Even though Magnolia was terrified, she knew she had to be strong for her aunt’s sake. “Everything is fine, Aunt Dorothy,” she started.
“No, it is not. We are not staying here any longer!” she blurted, standing up. “Mrs. Clarke, start packing our bags. We are moving into Strickland Estate!”
Magnolia couldn’t believe her ears. “Aunt Dorothy! It is not up to that! Why would we need to go to the Strickland Estates?”
“It is definitely more than that. We are leaving! I shall summon Adam immediately! He and his mother were kind enough to allow us to stay if we ever needed to. I say this dire issue is cause for us taking them up on their offer.”
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam got to Richmond Manor as quickly as he could. He was actually relieved, for he had been looking for a way to speak with Magnolia since their last time together.
The letter only said his presence was needed urgently, and so he had come without waiting for any further information.
Adam walked in and was surprised to see Lady Dorothy pacing up and down the floor, clearly disturbed.
“Miss Richmond. What has happened? I came as quickly as I could.”
“Oh, Adam!” the woman cried, turning to him. “The worst has happened.”
His heart sank. “What has happened? Where is Magnolia?”
“She is up in her room and will be down shortly,” the woman replied.
Hearing that she was safe made him relax a bit. “Good. Now, can you please tell me what happened?”
* * *
Miss Magnolia Richmond
As she descended the stairs, Magnolia could hear Aunt Dorothy recounting everything to Adam. Behind her followed Mrs. Clarke, who was carrying her leather case.
On seeing Adam again, Magnolia felt the familiar hotness rush through her entire being and swallowed hard. He walked closer to her and the panic and concern was visible on his face.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
She nodded, suddenly aware of how close they were standing and how much it reminded her of that night. She found herself licking her lips and struggled to regain control.
“You both are welcome to stay at the manor with us, for as long as you like,” he said in a cool voice.
How could his voice sound so seductive at this time? Magnolia knew she had to get a hold of herself, and so she moved away from him and stood closer to her aunt.
“Thank you, my lord,” she replied in a husky voice, avoiding his gaze.
“We had better be on our way,” Aunt Dorothy said. Within minutes, they were traveling down the road to the Strickland Estate.
* * *
Upon their arrival, Mr. Hartley was happy to see Magnolia again. Lady Strickland, Adam’s mother, who was now able to walk, was more than happy to host them.
“At least I will have my friend to take care of me,” she joked, referring to Aunt Dorothy.
“Why not show Magnolia her room, Rosa?” said Adam’s mother to the female servant in the room with them.
“Yes, your ladyship,” the woman replied, and took Magnolia to her room.
Mrs. Clarke then returned to Richmond Manor to take care of the house with the other servants. In her possession was a letter Magnolia had given her for Caroline.
* * *
That evening, Magnolia sat on the edge of her bed. She was exhausted from all that had happened that day and kept thinking of how everything had suddenly changed . . . and of how she would now be living under the same roof with Adam Avery.
They had not had time to talk, and Magnolia knew that Adam would have much to talk about. Neither his mother nor Aunt Dorothy knew the full story yet. She did not want her aunt to know what was really happening, for it would only worsen whatever was currently happening.
While she got settled in with the help of Rosa, a soft knock sounded on the door. Rosa went to open it –
Adam walked in.
“My lord,” Rosa said, with a curtsey.
“Rosa. Do you mind getting me a cup of tea? And also make one for Miss Richmond.”
Rosa nodded and quickly left the room, leaving the door open behind her.
Magnolia knew he had only done that to give them a moment of privacy. She rose to her feet and they stared at each other for some time. The temptation to run to him and bury her head in his chest overwhelmed her.
Adam closed the door to the room. Before she could object, he began to speak. “How are you faring, Magnolia? And tell me truthfully,” he said, as she looked away.
She nodded. “I am here, now, at Strickland Estate. I am sure that nothing ill could happen to me here.”
“How did it happen? Where did that note come from? I find it difficult to understand.”
She shrugged. “I certainly do not understand it myself. One moment, I was in the bath. The next, I was seeing a letter on my dressing table. Mrs. Clarke said she found it beside my pillow.”
“But how could he have gotten so close? If someone sneaked into your room and put the letter on your pillow, do you know the message he is passing? He knows what you are doing. It is a warning to let you know he can harm you at any time.”
“Of course I know that,” she replied, looking away.
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam was worried for Magnolia. Even though she looked tired and terrified, she still had that ‘strong’ look and it made her even more attractive to him.
He fought the urge to pull her into his embrace and make love to her right then and there. At the same time, he wanted to do anything that might comfort her but nothing seemed to help.
He still didn’t know if she hated him for the last time.
Adam moved closer to her, so that they were inches apart.
“We must be more careful. I am worried for you, Magnolia.”
She sighed. “Even though the letter was a warning, I also understand that it means we are getting close to the answers,” she replied. “Else they would not bother with such a thing.”
“Are you still going to keep on digging?” he demanded.
“Of course I am. I cannot stop now…we cannot stop now. And please do not ask me to leave it all to you.”
He sighed. “I cannot lose you, Magnolia. I care about you far too much.”
He hadn’t planned to say that, but it just came out like that. They stared at each other and Adam could see the longing in her eyes.
Adam moved closer. “I cannot lose you,” he said again, in a whisper.
* * *
Miss Magnolia Richmond
Magnolia’s heart thumped so hard that she swore it was audible.
I cannot lose you, Magnolia.
Their eyes met and locked. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as he said those words. She thought of snapping her head away, knowing that if she continued to stare she would get lost in his big blue eyes.
Silently she inhaled and exhaled, hoping that he wouldn’t do what she desperately wanted him to do…yet she needed him…she wanted him…
Magnolia had stopped him the last time and told him not to speak with her again. What was she doing still standing here when she was supposed to run? But she could not. Not with the way every part of her desired his touch.
In that moment, she knew she was spellbound.
He closed the gap between them and brought her lips to his, sending spirals of giddy delight through her. The secret thrilled deep at her very core.
Adam placed a hand around her neck to hold her closer for the kiss. Little tingles seemed to shoot out from the point where their mouths met and a little gasp escaped her. Magnolia clung to him, kissing him wildly, and her world began to blur.
He pushed her gently to the wall and pinned her there with his body, kissing her deeply and ravaging her mouth. She parted her lips for his questing tongue and responded eagerly to his silent, sensual instruction. Their lips moved together, playfully nipping, sucking, caressing . . .
/>
There were footsteps at the door and the sound of the handle turning.
Instantly Magnolia pushed him away, remembering too late the maid who had gone to bring the tea. She turned and faced away, struggling to control herself as the maid came in.
“Here you are, my lord, and Miss Richmond,” Rosa said as she put the tray on the table.
“Thank you, Rosa,” Adam said, clearing his throat. “And I shall see you later, Miss Richmond,” he said to Magnolia before he walked to the table, picked up his cup, and left.
“Are you all right, madam?” Rosa asked.
Magnolia nodded and forced a smile. She suddenly remembered she had yet to write a letter of apology to Nicholas Wilde.
“Rosa, kindly bring me some writing materials.”
Rosa nodded and left. Seeing she was finally alone, Magnolia exhaled loudly and flung herself on the bed. She felt moisture in between her legs and shut her eyes tight, knowing what could have happened if they had not been interrupted.
Chapter 18
Miss Magnolia Richmond
It had been two days since Magnolia and her Aunt Dorothy had moved into Strickland Estate. Caroline came visiting and she allowed Adam to accompany them on their numerous rides. She and Adam got closer yet did not have any private time together.
Magnolia avoided anything that would have had them both in the room alone. She knew what would happen and even though she wanted it, she also dreaded it. She knew Adam to be a rogue and she wasn’t planning to be one of his numerous conquests, no matter how much she wanted him.
At the same time, she kept in touch with Nicholas Wilde. They were all in the parlor that evening when a letter came for her, in the presence of her aunt, Adam, and his mother.
“Miss Richmond,” Rosa said, handing her a letter.
Aunt Dorothy and Lady Strickland were busy talking, so they were not paying attention to her. Or maybe they did know but were just minding their business.
She could feel Adam’s eyes on her as she took the letter from Rosa. Nicholas Wilde had become a very good friend of hers and Magnolia felt that she could trust him.
“I will go up to my room to read this,” she said, and hurried away before anyone could object.
Magnolia ran up the stairs to the peace and quiet of her room, closed the door, and unfolded the letter. It seemed that Nicholas was no longer in the city but would be back later that night for Lady Bareth’s ball which they would all be attending. He said he would see her then and wished her all the best. He also wanted her to be careful.
Then she looked up sharply as the door opened and Adam walked in. He was about to close the door after him when she called out to him. “No, leave it open!” She wasn’t going to be seduced this time – and in that moment became determined to put an end to it.
“Is that from Nicholas Wilde?” he asked.
She could hear the jealousy in his voice and held the letter tight in one hand. “Yes.”
Adam frowned. “Yes?”
Magnolia nodded.
He smiled, but the smile never got to his eyes. “What are you two writing to each other about? Why do you even trust him? How well did you know him, Magnolia?”
“He is my friend. Someone who cares about me and what I am doing. Someone who understands what it means to lose a family.” There was pain in his eyes as he heard that. “You believe I don’t understand you?”
She sighed. “My lord, I….” Magnolia stopped, unable to say anything more as he walked out of the room.
* * *
“You mean, someone wrote that letter and left it in your room?” Nicholas asked, as he and Magnolia walked hand in hand at Lady Bareth’s ball.
She nodded.
“But were you not a bit afraid, Magnolia? Such a person is capable of doing something terrible!”
She shrugged. “I am not afraid. I am more determined than I have ever been.”
“You must be a very brave young woman,” he said, smiling. “I would bet your parents would be proud of you and everything you are doing.”
Magnolia smiled. Lord Longsheer certainly knew how to make her proud of herself. She looked over her shoulder, only to catch Adam’s eyes a short distance away from them. He was talking to a very pretty young woman whose back was turned towards her. They had not come to the ball together. Magnolia had come with her aunt and Adam must have only just arrived.
He was wearing buff trousers that night and was looking very dashing. His brown coat was cut long at the back and his waistcoat was a silver white. His black cravat was tied a la Mathematique across black lining. He’d already tugged at it to destroy the symmetry required of the knot
He was looking very handsome with his hair glistening in the sliver light. Magnolia was vaguely aware that Nicholas Wilde was talking to her, but she wasn’t listening.
She was noticing for the first time how trim Adam’s body was, and how he was an athletic man. Even if he was sitting in a chair or a couch, he was physically intense, just as his eyes were emotionally deep when he let down his guard. His gaze suddenly met hers and her throat went dry.
Magnolia looked away, suddenly uncomfortable as if he’d somehow touched her in a private place.
“Miss Richmond?” Lord Longsheer asked, and she looked at him and smiled – but quickly turned back to see Adam leading the other lady away without looking back.
She felt her heart beating erratically at the thought of catching him kissing some other woman. She didn’t want that! But that was the kind of man Lord Strickland was. He was a rake!
Adam could kiss her now and then go right ahead to kiss some other woman. Why should that bother her? Of course, because she had feelings for him! Stupid feelings! She had also allowed their closeness to get too far. What was she thinking?
“You are clearly distraught,” said Nicholas to her. “Perhaps a distraction will help. May I fill your card for the next dance?”
Magnolia nodded and handed to him her card.
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam watched as the man and Magnolia danced together. He gulped down his drink angrily.
“You should take it easy,” said Richard beside him. “Your jealousy will get you drunk.”
“I am not jealous,” Adam growled in a low tone. “I just don’t trust the man. And I hate that she trusts him.”
Richard sipped his wine. “It is still the same. The question is, why do you not trust him? Is it because she seems to like him?”
Adam couldn’t answer that. There was something about this man that he didn’t really like. No one would understand that.
“How is your investigation going? Or have you put an end to it?” Richard inquired.
“No. We did find some time to go back to the house to search for clues, but there are none yet. We have yet to find James’ journal as well. I do not understand where he must have kept it.”
“It must contain some important information if you’ve been searching for it all this while without coming up with anything.”
“We’ll find it,” Adam said signaling to another footman. “Can we just take a walk? I am afraid if I keep on looking at those two I will be forced to do something I should not do.”
Richard burst into laughter as he followed his friend outside.
* * *
Miss Magnolia Richmond
Magnolia breathed deeply and settled into her bed. They had returned home an hour ago, but without Adam. Since he and his friend decided to leave the hall, she had not seen him.
She tried not to think of how he may have gone to spend time with a lady who was more than willing to have him.
Her mind went back to the time she was dancing with Lord Longsheer, hoping that Adam wouldn’t come and cause a scene like the last time. Fortunately, he did not. She was getting tired of his overprotectiveness, but he was at least keeping it in check.
Magnolia pulled the blanket close to her body. There was no doubt that she missed him. She would
have to get rid of any thoughts of him if she would have a good night’s sleep.
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam entered the house and locked the door behind him. He was exhausted. The whole house was quiet, so he was certain everyone was asleep, including Magnolia.
He had noticed that when she left the ball, the man she was with had seen her off to the carriage. He just wouldn’t let her out of his sight. Who did he think he was?
Because of him, Adam had gotten himself quite drunk and now he had to be prepared for an excruciating headache in the morning.
He rubbed his sleepy eyes and climbed up the stairs. He had just turned towards the left wing that led to his room when he heard a loud scream from Magnolia’s room.
A Mysterious Quest of a Seductive Lady: A Regency Historical Romance Novel Page 13