by Alyssa Drake
He swore again. The horse moved at such a slow pace, it seemed as though he were traveling backward. Honestly, she was the most frustratingly, obstinate woman he had ever met. When he arrived at the country estate, the first thing he was going to do was take her over his knee. Perhaps she needed a good spanking. He rubbed the scar on his hand and allowed himself a small smile.
Benjamin arrived at Hastings Manor before breakfast. He leapt from his horse, allowing it to wander toward the lake. Pounding on the door, Benjamin held his breath. Please be here. After a few moments of silence, he pounded on the door again.
“Hello,” he called.
The door creaked open partially, and an elderly woman glared at him from the recesses of the house. “Yes,” she asked, her voice still tainted with sleep. “May I help you?”
“I hope so,” Benjamin answered. “I am looking for Miss Hastings.”
“Sir, the hour is rather early. However, the lady in question is not currently at this residence.” The woman moved to close the door again, but Benjamin placed his hand on the frame.
“Please, Madam,” Benjamin pleaded.
“Mrs. Caldwell,” the housekeeper offered.
“Mrs. Caldwell,” repeated Benjamin. “This is extremely important. Please tell her Lord Westwood needs to speak with her urgently.”
She sighed and opened the door a little wider. “My Lord, unfortunately, Miss Hastings is currently in town with Mrs. Hastings. I am sorry you traveled all this way.”
Damn.
Benjamin thanked the housekeeper for her assistance and turned away, his face paling. Why had she not arrived yet? Benjamin fretted as he dashed toward the lake and his horse. Even if she had walked, which Benjamin assumed she had, he would have passed her on the road. He did not meet one soul. Unless she took a different route–he paused and shook his head. Of course, Miss Hastings would have forged her own path.
His mind wandered back to his mother’s estate, trying to imagine Miss Hastings this morning. He followed her out the front door and watched her glance toward the main road, then to her right. The second direction, through the elegant gardens, would place her next to the stream which ran along the western edge of Hastings Manor. Benjamin turned his horse and set off at a gallop.
Ten minutes later, he spied her, relief flooding his body. She wandered along the bank, her bare feet splashing in the water. Swinging precariously in one hand were both her shoes. Lost in her thoughts, she did not look up as Benjamin approached.
He longed to rage at her, but he found himself distracted by her cheeks, colored a sweet pink from the cool morning air. As she kicked the water, her hips swayed seductively. He forced himself to remain seated atop his horse. The desire to crush her to his mouth was overwhelming. Deliciously wicked thoughts swam through his mind. His eyes hungrily traveled the length of her body, bringing forward memories of the previous evening—her soft skin warming under his touch, the sweet taste of strawberries.
His intense gaze caused Miss Hastings to glance up. She gasped, the pink intensifying to a delightful berry hue. Glancing to her left and right, she appeared to be considering her surroundings. Benjamin wondered if she were planning an escape route. He dismounted and approached her cautiously as if she were a wild animal.
“You left without saying goodbye.”
His comment caught her off-guard. She opened her mouth, flustered. Apparently, this was not the statement she had expected to hear. “Is Edward alright?”
“Edward? Edward is fine. I am talking about you.”
“Me?” she asked, her brow wrinkled.
“Yes, you. Why did you leave?”
“Leave?” she repeated.
“Are you going to reiterate everything I say?” Benjamin asked, closing the distance between them until he could reach out and touch her, yet he forced his arms to remain by his side.
Miss Hastings shook her head. “No.”
“Then why did you leave?”
“With Edward returned, I am not needed as a chaperone anymore.”
“Edward was worried,” replied Benjamin. Or at least Edward would be worried when he discovered her missing from Westwood Estate.
“I will send my apologies,” she answered with a sigh.
“You did not need to leave,” whispered Benjamin. “You could find yourself a husband.”
Miss Hastings snorted. “I have no desire to marry.”
Benjamin smiled wearily. “I have been told thus.”
“Therefore, there is no reason for me to remain.”
“Edward wants you near him. He will come after you, and he will not rest until you are wed, happily or not.”
Miss Hastings stared at the water for a moment. “I do not believe he would have me unhappily wed.”
“But he would have you wed. Believe me, you will not get a moment’s peace once Edward starts interviewing suitors.”
Her shoulders slumped in agreement. “I was hoping distance would discourage him.”
Benjamin shook his head. “You are lucky it was me who discovered your letters and not your brother.”
“Edward is a little overprotective,” she replied. She heaved a second sigh and sank down onto the riverbank, pulling her knees to her chest. “He is never going to let me out of the house again.”
“I have a plan,” Benjamin interrupted her melancholy, sitting on the grass next to her.
She glanced at him warily. “What do you suggest?”
“Marry me,” the words tumbled from his lips and hung in the air between them. Benjamin stared at her, waiting for her reaction.
“Pardon?” Miss Hastings’ eyes flew to his face, judging the seriousness of his request.
“Marry me.” As he said the words again, he began to believe his plan might actually work. He rushed on, not allowing her time to protest.
“Think about it. You would not need to spend any time with ridiculous suitors who are only interested in your money. You would not have to attend many society functions. You could spend your days in the country and do as you please.”
Miss Hastings chewed her lower lip; he took that as a good sign. A light breeze blew some tendrils into her face, and she swiped at them.
“Why do you want to marry me?”
Benjamin looked away briefly, contemplating how much of the truth he wanted to reveal. “I need an heir before my thirtieth birthday.”
“Yes, but why me?” she persisted. “There are plenty of suitable women—prettier, wealthier, more inclined toward marriage and children.”
Benjamin paused and flashed a grin. “You are independent, intelligent, and frustratingly stubborn. Plus, you dislike the idea of marriage as much as I do.”
Miss Hastings’ lips twitched. “Those are not typical qualities a man wants in his wife.”
Benjamin leveled his gaze, his eyes burning intensely. “I am not a typical man.”
Standing, Miss Hastings paced several yards away, her eyebrows knitted together in deep thought. Unconsciously, she loosened her hold on her shoes. They fell, forgotten, in the grass as she walked. Periodically, she glanced at Benjamin but then continued her slow pace. She paused and sighed again.
“Benjamin,” she spoke softly, approaching him slowly, kneeling on the grass next to him.
The word sent sparks flying down his spine—his name whispered on her lips like a prayer. Lord, this woman boiled his blood, sliding under his skin. driving him insane. Whatever she wanted, he would give it to her.
She turned her sapphire eyes on him. “Tell me the truth.”
Except that.
“What do you mean?”
“You must have left shortly after I did. Why rush? We could have discussed this after I returned home.” She stared at him. Benjamin could see the answer forming in her mind.
“Am I in danger?”
Benjamin’s thoughts jumbled around her question. He wondered how she came to the solution so quickly. She must have heard part of his conversation with Edward. He sighed heavi
ly, running his hand through his hair.
“How much did you overhear?”
“The part about the monastery.”
“Then, yes, you are in extreme danger.”
“Is this marriage your idea or Edward’s?”
“It is mine. I have not spoken with Edward about it yet.”
“That will be an interesting discussion.” A ghost of a smile crossed Miss Hastings’ lips. “If I agree to this, how do you intend on keeping me safe?”
“Well, we will have to return to town for a while. There will be some planning and of course, a ceremony, nothing too rushed–a suitable engagement period. You will remain at Edward’s house until the ceremony, then at mine after the marriage is finalized. Once we catch the monster…”
“Benjamin,” Miss Hastings interrupted; raw pain in her wide eyes. “Who murdered my father?”
Benjamin shook his head. That was one answer he wished he could give her. “We do not know.”
“Why was he killed?”
“We do not know.”
“What do you know?” Miss Hastings asked patiently.
“The doctor who attended your father, Dr. Barnes, was paid very handsomely to rule the death as natural causes. He wrote a letter on his deathbed to Edward. My guess is he wanted to clear his conscience.”
“What did the letter say?”
“The letter stated he was paid by a man named Mr. Smith to lie about your father’s death. The truth is your father was poisoned.”
“Is that why Edward wanted to visit France?”
Benjamin smiled. “You are quite shrewd. I think you are much smarter than Edward gives you credit for.”
She blushed and looked away from Benjamin’s intimate stare.
“Yes, Edward was going to France to interview Dr. Barnes. According to his source, the doctor relocated there shortly after your father’s death.”
“Is that why Edward was attacked?”
“We think so.”
“Did he speak with Dr. Barnes?”
“No. Edward’s arrival in France was delayed; Dr. Barnes had already died.”
“Natural causes,” mused Miss Hastings with a hint of sarcasm.
“Apparently.”
“If you capture the man prior to our wedding?” Miss Hastings turned her head away, watching the water gurgle for several silent moments. Benjamin waited patiently while she formulated her thoughts. When she turned back, a dismal expression clouded her face.
“Would you not prefer a more suitable woman?” her voice cracked, and she looked away again.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly. Tilting her face until she looked at him, Benjamin pressed his forehead to hers. Miss Hastings sat very still, her blue eyes filled with unasked questions and a touch of sadness.
“Samantha, I find you very suitable.” His lips brushed over hers. Pulling away, he grinned. “However, there is one condition to our agreement.”
“Which is?”
“You are never to attack me with an epee again.”
She laughed. “There is one flaw with your perfect plan.”
“What is that?” A knot formed in his stomach.
“Edward would never allow me to marry a notorious rake like you.”
“Does that mean you will accept?”
“Yes,” nodded Miss Hastings and Benjamin released the breath he had been holding for the past few minutes. “However, it is up to you to convince Edward of your honorable intentions.”
“Not all my intentions are honorable,” Benjamin replied with a wink.
“Your intentions regarding me,” clarified Miss Hastings.
“Those are definitely not honorable,” rumbled Benjamin in return, snaking his arms around her. He pulled her closer, his lips descending on her exposed neck. She moaned, leaning against him.
“You are distracting me,” she murmured, her eyes half-closed.
“Good,” Benjamin replied silkily, nuzzling her once more, before reluctantly releasing his grasp. Now was not the time, he told himself sternly, fighting back wayward thoughts.
“However, I must speak to Edward,” Benjamin stated as he stood quickly and took several steps toward his horse who wandered nearby grazing happily. Benjamin stopped several meters away from Miss Hastings and looked at her motionless figure. “We will need to leave immediately.”
“Immediately?” She glanced at the riverbank.
“Yes. I left a note telling Edward I would meet him–with you–at the townhouse. We must return as soon as possible.”
Miss Hastings nodded and shivered. Looking around the embankment, she spied her shoes lying haphazardly in the grass. She scooped them up and slipped them over her wet feet. Benjamin heard Miss Hastings sigh, the sound tugging at his heart. He took her hands in his, lifting her fingers to his mouth, kissing each one in succession.
“Samantha.” The name felt like heaven on his lips. “You will be home again soon,” he vowed, wrapping his arms around her, wishing they had more time together. However, Edward would be waiting and extremely anxious to see his sister. Surely, the letters would have been discovered by now. Reluctantly he released his hold.
Benjamin mounted his horse, lifting her up behind him. She hiked up the skirt of her dress to straddle the horse and lightly placed her hands around his waist. Her touch sent a shiver through his body. Adjusting her hem to cover her legs, Miss Hastings nuzzled her face into Benjamin’s shirt, choosing to remain silent during the entire ride back to the Hastings’ townhouse. Benjamin did not press her; her sadness was palpable.
“Miss Hastings,” Mr. Walton greeted them at the door.
“Mr. Walton,” replied Miss Hastings with a tight smile. “Has my brother arrived yet?”
“Yes, Miss Hastings,” answered Mr. Walton. “We were all very worried about your disappearance.”
“I think I should speak to Edward first before he releases his temper on you,” suggested Benjamin.
“Watch out for his right hand,” Miss Hastings called after Benjamin. She turned and disappeared up the stairs.
Her warning held more truth than Benjamin expected. Edward ushered Benjamin into the study and waited anxiously for Benjamin’s explanation of his sister’s abrupt departure. No sooner had Benjamin informed Edward of the marriage proposal, then Edward punched him squarely in the face, a dark bruise forming immediately. Benjamin swore loudly, ducking the next blow.
“Edward,” Benjamin began, holding his hands in front of his body as he hastily stepped away from his friend. “Edward, I did nothing to her.”
Except kiss her soundly—twice—Benjamin thought to himself. Samantha’s face swam in his mind, passion highlighting her features. He ducked as Edward lunged toward him again.
Finally comprehending Benjamin’s statement, Edward paused, mid-swing and stared critically at Benjamin for a moment. “Nothing?”
“Nothing,” replied Benjamin.
“Why do you want to marry her?”
“I am a far better choice than the other suitors who have shown interest.”
“Some might argue that point differently, given your past history,” retorted Edward, his hands still clenched.
“Edward, be reasonable.” Benjamin continued holding his arms up to block any future blows from Edward. “I can keep her safe. It gives us time to figure out who is behind your father’s murder without worrying about your headstrong sister running off again. Honestly, how many people can you trust right now?”
Edward paused, anger still radiating from every pore. He appeared to consider Benjamin’s argument, then tilted his head and glared at Benjamin. “And after this ordeal is over? What happens then?”
“She keeps Hastings Manor, I keep my title. Everyone is happy.”
Edward collapsed in a nearby chair with a heavy sigh. He studied the glass on Benjamin’s desk and glanced up at his friend who wisely kept his silence and his distance. “Do you love her?”
“As much as a man can love a woman.”
&nbs
p; Edward’s features softened as he looked at his friend’s earnest face. “When did that happen?”
Benjamin shrugged, remaining out of range of Edward’s fists. “I do not know, somewhere between her epee and your right hook.”
“Does she love you?”
“I do not know.”
Edward looked at him quizzically. “How could you not know?”
“Edward. She said yes,” Benjamin stated. “What more can you ask? I will protect her.”
“I suppose so.” Edward looked at the swelling around Benjamin’s eye. He rose, filled a glass with ice and handed the tumbler to Benjamin. “Sorry about the eye.”
Benjamin smiled warily. “She did warn me.”
“Samantha!” bellowed Edward as he opened the door and leaned out into the hallway. “Get down here. Now!”
Chapter Sixteen
“Where have you been?” Wilhelmina’s shrill voice echoed into the bedchamber.
Sam, head buried in her traveling chest, glanced up guiltily. “I left a note.”
“Some note,” snorted Wilhelmina, closing the door behind her. “We left the Westwood estate early this morning without any indication of your safety.”
“I would have sent a note as soon as I arrived.” Sam frowned, diving into the trunk again, returning to her task of searching for a dress. Her current one, covered in mud, dragged scrapes of the fraying hem along the floor.
“You should have told me you were unhappy.” Wilhelmina sniffed, kneeling on the floor next to the truck. “I would have let you go back a long time ago.”
Sam’s head popped up again. It was not her intention to hurt Wilhelmina. “My desire to return home had nothing to do with either you or those sweet girls. It was just…everything was so overwhelming.”
Wilhelmina sifted through the clothing, silent for several moments. “Why did you come back then?” she asked, her eyes raising to Sam’s.
