Lady Thorn

by Catherine Archer

  Jedidiah had the grace to appear chagrined. “I…” His lips thinned, and he took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. It was clear that it cost him dear to admit, “You are right, I had no reason to grab your arm. I only wanted you to listen to me.”

  Now that Jedidiah seemed to have found his right mind once more, Victoria, too, began to calm down. As she looked up at him and into his stormy green eyes, she realized that she was not really angry. In fact, what she was feeling was a very different emotion. One she would not even hazard to try to name. The tightness in her breast, the thumping of her heart and the quickening of her breathing were all clear signs of this unknown emotion.

  It was quite unusual for anyone to even dare raise his voice to her, let alone physically lead her about. Jedidiah had not actually hurt her, and for some reason his resistance only gave her a stronger sense of respect for him. Her position meant nothing to the tall, lean man. He thought of her as nothing more than a woman who had driven him to the point of forgetting himself.

  Victoria could not help liking the notion of being thought of as a woman. For was she not just that?

  She looked up at him from beneath her lashes, her gaze grazing the lean line of his jaw, the irate curve of his supple lips, his straight nose, those stormy green eyes. He really was very handsome, this proud sea captain of hers. She stopped herself, glancing away from him even as the words formed in her mind. Jedidiah was not now, nor would he ever be, hers.

  Victoria’s gaze came to rest on Mr. Randsome’s assistant, who was now openly peering at them from across the room. Dear heaven, but they were making a spectacle of themselves.

  Chancing another glance up at Jedidiah from beneath her dark lashes, she saw that he, too, had noticed how the other men were staring. He scowled with chagrin.

  Biting her lip, Victoria took a deep breath before whispering, “Mr. McBride, I realize that it might appear as if I am being overly extravagant.” Her gaze locked on his, her eyes pleading with him to heed her. “I assure you that I am not. When we go to London, we will be attending many social gatherings. It is the only way I am to meet a man so that I may marry. It is equally important for you to accompany me in order to search for your child. You do recall that those reasons are why you are here? Why we are going?” She halted, feeling unexpectedly cheerless at the idea of her future marriage. A fact that puzzled her greatly, for it was unlike Victoria to bemoan her fate once she had accepted it.

  She brushed the thoughts aside, concentrating on the moment as she willed Jedidiah to see her position. “You must have the proper clothing to take me to these social gatherings. It would not do for you to be seen in the same coat day after day, or even from morning to evening. Have you forgotten you are my cousin? You must appear to be so in all things, in order to remain in my household without the benefit of some other chaperon. It is absolutely necessary for everyone to accept you as who we say you are.”

  He continued to stare down at her, but Victoria could see the wavering in his eyes. Then, as he stood there, a strange sort of light came into those compelling eyes, and for a heart-stopping moment, Victoria nearly forgot that they weren’t alone.

  He smiled, a slow, knowing smile. “Very well, then… Victoria.”

  It took her a moment to realize that this was the second time he had called her by her Christian name. It was even more intimate in tone when he said it so deliberately. No one besides Mary called her Victoria.

  Then she was distracted by that light that was still there in his eyes. She pursed her lips, wondering what had brought it on. He answered her unspoken question mockingly. “I suggest that you call me Jed, even when we are alone. That is what I usually go by.”

  She blushed. Really, he was going too far. The nickname was just too familiar, especially without the appellation “cousin” to formalize it. And there was no need, when no one was around to hear them. “I could not—”

  He stopped her with a raised hand. “Haven’t you just said that I am to appear to be your cousin? That we can’t do anything to make anyone doubt I am what you tell them I am?”

  She frowned, feeling as if she had just stepped into quicksand. “Yes, but—”

  He interrupted again, though politely. “Please, excuse me. Do you really think people will be convinced that I am your cousin if you go around calling me Mr. McBride, which you do most of the time? It’s just a bit formal for such a close family tie. If you call me by my given name all the time, perhaps you’ll begin to remember.”

  She bit her lip, realizing that he had her there. She really could not call him Mr. McBride. It would cause comment. But then, neither could she bring herself to call him Jed.

  She could tell from the expression on his face that Jedidiah McBride felt he had found at least a small way of getting back at her for all the indignities he felt he was suffering at her hands. Victoria would not allow him to best her so easily. She smiled, and had the pleasure of seeing a trace of unease creep on to his face. “Very well, Cousin Jedidiah. You make a very valid point. We must learn to address one another less formally.”

  He scowled down at her. “I prefer Jed.”

  She raised her chin. “As I said, Cousin Jedidiah.” She then turned and moved across the room to the tailor and his assistant.

  Jed watched Victoria with a pained expression as she flounced away from him, that slender backside of hers having the same effect on him that a rudely protruding tongue would have produced. Damn, but she was one stubborn woman.

  He heard her telling Mr. Randsome he could make up everything they had discussed. Looking extremely pleased, the tailor hastily began to gather up his goods, as though he feared Jed might countermand her if he lingered. As he did so, the lady added, “And do remember that there will be a bonus for every garment that is ready by the beginning of next week. Anything that is finished after that should be sent directly to the London house.”

  “Very good, my lady.” The tailor bowed.

  Jed turned to look out the tall, narrow window, no longer interested in the exchange. He did not want to think about Victoria or his having given in to her. He did not want to admit that he had been pleasantly surprised to learn that the tailor had talked of elegant but conservative fabrics and clothing. The garments would be fashionable, but comfortable for Jed to wear.

  He did not know why he had objected in the end. Maybe it was because he liked to see the light of battle enter a certain lady’s gray eyes.

  She’d been far too subdued over luncheon, making Jed wonder why. Even though he’d told himself it was best for them to remain distant from each other, he couldn’t help wanting her to show some of that spirit that drew him so.

  Victoria watched Jedidiah turn his back to them with an odd sense of abandonment. Was he thinking of the time when he would be gone from Briarwood—gone from her? With a sigh, she swung back to the tailor, who was clearing his throat loudly.

  Seeing that he had her attention, Mr. Randsome bowed apologetically. “Oh, forgive me, Lady Victoria, I nearly forgot about that other matter you had mentioned in your note. About the matter of contacting Sergeant Winter.”

  Quickly she nodded, only now recalling that she had asked him to contact the valet. Sending a fleeting glance toward Jedidiah, she saw that he seemed completely unaware of them. His gaze remained trained on the view outside the drawing-room window.

  Victoria focused on Mr. Randsome. “Yes, and were you able to do as I asked?”

  The tailor nodded. “Yes, my lady. Sergeant Winter was most happy to hear that he would be needed. He agreed to come to Briarwood as soon as tomorrow. He said it would be an honor to act as valet to any member of your family.”

  Thinking to rid herself of any prying eyes in the event that the sea captain did decide to be difficult, she hurriedly voiced her appreciation to Mr. Randsome and personally saw him out the door of the drawing room. He seemed flattered and pleased that she would attend him so courteously, and appeared not to notice her impatience, which she made e
very effort to hide.

  When the door closed behind him, the silence in the room seemed as heavy as lead. ‘Victoria found herself wishing she did not have to turn around and face Jedidiah. She knew she must, so, taking a deep breath, she swung around with a purposefully bright smile. “Well, I for one feel as if we have accomplished a great deal this afternoon. I’m sure Mr. Randsome will have some things ready for you by tomorrow.” She moved across the room to reach for a tasseled gold cord that hung from the wall. “Would you care to take some tea now?”

  Jedidiah came to stand before her in three long, purposeful strides. ‘Victoria looked up at him, swallowing. Who could have thought anyone could move so far so quickly, and with such grace? She tried to smile politely, but the look of disapproval on his face halted her.

  He spoke slowly, and with an obvious effort to control himself. “Have I completely mistaken what that man was talking about, or have you really had the audacity to send for a valet for me?” He eyed her with wariness and longsuffering exasperation. “Do, please, tell me that I am wrong.”

  She raised herself up to her full height although she still was no taller than his shoulder. Victoria refused to allow that realization to quell her. “No, I am afraid I cannot tell you that. I have sent for a valet.”

  His lips thinned to a straight, disapproving line. “And why would you do that?”

  She raised her brows. “Because all gentlemen require a manservant.”

  He bent low over her, the sardonic expression that came into his eyes giving her pause as his gaze traveled over her. “I am no gentleman. Haven’t you figured that out yet… Cousin?”

  For some reason, it had suddenly become difficult for her to breathe as her attention had settled on his mouth. Victoria realized that she should not try to push this man too far. Some of the very qualities that made him of use to her were things that also made him dangerous, such as his bravery and his disregard for social convention.

  The other members of the nobility whom they must meet and socialize with over the course of their stay in London would most likely not agree with her assessment of Jedidiah McBride. They had their own ideas of what a gentleman should be, and neither she nor Jedidiah was going to change that.

  Not for any reason did she wish to have Jedidiah think that she found him lacking. She also felt a sense of discomfort at knowing just how pleasing she did find him, and that brought on a certain irritation with herself. That irritation made itself known in the slight edge in her voice. “Mr. McBride, may I please explain myself, before you decide that you will not allow me to hire a valet?”

  His expression remained cynical, but he nodded.

  She bowed her head slightly in thanks. “I did not mention the matter to you because it did not occur to me. You see, every gentleman I know has a valet, and I did not realize that it would appear strange to you. Sergeant Winter was in fact the valet in training for my own father before his death. Hart, who had been with Father from the time he was a boy, was getting on and thinking of retiring. Hart recommended Sergeant Winter, who was a distant relative of his.” She met Jedidiah’s skeptical gaze levelly. “The reason I thought you might get on well with him is that he was a soldier. I hoped you would not find him, shall I say, too fussy for your taste? Nonetheless, let me assure you that in spite of that, he will know how to tie a proper neckcloth and will be able to look after your clothing appropriately. He will know which coat to wear in the afternoon, and which one to don for a morning ride.” She drew herself up, and the pride in her voice was evident. “My father was the duke of Carlisle, and he was not too proud to accept the direction of his valet. He was the consummate gentleman at all times, and perfectly attired for every occasion.” She went on, “There is no need for you to feel any insult. If it weren’t for their gentlemen’s gentlemen, few noblemen would be garbed as they should be, their cravats straight, their boots polished. It is no insult to you to admit that you are no better than they.”

  She came to halt, looking at him closely, to see if he could find some fault in this logic. To her relief, he seemed to be mulling over what she had said. That at least meant he had not rejected it outright.

  As he watched her, that distinct gleam came into his green eyes, which made her think that Jedidiah McBride might not continue to be so amenable to her desires. A slight uneasiness rolled in her belly.

  “Oh,” he began, a cynical laugh escaping him, “you are very good, Lady Victoria. It all makes perfect sense when you put it that way. But the crux of the matter is that you get your own way, and I think—” he took a step, bending so close over her that she could clearly make out the gold flecks in his eyes, feel the warm brush of his breath on her forehead “—that you are very accustomed to getting your own way.”

  Her breath caught as a strange, tingling awareness grew in her breast. He was so tall, so self-assured, so male.

  She did not know how, but suddenly he was very close, so close, in fact, that she could feel the heat of his body through the bodice of her gown. He leaned over her, his breath now brushing her mouth, as her lids fluttered down. He whispered. “Is that it, Victoria?”

  She could hardly think, indeed could not focus on what he was saying as her heart thudded in her chest. “What… ?” she murmured.

  His voice was low, and carried an undertone of something that she did not understand, but that made her shiver nonetheless. “Are you just too used to getting your own way? Do you need a man who’ll push back, show you when he’s had enough? Give you what you really need?”

  She had the feeling that she should be angry, should be defending herself, though she wasn’t sure from what. “Jedidiah, I don’t know what you—”

  She sensed his withdrawal as he went on. “No. I don’t believe you do. And it’s not my place to explain.” She looked up at him, confused by her own feelings and his indecipherable remarks. A moment ago he’d seemed so… And now he seemed to almost resent her.

  It took her a moment to focus on what he was saying as he continued. “Again I will do as you ask, but make no mistake in that you will not always get your own way with me.”

  With that, he turned on his heel and left the drawing room. Victoria could only stare after him, working to recover her scattered wits. As she went over what he’d actually said, she knew a growing indignation.

  Always got her own way. He was completely mistaken. Or was he? And what did he mean when he said she would not always get her own way with him?

  The arrogance of the man! She mollified herself by remembering that there was little likelihood of her ever putting that threat to the test. After she found herself a husband, she would never see Jedidiah McBride again.

  Unexpectedly, the thought did not bring her the satisfaction it should.

  Sergeant Winter arrived the very next morning. He presented himself at Jed’s bedroom door as he was getting dressed for the day.

  The moment the sturdy ex-soldier held out his hand, Jed knew Victoria had been correct in thinking he would like him. His blue eyes were direct, and there was not a hint of a fussy nature evident in him. Oh, he was well-groomed, all right, from the top of his carefully combed graying brown head to the creases in his dark brown trousers. His hands, though hardened by physical activity, were clean down to the nails.

  He did not blink an eye when he mentioned that he was happy to be serving Lady Victoria’s cousin. Nor did he look upon Jed’s clothes with any hint of censure. In fact, Jed could find no fault with the man in either manner or dress.

  If he had to have such a thing as a valet, this one would do well enough. When the boxes began to arrive from Mr. Randsome’s shop that very afternoon, Winter, as he had asked Jed to call him, took them over with quiet efficiency.

  With nothing else to do, Jed made an unobtrusive tour of the surrounding countryside on horseback. The house lay at the center of lush and beautiful parkland. All the outbuildings, the stables, the storage sheds and various other buildings lay out of sight to the left of the hous
e. There were rolling hills and patches of forest aplenty. It was a place designed to bring tranquillity to any man’s soul. That is, unless the man was dealing with the lovely but aggravating Victoria Thorn.

  He had no wish to run into her before he had to. His reticence might be due, in part, to his having no idea what had moved him to talk to her the way he had the previous day. There was no denying to himself that there had been a definite sexual context beneath the surface of what he’d said. Any woman less innocent would certainly have understood him.

  Again he could only think that his aggressiveness was due to his not having been with a woman in weeks. But the idea of finding one to relieve himself upon did not appeal.

  Before he returned to the manor house, Jed ended in expelling some of his excess energy in helping to clean up an overturned wagon full of hay. Yet even the hard physical activity did not rid his mind of the vision of how Victoria had looked as he leaned over her. Her lids had dipped down low over those smoky eyes, and he knew that she would not have stopped him if he kissed her.

  The knowledge was not welcome.

  Jed cursed himself for agreeing to act as her protector. At the time, he’d had a mere hint of the awareness that existed between them, and the hope of possibly locating his son had overridden any other consideration. Never would he have stayed if he had known. Getting involved with the daughter of a duke was the last thing he wanted. And he meant to keep that from happening. No matter what.

  When it was time to ready himself for the evening meal Jed found himself dressed in a pair of gray pants, a matching vest and a darker gray jacket. Looking at himself, he realized that Victoria had chosen well in the tailor. Though Jed was certainly dressed more elegantly than he had been, the cut and fabrics were of a style that he could feel comfortable in.

  Victoria was in the dining room when he arrived. She turned from her contemplation of a bowl of fresh-cut roses to look at him. In what seemed almost a self-conscious gesture, she brushed a dark curl from her forehead as her eyes met his across the space that separated them. She was dressed in a hooped gown of dark rose pink that was cut low in the bodice, just showing a hint of delectable cleavage. When his gaze lingered there for a moment, her cheeks suddenly rivaled her dress for depth of color. She was beautiful and vibrant and full of life.