His brother, who was so rarely in earnest, became quite serious. “You are wrong. I would give anything to have you and Anna remain here. In fact, not only would we gladly have two more mouths to feed, I believe we could even take on a third. Perhaps, a female who is quite fond of Anna and has not the sense to look for a less troublesome husband. And in case you have not noticed, we actually have a farm here on the estate.”
“You’re suggesting I be your steward?” James was not insulted by the offer. Only surprised.
“No. I am suggesting that you claim your birthright.”
“This is your estate.”
“By some accident of birth, the responsibility is mine, though I do not have the faintest idea how to go about running it. You would see to the operations of it and we would split the proceeds. If you’re successful enough, perhaps we might even be able to give the girls a Season. We would be partners, James, just as we were when facing father side-by-side. But now we only have to contend with the possibility of debtors’ prison and starvation, and not our father’s wrath. All in all, a much better prospect. What say you?”
James was tempted. More than he would have thought possible. But he’d worked so hard in America. Risked so much. “I fear we shall not agree on this tonight.”
“We may not come to an agreement tonight, but on one point let me be clear. You will always – always – have a home with us. And we will always want you to be here.”
James did not know what to say. He didn’t want to disappoint Colin and Ava, but he also did not want to give up the claim to the land he’d fought so hard for. The land that he owned. The land that would prosper or fail because of his efforts.
He cleared his throat and looked away, unable to meet Colin’s hopeful expression.
“Anna is much improved,” he said finally. “Yet I cannot think to remove her from this house. But if I do not continue on to Portsmouth now, I might lose my last chance of proving my case. May I leave her in your care while Irene and I travel onward?”
James made the mistake of looking at Colin before his brother could hide his disappointment. But in an instant, his brother’s façade was back in place. “Of course we’ll look after Anna. She’s family. I daresay Jasper would claw all your soft spots if you were to try to remove her.”
“I do not wish to leave her,” said James.
“Of course you don’t,” said Ava. “And I cannot blame you for wanting to see this issue resolved. If you do not take this chance to meet with your witness, the matter may never be settled and I would hate to think of you tormented by regret. But please keep in mind that even if you are victorious, there is nothing that says you must return. You could hire someone to work the land for you, while you remain here at home. And before you contradict me, James, this is your home. Not because it is the ancestral home of countless generations of Emersons. But because we are here and we love you.”
There was a moment of silence as Ava’s last words hung in the air.
Colin broke it. “She loves you as a sister, James. So don’t go getting any ideas.”
“Thank you for the clarification, Colin. Now, I shall take my leave of you to spend some time with Anna.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was Anna’s last night on the cot. On the morrow, she would return to Letty’s room, much to the relief of both girls. To celebrate, Maude made a special dinner, then everyone retired to the sitting room where Letty and Colin sang a series of duets. James and Irene read to her that night until she fell asleep, then out of habit the two of them watched over her for an hour. They finally made their way to the housekeeper’s suite.
James knew there was no longer any need for both of them to sleep in that room. Anna was well enough to be moved back to Letty’s room in the family quarters. With his bedchamber just down the hall, he would hear if she needed him. But, he wanted to spend one more night with Irene in that tiny bed.
There was no reason for Irene to continue to sleep by his side. Except for the fact that he’d grown wholly dependent upon having her there. The two of them had never discussed it after the first night. It was simply their routine. He would allow her to retire first, so she could change. He would do the same in his chamber in the family wing. Then he would join her, where the bed would be turned down and she would be waiting.
When Anna was sick, he’d had no thought – or, to be honest, only minimal thought – of seduction. Now that his daughter was on the mend, everything was different.
They got into their usual position. The two of them on their sides with her delicious backside pressed against him.
“I do not see why you must hold me so closely,” she said. The words might be disheartening, if they hadn’t been said quite so breathlessly.
“To keep you from falling off the bed, of course.”
“I think I can keep myself on the bed all by myself.”
“But we do not know for sure. I’m sure Ava would never forgive me if I allowed you to fall and crack open your head in her home.”
“You might want to keep that….thing away.”
“That ‘thing’ is minding its own business. Though if you would like to make its acquaintance…”
“I would not!” she said.
“How disappointing.”
“Not for me, I can assure you.”
“You might be surprised. At any rate, we need to talk and I fear we wouldn’t be able to do that if that ‘thing’ gets involved. I would like to travel on to Portsmouth.”
“Anna cannot take the trip.”
“You are right. Colin and Ava have graciously offered to care for her while I make the journey.”
“While you make the journey?” After a moment of squirming, Irene was able to turn within his arms, so she was facing him. “Do you think to leave me here?”
“They will not cast you out into the snow. Anna would be thrilled to have you remain and I know my sisters and brother would enjoy your visit.”
“And I have enjoyed getting to know them. But that is not the point. I only came on this journey so that I might meet this Mr. Adams myself. You cannot mean to meet with him without me.”
He sighed. “You still do not trust me?”
That stopped her for a moment. “I do trust you. But my father and grandmother do not. Think how much better this will be for you if I can bear witness.”
“But you are not even supposed to be here.”
That brought her up short. “Yes, well, I will just have to find a way to explain it to them. The fact remains that I am your very best hope of persuading them to see you are right in this matter.”
“We would be gone at least three days, perhaps longer.”
“I will miss Anna, of course, but she will be well looked after.”
“That is not my point. You and I will be alone for three days and three nights.”
He could feel the stillness in her, followed by a shiver. If she was that responsive to just the suggestion of intimacy, what would she be like in the throes of passion?
“I know you are a gentleman,” she said shakily. “I do not fear you.”
“You needn’t fear me. But you have good cause to fear yourself. Who knows what ideas you may get when we are alone?”
“You’re quite certain of yourself.”
“No. I’m quite certain of you. For you see, Miss Wallace, I do not believe you are immune to me, particularly in close quarters. It wouldn’t take long for us to be in a very compromising position. One you would have no desire to get out of.”
“Oh really?” she said. “Prove it.”
*
The moment the words were out of her mouth, Irene regretted them. Well, regret wasn’t exactly the right word because ever since they’d climbed into bed that night her body had been thrumming with passion. With Anna on the mend, Irene had been thinking of this last night together for most of the day. She hadn’t wanted it to pass without at least some passion between them.
And truth be told, he w
ouldn’t even have to do that much to have her panting in his arms.
She didn’t trust herself with him. Each night they’d spent in that bed curled into each other, she’d had wanton thoughts. She’d been wishing this interlude in the housekeeper’s suite could continue. That James would give up all plans to move to America and settle into this charming estate.
But now her thoughts were focused on being pressed against him and trying to feign indifference.
They were on their sides, facing each other, their legs entwined. Not purposely, of course. It was just due to a lack of space. She tried not to look into his eyes, but she was powerless against it. They were so dark, but flooded her with warmth.
He brought one finger to her lips, tracing first the top, then the bottom.
“Your lips are so smooth,” he said.
“I do not think….” She realized he’d tricked her into parting them as his finger pressed just slightly past her lips.
His finger pressed gently into her mouth. Just the tip. Nothing else. She was afraid to protest, lest he take the opportunity to venture further in. Though she wasn’t sure what would be pleasurable in such an act for him.
Her lips closed around his finger, as if drawn there. She suckled him just a bit and was rewarded with his indrawn hiss. She smiled, while still keeping her lips about his finger. She drew it in a bit further and nibbled on the tip, eliciting yet another reaction.
She grinned. “I thought the purpose of this exercise was to show my susceptibility to you and not the other way around.”
He grinned ruefully back. “So did I. But I always find it best when both parties enjoy themselves.”
And with that, he removed his finger from her mouth and began to slowly draw it down her body. He followed the line of her neck, then the curve of her collarbone.
“Was this your best imitation of a governess’s nightrail? An embroidered collar and the finest silk?”
She could barely think with him touching her, yet he expected her to speak. “I did not think anyone would have cause to see me in my nightclothes, James. And how would you know what a governess wears to bed?” At his slow grin, she quickly added. “Never mind! I do not wish to know how you came by the knowledge. I can only assume there was some degree of wickedness involved.”
“One can only hope,” said James as he undid first one button, then the next.
Irene knew she should object. But he would only use that as proof that she was affected by his touch. Which she most assuredly was. However, she would not lose this easily. She had more pride than that. Furthermore, he was looking at her as if he expected her to call a halt to the proceedings. She would not back down this easily. It would be too embarrassing.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked, as he lightly moved his finger back and forth, just inches above her breasts.
“Do as you like. But I may fall asleep. Pray do not take it too personally. It has been a long day.”
He cocked an eyebrow, then moved his hand inside her nightrail, brushing her bare breast.
She was instantly aflame and wondered how she would continue breathing. She felt his touch in every inch of her. She could not prevent the soft moan that escaped her. Surely he would now stop and declare himself the victor of her dare. She looked up, expecting to see him gloating, only to discover that his gaze was wholly focused on her breast, which was, she was mortified to see, completely uncovered.
There was no trace of gloating in him. Indeed, for someone who undoubtedly saw naked breasts on a frequent, if not daily, basis, he seemed gratifyingly fascinated by hers.
Then, still holding her breast, he looked behind him. “I need more candlelight.”
“What?” she squeaked. “But I am unclothed.”
“Precisely. That is why I need more light. Perhaps if we put both of the candles over here and elevated them I could see better.”
“Absolutely not!”
“But you’re so beautiful just from what I can see now. I can only imagine how you’ll look with more light. I can’t wait to see this view in the morning, though I can’t believe I must wait that long for a proper look.”
“The morning! A proper look! I can assure you there would be nothing proper about such a look.” She also realized there was certainly nothing proper about his touching her there at night, though she did nothing to move his hand. Perhaps, he would be shamed into moving it all on his own accord.
“You cannot believe that love making is only done in the dark. Especially with a woman as beautiful as you.”
“Making love? Who said anything about making love? And you would do that in the morning?”
“Morning, noon, teatime, night. And any other time of day. I daresay that if I were your husband…”
“We know that shall never happen…”
“Of course not. This is only an example. If I were your husband, I would make it a point to make love to you with such frequency that there would not be a time of day or night in which we had not been amorously involved.”
She tried to push his hand back to his side of the bed. Unfortunately, she tried to do this with her breast.
She was not successful. He only started fondling her more.
“Would you not like to see me in the light of day?” he asked.
More than anything. Her mind was flooded with images of what his muscular chest and arms would look like. She’d never seen any man without his shirt. She had, on occasion, seen workers with their shirtsleeves rolled up and their forearms bared. She’d been fascinated by the hair, the expanse of muscle. She could only imagine what James’s arms and torso looked like.
As for below that…
“Are you quite well, Miss Wallace?” asked James with just a trace of amusement. “You seem to have let your mind wander. And it appears you like the destination to which it has gone.”
“Stuff and nonsense,” she said breathlessly. “I was only thinking of the journey ahead of us. We shall have to pack. And I must think of a new disguise, since I can hardly pretend to be Anna’s governess when she will not be with us.”
“So is that what has brought such a delightful flush to your cheeks and…” Here the insolent man looked at her breast. “…other parts of you?”
“My other parts are certainly no concern of yours. Now if you will kindly remove your hand from my person, then we can finally get to sleep.”
“I will reluctantly remove my hand from your beautiful person, though I highly doubt you shall sleep.” He kissed her lightly. “But then, neither will I. And you still insist on accompanying me, knowing what danger lies ahead?”
“I do,” she said, feeling bereft when his hand left her. “Now, do be a good boy and give me some peace.” She turned away from him, feeling colder than she’d been in a long while. But fortunately once she was turned away, he pulled her back against him.
She waited to see if he would make another move to touch her, for which she would certainly upbraid him. Probably. But when he didn’t, she went about trying to fall asleep, only to find the wretch was right. It was extraordinarily difficult.
How was she going to get through the upcoming journey without throwing herself at him?
She spent the next hour trying to figure that out before sleep finally claimed her.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Papa,” said Anna. “I’m going to miss you.”
It was nine of the clock the next morning and the family was there to see James and Irene off on their journey. They were gathered in the foyer, but James had pulled Anna aside to say his farewells. Her color was much improved and other than a few spots that still had some salve on them, she looked much as she had before she was sick.
And he had a pit in this stomach at the very thought of leaving her.
“I will miss you so much, love. We’ve been together for so long. I don’t know what I’ll do without you. I would take you with me if you were completely well again.”
She nodded, then looked over at Irene. �
��Are you taking Irene with you?”
“Yes, poppet. Irene and I have to sort out a problem with our farm in Pennsylvania. Remember how I told you we would live there?”
She smiled and her eyes lit up. “Will Irene live with us there, too?”
Oh, dear. “Irene lives in London.”
That made her frown, as she thought about his remark. “Will Letty and Aunt Rose and Uncle Colin and Aunt Ava and Mr. and Mrs. Stemple come live with us in Pennsylvania?”
James was beginning to wish they’d slipped out before Anna had awakened. “They love you very much and will miss you terribly, but they live here.”
“Then do we have to go back to the farm?”
It was a question that James was only beginning to ask himself. So he had no good answer to give his daughter. Fortunately, Rose stepped in.
“Anna, Letty and I need your help with Jasper. Then Mrs. Stemple was wondering if we might want to eat some scones. Would you like that?”
Anna nodded, but she kept her eyes on her father.
“Excellent,” said Rose. “Would you like to say good-bye to Irene? I know she’d like to have a hug before she leaves with your papa.”
Anna smiled, then went off to find Irene.
“Thank you for stepping in,” James said to Rose.
“Yes, well, I would rather like to know why you want to leave us for America again, too. But I reckon that is a conversation for another day. Godspeed, brother. And remember that no matter what happens in Portsmouth, you will always be needed here. And not just by Anna.”
After taking leave of his family, and watching as Irene was bid a fond farewell by the same, James hugged Anna again, then watched as she and Irene had a lengthy embrace.
Then he and Irene finally boarded the coach that would take them to Portsmouth and ever closer to his fate.
“I already miss her,” said Irene, when they’d been on the road for only a few minutes.
“As do I. You think she’ll be well with Colin and the others, do you not?”
“She will be well looked after, surrounded by people who love her. I am sure she will miss you, but they’ll keep her well entertained.” She reached for his hand.
Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2) Page 16