Taming the Wicked Wulfe (The Rogue Agents)

by Tammy Jo Burns

  “Sir Graham and his daughter are coming as well.”

  “Sir Graham?” Clarissa spun on her aunt. “Just who is Sir Graham, Aunt Gertie, and why am I just now hearing about him?”

  “Cassie and I met attending lectures on Egypt and archaeology. I do find it so exciting and goodness knows what is out there. We made quick friends. Sir Graham is an inventor, a brilliant man, and has been knighted for his service to the King,” Gertrude could not hide the twinkle in her eye as she talked about the man.

  “And why am I just now hearing about Sir Graham?”

  “Because it is none of your business, love,” Gertrude said, patting the younger girl’s arm.

  Justin threw his head back in laughter. Clarissa spun and cocked her eye at him. “Oh, you’re not mad, love. You’re just upset that you are the last to know.”

  “You knew?”

  “I have some knowledge of Sir Graham,” he said cryptically.

  “Oh, dear.”

  “Don’t worry, love,” he pulled her to his side and dropped a kiss on her head. “They’re watching him and those around him carefully,” he whispered in Clarissa’s ear, but Thorn still overheard what he said.

  Thorn noticed that his wife no longer stood beside him. He looked around the room and saw that she had discreetly moved to the far side of the room. She stood at the window looking outside. He crossed to her and stood with his right arm braced against the window frame, effectively blocking Rebekah from the others. “What’s wrong?” He observed her shake her head, but he could see the stiffness about her. “Come now, you can tell me.”

  “Too many people, too many names to remember. I’ve never done this before. I can’t do this. They’ll know I am a fraud. I don’t belong among them, I am only a reverend’s daughter.”

  “No, you are so much more,” he tenderly gripped her chin and turned her to face him. “You were the sister of a duchess. You are the aunt of a duke. You and I might not have a title attached to our name, but that does not mean that any of these people are in any way better than we are.”

  “You own a gaming hell, of course they are better than us!” she hissed angrily.

  “One of these days you will forgive me for the Lady Luck.”

  “I doubt that.” The noise level in the room grew louder as more people began to enter the large parlor.

  “I believe we are being summoned for introductions,” Wulfe said nodding toward a couple that had entered the room. Each held a child in their arms, a boy and girl.

  Rebekah attempted to tamp down the bitterness that swamped her as she was surrounded by children. She should have been better prepared. Gertie had purposely planned this party so that the children could all be introduced to each other with parents and guardians near. As she heard the twins that arrived in their parents’ arms chattering and saying “Mama” and “Papa” over and over to get their attention, that is when it dawned on her. Yes, she loved her niece and nephew to distraction and would do anything for them, but she ached to be called Mama. And now it would never happen. Pull yourself together, she commanded herself sternly.

  They were halfway across the room when she felt her progress halted by her husband. His hand tightened slightly about her upper arm, not bruising, but uncomfortable. She looked up at him and saw his gaze fixed on someone or something across the room. When she looked, she saw a handsome, dark-headed man standing in the doorway. She saw the other man’s eyes flicker just slightly. Unless one had been intensely studying him as she had been, no one would have been the wiser. They continued across the room to begin introductions. Who was that man, and what connection did he have to Wulfe? Did he frequent the Lady Luck? If he did, would he tell everyone present about her husband’s business? Mortification swept through her along with a rigidity that would not ease until the night was over.

  ***

  What in bloody hell is McKenzie doing here? Thorn asked himself. To say he had been shocked to see the man was an understatement. He had been the last man he had expected to be here. How did he know these people? Thorn’s neck and shoulders began to cramp, and he slowly, methodically made himself relax. He had been in worse situations than this. He pasted a jovial grin on his face and transformed himself back into the carefree younger brother of a duke, the part he had been so used to playing for so many years.

  He and Rebekah were introduced to the Earl and Countess of Blackburn and their children. The Earl, Derek as he insisted they call him, was English through and through. His wife, Tessa, had a thick Scottish brogue. The Duke and Duchess of Blackerby, Clarissa’s father and step-mother, almost acted as if they were newlyweds, sneaking covert glances at one another when they thought no one was looking. His Grace hugged Rebekah affectionately and for that Thorn was thankful. Rebekah might not believe she had any family that cared about her, but this gathering proved that thought false. He found himself wanting to promise Gertie anything she wished for. Rebekah still appeared somewhat tense, but he hoped she would relax as the party continued.

  They met Beverly, the Duchess of Blackerby’s niece next. She did not fit in with the other people present. She had overdressed for the occasion, she flitted about, and flirted with all of the men, single or not. When she was brought to him and Rebekah for introductions, Wulfe made certain that Rebekah stood as close to him as possible in hopes of deterring the other woman. Thorn felt his bride stiffen beside him even more when the woman’s perfume overpowered them all.

  “Beverly cannot be a debutante,” he heard Rebekah mutter to herself, a look of irritation on her face.

  “She’s not,” Clarissa answered her. “She has been widowed for three years now. In fact, she was a baroness. She has almost run through the money her husband left for her and now she is after a new husband.”

  “Why is your step-mother helping her?” Rebekah asked.

  “Her sister guilted her into it,” Clarissa sighed. “Now that she is married to my father, her sister has convinced her it was her duty to see that her only niece make a better marriage than her first.”

  “Oh, dear.”

  “Yes. And Jocelyn is so tenderhearted and compassionate that she couldn’t say no. And Papa is so smitten with Jocelyn he couldn’t refuse.” Clarissa looked at Rebekah as the other woman began to giggle quietly. “I would giggle, too, if I didn’t have to spend so much time in her company. She is always either flirting or complaining. Lord help the man that does marry her,” Clarissa said shaking her head. “Secretly I’m glad this other woman is coming, and I hope she gives Beverly a challenge when it comes to Mack.”

  “Mack?”

  “Oh, I haven’t introduced you yet,” Clarissa said, waving at the man that had startled Wulfe.

  As he approached the group, Rebekah noticed he was even more handsome the closer he came. Teddy is very lucky I didn't meet this man a few months ago, she thought wickedly and then quickly chastised herself. You are a married woman! Yes, a married woman that has yet to consummate her marriage. But that is the way you want it, isn’t it? Stop! she silently shouted at the sparring going on inside her head.

  “Mack, I would like to introduce you to my cousin and her husband, Lord and Lady Thorn Wulfe. Rebekah and Thorn, this is Mr. McKenzie, a dear friend to all of us . He is also the Duke of Hawkescliffe’s brother.”

  “Please, call me Mack. Everyone does,” he said as he took Rebekah’s hand and kissed the back of it. She vaguely heard her husband clearing his throat. Mack did not affect her like Wulfe, but she found him to be more than pleasant.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mack,” her husband said as he shook the other man’s hand. Did she detect a hint of anger in his voice? Perhaps some jealousy? Was it awful that she hoped he was jealous of her, if only just slightly?

  “You as well, Lord Wulfe.”

  A balding man with wire-rimmed glasses, and a young, beautiful blonde woman entered the room.

  “Cassie, I am so glad you could come and were able to pry your father away from his inventions.”
<
br />   “It was difficult, but I managed,” the blonde laughed, her voice melodious and pleasant. Introductions were made around the room once more.

  The butler rang a bell indicating that supper was ready. The group made their way into the dining room. After all were seated, the first course was served, but before anyone could begin, there was a light tapping against a glass. All eyes turned to the Duke of Blackerby, who sat at the head of the table.

  “Before we begin, I would just like to welcome Rebekah and Wulfe back into the folds of our family. Here is to creating new memories and enjoying new relationships.”

  Everyone raised their glasses in the direction of the couple. Rebekah felt herself blushing at the attention. She felt Thorn take her hand beneath the table and give it a gentle squeeze. She pulled free, refusing to rely on his strength to get her through the evening. Straightening her spine and lifting her head, she reached for her glass and lifted it. “It is good to be back,” she said before taking a sip of her elderberry wine. The others followed suit before tucking into their food. The guests were quite animated during the meal, visiting and laughing.

  Beverly seemed to try to flirt with all of the men, but spent an exorbitant amount of time attempting to pull Mack into conversation. Gertie had Sir Graham entertain the guests with tales of some of his past inventions. Miss Graham watched her father with pride shining in her eyes. What would it be like to adore your father like that? Rebekah found herself wondering. She knew that she would never have that sort of admiration towards the Reverend.

  As the meal continued, Rebekah found herself truly enjoying the group of people that Gertie had gathered. She should have had more faith in her mother’s cousin to know just what she needed and could handle. After dessert had been served, the group left the dining room. They passed the staircase leading to the upper floors of the townhouse. Rebekah felt a chill race up her spine and sweep through her body. Her body acted as if it were attempting to shy away from the memories and the remembered hurt. She recalled the pool of blood.

  “Rebekah, are you all right?” Thorn asked, gently rubbing her back. She looked as if she were in another place, another time. She also looked like she might break into thousands of tiny pieces. When she did not answer, he tried again to garner her attention, “Rebekah?” He watched her slowly swing her gaze towards him. She blinked at him owlishly, but not before he saw the haunted expression in her eyes. “Perhaps we should go.”

  “No,” she said, stepping away from him.

  “Darling, I must show you a painting I acquired since your last visit,” Gertie said, breezily siding up to her. She took her arm and steered her away from the stairs and the room the others were disappearing into. The older woman took her into the bowels of the house before clasping her in a tight hug. “My poor dear girl.”

  “It was silly. It was just the first time since…”

  “Quite,” Gertie stopped her from saying anything more. “We will stay here as long as you need.”

  “I am fine,” she said straightening her spine once more.

  “I don’t believe you are,” Gertie said, eyeing the younger woman in the dim light.

  “Come now, we are missing your party.”

  “I worry about you. I always have. You try to be too strong.” The sound of laughter filtered down the hall.

  “I want to thank you for my dress.”

  “Actually your husband and I conspired against you together.” Gertrude watched Rebekah change before her eyes. “You must let go of this anger. Let him in. Allow him to know what happened, to share in your sorrow.”

  “They are having fun without us,” Rebekah turned the woman’s attention, and knew she had temporarily won the battle when Gertie gave an audible sigh. The women made their way to the room where the others were. It had been set up with tables for cards and there was a billiards table as well. When they entered the room, Rebekah sought out Thorn who stood in the far corner of the room deep in conversation with Mr. McKenzie. That’s rather interesting, she thought curiously. She noted how they did not act as if they had only just met. Then Lord Southerby made his way to them. Mr. McKenzie said something to Lord Southerby causing a look of shock to cross the man’s face before he was able to school his features.

  What are they attempting to hide? she wondered.

  “They just cannot seem to relax for even one evening,” Clarissa said at Rebekah’s elbow.

  “Hmmm,” Rebekah said in response.

  “But in these times, service to King and country often come first, even before family,” she threaded her arm through Rebekah’s and turned her towards a table. “Come and play with us,” she said indicating Beverly and Cassie who already sat at a table. “The game will take your mind off whatever has you so perplexed.”

  Rebekah found herself going willingly and quite enjoying herself.

  ***

  They stayed much later than they ought, especially with two small children in tow. They were not even halfway home before the twins began to nod off.

  “I believe they had fun,” Thorn said.

  “Yes.”

  “And did you? After your initial discomfort, that is.”

  “Yes.”

  “Still kind to everyone but me. One day I will learn your secrets, wife.”

  “And what of yours, husband?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know very well what I mean. You, Mr. McKenzie, and Lord Southerby looked like the proverbial gossiping women, standing in the corner, sequestering yourself from everyone else.”

  “That was nothing. We were just visiting and realized we knew some of the same people.”

  “Funny, but I don’t believe that for a moment.”

  “Believe what you like, my dear, but that is all it was,” the coach lurched to a stop. “Now shall we get these two to bed?”

  “I will discover your secrets,” she parried back, not willing to let the subject drop just yet.

  “It would be better for your health if you did not,” he said stiffly, standing on the firm ground and looking into the dark carriage.

  “I don’t take kindly to threats,” she said, angered, and if she were honest with herself, just a little frightened. Would he harm her to keep her from discovering things about him?

  “Fine, let me put it a way you will better understand. Should you discover my secrets, I shall have to discover yours. Are you willing for that to happen?”

  Rebekah came to an awkward pause at his words. Her mind quickly flashed back in time for mere seconds before returning to the present. She felt confident that any of the people who had knowledge of what had happened would not tell. “Good luck in your endeavor,” she said before ascending the stairs.

  Thorn watched her and shook his head at her stubbornness before following her.

  Chapter 11

  The next few days, Rebekah avoided her husband. She felt that her secrets were well and truly buried, but still worried that he might just be powerful enough to uncover them. The third day after Gertie’s dinner party, she found herself chasing after Ivy and ran into Thorn, literally. He quickly grabbed her in order to keep her from falling to the floor.

  “Careful,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she said, pulling free of his hold once she was steady on her feet. “Ivy, come back here,” she called to the little girl as she disappeared around the corner.

  “I want to talk to you for a moment.”

  “Not now.”

  “Yes, now.”

  “Ivy…”

  “Is fine and nothing will happen to her.” He directed her to the study and shut the door.

  “There’s no need for you to shut the door.”

  “I believe there is. It seems as if every conversation we have ends in raised voices, usually yours. Forgive me if I want to keep the staff from hearing.”

  “Just what are you saying?” she demanded, her hands fisted on her hips, her voice rising.

  Instead of commenting, Thorn merely
arched a brow at her.

  “I despise you,” she hissed at him.

  “At least you didn’t say it for all to hear.”

  “What do you want?” she demanded.

  “I have contacted an agency that helps families find nannies and governesses. Over the course of the next few days, they will be sending applicants to be interviewed.”

  “Are you saying that I am not adequately caring for the twins? You do realize that I have been their caregiver more often than not since they were born.”

  “This is why I shut the door,” he tunneled his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Why do you have to take everything I suggest as if I were demoralizing your character? Could it be because that is what you do to me? Have you ever thought that the Lady Luck serves a higher purpose than just being a gaming hell?”

  Her response was an indelicate snort followed by her crossing her arms, and turning her back to him. She crossed the room and looked outside at the fading light. Refusing to show any weakness, she held herself as straight as possible.

  “I will be hiring a nanny with or without your assistance, and you will not be able to fire them without my approval.”

  She spun around to face him. Her arms were as straight as pokers by her side and her hands were fisted. Her mouth hung open. “How dare you?” she finally snapped. “I know what those children need more than you do. You come into their lives after being absent more often than present, and think you know what is best for them? How many times have you seen them before Teddy’s death? Not even a half dozen times! Yet you think you know more about their needs than I do?”

  “Are you quite finished?” Silence met his question. He studied her a moment. Her eyes looked stormy, turbulent. Anger radiated off of her in waves. “You and I are the aunt and uncle of a very powerful boy. As much as you might not want to consider that at the moment, it would be best if you did and came to terms with that.”