Lady Overton's Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

  “That could take years,” she lamented. “Anissa needs you with her now. You need to convince her to stay here at least until Harry is old enough to go to school. I see the love in your eyes, son. She has captured your heart, and I think she’s half in love with you as well.”

  His heart surged. He desperately wanted to believe Anissa would fall in love with him. “Do you think so, Ma? You’re right about me loving her. I never thought I could fall in love after what Pamela did, but she’s so different from any other woman I’ve ever known. I actually trust her. She’s so honest, and, Lord knows, I’ve been attracted to her from our first encounter. I can still see her looking at me with those startling blue eyes, when she asked me to allow her passage on my ship.”

  “Have you told her you love her?”

  He shook his head. “Nah, Ma. It’s too soon. Her mind is still too set on getting back to England. I have almost eight months to get her to change it. I need to show her what a good husband I can be. Anyway, I need to figure out how to get rid of Lord Howard, so he is not a threat to either her or Harry. If she knows Barrington will step in as Harry’s legal guardian, then I’ll have a better chance of convincing her to stay.”

  “Well, you know better than I what is best. I hate to say this, but I need to stop soon. I suppose I shouldn’t have had so much of that tea Lucy packed for us.”

  “All right, Ma.” Then leaning his head out the window, he told the driver to stop up ahead. “I think I’ll ride Blazer a bit, you know how he hates traveling behind a carriage.”

  Darkness had descended by the time they made it home. Since it was so late, he persuaded his mother to send a note round instead of getting Kathleen. Tomorrow would be soon enough. After kissing his mother goodnight, he went into his study, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and sat in his chair, leaning his head against the cushioned back.

  God, it had been so hard to leave Anissa that morning. This past week had been heavenly. He enjoyed spending time with her, and they had so much in common. They could have a solid marriage, if he could make these problems with Lord Howard go away. If the duke wrote telling them he would be willing to take over Harry’s guardianship, it would make at least one of their problems disappear. He believed Barrington would do it, but the problem with Lord Howard would still plague them. Anissa could not think of having any kind of life with him, until that foul man was out of the way and no longer a threat for Harry.

  When his mother said she thought Anissa might be falling in love with him, his pulse skipped a beat or two. He’d had to bite his tongue last night after they finished making love to keep from telling her how much he loved her. Even if she did have some feelings for him, she would not let it come before Harry. He yawned, tired from being in the saddle most of the day. Oh well, this worrying did not accomplish anything, and he had a long day ahead tomorrow. Finishing his whiskey, he went upstairs to his lonely bed.

  The next morning, he went over to Regina’s house to get Kathleen. As soon as she saw him, she walked up to him and punched his arm. “How could you get married without me? You never said a thing to me before you left. In fact, you were all grouchy over having to go to Meadow Grove. I’ll never forgive you for this,” Kathleen admonished as she stomped her little foot.

  “Now, Kathleen calm down,” he pleaded.

  She turned her back to him, then whipped her head around and directed a hard stare his way as she cried, “It’s not fair. I always get left out of everything that’s important.”

  He moved around and faced her, then tilted up her defiant chin. “I’m sorry you weren’t able to be there. I had no idea Anissa would accept my proposal when I left here. Once she did, since Ma was there, we went ahead and had the wedding. I didn’t want to wait, in case she changed her mind. Come on, please forgive me.”

  Kathleen grinned up at him. “Oh, all right, but the next time you go back to see her, I’m coming with you, and that’s that! I’m glad you married her. It’s past time you settled down and quit carousing.”

  Raising his brow, he asked, “What do you know about me carousing? That’s none of your business, missy.” She opened her mouth to rant again, and he held up his hand to ward her off. “Enough, I promise to take you when I go back next time. Now get your things, I need to get you back to the house so I can go to town. No telling what’s happened. I hadn’t planned on being away for more than a week when I left.”

  After he dropped Kathleen off at the house, he made his way to his office. When he arrived, his clerk filled him in on what had happened during his absence. As they were winding up their discussion, Maynard slapped his forehead. “Damn, I almost forgot. You remember that fancy gent who came to see you right before you left for Alexandria? He’s back in town, askin’ questions. I thought you’d want to know.”

  God’s teeth, he had hoped that he had been convincing enough, but evidently not. “Devil take it. When did he return? There’s no way he went to Boston that fast. That was only ten days ago.” Then realizing he had shouted, he lowered his voice and asked, “What kind of questions did he ask, and who’s he been talking to, do you know?”

  “I saw him questionin’ some of the stevedores last Friday afternoon, and then he came here late in the day as I locked up, wantin’ to talk to you. I told him you would be in sometime today. He said he’d return to see you.”

  “You didn’t tell him where I was, did you?”

  “Nah, Cap’n,” Maynard drawled, “I knew you didn’t want anybody to know where you took Mrs. Carlson. I did get the feelin’ he didn’t believe your story about her goin’ to Boston. He kept askin’ me if I knew anythin’, and he even offered me some money. No tellin’ what the stevedores told him if he offered them coin.”

  Going over to the sideboard, he poured a glass of water and gulped it down, then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. “I appreciate you telling me this. Let’s get back to work. Bring me those bills of lading for Murray’s ship. Send a message to Captain Merryweather letting him know I’m back and want to see him right away.”

  “I’m on it, Cap’n,” His clerk turned and then hurried out to do his bidding.

  It should have taken Lord Howard at least a month, if not six weeks before he returned. When he discovered no trace of Anissa and Harry on the road to Boston, he must have turned back. Now he wished he had never introduced her around Washington. At least, he had introduced her as his wife. Her name before she married never came up in any of the conversations, albeit her origin had.

  Alex spent the rest of the morning going over reports and meeting with Captain Merryweather and Captain Murray. The completion of the new ship was progressing nicely, and the sea trials were set for the middle of August. If everything continued to go so well, they might be able to move them up a week. Murray’s ship would be ready to sail on the fifteenth. He kept watching the clock and drumming his fingers on the desk, his concentration shot all to hell as he waited for Lord Howard to arrive at any minute.

  As he tidied his desk so he could leave for home, Maynard called through the door, “That gentleman’s back to see ya, sir.”

  Adrenaline pumped through his veins. He had to convince the man that he had no idea where Anissa was. “Good afternoon, Lord Howard. I understand you wanted to talk to me. How can I help you?”

  Staring him in the eye, Lord Howard demanded, “Tell me where my great-nephew is. You sent me on a false trail, dammit! I could find no evidence they ever left Baltimore. You lied to me,” he barked out, then sucking in a breath, he yelled, “You know where they are. By God, you will tell me, or I shall make your life a living hell.”

  Keeping his voice even, Alex answered in a drawling voice, “I told you all I know. Lady Overton told me she planned to go to Boston. I suppose she must have changed her mind. She did ask questions about Philadelphia. Perhaps she told me Boston, knowing you would come looking for her, and then changed her destination. Let me assure you, I could not see the back of her and her son fast enough
. Now, I’ve been away for the past few days on business and need to get home to my family. I bid you good evenin’, sirrah.”

  Grumbling, Lord Howard remarked, “Well, at least Philadelphia isn’t as far away. I suppose I will have to go there. Good day to you, Captain.” He turned on his heel and stormed out of the office.

  Alex went to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of whiskey, downing it in three gulps. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped more sweat from his brow. Even though the furious heat would make anyone sweat, it was fear that had him sweating. He prayed Lord Howard had taken the bait and would look for Anissa in Philadelphia.

  Over the next few days, Alex did not hear any more news concerning Lord Howard and began to relax his guard. The man must have gone to Philadelphia. On Friday, he left at noon, leaving Maynard in charge until he returned on Monday or Tuesday. When he arrived home, he found Kathleen packed and ready to go. They were taking the curricle instead of the carriage so they could make better time. By one o’clock, they were on the open road headed toward Alexandria.

  Kathleen handled traveling much greater distances in between stops than his mother had, so they only broke their trip once half way through, to water the horses and take care of their personal needs. The sky remained clear except for a light shower around five o’clock, which cooled the temperature down somewhat.

  Around six, Alex had an eerie feeling, as if someone watched him, but he did not see anyone, and he shook it off, attributing it to all the worry he had been under ever since his conversation with Lord Howard.

  To take his mind off the feeling, he broached the subject he had wanted to discuss with his sister for several days. “How is William? I haven’t heard you mention him lately. Is he still courting you?”

  Kathleen turned toward him. “William is fine and yes, he is still courting me. He’s been busy this week. The assistant bank manager has been ill, so William has had to do his work along with his own. Now that his father has turned over the bank to him, he has a lot more responsibility.”

  “You know, Kathleen, you’re still quite young. I know you like William, but I would like you to enjoy life a bit before you settle down. After all, you won’t be eighteen until December.”

  Rolling her eyes, she glared at him. “I’m old enough to know my own mind. I’m in love with William, and we’ve discussed marriage. However, William feels we need to wait until next year. After he’s had more time managing the bank, we’ll get married. After all, being the bank president is very important to him, and he needs to prove to his father he can handle all the responsibility. A wife right now could interfere with his concentration.”

  “I suppose I have no major issues with you marrying him next year,” he muttered, “but William should have talked to me before he discussed marriage with you.”

  Kathleen folded her arms across her chest and huffed. “You are so old-fashioned. I’m the one who will be marrying him, not you. It’s not as if he can’t take care of me, he is a bank president you know.”

  “It’s more a sign of respect. He should have talked to me first,” he retorted. “I’m sure he’ll be able to take care of you. That’s not the issue. You make sure he understands that he needs to talk to me and soon, young lady.”

  Turning her back to him, Kathleen refused to discuss it further. Alex believed he had sound reason for wanting William to talk to him regarding his desire to marry his sister. It was so hard to think of her as old enough to consider marriage. It seemed like yesterday she ran around the property climbing trees and playing hide-and-seek with her friends, and her horse claimed the center of her universe. He supposed he needed to accept that his little sister was not so little anymore.

  The closer he drew to Alexandria, the more anxious he became. He hoped Anissa did not withdraw from him after being apart for a week. Being apart most of the time made it hard to develop a closer bond. It gave her too much time to dwell on their problems.

  As the setting sun had the sky going from blue to vivid pinks and purples, he pulled the curricle into the drive. After helping his sister down, he grabbed their valises and made his way up the steps to the house. He heard Anissa’s sweet voice drifting through the parlor window and his loins tightened. He could not wait to hold her in his arms and make love to her.

  Taking great strides, he reached the living room and entered as his wife looked up. Joy lit her bright blue eyes, and a hundred pounds lifted off his shoulders. She…looked happy to see him.

  Standing up, she rushed forward and offered him her cheek. “Alex, I’m so glad you have arrived. And you’ve brought Kathleen with you, how lovely.” After he gave her a quick kiss, she spoke to his sister, “I’m so pleased to see you.”

  Kathleen came forward and gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you married my brother. Now I have a sister. I’ve always wanted one. I wish you happiness in your marriage.”

  “Why thank you, Kathleen,” she said, returning her hug. “What a nice compliment. I have longed for a sister as well.” Then she looked over at Alex and asked, “Did you have a good trip?”

  “We made excellent time,” he replied. “The sun blazed down on us most of the day making it a very hot and dusty trip though. Around five, we had a light shower. That took some of the humidity out of the air. Where are Melanie and Harry?”

  “I’m sure they will be here in a few minutes. They went to the stable to feed Sir Lancelot and Sparky.”

  Alex pulled her to him. “Oh, so Melanie finally decided on a name for her pony. I hope she’s been behaving herself. I must say, you look well rested. I worried that the children might tire you, but I’m relieved my concerns were unfounded. You look radiant, darlin’.”

  Before she could respond, Melanie ran into the room and threw her little arms around her father. “Daddy, you came. I missed you so much, but I’ve been havin’ loads of fun with Harry. He taught me how to skip rocks and everything.” Then turning to her aunt, she released her father and gave her a hug as well. “I missed you too, Auntie.”

  He noticed Harry hanging back and walked over to him. “Have you been taking care of your mama like I asked you to?”

  Puffing out his little chest, he saluted. “Aye, aye, Captain,” then lowering his voice to a whisper, he added, “It was hard though. I had to convince her to take a nap every afternoon.”

  He patted the child on his back. “I knew I could count on you.” Looking over at Anissa, he asked, “Do you think Mrs. A has anything left over from supper? I’m starving, and I’m sure Kathleen’s hungry as well.”

  “I’m sure she does. She made chicken and dumplings and usually makes extra. Shall we go find out?”

  Everybody went to the kitchen, and as luck would have it, Lucy had plenty of chicken and dumplings, along with biscuits for the hungry travelers. While Alex and Kathleen ate, his wife put the youngsters to bed. As he and Kathleen reached the landing, Anissa closed her son’s door. She showed his sister to the bedroom he had used in the past. After Kathleen settled in, they wished her a good night and went to their room.

  As soon as the door closed, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a bruising kiss. “I thought we’d never get everyone to bed so we could be alone. Darlin’, I’ve missed you. Have you missed me?”

  “Ever so much. I’m delighted you were able to come this weekend. I truly did not expect you to come though, so I’m pleasantly surprised.”

  “I had something to tell you,” He swallowed and hesitated before blurting out, “Lord Howard’s back in Baltimore.”

  “What?” she cried out, “How could he be back already? I thought you told him I went to Boston? Oh, Alex, what are we going to do?”

  Raising her chin, he looked into her worried eyes. “Now, darlin’ I don’t want you fretting over this. I told him you asked me about Philadelphia and that perhaps you went there instead. I think he believed me, and he has gone there to look for you. Remember, there’s no way he can find you here. Harry is safe. Enough talking for now. We can discuss
it later. Let me take your mind off all of these troubles.”

  Lowering his head, he ravished her mouth, and Anissa returned his kiss just as fervently. Desperate to be skin to skin, they tugged and pulled each other’s clothing off. Before long, they were naked and writhing on the bed. He surged into her all the way to the hilt. She wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him tight against her wet center as he plunged deeper and deeper, reaching for the moon and the stars.

  His arms began to tremble as he tried to hold his upper body off her, not wanting to crush her. She was not having any of that. She clasped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss, twining her tongue around his. His wife might be prim and proper in the drawing room, but in the bedroom, she turned into a little hellcat.

  Her inner walls tightened around his cock as he continued stroking, then pulling out, only to plunge in again. He shook as he held back his climax, waiting for her. Anissa let out a low, keening sound, letting him know she had gained her release. With one final thrust, he spent his seed.

  After reaching the pinnacle of pleasure greater than he had ever known, he came back down to earth. He pulled his wife close, then they both fell asleep, holding each other as if they never wanted to let go.

  When he awoke the next morning, Anissa’s sweet, curvaceous bottom cuddled up against his stiff erection and sent his senses spinning. Desire raced through his veins, turning his blood to molten lava. His hand roamed to her breast and her nipple puckered, ready for his kiss.

  She arched her back and moaned. He pushed her gorgeous golden curls to the side and kissed the nape of her neck. “Roll over so I can give you your morning kiss.” Doing as he asked, she raised her lips to his. Where last night had been about fulfilling a physical hunger both of them felt, this morning would feed their sensual side. Sliding between her slender thighs, he slowly penetrated her, inch by heart-stopping inch. Once fully embedded deep inside her, he moved with slow, earth-shattering strokes, making each a delight to the senses.