The Duke brushed a thumb over his chiseled jaw. “Alexandra, per Nicholas’s request, I have taken personal action on your behalf and have begun my own investigation into your heritage. Your father, Baron Stephen Sutherland, was a great friend of mine years after our time spent at Cambridge, and I knew you as a baby. When I first saw you, I knew you were a Sutherland for your eyes are unmistakable. Normally estates go to the closest living male heir, but in a private conversation with your father, he indicated he was leaving the estate to you upon his death. In no way was the Sutherland fortune to go to Lady Ursula or her son, and I’m sure Baron Sutherland being as thorough as he was, put his wishes in writing.”
What? He knew her fath— So taken aback, Alexandra opened her mouth, but no words came. Was this true?
“You were about one and half years and already he was thinking of your future.”
The sadness she’d kept long buried rose inside Alexandra. All the senseless murders. “Thank you, Your Grace. I am overwhelmed you knew my father and would take such an interest on my behalf.”
The Duke scoffed. “You are to be family, and the fact remains, I’m indebted to you and I always pay my debts. I have also enlisted runners to investigate Lady Ursula’s poisoning of your father as told to you by Molly, the only eyewitness. The Runners have inquired of the servants, but they are either too scared, or fear losing their jobs. Unfortunately, investigators have come up with no leads and Samuel’s testimony would be considered hearsay. I am trying to find a money trail. Lady Sutherland had to pay someone to put you on the Santanas.”
Alexandra picked at her eggs. “Calling me Lady Sutherland, will be fraudulent unless I can show clear title. To verify who I am, I must have evidence. Despite my untried youth, there is one recurring memory of my father. He would close the library door and have me trip a secret compartment in the desk into opening repeatedly. For my father to do this, meant it was important for me to know.”
Aunt Margaret pulled herself up to her full height. “Nicholas, you are a very bright young man and must understand, Alexandra’s right. There is a lot at stake.”
Nicholas’s nostrils flared. “Alexandra, I don’t give a rat’s ass if you are titled or not. Your belief is a childhood dream. Look where you ended up—kidnapped and to be sold into slavery. I can see where this is going and will not allow you to be anywhere near your ancestral home as long as Lady Sutherland is about.”
She ran her finger on the border of her tea cup. Nicholas had reason for his outrage. Perhaps not with her, but it was human nature to blame those closest, the ones he wanted most to protect. “I am going.”
Nicholas dropped his chair to all fours. “I’m not taking any chances. My job is to keep you safe.”
“I cannot marry you unless my name is secured.” And if he thought she was going to change her mind, he was as addled as the town drunk back in Deconshire.
“You will marry me,” Nicholas stated.
“Her musing is not a childhood vision,” Samuel spoke up. “Molly had seen the secret drawer. She had gone to the library to get the baby Alexandra for her nap. In fact, Molly heard Alexandra laughing and since the door was partially open, she peeked in to see what was amusing the child. Baron Stephen had Alexandra open and reopen the compartment. The week before we departed, Molly tried repeatedly to open the compartment in case there were papers that proved Alexandra’s birthright. No matter how many attempts, she could never find the trip lever.”
The Duke spread marmalade on his buttered bread. “I agree with Nicholas that it is too dangerous for Alexandra. You could tell someone how to do it. One of my men could break-in.”
That comment drew stares from everyone except Aunt Margaret who snorted. “I would expect nothing less of you, Richard.”
“It won’t work,” said Alexandra. “If there is any hint of activity in the library, and your man fails, Ursula will have everything in the room burned because she will realize the importance. I must be the one to locate the compartment. I’m the only one who knows the desk.”
Nicholas slammed his fist on the table. The dishes jumped and so did Alexandra. “Absolutely not. I will not have you risk your life or the— Lady Ursula is on alert and probably expecting you. She will not make the same mistake twice. You will be dead.”
Tears pricked the back of Alexandra’s eyes. He wanted to protect her and the baby. “I was so close the last time…I have to avenge Molly’s death and this is the only way…by proving who I am.”
Aunt Margaret released two lumps of sugar into her tea and stirred, the spoon clanking loudly against the cup. “Your nobleness is to be admired, Nicholas, but it is not a serviceable substitute to getting things done correctly.”
Rachel rebalanced her cup in the saucer. “Your Lordship, could you not have your men canvas the house to tell us when Ursula and Willean are out?”
“Yes.”
Nicholas scowled. “What good will that do if it is guarded?”
Alexandra clasped and unclasped her hands. The women were circling the stubborn men and working in her favor. Keep it up, ladies.
Aunt Margaret drummed her fingers on the top of her cane. “We need a ruse to get Ursula and Willean out of the house.”
The Duke spoke up. “Easy. I’m friends with the Somer’s and will ask a personal favor to send an invitation to Lady Sutherland and Willean to his famed ball which is two days away and ample time for us to prepare.”
Aunt Margaret stamped her cane on the floor with a sharp crack. “Strike Ursula at her vulnerable spot—her arrogance. She’d never decline a social occasion hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Somers. The ball is to be the crème de la crème of the season.”
Nicholas narrowed his eyes on Alexandra. “I’m not happy with you involved in this idiocy at all and you know what I mean.”
She paled at the innuendo. Indicating she was with child was his last trump card to gather the family against the scheme of sending a pregnant woman into danger.
Aunt Margaret huffed. “Alexandra has shown strong constitution in everything she has gone through. I’m sure she will be careful, won’t you.”
Bless Aunt Margaret.
Alexandra lifted her chin. “More than careful.”
Nicholas’s nostrils flared. “I have demands. I’m going with you on this foolishness and you are going to follow my instructions.”
Alexandra didn’t want Nicholas involved and was ready to protest but when she saw the storm clouds brewing, she changed her mind. Stubborn man. “Agreed.”
Nicholas turned to his father. “For the next two days, I want your men posted near the manor for surveillance. They must remain undetected. On the night of our break-in, I want them posted around the perimeter in case there is any trouble.”
“I have my own demands,” said Duke Richard. “I want you armed.”
Chapter 25
Anthony pulled out an ivory chess set. “Since we have two days to drive ourselves stir crazy, how about a round, dear brother? Haven’t had the joy of triumph in a long time.”
“Would you play against Alexandra? The game will be a distraction for her nerves.”
“Where are your manners, Nicholas? To beat your fiancée would be the height of bad etiquette,” Anthony joked.
Nicholas winked at Alexandra and drew out a chair for her at the table.
Alexandra smoothed her blue muslin skirts. “On the island, Nicholas introduced me to the rules, so I have a rudimentary idea of how the game is played. Am I to understand, you have never been beaten in all of England?”
“There is that,” Anthony conceded. “I’ll go light, even teach you a few strategies.”
“Oh my, to be granted such leniency.” Alexandra purposefully fluttered her hand over her heart. “Overwhelmed by your charity, I shall remain a shadow in the sun of your greater knowledge.” She heard Samuel’s snort come from behind the pages of the London Chronicle.
Nicholas poured a drink.
“Tapping the claret to celeb
rate my victory, brother?” Anthony needled.
“At the very least, you should allow her to go first.” Nicholas leaned indolently against the fireplace mantle where he could obtain a full view of the game.
“Of course, ladies come first,” Anthony said.
“Forgive me if I’m clumsy,” Alexandra said, making a bold move with her castle.
“Interesting,” said Anthony over the drone of conversation between Aunt Margaret and Rachel.
Anthony made his next move and on and on the game evolved. Alexandra paused overlong, making appropriate sighs and exaggerating her confusion in moving her pieces, and asking for further instruction from Anthony. She felt Nicholas smirking behind her. Indeed, Anthony was a superb player. The clock ticked in the hall and Duke Richard leaned over on the premise of procuring a book from a table. Even Nicholas’s father was intrigued.
Alexandra moved another piece. Anthony frowned. Good. She had him exactly where she wanted him.
The clock struck two bells, two hours had eclipsed. Alexandra stretched, glancing around the room. Aunt Margaret ceased talking and had hobbled over to the chess table. Rachel sidled next to Aunt Margaret. Alexandra prayed Samuel would keep reading the paper and not indicate anything untoward. He’d been watching all the time.
Anthony rubbed the back of his neck. “Looks like you played quite a bit of chess on the island.”
Pasting a demure expression on her face, she moved another piece in a predatory advance. “Am I satisfactory?”
He straightened in his chair. “Very.”
Your brother is an apt tutor, is he not?” She managed to keep a straight face.
“Adequate,” Anthony allowed.
Alexandra suppressed a laugh, sat calmly with her hands folded in her lap, totally aware of Anthony’s scowl. Of course, he had his reputation, but to admit his brother was better was too difficult for his ego to swallow.
Drat. Anthony moved and it was a brilliant counter. She moved her king into play and Aunt Margaret harrumphed. Alexandra raised her head in question, finding herself under the matronly aunt’s stare. She lasted five seconds before Aunt Margaret’s lips twitched. Rachel nodded her head in approval.
“Nicholas, you should sit and rest,” goaded his aunt. “You’ve stood the whole game.”
“And miss the championship of a lifetime?”
“It’s hard to concentrate with everyone hawking over me,” complained Anthony.
Alexandra twisted her head around. With Nicholas’s knowing grin, she radiated with pride. He was cheering for her. Anthony tapped his finger on the table, studying the board. With the dawning realization of the outcome, his mouth dropped open and Alexandra moved her queen in for the kill. “Checkmate.”
Anthony scraped his chair backward and stood. “Impossible! I’ve been outfoxed. I demand a rematch. How can you play so well? I’ve sparred against the best in England.”
Alexandra laughed. “I learned from Samuel who is a master. He played during his long journeys at sea, cultivating his game.”
Samuel gestured with his pipe. “At twelve summers, Alexandra started beating me.”
“To think I’m beaten by a woman. Nicholas, you knew about this? Alexandra, you are as savage as those Colonials.”
“I heard that, Anthony,” Rachel said. “Perhaps I’ll train my skills with a bow and arrow on you.”
Alexandra had heard of Rachel’s skill, utilizing a crossbow in a daring escape from an attic in a burning building. Her talent as an inventor saved her and Anthony’s lives.
“Typical Anthony,” chortled Aunt Margaret. “He’s as touchy as a beauty losing her looks.”
Anthony ignored his aunt, his glare on his brother. “I’ll box your ears.”
Nicholas put up his fists, jabbed his brother in the arm. “Go ahead and try. You haven’t bested me yet.”
Even after a year of separation, Nicholas and Anthony slid into brotherly habits of baiting one another. Alexandra warmed to their camaraderie, the family relaxed enough to enjoy themselves freely. How easy to fall in love with Nicholas’s family.
Nicholas took another jab at his brother. “Good for you to learn a little humility, but don’t take defeat too bad. She beat me every night on the island.”
Alexandra yawned and slipped between the cool sheets scented with lavender. She tugged at the lace bodice of her fine sleeping gown, luxuriating in the soft silk and laid her head on the downy pillows. No more could she attempt to keep her eyes open. The growing child inside her sapped her strength.
The door opened and Nicholas stole into the room. He slid beside her whereupon she took his face in her hands and brought it to hers.
“What about your family?”
“You escaped me once. I’m never letting you go again. I slept with you last night and you didn’t even know.”
Alexandra gasped. “I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with your family. They will think me a harlot if it’s discovered you share my bed. I want their good opinion.”
He kissed her and Alexandra automatically curled into him. “I have missed your touch so much, Nicholas.”
He cupped her breasts as if feeling the weight. Against her will, her nipples hardened into peaks and she was acutely aware of a spreading ache in her breasts. “Your pregnancy has made your breasts fuller.”
“Do you think you can convince me to change my mind?” she said softly.
“I am to be a duke; I see much of life like a battle to be mastered and won.”
“And do you often win, my lord?”
“Almost always, my lady.”
He lowered his voice until it was a deep rumble that reverberated through her. “I suppose I can’t talk you out of this madness in breaking into Lady Sutherland’s home?”
“My dear, Nicholas,” she sighed, “What am I to do with you when you persist in being wicked?” She could feel him grinning in the darkness. “You are a scoundrel, Lord Rutland, but your efforts will not work.”
Unrepentant, Nicholas did not bother to hide his appreciative groan when she reached down and touched him. “Indulge me.” The hope in his voice made her smile.
“That would be unwise.” Alexandra pulled away, but he snatched her back in his arms.
“Tell me why,” he prodded her.
Heat flooded her body. “Because you make too much noise when we…you know.”
He laughed and moved his hand over her stomach. “I can’t wait to see you grow big and round with my child, Alexandra.”
“With all the food you are tantalizing me with, I’ll be enormous before the month is out.”
“That’s the idea.”
The scrape of wood drew her attention. Aunt Margaret stood in the doorway in a triangle of light. Alexandra heaped the covers over Nicholas’s head. The room was dark except for the light that spilled in from a candle in the hall.
“I don’t mean to intrude but wish to tell you a little story about my nephew, Nicholas. When he was a boy, he possessed a penchant for getting into scrapes.” She moved further into the room and Alexandra checked behind her to make sure Nicholas was concealed. “His father warned him, if there were any more mishaps, there would be repercussions. The dear boy stepped into another fight. Black eye, torn clothes, bruises. I convinced Nicholas to stay at my home while he convalesced so his father would not learn of his indiscretion. I later learned a rude boy had insulted me. Nicholas had championed me. The point I’m trying to make is Nicholas is extremely loyal and will defend and protect you. That is his character.”
In the dim light, Aunt Margaret’s face was silhouetted.
“If you need my help with any situation, advise me and I will help you navigate the ropes. The Rutland family is powerful, but most importantly we are devoted to one another. As for my nephew, he can be a bear at times, but he is a good man and you will make him a wonderful wife. Good night, Alexandra.”
Alexandra swiped a tear, Nicholas’s matronly aunt touching her heart. To be both wanted a
nd cherished. “Good night,” sniffed Alexandra.
Aunt Margaret closed the door, paused, and then stuck her head back in. “Oh…and Good night, Nicholas.”
Chapter 26
Two days of waiting had paid its toll. Under darkness and through a fog laden night, Nicholas with Alexandra moved across the damp lawn of Sutherland estate and sidled up next to the house. The library was a few feet away on the first floor. Convenient.
Nicholas muttered, “I’m totally against this. You are with child and this goes far against my principles to protect you.”
“Will you stop worrying,” whispered Alexandra, and then she yelped, tripping over an unconscious, tied-up man.
His father’s men were efficient.
He made a cradle out of his hands and hefted her up to the window.
“This will look great in the papers if we are caught. ‘The heir to the Duke of Rutland, breaking and entering.’”
“Sh-h. Someone might hear you.” The window opened with a loud screech.
“So much for a quiet, stealthy entrance.” He should have had the man he hired for reconnaissance inside the house, under the guise of inspecting the chimneys to oil the window hinges. His man had learned that there were no guards posted inside, only outside which his father’s men had taken care of like they did with the man Alexandra tripped over. So he allowed Alexandra this fool mission. With the baby and all, he’d never risk her safety.
Her climbing skills acquired on the island came in handy. He watched her rounded bottom disappear over the sill.
“I rather like the view and may insist you wear breeches in the future.”
Alexandra stuck her head back out the window. “At a time like this?”
Nicholas heaved up and into the room. Except for the waning of the moon there was no light.
“I remember this room so well. Some of my happiest memories occurred here. I played with my blocks and dolls in front of the fireplace while my father worked. I can almost hear the scratch of his quill across paper. I can smell the burning of wax before he thumped on his seal for his finished correspondence.”
Only You: Duke of Rutland Series III Page 21