by Wendy Vella
“Leave my sight and do so at once if you please. If you do not, then I shall make you.”
“You got no right to tell me what to do. He’s my son!”
Leo took a step toward him, and the man ran. Turning when he was sure he had gone, he faced the boy, who much to his surprise was being tended by Beth. Of course, she’d shown him that she was capable of kindness in that shop, but she was now down on one knee, the dirty street marking her skirts, and had taken out a handkerchief and was pressing it to the boy’s sore cheek.
“There now, Eric. I’m quite sure that hurts, and my handkerchief can do little without water, but perhaps it is cool?”
The little boy nodded, and Leo saw the look in his eyes was a mix of fear and adoration.
“Where do you live, Eric?” Leo joined her by taking a knee.
“An hour’s walk from here.”
“Is there really just you and your father?”
He nodded.
“Well, I am in need of a stableboy. Should you wish it, I shall take you home with me now, and you have no need to come back here.”
“But, surely you can’t....”
Beth’s words fell away as she looked from Leo to the boy and back.
“I mean, surely it is not that simple?”
“It is actually, as you very well know from what you have done for those girls. But of course it is up to the boy.”
“His father....” Her words fell away again.
“Is, as you just saw, a fine upstanding citizen. Surely you can see Eric will be better with me?”
“Yes,” she managed a nod, but he could see she was still grappling with what he was about to do, just as he had with her. It seemed there was a great deal they did not know about each other.
“What’s it to be, Eric?”
“I’d like to go with you.”
“Do you have anything here you want?”
The boy shook his head.
“I will have you returned home anytime you wish it, Eric,” Leo added. He then picked the boy up and threw him on his horse. “We shall leave soon,” he said, handing him the reins.
He took Beth’s arm and walked to the carriage. It did not take her long to start speaking.
“But how can you simply take him?”
“Would you rather he stayed at the mercy of that man?”
“I would not, no, but are there not rules, or something that could stop you? The father, do you not think he will look for him?”
“No one cares about the likes of Eric, Beth. Unlike your maids and young women who are being mistreated, he is of no use to anyone. You know that as well as I. So if I can rescue one boy, then I should surely do so.”
“Have you rescued many before him?”
Uncomfortable with the question, Leo simply opened her carriage door, and urged her inside.
“Answer me.” She grabbed his hand when he would have stepped back.
“A few.”
He was close to her now, their eyes level, and he thought that Miss Elizabeth Whitlow’s lovely blue eyes looked beautiful at this time of the day. Leo could do nothing to stop leaning into her. He told himself it was simply to shut her up, as he wanted no more questions, but it wasn’t. He wanted to drink from her lips.
“Leo, no.”
He ignored her, and the small thrill of hearing her name on his lips confused him even more than the first touch of her mouth. Soft and sweet, he brushed his mouth over hers gently. His hand cupped a cool cheek, and as he wrapped his fingers around her neck to take the kiss deeper, his head spun, his knees felt week, and his body... Christ, his body wanted more of her, and that was enough to have him lifting his head.
“No!” She shook her head, and scrabbled backward a step. “Don’t touch me.”
Fear was etched in every line of her face.
“Beth.” Leo tried to step inside the carriage as he saw her distress, but she simply placed two hands on his chest and pushed. Off-balance, he stumbled. She then reached for the door, and slammed it shut. Seconds later he watched the carriage roll away from him.
What the hell had just happened? Leo’s eyes followed the carriage until it had disappeared. He’d kissed her, and what a kiss. He could not remember a woman’s lips creating such torment inside him so quickly. Then when he’d taken it deeper, she had panicked.
Because I know what it is to be scared and alone. Her words ran through his head.
“What the hell is going on with you, Miss Whitlow,” Leo muttered as he returned to his horse.
“She’s a nice lady.”
“She is, Eric, but be warned, women are extremely confusing.”
Leo headed back to his townhouse, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He’d kissed Elizabeth Whitlow, and he knew she’d responded, if only briefly, and then the fear had taken over. Bothering, bloody hell. Not only was he betrothed to the woman, but now he wanted her.
One thing he had learned today was that Miss Whitlow had secrets just as he did. Surprisingly, he wanted to learn each and every one.
Chapter Ten
Beth had returned home in an unsettled state, and gone straight to her room. Her mind had been consumed with what happened that morning. She was no clearer in her head about the matter now, several hours and many morning callers later. She was also worried for Jessica. The young girl was distressed, and Beth hoped that soon she would take steps to put herself out of harm’s way.
Leo now knew things about Beth no one else did, and that made her uncomfortable, but not because she feared he would expose her; he wouldn’t, she knew that much. Leo was a good man, he had shown that by looking after Eric, and there had been other signs over the last few years that she’d pretended to ignore. She was worried because he’d seen a side to her she’d never showed anyone else. A side that exposed her weakness, and Beth had striven hard in her life to never be weak.
He’d also kissed her, and she would be lying to herself if she did not admit the first touch of his lips on hers had been something she had never expected. She’d always believed after what happened in her fifteenth year that she would be repelled if a man kissed her... not so in Leo’s case. The gentleness of his touch had taken her breath away; that had only changed when his grip on her tightened. Fear had chased everything but the hurtful memories away.
“I am pleased you have finally decided on a husband, Elizabeth, and very happy with your choice.”
“Thank you, Aunt,” Beth said, looking at her elderly relative. They were still seated in the parlor after a continuous flow of visitors. Both were exhausted.
“I have always liked that young man.”
Shorter than Beth by several inches, Aunt Jane was sweet natured, and had been there for her when she’d most needed it. Aunt Jane had moved in with Beth two days after life as she had always known it had been torn out from under her. Broken and bruised, of both body and spirit, Beth had latched on to the gentle, softly-spoken woman, and never let go.
“Yes, he is a wonderful man,” Beth lied. In fact, she wasn’t sure how she felt about Leo anymore. Theirs had always been a relationship based on annoyance, but now that had changed in the space of a day.
“You shall have fine children,” Aunt Jane said, smiling. “I shall finally hold one of your babes, dear Beth.”
When she’d told her elderly relative the news, the woman had been overjoyed, increasing Beth’s guilt over the deception tenfold; this simply added to that. Beth wanted neither a child, nor to partake in the getting of one... ever!
“So many callers today, we are quite the rage in London now.”
“Yes, let us hope someone else does something to draw the interest away from me.” Beth sighed.
Most of her callers had not been well-wishers; in fact all they’d wanted to know was how her betrothal had come about, as until it was announced society had believed Lord Vereton and Miss Whitlow anything but friends.
“But my dear Miss Whitlow, to have chosen you at your age, one wonders why?�
�� Mrs. Radler had stated loudly. Having two young, as yet unwed daughters, she was not pleased that one of London’s most eligible bachelors was supposedly off the market.
Lying, Beth realized, was fatiguing, and after today, she was now quite convinced it was better to have this fake betrothal done with. She wanted no more kisses or touches. No more confusion and fear.
“I shall be in my room, dear.”
“Of course, Aunt.” Beth climbed to her feet and kissed a soft, thin cheek. She then walked her aunt from the room, and handed her into the care of her longtime maid.
Theirs was not a large townhouse. After the death of Beth’s father, and at Nick’s insistence, as he was the rightful heir to her father’s money and property, they had sold the larger one, and purchased this. Entering her rooms, she looked around, but did not feel the usual peace the room usually gave her.
It was decorated in peach and cream. She’d picked everything herself, right down to the rugs on the floor. This was her haven, the place where Beth could be herself. Today all she felt was unsettled.
Leo had kissed her, and her first reaction had been to lean into his large, solid body and take more. Then she’d remembered.
“Lord, I should not have allowed that to happen.” Beth moved through her rooms, touching things, but not seeing them as she remembered the feel of his mouth on hers. And then he’d pulled her closer, the pressure had increased, and she’d retreated in shock.
A man had hurt her unbearably when she was younger. Beth had never forgotten, nor wanted to. Men were not to be trusted; they let their passions rule them, and thought of woman as chattel. There were, she had come to understand, a few men who were not like this, her cousin for one, but she would never take the chance of another man doing what had been done to her... never again.
Pleased to be interrupted from her troubled thoughts by the knock on her door, she hurried to open it and took the note her butler handed her. Taking a seat, she read it.
I know your secrets, Miss Whitlow. Your father’s blood is on your hands. There is only one word for a woman such as you. WHORE!
Beth stared at the words, hardly daring to believe what they said. Fear slithered down her spine as she read on.
Instructions will follow about where and when you will make payment, so I am not forced to tell others your dark secret.
“Dear Lord!”
Only four people knew what happened that day. Her aunt would never tell. One of them was dead, the other she’d believed was in France. Had he returned?
She sat there in numb silence as memories of the darkest day of her life swamped her. What should she do?
Beth rose and began to pace her room.
Were it just her, then yes she could stand the shame and leave society. But it is not just me, Beth thought.
Pressing a hand to her eyes, she tried to push aside the painful memories of what that man had done to her—a man her father had thought a friend, and allowed into their house—but it was no good, they would not be dispelled. She was back there again, alone and frightened, the day her innocence was ruthlessly ripped away. The same day her father was killed by “a poacher.” No one was ever found responsible. Beth knew differently, however. She knew who had killed him, but shock had held her silent.
Chapter Eleven
“How is Eric doing?”
“Good, my lord. He’s learning fast, and I’m keeping an eye on him. No one has come calling so far.”
Leo nodded to his stable master as he swung himself up on his horse. Eric bowed, then threw him a smile, and Leo thought that the boy already looked healthier, his eyes brighter.
“Good morning to you.” Lifting a hand, Leo urged his horse out of the stables and into the gray London morning. It was early again, which annoyed him, but as he’d not been able to sleep since he’d kissed Beth four days ago, he’d given up trying, and ridden most mornings instead.
He certainly achieved more in a day rising early, he had to admit. The excitement around his betrothal had yet to wane, and that was not helped by the fact he had seen Beth only once since their kiss. Nick told him she had a chill and was staying in bed, but Leo had a feeling there was more to it than that, and he was part of the more.
Letting his horse have its head, he held the reins loosely, and made his way through the streets. Guilt had settled on his shoulders as he realized that perhaps Beth was avoiding him. He’d announced their betrothal, found out one of her secrets, and then he’d kissed her, when for years they’d avoided each other. The problem now was, he couldn’t seem to get her out of his head. Plus, there was the matter of the fear in her eyes when she’d pulled away from him.
Because I know what it is to be scared and alone.
That thought kept rolling around inside his head. Who had hurt her?
Taking a detour, Leo thought food may improve his mood before he headed to Night Street to meet his friends, where they ran an investigation agency. Of course, no one knew it was four noblemen who did so... actually, not entirely true, there were a few people who were aware, but they were trusted with the secret. The wives of his friends and colleagues.
Walking up a narrow lane, he turned left. At the end of this lane was Renn’s Bakers, and there he would find food. He saw a woman ahead, dressed in a stylish bonnet and long, deep red coat. In one hand she had a small girl, who was skipping at her side. On the other side walked a young boy, who if Leo was guessing right, was about six or seven. Another woman walked at the rear.
The lane was narrow and as he approached he opened his mouth to let them know he was about to pass, when the woman turned.
“Beth?”
Surprise was etched in her pretty face as she looked up at him. The little girl smiled, flashing dimples; the boy bowed.
“What are you doing out here with two children?”
He dismounted, and moved closer.
“Good morning,” the little girl chirped.
“Good morning.” Leo could never resist a child.
“I am Scarlett, and this is Joseph. We are going to the bakery to buy a treat. I get gingerbread and Joe a currant bun. Miss Whitlow has a bun also, as does Amanda.”
“Yes, thank you, Scarlett. Lord Vereton is a busy man, we shall let him pass.”
Leo watched as Beth urged the children and maid, who he presumed was Amanda, to the side with her.
“Actually, I am bound for the baker’s also. I shall keep you company, if that is agreeable to you, Miss Scarlett?”
The little girl giggled, as little girls did for no apparent reason, and bobbed her head.
“Oh I don’t think—”
“I think it best you don’t think,” Leo said to Beth as he handed the reins to the boy, who had moved closer to his horse, and begun patting him. “Would you like to ride him, Joseph?”
“Could I?” The boy’s eyes grew impossibly wide.
“Have you sat a horse before?”
The boy nodded so fast Leo feared for his neck.
“Then of course you may.” Leo lifted him into the saddle. “I shall lead you. He is even-tempered, and will give you no trouble.”
“You shouldn’t let him get up there, he could fall.”
Leo looked at the boy after she spoke. He appeared comfortable, and his seat good enough.
“I will not let that happen,” he reassured Beth.
“I wish to ride also.”
“Do you now,” Leo said, reaching for Scarlett and lifting her up in front of her brother. “Hold her steady now, Joseph.”
The boy nodded, placing an arm around his sister, while his eyes remained on the horse’s head.
“Ready?” Leo said. The children nodded.
They began walking, and he held out his arm. Beth could do nothing but take it.
“You are impulsive.”
“Yes,” he agreed, “but never reckless.”
“I am not reckless, if that was your inference.”
“It was not, but I find if someone defends themselves
vehemently as you just have, there is a shred of truth to the denial.”
“Did you follow me again?”
“Not this time. This time I merely wanted food.”
They walked a few steps, and he could feel the tension in her.
“Relax.”
“I have no wish to relax.”
“Do you ever?”
“Of course, but rarely in your presence.”
A bark of laughter had the children looking Leo’s way.
“Will you tell me how that boy you took back to your stables is faring?”
“Very good, actually. Eric is fitting in well according to my stable master, who is a crusty old devil and would let me know if he wasn’t.”
“I’m glad he is doing well.”
“And now perhaps you can tell me why yet again you are up at such a ridiculously early hour?” Leo looked at her, and noted the shadows under her eyes then, and the tight look to her face.
“What is wrong?”
Something flashed across her face, and the only label he could put on it was anxiety, but then it was gone.
“I assure you, my lord, I am quite well.”
“Something has upset you, I can see it in your face.” Leo leaned closer, but she pulled away.
“I have recently become betrothed, and I am finding the matter extremely taxing, as is the constant stream of morning callers.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No,” she waved a hand about. “I agreed to this charade even though I originally had no say in the matter. The furor will pass in time. I just need something equally juicy to happen, and society will move on.”
Leo knew what society was capable of, and especially some of the more carnivorous members. He was sure Beth and been subjected to quite the inquest, and once again felt guilt for what he had put her through.
“There is also the matter of you discovering my secrets. Secrets I may add, that no one knows about.”
“And this unsettles you?” He eased her closer as another horse passed.
“Of course!” She glared at him. “I hardly know you.”