“No!” Lord Whisken shouted, rising from his chair. “I will not allow you to…” The man reached into his coat and pulled out a pistol, and several women began to scream.
The joy Michael had felt upon turning those cards turned to dread, and his first thought was to protect Emma. However, the marquess who stood behind Lord Whisken grabbed Lord Whisken’s wrist and two cards fell from the man’s sleeve.
“What is this?” the marquess shouted. “Hidden cards! You must cheat to win?”
“I…those are extras,” Lord Whisken said weakly.
George rushed to his master’s side, but several others took hold of him, as well.
“You cheated me out of my estate in Cornwall,” the marquess said angrily. “You cheated everyone!”
Michael glanced at Emma, nodding to show he was all right. Many of the guests had run into the other room, and he did not blame them.
“No!” Lord Whisken screamed, his face filled with fear. “I do not cheat!”
“My wife,” Wallace growled. “I lost her to you in this game!” Wallace pulled back his arm and struck Lord Whisken such a blow that the man tumbled backwards. “Dishonor in this game means only one thing, does it not, my lord?” He spoke the title as a curse.
“Oh-ho!” the marquess said with an evil grin. “I believe it does.” He reached out and gathered the documents and handed them to Michael. “You, sir, are a gentleman and a man of honor. Take your property and your bride. I will deal with this cheat.” Marquess or not, the man had a look of murder, and Michael wanted nothing to do with whatever plans he might have.
With a nod, Michael folded the papers and put them into his coat just as Emma threw her arms around him.
“You did it!” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Michael took Emma by the elbow and guided her from the room without a second look for the man - Lord Whisken or Lord Oswald, whoever he believed himself to be - who pleaded for his life. Michael wanted to be as far from this place as quickly as he could.
***
Emma sat beside Michael in the carriage, her heart filled with love. The man believed in himself, rose from his past to claim a new future, and she could not have been prouder.
Sally and Robert sat across from them, speaking quietly to one another, and Emma smiled at the man who held her hand.
“You did well,” she told him. “Your name, your land, your business holdings are all restored.”
“That it is,” Michael replied as the carriage jostled. “But more importantly, I found myself once again. Though, I should not take all the praise for winning; I received excellent advice from a woman who saved me.”
“Do you mean the way he moved his finger when he bluffed?” she asked.
“No. You trusted me when no one did, including myself. And I suspect you have believed in me for some time now.”
Emma nodded. She had so much she wished to tell him concerning those feelings in her heart, but with the present company, she decided the current moment would not be prudent. “Lord Oswald, or Lord Whisken, has been a cheat all this time. Do you believe he cheated when you played him all those years ago?”
Michael drew in a deep breath. “I wondered the same when I saw those cards fall from his sleeve, but to be honest, it does not matter. You see, I cheated myself.”
Emma sat back. “I do not understand. How?”
“By keeping my heart closed and ignoring an opportunity to open it once again,” he replied. Then he smiled. “Now that I have, I have placed a new wager.”
Emma raised a single eyebrow. “Oh? And what wager is that?”
“That is something I will have to wait to reveal later,” he said.
The carriage came to a stop, and Emma sighed. She was disappointed, for she had hoped to hear him express his love for her. Yet, considering what had transpired earlier, and with Robert and Sally with them, perhaps it was best they wait to express such intimate words.
“Lord Bracken,” Robert said, “will you please join us for a drink? I believe we could all use one after what happened.”
Michael smiled. “Thank you, my lord,” he replied. “I would love one.”
Robert laughed. “I’m no lord.”
Emma giggled at Michael’s expression.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I do not understand.”
“Robert has a title, but it is not marquess. His title is rogue.”
“Rogue?”
She nodded. “Robert the Rogue, to be exact.” She laughed again when Michael’s jaw dropped. “I will explain everything later.”
As they walked to the portico, the door opened. Expecting to see Mosley, Emma stopped short when it was Constance who stood in the doorway. She pulled her coat tighter around her. Her sister’s eyes would pop out of her head if she saw the dress Emma wore!
“Constance,” Emma said, hoping her voice did not shake as much as her legs did, “this is Lord Bracken.”
Her sister said nothing and her face was smooth enough to make anyone believe she had not a thought in her head.
“He did not murder his wife,” Emma continued stupidly. “In fact, he is a good man who saved me tonight.”
“Saved you from what exactly?” Constance asked. She clearly did not believe any of it!
“From losing my virtue and marrying another man.” This made Constance gasp, and Emma hurried to her side. “Lord Oswald found me, but I am now safe. Please, let us come inside and explain.”
Her sister studied them for a moment and then moved aside. “Please, come in.”
As they made their way to the parlor, Constance leaned in and whispered, “I wish to know everything that took place. You had best not keep even a single detail from me, for I have been here since last night wondering where you were!”
“I will tell you everything,” Emma replied, her stomach knotting at the thought of what her sister had endured. “I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
The fire in the fireplace blazed with the same fury Emma suspected Constance held as they entered the parlor. Though Emma’s future this night had been in peril, it was still her sister’s wrath that she feared more.
No sooner had they walked into the room than Stephen entered the room as well. “Well, Emma,” he said, giving her a quick wink, “I’m glad to see you are alive and well.”
“Thank you,” Emma replied. “I’m sorry for causing so much worry.”
Constance went to speak, but Stephen spoke first. “Perhaps Robert and Lord Bracken will join me in the study so the ladies will be able to speak?”
Michael glanced at Emma, and she nodded. He probably believed he had left one fight to find himself in another, but Emma knew better. Robert and Stephen cared for her and would do nothing to hurt the man she loved.
As soon as the door closed, Constance sprang from her chair, her glare making Emma retreat into the cushion of the couch. “I have been so worried about you!” she said. “Now, tell me what happened. Remember, leave nothing out or so help me…”
Emma adjusted her skirts and glanced at Sally. “It all began when Stephen wanted to acquire the land owned by Lord Bracken.”
Constance nodded. “Yes, I remember. You accompanied him to the man’s house.”
“Well…” Emma took a deep breath. She would hold nothing back, just as she promised. That did not make it any easier to speak. “I returned alone.” When Constance closed her eyes, Emma swallowed hard. That was not a good sign. Yet, had she expected anything else? “There was a snowstorm and then I was chased by wolves.”
For some time, Emma told her sister everything from Michael saving her from the icy waters to learning about how he had lost his land in a game of chance and finishing with how the gaming ended this night. When she was done, she was thankful for the wine Sally brought to her, for her throat was parched - not only from speaking, for Constance had begun to pace in front of the fireplace. Another bad sign.
“Lord Whisken is Lord Oswald?” her sister as
ked. “How could the man be so close yet wait all this time to approach you?”
“Michael believes it is because the man uses several aliases. Apparently, he lives separate lives for each of his names, and Whisken is the name he uses for these parties he holds. I do not believe he knew I was here until he saw me one day in town.”
Constance stopped her pacing and shook her head. “Still, it worries me. The threats, the evilness…” her voice broke, but when Emma went to stand to go to her, she raised her hand. “I am well. It is knowing that it was Phillip who brought us all this pain that upsets me.”
“Well, it is over now,” Emma assured the woman. “Lord Oswald, Whisken, whatever his name is, will not bother me anymore.”
“How can you be so sure?”
This time Sally responded. “I have witnessed murder before, and though I did not see it firsthand tonight, I have no doubt that Lord Oswald will no longer draw breath come sunrise.”
With a sigh, Constance nodded. “If you believe Emma is no longer in danger, then I will believe it, as well. Sally, will you inform the men that we will join them shortly? I wish to speak to Emma in private.”
“Of course,” Sally replied.
Once the woman was gone, Constance joined Emma on the couch.
“I’m sorry for what I did,” Emma said. “It was foolish for me to go alone to Lord Bracken’s house.”
“Lord Bracken?” Her voice was not loud, but she was not happy. “After all you told me, you think that he is what bothers me? Emma, you went to this party tonight knowing full well that you may have to wager your virtue. I thought I taught you better than that. It was foolish and unreasonable and by no means the act of a lady. Your name could very well be in ruins even as we speak! Or something far worse could have happened!”
Emma looked down in shame. “I know what you say is true. At one point I had considered not going and had told Michael as much.”
“Then why did you agree to go?” her sister demanded. “Did he force you in some way?”
Raising her head, Emma spoke a truth that rung in her heart as loudly as any church bell. “No. It was because I love him, and I understand that when you love someone, there is nothing you will not do for him, even if it costs you everything.”
Then, to her surprise, Constance nodded and wiped at her eyes. “I suppose you could be right,” she said and then smiled. “No, you are right.” She took Emma’s hands in hers. “So, you love him?”
Emma did not hesitate with her reply. “I do. I realize we have not known each other long, but there is not a shred of doubt that I love him.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Emma smiled. “Because there is nothing I would not do for him, nor he for me. The thought of never seeing him again feels as though all the light of the world will be taken from me if it happens.”
Constance drew Emma into a tight embrace. “I’m happy you are in love,” she said in her ear. “I suppose the two of you will court now?”
“Yes, I suppose we will since he is already my fiancé.” She laughed when her sister gaped at her. “Come, let us join the men and I will explain that later.”
***
When it was time for Michael to leave, the man stood, as did Stephen.
“It is quite late,” Stephen said, “You are welcome to use my horse, but you are also welcome to stay in one of the guest rooms if you would prefer not to travel so late.”
“The offer is generous,” Michael replied. “But I will return to my home tonight. I must, for I will be returning to a house that is once again my own.”
Emma walked him to the door. They stood on the portico, the night air cool, and she looked at the man she loved as he spoke. “Tonight has been wonderful, but I have so much I want to say.”
“As do I,” she replied with a nod.
“For now, I will say thank you, though I promise I will say more later. If it is all right with you, I would like to call over in two days. I believe tomorrow I wish to reflect on this new life ahead of me, and after all we have been through, I imagine we both need some rest.”
“You are right,” Emma replied with a light laugh. Then she paused. What she wanted to explain was how much she loved him, but was now the right time? “Michael…”
He placed a finger on her lips, silencing her words. Then he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “It is past midnight, and I do not want to stay any longer, for I am tempted to kiss you. I do not believe your sister would be pleased, and your brother-in-law and that man Robert have made it quite clear what they think of me stealing kisses from you.”
This made Emma giggle. With the man’s playful tone, she doubted Robert and Stephen had threatened him too terribly.
His lips brushed hers. “Goodnight, Emma.”
“Goodnight,” she whispered, wishing she was leaving with him.
She remained in front of the house as he walked toward the stables. The door opened behind her, and Constance came to stand beside her and place a coat over her shoulders.
“Do you wish to watch him leave?” her sister asked.
Emma nodded, and soon Michael emerged, waving to her as he rode past them.
“Do you fear he will not return?”
“No,” Emma replied with a smile. “My hero always returns.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Balder, Michael’s faithful stallion, snorted as it made its way down the road. The air had a chill to it as snow fell around him. Michael had spent the previous day resting and reflecting on his life, and now with all that had been taken from him returned, he was ready to start anew.
“The last time we had snow, it brought me a wonderful woman,” he said to the horse. “Now, I think it will do the same again. Do you agree, old boy?” Instead of the usual snort, Balder dipped his head. Michael’s laugh reverberated in the trees that lined the road.
He was nearing Sweetspire Estates where he would see Emma. It was time for him to share everything that was on his heart. A new life had been gifted him, and he wanted nothing more than Emma to be a part of it.
When he arrived at the estate, a stable hand collected his horse, and Michael made his way to the front door. He knocked once, and Lady Chambers answered. The oldest of the sisters was a lovely woman, but Emma was all the more. At least in Michael’s eyes.
“Lord Bracken,” the woman said with a dip of her head, “it is good to see you again.”
“Thank you,” Michael said, returning her courtesy with a bow before entering the house. He smiled at the old butler, who lay asleep on a chair in the foyer.
“Mosley,” Lady Chambers whispered. “He tends to spend more time sleeping these days than working, but we do not mind. He is wanted here.”
Michael nodded. “Emma has spoken highly of him. In fact, she has spoken well of all of you, including the man called the Rogue.”
Lady Chambers chuckled. “Oh yes, Robert is a dear friend. Emma will likely inform you of the important people in her life.” She paused and studied him for a moment. “Lord Bracken…”
“No, please, call me Michael.”
“Very well, then you must call me Constance.” She sighed. “I wanted to thank you for protecting my sister and saving her life. We are indebted to you.”
Michael shook his head. “There is no debt that I wish to put on anyone, not after having endured it myself.”
Constance dipped her head and turned toward a long hallway. “Emma is in the gardens. If you go through that door,” she pointed to a large door at the end of the hallway, “you will find her. I see no reason you cannot go and speak with her.”
Michael thanked her and walked through the door the woman indicated. He made his way down the cobbled path, excitement growing within him with each step, until he noticed Emma leaning against the trunk of a large tree.
“Are you not cold?” Michael asked, hoping he would not startle her.
She turned and smiled. “I am a little,” she replied, “but I like the snow as it falls.
It reminds me of when you saved me.”
Michael inhaled deeply and then took her gloved hands in his. “That was the day you saved me.”
“I saved you?” she asked, her brow scrunched in confusion.
Michael nodded. “Indeed. You see, I was a man who had hidden away from everyone, lost in darkness, consumed with drink, and as bitter as stale ale. I will not lie, when you stayed at Bracken House, I had only wanted you for my own selfish needs, but that began to change.”
Emma smiled and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I changed, as well.”
He shook his head, and she frowned. “I must say this,” he continued, “or my courage will seep away.” She nodded, and he took a deep breath to gather his thoughts. “When I was angry, you responded with kindness. I had been cruel and yet you remained yourself - the woman who is strong and brave. One who hides the scars of her past from those she loved but was willing to share them with me.” He wiped a tear that trailed down her face. “For the first time in many years, I found the wall around my heart starting to buckle, just as my stable threatens to do.” This made them both chuckle. “But it was at the party Lord Whisken held, when I thought all was lost, that you believed in me. You gave me what I needed to win, and it is something I wish to have with me forever.”
“Oh, Michael!” she cried as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “That was beautiful.”
He smiled down at her. “In the carriage, I told you I placed a new wager. Do you remember?”
She nodded. “I do.”
“I will tell it to you now,” he said as the snowfall thickened. “I love you, Miss Emma Shepherd, and I know I do not possess everything you wanted in a hero, but I can offer you this. I wager that, if you love me as I love you, our life will be great and nothing will be able to stop it.”
He held his breath. His heart pounded in his chest as he awaited her reply.
Then Emma took his hands and squeezed them. “I must tell you something, as well.”
Barons Always Win Wagers (Forbidden Kisses Book 3) Page 20
