Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
D ear P,
You possess far too many assumptions. You never know exactly how one will react in a given situation. Sometimes they will do exactly as you predicted. Sometimes they will behave as you least expect.
My hunt for a bride is nearly complete.
I am certain of my victory.
Yours,
Edmund
The truth.
He had waited so long.
Since the moment he discovered Priscilla hiding from unseen dangers, protective and possessive instincts urged him to discover what they were. To vanquish whatever demons chased her. To protect the woman he wanted for his own.
He touched her shoulder. “You can tell me anything. I will always support you.”
She tensed, her eyes flashing with unease. The urge to sweep away the fear fired, to bear whatever burden she possessed. With the truth, he could do exactly that.
Yet indecision wavered in her expression, and she stayed silent, biting that luscious bottom lip.
“Whatever it is, I understand.” He lowered his voice. “Nothing will change how I feel about you.”
She breathed deeply. “What I tell you will come as a shock. You may indeed feel very differently about me.”
His frown deepened. “No matter what you’re hiding, or what happened in your past, I know who you truly are. You help people when no one is watching, change lives for the better.” He caressed her arm. “This secret is tormenting you. Please let me help. I am a powerful friend.”
She kept her gaze steady. “And an even more powerful adversary.”
It was true, as others had learned, yet how could she ever think they would be adversaries? “Consider me a friend, a partner even.” Her soon-to-be-husband. He didn’t voice the last title, yet he had no intention of being anything less. “I wish you no harm.”
“I know. It’s just when you learn the truth, you may be…” She bit her lip. “Upset.”
He expected no less. Priscilla was an intelligent woman. If she thought he would be displeased, she was undoubtedly right. Yet he had not lied when he said it would not change how he felt. Even if she gambled away her inheritance or had some deep, dark habit, he would still want her. She had become more than a desire, more than the fulfillment of a duty.
He could not imagine any outcome other than her becoming his.
“I have overcome challenges in the past. Whatever it is, we will face it together.”
She looked down. “I’m telling you so you understand why we cannot be together.”
He narrowed his eyes. What could be so substantial, she truly believed he would not wish to be with her?
“I’ve done things.” She took a deep breath. “Things ladies are not supposed to do. I’m not as innocent as you believe.”
Suddenly every answer became clear. How could he have missed it? Her explanation was literal.
She wasn’t an innocent.
Jealousy surged though him, raw, blatant and unmistakable. Who had she been with, and why? Did she have feelings for them? Had she been forced?
A thousand and one questions raced through his mind, staggering in their breadth and depth, and yet anger was not among them. Despite society’s misgivings, she had as much right to a prior relationship as he.
It should have been obvious, elucidating everything and more. She was worried about how he would react. Sadly, her worries were not unfounded. Many men ended courtships over the exact same matters, even as they kept mistresses and visited brothels. The double standards for the fairer sex were indeed unfair. And while he preferred not to imagine her with another man, the past was the past.
What mattered now was the future. There would be no others in this relationship – not for either of them.
“It all makes sense.”
She looked taken aback. “What makes sense?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”
“Edmund?”
“Your secret.” He looked up. “You no longer have to be afraid.”
Her expression turned guarded. “I don’t?”
“Of course not.” He gave her a small smile. “You don’t have to pretend anymore. I see who you truly are.”
She let out a shaking breath, put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, Edmund, I– I hope you can forgive me. I never meant to deceive you.”
He softly caressed her arm, not with passion, but with simple human comfort. “I know. And I understand.”
“You do?” She took a deeper, longer breath. “I thought– I thought you’d be furious.”
“I’m not angry. I’m frustrated,” he admitted. “Not by the secret, but that you couldn’t trust me. Did you truly believe it would change the way I feel?”
She lifted her shoulders. “After all the subterfuge…” Her voice trailed off.
He smiled sadly. “It’s a sad state of society that ladies must hide such things. You should be able to live life as you choose, without anyone judging.”
She looked taken aback. “I must admit – I’m surprised at how well you are taking this.” She hesitated. “Would you be all right with your wife continuing such activities after marriage?”
He froze. “You want to continue?”
She notched up her chin and nodded.
He needed to stay calm. Perhaps counting would help. One, two, three… “Of course I would not be all right with such activities after we wed!” he exploded. “How could you even ask?”
She paled. “You just said you understood!”
“I understand you not wanting to wait until marriage to enjoy relations. That doesn’t mean I’d be all right with my wife visiting other men! You will stay away from–”
“What!?” she screeched.
Her yell was so loud, he stopped, looked to the door.
Priscilla flushed, pinkness spreading all over. “You think I’m not a virgin?” she hissed. “That I’ve been with a man?”
“You said you weren’t innocent. You used that exact word!”
“That’s not what I meant! I’m not– I mean I’ve never…” The pinkness deepened. She took a deep breath, brought her emerald gaze to his. “That’s not my secret.”
He released a breath. It had seemed so obvious. “I’m sorry.”
She looked at him a moment more, then softened. “No, I’m sorry. I did say I was not innocent, although I meant it in different terms.”
His attention sharpened. “What terms?”
A hundred emotions flashed in her expression. “Before I tell you, you must promise not to share my secret with anyone. No matter what, you must keep it to yourself.”
He hesitated. Instincts demanded he agree simply to gain her acquiescence, yet further evaluation urged prudence. What if she truly was in danger? He could not promise away his ability to help her.
“I will have every discretion.” They locked gazes. “Unless it is something that risks your safety.”
She tensed. Even now she appeared to waver, as her eyes darted to the hidden exit, searching for escape.
He would not grant it.
“Tell me, Priscilla.” He deepened his voice, used a tone that worked with the most powerful lords of the ton . “I can share your burden.”
She stared at him. Slowly nodded. “But first, there’s something I have to do.”
She pressed her lips to his.
Passion flared, instincts roaring. He immediately took control, bringing her flush against him. She was so soft, so beautiful. He ran his hands along her back, down her flank to cup her tender backside. They moved in perfect harmony.
The kiss continued for moments and then minutes, every sense urging him to claim her under the stars in their secret garden. Yet a tiny part of him held back, cautioning against risking the truth for which he’d waited so long. With his last bit of self-control, he ended the kiss, promising himself, and silently her, they would soon finish what she started.
She held on to him like a shipwrecked sailor to a raft, wind-lashed in a sea of uncertainty. He heaved in a deep breath, cradling her in his arms, showing without words he would provide all the strength she ever needed. “It’s time, Priscilla.” He tightened his hold. “What is your secret?”
She breathed slowly. “I… I–”
“Bradenton!”
They froze.
“I saw you come this way! Show yourself!”
Priscilla’s paled to the hue of the moon above them. The light Scottish burr was unmistakable. “It’s Lady Drummond’s nephew!”
He swore under his breath. Once more they were in danger of discovery.
Exposure. Scandal. Betrothal.
“Do you think he knows about the garden?”
He shook his head, even as uncertainty hit. “He would have already entered if he did.”
A new voice pieced the air, “Stay away from my brother!”
He froze. It couldn’t be–
“Lady Sophia, what are you doing here?” Foxworth roared. “Whoever permitted you to wander the gardens alone needs a throttling. Better yet, someone else should take over the job of watching you!”
“I don’t need anyone to watch me!” Sophia snapped, sounding every bit like her duchess mother. “I take care of myself and my family. I command you cease chasing my brother!”
“You command it?” Incredulity flared in Foxworth’s voice, tinged with amusement. “I do not follow orders, lass. You, however, will stop this behavior before someone takes advantage of your misbegotten ways!”
Every protective instinct flared at once. Frustration at his sister who put herself in danger. Anger at the man whose behavior had inspired it. Most of all, fury at himself for allowing it to happen. Now Foxworth and his sister were seemingly alone. If someone came upon them, it wouldn’t matter that Sophia had not yet launched, or that he was hiding with Priscilla behind a wall.
There could be two proposals tonight.
Chaperoning Sophia was not his role tonight. Their mother was here, as were two aunts and a cousin, and they had specifically instructed him to focus on his own pursuit. Yet his sister was clever and bold. Mother probably thought she was in the retiring room.
Foxworth was right about one thing. He had been negligent in watching Sophia. Even if it wasn’t his job, he should have kept a better eye on her. He would not make the same mistake again.
If he got the chance.
There was no time to waste. He strode to the hidden door, reached out.
A gasp sounded.
He turned to see Priscilla frozen, her gaze riveted on him.
What was he doing? He had been so focused on reaching Sophia, he hadn’t considered what would happen if he suddenly appeared from a hidden space with Priscilla. There was a chance they wouldn’t notice her.
There was a much greater chance they would.
“Priscilla–”
“Go.” Her voice was low, yet the tone behind it glinted with steel. “She needs you.”
Something tightened around his heart.
“I will take care of everything,” he promised. “Hopefully they’ll believe I was in here alone. Wait for a few minutes, then return to the party.”
For a moment, they locked gazes, then Sophia proclaimed, “I will not allow you to harm my brother.”
“You do not allow me to do anything,” Foxworth countered. “As for your behavior, that is something I will very much address later. Now return to the party immediately.”
“I will not leave you to ambush my brother. I’ll find him myself. Edmund!”
“What are you doing?” Foxworth growled. “Do you seriously think to escape me, lass?”
Heavy footsteps broke the clearing.
Edmund didn’t wait a second more. He burst through the door, somehow remembering to shut it as he left. “What do you think you are–” He stopped.
The clearing was empty.
“Sophia!” He took two steps, halted as his sister almost ran into him, followed closely by the gigantic Foxworth.
He thrust Sophia behind him. She struggled, but he did not allow her forward. “Don’t move!” he commanded.
She gasped. “Where did you come from?”
“You must have just missed me.”
He turned towards the Scotsman. Foxworth stood like a tightly coiled spring, ready to leap at any second.
Edmund fought to keep his emotions under control. “What do you think you are doing?” he demanded. “Explain why I shouldn’t call you out for endangering my sister.”
“Edmund, no!” His sister cried.
The man gave a sharp bark of laughter. “I could say the same to you, Bradenton. Where were you when your sister was roaming by herself, challenging men she doesn’t know?”
Every muscle tightened. “So help me, Foxworth, if you touched her–”
“Of course I didn’t touch her!” Foxworth growled. “Despite what you think, I am a gentleman. I wanted to return your sister to the ballroom, nothing more. If you do not care for her properly, someone else will!”
Pure fury raged. “Stay away from her.” He stood to his full height. “I am happy to address any issues you have with me.”
Foxworth stared. Then he glanced at Sophia, and his features softened. “Now is not the time.” He strode forward, giving one last look to Sophia as he brushed past.
It took every ounce of restraint for Edmund to stay silent, to allow the man to leave with no explanation. He would not further risk Sophia’s reputation.
When he was gone, the silence ended. “What were you thinking?”
“Edmund, I–”
“Do not say a word. Foxworth might be uncouth, but he was right. If you ever do something like this again, I will lock you in your room!”
She flushed bright red. “But Edmund, I had to protect you!”
“Ladies do not protect lords, especially from dangerous men with hidden agendas. I will take care of Foxworth. You will stay where you belong, do you understand?”
“But Edmund!”
“Not another word!” he thundered. He was being harsh, but he couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to his little sister. A single unwise moment could ruin Sophia’s entire life. “You will obey me. Now I will escort you back to the ballroom, and you will stay with Mother for the rest of the evening. Understand?”
Her eyes shone in the moonlight. “Yes, Edmund.”
He kept his gaze severe, refused to show any softness that would embolden her to risk herself again. He took her arm firmly as they walked down the path to the ball, nodding calmly to people without betraying the turmoil still raging in him. He would do whatever it took to ensure Sophia’s safety. And then, he would find Priscilla.
And this time, he would learn the truth.
Sophia had saved her.
Edmund’s sister hadn’t realized it when she followed Foxworth, not when she confronted him with equal parts bravery and foolishness. She hadn’t known it when she protested her inability to make her own decisions.
Not when Edmund took complete and utter control.
In those minutes, Bradenton had shown himself for the man he truly was. He took control of the situation – and his sister. He didn’t give her a chance to explain. Instead he threatened to lock her in her room.
No doubt he’d do the exact thing to his wife.
Thank goodness she hadn’t told him the truth. Would he have forbidden her to investigate, with or without him? Confined her to her quarters? He had no true power over her – at least not yet – but he was not a man to accept failure. No doubt he would find a way to force her to his will.
He always triumphed.
She needed a new strategy, one that kept her secrets close and Edmund far. For tonight, she simply needed to escape.
She waited impatiently for the minutes to pass, allowing the silence to stretch before opening the door and slipping into the thankfully empty clearing. She stood up tall and took a deep breath. With her head held high, she started back to the ballroom.
If people spoke to her, she didn’t hear them. If they smiled, she kept her gaze neutral. She entered the building, then walked straight to her parents.
Her mother frowned. “Is everything all right?”
If having her heart shattered like a broken vase was all right…
“Yes, but I have a megrim and would like to leave. If you want to stay, I am certain I can arrange transportation home.”
Her mother’s frown deepened, but she nodded. “Of course we will accompany you, my dear. We’ve been here for hours, and the party is a grand success. Just let us give our farewells.”
They crawled their way to the front, her mother stopping for practically the entire guest list. Priscilla kept her face stretched until a true megrim threatened, knowing any minute Bradenton could appear and demand the secrets she promised. Yet he remained strangely absent, even as the front entrance finally came into view. She strode faster, stronger…
She almost made it.
Yet, of course, Edmund always managed to thwart her. He appeared as if out of nowhere, so large, so handsome, so powerful.
So suspicious.
Her mother’s face lit up like a child on Christmas. “Bradenton. How nice of you to see us off. I’m afraid we must leave, but we will see you soon.”
“Most definitely.” His voice brooked no argument. “I was wondering if I may have a word with Lady Priscilla.”
“Of course,” her mother answered before Priscilla could even open her mouth.
Edmund grasped her hand, placing it in the crook of his arm as he led her to a semi-private alcove. Still in view of the ton , they were in no social danger, yet appearances were deceiving. He threatened everything.
“Priscilla, I must apologize.”
“There is nothing to apologize for.” She gazed downward, fighting the compulsion to look into his eyes. “You had to go to your sister. We weren’t discovered, and no damage was done.”
“I had thought so, too. Until I saw you trying to escape.”
She shot her head up, and satisfaction lit his gaze. No doubt her guilt was evident. “I wasn’t trying to escape. I was simply ready to go home.”
“Without finishing our discussion?”
“We were finished. We are finished.”
“I see.” He leaned down, lowered his voice. “You are mistaken, my dear. We are not close to finished. Not now. Not ever.”
Her heart slammed against her chest. “You do not get to decide that.”
“I would dispute that.” He reached out, stopped himself just before he touched her. “I’m sorry we were interrupted. I would give anything to go back and undo that moment. But I had no choice. I thought you understood.”
“I do understand. I even encouraged you to go.” Anger blazed through her, at society for its treatment of women, at herself for desiring this man and at fate that he could never be hers. The words tumbled out. “It wasn’t what you did, but what you said. You took complete control of Sophia. You were dictatorial, ruthless and uncompromising. You threatened to lock her in her room!”
He ran a hand through his hair. “She’s my little sister. It’s my responsibility to care for her.”
“Will you place the same restrictions on your wife? Lock her in her room when she doesn’t behave?”
“Of course not! I knew it wouldn’t come to that with Sophia. I just needed to keep her safe.”
“I understand that. But she is her own woman and deserves to make her own choices.”
“She will make them, but I will also care for her, whether she likes it or not.”
“But not me.” She stood taller. “You have no power over me.”
Challenge fired in his eyes. “Are you so certain of that?”
Her heart stumbled.
“What were you going to share in the garden?”
His gaze compelled her to reveal everything, yet exposure could bring far greater consequences than secrecy. “I changed my mind. It is best if I keep the secret to myself.”
His lips tightened. “I see.”
“Thank you for underst–”
“I will discover it on my own.”
She reeled back from the definitive statement, the steel-like voice of a man who always won.
“I have to go.”
He held her gaze for a moment, but then nodded, watching as she fled to her parents, as they said farewell to a few final people. His attention burned into her, sending tingles across her back and ice down her spine. As they finally walked through the door, she couldn’t stop herself form turning back one last time.
He was no longer alone.
Lady Drummond had cornered him in the alcove, and they appeared in close conversation. The discussion shouldn’t be cause for concern, not if it was about the party or Clara. Yet it wasn’t about either of those things.
Because clutched in Lady Drummond’s hand was one of Lord P’s letters.
Her letter.
There could be only one reason Edmund had shown it to Lady Drummond. One goal. One result. He had enlisted her help in finding her. But how?
Edmund pointed to the letter, gesturing as if he was writing. She gasped. Was he trying to trace the handwriting? She had corresponded with Lady Drummond multiple times, and the woman was very astute. She may very well recognize it.
Which means she may be sharing the truth this very instant.
Was she already captured?