by Vanessa Lee
She headed towards the house. “I will go see what is keeping her.”
Catching up to her, Darren said, “I will accompany you.”
Lady Serena laughed, “Oh no, my dear. Why don’t you wait here while I check on her?”
Darren shook his head. “I can’t imagine what is keeping her. She may need my assistance.”
“Very well,” Lady Serena said. She led him into the house and after a quick glance downstairs, they headed upstairs, with her mother calling out, “Justine! Where are you, my dear?”
There was no answer. The entire house was still. Lady Serena entered Justine’s bedroom and gasped. “Oh, my!”
Justine’s wedding dress was hanging on a hanger on her armoire.
“What the hell?” Darren yelled, looking angrily at Lady Serena.
She looked just as baffled as he felt. “Why is her dress here? Where is my daughter?”
After tearing open her closet door, Darren took off down the hall.
Erica and Nick had followed them into the house, to see if they could help. When they heard Darren yell, they walked up the stairs to see what was wrong.
Darren was going from room to room, opening up the doors and searching them all.
“What is going on, brother?” Nick asked.
Darren turned to look at him in stunned disbelief, “Justine’s wedding dress is hanging up in her room. She is nowhere to be found. Hell and damnation, she is gone!” he bellowed.
Nick stepped in front of him, trying to get him to calm down so that he could help. Glancing at Erica, he turned to look at Darren. “Is it possible that someone has taken her?”
They looked at each other, all the fear and desperation that they felt during that time coming back with a vengeance.
“Oh, my sweet girl!” Lady Serena cried. “Who on earth would want to take her?”
A motion at the bottom of the stairs caught their attention. An older servant, Blanche, stood, twisting her hands.
“Blanche, we cannot find my daughter. Have you seen her?” Lady Serena asked.
The servant looked terrified to have to tell her mistress whatever it was that she needed to say.
“Well, Blanche?” Nick asked, as they all descended the stairs. “Have you seen Lady Justine?”
Blanche swallowed. Looking at Lady Serena, she asked, “Mistress? May I speak to you privately?”
At his wits end, Darren said, “Out with it, woman! We haven’t the time to waste. What do you know?”
Blanche gathered her courage, and said, “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I saw a figure in a red cloak walking down the drive.
“A red cloak?” Erica asked. “Where was she going?”
Blanche shook her head, “I had no idea it was Lady Justine! I had just seen her moments earlier in her wedding dress, and then moments later, the figure in the cloak.”
“Are you sure it was Justine?” Darren asked.
“No, I’m not certain,” the servant said. “But when I heard you talking that the little miss has gone, what other conclusion could I draw?”
“Oh my good gracious!” cried Lady Serena. “What in Heaven’s name possessed her to run away from her own wedding?”
Darren shook his head. “Blanche, did anyone else see the figure in the red cloak?”
Blanche shook her head. “Not to my knowledge, Sir.”
“Have you told anyone?” he demanded.
“Not a soul.”
“Very good.” Addressing everyone, he said. “She can’t have gotten too far. We must avoid a scandal. We will go tell everyone that she has a headache, and then I will go looking for her.”
“I’m coming with you,” Nick said.
“As am I!” Erica said.
“Oh my, goodness. All this excitement is more than I can stand. My poor baby! What could she be thinking?” Lady Serena cried.
“Try to calm yourself, madam,” Darren said. “We will go after her and bring her back.
Lady Serena blanched. “Godspeed,” she whispered.
Followed by Erica and Nick, Darren went to go announce to everyone that Justine had retired to her room with a headache.
Concerned, the General said, “Should I go check on her?”
“Lady Serena is with her, Sir,” Nick said. “Why don’t you stay and enjoy the company of your guests.”
Agreeing, the General turned back to his discussion.
Just then, Nick’s driver caught his attention. Leaning over to Darren, he said, “The driver is ready.”
Nodding to him, the trio quietly made their exit. Darren was seething inside. He was going to shake the daylights out of her when he caught up to her. What the devil was she thinking?
Chapter 5
“Good news, brother,” Nick said, as the carriage departed from the Fletcher’s home. “My driver said that he saw a figure in a hooded red cloak meet a carriage at the end of the drive.”
“Did he happen to hear where she instructed the driver to go?”
“Yes, to the docks,” Nick answered.
The docks? Was Justine so eager to avoid being married to him that she was leaving the country? He knew that she hadn’t wanted to get married, but she hadn’t given him a chance. He had been determined to be a good husband to her, right from the very start. Even now, Darren hoped to avoid a scandal at his wife’s expense at all cost.
“We must get to the docks before she can leave. We will search every vessel,” Darren said. There was no way he was letting her get away from him. The little fool. She had been fighting her father for so long, that her rebelliousness had taken over her very ability to reason.
Nick ordered the driver to hurry as fast as safely possible. Darren was glowering out the window, beside him. “Don’t worry brother,” Nick said. “We will find her and bring her back.”
Wrapping his arm around Erica, he kissed her forehead and said, “It appears to be that running away from home is the new Wellington bride curse.”
Erica snapped her head up at him in surprise. Well, could she really blame him? She had also run away from her husband when she was afraid. Erica was suddenly filled with sympathy for her sister-in-law. “She must be so frightened,” she said.
Darren blew out a frustrated breath. “Frightened of what? I have never done anything to make her think that I would be a terrible husband. I have been nothing but civil and polite to her!”
Erica looked at her husband, who knew the look on her face. It meant she had something to say. “Erica, what is it, love?”
Erica glanced at Darren, who was still glaring out the window. “After the ceremony, I had a chance to talk to her.” That caught Darren’s immediate attention.
“What did she say to you? Did she give any hints as to why she would leave like this?” he asked.
Clasping Nick’s hand in her own, Erica said, “Justine said that her biggest fear was that her marriage would be cold and emotionless.”
Darren leaned forward, stunned by what she said, “What?” he bellowed. “I have never been cold and emotionless with her. Quite the opposite, actually. The woman sets me on fire.”
Erica nodded, “I did tell her that you were the most wonderful brother-in-law and that we absolutely adore you. She must have had her mind made up before the wedding.”
Shaking his head, Nick said, “Justine had to have planned this before the ceremony.”
“But why would she be so afraid?” Darren asked, completely uncomprehending the situation.
“She did look directly at her parents when she spoke her concerns,” Erica said.
Realization suddenly dawned on Darren. He had heard that the stern General Foster had been an unaffectionate husband. Rumor had it that Lady Serena was miserably unhappy. Darren was never fond of gossip, so he hadn’t bought into it at the time. Thinking about it now, he reflected that if Justine was afraid for her own happiness, that would definitely give her cause to run. He was aware that many marriages were u
nhappy. Darren had always been determined to care for his lovely wife and make her happy. Perhaps he needed to find her and tell her that.
Just then, the carriage moved over to the side of the road to allow and oncoming carriage to pass. Darren looked at the occupant in the other carriage, and shouted, “Whoa!”
Their carriage stopped moving forward and Darren jumped out.
Getting out to follow him, Nick asked, “What is it, brother?”
Darren was running to the other carriage, yelling for the driver to stop. The other occupant had been the Fletcher’s servant girl, Natasha.
To the driver of the carriage he said, “Apologies, Sir, but I have a need to speak with your fare.”
“Now, don’t you be troubling the girl, Sir!” the driver yelled to him.
“I am looking for my missing wife, my good man. This woman may be able to help me.” The driver nodded at him and Darren opened the door.
Natasha sat in the carriage, looking embarrassed and fearful. Beside her on the bench lay a red cloak.
“What the devil?” he yelled.
Natasha jumped. Shaking, she called out, “Please don’t hurt me, Sir! I was only doing what I was asked.”
“Who asked you to do what?” Darren demanded.
In silent misery, Natasha’s small shoulders shook.
“Please, I won’t hurt you. But I must find my wife. Do you know where she has taken off to?”
Natasha nodded.
Sighing, Darren looked at Nick, who was watching the situation unfold.
Turning back to Natasha, he said. “Natasha, I am not angry with my wife, I wish her no harm. It is dangerous for her out here on her own. If you tell me what Justine paid you, I will pay you triple that to tell me her whereabouts.”
Peeking over at him, she asked, “You promise you won’t tell the missus?”
“Your mistress?” Nick asked. “What does she have to do with this?”
Natasha shook her head. “She was the one who paid me five schillings take Lady Justine away from here.”
Darren paused. So it was true. Justine’s own mother had such a miserable marriage, that she had pushed all of her fears and worries about matrimony onto her young daughter. Lady Serena had even helped her get away from him. He would be having a word with his mother-in-law, but he would not expose her.
“I won’t tell your mistress. Neither will you. I will give you fifteen schillings, and you will tell your mistress only that you did as you were told and drove her daughter to the agreed upon destination. Is that clear?” Darren demanded.
Natasha nodded, starting at him. Fifteen schillings was a lot of money. Lord Darren was also keeping her from getting in trouble with her mistress. “Alright, I will tell you,” Natasha agreed. “I left Miss Justine off at the Duckworth Inn.”
Darren nodded. He knew exactly where that was. Relief flooded through him. Tonight, he would get his hands on his willful, runaway bride.
Turning to the driver of Natasha’s carriage, he said, “Can you take me to the Duckworth Inn, where you just came from?”
The carriage driver nodded. “Yes, as soon as I leave this young lass off at the Fletcher residence.”
Looking at Nick, Darren asked, “Would you mind bringing Natasha back to the Fletcher residence, while I take this carriage to deal with my insolent wife?”
“Not at all,” Nick said, opening the door for Natasha. “Come now, my dear. We will get you home.”
“You going to be all right missy?” the driver asked.
Natasha nodded at him. “Yes, I will be alright.”
Paying Natasha her fee, Darren also paid the driver. “Alright, please take me to her now.”
To Nick, he said, “Thank you, brother.”
Nick grinned at him and said, “Enjoy your honeymoon, Darren.”
His honeymoon? Ah yes, he was on his way to a cozy inn where he would be alone with his tempting bride. “I believe that I will,” he said with a grin.
Nick guided Natasha back to his carriage. Darren took off in the direction of the inn. His anger was still simmering, although he now understood why his wife had run away from him. He was not ready to excuse her behavior, but he could see why she would be afraid. Darren supposed that in time she would learn he was anything but cold. For now, he was content to let the issue rest. As they got closer to the inn, his desire grew inside of him, until it was a fiery need. It was his wedding night.
Justine rested against the down stuffed pillows on her bed. She had made it all the way to the inn. The only thing she had left to do, is wait for the driver to return tomorrow, and bring her the rest of the way to her Aunt’s house. It would be a long ride and she would need her strength. She was anxious to get the trip over with, before something could go wrong. Her mother’s plan was working perfectly so far.
Thinking back on her wedding day, Justine started to feel an inkling of dread. She had left her parent’s home, where everyone she knew and loved had come to celebrate her marriage. Her wonderful new sister and brother-in-law where sure to know of her escape by now. Erica and Nick had been so good to her, before. What were they thinking of her now? Probably nothing good, she speculated. Justine sighed. It was no use, now. There could be no going back.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. “Who is it?” she called out.
“Towels,” came the male voice.
Justine rose from the bed and opened the door. Her breath whooshed from her body as a strong male presence burst through her door, wrapped his arms around her, trapping her arms against her, and placed his hand over her mouth. Justine looked up in complete shock at the glaring eyes of her handsome husband.
Closing the door behind him with his foot, Darren scowled. “Madam, you have a lot of explaining to do. As much as I would like to throttle you, I will instead do this.” Removing his hand from her mouth, his mouth crashed down on hers with a vengeance. She could feel his anger, his rage, his frustration, as he kissed her. His hands now held the back of her head prisoner, as his tongue plunged inside to take command of hers. He growled deep in his chest and ravished her with pent up longing.
His hands moved from the back of her head to run down her body, then he pulled her hard against him. Justine gripped his shoulders. Darren had always been very reserved when he touched her. He let his control slip as he ravished her mouth now. He was punishing her, but she still ignited at the feel of his strong, solid form against hers. His wonderful mouth was moving over hers, sending hot shivers all over her body.
Justine moaned into his mouth and gave herself over to his kiss. Darren’s mouth gentled on hers and he pressed her melting form into his hard body. His hands roamed over her, caressing her fevered flesh through her clothing. Justine was shaking as his hands and mouth left her aching with desire. Darren kissed his way down her neck. His thigh had moved between hers, and as his mouth placed hot, open, wet kisses against her skin, her hips rocked back and forth on his thigh, eliciting delicious shivers all through her body. She was powerless to stop the movement of her hips against him, and she drove them both into a lustful inferno.
Darren suddenly picked her up over his shoulder and dropped her onto her back on the bed. Crawling on top of her, he took both of her hands in his, and raised them over her head. He pressed them into the coverlet, holding her prisoner. “Soon, I will hear your apology and we will talk about why you are never leaving me again. For now, I am going to make love to you until neither of us can move,” he said. Justine started to argue with him, but before she could get the words out his mouth descended on hers again. He moved in between her thighs and pressed himself hard against her. She gasped against his mouth, as she felt his hard, warm torso pin hers to the bed.
He kissed her with open abandon and she was consumed with urgent need for him. Justine squirmed against him as best as she could, trying to get closer to him. His hands came down to cup her face and her arms went around his back, holding him tightly to her. Darren started to move against her, rubbing
her, and she felt like she would shatter into a million pieces. His hands moved to the bottom of her men’s shirt, and he pulled it off of her, leaving her in just her chemise. When he started removing that too, she tore her mouth from his, and said, “No, Darren! Please don’t.”
Darren raised his head and gazed down at her. She saw desire burning in his eyes and also his concern. He stroked her cheek and his eyes raked over her entire form. “You are so beautiful,” he said, in awe of her. Leaning down to treat her neck to sweetly tormenting kisses, he placed his hand under her chemise and let it lie on her stomach. Justine liked the warm feel of his hand on her skin. The heat of it sent pleasure throughout her body. He slowly moved his hand around on her stomach, driving her wild with pleasure. Darren leaned on his elbow and looked at her, reassuring her with his adoring eyes. He slowly started to lift up her chemise. Justine didn’t want him to see her without her clothing, but she also didn’t want him to stop.
When he had pulled the chemise over her head, Darren moved over her and pressed himself against her. Justine gasped in pleasure at the feeling of his hot skin against hers. His mouth covered hers once more and his tongue mated with hers sweetly, sensually. Making his way down her neck, he reigned passionate kisses all over her chest. Justine’s nipples tightened into sensitive peaks at the feel of his mouth against her skin. Oh, it was Heaven. His lips found her breast and he took her nipple into his mouth. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she chanted his name over and over as he suckled and licked her nipples, each in turn.
Darren continued to make his way down her body and pressed deep kisses against her sensitive, quivering belly. Justine writhed at the glorious sensations his mouth was causing. When he reached the waistline of her pants, he swiftly unbuttoned them, then licked hotly against the skin of her lower abdomen.
He lifted himself off of her to remove her boots and stockings, then her pants and undergarments. Justine knew that she should be stopping him, but what she wanted more than anything was for him to continue touching her. Darren looked down at her as he made quick work of removing his own clothing. His eyes never left hers. The held her gaze captive, she was unable to look at anything other than his intense green eyes, that were locked on her.