Revealing a Rogue

by Rachel Ann Smith

  Bronwyn accepted Larry’s assistance and stepped into the coach. Facing her cousin-in-law, she asked, “How long have you been out here waiting?”

  “A while.” Theo shifted to make room for Bronwyn on the forward-facing seat. “Where to, Lady Bronwyn?”

  Theo had called her by her title, which meant she was not in the woman’s good graces. “I was on my way to my dad’s shop.” Settling on to the cushioned bench, Bronwyn was oddly relieved to have Theo accompany her. “Does Landon know you are here?”

  “Your husband is aware of your whereabouts.”

  Theo neatly evaded her question and answered the one Bronwyn had wanted to ask.

  Theo smoothed out nonexistent wrinkles from her gown. “Landon arrived in London a few hours after you. Unfortunately, it took Archbroke a whole day to settle Prinny’s feathers enough to convince the man to leave so we too could be here in town for you.” Theo leaned out the window and yelled, “Cadby’s.”

  Once the coach was in full motion, Bronwyn asked, “How did your husband calm the Prince Regent?”

  “Archbroke can be extremely persuasive if he chooses to. Plus, after we discussed the matter, Archbroke had no qualms settling matters with the Prince Regent.” Theo patted Bronwyn’s arm and then settled her hands in her lap.

  Confused by Theo’s comforting gesture, Bronwyn asked, “But how?”

  Theo drew back the window curtain and peered out onto the crowded street. Bronwyn’s dad’s shop wasn’t far, but the coach was barely moving. “Hereditary peers will always hold a majority seat…”

  “Peers? What does the number of hereditary peers have to do with my marriage to Landon?”

  Theo swiveled to face her. “Nothing. But it is the reason why Prinny decided to invite himself to stay at Archbroke manor.”

  Fustian. Bronwyn wanted to smack herself with a chamber pot. Christopher had harped on at her endlessly for making assumptions before completing a full inquiry. Head bowed, Bronwyn said, “I’m sorry for leaving and disrupting your lovely supper.”

  Bronwyn waited for a lecture, but Theo reached for her hand. “You must promise to never leave in darkness again. You had me terribly worried. We were all worried until we received word from Mrs. Barnwell that you were safe. Landon, especially.”

  “He knows I’ve been staying with Emma?”

  “Of course; he’d not leave you unprotected.”

  “But I…”

  “You needed time.” Theo squeezed her hand tightly. “Landon understands.” The coach came to a complete stop. Her cousin’s kind and concerned eyes searched Bronwyn’s face. “Would you like for me to accompany you inside? Landon shared his experience receiving the mark. It did not sound at all pleasant.”

  “My dad has placed the PORF mark upon all the ladies who have married into the line. It is said to be nothing compared to childbirth.” Bronwyn eyed Theo’s rounded stomach. “But if you would like to stay and keep my mum company while I receive the mark, so she doesn’t worry overly much, I’d appreciate it.”

  With a nod, Theo stood and exited the coach. As Larry assisted Bronwyn, Theo said, “Landon is like a brother rather than a cousin to me. I know you already have three younger sisters, but I’ve never had a sister, and I’d be honored if you would...”

  Bronwyn hugged Theo in front of all and sundry on the front stoop of her dad’s shop, not caring that it was a breach of etiquette. “I’ve always wanted an older sister.” Grinning from ear to ear, Bronwyn led Theo around the back to the family entrance. They were immediately greeted and engulfed by multiple arms. Her mum, brothers, and sisters all took a turn embracing Bronwyn and then their newest member to the family, Theo.

  Bronwyn obediently followed her dad into the backroom of the store where his tools were hidden. She sat in the same chair Landon had when he received the mark and carefully arranged her skirts. The silence ate away at her courage.

  Instruments and ink at the ready, her dad asked, “Where would you like for me to place the mark?”

  Emma’s taunting words echoed through her mind. Bronwyn smirked and pointed to the spot where the button had hit her shoulder—it would be a test for Emma to design dresses and gowns that would hide her mark, but her best friend would rise to the challenge.

  Her dad didn’t challenge her decision, merely looked at her with wide eyes and shook his head. “Ye’re a stubborn one.” He poured a dark amber liquid into a glass. “But I love ye.” Her dad handed her the tumbler and said, “Here, drink this before I start.”

  An hour later, a slightly tipsy Bronwyn descended the stairs. She was officially a PORF. Oddly, she didn’t feel any different. She slumped to the kitchen bench and rested her head on her arms.

  Her dad said, “Tell her husband we’ll watch over her tonight and tend to her bandages.”

  It was good to know she was still welcome under her parents’ roof. She’d go home on the morrow, as soon as the world stopped spinning.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The sound of footmen dragging trunk after trunk down the main staircase echoed down the hallway. The drawing room occupants, Waterford, Mary, and Christopher, all of whom had accompanied Landon back to London, remained silent.

  For three days, from sunup to sundown, Landon remained rooted next to the window looking out onto the street. Waiting patiently for his wife to return. If it hadn’t been for his silent companions in the room, he’d not have eaten or managed to keep a hold on his sanity. When Bronwyn had failed to return to their townhouse or appear at her parents’ lodgings, Landon panicked. But Waterford eased his worries by reminding him that the Network would not fail to protect his wife. As a council member, Waterford was apprised of all activity, and only an hour after their return to London, a messenger had confirmed Bronwyn was safely tucked into a cot above Emma’s store. The uncertainty over how long it might be before Landon saw his wife again gnawed at his patience.

  Tearing himself from the window for a moment, Landon asked his younger brother, “Why the sudden decision to relocate today?”

  Christopher's eyes darted to Mary, who was sitting in one of the leather chairs by the fire, and then retorted, “What makes you believe I hadn’t planned the move for this day?”

  Mary sat unnaturally still. Since midmorning, the woman had exuded an edginess that worried Landon. It wasn’t that Landon hadn’t expected Christopher to move into lodgings of his own. He was fully aware his brother wanted to spread his wings. After all, it was he who had located and facilitated Christopher’s purchase of the townhouse within walking distance of their law offices. Of course, no one knew of his involvement except for the owner from whom Christopher purchased the property.

  Landon turned back to stare out the window. Christopher’s trunks were being systematically loaded into a lorry that was already half full.

  Landon asked, “I’m fully aware you had made preparations to acquire and relocate to your own bachelor lodgings. However…” He left his vantage point by the window and walked to the sideboard. As he passed by Mary, the woman’s lips curled into a pleasant smile. Whatever Mary was about, a drink would help fortify his shot nerves. Splashing a healthy portion of brandy into a tumbler, he continued, “With Bronwyn away—why the rush to move today?”

  Christopher moved to the spot Landon had vacated moments before. “Looks to be a rather fine day. No clouds. A perfect day to transport my things.” His brother spun and rushed to the door. Christopher strolled, never rushed. He’d have to interrogate Christopher later, but right now Landon’s priority was to wait for his errant wife to return.

  As Christopher opened the door to leave, he paused. Halfway out, his brother smiled and said, “I’d love to stay and keep you company, but there is a stack of files awaiting me at the office. Your jaunt to Scotland has set me back. In addition, it’s been challenging to find another assistant as competent as my last. Alas, I shall be buried in casework.”

  Christopher’s speech sounded like one of his well-rehearsed closing statemen
ts. His complaint regarding it being a challenge to find a new assistant was highly peculiar. Landon himself had reviewed the list of interviewees prior to this departure for Gretna Green. He ensured every candidate was more than qualified for the position. He continued to ponder his brother’s monologue when Mary mumbled the word alone.

  Landon glanced at Mary. “I apologize, were you speaking to me?”

  The couple had appeared on the steps of his townhouse at the crack of dawn. Waterford’s lame excuse of an accident involving a broken stove in their kitchens and of his need for a good hearty breakfast didn’t hold water, but he hadn’t pressed for details.

  Mary raised her voice a tad louder and replied, “I said—it’ll be quiet here, with you all alone.”

  The woman was up to no good. Her gaze skirted his. Mary was a terrible liar.

  Landon stalked back to the window. But his attention wasn’t on Christopher coordinating the last-minute details of his move outside, it was concentrated on the shadowed reflection of Mary and Waterford. The couple was making the most amusing gestures behind his back as they tried to communicate in silence. It was apparent they were not in agreement whatever it was they were discussing.

  He cleared his throat and turned to face them. “I forgot to inform Christopher that I wish for him to accompany me to Harrington’s dinner party tomorrow eve.” Landon briskly headed for the door. “I shall return in a moment.”

  Closing the door behind him, Landon stepped in place and then lightened his footfalls to mimic his leaving. With his eyes closed and an ear pressed to the wood, Landon tried to decipher the couple’s conversation.

  The scent of daisies set his heart pounding. “Eavesdropping is a terrible habit.” He stood frozen at Bronwyn’s sweet, teasing whisper. He’d wished for three long days Bronwyn would magically appear. What if he opened his eyes, and it was his imagination playing tricks on him?

  Slowly opening his eyes, he suppressed the bubble of laughter as he took in the sight of his wife bent at the waist facing him with her ear pressed against the door.

  With her blue eyes sparkling up at him, Bronwyn said, “Mary sounds rather anxious today, wouldn’t you say?”

  He cupped her flushed cheek. “You’re here.”

  Bronwyn straightened and stepped closer, pressing him back against the drawing-room door. He ran his thumb over the dark circles under her eye. “You’re home.”

  She planted her hands on his chest and rose on to her tiptoes to lightly press her lips against his. Elation flowed throughout him as he wrapped both arms around her waist and pulled her tighter to him. His wife’s tongue traced his lower lip before she deepened the kiss.

  Thank goodness the door behind him supported his weight. His knees nearly buckled as his wife’s hand roamed lower to cup his rigid cock.

  She released his mouth. “I’m happy to see you too.”

  The door opened, and they toppled to the drawing-room floor. “Oomph.”

  With Bronwyn atop of him, he wished Waterford and Mary could magically disappear.

  “Oh my!” Mary stood over them with a hand over her mouth. The mirth in her chocolate eyes evident. “Husband, I think best if we take our leave now.”

  Landon remained flat on the floor as Bronwyn scrambled to her feet and embraced Mary. “I’ve missed you!”

  “I suspect not at much as you missed your husband.” Mary giggled. “And definitely not as much as he missed you. Shall I return for tea?”

  Before either Bronwyn or Landon could answer, Waterford said, “I believe Lady Bronwyn will be otherwise disposed this afternoon. Plus, I have plans for us today.”

  “What plans?” Mary asked.

  Waterford replied, “I’m taking you shopping.”

  Mary gave Bronwyn one last squeeze and then turned to her husband. “Are we going to visit the apothecary?” At Waterford’s nod, Mary smiled and waved goodbye over her shoulder.

  As soon as the couple had disappeared, Bronwyn asked, “Why did Mary look excited to visit the apothecary?”

  Landon rose to his feet and chuckled. “If I had to guess, they are off to buy more French letters.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “They have decided not to have children.” Landon grabbed Bronwyn’s hand and drew her over to the settee. “No need to frown. Waterford agreed to the arrangement before they married.”

  Bronwyn released his hand and adjusted her skirts as she asked, “But Waterford is an earl; what of the title?”

  “The earldom shall pass to his cousin, who is a fair sort.”

  “But what of the Network?” Bronwyn sat, and when Landon did the same, she added. “Who will succeed him on the council?”

  Landon reached for her hands that were clasped tightly in her lap. “Do you believe it fair that the council be comprised of a select few families and designated by lineage? With the departure of Tobias, Lord Burke, to America, I’m faced with the dilemma that the Protection of the Royal Family is limited to two families, instead of three.”

  Bronwyn’s brows slanted down into a deep frown. “You are talking of rules and traditions established long ago. Are you considering altering how things have been done for generations?”

  “As the holder of the rondure, I could, but I’ll not abuse the power and authority that has been granted to me.” Landon couldn’t resist. He leaned forward and pulled her onto his lap before continuing. “There must have been a reason why events led to the rondure resurfacing after all these years.” Landon searched his wife’s features and settled his gaze upon her intelligent eyes. “I’ve spent many months considering the why, what and how, with little success. I suspect the answer requires more than pure logic. It was one of the reasons why I decided to propose to you.”

  Wide-eyed Bronwyn said, “I don’t understand. You didn’t even know my affiliation to the Network when you proposed.”

  He shook his head. “You still haven’t fully grasped your worth.” He leaned down to whisper, “Your keen mind was but one of the reasons why I chose you for wife.” Nibbling on her ear, he confessed, “I married the woman who captured my heart and compels me to live without fear but with faith that matters will be resolved. I merely need to be patient.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Bronwyn shifted in her husband’s lap as his lips left her ear. She inhaled deeply. Finally, the tension she had held in her bones these past few weeks eased. Home. Landon was her home and her safe space. She whispered, “And my heart belongs to you.” Landon tightened his hold on her, but she placed a hand on his muscled chest, holding him at bay. “I apologize for my hasty departure from Theo’s lovely supper.”

  Landon lifted her chin with a knuckle. “Forget about the dinner. Are you certain your heart belongs to me?”

  “Without a doubt.” Sheepishly, she met Landon’s eyes. “After three days of hard contemplation.” Landon’s dimple appeared, and she bolstered her courage with another deep breath. “I have a few confessions to make.”

  Landon’s hazel eyes were trained solely upon her. “Before you do, I have a couple of revelations I’d like to share with you first. If you don’t mind.”

  Staring at her husband’s lips, Bronwyn slid her arm up and about Landon’s neck and pressed herself close. She wanted to taste the lips that she had dreamt of kissing her intimately. She needed to feel them pressed against her neck. Tilting her head, she leaned in.

  Landon placed a finger upon her lips, preventing the kiss she longed for.

  “If we kiss, I’ll not want to stop until I have you atop me, riding me—hard.”

  The intensity of his gaze set her blood to boil. Heat and desire pooled at her core.

  There were truths she promised herself she would no longer withhold from Landon. She needed to clear them from her conscience.

  Bronwyn leaned back slightly, leaving her hand on the back of his neck where her fingers stroked his skin. “What are these revelations you want to share with me?”

  Eyes shut, Landon said, “Eigh
t years ago, when you walked into my office, I had doubts that a girl from the east side would be wise enough to fill the position of legal assistant.”

  “I, too, had concerns.”

  At her admission he asked, “Is that so? I’d have never guessed, for I distinctly remember you brazenly standing before me and claiming there was no one else better suited for the position.”

  “At the time, I wasn’t referring to the role of being your assistant. I was speaking of the importance of someone within the Network keeping an eye on you.”

  Landon’s face became dangerously expressionless. “Explain.”

  Taking a moment to arrange her thoughts, she placed both hands in her lap and interlocked her fingers. “The Network elders deemed it imperative someone be assigned to your protection as long as you were unmarked. They deemed the probability of you inheriting high, given the tendency of men in the Neale family to leave this earth well before their time. I petitioned for the position and was granted the honor of being assigned to you. I had no idea what was expected of a legal assistant.”

  Landon’s features transformed from a frown into a knowing grin. “Yet you excelled. And that is why I know you will be a wonderful countess.”

  Grinning, Bronwyn said, “That is the same conclusion I arrived at. Except it took days of sorting buttons and…” Her body shook with a shiver. “And mending, to figure it out.”

  “I have one more confession.” Landon’s arm tightened about her waist as if he feared she might flee. “While I was traveling abroad with Mary and Waterford, I realized I’d subconsciously fallen in love with you and simultaneously been callous toward your feelings for me.”

  Bronwyn couldn’t help but stiffen as she asked, “You knew I’d fallen in love with you?”

  “For six years, I assumed I was misinterpreting the subtle lingering looks and undercurrents. I persuaded myself that your feelings for me were purely platonic.” Landon placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek. “When Mary accused me of already being in love with another, I couldn’t deny it any longer.”