Midnight My Love (6 page)

Quickly, Damien pushed back his chair and
leaned across the table. Placing a finger under her chin, he stared
at her full, moist lips, then into her eyes. "I admit nothing, my
dear. And I refuse to apologize for something which--if I remember
correctly--I found extremely pleasurable."

Jerking her chin from his grasp, Alex
stepped back. "You forget yourself, Rochdale. I'm no longer an
impressionable schoolgirl. Try for once to act with gentlemanly
decorum, especially if you intend to stay at Willowmede. Now, if
you will excuse me, I shall go see about Robert."

"Certainly, Miss Turlington." He frowned as
he watched her retreating form. Alexandra was correct in saying she
was no longer a schoolgirl. She was a beautiful woman, and much too
desirable for his peace of mind.

After checking on Robert,
Alexandra left him in the care of his devoted valet and spent an
hour consulting the housekeeper and cook about what could be
prepared to help tempt her brother's appetite. Mrs. Tolles and Mrs.
Abernathy were happily discussing the benefits of chicken broth
over barley soup when she retired to the library.

Alex sat curled in a
window embrasure, a copy of Walter Scott's
Marmion
opened, but unread on her
lap. The window seat was one of her favorite places at Willowmede.
She gazed across the green lawns. The carefully tended gardens in
the foreground merged with verdant pastures that spread out toward
the Valley of the Avon. The serene landscape always made her feel a
sense of peace and contentment.

Except peace and contentment seemed far away
today. She was extremely worried about Robert. His fever was
rising, and she was anxious for Dr. Heron's arrival. Once he gave
his prognosis on Robert's condition, she would know better how to
go on.

The shifts would have to be divided, of
course. Alex was sure Jenny would insist on helping in the
sickroom. Jenny had a soothing personality and would be good with
the patient.

Closing her book, Alex laid it beside her
and drew her legs toward her, leaning her chin on her knees. She
stared unseeing out the window, her thoughts turning to Rochdale.
She hadn't realized how much she'd missed the viscount.

She'd always liked Robert's friend and
Rochdale had treated her with all the familiarity of an older
brother. Alex had been vaguely aware of his horrible reputation
with women, but it had nothing to do with her and she'd never
thought much about it. She knew she had her own special niche in
the viscount's life.

As she grew older, Rochdale teased and
flirted with her, never overstepping the boundaries of what was
proper. Her favorite times had been when he had worked in the
observatory with her and Papa.

All of that changed on Rochdale's last visit
to Willowmede ten years ago. Alex remembered how glad she'd been to
see him when he'd arrived. But he hadn't seemed glad to see her.
The golden eyes stared at her with anger and something else vaguely
disturbing.

The visit was a disaster from the very
beginning. The special friendship they'd shared had somehow
disappeared. Rochdale was a cold, aloof stranger. He no longer
called her by her first name. He was rigidly formal, almost
mocking, when he addressed her as Miss Turlington. Alex constantly
fought back hot tears whenever they conversed.

And worst of all, he seemed to want
something more than friendship from her. All of the old rumors came
back to haunt her: Rochdale, the dangerous rake. Demon Avenall, the
hard drinking, heavy gambling libertine.

Her life changed forever the night Rochdale
found her alone in the observatory.

At first, Rochdale was like his old
self--kind, helpful, friendly. The hateful look was gone, replaced
with a warmth that left her tingling inside. When he helped adjust
the telescope, she could feel his strong body close behind her.
Turning to whisper her thanks, Alex was caught in a tantalizing
spell.

For some reason, it had seemed the most
natural thing in the world when Damien had kissed her. Gently at
first, then deeply, passionately. He had kissed her like a thirsty
man drinks--as if he couldn't get enough.

Reality hit when he deepened the caress. The
intensity of his kiss and the feel of his hands on her breast had
frightened her. He'd gone too fast; she wasn't ready for such
unleashed passion.

Alex recalled flaying him with hateful
words--trying to cover up her own confused feelings and her lustful
response to him. She was angry at Rochdale, but more than that, she
was angry at herself. Alex had thought she loved Rochdale as she
loved Robert; she thought he'd felt the same.

How could he have betrayed their friendship?
He was wicked to take advantage of her innocence. He'd been so cool
when he'd stepped back and sipped his brandy. It was only a kiss,
he'd said.

Alexandra jumped up from the window seat in
the library and paced around the room. She had assumed Rochdale had
forgotten about that kiss. Her cheeks grew warm as she recalled
what had happened this morning in the breakfast parlor. She had
been surprised with his offer to stay and help during Robert's
convalescence. Rochdale had not been to Willowmede since that visit
long ago.

Talking to him over
breakfast, she thought maybe she had misjudged him. Perhaps they
could be friends again. Yet the reference to that dreadful kiss and
the cruel words she'd flung at his head was unmistakable. She'd
tried to apologize when suddenly he was gazing intently into her
eyes with a burning passion. The intimate touch of his fingers on
her chin brought back the memory of his kiss. No, she had not
misjudged him. He was
not
a gentleman.

Alexandra sighed. Rochdale wasn't the only
guilty one. She still blushed when she remembered her response as
he held her in his arms that night in the observatory and ravished
her mouth. Alex couldn't deny the pleasure she'd felt in his
embrace. She had wanted the kiss to last forever.

Straightening the ribbons on her dress, Alex
lifted her chin. She would take one day at a time. Robert needed
Rochdale's support and help in order to make a full recovery, and
that was of the utmost importance right now.

She wouldn't think about how he'd thrown
their friendship away--how he'd betrayed her trust in him. She
decided to ignore the passion she'd seen blazing in his eyes this
morning. Best to keep in mind how courteous and friendly he'd been
in his dealings with her, especially when breaking the news about
Robert and riding with her to Willowmede. Even if he was a
libertine, the man was truly devoted to Robert.

Alex smiled when she remembered his
enthusiasm over her journals in the observatory. Maybe they could
work together again. Rochdale could be charming when he wished. It
would be enjoyable to discuss her theories with a fellow
star-gazer. She missed the lively discussions she used to have with
her papa.

Hearing a commotion in the
entry hall, Alexandra breathed a sigh of relief and hurried from
the room. Thank goodness, Dr. Heron had finally arrived. As she
descended the stairs, she saw a profusion of baggage and bandboxes
piled in the hall before the massive front door.
Not
the doctor,
obviously.

Aunt Haygood entered the house leaning
heavily on the butler's arm. Jenny followed immediately behind,
directing a footman to be careful with a large dressing case. When
Miss Haygood spied her niece, she almost wept with relief. "Thank
God you're safe, Alexandra! I haven't had a moment's peace since
you left this morning in Lord Rochdale's company. I'm surprised you
weren't ravished!"

She looked around to where Jenny was talking
to the footman. "David, you may carry my case of teas to my
chamber." Disengaging herself from the butler, she straightened her
shoulders and adjusted her cap, looking ready to do battle. "I
shall brew some yarrow tea immediately for poor, dear Robert.
Goldenrod is also effective in reducing fevers. I wonder if I have
any goldenrod or perhaps some feverfew?" She started up the stairs
giving orders over her shoulder. "Sterling, please have some water
put to boil. Tell Mrs. Tolles I'll be using the blue china tea
service today. Robert has always been partial to blue."

Miss Haygood stopped
halfway up the staircase and smiled down at her niece. "I'm so glad
you were
not
ravished, dearest. I don't think I could have handled that on
top of everything else. Too much to do, you know. I must devote
myself to finding just the right tea to help poor Robert make a
speedy recovery. I know my work is cut out for me, but I
will
not
shirk my
responsibilities." She kept up a lively monologue as she continued
up the stairs.

Alex turned dancing eyes toward Jenny. "Poor
Jenny! You must be exhausted if you've had to endure that all the
way from Bath. Come to the Blue Saloon and I'll ring for tea." When
Jenny chuckled, Alex smiled. "Yes, I know. Aunt Haygood is not the
only one who relies on tea to cure all ills."

Jenny laughed as she sat on the sofa. "Your
aunt is a dear soul. She was quite overcome thinking you might be
compromised by Rochdale. She teetered between anxiety over your
virtue and the delightful prospect of quacking Robert."

Carriage wheels sounded on the gravel drive
outside, and Alexandra rushed to the window. "Oh, thank God. It's
the doctor at last! I must take him to see Robert." She bent to
give Jenny a quick hug. "Your chamber has been aired and is
standing ready. Ring for tea and make yourself at home. But I have
no need to tell you that, of course."

"Don't worry about me, dearest. Go tend to
Robert. We can talk later." Jenny smiled tremulously up at her.
"And Alex . . . I wish to help any way I can."

****

Damien sat at the workbench in the
observatory and busily pored over Alexandra's journals. He read and
re-read some of the entries and was amazed at the thoroughness of
the research. Alexandra was a talented astronomer in her own right.
Her dedication to her father's theory was incredible.

An unusual woman, he thought--unlike any he
had ever known. He would have to tread carefully during his stay at
Willowmede. He'd been caught off guard this morning. The feel of
her skin as he held her chin, the rush of desire coursing through
his body. Damn it! He refused to succumb to the hunger raging
inside of him. He would suppress these foolish emotions and stay in
control of the situation.

Yes, control was the key here. If he gave in
to his base desires, he would be no better off than his father had
been. Never would he be at the mercy of a beautiful woman.

Damien resumed his study of the planetary
charts. A knock on the door made him look up expectantly. "Enter!"
he said.

A young footman entered and cleared his
throat. "Miss Turlington asks for the favor of your presence in the
library, m'lord. The doctor has arrived and Miss needs to consult
with you about Lord Turlington's condition."

Damien nodded. "Very well. Tell your
mistress I'll be there shortly."

After the footman left, Damien placed the
journal on top of a neat pile. He rose and quickly glanced around
the room to make sure everything was in place. When Robert was
better, he thought he might assist Alexandra in her studies. He
intended to exorcise his physical yearnings for Robert's sister,
and saw no reason why he couldn't help with her research. He had
some interesting points to share with her in regards to the
George.

As Damien entered the library, he found
Alexandra seated on the sofa, listening intently to the physician.
She looked up and smiled. Was that relief in her eyes?

"Rochdale!" she exclaimed. "This is Dr.
Heron. He wants to ask you some questions. I told him Robert was at
your town house for several days before you brought him home, and
you had a London physician examine him. But I don't recall if you
mentioned his name. Dr. Heron wants to know who examined him and
what his prognosis was."

Damien shook hands with the doctor and took
a seat near Alex. "I called Montague in," he said, stretching his
long legs before him. When Dr. Heron nodded his approval, he
continued, "Montague said Robert needed careful nursing and sent an
attendant to monitor his progress. After a week, Rob was better and
anxious to start home. With the doctor's permission, we set out for
Willowmede. We traveled by easy stages, stopping frequently to rest
and refresh ourselves."

Damien glanced at Alexandra, who was
attending closely. He looked at the doctor again. "Montague warned
me to keep a careful eye on Robert. He said something about
depression and suicidal tendencies in amputees. I'm concerned about
Rob. He sorely feels his loss and is worried about his fiancée," he
finished tersely.

Dr. Heron cleared his
throat and frowned. "From my examination of his lordship, I'd say
he is suffering
severe
depression." When Alexandra gasped, he hurried on. "This is
understandable in such a situation. Lord Turlington lost a
substantial amount of blood and lay in an army hospital for months.
He endured a rough crossing, from what I understand, and the
journey to Willowmede took its toll. Now that he's settled, he
should regain his customary good health. Once he recovers, he will
be better able to accept his disability. I've known Lord Turlington
from the cradle, and I have every confidence he can overcome this
devastating handicap. Surrounded by those who love and support him,
he's sure to make a complete recovery."

The doctor prepared to take his leave. "Our
first priority is to get his lordship on his feet again.
Unfortunately, I fear fever is setting in. He will need constant
supervision day and night. I've left fever powders to be
administered every four hours. I'm afraid he's likely to worsen
before the fever finally breaks. I'll check on him tomorrow
afternoon. I can send a nurse over if you like." He looked
questioningly at Alexandra.