Daughter of Darkness (26 page)

‘Did Caroline love the earl?’ she asked, suddenly feeling sorry for her predecessor.

Edwina smiled slightly, wondering if Willow would ever lose her romantic streak, or her inquisitive nature. ‘Aye, child, Caroline loved him to distraction. That’s why I cannot understand… ?’ She did not need to voice her thought. Willow shared with her the burden of Caroline’s confession and it strengthened the bond between them.

‘Should we tell Sapphire about Caroline’s deathbed confession,’ Willow murmured, mouth suddenly dry with tension. ‘Caroline wanted her forgiveness.’

The cup dropped from Edwina’s suddenly nerveless fingers, spilling its contents on to the Aubusson rug. Had the girl read her thoughts? Lifting her eyes to those of the younger woman, she gave her an awed glance, before saying with as much dignity as she could muster. ‘I will not countenance trickery. Please leave, and have some respect for my feelings. I’m no longer desirous of your company.’

Although she flushed with shame, and tears stung her eyes, Willow’s mouth tightened in rebellion. Rising to her feet, she swept haughtily from the room without a backward glance or another word.

For once, Edwina was at a loss. Ringing for her maid, she instructed her to clean up the mess, then after determining her precious cup and saucer was still intact, sent the woman to request Sapphire to attend her. The two were closeted together for an hour. When Sapphire left, they were still no closer to resolving the matter.

It was only a matter of time before Willow begged Lady Edwina’s forgiveness, for she knew she’d be miserable until it was gained. ‘I know not what came over me,’ she whispered, laying her cheek against the old woman’s parchment-like hand. ‘The potion Kitty gave me must have addled my brain, for I suffered a hallucination before I came to you, and the sketch was a result of that.’

Relieved that Willow had found a convincing reason for her suspicions concerning her mother, Edwina accepted her apology without further comment. They were friends again when they descended together to the dining room, but Willow was wondering why Lady Edwina hadn’t seized the opportunity to lecture her on her shortcomings again. It was out of character for her to accept an excuse so hastily, or forgive rudeness so easily. It was almost as if—
as if Lady Edwina wished to forget the whole episode

The problem deserted her mind entirely, and her eyes began to sparkle when they encountered the beguiling smile of her husband. She savored the thrill of elation that chased through her body. Tonight, she thought, he intends to make me his wife in the flesh. She was eager to experience the delights he’d promised. Such thrilling anticipation built up in her, she could hardly eat all through dinner, and trembled with bliss every time he glanced her way.

Gerard’s thoughts were running along the same lines. Willow had responded most favorably to his attention today. The gift of the pearls, such a small token on his part, had obviously thrilled her. She was easy to please. Her fingers stroked the satiny smoothness of the pearls every time she glanced his way. Whether she knew it or not, there was a wealth of invitation in her eyes.

Jeffrey’s absence from the table caused Gerard little concern. Time passed without notice when one was involved in sensual pursuits. An untried youth such as his brother would be regarded as a conquest by the buxom whore. He doubted she’d let Jeffrey escape too easily from her bed. The moon was bright enough to light the lad’s way home, and a side door would be left open for his return.

Only his grandmother commented on Jeffrey’s absence. It was Willow who answered her—with such sweet innocence he was hard put not to laugh as he exchanged an amused glance with his father.

‘Jeffrey was invited to watch the regimental horses being drilled. In all likelihood, he’s persuaded the soldiers to let him join in the manoeuvres, and has been in the saddle all day.’

‘As long as he does not come home dressed in uniform, announcing he’s going off to fight a war.’ Edwina gazed fiercely down her long nose at Ambrose. ‘I refuse to let my grandsons become soldiers, and so must you.’

Jeffrey’s return had no such glory attached to it. The hands on the study clock had reached quarter past the hour of ten when Gerard’s thoughts strayed to his wife. No doubt she was readying herself that very moment for his visit. He had no intention of disappointing her maidenly heart, nor sparing her blushes this night.

He’d just decided to join her when the thud of hoof-beats came to his ears. The hound at his feet growled softly in its throat. The hound would have recognized Jeffrey’s horse, he thought, crossing to the window. Besides which, his brother would have used the short cut and gone straight to the stable. Picking up the loaded pistol he kept on the desk, he snuffed the candle and rang for a man servant before gazing out into the brilliant, moonlit grounds.

‘Hullo, the house.’ A tall, thin man dismounted, and stood in full view of the darkened study window, making no attempt to conceal himself. Gerard relaxed his guard slightly. A sorry looking nag stood quietly next to him, its head hanging down. It had travelled far.

Opening the window a chink Gerard slid halfway through the aperture. ‘State your business, sir, and keep your hands where I can see them.’

‘My business is with Viscount Sommersley.’ The man held his palms outward as his gaze sought for Gerard in the shadows. ‘I come unarmed. My weapons are in my pack.’

‘I’m the man you seek.’ He stepped into the garden. ‘Why do you come to my door at this hour of night?’

The man’s head jerked towards his horse. ‘You are the brother of this unfortunate youth, I believe.’

Dear, God! Jeffrey was slung like a sack of turnips over the saddle! Heart in his mouth Gerard stuck the pistol in his belt and hurried towards the pack horse.

‘La, Sir! You’ll blow your tackle to smithereens if you’re not careful. The pistol was flipped from his belt and rendered safe before he had time to turn. The man handed it to him with a bow and a sardonic smile. ‘Your brother is not harmed except for a few bruises. He’s the worst for drink I’m afraid, and will be afflicted with a headache come morning.’

His eyes flew open in shock. ‘Good God, he’s bare-assed naked!’ Jeffrey was wrapped in the man’s cloak, and his dirty bare feet dangled from beneath it.

‘He was set upon by vagabonds, and would have chased them into the forest on foot had I not prevented him by tying his ankle to a stake.’

‘I’m in your debt.’ Hauling Jeffrey from the horse, the two of them carried him into the study. The man gazed down at Jeffrey and grinned. ‘The lad was most indignant about the matter and insisted I apprehend the thieves. His clothes are in the bundle attached to my saddle. Unfortunately, he was unable to stand still long enough for me to put them on his back. The activity caused the drink to ferment in his head and he ran in circles until he got so dizzy he dropped unconscious.’ Cocking his head to one side, he measured Gerard with his eyes. ‘He proved easier to handle that way.’

‘I cannot thank you enough.’ Grinning to himself, he turned to the servants who’d appeared at his side. ‘Carry my brother to his chamber and make him comfortable. Be discreet. I’ll expect you to have regard for his pride, and forget this happened. Return to the study when you’ve finished.’

‘Your name?’ he asked when his brother had been carted away.

‘James Langland at your service, My Lord.’

The man was about forty, the flesh sparse upon his bones. Apart from his nose, which curved hugely from his face like a beak, he was personable. An astute pair of light brown eyes gazed at him with interest. Gerard took an instant liking to James Langland. ‘I’ve heard much of you. You were Willow’s tutor, were you not?’

‘The same.’ James smiled. ‘If nothing else, I pride myself on the fact I taught her to defend herself. She’s the best shot I’ve ever come across, and a quick study.’

‘She boasted once she could shoot the eye from a frog,’ he said dryly. ‘I’ve yet to see any evidence of it. The frogs around here seem to have remained intact.’

‘You seem to doubt her, My Lord.’ The languid edge to the man’s voice was at odds with his penetrating eyes. ‘Willow may be a skinny child with a wild imagination and a tendency to dramatize, but I tell you this, sir. If my pupil says she can shoot the eye from a frog, she’s quite capable of doing it.’

‘I believe you.’ Willow would have been indignant had she heard her tutor’s description of her. The thought made him want to laugh.

‘You do, eh!’ James Langland uncoiled from his chair and prowled restlessly around the room. ‘You seem a reasonable man, sir. By now you must know I’m not here by chance. I heard that Willow was under the protection of your house. I came here to satisfy myself she is well cared for. I grew uncommonly fond of the child, and came to regard her as a daughter.’

‘You can satisfy yourself on that account in the morning if you wish.’ He glanced at one of the servants, who’d returned with James’s cloak folded neatly over his arm. ‘Rouse one of the stable lads to see to his horse, bring our guest some supper then find him a bed for the night.’

‘By the way,’ James said casually when all had been done and they were about to retire. ‘The rogues who set about your brother are tied to a tree in the forest. I was unable to catch his horse.’

The man was more capable than most. ‘I’m in your debt,’ he said, reckoning the horse would find its own way home.

‘A refreshing change, indeed.’ James Langland’s smile was ironic in the extreme. ‘Where I’m concerned, it’s usually the other way round.’

The candle wick flickered in a pool of molten tallow. All that remained of the fire was a few warm embers.

Gerard gazed down at the supine form of his wife, enjoying the innocent beauty of her as she slept. He was about to rob her of that innocence, but by doing so he’d disclose the mystery of her femininity to her. She would become all the more precious for the gift she gave him.

He was still dressed in his shirt and breeches. Quickly discarding them, he slid on to the bed beside her and gently kissed her awake.

‘Gerard?’ Her eyelids fluttered open, and she gazed at him so anxiously his heart seemed to melt. ‘I have something to tell you.’

‘And I you. But let it wait until morning, my love. I’ve long awaited this moment.’ He was as amorous as a tomcat and eager to claim what was his. His mouth sought her sweet, pointed nipples through the material of her chemise.

‘Please stop, Gerard.’ He frowned as her hands found his shoulders and pushed him away. ‘I am indisposed.’

The candle went out in a hiss of hot wax. What cursed luck, he thought, inhaling the rancid odor of smoke lingering in the air.

Her voice was hardly audible, so ashamed did she sound. ‘The potion Kitty gave me last night was for women’s problems as well as sleeping. ‘It has… ‘ She gave a slight sniff. ‘It has caused my cycle to arrived prematurely.’

He wondered if she was crying. If that proved to be the case, he thought he might join her.

‘You do not mind waiting a little longer?’ she said anxiously.

‘I don’t mind,’ he lied, minding like hell. His romancing of her had built his desires to fever pitch and he was suffering an agony of craving. He cursed the fact that sweet words and lies meant more to women than the truth, on occasion. After that, he cursed the instinct that had made him act the gentleman when he should have demanded she fulfill her marital duties earlier.

Shyly she asked. ‘Will you stay with me a while? You can join me if you would like. I would enjoy it if you held me.’

Join her?
Sweet Jesus!
He felt like laughing as the funny side of the situation occurred to him. What sort of torment had this virgin wife of his planned? he asked himself, sliding his naked body under the sheets. And what could be worse than holding a woman who smelled as sweet as this one in his arms, who snuggled almost naked against his chest and who breathed gently into his ear?

The answer was not long in coming. Having that woman inquire in a sleepy voice before drifting into sleep. ‘You are comfortable, Gerard?’

Spring 1755

‘James Langland!’

Willow would have thrown herself on the man if Gerard hadn’t physically restrained her. He laughed, enjoying the astonishment on their faces.

‘Willow?’ Head inclined, James walked around her, gazing quizzically through his eyeglass all the while. Finally, he said in an accusatory tone. ‘You’ve become a woman while my back was turned.’

‘And you’ve neglected me shamefully,’ she reproached softly. ‘Not one letter in all this time have you sent me.’

‘You are wrong there, cherub.’ James became suddenly sober. ‘My letters were intercepted by your father and returned. Then, when I pounded on his door and demanded he let me see you— ‘ He shrugged, biting off his words as he took her hands. ‘Never mind that, my dear… now I’ve seen you with my own eyes I can go on my way a happy man.’

Tears immediately sprang to her eyes. She was glad Gerard had arranged to have him released from prison anonymously. He’d not have been able to face her otherwise. Gazing at his thin body and the pallor of his skin, she knew he was in need of sustenance. ‘Go? With you looking so scrawny a starving fox would pity you?’

Her scornful remark reminded Gerard of his grandmother. He was grinning when she turned to him and implored. ‘Please convince James to stay for a while, Gerard.’

James’s glance took in the array of dishes being carried into the dining room. His nose twitched hungrily. ‘I need to find employment, cherub. I intend to offer myself as a tutor at the spring hiring fair.’

‘That’s not for another fortnight.’ Sliding his arm around Willow’s waist Gerard pulled her close. His grin became a smile as he sprang his own surprise. ‘If my wife wishes you to stay then you’re doubly welcome.’

‘Your wife?’ Out came the eyeglass again. This time Gerard was subject to a thorough head to toe scrutiny. Finally, James nodded his approval. ‘I cannot decide whether to offer congratulations or commiserations, My Lord.’ His eyes twinkled with sudden mirth when Willow made an exasperated sound deep in her throat. ‘She was ever a contrary child, but interesting nonetheless.’