Healing Her Heart

by Lisa Reisner

  Abigail took in the warm scene between them. At first, she judged Marcus to be a man with a very stern demeanor, but it was quite evident there was a lot more to Lord Everton’s character than she had first believed. Before her marriage, she had viewed men in a positive light, especially because her grandfather had such a kind heart. She would hate to admit it, but on some level, she had become afraid of men. When she first arrived at Marcus’s townhouse, a footman grasped her hand to help her down from the carriage and she visibly flinched from his touch. Abigail’s grandfather had raised her to be fearless and she felt foolish for acting like a frightened kitten. She was determined to leave the past behind and regain her independence.

  “That is very kind of you to offer, but we can always have a footman escort us. I did not mean for you to be inconvenienced,” Abigail said. “I am sure you have more important things to attend to.”

  Marcus crossed his arms over his chest and furrowed his brow. “Personally, I cannot think of anything more important than eating maple fudge at Bristow’s.”

  Olivia giggled as she turned to Abigail. “Uncle Marcus loves sweets even more than I do.”

  Abigail grinned at Olivia’s statement and was about to stake her claim as the biggest sweet tooth of all time when she noticed Lord Everton’s face had turned distant, his eyes filling with regret. “Go clean up a bit and meet me in the kitchen. We can get started on the remedy for Grumman.” Olivia enthusiastically wiped her hands on her apron, said her good-byes and ran into the house.

  Abigail was curious as to the cause of Marcus’s change in mood. “Is everything alright, Lord Everton?”

  Abigail’s question seemed to snap Marcus back into the present. “Sorry. Olivia said something that reminded me of my brother.”

  Abigail could tell Marcus was hesitating from elaborating any further. She couldn’t explain why, but Abigail wished he would confide in her. She knew she was just the governess and it was not her place to delve into her employer’s affairs, but for some reason she wanted him to need her in some way. Abigail longed to soothe whatever had caused him sadness and put a smile back on his face. She stood up from the garden and sat down on the stone bench across from him. “You must miss your brother terribly.”

  Marcus’s eyes narrowed. Abigail knew he was deciding whether to discuss his private matters with her. Abigail gathered Lord Marcus Everton rarely trusted anyone. This made it all the more meaningful if he did confide in her and she was inwardly surprised when he took a seat next to her. She felt safe sitting next to this strapping, powerful man and the irony of this was not lost on her. His nearness made her stomach do summersaults and she clasped her hands together to prevent them from shaking. What are you thinking, Abigail? Stop acting like a lovesick girl and pull yourself together!

  Marcus looked to the blue sky as he began speaking. “It has been almost nine years since Stephen’s death and I still think about him every day. When we behaved our best as boys, Grumman would take us to Bristow’s for toffee and caramels.” He continued with a sigh, “I wish Stephen was here to take Olivia to the sweet shop. He would have been a wonderful father, but he never had the opportunity.”

  Marcus’s pain was palpable. Abigail knew the hurt of losing someone. She searched for the perfect words to ease his suffering. “I am sure he would have adored his little girl, but I truly believe you will make a wonderful father for Olivia. When my parents died, I thought I would never love anyone as dearly as I loved them. But in time I learned to love and depend on my grandfather just as I did my parents,” Abigail said with a soft smile on her face. “Eventually, Olivia will feel the same way about you.”

  Marcus slowly turned to her and she could sense he was at a loss for words. There was something intense about the way he was looking at her. She felt so connected to him at that moment. His stare drifted to her mouth and Abigail became aware of an unfamiliar heat all over her body. She knew it was shameful, but she wanted to feel her lips against his and press her body against his hard chest. Clearly, Marcus felt the same way because he gently touched her cheek and went in for the kiss. The last thing she remembered was the taste of strongly brewed Earl Grey Tea.

  Her lips trembled as the gentle kissed turned passionate. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer and Marcus responded by exploring her mouth with his tongue. To match his ardor and deepen the kiss, Abigail brushed her tongue against his, mimicking his actions. Her body began to stir with a fierce desire, and she started to caress his strong shoulders. With ease, Marcus wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her onto his lap. He cupped her bottom with his palm and rhythmically pressed his stiff arousal against her pulsating flesh. Marcus groaned as she fit herself against his seductive movements.

  Marcus’s expert hands lowered the bodice of her gown, exposing the tops of her breasts for his viewing pleasure. The junction between her thighs ached with a raw need to be filled. She wanted to run her fingers through his steely hair, but in the distance they both heard the creaking sound of a door.

  Abigail tried to straighten her appearance, but her fingers were shaking. Marcus saw she was making little progress, so he fixed her gown with lightening speed and removed her from his lap. She was unable to make eye contact with him as the realization of what just occurred hit her like a ton of bricks. She looked up when she heard the crunching noise of fresh grass being walked on. Jordan Stockdale appeared before them with a knowing smile and turned to Marcus. “I am sorry to interrupt, but I was under the impression you were out here alone. I will wait for you in your study.”

  Abigail sprung up. Marcus noticed her face was beet red. “That will not be necessary. I was just leaving. Olivia is waiting for me in the kitchen. Enjoy the rest of your day gentleman.”

  Marcus watched Abigail run to the house as if she was walking on hot coals. He felt like such a cad.

  “I have never been known for my timing. Next time I will wait in your office.”

  “There will not be a next time,” Marcus said as he raked his hands through his hair.

  What had gotten into him? For God’s sake, had he lost his mind? Marcus always prided himself on his control, but the heady combination of Abigail’s breathtaking beauty and her sweet words proved too tempting for him to resist. He had bedded countless women but he could not remember a time when he felt so exhilarated, so alive. Even now, the thought of her touch drove him insane with lust.

  How the hell am I going to fix this? Marcus knew his actions were unforgiveable. He had taken advantage of a vulnerable widow and jeopardized having a qualified governess for Olivia. No doubt Miss Jenner would be perfectly entitled to quit her position considering her employer’s lecherous behavior. He was just going to have to apologize and hope Abigail would be able to forget what had happened. A monumental request, especially since he was not certain he could dismiss something that had felt so splendid.

  Jordan rolled his eyes. “Of course, there will be no next time. You have one of the most delectable creatures I have ever seen living under your roof and there will be no next time,” Jordan said with mock seriousness and then added “Did I mention that I would be joining the priesthood?”

  “I am glad someone is enjoying my predicament,” Marcus said, his face taut with worry.

  “Why are you so upset over this? From my observations I arrived before things went too far.”

  That fact was the most troublesome for Marcus. He had wanted things to go too far and it went against everything he was trying to accomplish. One did not clean up their reputation and take a proper bride by starting an affair with the governess. Why does she have to be so damn appealing? “I guess you are right in that respect. Hopefully, Miss Jenner will accept my apologies and we can put the entire matter behind us.”

  “I could always take the lovely Miss Jenner off your hands. Perhaps she would enjoy my charming company,” Jordan suggested.

  Marcus’s jaw tensed and he felt irrationally angry over Jordan’s flippant remark. The thou
ght of Abigail with Jordan made him sick to his stomach. “It is bad enough I took advantage of the situation, but I will not allow you to make advances on poor Miss Jenner. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Crystal clear,” Jordan responded with a peculiar gleam in his eyes. “But I have one request.”

  “Make it quick. Our meeting with the investors is in an hour.”

  Jordan flashed Marcus a wicked grin. “It is a wager, actually. I bet you your favorite Rembrandt that you will take Miss Jenner to your bed before the end of the season.”

  Marcus almost laughed. Jordan had wanted his Rembrandt as a gift for his younger sister for as long as he could remember. “What will I get when you lose the wager?”

  “You sound very confident. Would the pair of thoroughbreds I just purchased interest you?”

  Marcus decided that a little incentive to stay away from the lovely Abigail Jenner could not hurt. “Done! It will be quite a shame when you lose such fine animals to me.”

  Both gentlemen’s enormous wealth enabled them to take a gamble when the mood struck them. Marcus could not recall a wager Jordan had lost.

  Chapter 6

  Mortification. That word seemed to perfectly describe Abigail’s current condition. She had tossed and turned in bed all night long, mentally kicking herself for behaving in such a wanton manner. The events of yesterday afternoon kept playing in her mind and Abigail was certain Lord Everton must view her as a common trollop. She could not imagine he would want such a person to look after his impressionable niece. Worst of all, Mr. Stockdale did not have to stretch his imagination to guess what the two of them were about.

  Abigail startled when she heard a knock on her door. “Your breakfast, Miss Jenner,” a brown-haired maid, named Lidia, set down a silver tray. Abigail noticed a small envelope placed next to a pot of strongly brewed coffee. “A letter arrived for you early this morning.”

  Abigail picked up the letter and immediately discerned Jane’s handwriting. “Thank you, Lidia.”

  Lidia gave Abigail a small curtsy and added, “The master requests your presence in his study at half past the hour.”

  Abigail nodded her understanding and Lidia left the room. I am going to be fired. Her lips began to quiver as she took a sip of piping hot coffee and closed her eyes; she let the hot liquid take its effect and her mind wandered to thoughts of Marcus’s kiss.

  Prior to yesterday, the only physical experiences she had with a man were with her husband. Bile rose in her throat when she remembered Clayton’s slobbery lips and cold, clammy hands. That is why nothing could have prepared her for Lord Everton’s decadent touch. His lips were soft yet commanding as he pushed her into a world of ecstasy. She had felt so beautiful and worshipped with each caress. In that moment, Abigail forgot about her troubles and only experienced pure joy. That was probably the only reason she had let things go as far as they had.

  Abigail glimpsed the clock on the wall. She started to open Jane’s letter, desperate for a diversion from her thoughts about her upcoming meeting with Marcus. Her lips curved into a smile when she read Jane would be in London in less than a fortnight to help Lady Sunderland with the annual charity event for the orphanage. Every year, members of the ton would donate prizes to be raffled off. The funds raised would help feed, school and clothe the children of The Sacred Heart House for girls and boys.

  Abigail also knew Jane wanted to expand Sacred Heart and build another structure to house more children, which would take plenty of money. Time and time again they would turn away orphaned children because there was simply no room, but this year would be different. Caroline had expanded the charity tenfold and there would be enough to cover the costs of the construction. It would make Jane so happy to provide a safe and nurturing environment for more children in need. Jane loved the children at Sacred Heart as if they were her own.

  She wished Jane was here now to give her advice on her current predicament. Jane was very guarded when it came to men and rarely trusted their intentions. Probably because she had the kind of allure that drove men wild, it was hard not to take notice of her voluptuous curves and flaming red hair. Jane had often said she had what men looked for in a mistress, but Abigail had the refined beauty of what men sought in a wife. Abigail knew Jane would warn her against a man such as Lord Everton and Jane would be one-hundred-percent correct in doing so, but a part of Abigail did not want to listen to reason. Marcus’s touch had awakened something deep inside she thought had been destroyed by Clayton. She wondered if Lord Everton had enjoyed the kiss half as much as she.

  Abigail shook her head and walked toward her closet. It was just plain silly to entertain such romantic notions. She could only hope her employer was a reasonable man and would forgive her tawdry behavior. Abigail stared at the elegant attire hanging in her wardrobe. Lady Sunderland had sent dresses over that were made before she knew she was enceinte. Caroline claimed by the time she got her figure back, they would be out of style and it would be a shame for them to go to waste. Abigail put on a lavender day dress and surveyed herself in the mirror. The bodice of the gown was sheathed in handmade lace and tiny pearls were sewn onto the waist. She highly doubted such a fine garment would go out of fashion; it seemed Lady Sunderland was truly as kindhearted as she previously thought. In light of Caroline’s generous nature, she felt an additional stab of guilt for abusing the opportunity she had been given. Not only was she a fraud, but instead of focusing on her duties, she had indulged in an elicit encounter with the master of the house. I have come this far and now I am throwing it all away.

  Abigail took a deep breath and tied her hair back with a silver ribbon. It was time to face the music. She marched down the stairs like a man preparing to face the hangman. Her heart started to race with a mixture of fear and excited anticipation. She reached the door to Lord Everton’s study and her knees began to quiver. Stop being such a ninny hammer and just get on with it!

  ∞

  Marcus heard the gentle knock on the door and braced himself for the awkwardness that was about to ensue. He decided the best course of action was to remain as businesslike as possible and try to convince Miss Jenner to put yesterday behind them. Olivia seemed taken with her new governess and he was prepared to do anything to make Abigail stay on. “Come in.”

  Abigail entered the study with her chin held high. Why did she have to be so damn lovely? Her dress seemed to hug every curve on her body and at the same time give an angelic glow. He knew it was going to take an iron will to focus his thoughts. He prayed he would have the strength to force his stare away from her luscious mouth when she spoke.

  “You wanted to see me, my lord?”

  Marcus could sense Abigail’s trepidation. She was likely afraid of him after what had happened. Perhaps she expected he would pounce on her at any moment given his horrendous behavior in the garden. “Please take a seat, Miss Jenner,” Marcus insisted as he pulled out a chair for her. She sat down and his chest unavoidably pressed against her back. He could feel her shiver. What a great start at persuading her that you are not a complete lecher. “You can probably guess the reason I called you here.”

  Abigail’s swallow was audible as she looked down at her hands crossed on her lap. “I will have my bags packed immediately, my lord. I take full responsibility for my actions and I apologize for taking advantage of you yesterday.”

  Marcus blinked twice. Had he heard her correctly? She thought she had taken advantage of him. A man of his experience and rakish reputation was violated by a slip of a girl. Hah! He would have broken into fits of laughter if it was not for the fact that she looked so dead serious. “The last time I checked, I was a grown man of two-and-thirty and in full control of my faculties. So you can stop blaming yourself for what occurred in the garden. We are two grown adults, and we both simply forgot ourselves in the moment. I can assure you it will not happen again. My niece seems to enjoy your company and I think it is best we forget all about our moment of indiscretion. Don’t you agree, Miss Jenner
?”

  Marcus could have sworn she seemed disappointed by his statements.

  “So you want me to remain in your employ? I am not to be tossed out on the street?” Abigail asked with disbelief.

  “I could hardly punish you for something that was my fault. In fact, I was sure you were going to unleash your fury on me for not behaving like a gentleman. I am many things, but I am not a monster. I am not going to throw you out on my doorstep,” Marcus said with honesty. It wounded him that she had such a callous opinion of him.

  “Of course you are not a monster. I am sorry I implied anything as such,” Abigail said, biting her lip. “I just thought after yesterday you might not trust your niece with someone of questionable character.”

  Marcus realized something unexpected as he considered Abigail’s choice of words. He trusted her; she was a virtual stranger, but he trusted her. It had been years since he so readily placed his faith in anyone, especially a woman. The last time he had, it had cost him everything. Even more astounding was that it felt surprisingly good to not have his requisite armor on around Abigail. For some inexplicable reason he believed in Abigail Jenner. Marcus had been tensed before she had come into his office, but now he felt relaxed and totally at ease with her as he stared into her sparkling violet eyes. “If I had doubts about your character I would end your stay here immediately. I have no doubts, Miss Jenner. It is my belief you are a perfect fit for Olivia.”

  Abigail looked uncomfortable after such praise. He saw her gaze sweep the room as if she were trying to find something that would change the subject of their conversation. Luckily, she was saved from such a task when Olivia burst into the room with an excited smile on her face. “Miss Jenner, Miss Jenner, you won’t believe it! Grumman says his sight is better already.”

  Both Marcus and Abigail’s glance shifted from Olivia to Grumman as he entered the room behind her.