Cole paused and looked around. “I noticed that she wears the same 6 dresses, even switching up the stitching to make them seem as though it’s a new dress. The hem will be changed to suit the styles for the year, and even the color has changed on a few occasions, but they are several years out of date.” Cole sighed, “I found out that her family is severely without funds. Her brother has gambled away all of their fortune. He sits in the clubs and at the gaming tables, not caring that his sister is left alone. Left to deal with men from the ton, to deal with the women ripping her to shreds each time she steps into a ballroom. With each night he is at the clubs, he is drawing them deeper and deeper into debt.”
He paused again, shaking his head in anger. “I even tried to pay his debt, but he took a lot of that money and gambled it too. So, I started sending it in small amounts through an old fictitious relative. It is stipulated that it is only for her use and her brother has no claim to any of it. I sincerely doubt that she uses the funds on herself, as she still wears her clothes out of date, but is beautiful nonetheless. And after three years is still a wallflower, she is still unattached -thank god for that- and just as kind and generous to everyone around her.”
He smiled at Aidan “Though I did find out that she gives a lot of the money to an orphanage in White Chapel. An orphanage that she helped found and open with the help of a friend of hers. That silly girl goes there unescorted. Through the toughest streets in London! She walks them as though there is no one who would harm her. I have hired men to watch out for her because she is so fearless. She is truly magnificent and wonderful Aidan. I need to finally talk to her. I can take it no longer. Each time I see her makes it that much harder to leave her behind. To not grab her and make her mine regardless of who is watching. You are absolutely right when you said we need a new legacy. I warn you now that my legacy is going to include her.”
Cole put his head down and waited for what Aidan had to say.
Aidan looked at his brothers bent head, and started laughing. “Cole, I am proud of you. I cannot wait to meet the girl who has held my brother’s heart in her hands and didn’t even know. Hearing everything about her, I can tell, you will definitely not have a quiet life with that one. And I have a feeling it is something you don’t mind.” Cole smiled and Aidan nodded.
“Rhia is still gaining her feet here, but I feel that my life with her will be nothing but marvelous. If we didn’t have these blasted relatives here and shaking up our entire lives, I would send you to London today. To her. I know this is hard on you. Being here when the Season is due to start soon.”
Cole grimaced. “It is. I hate not seeing her every day and making certain she is all right. Thank you, Aidan. I will go as soon as we get the bloody thing over with. I have no care if the Season is to start. I just want to be back with her. Protecting her from those that would wish to harm her.”
Cole shook his head, “The damned Season. How I loathe it. The greedy women who only see stacks of money and a title. Hell, sometimes they don’t see the money, only the title. The men who are only in it for the easy bed sport. I could probably point out who has slept with whom in the room. It is almost unbelievable, but yet it is all true.” Cole rolled his eyes and Aidan chuckled.
“The only people I have even wished to speak with is Eden, although she and I haven’t had that chance yet. And Lord Cabe Michael James. I met him a couple of years ago and he left for the navy about a year after we met. Cabe is very interesting and he is much like we are in his beliefs and the way he holds the ton in such contempt. His elder brother held the title originally, so he bought a commission as a Captain in the royally navy. He was raised on ships, so it was a perfect fit for him. But his brother left England unexpectedly and left Cabe the title. So, he was an Earl and also a Captain in the navy. I told you in my last letter about his injury and subsequent recovery. He has been home for quite some time now trying to recuperate, but since he lost his leg, just below the knee it hasn’t been easy. He has had to learn how to function with his prosthetic, and it has been difficult, to say the least. He writes to me from time to time, telling me of his struggles and how he fares. Being without his leg has been hard on him. He is a very good friend and an excellent man. I try to keep in contact with him, and when I return to London, I was planning on visiting him to see how he is doing. I hope one day that you will be able to make his acquaintance.”
He ran his hand through his hair, “I am certain there are more good people of the ton, but I don’t know who they are. As I said earlier, I don’t really speak to many people, if any, when I go to events.”
Aidan looked at the ground. “Sometimes I wish that I could go and see all these things, but then I realize how I would look to them. People can’t stand to look at me, and I refuse to be included in their gossip or slander. It is the biggest worry I have with all these people coming to the ball. What they will say, even if I don’t show my face. I just know that there will be someone who will do something to make it seem like I am the monster they think I am.”
Cole looked over at his brother’s scarred face. “Aidan, you cannot worry about that. If they want to treat you badly, let them. It is who they are and they won’t change it, no matter how much we wish it to be so. They don’t have it in them. Just be the man you are and don’t let your scars rule you. Just like we are not our father, your scars do not define you. You got them in the worst way, but Aidan, when we see you, we just see Aidan. Not a monster. A man. And I can guarantee you this,”
Aidan looked up when Cole stopped speaking. “What?”
Cole smiled, “Rhiannon doesn’t notice your scars either. When you speak to her, she isn’t focused on them. She is looking into your eyes. It is wonderful to see. I noticed that she doesn’t even pay them any heed. She just ignores them completely. You really should pay attention when you speak to her. Watch her eyes. They never linger on your face. She always just looks you in the eyes.”
Aidan grinned. “You are right Cole. She does only look at my eyes. It is rather hard to look up at my eyes, but she does nonetheless. What with the difference in height.”
Cole laughed out loud. “So true brother. Like you said, she barely reaches your shoulder.”
Aidan shoved his brother’s shoulder lightly. “I like that she is so small, but yet so strong.”
Cole shook his head. “Eden is quite small also, fierce and prideful. But small.”
Aidan smiled, “Well, I guess it was inevitable, us finding small women. There aren’t many men that tall and with us standing taller than most.”
Cole laughed. “I have only met two men who can look me in the eye and not have to look up. Lord James, and a street fighter named Burk Mason. They call him the Devil of the Underworld or the Spaniard. He is the best fighter I have ever seen. His reputation precedes him. And he is taller than you and I.”
Aidan turned shocked eyes to Cole. “Taller than us?”
Cole nodded. “I saw him once quite by accident when I followed Eden to her orphanage. He also helps out the children that live there. I think he was the one who helped her to open it in the first place. Truly, he was massive Aidan. Broader shoulders than us and if I had gotten close, I bet I would have had to look up a few inches to see his eyes.”
Aidan laughed, “Well, someday I will make it to London and see this man. To find someone taller than us is new.”
Cole chuckled. “I do worry if I have to fight him over Eden’s affections. It’s a fight I wouldn’t win. And that terrifies me. I saw him fight once, and it was a sight to behold Aidan. The way he fights is extraordinary. He moves faster than a man of his size should. I have seen the devastation of his punches.” Cole shuddered. “However, I don’t think they are romantically involved. I never saw the evidence of it. I just know have to be very careful of that man.”
Aidan laughed again. “Yes, Cole. Look into it more before jumping to conclusions.”
Cole shoved Aidan’s shoulder and they grinned and walked to their horses. Feeling
lighter inside for having this conversation with the other. Aidan also felt better knowing Cole was in the same predicament he was in.
Having his brother here to help him win Rhia’s heart was something he didn’t realize he needed, but was grateful for nonetheless.
Chapter Eleven
Braddock
London, England Sept, 1812
Braddock Smith was angry. Completely and unutterably pissed off. Nothing ever went right in his world, and he was just about over not having the life he was supposed to lead. It was a big reason why he was in this predicament. Revenge wasn’t cheap.
He sat at his desk, the ledgers in front of him making him see red. How could this happen? There was not an extra coin to be had. All of his money had finally run out. Soon, the debt collectors would come knocking down the door to get the money they did not have. They, among other unsavory men whom he had borrowed money from, would come for their due. Which he did not have. Hopefully, he would be in the country before they could find him, but he needed money to get there. Otherwise, the men would find him and demand money he did not have.
Cursing, he threw the book across the room, where it hit the wall with a thump. Not feeling any better about the unsatisfactory throw, Braddock picked up more things from the desk and threw a few more things, which crashed and shattered against the walls, and floor before the door opened to reveal his servant.
His most loyal servant. She would do or say anything for him, tempt anyone away from their purse with her body. She did that quite well. It was his favorite thing about her. That not only was she his cook, his maid and everything he needed, she was also and mainly his whore. She was rather good at it. It was the main reason why she still lived. “Something amiss?”
He growled, “The money is gone. They will come try to collect soon. And if they can't get their money, then I'm off to debtors’ prison. Or off to hell, if I cannot pay the other men. Which you know I cannot. This isn’t happening. I have worked too hard for this moment for me to stop now. This isn’t supposed to be my life. But of course, they don’t care, do they? Not having any money is their fault. They live like kings with my money, go to events with my title, while here I sit in squalor and starve.”
She scowled, “I am certain we can find some coin; I just know it. We have dealt with no funds before and it was fine. I will find something. I promise. We just need to get those debt collectors off our backs. I am sure there is money somewhere.”
Braddock cursed, “If there was money, you stupid cow, then I wouldn’t be upset, now would I? I need to get to the country, to that fucking ball, or else none of what I worked for will fall into place. This is it. My time has finally come and I will not stop because there is no money to be had. Find me some money somewhere so I can get there. That is all I need you to do.”
Winifred turned a shade of puce at his insult. “I will do what I can. I am sure I can find some money. Even if I have to sell my favors. I have done it before and have a man willing to pay top dollar for them. Or, we could leave. Start over somewhere.”
He shook his head, rage filling him. He stood up abruptly and slammed his fist on the desk so hard it rattled. Winifred jumped and he snarled at her.
“You understand nothing do you? I will not run like a fucking rabbit. They did this to me, made me live this way, while they live the life that I am supposed to lead. I am the one who should hold that title, and the fortune. Not those two lackwits. They are not the rightful heirs. I am. And, if you ever suggest we run away again, you will not live to see the next five minutes. I have worked too damn hard for us to leave now. Not when I am so close. You just can’t wrap your tiny brain around that concept, can you? There is nothing between those eyes. The only thing you are good for is spreading your legs.”
She shook her head, her face still red from his insults. “Braddock, you can never prove that you are the heir. That your father was your father. What you have is hearsay. No one knows that you even exist. You killed the only man who did. And now you have nothing. You remember what happened to your father? How he was completely cut from their lives? And since your father wasn't married to your mother, they would not let that go either. You have no claim to the title. We have to figure something else out. This isn’t a battle you can win. Not unless you killed the entire family and made certain there was no one else to claim your title.”
He slammed his hands on his desk again, “I don’t have to prove to them who I am. This war has already been fought, and I will be winning it very soon. I already have plans in motion. Which is why I need to get there now. The entire Dukedom and everything that goes with it, is rightfully mine. If I have to shoot and kill every last person there, I will. My father taught me well. But that would be too easy. Too quick. Too selfish of me to end their agony so early. It would be kinder than what I have in mind for them anyway.”
Winifred blanched, “I just hope you know what you are doing.”
Braddock leaned forward over the desk and grabbed her by the arms, he hauled her up until she was inches away from his face. “I know exactly what I am doing, and if you try to get in my way, I will kill you. It would not sadden me, in fact I wouldn’t think of you again. I have waited too long for this and no one, especially not some stupid bitch I found on the streets, will stop me. Go do what needs to be done, and get the fuck out of my sight before I follow through with my threat. Because I am in the mood to kill someone and I don’t care who it is.”
He shoved her away from him and she hit the ground. “I am sorry Braddock; I promise I will go find some money. Please don’t hurt me.”
Braddock didn’t care where she found money. Because she was no longer his concern. She just didn’t know that tiny detail. The money was already found, he just had to be patient a little longer. And hopefully with his plan, he would be able to pay off everyone before they killed him.
He smiled a dangerous smile. “Get out of here. You have done enough. I need to be out of here by tonight. Koryn and Katarina have already gotten me an invitation and a room.”
Winifred looked over at him, “I already prepared your trunk for your journey.”
Braddock didn’t look over at her, just walked to the window. “Get out of here. I need my money. You find some while I am gone, and when I come back there had better be enough, or I will kill you.”
He heard her suck in a breath, “I should have known long ago that you would be just as bloodthirsty as your father.”
Braddock looked at her, “Of course I am. You knew going into this that it would only end in one way. He taught me everything I needed to know. After fixing his problem, he knew that I would be the one to take his place. And he was right. I am not afraid of doing what needs to be done to set things straight. I will sit back no longer. No more waiting, no more watching. I am ready to end this once and for all.”
She left, and Braddock sat back down at his desk, going over every last detail of the plan to take the St. Andrew family down. With his people on the inside it would be easy to gain access to the St. Andrew family.
He would not hesitate to break each person until they were nothing but former shells of themselves. He didn’t care if he had to slaughter every single member of their family. He would stop at nothing to have the legacy that should have been his.
He was just like his father in that way. Pure evil and he simply didn't care. He reveled in his thoughts and deeds that would get him to the top.
It was only days away and he would finally see the bastards for himself. He felt good, knowing things about their family they didn't. Important, life changing things. But these were secrets that he would never divulge. He wanted to give them a tease and then let them suffer. And oh, did that feel good.
This thought made him smile. Now he could finally see the possibilities. And he couldn't wait. He needed to get there, get his disguise in place, and maybe he would have time to get Katarina to do whatever he wanted her to do.
She was a dirty girl, always willing to do what he
wanted in his bed. She was by far his best fuck he had ever had. And she would help him burn the St. Andrew family to the ground.
He smiled again as he got up. He knew Winifred would try to find some money, but he had already set it up for one of the local flesh-peddlers to buy her for top dollar. He grinned even bigger knowing what she would find when she went outside.
He laughed when he heard her screams of denial and rage, and he reveled in it. She was too nosy, and stood in his way. She wouldn’t be standing anymore. No, she would be taking her punishment on her back. For the rest of her life. No one questioned him and got away with it. No one. She shouldn’t have. At all.
He walked to his room, and finished the last of the packing. When he walked outside, he was handed the bag of money from Winifred’s sale, and he got on his horse, and whistled the entire ride out of London.
Chapter Twelve
Aidan
Northumberland, England end of Sept 1812
After their ride, Aidan and Cole helped with the outside chores before the light started to fade and they went in to get cleaned up for dinner.
They had a quiet dinner with their mother and sisters upstairs in his mother’s sitting room, and Aidan checked on Rhia one last time. She was sleeping soundly, her body still recovering from the illness that had ravaged her hard.
The Duke Who Loved Me Page 15
