by Vikki Vaught
He attempted to keep the irritation from his voice. “I had to put in my request for time off from my regiment, and it took some time, Your Grace.”
Why couldn’t they be glad to see him? He’d been away over two years, but obviously nothing had changed. “I did not mean for you to think I didn’t want to see you. I needed to handle my business affairs before I came home.”
“Well, I still think you are inconsiderate. What do all the neighbors think about you gallivanting all over London, instead of coming to see your family?”
“I’m sorry, you’re right. I should have come home straightaway, but now that I’m here, can we please be happy to see one another?” He looked at his sisters instead of continuing his discussion with his mother. “Do you have a hug for your brother? I’ve missed both of you so much.” Rushing over, Helen and Kathryn gave him hugs and kissed his cheeks. With his arms around his sisters, he looked over at his brother. “It’s good to see you.”
Nelson came over and offered his hand. “Glad you made it home safely. I’m so proud of your accomplishments. Our country is a much safer place because of your willingness to serve.”
Releasing his sisters, he clasped Nelson’s hand. “Thank you. I’m just relieved the war is finally over and our country is at peace.” He turned toward his parents. “Please excuse me, Your Graces. I shall retire to my room. I have had an exhausting ride and need to freshen up. I look forward to seeing you at dinner.”
He hurried to his bedchamber and entered, relieved to have that over. It was as he had expected. His parents could care less that he had returned. Even though his mother asked why he did not come home sooner, it was not because she missed him.
At least he enjoyed seeing his brother and sisters again. The girls had changed so much in the last two years. Helen was turning into a real beauty, and Kathryn was as sweet natured as he remembered. He looked forward to spending time with both of them, and he could not wait to spend time with Nelson.
Henry rang for the footman who served as his valet whenever he was at home and requested a bath to wash away his travel dirt. Mansfield prepared the tub and laid out his evening clothes. “I shall need to get used to having someone to take care of me. It’s been a long time since I have had help dressing.”
“I look forward to serving you again, my lord. It’s always a pleasure. It’s good to have you home,” Mansfield replied.
“Thank you. I appreciate your assistance. I shall see you later this evening, and we can catch up.”
“Very good, sir. I look forward to it.”
Dinner went as he had expected. His parents continued along the same path they had started earlier. It had not been pleasant. The duke berated him over port and cigars, and he even brought up Lady Penelope again. He told him he would not marry her, no matter what it could bring to the family. By the time his father told them it was time to join the ladies, it took every ounce of his control to rein in his temper. So disgruntled over his conversation with the duke, he went straight to bed instead of inflicting his sour mood on his sisters.
The next day, Nelson suggested they tour the grounds. Henry loved seeing the fields grown high with wheat and barley. His brother was doing a superb job of managing the estate.
Nelson had dark circles under his eyes, probably from lack of sleep. From his letters, losing his wife had proved difficult. Then to have his infant son die moments after his birth had come close to destroying his brother. Henry had hoped he had moved past his grief by now.
He looked at his brother as they made their way to one of the tenant farms to check on the crops. “Are you all right? You look tired.”
Nelson pulled back on the reins, and his mount slowed to a walk. “I’ve been under the weather lately. I’m sure it’s only a summer ailment of some kind. It will pass.”
“You’re probably right.” Since this was the first time he had seen Nelson since his wife’s death, he wanted to at last offer his condolences in person. “I wish I could have been here when Nora died. I can only imagine how hard it was.”
“The most difficult experience of my life, but I shall recover eventually. It’s good to have you home again. You know Father expects you to sell your commission and help manage the ducal holdings, particularly Doncaster Stables.”
They allowed their horses to meander along. “I know what is expected, but it will be at least six months before that can happen. I’m not leaving the Army until most of my men are cashiered out.”
“I understand, however, the duke will not,” he retorted.
Henry fully realized his father would not be happy, but he would have to live with it. “He’ll have no choice. I’m staying until my men are settled.”
His brother held up his hand. “All right, just so you are prepared for his wrath. How long are you staying?”
“I’ll be here for a month. Then, I need to go to Lincolnshire before I return to my regiment.”
Nelson raised his brow. “Why do you need to go there?”
“I’ve met a young lady. Miss Canterfield-Smyth, Melody…she lives there.” He paused. “I’m in love with her…I plan to ask for her hand.”
Nelson’s jaw dropped, and he stopped his horse altogether. “Am I hearing you correctly? Did you say you’re getting married? I thought you told me you didn’t want that, at least until you were much older? She must be special for you to change your mind. How long have you known her?”
Henry brought his horse to a halt and grinned. “I met her shortly after returning from the continent. Sometimes things happen when you least expect them. From the first moment I met her, I wanted her as my own and set out to win her affections. Since I’ve returned from the war, I’m ready to settle down, and Melody is the woman for me.”
He smiled as visions of her face filled his mind. The more he thought about her, the stronger his conviction that he wanted to marry her.
“I’m happy for you,” he replied. “When are you going to tell our parents?”
With determination in his voice, he declared, “Not until after the wedding. That way they can’t do anything to sabotage my marriage before it even gets started.”
His brother shook his head. “I would not want to be in your boots when you tell them. They will not be happy. Father is counting on you marrying Lady Penelope.”
It would be a cold day in hell before he would ever do that, even if he was not in love with Melody. “That’s why I’m not telling him yet. You will keep my plans to yourself?”
“Of course,” he stated. “That goes without saying. It will be difficult for the duke to accept your bride. He’s been rubbing his hands together ever since he heard you were returning. Lady Penelope’s dowry includes that tract of land between our estates.”
The vein in his temple started to throb, and he clenched the reins in his fists. He was tired of hearing Lady Penelope’s name. He kept telling his father he was not interested in her. The duke might be a clever manipulator, but he could not control his life.
“Devil take it. The ducal holdings are immense. They will survive without that property. I deserve to have some peace and contentment now that I’ve returned. Melody will give me that. For God’s sake, I’m giving up the military career I love. He needs to be satisfied with that.”
“Wait a minute,” his brother told him. “I’m only playing devil’s advocate here. Father will be livid. He counted on acquiring that property. I would marry Lady Penelope myself, but she’s too young for me. She hates the country as well, and besides, I’m not ready yet. It’s only been a year since I lost Nora.”
Every time Nelson mentioned his late wife, the pain radiated in his voice. Henry wished he could ease his suffering. Only time would do that. “I know how much you miss Nora, but I do think you have to consider marrying again, and soon. You need an heir. I’m counting on you to take care of the succession. There’s no way I want to inherit.”
Nelson’s shoulders slumped. “You’re right. I promise I won’t leave you as my heir f
or long. I’ve already decided to go to London in the spring and find a wife. Well, it’s past time to turn back. We’ve been gone all day. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late for tea, and you know how the duke is regarding punctuality.”
Over the next few weeks, Henry helped his brother manage the estate. Every day they visited the tenants. He enjoyed seeing all the folks from his youth. He also helped with the ledgers. Nelson never did enjoy working inside, so he took some of that burden off his shoulders.
His parents were cold to him, but that was nothing new. He enjoyed spending time with Helen and Kathryn. They were such sweet natured girls. It was hard to believe Helen would be going to town for her first season in the spring. In his mind, he could still see her with her hair hanging down her back as she raced across the park on her pony.
At last, he could leave for Lincolnshire. He told his father he had to go to his small estate, Hyatt Hall, to meet with his steward. To appease the duke, he promised to check on Doncaster Stables while he was up north. Needless to say, his father was not happy.
He left Surrey and should arrive at Melody’s home by the third week of September.
The first three days, torrential rains slowed his progress, making the trip arduous. But no matter how long it took, or what kind of weather he had to ride through, it would be well worth it when he finally saw Melody’s beautiful face again.
* * * *
While Melody was overjoyed to be at home with her parents, having missed them a great deal during her time in London, she missed Henry desperately. She told them he should arrive around the middle of September. She’d received one letter from him, telling her it would be the third week of September before he could come.
She worried about her father. Since he was getting up in years, his health was not as good as she would have liked. Since his rheumatism crippled his hands, she offered to help. “Papa. I’ve finished writing your sermon from your notes. Do you want to check it over and make sure it’s correct?”
Her father looked at her and smiled. “I’m sure it’s fine. It’s such a joy to have you home again. Your mother and I missed you so much, but we were so pleased Miriam invited you to visit her in London. It was quite generous of her to sponsor you for the season. Now, tell me more about your young man.”
Melody sighed. “Oh, Papa, he’s so wonderful. I think you’ll like him. As I previously mentioned, his father is the Duke of Sanderford. I don’t think he gets on well with his parents. He made some comments about it when we were together. He has an elder brother who will inherit the title, and he also has two younger sisters. He hasn’t spent much time at home in the last six years, due to the war.”
“Ah, he’s a military man,” her father commented. “That’s a hard life, my dear.”
“He’s in the Army,” she explained. “His father wants him to sell his commission so he can help with all the ducal holdings. I’m sure he will do so, but not until he gets his men settled.”
Her father took a sip of tea and set his cup on his desk. “You seem quite taken with this young man. Are you sure he is ready to settle down? Four and twenty is young for a man to be considering marriage. I don’t want to see you hurt, so it might be smart to take it slow. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you’re truly in love with him and that he feels the same way.”
“Oh, Papa, I care for him a great deal. I don’t believe he would come here if his affections were not engaged. I don’t need to spend time thinking about it.”
He stood and came around his desk. “Your mother and I married for love, and that’s what we want for you. We always hoped when the time came for you to marry, you would find someone local, so you would live close by. This young man lives so far away.”
With determination in her voice, she said, “I know you would have liked that, but I’m in love with Lord Henry, and he loves me. Please be happy for me and listen to him when he comes. He should be here in a few days, and I want you and Mother to give him a chance to prove he really cares for me. That’s all I ask.”
Her father patted her shoulder. “Of course, we will listen to your young man, and if he’s as wonderful as you say he is, I’m sure we shall like him.”
“Thank you, Papa.” After she kissed his cheek, she left his study.
By the third week of the month, she spent most of her time looking out the front window, waiting for Henry to arrive. When she at last saw him riding toward her, his strong, virile masculinity had her body trembling, and her heart raced in anticipation of being in his arms again. Albeit, she also felt some trepidation.
What if she was wrong and had misjudged his intentions? She would be so devastated if that were the case. It would also be embarrassing, since she had told her parents he loved her.
Her knees knocked together and her heart pounded as she went outside to meet him. Henry dismounted, and when he looked at her, all her doubts melted away. The look in his clear blue eyes said it all. He loved her. Her hands shook, and her pulse skipped as he walked over to her and took her hand, then raised it to his lips.
He placed a kiss in the center of her palm, and tingles of pleasure shot up her arm. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember. I came as soon as I could get away from my family. Did you miss me? I certainly missed you.”
“Desperately. I’m ever so pleased you have finally arrived. Let us go inside so I can introduce you to my parents. I’ve told them all about you, and they are looking forward to meeting you.”
As they went into the house, she gazed into his eyes, thrilled to be together again. They went into the parlor, where her parents waited. “Mama…Papa, this is Lord Henry.”
Her father stepped forward and offered Henry his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. How was the trip?”
He shook her father’s hand. “Long, but pleasant for the most part. I encountered rain the first few days. Fortunately, it cleared and stayed dry for the rest of my journey.”
“It was quite a long distance for you, was it not?” he inquired. “You’re from Surrey, correct?”
“Yes, sir. Cranleigh,” he replied. “Thirty miles south of London. I appreciate you allowing me to visit.”
Her father gave him a broad smile. “We’re happy to have you. Melody has told us a great deal about you. We’ve looked forward to your arrival. Oh, and by the way, call me Magnus. We aren’t formal around here.”
“Certainly, sir,” he agreed. “Your hospitality is much appreciated. It will give us a chance to get to know each other.”
Magnus chuckled. “I look forward to it. Go get your things, and my daughter can show you to your room.”
CHAPTER FOUR
September 1814
Melody showed him where he could stable his horse. Henry led Jupiter into a stall and proceeded to take off his saddle, brush him down, and give him oats. Since it was only the two of them, he took advantage of this. He pulled her close, and his lips met hers. His blood began to boil, and his heart pounded. At last, he had her back in his arms again.
She fervently returned his kiss, and his desire escalated to fever pitch. Tentatively, he placed his hand on the orb of her breast. It shook as he finally allowed himself to touch her in such an intimate way. Her body trembled, and she sighed; it was sweet music to his ears. He deepened the kiss and pulled her tightly against him.
He pulled her down on the soft hay while he continued kissing her. As he caressed her breast, her nipple grew taut through her dress and her heart pounded under his hand. He pulled up the skirt of her gown and stroked her smooth calf. His hand traveled further up to her plump thighs. A shock wave of sensations, stronger than he’d felt before, surged through his body as she responded to his touch.
She moaned as he stroked her pretty legs. If he did not stop soon, he would lose all control, and he did not want to take advantage of her first feelings of passion. After all, he loved her and planned to wed her, so he gently pulled his hands back and ended their kiss. “Does that show you how much I’ve missed yo
u? Even though it’s only been a few weeks since I held you in my arms, it felt like months had passed.”
A lovely blush kissed her cheeks as she coyly looked at him. “I couldn’t wait for you to arrive. My dreams have been filled with visions of us kissing and being in each other’s arms. I’ve counted the days, eagerly waiting for your arrival.”
He helped her up, then pulled a piece of hay out of her golden tresses and grinned. “God, I can’t believe I’m finally here. Albeit, as pleasurable as this interlude is, we’d better return to the house before your father comes looking for us. The last thing I want is to compromise you.”
Offering her his arm, Melody slipped her dainty hand in the crook of his elbow, and she led him back into the house.
Over the next few days, they spent every waking moment together. Whenever they were alone, he stole a kiss, but he kept his hands from straying. Although he wanted her fiercely, he respected her too much to let them get carried away.
He liked her parents. Her mother reminded him of Melody. She was just as sweet natured and kind-hearted as her daughter. Bolstering his courage, he went to talk with her father. The study door stood open, so he knocked on the doorframe. “Sir, could I have a few minutes of your time?”
Magnus motioned him into the room. “Ah, Henry. What can I do for you?”
His heart was thundering so loud, he could hear it. Determined to ask for her hand, he blurted out, in a voice louder than he had intended, “I shall get straight to the point. I love your daughter, and I believe she feels the same way.” He rushed on, speaking quickly as he pleaded his case. “I have the financial resources to take care of your daughter and any children we may have. I will take good care of Melody and love her for the rest of her life. May I pay my addresses to your daughter?”
Magnus folded his arms across his chest. “How will you support a family? Will you be dependent on your father, or do have another source of income?”