The Inheritance

by Joan Johnston

  “I can’t.” The words were torn from Nicholas and gave away far more of his feelings than he wished. “I have to know, Charles. I have to know.”

  “All right, then. What can I do to help?”

  Nicholas’s lip curled in a rueful smile. “I’m not sure. I guess I need to get a list of everyone living in the vicinity at the time and then find out who was visiting them. Who would be most likely to know all that?”

  “My mother would know. She’s living in the dower house. And your aunt, Lady Celeste. The Reverend Golightly has been here since before we were born. He would have some idea. And there’s the squire’s wife, Mrs. Templeton. She’s the busiest gossip in the county. You could get a list from each of them and compare.”

  “I had hoped to be a little more subtle than that.”

  “Why?”

  “It has occurred to me that someone might have maliciously slandered my mother.”

  “Good God! You mean someone lied to your father? But why? What purpose would it serve?”

  “I have no idea,” Nicholas admitted. “But I intend to find out.”

  “With the exception of Mrs. Templeton, you could count on the people I’ve named to be discreet. A list from each of them would give you a place to start. If there is a villain out there somewhere, maybe it wouldn’t hurt if he heard you were looking for him. Maybe he would do something to give himself away.”

  Just like the outlaws he had hunted in the West, Nicholas thought. “All right. If you’ll approach your mother and the reverend, I’ll speak to my aunt. Let’s forget about Mrs. Templeton for now. I’d rather the whole parish didn’t know my business.”

  “Done. Now we’d better be getting back. Priss will be wondering what’s happened to me.”

  Nicholas reached out and caught the bridle on the earl’s horse. “There’s one more thing we need to discuss.”

  Charles waited patiently for Nicholas to speak.

  “My son. And your daughter.”

  The earl’s face hardened, and his body stiffened. “There’s nothing to discuss.”

  “I hadn’t figured you for the sort of man who judges a person by who his parents are. Otherwise, you wouldn’t—couldn’t—be my friend,” Nicholas said in a warning voice.

  “I have to think of my daughter,” the earl said.

  “And I’m thinking about my son,” Nicholas responded coolly. “It isn’t Colin’s fault I didn’t marry his mother. He’s a good boy, Charles. And after all, I’m not suggesting the two of them marry.”

  “I should hope not!”

  “But there’s no reason I can see why they can’t enjoy each other’s company.”

  “Except that he’s a bastard.”

  “So am I. Does that mean I’m not welcome in your house?” Nicholas challenged.

  “That’s ridiculous,” the earl said. “You’re Severn.”

  “And a bastard, like my son.”

  “You don’t know that,” the earl argued.

  “Nevertheless, I don’t understand the logic that allows one bastard under your roof, but not another.”

  “When you put it that way, I suppose it does sound absurd. Is Roanna safe with Colin? I mean, he’s not likely to fall in love with her and start making improper advances or anything like that, is he?”

  From what Nicholas had seen and heard, Colin was well on his way to being in love with Lady Roanna. But he wasn’t about to betray his son to the earl. For a moment Nicholas wondered if he was doing the right thing talking Charles into allowing the two young people to see each other. What if Colin’s infatuation with Lady Roanna didn’t pass? What if Colin decided he wanted to marry the earl’s daughter? Nicholas knew the earl would never allow it. His son would be devastated, and likely Lady Roanna would be hurt, as well.

  He was not a prophet. He couldn’t foresee the future. He could only do what he thought was right at the moment and hope everything turned out for the best. So he said, “At least let Colin visit. You and the countess can keep an eye on the two of them. If Colin oversteps the bounds you set, you can put a stop to things.”

  Charles frowned so that his brows met above his nose. “I don’t know, Nick. That sounds like playing with fire to me.”

  Nicholas grinned. “Playing with fire was always what we did best, as I recall. Where’s your spirit of adventure?”

  “I left it behind when I became a father. Speaking of which, I have some good news to impart. I’m about to become a father for the second time.”

  “Your wife is expecting? Congratulations!” Nicholas held out his hand, and Charles shook it.

  “Come on back and meet Priss, and we’ll have a drink to celebrate.” Charles kneed his horse, and the two men began the ride back to the house.

  “I’d settle for some breakfast,” Nicholas said. “Daisy dragged me away from mine for the ride over here.”

  “Daisy’s at Rockland Park?”

  “I presume she’s still there. We rode over together this morning. By the way, you may felicitate me, as well.”

  “What are you celebrating?”

  “Daisy has agreed to become my wife.”

  The earl jerked reflexively on his reins, and his mount reared. It took him a moment to get the Thoroughbred under control. “I don’t think I heard you correctly. Daisy Windermere has agreed to marry you?”

  Nicholas grinned. “She did. In three weeks, after the banns are read.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Charles marveled.

  “What’s so surprising?”

  “You know she can’t have children,” Charles said cautiously.

  “She mentioned it,” Nicholas said. “But it doesn’t matter. I have my heir.”

  “Colin? But he can’t inherit the title.”

  “To hell with the title. It doesn’t matter to me.”

  “I don’t understand you, Nick. I think maybe you have changed since I knew you last.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You forget who you’re speaking to, Nick. I played with you and your cousins too many times not to know how much you loved Severn Manor. And how envious you were of Tony that he would be able to live there—‘forever and ever’ I believe were your exact words—because he would be the next duke.”

  Nicholas felt his ears burning. “That was a long time ago, Charles. I plan to sell Severn Manor, just as soon as I make a few changes in the place so it will bring a better price.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Nick. I was looking forward to us being neighbors.”

  “We can enjoy the time we have,” Nicholas said.

  “How long is that?”

  Nicholas shrugged. “Till spring maybe.”

  “Where will you go then? Back to America?”

  “Yes.”

  “And Daisy? Will she be going to America, as well?”

  “Daisy and I have an understanding.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She’ll be staying at Severn, in the dower house,” Nicholas said.

  “How can you leave your wife like that?”

  “I don’t have any use for a wife, Charles. What Daisy and I have agreed to is a marriage of convenience. When it’s no longer convenient, we’ll part.”

  “You are a bastard, Nick,” the earl said in disgust. “How can you use a woman like that?”

  “It’s easy,” Nicholas said in a harsh voice. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

  They had arrived back at Rockland Park, and a groom hurried up to take the reins as they dismounted.

  Tension filled the air as they stepped inside the house and headed for the library. Charles sent a servant to find his wife and the duchess and ask them to come to the library. When the two men were behind closed doors once again, the earl turned to Nicholas and said, “I feel sorry for you, Nick. For you and Daisy both.”

  “Don’t waste your time,” Nicholas said. “Daisy and I will be just fine.”

  “You and Daisy will be just fine doing what?” Priss asked a
s she entered the library.

  Daisy entered the library right behind Priss, but she stayed near the door in case she needed to make a quick escape.

  Priss walked to Charles and lifted her cheek for his kiss.

  “This is my wife, Priscilla, Countess of Rotherham,” Charles said, making the introduction to Nicholas.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Nicholas said.

  “And you,” Priss said with a smile. “I hope you’ll call me Priss, because I just know we’re going to be great friends.”

  Nicholas raised a skeptical brow but didn’t contradict her.

  Priss turned to the earl, looped her arm through his, and said, “What have you two been doing that kept you away so long?”

  “The duke and I were enjoying a short ride together.” He turned to Daisy and said, “By the way, I’ve changed my mind about Mr. Calloway. He’s welcome to visit Rockland Park any time.”

  Daisy’s glance shot to Nicholas. So that was why he had wanted to come here today. To help his son. It seemed strange for her barbarian to do such a kindness. It gave her pause and forced her to look at the duke with new eyes. “Have you told Nicholas the good news?” Priss asked her husband.

  “I have.”

  “I’ve asked Daisy to be godmother, and she’s agreed,” Priss said excitedly. “Did you ask His Grace?”

  There was a long silence as Nicholas and Charles exchanged glances. “No, I haven’t,” Charles said evenly.

  “Well, for heaven’s sake. What did you two talk about?” Priss turned to Nicholas and said, “Charles and I want you to be godfather to our child.”

  “I see.” Nicholas did see. At some point the earl had decided Nicholas wasn’t going to be such a good godfather after all. And in that case, he had to forgo the pleasure—and the responsibility—despite Priss’s offer. “I wish I could say yes, Priss, but I’ve been telling Charles that I’m not going to be in England long enough to stand in that role.”

  “You’re not?” Priss exclaimed.

  “I’ll be returning to America in the spring.”

  Priss turned to Daisy, who was still standing by the door. “Oh, Daisy. I didn’t know you’d be going to America!”

  “I’m not,” Daisy managed to say.

  Priss looked from Daisy to Nicholas in confusion. “But … aren’t you two getting married?”

  “We are,” Daisy said. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet that it’s a marriage of convenience.”

  “Of convenience? That’s terrible! You can’t do it, Daisy. I won’t let you,” Priss said, bustling over to her friend and linking their arms. “You are a barbarian, Your Grace, if you can treat Daisy like that.”

  Nicholas raised a brow. “I never claimed otherwise, ma’am.”

  “Charles, do something,” Priss urged. “Speak to His Grace. Make him change his mind.”

  “I’ve already had a talk with Nick,” Charles said. “It seemed to me that his mind’s pretty well made up.”

  “There has to be something we can do,” Priss said.

  “You can mind your own business,” Nicholas said.

  “Watch how you speak to my wife.” The earl’s voice was sharp, his body tensed for action.

  Nicholas smiled ruefully. “It was only a suggestion.”

  Charles grimaced. “And not a bad one, I must say. Priss, I think we have to let the duke and duchess make up their own minds what’s best for them.”

  “Charles, how can you defect to Nicholas’s side like that?” Priss wailed. “Can’t you see Daisy needs our help?”

  “Do you need help, Daisy?” Charles asked.

  Daisy freed herself from Priss’s grasp. “I appreciate what both of you are trying to do, but His Grace and I have discussed the matter thoroughly. We’ve arrived at a decision that suits us both. I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you, Priss,” she said as she faced her friend.

  “Oh, Daisy, no!” Priss cried. “I’ll accept whatever you decide, truly I will. Only I don’t approve. I don’t think I can. But I promise not to say another word.” She glanced significantly at Nicholas. “To either of you. And now,” Priss said, “I think we should all sit down and have a nice hot cup of tea.”

  “I can’t stay,” Nicholas said. “I’ve got work that needs to be done on the estate. Daisy?”

  “I’ll ride back with you,” she said. “There are some other matters we need to discuss.”

  Priss crossed to Charles, and he slipped an arm around her waist. “You will come back soon, won’t you? Both of you?” she said.

  “We’ll be back,” Daisy assured her friend. She eyed Nicholas, but he neither confirmed nor denied her statement.

  “I’ll take care of that little matter we discussed,” Charles said to Nicholas.

  “Thanks. Let me know what you find out.”

  “I’ll send word when I know anything.”

  A moment later Daisy and Nicholas were gone.

  Priss turned to her husband and said, “What is it you’re doing for His Grace?”

  “It’s nothing,” Charles said. “Some business that’s long overdue.”

  “It’s nice of you to help him,” Priss said.

  “I hope he can handle whatever he uncovers,” Charles murmured.

  “What’s that, dear?”

  “Nothing. Have I told you today how beautiful you are, my love?”

  Priss smiled. “Why no, Charles. I don’t believe you have.”

  The earl slowly tugged his wife into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. “Then it’s time I did.”

  7

  Daisy held her mount to a slow trot, and the duke kept pace with her. It was easier—and safer—discussing matters with Nicholas on horseback, Daisy mused, because that way there was no chance he could corner her. She had no intention of allowing herself to be compromised before her wedding day, and she wasn’t certain she could trust Nicholas not to seduce her. The situation was especially dangerous because she knew herself to be vulnerable to his seduction.

  Not that she didn’t chide herself endlessly for her attraction to the duke. She simply couldn’t help it. When she looked at Nicholas, she felt not only the irritation and aggravation natural under the circumstances, but also the first stirrings of arousal. She was in an untenable predicament, but one from which there was no escape. At least not one that she could see.

  “I thought we could visit a few of the tenants,” Daisy said. “You could meet them and judge for yourself their reaction to your suggestions for change.”

  “It doesn’t matter whether they like the changes or not,” Nicholas said. “They’re going to be made.”

  Daisy forced herself to remain outwardly calm, but her horse curveted, sensing her agitation. She brought the Thoroughbred under control and turned to Nicholas. “It is precisely that overbearing, callous attitude they will expect, Your Grace,” Daisy said. “Which is why they will be disinclined to cooperate with you.”

  “I don’t intend to indulge them, ma’am,” Nicholas said, returning her icy formality with his own. “It’s my understanding that the duke’s word is law.”

  “People have been known to break harsh laws,” Daisy retorted.

  Nicholas’s gray eyes turned cold and dangerous. “If they try, they’ll have me to answer to.”

  “What are you going to do? Shoot them?” Daisy said with a sneer of derision. “I understand you’ve done a great deal of killing in America. You’ll find that sort of behavior won’t be tolerated here!”

  Nicholas yanked Daisy off her horse and into his lap so fast she didn’t have time to protest. No Englishman would have dared accost a lady in such a manner. But, of course, Nicholas didn’t play by civilized rules. He had his own code of conduct, which meant that he did as he pleased.

  “Put me down!” Daisy said as she struggled in his arms.

  “Be still, or I’ll drop you.”

  “Let me go!” Daisy insisted.

  She should have known better. The scound
rel let her go.

  Daisy landed in a flurry of skirts on the grassy ground. She lay stunned for a moment, uncertain whether she was seriously hurt, or whether she had simply had the wind knocked out of her. A moment later two booted feet appeared in front of her.

  “Are you hurt?”

  “It would serve you right if I were. I’d see you spent time in gaol for assault! That is, if they put dukes in gaol. They probably wouldn’t dare, because you’d give them some story that turned everything around so this was all my fault. Only I haven’t done anything!”

  “You’re fine,” Nicholas said with a chuckle, “if you’ve got enough wind for a tirade like that.”

  “I hate you!” Daisy said. “I truly despise you!”

  “Yeah, it sure as hell looks that way.” Nicholas grabbed Daisy by one arm and hauled her to her feet. Her hat had fallen off and pulled a few of the pins from her hair, so the copper mass tumbled magnificently around her shoulders. Her face was flushed, and her green eyes flashed with fury. She had never looked more delectable.

  She opened her mouth to scold him again, and Nicholas covered it with his own. Daisy struggled for a moment, but he wasn’t about to let her go. He would show her who would be master in his house. He wasn’t going to let a fiery redhead dictate to him. Not even if she was a duchess.

  His mouth was hard on hers, but it wasn’t until he tasted blood that he realized how ruthlessly he was kissing her. He raised his head and stared into her wounded eyes, stunned at the feral behavior she had provoked in him. He hadn’t cared enough about a woman to become enraged by one. Yet Daisy had provoked him to act like a savage.

  For a moment he felt remorse. He almost let her go. Until he realized there was something else besides brutality in his kiss. There was need, a desperate need that she fulfilled, a craving that only she could satisfy.

  He lowered his head once more, watching her eyes drift closed as he sought out her mouth with his own. His lips met hers in the softest of caresses, and his tongue slid out to soothe the hurt he had done. Her lips were pliant, surrendering to his plunder. But his need was too great for gentle kisses. His hands slid down, and he pulled her close as his tongue urgently stroked her mouth.

  Nicholas found it impossible to catch his breath. He had never wanted a woman like he wanted Daisy. Never needed a woman like he needed her. He would surely die if he couldn’t have her.