Why didn’t that fact excite him?
Spalding couldn’t risk ruining the life that had been set out for him. His father expected him to marry and ensure the prosperity of the estate for future generations. That estate included properties in Jamaica and Scotland, although the Scottish property had come through Spalding’s mother when his parents married. That was the home she’d move to when his father died, assuming Spalding was married by then. Since his father showed no signs of ill health, it could be many years before Spalding became the Earl of Fenwick.
Many years to be happily married to Lady Venetia and have a large brood of children to carry on the family. This was his duty. To think of his family first, and put aside any fanciful dreams of what could be.
For that reason, he would travel to Almondsbury in the morning and do some investigation of his own. Someone there would know the family he sought.
* * * *
Cassandra spent the next few days alternately excited and filled with trepidation. She could be going to her new home soon. Or she might learn what scandal sent her mother to Jamaica. The better outcome would include both the answers she sought and the security of family.
Her great aunt and uncle might not be pleased to see her. She’d never considered that. Aunt Wilhelmina’s letters had been pleasant enough, but never included any sentiment about missing Cassandra and her mother. Now that she thought on it, there was no more emotion in them than one might include when writing a friend.
Agnes helped Cassandra keep her mind off her concerns by keeping her entertained. Problems arose one afternoon when Lord Joseph arrived with his brother Lord Nathan.
“Would you ladies care to join us on a picnic?” Lord Joseph asked.
While it was quite short notice, Agnes was thrilled and accepted without asking Cassandra. Lady Fenwick approved, insisting Lady Matilda accompany them along with Jenny, their maid. “You are very lucky, Miss Franklin, to have caught the eye of Lord Nathan. A duke’s son, no less. He’s considered quite the catch.”
Cassandra knew better than to comment on the fact she wasn’t considered an appropriate match for Lord Spalding, an earl’s son, but was perfect for a duke’s son. Lady Fenwick most likely felt any man other than her son would be an ideal match for Cassandra.
While the company was not what Cassandra would have wished, the barouche the gentlemen had arrived in was quite luxurious, even finer than Lord Fenwick’s carriage. The leather seats were quite comfortable, and with the top down, the breeze kept them from becoming too warm.
The air in the country smelled so different from the sea air she was used to. Flowers and grasses blended together into a pleasant scent, but Cassandra wanted to visit the sea again just to refresh her memories.
Lord Nathan kept his eye on Cassandra on the entire short trip to a hill with wide trees offering shade. She grew uncomfortable under his stare.
Agnes and Lord Joseph kept casual conversation going with a thorough discussion of a book Cassandra hadn’t read. She listened intently, for no other reason than to avoid speaking to Lord Nathan.
He had other ideas. “I hear Spalding is off on a grand quest to find the holy grail.”
“His journey is nothing of the sort, as you well know.”
“I’d have thought you’d find it important to know your relations.”
She turned her head to watch a bird singing in a tree. “Of course it’s important. I wish you wouldn’t make light of such a thing.”
“I mean no insult. My apologies for making it appear so.”
They finally reached the hill and the servants began to unload the wagon that had followed them. Blankets, baskets, a jug and white china dishes were set out. While the picnic was set up, Agnes and Lord Joseph strolled around the top of the hill. Lady Matilda curled up beneath a tree with her book.
Lord Nathan took Cassandra’s arm and led her in the opposite direction. “Let’s allow them some privacy.”
“Lady Fenwick would be upset to know I was a poor chaperone.”
“There are plenty of servants around, as well as Lady Agnes’s sister, to protect her honor.”
As she and Lord Nathan approached a wooded area, Cassandra wondered who would protect hers. “We should stay with the others.”
“They won’t miss us.”
“I would be more comfortable if we returned.”
He continued to walk into the shade. “I merely wish to speak to you in private.”
She planted her feet. “No one will hear us from this distance.”
With a grimace, Lord Nathan turned to face her and glanced back where the picnic was set up. Then he composed his expression such that Cassandra felt like a snake’s prey. “I’ve given much thought to your future, should Spalding return without the news you hope for.”
“It’s really none of your concern, sir. Lord and Lady Fenwick are gracious hosts.”
“Yes, but for how long?” He stroked the backs of his fingers up her bare arm. He’d removed his gloves, so his touch was skin on skin. “At some point you’ll need a home of your own.”
Was he about to propose to her? She shuddered at the thought. “As I said, Lord and Lady Fenwick will see to my needs if it becomes apparent I have no family.”
“Yes, but what will they offer, a position as a governess to one of their daughters? Ship you off to live with some elderly relation who’s in need of a companion to watch over her?”
“Either of those positions would be welcome.” Especially if the alternative was to marry a slimy creature such as Lord Nathan. “Please, do not distress yourself over my future.”
“Thinking of you causes me delight, not distress.” As his fingers moved back down her arm, they brushed against the side of her breast.
She stepped back. “I didn’t allow you to take liberties with my body.”
“This is just a sampling of what lies ahead. I’ve asked my man of business to seek out a town house in London. I will be happy to have you live there. I’ll provide for your every need. I will only call when I’m in Town, so my demands on your time will be minimal. You’ll be close to the theatre, museums, Vauxhall and Hyde Park, and have the use of my carriage at any time.”
“I’m not interested in anything you have to offer.” She turned sharply and began to walk away.
Lord Nathan grabbed her arm, digging his fingers deep into her flesh. “What else do you have ahead of you? You’ll be lower than a poor relation, dependent on someone else for your income.”
“And how would that differ from what you offer? I would still be working for my wages.”
He chuckled. “You would consider attending the opera with me work?”
“No, the work would come when I needed to pretend I enjoyed your company.”
His grip lightened and he pulled her into his embrace. “You haven’t given me the opportunity to show you what you have to look forward to.”
“Sir, the only thing I look forward to is seeing the last of you.” She pushed against his chest. “Let me go.”
Grasping the back of her head, Lord Nathan forced a kiss on her mouth. Cold, demanding, he pushed his tongue deep into her mouth. She struggled, pounding her fists against him. He only tightened his grip, trapping her hands between them.
Finally, he let her go. “If you prefer to pretend you don’t want my attentions, I’m willing to play that game. Rough, sensual, quick or slow, I’ll meet your needs.”
“I need you to leave me alone.” She stormed back to the picnic, where Lord Joseph sat with Lady Matilda and Agnes.
Anger and embarrassment heated her skin, and she was certain the others could see her flushed appearance. Agnes would be sympathetic, but what of Lady Matilda?
The lady in question studied her a moment, then poured a glass of lemonade. “Your walk has warmed you. Sit and rest, and have some refreshment. You’ll feel better soon enough.”
Seated beside Lady Matilda, Cassandra drank with her eyes closed, letting the cool drink calm her. If her ap
pearance was awful enough to gain Lady Matilda’s sympathy, she must be a sight. Cassandra knew this afternoon would come up for private discussion once they arrived home. Lady Matilda would likely tell Lord Spalding about it the moment he returned.
MASQUERADING AS A MISS
CHAPTER EIGHT
Five days after he’d left, Spalding arrived home from Gloucester late at night after the family had retired. He’d ridden hard on the last part of the journey, and didn’t wish to wake one of the stable boys, so he walked his horse to cool him before rubbing him down.
Although he didn’t have the news he’d hoped to bring Miss Franklin, he was close to finding her family. He couldn’t wait until morning to speak with her. He’d missed her, to be honest. Missed her laughter and bright smile. Normally, his trips away from home were pleasant breaks. He often spent time alone on his own property near Cheadle Hulme and enjoyed the quiet. He loved his sisters, but they tended to chatter a good deal.
This summer was the longest stretch he’d stayed at Fenwick Abbey in recent years. He attributed that to coming so close to losing his life. The need to be safe in the bosom of his family would be a common result of near death.
He knew he was fooling himself for believing that. Miss Franklin was the sole reason for him not returning to his own home, or to London. Hopefully, once he found her relatives, he could return to business, and his friendship with Lady Venetia.
Spalding’s eagerness to speak to Miss Franklin was outweighed by his exhaustion. He didn’t rise until early afternoon. Appealing to the cook’s loving side, he talked her into frying up a sausage or two with some eggs. He hadn’t eaten since late afternoon yesterday.
Once he’d quenched his hunger, he sought his sisters, for wherever they were he’d likely find Miss Franklin. The three of them sat reading in the conservatory.
Agnes noticed him first. “You’re home! Did you locate Miss Franklin’s aunt and uncle? Is she really the niece of a peer? What’s his rank, an earl, a marquess? No, wouldn’t it be wonderful if her uncle were a duke?”
“Sister, be still and let Spalding speak.”
He cleared his throat and approached Miss Franklin, who set down her book. “I located a small village called Almondsbury in Gloucestershire. I was unable to find anyone who knew of a Franklin family, however. I plan to return and search baptismal records, but I’ll require your birth date for that.”
“I was born April 16th, 1794. Are there many churches in the area? I hate to have you spend so much of your time seeking my family.”
Lady Matilda closed her book. “How else are we to help you?”
“I will return to Almondsbury in a day or two. In the meantime, have you been learning to ride while you’ve been here?”
“She and I rode around the courtyard twice,” Agnes said, jumping in.
Miss Franklin smiled and spoke quietly. “I wouldn’t call it riding. A groom led my horse in a circle so I might become comfortable in the saddle.”
He chuckled. Another of Agnes’s exaggerations. “Would you consider riding with me, if I promise to remain at a walk?”
“I would enjoy that.”
“Very well. Once you’ve changed into your riding gown, you may join me outside.”
After assuring Miss Franklin was comfortably seated on Matilda’s small mare, they set off. Spalding guided their horses across a field.
“Did you find anyone who might be my great aunt and uncle?”
“I thought to look for your mother and father, first. Then, once I find someone who knows them, I will inquire about your mother’s connections.”
“I see. You know, when I left Savanna-la-Mar, I never imagined what lay ahead. Do you sail often? I wonder how anyone could journey over the ocean repeatedly without fearing a wreck.”
He turned his horse toward a brook. “One might just as easily crash a carriage, or be thrown from a horse. I give it little thought.” Although, he dreaded the thought of having to return to Jamaica. It was his malaise on the rough water that concerned him more than a fear of death.
“Here we are.” He halted and dismounted near a large tree beside the brook. “We will sit for a while, I imagine you’re tired from the ride.”
Miss Franklin laughed. “We’ve barely traveled beyond sight of the abbey.”
“Well, this is one of my favorite places to escape to.” He grasped her around the waist and lifted her off the saddle. He lowered her slowly, allowing her body to slide along every inch of his until her feet hit the ground. She was trapped in the narrow space between himself and the horse, and he didn’t want to free her. He could hear her heart beating madly—or was it his own?
The brim of her hat kept the upper portion of her face shaded, but her lips, full and rosy, beckoned him. Spalding remembered the sweet taste of them, the softness, and the whisper of her breath on his skin. He threw aside caution and common sense and bent his head.
She rose on her toes to meet him, which quickened his heart. She was as eager as he for the kiss. He spread his hand and ran his palm down her back, curling around her buttocks and drawing her closer. Her hip pressed against his groin, making him harden. He wanted her.
She clearly wanted him. No woman had clung to him this way, giving herself as eagerly as she took him. All he could think about was her hands in his hair, and his on her ripe curves.
Clarity hit like a bucket of cold water splashing him. Spalding broke off the kiss. He couldn’t have her. He knew what was expected of him. To go against his father’s wishes would be to ostracize himself from his entire family. Agnes would continue to speak to him, but she wouldn’t be allowed to visit. He couldn’t be disinherited of his title or the property attached to it, but they meant nothing without his family.
He held her hands in his, squeezing gently. “Forgive me. I didn’t invite you here to seduce you.”
Was that disappointment he saw in her eyes or merely wishful thinking on his part? They walked together toward the shade of the tree. “I enjoy sitting here and listening to the brook. It allows me to venture deep in my own thoughts.”
“And what do you find there? In your thoughts, I mean. What do you keep so hidden you must hunt it out?”
“Dreams and desires, I suppose.”
Miss Franklin sat beneath the tree. “Dare I ask what those might be?”
Leaning back against the tree trunk, he gazed at a cloud drifting across the pale blue sky. “I hardly remember. Boyish dreams, I imagine.”
“Sailing across the ocean? Exploring distant lands like India? Or perhaps Australia.” She sighed with a mischievous grin. “I can’t imagine any adventure grander than visiting Australia.”
“I did imagine sailing the seas, probably as a pirate. Then I discovered how ill-suited my constitution was to the ocean.”
Miss Franklin removed her hat and gloves and set them aside. “Oh, dear, that stormy voyage must have been unbearable for you. Even before the mast broke.”
He nodded. “I believe the only peace I had on board was when my trunk hit me and I passed out.”
“That’s a poor recommendation. I’m only glad it is all behind us.”
“Yes. There is one consolation of the journey. It brought us together.” Spalding bit his tongue. That was a direction he couldn’t travel.
“It did, and I will always be grateful for your friendship.”
Friendship. That was all there was between them. He must repeat that to himself any time he felt the desire to kiss her. “What did you dream of as a young girl?”
Drawing her knees up, she wrapped her arms around her legs and rested her head on her knees. “The same sort of thing all young girls do. Marriage, children. A man who adores me more than life itself.” She lowered her gaze as though her shoes suddenly interested her.
“You act as though those are foolish notions.”
She shook her head, but said nothing.
He reached for her chin and turned her face toward his. “Why are you embarrassed?”
Spalding drew her into his arms, and she broke into tears. He stroked her back to soothe her, and let her cry her pain away. He’d give anything to take away her pain. He must return to Almondsbury now that he knew her birth date. Somewhere there was proof of who she was.
When her crying calmed, he continued to run his hand down her back. The contact comforted him as well as her. He could sit that way all afternoon, her resting her head on his chest, and his arms wrapped around her.
Finally, she sat up, wiping her cheeks. “Forgive me. I think all the emotions I’ve been hiding could no longer be contained.”
“Do not apologize. You’ve been through so much recently.”
Her smile trembled, and he had the urge to kiss away her unhappiness. He desired to kiss her, no matter the inducement. So he did just that. What started as a gentle touch grew in passion. He kissed the corner of her mouth just as she smiled, then made a trail across her cheek to her jaw. When he licked a path down her neck, she gasped.
Cassandra was so pliant in his arms. She trusted him with her body, her heart. He could tell her heart was involved. She wasn’t the type to give of herself so freely without caring deeply for him.
She was delightful. His tongue trailed lower, tasting the exposed skin of her chest, and the rise of her pale breasts above her bodice. She smelled of rosewater. Her heart beat rapidly beneath his lips.
To see her skin in the sunlight was breathtaking. Spalding ran his fingertip along the lace edge of her bodice before cupping her breast. There was entirely too much fabric between his hand and her skin, but he couldn’t do anything about that here. He was delighted when her tongue met the powerful thrusts of his. When he plucked her nipple, she moaned into his mouth. He’d hungered for her from the start, and desired much more than he could take where they were.
Where they were. Who they were. The groom was likely downstream, giving them some privacy, but unlikely as it was, anyone could ride down the path and spy them. As much as it pained him, he set her away as gently as he could. “Forgive me. I cannot take advantage of you like this. You know there can’t be anything between us, don’t you?”
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