Marcus tried to school his features to hide his inner turmoil. He couldn’t let anyone observe his attraction to Miss Storm lest he frighten off potential suitors. He wanted her to want him for himself, not his title, money, or looks. Women had pursued him for years for those reasons.
Josie had known him thus before she was aware of his other attractions. He shook his head in remembrance of all they had been through not that long ago. Thank God, she was able to see and dance now.
He smiled as the dance ended and approached the couple as they came off the dance floor. Marcus bowed before her. “Miss Storm, may I request the honor of your hand in the next dance?”
Josie blushed as she gave a small courtesy. “Lord Remington, I’d be delighted.”
Josie placed her gloved hand on his arm as they moved to take the floor. Josie stopped and glanced at Michael. “Thank you for the dance, Sir Tidley.”
“My pleasure, Miss Storm.” Sir Michael grinned at Marcus and turned to find another partner.
Marcus placed Josie’s hand on his arm as the music began. “Relax.”
Josie looked at his cravat before glancing up with a shy smile. “Everyone is watching.”
“Pretend they are not and that it is only the two of us.”
Josie averted her eyes as she glanced around while they turned to the music. She followed his lead beautifully. Her gaze held his gaze A soft, small smile graced her lips.
Marcus’s heart skipped a beat. He inhaled the scent of roses in her hair, and having her the prescribed distance was torture when what he really wanted was to hold her tight and never let her go. The rules of society prohibited him from giving into his baser instincts, and it rattled him that this one girl was the one to give rise to temptations in him he had never before experienced. But here in his arms was a woman, alive and vibrant and thrumming with life. It is better to marry than burn. Unable to do that at present, he would have to struggle to master urges that had never before been a challenge. Possibly because no woman had ever captured his heart as this one did.
“You dance beautifully. You have emerged from tragedy as a butterfly from a cocoon.”
“Very prettily said, my lord.”
“I thought I was Marcus to you.”
“Yes, my lord, except that we are in public and I would avoid arousing undue speculation.”
“I have singled you out for a dance, my dear Josie. You have already given rise to speculation by looking at me the way you do.”
Josie laughed softly at this, and they resumed the dance in silence. When it ended, Marcus guided Josie to the supper room and introduced her to his brother.
Lady Grey joined them.
Marcus decided he would not stand by watching others dance with Josie. Jared looked weary. The two brothers departed shortly after the meal as another suitor came to claim Miss Storm’s hand.
Marcus sensed his brother’s gaze on him even in the darkened carriage. “Out with it, Jared. You have something to say. Say it.”
“I approve, Marcus. I know you do not need that from me, but I like Miss Storm and believe she would be the perfect wife for you.”
Marcus released a breath of air he had not realized he had been holding. “Thank you, Jared.” Silence prevailed for a few blocks. Marcus tensed. “I’m consumed with dread, and I’m not sure what to do about that.”
“I have learned to pay attention to those kinds of things. Pray. I shall do the same. If you need anything…”
“Jared, you pray? When did this happen?”
“I may have a wicked reputation to maintain, Marcus, however, there is a difference between the fantasy and illusion of what some would like to be true and what really exists. I have chosen to live a secret life of virtue since last year. Outwardly, it might cost me my life if I were to set aside what appeared to be a penchant for wine, gambling, and the sweet seduction of a beautiful woman. Stock in trade during a time of war, it has saved my neck many a time. When the war is over and my duty is done, I long for a woman who wants me for who I am, not for my looks and reputation between the sheets.” His voice sounded weary.
Marcus nodded as he studied his brother in the dark shadows.
They were now closer than ever before.
~*~
Josie collapsed into bed that evening. Her feet ached from being stepped on by many a young man. Her only fond memory of the evening was her dance with Marcus. She felt safe, secure, and desired in his arms. Even dinner with him and his brother was a treasure.
When they’d left the ballroom that evening, the air had become stale and heavy in their wake.
She struggled to give her undivided attention to the parade of gentlemen who vied for her favors. Apparently, she had done well as more floral tributes arrived the next morning.
Josie had not seen Sir Bastian the previous evening, yet a bouquet arrived with two black roses amongst the red ones. A shiver went up her spine as she sent them off again to the kitchen. She found out later that the staff believed the black roses to be an evil omen and had taken to casting them in the fireplace.
Josie received a note two days later from Captain Allendale. He requested permission to take her for a ride in the park at the fashionable hour. She sent an affirmative reply and eagerly awaited the opportunity to get to know Marcus’s brother better.
When Captain Allendale appeared at her door, she was impressed again with his appearance out of uniform. His build was slighter than his brother’s, due to his recent injury, yet she sensed his strength as he helped her up to the carriage. The perfectly matched black horses gently pulled forward.
She complimented the Captain on the well-sprung carriage.
“It came with Marcus’s title, and he allows me to share in the benefits.” He paused, and she watched his blue eyes darken a shade. “May we dispense with the formalities, Miss Storm? I give leave for you to call me Jared.”
“It seems unusual given our brief acquaintance, but in private I will use your given name, if you will return the favor and call me Josie.”
“I’m glad my brother found you. You are different from the other women who make their debut here in London. Marcus has set a high standard for himself and avoided the pitfalls most men our age fall into. He needs a woman who can appreciate those values.”
“You sound as if you approve of his way of life, but your reputation belies that.”
Jared shook his head and gave a rueful grin. “My brother has excelled at a more pure way of life that I disdained, much to my shame. I rebelled in every way possible from the example he set. Marcus never failed to accept me in spite of that, and pray for my health, safety, and soul. He purchased my colors at my request. I worked my way up through Field Marshall Wellesley’s ranks. I am not who I once was, and I’m glad I have never sought to offer that poor excuse of a man to any young woman as a prize. It amazes me at how many of these girls sell themselves short for a title and a fat bank roll, and overlook the character of the man they marry.”
Josie’s heart melted at his speech. She suspected it was more than he usually said. She wanted to reach out to touch his arm and offer encouragement to the young man who sat beside her. “I’m grateful God is not only a God of judgment but also offers mercy and forgiveness. From what I can discern, many of those young women do not have much choice. Parents or circumstances force them to settle for less than what their hearts may desire. I’m fortunate to have parents who loved each other. My father would not barter my future happiness to benefit himself.”
“He would not wed you to Sir Bastian?”
Josie could not quell the tremor that involuntarily shook her body. “Did Marcus speak to you of him?”
Jared nodded, and the lines between his eyes and on his forehead showed the depth of his concern for her. “Has Bastian been bothering you? I heard how he tried to bully his way into my aunt’s home a few days hence.”
“I knew nothing of that, only that he daily sends me black roses.” Another shiver followed that memory.
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“Does my brother know of this?”
Josie shook her head. “I’ve not had opportunity to mention it to him.”
“Is this man a threat to you?”
Josie nodded. “I fear he will cause a scene at some public event. I have refused his offer of marriage, but he doesn’t believe me to be sincere. He is determined, but I cannot grasp why. I have neither fortune nor title to bring to him, and certainly there is no affection on my side.”
Jared glanced away from her. “It makes one wonder why he would persist in his suit.” He glanced back at her and made eye contact with a half-smile. “Not that you are not a valuable treasure to be won, Josie. You are most certainly worthy of any suitor’s attention, but why would someone you have rebuffed continue? It does not make sense.”
The question was rhetorical, and Josie forbore to answer since she did not know what else to say. After a few moments of silence with the exception of the clip clop of the horses’ hooves and the bustle of other carriages in the park, Josie spoke again. “How long will you be home?”
Jared shrugged with his good shoulder. “I am unsure. I’m not up to driving a carriage yet. I’m getting stronger and expect I’ll be in the Peninsula in about a month or less.”
“I’m glad you have recovered well. I’m sure Marcus and your aunt are relieved to have you home safe for now.”
“Safe is definitely not a word I would equate with life in this uncertain world, Miss Storm.”
“Josie.”
“Josie. Surely you have learned that already, have you not?”
Josie glanced away, momentarily transported to a dark, lonely bed at Rose Hill. She fought against the sting of tears that memory brought forth. “I hope I am done with tragic accidents and can move on to a happier future.” She grinned as she looked at the handsome man beside her. “Not very grounded in reality, am I? I pray for safety for loved ones, yet I know that God does not promise to grant that in the ways I would prefer.”
Jared returned her smile. “Understandable. We long to protect those we love from physical or emotional harm. Most often, we are powerless to prevent tragedy, even with our prayers. Or so it would seem. When the enemy captured and tortured me, I knew there were no guarantees I would survive, and part of me wished I would not. I only knew that God was with me, even if I didn’t make it home alive or whole. I was one of the fortunate ones. Before that, I lived as if I were immune from any real threat and sought pleasure any way I could.” His face had taken on a hard look as he spoke. Lines appeared on his forehead, not quite hidden by the hair that fell across his brow. Jared’s jaw was tense as deep emotion undergirded his words.
Josie placed her hand on his on the seat between them and gave a small squeeze before withdrawing it. “I’m sorry for what you have suffered, Jared. I was unaware you had been tortured. It must have been awful.”
A flash of pain crossed his features. “It is a part of war, Josie, but one that most young men don’t think about when they enlist. When I purchased my commission, I only had dreams of heroism and thought I would be exempt from danger. I was wrong.”
“I am glad you survived.”
Jared let out a laugh as he looked back at her. “Thank you. We are complex beings, are we not?”
“We are.”
“Now, pretty lady, let me beguile you with some flattery so that my reputation as a rake does not suffer amongst the ton.”
Josie put a hand to her chest and grinned. “Really? A rake is escorting me? How delightful.”
With that began a lighthearted banter until it was time for him to return her home.
Jared helped Josie down from the carriage once they arrived. He escorted her to the door and placed a gallant kiss on the back of her hand as they parted.
Josie entered the house having enjoyed her afternoon with Jared but realized that, as with every other man she had met thus far, none compared to Lord Remington when it came to engaging her affections.
As was their regular practice on Sundays, Lady Grey and Miss Storm attended church in the morning. Josie was uncomfortable sitting in the Grey family pew. It was not that far from the Remington pew. This morning, she observed the two brothers side by side. She heard Lord Remington’s distinctive baritone when they sang a hymn. Josie struggled to focus on the message with Marcus being near. She prayed for the ability to focus on God and not make a man her idol. After the service, she found it difficult to face the affable pastor, since she could not give any comment on a message she had not heard. She finally disengaged herself from him and stepped out into the sunshine to await Lady Grey.
Marcus stood at the foot of the church stairs talking with a beautiful woman with blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes.
The woman was close enough that Josie observed the way she beamed at him. Other commotion around obscured any opportunity to hear words spoken between them. Josie despised gossip. She had never been one to eavesdrop. That did not stop her from watching with interest.
The young woman had a hand possessively placed on Marcus’s arm as they conversed. She flirtatiously used her fan and giggled in response to something Marcus said. She then leaned toward Marcus and reach up to kiss his cheek.
Josie perspired and grew lightheaded and nauseous. She was relieved when Lady Grey came and they moved to enter their carriage. What she had seen?
The woman had been lovely, and with the way she had gazed at Marcus, it was obvious there was great affection between them.
Josie fought back tears at the evidence of Marcus openly flirting with the beauty. He had not even spoken to Josie. She wondered who the woman was and what she meant to him. She was afraid to ask, terrified of what she suspected in her heart. Maybe Marcus did not care for her as much as she’d thought. By the time they arrived home, Josie was truly ill and escaped to her room without responding to Lady Grey’s questioning glances.
21
“Marcus, I need your assistance.”
“You know I would help you any way I could, Jared.”
The brothers had opted out of the evening’s entertainments to spend a quiet evening at home.
“I would not be so hasty with that offer without knowing what I am about to ask of you. It will involve risk and sacrifice. If you agree, you can tell no one of this conversation or what I am about to request of you.”
“You have my full attention. It sounds serious.”
“On a hunch, I launched an investigation that unearthed a political matter, but at issue is also the safety of your potential bride-to-be.”
“This has to do with Josie?” That sense of foreboding returned, and Marcus’s heart seized tight.
Jared nodded and gave his brother a grave look.
Marcus had rarely seen that expression on his devil-may-care sibling.
“I took Miss Storm for a ride a few days ago. I found her delightful, by the way, and would heartily approve if she should accept your proposal—especially after what I’m about to ask of you.”
“Go on.” Marcus swallowed the bitter bile of fear and leaned forward, intent on hearing every word his brother had to say.
“I was curious about this Sir Bastian, who seems to be making a nuisance of himself with your potential fiancée. It piqued my interest, and I wanted to help. I investigated him.”
“What did you find?”
“Whitehall has kept an eye on him. He has unexplained wealth and harsh appetites. Definitely not good ton by any means.”
“And this involves me how?” Marcus wished he would get to the point.
“Patience, dear brother. We discovered that Sir Bastian has a favorite place to go, and we need someone to check out a contact there, to glean information that we might use to prosecute him.”
“So you will be doing this?”
“No. We need you to do this.”
“Who is this contact?”
“One of Madame DuBois’s girls. Miss Maribel Smith.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “I�
�m confused. Are you saying you want—no need—me to go to a house of ill repute and interview a barque of frailty?”
“For Josie, if not for your country, you will. Reports indicate he is desperate to have Miss Storm as his bride and might act rashly in an attempt to claim her.”
“Josie cannot stand the man. She would never permit it.”
Jared leaned forward, looked intently in his brother’s eyes, and spoke with a soft but firm voice. “Josie will have no say in the matter. It is probable that if he does what I suspect, your beloved will not be long for this world.”
“If I help you, England, and save the woman I love, I may well damage my reputation and jeopardize my relationship with Miss Storm.”
Jared’s mouth was taut, and his eyes had a militant glint to them Marcus had not seen since his brother was a rebellious adolescent sent down from school for his pranks on campus. “Those are the benefits and liabilities.”
Marcus rose and paced the room. “Dash it all, Jared. How dare you do this to me? You won’t let me explain my actions to Josie, either?”
“No one can know the real reason you go into that home. Whitehall is asking you to serve your country as a spy.”
Marcus turned as fury welled up within him, and he pointed to his brother. “You! Why can you not do this? Isn’t this your ‘stock-in-trade’? It’s not mine.”
“I offered. I would have spared you this, but my orders are clear and I have been forbidden to go. In this circumstance, my reputation works against me.” Jared’s eyes looked weary. This entire situation pained him. “You must trust me on this. Remember that even Jesus met with prostitutes and tax collectors and faced unjust criticism for doing so. The fact is, we believe they will trust you and share the information with you because of your stellar reputation. They will not entrust the information we seek to anyone less worthy. We’ve tried and were unsuccessful.” He paused and looked down at his hands clasped in front of him. “We only want you to go and talk to her. Talk. That’s all.”
The Virtuous Viscount Page 18