“And she sought you out after all these years?” Accusation filled his father’s words.
“Mrs. Warren does not know I am aware of her identity,” Carter confessed. “I will not speak of it, and neither will you,” he added. “When Lucinda is prepared to trust me, she will reveal the truth.”
The baron shook his head in disbelief. “You would begin a marriage knowing your wife practices a deception?”
“It is not a deception,” Carter added adamantly. “Lucinda has not forgiven herself for her part in the colonel’s demise, and until she does, she will not speak of her role in the colonel’s inability to lead his men.”
“The woman should be thankful you saved her father’s reputation,” Blakehell asserted.
Carter turned his father’s comment. “And I mean to save Lucinda’s reputation by keeping all her secrets.”
Blakehell snorted his disapproval. “There are other secrets? I should have known.”
“Oh, Mrs. Warren’s secrets are aplenty.” Carter laughed ironically. “To begin, Lucinda is not Mrs. Warren. Oh, it is true she married Matthew Warren, but the good captain omitted one vital fact. He had married Simon’s mother some two years prior to his pronouncing his vows with Lucinda Rightnour–a fact of which Mrs. Warren was unaware until Simon appeared upon her doorstep. Yet, despite the complete betrayal of Captain Warren, Lucinda has opened her heart to the boy, who is the child of a Sephardic Jew and an Ashkenazic one.”
“You mean to say the Warrens hid their race to insinuate their way into English society?”
“The Warrens are not the first to do so,” Carter warned. “It is time, Father. England is changing: Its shores are teaming with many nationalities.”
“And you plan to keep the confidences of a woman who has seen too much of the world to be an asset to your career? And worse, you mean to make her Lady Lowery!”
“I do,” Carter said simply. “As I keep your secrets–keep our family secrets, I will do the same for Lucinda.”
The baron blustered, “What secrets do you think we Blakehells have?”
“Secrets of your father…” Carter taunted. In reality, he did not know the reasons for his father’s obsession with titles and land, but he was certain with a bit of investigation he could discover the truth. He would begin with the papers the baron left for Lawrence when his parents sailed for the Continent. He meant to “persuade” Blakehell to accept the futility of his objections to Mrs. Warren. Carter would use all the resources he had at his disposal to change the baron’s opinion.
“What of my father?” Blakehell asked suspiciously.
He countered, “No one has an exemplary family tree.”
“Yet, this woman brings nothing to the marriage but scandal. Surely, you can see the foolhardiness of your choice,” the baron protested.
Carter bit back the caustic remark on the tip of his tongue. “True. Mrs. Warren has rumors of scandal surrounding her, which will make Lucinda more interesting to the ton. Many of the beau monde will clamber for the connection. Yet, she has more ‘persuasive’ qualities which you should consider.”
“Such as?” His father said skeptically.
“Lucinda is the niece of the Earl of Charleton, a powerful associate of Lord Sidmouth. In addition, she has a sizeable dowry, which would more than turn Huntingborne Abbey into a showcase, and as Charleton’s only relative, Lucinda’s issue–our issue–will inherit the earldom.”
“Impossible,” Blakehell declared.
“I have the information from Charleton. The earl’s current heir is a distant cousin, who happens to be older than Gerhard Rightnour. Even if the cousin would outlive Charleton, there are no other males available. Lucinda’s son would be the heir apparent. Just think, Father, your grandchildren will not only control the barony, which you have nourished, but they will inherit two viscountcies and two earldoms.” Carter knew he had struck a familiar chord because his father twitched with anticipation.
“If the cousin dies before Charleton, you could act as the boy’s regent until your son reaches his majority.” Carter wanted nothing from the earldom. He meant to teach his son of the baronetcy first, but he liked the idea of his oldest accepting the earldom and the possibility of the younger son receiving his title. Perhaps he had a bit of his father’s conniving in his blood, after all.
“We will face that particular possibility if it becomes a reality,” Carter declared. “For now, I wish to claim Mrs. Warren and rid her of that hateful moniker. I beg you to accept my decision with magnanimity. I know it was not your wish, but I do care deeply for the woman. She will serve me well as Lady Lowery.”
The baron rose stiffly. “You are of age,” he said judiciously, “and I have never been able to reason you from a decision.” He extended his hand to Carter, and Carter gladly accepted it. “As always, the baroness and I will extend our support.”
With his father’s exit, Carter managed a short nap prior to Mrs. Warren’s arrival. Bella escorted Lucinda into his room with the announcement of how she meant to chaperone their time together.
Carter lifted a shoulder in a noncommittal shrug. “I hold no objection to your playing chaperone,” he said easily, “but you will permit Mrs. Warren and me a few moments of privacy prior to assuming your post.”
Bella’s hands fisted at her waist. “You must realize, Carter, I cannot go against the baroness’s wishes.”
“Arabella,” he said calmly, “a man requires a quiet moment when he speaks his devotion to a woman, and I mean to claim mine even if I must tell my mother how Lord Stafford and I came upon Law’s unconscious body.”
Bella’s eyes sharpened into a deadly glare. “I have never liked you, Carter Lowery,” she declared petulantly.
“And yet, I hold you in deepest regard,” he said with a smile.
Bella rolled her eyes in disbelief. “I shall be outside the door,” she said grudgingly. “No more than a quarter hour.”
When Bella disappeared, Carter motioned Lucinda to sit beside him on the bed’s edge. He caught her hand in his. “I pray you suffered no injuries,” he said when she settled her weight next to his. The customary heat returned, and Carter tugged her closer.
“A few scratches and bruises,” Lucinda said with a blush. “Lord Godown dropped me over the side of the terrace into the garden.” The marquis had explained how he had pursued her to the balcony, how he had delivered a knife to Dylan Monroe’s neck before Lord Lexford had shot the man, and how he and Lucinda had followed Carter and the elder Monroe.
“The marquis spoke highly of your bravery,” Carter shared.
Again, she flushed with color. “I thought to call upon Lady Godown if you think she would accept my attentions. I wish to extend my gratitude to His Lordship for his assistance.”
“If you mean to call upon Grace Crowden, you should do so by week’s end. The Crowdens return to Staffordshire. The marquis is not one for notoriety.”
Lucinda laughed lightly, and Carter found it a delightful sound. He meant to hear it often in their lives. “I would not imagine the possibility for Lord Godown made a very public declaration of his affection for his wife. The ton must be atwitter with the news.”
Cater looked confused. “When was this?” No one mentioned the incident when his friends called earlier.
“It came after the marquis and I argued over whether to give chase. I said you must know my opinions…” She stammered to a halt. “Then…then His Lordship turned to the crowded ballroom to speak his deep regard for Lady Godown. Much in the way of Romeo and Juliet, but in reverse. The marquis was on the balcony and his lady in the middle of the dance floor.” She sighed a romantic sigh, another sound Carter wished directed at him. “In truth, if what I observed of the marquis’s handling of a knife speaks of Lord Godown’s ability with a sword, few would dare to tease him.”
Carter chuckled. “Your assumption is most astute, my Dear. Godown and Kerrington are both unequaled with a blade.” He reached for Lucinda, capturing the nape
of her neck with his free hand. “And now to the crux of our time together.” He nudged her closer for he meant to kiss her once he proposed. “I recall professing my love,” he said softly, “but you deserve a proper proposal: Lucinda Rightnour, would you do me the great honor of accepting my hand in marriage.”
Surprisingly, her forehead scrunched up in confusion. “Why did you use Rightnour?”
Carter frowned also. He had expected her positive response. “Because we both know you were never a Warren and because I mean to drive the captain from your memory.”
Lucinda worried her bottom lip. “You know the majority of my secrets, but before I extend my agreement to your proposal, I must share one last truth. My telling may cause you to have second thoughts. If so, I wish you to know you may withdraw without censure.”
“Speak on,” Carter said evenly. He expected her confession regarding her presence at Waterloo, but he had not thought to know Captain Warren’s true deceit.
“My husband,” she began, and Carter shifted nervously. “Matthew…he kept his marriage vows to Sadia Cotto.”
The lines above Carter’s brows deepened. “I do not understand what you wish me to know.”
“Do you recall…recall our first kiss?” she asked awkwardly.
He confessed, “Quite vividly. I clung to the memory for many weeks.”
She smiled weakly at him. “It was…it was my first kiss.”
Carter thought of the kiss. She had not been exceptionally experienced, but, in truth, he had celebrated the opportunity to teach her what pleased him. He certainly could not claim the reputation for womanizing that had hounded Gabriel Crowden, Brantley Fowler, or to a lesser extent James Kerrington, but he knew a woman enjoyed the foreplay of kissing. Suddenly, what she shared slapped him across the cheeks like an icy rain. “Your first kiss?” he asked suspiciously.
“Yes.” Her eyes remained downcast.
“No kiss from Captain Warren? Ever?”
“No.”
“It is not unusual for a man not to kiss his wife other than during conjugal relations. Not even then?”
Her color deepened, and she looked away. “Not even then.”
Carter pulled her to lie upon his chest. She sobbed silently. In comfort, he stroked her back. “No kisses and no conjugal visits,” he said in disbelief. “Even after two years of marriage, you are an innocent.”
She rasped, “Are you disappointed?”
Carter bit back his retort, one directed at the late captain, rather than her. “Disappointment is not a word to describe my thoughts. I assure you there is not a man alive who would not wish to be the first to claim you as his wife. In truth, it has taken several long self-chastisements to accept the fact you had previously known another, and I am delighted to discover I have no reason for disdain. What troubles me is how selfish Captain Warren was. He robbed you of a proper marriage, as well as having neglected his obligations to Simon’s mother. What could he have thought would happen when the war ended? Did he expect to live with both you and Miss Cotto? If I could bring Captain Warren to life again, I would see him drawn and quartered for his many offenses.”
Lucinda said quietly, “You shall not be dissatisfied if I do not know how to proceed.”
“You need only to do what feels natural,” Carter assured. “In the marriage bed, we will feel no shame in what we share.”
Lucinda raised her head to look upon him. She was quite beautiful, with long, thick lashes, silky-soft skin and full lips. “Such as?”
Carter smiled easily. Her purely innocent question brought images of them naked together. “First, you must accept my proposal; then I will provide you a taste of bliss.”
“Oh, yes, Carter. I can think of nothing I wish more than to become your wife.”
Carter claimed her mouth. He had wanted her for what felt forever, and now she belonged to him. Fierce need had him deepening the kiss; his hand sliding up her waist so his fingers might graze the underside of her breasts. The image of her mesmerizing eyes had remained with him for the past two years, and with their joining, Carter could lose himself in their depths without censure. Her vulnerability tugged at Carter’s natural need to protect.
Desire flooded his mind. He was lying in bed with the woman he loved–her mouth pressed to his and her hands stroking his chest and arms. It was like nothing Carter had ever thought possible. True, her delectable body fired his blood, but Lucinda was more than simply a desirable woman: She was intelligent, resourceful, and compassionate. More importantly, she made him forget about his responsibilities to anything but her. Claiming Lucinda Warren would be the pinnacle of his life.
A light tap on the door warned him Bella meant to return, and Carter reluctantly released her mouth and nudged Lucinda to a seated position. Having but one mobile arm hampered his efforts, and Bella entered while they still clung to each other.
“I assume Mrs. Warren accepted your proposal,” Bella said cautiously.
“And I assume you wish my lady as your new sister?” Carter countered.
Bella smiled largely. “Decidedly so. Now straighten your appearances before Lord Charleton and the baron join us. I believe the gentlemen are negotiating in your names.”
It had been the four longest months of his life. From his mid-September proposal to her mid-October departure for Lancashire, Carter had floated through the days. He had escorted his betrothed on picnics, riding through the park, outings to museums, exhibitions, and lectures, as well as the “required” appearances at the theatre, balls, and musicales. With each, Carter had stolen kisses, claiming he required a supply of memories to bolster his spirits in Lucinda’s absence.
He had purposely taken additional liberties to acquaint Lucinda with the feel of his body near hers–to build her trust in him, but never once had Carter placed her in a situation where Lucinda might question his motives. He had come to realize how Captain Warren had ripped away every layer of self-confidence Lucinda possessed as an appealing woman. It was Carter’s mission to undo the damage.
After her departure, they had written frequently, several times per week. Carter had become accustomed to ending his days with thoughts of her while sitting at the small desk in his suite at the family townhouse.
Ernest Hutton had traveled to London prior to Louisa’s lying in, bringing word of Carter’s oldest sister’s disapproval of his choice of brides, although both Delia and Maria had applauded his actions.
“Ignore Lady McLauren,” Arabella had declared when she learned of Louisa’s vituperation. “Louisa thinks only of titles and connections. I suspect she is more like the baron than any of your siblings.” His sister in marriage wrote her own letter to Lucinda, sharing the townhouse’s study with Carter while Lawrence tended to business. Her pregnancy was quite evident, and as was customary, she had withdrawn from social engagements. His brother meant to return to Blake’s Run at week’s end. “Thankfully, Hutton adores Louisa, and she is quite attached to Lord McLauren. However, sometimes I wonder if another man of equal or higher rank had proposed first if Louisa might not have accepted the title before the man.”
Carter chuckled lightly. Bella had always n her mind, and she remained a most excellent foil for Louisa’s manipulations. “My oldest sister prefers to laud over us how she is a countess and even outranks Lawrence.”
Arabella sniffed in disbelief. “Even Delia and Maria as viscountesses outrank Lawrence, but my husband remains the head of the family. Delia and Maria understand the social structure, while Louisa attempts to bend it to her own devices. Lady McLauren is shortsighted: A woman carries her husband’s title, not the reverse, as Louisa would like the world to believe.”
Carter wondered what Louisa would do when she discovered his son would outrank hers. Charleton’s title could be traced back some five hundred years, where McLauren’s was only a hundred and fifty years in existence. The future Earl of Charleton would take precedence over Ethan Hutton. In many ways, he viewed the possibility as a satisfying reality. It w
ould also mean Lucinda, as the child’s mother, would hold more sway in Society, even as the wife of a baronet, than would Louisa.
With Bella and Law’s withdrawal and the approaching winter months, Carter settled into a routine. He had made several journeys to Kent to order additional repairs for his estate, in preparation for bringing his wife to Huntingborne in late January. They had chosen 14 January as the date of their joining. At first, Charleton had resisted Carter’s suggestion of Linton Park as the location, but a personal note from Worthing’s father, the Earl of Linworth, had explained the significance of the chapel to Carter and the others, and Charleton had relented.
Finally, the day had arrived, and he waited anxiously for the Charleton coach to appear upon the Linton circle. “You will wear a hole in Lady Linworth’s Persian rug,” Lexford teased. Only the viscount and the marquis had accepted Carter’s invitation to attend his nuptials. The Wellstons were expecting their first child in March, and the Earl of Berwick would not permit his wife to travel, especially across snowy Northumberland roads. Lady Worthing suspected twins could be more the truth, as both Wellston and his lady were twins, but no one knew for certain. Since their marriage, the couple had effectively withdrawn to their estate. Carter had not seen either since Marcus Wellston had recruited his wife’s uncle, Charles Morton, Baron Ashton, to head the Manchester investigation of the opium rings. That had been some ten months prior. Although Fowler’s son was some five months of age, the Duchess of Thornhill had claimed “weakness” from her delivery, and Brantley Fowler had not attended the nuptials.
Realm 06 - A Touch of Love Page 40