by Glenda Diana
As soon as he left the room, Thorton closed her eyes, hoping her blurry vision and headache would pass. She felt so tired. As soon as she was done talking with Griggs, she was going straight to bed.
When Griggs returned, he appeared slightly nervous about sharing tea with his mistress, as if he was a member of the ton. “Was there something you wanted, Milady?”
Thorton poured him a cup of tea and told him to sit. “I heard the most interesting gossip this morning. It has to do with a certain gentleman and a maid.” Thorton raised her cup and took a sip, watching him closely.
Griggs’ cup rattled as he placed it on the tray. “Madame, what are you implying?” he replied, straightening his coat.
“What are your intentions?”
“I don't believe I have any intentions toward ... the woman in question. She will be in London. I will be at Stonecrest.”
“I hate to disappoint you.” She set down her cup and smoothed her skirts.
“How so, Milady?”
“You'll be at Stonecrest ... she'll be at Stonecrest. I hated to lose such a fine maid.” Thorton smiled at his stunned face.
“Do you know what you've done?” Griggs tried to stand, then fell back into his seat.
“I'm keeping a maid of whom I'm fond. She professes to love a man who thinks of her as a child. But who am I to give advice? I can't seem to control my own affairs of the heart.”
“There are plenty of young men who'd be more suited to the lass.” Griggs had gone over this time and time with Sarah. Yet, the foolish woman thought she wanted him. Maybe she thought of him in a fatherly way? No, Griggs thought, she didn't kiss him like a daughter would kiss a father. She had practically sealed her mouth to his.
Although Sarah refused to listen, he had repeatedly told her that a relationship between them was impossible ... and it was. But he was still a man. Her fire had caused him to spend a good hour trying to cool himself. Once his blood had cooled, he felt only two things, disgust and guilt.
“Listen to my reasoning, Griggs. You think Sarah can't love you because you're older? Blake thinks I can't possible love him because of his scars. What makes our situations so different?”
“Madame...”
Thorton held up her hand. “Just think.”
There, she thought, she had said her piece. Suddenly, her desire to lie down became unbearable. Between her excitement over going home to Stonecrest, her chat with Sarah, the undesirable Mr. Garrick, and now this talk, she felt weary to the bone.
When she came to her feet, the room tilted before righting itself.
Griggs jumped up, steadying her. “Are you all right?”
“I've had too much excitement this morning.” She tried to muster a smile, but knew she'd failed when she viewed his look of concern. “I think it best I retire to my chamber.”
Though Thorton complained, Griggs helped her upstairs and rang for Sarah. He fluffed her pillows and covered her with a soft coverlet. In less than a minute, she was sound asleep.
* * * *
Blake had just entered the house and was sorting through the mail when Griggs came charging down the steps. The man was pale, his gray eyes huge. “Milord, I'm so glad you're here.”
The hairs on Blake's neck prickled. “Is it Thorton? Has something happened to her?”
Griggs nodded vigorously. “She's asleep.”
Blake was used to Griggs’ strange ways, but at this moment he didn't understand a thing. “Sleeping?”
“I think it best if you check on her while I send for the doctor.”
“Slow down. Tell me everything,” Blake ordered. He listened patiently while Griggs explained about her swaying earlier and how she'd instantly drifted off to sleep. He thought about the hours she'd spent in his room last night and decided she was exhausted from hours of loving. “Most likely all she needs is rest,” Blake said, picking up a letter from Gordon.
“Did you enjoy your ride this morning?”
“It was all right,” Blade replied, tearing open the letter. Gordon had been sending weekly reports since their departure. Within two days they would be home. He was looking forward to seeing green countryside and fewer people.
“How is the ever-vile Ms. Ashbrook? Still clinging to assorted lovers? Or has she finally decided to retire?”
Blake lowered the letter. “Inside the house I can understand you knowing everything, but when I'm away...? Do you have me followed?”
“Is she hoping to resume her relationship with you?”
Blake started to tell the servant he was out of line, then stopped. Griggs was like a father. The old man worried about him. It was sometimes irritating having someone care, but then again, it could be most heartwarming. “If you must know, she heard I got married. I believe that's why she braved the dangerous waters. Curiosity can do wonders to a normally weak person, can it not?” The smile Blake gave was cold and brittle.
“Did you remind her, Milord?”
“I don't believe she'll test those waters again.”
“Glad to hear it, sir,” Griggs said, smiling.
“Now, how did you know of my brief encounter with her?” Blake leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Is my wife having me followed?”
Griggs shook a long finger at Blake. “She would never stoop to such a depth ... not when tidbits of gossip can be heard in the nearest parlor. While you were enjoying the sights of the Town, Mr. Garrick arrived to enjoy the sights here.”
Blake pushed away from the wall and stiffened. “What?”
“Mr. Garrick saw you with the Ashbrook woman and figured it perfect timing to view your wife while you were viewing another.”
A furious growl rumbled through Blake's chest.
“There's no reason to get upset, Milord. I stayed in the room with them. After Garrick mentioned seeing you and Miss Ashbrook, your wife told him to leave. I also informed him you would likely shoot him. I thought it appropriate. Hope you don't mind.”
“I don't mind,” Blake mumbled.
“Mr. Garrick, however, redeemed himself before his departure. He asked for her forgiveness and friendship.”
Blake thought about the previous night and wanted to do more than shoot Garrick. He knew their relationship was built on unstable ground. Wasn't it bad enough he had to battle himself over his lust for his wife? This was the final blow, to have another interfere. It was time they shook the filth of London from their feet.
“Did Thorton...?” He stopped. He shouldn't care what Thorton thought at hearing Alan's news.
“I believe she was hurt by Mr. Garrick's words, Milord.”
Hurt. For some reason that tiny word caused Blake's stomach to clench and unclench. He wanted desperately to believe in her and her glorious praise, to believe she found him handsome, that she loved and wanted him. He met his reflection in the hall mirror and turned away. “I'll be in the library. Let me know when she awakes.”
* * * *
Several times Griggs went up to check on Thorton. Sarah continually sat beside the bed, watching over her. “Wake her for dinner,” he whispered.
“This is my fault,” she murmured, trying to hide her tears. “I should have seen how tired she was. Instead I bothered her with my problems.”
“Don't fret,” Griggs said, awkwardly patting her shoulder. “I hear you'll be joining us at Stonecrest. I wish to be the first to welcome you.”
“You don't mind?” she asked shyly.
“No.” Griggs cleared his throat and tugged at his coat. “I just hope you know what you're doing. I won't change my mind.” With that warning, he spun on his heel and left.
“'Tis a good sign when he's rude,” Thorton said, sitting up. Her head still felt a little dizzy, but soon the swirling room righted itself.
Sarah blushed. “Are you feeling better, Milady?”
“I believe so. Have a bath sent up to me, please.”
Thorton waited until Sarah left the room before she undressed and pulled on her
robe. She did feel better. She was thankful there was no party to attend tonight and most grateful tomorrow they would be returning home.
Sitting at her dressing table, she began brushing her hair out. When she heard the door open behind her, she sighed. She could hardly wait to soak in the hot water. Her body felt as though it had taken a beating.
“I won't be needing your help, Sarah. You can stay until they fill the tub and then see to your dinner.” Thorton froze at the sight of Blake, leaning against her closed door.
“Are you feeling better after your nap?”
It felt as though he had just caressed her. “I'm afraid I overtired myself.”
Blake came across the room, closing the gap between them. “Are you sure you should take all the credit for this ‘overtiredness'?”
Thorton stared into his ebony eyes and felt dizzy again. Only this time, it wasn't tiredness. The servants brought in the water. Blake never moved a muscle, just continued to look at her.
At the sound of the door closing, Thorton peeked around Blake. “My bath.” How ridiculous she sounded stating the obvious. It was his fault, she reasoned, he was making her fidgety with his stare. It was time she gained a little control.
She released the tie of her robe belt. The robe slid down her body, pooling at her feet. Then she went to work on his clothing, tugging his shirt loose. She smiled when he pushed away her hands and tore off his clothing in record time. Without hesitation, she caressed him. Never would she tire of this, she thought, as her fingers skimmed over him.
“I missed you,” she moaned when Blake pulled her against his heated body.
“Did you?” He dipped his head, his lips tasting the delicate skin between her neck and shoulders.
Thorton tilted her head, giving him better access. “Yes.”
Blake's hands glided down her back, past her hips, to the firm globes of her derrière. “I heard you had company.”
At the sound of his hard tone, Thorton pulled back to look at him. There it was-anger, waiting, simmering, just below the surface. Griggs! Lord, the man must find it thrilling to interfere. “I did. But I don't wish to talk of that.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“About last night.”
One black brow raised.
“Let's do it again.”
Blake swung her into his arms and headed for the tub.
Thorton mimicked him by raising her tawny brow. “In the water?”
“Just this time, then I will carry you to bed.”
“Sounds most interesting, sir.”
“Most!” Blake lowered himself and her into the hot water. “And very educational.”
Thorton shivered. “I truly love learning.”
All thoughts about Garrick and his unsuspecting visit faded from Blake's mind. He felt the quiver of Thorton's womanly muscles sliding over his heated length. His breath caught at the sight of her sitting astride his hips. Never would he get used to the sight and feel of her. Never did he want to. He groaned, wrapping his arms around her slick body.
Thorton melted against him, a soft whimper slipping from her lips.
* * * *
Dinner was served late, due to Blake and Thorton's tardiness. Roger and Lucas had been sitting in the drawing room for nearly an hour awaiting them. Roger held his gurgling stomach when he heard their footsteps on the stairs. When the sound of Thorton's soft laughter reached them, Roger turned to Lucas and, as he smiled, almost forgot about his hunger.
“Are you two joining us?” Blake asked as they neared the door.
“We were waiting on you,” Roger grumbled as he joined them.
Thorton placed a soft kiss on Roger's cheek. “My fault. I must have overdone it yesterday. I'm ashamed to admit, I slept the day away.”
Lucas grinned when she kissed his cheek, too. “I hear you're going back to the country life, Blake,” he said after taking his seat at the table.
“I think we've all had enough of the social whirl to last us a while. Besides, I have stayed away from Stonecrest too long.”
Roger caught a certain tone in Blake's voice. “Trouble?”
“Nothing that I cannot handle. A few tenants have reported some goings on. Could be nothing. Maybe a bunch of wondering never-do's. Gordon, has a patrol riding the boundaries. I'll feel better once I look over the situation.”
Thorton wasn't fooled by his nonchalance. She saw he was worried.
After dinner they retired to the drawing room. Thorton and Lucas watched as Roger and Blake played chess.
“I almost beat you that time. I was trying to be gentle.” Roger laughed when his son offered to whip him again.
“Thorton should play,” Lucas suggested, then grunted when she kicked him. “What the hell's wrong with you?”
She frowned at Lucas and his big mouth. “I'd just as soon watch.”
“Come give an old man a challenge.” Roger pulled out a chair. “I won't take no for an answer.”
Thorton did not want to hurt his feelings, so she accepted. It had been so long since she'd played, she feared she might embarrass herself. Blake was also making her feel a bit unsettled as he watched her. She blocked out everything as she sat across from Roger and concentrated on the game. Within eight moves, she won.
Roger slumped in his chair.
“I'm rather rusty,” she said softly. “If you want, we could practice together and, in no time, you'll be good enough to whip Blake.”
“We shall begin this practice tomorrow,” he declared.
“Tomorrow we'll be leaving for home,” Blake reminded his sire.
“Then as soon as we reach Stonecrest,” Roger stated, pushing back his chair. He mumbled a good-night and left the room grumbling about life being unfair.
Lucas came to his feet and stretched. “I'll say good-night, too.”
Blake walked into the hallway with Lucas as Thorton packed up the game and placed it on the mantle. Patiently, he waited at the bottom of the stairs for her. “I'm most impressed,” he stated, watching he walk toward him.
“No reason to be impressed. I've been walking for years. In fact, you've seen me do this amazing feat for more than two months now.”
“You need another lesson taught in proper behavior.”
“Oh, yes,” she whispered impishly.
“You know I was referring to your skill at chess. I did, however, notice, you did not include yourself in this whipping my father will glorify in with all your training.” He placed his hand on her back as they climbed the stairs.
The only reply he received was a soft laugh.
Chapter Sixteen
The trouble at Stonecrest was a little more serious then Blake had first thought. Two of his tenants’ houses had been burned, with damages so severe it would be costly and time-consuming to replace them. Thorton immediately sent off a letter to her solicitor and, within a week, a dozen workers arrived to rebuild. She also had seen to it that the west wing was prepared for the homeless tenants.
Griggs had objected. “It isn't proper.”
Thorton laughed. “How many times have I told you, I am not a proper person? These people are our responsibility.”
Blake couldn't argue with her reasoning. In fact, he was pleased she felt the same way he did. These people were his responsibility and by having them moved into the house it gave him one less worry, knowing the families were being taken care of. Along with everything else, he had at least twenty-five of his spotted cattle missing.
For hours, Gordon and Blake had gone over every fact. But they found themselves at a standstill. Blake inquired if Billy and Ceciel were still watching Thomas Coalby. Gordon informed him Thomas was now working at a brothel in London.
Blake placed Thomas’ name further down on the list of suspects. He added a couple of neighbors who had one time or another been upset with him. He even went so far as asking Thorton if there was anyone she could add to his list. So far as she knew, she had no enemies.
At first she worried,
that upon returning to Stonecrest, Blake would no longer share his nights with her. A needless worry. Every night, since the night she had demanded he do his duty, they had shared a bed, making love until the early hours of morning.
Nothing was really settled between them. He still refused to listen to her explanation, so she stopped trying. There were times when she would catch him staring and instinctively she knew his thoughts were not of love. He was angry with himself, at the passion he felt, and at the sexual fire that seem to burn brightly between them. She desperately wished she could ease his fear, but knew not how.
Roger, on the other hand, was Thorton's saving grace. She could always depend on his gentle words and tender smiles. He was quickly improving his skills, which pleased them both. He had offered to listen to her explanation, but she knew once Roger had the story he would go to Blake and tell all. Thorton wanted Blake to know everything, but she wanted him to hear it from her lips.
Sarah adjusted quickly to life at Stonecrest, she seemed happy to be anywhere with Griggs. Several times she'd mentioned that Griggs had refused to walk with her in the evening or, that when she had made him a special sweet-cake, he declined. Griggs seemed to avoid any conversation with Sarah's name it, just like he tried to avoid coming in contact with her.
After returning from London, Lucas went to Rosewood to check on things before returning to Stonecrest. As soon as he arrived, he began helping the workers build the houses. Thorton soon noticed that wherever Lucas was, not far away was a young girl by the name of Miss Milly Sawyer.
Thorton immediately liked the girl. Milly was lovely, charming, and not afraid of hard work. Silently she watched the couple. Milly seemed so dainty next to Lucas, but what Thorton noticed the most was the way Milly's face glowed whenever he was near. It warmed Thorton's heart to know the young girl was in love and that her love just might be returned.
With seeing to the rebuilding of the houses and taking care of the families now living in the west wing, Thorton knew she was trying to do too much. Constantly she felt drained and weak, but she found that a quick afternoon nap helped restore enough of her energy to get her through the rest of the day. It was without a doubt her lack of strenuous activities in the past few months that weakened her body.
