His finger trailed down her neck. “What strange form has moved into your body and taken over? Up until now, you have never bothered to help my children, yet this afternoon I hear you sewed a rip in James’ breeches.” He shook his head. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were an imposter.”
Her chest constricted and the air in her lungs closed. “What an absurd thing to say, Mr. Braxton. Who else could I be?”
“Yes, who indeed?” The corners of his mouth lifted. “But I did not come to discern your scheming heart. I came to thank you for a pleasant evening.” He nodded and turned to leave, but before reaching the door, he peered at her over his shoulder. “Have a good rest, Mrs. Braxton.”
She smiled, though her knees quaked so bad they threatened to topple her. “And the same to you.”
After he left, her breathing evened out, but she doubted rest would come easily this night.
Chapter Four
A new dawn crept through the partially opened drapes of William’s room, touching and stirring him from the depths of a dream he didn’t want to remember. Last night’s events had kept his mind awake into the wee hours of the morning. Despite his sluggish body, he pulled himself from his exhausted state and climbed out of bed. The refreshingly cool air stroked his skin, awakening him even more. With half-closed eyes he reached for his robe, wrapping the silk garment around his body before ringing for his manservant. A cool bath would bring him alert to the new day.
His servant carried up buckets of water and filled the copper tub. Once relaxed in the liquid comfort, William’s foggy memory of the previous evening claimed attention. His wife had been stunning, and her charming personality made a better impression than normal on his guests, yet nothing about her was normal.
Why had she acted so different last night?
Although she still paraded around in clothes unfitting the mold he wanted for his wife, something strange had happened in the way she carried herself. Her words were polite, respectful, and she spoke in quieter tones. Kat hadn’t even wanted to stand by Kennedy, let alone flirt with him. It also surprised William to discover she had an intelligent mind. For the past two years, he’d thought of her as a brainless hen-wit, but last night she presented herself in a new light. Not only did she have a head for business, her views on England’s strong hold over taxes had changed. This time she’d offered an opinion, whereas before, she hadn’t cared.
Her actions confirmed his suspicions, and he needed to maintain his guard. He couldn’t allow himself to soften toward her. With one little snap of her fingers, she could have him in front of the firing squad or a hangman’s noose. He had to do what she wanted, if just for a few months longer.
He climbed out of the tub before the water turned cold. After drying off with a heavy cotton towel, he changed into the clothes his servant had laid out. He had to dress his best for the important meeting this morning. Colonel Burwell had scheduled an appointment to consider the sketches William had drawn for the new vessels the King’s Navy would purchase. If all went according to plan, William would find himself a guest at the colonel’s weekend party in a couple of weeks.
Exactly what he wanted in order to spy.
He studied his reflection in the mirror as he tied his cravat and grinned. Yes, the colonists would win this fight and his country would be freed from Britain’s tyranny at last. His people would be free to live their religion as they saw fit. William’s chest swelled. He’d play a small part in helping its progress…as long as his wife didn’t complicate matters.
But what if Kat had told somebody of importance? He caught his breath. Did she know anyone in a position who might sabotage his deal? Could the colonel have other reasons for contacting William other than to draw plans for the vessels?
William shook his head, trying to force the questions to leave. He couldn’t think of that. Right now, Kat’s return would be of utmost importance. How would he handle her? Dare he trust her not to disrupt his plans? Her strange behavior made him more prudent.
Slipping on his waistcoat, he strode out of the room. Halfway down the stairs, voices of his wife and one of the servants lifted, echoing in the hallway. He stopped. What was Kat doing up at this hour? He arched a brow. Why were she and the cook discussing the shopping list? Kat had never once acted the part of his wife, especially when it came to household duties.
Quiet as possible, he stepped softly into the hallway. His wife’s back faced him, and the
Schoolmarm’s knot of hair on her head made him pause. What happened to the wild, untamed mass of curls she always wore? And why was she wearing a conservative dress? The straight lines of the yellow and black gown flattened over her back, yet accentuated her slender neck. She looked very regal…and very fitting to be his wife. Finally.
If only she was the woman he’d always wanted, instead of one that didn’t keep to her marriage vows.
Clearing his throat, he forced his thoughts in a different direction. When she turned and he caught the full effect of the modest dress, his interest in her grew. Why did she look prettier than he’d ever seen her? Anger boiled in him and he clenched his fists. He didn’t know why he thought such things about her lately.
He narrowed his eyes on her. “Good morning, Mrs. Braxton. You are up early this morning.”
She smiled, and for the first time he could remember, it looked genuine. She stepped toward him as Horace moved into the kitchen. “I could not sleep a moment longer. The sun practically pushed me out of bed.” Mercedes’ voice lifted with enthusiasm.
An ache pounded in his forehead and he rubbed it with his fingers. Something wasn’t right. She usually slept late because of her nocturnal interests. “What are your plans for the day, may I ask?”
“I am collecting a shopping list and will venture into the market place. I thought about taking James and Lizzy.”
Anger grew inside his chest like a budding volcano. What was she thinking? He absolutely forbid it. He could never trust her again! Shaking her back to reality seemed like a logical choice, but instead, he stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Why would you want to take my children with you, may I ask?”
Her smile faded. “I...I just thought they might enjoy an outing.”
“Why, so you can leave them frightened and alone again?”
She frowned, but her eyes blinked with surprise. Clearly, she was appalled by his words.
“I wouldn’t do that,” she said.
He rolled his eyes. “Of course not,” he mocked. “Except for those occasions you were tempted by another man and felt the urge to be alone with him, instead of watching my children.”
She sucked in a quick breath, but kept her chin erect. “I assure you the children will be at my side at all times.”
“Do you expect me to believe you?” He folded his arms across his chest. “I do not think so. I will feel more at ease if you take along one of the servants.”
“As you wish.”
What he wished was to understand her. Since her return, her actions left him very confused. Frustration built inside him, wondering what schemes were brewing in that devious mind of hers. And why wasn’t she arguing? He knew how to handle her shrewish ways, but not her complacency.
He stepped closer, the skirt of her dress brushed against his leg. Her lilac scent surrounded him and he breathed in the heavenly fragrance. He wondered why she wasn’t wearing the overpowering perfume that could stun small animals helpless for several minutes at a time like she’d always worn. Hard to admit, but he liked the changes in her. At the same time, he couldn’t control the doubts burning inside his head. She’d mentioned before she wanted to change…but he just couldn’t grasp the mere idea.
And even if she wanted to change, it didn’t matter. He had no room in his heart for women like her.
“Kat, I know not of your game, but mark my words, you will not succeed in toying with my mind any longer. You will not win, especially when it comes to my children.”
Her throat ju
mped. She blinked several times, excess moisture built behind in her eyes. Through her obvious emotional state, she kept her chin high and back straight. When she touched the sleeve of his arm, her hand shook, and once again he inwardly questioned her motives.
“William, please believe I will not harm your children. While I was away tending to my ailing sister, I realized the error in my behavior, and I vowed I would do everything possible to change myself.” She licked her trembling lips. “I will not hurt James and Lizzy ever again.”
A small throb built inside his head and confusion overwhelmed him. She was a good performer, but he wouldn’t fall victim to her schemes, and he’d make certain his children didn’t either.
“Mrs. Braxton, I will never again trust you with my children. If you want them to come with you then take a servant.” She withdrew her hand, but he grabbed her wrist. “And if I find out you have hurt them, I swear to God—”
“William, I will not hurt them. I assure you.”
He detected a spark of fear in her wide eyes, and a hint of sadness, too. He quickly ushered out the mere idea of her being sorry for her actions. Kat cared naught for anyone but herself. This was just part of her plan to destroy him.
He dropped her wrist like a hot coal and stepped back. “Make certain Jane goes with you. Have a pleasant afternoon, Mrs. Braxton.”
Tears filled her eyes. He couldn’t stand to look at her any longer—for fear her tears would make him sorry for his words—so he turned and stormed out of the house. Indeed, she was a great performer, but he would stay one step ahead of her.
* * * *
Mercedes placed a shaky hand over the erratic beat of her heart. Once the door slammed, announcing William’s departure, she breathed a sigh of relief, glad she hadn’t humiliated herself in front of him by crying. He thinks I’m Kat, she tried to reason, but her trembling body would not listen to rationale. Changing his mind was most important. If he couldn’t trust her, he wouldn’t allow her into his life so she could spy on him.
A nudge of guilt stemmed in her heart for her deception, yet when she remembered the way Kat had pleaded…begged for Mercedes to make William pay for ruining her twin’s life, Mercedes hardened her heart once more. Kat had been a loving woman at one time until William had altered her.
Dabbing a fingertip at the moisture gathering in her eyes, Mercedes proceeded into the kitchen where the large black woman awaited her.
“Is everythin’ a’right, Miz Braxton?”
Mercedes smiled. “Splendid, Horace.”
“Here’s de list.”
Mercedes took the paper from Horace. “Do you know if my husband left money for me to go shopping?”
The servant’s brows creased. “Why no, Miz Braxton, ‘course not. He has an account in all de stores.”
“Oh, I know,” Mercedes recovered, “but I just thought about purchasing something nice for James and Lizzy.”
The older woman arched a suspicious eyebrow. “You can charge it to Mistah Braxton’s account.”
Mercedes tried to keep the smile pasted on her lips, although she wanted to scream with frustration. Perhaps she was being too obvious. She needed to gain William’s trust, therefore she must act like a good wife and loving Mother. Convincing him of that would be a challenge, though.
“Yes, of course.” Mercedes folded the paper and slipped it inside her small wrist purse.
“Have a pleasant outin’, Miz Braxton.”
“Thank you. I plan on having a wonderful time.”
She left the kitchen and moved toward the stairs to collect the children, hoping the maid, Jane, had them ready. At the bottom of the stairs, Mercedes watched the children descend with dreary expressions that tugged at her heart. She wanted to be the one to remove their frowns and more importantly, their fear. In their morning together she hoped to prove Kat wasn’t the bad stepmother William had convinced them she was. When the truth finally came out, she wanted James and Lizzy to look upon her as the caring aunt—someone they could depend on to care for their welfare when their father was arrested for treason.
As the children neared, she gave a reassuring smile. “I am so delighted you will be joining me. We shall have an exciting day.”
James shrugged and Lizzy’s gaze stayed on her shiny black shoes. Mercedes sighed. The morning would be difficult, but well worth the effort. She took James’ hand and tried to take Lizzy’s, but the little girl scurried to the other side of her brother, clasping his hand. She led the two outside to the awaiting buggy.
William’s servant, Gabriel, stood by the vehicle waiting to assist. She tried to ignore his wry stare as he helped the children climb aboard, but when she made an attempt to step up into the back he tugged on her arm.
“Mrs. Braxton,” he said. “Where are you going? You always sit up here with me.”
“Not today, Gabriel. I will sit in the back with James and Lizzy. Jane can sit up front with you.”
She pulled her arm from his grasp and climbed in back. James locked his stare with hers, his eyes wide. “Is that all right with you?” she asked the boy.
He nodded, a small grin tugging at his mouth. Her heart melted.
The morning turned out better than she expected. Although Lizzy still didn’t speak, James enlightened her about some of his adventures. She listened and laughed at his stories. She even dared tell a few stories of her own childhood. The boy’s countenance changed. She was headed in the right direction in her quest to win his heart.
James held her hand as they wandered through the market, Lizzy and Jane following not far behind. Every so often, she turned and looked at the adorable four-year-old and smiled, asking if she were all right. It was Jane, not Lizzy, who answered a positive response each time.
Although Mercedes tried not to act as if this were her first time in Philadelphia, she couldn’t help but fall in love with the city. Finally, a place she could walk down the streets and feel free. No restrictions from her deceased husband’s gambling debts. And if she dared admit, no restraints from her twin sister’s overpowering hold.
Yet Kat controlled her even now even in death.
The group hurried into the next shop, and Mercedes smile stretched wider. A men’s shop. Clothing, cologne, hats, shoes—every item a man could want.
“James.” She crouched to his level. “Would you and Lizzy like to get a gift for your father?”
“Oh, yes.” James nodded fiercely. “May we?”
“Of course. Let’s see.” She scanned the room that held only a few patrons. “What do you think your father would like?”
Jerking on her arm, James pulled her to a table of elegant and expensive slippers. She gasped at the price. These merchants were nothing but thieves in her opinion!
James and Lizzy moved to the next table, and Mercedes took Jane aside. “Do you think my husband would mind us purchasing some items at this shop?”
“Why would he mind?” Jane shrugged. “This is where he buys most of his clothing.”
Mercedes sighed. “Splendid. Then I shall not worry.”
Jane joined the children as they wandered through the store, but Mercedes’ attention shot to a case full of many beautiful crafted sabers and daggers. Hopefully, William wouldn’t think it too personal if she bought him a gift, too. After all, she was his wife.
The store attendant came to her side. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Braxton. Are you finding everything you need?”
She smiled at the silver-haired gentleman. “Yes. You have such a remarkable selection I would not know which one to choose.”
“You are purchasing something for your husband?”
“Yes.” She looked back at the shelf. “What do you think he would like?”
“I can help with that.” He reached in the glass case and pulled out a jeweled dagger. “Your husband has been eyeing this for weeks. This particular dagger came from a German trader. As you can see, the dagger’s black metal scabbard and composition handle is detailed in oak leaf. The blade is polished
in cast metal, and the handle is littered with sparkling emerald and rubies, which was the very thing that caught Mr. Braxton’s eye.”
She nibbled on her lip, hesitating. The dagger was indeed the finest she’d ever seen.
“May I say, Mrs. Braxton, many men have come into the store and gazed upon this particular dagger in envy. Any man would love to be the owner of this elegant gift.”
Mercedes still pondered. William would certainly think her forward for purchasing this for him. She barely knew him. Then again, from what she’d observed so far, Kat hadn’t known him well, either. And…she wanted to gain his trust any way she could.
“Shall I put it on your account, Mrs. Braxton?”
“Yes, put it on my account,” she hurried with the answer before changing her mind.
“Fine choice, Mrs. Braxton. Knowing your husband as I do, I believe he would appreciate a gift like this.”
While the man wrapped it, she clamped her mouth closed, trying not to withdraw her decision. Giving such a gift to a traitor for the Crown would be difficult, and guilt for what she was doing gnawed at her stomach. But when she remembered what her sister’s frail body in the unkempt room had looked like, sleeping on one barren bed with only a woolen blanket for comfort, Mercedes hardened her heart. Not only that, but the box Kat had been buried in wasn’t fit for an animal.
Her sister’s memory came first.
* * * *
As Colonel Burwell flipped through his drawings, William held his breath waiting for him to make a decision. He could ill afford another problem at this point, and he prayed the colonel would be impressed with his work.
With one hand, the colonel turned the last page, scratching his chin with the other. His eyes narrowed as if studying the final outline. “Braxton?” He stood, a smile finally touching his mouth. “These sketches are fascinating. How soon can your company build these vessels?”
Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 5
