An Affair Downstairs

by Sherri Browning

  She stopped bouncing the baby and met his gaze. “She’s nowhere near ready for a nap, I think, though I’m no authority on the matter. Besides, it’s going to be quite a challenge finding time to be alone with such a houseful. Lord and Lady Holcomb stayed over with Lord Ralston, and Agatha’s inside. I suppose we should go in and make sure they’re all getting along. Agatha doesn’t like Lord Ralston.”

  “I knew I loved her. Did the ghosts fill her in on his flaws, or was it something she read in his aura?”

  Alice laughed, a sound he hoped to hear for the rest of his life. “I believe she’s just going by her instincts. He’s dismissive of her free-spirited nature. Lady Holcomb is a bit afraid of Agatha, too, from what I’ve seen. She might be concerned that Agatha is actually in command of the supernatural instead of merely being in communication.”

  “If that were the case, I’m sure we would have a bit more paranormal activity around Thornbrook Park. Agatha would certainly enlist a mischievous poltergeist or two to do her bidding in chasing Lady Holcomb and Lord Ralston away.”

  “And Lord Holcomb?” Alice asked

  “He’s a good sort.” Winthrop shrugged. “He can stay. When we go shooting, he always has a joke, a smile, and a little something extra in his flask to keep the chill off.”

  “Aha. If I weren’t holding a baby, I would dazzle you with my new skills. I took your advice more seriously to heart, and I had Patrick teach me how to shoot.”

  “There’s more to it than simply aiming a rifle and…”

  “I know.” She placed a hand on his chest, shooting a tremor through him as surely as if she’d pulled a trigger. “I had him show me properly how to load, clean, and shoot a rifle. I can name all the parts. And I hit a target dead center. Only one, but I’m sure I can improve with practice.”

  “Alice.” He embraced her, though that meant dodging Mina’s sticky grasp. “I’m so proud of you. That took real determination. You can even load?”

  She nodded, pride shining in her hazel eyes. “I wanted to check another accomplishment off on my list. And now I have.”

  “This list of yours, could I see it sometime? I wonder if there are any more goals I might help you with.”

  She nodded. “I have a few I want to add. I realize nothing is written in stone. It’s a list that is sure to see changes through the years, as often as I change my mind.”

  “I had the impression that you never changed your mind once you made it up.”

  “That might have been true in the past, but you’ve brought out a whole new side of me.” Mina fussed in her arms and reached for Logan, to his surprise. “Look, she wants you. How sweet.”

  “She probably thinks I’ll be the one to free her from that silly bow in her hair. What were they thinking?” The red bow was barely clinging to her little blond wisps, and she was wrapped in a red bunting to match.

  “That it’s Christmas, and she’s adorable? Here.” Before he could protest, she handed him the baby.

  He juggled her until she felt right in his arms. He’d missed out on his nieces Sarah and Laura in all their infancy and toddlerhood. “All right, Mina. If we’re to be friends, I must beg you not to spit up on me.”

  The baby cooed and resumed with sucking her own fingers.

  “You are a natural with her. How long were you with Grace before you fled to Europe?”

  “She was about six months old when I left, just a little older than Mina. She was four when I returned for Father’s funeral.”

  “Do you ever think about having children of your own?”

  “I didn’t. Not for years. I thought to never have them. I had my well-ordered life and my work, and that was all. And then something happened to change all that. You happened, Alice. But I don’t expect to have children. I’m not against the idea, but I’m not resigned to it, either, as some are. I spent too long living my life in a box. I’m out of the box now. I’m learning what it is to live, and I find that spontaneity is part of my brave new world.”

  “Mr. Winthrop, spontaneous? Who would believe it?”

  “Just about anyone watching me hold a baby right now, I suppose.”

  Alice laughed again, and he let the sound wash over him, a balm to his soul.

  Twenty-one

  “This is where you first kissed me,” Alice informed Logan, settling a drowsy Mina into her pram. “Here near the fountain during the ball, with the snow falling down.”

  “I remember, but we kissed before that. Don’t you remember? When I was coming up the stairs with shears in my hands.”

  “Yes, but that time I kissed you. I prefer to consider the time that you took matters into your own hands, right here.”

  “It’s starting to snow again.” He brushed some flakes from her hair. “If we didn’t have the care of an infant, I would take you in my arms and dance with you again. I might be daring enough to kiss you, even with the possibility that your fiancé could be watching from a window. Be warned, I’ve made sure to hang mistletoe in some out-of-the-way spots.”

  “So if you begin to lure me away from the crowd, I should know that I’m in danger of being kissed?”

  “Even worse. I’m not sure I can control myself around you, Alice. I might not even need the excuse of mistletoe.”

  A thrill coursed through her veins. How she wanted to be in his arms, swept away. “I want you to know that I told Ralston I have no intention of marrying him. I’ve broken the engagement.”

  “That’s wonderful news.” He put his arms around her. “I’m happy to hear it, overjoyed if I’m being honest.”

  She stared into his midnight eyes and remembered the feeling of drifting away into them, the peace she felt becoming a part of him, even if it was only a hazy dream as she lost consciousness. The euphoria had felt so real, so overwhelming, that it was a wonder she ever woke up again. But looking into his eyes as he stared back at her, she began to feel it again. This time, it was real and not the effects of an injured daze. She loved him.

  “I’m happy being with you. What made you decide to come?”

  “Being away from you. Thornbrook Park is no longer home. Once you left, I realized that neither is Stratton Place. My home is with you, wherever you are. And that’s where I had to spend Christmas.”

  “Logan.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “Let’s get the baby in out of the snow so we can find a place to be alone.”

  They rolled the pram inside, prepared to hand the sleeping baby over to her nurse.

  “Ralston didn’t take it well,” she confessed as they walked. “He’s determined to change my mind.”

  “And how does he plan to do that?”

  “He wouldn’t exactly say how. Why would he?” Alice had some idea, but she didn’t want to alarm Winthrop with her suspicions. He’d been on the brink of facing charges over murdering a romantic rival once. There was no need to tempt him to it again.

  She knew he wouldn’t be capable of it without good reason, but that she suspected Ralston of sedating her might be reason enough. After all, the thought of it made her own blood boil. But first, she had to be sure she was right. Unfortunately, that meant keeping a close watch on Ralston when he was around, a tricky endeavor when she didn’t want to give Logan the wrong idea that she had any interest in Ralston.

  Inside, the nurse was waiting for them.

  “There’s my wee charge. I hope she doesn’t take ill from the cold.”

  “She’s well bundled up,” Alice said. “Look, only her little cheeks are red and will undoubtedly be quick to warm.”

  The nurse nodded, not quite approvingly. “I’ll take her from here.”

  Logan and Alice didn’t get far before Aunt Agatha, draped in a flowing, royal blue robe trimmed in silver, caught up to them.

  “Mr. Winthrop! The veil has lifted. I can see your aura at last.”

  “Oh?” He lifted a brow. “And what color might it be?”

  “It’s a sunny, happy yellow. You have a yellow aura, which goes very well wi
th Alice’s orange. Together, you look like a bright sunburst. It reminds me of springtime. What a perfect omen! I do love the spring. It’s all about new life. Together, you have new life. You see, Mr. Winthrop? The Ace of Cups was always meant to be yours. New beginnings.”

  “I should have never doubted you,” Logan said. “What does this yellow aura reveal about me? Should we be warned?”

  “You are prone to leading with your head instead of listening to your heart. You have a tendency to keep to yourself, and you do not suffer fools gladly. But when you love, you love deeply and loyally. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before, because yellows love to garden and watch things thrive under their care.”

  Logan stroked his chin, considering. “Very astute. And what of the orange aura?”

  “Oranges are impatient. Their main flaw is a tendency to act first and think later. Capricious!”

  Alice blushed. “I think we have that covered, then, Agatha. Thank you.”

  Agatha went on. “They are quick to anger, but quick to forgive. But also absolutely charming, nearly impossible to resist. Thoughtful, generous, honest, and genuine. You always know exactly where you stand with an orange.”

  “Insightful. This aura reading seems to be quite an accurate science,” Logan said.

  “I wouldn’t exactly call it a science.” Alice took Logan’s hand. “You’ll have to excuse us, Agatha. I believe Mr. Winthrop had something to show me down the hall.”

  “Of course, my dears. I’m trying to locate Lady Holcomb. I’ve never met anyone as badly in need of a tarot spread. She is in for a rough time of it if she keeps ignoring warnings from the spirit guides.”

  “I’m not sure she’s up yet. The Holcombs might be sleeping in to prepare for a late evening with Mass.”

  “Perhaps I’ll wait in the breakfast room with another of Mrs. Mallows’s divine cinnamon twists. Carry on.”

  Logan and Alice exchanged glances, watching Agatha drift away as if floating on a cloud.

  “I wonder what color her aura is,” Logan asked, after she had gone.

  Alice laughed. “Probably all of the colors of the rainbow, or she can summon the one she wants at will.”

  They walked through the house as of one mind. Alice didn’t have to ask where he led her. The conservatory’s double doors were open, beckoning them. He barely waited until they were inside before he tucked her into a corner behind the ficus trees, with the heady scent of orchids all around them, and enveloped her in a kiss. His tongue seared her like a branding iron, marking her as his own.

  “I’ve missed you. God, how I’ve missed you.” His forehead pressed against hers, his hands ran over her body and slowly gliding up her corseted waist to her breast, then pausing there, his palm flat over her hardening nipple, his thumb grazing the rounded curve through the delicate silk of her blouse. “I need you, Alice.”

  “I need you, too.” She caressed his rough cheek, the slow growth of beard scratching her hand and flooding her with desire. She wanted to tug him to the floor and roll atop him, but it was too dangerous. They could be caught. Her hand trailed down his neck to toy with the buttons of his shirt, eager for contact with bare flesh.

  He caught her fingers in his hand. “Not here, Alice. Somewhere proper. I want to take you in a bed this time.”

  “A bed?” She arched a brow. “You have put me in a mind for anything but proper. And how could we manage it?”

  He shook his head. “We might have to test our patience and wait for a more opportune time. I’m willing to wait for you, Alice. I’m willing to do anything for you. I want to give you…”

  “The moon?” She didn’t mind that he’d confessed to saying the same to another woman. She knew he’d loved Julia, and she knew that he loved her more intensely.

  “No, Alice. The entire universe. I want to give you everything.”

  “All I need is you. I want you, Logan. Nothing else matters.”

  They kissed again, his hand pressed in the curve of her backside, urging her flat up against him. It was how Ralston found them when he walked in.

  “I knew the mistletoe was hidden somewhere. It seems some other man has found it before me.” He gestured up to the arch above the doorway. “But you’re a bit misplaced. It’s over here.”

  “Ralston,” she said, breaking the kiss, but not backing away. If she stayed in Logan’s arms, he would have a harder time attacking Ralston, and she was certain it might come to blows. She could feel the heat of Logan’s anger rising within him, the vein at the side of his neck pulsing furiously. “I’m sorry you’ve come upon us in a private moment. Perhaps you could leave us alone?”

  “Leave you? In the arms of another man?” He walked further into the conservatory. “I assure you that ignoring the situation is the last thing that crosses a gentleman’s mind when he find his fiancée in a compromising position.”

  “I’ve told you, Lord Ralston. I will not marry you.”

  Ralston shook his head. “It’s Harry, darling. Why are you being so formal?”

  Alice could feel the tension taking over Logan’s body, his muscles turning to steel beneath her fingers. She stepped out of the circle of his arms to stand in front of him, keeping hold of his hand. “Because we’re not engaged any longer, Lord Ralston. You know I was mentally impaired when I agreed to the marriage in the first place.”

  She admired Logan’s restraint in standing back to allow her to try to handle matters with Ralston on her own. She could only imagine how trying it was for him not to throttle the man on the spot.

  “‘Love is a serious mental disease.’” Plato, again. Ralston placed his hands over his heart. “And we’re all just sick over you, Alice. I can’t blame a man for losing his head. Lord and Lady Furbish have sent word of their congratulations, by the bye, on behalf of the family, of course. I daresay Matilda is devastated.”

  Alice tried to remain unfazed, but her panic increased when she realized he’d gotten the word out. “She will be overjoyed, then, when I tell her you are back on the marriage mart.”

  Now there could only be a scandal, or one of them scrambling to save face. Of course, it would be her. Her family’s reputation could be on the line. Logan snapped. She hadn’t expected she would be able to hold him back forever.

  “How dare you take advantage of a woman and then act as if you had every right? How could you possibly allow word to get out? Have you no honor?” He stepped perilously close to Lord Ralston.

  Alice began to look around and calculate how many plants could be irreparably damaged if they should come to blows. Not the lemon trees! She had to get Logan and Ralston out to the parlor, at least. What were a few damaged antiques next to living things that had taken so much of Logan’s love and care to grow strong and lush?

  “How dare I?” Ralston gave a sharp laugh. “Have I no honor? That’s rich coming from the man who had his arms around my fiancée.”

  Alice stepped between them. “Why do you insist on being ornery, Ralston? There’s no reason to be indignant. Disappointed, perhaps. Embarrassed, most assuredly. When you interrupt a private moment between two other guests in the house, you should know to bow your head and walk away, or at least cough to alert us of your presence. But it’s preposterous that you should stand here and claim any rights over me. You know we were never truly engaged. My heart was never in it. And if you believed otherwise, I’ve taken pains to set you straight.”

  “Allow me to set the both of you straight. As far as I’m concerned, I walked in to find my fiancée with her tongue down the throat of another man.” Ralston held up a hand. “Pardon me for being crude, but I could see with my own eyes. And if word gets out of our broken engagement, everyone will know what I saw, and that I am the wounded party.”

  Logan dropped his hands, unable to figure Ralston out. “Why would you want to emasculate yourself so, to appear jilted? You could just walk away. Have some pride.” It was both a last chance to reason with the man and an attempt to figure him out. Logan w
as clearly at a loss.

  “Because I am an earl, Mr. Winthrop. Not a simple estate manager. And I get what I want. I want Alice to be my wife, and it will be so—or her reputation and her family’s reputation will pay the price. You might have been out of our world long enough to forget, but that’s how it works. Reputation is everything.”

  Alice poised on the tips of her toes, ready to jump between them again, desperate to avoid a terrible situation. She had no concern for Lord Ralston, who would certainly take the brunt of the blows, but she dreaded Logan putting himself in any situation that might leave him vulnerable to judgment or censure. He had already been deemed a murderer once. The last thing he needed was for people to believe him at it again, over yet another romantic rival. She had no doubt that putting Logan in such a predicament was exactly what Ralston hoped, which was why she felt especially relieved to see Logan drop his arms to his sides and take a step back.

  “I feel sorry for you, Ralston,” Logan said. “You don’t care who you hurt as long as you get what you want. If that’s the way your world works, it’s a wonder that any of you want any part of it. You’ll never know the meaning of the word ‘honor,’ and the reputation you think so highly of will never be worth a damn among the truly righteous.”

  Ralston stood speechless. Logan reached for Alice’s hand and escorted her from the room.

  Alice loved Logan more than she’d ever believed it possible to love.

  ***

  Logan would have felt a great deal better if he knew that his speech had any effect on Ralston. The line had been drawn. Ralston intended to make it difficult for Alice to walk away from her commitment. Pounding the man to a pulp would have been temporarily satisfying, but it wouldn’t have made the situation any better. Logan had matured enough to know that violence wasn’t the answer to deter men like Ralston.

  Upon regaining the power of speech, Ralston would simply have alerted the constable and let the law wreak his revenge. Or he might be the type to hire a band of thugs to take care of the situation his own way in the shadows of night. In any case, attempting to reason with the man was always the best way to go. In the event that Ralston proved unreasonable, as seemed to be the case, they had to find another way.