The Hero Least Likely

by Darcy Burke

  “Of course.”

  Her brother cleared his throat.

  “Will you give me a moment with my brother?” she asked.

  He nodded and motioned to the doorway. “I’ll wait for you over there.”

  “I won’t be but a minute.” After he left them, she focused on her brother. “The next time you tell me to meet you, you’d better be there.”

  His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Well, that’s gratitude for you. I thought you’d be pleased to see Daniel.”

  “Well, I wasn’t.”

  “It’s not uncommon for a countess to take a lover,” he said in a lower voice.

  “I don’t care what other countesses do. I will not betray Perry that way. It’s bad enough I’m stealing things for you. I will not add adultery to my list of sins.”

  He chuckled. “What you do or don’t do in your spare time is none of my concern. I only care about whether or not you bring me what I want. Now, did you bring it?”

  “Yes. It’s all there.” She slipped him the money from the finger purse, hoping no one else noticed. From where Perry stood, he didn’t seem to be watching them.

  “Good. Now, I’ll let you get back to the doting husband.”

  Relieved, she went over to Perry, barely noticing the other people in the room.

  When she reached him, he asked, “Are you feeling all right?”

  She took him by the arm and led him out of the ballroom. “I’m fine. I just want to go home with you.”

  She’d never been so glad to get into a carriage as she was that night. Seeing Daniel and finding out Stewart arranged the meeting were too much to handle for one evening. What she wanted, more than anything, was to be with Perry in bed and stay there for the rest of her life.

  As the carriage made its way down the street, Perry put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. She rested her head on his shoulder, taking comfort in his solid presence. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them away so he wouldn’t realize she wanted to cry.

  There were things she wanted to say, things she didn’t dare, and things she was too afraid to reveal. The evening had been a trying one. She kept hoping things would get easier, that the weight of her guilt wouldn’t get in the way of her newfound happiness. But happiness was such a fleeting thing when the world crept in to destroy it.

  “Paula, if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t help you,” he whispered, rubbing her back in gentle circular motions.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat then waited until he wouldn’t hear the sound of tears in her voice. “I just want to know you still love me.”

  “There isn’t anything you will do that will make me stop loving you.”

  A tear slid down her cheek. If only he knew how wrong he was.

  TWENTY

  Paula pushed aside the green drapes in the drawing room and examined the landscape. She and Perry had arrived at Blackburn after sunset the previous evening so she didn’t get a good view of it. But now as she scanned the rows of trees with their changing colors, the large stable, and the quaint gazebo, she had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She was the countess of this estate? Never did she think she would be the mistress of anything so grand. And better yet, her brother was far away in London. She could spend the next few months free of him.

  “I hope you approve.”

  She turned in time to see Perry enter the room. With a smile, she motioned to the grounds. “It’s lovely. I feel like I’m in an enchanted world.”

  “It’s enchanting because you’re here.”

  Letting the drapes fall back in place, she shook her head and approached him. “Come now. It’s always been beautiful out here.”

  “It might’ve been beautiful, but it was a lonely place.”

  “Even when Christopher was here to create mischief?”

  He chuckled at her joke. “He made things interesting in London. When he was here, he grew restless. He spent a lot of time reading or running off to visit his friend.”

  “Lord Edon? The one I met at the dinner party?”

  He nodded.

  Unable to resist the inquiry, she asked, “Did they create mischief together?”

  “Actually, I don’t know what they were up to, but I’m sure whatever it was, it wasn’t good.”

  “Admit it.”

  “Admit what?”

  “Even though Christopher says things to get a response from you, you missed him when he wasn’t here.”

  “I won’t deny it,” he consented with a slight shrug. “But the scenery is certainly better with you here instead.”

  Her smile widened. “Since you put it that way…” She closed the gap between them and kissed him.

  “I get a kiss just for saying that?”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “What would I get if I took you for a walk?”

  “Take me and find out.”

  “Sounds like an intriguing proposition.”

  “It is, but only if you’re willing to do it.”

  “Well then, it’ll be a good time to show you more of the grounds,” he said as he went to the wall and pulled a cord. “It’d be more practical if we went for a horse ride, though. We’ll cover a lot more ground that way.”

  “Maybe but it won’t be as fun.”

  His eyebrows rose. “And a walk is?”

  “I’d say yes, considering what will happen.”

  “Now I have to find out what you have in mind.”

  Chuckling, she led him to the entryway where he slipped into his coat and hat and she put on her hooded cloak. Once they were outside, she snuggled up to him, surprised when he slowed his steps.

  “What is it?” she asked. “Did you forget something?”

  “No. I…” He glanced around them. “Are you sure we should be this close out here?”

  “You’re only warming me up.”

  “I know but what if someone sees us?”

  Laughing, she wrapped her arm around his waist and gave him a light squeeze. “You worry too much. We’re only walking. We’re married. And besides all that, we’re in the country. You needn’t be so uptight out here.”

  He frowned. “You think I’m uptight?”

  “You’re a wonderful gentleman, Perry. But from time to time,” she reached for his cane and took it, “it wouldn’t hurt if you worried less about what others thought. Just enjoy the moment.” She slipped the cane under her arm. “Lean on me. I’ll get you to where we’re going.”

  After a moment, he laughed. “You’re right. I shouldn’t spend so much time worrying about others. What’s important is that you’re satisfied with me.”

  “I’m more than satisfied with you. I wouldn’t want to be married to anyone but you.” And she felt that way even more after seeing Daniel again. Though she wouldn’t have believed it the morning he left her, she was grateful that he made the choice to return to London to marry someone else. She wouldn’t have been able to marry Perry otherwise. “You once said that you were glad it didn’t work out with the other ladies in your past. I’m glad it didn’t, too.” Pausing, she turned to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I love you.”

  Cupping her face in his hands, he lowered his head and caressed her lips with his. The action was so sweet and gentle that she couldn’t help but melt in his arms. When he ended the kiss, he smiled at her. “The important thing is, we’re happy.”

  “I’ve never been happier.”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer as he led her down the path. “So, where would you like to go?”

  “The gazebo.”

  “As my lady wishes it, it shall be.”

  She giggled. “You’re ever the nobleman, Perry.”

  They continued on their stroll in a comfortable silence. When they reached it, she placed his cane next to the bench and encouraged him to sit beside her.

  “I’ll give you the cane back when we leave. I promise,” she added when he stared at it. “It�
�s safe on my side of the bench.”

  “I’ve gotten so used to putting it next to me. It’s almost a part of who I am.”

  “I know. I won’t let anything bad happen to it.”

  He settled beside her and brought his arms around her. “It’s not just for show. Christopher thinks it is. He says I used it as an excuse to explain why I couldn’t secure a wife. Some ladies didn’t like the fact that I had it.”

  “I don’t mind that you have a cane, Perry. You’re dignified whether you use it or not.”

  “Oh, I know you don’t mind. And I appreciate that. What Christopher doesn’t understand is that it helps me walk. My knees and ankles feel better. I have some padding in the shoe of my shorter leg, but the cane provides extra support that I’ve grown accustomed to. It also makes me feel more comfortable around people. In some ways, it’s a form of security.”

  “I understand.” She snuggled up to him. “And if a lady is so petty that she’s going to reject you because you have a cane, then she’s not worth your attention.”

  “Would you think less of me if I confessed that was one of the reasons I pointed it out to each lady I met?”

  “No,” she whispered. “In fact, I think that was a wise move. You don’t want to waste your time with someone who can’t love you for who you are.”

  “Of all the people I’ve known, you’re the only one who truly understands me.”

  Touched and honored he should compliment her so highly, she kissed him again, this time letting her lips linger on his. When the kiss ended, she shot him a wicked smile. “You know that thing I promised you if we went for a walk?”

  Returning her smile, he said, “Is it time to go back inside so you can show me?”

  “No.” She unbuttoned his Carrick coat. “I’m going to do it out here.”

  Clearing his throat, he glanced behind them at the manor. “What are you going to do?”

  “Relax. No one can see what we’re doing. We’re too far from them. And,” she continued when he started to protest, “our backs are to them.” She took off her gloves then brought her hands to his trousers and undid the buttons. “For all they know, we’re merely talking.”

  Before he could respond—and possibly stop her—she leaned toward him and kissed him again, this time brushing her tongue along his lower lip. Up to now, she’d wanted to do something highly improper with him and thought he’d most enjoy this. Her tongue interlaced with his in an attempt to distract him while she slid her hand inside his drawers.

  He let in a sharp breath and pulled slightly away from her. “I don’t know if we should do this.” He glanced behind them. “Out here.”

  Grinning, she traced his erection, an action which made him shiver in pleasure. “I think there’s a part of you that wants me to continue,” she whispered.

  Then, before he could respond, she kissed him again, this time more passionately. Her heart raced in excitement as she lightly touched the tip and ran her fingers down his shaft. It was an intoxicating experience to explore him so openly, to offer him pleasure while they were fully clothed. And she suspected this just might become one of his favorite activities if he’d ever learn to get over his shyness.

  She wrapped her hand around him and lightly squeezed him. Her hand went to the base of his shaft, came swiftly up to his tip and then back down again. He brought his hand down over hers and for a moment, she thought he was going to pull her hand away but then he groaned and tightened her grip.

  “You’ll like where this is going,” she whispered and proceeded to stroke him.

  He glanced at her and let out another moan. “I have no doubt about that.”

  Then he closed his eyes and released her hand, giving her full reign over his body. So he hadn’t been hard to convince. That was good. She suspected they could have a lot of fun in the carriage the next day.

  She continued her ministrations, slowly increasing the pressure and speed of her movements, taking a wicked delight in the gradual build of tension that would eventually result in his climax. He wiggled beneath her and his hips rocked along with her strokes. Leaning forward, she kissed his neck and then traced his ear with her tongue. When she realized this heightened his pleasure, she continued to do it. His arm tightened around her shoulders and he murmured her name until he grew taut and his seed poured over her hand.

  After a few moments, he relaxed, his breathing still heavy. He opened his eyes and looked at her. “That,” he cleared his throat, “was definitely worth taking a walk for.”

  She laughed and gave him a kiss. “I told you it would be.”

  “I’ll never doubt you again.”

  “We’ll have to try some other things,” she replied as she buttoned his clothes and his coat so no one would notice what they’d been doing out there. “And I believe you’ll enjoy them just as much as this one.” Giving him a suggestive wink, she put her gloves back on and stood up. “Care to join me inside? Being out here with you has made me quite eager for more. Care to go to your den and see how many clothes we can keep on while we work on an heir?”

  Though his face was still flushed from their recent activity, she detected his shyness coming back.

  “Come on. It’ll be just as fun as what we just did. I promise.” She held his cane out to him.

  After he rose to his feet, he took it and slipped his arm around her waist. “You’re the most thrilling person I’ve ever met.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Good.”

  “Paula,” he began, his tone becoming serious, “if you don’t have a son, I won’t be disappointed. Christopher will get my title if there’s no heir, and since he’s married to Agatha, I know if he has an heir, she’ll make sure he’s deserving of the title.”

  She studied his expression as they stepped down from the gazebo. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  “Oh yes. She’s got a way of making sure Christopher stays out of trouble. She’ll do the same with their children. I wish I knew her secret, but alas—”

  “No. About the heir. You’ll be happy even if I never have a son.”

  “Life is about more than titles or money. It’s about the people we love and the moments we have together. Paula, I had parents who loved each other. I watched Christopher’s parents, and they didn’t. There’s a difference between the way a home feels when a husband and wife appreciate one another. What we have is the most important thing in my life, and as long as I have you, I’m complete.”

  She blinked back the tears in her eyes. “You say things like that and you wonder if I’m satisfied when you make love to me? Perry, it’s because you love me so well that I enjoy our intimate moments.” On impulse, she stopped walking and hugged him, and he brought her into the protective warmth of his embrace. “When you make love to me, I feel loved. I feel wanted. I feel complete. You don’t have to ever doubt yourself. You can touch me and kiss me anywhere you want to. You don’t need to ask.” Looking up at him, she cupped his face in her hands, wondering why even now, he should seem hesitant to act on his desires. “You don’t have to be shy.”

  “Well, I have been reading a book,” he glanced skyward, “someone brought to my attention.”

  “A book?”

  “I haven’t gotten through all of it yet. It’s something I read from time to time.” He cleared his throat. “It’s about pleasing a lady in bed.”

  She watched as his face grew bright red and fought the urge to laugh. The poor man was so incredibly sweet and nervous. “Do you want to try something you read in the book?”

  “I’m not sure if the book is accurate. I mean, it’s supposedly written by a lady, but who’s to say that a gentleman didn’t write it and was just saying he was a lady to gain some credibility?”

  “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you let me read the book, and I’ll tell you if it’s right or not. Then we can try something you’d like to do.”

  “It wouldn’t embarrass you to do that?”

  “No, because you’re my husband.”
And if it would help him feel more comfortable in bed, then he’d finally be free to do the things he’d been wanting to do but holding back in fear he’d somehow upset her.

  “Well, all right. But I want to do that thing you mentioned by the fireplace first. You know, the one where we keep as many clothes on as possible while working on an heir. That sounds like a lot of fun.”

  This time she did laugh. “You have my word. When we’re back inside, we’ll do that one.”

  A week later, Perry was going through his ledger in the den when a knock came from the door. Glancing up, he saw the butler and waved him in.

  “This came for you, my lord.”

  Perry took the missive. “Thank you.”

  After the butler left, he opened it. It was from Paula’s brother, and better yet, he had agreed to come out for a two-week visit. Perfect. He didn’t expect anything in the first week. The first week would merely be about making Stewart feel comfortable and secure. During the second week, Stewart was bound to do or say something that would expose his true intentions. Soon. Soon, Perry would get to the bottom of what was going on.

  TWENTY-ONE

  Perry stared at Paula from across the table a week later as they finished their morning meal. He had to tell her. She wasn’t going to be happy knowing that her brother was coming, which was why he delayed the news for as long as he could, especially since she’d been happy after they arrived at Blackburn. He got to see the young, vibrant lady she truly was, got to know her much better than he had while in London, and she was altogether charming—a much needed refreshing change from what he’d been used to in his solitary world.

  But he couldn’t put the news off any longer. He had to do it and it was best to do it today. He picked up the cloth napkin from his lap and wiped his mouth. “It’s a nice day. Would you like to go outside?”

  Her eyes twinkled as she made eye contact with him. “Are you in the mood for another walk?”