The Marquess Who Adored Me

by Rachelle Stevensen

  Katarina smiled at this. She clapped her hands, “This is definitely something we can use to our advantage. I need to speak with her brother. You will find out if they are going to any function, and I will let him know where they will be as soon as possible.”

  The man nodded, he looked her up and down, “I can do that, what about my payment?”

  Katarina was already dressed in one of her favorite gowns, so she pulled it up to her waist, and bent over the couch. “Do hurry, I have places to be, as do you.”

  He grabbed her roughly and before she knew it, he was seated inside her, taking her hard.

  She smiled, and let him have his way with her, feeling her climax build inside her. It would go a very long way to help the tension inside her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Cole

  London, England Oct, 1812

  Cole rode as quickly as he could back to his townhouse. Knowing that Braddock had been right, and all that his grandfather had done to preserve his family name, and not become the newest scandal in London, made him sick to his stomach.

  He couldn’t face Eden, or Lily right now. Not when he felt so ashamed of his family. Of his grandfather, that he could treat his eldest son like he was nothing.

  Cole knew that Edward was an evil man, who brought his fate on himself, but the fact that Harold could so quickly and efficiently make it seem like his eldest son had died, instead of facing up to the fact that his son was in prison.

  Cole hated it. Hated that Braddock was right about this and was afraid that he was also right about his father being in prison.

  He turned his horse toward Whitechapel. He needed to tell Burk of his discovery, because it was an impediment in their research.

  If his grandfather had the name Edward St. Andrew buried, but he wasn’t dead at the time made Cole once again question if Edward had been put into prison under his real identity.

  He had a sinking feeling that it would be a dead end for them if they went to Newgate. He just knew it wouldn’t be that easy and it bothered Cole to no end to know that the answers he sought just led him to more questions.

  Cole sighed, and rode quickly to the boxing salon. He had never taken a lesson from the two but had heard many gentlemen speaking of it.

  They all loved the release of boxing, but hated that it was only a boxing salon, and nothing more. They didn’t like that there were no prostitutes, or women hanging around waiting to service the men.

  Cole was grateful that Burk wasn’t that kind of man. That he ran a respectable place and didn’t let anyone treat women like they were commodities.

  Cole had heard something of his reputation with the ladies. That Burk had a different woman come each night, and stay all night, and then leave in the morning. But after meeting Burk, Cole didn’t get the feeling that he was a man who slept around.

  But he didn’t know. And he certainly wasn’t going to ask. He should, for the sake of his sister, but he didn’t really wish to. It wasn’t his place, nor was it his business, but knowing Burk wanted Lily as his wife, he knew he should let Burk know of Lily’s stance on the matter.

  Perhaps their meeting would be about more than the investigation. It made Cole that much more anxious and he sighed as he got even closer to their salon.

  Cole pulled his horse up to the front of the salon, and a small boy was there ready to hold his horse.

  Cole gave him a few coins, “Make certain you take good care of him, don’t let someone touch him. But he will not hurt you.”

  The boy nodded and looked down at the extra coins Cole had given him. Cole knew there were more coins in his hand than was necessary, and that it was a small fortune to a boy who had never had much. But it was needed, and Cole slipped him another coin. “For your family.”

  The boy smiled at him, “Thank ye, sir.”

  Cole nodded and walked up the steps. The doors were open, and Cole could see men in one of the rings, a fight already underway, and he was shocked to see one of them was Brooks.

  Brooks had stripped down to just his breeches, and his hair was dripping with sweat. He was fighting the man in the ring with such vigor and blows that would fell a lesser man, that Cole couldn’t believe the man hadn’t given up already.

  His eyebrows rose in shock as Brooks landed a blow on the man’s stomach that had him doubled over, gasping for breath. But he still stood, wobbling on his feet, and took another swing at Brooks. Which Brooks dodged, easily.

  A snicker came from his right and he looked down to see a short man standing next to him. “That is the third man today trying to best him. So far, none has won. He is quick and light on his feet. We have a wager going on to see who will win this round. Brooks looks tired, his blows are slowing.”

  Cole shook his head, “You would have to be completely insane to bet against Brooks. No matter if he is slowing or not. He is still steady on his feet. The other man? Not so much. No thank you.”

  The man looked up at him, and paled, “You are right my lord.”

  He backed away, and Cole smiled. His reputation as someone to be feared and not spoken to preceded him. Though, he hadn’t done anything to earn it. His family name alone was enough to scare people away.

  He laughed under his breath and felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Burk, who clapped his shoulder and held out his hand, which Cole took. “How do you fare this day? I don’t really come to exchange pleasantries; I have some news. And it isn’t good news either.”

  Burk sighed, “Let us speak in my office.” He went to turn, when the fight caught his eye, “Oh, hold on, Brooks just knocked that man to the mat. The man isn't moving.”

  Burk called over to Brooks, “If someone else wants to fight with you, try not to completely knock them unconscious, will you?”

  Brooks shrugged his large shoulder, “I make no promises. And besides, I couldn’t help it. His jaw is too soft, one hard tap and he was out.”

  Burk laughed, and led Cole away. When they were seated in his office and the door was locked, Cole let out a breath.

  “I found something in my grandfather’s library today. Something I wasn’t expecting to find, and I am still not certain if it helps or hinders. So far, it leaves more questions.”

  He sighed and Burk nodded at him to continue, “It was a small book that had been tucked out of sight behind several others. It contains the names and dates of the people in my family, such as my grandfather, and his first wife, and her death, his second wife and her death and my father and his twin brother. But it showed in the book, and in my grandfather’s writing, that my father’s twin died.”

  He looked up at Burk, “So, not only was Braddock correct that my father had a twin, but it seems as though my grandfather was indeed covering up his imprisonment. Because you and I both know that isn’t possible about his death. I had to see for myself though. To see if my grandfather would really go to such lengths to keep his legacy unblemished, with no trace of scandal attached to his name. And, sure enough, it was there. His empty grave in that cemetery.” Cole pinched the bridge of his nose, “I had this thought when I saw his grave, that if he had ‘died’ I don’t think he would have been put in prison under his true identity. I think it was covered up somehow. But, the only way to be certain is to go to the prison and see.”

  Burk nodded, “That is not what we wanted to hear. If he was put there under a different name, it will likely be a dead end. Unless we can somehow find out the name, he was put there under. But it cannot hurt to try.”

  Cole nodded, “Now?”

  Burk tapped his chin, “Yes, it’s better to know all we can before we can take our next step. I know that Brooks can handle the salon today. I think we should find out what we can.”

  Cole sighed, “Thank you Burk. I appreciate your help.”

  Burk waved him away, “I know you do. How is Lily today?”

  Cole grinned, “I haven’t seen her. I left too early, and I am guessing she was still sleeping.”

  Burk sighed,
“All right.”

  Cole sobered, “I feel like you need to know this and I that should tell you something about her. Something she will not bend on. I have heard about you, and the reputation you have with the prostitutes here. That you have a different woman come each night. They have said that she spends the night, and leaves.”

  Burk nodded, “That is true.”

  Cole shook his head, “Then, I am sorry to say, that is not good news for you. Lily has a list of the attributes of her perfect man. She will not bend on her wishes and wants for a man. I think my father took her trust in men away. She will not marry anyone who has been with others. Not ever. It is too painful for her to bear, and knowing our mother had to deal with our father sleeping with countless women, and then coming home to her, to rub it in her face that she wasn’t good enough for him, is something Lily won’t abide.”

  Cole gave Burk a look of apology, “She knows Aidan and I took a vow when we were young to never act or be like our father, and we never have. I saved myself to be with the love of my life, just as Aidan did. Embarrassing as that is to admit, but I am glad for it. So, if you are going to pursue Lily, then I warn you now, she will not let you court her. Not knowing that you have a different woman coming here every single night. I apologize in advance. I know how badly you wanted to be with her.”

  Burk let out a breath and grinned, which made Cole raise his eyebrow at him in confusion.

  “I am going to tell you something that only Brooks and the women who come here know. I too took a similar vow, as you and your brother have, and I won’t break it. Nor have I ever been tempted to break it. Those women come here for one thing, and it isn’t for sex. I have a room set up for them, where they can get a good meal to eat, a bath to take, a clean set of clothes to wear, and where they can sleep. Alone. I want to take care of them, to let them have just one night of peace and solitude, because my own mother was a prostitute. I saw how much she hated it, that every night she was used in ways that we won’t speak of, and how she wished to have just one night where she didn’t have to have a man between her thighs. I saw how horrible sex was for her and I vowed that I would never do anything like that until I found the woman I love. Seeing your sister, the other day, it finally happened. I found the other half of my soul, and I will make her mine. I want you to know that I have never touched another woman. I was always waiting for her. You can ask Brooks if you don’t believe me, or any of the women who come to stay here. They are only here for one thing. To get paid to have a night to themselves. That is all.”

  Cole smiled, “I believe you Burk. Truly. I do. And that is certainly good news. I don’t wish for her to be with any of the men of the ton. Or men like that. They are just like my father, and I know that she hates it. You will have to convince her though. I wish you good luck.”

  Burk barked out a laugh, “I don’t need luck.”

  Cole smiled again, “I wish I had your confidence.”

  Burk laughed again, “You don’t need it. Eden has loved you for a very long time.”

  Cole laughed as well, “Good, I won’t let her get away from me now. It’s too late for that.”

  Burk stood and they clasped hands, “Welcome to the family brother. Let’s head down to the prison, shall we?”

  Cole nodded, and they headed off.

  When they reached the prison, Cole was shaking, and felt sick to his stomach. His hands were sweaty, and he was glad he hadn’t eaten anything today.

  Otherwise, the contents of his stomach would be all over the ground. He swallowed hard, over and over. Trying to keep the bile out of his mouth.

  He felt Burk touch his shoulder. “Come, we need to go inside, we have to see Cole.”

  Cole nodded, and they went in the front doors. There was a guard standing at the entrance and Burk said, “Excuse me sir, may we see the warden please?”

  The guard nodded, “This way.”

  They followed behind him until they reached a door, the guard knocked, and they heard a gruff voice say, “Enter.”

  Taking a small breath, Cole and Burk were led into the room. Behind a desk was a rather portly, older man with a balding head, and large sideburns that had gone from his cheeks to his chin. The hair was wild, with bits of grey in them.

  His hair that they could see was also turning grey, and Cole could see remnants of his breakfast staining his shirt in large blotches, as though he spilled, not once, but several times.

  “Hello good sirs, please, sit down.”

  The man gestured to the chairs in front of his desk, which they took. “How can I help you gentlemen this day?”

  Burk leaned forward, “We are here because we need to see if you have a prisoner here by the name of Edward St. Andrew?”

  The man’s eyes widened a fraction, and then they shuttered. His features turning from welcoming, to cold in a matter of seconds.

  Cole noticed the small flash of recognition in the man’s eyes and stilled, waiting. “No sir, I apologize. There isn’t anyone here by that name.”

  Cole spoke up, “Are you certain?”

  The warden nodded, “Yes, I am certain. I would remember anyone by that name. I may not look like much, but I know the name of every single prisoner who has come through those gates.”

  Cole watched his face carefully, and his eyes flickered again. The warden knew something. And it was hard for Cole to sit quietly.

  “Please, sir. It is imperative that we know his whereabouts. If he is alive or dead. We have reason to believe he is not the man you think he is.”

  The warden glared at him, “I do not know his whereabouts. I already told you, there isn’t a man here by that name. I apologize. If that is all, I need to get back to work.”

  Cole nodded, “Thank you.”

  They stood, and walked back out the way they had come, not seeing the guard’s eyes following their every step.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Eden

  London, England, Oct 1812

  When Cole got back home, he looked discouraged, and completely downtrodden. Eden’s heart hurt for him. She went to his side, “Are you all right my love?”

  Cole pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair. She heard him take a deep breath, and felt his body relax as he held her close. “Yes, my love. I am fine. It has just been a long day. Do we have time to talk before the ball tonight?”

  Eden smiled up at him, “Of course we do, I would rather miss the ball and hear everything you wish to tell me, than go to the horrible thing anyway.”

  Cole threw his head back and laughed, “We need to go my sweet. To show the people of the ton our union. I promise I will tell you. Let me find Lily, and then we can talk.”

  Eden pointed to the small drawing room they had been in for most of the afternoon. “She is in there. I just saw you return, and you looked so weary and upset, that I needed to see if you were all right.”

  Cole kissed her softly, and she closed her eyes. “Thank you, love. Let’s go talk, shall we?”

  Lily smiled when they walked in the door, Eden tucked against Cole’s side. “Is everything all right? You left before I even woke up Cole.”

  Cole shook his head, “I apologize for leaving so early this morn, Lily. But things needed to be investigated.”

  He sat on a settee with Eden still at his side. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her in close.

  He told Lily and Eden of everything that had happened, and Lily went pale. More than once. “He really isn’t at the prison? The warden truly didn’t know?”

  Cole shrugged his shoulders, “I honestly don’t know Lily. I think he is there, but I can’t be certain.”

  He shook his head, “When we said the name of Edward St. Andrew, the warden acted very strangely. He went completely still, and his eyes went cold. They also shifted all around and never once settled on myself or Burk. I knew he was lying. But I don’t know why.”

  Lily shook her head, “So we are still left with another question.”

&nbs
p; Cole nodded, “I guess so. One more dead end. I was certain he was at the prison. Certain we would find out all the answers. But it seems life is playing games with us.”

  He put his head back on the edge of the settee, and Eden looked at his strong profile, his nose was perfectly straight, his jaw square, with dark stubble lining it.

  She loved him and hated seeing his pain. “I am certain we will figure it out. It will just take more time.”

  Cole opened his eyes and looked at her, he quirked his mouth in a smile, “You are right love.”

  He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Well, it matters not right now anyway. We can’t figure out more today, so we need to let this matter drop for the evening. We should probably get ready for the ball. Lily, did you show Eden her new dress?”

  Lily shook her head, “You told me it was a surprise.”

  Eden tapped Cole on the shoulder, “What dress?”

  Cole turned to her, “I had Lily order you a new dress for tonight, and several more.”

  Eden shook her head, “I don’t need a new dress Cole. Or more. Mine are suitable.”

  Cole kissed her quickly, and his eyes pleaded with her, “I know love, they are more than suitable, but I wanted to. Please?”

  Eden shut her eyes, hating to see how Cole’s eyes affected her. “All right, show me the dress.”

  Lily jumped up and pulled her up behind her, “Come on, then, I cannot wait!”

  Eden was ushered from the room, and Cole’s laughter was all she heard.

  Eden’s new dress was lovely. It was a dark green and it made her blonde hair look like spun gold, and it matched her eyes. She loved it, and the way it draped and fell on her body.

  She loved the small sleeves, how they clung to her shoulders, and yet didn’t sit quite on them, the tight bodice that went down to her waist, and made her small waist look even more so, and the full skirt that floated around her.