The Rake to Reveal Her

by Julia Justiss

  ‘I should like to join Lady Hazlett and Charles now,’ Theo said, breaking into his abstraction.

  ‘I’ll have Henry show you up,’ Lord Hazlett said. Turning to Dom, he said, ‘Would you like a stroll about the grounds? There’s a fair vista from the back terrace. I seem to recall you breed hunters. I’d invite you to the stables, but I sold off all mine after...after Edward died.’

  His eldest son and heir had been killed in a hunting fall, Dom knew. ‘Having been cooped up for hours in a coach, I would enjoy a walk. Perhaps you could tell me about selling your hunters. I have some to dispose of as well.’

  As they walked out, Dom felt confident the two ladies who loved Charles the most would quickly come to terms over the logistics of sharing his life.

  Then came Bildenhall, and the final conquest of his bride’s heart.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  A week later, the carriage came to a stop outside the school—Theo, in her eagerness, having begged Dom to let her visit the children before returning to Thornfield.

  Smiling, he watched as she sprang out the carriage door almost before the wheels had stopped.

  Nor was she the only anxious one. As soon as she descended, Jemmie ran out of the building, followed by the others.

  The air rang with choruses of ‘Miss Theo! Miss Theo!’ Maria, ever silent, raced over and threw her arms around Theo’s waist. Soon she was surrounded by a laughing, chattering group of children.

  ‘Yes, I’m back. No, I’ll not be leaving again,’ she replied to the questions being peppered at her.

  ‘Did you come back married?’ Jemmie asked.

  Blushing a little, she said, ‘Yes, I did.’

  Seeing that as his cue, Dom came over to take her hand. ‘I asked Miss Theo to marry me, and she did me the honour of accepting my suit. We were wed in London, about two weeks ago now.’

  ‘We had a big party,’ Charles inserted.

  ‘Oh, I like parties! Why didn’t we get to come?’ Anna asked.

  ‘It’s a very long coach ride,’ Theo explained. ‘I thought you’d prefer having a party here. Miss Andrews, could you grant a short holiday, so I may get reacquainted with the children?’

  ‘Of course, Miss—Mrs Ransleigh. My heartiest congratulations to you both!’

  While the children closed in around her again, Jemmie approached Dom and held out his hand, which Dom shook solemnly.

  ‘Thank you for helpin’ her out.’

  ‘It was my pleasure.’ Oh, if you only knew how much!

  ‘Guess she don’t need to wait for me to grow up no more,’ he said wistfully, his eyes on Theo.

  The teacher walked up to them. ‘Jemmie, could you help me carry some of the books to the cupboard?’

  Eagerly, the boy turned to the blonde, blue-eyed, apple-cheeked Miss Andrews—who was only a handful of years older than Jemmie. ‘Sure can, miss.’ From the flush on his face as he took the books, Dom speculated the lad might soon find another candidate to replace Theo as the lady he wanted to protect and care for.

  Before the teacher could lead him inside, Charles came trotting up. ‘Can I help, too? I missed you, Jemmie!’

  The older boy smiled and tousled his hair. ‘Sure, scamp. I missed you, too.’

  With the girls still clustered around Theo, Georgie came over to tug at her skirt.

  ‘Farmer Jamison came to the school, Miss Theo. He said I can come work with him. Will you talk with him tomorrow? He said I can help him put wheat seeds in the meadow!’

  ‘Of course, Georgie. I’ll ride over tomorrow. Today, I’ll be getting resettled at home.’

  ‘Ready?’ Dom asked, holding out his hand.

  She looked fondly at the children, whom Miss Andrews was calling back into the building. ‘Ready.’

  He helped her into the coach. Charles having begged to remain at the school with his friends, with Mr Blake to drive him home later, they set off for Thornfield Place.

  ‘I know it sounds ridiculous,’ Theo said after she’d snuggled on to the seat beside him, ‘but while we were still in London, I was so caught up in the wedding...and what came after, and then completely occupied by the task of settling things with the Hazletts about Charles, and then thinking about the school and the children on the way back to Suffolk, I’ve only just begun considering what to do about Thornfield. I imagine you’ll want your wife to reside at your home.’

  Dom smiled. ‘That’s generally how it’s done.’

  ‘I’d thought to keep the staff at Thornfield for the duration of the lease, even though, after the first week or so, we will no longer be living there. Just because my circumstances changed so suddenly, it’s not fair to deprive them of jobs they expected to sustain them for at least the next year—’

  She halted with a frown. ‘Though I suppose you now control any lease written in my name?’

  ‘Under the law, probably. But I assured you from the beginning you were to have a free hand with the school and any of your properties you wish to control, as well as the funds set aside for you.’ He grinned. ‘Only now, you can spend my funds, too.’

  ‘Careful what you offer,’ she warned, her expression teasing. ‘I might decide the school needs a stable for Jemmie to train in, or a forge for the boys to learn blacksmithing.’

  Dom groaned. ‘Which would doubtless prove more expensive than jewellery or gowns. I knew a wife was going to cost me, one way or another.’

  ‘This one will try to cost you as little as possible,’ she said, suddenly serious.

  He tipped up her chin to give her a kiss. ‘This one is worth whatever she costs.’

  ‘I hope you’ll always think so,’ she said, her voice gruff.

  ‘I will,’ he assured her. ‘Once we pick up some things at Thornfield, you will join me at Bildenstone tonight, I hope? If you absolutely insist, we can stay at Thornfield, but I’d much prefer to carry my bride across the threshold of her room in the house that will be her home for the rest of her life.’

  She nodded. ‘I did plan on that, though I think I’ll let Charles stay at Thornfield with Constancia for a few days. All his things are there, and it will be less disrupting for him to take the move in stages.’

  ‘He won’t stay there long when he realises his pony is in the stables at Bildenstone.’

  ‘You’re probably right,’ Theo said with a smile. ‘I also thought you might like us to have our first few nights in your home to ourselves.’

  He gave her a quick kiss. ‘I definitely like the sound of that!’

  * * *

  They stopped briefly at Thornfield. While a maid ran up to collect some of her things, Theo spoke with the butler and the housekeeper, who passed along their congratulations and the staff’s—with rather anxious looks, Dom thought, until Theo assured them their positions were secure for the duration of the lease. Expressing their relief at that, and their disappointment that they’d no longer be able to personally serve so kind and understanding a mistress, they sent the bridal couple off with their good wishes.

  * * *

  A short time later, the coach finally reached their destination. As Dom gave Theo his arm up the steps, she halted, looking wide-eyed at the ivy-covered brick front. ‘I know I’ve been here before, but it’s different, somehow— coming here as if I belong.’

  ‘You do belong now. Here, and with me. Always,’ he assured her.

  Then Wilton opened the door, his worn face breaking into a rare smile as he ushered them in. ‘Welcome back, Mr Ransleigh—and Mrs Ransleigh. Congratulations, sir, on acquiring so lovely and accomplished a bride!’

  Mrs Greenlow rushed up then, making Dom suspect the household had been lying in wait for them. ‘Welcome back, master and mistress! Mr Blake sent one of the farm boys to let us know you’d returned. I took the liberty of arrang
ing a small feast in honour of your homecoming. And, Mistress, if it pleases you, I’d like to suggest that Nancy, our senior housemaid, act as your lady’s maid.’

  ‘With the new wardrobe you commissioned soon to arrive, you’ll be needing a maid to keep it in order,’ Dom said, eyeing Theo, who made a face at him behind the housekeeper’s back.

  ‘Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mrs Greenlow,’ she said to the housekeeper. ‘I’m sure Nancy will be exemplary.’

  ‘Shall you proceed to the small dining room?’ Wilton asked. ‘I believe Cook had the meal ready to serve whenever you returned.’

  Dom exchanged a look with Theo. Though he would rather show his wife up to her new rooms and make her at home in the most intimate way possible, he knew they couldn’t disappoint their excited retainers.

  ‘A feast?’ Theo whispered to him as she took his arm.

  ‘Eat quickly,’ he replied with a rueful look.

  And so they did, trying to do justice to the multiple courses Cook presented, complete to wine and wedding cake.

  * * *

  At last they finished, thanked the staff and bid them goodnight, and Dom was able to escort Theo upstairs.

  ‘The wedding celebration they prepared for us was thoughtful, but we’ll want to host a larger gathering for all the staff—and the neighbourhood,’ he told her as they climbed the stairs.

  Theo groaned. ‘I hadn’t thought of that, but I suppose you’re right. At least I’ll be able to employ the talents of the Thornfield staff in the preparations. We can make it a large enough affair that the children from the school can attend, too.’

  ‘You can introduce them to Lady Wentworth,’ Dom said with a chuckle. ‘Now, that’s an event I’ll look forward to!’

  A moment later, they reached his chamber. Dom paused outside his door. ‘This will be a little more awkward than it would have been a year ago, but if you wrap your arms around my neck, I think we can manage.’

  Smiling tremulously, she obligingly reached up and clasped her hands behind him. Going up on tiptoe to kiss him, she said, ‘You’ve guaranteed my respectability by making me the wife of the most important man in the county, secured the future of my son, and protected my orphans. I’d do anything for you.’

  Let yourself love me, then, Dom thought.

  Inside the door, he carried her to the bed. Undressing her tenderly, he kissed each bit of flesh revealed, making that erotic journey more slowly than he had the first time, wanting her to feel to the marrow of her bones how much she was cherished.

  In the aftermath of loving, he clasped her to his side, both of them panting and spent. His whole heart expanding with peace and joy, he couldn’t imagine life without her; couldn’t imagine any other woman in her place.

  He ached to say the words, but he knew, when he reached the point of confessing his love, she needed to be nearly there, too, or he’d frighten her off, like trying to loop a halter over a colt not yet ready to be led.

  Not yet. But soon.

  Easing her against the pillows, he said, ‘I shall have to rustle out Mother’s jewels from whatever vault they were put in after my parents’ death. There’s a ring that’s always given to Ransleigh brides, and then there are the Ransleigh rubies. A magnificent set, Mama always wore them for special occasions.’

  Theo shook her head. ‘Coming to Bildenstone, a wedding feast, carrying me over the threshold, now your mama’s ring and jewels... Somehow, being married seems more real and permanent here.’

  ‘It is real and permanent,’ he said with a grin. ‘No trial period, remember? We’re yoked in harness for life now.’

  ‘I hope you’ll never regret it. I know I’ll never stop being grateful.’

  Dom tried not to wince. He wanted so much more than gratitude from Theo. ‘I won’t regret it.’

  ‘Would you like to come with me when I call on Farmer Jamison tomorrow?’

  ‘I would. His holding is known to be so prosperous and it’s one of the few farms I haven’t yet visited.’

  Yawning, she sank back against the pillows. He followed her down to give her a kiss. ‘Don’t think you’re going to sleep just yet.’

  ‘Oh, Dom! It was a very long carriage ride today.’

  ‘I’m thinking of another ride.’ He moved his fingers to caress one breast, then the other, while she stirred and murmured under his hand. ‘This one’s just beginning.’

  And it was...the seduction would continue, until he won his heart’s desire—all of her heart.

  * * *

  The next morning, Dom sat at ease in the saddle outside the stables at Bildenstone, waiting for Theo to join him. A feeling of joy and well-being suffused him, a contentment that went far beyond the peace of last night’s lovemaking. He had a fine home, a lovely wife, good land that, with the projects for improvement he’d read about at Holkham, he looked forward to making better. And an exciting new endeavour to begin, as soon as he completed the sale of his hunters.

  For a man who, a few short months ago, wasn’t sure he was going to survive, he was surrounded with blessings.

  Theo exited the stable and rode up. ‘Thank you for having Firefly brought over.’

  ‘I thought you’d prefer your own mount to anything left in my stables—which is not much, now.’

  ‘I see Charles’s pony arrived safely, too.’ She chuckled. ‘You’re right, once Charles learns the pony is here, he’ll have Constancia hustled out of Thornfield’s nursery and on the road to Bildenstone in a flash.’

  ‘Mrs Greenlow already has their rooms prepared.’

  ‘Will you visit any other farms after we meet with Mr Jamison?’

  ‘Just him today. I’m looking forward to meeting with the tenants, seeing if I can persuade them to implement some of the techniques I saw and read about at Holkham. I’ll also ask around to see who’s best suited to take over Winniston’s duties as steward. Though if I can’t find anyone, Thomas Coke said he knew of several young men he could recommend. I’ll probably consult my cousin Alastair, too. He has a fine estate in Devonshire. I’ll have to take you there; it’s a beautiful part of England.’

  ‘I’d like that, once the school is fully settled. Which is where I’d like to ride first, to see Charles and check on the children, if you’re agreeable.’

  ‘I’m agreeable to anything that pleases my wife.’

  She gave him a naughty grin. ‘Careful, now! I shall recall that phrase and use it against you.’

  They rode in companionable silence, Dom taking the opportunity to admire Theo on horseback. He loved watching her, the smooth line of her figure leaning over her mount, the soft tones as she crooned to her mare, her hands stroking its neck. The horse obviously liked it—and Dom couldn’t blame her; he loved that soft voice and those hands touching him, too.

  He caught himself before he could drift into reliving their latest love-play—an exercise that would tempt him to abandon plans to meet farmers and look instead for a secluded dell. A sudden memory recurred, and he grinned.

  There might be occasion today to fit in both.

  Theo looked up then, saw him staring, and coloured. ‘What?’ she asked, patting at her hat. ‘Have I a curl coming loose? A leaf on my skirt?’

  ‘No, your habit is perfection. I just like looking at you.’

  Her eyes softened. ‘Not half so much as I enjoy looking at you.’

  He raised his eyebrow. ‘All of me?’

  Her look turned wicked. ‘Oh, especially all of you.’

  ‘I shall keep that in mind for later. You mentioned you wanted to explore the possibility of setting up other apprenticeships? We could ride to see the masters together.’

  Her face brightened. ‘I’d like that! You provide excellent counsel and advice.’

  For the rest of the ride, they discussed which
craftsman’s skills might enhance the learning experience for the children. Arriving at the school, mindful of the disruption their arrival caused yesterday, they waited quietly until they heard Miss Andrews dismiss the children for a break.

  They came running out, exclaiming as they saw their mentor.

  While Theo chatted with the girls, Jemmie came up to Dom.

  ‘Mr Jeffers talked with me when he come to school the other day. He told me you might be lookin’ into breeding some draught horses. If’n you do, could you let me help you?’

  ‘You’d rather do that than apprentice at a racing stud?’ Dom asked curiously.

  Jemmie shrugged. ‘What do the likes of me have to do with them fast horses and the toffs that own ’em? Some fancy gentlemen winnin’ or losin’ more blunt than I’ll see my whole life on which one comes across a line first! Naw, I’d rather know the horses I bred ploughed Jamison’s field faster, or let the neighbours finish their ploughin’ with the horses still havin’ stamina enough left to do Widow Blackthorn’s fields, too.’

  ‘I haven’t completed purchasing all the stock yet, but when I do, yes, I’ll let you help.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Ransleigh.’ Jemmie grinned. ‘I knew I done the right thing when I sent you after Miss Theo.’

  * * *

  After Theo finished her conversation and gave Charles a hug, they remounted and headed through the Home Wood to the northern boundary of Bildenstone estate, where Jamison’s fields were located.

  They received a warm welcome from the farmer’s wife, who invited them to sit and have some cool cider while she sent one of her daughters to tell her husband, out ploughing in the furthest field, that visitors had arrived. The farmer himself hurried up a few minutes later.

  ‘First, may I offer my congratulations to you and your lady,’ Jamison said.

  ‘Thank you. We were wed in town, at the home of my wife’s aunt, but we plan a grand party soon so that all of Bildenstone’s tenants can celebrate with us.’ Dom kissed Theo’s hand, making her blush. ‘I’m a very lucky gentleman.’

  ‘Aye, so folks say! They admire what you’ve done fixing up the old barn as a school, Mrs Ransleigh, and offering jobs to the many that need them. Now me, I’ve the opposite problem—fields to work, and all daughters but for my newborn. So I’d be right pleased to hire young Georgie to help me. Doesn’t know a turnip seed from a carrot yet, but he’s eager, and he’ll learn.’