Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall (23 page)

“You think I want you as my mistress?” he asked incredulously. Rising to his feet, he came to her, utterly unmindful of his glorious nakedness. Upon reaching her, he dropped his strapping frame carefully to one knee. Taking her hand in his, he said, “Stay with me, as my wife, as my love. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife, Miss Mari Lamarre?”

Stung, she snatched her hand away. “No, I will not!” Her heart ached at the joy that shot through her before her mind shut down the possibility of staying with Cosmo. “You are mad to even suggest it.”

“You wound a man’s pride.” He pushed to his feet. “It is not every day I summon the courage to ask a woman to pledge her troth to me.”

“This is no laughing matter.”

“You are a prickly thing, aren’t you?” He appeared unmoved by her outrage. “Most females would react more favorably to a marriage proposal from a future marquess with a considerable fortune.”

She backed away from him, needing to put some distance between them. Why did he insist upon remaining unclothed? “Even if I were willing, you cannot marry me. I’m a woman of common family. I have seen too much of the world. You need a sheltered maiden of noble blood. I am no innocent virgin.”

His lips opened into that wide smile that made her insides go soft. “Don’t I know it.” He did a slow, frankly sexual inspection of her form. “Thank God for that. What would I do with an innocent virgin?”

“I will not give up aerostation. Nor my work for Will.”

He stalked toward her, looking like a magnificent predator at his most elemental. “Surely we can reach an agreeable compromise.” When he moved to embrace her, she dipped under his arms and out of his reach. Grabbing her dressing gown, she made for the door and threw it open, dashing down the hall toward the safety of her chamber.

What was he thinking? Marriage between them could never work. It had to be enough for her that he hadn’t died. At least she would always know he was alive in the world somewhere. But to become his wife? He was a rake, and his every infidelity would be like a stab in the ribs to her. She couldn’t open herself up to that kind of hurt, especially after how she’d suffered when Pascal died.

She knew her decision was the correct one. But instead of feeling relieved, sorrow and disappointment knifed through her with every painful thump of her heart.

“Go away.” Mari turned her back on Cosmo. “I am busy.”

“What are you doing?” he asked, watching her fold the silk fabric.

“Packing our equipment.” Not sparing him a glance, she walked around the colorfully striped silk cloth. “We leave for London on the morrow.”

“Tomorrow? A day earlier than planned. Running away, are you?” Leaning back against a tree trunk, he crossed his arms over his chest. “I never took you for a coward, Mari.”

“Do shut up.” She carried on about her business, but he noted the way she’d tensed up.

“Fine.” He shrugged. “Run away if you like. For now. I’ll see you in Town when I come for the exhibition.”

Her head snapped up. “You plan to attend?”

“Of course,” he said lazily. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I beg of you to stop this folly.” The words were sharp. “Let my departure be our final parting.”

“I missed you last evening,” he said. “If I’d known a proposal of marriage would drive you from my bed—”

“Hush!” She hissed the word, darting a glance at Maxim and Marcel, who were loading their equipment onto a cart in front of the barn.

Unfortunately, her obvious agitation drew Marcel’s attention. He marched over, glowering at Cosmo. “My sister wants to be left alone, Dunsmore.”

“Marcel,” she said in French. “I can handle this.”

“No, let him stay,” Cosmo interjected, beginning to see the advantage of getting Marcel involved. “As he is your older brother, it is only proper I speak with him about this.”

“Marcel does not need to be involved,” she said to Cosmo. “There is nothing to discuss.”

Marcel narrowed a menacing glare at him. “Speak with me about what?”

“I’ve asked your sister to marry me.”

Marcel’s jaw dropped. “
Merde.
”

“Do not concern yourself,” Mari said to her brother. “I am not marrying him.”

“Why not?” Marcel asked.

“Yes,” Cosmo said. “Why not?”

Mari regarded her brother with exasperation. “What do you mean why not? I’ve broken off with him. You should be pleased. You’ve never countenanced our liaison.”

“Don’t be an
idiot
. I don’t like you being his…his—” His face darkened. “You are too good to be a drunken nobleman’s common doxy.”

“You don’t even like him,” she said.

“What difference does that make?” Marcel looked at her as if she were a dolt. “The
imbécile
wants to make you his countess. You’ll be taken care of for life.”

“Actually,” Cosmo said, thrilled to have the scowling killjoy on his side for once, “she will be a marchioness.”

Marcel eyed him. “That is better, no?”

“Most definitely. Higher than a countess.”

“And you are rich,” he said looking to Cosmo for confirmation.

Cosmo nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve more gold than Croesus.”

To Mari, Marcel held out his hands in a “why not” gesture. “
V
oilà
.”

“Exactly,” Cosmo said to her. “I’ve no quarrel with your marrying me for my money and position.”

Indignation glowed in her radiant eyes. “I do not care about your money and status.”

“I am well aware.” Satisfaction curled through him. “It makes me want to marry you all the more.”

“Don’t be stupid, Mari.” Marcel chewed on a blade of grass. “Of course money matters. You will be taken care of.”

Hands on hips, she glared at her brother, her long-legged, breeches-clad form vibrating outrage. “He is a rake.”

“Is that what this is about?” Cosmo straightened. “There will be no other women. I’ve done enough whoring to last me two lifetimes.”

“Please.” She batted away an errant tendril of dark, curled hair. “You might stay faithful until you become bored in my bed.”

“That will never happen,” Cosmo said with utter conviction. “I will never tire of making love with you.”

A pained expression crossed Marcel’s face. “I’ve heard enough. There are some things a brother should not hear about his sister.” He looked daggers at Cosmo. “And it is not too late for me to kill you.”

Cosmo decided it was wisest to keep silent at the moment. Walking past Mari, Marcel paused and spoke in an undertone. “Father and Pascal are dead, Mari, but you are not. Perhaps it is time you live in the present…and for the future.”

Color leached out of her face and her stricken expression stabbed Cosmo’s heart. She turned without a word, walking with sure strides toward the cliffs, away from both of them.

Perhaps a patient gentleman would leave her to her peace, but being neither patient nor a gentleman, if one considered the strictest definition of the term, he followed. Trailing behind to allow her time to compose herself, he enjoyed an excellent view of the indignant swing of her slender hips.

She reached the cliffs and trotted down the path to the beach. He followed. Reaching the bottom, she plopped down on the sand to pull off her boots and stockings, baring smooth, calves and delicate ankles. Rising, she walked along the surf, just where the water met the beach.

“I seem to recall you promised to make love to me here,” he called out from behind her. “Is this an inappropriate time for me to take you up on the offer?”

“Most inappropriate.” She turned toward him with a contemplative expression, her honey-colored skin glowing bronze from the sun’s reflection off the water. “You are serious about marrying me?”

He poured all of his feelings for her into his answer. “I have never been more serious about anything in my life.”

The waves lapped at her ankles in a soothing
shooshing
noise. “Why?”

He inhaled the humid sea air. “I’m determined to put my life to rights, and that begins with giving up my wastrel ways and marrying the woman I love.”

“I am not a lady,” she said, speaking over the sound of the waves. “I cannot help you be respectable.”

“Is that what you think I want? Just because I don’t want to be a drunken lout for the rest of my life doesn’t mean I aspire to respectability.”

A sad expression crossed her face. “It is not so simple.”

“Of course it is. Gloriously so,” he said in all earnestness. “I love you. You love me. We wed, make excellent use of the marriage bed and, God willing, produce lots of sniveling brats who we’ll adore beyond all reason.”

A wistful smile touched her lips. “I never thought to have children.”

“Why ever not? You would make a wonderful mother.” Hope pulsed through him. “I want our little girls to be as stubborn and ornery as their extraordinary mother.”

“I am an aeronaut and an intelligence agent. You cannot tolerate either. A husband has the power to deny a wife those pursuits.”

“I’d like to see any man deny you anything.” His demeanor sobered. “I cannot like it, and I doubt my feelings on this matter will ever change. Fear unlike any other grips me when you place yourself in danger. The anxiety will likely drive me to an early grave.”

Her shoulders slumped a bit. “Then it is settled.” The words were bleak. “We understand each other. Finally.”

Hardly. He pressed on. “Parachuting is a passion for you. It is part of what makes you the exasperating woman I adore more than life itself. I will never deny you. I swear on all that I hold dear.”

Tilting her head, she narrowed a contemplative eye at him. “I have your word that you will not stop me from engaging in aerostation?”

A wave broke, spraying a gossamer mist of salty seawater over them. “I might drink myself senseless over it, but I will never deny you. You have my word.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “And the work I do for Will?”

“Only a fool would try to stop you from doing what you desire.” He paused. “I do have one condition.”

She appeared wary. “What is it?”

“Is it too much to ask that you abstain from all aerostation, as well as this cloak-and-sword business, when you are increasing?” He walked to stand in front of her. “My heart could not take seeing both my wife and child in danger.”

Her luminous eyes held his. “I suppose that is a reasonable request.”

“What of you? Will one man be enough for you?” He cleared his throat. “I know you, um…have enjoyed the attentions of other men.”

“My appetite for masculine diversity will not a problem,” she said dryly, “as I have been with only one other man besides you.”

The revelation stunned him into silence. He believed her; she had no reason to lie. But, as in everything she did, Mari seemed so self-assured during their lovemaking, passionate and unafraid to experiment. He’d assumed that confidence came from experience.

“
Idiot,
” she said in the face of his silence
.
“You needn’t appear so surprised as to insult me
.
”

“It is just so unexpected. I meant no insult.” To the contrary, the truth delighted him. “Your beloved Pascal?”

She dipped her chin in assent. “
Oui
.”

Satisfaction trilled through him to know that the only other man who had ever bedded her was six feet under. But, then again, she’d loved her French parachutist so dearly that she’d stayed away from all other men. “I can only hope that one day you will come to care for me as much as you did for your Frenchman.”

“I care for you more, but I cannot accept infidelity.”

“I intend to be faithful. You have my word of honor. Even I am not foolish enough to cross a wife who carries a knife.” He halted. “Did you just say you love me more than you loved your precious Pascal?”

Her eyes slid away. “Perhaps.”

“Truly?” Relief cascaded through him.

“Do not get a swelled head about this.”

“Too late,” he said with an insouciant smile. “When I am around you, everything in me swells.” His heart mostly, but other wicked parts as well.

“I have noticed.”

Hope beat heavy in his chest. “Then there is nothing to keep you from marrying me.”

“I am not a lady.”

He pulled her into his arms, relishing the feel of her supple flesh against the length of his body. “You are the finest woman I’ve ever met. Say yes.”

“
Bon
.”

Cautious elation gripped him. “Yes? You’ll marry me.” He searched her face, looking for confirmation.

She smiled, baring the adorable gap between her teeth. “As long as you understand I will not be a traditional marchioness.”

“I’m hardly a conventional man.” He brushed a tendril from her face. “We will forge our own path.”

She looked down at where the water brushed against their feet. “Your boots are getting wet.”

He ran his hands over her delicious backside, cupping the sweet flesh there, pressing her against his swelling arousal. “I expect to get much more so.”

“What if someone sees us?” Putting her arms around him, she squeezed his buttocks and pressed her entire body to his.

He groaned with pleasure and his lips found hers. “They cannot fault a man for anticipating the marriage bed with his betrothed wife.”

She laughed against his lips. “We’ve more than anticipated our marriage vows. Many times.”

“You do know it is a stratagem on my part.”

“How so?” she murmured, tangling her tongue with his.

“I aim to plant my seed in you.” He stroked the roof of her mouth and the sides of her cheeks with his tongue. “It’s my only way of keeping you safe on the ground.”

She melted against him. “That is very devious.”

“Of course. I am still a miscreant, after all.” He reached to undo the placket of her breeches. “And I am about to do something very scandalous.”

He pulled her down onto the beach with him, into the wet, packed sand, where the cool water rushed up to greet them, soaking them in the briny smell of the sea and the endless possibilities of tomorrow.

“She floats like an angel.” Anna’s wondering voice penetrated the cheering crowd watching the parachutist descend over the parade ground near Grosvenor Square.

Cosmo released the breath he’d been holding. “Indeed she does, Anna.” Moments ago, Mari had cut clear of the balloon with little trouble, and now the air resistance provided her with a smooth journey back to earth. The spectators roared their approval as she neared the landing point, which she’d been able to calculate with near-perfect accuracy.

Cosmo had never seen anything like the throngs who’d gathered to watch the aerial exhibition. The entire metropolis appeared to be balloon crazed. Everyone of fashion and rank was in attendance, including the regent himself. Those without tickets watched from Primrose Hill, while onlookers filled every window, rooftop, and tree within view. Carriages, hackney coaches, and market carts crowded the avenues as far as he could see.

Anna jumped up and down. “Here she comes, here she comes!”

He squeezed the child’s delicate hand. “Yes, she’ll be aground shortly.” It gladdened him to see the girl’s eyes glow with excitement. She seemed to be doing well since coming into their care.

“Miss Lamarre is doing a commendable job controlling the vacillations,” Aldridge said, adding his applause to that of the crowd.

Mari hit the ground with a decisive thud, and her basket rebounded in delicate hops before tilting to the side. Stepping gracefully out of it, she acknowledged the approving crowd with a series of waves. She was dressed to entertain, in a frilly crimson gown and matching hat with an abomination of jaunty feathers and artificial fruit crowded atop it.

“I can’t see, I can’t see,” Anna said as a crowd of well-wishers swelled around Mari.

“Come, Susanna.” Aldridge took her hand. “Let us move closer.”

They went toward Mari, who was being ushered over to be introduced to the prince regent, a portly figure who stood beaming his approval. Cosmo lingered in the background, letting Mari enjoy the accolades while his heart recovered from the strain of watching her hurl herself out of the clouds again. Egads. He’d never get used to watching her jump. Good thing he’d resolved to keep her pregnant as often as possible. Children could be quite entertaining, if Anna was any indication, and he already knew how much he enjoyed trying to conceive them.

The crowd murmured, shifting its attention back to the center of the field where Maxim and Marcel prepared for the second part of the show; ascending in the spectacular balloon which—at about thirty feet in diameter and forty-five feet high—was much larger than the one Mari had just cut away from. The six-foot length of the ornately festooned wicker car was also quite roomy compared to Mari’s.

The men stood at opposite ends of the boat-shaped car, emptying it of the ballast between them. The very pleasant memory of his own ride in that same basket with Mari replayed in Cosmo’s mind as the gondola swooped up off the ground. The balloon vaulted majestically toward celestial environs, its cerulean-blue and yellow stripes glimmering under the sun. Rising, it drifted toward Marylebone Road, in the direction of Regent’s Park, where in all likelihood, the
M
s would make their descent. The crowd surged as if to follow. Many on horseback and in wagons stirred, eager to pursue the aerostatic vehicle to its final destination.

With many of the spectators diverted, Cosmo’s betrothed sought him out. She wore a bright expression, but he noted the subtle strain around her eyes. Offering his arm, he escorted her through the thinning crowd. “Are you well?”

“But of course.” She smiled in acknowledgement to passing well-wishers. “The landing was perfect.”

“It was.” And yet Mari lacked the vivacious energy he usually noted in her whenever she undertook an aerostatic endeavor. Perhaps it was all of the people pushing against her. She did appear a bit wan as she watched the balloon float farther away, and her thoughts seemed elsewhere.

“What is wrong?” he asked, somewhat anxious. “Is something amiss?”

“Not exactly, but I think I might be grounded for a while.”

“Why? What?” It took him a moment to understand what that meant. “Are you telling me that Anna will soon have a little cousin to fuss over?”

She nodded with a cautious smile. “I missed my courses.”

He wanted to shout his elation, but her subdued countenance gave him pause. “Are you unhappy? Is it because you will miss flying?”

“No, it is because I might not.”

His betrothed was full of surprises. “Beg pardon?’

She frowned. “It is the most confounding thing.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“I have never felt fear on a jump.” She uttered the words with disgust. “
Never
. Caution, exhilaration, nervous anticipation. Yes. But
fear
? Never.”

“You were afraid today.” The realization sent tingles of disquiet through him.

“Usually when I am falling, I am so tranquil. It is quiet and I am at peace, but today—” She broke off the words with a shake of her head.

“What happened up there?” A frigid air blew through his insides at the realization she must have been in more danger than he’d realized. “Was there a problem with your equipment?”

“No, that is just it!” The words burst out of her. “It was perfection. Even the landing; I’ve never been more accurate.” She glared at him. “The fault lies with you.”

“Me?” Astounded, he flattened a hand against his chest. “I understand females who are increasing can be moody, but surely it is too early for that.”

The colors in her remarkable eyes flashed. “The blame lies with you, because you have given me too much to live for.”

“That is ridi—” He broke off his retort when he took her meaning. Delight supplanted indignation. “Ah, that is the way of it, then.”

“Do not look so pleased,” she snapped, a wash of color returning to her cheeks. “
Quel désastre
! Before, I had only myself to consider. Now, I must think of you and of Anna. You have complicated my life.”

“That is a grave problem indeed.” Try as he might, he could not suppress the enormous grin that broke out across his face. “I trust this means you’ll cease wearing those atrocious hats.”

“I can see you appreciate the seriousness of my dilemma,” she said wryly.

“We are all experiencing changes, my love. A few short weeks ago, I was a drunken fool lying in a field watching my Angel fall from the sky. Suddenly, I’m not only to be a husband, but a father twice over.”

“Aerostation and gathering intelligence are all I’ve ever known. I’ve never been idle.”

“A keen mind like yours is never still for long. I’m certain you’ll find something of note with which to occupy your time.”

She went silent for a moment watching the balloon grow smaller as it drifted toward the horizon. Then her eyes sparked. “Of course, that’s it!”

Cosmo’s nerves alerted. “What is
it
?”

“I could work on perfecting the design for a parachute without a frame,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “I am certain that is the future of aerostation.”

“
No
frame?” His heart stuttered. “Just a flimsy piece of silk without a wooden support?”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked away from him in contemplation. “I will not be able to test it, of course, as I am with child.”

Relief loosened his taut nerves. “A pity,” he said, sending up a silent prayer of thanks.

She gave him a sincere look. “I cannot say I will never jump again. This might be a passing idea.”

“I would not ask you to give up flying.” He might pray for it. Ardently. But he would never stop Mari from doing what inspired and fulfilled her.

“Auntie Mari, Auntie Mari!” Anna came running up to them. Aldridge, following behind her, paused to chat with an acquaintance.

“There you are, my sweet girl.” Cosmo stooped to swing her delicate frame into his arms, basking in the elation welling up inside of him. All was right with his world. He had Elinor’s daughter in his arms, his future wife by his side, and wondrous new life stirring in her belly. What more could a man ask for?

In his arms, Anna wiggled with excitement. “Watching Auntie fall from the sky was ever so exciting.”

He exchanged an amused look with Mari. “Must all females in my life be enchanted with aerostation?”

“Uncle Cosmo.” Ebullience sparkled in the child’s light-filled hazel eyes, their almond shape so like her mother’s. “I want to be just like Auntie Mari when I grow up. I want to fall from the sky!”

His smile melted. “Good lord.”

He’d seen that determined look before. The girl was so like Ellie, with the same spirit and single-mindedness. He didn’t doubt Anna would follow her own course when she grew older, just as her mother had. To her own peril.

“Breathe, Cosmo.” Mari said, watching him with that keen gaze of hers. “Children are known to be fickle. She is only five. Anna could well change her mind.”

“I suppose you have the right of it.” He exhaled. “What did you want to do when you were five?”

“Me?” she said, with the rise of one dark eyebrow. “But of course I wanted to jump out of the clouds.”

He barked a laugh which ended on a rueful grin. “I am a fool to worry when I have everything any man could desire right here with me.” With Anna in one arm, he pulled Mari to him with the other, pressing a soft kiss against her supple, welcoming lips, luxuriating in the profound emotion stirring deep within him. Life couldn’t be richer.

He’d have an abundance of time to worry about Anna’s future. For now, he just wanted to hold his family close.

“Susanna,” Aldridge called to the girl. “Come and meet Lord Crowell.” Cosmo released the girl, who ran off to join her grandfather and his cronies. Aldridge beamed proudly at her as she neared.

Patting the special license burning up his pocket, Cosmo turned to Mari. “I do believe today is a perfect day for a wedding.”

Mari regarded him with surprise. “
Maintenant
?”

“Indeed,” he replied. “We said we would wait until after the exhibition, and it is finally done. I must cleave myself unto my Angel before she realizes her mistake and floats away.”

“That will never happen,” she said with a shrug. “At the moment, I have no wings.”

He pulled her closer, not caring who saw them. “After we marry, perhaps if I am very lucky, you will land on top of me again. Only this time, instead of unmanning me, you’ll allow me to have my way with you.”

“How debauched,” she said coolly, before a slow sensuous smile spread across her face, the impact of which shot straight to his heart. “However, it might be possible. I am, after all, known for my pinpoint landings.”

THE END

Keep reading for a preview of
A License to Wed
, Book 2 in Diana Quincy’s
Regency Spymasters
series.