The Viscount's Salvation (Honorable Rogue Book 3)

by Vikki Vaught

  She removed her bonnet and placed it on her lap. “All right. I think I will try to sleep until our next stop.”

  “That will be for the best. I shall browse my newspaper to while away the time.” Mary leaned her head against the back cushions, then closed her eyes. Within a few minutes, he heard her breathing slow to a steady pace, and her head dropped against his shoulder.

  The sun shone through the window, and strands of red and deep gold intermingled together, giving her brown hair a burnished glow. It was truly lovely, so thick and glossy. His fingers itched to run through her tresses. A lock had worked free and fell against her cheek. He carefully tucked it behind the delicate shell of her right ear. He sat beside her in peaceful contentment as he watched her sleep.

  The weather held, and they reached Birmingham just as the sun was dropping out of sight. Once the chaise had stopped, Cortland helped Mary out, and they went into the inn.

  Wanting to protect her reputation, he registered them as husband and wife under an assumed name. Mary’s eyes widened, but she did not correct him. Fortunately, he was able to procure adjoining rooms with a small sitting room between them. He ordered a bath for her and asked that dinner be sent up in an hour.

  He escorted her upstairs to their rooms. Once inside the sitting room, he placed her valise in the chamber on the right. “Here you are. Your bath will be here shortly. I’ll knock on your door when our dinner arrives.”

  “I appreciate the chance to wash all my travel dirt away. It’s an extravagance, but one I will thoroughly enjoy. I shall see you in a bit.” Then with a grateful smile, she entered her room and closed the door.

  ****

  Mary leaned against the closed door and glanced around the room. A four-poster bed filled much of the area, but there was a dresser and small vanity with a chair as well. A thick, deep gold comforter covered it with several plump pillows at the head. Her travel-weary mind and body wanted to dive under the covers, but she craved a bath even more. A knock at the door startled her, and she called out, “Who is it?”

  “I have yer water for yer bath, ma’am,” a young girl’s voice replied. Mary went over and opened the door. Two male servants carried in a small hip bath and pails of water, a female entering behind them. Once the tub was filled, the men departed. The maid laid a large bathing cloth and a smaller one on the end of the bed and turned to her. “Do ye need help with yer gown?”

  Since her traveling dress fastened in the front, she declined, and the servant curtsied, then left the room. Mary quickly stripped off her garments. Taking the smaller cloth, she applied soap and scrubbed away the dirt. Although she would have loved to wash her hair, that would not be wise since it took hours to dry, and she would not want to appear in front of Cortland in such a state.

  Feeling refreshed after her bath, she contemplated her choices. It did not make sense to put on her soiled traveling gown. Would Cortland think she was too bold if she donned her night rail and dressing gown? After all, he had seen her in her nightclothes the night before. Making up her mind, she went for comfort over modesty once more and put them on, then took a seat at the small dressing table. Before long, she had her badly tangled hair brushed and braided.

  A few minutes later, she heard Cortland knock on her door. As she stepped into his room, the enticing smell of roasted beef permeated the air. He smiled as he offered her his arm. “Our dinner awaits, my lady. Judging by the delicious aroma, we are in for a treat.”

  “I think you’re correct. Now that my stomach has settled, I’m famished,” she replied as he pulled out her chair.

  After she was seated, he went around to the other side of the table and took his seat. He filled a plate with generous servings of beef, roasted potatoes, carrots, and turnips, then poured brown gravy on the food and handed it to her. She thanked him and watched as he filled his plate with twice the amount of food she had.

  He immediately took a huge bite. When he saw her watching him, he chuckled. “Sorry. I lived on barely enough food to survive for such a long time, I’m making up for it now. Although I’ve gained some weight, I’m still down at least another stone from what I weighed before my captivity.”

  Her heart ached for all he had endured. Albeit, it was promising that he could make light of his ordeal. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you. I’ve never experienced a lack of food. I’m pleased to see you eating so heartily.” She cut off a piece of the beef and raised it to her mouth. The meat practically melted on her tongue, it was that tender.

  Both of them ate their meal in companionable silence, and when they were finished, he pushed back from the table. “That was delicious.” He yawned. “I’m so sorry. I must be more tired than I realized. I imagine you must be as well after our long day of travel, and we have two more days of it before we reach our destination. I’m for bed. How about you?”

  She rose from her seat. “I’m more than ready to retire. I promise I will be ready early so we can depart at dawn.”

  He walked her to her door and raised her hand, then kissed her fingers. Tingles raised the hair on her arm at the contact. It was all she could do to keep from shivering. Could she be feeling desire? What else could account for her reaction to his touch?

  He released her hand and smiled. “Goodnight, my dear. I wish you a restful, deep sleep. I shall knock when I awaken, so you will have time to get ready. See you on the morrow.”

  After he opened the door, she stepped through it and smiled back at him as she gently closed it, blocking him from view. Once she was in bed, she yawned and snuggled under the covers. While she had not enjoyed the physical aspect of travel, she had delighted in Cortland’s company. Her eyes grew heavy, and soon they closed as sleep took her away.

  After breakfast the next morning, they set out at a fast pace. That day they traveled further north. The weather remained fair, so the roads were fine. They whiled away the time talking. Cortland told her more of his home, and she was anxious to see it. She talked of her brothers. By the time they stopped for the night in Lancaster, she felt they had gotten to know one another better.

  It was well after dark by the time they arrived at an inn. The full moon and stars burned bright enough to guide their way, so they had pushed on further than they had the first day, which seemed to please Cortland.

  So far, there had been no sign that anyone was following them, so perhaps her father had not sent a Bow Street runner to find her. Although her father would no doubt have hired one, her missive had hopefully sent the runner in the wrong direction.

  The inn where they stopped for the night only had one room available, so as they did on the night they left, Cortland refused to share the bed and slept on the hard floor. His gallantry toward her only made her admiration for him grow even stronger.

  The next day passed much as the day before and the weather held again. On the third eve of their journey, they crossed the border into Scotland with no one the wiser. Her nerves had wound tighter and tighter as they approached the Scottish line, and a sense of doom had settled upon her. She kept expecting a runner to overtake them. Relief rushed through her when the post chaise stopped in front of the blacksmith’s shop.

  Cortland turned to her. “I think it would be best if we wed immediately. After the deed is done, we shall go to the inn for the night and relax.” Her heart sank. He saw their marriage as a task that had to be accomplished, and perhaps, not an enjoyable one. Tears pricked her lids.

  He touched her hand and looked into her eyes. “That came out entirely wrong. I only meant to assure you.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek, and he reached over and brushed it away. Her voice trembled as she whispered, “Perhaps this is a mistake.” What she would do if he agreed, she did not know. The very thought stole her breath.

  “No, not at all,” he proclaimed, his voice coming out strong and earnest. “This marriage will be good for both of us. You help me feel calmer than I’ve felt in years. I promise you…I most assuredly want us to wed. I
know we can be happy together.” He cleared his throat. “Will you make me the happiest of men and become my bride?”

  The sincerity in his eyes sent her heart soaring. Mayhap, he did mean what he had just said. Relieved, she answered him, “You do me a great honor. I would love to become your wife.”

  He leaned close and raised her chin while staring directly into her eyes. Then he gently pressed his lips against hers. While the kiss was brief, it held a wealth of tenderness. He raised his head and gave her an encouraging smile. “Come, let us go inside and join our lives together.”

  Cortland climbed out, then turned and offered her his hand. She placed her trembling one in his, and she stepped out of the carriage. With her heart pounding, she linked her arm with his as they entered the shop.

  A man came forward and welcomed them. Cortland explained that they wanted to wed. The man nodded and led them to an alcove. They joined the blacksmith with the two of them on one side of the anvil, and he on the other.

  The ceremony was quick, but as they recited their vows, they never broke eye contact. Emotion filled their voices as they promised to love, honor, and cherish one another until the end of their days. When the smithy pronounced them husband and wife, Cortland pulled her close and kissed her. Unlike their earlier kiss, this kiss conveyed the promise of more to come, and a thrill of anticipation rushed through her.

  In a blink of an eye, she had become a married woman.

  She was now Mrs. Cortland Wallingford.

  They moved to the counter nearby, and the blacksmith handed them a certificate. After they both signed it, and the record book, Cortland took the parchment from the man, folded it and slipped it into his pocket for safekeeping. After the blacksmith’s wife wished them well, her husband held out his arm, and she slipped her hand with the shiny gold band on her third finger into the bend.

  They walked out of the shop and stepped into the glow of the torch light out front. For better or worse…she had linked her life to his. Life as she had known it had irrevocably changed. Hope filled her heart as her new husband smiled at her, then the postilion opened the door of the post chaise and Cortland helped her climb back inside.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Cortland breathed a sigh of relief once the wheels of the post chaise rolled forward. He was now a married man. When he’d stuck his foot in his mouth, he had almost ruined everything. Obviously, he’d been too long without genteel company, and particularly women. He would have to watch his words, or he would never gain Mary’s affections. And he did want that most desperately. Her strength of character and determination had earned his respect and admiration.

  He reached over and laced his fingers with hers. “Well, Mrs. Wallingford, thank you for becoming my wife.” Gently squeezing her hand, he murmured, “I promise I will never give you any reason to regret our marriage. While we’ve only known each other for a short time, I believe we can be happy together.”

  A shy smile graced her lovely face. “I’ll do my best to be a good wife to you and a good mother to Gerrard and Aimee. I’m eternally grateful to you for saving me from a marriage that could have destroyed me.”

  The post chaise drew to a halt, and the postilion dismounted before Cortland could say anything else. The young man opened the door and he stepped out, then helped Mary down and led her into the coaching inn.

  They stepped in front of the counter, and he rang the bell. A short, rotund man came out from the back. “Welcome to the Black Swan. My name is Mr. McGilfrey. How may I help you?”

  “Good evening. I am Mr. Wallingford,” turning to Mary, he smiled as he touched her hand, “and this is my wife. I would like to engage your best suite of rooms.”

  The jovial fellow chuckled, which shook his round belly. “Ah, I’m guessing you came from the blacksmith’s and are new-married. As it so happens, I do have the bridal suite available, if that will do.”

  Relieved he would be able to provide his bride with a romantic setting for their wedding night, he said, “That would do nicely. We are weary from our travels. Please send up dinner and a bottle of your finest wine in half an hour.”

  “Certainly, sir.” The innkeeper touched the bell and a little dumpling of a woman came bustling out. “My wife will show you to the suite.”

  The little woman clasped her hands to her ample breasts. “Oh, congratulations. I wish you many wonderful years of happiness. Please follow me, and I will take you to your rooms.” Cortland moved to pick up their valises. “No need, sir,” the kind woman told him. “Our son will bring them up for you.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. McGilfrey,” Cortland replied. The innkeeper rang the bell again and a youth ran from the back. After finding out what room they were in, he grabbed the bags and rushed up the stairs.

  The innkeeper’s wife led them up the narrow set of stairs. Once they were on the next floor, he again clasped Mary’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, then commented to the little woman, “I imagine you get quite a few couples who have come here to get married.”

  “We do, being so close to the blacksmith’s shop and all,” she replied, as she led them to the third door on the right and opened it. “Here you are, our finest suite.”

  Up to this point, Mary had remained quiet, letting him do all the talking. He found her quiet demeanor soothing. Looking over at her, he smiled. “After you, my dear.”

  Mary followed Mrs. McGilfrey inside. “Oh, my, what a lovely room.” She smiled at the woman. “We will be quite comfortable here.”

  While he was no judge of décor, he could still appreciate the well-appointed room with a comfortable-looking, deep green sofa in front of the hearth, and the soft, thick carpet beneath his feet. “I agree with my wife. Thank you for showing us to our rooms, Mrs. McGilfrey.” He pulled a couple of coins from his pocket and handed them to her. “Please see that your son gets one of these.”

  The woman beamed. “Thank you, Mr. Wallingford. My son will be most appreciative. My daughter will be up with your dinner shortly. Please, if you need anything at all, just let us know.” After she curtsied to both of them, she left them alone.

  Cortland glanced at Mary. “Shall we explore?”

  She nodded and he led her to the door on the other side of the room. He opened it for Mary and she went in, then he followed her inside. The room had a large four-poster oak bed, a matching dresser, and a small oak dressing table as well. Their valises sat by the door that led to the hall.

  Mary walked over to the bed and touched the white coverlet. “Goodness, this is filled with goose down. It will certainly keep us warm.” Then she blushed a deep rose. She was probably remembering that this was their wedding night. He wished he could set her mind at ease.

  He would have liked to give her time to adjust before introducing her to the delights of the marriage bed. She deserved wooing, not a hurried affair. Unfortunately, he could not. He picked up his valise to take with him and said, “Please, avail yourself of the water while we wait for dinner to be brought up. I’ll just step into the sitting room so you can have your privacy.”

  She cast her eyes downward, obviously too shy to meet his. “Thank you, Cortland. I shall not take long. Then I will join you.”

  After she closed the door, he went to the hearth and added another log, then took a seat on the sofa. Mary was such an innocent. It would be so important to take it slow and allow desire to build before he entered her for the first time. It was well over two years since he’d last lain with a woman, and she had been a woman wise to the world.

  The only virgin he’d ever taken was a dairymaid when he was seventeen. Even though the woman had been five years older than he and had thrown herself at him, he should have resisted the temptation. To this day he carried guilt over that.

  At least, he’d had some experience since then, so he would not fumble around like he had as a green lad. He knew how to touch a woman to flame her desires, but that was with widows, not a virgin. The thought of having to take her maidenhead had him breaking out i
n a cold sweat. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his damp brow.

  Would a gently bred young lady enjoy lovemaking? He’d heard some women did not. Oh, Lord, he hoped that would not be the case with Mary. He knew he would be able to perform, if their earlier kiss was any indication. He had wondered if he could. Up until he met her, he had not felt any kind of sexual stirring in well over a year. Just remembering how soft and lush her mouth was had his cock growing hard.

  Mary had an enticing mouth with a cupid’s bow upper lip and a full lower one that begged to be kissed. While she was slender, he’d caught a glimpse of her curves the other night when she had her night rail on. Her breasts were small, but pert. Her hips were gently rounded, and she had a tiny waist. He needed to stop thinking of her, or he would never make it through dinner. He went to his valise and pulled out his newspaper, and settled on the sofa once more. Hopefully, this would keep him distracted until their meal arrived.

  ****

  Mary watched as the door closed behind Cortland. While she was intrigued by what would happen after dinner, another part of her was terrified. It was one thing to read about the sexual act in a book, but quite another to actually experience it. Perhaps she should ask him to put off the bedding until they had a chance to get to know each other better. After all, they have only known each other a week. Surely it would not hurt to wait a few weeks. Her hand flew to her mouth and she groaned.

  Good Lord, what was I thinking!

  I barely know this man.

  Then she remembered the alternative to marrying him, and that he was Anissa’s brother, and her racing heart slowed down a bit. Cortland was definitely an honorable man. She recalled her conversation with Kathleen, and while her friend had made the sexual coupling sound enjoyable, she was still nervous. Her friend did say to trust Cortland. She would put her faith in his honor. She would ask him to wait.