by Aston, Alexa
The viscount shook his head. “She acts before she thinks sometimes, Your Grace. She’s a bit immature.”
“Lady Dunwood could have been injured far worse. She might have broken a bone. Hit her head. Don’t excuse what your daughter did by calling her impulsive, Martin. She acted in a reprehensible manner. Earlier this evening, she told me she was in love with me and demanded we wed. I told her that would never happen. Lady Eden tried to hurt Lady Dunwood because she is jealous of her.”
Martin paled.
“It’s not the first time I’ve witnessed her act irrationally. When I left your home after dinner recently, she threatened to go to you and pretend I’d somehow compromised her in order for you to force a marriage between us.” Reid paused. “It’s time you did something about her, Martin. As you did your wife.”
Anguish filled the viscount’s face. “Eden is a good girl, Your Grace. She just has a few fanciful notions. I can rid her of those. I understand why you wouldn’t want to wed the girl.”
“It’s more than that. She needs help beyond what you can give her.”
The viscount’s shoulders sagged in defeat. “You want me to put her away as I did her mother.”
Reid knew how difficult it must be for the man and said, “I think you need to have her examined by professionals who might better understand her condition. Take their advice. If not, you’re going to be ostracized by Polite Society. I can no longer have Lady Eden in my home. Others will feel the same. You don’t want that to affect Lady Edith’s chances at happiness. I saw her with Viscount Ransom earlier this evening. The two make a lovely pair. I’ll encourage him regarding his interest in Lady Edith.”
He’d been at school with Ransom, who was half a dozen years younger, and had saved him from a ring of vicious bullies. Ransom had idolized Reid after that. A word in his ear and the viscount would earnestly pursue Edith Martin.
“All right,” Martin said dejectedly.
“Are your daughters still here?”
“Yes. I sent them to the carriage while I fetched the doctor.”
“Then I will speak to them now.”
Reid accompanied the viscount outside. His and the doctor’s carriage were the only ones remaining by this time. Reid opened the door and climbed inside, shutting it behind him. Lady Edith appeared shocked. Lady Eden looked like a cat who’d licked all the cream from an unattended pitcher.
Turning his attention to the older daughter, he said, “I hope you enjoyed the ball tonight, my lady. I noticed Viscount Ransom paid particular interest in you. We were at school together and I think very highly of him. You couldn’t do better than Ransom.”
She blushed. “He’s very kind.”
“I hope you will give him every consideration.”
Then he wheeled to face Lady Eden. “What you did to Lady Dunwood tonight was shameful. Your actions were deplorable. You need to take ownership of what you did and pen an apology to Lady Dunwood the moment you reach home. Have the note delivered here since she is injured and will need to remain a few days in order to recover.”
The girl shook her head furiously. “I won’t. I did nothing wrong. It was my father who caused her to stumble.”
His gaze locked on hers as he evenly said, “I saw what unfolded, my lady. You aren’t blameless in the matter. You caused the fall of one of my guests. Because of your wretched behavior, you will no longer be invited to Gillingham.”
“But we’re going to be—”
“We will never wed. Never,” he said emphatically. “You must accept that.”
Her eyes grew wild. “No! You think I’m pretty. You’re going to marry me, Your Grace. You’ll see.”
He knew any further discussion would be hopeless. He’d never convince her.
Opening the door, he climbed out without a goodbye and said to Lord Martin, “Bring in help for your daughter—or I will see that it is done.”
Lord Martin nodded brusquely and entered the carriage. A footman closed it.
Reid watched the vehicle leave and then strode back to the house. Though he would never have wished harm to come to Ashlyn, the fact remained that she had been hurt—and her injury would keep her at Gillingham for the foreseeable future.
He intended to press his suit with her and hope for the best. Especially now that he knew how unhappy she’d been in her marriage.
Chapter Fifteen
Ashlyn watched as Mrs. Paul, the housekeeper at Gillingham, set down a breakfast tray. The woman had helped Ashlyn out of her gown and corset last night and she’d slept in her chemise. Fortunately, the bedclothes had been ample and she hadn’t taken a chill. The housekeeper had also seen Ashlyn had a cold compress for the swelling and brought extra pillows to keep her injured ankle elevated.
“Thank you, Mrs. Paul.”
“A footman will bring up your trunk soon, my lady.”
She frowned. “What trunk? I don’t understand.”
“His Grace had me go early this morning to Dunwood Academy. Your Mrs. Clayton helped me pack a few things for you. Once you’ve eaten, I’ll have hot water sent up and help you to dress for the day. I know you’re supposed to rest but you may have visitors drop by to see how you are.”
Ashlyn appreciated Reid’s thoughtfulness. She hadn’t even had time to worry about clothing. Her thoughts had been focused on missing time with her boys. “I would appreciate your help. By any chance, did you happen to bring my dressing gown? I’m a bit chilled.”
A footman appeared, a small trunk on his shoulder, and Mrs. Paul had him place it in the corner. She opened it and withdrew the dressing gown, bringing it to Ashlyn and helping her shrug into it. As Ashlyn ate her breakfast, Mrs. Paul unpacked. It alarmed her when she saw so many gowns come from the trunk.
“How long did you and Mrs. Clayton think I was staying at Gillingham?” she asked carefully.
“His Grace told us to pack enough for a week. He didn’t know how long the doctor wants you off your feet and wanted to make sure you had all you needed with the one trip.”
The doctor had told her last night to stay off her feet today and tomorrow. He would return sometime Monday afternoon to see how she fared. Ashlyn didn’t mind missing Sunday at Dunwood Academy but, tomorrow, classes would resume and she hated being away from her pupils for even a single day.
“I doubt I’ll be here beyond tomorrow, Mrs. Paul.”
The housekeeper closed the empty the trunk. “I’ll see to your hot water now, my lady.”
As she left, Gray and Charlotte peeked inside and Ashlyn waved them in.
Charlotte came and took her hands. “How are you, Ashlyn? Is there any pain?”
“It throbbed a good deal last night but the doctor gave me a sleeping powder and I fell asleep soon after he left.” She glanced down at the ankle perched on a pillow. “He said to keep it elevated and stay off it two days. He’ll be back tomorrow to check on me. I’m certain I can go home then.”
“Gray and I were about to leave but if you’d like, I’ll stay and keep you company.”
Her husband cleared his throat. “I’m sure Ashlyn will have all the company she needs, Charlotte.”
A look passed between the couple, one Ashlyn wasn’t privy to.
“You’re right, Gray. We should get home to the children. You do still plan to come to Gemma’s, though?” Charlotte asked hopefully.
“I see no reason not to do so. The boys will be on holiday for two weeks at Easter. I can easily slip away to Westbrook for a day or two next month.”
“Write to me when you’ve decided the dates.” Charlotte kissed her cheek. “I hope all goes well while you’re at Gillingham.”
“Goodbye, Ashlyn,” Gray said. “I wish you a speedy recovery.”
Mrs. Paul returned with the hot water and helped Ashlyn ready herself for the day.
“Thank you for all of your help, Mrs. Paul. I know you have much to attend to now that the ball is over and the overnight guests are departing.”
“I’ll be back to
check on you, my lady,” the housekeeper promised. “Would you like the door open or closed?”
“Open, please.”
Ashlyn didn’t remember the last time she wasn’t doing something. She always had an endless list of tasks to accomplish at Dunwood Academy that kept her busy. Between running a school and household, she had little free time. She closed her eyes and savored the peace and quiet, hoping she wouldn’t grow bored over the next two days.
A knock sounded at the open door. She opened her eyes and saw Reid standing there, wearing a coat of hunter green and fawn breeches, looking impossibly handsome, although the man could be dressed in rags and she would still find him attractive.
“May I come in?”
“Of course.”
Her heart pounded more quickly as it did every time he came near. He paused at her bedside and glanced at her ankle and then asked, “How are you feeling today?”
“Much better. The throbbing has subsided to a dull ache. It’s still a bit tender. I must thank you for sending for my clothes.”
“It was the least I could do. I also included a letter that informed your housekeeper of what the doctor said and asked that she share it with your staff.”
“I should return tomorrow, I would think, or the day after at the latest.”
“Don’t rush things, Ashlyn,” he said. “The first week after an injury such as this you’ll need to protect your ankle to avoid further damage. You’re welcome to stay at Gillingham as long as necessary.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “You aren’t. In fact, I’ll enjoy the company.”
“I don’t expect you to entertain me,” she protested. “I know how busy you must be, running such a large property.”
Reid took her hand and butterflies exploded inside her belly. “I have others who help me. Besides, I would rather be with you.”
Warmth spread through her as he continued to gaze at her. She was tired of fighting her attraction to him. Being at Gillingham might afford her the one chance she sought to couple with him. She tried to think of a way to ask him to do so without seeming brazen but her thoughts became muddled the more he looked upon her.
Finally, he said, “I know you’re to rest but no one says it has to be in a bed. I’m afraid you’ll become bored easily with all that you normally do. If you’d like, you can lie on a settee downstairs. I can bring you books. You could write letters. Whatever you wish.”
What she wished is for him to kiss her.
Instead, she said, “That would be lovely.”
Reid leaned over and scooped her from the bed. Her arms went around his neck and, for a moment, her cheek grazed his freshly-shaved one. How she longed to nuzzle it.
He carried her downstairs. “The library or the drawing room?”
“Either will suit me.”
“The drawing room gets more sun in the morning. We’ll go there.”
He laid her upon a settee and retrieved pillows, slipping them under her ankle.
“The doctor said to keep it elevated and bandaged. Your wrapping seems to have come a bit loose. May I have your permission to fix it?” he asked.
Ashlyn nodded and he unwound the cloth. She saw the dark bruise and shuddered, thinking she was lucky to have only a sprained ankle. It could have been much worse.
He touched it gingerly. “It looks bad.”
“It’s a little sensitive. I’m just grateful it’s not broken. I can’t imagine being laid up for weeks.”
As he began rewrapping it, she asked, “Did you speak with Lady Eden?”
He didn’t answer, concentrating on what he was doing. Once he finished and propped her foot up, he said, “I did.” He withdrew a folded sheet from inside his coat. “This came for you from her.”
She took it reluctantly and opened it, reading the contents. She looked up. “It’s an apology. She admits she caused the fall and says she is sorry for the inconvenience she caused me. I’m stunned. You called me a miracle worker but you are the one who seems to have done the impossible.”
“May I?”
He held his hand out and she passed the note to him. She watched him read it, noticing the flicker of displeasure that crossed his face.
“I’m not happy with the wording,” he said. “Being sorry for an inconvenience isn’t good enough. She should say she was sorry for causing you harm.” He folded the page again and set it on a nearby table.
“It’s fine, Reid,” she told him. “She’s taking responsibility. That’s all that matters.”
He grinned. “I like that you’re finally calling me Reid.”
Ashlyn shrugged. “What can I say? You’re a very persuasive man.”
“Do you play chess?”
“I haven’t for a long time but I used to play every night with Papa. Why?”
“Let’s play now.”
He brought over a small table and placed it beside her before retrieving a chess set. He dragged a chair close in order to be opposite her.
“Don’t think I’ll let you win simply because you’re a woman. And out of practice,” he warned.
“Is that a challenge?” she retorted.
His eyes gleamed. “I do believe it is.”
They played for an hour, each studying the board carefully before making a move. In the end, Reid won.
“How long has it been since you played?” he asked.
“Eight years. Maybe nine.”
“I barely claimed victory. I think if we played again, you would beat me.”
“Perhaps we can have a rematch tomorrow before I return to Dunwood Academy.”
“If you return. We must see what the doctor says. I would enjoy another game with you, Ashlyn. I believe we are well matched.”
His voice had dropped and a shiver along her spine made her tingle.
“Would you care to read?”
“Yes. Bring me anything. I have little time to read for pleasure.”
He retreated to the shelves and she admired how he filled out his finely-tailored clothes.
And wondered what he looked like underneath them.
She shook her head. These insane notions came to her at the most inappropriate times, surprising her to no end.
He returned with two books in hand. “You have a choice. A novel or a Shakespeare play.”
“Leave them both. I may try one and switch to the other.”
He returned to the shelves and selected a volume for himself, coming back and taking a nearby seat.
“Are you going to read?” she asked.
“I’m going to try. I won’t make any promises.”
Ashlyn thought that an odd thing to say. She opened the novel and began reading but, after a few pages, glanced up and saw Reid staring at her.
“What?”
“Nothing,” he said, going back to his book.
Several times after that, she felt his eyes upon her but refused to stop and engage him in conversation.
He had luncheon brought in to them and it was an intimate affair with only the two of them present. Afterward, she grew sleepy.
“You look ready to drop off at any moment,” he told her. “Let me return you to your room.”
He lifted her from the settee and her arms went around him again. This time, she placed her cheek against his chest and could feel his beating heart.
She napped for a few hours and then lay awake, idle thoughts drifting like clouds through her mind. Mrs. Paul checked on her twice and then Reid himself brought a large tray to the bedchamber.
“I knew you couldn’t come to dinner so I brought dinner—and me—to you.”
A footman rolled in a cart, which included more food, along with wine and two glasses. Once the servant left, Reid poured each of them a glass and then opened the covered dishes.
“Mrs. Cook is a marvelous cook,” she exclaimed when the meal ended. “The food at the ball was magnificent and this dinner is just as good if not better.”
He beg
an covering dishes again and lifted a tray. Disappointment filled her, knowing he was already leaving, which was ridiculous. He wasn’t a nursemaid. He was a duke. Reid had better things to do than sit with an invalid.
She thought it odd that he didn’t tell her goodnight as he opened the door. Then he set the tray outside the door and returned for the cart, rolling it from the room and then closing the door. Her pulse pounded wildly as he walked back toward her. He knelt beside the bed, his large hands taking hers.
“If I don’t kiss you, Ashlyn, I may go mad.”
Knowing it was now or never, she replied, “I want more than your kiss, Reid. I want you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Reid stilled at Ashlyn’s bold declaration.
She wanted him . . .
A slow smile spread across his face as he gazed at her. Her lips trembled and he saw that if he didn’t act quickly, regret at what she’d spoken might set in.
He closed the distance between them and sat next to her on the bed. His hands cupped her face.
“You are so very beautiful, Ashlyn,” he said softly. “The most beautiful woman I know. And a good part of that is the inner beauty that glows from within.”
His mouth moved to hers and touched it gently, pressing the softest of kisses upon it. He couldn’t believe how fortunate he was for this magnificent woman to have come into his life. Coming home from war and finding he was the new Duke of Gilford changed many things for him. Seeing how happy Gray and Burke were in their marriages had brought about the desire to find a wife himself.
And now the most desirable woman he’d ever met wanted him.
He increased the pressure of the kiss, tamping down the urge to gobble her up. Then he eased his lips away, sliding them along her cheek and down to her jaw. He nibbled his way along it and then returned to her delectable mouth. His tongue slowly outlined the shape of it and her palms moved to his chest. She opened for him and he slipped his tongue into the honeyed depths.
They kissed for endless minutes. He didn’t rush for he knew they would have all night.
Until they didn’t.
