Summers' Embrace
Page 35
“Thank you. I would greatly appreciate any assistance offered, especially after what happened at the Hamiltons’ ball.
Miriam laughed. “That was quite a spectacle that is still being discussed. Never fear, it will soon pass.”
“Thank you. My mother passed before I came of age and know little of how your world works.”
Miriam released Catrina’s hand and approached a chair. Taking a seat, she spoke, “You are from land gentry, correct?”
Catrina nodded, surprise upon her face.
“I know a great deal,” Miriam explained. “It pays to stay informed about those who aim to cause hardship to one’s family. You see, when your brother began with Thomas’s mother, I did a little digging. I could not have Thomas engaging with Branson Wilcox without knowing his background.”
Catrina gasped. “You spied upon my brother?”
Miriam waved away the question. “I did a bit of research, that is all. I had to see who Thomas was up against. But I learned a great deal. Your father left you and your brother both with substantial fortunes and land.”
“Land?” Catrina repeated, drawing her brow together. “I did not inherit any land.”
“I see your brother kept you in the dark about all your inheritance.”
“How much land?”
“The lands in Swindon to be divided between you and your brother.”
“That cannot be accurate,” Catrina said, shaking her head. “Branson would have told me.”
“Patrick Wilcox was your father, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And your mother was Viola Parks?”
“Yes.”
“Then, yes, it most certainly is accurate.” Miriam leaned back into her chair. “I do not know your brother, but from Thomas’s description and the little display at the Hamiltons, I feel that he is not the most honest person. I am afraid he has lied to you.”
“How much land does your family own, Catrina?” Thomas asked.
She shook her head. “I do not know. I was just a child when my parents died and did not think to ask such questions. After their death, I assumed it went to Branson. I never questioned him about the property because he always said it was his.”
“A thousand acres,” Miriam said.
“That is a large parcel,” Thomas said, stepping away from Catrina. He approached his desk and ran his hand through his hair.
“It is.” A deep breath left Miriam. “And if Josephine discovers that it belongs to Catrina, then she will give you more grief than you can imagine, Thomas. What is it about that property in Swindon that drives everyone so mad?”
“I wish I knew,” Thomas mumbled.
“Do you think Branson had Montgomery killed?” Miriam muttered to no one in particular.
Thomas shook his head. “It would not surprise me if he had not planned on it. However, Richard died in his sleep. He was old and had not been out of the house in months.”
Miriam looked at Thomas. “If he was so desperate to get his hands on lands that did not belong to him…do you think he will try something against you and Catrina? I do not know what I would do if something happened to you, Thomas.”
Thomas shook his head. “Branson will not harm either of us.”
“How can you be so certain? Look at the lengths he has tried to get Montgomery’s fortune.”
“Because he is dead,” Thomas said.
Miriam gasped, and her hands came to her mouth.
“No, I did not kill him. It happened shortly after Catrina and I married. He was shot and killed on the way to stop our marriage.”
“Are you certain?”
Thomas nodded. “Yes. We found his body on the roadway as we were returning from Scotland.”
“And the man responsible?”
Catrina’s eyes locked on Thomas’s.
Thomas shook his head. “We do not know.”
Miriam said. “You said all this happened after you had married?”
“Yes. We were on our way back to London. John’s family was close by and allowed us to bury Branson upon their lands.”
“Then, the issue of Branson and Catrina’s inheritance is resolved.”
“Yes.”
“Good.” Miriam stood. “My servants learned of some men who were hired to harm you. That is why I am here. I have informed Lord Hawke, and his associates are handling the matter. But with the death of Catrina’s brother, I believe that will no longer be an issue.”
“Make certain others know of Branson’s fate,” Thomas said.
“Absolutely,” Miriam agreed. “Now, I will leave you two to get settled. Catrina, once you have adjusted, you must come by for a spot of tea.”
“Thank you,” Catrina replied. “I would be delighted.”
Miriam left, closing the door behind her.
Catrina looked at Thomas. “I thought we were going to declare Branson missing?”
Thomas did not speak. He rounded his desk and sat down.
“Thomas?”
“That was my original plan. But this way, it sounds more plausible. Others knew that Branson was looking for you.”
“But it will look suspicious. Especially if Mr. Wilkerson speaks of what happened? If others ask.”
“I will have John locate him and relay the story. Wilkerson will agree because he knows if he reveals the truth, then he will hang.”
Catrina could sense the sadness surrounding Thomas. Approaching him, she placed a hand upon his shoulder. “Everything will be fine.”
He patted her hand. “As long as I have you, I know it will.” He turned and pulled her onto his lap.
Catrina squealed. “Thomas!”
“Shhh,” Thomas whispered against her neck as his lips trailed over her flesh.
“Someone will hear.”
“Then, we must be quiet, Lady Huntsley, for I find that I crave to feel you.”
Catrina captured Thomas’s face and kissed him. “Can you do that thing you did upon our first night together as man and wife?”
“What thing?”
She ran her finger over his lips.
A wicked grin pulled Thomas’s lips. “Anything to keep a lady happy.”
Epilogue
Catrina smiled as she looked around the Paxsleys’ garden. It was decorated beautifully. Silk ribbons and bows were tied upon trees. Several chairs were placed in rows in the center. At the far end, an archway of roses sat.
“I cannot believe my sister is getting married today,” Beatrice said.
“I am just happy I get to attend,” Catrina said.
“Elena is as well. When she found out that you were coming, her squeal caused the neighbor's hounds to howl.”
Catrina laughed. “I do not doubt that.”
Beatrice focused her gaze upon Catrina.
“What?” Catrina asked.
“You certainly have a glow about you.”
“Can a lady not be happy?”
“She can,” Beatrice replied with suspicion.
Redness began climbing up Catrina’s neck and to her chest.
Beatrice laughed. “You little minx. I was wondering where you and Lord Huntsley had disappeared to. Now I know where.”
“What?” Catrina replied, her voice high. “I do not know what you are talking about.”
“Pish. I know what it's like, Catrina. To be young and in love with a handsome devil of a husband. Just do not let Momma catch you.”
“It is wonderful,” Catrina admitted. “I hope Hawke treats Elena as good as Thomas treats me.”
“Oh, he had better. But I do not worry about it. Poppa will kill him should he ever break Elle’s heart. Now, we better take our places. It is nearly time to begin.”
The wedding took place without an issue. Afterward, Catrina and Thomas slipped away and made their way back to their home and made love for the remainder of the evening.
Funny how life turns out. Her childhood had been tragic. Yet now, she was happy. Thomas had kept his word and gave Catrina he
r inheritance as well as her family’s lands. After some digging, it was discovered that Branson’s obsession for the Montgomery lands was because he thought a vein of copper ran through the lands. Thomas hired a surveyor who discovered that the vein of copper Branson was so obsessed with was not copper but iron ore. Her brother ruined his life over nothing. Not that it mattered now. Once the survey was complete, Catrina sold the land to Artie. Swindon held too much heartache for her. It was where her parents died and where Branson tormented her. However, she knew Artie would appreciate Swindon's beauty and would give the little town much needed resources like cobblers and tailors.
Catrina snuggled into her husband’s arms. How she loved the feel of him. He made her feel safe. She knew that with Thomas in her life, nothing could ever take her happiness away. He made her feel safe and loved. She could stay like this in his arms from now until the end of her days. Nothing could make her feel happier than she did when she was in Thomas Summers’ Embrace.
About the Author
Lora Thomas is a longtime reader of romance novels. By accepting a challenge from her husband, she wrote her first book, Love’s Abyss. Born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, she grew up in Owingsville, a small town in Eastern Kentucky. She graduated from Morehead State University with degrees in Business, Health Promotion, and Nursing. Today, Lora resides in Kentucky on her family’s farm with her husband, son, and several family pets.
www.lora.-thomas.com
Authors work hard to produce their written works and love to hear what readers think. If you enjoyed this book, please let others know your thoughts by leaving a review.
If you enjoyed this book, please read one of my other books:
Love’s Abyss: St. John Series Book 1
A Pirate’s Heart: St. John Series Book 2
The Wild Belle: St. John Series Book 3
Keeper of My Dreams: St. John Series Book 4
Jewel of the Sea: St. John Series Book 5
Innocent Seduction: St John Series Book 6
Thief of My Heart: St. John Series Book 7
Forbidden Love: St. John Series Book 8
A Treasure Lost: St. John Series Book 9
A Chance Encounter: St. John Series Book 10
Deception: Fire and Ice Trilogy Book 1
Betrayal: Fire and Ice Trilogy Book 2
The True King: Fire and Ice Trilogy Book 3
Liberty’s Deception