The Long Awaited Lord

by Deborah Wilson

  He chuckled. His hands settled on her knees. Then he thrust her legs wide. “How could I refuse you?”

  Yes!

  He was such a good husband. She’d thought it over a dozen times in the fortnight since the wedding. When Leo was home, he was attentive and affectionate. He’d only left once. They were the longest five days of her life, but then he’d returned and everything was once again perfect.

  There was a tenderness in Leo she hadn’t known existed. She recalled his callousness during her time at Matthew’s house and tried to compare him to the sweet man she called husband.

  He was different in some ways. The same in others. Still studious. Still passionate about whatever task he set out to do. Like making love to her.

  Leo kissed her mouth. Edmond fussed. No!

  His fingers bit into her thighs. His voice was rough. “I’ll be quick.”

  “Yes!” she cried.

  He was a very good husband but naughty at times.

  She liked when he was naughty…

  When they were done, Madison reached Edmond just as his fusses turned to a cry.

  * * *

  She woke again hours later to sunlight and silence. She was tempted to stay as she was, but she was curious to know if Leo had returned.

  She sat up and looked at the crib. Edmond was gone, which meant Leo was home.

  She freshened up and found her family in the kitchen. Leo was in his shirt and breeches but no jacket or boots. He wasn’t planning on leaving any time soon. He held a letter in his hands and whatever he was reading displeased him.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He looked at her. “We’ve been summoned by my family.”

  Summoned? Madison didn’t think such a thing possible. How did one summon a man like Leo? When he’d left for his five-day journey last week, she’d asked him not to go.

  He’d refused her, so she hadn’t asked again.

  She had a feeling he needed time to adjust to being a husband. She wanted to make it easy for him, but she’d missed him when he was gone. Already, she worried he’d go away again and then for how long?

  “I didn’t know you were close to your family. You only ever mention seeing Wess.” He’d visited Wess while he’d been away. Madison thought it sweet how much he cared for the talented orphan.

  “I have brothers,” he said absentmindedly. The statement didn’t answer her question. Were they close?

  “And a grandmother,” he said. “She’s quite upset that I have yet to present you to her. The news from the Oxford papers must have reached Venmont.”

  “You mean you didn’t tell them yourself?”

  Edmond chose that moment to start fussing and Madison picked him up and settled into the chair across from Leo.

  Leo folded the paper and stood. “I’ll get you something to eat.” He moved away.

  She looked down at Edmond.

  But then Leo placed a finger under her chin, tilted her head up, and kissed her.

  The tightness in her shoulders fled. She was upset that he hadn’t told his family about her and Edmond. It had been two weeks. Of course, they were upset. They had every right to be.

  Why hadn’t he told them about her? Was he ashamed of her?

  But his kiss stole her anger and made her feel less unsettled about her place in his life.

  He pulled away and held her eyes. “Whatever terrible thought just went through your mind, banish it. You are perfect and I love you. I didn’t tell them about you because I’m selfish, and I want to keep you all to myself.”

  She smiled. “I love it when you say that.”

  “Say what?”

  “I love you.”

  He smiled. “I never thought I’d feel this way much less ever say the words, but. you make it so easy. You expose your heart to me even though I’ve hurt you in the past. You’re not ashamed to tell me that you need me or that you feel safe with me, but it is you who make me feel safe. You have given me a home with you and Edmond, a place I finally feel… settled in. You see me as good. You keep trusting me. The least I can do is trust you back.”

  Looking into his eyes, she realized that she would never be the same if this man were to leave her, whether it be by choice or death. She’d known him for a shorter time than she’d known Judd, yet she knew Leo’s absence from her life would destroy her.

  “How did you know I was upset earlier?” She thought she’d hidden it well. She didn’t want to chase him away. She wanted him to stay.

  “In my line of work, I’ve become very good at reading people.” He caressed her cheek. His eyes were soft. “You were upset when I left last week.”

  She pulled away.

  He brought her face back to him. “I’m sorry. I had to see Wess.”

  “When do I get to meet Wess?”

  He was silent, but only for a moment. “Soon.”

  “Did you tell Wess about me?” Did you tell him about Edmond?

  He let her go and went to make her a plate. “I’ve… never been in this situation before. I don’t know how he’ll take it.”

  She frowned. “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t he be happy for you? Shouldn’t he be glad for you?”

  He kept his back to her. “It’s… complicated.”

  Madison shook her head. “I think you’re complicating it.” Why did this boy hold so much power? She took a mental note to ask Leo how he and Wess met.

  He brought her over a plate and then sat back down. Leaning an elbow on the table, he held his chin in his hand and sighed. “Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I am complicating things. I tend to keep portions of my life separate from others.”

  “I want to be part of every portion of your life.”

  He smiled and Madison’s heart leapt. He was so striking. She wanted him even now.

  “You’re the only person who knows about Wess,” he said. “Not even my brothers know.”

  That warmed Madison’s heart. At least he’d given her something special and she knew Wess was special to him.

  He crossed his arms on the table and gave a very direct look. “Madison, it’s all right to be upset with me. Don’t hide it anymore. I know there are men who praise their wives for their silence, but that is not what I want. I want you. I want you to share your thoughts with me. I don’t want my wife fearing me.”

  Her heart raced. “I don’t fear you. I fear not having you.”

  He moved and knelt at her feet. “You’ll always have me.” He looked at Edmond and then at her again. “Both of you. I love you.”

  When Edmond detached from her, Leo took him, placed him against his chest, and began to pat his back.

  She smiled up at them and admitted a part of her wished to keep them away from the rest of the world as well. Two weeks and she’d yet to venture back out into Society. The Season would begin in a matter of weeks and her mother assumed Madison would be going to London to join the Season— why, Madison didn’t know.

  She knew Leo would be going. Business, he’d said. She wanted to speak to him about that. He’d yet to give the school an answer on the professorship. She hoped he took it and got out of whatever else he was in.

  She decided to focus on family for the moment. “How soon must you answer your summons?”

  His good expression died. “A fortnight. There is the final hunt before the Season begins. My brother hosts it every year. A very select number of lords and their wives join, but I’ve a feeling the number could be bigger this year.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s recently married and he’s yet figured out how to tell his wife no and not feel terrible about it later.” Leo smiled. “It’s rare that Oliver and I have something in common.”

  Was he saying that he felt terrible for telling Madison no? Was he referring to the way he’d left?

  She stood. “I suppose it’s good that my mother ordered all those dresses for the Season. She thinks you’re taking me with you to London. I told her we haven’t discussed it yet.”

&nb
sp; “You’ll be attending,” he told her.

  She gasped. “Really? I’m going with you?”

  He narrowed his eyes, watching her. “I didn’t know you cared for the Season so much.”

  “I don’t. I just want to be with you.”

  A look fell over him, and she could see his love for her burning in his irises.

  “Go take account of what you have and what you’ll need for the journey. I’ll clean up here.”

  “We could get a maid,” she said. “After all, we are wealthy.” When he’d presented her with his allowance after their wedding, she’d refused. She hadn’t believed his story of great wealth.

  But then he’d showed her the small account record he kept on hand.

  Leo was a walking goldmine.

  “I like it like this.” He looked around their kitchen and then at her. “In London, I’ll get staff, but when we’re here…”

  She touched his arm and smiled. “I understand. I like it this way as well. Just the three of us.”

  “Yes, the three…” Something flashed in his eyes. She was about to ask what he was thinking when he said, “We’ll rent a townhouse. I think I like the idea of having something of my own while I’m there.”

  She couldn’t imagine how he’d been living before. He bent to kiss her.

  No matter what, they’d have each other.

  ∫ ∫ ∫

  3 7

  * * *

  Madison took a deep breaths as she and Leo stepped over Mr. Collins’ threshold. They were leaving for Venmont tomorrow, but when word got around about Leo’s departure, Mr. Collins insisted that he come to his home before he departed.

  Mr. Collins lived well. His home was grand and done in warm shades of red, brown, and dark green. There were people everywhere. Madison recognized many as the staff and Hebdomadal Board. One of the school proctors was speaking. His gaze caught Madison’s before he turned away.

  As the school’s head of discipline, she could only imagine what his punishment for her would be—if women were allowed to attend at all.

  She saw young Lord Anson and remembered that his father had died a month ago. The young man, who Madison thought nearly seventeen, didn’t look happy. He kept his blond head low and his gray eyes averted from the crowd.

  It didn’t appear as though the carriage accident had left him with any visible injuries. He was blessed to be alive. When their eyes locked, Madison offered him a small smile and put her hand on her heart.

  He surprised her when he crossed his arms, giving her an expression that said, “I wish I were anywhere but here.”

  She nodded and wondered if he could see her displeasure as well.

  Madison hadn’t wanted to come, but Leo had already decided that if she was not welcomed in his home then Leo had no intention of going himself.

  “You are my wife. To reject you is to reject me,” he’d told her last night.

  She’d wanted to stay with Edmond, but she took comfort in knowing he’d be safe with her parents. Her mother had been ecstatic and as Madison knew, there was no greater mother than her own.

  She’d only come because, in spite of what the town thought of her, she wanted Leo to take the position at the school. She wanted him to teach and to leave whatever other ‘business’ he was involved in and she knew he was interested in doing so.

  “Lord Leonard Childs. I’m glad you and Lady Madison could join us,” Mr. Collins shook her husband’s hand. Then he bowed at Madison. The smile he gave Madison didn’t reach his eyes.

  Mrs. Collins was introduced and Madison was surprised to see she was a young woman she’d met at a rout a few years ago.

  Charity. She stood stiffly by her husband with her friends at her back. The woman was decades younger than her husband, only a few years older than Madison.

  And for some reason, Charity had never liked her. Madison remembered the woman being cold even all those years ago when not even a breath of scandal had touched Madison.

  Charity’s pretty chin was tilted haughtily and there was clear disapproval in her eyes. “Lady Hivers...” She gasped and blinked her pale brown eyes. “Oh, forgive me. I can barely keep track of things these days. I’m quite forgetful. Mrs. Childs, I mean. It is an honor.” She curtseyed.

  Madison’s face heated. She knew the woman could most definitely recall the story from the paper. She’d only said what she had to embarrass her.

  Leo took Madison’s hand and squeezed it supportively behind her skirts. “Mrs. Collins, forgive me for saying it, but you’ve something green on your teeth.” His tone was a loud whisper, a false gesture of privacy though he knew very well the room could hear it.

  At Mrs. Collin’s stricken face, Madison fought to keep her lips from tilting up.

  Mrs. Collin’s friends, however, failed.

  Mrs. Collin’s covered her mouth. “Impossible.”

  Leo’s face was the mirror of innocence. “Oh, forgive me then. Perhaps, it’s the tooth itself that’s green.” He turned to Mr. Collins. “I believe it was Plato who said something about physical health and mental health aligning with one another.” He looked at Mrs. Collins again, with pity. “We may forget many things, but personal care is important.”

  A mortified Mrs. Collins quickly excused herself and Leo did the same, escorting Madison further into the party and promising to speak to Mr. Collins later.

  Madison spoke once they were away from the foyer. “Leo, that was naughty.”

  “I know.” He frowned.

  “I do adore you when you’re naughty.”

  He stopped and turned to her. Her back hit the wall and though he didn’t press against her, she could see the hunger in his eyes. “Do you?”

  “Quoting Plato? You’re terrible.”

  He smiled. “But you liked it.”

  “I shouldn’t.” She smiled. “Be nice.”

  His smile fell. “I will not stand by and watch anyone insult you.”

  “And I adore you for standing up for me, but it’s simply not fair. Charity has always been rather silly and selfish. You’ve likely ruined her entire year and it’s only just begun.”

  Leo placed a hand on her hip that pointed away from the other guests. “My wife is very forgiving,” he declared.

  “I came hoping that was so,” a male voice said.

  Madison’s heart stilled, and she swung her head over to look at Matthew. He stood in the middle of the hall with his hands at his side. He was well-groomed, but there were circles under his eyes. He was not resting well, a

  nd a part of her was glad for it.

  There was a look of shame on his face. “Madison, I’d like to speak to you if I may.”

  Leo began to pull away.

  But Madison grabbed him and looked up at her husband. “Take me home.”

  “Madison, you should listen to what he has to say.”

  His betrayal struck her, wounded her.

  Leo took her hand and led her farther down the hall. “Wait there,” he said to Matthew.

  Once they were around the corner, Madison ripped her hand from Leo. “Did you invite him here?”

  “No, Madison. This is not my home.”

  “But you knew he would come.”

  He didn’t deny it. “If you recall, you were both invited the first time. If you make a scene, people will not believe our story.”

  She didn’t care about stories. She only cared for the truth. What he was asking her to do was impossible. The scars of Matthew’s treatment were still there. “He’s up to something. I don’t trust him. What does he want?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She immediately doubted his words. For some reason, her husband felt some sort of attachment to Matthew. “What is this about? Why do you take his side over and over again?”

  “Madison, I’m not taking his side.” He lowered his voice. “But I know the path you are going down. Revenge does not suit you. Don’t become Matthew… or me for that matter.” His expression was worried.


  Madison slowed her mind so she could concentrate on his words. “What do you mean like you? You’re wonderful.”

  He took her hands and kissed them beseechingly. “Madison, you are good. I’ve seen what this path does to people. Don’t go down it.”

  “Leo, what are you talking about?”

  “You’re good.” He kissed her hands again. “Don’t let him change that. Just listen to him. You know I’d never let him hurt you.”

  Madison swallowed. She supposed Matthew couldn’t hurt her now. He’d never struck her, but she had to ask, “What if he does hurt me?”

  “I’ll rip out his throat.” He lifted his hand when she tried to speak. “Revenge is what I do, but it’s a dark thing, Madison.”

  And from what she knew of his past, he’d been steeped in darkness from an early age.

  She wondered why it was her responsibility to be good. She supposed it was only right. She needed to forgive Matthew. She feared him and she didn’t like fearing him. She wanted to move on.

  “All right. I’ll speak to him, but you must stay with me.”

  Leo nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

  He returned with Matthew on his heels.

  Matthew kept his head low.

  Madison crossed her arms.

  Leo took a position on the opposite wall but remained close enough to jump in if Matthew got physical. Matthew had never hit her, but because of his cruelty, she put nothing past him. Neither abuse nor murder.

  “Madison.” Matthew’s shoulder lifted and fell with a great breath. Then he lifted his eyes. The pain in them was raw. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I forgive you.” There. The words were out.

  She waited for the feeling of relief to descend. It didn’t come. Perhaps it would once Matthew turned away. But he didn’t turn away.

  He scratched his head. “I suppose Leo told you why I wanted the baby to begin with.”

  “Leo didn’t have to tell me. You did. You wanted revenge.” Her anger roared back to life. “Judd was dead so you took it out on me.”

  “Yes,” he sighed, looking at Leo and then at her. “And no. I can’t have children, Madison.” He lifted a hand before she could voice her question. “I don’t wish to explain it in-depth, but it’s true. Edmond—”