How to Climb a Lady’s Tower

by Wolf, Bree

  “My uncle does not speak for me!” Rebecca hissed into his face. Although her heart wailed in fear, she forced her chin to remain up. She would not cower! She would not bow her head! From this day forward, she herself would choose her path and she would not apologize for it!

  For a second, Lord Tedious seemed robbed of speech. The moment he appeared to recover his wits, Rebecca saw a dark shadow move over his face from outside.

  Lord Tedious had to have noticed it as well for he lifted his head, eyes wide as they stared beyond her shoulder and into the darkened gardens beyond the glass wall.

  In the next moment, an ear-shattering crash echoed through the conservatory as something burst through the glass wall right beside them. Shards flew everywhere, and as Lord Tedious’ hands fell from her arms, Rebecca flung herself sideways, shielding her face.

  “What the devil—?” she heard Lord Tedious exclaim before the sound of someone’s fist connecting painfully with another’s jaw – presumably, her suitor’s – echoed to her ears.

  Shaking her head, Rebecca tried to rid herself of that odd sense of detachment that had fallen over her. Her ears were ringing, and her mind seemed to have some trouble catching up to the most recent events.

  “Becca, are you all right?”

  Zach’s concerned voice cleared the fog in her mind instantly, and she spun around, arms pushing her upright.

  In the next moment, his face hovered above hers as he crouched beside her, his blue eyes lingering on hers as his hand gently brushed a curl from her forehead. “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”

  Feeling suddenly breathless, Rebecca smiled up at him, her hand reaching for his. “You came for me,” she whispered, overwhelmed that anyone would go to such lengths to ensure her safety, her well-being.

  The corners of his mouth quirked upward, and his hands closed over hers. “Don’t I always?”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Out into the Night

  With his blood boiling in his veins, Zach had wanted nothing more than to break down the man’s front door, retrieve the woman he loved and take her away.

  Far away.

  Still, Rebecca was not a woman who would simply allow a man to rescue her. In fact, if he was not at all mistaken about her character, she’d gone to Lord Tedious’ home without consulting him in order to…rescue him.

  Save him.

  From himself.

  From future regret.

  Without a doubt, Zach knew that she had gone into the lion’s den to retrieve his father’s ring…

  …for him.

  She was doing it for him, and Zach could not get in her way. She would not appreciate it. She would be furious. She would want him to trust her…

  …as he suspected that she trusted him to find her, to be there the moment she truly needed him.

  And so he waited.

  And watched.

  As the family disappeared inside, Zach slunk around the house, peering in windows and determining the layout of the rooms. In the back, he found a large conservatory that looked newly-built, and he marveled why Lord Tedious had spent a small fortune on such an extravagant addition to his townhouse when his financial situation was anything but well. Did he truly intend to make Becca his wife and use her dowry to finance his life? Not that that was an unusual notion. In fact, it was a common occurrence. Still, the thought of her married to that man, any man other than him, sent a sickening feeling through his middle and made his heart contract in a most painful way.

  There was no denying it; he loved her.

  The thought brought a smile to Zach’s face, and yet, the moment he had first admitted it to Markham had come out of nowhere. He hadn’t planned to say it. He hadn’t even been aware of how much he had come to care for her. But then the words had flown from his lips, and he had known them to be true.

  Clinging to the wall of the house, a good distance from the ground, Zach watched as the family shared their supper in Lord Tedious’ home. The dull hum of their voices occasionally drifted to his ear, and he wished he could see Becca’s face. Unfortunately, she sat on the opposite side of the table, which was currently not in his line of sight. Although he was tempted, he did not dare lean forward and risk revealing himself.

  And so he contented himself with watching Caroline Hawkins instead, whispering a silent thank you to her for sending the letter. If she had not done so, risked to put her trust in him, he would never even have known that Becca had willingly placed herself in harm’s way. Had Becca somehow known her cousin would do so? Sometimes she had a keen ability to predict another’s reaction.

  The moment he saw Caroline tense, Zach almost lost his grip. His left foot slipped, and he felt the muscles in his fingers grow taut, strengthening their hold. The air lodged in his breath, and he closed his eyes to regain his focus. He needed to stay calm or he would be no good to anyone.

  By the time Zach had regained his hold, Caroline had risen from her chair and was currently walking out the door with her parents. Becca, however, was nowhere to be seen.

  Panic chased through Zach’s blood, and throwing all caution to the wind, he leaned forward, peering in through the window at the other side of the room.

  Nothing.

  Becca was gone, and she had not left in the company of her family.

  That realization allowed for only one conclusion: she was with Lord Tedious!

  Zach’s jaw clenched and, for a moment, he cursed her uncle for leaving her alone with that man. With any man! Had he never heard of chaperones? But then something clicked into place, and Zach knew that her uncle had not objected because he believed Lord Tedious would propose. The question was: was that the man’s intention? Or was there another reason for why he wanted to get Becca alone?

  With the utmost haste, Zach lowered himself back to the ground, his eyes scanning his darkened surroundings, ensuring that no one had taken notice of him. Then he slunk around back, hoping that Lord Tedious would take Becca to the new conservatory. Aside from the drawing room, it would be the perfect place to address a young woman, would it not? If so, Zach would have a clear view as well as easy access!

  Moving from shadow to shadow, Zach hid behind bushes and trees, hedges and large stone columns, slinking closer and closer. Even from a distance, he could see that candles had been lit inside the glass chamber, and he silently congratulated himself. Still, the thought of what would await him chilled his blood.

  And then he saw her, beautiful as ever, her dark auburn hair framing that stubborn chin and those fiery green eyes. Of course, she wore the replica of his father’s ring! Of course, she would taunt the man! That was Becca, and Zach could not deny that he loved her for it.

  What he hated was the danger she had so willingly placed herself in.

  A hint of nervousness clung to her as she strode around the room. She did not cower or try to hide herself, but there was hesitation in the way she moved, her eyes darting from plant to plant before they rose to settle on something outside.

  For a moment, Zach felt as though she were looking straight at him. At first, a touch of fear had shown in her eyes, but as her gaze remained locked on something only she could see, her demeanor changed. Her chin rose, her lips pressing into a tighter line as though she’d just made up her mind. Then she spun around and faced Lord Tedious with the same dauntless fire Zach had always seen in her.

  It made him smile.

  It made him proud.

  So proud.

  Words were exchanged that Zach could not make out. He did take note of the sparks of hostility that occasionally glinted in Lord Tedious’ gaze. Clearly, whatever Becca said was not to his liking. Disapproval marked his posture and the moment he shot forward, his hands clamping around Becca’s upper arms, Zach did not hesitate.

  His hook was already in his hand, and he let it fly without a moment’s notice.

  The deafening sound of shattering glass filled the quiet night air, sending Zach into motion like a gunshot in a race. He rushed toward
the hole in the glass wall, his gloved hands and booted feet widening the small opening in moments. His eyes darted to Becca lying on the ground, looking a little dazed, before he stepped inside, his boots making crunching sounds as he walked over the shards.

  Then his attention was drawn to the man staggering to his feet, his eyes wide and staring. “What the devil—?”

  Anger pushed Zach onward and his fist connected hard with Lord Tedious’ jaw, flinging the man backward. He crashed to the ground and stayed down.

  Spinning on his heel, Zach pulled the black mask from his face, then rushed to Becca’s side as she was pushing herself upright. “Becca, are you all right?”

  For a moment, she seemed to tense before her head spun around and her green eyes looked up into his. She blinked once, then again, before the most heart-stopping smile he’d ever seen graced her lips. “You came for me,” she whispered, her hands reaching for his. She felt warm and vibrant, and he would never again let her go.

  “Don’t I always?” Zach grinned, then pulled her up onto her feet.

  A moment later, she flung herself into his arms, crushing the air from his chest and making him the happiest man alive.

  Zach chuckled, holding her tight. “I assume this means you’re happy to see me.”

  Releasing her grip, she moved back, her eyes meeting his. “I am,” she told him, the look in her eyes full of meaning, of depth, of honesty. “I’m so happy to see you. I’m so happy you came for me.” Tears clung to her lashes. “No one’s ever…”

  Zach pulled her back into his embrace. “I wasn’t certain you wanted me to interfere.” Unable to keep the reproach from his voice, he swallowed. “You didn’t tell me what your plan was. I thought we were in this together. Why didn’t you let me help?”

  The look of regret on her face told him more than a thousand words. “I’m sorry. I was afraid you would get caught if you—”

  Voices and approaching footsteps echoed to their ears.

  “We need to go!” Zach grabbed her hand and pulled her forward and through the hole in the wall. “Watch out! There are sharp edges.”

  Becca chuckled as she followed him out into the night. “Will we ever use doors I wonder?”

  Zach laughed under his breath. “Doors are boring,” he looked back at her, “and we’re anything but.”

  As the servants hastened toward the conservatory, Zach pulled Becca to the very back of the garden. Again, he sent up his hook, secured it on the wall that separated Lord Tedious’ property from his neighbor’s and then helped her to scale the wall. Within moments, they were on the other side and sneaking through the shadows to the front gate of the neighbor’s townhouse. Another tree stood conveniently close and, once more, Zach’s trusted hook was put to good use.

  Before long, they stood outside on the pavement, panting and red in the face. Becca’s skirts were torn at the hem and one sleeve was ripped. Her hair had come undone and tumbled down her shoulders, making her seem wild and untamed. Many young women would have screamed at finding themselves in such a state. Becca, however, was smiling, that adventurous twinkle back in her eyes.

  Pulling her close, Zach met her gaze. “I could take you home,” he whispered. “Or—”

  “Or!” She replied without hesitation, a wide grin on her face. “Definitely or!”

  Her unwavering trust in him warmed his heart. Although he knew they ought to hurry, he could not bring himself to release her. Instead, his hand brushed along the line of her jaw as his head leaned in, slowly closing the distance between them. His eyes remained on hers until his lips finally touched hers.

  Then the world went away, leaving them alone in a place of peace and love.

  Their kiss was slow and tentative at first, full of wonder and amazement at the turn of events, at this sudden moment they’d been awarded, that they had not seen coming. Then longing slunk into their blood, and he could feel her yearning for more.

  From him.

  From life.

  From the world.

  Becca kissed him back as her hands slid up his neck and into his hair, then back down. Her fingers curled around his shoulders, fusing them together.

  Zach loved her eagerness, her unrestrained desire. He loved that she was unafraid to show what she wanted, to claim it for herself. She felt wonderful in his arms, and he could not imagine to ever let her go again.

  And he wouldn’t.

  Kissing her one last time, Zach pulled back before he lost his head. “We need to leave,” he panted, seeing the same marvel in her eyes he felt pulsing in his blood. “Will you come with me?” he asked then, his gaze lingering on hers, and he could see that she understood that he was asking much more.

  Her breathing stilled before a dazzling smile claimed her lips and her teeth sank into her lower lip as though she were fighting to contain the joy that had found her for fear it would carry her away. “Yes, I will. Always.”

  Taking her hand in his, Zach squeezed it gently. Then they hurried down the street, turned a corner or two before they came upon his groom. As he had that day in Hyde Park, the young man stood waiting patiently, two saddled horses beside him. He had the good sense to keep a straight face as not only his employer but also a disheveled-looking young lady came dashing toward him out of the shadows.

  “Good evening, Marcus,” Zach greeted him, then unfastened a rolled-up cloak from behind the chestnut mare’s saddle.

  “Good evening to you as well, my lord,” Marcus replied, his watchful eyes never once veering from the street at their backs. “All has been quiet.”

  “Perfect.” Unfurling the cloak, Zach draped it over Becca’s shoulders. The chill of the night had succeeded in chasing away the warmth of their adventure after all, making her shiver.

  “It seems you’ve thought of everything,” she said, smiling up at him as she fastened the straps in the front. “You don’t also happen to have a pair of—”

  Triumphantly, Zach held up a pair of leather boots, worn but sturdy. “I’m afraid these have seen better days, but they were all I could get on short notice.” His brows rose in mock accusation of her less than communicative manner.

  Becca laughed. “I shall remember to keep you informed henceforth.” Then she slipped into the warm boots, handing him her ruined slippers, which he passed on to Marcus. The man looked slightly put out, but didn’t say a word.

  “I’d appreciate it.” Leading over the chestnut mare, Zach watched Becca’s eyes shine more brilliantly than the stars in the night sky above, and he smiled as her gaze traveled over the saddle. “You weren’t expecting a sidesaddle, were you?”

  Her face was aglow as she shook her head. “I wasn’t expecting anything,” she mumbled, a tinge of disbelief in her voice. “This…all this…I…” Her hand reached out and squeezed his. “How did you even find me?”

  Moving closer, Zach kissed her softly. “It would seem your cousin was concerned that there might be a flaw in your plan.”

  Her eyes widened…a little. “Caroline?”

  “Yes.” Zach nodded. “Are you truly surprised?”

  Grinning, she shrugged. “A little.”

  “You minx!” Zach teased, laughing. “Will I ever be able to surprise you? Or do you see everything coming?”

  Her face darkened, and she turned away to pull herself into the saddle. “I didn’t see everything coming,” Becca whispered, disappointment and a hint of censure ringing in her voice. “I never thought he would want to marry me.” She looked across at him as he, too, mounted his horse. “He had me fooled. I wasn’t at all sure what to expect.”

  Zach felt his insides clench. “He wanted to marry you?”

  Becca nodded, and they slowly made their way down the street, northward. Then she turned to look at him, and a teasing smile, one that spoke more of determination than humor, came to her face. “Don’t worry, I refused him.”

  “That’s when he got angry?” Zach asked, remembering the moment the man’s hands had grabbed her arms, his face con
torted in a snarl.

  Becca nodded, annoyance coming to her face. “How pretentious of him to think he could simply take his pick! What an odious man!”

  Zach laughed. “I thought that adjective was reserved for your uncle.”

  “They can share it for all I care,” Becca replied before a deep breath left her lips, relief palpable on her face. “I want nothing to do with either of them from here on out.”

  “Are you willing to leave London behind?” Zach asked as he urged his mount closer to her side. “At least for a little while.”

  Her knee nudged his. “In a heartbeat.”

  Zach smiled at her, feeling his own heart settle into a comfortable, yet invigorating rhythm. “Then follow me.”

  Together, they continued north, leaving London behind with each step onward. The city glowed dimly in the darkened night, its lights now nothing more than a whisper like the stars above. Without the city’s buildings shielding them, the wind tore at their clothes as they made their way across the country.

  “Where are we going?” Becca asked eventually, her outline dim in the night as she moved closer toward him.

  Zach grinned. “I was wondering when you would ask,” he told her, knowing how much she hated not being in control. He understood it well for he felt the same way. “We’re heading north.”

  Becca snorted, and he could imagine her rolling her eyes at him in the dark. “That much I knew.”

  Pulling on his reins, he stopped his horse, waiting for her to do the same. Then he turned to her, his right hand reaching for hers. “Do you trust me?” he asked, holding his breath for he knew that aside from love, there was nothing more valuable in the world than trust.

  “Yes!” came Becca’s reply without hesitation, her hand squeezing his.

  Zach smiled, then urged on his horse, pulling her along. “Are you tired?”

  “Never.”

  “Ready for adventure?”

  “Always.” And the sigh of longing that left her lips told him everything he needed to know.