Aidan shook his head, “I was, but I couldn’t sleep either. And I didn’t want to wake her. But I guess you and I share the same fate with too many thoughts running through our minds.”
Cole nodded. “Care to tell me yours?”
Aidan gave him a sideways glance. “Why don’t you tell me what your thoughts are, and I will see if mine are the same?”
Cole chuckled, “All right." He sobered, “I was mainly thinking about Braddock and the questions he left unanswered. I find myself completely unable to think of anything else. I am curious, and frustrated that he left so much unsaid. I know you did what had to be done. I would have done the same if I were in your position. I just wish he had left some clue, or something. Anything. Even mother is stumped. She is trying to remember every single detail of her life and I feel like it will only hurt her, and I don’t want her to do that.”
Aidan rubbed a hand down his face, “I know. I was thinking the same thing. I wanted nothing more than to question him. But, seeing him hold that gun to Rhia’s head? I couldn’t think straight. He already signed his death warrant when he shot you and me. I know yours was worse than mine, but to shoot two unarmed men? To threaten all of us, the way he had? It was all I could do to not leap across my desk and kill him then.”
Cole put his hand up and braced his head on it. “I understand Aidan. I do. And I appreciate you doing what you did. I am just ready to go back to London and see if I can find out anything. Since I live where grandfather did, maybe he left something? I just need my bloody shoulder to heal more before mother will let me leave.”
Aidan chuckled. “I will speak to her. I think it is doing you more harm to stay than helping you. In all honesty.”
Cole laughed, “Thank you. I will stay for two more weeks, but I need to leave then. The season is starting up soon, as is Parliament. If I am going to keep going to the sessions, I need to be there. And since I am taking Lily with me, she will need to be reintroduced if we are to try to get any answers from the people of the ton.”
Aidan sighed again, “You are right. Well, we shall relish these two weeks, and as soon as you hear anything when you get back, you will let me know right?”
Cole nodded. “Of course.”
Aidan stood, “I want to get back to Rhia. She is sleeping, but I want to hold her. That too is a reason you wish to return yes? To see Eden again?”
Cole nodded. “I long to see her. Her face is what has kept me going. I will make her mine Aidan. Just you wait.”
Aidan laughed out loud. “I believe that. Good luck Cole. You will need it.”
Cole laughed as well and they walked up the stairs together, and Cole was finally able to sleep.
Chapter One
Cole
On the Road to London. Oct, 1812
Cole looked out the window at the endless scenery. He was bored out of his mind. The drive seemed to go on forever, when, Cole knew they were trying their best to get to London before the evening.
Lily was asleep on his shoulder, her features completely relaxed. She had fallen asleep not long ago, and he was glad she was able to find solace in sleep’s embrace.
He was grateful for her company and couldn’t wait to show her all London had to offer. Though, he worried about her, what with her being a beautiful, young woman. But he knew he couldn’t control everything and that he needed to stop stressing. She could handle herself.
Watching her sleep, made him tired as well, and he could only hope that he would get the reprieve that sleep allowed. Leaning his head back on the seat, Cole shut his eyes.
And he was grateful that the first thoughts that came to him were of Eden. Her beautiful face was ingrained in his mind and she was all he had thought of, until the day he had gotten shot. He had missed seeing her. This was the longest he had gone without seeing her beauty since he first saw her that day.
He knew that after spending time with his family, seeing Aidan fall in love with Rhia, and getting shot had made him finally realize what a complete ass he had been. Had made him see that life was short and could end in a blink. He needed to go after his happiness, to seize it with both hands. And that’s just what he would do.
Cole sighed, and knew without a doubt that Eden was it for him. She always had been, but he was too afraid of his past, of his many memories that haunted him of his father, and that one day, he would snap and could turn into his father, that he didn’t want to taint her with his legacy or his blood.
He didn’t want to pass the sickness on to any child. Couldn’t bear the thought of it. But, after everything with Braddock, and talking with Aidan, he knew that he was nothing like the man who had taken over their lives, the man who hated them with every breath they took and tried to ruin the good they had left.
He was just glad he realized it now, and not years down the road when she was married to someone else. She was so beautiful and so kind, that it was a wonder why she hadn't already been wed. He was not upset with that fact though.
Cole finally fell asleep thinking of his woman and how he couldn’t wait to claim her.
They made it to London in record time. And Cole was grateful to be back in his home, in his bed and fell asleep thinking of claiming Eden in the sheets. Cole decided to see what was happening around town and to see if he could see Eden while she worked in her orphanage.
He still thought she was insane to wander the streets of Whitechapel so easily. Not only that, but she didn’t care for social conventions and did so without an escort, or a chaperone. It was hard for him to see her wandering alone. Knowing that her brother cared nothing for her, nor her wellbeing.
He also knew the sort of people that lived there and worked in Whitechapel. Yet, Eden never had a thought or care about any of it. She just made her way to the orphanage without a care in the world.
Cole wanted to shake some sense into her sometimes. He worried that one day she would be too reckless, and something would happen. And he prayed that nothing would harm a hair on her beautiful head. He knew that his man would care for her, and make her safe, and that was his biggest consolation. So far, her friend Burk, had also kept her safe.
Cole didn’t like Burk much. Cole felt he was too close to Eden. Felt that Burk wanted his woman, and Cole hated that. Hated that he hadn’t claimed her yet, so she was considered as up for grabs.
Cole wanted to charge in there and let him know without a doubt who she belonged to.
But, he couldn’t. He hadn’t even spoken to her once. He knew it was against everything the ton did, and Cole loathed that he had wasted so much time. He sighed. He walked out to the mews and got his horse ready for a ride.
Lily came up behind him and Cole startled, not expecting to see his sister in the mews. “Where are you going? I thought we needed to see about going to the first ball tonight. We have a lot that needs to be done today.”
Cole groaned and turned. “I know Lily, I know. I just wanted to see Eden before the ball.”
Lily put her hands on her hips. “You listen to me, Nicholas. I did not come here to watch you fall all over yourself for your girl. That isn’t what we are here for. We need to find out these answers. Love will have to wait or come along for the ride. Right now, is not the time. Wait until tonight to see her.”
Cole nodded and put his horse back in her stall. She was right, he knew that. But, after not seeing Eden for this long, made Cole antsy. He needed to at least look on her face, to know she was all right. It would help ease the ache in his chest that she wasn’t at his side. In his home, his life. His bed.
He helped Lily back up to the house and they looked over a few books and around the library to find anything that could help in the search.
After a time, they knew it was futile and that they would find the answers in time. But they also had social obligations, so they put their search on hold for now.
Cole and Lily both got ready for the ball and off they went. Lily was nervous the closer they got to the house; Cole could tell.
&nbs
p; She watched out the window as the streets slipped by and wrung her hands together. Cole reached out and pulled her hands apart.
It was Lily’s turn to startle. She looked up and him and Cole said, “What is wrong? This isn’t your first ball. You aren’t nervous, are you?”
Lily swallowed, “It has been a long time. Aside from Katarina’s stupid ball at our house, I hardly remember London and the few balls Rose and I went to. We only went to two before Jacob got mad and we were sent back to the country again.”
Cole nodded, he remembered them being here for a very short time. They all had been. Jacob had thrown one of his epic fits, and sent them back to the country, not wanting them to taint his presence any longer. “I know you are struggling with tonight, but do not worry so. I am right here with you and will dance with you if no one does. Or just be a buffer against those who aren’t the best people to be around. Just be the charming girl I know you are.”
Lily smiled and Cole kissed her gloved hand. The carriage pulled to a stop and a footman opened the door for them. Cole stepped out first and turned to help Lily down.
He thought his little sister looked lovely in a dark purple gown. She had her hair pinned up in a slight chignon and curls framed her face. She had grown into quite a beauty in the years that had passed, and he was grateful he was here as a chaperone for her.
Walking in the house, their names were announced, “The Marquess Woodbridge, and Lady St. Andrew.”
Cole immediately started looking for Eden. He couldn’t help it. He needed to see her. It was as necessary as breathing. He was disappointed that he didn’t see her right away, but as he led his sister further into the ballroom, he finally spotted her.
She was leaning against the furthest wall from the entrance and she was speaking with another wallflower he had seen at multiple occasions.
Lily got stopped several times to get asked to dance and was whisked away almost immediately.
Cole also got stopped several times, by men and women of the ton, and Cole knew that something had changed. Most people gave him a wide berth when he walked in the room, but today was different and Cole didn’t like it. Not in the least.
By the time he looked for Eden again, she was gone. Cursing, he walked the ballroom and out in the gardens, hoping to spot her. But his search was in vain. He realized she must have left and that made him curse again.
It made him unhappy that after all these weeks of waiting, wondering how she fared, working up the courage to finally speak with her, he couldn’t do so. Cole growled under his breath, found Lily, and they left as well.
He didn’t like that Eden had left so soon after the ball had started, and he wondered what it was that made her leave.
Normally, though she didn’t dance nor speak to many people, she stayed for most of the time. He would watch her from the shadows the entire time, just seeing the nuances of her face. How it would change depending on who she was speaking with.
When the women came around and said catty things to her, she would always sigh, but then her spine would stiffen, and she ignored them for the most part.
He had overheard some of their exchanges and had always been impressed by Eden, how she never retaliated, and always held her head high like the queen she should have been.
Cole rubbed his chest. He was upset. He had waited long enough, and if it hadn’t been for Lily, he would be banging on her door right now.
He was done waiting, done being a coward, and he desperately wanted to tell her the truth. To kiss her, love her, and finally make her his. He longed to hold her, and every time he saw her again, it was like a stab to his chest.
She got more and more beautiful each time he saw her, and Cole hated that. Not that she was so beautiful, but that someone might take notice and take her from him. It was time.
He helped Lily out of the carriage and into the house, where he went straight to the library. Lily was worried, he could see it in her eyes, but he didn’t know what to say to her. He needed to do something to keep his mind occupied. He knew this night was one he wouldn’t sleep much.
He needed to do what he had to. It was a big reason why they were here, and while he had the time, he was going to search in every single book they had for the answers his family sought.
Chapter Two
Eden
London, England October, 1812
Eden had started her day with a smile on her face. The sun was just coming up and she loved the quiet of the morning. She knew Sterling wasn’t home or the house would be in chaos, no matter the hour.
So, she soaked in the quiet of being alone. Having the early light as her only companion.
She had a long day ahead of her, but she loved going to her orphanage and spending most of the day with the children always made her smile.
She knew Burk would be there today, and Brooks as well. And she was grateful for their help. Things always went smoother when they were around.
The two of them had found a new boy last night on the streets of Whitechapel, and Eden knew she needed the men and their influence.
This boy had seen things boys should never have to see, and it affected him in many ways. He was skittish and afraid of any adult. Eden hated that he was so frightened. But she knew that if anyone could get through to him, it was Burk and Brooks.
The two treated her as if she was their sister and she felt the same. Like they were her older brothers and she loved them as such.
Her own brother was a cad and a reprobate, and she loathed being around him.
He had gambled away every penny their parents had left them, and then gambled away every penny their grandparents had left them. Even gambling away things he shouldn’t have, such as her dowry and the small fortune set aside in her name.
He had come in her room one night and had beaten her to get her to sign it over to him. She had, and he had let her be. But since then, Eden did her best to avoid him. Not staying in the house when he was there.
Eden was just grateful he hadn’t tried to gamble her away. Though, with how her brother was acting lately, she wondered if it could be a possibility.
So, she stayed away, left the home for the majority of the day and only went to balls and events of the Season, when she knew Sterling wasn’t going to be in attendance.
She had gotten very good at hiding in the background and she hoped her brother wouldn’t be foolish. Wouldn’t try to settle his debts with her hand. She would never marry anyone of his choosing. She would rather die first.
She knew without a doubt that Burk and Brooks both wouldn’t hesitate to step in in her defense. They would stop anything Sterling had in mind, and she knew they would win.
They were both street fighters, had grown up the worst part of Whitechapel. Had seen and done things that most men wouldn’t be able to do. And they had come out on the other side stronger.
Their mothers each had been prostitutes to make a living. While she didn’t condone that, she felt for their mothers and had wished their lives had turned out differently. But they hadn’t. And Burk and Brooks had become the men they were because of the past they led.
They were the best men around. And she loved them. Hearing their stories of how they lived hurt her deep inside and she wished that she could have taken some of their pain away.
After they had come home once, and found Burk’s mother murdered, the boys knew that things had to change. They had become men in that moment and did what was necessary to survive. They learned every dirty trick and fight in the streets.
They always fought together; they were a duo unlike any had seen. They fought in the streets until someone had seen them and had them come fight in the underground boxing ring. Burk and Brooks became the best fighters in all of London.
They were an unstoppable team, better together, and yet just as good alone. They made a name for themselves, and a fortune to go with it. And to this day, they taught men how to fight.
They ended up opening a boxing club for men and were both e
xtremely wealthy.
Eden knew that because of their wealth, and the upbringing they had, that they wanted to help her in any way they could, but her pride wouldn’t allow it.
It was their biggest debate, their biggest fight and neither side would back down. Burk hated it. He would always ask if he could at least buy her new gowns and she would refuse.
She knew that if Sterling found out she had new clothes, he would sell them, or demand where she had gotten them and make her get money from the source.
And she didn’t want to give him anything else. He had already taken too much from her. She wouldn’t let him touch the men she held so close to her heart.
So, to save her the fight, she had Burk buy things for the orphanage. She told him that someday she would accept his money. Though she still wouldn’t touch his wealth.
Burk hated her reasons but accepted them. Even though he would buy her a small trinket or two, regardless of her warnings. He told her that he had her entire new wardrobe ready when she was ready to claim it. And she would roll her eyes at him. Burk would sputter and Eden would laugh at his stern face.
Brooks would then come in and laugh at Burk because they had this fight daily, and Eden would never back down. Burk still wanted her to have the best, regardless of her brother.
Brooks was always so wonderful to her. Trying a different tactic to get her to acquiesce, but she never would. Wanting to protect them at any cost. Even her own happiness wouldn’t get in the way of that. And they both respected her for it.
Brooks was gentle and kind, and Eden knew that when he found his special someone, she would be the luckiest girl. And Eden was hopeful it would be someone who deserved the greatness that was Brooks.
Burk was stubborn and set in his ways, and she knew the girl for him would have to be able to stand her ground, and not let him bully her around. He was also kind and gentle as well. He just didn’t show it as often. Eden wished for them both to find wonderful women.
The Marquess Who Adored Me Page 2
