Mercy lifted her hand in protest. “Dear girl, why are you so nervous?” Mercy’s black gaze pinned her in place. “There is nothing to fear here.”
Leah took a deep breath and felt her face heat. “I’m sorry, I…” She took another breath.
William’s hand settled on her back, and he moved forward so their eyes could meet. “Are you all right?”
No, she wasn’t.
“Grandmother,” Naomi said with reproach. “You’re frightening the girl.”
“Am I?” Mercy asked. “That’s unfortunate.” And there was clear disapproval in her voice.
Leah felt mortified and stood. “If you’ll excuse me.” She started from the room and a short while later, she heard feet following her down the hall.
“Leah.” William’s voice came from right behind her, but she didn’t slow, and she didn’t stop until she was on the balcony just off the stair landing. The air was slightly cold but instantly made her feel better.
When William touched her, she moved away and walked briskly down a staircase that led out to a garden. She couldn’t help but take note of the house’s beautiful design. It seemed every few feet one could easily find a door to the outside. It was likely because of all the Roma who lived inside.
“Leah, you’ve nothing to fear from my grandmother.” William stepped in front of her once they reached the stoned path and took her shoulders. “She was trying to intimidate you. Don’t let her.”
“That is easy for you to say.” She batted his hands away. “She’s your grandmother and you’re asking me to lie to her.” There was no need to pretend that that wasn’t the case. William already knew she’d never been married. She could only imagine what else he’d discovered to be false, but so long as he never knew her real name…
He lifted her chin and she found his green eyes to be gentle. “How dangerous is the truth?”
“Deadly.”
He nodded. “Do you ever plan to tell me who you really are?”
“No.” She closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” Not even if it meant they couldn’t be together. But it would hurt her greatly and far deeper than everything else. She didn’t want to lose him. Not again.
His mouth was warm when it took hers, causing gooseflesh to cover her. Then his arms came around her and blocked the cold. The kiss was gentle and more of a caress than anything. It definitely demanded her attention, but along with the heat came a sense of peace and ease.
“Very well,” he whispered against her mouth.
“What?” She couldn’t focus on his words. Only on what he was doing. Her arms locked around his back and held him close. They were likely visible to the rest of the house, but nothing mattered but him, being near him and feeling him.
He pulled her head back and she saw a serenity in his gaze. “I don’t care who you are so long as you are mine.”
Her arms locked around him harder. “What do you mean?”
He smiled. “Leah, I’ve no idea who you really are, but I’d be honored if you became Mrs. Tift.”
Leah felt her thoughts retreat as they tried to understand what William had just said. “Is that a proposal?”
“It is.” He kissed her again. “Will you marry me?”
Her pulse started racing again as every part of her being shouted yes in great harmony, but her lips couldn’t say it. She still had Lorenzo to consider. What would be her brother’s place in her life if she married William? Could she reveal the truth to him? She wanted to, but would he keep her secret from the others?
He seemed to sense her hesitation and pulled away. “What’s the matter?” He didn’t look worried in the least.
“You’d marry a liar?” she asked.
“I’d marry a woman who is strong and brave and beautiful.” He frowned. “You are not only a liar, Leah, and I’ve a feeling that even now you don’t do it for yourself. You’re as selfless as they come.”
She smiled. He was right, and he didn’t even know why. While she valued her life, she didn’t know what her known existence would drive Julius to do. No more violence. Not for these brave men.
He spoke again. “Leah.”
She hated that he couldn’t call her Natalia, but Leah was close enough. “Yes?”
“I love you.”
Leah felt herself falling but William caught her as she laughed. “You love me?” Nothing could make her feel lighter or happier. She placed her hands on his chest and gathered his jacket in her fingers, and she stared up at him with a need to make sure that this moment and everything about it was real. “You love me?” She touched his smiling lips, his cheeks, his hair. She leaned forward and kissed his throat before breathing him in.
He cupped her neck and gently pulled her back to meet his eyes again. “I do. Will you marry me?”
“Aren’t you at all curious about how I feel about you?” she asked.
His gaze became mocking. “I know how you feel. Now, answer my question.”
Such arrogance. It immediately made her feel better. He made her feel better. She loved him so much. She had to tell him. “I love you.”
“I know. Marry me.”
She covered her face and asked, “May I have the day to think about it?” She really had to discuss this with Lorenzo, for she had a feeling that he would not leave Lorena’s side, and this would make their relationship hard. He was her last relative… well, except for Julius, Uncle Perry, and their cousin Stephen, but she could never speak to the others as familiars. She’d given that up long ago, but not Lorenzo.
William looked away but when his gaze returned he nodded. “Very well.”
She frowned. “You seem very unbothered. What if I say no?”
“Then I’ll change your mind.” His arms around her waist grew tight, dragging her in. “But I’m not letting you go, Leah.”
She grinned. “It amazes me how you manage to fit your head into a room, William. Surely, your ego has swelled beyond the width of doors.”
He chuckled and whispered, “Or perhaps it’s because I’ve never felt more certain about anything in my life.”
That confirmed it for her. She would marry this man, but first… “Just the day.”
He nodded and kissed her before letting her go and stepping back. “Your time ends at sunrise tomorrow.” Then he turned and left her to her thoughts.
Leah started for the house, but not wishing to face anyone who’d probably seen them through the windows, she started for the servants’ entrance.
The warmth of the kitchen broke over her and the pleasant scents from the stove were welcoming, as was the fact that the kitchen was empty.
A basket of produce on the counter caught her eye and immediately an idea struck her.
She still owed William for his impromptu meeting with his grandmother, and this revenge would be sweeter than ever.
Quickly slipping the other ingredients she would need for her surprise into the basket, she fled the room and went to her own.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
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William left Leah and immediately set out to find his grandmother. He had no idea what he would say when he found her, but whatever he’d come up with vanished from his mind at seeing his parents. They’d returned from the village.
All eyes turned to him when he entered, and they all said something different. His father studied William as though he were some new sort of creature that had yet to be discovered. His beautiful mother Regina, with her dark eyes and rich bronze skin had tears in her eyes, while Mercy wore a sage smile.
“You didn’t tell us that you planned to marry her, Liam,” Mercy said. “Had it not been for Naomi, we might never have known your feelings until I’d chased the girl away.”
William didn’t have time to respond, because his mother stood at that very moment and crossed th
e room. He was immediately wrapped in her arms and his face soaked with her tears.
In her native tongue, she showered her him with her endearments and tears. “I’m so happy for you, William. I wasn’t sure Mercy was right, but now I see.”
He was still lost.
His father Edmund cleared it up for him. “Naomi was standing by the window and saw the kiss. She pointed it out to the rest of us.”
That explained it, though it didn’t explain his sister’s absence. William didn’t know what to say, but it was clear that his mother was happy for him.
But not more than he was for himself. He’d finally told Leah how he felt and couldn’t wait to marry her.
His father stood then. “Is she the one, William?” It was something they’d spoken about in the past. William was very close to his family. They, along with the Brothers, were the only people he hid very little from.
William met his father’s eyes. “She’s the one… so long as Mercy doesn’t make trouble.”
His grandmother laughed. “If she can’t take me on then I’m not sure if she’s the one.”
He gave Mercy a direct look. “And exactly who can take you on?” For even he knew not to cross the old Roma. There were those who still believed her magical and that one who dared offend her would likely be cursed.
Mercy nodded slightly, conceding to his point. “I’m happy for you, Liam.” Then she pointed to a chair and said, “Now come and tell me more about this woman.” Her eyes held questions and William had a feeling that while Leah could fool the world, she’d never fool a gypsy.
Once he told his family what he knew of Leah and allowed them to tease him a little more, he left the room in search of her, hoping that if she didn’t have a response, she would at least allow him the chance to continue with what they’d started earlier that day.
He found Clara first. She was speaking to Zed and, at the sight of him, her eyes widened before she allowed them to relax. The bruise her husband had given her had begun to fade, but the emotional ones were quite visible. She averted her eyes and shifted away from both him and Zed before she bowed.
“Sir William. Thank you again for allowing me to come on this trip.” She didn’t meet his eyes.
“It was no trouble at all.”
Zed turned to William. “May I speak with you?”
William nodded and after Clara excused herself, he and Zed headed toward the sitting room.
Once they were alone, Zed said, “She didn’t know you had invited all the Men of Nashwood on the trip. She thought the interview would just include the Spinsters.”
“Is that what worries her?” William frowned. “Let her know that none of the men will bring any harm to her.”
“Easier said than believed,” Zed said. “Though I can assure you, I’ve already told her as much. No man in this house would ever lift their hands to a woman… Miss Douglas and her blackmailing schemes aside, of course.”
“Of course.” William steered them toward the parlor. “Though I didn’t hit Mrs. Douglas.” And he was sure not to have left a mark even though his hand had ached to tighten to the point of strangulation. “I did make sure she’d never cause trouble again.”
Zed was silent for a moment and then asked, “Under exactly what circumstances would you say violence toward a woman is allowed?”
He turned to find Zed’s expression unreadable, his eyes strangely darker than usual. No, not darker. Deeper in a way.
William didn’t have to think long about the answer. “If she puts others in danger then I’ll not hesitate to stop her.”
“Is that your only exception?” Zed stopped walking. “Would you hit a woman if you found out that she’d been lying to you?”
Immediately, William knew they were no longer speaking about Sarah Douglas. This was about Leah. What was this man’s tie to the woman? What was their connection? As Leah had said before, it didn’t seem to be more than that of friendship or sibling affection, yet still…
“I would never hit Leah.” And though he knew he didn’t need to explain himself to Sudworth, he also didn’t like anyone thinking of him bringing harm to Leah. Lorena’s personal footman had likely witnessed his kiss with Leah just as his family had. “You’ve no need to worry about her care.”
Zed held his eyes. “Do you love her?”
“Do you?” William didn’t wish to have issues with this man, who obviously cared not only for Leah but all the Spinsters. In just over a year’s time, he’d become an essential part of both the Spinsters and the Brothers. In essence, the men felt safer leaving their wives alone when Zed was around.
“I love her, but not in a way that challenges what you have with her.” Zed smiled. “I’d have had this conversation on behalf of any of the women in the Spinster Home.”
William rolled his eyes and started forward. “Of course.” He allowed the sarcasm to drip from his words.
“You didn’t answer my question, Sir William.”
William turned to look at him.
Zed closed the distance and his gaze became serious. “If whatever you’ve started with Mrs. Wells is only a dalliance—”
“What would you do?” William asked.
Zed looked away, straightening to his full height. When those eyes returned to him, they didn’t remind William of a butler. In fact, had he been anyone else, William could have easily thought him a lord. “I know her in ways you will never know her.”
That hit William right where the man had meant it to, nearly crippling him.
“Hurt her,” Zed went on. “And you’ll regret it forever.”
“Is that a threat, Sudworth?” William asked.
Zed blinked. “I believe it is.” And he sounded sure of himself, as though he had the power to make William pay in the worst way. But what way was that? William was sure he could take the butler easy enough, but perhaps not. Or maybe Zed would do something final, like poison him or…
Take Leah away.
I know her in ways you will never know her.
It implied a deep connection. Zed obviously knew Leah’s secrets. That they were having this conversation meant that Zed knew Leah wasn’t married. Could it be he’d known all along? More questions formed in William’s mind.
“I could have Emmett fire you,” William said.
“Emmett would never do anything to hurt Lorena,” the butler countered, and he was right. “And Lorena would stand with me on this. She would not like the idea of one of her girls being taken advantage of.” He was right again. Lorena protected her own.
“She’s mine,” William said.
“For how long?” Zed asked.
William moved in close. “Forever.”
Zed lifted a brow. “Are you planning to make that official? Leah deserves more than being a man’s mistress.”
“Of course, she does. Now, do I need your permission for such a thing?” He was jesting.
Zed crossed his arms and fixed him with a relaxed gaze. “Perhaps.”
Perhaps? “We’ve allowed you to overstep for far too long, Zed,” William hissed.
Zed shrugged and leaned against the wall. “You’re likely right. Either way, I wish to know your intentions for Leah.” Leah. No more Mrs. Wells.
It was a simple question, William thought. He might as well tell the man the answer and get this conversation over with.
“I’ve… already asked for her hand.”
Zed straightened with a flicker of amazement. “And she said?”
“She needs the day to think about it,” he said slowly.
Zed relaxed against the wall again and though his mouth didn’t move, his eyes shined. “Well, then we shall see what she says tomorrow.”
William swallowed as a thought came to mind. Would Leah actually consult Zed on her decision? Zed did know him better than she did. Sudworth had been around for a while. It would be the wise thing to do in the end.
And that worried William. “Do I actually need your permission?” He couldn’t reca
ll the last time he’d needed anyone’s permission to do anything. “You’re not her father.”
“Just ask,” Zed said.
“No.” He’d not ask Lorena’s footman or butler or whatever for anything. “I’m marrying her and if you get in my way—” His hands were already reaching for the man.
“Would you risk everything for your pride?” Zed asked.
No. William stilled and closed his eyes. “Damn you.”
His words were met with silence.
William opened his eyes and dropped his hands to his side. “May I marry her?”
“Do you love her?” Zed asked.
“Yes.”
Zed nodded. “You have my permission.”
William rolled his eyes again and started down the hall. He hated fighting the butler, especially since there always seemed to be a sort of familiarity when he did. The conversation with Zed left him unsettled, but he didn’t change his mind on the course he’d set. He would have Leah and hopefully, one day, she’d feel safe enough to tell him everything.
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CHAPTER THIRTY
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Leah made sure that Zed closed the door behind him before she discarded her wig and ran her fingers through her hair. It was a relief to allow her scalp access to air for a while before having to don it once more. She had one she slept in just in case one of the girls needed her in the middle of the night. She always had to be on guard.
But she was in a great mood that afternoon and couldn’t help but smile at her brother. “I have news.”
“I know.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. His face held a smile, but she saw the tension around his eyes. They’d still not spoken about what had happened two nights ago at Sarah Douglas’ house, or rather, what she’d discovered about her brother.
Natalia’s Secret Spinster’s Society (The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 19