by Vikki Vaught
He glanced at the ormolu clock on the mantel, and noticed it was past six. If he wanted to dress for dinner, he needed to retire to his room. Closing the ledger, he stood and made his way upstairs to the chamber he had used the night before. He’d worked so late the previous evening, he had not joined Mary, not wanting to disturb her sleep.
It was a good thing, because he woke up in the middle of the night bathed in sweat and fighting his bedclothes while clawing at his neck. What if Mary had been sleeping beside him? He could have hurt her and not even realized it. Damn, he’d prayed the nightmares had ended, since he had not had one since they had left London.
To be safe, he would tell Mary they needed to sleep in separate rooms while he adjusted to his title. The last thing he wanted was to harm her, or for her to see him in that state, even if he did not attack her.
While he had never wanted the responsibility of a title, as an earl’s daughter, Mary deserved to be married to a member of the peerage. Perhaps that would appease her father. When he eventually met with the Bow Street runner, he could at least send the man back with the knowledge that Mary had married well and was now the wife of a viscount.
By this time, he had reached his bedchamber. Once he completed his ablutions, he went to the drawing room and found his wife seated on the sofa alone. It was the first time he had seen her since they had arrived the previous evening. She looked so lovely, her complexion a soft rose hue with tendrils of curls framing her face.
He took the seat beside her. “Good evening, my dear. I’m sorry I neglected you today.” She gave him a tentative smile, but he could see hurt in her eyes.
“I understand you have much to arrange,” she demurred. “I spent most of the day in my room reading a book I found in the library. I asked after your aunt, but Wallis told me her maid had requested a tray for her, and she would not be coming down for dinner.”
He sighed. “I checked on her earlier, and she is still understandably overwrought, but better than yesterday. I informed her that the funeral will be at ten in the morning. She assured me she would be ready to face everyone tomorrow. She just needed this one day to mourn for my uncle without having to see anyone other than her maid.”
“Poor woman.” Mary met his gaze. “While I know it’s under terrible circumstances, I do look forward to meeting her.”
He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “And she wants to meet you as well. She will need your support tomorrow when the neighbors come here after the funeral.”
“I’ll be happy to help.” She paused and looked down. “Although I don’t want to be a burden. Perhaps I should return to your estate tomorrow after the mourners leave. Your aunt should not have to entertain anyone during this difficult time.”
He lifted her chin. “That would not be wise, Mary. Giles sent me a missive and the runner returned today. The man insisted on a meeting with me when he learned I am now Viscount Hardesty. It is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. And, you will never be a burden. You’re my wife and my viscountess.”
Wallis came in and announced dinner, and they moved into the dining room. While the food was expertly prepared, neither of them had much appetite. Cortland escorted her to the drawing room, but he did not remain, telling her he had some work he needed to attend to and that he would not be joining her that evening.
Hurt flared in her blue-green eyes, and he almost changed his mind. He beat down the temptation. After having his nightmare, the night before, he dared not chance it. If he went to her, he might fall asleep, and that could prove dangerous for her. He would never want to hurt her in any way. Of course, he obviously had, even though he was only trying to keep her safe.
When he entered his uncle’s study—no, his study now—he flung himself into the chair. It would take time for him to fully accept that his uncle was no longer the viscount…he was. He eased his head back against the chair and closed his eyes. He only prayed he was up to filling his uncle’s very large shoes.
While he may have relied too heavily on his steward, he had been a true statesman. Cortland had never imagined he would have to be involved in governing the country. A heavy weight settled on his shoulders. He had longed for the serenity of his home, but now that could not be. His life had irrevocably changed forever.
****
Mary watched as Cortland walked away. What had caused him to put up a wall between them? She had believed he was growing fond of her, but evidently she was wrong. He’d even stopped sleeping with her. Was it because of the shock over his uncle’s death, or had he already grown tired of her? A weight pressed down on her chest. It actually physically hurt to believe he no longer wanted her. A lone tear rolled down her cheek, and she dashed it away.
Determined to not give into tears, she resolutely straightened her shoulders and went to the library for another book, since she had finished the last one that afternoon. Once she had selected another novel, she made her way upstairs. All she could do was allow Cortland time to adjust and pray that he would return to her bed.
When she awoke the next morning, the room was darker than she would have expected. She arose, then went to the window and discovered a sky darkened by a thick bank of clouds. As she thought to herself that the dismal day was fitting for a funeral, a gentle rain began to fall.
Turning from her somber musing, she went to the bell pull and rang for a maid. While she waited, she went behind the privacy screen. By the time she finished washing her face and hands, she heard someone tapping at the door and bade them enter. It was the young girl that had helped her the previous day.
While the maid was sweet, she truly needed to have Ella with her. She was so much more than a servant, and she missed having her to confide in. Surely Cortland would send for her, if she asked. Once she had dressed in one of her older, much more sedate gowns, such a deep shade of charcoal gray it could pass for black, she made her way downstairs.
When she entered the empty breakfast room, she went to the sideboard and filled her plate with a coddled egg and a slice of toast. Once she added one of the sweet pastries, she took her seat at the table.
A few minutes later, an older woman entered, obviously Cortland’s aunt. While her face was pale and faint lines bracketed her mouth, Mary could easily see she had been a beauty in her day.
She arose and said, “Good morning. I’m Mary, your nephew’s wife. I want to offer you my assistance during this difficult time.”
“Thank you, child.” She took a seat, and the footman poured her a cup of hot chocolate. “Your assistance will be most appreciated. I’m sorry I wasn’t available to welcome you to your new home.”
“Please, don’t worry. Your servants have been most accommodating,” she assured her. “You have a lovely home. I’m sure I will be quite comfortable here, but surely it would be better if I remained at my husband’s estate to give you time to adjust.”
The older woman met her gaze. “Not at all. I welcome your company, to be truthful. Having you here will keep me from becoming melancholy, so no more discussion. Please send for your maid and have her bring your belongings here. I’m having my maid move my things to the dowager’s apartments until the dower house can be made ready.”
“Oh, no, Lady Hardesty,” she implored. “This is your home. I don’t want you to leave. I could use your guidance in managing such a huge house. I’m sure Cortland would not want you to move either.”
He walked in and immediately assured his aunt, “Certainly not. This has been your home since you came here as a bride. Please consider remaining here.”
She looked relieved and pleased as she said, “Perhaps for a while. Once you have children, you may feel differently. In the meantime, I shall be happy to help your wife learn to take care of this house.”
Relief washed over Mary. She would feel awful if Cortland’s aunt had insisted on moving to the dower house. It was completely unnecessary. She must reassure her that she truly wanted her to stay. “Thank you, ma’am. I will be eternally gratef
ul for your assistance.”
“Please, child,” she told her. “Call me Aunt Marjorie. You are now my niece. I look forward to getting to know you.”
Mary inclined her head. “I would like that…Aunt Marjorie. I hope you will use my given name as well.”
She smiled, although it did not reach her pain-filled eyes. “Certainly, Mary. I understand your father is the Earl of Melton. My husband knew him through the House of Lords.”
“He is.” Mary was surprised the late viscount had met her father there, since he rarely took his seat, preferring to spend his time with less worthwhile pursuits, to say the least.
Cortland spoke up, “If you ladies will excuse me, I need to handle some last minute arrangements. The carriage will be out front at nine forty-five to take us to the church.”
A flash of pain flitted across his aunt’s face, but she quickly gained her composure. Mary was impressed with Aunt Marjorie’s determination to not give into her grief.
Her husband bowed and left them to their meal. They soon finished their breakfast, and each went to their rooms to finish preparing for the day to come. When Mary returned to her bedchamber, she donned the black veil and hat the maid had found for her.
When they returned to the house after the memorial service, Mary spent the afternoon meeting the local gentry and neighbors and accepting their condolences. She remained at her new aunt’s side, helping with whatever she needed.
It was easy to see that Cortland’s aunt was well-respected, even loved by her friends and the late viscount’s tenants. Finally, the last of the mourners departed, and Aunt Marjorie went to her rooms to rest after one of the most difficult days of her life.
Throughout the afternoon, she noticed Cortland drawing away from her. Mary made up her mind. She was going to confront Cortland. He would either tell her why he had distanced himself from her, or that he no longer desired her. She would not leave the study until he did. Once she had that information, she would know how to proceed.
Gathering her courage, she knocked on the door. She heard the rustling of papers, a chair creaking. Finally, she heard him say, “Enter.” Taking the knob in her hand, she turned it and pushed the door open.
He rose when she entered. “Ah, Mary. Thank you for helping my aunt this afternoon. Is there something you need?”
Her heart raced so fast she greatly feared she would pass out. Clasping her hands together in front of her, she inhaled deeply, hoping to still her heart. Unable to stop herself, she blurted out, “Why have you drawn away from me?” A pin dropping could have been heard in the silence that hung between them.
He looked down and straightened a paper lying on his desk, clearly uncomfortable. “I had hoped you would not notice with so much happening. I’ve been quite preoccupied since my uncle’s death. That’s all it is. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.”
She did not believe him. His eyes would not meet hers. She’d watched her father’s eyes do that countless times when he was lying to people. Should she let him know, or pretend to accept his reason? His face looked so strained. Concern over his well-being began to take the edge off her earlier determination. Perhaps, if she allowed him time, he would eventually tell her what was keeping him so closed off.
While it was so hard to let the matter go, she could not cause him further distress. After all, he did have a great deal of added responsibility at this time. She would pretend she believed him for now.
“I understand, my lord.” She could not keep from adding that little dig. “Do you mind if I send for my maid? Your aunt is under the impression we will be staying here. Should I have her bring my belongings when she comes?”
She watched as relief swept across his face. “By all means, send for your maid, and have her bring your things. Wallingford Manor is now our home. While it may take time to adjust, I’m confident we will like living here.”
“All right, my lord. As you wish.” She turned to leave.
“Wait.” He rushed to her side. “I know you’re upset with me, but please continue to call me by my name. While I may have to endure being addressed as ‘my lord’ by everyone else, I don’t ever want you to use it. I’m sorry for putting distance between us. Can you give me some time to adjust to all this? I promise it will not take too long.”
His earnest expression stole another piece of her heart. She would try to be patient. “Of course…Cortland. Take all the time you need. This is going to be an adjustment for both of us.”
“Thank you, my dear. I’m on my way to Addington Hall. I’ll bring Ella and your things along with mine, when I return.” He kissed her cheek, then stepped back. “I’ll see you at dinner, all right?”
“I look forward to it.” Thinking of Gerrard and Aimee, she asked, “Oh, what are you going to do with the children?”
“I’m bringing them back with me. I’ve already asked the housekeeper to get the children’s wing ready for their arrival.” He frowned. “I hope this will not be too hard on them. They were just getting used to my home. Now they’ll need to adjust to another one.”
She smiled. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. Both of them are quite resilient. Well, I think I shall rest a bit, so I will be refreshed when you return with them. I’ll be waiting for all of you.” Feeling better after their talk, she went up on her tip-toes, kissed his cheek, and left the room.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Cortland watched as Mary walked away. The good Lord had blessed him when he brought them together. Not only was she sweet-tempered, she was also loving toward the children, and she would make a wonderful viscountess. His tenants would love her. He had no doubt she would throw herself into seeing to their needs as well.
Over the next three hours, he went to Addington Hall and organized the removal of their personal belongings, along with the children, Ella, and the nursemaid. He met with Adams and arranged to meet him at the pond the following morning. He discussed all the changes with his servants, and made arrangements with the stable master to bring his horseflesh to Wallingford Manor the next day.
By the time he arrived at his new home, it was time to dress for dinner. His uncle’s valet—now his—had his evening clothes laid out for him and had him ready quickly. He even managed a visit to the schoolroom to check on Gerrard and Aimee. They seemed to be content with the changes in their lives, especially Aimee, since he had allowed her to bring all her dolls and toys.
Gerrard on the other hand, was so quiet and reserved, it was hard to know how the child truly felt. One of the first things he needed to do was hire a tutor. Perhaps the vicar could help out until he found one for the lad. He’d send a note asking him to visit him on Monday.
His aunt did not come down for dinner, so he and Mary dined alone. After their conversation that afternoon, she seemed more relaxed. Perhaps he could at least make love to her tonight, but leave before he had a chance to fall asleep.
When he escorted her upstairs to their new suite, he placed his hand on top of hers as she started to turn the knob. “I know I’ve been distracted the last couple of days, but I’ve missed being with you. May I come to you tonight?”
He watched her eyes light up and his pulse raced as she smiled up at him. “I would like that very much. I’ve missed you too.”
Kissing her cheek, he murmured, “Good. Then I’ll join you in fifteen minutes.” He left her at her door, then strode down the hall with renewed purpose in his step.
When he entered his bedchamber, he stopped short, and his heart seized. This was the first time he had entered this room since the day his uncle died. Even when he dressed for dinner earlier, he had used the bedchamber he’d been sleeping in for the last two nights.
Larken had informed him at the time, that he would have everything moved over, so he could sleep in this room tonight. He glanced at the bed and could still see his uncle taking his last breath as he departed this world. Would that image ever leave him? Could he actually sleep there? He would discover that later. Shrugging off those dismal th
oughts, he quickly changed into his nightshirt and dressing gown.
The two chambers connected through the dressing rooms. When he entered his wife’s area, he noticed how few garments she had hanging on the pegs. He would need to remedy that immediately. She needed an entire wardrobe now that she was his viscountess.
After tapping once on the door, he entered and saw Mary seated at her dressing table. He walked over. “Let me help you.”
He took the brush from her hands and slowly glided it through her lush hair. The firelight cast a glow over it, showing a multitude of shades intermingled together from deep gold to red. When he first met her, he would have described it as a pleasing medium brown, but it was so much more than that.
Peace settled over him as he methodically ran the brush through her abundant curls. Mary’s gentle nature calmed his troubled spirit as nothing had in a very long time. His wife seemed to be enjoying his ministrations as much as he. Her eyes were closed and she had a sweet smile on her face.
She sighed. “That feels wonderful.”
“I’m delighted I can bring you pleasure. You truly have lovely hair.” He laid the brush on the table and offered her his hand. “Come. Let us move to the bed.” As he clasped her fingers, he felt them tremble, so he suspected she was looking forward to their lovemaking as much as he.
Pulling her into his arms, he swept her up and carried her to the inviting bed. He laid her upon it, then crawled in and gathered her to him. Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Her instant response drove his need even higher as their tongues entwined.
He loved the little noises she made when in the throes of passion. Trailing a string of kisses to that place below her right ear, he felt her shiver. He needed to remember that spot. Then he slipped the thin strap of her night rail down her arm and pulled one of her plump breasts out. His eyes feasted on the sight of her pert, coral nipple, just waiting for him.
