by Unknown
“I think I should have taken you elsewhere tonight.”
She tapped her fan on his arm. “Nonsense, I am enjoying myself.”
In spite of the looks and the obvious whispers, she actually was. Maybe it was the company rather than the actors, but she hadn’t attended the theatre in many years. If the behaviour of others dictated her every move, she would go nowhere, but she’d had little inclination to go to the theatre and it was one of the few things she did not like to do alone.
“I just want you to be happy,” he confessed.
That little bud of softness that seemed to grow every time he said something sweet or touched her or looked at her in a certain way blossomed further. She focused hard on it, telling it to wither.
While she might be enjoying herself, this was only temporary. Her employees were capable, but she could not neglect Stourbridge forever.
She slipped a look his way and saw softness in his dark gaze, echoing that bubble inside of her. Damn him. Why could he not look at her with passion instead? And why could she not resist reaching over and giving his hand a squeeze of understanding? Whatever was occurring between them was getting out of control, and she did not like that one bit.
And, yet, she did.
Harris had taken it upon himself to be her protector of sorts, to ease her worries by way of sharing them with her. Simply by telling him everything, she already felt freer. The stares meant even less, the whispers barely touched her. The fact she would likely be in the gossip columns as the scandalous Madame A tomorrow hardly registered. Somehow this man had quite the magic touch.
A thrum of conversation startled her from her thoughts. Intermission. She hadn’t even noticed the curtain drop. Harris stood and motioned her out of the back of the box. “Shall we?”
“Yes, of course.”
A palm to her back, he walked her out past the attendant and into the bar area. They found a seat in the private saloon where only the richest attendants would be and a waiter took their order.
“You really were not paying attention one bit were you?”
“Forgive me. I am enjoying myself, I promise. I’m just a little distracted.”
“I noticed. Can I do anything to help you become...undistracted?”
She glanced over his handsome face and let her gaze land on his lips tilted in a teasing smile. “My lord, are you trying to scandalise me?”
“Always.”
She laughed and a few of the women, decked in the latest French fashions—heavy embroidery and an abundance of feathers—glanced their way. They swept past and the older one muttered, “They really do let any riff raff into the theatre these days, do they not?”
Beside her, Harris stiffened. A mild pang of annoyance bounced about her insides but she had heard worse. She turned a brilliant smile on him and stroked a finger up and down his arm.
“Thank you for bringing me here today, my lord. It has been an absolute pleasure,” she said loudly. “I’m looking forward to the pleasure continuing,” she near purred.
She noted with a smug smile that the ladies moved with haste past them, waving their fans.
Harris, however, did not look nearly as amused. “You need not live up to their expectations, Anna.”
Lifting a shoulder, she took a sip of her wine. “Whatever I do or say, they will always see the worst. After all, I am only being truthful, am I not? The pleasures will continue, won’t they?”
He shook his head in disbelief. “How can you think of such things after their treatment of you?” He glanced around in search of them but they were lost to the throng of people finding seats. “I should damn well like to give them what for. Hell, if they were men, I’d be dragging them outside.”
Anna rested a hand upon his arm to draw his attention to her. It was nice, in a way, that he wished to defend her. No one else ever had, not even her family.
“I have heard worse. It does not bother me, and I’m sure later tonight they shall be writhing in jealousy while they lie beside their boring, old sticks of husbands when they think about the fun I shall be having.”
He drew in an audible breath and released it before draining his whiskey. “You have a darn sight more compassion than I do.”
“There is no sense in getting angry over these people. I have wasted too much time on anger and bitterness.”
“That almost sounds like an admission.”
“Perhaps it is.”
She eyed the polished table top for a moment. Maybe it really was. Most of her adult existence had been lived to spite everyone. Over time she had gained wealth and knowledge, and with that, power. She knew many a sordid secret—plenty of them far worse than hers.
The bell for the next act rang, and they made their way back into the booth. Aware of the looks they garnered as they sat, Anna kept her chin lifted and imagined the gossip that would be surrounding her later.
A smile graced her lips. Let them talk. She was content and enjoying herself for the first time in a long while. Her son would never be forgotten, but she could already sleep easier after seeing how happy he was. Perhaps she could have been an excellent mother, but it was clear he was living a wonderful life and who knew if she’d even been able to give that to him? The chances were, her family would have thrown her out onto the streets.
Instead, she was here, healthy and, well, happy. So was her son. Throwing a glance at Harris, she let her smile expand when he gave her a look that held a wicked promise of what was to come. She was not sure what else she could ask for.
Chapter Twelve
Harris led Anna upstairs and pushed open the windows. A railing prevented them from tumbling out but allowed them to look out at the night sky. All his anger had gone. He hated that Anna had to tolerate behaviour like she had tonight, but she had dealt with it with amazing grace and wit.
Of course, having her in his hold did not hurt. He wrapped his arms about her waist while she gazed up at the stars. Inhaling the intoxicating scent of her, he pressed a kiss to the back of her neck and felt the little ripple of response in her body.
“Did you enjoy this evening?”
“I did,” she confirmed.
“I had thought it might have been a mistake. I’ll admit I did not think it through properly when I asked you to the theatre.”
“Because of the gossip you mean?”
“Yes.” He kissed her again.
The evening, in spite of the supercilious looks and asinine comments had been thoroughly enjoyable. Anna was the perfect companion, both in bed and out. He had never considered taking lovers out and about, and he could not say what had tempted him to do so except that he had a spare ticket after Ash had abandoned him in favour of his wife. He could not imagine wanting to take anyone but Anna.
Anna laid her hands over where his arms wrapped about her waist. His heart did a tiny flip. It was as though his insides were gradually turning to mush and as much as he wanted to be terrified by the idea of being so comfortable and content with this woman, he could not bring himself to have a single care.
All he wanted was more of her.
“Did the gossip bother you?”
“Not for my sakes, no. We Cynfells are used to our fair share.”
“Then do not worry about me either.”
He smiled against her skin. “I will not worry about the gossips, but I reserve some right to worry about you.”
“Why do—”
A knock at the door made her pause. He listened for the door opening.
“I don’t know who would be visiting this late.” He eased his arms reluctantly from around her. “I had better see who it is.”
Anna nodded and turned her attention back to the glimmering stars.
He stopped briefly to admire her form against the night sky. In shimmering deep blue satin and pearls, she nearly matched the sky, yet was a hundred times more beautiful. With a sigh, he turned away and headed downstairs.
Who would be calling at this time of night? By the time he’d desce
nded the two flights of stairs, the butler was already closing the door. He held up a note and Harris snatched it off him. An express letter at this time of night could not be good news.
He released a long breath when he recognised the hand of Julian, the marquess and the oldest of them all. His relief was short-lived.
“Damnation.”
“My lord?”
“I need my belongings packed instantly. I’ll get a carriage...” He paused. “No, the train...”
“There will be few running this late at night, my lord,” the butler pointed out.
“Yes, you’re right. A carriage then to Oxford. I can catch a train from there but at least some of the journey will be done.”
“My lord?”
Harris glanced over the unusually scratchy writing. “It is Oliver.” He nodded at the name of his nephew. “He has consumption.”
The words left a hollow ache in his chest. The child was the heir to the title and all their family wealth, but more than that, he was family and his nephew. He was a fine young boy, and if he died, it would leave a permanent scar on all of them.
“Is everything well?”
He turned to find Anna on the stairs.
“My nephew. He is unwell. I must go to Warwickshire with haste.” She took the final few steps down, and he grasped her hand. “Forgive me, I must leave this instant. I shall make sure you have a carriage home first.”
“I should like to come with you if I can.”
Harris considered arguing with her. She was meant to be going back to Stourbridge soon. The last thing she needed was to be stuck in a house with the rest of his family while they fretted over Oliver. And yet...
Yet he wanted her by his side.
His valet and the maids did a fine job of packing his trunk with haste, and they collected Anna’s belongings from the hotel within the hour. Soon, they were on their way to Oxford. Anna said little but clasped his hand in understanding.
After an hour or so into their journey, she fell asleep on his shoulder. He glanced at her shadowed face and allowed himself a small smile. He could not help be grateful for her company.
Little Oliver had to survive. He had to. After all, the Cynfells were a hardy lot. They had not gone without their illnesses and scrapes, but they’d all survived. Heck. Both Ash and he had survived attempts on their lives. This young boy could beat consumption, surely?
He eyed the passing lamps until they were out into the countryside. Because of the lack of light, their pace was slower than he would have liked. He rested his head back and tried to close his eyes, but his pulse thrummed through him, quick and hard, making rest impossible.
Julian would have sent notes to all of them. He probably should have seen if Ash was travelling to Warwickshire straight away too but to get across London would have taken another half-an-hour. He’d catch up with his brothers eventually.
He must have drifted off to sleep at some point because he woke with a stiff neck and the sun glimmering annoyingly through the window. He drew the curtain closed and tried to ease the pain in his neck. Anna slept on, looking a little ruffled. No doubt they would look a funny pair in their finery this morning.
When they reached Oxford, they caught the second train of the morning not fifteen minutes after their arrival. The train wasn’t busy so they had a compartment to themselves.
“All will be well,” Anna assured him.
“Yes.”
He knew the word sounded hollow.
Thankfully, the rest of the trip to Lockwood Manor was easy. They found a carriage willing to take them the few miles from the station. The long path leading up to the house was eerily empty. He’d normally expect children to be playing out on the lawns or for there to be horses or carriages sitting outside the grand house.
Harris swallowed the knot of tension in his throat and forced himself out of the carriage before handing down Anna. The butler greeted him and a footman swiftly aided him with his suitcase.
“Lord Harris, welcome back to Lockwood.”
“I am sorry that it is not under better circumstances. This is Miss Anna Dubois. I hope you’ll be able to arrange a room for her.”
“Of course, my lord.”
“How is Oliver?”
“It is hard to say, my lord. The marquess and the marchioness are at his bedside at present. Why do you not wait in the drawing room, and I shall let them know you are here? Lord Jasper and Lord Dante are here too.”
Harris nodded and escorted Anna into the elegant drawing room. Both of his brothers were by the fireplace, nursing what smelled to be large cups of coffee. No doubt they’d had long, tiresome journeys as well.
“Harris,” Jasper greeted.
“You must have come quickly,” Harris said to his older brother.
“Henrietta and I were visiting when Oliver fell ill,” he explained.
“And we took the first train from Oxford,” Dante explained. “I imagine we must have missed you by only an hour.”
Both men looked expectantly at him, and he drew Anna forward. “Forgive me, this is Miss Anna Dubois. A, uh, friend.”
His brothers would know she was his lover—what other explanation was there? Hell, they were hardly innocent virgins before they married so they could have nothing to say about the situation.
“We’ve met before, I believe,” Jasper said. “In London once or twice.”
“Yes, I believe so,” she replied. “I am sorry that we are not meeting again under better circumstances.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Dubois.” Dante flashed her a charming smile.
Suddenly, Harris hated his brothers. “Josephine is here too?” Harris asked, referring to Dante’s wife.
“Yes, the ladies are with Viola at present,” Dante said, moving over to the side table on which coffee and a few select pastries had been left out, presumably for the incoming guests.
“I’m assuming Julian sent word to everyone,” Harris asked. He poured some coffee and inhaled the luxurious sent before shoving a pastry into his mouth. He had not realised quite how hungry he was.
“Yes,” Jasper confirmed. “I imagine the others shall be along shortly.”
“Ash is in London so I would assume it won’t be long until he’s here.” Harris took a long sip of the coffee and eyed his two older brothers. “What did the doctor say? What are Oliver’s chances?”
Jasper gave him a grim look. “Who can say? It’s consumption. It very often kills.”
The coffee began to burn in his gut. “Oliver’s a strong boy.”
“He is indeed. Let us hope he is strong enough for this.”
“Harris!”
He whirled to see Henrietta and Josephine enter the room. Henrietta greeted him with an affectionate cuddle, whereas Josephine—ever the lady—gave him a more subdued kiss on the cheek. Both women somehow managed to look as beautiful as ever in spite of likely very little sleep.
“Did you just arrive?” asked Henrietta. She stole a curious glance at Anna.
He eyed the woman who had somehow tamed his errant brother with her curvaceous figure and rather amusing manners. Though she did not look fatigued, worry sat behind her gaze. Henrietta and Josephine had children now. No doubt, they would be feeling almost as anguished as Viola and Julian were. He could hardly imagine what it must be like for them all.
“Yes, I travelled through the night.”
“Ash isn’t with you?”
He shook his head. “Honestly, I did not even think to stop by and see him.”
“I am sure he’ll be here before long,” Josephine said. “No doubt the house will be full of you all soon enough, and Lord knows, Julian could do with the support.”
After he introduced the women to Anna, they tucked themselves against their husbands and a pang of envy surged through him. Which was ridiculous. He had Anna here with him after all. But to be so openly affectionate...Christ almighty, what a sap he was turning into.
Harris turned at the sound of footsteps c
oming into the room. Pierce, followed by his wife Evelyn, and Gideon and Ash joined them. He greeted his brothers and Evelyn, who made her way over to the other women.
“No Lila?” he asked Ash.
Ash shook his head. “She’s in a, uh, delicate condition.”
Harris grinned. “Well done, brother. Adding to the Cynfell clan.”
“Do not say anything to anyone,” his twin warned. “It’s early days, and I’m sure everyone would rather focus on Oliver.”
“I won’t say a word.”
“You brought Anna with you?”
“She insisted.”
“I see.” Ash’s expression darkened.
“Don’t look at me so, I am not playing some wicked game with her.”
“Be sure that you are not.”
Harris rolled his eyes. “Need I remind you, you are barely the older brother. Stop acting as though you have years of experience on me.”
Ash shook his head and stilled when Julian entered the room. His brother might be the eldest of them, but he had never seen him look so aged. He offered them a grim smile and clasped Ash’s shoulder.
“Thank you for coming. I didn’t expect you all to come so quickly.”
“Is Viola with Oliver?” Ash asked.
Julian nodded. “She refuses to rest.”
“Perhaps one of the ladies will be able to persuade her to take a break later,” Ash suggested.
“Hopefully.” Julian released a long breath. “It looks like we’re in for a long wait. Let us pray.”
Chapter Thirteen
Harris stepped out of the house and peered at the sky. The day remained clear which was good news. The roads would be dry and the carriage conveying Oliver and his parents back from London would be without delay.
And they would finally have news of how he was doing. After days of no improvement, the local doctor had sent the boy down to London for treatment. He only hoped it was enough.
“When shall they be arriving?”
He turned to find his mother on the stoop. Though she tended to keep herself away from most of them, she had been at Julian’s wife’s side for most of this awful event. It was mildly strange to see his cold-hearted mother nursing a child and bonding with Viola. Julian’s American wife had certainly had an interesting impact on her.
