by Vikki Vaught
Howard wished he could take the boy away, but that might show his hand, and that would not be wise. The best thing for him to do would be to move about the ton, continuing to spread his story concerning Anissa’s madness.
As soon as he arrived at Overton House, he sent for the nurse. When she arrived, he motioned for her to take a seat. “Eunice, it is of the upmost importance for you to guard the young master carefully. I do not want him taken outside beyond the back garden. His demented mother has returned to London. I fear she will try to harm the boy. I know how attached you have grown to young Harry, so I know I can count on you to keep him safe. There will be a guard stationed by the nursery door, and he will accompany you when you take the boy out to the garden.”
“Oh, milord,” Eunice assured him, “I’ll guard ’im with me life. I knows how precious th’ little lord is t’ ye. And I’ll make sure he drinks his tonic ever’ day, like ye asked me t’. The wee lord is so delicate, I fear fer his life if his mother gets hold o’ him again. Ye told me how unhinged she is.”
Howard nodded in agreement. “Good, good, Eunice. That is exactly right. Do not forget to give him his tonic. It keeps him calm. I know I can trust you. Since you now understand the danger, I shall let you return to your duties.” Eunice curtsied and left the study.
After the nursemaid left, Howard slumped down in his chair, turning his head side to side, trying to work the knot of tension out of his neck. Finally, feeling more relaxed, he reached for paper and quill and wrote a missive to his solicitor, asking him to come over right away. At least the old fool had given him some warning. He would make sure his solicitor filed his petition first, so he could retain guardianship over the boy. Possession was nine tenths of the law, and everyone knew he was Harry’s blood relative on top of that.
What Barrington did not know could only help his cause. The forged document, giving him sole custody of young Harry, would help him win. No court in the land would overlook the wishes of the boy’s dear departed father.
Yes, all would be well in the end. Then once everything died down, young Harry would suffer his tragic accident, and finally…he would be the marquess at last.
Chapter Twenty-Three
When Anissa awoke from her nap, she felt much better. At least she knew Harry was still alive and in London. With a powerful duke on her side, no court would rule against her. She thanked God for the foresight in asking Barrington to be Harry’s godfather.
Rising from her bed, Anissa went to the washbasin and cleaned her face and hands. She rang for the maid Sylvia had assigned her. Once she arrived, Anissa dressed for dinner. Hearing a light knock on the adjoining door, she called, “Come in.”
Alex entered, then came over and kissed her cheek. “Good evening, darlin’. You look much better. I checked on you an hour ago and found you sleeping. I wanted to tell you of my conversation with Barrington. He has suggested we go to some of the ton parties. That way society will see you are as sane as they are. I know it will be difficult, but I do feel it’s the right approach.”
Anissa hesitated. This plan could possibly hurt their situation. After all, Kendall had barely been gone a year, and here she was married again, and to an American. “Alex, some of the old dragons of the ton may feel that my marrying before my year of mourning ended is scandalous. The Dowager Duchess of Brentwood would love to tear me to shreds. She has always held a grudge because Kendall married me instead of her daughter.”
“I don’t think we have any choice. Lord Howard has spread the malicious rumor that you have lost your mind and that you’re a danger to Harry. The ton needs to see you acting normally so we can dispel this gossip. Besides, you’re not the first woman to remarry before your year of mourning was over. If they see how much we love each other, I think they will receive us better than you think. Everyone enjoys seeing a love match when there are so few around.”
Still skeptical, Anissa asked, “When do we attend our first party? I shall need to get a few new gowns, if I’m going to have to face society.”
Alex had a gleam in his black eyes as he gave her a knowing look. “Darlin’, you would look good in sack cloth and ashes, but I’m sure it can be arranged. Barrington mentioned a garden party tomorrow afternoon at Lady Elwood’s country house in Richmond. He said you were quite friendly with her, when you had your coming out.”
“Oh, yes, Martha and I were the best of friends. We grew slightly apart when I married Kendall. Martha lives near York and hasn’t come to London for the season in years. I would love to see her again. A garden party will be much better than a ball for my first appearance. I have something to wear for that.”
“Excellent, then it’s decided. Now, if you’re ready, I’ll take you down to dinner.”
When Anissa and Alex entered the drawing room, they joined the others. Kathleen looked pretty in a rose silk gown and Georgia looked regal in purple. Sylvia came forward with her hands held out. “Anissa, you look lovely. Your nap must have been good for you. I told your mother-in-law we would go see Madame Clarisse tomorrow morning. I hope that is agreeable to you.”
Anissa did not want to hurt her feelings, however nothing mattered except getting her son back. “I’m sorry, I shan’t be able to accompany you. We need to meet with your husband’s solicitor tomorrow morning. We must move quickly to get my son back.”
Barrington spoke up, “It’s not necessary for you to be there tomorrow. Since I am the one petitioning for guardianship, I can set the wheels in motion without your presence. Alex shall come with me. He can give Sir Gray the details of what has occurred and what Lord Howard tried to do. It’s more important that you get out in society so we can dispel this rumor.”
She realized she fought a losing battle, so she gave in. “If you’re sure I’m not needed. The last thing I want to do is shop for gowns. However, I do need to freshen up my wardrobe, if I plan to attend parties. My present wardrobe is deplorably out of style, not that I care. But, I suppose if we must impress the ton, I have little choice.”
The butler announced dinner and everyone went into the dining room. It relieved her to see that Georgia and Kathleen seemed at ease in the formal setting. After dinner, the ladies withdrew, leaving the men to their port and cigars.
Once the men rejoined them, Sylvia moved to the pianoforte and played soft, soothing music that calmed her soul, and then everyone retired early. Alex joined her once she was in her night rail, and he climbed into bed, holding her as she went to sleep.
The garden party went well the next day, and Anissa enjoyed seeing Martha again. Everyone seemed to be glad to see her and treated her much as they had done in the past. Relief flooded her body, and she relaxed enough to enjoy the event. The next couple of days flew by. Madame Clarisse delivered several ball gowns for her, as well as for Georgia and Kathleen. They were attending Baroness Billingsley’s ball that night, and her raw nerves kept her from looking forward to the soirée. When Kathleen rhapsodized over attending her first ball, she did not have the heart to dampen her spirits.
After Anissa and her party made their way through the receiving line, she spotted Martha and went over to join her. Her friend introduced Georgia and Kathleen to several ladies, and the new acquaintances chatted gaily about all the beautiful decorations and dazzling ball gowns.
She kept a serene smile on her face, although she did not feel serene to say the least. She could not allow the ton to see her distress. For Harry’s sake, she would maintain a calm demeanor, thus allowing them to see her in a good light. The dancing started and Alex came to get her for the opening dance.
When the dance ended, her husband returned her to Martha and Georgia, then led his sister out for a country-dance. As the evening progressed, Anissa began to relax, and even enjoyed herself to a small degree.
Before the supper dance commenced, Alex stiffened beside her and looked as if he had seen a ghost. He stared at a well-dressed gentleman on the other side of the room, who looked remarkably like him.
“A
lex, what is it?”
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her across the dance floor. The man looked up with utter astonishment as they approached. “Alex, is it really you?” The man pulled her husband to his chest in a bear hug. “God, it’s good to see you.”
Alex stiffly extricated himself from the man’s embrace and replied in a low menacing voice, “Where the hell have you been for the last six years? Ma’s been worried sick. We all imagined you dead somewhere, not here enjoying yourself at a London ball.”
With blazing clarity, Anissa realized who this man was—John, the missing brother. She saw a strong family resemblance between the two men. John seemed contrite as he looked at Alex. “I’m sorry I left that way, but I could not stay. I wasn’t going to let that bit—” John glanced at her and stopped what he had almost uttered. “—that woman trap me into marriage. It shocked me when I found out you had married her. I’ve been working hard to prove myself. I heard Pamela died last year. I planned on returning, now that she’s gone.”
“Of course I married her,” Alex retorted, keeping his voice down. “You knew I thought I was in love with her. It wasn’t until after we married I saw her true colors, but by then it was too late, the damage had already been done.”
John hung his head. “I’m sorry, brother. I should have told you before I took off what a conniving, manipulative woman she was. She tried to tell me she was increasing with my child, but I knew she’d been with others, and I didn’t believe her.”
Derision dripped from his voice, as Alex sneered, “Oh, she was definitely with child, and it was yours. Her daughter looks exactly like Kathleen. Ma believes Melanie’s mine, and she is, in every way that matters. I will not let you come in after six years and try to take her from me.”
Obviously reeling from the news, John’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “Oh, God, she told the truth? I would have stayed and faced the music if I had truly believed her. I’m sorry, Alex. I never should have left. Listen—as far as the little girl goes, I would never try to take her away from you.”
Alex gave John a turbulent stare. “You’d better not. Melanie’s mine. You gave up any rights to her when you left.”
“I can tell you love her. I can hear it in your voice. So I gladly promise, I’ll never let anyone know she’s my daughter. I’m sure you have made a much better father than I ever could have been.”
Anissa twisted her hands and looked around, praying that no one had heard what the men discussed. Alex barely held onto his temper. His flushed cheeks told her he wanted to explode. Wanting to defuse the situation, she touched him on the arm, hoping to bring him back to his surroundings.
He looked down at her, widened his eyes, then darted a furtive glance around the room. “This isn’t the time to discuss this. Ma and Kathleen are here tonight. Even though you’ve been gone all this time, our mother never gave up on you. I pray she can handle the shock of seeing you here. Let me go prepare her and find someplace private for your reunion.”
Looking at John, and then her, he said, “This is my wife, Anissa. She can remain with you, while I go find Ma.” Glancing at her, he asked, “Will you stay here with him?”
“Of course. Go find your mother. We shall wait here until you come back.” After Alex walked away, she gave John an appraising look. “So, you are my brother-in-law. What have you been doing for the last six years?”
John looked sheepish as he met her gaze. “I’m sorry we aired our dirty laundry in front of you. I assume you already know about Melanie, as you didn’t seem shocked by our revelation. As far as where I have been, I’ve been riding the high seas. I captain my own ship, and I have accomplished quite a lot. I have a question for you. How did my brother end up married to an English woman, and one who is obviously at ease with the ton?”
“We met on your brother’s ship when he came to my aid. Your brother and I grew close and fell in love. I hope you are serious regarding your intentions. You must never reveal that you are Melanie’s father. You are correct in your assumption. Alex is a wonderful father and Melanie adores him.”
“I’m dead serious. I would never hurt my brother, or the child.” Looking up, John added, “Here comes Alex now. I have to admit to some trepidation at seeing my mother and sister again. I never imagined our reunion would be at a London ball.” He extended his arm to her. “Shall we meet my brother halfway?”
Alex led them out of the ballroom to a library and opened the door, then motioned for his brother to enter. When Georgia saw her son, she rushed to him. “John, I can’t believe my eyes. I’ve prayed you were alive, but as each year passed, my hopes grew dim.”
John looked down at his mother. “I’m sorry, Ma. I was a stupid eighteen-year-old. Too young and foolish for my own good. I made a big mistake and felt it would be better if I left. I never planned to stay gone so long, but after I left, I wanted to achieve something before I returned. I hope you will forgive me.”
Georgia beamed at him, her love clearly shining through, even though she had tears in her eyes. “Of course I forgive you. I’m just thankful you’ve returned to us, alive and well.”
Kathleen stepped forward and John embraced her. “You’re all grown up and pretty as a picture.”
“I’m seventeen now and engaged to be married.” Kathleen cast him a brilliant smile as she continued, “Oh, John, I’ve missed you so much.”
While enjoying additional hugs and kisses, John filled them in on what he had been doing for the last six years. Alex interrupted, “Although this is interesting to us all, we need to join the rest of our party. John, we’re staying with the Duke of Barrington and his wife. Why don’t you come around tomorrow, and we can continue this reunion then.”
The Barringtons were in the supper room. Alex introduced his brother to them, and then everyone went back to the ballroom. Anissa mingled with several of her old friends, finding their company as enjoyable as she used to. After one in the morning, Barrington ordered their carriage, and they went back to Chilton House.
By the time she arrived back at the duke’s residence, she was more than ready to go to bed. After saying goodnight to Georgia and Kathleen, Alex escorted her up to her room. “I shall give you fifteen minutes and then join you.” After kissing her cheek, he entered his room through the adjoining door.
Betsy helped her get ready for bed and then she left the room. She was brushing her hair when Alex knocked and entered. “Darlin’, I love seeing your glorious hair spread around your shoulders. I want to run my fingers through it as your sweet scent surrounds me.”
Walking over, he took the brush and ran it through her hair. Desire radiated through her body, making her yearn for his tender touch. All thoughts of sleep vanished. Removing the brush from his hands, she pulled his head down for a kiss.
He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. When he slid in beside her, he pulled her into his arms. Her heart pounded as she entwined her fingers in his hair and kissed him ravenously, urging him to devour her. Kissing his way to the base of her neck, Alex pulled the ribbon of her night rail loose with his teeth and continued his exploration.
Wanting to make love to her husband more than she had ever wanted anything, she took control, pushing him onto his back. She draped her body over his and rained kisses down his neck and chest, taking one of his nipples into her mouth.
He groaned. “Anissa, you know where this is leading. Are you sure you’re ready?”
She met his gaze. “I want you, Alex, but I need to be in control. I think I shall be fine, if you will let me take the lead.”
“Darlin’, I’m yours to command.” He relaxed back against the pillows as she ran her hand down his flat stomach. Pushing his dressing gown out of the way, she took his rigid shaft in her hand and squeezed. While pumping his cock with smooth, firm strokes, she reveled in the feel of his rigid flesh. The scent of him penetrated her senses, sending her passion upward. She leaned over him and kissed his mouth, twining her tongue with his. Knowing it was al
l up to her now, she straddled his hips. After rubbing her wet folds against his engorged shaft, she guided his cock to her dripping opening. Taking a deep breath, she sank down until he filled her, bathing it with her warmth.
She rode him slowly, letting the sensations build to a slow burn. Desire shot to her core as her husband writhed beneath her and groaned as she shifted position. Sitting up, he met her stroke for stroke as he worshipped her breasts. Passion swelled to a crescendo, and she increased her pace, while thousands of pinpricks raced along her arms and down her legs, all the way to her toes. When he reached down between their bodies and touched her tight bundle of nerves, she splintered apart. Intense tingles rushed through her body, and she soared beyond the skies.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she gently kissed her husband and whispered, “Thank you for being so patient with me. I love you, Alex, more than life itself. I had feared I might never be able to enjoy making love again. I’m so glad I was wrong.”
Alex pulled her close. “I’m glad you were wrong as well. I love you, Anissa, beyond this life and into the next.”
With a satisfied smile on her face, she snuggled close, feeling safer and more loved than she had ever dreamed possible. Closing her eyes, she drifted off into a deeper and more peaceful sleep than she had experienced in months.
* * * *
Over the next few days, Barrington and Alex spent each day with the solicitor. Anissa had met with Sir Gray, and he told her he believed her side of the story, which relieved some of her anxiety. However, her nerves remained tight to the breaking point whenever she thought of her son in that evil man’s hands.
Barrington had retained the well-known barrister, Sir Marshall, and she had met with him the day before, giving him the information so he could put together a case before the date for the hearing. The barrister assured her he would have no problem winning their case.
