“What went wrong?” Alice asked when Pembroke paused again.
“The papers only held the man’s suspicions, with names of people he thought could be spies. When I saw your name and your father’s name, I knew the man must have been mistaken and possibly mad. Who would ever believe that someone of your rank would ever debase themselves with spying, Your Grace? And a female spy who is also a duke’s daughter? Preposterous. I disregarded the rest of the man’s writings and put them away in a hidden drawer in my study. But Jasper must have found the papers and believed their contents.” He reached for Alice’s hand. “I can’t apologize enough for any damage I’ve caused.”
Alice looked at her father. Pembroke didn’t believe they were spies. It couldn’t be more perfect. “It’s quite all right, Lord Pembroke. No harm done,” she told him as she patted his hand. “Jasper will answer for his crimes.”
“Yes, he will,” her father agreed. “He’ll be taken to Newgate this morning. I’ve arranged for the transportation of him and his brother.”
Pembroke touched his head and winced. “His brother was the one who clobbered me over the head, then drugged me. I don’t remember anything about the carriage ride to the inn at all.”
“I was quite worried about you,” Alice said, leaning forward in her seat. “I’m glad to see you are recovering.”
Pembroke mustered a smile that looked more like a grimace. “Once I am truly recovered, I hope we can resume our courtship, my lady.”
Alice breathed deeply, hating to squelch the hope in his eyes, but knowing it had to be done. “Lord Pembroke, you do me a great honor, but I’m afraid we won’t suit. I hope you’ll understand.”
Pembroke’s face fell and his brows furrowed tightly together. “Lady Alice, I beg you to reconsider. I know things have been a bit chaotic surrounding my circumstances, but I feel like we would make a splendid match.”
Alice looked at her father, hoping for a bit of help. He gave her a small shake of his head to let her know she was on her own, and turned to face the fire to give them a modicum of privacy. “I’m sorry, my lord, but my feelings are engaged elsewhere.”
Pembroke slumped back in his chair with a great sigh. “It’s Wolverton, isn’t it?”
Alice put her hand on his forearm. “I hope we can always be friends, Lord Pembroke. I enjoyed our conversations very much.”
“If you marry Wolverton, I’ll be lucky to ever gaze on you again,” Pembroke grumbled. “He’s a very possessive sort, from what I can gather.”
Alice stifled a laugh. “Yes, well, I’m a independent woman and capable of choosing my friends.” She stood. “I do wish you the very best. And I’m glad you can finally clear your name.”
Pembroke reached out and kissed her hand before she could move away. “Thank you for believing in me when no one else did. That meant a lot to me.”
She squeezed his hand and stepped toward the doorway.
Her father turned back to Pembroke. “Let me know if you require anything else, Lord Pembroke. My physician will be made available to you, and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Pembroke said, his eyes gazing into the fire. “I suppose I shall have to begin searching for a new valet.”
“Yes, quite.” Her father stifled a smile as he caught up to her. They walked into the hallway, and the duke closed the door behind him.
“You handled that well,” he commented as they walked down the staircase. “I’m glad to hear about your feelings for Wolverton. I think he would be relieved as well, since he was in my study early this morning, asking my permission to formally court you.”
Alice’s stomach did a little flip. “And what was your answer?”
“That as long as you agree, I would be happy to approve a courtship.” He leaned in to smile at her with a twinkle in his eye. “And I might have mentioned that with his reputation as a tracker who can find anything or anyone, I was surprised it took him this long to finally find the woman for him.”
Alice stopped on the stairs and gaped at him. “You didn’t!” At her father’s nod, she laughed.
Her father joined in. It felt good to have something to laugh about. She wished she could have seen Christian’s face at her father’s comment. That thought started the peals of laughter again and she held her stomach. Breathing deeply, Alice finally recovered, until her father held up his palms.
“Well, he did agree with me,” the duke said, and that started her laughing again.
Gasping, Alice went up on tiptoes to kiss her father on the cheek. “I love you, Papa.”
“And I love you, too. Now I must go find your mother. She and Cook are preparing a food basket for our ride back to London. She’ll be happy when Jasper and Dubois are far away from here.” The duke’s hand tightened on the stair railing. “So will I, actually. Dubois loosened his bandages and bled to death in the night. But Wolverton persuaded him to give us some valuable information that might help solidify the peace we’ve been working so hard for. And that's because of you.”
“I’m glad it’s over,” Alice said, sorry Dubois had died, but grateful the list was safe.
“The two agents who were shot last night are expected to recover as well. This was a successful mission.” Her father patted her shoulder. “You proved that you could do well in the field, not only to me, but to yourself, I’d wager. That’s invaluable.” He started down the stairs, but turned back again. “Oh, and not to worry if you can’t find Wolf right away. I have no doubt he’ll find you.”
Alice laughed as she walked down the last few stairs and turned down the hallway to her room. She was going to change into her riding habit. Taking Dolly for a ride was exactly what she needed.
And maybe Christian would find her.
It didn’t take long before she was on Dolly’s back, riding across the park. She had a sense of déjà vu as she rode. The sun was bright, making the lake sparkle like someone had dusted it with diamonds. It was a beautiful day.
She’d just neared the path that led down to the lake when she heard hoofbeats approaching. Her heart sang, knowing exactly who it was behind her. It was like she’d developed a sixth sense whenever Christian was near. She turned in her saddle.
“I’m surprised it took you so long to find me,” she said with a smile. “I’d heard you were an excellent tracker.”
“You are a difficult woman to track,” he said, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. “I count myself lucky that I thought to ask your maid your direction.”
“Isn’t that cheating?” she asked, with a playful tilt of her head.
“Not at all. A good tracker knows the right questions to ask and is able to anticipate his quarry’s actions because he knows them so well.” He drew alongside her and watched her carefully, his expression turning serious. “I hope to know you that well someday. And to have you know me.” He looked at her, his eyes the color of the lake behind them. “Alice, I have to ask, are you feeling well enough for a ride?”
“I feel like a great burden has lifted.” She shrugged, touching her injured arm. “The cut is much better today, thanks to your quick actions, I’m sure.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Their horses stopped near the edge of the water and Christian turned to her. “Will you walk with me?”
Dipping her head in agreement, Christian dismounted and came to help her. He held her waist as she put her feet on the ground and bent to kiss her forehead. “I’ve thought of nothing else but our conversation and kisses last night. I’ve asked your father’s permission to court you.” He pulled back to look in her eyes. “I don’t want to rush you, but what I really wanted to do was ask him for your hand in marriage.”
“Were you worried he might not approve?” She nibbled on her bottom lip and tilted her head to look up at him. “Perhaps you might have to give him all the reasons why he should give his permission for our marriage.” She suppressed a smile. “Perhaps we should make a list. Look at all the angles.”
He arched a brow. “Are you saying there might be a list of reasons why you shouldn’t marry me?” He held up a hand. “No, don’t answer that. Let’s just make a list of the reasons why you should.” He led her to a large, flat rock, and she sat down. After watching him pace for a few minutes, she could tell he was seriously thinking this through, and her heart turned over in her chest. She loved this man. This infuriating, thorough, and quite handsome man.
He finally stopped in front of her. “First of all, we are quite uniquely suited. Our talents complement each other in the field. You’re an excellent guide; I’m a talented tracker.” He dipped his head in modest acknowledgment, and she smiled. “So, I would say we meet all the requirements to be brilliant partners not only in the Falcon group, but as man and wife.”
Alice wanted to clap her hands, but she waited while he paced away from her and then back once more.
He finally stopped pacing and knelt in front of her. “Alice, the thing I want most to tell your father, and you, is that I would promise to shield your heart as I know you’ll shield mine, whether we continue to work for the Falcon Group or not, I will protect you from enemies as I know you’ll protect me. I vow to be a loyal husband and father and support you in any way I can. You complete my circle, and I don’t ever want to be parted from you.” He reached out and took her hands, his blue eyes pulling her in and holding her there. “I love you, Alice.”
Alice sat still, unable to pull her gaze from the man in front of her. His tender touch sent shivers down her spine, but it wasn't enough. She wanted more. Pushing off the rock, she gained her feet and pulled him up with her. Standing close, she let out a sigh and let her hands rest on his chest.
She looked up at him, hoping he could see the sincerity in her eyes. “I love you, too. And I wouldn’t change a thing about your list.” Her hands slid around his neck and she kissed him, her lips parting as she drew him to her. How could she resist a man who had so faithfully shown her his character and how much he cared before he made those promises and opened his heart to her? She couldn’t.
He slanted his lips over hers, deepening the kiss, and the sparks that were always between them ignited into a fire that she didn’t want to control. He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “Would a short betrothal suit you?” he asked, his breaths coming fast.
“A special license, perhaps?” she suggested with a sly smile, her heart pounding and her own words breathless.
“I am a marquess,” he said, pulling off her gloves and raising her hands between them to gently kiss her bare knuckles. “Perhaps the title can be useful after all.”
She laughed, and they walked back to the horses hand in hand. The water lapped behind them, and Alice couldn’t think of a more perfect day.
Christian squeezed her fingers and stopped walking just before they reached their mounts. “I'd like you to meet my father. If he were himself, he would love you and welcome you to the family. But before he passes on, I’d like you to be able to tell our children someday that you met their grandfather.” His voice cracked a little, and he swallowed. “He likely won’t remember, but you will.”
“I’d be honored,” she said, cradling his jaw. “And if we are blessed with children, they will know their grandfather through you. He will live on through you, Christian.”
He tenderly kissed her, then pulled back and smiled. “There is one thing I've been meaning to talk to you about. If we’re going to be partners, I’d really like to have you teach me how to get out of bindings with fancy knots.” He touched her hair and tucked a stray piece behind her ear. “Your father mentioned you have a special talent for it. He said he hasn’t found one yet that you can’t escape.”
She nodded, following Christian’s lead into a lighter topic. “Yes, and you could teach me about tracking. Or any other of the skills you’ve cultivated.” She raised her eyebrows. “I’m sure with your experience, you have some that you haven’t shared with anyone else.”
“I might.” He bent and slowly nuzzled her neck, kissing the soft skin where it met her shoulder. “But as your teacher, I should warn you, I would demand a lot of practice.”
Alice closed her eyes, sensations rushing over her skin at his ministrations, her breath coming faster. “I’m a very fast learner,” she managed to get out before she pulled his face up to meet hers. “But in this instance, I don’t mind practicing.”
And she kissed him again.
Would you like to read the story of Lady Alice’s friend Elizabeth? Read on for the first chapter of A Highlander’s Hidden Heart?
A Highlander’s Hidden Heart
By Julie Coulter Bellon
Chapter One
1815
Alec Ramsay looked out the carriage window, trying to hide his dismay. London was crowded, dirty, and he already felt restricted with his cravat and waistcoat, attire befitting a new English earl. If he could have gotten away with traveling in a comfortable kilt, he would have. But his mother had insisted he try to fit in while they were settling the earldom’s affairs in England.
He pulled the curtain closed and turned to look at his mother sitting across from him. Isabella Ramsay was a beautiful woman, her jet-black hair and striking green eyes matching his own, evidence of their proud Scottish heritage. Today, in the heart of London, however, he could sense her nervousness. She was stroking her dog Kitty’s long, silky hair, both of them, it seemed, needing the comforting motion.
“Are ye tired, Ma?” he asked.
Both Kitty and his mother looked over at him as if they had intentionally synchronized their actions. “Kitty needs to go for a walk soon.” She adjusted the Skye terrier’s weight on her lap. “And now that we’re in London, you need to remember to use proper English and not sound like a Scot.”
Alec barely refrained from rolling his eyes. That chastisement had become a repetitive reminder ever since they’d left home. She wanted so badly for him to fit in among the English, as if he hadn’t been raised on Campbell lands. He was a Highlander at heart, if not by birth. Such a heritage wasn’t easily thrust aside with a missive naming him the new Earl of Suffield.
He sat back, wishing he’d never seen the document. The chances of him inheriting the title had been so slim, he’d never thought much of it, but here they were—the old earl and both of his sons deceased and Alec named as heir. All the plans he’d had for his life had turned upside down. And now he’d removed to London, where people wore uncomfortable clothes and, apparently, were always proper in behavior and speech as well.
Alec breathed a sigh of relief as they pulled up to Suffield House. He didn’t wait for the servants to put out the step and instead hopped down himself. His mother gave him a reproving stare as she reached for his outstretched hand. “Alec.”
“Yes, Ma.” He set her on the ground, careful not to jostle Kitty. The dog was a terror to anyone but his mother, and even now her little doggy eyes stared at him balefully as Isabella bent to set her down. The animal was obviously displeased at their long carriage ride, and she didn’t look back at either of them as she jumped out of Isabella’s arms and ran down the crowded walkway.
“Oh!” His mother’s startled gasp of alarm propelled him to action.
“Wait here,” he instructed, before she waded into the crowd of people and he lost them both in a strange city. “I’ll get her.”
Alec strode after the little devil dog, but she definitely had the advantage, her four legs pumping as fast as they could go. “Kitty, come here,” he called, but the terrier ignored him and kept running—right into the street. Alec’s heart skipped a beat as a carriage swerved out of the way, narrowly missing the little dog.
“Kitty,” he yelled to the frightened animal. She zigzagged out of the road and ran back to the walk, barreling toward a young woman with her maid. Both women were wide-eyed, watching the dog drama unfold.
The lady crouched and held out her arms. She seemed unconcerned about her pretty yellow dress being soiled, her e
ntire attention on the frightened dog. Kitty must have sensed as much, for she fairly leaped into the stranger’s arms.
“Oh, you p-poor thing. Are you all right?” she cooed, pulling her close. Kitty, visibly trembling, licked the woman’s hand. “You’re a sweet g-girl,” she said with a smile.
Quickly catching up to the pair, Alec reached out his hand to help the woman to her feet. “Thank ye, lass,” he said as she straightened. “My ma would be heartbroken if anything happened to her wee dog.”
As if his words had conjured her, his mother appeared at his side. “Kitty,” she said, her hand at her throat. “You naughty girl. Come to Mama.” She reached out for her pet.
With one last squeeze, the woman surrendered Kitty. His mother cuddled the dog close, but kept her eyes on Kitty’s rescuer. The young woman’s maid was brushing out her lady’s skirts and eyeing Kitty suspiciously, as if she might jump for her mistress again.
“She really is a good little thing,” Isabella said. “But she’s been cooped up in a carriage for too long, I’m afraid, and wanted to stretch her legs. It’s all my fault, really. I was anxious to reach London.”
The woman swallowed visibly before speaking. “She’s a b-beautiful dog, and I’m g-glad she wasn’t hurt. Did you say her n-name is Kitty?” The young woman spoke slowly and carefully, as she looked between Alec and Isabella.
“Yes, it’s Kitty.” Alec gave his mother a warm glance. “If I’d ever had a sister, that would have been her name.”
“It’s a fine name.” Isabella drew her lips down into a little moue at Alec’s explanation. “And it suits her.” She gave Kitty a kiss, as if soothing the dog’s feelings at the insult.
“I-I agree. A f-fine name.” The woman’s blue eyes turned to Alec, filled with laughter and merriment as she suppressed a smile. She stepped closer, and Alec’s breath caught. She was the epitome of a fine English lass, with fair, creamy skin, and honey-blonde hair, but that sparkle to her eyes was unexpected and drew him in. Maybe London wouldn’t be so bad after all.
The Marquess Meets His Match Page 16