Realm 05 - A Touch of Mercy (38 page)

“Foresthill Hall.” He grinned at his friend. “We require Baron Nelson’s permission or else we ride toward Gretna Green.”

Within a half hour, Aidan and Mr. Hill reined in before Foresthill Hall. A young groom Mercy did not recognize rushed forward to claim the horses. Mr. Hill dismounted first, and His Lordship lifted her to his friend’s arms. “Thank you, kind Sir,” Mercy teased as Hill set her upon her feet. She presented the man an exaggerated curtsy. “You, Sir, have my undying gratitude.” She launched herself into the man’s arms. “Who would think a guardian angel would sport a scruffy beard?” she whispered.

His Lordship cleared his throat. “Either you release the lady or name your second, Hill,” Lord Lexford said jovially.

Hill gently set her away from him. “As you have been my second for more years than I can recall, I will bend to your wishes, my Lord.”

Lord Lexford caught her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “If it is your wish, it is time we claim a future.”

“More than anything, my Lord. I wish to return to Lexington Arms as your viscountess.” The words brought tears to her eyes. A dream surely could not promise more.

His Lordship escorted her up the entrance steps to rap heavily upon the door. He replaced the bonnet upon her head. “Whoever thought you should wear yellow for your wedding certainly never looked upon your beautiful countenance.”

Mercy laughed self-deprecatingly. “I fear, my Lord, you must become accustomed to yellow as this is the only gown I own. My others remain at Crandale Hall, and Geoffrey may not permit to claim my former ones.”

He said seductively, “I will purchase you better. You should wear silks and satin and velvet.” But Mercy had the distinct feeling the viscount’s thoughts rested upon her sans clothing.

The door opened to a familiar face. “Mr. Soames,” she squealed. It had been so long since she had departed this house, Mercy nearly forgot why she had made her escape.

“Glory to God!” the elderly butler exclaimed. “Miss Mercy has come home.” He opened the door wider. “Please come in from the cold. The baron will be most anxious to see you. He has grieved with your disappearance, Miss.”

“Except for the loss of Sir Lesley’s connections, I had no idea Geoffrey might care,” Mercy admitted.

Mr. Soames glanced about to secure privacy. “The baron no longer requires Sir Lesley’s influence. The Marquis of Godown has assumed control of the estate,” Soames whispered. “Conditions are much improved.”

Mercy turned to Aidan. “You spoke the truth of the marquis’s interest in Geoffrey. Why did you not tell me before?”

The viscount leaned close to whisper, “Because, my Dear, you guarded your identity until recently.” He tweaked her nose for good measure, and Mercy blushed thoroughly.

Mr. Soames accepted Mercy’s cloak. “Your sister has set her husband to tending to the baron’s financial papers.”

Mercy caught the man’s hand. “Grace? Grace is alive?”

Soames gently patted the back of Mercy’s hand. “Oh, yes, Miss. Miss Grace is the Marquise of Godown.”

Mercy felt the walls swoon. She had prayed for Grace’s safety. Daily she had said the words aloud, but she had feared for the worst. Somehow, God had known her heart. Swirls of colored lights clouded her vision, and Mercy’s insides went icy cold. When she swayed, Lord Lexford caught her under her legs to lift her to him. She heard him order Soames to show him a place where he might place her down, and then it all went black.

*

Despite all signs to the contrary, Aidan had always assumed Miss Nelson had known of her sister’s conquest, but her reaction had proved otherwise. From the butler, she had learned Grace Crowden lived. Now, it would be his responsibility to inform her of the marquise’s disappearance. “Mercy,” he whispered. “Mercy, Darling, wake up.”

Slowly, her eyes opened, and Aidan breathed easier. “My Lord?” she said sweetly.

He carefully lifted her to a seated position. “Do you know your whereabouts?” Aidan asked encouragingly.

She gave her head a gentle shake before answering, “In my brother’s home.”

Before they could say more, a young man strode through the door. “Mercy! Praise God! You have returned to us.” Despite Aidan reaching for her to protect Mercy, the man scooped her from the sofa to embrace her. He caught Mercy’s chin and lifted it to look upon her countenance. “You look well; I had feared the worst.” He kissed Mercy’s forehead. Then he glanced to where Aidan and Hill looked on. “And who have you brought us?”

Mercy blushed, and Aidan smiled at her innocent embarrassment. “Lord Lexford, may I present my brother, Baron Nelson. Geoffrey, it is my great pleasure to bring you the acquaintance of Aidan Kimbolt, Viscount Lexford, and his close associate, Mr. Henry Hill.”

The baron held his sister’s hand, but he offered a proper bow. “Welcome to Foresthill Hall. May I send for refreshments? I cannot thank you enough for returning my sister to us.”

Aidan said quickly, “You have misinterpreted our presence in your home, Nelson. Your sister has graciously accepted my proposal. You and I have business to address.”

Swinging his gaze to his sister, Nelson’s smile filled with pride. “A viscountess, Mercy? You have done well, my Dear.”

Aidan suggested, “Perhaps, you have a place where we might speak privately, Nelson. Urgency is of import.”

“Of course, we can use my study,” Nelson said suspiciously.

Aidan continued, “Hill, would you make arrangements for a carriage?” He did not wish to ride all the way to Derbyshire with Mercy seated upon his lap. Besides, nearly six days in the saddle had taken their tolls on his body.

“Certainly, my Lord.” Hill started for the door, but the baron called him back.

“I have a small carriage you are welcome to use if you are so inclined, Lexford. If we are to be brothers, it is the least I can do.”

Mercy said in disbelief, “A second carriage?”

Her brother cleared his throat. “It is more economical,” he explained.

Hill said, “I will call in at the stable, my Lord.” Aidan nodded his agreement, and his friend made his exit.

To Mercy he said, “My Dear, perhaps you have several gowns you wish to reclaim while I speak to your brother.”

She laughed up at him with sparkling eyes. “I will find a more appropriate gown, my Lord.” She went on tiptoes to kiss her brother. “Thank you, Geoffrey. I have heard heartening words of your new constancy. I am pleased to see you looking well and set on making our father proud.”

*

The negotiations with her brother had gone better than Aidan had anticipated. Obviously, the strict hand Godown had placed on Nelson’s shoulder had made a difference, and Aidan would assist the marquis once he had married Mercy.

“Miss Nelson knows nothing of what has transpired between the marquis and her elder sister. If you hold no objections,” Aidan had suggested, “I will explain the complications Lady Godown has experienced in her marriage.”

Nelson shook his head sadly. “My part in my sisters’ troubles brings me grief.”

Aidan took sympathy on the man. “I am certain Miss Nelson would be pleased if you would attend the wedding, as would my associates. My friends and I are family in action rather than by blood.”

“Thank you, Lexford. It would be an honor to have such esteemed company. Before I follow you to Derbyshire, I will call upon Sir Lesley to assure him I was never away from my estate.” Aidan had shared the few details he had learned from Miss Nelson during their short ride from the church. “I will also discreetly inform the baronet of his son’s involvement in illegal activities. Hopefully, Mathias Trent has survived his injury.”

Aidan smiled knowingly. “I assure you, Nelson, Mr. Hill is extremely accurate with an assortment of weapons. He shot Trent in the leg to prevent the baronet’s son from making a speedy escape.”

The baron paled. “It is another of my personal failures to have participated in Trent’s maneuverings,” he admitted.

Aidan could have added sugar to his response, but he knew Nelson had much more to learn. “It is only because of Godown’s great admiration for his wife that you are not sitting in a cell at Old Bailey. Never forget the immense gift you have been given and to whom you owe your allegiance.”

Nelson chuckled ironically. “For many weeks, I cursed Lord Godown to the heavens, but slowly life returned to my body and my estate. The marquis plays a heavy hand, but he does not cheat in repaying his debts.” It was not necessary for the baron to speak the words written in his eyes.

“You are fortunate to claim the marquis as a brother,” Aidan cautioned.

The baron nodded his understanding, “I am well aware of Lord Godown’s vast influence.” He reached into his desk drawer. “I have been saving this for Mercy’s return.”

Aidan accepted the locket. “Is this the one Miss Nelson lost to the Foyles?”

A smile uncurled, reaching the baron’s mouth. “She told you of her adventures? That is good.” Intense sadness crossed the man’s countenance. “That means my sister trusts you.” Aidan heard the unspoken phrase,
More than she did me
. “Mr. Soames attended a local fair and came across this piece. He sent for me, and I claimed it stolen. After all, images of my parents were easily recognizable in the neighborhood. The Foyles would not say where or when they had met Mercy, but finding this piece provided me the hope of her success. She should wear it on her wedding day. I hope you will share it with her on your journey to Derbyshire.”

“I will indeed, Nelson. Your sister will be ecstatic to have it in her possession again, but would you not prefer to return it to Mercy yourself?”

“No, it is better if it comes from you. I was the reason she lost it. I would prefer my sister concentrate on the happiness of knowing our mother’s presence at her wedding than the chaotic world Mercy escaped and survived.”

*

Aidan surreptitiously watched Mercy as she readjusted her bonnet’s ribbon. He pretended to look out the coach’s window, but his eyes could not get enough of the lady’s countenance. He did not think it possible to feel complete contentment and lust at the same time, but he did. The hope of spring rested in that delightful dimple he had yet to explore properly. “You look quite fetching, my Dear,” he said invitingly.

As if she read his thoughts, she blushed. “So does my maid,” she teased. “I presented her with an equaling fetching yellow gown and bonnet.”

Aidan’s lips twitched in amusement. She would truly be a perfect match for him. “That gesture is most generous of you; however, I hope you warned the girl not to wear the gown where Sir Lesley might see it. I cannot imagine the baronet would not be pleased to know you thought so little of the frock.”

Mercy said seriously, “Until the past week, I had always thought Sir Lesley conniving and manipulative, but the baronet was as much a victim as was I. I felt empathy for his lost of face.”

Aidan was not so sympathetic. The baronet had permitted his son too much swagger. When he thought on how close he had come to losing her today, a shiver of cold ran up Aidan’s spine. If he had not knocked Mercy to the ground, the bullet, which had sped past his ear, would have lodged in her heart. He meant to see Mathias Trent fully punished for the man’s many crimes. Aidan said, “I have asked your brother to join us in Derbyshire.”

She said softly, “Is Derby our destination, my Lord?”

Aidan chuckled, “I suppose we should have discussed our journey in more detail. The mad rush to reach you in time precipitated my speedy negotiations with your brother.” Every part of his body ached to forget this conversation and just know her intimately again, but Aidan meant to begin their marriage in complete honesty.

Mercy said tentatively, “I am honored by your devotion to my safety, my Lord, but did the mad rush, as you term it, also precipitate an omission of a proper proposal?” Although her voice held a quiver of nervousness lacing her words, Miss Nelson’s eyes spoke a challenge.

Aidan swallowed the bubble of happiness threatening to escape. The lady would bring a hoydenish mix of elegance to his life. “I would think my ‘mad rush’ would be declaration enough of my affections,” he countered.

Her chin rose in defiance. “Even so, a girl would prefer to be asked. A man should not take a woman for granted, my Lord.”

Aidan teased, “They are merely words, Miss Nelson.” As he spoke, he shifted from the rear-facing seat to sit beside her. “And I doubt you would refuse my hand.”

She petulantly looked away. “Do you consider yourself such a great catch, Lord Lexford? My, I never realized your vanity.”

He caught her chin to turn it in his direction. “You of all people know I have no call for either vanity or pride. My historic family has been shaken to its core, but what I have to offer is my true regard for you. For your loyalty. Your creativity and your boldness. Your beautiful smile and your expressive eyes. I wish to spend my life with you by my side. You would do me a great honor, if you would accept my hand in marriage.”

A single tear ran down her cheek. “That was so beautiful,” the lady said with a sigh of admiration. “I shall remember the moment forever.”

Aidan’s brow rose in curiosity. “Was that a
yes
?’

She launched herself in Aidan’s arms. “Of course, it is a
yes
. I have never been happier.” She offered her mouth, and Aidan took great pleasure in tasting her again. She pressed her body to him, and heat rose quickly. Her eyes fluttered closed; her lips parted, and their tongues began a passionate dance. It pleased him to know he had taught her to kiss so keenly. He sank into the kiss, pulling her to him.