by Maya Banks
“You know I will,” he said, his eyes growing serious. “It won’t be that bad, Jenna. You’ll have children to keep you busy. And Stuart isn’t a bad sort. He’ll treat you well.”
“Yes, I know.” The image of her children flitted through her mind, but they all had smoky gray eyes and ebony hair. She shook her head, dispelling the insane notion. The sooner she got over her infatuation with Gray and resigned herself to her circumstances, the less miserable she would be.
It could certainly be worse. She had no fears of Stuart ever beating her or mistreating her. He was pleasant, even if a little annoying. All right, very annoying. But she could do worse in a husband.
“Jenna, is there something else? Something you want to talk about?” Quinn asked in a soft voice.
Her stomach clenched, and it was all she could do to meet his gaze without looking guiltily away. She’d never lied to him, but now she was living a lie. “What makes you ask?” Her voice was shaky even to her own ears.
“Nothing. You’ve just been...well Sebastian was right. You haven’t been yourself lately.”
“I’m sorry. I know I have been completely intolerable.”
He smiled indulgently at her. “It’s understandable. But remember. You can talk to me about anything.”
Tears pricked her eyelids and she stood rigid trying not to succumb to emotion.
“I’ll leave you to rest,” he said turning to the door. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Not going out tonight?” she asked in surprise.
“Oh yes,” he said with a wicked grin. “I’ve convinced Sebastian to go to a new gaming hell that’s opened on St. James. But we wanted to eat with you before leaving.”
She smiled, feeling oddly grateful for the gesture. “I’ll see you at dinner then.”
He left the room and she stood trying valiantly to stem the tide of tears welling in her eyes. How devastated he would be if he knew all she was hiding from him. How disappointed he and Sebastian would both be. But especially Quinn.
For the first time, she gave serious consideration to ending her assignment with Gray. She had already experienced far more than she had ever hoped to, and with each night she snuck out, she ran a greater risk of discovery.
But the idea of not seeing Gray again weighed as heavily on her as her family’s disappointment in her. She was inextricably torn between the two with no way to ever get over separation from either. She wasn’t prepared to say goodbye to Gray. Not yet.
With a heavy heart, she turned to her bed, and to the box that had taunted her all day. She flipped the clasp up and opened the box. To her disappointment, all that was inside was a small packet of letters, neatly tied together with a ribbon.
She carried it over to her bed and started to untie the letters when a knock sounded at her door. Nearly growling with frustration, she shoved the letters back inside the box and slipped it under her bed.
She obviously wasn’t going to be able to read them today.
Chapter Eighteen
“Here, put these on,” Gray said, handing Jenna an ornately decorated half mask and a full length cloak.
She glanced between him and the items in her hand. They were standing in his bedroom, her having just arrived. “What are we doing?”
“Not what we are doing, but where are we going?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“Going? What are you talking about?”
“Put them on, we’ll talk later. Trust me.” He smiled encouragingly at her and dropped a kiss on her lips.
She donned the mask and cloak then twirled in front of him. “How do I look?”
“Perfect. Your own mother wouldn’t recognize you.”
She rushed over to the mirror and peered at her reflection. The sequined mask winked at her, the feathers around the edges fluttering softly as she moved her head. Only her lips and chin were exposed. He was right. No one could possibly recognize her.
“Are you ready?” he asked behind her.
She turned and took his arm. They walked downstairs and out to the street where the carriage awaited them. As was her habit of late, she glanced furtively around, examining the shadows.
“I won’t allow any harm to come to you,” he whispered, wrapping an arm tightly around her.
She smiled up at him, chagrinned that he had witnessed her fear.
He handed her in and climbed in behind her. Even before the carriage began moving, he pulled her into his arms, pushed up her mask and kissed her hotly.
She returned his kisses, melding her body to his hard chest. Her hands curled around his neck then delved into his hair. He smelled warm and comforting, like summer breezes and days by the stream. Forgotten was Stuart, the viscountess and her family. The hours belonged to her.
Slowly, he pulled away, pushing her mask back down to cover her face. “I could just as easily be persuaded to stay in tonight,” he murmured.
“Where are we going?” she asked again.
“Vauxhall Gardens.”
“Really?” Excitement built within her. She’d never been to the pleasure gardens, and certainly not so late. “Will we see the fireworks?”
He smiled and nodded. “I have a whole evening planned.”
When the carriage stopped, he helped her down and she looked eagerly around. Several people were making their way to the banks of the Thames, to the steps leading down to where the boats were launched. He urged her forward and they too hurried to the steps. “We could take the bridge, but I thought you might like a boat ride.”
“I like the boats,” she said taking in the people gliding across the river toward the entrance to the gardens.
After Gray paid the fee, they were ushered into a waiting boat. The twinkling lights of London looked brighter from the water. Merry laughter and the buzz of voices became louder as they neared the dock on the other side of the river. Brightly burning lanterns illuminated their disembarkment, as Gray helped Jenna from the boat.
A short distance away the entrance to the gardens could be seen, and they walked briskly to it. Jenna clutched his arm as they entered the Grand Walk. Though she had never seen the inside, her brothers had regaled her with tales, and she felt as if she knew each and every landmark.
The lilting melody of an orchestra playing grew louder from the right, and she turned in that direction automatically. Couples, many masked as she was, milled about, coming and going from the many amusements.
“It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed as they neared the elegant outdoor balcony the orchestra played from.
“We can see the Umbrella as well, if you like,” he said with a smile.
“Oh, I want to see it all!”
They stood and listened to the music through several selections before Gray nudged her forward again. “We’ll cut over to the South Walk and on to the supper boxes. I have one reserved for us.”
“Good, I’m quite famished.” She grinned up at him, and took his arm once again.
When they were settled into their box, a plate of ham was served first, followed by roasted chicken. Jenna eyed the ham with amusement as she tried to pick up the paper-thin slices.
“The food is passable,” Gray said. “But the wine is exceptional.”
She took a sip of the drink in front of her and nodded her agreement. It was delicious. She sat back, breathing deeply of the night air and watching in fascination as people passed in front of their box. “There seem an inordinate amount of people heading in that direction,” she said pointing behind them.
He gave her a wicked grin. “Lover’s Walk is just beyond us.”
“You’re not serious!”
He laughed. “Indeed, I am. Have you not noticed that most all the couples passing by are well disguised? I wager more than most are indulging in a lover’s tryst.”
Her cheeks flamed, but excitement tumbled through her. “Do we have plans to take such a walk?”
“Most certainly,” he said in a husk
y voice. “But we must have a care. Lover’s Walk is a popular place for footpads. You see, most couples aren’t paying too much attention to their surroundings.” His eyes twinkled with devilish amusement.
“I promise not to get too swept away by your attentions,” she said, swatting him on the arm.
They finished their meal and exited the box, falling in with the steady stream of couples heading down Lover’s Walk. Giddiness gripped her, and she felt, well, rather silly. Like a schoolgirl with her first infatuation.
She slid her hand down his arm and entwined her fingers in his. He squeezed her hand in return, leaving their fingers locked together. It grew darker as they moved farther away from the supper boxes. Faint giggles and murmuring sounded just off the paths in darkened places where couples had stopped to enjoy a bit of privacy.
Would he pull her off into the shadows for a tryst? Part of her wanted him to, but the other part gulped at the notion. He must have read her thoughts because he looked down at her and shook his head. “Not here. I’d never treat you like a common doxy. But later...” He trailed off suggestively.
Chill bumps raced down her spine at his whispered promise. Moments later he directed them to the left. “We’ll take the Cross Walk back to the Grand Walk. It’s almost time for the fireworks.”
They hurried along the path until they reached the larger Grand Walk, lined with elms on either side. They began a slow procession, observing the supper boxes on this side of the gardens. They were nearly back to where the orchestra was playing in the center when Jenna caught sight of a group of men heading in their direction.
“Kiss me,” she hissed.
“What?”
She jerked him around so that his back was to the approaching men. “Kiss me!”
She pulled him down to her lips, her heart racing madly in her chest. He readily complied, flicking his tongue out to tease the corners of her mouth and delving within.
“Ho!” One of the men called out as they passed. “Save a bit for us, ole chap! I’ll pay double what he’s paying.” They laughed uproariously and continued on.
Jenna sighed in relief and pulled away from Gray.
“What was that all about?” he asked, glancing at the men’s retreating backs.
“Quinn. Quinn was with them,” she said in a shaky voice. “He was supposed to be with Sebastian tonight. Said they were going to a gaming hell on St. James.”
Above them, the sky lit up as the fireworks began, but she ignored them, too absorbed in her fright. If Sebastian wasn’t with Quinn, where was he? Had he gone home early? What if he looked in on her? It would be just like him to offer an apology for their earlier quarrel. They never remained angry at each other for long.
“Jenna, are you all right?” His concern filtered through her thoughts. “He didn’t see you. Wouldn’t have recognized you anyway. Would you like to leave now?”
“Yes, please.” The night was ruined for her anyway. She couldn’t very well remain to watch the fireworks with Quinn wandering around.
“Come then, we’ll go get a boat.”
They hurried down the walk and out of the gardens. As they walked to the river in silence, her mind whirled with anxiety. Even now, Sebastian could be discovering her absence. Blast it! At dinner they’d said their plans were to go out. And when they went out, they never came in this early.
Gray helped her into the boat, and they glided toward the opposite dock. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I shouldn’t have suggested we venture out.”
“No, don’t be sorry. I loved the gardens.” She smiled at him and took his hand, wanting again to feel the thrill of his touch as she had on their walk.
“Do you want me to take you home? I fear our evening is ruined by the looks of you.”
“Can we drive by my house? I’d like to see if Sebastian’s light is on. If he’s there, I don’t know what I will do.”
“Of course. Try not to worry, Jenna. Chances are Quinn got bored and wanted to do what all young men want to do. Break away from stuffy older brothers and have fun.”
She laughed as they got out of the boat. “How do you know my family so well? You’ve described my brothers perfectly.”
They entered the carriage and Gray instructed the driver to pass in front of Jenna’s house on the way home. He took her hand in his. “Wasn’t hard to guess based on our conversations about them. I always wished I had siblings.”
“Truly?”
“Yes, I felt lonely growing up. My father was always working, trying to provide food for us, and my mother had to take me along to her odd jobs. I used to dream of having an older brother to take me with him wherever he went.”
“It’s not nearly as fun in reality,” she said sourly.
“But they’re your brothers, annoying as they may be, and will always be a part of who you are.”
His voice sounded almost wistful, and she felt a pang of sympathy for the way he had grown up. True, her brothers were annoying, but she loved them fiercely and couldn’t imagine her life without them.
The carriage slowed, and Gray pulled the curtain back from the window. Jenna peered out, trying to ascertain how many lights were burning in the house. Of course, she had no way of knowing if Sebastian was in Father’s study, since it was in the back of the house, but the rest of the rooms looked dark. Only the lights in the foyer and drawing room gleamed through the windows, left burning for when they returned.
“Do you want me to let you off?” he asked quietly.
Indecision flickered through her mind. But finally she shook her head. “No. No, I don’t. Can we return to your home?” If she was caught then so be it, but she would have one last time with him before she faced Sebastian. Chances were he hadn’t even returned home, and if he had, it was doubtful he’d gone to her room.
Feeling better, she turned back to Gray as the carriage picked up speed. “Now where were we?”
“I think right...” He kissed her neck. “About...” His lips moved up her jaw line. “Here.” He captured her lips, tugging at her bottom lip with his teeth.
“How long do we have?” she asked between kisses.
“It’s only two.”
“Plenty of time then,” she said flashing a wicked smile.
###
“Bumbling fool!” Viscount Dudley snarled. He stared malevolently at the hired thug. “You let her get away, and you don’t even have the locket to show for it.”
“It were lost on the street, guv.”
“How do we know that? How do you know she didn’t pick it up after you ran like a scared rabbit?”
The man scowled. “You said you didn’t want anyone ‘urt. The locket is gone. She doesn’t ‘ave it.”
“Are you willing to stake your life on that fact?” the viscount snarled. “Because if she still has it, I’ll have you killed.”
“Don’t threaten me, guv. I did me job. You didn’t say nuthin about no lover coming to save her. I’d watch me back if I were you. I don’t take kindly to threats.”
Dudley drew a pistol from his pocket and had the satisfaction of seeing the glimmer of surprise in the man’s face before he fired point blank into his chest. The man crumpled to the darkened street, lost in a swirl of fog. Dudley shoved the pistol back into his pocket and hurried off into the shadows before the gunfire drew unwanted attention.
This was becoming absurd. Did she have the locket? If she did then they could carry on with the marriage arrangements and dispose of her shortly after. And he would launch another effort to retrieve it. But if she didn’t have it, where was it? He could ill afford it to fall into the wrong hands.
A curse exploded from his lips as he climbed into his carriage and rode away. Short of breaking into the chit’s room, he didn’t see another way of finding out if she still had the locket. And that’s precisely what he would do. Only he wouldn’t leave this one to chance. He’d do it himself. The chit was off seeing her lover every night, so he’d
make sure her brothers were going out for the evening then sneak in and have a look.
###
Jenna slipped from the carriage and hurried up the path to her house. Gray had assigned two extra men to escort her home, and she felt a great deal safer with them watching over her. But still, she could not shake the fear that she had stumbled into some twisted plot she didn’t belong in.
On tiptoe, she eased past the drawing room and to the stairs. With agonizing slowness, she took each step, fearing the creak would give her away. Was Sebastian home? Had she been discovered?
At the top of the stairs, her eyes darted down the hall, looking for light underneath Sebastian’s door. But both his and Quinn’s rooms were dark. She’d opted to come home earlier than normal, fearing a meeting in the foyer if her brothers had indeed stayed out late.
They were either still gone, or had already come in and were asleep. She darted past their rooms and to her own, opening the door and easing it shut behind her.
Thank God.
She undressed and sank into bed, grateful to have escaped discovery. Her eyes fluttered closed then opened wide when she remembered the bloody box under her bed.
She rolled over and dangled her head over the side, reaching blindly under the bed for the box. Finally her hand touched it, and she grabbed hold of it.
Swinging back up to her bed, she stared at the box as if it were a cursed idol. What was it that was so damned special about a bunch of letters?
With a muffled curse, she flipped open the box and took out the letters, ripping off the ribbon and picking up the first piece of paper. She laid back in her bed, and held the letter up to the dim candlelight.
“Today was near perfection,” she read aloud. “The family gathered for an outing to the river.” Her arm fell to her chest in exasperation. It was a bloody diary entry. What a complete waste of her time.
With a disgusted grunt, she put the letters back in the box and shoved it back under her bed.
Chapter Nineteen
Jenna rose early despite knowing her brothers wouldn’t be up for some time. Any other morning she would have taken advantage of the opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep. But she couldn’t sleep when her mind was churning in constant rhythm. She couldn’t go on like this. Last night’s scare had rendered her unable to relax.
