasketherselfandmakesurethatthegirlhadeverythingthatsheneeded.

Jamesfrowned."Thenwhynotsendaservanttobringherthebasket?Orattheveryleastbringanextramanortwo.Youreallyshouldn'tbemakingdeliveriestoservants,Elizabeth.It'snotseemly."

"IhaveothererrandstorunandIthoughtIwouldhandlethemattermyself,"shesaidwithawarmsmile,hopinghe'djustletthemattergo,butofcoursehedidn't.

Foramomenthedidn'tsayanythingasheconsideredherwords,butfinallywithashakeofhisheadandaheavysighhesaid,"OneofthemenwillhandlethegirlwhileIaidyouwiththerestofyourerrands."

Asmuch as shewanted to argue, she couldn't. If shewas stubborn about this, hewould nodoubtalertherparentsandthatwastheverylastthingsheneededatthemoment.

So it was with a heavy heart that she nodded and thanked James. She would just have to trustwhoeverJamesselectedforthechoretomakesurethatthegirlhadeverythingthatsheneeded.

---"Isn’tthatyourbrotherwithLadyElizabeth?"Jenkinsasked.

Robertlookedupfromtheparchmenthissolicitorhadgivenhimattheendoftheirmeetingandbarelyheldbackastringofcurses thatwouldhavesent thegenteel ladieswalkingalong theshopsgaspingbeforetheyfainteddeadaway.

"She'satitagain,"hesaidthroughclenchedteethasheshovedtheparchmentintoJenkins'handsandheadedacrossthebusystreet.

"Atwhat,sir?"Jenkinscalledafterhim.

"Wrappingmybrotheraroundherlittlefinger,"hesaid,notcaringifJenkinsheardhimornotashewatchedhisbrothersmiledownatElizabethwhiletheywalkedpastabookshop.Hisgazedroppeddowntohisbrother'sarmandhefelthisjawclenchsotightlythathewashonestlysurprisedthathisteethdidn'tcrackunderthepressure.

ShewastouchingJames,again.InthebackofhismindheknewtherewasnothinginappropriateabouthisbrotherofferinghisarmtoElizabeth,butthatdidn'tstophimfromseeingredashemovedtowardsthem.

"Wouldyou like abit of chocolate,Elizabeth?"heheardhisbrother askas theyneareda sweetshop.

"Thatsoundslikeawonderfulidea,"RobertsaidbrightlyasElizabethopenedhermouth,probablytoaccept.HemovedpastthetwolargegoonsandtheunhappylookingmaidthatwasfollowingthemandmovedtoElizabeth'sright,makingsureofcoursetobrushagainsther.Henearlygroanedwhenhesawthatbeautifulblushcrawlupherneckandburnhercheeks.

"Areyoualright?"hisbrotheraskedwhenhetoonotedthedeepblushpaintinghercheeks."Yes,I'mfine.Thankyou,"shesaid,forcingasmileforJamesasshepointedlyignoredRobert.

Nowthatwouldneverdo,hethoughtwithaninwardsigh.Healsodidn'tappreciatethefactthatshewasmovingawayfromhimandclosertoJames.No,thatwouldn’tdoeither,butofcoursethatwaseasilyfixed.

"Whatareyoudoinghere,Robert?"Jamesasked,givinghimapointedlookoverElizabeth'sheadtogetlost.Ifhisbrotherhadbeenwithanyotherwoman,hemighthavetakenthehintandleftthemalone,but thiswasElizabeth, hisminx, and itwouldbe a coldday inhellwhenhe allowedher tomarryhisbrother.

"Ihadacravingforchocolate,"hesaid,pausingatthedoorofthesweetshopandgesturingforElizabethtoprecedehim.

Afterthrowinghimacautiouslookthathereallycouldn'tblameherfor,shereleasedJames'arm

andwalked into the shop.When his brothermoved to join her, Robert cut him off and smoothlymovedtoElizabeth'sside,offeringhisarmandknowingdamnwellthatshecouldn'trefusehim.

Hereyesnarroweddangerouslyonhimasshereachedupandtookhisofferedarm.Hesentherawinkastheysteppedintotheline.Whenshedughernailsintohisarmhecouldonlychuckle,whichseemedtoirritatehermorejudgingbythewayshedughernailsevendeeperintohisarm.Thatwasmorethanfinewithhim,becauseshewasn'twearingglovesandhewasinheaven.Hecouldn'tevenbegintodescribehowgooditfelttohavehisminxholdingontohimtightly.

When his scowling brother joined them, Robert pointedly ignored the man. He was doing hisbrotherafavorafterallbymakingsurethathedidn'tendupmarriedtoElizabeth,whichwouldjustbe pure misery for the man. He honestly couldn't imagine anything worse than being married toElizabeth.Having todealwithhereverydayandnightafternightwherehewould takehis time toexploreherbeautifulbodywithhismouthandhandsbeforehe-

"Getoutofhereanddon'tcomeback!"theshopkeeper'swifeyelled,drawinghisattentiontotwochildrenbeingchasedoutoftheshopwithabroomstick.

"Wejustwantedsomelemondrops," thelittleboy,whoseclothinglookedlikeitwasbeingkepttogetherbyallthedirtcoveringit,saidasheheldupasilverpiece.

The little girl with him, whose clothes were in worse condition if that were at all humanlypossible, trippedwhen shemoved to dart out of the path of the broomand fell againstElizabeth'slegs,leavingalargedarksmudgeagainstElizabeth'slightblueskirts.

"Look what ya did to m’lady!" the shopkeeper's wife screeched as she raised the broom andbroughtitdowntowardsthecoweringchild.

Evenashereachedouttograbthebroom,hepreparedhimselfforElizabeth'soutburst.Herdresswascompletelyruinedandhe'dseenwomengointohystericsoverless.Hereallydidn'twanttodealwithit,butmaybeitwouldbeforthebestifsheshowedJamesexactlywhathewasinfor,hethoughtashecaughtthebroominhishandbeforeitslammedinto....

Elizabeth'sback?He'dbeensofocusedontheshopkeeper'swifeandthebroomthathehadn'tseenElizabethdropto

thegroundtocoverthecryingchildwithherbody.Asherippedthebroomawayfromthewoman'sgrasp, he forced himself not to soften at the sight of thewoman he once thought as a selfish bratprotecting a helpless child. This changed nothing, he reminded himself, except that now for somereasonhewouldratherdiethanseehermarriedtoJamesandithadnothingtodowithhatingher.

As James moved to have a very loud word with the shopkeeper and his wife, Robert helpedElizabethtoherfeet,forcinghimselftoignoretheurgetopullherintohisarms.

"Thankyou,"shemurmuredasshereacheddowntohelpthecryingchildtoherfeet,buthesimplymoved Elizabeth aside and picked up the small child. He headed for the door, pausing only longenough to grab the little boy by the scruff of his neck as he went to box the woman's ears forthreateninghissister.

"Hey!Letmego!"theboydemandedashetriedtotwistandturnoutofhisgrasp."Begood,"Robertsaid,sighingheavilyasElizabethjoinedthemandtookthelittleboy'shandinto

hers.

"Let'sgoseeifwecanfindsomethingmorefillingthanlemondropsforyourstomach,shallwe?"

sheaskedwithacheerfulsmileassheheadeddownthestreetwiththelittleboyrunningtokeepupandprobablyexpectinghimtofollowlikesomelapdog,hethoughtwithdisgustashedidjustthat.

"Whyareyousmiling?"thelittlegirlinhisarmsasked,soundingbothwaryandcurious.

"Noreason,pet,"hesaidevenashecursedhimself forquickeninghis step tocatchupwith theoverlycheerfulwomanthathehated,butcouldn'tstandtobeawayfrom.

Chapter16

Thiswasgettingcreepy,verycreepy indeed.For thepast threeweeks ina rowshe’dwokenupfeelingalone.Thatwasoddconsideringthatshewenttobedalone,soofcoursesheshouldfeelalonewhenshewokeupinthemorning.Thiswasdifferent.Itfeltlikeatsomepointduringthenightthatshehadn’tbeenalone.Itwastheoddestsensation.Ofcourseitmightjustbehernerves.

Forthepastmonthherfatherhadbeenputtingoffherrequeststoleaveanddoingeverythinghecouldtokeepherhome.Itwasn'texactlydifficulttofigureoutthereason.Theywerehopingtomarryher off before her birthday and were doing everything they could tomake sure that it happened,includingkeepingherhomeandavailableforsuitorswhentheycalled.

Hisdecisionprobablyalsohadsomethingtodowiththefactthathe’dfoundoutaboutherattemptstogovisitAnnabel’sniecewithouthispermission.Findingoutthatshe’dbeenplanningonvisitingasectionoftownthatwasstrictlyprohibitedtoherhadn’texactlywarmedhimtotheideaofallowinghertogotoherestateonherown.Itprobablywouldn’thavebeensobadifhermotherhadn’tcaughtwind of her plans to bring food and clothing to a servant, whowas carrying her old employer ’sbastard,andgoneintohystericsoverElizabethembarrassingthembyconsortingwithservants.

ThenJane,whomshewasninety-ninepercentsurehadbeeninformingonhertoherparentsforsome time now, decided to share the tale of the sweet shop and how Elizabeth had taken the twochildren to an inn for a hotmeal. Themaid had of course embellished the tale by stressing howeveryone who was anyone saw the entire thing. After that rather eventful day, her father hadannouncedthatshewasrestrictedtothehouseandgroundsuntilfurthernotice.

Nowitseemedasthougheveryonebutherhadsomethingtodo.Well,thatwasn’tentirelytrue.Shehadplentytodo,butshewasbeingkeptinthehouseagainstherprotests.Shespentmostofhertimetryingnot tobebored.Thankfully, Jamesspent timewithherduring theday, readingwithherandtakingherforwalksintherosegarden,whichwaslovely.Afewyearsagoshewouldhaveblushedandprobablyhyperventilatedunderhisattention.Nowitwasjustnicetohaveanotherfriend.

Itwasfunnyafteralltheseyearsthatfeelingsshethoughtshefeltsodeeplyasachild,love,wasnothingmore than infatuation.Shehadnodoubt that hewouldmake a finehusband.Hewaskind,funny and easy to talkwith. If she hadmet him before that night in the orangery, shewould haveundoubtedlyfalleninlovewithhimintruth.

Unfortunatelythatwasn’thowthingsoccurred.Eventhoughshehadnoplansonmarrying,she’dneverplanned to liveher lifeby taking lovers.Every timeshe thoughtbackon thatnight, shewasfilledwithhumiliationnowinsteadofthepreciousgiftsheoncethoughtitwas.She’donlykissedonemaninherlifebeforethatnightandthathadbeenaquickpeckonthelipsandshe’dknownwhoshe’dbeenkissingatthetime.Notonlyhadshekissedamanthatshehadn’tknown,butshe’dalsogivenherinnocencetohim,freely.

ThefactthatitturnedouttobeRobert,who’dbeentheboyshehatedmorethananythingonearth,onlymadeitworse.Shetriednottodwellonwhathemustthinkofherorwhathewoulddowiththatpieceofknowledgeifshepushedhimtoofar.Didhethinkthatshedidthatoften?

Nomatterwhatshedidorsaid,shedidcarewhathethought.Thattimetheyspokeasstrangerswasoneofthemostenjoyabletimesinherlife.She’dneverfeltsorelaxedorcomfortablewithanotherlivingsoulasshehadwithhimthatnight.Theyconnected,reallyconnectedthatnightandshewasn’tthinkingaboutwhenshe’dmadelovewithhim,thathadbeenverypleasurable,butthewayhespoke

toher,smiled,andlistenedhadmeltedherheart.

Shedidn’twanttolikehimorcravehistouch.ThiswasRobertafterall.Hewasthelittleboywhoonceplacedhoneyonherpillowandpushedherintoamuddypondwhentheywerechildren.Inspiteof everything, she longed to be with him, near him. She often found herself pacing the upstairslandinglateatnightinthehopesofhearinghisdeepvoice.Shewaspathetic,utterlypathetic.

At least she foughther feelings, she reassuredherself.Shepurposelyavoidedhimwheneverhewas in the house, which was not very often. It seemed that he was only here to sleep. She oftenwonderedwherehewent.Washeataclub?Visitingfriends?Awoman?Shepushedthelastthoughtoutofhermind.Shedidnotliketothinkofhimwithotherwomeneventhoughshemostcertainlydidnotwanthimforherself.Notatall.Itwasthissilly“ghost”thatwasputtingheronedge.

Shecheckedthepillownexttohers.Itlookedslepton.Theonlyexplanationthatshecouldcomeupwithwasthatshe’drolledoverontothatsidesometimeduringthenight,becausethebedclothesonthatsidewerealsowrinkled.Itwastheonlythingthatmadesense.

Somethingcaughthereyeasshepulledthesheetsback.Frowning,shepickeditupandexaminedthe pocketknife. Her breath caught in her throat and her stomach churned. Desperate to ease herstomach, she reached out for the tepid tea Jane had left her and took a small sip. That small siptriggeredsomethingunholyinherstomach.Shedroppedthecupandallbutranforthechamberpot.

Afterseveralminutesshewasabletositupstraight.Herstomachtwistedwithworry.Shewaslate.Threeweekslatetobeexact.Forthefirstweekshe’dthoughtitwasthestressofhersituation.Ithadhappenedbefore,butneverforthislong.Nowshewassickinthemorningsandsometimesduringtheday.Shedidherbesttohideit,butsoonsomeonewasgoingtonotice.Thenherlifewouldchangeforever.

“I’m fine,” Elizabethmumbled to herself in the hopes that by saying it that it would somehowmakeittrue.Herfatherhadbeenputtingoffallowinghertovisithernorthestate,butnolonger.Hewasgoingtolethergoinafewdays.He’dpromisedandthistimeshewasgoingtoholdhimtohisword.Untilthenshehadtoholdittogether.

Shewalked back to the bed, hoping she could lie down for a fewminutes so that her stomachwouldhaveachancetosettledown.Beforeshecouldliedown,theodorofthespilledteahitherhardonce again. She ran back in time to the pot and finished emptying her stomach. She was fine.Everything would be fine. Things would be fine, she told herself not really believing it for onesecond.

---

Robertpulledopenoneofthedrawersonhissideofthedesk.HeandElizabethhadcometoanunspokenunderstandingaboutsharingthelibrary.Theyeachhadtheirownsideofthedeskandnoonepeeked.Itwasrathercomfortable.Shewasjustasneatashewassohedidn’tmindsharingthespace.

He staredat the ledger in frontofhimwithout really seeing it.Hisbody felt ripped inhalf.HedesperatelywantedtogobackupstairsandcrawlbackinbedwithElizabeth.Fourweeksandhewasaddictedtoher.Hecouldn’tfallasleepinhisownbed.He’dtriedseveraltimesandeachtimehefailedmiserably.As if to provehis point, hewould fall asleep almost immediatelywhenhis hand resteduponherhip.

Thiswas bad. Thiswas very bad.He needed her toomuch.His body yearned for her in everypossibleway.Heenjoyedherquickwitandsharp tongue.Shecouldbefunnyandheknewthatshewaskind.Thiswasbeyondhorrible.Hehatedthewoman.Shewashisenemy.

Hisenemy.

Hewassuchanass.Thissituationwasintolerable.Hecouldn’ttakeitanymore.Everydayhehadtofightbacktheurgetopunchthesuitorsthatcamecalling.HehadtositbackandwatchJamesattempttowooher.Itkilledhim.Sometimeshewoulddisappearalldayandnightonlytocomebacktoherlikeasailortoasirenandcurlupwithher.Heneededhermorethanhisnextbreath,andhehatedherforit.Hehatedthispowershehadoverhim.Hewasgoingtoleaveandsoonforhisownsanity.

Thelibrarydoorsuddenlyslammedshut.“Areyoucrazy?”HelookeduptoseeElizabethholdinghispocketknife.Hisgazequicklyshiftedtotheclosed

doorashestooduptogoopenit.Beingfoundwithherinaclosedroomcouldendwithatriptothechurchandhewasn’thavingthat,notwithawomanwhohatedhim.

“Areyou?What’swrongwithyoushuttingthatdoor?”Hemadeit tothefrontofthedeskwhenshestormeduptohim,holdinguphisknife.

“GuesswhereIfoundthis?”He shrugged. “I haven’t a clue,” he said as he reached for it, but before he could take it, she

droppeditinhergownpocket.

“ForthepastthreeweeksI’vebeenhauntedbyaghost,”sheannounced.Hmm,shecouldn’tbetalkingabouthim,becausehe’dbeencrawlingintoherbedforthepast

fourweeks.Ofcourseshemightnotrealizethathe’dbeendoingitforthatlong.Itwasprobablybestnottocorrectheronthetimeframe,hedecided.

“Oh?”heaskedinaboredtone.

“Mmhmm,seemsIhaveaghostcrawlingintobedwithme.Odd,isn’tit?”“Iwouldsayso.Youwouldthinktheghostwouldhavebetteroptions.”Sheslappedhimsomewhathardonhisshoulder.“Ow!”

“Good!Nowexplaintomewhyyou’vebeencomingtomyroom!”Aknockatthedoorwastheironlywarningthattheywereabouttobecaught.“Hide!”hehissed.She threwhimafurious lookbeforeshescrambled todo just thatsincebeingfoundalonewith

himinaclosedroomwasnotanoption.Throwinghimonelastglare,shequicklymovedaroundthedeskandduckedbeneathitbeforehecouldstopher.

“Notthere!”hehissed.Elizabethignoredhimandcrawledunderthedesk.Withanirritatedgroanhesatdowninthechair

andmovedhislegsbeneaththedesk.Thisdeskreallywaslarge,hemused.Hewasatallmanandhislegsweresituatedcomfortablybeneaththedeskandhecouldbarelyfeelher.Heknewthatshewasthereofcourse.Hecouldpracticallyfeeltheragepouringoffher.Shewaseffectivelytrappednow,hethoughtwithasmallgrin,likinghisadvantageprobablymorethanheshould.

“Comein,”hesaid,pretendingtobeworking.

Jameswalkedin.“IthoughtI’dfindyouhere.”“WhatcanIdoforyou?Cometolearnhowtorunanestate?”hejoked,chucklingathisbrother ’s

horrifiedexpression.

Italwaysamusedhimthathisbrother,whowastheheir,livedthelifeofasecondson.Hedidn’ttakeanythingseriously,hadabsolutelynointerestsinlearninghowtoruntheestatethathewouldoneday inherit and he spent all of his timewithwomen, cards and livingwith absolutely no purpose.JameswaslivingthelifethatRobertshouldbepursuing,butitjustwasn’tinhim.Helikedrunninghisownestate,workingupasweatandcreatingthingswithhishands.He’dneverfitinwithsocietyorinhisfamily.Hedidn’tactlikethesonofanEarlandprobablyneverwould.Helikedbeinghisownman.Hejustwishedthatitwasn’tsodamnlonelysometimes.

Jamespaled.“Goodlordno!I’llhiresomeonefor that.”ThewayJamessaid that likehewouldneedanestatemanagersooncaughtRobert’sattention.

“What’sgoingon?”heaskedcautiously.

James sat in the chair in front of the desk, throwing an ankle across his knee. “I’m gettingmarried.”

“Oh?”Dreadfilledhiminstantly.“Who?”“Whodoyouthink?”

“Justtellme.”“LadyElizabeth,youdolt.WhoelsehaveIbeencourtingforthepastmonth?”

Chapter17

Elizabethshiftedandmovedclosertotheopeningtolisten.Thedeskwassothickthatitmuffledsome of the sounds. She pushed between Robert’s legs and waited. He spread his legs for herautomaticallysothatshecouldsitcomfortably.

“DidyouaskElizabethyet?”Robertasked.Shecouldfeelthetensioninhisbody.James chuckled. “No, I’ve asked her father and he approved. All that’s left is to ask the lady

herself.”

“Doyouloveher?”Robertasked.Hehadtoknow.Jameslaughedharderatthat.“No!Canyouimagine?Idon’tevenlovemymistress!”Robert had to stop himself fromwincing. Shewas digging her nails into his legs. He reached

down and gently pushed her hands off his legs quickly, hoping that James hadn’t noticed themovement.

“Ifshesaysyes,areyougoingquityourmistress?”heasked,moreforhersakethanhis.

Jameschuckled.“Veryfunny.GiveupAndrea?You’recrazy.Ihadtowaitoutthreeothermentogether.No,I’llkeepherontheside.”

“What about Elizabeth?” Robert asked. Elizabeth was wondering that as well. Not that she wasgoing through with it. She wasn’t. James was like a brother to her now. It would simply be toodisturbingtomarryhim.

Heshrugged.“I’llgetherwithanheirandspare,ofcourse.Idon’tmindhavingherwarmmybedwhenthemoodstrikes.Youhavetoadmitthatsheisquitebeautiful.”

“Notreally,”Robertmuttered.“Ow!”“Areyouokay?”Jamesasked.Robertputhisfingerinhismouth.“Papercut,”hemuttered.Hiskneewasthrobbing.Damn,she

wasastronglittlething.

“Ihatethose,”Jamessaidwithdistaste.“SodoI,”hesaidacidly.“Istilldon’tunderstandwhyyouwouldsettleonher,”hesaidinadisgustedtone.HeneededJames

toburyhimselfinfrontofElizabeth.Itwouldsavehimalotoflegworklater.HewasnotgoingtosimplysitaroundandallowJamestomarryhisminx.

---Oh,shewasgoingtomaimtheman.Heactuallyhadtheaudacitytotalkaboutherlikethis?James

shedidn’tcareabout,butforRoberttoactlikeshewasnothingirritatedher.Shelookedaroundthesmall space.Damn it, therewasnothing shecoulddo tohimhere.Well,not true, shedidhave theknife,butthatwasabitmuch.Shelookedbackathimandsmiled.Therewassomethingthatshecoulddotomakehimlosethatpompousattitudethathewasusingatherexpense.

---

Everymuscleinhisbodyfroze.“Whatareyoudoing?”hedemandedtightly,admittedlyterrifiedoftheminxhidingbeneaththedesk.

Jameslookedbackfromthesmallsideboard.“Gettingadrink.Doyouwantone?”“Please!” he saidmore to Elizabeth than to James. She had his pants undone and hismanhood

pulledout.HeclosedhiseyesforafewsecondsandsentasilentprayertoGod,vowingtoturnhislifearoundforgoodifshedidn’tusehisknifetounmanhim.Hiseyesflewopenwhenshestrokedhim.

“Areyouokay?”Jamesaskedasheplacedaglassofwhiskeyinfrontofhim.“Verygood,thankyou.”Hepickedtheglassupandgulpedit.Nothinginlifecouldhaveprepared

himforthisturnofevents.HehadtokeepJamesinheretalking,otherwisehisminxmightstopandhedefinitelydidnotwantthat.

“I-Idon’tunderstand,ifyoufindElizabethbeautiful,whydoyouneedAndrea?”Wasitalwaysthishardtotalk?Hecouldn’tremember.

Jameslaughedknowingly.“Iguessyouwouldn’tknowsinceyoulivelikeamonkupatthatestateofyours.I’llexplainwithfourlittlewords,sheuseshermouth.”Hewinkedandsatback.

“Really?I’veneverhadthatdone.”Untilnow.HishandsgrippedthedeskasElizabethdecidedtheideahadmeritenoughtotestitout.Herhot,wetmouthenclosedoverthetipofhiserection.Ifhediedatthismoment,hecouldhonestlysaythathe’dlivedahappyandfulfillinglife.

---

Thiswas different and very exciting. Shewould never have thought to do this if James hadn’tmentionedit.Itwaseasierthanusingherhand,whichshestillusedsinceitwashelpful.Shedecidedtomake this into a game and see how far she could take it into hermouth to drive him crazy. Thisshouldteachhim.Shehopedhewasembarrassinghimselfatthemoment.Unfortunatelyitwasalsostirringupthatsameneedthathadleftherdesperateforhimthatnightintheorangery.Robert’shandcamedownandgentlycuppedhercheek,urginghertocontinue.

---Jamesneededtokeeptalkingorhewouldkillhim.“Yourwifewouldprobablydothataswell,”he

said,hopingJameswouldgooffonalongexplanationwhileheenjoyedElizabeth’sministrations.

Hesnorted.“Goodluckwiththat.WomenlikeElizabetharefrigidinbed.Nomanwantstoremainfaithful to that. Can you imagine spending the rest of your life bedding a woman that refuses toremovehernightgownorevenmove?Godit’sboring.Shejust liestherewaitingforyoutofinishandgotoyourroom.Nothanks.I’llkeepmymistresses,whoresandlovers.”

Withgreat effort he spoke. “So again,whymarryElizabeth? I know shehas a small estate, butthereareotherheiressesouttherewithmoremoneyandland.”

Jamesshookhishead.“No,Ilikeher.She’sagoodgirl.She’sbeautiful,butIdon’tthinkIhavetoworry about her cuckolding me. She’s too nice. Plus, I think that story about the small estate isnonsense.”

“Youdon’tthinkshehasanymoney?”heaskedwhilehecaressedhercheek.Heloweredhimselfinthechairtomakeiteasierforher.

Shewaswonderful.“No,Ithinkquitetheoppositeinfact.Areyouokay?”Jamesaskedsuddenly.

Hisheadwasrestingononehandwhiletheotherwastouchingher.Helookedslumped.“Alittle

headache,why?”“You’resweatingandpantingabit,”Jamessaid,gesturingtohimoffhandedly.

Hewasgettingsoclose,sounbelievablyclose.TherewasnowayhewouldbeabletoholdbackthesoundsofhispleasurewithJamesintheroom.

“Haveyoutalkedtofather?Youshouldgodothat.He’dhavemoreinformation.”Thewordsrushedoutofhismouth.Jamesneededtoleave.Now.

Jamesjumpedtohisfeet.“That’sagoodidea.”Hewalkedtothedoor.“Getsomesleep,man.Youlooklikehell.”Withthatheleft.

Robertpushedbackfromthedesk,bringinghisminxwithhim.Hehadtosee,neededtoseeit.HiseyeswidenedashetookinthesightofElizabethinabeautifulpearldress,takinghimintohermouth.Hedroppedhisheadback,nevertakinghiseyesoffherandgroanedloudly.

Sheneededhimsobadly.Shestartedwhimperingandshiftinginfrontofhim.Theplacebetweenherlegswasachingforhim.

“Enough!”Hepulledoutfromhermouth.“DidIdosomethingwrong?”sheaskedashepulledherup.Withonearm,heswepthispaperwork

andledgerstothefloor.Insecondshehadhersittingontheedgeofthedeskwithherlegsspread.Sheleanedbackuntilshewasrestingonherelbows.Robertpushedherskirtsuptoherwaist.

His gaze moved to the apex of her legs and he groaned, long and loud. Her dark curls werealreadyslickwithherarousal.Hesatdowninthechairandpulledittowardsthedesk,preparingforhismeal.

“Robert?”Hervoiceshookwithneedandembarrassment.Heplacedhishandsonher thighsandgentlypushedher legsfurtherapart.“Shh,”hesaidashe

staredatthelovely,plump,pinkfolds.“I’vealwayswantedtodothis,”hesaidinahoarsewhisper.

Elizabethleanedupfurther,nervousnowfromhistone.HereyeswidenedinshockasshewatchedRobert’sheaddropbetweenherlegs.“Whatareyou…..ohmy….”HereyesrolledbackinherheadinpleasureasshefeltthetipofRobert’shot,wettonguetracetheseamofherslit.Shedroppedbackonherelbows.

“Mmmm,”Robert growled as he flickedhis tongueover the little firmnubdown to her centerwhere he got a better taste. This was better than any fantasy he’d ever had. He traced his tonguearound her core and then dipped it inside. Within seconds he was rewarded with more liquid asElizabethgroundherwetslitagainsthismouth,franticforrelease.

Fingers threaded through his hair, holding him prisoner between her legs. He slid his tonguefurther inside of herwhile his thumb rubbed the little swollen nub between her folds. Hermoansbecamefranticasshethrashedbeneathhim.

Hehadtoclosehiseyesandforcehimselfnottocomethenandthere.Inaminute,hepromisedhimself.Hismovementsbecamemoreurgentashepushedherovertheedge,desperateforhernow.Hermoansandpantsweredrivinghimoutofhisgoddamnmind.

Evenknowingthatthedoorwasn’tlockedandtheycouldbecaughtatanymomentwasn’tgoingtostophim.Foroveramonth,hisbodyhadbeeninagonizingturmoil,desperatetobewithheragain.Dayandnighthehad to fight theurge tohuntherdown,pinher against thewall and takeher.He

fought it every single day.The nightswere theworst as he held her in his arms, but somehowhemanagedtoallowhimselfthegiftofsimplyholdingher.

Nowhedidn’tcare.Hehadtohaveher.Therewasnothingonthisearththatwasgoingtostophimfromtakingheragain.Itwouldtakeeveryfootmaninthishousetotearhimoffherandeventhenhewouldfighttogetbacktoher.Rightnowhewasbackwithhisminxfromtheorangeryandnothingelsemattered.

Sheclaspedahandtohermouthandscreamedhisname.AloudmoantorefromRobert’sthroatatthesoundofhisnamerippedfromherbeautifullips.Whileherorgasmwasstilltearingthroughherbody,hestoodandpushedhimselfinpastherthrobbingwallsandbeganthrusting,knowingthathewasnotgoingtolastverylong.

Theireyeslocked,hungrily.Robertlickedthelastdropofherarousalfromhislipsinasensualmove.Elizabethfoundherselfrespondingbypushingherselfupuntilshewassittingupwithherlegsandarmswrappedaroundhim.

Robert wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her and dropping his mouth to hers in ahungrykiss.Herhandsslidup,grippinghishairinherfistsasshereturnedhiskiss.

Thememoryofthatnightdidnotdoherjustice.Shewassowetandhotforhim,nottomentionincrediblytight.Thiswasheaven.Hecouldfeelherstartingtothrobaroundhim.Hequickenedhispace while his mouth moved to her throat, kissing and licking her skin, loving the way shewhimpered.

She turned her head, burying her face in his shoulder as she called out his name.That and thefeelingofherhot,wetandunbearablytightsheathmilkinghiscockwasenoughtodrivehiminsane,butitwashisnameonherlipsthatwashisundoing“Minx!Ohgod,Elizabeth!”hegroanedloudly.

Chapter18

Exhaustedandnotsurethathislegswouldholdhimanylonger,hefellbackinthechair, takingherwithhim.Heheldherwithonearm.Withtheotherhereachedbackandopenedawindowtoerasethescentoftheirlovemaking.

HeleanedhisheadbackwhileElizabethburiedherfaceagainsthisneck,clutchinghisshirttightlyinhersmallfists,bothofthempantinghard.Itwasseveralminutesbeforeeitheroneofthemcouldmoveortalk.

Robert squeezedhis eyes shut andpressed akiss to the topofher head.He’dmessedup again.Never before had he ever been tempted to finish in a woman. Hell, he’d never been in a womanwithoutusing a sheath andpullingout toguaranteeno children.Thiswas the third timehe’dbeeninsideofElizabethwithouttakinganyprecautions.

Ithadbeenfiveweekssincethatnightintheorangery.Wasshecarryinghischild?Wouldshehavetoldhim?Hesqueezedhiseyestighterashepressedakisstoherforehead.Asmuchashe’dliketoavoidthistopic,hehadtoknow.Elizabethwasasmartwoman.Ifshewerecarryingtheirchild,shewouldhavetoldhim.Surelyshewouldhave.Evenifshehatedhim,shewouldtellhim,wouldn’tshe?Beforeangercouldsurfaceheshoveditdown.

Hehadtoatleastaskevenifhealreadyknewtheanswer.Shewasn’tcarryinghischild.Thistimeprobablywouldn’tbeenoughtogetherwithchildeither.Thishadbeenamistake,apleasurableone,butamistakenonetheless.Itwouldnot,couldnot,happenagain.Hewasleavingthecountrysoonandshewas heading for an estate somewhere upnorth.After this theywould probably never see eachotheragain.Hisarmstightenedaroundheratthethought.

---Elizabethinhaleddeeply,closinghereyes.Shewantedtorememberhimthisway,thewayheheld

her,thewayhetouchedher,thewayhelookedatherlikeshewasthemostpreciousthingonearth.All thosechildhoodmemoriesdidn’tmatter any longer.Sheneeded to remember theman thathadheldhertightlyandkissedhertenderlyintheorangery.

Whentheirchildaskedabouthisfather,shewantedtobeabletotellhimkindthings.Theirchild?She sobbed softly in the crook of his neck before she could stop herself. When had she finallyacceptedthatshewaspregnant?

Sheneededtotellhim,sherealized,buthow?They’dmadelove,butsheknewthatmenwereabletohavesexwithouttheirheartsbeinginvolved.ShealsoknewwithoutquestionthatRoberthatedher.She’dalwaysknownthatandthesefoolishmistakesdidn’tchangeanything.Shealsoknewthathe’dhatehermorewhenshetoldhim,becausehewoulddotherightthing.

Nomatterwhatkindofmeanlittleboyhe’dbeen,hewaswithoutquestionanhonorablemannow.Hewouldmarryherand,fortherestoftheirlives,hewouldresentherfortrappinghiminalovelessmarriage.She’dbeforcedtolivewithamanthatshecareddeeplyaboutandknowthatshe’dstolenhisfreedom,hischoice.Shewouldhateherself.Shejustneededsometimetofigurethisout.

Ifonlyshecoulddeterminehowhefeltaboutherand,ifshediscoveredthathedidtrulyhateher,thenshewoulddowhatshehadtoinordertoprotecttheirchild.Shewouldtellhimandlivewiththeconsequencesofalovelessmarriage.Shejustneededalittletimetofigureouthowtotellhim.Sheshouldtellhimnow,sherealizedthat,butshewasjust…..

Shewasscared,terrifiedreally.What ifRobert couldn’t forcehimself todo the right thing?What ifhishatred forherwas too

strong?Whatifshecouldn’tgothroughwithmarryingamanwhodidn’tloveher?Thereweretoomany“ifs”inthissituationanditmadeherwishthatshehadsomeonethatshecouldconfidein,buttherewasnoone.

Hermotherwouldhaveafit.She’dmostlikelyturnherbackonherforbringingshametotheirfamily. Shewas ruined, unwed and pregnant. Hermother would tell her father, whowould eithershootRobertorforcehimtomarryherandthatwasnotthewaythatshewantedthishandled.ShewassorelytemptedtogotoMaryatonceandtellher,butthatwouldendinthesametragicmanner.OnlyitwouldprobablybeAnthonythatshotRobertandnotherfather.

Perhapsitwouldbebesttothinkthisthroughandtobesurethatshewascarryingachild.She’dneverbeenpregnant before andhadno ideaofwhat to expect.Therewasnoone to ask.That lastthoughtturnedherstomach.Realizingtheywerestillintimatelyconnected,shecarefullyclimbedoffhim.Heseemedhesitanttoreleaseher,butdidafteraslightpause.

Withoutaword theyboth stoodand fixed their clothes.Robert ranhis fingers throughhishair,tryingtofixiteventhoughhe’dratherkeepitthewayitwasasareminderofhavingherinhisarmsonceagain.

Elizabethclearedherthroat.“Ishouldgoupstairsandfreshenupbeforetea.”Robertmethereyesbrieflybeforelookingaway.“Elizabeth?”“Yes?”Shedidn’tlookupfromstraighteningherskirts,tooafraidthatshe’dbreakdownandtell

himbeforeshewasready.

Inaquiet,roughvoiceheasked,“Haveyourcoursescomesincethenightoftheorangery.”Intenseheatfloodedhercheeks.Sheturnedawayfromhimnotinembarrassmentsurprisingly,but

fear. Ifhe foundout,whatwouldhedo?She just stoppedherself from layingherhandacrossherstomach.He’dtakenhervirginityanditwashischildinherwomb.Technicallyshenowbelongedtohim,sherealized.Furyroseupinherattheidea.Shewouldnotbelongtohimoranyotherman,shedecidedrebelliously.Sherefusedtobesomeman’sproperty,havingtoaskandbegforeverything.Shedidn’twanttobemarriedtoamanwhodidn’tloveherevenifshelovedhim.

“That’s a vulgar question even for you,” she said crossly, avoiding answering the question theonlywaysheknewhow.

Robert’seyesnarrowedonher.She’davoidedansweringthequestionthesamewayshehadwhentheywerechildrenandshewascaughtdoingsomethingmischievous.Butthatwasridiculous.Ifshewerepregnantshewouldtellhim.Shewasasmartwoman.Sheknewtheconsequencesofhavingachildoutofwedlock.Shewouldbeshunnedandthechildwouldcarrytheburdenoftheshamefortherestofhislife.Unless….

Hisgazeshottothecloseddoor.WassheplanningonmarryingJamestogivehischildafather?Hegroundhisteethuntilthemusclesinhisjawburnedunderthepressure.

“Areyoucarryingmychild?”hebitout,decidingtoendwhatevergameshewasplaying.

“No.” I’m carryingmy child, she thought as she tried to get a rein on the rebellious emotionsclamoringforcontrolinsideofher.Itwastheonlywayshecouldlie.Everyoneknewthatshewasaterribleliar,sometimesthoughshewasabletolieifshethoughtabouttheanswerinadifferentway.

Asmuch as she hated the idea ofmarrying for anything less than love, she also hated the idea oftrapping him. She cared about him toomuch to do that and she didn’t want to hurt him. She justneeded some time to figure out how to tell himwithout him hating her.One thingwas clear, sheneededtoleavebeforeanyoneelsefiguredoutthatshewaspregnantandtookthedecisiononhowtotellhimoutofherhands.

Robertstudiedherexpressionforamomentlonger.Shewasabadliar,herememberedthatmuch.Hewashopinghewouldbeabletotell,buthecouldn’t.Hesighedheavily.“Listen,we…..Ididn’tdowhatIshouldhaveand theremaybe…”he tookadeepbreathbeforecontinuing.“Theremaybeachildasaresultofwhatwedidtoday.Inamonth’stimeweshouldknow.”

Hereyeswidenedinhorror.“Iwon’tbehere,Robert.I’mleavingbytheendoftheweek.”He shookhis head. “No, you’re stayinguntilweknow for sure.”Hegesturedback to the desk.

“Andwemostcertainlywillnotbedoingthisagain.”Itsoundedlikethelastpartpainedhim,butshehadtoagreethatitwasprobablyforthebest.

Elizabethplacedherhandsfirmlyonherhips.“No,Iamleaving.Ifsomethinghappensbecauseofthis,Iwillwriteyou,”shesaid,realizingthatitwasthecowardlywaytohandlethisandthatwasfinewithher.She’drathernotbetheretoseethehorrorinhiseyeswhenhelearnedthathewastrappedwithherforlife.

“No.You’re staying,”he said firmly.Hedidn’t trusther tocontacthimfor some reason thathecouldn'tquiteputhisfingeron.Also,hewasn’treadyforhertoleave,notyet.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before continuing. “Robert, I am going. I have beenwaitingforweekstogoandIrefusetoputthisoffanylonger.”

“You’llstay,”heordered.“Besides,itdoesn’tseemasthoughyourfatherisgoingtoallowyoutoleaveanytimesoon.Seemshehasplansforyou,”hesnapped,angeronceagainrisingatthethoughtofhermarryingJames.

“Youdon’thavetherighttotellmewhattodo!”

Hetookamenacingsteptowardsher.“Youwillstay!”“I’mleaving!”sheyelled.“Thehellyouare!Youwillstayuntilwegetthiswholemesssettled.Oncethatisdone,youcan

stay the hell away frommy family!”He took another step until theyweremere inches apart. Shepressedherhandsflatagainsthischestandshovedhim,buthedidn’tbudge.

“IwillgonearwhomeverIwishanditisnoneofyourconcernwhoImarry.IfIchosetomarryJames,thatwillbenoneofyourbusinesseither!”ShehadabsolutelynoplansonmarryingJames,butthatseemedthebestthingtothrowinhisfaceatthemoment.

Heglareddownather.Perhapsshe’dgonetoofarbecauseatthemomentshewasprettysurethathewasseeingred.

“Youwillnevermarrymybrother,”hesaidinalowharshtone.“Ifyoueventry,Iwillmakesureeveryoneknowswhohadyoufirst.I’lltellthemhowyoutookmeinyourbodyandinyourmo-”

Shecuthimoffwithahardslapacrosshisface.Thesoundseemedintenseintheotherwisequietlibrary.Thistimewhensheshovedhimbackhemoved.

“Ihateyou!”shegroundoutbetweenclenchedteethasshewipedfranticallyatthetearsstreaming

downhercheeks.Sheshovedherhandinherpocketandpulledouthisknife.Shethrewitouttheopenwindowbeforehecouldtakeitfromher.“StayawayfrommeorsohelpmeGod,Iwillmakeyoupay,”shechokedoutbeforesheranfromtheroom.

Shepressedahandtoherstomach,pleadingwithittocalmdownlongenoughforhertoreachherroomassheranupstairs,ignoringtheservants’curiousglancesasshepastthem.Nosoonerwassheinherroomthanshelostthebattlewithherstomach.Sheracedacrosstheroom,pastJane,whowashangingadress,andgrabbedthechamberpot.Shelostthecontentsofherstomachonceagain,notabletostopherselfandknowingasshediditthattheservantinherroommightverywellsealherfate.

Chapter19

Robert picked up the ledgers off the floor and tossed themonto the desk.He shoved his handsthroughhishair,wishingthathewaspunchingsomeone,anyone.

Hecouldn’tstandthis.Theonewomanintheworldthatheshouldn’twantwastheonewomanhewasdiscovering thathecouldn’t livewithout.Shewasbecominganobsession forhimandhewaspowerlesstodoanythingaboutit.

Evenahalfhourlaterhewashavingadifficulttimebelievingthatapartofhimhadhopedthatshewasgoingtotellhimthatshewascarryinghischild.Whenhe’ddiscoveredthatshewasn’tpregnant,hefeltlikepartofhimdiedoverachildthathadneverbeen.

For thepasteightyearshe’dlivedhis lifeaccordingtoaplan,andsofareverythingwasgoingsmoothly.Thistimewasmeantforhimtobuilduphisestateandinvestmentssothathecoulddowhathelovedfortherestofhislife.Heshouldberelievedthatshewasn’tinterferingwithhisplansinsteadofstandingherefuming.

Whatheneededwastotakeamistress.Heneededsomeonethatwouldn’tinterferewithhislifeandwas therewhenheneeded relief.That’swhathewanted, someone thatwouldn’tmakehim losehiscontrol.Hell,hedidn’tcareifshewasprettyaslongasshehadawarmbodyandknewherplace.Hewouldtalktohisbrotherlatertoseewhowasavailable.

Heignoredthesuddenclenchingofhisstomachatthethoughtofbeingwithanotherwoman.Thiswashowitwas.Menofhisstationkeptloversandmistresses.Evenhisfatherkeptmistressesandhecaredabouthiswife.Everymanheknewdidthis.Itwastimehedidaswell.

Withthatsettled,hesatbackdownatthedesk,hatinghimselfbecauseheknewthathecouldneverdoit.Whatwaswrongwithhim?Therewasreallynoneedtowonderwhyhecouldn’tgothroughwithit.Itonlymadehisanguishworse.

Alightscratchatthedoortorehimfromhisinnerturmoil.“Enter,”hesnapped.Marie,hismother ’smaid,steppedinsideandimmediatelyclosedthedoorbehindher.Shewalked

intotheroom,fidgetingwithherfingersandlookingaroundnervously.“What is it?”he forcedhimself toaskpolitely.Scaring thiswomanoffwouldnotbesmart.His

mother kept this woman around for her ability to gather gossip. She was the best. There wasn'tanythingshecouldn’tfindout,whichwaswhyRoberthadbeenpayingheraheftysumforthepastmonthtocomestraighttohimwitheverythingconcerningElizabeth.

Forthepastmonthhe’dlearnedaboutall themenElizabethmetwithandwhatshedidwhensheleft the house. He also learned one rather interesting piece of information; Elizabeth had beendismissinghermaidinthemorningsforthepasttwoweeks.Atfirsthethoughtsheknewthathewasinbedwithherandwastryingtoprotectherreputation,butshenevergaveanyindicationuntilthismorningthatshewasawareofhisnightlyvisits.Itstillpuzzledhim.

“Sir,IhavesomethingthatIthoughtyoumayfindinteresting,”shesaidwithanothernervouslookatthedoorandthenoneattheopenwindow.“Ifyouwouldn’tmind,sir,itmightbebesttoclosethatwindow.”

Heclosedthewindow,forcinghimself toremainpatient.Shewasnervousandhedidn’twant tofrightenheroff.Hegesturedtothechairinfrontofthedesk,butsheremainedstanding.

“Whatisit,Marie?”heasked.Shelickedherlipsnervously.“RememberyousaidifIbroughtyousomethingreallyimportant,

youwouldgivemeanextrashilling,”sheremindedhim,smart.

“Yes,isthissomethingworthanextrashilling?”Hisvoicewascoolandcalm.“Oh,Ibelieveitis,sir.”Again,sheshotanotherlookbackatthedoor.Hesighedinwardlyashepulledthecoinoutofhispocketandhandedit toher,hopingitwould

movethisalong.Shetookitandsmiledbrieflybeforeputtingitaway.

“Well?”heasked,feelinghispatienceonceagainleavinghim.She cleared her throat delicately, clearly preparing for the moment. He cocked an eyebrow,

silentlytellingherthatthisdramawasunnecessary.Smartgirlpickeduponit.“LadyElizabethhasbeensleepinginlaterthannormal,”sheannouncedwithflourish.

Thatwaswhathepaidashillingfor?“Thatistheimportantnewsyouwishedtotellme?ClearlyyouandIareofadifferentopiniononimportance,mydear.”

Sheshookherhead.“ThatiswhyshedismissedJaneinthemorning.”Heglaredather.Shelickedherlipsnervouslybeforecontinuing.“Shealsonolongerdrinksher

teainthemorning.Actually,sheplacesituntouchedoutsideherdoor,exceptforthismorning.”Hisscowldeepened.“Also,duringteashesitsfarawayfromtheteaandasksforlemonade.”

Robertwavedanimpatienthandforhertocontinue,hopingthatthiswasleadingsomewhere.“Herappetiteisalsogone.Sheonlypicksatherfoodnow.”

Hehadn’tmissedthatoverthepasttwoweeks.Thefewtimestheyatetogetherinthepastshe’dhadahealthyappetite,butintheoneortwotimeshesawinherinthediningroomthesepasttwoweeksshewaspushingherfoodaroundonherplate.Wassheunhappy?Sick?Upsetaboutsomething?Wasitpossibleshewassopreoccupiedthinkingabouthimthatshewashavingadifficulttimelikehewas?

Thatwastoomuchtohopefor.

“Anythingelse?”heasked,kickinghimselfforbeingtakeninbyaservant.Normallyhewassmartwhenitcametomoneyanddidn’tpartwithiteasily.

Shenodded,clearlybitingbackasmileasshesaid,“LadyElizabethhasbeenillforthepasttwoweeks.”

Hefroze.Surelyshewasn’t…..

“Andshemissedhercourses.”Everymuscleinhisbodyfroze.“Areyousure?”“Yes,sir.IhadtogiveJane,hermaid,ashillingnottotellanyonebutme.”Shequietlyclearedher

throat.Robertautomaticallypulledout thecoinandhanded it toher.“Also,not too longagoLadyElizabethranintoherroomandbecameill.”

Hishandsgripped theedgeof thedesk tightlyuntilhisknuckles turnedwhite.“Is she…..doyouthinkthat…..”

Marienodded.“Sheismostcertainlywithchild,sir.”---

"It'ssonicetohavebothofyoufortea,"LadyNorwoodsaidtoJamesandLordDumford."Thank you, my Lady," James said pleasantly while Lord Dumford looked decidedly unhappy

abouttheyoungerman'sintrusion.ItwascleartoElizabethatleastthatthemancametodaywiththeintentionofonceagainaskingforherhand.

Aftertheincidentinherstudy,nottomentionherqueasystomach,shewasinnomoodtodealwithLordDumfordandhisproposalthatwouldnodoubtconsistofahalfhoursermononGodandherplacetotakeahusband.Turninghimawayunfortunatelywasnotanoptionifshewantedtokeephermotherhappy.Knowingthatshewastoolightheadedtodoanythingmorethannod,shedecidedtheonlyoptionshehadwastoinvitehimtoteawhereshefoundJamesalreadywaitingforher.

"LadyElizabeth,Iwaswonderingifperhapsyouwoulddomethehonorofawalkinthegarden?"Jamesasked.

Elizabeth had to stop herself from groaning. She’d been hoping to avoid this for as long aspossible.Whenshewasalittlegirl,nothingonearthwouldhavemadeherhappierthantheprospectofmarryingJames.Theconversationsheoverheardinthelibraryhadn'taffectedherdecisionintheslightest.ShecouldnevermarryJames.

NotwhenshewasdesperatelyinlovewithRobert."Ah,LadyElizabeth,Ibelieveyoupromisedmeawalkinthegarden,"LordDumfordpointedout

almostdesperately.Didthemanactuallythinkthatshewouldsayyestothefirstmanwhoasked?Shehadabsolutely

nointentionofsayingyestoeitherman.Infact,ifshecouldmanageit,shewouldverymuchliketositperfectlystillwhereshewassincebothherheadandstomachwerecurrentlyspinning.

"MayIhaveanothercup,dear?"herfatherasked,lookingquitepleasedwithhimself."Formeaswell,"LordNorwoodsaid,alsolookingratherpleased.Nodoubtbothmenwerehere

towitnesswhattheythoughtwasgoingtobeanannouncementthatwouldleadtothejoiningoftheirfamilies. Since everyone was well aware of her childhood infatuation with James, they probablythoughtshewouldhappilyaccepthisoffer.

Evenknowingthatshewasabouttodisappointeveryoneintheroomcouldn’tdeterherfromherdecision.Shewouldsaynotobothmen.Hermotherwouldargueforhertoacceptoneofthemensincetheywerebothhertopchoices,butshewouldmostlikelypushforElizabethtoacceptJames'proposal themost. Her father would argue, plead and then demand that shemarry James. James’parentswouldunintentionallymakeherfeelguiltybecauseshe loved them.Sheknewhowhappyitwouldmakeeveryoneifthismatchwasmade,officiallyconnectingtheirfamilies,butshecouldn'tdoit.

She couldn'tmarry aman she didn't love and she couldn'tmarry theman she did love.Robertmightbeabletotoleratehersomewhatrightnow,buthewouldhateherwhenhefoundoutthatshewas carrying his child. But she needed to tell him.As frightened as shewas, she couldn’t do thisalone. Their baby deserved better than to be labeled a bastard and right now she was terrified tocontinuedoingthisonherown.

Jamesstoodup,holdinghishandouttoherexpectantly."Iwouldbehonoredifyouwouldwalkwithmeinthegarden,LadyElizabeth,"Jamessaidcharminglyenough,earningsmilesfrombothsetsofparentsandadisapprovingscowlfromLordDumford.

Sheopenedhermouthtoacceptjusttogetitoverwithsoshecouldretiretoherroomfortherest

ofthedayandlaydownwhenLordDumfordjumpedtohisfeet.

"I'msorry,butImust insist.LadyElizabethpromisedmeawalkfirst,"hesaidfirmly.Sheknewthathewas lying, but to announce it to the roomand insultinghim inhermother's housewasnotdone.

James'smilelookedforcedashepulledoutaring.Ohno,notherewithwitnesses."IsupposeIcouldaskLadyElizabethherejustaseasilyasinthegarden,"Jamessaid,turninghis

attentiontoElizabeth.

"Nowseehere,sir!"LordDumfordsaidinahuff."Elizabeth,would you dome the honor of becomingmywife?" he askedwhileLordDumford

turnedthreedifferentshadesofredashesputterednonsenseaboutproprieties.HermotherandLadyBradfordbothgasped,pressingahandtotheirchestswhileherfatherand

LordBradfordsmiledsmugly.LordDumfordlookeddecidedlyunhappy.

"Well,LadyElizabeth,"Jamessaid,grinningknowingly,"willyoumarryme?"Sheopenedhermouthtoasktospeakwithhimprivatelywhensomeoneunexpectedansweredfor

her."I'msorry,brother,butI'mafraidLadyElizabethisunabletoacceptyourproposal."

ElizabethwasthelasttolookinRobert'sdirection.Aftertakingamuchneededbreathtocalmherstomach,shelookedoverandfrowned.

Robert stood just inside the small ballroomwith such a look of deadly determination that shecouldn'thelpbutfeelatingleofapprehension.Thetwomenwhowerepracticallycoweringbehindhimcaughtherattention.Onewasclearlyaministerandtheothercouldeasilybeasurgeonbasedonthesmallblackbaghecarried.

"What'sthemeaningofthis?"herfatherdemanded.Nodoubthewasupsetwiththeinterruptiontotheengagementthathecoveted.

"I'msorry,myLord,"Robertsaidtoherfather,buthisangryemeraldeyeswerefocusedonher,"butLadyElizabethhasalreadyagreedtomarryme........today."

Chapter20

Heknew!Elizabethforcedherselftoremaincalm,knowingthatwastheonlywayshewasgoingtosurvive

this.Therehadtobeawaytogetoutofthisand,whileshesattheretryingnottolosethecontentsofherstomachonceagain,shewouldtrytothinkofawayoutofthisorprayforamiracle,probablyboth.

Jameschuckledgood-naturedly. "Asmuchas I appreciate agood jest,Robert, I'mafraidyou'reinterruptingElizabeth'sacceptance."

"Shemostcertainlywasnotabouttoaccept,"LordDumfordsaidinoutrage.Robertmovedhisgaze to theoldermanandsaid inaquiet,controlledvoice,"Leave.Now."He

spokesoftly,butthethreatwasclear.LordDumfordnoticeablyswallowed.Hetookastepbackandtotheside,wellawayfromRobert's

reachbeforeleavingtheroomataquickpaceevenasheglaredatRobert."Youcan'tbeserious,"Jamessaid,indicatingtoElizabethwhowastheonlyonewho’dremained

seated,"Youhateeachother."

Robertlookedatherforamoment.Shehopedtocatchaglimpseofthekind,sweetstrangerwho'dmade love toher in theorangery,buthewasn’t there.She'dneverseenanyone'seyes looksocoldbefore.The fact that itwas because of hermadeherwant to cry andbeg for his forgiveness. Shehadn'tmeanttohurthim.

"Itdoesn'tmatterhowwefeelabouteachother.Wearetobemarriedtoday.Now,"hesaid,pullingoutafoldedpieceofparchment.Itwasmorethanobviousthateveryoneintheroomknewwhatheheld by their expressions of outrage and disbelief. Robert had procured a special license for animmediatemarriage,somethingthatwasverylikelytocauseascandal.

Elizabethfeltherstomachturnasterrorshotthroughher.Hewasserious.Shecouldn'tmarryhimlike this,she justcouldn't.She’dhoped toexplainabout thebaby tohimandcometosomesortofagreement.Shewasn’tfoolishenoughtobelieve that itwouldn’thaveendedinmarriage,butshe’dhopedforsomethingonmoreamicableterms.Shedidn’twanttobeforcedintomarriagebyamanwhohatedher.Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimthatjustasherstomachlurched.Clampingahandoverhermouth,shepracticallyjumpedfromherseatandjustbarelymadeittothelargepottedplantbythepianointime.

---RobertclenchedhishandstightlybyhissidesashewatchedElizabethgivehimfurtherproofof

herdeception.Therewasnodoubt inhismindnowthatshewascarryinghischild.Heignoredtheconfusedlooksoftheirfamiliesandfromtheservantswho’dlingeredintheroomashewatchedher.Thefactthatnoonemovedtohelpherhadn'tslippedhisnotice.Everyoneappearedtobetoostunnedtodomuchofanythingbutstareathim,nevermindhelpElizabeth.

Asangryashewasather,hecouldn'tstandtoseehersuffer.WithamutteredcursethathadLadyNorwoodandhismothergasping,hestalkedovertoher.Kneelingdownnexttoher,hegentlyrubbedher back as she finished. He ignored the loud whispered conversations going on behind him andfocusedonElizabethasshetriedtocalmherbreathing.

Hecouldfeelherbodytremblebeneathhistouch.Shewasscared,herealized.Forthefirsttimesincehe'dknownher,shewasscared.Thatalonewouldhavesoftenedhisheartifithadn'tbeenforonesimplefact.

She’dtriedtokeephischildawayfromhimandthatwasunforgiveable.

"Robert,pleasedon'tdothis,"shewhispered."Whatisgoingonhere?"LordNorwooddemanded.Robertstood,bringingElizabethwithhim.Whenshetriedtomoveawayfromhim,hetightened

hisholdonherarm.Hefacedtheirfamiliesandthetwomenhe'dbroughtwithhim.

"LadyElizabethhasacceptedmyproposal.We'vedecidedtomarrytoday,"Robertannouncedtoanalreadystunnedgroup.

Everyonegapedatthem.LordNorwoodopenedhismouthtosaysomething,closedit,shookhisheadandopenedhismouthagain."Elizabeth,isthistrue?DoyouwishtomarryRobert?"

"No,"Elizabethstressed.Herrefusalnormallywouldhaveirritatedhim,butshenolongerhadachoice,neitherdidLordNorwoodforthatmatter.

LordNorwoodexhaleda relievedsigh.He lookedatRobertandgavehima sympathetic smile."I'msorry, son. Iunderstandhoweasily it is tobecome infatuatedwithabeautifulwoman,but sheclearlydoesn't feel thesameway.Asfondofyouas Iam, Idon't think thematchwouldwork,"heshifted his gaze to James, who still looked confused, but somewhat relieved. "Now, I believe weshouldgotomyofficeandhaveacelebratorydrink.Whatdoyou-"

Robertcuthimoff."I'msorry,myLord,butIbelievethere'ssomeconfusion.LadyElizabethdoesnothaveachoiceinthematter.Shewillmarryme."

AllgoodhumorfledLordNorwood'sface.Hetookathreateningstepforward."Youdaredictateto me, boy? In my own home?" His father stopped Lord Norwood from taking another step byplacinghishandontheotherman'schest.

"Whatisgoingon?"hismotheraskednooneinparticular.

James ran a frustrated hand down his face as he considered Robert. "This is no longer funny,Robert."

"Doyouseemelaughing?"Robertbitout."This is thevery last thingonearth that Iwant,butIdon'thaveachoice."

Elizabethmanaged to pull her arm free. "And it's the very last thing you will get.We are notmarryingtodayoranyday,"shesaidthroughclenchedteeth.

"Youwillbemywifeinlessthantenminutes,"hesaidcoldly."Iguaranteeit."Shelookedtowardsherfatherforhelp."Father,pleasedosomething!"LordNorwood shookhis head, givingRobert a pitying look. "I'm sorry, son. She doesn'twant

you.Youneedtosetyoursightsonsomeonewhodoes.Iwillnotforceherhandinthis."

Robertshookhishead,unconcerned."Thechoiceisnolongeryours,myLord.Intheeyesofthelawsheisalreadymineandshewillmarrymetoday."

Everypairofeyeswidenedatthatdeclaration.Eeriesilenceonceagainfilledthesmallballroom.Itwashisfatherwhofinallybrokethesilence."Whatdidyoudo?"

Before he could answer, James was in his face, shoving him backwards. "You stupid, selfishbastard!"HeswungatRobertandwouldhavemadequiteanimpactifRoberthadn'tduckedoutoftheway.

Robert made nomove to strike his brother. "I'm sorry, James. But there's nothing I can do tochangethis.Believeme,Iwishtherewas."Hedidn'tmissElizabeth'ssoftgasporherhurtexpressionbeforehewasforcedtoduckoutofthewayofJames'fistonceagain.

Afterafewmoreswings,hewasleftwithnochoicebuttoendtheconfrontation.Withonewell-placedpunchtothejaw,hesenthisolderbrotherstumblingback.

Jamesrubbedhisjawasheglaredathim."Ihateyou,"Jamessaidevenlybeforeheturnedaroundandwalkedaway,pausingonlylongenoughtosendElizabethalookofregret.

Hisfathersteppedinfrontofhim."Pleasetellmethatyoudidn'tdowhatIthinkyoudid."

Robertshookhisheadslightly."Ican't."WiththathismotherandLadyNorwoodbrokeintosobs.TheysatdownonthesmallsofaandheldontoeachotherwhileElizabethlookedaroundnervouslyandthemenlookedwary.

"Papa,pleasedon'tlethimdothis.""It's not up to himany longer,Beth. In the eyesof the lawyou alreadybelong tome," he said,

gesturingtothesurgeonhe’dbroughtwithhim."Unlessyoucanproveyou'renotcarryingmychildwewillmarryatonce."

Lord Norwood looked pleadingly at his daughter even as the color drained from his face."Elizabeth?"Thewayhesaidhernamesaiditall.Hewantedhertodenyeverything.

Elizabethdidn'tanswerherfather.Insteadshesteppedforwardandheldhisgaze."Ifyouforcemyhandinthis,Robert,youwillbesorry,"shesaidtightly.

Helookedintoherbeautifuleyesandsighed."Ialreadyam,Beth."

Chapter21

"It'snotsobad,"MarysaidsoftlyasshepouredwarmwateroverElizabeth'sshoulders.Elizabethwipedhereyeswithherpalms. "Yes, it is. I'mmarried toamanwhohatesme. James

nowhatesme.MotherandLadyBradfordhavebothtakentotheirbedsand,accordingtotheservants,haven'tstoppedsobbingsincetheyfoundoutwordspreadaroundthetonaboutmyconditionandthequickceremony.Fatherwillnotspeaktome,"shemumbledpathetically.

"Youhavebeenratherbusy,haven'tyou?"Maryaskedwithakindsmile.

Shenoddednumblybeforesheburstintofreshtearsonceagain."I'msosorry.Idon'tknowwhyIcan'tseemtostopcrying,"shesaid,mortifiedthatshehadn'tbeenabletostopcryingsincetheforcedceremony.

"Shhh,it'sperfectlynatural.It'sbeenaverystressfuldaygivenyourcondition."Elizabeth simplynodded asMary continued to runwarm, lavender scentedwater over her hair.

Today she was supposed to make last minute preparations for her trip. Instead she found herselfmarriedtoherchildhoodenemyandtherewasnothingthatshecoulddoaboutit.Themomenthe’dfoundoutaboutthebaby,shebelongedtohim.

Despiteeverythingshepromisedherselfover theyears, shewasnowanotherman'sproperty. Ifthatwasn'tbadenough,themanshenowbelongedtohatedherandshelovedhimmorethananything.Thissituationwashopeless.

"Didyouknow?"MaryaskedsoftlyasshepouredmorewateroverElizabeth'sback."Knowwhat?"shemumbledagainstherkneesasshesniffledbackanothersob."Thatyouwerewithchild?"

Elizabethclosedhereyestightlyasshehuggedherkneestoherchestjustastightly."Yes.""Oh,Elizabeth,"Marysaidonabrokenwhisper."Whydidn'tyoucometomeforhelp?""Itwasmyproblem,"shemutteredpathetically.

"Elizabeth, surely you knew that you couldn't hide this from everyone forever.Whatwere youplanningondoingonceyoubegantoshow?"

"That'swhatIwouldliketoknow,"Robertdrawled,earningastartledgaspfromMary."Youdon'tbelonginhere!"MarysaidandElizabethdidn'tneedtolookuptoknowthathersister

wasalreadyhalfwayacrosstheroomandshovingRobertoutoftheroom.She'dneverbeenhappierwithhersister'sbossywaysthanshewasatthatmoment.

Shedidn'twanttoseeRobert,notyet.Notwhenshewasstillsoangryaboutwhathe’dpulled.Heknewthatshedidn'twanttomarryandyetheforcedherhand.Shewasn'tfoolishenoughtobelievethatsheactuallyhadachoiceinthematter.Asmuchasshedetestedtherules,shealsoknewthatshecouldn't fight them. She'd freely given herself to Robert and no matter the circumstances of thatchoice;she'druinedherselfandbecamedamagedintheeyesofsociety.

Society'srulesalsodecidedthatthebabyinherwombwasRobert'spropertyand,asaresult,sowas she. The moment she realized that she was carrying his child she also knew that he nowcontrolledherlife,todayonlymadeitofficial.Fortherestofherlifeshewouldhavetoanswerto

Robert andbedependentonhim foreverything.Everything sheownedwasnowhisand therewasnothingthatshecoulddotostophimfromspendingithoweverhewished.

Hecouldspendeverylastpoundonwomenandcards.Shewouldn’tbeabletodoanythingtostophimandshehatedit.Shehatedhavingnosayinherlife,nochoices,andsheespeciallyhatedhimformakingherfallinlovewithhim,becausehecertainlywouldneverreturnthosefeelings.No,he'dgooutofhiswaytomakeherlifealivinghellandtherewasabsolutelynothingthatshecoulddoaboutit.

Ofcourseshecouldmakehersituationtolerablebybecomingadotingwife.Shecouldbecometheperfectwifeandkeephermouthshutandstayoutofherhusband'swayandsimplybethankfulforhisgenerosity,butthatreallywasn'therway.Shehadn'tbeenlyingwhenshepromisedthathe'dregretthis,notonlybecauseshehadabsolutelynoplans forbecomingasimperingwife,butbecauseshewouldmakesurethatheknewearlyonthatitwasbestnottotryandcontrolher.

Herfatherhadlearnedthathecouldn'tcontrolherandnowsowouldRobert."Leaveus,"Robertsaidinahardtone.

Elizabethsoftlysnortedatthatevenasshesniffled.IfhereallythoughtthathecouldorderMaryaroundhehadanotherthingcoming.Hersisterlovedherandwouldneverabandonher.Shewould-

"Goodnight,Elizabeth,"Marysaidonawearysighsecondsbeforesheheardherbedroomdoorclosewithadeafeningclick.

Wonderful, she thought as shewipedawayanother tear,hoping that thedimly lit roomwas toodarkforhimtoseehercrying.

"Howareyoufeeling?"Robertasked,hiswordswerecordialenough,buthistonewascoldasice."Youdidn'tneedtocheckuponme,Robert.I'mfine.Goodnight,"shesaidfirmly,hopinghe'djust

leaveandlethercometotermswitheverything.Notonlywasshemarriedtoamanthatdidn’tloveher,buthedidn’tevenlikeher.He’dcertainly

madehisfeelingsclearonthematterwhenhe’dhumiliatedherandforcedherintoamarriagethatneitheroneofthemwanted.

---

“YouandIneedtohaveatalk,”hesaidquietly,tooafraidthatifhespokeanylouderthathewouldlosewhatlittlecontrolhehadandstartyelling.

Hestillcouldn’tbelievewhatabitchshe’dturnedinto.She’dcertainlyfooledhimintobelievingthatshe’dgrownintoakindwoman.Overthepastmonthhe’dseenherbekindtoservants,children,andevenbeggarson thestreet.She treatedeveryonewithasweetsmileandakinddisposition,butnowhehadtowonderhowheeverfellforsuchafarce.

Onlyaheartlessbitchwouldallowherchildtobelabeledabastardwhenthefatherwasmorethanwillingtogiveittheprotectionofhisname.Heknewonlytoowellhowsocietylookeddownuponbastards,how theywere treated like lepers.He’dattended schoolwith severalboys,who’dhad themisfortuneofhavingbeenborninthatunfortunatesetofcircumstances.

It hadn’tmatteredwho the boys’ fathers had been, how intelligent theywere, how funny they’dbeenorhowgoodthey’dbeenatsports,theywerealltreatedlikegarbage.Theywereteased,tauntedandconstantlyremindedthattheydidn’tbelong.Theirprospectsinlifewereseverelylimitedbecause

oftheirstatus,guaranteeingthemthattheywouldneverfindawayintoalifethatshouldhavebeentheirs.

Theywereoutcasts,notgoodenoughfor theclass that theyshouldhavebeenborn intoand toogoodfortheclassthatthey’dbeentrappedin.They’dhavetroublegettingwork,beingrespectedorsimplymarrying.Theydidn’tfitinanywhereandthatknowledgewouldfollowthemtotheirgraves.ThefactthatElizabethhadbeenwillingtoplacetheirchildinthatlifeinfuriatedhimtothepointthatevenlookingathersickenedhim.

Oncethesmallceremonyhadfinishedhe’dsimplywalkedawayfromher,tooafraidofwhathemightdoifhestayed.He’dneverhither.He’dneverhitawomanbeforeandhadnoplansondoingitnow,buthehadbeenverymuchafraidofsayingsomethingthathe’deventuallyregret.Asmuchashehatedherrightnow,andbyGoddidhehateher,shewasstillthemotherofhischild.Fortheirchildheplannedonshowingherrespect,butthatwassimplyit.

Shewas nothingmore than thewoman that hewas now trappedwith. Shewas hiswife and hewouldseethatshehadaroofoverherhead,foodinherstomachandclothingonherback,butthatwasall.Theywere leavingas soonashewascertain that the scandal that theirhastymarriagehadcreated died down enough that itwouldn’t affect their child if he or she ever decided to return toEngland.

Heplannedontakingherwhenheleftthecountry.He’dkeepherintheroomfurthestawayfromhissothathedidn’thavetoseehereverymorning.Aslongasshestayedoutofhiswayandbroughthis child into thisworld, she could dowhatever the hell shewanted after that. She could return toEnglandaftershehadthechildandhewouldn’tgiveadamn.Hell,atthispointhedidn’tevencareifsheraisedtheirchild.He’dhappilyhireanannyifthat’swhatneededtobedone.

Atleastnowheknewthemotivationbehindhercruelty.Hehadn’twhenhe’dwalkedoutaftertheceremony,butuponhis returnasomberLordNorwoodhadbeenwaiting forhim in the library toexplainElizabeth’sinheritanceanddowry.WhenLordNorwoodfinishedexplainingeverythingandlefthimwithastackofpaperstogothrough,hisangerhadintensifiedtoaverydangerousdegree.

Elizabeth had been more than willing to condemn their child as a bastard for a very largeinheritance thatawaitedheronhernextbirthday.Shewouldhavebeenaveryrichwoman,andsheprobablythoughtthathermoneyalonewouldhavegiventheirchildalltheprotectionthatitneeded,butitwouldn’thave.SocietylovedtolookdownonitsinferiorsandnoamountofmoneywouldhavebeenabletostopthatfortheirchildorforElizabeth.

Ithadmadehimwonderifsheevenplannedtokeepthechild.Didshealreadyhaveplanstohaveasurgeonridherbodyofthechildorwassheplanningonabandoningthebabyassoonasitwasborn?He’d forced thosequestions fromhismind, tooafraid thathe’dendupkillingsomeone ina fitofrage.

Neverinhislifehadhebeenthisfurious.TheonlythingthathadmanagedtocalmhimdownandevenputasmileonhisfacewasthefactthatElizabethwouldneverseeasinglequidofthatmoney.Shewouldneverenjoytheluxuriouslifethatshedesired,becauseshe’dmarriedhim.

Thefactthatshehadnoideayetthatshe’dlosteverythingbroughthimsuchjoy.Asherhusband,everythingthatshehadwasnowhisandsheprobablyassumedthatshe’dbeabletomanipulatehimwithhersweetsmilesandpassionsinthebedroomtogainwhatshewanted.

Shewouldbewrong.

Not onlywould he never fall for her sweet act again, but hiswealth hadn’t changed since thismorning. If shehadmarriedhisbrotheror theMarquis inaproperwedding, then shewouldhaveindeedbecomeaveryrichwomanbytheendoftheceremony.Thenagain,ifshehadsucceededinleavingbeforeanyonehaddiscoveredthatshewaswithchild,shewouldhavebeenabletoenjoyhernewfoundwealth.Thatis,untilitwaslearnedthatshe’dhadachildoutofwedlock.Theneverythingthatshe’dgainedwouldhavesimplybeentakenfromher.

The stipulations were very clear in her godmother ’s will. Of course, he’d be willing to beteverythingthathehadthatElizabethwasn’tawareoftheconditionsofthewill,otherwiseshewouldhaveneverallowedhimtotouchherthatnightintheorangery.

Elizabeth’s godmother had certainly cared for her, that much was clear, but she’d also been asticklerfor theproprietiesofsocietyandhadexpectedherbeautifulgoddaughter tomarrywell.Attheveryleast,she’dexpectedhergoddaughtertoremainchastefortherestofherlife.

Theexpectationshadbeenveryclear,inorderforElizabethtogaincontrolofherinheritancesheneededtoeithermarrywellorremainavirgin.Shehadn’tdoneeither.HisfathermightbeanEarl,butRobertwasonlythesecondson,notverylikelytogainthetitlesinceJameswouldprobablybemarriedwithintheyearwithababeonthewaysoonafterthat.Thatnightintheorangeryhadsealedherfate.Byallowinghimtotakeherintohisarms,she’dlostherinheritance.

He’dactuallyconsideredwaitinguntiltomorrowandallowingherfathertoexplainthesituation,butwherewouldthejusticeinthatbe?Hedeservedsomethingforthehellthatshe’dputhimthroughandhefullyintendedtocollecthisreward.

“Pleasejustleave,Robert,”shesaidquietlyasshehuggedherkneestoherchest.“Andabandonmybeautifulwifeonourweddingnight?”heaskedwithmock indignationashe

pickedupachairandbroughtitoversothathecouldsitrightinfrontofthebathtub.Witha sighof anticipation,he satdown in thechair, leanedbackwithhis arms foldedoverhis

chestandhislegsstretchedoutinfrontofhim.Wasitwrongthathewasplanningonenjoyingherdownfall?Probably,buthedidn’tcare.She’dbroughtthisonherselfandhewasgoingtoenjoyeverylastminuteofit.

“Just……justleave,”shewhispered,notbotheringtolookupathim,butthatwasfinewithhimaslongashehadafrontrowseattoherdownfall.

He’dneverbeforebeenpurposelycruel toawoman.It justwenttoprovethatElizabethbroughtouttheworstinhim.Atleasthehadalifetimeofrevengetolookforwardto,hedecidedashethoughtoverthebestwaytobreakthenewstoher.

“I had an interesting conversation with your father a little while ago,” he simply stated to getthingsstarted.

“I’msurethatyoudid,”shemumbled.“Didyouknowthatthereisnodowryforyou?”heaskedconversationallyashewatchedherevery

move,waitingforthereactionthathecraved.“Yes,”shesaidquietlywithaslightnodasshecontinuedtostaredownatherbathwater.

“Youdon’tfinditcuriousthatamanaswealthyasyourfatherwouldn’tsetasidemoneytoseeyoumarried?”heasked,anticipationsoaringthroughhimashecontinuedtotoywithher.

“No.”

Hecockedhisheadtothesideashestudiedher.“Andwhyisthat?”Shegaveahumorless laughasshe turnedherheadslightlyawayfromhimandasdiscreetlyas

possible,wipedatherface.Soshewascrying,wasshe?Alreadytryingtomanipulatehimthen.She’dlearnveryquicklythathertrickswouldn’tworkonhim.

“Youalreadyknowwhy,Robert,sopleasejustleavemealone.”Hepursedhislipsupinthoughtasheconsideredherrequest.“No,Idon’tthinkthatIwill.”“Canyounotgloatabout thefact thatyounowcontrolmyinheritance tomorrow?”sheasked,a

biteofangerlacingherwords.“Pleasejustleavemebe,”shewhisperedindefeat,hervoicecrackingwithemotionassheonceagainwipedatherface.

“Whatinheritance?”heasked,savoringthemomentofherdownfall.Sheshookherheadindisgust.“Youdon’tneedtoplaythesegameswithme,Robert.”“You’re absolutely right,” he said, nodding as he decided to end this game and get right to the

conclusion.“Thisgamehasgoneonlongenough.Sowhydon’tIexplainhowthingsaregoingtobefromthispointon?”

Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoanswer,notthatshemadeanyattemptsasshecontinuedtositthereinwhathadtobeacoldbathbynow.Itwasbesttoexplainthewaythingsweregoingtobefromnowonandthenleavehertoherfatewhilehewenttooneofhisclubsandenjoyedhimself.Whoknows,perhaps he’d follow in his father ’s steps and set up a beautiful mistress to see to his needs. Hecertainlydidn’toweElizabethanything,especiallyhisfidelity.

“Youwillbegivenayearlysumtocoveryourclothingneedsandthatisall.Iwillpersonallyseetoitthatourchildiswelltakencareof.Youmayhavearoomofyourownandyouwillseetoyourmotherlyduties.OtherthanthatIdon’tgiveadamnwhatyoudoaslongasyoustayoutofmyway.”

Shenoddedasthoughshe’dexpectedasmuchfromhimandhewasn’tsurewhythatgratedonhisnerves.Didshereallythinksolittleofhim?Didshebelievethathewaspurposelycruelordidsheacceptthefactthatshe’dpushedhimtoit?

“I’msorry that I didn’t tell you,” she saidona choked sob,obviously trying togetback inhisgoodgracessothathe’dgiveherpartofherinheritance.Itactuallymadehimhatehermorefortheattempt.

“I’msurethatyouare,”hesaiddarklyasheglaredather.“Don’tyouhaveanyquestionsaboutyour inheritance?”heasked,wishing toend thisso thathe

couldleave.

Afteraslightpause,sheshookherhead.“I’drathernot.”“That’sprobablyfor thebest,”hemused,watchingher intentlybeforehebrokethenewstoher.

“Sinceit’sgone.”“Gone?”sheasked,soundingconfusedasshefinallylookedathim.

Heforcedhimselftoignoretheevidencethatshe’dbeencryingashecontinued.Shewouldnevermanipulatehimagainandshe’dbesmarttolearnthatnow.

“Ofcourseit’sgone,”hesaidwithashrug.“Youdidn’tmeetanyoftheconditionsofthewillafterall.”

“Conditions?”sheasked,lookingadorablyconfused.“There were several conditions. The first one of course was that you were expected to marry

well,”hesaidwithashrugsimplytoannoyher.“Thenofcoursewastheconditionplacedonyourbirthday.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”sheasked,frowning.“You were expected to remain chaste in order to receive your inheritance.”When she simply

staredathiminconfusion,headded,“Untouched.”Shepaledatthatasshenoticeablyswallowed.

Hereachedupandlazilyscratchedthebackofhisheadashegaveheracarelessshrug.“So,youseethatwhateverplansyouhadwhenyoudecidedtokeepmychildfrommewouldn’thaveworked.Thenagain,ifyouhadsimplyacceptedmybrother,youwouldhavegainedatitleandafortune.”

“But,Idon’tloveJames,”shemumbledabsentlyasshehuggedherlegsmoretightlytoherchestasifthatwouldprotectherfromhernewreality.

Heignoredthebaitthatshewastryingtohandhim.Didsheexpecthimtoaskifshelovedhim?Didshetrulybelievehewasthatgullible?She’dlearnintime,hesupposedashegottohisfeet,buthecouldn’tleaveuntilhestruckthelastblow.

“Youshouldprobablywriteyoursisterandcongratulateher,”hesaidashereturnedthechairtoitsplaceinfrontofthedimmingfire.

“Why?”shemumbled,soundingsadandgivinghimwhathewanted.“Becauseyou’vejustmadeheraveryrichwoman.”

Chapter22

“Mary?” she asked, swallowing nervously as she reached out and gripped the sides of the tub,prayingthattheinheritancethathadbeenmeantforherwouldgototheonesisterthatwoulduseitwisely.

MarywoulduseitasElizabethhadplanned.She’dturntheestatesthatshe’dinheritedintoschoolsforthepoorandunfortunateaswellassafehomeswherewomenwouldbegiventrainingandmoreoptionsinlife.Themoneythatshe’dinheritedwouldhavegonealongwaytomakesurethatalltheschoolscouldhaveruntuitionfreeformanygenerationstocome.

Theonlyestate thatElizabethhadplannedonkeeping forherselfwashernorthestate. Itwouldhavebeenmorethanenoughforhertoliveouttherestofherdaysquietly,butMarywouldn’tneedthatandwouldmostlikelyturnitintoanotheropportunitytohelpthelessfortunate.Heatherontheotherhand…..

Shewouldn’tpartwithasinglequidifitmeantthatithelpedsomeonethatshedeemedbeneathher.Heatherwouldspendthemoneyonlavishgowns,jewels,partiesandeveryexpensivebaublethatshecouldgethergreedyhandson.Shewouldneverevenconsiderhelpinganyonebutherself.

When Robert had happily announced the loss of her inheritance she’d felt sick. She’d failed,because she’d given into her own greed andmade love to amanwho hated her. The fact that shecouldn’tregretherbabyevenifitmeantthelossforsomanymadeherfeelhorrible.IfMaryweretheonetoinheritinherplacetheneverythingwouldbeokay.Marywouldfixthis.Marywouldmakesurethattheschoolswerestartedimmediately.Marywould-

“Heatherstandstoinherit,ofcourse,”Robertannounced,shatteringherlasthope.“Oh…..God…..no,”shewhisperedhollowly.

Robertchuckledasheslowlywalkedtothedoor.“Yes,I’msurethatyou’requiteupsetaboutthat.No doubt that Mary would have given you whatever you wanted, but Heather…….,” he saidmeaningfullyashepausedbeforecontinuing,“IdoubtthatHeatherwouldsharesomuchasashillingwithyou.”

Herstomachcrampeddownviolentlywiththatlastannouncement.AllofherandMary’splansforthefuture,gone.Therewouldbenoschools,nodonationstothepoor….nothing.She’dlostitallinonenight.Somanylivesthatwerenevergoingtohaveachance,becauseofher.

She’druinedeverythingbecauseshe’dfalleninlovewiththewrongman,shethoughtnumblyasshestruggledtostandupontremblinglegsasherheadspun,makingherincreasinglydizzy.

Freshair,sheneededfreshair,shedecidedasshesomehowmanagedtostandup.“Elizabeth?”Robertsaid,soundinguncertainasshestruggledtostepoutofthetub.“J-just leavemealone,Robert.You’vedeliveredyourblowsojustgo,”shesaid justbeforeher

legsgaveoutandshefellforward.

---“Elizabeth?”Robertsaidanxiouslyashecradledhisunwantedwifeinhisarms.She’dgonedeathlypaleonhim.Hercoldbodytrembledinhisarmsevenasshetriedtopushhim

away.

“Leavemealone,”shemumbled,pushingweaklyagainsthimtogainherfreedom,buthesimplyignoredherattemptsashecarriedhertothebedandlaidherdown.

Shewasjustplayingagame,hetriedtotellhimselfashepulledhisarmsawaysothathecouldstandup.Shewassimplyupsetthatshe’dlostafortune,hetoldhimself,doinghisdamndesttobuilduphisangeratheronceagain.Shewasjust tryingtomanipulatehimsothathewould….sothathewould….

“Oh,God,”hechokedoutasheslowlystoodup,hiseyeslockedonthebloodthatstainedherpalethighs.

“I-Idon’tfeelverygood,”Elizabethmumbled,whimperingassheturnedontohersideandcurledintoherself.

He swallowed his fears for his unborn child and wife as he took a step back, stumbling onunsteadylegs.Heblindlyreachedoutandgrabbedthesilkropehangingbyherbedandpulledonit,againandagainuntilhewassurethattherewasasmallarmyofservantsracingtotheirroom.

Oncethatwasdone,hedroppeddownontohiskneesnexttothebedandcoveredElizabeth’scoldhandswhere they rested over herwombwith his own.He gave her hands a gentle squeeze as shequietlysobbed,nodoubtrealizingthatshe’djustlosttheirchild.

---“I’m going to kill him!” Lord Norwood shouted as he was once again dragged back by the

servantsthatweredesperatetosavetheiremployerfrommurdercharges.

Robertbarelyheardhisfather-in-laworcaredforthatmatter.Hisfocuswasonthedoorinfrontofhimashewaitedforittoopenandthesurgeontotellhimthathiswifewouldbeokay.

Hewasn’t surehow longago the surgeonhaddemandedhis removal from the room.Theonlyreasonthathe’dagreedwassothatElizabethwouldbegrantedsomeprivacy,buthe’dalsothoughtthathermotherwouldhavedraggedherassoutofbedandcomfortedherdaughter.WhenitbecameobviousthatLadyNorwoodhadnoplanstocomfortElizabeth,Roberthadaskedforhismothertohelp.

Hismotherhadn’thesitatedinofferingherdaughter-in-lawsomecomfort.Asupsetashismotherwas,andhehadnodoubt thatshewasdistraughtover theirsituation,she’dhurriedfromherroomand straight intoElizabeth’s roomwithout sparing him a glance. She truly lovedElizabeth and hethankedGodforthat.

Hecouldn’t stomach the ideaofElizabethbeingalonerightnow.As furiousashewasover thefact that she’d lied, he realized something important.He truly did care for her,more than he everthoughtpossible.Hedidn’twanttoloseher,notyet,notbeforehecouldtellherhowsorryhewasforcausinghertolosetheirchild.

Asmuch as he’d once hated her, he’d had no right to torment her theway he had. She’d beencarryinghischildandheshouldhavegiventhatsomeconsiderationinsteadofactinglikeachildandgivingintohisanger.He’dneverregrettedhistempermoreand,asGodwashiswitness,hewouldnevertreatherthatwayeveragain.

All he needed was a second chance to make her happy, to take care of her and earn herforgiveness.He’dmoveheavenandhellforanotherchancewithher.Justthethoughtofneverseeingher again had him struggling to take his next breath. He couldn’t live without her, didn’t want tobecause-Becausehelovedher.

Hewasmadlyinlovewithhiswifeandhe’dallowedhisragetoeatathim.Howmanytimeshadhis father or brother taken him aside and lectured him over his temper?Howmany fights had hestartedsimplybecausehecouldn’tcontrolhistemper?There’dbeentoomanytocountandnowhischildandwifewerepayingtheprice.

“Iwillkillyouforthis,youbastard!”LordNorwoodshoutedashewasfinallydraggedfromthehallway.

“Robert,”hisfathersaidsoftlyashestoppedbyhisside,lookinglikehe’dagedadecadesincethismorning,“Ineedtoknowwhathappened.”

Grindinghisjaw,Robertshookhisheadashelookedathisfather.“It’smyfault,”hemanagedtochokeout.

“Whathappened?”hisfatherdemandedtightly.

“I lost my temper andmade her lose the baby,” his said, his voice hoarse with emotion as heallowedhimselftomournthelossofhischild,achildthathewouldneversee.

“Did…..didyoustrikeher?”hisfatheraskedquietly.“Iwouldneverhurther,”hebitoutbetweenclenchedteeth.

“Thenhowdid-”hisfatherstartedtoask,appearingbothtiredandconfused.“IsaidthingsthatIshouldn’thavesaid.IwasangrywithherandI…..Iletmytempergetthebetter

ofme,”hesaid,rubbinghishandsoverhisface,wishingthathecoulddothisdayoveragain.Ifhecoulddothisdayoveragain,hewoulddoitright.He’dkissherandtellherhowmuchhe

lovedherbeforehedroppeddownononekneeandbeggedhertomarryhim.Ifshesaidno,thenhewouldhavecourtedherandprovedtoherhowmuchhecaredforher.Heshouldhave-

“Youshouldhavenevermarriedher,”hisfathersaid,soundingdisappointedandshakinghisheadindisgustashewalkedaway.

Hedidn’targuewithhisfather,butsimplyletthemanwalkaway,becausehisfatherwasright.Heshouldhavenevermarriedher,buthehadandnowhewasgoingtobethehusbandthatsheneededhimtobe,hedecidedashepushedawayfromthewallandwalkedtowardsthebedroomdoor.

When a footman tried to step in his way and stop him, Robert simply punched theman in thestomach, droppinghim to the floor and steppedover him.Heopened the door andquickly shut itbehindhim.

“Robert?Whatareyoudoing inhere?”hismotherdemandedwhenshespottedhim.“Youdon’tbelonginhere.”

“I belongwithmywife,” he said, his eyes landingonElizabeth’s sleeping formand remainingthereashewalkedtoher.

Shelookedsopeaceful,hethoughtasheleanedoverhersothathecouldgentlypushastrandofhair out of her face. “How is my wife?” he asked the surgeon, never taking his eyes away fromElizabeth.

“Perhapswecouldspeakinthehallway?”thesurgeonsuggested,nodoubtuncomfortablewithhispresencesincebeinginthesickroomwithyourwifewassimplynotdone.

“We’ll talk here,” Robert murmured as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to his wife’s coolforehead,ignoringhismother ’sstartledgasp.

Afterpressingasecondkisstoherforehead,simplybecausehewasrelievedthatshewasalive,hecarefullysatontheedgeofthebedandtookherhandinhis.Helookedupatthestunnedsurgeonandgesturedforhimtobegin.

“Well,”thesurgeonsaid,clearinghisthroatandshiftinguncomfortably,nodoubtwellacquaintedwithRobert’sreputation,“asI’msureyouknow,yourwifelostthechild.”

“Andhowismywife?”heasked,prayingthatshewasgoingtobeokayafterthis.“Sheisveryupset,Mr.Bradford,butwithrest,foodandtime,Ibelievethatshewillmakeafull

recoveryandshouldbeabletohavemorechildren.”Robertnoddedashesighedwithrelief.Shewouldbeokay.That’sallthatmatteredtohim.Well,

therewasonemorethingthathehadtoknow.

“Do you know what caused her to lose the baby?” he asked, needing his fault in the matterconfirmed.

“Ibelievedehydrationandthefactthatshecouldn’tkeepanythingdownwasthecauseofthis,”thesurgeonsaidonawearysighashepickeduphisbag.“FromwhatIunderstand,shethoughtthatstresswasthecauseofeverything,andoncesherealizedthatshewaswithchild,shebecameoverwhelmedanddidn’tknowwhattodo,Mr.Bradford,”hesaidwithasympatheticsmile.“Thenexttime,Idon’tbelievethatshe’llhesitateinaskingforhelp.Goodday,sir.”

“Thankyou,”hemurmured,returninghisattentionbacktohissleepingwife.

Hedidn’tknowwhat tomakeofwhat thesurgeonsaid,butheknewone thing,hewasgoing totakebettercareofhiswifefromthismomenton.

Chapter23

Twoweekslater…..“Please,stop.”“But, you need to eat,”Robert stubbornly explained as he scooped up another spoonful of that

dreadfulbroththathe’dpracticallybeenpouringdownherthroatsinceshewokeuptwoweeksago.“Thesurgeonwasveryadamantaboutthisinfact.”

“Yes,butcan’t I-”Herwordswerecutoffwhenhe tookadvantageandshoved thespooninhermouth.

“You need to build up your strength,” he said with a firm nod as he placed the vile brothconcoctionbackonthetableandpickedupthecupofequallyvileteaandtriedtomakeherdrinkit.

“No,”shesaid,turningherheadaway.“Elizabeth,”hesaidinclearexasperation,“thiswillhelpyou.Nowdrink.”

“No!”shestubbornlysaid,turningherfaceintothepillowandpressingherlipstogetherinsilentprotest.

Hesighedheavilyasheattemptedtocupherchingentlybetweenhisfingersandforcehertoturntowardshimsothathecouldpourthatawfulteadownherthroatagain,butaftertwoweeksstraightofdrinkingthatputridconcoction,shewasdone.

“Elizabeth,”hesaidinexasperation,“youhavetodrinkthis.”

“No,”shebitoutquicklybeforesheclosedherlipsuptightlyonceagain.“Itwillmakeyoustronger,”hepatientlyexplainedashemadeanotherattempt.“No,itwillmakemegag!”shemanagedtogetoutbeforehecouldbringthecuptoherlips.

“Drinkitquicklyandyouwon’ttasteathing,”helied,again,ashebroughtthecuptoherlips,butshewasn’t having it. She pressed a hand over hermouth, creating a protective barrier against thedisgustingliquid.

Hiseyesnarrowedontheactionasheplacedthecupdownonthetable.“You’reonlymakingthisharderonyourself,”hesaid,reachingoverandpullingherhandawayfromhermouth.

Withnarrowedeyes,shequicklyreplaceditwithherotherhand.Whenhepulledthehandaway,shediditagainuntilhewasforcedtograbbothherhands,withafrustratedgrowl,andpinnedthemagainstthemattress.Hissmilewassmuguntilherealizedthatwithbothofhishandspinninghers,hecouldn’tpickupthecupandforcehertodrink.

“You’rebeingstubborn,”heaccusedwithasullenglare.“Soareyou!”shesnappedback.“Youneedit!”

“No,Idon’t!”sheshotback,becauseshereallydidn’tneedit.Itwasturningherstomachandnomatterhowmuchhewasable togetdownher throat, itdidnothing toeaseherhunger.Shewas infact,starving.

Itactuallysurprisedherthatshecouldthinkaboutfoodafter….

Afterlosingthebaby.Whensherealizedthatshe’dlosttheirchild,shewantednothingmorethantofollowafterit.The

painof losing a childwas something that sheneverwanted to experience again.At the time she’dhatedthedoctorforit,butshewasgladthathe’dgivenhermedicinetomakehersleep.Ithadgivenherashortbreakfromtheheartache.

Unfortunatelyassoonasshehadopenedhereyesandmemoriesfromthenightbeforecameback,shehadbrokendownandstartedcryinguncontrollably.Ithadfrightenedthepoormaidthathadbeenstationed in her room to oversee her recovery. Her loud sobs had also startled Robert, who’dapparentlypassedoutinachairnexttothebed,awake.

Assoonasherealizedthatshewasawake,hewasonthebedandpullingherintohisarmsinsteadof yelling at her as she’d expected. He’d rubbed her back, kissed her forehead and said soothingwordstoherasshe’dmournedthelossoftheirbaby.WhenRobertrealizedthatthemaidtaskedwithhelpingherrecoverwasonlystandingthere,gawkingatthem,he’dsentherfleeingfromtheroom.

Fromthatpointon,herefusedtoallowanyoneelse tocareforher.Heturnedawayeverymaidthattried.Theonlythingthatheallowedthemtodowastobringuptheawfulteaandbroththatheforce-fedherorhotwatersothatshecouldsoakinthetub.Whenhewasn’ttryingtopoisonher,hewasreadingtoher,holdingher,sittingbyhersidewhilesheslept,orholdinghertightlywhenshecouldn’tbearthelossoftheirchildanymoreandbrokedownintosobs.

Neitheroneofthemhadmentionedthebaby,theirwedding,theargumenttheyhadthatnightorahundredother things that they shouldprobablydiscuss. Instead, hewas simply there for her and itmadeherlovehimevenmore.

She’dneverexpectedthislevelofconsiderationfromherhusband.Whenshe’dbeenachild,she’dfantasizedaboutherownPrinceCharming,buteventhatfantasyhadn’tbeenasperfectasRoberthadbeen to her over the last twoweeks.Men, husbands, didn’t do things like this for theirwives.HerfathercertainlyneverdidthisforhermotherandAnthony,whosheknewlovedandadoredhersister,never did this sort of thing forMary.Hewould visitwith her and hold her in his armswhen sheneededcomfort,butAnthonyhadneverdevotedeverysingleminuteof theday toMary’scareandwellbeing.Itmadeherfeelcherishedandhelpedherthroughthemostpainfullossofherlife.

“Halfacup,that’sallyouhavetodrink,”hesaidsoothinglyashereleasedherhandsandpickedupthecup.“Comeon,justafewsips.”

Sheletoutanindelicatesnortatthatassheshookherhead.“Nothappening,Robert.”“Elizabeth,it’sgoodforyou,”hesaid,givingherasmilethatdidfunnythingstoherstomach.“Thenyoudrinkit,”shesaidstubbornly,refusingtobeswayedbyacharmingsmile.

Witharollofhiseyesandamutteredcommentaboutherbeingabigbaby,hebroughtthecuptohislipsandtookalongsipthathequicklyspitbackintothecup.

“Whatthehellisinthat?”hedemandedinoutrageasheplacedtheoffendingcuponthetable.Hewipedfranticallyathismouthtoerasethetasteandwhenthatdidn’thelp,hegrabbedthevasebyherbed, yanked the flowers out of it and tipped it back, drinking every last drop.Whenhe placed theemptyvasebythebed,hewasstillcringingatthebitteraftertasteleftinhismouth.

“Good,”shesaidwithanodasshethrewthecoversoffandshiftedherlegstotheedgeofthebed.“NowmaybeIcangetsomerealfood.”

“Thedoctorsaidthatyouhadtostayinbedforatleastanotherweek,”Robertpointedoutashemovedtohelpherbackinbed.

“WasitthesamedoctorthatsaidIhadtodrinkthetea?”sheasked,relievedwhenhesteppedbackwithasighandheldouthishandtohelphertoherfeet.

“It’swellpastmidnight.Idon’t thinktherewillbeanyoneuptomakeyousomethingtoeat,”hepointedoutonceshewasonherfeet.

“I’msurethatI’llmanage,”shesaid,notbotheringtoremindhimthatsheknewhowtocooksincemostmenofhisstandingwouldbeoutragedtohavetheirwivesdosomethingthattheybelievedwasaservant’sjob.

“I could always run down to the kitchens and look for something,” he suggested, soundinghopeful.

“You’deatitallbeforeyouevenleftthekitchen,”shepointedoutwithasmile.He considered that for a moment before he shrugged with a self-deprecating smile. “You’re

probablyright.”“Onedayyou’llhavetoexplainhowyoumanagetoeatsomuch,”shesaid,headingtothedoor,

butshedidn’tmakeitfarbeforeshefoundherselfsweptoffherfeetandintohisarms.

“Iactuallyhaveatheoryaboutthat,”hesaidwithasmileashewalkedtothedoor.“Really?Whatisit?”sheasked,toocurioustopretendotherwise.His appetitewas rather frightening.She’dnever seen someone eat somuch food in one sitting.

Therewereactuallyseveralmaidsthatrefusedtowaitonhim,terrifiedthathe’daccidentallydevourtheirhandsiftheydidn’treleasetheplattersoffoodfastenough.

“You,”hesimplysaidashewaitedforhertoreachoverandopenthedoortoherbedchamber.“Me?”“Mmmhmm, you,” he saidwith a teasing smile as he pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose and

carriedherout into thehallway thatwasdimly litby several candles slowlyburningaway the latenighthours.

“HowexactlyamIresponsibleforyourterrifyingappetite?”sheaskedasshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck.

“IfIrecallcorrectly,”hesaid,shiftingherslightlyinhisarmssothathecouldsafelynavigatethepoorlylitstaircasewithherinhisarms,“youcursedmeandallmyfutureheirs.”

Shegasped.“Ididnosuchthing!”shesaid,eventhoughitdidkindofsoundlikesomethingthatshewoulddo.

“You certainly did, minx,” Robert said, chuckling as he carried her down the back hallway,towardsthekitchen.

“Well,I’msurethatyoudidsomethingtodeserveit,”shesaidwithfeignedhaughtinessthathadhimgrinningasheturnedandpushedthekitchendooropenwithhisback.

“Iburiedallyourdollsinthepig’spen,”hesaid,chucklingashecarefullysetherdownonherfeet.

“Youreallywereahorridchild,”shesaidwithasmileasshewalkedawayfromhimandbeganto

searchthroughthecupboards,wonderingwhatshe’ddonetomakeRobertdosomethingsocruel.Itwasprobablysomethingmuchworsethanwhathe’ddonetoher,shethoughtwithasatisfiedsigh.

“TellmewhatyouneedandI’llgetitforyou,”Robertsaidashequicklylitmorecandlesaswellasseveraloillampssothattheycouldseewhattheyweredoing.

Asshequicklyscannedwhatwasavailabletothem,shedecidedthateggs,hamandfreshbiscuitswouldprobablybetheeasiestthingforhertomake.Decisionmade,shetoldhimwhatsheneededasshedidherbesttoignoreherstomach’sgrowlingdemands.

Robertshotheranamusedsmilethatshechosetoignoreasshestartedonthebiscuits.Bythetimeshehadthedoughmadeandreadytorise,shewasravenousandconsideringskippingthisstepandsimplycuttingthebiscuitsandbakingthem,uncaringthattheywouldendupflat.TheonlyreasonthatshehesitatedindoingjustthatwasRobert.She’dbraggedthatshemadethebestbiscuitsandnowshewantedtoproveit.But,shewassohungryandshewasn’tsurethatshewasgoingtobeabletowaituntil-

“Here,”Robert saidasheplaceda smallplatteroverflowingwithcheese,breadandcutham infrontofher.

“Thankyou,”shebarelymurmuredasshestartedtoattackthefood.“You’rewelcome,”hesaidwithachuckleashehelpedhimselftothefood.For several minutes they sat there eating in comfortable silence while she kept an eye on the

dough.Itwasactuallyrathernice,shethoughtjustbeforeRoberthadtogoaheadandruinit.

“Ithinkweshouldtalk.”

Chapter24

“I know,” Elizabeth agreed with a small sigh as she popped another piece of cheese into hermouth,soundingsodamndisgruntledbytheprospectthathecouldn’thelpbutsmile.

For amoment she stareddownat thebowlofdoughas she toyedwith apieceofbreadandhewonderedwhat shewas thinking. Perhaps shewas preparing herself for another fight, he realizedwithawince.Hewasdonefightingwithher.They’dbeendoingitsince theywerechildrenand,asmuchfunasithadbeen,itwastimetoputanendtoit.

Shewashiswifeandhisresponsibility,andtheycouldn’tgoonlikethis.He’dbeenveryfortunatethathehadn’tbeenraisedinacoldfamily,andhewantedtheirchildrentobejustasfortunateashehadbeen.Likemostcouples,hisparentsweren’tinlove,butunlikemostcouplesthatheknew,theywereverygoodfriends.

Itprobablyhadn’thurtthathisparentswereraisedknowingthattheywerebetrothedtoeachother.They were two years apart and had lived less than two hours away from each other as children.They’d accepted the situation without complaint. His mother ’s family had wanted a title for theirdaughterwhilehisfather ’sparentshadwantedtofattentheircoffersandensurethattheirsonhadapleasantwife.

They’dalwaysbeenfriends,sometimesactingmore likesiblings thanamarriedcouple.They’dneversharedaroom,neverlookedateachotherwithanythingmorethancasualaffection,andneverpretendedtobeinlove.Notthathewantedtoknow,becausetheknowledgewouldprobablyscarhimforlife,buthedoubtedverymuchthathismotherhadgracedhisfather ’sbedsinceshe’dprovidedhimwithanheirandasparesothatthelinecouldcontinue.

She’d also never seemed upset that her husband keptmistresses and lovers. It never seemed tobotherher,andRobertknewthatshewaswellawarethattheyexisted.Wheneverhisfatherlefttogospendthenightwithanotherwoman,shealwaysgavehimaknowingsmileandwishedhimagoodnight.

They’dneverfought,yelledateachotherorignoredeitherJamesorhimselfastheypursuedtheirown amusements. They raised their children in a warm family, with love and understanding andRobertwantedthatforhisownfamily.Hecertainlydidn’twanttoraisehischildreninacoldhomeliketheonethatElizabethhadbeenraisedin.

LadyNorwoodwasthetypicalmotherandwifeoftheton.Shesaidtherightthings,worethelatestfashion,obeyedalltherulesandsnubbedhernoseatthosewhodidn’t.Shealsohadverylittletodowiththeraisingofherdaughters.She’dleftthattonanniesandgovernesses,onlyinvolvingherselfinher children’s lives when it came to gossip, the prospect of her daughters marrying, or if herdaughtersembarrassedherinsomeway.

TheonlygoodthingthathecouldsayaboutLordNorwoodwherehisdaughterswereconcernedwasthatthemandidgenuinelyloveandcareabouthisgirls.He’dseenLordNorwoodworryaboutthem,smilewarmlywhenhesawthemandseemgenuinelypleasedtohavethemaround.

Unlike his parents, theNorwoodswere virtual strangers, choosing to spendmost of their timeapart.AlthoughLadyNorwoodhadn’tcomplainedaboutherhusbandkeepingwomenontheside,shediddemandashinnybaublethenextmorning.Ithadn’ttakenRobertlongtofigureouttheirroutine.EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturdaynight,LordNorwoodwouldbidhiswifegoodnightbeforehelefttospendthenightwithhismistress.Inturn,LadyNorwoodwouldsendherhusbandacoldglare,

notbecauseshewastrulyupsetthathewasspendinghisnightswithotherwomenlikeRoberthadfirstsuspected,buttoremindhimthatshewouldexpecthimtobuyherforgivenessinthemorning.

Itwasnotthetypeofmarriagethathewantedandcertainlynotonethathewantedhischildrentobeexposedtoeveryday.Whilehewouldliketobeabletoputthepastbehindthemandstartoverasfriends, he also didn’t want his parents’ marriage. He didn’t simply want a cordial marriage. HedesiredElizabethandwantedtospendeverynightwithherinhisarmsand,inordertogetthat,theyweregoingtohavetotalk.

“I’mverysorrythatIdidn’ttellyouaboutthebaby,”shesaidsoftly,bringinguptheonesubjectthathe’ddecidedtoputoffuntilanotherday.

“Whydidn’tyou?”heaskedjustassoftly,terrifiedthathe’dsayordosomethingtoscareherormakehercry.

Toolate,herealizedasshewipedatearoffhercheekwithasmallcookingcloth.Pretendingthateverythingwasokay,shestoodupandfocusedallofherattentiononthebowlofdough.Somehowheforcedhimselftoremainseatedwhenallhewantedtodowastakeherinhisarmsandtellherthatheforgaveher,thatitwasn’timportant,butitwas.

Hewantedtoknow,neededtoknow.Hewasn’tasangryashe’dbeenbefore.Christalmighty,howcouldhebe?She’djustlosttheirchildandheknewthatshegrievedoverthatchildwithallherheart.He’dseentheanguishinhereyesasshe’dcriedoverthelossoftheirfirstchild.

She’donlybeenalittleoveramonthandahalfintoherpregnancy,butheknewthatshe’dalreadyloved that baby.While most women would simply accept the fact that they’d lost a child since ithappenedsofrequently,Elizabethhadtakenthelosshard.Ittoldhimsomuchabouther,confirminghisearlieropinionofherandmakinghimregretevercallingherabitchevenifhe’donlydoneitinhishead.Hejustcouldn’tseethewomanthathe’dheldinhisarmsoverthepasttwoweekswhileshecriedherheartoutbeingaviciousbitchwhowouldpurposelysubjectachildtoalifeofmiseryandbeinglabeledabastard.

Hejustcouldn’t.

“I didn’twant to trap you,” shemumbled as she rolled out the doughwith an expert touch andbegantocutoutcircles.

“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”heaskedalittlemoreroughlythanhe’dintended,makinghernoticeablycringe.

“Ididn’twanttoforceyouintomarryingme,Robert,”shesaidtightlyasshequicklyplacedthecutdoughonapan,focusingallofherattentiononthetaskathandsothatshewouldn’thavetolookathim.

“Itwouldn’thavebeenforced,”heexplained,gettingtohisfeetandmovingtohelpherwhenshepickedupthepan.

Hetookthepanfromherandcarefullyplaceditinthehotoven,carefulnottosteptooclosetotheopenfireplacebeneaththeovens.Oncehewassurethatitwasfarenoughinsidetheoven,heturnedaroundandfoundElizabethbusyingherselfwithcleaningupthesmallmessonthetable.

Without aword,he steppedupbehindher andwrappedhis armsaroundher,bringingherbackagainsthisbody.“Itwouldn’thavebeenforced,”herepeatedmoresoftlythistime.

“Yes,itwouldhave,”shesaid,movingtostepawayfromhim,buthewasn’tlettinghergo.

“No,itwouldn’thave,Elizabeth,”hesaid,pressingakisstothetopofherhead.“Youdon’tloveme,Robert.Youdon’tevenlikemeandyoucertainlydon’twanttobemarriedto

me,”sheexplainedsoftlyasshesimplystoodthere,allowinghimtoholdher.

“WhatmakesyouthinkthatIdon’t likeyou?”heasked,smilingwhenshereleasedanindelicatesnort.

“Wouldyoulikealist?”sheasked,settlingbackagainsthimandmakinghimwonderifshewasevenawareoftheaction.

“Isitashortlist?”heaskedabsentlyasheenjoyedthefeelofhavingherinhisarmsandnolongerhavingtoworryaboutproprietiesandallthatbullshit.

Thenagain,itwasstilllookeddownupontoshowaffectionforone’swifeinpublic,buthedidn’tgiveadamn.Helovedtouchingher,holdingherandhe’dbedamnedifheallowedrulesmadeupbyabunchofhypocritestodictatehislife.Shecalmedsomethingdeepinsideofhim,gavehimpeace,andmadehimsmileevenwhenshewasgoingoutofherwaytovexhim.

Itwassimplyimpossibletotrulyhateher.Whenherealizedthatshe’dgonequietagain,hecontentedhimselfwithsimplyholdingher.For

several minutes they stayed like that, him holding her in his arms while she absently traced herfingersalonghisforearms.Hecouldhaveheldherallnight,buttheyneededtotalk.Prayingthatshedidn’tpushhimaway,heaskedheronceagainfortheanswerthathedreaded.

“Whydidn’tyoutellme,minx?”heasked,pressingakisstoherlavenderscentedhair.Shedidn’tanswerimmediately,andforaminutehethoughtthatperhapsshewouldnevertellhim,

butshetookhimbysurprisewhensheadmittedsomethingthatheneverthoughthe’dhearfromher.“BecauseIwasscared.”

“Ofme?”heaskedhollowlyashisarmstightenedaroundher,prayingthattheanswerwasno,butthatwastoomuchtoexpect.

He’dmadeherlifealivinghellfortoomanyyearstocountuntilfinallyhe’dbeenforcedtostepaway,terrifiedthathe’ddosomethingfoolishliketakeheroverhiskneeandgiveherthespankingthatshesorightlydeserved.Puttingspacebetweenthemhadprobablysavedthemfromkillingeachotherorlosingtheirdamnedminds.

Whenshecameback intohis life,hehadn’tbeenable to resisther.He lovedbeingaroundher,tormentingherandwaitingtoseehowshewouldreact,butnowhehadtowonderifhe’dgonetoofar.

“No,” she said, shaking her head as she continued to trace the length of his forearmswith herfingertips,“Iknowthatyouwouldneverhurtme,but….”

“But,what?”heasked,pressinganotherkissagainstthetopofherhead.“I didn’twant you to hateme anymore than you already did,” she said so softly that he almost

missedit.

“Idon’thateyou,Elizabeth,”hepromised.“You’re being awfully sweet about this whole thing, Robert, and while I appreciate that, I

understand.IshouldhavetoldyouassoonasIwassurethatIwaspregnantand…”

“Whenwasthat?”heasked,cuttingheroff.“Whenwaswhat?”sheasked,soundingconfused.

“Whendidyoubecomecertainthatyouwerepregnant?”heaskedsoftly,prayingthatthereminderofwhatthey’dlostdidn’tmakehercry.Itkilledhimtoseehercry.

“Afterwhathappenedinthelibrary,”shemumbled.“Ididn’tknowwhattodoorhowtotellyou.”“Wouldyouhavetoldme?”heasked,closinghiseyesashewaitedforheranswer.

“AssoonasIfiguredoutawaytotellyouwithoutmakingyouhateme”sheadmitted,soundingsodamnmiserablethathecouldn’thelpbutsmile.

“Thenperhapsit’stimethatwecalledatruce?”

Chapter25

“A truce?”Elizabeth repeated back slowly, understandablywary considering the suggestionwascomingfromRobertBradfordandthatthiswasn’tthefirsttimehe’dsuggestedsuchathing.

“Ithinkthatitwouldbeforthebest,”hesaid,repeatingthesamewordsthathe’dusedsixteenyearsagowhenhe’d trickedher intocrawlingout fromherhidingspot inhis father ’sbarnwhereshe’dbeenhidingafter a ratherunfortunate incident involvingRobert, abowlofhoney, andaboutfivesacksofchickenfeathers.

“I see,” she said, carefully disengaging herself from him as the need for self-preservationkickedin.

Althoughshewholeheartedlyagreedthatatruceofsomekindwouldbebeneficialsothattheywouldn’tendupkillingeachother,shejustcouldn’tquiteignorethevoicescreaminginsideherheadto make a run for it. Knowing that it was both foolish and pointless since there was no longeranywheretorunnowthattheyweremarried,sheforcedherselftoremaininthekitchensothatshecouldhearhimout.

That didn’t mean that she was going to do something foolish like staying within reachingdistanceofhim.Ascasuallyasshecould,shewalkedaroundthetableandstartedtoworkontheeggs,tellingherself thatshe’dbeabletomakeit tothedoorif this turnedout tobeatrap.Otherthananamused smile that told her that he knew exactlywhat shewas thinking, he didn’t comment on theaction.

“I don’twant to spend the rest ofmy life fightingwith you,”Robert explained, stating herbiggestconcern.

Theydidn’thavealovematch,theonerequirementthatshe’dhadformarriage.Shecouldn’teven say that theywere friends and given their history and how theirmarriage came to exist, shehadn’t expected a cordialmarriagewhen her father had grudgingly agreed that she had tomarryRobert.

Afterhisannouncementthatfirstnightwhenhe’ddescribedwhathe’dexpectedofher,she’danticipated to live a life of solitude where he ignored her until their child was an adult and herusefulnesshadcometoanend.Thenshe’dimaginedthathewouldprobablymoveherintoacottagewhere he would never have to see her again. It wasn’t an existence that she would have acceptedmeekly,whichmeant that theirmarriageprobablywouldhavebeen filledwith turmoil, argumentsandeventuallyhatred.

Shedidn’twantthatkindofmarriage.So, if hewas offering her an olive branch, shewould happily accept it. As long as it was

beneficial to both of them and it didn’t end with her living in the middle of nowhere with onlysquirrelsandherevergrowinghatredforRoberttokeephercompany.

“What are you suggesting?” she asked, trying not to get her hopes up that they could befriends.He’dbeenverykindtowardsherforthelastcoupleofdaysandwhilethatgaveherhope,shealsorealizedthatitcouldhavebeenoutofpity.

“I’msuggesting thatwework together tosetsometermsfor thismarriage thatwecanbothlivewith,”hesaid,crossinghisarmsoverhischestashewatchedherwork.

“Thatsoundsreasonable,”shehadtoadmit,morethanreasonableconsideringthatmostmendidn’tcareonewhitiftheirwiveswerehappy.

“Fromthispointon,Ithinkthatitwouldbebestifwestartedwithacleanslate,”hesuggested,soundinghopefulasshegrabbedapan,thesmallbowlofbutterandtheplateofcubedslicesofhamandheadedforthestove.Sheopenedthestovedoor,makingsurethatthefirethattheservantshadsetbeforeretiringforthenightwasstillgoingbeforeaddingsomemorecoalandwoodtoensurethatthefirewashotenoughtocooktheirfood.

“Meaning?”sheasked,notexactlysurewherehewasgoingwiththis.“Thatweforgetthepastandstartfresh,”hesaidafteraslightpause.“Andhowexactlydoyouproposewedothat?”sheaskedasshedumpedthehamintothepan.

“We’vealwayshatedeachother.”

“Notalways,”hepointedoutashemovedtoleanagainstthewalltoherright.Insteadofarguingwithhimoradmittingjusthowmuchshedidn’thatehim,shefocusedallof

herattentiononstirringthehamsothatitwouldn’tburn.Hedidn’tsayanythingforseveralminutes,probablywaitingforher toadmit tosomething,butsherefusedtoconfessanythinguntilsheknewwhereshestoodwithhim.Finallyhegrumbledsomethingaboutherbeingstubbornandbegan.

“MostmarriagesstartwithafreshbeginningandI’dlikethatforus,”hesaidasifwhathewassuggestingwasevenpossible.

“That’sbecausemostcouplesdidn’tgrowuphatingeachother,”shepointedout,stirringthehamalittlemorethanwasnecessary.

“True,”hemurmuredhisagreementashereachedoverandpluckedapieceofhamoutofthepanandpoppeditintohismouth.“But,mostcouplesspendtherestoftheirliveshatingeachother.”

Shedidn’tbotherarguingthatpoint,becausehewasright.Whilesheknewofseveralcouplesthatwereabletotolerateeachother,sheknewfartoomanycouplesthatcouldn’tstandthesightofeachother.Herparents,unfortunately,fitthelattercategory.Onthesurface,herparentsappearedtotolerateeachotherandtoevenlikeeachother,but thatwas justashowtheyputonfor the tonandtheirfriends.Theybarelyacknowledgedeachotherinprivateand,whentheyspoke,itusuallyendedinarguments.

“WhatI’msuggesting,”hesaid,pausingonlylongenoughtostealanotherpieceofham,“isthatweacceptwhathappenedwhenwewerechildrenandmovepastit.I’dlikeafreshstartwithyou,Elizabeth.”

“And do you really think that’s possible?” she asked, her lips twitching as he stole anotherpieceofham.

“Yes,”hesaidwithoutpause.

“Oh,andwhyisthat?”sheasked,sighingheavilyashestoleanotherpieceofhamandforcedhertodumptherestofthecutuphamintothepan.

“Theorangery,”hesimplysaidashestoleanotherpieceofham.“Theorangery?”sherepeatedbackinconfusion,wonderingwhatexactlythatnighthadtodo

withstartingfresh.

“Mmmhmm,”hesaidaroundanotherstolenpieceofham.

“Why?”shesaid,frowningdownatthepanashestoleanotherpieceofham.Atthisratetherewouldn’tbeanyhamleftinthepanbythetimeshethrewintheeggs.

“Ow!Whatthehellwasthatfor?”hedemandedwithapoutasheyankedhishandback.

“Stop stealing the ham!” she snapped, gesturing with the wooden spoon she’d just lightlyrappedagainsthisknucklesinwarning.

“This isn’tmakingmehateyouany less!”hesnappedback,doinghisbest toglaredownather,butthewayhisgazekeptdroppingbackdowntothehamashelickedhislipshungrilyhadhersmilingandreachingforasmallplate.

“Here,”shesaid, scoopingsomehamonto theplate.She’dbarelymoved tohand itover tohimwhenshesuddenlyfoundtheplaterippedfromherhandandRobertdevouringtheham.

“Your appetite is frightening,” she said with an exasperated sigh even though it secretlypleasedherthathewasn’tfuriousbythefactthatsheenjoyedcooking.

Hisonlyresponsewasaglareashecontinuedtoeathisham.Whenhewasfinished,hesentahopefullookatthepan,butonegesturewiththespoonhadhimplacinghisemptyplatebackonthecounter.

“Now,whatexactlydoestheorangeryhavetodowiththistruceofyours?”sheasked,hopingtodistracthimfromthehamsothattherewouldbesomeleftforherdinner.

Shewasstarving,morelikeravenousatthispoint.Shehonestlycouldn’tremembereverbeingthishungrybefore.Eventhefewtimesshe’dbeentoosicktoleaveherbedandhadbeenforcedtosurviveonbrothandteaforamonthhadn’tleftherthishungry.Shecouldprobablyeatalltheham,shethoughtwithagroanwhenshewasforcedtoslapRobert’shandawayagain.

“Viciousminx!”“Stopstealingtheham!”

“Iwouldn’thavetoifyou’dfeedme!”hesnappedbackasherubbedthebackofhishand.“I’mnotgoingtofeedyouuntilyouexplainthistruceofyours,”shesaid,hopingthatitwould

beenoughtoslowdownhisthievingwaysuntilshecouldfinishcookingthefood.“Fine!”hesaidashedeftlysnatchedanotherpieceofhamoutofthepanandpoppeditintohis

mouthbeforeshecouldslapitoutofhishandwiththespoon.

“Getonwithit,Robert,”shesaid,pouringtheeggbatterintothepan,hopingthatitwouldbeenoughtodeterhimfromstealinganymorehamforawhile.

Itdidn’t.Heleanedbackagainstthewall,gettingmorecomfortableashepoppedtheegg-coveredpiece

ofhamintohismouth.“Youdidn’thatemethatnightintheorangery.”

“Ididn’tknowwhoyouwere,”shepointedout,stirringthehamandeggswhileshekeptaneyeoutforhisdevioushand.

“Ow!”hehissed,butthistimehewassmartenoughtopullhishandbackandcontinuemakinghis argument for a truce. “Exactlymypoint.Youdidn’tknow that Iwas the littleboywhoused tomakeyourlifealivinghellandyoulikedthemanthatI’dbecome,”hesaid,histonedaringhertoliewhentheybothknewthatshe’dmorethanlikedhimthatnight.

“That’strue,”sheadmitted,becausereally,therewasnopointinlyingatthispoint.Itcertainlywouldn’thelpmatters.

“Theonlyreasonwe’vebeenateachother ’sthroatsoverthepastcoupleofmonthsisbecauseofourprevioushistory,”heexplainedandshewasverytemptedtoaddthatshe’dalsodoneitbecauseitwasfun.

“Youmighthaveapoint,Robert,” she said instead, addingcheese to the eggs andhamandmixingitforaminutebeforesheremovedthepanfromtheheatandsetitaside.ShootingawarningglareatRobert,shewalkedovertotheovensandremovedthenowgoldenbrownbiscuitsandplacedthemonthecountertocool.

“Itprovesthatwe’recapableofputtingthepastbehindus,”Robertsaid,surprisingherwhenhegrabbedacoupleofplates,forks,jams,honeyandsetitonthetableinsteadofstealingmorefood.

Whenhepickedtheplatesbackup,shebecamenervous.ShewasstarvingandinnomoodtofightwithRobertforoverfood.Shejustwanted-

“Hereyouare,minx,”hesaidwithasmileasheplacedaplateoverflowingwithfoodonthetableinfrontofher.

TouchedthatRobertwouldwillinglygiveupfood,shesatdownwithasmileandstartedtoeat.Shenearlymoanedwhenthefoodhithertongue.Ittastedlikeheaven,pureheaven,andshecouldn’tgetenough.Itwasn’tuntilRobertpickedupherplate thatsherealizedthatshe’deateneverysinglemorseloffoodinamatterofminutes.

“Youlikepeachjam,right?”Robertaskedasheplacedasecondplateoverflowingwithfoodinfrontofher,startlingher.

“Yes,”sheautomaticallysaidasshelookeddownattheplateoffood,realizingthatshewasstillhungry.

When Robert placed three jam-smothered biscuits by her plate, she grabbed one up anddevouredit,onlypausinglongenoughtosendhimaglarewhenhehadthenervetochuckle.

“Sorry,”he said, sittingdownacross fromherandbringingherattention to the fact thathewasn’teating.

“Aren’tyouhungry?”sheasked,reachingforanotherbiscuit.“Iwant tomakesure thatyougetenough toeat,”hesaid,gesturingforher tocontinueand

makingherheartskipabeat.RobertBradfordwaswillinglypartingwithfood.Eithertheworldwascomingtoanendorhe

wasseriousaboutmakingafreshstart.

Chapter26

“Don’t be silly, Robert,” Elizabeth said with a huff as she stood up and headed for the stove.“There’splentyoffoodforbothus.”

Heshookhishead.“Justeat,minx.I’mfine,”hesomewhatlied.Althoughhewasprettysurethathewasn’tgoingtodie,hewasstarving.Thefoodwassimple,but

it smelleddelicious.The richaromaofeggs,hamandcheeseaccompaniedby theheartyscentsoffreshlybakedbiscuitshadhisstomachrumbling,butitwasn’tenoughtomakehimstealElizabeth’sabandonedplateanddevourherfood.

Hiswifewasobviouslyhungryandherefusedtotakeanyfoodfromher.Itpleasedhimtoseehereating,becauseitmeantthatshewasfeelingbetter.He’dlostcountofhowmanytimeshe’dprayedthatshewouldbeokayoverthelastfewweeks.Thethreatoflosingherhadhithimharderthanhewouldhavelikedanditmadehimrealizejusthowmuchshemeanttohim.

Suddenlyallthebullshitthey’dputeachotherthroughovertheyearsnolongermattered,notifitmeant that hewould lose her.He couldn’t imagine a lifewithout hisminx in it, aggravating him,teasinghimandmakinghimfeelaliveforthefirsttimeinyears.Thefactthatshe’dliedabouttheirbabynolongermatteredeither.

Hewishedthathe’dhandledthingsdifferentlywhenhe’dfoundoutaboutthebaby.Heshouldhavekeptthematterbetweenthemanddoneeverythingthathecouldhavetogainhertrust.Heshouldhavecourtedheranddoneeverything inhispower tomake sure that shechose tomarryhim.Hehatedknowingthattheonlyreasonthatshe’dmarriedhimwasbecausehe’dforcedher.He’ddoanythingtochangethat.

But,therewasnogoingback.Therewasnochangingwhathappened.Therewasnostoppingthegossipthathadalreadyspread.Thedamagewasdone.Theonlythingthathecoulddowastoofferherthemarriagethatshedeservedandtheonethathecraved.Hewantedhertobehiswifefreelyandhavenoregrets.

Hewantedhertolovehimasmuchashelovedher.Sohewasgoingtocourthisownwife.Hewasgoingtoconvincehertogivehimachance,tolet

himshowherthathewastherightchoice.She’dlostafortunewhenshe’dmarriedhimand,althoughhewouldneverbeabletoprovideherwiththeluxuriesthatshe’dlost,hewantedtomakesurethatshewassodamnhappythatnoneofthatmattered.

“There’splentyoffood,Robert,”Elizabethsaidassheplacedaplatefilledwithfoodinfrontofhim.Beforehecouldargue,shewasspreadingbiscuitswithavarietyoftoppingsandplacingthembyhisplate.

“Don’tworryaboutme,minx.I’mfine,”hesaid,forcinghimselfnottolookdownatthefoodoutoffearthathe’dlosecontrol.

“We can eatwhile you further explain this truce of yours,” Elizabeth pointed out andwhen heopenedhismouthtoargue,sheshovedthemostdeliciousbiscuitthathe’devertastedinhismouth.

“Oh,God,”hemumbledinecstasyashefinishedoffthebiscuitandgrabbedanother.

“Doyoulikeit?”Elizabethasked,hertonecasual,buthecouldtellthatshewaspleased.“Youweren’tlying,”hesaid,finishingoffthelastbiscuitthatshe’dgivenhimandgrabbingthree

more.Hequicklyslatheredpeachjamonthemandplacedtwoofthebiscuitsbyherplate.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,takingasmallbiteoutofoneofthebiscuitsbeforeplacingitbackdownbyherplate.“Now,aboutthistruce.”

“Right,”henodded,takingonemorebiteofthatdeliciousbiscuitbeforeplacingitbackdownbyhisplateandforcinghimselftofocus.

“I’dbewillingtoletthepastgoifyouare,”Elizabethsaid,bringingthembackwherethey’dleftoff.

“Ithinkthat’sthebestwaytostartthis,”hesaid,lookingacrossthetableatherbeautifulface.“I’dlikeustostartoffasfriends.”

“I’dlikethat,too,”shesaidsoftly,givinghimasmallsmilethatgavehimhope.“Whatelse?”sheasked,soundingeagertofixthissituationbetweenthem.

“Nomorefighting,”herestatedhisearlierdeclarationsothatsheatleastknewthathewasdonewithmaking her life a living hell. “And nomore secrets,” he added, before he considered how itmightsound.

Sheflinchedas ifhe’dstruckher,but insteadofgettingupsetormakingexcusesforwhatshe’ddone,shenoddedinagreement.“Nomoresecrets.”

He nodded as he debated on the bestway to continue.After amoment, he realized that hewasactuallynervous.Hedidn’twanttomakeamessofthis.Tobuyhimselfalittlemoretime,hepickeduphisforkanddugintotheeggsandnearlygroanedwithpleasure.

Itwassodamngood.Hiswifewasanexcellentcookandforthatalonehethoughthimselfaluckyman.Hedidn’tgiveadamnthatshewasn’tsupposedtoknowhowtocook.Amanwithhisappetitewouldbefoolishtolookdownhisnoseatanyonewiththislevelofskillinthekitchen.

“Thefirstthingthatweshouldclearup,”hesaid,pausingonlylongenoughtotakeanotherbite,“isthatyoucancookwheneveryou’dlike,whateveryou’dlike.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid,soundinggenuinelypleased.Hetookafewmorebitesanddecidedthatperhapstheyshouldgettothebasicsoftheirmarriage.

“Weshouldprobablydiscussyourpinmoneyandsuch.”“Ithoughtwe’dalreadydiscussedthat,”shesaidwithashrug.“Besides,Idon’thaveadowry.”

“Youdon’tneedone.I’lltakecareofyou,”hesaid,becausehewould.Hemightnotbearichman,buthecouldaffordtokeephiswifehappy,atleasthehopedthathecould.

Shelookedlikeshewasabouttoargue,butinsteadnodded.“Thankyou,Robert.”“You’rewelcome,minx,”hesaid,finishingoffhisfood.

“Wheredoyouexpectustoreside?”sheaskedwithatouchofhesitation.Heclearedhisthroatnervously.Hewasn’texactlysurehowtoapproachthesubject,butheknew

thathecouldnolongerputitoff,notsincehe’dannouncedbarelytenminutesagothattherewouldn’tbeanymoresecrets.

“Isold theestate that Iboughta fewmonthsago,”hesaid,deciding tobreak thenews toheraseasilyaspossible.Hehopedthatshetookthenewswellanddidn’trefusetoleavewithhim,becausehe’dreallyhatetoresorttokidnappinghisownwifesinceherefusedtolivewithouther.

“Theonethatourparentshavebeentalkingabout?”sheasked,soundingconfused,butnotterriblyupset,atleastnotyet.

“Yes,”heansweredslowlybeforeadding,“I’veboughtanewestateinthecountry.”

“Idon’tmuchcareforLondon,”shesaidwithashrug,takinghimbysurpriseandremindinghimoftheirconversationthatnightintheorangery.“Whereinthecountryisit?”sheasked,soundinggenuinelycurious.

“Bridgewater,”hesaid,tryingnottocringeashewaitedforherresponse.Shestartedtonodonlytopausewithafrown.“I’veneverheardofitbefore.IsitupNorth?”

“Youcouldsaythat,”hesaid,shiftingnervouslyonthebench.“Howlongwillittaketotravelthere?”“Aboutsixweeks,”headmittedwithagrimace.

“We’restayingforanothersixweeks?”sheasked,appearingconfusedandforgoodreason.Thankstotheirhastymarriageandthescandalthathadaccompaniedit,themajorityoftheton

had already cut them off. Invitations that had been extended to both of themweeks agowere nowbeing rescinded.They’dhadnovisitorsornotescongratulating themon theirmarriageoranyonewishingElizabethaquickrecovery.Theirparentsweresurvivingthescandal,butjustbarely.

Fromwhathe’dheard,hismotherhadbeengiventhecutdirectbyLadyPenelopeyesterdayinaribbonshopanditprobablywouldn’tbetoomuchlongeruntilthathappenedagain.Thelongertheystayed,theworseitwouldgetfortheirfamiliesandneitheroneofthemwantedthat.Itwouldbebestif they left as soonaspossible.Hewas justwaitinguntilhewasassured thatElizabethwasable totravel.

“No,we’renotstayingforsixweeks.Perhapsanotherweekortwo,”hesaid,hopingthatitwouldbequiteabitsoonerthanthat,buthewasn’tgoingtorushheruntilshewaswellenoughforthetrip.

“Idon’tunderstand,”shefinallyadmitted.“I bought a home in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. We’re moving to America, minx,” he said,

preparinghimselfforafightsinceevenhismotherwouldhavetakenissuewiththatannouncement.

“America?”sherepeatedslowlyasthoughsheweretestingouttheword.“Yes,”hesaid,clearinghisthroatawkwardly,wonderingwhatheshouldsaytoconvinceherthat

thiswasforthebest.“Really?”sheaskedafteramoment,eyeinghimsuspiciously.

“Yes.”Whenher lips turnedup intoapleasedsmile,he felthimself relax. “I’vealwayswanted tovisit

America,”sheadmitted,appearingexcited.“Wewon’tbeabletotravelbackheretoooften,”headmitted,realizingthatsheatleastdeservedto

knowthetruthofthematter.Hehadmoney,buthewasn’trichenoughtoaffordatriptoEnglandtoooften.Itactuallymadehimfeelhorriblewhenherealizedthathewastakingherawayfromherfamilyandeverythingthatsheknew.

Shemerelyshrugged.“Ourfamiliesarewelloffenoughthattheycancomevisitus.”

“You’renotupset?”heasked,morethanalittlesurprised.“WhywouldIbe?YouknowhowIfeelaboutLondonand,ifwe’regoingtotrytostartfresh,what

betterwaythentostartoversomewherenew?”

“You’rearemarkablewoman,Elizabeth,”hesaidwithawink.“Now,”shesaid,pretendingthatshewasn’tpleasedbyhiswords,buthecouldtellbythewaythat

shedidherbesttobitebackasmilethatsheappreciatedthecompliment,“whatelsedoyouhaveinmindforthistruceofyours?”

Whensheplacedherforkdownonthetableandpushedtherestofherfoodtowardshim,hedidn’thesitate.Hepickeduphisforkandmadequickworkoffinishingoffhermeal.Oncehewassurethatnocrumbhadescapedhisnoticehepushedon.

“Therewill be no separate bedrooms,” he announced, deciding that itwas only right to let herknowthatshewasexpectedtowarmhisbedfortherestoftheirlives.

“Agreed,”shesaidwithafirmnodasthoughshewouldacceptnothingless,whichexplainedhernextannouncement.“Andnootherwomen.”

Hehad tobitebackasmile.Leave it tohisminx.Nootherwomanwoulddaresetdownsuchaproclamation to her husband, especiallywhen she’d brought nothing into themarriage and reliedsolelyonhisgenerosity,butthenagain,Elizabethwasn’tlikeotherwomen.

“Don’twanttoshareme?”hecouldn’thelpbuttease.“Not unless youwant to shareme,” she shot back, sounding smug as herwords hit home and

erasedeverylastounceofhumorthathe’dbeenfeeling.“Ifanyothermansomuchaslooksyourway,minx,Iwill-”

“So,we’reagreedthatwe’llbefaithfultoeachother,”shesaid,cuttinghimoffanddismissinghismurderousragewithacarelessflickofherhand.“Whatelse?”

Hecouldn’thelpbutfrownatthatashestolethelastbiscuit.“That’sactuallyallIhavefornow,”headmittedwithashrug.

Shesighedsoftlyasshestoodup,pickinguptheirplatesbeforeheadingtothecounter.“Well,attheveryleastitshouldbeenoughtokeepusfromkillingeachother.”

“Probably,”hemusedashefinishedoffthelastbiteofhisbiscuitandmovedtohelphiswife.Ifhecouldn’tmakeherfallinlovewithhim,atleastsheprobablywouldn’tkillhiminhissleep.

Chapter27

DearGod,itwasstillpokingher!Sometimeagoshe’dwokenuptodiscoverthatsomethingratherhardwaspokingherintheside.

Notthinkingmuchofitatthetime,she’dshiftedontoherside,facingawayfromRobertandstartedtodriftoffwhenRobertpulledherbackagainsthimandthathardthingshifteduntilitwaspokingherinthebottom.

It wasn’t until she’d tried to move away from it that Robert’s sleepy moan clued her into theidentityofthehardobjectpressingfirmlyagainstherbottom.Onceshe’drealizedexactlywhatshewasdealingwith,shehadadifficulttimethinkingaboutanythingelse.

Shouldshemove?Perhapssheshouldwakehimupsothathecouldpointthatthinginanotherdirection?Itwasprobablybetterifshedidn’twakehim,shedecided,asshetriedtoshiftherbottomforward

so that his manhood was no longer pushing her cotton nightgown where it had no business. Shemoved quickly, shifting forward and then pushing back. She nearly sighed in relief when hismanhoodceased itspokingand instead lay flushbetween theirbodieswithher rumplednightgownprovidingabarrier.

Sheclosedhereyes,deciding that itwasprobably for thebest that theybothcaughtupon theirsleepwhile they had the chancewhenRobert shifted behind her.When he shifted back, taking hismanhoodwithhim,shecouldn’thelpbutsighindisappointment.Althoughshewouldn’tmindalittlemoresleep,shehadtoadmitthatshehadbeenenjoyingthefeelofitpressedagainstherbody,thatis,onceitstoppedstabbingher.

Herdisappointmentabruptlyendedwhenshefeltthetipofhismanhoodtouchherbarethigh.Thesilkenheadslidupherleg,slidingbeneaththebunchedupbottomofhernightgownandcontinuedupin one long sensuous move that ended with Robert’s hard, hot manhood cushioned once againbetweentheirbodies,butthistimehercottonnightgowndidn’tprotectherfromitstouch.

Itfeltgood.Verygood,shedecided,bitingbackamoanassheclosedhereyesandstruggledagainsttheurge

tomoveagainstit.Shecouldn’tbelievethatsuchathingcouldbestimulating,butitwas.Sheenjoyedthefeelofitagainstherskin,thewayitmadeherbodytingleinanticipationandthewaythatit-

“M’lady!Youneedtowakeup!”Jane,hermaid,rushedinherroomtoexplain.“Whatthehellisgoingon?”Robertdemandedashisholdaroundhertightenedandhepresseda

sleepykissagainstthebackofhershoulder.“Yourfatherisdownstairs,Mr.Bradford,”Janeexplainedassherushedaroundtheroom,picking

outherclothes.“Heneedstospeakwithyou,sir.”

“Hecanwait,”Robertsaidashepressedanotherkissagainsthershoulderandsnuggledclosertoher.

SheopenedhermouthtosuggestthatJanegodownstairsandtellhernewfather-in-lawthattheyneededafewmoreminuteswhenthemanhimselfcamestormingintotheroomwithherfatherclosebehindhim.

“No, I can’t,” Robert’s father announced as he stopped in front of the bed. With an impatientgesture,hesentJanescramblingfromtheroomandmakingherwishthatshecouldfollow.

“Weneedtotalk,”herfathersaid,lookingdecidedlyunhappywithfindingRobertinherbed.

“And my wife needs her sleep,” Robert shot back sleepily as he sat up, making sure that sheremained covered as he did. “Giveme tenminutes and I’llmeet you in your study to discuss thematter.”

Herfatherstubbornlyshookhishead.“Wecandiscussthematterhere.”“Elizabethisstillrecovering,”Robertargued,gesturingforthementoleavewhenhisfathersaid,

“Andthat’sexactlywhat’sgoingtosaveyouboth.”

“Save us?” Elizabeth repeated, frowning in confusion as she sat up, careful to keep the coverspulleduptoherneck.

“From what exactly?” Robert asked, leaning forward and lazily resting his arms across hisupturnedknees.

“Fromeachother,”Haroldexplainedasherfathermadesurethatthedoorwassufficientlyshut.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Elizabethfoundherselfmumblingdistractedlyasshewatchedherfatherturnback around, open the door and peer out into the hallway before shutting the door, locking it andreturningtothefrontofthebedwherehesharedalookwithRobert’sfather.

“Oh,Ihaveaprettygoodidea,”Robertsaidcoldlyasheglaredatthemenshiftingnervouslyinfrontofthem.

“It’sforthebest,”herfathersaid,givingherareassuringsmilethatsethernervesracing.

“What’sforthebest?”sheasked,lookingbetweenthetwomeninfrontofher,butitwasRobertwhoansweredherquestion.

“Theywanttoannulthemarriage,”hesaidevenly,histonevoidofanyemotionasheturnedhisheadtolookather.

Foramomentshecouldonlysit thereasshestruggled towraphermindaroundwhathe’d justsaid.Annulled?Thatwasn’t possible.He’d taken her innocence and they’d lost a child. She didn’tknowmuchaboutannulments,becauseitwasoneofthosesubjectsthatwasonlymentionedinhushedwhispers,butsheknewenoughtoknowthattheydidn’tqualifyforanannulment.Themarriagewasconsummated.Itdidn’tmatter if ithadbeendonebeforetheytooktheirvows;shewasnolongeravirgin. Thanks to the gossip spreading through every household in London, everyone knew thecircumstancesoftheirhastymarriage.

Herfather,ontheotherhand,sawthingsabitdifferentlythanshedid.“You’vebeenillsinceyourwedding night and haven’t been able to leave your bed.The servants have been in and out of thisroomatallhoursofthenightandknowthatyou’vesleptalone.Gossiphasspreadofyourillnessandmanyothersknowthatyou’vebeendeathlyill.”

At that she had to frown. “I haven’t been deathly ill.”Depressed?Weak? Tired?Yes, but she’dneverbeenclosetodeath.

Herfatherwavedthatoffasthoughitwasoflittleimportance.“Theonlythingthatmattersisthatyoudidn’thaveaweddingnight,mydear.We’vebothcalled in some favorsandwecanhave thismarriageannulled in just a fewhoursandyourengagement to Jamesannouncedby theendof the

day.”

Robertdidn’tsayanythingashecontinuedtowatchher,butsheknewhimwellenoughtoknowthathewasfurious.Allthemusclesinhisarmsandchestwereflexingasthoughhewerestrugglingwiththeurgetothrottlesomeone,hislipswerepressedinathinlineandifthatdidn’tgiveawayhismood,thewayheglaredherwaycertainlydid.Itwasthenthatsherealizedthathewaswaitingforherresponse,butshedidn’thavemuchofoneotherthanconfusion.

“WhyexactlywouldyouassumethatIwantedtomarryJamesorthathewouldwanttomarrymeforthatmatter?”sheasked,focusingherattentionbackonthemenstandinginfrontofthem.

Herfatherreleasedaheavysighashefocusedonher,hissmilelookingmorestressedbytheminute.“Idon’twanttoseeyouhurt,Elizabeth.Idon’t-”

“Iwouldneverhurther,”Robertsaidfirmlybesideher.

“Notonpurpose,myboy,”hesaid,shakinghisheadslightlyashecontinued.“Idon’twanttoseeeither one of you hurt. I understand what happened. I do, but you have to agree that a marriagebetweenthetwoofyouisnotawisedecision.Givenyourhistoryitwouldn’ttakelongbeforethetwoofyouwereateachother ’sthroatsandmakingeachother ’slivesalivinghell,”herfathersaid,takingherbysurpriseashesworeinfrontofherforthefirsttimeinherlife.

BeforeeithersheorRobertcouldargue,hisfathertookover.“I’vealreadyspokenwithJames.Heunderstandsthatthingsbetweenthetwoofyousimplygotcarriedaway.He’swillingtomarryyouassoonaspossibleandmakethingsright.”

“Really?He’swillingtomarryawomanwithoutaquidtohernameaftershe’sleftthebedofhisbrother?”Robertdrawled lazily,but shedidn’tmiss the threateningedge tohis tone.“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeJames.”

“Yes,well,”hisfathersaid,clearinghisthroatandlookingnoticeablyuncomfortable.“WehadameetingwiththesolicitorsyesterdayafternoonandtheybelievethatbyannullingthismarriageandmarryingJamesthatElizabethwillmeettheconditionsofthewillandtheinheritancewillonceagainbehers.”

Shewouldhaveherinheritanceback,shethoughtasreliefsoaredthroughher.Allofherplansforthefuturewouldbesaved.Shecouldhelpsomanypeople.Shewould-NeverbewithRobertagain,sheabruptlyrealizedamomentlater.

Shewouldneverfallasleepinhisarmsagain.Neverfreelyenjoyoneofhissmilesagainandthatwasn’tsomethingthatshewaswillingtogiveup.Shelovedhissmile,lovedbeingthecauseofitandshedidn’twanttogivethatupforanything.

Besides, James would most likely refuse to allow her to open even one school with herinheritance,shetoldherself,desperateforanexcusetoturndownthisplanwithouthatingherselfforbeingcompletelyselfish.Onedayshewouldmakeherdreamsareality,butshedidn’twanttodothatasJames’wife.

“It’sgoingtocauseascandal,”Robertsaid,drawingherattentionbacktothemenlookingalmosteageratthispoint.

“James’titleandreputationwillbeabletoguardagainstthat,”hisfatherexplainedwithapleasedsmile.

“Andme?”Robertasked,shiftingslightlysothathisbarelegwastouchinghersbeneaththesafety

ofthecoversandgivingherthesupportthatshedesperatelyneeded.Robert’s father cleared his throat, suddenly lookinguncomfortable as his smile became forced.

“Wethoughtthatperhapsyouwouldleavetownandgivethegossipachancetodiedown.”

“Isee,”Robertmuttered,soundingthoughtful.“Werealizethatthissituationisnotidealandthatit’sunfairtoputyouinsuchasituation,Robert,”

herfatherrushedtoexplain.“That’swhyyourfatherandIbelievethatyoudeservecompensationforyourtrouble.”

“Andhowmuchisthat?”Robertasked,voicinghercuriosity.

“Fortythousandpounds.”

Chapter28

“I’dlikeafewminutestodiscussthematterwithElizabeth,”RobertsaidastunnedmomentlaterashedidhisbestnottograbElizabethinhisarmsandrunfromthishouseandthisconversation,sothathewouldn’thavetofacethefactthathewasabouttolosethewomanthathelovedtohisbrother.

“Idon’tthinkthat’swise,”LordNorwoodsaidafteraslightpause.“Justafewminutes,Papa,”Elizabethsaid,makingeverymuscleinhisbodytense.

Afewminutes…..That’sallitwasgoingtotaketoriphisheartoutofhischest.“Verywell,”LordNorwoodsaidstiffly.“We’llbewaitinginmystudy.”Robertnodded,butdidn’tspeak,tooafraidthathe’dsaysomethingthathe’dregretlater.He’dlove

nothingmorethantoyellattheman,buthewouldn’t,notinamillionyears.Elizabethwouldneverforgivehim,andalthoughhewasdoinghisdamndesttoresignhimselftothefactthathewasabouttoloseherandprobablyneverseeheragain,hedidn’twantherlastmemoryofhimtobehiminsultingherfather.

Whenthedoorclosedwithasoftclick,heopenedhismouthtospeak,butrealizedthathedidn’tknowwhat to say. Howwas he supposed to competewith James?Hewas older, had a title and arespectablereputation.Hewouldalsobeabletogiveherthelifethatshedeserved,thatwashersbyright.Stayingwithhimwouldonlydragherdown,andhelovedhertoomuchtodothattoher.

If she wanted to save herself by marrying James, then he would allow it. He would sign thenecessary documents to end theirmarriage and then hewould leave. He’d gift the forty thousandpoundstoherandbedonewithit.Hedidn’twantthemoney,didn’tneedaconstantreminderofwhathe’dlost.Hewould-

“Whyareyoutakingoffyournightgown?”heasked,unabletohidehisconfusionevenashedidhisbestnottolookdownandfailed….aboutfiveorsixtimes.

“Weonlyhavea fewminutes,”he thought shesaid,butwasn’tentirely sure sinceallofhisattentionwasonherbeautifulbreaststhatbouncedslightlyassheleanedoverthesideofthebedandpulledonthesilkropebyherbed.

“Huh?” he mumbled, struggling to focus as her breasts went ahead and bounced again as sheshovedthecoversoffhislap,revealingaratherpainfulerection.

“Perfect,”shesighedasshethrewherlegoverhimandstraddledhislap.

“What’sperfect?”heaskedabsently,hissingsecondslaterwhenthetipofhiscockbrushedagainstherwetslit.

Insteadofansweringhim,shelaidonehandonhisshoulderand,withtheotherhand,shereacheddownbetween themandgrabbedaholdofhiserection.Heopenedhismouthonceagain toaskherwhatshewasdoing,buthiswordsescapedhiminastrangledmoanwhensherubbedtheheadofhiscockbetweenthelipsofhersex.

Elizabeth released a frustrated groan as she shifted his cock against her once again.When shewiggled,brushingthetipagainsthercore,hewasforcedtograbherhipsandholdherstillsothathecouldfocus.

“Elizabeth,-”“Areyougoingtohelpmeornot?”sheasked,doingherbesttowiggleoutofhishold.

“Helpwithwhat?”heasked,resistingtheurgetoclosehiseyesandlickhislips.“Putting this thing inside of me,” she snapped, sounding frustrated and so damn cute that he

couldn’thelpbutsmileuntilherwordsregisteredinhismind.“What?”

Sheletoutanannoyedsighasshecontinuedtowiggle,testinghispatienceandmakinghiseagercockjump.“Look,Robert,”shesaid,pausingtonibbleherbottomlipassheshiftedonhislap,“weonlyhaveafewminutestodothisifwe’regoingtosavethismarriage,soI’dreallyappreciatealittlehelphere.”

“Youwanttosaveourmarriage?”heasked,stunnedenoughtotightenhisgriponherhipstostophermaddeningmovementsandfocusonwhatshewassaying.

Sheletoutasnortasshereleasedthegripshehadonhiscockandwrappedherarmsaroundhisshoulders.“Youreallydidn’tthinkthatyouweregoingtogetridofmethateasily,nowdidyou?”sheaskedwithasweetsmileassheleanedforwardandlightlybrushedherlipsagainsthis.

“Ican’tgiveyouthethingsthatJamescangiveyou,”hefeltobligatedtopointout.“Andhecan’tgivemethethingsthatyoucan.So,ifyoudon’tmindI’dreallyliketoconsummate

thismarriageandendthematter,”shesaid,pullingbackjustfarenoughsothathecouldseehersmileassheteasinglywiggledonhislapagain.

Ittookeveryounceofstrengthhehadinhimtostaystill.“You’resure?”heasked,selfishlynotarguingwith her or pointing out howmuch better off she’d bewith James since hewas a selfishbastard.

“Yes,”shesaid,leaningintokisshimagain,buthehadotherplans.Heswallowedhergaspofsurpriseashetightenedhisholdonherhipsandshiftedtorollherover

ontoherback.Beforeherbackhitthesoftmattress,hewasinsideher.“Youfeelsogood,minx,”hegroaned,pullingbackquicklyonlytoslideinslowly,enjoyingthe

wayhersheathcoatedeveryinchofhimalongtheway.

“Don’tstop,”shesaid,reachingupandfistingherhandsinhishairandyankinghimdownforakiss.

He went willing as he reached down and cupped the back of her knee and pulled her leg up,openingherwiderandallowinghimtosinkfurtherinsideher.Itwasheaven.

Itwashell.

“Wehavetostop,”hesaid,strugglingtopullout,butitseemedthathenolongerhadcontrolofhisbody.

“Don’t make me kill you!” Elizabeth growled against his lips, making him moan even as hegroanedinfrustration.

“Ifwedon’tstopnow,theservantswillwalkinonus,”hesaid,notreallycaringifhewascaughthavingsex,buthedidn’twanttoembarrasshiswifeorriskanyoneelseseeingthebeautifulbodythatwasmeantforhiseyesonly.

“Good,”shesaid,surprisinghim.“Good?”heasked,leaningdowntokisshersimplybecausehecouldn’thelphimself.

“BecauseIplanonkeepingyou,”Elizabethsaidagainsthislips,takinghimbysurprise.“Are you sure?” he asked, deciding once again not to arguewith her since hewasn’t an idiot.

TherereallywasnoneedtoremindherthatJameswasprobablythebetterchoice.She’dfigureitouteventuallyandbythetimethatshedid,itwouldbetoolate.

“Yes,”shehissed,pantinghardasshewrappedherlegsaroundhimandarchedherbacktotakehimdeeper.

“I’mneverlettingyougo,minx,”hesworeagainstherlipsashewrappedhisarmsaroundherandpulledhertightlyagainsthim.

“Good.”“Doyouneedhelpgettingdressed,my-Oh,myGod!”heheardamaidscreamsecondsbeforethe

doorslammedshut.

“Iguessyou’restuckwithme,Mr.Bradford,”Elizabethsaid,smilingagainsthislipsandgivinghimnochoicebuttosmileback.

“IguessIam,Mrs.Bradford,”hesaid,chucklingwhenheheardthecommotionoutinthehallway,guaranteeingthatnoonewasevergoingtobeabletotakeherawayfromhim.

Chapter29

“Yourbrotherleftagain.”“Iwasn’tawarethathe’dreturned,”Robertmurmuredabsently,barelysparinghismotheraglance

ashecontinuedtopacethefoyer.“Hereturnedyesterdayafternoonafteryourfathersentforhim,”hismotherexplainedwithahuff

asshegaveupthehopethathe’dstoppacingandsatdownonthechairbythebreakfastroom.

“Hecameimmediately?”heasked,shootinganotherglaretowardsthebackhall.Nodoubt his brother had been able to come so quickly because he’d been stayingwith his

mistress,buthedidn’tbotherpointingthatouttohismothersinceitwouldprobablyearnhimaglareandawholenewlecture.

“Yes,” hismother said as she smoothed downher skirt, “you knew that hewas eager tomarryElizabeth.”

“Andgetherfortune,”Robertpointedout,wonderingwhyitwastakingsolongforthecooktomakethepeppermintteashe’dpromisedwouldsettlehiswife’sstomach.

“It’showthingsaredone,”shesaidwitharesignedsigh.“Thingschange,”hesaid,glancingat theclockby thedoorbeforereturninghisattention to the

back hall. If they didn’t have her tea ready for her in fiveminutes, he was going back there andmakingthedamnteahimself.

“It would have been a safematch,” hismother said quietly, drawing his attentionmomentarilyfromthehallway.

“I’dneverhurther,”hesaidtightly,sickofthebullshitassumptionsthathe’deverhurtElizabeth.“Notonpurpose,”shehedgedcarefully,“butwithyourhistory, Idoubt that itwillbevery long

beforethetwoofyouareateachother ’sthroats.”“We’regettingalongjustfine,”hesaidevenly,shootinganotherglanceattheclock.

Theyweregettingalongmorethanjustfine.Afterthey’dmadelovethismorningtoputanendtoanymoresuggestionsthattheyshouldannulthemarriage,they’dfallenbackasleepineachother ’sarms.Nottoolongagohe’dwokenupwithElizabethstraddlinghislapassheonceagaintriedtoridehim.Apparentlyoncehisminxgotanideaintoherhead,shecouldn’tletitgo.

ThankGodforthat!Ithadprobablybeenthemostdifficult thingthathe’deverdoneinhis life,buthe’dmanagedto

forcehimselftoliethereandletElizabethhaveherfun.He’dlovedthewayshesmiled,laughedandmadefunofherselfasshedidherbesttofigureoutthemechanicsofridinghim.

She’dmadehimsmileandlaughevenashe’dbeenforcedtofoldhishandsbehindhisheadtostophimselffromgrabbingherandslammingherdownonhiscock.God,she’dbeensowet,drippingonhishungrycockassherubbedonhim,desperatetoputitinsideher.Whenshestartedgrindingherwetmoundagainsthimasshemoanedandpantedhisname,he’dlostthebattleandreacheddownandgrippedhimself.

Bythattimehiscockhadbeencompletelycoatedinherjuices.Hishandsliddownhislengthand

he’dmoaned. It had felt so good, so unbelievably good. His handmoved on its own as his eyesdevoured the sight of her.Watching herwatch him stroke himself had nearly undone him so he’dsloweddown,teasingthemboth.

He’d loved thewayher eyes becamehooded, her breathingquickened, her nipples hardened asthoughtheywerereachingforhim,butnothingcomparedtothewaythatherhipshadstartedtoshiftasthoughshewasimagininghiscockinsideher.Justwatchinghergetexcitedwasenoughtohavehisballsdrawuptight.

Just ashe slidhishanddown to thebaseandheld itup inoffering shedid something thathe’dneverexpectedandhadneverseenanotherwomandobefore.Shereacheddownandcuppedherselfbetween her legs and released a moan so sweet that he’d honestly been surprised that he hadn’tinstantlyexploded.

Hishandstartedtomoveagain,hiseyeslockedonherhandassheslowlymassagedhermound.His breathing had become labored as she explored herself, her fingers sliding between her slit,glisteningwithherarousaland,whenshetentativelyslidafingerinsideofherself,he’dbeenforcedtogriphiscocktightlytostophimselffromcoming.

Forseveralagonizingminuteshewatchedashiswifelearnedtopleasureherself.Herexpressionhad been one of pleasuremixedwith disbelief andwonder. She’d been so goddamn beautiful andwhenhetoldherso,she’dblushedprettily,butdidn’tstop.

No,nothisminx.She’dlovedthewaythathereactedtoher,enjoyedittothepointthatshestartedtoteasehim.

She’dcaressedherbreastwithher freehand, slidher fingers slowly insideher core andhe’d lostcontrolofhistongue.Hetoldherindetailhowmuchhelovedwatchingher,howbadlyhewantedtosuckonherfingers,lickhercleanandfuckher.Heswore,usedwordsthatnomanofhisclasswoulduseinfrontofhiswifeandhadn’tcared,especiallysinceitmadeherlosecontrol.

Whenshefoundhermoment,he’dsimplywatchedher,lovingthewayherskinflushedwithexcitement, her breasts bounced, and theway shemoaned andwhimperedwith every thrust of herfingers.Themomentthatshe’dfinished,shefoundherselfonherbackandhiscockramminginsideherstillquiveringsheath.

Hehadn’t lasted long,buthe’d takenherwitheverythinghehad,notholdingbackuntil shewas screaming his name and hewas spilling inside of her.Moments after he’d come, hewas stillslowlythrustinghissofteningcockinsideofher,wantingnothingmorethantotakeheragain,buthisminxitseemedhadotherplans.

Withamutteredcryofdistress,she’dpushedhimaway,slappedahandoverhermouthandrantothechamberpotandproceededtogetsick.Feelinglikeabastardfortakinghersosoonaftershe’dlostthebaby,hegotuptogocomforther,butshewasn’thavingthat.Anytimehecamecloseenoughtofussoverher,shewouldshakeherheadandletoutapitifulmoanthatlefthischestaching.

Hehatedseeingherlikethisandwantedtotakecareofher,butthedamnwomanwasbeingstubborn.Theonlythingthatshewouldallowhimtodowastohaveabathdrawnforhersothatshecouldsoakandtocomedownstairsandinquireaboutthepeppermintteathatthecookhadsuggestedwouldeaseherstomach.

“Robert?DidyouhearanythingthatIjustsaid,”hismothersnappedinfrustration.“Yes,ofcourse,”helied,ramminghisfingersthroughhishair.Wherethehellwashertea?

“No,youdidn’t,”shesaid,sighingsoftly,butdidn’tseemallthatupsetoverthematter.“Sorry,”hesaid,shootingheraforcedsmilebeforehereturnedhisattentiontothehallway.

“I don’twant to see youhurt,Robert,” hismother said as she came to her feet andwalkedtowardshim,steppinginhispathandgivinghimnochoicebuttostoppacing.

“I’mnotgoingtogethurt,”hemurmured,shiftinghisattentionpasthismotherandtowardsthekitchen.

“Ihopedthatonedayyou’dmakeagoodmatch,Robert,”shestartedtoexplain,buthewasinnomoodforalecturethismorning.

“Thisisagoodmatch,”hesaidquietly,givingherasmileasheleaneddownandpressedakisstohismother ’scheek.“Betterthangood.”

“I know that Elizabeth is beautiful and exciting, but that doesn’t make for a good match,Robert.Thesefeelingswon’t last foreverandwhenthey’regoneyou’llbe leftwithawife thatyoudon’twant,whomakesyouunhappyandIdon’twantthatforyou.”

“Whatfeelingsarethese?”hefoundhimselfasking,wonderingifhismotherrealizedthathewasinlovewithElizabeth.

Sheclearedher throatuncomfortablyassheshiftedhergazeawayfromhim.“Thefeelingsmenhaveforbeautifulwomen,Robert.Imaybeyourmother,butIknowthatmenoftenallowtheirattentions to take control of their lives and I’m afraid that’s what you’ve done, Robert. You’vemarriedawomanthatyouhatesimplybecauseshe’sbeautiful.”

“That’s not why Imarried her,” Robert said, trying to reassure hismother that everythingwouldbeokay.

“Iknowthatyoumarriedher todotheright thing.That’showyouwereraisedandIwouldexpectnothinglessfromyou,Robert,butwiththebabygoneyoucanfixthismistake.Youcanendthismarriagebeforeanyonegetshurt,”shesaid,hertonepleadingasshereachedoutandtookbothhishandsintohers.

“Youand Ibothknow thatanannulment isno longeranoption.Notafter thismorning.Bynoweveryonewillknowthatthisisamarriageintruth.”

“Your father and LordNorwood have taken care of that,” hismother said tightly, lookinganywherebutathimandnotsoundingpleasedtohavethisconversationanymorethanhewas.

“Andwhatexactlydidtheytakecareof?”hedemanded,pullinghishandsaway.

“They’vemadesurethatnoneoftheservantswilltalk,”shesaid,lookingupathim.“Asyoucansee,there’sstilltimetofixthis,Robert.”

“There’snothingtofix,”hesaidevenly,donewiththisconversation.“We’renotgettingthismarriageannulledsoyoucansaveyourefforts,becausethey’renotwanted.”

“Wouldyoupleaselistentoreasonand-”

“Iloveher!”hesnapped,realizinghismistakeonlytoolate.Heshookhisheadinfrustration.“JustforgetthatIsaid-”

“Youloveher?”sheasked,lookingstunned.“Yes,”hesaid,realizingtherewasnopointinlyingaboutit.Thewordswerealreadyoutand

knowinghismother,shewouldneverbeabletopretendotherwise.

“Truly?”sheasked,hereyesnarrowingonhimasshewaitedforananswer.

“Truly,” he said, preparing himself for the tears of joy andmushy sentiments thatwere nodoubtabouttofollow.

Womenweresillycreatureswhenitcametodeclarationsoflove,butatleastitwouldgainhismother ’ssupport,herealized.Hehadn’tplannedontellingherhowhefelt,butitwasprobablyforthebest.She’dputanendtothisannulmentbullshitandhecouldfocusonmoreimportantmatterslikehisinvestments.Ithadbeenseveraldayssincehe’dbeenabletogetanyworkdoneandnowthatElizabethwasonthemendhecould-

“Bloody hell!” he shouted, moving to yank his hand away from the vicious woman, butapparentlyhehadn’tmovedfastenough,becausehismotherstruckhisknuckleswithherfan,again.

“That’sforswearinginfrontofyourmother!”shesnapped,proppingherfistsonherhipsasshescowledathim,makingherattentionsforanotherattackclearifhesteppedoutofline.

“Andthefirstone?”hebitout,rubbingthebackofhisstinginghandasheglareddownathismother,buthewasn’tstupidenoughtoraisehisvoiceather.Shewasstillgrippingherfanafterall.

“Forlyingtome!”

“Inever lied toyou,”hesaid, frowning inconfusionashe thoughtover theirconversation,wonderingwhatshewastalkingabout.

“Ifyouthinkthatyou’regoingtomanipulatemeintotakingyoursideandlookingtheotherwaywhileyoucontinuewiththismistakeofamarriage,thenyouhaveanotherthingcoming,youngman!”shesaid,jabbingthatdamnfan,thathewasgoingtohavetosteal,inhischestasshemadeherpoint.

“Ididn’t-”

“What’sgoingon?”hisfatherasked,probablysavinghimfromanotherraponthe-“Ow!”“That’sfortryingtolietomeagain!”sheexplainedbeforehecouldask.

Sheswiftlyturnedherattentiononhisfather,whohadthegoodsensetogetthehelloutofherwayassheturnedtostormoutofthefoyer.“Youfixthis!”shesnappedathisfatherwithaglarethatclearlysaidtherewouldbehelltopayifhedidn’t.

“Ofcourse,mydear,”hisfathermutteredobedientlyashewatchedhiswifestormoff.“Where are you going?” Robert asked, watching as his father practically ran to the door

secondslater.

“Tomy clubwhere it’s safe,” his father said, barely sparing him a glance as hemade hisescape.

Foramoment,heconsideredfollowinghisfather,notreallycaringthatitwasthecowardlythingtodo,buthehadasickwifethatheneededtotakecareoffirst.AfterhemadesurethatElizabethwassettled,hewouldconsiderescapingthismadhouseuntileveryonecametotheirdamnsenses.

Chapter30

“Whatareyoudoing?”Elizabethchewedonherbottomlipasshedroppedherhairpinandpickedupthesmallnailshe’d

found lyingon the floornearwhereRobert’s jackethungandproceeded to stick it in thekeyhole,uncaringthattheownerofthechestwasnowstandingoverher,lookingamused.

“Stealingyourchest,”shesaid,eventhoughshefeltitshouldbemorethanobviouswhatshewasdoing.

“Doyoudo thisoften?”Robertasked,placing thecupof tea thathe’dpromisedheroverahalfhouragoonthesmalltabletotherightbeforehegentlypriedthenailfromherhandandhandedoverasmall,simple,butstillsomewhatstunningkey.

“No,”sheadmitted,“butI’vedecidedtomakeanexceptioninthiscase.”“So,youlikethechest?”hehesitantlyasked,soundingalittlenervous.“Iwouldn’tbestealingitifIdidn’t,”shepointedoutassheslidthekeyinsidethelockandwitha

satisfiedsigh,unlockedthechestthatshe’ddecidedwasrightfullyherstwentyminutesagowhentwofootmenhadcarrieditintotheroom.

Itwasthemostbeautifulchestthatshe’deverseeninherlife.She’dneverseenapieceoffurniturethatshe’dgladlykillforbefore.Thechestwasmadefromthefinestwood,whichhadbeenpolishedtoperfection.Blackmetalstripslinedtheedgesandcornersperfectly,makingitappearasthoughthemetaland thewoodwereone insteadofconstructed together.Thedesign in thewoodwas leveled,standingoutinawaythatcomplimentedtheblackmetaltoperfection.

Shewassorelytemptedtobegherfathertobuyheramatchingbedroomset,somethingthatsheneverwould have done before, but she couldn’t.Not onlywould her father try to use her requestagainsthertomanipulateherintoendinghermarriagewithRobert,butshewouldalsobeinsultingher husband’s pride if she did that. He’d not only forgiven her for lying to him about the baby,offeredtogiveherpinmoneywhenshe’dbroughtnothingtothemarriage,buthe’dalsoturneddownforty-thousandpoundstobewithher.Well,soshehadn’texactlygivenhimachancetoturndownthatmoney,buthecouldhavesaidsomething.

“It’syours,”hesaid,kneelingbesideher.

“I’m glad that we agree,” she murmured absently as she raised the cover and looked inside,surprisedtoseewhatappearedtobetwodoorsatthetop,actingasanothercover.

Hechuckledashereachedpastherandopenedthetwodoors,revealingtwosections;thelefthalfheldasmalldeeptrayatthetopwiththreesmalldrawersbeneathitandtherighthalfofthechestwaslinedwithwhatappearedtobelightpinksilkonthebottomandthreesides.

“Thisisforyourslippers,”heexplainedashewrappedhisarmaroundherwaistandpointedtothetrayatthetop,“andthesedrawersareforyourhairribbons,handkerchiefs,books,whateveryouwishtoplaceinsidethem.”

“This is really forme?” she asked, touchedbeyondwords that hewouldbuyher something sobeautiful.

“Mmmmhmm,”hemurmured,pressingakisstothetopofherheadbeforehecontinuedtoexplainthechest.“Thesilkwillmakesurethatyourdressesdon’tgetsnaggedonthewoodandthedoorswill

preventthemfrombeingbouncedaroundandwrinkledwhentheboxismoved.”

“It’ssobeautiful,”shewhispered,tracingherfingertipsalongthesilkmaterial.

“You haven’t seen the best part yet,” he said, sounding quite pleased as he gripped the centerdividerof the trayandpushed it to the side.A smallclick caughther attention.Shewatched as theentire leftsideshiftedto theright,slidingover thesilkbottomof therightsidewithout touchingitandrevealingahiddensectionofthechest.

“Youcanhideyourmoney,valuablesandanythingelsethatyoudon’twanttobefoundinhere,”heexplainedasheonceagainpushed thesmalldivider,but this time towards the left.Withanothersoftclicktheentiresectionslidbackinplace.

“OhmyGod,”wasallshecouldmanage,becauseshe’dneverseenanythinglikeitbefore.

“Itwassupposedtobeyourbirthdaypresent,minx,butsincewe’llbeleavinginacoupleofweeksIthoughtthatyoushouldhaveitnow.Iwantedtobeherewhenitwasbroughttotheroom,butyouweren’t feeling well and I didn’t want you to have to wait for your tea,” he said, rambling onnervouslyforthefirsttimesinceshecouldremember.

“Youboughtthisforme?”sheasked,notmissingthepartwherehe’dadmittedthathe’dplannedongivingthistoherforherbirthday.Sincehehadn’tleftthehousesincethey’dmarriedorhersideforthatmatter,sherealizedthathe’dboughtthisforherbeforehefoundoutaboutthebaby.

“No,”hesaid,confusingheruntilsherealizedthatperhapshe’dboughtthisforanotherwoman.Ifthatwasthecaseshedidn’tthinkthatshecouldstomachseeingareminderthathe’dwantedanotherwomannomatterhowmuchshelovedthechest.

“Thiswasmadeforyou,minx,”hesaid,takingherbysurprise.“Itwas?”sheasked,feelingridiculouslyhappythathewoulddosomethingsowonderfulforher

whenhe’dprofessedtohateher.Itmadeherwonderifitwaspossiblethat-“Imadeitforyou.”

---“Youmadethis?”Elizabethasked,shootinghimaquestioninglookbeforereturningherattention

backtothechest.“Yes,” he said with dread as Elizabeth looked over the chest, taking her time and studying

everythingmoreclosely.

“Whendidyoulearntodothis?”sheasked,runningherfingersoverthesilk.“WhenIwasfourteen,”hesaid,exhalingslowlyashesatdownonthefloorandleanedbackuntil

hisbackwaspressedagainstthefootofthebed.“I don’t remember you doing this sort of thingwhenwewere children,” Elizabethmurmured,

pickingupherteaandtakingasmallsipasshecontinuedtoexaminethechest.

Heshookhishead.“Myparentswouldneverhaveallowedmetotakeupthishobby,”hesaid,notbotheringtomentionthereasonwhysincetheybothknew.

Womenweren’ttheonlyonesthatwererestrictedbytherulesofsociety.Menwereaswell.Eventhough itwas very unlikely that hewould ever inherit the title, hewas still the son of an earl andexpectedtocarryhimselfasone.Hecouldownland,runanestate,investandevenjointhearmyifhisfatherboughthimacommission,buttherewerethingsthathewasn’tsupposedtodo,nevermind

like.Carpentrywasoneofthem.

Nomanofhis stationwas supposed towork in trade, tobea laborer,buthe loved it.He lovedworkingwithhishands.Helovedcreatingsomethingbeautifulfromapileofwoodandnails.Itkepthimfocusedandallowedhimtocalmdownwhenmostdaysallhewantedtodowastodrivehisfistthroughsomething.Ithadbeentheonlythingthathadsavedhimfromdoingsomethingtrulyfoolishwhenhe’dbeenachild.

“Willyoutellme?”sheasked,placinghercupbackonthetable.Heshookhisheadashelookedaway.“I’mnotsurethatyouwanttohearthisstory.”

When she gently cupped his face in her hands to pull his attention back to her, he allowed it.“Pleasetellme,”shesaid,settlingdowntokneelnexttohimonthefloorsothatshewasfacinghim.

Hedidn’tknowwheretostart,wasn’tsurethathecouldsharethiswithher.Knowingthattherewasagoodchancethatshewouldtrytorunawayfromhimoncehestarted,hetookherhandsinhisandgentlypulledhertowardshim.Whenshewascloseenough,hepickedherupandplacedhersothatshewassittingacrosshislap.

Once she was comfortable, he wrapped his arms around her, pleased when she laid her headagainsthisshouldersothathewouldn’thavetolookatherwhenhetoldherwhatshewantedtohear.

“Youturnedmylifeintoalivinghell,”hebeganhollowly,allowinghimselftorememberjusthowbadhislifehadbeen.

“What?”sheasked,movingtoturninhisarms,buthetightenedhisholdonherjustenoughtostopher.

“Ican’ttellyouthisstory,minx,ifIhavetolookatyou,”heexplained,sighinginreliefwhenshestoppedtryingtomove.

Shesettledbackagainsthimandwhispered,“Okay.”“Didyouknowthatmyparentshadoriginallyrefusedtoletmeattendschool?”heasked,deciding

thattheonlywaythathewasgoingtosurvivethiswastoeaseintoit.“No,Ididn’tknowthat,”sheansweredsoftly.

Heshiftedagainstthebedframe,gettingcomfortableashepressedakisstoElizabeth’sforehead,moreforhisbenefitthanhers.Whenshetookoneofhishandsintohersandentwinedtheirfingers,heknewthatsheunderstood.

“Theywereafraid that Iwouldn’tbeable tocontrolmyproblemand that theotherboyswouldfindout.Theydidn’twantmetobehumiliatedandthoughtitwouldbebestifIweretoworkwithatutoruntilIoutgrewmyproblem.”

“Whatmade themchange theirminds?”Elizabethasked,shiftingso thatshecouldrestherheadagainsthischest.

“James,”hesaidwithasmile,rememberinghowhisolderbrotherhadfoughtforhim.“Hewasalwayssodamnprotectiveofme.”

“Iremember,”Elizabethmurmuredwithwhatsoundedlikeasmile.“Hedidn’twantmemissingoutorpickedonforbeingcoddledbyourparents.Heworkedonmy

parents every chancehegotuntil they finallyhadenoughandagreed to allowme togo,”he said,dropping his head back against the frame and closing his eyes as he remembered the day that hisparentstoldhimthathecouldgo.Ithadbeenoneofthebestdaysofhislife.

Jameshadtakenhimfishingtocelebrate.Theyhadn’tcaughtadamnthing,butitwasoneofthebestfishingtripshe’deverhadbeforeorsince.Hisbrotherhadsharedstoriesofallthemischiefhe’dpulled in school, givenRobert tips on how to sneak out after hours and even on how to sneak insweetssothathewouldn’tstarve.Whentheycamehomehisparentsmadesurethatthecookhadmadeallofhisfavoritesand,forthefirsttimeinhislife,theyhadn’tsaidawordwhenhereachedformorefood.Hisfatherhadendedthenightbygivinghimhisgrandfather ’spocketwatch,thesamewatchthatwas stolen only a fewmonths later by a couple of boyswho’d broken into his room to soak hisclothesinvinegar.

“SometimesIwishthathehadn’tbeensuchagoodbrother,”Robertadmittedonasigh.“No,youdon’t,”Elizabethsaidwithasoftlaughthathadhimsmilingdespitehismood.“No,Idon’t,”headmitted,becausehewouldn’tchangeadamnthingabouthisbrother.

“Aftertheincidentinthepark,”hesaid,decidingtojustgetitoverwith,“herefusedtohelpme.Ibegged him to helpme convince our parents to letme stay home, but hewouldn’t budge.Hewasconvinced that if I let thempushmearound, that theywouldneverstop.WhenI ranawayhecameaftermeandgavemethethrashingofalifetime.Itwasthefirstandlasttimethathe’deverhitme.”

“WhenmyparentsrealizedhowmiserableIwas,theystartedtoreconsidersendingme,butJameswouldn’thaveit.HedraggedmetoschoolandmadedamnsurethatIstayed.Hetoldmethatitwouldbeokay,thatthingswouldn’tbethatbad,buthewaswrong.”

“Noneofmyfriendswantedtohaveanythingtodowithme,whichleftmeonmyown.Itwasn’tagood place to be in a school full of spoiled boyswith nothing better to do thenmake each othermiserable.EverydayforabouttwoyearsIwasbeatup,mybookswerestolen,myclassworktrashed,myroomransackedandsoakedinvinegar.Theymadeagameofmakingmylifealivinghell.”

“Robert,I’m-”Buthedidn’tgiveherachance toapologize.Thatwasn’t thereasonwhyhewas tellingher this

story,herealized.“WhenIwasfourteen,I’dhadenoughandstartedtofightback.Iwasn’tmuchofafighter,butI

wasangry,sogoddamnangryallthetimethatmytempersoonbecameunpredictable.Onedaythey’dpushedmetoofarandIsnapped,reallysnapped.Iflippedoutinthemiddleofclassandthrewadeskthroughawindow.”

“Whathappenednext?”Theheadmasterhadbeatenhimwithinaninchofhislife,buthewasn’tgoingtotellhiswifethat.

Soinsteadhetoldhertheonlypartthatmatteredtohim.“Iwasgivenachoicebymyinstructor,fixthedeskorpackmybags.IactuallypackedmybagsandwasreadytoleavewhenIfoundthepartinggifttheotherboyshadplacedinmybag.”

“Whatwasit?”Elizabethasked,hervoicebarelyaboveawhisper.

“Alemon,”Robertsimplysaid,rememberingtheragethathe’ddamnneargaveintothemomentthathefoundthefruitstuffedinhisbag.

He’dwantedtoteartheschoolapart,tobeatthehelloutofeveryboythathadtauntedhim,tomake

their livesa livinghell theway theyhadmadehis,buthecouldn’tdo that ifhe let themwin,he’drealized.

“Idecidednot to let themwin. Iwasn’tgoing to let thempushmeout,because I’d realized thatJameswas right. Everymorning before class and every evening after class I walked down to thevillageandworkedwithJohn,whowasthetowncarpenter,tofixthedeskthatI’ddestroyed.Whenitbecameobviousthatthedeskwasbeyondrepair,hetaughtmehowtomakeonefromscratch.”

“Ididn’tthinkthatI’denjoyit,butIdid.Ilovedit.Longafterthedeskwasdone,Ikeptshowingupandhenevertoldmetoleave.Itkeptmefocusedandprobablykeptmeoutofalotoftrouble.Istillgotintofights,butnotasmanyandwheneverJohnheardthatI’dbeeninafightheworkedmeuntilIcould barelywalk back to the school.He helped keepme in line and gaveme something to lookforwardtoeachday.”

“Itsoundslikehewasagoodman,”Elizabethsaidaroundasmallsniffle.“Hewas,”Robertagreed,pressingakisstothetopofherhead.

He held her in his arms for a long time.When the fire started to die out and she hadn’t saidanything,he realized that shemusthave fallenasleep inhis arms.Carefully,headjustedher inhisarmsandpickedherup.Hecarriedhertothebedandgentlylayherdown.Beforehecouldmanagetostandup,shegrabbedhishandandgaveitagentletug.

Not one to arguewith hiswife, he climbed in bedwith her and curledupbehindherwhen sheshiftedontoherside.Hewrappedhisarmaroundherandpulledhertightlyagainsthim.

“I’msorry,Robert,forwhatIdidtoyou,”shesaid,takinghimbysurpriseasshesaidthewordsthathe’dbeenwaitinghalfhislifetohear.Butinsteadofyellingatherorrubbingherapologyinherfacelikehe’dalwaysimaginedhewouldatthismoment,hepressedakisstothebackofherneckandsaidthewordsthatwouldsetthembothfree.

“I’msorrytoo,minx.”

Chapter31

BostonHarbor

7Weekslater……“Ah,Robert?”

“Shhhh, notwhile I’m praying,” he said,momentarily losing his place before he started again,“thankyouforlettingussurvivethattripfromhell.ThankyouforignoringmyprayersforaquickdeathwhenIdidn’t thinkthatI’dbeable tosurviveanotherdayofstarvation,”hesaid,makingherrollhereyesinannoyance.

“Youweregiventhreefullmealsadayjustlikeeveryoneelse,”shepointedout,notbotheringtomentionthefactthat,onmostdays,he’dreceivedsecondhelpings.Shesatdownonabenchneartheirluggage,wonderingjusthowmuchlongerhewasgoingtokeepthisup.

“I’msorryforallthecursingthatmywifeforcedmetodowhileIwasonthatboat,”hecontinued,ignoringherevenasheamusedher.“Asyouknow,she’sbeensuchabadinfluenceonme.Thankyouforpullingmefromneardeathandsomehowgivingmethestrengthtosurvive.”

“Neardeath?”sheasked,frowning.“Whenwereyouneardeath?”“Whenwas I near death?” he asked in stunned disbelief as he opened his eyes so that he could

glareather.“HowcouldyouforgetallthosetimesthatIcouldbarelymove?WhenIstruggledtofindthewill to live so that I wouldn’t leave you a youngwidow?Didmy struggle for survivalmeannothingtoyou?”hedemandedinoutrage,terrifyingthepeoplethatwereforcedtowalkpasthimtogettothedocksandmakingherwrackherbrainasshestruggledtofigureoutwhathewastalkingabout.

“Doyoumeanthosefewtimeswhenyouhadatouchofseasickness?”sheasked,unabletothinkofanythingelsethathecouldbetalkingaboutsincehe’dbeenthepictureofhealthduringthemajorityofthetrip.

“Atouch?”herepeatedindisbelief.“Inearlydied!”“Becauseyouwereforcedtomissbreakfastafewtimes?”sheasked,tryingherbestnottolaugh

orsmile,buthelookedsoadorablejustthenthatsheadmittedlydidn’tputupmuchofastruggle.“Itwashell!Purehell!”hesnapped,shockingseveralofthewomentryingtorushpasthim.

“Tryhavingseasicknesseverymorningandnight,”shesaiddrylyasshestoodupandgesturedforseveraldockworkerstohelpthemwiththeirluggage.

“Thatmakesmyordealworse!”hesaid,comingtohisfeetsothathecouldofferherhisarm.“IneededmystrengthsothatIcouldtendtoyouandkeepyoualive.”

“Thepeppermintteadidthat,”shesaidwithashrug.

Hisgaspofoutragewassimplytooadorable.“Youungratefulbrat!AftereverythingIdidforyoutoensureyoursurvivalandthisishowyourepayme?Withyourmockery?”

Sheopenedhermouth to teasehimwhen the reminder that shehadn’thadachance tohaveherpeppermint tea thismorninghitherwith theforceofabatteringram.“Robert?”wasallshehadtosay.

“Damnit!”hesnapped,allhumorleavinghisfaceashescoopedherupinhisarmsandquicklycarriedherovertoastackofcrateswhereshe’dhavesomeprivacy.

Assoonashesteppedbehindthecrates,heputherdownonherfeetandhelpedherkneelat theedgeofthedock.Heheldontoherhipssothatshewouldn’thavetoworryaboutfallingintothewateras shewas sick for the first time inaweek.Whenshewasdone, she satbackagainstRobert,whowrappedhisarmsaroundherandmurmuredsweetendearmentsastheywaitedforthenauseatopass.

“I’m fine,” she said a few minutes later, panting slightly as she did her best to give him areassuringsmilewhentheybothknewthatshewasn’t.

“Thehell you are,”Robert practically snarled ashehelpedher toher feet.As soon as shewasstanding up, albeit a bit wobbly, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back towards thedockworkerswaitingbytheirluggage.

“Icanwalk,”shesaideventhoughshewasn’tentirelysurethatwastrue.

“You’renotwalking.”“Peoplearestaring,”shepointedoutquietly,embarrassedbyalltheattention.“Then let them stare. You’re not walking!” he snapped, sounding angry, but she knew that he

wasn’tmadather.

Robertwasterrifiedthattherewassomethingseriouslywrongwithher.She’dbeenillduringmost of the trip, sometimes too sick to leave the bed. When she wasn’t sick she was exhausted,sleepingawaymostofthemorningandfallingasleepatnightbeforethesunevenhadachancetoset.Theship’sdoctorhadn’thelpedmatterswhenhe’dtriedtorestricthertotheirroomformostofthetrip.

Thedoctorhadexaminedhermultiple timesatRobert’s requestandeach timehe’dclaimeddifferentreasonsforherillness.ThelastsuggestionhadRobertthrowingthemanoutoftheirroomandonhisass.Hestillwouldn’ttellherwhatthedoctorsaid,butthewayshecaughthimwatchinghersometimesletherknowthatitwasbad.

Whenever she asked himwhat the doctor said, hewould smile and reassure her that itwasnothing.Thenhewoulddowhatever it took todistracther.They’dwalk thedeckof the ship,playcards,read,andreminisceabouttheolddaysuntilitwastimetogotobed.Thenhewouldmakelovetohertenderlyasthoughhewassavoringtheirtimetogether,whichonlyfrightenedhermore.

“Takeustothefinesthotel,”hedemandedassoonastheywerewithinspeakingdistanceofthemenwaitingbytheirluggage.

“Ithoughtweweregoingstraighthome?”sheasked,feelingslightlydisappointedthatshe’dhave towait another day to see her new home even though the prospect of spending the next fewhoursinacoachdidn’treallyappealtoher.

“Shhh, minx, it’s fine,” he said, shifting her in his arms so that he could hold her closer.“Everythingwillbefine.”

---“Well?What’swrongwithher?”Robertdemandedinahushedwhisperashelookedupfromhis

sleepingwifetotheelderlydoctorthatlookedconfusedandsomewhatamused.“Yousaythattwodifferentdoctorshaveexaminedherinthepasttwomonths?”thedoctorasked

asheadjustedElizabeth’snightgownandpulledthecoversupandtuckedherin.

“Yes,”Robertbitout,doinghisdamndest tokeepa reinonhis temper,but itwasdifficult rightnowwhenhewasscaredoutofhismindthathewasgoingtolosehisminx.

“Remindmewhat theydiagnosedherwithagain,” thedoctor saidwithapatient smileashe satdownontheedgeofthebedbyElizabeth’sside.

Praying thathecouldget through thiswithoutgrabbing theelderlydoctorbyhis shouldersanddemandingthathefixhiswife,Roberttookadeepbreathbeforeheanswered.“Thefirstdoctorsaidthatshe’dmiscarriedourchild.Theseconddoctor toldmeacombinationof things.Sometimeshesaidthatitwasallinherhead,thatshewasjustdoingitforattention.Thenhewouldsaythatshehadliverdamage,theflu,migraineseventhoughsheneveroncecomplainedofaheadacheandthelasttime,”hestartedtosaywhenhisvoicebroke,“thelasttimehesaidthatshemostlikelyhadcancer.”

“I see,” the doctormurmured, reaching up and pulling the covers back that he’d just adjusted.“Howdidheexplaintheweightgain?”heasked,placinghishandovertheslightcurveofElizabeth’sstomachthatwasbecomingmorenoticeablewitheachpassingday.

“Hesaiditwasfromherovereatingtocompensateforherillness.”“I see,” the doctor said, his lips twitching as he gestured to Elizabeth’s chest. “And have you

noticedadifferencethere?”God,yes…..

Herbreastsappearedtobebiggerandahellofalotmoresensitive.He’dactuallymadehercomejustfromlickinghernippleslastweek.Ithadturnedhimonsomuchthathe’d-Thedoctorchuckled,bringinghisfocusbackwhereitshouldbe.“I’lltakethatasa‘yes’,”hesaidashepulledthecoversbackup.

“Doyouknowwhat’swrongwithher?”heasked,desperateforananswer.Hereallydidn’tknowwhathe’ddowithouther.Hedidn’twanttolivewithouther.He-

“Yourwifeispregnant.”

-wasgoingtobesick.“W-what?’hisasked,tryingtomakesenseofwhathe’djustheardashisheadbegantospinandhis

legsstoppedworking.Withachuckle,thedoctorhelpedhimsitdowninthechairnexttothebed.Thenwithoutaword,

hegaveRobert’sshouldersagentlepushthathadhimbendingforwardashestruggledtotakeinhisnextbreath.

“If I had to guess, Iwould say that yourwife is around fourmonths along,” the doctor calmlyexplained.

Robertshookhisheadashestruggledtograspwhatwasgoingon.“No,”hesaid,forcinghimselftobreathe,“that’simpossible.Shelostthebabytwomonthsago.”

“I’vebeendoing this forover fiftyyears,youngman,and Ican tellyouwithoutanydoubt thatyourwifeisindeedpregnant.”

“Shebled,”Robertsaid,movingtositup,butafreshwaveofdizzinesshadhimdroppinghisheadrightbackwhereitwas.

“Mmmhmm, somewomendo that earlyon. It doesn’tmean that she lost thebaby.Has shebled

since?”“No,”hesaidnumblyashedidhisbesttowraphismindaroundwhatthedoctorwassaying.

“What was the reason the doctor gave for the lack of bleeding?” the doctor asked, thankfullygivinghimsomethingelsetofocuson.

“Hesaidthatittookmonthsforawoman’snaturalrhythmtoreturn.”Thedoctorreleasedasnortofamusement.“That’safirst.”

“IshouldbringherbacktoLondon,”hesaidnumblyevenasherealizedthathecouldn’taffordthepassagebackforbothofthem.

Well,thatwasn’tcompletelytrue.Hecouldaffordthirdclasspassengertickets,buthedidn’tliketheideaofhiswifebeingforcedtosharearoomwithstrangers.Healsodidn’tliketheideaofhiswifebeing forced to rest on thosehard cots that the third class accommodationswere famous for.TherewasnowayinhellthathewassendinghispregnantwifebacktoLondonbyherself.

“Iwouldn’tdothatifIwereyou,”thedoctorsaideventhoughithadn’tbeenarealpossibilityforthem.“She’sobviouslyhavingatoughtimewiththispregnancy.Ialsowouldn’trecommendplacingheronashipwherethepassengerscouldcarryGodonlyknowswhatdiseases.It’snotgoodforherorthebaby.”

“OhmyGod,”hemutteredasdreadcrawleduphisspinewhenherealizedthathe’ddonejustthat.“Iwouldn’tworry toomuchaboutherbeingsick,” thedoctorsaid,obviouslyreadinghismind.

“Shelooksveryhealthytome,justtired.Makesureshegetsplentyofrest.”“Iwill,”Robertpromised,turninghisheadsothathecouldlookathisminx.“I’lltakegoodcare

ofher.”

Chapter32

Bridgewater,Massachusetts“So,whatdoyouthink?”“What do I think?”Elizabeth repeated numbly as she slowly turned around, taking in the large

roomcoveredindust,cobwebs,thepeelingwallpaper,dullfloorboards,coveredfurnitureandruinedrugs.

“I know it’s not much,” Robert began, but she didn’t let him get far before she was throwingherselfinhisarms.

“Iloveit!”shesaid,gigglingexcitedlyasshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandcoveredhisfaceinkisses.

“Areyousure?”heasked,soundingpleasedashewrappedhisarmsaroundherandstoppedherkissingassaultbypressingaswiftkissagainstherlips.

“I’msure,”shesaid,grinninghugelyasshewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist.

“It’sgoingtotakealotofwork.”“I know,” she said, sighingwith pleasure as she looked around the large sitting room, already

runningideasthroughherhead.“We’regoingtohavetodomostoftheworkourselves,”heexplained,givingheranapologetic

look.

“CanIbeincharge?”sheaskedteasingly.Shetrulydidn’tmindgettingherhandsdirty,especiallyifitmeantthattheyhadahomeoftheirown,butalsobecausesheknewthathewasembarrassedthathecouldn’taffordahousefulofservants.

“Yes,minx,”hesaid,pressingaquickkissagainstherlipsasheturnedthemaroundandheadedthroughtheopendoorthatledtothedinningroomthatneededjustasmuchwork,ifnotmore,asthesittingroom.

“IaskedHiggingsthismorningifhecouldfindusalive-inmaid,”heannounced,surprisingherashewalkedovertothewindowsthatwerecoveredinrattyoldcurtainsthatweredefinitelygoingtohavetogo.

“Canweaffordthat?”sheasked,nibblingonherbottomlipasguiltonceagainsurfaced.Thanks toher,Robertwasforced tosupport twoextrapeopleona limited income.Ifherfather

hadgivenheradowry,thingswouldn’tbesobad,buthehadn’t.TheywereleftcompletelydependentonthemoneyRoberthadraisedfromsellingallofhisinvestmentsbeforethey’dleftLondonandthemoneyhehadleftoverafterbuyingthishouseandfixingit.

Foramomentshethoughtaboutwritingherfatherforhelp,butthensherememberedthemorningwhenthey’dleft.He’dpleadedwithhernottoleave,beggedher,offeredheranythingandeverythingthatshecouldeverwantandwhennoneofthathadworked,he’dyelledather.Hetoldherthatifsheleftthatshewasonherown.Hewouldn’thelpher.

Robert’sparentshadprettymuchsaidthesamethingasthey’dtriedtotalkhimoutofleaving.Hetried to explain things to them, but theywouldn’t listen.They didn’t seem to realize howunhappyRobertwaslivinginEngland,somethingthatshehadunderstoodsincethatnightintheorangery.All

they sawwas theiryoungest son leavingeverythingbehindand takingawomanwithhim that theybelievedwoulddestroyhislife.

Everyone in their familywas terrified that thismarriagewas going to ruin their lives and, nomatterwhat they said or did, they couldn’t convince them otherwise. SoRobert andElizabeth hadstoppedtryingandinsteadmadethebestoftheirgoodbyes.She’dsqueezedherfathertightly,kissedhermother ’spalecheek,huggedthelifeoutofMaryandAnthonyandchaseddownhernephewsforenoughkissestolastalifetime.She’devenhadachancetosaytogoodbyetoHeather.

Unfortunately.Justasthey’dbeenpreparingtoleave,Heatherarrivedhomeinanextravagantcoach,thefirstof

manypurchasesthatHeatherhadmadewithhernewfoundinheritance.Whenshe’dsteppedoutofhercoach,coveredfromheadtotoeinsilkandjewelswithJamesbyherside,Elizabethrealizedthathersisterhadmadeanothermajorchangeinherlife.

She’dmarriedJames.

ApparentlythewillhadbeenmorelenientforHeather.Aslongasshemarriedarespectableman,the inheritancewashers.Therewasno request for a title, forHeather to remain chaste before thewedding,oraproperwedding.Jamesapparentlyhaddiscoveredthatthemorningthathe’dwaitedinherfather ’sofficeforhermarriagetoRoberttobeannulled.OnceherealizedthathewouldonlygettheinheritanceifhemarriedHeather,hedideverythinghecouldtomakethathappen.

NotthatshesuspectedHeatherhadputupmuchofafight.Jameswashandsomeandtitled.Theyweremarriedbyspeciallicenseandafteraveryshorthoneymoon,theydecidedtocomehomeandannounce their good news, which coincided with her and Robert’s goodbyes. Even though it hadturnedherstomachtoseeHeatherenjoyingtheinheritancethatshouldhavedonesomegoodinthisworld,shewashappythatRoberthadachancetosaygoodbyetohisbrother.

Unfortunately,Jameshadn’tfeltthesameway.He’dwalkedrightpastRobertasthoughhehadn’tseenorheardhim.Hedidstoptogiveherabriefhugandwishherluck,butthenhewasbackbyhiswife’ssideandthatwasit.SeeingthehurtexpressiononRobert’sfacehadnearlydestroyedher.ShetriedtocallJamesback,butRobertsimplyshookhisheadandhelpedherintothecarriagethattookthemtotheship.

“Yes,minx,”hesaid,pressingakiss to the tipofhernoseashe turnedtosurveytherestof theroom,“wecanaffordalive-inmaid.”

“Andthebaby?”sheasked,voicingthefearsthathadtakenrootassoonasRoberthadtoldherthewonderfulnews.

“Willnodoubtbespoiled,”hesaidwithasmileashecarriedhertowardswhatappearedtobethekitchendoor,butaloudknockfromthefrontdoorhadhimpausingmid-step.

Witha frown,hecarefullyplacedheronher feet, tookherhand inhis and ledher towards thefrontentrancewherea formidable lookingwoman inher fifties stoodwaiting, lookingaround thefoyerwithalookofdeterminationthatactuallyfrightenedheralittle.SheremindedElizabethofheroldnanny,Mrs.Mathers,whohadrunthenurserylikeageneral.

“CanIhelpyou?”Robertaskedastheysteppedintothesmallfoyer.“AreyouMr.Bradford?”thewomanaskedasshelookedthembothover.

“Yes,andyouare?”

“Mrs.Brown,yournewmaid,”sheannouncedwithanodasshereacheddownandpickedupthebagthatElizabethhadn’tnoticeduntilnow.“Iassumemyroomisoffthekitchen?”sheasked,alreadyheadingthatway.

“May I ask who sent you?” Robert asked as they moved to follow after the woman, who’dapparentlydecidedthatthejobwashers.

“Myson-in-law,Mr.Higgings.ThepayislessthanIwouldhaveliked,butIsupposeitwillhavetodo,”shesaid,pausingtolookatthetatteredcurtainsinthediningroomandwithashakeofherhead,shecontinuedontothekitchen.“Now,Idon’thaveanyreferences,butyoudon’treallyneedthem.”

“Wedon’t?”Robertsaiddryly,soundingamused.Mrs.Brownsimplyshookherheadasshepausedjustinsidethekitchensothatshecouldsurvey

theroom.“No,youdon’t.TheonlythingthatyouneedtoknowisthatI’mahardworker,raisedtenchildren, fiveof themmysister ’s. Iknowhow tocook, clean, runahousehold, and I’dwagermyskillswith childrenwill come in handy soon enough.As long as you paymemywages on time,respectmyprivacy,allowmetohaveeveryotherSundayandWednesdayoffandremembertokeepyourhandstoyourself,Mr.Bradford,Ithinkwe’llgetalongjustfine”sheannounced,testingadoorto therightandwhen itopenedshepeered inside theroom,noddedandwalked inside,shutting thedoorbehindherandleavingElizabethshakingwithuncontrollablelaughter.

“Did…did she just imply what I think she just did?” Robert asked, looking torn betweenamusementandhorror.

Unabletoanswer,shewasforcedtoreachoutandgripthetableortakethechanceoffallingflatonherbottom.

“Whyareyoulaughing,minx?Youshouldbegoingin thereanddefendingmyhonor!”hesaidwithmockoutrageashesweptherupintohisarmsandheadedforthedoor.

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedwhenshecouldmanagetotalkagain.“Tofindabedroomsothatyoucanmakeupforyourlackofloyaltytome,”hesaid,smilingthat

carefreesmilethathadstartedtoappearsincethey’dleftLondon.“BecauseIwouldn’tattackanoldwomanforyou?”sheasked,tryingnottosmile.

“Yes,”hesaidwithoutpauseasheopenedthefirstdoorthattheycameacrossandwalkedinside,kickingthedoorclosedbehindthemashesetheronherfeet.Bitingbackasmile,shemovedawayfromhim,lovingtheplayfulgrinthattuggedathislips.

“Now,”hesaid, stalkingafterherashe reacheddownandundidhispants,“let’ssee ifwecan’tfindawayforyoumakethisbetrayaluptome,shallwe?”

---

“Out,”Mrs.Brownsimplysaid,ignoringhisglareasshecontinuedtopointtowardsthedoor.“But-”Shestubbornlyshookherhead.“Youwerewarned,Mr.Bradford,”shesaidwhilehisminxstuck

hertongueathimfromacrosstheroomandawayfromMrs.Brown’ssterngaze.

“But,she-”hesaid,startingtopointathiswife,butMrs.Brownwasn’tlistening.“Itoldyouthatyoucouldstayinthehouseaslongasyoudidn’tinterferewithourwork,”shesaid

firmly,stillpointingtowardsthedoor.

“Thisismyhouse,woman,”hebitout,decidingthatthewomansimplyneededtobereminded,butapparently she didn’t give a damnwhose house itwas, because she just kept pointing as she said,“Out.”

Sohedecidedtotryadifferenttactic,onethathehadn’tusedsincetheywerechildren.“Shestartedit!”hesaidaccusinglyashepointed towardsElizabeth,whoapparently remembered this littleploybecausesheletoutaheartfeltsob,thesameonethatusedtoworkonhisparentsandendwithhimsenttohisroomwithoutpudding.

Finally,thedamnwomandroppedherarm.Shefoldedherhandsinfrontofherasshelookedupat him, her expression stern. “Mr. Bradford, itwasn’tMrs. Bradford that I caught pinning you upagainst the wall and kissing you senseless when I returned from getting another bucket of soapywater,”shesaid,remindinghimofhisoffenseandmakingitdamndifficultnottosmile.

“Iwasjusttryingtoclean,”Elizabethsaidsoftly,addingapatheticsniffleattheendthathadhimbitingbackanothersmileandMrs.Brown’seyesnarrowingonhim.

“Whyareyoutakingherside?”Robertdemanded,lovingthemischievoussmilethathisminxwassendinghisway.“She’stheonethatstartedit!Sheattackedme!”hesaid,slappingahandagainsthischestandmakingsuretolookproperlywounded.“Iwasmindingmyownbusiness,takingdownthewallpaperlikeyou’daskedwhenshegrabbedmefrombehindandmanhandledme!”

Withasmallsigh,Mrs.Brownlookedoverhershoulderathisminx,whowassmartenoughtowipethatsmileoffherfaceandletherchintrembleasshemadeashowofpickingupherbrushfromthebucketofsoapywaterandreturntowashingthefloor,addingalittlesnifflehereandthereassheworked.

Thewomanwasscrewinghimoverandclearlyenjoyingherself,herealizedwithagrin.Hisminxwaswonderful,hethoughtwithasighashetookasteptogotoher,butMrs.Brownwasn’thavinganyofthat.

Withthatdamnfingerpointedbacktowardsthedoor,shesaid,“Out.”

Knowingthatthewomanprobablywouldn’tleavetheroomagainsothathecouldhaveachancetokisshisminx,hedecidedthatperhapsitwasbesttoheadouttothebarnandsetuphisshop.

“Fine, I’mgoing,”he said,heading for thedoor,pausingonly longenough to sendhisminxawink,“butyou’llpayforthislater.”

Chapter33

“Don’tturnaround.”Elizabethhadtobiteherliptokeepfromlaughingasshelookedupfromhersewingtosharea

knowing lookwithMrs.Brown,whowas sitting on the couch across fromher, and looking quiteamusedwithRobert’slatestattempttosneakakissunderMrs.Brown’snose.

“Goaway,”shewhisperedback,lovingthisplayfulsideofherhusband.

TherewasaslightpausebeforeRobertwhisperedback,“Ihavesomethingforyou.”Shejustbethedid.“I’mbusy,”shewhisperedback,notbothering to turnaroundor lookout thewindowsinceshe

alreadyknewthatRobertwaskneelingbeneaththewindowandoutofsight.Itwasthesamewaythatheusedtotormentherwhentheywerechildrenandshewasstuckinside

tocompleteherstudies.He’dhidebeneaththeopenwindow,tauntingandteasingheruntilshefinallyhadenoughandmadesomeexcusesothatshecouldgooutsideandboxthelittlebeast’sears.Notthatshewouldeveradmitthistohim,butsheusedtosecretlyloveitwhenheinterruptedherlessons.Itgavehersomethingtolookforwardtoeveryday.

“Meetmeoutsideinfiveminutes,minx.”“No,”shesaid,havingtoomuchfuntogiveinsoeasily.Besides,thekisseswerealwayssomuchbetterwhenshemadehimworkforthem.Therewasjust

something about teasing and tormenting her husband that brought a smile to her face. Every dayRobertfoundawaytosneakinsidethehousetostealakiss,doinghisbest toget inandoutof thehousewithoutMrs.Brownfindingout.

NotthatMrs.Brownactuallycaredwhatthetwoofthemdid.Shefoundthewholethingamusingand seemed to enjoy tormenting Robert almost asmuch as she did. She also doubted that Robertwould ever allow anyone to stop him from stealing a kiss fromher andwas doing everything hecouldtoteaseasmileoutofherwhenmostdays,shehardlyhadtheenergytodomuchmorethancurlupinbedandread.

Shewasonlyfivemonths intoherpregnancy,butshefelt likeshe’dbeenpregnant forever.Herappetite was almost as large as her husband’s, which truly frightened her. She also found herselfsleepingthroughoutmostoftheday,havingverylittleenergytobemuchhelp.Ifithadn’tbeenforMrs.Brown, thehousewouldstill look like itwasdecaying, thegardenswouldstillbeovergrownwithweeds and she doubted that therewould be anything to eat sinceElizabeth usually fell asleephalfwaythroughmakingbiscuits.

In truth, she was terrified. Between the first doctors misdiagnosing her, her appetite, and theintense exhaustion that she couldn’t shake, she didn’t know what to think or expect from thispregnancy.Everydaysheworriedthatshewasn’tgivingthebabyenoughfood,restingenough,orahundredotherthingsthatcouldhurtthebaby,andeverydayRobertdideverythinghecouldtomakehersmile.

Heknewherconcerns,hadcomfortedherenoughtimesoverthepastmonthtoknowthatshewasterrified that shewasgoing to lose theirbaby.Hedideverything thathecould to comforther andreassureherthateverythingwouldbeokayandwhenhecouldn’t,heheldherinhisarmsasshecried

hereyesout.Hewasthesweetestmanthatshe’devermetandshecouldn’timaginewhatshe’ddonetodeservesomeonelikehim.

“Comeon,minx,youknowyouwantto,”hewhisperedteasingly.

“IthoughtyouwerefixingtheMarshall’srooftoday?”shesaid,notingthatitwasbarelytwointheafternoon.Itmadeherwonderifhe’dsnuckofffromworktostealakissfromher.

“Ifinishedafewhoursearly,”heanswered,makinghersmile.Herhusbandwasaveryhardworkeraseveryoneintownhadlearnedoverthepastmonth.Atfirst

they’drefusedtohirehim,thinkingthathewasjustthespoiledsecondsonofanEnglishlordlookingforahandout,butoncetheysawsomeofhisworkbeingsoldattheshopsintown,theycouldn’tseemtohirehimfastenough.Therewereseveralcarpenters in town,butnoneof themhad theskill thatRobertseemedtohave.Nottomentionthatheworkedfasterandharderthanmostmen,atleastthat’sall sheeverheardwhenshewent into town.Shecouldn’thelpbutwonder ifhis sizeor the insaneamountoffoodthatheateeverydayhadsomethingtodowithit.

“Well,I’mstillworkingonthebaby’sblanketsoyou’lljusthavetofindsomethingelsetodo,Mr.Bradford,”shesaidinherhaughtiestwhisperthatshecouldmanagewithoutlaughing.

Robertsighedheavily.“ThenIguessI’lljustgofishingallbymyself.”“Fishing?”sherepeatedwithinterest,herplanstotormenthimforgotten.She’dneverbeenfishing

before.Itwasoneofthosethingsthatshe’dalwayswantedtotry,butherfatherhadabsolutelyforbidherfromeverdoing.

“Iwasgoingtotakeyouwithme,butsinceyou’renotinterested.....,”hesaid,allowinghiswordstotrailoffassheimaginedhimshruggingevenashegrinnedthatmischievousgrinofhisthatusedtoirritateher,butshenowloved.

“Wait!”shehissed,tryingtogettoherfeetasMrs.Brown,whowassmilingandshakingherheadinwonder, reachedoverandcarefullypicked theunfinishedbabyquiltoffher lapand set it aside.Oncethatwasdone,Mrs.BrowntookherhandsintohersanddidherbesttohelpElizabethgettoherfeet.Althoughshewasonlyfivemonthsalonginherpregnancy,herstomachwasabit larger thanmostwomen’satthisstage.Itwasjustanotherthingthatfrightenedher.

Justasshewasabouttoscoottotheedgeofthechairwiththehopethatitwouldgiveherbetterleveragetostandup,shefeltRobert’slargehandsgentlygripherhipstohelpherstand.Onceshewasonherfeet,shedidn’tbotherlookingbackorthankinghimsincethatwouldonlygivehimachancetochangehismindandshemostdefinitelydidnotwanthimdoingthat.

WithagratefulsmiletoMrs.Brown,sheturnedtoheadoutthefrontdoorwhensherememberedtheblueberry tarts they’dmade thatmorning.Deciding that shewasgoing toneeda light snack tokeepupherenergy,sheabruptlyturnedandheadedinthedirectionofthekitchen.

“Alreadypackedthem,”Robertsaid,grinningboyishlyfromthebackdoorasshestepped insidethekitchen.Heheldouthishandforhertojoinhim.

Smiling, shewent to him, only pausing twice along theway to grab some cheese, bread and acouple ofmeat pies along theway.As she stuffed the lastmeat pie in a sack, she prayed that herappetitereturnedtonormalonceshehadthebaby,becausethethoughtofeatinglikethisfortherestofherlifeterrifiedher.

“Thisway,minx,”Robertsaid,takingthesackfromherandtossingitoverhisshoulderwiththe

oneheheldinhishandbeforehetookherhandinhisandledhertowardsthewoods.“Areyoureallytakingmefishing?’sheasked,barelyabletokeeptheexcitementoutofhervoice.

“Whywouldn’tItakemywifefishing?”Robertasked,steeringheralonganeasypaththroughthewoods.

“Becausemosthusbandswouldn’t,”shefoolishlypointedout.“Thenthat’stheirloss,”Robertsaidwithaboyishgrin,theonethatmadeherlovehimevenmore.

---“Whatdowedonow?”Robert chuckled at her excitement. “Now, minx, we wait,” he said, carefully placing her pole

againstafallenlogneartheblankethe’dlaidoutforhersothattheycouldseethepoledipifshegotabite.

“Oh,”shesaidwithanadorablepout.“Didyouthinkthefishweregoingtoattackyourline,”heteasedasheleanedinandkissedher,

unabletoresistsuchasexylittlepout.“Sortof,”sheadmittedsheepishly.

“Ittakestimeandpatience,minx,”hesaid,chucklingasherpoutdeepened.“Whatdowedountilthen?”sheasked,lookingaroundthegrassybankandthenatthelargepond

thatlookedveryinvitingonahotdayliketoday.“Normallywe’dsitandwait,buttoday,”hesaid,pausingtopullhisshirtoff,“Ithoughtwe’dgo

foraswim.”

Instantlyherpoutwasreplacedwithashyhopefulsmileasshelookedatthepond.“Really?”“Really, minx,” he said, quickly pulling off his boots and pants before he moved to help her

removeherdress.Hersmilefalteredwhenshe lookeddownatherself.“MaybeIshouldn’t,”shesaid,nibblingher

bottomlipevenassheshotthepondawistfullook.

“Andwhyisthat?”heasked,steppingupbehindhersothathecouldundoherbuttons.“BecauseI’mfat,”shemutteredpathetically.“You’renotfat,”hesaid,chucklingasleanedforwardandpressedakissagainstthebackofher

neck,“you’rebeautiful.”

Shesighedheavilyassheheldontothefrontofherdresssothatitwouldn’tdroptotheground.“Andyou’reaterribleliar,”shegrumbled,butshedidlethimhelpheroutofherdress,stockingsandslippers.

Wearingonlyhershift,shecarefullywalkedtotheedgeofthepondanddippedasingletoeinthecalmwater.Ifshehadn’tbeencarryingtheirbabyhewouldhaveprobablypickedherupandthrownherinjustsothathecouldrileherup.God,heloveditwhenshewasallriledup.

Butshewaspregnant,sohehadtobegood.Withthatinmind,hewalkedovertoherandscoopedherupinhisarmsbeforeshecouldputupmuchofafight.Tohisuttershock,shedidn’tcomplainatall. Instead, she sighedwith pleasure as shewrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head

againsthisshoulderashecarriedherintothewater.

Oncehewaschestdeep,hepulledhercloserandsimplyenjoyedhavingher inhisarms.Ashecarriedherthroughthewater,hefelthershiverinhisarms.Smiling,helookeddowntoteaseher,butinstead,hefelthissmileslipashelosthimselfinherbabyblueeyes.

Shewassodamnbeautiful,sokindandsweet.Shemadehimsodamnhappy.Hecouldn’timaginegoing a single daywithout seeing her, holding her, kissing her or showingher just howmuchhelovedher.Everydayhedideverything inhispower toshowherhowmuchhe lovedher,buthe’dfoolishlynevertoldherhowhefelt,becausehewasterrifiedthatshewouldn’tfeelthesameway.

He’dbeensodamnfoolish.Itwouldhurt likehell if shedidn’t returnhis feelings,buthedidn’tgiveadamn.He lovedher

morethananythingandhewantedtotellher.Hewantedto-

“I loveyou,Robert,”Elizabethwhisperedasshepulledherselfup justenoughso thatshecouldbrushhertremblinglipsagainsthis.

Foramomenthewastoostunnedtoreact.Shelovedhim?

Ofcourseshedid,herealizedsmilingsmuglyashebrushedhislipsagainsthers.Thatwastheonlyreasontoexplainwhyshehadn’tkilledhimwithherbarehandsbynowandwhysheputupwithallofhisbullshit.Italsoexplainedwhyshe’dagreedtohistruce,agreedtoleaveeverythingbehindandmovewith him to a new country where neither one of them had ever been before. It was soobviousnow.Shetrulydidlovehim,adoredhimreally,butshewouldneverlovehimasmuchashelovedher,herealized,stillgrinningbecausehewasmorethanfinewiththat.

“Iloveyoumore,minx,”hesaidagainstherlips.“Probably,”sheeasilyagreedasshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandmovedtodeepen

theirkiss.

“Probably?”hedemandedinmockoutrageashepulledawayfromhersothathecouldglaredownather.

“Definitely,”shesaidwithaninnocentexpressionassheleaneduptokisshimagain,butbeforeherlipscouldtouchhisheturnedhisheadaway.

Withaheavysigh,hecarefullyplacedheronherfeet.Herubbedhishandsdownhisfaceashesaid,“Run.”

“W-what?”sheasked,soundingconfusedandmorethanalittleexcited.Hedroppedhishandsdownbyhissides,carefulnottosplashhiswifeintheface.“Youhavetothe

countoftentorunbeforeIhuntyoudownandmakeyouadmitthatyoulovememore.”“Youcan’tbeserious,”shesaid,bitingbackasmileevenasshestartedtoinchawayfromhim.

“One.”“Robert,-”“Two.”

“Wait,let’stalkaboutthis.Iwasjust-”

“Three.”“But,-”

“Four.”“There’snowaythatI’llbeableto-”“Five.”

“Can’twetalkaboutthis?’“No,”hesaid,grinninginanticipationasElizabethnoticeablyswallowedandshotananxiouslook

towardstheshore,“six.”“Wait,”shesaid,takingastepawayfromhim,hergazeshiftingbetweenhimandtheshore.“Can

youstartover?’

“No.Seven.”Shefinallytookastepawayfromhim.“Whatexactlyareyouplanning?”“For you to scream your undying love forme at the top of your lungs,” he saidwith a shrug

beforeheadded,“eight.”

Hereyeswidenedwiththatannouncementasself-preservationfinallykickedin.Withanadorablelittlesquealofexcitementshe turnedaroundandmoved to finallymakeherescape,butbeforeshecouldtakeasinglestephehadherbackinhisarmswhereshebelonged.

“Nine,”hesaidwithagrowlasheleaneddowntokissher.“Butyousaidthatyou’dgivemetothecountoften!”

“Ilied,”headmittedashesethisplanintomotion.Forthenextthreehourshekeptheronherbackandherlegsspreadasheusedhishands,mouth

andthepainfullyhardappendagebetweenhislegsonheruntilshewasscreamingherundyinglovefor him.Once thatwas done, he decided to show her just howmuch he loved her.He didn’t stopshowingheruntilhisvoicewashoarse,hecouldhardlymoveandhisminxknewjusthowmuchshemeanttohim.

Chapter34

Threemonthslater…..“Youspoilhim,”Mrs.Brownpointedoutwithasmileasshecarefullyplacedanotherapplepieon

thetabletocool.“He deserves to be spoiled,” Elizabeth said, easily returning the older woman’s smile as she

lookedoverthepiesshe’dmadetosurpriseherhusband.

ForthepastfourmonthsRoberthadbeenworkingdayandnight,takinganyjobthathecouldgethis hands on tomake sure that theywerewell prepared for the comingwinter. They’d heard thatwinters in New England could be especially harsh, so he was making sure that they were wellprepared.Whenhewasn’tworkingonajobtryingtoearnmoremoneyforthecomingwinter,hewaschoppingwood, building a shed, fixing thebarn for their horses, checking the roof,windows andfireplacestomakesurethattheywereproperlysecured,buildingshelvesintherootcellartomakesure that they had plenty of space for their food. He was making sure that she and the baby hadeverythingtheyweregoingtoneed.

Hewasworkinghimselfintoexhaustion.Everytimeshepointedthatout,hesmiledandgaveherakissashe toldher that shewaswellworth it.Hepromisedher that thingswouldslowdown in thewinter and hewould rest then, but she knew that hewas lying.He already had enough orders forfurniture,chestsandahundredotherthingstokeephimbusyduringthewinter.

“He’sgoingtobeupsetwhenhefindsoutthatyouwereworking,”Mrs.Brownsaidasshepulledanotherpieoutoftheoven.

“He’snotgoingtobeupset,”Elizabethsaid,knowingthatwastrue.

Robert wouldn’t be upset when he found out that she hadn’t stayed in bed like the doctor hadordered,hewouldbefurious,whichwaswhyshealsomadehimsomeapplepastriessothathewouldbetoobusyeatingtoyellather.Hewassuchahypocrite,shethoughtassheloadedasmalltraywiththepastrieswiththehopesthattheywouldbeenoughtosoftenhimupenoughtotakeherforawalk.

Itwas okay for him towork himself to death, but it wasn’t okay for her to do anythingmorestrenuousthantoturnoverinbed.Sheappreciatedthathewasconcernedforher,reallyshedid,butifshehadtostayin thatbedforonemoredayshewasprettysure thatshewasgoingtoscream.Sheneeded tomovearound, towork, togo forwalks,anything thatwould takehermindoffherhugestomach,thecrampsthathadstartedyesterdayandwouldn’tleaveheraloneandthefactthatshewasboredoutofhermind.

Takingadeepbreathandprayingthatthewalkwouldhelpeasehercramps,shepickedupthetrayand,unfortunatelyforher,waddledtothedoors.Ittookherlongerthanshewouldhaveliked,butsheeventuallymadeittothedoorandwithMrs.Brown’shelp,managedtostepoutside.Murmuringherthanks to the older woman, Elizabeth started the long process of walking to the barn where herhusbandwashardatworkbuildingachestfortheFairchildfamily.

Itreallywasabeautifulday.Theweatherhadcooledconsiderablyoverthepastcoupleofweeks,makingittheperfectweatherforenjoyingtheoutdoors.Shehopedtobeabletoenjoyitbeforethebabycamealongwiththesnowthatwassuretokeepthemtrappedinsideformostofthewinter.

Afewstepslatershewasforcedtostopasacramptorethroughherbackandstomach,provingherpointthatlyingaroundforthepastmonthhaddoneherabsolutelynogood.Sheneededfreshair,

sunshineandabitofexercise.Oncethecramphaddulleddownenoughforhertomove,shetookadeepbreathandcontinued towards thebarn,butshedidn’tmake it fivestepsbeforeanothercramptorethroughherbackandstomach,robbingheroftheabilitytobreathe.

“Elizabeth?” a familiar voice said, drawing her attention to the very handsome man walkingtowardsher,appearingsurprisedandpleasedtoseeher.“Isthatreallyyou?”Jamesasked,placinghissatchelonabenchbytherosebushesashewalkedpastitonhiswaytoher.

Sheopenedhermouthtoanswerhim,butachokedsobescapedherasshelosthergriponthetray.Shebitbackacryasshecradledherarmsaroundherstomachandleanedforward,prayingthatshewasn’tabouttolosethebaby.Itwastooearlyforthebaby.

“Elizabeth?” James asked, sounding worried as he rushed over to her and wrapped his armsaround her as best as he could, but she was rather large now, making the job nearly impossible.“What’swrong?”

Shedidn’tgetachancetoanswerhimbeforeshefeltarushofliquidpourdownherlegs.Itwasquickly followed by another one of those vicious cramps that left her barely able to breathe. ShereachedupandgrabbedontoJames’armsascrampaftercramptorethroughherbodyuntilallshecoulddowasscreamtheonethingthatsheknewwouldmakeitallbetter.

“Robert!”---

“It’sbeautiful,”Mr.Fairchildsaidinareverentwhisperasheranhisfingertipsovertheintricatedesignofthebassinet.“Howmuchdoyouwantforit?”

Robertchuckledasheplacedthesheetbackoverthebassinettokeepitprotected.“Thankyou,butit’snotforsale.”

Mr.Fairchildsmiled.“Fairenough.Foryourchild?”“Yes,”Robert said proudly as his gaze shifted to the other covered furniture that he’d built for

theirbaby.

“Thebabywillbeheresoonenough,”Mr,FairfieldsaidwithachuckleashemovedtokneelinfrontofthechestthatRobertmadefortheman’sfuturedaughter-in-law.

“Notsoonenough,”Robertsaid,leaningbacktogivethemansomespacetolookoverthechest.Onlyamonthmoretogobeforehewasholdingtheirbabyinhisarms,theirmiraclechildandhe

couldn’twait. Therewere nowords to describe how he felt about this child. Theywere getting asecondchancetobeparentstothischildandhewasn’tgoingtowasteit.Hewasgoingto-

“Robert!”-haveaheartattack,herealizedasElizabeth’sblood-curdlingscreamreachedhisears.Beforehe

realizedwhathewasdoing,hewas runningout thedoor,barelyawareofMr.Fairchild followinghimordemandingtoknowwhatwaswrong.TheonlythingthathecaredaboutatthatmomentwasgettingtoElizabethandkillingwhoeverwashurtingher.

Whenheranoutofthebarnandintotheyard,terrorshotthroughhimashewatchedamanhoveroverElizabethasshecurleduponhersideasshescreamedhisnameoverandoveruntilhefoundhimselfrunningtowardsherandtacklingthebastard.

“Whatthehelldidyoudotomywife?”hedemandedasheshovedthesmallermantotheground

andraisedhisfist,readytokillhimwithhisbarehandswhenrecognitionhithard.“James?Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”

“Besides gettingmy ass kicked and having your wife scare the living hell out of me?” JamesdemandedasheshovedRobertawayandgottohisfeet.“Icametotalktoyou.”

Elizabeth’sscreamsbroughthisattentionbacktowhereitbelonged.Ashappyashewastoseehisbrotheragainandthathewastalkingtohimagain,Jameswasgoingtohavetowait.

“Minx?”Robertaskedashecrawledovertowherehiswifelay,curledupintoaballandpanting.“What’swrong?”

Insteadofansweringhim,shesqueezedhereyesshutandshookherhead.

“Isitthebaby?”heasked,prayingthattheanswerwasno.Itwastoosoonforthebaby.Theyhadanothermonthbeforethebabywassupposedtobeborn.

Reluctantly,shenoddedasasobescapedher.Pleasedon’tletuslosethebaby,heprayedashecarefullypickedherupandcarriedherintothe

house,becausehedidn’tthinkthateitheroneofthemwouldbeabletosurvivethelossthistime.

---“He’scomingto,”hevaguelyheardJamessay.“Huh?”washisonlyresponseashestruggledtofigureouthowheendeduplyingfacedownon

hisbedroomfloor.

“Ididtellhimnottocomeinhere,”Jamessaid,soundingamusedashehelpedrollRobertoverontohisback.

“This iswhymen don’t belong in the labor room,”Mrs. Brown said, sounding put out as shetossedawetclothathim. Ithithim in the facebefore fallingoffand landingon the floor, leavingRobertevenmoreconfused.

“What happened?” he asked numbly as he struggled to sit up, but awave of dizziness had himlyingrightbackdown.

Hisanswerwasthebeautifulcryofababy.Actually,itsoundedmorelike-“Twins,”JamessaidwithahugegrinashehelpedRobertsitup.“Twins?”Robertrepeated,notunderstandingwhatJameswassaying.

“Twinboys,”Jamessaid,chucklingashe reacheddownanddraggedRobert tohis feet.“That’swhyyourwifewassohuge.”

“Iwasnothuge!”Elizabethsaid,notsoundingverymadatallasshedrewhisattentiontowardsthebed where she was curled up onto her side, smiling down at two wiggling, but healthy looking,babies.

“W-whathappened?”heasked,strugglingtorememberwhatthehellhappened.

“What do you remember?” James asked, dragging him over to the bed where his family waswaitingforhimandhelpinghimcarefullyliedownnexttothemostbeautifulbabiesthathe’deverseen.

“Notmuch,”headmitted,tryingtoshakehisheadclear.

“Well, after you carried Elizabeth in here and sent for the doctor, your formidable maidMrs.Brownkickedusbothout.Whilewewaitedforthedoctor,youandIhadalongoverduediscussionwhereyouapologizedprofuselyforbeingaselfishbastardandbeggedmyforgiveness,”Jamessaid,soundingamusedanddrawingRobert’sglare.

Witharollofhiseyesandafewmutteredwords,Jamescarefullysatdownattheendofthebedand reached over so that the baby nearest him could grab onto his finger. “Fine. I apologized forbeingabastardandnotsayinggoodbyetoyou.”

“That’sall?”Robertaskedwithafrownashereacheddownandsoftlycaressedhisson’shead.“Well, you did apologize for everything,” James said, sending him a smile. “I’m sorry for not

realizingthatyouwereinlovewithher,Robert.Ourparentsaresorryaswell.Theyshouldbehereinafewweekstotellyouthemselves.Ishouldhaverealizedthatsomethingwasgoingon.”

“There’snothingtoapologizefor,”Robertsaid,givinghimareassuringsmilebeforehereturnedhisattentiontothebabywhowaspullinghisfingertohismouth.

“Oh,yesthereis!”Mrs.Brownsaid,steppingupthesideofthebedtosmiledownatthebabies.“Yougavethedoctorandmeheartfailurewhenyoucamerunninginherelikethat!”

“Iraninhere?”Robertasked,wrackinghisbrain,tryingtoremember,butitwasallabitfuzzy.James chuckled. “As soon as Elizabeth started screaming you broke free, ran into the room,

caughtonelookatyourwifegivingbirthandpromptlypassedout.”

“Idon’trememberanyofthat.”“AndIdoubtthatanyofuswilleverforget,”JamessaidwithawinkthathadElizabethlaughing

softly as she leaned down and pressed a kiss against the squirming baby’s foot that kept lightlykickingather.

HelookedatElizabeth,notingtheexhaustionandpurejoyinhereyesasshelookeddownattheirboys.Shelookedsodamnbeautiful,andhecouldn’thelplosinghishearttoheralloveragain.

“Twins,minx,”hesaid,gentlypullinghishandawayfromhissonsothathecouldpushadampstrandofhairbehindElizabeth’sear.

“Twins,”sherepeatedwithapleasedsmile.Heleanedin,carefulofthebabynowtryingtograbontohisshirt,andbrushedakissagainsthis

beautifulwife’slips.“Iloveyou,Beth,”hesaid,usingthenamethatshehatedtoteaseanothersmileoutofher.

“AndIloveyou,RobertLemonade.”

Chapter35

Fourandahalfyearslater…..“Didyoubringit?”Robertdemandedassoonasthecoachdooropened.Jameschuckledashesteppedout,hiseyesdancingwithamusementasheheldupadarkgreyrock.

“Youmeanthisrockthatyousokindlyaskedfor?TheonethatIhadtotraveltoLondonforinthemiddleofthenightandsearchtheparkforsixhoursinthefreezingrain,becauseitwasamatteroflifeanddeath?”heaskeddrylyashetossedtherocktoRobert.

“Thank God,” Robert sighed, catching the rock and barely sparing his brother a glance as heheadedforhisshop.

“What? No, thank you, James? I missed you, James?” James asked, veering off to go greetElizabethandthechildren,whowereplayingbythegarden.

“KeepElizabethbusyforanhourortwo,”wasallhesaidashepulledhisshopdoorclosedbehindhim,prayingthathedidn’taccidentallybreakthisoneaswell.

---

Elizabeth released a sigh as she leaned against the tree and watched as James played with herbabies. Hewas such a wonderful uncle and fromwhat she’d heard from the rest of the family, awonderfulfatheraswell.

Hewassokindandsweet,shethought,laughingwhenthetwinstackledhimtothegroundsothattheycouldshowhimhowtogiveaproperbearhug.HerlipstwitchedwithamusementwhenJamespretended to turn into a bear and chased the twins all while cradling her youngest giggling soncarefully in his arms.Her smile turnedwatery as she lookeddown at the foldedparchment in herhands.

Jameshadturnedherdreamsintoareality.

Aboutayearagohe’dbeenlookingthroughtheestatesoldledgersandhadcomeacrossherplans.Notsurewhattomakeofthematfirst,he’dquestionedMaryandAnthonywhowereonlytoohappytofinallytellhimwhattheythoughtaboutHeatherburningthroughthefortunethatwasmeanttohelpthepoor.

Shocked, he’d taken another look at her plans. Then he took a look at his wife’s outrageousspendingandwhathesawhadhimfinallyputtinghisfootdownandlimitingherspendingtoamodestmonthlyallowance.Asaresult,Heatherwasnolongerspeakingtohim,buthedidn’tseemtocare.Elizabeth suspected thatwhenHeather discovered that James had taken half of her inheritance andcreated a charity with it, that Heather would probably never speak to him again. Then again, thatwouldprobablymakeJamesthehappiestmanalive.

Shewished thathe’d reconsiderandmove toAmerica.Sheknew thathewould love ithere.Heprobablywouldhavemade themoveyears ago if it hadn’t been forHeather.Her sister refused toevenconsiderit,nevermindvisit,whichmeantthatJamesvisitedonceayearjusttogetabreakfromher.NextyearJameswasbringinghisgirlsalongwiththeirparentsforavisitwhetherHeatherlikeditornot.Elizabethsuspectedthatsheprobablywouldn’tlikeit.

“It’sgoodtoseehim,”thedeepvoicethatsheadoredsaidasastrongarmwascarefullywrappedaroundherwaistandshewaspulledbackagainstthemanthatshelovedmorethananything.

“Itis,”shemurmuredheragreementassheturnedherselfinhisarmssothatshecouldwrapherarmsaroundhisshoulders,“butit’sevenbettertoseeyou.”

“Missedme?”heteasedasheleaneddownandbrushedhislipsagainsthers.

“Terribly,”shesaid,smilingagainsthislips.“WhenIcamebackfromfeedingthebaby,youwerealreadygone.”

“I’msorry,minx.IhadsomeworkthatIneededtofinishsothatIcouldspendtonightfocusingonyou,”hesaid,kissingheragain.

“Ihaveyouforthewholenight?”

“Thewholenight,”hepromisedasheleanedintokissher.“WhataboutJames?”sheasked, feelingbad thathe’d traveledall thewayfromEngland tovisit

andtheywereabandoninghimonhisfirstnight.“Canentertainhimselfforonenight,”hesaid,brushinghislipsagainsthersonelasttimebefore

hesteppedaway.

“Thisisforyou,”Robertsaidasheheldoutasmallbeautifullycarvedbox.Shedidn’thavetoaskhimtoknowthathe’dmadetheboxhimself.Itwasabsolutelybeautifuland

something that hewould no doubt be able to get some of themerchants in town to buy.He couldprobablyhaveaverylucrativebusinessifhefocusedonmakingfurnitureandtrinkets,butthatwouldmean spending long hours away from her and the children and she knew that he didn’twant that.Instead,he settled formaking the things thathe loved inhis spare timeand focusedon supportingthembybuildingandfixinghomes.Hewasverygoodatwhathedidandwasinhighdemand.

Theywouldneverberich,butaslongastheywereabletokeeptheirchildrensafeandhappybothofthemweremorethanhappyaboutthat.

“Happyanniversary,minx,”hesaidassheopenedtheboxandsaw…Anecklacemadeoutofstones?Whatever itwas, itwas beautiful and she loved it because hemade it for her.With a smile she

leaneduptokisshim,buthesteppedbackandfocusedhisattentiononthenecklace.

“Thiswhite bead is from the old barnwhere you coveredme in honey and feathers,” he said,drawingherattentionbacktothenecklace.“Thisbead,”hesaid,pointingoutagreystonebeadnext,“isfromthetreewhereIcutyourhairoff.Thisbeadisfrom…”

Hewentonexplainingwhereeverystonehadcomefrom,pausingeverynowandthentosmile,laughor to reminisceabout tales fromtheirchildhood.She listenedashewent througheachbead,growingmoreamazedbytheminute.Whenhepointedoutthebeadfromtheorangery,shefeltherbottomliptremble.Ashefinishedwiththestonethathe’dpickedupoutsidetheirbedroomwindowonthenightthatshe’dgivenbirthtoJonathan,shefoundherselffallinginlovewithherhusbandalloveragain.

“I loveit,”shesaid,anunderstatement. Itwas themostbeautiful, thoughtfulgift thatanyonehadevergivenher.Italsomadeherrealizejusthowmuchshemeanttohim.

“I’mglad,”hesaid,leaningintokissher,onlythistimeshedidn’tlethimgo.“It’smyturntogiveyouyouranniversarygift,Mr.Bradford.”

---Hewasdying.Therewasnoother explanation for it.His limbsweakly trembledashedragged

himselfacrosstheroom.Hecouldn’tthinkofatimewhenhe’dbeensothirstyorhungryinhislife.Severaltimesoverthelasttwenty-fourhoursheconsideredyellingforhelp,buthewasbeyondhelp.Heknewthat.

Thecauseofhisdestructionstirredbehindhim.Hepickedupthepitcherofwaterandchuggedthelukewarmliquid.Itdidnothingtoquenchhisthirstoreasehisemptystomach.

“IthinkI’mdying,”hemumbled.Aweaklaughcamefromthebed.“IknowIam,”Elizabethsaid.“Wehavetostop…wehaveto…I

needfood…andwater…..thebaby,Robert,….thinkofthebaby,”sheimploredweakly.

Hetookadeepbreath.Thebabyneededfood.Hisbaby.Hecouldn’thelpgrinning.Hisminxwasmakinghimafatheragain,hopefullygivinghimalittlegirltospoilthistime.Hehuggedthepitchertohischestandbroughtitovertoher.

“Here.DrinkthisandI’llgetdressedandhaveMrs.Brownsendsomefoodup.”Hefrownedashelookedatthedoor.“Iwonderwhytheyhaven'tcheckedonusbynow.”

“Probablybecausewescaredthemaway,”shesaidasshetookthepitcherfromhim.Shealmostdropped it.Her armswere soweak,but she couldn’tdrink lyingback thisway.Shegotuponherkneeswithgreatdifficulty.Theonly thing thatmatteredwas thewater.Shedidn’t careaboutbeingladylikeoranythingelse.Shedrankgreedily,notcaringabout thewater thatspilleddownherchinanddownherchestandstomach.Shewassothirsty.Whenshehadherfill,sheplacedthenowemptypitcheronthebed.HereyesmetRobert’sintensegazeandsheknewthatthingswereabouttotakeaturnfortheworse.

“Ohno,”shewhimpered.Robertstaredatthewaterdrippingdownhiswife’sbreasts.Helickedhislips.Everypartofhim

save onewas protesting the sight. He followed her frightened eyes downward.Hewasmore thanreadytogoagain.Itfeltlikehehadn’thadherinyearsinsteadofminutes.

Elizabeththrewapillowathimsoshecouldscrambleoffthebed,desperatetomakeanescape.Itwas like that piece of his anatomy was in charge. He crawled after her. She didn’t bother with anightgownorawrapassherantothedoorandstartedpoundingonit.

“Mrs.Brown!”“Oh, thank the lord!”cameMrs.Brown’sworriedvoicefrombehind thedoor.“Wewereafraid

you’dbothperished.”Shelookedbacktoseeherhusbandtryingtoescapefromthetangledsheetshisfootgotcaughton.

“Wewillifyoudon’thelp.”

“Mrs.Brown,listenIhaven’tmuchtime.Canyouarrangeforalargetrayoffoodanddrinktobedelivered,”shelookedoverhershouldertodiscoverthatRobertwasclosetogettingfree,“andwaterforabathaswell.Please!”

“Certainly,”Mrs.Brownsaid,soundingamused.“Robert?”JamessuddenlysaidashejoinedMrs.Browninthehall.

Asoftgrowlbehindherwastheonlyanswer.Elizabethslowlyturnedaround,plasteringherback

againstthedoor.Jamesknockedonthedoor.“Robert?Comedownwithmetothetavern,I’mbored.Robert?”

“I’mbusy,”Robertansweredinwhatsoundedmostlylikeasnarl.

James’answerwasapainedsigh.“Comeon,you’vedoneyourduty.Let’sgo.”AloudwhimperescapedElizabethashepouncedonher.Hewashandsome,wickedandallhers.

Nomatterhowtiredorweakshewasatthemomenthestillhadthisstrangeaffectonherbodyafteralltheseyearsandinthatmoment,shewantedhimmorethananything.

“Robert?”Jamesasked,soundingunsure.

Robertcouldn’tanswerat themoment.HewasbusylickingthewaterfromElizabeth’sskin.Shewaspinnedtightlyagainstthewall,herarmswrappedaroundhisshouldersandherlegsaroundhiswaist.

Inonequickmove,hewassheathed insideher.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher,protectingherfromthedoorashethrustinsideher.Thedoorgroaneditsprotestsasitshingesandframewereputtothetest.IfthepositionhurtElizabeth,shewasn’tsaying.

Justtheopposite,infact.

She demanded him to move harder and faster. At that moment Robert didn’t care that hisbrotherandMrs.Brownwerestandingoutsidethedoororthathewasonthevergeofstarvation.Heonly cared about her, about hisminx.He slammed into her, once, twice, three times and then shebeganscreaminghisnameanddoingherbesttomilkhimdry.

“Luckybastard,”hethoughthehisbrothermutter,buthedidn’treallycareashelosthimselfinthewomanthatheloved.

“Happyanniversary,Mr.Bradford,”hisminxsaidminuteslaterasshepushedhimtothefloortogivehimhisgiftalloveragain,makinghimwonderifheshouldcallanothertrucebeforetheyendedupkillingeachother.

Epilogue

PresentDayMassachusetts

Fifteenminutesuntiltheparty……..“Theend,”hisfathersaidwithflourishasheshovedabiteofpizzainhismouth,makingJason

wonderwhenthey’dorderedoutandhowhe’dmissedthat.

“Hey!”TrevorgaspedinoutrageasJasonreachedoverandsnatchedtheslicehe’dbeensecondsawayfromdevouringoutofhishand.“Youbastard!”

“Thanks,”Jasonsaid, finishingoff thesliceofpizzaquicklybeforehewipedhishandsoffandgentlypickedupthenecklacethatwasfinallyfinishedandplaceditinthesmallwoodenboxthathadtakenhimlessthananhourtomakeandstain.

“Abouttime,”hisfathergrumbledashestoodupandgrabbedtwopizzaboxesoffthecounterandheadedforthedoor.“I’mstarving.”

“Wewouldhavebeendonealotsoonerifyouhadn’tembellishedthestory,”Trevorpointedout,grabbingtheothertwopizzaboxesandfollowed.

“Ididn’tembellishadamnthing,”hisfathersnappedoverhisshoulder.“Really? Not even when you said that Robert wasn’t nearly as good looking as you?” Trevor

asked,chuckling.

“Ihadtogiveyouavisual!Agoodstorytellerdoesthatsortofthing!”“Grandpadidabetterjoboftellingthatstory,”TrevorpointedoutasJasonreluctantlyfollowed

after them,his attentionon the small box inhis hands as heprayed that hedid it the justice that itdeserved.

“Youungratefulbastard!”hisfathersnappedinoutrage.

“Ungrateful?Youmademepayforlunchandthenyouwouldn’tevensharethechickenfingers!”Trevorsnapped.

“Ineededsustenance!”“No,whatyouneedis-”

“Wherethehelldoyouthinkyou’regoing?”hisfathersuddenlydemanded,cuttingTrevoroff.Ittook Jason a moment to realize that his father was talking to him and that both men were nowfrowningathim.

“Totheparty,”hesaid,returningthefrown.“WhereelsewouldIbegoing?”His cousinand fatherboth shook theirheads, sighing in exasperationashis fathergestured for

himtosithisassdownonthecouch.“You’renotgoingtotheparty.”

“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Jasondemanded,wonderingwhatthehellwaswrongwiththemeninhisfamily.Forthepasttwohoursthey’dbeensnappingathimtomovehisasssothattheywouldn’tbelateforthepartyandnowtheywerepurposelytryingtomakethemlate.

“Thispartyisn’tforyou,”Trevorsaid,givinghimagentle,okay,notsogentleshove,towardsthecouch.“Yourjobisjusttosithereandwait.”

HisfathernoddedinagreementashegesturedforTrevortoleave.“We’llcheckonyoufromtimetotime,”hisfathersaid,openingthedoor.“We’llbringthekidsandHaley’sgrandmotherbackinaweekunlessyouthinkthatyou’llneedmoretime.”

“Moretimeforwhat?”Jasonaskedinconfusionashewatchedhisfatherheadoutthedoor.

“Don’tworry about food.We start taking shifts tonight. Justmake sure that you leave the doorunlocked so thatwe can get in to fill the fridge,” his father said, but before Jason could ask himanythingelsehewasgone.

What.The.Hell?Deciding that theywerescrewingwithhim,Jasongot tohis feetwithasighandheaded for the

door,buthedidn’tgetfarbeforethedooropenedandthemostbeautifulwomanthathe’deverseenwaswalkingin.

“Haley,”hesaid,smilingasshesteppedinside,lookingjustasbeautifulasshehadfiveyearsagowhenhe’dmarriedher.“Whatareyou-”

Beforehecouldget thewordsout, shewas running towardshimand jumping inhis arms.Herarmsandlegsquicklywrappedaroundhimashermouthfoundhis.Shekissedhimlikeshehadn’tseenhiminyearsinsteadofhours.

“Iloveyou,”shesaidagainsthislipsasshereacheddownandstartedtugginghisshirtoutofhispants.

“Haley?”hesaid,wrappinghisarmsaroundhersothatshedidn’tfall.“Bedroom.Now,”shedemandedasshekissedherwaydowntohisneckandwhenherlipsreached

hisfavoritespot,shesuckled,makinghimgroaninpleasure.Somehowhe forced himself to focus on something besides thewickedway that she licked and

suckledhisneck.“Whatabouttheparty?”heaskedeventhoughhe’dmuchrathertakehiswifeuponwhatshewassosweetlyofferinghim.Hisentirefamilywaswaitingforthem.Hismotherhadbeencookingsincelastweekandtheyneededto-

“Iwantyounaked,Jason,”shesaid,shatteringwhatlittlecontrolhehad.With a growl of approval, he carried her to the bedroom, kicking toys out of his way, while

makingamentalnote tobuild thekidsanother toybox.Alongthewayhepausedhereandthere tohelpridhiswifeofhershirt,pants,shoesandsocks,leavingherinthematchinglacelavenderpantiesandbrathathewasgoingtotearoffwithhisteeth,herglassesthatmadeherlookutterlyadorable,andthatsexylittlesmileofhersthathadhiscocktwitchingwiththeneedtobeinsideher.

“On thebed, sweetheart,” he said, givingher one last kiss before heplacedher on thebed andgentlytossedtheboxbythepillows.

Assoonasherbottomtouchedthesoftcomforter,shewasgettingonherkneesandwrappingonearm around his shoulders and pulling him down for a hungry kiss that had him struggling not tocomeinhispantslikesomekid.Evenafteralltheseyearsitstillamazedhimthatshecouldmanagetogethimthishotfromasimplekiss.Hehadnoideawhathadgottenintohiswife,buthewasn’tgoingtocomplain.Hecouldn’trememberatimewhenhewantedhermore.

Hemoaned in pleasurewhen she cupped him through his pants, squeezing and tugging on hiserectionashereacheddownandundidhispants.Assoonasthezipperwasdown,Haleywasreachinginsidehispantswithoneofhersmallhandsandpullinghishardshaftout.Wrappingherwarmhand

aroundhislength,shegaveitatugthathadhimsuckingonhertongue.Thesexylittlewhimperthatshegavelethimknowjusthowdesperateshewastohavehim.

“Onyourhandsandknees,”hesaid,pullingbacksothathecouldkickhisshoesoff.

Ashe finishedundoinghispants, hewatchedasHaley turnedaroundandgotonherhandsandkneessothatherbeautifulbottomwasfacinghim.Heshovedhispantsoffandsteppedoutofthemashemovedclosertohislittlegrasshopper.Reachingout,hegrippedthesidesofherpantiesanddrewthemdown,lovingthewayherasswiggledinanefforttohelphim.

Oncehehadthemdowntoherknees,heleftthemthereandsteppedupbehindher,lettinghisshaftteaseherbottomashereachedoverandundidherbra.Heletitfalloffher,knowingthatshewouldpullitoffwhilehetendedtootherthings.Withonehand,hegentlygrippedherhip,keepingherinplaceashetracedhisfingertipsdownherback,takingineverybeautifulinchofherasshepressedbackagainsthiscock,lettinghimknowthatshewantedmore.

Sinceheneverdeniedhiswife,hesteppedbackjustenoughsothathecouldreachdownbetweenthemandtakeholdofhiscocksothathecoulddotheonethingthatheknewwoulddriveHaleyoutofhermind.Heslowlyranhishandupanddowntheshaft,makingsuretheheadwaspressedagainstherwetslitsothatshecouldfeelwhathewasdoing,knowingjusthowmuchthisturnedheron.

When shebeganwhimperingandpantinghisname,hewas forced to squeezehis eyes shut andgrindhisteethtogetherashestrugglednottocome.He’dsleptwithalotofwomenbeforeherandhecouldn’trememberasingleonethathadeverlovedtoplayinthebedroomasmuchasHaleydid.Thewomanwasinsatiableandhelovedeverygoddamnminuteofit.Hewouldn’ttradeherforanythinginthisworld.Helovedhersomuchthatsometimeshefearedthatthiswasallacrueldreamandthathe’dwakeupandshewouldbegone.

“Jason,please!”shesaid,begginghimtotakeheralotsoonerthannormalandlettinghimknowjusthowturnedonshewas.

Thiswasn’t going to last long, he realized as he stepped back and released himself.Without aword,Haleygotbackonherkneesandturnedaround.Hereachedoutandtookherhandintohisashesatdownontheedgeofthebed,hisgazeneverleavinghersasshemovedaroundhimandstraddledhis lap.He leaned inandkissedher,onlypullingbackseconds laterso thatshewouldfollowafterhim.Herlipsneverlefthisashelaidbackandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.

Ashekissedher,he slowly shiftedhiships fromside to side, takingher inaway thatheknewwoulddrivethembothcrazy.Itwasn’tlongbeforeHaleywasmimickinghismotionsandtakingittoawholenewlevel.Whenhefelthertightenaroundhim,hegentlypushedherupsothathecouldlatchontooneofherlargenippleswithhislips.Hegentlytuggedonthenipple,sucklingherhardasshearchedherbacktotakehimdeeperinsideher.Hermovementsbecamewildassherodehim.Whenhereachedupandcuppedherotherbreast,shelostit.

Shewasjustbarelydonescreaminghisnamewhenheflippedherontoherbackandgroundhiscockas far as itwouldgo insideher. Insteadofpullingout and thrustingback in,he continued togrindhimselfagainsther,knowingthathewashittingherclitintheprocessandlovingthewayhernipplehardenedevenfurtherinhismouth.

Justwhenhedidn’tthinkthathecouldholdbackmuchlonger,hefelthertightenaroundhimandhe let go.He licked and suckedher breastwith abandon as he ground against her, praying that hewasn’thurtingherevenashehadtoadmitthatitfeltsodamngood.

Growlinghernamearoundhernipple,hegroundhimselfonelasttimeashefeltthelasttremorsof his orgasm leave him. As he leaned up to kiss his wife, he felt the exhaustion that he’d beenfightingforthepastfewweeksfinallycatchupwithhim.Beforehecouldmanagetorollawayfromher,hefelthimselfdriftoffandhecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Thatisuntilthepinchingbegan.

“Ow!”hesnappedwhenitbecameobviousthatshehadnoplansonstopping.

Whenheraisedhimselfupsothathecouldglareatthelittlebully,shemerelygrinnedthathugegrinthatshewasknownforandasked,“Where’smypresent?”

“Present?”heasked,frowninguntilshewenttopinchhimagain.“Ow!”“Don’tmakeme break out the fists of fury!” she threatened him, looking so damn cute that he

couldn’thelpbutchuckleashereachedoutandpickeduptheboxthathe’dmadeher.

“Wewouldn’twantthat,”heteasedashemovedoffhersothathecouldsitup.“No,”shesaidwithasniff,“wewouldn’t.”“Willthiskeepyourviolentwaysundercontrol?”heaskedasheplacedtheboxonherbeautiful

stomachjustabovethelightstretchmarksthatnowmarkedherbodyfromgivingbirthtotheirthreeamazing children. He loved kissing those marks. Every time Haley complained about them, heshowedherexactlyhowmuchhelovedthem.

“Maybe,”shesaidwithapleasedlittlesmileandanexcitedsquealasshepickeduptheboxandsatup.

With a smile and a prayer that he wasn’t about to disappoint his wife, he reached down andgrabbedthequiltthatHaleykeptfoldedattheendoftheirbedandpulleditupuntilitcoveredthemboth.HesatbackandgotcomfortablebeforehereachedoutandgentlytookthecasefromHaley’shands. He waited until she was lying down tightly against him with her head cushioned on hisshoulderbeforeheopenedthebox.

“It’s beautiful,”Haleywhispered reverently as she looked at the stone necklacewith somethingclosetoawe.

“Yes,youare,”Jasonsaid,lookingdownathiswifeasshesenthimashysmile.Unabletohelphimself,he leaneddownandpressedakissagainsther lips, savoring the sweet tasteofherbeforeforcinghimselftopullback.

“Therearesomanystones,”shesaid,reachingouttotraceherfingersalongthebottomrowofbeads.

“Fourhundredandfifty-sixbeadstobeexact,”hesaidwithasmile.

“That’salotofbeads,”Haleysaid,snugglingupclosertohim.“Yougavemealotofwonderfulmemories,mylittlegrasshopper,”hesaid,feelinghiseyestear

upjustthinkingaboutallthewonderfulmemoriesthatshe’dgivenhim.“What’sthatwhiterock?”sheasked,turningherheadslightlysothatshecouldpressakissagainst

hisshoulderasshepointedtothefirstrockinthenecklace.

“Thatwouldbefromthetreewherewefirstmet.”Shepulledherhandback.“Youmeantheonewhereyoupeed?”sheasked,soundinggrossedout.

“I had a lot of soda,woman! I had to go and the damn realtor hadn’t left the keywhere she’dpromised!”hesnappeddefensively.

“So touchy,”shemumbledasshepointed toa littlegray rockat the threequartersectionof thenecklace.“Andthisone?”

“This one is from the parking lot of your doctor ’s office when we found out that you werepregnantwithJoshua,”hesaid,smilingatthememoryofholdingHaleyinhisarmswhenthedoctorsharedthenewswiththem.

“Andthisone?”sheasked,pointingtoadarkgreyrockclosetothebeginning.“ThisoneisfromthehotelinBostonwhereIgottoholdyouinmyarmsforthefirsttime.”

“Andthisone?”sheasked,pointingtothenextrock.“Isfromthesamehotel,”hesaid,lookingdownather.“Whydidyougettwofromthesamehotel?”sheasked,lookingadorablyconfused.

Withasmile,he leaneddownandbrushedhis lipsagainsthersashewhispered,“Because that’swhenIrealizedthatIneverwantedtoletyougo.”

Andthisisonlythebeginning……….