The Duke's Defiant Bride (Brides of Mayfair Book 4)

by Michelle McMaster

  Many of the old cities and towns in Portugal and Spain were fortified by thick stone walls that circled the town and protected the inhabitants from invaders, but Juliet had never seen anything quite like this before.

  “I smell the roses on the wind,” Tanner said.

  “The scent is quite divine,” Juliet replied.

  “Makes a nice change from the stink of soldiers in the air, eh lads?” Hackett remarked.

  The men agreed.

  “Except for you, Miss Reed,” he added sheepishly. “There’s nothing stinky about you.”

  She couldn’t help but chuckle at his sweet words.

  The stalks of the climbing roses reached up over the stone walls like long fingers, heavy with roses of every color. Flowers of white, pink, yellow, and deepest red adorned the long, mature shoots. Along with the beautiful flowers, however, there were also plenty of sharp-looking thorns.

  “It reminds me of the tale of Sleeping Beauty,” Juliet said. “The castle covered in brambles and thorns.”

  “I wonder if the handsome prince will come and rescue the princess?” Hackett said, glancing at Juliet and Carver. “If it were me, I wouldn’t let a few thorns get in my way. Not when true love was on the line.”

  Carver frowned at his Sergeant. “What are you nattering about, Hackett? You’re an expert on fairy tales, now?”

  “No, sir,” Hackett replied. “Not an expert….”

  Juliet knew she should have been happy to arrive at their destination. If all went as planned, she would soon be returned to her comrades in the French army and the life she knew as Lady Blade.

  The only problem was, Juliet wasn’t so certain she could return to that life. And ever since she had turned down Carver’s proposal, an air of tension surrounded him like a cloud of angry bees. Perhaps the most frustrating thing for them both was the sexual hunger that now existed between them—a hunger that would never be satisfied, for they had arrived at Villarosa and would probably never see each other again.

  The thought of that made her belly tighten with fear and dread, and that alone was unusual for her. As Lady Blade, she’d very rarely felt fear, even in the thick of battle. The truth was, she’d rarely felt anything at all.

  But Carver had awoken something inside her, and it was too late to go back. Like Pandora’s Box, it would be impossible to capture and contain the part of her that had been set free.

  They approached the gates to the walled town, which was guarded by a contingent of red-coated British soldiers. Carver spoke to them and soon they were admitted inside. One of the young soldiers escorted them across a courtyard to a stone building.

  “General Edgerton is waiting for you inside, Captain,” he said.

  “Thank you, Ensign,” Carver replied.

  There were two more soldiers standing guard outside General Edgerton’s quarters, who saluted and stepped aside to let Carver through.

  He turned to his men. “Sergeant, stay out here with the others while I see to our business with the General.”

  The time had come.

  The other men tipped their black shako hats at Juliet and wished her well, but Sergeant Hackett took the liberty of approaching. He clasped both her hands in his. “Best of luck to ye, Miss Reed.”

  She couldn’t help but feel touched by his warmth. “Thank you, Sergeant. Take care of yourself.”

  She turned to regard Carver, who stood waiting for her.

  The look in his eyes said it all. Though he would do his duty to the letter, Juliet recognized the conflicting emotions burning just below the surface. This was as difficult for him as it was for her.

  He moved toward her, his eyes locking with hers. “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked, quietly.

  Juliet swallowed uneasily, for leaving Carver was the last thing she wanted to do. Once he escorted her inside the General’s quarters, it would be over. But she had no choice. This was her place in the world. She was Lady Blade.

  “This way,” he said.

  Juliet took a steadying breath as she walked the last few steps alongside Carver and approached the door of the British General’s quarters.

  Inside, Juliet and Carver were received by three officers who introduced themselves one by one.

  “Major Alfred Weston,” the first one said, offering his hand to Carver. “And this is Major Alexander Courtenay and Captain Beckett Thornby. I have the honor of presenting you to General Augustus Edgerton, our commanding officer here at Villarosa.”

  General Edgerton rose from behind a plain wooden desk which was covered in papers, maps and dispatches. “I congratulate you, Captain Adams, on the success of your mission. Major Nye has spoken highly of you in his communications to me.”

  “Thank you, General,” Carver answered. He stepped closer and whispered a few words in the General’s ear.

  Edgerton gave a nod. “This, I take it, is the prisoner?”

  “Yes. Miss Juliet Reed,” Carver said. “Also known as Lady Blade.”

  Edgerton raised the quizzing glass that hung from a long chain at his neck and studied Juliet for a moment or two. “I have heard much about you, madam, as have many in the British army. Though some have said you were only a device of French propaganda to strike fear into our ranks, I see that you are very much real. Captain Adams has advised that you have offered your parole to me, and will therefore be welcomed as a guest. Would you care for some refreshment after your journey? You must be tired. Please, take a seat. Major Weston, would you ring for tea?”

  Juliet sat down on a chaise lounge. The fashionable, appropriated house served as the general’s headquarters while the British army was stationed at Villarosa. It was a common practice for both sides during the war. Sometimes the legal owners of the property were compensated for their trouble, and sometimes they weren’t.

  “While we are waiting,” the general continued, “I would like to speak with Miss Reed regarding her illustrious career, if she is agreeable. I understand that as a French operative, there are certain things you cannot discuss with me, but perhaps we can share some information that would help both sides come to a ceasefire.”

  The tea was brought in by a local serving woman, and Juliet was glad for the refreshment. It helped to calm her nerves. Not only was she still a prisoner of the British army, but she was about to be traded back to a French regiment.

  It was what she said she had wanted, but the knots in her stomach seemed to disagree.

  As General Edgerton began asking questions about her experiences during the war, Juliet felt her heart reach out toward Carver’s while he stood off to the side, listening.

  She wanted to be safe in his arms again, naked to his touch, his kiss, his love. Was it simply a fantasy that tempted her to stop these proceedings and confess her desire to him? Or was Carver right? Was there a chance they could have a happy life together?

  The real question circled above her like a hungry hawk. Was she finally brave enough to peel off the armor that had protected her for so long and become Carver’s wife?

  She couldn’t afford to dally. She must soon make up her mind, for the cold, stark reality was that after this interview, she would probably never see Carver Adams again.

  * * *

  Later in the evening, after Carver and his men had departed, Juliet joined General Edgerton and his wife for supper. Though she had no appetite, Juliet forced herself to eat. She would be no good to anyone if she allowed herself to become weak from hunger.

  After the interview with General Edgerton, Juliet had done nothing to stop Carver from leaving. She merely sat there watching the man she loved walk out the door.

  Where was her calm control now? Juliet wondered. Where was her cool head and famous strength? It was as if the depth of her feelings for Carver had unlocked a maelstrom of emotions and Juliet was unable to fight them off.

  Long-buried feelings of grief and fear, memories of her parents’ untimely deaths, tormented her. Was this what she had been hiding from for so long? Was
Lady Blade simply a character she played in order to protect herself from her painful past?

  In her quarters, Juliet punched the feather pillow on the bed, over and over. She was angry with herself and at Carver for unleashing all of this. For though she had found freedom in his arms, that freedom had come with a high price. Now she questioned everything she believed about herself and who she was deep down, beneath the soldier’s uniform.

  Perhaps she could never be a proper wife to Carver, but perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, that didn’t matter. Maybe all she needed to be was herself.

  Juliet sat up and took a deep, cleansing breath. Perhaps it wasn’t too late. General Edgerton was a reasonable man. If she told him tomorrow morning that she had changed her mind about the prisoner transfer, he would listen. But would Carver and his men still be here in Villarosa?

  It was then that she noticed the folded note on the wooden bureau. Was it a message from Carver? Did he hope to try one last time to change her mind? She rose and snatched it up, unfolded it quickly and brought it closer to the lantern.

  As she quickly scanned the writing within, coldness crept into her bones. It wasn’t from Carver. The note was in code—one that she and Etienne had used exclusively during their partnership in the war:

  There is to be a sneak attack tonight within the city walls. Wellington has arrived and there will be an attempt to assassinate him. You are in grave danger here, Juliet. The French Colonel Dupont has hinted that he believes Lady Blade has been compromised and should be tried for treason. If you are traded tomorrow, you are likely to hang. You must slip out of the house and meet me in the alleyway to the North. I will get you to safety.

  –Etienne

  Juliet sank down on the edge of the bed and cupped her forehead in her hand. Likely to hang?

  Not only was her life in grave danger, but Carver’s and his soldiers’ as well, if the attack occurred.

  She was Lady Blade, a French spy who had given herself willingly to an English captain, and now she was suspected of treason.

  There was help from Etienne if she chose to accept it.

  But Carver…the man she still desired…

  Lord help her. What should she do?

  Chapter 16

  In all the years he’d fought in this war, Carver Adams had always followed his orders to the letter. He’d taken on difficult and even foolhardy missions and completed them to the best of his ability. He’d endured injuries, terrible conditions, and near starvation, but those things only made him stronger.

  Now there was about to be an injury inflicted upon him which he might not be able to bear. He was about to lose the most unforgettable woman he’d ever met, all because she fought for one side and he fought for the other.

  And she was incredibly stubborn, to boot.

  Since they’d made love, Carver’s desire for her had only compounded. He wanted her back in his arms and on top of that, he could not escape the possibility that they might have created a child together. The thought of his seed growing inside Lady Blade sent a decidedly masculine wave of pride coursing through his veins. How could he simply walk away from her when there could be so much at stake?

  Though she had rejected the idea of becoming his wife, Carver had a duty to protect their child, if there was one. He wouldn’t give up so easily.

  Now, he and Sergeant Hackett stood outside General Edgerton’s residence late at night, contemplating what might be their most foolhardy mission yet.

  By normal standards, it was outrageous for anyone to be paying a call on the general at such an hour. However, the beautiful Lady Blade was inside, and he had to see her once more.

  Carver and his men had been provided with billets at a humble residence a few streets over. He’d been unable to sleep, as thoughts of Juliet swirled in his mind. Tomorrow, she would meet with Wellington and be traded for a British prisoner. Then she would resume her life as a French spy.

  Although she had refused his offer of marriage, he was unwilling to give up hope. If there was any way Carver could change her mind, he would.

  He lifted the brass knocker on the front door, and rapped.

  The door opened. A young, red-coated soldier held a lantern aloft and regarded Carver and his sergeant. “Captain Adams. Do you have need of the general, sir?”

  “Yes, Ensign,” Carver replied. “I must speak with him regarding the prisoner, Lady Blade.”

  “Right now, sir?”

  “Right now,” Carver answered.

  “One moment, please.” The young soldier shut the door, leaving Carver and Hackett outside on the step.

  “Do you think this will work?” Carver asked Hackett.

  “That’s really up to the lady, sir,” he replied. “And General Edgerton, of course.”

  A few moments later, the guard returned and admitted Carver and Hackett inside the residence. “The general will be down shortly to speak with you, Captain. Please wait here.”

  Carver paced the floor of the entranceway. He hoped he could convince General Edgerton to go along with his plan. Then he would need to convince Juliet.

  Soon, the white-haired general descended the staircase from the upper floor. He wore a dark paisley dressing gown, a tassel cap on his head, and leather slippers.

  “This had better be good, Captain Adams,” the general said, raising a brow. “The last man who had me roused from my bed in the middle of the night is now on his way to a small, mosquito-infested island to serve as guard to our Governor there.”

  “I apologize for the late hour, General,” Carver said. “And when I explain myself, you may wish to banish me to a Caribbean outpost, as well. You will think me impudent, indeed, when I ask what I am about to.”

  “Yes, Captain?” Edgerton asked. “What is it?”

  The next part was very risky, for if the General took offense, he might make good on his promise to Carver, and send Hackett along with him.

  But Carver was committed. He wouldn’t back down, no matter the consequences.

  “The question I have come here to ask is this: Do you love your wife, General?” Carver asked.

  Edgerton stared at him in disbelief. “Do I what?” he demanded.

  Before the general could say more, Carver continued, “Do you love your wife, Lady Edgerton? That is what I’m asking because I need you to know that I love my wife, sir. Very much.”

  “And who might she be?” Edgerton demanded, looking flabbergasted.

  “Lady Blade,” Carver replied. “The French prisoner you mean to trade tomorrow morning.”

  “What?” the general sputtered. “How could Lady Blade be your wife?”

  “It’s true, General,” Hackett affirmed. “I was witness to their hand-fast wedding. In fact, I was the one who affixed the cord about their wrists and told them they were bloody-well married.”

  “A hand-fast wedding, you say?” Edgerton asked. “It’s an old tradition, for certain. But why did you say nothing of this before, Captain? Don’t you think you’re leaving things a bit late to declare yourself Lady Blade’s legal husband?”

  “It’s complicated, General,” Carver explained. “But I can’t leave things as they are. I must see her once more, and ask her to give our marriage a chance, no matter if the whole world is stacked against us. She may be carrying my child. If she agrees to assume her role as an officer’s wife, you cannot possibly turn her over to the French army.”

  The general stared at Carver for a moment. “It would be easy to take a strong dislike to you, Captain Adams. It would be even easier to allow that dislike to influence my dealings with you. Not only have you woken me from my bed, you have asked me impudent questions regarding the depth of feeling I possess for my wife, and you have made wild claims about marrying a noted French spy. All these things reveal a startling recklessness in your nature, Captain, as well as lack of foresight.”

  Edgerton continued, “However, in answer to your question—yes, I love my wife a great deal. I am grateful to Lady Edgerton eve
ry day that she is by my side. During this past evening, my wife struck up a friendship with Miss Reed, the woman you claim is your wife. Lady Edgerton was impressed with the young lady and confided to me that she thought it a terrible shame that Miss Reed had to return to the French. Why is she so keen to go back to her countrymen? Have you been a bad husband to her?”

  Carver didn’t know how to answer that. “I’ve never been a husband before, sir, so I am woefully unprepared to judge my efforts in that regard. All I know is, I want the chance to be a good husband to Miss Reed. I’ve never felt this way about any woman before. Though she is afraid to admit it, I believe she feels the same way about me. She’s been embroiled in this war for so long, used by the French for their own ends, she’s forgotten what it’s like to be herself—to laugh, to smile, to have companionship and love. Since we met, I’ve seen the change in her. I want to give her all that and more, if she’ll let me.”

  “I suppose there is only one way to find out,” the general replied. “You must ask her, Captain. If she chooses to live with you as your wife, that is her prerogative. However, if Miss Reed wants to return to the French, that is her choice as well. I will ask Lady Edgerton to inquire if your wife wants to see you. If she doesn’t, that will be that, and you will return to your billet. Please wait for me here.”

  He led them into the salon and lit a decorative lantern sitting on a shelf. Taking up his military lantern, General Edgerton ascended the staircase and disappeared from sight.

  As Carver and Hackett stood in the dimly lit room, Carver realized he’d never felt such trepidation about a mission before.

  “This will be an interesting story to tell the grandchildren,” Hackett said. “How ye proposed to yer wife after ye was married.”

  “You’re not helping,” Carver replied.

  This could all blow up in his face, and if it did, Carver would never see Juliet again. That was a more frightening fate than anything he’d encountered in this war.