The morning had started out perfect, first with the tender conversation she’d had with William, followed by the brief but earth-shattering kiss which had left her shaking. Then to have William’s children come to accept her kindness and love… Definitely, the day could not be better.
Mercedes traveled through town, purchasing a few items for the kitchen which Cook had requested, but her main purpose was to find a shop that would buy Kat’s dresses. The other day she had gone through her sister’s closets and pulled out the gowns that could be altered. Many of the dresses Mercedes simply couldn’t modify. She wanted to find somebody to buy them. Several dressmakers agreed to purchase the slightly used garments at a fraction of their cost. Mercedes couldn’t refuse the great offer and made arrangements with them for a delivery date. The money earned would go to pay her sister’s medical debt. Once again, the sun shined on Mercedes.
After making the final arrangements with the last shop owner, she and the children walked outside. Breathing in the fresh air, she pondered on what they could do next. From up the street, the bong of the church bells rang through the town. She hadn’t been to church since arriving in Philadelphia, and she missed it greatly.
The wide doors opened at the cathedral-style building and several people walked down the few steps onto the road. At last, a Priest exited the church, but stood at the top of the steps, waving to his congregation.
Although she hadn’t been to church in a while, there was one problem weighing heavily on her mind she would like to discuss with the priest.
Marriage to William.
According to the marriage certificate she’d discovered in the Bible, she was legally Mrs. Baxton. Yet, how could she be married to this man if she never attended the actual ceremony?
“Children,” Mercedes asked. “Would you like to come with me to the church?”
Both James and Lizzy nodded, so Mercedes hastened her step toward the man of God. Questions swam in her mind and she needed answers. That marriage certificate she’d seen the other day had left her in a state of turmoil, wondering if she were truly married to William.
Since she’d stumbled across the certificate, she’d been trying to convince herself this wasn’t possible—that a vital piece of information was missing. Things did not add up, and Mercedes didn’t know how to go about finding answers.
Now with the priest not far away, she would take a moment and see if he could help.
The priest rested his gaze on the children and smiled, but when he turned his eyes to Mercedes, his expression appeared forced. Inwardly, she groaned. He knows about Kat as well!
“Good day,” she said sweetly.
“It is a very good day,” he answered.
“Might you have a moment to spare to answer a question for me?”
“Only a moment, my child.”
“That is all I need.” She took a deep breath for courage. “My question will seem a little strange, but I assure you I have a good reason for asking.”
“What is it, my child?”
“I want to know if proxy marriages are legal.”
The older man’s eyes widened and his bushy, gray eyebrows lifted. “Proxy marriage, you say?”
“Aye. Can you tell me about it, please? I beg you, Father, I desperately need to know.”
“I shall answer you to the best of my knowledge.” He folded his arms. “It was common for European monarchs and nobility to marry by proxy. Were you aware that Marie de Médici, the second wife of King Henry IV was married by proxy?”
Mercedes gasped. “No, I was not aware, Father. So if she was married by proxy, then it is indeed legal to have another person stand in for the absent person who cannot attend their own wedding. Correct?”
“Yes, my child.”
Peace settled over her confused mind. I am married to William! Her heart flipped with excitement, yet at the same time, confusion filled her. Did she want to be married to him? Little by little, she realized William was not the monster Kat had created in her mind, but he still may indeed be a traitor. How could Mercedes possibly want to be a traitor’s wife?
“Thank you, Father. We will leave you now and let you attend other matters of God.”
She took thoughtful steps away from the church, holding each of the children’s hands. Questions still swam in her head, and she prayed they leave. Living the life of her sister made Mercedes understand how cold-hearted and calculating her sister had been. Why would Kat marry a man under a different name? Nothing made sense!
And now that she knew she was William’s wife, would she still want to find him a traitor? Could she possibly turn him in and see him hung? Her feelings for him had grown since she first met him, and she prayed he wasn’t a traitor. But if he was…
Mercedes took a deep breath and released it slowly. First things first – she must obtain his trust. Maybe then he would open up to her and tell her the truth about his life. Then, and only then, would she decide what needed to be done.
With the decision in mind, she smiled and continued on her way with the children. Just then, a wonderful scent drifted around her and tickled her senses. Freshly baked sticky buns permeated the air with their wonderful cinnamon aroma. Her belly growled in response to the irresistible smell.
She stopped and crouched to the children’s level. “Lizzy? James? Are you hungry for a sticky bun?”
Happy energetic eyes widened and the children giggled. She laughed, joining in their mirth. She raced with the two into the next shop to buy the treats. Within minutes, the three left with rolls and icing-caked fingers and lips.
Across the street she spied a small patch of grass, so she led the children to a perfect spot just under the tree. Along her way she nodded greetings to some familiar faces, but the names didn’t come to mind. An elderly gentleman tipped his hat and smiled, then winked at the children.
When they reached the grassy spot, they sat and finished eating. The gentle breeze blew a lock of hair across her warm cheeks, and the shade from the tree blocked the sun’s rays from making them too uncomfortable.
“Oh, Mercy,” James chimed in a voice filled with joy, “this is the best day in the whole world.”
“I think it is a wonderful day, as well.” She looked at the special little four-year-old. “Do you not think so, too, Lizzy?”
The girl’s head bobbed, making her blonde ringlets bounce in rhythm, but still the girl said nothing.
Mercy frowned. “James? Why does your sister not speak?”
He shrugged, then took another bite of his roll. “She talked a little before you and Papa got married, but I do not know why she stopped.”
“Is she still frightened of me?”
“Don’t think so.”
Mercedes stroked Lizzy’s cheek with her knuckles. The girl didn’t flinch, which was a good sign. “Lizzy?”
The little girl’s eyes met hers. “Will you say something for me?” Lizzy shook her head and concentrated on eating her roll, but Mercedes continued. “Can you say Papa?”
Without looking up, Lizzy nodded as she licked her fingers, but she remained quiet.
“Lizzy?” The girl looked up again. “You do not have to say a word now, but will you talk to me one day? I would really like to play dolls with you.”
The girl’s eyes widened and light danced inside her huge orbs. In excitement, Mercedes’ heart picked up a faster rhythm. “Would you like that?”
Lizzy nodded.
“I would, too, but I cannot play with you unless you talk to me.”
Lizzy lowered her eyes as she gobbled down the remainder of her roll.
Once again, Mercedes’ heart ached. With a deep sigh she admitted defeat for now. She wouldn’t give up on the poor girl, just like she hadn’t given up on William.
She opened her reticule and pulled out an embroidered handkerchief. She dabbed the end to her tongue to moisten the cloth, then wiped Lizzy’s messy face and hands, administering the same treatment on the boy afterward. Before putting the clot
h away, she wiped her own hands and face.
“I think we should head back home now.” She stood and helped the children up, but just as she turned the ferocious bark of a dog made her jump. The beast bounded toward them from across the street.
James and Lizzy screamed and ducked behind Mercedes, hiding in the folds of her skirt. This must be the dog that had attacked them before.
Mercedes scanned the area looking for an object to use as a weapon. She spied a rock, grabbed it up and aimed for the oncoming animal. He bared his teeth and growled.
“Shoo,” she shouted, but the animal didn’t stop.
When he reached them he slowed. His growl moved deep in his chest as he padded around them, his intent gaze never leaving their faces. The hackles on his back rose.
Lizzy and James cried, burying their faces further into her dress. The dog continued to taunt. Then the animal lunged. Mercedes threw the rock, hitting the beast between the eyes. The dog gave a sharp yelp before tucking his tail and running away.
Mercedes released a gush of pent-up air. She turned and gathered the two frightened children in her arms and held them tight. “It is all right now. Do not fret. The dog is gone.”
James wiped his nose on the sleeve of his jacket and looked up at her with wide, wet eyes. “You made the doggie go away and you wasn’t afraid.”
“I was afraid, but I was more afraid of him hurting you or Lizzy, and I would not let that happen.” She gave him a reassuring smile.
Cupping Lizzy’s chin in her hands she lifted the little girl’s face and met her teary eyes. “Are you all right?”
Lizzy nodded, then swallowed. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to speak, but snapped it closed.
Excitement pounded in Mercedes’ heart. Lizzy again struggled for words and Mercedes waited.
With the back of her hand, Lizzy wiped her wet eyes. She looked back at Mercedes. “Tank you,” she mumbled in a barely audible voice.
A small cry escaped Mercedes’ throat and she hugged the child against her bosom. “No, thank you, my darling Lizzy.”
From behind, a woman called out. Mercedes turned just as the woman stopped before them.
“Excuse me, Madam,” the woman said breathless.
Mercedes eyed the well-dressed woman, perhaps in her late forties. The older woman looked to be very wealthy. Mercedes wouldn’t doubt this woman was prominent in town as well.
The woman placed her hand over her heart and sighed. “Oh, good heavens, child. Are you all right?”
“Yes. We are just still a little shaken from the ordeal, but we are fine.”
“My husband’s dog got away from my servants, again, the horrible animal. I wish he would get rid of the beast, but my husband loves Rottweilers.” She sighed. “I am impressed with how brave you were when you stood against him.”
“I could not let the dog attack us.”
The woman shook her head, a light of admiration gleaming in her eyes. “Well, I must say how happy I am to see that animal finally lose a battle. He breaks away from my servants much too often, and I hear about all the children he attacks.”
“Well, I am in hopes the dog will think twice before coming my way again.”
The woman laughed. “Can I put a name to such a brave young lady?”
“I am Mercedes Braxton.” She returned the woman’s warm smile. “My husband is William Braxton and these are his children.”
The lady held out her right hand in greeting. “And I am Lady Burwell. Colonel George Burwell is my husband.”
Mercedes’ eyes widened. The colonel’s wife? The same colonel who William sought an invitation from?
She offered her hand to the older woman. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My husband speaks highly of the colonel.”
Lady Burwell’s forehead creased. “Your husband knows my George?”
“Yes. Colonel Burwell asked my husband to draw plans for the King’s new ships, and Mr. Kennedy is going to build them for him.”
A light of awareness shone on the woman’s face and she laughed. “Oh, yes, I know who your husband is now. Quite charming, he is, and very handsome, if I might add.”
“Thank you. I think he is, as well.”
“If you are friends of Mr. Kennedy, then my husband has invited you to come to my party this weekend has he not?”
“I am sorry to say no. I do not believe we have received an invitation, Lady Burwell.”
“You must be jesting.” The woman gasped. “Why, Mr. Kennedy is coming so it is only proper you and your husband also attend. In fact, although it is late notice, I will send over an invitation this afternoon.”
Mercedes’ heart leapt to renewed life. She couldn’t wait to see William’s reaction. What would he say? What would he do? Perhaps he’d reward her with a kiss? Just the thought made a different kind of thrill course through her body, moistening the palms of her hands.
As soon as she realized how excited the thought made her, she squashed the idea. She could not be feeling this way! Even if she was legally his wife.
“It will be a pleasure to get to know you and your dear husband,” Lady Burwell said. “I cannot wait to tell my guests what a brave lady you are. They will love to hear how you wounded that horrible dog.”
“Do not make me out to be more than I am.” Mercedes laughed. “The reason I reacted that way was to protect my children.” She reached down and drew them against her side.
Lady Burwell crouched to the children’s level and smiled. “You two are very lucky to have such a loving mother.” She patted their heads before standing. “I will see you this weekend, then?”
“Yes, you will. And thank you for the generous invitation.”
After the woman left Mercedes held in the bubble of joyous laughter threatening to escape her throat. She grabbed James and Lizzy’s hands and hurried toward their coach. The day had been more productive than she could have ever imagined and now she couldn’t wait to see William.
* * * *
William climbed into his coach and tapped on the roof, then braced himself when the vehicle lurched into motion. Today had been as bad as yesterday—worse, in fact, because he couldn’t stop thinking about this morning’s kiss. Undoubtedly, his wife’s charms had bewitched him, because she was certainly a witch. How else could he explain the sudden yearnings he experienced whenever she was around?
Exhaling a deep sigh, he relaxed in the seat and stared out the window. The sun descended over the horizon, pink and red shades highlighted the sky. Another day without an invitation to Colonel Burwell’s weekend party. His plans to collect information were slowly fading from his grasp, and he feared he’d never be able to help the Sons of Liberty in their cause.
Why hadn’t the insufferable colonel invited him? Did the man suspect whom he secretly worked for? Had Kat told him? Why else would he invite Brandon and not himself?
Different thoughts floated through his mind during the rest of the journey home, but he couldn’t help but focus on his wife’s different attitude lately. She was charming him with her fake sweetness and warming smile. In a way he anticipated his surrender. Yet he couldn’t lose control. He couldn’t give his heart to that woman. No matter how much she talked of transforming herself, she’d always be the same deceitful person he’d married.
The coach stopped and he climbed out, storming into the house. After closing the door, he detected a change in the atmosphere. Servants chatted happily amongst themselves, and his butler and groomsman whistled. Certainly out of the ordinary.
When Mercedes’ personal maid scurried past him toward the next room he stopped her. “Excuse me, Beth.”
She turned his way. “Aye, sir?”
“Have you seen my wife and children?”
“Oh, yes. They are upstairs in the nursery.”
“Good.” He paused, then inquired, “But where is my wife?”
“In the nursery with them.”
A confused throb made a dull ache in his skull and he rubbed
his forehead. Sighing heavily, he took two stairs at a time toward the nursery to see what Mercedes was doing this time. Just before reaching the door, laughter echoed through the room. Not only James and Mercedes’ voices, but a little girl’s voice, too.
He stopped inches from the door. Mercedes and James sang a silly song as they clapped their hands together while Lizzy laughed. He leaned forward and peeked around the corner. His daughter’s face lit up as bright as sunshine. When the song stopped she giggled and clapped her tiny hands.
“More, more,” she cheered.
William choked on a gasp and his heart jumped to his throat. She’d spoken? When had this happened? He hurried into the room and their laughter stopped.
“Papa,” James shouted and ran to him. Lizzy lifted herself off the floor and grinned.
William gave James a quick hug, then turned to his daughter. “Lizzy? Did I hear you speak?”
She nodded, her full head of curls bouncing together. “Uh-huh.”
His throat tightened, and tears of joy sprang to his eyes. He swooped his daughter into his arms and hugged her to his chest.
“Papa.” James pulled on his pant leg. “Guess what? Mercy saved us from that mean dog.”
William glanced down at Mercedes who remained sitting on the floor, her smile relaxed and her eyes twinkled like stars glimmering in a serene ocean. Good heavens, he’d turned into a poetic fool, but he didn’t mind this time.
“What is James talking about?” he asked her.
“While we were in town this afternoon a dog broke away from his owner and charged us, giving the children a terrible fright. I could not think of any way to keep him from attacking us, so I picked up a rock and hit him in the head.”
Another jolt of surprise pierced through William’s body.
“And Papa,” James continued, “it was so wonderful, ‘cause the doggie yelped and ran home with his tail ‘tween his legs.” He laughed. “You should’ve saw’d him, Papa.”
“Mercy scared him, Papa.” Lizzy laughed.
William’s heart melted the longer he gazed at his wife, and like the forbidden fruit, she tempted him to sample her kiss one more time. He moved by her side, kneeled and reached to caress her cheek. Her skin was tinted pink and warm beneath his fingers.
Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 10
