Chapter Seventeen
Brandon Kennedy stalked across the office floor, his hands bunched into fists at his side. He kicked his chair from under the desk, and it toppled and landed on the floor. Yanking off his overcoat, he cursed. He tossed it toward the coat rack but missed the mark, and it slid to the ground. He exploded with another set of curses as he marched over, picked it up, and hung it on a hook.
Malcolm leaned back in his chair, holding back the grin that threatened to sneak across his mouth. He was dying to know what had his partner in a dither. When the grin threatened to make its debut, Malcolm quickly rubbed his hand over his mouth, trying to wipe off his smirk. Now was not the time to gloat.
“What ails you, Kennedy?”
The man spun around, his eyes dark with fury. “You recall my telling you about Lord Arlington yesterday, and how his estate would bring us a lot of money?”
Malcolm’s heart stilled. “Yes.”
“It appears that someone else has beaten me to it.” Kennedy slammed his fist on the wall.
“Are you certain?” Malcolm tried to lift his voice in irritation, playing the part of someone who was upset over this news.
“Most certain.” Kennedy moved behind his desk and dropped into his chair. “I had heard the man was in town, so this morning I looked for him. When I finally was able to speak with him, he told me he decided to go with someone else.”
“No,” Malcolm said, rising to his feet. “He didn’t even give you a chance to tell him about our business?”
“He didn’t give me even one minute of his time.” Growling, Kennedy pushed his fingers through his hair. “I wish I knew who could have gotten to him first. Mr. Clarkston really isn’t that astute. I don’t see him sneaking behind our backs to try to win Arlington’s contract.”
“I agree. That isn’t Clarkston’s personality at all.” Malcolm moved to another table and retrieved a drawing, bringing it back to his desk.
Silence lasted for thirty minutes before Kennedy growled and pushed away from his desk. He stormed over to the window, leaning his shoulder against the side. The man’s mouth pulled tight.
Malcolm wanted to laugh over his partner’s misfortune. He prayed that within a few months, he would have enough clients on his own that he could start up his own business again. Malcolm felt he was getting closer to proving Kennedy and Wilkes were the ones stealing the drawings. When Broderick had followed Kennedy last night, as the woman’s note instructed, he did witness the two men bent over a table at one of the taverns down the street, discussing something very secretive while sharing a bottle of whiskey. Malcolm suspected that keeping an eye on Kennedy would soon prove fruitful. Within time, he would be able to turn his proof over to the constable and have Kennedy and Wilkes arrested.
A rumble of laughter from his partner snapped him to awareness, and Malcolm turned to see what Kennedy found so amusing. The man wore a knowing grin, and his arms were folded across his shaking chest as he chuckled.
“What is so humorous?” Malcolm asked.
“Oh, just what is going on down the street.”
“And what is it?”
Kennedy glanced his way and scratched his chin. “It seems your wife has become bored with her latest interest and has gone back to spending time with Captain Wilkes.”
Malcolm stiffened. But then he recalled what had happened before when he jumped to conclusions, and he relaxed. Kat was dead. Camilla was his wife now, and she loved and only him.
Last night’s lovemaking was so wonderful, it had been hard for him to leave her this morning. Never had he felt so complete as he had last night, before, during, and after their night of passion. Without a doubt, Camilla would always be faithful to him.
Malcolm pushed himself away from his desk and stood. Taking deliberate, slow steps, he made his way to the window. As Kennedy had stated, Camilla stood in front of a shop with a basket hooked over her elbow, chatting with Captain Wilkes.
A stab of pain tore through Malcolm’s heart. When his wife laughed, the invisible knife in his chest twisted. He breathed slowly, calming his heart. Camilla needed to act this way. They must not make the captain suspicious, especially now.
Malcolm forced a laugh. “It doesn’t appear she has gone back to Captain Wilkes. It looks like she is having a friendly conversation.”
“If you keep telling yourself that, perhaps you will believe it.”
Malcolm fisted his hands, feeling the urge to punch his business partner in the face. “I must say, Kennedy, the green monster of jealousy has taken hold of you again.” He shook his head. “You must learn to control that beast before it ruins your life.”
Malcolm walked back to his desk. Seeing Camilla with Captain Wilkes was difficult, but it needed to be done. If only he could find a way to keep the doubt from twisting his gut every time he saw her with another man. After all, she was portraying her sister. Yet why hadn’t she done so until lately? She had never acted like Kat until after they returned from the Burwells’ estate.
In frustration, he raked his fingers through his hair, wishing he wasn’t so suspicious. He had no right. She loved him, and he loved her. That should be the end of the subject.
So why wasn’t it?
*
“May we callyou Mother?”
Camilla gasped at James’s question. Her heart quickened, and tears stung her eyes. Slowing the horse they had been riding, she smiled down at his upturned face. Amazing how fast she became emotional lately, but James’s sudden request had caught her by surprise.
“Of course you may call me Mother.”
“You won’t get upset?”
“Why should I get upset?” She stroked her gloved fingers across his cheek. “I love you and Lizzy as though you were my own children.”
He beamed. “Lizzy is going to be happy when I tell her. She said last night how much she wanted you to be our mother.”
Camilla’s heart melted, bringing with it a feeling of motherhood she’d never thought she would experience. “Then let us hurry home so we can tell her.”
She reined the horse around and urged the animal into a gallop. A smile stretched across her face, and as each minute passed, her heart pounded quicker. Finally, she would have the family she had always wanted.
In the distance, the figure of a cloaked woman darted behind a tree. Camilla slowed the horse, studying what she had just witnessed. There wasn’t another horse in sight, and this would have been a long walk for someone traveling by foot.
She neared the tree, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.
Camilla shook her head. Perhaps her eyes played tricks on her today. Putting it aside, she kicked the horse into a gallop and continued on her way. When they approached the house, Hyrum ran out of the stable to take the reins.
“Did you have a nice ride, Mrs. Worthington?”
“Yes, thank you, Hyrum. James and I had a pleasant morning.”
“Somebody came to see you while ye were gone.”
She helped James off the horse. “Who was it?”
“Don’t know, Mrs. Worthington. Just a lady.”
“Did she leave her card?”
“No. Said she would return at a later time.”
She shrugged. “I suppose it was not very important, then.”
“Aye, I suppose.”
She dismounted and took hold of James’s hand. They started out walking, but the closer they came to the house, the more their steps quickened, until they were running. Laughing, they nearly slammed into the door.
James hurried inside the house first, but before Camilla could enter, a cold chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause. She shivered and hugged her waist. Glancing over her shoulder, she studied the yard and the stable. It bothered her that she would have these feelings lately, like someone watched her.
Rubbing her arms, she stepped into the house, putting the feeling behind her. Certainly, it was utter nonsense. She let out a small laugh, remembering her father had become skittish just before…
She froze. Father’s disease. He had been acting strange, thinking somebody watched him, also. Her heart sank. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t have the same disease. Yet Kat had it, so why not her?
Camilla shook her head. She must not think in such a way. If, by chance, she had the same illness as her father and sister, she would have known before now.
“Mother, hurry. Lizzy is waiting.” James tugged on her dress.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled. “Coming, my dear.”
With unsteady hands, she smoothed out her bodice and skirt before following James upstairs into the nursery. Lizzy and Jane were playing together, and when the little girl spotted Camilla, she ran to her and threw her arms around Camilla’s legs.
She laughed and picked the girl up, hugging her tight. “You have certainly made my day, Lizzy.”
James jumped up and down in excitement. “Lizzy, Milla says we may call her Mother.”
The little girl’s smile stretched across her face, making it glow. “We may?”
“Yes, my dear.” Camilla stroked the girl’s hair. “You may call me Mother.”
Lizzy laughed and buried her face in Camilla’s neck. James joined in and hugged her legs. Across from them, Jane stood and clasped her hands to her chest as tears swam in her eyes. Camilla’s own eyes filled with moisture from the happy occasion.
Yet fear carved a hole deep in her conscience. Was there a chance she would someday become like her father and Kat? If so, her dream of a loving family would soon end.
*
Camilla decided tosurprise her husband at work, so she had Horace pack a picnic basket. The weather this afternoon would be wonderful for sharing a meal under a tree, sitting on a blanket.
She took the buggy into town and stopped in front of Malcolm’s office. As she dismounted, she glanced up and down the street, hoping she didn’t run into Captain Wilkes again. She was sick of portraying her sister just to protect Malcolm. And although she would do anything to keep her husband safe, she wanted to avoid the captain as much as possible.
She left the picnic basket in the vehicle and walked into the office. The chiming of the bell announced her. Mr. Kennedy jumped to his feet and rushed to greet her.
“What a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Worthington.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
She allowed his attention but kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t get out of line. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kennedy. I have come to see my husband. Is he about?”
“No. He stepped out of the office for a few minutes. Would you care to sit and wait?”
“Do you know how long he will be gone?”
“He has been gone for a good thirty minutes now. I’m certain he will return momentarily.”
Inwardly, she cringed. She really didn’t want to sit in the same room with Mr. Kennedy, especially alone. But what other choice did she have?
“I suppose I can wait, but only for a moment.”
He pulled out a chair for her, and she sat. “What brings you to our office on this fine afternoon?”
“I thought to surprise my husband with a meal for lunch. The day is too lovely to be indoors.”
He smiled and nodded. “I’m certain Malcolm will be surprised. He has been moping about the office, acting as if something weighs heavily on his mind.”
She arched a brow. “Indeed? I wonder what it is.”
“I had hoped you could shed some light on the problem. Whatever it is makes him quite irritable.”
“I wish I knew.”
“I’m certain you can work your charm on him and pull him out of this mood.”
Strange, but Brandon acted differently, especially since they were alone. She’d hoped he would finally give up on the idea of their being together. “I shall certainly try.”
She stood and walked to the window. The busy street bustled with people hurrying from one shop to another. Through the crowd, she searched for Malcolm, hoping he would come quickly.
Behind her, Brandon’s footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as he neared. His image reflected off the glass. She tightened her fingers around the basket. Heaven help her, because if he made one improper move, she would punch him in the face.
“Mrs. Worthington, I—I want to apologize for my behavior of late.”
She held her breath, surprised he would even say such a thing. She remained silent, wondering what else would come out of his mouth.
“Your beauty and charm have enchanted me, and when you stopped coming to see me, the wound left a deeper hole in my heart than I was prepared for.”
She swallowed hard and continued to look outside. “Mr. Kennedy, you must believe I’m in love with my husband. I’m a completely different person than the woman you knew.”
“That is what Malcolm says, too. Will you forgive me?” His voice was laced with sincerity.
She moved away from the window to put distance between them. “I will forgive you, Mr. Kennedy, as long as you make no more overtures toward me.”
“As you wish.”
“I think you are a nice man, and I cannot help wondering if your wife even knows this. Have you shown her your passionate side?”
His forehead creased. “My wife and I are but strangers.”
“An arranged marriage, I presume?”
“Yes.”
She tilted her head. “But the question remains, do you love her?”
He shrugged. “We have had only one child in our five years of marriage. I fear love has not even entered our home.”
“Would you like it to?”
“I never thought about it.”
“Mr. Kennedy, your wife has been extremely forgiving of your actions. From the little time I have gotten to know her, she seems a knowledgeable woman.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Kat, you know me well enough to know what kind of woman I enjoy.”
“Please don’t call me Kat, Mr. Kennedy.”
“My apologies.”
“But you were saying…?”
He walked away from the window to his desk and sat on the edge. “You should know I have always enjoyed having a woman of remarkable beauty on my arm.”
“Would you like your wife to be this woman?”
“It’s impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible.”
He arched an eyebrow. “And how can we change it?”
She dared to step closer. “Let me give you a little hint about women. Just like a rose, they don’t blossom unless given sunlight.”
“What are you saying? You wish me to keep her outside in the sunshine?”
She nearly laughed. Could he really be that ignorant? “No, Mr. Kennedy. You need to compliment her and make her feel pretty. If you really want her to come out of her shell, you will have to help her along.”
The corner of his mouth tugged up in a grin. “You’re an amazing woman. I cannot believe you’re trying to assist me in winning over my wife.”
“Encourage her, Mr. Kennedy, or she has no other reason to blossom. But you will also have to do some serious groveling for your past mistakes. If she loves you, she will forgive you, just as Malcolm has forgiven me.”
His brown eyes twinkled. He grasped her hand and squeezed. “Thank you for such astute advice.”
The bell from the door chimed, and Camilla jumped away from Brandon, but not before Malcolm’s gaze rested upon her. Her heart plummeted, yet there was no reason to feel guilty. She had done nothing wrong, but would Malcolm believe that? From the scowl on his face, she feared the worst. He glared at her with accusing eyes. Not again.
Brandon moved past her toward Malcolm. “Worthington, you have returned just in time. Your wife has a surprise for you.”
Malcolm’s brow lifted when he looked at her, but a frown still marred his handsome face. “Indeed?”
Her stomach churned violently, and she clasped her hands against her middle to calm the waves of nausea. She didn’t speak for fear her voice would crack.
“Malcolm,” Brandon continued, “I must tell you what an incredible wife you have.”
Wrong comment to make, Mr. Kennedy.
“Do I?” Malcolm asked.
“Indeed. She was just now giving me advice on how to woo my wife.”
Malcolm’s lips quirked into an unexpected grin. “Woo your wife?”
Camilla laughed uneasily and walked toward her husband. “Yes, Malcolm. Mr. Kennedy knows who holds my heart.” She stopped in front of him and touched his cheek. “I tried to tell him how to win over his wife properly.”
Malcolm chuckled and shook his head. “This is, indeed, a surprise.”
“That is not my surprise for you, however.” She linked her arm with his. “I’m stealing you away this afternoon for a picnic—if you approve, of course.”
“But of course. How could I turn down such a charming woman?”
Her heart hammered with each step out to the buggy. Malcolm took her arm, assisting her up, and then climbed inside to sit beside her. He gripped the reins and urged the team forward.
Seeing the distrust in his eyes made her heart ache. Although he smiled, it didn’t make his eyes sparkle. She slipped her arm around his and cuddled next to him, laying her head on his shoulder. “Should I scold you now or later?”
His head snapped toward her. “Scold me, my dear?”
“Do you think I’m blind? I saw the look of suspicion on your face when you entered the office.”
He remained silent.
“Malcolm, how many times must I defend myself? I’m not Kat. I love you completely and would never do anything to hurt you.”
His body relaxed. “I’m but a normal man, my love.” He chuckled. “A man who succumbs to jealousy quite easily, I might add. Please, be patient with me. Both my first wife and Kat found me repulsive, so forgive me if I can’t trust my own feelings.”
Camilla reached up and cupped his chin, and he glanced at her. “Why would another man turn my head when you are the most handsome, the most loving person I have ever met?” She trailed her fingers across his bottom lip. “I don’t want any other man because I have you.”
He laughed and turned his attention back to the road. “Sometimes I don’t think I deserve your love.”
“You do, and I’ll not give it to anyone else.”
“You truly are a forgiving woman.”
She squeezed his arm. “I know you have had a lot on your mind. Mr. Kennedy has even noticed how irritable you are.”
He sighed heavily and slumped his shoulders. “Broderick followed Kennedy last night, and he met with Captain Wilkes. They were discussing something in secret.”
“Was this before or after he accosted me?”
“Before.”
“Oh.” She nodded. “Did Broderick discover what they were discussing?”
“Unfortunately, no. But curiously, Broderick had been given a note from an unknown woman who alerted him to the secret meeting.”
“And you don’t know who this woman is?”
Malcolm’s gaze stayed on her a little longer this time before he returned his attention to the road. “No. We have no clue.”
Her heart twisted. Why did she have a feeling he was still keeping secrets from her? She longed for the time he would trust her completely.
He stopped the wagon near a patch of wildflowers. Although the sweet scent of spring wafted through the air, she didn’t take the time to enjoy it. Malcolm’s problems weighed heavy on her mind. Sometimes she wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him senseless, then kiss him to distraction. But none of these methods would force him to trust her.
He turned to climb down, but she grabbed his arm to stop him.
“Malcolm?”
He gazed into her eyes and smiled. “Yes, my love?”
“What is truly bothering you? What have I done to lose your trust?”
His eyes widened, and she detected panic. This wasn’t good at all.