They spent the next few minutes adding to Quartus’s plan, before joining the other guests in the drawing room.
Anna sent up another prayer, thanking the deity for his almost husband’s keen intellect and decisiveness, and for their friends and family. This would all work out. It had to.
It Takes a Hero: Chapter Twelve
Sometime after the house had quieted, and Quartus had lulled himself into thinking his father would leave he and Anna alone, he was awakened by a knock on his door.
“My lord.” The sharp, urgent voice of the butler came to him.
“Enter.” There was a reason he’d left his breeches on.
He was pulling on a shirt when the door opened.
“Three scoundrels attacked the house, my lord, and one attempted to sabotage her grace’s coach. We caught two of the thugs attempting to enter the house and the one in the stables. Corbett sniffed. “Unfortunately, the fourth got away. The malfeasors are in the dungeons.”
Three out of four was a damn good job for servants that had never done this kind of thing before.
“Excellent work. Give my compliments to those who detained the culprits.” Quartus pulled on his stockings and shoes. “Have Lord Hawksworth meet me in the dungeons.”
“Yes, my lord. Will there be anything else?”
“I’ll need candles, five mugs, and a pitcher of ale.”
“As you wish, my lord.” The butler bowed before hurrying off.
Quartus was standing in what was probably a guard’s room at one time when Hawksworth arrived.
He raised a brow. “I was told they got three. It appears that our father does not intend to lose you.”
“The duke has already lost me. It doesn’t matter if he meant to abduct me or harm Anna. I’m done with him.” Quartus took the keys down from a hook embedded into the stone wall. “I thought you might like to help me interrogate our prisoners.”
“Gladly.” His brother gave a humorless smile. “Lead on.”
They found two guards outside the cells. “Are you and Charlie the ones who captured these thugs?”
“No, my lord,” the older of the two, George answered. “That were Howard, Ben, Luke, and Billy. Howard and Luke are back on guard, and Luke and Billy are in the kitchen getting plaster put on their faces.” He motioned with his chin to the heavy wood plank door in front of him. “That one got knocked out, but I heered him moving just now.”
“Do any of them appear to be the leader?”
“Aye, the one in that cell.” He pointed to the right.
Quartus glanced through the barred window into the small room. The man was laying on a pallet facing the back wall. “Bring him to me.”
He and his brother returned to the guardroom and a few minutes later George entered, carrying a coaching pistol pointed at the leader. Quartus was not surprised to see the thug’s hands bound and his feet hobbled by a rope. “Put him in this chair.”
None too gently George pushed the prisoner into the chair. “Do you want me to stay with you, my lord?”
Quartus placed his pistol on the table in front of him. His brother did the same. “No, thank you.”
The thug eyed the weapons. “What ye goin’ ta do?”
Raising his brow, he responded in a bored drawl. “That depends on you, Mr.?
The scoundrel sifted in his chair. “Wheery. That’s all ye need to know.”
“Is it indeed? In that case, you will be bound over to the magistrate for hanging. They do not take well to having their duchess threatened.”
“Dook won’t let ‘em.”
“My father, the duke will have nothing to say about it. I, on the other hand, could help you continue to live.”
“Ye’d let me go?”
“I would have you transported.” Quartus shrugged. “At least you’d be alive.”
The man clapped his lips together. “I got nothin to say.”
“In that case, you may return to you accommodations, such as they are.”
Wheery’s mouth dropped open. “Ye mean ye’re quittn’ just like that?”
“I am tired and have a wedding to attend in—he took out his pocket watch—four hours. I have neither the time nor inclination to play games with someone who would rather hang than save his own life.” Quartus rose. “I bid you a good night. I am sure one of your friends will see the value of confiding in me. My father does not keep tools who fail him.”
The man’s eyes widened even more, and a look of panic replaced incredulity. “Wait! I’ll talk.”
Hawksworth slid Quartus a look. “Well played.”
Less than an hour later, they had confessions from all three prisoners. “Their stories almost match.” Quartus ran his hands through this hair. It would be getting light soon. “What do you think?”
“They’re telling the truth. No two people tell the same story the same way. The question is what will you do about the planned attack on the coaches?”
“I would love to see one of the duke’s scoundrels get cracked in the head with the Duchess’s of Bridgewater’s cane, but the safer course is to have everyone take the back road. It’s not as good, but it will be safer. We have enough grooms and outriders to protect the coaches.” He covered his mouth as he yawned. “I’ll send a runner to the magistrate. Once everyone has arrived at the church, he can take the servants to capture the other criminals.”
“Go to bed. You’ll need all your strength in a few hours.”
“You get some sleep as well. We must be prepared for anything.”
“You’re learning fast, little brother.”
Quartus punched Hawksworth in the arm. “Not so little anymore.”
He made his way to his chamber, glad that Anna’s rest was not disturbed. Before he slept, he’d write a note telling her what happened. He’d love to be able to gloat over tonight’s success, but it wasn’t over yet.
Anna woke the next morning and stretched. Sounds came from the dressing room, and she sat up, pulled back the curtains, and looked out to find her maid laying out her best gown as well as various other garments. “Tea please. I think I shall break my fast here.”
Handing her a missive her maid said. “I’ll send down to the kitchens. Eggs, toast, and tea?” She nodded. “Your bath will be up soon.”
“What is this?”
“From Lord Quartus, Your Grace.”
She popped open the plain wax seal. Was there a crest or ring the duchesses husband’s wore? She’d have to ask her aunt.
My darling Anna,
We had some trouble last night caused, as you might have supposed, by Somerset. Hawksworth and I, as well as several of our servants took care of it, and managed to discover further plans the duke made to stop or delay our wedding.
There is an attack planned on the main road to the Town. I have taken it upon myself to order all the coaches to depart one half hour early and take the lesser used back road. I have also notified the magistrate of the attack on our house and the one planned for the road.
I pray you slept well, as that was my intent.
With much love always,
Quartus
A thrill of joy ran though her. He had taken care of all of it and thought to inform her. All without them even discussing what the procedure would be. She could not have asked for a better husband or partner.
Just over an hour later, she was dressed. Tatiana had suggested she wear the Wharton sapphires. “Something old and blue.”
The older woman kissed her cheek for the first time, surprising Anna.
Meg came in with a gold bracelet. “Something borrowed. Welcome to our small family.”
“Thank you.” Anna hugged her soon to be sister-in-law. “I am proud to be a member of your family.”
After Meg left, a soft knock came on the door, and Anna’s maid opened it. Catherine, Duchess of Somerset stood at the entrance.
“Please.” Anna held out her hands to the older woman. “Come in.”
Catherine smiled softly, as
she glided forward. “I know we have not had an opportunity to really get to know each other. I wish it could be otherwise.”
Anna wondered if she knew her husband was in the area and what he had done. The first time she met her soon to be mother-in-law, she had absolved her of complicity in the duke’s behavior. She was as Meg confirmed, soft, gentle, and incapable of controlling, or even influencing, Somerset.
“I had this made for you.” It was a finely wrought gold broach in the shape of her coat of arms. “I hope you like it.”
“But how did you know?” Catherine could only have heard about the wedding a few days ago.
She smiled that gentle smile again. “I just know certain things.” She kissed Anna’s cheek. “I will not be able to see you as often as I’d like, but know that I love you, and I am more than happy that Quartus has found his mate.”
Anna’s eyes filled with tears. Some of them she was sure were happy, but others were sad. How much she would like to get to know this lady.
A handkerchief was pushed into her hand. “No crying. All will be as it should be.”
Less than an hour later, Anna and Quartus faced the archbishop as he began the ceremony. Barely listening, she glanced at Quartus who looked at her and smiled. Despite the attempts of his father, would soon be man and wife.
“Therefore”—the archbishop said—“if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now, or else here after forever hold his peace.”
“I object.” The words were spoken loudly from the back of the church and with a certain amount of pique. “Stop this service immediately.”
Her hands began to shake as she heard Quartus groan. “I have had more than enough of my father.
“For what cause?” the archbishop asked in a calm tone.
“I am Somerset. Lord Quartus Trevor is my son and I will not have him wed to that woman.”
Anna could see the archbishop take a breath. That seemed to be the most frequent reaction to the Duke of Somerset.
The archbishop raised a brow. “I was unaware that Lord Quartus was a minor.”
“He is not. I have other plans for him. You will stop this wedding now.”
“As you have not stated a valid reason. The service shall continue.” The archbishop looked at her and Quartus. “I require and charge you both that if either of you know of any impediment why yet may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye to now confess it . . .
“No.” Anna and Quartus said at the same time.
“Quartus!”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m going with you.”
He nodded, yet when they turned, the crowd of people in the church had started moving into the aisles. Somerset was still shouting, but his voice was becoming fainter as the townspeople and those from the area filled in the open areas, forcing him to move back out of the church.
“They are protecting us,” Quartus said, his voice filled with awe.
“I never even imagined they would do such a thing.”
“Nor did I.”
A soft melodic humming filled the space near the church doors drowning out the duke’s tirade.
She and Quartus glanced at the archbishop, who smiled and said, “Shall we continue?”
Quartus took her hands as they repeated their vows, and when the archbishop finally proclaimed them husband and wife, a large sigh filled the church as if everyone had been holding their collective breaths.
She felt like sighing as well. They walked quickly to the register and signed their names as did their witnesses.
“I will guard this book well, Your Grace,” Mr. Sutton said firmly. “I shall also make a copy.”
The man was right. She would put nothing past Somerset. “Thank you.”
“Come, my wife.” Quartus tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “There are a great many people who want to wish us happy.”
And there were. Part of the celebration began in the Town where tables laden with food had been set up. Children were kept busy playing games that someone had organized. He did not see his father, but the magistrate lifted a mug of the ale that had been provided to them, and grinned. The footmen, grooms, and others who’d been pressed into duty as guards were present as well.
“Are we safe now?” Anna asked.
“Yes. He knows once the ceremony is over, he had lost. If he did anything at this point, he’d be prosecuted, Hawksworth would be named co-guardian of our children. My father will do anything to keep that from occurring.” Quartus glanced around again and noticed that they were always accompanied by at least three or four men. “Although, our people are not as sanguine.”
“We won.”
“We did indeed.” He began smiling broadly.
She slid a look around and grinned. “I could not be prouder of them, and how they joined ranks against your father.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Anna, Quartus.” Meg saluted them with a glass of wine. “It is time to go home.”
It turned out that tradition mandated they walk the mile from the village to the castle. The villagers and their other dependents following behind, singing.
When they arrived the great hall was filled with the local gentry and their friends. Toasts were made, even Aunt Tatiana joined in, and Anna and he were led to an enormous cake.
“Go on,” his brother instructed handing him a large knife. “You make the first cut. The rest will be handed out to everyone else.”
Later that evening, her maid dressed her in some sort of silk gown that would most likely not last the night. Yet it had been a gift from Caro, and Anna decided to wear it.
The door opened and Quartus, dressed in an elaborate robe, entered their bedchamber. His eyes warmed with desire as he gazed at her. “I don’t know what that is you are wearing, but it is enough to tempt a stronger man than I.”
“Is it really?” Rising slowly so that the silk fell smoothly into place she snoodled toward him. “And what, my lord husband, do you intend to do about it.”
He met her halfway and lifted her hair, and caressed the back of her neck. “Love you as you deserve to be loved for the rest of your life.”
Anna thought she would be nervous, but she was not. Could it be because she was older, or was her love for Quartus deeper, more mature, than when she was younger. “I wish to love you as well.”
He drew her carefully into his arms as if she would break if he was not careful. “You will let me know if I do anything you do not like.”
“I will.” She slanted her head, touching her tongue to his lips and trailing it along the seam of his mouth. “Kiss me.”
“Gladly, my love.”
He opened to her allowing her to take control. Then the back of her legs hit the bed. Oh, the devious man. Slipping her hand inside his robe, she discovered his chest was as hard as she had hoped and was covered with soft curls. He groaned as she reached down and stroked his member, then kissed him. Over his chest, up to his neck, finally reaching his lips again.
“I think I was the one who vowed to worship you with my body.”
Slowly, so slowly she wanted to scream, he trailed open mouthed kisses over her chest and breasts. When he took first one furled nipple then the other in his mouth, Anna grabbed the linens, clenching them as she took a shuddery breath. Lord, she was going to expire before he finished. His fingers fluttered down her body as light as butterflies, then over her stomach, and finally dipping into the curls hiding the tiny pearl that could cause such pleasure, he rubbed softly with the heel of his hand, as he slid his finger into her passage.
“Don’t stop.” She pressed into him wanting more. “That feels so good.”
“Are you ready for me?” Quartus’s eyes glinted wickedly. “You must tell me before I go on.
How could she not be? Had she ever been so wet in her life? And oh God, he was serious. “Yes, my love, yes.”
He entered
her slowly, as if she was a virgin, and he was trying to feel her responses to his invasion.
“I need to make this right for you. Tell me if it hurts.”
“No pain,” Anne gasped as she wrapped her legs around him pressing her heels into his bottom, urging him to go faster. Withdrawing, he plunged back into her, and the tension that had held her captive burst out like the sudden appearance of the sun after a storm.
“Anna, Anna, my love.” As he pumped his seed into her, she continued to tremble. He held onto her, stroking her back, murmuring words of love. “Are you all right?”
Her fingers caressed his cheek, and she pressed soft kisses over his jaw. “I have never been better.”
Thank God. “Neither have I.”
It Takes a Hero: Epilogue
Ten months later.
Anna clenched her teeth as another contraction gripped her body. “Is it time yet?”
The mid-wife lifted the sheets. “Push, Your Grace, push.”
She bore down as if her life depended upon it. “Arghhh.” The pain passed. “Well?”
Meg pressed a cold cloth on Anna’s head as she had been doing for the past eight hours. “It won’t be long now.”
She’d been more than grateful that her sister-in-law had arrived for the birth.
Another contraction took hold. God would this ever end? “Now?”
“Now.”
Again, she pushed hard.
“That’s it, Your Grace. I see the head. Once more, and we’ll have the little mite.”
Her womb contracted, and she could feel the child slipping from her.
“It’s a boy!” the mid-wife cried. “The first one in a century. Well done, Your Grace!”
“Oh, Lord. I’m glad that’s over.” Then another contraction hit. Anna tried to sit up. “What the devil?”
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