The man took several seconds before his eyes focused on Tom. Then he didn’t greet him at all. Instead he clutched the mirror to his chest. “It isn’t working.”
“I know,” Tom answered.
“It has to work. Magic is the only way. You know it’s real.” Crimson came around the desk getting unusually close to Tom. “Tell me you know,” he hissed.
Tom took a breath. “What you want is your own personal gain. If there are such forces in the world, they should be used for the greater good.”
Crimson’s face fell. It crumpled before Tom’s eyes. “But the other actors, they need me.”
“Yes. They do. What are you doing now? Are you helping them or yourself?” Tom sat in a chair. “A larger, less expensive theater would help them.”
“But this is my home. It’s the first thing that has ever been mine.” Crimson also tossed himself in a chair.
Tom waved his hand. “I’ve a confession to make. Magic did not improve my life. Hard work and a willingness to do what had to be done did. You have to do that now, Crimson.”
“I can’t.” The other man sobbed. “I’m not strong enough.”
“I’ll help you. But it’s time to put away dreams of magic and roll up your sleeves.” Tom patted his shoulder.
“Maybe you’re right.” Crimson dropped his head in his hands.
“We’ll list the theater for sale, make plans to purchase the other. The mirror—”
“I won’t give up the mirror. I need it.” Crimson clutched at his chest.
Panic began to rise in Tom’s chest. He didn’t want to tell Caroline but he’d been afraid Crimson had been coming undone all along. Looking to magical objects, theft, and starting a ring of thieves with children. He had hoped to steer Crimson back on the right path but it seemed as though their efforts were having the opposite effect.
This was his mess and he’d clean it up. He’d purchase the new theater, many gentlemen did. He’d hire a manager and move the staff. He’d take Caroline and the girls in. It would kill Caroline to part from Crimson but he saw little choice.
Then Crimson began to mutter to himself. “I’ll just have to steal it. I can’t lose the Regency. It’s too—”
“Crimson, if its money you need, I’ll help you.” Tom had wanted to stop Crimson’s thieving not push him into madness.
“I don’t need your help. I don’t even need that mirror.” His eyes were wild now. He stood again, pacing. “I can take care of myself. I will. I have to.”
With that he flew out the door. Tom rose too and laid chase, though he was not entirely certain what Crimson was about.
Passing out the rear entrance, Crimson traversed the alley in his tattered and dirty clothing. He couldn’t have been any more obvious. Reaching Regent Street, he turned, assessing each person who walked by. He looked wild and people cut him a wide path. Tom had nearly caught up to him when a man began walking straight toward them.
Tom would recognize that hulking beast of a man anywhere. It was his eldest brother, Will. Relief trickled down his spine. Will was calm and straightforward. Surely he would know how to deal with this madness.
Crimson stepped up to Will and Tom watched in horror as he attempted to pick Will’s pocket.
Will looked to Tom, disbelief marking his face as he grabbed Crimson’s hand. “Are you attempting to filch my coin?” Will was at least six inches taller than Crimson and a good deal stronger. He looked to Tom. “Has he gone mad?”
Tom couldn’t speak because he was afraid the answer was yes.
Crimson spluttered as Will continued to hold Crimson’s hand, which held Will’s coin purse. “P-p-please. They’ll send me to prison. I’ll lose everything.”
Will shook his head. “Did you consider that before you tried to steal from me?”
“I am in great need,” Crimson cried tugging at his hand.
“Get him inside.” Tom jerked his head, his brain coming back to life.
Will clamped his other hand on the back of Crimson’s shirt and began to half pull, half drag Crimson from the street.
Crimson struggled frantically. Swinging his arms and making even more of a spectacle. “I can’t go to prison, please, I…” Then Crimson fell into a dead faint.
Will still held him up by the shirt and Tom grabbed the man’s feet, Will reaching under his arms as they carried him in.
They passed Caroline and several of the actors, their gasps making Tom’s jaw hardened.
“What happened?” Caroline asked.
“Follow me,” Tom said. Once out of earshot, he told her of what had transpired.
“Where is the mirror now?” she said by way of answer.
Tom leaned over and pulled it out of Crimson’s jacket. “He has it with him at all times.”
“Get rid of it before he wakes.” She walked ahead of Tom to brush the hair out of Crimson’s eyes.
“I’m Will.” Will grinned at Caroline.
She blushed a bright shade of red. “Caroline Crawley.”
“The one my brother is marrying?” His smile grew larger.
“Yes, the circumstances are rather odd, I know but—”
“Fairfields fall in love in just such circumstance. When we’ve more time, I will tell you all about my courtship and worse yet, Graham’s.”
“Only our fourth brother Nick has a chance at a normalcy.” Tom silently thanked his brother for easing Caroline’s fears.
“I’m afraid not.” Will winked. “He needs our help.”
“But I’m about to get married.” Tom grunted, suddenly remembering why Will’s straightforwardness was so irritating.
“Caroline, that is another trait of Fairfields. We have hurried weddings because danger approaches.”
“But Crimson…” Tom knew the man needed care.
“He’ll come to. Charlotte will see to everything with the theater. Undoing your trick. Purchasing the other property. If Crimson doesn’t want it, Charlotte will sell it for a profit, I’m sure. That woman is magic with investments.”
“How do you know all this?” Caroline asked.
“He wrote to me.” Will gestured to his brother. “Nick’s former boss sailed me down here and is waiting in the harbor to take us to Scotland.”
“Scotland?” Tom asked. He was attempting not to be irritated but he was in the middle of his own issues and going to rescue Nick was not amongst his plan.
“If you can’t get married here in London, the captain will do it on the ship. As soon as Crimson wakes, tell him everything.” Will gave his brother a meaningful look.
Tom attempted not to sigh. He hadn’t told Caroline everything and he had promised her explanations before their wedding. “Caroline should know first.”
“I think I know already. And I trust you.” She gave him a glowing smile. Tom realized that much of the sadness had disappeared from her eyes. “Father Byron will marry us tomorrow and then I expect a full accounting on our way to Scotland.”
“But we’ve only—”
“I could never have done this without you and now that I am to be part of your family, I will give the way Graham, Charlotte, and Will have given to me.” Love shone in her gaze. “We help each other, don’t you think?”
Will managed to reach over and slap Tom’s shoulder while still holding Crimson. “You did well, brother! Welcome to the family, Caroline.”
“Thank you,” she grinned broadly. They had reached Crimson’s room. “Go dispose of the mirror and talk to Father Byron.”
“We’ll leave tomorrow,” Will added.
Tom grimaced. He was thrilled that Caroline got on so well with his family, though he had never doubted it. But they were conspiring against him.
He had no choice really. Caroline had a point and he was too entrapped by her to deny her anything.
Chapter Eleven
Caroline sighed with relief when Crimson’s eyes fluttered open.
“What happened?” he croaked.
“You were caught picki
ng a pocket,” she chastised gently.
“Will I go to prison?” He swallowed, his face paling further.
“No, you attempted to steal from Tom’s brother. He won’t notify the Bow Street Runners.”
Relief marked his face. “I’ve made a terrible mistake.” He scrubbed his face with his aging hands.
“We’re none of us blameless.” She swallowed, dreading the confession she was about to make.
The door open and Tom strode in. He looked giant in the room and his presence eased her worries. He came over and kissed her cheek. “The wedding will happen tomorrow. I’m afraid the honeymoon will have to happen on the ship.”
“Where is Will?” she asked.
“Speaking with Charlotte and Graham. Charlotte will care for the girls and take care of the theater while we are gone.”
“I am not fit to run even my own theater?” Despair laced Crimson’s voice.
“Actually, we need you to come with us. My cousin-in-law, Ewan, has requested it.”
“What?” Crimson looked to Tom.
“I’ve a confession to make. The mirror didn’t directly cause the theater to be abandoned by the ton.” Tom leaned down and whispered in Crimson’s ear.
Caroline watched as anger, then amazement, and finally understanding flitted across Crimson’s face. “I’ll be ready,” he said in awe.
“Good man,” Tom grinned. Caroline closed her mouth, realizing it had been hanging open. She had told Tom she would wait for an explanation that she trusted him but curiosity was eating her up after seeing Crimson’s reaction.
Tom reached for her hand and pulled her into the hall. “Pack your travel clothes and meet me at the church when the clock strikes ten.”
She gave a nod. The urge to ask what he said to Crimson was strong but she resisted. More and more she was certain that she already knew. He kissed her hard on the lips. “I will be there.” She grabbed his hands, pulling him back for one more kiss.
“I am sorry I can’t stay longer. There is much to prepare, including completing the altar for tomorrow’s service. But I will be waiting for you at the church.” Giving her one last kiss, he strode back down the hall.
The next morning dawned bright and sunny. As Caroline readied herself, Crimson sailed through the door. She was amazed to see he appeared to be his old self. Gone was the gauntness and age, in its place was a vital man full of excitement.
“We mustn’t be late,” he sang. “Melody and Samantha are all packed?”
“Yes, they’re ready to stay with Charlotte.” She gave him a smile.
“Excellent. Are you ready?”
“Ready.” She smoothed down the dress that Tom had sent. The white silk floated around her as it flowed out from the empire-waist gown.
Caroline led the way out of the theater and over to the church as Crimson, Melody, and Samantha followed. The girls giggled with excitement.
Caroline understood the feeling. Joy was bubbling from deep inside of her.
Entering the church, it took her eyes a moment to adjust, but she heard Charlotte squeal and the sound of her feet rushing toward her. “You look radiant. I knew that dress would be perfect.”
Caroline laughed, embracing Charlotte. “I should have known you were behind this. It is stunning.”
“You are stunning,” Charlotte gushed.
Finally able to see, she looked up to the altar. There stood Tom with Graham and Will beside him. She caught her breath. Tom was so handsome. Her feet could barely hold still she wanted to race to his side.
A beautiful raven-haired woman approached.
Charlotte looked back beaming. “Caroline, this is Eirwen, our sister.”
Caroline might have been intimidated but both women were so full of affection that instead gratitude and love had tears pricking her eyes. “It’s so wonderful to meet you.” They embraced, kissing one another’s cheeks.
Somehow, she had landed in the perfect family. One that could help her, Crimson, and the girls live a wonderful life. She looked back at Tom as he smiled lovingly back. Her feet bounced in her desire to reach him.
Eirwen and Charlotte fell in line behind Caroline, Crimson taking her arm. “Allow me.”
She didn’t know by what providence Crimson had forgiven her, but she was so thankful to have him here today.
“You, my dear, have proven yourself a master thief indeed.” He gave her a wink.
“Are you terribly angry?” She bit her lip and, focused on her guardian.
“I am…” He paused. “Grateful. I needed help and what is more, I think this will lead us to exactly where we need to be.”
She kissed his cheek as they reached the freshly built altar that Tom had crafted himself. It was stunningly constructed with ornate carvings adorning its façade. A cross sat in the center.
Her attention turned to her Tom, her face splitting in a smile. He clasped her hands, and thanked Crimson.
His hands shook within hers. “Are you all right?” she whispered.
“I am wonderful.” He took a deep breath. “We are getting married.” He squeezed her hands and then leaned in for a quick kiss.
Father Byron cleared his throat. “Shall we begin?”
“Please,” Tom answered.
“Yes,” Caroline said.
Giving them both a wink, Father Bryon began the ceremony.
If anyone asked Caroline what readings had been read, or what the priest had said, she couldn’t have said. But the feeling of the ceremony, the love as she clasped Toms hands, with her family and his watching—she would remember it until her last breath.
“Do you, Thomas, take Caroline to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do,” Thomas answered, squeezing her hands.
“And do you, Caroline, take Thomas to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Father Byron’s smooth voice flowed over the church.
“I do,” Caroline responded.
“…I now pronounce you man and wife,” he concluded, beaming at them. “Very few ceremonies have given me such joy. I wish you all the happiness in the world. You may kiss the bride.”
Tom’s lips met Caroline’s and excitement and energy reverberated through her.
Their family broke into applause. As Tom and Caroline descended from the pulpit, everyone embraced one another, enjoying this brief moment of celebration. It had been decided that they would forgo a reception in order to catch the tide out of London’s harbor. Time was of the essence and they had delayed long enough.
Hugging Charlotte, Melody, and Samantha goodbye, Caroline held back tears.
“I’ll take good care of them.” Charlotte squeezed her. “Take care of yourself and Tom.”
“Thank you.” She watched as Eirwen and Charlotte hugged their husbands farewell. She held Tom’s hand as she watched, already loving them and aching that they would miss their husbands.
And then they were off. Graham, Will, and Crimson somehow folded themselves into one carriage so that Tom and Caroline could have a vehicle to themselves.
As soon as the door snapped closed, he pulled her into his arms.
“Here we are again,” her husky whisper telling the anticipation she felt.
His lips captured hers. “My affection for carriages has risen considerably since meeting you.”
“For carriages?” She pulled back to pout a little, though she teased.
Trailing his hand along the neckline of her gown, he followed it with his lips. “My affection for you can not be measured.”
“Oh,” she breathed, because the words and the touch heated her in ways that made her breath catch.
“Will has made arrangements for us to have a private banquet once we’ve reached the ship.” His lips had reached the swell of her breast.
Tension curled deep inside her. “Just the two of us?” Her head tipped back as his hands meandered up her torso, coming up to shift the fabric so that his tongue could just flick her nipple.
“Just us,” he answered.
; Her only response was to gasp. She couldn’t form words, a haze was forming in her mind. An ache was growing at the juncture of her legs and it cried for release. She squeezed her legs together to try and ease it but it only grew more insistent.
The carriage rumbled to a stop. Her groan of dissatisfaction joined with Tom’s at the interruption.
As the footman opened the door, Tom stepped out and helped her down. Sweeping her into his arms, he raced up the plank.
“Congratulations.” The captain saluted as Tom stepped onto the deck still holding her.
“Thank you, kindly.” Tom grinned as he set Caroline down. “And thank you for transporting us. It is most kind. I’m Nick’s brother, Tom.”
By now the others had joined them.
“Captain Jack Scurry. It’s my pleasure. Your brother has helped me in more than one scrape. Happy to return the favor.”
A boy of eleven stepped up from behind the captain. He had lively, knowing eyes that belied his youthful face. “Hi,” he called.
“Ewan,” Will barked. “What in the bloody—“
But Tom held up his hand. He looked at the boy. “If you didn’t come with Will, how did you get to London?”
“Another ship, of course.” Ewan grinned knowingly. He skipped over and waved to Caroline. “So nice to meet you, Caroline.” Then he turned to Crimson. “Nice to finally meet you, Crimson.”
Crimson looked at the boy, speechless. His jaw worked but no words came out. “And you, Ewan. Though I’ve waited much longer to meet you than you me.”
Ewan cocked his head to one side. “Very true. Come to my room, we’ve much to discuss.” Ewan waved to the rest of them and Crimson followed behind the boy.
Will slapped Tom on the back. “Let’s show the newlyweds to their room.”
A sailor brought them below deck. Their room was small but there was a bed and Caroline found it terribly cozy, though it was most likely the rosy glow of love that made it so.
As soon as the sailor closed the door, Tom pulled her close, his lips finding hers again. Their kisses hotter and burning deeper with every pass.
As their tongues tangled, Tom found the buttons at the back of her dress and before she knew it, it was pooling at her waist. Wiggling out of it, she tossed it to the side as he unlaced her corset.
Entrapping a Lord's Love: A Regency Fairy Tale (Fairfield Fairy Tales Book 3) Page 7
