Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles)

by Lori Wick

  were.

  "He didn't visit me very often, but when he did, there was

  no tenderness or caring. We never even spent the night together;

  Aubrey always went back to his own bed."

  Stacy knew that it was time to intervene. Luanda's voice

  had grown steadily sadder until Stacy feared she might cry.

  Stacy went to her and gently put her hands on the older

  woman's shoulders. Lucinda looiked up at her, and Stacy spoke

  with a tender type of boldness that was totally foreign for her.

  "Roddy Caruthers is the kindest man in all of England

  He's also the most gentle. I've never seen a man more in love

  than Roddy. I can imagine that it's very hard to dispel Aubrey

  from your memory, but he's gone and Roddy's here. Aubrey

  made your life miserable while he was alive. Don't let him do it

  to you again in his death."

  Lucinda stared at Stacy with new eyes. She was so right.

  Lucinda took a few deep breaths and made an effort to calm

  herself.

  "Thank you, my dear," she spoke kindly, and then began to

  wonder aloud about her intended.

  "I wonder how Roddy is doing?"

  "Would you like me to go and talk with him?" Stacy offered

  and saw a relief on Lucinda's face that didn't need words. After

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  ising her aunt and telling her she'd see her downstairs, Stacy

  Einade for the door.

  Once out in the hall she was spotted almost immediately

  p by Tanner, who came up behind her and startled a small

  squeak out of her.

  "Oh, Tanner!" Stacy's voice was breathless.

  Tanner's arms had come around her.

  "You look luscious in this blue thing."

  "Thank you," Stacy told him, smiling up into his eyes both

  with love and the fact that he called her dress the "blue thing."

  "When do I get my wife back?"

  "Well, I have to go see Roddy, and then I'll come downstairs."

  "That's not what I meant. I mean when do you stop playing

  wedding so I can take you back to Winslow?"

  "Well, I told Lucinda I would handle things through tomorrow,

  but we could leave the day after that. Unfortunately, we

  have a weekend party at the Cradwells' almost as soon as we

  get home."

  Tanner's eyes closed in long-suffering. "I'd completely

  forgotten about that."

  "It would be fine with me if we didn't go," Stacy admitted,

  wanting very much to be alone with Tanner.

  Tanner kissed her nose. "It would be fine with me as well,

  but we've turned down every one of their invitations, and

  because Price has already accepted for us, we had better be

  there."

  Stacy did nothing to hide her chagrin, and the adorable

  face she pulled gained her another kiss.

  "I've got to go," Stacy told Tanner after that.

  He released her reluctantly and watched as she went to

  Roddy's door. Stacy knocked and turned to see Tanner's long-legged

  strides taking him back toward the stairs. He threw a

  smiling look in her direction just before he disappeared from

  view, and Stacy's heart skipped ahead a little faster.

  Stacy was swiftly brought back to the present when Roddy's

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  door opened. His man, Carlson, stood beyond the portal, his

  expression solicitous.

  "Carlson," Stacy began. "May I see Lord Caruthers?"

  "Certainly, my lady."

  The servant disappeared into the room. A moment later

  Roddy was at the door.

  "Why, Stacy!"

  "Hello, Roddy," Stacy spoke from her place in the hall. "I

  was just in with Lucinda, and she wondered how you were

  doing. I told her I would check."

  "I'm fine. How is she faring?"

  Stacy sighed gently. "She's a bit nervous."

  "Over the wedding?"

  "No," Stacy answered, her face heating slightly.

  Roddy took in Stacy's pink cheeks.

  "Tonight?" Roddy was always so perceptive.

  Stacy nodded, her face still warm. "It might have been

  presumptuous of me, but I reminded her that you are not

  Aubrey."

  Roddy's smile threatened to stretch off his face. He leaned

  forward and kissed Stacy's cheek.

  "It sounds as though I couldn't have handled it better

  myself."

  Stacy's smile of pleasure was genuine.

  "I'd better get downstairs," she said a moment later.

  "All right. But before you go I want to thank you. I'm not

  sure if you remember our day in the carriage, but your words

  changed my life."

  "I remember. I was horrified at first, thinking I'd been

  completely out of line."

  Roddy kissed her cheek again. "Lucinda is going to be my

  very own, Stacy, and I have you to thank for that."

  Stacy took her leave then, walking on a cloud as she moved

  toward the stairs. Once she gained the lower level, several

  people wanted to talk with her, but she finally managed to slip

  into the seat next to Tanner.

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  Just minutes later the assembly was standing for the bride.

  ;inda was resplendent in cream-colored satin and lace.

  ree tiers made up the skirt that fell so full from the waist

  itfiat it touched either side of the double doors as Lucinda

  entered. The boat neckline was very flattering to Lucinda's

  | face, and Stacy felt a surge of pride over how lovely her aunt

  looked.

  The ceremony was short and tender. No one in the room

  could have missed the love that radiated from both bride and

  groom, and in a very short time the bishop was pronouncing

  them husband and wife.

  A marvelous array of food was presented then, all prepared

  and eaten in their new home. There was no wedding

  ff dance, but the bride, groom, and all guests spent hours talking

  and eating. Lucinda had warned Stacy that she and Roddy

  I would beslipping away withoutwarning, so when neither one

  of them could be found, Stacy smiled and knew they were

  headed off on their trip.

  The day finished in a whirl, and Stacy, in a near state of

  exhaustion, fell into bed that night. Tanner was tired as well,

  but they had a drowsy conversation before sleep came.

  "Roddy sure knows how to pick wine. The champagne was

  excellent."

  "Was it?" Stacy asked over a yawn.

  "Didn't you have any?"

  "No. I don't like champagne."

  "What did you drink at our wedding?"

  "Water."

  "Even when we toasted?"

  "Urn hmm. If there wasn't a servant nearby, I just pretended

  to have something in my glass."

  Stacy fell asleep to the sound of her husband's laughter.

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  Just three days after Stacy and Tanner returned to Wit!*

  low, they were on the road again, this time to the CradwelB

  estate. Stacy would have gladly remained at home, but Tannerl

  had said they were going and she would never have argued.

  They didn't have a long drive, no more than 90 minutes,

  but Tanner had chosen to ride for most of the way, so Stacy was

  in the carriage alone. It was not exactly a lonely time, but she

  didn't know the Cradwells well a
nd wondered what type of

  weekend it would be. The very fact that it was a whole weekend

  and not just an evening or afternoon was taking some

  adjustment in and of itself.

  Coupled to this was some very real anxiety as to how well

  she would fit in. She would have begged Tanner to turn the

  coach around if she'd had even the slightest inkling of how

  little she would have in common with her hosts and their

  other guests.

  the cradwell mansion was beautiful to Stacy's eyes, but

  rte didn't care for the grounds. Tall hedges lined nearly every

  ralk, blocking Stacy's view of the gently rolling hills she loved

  I SO well.

  Tanner led the way up to the front door, which opened

  immediately. Stacy glanced around the grand foyer before

  their host arrived. The next few moments were a confusion to

  Stacy, but she remained silent.

  "Tanner," Jeremy Cradwell spoke as he approached. "Welcome."

  "Thank you, Jeremy." Tanner shook the younger man's

  hand, concealing his surprise over being greeted by Lord and

  Lady Cradwell's son and not the senior Cradwells themselves.

  "I don't believe you've met my wife, Jeremy. Stacy, this is

  Jeremy Cradwell. Jeremy, this is my wife, Lady Stacy Richardson."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Stacy." Jeremy didn't care

  for the fact that she was taller than he was--it put him off

  terribly--but she was the duchess. Thus he did manage to

  make a suitable welcome and kiss the back of Stacy's hand.

  "You're sure to grace our weekend with your beauty."

  "Where are your parents, Jeremy?" Tanner asked as soon

  as Stacy had reclaimed her hand.

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  The younger man did not meet Tanner's eyes. "They're n

  going to be here this weekend."

  Tanner's own eyes narrowed, but still Jeremy would nod

  look at him. He was certain the invitation had been from Lordf

  and Lady Cradwell. Finally Jeremy shifted his gaze from beyond j

  Tanner's shoulders to his eyes.

  "You're not thinking of leaving, are you, Tanner? I've got a

  hunt planned, and J was counting on you."

  Tanner was |ust a few years older than Jeremy, but at the

  moment he felt like a father figure. Jeremy had never been

  forced to grow up. This party in his parent's home, in their

  absence, was just a small example of a young man who had

  been pampered all his life and never told no.

  Without even having to ask, Tanner knew that Jeremy's

  guests for the weekend would all be young and single. He

  made a quick decision, his manner gracious, but he was still

  very much in control of the situation.

  "We'll stay, Jeremy, but I'll warn you, if there's any foolishness,

  we will leave without a word of explanation or apology."

  Jeremy didn't care for the note of authority in his guest's

  voice, but still he nodded in acquiescence. What else could he

  do? He was counting on Tanner, with his knowledge of the

  land and excellent marksmanship abilities, to lead the hunting

  expedition.

  Tanner also held a position of power that not even Jeremy's

  father, with all his wealth, could match. If Tanner wanted

  to leave, no one would gainsay him.

  Moments later a servant led Lord and Lady Richardson to

  their rooms. A maid hovered nearby, hoping to unpack, but

  Tanner told her to come back later. Stacy spoke as soon as they

  were alone.

  "Is there a problem, Tanner?"

  "Not exactly," he told her as he began to peel off his dusty

  riding clothes. "It's just that I hadn't realized that Jeremy was

  hosting this party. He can be a little wild.

  "I'm more than willing to join a hunt, but Jeremy and his

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  have been known to add drinking to their sport. I'm

  ; about to hunt with a drunken bunch of kids and get myself

  *."

  Stacy couldn't stop wringing her hands. She was truly

  itened by her husband's words. Tanner came to her, gently

  )ing her arms with his hands.

  "I didn't mean to alarm you. I won't let the situation grow

  of control."

  Stacy nodded but didn't look very happy.

  "What are you thinking?"

  "That we could be snuggled in at Winslow, just the two of

  11

  Tanner smiled and kissed her brow. "We won't be at Wins-pow,

  but we'll make our excuses as soon after dinner tonight

  |as we can. I too would like to spend some time alone with

  ('you."

  Nigel Stanley checked his appearance in the mirror for the

  fourth time. Perfect. She was actually here! Stacy Daniels

  Richardson, whom he had worshiped from afar for so long,

  was finally within reach. He had never had the nerve to

  approach her in London, but now he would wait no longer.

  The fact that she was married made no difference to him.

  He knew that most London marriages were a farce--without

  love or caring, intended only to produce an heir. Nigel knew

  that if he could only gain an introduction to Lady Richardson,

  he could win her over. He hadn't lived in England very long,

  having grown up in France where his father was a diplomat,

  but he was certain, without ever having met the man, that her

  husband didn't care a wit for her. Nigel fully intended to take

  advantage of that. He was certain that as soon as Stacy saw the

  love and caring in his eyes, she would understand all he

  wanted to be to her.

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  With a final glance at his appearance, he moved toward^

  the door, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

  "Your aunt was recently married, wasn't she?" a young

  woman questioned Stacy that evening before dinner.

  "Yes," Stacy answered. "She married Roddy Caruthers."

  "It was rather a private affair, wasn't it?" another young

  woman approached and interjected. She sounded offended,

  and Stacy wasn't sure what to say.

  "You make it sound like you expected to be invited, Beth,"

  the first young woman accused. "You don't even knowLucinda

  Warbrook."

  Beth tossed her curls. "How do you know if I know her?

  Why just recently I was invited to--"

  "Hello, ladies."

  Stacy watched the faces of her companions as a tall man

  stepped into their group. In an instant all angry looks were

  gone, replaced with brilliant smiles and fluttering lashes.

  "Hello, Nigel."

  "You're all looking lovely this evening," Nigel smiled at

  them, thinking how easy it was to converse with people you

  didn't care for in the least. He hadn't even looked at Stacy yet,

  but he could already feel his heart pounding. Fear that he

  would be a tongue-tied fool when the introductions were

  made was escalating.

  Stacy stood quietly and only half-listened to their exchange.

  She was not really heeding their words, so when they

  turned to include her, she forced her mind to attend.

  "This is Lady Stacy Richardson," the kinder of the two girls

  began. "And this is Lord Nigel Stanley."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you,lady Stacy." Nigel bowed over

  h
er hand and let his gaze search her face.

  Stacy, always kind, smiled with genuine warmth. The

  other women, watching the exchange, shared a swift glance

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  ;n they noticed Nigel's besotted look. Stacy, on the other

  id, only took his attention for kindness.

  "I'm going to get something to eat," Beth tossed out

  lligerently, miffed over Nigel's attention to Stacy. The other

  rl said she would go with Beth.

  Stacy, having been starved for hours, asked to Join them.

  th girls looked at her strangely but included her. Stacy

  ade a polite farewell to Nigel, smiling at this kind stranger ,. _io was almost as tall as her husband She had noticed that his

  juild was slighter, and that he was quite handsome with his

  Edark hair and mustache, but beyond that he was of little

  interest to her.

  Trying to decide if she'd not noticed his signals or was just

  ^being coy, Nigel stood still after she left. He kept his place at

  the corner of the room, watching her until he saw her husband

  appear at her side.

  Stacy was appalled over how hungry she was. The dinner

  hour was scheduled for no later than usual, but she felt famished.

  It wasn't like her to snack between meals, but when the

  hors d'oeuvres table was laid out, Stacy felt she could have

  attacked every dish.

  She was on her second plateful when she popped something

  into her mouth that was so salty it puckered her lips.

  Stacy searched for something to drink, but the only thing laid

  out was champagne. No one was attending the table at the

  moment, and Stacy wasn't sure she could have spoken if she

  tried. In a move of desperation, she lifted a glass and downed

  the contents in nearly one swallow.

  It didn't help in the least; in fact, Stacy thought it made

  things worse. Her mouth felt so dry she couldn't even swallow

  her own saliva. She lifted another glass and then another.

  Stacy was on her fifth glass when Tanner noticed her and

  moved in her direction.

  148

  f *.

  146

  "I thought you didn't like champagne," he commented,!

  taking in Stacy's flushed face.]

  Stacy took another sip before answering. "I don't, but I ate

  something so salty that I had to have a drink."

  Tanner watched as she finished her glass and reached for

  one more.

  "How much have you had?"

  "Quite a bit, I think." Stacy stopped speaking suddenly

  and giggled. Tanner, telling himself not to think of Leslie,

  moved away from her without warning. His intent was to get