03 - The Wicked Lady

by Brenda Jernigan

  "Oh, no!" she gasped as she made her way to Hagan's room. Somewhere along the line, she'd come to care for Trevor. The one thing she'd wanted to avoid had somehow sneaked up and bitten her.

  Now what? The sides of her mouth turned down in a frown. She couldn't let Trevor know how she felt. Surely, he would laugh at the foolish notion. He didn't believe in love . . . and she wasn't sure she did, either. The only love she could really vouch for was what she'd felt for Hagan.

  She'd never experienced any other kind.

  Trevor had just finished going over Chatsworth's books, and he was pleased with the figures he'd found, but irritated that he'd had such a hard time keeping his mind on the task at hand. He'd never had trouble concentrating before, and he usually looked forward to sitting behind his desk, but not today. Somehow he felt different.

  Just as he looked up, his grandmother entered, followed by Charity Fullbright. He automatically stood to greet them. What was his grandmother up to? He was afraid he knew. He took Charity's hand in his. "Charity, it's good to see you."

  She blushed. He'd forgotten how pretty she was.

  "It has been a while, Trevor." She squeezed his hand. "Congratulations on your up-coming marriage."

  "Thank you," Trevor said. Charity was as beautiful as always, but she didn't compare to Kristen. He'd known Charity since childhood, and though his grandmother would like to see them together, he saw Charity as no more than a friend.

  "Dinner will be ready in an hour, so you two will have plenty of time to catch up." Constance turned to leave, but Charity's next statement stopped her.

  "I really would like to freshen up before we eat."

  "Of course, how thoughtless," Constance said. "We'll see you at dinner, Trevor."

  Trevor smiled cynically. It was impossible to please his grandmother. She wanted him to get married, and that's what he was trying to do, and she still wasn't happy. She'd only be satisfied if she made the choice for him.

  And that wasn't about to happen.

  Kristen didn't find Hagan when she arrived at his room, so she went to her own suite to dress for dinner. She really couldn't believe people changed clothes so often, but since it seemed to be the custom, she was trying to fit in, and she was learning to love the luxury of so many gowns from which to chose.

  This time she picked a plain velvet dress of deep green. The neckline fitted low on her shoulders and the material was finished with gold embroidered lace around the top. A solid embroidered ceinture fastened in front with an antique gem. Rebecca quickly pulled Kristen's hair up and pinned it so it would tumble down her back in soft curls.

  As Kristen headed down the stairs, Hagan came barreling out of his room. "Whatcha been doing all day?"

  "Slow down." Kristen reached out and grabbed him by the arm in midstride. "I've been trying on my wedding gown."

  "All day?"

  "Afraid so," Kristen said, starting down the steps.

  "I'm glad I'm not a girl."

  "Me, too. 'Tis no fun," she admitted. "What did ye do today?"

  "Went riding. And guess what?" Hagan didn't wait for her to answer, but went on, "There are some boys that live downstairs and they let me play with them. We had lots of fun."

  Kristen stopped at the foot of the stairs and stared at her brother. "I just realized ye never had playmates before." She placed a finger under his chin and tilted it up. "Do ye like it here, Hagan?"

  "Sure. It's a lot better than where we used to live. And you know what else?"

  "What?"

  "There's so much to eat." His eyes grew wide as he took her hand. "I'm hungry. Come on."

  Kristen was still laughing when they entered the dining room, and received an arched brow from the Dowager Duchess for her behavior. Trevor was seated at the head of the table with the duchess to his right.

  "I see you're in a jolly mood," Trevor commented as he stood and helped Kristen take her seat.

  "You didn't pull the chair out for me." Hagan giggled.

  "Hasn't anyone taught that child that children are to be seen and not heard!" Constance thundered.

  "That's the same thing you said last time." Hagan pointed out. "Do you have trouble hearing, Grandmere?" Hagan asked.

  "Certainly not!"

  Hagan's brows drew together in a puzzled frown. "Well, why would you only want to look at me, and not hear what I'm saying?"

  The dowager's eyes widened. "Trevor, do something!"

  Trevor managed to stop laughing long enough to say to Kristen, "I'd like you to meet an old friend. Charity Fullbright."

  "I met Kristen earlier." Charity smiled.

  "Oh, really," Trevor commented, a little surprised.

  "She didn't meet me though," Hagan butted in, and Constance cleared her throat.

  "No, I didn't." Charity commented.

  "There is no hope," Constance grumbled and raised her eyes skyward.

  Kristen gave Hagan the evil-eye to calm him down before he gave the dowager duchess a stroke. "This is my very talkative brother, Hagan."

  Charity's laughter tinkled like little bells, soft and feminine. Everything about the woman was perfect.

  Charity smiled. "I have a brother, too. I bet you're five years old?"

  "I'm this many." Hagan held up five chubby fingers.

  "So is my brother," Charity said.

  The food started arriving and the conversation halted temporarily. It was a feast of roasted turkey and small potatoes, followed by macaroni, mutton casserole, and mince pies.

  Dinner ended up being pleasant, and Kristen found Charity was easy to engage in conversation. Kristen couldn't help noticing that Constance was frowning. Evidently, things were not going as she'd planned.

  After dinner, Trevor excused himself. A half hour later, Kristen left Constance and Charity talking, and strolled out onto the terrace to get some fresh air. The crickets seemed to be serenading her as she looked out into the dark night.

  "Is this a private moment? Or would you like some company?" Trevor asked.

  Kristen could see the orange glow of his cheroot. "I just needed some fresh air. Thought ye'd want some time tae renew your acquaintance with Charity." She watched him as he propped his hip on the railing and faced her.

  Featherlike laugh lines crinkled around his eyes."Now, why would I want to do that when I can come out here to be with you?"

  "Ye can save the silver-tongue." Kristen laughed, knowing he was playing with her. He sent her pulse spinning when he was in this kind of mood.

  "You can see through me already." Trevor smiled. "How are you adjusting to life here at Chatsworth, Kristen?"

  "Everything is so different 'tis hard, I do admit, but I guess it isn't tae bad." She managed to shrug and say offhandedly, "Hagan really likes it here. I want tae thank ye for giving him a home and taking up so much time with him." She bent her head and studied her hands. " 'Twasn't part of the bargain, but thank ye."

  "I like Hagan," Trevor admitted, throwing the cheroot on the ground. "He's a bright little boy, and he shouldn't be in the streets."

  "I agree," she murmured, looking deep into his eyes. They spoke to her with a language all their own. And when he looked at her the way he was looking at her now, it made her very nervous. She forgot everything . . . except him.

  He seemed to control every sense she had. No longer could she hear the crickets or feel the breeze. She had to remind herself to breathe as a vaguely sensuous flicker passed between them.

  He reached up and brushed her cheek. The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes startled her. "Do you realize when you talk about Hagan your eyes absolutely glitter? Do you think they will ever light up like that for me?"

  Her body ached for his touch. "Would ye like that?" she asked huskily. She turned her head and kissed the palm of his hand.

  "I think I would." His mouth brushed hers, and she melted easily into his arms. Something intense flared through her and her heart thumped erratically.

  Trevor held her for a moment, letting hi
s head rest upon her silky hair. Strange, he felt content just to hold her. She shivered. "Are you cold, love?" he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

  " 'Tis the weather that makes me shiver."

  "I think it's more than that, Kristen." He took her mouth with a tenderness that he didn't know he possessed as he slipped his hand around the nape of her neck. His hands slid down and locked against her spine while he coaxed her lips to part so he could taste all of her. The kiss was as tender and light as a summer breeze.

  She was so wonderful, Trevor thought as he lost himself in her kisses. Desire rose in him and the only thing he could think of was how to remove her clothes. Blood pounded in his brain.

  She pulled back. "I dinna want tae feel like this."

  "Why?"

  "Because ye dinna love me."

  Her statement definitely cooled the driving force churning within him. "Ours will not be a normal marriage, but it's what we agreed on," he answered coldly. He stepped back away from the source of his temptation.

  "That's right," she remarked, pleased at how nonchalant she sounded. I remember now."

  Trevor felt incredibly low and guilty, but it had been their agreement. "Listen. I do feel something for you, and that might be more than most people have." He could sense she was drawing away from him, and he didn't want that. "How are you and Grandmere getting along?"

  "We had a few good moments this afternoon."

  "That's more than what I had hoped for." He sighed with exasperation. "Sometimes her good moments are rare."

  " 'Tis yer grandmother yer taking about." Kristen giggled, putting her hand over her mouth.

  "I know." He took her hand. "We better go back in since we're unchaperoned."

  Kristen paused and glanced at him. "I did enjoy this quiet moment."

  "I did, too." He leaned down and kissed her. There was a dreamy intimacy to their kiss now. "I like kissing you. You kiss very well."

  "I had a good teacher." Kristen winked, then turned and disappeared through the doors.

  Trevor turned and looked out into the night. Somehow the night seemed just a little colder . . . just a little lonelier.

  Chapter Ten

  Trevor paced in a small room off the side of the white chapel while Rodney adjusted his coat in front of the full length mirror.

  "Still find it hard to believe that in less than a hour you'll be a married man." Rodney shook his head in utter disbelief. "Always thought I'd be the one."

  "I figured you'd be the one, too," Trevor replied with a grin. He continued to move restlessly around the room.

  Rodney turned from admiring himself, leaned against the wall, then folded his arms across his chest. "You seem a bit nervous. What's bothering you?"

  "Nothing!" Trevor snapped, but after a few minutes he added, "Do you realize that a month ago I didn't even know Kristen?"

  "I believe I pointed out that small fact to you a few weeks ago. Yet you refused to listen."

  "There are a few things I've not told you." Trevor stopped his restless pacing and looked at his friend. Maybe he should have listened. Trevor was surprised at how nervous he'd become about the entire situation. Perhaps, talking with Rodney would ease these pre-wedding jitters he was experiencing.

  Trevor watched Rodney with keenly observant eyes as he confessed, "I met Kristen when she tried to pick my pocket."

  "Good God!"

  "I know." Trevor shook his head, but couldn't help smiling as he remembered that particular day. "My intentions were to punish the girl once I caught her. However, after I apprehended her, there was an attraction so strong that the next thing I knew I was offering her a proposition . . . I wouldn't turn her over to the authorities if she'd marry me. It seemed like a simple solution at the time."

  Rodney laughed. "You're not that hard up. You could have any woman you choose. But no, you have to make a bargain with a street urchin." He held up his hand to prevent Trevor from interrupting. "Not that I blame you. She is beautiful and seems to have a good disposition. Never thought she was a thief, though. Now that you've mentioned it, I lost my watch at the Cranford bash and had to purchase a new one." He rubbed his chin, looking at Trevor curiously. "You don't suppose?"

  "Of course, I suppose." Trevor laughed, in spite of himself. "Kristen is good. She could steal the eyes out of a dead man."

  Rodney shook his head, truly amazed. "Then why are you marrying her?"

  "Because I need a wife."

  "Well, you're getting one." Rodney pulled out his pocket watch. "In about fifteen minutes."

  "I know that. It's what to do with her afterwards that's the problem."

  Rodney let out a loud chuckle. "After all these years I was certain you knew precisely what to do with a woman once you got her into your bed."

  Trevor glared at him. "That isn't what I meant. Kristen will never fit in with the people with whom we socialize, and I'll constantly have to be away on business. I'll have to leave her here in the country. At least here she'll be out of the streets and won't have that much social contact with others. She doesn't belong with those reprobates."

  "I, for one, hope she'll never be like the ton. She's so genuine and refreshing to be around." Rodney nudged Trevor, then said in a low amused voice, "Haven't I always heard you say you wanted a wife who you could leave and then visit when you chose?"

  Trevor nodded with a taut jerk of his head. "Yes, but--"

  "Now you have just that," Rodney pointed out. "Kristen has no money so she can't leave you. You'll have everything you've ever wanted." Rodney slapped Trevor on the shoulder.

  "That's true. I'll never have to worry about her leaving me."

  A loud knock rattled the door. It was time.

  Trevor stiffened. Everything he ever wanted. He'd done some mad things in his life, but this one had to top the others . . . for he was preparing to marry a thief.

  Kristen waited patiently as the last hook was slipped into place. Turning, she stared into the mirror at the woman who stood before her. Funny how she had always thought of herself as a girl until now.

  But today she looked like a woman.

  The gown had turned out beautifully. The long skirt with eyelet lace across the bottom of her dress floated around her.

  She smiled as she took in the details. The snow white satin overskirt was longer in the front and tied up in the back with a sash. The cap sleeves and bodice were the same eyelet lace studded with tiny pearls and small diamonds. The top fitted off the shoulders and plunged between her breasts to show off her creamy skin.

  Rebecca had left her hair loose after being brushed a hundred strokes. Now, she pulled the sides up and fastened Kristen's hair with ivory combs on each side. Then a lace veil was placed on her head with the netting flowing down her back. There was little need for cheek and lip color because her color was a gloriously high pink.

  A noise sounded at the door. Kristen turned to see Charity enter dressed in a soft burgundy gown. She looked extremely pretty, as always. Actually, Charity should probably be the bride, Kristen thought sadly. Trevor deserved better than her. However, Kristen was glad Charity had agreed to be her friend, because she was very nice. And Kristen certainly needed a friend.

  "You are simply beautiful," Charity gushed after she'd walked all around Kristen and assessed every angle.

  "I dinna like any of this." Kristen threw up her hands. "I'm so nervous."

  "You'll be just fine. Every bride is nervous before her wedding. What you're feeling is natural." Charity reached for Kristen's hand. "I've come to get you. It's time to go. Everyone is waiting for you."

  Kristen cleared her throat nervously. "Has Trevor made an appearance?"

  "Of course he has, and he looks extremely handsome. You're very lucky." Charity gestured with her hands again. "Come along. It's not going to be as horrid as you think. The way you're frowning, one would think you are going to a funeral instead of your wedding." Charity chuckled.

  Kristen stared at her friend. How could she tel
l Charity that she felt doomed? If she and Trevor were marrying for love, she would feel much better. This was a sham, and Kristen couldn't see anything good coming out of the situation.

  "Give me a smile, Kristen," Charity commanded.

  This time Kristen did as instructed, and forced her numb legs to step forward. Before she knew what was happening, she found herself standing in the vestibule of the dimly-lit church.

  The church was filled with Trevor's friends who all turned to look at her. As she waited for the music to begin, her eyes automatically searched for Trevor. There were so many people that it was hard to see past them, but she persevered until she finally saw him. He stood at the foot of the altar, looking extremely elegant in a dark blue frock coat and light gray breeches. His skin looked dark next to his white waistcoat. Next to him, Rodney had taken his place, and of course, Hagan, who had a finger in his collar, tugging on the neck.

  Her gaze drifted back to Trevor, and she felt her bottom lip quiver. What was the strange feeling she had for him? It was as if she were happy and scared at the same time. Her finger touched her bottom lip to stop the quiver, but before she could turn and run, the music started, and someone nudged her from behind. She took her first step toward her new life.

  Kristen felt the hundred pairs of eyes looking at her, but the only ones that really mattered were Trevor's, and his gaze never left her face. He was drawing her with that strange power he seemed to have over her. Suddenly, she was beside him, and he was taking her cold hands, giving them a squeeze for reassurance. She looked into his eyes and saw the same doubt and nervousness that she felt. His uncertainty made her feel better.

  The priest began his prayers, blessing their union, and the rest of the service became a blur. Kristen's mouth moved, the proper words came out, but she couldn't hear anything for the blood pounding through her ears. She heard the words 'til death divide' and the next thing she knew, Trevor had pulled her into his arms, and cupped her chin tenderly in his warm hand.