He seemed at a loss, but finally began stalking up the stairs. Beast watched him until he passed Thea on her way down. As far as he could tell the earl said not one word to her. Smart man.
He looked over at Lady Jocelyn. She held up her hands. “I shan’t give her a cut direct.” Then she began walking backward farther into the ballroom as though she feared if she turned around, he’d take offense.
Preparing to jog up the stairs, he turned back to them and froze. She was already there, in front of him, so close he could smell the gardenias. Based on how far back his siblings were, she must have dashed down.
He didn’t know what to say to her. You came seemed rather trite when compared to all the deep emotions bombarding him. You’re beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you dreadfully were a little closer to expressing his feelings but still fell short.
“Here. Now.”
Her words came quietly but clearly.
He studied every line and curve of her face, searching for a clue that she was implying what he dearly hoped she was, that she was telling him what he’d instructed her to do the night they’d lain in bed and bared their souls to each other, admitted their love for each other. Her eyes contained hope and doubt. If he was misreading what she was striving to communicate, he would appear a fool before all the lords and ladies crammed into the ballroom. His mistake would be expounded upon, described in detail, and used to fill columns in the gossip sheets.
Then he realized it would only be a mistake if he let the moment pass without taking a chance that he had the right of it.
It had never been a mistake to kiss her, to bare her breasts in a rumbling carriage. It hadn’t been a mistake to take her to his bed, to make love to her.
Very slowly, he lowered himself to one knee. “I told you that when I was in Scotland, a lot of words were used that I didn’t know. But there was a phrase I heard, and when I learned what it meant, I thought of you. Mo chridhe. My heart. You’re my heart, Thea. You always will be. Please, for the love of God, honor me by becoming my wife.”
She could barely see him through the blur of her tears.
He was correct. He didn’t know the small, subtle aspects of life among the aristocracy. He did not know that one didn’t use a booming voice when threatening a lord, that the words should be spoken quietly, just for the two of them. That they shouldn’t travel up the stairs to circle around a woman and melt her heart.
And he certainly didn’t threaten to do something barbaric like snap a spine in two. Not that she didn’t think for one moment that he couldn’t do it or that Chadbourne’s spine wasn’t weak. But a gentleman called for pistols at dawn.
And he didn’t threaten to drag a man out of a room. A gentleman signaled to the footmen to do the dragging.
And he should have had his siblings in here with him, supporting him, not asked them to wait in the foyer for a woman who might not have found the courage to come.
So he did indeed need a wife to guide him through the quagmire of etiquette and to ensure he never again sacrificed his happiness for another’s.
“Benedict Trewlove Campbell, Earl of Tewksbury, you have so much to learn about the aristocracy, but it seems you know all one needs to know about love. You’re my heart as well. It will be my deepest honor to become your wife.”
He stood, clasped her in his embrace, and claimed her mouth with a fervent passion that was normally reserved for bedchambers. An aristocratic gentleman would have simply brushed his lips lightly over hers—but on this matter, as she wound her arms around his neck, she was ever so glad he didn’t know how it was done among the aristocracy.
Chapter 31
“I want to introduce you to my parents,” he said some minutes later, threading his gloved fingers through hers. “I think you’re going to like them.”
She already knew she liked his mother.
As he walked over to where his father stood and his mother sat in her chair, she saw no backs turned, had yet to receive a cut direct within this room, but she wouldn’t have cared if either happened. She would bear what she must to be with him. He would protect their children, as would his parents and his siblings.
“Mother, Father, I’d like to introduce Althea Stanwick, my heart and future wife.”
She curtsied deeply. “Your Graces.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet such a courageous lass,” the duke said. “We look forward to welcoming you into the family.”
“Thank you.” Before the duchess, she lowered herself, her gown blossoming out around her. “When you asked me to come tonight, it wasn’t so he would see the way of things and understand. You asked me to come so I would see the way of things and understand.”
The Duchess of Glasford smiled, and it was the most beautiful smile Althea had ever seen. “I wasnae there to comfort him when he was a wee lad and had hurts. When we were in Scotland, I could see that he was hurting without you, but now I could do something to try and stop the hurt. So, yes, I goaded you into coming, hoping it would go as I expected it would. So forgive me for that, Miss Stanwick, but know this. I have had the love of a Campbell man since I was fifteen years old. I know the lengths to which such a man will go for the woman he loves. I would not wish it upon any woman to be denied the sort of love that runs so deep.”
“I will work to be the best daughter-by-marriage you could ever hope for.”
“As long as you love my son and make him happy, you will be.”
“That’s an easy enough task you’re asking of me.”
When they walked away from his parents, they soon found themselves surrounded by his family, all except for Ettie Trewlove, who didn’t attend affairs such as this. So many hugs, so many smiles. Funny how life could take a detour that could seem so wrong at the time but eventually would turn out to be right.
“Althea?”
Pivoting around, she smiled. “Hello, Kat.”
“I wanted to offer my congratulations on your betrothal.”
“Thank you. You were, of course, introduced to the earl.”
“Yes, when we arrived.”
Althea glanced over at the silent sentinel with his hand resting reassuringly against her lower back. “Lady Kathryn is a dear friend, who recently offered some wise counsel.”
“Lady Kathryn, it’s a pleasure.” He bowed slightly.
“My lord.” Kat gave a small curtsy, before giving her attention back to Althea. “I was hoping you might come around for tea when you have time. In the parlor.”
“I’d like that very much.”
“Wonderful. I have to dash. My next dance is claimed. Do take care.” With that, she was gone.
Althea couldn’t help but believe that in time, she’d be welcomed into more parlors. But at the moment she had more pressing concerns. She looked up at the man she loved so deeply. “Will you waltz with me?”
He gave her the smile that made him so achingly beautiful. “I thought you would never ask.”
She laughed as he swept her onto the dance floor with so much grace that she knew she was envied.
“What you were saying to my mother earlier . . . You’ve spoken with her before.”
“Yesterday she came to see me. I don’t know if I would have come if she hadn’t, although I was seriously thinking about it. I’ve missed you so much.”
“You’ll never have to miss me again.”
“She didn’t tell you she’d visited with me?”
“No.”
“But you had your family waiting, even though you didn’t know if I would show. When you needed them to be with you in here.”
“Did you honestly believe I would have you face these people alone? I will always protect you, however I must. And if I can’t be there, my family will be.”
She was not going to weep in the middle of a waltz. “I can almost forgive my father—not for the plot against the Crown—but for the role he had in changing the course of my life. I might have never met you otherwise.”
�
�What a tragedy that would have been.”
His words held no teasing, just an absolute conviction. He meant them. She couldn’t imagine how unsatisfactory her life would have been without him to love. “We have each other now.”
“Now and forever.”
Chapter 32
Two nights later, lying in her bed, she listened intently for any sound at her window. That morning she’d gone to the address Griffith had left with her, delivered the message he’d told her would bring them to her. She’d been on edge ever since, whenever a floorboard creaked, a door was closed, a bump echoed somewhere. She’d left a candle burning in the window so they’d know which room was hers.
Then she heard a click. A pebble against glass. She scrambled out of bed, rushed to the window as another click sounded, and looked out. Only darkness greeted her. She blew out the flame on the candle, snatched up her wrapper, and slipped into it as she headed out of the room. Quickly, but silently, she made her way down the back staircase to the kitchen.
Opening the door, she stepped out onto the stoop. “Marcus? Griff?”
Two large silhouettes emerged silently from the darkness like wraiths in the night. She might have screamed had she not been expecting them. “Come inside. No one is about to disturb us.”
She’d learned only too well that voices could carry outside.
Returning inside, she waited. As noiselessly as fog rolling in, her brothers fairly crept over the threshold, Marcus closing the door in their wake.
She barely recognized them. Their features were the same, but they seemed more substantial than before. An alertness hovered around them as they took in their surroundings, a tight energy escaped them. They came off as powerful and dangerous, men to be reckoned with. Marcus, especially. He reminded her of a viper she’d seen at the zoological gardens, poised to strike at the smallest of provocations.
“Would you like some scotch?” She’d brought in a bottle earlier, set it on the table, in preparation of welcoming them.
Marcus met her gaze, his blue eyes icy, sending a shiver through her. His sable hair was long, almost as long as Benedict’s. The shade made his eyes stand out all the more. “No, thank you. It dulls the senses, slows the reflexes.”
She feared they were constantly in want of both. Their jackets did not flow smoothly over their torsos, and she suspected pistols, knives, and weapons with which she was not familiar were tucked away.
“What did you need of us, Althea?” Griffith asked, a fissure of irritation in his voice at the inconvenience.
No hug, then, no joyful reunion. He had changed in the months since she’d last seen him, and she suspected he no longer apologized for his actions. His hair was longer. Like Marcus, he was in need of a razor.
“I have something for you.” She picked up the paper-wrapped packet she’d placed on the table earlier when she’d brought in the scotch and extended it to Marcus.
He peered into the package, riffled through the banknotes. “It looks to be about four thousand pounds.” He pinned her with his gaze. “How did you come to have this?”
“I earned most of it tutoring the ladies.” She blushed, not certain why she felt a need to confess the rest, perhaps because she wanted them to know she had changed as well. “A little over a thousand I earned at the gaming tables.”
“You’ve been gambling?” Griffith asked, and for a heartbeat he reminded her of the brother with whom she’d lived for three months and she almost smiled.
“Only once. I thought the money might help you in your quest . . . or even make it unnecessary.”
“It’s a kind gesture, but you should keep it, Althea. You might have a need of it,” Marcus said.
“I won’t. I’m to marry. An announcement will appear in the papers in a couple of days, but I wanted to tell you before you read about it.”
“I haven’t given you permission to marry.”
The words were so stern, so absolute, that she released a blunt laugh. “I don’t need your permission, Marcus. I’ve lived on my own these few months and I shall do as I wish.”
“Who negotiated the settlement? What are the terms?”
In spite of his callousness, it appeared he still cared about her. “No settlement. I’m not in need of one. I love him, and he loves me. I’ll never be without.”
“You’re marrying Trewlove,” Griffith stated with certainty.
She glanced at him, smiled. “Yes, although as it turns out he’s the son and heir of the Duke of Glasford.”
“Bloody hell.”
Her smile grew. “Yes, I think he might have reacted the same way when he discovered the truth of things.”
She gave her attention back to Marcus. “I know part of the reason behind whatever it is you’re doing was to ensure I have a good match. I’ve acquired that.” On my own. “So if you’re putting yourself in danger on my account, please know there is no need.”
His features softened, his eyes warmed, and she saw a flicker of the brother she’d once known. “There is no honor to be had for Father, but we can restore honor to the family. You’ll want that for your children.”
She took a step toward him. “What I want is for my children to know their uncles.”
“But what have their uncles with no honor?”
Tears pricked her eyes. “I don’t suppose you’ll come to the wedding next month, give me away.”
“I doubt matters will be settled by then. It’s important that we keep to the shadows and not associate with the aristocracy. It might bring you danger to be seen with us. It’s better if those with whom we’re presently . . . associating believe we’ve cut all ties with our past. But I do wish you every happiness.”
She couldn’t help herself. She flung her arms around his neck, hugged him tightly. “Please be certain that you do nothing that will prevent my children from knowing you someday.”
His arms were sure and strong as he enclosed her in his embrace. “Don’t worry yourself. We’ll be back in your life before you know it.”
She certainly hoped so.
When he released her, Griffith clasped her to his strong, lean body. “Who’d have ever thought I’d miss you?”
Her arms closed securely around him. “Watch his back and yours. I love you both. Please take care not to break my heart.”
He stepped back. “You take care as well. Let Trewlove know if he doesn’t treat you well, he’ll answer to us.”
“That won’t even be an issue.”
“I know. I saw the way he looked at you that night, but still it had to be said.”
“We have to go,” Marcus stated, “but we’ll take the funds. They’ll prove useful.”
“If you ever need anything of me—”
He gave her a nod. “We know.”
He opened the door. She followed her brothers through it and watched with sadness as they disappeared into the darkness.
They were married in St. George’s. So many people were in the church that Althea had told Beast she couldn’t decide if they’d forgotten what her father had done, forgotten she was his daughter, or resolved that she shouldn’t be made to suffer for grievous actions over which she’d had no say.
But the breakfast that followed at the Duke and Duchess of Glasford’s residence was a more exclusive affair, only family and close friends, so his mum would feel comfortable attending.
Still, it was quite formal with white lace-covered tables spread throughout the large dining hall. Beast and Althea sat at a long table facing the room. They shared the table with his mum and his parents.
As the food was served, he leaned toward Althea and whispered, “I’d rather be nibbling on you.”
Although she blushed, her eyes warmed. “Maybe we should eat quickly.”
“Do you think anyone would notice if we just . . . disappeared?” He hadn’t made love to her since she’d agreed to become his wife. He was quite looking forward to taking her slowly, then quickly, then slowly again.
“As we’re the gue
sts of honor, I think so.”
A tapping on a glass caught his attention, and he realized his father had stood. When everyone grew silent, the duke said, “Before we get started, I have a few words I’d like to say.
“When I was a young lad of sixteen, one evening near dusk, I looked across the glen and caught sight of Mara frolicking in the stream . . . and that was it for me. I fell madly in love, wanted no one else. I imagined the children we would have, the weddings we’d attend, the grandchildren we would spoil.” He shook his head. “But Fate, she is a fickle lass. The dreams Mara and I dreamed, the lovely future we whispered about beneath the moon whenever we snuck out through our bedchamber windows and met near the stream . . . well, they were not to be.
“Until today. We have our lad back. We attended his wedding. And, yes, we’re once again dreaming of spoiling a grandbairn or two.
“But we wouldnae be here, wouldnae have our dreams returned to us, if not for Ettie Trewlove. You gave our lad the family we couldn’t. You kept the promise you made to Mara, to love him as your own. Which I’m thinking, based on the name so many people call him, was no easy task.”
Beast grinned as laughter echoed around him. When it grew quiet again, his father continued.
“We thank you from the depths of our hearts for that. And we thank his brothers and sisters. It’s clear you have a special bond, which you all appear to be too smart to take for granted. And now Benedict has a lovely wife whom we’re looking forward to getting to know.
“To that end, I’d like to bestow upon our son and our new daughter a Scottish blessing. Because there are so many English crowded into this room, I’ll spare you the Scottish version and give you words you can understand.” He lifted his flute of champagne.
“May the best you’ve ever seen
“Be the worst you’ll ever see.
“May a mouse never leave your pantry
“With a teardrop in his eye.
“May you always keep hale and hearty
“’Til you’re old enough to die.
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