“Clayton,” said James, with steel in his voice. “It has been many years since you and I have met. We were not friends back then. And we are certainly not friends now. Ridgeway told me about your recent actions. It would behoove you to remove yourself from my presence before I forget there is a lady present and do something rash like knock your teeth from your face. You might also wish to avoid my brother.”
“Which one?” asked Clayton, glibly. But he nodded at Williams for his coat and hat.
“As you know, Clayton, the law decrees that I have but one brother. However, you might steer clear of Layton, as well, if for no other reason than it appears you and Chilcott have drunk a great deal of his good brandy.”
“It is as much mine as his,” sneered Chilcott. “As a matter of fact, I have more of a claim to it. To all of it.” He motioned to the house in which they stood.
“You grow tiresome with your claims,” said James. “The old earl never contested the succession. You would be better off going on to live you own life instead of envying your cousin’s. Now, I would like both of you to leave.”
“You cannot throw me out of my family’s home.”
“Shall we put that theory to a test?”
“I do not think that would be wise,” said Chilcott, who nonetheless motioned to Williams to bring his coat. “After all, you wouldn’t want it spread about town that you and Miss Wallace just returned from a trip together. As a….”
The rest of what Chilcott was about to say was lost as James shoved the man against the wall, with his hand at his throat.
“Miss Wallace has done me the great honor of agreeing to marry me, Simon. Say one word against her – to anyone – and I’ll see you at dawn. In case you don’t remember my marksmanship, it has only improved with frontier life.” James backed away, leaving Chilcott gasping for air.
“You bastard! You’ll pay for that! You and your whole family!”
“Come on Chilcott,” said Clayton as he helped him up. “Leave the colonist and his bride alone. You and I have matters to attend to.”
Chilcott was about to say something, but took one look at James’s fierce glare and wisely refrained. When the two of them had gone, James called in Williams. “You are not to give Simon Chilcott entrance into this house again without the express permission of the Earl of Layton.”
“I assumed he would have no objection,” said the butler, who was offended to have his actions questioned.
“I somehow doubt you did any such thing. So let me be clear about this. I am going to tell Layton everything I have witnessed, will let him know how my daughter and I and our guest Miss Wallace are being treated. He will not tolerate being undermined in his own home. And this is his home. If you cannot accept that, I suggest you seek employment elsewhere. Perhaps with Chilcott, since the two of you seem to get along so well.”
Now Williams looked offended and scared. “I have no desire to leave Lord Layton’s employ.”
“Then I suggest you stop giving him reasons to discharge you. Now, do be so good as to send up a hot bath for Miss Wallace. She will be staying in the adjoining room to mine. And you may want to wish us happy, as the lady has done me the incalculable honor of agreeing to be my wife.”
Williams bowed to them a bit stiffly, even as he snapped his fingers to have the gawking footmen carry out James’s orders. “Please accept my best wishes for a felicitous union.”
“Thank you, Williams. That almost sounded sincere. Now, Miss Wallace, may I show you to your suite?”
*
Irene could not quite believe that she was about to spend the night at the Earl of Layton’s house with James. It wasn’t the first night they’d spent together, of course. But it was the first that would be under the scrutiny of others. His family hadn’t counted in that regard, since they would never have said a word about it.
But this was different. Despite James’s threats, Irene had no doubt that Chilcott and Clayton would spread news of their trip. She hated to think what her father and grandmother would think when they heard. It was a good thing she’d agreed to move to America for she did not believe she could ever live within the ton again.
She’d been raised in society and always presumed she would live out her days in its bosom. But she was not sad to think that would no longer be the case. On the contrary, she looked forward to her new life with James and Anna, wherever it took them.
And it appeared it would take her to the wilds of America.
Tonight, it was taking her to a chamber adjoining James’s room in the Earl of Layton’s home.
James gave her a brief tour of the place, so by the time they reached their chambers, a maid had already laid out Irene’s clothes – no doubt scandalized by how wrinkled they were. And footmen were in the process of filling the bath in Irene’s suite.
“That is a very large tub,” she said, once the footmen had left.
“Nick had it specially ordered. He has often said that a long soak at night does much to smooth over the trials of being the Earl of Layton during the day. Not that he doesn’t appreciate the advantages of being titled. He has used his wealth wisely and is the benefactor of several charities. He has also helped our sisters and has tried to help Colin, though Ridgeway is adamant about not wanting to take assistance of any kind to the point of being most obstinate about it.”
“Hmm,” said Irene. “That may remind me of someone I know and love.” She kissed him to take the sting out of her words.
“Well, I can see the similarities, but they are completely different circumstances, I assure you.”
“Of course they are,” she said as she put her arms around his neck.
“Nick feels a responsibility for our sisters and does not know why Colin must bear all the expense. Yet, Colin sees Nick’s assistance, though generously offered, as a sign of failure on his part. I am glad that he found a publisher for his novel. It may not solve his money problems, but it will go a long way toward making him feel more self-sufficient. Now, Miss Wallace, I believe it is time we took our bath.”
“We, sir?”
“That tub is big enough for two. I suggest we make good use of it.”
“You mean, at the same time?”
“I most certainly do. May I get you out of your clothes?”
She did not need to be asked twice. They undressed each other, pausing now and then to kiss and explore in the well-lighted chamber. He learned she was slightly ticklish on her sides. She discovered he shivered each time she kissed his neck.
“How will I ever learn everything you like?” she asked as they were about to step into the bath.
“The same way I shall learn what you prefer – with practice. With daily, prolonged practice.”
He helped her step into the tub, then they both sat facing each other.
“I shall like being Mrs. Emerson. Very much so.”
“Not nearly as much as I shall enjoy being your husband.” Then he took her hand. “There won’t be the comforts of a place like this. There will be times when we are freezing cold, extremely hot, flooded out and praying for rain. Are you certain you want to withstand that?”
“I can withstand anything as long as I am with you and Anna. Now make love to me, James. I would like the lessons to begin in how I can please you.”
“How we can please each other, love.”
He pulled her over him, helping her sink onto his hard cock. He taught her to ride him that way, and she taught him that everything was different when you were in love.
She climaxed just as he was about to lose control, then he followed her into the abyss. She lay in his arms until the water cooled, then they dried off and he led her into his bedchamber.
“What will Williams think tomorrow when he learns I did not sleep in my own bed?”
“I do not care. And I would hope he has enough self-preservation at this point to not spread that about. I am not sure why Nick keeps him around, since it would appear Williams and others in the house feel loyalty
to Chilcott.”
“Perhaps it is the Emerson in him.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means an Emerson will always strive to do what is right, even when it is not convenient for him.”
James nodded slowly, even as he raked Irene’s body with his eyes. “What about you, Irene? Would you like some Emerson in you again?”
She smiled at him. Her wonderful husband to be. “I would like that very much.”
As he slid into her, Irene knew she was home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The next morning, James and Irene tried to get to Geoffrey Olson’s office early, but that would have necessitated them getting out of bed at a decent time. But not only were they tired from the journey, they’d spent most of the night making love. Then much of the morning. By the time they’d risen and broken their fast, it was after noon. To complicate matters even further, Murphy could not be found, so Creighton had to drive the coach.
They finally arrived at the solicitor’s office at two of the clock, only to be ushered into Olson’s office immediately. Olson greeted them somberly, then had them take seats in the recently dusted chairs.
“We have good news,” said James. “We have Mr. Adams’s statement.” He handed the document to Olson.
Olson glanced at it, but instead of the excitement James had expected, the solicitor set it aside after only a cursory perusal.
“I take it you have not been to Viscount Ainsworth’s home since arriving in town,” he said quietly.
Irene blushed. “We thought it better to apprise my father of the situation after seeing you.”
“Miss Wallace has agreed to be my wife,” said James. He didn’t believe the solicitor would gossip about their living arrangements, but he thought it best to announce it for the sake of Irene’s reputation. He also just really liked stating their relationship aloud.
Now Olson did smile. “My best wishes to you, Miss Wallace. And congratulations, Lord James. I am elated to hear your news. I can only imagine Miss Emerson shares my excitement.”
“She does not yet know,” said James. “However, I do not believe she will have any objections. But why did you think we had not gone to see the viscount?”
“Because of this.” Olson handed them a document. “It is a certified copy of Adam’s statement.”
“But how can you already have a copy of it?”
“Because it is not a copy of the statement you have, but another one – written after the one you possess. Please read it.”
The first pang of dread hit James as he began to read the statement. And he soon realized that the document was worse than anything he could have anticipated. Much worse.
Adams declared that his earlier statement had been made under duress as he sat in the Portsmouth gaol waiting to be released. He claimed that James had threatened to have him transported if he did not bear false witness.
James could not believe it. Irene gasped when she read it.
“But this…this is a lie!” she said. “I was there. I heard Mr. Adams’s statement myself. There were no threats. There was no coercion. We even bailed him out of gaol. He offered to testify in court. You have our statement.”
“I do. But the one I just gave you is the one that will count.”
“But it’s so unfair,” said Irene. “How did this happen?”
“My guess is that someone learned the true purpose of your trip. They followed you from London, then once you’d found Adams, made their own deal with him.”
“That’s impossible,” said Irene.
“Unfortunately, I believe it is all too likely. You must have had one or two servants who knew where you were going, Miss Wallace. Or, at the very least, knew you were not going where you said you were."
“I cannot imagine I was betrayed by them.” But from the look on her face, she was beginning to consider the matter.
“It might not have been them. Layton’s servants knew you were taking the trip. Perhaps one of them…”
“Murphy,” said James, dully. “He knew where we were going. He could have sent word to Irene’s father. Then when we were at Portsmouth, he was late. I assumed he was at a brothel, but perhaps he was meeting someone.”
“The man I saw,” said Irene. “I thought he looked familiar. I remember now. He came to the house one day. I believe he works for my father’s man of business. Oh, James, I am so sorry. So terribly sorry.” She began to cry.
James enfolded her into his arms immediately. “Hush, love, there is nothing to be sorry about.”
“I should leave you alone,” said Olson, rising.
“No,” said Irene, drying her eyes. “Please tell us we can fight this. That we can win.”
James knew the answer before Olson confirmed it.
“I am afraid, Miss Wallace, that it would be a Herculean task. And you would not win. The package I received contained any number of legal threats that would be carried out if you were to pursue this matter. I hesitate to mention that these threats are not just against Lord James, but his entire family, as well. Layton, included. They are very intent on your not attaining that land.”
There was a moment of silence as James thought about the death of his dreams. But as Irene put her hand in his, he realized he had not truly lost anything. Nothing of real value.
“There is one small possibility of hope,” said Olson. “The dowager viscountess wants to see both of you this afternoon. She said there are certain terms to discuss.”
Irene stuck out her chin. “I do not want to see her. Or my father. They have behaved even more dishonorably than Cedric.”
James squeezed her hand. “I’m going to have to see your father anyway to tell him we are to be married.”
“I do hope you’re not going to ask his permission.”
“I would never ask such an important question if I knew the answer would be no. I will simply tell him of our plans. That is…do you still want to marry me? Given that I will now have both a child and a wife, I believe there’s no other choice but to accept my brother’s charity and live on the estate. But I warn you that I’ll only be his steward.”
Irene turned her glowing smile on him. “But we’ll be with your lovely family. And I believe I can be an acceptable steward’s wife, if you’ll have me.”
Olson smiled at them both. “I will await instructions on what course of action you would like me to take. But for now, I believe you have an appointment in Mayfair.”
“About your fee,” said James. “Unfortunately, I cannot pay you now, sir, but I shall have Layton advance you the funds and I will pay him when I am able.”
“The earl and I have our own arrangements. But Godspeed, sir. The three of you will have a life of riches.”
“Just not the material kind,” said James ruefully.
Olson smiled. “I have learned there are many twists and turns in life. One never knows what lies ahead.”
*
The drive to Irene’s home was a quiet one. James held Irene in his arms and each time she tried to apologize for the actions of her family, he stopped her words with a kiss.
When they finally arrived at their destination, James helped Irene out of the couch, then stood arm in arm with her as he rapped on the knocker. A moment later, Carter opened the door. It was obvious from the man’s look of disdain, that he was well aware of where Irene had been the past two weeks. And with whom.
“Carter,” said Irene as she passed by him, entering the foyer. “I should like to meet with his lordship and Lady Ainsworth immediately.”
“I will see if they are receiving.”
“I will see them even if they aren’t.” Her voice was like steel.
James hoped he’d never make her that mad.
After a few moments, they were escorted to the study, where they were met not by the viscount, but by the dowager viscountess.
The dragon.
She was standing by the fireplace, her hands on the knob of her silver-tipped cane. “I was
wondering if you two would dare show yourselves after your scandalous holiday. You are ruined, Irene. Everyone knows it.”
Irene raised her chin. “I am not here to discuss my actions of the past two weeks, but yours.”
“You’ve no right to speak to me of my actions, especially in that disrespectful tone. You’ve made a fool of me before the ton. My own granddaughter has behaved little better than a whore. And with a man who can’t even pay her, no less.”
“Lady Ainsworth,” said James, more calmly than he felt. “If you insult my betrothed again, I promise to smash every object of worth in this house.”
“Go ahead! It will be my pleasure to have you thrown in Newgate for your efforts. It is no more than you deserve.”
“Grandmother, how could you do this? How could you steal James’s land?”
The viscountess rapped her cane on the floor. “I am a lady! I do not steal. You are the one who has behaved dishonorably. You have shamed us…”
James knocked a large Oriental vase to the floor, delighting when it shattered.
The viscountess was shocked by his action. “Why, you…I’ll have Carter call the authorities.”
“For an accident?” asked James. “I do not think so. Miss Wallace asked you a question. Do be so good as to answer her without insult, lest another accident occur.”
“I have done nothing wrong,” said the viscountess. “I was only cleaning up Cedric’s mess once again. We wouldn’t even be in this situation had the Morgan chit not died while trying to do away with his baby.”
“What do you mean?” asked Irene.
“Do you think Cedric wanted to go to America? He got some banker’s daughter with child, then when he refused to marry her – rightly so, of course – she was so afraid of being disowned that she tried to get rid of it. The only problem was she was a bit too thorough and ended up killing herself and the child. Apparently, her father must have set great store by the daughter for he threatened to kill your brother. It was codswallop, of course. Men do not care that much for their daughters, but your father and I decided to send Cedric to America until the banker came to his senses.”
Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2) Page 20
