Chapter Twenty-Two
A thief. And an accomplished one, at that.
Fog filled Trevor’s mind, and try as he might, he couldn’t completely unscramble his confusion. He’d gotten to know the loving, kind, and wonderful woman inside. Being a thief shouldn’t matter.
Yet it did.
How did she get to that low point in her life? By now, he was convinced her parents were of noble birth. So how could she have turned out with such a vice?
Trevor convinced himself he need not worry. Louisa was living a better life now. She would never return to her past—even when she finally regained her memory. She would want to stay with him and care for his twins.
Expelling his breath, he pushed his fingers through his hair. She sat straight on his sofa and stared at him with wide, frightened eyes.
“Forgive me for being caught up in my thoughts and ignoring you,” he said.
Slowly, she shook her head. “No need to apologize. I understand why you are so quiet. With the declaration I made of being a thief, I expected you to come to some conclusion about tossing me out and ending my employment.”
“Louisa, I cannot possibly blame you for being a thief. I’m quite certain you were forced into this kind of life.”
A rush of air escaped her mouth and her shoulders sagged.
“What brought you to this circumstance is most confusing,” he continued, “and until your memory fully returns, we shall never know why a woman of such quality—as yourself—was brought to a horrid lowly point in your life.”
Tears swam in her eyes, but through the sheen, he detected gratitude. “Louisa, we will work past this stumbling block which has been thrown in our path, and we will come out the victors.”
“Indeed, we shall,” she said with a choked voice.
“Am I correct to assume you have not stolen from me?”
“You are correct. I have never stolen from you.”
“I doubt you ever will.”
“Rest assured, Your Grace, I would never do such a thing. Why would I bite the hand that feeds me?”
He strolled to the sofa, took her cold hands in his, and helped her stand. A tear slipped down her cheek, and he brushed it with his thumb. “This, I know, my dear. Although you were a thief, you are not any longer. Instead, you are a nursemaid for my children who adore and love you. I can’t ask for more.”
Nodding, her bottom lip trembled and she smiled. “I shall do my best to make you proud, Your Grace.”
He leaned in closer and whispered, “Louisa, please say my name.”
“Trevor,” she sighed and closed her eyes.
She looked so lovely with a happy expression and tears streaking down her cheeks, and full lips just waiting to be kissed long and hard. How he wanted to do that and nothing else for the rest of his life. Seeing the happiness radiating from her face made his heart heavy with an emotion he was not ready to analyze.
“Thank you,” she said again softly, looking at him. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“How can I not believe in you, my dear? Since I brought you to my home, you have showed me—and the others—what a wonderful, caring person you really are. Your actions do not lie when they are done selflessly.” He brushed away a few more tears.
“No, Trevor. You are the one who is so wonderful… so giving.” She lifted a hand and cupped his face. “I love your generous heart. I love your kind spirit. I love…”
His heart skipped a beat, wanting to know—praying to know—if she felt the same. “You love… what?”
She took a deep breath. “God help me, but I cannot stop myself from falling in love with you, Trevor.”
Happiness burst in his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him as he captured her mouth with his, which she met with urgency. Love blossomed inside him, and as much as he fought it, he enjoyed the newfound feeling. Not once during his marriage to Gwen had he felt such a glorious emotion that made him want to jump for joy and cheer for everyone to hear.
Still, he didn’t dare admit aloud he returned her love—didn’t dare hope for fear this new feeling would be snatched away from him like most things in his life that he’d cared for.
Keeping her in his arms, he lowered them to the sofa as he continued to kiss her. He angled them against the cushions more comfortably while he told her with his mouth and hands how he felt. He stroked her back, arms, and neck, knowing if she didn’t stop him soon, he might never stop. Yet, as she touched him—so sweet, so loving—he knew she would not be the first one to stop.
Once again, passion was in control. He didn’t mind, not really, yet he knew if they continued, he’d certainly want to take things further. He couldn’t. She was a mere servant, and until he knew her parentage, he couldn’t make love to her no matter how much he wanted to.
As he slowed the kiss, he stroked her hair and neck, then trailed his lips down her slender throat. She arched, making it easier access. Skin so soft and tantalizing was an addiction to his lips.
When he grudgingly pulled away, her eyes flitted open and her stare met his. He hadn’t realized until now that he’d pushed her back to where she nearly lay beneath him on the sofa. And how could he forget she was in her nightrail and wrapper?
Smiling, she swiped back the hair that had fallen over his forehead. More than anything, he wanted to gaze into her lovely eyes so full of passion and feel her tender, sweet touch… forever.
“My dearest Louisa, I do believe we should stop for now. Don’t you?”
Dazed and breathless, she nodded. “Indeed, I think you are correct.”
“I’m very relieved you came to see me tonight. I fear I had been in turmoil since our outing, and I didn’t know what to do.” He kissed her lips again, but briefly. “You have eased my mind considerably, and I can now sleep peacefully. And happily.”
“As can I.”
Although he didn’t want to move away from the soft comfort of her body cuddled so close to his, he forced himself to stand. She took his hand and lifted herself off the sofa until she stood in front of him.
“Good night, my wonderful, sweet man.” She smiled.
“And sleep tight, my lovely lady.” He kissed her one last time before walking her to the door. From that point, he watched her leave down the hall, her nightrail and wrapper swishing against her legs. He longed for the time she would regain her memory so he would know exactly how to act around her, and whether or not to fully give her his heart.
*
Louisa couldn’t believe the good fortune that had fallen at her feet of late. Thankfully, she didn’t recall a lot about her past, but her life was finally happy. Complete. If she never regained her memory, she would be satisfied with that, as long as Trevor and the twins were forever in her life.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have told him she loved him last night, but she couldn’t stop the words from flowing. She did love him, and she’d never experienced such an emotion before—that she knew about, anyway. Yet her heart told her this was the first time.
Today when she played with the children outside, Trevor joined them. Louisa made up silly little games, which made everyone laugh. She noticed that some of the servants stepped out of the house—or from the stables—to watch. Wide smiles stretched across their faces, which lightened Louisa’s heart. Acceptance finally filled her soul as it never had before.
She loved the closeness she shared with Trevor, and it made her feel like she finally had a family. Her heart sank a fraction of an inch. She did love Trevor and his children, but would he ever want to marry someone like her? Would he ever want the children to have a mother who had been a thief?
Hopefully, he wouldn’t judge her for her past mistakes and love her and want her to be in his life as his wife.
After they ate the midday meal and the twins took a nap, Trevor surprised them all by announcing another trip into Town. Today they rode in the landau, but closed the top. This time, Louisa didn’t experience the judgmental stares as she had before. Trevor and the children played little games during their drive, and it did her heart glad to see Trevor bonding so closely with the children.
When the vehicle stopped in front of Astley’s Amphitheatre, Louisa’s heart leapt. The New Royal Circus was in town.
In a flash, a memory sprang forward. She remembered holding her mother’s hand as she and an older cousin excitedly chattered about the circus while walking toward the structure. Louisa was probably in her seventh or eighth year, yet the memory was so clear. The steps separating her from the circus were many and her mother practically had to run beside Louisa to keep up the pace. Music played. Children cheered. Merchants sold pastries and other tasty treats for the children.
Louisa drew in a deep breath and placed her hand on Trevor’s arm before he exited the landau. When his eyes met hers, she smiled. “I have been here before.”
His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You remember?”
“Yes. I was young. My parents brought me and my older cousin here.”
Trevor swung toward her and grasped her gloved hands. “You remember having a cousin?”
She nodded. “I can picture them right now, like it was yesterday.” Excitement hammered in her chest and she tightened her fingers with his. “Trevor, I can vision my parents. Papa was dressed in the same fashion as you, and my mother was adorned in a lovely lavender day dress. My cousin was about to enter Eton.”
A rush of air escaped his mouth mere moments before he brought her hands to his lips and kissed. “This is a wonderful discovery, Louisa.”
“I think so. The more I remember my past, the more I think my parents were indeed of Quality.”
“I’m sure they were, my dear.”
Trevor climbed down then helped Louisa and the twins. She held on to the twins’ hands as they made their way toward the building. Groups of people littered the street and on the stairs. Louisa glanced from one to the other, taking in as many faces as she could, hoping to find some recognition. Instead, everyone looked like a stranger. Were her parents and cousin still alive? Then again, she doubted they were since she had to resort to thieving just to eat. Still, she prayed there was some extended family out there whom she could find.
The closer she came to the building, a strange—almost eerie—feeling rushed over her like a dark cloud of doom. Someone watched her, she could feel it, but there were too many people for her to see which one could be keeping an eye on her. Perhaps her mind played tricks on her or her memory. Had something bad happened a long time ago when she was here last?
Putting aside the uncomfortable feelings, she followed Trevor inside the building.
*
My, my… what do we have here?
A malicious grin tugged on Macgregor’s mouth as he watched Louisa scurry inside, holding on to two little children. If David hadn’t told Macgregor about the little twit living with Lord Kenbridge, Richard wouldn’t have taken a second glance when he saw the lord climbing out of his landau. And Richard certainly wouldn’t have studied the nursemaid closely to see if this was his long-lost pupil, either.
Richard chuckled low as he filled his pipe. He slid the end into his mouth, lit it, and inhaled the tobacco. Louisa no longer looked like the little ragamuffin he’d taken under his wing all those years ago, but instead like a real lady—even wearing nice clothes. He didn’t know if the woman had been compromised, and to find out, he’d have to study her and the duke a little closer. Richard wouldn’t waste his time thinking of another way for the girl to make him money until he knew for certain.
Taking slow steps, he stayed behind a group of noblemen and their wives as they strolled toward the amphitheatre. Merchants tried to sway him into purchasing their wares, but Richard flipped his hand in the air, silently dismissing them. This evening, his mind would be on one thing. He wouldn’t rest until he understood what Louisa was doing.
Once inside, he scanned the seats, looking for her. It took him a few minutes with as many people who were in his way, but he finally caught sight of her sitting prim and proper next to the duke and his children. Richard hurried toward them, but kept far enough away so she wouldn’t see him. He found a seat that would be perfect while spying. If she kept her gaze on the stage—which he supposed she would, due to the entertainment—she would never know he was here. Watching. Waiting for the right moment to pounce like a tiger on its prey.
The show began, and Louisa’s eyes danced nearly as much as the children who sat by her. Richard snickered. Although she had a woman’s body, right now she appeared much younger by the way she laughed and clapped. But of course she’d react this way. Her childhood had been snatched away when Featherspoon kidnapped her then sold her.
Richard had never seen her look so happy, but it didn’t matter. He needed her back. Now. The children he had working for him didn’t bring in as much as Louisa had. Yet, as he watched her with the duke and his children as if they were the most important people in England, Richard understood that getting her back into his fold would be more difficult than he’d planned. She was now a grown woman and had tasted her independence if only for a short time. Naturally, she’d fight him, but he must not allow her to win.
Forcing her was an option, but the little tart was a handful when upset… and upset she would be when he finally brought her back to his house. Things would be different after that. She would not have any ambition to steal for him, even if he threatened to turn her into an older gent’s mistress. No, Richard had to think of another means of convincing Louisa to do his bidding. But what?
A cheer rose through the crowd, startling Richard. He glanced at the stage just in time to see the lion tamer pull his head from the lion’s mouth—unharmed. Richard switched his attention back to Louisa and the duke’s children who were now jumping in their seats, clapping. Louisa hugged each one, her eyes glistening with tenderness. When she looked at the duke, a different expression lit her face. Indeed, the girl was in love. Richard shrugged. Regardless, that would end shortly if he had anything to do with it. And of course, he would have everything to do with it when she came back.
Suddenly, an idea jolted through him, almost knocking him from his seat. He hitched a breath as his mind swirled quickly to formulate a plan. Now he knew how to make Miss Hamilton bend to his will. Blackmail. Obviously, she loved those children and the duke. If she wanted to spare their lives, she would obey Richard and jump when he snapped his fingers.
Ease spread through him, relaxing his worry. He would have her in his grasp very soon.
Louisa leaned over and chatted with the duke for a few moments before the gent dropped some coins in her hand. She stood and sauntered toward the back of the building by the merchants.
Excitement grew inside Richard as he quickly followed, pushing people aside so he wouldn’t lose her. Finally, he closed in behind her. He shoved a few people out of his way who tossed scowls at him.
Louisa purchased a bag of roasted nuts, and then turned to leave. Richard blocked her path.
“Please forgive me—” she said before her eyes lifted to his.
“Good evenin’, my dear Louisa Hamilton. What a pleasure it is to see ye after all this time.” He grinned. “Did ye miss me?”
Her eyes widened, and her face paled. The bag of peanuts fell to the ground.