by Platt, Meara
Lady Miranda cut in when the dinner bell rang. “Enough, boys. Give Violet some room to breathe.”
Before Romulus could offer his arm to escort her in, Sophie and Abigail came to her side. “Ignore the men. Walk in with us,” Abigail said. “I’d love to hear more about your charity recital. How can we help?”
She turned to Romulus, who merely smiled at her and shrugged.
James arched an eyebrow when Sophie ignored his outstretched arm. “Seems my wife has no desire to be with me this evening. Lady Dayne, may I escort you to the table?”
Tynan escorted Lady Miranda in, although Violet suspected his mother needed no one’s assistance. She was a beautiful woman, but definitely capable of defeating a regiment of enemy soldiers all on her own.
Violet liked this about her immensely.
She also enjoyed the dinner table banter between Romulus and his cousins. Although they were obviously on their best behavior, and did feel comfortable with her and Lady Dayne present, they did lapse once or twice into rougher language that brought a stern frown to Lady Miranda’s brow. “The eight of them were impossible as boys. Wildebeests, you know.”
James leaned over and smiled at her. “But among ourselves, we also referred to the younger cousins, Romulus included, as tadpoles. Caleb was the squid.”
Violet laughed. “And what were you, my lord?”
“Good heavens, call me James. I,” he said with a wink at his wife, “was the embodiment of perfection. I needed no pet name. Nor did Marcus and Tynan. It was only the younger brothers who required them. You should have seen them when they were boys. Caleb was all arms and legs.”
She nodded in comprehension. “Ah, hence the name Squid.”
“Rom, Finn, Joshua, and Ronan were skinny, ill-behaved nuisances with spindly legs that could barely hold them up. They were always hopping about, always underfoot.”
She nodded again. “Tadpoles. Obviously.”
James smiled at her. “Exactly.”
Romulus sat back and listened to her jesting exchange with his brother. She could see the relief and joy glistening in his eyes as he watched them chatting. Perhaps she’d also imbibed a little too much wine, for every time Romulus looked at her, she felt a rush of heat through her body.
She knew she’d imbibed too much when the family gathered in Lady Miranda’s parlor after supper and Romulus’s cousins goaded her into singing a song. “Choose one we know, and we’ll sing along with you,” Joshua said.
She chose a country ballad about a frog who went courting, knowing only Romulus would get the full meaning in her choice. He was not only one of the Brayden tadpoles, he was her test frog as well. Without musical accompaniment of piano or harp, she and his cousins sang about the bullfrog wooing his female frog love. His cousins held their sides, laughing hysterically when Violet sang the female frog verses to Romulus in a lovingly seductive croak.
Even Romulus laughed heartily.
Sophie and Abigail cheered.
Miranda gave her another suffocating hug when the evening was over, and it was time for Romulus to escort her and Lady Dayne back to Chipping Way. Romulus assisted Lady Dayne into his carriage and then put his hands around Violet’s waist to help her up. “Lord, you’re beautiful,” he whispered. “But you’ve also had a little too much to drink.”
She meant to deny it, but the carriage seemed to spin in front of her, and his touch immediately turned her blood fiery. “I–”
She hiccupped.
Romulus settled her securely, making certain her back was firmly resting against the squabs before he released her. But she wasn’t so drunk that she did not notice the twitch of his shapely mouth in amusement or the heated look in his eyes as his gaze raked over her body. He was no less affected in touching her than she was in experiencing his touch.
The way his hands had curled around her waist and lingered, she knew he desired her with fiery passion. Since they were both burning with desire, she wondered if he could be convinced to explore that passion further.
Had they been alone in the carriage, Violet would have leaped onto his lap and smothered him with kisses the moment the carriage drew away from Miranda’s gate. She supposed this was why young ladies were never permitted out of their homes without a chaperone.
She sat beside Lady Dayne, so that her kindly neighbor could not see the unrestrainedly heated glances she was casting at Romulus. But he could see them. The look he cast back turned her body into an incandescent flame.
Good heavens! This man!
Fortunately, Romulus was not nearly as giddy as she was, so he chatted amiably with Lady Dayne for the rest of their short journey. When the carriage reached Chipping Way, he dropped Lady Dayne home first, and then walked Violet next door to return her to her uncle’s house. They’d just closed the front gate behind them when Romulus took her in his arms and kissed her with enough steam to make her toes curl.
It was a deep, intensely hungry kiss that would have had the family shotguns out and pointed at his head if ever they were caught. His hands roamed over her body, but despite her befogged state, she realized he was not merely pawing her but memorizing every curve, every nuance of her body, as though he wanted to etch her into his brain.
No…into his heart.
The kiss was one of desperation and longing. It wasn’t merely an I-want-you kiss. No, this kiss was a farewell kiss.
It could only mean he was leaving her soon. There was no other possible explanation. He had been called back to duty and ordered to leave before the week was out. Tipsy as she was, she understood the import of his kiss.
“Romulus,” she said breathlessly when he took his lips off hers and began to trail kisses along the curve of her neck, pausing to suckle on a sensitive spot just below her ear. “Oh, my.”
She sighed in delight, only to return to her senses a moment later. “You must tell me.”
“Tell you what?” He drew her body closer so they were molded to each other. She felt the heat and yearning building between them.
“About the meeting at the Admiralty. I am not so foggy-brained I’ve forgotten.” But she was certainly in danger of losing her reason as he continued to suckle the sensitive spot on her neck. If any girl needed a chaperone right now, it was her. She would have allowed him to take her right here on the grass, the ache she felt for him was that strong. “What happened? You must tell me, Romulus. No secrets between us.”
He sighed and reluctantly stopped nibbling her neck. “They’ve assigned me to another ship. Marry me tomorrow, Violet.”
She blinked, the comment sobering her quickly. “Tomorrow? Why?”
“Because it may be only a matter of a few hours before I’m ordered to leave London.”
“For Cornwall?”
She felt every bit of his frustration, for his tension seeped into her bones as he continued to hold her. It was as though he feared to let her go, needing to keep himself anchored so neither of them could float away. “I’m told I will be given command of The Song of the Ocean.”
“What does this mean?” She understood the jest in a ship having the word ‘Song’ in it, but there was more significance to the name.
“It is the escort vessel to the fleet admiral’s flagship.”
“Oh, Romulus, what an honor!” She studied his features. He had looked glum all afternoon and even more so now. “Isn’t it an honor?”
He nodded. “Yes, it’s what I’d hoped for during my years of service. But not anymore. Chasing pirates off the coast of Cornwall is one thing. I’m never more than a few days’ ride from home. But the Lord Admiral and his flagship are often sent on diplomatic missions around the world. At any moment, I could be given duties that may keep me away from you for years.”
She gasped. “Years?”
“I know it isn’t fair of me to ask, but I must. I want you for my wife, Violet. I can’t lose you. I couldn’t bear it.”
“Nor could I.” She slid her hands around his neck. “Romulus, you won’t
ever lose me. My heart is yours forever. I don’t need a book to tell me this. If we marry, would I be allowed to sail with you?”
“Into danger? Blessed saints! Do you think I would ever agree to put your life in peril?”
A shudder ran through her. “Then this posting is dangerous, not merely diplomacy.”
He groaned. “I don’t know. One never knows who or what one might encounter when sailing around the world.”
“You’ll be on the ocean then? Yes, of course. The ship is called Song of the Ocean, so that’s where you shall sail. No short forays off the Cornwall coast.” She meant to say more, but the wine she’d imbibed and her sharp intake of air caused her to hiccup again.
“The Plover, that was my ship, will soon have a new captain to sail her along the Cornwall coast.”
“Why not keep you there in your new vessel?”
“Song of the Ocean is too mighty a frigate to be used merely to chase down local pirates. Besides, she’s too big for most Cornish harbors. Her hull would break apart upon the rocks.”
She blinked, struggling to make sense of it all. But her mind was in a fog, her brain dulled when she needed to be sober to fully understand the implications of his assignment. She couldn’t have had more than two or three glasses of wine, but she’d never had more than half a glass before. It was surprising how quickly the smooth liquid could flow into one’s head and make it spin.
Of course, it explained why her inhibitions were loosened enough to play along with Romulus’s cousins and half sing, half croak that silly frog song. But there was no silliness now. She was not going to play the coy miss and lose Romulus, perhaps for years.
Dear heaven, perhaps forever if he was killed in battle. “Would you consider resigning your commission?”
He drew her tighter in his embrace. “Do you want me to?”
“I cannot give you an answer. I don’t understand what the assignment means for you, so the decision must be yours. I will support your choice, no matter the consequences. But I want you to do what pleases you, not what you think will please me.”
“Even if it means we’d be apart for years while I’m escorting the Lord Admiral on his diplomatic missions to India or China?”
She nodded. “Even if it means that…but only if it makes you happy to be doing this.”
“Our years apart would not be wasted. When I return, I’ll likely be made an admiral of the fleet.”
“Your reason to be,” she said in a whisper, wanting him and not his accolades. But this was part of who Romulus was, a man wrapped up in honor and duty and love of the sea.
He kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Never mind, Violet. I realize I am asking too much of you. It isn’t fair that we should marry tomorrow and then not see each other for years. Nor is it fair to deprive you of having your parents and sister present to witness the most important day of your life.”
“Romulus, there is no choice.”
He nodded. “I know. Sorry I raised it.”
“You misunderstand. My Aunt Sophie is a marvel. If anyone can organize a wedding party by tomorrow afternoon, it is she. A simple one, of course. Only immediate family presently in London. I don’t want to wait either. My sister is ripe as a melon, expecting her and Nathaniel’s second child any moment now. I doubt she will travel in her delicate condition, nor will Nathaniel dare to leave her side. My parents won’t be back from their trip for at least another month. Perhaps longer. I will marry you now. This instant, if it is possible. I’d rather have a day with you as your wife than a lifetime with anyone else.”
She cast him a smile filled with all the love she held in her heart. “I don’t need to read a book to know this. Whatever happens, I’m yours and will always be.”
He kissed her on the lips, a gentle kiss this time, one filled with sweetness and a lingering relief. “Let’s talk to your aunt and uncle. Are they home? Or have they gone out for the evening?”
“Home.”
He held her back a moment when Pruitt opened the front door to allow them in. “Thank you, Violet,” he said softly. “I’m so sorry, but if this new posting is made official, it is also possible I’ll be missing your recital.”
Goodness, she hadn’t thought of that.
She could get over his missing it. What she would not get over was never seeing him again. She knew it was eating at his insides as much as it was eating at hers. She was ready to burst into tears, but force herself to put on a brave facade. She did not want him to remember her as a watering pot. “You won’t be there for my recital?”
He nodded. “Probably not. I’m so sorry.”
She looked up at him, her eyebrows arched and a skeptical look on her face, knowing how much he detested these evening musicales. But he would have endured for her sake. She would do the same for him. She forced a slow smile to her lips, shaking her head with a merriment she did not feel. She shook her head and chuckled lightly. “No, you’re not.”
Chapter Thirteen
Romulus did not expect John or Sophie Farthingale to be happy about his desire to make Violet his wife within a day. However, he knew they had no choice but to accept. The betrothal contract had been signed. Consents all around had been given. Lady Withnall was still a loose, gossiping cannon.
Protecting Violet was all that mattered.
If his duties called him away for the next year or two, Violet would remain at risk of ruin if word got out about the bee incident and she was still unmarried.
The matter was simple and obvious. He had to marry Violet now. It was the only way to protect her, no matter what might befall him. “Very well,” John said with a sigh, turning to Sophie. “Can you manage on such short notice, my love?”
Violet’s aunt smiled at all of them. “I adore weddings. I’ll be ready by four o’clock tomorrow afternoon. You had all better show up on time or Mrs. Mayhew and I will be quite put out.”
She immediately jumped into action, rattling off a list of what needed to be done. Romulus was not allowed to move from his seat before giving her a list of his family to be invited.
“I’ll leave the official license paperwork to you men. Who will officiate the ceremony? Oh, I suppose it doesn’t matter. I’ll leave that task to you men as well.”
Romulus nodded. “I’ll take care of it, Mrs. Farthingale.”
She gave a curt nod and turned to Violet. “We will have to pack your belongings and move them next door. Good thing you’re only moving one house down. When your trunks are packed, Amos will carry them over.” She shook her head and smiled. “Good thing he’s the size of an ox. He’ll manage it in one trip. Oh, Captain Brayden, will you have Violet’s quarters ready? Shall I send over–”
Romulus had been holding Violet’s hand all the while and now gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’ve hired Mrs. Mayhew’s nieces, Cora and Mary. They’ll take care of unpacking Violet’s belongings. Everything will be in good order for her.”
Violet cast him the softest smile. “I’ll hop back and forth between the houses. We’ll get everything done in time. Whatever isn’t moved tomorrow can always be moved the following day. I’m not going far.”
In truth, this eased Romulus greatly. Although he was eager to have Violet in his arms and in his bed, their bliss would only last for a night or two. Perhaps three. After that, he’d be gone, and she would be alone in the house.
The staff would be there, of course.
But Violet would not have him beside her. He did not like to leave her alone and unprotected.
She’d spoken earlier of two more Farthingale cousins arriving shortly for their come-outs. He’d make certain to have his guest rooms cleaned and furnished so that Belle and Honey could stay with Violet while he was away.
He’d ask Finn to stop by every day to make certain all was well. He was involved in the charity recital anyway, so it was a plausible excuse for him to come around, at least until the business of the recital was over. James and Sophie would look in on Violet often, although James did no
t always have good days. Many times, he was bedridden and in pain.
Romulus felt the familiar ache to his heart at the thought of his brother’s constant pain. He would impose on them as little as possible.
As for his sister, Gabrielle, she was married and had her own brood to worry about. Besides, she and her husband lived outside of London. Well, he’d put all the Brayden cousins to work looking after Violet whenever James and Sophie couldn’t. The Farthingale clan would also be close at hand, as would Lady Dayne. At some point, Violet’s parents would return from their extended trip and lend her a hand.
Lord, would his in-laws move into his home permanently?
He stifled a grimace, determined to endure if it made Violet happy.
Yes, both families would look after her in his absence. He’d get their oaths on it. He’d be mad with worry otherwise.
“I’ll send my portfolio of songs to Lord Forester with my apologies that I cannot meet him and his sister tomorrow,” Violet said, breaking into his thoughts. “They can choose the songs without me. They don’t need my input. I’ll sing whichever ones they select. Finn can meet with them to discuss the financial arrangements and set up the charity bank account. Dillie and Daisy have already volunteered to help with the donors since they know everyone in town.”
She sighed. “I suppose this recital is a good thing in more ways than one. It will keep me busy while you prepare to leave.”
Romulus merely grunted. It bothered him that she would be around Forester and his sister, but he said nothing. After all, this recital was important to her, and he had no intention of undermining it. Also, Violet’s aunt had the wedding arrangements well in hand. There was little Violet could do to contribute when Sophie Farthingale was a master at last minute arrangements for a horde of unexpected guests.
Singing was Violet’s solace. If it helped her get through losing a husband within a day or two of marrying him, who was he to complain? What would she do once the recital was over? He hoped they would have the chance to discuss it before he was called away.
