Belong To Me (book 4) (The Fielding Brothers Saga)

by Marie Higgins

  She stroked his neatly groomed beard. “I’d love to.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Ian sat quietly on the edge of the bed and watched Charlotte’s angelic expression as she continued her early morning slumber. Gently sweeping the delicate petals of the rose he held over the creamy skin on her face, he tried to waken her. He had plans for them today, and he hoped her enthusiasm would match his. He worried she was developing feelings for the beast, yet he had to be patient and wait for her decision. It scared him to think she’d not want to be his wife after the month was over. He couldn’t have that. Not now that he’d fallen madly in love with her.

  As he continued his stroking, she stirred. He leaned closer, awaiting the moment she would open her enchanting eyes and look at him. They fluttered open. He grinned, watching her come awake. At last, she smiled and his heart raced.

  “Good morning, my lovely wife,” he whispered.

  “Good morning yourself.”

  “Are you up for some chasing around today with an old, haggardly looking woman? Or would you rather be with a bent and crooked old man?”

  She laughed lightly. “I can’t be with the real you?”

  He merely grinned. “It will be me, silly. I’ll be disguised.”

  “What will we be doing?”

  “I’d like your help.”

  She snapped up to a sitting position, her face aglow with enthusiasm. “Indeed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, Ian, this is wonderful!”

  “You need to get dressed right away.”

  Pushing him off the side of the bed, she climbed out. “I’ll be ready in one hour.”

  “Don’t rush yourself.” He chuckled, leaving the room.

  Running his fingers through his hair, he took a deep sigh and shook himself more alert. He’d been up for twenty-four hours straight and was ready to rest, but this needed taking care of first. During the night, he’d sneaked into the commissioner’s office and peered through the locked files, looking for clues to whoever had been helping the man-of-the law to frame him. An overwhelming feeling of renewal swept over Ian, which made him more determined to find the real thief. It hurt to think the people he’d trusted and befriended at one time would now stab him in the back. Who could be doing this? Hadn’t he served the community well? Yet somebody was out there putting distrust into these people’s minds.

  Could this have something to do with Charlotte? But he quickly banished the thought. He wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it was the commissioner himself, but he didn’t know why Jeffrey Franklin would have such a grudge to settle. Granted, Franklin wasn’t a pillar of the society, but Ian hadn’t done anything to make the man do something this vicious.

  When he thought about Charlotte’s enthusiasm this morning, he grinned. He planned to take her with him to his client’s houses and let her question them. Hopefully, she’d get answers to questions that he could not. Also, he’d be able to keep an eye on her.

  Not that he thought there was any danger of the commissioner attempting anything so foolish again. Ian’s mind wandered toward Adam and jealousy crept in his heart. If anything were to happen to Charlotte, Ian would be able to protect her—not Adam!

  Ian exhaled deeply and sank into the soft chair. The month he’d promised her was quickly slipping by. He didn’t want her to leave when her time was up. His only hope was she’d fall in love with him. He wanted her so badly, and he couldn’t wait until she finally gave in and let him truly make her his wife. She’d almost relented a couple of times, but for some reason she pulled away. He intended for her to feel the same love that was spreading throughout his heart, because every time his gaze met hers, his heart turned over in response.

  It wasn’t her beauty that had him mesmerized—not like in the beginning—but instead, it was her personality. He enjoyed being with her, discussing things, and seeing the way her eyes lit up when she laughed. He cherished the fact that she was on his thoughts as he drifted off to sleep every night, and when he arose in the morning. He wanted to please her...to show her the man he really could be.

  Ian waited for exactly one hour then he wandered upstairs toward her room. Just as he reached her door, she flung it opened and rushed out, knocking into him. He grabbed her shoulders to steady her. “Whoa, slow down, my love.”

  She laughed. “Sorry. I’m ready now.” Then her attention swept over his face and dipped down to his clothes. “But you’re not.”

  “I know. I thought you might like to see how I get into disguise.”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh, yes.”

  He took hold of her hand and led her to his room. “Have a seat and watch.” He motioned to the small chair beside his dressing table.

  She sat, straight back with her hands folded in her lap. He kept one eye on her while trying to select his outfit. “Before I start caking my face with make-up,” he explained, pulling her to her feet, “I want to do something first.”

  Before she had time to ask, he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He wanted it to be tender and slow, but just as always, the urge to seduce her with wild abandonment came over him.

  * * * *

  Charlotte gasped from the suddenness, but responded quickly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and met his steamy kiss. She liked the way she fit so well in his arms. She also liked Ian’s way of kissing. It had always excited her. Her mind whirled, and her body cried out for more, but before she could beg him to do more, he stopped and stepped back. She opened her eyes to find him gazing tenderly at her.

  “Thank you,” he said.

  “For what?” Her voice was deep and sedated.

  “For not pulling away.” He placed a tiny kiss on her cheek before turning to his dressing table.

  Charlotte sat back in the chair, hoping her trembling legs wouldn’t give her away. His kisses had always left her weak. Before she’d been upset, but now she enjoyed the way he made her feel.

  What form was he going to take today? She amused herself, guessing as he worked. “Ian?”

  “Yes, my darling.”

  “Where do you get that...goopy matter you are spreading on your face? I don’t think I have ever seen it before.”

  He turned and grinned at her. “I don’t think you would believe me if I told you.”

  “Try me.”

  “I made this myself.”

  She gaped in amazement. “Indeed? My husband is a scientist now?”

  He chuckled. “I have always been fascinated with disguises. When I was young, I used to blend different formulas in hopes of finding something that worked the way I wanted. It took me five years to do it.”

  “Unbelievable.”

  “I told you that you wouldn’t believe.”

  She laughed lightly. “It’s not that. I just think it’s remarkable you have such strange talents.”

  “So, you think I’m strange, do you?”

  “Only in the good sort of way.”

  Ian turned back to his mirror. “When I was younger, I would fix my face to look menacing so I could frighten my older brothers. When I created this mixture, I was able to make myself not only scary, but look ill as well. I could transform myself to look like a woman, an old man, and all other different kinds of people. I even made my arm look like it was cut and bleeding once.” He laughed. “My brother, Nick, almost made me bleed for real when he found out I was only teasing.” Ian smiled at the memory.

  “Can you change my appearance, too?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  He turned away from the mirror and gazed upon her. “Because I love the way you look. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and anyone who would want to change you should be strung from the highest gallows.”

  Charlotte’s cheeks burned from his flattering remark. “Thank you. But I just want to know what it feels like to pretend to be someone else.”

  He laughed. “It’s a pain in my backside.”

  “Thank you for being
so blunt,” she retorted flippantly.

  He laughed harder. “I would apologize to you for being so open with my obscenities, but you forget, I know you, Mrs. Fielding.”

  It took a few minutes, but a grin soon touched her mouth. “So you do.”

  While getting ready, he explained why he needed her help. He turned back to the mirror, and a short time later, he was ready. Before her stood a haggard, looking old man, peering intently at her. She nodded her approval. Wrinkles marred Ian’s once handsome face. Crow’s feet around his eyes made them look tired and aged. A gray wig topped his head, hiding any hint of the dark hair she liked to run her fingers through. Even his face didn’t hold the healthy color of his natural bronzed skin, but almost a sickly gray instead.

  He held out his elbow. “Shall we go, my sweet?”

  Ian led her outside where O’Toole waited beside a two-seater carriage. He even walked like an old man, stooped and slow.

  Inside the conveyance, she asked, “What do you want me to ask these people?”

  “Be friendly and gain their confidence. Be honest and tell them who you are. Let them know how upset you are about the accusations made against me. Ask them exactly what items were stolen, and when. Find out why they suspect me of doing it.”

  Without meaning to, she laughed. “I’m sorry, Ian, but it’s so funny to hear your voice come from that face. Your disguise is so clever. I can hardly see my husband in there.”

  “You think this is humorous?” he questioned.

  “No.” She tried to sober her expression. “I’m sorry. Please continue.”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “Just be sweet to them and pour on your charm.”

  “Will they let me in their homes? And will they be pleasant?”

  “I don’t know, but I pray they will see what such a charming woman you are and allow you inside.”

  Charlotte turned her focus to the road. “I definitely hope I won’t have to be forceful, but I will to accomplish what we need.”

  Within half an hour, they came upon the home of Lord and Lady Stringham who Ian explained had moved here from London three years ago. Charlotte wrung her hands. She didn’t want to mess things up. Moreover, she wanted to do it right so that he’d soon be free from these false charges.

  “I’ll park the carriage slightly out of sight. I’ll wait here. I’ll look more like your servant that way,” he told her.

  “It’s too bad you didn’t dress more respectably,” she commented.

  “Why?”

  “Because you could pass for an older uncle or even cousin. You could come inside with me and help me through this.”

  A scowl appeared on his withered face. Suddenly he laughed. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that.” Still chuckling, he climbed out of the carriage then turned and helped her down. “Good luck.” He winked.

  Keeping her chin held high and her back straight, she made her way to the front door. The family’s wealth was evident. The fancy double doors with the decorative knockers, and the large stained glass windows were almost as lovely as a few of her father’s homes.

  She announced herself to the butler as Mrs. Charlotte Fielding. As Ian predicted, she was shown into the drawing room where she waited only a few minutes before the lady of the house greeted her. Lady Stringham floated gracefully into the room wearing a beautiful silver dress that shone in the morning sunlight. Sparkling jewelry hung on her neck, wrists, and ears. The striking woman greeted Charlotte with a pleasant expression. It relieved her that Lady Stringham hadn’t instructed the servants to throw her out—yet.

  “Your name is Mrs. Fielding?” the lady asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you, by chance, any relation to Mr. Ian Fielding?”

  Charlotte nodded, keeping an amiable smile on her face. “Yes. He’s my husband.”

  A look of surprise and then annoyance crossed the woman’s regal face. “What is your purpose here, Mrs. Fielding?” She motioned for them to sit.

  Charlotte’s insides shook nervously, and she hoped it wasn’t apparent in her outward appearance. She sat, straightening her skirts around her. “Lady Stringham, a grave injustice has been made. My husband hasn’t done the crime for which he is being accused.”

  Three lines appeared across Lady Stringham’s forehead. “What makes you so confident?”

  “May I be blunt with you?”

  “Certainly.”

  Charlotte looked deep into the other woman’s eyes. “Because, quite simply, I’m a very wealthy woman, a heiress to a great fortune. There’s no reason my husband needs to steal from anyone.”

  “I can see your point, but I and my husband believe your husband to be guilty.”

  “Please tell me what makes you think he’s guilty.”

  “He knew of a secret door into our quarters. He used this passageway to spy on one of our servants who was stealing from us at the time your husband was in our employ. This door was also used by the thief, so it’s only common sense.”

  Charlotte studied the other woman then asked, “Did you actually see Ian steal from you?”

  “Of course not. It was early in the morning. We were all in bed. Even my servants.”

  “Are you certain nobody else knows about this secret door?”

  “I’m positive.”

  “What makes you so sure that’s the entrance the man used?”

  “Because the door was left slightly ajar.”

  Charlotte tried to think of some logical explanation, but nothing intelligent came to mind. “Did my husband do a good job when he worked for you?”

  Lady Stringham nodded. “Oh, yes. My husband was quite pleased.”

  “Did you consider it money well spent?”

  “But of course. Your husband is one of the best.”

  “Did you know my husband used to work for the King’s guard?”

  “Yes. It’s common knowledge.”

  “Do you know if the King’s guard was impressed with my husband?”

  “Of course. His recommendation was the reason Mr. Fielding’s business flourished so quickly.”

  “Don’t you find it strange my husband didn’t steal from him when he had the chance? When my husband worked for the King’s guard, he was practically penniless.”

  Lady Stringham kept her lips pursed for the longest time. Unease began to settle in Charlotte’s limbs, but she managed not to fidget. She sat quietly, letting the other woman ponder her information.

  “If what you say is correct,” Lady Stringham finally spoke, “then the fact still remains…the thief knew of the secret door.”

  “When did you first suspect Ian?”

  Lady Stringham remained quiet for a few minutes, looking to be in mental deliberation, and then her eyes widened. “We informed Commissioner Franklin as soon as we discovered the theft, and he realized that at that time, your husband must be the culprit.”

  Charlotte tried not to shiver with disgust from mere mention of the man’s name. “What did he say?”

  “He brought to our attention that your husband was the only one to know the way our house is set up. And of course, about the secret door.”

  She arched her brows. “How did he know about the secret door?”

  Lady Stringham shrugged. “I think my husband mentioned it.”

  Charlotte nodded and stood. “Thank you for talking with me, Lady Stringham. I hope my visit was not an inconvenience.”

  “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Fielding. I hope your husband is not the thief. You seem like an exceptional woman, and during the time your husband worked for us, we liked him immensely.”

  “Thank you. I’m going to do all I can to prove his innocence.” She struggled to maintain an even, conciliatory tone.

  Charlotte kept silent during their ride to the second residence on Ian’s list. Ian had asked her a few questions, but all she told him was she had learned nothing new, which of course, was true. But her mind worked a million miles a second. What she had told Lady Strin
gham made Charlotte really wonder about him. Would Ian steal from his clients when he was making good money? Did he have some need for cash that she wasn’t aware of? Since Ian didn’t have access to her money, had he truly helped himself to his client’s things? Or was the commissioner clever enough to be setting Ian up? But there were so many things to think about and trying to think of them was giving her a headache.

  The visit with Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton wasn’t quite as friendly as with Lady Stringham. Mr. Pendleton was obviously angry and acted imposed upon. He asked to be excused before he said something that might cause uproar. Mrs. Pendleton didn’t bother to invite Charlotte to sit. She watched Charlotte with jaded eyes.

  Charlotte wondered if the lady feared she might attempt to steal something also. Mrs. Pendleton said her husband gave Ian a key to one of the side doors never used by them or by their servants. This, of course, was the way the thief came into their home. Several large Oriental vases were stolen and artifacts from India. Priceless items that could not be replaced.

  Charlotte asked the same questions about the commissioner and Ian’s situation, but Mrs. Pendleton didn’t respond. She was adamant about Ian being the thief just as Lady Stringham had been. She vowed to pursue the case until her priceless belongings were returned.

  “Mrs. Pendleton, you’ve been most gracious this afternoon, and I appreciate your time.”

  The older woman nodded stiffly.

  Charlotte swallowed, moistening her dry throat. “One more question, if you will…when did you come to suspect my husband?”

  For the first time since their visit, Charlotte witnessed the older woman’s facial features relax as she remained silent, apparently, deep in thought. Just like Lady Stringham, Mrs. Pendleton eyes widened. She lifted her chin once again. “It was when the commissioner was here asking us questions right after the robbery. It was he who indicated that it must have been Mr. Fielding.”

  Charlotte nodded. “What did he say?”

  “He stressed how Mr. Fielding was the only person to have that key to the side door.”