“You seemed upset when you rushed out.”
“I was tired.”
He gave her a hard stare. “Do you distrust me still, Persephone?” A muscle flexed in his jaw.
“I do not distrust you.” She shook her head, her heart twisted. “But, there is nothing to tell,” she insisted, sadness welled up in her throat.
He studied her for a long moment, as if to judge her sincerity. “I believe there is much you are hiding.” Parker looked her straight in the eye, not budging.
A pleading look came into her eyes. “Must you press me further?” A rush of heat burned her cheeks at her outburst. There was a beat of silence. “Please, Parker.”
Parker gave a slight bow, then placed Persephone’s hand on his arm and started walking again. “Then I fear it is my duty to warn you.” He paused when he felt her shiver against his side. Once again he didn’t know if from cold or fear. “My sister will undoubtedly sequester you in a corner as soon as she arrives tomorrow and demand to know all there is to know of you and your daughter.”
“Oh?” She heard herself saying. Her pulse quickened. She didn’t want to reveal anything to anyone. The thought of anyone knowing her past deeds made her hang her head in shame.
Parker saw her head fall and knew that she was distressed by the news. He knew what she held inside was still too painful to reveal to anyone at this time, let alone his sister. A complete stranger. Besides, he wanted to be the one to whom she revealed her secrets. “I daresay she will have a million and one questions.”
Her heart turned over in a rising panic. She wanted to turn and run and hide, but she willed her heartbeat to slow instead.
Parker knew she was trying to appear unconcerned, only he knew better. With her pressed against his side, he could feel her muscles tense and hear the hitch in her breath. He knew she was worried at what lay ahead.
Persephone took in a deep breath and pasted a false smile on her face, suddenly quite tired. “This garden must be spectacular in the spring and summer.”
It was a good thing she couldn’t see his face, he feared she would take the rolling of his eyes badly. “Quite lovely.”
“Your aunt was advising me that Poppy has a butterfly garden?” She found herself eager to see it.
“She does,” he said, his tone innocuous. “It is behind the wall on the west side of the formal garden.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting your sister.”
He let out a dry laugh at her outright lie. “I’m sure she is just as anxious to meet you.”
“Have I irritated you in some way, P-P-Parker?” He nearly grinned when she stumbled over his name.
His semblance of a smile faded, and he looked at her with concern. “Not at all.”
She rubbed her hand over her forehead and a wave of hopelessness hit her. She didn’t want to isolate herself from Parker. He was the only one that gave her hope.
Parker stopped and heaved a large sigh before turning to face her. “I can help you, Persephone, but only if you allow it.”
“I’m afraid.” And she was. She bit her lip, an unladylike gesture her mother had always insisted she cease, but over the past couple of weeks seemed to take up with enthusiasm. She wanted to curl up in a ball and pretend the world was good and decent and that her past held no power.
He hated the raw note in her voice; it shook him to the core.
“The truth is ugly,” she continued without lifting her head. She couldn’t bear to look at him. He was too beautiful. A light in her dark world and she did not want him to see the dark evil that lurked behind her eyes. She didn’t want him to know the perversions she had witnessed and that she had been forced to participate.
“It usually is,” he said gently. “Remember what I said? It is always good to have a second pair of eyes and another opinion.”
She looked up, her eyes dull. “I will think on it.” She smiled thinly and nodded.
“You can trust me, Persephone.” He gripped her chin gently, yet firmly.
Her spine stiffened at the combination of his words and his touch. “I do not trust anyone.” She focused on him. “Not any longer.” All of that had changed in the blink of an eye, without warning.
The moment she was thrown into the very bowels of hell after living in heaven for so long.
Her words hit him hard. “Then I will do all that is in my power to change that.”
“Oh look,” Persephone pointed towards one corner of the garden. She straightened her shoulders and forced a smile. “A late blooming rose.” She turned eyes that were too bright his direction. “Shall we take a look?”
He allowed her to change the subject, but vowed to press her further at another time.
Persephone locked gazes with him, her smile brittle.
He smiled, forcing it to reach his eyes and placed her hand on his arm. “Lets.”
***
Granville’s face flushed in lust as Manton spread is hands out before him on the top of his desk. Elegant, long-fingered, pale hands. He wanted those hands on him. Unfortunately for him, Manton was only interested in women.
Pity that.
Besides, Manton would probably chain him in his dungeon and kill him if he even knew his thoughts.
“Granville?”
Granville blinked, his smile tight, pasted on. “Yes?” He knew that Manton wanted to put his hands around his neck and squeeze the breath from his lungs until he was dead. He could see it in the man’s eyes. Manton found him a liability now, especially after the girl. Could he blame him? This mistake could ruin them all, and he knew he would pay the price for his error.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Polly put the kettle on,
Polly put the kettle on,
Polly put the kettle on,
We’ll all have tea.
Their coach had barely come to a stop on the pebbled drive in front of Rosebriar when Piper threw open the door and leapt to the ground. Rockwell caught unawares was unable to halt her unladylike exit. He could only sit back against the red velvet squabs and shake his head. He glanced to the right and watched as his wife, hoyden extraordinaire, held her skirts high and ran the few steps to the door. Her smile brightened considerably as the door opened automatically by the ever efficient Dobbins, his face alight with welcome.
Rockwell stepped down from the coach and made his way up the steps and into the grand foyer. He turned to Dobbins with a look of patient resignation.
“Lord Ashford is in his study, my lord.” Dobbins bowed, unable to keep the delighted twinkle from his eyes.
“A wise decision.” Rockwell cocked his brow humorously and murmured, “I hope you’ve prepared yourselves.”
“Of course, my lord.” Dobbins bowed once again. “We wrapped the china, as usual.” His lips quirked up on one corner.
“Excellent, for she is on a mission.” Rockwell inclined his head and made his way down the long hallway towards the study pausing as he passed the unclosed door of the Rose Room and peeked inside overhearing the beginnings of Piper’s interrogation of her aunt.
At least Piper leaned down and bussed her aunt’s cheek with a soft kiss before starting in with her questions, Rockwell laughed before heading to the study.
***
“Well, where is she?” Piper’s tone was almost demanding as she plopped down on the settee. “I’m dying to see her. Is she in her room?”
“Before I’m subjected to your vigorous interrogation, Piper, be so good as to ring for a fresh pot of tea, my dear,” Adele said with a smile, watching Piper look up at her mother’s portrait above the mantle. “I have a feeling I will need some fortification before this is all over.” She used Parker’s words.
Piper jumped up and yanked the pull before sitting down inelegantly on the end of her aunt’s chaise. “Well?”
“I must warn you, dear, Parker has been talking of redecorating this room.” Adele’s brow was raised and she knew she was instigating trouble, but it was all so entertaining.
“No,” Piper c
ried. “He wouldn’t.” Her hands cupped her cheeks. “Ooh, he has become bored with no one to watch over hasn’t he, Aunt?” Her eyes widened in understanding.
“I’m afraid so.” Adele chuckled. “But I must admit he has taken quite an interest in our new house guest and her baby.” She pursed her lips.
“How delightful.” Piper clapped her hands gaily. “I’m desperate to know of her and her baby’s circumstances. Have you found out anything of importance? How they came to be in this predicament?”
“Not as of yet, but Parker is searching for information,” Adele confirmed. “He sent Fothergil to London.”
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” Parker drawled from where he was propped against the Rose Room’s door frame with his arms crossed over his wide chest, he studied her with amusement glittering in his eyes.
“Parker!” Piper jumped up and ran to her brother throwing her arms around his waist in a warm hug. His arms tightened around her shoulders, her head nestled in the crook of his arm. She glanced up with a smile. “I’ve missed you, Brother.”
“I’ve missed you too, Sister,” he imitated her humorously, pressing a kiss on her upturned forehead.
She pulled out of his arms and jabbed him in the ribs. “Pooh! I know for a fact that you have missed us.” She planted her hands firmly on her hips, her left brow cocked arrogantly. “Auntie told me.”
He glanced up at his aunt with a smirk. “She did, did she?”
“All I informed was your intent to redecorate the Rose Room without the girls input,” Adele retorted. “Nothing more.”
“Imp,” Parker replied with affection.
“Rockwell,” Adele called. “How delightful to see you again. You are as handsome as ever.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Rockwell inclined his head. Then he walked to the chaise where Adele reclined and lifted her hand for a kiss. “And you are as beautiful as the last time we met.”
“I swear if I were only—twenty years younger.” Adele shook her head. “Your generation grew such a delightful batch of men.” She tapped him playfully on the arm.
Rockwell looked up and winked. “Flatterer.”
“You’ve taken such good care of our Piper,” Adele added. “I’m pleased.”
“I do my best, my lady.” Rockwell’s eyes strayed to his wife who was currently wrapped in her brother’s arms; his mouth curved into a smile, his eyes full of adoration. “I do my best.”
“That’s all we can ask, Rockwell,” Adele reminded, satisfied with his response.
Persephone stopped at the bottom of the stairs when she heard a woman’s excited chatter. She didn’t want to interrupt any intimate family moments, but she was interested in the arrival of a small portion of Parker’s family. She peered over the railing in time to see Parker release a tiny woman whose eyes widened when she caught sight of Persephone on the stairs. Persephone watched as she nudged Parker none too gently and gestured with her head in her direction.
“Parker?” Piper murmured.
Parker turned with a genuine smile still plastered on his face and held out his hand. “Miss Smith.”
Persephone stepped hesitantly from the bottom step and glided slowly towards the door with what she hoped was a serene look on her face and not one of immense trepidation.
Parker could sense her nervousness as she made her way towards the small group and shortened the distance by meeting her half-way. Stopping as he reached her side, he looked down at her for a long minute. Without making it too obvious, he leaned down, his lips barely brushing her ears and asked for her hearing only, “How are you, Persephone?” His dark, rich voice surrounded her adding a much needed comfort.
His whisper made her shiver and feel cherished all at once. “Lord Ashford.” She dipped a small curtsy, her muscles visibly relaxing. “I am well.” In truth, his presence overwhelmed her.
“Truly?” His steady gaze pinned her in place.
She nodded shyly.
He drew his finger slowly down her cheek before holding out his arm and smiling. His even, white teeth gleamed.
She beamed up at him. “Truly,” she added for assurance.
“Please allow me to make known my unexpectedly hoydenish sister and her husband.”
“How nice.”
The corner of his mouth turned up with satisfaction as Persephone laid her hand on his arm.
She tilted her chin, looking up from beneath her lashes in surprise when he covered her hand, holding it firmly against his forearm with his own and allowed him to guide her toward the doorway of the sitting room where her sister and husband had gathered watching their exchange intently. She stiffened at their attentions.
“Breathe, Persephone,” he reminded for her ears only. The feel of his hand stroking hers reminded her of where she was, among friends. “As you know, they’ve arrived early for our family Christmas, so I know Piper has something up her sleeve,” he whispered.
Persephone raised an eyebrow.
Parker nodded.
Piper scampered to Persephone’s side, dragging a resigned Rockwell behind her. “Oh, Miss Smith, how charming you look. I must admit rather enviously, I might add, that particular dress looks better on you than it ever did on me. Coquelicot?” Piper shook her head from side to side. “I cannot imagine what I was thinking when I chose that color for myself. But, it is divine with your coloring.” She sighed before tugging Rockwell forward. “Miss Smith, may I introduce you to my husband, Lord Rockwell, but we do not stand on ceremony here at Rosebriar.” She lifted her brow, slanting a mischievous look at her brother. “We never have.”
Persephone wondered what that particular look meant. It was powerful and full of meaning. She executed a perfectly graceful curtsy its form one of study and grace which intrigued Piper. How did this person, so obviously a lady of good breeding, find herself starving and in a field? A definite mystery to be solved.
“Delighted to make your acquaintance, my lord.” She eyed the handsome golden man who bowed elegantly in front of her.
Rockwell chuckled, shaking his head. “A pleasure, Miss Smith,” he greeted her warmly, his smile beautiful and his amber colored eyes spectacular. “Please excuse my wife.” He placed his hand at the small of Piper’s back and pushed her forward. “I believe you have forgotten to introduce yourself properly, my dear?” He quirked his brow expertly, a trait all aristocratic men must be taught at a very young age.
“Oh, pooh!” Piper chuckled. “Piper Morgan, Miss Smith.” She curtsied. “I’ve heard so much about you already.” She linked arms with her and pulled her towards the sitting room. “We must become better acquainted immediately.” Persephone glanced over her shoulder to find Parker’s eyes following their departure, unwilling to put a name with the heated look she saw in his eyes. Piper continued talking, barely taking a breath. “I’ve heard you’ve been through a terrifying ordeal, Miss Smith. You must tell me about it straightaway. And a baby, I will insist on being introduced first thing.”
“Of course,” Persephone responded politely, generally she could hold her own in polite conversation but she was barely able to get a word in edge wise with Parker’s sister in the room. “If you insist.”
“Oh, I insist.” Piper giggled, waving her hand.
Parker watched as Piper patted Persephone’s hand where it rested on her arm. “You mustn’t feel the need to reveal anything too intimate, mind you” Piper’s voice trailed off as they passed through the doors.
Parker turned to Rockwell, crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk. “I see my sister’s vivacious spirit has only increased since her marriage to you.”
Rockwell met his gaze with a superior glint in his eyes, cocking his brow. “Had you asked me a year ago how I would feel about living to please only one woman, I would have laughed at you, Ash.”
Parker held up his hand, and huffed a laugh. “Spare me the details, Rock. You are speaking of my sister.” He shuddered good-naturedly.
Rockwell put hi
s hand on Parker’s shoulder and pushed him down the hall. “I understand we have some business to discuss?”
“Right.” Parker paused as they were passing the door of the sitting room and watched his sister’s animated speech, a faint smile flickered. Just then, Persephone glanced up and stole his breath with the rosy curve of her smile. His chest felt heavy as his heart slammed behind his ribs. His lips curved to match hers and he watched as her eyes took on a more vivid sparkle.
Rockwell’s eyes moved from one to the other, then he clapped Parker on the back. “Thinking of taking the plunge yourself, old man?”
Parker didn’t reply he just glared at Rockwell in response.
Rockwell’s brow lifted. “I see.”
Parker stopped and turned to Rockwell. “What do you mean, I see?” His lips came together in a firm line.
Rockwell shrugged. “I’ve learned that it happens to us all at one time or another,” he replied matter-of-factly with a smile after that statement. “There is no fighting the inevitable.”
Parker scrubbed his hand over his face as they continued down the hall to his study. “Bloody hell, Rock. This circuitous talk is driving me mad.”
“Love.”
Parker cast a quick glance down the hall and scowled before he grabbed Rockwell by the sleeve and tossed him into his study before slamming the door. “Can you keep your voice down,” he hissed, his nostrils flaring, shocked by his own vehemence.
“Touchy, aren’t we.” Rockwell nearly choked on a laugh. He ran his hand up and down the arm of his jacket, smoothing the newly placed wrinkles from his sleeve.
Parker scowled, longing to administer a well-placed kick to his friend’s shin like he would have done when they were boys. “I’m not in love,” he groused. “But the entire household doesn’t need to hear that word uttered along with Miss Smith’s name.”
“I’m surprised you would employ servants who indulge in idle gossip, Ash.” Rockwell smirked.
“Be quiet and sit down.” Parker flopped in the chair behind his desk. “This is important.” He didn’t need or want to be thinking about Miss Smith at this time. Well, at least not in that way. He needed to think about her past. What had happened to her.
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