“What are you talking about? We’re getting married tomorrow. Of course I should want you.”
“I failed you, Lizzie. I brought one thing to this marriage. My experience as a spy, which should have kept you safe.” His face twisted in pain. “If I don’t even contribute that then…”
She sat up straighter. “This is a dilemma not unlike the pigs.”
“Pigs?” He looked at her incredulously.
“Yes, pigs. Do you remember how the pigs were breaking out of their pen and one of your proposed solutions was to simply kill the wolves?”
“Of course, I remember.” His face scrunched up in annoyance. “You pointed out to me all the ways in which I was being ridiculous--”
“Precisely.” She poked in him the chest. He was being thick for a reason and it was irritating her. “Withholding your affection may seem like a solution but it will only cause more problems. Will we have a marriage in name only? Will we live in the same house? Who leaves this one? What if I am with child? Do we take turns parenting?”
His face grew pale at the mention of a child. “You see, your solution will only cause more problems. Just like the pigs, we have to find the root cause. Why are you really holding back? Is it because you don’t care for me?” Her voice broke on the last word. She was trying to remain strong but what he said next might break her heart.
“Of course I care. I care so much I ache from it. But--” He stopped, looking deep into her eyes. “What if I lose you? How do I survive a loss like that again?”
And suddenly she understood. “Oh Chris. I’m afraid too. But the alternative, some half-life where we just exist without love…”
He kissed her hard. “I want a real family, with you.” He kissed her again. “With lots of children,” a third kiss and her body began to heat again.
This man was irresistible even when being ridiculous. “And maybe a few trips to London?”
About to kiss her, he pulled away again. “Are you going to borrow more dresses from Rose?”
“Of course not. I thought I would purchase a few of my own.” A blush stained her cheeks. She didn’t need anyone else’s attention or affection but she liked looking at herself and feeling pretty.
“If another man lays a finger--”
“Oh stop,” she gave him a playful swat before kissing him. “It’s not for them, it’s for me.” Taking a breath, she pushed out the next words. “It makes me feel attractive, like maybe I deserve your affe--”
His finger came to cover her lips, which he then replaced with his own. “You deserve to be a princess. I am glad I can at least make you a countess but…” He stopped as she leaned back down. She didn’t want to talk anymore. She wanted to properly make love to him, to feel his skin against her own.
“Take me to bed.”
EPILOGUE
One year later…
* * *
LIZZIE LOUNGED AGAINST HER HUSBAND, completely content. Though she probably couldn’t have gotten up if she had wanted to. Due to have her baby any day, Chris was constantly pulling or pushing her out of the bed.
His hands came to her belly, rubbing the mound, searching for body parts. “This feels like a leg to me.” He grinned. Then he leaned over to speak directly to her midsection, “When are you coming out? We want to meet you!”
She sighed. “I should get up and check on Rose.”
“Rose is fine. She has Alex and Piper and three nannies for two children.”
He was correct, of course. Having a three-month-old baby, Alex had brought an army of help on their journey.
“Well, I will have to get up soon, regardless. It is Christmastide after all.” But she made no attempt to actually move.
“You let me take care of everything, my love.” His hand travelled to her hair and he began massaging her scalp. If it was possible, she relaxed further into him.
“That feels delicious,” she murmured.
“To me too,” he sighed, kissing the top of her head. “But I will get up and make sure that everything is on schedule for dinner and gifts are wrapped.”
“Don’t forget to have supplies for the kissing boughs.”
He began scooting around her massive form. She pulled forward to give him more room and then that was when she felt it. A flood of liquid between her thighs. “Oh!” she exclaimed, looking at Chris.
“What?” he stilled, his eyes huge.
She pushed back the covers as her stomach tightened in pain. “It’s time,” she answered breathlessly.
Chris stood completely still for the span of a moment and then he raced out of the room bellowing down the hall. “Rose, Piper, Rose!”
* * *
THREE HOURS LATER, Lizzie held their beautiful baby boy in her arms. Chris once again behind her, cradling her body to his.
Rose and Piper stood beside the bed. “That was ridiculously easy for your first birth,” Rose grumped but a smile played around her lips.
“My third took longer,” Piper agreed.
Lizzie gave a small laugh her body relaxed against Chris as his arms supported hers in cradling the baby.
Mrs. Fairchild, the housekeeper, stepped into the room. “The midwife has arrived…oh!” she exclaimed, seeing the baby.
“Send her up,” Lizzie answered. Then she turned to Chris. “It wouldn’t hurt to just have her check the baby over.”
He nodded then turned to Piper and Rose. “Thank you both. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love a few moments alone with my wife.”
Both ladies left the room and Chris began feathering kisses on the crown of her head. “You were marvelous.”
“So were you.” She grinned. He had sat behind her the entire birth. He still sometimes lamented that he wasn’t a real lord like Alex or Barrett. He was correct in that he hadn’t been born to the title but none of that mattered to her. He was the man of her dreams.
“How soon can we have another?” He raised his hand so that his thumb could skim the baby’s cheek.
“Chris,” she exclaimed as loudly as she could muster. She’d have to watch him carefully or end up constantly with child.
“I jest, my love.” He kissed her again. “But you were right, of course. This was how it was meant to be. The two of us together. Creating a family. Why did I ever doubt?”
She giggled softly. “Tell your papa he should never doubt me again.” Then she turned to kiss him. “I love you with all my heart.”
“And I, you. You’ve tamed this rake.” He held her tight. Lizzie sighed with contentment. Everything was perfect.
TAMING A SAVAGE GENTLEMAN
CHAPTER 1
Tom Maddox stood at the bow of The White Lady and gazed longingly at the open sea. His agitation grew with every second that passed in the London harbor. It was a necessary stop. They were unloading goods from Scotland, mainly whisky, and reloading goods for delivery to their northern neighbors but this stop had been particularly unpleasant and Tom was anxious to see it done.
His father, Lord Maddox, had made the trip from Northern England to London for some business transactions. The elder had made sure to time his trip so that he would be there when Tom was. Usually it was a joyous occasion to see family but Tom was certain his father only wanted to see him so that he could harangue his second son about his future.
“When will you stop this sailing foolery and settle into the family business?” his father had asked, never one to mince words.
Tom bristled, his father’s son. “It isn’t foolery and you don’t need me. Will has a complete handle on the ship building, Gavin and Isla on the lumber.”
“Your brother could use help. I’m not what I used to be, you know.” His father crossed his arms giving him a foreboding look.
“Really, you look stronger than ever to me.” Tom matched the gesture.
“Which is why you should learn the business now. When I lose my health, you’ll be able to step in.”
“As Will’s spare?” His lip curled. He didn’t want to be in his
brother’s shadow. Not that he was the boss here. He was outranked by both the captain and his cousin, Barrett Maddox, The Duke of Manchester. But he was given responsibility. Treated like a capable man. Not just a child who didn’t know anything.
And he loved the sea. More than anything, it sang in his blood.
“As his partner.” His father’s fingers splayed on the desk before him.
“He doesn’t need a partner, and I don’t want to build ships. I want to sail them.”
His father harrumphed. “You should be getting married, settling down, having children…”
“Isla and Gavin are producing children with record speed. You’ve plenty of grandchildren. Leave me be.” He stood then, having enough of this conversation.
“Just tell me you will consider it.” There was a pleading note in his father’s voice he’d not heard before. Surprised, he turned to meet his father’s gaze. He could see that his father’s features were pinched with concern. Was he worried about his second son?
* * *
Much as he appreciated his father’s concern, he didn’t want it or need it. He was happy being on his own, out at sea. It was the life he had dreamed of. He needed the solitude of the open water to clear his mind.
His mouth pinched down again. Unfortunately, this trip might include less of the peace he craved than usual.
Barrett had agreed to transport three passengers along with the cargo they normally carried to Scotland. The widow, Dowager Baroness Segrave along with her daughter, Lady Flora Ellington, Baroness Segrave. He scrunched up his face. Flora. What a ridiculous name. They were also travelling with the Earl of Loudoun. He’d met the man on a few occasions when Barrett was home. He’d take great pleasure in punching that man directly in the face.
He’d invite him to a pugilist club but Loudoun would never accept. He wouldn’t participate in any activity that might make him sweaty, or muss his hair, or mar his charming smile. And yes, he’d actually told Tom that his smile was charming.
The man did enjoy gambling. Unfortunately for him, he was terrible at it and dug himself into quite the hole.
Was he courting Lady Flora to refill the coffers? Not that it mattered to Tom. But the man’s presence on the ship―that was an annoyance he could do without.
The unmistakable sound of rustling skirts sounded behind him followed by a female titter. Neither was common on a ship such as this and dread made his insides clench.
He turned in time to see a graceful older woman being escorted by Lord Loudoun. The man was flawlessly handsome and his smug smile was firmly in place. His fist itched to make that ridiculous look disappear.
From just behind Loudoun, Tom caught sight of rose petal pink skirts. A dustier color that looked like sunset over the ocean on a clear evening. It was one of his favorite shades and he would stop nearly any activity to watch the sky lit with such colors until they faded into darkness.
Loudoun stopped and looked behind him, gesturing to the pink dress to come forward. She stepped around to Loudoun’s other side and Tom actually caught his breath.
Her hair was a dark rich blonde with hints of red and her eyes a dark blue. Her full lips and cheeks matched the pink of her dress. Her duskier shades seemed should have been found in a painting of the sunset rather than on a flesh and blood woman.
Her pert little nose wrinkled adorably as her hand rested on Loudoun’s arm. That man should never be allowed to touch something so exquisite. “What is that smell?” Her nose wrinkled further as she spoke.
“Fish darling. It’s the harbor.” Loudoun gave her a winning smile.
“Can we do anything about it? Will the ship smell this bad the entire time?” Her gloved hand came to cover her mouth and nose.
It was an odd sensation for Tom because the gesture plumped her breasts in the most interesting way but her words irritated his sensibilities. His sister and sister-in-law could both be found mucking around the stables. Women who were so much work irritated him.
“Ask Tom over there. I’m sure he’d swab the deck for you. But I doubt it would help.” Loudoun rolled his eyes.
Tom’s teeth gritted. He’d take a dead fish and smash it in his face.
“Mr. Maddox?” The older woman gave him a glowing smile. “A pleasure.” She approached him holding out her hand.
“The pleasure is mine, Lady Segrave.” He gave a bow and accepted her gloved fingers in his own.
“I was aquatinted with your father ages ago. He was a man I always admired.” Her eyes grew wistful as she stared over the water.
“I’m sure he’d be pleased to hear it.”
Her gaze snapped back to him and she gave him a perfunctory nod. There was a sadness about her. He could see it in the set of her eyes. “His Grace apologizes for not being here himself. He made mention of meeting you in Scotland. But he did ask me to deliver a letter.” She reached into her reticule and withdrew a letter that was closed with Barrett’s seal.
“Thank you,” he tucked the letter into his breast pocket.
“I believe you’ve met Lord Loudoun,” There was a slight turn down of her lips as his name left them. “But may I introduce you to my daughter, Baroness Segrave.”
“My lady,” he gave a short bow and she inclined her head, giving him an assessing look. For a moment he thought she might actually ask him to swab the deck. If she did, he swore he’d turn her over his knee after he ruined Loudoun’s perfectly straight nose.
* * *
***
* * *
Flora assessed the man in front of her, Mr. Maddox. A commoner, the second son of a lord by courtesy, he should not interest her. Not that his lack of title meant she should dismiss him. She was barely of the peerage, a lowly baroness, but her father had done well in his management and investments. Now it fell to her. Her mother was fond of telling her she needed to marry well. Protect the family assets. Loudoun was an Earl and would better their line. He wasn’t particularly good with money but she was.
She wasn’t even sure Mr. Maddox was as handsome as the man beside her. But there was something about him. Dark hair and piercing eyes, his thickly muscled body spoke of work and strength and some other emotion she couldn’t define but stirred deep within.
She took a breath. Who knew what he might actually be like? He could be crass or vulgar, mean or vindictive. She saw his glare, the slight downturn of his lip that spoke of his disapproval but it only bristled her ire.
Perhaps it was her comment about the fish. She hadn’t intended to sound that way, but the rocking of the boat was already making her stomach turn and the smell had her head spinning.
Moving forward, she tried to keep herself steady. Between the motion and the smell and the force of his gaze, her knees were weak.
“A pleasure, Mr. Maddox.” She straightened her shoulders, trying to calm the quaking.
“What brings you to Scotland?” His arms crossed his chest and she saw them flex. Her insides twitched in response.
“Lord Loudoun has family there.” Her hand pressed to her stomach to stop the rolling.
“More Loudouns?” he asked. “How… delightful.”
She saw her mother suppress a grin and her response was to bristle. Unexpectedly, as her anger rose, her nausea receded.
She grasped at the anger, allowing it to build. It wasn’t that she needed to defend Loudoun. Despite the fact she was considering him for a husband, her feelings about him were tepid at best. But she had done everything her mother had asked and yet the other woman seemed to dislike her choice. What more could she do?
But she couldn’t battle with her mother now, it would make them both look horrid. So instead she turned her gaze to Mr. Maddox. “And the Maddox family. They are known for being… delightful?” It was an obvious barb. They were regarded as pigheaded and seen to thumb their nose at society’s rules. More than one lord among the ton lamented their success.
He gave her a level stare but his eyes danced with some small measure of amusement. “And you,
my lady? How does society view you?” He leaned back against the rail, his arms crossing over his chest, one foot hooking in front of the other. It was a casual and somehow powerful gesture, his leg muscles flexing idly.
“Me?” She quirked an eyebrow as annoyance flitted along her skin her nausea almost gone completely. She took a breath to answer when a voice called from behind her.
“She’s known as the most lovely debutante in all of England.” Loudoun stepped up next to her, giving her a wink and his most practiced smile.
Her own lips turned down. He was defending and complimenting her. It should have pleased her, but somehow it did not. He was saying what was expected, what he thought would make her happy. She almost preferred Mr. Maddox’s insults. At least those were honest.
“Yes, right.” Mr. Maddox stood back up straight. “Shall I show you to your bunks?” He gestured towards the hatch.
The ship gave a pitch just as he spoke, and the churning in her stomach returned with a vengeance. Her hands pressed tighter to her stomach and she was sure her face turned green.
“Are you all right, Flora?” Her mother stepped up to her side.
“I do apologize, the rolling of the ship is just making me a little--”
“Let’s get you tucked in bed.” Loudoun took her elbow, propelling her toward the hatch. Not only did she not want to go below deck, but she didn’t like the way he was ordering her about. If she weren’t so sick, she’d tell him so.
One of the reasons she had picked him was that she could continue to manage the estate. She’d thought he would take an allowance and return to London, leaving her free to do as she saw fit.
Their progress halted abruptly as the solid mass of Mr. Maddox blocked their path. “Come here,” he rumbled gruffly.
Taming a Rake into a Lord: Taming the Heart Series Page 12
