Maura pressed her lips together and nodded. The single action destroyed any hope of him of him getting along with Baron Foxridge.
She must have seen it in his face, because she grabbed his arm. “Don’t hate him, Julius. It was a hard decision for him to make as well. He allowed it for a time, but then asked that they stop. He even called my uncle, the Duke of Valdeston, to step in when the doctors threatened to get the government involved, mandating that I stay and giving the doctors permission to do as they pleased. This is not an issue most parents have to deal with. He didn’t know what to do.”
“I would have never put you there,” he said fervently. He didn’t have children and hopefully, he never would, but if there was a chance that Maura was in fact carrying, he would do anything he could to protect his child. He stopped his hand his short of touching her belly. His hand squeezed her hip. “I’ll protect you.”
She smiled. “And I you.”
He was caught off guard and then readily assumed Maura was simply doing what she loved to do, confuse him. “It’s not your place to protect me.”
“Isn’t it? You’re my husband and I like you alive.” Her hands touched his chest. Her eyes remained steady on him and grew serious. “But even if you were only my friend, I’d still have protected you. Always.”
His heart raced underneath her palm. He didn’t know how to take her words. His mind had difficulty understanding them. Or perhaps, he wasn’t ready to accept them. It had been hard for him to accept the knowledge that Natalia had risked danger to come to his aid. Maura had no blood connection to him. Could he expect the same from her? If he were really in peril, would she truly step in to rescue him?
She gripped his cheeks and whispered, “I pray we never find out. I’d rather you never know pain than to have the chance to prove myself.”
Again, he was rendered mute. How easy it was for her to read his mind, his thoughts. It seemed his mother followed him wherever he went.
A knock sounded from somewhere, and Julius used the opportunity to pull away.
* * *
chapter 48
* * *
Maura watched Julius put on his trousers but didn’t bother rising herself. She’d learned to remain in bed whenever Julius went to get whatever meal the staff at the house had prepared for them. Julius liked her there, and she liked being there.
“It’s early for a meal,” she said as he slipped on his shirt, his eyes stuck on her body that she’d not bothered to cover. She was being very bold.
He grinned. “Perhaps it’s only sheets.”
She found difficulty in meeting his eyes after that comment. “Morris’s servants will loathe our visits.” If things continued the way they were, and Julius did continue to desire her a year from now. “I should really start washing out sheets myself.”
“Nonsense.” He bent down and kissed her. “It’s what they’re paid to do, and I’ll not have my marchioness washing sheets.”
Maura ran her hands through his hair and deepened the kiss, for some reason feeling as though she needed it desperately. He indulged her and moaned against her mouth before he pulled away.
He grinned, dimples flashing. “Wait right here.” As though she didn’t already know. Finished dressing, he left barefoot.
He returned only seconds later, his expression grim. “Dress quickly. It’s the vicar.”
Maura pulled herself from the bed and moved to the wardrobe. “If he only needs our signature, I see no reason to fully dress. I can just throw on a robe…”
“I’d fit you in ten dresses if I could,” he growled. She turned to find him staring at backside. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
She smiled and turned back to the wardrobe. “I’ll dress then.”
“In a high collar.”
She bit her lip and grabbed a high-collared dress.
He helped her into her clothes with lingering touches and then ushered her through the house and toward the sitting room. The vicar stood by a table with the license and inkwell already in position. Maura was surprised to see Sophia and Morris present. They would sign as witnesses.
The vicar avoided looking at her altogether, and Maura knew Julius had had a hand in that reaction.
The moment they reached the table, Julius grabbed the pen and scratched his signature into the official document before handing it over to Maura.
She bent and took a moment to read the page, still amazed that she was truly a married woman.
“Just there.” Julius pointed to the line that required her name, his voice urging as though she’d change her mind.
She pressed her mouth closed, dipped the pen into the ink, and wrote her name.
Sophia and Morris followed, and the duke had barely risen from his bent position before Julius asked, “Is that everything?”
The vicar looked down at the sheet and then smiled at Julius as he patted his breast pocket where Maura was sure a banknote rested. “Yes, that’s everything.”
“Excellent.” Julius grabbed Maura’s hand and led her out of the room.
Maura gasped and looked at a grinning Sophia before she lifted her gaze to Julius. They were already in the hall and out of sight when she said, “It was very nice of them to come. Can’t we invite them for dinner?”
“We set out for the long journey to London tomorrow with over twenty other people. Tonight, I plan to have you to myself. We’ve years ahead to invite them to dinner.”
Years? Any doubts that had touched her about their future past this interlude at the dowager’s house was washed away. Julius was truly hers and was planning to stay. She’d known that eventually, they’d have to leave the dowager house that had felt more like a paradise with each passing minute, but Maura had wondered what he’d do with her after that. Would he still be attentive? Take meals with her? It appeared he would.
They’d barely reached the bedchamber before his lips began to seek her out, kissing her wherever they could land, her lips, cheek, jaw. His hands worked the buttons of her gown and then the material was away.
He cursed when the ribbons of her corset tangled. “God, I can’t wait.” He turned her around and with a hand to the middle of her shoulder blades, pressed down until she was bent over the bed. Her hands sunk into the mattress as her heart raced. Her nipples ached as cool air hit her bare legs. He bunched her chemise over her back. She heard him adjust the fabric of his trousers and then felt the slide of his erection against her backside. He found her wet and groaned his approval as he poised himself at her entrance.
He filled her, exquisitely fitting himself inside her heat. Maura felt every inch as he slid in and out, deeper, harder. Her fingers gripped the sheets as she trembled. He sprayed his hands on her hips to keep control.
She could hear his hard panting over her own gasps and moans. Then he shifted, and Maura’s moans turned to cries of encouragement. She’d never felt anything so wonderful in her life. She threw her body back, wanting more, taking him further, unable to fight her need.
She gave a final sharp cry and clenched her inner muscles.
Julius let out a shout and she immediately felt empty right before his seed splashed her bottom. She buried the hurt that always came when he refused to release inside of her and concentrated on the fact that he wanted her, telling herself it was enough for now.
He pulled her up by her tangled ribbon and sealed his lips over hers. His hands gripped her breast, her hair, her legs. She was completely devoured by him and not just by his mouth. Her heart belonged to him and every moment became a struggle not to tell him so. He wasn’t ready to read what truths rested in her soul, but she could give him this and prayed he felt everything she couldn’t put into words.
She thought he did with the way he fed from her mouth and other parts of her body on occasion. She appreciated the way he seemed to revel in her.
Another knock sounded from the front door.
He huffed and pulled away. “It’s likely our meal.”
�
��I’ll stay here,” she whispered with a smile.
He rewarded her with dimples and a kiss.
And then there was that look she was still unable to describe, as though he there were something he wished to say, and she hoped that one day when he was ready, he would.
* * *
chapter 49
* * *
It took two days without stopping for more than to eat and change horses to reach London and Julius couldn’t have been more grateful than when the carriage stopped in front of the Valdeston mansion that evening. He’d felt like a caged lion during the entire ride, trapped in his seat, because he and Maura were not alone.
He regretted telling the Brotherhood about his plans. They’d all decided to take the journey as well and with the country party ending, the other men had come along… which meant that the women had come as well.
He’d been able to think of nothing but having Maura beneath him since the journey’s start and had found it the worst torture to sit and watch her mouth move when she spoke or see her eyes glow when someone muttered something that amused her. He wondered often if she were aware of how much feminine sexuality was harbored within her slim form.
When she caught him watching her, he was sure she had some idea of where his thoughts had turned. She’d blush. A few times, her eyes became hooded and darkened with her own desire, but truly she had no clue just how intense his hunger for her was and he himself was astonished by how quickly his plans for their marriage had changed.
When he’d first accepted the idea that marriage might be the only way to save her, he’d wanted a marriage in name only. Then somehow that arrangement had changed to sleeping in the same bed and there was no way he could have Maura beside him night after night without taking her. He hadn’t even allowed himself to think it possible.
He assisted his mother-in-law, who’d ridden with them during the last leg of the trip, Natalia, Lorena, and Maura down from the carriage before escorting them up the front steps.
He glanced around and couldn’t help but notice how stale the London air seemed compared to the fresh breeze that could only be found in the country. The streets were full, the scent infused in his every breath. Night had fallen, but he was sure that when day broke he’d hardly be able to see the sun. Such was London. Usually, he liked the city, yet for some reason, tonight, he loathed it.
And he knew why. It was Lord Foxridge’s fault. If not for the baron, he’d have kept Maura in Morris’s dowager house for at least another fortnight, if not longer. He was not at all surprised by his infatuation with his wife. There was something about her that had always called to him. Never would he have guessed she’d become his wife, yet now that he stared at her in the dim glow of the Valdeston foyer, he was sure that no other woman would do.
Maura looked around, allowing her stunning blue eyes to roam the exotic building as though it were her first time at Francis’s mansion, when they both knew that wasn’t the case. She’d worked just next door in the Lawrence house, taking care of the women that the Spinsters took in. It was the house next door that Maura would search for the golden statue and Julius hoped it would only take tomorrow. Then he’d take Maura to his country seat and begin making plans to visit Spain.
Her eyes finally found his and she whispered, “Am I to sleep in your room?”
He lifted a brow. “As though I’d allow anything else.”
A sweet blush followed and then she lowered her gaze.
The sound of footsteps made the entire party look up.
The Valdeston Mansion had been built by one of Francis’s mad predecessors, and thus the structure was chaos and beauty. From its painted ceiling to its halls that seemed to lead in circles, one was easily spellbound by the home.
Francis and Frank were rushing down the long staircase but stopped at the middle landing to stare at the group that had arrived. Their expressions were undefinable. Surprise and something else. An urgency hung in the air.
Frank turned to Maura. “I need to speak with you.”
“Is it about Bedlam?” Maura asked, taking a step forward before stopping.
Adrian also came over. “I am her father, Lord Foxridge. What has happened at Bedlam?” He and his wife were the only two who didn’t know what Frank and Francis had been searching for.
Julius placed his arm around his wife’s trembling body. “Maura and I will meet you in the study.”
Francis frowned and then looked down at Julius’s arm before lifting his gaze.
“They got married,” Lorena offered with a smile.
Frank’s expression went through a series of changes before he smiled at Julius and said, “Took you long enough, mate.”
Francis grinned. “Welcome to the family.” They were cousins now. Then he turned to Maura. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Her voice trembled, her mind on the true matter at hand. Maura took Julius’s free hand in hers but kept her gaze on Frank. “There’s no need to go to the study. Tell us what you’ve found. Everyone here already knows everything.”
That was true. Julius looked around at the large crowd, a mixture of the people he trusted above all other and those he still questioned. There was worry and concern on many of their faces. He turned back to Frank and Francis.
Francis looked around and then relaxed at the sight of his wife. He took the final steps toward her and wrapped his arms around Genie.
Diana joined Frank on the staircase. His fiancée’s presence seemed to calm him. Then finally he spoke to those who had assembled. “We believe Albion to be alive.”
“What?” Adrian turned to Maura. “Does he mean Albion Bullard?”
Maura nodded and then turned to Frank. “Why? What did you find at Bedlam?”
“Too much corruption to list in one evening.” Francis turned to Julius. “You’ll be glad to know that I’ve been cleaning that up since I’ve been here, though with so many powerful people involved, it’s become a task almost too great for me to handle alone.”
Julius tightened his arms around Maura. “I’ll be more than glad to assist you in any way possible.”
“As will I,” Prince Garrett said, stepping forward and proving himself to be a very powerful ally. Every other man in the room followed suit, even Lord Anthony and Lord Allen and Julius knew if this vast number of people couldn’t get the deed done then nothing would.
“What does this have to do with my dear friend’s dead son?” Adrian asked.
“He’s not dead,” Frank said. “Or if he is, then Maura was not the only one who’s seen him since his death.”
Maura gasped and covered her mouth.
Frank went on. “We went to your town when the hospital became difficult. My future brother-in-law Bancroft gave me a grand idea when I discussed my issues with him.” Then he gasped as if realizing his mistake.
The man Frank spoke of, Bancroft, ran the criminal world of London. Bancroft was Diana’s brother, but that was not common knowledge. The two had taken their own identities once they’d become of age. Diana Banns became a dancer while the mysterious Bancroft became lord of the underworld.
Only the Spinsters and Brotherhood had been told this information. And now, four men who were not members of either group knew as well.
Diana frowned at her husband and sighed. “What did my brother suggest?”
Frank shook his head, an apology in his eyes. “Well, first he suggested I simply burn down Bedlam if it offended me so much.”
Diana rolled her eyes, even though every man in the room knew Bancroft had likely been being serious. “Then what did he suggest?”
“We dig up Albion’s body,” Frank said. “It was the quickest way to find out the truth. All of this was done two days ago.”
Julius thus counted six men who now knew more about Maura than he was comfortable with. “Did you tell anyone else?”
Frank and Francis shared a look.
Julius glared. “Who else?”
“The village where the Shaws
resided was far.”
“Yes,” Adrian said. “I was wondering how you managed to get there and back so quickly. We lived in Plymouth.” It would take days to go to Plymouth and back by land.
There was no way they’d done all of this in the last two days unless they’d gone by boat. Immediately, Julius knew exactly who the seventh man was.
“The Ice Man,” he said coolly.
Francis seemed troubled by his action as well. “He had a boat going to Plymouth to drop off supplies for the navy and returning the very next day. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass on.”
“Oh, Levander Cross.” Genie jumped and clapped her hands. “I do like him so.”
Francis glared at his wife, though she paid him no mind. It was only three years ago that the ice merchant thought himself courting Genie, but the woman’s heart had always belonged to Francis.
“These are both men I trust,” Frank said. “And fortunately for us, that trust panned out. We dug up Albion’s grave. The casket was empty.”
“No.” Adrian said something in Spanish and then looked around for his wife. “It’s not possible,” he said once Matilda Shaw reached him. “I was there with Ora when he wept. I wept with him.”
Matilda had tears in her eyes. “Yes, and I cried with Nellie,” she said, mentioning Ora’s wife. Then Matilda shook her head and the tears fell as she turned to Maura. “Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I…”
Maura simply stared at her parents. Julius wanted to take her away. He couldn’t begin to guess at what she felt at that moment.
Francis spoke again. “There were three others who came forward and said they’d seen Albion all those years ago after he’d been buried, but after hearing about what happened between Maura and the vicar, they kept their silence.”
Maura’s Special Spinster’s Society (The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 18
