by Grace Elliot
She withdrew her hand, her heart cold as stone. After such happiness, could she bear it if he hated her deceit? “No, this is important. Something you need to know about me, right now.”
To her relief he sat still. “If it matters to you, then tell me.”
Her heart tripped. Jack truly loved her, surely, he wouldn’t now hold being related to Devlin against her?
“The reason I came to London…”
“Yes.” Jack nuzzled her fingertips in a distracting way.
“Was because I was seeking…” In the lamplight she couldn’t read his face. What if he called her a liar? Would he then hate her? Fear trickled through her veins.
“Go on, my love.” He pulled her gloves, to reveal the sensitive skin of her inner wrist. With a heavy heart she lifted her gaze to his.
“The thing is…” This was too awful…could she bare his rejection?
“What is it my love?”
“The thing is…”
There could be no secrets between them, he had to know. She steeled herself.
“The thing is…”
As Eulogy gathered her courage, the barge bucked so violently and she fell sideways. Jack to was thrown, banging his shoulder against the canopy stanchions. Then the shallop jumped the other way, tossing the passengers like corks in a washtub.
The oarsmen cursed as they grappled with the oars, as they bobbed like flotsam in the wake of a passing ship.
On his hands and knees Jack made for Eulogy, stretched full length on her side.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she squeaked, trying to right herself.
“Damnation that was close.”
“What happened?”
“A ship, too close and too fast.”
The helmsman’s warning tore through the night.
“Hard to port! Ship ahead…collision course”
The passengers reeled to the other side of the barge; clammy river water slopped across Eulogy’s slippers.
The crew roared curses as a towering merchant ship rumbling dangerously close.
“She’s taking on water, sir.” The helmsman shouted. “Make for shore.”
Shaking with fear, Eulogy shrank into Jack’s embrace, closed her eyes and prayed for safety… the moment for confession quite gone.
-oO0Oo-
The following day was too beautiful, the winter sun too crisp and sharp, to spend loitering in bed. Eulogy rose, light headed with happiness, dressed in Farrell’s costume for the day and made her way downstairs.
“There you are, dear.” Mrs. Featherstone’s face lit up. “This was delivered for you not ten minutes ago along with this bouquet.”
Eulogy accepted the letter and tried not to look too delighted as she sniffed the fragrant red roses—hot house flowers, out of season and very expensive.
“Would you like me to put them in water, dear?”
“Oh could you? That would be wonderful. You’re so much better at flower arranging than me.”
As Mrs. Featherstone disappeared to fetch a vase, Eulogy opened her letter.
Outside the attic’s glass roof, ice-crystals gilded a spider’s web, but in the cozy warmth, Farrell toasted his hands before the fire. Behind him, on a low platform, Eulogy, swathed in huntress’s furs, settled into the pose.
“Like so?”
Farrell tipped his head.
“Aye, Mauvoreen, just so.” But instead of turning to his easel, he stared harder. “The pose is right but you look different. There’s a glow about yer.”
Her cheeks dimpled. “I have news…”
“Aye? News that you’re going to share?”
She glanced at him shyly, but Huntley had said it was no secret and she would just burst if she didn’t tell someone. “Last night Mr. Huntley proposed marriage and I accepted.”
“Aye and about time too!”
“You’re not surprised?”
“Nay, Mauvoreen, the only surprise is that its teken him so long. Any fool can see the man adores yer.”
“I’ll continue to pose for you, even when I’m married.”
“I’m right glad to hear that.” Farrell cleared his throat and stared awkwardly at the ceiling. “Have you told him about yer true parentage?”
Eulogy shook her head.
“Now we are engaged, matters have changed rather. Jack has a right to know. I was going to tell him today, but this morning he sent me a note.”
“And?”
“And his mother has been taken dangerously ill. Charles and he are travelling to her bedside as we speak.”
Farrell stroked his chin. “How long will he be away?”
“I don’t think he knows, I suppose it depends how quickly their mother recovers.”
Farrell placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Tis no bad thing, for now least ways, to leave Huntley in the dark about your brother.”
Eulogy looked startled. “How so?”
Farrell frowned. “What of Devlin? Has he acknowledged you yet?”
“No. You know he hasn’t.”
“Then think how Huntley might react, learning that your brother, his enemy, has blanked you?”
Eulogy blanched as realization struck home. “Oh, Jack can be terribly protective.”
“Aye. And I didna tell yer this before but Huntley is concerned about yer safety. He suspects Devlin of wishing yer harm.”
“He said as much to me, but I told him it was all nonsense.”
“How much worse then if Huntley found your brother wishes yer harm?”
A horrible empty feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. “He’d be honor bound to call Devlin out.”
“Exactly, Mauvoreen.”
“Then what do I do?”
“How did you leave things with Devlin?”
“He seeks Lady Devlin’s lawyer to search for copies of the documents pertaining to my adoption.”
“How does that progress?”
“Last week Devlin sent a note saying he’d traced the original lawyer, but that the old man was not receiving visitors after an accident. Devlin promised to inform me when there is more news. But that was some weeks ago.”
Farrell stroked his chin. “Did Devlin attach terms to this undertaking?”
“Only that I was to tell no one of my claim, until we had incontrovertible proof and then Devlin would publically acknowledge me.”
Farrell straightened. “Then, for now, we must trust to his word.”
“But you don’t trust him?”
“I don’t, but look at it this way. When Devlin acknowledges you that will placate Huntley. He will be furious, yes, at your earlier treatment at Devlin’s hand, but he’s hardly going to call him out if you two are reconciled as siblings.”
Eulogy brightened.
“So Jack being away buys time to straighten things with Lucien.”
“Exactly!”
She nodded slowly. What Farrell said made sense.
“Now.” Farrell’s expression brightened. “Enough chatter. Back to work!”
Chapter 17
After weeks apart from his love, Huntley’s return journey to London seemed interminable. Heavy rain made the roads treacherous and barely passable, and then the frost set in, icing the carriage windows and chilling the horses. But after what seemed an eternity he arrived safely back at Bedford Square, where his first action was to send for Eulogy. And soon, after aching nights of want, dreaming of her soft voice and velvet skin, he would see her again and yet every minute he waited, was a minute too long. Standing at the window, with barely concealed impatience he stared across the square, watching for the carriage that would bring Eulogy to him.
As the carriage turned into the square, Jack’s heart leapt in recognition and without formality or propriety he ran from the room and down-the-stairs. As the footman answered the door, Huntley stood breathless at his back and when Eulogy stepped across the threshold, her presence smote his senses and made him oblivious to everything but her. His stood riv
eted by this slim figure in a bottle-green pelisse, the smell of winter on her clothes, her breathe steaming in the air.
“Ma’am, may I take you hat and coat?” The footman bowed.
Huntley hung back, she was even more beautiful than he remembered, dressed in a sheath of deep green silk, all lithe curves and graceful slimness. She looked up, saw him and the air danced between them. Through a fog of emotion, Jack remembered his manners.
“My dearest, Miss Foster. I’m sorry I had to leave London so abruptly, without saying farewell. You have no idea how I’ve craved our meeting again.”
Oblivious to the footman, he took both her trembling hands in his. Impulsively, she stretched on tiptoe and brushed a kiss against his cheek and he rejoiced. She still felt the same.
“I hardly dared believe you were back.” She stepped closer and his pulse surged. Drawn by need he caressed her cheek, hungrily placing his lips against hers to satisfy a soul quenching desire.
The footman cleared his throat.
“Will there be anything else, sir?”
“No. You are dismissed.”
“Very good, sir.”
Entranced, Huntley wiped the pad of his thumb across Eulogy’s pink lips. “I had to see you tonight, it couldn’t wait. I had to know you were safe.”
“I am quite fine, thank you.” Eulogy leant her cheek against his hand, her eyes full of concern. “You must be exhausted, and how is Lady Huntley? Is she out of danger?”
“Yes, but her recuperation will be lengthy. Mother sends her apologies for not being fit to travel. She is most anxious to meet you.”
Huntley reached out and took Eulogy in his arms. It seemed the most natural thing in the world, to hold her close and bury his head in that shining chestnut hair and his heart rejoiced as she burrowed deeper into his embrace. He truly had come home.
“She knows of the engagement?”
“Of course.”
“She wasn’t…upset?”
“No. Why on earth would Mother be upset?”
“Her son gets engaged to a woman of no consequence?”
“Hush, I won’t have you talk like that.” He feathered kisses on her forehead.
“But…”
“Hush. But nothing.”
“These past weeks have seemed so long….”
“I’m so sorry that we couldn’t be together at Christmas, but soon, we will never be apart again. Come, I have a surprise.”
“Oh?”
Jack grinned. “Let’s just say, I want to put pay to your silly notion of not being good enough. Come!”
Coaxing her by the hand, Jack led the way up to the piano nobile and stopped outside the double doors to the reception saloon.
“Now. Close your eyes.”
Her brown eyes regarded him suspiciously.
“Again? You’re making a habit of this! Hmph. You’re up to something.”
“Perhaps.” He winked.
Once satisfied she wasn’t peeking, Jack signaled for the doors to be opened. What he could see, and she couldn’t, was a crowd of flushed faces all eager to meet the woman who had melted his heart. The heat of assembled bodies wafted over his skin, and Eulogy felt it to.
“Open your eyes.” He commanded.
Her mouth opened and all color leached from her face. Seeing her confusion, for a moment Huntley doubted the wisdom of this surprise engagement party.
“I…I….” she stammered and stepped back.
Huntley placed a reassuring arm round her shoulders and held her close. “I want you to meet my friends without delay. Do you mind?”
“No, of course not.” Eulogy trembled against his chest. “But how? You only returned today.”
“I’ve been planning this for weeks and sent letters ahead. Even though it’s not the season, I couldn’t wait to share our happiness. Call it our engagement party.”
Eulogy tipped her face towards him, her eyes swimming with emotion. “Thank you. This is overwhelming. I wish you’d warned me but thank you.” She rose on tip toes, and planted a kiss against his cheek. Huntley flushed.
A murmur rose from the guests, applause and amused laughter. Eulogy blushed bright pink, but then, to Jack’s relief, she giggled. Everything would be all right, after all.
“Come now. Let me introduce you to my oldest and dearest friends.”
Clearly Eulogy was nervous, but her composure made his heart sing. With her on his arm joy bubbled through his veins as the proudest man alive.
The salon was the height of good taste: decorated in green, a pleasing harmony between the soft furnishings, carpet and wallpaper. In this fashionable setting, the great and the good of the ton mingled, all eager as street gossips to meet the divine Miss Foster.
Huntley kept a firm pressure on the hand now gripping his arm, but quickly realized it wasn’t necessary, as Miss Foster greeted his guests with easy grace and a quiet assurance that held them enthralled. It was he that felt giddy, intoxicated by the scent of jasmine on her skin, and every time her gaze met his, his heart skipped a beat.
Within five minutes she relaxed and had his guests in the palm of her hand as if she’d been born to it. Her gentleness and good humor even won over the grouchy, gossip, Mrs. Feltham. Huntley couldn’t stand the woman himself but knew that with her seal of approval, Eulogy would be welcomed anywhere into the haut ton.
“I’ve forgotten most of their names already,” Eulogy whispered, as Jack steered her away from an over-attentive earl who leered a little too openly at her bodice.
“Already they are all half-in-love with you and will forgive you anything.”
Eulogy glowed. “This party is a wonderful surprise, thank you.”
“Really, I can’t take the credit. The staff set it up.” Jack kissed her gloved hand, letting his lips linger. “Now, my love, one last ordeal. Over there, my brother, Charles. Let me introduce you.”
Eulogy followed the line of his gaze to a handsome gentleman with the same dark eyes and ruffled brown hair, as Jack.
“He looks very serious.”
“That’s an act,” Jack winked. “He pretends everything is a bore. He thinks it lends an air of sophistication.”
“Really?”
“Oh yes, and be warned, he has quite a reputation as a ladies’ man.”
Almost without exception women found Charles Huntley attractive. It wasn’t so much his looks, which were attractive if a trifle aloof, but an intangible quality of danger and self-assurance that made them go weak at the knees. As the first born son, Charles had inherited the title and for as long as he could remember, Jack had envied his brother’s his natural assurance, but with Eulogy on his arm, for once Jack felt equal.
The instant Charles set eyes on Eulogy, his habitual mask of reserve melted. Only a man of stone could fail to be moved by her sunny, dimpled smile.
“Charmed, utterly charmed.” Eyes bright with admiration, Charles pressed a lingering kiss on her fingertips. “Well little brother, your good taste surprises me.”
“I surprise myself.”
“Should Miss Foster ever grow bored…”
Jack glowered. “I shall see to it that she doesn’t.” His arm closed possessively round her shoulder.
“But if she does…”
Eulogy cleared her throat. “I understand you accompanied Jack today. I am so glad Lady Huntley’s health is on the mend.”
“You and me both, Miss Foster. The country can be so dull.”
“You prefer town?”
“It’s the city for me: season or no season.”
Eulogy started to reply, but a hubbub from the direction of the door, drowned out her answer. She turned and recognized the tousled grey hair and soft blue eyes of the latest guest.
“Farrell!” she exclaimed. “Thank you, Jack, for inviting him. How wonderful.”
Jack grinned at her delight. “Go to him. I shall follow directly.”
“Your Lordship?”
“Miss Foster,” Charles bowed indulgently, �
��pray don’t let me detain you. Go and greet your friend.”
The elder brother’s gaze lingered on the sway of her retreating derriere. Jack nudged him in the ribs.
“Too late, she’s spoken for.”
“Ah, but if she’d met me first.” Charles raised a languid brow.
“Yes, well she didn’t and there’s an end to it.”
“Now brother, no need to be prickly. I was only joking.”
“Anyhow, speaking of brothers, George sent a note apologizing for his absence.”
Charles stifled a yawn. “Too busy righting wrongs, I expect.”
“Apparently he’s on the south coast, overlooking a matter of national security and the government can’t spare him.”
“I never thought I’d say this, but George needs to stop playing the hero and settle down with a good woman.”
“Can’t imagine George in love with anything other than hunting enemies of the realm.”
“Which makes me all the more grateful for your engagement.”
“Meaning?” Jack eyed him suspiciously.
“Why you’ve distracted Mother a treat. She’s so delighted that one of her son’s has succumbed to matrimony that she quite forgot to nag me.” Charles nudged his brother in the ribs. “In fact, it’s jolly good of you to keep mother off my case.”
“Speaking of which, I ought to find my fiancée.”
Charles looked mildly amused. “Little brother, you are truly smitten. Go!”
Jack wandered over to where Farrell stood retelling tales of an Irish childhood to an entranced crowd but Eulogy wasn’t amongst them. Through the throng he glimpsed green silk and his heart sang in recognition. As he made his way closer, Eulogy seemed deep in conversation with a gentleman whose face he could not see. Huntley’s skin prickled in warning. With each step closer the certainty grew. The same height, the same stocky shoulders; recognition slammed home.
“Devlin!”
His guts knotted, not knowing which was more alarming: Devlin being here or Eulogy conversing with him. Jealousy surged like a hot tide through his veins, as he saw Devlin press a lingering kiss on her fingertips.
Without stopping to think Jack strode over and grabbed Devlin by the collar.
