True Nobility

by Lori Bates Wright

  While Nicholas headed to the desk to sign the register, Tori was drawn to a collection of art lining the hotel’s stately brick walls. All were painted in rich, vibrant colors by an artist unknown to Tori.

  “Ready?” Nicholas waited for her beside the grand spiral staircase.

  Resisting a twinge of nervousness, she gave a nod and followed his lead to their suite.

  Ornate double doors opened up to reveal an elegant parlor. Directly across, tall French doors led out onto a wrought iron verandah overlooking the courtyard. Faint melodies from an orchestra filtered in from the ballroom set below their rooms. On each side of the parlor were doors leading to separate private bedrooms.

  Two of them.

  After directing the bellman to leave Tori’s bag in the ivory-colored chamber, filled with satin and lace, Nicholas then brought his own bag into the other.

  Confused, Tori didn’t move. She’d naturally assumed they would be sharing one room. Apparently, they wouldn’t be sharing anything tonight.

  “I apologize there wasn’t a maid available to take care of your dress.” Nicholas removed the shawl from her shoulders. “You’ll have to settle for me.” Hovering over her, he began to unfasten the tiny toggle on the high collar of her jacket.

  Tori brushed his hands aside, slightly perturbed, though not exactly sure why.

  “Be still. These things are complicated enough without you wiggling around.” He frowned in concentration, lifting a brow at her exasperated sigh.

  “Will you be staying, or have you other plans after I retire?” Already, she sounded like a nagging wife, even in her own ears.

  Nicholas chuckled at the implication. “What kind of man would leave his bride on their wedding night?”

  “The same sort of man that sends her off to sleep alone.” Tori immediately felt her cheeks redden at her brazen reply.

  His deep laugh caused her to brush his hand aside. “Thank you, I can manage the fastenings myself.” A lump formed in her throat that she tried to swallow away. “If nothing else is required of me, I shall be in my room.” The last came only as a whisper.

  It was one thing to know he had yet to profess his love for her, but she’d always assumed he at least desired her.

  Nicholas grasped her arms, and she crossed them over her chest to prevent him from pulling her closer. He didn’t say a word until she quit studying the brass buttons on his jacket to look up into his face. A full minute passed before she did so.

  “Nothing will ever be required of you, Victoria.” His voice was low and steady. His eyes were gentle and she avoided them.

  “You’re perfectly welcome to share my room tonight, but the decision must be yours. There will never be anything forced between us. You come willingly or not at all.”

  Embarrassment held her tongue. Try as she might, Tori couldn’t say the words he wanted to hear. Instead, she turned and went to her room, shutting the door behind her.

  Why couldn’t she admit she would rather go to his room and be done with it? Because proper ladies didn’t admit that sort of thing. Miss Mair had been perfectly clear on that point. Ladies of quality never came off as too anxious where intimacies were concerned.

  Then again, Miss Mair had never married and seemed to detest everything male. And most males felt the same about her.

  After removing the heavy gray traveling suit and all the stays, corsets and trappings that went with it, Tori was glad for the chance to move unrestricted in just her pantalets and camisole. She went about unpacking her bag to keep her troubled mind occupied.

  Placing the discarded gown on a hook in the wardrobe, she came across the most decadent garment she had ever laid eyes on.

  A sleeping gown, of sorts, made of sheer white voile and flaunting the most shamefully plunging neckline Tori had ever seen. Very unlike her soft cotton night gowns with the drawstring ribbon under the chin. The outer covering held no better coverage, as it was made of the same sheer material and showed every detail of Tori’s toes when she held it up to herself.

  Her first thought was that someone had left it by mistake, until she noticed a delivery slip tacked onto the sleeve.

  Deliver to: Mrs. Nicholas Saberton

  Bridal Suite

  Pavilion House Hotel

  Someone had actually sent this … thing … to her on purpose. It must have been Aunt Charlotte. Well, her aunt’s French designers had outdone themselves this time.

  Tori wrinkled her nose as she laid the decadent negligee out on the bed.

  Telling herself to simply ignore it, she went about arranging her various bottles of oils and perfumes. Seating herself at the dressing table, she brushed her hair until it crackled, then went about her nightly ablutions.

  Casually glancing over at the wicked creation now and again, she was interested to know why, exactly, someone would even want to wear such a thing. It couldn’t keep a body warm, and it didn’t look to be very comfortable with all that flouncy material.

  Tori’s curiosity finally got the best of her. Pulling the weightless garment over her head she reveled in the soft material as it fell lightly around her feet. Spinning, this way and that, she watched the gown float gracefully about her. She’d never seen anything so provocative in her life.

  Cupping her hand, she blew out the lamp and opened French doors, letting the night air cool her room. Lying back onto the tall bed, she looked out at the stars. Dozens of twinkling lights splayed across the sky, giving an illusion that someone up there was winking down at her.

  Tori smiled at the fanciful thought.

  Music from the stringed instruments sounded clearer with the doors open. She closed her eyes, imagining the couples below twirling in time to the music. Laughter mingled with the natural sounds of nighttime and drifted up to where she lay taking it all in.

  Once again, her thoughts turned to Nicholas. The music reminded her of how they had danced the night of the ball. Sweeping across the floor, gliding … swaying …

  Her sweet imaginings had them dancing once more. Under the stars in the garden below surrounded by fragrant flowers.

  Suddenly, something wasn’t right.

  An odd sound out on the verandah brought Tori’s eyes wide open. A rise of alarm quickened her pulse. Though she was afraid to move, she was more afraid not to.

  Her room was lit just enough by pale moonlight that she could find her way to the door.

  Lifting her gown, Tori ran the short distance from her room to Nicholas’s and pushed open his door. Rushing over to where he sat at the secretary, Tori stopped in her tracks, suddenly remembering what she was wearing. Unfortunately, it was too late.

  If he was surprised to see her, he didn’t show it. With pen in hand, Nicholas leaned back in his chair, waiting for her to state her business.

  The light from the candled sconce on the wall flickered and sent animated shadows on the cream-colored rug. In horror, Tori gaped down at her revealing attire. Squeezing her eyes tightly, she prayed she was still dreaming.

  “I see you got my gift. It was good of you to drop by to say thank you,” he replied dryly.

  This wasn’t happening. But, when she dared to reopen her eyes, he was still there. And so was she, wearing nothing but a sheer nightgown.

  “There was a—a noise.” She was muttering but couldn’t seem to form a coherent thought. “The verandah … you see, I was ….”

  Nicholas smiled outright now. “The party below is rather loud, I agree.”

  Before Tori could put a plan in place to remove herself from his appreciative gaze, Nicholas extinguished the light and found her in the dark.

  “Why are you here, princess?” His question caught her off guard.

  “I was frightened. And … I needed to be with you.” She answered him as honestly as she knew how.

  Nicholas cupped her face and lowered his lips to hers. His kiss chased away all fear, and timidity for that matter.

  Lifting his head, Nicholas asked, “And do you want to stay?” The tende
rness shining in his eyes, barely visible in the moonlight, was her undoing.

  “Yes.”

  God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.

  ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

  Twenty-Two

  Sunlight streamed into their private haven as Nicholas leaned against the doorframe behind his wife, admiring her in the mirror.

  She was a beauty.

  Yesterday after their nuptials, he’d heard it said more times than he could count. Watching her now, he was fascinated by her changeable expressions, as unpredictable as the open sea. Charmed, he took in her sparkling blue eyes and that impish dimple on one side of her mouth that was as capricious as she.

  “I see marriage hasn’t taught you a blessed thing about common courtesy.” Tori pulled her hair over one shoulder, taming the curls with her silver-backed brush. “Spying on a person is considered ill-mannered.”

  “Unless that person is one’s wife. According to the Good Book, that makes you fair game.”

  Nicholas came over to nuzzle her ear.

  “Hmm. Just as I thought. You neglected to read the rest of the story.” She pursed her lips and gave him a side glance. “You must first love and honor your wife, sir. I’m rather certain a marriage in name only doesn’t apply.”

  “Ah, but ours is no longer a marriage in name only. In the Biblical sense you are now unquestionably mine.” He turned her vanity seat to face him. “And I do honor you, Victoria. Never doubt that. I pledged to honor and take care of you the rest of your life. I don’t make that kind of vow lightly.”

  “So, is that all, Nicholas? Did you merely pledge to honor and care for me?” Her voice held a hint of sadness.

  He knew what she was asking of him. But the way he felt about Victoria was unchartered waters and he needed some time to weigh it out in his own mind. Even before all they’d shared last night, it would be a lie to deny she’d already stolen his heart. Still his pride wouldn’t let him admit it. “I personally believe all things happen for a purpose. We have a lifetime to talk about it. Let’s just enjoy today.”

  She didn’t respond, only nodded looking down at the brush in her lap. He saw his words—or lack of words—had disappointed her.

  “They’re sending up some breakfast. It should be here soon.”

  For now, he chose to change the subject. He needed time to sort through the emotions she stirred up inside him. Yesterday, he was in full control of his growing attraction to Haverwood’s lovely daughter. He told himself he was acting out of a sense of duty, nothing more. It was simply the right thing to do. This morning, however, after holding her close to his heart for most of the night, listening to the even whisper of her breath, he could no longer disregard the truth. “My attorney’s office is across from here on the square. I thought we might get out this afternoon and stop over to see if he’s made it back from Augusta. Would you like that?”

  She perked up immediately. “That would be wonderful.”

  “Good. I’ll check on breakfast. Lock the door behind me. Don’t let anyone in.”

  Closing the door, Tori let out a pent-up breath. Dottie Saberton’s words came to her mind. “Nicholas is a good man. He has much love to give if he would only allow the Lord to rid his heart of the bitterness that has taken root there.”

  Deep in thought, she donned a velvet robe of pale green. Opening her travel case, she took up her father’s Bible and hugged it to her chest, silently praying for her father and for the man she now called husband.

  Drawn by the cool morning breeze, she walked out onto the verandah to sit at the white wrought iron breakfast table. Though the sun was not at its peak, the day was already proving excessively warm. Rain must have showered the courtyard overnight as the flowering bushes and clinging rose vines sparkled with fresh dew.

  In truth, a cyclone could have blown through last night and she’d never have known it. Safe in the circle of Nicholas’s arms, she had slept like a well-nourished baby. Oddly enough, the memory caused her no embarrassment. As Nicholas had said, she was his. And for now, that was enough.

  The sound of a key turning in the door brought Tori out of her musing. She was famished. She’d barely touched her plate of finger food at Aunt Charlotte’s reception, and now she wished she had.

  Nicholas entered the verandah carrying a delicious-smelling tray. “A special plate of silver dollar flapjacks with boysenberry syrup made especially for the bride, compliments of Chef Roland.” Setting the platter on the small table, he poured her a cup of tea. “Along with poached eggs, honey ham, and buttermilk biscuits with some kind of flavored honey.” He tasted the end of his thumb. “Pear maybe?”

  Before he took his seat, Tori was already cutting into the delectable fare. “When we return to your home, you must send him a note of thanks.”

  “Our home.”

  Her hand stilled as she looked over and noticed his serious expression. “Yes, Nicholas. Our home.”

  They ate with a concert of birds high above flittering from tree to tree. The morning was peaceful and provided a much-needed haven from the whirlwind of the past several days.

  With coffee cup in hand, Nicholas rose and moved to the scrolled railing, looking out across the courtyard. Tori watched the breeze ruffle his dark hair. She felt a curious pride in knowing this man had pledged to put her above all others. Placing her napkin upon the table, she sat back in her chair.

  “I can see why Felicity fought so hard to have you.” She spoke up causing him to side-glance in her direction. “You’re fairly tolerable when you aren’t scowling so.” Tori folded her arms across her chest with a grin. “However, I do believe you frightened the poor woman. It’s unlikely we’ll see much of her anytime soon.”

  “I see. So, you’re not intimidated?” He straightened from the rail and held out his hand in invitation to join him. “I’ve been told I can be difficult.”

  Without hesitation, she went to him and he wrapped his big arms around her.

  “Yes, you are that.” Tori nodded. “But you are also very giving when you choose to be.”

  A long silence elapsed between them. Tori was content to stand there on the lovely verandah in her husband’s arms. The tension in his embrace told her Nicholas was at war within himself. It would take a while for him to fully trust her feelings for him.

  “We really should go inside. What will people think?”

  “I don’t know. Let’s ask them.” He called down to a couple of whispering hotel maids staring at them from the gardens. “My little English wife is concerned that my holding her is disturbing you ladies.”

  “Oh!” Tori twisted past him and scurried back into the room. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “If you’ll hurry, we can stop by the stationer’s on the way to the Attorney’s office. You can order monogrammed stationary to send the chef your own note of thanks.”

  His suggestion was highly modern and it pleased her tremendously. “I won’t be but a minute.”

  Looking back to see if he’d heard her, she realized he hadn’t followed her inside. Instead, he remained at the rail, apparently lost in his own thoughts.

  All the world’s a stage

  and all the men and women merely players.

  ~ William Shakespeare

  Twenty-Three

  Three days had passed since he’d taken Victoria Haverwood as his bride. Though the turmoil surrounding their hurried marriage was anything but peaceful, Nicholas was surprisingly content.

  Holding her in his arms at night, with her head tucked beneath his chin, he’d listened as she quietly put words to the utter desperation she felt at losing her father. She told of her early years, before she’d gone off to school, when the earl had been her only family. Eventually, the demands of her father’s position called him away more than he was home.

  The earl’s private staff tended to her dress, daily routine, and were on call through the night should she ever have a nightmare. By the time she left for boarding school at seven, she was i
ndependent but had never gotten used to being alone.

  It was in those quiet moments, Nicholas caught a glimpse into the soul of a lost child.

  On their second day, Nicholas had taken her to visit Abner Westphall. Afterward, they’d checked in with the investigator who assured them he was pursuing every lead. Everything possible was being done to see the earl safely returned.

  Victoria had his promise, and he’d meant every word.

  This evening, he had plans to take her out again, hoping to keep her occupied with less time to dwell on things she had no control over.

  “I have a surprise for you, princess.” Nicholas took an iron rod from behind the curtains to close the tall Grecian shutters against the bright hues of sunset.

  “A surprise?” She glanced up from her book, her curiosity piqued. “I do love surprises.”

  “You once said you have an affinity for Shakespeare.” He watched as light from between the wide slats danced across her hair bringing fire to selective strands. “Especially when you’re flustered.”

  “You have quite a memory.” Tori lowered her lashes. He loved the way that dimple peered from her cheek. “I’ve always had a fascination for the theater, though I’ve never gone.”

  “I have two tickets for tonight’s double billing at The Savannah Theater across the square.” Removing the tickets from his jacket, he watched her expression turn from curiosity to joy. Just the effect he was going for. “I believe one is a Shakespeare.”

  “Tonight?” Tori rose to have a closer look. “Nicholas, I can’t possibly attend the theater with Father still missing.”

  “You won’t do him any good secluding yourself. He wouldn’t want you sick with worry.” Nicholas began to unbutton his shirt to change into his evening clothes.