Jacob almost managed a smile. “We would be honored, my lord. When shall we be ready?”
“As soon as you get yourselves to the vicar and make things proper. By the time the banns are cried, we’ll be back here for the ceremony. You can assure yourselves that Lotta will not end up on the streets while in my employ.”
The servant made a deep obeisance and hurried out. Knowing the working of his household well, Wyatt returned to his desk with pen and paper and waited for the next intrusion.
It came sooner than expected. His mother knew better than to interrupt him at his work. Cassandra had no such scruples. She burst through the door and hugged his neck and kissed his cheek before he could even rise from the chair. When he reached to pull her around where he could see her, she curled up in his lap and began pressing excited kisses along his jaw.
“Oh, thank you, Wyatt. You are a blessed man. Lotta is my only friend and it’s too bad of your mother to scream at her like that just because Lotta got dizzy and spilled the tea over her new gown. Do you think she’ll dismiss me when she finds out I’m having a baby too? Will you take me to London with you? I haven’t seen my mother in months and I worry about her.”
That was too many difficult topics at once. Wyatt shifted Cassandra more comfortably against his shoulder and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “It is time we discussed plans for this child, since you will be showing shortly. I think it would be best if we removed to one of my other estates where our history isn’t as well known, until we can make our marriage official. Then we can take an extended wedding journey. When we return with the child, no one will ever be able to pin down exact dates, and although they may speculate as they wish, it will all appear proper, which is all that is necessary. Where would you like to go on our honeymoon?”
Cassandra grew still. The excitement she had entered with seemed to die. She pressed her hand against Wyatt’s waistcoat and buried her face against the linen of his neckcloth. “Don’t send me away, Wyatt. Can’t we go on as we are? Everyone believes we are married. Can we not leave it at that?”
Wyatt steeled himself for the tantrum that would follow the soft pleas. “I’m not sending you away, Cass. I have to go to London for a short time. I think you would be happier away from my mother. I’ll take you to Sussex and introduce you to my staff there. Then, when I come back from London, we can travel on to the Lake District. You will be much more comfortable there through the summer as the child grows bigger. The air is marvelous, and I know you will love the fells. I have no desire to leave you for any length of time at all.”
Cassandra sat up and slid off his lap. “But I cannot leave until harvest, surely you must see that? The men would think I was deserting them. And I’ve made such promises—”
Wyatt stood and caught her arm. “Don’t be nonsensical, Cass. MacGregor can manage your few acres along with my own. He can lend them the equipment they need. The crops can be stored in my barns. That is not the problem here.”
“Oh, yes, it is, too! That is the whole problem here, Wyatt Mannering! Everything must be done your way. It is your concerns that must be put first. Your name must not be muddied by the presence of a pregnant mistress. What I want has nothing to do with it. I don’t want to go to Sussex. I want to go to London. And I shall, even if you won’t take me.” Cassandra shook his hand off and flew out the door before Wyatt could stop her.
Her argument was specious, of course. Wyatt realized that. She hadn’t stated her real reasons, but he heard them anyway, even louder for being unsaid. You are the one who wants to get married. I don’t.
But she carried his child. She was young and heedless and had never been given an opportunity to spread her wings. He would have to give her that opportunity, but not until his child had a name. She would simply have to accept that fact.
Now all he had to do was figure out how to protect her while he went to London. He shouldn’t have suggested that Jacob go with him. The ex-soldier would prove a more competent bodyguard than anyone else he knew. But he needed the loyalty of that pair and their knowledge of Duncan’s and Rupert’s households to carry off this scheme. Perhaps he should just abduct Cassandra and carry her off to Sussex against her will.
That would be tempting fate too far. He had managed to trick her into playing his wife, and it had amused her to keep up the charade. She would not be amused by a repeat of the situation. How else could he keep her out of trouble?
She wanted to see her mother. Her mother was something of an invalid. Could she be persuaded to travel? What if he sent Lady Eddings to Sussex? Surely Cassandra could be persuaded to a few weeks out of the way in that case. He should never have mentioned marriage in conjunction with travel.
Not that Sussex was the safest place in the world. It would just take a little while longer to trace her there. The Americas wouldn’t be far enough if Rupert truly wanted to find her.
He would just have to act quickly. Rupert had to be brought in line. A man like that would seek his revenge on hapless females before seeking out his stronger opponents.
~*~
“It was too bad of me to lose my temper that way, Wyatt. I promise I shall never do it again. Will you truly take me with you?” Wearing only her chemise and stockings, Cassandra flung herself into Wyatt’s arms after his first words.
“Do not make promises you cannot keep, sweetheart. You will curse me often enough in the years to come. Just be certain to apologize afterward just like this.” Wyatt lifted her up in his arms.
She reveled in the pleasure of melting against his hard length. She fitted her arms around his neck, stood on her toes, and covered his face with kisses.
“I shall be a terrible burden to you. Duncan has said I am a miserable witch when I don’t get my way. I don’t mean to be, Wyatt, really I don’t. But it is just so very... annoying that I cannot control my own life, that I must always wait and rely on someone else. You cannot know how it is.”
“No, perhaps I cannot. I will try to be more understanding, Cass, but you must promise the same. I worry about you, and I want to make you safe and happy. You must let me muddle through this in the best way I know how.”
“Oh, you do very well, my lord.” Cassandra wriggled in his arms, feeling the hard state of his arousal through the tight cloth of his pantaloons. “Very well indeed,” she murmured as his mouth sought and claimed hers.
She had wondered if Wyatt would tire of her as her father and brother so quickly tired of their mistresses. Each time he came to her like this was another moment stolen from time. She would make the most of every minute.
They slept in her room that night, unable to cross the distance to the larger chamber before their needs demanded satisfaction. Cassandra cried out her joy as Wyatt once more proved his desire for her, and when he came to her twice more before the dawn, ecstasy replaced rapture. Surely he would not leave her anytime soon if he still felt this strongly. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found a home.
The cotton padding of that night held her safe through the next few days as Wyatt made arrangements for their journey and seemed aloof and distant. As long as he came to her at night, she would allow him his preoccupation. Wyatt was a busy man. He did not need to wait on her both night and day. She could visit Thomas, oversee her fields, search the library for gardening books, and pluck at the pianoforte.
She rather missed their musical interludes before bedtime, but Wyatt stayed in his study until the small hours, writing interminable letters and instructions. One would think he was planning a war. But he always came to her bed, so she did not complain.
When they finally set out, Lotta and Jacob traveled with the baggage, and Wyatt made certain Cassandra was ensconced in his most comfortable carriage. He insisted that they travel slowly so the jolting did not disturb her, but the sickness had passed as quickly as it had come, and she was bouncing with eagerness to see the countryside. She wanted to ride with Wyatt, but he had not thought to bring a horse for her. She hid her disappointment and made him laugh through the
alfresco luncheon from the basket that Cook had prepared.
It was the only time Wyatt laughed that day. As the sun drew low in the sky, Cassandra kept searching for the cloud of smoke signaling London, but the countryside only became greener, and occasionally she imagined the scent of salt air. She wished Wyatt would ride back to the carriage so she might question him, but he rode ahead of the carriage, his gaze on something in the distance.
When they turned through the arched gateway of someone’s country estate, she swallowed her disappointment. She hadn’t remembered the journey to London being so long, but Wyatt had been excessively careful in his attentions. He probably feared to tire her and wished to rest before continuing their journey in the morning.
Wyatt opened the landau door before a footman could and scanned her face as she threw her arms around him most improperly to be lifted from the carriage. Reassured, he kissed her cheek and took her hand on his arm to escort her into the house.
The door swung open as if they were expected, and Cassandra gazed around with curiosity at the lovely polished oak floors smelling of beeswax, the welcoming arrangement of flowers, and the charming foyer dominated by a curved staircase to the upper floors. The house was much smaller and less impressive than Merrick, but it had a comfortable elegance Cassandra liked at once.
She smiled up to Wyatt as the servants formally lined up in the hall to greet them. “Whose house is this? I feel as if I am a princess,” she whispered.
“To them, you are. This is one of my smaller estates.” Before she could question, Wyatt introduced her to the upper servants, then sent the staff scurrying to prepare rooms and carry luggage. A discreet look to the butler received a nod, and the older man led the way to a small suite of rooms in a separate wing off the formal front rooms.
Expecting to be led upstairs to the bedchambers, Cassandra exclaimed with delight at the cozy warmth of the yellow silk-lined salon to which they were led. At a sound from a velvet fainting couch near the fire, Cassandra turned from the wide expanse of draped window to the room’s occupant.
“Mother!” Nearly squealing with delight, she raced to the invalid lying propped against the pillows, waiting for her.
Wyatt watched the reunion with growing trepidation. How long would Cassandra’s delight last when she discovered they were on the Sussex shore, now two days’ journey from London?
Chapter 26
“Why, Wyatt? Why can I not go with you?”
He gave her sleepy face a kiss. “Would you leave your mother here alone? Now, go back to sleep. I’ll be back before you know it.”
He was already dressed for traveling, wearing light dust-colored trousers and polished Hessians, his hat in his hand as he bent over the bed. Cassandra could smell the fresh scent of his shaving soap, and she ached to go with him, but deep in her heart she understood. He could present her as wife to his country friends, but not to the ton. Not that much of society would be about this time of year, but enough to start the gossip clucking. She sighed and sat up. “Be careful, Wyatt. I’ll miss you dreadfully while you’re gone.”
“Will you?” He looked pleased by that notion. Then, bending, he pressed a kiss to the glorious tumble of her hair. “I’ll buy you something pretty while I’m there. What would you like?”
She shook her head. There was nothing he could buy her. Security didn’t come in a box wrapped in fancy ribbons. At his troubled look, she suddenly brightened. “Lace! The village has no lace for a christening gown. I should very much like to make the gown myself, if I might.”
“I shall find the most beautiful lace in all of London, then. You do not mind if I borrow Jacob?”
“Of course not, although why you would wish to take Lotta too is beyond my understanding. I know Jacob won’t go without her, but that wagon cannot be comfortable in her condition.”
“Spoken from experience, I realize. I believe it has something to do with some family matter. Perhaps they wish to invite guests to the wedding.”
She nodded dubiously. “Just do not let them lead you into trouble, my lord. I realize they appear very proper when they wish, but they are not at all what they seem.”
Wyatt grinned. “I am not so green as that, little goose. Now, give me a hug and I’ll be off.”
He was gone quickly, too quickly. All the servants thought them married, but Wyatt had not chosen to lie to her mother, nor did he tell her the truth. He left the decision up to her, and Cassandra wasn’t at all certain she knew what to do with it.
She joined Lady Eddings in the first-floor wing far from the chamber where she and Merrick had spent the night. By choosing this wing, Wyatt had saved the invalid many steps, made her a part of the downstairs activities, and carefully arranged their own privacy.
Lady Eddings smiled up from a bed tray of delicious-smelling coffee, tea, and a basket of muffins, scones, and toast. “I have been very spoiled here. I may never leave. Has Lord Merrick taken that into account?”
“He has been all that is kind, Mother. I should have thought of your removing out here sooner. With the invigorating air from the sea, Sussex is much more pleasant than London.”
“It is always lovely anywhere that one can see clear sky. I just do not understand why Lord Merrick has been so considerate. I know that he has been all that is proper, but it must cause talk if you travel in his company. I cannot help but worry about you, Cassandra.”
“Worry, Mother? What is there to worry over?” She adjusted a chair near the breakfast tray and made use of the spare cup provided by the ever-efficient servants.
Lady Eddings frowned. “Cassandra, I did not believe you ever lied to me. Would you begin now? That wretched rogue that Duncan married you to has returned, and you are not at all worried?”
Cassandra went white as she froze with a partially broken muffin in hand. “Rupert? Rupert is in London?”
Elizabeth waved her hand in dismissal. “But he cannot disturb our peace here. It looks so pleasantly warm in the sun. Do you think I might attempt a walk outside?”
Confined by the steep staircase in London, Lady Eddings had seldom set foot belowstairs, and therefore, never outside. To venture on this journey and now ask to walk in the sun was an improvement not to be expected. But the question flew right by Cassandra as she slowly crumbled the muffin.
At the questioning silence from her mother, Cassandra jerked her attention back to the conversation. “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear. I think... If you’ll excuse me...” Cassandra started to rise, her mind awhirl.
Merrick had known. That was why he had hidden her here. What was he going to do? The possibilities seemed limitless, but Rupert would allow only one. She could not allow Wyatt to challenge him. She could not.
“Cassandra!”
Her mother’s voice raised in sharp rebuke startled her. She glanced to the invalid in confusion.
“Sit down, Cassandra. It’s time we talked.”
Her mother speaking in clear, coherent sentences was one thing; ordering her about was quite another. Confused, Cassandra sat.
“Lord Merrick has gone to deal with your husband, has he not?”
Cassandra nodded.
“Why?”
How could she answer that? Uncertainly, she threaded her fingers together. “Rupert has not been a husband to me since we married.” She halted there, unable to explain further.
Lady Eddings’ blue eyes narrowed. “But if I do not mistake, Lord Merrick has very much been behaving as one. It is in one of his houses that you have been living, is it not? Duncan said so. And this is another one of his estates. I am right, am I not, Cassandra?”
Cassandra rose and paced the room. It was a lovely room, shimmering in yellow silk in the morning sun now that the draperies had been pulled back. The park beyond rippled in emerald colors into a distant blue. The sea probably crashed against the shore beyond that line of lawn and shrubs. It was a beautiful setting for her mother. She could see her getting well here. If she could marry Wyatt... If this were
the best of all possible worlds...
She shook her head and swung to face her mother. “Wyatt would have me for wife were it not for Rupert. I would have him for husband were it not for Duncan. As you can see, it is quite impossible.”
“That is not all of it, is it? If what you say is true, your marriage can be annulled. For all he is my son, I cannot tell you how to control Duncan. He is too much like his father, and I never made any impression on him. But I cannot believe Duncan is the only reason that you find this marriage impossible. Has Merrick found out that you are not a Howard? Is that why he cried off earlier?”
She really could not stand another shock. Cassandra crumpled into the nearest chair and stared at her mother. How was it possible for a person to change so overnight? “Merrick did not cry off, I did,” she whispered.
Elizabeth frowned. “Because of your father? Or because of Duncan?”
“Both. I could not wish him hurt, Mother. He is too good a man.”
“And you think you do not deserve him? That is certainly not spoken like a Howard. What have I done to you, Cass? You are the best of us. You deserve whatever you can have. Merrick is no fool. I am not certain that he is right for you. But do not construct obstacles between you.”
Cassandra’s fingers bit into her palm. “As long as we are opening my life, what about yours, Mother? Who is my father? Are you ashamed of him? Is that why you have never spoken of him?”
Lady Eddings patted the seat beside her. “Do not sit across the room as if we are strangers. You always used to sit on the bed beside me.”
Cassandra took the chair she had abandoned earlier. She did not know whether she felt dread or hope now that the moment was near. For so long she had heard of the greatness of the Howard family. She knew their ancient history better than her own. To finally and at long last be severed from it was frightening.
Elizabeth patted her hand. “You have no blame for your parentage, Cassandra. That is my shame and my happiness. I married the man my family arranged for me to marry. We were not happy together. Neither of us expected to be. I brought him money. He gave me prestige. After I gave him his heir, I did not break his heart when I had an affair. Just one affair, Cassandra, in all my life with him. Can you forgive me for that?”
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