Drawn to the Marquess

by Evans, Bronwen

  Chapter 10

  Stephen was very pleased that Penelope had insisted that she be present when he visited the villagers. He would leave visiting the gentleman’s boxing ring until tomorrow with Jonathan, because that is where Jonathan told him Jamie Stewart had been seen.

  What lifted his spirits was that he would get to spend the morning with her, alone. This morning she looked younger and more carefree than she had in the past few days, and he hoped he had something to do with that.

  They set out after a leisurely breakfast. Jonathan and Dorothea would leave a little later and go directly to Penelope’s home, a short two-hour carriage ride. They would take the longer route and go via Seaford.

  The day was warm, the sun shining with only a light breeze. On such a beautiful day he intended to mix business with pleasure. Penelope arrived downstairs on time and as he escorted her out, his mouth went dry as his gaze met hers in that provocative, curious way she had.

  She was dressed in a rather plain travel gown, yet the color reminded him of the violet blue of forget-me-nots, and made her skin appear like pale porcelain. She carried a bonnet in her hand and she’d left her hair piled in a loose style that begged to be undone by a man’s hands. He rubbed his hands together just to ensure he did not succumb to the urge.

  Stephen had an ulterior motive for allowing Penelope to accompany him. He needed her unsettled. There was something she was not telling him. After speaking to Jonathan, he was sure of it.

  “In all the years I’ve lived in Seaford I have never been so excited to return. I know with you by my side we will stop Rotham.”

  He could not help the way his chest puffed up at her words. “I could have spoken to the villagers without you. I do have experience in getting men to tell me the truth and in ascertaining when they lie.”

  She shrugged delicately. “I simply assumed it would be easier to pry information out of the locals if I pave the way. If they know I trust you, they will also trust you. Strangers are not easily trusted around here.”

  She had a point.

  “Your sister seems very much in love with Lord Helmstone.”

  His eyes narrowed as he watched her face. Her husband had taught her well, for she appeared to be a very good liar too. However, the slight flicker of the eyelashes was her tell.

  Just then the carriage hit a large rut and she was thrown almost to the floor. He managed to save her and he lifted her onto his lap, never one to waste an opportunity.

  She began to squirm and protest.

  “I think you owe me some leeway in our seduction since I was too tired last night.”

  She merely took deep breaths before saying, “That is hardly my fault and I am not here at your whim. Perhaps this morning I’m too tired.”

  He smiled. “Could you not sleep last night?”

  “I slept very well, thank you. Better for not having to worry about you sneaking into my room and stealing a kiss.”

  “Perhaps I’ll steal a kiss now, then. Do you still dream about our last kiss? I admit it has kept me awake.”

  “So that was why you were tired,” she preened. Then she turned her nose up. “I do not think of you at all.”

  He nudged her ear with his lips. “I don’t believe you.” His lips found her pulse at the base of her neck. “Your blood pounds for me.”

  She elbowed him in his ribs. “That is anger you are sensing, nothing more.” Her slight intake of breath made her a liar.

  Her cheek was barely an inch from his face. He brushed his lips against it. “Relax. Enjoy. You promised to allow me a chance to seduce.” Before she could object he embraced her tightly. She held herself stiffly and then when he did not loosen his hold, she gradually began to relax.

  He couldn’t help himself. He pressed a kiss on her silky hair, while his fingers danced little circles at her waist. He did not know how long they sat like this while he continued to murmur platitudes, covering her face, eyelids, ears with small kisses. Only when he noted her eyes had drifted shut did he bend his head and taste her lips.

  He coaxed her lips open, slid inside, and his body shook when her tongue needed no invitation to tangle with his. He pressed for more this time. He wanted her sated and shaking in his arms.

  His kisses became more insistent as his caresses grew bolder. On her own accord, she turned into his embrace, her breasts flattened against his chest. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck. While her eyes were tightly closed, his were wide open. He watched every nuance play across her face, working out what she enjoyed the most.

  When his hands cupped her breast and played with the hardened nipple through her clothes, she could not muffle the little sighs against his mouth and it drove him mad. His groin throbbed and it took all his restraint not to lay her down and take her on this carriage squab.

  Encouraged by her eager participation he touched her body with scandalous intimacy. Tilting his head he kissed the skin above the bodice of her gown. His mouth teased at her breast, nibbling through the fabric, closing over the tip, gently suckling into his mouth.

  It drove her crazy. Her body began to move against his. He coaxed cries out of her sweet mouth, encouraging her to relinquish herself to the delicious euphoria. Finally, her pretend indifference melted.

  He paused and gazed up at her. He had never seen anything so beautiful and he wouldn’t care for the rest of the journey if they stayed exactly like this. But when her bottom pressed against his erection, the idea of a simple kiss wavered.

  His body wanted more. He craved more. He kissed her deeply and caressed her with a possessive hand, all restraint flown. He took her breast in his mouth again and stroked high on her legs. He wanted to touch her skin there. To taste her there.

  Triumph washed over him. She tottered on the edge of total abandonment. He did not expect to get this far so fast or so soon. A little voice warned him he should slow down. Don’t push her.

  It took all the strength he had to ease himself away and place her on the seat next to him. Her hand still rested on his thigh and it thrilled him that she did not remove it.

  They were both breathing heavily. Her eyes issued an invitation but if he kissed her again he would not stop with mere kisses. And they both knew it.

  Instead, he merely lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Such a pity we are nearing our destination. If you were not in such grave danger, I would’ve said to hell with meeting the villagers, and I would’ve turned the carriage toward your home.”

  Before he’d even finished the sentence her composure returned. The heat left her eyes and was replaced with a look that was cool and courteous as ever. The mask of control was firmly back in place. He sensed her putting distance between them as the carriage rolled to a stop.

  “On one thing we are agreed. Finding my husband’s murderer comes before all else. Let us not lose sight of that.” She didn’t even wait for him to descend and open the door. Before he could move she’d alighted as fast as possible from the carriage.

  His plan worked. She was definitely unsettled and perhaps this would lead her to revealing more than she really wanted to.

  * * *

  —

  Penelope cursed under her breath. She did not like losing control of a situation. Stephen had her at sixes and sevens. One minute he was the rakish seducer, and the next a man insistent on protecting her.

  She didn’t know what she should be most concerned with.

  “We will start at Mrs. Harrington’s store and work our way down the main street. I suspect once we leave, shortly thereafter the whole town will know you are here and why.”

  “Good. That should make talking to me easier, and hopefully with you having completed introductions, when I return tomorrow I shall learn more.”

  She would leave the blacksmith until the end. She could not wait to see Stephen’s face when he met Travis.
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  Stephen held the door open for her as they entered the large general store. Mrs. Harrington was a plump woman of about three and forty, and she was busy placing dainty teacups on a display shelf. When she saw Penelope she broke into a wide smile. “My lady, you are back. How lovely. I have that special parchment you like in stock.”

  “Thank you. I would like a few sheets. But first, let me introduce Lord Clevedon. He will be one of my guests for the next week. He is here to help me regarding Lord Rotham’s horrid insinuations. His sister married Lord Helmstone and they will be visiting too.”

  “How lovely.” Mrs. Harrington beamed. “I’m pleased you are here. We all think that Lord Rotham’s a horrid little man, and Lord Helmstone is a fine man.”

  “I would not let my sister marry him otherwise.” Stephen smiled at her and Penelope swore Mrs. Harrington’s face flushed with color.

  “Have you been to Seaford before, my lord?”

  Penelope could see she was completely forgotten as Stephen’s presence and looks promptly turned the head of a lady of Mrs. Harrington’s age.

  “No, never. But I see it’s a beautiful spot and I hope to explore the coastline while I am here.”

  “I am sure Lady Fisherton will be able to show you the beauty of our coast. Are you married?”

  He winked at the elderly lady. “I hope so too. And no, I am not yet wed.” This time Mrs. Harrington actually giggled like a young girl.

  “How lovely for Her Grace to have a handsome bachelor coming to her rescue.”

  They both waited while Mrs. Harrington wrapped up the parchment for her. Stephen had the store owner eating out of his hand. She was advising him who could help the most. “I know there are rumors regarding a smuggler but we haven’t had any smugglers at Seaford since the war with France. Still, David will know more about that than me.”

  “I shall ensure to talk to him tomorrow when I return with Lord Helmstone.”

  “Aye, you do that. I do hope you’ll also bring your sister into town at some stage. I’d love to meet the woman who had the good sense to marry Lord Helmstone.” The old woman flashed a look at Penelope. “I must admit I had hoped he’d wait for Her Grace, but having met you I see the cards had a different man in mind for her.” At her raised eyebrow, Stephen merely laughed while Penelope’s face flushed with heat.

  “Now, Mrs. Harrington. Enough of that. You know very well I’m not looking to remarry. Besides, Lord Clevedon has every debutante in London falling at his feet.”

  “Be gone with you.” She turned to Stephen as she held the door open for them. “I know men, and I know his lordship doesn’t want a flighty young thing. No,” she said, shaking her finger at Penelope. “He wants a mature woman who can share his life.”

  Everyone was staring at them as Mrs. Harrington’s voice carried down the street.

  Thankfully, Stephen stepped forward and gently ushered her back inside her store saying, “Let’s keep her safe first.” Mrs. Harrington nodded enthusiastically.

  Once the door was firmly shut on the elderly matchmaker, Stephen took her arm and they strolled toward the baker’s. “I’m so sorry. I should have known she would try to marry me off even though she’s a widow who has never remarried. She has children and thinks I should too.”

  “You should if you want them.”

  She shook her head. “Let’s not start this conversation again. I have plenty of nieces and nephews to love.”

  He didn’t say anything more and soon they were in the baker’s beginning the conversations all over again.

  It did not take long for Stephen to understand the villagers loved Lady Penelope. While they showed her respect they also treated her as a welcome friend. His confidence grew with each store they visited. There was no way Rotham would turn any of these people. They were completely her allies. Which raised the question as to how far they would go to protect her. Would they lie or kill for her?

  He knew he would. If someone was threatening her he would absolutely do what needed to be done. How had he come to care for her in such a short time?

  All too soon they found themselves at the blacksmith’s.

  “Travis Haverstock took over from his father as the blacksmith twenty years ago. There has been a Haverstock blacksmith here for over five generations and his son, Sean, will take over from him.”

  “Jonathan mentioned that Carmichael used to meet someone at the Smithy, yet Travis was in the tavern at the time. Surely, he would know who Carmichael met, or perhaps he has seen the person?”

  “I don’t know anything about that. You’ll have to ask Travis.” The way she smiled made him uneasy.

  The sound of hammering could be heard as they entered the shadowy barn. The sounds and smells of horses and the heat of the forge hit him as they approached a man hammering a horseshoe. He stopped as they drew closer.

  “My lady, how lovely to have you visit my forge.”

  “How are you, Travis? Where is Sean today?”

  Travis stopped hammering and put down the horseshoe he was shaping, wiping his hands down his leather apron. “I’m well, my lady. Sean is at school each day until early afternoon, then he comes to help me.”

  Penelope clapped her hands. “I’m so pleased he’s decided to attend.”

  Travis smiled. “You did a good thing setting up the school. I think you are right. Schooling will help them in the changing world. But forgive my manners. Who is also with you?”

  Almost as if Travis had hit him with the hammer he was using, Stephen realized that the blacksmith was blind. He stumbled back a step.

  “Travis, this is Lord Clevedon. He is helping me investigate Carmichael’s death to ensure Lord Rotham does not twist the truth.”

  Travis bowed his head. “My lord, welcome. If you are helping Her Grace then you are welcome at my forge anytime.”

  “Thank you. Lord Helmstone and I were wondering if we could visit with you tomorrow and ask you a few questions.”

  “I look forward to it. I suppose you’ve heard the gossip about so-called secret meetings here. I can’t say I know much about them. I might be blind but I can hear and smell pretty well. I would have known if anyone was here when I was working. But at night, hell, anyone could slip in here. I don’t keep it locked.”

  Stephen looked across at Penelope. “We can chat more tomorrow but thank you for your candor.”

  “Anything for Her Grace. She’s been a wonder for this town and I and many others won’t stand by and let her good name be ruined.”

  He nodded his head and then remembered Travis could not see. “That is good to know. May I ask how you knew it was Lady Penelope who entered and that she was not alone?”

  “I recognize her scent. As for you? I heard your footfall—heavy—a man’s walk. Just because I’m blind it does not mean I do not see.”

  They said their goodbyes and wandered back out to the waiting carriage for the ride back to Hadleigh Manor, her home. He did not talk much on the journey to her home. He thought about Travis. How did a blind man do the work he did? Now he wanted to visit Travis, not to talk about Carmichael, but more about how he managed.

  As if reading his mind, Penelope spoke. “Travis was blinded at the Battle of Waterloo. He was there to look after the cavalry mounts. He got hit by cannon fire and lost his sight. But he did not let it stop him. He’s the best blacksmith in all of Essex.”

  He chose to ignore her because he was not ready to talk about Travis and his blindness. If he thought on the topic too closely, it painted him as a coward. He would have a much easier blind life than Travis ever would. He’d have servants and many people to help him. He would not have to physically work for his living like Travis did for his family. For the first time in his life he was ashamed of his father’s actions and of his desire to end it all, and he didn’t like the feeling deep inside.

 
He changed the subject. “You started a school?”

  She eyed him in disbelief but did not push the subject of Travis. Instead, she shrugged her slim shoulders and said, “I want all children to have a chance in life. Schooling can help them in this world and it was easy for me to do. I simply had to throw money and time at it, something I have plenty of. I bought the building for the schoolroom and hired a teacher. At first it was a struggle to get the parents to send their children, but now we have three teachers.”

  He wondered if it was because she never had a child that she should pick setting up a school. Most likely. “Carmichael did not stop you?”

  “Please. He did not know. He didn’t ever take an interest in what I did. I could have fallen off the cliff and been missing for days before he’d notice. Thank God,” she said under her breath.

  “What else have you done for the town?”

  She looked at him blankly. “What makes you think I’ve done more?”

  “Because everyone we’ve met today held you in very high regard.”

  A flush turned her pretty cheeks pink. “Kindness goes a long way in this world.”

  “It’s not just your kindness. If you won’t tell me, I’ll find out tomorrow anyway.”

  “I may have given the villagers some land and constructed a couple of glass houses so they could grow food all year round. I may also have invested in a fishing co-op and employed a man to organize the selling of anything they catch in bulk, to get them the best price possible. And finally, I may have helped set up a small hospital in Seaford so that we did not have to travel to Chelmsford.”

  God, she was something incredible.

  “Don’t look at me like that. Helping the village kept me sane. I did it more for me than them. So don’t turn me into a saint.”

  “Just as well you did because now they want to help you.” He kept staring at her in admiration. “You are quite a woman, Penelope.”

  She looked away from him and shook her head. “Well, if I am it’s only because I had to learn to live with a man like Carmichael. As a young girl I was as stupid as a hen.”