by Dawn Brower
Samantha fidgeted beside him. “You shouldn’t worry about my brother. It will be hours before he receives word of my departure.”
“I’m not worried.” That was a lie. He was concerned how Shelby would react to their decision. He hoped he wouldn’t end up hating Jason for eloping with his sister. It might not end well. “Besides, we’ve already reached the point of no return. We have no choice but to keep moving forward and hope for the best.” She was ruined the moment she exited the townhouse and entered the carriage with him.
“I don’t regret my decision, and I hope you don’t either.” Her voice…she seemed almost vulnerable. Samantha didn’t usually show any emotion. Well, she had a temper and that came out from time to time, but anything real—she remained reserved and almost unaffected.
Instead of answering her, he said, “We should talk about what we expect from each other.”
“I don’t understand…” She turned to him, but he couldn’t see her expression well in the dark. It was hours still until sunrise.
“After we’re married.” He wasn’t exactly sure how to explain it to her. “We’ll be expected to live together.”
“That is what married couples do.” Sarcasm was etched through her voice. “What is it you are trying to say, Lord Asthey?”
“Since we’re to be married, perhaps you should start addressing me by my given name.” That request was easier than what he had been trying to infer to. “Please, call me Jason.”
She clucked her tongue to the roof of her mouth. “Jason,” she said his name a little hesitantly. “My expectation is that we will marry and do everything that state entails.”
He nearly groaned at her declaration. He wanted, more than he could possibly ever say, to have her in every way possible. He had contemplated it in length. The more he considered it though, he couldn’t do it. The problem was simple. Jason didn’t deserve her, and he couldn’t ever touch her in all the ways he’d imagined. For that reason, he had no intention of consummating their marriage. Jason didn’t know exactly how to explain that part to her. “You’re right of course, mostly.”
She tilted her head to the side, and he could almost see her eyes in the moonlight. They were more black than blue with the low light. Perhaps it was more his overactive imagination. He glanced away and kept his focus on the road before them. Trees on both sides surrounded them and London was now a distant memory.
“What part do I have wrong?” Her voice was a near shrill. He’d angered her, and he wasn’t certain how to make it right. She wasn’t going to like anything he had to say.
He cleared his throat. “The marriage…”
“Yes?” The word came out sharply.
Jason had to face this. It was better to say it now and give her time to absorb it. “It will be in name only.”
A string of curse words he hadn’t realized she knew flew out of her mouth. There would be hell to pay for that. He knew there would be. She’d wanted a family, and he refused to have children. Perhaps he should have explained that part to her sooner, but it was too late now.
A loud clunk echoed through the bedchamber. Gregory groaned and rolled over. What the blazes was that racket. He leaned over to pull his wife into his arms and found an empty bed. Where the hell was Kaitlin? She wasn’t prone to roaming the halls in the middle of the night. He rolled over and sat up, then reached for his discarded breeches. Gregory dressed quickly, leaving his white shirt untucked. He slid his boots on and then went in search of his wife. He slipped out of the bedchamber and walked down the hallway. The sun had already started to rise, and light had spread throughout the house.
He skipped down the stairs and turned down another hallway that led to his study and the library. Kaitlin adored books, and he suspected he could locate her there. If she were having difficulty sleeping, she might have sought out something to read. Though he would have to remind her that she could wake him, and he’d gladly take her mind off—well, anything. Gregory didn’t particularly enjoy waking up alone.
“Kaitlin, darling,” he called out. “Where are you hiding?”
Hushed murmurs greeted him. She wasn’t alone, but definitely in the library. His wife was up to no good, and considering her naughty deeds didn’t include him—Gregory was not pleased. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Kaitlin stood in the center of the room with one of the maids. Samantha’s maid to be more precise. He tilted his head to the side. “What is the meaning of this?”
Kaitlin glanced at the maid and then back at Gregory. His heart beat heavily inside his chest. Something wasn’t right. “Don’t hold back. Tell me,” he demanded. He was afraid of what Kaitlin might say, but he had to hear it.
The maid twisted her fingers together in front of her skirts and refused to meet his gaze. She glanced one more time at Kaitlin, seeming to silently ask her something. “It’s all right,” Kaitlin said soothingly. “He needs to know.”
“I…I…” The maid couldn’t seem to get any words out. Was he so terrifying that the staff were all this afraid of him?
He rolled his eyes. “Come now, Miss…” What the bloody hell was her name anyway?
“Leah,” Kaitlin reminded him.
“Thank you, love,” he said. “Miss Leah, please tell me what it is I should know.”
“It’s…” Leah nibbled on her bottom lip. “Lady Samantha, my lord. She’s…”
He threw his hands up in the air, frustration overtaking him. All he’d wanted was to make love to his wife in the early morning light, and instead he had to stand in the middle of his library listening to his sister’s maid quiver in fear. “Where is Samantha?” He directed his question at Kaitlin. “I suspect this debacle must somehow involve her, and she’s suspiciously absent.”
“That’s just it, my lord,” Leah said as her voice shook. “She slipped out before dawn and ran away. As I went up the servant’s stairs, I witnessed her sneaking out. She had her valise, and a gentleman awaited her outside. I fear she’s eloping to Scotland.”
Gregory cursed. What fool dared to abscond with his sister? He’d have his head for insulting his family in such a manner. Rage filled him, but he reminded himself not to terrify the maid any more than she already was. He took a deep breath and then asked, “Did you catch a glimpse of the gentleman she left with?” He had no notion of who the man could be. Samantha hadn’t shown any interest in a gentleman in months.
“It was dark,” she said. “His hair seemed to be on the lighter side, but I couldn’t tell you an exact shade.”
That wasn’t a whole lot to go on… The only thing he could be certain of was their direction. They would be heading to Scotland, and he would have to leave immediately to prevent their nuptials. He closed his eyes briefly and mentally cursed. He opened them and met the maid’s gaze. “Please wake Smithy and tell him to ready my carriage for immediate departure.”
“There is one more thing you should hear,” Leah said quietly. She didn’t meat his gaze. “The carriage had a crest. It was one of the Earl of Darcy’s conveyances.”
That made no sense… Darcy was married already. He would not have run away with Samantha. There was a time that he had shown interest in her, but that had been a half-hearted attempt. He had always loved one woman, and when she returned to Darcy’s life, he’d promptly married her. So why was his carriage being used?
He let out a string of curse words and paced the room. There was only one man with fair coloring acquainted with Darcy who desperately needed a wife. Gregory never would have thought Asthey would elope with Samantha. Perhaps he was wrong… He prayed he was, but he honestly didn’t believe another man had taken his sister. The most likely culprit was Asthey. “Thank you, Leah,” he said as calmly as he could. Gregory had a small amount of control over the anger brewing inside of him. “Please have the carriage brought around.”
Kaitlin came to stand beside him. “Must you chase after her? She must love him…”
“My sister is not in love. She probably believes she�
�s helping, but I refuse to allow her to throw her life away.” His voice was cold and emotionless. He couldn’t let himself be ruled by his anger. “Asthey will pay for this.”
“Wait,” Kaitlin called out to him. “I’m coming with you.”
“Then you best hurry, love,” he said. “I’m not going to dally around here and let them get an even larger head start.”
With those words, he stormed out of the room. His friend had a lot to answer for. Betrayal such as Asthey’s… Gregory had never felt anything like it in his life. He had protected Samantha his entire life. Gregory hated to admit it, but it…hurt. Asthey was one of his closest friends, and he’d always believed him honorable. Taking Samantha to Scotland was not a virtuous act. Gregory would never be able to forgive him for it either…
Ever since Lord Asthey had given his ridiculous pronouncement, she’d been stewing in silence. Samantha couldn’t believe it. How could he possibly believe they could live together and never consummate their marriage? Was he made of stone? He had some absurd notions that she’d have to disabuse him of.
Samantha wasn’t certain why he felt the need to have a chaste relationship with her. Did he not want a family? Shouldn’t he want an heir to inherit his title? She still would have agreed to the elopement no matter his demands and declarations, but she was a little confused. Why did he feel as if he had to keep any secrets from her regarding their bargain? It occurred to her that she kept a few of her own, but that was different. If she opened her heart to him it would only serve to push him away from her. She took several deep breaths and reminded herself that this was what she wanted. Fool that she was…she loved him. She had to hope that, given time, he’d grow to love her as well.
The sun had risen in the sky as they continued in silence, so she could see every one of his expressions, or lack thereof... They’d been traveling for hours, and at the very least, they would have to change horses soon. Samantha hoped they would stay at an inn for the night. She hadn’t slept and didn’t relish the idea of trying to rest in the carriage. There wasn’t much room, and she’d end up using him to prop her up. She didn’t know when he planned to stop or if he had even thought that far ahead.
The signs of a town came into view. Thank God. She hoped this was the town he’d allow her to rest in. The horses were showing a little exhaustion too. He would either have to rest them or trade them for a new pair at the town stable. She breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled up next to an inn. They had stables behind it.
“Stay here,” he ordered. “I’m going to see if they have a couple rooms for the night.”
Like hell she’d stay in the carriage. Every single one of her limbs ached from sitting so long. She had to stretch her legs or she feared she’d never be able to walk properly again. After he disappeared inside the inn, she stepped out of the carriage and moaned in relief. She still couldn’t believe he’d ordered her to use his given name. At first, it had thrilled her to use it. Now, she said it in her mind with derision. Samantha was so mad at him.
“What are you doing?” Jason glared at her when he returned. “Don’t you ever do as you’re told?”
“When I agree with it,” she snapped back. “I needed to walk and I didn’t go far. Quit being ridiculous.”
Why did she have to love him? It would be much easier if she hadn’t fallen completely for this man. Yes, he was gorgeous, but it was more than that. He’d always been kind to her and everyone else. The amount of patience he displayed was absolutely astounding. He could be stubborn, but she respected him.
“Are you going to remain angry with me for this entire trip?” He lifted his brow. “Even through our wedding vows?”
“I’ve considered it,” she answered. “But I don’t have the fortitude for it. I’m too tired.”
“Well,” he replied smoothly. “I have good news and bad news.”
She narrowed her gaze. What could be worse than him declaring he’d never make love to her? At this point, she’d sleep in the barn with the horses as long as she got a solid few hours of rest. “I’m waiting.” Samantha didn’t have the forbearance for his stalling.
“I’ve rented a room for the night,” he told her.
Thank heavens, she would be able to sleep. “That’s good. What’s the bad news?”
“There was one room. I’m afraid we will have to share it.”
As far as she was concerned that was good news as well. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage. He thought he could resist her and not consummate their marriage? She’d test his resolve later that night. If he honestly believed they could live together forever and not make love, he’d lost his mind.
“Fine,” she said. “I’m tired. I can share if you can.”
He blew out a breath she hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Jason had been nervous. What had he expected her to do? Interesting… “I’ll take the carriage and horses to the stable. Can I trust you’ll be right here when I return?”
“I have nowhere else to go.” She shrugged. “If you’re that concerned, I can go with you.”
“No,” he said and shook his head. “Stay, I won’t be long.”
When he was out of sight she stuck her tongue out at him. Childish, yes, but it made her feel a little better. Samantha wasn’t a dog that would obey his every order, and she hadn’t said any vows that implied she would either. Perhaps she’d purposely omit that part at their wedding. Jason needed someone to poke at him every now and then. He was far too serious.
She fidgeted in front of the inn, uncertain what to do. Should she do as he’d instructed and wait for him, or go inside and inquire about their room? Samantha had never been the type to sit idly by and do nothing. She spun on her heels and walked toward the entrance of the inn. Someone inside should be able to direct her to the room Jason had secured.
The more she said his name, even if it was in her mind, the more she liked it. Samantha definitely could get used to being one of the few able to use it. All she had to do was convince him that they could have more than a marriage of convenience. She’d come this far with him. What was one more obstacle to unravel?
Samantha smiled to herself. She’d seduce him later that night, and then, perhaps, the rest would work itself out. She had to hope it would, or what was all this for? They both deserved love. Convincing him of that was the problem…
Chapter 6
Sweat beaded on Jason’s forehead. He lifted his hand and wiped it away before it dripped down into his eyes. The stable was nice, but it lacked something essential—stablehands. He had to take care of the horses and carriage himself. A task that hadn’t been easy and he didn’t relish repeating in the morning when they started their journey again. They were still several days from Scotland. If this type of activity continued, he wasn’t sure he’d survive to marry Samantha. It was late in the day, and he wanted to be settled before darkness overtook them. The sun would set in a couple hours, and they would be too far from a town to settle down if he waited any longer.
He reached into the curricle and lifted out her valise. She would probably want it, and it would save time if he brought it with him. He hoped she’d waited for him as he’d asked. She could be a bit headstrong at times, and he feared she may have wandered off. Jason strolled toward the inn. When he reached the front, he cursed. Samantha was nowhere in sight.
Where the hell was she?
Jason took a deep breath and entered the inn. She had to have gone inside even though he explicitly told her not to. When he strolled through the corridor, darkness welcomed him. There was little light in the inn, and he had to give himself time to adjust. He blinked several times and then began to move toward the innkeeper.
“My lord,” the innkeeper greeted him. “Your lady wife has gone up to your room.” Jason jerked at Samantha being referred to as his wife. He liked the sound of it far more than he wanted to admit. “I hope that is acceptable. She was feeling a bit faint and needed to lie down.”
Of course she had… He pasted a
grin on his face and nodded like the fool he was. Samantha was going to drive him mad. “Of course,” he said as reassuringly as he could muster. “I’ll join her if you give me directions.” He should have thought to ask him where the room was located before he dealt with the curricle.
“Go up the stairs and take a left. The room is the third one on the right down the hall.”
He nodded. “Thanks.” Then he left the man alone as he went in search of Samantha. At least she had the good sense to claim to be his wife. Though he had to wonder what exactly she had said to the innkeeper. He had signed in under an assumed name. If Shelby did come looking for him, he didn’t want to make it obvious where they stayed. So He’d signed in under the Earl of Darcy’s name. They were both blond, and Samantha’s hair was a similar shade as the Countess of Darcy’s. So, at a quick glance, no one would question it if they were aware of who the Earl of Darcy was.
Jason reached the room and turned the handle to open the door. He stepped inside but didn’t see her. If he had to search for her he’d lose his mind. He set her valise on a nearby chair and closed the door. “Samantha?” He nearly growled her name, and it came out so gravelly and filled with every ounce of frustration brewing inside of him.
She peeked out from behind a three-panel wooden screen. “Oh, good, you’re here.”
“I thought I told you…” He swallowed hard. Samantha stepped out from behind the folding screen. She had taken off her dress. Why, the bloody hell, had she taken off her dress? At least her chemise seemed to keep everything covered.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” She blinked several times. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was innocent of deliberately trying to entice him. He didn’t believe her act for one second though. There was no way she was unaware of what her lack of attire implied.