Always Believe in Love (Emerson Book 4)

by Maureen Driscoll

  “That shan’t be necessary,” she said. “I am certain you are as thorough in that portion of your duties as you were with your mathematics exams at university.”

  “How do you know I did well in maths?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I listened, Nate.”

  “The Home Office believes someone in the aristocracy was spying for France. Now they’re wondering if it’s the same person who has been blackmailing peers. Bancroft has a great deal of unexplained wealth. And, yes, he was the only person I know who could’ve broken into that desk so quickly. I have no proof it was him. But it is why I came home. I must find out.”

  “Does he know you suspect him?”

  Nate slowly nodded. “I believe so. His grace likes to play games. He would never come right out and tell me he knows, but I believe he does.”

  She raised her chin. “Do you believe he would harm you?”

  Nate wasn’t sure if he should tell her the truth, but she had to know how serious this was. “Yes. That is why you can’t breathe a word of this to anyone. And you certainly cannot get involved.”

  “We must tell my brothers.”

  “Absolutely not. I would never be able to live with myself if they were to come to harm. Colin’s about to have a baby. We cannot risk it.”

  “I will help.”

  “I’ll never allow it.”

  “You may not have a choice. We won’t settle this tonight. And I thank you for being honest with me. But you haven’t heard the last of this.”

  She turned to leave.

  “You’re not going to get another kiss?” He was playing with fire, but he couldn’t resist tempting her.

  She turned back to him. “Nate, you have no clothes on. If I go to you now, things will progress much further than a kiss. And while I look forward to…exploring with you…”

  Her voice shook just a bit, which was good since Nate was ready to pounce.

  “…I do not believe tonight is the time. For one thing, you would need to have no fear of his grace, since my brothers would’ve already pummeled you. I will go now. But rest assured that you haven’t heard the last about this business with your father.”

  “What about the explorations?”

  “That, either.”

  She did leave then. And Nate knew he wouldn’t sleep a wink that night. He also knew that once Rose was set upon a mission, there was no dissuading her. Perhaps it was time to let her brothers know what he was up against.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  It was already the middle of the morning when Nick awoke to find his sweet wife in his arms. They were lying on their sides, the back of her pressed to the front of him. He looked forward to kissing her awake slowly and making love…

  “Nick!” she said, sitting up in bed. “It’s so late.”

  “Will you start each morning by jumping out of bed, love? I can think of better ways to awaken.”

  His implication wasn’t lost on her, as she smiled and her face filled with color. She kissed him, but then, once again got out of bed much too quickly.

  “I can only imagine what your family will think when we have yet to appear this late in the morning.”

  Nick knew exactly what his brothers would think. And they’d be right. However, he didn’t give a whit. But he didn’t want Kate to be embarrassed. So they dressed and he only slowed her down now and then with kisses and caresses. He definitely looked forward to returning to Layton Manor where it wouldn’t matter when they started the day.

  Or if they ever left the bedchamber.

  His family and Nate were in the sitting room, when Nick and Kate came downstairs. As soon as they appeared, Stemple brought out platters of food.

  “Your journey must have tired you excessively,” said Colin with almost a straight face. “Otherwise, I cannot imagine what would have kept you abed so late.”

  Ava kicked Colin from beside him on the settee.

  Nick hoped it hurt.

  “Nate was just about to explain something to us,” said James.

  “I wanted to wait until we were all together,” said Nate.

  “For a while I was afraid it would be a few days,” said Colin.

  “Stubble it, Colin,” said Nick, who couldn’t be happier to have been late to come downstairs, though he realized he was starving. It was a good thing Stemple had anticipated their needs.

  Once Nick and Kate had filled their plates, they sat and turned their attention to their guest.

  “Now, Nate, what is going on?” asked Colin, serious once again.

  * * *

  Nate looked at the men and women around him and tried not to think of Rose sitting so close to him, but beyond his touch. He’d been keeping the truth from men who were as close to him as brothers. “You will likely find this difficult to believe, but I’m not quite the wastrel you believe me to be. I have been working for the Home Office.”

  Surprisingly, no one seemed shocked, though everyone was curious. Colin sat back and studied him closely.

  Nate continued. “This is all confidential, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t repeat it, since I wouldn’t like to be arrested.” He told them about the suspected traitor and that he believed his father was involved in Pierce’s blackmailing scheme. “I didn’t want to say anything until I could prove it, but I also believe there was an Emerson fortune and that my father took it. He might have been blackmailing the former earl with the visits Nick and Kate uncovered.”

  “You think Bancroft was the one who visited Weymouth and pretended to be Ridgeway?” asked Nick.

  “It could have been him or someone he hired. I do not know. But I came to the estate to find out.”

  “You could get yourself killed,” said Rose.

  “If my father did what I suspect him of, someone must stop him,” said Nate. “I believe it is my responsibility to do so.”

  “We’re going to help you,” said James.

  “No! I cannot allow that,” said Nate. “I have been highly trained. I can handle this on my own, though I appreciate your support.”

  “That’s not good enough,” said James. “Living in the American wilderness wasn’t exactly a nobleman’s trip to Switzerland. I learned to fight quite well. And Colin was a decorated officer in the war, not to mention Stemple’s brave service.”

  “I am at your command,” said the butler. “I also learned a trick or two living rough in the stews.”

  “I have the least experience of everyone here,” said Nick. “But I have some fighting skills, as well as enough blunt to buy whatever intelligence we need.”

  “And I would dearly love to go up against the man who was responsible for putting Win at risk,” said Alex, whose body was highly conditioned from his days at the boxing salons.

  Nate was touched by the support of the men around him. “I cannot put any of you at risk.”

  “And we won’t permit you to put yourself in harm’s way without our assistance,” said Colin.

  “Listen, Colin…”

  Before Nate could continue, they were interrupted by a sharp rapping at the front door.

  “Excuse me,” said Stemple, as he bowed himself out of the room to answer it.

  Nick spoke up. “I would like to return to my estate to see if I can find proof that the former earl wasn’t in Weymouth during the times he was alleged to be there. I suggest constructing a similar record of the old Earl of Ridgeway’s whereabouts, as well. I believe it would also be wise to see what we can learn about this fortune…”

  “My lords,” said Stemple, as he returned looking stunned. “Pray forgive my interruption, but I have shocking news. A servant from Bancroft Castle came to tell you that Mr. Simon Chilcott is dead from a hunting accident.”

  Nate was shocked. So were the others. He didn’t believe for a moment that it had been a hunting accident. He knew his father must have had something to do with it. If his father had killed again, there was no telling what he might do.

  And who might be his next victim.r />
  It was only when he felt Rose’s warm hand on his ice cold one, that he felt he could draw breath again. He was nearing the end of a deadly game. He could only pray that the people in this room would all live through it.

  Especially the woman he loved.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  As Nick’s carriage approached his estate, he thought about everything that had happened in the past day. Once they’d received word of Simon’s death, he, his brothers and Nate had gone to Bancroft Castle. He’d left Kate back at the estate with the other ladies. She hadn’t been very happy about it, but he hadn’t known just what they would find at the castle.

  By appearances, there was every indication that it had been a hunting accident. Simon’s body had been moved to the castle and laid out in a guest room. He was dressed for hunting and there were several witnesses to the accident. Not all had been Bancroft servants. About a dozen gentry from the neighboring area had been invited to the impromptu hunt and had given similar accounts as to how Simon had left the group to pursue his quarry, then been hit by a stray shot. They didn’t know who had fired it, but the duke had been chatting with guests some distance from the accident.

  Bancroft had expressed his condolences and insisted on having one of his carriages convey the body back to Simon’s estate where he would be entombed next to his father. Nick knew he probably should have accompanied the body, but he owed more to his Emerson relations than to his late cousin. And right now, he needed to build the case to exonerate both the Earl of Layton and the Earl of Ridgeway. He also wanted to return to Wiltshire as soon as possible to help Nate.

  The past day had taken a toll on him. He hadn’t wanted Simon to die. He’d just wanted the man to stop bothering him. Kate had been there every step of the way upon his return from Bancroft Castle, after scolding him just a little for not taking her with him.

  After saying their farewells to the Emersons, they had set out for his estate at midday. He was anxious to show her his house, knowing that she would finally make it his home. They were quiet on the journey, with much to occupy their minds.

  They held hands the entire way.

  * * *

  Kate was experiencing a myriad of emotions as she sat next to her husband on the way to her new home. She was frightened for him, for she didn’t believe Simon’s death had been an accident and suspected the Duke of Bancroft would kill anyone who got in his way – though he’d have to get through her first. She was anxious to see her new home and nervous about the reception she’d receive from his servants and tenants. She wasn’t qualified in the least to be a countess.

  But she took solace in their joined hands.

  Nick held her close. “You seem tense, love.”

  “I am about to see our home for the first time.”

  “If you don’t like it, we can move to one of the other estates.”

  This was worse than she thought. “You have more than one?”

  He nodded with some chagrin. “Yes. But it matters little to me where we live, though this is the home that’s closest to the Emersons.”

  “I would like to stay near them, if possible. I like having a family.”

  “So do I. Both that one and the one I’ll have with you.” He kissed her tenderly.

  The kiss began to heat, but he reluctantly pulled apart. “Later, my heart. We’ll be home soon and it could be an awkward first meeting with the servants if we don’t stop now.”

  That brought her back to her current reality. “When will we turn off onto your land?”

  “We already did about a quarter of an hour ago.”

  Kate looked out the window at the beautiful trees and the green fields just coming to life. “This is all yours?”

  “No, love. This is all ours.”

  A few moments later, the carriage drew to a halt on a U-shaped drive. The coachman opened the door and Nick disembarked, then reached in to help her out.

  Kate’s jaw dropped inelegantly. She couldn’t speak, could only gesture at the large country estate in front of her. The Tudor-style mansion was four stories and looked to have an untold number of rooms.

  She could tell Nick was nervous. “I promise you that it isn’t nearly as imposing as it seems,” he said, as a few dozen servants quickly lined up outside.

  “I am certain it is even more so,” said Kate, who resisted the urge to smooth the wrinkles from her gown. She was quite certain she was being judged and found wanting.

  But then Nick kissed her. Right there, in front of everyone. And she was reminded yet again that only one other person’s opinion truly mattered and that was the man beside her.

  “Thank you for welcoming me home,” he said, addressing his staff. “And thank you also for putting the house into mourning.”

  It was only then that Kate noticed there was no knocker on the door, but a large black bow, instead. She was glad she’d been able to borrow one of Win’s mourning gowns.

  “This is my wife, the former Katherine Winston, now the Countess of Layton.”

  The servants bowed and curtsied as one.

  Nick continued. “I know some of you were working in allegiance with my late cousin Simon and it has long been rumored that I might lose the title. Indeed, there are a few of you who thought I never should have had it.”

  Though no one moved, Kate could sense the unease among some of the older members of the staff. She didn’t know how anyone could be disloyal to a man as wonderful as her husband.

  Nick paused, before continuing. “With my cousin’s passing, there will be no challenges to my inheritance. Indeed, I stand ready to fight for my title just as I am finally ready to fully claim my birthright, with my countess beside me. There will be no recriminations against any of you who might have worked for Simon in the past. Instead, it will be a fresh start for all of us. However, I will not tolerate disloyalty in the future, especially any directed toward my wife. If you do not feel you can serve us, you may leave now. I promise to give you a good reference, but I cannot have you remain.”

  He waited for a moment, but there was no movement from his staff. Indeed, the older lady who looked to be his housekeeper smiled.

  It seemed like it was a new day for the Earl of Layton.

  And for his countess.

  * * *

  Two hours later, after meeting so many servants she was quite sure she’d never remember them, Kate and her husband retired to the earl’s suite. It was the most magnificent chamber she’d ever seen. Her entire cottage could fit in there – twice.

  “Oh, Nick,” she said, as they began to undress each other. “It is a good thing I didn’t see this place before we married. I am quite certain I would have run the other way. Indeed, I fear I’ll take a wrong turn and get lost, though with so many servants, I suppose someone will point me in the right direction.”

  “It would be a shame for my countess to be lost in the manor now that I’ve finally found you.”

  They were now both without clothes. They’d certainly learned to disrobe with efficiency. She began to walk to the bed, only to have him hand her a dressing gown.

  “Come here, love,” he said as he donned his own. He took her hand and led her to the French doors, which opened onto the balcony. It was a beautiful spring night with a moon that cast a silver glow over the farm land in front of them.

  “It’s beautiful, Nick. I can only imagine what it’s like at sunrise.”

  “It used to be lonely,” he confessed. “I often dreamed of having a wife beside me on nights like this and in the morning with the promise of a new day.”

  “I thought of similar things as I looked out the window of my own bedchamber. Of course, my bedchamber could easily fit into your dressing room.” She kissed him lightly. “But of all the reasons why I am glad I married you – I love you, you love me, your wonderful family, your skills as a fisherman…”

  “You believe I am a skilled fisherman?”

  “Love is blinding me just a bit. Of all the reasons I love you,
I must confess that I look forward to the end of loneliness.”

  “And I look forward to a lifetime of sunrises.”

  They kissed. Then they formally began their lives as Mr. and Mrs. Chilcott who just happened to also be the Earl and Countess of Layton.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  For those of you who are writers, as well as readers, you’ll probably relate to the fact that some books are harder to write than others. This was a tough one for me, even more difficult than Win’s, which was hard because of the physical abuse she suffered. I think Nick’s story resonated with me because it was about feeling lonely. He was part of a group but felt like he didn’t wholly belong. A lot of people feel that way. I know I have at times.

  Also, I had to research fish. That wasn’t very interesting.

  A huge thanks to my amazing editor Melanie Friedman, who has a terrific ear and eye for story. She took a draft that wasn’t all that great and helped me turn it into a much better book. I think everyone owes Mel on this one. She also writes an awesome blog. Check her out at Bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com.

  And huge thanks for the ongoing support of Janice Minsberg, Amal Chaaban, Anabel Vazquez and Linda Thurmond DeCristofaro. I also added my mom as an early reader. She has the patience of a saint.

  Jennifer Omner at Allpublications.com did another amazing cover and makes this so much fun.

  I hope you liked the fourth installment of the Emerson series. Rose and Nate are finally next.

  Thank you to all of you for being so supportive. Please take the time to pursue your own dreams. They are within reach. You just have to keep moving forward.

  Best,

  Maureen

  Copyright © 2015, by Maureen Driscoll

  Cover design by Jennifer Omner, Allpublications.com

  Author photo by JBC Images, JBCimages.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.