Courting the Countess

by Donna Hatch

  After a long pause, Richard leaned forward. “What made Cooper think it was that particular footman?”

  “I’m not certain, but when he confessed to Cooper, he told him about the pawnshop. He confessed to everything and showed me the receipt. So I called the constable and had the footman taken away. The necklace was purchased by a lord.”

  “Lord Jenison. I know.”

  She lowered her handkerchief. “How did you know?”

  He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew the ruby and diamond necklace.

  She stood. “How—”

  “Lord Jenison gave them to me.” With a surprisingly tender expression, Richard stood and moved to her side. Gently, he turned her and placed the necklace around her neck. His lips brushed over her shoulder. “I should have given it to you sooner. I didn’t know how to tell you I’d seen Lord Jenison with the Averston rubies and I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the explanation. I’m so sorry. I should have had more faith in you. In many ways.”

  She sniffled and looked up at him. “Will you forgive me for not telling you?”

  “If you’ll forgive me for doubting you, and more importantly, for not earning your trust. I’ve jumped to the wrong conclusion about you at every turn. Forgive me.”

  “Of course I forgive you.”

  He caressed her cheek before he kissed her. So gentle. So tender. His lips moved against hers in a familiar dance of offering and accepting genuine affection. Her nerve endings sprang to life and sang with all the joy of harp strings creating a melody—new and fresh, yet as old as the earth itself. His lips still on hers, he enfolded her into his arms. Her heart thudded and a pleasant buzz of dizziness hummed through her body.

  She wrapped her arms around him and melted against him. She kissed him as if this one moment would forever shape her future. He slanted his mouth over hers, kissing her so deeply that he gathered in a little bit more of her heart, a little bit more of her soul with every motion. Her blood roared until it drowned out every sound. She leaped into a river of pleasure, aching for more, burning, longing. Deep beneath her urgent hunger for him, something quieted deep in her heart. All her loss, her pain, her fear, all the roiling tumult of her past stilled, quieted by his healing kiss. Their lips parted only long enough for her to catch a breath before kissing over and over again. Their feverish passion blotted out everything except the fire sizzling every nerve. The press of his body against hers only fanned the embers of her fire.

  This must be the beginning of that unity of which Mary had spoken, the pleasure and bonding that husbands and wives should share. Still, she wanted more, knew more awaited her, and trusted Richard to reveal it.

  In her fervor, she didn’t realize they had moved until the edge of the divan bumped against her legs. She fell backwards. Their fall seemed to shake some of the instinctive hunger from Richard. He slowed, ended the kiss and pressed a gentle hand to the side of her face.

  “Elizabeth—”

  She cut him off with another kiss. Whatever he had to say, it could wait. She needed—they needed—whatever came next, whatever would fuse them together mind and body. He let out a groan, and for a moment, seemed to surrender. Once again, he pulled back. Clarity dulled the bright hunger in his eyes.

  “Elizabeth,” his voice sounded hoarse. “I have much for which to beg your forgiveness, and I vow to be a better husband to you in every way. We shouldn’t do this here where the servants might see. Come. Let’s go upstairs and love each other freely.”

  Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded. He arose and pulled her to her feet, then with his arm around her, they walked together toward the stairs.

  “My lord,” came the voice of the butler. “Forgive the intrusion, but there’s a matter I must discuss with you.” His gaze flitted to Elizabeth but returned to Richard.

  Richard’s brow creased in obvious irritation. “Can’t it wait?”

  “No, my lord, but I promise to make it brief.”

  Richard glanced at Elizabeth.

  She smiled. “I’ll wait for you upstairs.”

  Richard smiled, his eyes burning with such heat that a new level of warmth shot through her. Another smoldering look came her way before Richard disappeared with the butler into the room beyond.

  As she passed the drawing room where the harp stood, she paused. Something about the solitude of the harp called to her, despite her hunger. Besides she’d forgotten to cover it. Before reaching for the protective dust cover to pull over her harp, she caressed the wood, thinking of the man who’d given the instrument to her, his thoughtfulness and generosity. He’d given her the rubies. Again. She touched the rubies around her neck, the symbol of a husband’s love. Now he wanted to make her his wife in every way. She let out a breath as pure joy infused her.

  With a dreamy sigh, Elizabeth pulled on the dust cover, tied off the flaps, and blew out the lamps. A cool breeze drifted in through the opened French doors leading out to the terrace, caressing her skin like a lover’s touch. As she went to close them, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a shadowy movement. She took a second glance at the terrace but saw nothing unusual. Seconds later, a soft scraping noise drew her attention. A dark figure slipped in.

  A man wearing all black entered. Elizabeth froze, too startled to make a sound. The intruder made a lunge for her. She screamed and stumbled backward. He grabbed her by the arms and clamped a hand over her mouth. Smelling of cheap wine and cigars, the man pulled her against him, and dragged her toward the open doors.

  Elizabeth kicked and struggled but she had no effect upon the man. Wild terror poured through her and sent her into a frenzied struggle.

  “Release my wife!” Richard’s voice rang out.

  Still holding Elizabeth in an unyielding grip, her assailant went still. Only Elizabeth’s frightened breathing broke the silence. Behind her, the man’s muscles tensed and she braced herself against him. Instead of making a dash for the door, he threw her into Richard’s arms. The attacker disappeared outside.

  Shaking, Elizabeth collapsed against her husband while servants poured into the room. Richard wrapped a steadying arm around her.

  Cooper dashed in. “Wot happen’ milor’?”

  “An intruder assaulted my wife! He ran out that way.”

  Cooper ran out the French doors into the night.

  The other servants exclaimed over the incident. “What was he after? The rubies?”

  Another mused. “Surely he wouldn’t attack the lady if he were a mere burglar.”

  “Mr. Black’s men would.”

  Elizabeth buried her face into Richard’s neck cloth. The men who’d broken into Mary’s house had attacked the servants; perhaps they were ruthless enough to attack ladies as well. Richard wrapped both arms around her. As the shock receded, true fear stepped in, and she shook.

  Richard rubbed circles on her back. “All is well, now. You’re safe.”

  “What is happening?” she gasped. “Why do people keep trying to hurt me?”

  Richard’s hand halted. “Has something like this happened before?”

  “Earlier today. I went to Hyde Park and someone tried to grab me. Cooper and the groom, Mr. March, fought him off.”

  His breathing became ragged. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I couldn’t. I-I was so worried about the rubies, and then you came home looking so overset…”

  He whispered into her hair. “Oh, sweet Elizabeth. Forgive me. I trust you. Let me be there for you. Please tell me your concerns. Give me your trust.”

  “You have it now. I vow it.”

  “Do I? No more secrets?”

  She hesitated. “I do have one confession.” She drew a breath. “When I went to the park, it was to meet Tristan to try to convince him to see you—to reconcile with you. That’s all, I vow. We are not involved in any way.”

  “Shhh. All is well. I believe you. Anything else?”

  “No.”

  “You can tell me anything. I’m through with play
ing the jealous husband. You can give away all my worldly possessions, but please do not give away my heart.”

  She drew in her breath. Was that a declaration of love—that she was already in possession of his heart?

  Cooper returned, locking and barricading the door behind him. “’E went over th’ wall and I lost ’im in th’ streets, but I got a glimpse o’ ’im. I know ’im. He’s one of Mr. Black’s men, same as th’ one in th’ park.”

  Richard’s voice turned grim. “Arm every able-bodied man. This is their second try for her. We’re going to turn this house into a fortress.”

  He released Elizabeth long enough to scribble two messages and order them delivered. Then he led her to her bedchambers with Cooper and Foster trailing behind.

  Richard cupped her cheek with a gentle hand. “I’m staying with you tonight. I doubt anyone would try to scale the wall three stories up, but I’m taking no chances.”

  At his show of fierce concern and protectiveness, Elizabeth wiped a new onslaught of tears, but couldn’t tell him how much his concern meant to her.

  Richard pulled her in close and nodded at Cooper. “Take position by the door.”

  “Aye, m’lord. Foster’s pretty handy with a gun, too.”

  The unlikely footman hovered nearby, already armed. Richard nodded to him. Foster glanced at Elizabeth, offered a reassuring, albeit tight smile, and sat on the floor with his back resting against the doorjamb, a rifle in his hand.

  Richard glanced uneasily at the windows. After making eye contact with Cooper, he gestured to an armchair. Cooper took up post in the chair, his gun resting easily across his knee.

  After removing the rubies and placing them into her jewelry box, Elizabeth removed her shoes and crawled into bed fully clothed while Richard set a pistol on the nightstand next to the bed. The bed sank under his weight. He rolled onto his side and scooted next to her, fitting his body behind her, and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in close. She marveled at the quiet joy of lying in his arms. His body heat soaked into her. His heart beat a steady cadence against her back, each beat reassuring. As she nestled against him, she let out a sigh of contentment. If only they were alone…

  He cradled her close with one hand, and with the other, he stroked her hair, slowly, gently. One by one, he removed the pins in her hair and resumed stroking from her head down to the end of each lock. Nestled with her back against his chest, Elizabeth’s fears abated and a new sense of wellbeing crept over her.

  He lifted his head and whispered in her ear, “I want you.” His lips brushed against the hollow underneath her ear, and trailed warmth down her neck. Reaching behind her, she caressed his face and ran her fingers through his thick hair. He let out a ragged sigh and tightened his arm around her waist.

  He breathed in her ear, “As soon as this confounded trial is over, we’re going home where you’ll be safe. Then, my love…I will love you.”

  My love. Was that a mere term of endearment, or a true declaration? At the moment, it didn’t matter. His affection was apparent. For now, it was enough.

  Yet, the very real threat of danger hung over them like a loaded gun with a hair trigger.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Tristan arrived early in the morning, alert and wide-awake, which was something of a miracle. Richard eyed him, uncertain of what to say. At least Tristan didn’t look hostile. Instead, his expression seemed, if anything, expectant.

  Tearing down his own barriers of pride and embarrassment, Richard pulled him into a rough hug before stepping back. “Thank you for coming.”

  Tristan quirked a grin. “How could I resist such an urgent plea for help from my older and wiser brother?”

  “I owe you an apology, and though I don’t deserve it, I hope you’ll forgive me.” Richard cleared his throat and toed the carpet.

  “What is it you need?” Tristan asked.

  The relief that Tristan had come despite Richard wronging him so egregiously left him half-weak with relief, half-light enough to fly.

  The two people who mattered the most were back in his life; Elizabeth had trusted him with the truth, and Tristan had come back.

  However, these were grave conditions and they must act without delay. “Elizabeth is in danger. Twice yesterday someone made an attempt to carry her off.”

  Tristan’s expression turned to alarm. “Why? Who? Is she hurt?”

  “She’s unharmed. I’m not certain who is behind the attacks, or why. One of our servants said he thought the assailants work for Mr. Black, the head of a crime ring, but I can’t imagine why he would be after Elizabeth.” He paused. “I wonder at the coincidence that this tie to the crime ring occurs at the same time that I get called to a trial involving crime connections…”

  “Using her to force your vote?”

  “Perhaps. Maybe they are confederates. I must leave soon to vote in the trial, but I don’t wish to leave Elizabeth alone. The servants are guarding her, but I need someone I can trust.”

  Tristan raised his brows. “You’re telling me that you trust me, and me alone, to guard your wife, the woman only weeks ago you accused me of seducing?”

  Leveling a sober stare upon his brother, Richard nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” How would he ever gain Tristan’s forgiveness? Maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe Richard’s plea came too little too late. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” He’d certainly been making the lion’s share of apologies lately. “I hope you will forgive me someday…even though I don’t deserve it. For now, for her sake, please protect her.”

  “What makes you so certain I won’t seduce her now?” Tristan lifted his chin in defiance.

  “You’d never betray me. You have more honor than to betray me. I should have known that from the beginning. All I could see is how much you cared for one another. I…appear to have an aversion to trusting anyone, especially those closest to me.”

  “Yes, well, you’re right—you should have known.” Tristan looked away and raked his fingers through his hair. “I suppose you know it now. Of course I’ll watch over her.”

  They gripped hands. A sniffling noise came from behind him and Richard turned. Elizabeth stood in the doorway of the room. With tears shimmering in her eyes, she slid an arm through Richard’s bent elbow and reached a hand toward Tristan.

  “Thank you for coming, Tristan.” They clasped hands.

  Solemn, Tristan said, “I’ll protect you.”

  “I know you will, but my thanks are for making amends with Richard.”

  Tristan’s irreverent smile slipped back into place. “Brothers, and all that.”

  Richard kissed Elizabeth’s forehead when he wanted to kiss her lips. Her sweet mouth beckoned to him with the promise of so much more. “I must go. We vote. I hope to return shortly, but I can never predict how long deliberations will take.”

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

  Grinning, he headed for his waiting carriage, anxious to finish his duty and return home to Elizabeth. He entered the carriage, and as the footman closed the door, Richard noticed, too late, two large men already inside. One pointed a pistol at him.

  “Don’ make a sound, guv.”

  Richard froze.

  The second man moved quickly and pain exploded in the back of Richard’s head. Dazed, he struggled against his assailants but they wrestled him down. After another stunning blow to his head, he collapsed. His last thought was of Elizabeth left under Tristan’s protection.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  As Elizabeth penned a letter to Mary, a commotion in the foyer caught her attention. She lowered her pen and raised her head.

  “Milady!”

  Nearby, Tristan leaped to his feet, his gun at the ready. Cooper burst into the sitting room with the silent Janey on his heels. The normally grinning footman’s face was white and his eyes were wide and alarmed.

  “Tell ’er, Janey. Tell ’er wot you told me.”

  Perplexed, Elizabeth
arose, glanced at the little girl, then back to Cooper.

  He nodded. “She’s talking. Never seen ’er do it afore.”

  Elizabeth returned her gaze to Janey whose eyes were enormous, and her face streaked with dirt and tears. “Janey?”

  Janey sniffled. “They took ’im. They took milor’ Averston.”

  Elizabeth gaped that the child had spoken. She gathered her thoughts. “Who took Lord Averston?”

  She whispered, “Th’ ones what work fer him.”

  “Mr. Black’s men,” Cooper supplied.

  Elizabeth processed this, a cold sinking feeling opening up in the center of her stomach. “Are you certain?”

  “She saw ’em do it,” Cooper said.

  “Why would they capture him?” Tristan interjected.

  “Don’ know, not ’less Lord Averston’s made an enemy of ’em. ’E don’t usually bother wi’ the upper classes. Don’ know why he’s after you an’ yer ’usband.”

  She sank back into her chair and folded her shaking hands together. Pain lanced her heart as if a barb had pierced it. To lose him now, just when they’d finally reached understanding and planted the seeds of love, would be utterly unbearable.

  Tristan moved to Cooper. “Where did they take him?”

  Janey shook her head. “I couldn’ run fast enou’ t’ follow th’ coach.”

  Elizabeth turned to Cooper. “Do you know where they’ve taken him?”

  “No, but I could put word ou’ on th’ streets.”

  “Please do. I’ll offer a reward if you think it’ll help.”

  He nodded. “I’ll go change. Won’ ge’ nowhere all trussed up in these fancy togs.” He disappeared.

  Tristan shouted orders to the staff as Elizabeth paced the floor, her fear mounting. She imagined Richard beaten and bound, at the mercy of unscrupulous men. Profound loss overcame her as she considered the void of her life without Richard. She’d never told him how much she cared…that she loved him.