Michelle watched him go, guilt stabbing at her. She straightened her shoulders and went to the front sitting room. She’d promised her mother she’d help with the invitations to Thomasham, and the task would adequately fill her time. She settled herself behind the small writing desk and took out paper and pen.
Nearly three hours later she went to Paul. She stood in front of the door of the study, wiping her damp palms on her skirt. Fixing an bland expression on her face, she rapped lightly on the wooden panel.
“Enter,” she heard Paul say from within.
She opened the door and quickly took in his appearance. His jacket had been discarded and rested across the back on his chair and his shirt sleeves were rolled up. She brought her eyes to his face. He looked tired to her, and his hair was tousled. Paul looked up at her and smiled, warming her heart.
“Michelle,” he said, his voice a caress.
Michelle felt once more a stab of guilt and pondered the wisdom of disclosing her and Reggie’s actions. She changed her mind in an instant when he furtively stacked the papers and folders on his desk. She watched as he placed the stack into the center draw of the desk and closed it tight, reminding her of his endless deception regarding both his speeches and his accounts.
When he met her gaze once more, she forced a smile on her face.
“To what do I owe this visit?” he asked.
“When you didn’t come to the parlor, I thought we could have tea in here.”
He glanced at the clock on his desk. “Is it that time already?”
She nodded as the maid brought in the tray and set it on the credenza. After the woman left, Michelle closed the door behind her. “You’ve been quite immersed in your work, husband.”
“Um, yes,” he allowed. “I need to wrap up some things before we leave for the country.”
She nodded and sat down to face him. Perhaps he’d finally tell her everything. Perhaps then she could tell him what she did today and stop Reggie before he could think to press her for his precious information.
“What keeps you in here all the time?” she asked.
His eyes wore a guarded look, his face shuttered. His smile was certainly a memory. “It is nothing that concerns you.”
She sighed. Why did she bother asking him to share his troubles?
“Come here, love,” he said, leaning back in his chair.
She came to rest in his lap and looked deeply into his eyes, so filled with love for him she thought she’d burst. The events of the day crashed down upon her. Her deception, Paul’s lies, the threat of Reggie’s demands which could come at any time.
“Oh, Paul,” she sobbed, throwing her arms around his neck.
“Shh.” Paul hugged her, rubbing her back gently. “What is it?”
Michelle sniffed and wiped the tears off her cheeks. She couldn’t tell him what she did, what Reggie wanted in return. She went behind Paul’s back out of necessity. Her money was his, and if she had to trick him into taking it, so be it. Didn’t he realize what it meant to her? What he meant to her?
“I love you,” she said.
Paul brushed his lips over hers and she leaned into him, opening her mouth for his possession. He ran his lips over her throat, setting her on fire.
“I need you, Paul,” she whispered, nibbling on his ear.
She placed hot kisses on his throat, his chest, flicking her tongue over his skin. She slid off his lap as she worked her way down his hard stomach to the waistband of his breeches. He swore softly as he worked the buttons free and she grasped him in her hands. He was hot and hard and ready.
“You want me,” she said.
“Always,” he rasped.
She bent her head and took him in her mouth, her teeth raking over his shaft as he grew harder. His moans fired her. She looked at him, his head thrown back, his hands clutching the arms of his chair. He opened his eyes and stared at her. He stood and laid her across the desk, reaching under her skirts to remove her drawers.
She cried out as his mouth captured her center. His tongue stroked, his teeth nibbled. She began to shake with the first tremors of her orgasm when he lifted his head. He grabbed her hips and entered her with one powerful thrust.
Michelle cried out as she climaxed. He braced his hands on the desk and drove into her, again and again. With one final deep thrust, he climaxed deep inside her.
He kissed her and she cried, silent tears.
“What is it, love?” he whispered against her cheek.
She shook her head and sniffled, unable to find the words to express all she was feeling. Her passion, and his response, had stunned her.
“My God, Michelle. Whatever possessed you?”
She lowered her lashes. “You.”
At least they had this. But for how long? If he ever found out that she went to Reggie, he’d never touch her again.
Chapter 21
The tea was cold by the time Paul and Michelle rearranged themselves. She rang for more tea as they devoured the biscuits on the tray, taking some time to rein in her emotions. She thought to discuss their upcoming trip to Thomasham.
“I’ve written the invitations to all of our friends, Paul.”
“It should be quite enjoyable,” he said. “Pity dear Reggie will be in attendance.”
Michelle stiffened his mention of the name. “I daresay Thomasham is large enough we won’t have to suffer his company very often.”
Paul chuckled at that, furthering her ease.
“When will we leave, Paul?”
“A few more matters require my attention, love,” he answered, lifting his tea cup. “I should be finished by the end of the week.”
“Have you spoken to your father?”
Paul froze, his cup halfway to his lips. A frown darkened his face.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“No,” he said. “I haven’t spoken with my father yet.”
Though he said nothing else, she knew there was more to the matter. He looked furious. She wouldn’t press him now. And she certainly didn’t want to bring the conversation around to her cousin again. How on earth would she avoid Reggie during what was sure to be an extended country visit? And was he truly adamant to collect his reward?
* * * *
After sharing a quite dinner that night, Paul escorted Michelle upstairs. He waved her into the room and closed the door. He leaned against the panel, content to wait while she went through her nightly routine. She ducked into the dressing room and after a few moments emerged wearing her nightgown and wrapper, a sweet smile on her face.
“Paul, are you still standing there?”
He pushed away from the door and crossed to her. “I was waiting for you, love.”
“Well,” she said, sitting herself in front of the vanity. “The dressing room is all yours, then.”
He quirked a smile at her and went into the dressing room. After he readied for bed he came to stand behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She looked troubled, her brow furrowed and tiny lines bracketing her full mouth. He thought of her ride with her cousin, followed so swiftly by her shocking and incredible passion in his study, and of the strained silence afterward.
“What were you thinking of, wife? You appeared miles from here.”
She shrugged and favored him with a smile. He lifted her hair away from her neck and brushed his lips against her flesh. She sighed and closed her eyes.
“This afternoon was incredible,” he whispered. “But tonight will be different.”
“Mmm,” she murmured. “Different.”
He would set aside the events of the afternoon and her strange mood tonight. He would worry about his father’s behavior at another time as well.
“Yes, different.” He eased her wrapper off her shoulders. “Tonight I plan to take my time.”
* * * *
Paul woke at dawn. He glanced at Michelle beside him, still deep in slumber, and his mind returned to the troubling news Lord Chester had given him. It had t
aken all of his restraint not to go directly to his father’s home and demand satisfaction yesterday afternoon. But he had a tenuous hold on his temper where his father was concerned, and he didn’t want to alarm his sisters. His father might have diminished in Paul’s eyes—he’d rather not disappoint his sisters.
Gambling! Paul wasn’t concerned for himself. He was certain with his government work he’d be more than able to provide for his wife and children. But what of his sisters?
The confrontation would have to wait. At least his father would leave Town shortly to join them in the country. One thing was certain in Paul’s mind—he’d call on Graves and assure his father’s estate wouldn’t continue to finance the man’s sport.
Michelle sighed then, a soft sound in the quiet of the room. He turned to her and kissed her awake. They roused themselves and set about their day.
As he sat in his carriage on the way to his father’s solicitor’s office tension drummed through him. When the carriage stopped in front of Graves’ office, his resolve was strong. No more of the estate’s money would be squandered. He alighted and entered the building and was immediately shown into Graves’ office.
The man stood as Paul entered the room. “Leed, what brings you so early this day?”
“I have something to discuss with you, Graves. Something of the utmost importance.”
“What is it, pray?”
Paul took a seat in front of the man’s desk and waited for him to close the door before answering. “I learned where my father’s money has been going.”
Graves settled back in his chair and waited for Paul to elaborate.
“My father has been gambling,” Paul stated.
Graves blinked in surprise. “But that’s a considerable amount of money to gamble away.”
“I’m aware of that. That’s why I’m here.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I need your help, Graves. You must freeze my father’s accounts.”
“That’s impossible,” Graves said.
“You’ll do it.”
Graves shook his head. “I can’t. Your father has been careless, yes. But I do not have the power to do that.”
Paul blew out a breath. “And I suppose that, as his son, my hands are tied, as well?”
“Yes,” Graves answered.
Paul raked his fingers through his hair, trying to think of some way to stop the flow of money into his father’s careless hands. He looked at the solicitor and saw a spark in the man’s eyes. “What are you thinking, Graves?”
“I told you of your father’s wish to find a buyer for some of the property surrounding Talbot Hall, yes?” Graves asked.
“Yes.” He sat up, his hands in fists. “Don’t tell me you did such a thing.”
“No, no,” Graves rushed out. “Of course not.”
Paul rolled his shoulders as he relaxed a bit. “What, then?”
“I led your father to believe an offer of purchase was forthcoming.”
Paul was intrigued by the sly grin the man wore. “Did you, now?”
“Yes,” Graves said. “It won’t take much to let him believe the money will be delayed for a time.”
Paul thought for a moment. Finally, he nodded. “Quick thinking, Graves. That will suffice for the time being. My father will join my wife and me in the country for an extended visit. We expect to leave town shortly.”
“Splendid,” Graves said in relief.
Paul managed a short laugh. “Are you pleased he’ll be gone, Graves? Or myself?”
Graves blinked. “Well, I…”
Some of Paul’s tension eased and he smiled. “What of my father’s allowance?” he asked. “What of his stipend?”
“He’s satisfied at present,” Graves said. “I suppose with the promise of more money coming from the presumed sale of the property in Yorkshire, he’ll be content.”
“Yes, yes.” His mind turned to another matter, one that he found even more unsettling. “What of my sisters?”
“Your sisters?” Graves asked. “Leed, I… I thought you knew.”
Paul stiffened. “Knew what?”
Graves bristled, saying nothing.
“Has my father set aside funds for my sisters’ dowries?”
“No,” Graves said in a small voice.
“Son-of-a-bitch!” Paul roared, slamming his hand down on the desk.
Graves jumped back in his seat. “I pleaded with him time and again, Leed.”
“What the devil am I expected to do now?” Paul came to his feet. “I can’t afford to… Ah, this is too much.”
“I received a missive this morning that may interest you,” Graves said.
“What?” Paul asked. “More bad news, I wager.” He snorted. “A missive from whom?”
“Your wife’s solicitors.”
“Bloody… See here, if this is about her dowry, I won’t discuss it.”
“It concerns a different matter entirely, I assure you.”
Paul took a breath. “Do get on with it, man.”
Graves gave a quick nod. “Your wife’s uncle has settled a gift on the two of you, in honor of your marriage.”
“A gift?”
“Yes,” Graves said. “A generous one, if I may say so.”
“Just what is this ‘gift,’ Graves?”
“Twenty thousand pounds.”
Paul looked at him, his mouth agape. “But, who would…? Which uncle?”
“I believe he’s the late Earl of Thomasham’s younger brother. The present earl.”
Paul’s mind worked. “Would he be the father of Reginald Thomas?”
“Why, yes. I believe so.”
Why would Reggie’s father gift Michelle with so much money? And did the dandy know of it today?
“I trust this is satisfactory?” Graves asked.
“What? Yes, Graves. Please see the funds settled into my accounts.”
“Very good.”
“Thank you for your attention in all of this, Graves.” Paul stood and shook the solicitor’s hand. “Please inform me if my father requests more funds.”
Once back in his carriage, Paul pondered what he’d learned in Graves’ office. His father hadn’t dowered his sisters. And what of the mysterious gift from Michelle’s uncle? Was Reggie at the bottom of it?
No. The lecher was an annoyance but he had nothing to gain by seeing a gift settled on his cousin. Michelle had seemed out-of-sorts yesterday. And guilty, strange as that seemed.
“She would never betray me,” he muttered. “Least of all with that dandy.”
Paul leaned his head back and prayed he was correct.
* * * *
Michelle sighed and set aside the responses to Thomasham. Everyone seemed most excited to come to the country for an extended visit, and she really tried to find pleasure in the anticipation herself. She’d nearly managed it, until she’d come across Reggie’s response.
“Damn him anyway,” she murmured.
“My Lady,” Starks said from the doorway.
“Yes?”
“A missive has arrived for you, My Lady.” He handed her the sealed and folded foolscap.
“Thank you, Starks.” Michelle took the letter, refraining from touching the familiar seal, and set it on the desk before her. “Please close the door.”
Starks bowed and took his leave. Michelle gently broke the seal and unfolded the note. As she’d suspected, it was from Reggie. His hand was very elegant, bordering on flowery, but that didn’t soften the message. It was curt and very much to the point.
Chancery Court:
Argument, key points and discussion
Must have by 12:00
R
Michelle glanced at the clock on the desk, her heart racing. Reggie gave her less than two hours to copy the information he needed and get it delivered, all without Paul knowing any of it. With little time to spare, she refolded the missive and stood. She took a few steps to the door and peered out into the hall. Starks wasn’t about, and
she hurriedly withdrew several sheets of paper from her desk and hurried to Paul’s study. Feeling like a thief, she closed the door and crossed to his desk.
Guilt churning in her belly, she located the file she’d read the other night. Taking pen to paper, she copied the speaker’s argument and points. And Paul’s eloquent responses.
* * * *
When Paul returned to the townhouse he found Michelle in the front sitting room, seated at the small writing desk. The desktop was littered with papers.
“Greetings, wife,” he called from the doorway.
She lifted her head with a jerk, then smiled. “Paul.” She stood and crossed to him. “I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
He kissed her lightly, wrapping his arms around her. “My business didn’t take as long as I expected.” He took in the disarray on the desk. “What’s all of this?”
“I’m helping my mother sort through the responses. It seems everyone is delighted to come to Thomasham.”
“And why not?” he said. “It promises to be enjoyable.”
“Indeed. I received word from your father and sisters as well.”
“Did you?” Paul set his hat on the desk and faced her. “And will they be joining us?”
“Yes.” Michelle laughed lightly. “Catherine somehow managed to chatter on in the missive.”
He settled on the gray chaise and regarded her closely for a long moment.
“Is something troubling you, husband?”
The gift, he thought. And your cousin. “Not troubling me, precisely,” he said. “I received some news from my solicitor today.”
Michelle’s eyes widened for the briefest moment, but Paul didn’t miss the action. “Oh? And what was this news?”
“Your uncle has settled a gift on us.”
He waited to judge her reaction, watching as she shuffled the papers about.
“I believe Reggie mentioned his father had such plans.”
“It’s a very generous gift, Michelle,” Paul said. “Initially, I thought to refuse it.”
“You can’t.” She faced him. “My uncle would be very upset if you did such a thing.”
Pride and Fire Page 18
