Benedict's Bride

by Janet Woods

  Although happy for her, Benedict’s heart sank. ‘Has the news got out yet?’

  ‘No ... but we both know it won’t take long. Are you sure this marriage is what you want?’

  ‘I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.’ He moved his arm aside when George came back in with the coffee, making room for him. ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘Forgive me for saying so but Amber has struck me as being uncertain. She says she’s being carried along on a wave of everyone else’s enthusiasm. Emma and Caroline have taken her over completely, your mother and father adore her–’

  ‘And so do I. Damn it, Archie, I should be there to romance her and protect her, so she doesn’t have time to question her reactions ... but I feel as weak as a newly born kitten.’

  His man tutt-tutted as he poured coffee for them, then said in a rather regal manner, ‘I’ll go downstairs and wait for the physician to arrive. No doubt he will be unhappy to know his instructions have been ignored and will insist that you go back to bed.’

  ‘No doubt he will. Do you intend to strong-arm me George?’

  George sniffed. ‘Certainly not, but if sir is not recovered enough to take his wedding vows on the appointed day I trust–’

  ‘If you censure me one more time, George, I’ll throw you out of the window by the scruff of your neck. Not only does it put me in a bad humor, it makes my head ache. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yes, sir. I’ll tidy up your bed before I go so it’s neat when you decide to get back into it, shall I?’ He plumped the pillows and straightened the covers so not a crease shadowed the surface, while Benedict drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair and swore under his breath.

  As soon as George left, Benedict said, ‘What else has happened, Archie?’

  ‘Somebody sneaked into your father’s study and robbed him.’

  Alarm surged through him. ‘Was my father hurt?’

  ‘Luckily he and your mother were visiting us at the time. One of the maids was knocked unconscious, but she’ll survive her ordeal.’

  ‘Good grief! Have they any idea of who the culprit might be?’

  ‘I can’t help thinking that it’s somehow connected to Amber, though I have no proof. You know, I suspect she’s learned about her connection to this place, and that was why she wants to see the lawyer. When I quizzed her she said it was about her inheritance. Dunstan has been appointed her advisor, you know.’

  ‘Which might make matters awkward for him since he’s been advising me and my father on the matter of Brierly House.’

  ‘I imagine Dunstan didn’t see a conflict of interest because the marriage is so close. He’ll relinquish the task to you once you’re wed.’

  The more Benedict thought about the marriage agreement the more the matter pricked on his conscience. He must talk to Amber, tell her about the agreement as soon as he was better. Hell, he could give Brierly House to her as a wedding present. It would be a sign of his good faith. But Amber was no fool. She’d see through it, since everything she owned would become his after marriage.

  ‘Have you thought that it might be Amber’s damnable cousin and his friends causing mischief?’

  ‘Could be. There were signs that two men had been watching the place from the shrubbery. They stole a purse and a gold and enamel snuff box. Your father is going to replace the shrubbery with a flower-bed. You might like to consider arming a couple of your servants until the felons are apprehended.’

  ‘Thank you, I will, though I doubt if I’m in any danger.’

  ‘Quite so. It was probably a couple of opportunists. I shouldn’t have worried you with it,’ Archie said.

  Benedict drank his coffee, his hands cupped around the bowl to stop them from trembling. His face began to flush.

  Archie gazed at him with some concern. ‘My visit has overtaxed you, Ben. You’d better get back into bed, since I hear the doctor’s carriage coming up the drive. Here, take my arm.’

  As Benedict sank wearily back into his pillows, he said, ‘Give my lady a red rose from my garden. Tell her I think of her constantly.’

  Archie chuckled. ‘That must be rather uncomfortable.’

  Benedict managed a faint smile. It is rather, but the anticipation is pleasant nevertheless.

  Chapter Eleven

  The journey to London was tedious, but was made without incident. The roads grew busier as they reached the outskirts of the capital. Emma and Caroline chattered like a couple of magpies and never seemed to run out of subjects to keep them all amused.

  The earl’s London residence in St James’ Square was always available for the family visits. The spacious square was teeming with vendors as well as horses and carriages, and it was littered with horse dung. The staff didn’t seem surprised by the unexpected arrival of so many, and bustled in and out with luggage.

  ‘We will need a room for Miss Hartford,’ Caroline told the housekeeper, without explaining exactly where Miss Hartford fit into the scheme of things.

  Emma added, ‘Use the viscount's room, since it has a nice outlook over the garden.’

  The housekeeper must have picked up the undercurrents in her voice for she smiled. ‘Yes, My Lady. May I enquire as to the length of the visit so cook can cater for meals?’

  ‘No more than a week. We are to do some last minute shopping before–’

  Emma caught her breath when Caroline poked her in the ribs and ended hurriedly with, ‘Before we’re obliged to return to the country. Now, Amber, my dear. Archie tells me you’re to see your advisor. It would be convenient if you conducted your business in the morning first thing, then we can start on the real reason we’re here, and without interruption. One of the footmen will take a note to his establishment telling him what time to expect you.’

  As was usual, Emma’s arrangements ran on well-greased wheels. Later, Amber was glad of the peace and quiet as she rested before dinner. She suspected that Emma had sensed her reticence about the wedding.

  The walls of Ben’s room - and yes, she was beginning to think of him as such - were lined in grey, watered-taffeta. There was a gentleman’s chest of polished wood with ornate handles. She pulled open the little drawers to be confronted with small items, including a silver watch with Reverend Andrew Brierly inscribed on it. She connected it with Brierly House. It must be the grandfather who had made the agreement with her own grandfather. Odd to think they had known each other, possibly been friends.

  There were several letters in one drawer. As she lifted a paper it released a faint perfume. Resisting the temptation to read it she opened another drawer containing a lace handkerchief and a garter of pink satin with black lace. Giving a faint grin, she thought: How deliciously sinful the forbidden must be. She intended to be twice as sinful once Benedict had shown her how.

  His wardrobe held few garments - a robe, two suits, one a dress suit with buckled breeches, the other black dittos. Extra linens, hose, cravats and shirts were neatly folded in the drawers. A pair of shoes and a pair of boots were lined up on shelf. There was a sailing ship on the dresser, hairbrushes, scissors, razor and strop in a gentleman’s cabinet. Everything needed for a hurried visit, in fact.

  The bed was high and inviting, the air a lavender-scented drift through the open window from the garden. There was an slight stench as well - like a distant ferment of rotting vegetables. Probably it was coming from the Thames river, she’d heard it was dirty. But then, the streets of London and the square itself was not very clean.

  Amber’s body ached from the long journey and her eyes would hardly stay open. Stripping down to her chemise she slipped under the covers and into a cloud of soft feathers that filled the mattress. The pillow her head nestled into smelled like Benedict and she smiled, wondering if her imagination had stretched so far that she could recognise him from smell alone. She doubted it.

  Closing her eyes she imagined herself lying in this bed with him. Husband and wife! She’d accepted his proposal now, and she would honor it. But her grandfather had
taught her to be honest. Benedict now knew of her good fortune. It was obvious that he didn’t need her wealth, so why hadn’t he been able to tell her about Brierly House?

  The matter of the agreement would need to be discussed as soon as he was well enough. She didn’t want to start married life with a lie between them.

  * * * *

  Benedict recovered quickly. It seemed as though his affliction couldn’t wait to depart from his body. Within two days he was out of bed, despite the doctor’s protests, his cough almost non-existent. Within three he was astride his horse getting a little exercise. The next day he was on his way to London with the gloomy prognosis of his man, George, ringing in his ears.

  He arrived at St James’s Square in the middle of the afternoon, to discover that everyone was out. A stable lad took Juniper to be fed and rested.

  ‘Where did they go?’ he asked the butler.

  ‘Shopping, my Lord.’

  ‘Even Miss Hartford?’

  The butler smiled. The upcoming nuptials were now an extremely strong rumor, since one of the maids had recognised the ring the young lady was wearing as one belonging to the viscount. ‘Miss Hartford is shopping, Lady Stratton and Mrs. Foster, accompanied by the gentlemen, are advising her, My Lord. I do believe they are all paying a visit to Lady Varden afterwards.’

  ‘Ah ... I see. I think I’ll give that one a miss.’ He grinned and headed for the stairs two at a time, turning at the top to say, ‘I’ll rest until they return. Have someone send up some warm water so I can wash at that time.’

  ‘Yes, My Lord.’ The sleeping arrangements occurred to the butler a little later and he grinned. ‘No doubt his lordship would sort that out for himself, since two of the guest rooms were always kept in readiness. The viscount was not the type of gentleman to insist that a guest must be moved to cater to his own comfort.’

  The ride had sapped some of Benedict’s newly discovered energy. Even so he leaned back against the door panel with a smile on his face as his glance ran over the boxes, most with their contents spilling out. Gowns of different hues lay over the back of the chair, along with silky chemises. Dozens of stocking were neatly folded in a box. On top, several pairs of garters resided. He picked up one fashioned from white lace with a red satin heart embroidered on the side, and chuckled. His sisters were proving to be a bad influence on his country mouse.

  So, Amber and her new wardrobe was using his room, he thought. He picked up a gauzy sash, holding the softness of it against his cheek and smelling the faint perfume of her skin. He didn’t mind the feminine clutter. Clearing a space on the bed he sat on the side, pulled off his boots and rolled into the middle where he fell instantly asleep.

  * * * *

  Shopping had been fun. Lady Varden had been difficult. She was Archie’s great aunt, and very deaf, so everyone was obliged to shout. The visit didn’t last long, but now Amber was exhausted. She was tempted to withdraw from the party and return to the house in St James’s Square to rest. If she did the others would follow suit, and she would spoil it for them.

  ‘The Baron is a charming man, and such a wit. But beware, Amber, he’s very fond of women.’

  He was a rake, not a wit, she thought when he kissed her hand, using his tongue to tickle her palm. He was too old for such behavior. His pale eyes had a reptilian look to them and he flicked a glance at her breasts as he straightened. ‘What a charming young lady,’ he whispered, then looked at the twins. ‘Tell me about her if you please.’

  ‘Miss Hartford is the granddaughter of the late Lord Hartford, and is my guest,’ Emma said.

  ‘Ah, I do believe I’ve met your cousin, Patrick Hartford. He had expectations there, I believe.’

  Alarmed as she made the connection, Amber stepped back. She had no wish to discuss Patrick. But the Baron had turned to Emma. ‘I’d heard you had a young woman staying with you, Lady Stratton. Why did you not visit me sooner?’

  Caroline said, ‘We’re in London to shop, Lord Carlton, this is the first time we’ve had to socialise. You were first on our list, after my husband’s relative, Lady Varden’

  ‘Ah yes, the sprightly Eugenia. We had a falling out, and have not spoken in years ... how is she?’

  ‘Still sprightly.’

  He smiled at her, saying softly, ‘I’ve heard that Miss Hartford comes with considerable wealth - a legacy from an Italian aunt.’

  ‘Oh, Lord,’ Caroline muttered, ‘Can nothing remain secret?’

  Amber gazed at him with barely concealed irritation. ‘My financial position is none of your business, Lord Carlton, and I’d be obliged if you would refrain from speaking about me to others, as if I were not present.

  His eyebrows arched. ‘Ah ... the girl is outspoken. A pity. Jonas, stop lurking in the window seat and show yourself. I’ve been told that you’ve met with this young woman before, and your behavior left much to be desired. Why did you not acquaint me with that fact?’

  It was a cruel trick to play on her, and Amber gasped when when Jonas Carlton came out from behind a screen. His face was as embarrassed as she felt, and she could only say accusingly, ‘You!’

  ‘Miss Hartford.’ He took her hand in his, said stiffly, ‘I’m so sorry for my behavior when we first met. Can you ever forgive me?’

  ‘After the way you treated me. How dare you even think I could pardon your behavior, you disgusting creature. You ... you worthless guttersnipe!’

  Emma and Caroline gasped.

  ‘We were drunk ... things went too far. I didn’t intend to hurt you.’ There was a plea in his voice. ‘For God’s sake, Miss Hartford, at least give me the chance to speak to you and settle this matter in private.’

  ‘What’s this ... what’s this, Jonas?’ Lord Carlton said, his voice pitched high, his voice avid. Look at the young woman, she’s trembling. Is there more I should know?’

  Her companions gazed at each other, Emma and Caroline looking mystified. When Archie gazed at her with an apology in his eyes she felt no need to explain. He knew what had happened to her. Benedict had told him. Mortified, she snatched her hand away and cracked Jonas across the face with it before pushing past him. She hurried towards the door.

  It was Kitt who caught up with her first, with Caroline and Emma in tow. He ushered them all into the carriage, sending them on their way with orders to the driver and a whispered, ‘Archie and I will deal with this.’

  Emma and Caroline gazed at her, then at each other in consternation. Caroline gave a nervous giggle. ‘Oh, Lord, this will be all over London tomorrow. You were wonderful, Amber.’

  ‘I don’t feel wonderful. Just setting eyes on him made me feel ... soiled.’

  ‘But all the same ... a worthless guttersnipe. How brave and awe inspiring you are. I’d never have dared to say such a thing to him.’ Emma leaned forward and took her hands. Her eyes were filled with curiosity. ‘We have wondered, Caro and I ... and I saw your bruises. Could you bring yourself to tell us how badly he treated you?’

  ‘Jonas Carlton led me around on a rein on my hands and knees at the behest of his companions, and he kept jerking on it to choke me, and made inappropriate suggestions.’

  ‘He said he’d been imbibing in too much liquor.’

  ‘All three of them had.’

  ‘There were three of them?’ the twins said together in horror.

  ‘The worst was Stephen Gould. I believe he had his mind set on ... ’ She watched the twins eyes widen in horror and added hastily, ‘But he didn’t have his way. The third was my cousin, Patrick Hartford.’

  ‘And your cousin allowed this to happen? Emma said fiercely. ‘If I’m ever introduced to him I shall cut him dead.’

  ‘And I shall go further and cut his throat until he bleeds to death.’ Caroline kissed her cheek, then hugged her tight. ‘You must rest when we get home. You poor dear, you must have been absolutely terrified with nobody to help you.’

  ‘I did have Jake. I hid him in a cupboard and he escaped and went to find help. He wa
s very brave for a small boy.’

  ‘No wonder you are so attached to the lad, when he showed such courage.’

  Tears came to Amber’s eyes, for the caring nature of the sisters had warmed her. She couldn’t remember anyone who’d ever troubled themselves with how she’d felt, not even her grandfather. It had made her insular.

  ‘Thank you both for your sympathy, but don’t be too kind-hearted lest I start feeling sorry for myself. Thank goodness Jake found Benedict in time to warn him of what to expect.’

  ‘It was preordained by fate,’ Emma declared, and turned enthusiastically towards her sister. ‘We must take Amber to see that fortune teller we consulted last year, mustn’t we Caro.’

  ‘Gypsy Florence, the one who told us that three sons would be born into the family on the same day next spring? That means one of us will give birth to twins. Oh, what fun that would be.’

  ‘Archie would like to have another son, and so would I. It’s quite nice having Jake in the nursery now he’s settled down. The girls dote on him, though I daresay they would treat a baby brother like a doll, like we did with Ben. He was so sweet with his blue eyes. Do you remember how he used to laugh when we tickled his stomach ... ’

  Amber smiled as she listened to the talk about Benedict, who seemed to be the twins favorite subject, but the thought of tickling his stomach was slightly, and deliciously ... wicked.

  As if talking about him had made him appear, there he was when they returned home, sprawled on his ticklish stomach in the middle of her bed, his head reclined to one side and resting on his hand.

  She took a seat on the edge of the bed and gazed down at him, needing a little time to contemplate this man she intended to marry. Long, taut thighs columned up to a neat, but manly backside. His back was broad and muscled, powerful-looking.

  How vulnerable he looked in sleep, his hair tousled, his eyelashes a dark sweep. Inside her desire flamed. She wanted to touch those muscled thighs, to cup him gently in her hands and feel him firm against her palms. She dare think no further, instead placing a chaste kiss against his dark hairline.