After expressing his thanks to the butler, Killian toasted his friend. “Here’s to cupid’s arrow, and since you’re determined you better pray that you don’t get shot. Now all I have to do is wait for Modesty to admit she’s been struck as well. I’m not sure she’s going to though. I’m predicting she’s going to pretend she hasn’t been struck and ignore that she loves me.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be on guard against the little sod,” Gideon shrugged; no blasted way was he going to be a target. “That bad is it? Sounds like a wager to me. I bet a hundred quid against your best bottle of French brandy that I bet you can’t coax it out of her within the time limit of one month.” Smirking with confidence, he waited for his friend to take up the challenge.
“You’re on.” Killian didn’t hesitate in accepting.
Gideon eyed his friend with mischief. “Mmm, we’ll need a witness. Not that I don’t trust you but…”
“Damn your hide. Ring for Turner.” Glaring at his friend with disgust, he waited for the butler to arrive. “Turner it’s going to be your job to inform lord Carlyle before the end of the month that our Duchess confesses she loves me within the next four weeks.”
“Your Grace am I to presume that I am to be the witness to this confession? How can I accomplish such a task if it happens in the privacy of your bedchamber or anywhere else for that matter?” Turner could only shake his head over his lordships foolishness.
“We never thought of that. My heads pounding and I’m growing weary. We’ll think about it tomorrow.” Yawning, Killian placed his half empty glass on the table by the bed. “Wake me if anything happens.”
“Very well, your Grace. Sleep well. Lord Carlyle I’ll show you to your room.” Turner left and waited in the hall.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Killian.” Gideon placed his glass down, rose to his feet and sauntered out of the bedchamber.
With a mumbled goodnight and though his head hurt like the devil, Killian smiled smugly as he drifted off to sleep knowing that he had captured his wife’s heart just as he knew he would.
***
Damn it, what was taking so long, Roger and his men should have been back an hour ago. How long did it take the fools to break in and kill a seriously injured man? Should he take the chance and wait a little longer or was it too risky? Undecided, he checked the drawers in his desk to make certain there was no incriminating evidence left behind. Satisfied there wasn’t, he stared at the four satchels by the door. It was time to leave, it was too dangerous if he remained any longer.
When he decided it was safe to return and if the duke still lived, he’d dispose of the man then. Striding over to the bags, he swept them up and left the room. Everything was taken care of and in place. All the wealth he had accumulated was already being transferred to his bank in Paris.
There was nothing left to do, his coach and four were waiting in the lane at the back of the house. He would go to Brighton and set sail from there. Confident that nothing could go wrong, he strode through the house and slipped out the kitchen door.
Halfway across the lawn, he froze when a dozen men holding pistols materialized and surrounded him. “Noooo, no this can’t be happening.” He bellowed as he started to run for the gate. Something hard and powerful rammed into his back, he tumbled face first to the ground. Though badly winded, he struggled to his feet; escape was the only thing on his mind.
“Give it up, Stokes. You’re completely surrounded. There’s nowhere to go and no one to take you even if you manage to get away. I’m inspector Harrison and I am arresting you for attempted murder of a duke of the realm. Embezzlement, illegal dealings, and extortion for now. I’m sure there will be other charges brought against you. Cuff him.”
Panic and fear consuming him, Stokes struggled to free himself. “Lies. All the charges are lies. I know nothing of the attempted murder of a duke and all the rest are false accusations. I demand you send for my solicitors and when they prove you wrong, I’ll sue you for this humiliation.”
“All in good time. Once you’re formally charged they’ll be sent for.” Inspector Harrison smiled smugly. Capturing this deadly, despicable felon would certainly advance his career.
“You have no proof that I’ve done anything.” Desperation made Stokes whine, he could see everything he worked so hard and so long for stolen away from him. He also saw his life ending with a noose around his neck.
Inspector Harrison waved for his men to help the prisoner to the waiting barred carriage. “Oh, but we do. Several very prominent citizens have come forward and once news of your arrest is made public, I’m sure more will be willing to testify against you.”
“Lies, I tell you. I’ve done nothing wrong, nothing.” He cried out as he was tossed roughly into the barred carriage. Stumbling to his feet, he grasped hold of the bars. “They’re making false accusation because they’re jealous and because I’m richer than they are.” He sagged to his knees when the inspector ignored him ad the man swept up his bags and walked away.
A sob of terror broke past his lips, it was all her fault. He should have destroyed her when she ran away and married that loathsome, despicable duke. She was to blame for ruining everything he’d worked and struggled for. If he managed to be proven innocent, lady Modesty was going to be the first of many to die.
Every single person who came forward and accused him of any crime would also lose their lives. Already he was making a list of the weaklings who probably had already turned against him and the ones who would quickly follow. When he tallied the number up in his head, the amount was staggering. His shoulders slumped in defeat, it would be impossible to fight the odds or beat them.
With so many condemning him there would be no likelihood of proving them wrong, besides the inspector now had written evidence of every crime he ever committed. Along with the list of names of very prominent people who owed him vast sums of money and who had been blackmailed into doing illegal dealings and assassinations for him.
Too late, he was realizing that keeping an accurate account of all his dealings had been a horrendous mistake. The courts would have no need for witnesses when he had condemned himself with his own handwriting. He in fact had convicted himself.
Chapter Eighteen
His severe headache was now only a dull throb and feeling much better after receiving the news of Stokes’ arrest, Killian made arrangements to have what his wife and aunt would need for their stay in the country packed and the traveling coach made ready. He wanted them all out of the city before the scandal hit the streets and their lives made intolerable if they remained in London. He wanted to spare Modesty that at least.
Taking his hat, gloves and great coat from Turner a knock sounded on the door. He turned to see who it was and when seeing the man standing on his stoop, he grinned. “Mister Munroe you have impeccable timing. Come into the study, please.” He quickly handed his things back to the butler, led his visitor into the room and closed the door. “Have a seat, my good man.”
With a nod, Mister Munroe sat. “I have some vital information for you, your Grace.”
“Excellent, but since Stokes was arrested last night I suggest you turn it over to the law.” Killian rummaged in his drawer and found the purse filled with a goodly sum of money and held it out. “Payment for a job well done.”
“But I can’t accept it, your Grace. Since the man’s already been arrested, I can take no responsibility for it.” Munroe rose to his feet and was about to leave, but his lordship’s words stopped him.
“Nonsense, you did what I hired you for and completed the job. You earned your money and I won’t take no for an answer.” Killian grinned when the private investigator reluctantly took the purse. “Thank you and good luck.”
With a bow of respect, Munroe grinned. “No, thank you, your Grace.”
Watching the man leave Killian didn’t waste any time following the detective out of the room. “Take care of things Turner. I’ll be in touch.” He once more collected his hat, glo
ves and coat. With a curt nod, he hurried outside and into his waiting coach. Excitement churned his stomach at the thought of seeing his wife.
It was ridiculous how eager he was to see her since it had only been a handful of hours they’d been parted. Barely waiting for the carriage to stop, he opened the door, trotted up the steps, lifted the knocker and let it drop. When the door was swung open, he smiled. “Good morning, Thomas is my wife awake?”
“And good morning to you, your Grace. I wish to congratulate you on your marriage and your lovely duchess. She’s with lord Garth in the breakfast room.” Thomas opened the door wider and stepped aside.
“Thank you. No need to show me the way.” He stepped inside and strode down the length of the hallway to the back of the house and entered the breakfast room. “I hope you’ve had plenty to eat.”
At the sound of her husband’s voice, Modesty gave a cry and shot out of her chair. Rushing to him she wrapped her arms around him and tilting her head back she searched his face. “You’re alright. Thank goodness.”
“I’m pleased to hear you’re happy about it.” He teased as he hugged her closer. “It’s all over, Stokes has been arrested and he won’t be able to bother us anymore.”
Relieved, she rested her brow on his chest. “I’m so glad it’s finally all over. My father?”
Gently, he stroked her head. “I’m sorry, love. He made a confession, but his wound is critical, it’s doubtful he’ll survive much longer.”
In sadness, her shoulders sagged and raising her head, she nodded. “If he lives he will lose his life anyway. Perhaps it’s better this way.”
At a loss for words, he looked over at his friend who shrugged, then silently slipped from the room. Taking a small step back, he lifted tenderly cupped her chin. “I know it hurts, sweetheart and you’re probably blaming yourself, but you did nothing wrong and none of it’s your fault. It was the greed of two selfish men that caused all the trouble. Now promise me you’ll stop this silly nonsense.”
“I know you’re right, I find it hard not to though.” She said sadly.
Tapping her lightly on the nose, he smiled. “If we’re going to reach my estate in Kingston before supper, you should collect aunt Lucy so we can be on our way.”
“No need, Killian, I’m right here. I’m so pleased to see you alive and well.” Lucy smiled brightly as she reached her niece and husband.
Letting go of his wife, he leaned over and kissed the elderly woman on her wrinkled cheek and winked when he straightened up. “I can assure you I’m more than pleased that I am fit and still walking. Now ladies, are you ready for our journey?”
“Killian about my scoundrel of a brother-in-law, arrangements should be made just in case.” Lucy grasped her niece’s hand and squeezed it lightly.
“No need to trouble yourself. I’ve taken care of everything. He’ll have a dignified service and be buried quietly.” He reassured them both.
Tears glittering in her eyes, Modesty nodded. “Thank you.”
Not wanting the sad subject to continue, he offered his arms to both women. “If you haven’t eaten, Turner has supplied enough food to feed a battalion.” He kept up his foolish ramblings until his wife and aunt were inside the coach. He turned and saw his friend saunter outside. “Thanks for taking care of them. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
“Are you insulting me? I don’t need or want your blasted thank you. What are friends for if you can’t count on them, besides, one day I might need you to return the favor? But what I do want to hear is you admit you’ve been struck by cupid’s arrow and fallen in love?” Garth raised an amused brow when for the very first time he witnessed his friend blushing.
“Damn it, why is everyone suddenly interested in my feelings. Blast it all, you’re not going to back off, are you?” Killian glared hotly at his friend when he shook his head. “Fine, I was shot through the bloody heart, are you satisfied now?”
“Yep, now you’ll just have to convince your lovely hellion that you have and she’s been struck by an arrow as well.” Garth laughed at his friends snarl as he spun away and climbed into the coach. “Good luck, you’ll need it.”
Irritated as hell, Killian slammed the door shut and fell back against the seat. He knew his friends were enjoying rubbing his nose in the predicament he now found himself in. After swearing for years there wasn’t a woman living who was worthy of winning his affection, he’d finally been proved wrong.
Now he was going to suffer their jibes for who knew how long. It was damn aggravating if nothing else. His head whipped around when his wife placed her hand on his arm. “You look tired, did you sleep at all last night, love?”
“A little. You seem irritated? Why did Garth mention arrows?” She looked at him expectantly.
Mumbling a curse under his breath, he shrugged. “Wouldn’t have a clue. The man has a warped sense of humor. Why don’t we close our eyes and rest? I know I could use it.” He sent up a silent thanks when both his wife and her aunt nodded. Placing his arm around Modesty’s shoulders, he waited for her to settle into a more comfortable position before he also leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
***
Nervous and eager to see the inside of Killian’s lovely manor house, she let him guide her through the door and introduce her to the servants lining up to welcome her. Modesty would have preferred to miss the ceremony, but it couldn’t be helped and it would have been rude. When she’d met the last groom everyone quickly vanished. With her hand on her husband’s arm they went up the flight of stairs and entered a spacious salon.
The room was richly decorated and luxurious. She barely had time to look at anything before they entered the massive bedchamber. When her eyes landed on the enormous four poster bed, she gasped and her stomach fluttered with excitement. Turning to her husband, she arched a brow. “It’s rather extravagant and a little over the top don’t you think?”
Killian laughed and gasped his wife around the waist, drawing her closer until she fitted against him. “I’m afraid I can’t take credit for it. Blame my predecessors. Each generation has been born in that bed and our children will be as well.”
“Oh, so we’re going to make love in that bed?” She asked him a little breathlessly.
All joking aside, he nodded. “I thought you didn’t like using that term since you don’t love me.”
The moment she felt the heat creeping up her neck, she pressed her brow against his waistcoat. “I meant being intimate.” She mumbled.
Stepping back, he hooked her chin beneath his fingers and raised her head. He stared at her for a moment or two and was more than satisfied with what he had seen. “It won’t hurt to admit it, sweetheart and there’s no use fighting it because you won’t win.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about or what you want me to admit.” She told him stubbornly.
With a sigh of exasperation, he plucked off her hat and tossed it away, he ignored her outraged gasp and sweeping her up in his arms carried her over to the bed. Being so high off the ground, he used the step and fell on the plump, soft feather mattress with her sprawled on top of him and met her bright, saffron eyes filled with her heart. “Well, I’m not going to deny it. I’ve been shot by cupid’s arrow and though you’re too stubborn to admit it, so have you. You captured my heart without me even being aware of it.”
Adamantly she refused to say it, she was to scared, to unsure. “No.”
He cupped her face between his hands as his gaze continued to hold hers. “Yes, my stubborn, little hellion, you have. You have fallen in love with me just as I have with you. And I truly do love you with my whole heart and soul.”
Tears filled her eyes at his confession, she bit her bottom lip still unsure if she could truly believe him. “But why? How? I don’t want to love you, it will only hurt in the end.”
“Oh, my darling, I can understand you’re frightened. You’ve suffered your father’s rejection all your life, but I’m not him. You know deep
inside that you can trust me never to intentionally cause you any pain or discard your love. You don’t know how much I crave to hear you say that you love me. It’s been tormenting me since the first time you told me you didn’t.” And that was the blasted truth, he’d been desperate for her to tell him.
The fight drained out of her and she sighed loudly. “Oh, Killian, I do love you. I do, but I don’t want to.”
“Too bad, my troublesome wife. It’s only fair we suffer the same complaint.” He grinned at her finally winning what he wanted.
With a sigh of acceptance, she nodded. “I’m just worried what will happen when the feeling goes away.”
“Ah, my love I doubt it will ever disappear. I predict we’ll love each other forever. It doesn’t just come and go when it pleases. Our love will only grow stronger.” He understood her uncertainty and hoped he had convinced her.
“I’m praying your right.” Why fight it, she finally gave up the struggle. Now knowing that he admitted he truly loved her, she cherished his words and decided to not lock her emotions away anymore. Leaning forward her mouth hovered above his. “Now can we make love?”
Deliriously happy, he laughed. “Yes, my darling we can and will.”
Her sigh of pleasure was swallowed by his mouth taking possession of hers in a slow drugging kiss. She was starting to realize that just maybe loving Killian wouldn’t be so bad after all. Now that she had admitted her feelings they didn’t seem so frightening any more. In fact, she felt empowered by them. She murmured against his mouth when he started removing her clothing. “I love you Killian. I love you, I truly do.”
Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Page 16
