by Tracy Kay
Damon nodded in accord. “I look forward to it, your grace.”
Elizabeth blustered in anger. A commoner, an American, a sailor becoming an earl. Disgraceful. And her foolish husband was actually going along with it. “Jonathan, you can’t condone this!”
“Elizabeth, that is enough! Madeline is married and that is final,” Jonathan said authoritatively and then turned back to Damon. “Welcome to the family, son.”
Damon bowed his head in acknowledgement, surprised the Duke had so easily accepted him. “Thank you, your grace.”
Brandon sighed with relief. His father was going to recognize Damon and make it easy for them. “Thank you, Father, for being so accepting of this marriage.”
“You didn’t leave me with much choice, son. But please, finish with the rest of what you need to say.” Jonathan gestured towards his son.
Brandon studied his father a moment. He realized that although Jonathan was acknowledging Damon, he wasn’t pleased about Brandon’s tactics. He could understand that. “Damon and Madeline will be staying here until the issue with Farrington is resolved and they can find a house of their own in London or leave for Warbrooke Estates. Damon will also act as extra protection. Deirdre,” Brandon said, turning his attention towards his younger sister and meeting her eyes. “If you need to go somewhere, Damon can escort you if Nicholas or I aren’t available.”
Deirdre shyly nodded at Brandon.
Brandon frowned and walked towards her. Lifting her chin up with one finger, he gazed into her eyes. “No going off on your own. You understand me?”
Deirdre blushed and nodded. “I understand you, Brandon.”
Cupping her cheek with his palm, Brandon scrutinized Deirdre for a long moment. He knew something was upsetting her because she had been awfully melancholy since his return. He would have to deal with whatever it was soon. Brandon sighed, released her, and perused the roomful of family, his eyes stopping on Maxine.
Maxine glared at him with startled eyes and lifted her chin. “Brandon, I am not a member of this family and I can take care of myself, damn it.”
“Regardless, I want you staying close, Maxine. No leaving this house and going off on your own. I won’t have it,” Brandon warned in a firm voice.
“Let us not quarrel, Brandon,” she replied sweetly. “I will be sure to be careful and I can return to my ship this afternoon.”
“Maxine.” Damon drew her attention. “I agree with Brandon. You aren’t to go out on your own and you will continue to live here until we say otherwise.” His voice left no room for argument. Maxine was like a sister to him and Damon was not going to allow her to put herself into danger.
“For crying out loud, damn it,” she said, standing up from her chair. She recognized the tone in Damon’s voice and she knew he wasn’t going to budge. Despite her excitement and curiosity over Damon’s marriage, she had been doing her best not to be noticed or intrude on the family gathering, but it seemed Brandon and Damon were including her into their family. Damn it, she hated it when they played the big brothers. “I can take care of myself. You know that, Damon. I don’t need one of you playing nursemaid. I will be perfectly safe on my ship.” And able to come and go as she damn well pleased, but she kept that part to herself.
“Should we discuss the issue with Conrad, Maxine?” Brandon questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Damn it, you would have to bring him into this, wouldn’t you?” She sighed in resignation, but then hope flared in her eyes. “He isn’t back yet.” She didn’t want to be confined, and damn it all, Brandon and Damon would team up and convince Conrad that she needed to be protected. She hated when they did that, she truly did. She was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, damn it.
“He and Raven came into port earlier this afternoon, as did Cassandra and Chameleon. They weren’t far behind us,” Damon commented and grinned at Maxine. He knew she hated it when she lost.
“Damn it.” She blew out a puff of air with irritation and sat down hard, defeated.
Brandon chuckled. “No getting past it, puss. You are as good as grounded. If it will make you feel any better, Cassandra and Chameleon are staying at Raven’s townhouse and are also grounded.” Brandon knew as soon as Conrad had the chance, he would order all the women and the younger men in their organization to be protected. None of them would be allowed to leave home or the Deliverance without an escort, not until the threat of Farrington was eliminated. “As it is, I am due to meet with him and the others. Care to join me, Max?”
“No, damn it, but I will,” she grumbled. “I haven’t seen Chammy in ages,” she mumbled, completely put out that Brandon was getting his way.
“Brandon?” Madeline asked, catching his attention.
“What is it, sweet?” Brandon raised an eyebrow at her in question.
“I would like to visit Gretchen. I am sure she is anxious and I would like to let her know I am fine. Besides, I want to plan my wedding celebration and I will need her to help,” Madeline said, ignoring the groans of her brothers at the prospect of a party.
Brandon crouched down in front of her and placed a light hand on her knee. “It is no longer my place to give you permission, sweet. That would be Damon’s place unless he isn’t here. However, I don’t see any reason why he can’t take you to see her, but that is up to him.” Brandon stood. “Come on, Maxine. We need to go.” He left the room with Maxine following him.
“Damon?” Madeline implored her husband with big, green eyes.
He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. “I don’t see why we can’t go. I would like to meet your friend again. You have talked about her so much I feel like I know her already.” As he stood, he guided Madeline up with him.
“Madeline, can I go with you?” Deirdre asked, wanting to get out of the house and away from her mother, whom she knew would pounce on her the moment they were alone. Whenever Madeline was gone, their mother turned her critical eye on her.
Madeline smiled at her sister with understanding. “Of course, you can come. I would love for you to help plan my party.” Madeline snagged her sister’s hand as she and Damon left the room.
“Well, it seems like this fiasco has come to an end,” Elizabeth stated to no one in particular and stood up. “At least one of my daughters hasn’t been ruined. Yet.”
Nicholas pinched his brow in annoyance. “Mother, for once, shut up.” He left the room, Stephen and Jared following him, with his mother staring after him, open-mouthed in shock.
“Do close your mouth, Elizabeth. You look ridiculous,” Jonathan said, and he, too, left the room, leaving Elizabeth fuming.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Gretchen fought off the massive headache she was developing. She was doing her best to concentrate on Henry Cummings’ droning voice going on and on about some new play he saw the night before. Lord Ruxford was sitting across from her with his hands steepled while staring steadily at her. It was unnerving and she wished both men would leave. Gretchen’s hand trembled as she set her teacup down on the table and gripped her gloved hands in her lap to keep them from quaking. She couldn’t understand why the two men had taken such an interest in her. She was very annoyed with her brother, Warren, for inviting them for tea and then leaving her to deal with them.
Gretchen sighed. She had too much to do today. The housekeeper was having difficulties with the upstairs maid and Gretchen needed to have a meeting with the woman to decide whether or not the maid should be dismissed. One of the mares was foaling and she wanted to check on her progress with the new stable master, Parez. She was pleased with his management skills and knowledge of horses. Although he still over-stepped his position and was a terrible flirt, he was working out. And she truly should pay a visit to her aunt who had recently recovered from a cold. Gretchen sighed again. She simply couldn’t focus on Lord Henry’s conversation and she was becoming very tired. She would rather be painting or riding, anything other than being in this room with these two men. She needed a breath of fresh
air.
“Lady Gretchen.” The Malany’s butler entered the room and interrupted Henry’s monotonous voice.
“Yes, Gracen, what is it?” Gretchen rubbed her brow wearily.
“Lord Warbrooke, the Ladies Madeline and Deirdre are here to see you, my lady,” replied Gracen.
Gretchen jumped up with excitement and relief. “Madeline’s home!” She rushed out of the room to greet her friend, having completely forgotten Lord Henry and Lord Ruxford. “Madeline!” Gretchen called out and met her halfway down the foyer hall with a big hug. “I have missed you so. How are you?” Gretchen put Madeline at arms’ length to look at her. “You are positively glowing.”
Madeline giggled as she hugged her friend in return. “It is good to see you, Gretchen. I missed you, too. I have so much to tell you.”
“And I want to hear all about it,” she said excitedly.
Madeline took Gretchen’s hand in hers and turned towards Damon. “But first I have someone I want you to meet. Do you remember Brandon’s friend, Damon Spencer? He had escorted me to your ball.”
“I am sorry, Maddy, but I don’t.” Gretchen shook her head apologetically.
“Then let me re-introduce you. Gretchen this is Damon Spencer, my husband.” Madeline linked her arm with Damon’s, beaming with happiness. “Damon, this is Lady Gretchen Malany, my dearest friend.” Damon inclined his head briefly in acknowledgement and smiled at his wife.
Gretchen’s eyes widened in shock, having missed the introductions the first time. “Your husband? What? You got married? Oh, oh, Madeline that is incredible,” she said enthusiastically and clapped her hands. Then it occurred to her that this may not be good news. “No, wait . . . do you love him?” She asked tentatively, her voice filled with concern and her quick excitement deflated.
Madeline laughed. “Of course, I love him and he is handsome, is he not?”
Gretchen grinned at him. “Oh, yes, he is quite handsome. How are his kisses?” Gretchen inquired with curiosity, admiring Damon’s appearance.
“They are divine,” Madeline answered dreamily.
“Ah, ladies, I am right here and we are not alone,” Damon said dryly with mild amusement. Madeline laughed again and hugged her new husband’s arm with affection.
Gretchen blushed, embarrassed. “Oh, I am terribly sorry. I forgot my manners. It is nice to meet you, Lord Damon, and Deirdre, I forgot you in my excitement. How are you, Deirdre?”
“I am fine,” Deirdre answered shyly and secretly agreed that her new brother-in-law was quite handsome.
Gretchen finally remembered her other guests and she grimaced. “Lord Henry is here, Madeline. Ever since Joselyn’s death he has been calling on me. And Lord Ruxford is here as well.”
“Lord Ruxford?” Madeline frowned with dislike in her voice.
“Yes.” Gretchen scowled.
“Whatever for?” Madeline crinkled her nose, gave a shiver of abhorrence, and moved a little closer to Damon.
“Warren approves of a match between us.” Gretchen made a face of distaste. The thought of marrying the man curdled her stomach.
Madeline curled her lip in revulsion. “He won’t do for you Gretchen. He . . . he . . . he is frightening.” She had a hard time searching for the right word to describe Lord Ruxford.
“I know and I don’t like him, but Warren’s very . . . adamant about my getting married. He has even suggested Lord Henry.” Gretchen shuddered with the idea of marrying either man. She put her hand to her head. “It gives me a headache thinking about it.”
“Not to worry, Gretchen. I am sure we can find a way for you to avoid Lord Ruxford and Lord Henry.” Madeline felt sorry for Gretchen. She knew Gretchen’s brother, Warren, wanted her married, but Lord Henry and Lord Ruxford. They were terrible choices for her.
“Do you know anything about Lord Ruxford, Madeline?” Gretchen asked, hoping that Madeline would know something about the man who had taken such an interest in her.
“I know he is a bit of a recluse and only attends a few social events a year. Corinna was right about his wives’ passing.” She shrugged apologetically. “He is eccentric, and well, I find him disturbing. Other than that, I know very little about him. But I can look into it for you. Don’t worry. I am sure Simon wouldn’t force you to marry someone you don’t want.” Madeline patted her friend’s hand reassuringly.
Gretchen shook her head in frustration. “I don’t like him and I don’t want to marry him. Neither do I want him here. I am scared of him, Madeline,” she whispered, glancing behind her towards the parlor where the men were waiting for her to return.
Damon placed a supportive hand on Gretchen’s shoulder, sensing her distress. “Let me deal with the men. They will be gone before you know it.” He winked at the women as he entered the parlor.
Gretchen smiled tentatively after him. “I like him already,” she murmured to Madeline and followed Damon and Madeline into the parlor with Deirdre tagging behind.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Damon greeted the men in the room. “I don’t mean to intrude, but my wife, Lady Madeline, and Lady Gretchen have some catching up to do and a wedding celebration to plan. If you will excuse us, I am sure Lady Gretchen will be pleased to continue your visit another time,” Damon dismissed them and smiled charmingly, giving the men no choice but to depart.
After staring at the imposing, larger man for a prolonged minute, Henry was the first to stand. He hadn’t known Madeline had returned and he had no idea she had married. He was curious about the man and Henry would be sure to ask Gretchen about him on his next visit. “I understand. Lady Gretchen and Lady Madeline haven’t had much time together since Lady Joselyn’s death, and I am sure there is a lot for them to discuss. Lady Madeline, congratulations on your marriage.” Henry raised Gretchen’s hand to his lips. “Have a lovely day, Lady Gretchen, and a good visit with your friend. I will stop by in a few days, and do think about my invitation for next week.”
“I will, Lord Henry, and thank you,” Gretchen placated him, not wanting to start an argument. In exasperation, Gretchen closed her eyes for a brief moment to collect herself then blinked in an attempt to clear her head. Lord Henry was not going to give up despite her refusals.
Henry briefly bowed to the room at large and took his leave.
Lord Ruxford stared at Gretchen for a long moment before he slowly stood. “I do not understand. I was invited for tea to discuss our engagement, Lady Gretchen. I do not appreciate these intrusions, first Lord Henry, and now, these people.” He gestured at Madeline and Damon. Her friends would have to return another time. She had too many callers in his opinion. Once they were married, he would put a stop to her many friendships. He would be all she would need. He grabbed hold of Gretchen’s hand tightly, wishing she wasn’t wearing those infernal gloves the current fashion dictated which she seemed to have embraced wholeheartedly.
Gretchen’s headache intensified and a roaring in her ears began. She tried to tug her hand out of Lord Ruxford’s grasp, but he held tight. Her stomach rolled, and she felt dizzy and nauseous. “Please . . .” Gretchen gasped. “I am sorry . . . but my friends . . .” she trailed off, unable to breathe or think.
“Your apology is unacceptable, Lady Gretchen. If you are to be my wife, I expect better behavior from you. I have already endured the ramblings of Lord Henry and I will not tolerate more of your friends’ disruptions. I am very disappointed with you as I am sure your brother, Warren, will be when I inform him of your abhorrent behavior. Tell your friends to leave so we may continue,” he ordered, squeezing her hand painfully. He stared at her intensely, his anger obvious.
“No,” Gretchen whispered, trembling. She couldn’t focus and everything was fuzzy. Everything was wrong. He was wrong. Somehow, he was making her feel this way. And he was hurting her hand. Gathering herself together, Gretchen fought off her weakness, took a deep breath, and yanked her hand out of Lord Ruxford’s tight hold. “No,” she said again loudly and determinedly. “I am not sending
my friends away. Please leave, Lord Ruxford. Oh!” She bent over when a wave of excruciating pain overwhelmed her.
Damon had had enough. He didn’t know what was going on, but Gretchen was in distress. It was time for him to intervene and send Lord Ruxford on his way. “I think you had better leave, Lord Ruxford. Lady Gretchen isn’t well, and obviously, she doesn’t need further upset.”
Lord Ruxford stared at him coldly. “I will not be leaving, but you will be.”
Simon had come to stand in the doorway after seeing Lord Henry leave and had observed the scene before him. He had heard all he could stomach. “I agree with Lord Warbrooke. It is time for you to take your leave, Lord Ruxford. Lady Gretchen has asked you to leave, and now, I am telling you to leave. And as far as I am concerned, my sister isn’t engaged to anyone, especially not to you. No matter what Warren may have led you to believe, he does not make the decisions regarding Lady Gretchen. I make those decisions. Based on what I have seen here today, you are not a good match for my sister. Gracen will show you the way out. Please don’t come here again without my permission, Ruxford.” Simon was grateful Gracen had informed him of Madeline’s arrival with her new husband; otherwise, he wouldn’t have witnessed Lord Ruxford’s unacceptable treatment of Gretchen.
“You will regret this.” Lord Ruxford’s nostrils flared with anger as he glared at Simon. Having been left with no choice but to follow the butler out, he pivoted on his heel and walked away.
Gretchen stumbled to a chair and cried. “I will not marry him, Simon. I will not.”
Simon crouched in front of her and gently wiped away her tears. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, you won’t have to. I don’t like the man either or his conduct.”
“I . . . I need to lie down.” She was so embarrassed, but her head hurt terribly.
“Let me help you.” Madeline took her hand with concern in her eyes and helped her up. Damon moved to assist her. “No, Damon.” Madeline put her hand on his and smiled reassuringly. “Deirdre and I have her.” She turned to Simon. “Lord Simon, this is my husband, Damon Spencer. Damon, this is Gretchen’s brother, Simon, the Marquess of Morelyn. Why don’t you two get acquainted while we help Gretchen upstairs?” After she made the quick introductions, she and Deirdre led Gretchen out of the room.
