“What’s taking so long?” Adrian called.
“We’re coming,” she responded. Finally, she got the halter on and they led the animals toward the gate, moving leisurely.
“Hurry up!” cried Adrian.
As soon as they were both through the gate, Penny turned to Adrian. “This isn’t easy to do. It’ll take some time to lead them through the woods.”
“You’d better make it easy. I’m not waiting forever,” Adrian said.
While Adrian was turned away, Tad used the stepping block to leap onto on Shadow’s back and take off. Adrian whirled and gave a cry of rage. “Stop!” he cried, waving the pistol. Penny used the gate to climb on Whisper’s back. The nervous horse sprang forward with Penny clinging to the animal’s mane. Behind her, Adrian fired a shot and then another.
Once they were out of sight of the pen, Penny sought to slow the racing animal. But the gunshots had spooked the mare and they galloped on. Penny bent low over the horse’s withers, struggling to keep her balance. When she finally looked up, she saw they were headed for the woods. A tree with low-hanging branches loomed straight ahead. The horse swerved and Penny felt herself fall.
****
Marcus’s stomach churned with foreboding as he drove the tilbury through the stone pillars marking the entrance to Horngate. On one hand he longed to see Penny again. On the other, he was filled with dread at the thought that James’s assessment of her might be true. But he couldn’t believe it. She cared for him, at least a little. If he promised she wouldn’t lose her freedom or her control of Horngate if she married him, surely she would consider it.
As for everything else, he truly didn’t care. Even if she’d conspired with Withersby to develop this whole ransom plot, it didn’t matter. So he’d lost a few hundred pounds; Penny was worth that, and more…much more.
He couldn’t blame Penny for trying to hold onto Horngate so fiercely, he thought as continued down the gravel drive, lined with lush oak trees. Now that it was summer, the estate was truly beautiful. He could easily imagine living here year-round and only occasionally going to London.
As the uneasiness built inside him, he wondered if he ever wanted anything as badly as he did Penny. He’d long ago stopped being nervous when he was playing for stakes. But this was a gamble of another sort and he wasn’t certain what he would do if he lost. The idea of living without Penny filled him with a horrifying emptiness.
He drove the tilbury around the circle drive and pulled the team to a halt in front of the house. Tying the reins to the seat, he climbed out. He was surprised no one had come out to greet him. It looked as if he’d have to knock.
He raised the heavy knocker and rapped twice. The housekeeper he recalled from his first visit came to the door. Her blue eyes fixed on him with what could only be called suspicion. “May I help you?” she asked.
“I’m looking for Miss Montgomery. Is she here?”
The woman regarded him intently, then stepped back to let him enter. “I recognize you now. Thank heavens. I thought you might be someone sent by Miss Montgomery’s wretched cousin.”
“I’m familiar with the man,” said Marcus. “Is Miss Montgomery expecting him?”
The woman nodded. “We’re all on alert here. We fear he might come and…do something to the mistress.”
If Penny is afraid of Withersby, that means they weren’t working together. But if she is afraid, then Adrian had truly kidnapped her, the villain!
“Is she here in the house, then?”
“No, I believe she went out to the barn. My husband, Mr. Foxworthy, is with her, of course.”
Mrs. Foxworthy looked to be about fifty. If her husband was near her age, Marcus wasn’t certain he’d be much protection for Penny.
“Thank you. I’ll check there.” Marcus hurried to the barn. He was probably being foolish, but now that he knew Penny was in danger from Withersby, he had to make certain she was safe. In the barn, he encountered an older man. “I’m looking for Penny…Miss Montgomery,” he explained.
The man regarded Marcus suspiciously. “And who might you be?”
“I’m Marcus Revington. Penny’s been staying with me in London. We were to be wed.”
The man’s grim manner failed to relent. “Aye. I’ve heard about the matter. Withersby arranged the match, didn’t he?”
“Yes, but…” What could he say? That despite the way things had begun, Penny and he had come to care about each other? He didn’t know that was true, except from his own standpoint. “I have no connection with Withersby now. Indeed, I’m here because I’m concerned for Penny. In London, Withersby kidnapped her. She apparently got away, but I’m worried Withersby might have followed her here. Where is she? I understand Mr. Foxworthy is with her.”
“That would be me,” the man responded. He shook his head. “I’m afraid she’s gone off with Tad. I was dubious, but she assured me they’d be fine.”
“Gone off? Where the devil are they?” Marcus felt his panic growing. Having encountered Tad, he had little confidence the youthful groom could protect her, even from puny Withersby. “Withersby has a gun,” he told Mr. Foxworthy. “And I’m not certain he wouldn’t use it.”
Mr. Foxworthy looked alarmed. “But that means…” His frown deepened. “I heard gunshots a while ago. I thought it was someone hunting.”
Marcus stared at Mr. Foxworthy. “Where have they gone? Where?”
Mr. Foxworthy pointed, and Marcus took off running.
He was poorly attired for such physical exertion. After a few paces, he yanked his cravat loose, then stopped to pull off his coat. He carried it for a while, then threw it to the ground. He had to find Penny!
He halted as he saw a rider. When the horse drew near, he realized it was Tad. “Hullo! Stop!” he cried.
With effort, the youth halted the horse a few paces past Marcus. Marcus rushed over. “It’s Adrian!” Tad gasped. He gestured wildly.
Marcus’s insides clenched with dread. “Does he have Penny?”
Tad shook his head. “I think she got away, but he is pursuing her.”
“Give me your mount!” cried Marcus.
“Can you ride bareback? Without a bridle and bit, it’s damned hard to control a horse.”
Marcus gestured frantically toward the barn. “Go and fetch a bridle then. And hurry.”
Tad returned with a bridle and rapidly exchanged it for the halter. As soon as he’d gotten it on, Marcus said, “Here now, give me a leg up.” Once astride, Marcus called, “Which way?”
Tad gestured.
Marcus took off, his heart in his throat. What if he was too late? What if Withersby had already… No, he couldn’t think like that. Withersby needed Penny as a means of bleeding more money from him. He wouldn’t kill her.
He finally reached the training pens. His fear sharpened when he saw Hero, riderless, his reins trailing. He rode up to the stallion and demanded, “Where is she? Where is she?”
The horse whickered and seemed to shake his head.
Marcus wheeled his mount and frantically surveyed the landscape. There was no sign of Penny, or Withersby either. Not knowing what else to do, he guided the horse into the woods. They had gone a short distance when he heard a horse whinny. He urged his own mount faster.
At the edge of the trees he saw his phaeton and team. There was no sign of Penny, but someone was lying across the seat of the vehicle.
“Jeremy!” he called as he rode nearer. Quickly dismounting, he fastened the reins to the back of the carriage, drew his knife, and cut the cloth covering the footman’s mouth.
“By God, sir,” Jeremy choked out. “I’m very glad to see you.”
“What happened, Jeremy? Where’s Penny?”
“Last I saw her, she was with Withersby and the young groom.”
Marcus cut his bonds.
“They were going to get fresh animals and head back to London. But they never came back.”
“Tad was with her?”
“Yes, si
r.”
Having freed Jeremy, Marcus stepped back. “I just saw him. That must mean Withersby has Penny.” But if he had caught her, why hadn’t he brought her back to the carriage? Marcus’s blood ran cold as he contemplated Withersby’s state of mind. The bastard was so deranged, so desperate, there was no telling what he might do.
“I’m going to look for her,” he told Jeremy.
“I’ll hunt for her on foot,” Jeremy responded. “The walk will do me good. Help get the cramps out of my legs.” He climbed gingerly out of the carriage, wincing as he stood, then shook out his legs. “What direction should I go?”
“Unfortunately, I have no idea.” Maybe he should go back for Tad. But he didn’t want to take the time. “Look in the woods, I guess. Maybe he’s hiding somewhere.”
Jeremy nodded and helped Marcus onto his mount. The two men set off in different directions. Jeremy went into the woods while Marcus circled back to the training pens.
A short while later, Jeremy called out. Heart in his throat, Marcus rode that direction. The vegetation quickly became thick and low-hanging, forcing him to dismount and lead the horse.
Finally, through the trees, he spied Jeremy. The groom was leaning over something…a body. Marcus dropped the reins and drew near, afraid of what he might see. He let out a sigh of relief as he realized the body was Withersby’s.
Jeremy turned as he approached. “His neck’s broken and there are hoof-prints all around. He must have ridden in here and got knocked off by a low-hanging branch.”
“It’s no worse than he deserved,” said Marcus.
There was a rustling of branches, and Penny stepped out from the bushes. There were leaves in her hair and grass on her clothing.
“Penny!” Marcus exclaimed. “Are you all right?”
She nodded and went over to where Withersby lay. “Hero always did despise him.”
“What happened, Penny?” Marcus asked. “Are you certain you’re not hurt?”
She nodded again but still didn’t look at him. Marcus’s stomach churned. Something was wrong. Why was she acting so distant?
“What happened?” Jeremy asked. “Did Adrian follow you on Hero?”
“I guess so. I didn’t stay around to look. After hearing the shots, I dug my heels into Whisper, and she took off.” She grimaced. “We didn’t go far before I fell. Fortunately, we were behind the trees by then and Adrian didn’t see. He didn’t need to mount Hero at all. He could have gotten to me on foot.”
A chill ran down Marcus’s spine. Penny had come so close to being killed. How he longed to take her in his arms and crush her against his body. To hold her and never let her go. But seeing the wary expression on her face, he held back. “You’re certain you’re all right?”
“I had the wind knocked out of me, that’s all. I’ve fallen enough times that I know what to do. You go limp as you fall and it’s not as bad.” She gave a rueful smile.
“Thank goodness you’re safe.” Marcus breathed.
She gave him another shy, hesitant smile, then glanced away. “Yes, I’m safe.”
Marcus could hold back no longer. Despite her disheveled appearance and stained clothing, he thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world. He took two steps nearer, then sank to one knee. Seizing her hand, he said, “Now that Withersby’s dead, I have no claim on you. Not that I ever truly did. But, the thing is…I love you and want to marry you. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”
****
Penny couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing: the proud, elegant Marcus Revington, kneeling in the grass his dark eyes tender and pleading. She gave a startled laugh, then said, “Yes. Yes, I will.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Two months later
Penny watched Marcus ride up to her, admiring the easy way he sat the chestnut. He looked so graceful and in control.
As he pulled to a halt, he asked, “Why are you smiling?”
“You ride so well. It’s a pleasure to watch you.”
“In truth, I haven’t had much experience. I’m a much better hand with the ribbons than as a rider.” He patted the gelding’s neck. “It’s Star who makes me look good. I think he’s more than ready for the sale.”
Penny nodded. “Mr. Foxworthy posted an announcement in the village, but we should probably go to London and find a way to spread the news there. Adrian used to handle all that. I’m not certain how he went about finding buyers.”
“It will be easy for me to find plenty of interested parties. Gambling and fine horseflesh are the two vices of many of my acquaintances. But let’s not talk about going to London right now. I want to enjoy our day in the country.”
Penny motioned to the wicker hamper tied behind Marcus’s saddle. “I see you’ve brought luncheon.”
Marcus nodded. “Mrs. Foxworthy made certain we won’t starve.”
He dismounted and came to help Penny down. After they tied the horses to a tree, they took down the hamper and the blanket Penny had brought, and found a spot for their picnic under a large oak. Penny spread out the blanket, sat down on it, and stretched out her legs. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”
Marcus nodded. “I never want to leave.”
“We do have to go to London occasionally. To arrange the sale and for other business matters,” Penny said. “And it will be good to see Lily and James, of course.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. I got a letter from James. They’re coming here in two weeks, after the wedding.”
Penny sat up. “Wedding?”
“Yes. Lily finally gave in. James convinced her that they must marry for Charles’s sake. It hardly seems like a good basis for marriage to me, but James has always been a practical sort.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Penny soothed. “They adore each other. The only reason Lily refused him until now was she worried she wasn’t good enough for him. It will be wonderful to see them. I’ve missed her.”
“Maybe you can convince them to make their home here. You’ve managed to convince most of the other Londoners you know to move here.”
“I think Maggie likes living in the country. And I know Jeremy does. And we’re certainly able to offer a better life to Robin, Timmy, Freddie and Fancy here. I know they’re still fighting the notion of going to school in the village, but they took to the rest of it like little ducks to water.”
Marcus gave her an indulgent smile. “I don’t know whether I dare take you to London any more. I worry you’ll convert more city-dwellers to the joys of bucolic living. The manor house is filled to bursting as it is.”
“We’ll just have to build on an addition then.”
Marcus raised his dark brows. “By Jupiter, it seems my fears are real! Who have you targeted to bring here now? Bowes and Will?”
Penny laughed. “I don’t think Bowes would be happy here. Or Will either. I was actually thinking that we might”—she lowered her eyes—“might have children someday.”
“Are you…that is…?” His dark gaze bored into her, and he seemed to be holding his breath.
She laughed again. “Not so I can tell. But it’s only been a month since we wed. For propriety’s sake, it would be better if a little more time elapsed.”
“Propriety? When have you ever worried about propriety?”
“I suppose I haven’t. Otherwise I wouldn’t be dressed like this.” She motioned to her boots and trousers. “I don’t suppose you ever dreamed you’d end up with a shameless hoyden like me, did you?”
“I actually like it when you dress like a boy. I did from the beginning. That sort of attire shows off your attributes quite well. But there’s a downside to it.”
“Oh, and what is that?”
He gave her devilish smile. “Trousers are a bit more cumbersome to remove.”
She frowned at him, trying to look severe. “I don’t think you brought me here for a picnic at all. Did you?”
“I’ll admit, it was all a pretense.” He touched her cheek, t
hen moved his hand to her hair and began pulling out the pins. “I don’t mind if you dress like a man, but I prefer your hair down.”
Penny leaned back, suddenly breathless. As he ran his fingers through her hair, desire ignited between her legs and spread through her body. When he laid her down and kissed her, her need turned molten. But he was in no hurry. His kisses were long and deep and his caresses leisurely. She drew away with a moan, then stood up and peeled off her clothing. She got her trousers down but couldn’t get them over her boots. “You’re right,” she muttered. “These are dashed hard to remove.”
“Lie down and I’ll help you.”
His movements were smooth and practiced. In moments her lower body was bare. She waited as he took off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. When it was off, he undid his trousers, then positioned himself over her.
“You’re not going to undress any further?”
“Do you want to wait while I do?”
“Not really.”
“I thought not.”
He began his slow torture again, his fingers caressing her hips and buttocks, then her inner thighs, gliding close to the aching core of her but not yet touching.
“Please,” she whispered.
“You are the most impatient little vixen.”
“Vixen?” she demanded, then let out a groan as he finally brought his hand to her heated center.
He teased and fondled until she was near blind with pleasure and yearning. Finally, she decided she’d waited long enough and wriggled out from under him. She flung herself at him, knocking him on his back, then scrambled onto him with her legs straddling his thighs. “Ah, this is much better.” She grasped his phallus and stroked him with the same slow deliberation he’d used with her. “Now who is begging for mercy?”
“I am,” he groaned.
A delicious thought came to her. She moved her hips and lowered herself onto him, gasping as each glorious inch of him penetrated her. He filled her to bursting, and it was all she could do to remember to breathe. He thrust his hips upward. She groaned with wordless pleasure and met his slow, rocking movements with her own rhythmic ones. The pressure built until she arched her back and cried out as the dazzling ripples burst inside her.
Wicked Wager Page 29
