Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
After spending much of the morning in bed with his wife and then indulging in a most wonderful bath, Benedict made his way from the bedroom into the sitting room of his apartments. Now that Sophie was here, he would move into Kenworth House. The Lair was not a place he wished for his wife to reside. He walked from the apartments to find Sam outside his office looking quite nervous.
“Good morning, Sam. Is everything alright? You look as if you are regretting a deal you have made with the devil.”
“I fear that I might be the reason she is here.”
Benedict tilted his head to the side. “Why do you think that, Sam?”
About two weeks before she arrived, a friend of mine showed up in London. We had a few drinks, and he asked the reason you had returned to The Lair so soon after your marriage. I must have been in my cups and told him more than I should. It was only later that I learned that he worked for the Earl of Warrick.”
Benedict let out a heavy sigh. “While I normally would be upset that you shared my personal life with anyone, this time it was to my benefit. Although, now that my wife has arrived in London, I will rely more heavily on you to make certain we keep her safe.”
Sam was wringing his cap in his hands. “I swear I will do everything I can to protect the duchess.”
Benedict slapped him on the back. “Then all is forgiven. It was for the best. Sophie being here with me takes her away from Warrick. Now, the duchess hasn’t eaten since her arrival. Please gather us something for breakfast. We will talk later about security.”
Sam nodded and moved off quickly to do as he was instructed while Benedict returned to Sophie.
When he entered his bedchamber where she was still leisurely soaking in his extra-large copper tub, he found her continuing to stare at the mural on the ceiling.
“If you truly do like it, perhaps we could commission the artist to repaint the duke and duchess bedchambers at Kenworth House.”
Sophie giggled softly. “While I find it both intriguing as well as a bit inspiring, I do think it would be inappropriate and not really fit in with the current décor of the house.”
Benedict stepped closer so that his fingers could move along the curve of her shoulder. “It certainly doesn’t suit the taste of the former duke…” he leaned down and kissed her lips. “However, I happen to know that the current duke’s tastes run a bit more toward the lascivious.”
Sophie smiled as she looked up at him from where she sat gloriously naked. “Yes, and I am most thankful that they do.”
Benedict pulled off his coat and was in the process of pulling his shirt over his head when he heard Charles’ booming voice shouting his name. “Bloody hell, bad timing.”
Sophie laughed. “After last night, I would have thought you had enough.”
His face turned serious as he pulled his shirt back over his head and grabbed his coat from where he had tossed it onto the floor. “I will never get enough of you, my love.”
Sophie slipped down further into the water as his frown turned predatory.
“Enjoy your bath and when you are dressed join us in the sitting area. I had Sam round up something for you to eat.”
Sophie nodded. “It might be awhile. This tub feels wonderful.”
His lips turned up on one corner. “Take as much time as you need, but I warn you, if you are still naked by the time I return, you will not be able to fend me off.”
Sophie took her hand and splashed water in his direction. “Who says I want to fend you off?”
Benedict’s deep growl rose from his chest. “Darling, keep talking like that and Charles will find himself thrown out on his arse.”
Benedict left his bedchamber to move into the sitting room where he found Charles sitting at the table, his feet propped up as he inhaled one of the biscuits Sam had brought in for them.
“You look as if you are in a jovial mood, this morning.”
Charles arched his eyebrows as he took another bite. “Bella was waiting for me at Avanley House, and it was a most welcomed surprise. I do not enjoy being away from my wife. The fact that I left her in Brighton to come to London to help you, speaks volumes to our friendship.” He grabbed another biscuit. “Where is Sophie? I am assuming from the satisfied grin on your face that she forgave you.”
Benedict nodded as he took a seat. “She is still getting ready.”
“Bella told me a little of what happened in Brighton. It seems you owe your thanks for her being here to Lord Warrick.”
Benedict’s grin slid from his face. “Warrick will receive no thanks from me.”
Charles grinned. “She told you that he kissed her, I see.”
“Damn it, yes, he kissed her!”
Both men jumped to their feet when they heard the door to the bedchamber open and Sophie stepped into the room. Her hair was still damp, and she was wrapped from head to toe in his robe since the dress she had been wearing was lying in tatters on the floor.
Sophie’s cheeks blushed as she pulled the robe further around her. “I’m sorry, but could you send someone to Avanley house for my things? I have nothing to wear.”
Charles cleared his throat as he looked away.
“Certainly, I’ll have Sam send someone over to retrieve some things and afterward we will make plans to move into Kenworth House.”
Sophie nodded before addressing Charles. “How is Bella this morning?”
Charles’ lips lifted into a satisfied smile. “Exhausted…but well. I’m sure she will see you today.”
Sophie took a step back toward the bedchamber when she stopped. “I know my brother is behind this, I feel it.”
Charles and Benedict’s expressions both became serious. “We will find him, Sophie, and then we will know the truth of it.”
She sighed heavily. “Edward was always getting in trouble as a boy and even more so as he grew older. Our father would often punish him, but nothing seemed to make him change his ways. If anything, it made him sneakier about things. There was a place he would hide from my father. When he did anything very serious, he would go there. Sometimes he would disappear for weeks. By the time he would return, my father had forgotten his misdeeds only to be replaced with relief of seeing him again.” She looked to Benedict. “I knew where his hiding place was, but he threatened me if I ever told our father. I never said anything because I knew he would hurt me if I did. If I can remember the way, I can take you there.”
Benedict stood and walked toward her. “Where is this place?”
“It’s an old hunting lodge deep in the woods of Hertfordshire. It was not on my father’s land. Edward had said that it had been used by a caretaker at least a century earlier. I don’t know how to give you directions to it, but if we travel to Hertfordshire, I am positive I can find it.”
Benedict turned his head swiftly to Charles. “What do you think?”
“It’s more information that we presently have as to where he could be hiding. I will inform Harrison. Perhaps he can spare a few guards to accompany us.”
Benedict turned back to Sophie. “Come eat, love, and I will inform Sam to send for your things.”
Sophie wrapped a hand across her stomach. “I’m not very hungry but thank you.”
Concern instantly crossed Benedict’s face. “Are you unwell, Sophie? You are much thinner than you were before I left, and you look a bit pale.”
Sophie shook her head quickly. It’s nothing, just nerves. I was unsure how you would react to me being in London and the reception I would receive. Then to find out my brother is behind the attempts on your life, it just is a lot.” She looked to Charles. “Please give Bella my best. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me and for her traveling to London with me.”
Charles stood and moved toward her. “Bella considers you a dear friend. I’m sure she was happy to travel to London with you.”
Sophie nodded and went back inside the bedchamber.
Charles frowned. “Have you told her about her father’s estate?”
“No, I have not. She believes it all to be lost. While her brother did lose everything at the turn of a card, I have acquired it all, everything down to the last of the furnishings and paintings he sold. I was planning on giving it to her as a present after all of this is behind us, but perhaps I will take her there while we are in Hertfordshire.”
“I’m sure it will be a most welcome surprise. Stay here with Sophie. I will go visit Harrison and inform him of our plans. I’m assuming you wish to leave as soon as possible.”
“Tomorrow will be soon enough. The ladies only arrived in London yesterday. I’m sure they would appreciate a day of rest before being bundled back up into a carriage for two days.”
Charles rolled his eyes. “I have known you for a long time, my friend, and rest is the last thing on your mind. I’ll have her things sent over, no need to burden Sam. I’m certain he will have to watch the tables tonight.”
Benedict watched as Charles left, closing the door behind him. He walked over to the table, picked up one of the biscuits and took a bite. This was taking a toll on Sophie, she appeared more delicate, more frightened.
He poured her a cup of hot tea and opened the door to the bedchamber to see her propped up on his pillows, wrapped in his robe, and looking more delectable than ever.
“I brought you some tea.” He set it on the table beside the bed before moving to the side of the bed facing her. “Are you sure you are feeling well, Sophie?”
She took one of his hands in hers and brought his fingers to her lips. “I am just anxious. While I would like to say that I can’t believe Edward would do anything so reprehensible, I cannot.”
Benedict let his fingers trace over her bottom lip. “Your brother isn’t acting alone. He is most likely being manipulated. I’m not doubting his hatred for me, though. And that hatred is what made him an easy pawn to the man who is behind all of it. I can handle your brother, Sophie. Nothing will happen and I will keep you safe. Now that I have you here, I can’t let you go. I will never let you go again.” He leaned closer and kissed her. “Now, since your clothes have yet to arrive and if you are feeling up to it….” He reached for the tie on the robe she was wearing and slowly pulled it loose. “I have an idea of how we can pass the time.” He parted the folds of the robe revealing every inch of her perfect body to his view and everything else was forgotten as his hands and mouth worshipped every perfect part of her.
Hertfordshire
Sophie watched out the windows of the carriage as it made its way over the familiar terrain of her home county. The road on which they traveled had been one she had traversed many times with both her father and mother. When she and Benedict left London, she had not realized how emotional it would be for her to come…. home. Especially, when this was no longer her home. She had never thought of coming here again. When her brother lost the family estate, she thought there would be no reason to return.
Benedict watched his wife as the carriage moved closer to her ancestral home. “Do you miss living in Hertfordshire?”
Sophie turned her head sharply at his comment. “I don’t think I miss living here. I have many fond memories but as a girl, I always knew that I would leave one day. I do regret that my family’s estate was lost.” She looked back out the window. “It would have been nice to return one day, perhaps bring my children here and show them where I grew up.”
Benedict hated the sorrow he saw on her face. He reached across the carriage and pulled her toward him so that she sat across his lap. “We should be getting closer, why don’t you share some of those memories with me.”
Sophie smiled as she blinked back tears. “The road we are on now leads to what was my father’s estate. We will take the next turn toward the village before we reach it.”
He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I would like to see the estate.”
Sophie shook her head. “No, it would be too difficult. Besides, I’m sure the new owners will not want us to just pop up on their doorstep.”
“I never make assumptions when I don’t know the facts. The new owner might be more cordial than you think.”
When the carriage continued straight and didn’t veer toward the village, she turned back to him. “Where are we going? I don’t want to do this. Why would you make me endure this?”
“You are much stronger than you give yourself credit for, Sophie.” He kissed her cheek. “Now finish telling me stories from your childhood.”
Sophie pointed to a small lake that could be seen from the road. “My father would take Edward and me fishing at that lake.” She looked down. “One day I caught more fish than Edward, he became enraged and pushed me into the lake. My skirts weighed me down, and I struggled to reach the top of the water. My father raced in and pulled me out. Edward was punished severely, and my father forbade me from ever going to the lake with Edward. I think he realized that Edward would have killed me if he had not been there.”
Benedict wrapped an arm around her waist. “Do you have any happy memories? Ones that your brother did not ruin with his psychotic behavior.”
Sophie nodded. “There was an apple tree I used to climb as a child. My nurse would bring me out to it and watch me as I played. Then she would read me storybooks of maidens and knights in shining armor.” She looked over and smiled. “I always wanted to be a princess.”
Benedict grinned as he thought about the little girl running and playing about the property. He leaned forward and would have kissed her, but Sophie moved from his lap as the carriage pulled into the circle drive of the house.
“You can go, I will stay with the carriage.”
Benedict took her hand as he opened the carriage door. “Come with me.”
Sophie brushed a tear from her cheek. “Why are you doing this?”
He stepped down from the carriage and then assisted her. “Courage, my love.”
He walked up the steps and opened the front door.
Sophie stood back, her face had gone pale, and tears were streaming freely down her cheeks. “What are you doing?”
Benedict turned back to see Sophie still standing beside the carriage. “For heaven’s sake, woman. Will you ever just trust me?” He marched toward her and swept her into his arms to carry her up the stairs and into the house.
When he set her back on her feet, Sophie gasped as she looked around the grand entryway of the house. “It…it…it looks the same.”
The heels of Benedict’s boots clicked on the cold marble floors. “I had hoped it would.”
Sophie whirled around to face him. “I don’t understand. I thought we were going to stay at a posting inn in the village. I thought I was here to show you the hunting lodge Edward used as a hideout.” Her hands were shaking as she looked around at the familiar surroundings.
Benedict walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he leaned down to speak near her ear. “Darling, you know how I despise posting inns. And why would we want to stay there when we can stay here.”
Sophie felt her heart beating faster in her chest. “Please speak plain. Tell me. I am not in the mood for games or riddles. Why am I here?”
“Your brother lost the house and the grounds around it, Sophie. That is true, but I am the one who purchased it.”
She turned around in his arms. “You? Why? I thought Edward sold everything so he could pay you the money he owed.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I thought it would make a nice addition to my assets. It was not until after I had married you that I hired a man to hunt down the furnishings and paintings that had been sold as well.” He opened his arms wide. “While I haven’t been successful in finding everything, I think this is a good start.”
Sophie stepped away, her face clearly showing the shock she was feeling. Then to his surprise, she sprinted away, moving from room to room exclaiming when she saw something that she loved and had feared lost forever was now back in her possession.
Benedict followed behind her as she moved excitedly around the house. “I take it that you are pleased.”
She didn’t answer as she stepped closer and moved her fingers over the keys of the pianoforte. When she sat at the bench, letting her fingers tentatively touch the keys, Benedict moved to take a seat on the settee across the room. He watched her as licked her lips and adjusted her hands on the keys, then she began to play. Her eyes closed as she mastered the instrument and played the most beautiful song Benedict had ever heard. Her fingers caressed the keys and glided over them with such reverence. He was surprised that she had not mentioned to him before that she possessed such a talent. He didn’t move, afraid that any movement would break the trance she was in. When she was finished, Benedict watched her place her hands in her lap, before turning her head, for a moment it looked as if she had forgotten his presence, then to his horror, she placed both hands over her face and sobbed. Benedict rushed to her, taking her into his arms. He stroked her back as she cried, not knowing what to do.
After a few minutes, she raised her head and he reached into his coat to retrieve a handkerchief. He gently dapped the soft linen underneath her eyes before she took it from him.
“Sophie, I’m sorry. I was just trying to do something that would make you happy.”
She daintily wiped her nose and looked up at him with a bright smile. Her eyes red-rimmed from her tears. “You did all of this for me?”
Benedict took her face in his hands and lifted it up to him. “Darling, I would give you the world if I could.” He kissed her gently. “I was going to wait and show all of this to you later, after this mess with your brother and my cousin, but when you mentioned coming here, I didn’t want to wait any longer.”
Sophie’s smile nearly reached her eyes. “Thank you, Benedict.”
He stood and offered her his hand. “Come show me the rest of the house and the grounds. I will have the coachmen bring in our belongings.”
“Is this the reason Charles and Bella decided to put off coming here an extra day?”
“I informed Charles of my plans and asked him to give us an extra day. I thought it might be emotional for you to return here. They will arrive tomorrow and of course, stay with us. There is limited staff at the moment, only two to be exact, but if you would like, I can increase the number of servants.”
Sophie shook her head. “A small staff is perfect. Besides, as the Duke of Kenworth, we will reside at Kenworth Park for the most part. We can treat this house as our private romantic getaway.”
Benedict swept her into his arms. “I like the sound of that duchess.” He kissed her more passionately than before. “I think a tour can wait. Right now, there is only one room I am interested in visiting.”