But in seconds, the very same door in the wall opened into the room. A man stepped out of the doorway. It was Major Oliver Nye, the mastermind behind this entire mission. He pointed his pistol at Etienne. “The jig is up, Ganot. Or shall I say, ‘Le Taureau.’ You must know, there’s no escape from this room.”
Etienne’s eyes raged with anger. He dug the barrel of the pistol even harder against Juliet’s temple. “Don’t come any closer or Lady Blade will die.”
“Put down the gun, sir,” Sergeant Hackett’s booming voice ordered. “There’s nothing for it now. You must face justice like a man.”
Etienne, the Comte de Ganot, was beginning to resemble a cornered rat. Something changed in his eyes. Carver saw it. Icy fear gripped his heart.
“He’s going to kill her,” he said.
Etienne pushed Juliet away from him, quickly aimed the pistol toward his own chest, and fired. His body slumped to the floor as dark red blood seeped from his wound.
One of the men kicked Etienne’s pistol away, and Juliet dropped to her knees at his side.
“Juliet, be careful,” Carver warned. “He may have another weapon.”
But the Comte de Ganot would not have been able to use a weapon. Though unable to deliver a clean shot to his own heart, he was still alive. His face was ghastly pale and he looked close to death. His eyelids flickered. As he gazed up at Juliet, he rasped, “I would never have killed you.”
His head slumped to the side.
* * *
As Major Nye and a few of his men removed Etienne’s body to another room, Carver held out a hand. “Juliet.”
She took hold and rose to her feet. “Dear Lord. You’re shot,” she said.
“Just a graze to the arm,” he replied. “Nothing serious.”
“That’s good, sir,” Sergeant Hackett said, coming to stand near his former captain. “Then ye’ll be able to attend me wedding.”
“You’re getting married?” Carver asked.
“I am,” he answered proudly. “To Mrs. Madgers, the widow. Remember her?”
“How could I forget?” Carver mused. “I daresay her cooking kept us alive many a day in the Peninsula.”
“A very talented woman,” Beckett said. “Mrs. Madgers could make biscuits out of almost anything.”
“And so she did,” Alfred added.
“Enough of the pleasantries, Captain,” Hackett said. “We should get that arm seen to. Major Nye will sort out the rest of things here. I’ll send one of the lads to fetch a surgeon and meet us back at Hawksmoor House.”
“A surgeon?” Carver asked. “It’s a graze, Hackett. I don’t need a bloody surgeon.”
“I’ll be the judge o’ that, Captain,” Hackett said, then turned his attention to Juliet. The burly old sergeant regarded her with affection. “Lady Blade. I never thought I’d see ye again, but I am truly thankful that I have.”
Juliet clasped his rough hands in hers. “I am glad to see you again, too, Sergeant. But please, I no longer wish to be known as Lady Blade. I just want to be myself for once. Juliet Reed. Nothing more.”
“Like Mr. Shakespeare said,” Hackett pointed out, “‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.’ I daresay whatever name you are known by, you’ll always be remembered.”
“If I am to be remembered,” Juliet replied, “I hope it is for good and not for ill. I fought for the Emperor during the war. I fought blindly and recklessly and I have much to make up for, but I hope that what the duke and I accomplished will prevent another senseless crusade. That is all I can hope for.”
“It’s all any of us can hope for, Miss,” Hackett said.
Carver’s attention was focused on Juliet. Tonight’s events were starting to wear on her. She looked pale and drawn.
The man in him wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and keep her safe from the uncertain world they both lived in. But he knew she would never allow that. Even though she had broken with the name of Lady Blade, she would always be a fierce warrior at heart.
He thought back to what she had said when Etienne held a pistol to her head, when she was obviously trying to throw him off. Carver had told himself that if they got out of there alive, he would ask her what she was talking about, for he himself had his suspicions.
It might mean a battle royale between them. And though he was wounded and bleeding, he found himself up to the task.
* * *
Later, back at Hawksmoor House, Juliet tried to put her thoughts and emotions in order but they were rather unruly.
Her mission with Carver was now over. Etienne—also known as Le Taureau—was dead. Major Nye was in possession of the papers Juliet had discovered in Lord Bosworth’s desk, detailing the plot to return Napoleon to power. Those involved had been taken into custody.
The world was safe again, for a little while, at least.
Though it was completely unlike her, she felt tears spring to her eyes. Perhaps it was this strange state of expecting a child, but she was suddenly emotional when she had never been before. Everything felt so much more intense.
Heaven help her. She hoped this would pass quickly. She wasn’t accustomed to such weakness. Who would have thought Lady Blade would one day turn into Lady Mush?
Carver set down his brandy, and with his good arm, pulled her close to him on the library sofa. “What is with all this infernal sniffling, Juliet? Are you so disappointed that I survived, that it is now bringing tears to your eyes?”
“It’s not that,” she replied, clearing her throat once again.
“Well, perhaps you should tell me what it is then.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Nothing good in life is easy,” he countered. “Love…children…they’re good, but they are far from easy. Fighting against a tyrant like Napoleon and keeping the world safe from his return…not the least bit easy. Yet, together, we did just that.”
“This is hard for me,” she argued.
“I realize that, but surely you’ll rise to the challenge and meet it head on. You always do.”
Juliet leaned away from him, regarding this incredible man for a moment. The fiery green eyes, the thick, sandy blond hair, the powerful frame, would make any woman swoon. During the war, he had been her adversary, her captor, and then her lover. Years later, he had become her partner and lover once again. And perhaps more than that—her true friend.
In all her life, Juliet had never had a close friend, one who knew her better than she knew herself. But she did now.
In a way, it had been so much easier to play the role of Lady Blade, deadly spy. But the role of Juliet Reed—the woman—was much more frightening because it was real. She would have to own all the emotions, the decisions, and the mistakes she made. There was no turning back.
Lady Blade was dead.
She had died alongside her old partner, Etienne.
There was only Juliet.
And she was ready to be herself, for now and for always.
“I am with child,” she blurted out.
Carver ran this thumb along across her cheek. “I know.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “You know?”
He gave her an admonishing look. “Of course, I know. You more than hinted at such a state after Bosworth pistol-whipped me. Something about a little gem you had cleverly hidden away? It’s my child, isn’t it? My flesh and blood, growing within you?”
Juliet met his gaze and nodded. Surprisingly, she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart. Whatever happened between them now, he seemed to accept the fact that Juliet would bear him a child.
His eyes sparkled with heat. “I want to tell you a story.”
Juliet drew back in surprise. “A story? Are you practicing for the baby?”
“Perhaps,” he answered. “But this story is only for you. Once upon a time, there was a captain in the British army. He fought many battles and carried many scars on both his body and his heart. One day, during a skirmish in the
Peninsula, he was captured by a beautiful French spy. Though she fought for the other side, the captain had never seen such a beautiful, fierce, and capable woman in all his days. He and his men eventually escaped, but upon returning to his camp, the man’s thoughts were consumed by this woman. He knew, even then, though he tried to deny it, that she was the true mate of his soul. In the coming days, he and his men turned the tables and captured the beautiful spy, but she refused to be tamed and she and the captain clashed many times. They fought almost constantly, even as their bodies ached for each other’s. Then one night, they came together as man and woman, under the stars. Shortly after that, there was a battle and they were separated. As months and years passed, they endured many sleepless nights. But in the end, they found each other again. They knew that together, they were stronger than they were when they were apart. I can’t tell you that they lived happily ever after, but I can tell you that they lived an unforgettable life full of passion, love, and they had many strong children.”
Juliet felt breathless, for her heart was filled with emotion. And she was ready to feel it. She no longer wished to deny it.
Carver smiled at her.
“That’s quite a story,” she said.
“I know. It’s quite an amazing story, actually. Because it’s our story. And it’s happening right now.”
She leaned forward and touched her lips to his. It was the most incredible kiss she had ever known, because it was full of love.
“Be my duchess,” Carver said. “If I was still only Captain Carver Adams, I hope you would accept my suit all the same, because I simply want you as my wife.”
“That sounds like an offer I cannot refuse.”
Carver grinned. “Are you ready, Juliet?”
“For what?” she asked.
“For our next adventure together.”
Her heart flooded with happiness. “Yes.”
Juliet thought about the years she had spent trying to run away from her emotions, from the pain and reality of life. By doing that, she had also rejected the beauty of love, the security of friendship, and the gift of hope.
As she reveled in the warmth of Carver’s arms, Juliet felt like a new person, an echo of the purity and goodness that grew in the child she carried.
She looked up into her future husband’s eyes. “With you, Carver, I daresay I’m ready for anything.”
Epilogue
Hawksmoor House
Mayfair
Nine Months later
“You may go in, now, Your Grace,” Dr. Nottley said.
“How is she?” Carver asked, working to keep his emotions in check. Juliet had been in labor for most of the night and like many new fathers, he was worried beyond all.
“I am pleased to report that the duchess is very well.”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
The doctor smiled. “I’ll let your wife share the news with you.”
Carver was momentarily taken aback. What the devil did that mean?
His trot became a run as he headed to Juliet’s chamber. God, let her be alright. Let the baby be healthy…
He knocked on the door and heard a female voice answer.
“Enter,” she said.
Carver took a deep breath and opened the door.
Isobel, Lady Ravenwood, sat in a chair beside the lace canopied bed. Beckett’s wife had become an incredibly close friend of Juliet’s in the past months, sharing her experiences on birth and motherhood. Lady Ravenwood had been at Juliet’s side all night.
“Come and see your wife, Carver,” Isobel said, “and congratulate her on a job well-done.”
As Carver approached the bed, he beheld his beautiful wife, his duchess, his incomparable Juliet. She was sitting up, her thick chestnut hair freshly brushed and flowing over the ivory silk pillows behind her.
If there was ever a queen or an empress more beautiful than she, Carver couldn’t imagine it. He saw Juliet’s face, filled with love, and noticed she held not one, but two bundles, one in each arm.
“Twins?” he asked, in absolute surprise.
“Yes, Carver,” she answered. “A boy and a girl.”
He felt such an incredible storm of emotions, he threw his head back and laughed. “Twins! You have given me not one, but two beautiful children. Only you could manage that, my love.”
Juliet raised her eyebrows. “In retrospect, I think I had a bit of help.”
He kissed her hand. “So you did. And so you shall, as long as there is breath in my body. We are a family. A real family. What shall we name them?”
“Perhaps for our daughter, Marguerite, after my mother. And for our son, Matthew, after your father.”
Carver felt his heart swell with pride. “Perfect. Just like you.”
Juliet grinned. “Wait until they start misbehaving. You’ll think none of us perfect then.”
He reached out to stroke the downy soft head of his newborn daughter, and then his son. “Oh, but I will think you’re perfect. Nothing can change that. I look forward to spending the rest of my life showing you, and our children, exactly how perfect you are to me….”
As Carver and Juliet discussed plans for the future, he felt his heart swell with pride. This beautiful, strong, enigmatic woman—who had defied and challenged him at every turn—had just given him the most priceless gift of all.
The Duke of Hawksmoor had a family.
Esperanza had been right, after all.
Even in the midst of war, and its aftermath, love will always win.
Author’s Note
I hope you have enjoyed reading THE DUKE’S DEFIANT BRIDE. I have always been intrigued with this era—and the Peninsular War in particular. There are so many stories of amazing heroism during this time, involving both men and women. By modern standards it would be very unusual, yet during the Peninsular War, soldiers’ wives and families often traveled with the military camp. There are reports of women appearing on the battlefield to rescue their wounded husbands and drag them to safety.
Intelligence work was a valuable component for both the English and the French during this conflict, and civilians often worked behind the scenes at gathering information. Though Lady Blade is a fictitious character, I wanted to create an unforgettable heroine who was intelligent, tough, and at her core, incredibly vulnerable. Carver Adams, the no-nonsense British army captain, is her perfect match.
There are a few historical notes: the town of Villarosa and the battle that ensues there is a fictional amalgamation of several battles in Portugal and Spain which occurred during the summer and fall of 1813. There were several assassination attempts on Wellington during the war and after, which I have incorporated into my story.
Considering the financial and human cost to Britain during the Peninsular war, it is surprising that there truly was a growing faction of English support to liberate Napoleon and return him to Europe. During his first exile on the Mediterranean island of Elba, Napoleon had become somewhat of an international celebrity. Wealthy English merchants and aristocrats traveled to Elba in order to meet and dine with him. Most all of them found the deposed Emperor to be charming, charismatic and generous.
After his escape from Elba in February of 1815, Napoleon attempted to regain power, ultimately facing defeat from the Allies at the Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815. Napoleon was then banished to Saint Helena, a remote tropical island in the South Atlantic, off the coast of Africa, where he lived out the rest of his life. However, due to his continued fame and popularity with his core supporters, Napoleon Bonaparte remained a threat to civilization until his death on May 5, 1821.
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Keep reading for a sneak peek at book 5 in the popular Brides of Mayfair series:
ROMANCING THE BRIDE
by Michelle McMaster
It was a well-known fact that Blake Talbot, the “Reckless Rake of Ryland,” had died on the Battlefield at Waterloo. Imagine everyone’s surprise when a year later, he finally returns home to his family estate in England to claim his rightful place as his father’s heir. The only problem is, no one is happy to see the ne’er-do-well viscount, especially his family!
With the woman he loved now married to his brother, Blake decides to retaliate against his family by taking a most unsuitable bride. He proposes marriage to the plain and unfashionable Miss Lillian Greenshaw, his former fiancée’s cousin and now her paid companion. Relishing the shocking scandal, Blake is surprised to discover that there is much more to Lily than meets the eye.
Lily’s fearlessness and outspoken nature have all but ruined any marriage prospects. After being ridiculed by London society, Lily welcomes life as a spinster, without a domineering husband to spoil things. But there is something about Lord Ryland’s rakish reputation and wicked ways that intrigues Lily. She can’t deny that the handsome viscount seems to melt her haughty exterior as no man ever has. However, Lily is no pushover. She tells Blake that he will have to woo her with romance if he truly wants her to be his bride.
As Lily and Blake embark on a daring courtship, there are others who would thwart their budding romance at any cost. When a damaging family secret comes to the fore, will Blake and Lily’s love be strong enough to weather this life-altering storm?
Books in the Brides of Mayfair Series
SEDUCING THE BRIDE
Book One
After a night of gambling at London’s most famous gaming hell, Lord Beckett Thornby and his friend, Lord Alfred Weston, make a shocking discovery. They come across a beautiful young woman—clad only in a nightdress—laying unconscious in a rubbish heap. Worried for her safety and famous for his habit of taking in strays, Beckett takes the mysterious girl home and puts her to bed, intent on calling a doctor the next day. But his good intentions go awry when his mother and solicitor make an unplanned visit the next morning, and all hell breaks loose.
The Duke's Defiant Bride (Brides of Mayfair Book 4) Page 20
