by Darcy Burke
He clasped her in his arms and pulled her close. His chin grazed the top of her head as he stroked her back. “He’s a troubled man.”
“Aren’t you all?”
Elijah barked a laugh before tipping her chin up to kiss her. “Kersey says I’m in for more of it with you.”
“That depends on what you intend. Will I be your occasional lover, your contracted mistress”—she made a face—“or something more . . . permanent?”
Her gaze was so adorably hopeful, he couldn’t help but smile.
“I should like you to be whatever you desire, Cate. You are a woman of independent thought and quite capable of deciding what you want. If it were up to me”—he clasped her waist—“I would make you my countess, but I fear that isn’t in your plan.”
She rested her palms against his chest. “It wasn’t. And I would be doing myself a grave disservice if I didn’t tell you exactly what I require to agree to wed you.”
He arched a brow at her, feeling skeptical, but also suspecting he knew what she might say. “What is that?”
“I am an adventuring antiquary. I belong to a ladies-only group of antiquaries. I like to dirty my hands and solve mysteries. Above all, I love to learn. If you can’t accept, no, that’s not quite right. If you can’t endorse my passions, I’m afraid a formal union won’t be possible—whether we love each other or not.”
He stared down at her and pretended to consider what she was saying. “That’s a lot to expect of a man. I’m not certain . . .”
She pulled her hands back and lightly smacked them back into his chest. “Careful what you say.”
He squeezed her waist. “You didn’t let me finish. I’m not certain your list is complete. At least, I hope your passions might extend to me.”
“Of course they do. In fact, you might be my favorite passion.”
“Well,” he drawled, “how can I argue with that? I accept your terms.” He grew serious, astounded at the sudden direction his life was about to take—and the fact that he was quite content about it. Hell, he was ecstatic. He stared down into her incredible, dark eyes. “Cate, long ago I chose a life that wouldn’t allow for a long-term home or a family. But when the earldom was thrust upon me, everything changed. I resented it at first and planned to continue on as I’ve always done—alone. But then I met you and that is really when it all changed. I could never settle for what I thought I wanted, not when you’ve shown me a happiness I never imagined. A love I never dreamed existed.” He paused at her indrawn breath. “Will you consent to be my countess?”
“Oh, Elijah. Yes.” She cradled his cheek. “Yes.”
He lifted her up and spun her around before setting her back on the ground and kissing her soundly.
He raised his head and looked down at her beloved face. “You’ve made me so happy. Have you any idea how much more palatable Cosgrove will be now that you’ll be there? And before you say we may not spend much time at Cosgrove, let me also say how much I look forward to adventuring with you.”
“You’re marrying me to ease your boredom?” she teased—he could tell by the sparkle in her eyes and the way her lips spread in a wide, heart-tugging smile.
“It is one of many reasons.” He cocked a brow at her. “Perhaps I should draft a list . . . ”
She laughed. “We’ll do it together.” She shook her head. “Elijah, I never expected to marry anyone. Falling in love with the right man was a necessary element and until you, I wasn’t sure it was possible. But you made it more than a possibility; you made it everything I need. You are everything I need.”
He brushed his lips against hers. “You are a treasure beyond words, Cate.”
“And you are my heart’s desire.” She stood on her toes and kissed him.
Epilogue
Cate sat in her father’s study with Elijah, awaiting Septon’s arrival. It had been three days since they’d recovered Dyrnwyn. Septon had followed them alone—Cate’s parents had preferred to remain at home in case Cate and Elijah returned. He’d gone home to Septon House after failing to find them and receiving word that they were safe in Monmouth. Cate had invited him back to Hollyhaven, and he was due to arrive any time.
“Are you certain about what you’re doing?” Elijah, beside her on the settee, touched her hand.
“Yes.” Cate glanced at her mother sitting in an adjacent chair. She’d been delighted to learn that Cate and Elijah would be marrying. The banns had already been posted, and the wedding would take place in just three weeks. Cate didn’t want a large, fancy occasion. She just wanted Elijah.
Wade and Grey had also decided to marry, though it had taken a bit of convincing on Wade’s part. Grey was already a widow and wasn’t certain she wished to wed a second time. However, when they’d arrived at Hollyhaven two days ago, Cate could tell her maid was changed. As a woman in love, Cate recognized the same state in Grey and told her so. They were to be married the week after Cate and Elijah.
Father and Penn stood at the large table that dominated the room. Dyrnwyn sat on top of it. They’d studied the sword relentlessly since she and Elijah had brought it back. Cate had written to Penn immediately and he’d arrived late yesterday.
“I still think it’s a mistake to give it over,” Penn said, his brows dipping low over his blue eyes.
He’d stated his opinion at least a hundred times, but Cate refused to be swayed. She’d thought about it and discussed it with Elijah endlessly. They’d agreed that this was the right decision—though he’d left it entirely up to her. She suppressed a smile as she glanced at her future husband, thinking again how lucky she was to have found him.
The butler, Thomas, entered and announced Septon.
A palpable tension seemed to grip the room. Cate squeezed Elijah’s hand.
Septon’s gaze immediately fell on the sword. His intake of breath was like a pistol shot. He moved toward the table slowly, his eyes never moving from the blade.
“You’ve studied it?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” Penn answered. “Though it doesn’t do what it did for Kersey.”
Septon’s brows nearly flew off his face. He swung around and turned to Cate. “What did it do?”
Cate stood and went to the table, Elijah at her side. Her mother joined them so that they all circled the sword.
“It burst into flame when he wielded it. He’s a descendant of one of the knights.”
Septon’s eyes were huge. His hand covered his mouth. He looked down at the sword and shook his head. “I had no idea.”
Cate exchanged looks with her family. They had wondered if this was another secret Septon had known. Evidently not.
“Where is he?” Septon asked. “Lady Stratton is quite concerned for him.”
Cate was glad to hear it. Kersey needed affection more than anyone she’d ever met—even more than Elijah. “I don’t know, but I daresay he’s trying to discover his true heritage. He’s hopeful that Stratton isn’t his father.”
Septon shot a quick glance at her father, whose expression was stoic.
“You’re not interested in prosecuting him for anything?” Septon asked, looking from Cate to Elijah.
“No,” Elijah said. “It seems Foliot is really behind it all.”
Septon nodded grimly. “I went to his house when I tried to find you and the sword. We had a brief exchange. He was enigmatic, as I’d expected. I wager the Order is in for some dark times.”
“Can you simply expel him?” her mother asked.
“It’s not that easy. He has many followers. And he’s a descendant, while I am seen by many to be an interloper.”
Penn scoffed. “What a bunch of nonsense. Disband the entire thing and give everything over to the people. I’ll be happy to catalog and research the lot before I put it in the museum.”
A few days ago Cate would have agreed with her brother, but after seeing what the sword could do and what lengths men would go to in order to possess it, she had changed her mind. She turned to Septon. “I wan
t you to take the sword. Not for the Order, but to keep it safe and secret. Can you do that without giving it to the Order? As you said, it may be in for some troubled times.”
Septon nodded. “I can. I will.” He ran his finger along the hilt. He looked at Cate intently. “May I?”
“Of course,” Cate said.
He lifted it from the table and turned it in his hand. “It doesn’t feel different than any other sword.”
“Not now, but if you try to use it, the blade will become heavy, unwieldy. I tried to employ it myself and couldn’t even lift it.” She exhaled. “It only responds to those who are worthy.”
“And that’s Kersey,” Septon said. “Remarkable.”
Penn frowned. “I could just as easily hide this sword away as Septon. In fact, it might be better if I did since Septon is associated with the Order.”
Her father’s eyes lit. “He has a point, Septon. Why not give it to Penn?”
Septon gave the sword a long, keen look before turning his gaze to Penn. “Will you promise not to publicize it? And not put it in the museum?”
He appeared satisfied, if not terribly pleased. “If I must.”
“Then it’s settled,” her mother said, “Penn will take it.”
“Should we inform the Scudamores about it?”
“I don’t think so,” her father said. “The fewer who know of its existence, the better.”
Septon nodded. “I agree. This is why the Order has tried to so hard to keep the Thirteen Treasures hidden.”
“Then why is the Heart of Llanllwch in the Ashmolean?” Elijah asked. “Shouldn’t it be stowed away somewhere?”
“The Order keeps it under guard, and believe me, people have tried to steal it.” Septon glanced at Penn. “Haven’t they?”
“Indeed. It’s also incredibly popular. You’d have a difficult time convincing the university to hide it away.”
Septon looked from Cate to Penn and back to Cate again. “Might I spend some time with the sword?”
“Yes, please,” Cate said. “We’ve taken a rubbing of it, and I’ve made some drawings of what it looked like when we found it and when it burst into flame.”
“Penn, would it appease you to have the tapestry for your museum?” Elijah offered. “I’d be happy to donate it.”
Donate it? Cate retook his hand and smiled up at him. “You could make them pay for it.”
“I could, but I have other items I can sell—provided my wife allows me to. She’s quite opinionated when it comes to our collection.”
Our collection. Her heart swelled. “That’s a marvelous idea. But I wonder if we shouldn’t give it to the people of Harlech instead—display it in the church there.”
“I can arrange for that,” Penn said. He looked to Elijah. “If you’ll allow me.”
Elijah nodded. “Thank you.”
Penn returned his attention to his sister, his expression bemused. “Cate, are you sure you’re prepared to relinquish the sword and the tapestry in the same day? I know how desperately you wanted them.”
Cate looked up at Elijah, her heart swelling with love and pride. “I have everything I want right here.”
* * *
Don’t miss the next exciting book in the series, Lord of Fortune when a dashing adventurer (Penn!) partners with an enigmatic woman to search for treasure and battle a dangerous secret society in the lush countryside of Regency England and Wales.
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Need more Regency romance? Check out my other historical series:
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The Untouchables
Swoon over twelve of Society’s most eligible and elusive bachelor peers and the bluestockings, wallflowers, and outcasts who bring them to their knees!
* * *
The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…
* * *
The Untouchables: The Pretenders
Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?
* * *
Wicked Dukes Club
Six books written by me and my BFF, NYT Bestselling Author Erica Ridley. Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough...
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Secrets and Scandals
Everyone has secrets and some of them are a scandal . . . six sexy, damaged heroes lose their hearts to strong, intelligent women in the glittering ballrooms and lush countryside of Regency England.
* * *
Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
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Would you like to know when my next book is available? Sign up for my reader club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub, follow me on social media:
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If you like contemporary romance, I hope you’ll check out my Ribbon Ridge series available from Avon Impulse, and the continuation of Ribbon Ridge in So Hot.
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Thank you again for reading and for your support.
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xoxox,
Darcy
Author’s Note
I chose to set this story in and near Wales both because of the subject matter and because my grandmother, Selma Rita King Finney was born in Cardiff in 1916. I still have family there and was fortunate enough to visit several years ago. It’s a beautiful land with charming people, and while the Welsh language is difficult to pronounce, I find it lovely—probably because I can still hear my great-uncle Alec singing it.
The thirteen treasures of Britain are mythical objects that appear in various legends. They have been used in countless stories and in many ways (Harry Potter’s Deathly Hallows are somewhat based on them). I adapted them for the Legendary Rogues series and added the Heart of Llanllwch for purely narrative purposes. The flaming sword tapestry is completely fictional. The fate of Owen Glendower is unknown—he disappeared after Harlech fell and is thought to have died at Kentchurch, where he may have lived in hiding with his daughter Alice and her husband John Scudamore.
The Order of the Round Table is a completely fictional group, but is based on the myriad secret societies that have existed for centuries. Edmund de Valery and Anarawd are fictional characters as are the documents they produced.
Of course there is no proof that King Arthur, his knights, the Round Table or any of Arthurian legend is real. I’d like to think it’s a little bit history, with a dash of embellishment, and a lot of great storytelling.
Also by Darcy Burke
Historical Romance
Legendary Rogues
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The Legend of a Rogue (first available in A Very Highland Holiday anthology, autumn 2020)
Lady of Desire
Romancing the Earl
Lord of Fortune
Captivating the Scoundrel
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The Untouchables
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The Bachelor Ear
l
The Forbidden Duke
The Duke of Daring
The Duke of Deception
The Duke of Desire
The Duke of Defiance
The Duke of Danger
The Duke of Ice
The Duke of Ruin
The Duke of Lies
The Duke of Seduction
The Duke of Kisses
The Duke of Distraction
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The Untouchables: Spitfire Society
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Never Have I Ever with a Duke
A Duke is Never Enough
A Duke Will Never Do
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The Untouchables: The Pretenders
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A Secret Surrender
A Scandalous Bargain
A Rogue to Ruin
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Love is All Around
(A Regency Holiday Trilogy)
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The Red Hot Earl
The Gift of the Marquess
Joy to the Duke
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