by Vanda Vadas
‘Promise me one thing,’ she said. ‘Before you go after Gareth, I ask that you first speak with, and confide in Julian. You fled home and country without giving him the opportunity to prove himself as your loyal and most trusted friend.’
Zach surged to his feet and stepped into the sun.
Eloise pushed herself up and stared at his proud back. ‘I want justice brought upon Gareth and I’m a willing pawn in your vengeful plan. Play me however you wish. I can never hope to salvage my reputation, given what it is now, so please, do this one small thing for me.’
When he turned, there was something indiscernible about him. Something Eloise didn’t recognise. Even had he been cleanly shaven and freshly bathed, she couldn’t have pinpointed the subtle nuance that gave him this new formidable edge.
‘Do I have your trust, Eloise?’ His even tone took on a regal air.
‘Yes.’
‘Then I gladly honour your request. I ask something of you in return.’
What more did she have to give?
‘From now on, I would like for you to call me Miles.’
She nodded. Had her mockery of his identity brought about this change in him?
‘It’s the name people remember me by. If I’m to assert and claim my title, I’d best get used to hearing it,’ he said flatly. ‘Your virtue and reputation will not be questioned when people learn that you’ve been in the protective custody of the real Duke of Arlington.’
And that’s how he’d wipe her slate clean? His words filled her with shame. She was made to feel like a mistress of whom he’d grown tired. When of no further use to him, she’d be discarded as no more than a memory. If that.
She held at bay the threat of hot tears. What did she expect from the cold-hearted man who’d dedicated his life to settling a score between himself and his sibling?
Though, were it not for Miles, she would be none the wiser to the truth behind her parents’ deaths. If nothing else, she had to be satisfied with that.
Alone inside the captain’s cabin, Eloise knelt over a pail and emptied the contents of her stomach into it. She rinsed the foul taste of bile from her mouth and fought for balance as she staggered back to the bed. What little she’d eaten of the morning meal had not agreed with her.
She might have Miles and the ship’s doctor fooled, but she could no longer blame her condition on four weeks’ worth of unsteady seas.
She was with child.
No one would know until the shape of her belly betrayed her secret. By that time she could be safely, and discretely, settled with her aunt in France. Miles would be none the wiser. He didn’t want her. Nor would he welcome the shame and burden of a bastard child. Another scandal to stain the Arlington dynasty.
Eloise curled into a ball on her side and slowly rubbed a protective hand over her stomach. How bitter sweet to be lying in his bed, in his cabin, the very place where they’d first assuaged their lust for one another. It should be a joyous occasion to share with him the certainty of her pregnancy. To tell him she loved this child as much as she desperately loved him.
During the return voyage, when she’d roused herself from lethargy, they’d met on deck like acquaintances taking a stroll and exchanging cordial conversation. Pride forbade she admit to needing him, or to ask if his nights, spent in a cupboard-sized cabin, were as sleepless as hers.
Time and again she replayed in her mind their time spent at the rock pool. He’d demonstrated how much he’d wanted her. She’d given her body and heart to him. Had she carelessly uttered words of love? Perhaps that was the catalyst holding him at arm’s length.
Loneliness pressed upon her like a slab of granite. Everywhere she looked, she saw Miles. From the sturdy masculine furniture to diagrams and maps on the walls and desk. Inanimate objects surrounded her, there to touch at will. Not one of them could embrace her with his strength or warmth, or leave her heady with his scent. They couldn’t sound his deep, rumbling laugh or look at her with the power to weaken her knees or send her heart racing.
She turned her face into the pillow to muffle a sob of heartache.
Her time on Mercy Island had been brief and already she missed the warmth of the tropics, bleached sandy beaches and Kamania’s soprano chatter. The island air had smelled different from England but had settled heavier on her skin and in her lungs. She’d rather enjoyed the liberating cotton clothes and loathed the thought of returning to shifts, rigid stays, and petticoats.
Lily’s youthful smile came to mind. How were she and baby Theodora getting on? Seth had been curiously attentive to mother and child when farewelling the island and its people. And Mary, all tears with a tremulous smile for Judd. It had been distressing to watch the twins pried from their father’s arms before he finally boarded the Justice.
Eloise thought of the future. She would finally meet Viscount Derby. Miles had confided in her the whys and wherefores of their alliance. Both men had in their employ the same lawyer and man of business, and shared the common bond of revenge against Gareth.
At least Miles had volunteered this information without her having to probe or ask him. If he felt nothing else for her, he had at least demonstrated his trust in her, which dropped a cloak of guilt around her shoulders. He had the right to know she carried his child, even if it didn’t mesh with his future plans.
Eloise knew that to tell him would be to trap him. She wouldn’t do it.
The thought of seeing Julian’s newborn filled her with delight. Was she an aunt to a niece or a nephew?
Did Gareth continue to fabricate lies? How had he explained her abduction to Julian? She worried over how her brother might react to the truth of being so thoroughly betrayed.
Gareth’s unmasking couldn’t come soon enough.
Miles steadied himself against the pitch and roll of the ship. He raised his fist to the cabin door with the intent to knock, and paused at the sound of Eloise’s retch.
Not again. She hadn’t coped so well during the voyage home. A handful of his sea-hardy men had suffered the same. Perhaps Cook had something to answer for this time around. Although food poisoning had nothing to do with Miles’s ailments.
Damned but if he wasn’t as lovesick as a debutante. No matter how many times he’d climbed aloft, or done battle at the helm or worked the sails, nothing had physically exhausted him enough by day’s end to ensure a thorough night’s sleep. He’d dozed in fits and starts and drifted in and out of sleep, with Eloise the focus of his dreams.
How many nights had he found himself outside her door, forehead and palms flat against the timber, wanting, needing, if nothing else, to take her in his arms and hold her close?
At times he’d awoken in a cold sweat, worrying over her wellbeing. The stubborn woman had refused his offer of help to weather her seasickness. She’d kept to her cabin, surfacing now and again for a breath of fresh air and polite conversation. Welsh and Judd, and even his lieutenant had managed to raise a smile from her but around him she was on edge and guarded.
No matter how much she had come to resent him, he had a plan in place. He would no more give up on that than he would the memory of his father.
That didn’t stop his heart aching for her. He rapped gently on the door and waited. ‘Eloise?’ The latch scraped from the inside and the door opened wide enough for him to see her face.
‘Yes?’
Her false cheer didn’t fool him. Not when she looked pale and drawn. ‘You’re unwell. Let me fetch the doctor.’
‘No! I’m well enough, thank you. I’m sure steady ground beneath my feet will be as good as taking the waters in Bath.’
He took heart in seeing the spark of defiance in her eyes. ‘Then you’ll be pleased to know we approach the Cornish coastline. We’ll drop anchor in the same inlet from which we departed. I’ve brought you clean clothes for our journey back to the viscount’s house.’
She pulled the door a little wider and looked at the knitted cap and bundle of masculine clothes in his hands. ‘How long m
ust I remain dressed as a man?’
Dressed as a man or a woman, she was an exquisite piece. Even now, she looked ready for the taking in one of his best linens. It pleased him to see that she chose it in place of several nightshifts Kamania had packed for her.
‘You and I can’t afford to attract unwanted attention. Once we reach Derby’s house, I’ll arrange for you to have all the luxuries to which you are accustomed.’
This should have pleased her. Instead, she looked saddened. ‘What will happen to your ship, to the rest of the crew?’
‘Seth will take command. They’ll remain here and await my instructions. Our friends ashore will oblige the crew with whatever provisions they require in exchange for our rum and sugar. I’ll acquire a horse for you and me each. We have a long ride ahead of us, Eloise.
‘My men will mourn the loss of your company. Prepare yourself to farewell the Justice.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
The butler stood aside, allowing Julian to enter the viscount’s library.
Derby rose to his feet and walked around the wide mahogany desk. ‘Good afternoon, Marquess. Welcome.’
Julian greeted the viscount with a curt nod. ‘Derby.’ His gaze warily searched the large masculine room.
‘We have fairer weather this afternoon. Not quite the storm that overshadowed our last meeting.’
‘I’m expecting the resolution of that discussion to be more favourable than your weather report. If not, my mood will indeed turn bleak.’
Derby laughed at the sharp, bitter-sounding quip. ‘Won’t you take a seat?’
‘I’d rather stand.’ Julian grew more anxious with every passing second.
‘I’ve good news regarding your sister.’
‘Isn’t that why you’ve summoned me?’
Derby narrowed his gaze. ‘I trust you kept your end of the bargain?’
‘You’ve no idea how I’ve had to restrain myself in the duke’s presence. How difficult it’s been to pretend I know nothing of his deranged mind. Yes, I’ve kept my end of the bargain as I expect you to have kept yours.’
‘Naturally.’ Derby strolled to the sideboard and casually reached for the silver service. ‘Tea?’
It would take something infinitely stronger than tea to settle Julian’s rising impatience. There were four cups and saucers laid out. Only Julian and the viscount occupied the library.
‘I’m not here for a genteel tête-à-tête. You need only look at the shadows beneath my eyes to glimpse the torment I’ve suffered since my sister’s abduction. That can hardly compare to what she might have suffered at the hands of this highwayman.’ Julian’s temper flared. ‘She is blind, for God’s sake. Where is she?’
Derby poured himself tea and sipped from the china cup. ‘I guarantee you’ll find your sister in far better health than when last you saw her. Her resilience and fortitude are indeed admirable for one so young.’
‘I’ll be the judge of that.’ It rankled Julian to have the viscount string him along. ‘Now, if you’re a man of your word –’
‘Indeed I am. Do not suggest otherwise.’ Derby had the gall to look affronted. ‘But you’re right,’ he conceded. ‘You’ve been patient enough. There’s no need to prolong your agony.’ His gaze shifted to the library’s entrance.
Julian spun around. Framed inside the doorway stood a young woman dressed in exquisite deep green silk. A familiar locket nestled in the cleft of her breasts. Auburn ringlets settled on her shoulders and she wore a smile, broad and brilliant. Emerald eyes glimmered with tears.
‘Elly?’
She lifted her arms and stepped forwards. ‘Julian!’
He rushed towards her lest she trip and fall, and gathered her in his arms. ‘Elly. Thank God!’
She shook like a leaf and wept against his chest. Julian held her tight. Elation and relief vacillated between anger and retaliation. If she’d been harmed in any way, he’d be out for blood.
Eloise lifted her head from his chest to look up at him. ‘You’ve tears in your eyes.’
He gave an exasperated laugh. ‘You’ve no idea how –’ She was looking directly into his eyes. ‘You can see?’
‘Yes,’ she laughed amid a sob.
Julian felt a surge of indescribable joy. ‘How? When?’
‘Not long after –’ She swallowed, and wiped the tears from her cheeks and chin.
He understood her hesitation. Beneath the watchful eye of the viscount, this was not the right time and place to discuss the details of her ordeal. Nonetheless, a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had his sister back, with her sight returned.
‘Thank God you’re safe! Let me look at you.’ On closer inspection, her colour was a little pale, although her arms showed signs of having spent time in the sun. Her eyes told a different story. A tale he was unable to read. He sensed her awkwardness beneath his scrutiny.
‘Julian, I’m bursting to know. You must be a father by now.’
‘Yes. To a daughter. Beth.’
Her hands stifled a sob. ‘Beth. Named after mother.’
He smiled down at her.
‘She would be proud. Congratulations. And Catherine, she is well?’
‘Extremely so. As are Lord and Lady Wentworth. We are all eager for your return home.’
She frowned. Nervous tension displaced her smile. ‘Julian, I want you to know that I’ve been well cared for these past three months. My abductor, he –’
‘You don’t have to speak of this now,’ Julian whispered. ‘Not here, Elly.’
Her gaze flicked past his shoulder. He heard her breath catch. Sudden panic flared in her eyes. A warning. Julian turned, protecting Eloise behind him. His eyes snapped into focus.
Derby hadn’t moved from the sideboard. To his left, a secret door, disguised as part of the wall-length bookcase, had opened. There stood a man of imposing height and build. No expense had been spared with the fashionable cut of his coat, well-fitting breeches and leather shoes. His hair, neatly groomed in a queue, was as dark as his eyes.
The euphoria of Julian’s reunion with his sister disintegrated in the blink of an eye. His attention fixed squarely on the man who looked to be of similar age as himself and who stood tall with hands behind his back.
Every muscle in Julian’s body drew tight. He’d met only one man with this impressive physique. ‘So … finally. The man behind the mask,’ he said with steely menace. ‘How is your shoulder, highwayman?’
Eloise darted in front of Julian, placing herself between the men. She pressed her palms to his shoulders, pushing against his attempt to step forwards and better view the man’s face.
‘Julian! Listen to me, there is much to discuss, secrets to be unveiled and yes, everything will be explained to you but I beg you, listen to Mi –’ She slapped a hand over her mouth.
Julian saw fear in her eyes. She shook her head, as if unwilling to speak another word.
‘Marquess,’ said Derby. ‘I implore you to recall the details of our discussion.’
Julian set Eloise gently aside.
The highwayman took a step closer. ‘It’s been a long time, friend.’
Gradually, missing pieces to the puzzle found their place. Clues, leads and snippets of conversation pooled to complete the picture of someone Julian had once known.
Finally, recognition dawned, reawakening painful memories and violent images and sounds; of intense heat, flames, thick smoke, people and horses screaming. Of having to explain to his then ten-year-old sister that their parents were dead.
Pent-up rage found its voice in a rancorous groan. Julian surged forwards and stopped when he saw the fast-drawn pistol.
‘Stand your ground!’
‘Miles! No!’ Eloise rushed between them, arms spread wide to keep the men apart.
Julian wrenched her aside without taking his eyes off Miles. ‘You murder my parents, abduct my sister, and dare call me friend? Outside. Now! I’ll strike you dead.’
Derby stepped up
to the men. ‘Gentlemen. Please!’
‘Enough, Julian.’ Eloise pleaded.
His head whipped around. ‘You defend this coward?’
She drew herself up, straight and tall. ‘He is no coward! Miles had nothing to do with the fire. He was conspired against. Made an innocent scapegoat for the crime of another man.’
Julian seized her about the shoulders. ‘What has he done to you, Elly? What lies does he have you believing?’
‘He’s opened my eyes to the truth. You and I fell victim to the lies of another man.’
‘Who?’ Julian’s eyes locked on the hand that suddenly clamped vice-like around his forearm. ‘Remove your hand, traitor.’ He felt the thrust of the pistol in his side.
‘Let her go,’ said Miles.
Julian barely contained his outrage. But when he met his foe’s black eyes, he saw the command in them. He let go of his sister, sorry for the distress he’d caused her. In turn, Miles withdrew the pistol. Julian stepped back and sank into the nearest armchair.
Miles laid down his weapon on the desk. ‘To answer your question, Marquess, it was Gareth.’
It had been enough of a struggle to process everything that had come to light in the past three months. But this latest revelation? Gareth. Gareth. Gareth! The man was Julian’s living nightmare.
Eloise fell at his feet. She took his hands in hers and squeezed them tight. ‘It’s true. Miles is the rightful Duke of Arlington. He stole me away with good reason. He agreed to this meeting only because I asked it of him. Please, give him fair consideration.’
She took his hand and placed it against her cheek. ‘Brother, I’ve spent three months in the company of this man. Miles has proven himself to be kind, considerate and caring. He’s been fiercely protective of me, as are you, and I’ve witnessed his integrity and honourable character.’
Julian had never seen his sister look so earnest. She protested the man’s innocence as though her very life depended on it. He was beginning to understand the change in Eloise.