The Prize

by Brenda Joyce

  Mary said, low, “That is Lady Arlette. She is widowed and not suitable for any of my sons.”

  “I dare say Cliff is rather fond of her.”

  Mary made a derisive sound. “He is fond of her bosom and her penchant for discreet affairs.”

  Virginia had to bite back her gasp of surprise. She glanced at Mary, whom she had never heard utter an unkind word.

  Rex approached, bowing. “The lovely bride saves the day.” He smiled warmly at her. “Has my ignoble and reckless brother taken to the high seas, then?”

  Virginia recognized the warmth he felt for Devlin and she liked him very much. “Your noble and reliable brother has set sail, indeed.”

  He laughed. “But how could he leave such a lovely bride behind so quickly?” He gave her a look.

  Did he dare flirt with her now? “My lord, I feel certain it was a most difficult matter.”

  He bent and took her arm, whispering, “I have no doubt. You must rescue me, little sister. I should go mad if I have to listen to another marriage-minded maid prattle on about my medals and my honor.”

  She looked up at his hard, handsome face. There was some annoyance in his eyes—and something dark she unfortunately recognized. “Will you walk with me?” she asked. “I long for a turn in the gardens.” She wondered why he found female pursuit so distasteful and what ghosts haunted him.

  He gave her a wink. “Of course.” He kissed his mother’s cheek. “I am escorting Virginia outside. You may think to rescue Cliff soon.” With that, he tucked Virginia’s arm in his and they crossed the room and stepped out onto the terrace. Once there, she felt his large body relax.

  “Most men would love to be so chased,” she said.

  He smiled a little at her. “I am not most men.”

  “I doubt any man in this family is like most men.” She thought of Devlin and her heart skipped.

  He eyed her as they strolled down the steps and to the frosted lawns, following a stone path there. “That is very flattering…I think.”

  “I meant it as flattery,” she said.

  “Yes, I am aware of that. And how does it feel to be a married woman?”

  Her heart skipped wildly again. “I haven’t changed—but then again, I have changed completely. I suppose I make no sense.”

  He grinned. “None at all. You are not what I would have expected Devlin to land.”

  Her brows lifted. “Is that an insult?”

  “No, it is flattery.”

  They both smiled.

  “I expected him to one day settle for an heiress, the matter a strictly financial one. I never expected him to lose his heart to a little American orphan who once tried to assassinate him from the deck of a ship while he was seizing it.”

  For one moment, Virginia was swept turbulently back in time. She paused. “How did you hear about that?”

  “The other night we dragged him off to a club. A little bachelor’s farewell fête. He waxed rather eloquent when prodded. An interesting beginning—and apparently, an auspicious one, as well.”

  “I hated him on sight,” she whispered.

  “Did you?” He stared.

  She smiled. “The truth?”

  “If you dare.” He was no longer smiling.

  “I was so afraid I don’t know what I thought or felt. But I knew from that first moment that I had never met a man like him before—and that I never would again.”

  Rex de Warenne grinned. “I am glad to hear it,” he said.

  THERE WERE TWO DINING rooms in Harmon House. The family gathered in the smaller one for supper, a room with gold paper on the walls, a huge chandelier above, a long trestle table set with gold candlesticks, gilt flatware, gold-and-white china and linen and lace. Mary and Edward sat at opposite ends of the exquisitely set table, formally dressed. Virginia found herself seated between Cliff and Tyrell, with Eleanor, Rex and Sean across from them. The conversation ran rampant around her, Eleanor conversing across Sean with her mother, Tyrell and Edward discussing rents, Cliff and Rex the state of Napoleon’s finances. Virginia smiled happily to herself. Devlin had a wonderful family and she was a part of it. There was so much warmth in the room that she could feel the affection between everyone present, a vibrant, tangible thing.

  She caught Sean looking at her and she smiled at him. He smiled back and looked away, toying with the fish on his plate. Eleanor suddenly said brightly to her, “I heard you spent quite a bit of time at Askeaton when Devlin was in London,” she said. “Did you like it there? I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.”

  Virginia laid her fork down, smiling back. “I liked it very much. And I agree, Askeaton is beautiful.”

  “Is it as nice as your home in Virginia?”

  “Yes.” Virginia was touched briefly with wistful longing. “Sweet Briar is a wonderful place. But the riding trails are better at Askeaton.” She smiled at Sean, remembering all the long country rides they had shared.

  Eleanor glanced between them with confusion. “I forgot…while Devlin was away, you only had Sean for company.”

  Virginia became uncomfortable. She didn’t know what to say.

  Sean ignored the conversation, concentrating on his food.

  “I haven’t ridden about Askeaton in years,” Cliff remarked languidly. Although he remained impossibly relaxed, Virginia knew he meant to rescue her from an uncomfortable moment. “Sean has some fine horses, does he not?”

  She glanced at him. He was a bit unsettling even now, and she had little doubt that he was the kind of man to enjoy the favors of a notorious widow. But she was grateful he was redirecting the conversation. “Yes, he does. There are some fine horses at Askeaton. Especially Bayberry,” she added, smiling as she recalled the brave little filly.

  Sean finally looked at her. “She is yours,” he said suddenly. “Please accept her as my wedding present.”

  Virginia was so overcome she could not speak.

  Eleanor looked back and forth between them, her expression stunned. “But you bred her! And you’re giving her to Virginia?”

  Sean glanced at her. “Virginia loves the horse.”

  Eleanor was suddenly standing. “Excuse me, I seem to have a terrible migraine.” She hurried from the room.

  Virginia blinked. What was that?

  Sean sighed. “I forgot…she was there the day the filly foaled. She helped me bring her into the world.” He stood, appearing grim. “Excuse me.” He walked out.

  Edward looked perplexed. “Mary, what is going on? Why is Eleanor upset?”

  Mary began to smile. “I do think your daughter is growing up.”

  Tyrell said thoughtfully, “What a strange turn. Eleanor has spent her life provoking Sean, from the time she could walk. Her favorite game used to be ‘ambush’—she would assault him when he would least expect it. Her favorite weapons were sticks and stones.” He started to grin, shaking his head.

  “Indeed. She is now jealous of Virginia,” Rex said smoothly, and he saluted Virginia with his wineglass before sipping.

  Virginia began to protest.

  Cliff said calmly, “Sean needs to kiss her. That will solve one matter—while creating a few new ones.” And he laughed, leaning back in his chair.

  “That is enough!” Mary de Warenne cried. “Benson, the next course, thank you.”

  THE DAYS PASSED SLOWLY, but without a dull moment. Virginia rode in the early mornings with one brother or another, although never with Sean. She made afternoon calls with Mary and Eleanor, or stayed home to rescue Rex from the various ladies calling upon him and Cliff. It was clear that Cliff was having an affair with the widowed Lady Arlette, as they were not very discreet. Cliff reminded her very much of Devlin now, as he did not seem to care about his rather notorious reputation.

  Evenings were either a family affair or spent on the town. Virginia found herself swiftly reintroduced into society by the powerful de Warenne family. There were dinner parties, charities and balls. Escorted as she was by either the Ear
l of Adare and his wife or the three strapping de Warenne brothers and Sean, she became a favorite, fawned over and admired by all. She only once bumped into William Hughes and his wife, and polite greetings were cursorily exchanged.

  She met the other de Warennes and learned a little of the family’s history. The family’s founding father had fought with William the Conqueror. Once a landless Norman, he had married a wealthy Saxon heiress and eventually had been awarded an earldom. One of his descendants had journeyed to Ireland to obtain lands and titles there, the result being the Adare branch of the family. The original Northumberland branch of the family had become too powerful for any king to bear. Apparently those lands and titles had been forfeit in a deadly rebellion centuries ago. Afterward, some of the de Warennes had become wealthy merchants; a few had managed to win back some small estates, while others had emigrated to America to make brand-new fortunes. It was a most interesting family that she had married into.

  And Virginia never stopped missing Devlin. There was no word from him. She followed news of the war avidly, aware that every tidbit was months old. The biggest news was the defeat of the USS Vixen by the HMS Southampton, and for a week, everywhere Virginia went, Londoners rejoiced. She could not share their enthusiasm and her loyalties were painfully torn and divided.

  “I will kill him if he doesn’t write you,” Sean told her in late January.

  “I can’t imagine how a naval captain can post a letter,” Virginia replied. She missed him so much that there were days when it hurt. One letter was all she would need to endure their separation. She counted the days until June. He had promised her he would be back by the middle of that month.

  “Our naval ships go back and forth between America and Britain all the time to resupply,” he said. “There is no excuse.”

  “He is in a war, Sean,” she said quietly.

  He smiled a little at her. “I am going back to Askeaton, I have been away too long. But you are in good hands now, I feel certain. Everyone loves you, Virginia. You have truly become a sister here.”

  Virginia warmed with real pleasure. “I love your family, Sean. I actually feel as if I belong here.”

  “You do,” he said firmly. “And you do know that if you ever have a problem, you can turn to any of us. I will come running in an instant, but Tyrell, Rex and Cliff would do the same.”

  “I think I know that,” she said, meaning it. While Rex and especially Cliff intimidated her somewhat, she had little doubt they would rush to defend her honor if ever the need arose.

  He hesitated. “You and Eleanor have become friends. I’m glad. She’s so young…” He trailed off.

  “Of course we are friends. She is my new sister,” Virginia said softly. “And every time you look at me she watches us like a hawk.”

  He seemed very surprised and he made a face. “What? I don’t think so.” Then he kissed her cheek. “I want you to promise me that you will not hesitate if in need. You have a real family now, and no one here lacks courage, loyalty or purpose.”

  “I doubt I will need to call out the de Warenne cavalry,” she teased.

  He laughed, the sound warm.

  Virginia knew then that his heart had healed and she was happy for him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  January 1, 1813

  Dear Virginia,

  The New Year has come and I hope this missive finds you in good health and good spirits. How do you fare at Waverly Hall? I assume by now that you have become fast friends with my mother, and I hope you will not hesitate to ask her for anything you may be lacking. I also hope that my brothers have not overwhelmed you with their various characters. How has the winter been? It has been freezing cold as we sail the Atlantic, but that is to be expected. We now approach the coast of New Jersey, having seen little action thus far. We turned back a single American merchantman, the Southern Belle, although we seized a French privateer, which I have sent to Newfoundland to be outfitted there. The men are in good spirits, although growing bored, as they are not used to such inactivity, and they remain eager to engage the enemy. I have a new ship’s surgeon, Paul White, a gentleman I think you would find erudite and amusing should you ever meet. He plays the violin and brought his instrument with him, providing the men with many hours of entertainment.

  Please give my regards to my family. I wish you happy New Year.

  Yours truly,

  Devlin O’Neill

  VIRGINIA RECEIVED DEVLIN’S LETTER on the fifth of February. She was so excited she flew to her room to tear open the sealed parchment. Her heart slammed in her chest as she read it quickly, and then she read it again, more slowly. She wished he had written that he missed her and could not wait to come home. But Devlin had never been comfortable with intimacy in person, so why would he be so in a letter, especially one written at sea, to his bride, their very first exchange since their wedding night?

  Virginia sighed and gave up. She was happy that he had taken the time to write to her and had made the effort to get the letter to her at all. And he had asked her several questions, so clearly he wished for a reply.

  February 5, 1813

  Dear Devlin,

  I was so pleased to receive your letter and even more pleased to learn that all is well with you and your crew. I have become good friends with both your mother and Eleanor; in fact, the very day you left your mother insisted I move into Harmon House, which I have done. I have become very fond of your entire family! Alas, Rex has returned to duty, Cliff will soon sail off to Martinique (I did not realize he had a sugar plantation there!) and Sean has returned to Askeaton, so suddenly the house is so empty and so forlorn. Tyrell remains, but I only see him in passing, as he seems preoccupied with his own affairs. Your mother and stepfather remain in good health. Soon Eleanor leaves for Bath to rejoin the Hinckleys, although there is some controversy over whether she should be allowed to go. I do wish she would stay, as I enjoy the time we spend together.

  We missed you at Christmastime. That eve we had a splendid family celebration. Your mother arranged a spectacular meal with enough to feed a regiment. Eleanor and Sean fought, as usual, over her returning to Bath, where apparently she has far too many suitors for a young lady of her age (at least, in Sean’s opinion). Cliff invited the widowed Lady Arlette to join us, much to your mother’s dismay. Have you ever met her? She is an amazing beauty, and quite fond of Cliff. The men spent quite a bit of time discussing the change in Napoleon’s fortunes, the state of Europe and what a peace might be like there. Everyone kindly avoided the subject of the American war, I suspect in deference to me. After supper Rex caught me under the mistletoe, but his kiss was a brotherly one. Sean was so angry with Eleanor that he walked out on us all, but I do not know why or what happened.

  Your family has been so wonderful. Your mother gave me a lovely locket with your portrait inside and I have come to treasure it. I received a shawl from Eleanor, gloves, chocolate and a fan from your brothers, and a book from Sean. The book is a history of Ireland and it is fascinating. He also gave me Bayberry as a wedding gift and she is here now, for Sean sent her down. I ride every morning, rain or shine.

  I should love to meet your new ship’s surgeon as he sounds like an agreeable man. I still have fond memories of Jack Harvey. Have you ever heard of him since he left your ship?

  I have given your regards to your family. I wish you good health and good cheer. May God keep you and your men safe.

  Your loving wife,

  Virginia

  Virginia knew that it might be months before she received a reply—the navy had told her that—but by the second week of March she was disappointed that she had not heard from him. In two more days it would be her birthday. She foolishly wished that Devlin could be home to share it with her.

  “Do not despair,” Mary said, her arm around her. It was a gray, windy day and the windows rattled. “You will hear from him again, I have no doubt.”

  Virginia smiled at her. “I do hope so.” She touched her belly, an u
nconscious gesture. She was beginning to think that she was pregnant. She hadn’t had her monthly since Devlin had left, and she was stunned by the possibility that she might be with Devlin’s child, as well as both thrilled and afraid. She dearly wished to have Devlin’s child, even if she hadn’t expected to become pregnant so quickly. But would Devlin be as pleased? Every man wished for a son, but their relationship remained a new and fragile thing and it was too soon for it to be tested in any way. He might not be ready to see their child come into this world. And if that were so, she could not really blame him.

  A horse’s clopping hooves could just be heard from outside, in spite of the wind and the rattling glass panes. “Maybe it’s the post,” Virginia cried. His last letter had been conveyed to the house by a postal rider and Virginia suddenly hoped that the rider was bringing her another one. She rushed to the window and looked out—and her heart seemed to stop.

  The rider leaping from his mount wore a navy-blue cloak over his blue naval jacket, a black felt officer’s hat upon his head. The moment she glimpsed him, even before he turned, she knew and she cried out.

  “What is it?” Mary murmured.

  It was Devlin, and Virginia could not answer.

  He turned, his cloak swirling about his shoulders, his white britches and high boots mud-splashed. He strode toward the house and Virginia gripped the windowsill, breathless and faint. He had come home.

  The door was flung open. Devlin took one step across the threshold and froze as he saw her.

  She could not even smile. Their gazes locked and she could only stare, failing utterly to breathe.